Well, this outsider had a heck of a fun time watching two of the best teams in the state duke it out. And duke it out is appropriate as it was a hard-fought, much more physical game than I envisioned.

Think everyone would have said over/under on points in this would be around 70. We barely hit the 40-point mark as both defenses came up huge time and time again.

In the end, it was Southmoore earning its first district title in school history with a clutch outing by Austin Haywood.

Southmoore 22, Mustang 19

I have a new “my boy,” and that’s Mustang’s Daniel Farrow. I was extremely impressed with how hard he ran. His runs weren’t flashy. They were the tough, gritty ones.

After Farrow’s third touchdown gave Mustang a 19-14 lead, I was amazed Mustang threw for the two-point conversion instead of letting Farrow try to take it home again.

Mustang had Southmoore and QB Kendal Thompson completely flustered in the second half. But all it takes is one big play, and that’s what it was when Thompson found Haywood wide open for the game-winning touchdown.

And Southmoore isn’t just stacked for this year with sophomore running back Andrew Long. There is another special talent who will find Division I offers sooner than later.

I knew it was a big game, but I had to be relaxed. I play a lot better when I’m relaxed, and Mustang was every bit tough they thought they would be.” – Long

And how about that first touchdown for Southmoore? Haywood took the snap and handed it to Long, who pitched it back to Thompson (who started out lined up wide) and found Nyko Symonds for a beautiful touchdown.

Mustang quarterback Brandon Taylor likes to go for the big one. There were several times he could have possibly dumped it off. That’s not his game. He looks for David Glidden and Braden Wiseley and tries to get the home run.

Both defenses played much better than I thought. Not too many missed tackles out in open space.

Either way, Southmoore puts itself in great position while Mustang is going to have one tough road, starting with a battle Friday at Edmond Memorial.

The regular season is done. Now the real fun starts.

Class 6A
1. Jenks (1)#10-0
Why they’re not lower: Because the Trojans are the only team to go 10-0 in Class 6A.

2. Tulsa Union (2)#9-1
Why they’re not higher: Because the Redskins lost head-to-head to Jenks.
Why they’re not lower: Because their only loss is to Jenks (a two-point win) and they beat Broken Arrow — and everyone else — on their schedule.

3. Broken Arrow (3)#8-2
Why they’re not higher: Because the Tigers only two losses came to Jenks and Tulsa Union.
Why they’re not lower: They beat everyone else, including Bartlesville last night. They also own wins over Owasso, Claremore and Tulsa Washington.

4. Southmoore (4)#9-1
Why they’re not higher: Because they’re the only team of these top four to lose to a lower-ranked team. The SaberCats have also found themselves in more close games than any of the top four.
Why they’re not lower: An impressive list of wins in non-district and 6A-1: Edmond Memorial and Midwest City in non-district and Del City, Lawton and Mustang in district play. Other than Jenks, Southmoore has the best list of wins.

5. Midwest City (5)#8-2
Why they’re not higher: The only thing keeping the Bombers this low is non-district losses to Del City and Southmoore and its hard to vault them over the SaberCats with their previously discussed credentials.
Why they’re not lower: They’ve gone through a relatively weak district and done exactly what a really good team should — destroy everyone. The Bombers closest district game was a 22-7 win over 6A-2 runner-up Edmond Memorial. None of the others were decided by less than 29 points.

6. Mustang (7)#7-3
Why they’re not higher: Losses to now-lower ranked Edmond North and Lawton.
Why they’re not lower: I originally had Mustang No. 7 before going back and doing a side-by-side comparison with Bartlesville. Mustang has wins over playoff teams Yukon and Putnam North and you’ve still got to consider their win over Del City as a good win. Since Daniel Farrow’s return, Mustang has been among the top teams in 6A, even considering last night’s close loss.

7. Bartlesville (6)#8-2
Why they’re not higher: Because other than their two losses, Bartlesville played just two playoff teams (Claremore and Enid) and the Enid game was close, as was the Muskogee game (35-30).
Why they’re not lower: The Bruins played Jenks and Broken Arrow respectably in losses and have wins over Claremore and Enid. The schedule might not have been super-tough outside of the two losses by the Bruins did what they needed to do.

8. Lawton (9)#8-2
Why they’re not higher: Back-to-back losses to Del City and Southmoore in the sixth and seventh weeks and, for better or worse, they beat Mustang before Daniel Farrow was eligible for the Broncos. That doesn’t change how I view Lawton and it was still a great win but it does change how I viewed the loss for Mustang, which affects the rankings as a whole.
Why they’re not lower: Wins over Mustang, Putnam North and Mustang (and 5A Lawton MacArthur, which has looked a lot more like the top-level 5A team they are recently). Finishing second in a brutal 6A-1 is enough to justify a top-eight ranking.

9. Edmond Memorial (10)#7-3
Why they’re not higher: A 1-3 start, with losses to Southmoore, Del City and Midwest City. The Bulldogs also haven’t shown the offensive explosion the teams ahead of them have, only scoring more than 28 points once — even with some teams on the schedule that should’ve turned into Memorial blowouts.
Why they’re not lower: Defense. Three shutouts, the only teams scoring 20 or more points against them were Southmoore and Midwest City and just some flat-out dominant defensive performances. Neither of those teams, though, scored more than 22. The Bulldogs will go as far as their defense takes them.

10. Putnam North (NR)#7-3
Why they’re not higher: The loss to Norman North, given the Timberwolves late-season struggles when they started playing the top part of 6A-1, holds the Panthers down.
Why they’re ranked: The Panthers turned right around from that loss to Norman North and pulled off the biggest upset of the season in 6A when they knocked off Southmoore 30-28. They also closed the season with a dominating performance in a 34-7 win over a Del City team that had been pretty good this season.

Others:
Owasso (6-4)
Why they’re not ranked: They probably would’v’e been back in the rankings if not for a 7-3 loss to Stillwater last night.

Del City (7-3)
Why they’re not ranked: Back-to-back losses to end the season including a blowout loss to Putnam North to end the season. The Eagles are, far and away, the best team not going to the playoffs.

Enid (6-4)
Why they’re not ranked: Losses to Owasso and Choctaw, with one win against playoff-bound teams (10-7 over Yukon) doesn’t make for a top-10 team.

Class 5A
1. Tulsa Kelley (1)#10-0
Why they’re not lower: The Comets win over Tulsa Washington to begin district play was an eye-opener. That’s whne they vaulted to No. 1. But since, the Comets have kept things rolling, with wins over Bixby, Pryor and Tulsa Hale among their perfect record. And their 10-9 win over Class 4A McGuinness turned out to be a pretty good win as well.

2. El Reno (2)#10-0
Why they’re not higher: Hard to argue with El Reno’s resume. Kelley’s just wound up being a bit better with more wins over quality opponents. But the Indians did beat Guthrie (18-0), Lawton MacArthur (42-17) and Duncan (14-7 last night) so that does give me pause.
Why they’re not lower: 10-0. The blowout win over Lawton MacArthur turned out to be very impressive. El Reno’s defense is the toughest in 5A, having allowed no opponent to score more than 21 (and that was in a 47-21 win).

3. Shawnee (3)#10-0
Why they’re not higher: Part of it has to do with where Shawnee started the season ranked and that Tulsa Kelley turned in a signature win that vaulted them ahead of the Wolves. There’s certainly an argument to be made for Shawnee as No. 1 (and Tulsa Kelley and El Reno as well).
Why they’re not lower: Like El Reno, 10-0. With only one other Class 5A team with as many as nine wins, third is as low as you can justify the Wolves, especially with wins over Carl Albert and Guthrie on the resume.

4. Tulsa Washington (4)#5-5*
Why they’re not higher: Losses to Broken Arrow and Tulsa Kelley back-to-back earlier in the season. They then had to forfeit three more games that ended any playoff hopes.
Why they’re not lower: First of all, let’s address the forfeits. In each one of those games, Tulsa Washington would’ve won anyway. The player in question didn’t make the kind of difference that would’ve changed the outcome. That’s not to say the forfeits are unfair. They absolutely make sense and the rule as its written is the way to enforce it. To on-the-field performance, the Hornets started the season with a win over then-No. 2 Carl Albert and ended with a win over Bixby. They also handed Tulsa East Central its only loss of the season. The Hornets, even at 5-5, are deserving of a No. 4 ranking. They’re also deserving of the asterisk that goes along with the forfeits that are keeping them out of the playoffs.
*Record includes three forfeits of games won by Tulsa Washington.

5. Carl Albert (5)#8-2
Why they’re not higher: Losses to Tulsa Washington and Shawnee, plain and simple. If you take only on-the-field performance into the equation, as I’ve said I was doing with Tulsa Washington, fifth is the highest you can make an argument for Carl Albert.
Why they’re not lower: Wins over Duncan (38-6), Guthrie (40-7) and Ardmore (47-14), all playoff teams and none particularly close. The Titans weren’t challenged in any of their eight wins during the regular season. Just as an argument can’t be made for Carl Albert to be higher when you take BTW’s on-the-field performance into the equation, an argument can’t be made for the Titans to be lower. They did get beat soundly by Washington but led Shawnee late.

6. Tulsa East Central (6)#9-1
Why they’re not higher: A 28-7 Week 2 loss to Tulsa Washington. If the Cardinals find a way to win that game and everything else is the same, its probably East Central who sits atop the rankings. They did, though, also have close calls against Tulsa Central (trailed into the second half before they wore the Braves down), Tulsa Edison (17-6 final) and Ada (24-21).
Why they’re not lower: Wins over playoff-bound Tulsa Hale, Wagoner, Tulsa Central, Ada and McAlester. The Cardinals are also one of only five 5A teams to register nine or more regular-season wins.

7. McAlester (7)#9-1
Why they’re not higher: A 22-6 loss to Tulsa East Central. That’s the only reason.
Why they’re not lower: Wins over 4A Broken Bow and 5A playoff-bound Ardmore in non-district play and wins over Tulsa Central and Ada in district play helped the Buffaloes cap an impressive regular season.

8. Tulsa Central (9)#8-2
Why they’re not higher: A pair of close losses to teams ranked ahead of them — Tulsa East Central and McAlester.
Why they’re not lower: The Braves stayed close in both of their losses and beat Ada to finish third in their district. They also have one of the state’s top playmakers in Demarco Cobbs.

9. Bixby (8)#6-4
Why they’re not higher: The Spartans 6-4 record is by far the worst on-the-field record of the ranked teams. Bixby lose to Jenks, Glenpool, Tulsa Kelley and Tulsa Washington. Not a bad loss among them but they still lost.
Why they’re not lower: They did beat Claremore, Pryor and Tulsa Hale and played both Kelley and Washington close. Bixby is still a top 10 team.

10. Duncan (10)#8-2
Why they’re not higher: In the end, the resumes of Bixby and Tulsa Central wound up being slightly better. They also didn’t blow out some teams that maybe they should’ve, beating Altus by just one and Deer Creek by three. Like it or not, style points matter sometimes.
Why they’re ranked: The Demons beat Lawton MacArthur 35-34 and stayed closes than anyone against El Reno last night. I considered dropping them out but in the end, Duncan deserves to be in the top 10.

Others:
Lawton MacArthur (7-3)
Why they’re not ranked: The loss to Duncan wound up keeping the Highlanders out.

Guthrie (6-4)
Why they’re not ranked: Just one win over a playoff-bound team (Ardmore). The Bluejays were only blown out once (a 40-7 loss to Carl Albert) but lost all their key games other than the Ardmore win.

Ada (7-3)
Why they’re not ranked: Lost three of their last five games, all to ranked teams. Like Guthrie, Ada’s lone win over a playoff-bound team came against Ardmore.

Class 4A
1. Weatherford (2)#10-0
Why they’re not ranked lower: Easiest answer since Jenks. The Eagles are the lone undefeated team in 4A and won the district with the most serious title contenders in the state.

2. McGuinness (3)#8-2
Why they’re not ranked higher: Head-to-head loss to a Weatherford team that went undefeated.
Why they’re not ranked lower: The Irish beat Douglass head-to-head and had impressive wins over Guthrie and Millwood in non-district play. Even in the loss to Weatherford, McGuinness fell just one point short. The Irish’s only other loss was to 5A No. 1 Tulsa Kelley, also a one-point loss.

3. Douglass (4)#7-3
Why they’re not ranked higher: Head-to-head losses to Weatherford and McGuinness.
Why they’re not ranked lower: Their losses came 14-7 to the two top teams in 4A and by six to a Millwood team that then had Trayvon Henry, they beat Star Spencer 34-28 (which wound up being the tiebreaker for the third spot).

4. Star Spencer (6)#8-2
Why they’re not ranked higher: Non-district losses to Millwood and Douglass. That’s it. Since, the Bobcats have been nothing short of dominant.
Why they’re not ranked lower: 34-20 against Glenpool, ending the Warriors’ 23-game winning streak and scoring more than anyone had on Glenpool since 2006.

5. Glenpool (1)#9-1
Why they’re not ranked higher: See Star Spencer.
Why they’re not ranked lower: Wins over Bixby and Berryhill in non-district and an altogether dominating run through district play before running into Star Spencer.

6. Sallisaw (5)#9-1
Why they’re not ranked higher: A 35-16 loss to Wagoner in Week 9. Although Matt Oberste was injured early in the game, such a decisive win by Wagoner pushed Sallisaw way down.
Why they’re not ranked lower: The Black Diamonds did beat Poteau and Broken Bow to win another deep 4A district.

7. Broken Bow (7)#7-3
Why they’re not ranked higher: Three consecutive losses to McAlester, Metro Christian and Sallisaw early in the season. Can’t really make a an argument to go ahead of Sallisaw with the record disparity.
Why they’re not ranked lower: All of those losses were close (7 points in the first two and 13 to Sallisaw) and the Savages beat Wagoner in a close game and blew out Poteau.

8. Wagoner (8)#7-3
Why they’re not ranked higher: Losses to Tulsa East Central, Poteau and Broken Bow. The Poteau loss is what really pushed the Bulldogs down at the time.
Why they’re not ranked lower: They did hand Sallisaw its only loss, Matt Oberste injury or no. The losses, also, were all against good teams and the two district losses came by a combined four points.

9. Poteau (9)#8-2
Why they’re not ranked higher: Back-to-back blowout losses to Sallisaw and Broken Bow after the Pirates pulled off an impressive upset over Waoner.
Why they’re not ranked lower: 15-14 win over Wagoner. Its by far the Pirates’ signature win. Other than that, Poteau beat just one Oklahoma playoff bound team and that was 2A Spiro.

10. Oologah (10)#7-3
Why they’re not ranked higher: Oologah lost to eventual district-winner Jay 33-16. The other two losses were too damaging, as they lose to 6A playoff team Claremore and a pretty good 3A Sequoyah Claremore team.
Why they’re ranked: Wins over district rivals Collinsville, Catoosa and Grove. That and Jay’s shutout loss to Catoosa last week.

Others:
Jay (7-3)
Why they’re not ranked: Non-dsitrict losses to Gravette, Ark., and Pryor kept Jay out early and a 9-0 loss to Catoosa kept it from entering the rankings last week.

Tecumseh (8-2)
Why they’re not ranked: Tecumseh entered the rankinigs twice and prompty got throttled by a combined 89-6 by Glenpool and Star Spencer. No shame there but they did need overtime to beat Cleveland last night and played Noble, Harrah, McLoud and Seminole close. That’s way too many close calls to be ranked with the blowout losses.

Catoosa (7-3)
Why they’re not ranked: An overtime loss to Tahlequah, blowout losses to Tulsa Kelley and Oologah. None too devastating but combined with close wins over Skiatook, Collinsville and Grove and Jay and Oologah are better candidates for rankings in a tight 4A-3.

Class 3A
1. Cascia Hall (1)#9-0
Why they’re not ranked lower: The defending champions have been stellar this season, with only a Week 9 win over Sequoyah Claremore being decided by loss than 18 points.

2. Tuttle (2)#10-0
Why they’re not ranked lower: Perfect regular-season, including wins over Clinton, Elgin, Blanchard and Kingfisher.
Why they’re not ranked higher: Cascia Hall’s perfection.

3. Madill (3)#10-0
Why they’re not ranked lower: Dominating 10-0 season. They Bethany game was Madill’s only close game (17-10). No other even came closer than 24 points. They Wildcats three primary offensive threats are as good of a trio as any in the state regardless of class.
Why they’re not ranked higher: Cascia Hall and Tuttle’s perfection.

4. Metro Christian (4)#10-0
Why they’re not ranked lower: Metro beat Broken Bow, in non-district play, Checotah in district play and the two-point win over Roland doesn’t look as puzzling now as it did at the time. Hard to argue with 10-0.
Why they’re not ranked higher: Cascia Hall, Tuttle and Madill’s perfection.

5. Berryhill (5)#8-2
Why they’re not ranked lower: Win over Sequoyah Claremore in Week 6. Its only losses came to then-5A No. 1 Glenpool and to 3A No. 1 Cascia Hall.

6. Clinton (6)#7-3
Why they’re not ranked lower: Two of the Red Tornadoes losses came to 4A No. 1 Weatherford and 3A No. 2 Tuttle (a one-point loss). The other was 32-24 to Anadarko without standout running back Delans Griffin. They did beat Elgin by 20 last week and blew out Chandler 28-0 in non-district play. Clinton now looks like a legitimate championship contender.
Why they’re not ranked higher: Even without Griffin, Clinton did lose to a non-playoff team. Only argument to be made would be Clinton over Berryhill but Berryhill’s win over Sequoyah Claremore was just more impressive than Clinton’s over Elgin.

7. Sequoyah Claremore (7)#8-2
Why they’re not ranked lower: Only losses came to Berryhill and Cascia Hall. They beat Verdigris, Sperry and Oologah in non-district play and all relatively comfortably. There’s no mind-blowing wins in that list but they are all playoff teams in their classes.
Why they’re not ranked higher: Clinton’s 7-3 resume was a bit better than Sequoyah’s 8-2. They losses were close but Clinton played a slightly toughest schedule.

8. Elgin (9)#8-2
Why they’re not ranked lower: They beat Plainview and Sulphur in non-district play and beat Blanchard 34-13 last night in a game that wound up being for a Top 10 spot. They also beat Anadarko by 19 midway through the season in what was at the time a high win in the district.
Why they’re not ranked higher: Their losses were slightly worse than Sequoyah Claremore’s. Elgin lost by 19 to Tuttle and 20 to Clinton. Sequoyah was at least close in its losses, which were against comparable quality teams.

9. Purcell (10#8-2
Why they’re not ranked lower: An impressive six-game winning streak to end the season, including wins over Bethany and Pauls Valley. The Lindsay and Washington wins to start the season also look pretty good now.
Why they’re not ranked higher: Back-to-back losses to Lexington and Madill early in the season where neither was particularly close. No shame in those losses, especially to Madill, but other than Clinton’s loss to Anadarko, no team ahead of Purcell had a loss to a now-unranked team in the class.

10. Blanchard (8)#7-3
Why they’re not ranked lower: Blanchard beat Bridge Creek and Lindsay in non-district games and Anadarko and Newcastle in district games. No knock-your-socks off wins but Blanchard did what it needed to do to stay in the top 10.
Why they’re not ranked higher: The Lions lost to all three other district playoff teams, with none being closer than 20 points.

Others
Checotah (8-2)
Why they’re not ranked:Back-to-back losses to Metro Christian and Roland. Both were close, by a combined five points. One was even in overtime, but if Roland isn’t ranked, Checotah won’t be either.

Roland (6-4)
Why they’re not ranked: A 1-4 tough start that included losses to Muldrow, Westville and Idabel. Roland played really well after the Idabel loss but it’s hard to overlook that start.

Bethany (7-3)
Why they’re not ranked: Ended the season losing three of five, including last night’s 19-14 loss to Pauls Valley.

Class 2A
1. Lincoln Christian (1)#9-1
Why they’re not ranked lower: 413-59. That’s Lincoln Christian’s combined score against state competition this season. Their only loss was to Arkansas power Shiloh Christian in the season’s second week.

2. Davis (2)#10-0
Why they’re not ranked lower: 10-0. Wins over Heritage Hall, Sulphur and Plainview. Their resume demands a top two ranking.
Why they’re not ranked higher: Loncoln Christian’s resume is just a bit better, with absolutely dominant performances. There’s certainly an argument for Davis at No. 1, though. It’s far from clear cut.

3. Sequoyah-Tahlequah (3)#10-0
Why they’re not ranked lower: 10-0 is 10-0. Since a 20-10 win over 4A Fort Gibson to open the season, the Indians haven’t really been challenged.
Why they’re not ranked higher: Competition. Lincoln Christian decimated its schedule, including some pretty solid playoff teams. Davis was perfect with several wins over fellow ranked teams. Sequoyah’s signature win is against Vian, with no non-district wins against playoff teams.

4. Millwood (6)#9-1*
Why they’re not ranked lower: Millwood’s only loss as it stands is a loss to Class 4A No. 2 McGuinness. The Falcons did lose to Jones on the field (more on that a bit later) but have been dominant since the return of Emilio Gatewood after injury problems kept him down. They’ve beaten Star Spencer and Douglass, two other top 4A teams.
Why they’re not ranked higher: They did lose to McGuinness by 22 and needed a late comeback to beat Lexington. The Falcons are a title contender, and a case can even be made to be No. 3 at this point.

5. Vian (4)#9-1
Why they’re not ranked lower: 9-1 with the only loss coming to Sequoyah Tahlequah.
Why they’re not ranked higher: Tradition power but with no signature wins this season. They were hurt by the fact Eufaula was down this year.

6. Kingfisher (5)#8-2
Why they’re not ranked lower: The Yellowjackets beat John Marshall and Newkirk in district play and Watonga in non-district play.
Why they’re not ranked higher: Shutout loss to Heritage Hall and 21-point loss to Tuttle. No shame in either of those resulta but does keep them down against the five teams ahead of them.

7. Bridge Creek (7)#9-1
Why they’re not ranked lower: 9-1 is 9-1. And winning nine consecutive games to end the season, all scoring 30 or more points, is certainly a feat.
Why they’re not ranked higher. Strength of schedule wound up costing the Bobcats when compared against the six teams ahead of them.

8. John Marshall (10)#8-2
Why they’re not ranked lower: The Bears upset Heritage Hall 12-7 last week and stuck with No. 6 Kingfisher before losing 21-14 three weeks ago.
Why they’re not ranked higher: An overtime loss against Newkirk kept the Bears from being ranked higher (probably just one spot higher, though, since they lost to Kingfisher).

9. Plainview (8)#8-2
Why they’re not ranked lower: In between season-opening and season-ending losses, Plainview went 8-0 with wins over Atoka and Sulphur.
Why they’re not ranked higher: They started the season with a loss to Elgin and ended with a loss to Davis.

10. Heritage Hall (NR)#6-4
Why they’re not ranked lower: The Chargers have a win over Kingfisher (17-0). Their three non-district losses came to 4A No. 1 Weatherford, 2A No. 2 Davis and a Casady team that started off strong before suffering some setbacks late in the season.
Why they’re not ranked higher: At 6-4, Heritage Hall has the most on-the-field losses of any ranked team (tied with several others, including Bixby and Laverne). The loss to John Marshall last week bumped them out although the Bears have looked more and more like a high-caliber team lately. They also were played close by Perry.

Others:
Pawhuska (8-2)
Why they’re not ranked: A 10-7 loss to Verdigris last week kept Pawhuska from the rankings.

Valliant (8-2)
Why they’re not ranked: Valliant lost to Stigler and Hugo and didn’t beat — well, didn’t play — a ranked team all season.

Jones (2-8)*
Why they’re not ranked: I know the question I’m going to hear: Why did Jones fall out of the rankings while Tulsa Washington’s status was unaffected? The player ruled ineligible for Jones made a huge difference for them. Would they have missed the playoffs without him? Probably not. But the Longhorns would certainly have not had the kind of season they wound up putting together. So, with that, Jones was dropped out while Millwood was elevated accordingly. That said, though, if — and that’s a big if — the decision to rule the player ineligible is overturned at Wednesday’s OSSAA board of directors, Jones will be reconsidered with the record they’ve earned on the field.

Class A
1. Tonkawa (1)#10-0
2. Ringling (2)#9-0
3. Hennessey (3)#10-0
4. Stroud (4)#10-0
5. Talihina (5)#10-0
6. Cashion (6)#10-0
7. Oklahoma Bible (7)#9-1
8. Central Sallisaw (8)#9-1
9. Watonga (9)#8-2
10. OCS (10)#8-2

Class B
1. Garber (1)#10-0
2. Canton (2)#9-1
3. Porter (3)#10-0
4. Ryan (4)#10-0
5. Davenport (5)#9-1
6. Depew (6)#8-2
7. Caddo (8)#8-2
8. Alex (10#7-3
9. Weleetka (9)#6-3
10. Laverne (NR)#6-4

Class C
1. Shattuck (1)#10-0
2. Timberlake (2)#10-0
3. Temple (3)#9-1
4. Seiling (4)#9-1
5. Maud (5)#10-0
6. Deer Creek-Lamont (6)#8-2
7. Tipton (8)#8-2
8. Waynoka (9)#7-2
9. Covington-Douglas (10)#6-4
10. Boise City (7)#7-3

El Reno

What went right: Its defense held Duncan in check for most of the night, save one drive when the Demons took advantage of a turnover and powered the ball down the field for their only score of the night. El Reno limited Duncan to just 10 yards passing in the first half and 158 on the ground for the game. They also forced a turnover of their own. Overall, it was a night where the Indians defense took over and got the job done as their offense was held in check.

What went wrong: Jakeil Everheart came out swinging but took several ill advised sacks that helped snuff out second half drive. On one play he lost 14 yards and 8 on another. Both were on drop backs. He’ll need to tighten that up in the playoffs and perform better across the board. There wasn’t a lot that was impressive about El Reno’s offense Friday night, with the exception of the two plays Everheart scored on.

Duncan

What went right: Their defense gave them a heckuva chance to win the gam in the second half by shutting El Reno out completely. Everheart had just a handful of passing yards in the second half. The Demons used several misdireection and gadget plays to get their touchdown.

What went wrong: The offense didn’t answer the bell consistently enough, and the defense gave up two big plays in the first half that ultimately proved to be the difference in the game. Still, the defensive effort was more than enough to win.

Big turn of events late in the first half. Star Spencer’s driving in the final two minutes when a Bobcats fumble is returned for more than 40 yards by Glenpool’s Mat Thomas. Warriors have the ball at the Star Spencer 25 with 1:23 remaining

Terrance Olds breaks off a 70-yard TD run for Star Spencer. Pass conversion attempt failed.

Star Spencer 14, Glenpool 0 10:26 remaining 2nd quarter

Glenpool strikes back on the back of Marco Nelson, who caps a drive with a 5-yard TD. Nelson now has 94 yards rushing.

Star Spencer 14, Glenpool 7 5:20 remaining in first half

We’re underway at Glenpool. The Warriors got the ball first and punted away. Glenpool driving, with the ball at the Warrior 35.

Star Spencer takes the lead on Darwin Rideau’s 5-yard run. The Bobcats just ran consistently on the Warriors on that drive. Conversion is good on Franky Jamison run.

Star SPencer 8, Glenpool 0

When: 7:30 p.m. tonight

Where: Harve Collins Field

Lawton Eisenhower

Why the Eagles can win: The Eagles are sky-high after a game-winning field goal with six seconds left last week kept their postseason hopes alive. QB Adrian McDonald is dangerous on the ground. If he cam hit a few timely passes, Ike could take this one.

Norman

Why the Tigers could win: It’s do-or-die. Win and the Tigers are in the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Lose and it’s all over. But beyond the ramifications of the outcome, Norman has more tools to put up points than Ike. If running back Donovan Roberts  —  the Tigers most productive offensive player  —  can’t come back from last week’s hip injury, it will hinder the Tigers greatly. But electric kick returner Jaime Myers has the skill to fill in nicely.

Key matchup: For Lawton Eisenhower, it’s this: Putnam City vs.Edmond Memorial.

What?

Although the Tigers-Eagles game has been billed as being for the fourth and final playoff spot in 6A-2, that’s only the case for Norman. Ike has to have some help even with a win.

 If  PC upsets Edmond Memorial, the Pirates and Ike will be tied at 3-4, with PC holding the head-to-head tiebreaker. Now, the head-to-head component could be taken out of the equation. If PC wins, Ike wins and Westmoore upsets Edmond North, there will be a four-way tie at 3-4 (Norman would also be 3-4). But even then, PC would get the playoff spot on district points.

For Norman, it’s this: The Tigers vs. M*A*S*H. Top producers on offense (running back Donovan Roberts) and defense (linebacker Greg Offenburger) will have to play through injuries. Without those two, it will be tough. So Norman can’t afford any other players going down,

The pick: Norman 27, Lawton Ike 22.

Norman is at home and has more at stake. Both teams want the playoff berth. But for Norman, it’s bigger than just this season. The Tigers see this as a statement that the program is re-emerging as a continual playoff contender.

When: 7:30 p.m. tonight

Where: Moore Stadium

Mustang

Why the Broncos can win: His name is Daniel Farrow. Maybe you’ve heard of him. Mustang is a different team with Farrow running the way he is lately — 599 yards and eight touchdowns in the last two games. And that came against a couple fairly talented defenses. On a team with a spread offense that has weapons like David Glidden and Braden Wiseley on the outside, and one of the best offensive lines around, Farrow takes them to another level..

Southmoore

Why the SaberCats can win: Same reason they’ve won eight games this year  —  they’re all but unstoppable on offense; they’re terrific defensively and they have a strong kicking game. Now, the defense is going to get tested like it hasn’t all season. But the same goes for the Broncos, who have had problems this season slowing offenses that weren’t in Southmoore’s class. Mustang allows an average of 25.7 points per game. Southmoore averages 37.4.

That adds up to a possible 40-plus point outing for the SaberCats.

Scott’s key matchup: Southmoore WRs vs. Mustang DBs. Last week, Del City found a good amount of success through the air, throwing for 354 yards, but Mustang kept the point total down. That’s what the Broncos will need to do again this week.

Justin’s key matchup: The same as Scott’s, but flip the teams: Southmoore DBs vs. Mustang WRs.

I don’t think the Broncos’ secondary is going to be able to hold down Southmoore’s sterling receiving triumvirate of tight end Austin Haywood, receiver Derek Serowski and receiver Nyko Symonds (and don’t forget about RB Andrew Long out of the backfield, who has averaged 13.4 yards on his 28 receptions). Likewise, I’m not sure Southmoore can put the breaks on Mustang’s running game (i.e. Daniel Farrow, who is averaging almost 300 yards rushing in his last two games. Whether it can or not, Southmoore will set out to stop the run first and take their chances with DBs Symonds and OU commit Julian Wilson playing Mustang’s terrific wideouts man-to-man. Wilson and Symonds can’t allow waterbug David Glidden to break this game open  —  and he’s surely capable.

Scott’s pick: Mustang 42, Southmoore 38. I’d expect Farrow to carry the load once again and carry the Broncos to victory.

 Justin’s pick: Southmoore 52, Mustang 37.

Mustang’s offense is one of the rare few which can keep up with the SaberCats in a shootout. But Southmoore’s D has a better chance of forcing turnovers and slowing the point-freight train.

Westmoore (3-6, 2-4) vs. North (7-2, 4-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: UCO’s Wantland Stadium

Westmoore (W, Moore; L, Southmoore; L, Norman North; W, Putnam City; L, Midwest City; W, Putnam City West; L, Edmond Memorial; L, Norman; L, Lawton Ike)
Why the Jaguars can win: Westmoore has nothing left to play for but pride. But that means more to the Jags than most teams. Even at 3-6, Westmoore has a big group of seniors who can recall the glory days — Tanner Harper, Kevin Rodriguez, Brian Self, Stanley West  … among others.  Edmond North, meanwhile, wouldn’t be out of line to already have one eye on the playoffs. Possible recipe for an upset.

North (W, Santa Fe; W, Mustang; W, Yukon; W, Lawton Ike; W, Norman; W, Putnam City; L, Midwest City; W, PCWest; L, Memorial)
Why the Huskies can win: Because  ‘ol mo’ needs to come back to Jeremy Dombek’s club. At 6-0, looked like the sky was the limit. Dropping two of their last three, need to show the mental toughness to bounce back. Of course, being healthy would certainly help that cause.

Justin’s key matchup: Westmoore quarterback combo of Trevor Thompson and Fombe vs. Edmond North’s defense. Fombe took over the starting job after seven starts by Thompson, but the Jags utilize both. The tandem could create all kinds of problems for a defense, with the strong-running Fombe directing a rush-heavy attack and Thompson guiding the Jags’ spread passing game. Things haven’t clicked as planned just yet. But if it does, the two could be a great change-of-pace combination.

Boneman’s key matchup: North running game vs. Westmoore D. It’s been three straight weeks for Joe Aska Jr. without rushing for more than 100 yards. He’s too good for that to continue. Jared Benway should also find some holes in this one.

Justin’s pick: Westmoore 15, Edmond North 13. Going out on a limb with an upset pick here. This is it for the Jags until 2010. And facing an Edmond North team that is sluggish at best on offense and just needing to stay healthy for the start of next week’s playoffs, Westmoore could spring the trap.

Boneman’s pick: North 21, Westmoore 7. North is struggling offensively right now, so the score should be kept low. It also should never be in doubt. North is third in 6A-2 regardless of what happens.

With apologies to Moore, this will mostly be about Santa Fe. I had an anonymous e-mail sent this morning (seriously, who sends those type of things?).

Anyway, the gist of it was ragging on me for praising the Santa Fe kids for “doing what they’re supposed to be doing.”

Stuff like that irks me, really does. Some teams pick up their ball and go home the first time adversity comes their way. Santa Fe did not do that when it had plenty of reasons to do so.

I’ll tell you what was the clincher for me. It was the Del City game. A nearly perfect defensive outing by the Wolves, limiting to Chris McAlister and Donavan Dan as much as possible.

Santa Fe did almost everything right but lost 13-12. That was it. In my head, I had written “those kids won’t bounce back.” At that point, Bruce Gowen’s kids were 1-4 with two losses by one point (DC and North), another in OT (Mustang) and a 15-6 loss to Memorial.

They did bounce back, and that is a credit to their character and that starts with the seniors and the coaching staff.

I truly believe if Santa Fe was in 6A-2, this week’s game would have been all about playoff positioning. Think Santa Fe and North would be battling it out for third.

But that’s not the cards that were dealt. The kids never made excuses. They were honest about how tough it was to stay positive, but in the end, they did just that – stayed positive.

Santa Fe 34, Moore 14

Though a disappointing season (in terms of wins and losses), I didn’t see that on those kids’ faces after the game.

The seniors were too busy hugging each other and taking photos and soaking it all in. I think I even saw a smile on Gowen’s face.

Brian Mills scored twice and ran for 137 yards and Will Long threw for two touchdowns before calling it a night.

Mills’ final carry of his career put him over the 1,000-yard mark and was a touchdown. That is a cool way to go out.

Long took one snap in the second half and gave the reins to Ty Hensley. Long was greeted with hugs aplenty, so that’s when (being the genius I am) I realized he wouldn’t be back out there.

I focused on Mills and a video with him should be on NewsOK later today or this weekend, but all those seniors really didn’t quit on each other. From Matt Leavell to Tyler Shaw to Randy Mack and up and down the line.

Hopefully, Moore doesn’t get discouraged, either. The effort is there, just give ‘em a little time.

I’ll be back early next week with a Santa Fe season recap.

Heritage (5-4, 5-1) vs. Mt. St. Mary’s (3-6, 2-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: MSM HS

Heritage (L, Casady; L, Weatherford; L, Davis; W, Alva; W, Kingfisher; W, Perry; W, Fairview; W, Newkirk; L, John Marshall)
Why the Chargers can win: This might be the night they simply out-talent someone. It’s going to be a real adjustment trying to play without Sterling Shepard. But if Cooper Cloud is up to the task, the Chargers should be fine because like I’ve said all season, we know the defense is dang good.

Quote:

We followed up our best game with one of our worst games last week. We weren’t ready. We’re young, but we’re nine games in. Last week was a reminder of what happens when you’re not focused 100 percent.” – coach Andy Bogert

MSM
Why the Rockets can win: Because the pieces have been coming together for this team down the stretch. They’re healthy, their chemistry can’t be questioned. They play for each other, and that can lead to some very surprising results.

Quote:

Those injuries early hurt. This is what we felt we could have been doing all season. It’s nice to be ending out things this way.” – senior Aaron Smith

Key matchup: Heritage running game vs. MSM defense. This is the week Tanner France and Barry Sanders need to will the team to victory. Get through this one and the offense can find its footing again in the playoffs.

The pick: Heritage 17, MSM 6. Don’t foresee a lot of scoring in this one, and I expect Dalton Newsome to give the Chargers fits before Heritage finds the answer defensively.

Bishop McGuinness (7-2, 5-1) vs. Elk City (4-5, 4-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Elk City

McGuinness (W, Guthrie; L, Bishop Kelley; W, Millwood; W, Piedmont; L, Weatherford; W, Woodward; W, Douglass; W, Guymon; W, Southeast)
Why the Irish can win: Because they understand the stakes. Win this game, and the Irish are back at Pribil Stadium for a first-round playoff game. Lose it, and well, don’t even want to go there. This team is like a sleeping giant just lurking right now.

Elk City
Why EC can win: Because anytime you have a leader like Will Davis, you stand a chance to make something happen. EC proved its worth in a memorable win against Woodward. A win here shows they truly belong in the conversation in 4A.

Key matchup: Elk offense vs. Irish defense. Said a lot about Jameel Whitney and Jay Lester, but Dakota Leftwich and Nick Callaway are crucial to the defensive success for McGuinness.

The pick: McGuinness 31, Elk City 10. Irish keep rolling and earn that first-round host berth. Everything is starting to come together for McGuinness at the right time.

Memorial (6-3, 5-1) vs. Putnam City (3-6, 2-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: PC Stadium

Memorial (L, Southmoore; W, Santa Fe; L, Del City; L, Midwest City; W, PCWest; W, Norman; W, Westmoore; W, Lawton Ike; W, North)
Why the Bulldogs can win: Barring an emotional letdown, they’re the better team. The defense took center stage last week after lurking in the shadows the last couple of weeks. If Memorial causes turnovers, it will be a long night for the Pirates.

Quote:

Our season didn’t end last week. We still have a lot to keep playing for. We want to keep our momentum.” – senior Blake Umberham

Putnam City
Why PC can win: The Pirate offense is really just starting to get all facets of its game together, with a rushing attack to go with the spread passing scheme. If they can keep clicking, the defense should be able to keep them in the game, as they’ve done in all but a couple games.

Boneman’s key matchup: Memorial offense vs. PC defense. This needs to be that bust out game for the offense. You know the defense isn’t going to slip up, but if Justin Merideth’s club is going to make a strong run (which I think it can), the offense needs to be more consistent, especially the passing game.

Scott’s key matchup: PC defensive front vs. Edmond Memorial run game. The Pirates have to be able to contain power back Cale Olbert and QB Kameron Doolittle when he uses his legs. When the Bulldogs run well, they usually win.

Boneman’s pick: Memorial 24, Putnam City 6. Think it might take a while for the Bulldogs to wake up, but once they do, should be on their way to sixth straight victory.

Scott’s pick: Memorial 24, PC 17. Memorial’s size will give them too much of an advantage at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

Deer Creek (4-5, 3-3) vs. Lawton MacArthur (6-3, 4-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Cameron Stadium, Lawton

Deer Creek (W, Piedmont; L, Shawnee; L, Woodward; W, NWClassen; W, WHeights; L, Duncan; L, El Reno; W, Chickasha; L, Altus)
Why the Antlers can win: Because sometimes when a team has been hit with so many key injuries like this team, the younger kids decide it’s their time to step up and play WAY over their heads for one night. For one night, these kids have to be a special.

Quote:

In my 26 years as a coach, I’ve never had a year like this with the injuries. We’ve run out of tape, but we haven’t run out of fight.” – coach Grant Gower

Lawton Mac
Why the Highlanders can win: Because on paper, they are the better team. The 6-3 record is actually surprising to me as I thought LM would be playing for a district championship. Offensive is explosive, averaging nearly 37 points per outing.

Key matchup: Deer Creek QBs vs. Lawton Mac defense. Hunter Dinkines will make his first start at QB. How will he do? Will he have the poise to lead the team. Will freshman Joel Blumenthal make an appearance? A lot of questions on this one.

The pick: Lawton Mac 21, Deer Creek 10. DC is going to run out of bodies and after a tight first half, just won’t have anything left in the tank. DC and LM fans, the Boneman would appreciate Twitter updates tonight on this one @BPrzybylo.

Star Spencer (7-2, 6-0 4A-2) at Glenpool (9-0, 6-0 4A-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Glenpool High

Playoff implications: It’s simple. The winner wins 4A-2 and hosts the fourth place team in 4A-1 to begin the playoffs. The loser has a much tougher first-round game, at home likely against Douglass.

Star Spencer (L, Millwood; W, Southeast; L, Douglass; W, McLoud; W, Tecumseh; W, Cushing; W, Seminole; W, Cleveland; W, Mannford)
Why the Bobcats can win: Because Star Spencer’s defense has been outstanding since a couple stumbles in non-district play. Sure, the level of competition isn’t what it was then but there has been a marked improvement. Star Spencer gave up 100 points in three non-district games. Since, they’ve given up 23. A big key to that has been the health and stability of Terence Olds.

Glenpool (W, Berryhill; W, Bixby; W, Okmulgee; W, Seminole; W, Cleveland; W, Mannford; W, McLoud; W, Cushing; W, Tecumseh)
Why the Warriors can win: Because they’re used to winning these type of games. Glenpool consistently performs on the big stage. The defending champions are just as strong as they were last year.

Stat leaders
RUSHING
Star Spencer
Darwin Rideau: 99 carries, 1,204 yards, 15 TDs, 12.16 yards per carry
Franky Jamison: 62 carries, 626 yards, 7 TDs, 10.10 yards per carry
Terence Olds: 44 carries, 510 yards, 9 TDs, 11.59 yards per carry

Glenpool
Marco Nelson: 67 carries, 1,070 yards, 16 TDs, 15.97 yards per carry
Drew Molencupp: 45 carries, 517 yards, 14 TDs, 11.49 yards per carry
Alton Adkins: 50 carries, 407 yards, 4 TDs, 8.14 yards per carry

PASSING
Star Spencer
Franky Jamison 39-71-777 7 TDs, 5 INTs

Glenpool
Derek Allen: 34-57-531 6 TDs, 4 INTs

RECEIVING
Star Spencer
Stevo Henderson: 9 catches, 228 yards, 3 TDs, 25.33 yards per catch

Glenpool
Anthony Haley: 18 catches, 337 yards, 6 TDs, 18.72 yards per catch

The pick: Glenpool 21, Star Spencer 14. Star Spencer stayed with the Warriors in last year’s game before Glenpool took control in the second half for a 35-6 win. The Bobcats have a better defense this season and are playing better entering this game. It’ll be closer than last year but Glenpool is just a little too tough for Star Spencer.

Putnam West (0-9, 0-6 6A-2) at Midwest City (7-2, 6-0 6A-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Jim Darnell Stadium, Midwest City 

Putnam West (L, Putnam North; L, Yukon; L, Edmond Santa Fe; L, Norman; L, Edmond Memorial; L, Westmoore; L, Lawton Eisenhower; L, Edmond North; L, Putnam City)
Why the Patriots can win: With the district title already sealed up, Midwest City probably wants to be healthy and rested going into the playoffs, so some of the starters could be in for a short night. That’s really the best hope for PC West, which will be overmatched at multiple positions. 

Midwest City (L, Del City; W, Moore; L, Southmoore; W, Edmond Memorial; W, Westmoore; W, Lawton Eisenhower; W, Edmond North; W, Putnam City; W, Norman)
Why the Bombers can win: Because they haven’t had any issues dismantling every other team in the district. Midwest City has outscored its opponents 283-48 since district play began. 

Scott’s key matchup: Midwest City run game vs. PC West defensive front. The Patriots have to find a way to contain the Bomber ground game, and with so many weapons, that’s not easy to do.
Ryan’s key matchup: Each team’s mental preparation versus themselves. For Midwest City, the game is just a stepping stone to the playoffs. The Bombers have to be careful about being lax, even if they are going to win this game. Things get tougher starting next week and Midwest City needs to stay sharp. For Putnam West, the Patriots are likely going to finish winless for the second consecutive season. But PC West needs to play a sharp game and keep their heads up. John Jensen does a great job over there, despite what wins and losses might say. Regardless of circumstances, he always seems to have his teams ready to play even if they’ve been outmatched. 

Scott’s pick: Midwest City 38, PC West 8
Ryan’s pick: Midwest City 63, Putnam West 14

Playoff impact: For Yukon, win and you’re in. For Choctaw, win and you’re probably in, though the Yellowjackets will need some help from Owasso against Stillwater.

Why Choctaw could win: The Yellowjackets have lost three straight by an average margin of 39-5, so they’re desperate for something good to happen. They have talent on offense, led by quarterback Tanner Hessman, a big kid who can run and throw, though he has struggled to avoid the interception at times. He is the team’s leading rusher with 442 yards, just ahead of Corey Bennett with 375.

Why Yukon could win: Aside from the ultimate motivation of making the playoffs for the first time since 1998, Yukon has played just about everyone on their schedule close, and by comparative scores, Yukon should be the better team. The offense finds ways to produce points, and the defense remains reliable. Like Hessman, Yukon QB Corben Jones is also the team’s leading rusher, ahead of brother Terry Jones, so we should see plenty of QB run game tonight.

Key matchup: Choctaw run game vs. Yukon defensive front. The Millers tend to be pretty stout against the run — just ask Enid’s Jonathan Burton, who had nearly 1,000 yards through six games, but had 18 against Yukon. If the Millers control Choctaw’s run game and put the pressure on Hessman to throw a lot, it should work to their benefit.

The pick: Yukon 24, Choctaw 17. Welcome back to the postseason, Millers.

DISTRICT 2A-2
Key Games: Lexington at Centennial, Meeker at Millwood.
Millwood: First.
Little Axe: Second.
Lexington: Third with win or Millwood win. Fourth with loss and Meeker win.
Meeker: Third with win and Centennial win. Fourth with loss or Lexington win.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: El Reno Stadium (2001 Sunset Drive)

On the line: The Class 5A-1 district title and a pair of home playoff games.

How El Reno can win: Have Jakeil Everheart play the best game he’s had all year. The defense controls Payton Atchley and the rest of the Demon offense and limit turnovers and penalties.

How Duncan can win: Strike early, build up confidence in a hostile envorinment and move the chains which keeps the ball out of Everheart’s hands.

The pick: El Reno 20-17.  Indians eek out a win.

Can El Reno stop Duncan RB Payton Atchley and quarterback Brandon Wilson?

The pair have combined for nearly 2,000 yards total offense this year so it will  be a challenge. Atchley in particular is a load, averaging 7.2 yards per carry. The Demons average 28 points per game which means they can move the ball but not as well as other teams in the class like Shawnee and Carl Albert. Still, they have more than enough in the tank to give El Reno plenty to worry about on defense that is among the best in 5A.

It it all on Jakeil Everheart’s shoulders?

In many ways it is. Everheart is the leader of the offense, and he’s also the team’s leading rusher. He needs to play a tight game for El Reno to win. That’s part of playing the postion and Everheart has been up to the challenge all season. This will be a tough test though, and you can argue that Duncan is signficantly better than anyone else on El Reno’s schedule this season.

What happens next?

Both teams have built up plenty of confidence this season, but one will walk away with that confidence shaken after Friday night’s game. The bottom line is you can’t win them all. The losing coach will have to get his team focused in a hurry because the next loss ends the season. That’s a tough place to be late in the year. Conversley the winners walk in with their confidence backed up and ready to take on the playoffs.

10:04 p.m.: PC North adds another TD witha 12-yard run by Dre Holman, leveling a DC safety in the process. It’s 34-7 Panthers with 1:11 left.

9:57 p.m.: Another PC North pick — the fifth of the night — gives them the ball at the DC 15 with a 20-point lead and 3:06 left to play. Billy Prater with interceptions on two straight series.

9:37 p.m.: Matthew Tingle picks off a Chazten Gonzales pass and goes 85 yards for the PC North touchdown and a 27-7 Panther lead.

9:30 p.m.: Two offensive series apiece in the third quarter and nothing to show for it. We go t the fourth quarter with PC North still leading 20-7.

8:42 p.m.: The Panthers force a three-and-out, getting the ball back just in time to drive into Del City territory and set up Kevin Cabello’s 45-yard field goal as the first-half clock expired. 20-7 PCN at the half.

8:32 p.m.: Del City holds, forcing a 20-yard field goal for the Panthers. 17-7 PCN, 1:07 left in the half.

8:30 p.m.: A Del City fumble gives PC North some momentum back, now facing third and goal from the 4 yard line. Dre Holman has 105 rushing yards so far in the first half for PC North.

8:22 p.m.: Del City comes up with a couple turnovers and produces a touchdown. An interception by J’Juan Gay got the Eagles the ball back, and after stalling, Del City recovered a muffed punt. The Eagles fumbled twice themselves inside the 3, but recovered both. O-lineman Joel Reser fell on the second one in the end zone for the TD. 14-7 PCN.

8 p.m.: PC North gets an interception by Dillon Schooley on a tipped pass and strikes on its first play, a 19-yard TD pass from James to Dre Holman. 14-0 PC North with 45 seconds left in the first quarter. James is 6-of-6 for 79 yards and two TDs.

7:48 p.m.: Del City misses on a wide-open TD pass opportunity, eventually turning the ball over on downs, and PC North goes 81 yards for a score, capping it with a 29-yard TD pass from Jace James to Antonio Johnson. 7-0 PCN

7:28 p.m.: Although they have a ton of seniors, Putnam City North still got Senior Night wrapped up in time for kickoff. We’ll get going shortly with playoff lives on the line here at Putnam City Stadium.

SANTA FE 34, MOORE 14 – FINAL

Moore’s Vova Razryvin scored twice for the only points of the second half. A 65-yard pass to Chase Carter as well as a 7-yard run, both in the fourth.

I focused on the ‘never say die’ attitude of Santa Fe and most notably Brian Mills. Class acts all the way. I’ll have much more to say about this one in the Friday Morning Quarterback.

SANTA FE 34, MOORE 0 -HALFTIME

8:43 – Senior night is exactly what Santa Fe was hoping for. Brian Mills has rushed for two touchdowns and has put himself over the 1,000-yard mark. Will Long has thrown two touchdown passes (to Matt Leavell and Conner Bays) while Antonio Stayton has an interception return for a score and we are Santa Fe 34, Moore 0.

Turnovers have plagued the Lions. Besides the INT for a TD, there was an INT on 4th and goal and there was also a fumble when Moore was driving.

I’ve been impressed with the speed of Moore QB Vova Razryvin. He’s got some wheels on him, but it’s been tough for Moore to sustain success.

6:19 – Here at a nearly empty Wantland Stadium. Well, at least for now (is pretty early now that I think about it). Wantland will be tough to duplicate after that that North and Memorial atmosphere last week.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen the Wolves. In fact, five weeks. I’ve called in to check in, but this will be the first time I see the boys again.

It’s senior night, so that adds to the emotion of everything.

Either way, for updates, follow me on Twitter @BPrzybylo and follow fellow chum @ryaber for all the updates from Putnam North and Del City and the rest of the Thursday night slate.

Week 10
Star Spencer vs. Glenpool
Ryan: Glenpool; Boneman: Glenpool; Scott: Glenpool; Justin: Glenpool
Lawton Eisenhower vs. Norman
Ryan: Norman; Boneman: Norman; Scott: Norman; Justin: Norman
Bartlesville vs. Broken Arrow
Ryan: BArrow; Boneman: BArrow; Scott: BArrow; Justin: BArrow
Davis vs. Plainview
Ryan: Davis; Boneman: Davis (LOCK); Scott: Davis; Justin: Plainview
Bixby vs. Booker T.
Ryan: Bixby (LOCK); Boneman: Bixby; Scott: BTW; Justin: Bixby
Del City vs. Putnam North
Ryan: Del City; Boneman: Del City; Scott: Del City; Justin: Del City
Ada vs. McAlester
Ryan: McAlester; Boneman: McAlester; Scott: McAlester; Justin: McAlester
Timberlake vs. DC-Lamont
Ryan: Timberlake; Boneman: DCLA; Scott: Timberlake; Justin: Timberlake
Yukon vs. Choctaw
Ryan: Yukon; Boneman: Yukon; Scott: Yukon (LOCK); Justin: Yukon (LOCK)
Newkirk vs. Kingfisher
Ryan: Kingfisher; Boneman: Kingfisher; Scott: Kingfisher; Justin: Kingfisher
Perry vs. John Marshall
Ryan: JMarshall; Boneman: JMarshall; Scott: JMarshall; Justin: JMarshall
Sequoyah-Tahlequah vs. Colcord
Ryan: Seq-Tahl.; Boneman: Seq-Tahl.; Scott: Seq-Tahl; Justin: Seq-Tahl.
Deer Creek vs. Lawton Mac
Ryan: Lawton Mac; Boneman: Lawton Mac; Scott: Lawton Mac; Justin: Lawton Mac
Thackerville vs. Tipton
Ryan: Tipton; Boneman: Tipton; Scott: Tipton; Justin: Tipton
Mustang vs. Southmoore
Ryan: Mustang; Boneman: Mustang; Scott: Mustang; Justin: Southmoore

Last week: Ryan (9-6, 0-1); Boneman (8-7, 0-1); Scott (12-3, 1-0); Justin 9-6, 1-0); Matt (8-7)
Overall: Ryan (98-33, 5-4); Justin (90-41, 5-4); Scott (89-42, 7-2); Boneman (84-47, 5-4)

Not going to be able to make it out to Mt. St. Mary’s and Heritage Hall on Friday night? There is another way to keep in touch.

Fans can watch the game at www.msmrockets.com for a webcast that I’ve been told is in HD quality.

It’s an interesting game as the Chargers try to cope without Sterling Shepard and the Rockets look to end the season with a three-game winning streak.

It’s also a chance for some people to maybe see Heritage sophomore Barry Sanders and see how he responds as defenses will surely just stack the box like crazy and force Cooper Cloud to make a play.

But I also see as an opportunity to watch someone like MSM’s Dalton Newsome. You hear about a lot of the familiar names, but someone like Newsome should be on people’s radar.

Courtesy of ace reporter Ryan Aber:

McGuinness: Second with win. Second with loss and Douglass win where Douglass gains 20 or less district points on McGuinness. Third with loss and Douglass win where Douglass gains 21 or more district points on McGuinness. Third with loss and Piedmont win.

***

McGuinness, much like Heritage Hall, can make its life easier by simply winning. If your first line reads “second with win” and there are no qualifying statements to that, you know what you have to do.

Elk City has really turned it up since district play has started. I know a lot of people, myself included, thought it would be a long season after Western Heights beat ‘em in the first week.

EC has a lot to play for and had it beaten Weatherford last week (a tough task for anybody this year), EC would be playing for a district title Friday.

As is, the Irish know what they need to do. And with Douglass playing Thursday, Kenny Young’s boys will really know what they need to do.

If this team wasn’t so well-coached, that might be a little scary to be able to know exactly what you must do. You start overthinking it instead of just playing your game.

I don’t see that happening with McGuinness, though.

Courtesy of ace reporter Ryan Aber:

Deer Creek: Third with win and Chickasha win. Fourth with win and Altus win where Deer Creek gains 10 or more district points on Altus. Fourth with loss and Chickasha win where Deer Creek gains 10 or more district points on Altus.

***

So if you’re an Antler fan, put on your Chickasha hat and cheer on Chase Rodgers and the Chicks.

Deer Creek is in a tough spot in having to go to Lawton Mac this week as banged up as Grant Gower’s boys are.

If the offense stumbles early, I fully expect Joel Blumenthal to come in and try to save the day. I’ve actually had a couple of people compare him to former Tulsa QB Paul Smith. We’re not going to put the weight of the world on his shoulders yet, but the whispers have me curious about his talent.

DC’s best bet is that final scenario, if you ask me. It’s going to be tough to pull out, but it should make for an interesting night of scoreboard watching.

Class 6A
Del City at Putnam North
Del City: A win gets Del City into the playoffs for the first time in a long time. A loss doesn’t completely rule out Del City but makes things very difficult.
Putnam North: The Panthers need a win tonight to keep their playoff hopes alive. It might not be enough just to win but the Panthers are likely in with a win.

My pick: Del City 28, Putnam North 14. The Eagles win and make things relatively easy to figure out.

Norman North at Lawton
Lawton: It’s pretty simple for Lawton: Win and the Wolverines are in. A loss leaves the Wolverines needing other things to happen, specifically a Del City win. If the Wolverines lose and Putnam North wins tonight, get ready to pull out the calculators and start figuring up district points.

My pick: Lawton 35, Norman North 17. Norman North’s slide continues and Lawton advances to the playoffs.

Class 4A
Piedmont at Douglass
Douglass: A win assures the Trojans of no worse than third place in 4A-1. Douglass could still finish in second with a win and an (unlikely) Elk City upset of McGuinness.

My pick: Douglass 41, Piedmont 12. Douglass wins tonight, McGuinness wins tomorrow and Douglass plays at either Star Spencer or Glenpool to open the playoffs next week.

Class 2A
Chandler at Eufaula
Chandler: Win. That makes things simple for the Lions and makes things simple for me. A Chandler win gives it the district title. A loss brings out the calculators in most cases depending on what happens Friday night.

My pick: Chandler 35, Eufaula 7. Chandler wins and keeps it simple, setting up a home first-round playoff game.

Class A
Savanna at Gore
Savanna and Gore: Easy to combine these two into one. The top two spots in District A-7 are set (Talihina and Central Sallisaw). The winner of this game finishes third while the loser finishes fourth.

My pick: Gore 14, Savanna 7. Gore finishes third, Savanna finishes fourth and the two go on the road to start the playoffs, Savanna to Stround and Gore to either Stratford, Wayne of Wynnewood.

Class B
Cherokee at Pond Creek-Hunter
Cherokee and Pond Creek-Hunter: Another relatively simple one to figure out. The winner is in, likely in the fourth spot. The loser is out. For either of these teams to finish anywhere other than fourth would take 0-9 Merritt upsetting 5-4 Laverne, which isn’t happening.

My pick: Pond Creek-Hunter 34, Cherokee 30. This battle for a playoff berth will go down to the wire but Pond Creek-Hunter, whose offense is just a little better than Cherokee’s, puts PC-H over the top.

Caddo at Macomb
Caddo: Caddo enters in a three-way tie for second in District B-2 with Fox and Alex. All three should win, which would give Fox the second spot, based on district points, Caddo the third spot and Alex the fourth. The teams are all separated by more than 15 district points, which would keep everything in the order they’re in if everyone wins.

My pick: Caddo 46, Macomb 0. Caddo win and keeps the pressure on Fox. Fox, which plays 6-3 Allen, seems the most likely of the three to lose this week. I doubt that will happen, though. If Allen does win, though, Caddo would finish second based on its head-to-head win over Alex.

 Del City (7-2, 4-2 6A-1) at Putnam North (6-3, 3-3 6A-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Putnam City Stadium 

Del City (W, Midwest City; W, Norman; W, Edmond Memorial; L, Southmoore; W, Edmond Santa Fe; W, Lawton; W, Norman North; W, Moore; L, Mustang)
Why the Eagles can win: Because they’re the better, or at least more consistent, team. Del City has shown that they’re a playoff-caliber team. There’s a sense of urgency for the Eagles to get in the postseason this year and a win here is the only way to assure that happening. 

Putnam North (W, Putnam West; W, Putnam City; W, Choctaw; L, Norman North; W, Southmoore; W, Moore; W, Edmond Santa Fe; L, Mustang; L, Lawton)
Why PC North can win: The Panthers are chasing that playoff berth that feels like it’s slipping out of reach the last two weeks. But they know it’s still attainable, and that should have helped them to refocus after a couple of tough losses—a blowout defeat by Mustang and last week’s heartbreaker in Lawton. Mustang showed last week that you can run the ball on that Del City front seven, and though Dre Holman is no Daniel Farrow, he’s a quality back who hits the hole with authority. 

Quote:

This game, there ain’t no holding back. If you hold back, you’ll be sitting at home next week. Del City, I’ve been watching them on TV. They’re a good team that’s capable of laying it on you, then going back to Del City and not thinking about it no more.

  —  PC North senior wide receiver Antonio Johnson

Scott’s key matchup: Del City WRs vs. PC North CBs. The Panthers have two talented safeties in Antonio Jenkins and Dillon Schooley, but they’ve had some miscues at cornerback, which will need to be corrected this week against Eagle wideouts Chris McAlister and Donavan Dan.
Ryan’s key matchup: Have to agree with Scott here: Del City WRs against the Panthers’ DBs. When McAlister and Dan have sustained success in games, the Eagles win and win big. If the Panthers hope to win and make the postseason, they’ve got to win this battle. 

Ryan’s pick: Del City 28, PC North 14. Dan and McAlister break out after last week’s rough loss to Mustang and the Eagles advance to the playoffs for the first time in years.
Scott’s pick: Del City 34, PC North 28. The Panther defense is still a little out of sync, having allowed 80 points the last two weeks, and they’ll have to fix those problems to win tonight.

Moore (0-9, 0-6 6A-1) at Edmond Santa Fe (2-7, 1-5 6A-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Wantland Stadium

Santa Fe (L, North; L, Memorial; W, PCWest; L, Mustang; L, Del City; L, Southmoore; L, PCNorth; L, Lawton; W, Norman North)
Why the Wolves can win: Because they are on a roll. The Wolves are on a winning streak for the first time since week 3 and coming off their first district triumph. What’s more, standout running back Brian Mills said the Wolves played their best game of the season last week in a win over Norman North and has finally put it all together on both sides of the ball, special teams and confidence. And, of course, because Santa Fe has a stronger team than winless Moore.

Quote:

It’s senior night, so we’re definitely going to be excited about that. This might be the final time we play for some of us.” – senior Will Long

Moore
Why the Lions can win: Moore avoided a winless season a year ago with a win over Southmoore. Granted, a 1-9 record is far from what Moore players expected, but closing a tough season with a victory would be a tremendous emotional lift and provide an optimistic outlook for 2010. So, an upset over a two-win team isn’t out of the question. Plus, a victory would allow the Lions to escape the district basement as they would swap places with Santa Fe.

Boneman’s key matchup: Santa Fe defense. The Wolves gave up 28 points in the slop at Southmoore and 31 to Lawton with a bunch of bad special teams play and 38 to Mustang and well, who doesn’t give up points in bunches to that club. This defense has a lot of pride and would love to close out with a big statement.

Justin’s key matchup: Moore’s Chris Clark vs. Edmond Santa Fe’s Will Long.
Given that Clark is a hard-hitting linebacker who leads the Lions in tackles with 105, it may seem like his performance vs. ESF stud running back Brian Mills would be the key. However, Moore will sell out to stop the run just like Norman North did against the Wolves last week. With the box jammed packed with defenders, Clark will have a lot of company in clogging Mills’ running lanes.
But in that same circumstance last week, Long dusted off Santa Fe’s passing game playbook and did in Norman North through the air. Clark will have triple duty in regards to trying to keep Long in check. First, he’ll have to keep track of Long, who is a capable runner. If the Santa Fe QB decides to tuck and run, Clark is the likely candidate to track him down. Second, he’ll have to drop into coverage and try to keep Santa Fe receivers such as Matt Leavell from turning short receptions into long gainers. Third, Clark is adept at blitzing and could catch Long by surprise with his timing and speed.

Boneman’s pick: Santa Fe 42, Moore 10. It wasn’t the season Santa Fe fans were hoping for. But back-to-back wins to finish the year should end things on a positive.

Justin’s pick: Edmond Santa Fe 38, Moore 24. The Lions have scored a combined 44 points in their last two games, which is 12 more points than they scored in the first seven games total. So, the offense is managing to put points on the board. It will be a tough task, however, to put up enough to win.

NORMAN NORTH

District: 6A-1

Current standing: Sixth

District record: 2-4

Overall record: 4-4

Opponent: Lawton (two-way tie for third in 6A-1, 1-5)

Highest possible finish: Fifth. A victory at Lawton and a Putnam City North loss to Del City would create a two-way tie for fifth between Norman North and PCN. The T-Wolves own the head-to-head tie-breaker. And Edmond Santa Fe loss to Moore would put the T-Wolves in sixth whether they win or lose to Lawton.

Lowest possible finish: Seventh. A loss coupled with an Edmond Santa Fe win over Moore would create a two-way tie for sixth between Santa Fe and Norman North. Santa Fe owns the head-to-head tiebreaker.

NORMAN

District: 6A-2

Current standing: Fourth

District record: 3-3

Overall record: 4-5

Opponent: Lawton Eisenhower (in three-way tie for fifth in 6A-1, 2-4)

Highest possible finish: Fourth. The Tigers will place fourth outright with a victory and advance to the playoffs where they would face the District 6A-1 champion (Southmoore or Mustang). A loss by Edmond North would put the Huskies in a tie with the Tigers at 4-3, but Edmond North owns the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Lowest possible finish: Sixth. A loss and Putnam City loss puts Norman fifth. A loss, Putnam City win and Westmoore win would create a four-way tie for fourth, which would send PC to the playoffs due to district points standings; Ike would be fifth because of the head-to-head win over Norman. A loss, Putnam City win and Westmoore loss would create a three-way tie for fourth which would send PC to the playoffs due to district points standings; Ike would be fifth because of the head-to-head win over Norman.

District: 6A-2

Current standing: Three-way tie for fifth with Putnam City and Lawton Eisenhowe.

District record: 2-4

Overall record: 3-6

Opponent: Edmond North (third in 6A-2, 4-2)

Highest possible finish: Fifth. A Jaguars victory and losses by Lawton Eisenhower and Putnam City puts Westmoore in fifth outright. A Westmoore win and Putnam City win with a Lawton Ike loss would tie Westmoore and PC at 3-4, but the Jaguars own the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Lowest possible finish: Seventh. Westmoore could finish sixth with a win or loss depending on numerous scenarios. However, the Jags would drop to seventh with wins by Ike and Putnam City even if they win Friday.

District: 6A-1

Current standing: Eight

District record: 0-6

Overall record: 0-9

Opponent: Edmond Santa Fe (seventh in 6A-1, 1-5)

Highest possible finish: Seventh. The Lions would tie Edmond Santa Fe with a 1-6 record with a win over the Wolves. But Moore would win the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Lowest possible finish: Eighth. A loss leaves the Lions in last and the only winless team in the district.

District: 6A-1

Current standing: Tied for first

District record: 5-1

Overall record: 8-1

Opponent: Mustang (tied for first in 6A-1, 5-1)

Highest possible finish: First. The SaberCats will win the district championship outright with a victory.

Lowest possible finish: Second. Southmoore can do no worse than second even with a loss. With wins, Del City and Lawton would have the same district mark (5-2) as Southmoore if the SaberCats lose to Mustang. But Southmoore would win the tie-breaker because it has beaten both of those teams head-to-head.

However, timing is everything in the case of the Tigers. They got hit early with a costly loss as Kyle Carter, a starting receiver, corner and kick returner, was lost for the season with a knee injury after just one game. However, there was plenty of time for the Tigers to find a player or two to step in and fill the roles Carter had been in.

But late-season injuries while fighting for your playoff life is a killer. And heading into the final game of the regular season and having to win to continue to the postseason is no time to be less than full strength. But that’s where Norman is as its most productive players on both sides of the ball may miss Friday’s game against Lawton Eidenhower.

Linebacker Greg Offenburger and running back Donovan Roberts may be game-day decisions in regards to playing against the Eagles. Offenburger, a junior, has missed two straight games with a knee injury. Roberts, a sophomore, left last week’s game against Midwest City with a hip injury.

The Tigers, 4-5 overall and 3-3 in District 6A-2, will gain the fourth district playoff spot with a victory. A loss would knock them out of the postseason. Roberts would be a major loss because Norman’s offense is built around him as he averages 22 carries per game and has several 30-carry games. He’s run for 1,001 yards and averages 5.5 yards per carry.

Even while missing the pair of games, Offenburger still leads the Tigers in tackles with 79.

DISTRICT 2A-1
Key Games: Heritage Hall at St. Mary, Newkirk at Kingfisher, Perry at John Marshall.
Heritage Hall: First with win. First with loss, Newkirk win and Perry win. First with loss, Newkirk win and John Marshall win where Heritage Hall loses 20 or less district points to John Marshall and 11 or less district points to Kingfisher. Second with loss, Newkirk win and John Marshall win where Heritage Hall loses 20 or less district points to John Marshall or 11 or less district points to Kingfisher. Second with loss, Kingfisher win and Perry win. Third with loss, Kingfisher win and John Marshall win. Third with loss, Newkirk win and John Marshall win where Heritage Hall loses 21 or more district points to John Marshall and 12 or more district points to Kingfisher.
Kingfisher: First with win and St. Mary win. First with loss, St. Mary win and John Marshall win where Kingfisher gains 12 or more district points on Heritage Hall and loses 10 or less district points to John Marshall. Second with loss, St. Mary win and John Marshall win where Kingfisher gains 12 or more district points on Heritage Hall or loses 10 or less district points to John Marshall. Second with win and Heritage Hall win. Third with loss and Heritage Hall win. Third with loss, St. Mary win and Perry win. Third with loss, St. Mary win and John Marshall win where Kingfisher gains 11 or less district points on Heritage Hall and loses 11 or more district points to John Marshall.
Newkirk: Second with win and Heritage Hall win. Second with win and Perry win. Third with loss and Perry win. Fourth with loss and John Marshall win. Fourth with win, St. Mary win and John Marshall win.
John Marshall: First with win, Newkirk win and St. Mary win where John Marshall gains 21 or more district points on Heritage Hall and 11 or more district points on Kingfisher. Second with win, Newkirk win and St. Mary win where John Marshall gains 21 or more district points on Heritage Hall or 11 or more district points on Kingfisher. Second with win, Kingfisher win and St. Mary win. Third with win, Kingfisher win and Heritage Hall win. Third with win, Newkirk win and St. Mary win where John Marshall gains 20 or less district points on Heritage Hall and 10 or less district points on Kingfisher. Fourth with win, Newkirk win and Heritage Hall win.
Perry: Fourth with win.

So here’s a look at which team the Falcons are likely to host in the first round of the playoffs. District 2A-1 isn’t nearly as easy to figure out:

DISTRICT 2A-1
Key Games: Heritage Hall at St. Mary, Newkirk at Kingfisher, Perry at John Marshall.
Heritage Hall: First with win. First with loss, Newkirk win and Perry win. First with loss, Newkirk win and John Marshall win where Heritage Hall loses 20 or less district points to John Marshall and 11 or less district points to Kingfisher. Second with loss, Newkirk win and John Marshall win where Heritage Hall loses 20 or less district points to John Marshall or 11 or less district points to Kingfisher. Second with loss, Kingfisher win and Perry win. Third with loss, Kingfisher win and John Marshall win. Third with loss, Newkirk win and John Marshall win where Heritage Hall loses 21 or more district points to John Marshall and 12 or more district points to Kingfisher.
Kingfisher: First with win and St. Mary win. First with loss, St. Mary win and John Marshall win where Kingfisher gains 12 or more district points on Heritage Hall and loses 10 or less district points to John Marshall. Second with loss, St. Mary win and John Marshall win where Kingfisher gains 12 or more district points on Heritage Hall or loses 10 or less district points to John Marshall. Second with win and Heritage Hall win. Third with loss and Heritage Hall win. Third with loss, St. Mary win and Perry win. Third with loss, St. Mary win and John Marshall win where Kingfisher gains 11 or less district points on Heritage Hall and loses 11 or more district points to John Marshall.
Newkirk: Second with win and Heritage Hall win. Second with win and Perry win. Third with loss and Perry win. Fourth with loss and John Marshall win. Fourth with win, St. Mary win and John Marshall win.
John Marshall: First with win, Newkirk win and St. Mary win where John Marshall gains 21 or more district points on Heritage Hall and 11 or more district points on Kingfisher. Second with win, Newkirk win and St. Mary win where John Marshall gains 21 or more district points on Heritage Hall or 11 or more district points on Kingfisher. Second with win, Kingfisher win and St. Mary win. Third with win, Kingfisher win and Heritage Hall win. Third with win, Newkirk win and St. Mary win where John Marshall gains 20 or less district points on Heritage Hall and 10 or less district points on Kingfisher. Fourth with win, Newkirk win and Heritage Hall win.
Perry: Fourth with win.

DISTRICT 4A-1
Key Games: McGuinness at Elk City, Piedmont at Douglass.
Weatherford: First.
McGuinness: Second with win.
Second with loss and Douglass win where Douglass gains 20 or less district points on McGuinness. Third with loss and Douglass win where Douglass gains 21 or more district points on McGuinness. Third with loss and Piedmont win.
Douglass: Second with win and Elk City win where Douglass gains 21 or more district points on McGuinness. Third with win and Elk City win where Douglass gains 20 or less district points on McGuinness. Third with McGuinness win. Fourth with loss and Elk City win.
Elk City: Second with win and Piedmont win. Fourth with win and Douglass win. Fourth with loss.

Carl Albert might be playing as well as anyone in the class right now and talking with the coaches and players, they feel as if they’ve turned a corner since the loss to Shawnee early in the district schedule.

So here’s a look at the possibilities in 5A-1, which will determine the Titans’ first-round playoff opponent. The pertinent scenarios are in bold:

DISTRICT 5A-1
Key Games: Altus at Chickasha, Deer Creek at Lawton MacArthur, Duncan at El Reno,
El Reno: First with win. Second with loss.
Duncan: First with win. Second with loss.
Lawton MacArthur: Third with win. Third with loss and Altus win where Altus gains 23 or less district points on Lawton MacArthur. Fourth with loss and Altus win where Altus gains 24 or more district points on Lawton MacArthur. Fourth with loss and Chickasha win.
Altus: Third with win and Deer Creek win where Altus gains 24 or more district points on Lawton MacArthur and doesn’t lose 10 or more to Deer Creek. Fourth with win and Deer Creek win where Altus gains 24 or more district points on Lawton MacArthur or doesn’t lose 10 or more to Deer Creek. Fourth with win and Lawton MacArthur win. Fourth with loss and Lawton MacArthur win where Altus loses nine or less district points to Deer Creek.
Deer Creek: Third with win and Chickasha win. Fourth with win and Altus win where Deer Creek gains 10 or more district points on Altus. Fourth with loss and Chickasha win where Deer Creek gains 10 or more district points on Altus.

Since Midwest City’s playoff position is sewed up, here’s a look at the possibilities in 6A-1, which will set the Bombers first-round matchup.

DISTRICT 6A-1
Key Games: Del City at Putnam North, Mustang at Southmoore, Norman North at Lawton,
Southmoore: First with win. Second with loss.
Mustang: First win win. Second with loss and Norman North win. Second with loss and Del City win. Third with loss, Putnam North win and Lawton win.
Del City: Third with win and Mustang win. Third with win, Mustang win and Norman North win. Third with win, Southmoore win and Lawton win where Del City doesn’t lose district points to Lawton. Third with loss of 12 or less points and Norman North win where Lawton doesn’t gain district points on Del City. Fourth with loss and Norman North loss where Del City loses by 12 or less points or Lawton doesn’t gain district points on Del City. Fourth with win, Southmoore win and Lawton win where Del City loses district points to Lawton.
Lawton: Second with win, Southmoore win and Putnam North win. Third with win, Mustang win and Putnam North win. Third with win, Del City win and Southmoore win where Lawton gains district points on Del City. Third with loss and Putnam North win where Lawton gains district points on Del City and doesn’t lose 26 or more district points to Putnam North. Fourth with loss and Putnam North win where Lawton gains district points on Del City or doesn’t lose 26 or more district points to Putnam North. Fourth with win, Del City win and Southmoore win where Lawton doesn’t gain district points on Del City. Fourth with Mustang win and Del City win. Fourth with loss, Southmoore win and Del City win.
Putnam North: Third with win of 13 points or more and Norman North win where Putnam North gains 26 or more district points on Lawton. Fourth with win and Norman North win where Putnam North wins by 13 or more or picks up 26 or more district points on Lawton. Fourth with win and Lawton win.

 DISTRICT 6A-1
Key Games: Del City at Putnam North, Mustang at Southmoore, Norman North at Lawton,
Southmoore: First with win. Second with loss.
Mustang: First win win. Second with loss and Norman North win. Second with loss and Del City win. Third with loss, Putnam North win and Lawton win.
Del City: Third with win and Mustang win. Third with win, Mustang win and Norman North win. Third with win, Southmoore win and Lawton win where Del City doesn’t lose district points to Lawton. Third with loss of 12 or less points and Norman North win where Lawton doesn’t gain district points on Del City. Fourth with loss and Norman North loss where Del City loses by 12 or less points or Lawton doesn’t gain district points on Del City. Fourth with win, Southmoore win and Lawton win where Del City loses district points to Lawton.
Lawton: Second with win, Southmoore win and Putnam North win. Third with win, Mustang win and Putnam North win. Third with win, Del City win and Southmoore win where Lawton gains district points on Del City. Third with loss and Putnam North win where Lawton gains district points on Del City and doesn’t lose 26 or more district points to Putnam North. Fourth with loss and Putnam North win where Lawton gains district points on Del City or doesn’t lose 26 or more district points to Putnam North. Fourth with win, Del City win and Southmoore win where Lawton doesn’t gain district points on Del City. Fourth with Mustang win and Del City win. Fourth with loss, Southmoore win and Del City win.
Putnam North: Third with win of 13 points or more and Norman North win where Putnam North gains 26 or more district points on Lawton. Fourth with win and Norman North win where Putnam North wins by 13 or more or picks up 26 or more district points on Lawton. Fourth with win and Lawton win.

Through nine weeks, four of the five West Metro schools are still alive in the playoff hunt, so let’s take a look at what has to happen for those teams to be playing Week 11.

Mustang

The Broncos are already in. The only question is the seeding, which will significantly impact their playoff fate. If Mustang wins, it is the 6A-1 champ and would play the 6A-2 fourth-place team. But any other result will knock the Broncos to either second or third and put them against Edmond Memorial or Edmond North.

Memorial is hot right now and just moved into the top 10. North already beat the Broncos once this season, so either game would be a challenge, and a much tougher test than the fourth-place team would present.

Yukon

Where were you in November 1998? Well, the Millers were in the playoffs, and they haven’t been back since. But with Friday night’s trip to Choctaw, they’ll be playing for a chance to end that string of 10 straight seasons without a playoff appearance.

It’s the best scenario you can hope for in Week 10 if you’re not already in the playoffs: Win and you’re in. The reward isn’t much — a game against the state’s top team, Jenks. But getting to the playoffs would be a huge monkey off the Millers’ back, and with so much young talent, it would be stepping stone to next year.

Putnam City North

With a couple losses in a row, the Panthers find themselves as potentially the odd man out in what has been an amazing 6A-1 race. It’s down to five teams now, and the Panthers need some help to get in. It’s a little ironic, but the Panthers actually need help from the team immediately ahead of them in the standings — Lawton. First and most importantly, the Panthers have to win. But if they beat Del City on Thursday night, then they can worry about everyone else.

The following is only relevant if PC North wins: If Lawton wins, the Panthers are in. But if Lawton loses, PC North needs it to be a Norman North blowout. And they’ll need their victory to be a blowout, too, because they’ll need to overcome the district points gap of 25 points to earn their way in from a three-way tiebreaker.

Putnam City

You can file this one away under “longshot,” because it will essentially involve two upsets, but the Pirates still have some playoff hope left. Like PC North, Putnam City will also need some help from a Lawton squad, this one being Lawton Ike against Norman. But the bigger issue for PC will be their need for a win at home against Edmond Memorial. It’s an unfavorable matchup against a team that seems to be playing its best lately.

Had a chance to talk with Little Axe coach Tony Smith today, and I can tell those kids and that school/community are on a high right now. The Indians are going to the playoffs for the first time ever since the team started in 1987.

It’s great to see a program like this, that has struggled for so long, find its footing. Little Axe was close last year, missing out by one district point. And Smith thought this might be the year.

How right he was. LA clinched a spot last week with a huge win against Lexington, maybe one of the biggest in school history.

Smith said the key is to not just accept making the playoffs. That’s easy to say, but I don’t begrudge those kids if they want to celebrate what they’ve accomplished so far.

Here is what is a little out of whack with Little Axe: The Indians have scored 195 points and given 200. Have to be the only 6-3 team with that type of point differential. LA has lost to Millwood, Bridge Creek and Jones.

Smith said it’s been the mental toughness this team has displayed that really stands out, especially in the win against Lexington. It was a different type of attitude that showed Smith his team is for real.

Running back Robby Dryden and quarterback Daniel Leonard are leading the way on offense while Brandon Miller and Dustin Hawkins are paving the way defensively.

As luck would have it, The Boneman will have the best seat in the state Friday night when Mustang and Southmoore battle for the District 6A-1 crown.

Ryan is headed to Glenpool and Star Spencer. And Mustang writer Scott Wright is headed to Yukon and Choctaw to see if the Millers can earn a playoff berth. In that same situation, Southmoore writer Justin Harper will be covering Norman and Lawton Eisenhower to see if the Tigers will punch their playoff ticket.

So here I am (the Edmond and private schools writer)  just kinda luckin’ into this one. I’m pumped, real pumped for this one. It took me a while to come around to Southmoore (but I have) while Mustang with Daniel Farrow has looked like the best West side team in the last month.

Mustang (7-2, 5-1)
I saw this team once, back in Week 2 against Edmond North. It was there that I realized how good David Glidden is. QB Jacinto Biorato was on fire. He cooled off, but Brandon Taylor has been efficient. He has eight touchdowns vs. one interception.

Farrow has been the missing piece to the puzzle. I know I wasn’t alone last year in saying this kid was special at Putnam West, but I truly felt he was a special talent.

It’s been one insane game after another since he started playing in Week 5. And to be honest, I don’t know if we’ve seen the best from him yet. Now that’s scary.

Defensively, this group takes a lot of heat, but there is some strong talent. The Broncos have four kids with at least seven sacks, led by Alex Doty’s 12. Justus Elliot has 10, Blake Wood has eight and Blake Moss has seven.

And Glidden is just as much a threat in the secondary as he is as a receiver, leading the team with five interceptions.

Southmoore (8-1, 5-1)
OK, admit it right now, I’ve never seen this team play in two years. I’ve never even been to the high school yet. So all of this is off of what I’ve read and from talking to Justin Harper about things.

Obviously, the story with the SaberCats is all the Oklahoma commitments. You already had Julian Wilson, and in one fell swoop, now there’s Austin Haywood and Kendal Thompson. If you want more on that, go here.

Crazy.

I’m most interested in seeing Nyko Symonds play. He seems like a freak of a high school talent. Someone who just has a nose for the ball. And sophomore RB Andrew Long is seemingly going by unnoticed with his 1,042 yards and six TDs.

Seems like George Mallett (110 tackles) and Ryan Long (94 tackles, four sacks) lead the defensive front. With all the talent in the skilled positions, can’t forget about those guys in the trenches.

So I leave it up to you, Southmoore and Mustang fans, what else should I be looking for Friday?

Here is some info on a great cause as the second annual Heather Harkness Memorial Volleyball Tournament will take place at Santa Fe on Saturday.

Harkness, a student and volleyball player for the Wolves, died last year.

The Edmond Santa Fe High School DECA Chapter, in partnership with the Edmond Santa Fe girls volleyball team, are proud to present the 2nd Annual Heather Harkness Memorial Volleyball Tournament.

The tournament is Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m. in the Santa Fe High School Gymnasiums. We have created this event as a means to celebrate and honor Heather’s life.

Heather served as Santa Fe DECA Historian as well as starting varsity volleyball player.

The Heather Harkness Memorial Volleyball Tournament proceeds will be used to create a permanent school memorial, establish a perpetual Memorial Volleyball Tournament in Heather’s name and assist in defraying costs associated with events in honor of Heather.

Last year more than 700 people were in attendance and this year promises to be an even bigger event. More info can be found on the Heather Harkness Memorial Volleyball Tournament fan page, by emailing forheather12@yahoo.com, or by following @HHvolleyball on Twitter.

***

I won’t be able to make it out there in person, but if anyone wants to send me some photos from the event, don’t hesitate.

It’s easy to have fun when you’re winning and putting up big numbers. Someone’s true character comes out when it’s not always rosy.

Santa Fe definitely didn’t come into this season thinking a 2-7 year was on the horizon. A lack of experience early combined with some tough breaks in early district games put Bruce Gowen’s team behind the eight ball early and often.

But anytime I’ve talked to those seniors, from Will Long to Brian Mills to Matt Leavell, they’ve never given me an indication that they quit on each other or the coaching staff.

The Wolves put it together in a 24-7 win at Norman North, and Long was pretty honest about why he was able to throw the ball so well.

Norman North really stacked the box and wanted to stop the run. That gave me an opportunity to make some plays.” – Long

And now the kids have one more chance. It will surely be an emotional senior night for those kids Thursday against Moore (0-9, 0-6).

Long and Mills have said it best. They hope the way they’ve faced this season and all its trials and tribulations will serve as inspiration to some of the younger kids. The younger kids have definitely had examples to look up to.

Thursday

Football: Norman North at Lawton, 7:30 p.m.

Friday

Football: Lawton Ike at Norman, 7:30 p.m.

Friday

Football: Mustang at Southmoore, 7:30 p.m.

Friday

Football: Westmoore at Edmond North, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday

Football: Moore at Edmond Santa Fe, 7:30 p.m.

Oh no, The Boneman jinx is alive and well. One week after naming Heritage Hall’s Sterling Shepard as the player of the week, his season is in jeopardy.

Shepard suffered a severe concussion in the second quarter of the 12-7 loss to John Marshall.

At this point, it’s out of coach Andy Bogert’s hands. He’s not going to risk it. Shepard is meeting with neurologists this week to see what is the best course of action.

This the second concussion of the season for Shepard, a sophomore. He suffered one vs. Casady and missed the Weatherford game. He plays with such reckless abandon, and it’s catching up to him.

Shepard surprised the team by showing up for film Saturday. He didn’t remember much about the game, but he remembered going to the hospital. The CAT scan results came out normal, so that was a positive, Bogert said.

Cooper Cloud will remain the quarterback. Bogert was happy with Cloud’s outing vs. the Bears, citing some dropped balls were what really hurt the offense.

I thought maybe Cale Courtney might be moved back over, but Bogert said Courtney has become such a weapon as a wide receiver that it’s best to have Cloud stay at the position.

And with the way Mt. St. Mary’s is playing right now, this is not a gimme Friday night. How quickly things can change.

Heritage can still win the district with a victory Friday, but things just got very interesting (and scary) for the Chargers. Hope Shepard is OK, he’s a good kid.

Tape and braces is all that is keeping up together at this point.” -  coach Grant Gower

It’s been one big injury after another for Deer Creek. And needing a win at Lawton MacArthur, there couldn’t be a worse time for all this.

Star-in-the-making RB Colten Sander is already out for the season. In the second quarter vs. Altus, QB Alex Christensen breaks his hand.

Gower switches from being under center to nothing but pure shotgun, but it’s too painful for Christensen.

Tyson Wade comes in and breaks his collarbone soon after, so the Antlers are down their top running back and top two quarterbacks.

Sander’s replacement, Tyler Price, tears ligaments in his thumb, so he’s banged up.

Hunter Dinkines is now in at quarterback. Or is he? For now, Gower plans on going with Dinkines in this spot.

But there have been whispers that freshman sensation Joe Blumenthal (hope I spelled that right)  (Boneman’s note: It’s Joel Blumenthal. Thanks, DC followers) might make an apperance. Joel led the freshman team to a perfect 9-0 season and opposing coaches and DC parents have been wondering if Joel would see some time.

Ideally, Gower would like to not have to use Joel in such a big spot. But because Dinkines is such a big contributor as a wide receiver, he hasn’t ruled it out.

Wouldn’t that be something if a freshman quarterback in his first varsity game leads the charge in a hostile environment and puts the Antlers in the playoffs?

I’m getting ahead of myself at this point, but it’s a possibility.

The Bears allowed the Chargers’ Barry Sanders to run for 128 yards but half of those came on one carry, a 64-yard touchdown run in the season quarter. The Bears also forced two Heritage Hall turnovers in winning their seventh game of the season.

Others:
Kevin Forbes, Douglass: Forbes ran for two touchdowns in the Trojans’ 29-14 win over Woodward on Friday night.

Emilio Gatewood, Millwood: Gatewood could very easily have won the honor for the third consecutive week, after running for 181 yards and three touchdowns in Millwood’s 47-0 win over Centennial.

Jay Gogue, Southeast: Gogue ran for two touchdowns, including a 75-yarder, and threw for another in Southeast’s 37-22 loss to McGuinness.

Friday night, in a 63-7 blowout of Norman, Flanders ran for 131 yards and three touchdowns on just 12 carries.

Others:
Chazten Gonzalez, Del City: Gonzalez threw for 341 yards and a touchdown, and ran for another, in Del City’s 41-24 loss to Mustang.

Cameron Hinshaw, Midwest City: Hinshaw returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown in Midwest City’s win over Norman.

Tre Porter, Carl Albert: Carl Albert wrapped up the No. 2 spot in 5A-2 with a convincing 42-17 win over Duncan. Porter, primarily a defensive player, still managed to score three touchdowns: a 9 and 65-yard run and a 55-yard punt return.

Porter has turned into an even greater offensive weapon for the Titans than Daytawion Lowe, who’s now a freshman at Oklahoma State, was last year. And the Titans have needed it without a running back with the explosiveness of David Oku. It’s hard to judge just how much better Carl Albert is than earlier in the year but Gary Rose’s team certainl appears to have improved greatly after losing to Tulsa Washington and Shawnee earlier in the season.

FOOTBALL

Nick Canavan, Norman North
Though the T-Wolves were upset by Edmond Santa Fe and subsequently eliminated from the playoffs, Canavan was a force on both sides of the ball. He scored North lone TD and was all over the field defensively. But the biggest reason Canavan is recognized here is because the kid played with heart from kickoff through the final horn. Canavan ran hard, broke tackles and popped out of a gang tackles all night. At linebacker, he never let up on any play. An impressive show of moxie from one of the best all-around athletes in 6A.

Others:

Seth Zimmer, Norman
While the Tigers ended up on the wrong end of a blowout against Midwest City, Zimmer scored the first touchdown of the game on a pass from quarterback Chad Davis.

CROSS COUNTRY

Dustin Barrier, Norman North
The junior placed high all season and figured to be a top-15 placer at the Class 6A state championships. However, running his best race of the season, Barrier placed third and became the school’s first All-Stater in cross country. What’s more, he kicked in the final 50 yards and sped in one second ahead of the fourth-place runner.

Others:

Tanner Satterthwaite, Norman
Satterthwaite capped a tremendous late-season surge that saw him win the Mid-State Conference title and a 6A regional crown. The sophomore placed fourth at state and will head into the 2010 season as one of the favorites for the 6A title.

Megan Johnson, Norman
It’s rare that a 35^th-place finish warrants runner of the week mention, but Johnson deserves it because of her fantastic season leading up to state. The top runner in 6A all season, Johnson was hit with the flu in the week leading up to state, missed several days of school and had fever up until two days before the race.

The illness prevented her from running anywhere near full strength. And it was a testament to the respect she has from other runners that several came up to her after the race to say they were sorry she had to incur such bad luck as getting sick just before the biggest race of the year.

Moore Zone

FOOTBALL

Austin Haywood & Kendal Thompson, Southmoore
How can you choose between these two considering the performances they put forth against Moore and the subsequent result of their brilliant performances.

First, let’s start with what happened on the field Friday against Moore. Haywood scored four touchdowns and threw for another. The tight end/defensive end caught three TDs and ran for another before throwing a touchdown.

Who caught the touchdown. Thompson of course, who also threw for four other TDs.

That alone is reason enough for the recognition of player of the week. But they also did it on a night that OU football coach Bob Stoops and assistants Josh Heupel, Bobby Jack Wright and Kevin Wilson were there to watch them play.

Clutch. That’s big-time. A lot of player would have tried too hard in that situation. Instead, these two sparkled.

By Saturday each had an offer from OU and by Monday, both had committed to the Sooners.

Considering Southmoore DB Julian Wilson had already committed to OU, that’s three players from one team going to play for the Sooners. Rare and impressive as could be.

Others:

Chris Clark, Moore
The senior running back/linebacker plays all out every game for a winless team. It should be a given than anyone who goes through the rigors of practice, film study, conditioning drills, weight lifting, etc., would always go all out on Friday nights. But, for whatever reason, that’s not always the case. Clark does each and every game, regardless of the Lions’ record.

In a lopsided loss to Southmoore, Clark scored two touchdowns on the ground and played stout defense as always.

Stanley West, Westmoore
The senior defensive back/receiver intercepted a Lawton Eisenhower pass late in the fourth quarter that should have sealed the deal for the Jaguars. Westmoore led 14-13 when West swiped Adrian McDonald’s pass in the end zone. One first down may have been enough to run out the clock, two definitely would have. Instead, a three-and-out ended allowed Ike to come bac and kick a game-winning field goal with six seconds left. Nonetheless, West made the play of the game for the Jags and probably should have been the hero.

Tanner Harper, Westmoore
The Jags’ defensive back also made a great play that could have easily been the game-winner for Westmoore had the offense been able to run off a little clock. Harper recovered a fumble at the Westmoore 45-yard line with a little over six minutes left. But the recovery was anything but routine. After a shotgun snap sailed over the Ike QB’s head, Harper sped after the ball, only to arrive when Ike’s quarterback fell on the ball and wrapped both arms around it. Refusing to give up on the play, Harper dove into McDonald and ripped the ball away. Great hustle play that in a lot of other circumstances could have decided the game.

CROSS COUNTRY

Taylor Painter & Toby Bothwell, Westmoore
The pair of seniors each placed second at the Class 6A state cross country meet. Painter, who had been a top-5 finisher all season and was an All-Stater last year, stepped up and beat the two favorites to win the title as well as a handful of other strong runners. She saved her best for last.

Bothwell was a different story because he was disappointed in finishing second. And he had good reason. There’s no better runner in the state. Winner Victor Others of Ponca City is a deserving champion, so take nothing away from him. But Bothwell had been stricken by the flu bug and was not 100 percent. That’s a shame to happen at the biggest race of the season. Still, he had a dominant season, which included a win over Others.

Well, I’m going to let the cat out of the bag a little early on this one. Mt. St. Mary’s football coach Dal Nichols was out last week with the H1N1 flu, so he didn’t make the trip to Newkirk.

The Rockets, who are playing their most inspired ball of the year, went out and won 28-21 to move to 3-6, 2-4 in district and give the Tigers only their second district loss.

That’s not why MSM is earning the Team of the Week honor, oh no. It’s what those seniors decided to do Saturday morning that wins them this award.

I’ve written a lengthy piece about this for Tuesday’s paper, so I’m just going to say the seniors decided they would all go over to coach’s house Saturday morning and give him the game ball.

It’s something Nichols said he will never, ever forget. It’s a type of feel-good moment that you really can’t get enough of nowadays.

Check back Tuesday, and I’ll post the link so you can read the whole story. What a cool move by those kids and what a heartfelt, genuine moment that must have been.

UPDATE: It’s Tuesday, so here ya go.

Other contenders

Camden Tharp, QB, Bishop McGuinness: Tharp was efficient in a 37-22 win vs. Southeast. He ran for a touchdown, threw for another and was 9-of-13 through the air.

Jameel Whitney, RB/QB, McGuinness: I kid about the “QB” label, but Whitney did throw a touchdown pass and ran for another in the Irish win.

Barry Sanders, RB, Heritage Hall: Sanders scored the lone touchdown and rushed for 128 yards in a 12-7 loss to John Marshall.

Parker Randell, RB, Oklahoma Christian Academy: Randell was good for four rushing touchdowns as OCA once again knocked off Prue.

Bryant Hodge, QB, Christian Heritage: Solid game from Hodge who ran for two touchdowns and threw for two more in a 38-15 win against Thomas.

Jack Warren and Jeff Smith, Oklahoma Christian: They’re almost connected at the hip at this point. Smith rushed for three scores and caught another while Warren threw four touchdown passes in a 55-14 victory over Crescent.

Mary Kate Roy, McGuinness, Cross Country: The Irish were stunned in the team race, placing second. Roy led the individual charge with a fourth-place finish.

Frank Frantz, McGuinness, Cross Country: The Irish were good enough to take third in the team race with Frantz placing eighth.

I had been thinking about writing this piece for a while. But after talking to Kameron Doolittle and Nelson Medeiros, it cinched it for me.

When Blake Umberham was benched earlier this season, he could have become a total distraction to the team. But the way he has handled the situation is something he should be proud of.

It’s not like he was a two-way starter, so he could now concentrate on defense. Being a quarterback is what he is. If he’s not that, he’s not out on the field. I’ve been amazed by how he’s handled it.

And I can tell coach Justin Merideth has been, too. When I talked to Merideth about this Saturday morning, the tone of his voice changed. It went from like a way a coach talks to a reporter about a game to a way a friend talks about another friend. That type of sincerity, and it really stood out to me.

Anyway, if you didn’t get a chance to read today’s piece, here is the link to it. Umberham may not be throwing touchdowns, but his leadership has been vital in the five-game winning streak.

Some weeks you’re scrambling to find that player of the week. Um, last week wasn’t one of those times.

It was a great week in Edmond sports, and I don’t want to single out a defensive star here or a runner there, so I’m giving the honor to Memorial’s defense and the North girls’ cross country team as Teams of the Week.

We’ve covered Memorial and its defense at this point in the 10-0 win vs. North. The Bulldogs have given up 17 points in the last five games, earned hosting a first-round playoff game, etc.

I’ve written it before, not much to add at this point. Strong at every line of defense and Nelson Medeiros is a stud no matter where he’s playing.

North was hoping for the clean sweep in cross country, but the boys placed second. The girls were dominant all year, led by Meredith Farley (6th) and Anna Kimsey (8th).  North was 21 points better than second-place Westmoore.

Two of the top eight is impressive, four of the top 12 is insane as Ashley Webb was 11th and Hannah Helker finished 12th.

Memorial and Santa Fe were pretty solid, too. The Bulldogs placed fourth in both while the Wolves were seventh in both competitions.

Other contenders (and winners any other week)

- Taler Buck, Deer Creek, Cross Country: This is how stout Edmond was this week. Buck won the 5A state championship and helped pace the Antlers to a second-place finish. He was 12 seconds better than anyone else. Crazy. Aaron White was third for DC.

- Tara Lewis, Memorial, Cross Country: She finished a superb season by placing fourth in the 6A event. She was .45 away from placing third as her time was 12:03.74 while Jenks’ Paige Barnes was at 12:03.30.

- Adam Godwin, North, Cross Country: Best finisher for the Huskies, placing fifth while the team took second.

- Will Long, QB, Santa Fe: It’s been a trying year for the senior, but he played his best game of the season in a 24-7 win at Norman North. He threw two touchdowns and didn’t have an interception.

- Colton Byford, DE, North: The North defense certainly didn’t lose that game and Byford was all over the field during Edlam.

I woke up this morning to see my inbox bombarded (OK, too strong a word) with legit questions as to why El Reno (9-0, 6-0) and Duncan (8-1, 6-0) was not included in the Top 10 games of the week.

Huh?

After consulting with ace reporter Ryan Aber about this (who compiles the list), hey, we flubbed up on this one. It was a mistake.

This game is definitely in the 2-4 range. Glenpool and Star Spencer is big, Mustang and Southmoore deserves its spot and Bartlesville and Broken Arrow should be a fun one.

But after that, yea, this game deserves its place.

And while we forgot about it for the top 10 games, we most certainly didn’t forget about it for Friday night’s coverage as Matt Patterson will there live and in living color for the District 5A-1 championship.

El Reno’s defense is ridiculous this year, allowing just over 10 points per game. Duncan has quietly gone under the radar.

Think some fans forgot about this team after the Carl Albert loss. Hey, that was just one of those nights. This team is dang good.

I gotta tell ya while I hate when we make a blunder like this, I love the outpouring of support from both sides. I’ve had e-mails from Duncan and El Reno fans about this one. Obviously the teams and their supporters are fired up. I am, too, for this one.

While I spent part of Friday afternoon hunkered down at Edmond North, the night belonged to Edmond Memorial.

And more specifically, the defense. It was an unbelievable atmosphere that I’m thrilled I had the honor to be a part of.

The game was clinched by an interception return for a touchdown by Memorial senior Nelson Medeiros in a 10-0 win.

I had a chance to catch up with Medeiros after the game and to shoot the pure insanity that was Edlam.

Oh, and I was mighty impressed by the Memorial sign. It was pretty clever. A little long but worth the read.

To say I have no high school pride at all is putting it nicely. I have no intentions on going back to my Ohio HS anytime soon.

But if my school did things like this Edmond North pep rally before the Memorial game, maybe it might be different.

I mean this was a show. All I remember is cheerleaders, some streamers and introducing the team, followed by some lame game at my HS.

Not something like this. This was fun to watch. And for those wondering, that is Xavier Smith scoring the touchdown and then dunking the ball.

After all that emotion, interesting to see what is left in the gas tank for the rest of the season. Special thanks to the entire North administration for letting me shoot the rally.

There was one surprise after another in the private school realm this last week. Teams losing I thought would win and teams winning I thought would lose. You really just never know.

Bishop McGuinness (7-2, 5-1)
Well, there were no surprises with the Irish. A dominating first half had ‘em up 24-0 before earning a 37-22 win against Southeast.

Senior Jameel Whitney had a rushing touchdown. Yea, that’s usual. But he also had a passing touchdown, finding David Krahl on a 31-yarder. I would love to see that video.

McGuinness was able to total more than 400 yards of offense, so that’s a good sign as we get deeper and deeper in the season.

The Irish close out their regular season at Elk City. EC has come a long way and is a totally different team from the one that lost to Western Heights.

Heritage Hall (5-4, 5-1)
Maybe the biggest shocker of the week. John Marshall went into Pop Murray Memorial Field and gutted out a 12-7 road victory.

Sophomore Barry Sanders had a big game as usual, but the Bears controlled the rest of the club.

The biggest question is the health of Sterling Shepard, and it will be the first question I ask coach Andy Bogert when I talk to him Monday.

When I first heard it, I thought it was overconfidence. But after hearing about Shepard’s injury in the first half, think it was more confusion to go with a determined club from John Marshall.

Heritage is at Mt. St. Mary’s on Friday.

Casady (7-3, 3-3)
Not the end the Cyclones wanted. Casady was the toast of the town at 7-0, but the wheels fell off in losing the final three games.

Losing to Houston St. Johns and Houston Episcopal were things I could see. But I really thought Casady was better than Holland Hall, so the 35-12 margin was shocking to me.

Casady gave up 61 points the first seven games and 87 in the final three.

Plan on giving coach Koby Scoville a call to wrap up the season for the Cyclones later this week.

Other private schools

- What a performance by Mt. St. Mary’s in winning 28-21 at Newkirk. Wow. It was the usual suspects (Dalton Newsome, Aaron Smith and Mikey Mollman) doing the bulk of the damage, but Andrew Aguilar and Jake Peace came up big, too.

The Rockets did something for coach Dal Nichols on Saturday that I don’t want to talk about just yet. Let’s just say it says a lot about those kids and how those kids see their coach. A truly touching moment.

- Parker Randell once again stole the show as Oklahoma Christian Academy made it two wins in a row against Prue. This time it was a 32-14 victory. Randell had four touchdowns while OCA held Prue to -6 rushing yards.

- Christian Heritage also had an offensive explosion. The Crusaders won 38-15 against Thomas, with QB Bryant Hodge throwing two touchdowns and running for two more.

- And Oklahoma Christian School was dominant in a 55-14 win vs. Crescent. OCS had 461 yards of total offense as Jeff Smith and Jack Warren each accounted for four touchdowns.

You mean there were other Edmond games besides Edlam? Really, you don’t say. A big win by Santa Fe coupled with maybe a just as big loss by Deer Creek makes the last week interesting.

Memorial (6-3, 5-1)
Well, what more can I say about the Bulldogs’ 10-0 win vs. North? I’m about talked out about that one. It was a performance for the ages that I really think you had to be there to appreciate.

The big thing is how Memorial bounces back. There has to be an emotional letdown. It’s not that there might be, but there has to be.

That team poured its heart and soul into that one. If Memorial looks sharp against Putnam City, this might say as much about how good of a coach Justin Merideth is than anything.

And blatant plug alert: look for a big story on senior QB Blake Umberham in Monday’s paper.

North (7-2, 4-2)
Health is my biggest question for this team. Qua’Don Henderson is banged up. Travis Townsend attempted to gut it out but just didn’t have it.

What is this team’s psyche right now? In the two games that they were admittedly fired up, it’s been a 42-13 loss to Midwest City and a 10-0 loss to Memorial.

I saw a lot of positives with the defense from Friday. If the D continues to play like that, going on the road for the playoffs is going to be doable. It’s not preferred, but it’s what they’re going to have to do.

The Huskies close it out with senior night vs. Westmoore. Get healthy and bouncing back is in order.

Santa Fe (2-7, 1-5)
I don’t like just flat out cheering for a kid, but I’m happy for quarterback Will Long. He has taken some serious flak this whole season. I mean some of the e-mails I’ve received have been astounding.

But in pulling off the 24-7 upset at Norman North, it was Long who came up big. He threw two touchdown passes (to Patrick Hinton and Matt Leavell) and didn’t throw an interception.

Of course, the defense deserves some props. The Wolves forced four turnovers and shut out the Timberwolves through three quarters.

Santa Fe has its senior night Thursday against Moore. I will be there.

Deer Creek (4-5, 3-3)
Ooh boy, the Antlers just made their life difficult. A 21-7 home loss to Altus was not what the doctor ordered. It was up for grabs as it was scoreless at halftime.

Deer Creek couldn’t get its running game going and had four turnovers. That is not a good recipe for Grant Gower’s club.

Alex Christensen had the lone touchdown on a 4-yard run in the fourth quarter.

Deer Creek is at Lawton MacArthur and needs a win and some help. It might be one of those weird night of scoreboard watching and district point calculations.

Barrier, a Norman North junior, became the T-Wolves first All-Stater with his third-place finish at Saturday’s Class 6A cross country state championship in Edmond. While Barrier has been strong all season, he generally placed between fifth and 10^th. To jump up to third at state, that’s saying something.

And North coach Mike Ramsey will bring all but one runner back next season, so the future looks bright. And Barrier will head into the 2010 season as one of the favorites to win the state title.

Satterthwaite, a Norman sophomore, charged up from the pack late in the season, getting better every week. He peaked last week with a 6A regional championship and he went to state with the top time of regional winners.

Satterthwaite placed fourth Saturday. Ironically, he and Barrier battled right to the line with Barrier coming in a mere second ahead. Expect some great races between these two standouts in the future.

Illness made it impossible for Toby Bothwell to be his best, but he was still ever so close to being the state’s best.

As it was, the Westmoore teammates each garnered second-place finishes at the Class 6A cross country state meet at Mitch Park. And each felt a lot different about their runner-up status.

“I’m very thankful I came in second,” said Painter. “Last year I didn’t think this was possible. I feel like I am at my peak and I felt good running today. I think I hit the nail on the head.”

Though one of the top runners in 6A all season, Painter (nor champion Jacquelynn Skocik of Jenks) were expected to do this well at state. Norman’s Megan Johnson and Tulsa Union’s Sarah Daggett have been the state’s best performers all season and were clear favorites. Add to that mix Jenks’ Paige Barnes, last year’s 6A state champ.

But Barnes slipped to third, even with a great two-mile time of 12:03, because Skocik (11:49) and Painter (11:54) went under the 12-minute mark. Daggett fell to sixth, in 12:07. And a flu-ridden Johnson, who had posted sub-12-minute marks in all but two races, finished 35^th in 13:04, more than a minute and 10 seconds slower than her usual times.

Painter got stronger rather than fading, posting her second-best time of the season. And Skocik had her best performance of her career.

Meanwhile, like Norman’s Johnson, Bothwell had the misfortune of getting the flu a week before the biggest race of his senior season. Nevertheless, having entered the race as the co-favorite with Ponca City’s Victor Others (the two split in head-to-head meetings this season), Bothwell nearly gutted out a state crown.

Others took individual medalist honors, covering the 5K course in 16:09. Bothwell came in just four seconds behind. To understand the magnitude of his performance, consider that Bothwell’s time in a weakened state was more than 16 seconds better than both the 5A and 4A champions.

“I definitely wasn’t 100 percent,” Bothwell said. “It was just bad timing to get sick when I did. It’s disappointing because I ran with everything I had, but I know I can be faster. I’ve been faster on a harder course. That’s just the luck of the draw I guess.”

Runner-up was a theme for Westmoore. The jags collected three as the girls squad was second in the team competition.

Edmond North repeated as girls tem champions and the Huskies’ boys squad was runner-up to Broken Arrow.

In the boys race, Norman North’s Dustin Barrier had his career-best performance , placing third, one second in front of Norman’s Tanner Satterthwaite, who came into the meet with the top regional-winning time in 6A.

She ended up placing 35^th and took over 13 minutes to finish for the first time in her career. This is a girl who ran every race but two in under 12 minutes.

Johnson and Tulsa Union’s Sarah Daggett were the favorites to win, but Daggett was off Saturday and placed fifth. How Johnson would have done if healthy is impossible to predict. But consider this: If she had posted the time she had in any race but two this season, she would have won. Those are pretty good odds.

Another shame is that a lot of people shrugged it off, saying “She’s just a sophomore. She’s got plenty of time to win a state title.” That’s not good logic. You never know what’s going to happen. The sport of girls cross country more than any other is littered with runners who excelled as freshmen and progressively got worse. It’s a common thing in the sport, unfortunately.

Now, that’s not likely to happen to Johnson. And, in fact, she does already have a state championship (in the 3,200 meters in track). But it’s just a case of misfortune that Johnson didn’t deserve. Those things happen in sports. True to her character, she didn’t make any excuses after the race.

But it would have been great to see what Johnson could have done full strength.

That’s not exactly accurate. The Tigers have improved greatly and Donovan Roberts, Jaime Myers and Greg Offenburger are standout talents. What’s more, the Timberwolves have declined since manhandling Putnam City North in week four. There’s little arguing that.

Still, it’s comparing apples and oranges, because the districts the two teams play in are by far the biggest reason for the change in fortunes. District 6A-1 is the toughest in 6A by a longshot, boasting four teams in the top 10 and seven quality teams. Southmoore, Mustang and Del City are among the top teams in the state. Lawton and PC North are strong. When Edmond Santa Fe and Norman North are bottom dwellers, that’s a vicious district. There’s only one easy game in that whole district.

Now, take 6A-2. Midwest City is a beast. After that, you have Edmond North and Edmond Memorial squads that are maybe the equal of PC North and Lawton. But while the Edmond schools are going to finish second and third, PC North or Lawton won’t even make the playoffs. Westmoore, Putnam City, Putnam City West, Norman and Lawton Ike all have losing records  —  five of eight teams. Only two of eight teams in 6A-1 have losing records, Santa Fe and Moore. And even the upper echelon of each conference don’t compare: two teams in 6A-2 have seven wins; four teams in 6A-1 reached at least that many and another team has six wins.

In other words, put each team in the other’s district and the big swing in momentum wouldn’t have happened the way it did. Now that’s not to say Norman wouldn’t like a crack at North now. No doubt the Tigers figure they would fare much better than the blowout loss they suffered to the T-Wolves in opening week.

But putting the teams on the field together would be the only accurate way of determining if Norman has come so far and North has fallen off so much. And that’s not going to happen until next season. So, no use in making the comparisons when there really isn’t a comparison there.

As far as North is concerned, though. The T-Wolves could sure salvage some pride with a win at Lawton. It would make a huge difference even with the postseason out of the picture. Because a win means a winning record and going out on a high note. A loss means a losing record and closing the book on a season with five straight losses. So, plenty to play for for North this week.

Now, in reality, the loss doesn’t mean beans. Because if Norman beats Lawton Eisenhower this week in the regular-season finale, it will be headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2006. And before the game with Midwest City kicked off Friday, everyone already knew about the winner-take-all game for the last playoff spot in District 6A-2 between the Tigers and Eagles. An upset of Midwest City would have assured things for Norman, but very few people outside of the Norman locker room really expected that upset to occur.

Given that, Friday’s game was meaningless in terms of altering the stakes vs. Lawton Ike. And things would have been fine had Norman gone in and dropped a game by a reasonable score. But falling by 56 points and having 63-unasnwered points scored on you does tend to rattle confidence. That’s the last thing NHS needs right now. No, actually the last thing the Tigers need are injuries to key players  —  and that’s what they got in Midwest City as well.

Running back Donovan Roberts left the game and did not return, apparently with a hip injury. His status for the game against Ike will be crucial. Playing without Roberts, who essentially is the running game, would be brutal.

And linebacker Greg Offenburger, one of the Tigers’ best defenders, has missed two games with a knee injury. They need him back as well.

But, in the meantime, this is one of those burn-the-tape games. Don’t even review it. Move on. No need to re-live that when the players need to be thinking positive heading into the biggest game of their careers.

I’ve talked to Jordan Marczewski, Blake Umberham, Adrian Shoecraft and Nelson Medeiros. They’re all in agreement. That was the best defensive performance they’ve ever been a part of.

Alright, well maybe that was just the heat of the moment. So I called head coach Justin Merideth and asked the same thing. Since he was the defensive coordinator all those years, knew he would have some perspective.

Nope, all in agreement. With what was on the line (Edlam, city championship, second place in the district), Merideth cannot remember a better outing. In a game those Memorial kids will remember, the defense played lights out in a 10-0 win against North.

Memorial 10, North 0

I’ve praised the defense and will continue to do so, but I want to talk about what I thought was key.

Memorial took over at its own 5-yard line with 10:40 left in the fourth quarter. North didn’t see the ball again until the three-minute mark. A nearly eight-minute drive that really only got to midfield, but it drained the North defense.

The Bulldogs had three third down conversions on the drive. It finally stalled once Josh Sierra was banged up, and Cale Olbert had to move to fullback instead of running back.

But the damage was done. North earned one first down before Travis Townsend’s pass sailed into the arms of Medeiros, who went down the sidelines for the game’s only touchdown.

I thought the first half was sloppy and said so in the game blog. But the second half was all defense. One big stick after another, both ways. It’s going to get lost in Memorial’s outing, but North gave up less than 100 yards of total offense.

It wasn’t Kameron Doolittle or Joe Aska Jr. It was Colton Byford and Jared Chambers. Those were the difference makers. Chambers changes the game with his sack of Townsend. Townsend throws three interceptions after that sack.

And Will Conant. He boomed that 44-yard field goal into the wind like nothing. Austin Brasher couldn’t return the favor on his field goal attempt. Both were solid on kickoffs as was expected.

It was fitting that the defense ended up scoring the only TD.

Boneman’s Breakdown

- I won’t second-guess coach Jeremy Dombek as he knows his players, but I thought Danny Rossi should have been in at QB in the second half. I just didn’t see Townsend with any strength to throw. It was all arm throws in the final 24 minutes.

- I will give Doolittle credit for this. When nothing was there, he accepted it. That was key. Take the sack or short loss and punt. Don’t turn it over. You don’t worry about individual stats in a game like that.

- Memorial OL Matt Hall said the team that had the least mistakes would win. Sure enough, it was exactly that way.

- That celebration scene was, for the lack of a better term, awesome. The raw emotion that came out from the players and coaches is why we do what we do. And Medeiros being hoisted on the shoulders, c’mon, priceless stuff.

Final analysis: In the five-game winning streak, Memorial has given up 0, 7, 3, 7 and 0 points. Yep, 17 points in five games. That’s why the Bulldogs will be hosting a first-round playoff game, and that’s why Ryan Aber (and of course, myself) have ‘em in the top 10 for the first time this season.

North has some injury issues. Townsend with the ankle and Qua’Don Henderson’s ankle issue. And Aska seems like he is wearing down a little. He hasn’t rushed for more than 100 yards in the last three weeks. The defense played as well as it possibly could, so I’m not getting off the bandwagon yet.

Up next: Memorial (6-3, 5-1) is at Putnam City to close out the regular season while North (7-2, 4-2) will have its senior night against Westmoore. North is guaranteed to place third in the district.

Look for videos galore on NewsOK this weekend. I was at North’s pep rally, and that black light party was fun. And then, of course, I was all over the Memorial mob scene at the end and talked with Nelson Medeiros once again. Also, look for a big story on Blake Umberham in Monday’s paper. You’ll see why once you read it.

Tuttle

What went right: Just about everything. The most amazing thing to come out of this game for me was Bobby Stonebreaker’s 52-yard field goal. That’s such a rarity in high school football where kicking games range from bad to downright awful, generally speaking. Stonebreaker is an elite talent at the position and it’s a complete joke he hasn’t been snagged by a Division I school yet. He already has more range than current OU kicker Jimmy Stevens has on his best day…with hurricane force winds at his back. Moving on, Tanner Koons and Dylan Coppenbarger helped Tuttle rush for nearly 300 yards. The defense pitched a shut out, even without Biddy, as guys like Cole Gracey harassed Anadarko’s ball carriers all night long.

What went wrong: There were a couple of fumbles and Koons threw an interception. Outside of that, a near flawless performance.

Anadarko

What went right: Not much. The good news for Anadarko is they’re getting a little healthier and did a great job on Tuttle defensively in the second half. Also, this is a young Anadarko team that returns loads of starters next year. You can see the potential of this group that should be fully realized in 2010. Hopefully they’ll get a taste of the playoffs this year.

What went wrong: Plenty. Anadarko had a fumble but really never came close to getting anything going on offense as Tuttle limited them to under 150 total yards. Defensively, Anadarko couldn’t stop the rush but did a decent job otherwise, particularly in the second half.

Class 6A
1. Jenks (1)#9-0
2. Tulsa Union (2)#8-1
3. Broken Arrow (3)#7-2
4. Southmoore (4)#8-1
5. Midwest City (6)#7-2
6. Bartlesville (7)#8-1
7. Mustang (9)#7-2
8. Del City (5)#7-2
9. Lawton (10)#7-2
10. Edmond Memorial (NR)#6-3

The main shift here came with Del City dropping three spots to No. 8. Midwest City and Bartlesville move up a spot each, while Mustang jumps up two spots. Edmond North drops out after losing for the second time in three games, and not looking particularly impressive in the one win during that stretch. Lawton moves up a spot to No. 9. Edmond Memorial makes its debut. I considered Owasso for that spot, and went back and forth but Memorial’s streak and the way the Bulldogs’ defense has played this season, even in losses, wins out over the Rams.

Class 5A
1. Tulsa Kelley (1)#9-0
2. El Reno (2)#9-0
3. Shawnee (3)#9-0
4. Tulsa Washington (5)#5-4*
5. Carl Albert (6)#7-2
6. Tulsa East Central (7)#8-1
7. McAlester (4)#8-1
8. Bixby (8)#6-3
9. Tulsa Central (9)#7-2
10. Duncan (10)#8-1
*Two games forfeited.

Some shuffling here with Tulsa East Central’s win over previously undefeated McAlester. I also thought long and hard about what to do about Tulsa Washington after they were forced to forfeit two games for using an ineligible player. From what’s been confirmed right now, with just one player being mentioned, I’m keeping them ranked where they would be anyway. That player wouldn’t have made the difference in games against Pryor and Tulsa Hale. But, if more ineligible players are found to have played — and it appears very possible that could happen — I will reconsider. So Tulsa Washington, Carl Albert and East Central each move up one spot. McAlester drops to No. 7. The rest of the top 10 stays the same.

Class 4A
1. Glenpool (1)#9-0
2. Weatherford (3)#9-0
3. McGuinness (4)#7-2
4. Douglass (5)#6-3
5. Sallisaw (2)#8-1
6. Star Spencer (6)#7-2
7. Broken Bow (7)#6-3
8. Wagoner (9)#6-3
9. Poteau (NR)#7-2
10. Oologah (NR)#6-3

Sallisaw slips to No. 5 after getting beat 35-16 to Wagoner. The Black Diamonds lost quarterback Matt Oberste hurt his collarbone on the game’s first play. The three highly ranked 4A-1 teams — Weatherford, McGuinness and Douglass — all moved up a spot. Wagoner moved up one spot to No. 8, while Poteau and Oologah moved into the rankings. Jay (loss to Catoosa) and Tecumseh (To Glenpool) dropped out.

Class 3A
1. Cascia Hall (1)#8-0
2. Tuttle (2)#9-0
3. Madill (3)#9-0
4. Metro Christian (4)#9-0
5. Berryhill (5)#7-2
6. Clinton (6)#6-3
7. Sequoyah-Claremore (7)#7-2
8. Blanchard (8)#7-2
9. Elgin (9)#7-2
10. Purcell (10)#7-2

No movement here at all. The only loss among the top 10 was by No. 7 Sequoyah-Claremore and the Eagles stayed within seven of No. 1 Cascia Hall so a dropping isn’t warranted.

Class 2A
1. Lincoln Christian (1)#8-1
2. Davis (2)#9-0
3. Sequoyah-Tahlequah (3)#9-0
4. Vian (4)#8-1
5. Kingfisher (6)#7-2
6. Millwood (7)#7-2
7. Bridge Creek (8)#8-1
8. Plainview (9)#8-1
9. Jones (10)#7-2
10. John Marshall (NR)#7-2

Not much movement here with one big exception. Heritage Hall drops from No. 5 to out after losing to John Marshall while the Bears move into the rankings for the first time. It came down to those two for the last spot. Heritage Hall would’ve been the only four-loss team ranked in any class and John Marshall has been in every game its played this year and allowed more than 19 points just once (21 by Kingfisher). I’ll re-evaluate next week but this week at least John Marshall is more worthy of ranking than Heritage Hall.

Class A
1. Tonkawa (1)#9-0
2. Ringling (2)#8-0
3. Hennessey (3)#9-0
4. Stroud (4)#9-0
5. Talihina (5)#9-0
6. Cashion (6)#9-0
7. Oklahoma Bible (7)#8-1
8. Central Sallisaw (9)#8-1
9. Watonga (10)#7-2
10. OCS (NR)#6-2

The only top 10 team to lose this week was Salina, which was beaten by Foyil 28-20 for its first loss of the year. Even though it was only one, Salina falls out. It just didn’t have a marquee win. So OCS is back in, after beating Crescent 55-14 to improve to 6-2. The Saints have a big win, beating Sulphur in the season opener by 17, and their losses — by one to Watonga and two to Cashion — have been mitigated by the seasons those teams have turned in. Pawnee and Okeene are the first teams out here.

Class B
1. Garber (1)#9-0
2. Canton (2)#8-1
3. Porter (3)#9-0
4. Ryan (4)#9-0
5. Davenport (5)#8-1
6. Depew (6)#7-2
7. Kiefer (7)#8-1
8. Caddo (8)#7-2
9. Weleetka (9)#6-3
10. Alex (10)#6-3

I wanted to make changes here, I really did. But I just couldn’t justify it in my mind. I still think Canton is the second-best team in Class B and believe the playoffs will bear that out, so Canton stays in the second spot. I like Porter and Ryan but they’re not quite at that level yet. Nos. 3-8 stay the same as all win. Then we come to the final two spots. Both Weleetka and Alex lost. So I went through and picked Fox and Laverne as the two likely replacements. That’s where the problems came in. Fox’s losses came to Ryan and Alex. Ryan hasn’t lost while Alex’s only losses came to Ryan, No. 8 Caddo and Class C No. 3 Temple. So hard to jump Fox over them when Alex hasn’t slipped up against a team they should’ve beaten. Weleetka’s losses have come to Depew, Davenport and Kiefer, so they also haven’t lost to anyone they flat out should’ve beaten. Laverne, on the other hand, slipped up a couple weeks ago against Geary. So the status quo remains in the final two spots.
Fox
Laverne

Class C
1. Shattuck (1)#9-0
2. Timberlake (2)#9-0
3. Temple (3)#8-1
4. Seiling (4)#8-1
5. Maud (5)#9-0
6. Deer Creek-Lamont (6)#8-1
7. Boise City (7)#7-2
8. Tipton (10)#7-2
9. Waynoka (NR)#6-2
10. Covington-Douglas (NR)#5-4

I said a few weeks ago that I thought Covingon-Douglas still might be a top 10 team and they’ve played like it the last two weeks. Still will interesting to see how it all plays out but they’re in the last spot for now. The top seven all stay the same. Waynoka also makes an appearance in the poll after beating Wesleyan Christian. Sasakwa and Thackerville dropped out.

MEMORIAL 10, NORTH 0 – FINAL

Wow. Wow. Wow.

It deserves three of them. What a defensive outing by Memorial. Wow, OK, a fourth.

Nelson Medeiros clinches the game with a 49-yard INT return for a touchdown with 2:21 left in the game.

That defense is a bad man, I tells ya, holding North 75 total yards and picking off Travis Townsend three times.

Medeiros was lifted onto the shoulders of his teammates in a truly great visual (and video) moment as I havta eat crown on this one. Look for another vid with Medeiros this weekend.

Wow, OK, a fifth time.

MEMORIAL 3, NORTH 0 – HALFTIME

8:32 – It’s almost at a point where if it’s a five-yard gain, everyone is getting excited. Some great defensive plays combined with some bad plays on offense, and this is what you have.

Right now, the teams are stalling themselves. Just when either team looks like it’s getting momentum, a negative play happens and the drive is done.

The only scoring came on an impressive 44-yd FG by Memorial’s Will Conant. Boomed that sucker through. North’s Austin Brasher missed a 45-yarder in the second quarter.

Memorial’s Jared Chambers sacked Travis Townsend, and Townsend hasn’t been the same since. In his second pass after the sack, he threw his first INT of the season as Jordan Marczewski picked it off in the final minute.

Memorial couldn’t cash in as Kameron Doolittle was picked off by Brandon Downing on the final play of the half.

North has 32 total offensive yards while Memorial has 69. Cale Olbert has 57 of those yards with 52 rushing yards and five receiving yards.

I’m thinking Danny Rossi has to play QB in this half. Townsend can’t get anything on his throws because of the ankle problem.

Both coaches have stuff to be fired up about. Interesting to see what adjustments are made. As always, follow me on Twitter for more updates.

7:08 – We’re truckin’ along here. Senior night festivities are under way here at Wantland. Took a bunch of B-Roll video footage (including Memorial’s rather long but cool sign).

6:05 – It’s going to be a fun one tonight. We’re a little less than 90 minutes away, and there are already tons of people in the stadium. It’s an electric atmosphere right now and should be for the next five hours.

5:50 – Yea, got here a little earlier than normal for North and Memorial. Wanted to beat the traffic. Safe to say, I did. Can’t believe I forgot to mention this, but North quarterback Travis Townsend will be starting tonight.

Was at North’s pep rally this afternoon (look for a video on NewsOK later this weekend), and coach Jeremy Dombek confirmed RB Qua’Don Henderson will not play in this one.

I’ve written more than enough on this one. You’ve heard more than enough about this one. It’s just about time for Edlam.

To keep in touch on everything that is happening tonight, follow me on Twitter @BPrzybylo. I’ll also be back here at halftime with analysis and all those other good things.

When: 7:30 p.m. tonight

Where: Moore Stadium

Southmoore

Why the SaberCats can win: Southmoore has scored 217 more points, or 27.1 points per game, than Moore this season.

Moore

Why the Lions could win: The Lions won this game last year. Anything is possible.

Key matchup: Southmoore vs. its own intensity. The SaberCats could be thinking ahead to next week’s showdown with Mustang that will likely be for the district title. But if the players have any revenge for last year on their minds, they will be adequately focused.

The pick: Southmoore 52, Moore 17.

Southmoore’s defense has given up the fewest points in the district. Moore’s offense has scored the fewest points.

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Putnam City Stadium

Why PC could win: The Pirates have more talent at key positions, like quarterback and defensive line, which will ultimately turn the game in their favor. Caleb Lee continues to get more comfortable, so that he can more freely use all of his skills. And the added threat of a run game, boosted by the return of Cody Minor, should produce some points for the Pirates. Defensively, the Pirates are still one of the better ones in 6A.

Why PC West could win: They’re due for a big game, and PC is a team that the Patriots can match up with in size and speed. Johnny Smith showed what he can do, rushing for 124 yards against a bigger defense in Edmond North. And the Pats’ defense didn’t turn in a terrible showing last week either, so with the added enthusiasm of a rivalry game, things could be coming together for PC West tonight.

Key matchup: Smith vs. PC linebackers. Linebacker is one of the more talented areas for Putnam City, so if they’re able to corral Smith and the PC West run game, it will be good news for Pirate fans. The Pats must have the run game going to keep the offense on the field and to open up chances to strike in the passing game.

The pick: PC 31, PC West 21.

Edmond Santa Fe (1-7, 0-5) vs. Norman North (4-3, 2-3)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Harve Collins Field, Norman

Santa Fe (L, North; L, Memorial; W, PCWest; L, Mustang; L, Del City; L, Southmoore; L, PCNorth; L, Lawton)
Why the Wolves can win: Both of these teams are struggling right now, and if Norman North is hanging its head at all, Bruce Gowen’s boys are going to walk out with a win. The defense is right up there with the rest of 6A-1. A break or two for the Wolves, and the losing streak is done.

Norman North
Why the Timberwolves can win: Edmond Santa Fe’s offense is run first, run second, run if possible third, pass fourth. And why not? The Wolves have a star in Brian Mills. But the teams that have hurt Norman North have done so mainly through the air. The T-Wolves stuff the run.

Boneman’s key matchup: Santa Fe running game vs. North defense. If there’s been one constant this season, it’s been the Santa Fe running game, led by Brian Mills. Another solid outing is crucial.

Justin’s key matchup: Norman North linebackers Nick Canavan and Jon Johnson vs. Brian Mills. Canavan will be the first linebacker Mills has seen this season who will be his athletic equal and Johnson is a gap plugger, who lives for contact. But Mills is fast and shifty. Two against one is pretty good odds, though.

Boneman’s pick: Santa Fe 21, Norman North 17. I said last week Santa Fe was going to win out. Just think this team is too good to have suffered the setbacks its gone through and not see some positives happen.

Justin’s pick: Norman North 36, Edmond Santa Fe 18. Norman North averages 33.2 points per game and Santa Fe allows an average of 22.1. That’s a great combo for the T-Wolves.

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Cameron Stadium, Lawton

Why PC North could win: The Panthers have shown they can bounce back from a bad loss with a good win. And last week’s throttling at the hands of Mustang certainly should have lit some fires out on Sam Bradford Dr. PC North will correct the mistakes that let Mustang get up big early, which will give them a chance to better utilize their talent at running back, receiver and in the secondary.

Why Lawton could win: Lawton’s defense will put some pressure on QB Jace James and the Wolverines have the speed in the secondary to hang with PC North’s talented receivers. Offensively, the run-pass threat is strong with QB Cody Miller and RB Charles Smith.

Key matchup: Smith vs. PC North front seven. The Panthers got in a hole last week because they couldn’t stop the run. Smith is a different kind of back than Daniel Farrow, but he’s still capable of breaking off 150 if you give him room. Lawton has enough size up front to try a little power run game if they want, and if they find success, it could be a long night for the Panthers.

The pick: Lawton 28, PC North 24. Last time I picked against Lawton, I got burned when they beat Mustang. Last time I picked PC North, I got burned when they lost to Mustang. I’m not playing with fire on this one.

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Owasso High School

Why Yukon could win: The Millers’ defense gives them a chance every week. The offense has slowly been getting it back together and could be due for a big week. But defense will be the key. If the defense can create some turnovers or give the offense good field position, look for Yukon to be in this one all the way.

Why Owasso could win: With Joe Lindsey back, the Rams have been a much more reliable offense. He’s only a junior, but he’s a talented leader who can do a lot of things. Owasso has a lot of talent on defense as well. Had Lindsey been healthy all year, they would have been the clear favorite for the No. 2 spot in the district behind Union.

Key matchup: Lindsey vs. Yukon secondary/linebackers. Lindsey will throw and run, so keeping him contained will be the biggest key of all for Yukon. The Millers will need good coverage when he throws, and quick pursuit when he runs.

Playoff picture: A win tonight has Yukon in good standing for a home playoff berth entering Week 10 at Choctaw. A loss doesn’t kill their playoff chances, but it makes next week’s game a lot bigger. Owasso seals up a playoff spot with a win.

The pick: Owasso 21, Yukon 17. I think the Millers are good enough to play with the Rams, but ultimately, the Rams are on a different level right now.

Star Spencer (L, Millwood; W, Southeast; L, Douglass; W, McLoud; W, Tecumseh; W, Cushing; W, Seminole; W, Cleveland)
Why the Bobcats can win: It’s not a matter of can. It’s a matter of will. Star Spencer isn’t going to have a letdown this week against a winless Mannford team. 

Mannford (L, Collinsville; L, Fort Gibson; L, Bristow; L, Cleveland; L, Seminole; L, Glenpool; L, Tecumseh; L, McLoud)
Why the Pirates can win: Short answer is, short of the Bobcats not showing up, they can’t. I hate to be that certain but it’s been a rough year for Mannford. They’ve only scored more than seven points twice, and Start Spencer’s defense is at good as it gets in 4A.

Key matchup: Star Spencer’s mentality vs. its physicality. While I don’t think Mannford can win, the one chance they have is if the Bobcats don’t even think about Mannford. Star Spencer has a huge game on the horizon next week when Glenpool hosts the Bobcats. For at least a few hours tonight, Star Spencer needs to be thinking about the Pirates rather than the Warriors.

Ryan’s pick: Star Spencer 48, Mannford 0. The Bobcats keep rolling right along, turning in their fifth shutout of the season.

Douglass (W, Capitol Hill; L, Millwood; W, Star Spencer; W, Elk City; W, Southeast; W, Guymon; L, McGuinness; L, Weatherford)
Why the Trojans can win: Because they finally are done with a tough two-game stretch that included back-to-back losses to two of the top five teams in 4A. The Del City defense has been outstanding all season and their running backs figure to break out. 

Woodward (L, El Reno; L, Canadian, Texas; W, Deer Creek; L, Weatherford; W, Piedmont; L, McGuinness; W, Guymon, L, El City)
Why the Boomers can win: Because they finally find some level of consistency, and if the Trojans come out flat after heartbreaking losses the last two weeks.

Key matchup: Woodward quarterback Casey Covalt vs. Douglass secondary. If the Boomers are to win, Covalt has to have a lot to do with it. He’s one of the top passers in 4A. Douglass, though, has one of the top defenses in the class.

Ryan’s pick: Douglass 35, Woodward 7. The Trojans are just too much for the Boomers and need this win to lock in a playoff berth. A bounce-back win for Douglass.

Centennial (W, Empire, L, John Marshall; W, Northwest; L, Bethel; W, SeeWorth; L, Meeker; L, Jones; L, Little Axe)
Why the Bison can win: It’ll be tough. But this was a team with high expectations going into the season. They haven’t lived up to it so far but there is talent here capable of breaking through if the Falcons overlook them.

Millwood (W, Star Spencer; W, Douglass; L, McGuinness; W, Little Axe; L, Jones; W, Lexington; W, SeeWorth; W, Bethel)
Why the Falcons can win: Because they’re the better team, plain and simple.

Key matchup: Emilio Gatewood vs. Centennial’s front. Millwood was vulnerable at times early in the season when Gatewood was injured. He’s healthy now and the Falcons offense has been much more dangerous of late because of it. When Gatewood’s putting up big numbers, Millwood is hard to stop.

Ryan’s pick: Millwood 42, Centennial 7. No surprises here. Gatewood, Kevonte Richardson, Josh Turner and the rest of Millwood’s offense keeps rolling along as the Falcons eye the No. 2 spot in the district.

Durant (L, McAlester; L, Ada; W, Hugo; L, Guthrie; W, Noble; L, Shawnee; W, Capitol Hill; W, Ardmore)
Why the Lions can win: Because they’ve got one of the state’s best players in Daryn Alves, who primarily plays quarterback. Alves has more than 1,200 rushing yards this season.

Carl Albert (L, Tulsa Washington, W, Choctaw; W, Duncan; W, Capitol Hill; L, Shawnee; W, Noble; W, Guthrie; W, Ardmore)
Why the Titans can win: Because they’ve got at least two of the state’s best players in QB J.T. Realmuto and do-everything Tre Porter. The Titans also have had excellent defensive play since the loss to Shawnee three weeks ago.

Quote:

Our defense has continually gotten better. We had three sophomores starting at the first of the year and it’s going to take them time to come around. We were outmatched at times early in the year but those guys have really played well lately – Carl Albert coach Gary Rose

Key matchup: Alves vs. Carl Albert’s front. The Titans have to contain Alves to win this game. Alves has to break loose for Durant to win. Something’s got to give.

Ryan’s pick: Carl Albert 28, Durant 14. Depth wins out over star power as the Titans all but seal up second place in 5A-1.

Norman (4-4, 3-2) at Midwest City (6-2, 5-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Rose Field, Midwest City 

Norman (L, Norman North; L, Del City; W, Moore; W, Putnam West; L, Edmond North; L, Edmond Memorial; W, Putnam City; W, Westmoore)
Why the Tigers can win: The Tigers best hope of winning lies with Midwest City overlooking Norman. The Tigers have steadily improved this season and need a win to secure a playoff spot. 

Midwest City (L, Del City; W, Moore; L, Southmoore; W, Edmond Memorial; W, Westmoore; W, Lawton Eisenhower; W, Edmond North; W, Putnam City)
Why the Bombers can win: Because that’s all they’ve done since district play began. They’ve received the maximum 15 differential points in each win and while Norman is improved, it still has a long way to go to be in the Bombers’ class. 

Quote:

I don’t think it’s hard for us to get up for them. You put a video of them in and there’s Nos. 1, 4, 2, 28 and all of those guys making plays. It gets the kids’ attention real quick. – Midwest City coach Steve Huff.

Ryan’s key matchup: Norman QB Chad Anderson vs. Midwest City’s defense. Anderson had a fine showing last week, throwing for 145 yards and running for a pair of touchdowns. But Westmoore’s defense isn’t Midwest City. If Norman is to be successful, Anderson needs to give the Tigers a threat both in the air and on the ground. 

Justin’s key matchup: Norman’s do-it-all threat Jaime Myers vs. MWC kick coverage. Myers has been a game-breaker in the return game all season and had three long punt returns last week that either ended in a touchdown or set up a short one. Myers will take a backseat to no one on the field in terms of athleticism. If the Bombers don’t target him, he will make them pay.

Ryan’s pick: Midwest City 56, Norman 14. I’d like to say this’ll be a close game but after the beatings the Bombers have put on Edmond North and Putnam City the last couple of weeks, I don’t see it happening. I think Norman makes the playoffs but they’ll have to wait until next week to make that happen.

Justin’s pick: Midwest City 30, Norman 21. Before losing to Southmoore at home earlier this season, the Bombers had only lost one time since the 2006 season on Rose Field. But guess who beat them in that one? Norman.

Del City (7-1, 4-1) at Mustang (6-2, 4-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Bronco Stadium, Mustang 

Del City (W, Midwest City; W, Norman; W, Edmond Memorial; L, Southmoore; W, Edmond Santa Fe; W, Lawton; W, Norman North; W, Moore)
Why the Eagles can win: Because they are the whole package. They’ve got two receivers that are as good as anybody around and a defense that’s among the toughest in the state. They’ve also developed in the running game, making them a much more balanced team. 

Mustang (W, Yukon; L, Edmond North; W, Putnam City; W, Edmond Santa Fe; L, Lawton; W, Norman North; W, Moore; W, Putnam North)
Why the Broncos can win: Mustang is confident it can beat anybody. They’ve got arguably the best offensive lineman and one of the best offensive lines as a whole. They’ve got an offense that has playmakers in both the running and passing game. Their defensive front has been able to cause problems for opposing quarterbacks. Basically, this is a team with very few weaknesses and they’re out to show they can play with anyone. 

Quote:

They’ve got a really good defensive line, but we think we’ve got a good offensive line, too. It should be a good challenge. – Mustang left tackle Bronson Irwin

Ryan’s key matchup: Bronson Irwin vs. Del City’s front. With Mustang playing a young quarterback, the Broncos are going to need to protect him well. Do that and it allows Mustang to pass the ball just enough to keep the Eagles guessing. But if Del City is able to get a strong push, it could be a long night for Mustang. Del City has been creating havoc without blitzing much. But, they haven’t faced a lineman like Irwin yet.

Scott’s key matchup: Daniel Farrow vs. Del City defensive front. No one has been able to stop Daniel Farrow since he got on the field in Lawton five weeks ago. But Del City is a different challenge. If Mustang can run the ball and keep pressure off quarterback Brandon Taylor, it probably wins. If not, the weight will fall on the sophomore QB, and it’s yet to be seen if he can carry this team to victory in such a big game.

Ryan’s pick: Del City 21, Mustang 20. This game is going to be super close and very competitive but in the end I think the Eagles edge out Mustang to take another step toward finishing No. 2 in the district.

Scott’s pick: Mustang 38, Del City 35. I have just one thing to say about this game: Get your popcorn ready.

John Marshall (6-2, 3-2) vs. Heritage Hall (5-3, 5-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Pop Murray Memorial Field

John Marshall (W, Northwest; W, Centennial; W, Crooked Oak; L, Newkirk; W, Fairview; W, St. Mary; L, Kingfisher; W, Alva)
Why the Bears can win: Defense. The Bears defense has been outstanding this season, never giving up more than 21 points.  They’ve continually gotten better on that side of the ball and the offense has some dangerous weapons as well.

Quote:

This is a big ballgame for us. You aways want measuring sticks of where your team is and this is one for us. We’re going against one of the best teams in the state. – John Marshall coach Bruce Troxell

 Heritage (L, Casady; L, Weatherford; L, Davis; W, Alva; W, Kingfisher; W, Perry; W, Fairview; W, Newkirk)
Why the Chargers can win: Because all the pieces are coming together. The defense has been solid all season, and now Heritage is adding a passing game to go with the vaunted running game.

Quote:

We just had to start executing. We’ve been growing up and maturing, and we’re really coming together as a team.” – sophomore Barry Sanders

Boneman’s key matchup: Heritage defense vs. Brendon Jordan. John Marshall’s do-everything threat has been huge in some of the Bears wins. I don’t want to say he’s doing it all by himself, but his stock has gone up big time during this season.

Ryan’s key matchup: I’ll go the other way and say Sanders vs. John Marshall’s defense.  Whichever of those guys (Sanders and Jordan) has a better game wins. John Marshall has to tackle solidly and swarm Sanders to have a chance at pulling off this upset.

Ryan’s pick: Heritage 35, John Marshall 7. There’s no question the Bears are much improved. But at this point in the season, they aren’t going to jump out and surprise anybody either. If this meeting was earlier in the season, I would’ve given the Bears more of a chance but I think Heritage Hall comes out focused in this game and wins comfortably.

Boneman’s pick: Heritage 24, John Marshall 9. Chargers clinch the district after an 0-3 start. Look for Tanner France to make something happen. Interested to see what Quintaz Struble does in his first game.

As I’m sure you all know by now that Friday Night Lights teaser was all about Edmond North senior Kaden Guerra.

Guerra is in Chicago today and is fighting the good fight against paralysis. With his positive attitude and the support of family, friends and basically the whole Edmond community, he’s truckin’ along.

Before he left for Chicago, I had a chance to speak with Kaden and his father, Joe, for nearly two hours Sunday afternoon. And while all of us were admittedly keeping tabs on the Vikings and Steelers, it was a real emotional interview.

Unfortunately, weren’t able to take some high-quality photos, so the photos in today’s story are from when Kaden was at the North-Santa Fe game.

Here’s a short interview I took with Kaden with an update on his progress and giving a message to both the North and Memorial teams heading into Edlam.

For the story, go here. For the video, see below. I want to thank the whole Guerra family for their assistance and look for a big photo gallery and more info on Guerra’s battle in a blog Saturday afternoon/night.

Week 9
Altus vs. Deer Creek
Ryan: DCreek; Boneman: DCreek; Scott: Altus; Justin: DCreek
Anadarko vs. Tuttle (Matt will be there)
Ryan: Tuttle; Boneman: Tuttle; Scott: Tuttle; Justin: Tuttle (Lock)
Casady vs. Holland Hall
Ryan: Casady; Boneman: Casady (LOCK); Scott: Casady; Justin: Casady
Choctaw vs. Stillwater
Ryan: Stillwater; Boneman: Stillwater; Scott: Stillwater; Justin: Stillwater
Destiny Christian vs. Corn Bible
Ryan: CBible; Boneman: CBible; Scott: CBible; Justin: Corn Bible
Durant vs. Carl Albert
Ryan: CAlbert; Boneman: CAlbert; Scott: CAlbert; Justin: CAlbert
Ed North vs. Ed Memorial (Boneman will be there)
Ryan: Memorial; Boneman: North (by a smidge); Scott: Memorial; Justin: Edmond North
Edmond Santa Fe vs. Norman North (Justin will be there)
Ryan: Santa Fe; Boneman: Santa Fe; Scott: Santa Fe (LOCK); Justin: Norman North
Putnam North vs. Lawton
Ryan: Lawton; Boneman: Lawton; Scott: Lawton; Justin: Lawton
McAlester vs. Tulsa East Central
Ryan: McAlester (LOCK); Boneman: McAlester; Scott: TEC; Justin: TEC
Wagoner vs. Sallisaw
Ryan: Sallisaw; Boneman: Sallisaw; Scott: Sallisaw; Justin: Sallisaw
Cascia Hall vs. Sequoyah-Claremore
Ryan: Cascia; Boneman: Cascia; Scott: Cascia; Justin: Cascia
Plainview vs. Sulphur
Ryan: Plainview; Boneman: Plainview; Scott: Plainview; Justin: Plainview
Canton vs. Garber
Ryan: Garber; Boneman: Canton; Scott: Garber; Justin: Garber
Del City vs. Mustang (Ryan will be there)
Ryan: DCity; Boneman: Mustang; Scott: Mustang; Justin: Mustang

Last week: Ryan (13-2, 1-0); Boneman (11-4, 1-0); Scott (11-4, 0-1); Justin (12-3, 1-0); Matt (12-3)
Overall: Ryan (89-27, 5-3); Justin (81-35, 4-4); Scott (77-39, 6-2); Boneman (76-40, 5-3); Matt (72-44)

North (7-1, 4-1) vs. Memorial (5-3, 4-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: UCO’s Wantland Stadium (I’ll be there)

North (W, Santa Fe; W, Mustang; W, Yukon; W, Lawton Eisenhower; W, Norman; W, Putnam City; L, Midwest City; W, PCWest)
Why the Huskies can win: The reasons are about the same for both teams. Seniors who want to make one last impression and to do it in Edlam would be the best way ever. Xavier Smith has been quiet. Think he’ll make a game-changing play.

Quote:

This is about as big as it gets. We thought two weeks ago against Midwest City was a big one, but this is something different. And we want to show we can do it in a big game.” – senior defensive lineman Colton Byford

Memorial (L, Southmoore; W, Santa Fe; L, Del City; L, Midwest City; W, PCWest; W, Norman; W, Westmoore; W, Lawton Eisenhower)
Why the Bulldogs can win: Because they’ve been the best Edmond team in the last month. This team has made some serious strides. The return of D’Juan Brooks just adds more depth to the offense. Oh, and it just so happens to be senior night, too.

Quote:

Us seniors have never had a chance to win the city championship. That would be something we could always remember. We have to get the job done.” – senior Nelson Medeiros

Key matchup: After dissecting this all week, I am convinced this game is going to be won or lost on the legs of Joe Aska Jr. Jared Benway will get some touches, but this is Aska’s stage to have a memorable showing.

The pick: North 22, Memorial 20. I’ve alienated half the readers with this one pick. Think North has another gear that it can go to. There is still potential there while I feel Memorial is playing just about as well as it is going to (which is dang good, for the record). Should be a classic. And you know I don’t have trouble admitting I’m wrong, so I’ll be the first to eat crow late Friday-early Saturday. Follow me on Twitter @BPrzybylo for all the updates.

Casady (7-2, 3-2) vs. Holland Hall (4-4, 3-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Holland Hall

Casady (W, FWAll Saints; W, Heritage Hall; W, Crooked Oak; W, Houston Kinkaid; W, Tulsa NOAH; W, Dallas Greenhill; W, Dallas St. Marks; L, Houston St. Johns; L, Houston Episcopal)
Why the Cyclones can win: Because like I’ve said, their two-game losing streak is nothing to be ashamed of. But it definitely has the team pumped up, not that it needed any extra motivation going against their conference rival and a chance to play for the championship.

Quote:

You can just throw out the records when it comes to this rivalry. We’ve had many classic games with them before. This should be another good one.” – coach Koby Scoville

Holland Hall
Why HH can win: Two reasons. Holland is coming off a huge win against Houston St. Johns, so the confidence is high. The other thing is the home-field advantage. Holland is only 1-3 on the road, but it’s home sweet home with this one where Holland is 3-1.

Key matchup: Casady defense vs. Holland offense: The Cyclones defense has a lot of pride. They’ve allowed 52 points in the last two games after giving up 61 in the first seven. Look for a monster game from the defense.

The pick: Casady 19, Holland Hall 15. Think the difference is going to be turnovers. Casady will cause one late in the game and earn a huge win to get another crack at Episcopal. A favor to ask Holland, Casady fans. If you’re on Twitter, @BPrzybylo would love constant updates on this battle all night.

Altus (3-5, 2-3) vs. Deer Creek (4-4, 3-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Deer Creek HS

Altus
Why the Bulldogs can win: Because you talk about a team that has had its share of hard-luck losses, that definitely describes Altus. Altus needs to play with a sense of desperation as a loss here all but eliminates any chance at making the playoffs.

Deer Creek (W, Piedmont; L, Shawnee; L, Woodward; W, NWClassen; W, Western Heights; L, Duncan; L, El Reno; W, Chickasha)
Why the Antlers can win: Because DC must play with almost that same type of desperation. This is senior night and a chance to leave the best impression possible. I’ve said it before, but 4-2 compared to 3-3 in district is huge.

Quote:

They’re a play or two away from being one of the top teams in the class. We know it’s going to be a battle, expect nothing less.” – coach Grant Gower

Key matchup: Alex Christensen’s health. He’s been a workhorse, that’s for sure. How much is left in that tank? He’s been asked to carry more than his fair share of the load because of injuries. Can he hold up?

The pick: Deer Creek 22, Altus 10. When you’ve lost so many close ones like Altus, you either get down on yourself or pump yourself up. Antlers take early lead and let the doubt creep in.

Southeast (2-6, 0-5) vs. Bishop McGuinness (6-2, 4-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Pribil Stadium

Southeast
Why the Spartans can win: It’s going to be a tough task for Michael Branch’s kids. Southeast has averaged 20 points per game but success in district play hasn’t come easy this season.

McGuinness (W, Guthrie; L, Bishop Kelley; W, Millwood; W, Piedmont; L, Weatherford; W, Woodward, W, Douglass; W, Guymon)
Why the Irish can win: Because this team is rolling right now, both offensively and defensively. McGuinness should be too physical in every way possible for Southeast.

Key matchup: Irish mindset. It’s easy to overlook a game like this with Elk City to close out the season. McGuinness still has to execute just like any other game. Expect the Irish to impose their will early and often.

The pick: McGuinness 42, Southeast 7. The speed and size will be too much. I’m looking for Kyle Ahmad to have a big one for Kenny Young’s squad.

Alves, a move-in from Texas, has been spectacular at times for Durant.

“I think he’s probably the best player we’ve seen all season with the exception of (Tulsa Washington quarterback Eric) Bennett,” Carl Albert coach Gary Rose said.

So how do the Titans go about defending the versatile Alves?

“You play real good assignment football,” Rose said. “You can’t let him get too far upfield and you can’t lose contain. We’ve got to force him to throw it. He’s not as good of a thrower as he is a runner. Our defensive guys do a great job of scheming and planning what we do every week.”

The Titans have been facing a bit of the flu bug this week with several players missing time from practice.

Westmoore
Why the Jaguars can win: Westmoore is in do-or-die mode where the playoffs are concerned. There’s no room to slip up. A loss eliminates them from playoff contention. So the Jags will come to play.

Lawton Ike
Why the Eagles could win: Ike would have to win out and get a lot of help from other teams to make the playoffs. Plus, the Eagles played well in a seven-point loss to Edmond Memorial.
Key matchup: Westmoore’s run-stoppers vs. Ike’s running game. The Eagles stick to the ground, so stoping the run is a must. But the Jags have stout linebackers and defensive backs and Brian Self clogs the middle from his noseguard spot.
The pick: Westmoore 24, Lawton Ike 21. The Jaguars have more to play for, but they’ll need a strong effort. Ike has scored more points and given up fewer on the season. But I like Westmoore to meet the challenge.

When : 7:3o p.m. Friday

Where: Tuttle Stadium

Tuttle
The Tigers are battling some injuries at several spots but should be okay in this one depth wise. Look for the Tigers to fine tune their offense and defense in preparation for the playoffs and stay healthy. Losing a front line starter or two would be a troubling development for a team that has a lot to lose (and gain) in the coming weeks as the Class 3A playoff battle begins.

Anadarko
Andarko has also had to battle some injuries with several starters out over the last month. Still, the Warriors managed to stop their two-game losing streak with a rout of Santa Fe South last week. If they can stay in this game early and keep it close anything can happen but it’s still Tuttle’s to lose.

The pick: Tuttle 31, Andarko 14

In a season featuring big game after big game in District 6A-1, Del City at Mustang is as big as any. I’ll be at Mustang for this one.

First, the Broncos, with my answers to Scott’s questions about Del City coming a bit later:

ABER: It’s amazing when you look at the players Mustang has that could be considered the state’s best: Bronson Irwin is pretty clearly the best offensive lineman in the state, David Glidden has made a strong case for player of the year honors and Daniel Farrow has done nothing but impress since he became eligible a few weeks ago. Which one of those guys is most crucial Friday night against Del City?

WRIGHT: Tough choice. Glidden can take over a game in so many ways, offense, defense and special teams. Farrow is a bulldozer. As Glidden said after his 296-yard performance last week, the impressive runs aren’t the 70-yarders, but the 7-yarders when he gets hit at the line of scrimmage and starts carrying guys.

But the most important of the trio this week will be Irwin, because he’ll be able to impact the two most important areas for Mustang’s offense. First, the Broncos will need to run the ball against a solid Del City front. And when the Broncos pass, Brandon Taylor will need protection. A lot of that will fall on right tackle Cody Murray, considering Taylor is a lefty and Murray will be protecting his blind side. But Irwin is the best lineman on the team. He can do it all, and he’ll be asked to do it all this week.

ABER: How critical is it that Mustang gets good quarterback play Friday night? They’ve got a good running game but Del City’s front seven presents some unique problems. Mustang will certainly get yards on the ground but it seems that in order to win, they’ll have to complete passes at some point during the game.

WRIGHT: Taylor will be making his third start since taking over in the third quarter against Norman North. But he hasn’t been asked to make the big throws at crucial times yet. Yes, the Norman North game was still tight when he took over, and he quickly hit Glidden for a 76-yard score. But the defense and their three INT return TDs helped him ease into that one. The week after that, it was Moore, and last week, Farrow did all the damage with his 296 yards.

But this week, there will come a time when he must complete a pass on third-and-long to keep a drive going, and we’ll see if he’s ready to make it happen. Eventually, he’s going to be a star in this offense. On Friday, we’ll find out if he’s ready for that role now.

ABER: How are Mustang’s players weathering this season? It seems like these teams near the top in 6A-1 are playing critical games every week. That can either take a toll on a team emotionally or energize them. How have the Broncos reacted?

WRIGHT: To this point, Mustang has been energized by it. Coming into the season with four returning starters combined on both sides of the ball, the Broncos have been out to prove themselves every week. I think the loss at Lawton added to that fire, because they felt they were good enough to beat the Wolverines. Now, with two games left against the two teams they’re tied with for the district lead, they’ve got something else to motivate them.

There are many crucial matchups to Friday’s Memorial and North game. One of the bigger ones is the North front seven against Memorial’s offensive line.

The Memorial O-Line is powerful while North relies more on its athletic ability, so it’s definitely a contrast of styles.

One of the anchors of Memorial’s line is senior Matt Hall. One of the anchors of North’s front seven is senior Dakota Lambeth. Caught up with both earlier this week for their take on Edlam.

Vs.

North (7-1, 4-1) vs. Memorial (5-3, 4-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: UCO’s Wantland Stadium (I’ll be there)

We’ve looked at the offense and defense for both teams. Now let’s take a look at the special teams.

Special teams
I think it’s a wash when it comes to this part. North’s Austin Brasher is only 2-of-7 on his field goals, but some of his attempts have been from real long distance. And he’s made a 48-yarder, so I don’t see him as a weak link.

Memorial’s Will Conant has one of the best legs in the state. He is 6-of-9 with a long of 41 yards. But if Memorial fans can help me out here, is it “Conant” or “Connant?” I started with two Ns until a roster had one N. But our stats, which are imported by the school, has two.

While Brasher will resume all kicking duties, I wouldn’t be shocked if Camden Bohnert stays on at punter. In two games, Bohnert has booted five balls for a 45.6-yard average. Not bad.

Brasher has had 29 punts for just under 32 per kick. And I can’t remember off the top of my head too many kickoffs that haven’t been touchbacks with Brasher booming those suckers.

Conant does it all for the Bulldogs. The junior has had 29 punts with an average of just under 37 yards. He is a cool customer.

It’s actually refreshing to watch these two kickers as they’re two of the better ones I’ve seen in the last two years.

Friday: Yep, it’s time. What is my prediction (and should you care?). Don’t answer that second question.

I have looked at just about every Edmond North player at this point, one way or the other this week.

But there’s one I’m saving. He hasn’t played a down this season but might be the biggest inspiration to the team.

To find out more about who he is and his story, check out Friday’s paper with our Friday Night Lights series.

***

It’s been a great fall sports season for Edmond schools. Softball had North and Santa Fe reach the state tournament. Volleyball had all three schools in the semis and Memorial winning the championship.

Now this weekend is Edlam to the extreme with not just the football game b/w North and Memorial. But also a tight race for state cross country supremacy as all three schools will be battling it out for individual honors as well as team honors. And not just the boys as both the girls and boys teams are among the best.

Tellin’ ya, a fun time to be associated with the Edmond sports scene.