I thought it was a myth, an urban legend. No, it’s real, my friends. If you want to win, don’t have me cover your playoff game right now.

With the zone strategy, we’ve basically been picking teams from our zones to cover for the playoffs and that’s led to bad news for Edmond and private school clubs when they see me in the parking lot.

I’ve driven a long ways in back-to-back weeks to basically write “team wrapup” stories.

First was Edmond North and the 90-mile trek to Lawton where the Wolverines wore down the Huskies in the second half of a 34-16 win.

But Friday takes the cake. Making my first trip to Sallisaw and driving 180 miles (or six hours roundtrip) to see Bishop McGuinness get off to a bad start and Sallisaw earn a huge 20-14 victory.

Who’s next on my hit list: Heritage Hall. Yep, I’m making the 140-mile trip to Pawhuska on Friday for that one. Beware, Charger fans, the Boneman is coming.

Lawton winning wasn’t a shock. Sallisaw fought for that one and definitely deserved it even though I LOCKed the Irish last week. But I tell ya, starting to wonder if this curse thing is legit. And for those wondering, headed to Douglass and Weatherford on Saturday at Yukon.

I was able to get some video of the overtime periods last night at Tulsa Kelley, including J.T. Realmuto’s TD run to end it. The first two plays are the scores in the first overtime and the final one, obviously, is the game winner.

Like you’ll hear Realmuto say in the video, the play call there (on third and goal from the 1) was the same play that the Titans ran against Shawnee on a fourth down that they wound up being stopped on.

From talking to Matt Oberste following the game, the Collinsville last-second victory was almost as instrumental in beating Bishop McGuinness as anything else.

Sallisaw was battle-tested in a tough district and Oberste was hungry. Well, the whole team was hungry, but especially Oberste because of his late-season injury.

Sallisaw 20, Bishop McGuinness 14 – Final

The Black Diamonds got off to a fantastic start. Jeremy Davenport didn’t end up with that many yards, but he did find the end zone twice.

As much as I was impressed with Oberste (and I was), nobody impressed me more than Trey Wiley. Oberste is so good because he can just throw it up to Wiley, and Wiley will make a play.

Wiley had seven receptions for 102 yards and set the single-season school record in the process for yards in a single season. Wiley has the height (6-3), but he’s not very big (listed at 175). I tend to not care about that at all. If you pass the Boneman’s eye test, that’s good enough for me.

It was basically Wiley on one side against LaRone Richardson on the other. Wow. A huge game by the Irish junior RB. He was dominant. I had seen him against Weatherford where the Eagles just keyed in on him the entire game, so it was good to see just what Richardson is all about.

After looking like a track meet, it really settled down into a defensive struggle. The Irish made great second-half adjustments after being down 20-7. Sallisaw never gave Camden Tharp any time at all during the game to find an open receiver.

The big run by Oberste clinched the game or else we might have have seen another dramatic finish like last year’s battle.

Sallisaw takes on Star Spencer on Saturday at Sapulpa. Fellow chum Ryan Aber will be there.

Here’s a link to Saturday’s story on the game.

It was a weird season for McGuinness. In the early part, I was thinking it was going to be a 7-3, 6-4 season. But after stellar showings in all the top games, viewed them as favorites.

Injuries definitely hurt this team. The defense is going to take a big hit, but the offense should be even more explosive this next season.

The Irish finish 9-3 with a one-point loss at Bishop Kelley and Weatherford to go with the six-point loss Friday night.

Coach Kenny Young got the most out of his talent this season and this may have been his best coaching job yet. The talent wasn’t supposed to be there, but the Irish made it work.

First, a few thoughts that didn’t make it into the game story in Saturday’s paper:

Remember the name Tony Kiefer. The McAlester quarterback is just a sophomore, and he’ll only get better. That’s saying a lot, because he was pretty good Friday night, particularly in the toughness category. He had to carry the ball 38 times. In the first half, only one play wasn’t a run or pass by Kiefer.

He threw the screen and mid-range routes well, but struggled with some of his deep throws. Of course, that only means he’s like 90 percent of the high school QBs in the state. Kiefer’s biggest problem when he went deep was that he got too much air under his throws, turning a lot of them into jump-balls. That’s fixable. Kiefer and McAlester will be good the next two years.

McAlester breakdown: The Buffs just couldn’t get it done inside the El Reno 30. In addition to the three stops El Reno made inside the 10, McAlester had a turnover on downs at the 28 and a missed field goal after reaching the 12, as well as another turnover on downs at the ER 39.

Those struggles were damaging for another reason beyond the obvious. Most of them came at the end of long, grinding, time-consuming drives, so it gave the Buffs less time and less energy for their rally.  The El Reno offense couldn’t do much of anything in the third quarter. It had only one first down, so McAlester spent a lot of time on offense in the third.

McAlester had 121 more yards and 16 more first downs than El Reno, but the Indians made game-changing plays, and the Buffs didn’t.

El Reno breakdown: The numbers in the paragraph above might suggest that the El Reno offense wasn’t all that sharp, but that’s not the case at all. McAlester had the ball so much, that El Reno ran only 40 offensive plays, compared to 77 for McAlester.

The El Reno defense got hit by the big play early. McAlester’s first three offensive snaps went for 12, 23 and 28 yards. But of the next 74 plays, only nine went for double-digit gains. And all three interceptions were big, but especially the two picks that came inside the 5-yard line.

And the Indians have a pretty good kicker, too. Joseph Vorva, a sophomore backup quarterback, had plenty of leg on a 40-yard field goal try that was just a little wide in the fourth quarter.

Up next: Next year, this will be a district game, but for now, it’s a 5A semifinal. El Reno vs. Carl Albert will be played Friday night at 7:30 at Putnam City Stadium after CA knocked off Tulsa Kelley in overtime Friday night. The winner gets the Bixby-Guthrie winner for the 5A title.

Tuttle
What went right: Very little. Tuttle did manage a few nice clock killing drives, but one came up short at the goal line. The Tigers also had a decent night from Ethan Biddy carrying the ball on 14 carries for 95 yards. Outside of that, few if any bright spots.

What went wrong: Tuttle’s defense had no answer for SC’s offense all night long. SC’s first two plays went for 80 yard touchdowns which was an ominous sign for Tuttle. The Tigers didn’t force a punt until the fourth quarter. Offensively, there were turnovers and a general inability to execute against SC’s tough defense. Tuttle also lost a ball over Tanner Koons’ head on a safety.

SC

What went right: Just about everything. SC gets some demerits for attempting an onside kick up 40-14, but overall a stellar effort on both sides. SC’s defense effectively muted Tuttle’s offense for huge chunks of the game and its offense dominated at the line of scrimmage and seemed to have Tuttle confused much of the time.

What went wrong: Abysmal kicking game. You get the feeling this will come back to bite SC at some point. The Eagles chased an extra point all night long and failed multiple times on 2 point conversions. In the playoffs every point counts and SC has a real weakness on special teams. It may or may not be exploited.

For the second consecutive week, Douglass’ defense dominated teams that have been known for putting up big offensive numbers.

In Friday night’s 14-0 win over Wagoner, the Trojans held the Bulldogs to just 44 total yards — five rushing — to advance to this week’s Class 4A semifinal against Weatherford.

But it’s not like Wagoner didn’t have chances to score.

The Bulldogs had the ball with first and goal from the 2 midway through the third. Douglass’ defense held strong, though, helped by a Wagoner penalty, before the Bulldogs missed a field goal.

Wagoner had another chance to score late in the game, starting in Douglass territory, but once again, the Trojans’ defense held.

Douglass, which allowed 14 points in each of the last four regular season games, has now put up back-to-back shutouts to open the playoffs.

El Reno advances to the 5A semifinals

9:40 p.m.: As it did after McAlester’s first TD of the game, El Reno answers quickly. After converting a crucial fourth-and-two near midfield, Jakeil Everheart hits Matt Pruitt on a nine-yard TD pass.

9:37 p.m.: McAlester finally converts, with a five-yard run by Tony Kiefer for a game-tying TD early in the fourth quarter.

9:24 p.m.: McAlester has seven first downs to one for El Reno in the second half, but two El Reno interceptions have kept the Indians up 14-7 as we prepare to begin the fourth quarter.

8:32 p.m.: McAlester misses a field goal from 29 yards in the final minute of the half and El Reno runs out the clock to take a 14-7 lead into the locker room. McAlester is moving the ball well until it gets inside the 30. The Buffaloes have been inside the ER 30 four times and they have one TD, a turnover on downs, an interception and a missed field goal.

8:23 p.m.: Cory Dauphin comes up with an interception in the end zone to turn away the Buffs on fourth-and1 from the 5. McAlester is 0-for-3 on fourth down tonight.

8:11 p.m.: A turnover on downs by McAlester gives El Reno the ball and Jakeil Everheart takes advantage with a 63-yard run to set up Cory Dauphin’s 1-yard TD run.

8:02 p.m.: Speedy play here at El Reno, with a 7-7 deadlock at the end of one quarter. El Reno just fumbled and McAlester has it at the Indians’ 34.

7:50 p.m.: El Reno answers back quickly with an 18-yard TD pass to Jovia Franklin.

7:45 p.m.: McAlester strikes with big plays to go 70 yards in five plays for the first TD.

7:15 p.m.: It’s 15 minutes to kickoff on a misty, foggy evening at El Reno’s Memorial Stadium. The new version of the stadium is pretty nice. McAlester brought a big crowd up, and El Reno’s fans are still filtering in. The winner of this game gets the Carl Albert-Tulsa Kelley winner. I’ll keep you updated as often as possible, at least with all the scoring. Should be a fun one.

Here’s the article: Oklahoma high school football fans left in the dark during playoff time

It’s sort of surprising that both Cox and KSBI were surprised that they could broadcast the games with a rights fee payment to Fox Sports. I do think it’s disappointing that playoff games broadcast have gone down since Fox Sports won the rights last year. But they shouldn’t have to. Fox is willing to sell the rights to games they choose not to broadcast for what seems like a reasonable fee.

During the presentations to the board last year, both Fox and Cox said they would be willing to sell broadcast rights to the games. KSBI wanted exclusivity.

The next time the rights are up for bid, the OSSAA should make all rights non-exclusive, with the rights-holder getting first shot at any live or tape-delayed broadcasts and having to inform the OSSAA within a one or two week window. If they decide not to broadcast those games, another station should be able to pay a small rights fee to the OSSAA in exchange for the broadcast. Or maybe just have the stations bid on the state championship games only and not the other playoff rounds. Just one man’s opinion. But one way or another, I wish more of these games (and ANY non-finals games) would be televised.

Angelo Prassa Stadium, Tulsa Kelley

By Ryan Aber
raber@opubco.com

Here’s the final box:

CARL ALBERT 34, TULSA KELLEY 31 2OT
Carl Albert#0#7#7#7#7#6#  — #34
Tulsa Kelley#0#7#0#14#7#3#  — #31
Tulsa Kelley — Jonathan Nuding 70 fumble return (Robert Williams kick)
Carl Albert — J.T. Realmuto 15 run (Austin Manger kick)
Carl Albert — Markell Walker 28 pass from Realmuto (Manger kick)
Carl Albert — Realmuto 8 run (Manger kick)
Tulsa Kelley — Jack Cameron 22 run (Williams kick)
Tulsa Kelley — Cameron 4 run (Williams kick)
Carl Albert — Realmuto 1 run (Manger kick)
Tulsa Kelley — Stephen Sherwood 5 run (Williams kick)
Tulsa Kelley — FG Williams 38
Carl Albert — Realmuto 1 run 

GAME IN FIGURES

Carl Albert##Tulsa Kelley
17#First downs#9
56-256#Rushing a-yds#39-160
94#Passing yds#51
9-18-1#Passing C-A-I#3-10-2
2-1#Fumble no.-lost#2-1
7-41#Penalty no.-yds#7-46
10-2#Team Records#11-1

Jack Cameron tied the game with a 4-yd TD run set up by Stephen Sherwood’s tough running.

Carl Albert 21, Tulsa Kelley 21 3:18 remaining

Tulsa Kelley keeps hope alive with a 22-yard TD run on fourth and three by Jack Cameron.

Carl Albert 21, Tulsa Kelley 14 8:45 remaining

Carl Albert takes advantage of the turnover with a 8-yd TD run by J.T. Realmuto.

Carl Albert 21, Tulsa Kelley 7 11:56 remaining

The Titans can’t do anything with the turnover, giving the ball up on downs, but Carl Albert quickly gets it back on Gatlin Arnold’s interception. Titans have the ball at the Tulsa Kelley 25 with 1:06 left in the third.

And Carl Albert forces another turnover. Titans have the ball inside the Comets’ 30.

Markell Walker is doing it all for the Titans here in the third. He intercepts a pass to give Carl Albert great field position and then has a great catch in the end zone on fourth and 8 to put Carl Albert up 14-7.

Carl Albert 14, Tulsa Kelley 7 4:24 remaining in the third

And on the first play of the second half, we see the jersey-switch play from last year. Tre Porter wears No. 86 and has Kelley’s DBs beat but drops the pass that would’ve gone for an easy 71-yd TD. Proter’s back out there now wearing No. 3.

We’re here at halftime at Angelo Prassa Field. Carl Albert and Tulsa Kelley tied at 7. Neither team is throwing much, content to work their running backs. Have to love the pace so far if nothing else.

Carl Albert has a chance to take the lead but Austin Manger-s 41-yd FG try is blocked by Kelley’s Justin Turner.

Carl Albert looking good right now in its chance to answer, with the ball at the 15. … And before I could post, J.T. Realmuto takes it in from 15 yards out. Austin Manger’s kick ties the game.

Carl Albert 7, Tulsa Kelley 7 4:51 remaining in the second

Jonathan Buding gives the Comets the lead on a 70-yard fumble return for a touchdown when Tre Porter coughs it up.

Tulsa Kelley 7, Carl Albert 0 7:11 remaining in the second

And Kelley turns the ball over on downs. Carl Albert with the ball near midfield.

Kelley is driving as the first quarter comes to a close. The Comets will start the second with third and three from the Carl Albert 38.

And Carl Albert turns the ball over on downs at the Kelley 31.

And we find out why. J.T. Realmuto drops back to pass and slips on the turf.

Almost halfway through the first quarter here as neither team has shown an inclination to throw. Carl Albert has the ball at midfield.

Not quite as quick a start as last week for Carl Albert but the Titans hold Kelley on the first drive. Will start from their 14.

Titans win the toss and defer. Tulsa Kelley will start off with the ball.

All right, more than an hour later, the stadium is full (at least one the home side) and the teams are about to take the field. Should be a heck of a game tonight.

I’m here in the press box at Tulsa Kelley and looking forward to a great game tonight. I’ll try to keep things updated here as much as time allows but you can follow me on Twitter (@ryaber). Bob Przybylo will be tweeting/twittering/whatever you want to call it from the McGuinness-Sallisaw game (@bprzybylo).

It’s a foggy, night so far but it’s about as good of weather as you can ask for in late November.

I picked Carl Albert to win this game but can certainly see it going either way and figure this to be one of the best games in the state.

Kickoff here is still an hour and 20 minutes away.

There might’ve been a state tournament feel to the finals of the All-City Athletic Conference basketball preview on Thursday night at Northwest and it’s not hard to see why.

In the boys championship game, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Star Spencer-Douglass could be a preview of the 4A title game in a few months.

It certainly looked like it could’ve been in the preview. Star Spencer, the defending 4A champions, won 25-24 over Douglass. While each team lost some key players, both teams returned some stars as well, led by Star Spencer PG Kendre Talley and Douglass’ big inside presence Marquis Buxton-Hill.

On the girls side, there was a bit of a surprise as Northeast outlasted Millwood in the title game 18-16.

If you’re a basketball fan and looking for a game fix this weekend, check out Northeast on Saturday night. Two teams that could be state contenders in their respective classes face off when Northeast hosts Metro Christian. The boys game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.

BOYS
Tuesday
at Northwest
Game 1: Millwood 27, Centennial 18
Game 2: Northwest 21, Capitol Hill 20
Game 3: Douglass 31, Millwood 14
at Capitol Hill
Game 4: John Marshall 20, Classen SAS 11
Game 5: Northeast 33, U.S. Grant 13
Game 6: Southeast 28, John Marshall 20
Game 7: Star Spencer 39, Northeast 20

Thursday
at Capitol Hill
Game 8: Millwood 27, Classen SAS 7
Game 9: John Marshall 49, U.S. Grant 14
Game 10: Northeast 30, Centennial 24
Game 11: John Marshall 35, Millwood 27
Game 12: Capitol Hill 36, Northeast 24
Game 13: John Marshall 37, Capitol Hill 30
at Northwest
Game 14: Douglass 40, Northwest 29
Game 15: Star Spencer 40, Southeast 21
Championship: Star Spencer 25, Douglass 24

GIRLS
Tuesday
at Northwest
Game 1: U.S. Grant 23, Northwest 18
Game 2: Douglass 17, Southeast 16
Game 3: Millwood 21, U.S. Grant 3
at Capitol Hill
Game 4: Centennial 36, Capitol Hill 6
Game 5: John Marshall 17, Classes SAS 13
Game 6: Northeast 19, Centennial 7
Game 7: Star Spencer 34, John Marshall 9

Thursday
at Capitol Hill
Game 8: U.S. Grant 25, Capitol Hill 8
Game 9: Centennial 36, Classen SAS 6
Game 10: Northwest 27, John Marshall 15
Game 11: Centennial 32, U.S. Grant 10
Game 12: Southeast 14, Northwest 10
Game 13: Southeast 24, Centennial 23
at Northwest
Game 14: Millwood 16, Douglass 14
Game 15: Northeast 22, Star Spencer 15
Championship: Northeast 18, Millwood 16

I went out to Millwood’s practice for a bit yesterday and one of the firs tplayers out of the locker room was linebacker Trayvon Henry.

Henry has been suspended since the season’s third week after a violation of an undisclosed team (and school) rule.

Henry thought his senior season was lost but worked his way back into the good graces of Millwood’s administrators and coaches and, it appears, has done the right things since the problem surfaced.

While Henry didn’ t talk specifically about what happened, he did say he’s learned a lot from it and is more careful about the people he hangs around now.

Henry wasn’t able to return to practice until Wednesday and didn’t seem like he missed a beat, laying a brutal hit on a teammate during the practice.

“It’s great to be back,” a beaming Henry said before practice yesterday. “I’m excited about getting this chance. I didn’t think it was going to happen. I thought high school football was done for me.

“I’m glad I got a second chance.”

Henry remains committed to Kansas and said coaches there remained behind him during his time away. And he also remains committed to staying out of trouble.

“I’m not trying to have anything else happen that would mess things up for me,” Henry said. “I’m trying to get back into (concentrating on) school and football and get everything right.”

When: 7:30 p.m. tonight

Where: Bill Hinkle Field

Key match ups: Tuttle defense vs. Claremore Sequoyah QB Cody Richardson. The offense runs through Richardson, who is a dual threat to run and pass. Stop him and the rest of the offense is in trouble. Trick is stopping him, which won’t be easy but Tuttle’s defense has had some tough tests this season against Clinton, Blanchard, Anadarko and others with talented skill players and they’ve passed them all.

The pick: Tuttle 28, Claremore Sequoyah 10

Last week, Elk City used its no-huddle, spread offense to give Star Spencer a scare before the Bobcats pulled out a 44-33 first-round win over the Elks.

“Elk City wore us out a little bit,” Star Spencer coach Darrell Hall said. “With the depth we have, the no-huddle gave us some problems.”

Tonight, though, 9-2 Star Spencer hosts Oologah in a second-round matchup.

The Mustangs like to throw the ball — quarterback Alex Brunson has thrown for 1,428 yards and 13 touchdowns this season — but the pace is more to the Bobcats liking.

“It’ll be tough, though,” Hall said.

The winner of tonight’s game will play the McGuinness-Sallisaw winner next weekend at a neutral site to be determined.

Apparently word circulated at school that Haywood had the same injury as Sam Bradford and was done for the playoffs. Well, here’s how that misinformation likely came about  —  people saw Haywood, in street clothes, with his arm in a sling on the sideline during last week’s win over Lawton Ike. And with all the attention afforded Bradford’s shoulder, that injury would be a trendy one to toss out as to why Haywood was in a sling.

It’s all nonsense, though. Haywood will be back in his usual spots at tight end and defensive end tonight against Bartlesville. And it’s not even his return to full-speed action. Haywood has been practicing all week. The injury Haywood was dealing with was a strained shoulder muscle. The OU commitment has scored 18 touchdowns for the SaberCats this season in 10 games.

When: 7:30 p.m. tonight

Where: Moore Stadium

Southmoore

Why the SaberCats can win: Southmoore has the talent to compete with any team in the state. What the SaberCats don’t have is playoff savvy and know-how. That comes with experience and Southmoore is only in its second year of existence as a program. However, one of the main things teams with playoff experience stress is to not overlook anyone in the playoffs. And another aspect is having focus without being too nervous or affected by outside distractions. And while Southmoore has just one postseason game in its history, that one game gave the SaberCats a big dose of both of those factors.

After a lack-luster and fortunate 34-32 win over a four-win Lawton Ike team in the first round, players acknowledged they didn’t prepare well and didn’t take the Eagles serious enough.

Lesson learned. Southmoore has had great practices all week and players are so zoned in, nerves won’t be a problem.

.

Bartlesville

Why the Bruins could win: Bartlesville has an explosive high-scoring offense. The Bruins are one of the few teams in the state which pile up yardage on pace with Southmoore. And, on average, the Bruins have scored more points per game  —  37.3 to 35.9.

And those numbers haven’t been padded against weak foes. The Bruins put 40 points on No. 1 Jenks. Even in their two losses (Jenks and Broken Arrow), the Bruins averaged 34 points per game. In the regular season, Bartlesville scored 40 or more points in half of its games.

Having said all that, Bartlesville’s first-round playoff win over Owasso came by the low score of 14-7.

Key matchup: Bartlesville receivers Mike Thompson and Garrett Powell vs. Southmoore corners Julian Wilson and Nyko Symonds.

Thompson and Powell are each among the top receivers in the state individually. As a duo, they are lethal. And their stats are almost identical. Thompson: 51 catches, 980 yards and 10 touchdowns; Powell 48 catches 952 yards and 12 TDs.

Southmoore is as well-equipped as any team to slow the terrific tandem. What’s more, Wilson and Symonds have already gotten a crash course in dealing with a pair of star wideouts when they squared off with Del City standouts Donovan Dan and Chris McAlsiter. And they’ve worked against other terrific wideouts in Mustang’s David Glidden and Midwest City’s Cole Eddy. After tonight’s game, they will have gone up against six of the top seven receivers statistically in 6A.

The pick: Southmoore 26, Bartlesville 23. It could be an offensive shootout to the tune of 45-42, but I’m expecting both defenses to perform well. The offenses are virtually a wash. But I see Southmoore having the talent edge on defense. This one could have a lot of sways in momentum. Southmoore showed last week it can handle that. So, SaberCats head to the semifinals.

Why McAlester could win: Defense. The Buffs are allowing just a touch over 200 yards per game and only one team — Tulsa East Central — has scored more than 18 points against them. McAlester can run the ball, too, which pairs well with a stingy defense in the playoffs, especially on the road.

Why El Reno could win: The Indians have had the total package, with an efficient offense and strong defense, especially when they needed it. This team has had its eyes on the gold ball all year, and they don’t want to see another season end before they get a chance to play for it.

Key stats
Rushing
McAlester: Tony Kiefer, 1,073 yards, 20 TDs; Caleb Carney, 517 yards, 1 TD
El Reno: Jakeil Everheart, 724 yards, 13 TDs; Cory Dauphin, 553 yards, 13 TDs

Passing
McAlester: Kiefer, 135-of-234, 1,656 yards, 15 TDs, 9 INT
El Reno: Everheart, 100-of-181, 1,416 yards, 10 TDs, 4 INT

Receiving
McAlester: Alvery Braxton, 32 rec., 589 yards, 8 TDs; Cody Leflor, 30 rec., 366 yards, 3 TDs
El Reno: Jovia Franklin, 41 rec., 621 yards, 9 TDs; Ray Little, 22 rec., 300 yards, 2 TDs

Defense
McAlester: Jesse Patton, 118 tackles; Tim Curry, 98 tackles, 5 sacks; Delante Redway, 6 INT
El Reno: Tyler Palmer, 102 tackles; Tank Mulanax, 92 tackles; Cody Dauphin, 8 sacks; Matt Pruitt, 6 INT

Key matchup: El Reno run game vs. McAlester defensive front. McAlester is one of the best teams in 5A against the run, allowing barely 100 yards per game. While El Reno is a fairly balanced offense, it does lean a little more toward the run game and will need to establish that to keep the passing attack open.

The pick: El Reno 24-20. I went with ER to win it all in 5A, and I still like them. Jakeil Everheart has the offense looking sharp, averaging nearly 37 points per game the last six weeks. McAlester’s D will provide a challenge, but I think the Indians can handle it.

Washington (7-4) at Millwood (10-1)*
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Leodies Robinson Field, Oklahoma City

Winner plays: Chandler-Verdigris winner next Friday. If Millwood wins, the Falcons would go on the road. If Washington wins, the Warriors would host.

Washington (L, Bethany; L, Purcell; W, Jones; L, Lindsay; L, Bridge Creek; W, Frederick; W, Crooked Oak; W, Comanche; W, Riverside; W, Hobart; W, Plainview)
Why the Warriors can win: Because they’re hot. Washington has won six in a row after a rough start and really settled in, pulling off a close win over Frederick on Oct. 9 to get the streak started. Washington is also riding an emotional high after last week’s road win over Plainview.

Millwood (W, Star Spencer; W, Douglass; L, McGuinness; W, Little Axe; W, Jones*; W, Lexington; W, SeeWorth Academy; W, Bethel; W, Centennial; W, Meeker; W, Newkirk)
Why the Falcons can win: Pick a reason. Millwood will be playing with all of its stars for the first time since the season’s second week. The Falcons will also be playing for legendary coach Leodies Robinson, who died of an apparent heart attack earlier this week.
*Jones forfeited a win over Millwood.

Stat leaders
RUSHING
Washington
Chance Pistole: 122 carries, 745 yards, 11 TDs
Dakota Treat: 185 carries, 593 yards, 9 TDs

Millwood
Emilio Gatewood: 138 carries, 1,382 yards, 18 TDs
Kevonte Richardson: 44 carries, 409 yards, 3 TDs

PASSING
Washington
Dakota Treat: 74-136, 1,193 yards, 14 TDs, 2 INTs

Millwood
Kevonte Richardson: 91-154, 1,589 yards, 19 TDs, 8 INTs

RECEIVING
Washington
Justin Noel: 38 catches, 717 yards, 7 TDs
Tyler Hewett: 26 catches, 393 yards, 2 TDs

Millwood
Brandon Swindall: 27 catches, 573 yards, 10 TDs
Josh Turner: 26 catches, 530 yards, 4 TDs

TACKLES
Washington
Aaron Braziel: 80
Colby Trejo: 80
Chance Pistole: 55

Millwood
Larry Seals: 82
Derrick Hurst: 65
Davion Pierson: 65
DionTay Washington: 61

Key matchup: Millwood’s WRs vs. Washington’s LBs and DBs. Millwood feels like it has a chance to hurt the Warriors over the middle in this game. If Washington gives up those passes, it will be a long night for Washington and Kevonte Richardson will put up some big passing numbers.

The pick: Millwood 34, Washington 14. Washington’s run ends as Millwood is back at full strength. Trayvon Henry and Kevonte Richardson return and Millwood pulls out an emotional win for “Coach Rob.”

Oologah (8-3) at Star Spencer (9-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Carl Twidwell Stadium, Spencer

Winner plays: McGuinness-Sallisaw winner next Friday-Saturday at neutral site TBD.

Oologah (L, Claremore; W, Coweta; L, Seq. Claremore; W, Locust Grove; W, Catoosa; L, Jay; W, Grove; W, Vinita; W, Tulsa McLain; W, Collinsville; W, Poteau)
Why the Mustangs can win: Oologah has a very balanced attack, with explosive passing and rushing options. Star Spencer hasn’t had much problems stopping teams that run the ball primarily but the Bobcats pass defense might be a bit suspect. If Oologah can get Star Spencer back on its heels like Elk City did at times last week, the Mustangs could pull off the upset.

Star Spencer (L, Millwood; W, Southeast; L, Douglass; W, McLoud; W, Tecumseh; W, Cushing; W, Seminole; W, Cleveland; W, Mannford; W, Glenpool; W, Elk City)
Why the Bobcats can win: Star Spencer faced a unique situation last week in going against Elk City’s offense. Oologah is a much more familiar offensive look so Star Spencer’s defense should be fine. Star Spencer also has a three-pronged rushing attack (sometimes stretching into four) that figures to give Oologah problems.

Stat leaders
RUSHING
Oologah
Josh Collier: 275 carries, 1,478 yards, 21 TDs
Ryan Swindell: 58 carries, 286 yards, 1 TDs

Star Spencer
Darwin Rideau: 123 carries, 1,476 yards, 19 TDs
Terence Olds: 71 carries, 812 yards, 12 TDs
Franky Jamison: 86 carries, 724 yards, 8 TDs

PASSING
Oologah
Alec Brunson: 92-177, 1,428 yards, 13 TDs, 10 INTs

Star Spencer
Franky Jamison: 46-83, 922 yards, 9 TDs, 5 INTs

RECEIVING
Oologah
Ryan Swindell: 12 catches, 333 yards, 5 TDs
Ryan Kirkendall: 17 catches, 322 yards, 3 TDs
Taylor Scott: 20 catches, 310 yards, 3 TDs

Star Spencer
Steve Henderson: 11 catches, 294 yards, 4 TDs
Asja Ferguson: 9 catches, 215 yards, 2 TDs

TACKLES
Oologah
John VanSingel: 147
Josh Wilson: 122
Chris James: 86

Star Spencer
Antwone Wilson: 113
Jamonte Mitchell: 105
Kenneth Davis Jr.: 85

Key matchup: Oologah’s offensive line vs. Star Spencer’s front seven. If the Mustangs line can hold off the Bobcats rush, Oologah has a chance. That’s easier said than done, though, as Star Spencer’s front is as good as anyone in the class.

The pick: Star Spencer 28, Oologah 14. After a scare last week, the Bobcats snap back to form and set up a sensational Class 4A semifinalswhere Star Spencer will be the only non-4A-1 or 4A-4 team still alive.

Douglass (8-3) at Wagoner (8-3)
When: 7:30 p.m. tonight
Where: W.L. Odom Stadium Wagoner

Winner plays: Broken Bow-Weatherford winner next Friday-Saturday at neutral site TBD

Douglass (W, Capitol Hill; L, Millwood; W, Star Spencer; W, Elk City; W, Southeast; W, Guymon; L, McGuinness; L, Weatherford; W, Woodward; W, Piedmont; W, Glenpool)
Why the Trojans can win: Because the turnover problem that hurt them in all of their losses this season seems to have eased. And there’s no doubting Douglass’ defense. The Trojans shut out Glenpool last week and held McGuinness and Weatherford to just 14 points each in their two district losses.

Wagoner (W, Miami; W, Grove; L, Tulsa East Central; W, Muldrow; W, Fort Gibson; L, Poteau; L, Broken Bow; W, Tulsa Webster; W, Sallisaw; W, Hilldale; W, Jay)
Why the Bulldogs can win: Prince McJunkins gives them that shot. Wagoner’s junior quarterback is the key to the Bulldogs’ spread offense. Wagoner has come on strong of late, beating Sallisaw convincingly in Week Nine.

Stat leaders
RUSHING
Douglass
Quinton Neil: 161 carries, 1192 yards, 13 TDs
Kevin Forbes: 138 carries, 1,031 yards, 12 TDs
Antyoun Smith: 125 carries, 638 yards, 8 TDs
Aliston Cobb: 40 carries, 415 yards, 4 TDs

Wagoner
Jeremy Applegate: 117 carries, 648 yards, 2 TDs
Prince McJunkins: 115 carries, 481 yards, 4 TDs

PASSING
Douglass
Antyoun Smith: 38-98, 697 yards, 7 TDs, 7 INTs

Wagoner
Prince McJunkins: 86-162, 1,307 yards, 10 TDs, 9 INTs

RECEIVING
Douglass
Marcus Caddell: 11 catches, 224 yards, 2 TDs
Norris White: 9 catches, 146 yards, 2 TDs
Deandre Vick: 8 catches, 145 yards, 1 TD
Quinton Neil: 9 catches, 129 yards, 0 TDs

Wagoner
Jordan Robinson: 33 catches, 504 yards, 3 TDs
Paul Golden: 17 catches, 284 yards, 1 TD
Malcolm Love: 13 catches, 189 yards, 1 TD
Drew Curley: 11 catches, 183 yards, 3 TDs
Kevin Peterson: 9 catches, 158 yards, 1 TD

TACKLES
Douglass
Aaron James: 107
Stanley Johnson: 106
Corey Mitchell: 98
Erik King: 86
Norris White: 84
Devante McKinney: 84

Wagoner
Jeremy Applegate: 146
Chris Ramey: 144
Jimmy Carter: 96

Key matchup: Wagoner’s LBs vs. Douglass’ RBs. With a considerable size advantage up front, Douglass should be able to run on the Bulldogs. But Wagoner has a reputation of having some of the best linebackers in the state. This year’s crop is pretty good. The Trojans need to be able to run to be successful.

The pick: Douglass 22, Wagoner 6. If Douglass keeps the turnovers down — again — the Trojans should win this one without too much of a scare. Wagoner is dangerous but this Douglass team is playing really well right now.

Bishop McGuinness (9-2) vs. Sallisaw (10-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Sallisaw (I’ll be there)

McGuinness (9-2)
Why the Irish can win: Because like LaRone Richardson said during the week, McGuinness is loaded with players who can make big-time plays on each side of the ball. A healthy Richardson is huge, but so is the type of outings the Irish can get from Camden Tharp and Kyle Ahmad. And teams haven’t had much success penetrating this defense all season.

Irish key stats:
Passing: Tharp 52-90, 704 yds, 5 TDs, 5 INTs
Rushing: Tharp 758 yds, 6 TDs; Richardson 561 yds, 12 TDs; Will Blaik 483 yds, 3 TDs
Receiving: Ahmad 24 rec., 493 yds, 5 TDs
Defense: Jameel Whitney 112 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INTs; Jay Lester 109 tkls, 1 INT; Dakota Leftwich 4 sacks; Ahmad 5 INTs; Richardson 4 INTs

Quote:

Their quarterback is good. I mean real good. He’s going to be the biggest challenge we have. It’s not going to be easy.” – Richardson

Sallisaw (10-1)
Why the Black Diamonds can win: Because they’ve already fought through the playoff intensity in a 31-28 win against Collinsville. They’re ready for what it’s going to take in this one. And of course, as long as Matt Oberste is healthy, there is no counting out this team.

Sallisaw key stats:
Passing: Oberste 115-203, 1,758 yards, 16 TDs, 9 INTs
Rushing: Oberste 947 yds, 12 TDs; Jeremy Davenport 880 yds, 15 TDs
Receiving: Trey Wiley 66 rec., 788 yds, 6 TDs; Chase Hunt 16 rec., 231 yds, 2 TDs
Defense: Jake Fitzsimmons, 129 tackles, 7 sacks; Dakota Petree 75 tkls, 5 sacks, 2 INTs; Hayden Spencer 14 sacks; Trevor Fitzsimmons 13 sacks; Phillip Leffler 6 INTs.

Key matchup: Irish running game vs. Sallisaw front seven. Everything McGuinness does offensively is predicated off a successful running game. While Tharp has made strides all year as a passer, McGuinness does not want the game to be in his hands (at least throwing). Give it to Richardson and Jameel Whitney and run that clock out. Sallisaw gives up 127 yards per game on the ground. It’s going to have to do better than that.

Boneman’s Last Word: McGuinness has been cruisin’ since the big win at Douglass in Week 7. This game will bring ‘em back to some of those early battles. If the Irish respond well in the first quarter, think they won’t have any issues. Sallisaw is definitely ready, especially after last year. One big hit on Oberste might change things, you never know.

The pick: McGuinness 17, Sallisaw 12. Irish get up early before Oberste tries to lead the charge. Follow me on Twitter @BPrzybylo for all the updates.

Memorial (8-3) vs. Jenks (11-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Hunter-Dwelley Stadium, Jenks

Memorial (8-3)
Why the Bulldogs can win: Well, it won’t be easy, let’s go ahead and say that first. Their defense has been crazy-good in the last seven games. People can combat that with “look at the competition.” Take out Mustang and Edmond North, and the seven-game winning streak doesn’t really jump out at ya. But 24 points in seven games is something any team should be proud of.

Memorial key stats:
Passing: Kameron Doolittle 45-79, 533 yards, 5 TDs, 5 INTs; Blake Umberham 42-87, 449 yds, 3 TDs, 8 INTs
Rushing: Doolittle 906 yds, 6 TDs; Cale Olbert 646 yds, 6 TDs; D’Juan Brooks 402 yds, TD
Receiving: Jacob Stivers 19 rec., 229 yds, 2 TDs; Nelson Medeiros 11 rec., 174 yds, TD
Defense (through 10 games): Adrian Shoecraft 97 tackles, 2 sacks, INT; Jordan Marczewski 79 tkls, sack, INT; Medeiros 23 tkls, 3 INTs

Quotes:

We’re coming in at an all-time high. We feel like we belong on the field with these guys. This will be the toughest challenge, but we’re ready for it.’ – senior Nelson Medeiros

When I think of Jenks, I think of champions. That’s where we want to be. These are the type of of games where you can make a name for the program.” – junior Kameron Doolittle

Jenks (11-0)
Why the Trojans can win: Why not? With Sawyer Kollmorgen and Zack Langer leading the way and a huge offensive line, paced by Bob Graham and Jake Alexander, they’re as close to unstoppable as a team can be. And it’s not like Jenks hasn’t been tested. With wins over Tulsa Union, Broken Arrow and Bartlesville on the resume, that’s simply not true. And the distractions haven’t stopped them once on the field.

Jenks key stats:
Passing: Kollmorgen 128-187, 2,012 yards, 20 TDs, 5 INTs
Rushing: Zack Langer 1,700 yards, 31 TDs
Receiving: Jacob Bertelli 26 rec., 594 yds, 6 TDs; Brandon Kitchens 42 rec., 583 yds, 8 TDs
Defense (could not find reliable stats)

Key matchup: Memorial defense vs. Jenks offense. There is no doubt in my mind Memorial’s offense is going to struggle this week. Getting points of any kind will be a tough chore. But what if Memorial’s defense can shut down Jenks? All the sudden this game gets real interesting real fast.

Boneman’s Last Word: I’ma two minds of this game. One, Memorial just absolutely gets steamrolled early and never bounces back. Never been here before and it shows. The other, well, I see a tight game with not a lot of points either way, but Jenks just being too much in the end. Memorial’s defense will have to play even better than it did vs. Edmond North to win this one. And that was a legendary defensive outing in Week 9.

The pick: Jenks 21, Memorial 3. I don’t think Jenks will have the ball that many times, so it won’t score as much. Love the toughness of the Bulldogs, but it ends here.

Lindsay (7-4) vs. Heritage Hall (7-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Pop Murray Memorial Field

Lindsay (7-4)
Why the Leopards can win: Because after an 0-3 start (against three 3A playoff teams), Lindsay has been rollin’ right along. And going against a team I thought might overpower them, the Leopards took care of Sulphur 20-8 last week. Confidence means so much this time of year.

Lindsay’s key stats:
Passing: Scott Hacker 142-265, 1,821 yards, 15 TDs, 18 INTs
Rushing: Stephon Bradley 448 yds, 5 TDs
Receiving: Carson Tate 52 rec., 647 yds, 6 TDs; Jake Bowen 24 rec., 377 yds, 3 TDs
Defense: Tate 98 tackles, 4 INTs; John Hollman 90 tkls, 2 sacks; John Pinnick 78 tkls, 4 sacks; Bradley, 3 INTs

Heritage (7-4)
Why the Chargers can win: Because these last two weeks have been crucial in developing a balance with the offense. Now that it’s almost there, Heritage is that much more dangerous. The defense, as I’ve said all season, has never ever been the issue with this team.

Heritage key stats:
Passing: Cooper Cloud 35-55, 456 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs; Sterling Shepard 40-78, 545 yds, TD, 3 INTs
Rushing: Barry Sanders 1,389 yds, 18 TDs; Shepard 206 yds, 3 TDs
Receiving: Cale Courtney 24 rec., 388 yds; Sanders 18 rec., 274 yds, 4 TDs
Defense: Marc Robinson 120 tackles, 6 sacks, INT; Logan McGrath 113 tkls, 10 sacks, INT; Travis Harrison 79 tkls, 2 sacks, INT; Sanders 5 INTs

Quote:

They like to spread the ball around, and they have a real good offensive line that allows them to do a lot of things.” – coach Andy Bogert

Key matchup: Heritage passing game vs. Lindsay defense. Cooper Cloud is doing a great job of making me look stupid but consistency is needed this time of the season. If he can keep showing the poise that he’s been showing, Heritage should have no issues here.

Boneman’s Last Word: Unless Heritage self-destructs here, I don’t see a big challenge from Lindsay. The Chargers should have too many weapons for the Leopards. I’m looking for Tanner France to show up in a big way as seniors really start to understand what these games mean.

The pick: Heritage 24, Lindsay 6. Until someone proves they can score on the Chargers, not a lot of points are going to be needed for Heritage.

John Marshall (9-2) vs. Davis (11-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Davis

John Marshall (9-2)
Why the Bears can win: Because since the win at Heritage Hall, almost feels as though the Bears realize they deserve to be on this stage. They’ve been dominant the last three weeks, and this is exactly when you want to play your best football. While Brendon Jordan has anchored the offense, Ken Berry and the defense take a backseat to absolutely nobody.

(Stats only updated through Week 9)

Quote:

We’re a part of something special right now. The whole school is excited, everyone is excited about John Marshall football again. We want to keep it going,” – senior Derrick Allen

Davis (11-0)
Why the Wolves can win: Because they stick to what they know. With the whole state, nation going ga-ga over the spread offense, Davis still employs the wishbone. And why not with the success they have? Davis is averaging more than 40 points per game and giving up less than 10 per contest.

(Could not find any Davis stats)

Key matchup: Davis running game vs. John Marshall front seven. Kinda ‘duh’ on this one. If Davis can’t run the ball, Jody Weber’s club will be in trouble. The Bears are a tough, stout group that has only allowed more than 20 points one time (against Kingfisher).

Boneman’s Last Word: I picked Davis to win the state title, so I won’t stray from that. I don’t see many points being scored in this game at all. I’m not sure how JMarshall is going to put up any numbers on this defense. Both teams know how physical and tough this game is going to be. No surprises here.

The pick: Davis 13, John Marshall 7. JMarshall’s dramatic turnaround season comes to an end while Davis keeps marching on.

Carl Albert (9-2) at Tulsa Kelley (11-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Angelo Prassa Stadium, Tulsa

Winner plays: El Reno-McAlester winner next Friday-Saturday at neutral site TBD.

Carl Albert (L, Tulsa Washington; W, Choctaw; W, Duncan; W, Capitol Hill; L, Shawnee; W, Noble; W, Guthrie; W, Ardmore; W, Durant; W, Harrah; W, Lawton MacArthur)
Why the Titans can win: Carl Albert’s offense has been superb of late, scoring 40 or more points in six consecutive games since a 34-31 loss to Shawnee in early October. The difference? The role of Tre Porter, who has joined quarterback J.T. Realmuto as the Titans’ top offensive options. But Carl Albert’s defense has been awfully impressive as well.

Tulsa Kelley (W, Tulsa Memorial; W, McGuinness; W, Catoosa; W, Tulsa Washington; W, Bixby; W, Tulsa Rogers; W, Skiatook; W, Pryor; W, Tulsa Hale; W, Miami; W, Ada)
Why the Comets can win: Why not? They’ve won every other game this season, including a convincing 28-14 win over a Tulsa Washington team that beat Carl Albert three weeks earlier. The Comets’ defense has been so good, not allowing more than 17 points in any game and three times shutting out its opponent.

Stat leaders
RUSHING
Carl Albert
J.T. Realmuto: 99 carries, 974 yards, 15 TDs
Tre Porter: 57 carries, 573 yards, 9 TDs
Kenton Whittington: 50 carries, 338 yards, 5 TDs

Tulsa Kelley
Stephen Sherwood: 167 carries, 1,167 yards, 12 TDs
Alex Maguire: 68 carries, 553 yards, 5 TDs
Jack Cameron: 77 carries, 450 yards, 8 TDs

PASSING
Carl Albert
J.T. Realmuto: 84-136, 1,602 yards, 19 TDs, 9 INTs

Tulsa Kelley
Jack Cameron: 90-159, 1,311 yards, 21 TDs, 8 INTs

RECEIVING
Carl Albert
Tre Porter: 17 catches, 570 yards, 8 TDs
Markell Walker: 14 catches, 275 yards, 2 TDs

Tulsa Kelley
Koe Dowdell: 52 catches, 848 yards, 14 TDs
Harrison Lowe: 20 catches, 230 yards, 4 TDs

TACKLES
Carl Albert
Kenton Whittington: 105
Jeremiah Reed: 105
Tre Porter: 85

Tulsa Kelley
Jonathan Nuding: 122
Alex Levine: 117
Justin Turner: 105
Cameron O’Brien: 93
Conner Kach: 91
Raymond Wolber: 80

Key matchup: Tulsa Kelley’s Stephen Sherwood vs. Carl Albert’s LBs. The Titans’ defense controlled the run last week in defending Lawton MacArthur. But Sherwood is a better running back then any they’ve seen in awhile. If Sherwood can bust loose, the Comets could be headed on and keeping up an undefeated season. If the Titans slow him down, its unlikely that Kelley has a lot of success through the air.

The pick: Carl Albert 21, Tulsa Kelley 14. Kelley gives up the most points it has all season but keeps things close. Carl Albert just has a little too much playoff experience and Gary Rose’s teams always get better during the postseason.

Broken Arrow (9-2) at Midwest City (9-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Jim Darnell Stadium, Midwest City

Winner plays: Tulsa Union-Lawton winner next Friday-Saturday at neutral site TBD.

Broken Arrow (L, Tulsa Union; W, Owasso; W, Tulsa Washington; W, Sapulpa; W, Muskogee; L, Jenks; W, Sand Springs; W, Tulsa Memorial; W, Claremore; W, Bartlesville; W, Enid)
Why the Tigers can win: If you take out the season-opening 17-6 loss to Tulsa Union, Broken Arrow has scored 24 or more points in every game. The Tigers have one of the most balanced offenses around, led by running back Steven Hopper and quarterback Archie Bradley.

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; W, Putnam West; W, Putnam North)
Why the Bombers can win: Because last week was their wake-up call. Midwest City blew through District 6A-2, so it’s not too surprising that once the Bombers get to the playoffs, it was going to take a bit for MWC to get acclimated to a four-quarter game again. The Bombers survived, though, and figure to be ready for a battle this week. Midwest City’s defense could be the difference.

Stat leaders
RUSHING
Broken Arrow
Steven Hopper: 140 carries, 944 yards, 9 TDs
Andrew Griffin: 112 carries, 746 yards, 3 TDs

Midwest City
James Flanders: 107 carries, 679 yards, 11 TDs
J.R. Head: 90 carries, 553 yards, 8 TDs

PASSING
Broken Arrow
Archie Bradley: 84-141, 1,301 yards, 19 TDs, 3 INTs

Midwest City
Greg Austin: 113-219, 1,594 yards, 12 TDs, 11 INTs

RECEIVING
Broken Arrow
Alex Cochran: 32 catches, 531 yards, 6 TDs
Robbie Price: 26 catches, 390 yards, 3 TDs

Midwest City
Cole Eddy: 50 catches, 800 yards, 8 TDs
Cortrael Colbert: 16 catches, 236 yards, 4 TDs

TACKLES
Broken Arrow
John Coleman: 119
John Bullock: 96
Will Watford: 91

Midwest City
Emanuel Maxwell: 161
Dominique Jones: 112
Brandon Lewellen: 87

Key matchup: Alex Cochran and Robbie Price vs. Midwest City DBs. The Bombers are best when they force teams to run right into the teeth of their defense. If the Tigers can pass effectively, Midwest City can’t be quite as aggressive against the run. If Midwest City can take away the pass, it could be a long night for the Tigers.

The pick: Broken Arrow 21, Midwest City 17. Broken Arrow doesn’t want to send Ron Lancaster off with anything less than a state championship. I’m not sure that’s going to happen, but I do think the Tigers make it at least one more week.

Douglass seniors Stanley Johnson, Corey Mitchell, Quinton Neil and Norris White led Douglass into tonight's game at Wagoner.

In case you missed it, here’s the Friday Night Lights story on the for starters remaining from Douglass’ 2006 1-9 season.

The next year, Willis Alexander took over as head coach and these four players had a huge impact on getting things turned back in the right direction.

Friday Night Lights: Four seniors help Douglass regain old glory

I think Douglass wins tonight at Wagoner, quite possibly setting up a rematch of a district game with Weatherford that Douglass very well could’ve won before falling 14-7.

Playoff Week 2
Bartlesville vs. Southmoore (Justin will be there)
Ryan: Bartlesville; Bob: Bartlesville; Scott: Southmoore; Justin: Southmoore
Broken Arrow vs. Midwest City
Ryan: Broken Arrow; Bob: Broken Arrow; Scott: Broken Arrow; Justin: Broken Arrow
McAlester vs. El Reno (Scott will be there)
Ryan: El Reno; Bob: El Reno; Scott: El Reno; Justin: El Reno
Carl Albert vs. Tulsa Kelley (Ryan will be there)
Ryan: Carl Albert; Bob: Carl Albert; Scott: Carl Albert; Justin: Carl Albert
Broken Bow vs. Weatherford
Ryan: Weatherford; Bob: Weatherford; Scott: Weatherford; Justin: Weatherford
Douglass vs. Wagoner
Ryan: Douglass (LOCK); Bob: Douglass; Scott: Douglass; Justin: Douglass
McGuinness vs. Sallisaw (Boneman will be there)
Ryan: McGuinness; Bob: McGuinness (LOCK); Scott: Sallisaw; Justin: McGuinness
Sequoyah Claremore vs. Tuttle (Matt will be there)
Ryan: Tuttle; Bob: Tuttle; Scott: Tuttle; Justin: Tuttle
Berryhill vs. Blanchard
Ryan: Berryhill; Bob: Blanchard; Scott: Berryhill; Justin: Berryhill
John Marshall vs. Davis
Ryan: Davis; Bob: Davis; Scott: Davis; Justin: Davis
Watonga vs. Ringling
Ryan: Ringling; Bob: Watonga; Scott: Ringling; Justin: Ringling (LOCK)
Velma-Alma vs. Cashion
Ryan: Cashion; Bob: Cashion; Scott: Cashion; Justin: Cashion
Depew vs. Ryan
Ryan: Ryan; Bob: Ryan; Scott: Ryan; Justin: Ryan
Canton vs. Porter
Ryan: Canton; Bob: Canton; Scott: Canton; Justin: Porter
Kingfisher vs. Bridge Creek
Ryan: Bridge Creek; Bob: Kingfisher; Scott: Kingfisher; Justin: Bridge Creek

Last Week: Ryan (11-4, 1-0); Justin (10-5, 0-1); Matt (10-5); Scott (8-7, 0-1); Bob (8-7, 0-1)
Season to date: Ryan (119-42, 6-5); Justin (110-51, 6-5); Scott (108-53, 8-3); Matt (102-57); Bob (101-60, 6-5)

As far as the number of receptions is concerned, Southmoore has a quartet of standouts who are all within a few catches of each other. Running back Andrew Long leads the team with 35 grabs, wide receiver Nyko Symonds is next at 29 and tight end Austin Haywood has 27. Receiver Derek Serowski, who was second in 6A in receptions last year, has 23 catches. Seven other players have logged two or more catches and Jordan Newby has 12.

Haywood leads the way in touchdowns by a long shot, snaring 11 TD tosses. Symonds has six touchdowns and Serowski four. And in the yardage department, Symonds has almost 200 yards more than the next highest total with his 634. Serowski, Long and Haywood each have more than 400 yards and are within 32 yards of each other’s totals. Newby has 209 yards.

But, as said above, all the even distribution keeps any one player from having those crazy, jaw-dropping stats like some other receivers have by virtue of being the main (or lone) target game in and game out. Nevertheless, mixed in among his season totals, Symonds has a pair of games that would be classified as monster outings.

First there was the little-bit-of-everything game. Against Midwest City, the senior had five catches for 105 yards, a touchdown catch, an interception, which he returned for a TD, and recovered a fumble. Later came the yard-gorging game against Putnam City North where he piled up 254 yards and three touchdowns on just six receptions.

So, there is room for some unreal stat-piling. Just look at Haywood’s game against Moore when he accounted for five touchdowns. In that one game the OU commitment scored TDs running and receiving and threw for another. Even Long has gotten in a see-it-to-believe-it play, rambling for a 95-yard touchdown against Lawton Ike.

Well, actually, this was a continuation of a serious injury suffered six weeks ago. Thompson suffered a knee injury that was classified as an ACL tear. Thompson knows the injury well. He missed the second half of the season last year with a torn ACL.

Knowing full well how long rehab is when dealing with an ACL tear, and since this is his last high school season, Thompson did not have surgery in hopes he could strengthen the knee enough to return for the postseason. And darned if he didn’t pull it off.

Even before this season’s knee injury, Thompson missed preseason scrimmages and the first game of the season with a hamstring problem.

So, it was well deserved when Thompson received a loud ovation when he ran onto the field (with bulky knee braces on each leg) last Friday, his first game action testing the knee. And the cheers kept coming as he ran for eight yards on his second carry. Later he picked up a first down on a four-yard pass. But it was on a 10-yard run when his knee apparently gave out.

Thompson wasn’t hit and didn’t fall awkwardly when it happened. On the play he ran out of bounds on the Southmoore sideline, tumbling to the turf. The senior stayed down for a good five minutes before he was helped to the table, where he put an icepack on the knee is resigned himself to the probability of surgery.

Hopefully, Thompson will heal well, rehab hard and get a chance to play college ball. He’s got next-level talent. He was averaging more than 100 yards per game rushing when he got hurt last year. This season never really got off the ground thanks to the hamstring woes, the knee injury and subsequent re-injury. He did, though, score a critical touchdown in the SaberCats’ double-overtime win over Midwest City earlier this season.

With the way things turned out, Thompson’s gamble didn’t pay off. On the other hand, it was a gutsy decision to try to make it back to help the team in the playoffs. And the try gave him something to work on rather than stand around on crutches. And it no doubt made him feel more a part of the team’s hunt for a state title. You have to applaud the effort.

Starting quarterback Kendal Thompson was held out of Southmoore’s first series because of a missed practice. That bumped Edwards into the spotlight. And for a kid who was playing freshman football just two weeks earlier, being tossed on a stage as big as the Class 6A playoffs is no small step.

Edwards played well, though things got off to a shaky start. Before he even was able to run the SaberCats’ first offensive play, a timeout had to be called to quell some confusion. His first snap was a mishandled snap in shotgun formation that resulted in a 5-yard loss. The second play was a run for a 1-yard loss.

Nevertheless, the youngster was undaunted and on third down hit running back Andrew Long with a short swing pass that went for 37 yards. Later in the drive, Edwards came through with a 2-yard QB sneak when Southmoore went for it on fourth-and-1 at the 13-yard line.

Four plays later, Long threw a touchdown pass to Kaleb Thompson on a fake field goal. So, though Edwards didn’t get to chalk up his first touchdown, the drive was a success to be sure  —  65 yards in 12 plays, including two fourth-down conversions and a touchdown. He was 2 for 2 passing for 46 yards.

Edwards turned things over to Kendal Thompson after that, but he showed reason to feel good about what’s to come after Thompson leaves following the 2010 season.

“I loved the academics and I think I can go in and make a difference early,” said Bradley of choosing USC. “And I liked the coaches a lot.”

 The USC head coach is former Los Angeles Lakers star Michael Cooper. Cooper, who has coached in both the NBA and WNBA, was an eight-time member of the NBA’s All-Defensive Team and also the Defensive Player of the Year in 1987. Cooper won five NBA titles as a player and two WNBA crowns as a coach.

Bradley, who helped guide the Titans to a Class 5A runner-up finish last season, averaged just over 10 points and five rebounds per game as a junior.

T-Wolves’ coach Jeff Blough has all five of his starters back from last season’s 13-14 team. And not only could North make a run at the program’s first state tournament since finishing as Class 6A state runner-up in 2003, this could be the start of something big that lasts a while.

Eleven of the 15 varsity players are underclassmen and almost half are sophomores or freshmen. But even though young, the T-Wolves have a lot of experience and a lot of talent. Seniors Andee Wayne (who signed with Central Oklahoma last week) and Madison Marquardt, as well as junior Hayley Scott, were all-conference players last season. Another junior, Mariah Turner, is a Division-I recruit.

With a top-10 preseason ranking and a dominating scrimmage against No. 7 Lawton Tuesday, confidence is high.

“We played real well,” said Blough of the scrimmage. “The girls all played hard and we looked good.”

Christian Heritage Academy catcher Caden Cleveland signed with Morehead State of the Ohio Valley Conference.

Last year, Cleveland set a school record with a .541 batting average, which included a 30-game hit streak. As a sophomore, he hit .454 with 50 RBIs.

Cleveland chose Morehead State over Ole Miss.

Look for the signing list to run in Sunday’s Oklahoman.

Funeral services for legendary Millwood coach Leodies Robinson will be helpd at 11 a.m. Monday at the Cox Convention Center.

Robinson, 69, died Tuesday morning of an apparent heart attack.

Robinson coached Millwood from the program’s inception in 1971 until 1993, winning a state championship in 1990. His teams compiled a 196-71-3 record during his 23-year tenure.

Robinson was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1994.

Earlier this year, Millwood named its field in Robinson’s honor.

Millwood hosts Washington in the second round of the Class 2A playoffs Friday night.

The Falcons are expected to have Robinson’s name on the field for Friday’s game.

CLASS 6A
Bob
The picks: Bartlesville over Southmoore; Jenks over Memorial; Broken Arrow over Midwest City; Tulsa Union over Lawton.

The take: I’m on the fence about Bartlesville and Southmoore. The SaberCats should not have gone life and death with Lawton Eisenhower, but maybe their ‘bad game’ is gone? Or maybe they’re just not as good as we thought? Wouldn’t surprise me if I’m saying ‘d’oh’ on that one Saturday.

Ryan
The picks: Bartlesville over Southmoore; Broken Arrow over Midwest City; Jenks over Edmond Memorial; Tulsa Union over Lawton.

The take: I feel pretty good about two of these (Jenks and Union) but am looking forward to seeing how Edmond Memorial’s defense does against the Trojans’ offense. I don’t feel really confident about the Bartlesville or Broken Arrow but with the way Southmoore and Midwest City played last week, I think it’ll be hard to beat those east-side teams.

Scott
The picks: Southmoore over Bartlesville; BA over Midwest City; Jenks over Memorial; Union over Lawton.

The take: I think Midwest City will hang with Broken Arrow better than many people seem to think they will. And Memorial might not score on Jenks, but I wouldn’t expect them to lose by more than three scores, either.

CLASS 5A
Bob
The picks: El Reno over McAlester; Carl Albert over Bishop Kelley; Shawnee over Bixby; East Central over Guthrie.

The take: Obviously, the Comets and the Titans is a final-worthy contest. I feel like I’ve been burned by Gary Rose’s club before, but it just feels like they should be better. I also expect Shawnee to make a real statement against Bixby.

Ryan
The picks: Carl Albert over Tulsa Kelley, El Reno over McAlester, Shawnee over Bixby, Tulsa East Central over Guthrie.

The take: I picked Guthrie last week to win in an upset but that run ends here. El Reno-McAlester figures to be a heck of a game, as does Carl Albert-Tulsa Kelley (I’ll be in Tulsa for that one). I just think Carl Albert is playing better than anyone else in the class right now.

Scott
The picks: Shawnee over Bixby; Carl Albert over Tulsa Kelley; East Central over Guthrie; El Reno over McAlester.

The take: I picked against Guthrie last week and regretted it… might do the same thing this week. Carl Albert looks like a team on a mission, but I’m still sticking with El Reno as my 5A favorite. Shawnee and Bixby should get together againt this week next year and play the “Wishing we were still in 5A Bowl.”

CLASS 4A
Bob
The picks: Weatherford over Broken Bow; Douglass over Wagoner; Star Spencer over Oologah; Bishop McGuinness over Sallisaw.

The take: In the U Pick ‘Em, I’m making the Irish my LOCK. I might have blinders on, but I was so impressed with 4A-1 this year. Star gave me a scare with the close win against Elk City, expect Bobcats to roll this week.

Ryan
The picks: Douglass over Wagoner; McGuinness over Sallisaw; Star Spencer over Oologah; Weatherford over Broken Bow.

The take: A whole lot of 4A-1 vs. 4A-4 action here and I think 4A-1 wins out with a 3-0 record. All of those games figure to be tight, though, The most likely for an upset is Broken Bow, I think. The Savages have a young running back who has been explosive. If Weatherford doesn’t force turnovers, the Eagles could be in trouble.

Scott
The picks: Sallisaw over McGuinness; Weatherford over Broken Bow; Douglass over Wagoner; Star over Oologah.

The take: Other than Star over Oologah, I think the rest of these games could go either way. Yes, even Weatherford-Broken Bow.

CLASS 3A
Bob
The picks: Tuttle over Sequoyah Claremore; Cascia Hall over Purcell; Blanchard over Berryhill; Clinton over Dewey.

The take: Blanchard rides the wave of momentum for another big upset win. The Lions are a gritty bunch. If you can’t blow ‘em out of the water early, it’s going to be a long, tough night. Tuttle/Cascia is an insane semifinal (one that I was at last year).

Ryan
The picks: Berryhill over Blanchard; Cascia Hall over Purcell; Clinton over Dewey; Tuttle over Sequoyah Claremore.

The take: Blanchard can’t quite pull off the upset win for the second consecutive week, though they give Berryhill a run. Cascia Hall and Clinton, I think, win relatively comfortably, while Tuttle gets all it wants from Jody Iams’ Sequoyah Claremore team.

Scott
The picks: Berryhill over Blanchard; Clinton over Dewey; Cascia over Purcell; Tuttle over Seq. Claremore.

The take: Purcell immediately jumps out as a candidate to pull an upset. And it’s hard to doubt Dewey or Blanchard after each knocked off an unbeaten team last week.

CLASS 2A
Bob
The picks: Heritage Hall over Lindsay; Morris over Pawhuska; Davis over John Marshall; Lincoln Christian over Beggs; Chandler over Verdigris; Millwood over Washington; Stigler over Sperry; Kingfisher over Bridge Creek.

The take: A couple of pick ‘em games in my mind with Morris and Stigler. An L in either or both of those wouldn’t shock me. Most intriguing is definitely Kingfisher and Bridge Creek. You talk about almost the ultimate contrast of styles. Over/under on number of points scored in John Marshall-Davis: 25, taking the under.

Ryan
The picks: Bridge Creek over Kingfisher; Chandler over Verdigris; Davis over John Marshall; Heritage Hall over Lindsay; Lincoln Christian over Beggs; Millwood over Washington; Pawhuska over Morris; Sperry over Stigler.

The take: Bridge Creek pulls off a great win over Kingfisher by virtue of their explosive offense. Pawhuska turned heads early and seems to be getting back to that, so they win on the road. Chandler-Verdigris could be the second-best game of the night in the class as both teams come in hot. Davis gets all it wants out of John Marshall, but escapes with a win.

Scott
The picks: Lincoln Chr. over Beggs; Davis over John Marshall; Kingfisher over Bridge Creek; Heritage Hall over Lindsay, Pawhuska over Morris; Sperry over Stigler; Chandler over Verdigris; Millwood over Washington.

The take: Like Guthrie in 5A, I regretted not picking Washington for the first-round upset. Will they make me pay again this week?

CLASS A
Bob
The picks: Hennessey over Carnegie; Talihina over Commerce; Watonga over Ringling; Tonkawa over Stratford; Stroud over Pawnee; Cashion over Velma-Alma; Salina over Central Sallisaw; Oklahoma Bible (see, I learned) over Cordell.

The take: Six teams enter this week undefeated. I’m wondering if any of them aren’t for real. Also wondering if Talihina will actually give up some points this week, ridiculous defense. Watonga pick might surprise people, but I believe in that district (remember, I had OCS in the final).

Ryan
The picks: Cashion over Velma-Alma; Hennessey over Carnegie; Oklahoma Bible over Cordell; Ringling over Watonga; Salina over Central Sallisaw; Talihina over Commerce; Tonkawa over Stratford.

The take: Talihina’s defense gets a good test from Commerce but makes it through. Cashion vs. Velma-Alma has the potential to be the game of the night here, with Cashion holding on. Ringling and Salina also hold on to advance.

Scott
The picks: Hennessey over Carnegie; Central Sallisaw over Salina; Commerce over Talihina; OBA over Cordell; Stroud over Pawnee; Tonkawa over Stratford; Cashion over Velma-Alma; Ringling over Watonga.

The take: Sometimes I get a feeling about a game and can’t really explain it. That’s the case with Commerce over Talihina. I picked it that way last week when I filled out my full bracket, and still feel it’s going to go that way. I just can’t give you a valid reason why. Pawnee and Watonga look like potential upset winners as well.

CLASS B
Bob
The picks: Garber over Kiefer; Davenport over Laverne; Ryan over Depew; Canton over Porter.

The take: Man, I would love to see Canton-Porter, think that’ll be one heckuva game. Also interested to see what Tyler Phillips and Davenport do vs. Laverne.

Ryan
The picks: Canton over Porter; Garber over Kiefer; Laverne over Davenport; Ryan over Depew.

The take: Yes, Canton vs. Porter should be a dandy but I’m more interested in the Davenport-Laverne outcome. Another big game for Tyler Phillips would be very impressive for Davenport in that game. Class B might have the best slate of games as there is no game that I would consider a lock, although I’d be stunned if Kiefer beat Garber.

Scott
The picks: Canton over Porter; Ryan over Depew; Garber over Kiefer; Davenport over Laverne.

The take: Canton-Porter is one of the best second-round matchups of any class, with two top-3 teams meeting in the quarterfinals, a combined 21-1 with the only loss coming to the No. 1 team. I like Canton because I think District 1 is superior to the rest of the field. For the same reason, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Laverne knock off Davenport, though Laverne has had a couple of bad losses this season, including a 28-6 setback at Geary.

CLASS C
Bob
The picks: Shattuck over DCLamont; Timberlake over Tipton; Seiling over Waynoka; Forgan over Covington-Douglas.

The take: Outside of Shattuck losing, nothing would surprise me here. I’ve already shown I’ve been WAY off in this class. Really been swayed by Forgan here lately.

Ryan
The picks: Covington-Douglas over Forgan; Seiling over Waynoka; Shattuck over Deer Creek-Lamont; Timberlake over Tipton.

The take: I’m going to go a bit outside the box and say nothing would surprise me here, even Shattuck losing. The Indians are down to their third-string quarterback and have had some close calls this season. But I think the streak survives. Waynoka is playing really well but Seiling advances. Covington-Douglas is looking more and more like the team I thought they were before the season started.

Scott
The picks: Shattuck over DC-Lamont; Covington-Douglas over Forgan; Waynoka over Seiling; Timberlake over Tipton.

The take: If you took Shattuck out of the mix, this class would be wide-open. The other three quarterfinal games are all toss-ups in my eyes, with a couple of teams who already pulled upsets hanging around.

Last week’s records:
Ryan: 65-15
Scott: 64-16
Bob: 63-17

But let’s take a trip back to August with the ghost of football past.

Coming into the year, the Panthers were starting a new offense with a new quarterback, a new running back and almost an entirely new offensive line that lacked the size of what PC North is accustomed to. They were deep and talented at receiver, and the same at defensive back. But the defensive front seven was mostly new and also not that big.

So they were undersized at the line, inexperienced at just about every crucial position on the field and running a new, no-huddle offensive scheme.

That’s no way to compete in Class 6A football. But the Panthers did it, and finished the regular season with a performance worthy of top-10 notice.

No, the Panthers didn’t win the state title they set out to capture. But they accomplished more than they might realize at this point.

Looking ahead, 6A-1 should again be the best district in the state and PC North will be in the mix. Here’s the new district for 2010-11:

Putnam City North
Yukon
Midwest City
Edmond Memorial
Norman North
Moore
Lawton Ike
Choctaw

Obviously, the losses at WR and DB will hurt the most, with guys like Dillon Schooley, Antonio Jenkins, Antonio Johnson, Casey Coyle and others. Same with linemen Dylan Hall and Taylor Prather on the offensive side and Jeremy Tillman on the defensive side.

But the core of returning players is strong. Daniel Burton will be a building block for the offensive line after a strong sophomore year. Jace James will be even better at QB, and if both of his running backs stay healthy, it could be scary. Sam Wolfe was impressive before he went out for the year with a broken collarbone, and Dre Holman burst onto the scene as a sophomore with a good mix of power and speed. Covin Conrady is back at receiver after coming on late in the year.

On defense, linebacker Ricky Johnson had come on strong, especially late in the season, and will be missed. But brothers Brad and Nathan Ross were solid in the middle with good size and ability. DBs Billy Prater and DeQuantae Colbert played well over the course of the year as well.

One big loss that can’t be undervalued is that of kicker Kevin Cabello. I only saw a couple of his kickoffs that didn’t make it into the end zone, and that’s a huge weapon at the high school level. Nullifying the return game and forcing offenses to go 80 yards to score is invaluable.

But overall, looking at the amount of returning experience and talent, the Panthers should have high expectations again in 2010.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Lindsay (7-4) vs. Heritage Hall (7-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Pop Murray Memorial Field

The wait is absolutely killing sophomore Sterling Shepard right now. Coach Andy Bogert told me Shepard feels fine, but everybody feels fine until they get hit again.

I don’t know, what’s happened with the Philadelphia Eagles’ star RB Brian Westbrook has me a little leery of Shepard coming back too soon.

Lindsay last year was sparked by Tim Hamilton and Jordan Lukens as one of the most potent QB-WR combos in the state. Bogert said the Leopards will once again attempt to throw it all around the field. One thing Scott Hacker does is make as many mistakes as big plays. He has 15 TDs and 18 INTs.

Bishop McGuinness (9-2) vs. Sallisaw (10-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Sallisaw (I’ll be there)

Talking with McGuinness players, they really see Matt Oberste as the main obstacle to advancement. While I agree Oberste is a beast, the Black Diamonds have some other weapons.

I’m in every Saturday morning and Sallisaw is one of the more consistent teams to always call in with some Friday Night Heroes.

With that being said, Jeremy Davenport is going to be just as crucial for Sallisaw. Davenport has rushed for just under 900 yards and 15 touchdowns. And Trey Wiley is one of the better WRs and had a big game last week.

And here is a short video with myself and Ryan Aber breaking it all down.

Bishop McGuinness (9-2) vs. Sallisaw (10-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Sallisaw (I’ll be there)

If this year’s game is half as good as last year’s second-round game between McGuinness and Sallisaw where the Irish won on a big TD reception by Gabe Ikard, I will be a content Boneman. Here’s to hoping I don’t get lost, but I probably will.

Ikard’s catch lifts McGuinness Irish in thriller over Sallisaw
By Charles Ward, Special Correspondent

Gabe Ikard is a really, really good tight end.

And maybe, as might be suspected of a Bishop McGuinness Fighting Irish, he was just a little bit lucky during the Irish’s 33-30 win over Sallisaw on Friday night in the second round of the Class 4A football playoffs.

Ikard found himself open with about half a minute remaining to play, only to watch a Ryan Randolph pass bounce off a defender — and into his hands.

One nifty move, a stiff arm and 75 yards later, Ikard found himself in the end zone with a touchdown to win the game and erase a furious, fantastic comeback by Sallisaw.

“It bounced, and I said, ‘Where’s the ball?’ ” Ikard said of the score. “I looked right up, and it was right in my hands, and all I had to do was run.”

Matt Oberste and Phillip Leffler almost wrote a different ending for the game, one that would have made the Sallisaw (10-2) faithful much happier. Leffler hauled in a 32-yard lob from Oberste in the corner of the end zone with 50 seconds remaining.

“Mentally, we were definitely shaken,” Ikard said after McGuinness improved to 10-2. “Not broken, but shaken. We knew we had an offense that could make a big play.”

That touchdown capped a 20-point fourth quarter from Sallisaw and turned a 26-10 deficit into a 30-26 advantage.

“When they took the lead right there at the end, we knew we had enough time to punch it in,” Randolph said.

Oberste also scored from 1 yard with 1:16 remaining, bringing Sallisaw within two. The Black Diamonds recovered an onside kick to set up their go-ahead, but not stay-ahead, touchdown.

Ikard only caught three passes, but they were all big ones.

Aside from his game-winner, the Oklahoma oral commit scored on a 40-yard toss in the first quarter. He sandwiched a 20-yard completion between the scores to finish with 135 yards.

“Catches don’t matter,” Ikard said. “It’s getting a win.”

Randolph finished with 190 yards passing and 107 rushing. Teammate LaRone Richardson ran for 114 yards and a score.

McGuinness will face the winner of today’s Grove-Star Spencer matchup in a semifinal game next week.

We’ve had fun building up Blanchard as the ultimate underdog after beating Madill. But we went a little too far in Thursday’s paper. Blanchard is not at Berryhill on Friday.

Though it would make for a great story about Blanchard going on the road in back-to-back weeks, Berryhill is coming to the Lion’s Den (I’m sure that’s not what it’s called but it sounds cool). So Berryhill is at Blanchard, we apologize for the mishap.

I trust in Blanchard’s toughness, just think this team has the right stuff. I think the Lions move on to face Clinton yet again in the 3A semifinals.

Once again, Berryhill is at Blanchard on Friday.

Memorial (8-3) vs. Jenks (11-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Hunter-Dwelley Stadium, Jenks

The biggest obstacle facing Memorial at Jenks is going to be on the offensive side of the ball. Memorial is just not that explosive type of offense that can put up points in bunches.

The long, drawn out drives have actually been one of their strengths this season because even when the team hasn’t found the end zone, the offense has been able to kill some clock.

But against Jenks, Memorial is going to need a couple of of big plays from Kameron Doolittle or Jordan Marczewski or Nelson Medeiros or someone in the passing game, so the running game can be established.

I went up and down the line this week at practice and asked why is this the Memorial team that has reached the quarterfinals when no other team had since the Edmond split?

One repeated answer: family. This group feels like a family. They play for each other. The bond doesn’t end after practice, they hang out with each other. Will it be enough to be beat Jenks? I don’t know, but when you have that type of friendship, you push yourself to doing things you didn’t know you could do.

Here’s a short video with myself and Ryan Aber breaking it all down.

Friday

Football: Bartlesville at Southmoore, 7:30 p.m. Class 6A quarterfinals

Saturday

Wrestling: Southmoore Open

Friday

Swimming: at Altus

Saturday

Wrestling: at Southmoore Open

Tuesday

Girls basketball at Lawton, 6:15 p.m.

Boys basketball at Lawton, 8 p.m.

I’ll get to Mustang and Putnam City North soon, but we’ll begin with the Millers, who took a monumental step in their program’s development by reaching the playoffs for the first time since 1998.

When I asked Yukon coach Todd Wilson about the importance of just getting to the playoffs before last week’s game at Jenks, he didn’t want to discuss it. He wanted to talk about creating a mindset that his team could go into the home of the state’s best team and win. If I’m a Miller fan, that’s what I want to hear from my coach.

Week 11 is no time for “just happy to be here” thoughts. The trip didn’t go well, but that happens. The important thing was that a lot of juniors and sophomores got to see just how intense playoff football is. That will mean a lot to this team when it steps on the field for 2010.

Speaking of, let’s take a look at the Millers’ district for next fall. They move back to the west side in 6A-1, which was the toughest district in the class this year, and looks like it could be again next year, even though it has some different faces. The district consists of:

Yukon
Midwest City
Edmond Memorial
Putnam City North
Norman North
Moore
Lawton Ike
Choctaw

Midwest City should be good again, and Memorial could be really good. Putnam City North will be strong as well, so this has the makings of a pretty talented district, with Yukon and Ike both making the playoffs this season, and Norman North reaching the top 5 in the state early on before fading.

On the field, the Millers have to be happy about their skill players on offense, almost all of whom will be back. The questions will come on the offensive line, where four seniors saw a lot of playing time, including the BrickMasons — I’ve been waiting all year to use that nickname for Mason Mathews and Mason Haun.

But there were some young players who got good experience on the line this season, like 6-foot-7 Travis Henning and sophomore center Lantz Parks.

That group of skill players is led by QB Corben Jones, who will just be a junior, his senior brother, RB Terry Jones, and a bunch of receivers who were juniors this fall, including Kollin Retter, Kaiden Horn and Eric Granado. WR Dylan Walker and RB Brandon Banta will be missed.

Like the offense, the defense will lose some beef in the middle of the line. But both starting DEs, Andrew Edwards and Jake Doyle, will be back, along with linebackers Jake Henderson and Carson Mathews.

The secondary will suffer some losses, with guys like Andy Vowell, Jon Garcia and Hunter Bohannan graduating. Retter and Jordan Edwards will be the primary returning players in the secondary. I really think Retter has a future as a college safety if his senior year goes well.

Overall, the Millers have a lot to look forward to, though they’ll need to develop some interior strength over the offseason, because you know teams like Midwest City and Edmond Memorial will be big.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Memorial (8-3) vs. Jenks (11-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Hunter-Dwelley Stadium, Jenks

Normally when you ask a football player to smile, you don’t get much. Photographer Paul Hellstern was out at Memorial’s practice Monday as was I working on a story about D’Juan Brooks.

Hellstern asked Brooks to smile and that was not an issue. No, sir. You can tell just how happy Brooks feels to be able to play again. Not only play but produce. He’s saving his best stuff for his final games.

Anyway, here is a short video I shot with Brooks on Monday. Here is a link to Wednesday’s story on Brooks and here is another link to a word association game with junior Kameron Doolittle.

Bishop McGuinness (9-2) vs. Sallisaw (10-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Sallisaw (I’ll be there)

Every team gets hit by injuries, you know, it’s part of the game. But much like its private school counterpart Heritage Hall, Bishop McGuinness is starting to get all those injured players back at the right time.

It started last week with the return of junior RB LaRone Richardson from a high ankle sprain. Not too much can be gained because he told me he was only tackled once by the Tecumseh defense.

It gets better as Quinn Shanbour should be able to help the team this week. He’s getting more and more reps on defense, so he might be able to step up against a talented Sallisaw offense.

I asked Richardson if the injuries have been blessings in disguise because it’s led to other people (Camden Tharp, Kyle Ahmad, Jameel Whitney, etc.) stepping up and now people know the Irish are more than just Richardson.

Quote:

Not really. We knew coming in that we had a lot of good players coming back from last year. Most of them just hadn’t had the opportunity, but we weren’t really worried that we had a lack of playmakers on this team.” – Richardson

I think most 4A-1 teams can out-tough the other squads, except in 4A-4. It was fun watching the battles between Sallisaw, Broken Bow, Wagoner and Poteau.

Three big games matchup 4A-1 vs. 4A-4 teams this week as Douglass is at Wagoner and Broken Bow at Weatherford to go along with the Irish at Sallisaw.

McGuinness is a lot more physical than people give it credit for. I think the difference is most teams don’t have the speed to go with the physicality like the Irish.

While Leodies Robinson was considered the father of Millwood football, Pat Price was just as instrumental in the development of Carl Albert’s basketball program. Price was Carl Albert’s first basketball coach, leading the team to several state tournament appearances.

Price died Sunday at the age of 71 and leaves behind a legacy of coaching. His sons, Jay and Tim, are the Titans basketball coaches now. Jay coaches the boys and Tim the girls.

Here’s a feature on Jay Price that originally ran Feb. 3, 1983 that talks about their relationship:

Being coach’s son paying off for Carl Albert guard
By Dave Pego
At the same time his mom was teaching him to keep his elbows off the table, Jay Price’s dad was giving him other lessons.

“He always told me, “Keep your elbow straight,’” Jay remembers vividly.

Good table manners aside, Pat Price wanted his young son to learn how to shoot a basketball properly.

After all, teaching kids to shoot basketballs was Pat Price’s profession then. He was first basketball coach Carl Albert High School ever had. And why shouldn’t a son learn his father’s trade?

Jay Price’s memories carry him back almost 15 years. . . “The first time I remember shooting a basketball, I was probably three or four years old,” the Carl Albert senior says. “And I remember my dad used to be on the staff of a summer basketball camp in Arkansas. I played on some small goals for younger kids there.”

Jay Price’s father has given him so many pleasant memories.

“I was always around basketball,” the Carl Albert youngster says.

“I traveled with my dad to games. And I would come up to the gym and he would take me in, all through grade school.

“He’s got to be my main influence in being able to play the game.

He’s probably the best coach in the world.”

It’s funny how things turn around.

Jay Price’s father provided him with so many pleasant memories as he taught him the game of basketball. And now, the Carl Albert senior is providing many pleasant memories for his dad.

Price is averaging 25 points a game for the Class 4A Titans. As floor leader and the only senior, the 5-10 Price has helped an extremely short Carl Albert team compile a surprising 11-6 record.

“My dad goes to just about every game I play,” Jay says proudly.

“He wouldn’t miss one unless there was bad weather or he was sick.

He’s my biggest fan.”

Carl Albert head coach Scott Valerius (who replaced Terry Dean who had replaced Pat Price) enjoys having a “coach’s kid” in his lineup.

“He’s the first one I’ve ever had,” Valerius said. “The hours he has spent in the gym since he’s been old enough to walk show up.

“And you hate to make out a guy as a superman, but he’s a 4.0 student. He’s never made anything but an A. He’s a pretty good ol’ kid.

He’s scoring all these points and doesn’t get a big head.”

Of course, it would be hard for Jay to get a big head. If he is doing something wrong on the basketball court, he hears about it immediately.

“I can hear my dad in the stands, yelling something I need to do,” Jay explains. “It’s no big deal. I don’t think the other players even know he’s yelling. It’s just kind of subconscious for me. I just know he’s up there.”

Jay always honors his father and his suggestions.

“He knows what he’s talking about,” the youngster says. “He’ll get onto me every once in awhile, but he’s trying to help. He’s not just chewing on me.”

The Carl Albert coach doesn’t mind listening to Pat Price’s suggestions, either. Pat is now a teacher at Draper Lake Bible School, but apparently hasn’t forgotten any basketball.

“I don’t hesitate to ask him for advice,” Valerius says. “He never comes out and says, “I would do it this way,’ or, “I would do this.’ But if I ask him, he’ll suggest something that might work.”

Both Prices make Valerius’ job easier.

Jay Price is the key to Carl Albert offensive production. “We’ve got other kids who can score, but he’s got to score for us to win.”

Therefore, the Titan coach tries to keep him fresh as possible.

“We generally try to find their least likely scorer and have him guard that man,” Valerius explains. “Covering the other team’s point guard, for instance, would take a lot out of his legs. Jay is as good a defensive player as we have, maybe the best, but we need his offense.

Still, he’ll sink off and help the others.”

Price does so much despite being only 5-10, including averaging about 5 5/8 rebounds a game.

“That would be a pretty good average for somebody 6-2,” Valerius pints out. “But he has to do that for us, because we’re so small. He realizes we all have to share the rebounding load.”

Jay Price never regretted learning the rules of the game from his father.

“There were always some rough times, but when you love the game you just keep playing,” he says.

The roughest time is easy to recall. Jay remembers a stunned seventh grader listening to his dad talk to fellow church members.

“It was always kind of a dream I would play for my dad,” Jay explains. “But that Wednesday night after church he was talking to everybody in general he said he had resigned as Carl Albert coach.”

Jay remembers his own silence.

“I was in awe,” he said. “I just didn’t understand why.”

But basketball continued to be a part of the Price family’s life and Jay may never stop loving the sport.

“I don’t look to be playing basketball for any real major colleges,” he says, “But I’ve had a letter from OCU and Central State and Bethany Nazarene.”

After that, he is thinking about seeking a career in mathematics or computers, and thanks to his father, there will always be a place for one thing.

“I’ll stick around basketball somehow,” Jay says. “I’ll figure out a way to coach somehow.”

Northwest will meet Douglass and Southeast will play Star Spencer in the semifinals and I’m thinking Douglass and Star will meet in the championship but it’s hard to count out teams coached by Walter Brewer (Southeast) and Leroy Combs (Northwest).

On the girls side, no real surprises there. It’ll be Douglass-Millwood and Northeast-Star Spencer for the championships. The guess here is Millwood-Star Spencer in the championship.

BOYS
Tuesday
at Northwest
Game 1: Millwood 27, Centennial 18
Game 2: Northwest 21, Capitol Hill 20
Game 3: Douglass 31, Millwood 14
at Capitol Hill
Game 4: John Marshall 20, Classen SAS 11
Game 5: Northeast 33, U.S. Grant 13
Game 6: Southeast 28, John Marshall 20
Game 7: Star Spencer 39, Northeast 20

Thursday
at Capitol Hill
Game 8: Millwood vs. Classen SAS, 3:30 p.m.
Game 9: U.S. Grant vs. John Marshall, 4:30 p.m.
Game 10: Centennial vs. Northeast, 5:30 p.m.
Game 11: Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 6:30 p.m.
Game 12: Game 2 loser vs. Game 10 winner, 7:30 p.m.
Game 13: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner, 8:30 p.m.
at Northwest
Game 14: Northwest vs. Douglass, 6 p.m.
Game 15: Southeast vs. Star Spencer, 7 p.m.
Championship: Game 14 winner vs. Game 15 winner, 8 p.m.

GIRLS
Tuesday
at Northwest
Game 1: U.S. Grant 23, Northwest 18
Game 2: Douglass 17, Southeast 16
Game 3: Millwood 21, U.S. Grant 3
at Capitol Hill
Game 4: Centennial 36, Capitol Hill 6
Game 5: John Marshall 17, Classes SAS 13
Game 6: Northeast 19, Centennial 7
Game 7: Star Spencer 34, John Marshall 9

Thursday
at Capitol Hill
Game 8: Capitol Hill vs. U.S. Grant, 3 p.m.
Game 9: Classen SAS vs. Centennial, 4 p.m.
Game 10: Northwest vs. John Marshall, 5 p.m.
Game 11: Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 6 p.m.
Game 12: Southeast vs. Game 10 winner, 7 p.m.
Game 13: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner, 8 p.m.
at Northwest
Game 14: Douglass vs. Millwood, 5:30 p.m.
Game 15: Northeast vs. Star Spencer, 6:30 p.m.
Championship: Game 14 winner vs. Game 15 winner, 7:30 p.m.

One person in the world you’d like to trade places with for a day?

Deion Sanders, so I could experience having more talent than anyone I would ever line up against in any sport.

What’s on your bucket list?

1. See the Seven Wonders of the World
2. Win a State Championship
3. Sign a letter of intent to play collegiate athletics
4. Beat my dad at pool
5. Make Coach Swayze laugh at practice or in a game

 Other than yourself, who is the best athlete in your family?

My dad and sister were both All-State athletes. My sister plays softball at Oklahoma State. My dad played football and ran track at East Central University. They both claim to be the best.

 What was your welcome to the varsity moment?

Being injected as the starting quarterback as a 15 year old freshman only two weeks before the season opener.

 What’s your hidden talent?

My dancing skills are off the charts.

What was your welcome to the varsity moment?

When iIwas a freshman in spring ball and Igot layed out by our senior linebacker.

What’s on your bucket list?

Bungee Jump, eat a 72oz steak, Meet Jessica Alba, become a state champion in any sport, go to Universal Studios

Five most important things in your life?
Food, Girls, Friends, Family, and God

Hidden talent?

I am good at Ping Pong

If you could trade places with anyone for a day who would it be and why?

Blake Stringer, so I can throw to myself.

I had heard a lot about Lawton coming into last week’s game with Edmond North, but I hadn’t actually seen the Wolverines.

Must say that I was impressed with the speed and physicality of Randy Breeze’s boys. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: I would be shocked if this team doesn’t give Tulsa Union a run for its money.

Following the 34-16 win against North, I had a chance for a brief interview with one of the game’s stars, RB Charles Smith. Smith ran for more than 130 yards and had a couple of touchdowns to keep Lawton’s season alive.

And while the passing game was shut down last week, I expect Cody Miller to have a much better game this week. The question will be will the running game be able to go nuts again?

Lindsay (7-4) vs. Heritage Hall (7-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Pop Murray Memorial Field

Heritage coach Andy Bogert wasn’t so much worried about a first-round upset as he was about the team not coming out with the right amount of intensity. He told his kids that it’s in the first round when the weird and wacky things happen.

Based on last week, he was right.

The Chargers were only up 7-0 at halftime against Meeker before a halftime speech (or ‘nice talk’ as Bogert put it) led to Heritage playing like it really can. Sparked by three straight touchdowns by Barry Sanders, Heritage cruised to the 35-0 win.

Bogert can’t say enough about the development of quarterback Cooper Cloud.

Quote:

He definitely understands defenses well. He’s real calm out there and has done a great job.” – Bogert

Cloud threw for 179 yards and a touchdown. The last two weeks have been crucial for Cloud and the passing game. With an effective passing game, the Chargers are right back in the discussion for a 2A title.

Heritage also had sophomore lineman Markus Wakefield return last week. Bogert said you could see the rust with Wakefield, and that he was closer to 80-85 percent last week.

Even though it’s obvious, Bogert said playing at home is a huge boost. With so many teams traveling around this time of year, the Chargers can go one more week of staying at home sweet home.

Memorial (8-3) vs. Jenks (11-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Jenks Hunter-Dwelley Stadium

At this point in the game, you don’t need much motivation. If you’re not pumped to be in the 6A quarterfinals, then I don’t know what to say.

But Memorial is actually a team that can come in with a chip on its shoulder. Despite hosting Mustang last week, not many people (including all of your stooges) picked the Bulldogs to win.

Quote:

We definitely used that as motivation, especially the defense. People were saying how Mustang was going to put up all kinds of points on us. That fired us up.” – junior Kameron Doolittle

All the defense did was do what it’s done all month: shut down another offense. In the 38-7 win, the defense caused four turnovers. And in the last 14 quarters, it’s been Memorial 70, Opponents 7.

The Bulldogs can play with a care-free attitude this week because nobody once again thinks they have any chance of beating Jenks.

Quote:

We’re excited about this chance, about this opportunity to show what we can really do. We’re coming in with all the confidence in the world.” – senior Nelson Medeiros

A team with nothing to lose is definitely a dangerous club, but don’t expect Jenks to tense up in the moment. If the off the field distractions haven’t gotten to this team, then just about nothing will.

Either way, we’ll find out Friday how good the Memorial defense really is. No matter what happens, this defense will be remembered. But a big outing at Jenks, and they’ll write another chapter.

BOYS
Tuesday
at Northwest
Game 1: Centennial vs. Millwood, 6 p.m.
Game 2: Capitol Hill vs. Northwest, 7 p.m.
Game 3: Douglass vs. Game 1 winner, 8 p.m.
at Capitol Hill
Game 4: Classen vs. John Marshall, 6 p.m.
Game 5: Northeast vs. U.S. Grant, 7 p.m.
Game 6: Southeast vs. Game 4 winner, 8 p.m.
Game 7: Star Spenver vs. Game 5 winner, 9 p.m.

Thursday
at Capitol Hill
Game 8: Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 loser, 3:30 p.m.
Game 9: Game 5 loser vs. Game 6 loser, 4:30 p.m.
Game 10: Game 1 loser vs. Game 7 loser, 5:30 p.m.
Game 11: Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 6:30 p.m.
Game 12: Game 2 loser vs. Game 10 winner, 7:30 p.m.
Game 13: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner, 8:30 p.m.
at Northwest
Game 14: Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 6 p.m.
Game 15: Game 6 winner vs. Game 7 winner, 7 p.m.
Championship: Game 14 winner vs. Game 15 winner, 8 p.m.

GIRLS
Tuesday
at Northwest
Game 1: U.S. Grant vs. Northwest, 5:30 p.m.
Game 2: Southeast vs. Douglass, 6:30 p.m.
Game 3: Game 1 winner vs. Millwood, 7:30 p.m.
at Capitol Hill
Game 4: Capitol Hill vs. Centennial, 5:30 p.m.
Game 5: John Marshall vs. Classen, 6:30 p.m.
Game 6: Game 4 winner vs. Northeast, 7:30 p.m.
Game 7: Game 5 winner vs. Star Spencer, 8:30 p.m.

Thursday
at Capitol Hill
Game 8: Game 4 loser vs. Game 3 loser, 3 p.m.
Game 9: Game 5 loser vs. Game 6 loser, 4 p.m.
Game 10: Game 1 loser vs. Game 7 loser, 5 p.m.
Game 11: Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 6 p.m.
Game 12: Game 2 loser vs. Game 10 winner, 7 p.m.
Game 13: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner, 8 p.m.
at Northwest
Game 14: Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 5:30 p.m.
Game 15: Game 6 winner vs. Game 7 winner, 6:30 p.m.
Championship: Game 14 winner vs. Game 15 winner, 7:30 p.m.

Westmoore’s Kendra Pierce and Michelle Keppel were chosen for the first team as well. Southmoore also placed a pair of players on the first team in Chelsi Hill and Maria Hilterbran.

Norman North fastpitch softball players Alexis Richardson, Tara Travis and Andrea Smith each were named as well. Norman put a pair of players on the first team as Amy Vanderburg and Breanna Cosme each were honored.

Moore softball standouts Sydney Garcia, Brianna Nunley, Alex Milligan and Tara Martini all were selected to the fastpitch Mid-State Conference first team.

Westmoore’s Kendra Pierce and Michelle Keppel were chosen for the first team as well. Southmoore also placed a pair of players on the first team in Chelsi Hill and Maria Hilterbran.

This story isn’t posted on the high school blog, so in case you missed it in print, here’s my report on catching up with former Norman High football coach Butch Peters:

NORMAN  —  Butch Peters resigned as Norman High School football coach following the 2007 season. It was the end of a 35-year tenure with the Tigers.

And yet, though nobody could have been more entrenched with the city’s athletic community given the length of time he spent coaching at Norman, since he’s been gone he may be even more up to speed on the local talent. In fact, he’s getting a good idea about the town’s top athletes a lot earlier than most.

“The way it’s worked out, I didn’t really get out of the loop, I just took a different direction,” Peters said.

Peters owns and operates Sooner Trophies and Awards in Norman. And because he’s the contact for team hardware, coaches from pee-wee soccer to both the high schools are in his shop on a regular basis.

“I’m working with a lot of little league coaches in pretty much all (youth league) sports and I get to see coaches from all four middles schools in town and both high schools. And I really enjoy talking to them.”

Parents, too. Peters’ trophy shop, which he runs with his wife and oldest daughter, gets the scoop on the young up-and-comers from all the moms and dads who come in to get more personalized awards for their kids’ teams.

“We make the trophies in the shop. You use component parts and we’re a custom shop that allows people to come in and choose what they want,” said the 61-year old Peters. “You start to recognize a lot of the names of the kids.

“And I’ve even had players I’ve coached come in because they’re coaching teams now, and that’s been pretty neat.”

The list of players Peters coached during his time as an assistant (23 seasons) and head coach (12) at Norman is long and distinguished. More than 35 players who were under his guidance went on the Division I-A careers, including current Oklahoma star receiver Ryan Broyles.

In his time at Norman, Peters also served as the volleyball coach from 1977-1990, winning four state championships, including a 50-0 season in 1990. Peters’ football squads went a combined 75-54 from 1996-2007.

Peters misses the relationship with the players and assistant coaches and, of course, the energy of high school football friday nights.

“After 35 years, that was a real change of pace,” Peters said. “That was the hardest thing for me to do  —  go sit down and watch a football game on Friday nights.

After keeping a little distance in his first season away from the job, Peters returned to Harve Collins Field for home games this year.

“I’ve made several of them,” he said of the Tigers’ games. “If I don’t go, I catch the high school TV games. I try to keep up with the kids that I still know, some of the younger kids from my last year. And there are four or five assistant coaches that I hired that are still there and it’s good to see those guys once a week.”

Peters is also a regular at Alcott Middle School football games, where his grandson Colton is a seventh-grade quarterback. His granddaughter, Ashton, is a second-grader who keeps Peters constantly traveling to Griffin Park for soccer and softball games.

“It’s been a big change,” Peters said. “Some of the things you miss, some it’s good to get away from. But I stay busy and I’m enjoying what I do.”

Not too hard to choose which school to select the player of the week from considering Southmoore was the only school to play last week. However, selecting just one player from a too-close-for-comfort win over Lawton Eisenhower is tough.

Sam York, kicker: York booted a 30-yard field goal with five seconds left to take the 34-32 victory in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs.

Kendal Thompson, quarterback: Thompson didn’t have his most accuarate day, but made huge plays when the SaberCats needed them, including a 16-yard sprint to the 13-yard line with less than 10 seconds to go to set up the game-winning field goal.

Andrew Long, running back: Ran for 126 yards against Lawton Ike before cramps set in. Had a 95-yard TD run and also threw a touchdown pass on a fake field goal attempt.

Austin Brooks, Austin Reece, Labron Brown and Ethan Baker: Defensive standouts each made a big play in the game at key times. Baker made numerous game-altering stops throughout the contest.

Julian Wilson: The senior had his usual strong effort defensively, although there was a whole lot of passes to defend for the OU commitment. Still, he also played receiver and late in the game came in as an emergency tailback, where he ran well and looked anything like a last-gasp fill-in.

Nyko Symonds, receiver: Played well at corner and made two big catches for first downs during the game-winning drive.

Player of the Week
Cole Swayze, RB, Purcell: Purcell probably wouldn’t have been considered to be the favorite in their first round game with Elgin, but the Dragons overcame and conquered in large part to the strong running of Swayze who scored three touchdowns on runs of 49, 63 and 23 yards to help Purcell get a 28-27 win.

Others in the mix: Kentrell Brothers, DE, Guthrie (5 sacks in first round win); Ryan Spangler, QB, Bridge Creek; Derek Patterson, QB, Kingfisher (Scored all three of Kingfisher’s TDs on 2 passes and a run).

There are just so many weapons for Bishop McGuinness when all the boys are healthy. Camden Tharp is effective as both a runner and a passer. Jameel Whitney is the bruising back and anchor on defense. LaRone Richardson is your workhorse who can also bust a big one.

And then there’s Kyle Ahmad. He’s your game-breaker. A person that if you need one play to take it to the house, you call his number.

Ahmad wasn’t the only Irish player to score two touchdowns in the 49-0 win vs. Tecumseh, but seeing the team click like that was huge and earns him the Private Schools Player of the Week.

Ahmad scored on 31-yard run in the first quarter and and also on a 28-yard pass from Tharp as the Irish roll into a huge quarterfinal matchup at Sallisaw. His speed is lethal, my friends.

With all these weapons, it’s tough to contain them all. And if all the weapons are healthy (as they’re now on their way to being), well, look out for the Irish.

Other contenders

Barry Sanders, RB, Heritage Hall: Just another day at the office for the sophomore. He scored four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving) as the Chargers blanked Meeker 35-0.

LaRone Richardson, RB, McGuinness: Made his return after missing the final two (almost 3) games with a high ankle sprain and scored twice.

Travis Harrison, Heritage: Provided a huge spark when he took a blocked punt 15 yards for a touchdown to help Chargers cruise.

Camden Tharp, QB, McGuinness: He has made a believer out of me. He’s no longer a question mark for the Irish. He threw two touchdowns and ran for another.

Irish and Charger defense: Neither squad gave up a point with Heritage giving up 144 yards and McGuinness allowing 183 yards of offense.

OCS defense: Saints didn’t lose to Oklahoma Bible because of their defense. In a tough battle, OBA blanked OCS 7-0, scoring in the second quarter.

Edmond Memorial prides itself on its running game. And why not with all the talented backs it has? But the Bulldogs were a man short heading into last week’s playoff battle with Mustang.

With junior Cale Olbert out, it was going to be up to D’Juan Brooks to carry a bulk of the load. However, it also changed passing scheme.

Memorial only threw it eight times and instead, let quarterback Kameron Doolittle run wild just like in the good ol’ days.

Doolittle ran for three touchdowns to pace Memorial to a 38-7 against Mustang and earn the Edmond Player of the Week honors.

The Bulldogs are riding a seven-game winning streak into Friday’s battle at Jenks, and the way Doolittle and senior Blake Umberham handled the quarterback switch is a HUGE reason as to why.

Doolittle didn’t throw it much, but fellow chum Scott Wright told me Doolittle was very accurate early, and that opened up the run game even more.

Doolittle scored the first two touchdowns on a 19-yard and a 20-yard run and put the game away with a 48-yarder in the fourth quarter.

Other contenders

Hunter Dawson, DB, Memorial: Made the biggest play of the game taking an interception back 106 yards for a touchdown at the end of the first half to put Memorial up 21-0 at half.

Joe Aska Jr., RB, North: Against a a stingy Lawton defense, ran for 124 yards and two touchdowns in the 34-16 loss at Cameron Stadium.

Memorial defense: A shocker here, no? Giving up seven points to the high-powered Mustang team is incredible. The Bulldogs caused four turnovers and have given up seven points in the last 14 quarters.

Memorial O-Line: How about a hand for the boys in the trenches? You can have a plan to run it all day, but you need the line to back you up. Memorial had 37 carries for 277 yards.

James Davis of Carl Albert celebrates after sacking Lawton MacArthur QB Dylan Warner

It’d be easy to pick Tre Porter or J.T. Realmuto and be done with it but James Davis was all over the place Friday in Carl Albert’s 51-19 blowout of Lawton MacArthur. Davis stands not too far above five feet tall but certainly makes any team taking him lightly pay.

On Lawton MacArthur’s first play on offense, after Carl Albert already led 17-0, Davis sacked Highlanders quarterback Dylan Warner. Davis didn’t let up there, either, consistantly making plays on defense and making sure there would be no Lawton MacArthur comeback.

“The kid is phenomenal,” Carl Albert quarterback J.T. Realmuto said. “He might be the smallest guy on the field but he doesn’t play like it.”

I was talking with a writer before the game as the team’s captains went out for the coin toss. I pointed out Davis to him and said, “That guy starts … on the defensive line.” The writer said, “I bet those MacArthur players are laughing.”

“They won’t be laughing very long,” I said, relaying a story James had told me early in the season about defenders shutting up really quick once the game started.

And they certainly weren’t. Davis made that sack on the first play and never looked back.

Other contenders:
Cole Eddy, Midwest City: Eddy had a 36-yard touchdown reception from Greg Austin in Midwest City’s 21-16 win over Putnam North on Friday night.

Tre Porter, Carl Albert: If Davis’ start was perfect, so was Porter’s. Porter took the handoff from J.T. Realmuto on the Titans’ first offensive play and took it 39 yards for a touchdown. By the time the game was over, Porter had three touchdowns — two rushing and one receiving. He had 15 carries for 164 yards and one catch for a 26-yard touchdown.

J.T. Realmuto, Carl Albert: After the game, Realmuto undersold his role in Carl Albert’s offense. “All I had to do early was turn around and hand the ball to Tre,” he said. And while the Titans probably would’ve still won if that’s all Realmuto did, he did so much more. He finished with 19 carries for 167 yards and three rushing touchdowns, including one of 50 yards. He also threw the pass to Porter for the score.

Sterling Wright, Carl Albert: Yeah, I know, there are a lot of Carl Albert names here but it’s hard to leave any of them out after the beating they dished out Friday night. Wright, like Porter and Davis, started things off on the right foot. His might’ve been even better than Porter’s and Davis’ starts, though. Wright took the opening kick, which Porter let bounce by him, picked it up at the 5 and took it 95 yards for the touchdown. Wright’s return set in motion a series of events that saw the Titans leading 17-0 before Lawton MacArthur ever controlled the ball.

Christian Heritage catcher Caden Cleveland looked to be headed to Ole Miss but has reconsidered his decision. He took a visit this weekend before making a planned decision this week. It appears Cleveland will choose between the Rebels and Morehead State.

Here’s a video of Cleveland at the 2009 International High School Power Showcase in Tampa (A quick warning on the video: the first minute is advertising). Cleveland competed in the competition with his brother Cole. The brothers are the grandsons of former MLB standout Dom Demeter.

I look at Cale Coshow, and I don’t see a college baseball player. I see a big, strong offensive lineman. But man can Coshow play some baseball.

The Deer Creek senior made it official this last week, signing his letter of intent to play for Oklahoma. It was fun talking to Coshow because you can tell how conflicted he was between OSU and OU.

But then you realize how much love and passion he has for the Sooners, and you see how big his smile I got talking about it.

Coshow will be joined by Putnam North’s Casey Coyle at OU. Cale was at Casey’s signing in the morning and Casey turned right back around and was at Cale’s signing in the afternoon.

Seems Cleveland Browns receiver showed up at the event at Stow High School to take the field on senior night with Michael Drake, whose father, Mike, had recruited Cribbs to Kent State and then coached him for two years. But Mike was diagnosed with cancer before the 2003 season and died in 2005.

This story is definitely worth the read:

Cribbs steps in to support late coach’s son

The dynamic duo remains in the private school realm, and it looks like I might be following one of these teams as far as they can go.

Bishop McGuinness (9-2)
That is how you start the postseason. A dominating display on both sides of the ball in a 49-0 victory against Tecumseh. Everything was clicking. LaRone Richardson was back, scoring twice. Kyle Ahmad took it in twice.

The Irish never really got the passing game going because they didn’t need to. I haven’t checked in with coach Kenny Young yet, but I can’t think of him hoping for a better showing.

Now the road gets difficult as McGuinness heads east to play Sallisaw (10-1). It is real easy to overlook Sallisaw after a 31-28 last-second FG win against Collinsville. I’m not doing that. QB Matt Oberste is healthy again, said coach Craig Benson.

In Ryan’s rankings, this is the No. 2 team (Irish) taking on the No. 5 team (Sallisaw) in the quarterfinals. That is really saying something about how good this game can be.

I’m looking forward to this one. And you know what? I’m looking forward to this one so much that I’m making the trip Friday to Sallisaw for this one.

Heritage Hall (7-4)
Take what I just said about McGuinness and copy it for the Chargers. The first three times Barry Sanders touched the ball, he scored touchdowns en route to a 35-0 win against Meeker.

Not shocking that Heritage blanked the Bulldogs as you take out that fourth quarter vs. Weatherford, and this has been an outstanding defensive unit.

Cooper Cloud is doing his best to make me look stupid. Another solid outing. Not spectacular, but really, he’s never going to need to be the guy that throws for 300 yards and five touchdowns.

The Chargers welcome Lindsay to town on Friday.

OCS (8-3)
This one hurt. I picked the Saints to reach the Class A finals. Still don’t know how Oklahoma Bible shut ‘em out 7-0, but I’m not questioning OBA anymore. Great effort.

Thought this might be the season for a title for OCS, but fell a little short in the biggest moments. See what they have next year.

Records:
Ryan: 65-15 (6A, 6-2; 5A, 7-1; 4A, 8-0; 3A, 5-3; 2A, 11-5; A, 13-2; B, 8-0; C, 6-2)
Scott: 64-16 (6A, 7-1; 5A, 6-2; 4A, 6-2; 3A, 5-3; 2A, 11-5; A, 14-1; B, 8-0; C, 6-2)
Bob: 63-17 (6A, 7-1; 5A, 6-2; 4A, 7-1; 3A, 6-2; 2A, 11-5; A, 13-3; B, 8-0; C, 5-3)

Bob’s Best Call: I don’t have much to brag about, so I’m going with Douglass and its impressive performance at Glenpool. The way Glenpool was shell-shocked against Star Spencer had me believing the Warriors would have no answers for the Trojans. I have three 4A-1 teams in the semis (Weatherford vs. Douglass, McGuinness vs. Star Spencer).
Ryan’s Best Call: Guthrie over Duncan in 5A. I picked 26-22. The score ended up being a bit lower than that but the margin was relatively close and the Bluejays won. I knew Guthrie’s defense was close to the level of a top-tier 5A team and their offense had been consistently improving through disitrict play, minus the blowout at the hands of Carl Albert. I also correctly predicted road teams Douglass, Wagoner, Sequoyah Claremore, John Marshall, Kiefer, Covington-Douglas and Deer Creek-Lamont to win.
Scott’s Best Call: I’m somewhat proud of picking 6-4 Laverne over 8-2 Caddo in a game that pitted two top-10 teams against each other. But based on Laverne’s super-challenging district schedule, that one wasn’t as big a shocker as the records would indicate. So the pick I was most excited about would have to be Carnegie over Healdton. Yes, both teams were 8-2 and it seemed like a toss-up type of game. But I had already written Healdton on the line, then went back at the last second and changed it. I typically trust my first instinct, but it worked out for me this time.

Bob’s Bonehead Call: Easy one. Even worse than calling Madill the 3A champion (because that wasn’t that crazy) was keeping the belief that Oklahoma Christian was going to make it to the Class A finals. I just felt the Saints were going to always put it together when they needed to. I truly never thought OCS was in trouble this season. They had lost by one point to Watonga and two points to Cashion. But give credit to Oklahoma Bible for the 7-0 win. Honorable mention to Vian beating Valliant in the second round since neither won their first-round contest.
Ryan’s Bonehead Call: Temple 51, Waynoka 6. Actual score: Waynoka 48, Temple 14. I had close picks one way turn into blowouts the other and a couple (Vian-Pawhuska) that I picked as blowouts wind up blowouts the other way. But none as bad as this one. (Dis)Honorable mention: Plainview 42, Washington 6. I’m not going to lie, I looked at Washington’s 1-4 start and basically wrote them off. But the losses aren’t so bad looking back on it and even that lone win (8-7 over Jones) stands out as a pretty impresssive one. The Warriors proved that their five-game win streak to end the regular season was no fluke.
Scott’s Bonehead Call: There were three upsets I desperately wanted to pick, but backed off on all three for reasons I can’t explain. And all three — Guthrie, Washington and Covington-Douglas — won. All three of those teams came into the playoffs at 6-4, but all three programs have an understanding of how to play and win in the postseason, whether it be from recent or long-standing success.

Bob’s Biggest Surprise: Since myself and Ryan Aber already went through this in Sunday’s paper, I’m going to say something a little different. Hmm, let’s say that on paper, Clinton’s road to the title just got easier. 10-0 teams Madill and Metro Christian lost in the first round, leaving the Red Tornadoes side of the bracket WIDE open. It’s possible three teams from 3A-1 (Tuttle, Clinton, Blanchard) are alive in the semis.
Ryan’s Biggest Surprise: The emergence of 2A-7 and the disappearance of 2A-8. Vian has a long history of playoff advancement, while Sequoyah Tahlequah has been pretty good of late as well. I didn’t expect both of them to get bounced in the first round after their only loss was Vian’s to Sequoyah Tahlequah. But 2A-7 swept 2A-8 out, winning those games on the road with combined 14-6 teams beating 19-1 teams. We knew Lincoln Christian was good but it appears 2A-7 was even better than we thought.
Scott’s Biggest Surprise: I’m not surprised that Edmond Memorial won, but very surprised at how easily and by how much they won. Also shocked by the Glenpool loss to Douglass, simply because I picked Glenpool to bounce back from its loss to Star Spencer and win it all in 4A. Sequoyah-Tahlequah, Madill and Metro Christian both suffering their first defeats of the year would qualify for the surprise category, too.

And then there was one. Knew the 1-3 start by Memorial was an abberation, but the Bulldogs are even better than what I thought. Justin Merideth’s team is the last club standing

Memorial (8-3)
A dynamite outing against Mustang in a 38-7 win. I said if Memorial was going to win, the Bulldogs were going to force Brandon Taylor into some difficult decisions.

Bingo. Nothing stands out more than the INT return for a touchdown by Hunter Dawson. That changed the game completely.

The seven points allowed is nice, but the 38 scored is crazy for this squad. It’s only the second time this season Memorial has topped 30 points.

With Cale Olbert out, D’Juan Brooks once again ran like a man on a mission while Kameron Doolittle was back to being an elusive runner and passed sparingly.

Headed out to Memorial on Monday for some videos and stuff like that. And here’s to hoping Merideth’s father is doing well after two surgeries in one week.

Memorial is at Jenks (11-0) on Friday night.

North (8-3)
When it was 14-0, I thought it was over. I was impressed by the Huskies’ heart, but more impressed by the skill and talent of Lawton.

Joe Aska Jr. ran hard and fought his way to one final 100-yard game. And the secondary was lights out and potentially could have had about three picks (if memory serves me right).

But when Colton Byford went down, Lawton found the holes in the running game, and there was nothing North could do about it.

This team may have fallen short of its goal, but they were an explosive and fun bunch to cover. Like coach Jeremy Dombek said, it’s this group of seniors that will be remembered for getting things going in the right direction.

And with Travis Townsend and Jared Benway coming back, the offense should be just fine. Replacing that defense will be no easy chore, though.

Starting next week, playoff games in 6A-3A and B-C will move to neutral sites for semifinals and, the next week, finals.

At Wednesday’s meeting of the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association’s Board of Directors, David Jackson presented the results of the OSSAA’s inquiries to sites around the state for neutral site availability. While many places didn’t respond, and another handful said they wouldn’t be able to host, the OSSAA appears to be able to find suitable sites for all playoff semifinals and finals (All but one of the 11-man championships will be played at Oklahoma State’s Boone Pickens Stadium this season and all 11-man championship games will be held at the stadium beginning next year through 2013).

The biggest question mark coming out of the presentation was about the fate of the Class B and C state championship games. Mustang has been home to those games for several years and seemed like a perfect fit for those games. This year, though, Mustang will not be available during the playoffs due to construction so the games will find a new home.

In Class 6A and 5A this season, games featuring Oklahoma City-area teams vs. Tulsa-area teams will be played in the Oklahoma City area if a middle site isn’t available. This year, though, there might a better solution as Stillwater High’s new stadium is available, Stillwater wants to do everything possible to host as many of these games as possible and it’s really the closest thing to a suitable venue midway between OKC and Tulsa.

In class 4A and below, the sites are picked by the OSSAA and if a spot equidistant from the schools can’t be found, it’s up to the association to determine where the game will be played.

Anyway, here are the candidates, week by week:

Nov. 27-28 (6A-3A, B-C semifinals)
Bixby
Bristow
Broken Arrow
Catoosa (Friday only)
Chickasha
Collinsville
Cushing (11-man only)
Tulsa East Central (day only for Saturday games)
East Central University
McAlester
Muskogee
Norman
Ponca City
Putnam City
Skiatook (Saturday only)
Southwestern
Stillwater High
Tulsa University (Saturday only)
Woodward
Yukon (Saturday only)

Dec. 4-5 (1 6A-3A final, rest will be played at OSU; B-C finals; 2A-A semifinals)
Bixby
Bristow
Broken Arrow
Carl Albert
Catoosa (Friday only)
Collinsville
Cushing (11-man only)
Tulsa East Central (day only for Saturday games)
East Central University
McAlester
Moore
Muskogee
Norman
Ponca City
Putnam City (Saturday only)
Skiatook
Southeastern
Southwestern
Stillwater High
Tulsa University (Saturday only)
Woodward
Yukon (Saturday only)

As was the case at Deer Creek, severe audio issues at Santa Fe. The camera I have isn’t exactly the best at blocking out noise, and I’m not about to tell kids to quiet down when they’re celebrating.

Did manage to salvage something with softball star Sierra Bronkey. A four-year starter, Bronkey seemed to only get better and better with each season.

Bronkey helped lead the Wolves to the state tournament though they were eventually eliminated by Broken Arrow (champion).

Bronkey has signed with Arkansas to continue her softball career.

A lot of audio issues with all the Signing Day videos I shot. Some just couldn’t be recovered, so that stinks. Here is a short one with Deer Creek golfer Ian Davis.

Davis is easily one of the best golfers in the state. He made it official, signing with Oklahoma State and the Cowboys this week.

Interesting to see what he has in store for his senior season. He will be roommates with fellow star, Carl Albert’s Talor Gooch.

For one half, the Lawton and Edmond North game was everything I thought it could be. But one penalty here, one dropped pass here, and boom, Lawton took over.

A sensational running performance by the Wolverines (Charles Smith and Domonique Massengill) has Lawton moving on to travel to Tulsa Union on Friday in the 6A quarterfinals.

Lawton 34, North 16

The first half was all about who had the wind. Lawton scored 14 points in the first quarter. North came right back and put up a 16 spot in the second quarter.

I was impressed with the Huskies’ fight. Against Midwest City and Memorial, once down, North hadn’t shown that ability to bounce back.

North fought back and fought hard, led by senior leader Joe Aska Jr. But when Lawton mounted a second surge, there was nothing left for the Huskies.

North suffered a huge blow when senior defensive leader Colton Byford injured himself on the opening kickoff and missed the rest of the game.

Lawton couldn’t pass the ball well, so it didn’t throw it. And why would you with that running game? In the third quarter, North had three possessions and all were 3 & out. I was extremely impressed by Sonny Puletasi all night and Jamaal Allen laid out Jared Benway like nobody else I’ve seen before.

North quarterback Travis Townsend was poised in the first half but seemed rushed in the second half. After a couple of tough possessions, seemed like he was trying to do too much, especially on the interception throw.

Still a banner season for North. That 6-0 start had everyone thinking bigger and bigger things. Injuries and tougher opposition derailed the train.

I was impressed with Lawton’s offense. I really think Lawton will give Tulsa Union a serious battle next week.

Had a chance to shoot a short video with Charles Smith, so look for that on NewsOK sometime this weekend.

If you’re scoring at home, I was 0-for-2 on predictions in this game. First, I picked Mustang, then I predicted the best game of the playoffs’ first round.

Looking back, I probably didn’t give the Bulldog run game enough credit in the game story. And that’s not meant to take anything away from the Bulldog defense, which was fantastic on Friday night. But by running the ball and eating the clock in the second half — even when they didn’t produce points in the third quarter — Kameron Doolittle and D’Juan Brooks kept the Mustang offense off the field, most importantly Daniel Farrow.

Farrow was really the only Mustang player getting much done. The passing game was hit-and-miss, as Brandon Taylor had someone in his face or on his back much of the night when he dropped to throw. That was one of the Bulldogs’ primary objectives.

But Farrow had 15 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown two minutes into the second half, and he only got five carries the rest of the night. He managed to produce some yardage with a couple screen passes, but I’ve got to imagine the 26 total touches was a season-low.

Up next for Memorial: Load up the bus for a trip to Jenks. I’m not ready to say that Memorial can beat the state’s top team. But that defense is good enough to limit what the Trojans are able to do. The ‘Dog offense will need to be as sharp as it was Friday night, or more so, to put up significant points on Jenks. But the defense will keep them in it.

I’ve been impressed with Justin Merideth’s squad all year, going back to the first time I saw them in the preseason, and I think they’ll put up a strong effort next week.

Up next for Mustang: Basketball and wrestling. But looking even farther ahead to 2010, the Broncos will say goodbye to some talented seniors off this team. But the Broncos still have young talent hanging around, some of whom got to play this year, and some who didn’t. They only had four total returning starters at the beginning of this season, and next year will look very similar.

Midwest City
What went right: The Bombers did a great job defensively, overall, limiting PCN to just about nothing in the first half. The Bombers also got their offense going. QB Greg Austin and receiver Cole Eddy have a nice rapport on the field and it showed as Austin hit Eddy in stride on a 36-yard touchdown strike. James Flanders also ran well, especially late in the game when MWC was trying to chew up some clock.

What went wrong: The defense looked a little bit like they were on the ropes in the final period as PCN scored 13 points. Had PCN had more time on their last drive, they might be getting ready for a 2nd round match up instead of the other way around. The Bombers also fumbled twice, something that needs end if they hope to advance further.

Putnam North
What went right: Backup Joe Summers provided a spark when Jace James went out with an apparent back injury. Summers threw for just over 100 yards in the final period, and directed two touchdown drives. This is great news for PCN since Summers is just a sophomore. Also, its defense did a great job of frustrating MWC’s offense in the first quarter and the first half of the second quarter. PCN also shut out MWC in the fourth quarter. Overall a stellar effort against a terrific offense loaded with playmakers.

What went wrong: PCN never really got going offensively in the first half, and before they did they trailed 21-3 which is a deep hole to get out of on the road and in the playoffs. Penalties on the final drive were also a problem.

EDIT: I’ve got to get this in above the jump: I messed up in my Class 2A rankings this week. I initially (and in Sunday’s paper) had Washington above Lindsay. Lindsay beat Washington comfortably during the regular season in a win that started the Leopards on a 7-1 run that has them going to Heritage Hall for a second-round playoff game.

Class 6A
1. Jenks (1)#11-0
2. Tulsa Union (2)#10-1
3. Broken Arrow (3)#9-2
4. Southmoore (4)#10-1
5. Midwest City (5)#9-2
6. Bartlesville (6)#9-2
7. Lawton (8)#9-2
8. Edmond Memorial (9)#8-3
9. Putnam North (10)#7-4
10. Mustang (7)#7-4

The top six teams here all win and remain the same. I seriously considered switching Southmoore and Midwest City and would’ve if the Bombers would’ve been more convincing in their win. Mustang drops from No. 7 to 10 after a 38-7 loss to Edmond Memorial. Lawton and Edmond Memorial each moved up a spot. Putnam North, despite the loss, moved up a spot to No. 9.

Class 5A
1. Tulsa Kelley (1)#11-0
2. El Reno (2)#11-0
3. Shawnee (3)#11-0
4. Carl Albert (5)#9-2
5. Tulsa East Central (6)#10-1
6. McAlester (7)#10-1
7. Tulsa Washington (4)#5-5*
8. Bixby (9)#7-4
9. Tulsa Central (8)#8-3
10. Guthrie (NR)#7-4
*Three games forfeited.

I said last week that Tulsa Washington would’ve move up and after Carl Albert put it to Lawton MacArthur tonight, the Titans make the jump over the Hornets, as do Tulsa East Central and McAlester. I think that’s about as low as the Hornets are going to fall, though, unless Bixby or Guthrie goes on to win the title. Bixby moves up a spot while Tulsa Central falls one spot to No. 9. Guthrie makes its first appearance in the rankings since early in the season after a 20-12 win over Duncan. I still think Tulsa Central’s overall resume is a bit better than Guthrie’s, so for right now, the Braves stay ahead. But a strong performance next week could change that, even in a lott.

Class 4A
1. Weatherford (1)#11-0
2. McGuinness (2)#9-2
3. Douglass (3)#8-3
4. Star Spencer (4)#9-2
5. Sallisaw (6)#10-1
6. Glenpool (5)#9-2
7. Broken Bow (7)#8-3
8. Wagoner (8)#8-3
9. Oologah (10)#8-3
10. Poteau (9)#8-3

The top four star the same as the three 4A-1 teams at the top all win. Sallisaw leaps Glenpool, though I don’t drop the Warriors much after they lose a second consecutive game because they did hold Douglass to 14 points. The reasoning there is the same I used not to drop Star, Douglass and McGuinness much after their losses during the season. Poteau hangs onto a top 10 spot despite a 35-7 loss to Oologah. Considered moving Collinsville in after its loss to Sallisaw but Collinsville did lost five games.

Class 3A
1. Cascia Hall (1)#10-0
2. Tuttle (2)#11-0
3. Berryhill (5)#9-2
4. Clinton (6)#8-3
5. Sequoyah Claremore (7)#9-2
6. Purcell (9)#9-2
7. Blanchard (10)#8-3
8. Madill (3)#10-1
9. Metro Christian (4)#10-1
10. Dewey (NR)#7-4

Some shakeup here as Madill and Metro Christian were both upset. Both fall six spots, while Berryhill, Clinton and Sequoyah Claremore move up two each. Purcell and Blanchard jump three each while Dewey’s win over Metro puts it in the rankings for the first time. But Dewey’s four losses keep it behind Metro in the overall picture.

Class 2A
1. Lincoln Christian (1)#10-1
2. Davis (2)#11-0
3. Millwood (4)#10-1*
4. Kingfisher (6)#9-2
5. Bridge Creek (7)#10-1
6. John Marshall (8)#9-2
7. Heritage Hall (10)#7-4
8. Pawhuska (NR)#9-2
9. Lindsay (NR)#7-4**
10. Washington (NR)#7-4**

*Includes forfeit win over Jones
**Rankings changed after published in the paper. Lindsay and Washington switched.

A lot of shakeup here after Sequoyah Tahlequah’s perfect regular season ends and Vian and Plainview unexpectedly lose in the first round. Millwood jumps up a spot, Kingisher, Bridge Creek and John Marshall up two, Heritage Hall up three. Pawhuska, Washington and Lindsay all enter the rankings after impressive first-round wins.

Class A
1. Tonkawa (1)#11-0
2. Ringling (2)#10-0
3. Hennessey (3)#11-0
4. Stroud (4)#11-0
5. Talihina (5)#11-0
6. Cashion (6)#11-0
7. Oklahoma Bible (7)#10-1
8. Central Sallisaw (8)#10-1
9. Watonga (9)#9-2
10. Velma-Alma (NR)#9-2

Easy top nine here as they all won. OCS drops out after its 7-0 loss to Oklahoma Bible but it wasn’t an easy decision. In the Saints’ place got Velma-Alma, which won its sixth consecutive game with a 48-0 win over Hollis. That’s also six consecutive games of 46 points or more for the Comets.

Class B
1. Garber (1)#11-0
2. Canton (2)#10-1
3. Porter (3)#11-0
4. Ryan (4)#11-0
5. Davenport (5)#10-1
6. Depew (6)#9-2
7. Laverne (10)#7-4
8. Kiefer (NR)#9-2
9. Caddo (7)#8-3
10. Weleetka (9)#6-5

Laverne moves up three spots with a 50-48 win over Caddo. Kiefer moves back in with a bounceback 43-6 blowout win over Gans. Caddo falls two spots and Weleetka one with their losses.

Class C
1. Shattuck (1)#11-0
2. Timberlake (2)#11-0
3. Seiling (4)#10-1
4. Deer Creek-Lamont (6)#9-2
5. Tipton (7)#9-2
6. Waynoka (8)#8-2
7. Covington-Douglas (9)#7-4
8. Forgan (NR)#7-4
9. Temple (3)#9-2
10. Maud (5)#10-1

Some big shuffling here as Temple’s loss to Waynoka drops it way down while Maud also drops heavily after losing to Covington-Douglas. Forgan moves into the rankings after a win over Victory Life.

By Ryan Aber

9:44 p.m.: Doolittle does it again, this time breaking free for a 48-yard TD run on third-and-8. It’s a 31-7 lead for the ‘Dogs with 7:42 left.

9:34 p.m.: Memorial drives to the 1, but eventually has to settle for a 25-yard field goal and a 24-7 lead with 11:16 left in the game.

9:23 p.m.: Mustang got out of bad field position with a 44-yard screen pass to Farrow, but the ‘Dog D holds, getting the turnover on downs.

9:05 p.m.: Early second-half momentum to the Broncos after a D’Juan Brooks fumble at the 18 on the first snap of the half. Daniel Farrow runs on five straight plays to punch it. That ends Memorial’s scoreless string at 12 quarters.

8:29 p.m.: Memorial’s Hunter Dawson picks off a pass six yards deep in the end zone and returns it all the way for the score in the final minute of the first half. HUUUUUUUGE momentum swing after Mustang went all the way down the field.

8:14 p.m.: Doolittle breaks free from 19 yards for another TD after working the WR screen pass for a couple crucial plays. Doolittle has completed all four passes he attempted for 36 yards.

8 p.m.: Mustang’s Daniel Farrow fumbles on the 1 yard line on his way into the end zone — might have already been across the line, but hard to tell on the one look at the replay. After holding on defense, David Glidden tried to pick up a bouncing punt, but mishandled it. Memorial ball at its 38 to start the second quarter

7:45 p.m.: The ‘Dogs strike first with a 20-yard TD run by QB Kameron Doolittle. D’Juan Brooks did all the dirty work, though, rushing on five straight plays for 36 yards before Doolittle coasted in for the TD. Memorial allowed one first down on the first Mustang series, but then forced a punt.

7:08 p.m.: We’re ready to go from Wantland Stadium for Mustang and Edmond Memorial. I’m anticipating the best game of the playoffs’ first round here tonight, so we’ll see what we get. The matchup of Memorial’s defense vs. Mustang’s offense will be quite a show. Memorial is probably going to try to get after sophomore QB Brandon Taylor, try to rattle him when he drops to throw. Turnovers are always big but will be even more so for the Bulldogs tonight.

Memorial coach Justin Merideth says RB Cale Olbert is in a lot of pain, but still might play. The 185-pound junior is a hard runner and will be missed if he can’t go, though D’Juan Brooks surely seems to be fully healthy. Good timing on his return for the Bulldogs.

LAWTON 34, NORTH 16 – FINAL

An outstanding second-half rushing performance by Lawton gives the Wolverines a date with Tulsa Union next week in the quarterfinals.

Charles Smith was the star, running for 134 yards and two touchdowns as Lawton outscored North 20-0 in the second half.

Much more on this game Saturday in the SMQ.

I take it back. Lawton will have the wind in the fourth quarter. This quarter will be crucial for the Huskies then with the way this one has gone.

NORTH 16, LAWTON 14 -HALFTIME

8:45 – If I knew directions, I’d tell you when the wind is blowing thataway, the teams are scoring. All 30 points came to the team with the wind. Lawton chalked up 14 in the first quarter before the Huskies answered with 16 in the second.

Lawton’s passing game has been rendered ineffective, but the Wolverines do have 114 yards on the ground. Edmond North has 74 yards with Joe Aska Jr. leading the way with 19 carries for 77 yards and two touchdowns.

Travis Townsend has been composed and neither QB has really faced any pressure. Townsend was 7-of-12 for 89 yards while Cody Miller was 4-of-13 for 30 yards. Lawton had a couple of big gainers on the ground called back by penalty as well.

Scoring summary: LHS – Patrick Diaz 3 pass from Cody Miller (kick good); Deaquan Wojciechowski 82 punt return for Lawton; Joe Aska Jr. 3 yard TD for North; Aska 14-yd. TD run (PAT missed); Austin Brasher 37 FG.

Lawton will have the wind in the third while the Huskies will have it in fourth. North will receive the ball to start the second half.

7:27 – We’re just about ready. I’m pumped, man, this is fun. Great atmosphere at Cameron Stadium. It’s my first time here and this is a beautiful scene. Not a huge crowd for the Huskies but fans have made the trip.

Lawton will receive. The teams are running through their inflatable setups, time to start the postseason.

6:06 – It is now 6:41, and I am still trying to get this posted, dang internet connection. Hey hey, the Boneman has made it to Cameron Stadium for what should be one of the better first-round matchups when Edmond North and Lawton battle it out in just under 90 minutes.

Friday the 13th has struck me a couple of times today. My hard drive on desktop at my aparment went up in smoke. I had a light bulb crash to the ground after turning on the bathroom light, shattering everywhere. But I’m here, and that’s all that matters.

On the 90-minute drive, I managed to hear “Empire State of Mind” three times by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. Three times. I didn’t mind though I don’t care much for Jay-Z, Keys is one of the best musical talents to come around during my lifetime.

Anyway, as always, try to update here as much as possible and follow myself @BPrzybylo and Ryan Aber @ryaber all night on Twitter for HS football updates all night.

Tre Porter scores again before half: this time on a 26-yard pass from J.T. Realmuto.

Carl Albert 38, Lawton MacArthur 12 HALF

Tuswani Copeland’s 20-yd TD catch puts Lawton Mac on the board  again.

Carl Albert 31, Lawton MacArthur 12 3:11 remaining in the first half

J.T. Realmuto gets in on the act with a 4-yd TD run.

Carl Albert 31, Lawton MacArthur 6 mid-second

And the Titans answer quickly. 65-yard run by Tre Porter puts Carl Albert up bigger.

Carl Albert 24, Lawton MacArthur 6 0:12 left in the first quarter

Carl Albert gives the ball up on a fumble and Mac takes advantage on a 14-yard TD shovel pass from Dylan Warner to Rashaud Foreman

Carl Albert 17, Lawton MacArthur 6

 And finally some good news for Lawton MacArthur: Daniel Schwarz’s punt goes 73 yards into the EZ.

Austin Manger’s 25-yard FG puts Carl Albert up even bigger.

Carl Albert 17, Lawton MacArthur 0 8:06 remaining in the first

 Could be short on the game blog because this thing could get out of hand. Carl Albert once again recovered a fumble on the kick.

Tre Porter takes the first play for a TD on a 39-yard run.

Carl Albert 14, Lawton MacArthur 0 11:30 remaining IN THE FIRST QUARTER

Long night for Lawton Mac? Carl Albert squib kick winds up with a fumble for Mac and the Titans have the ball back.

Sterling Wright puts Carl Albert off to a big start with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Not sure why Lawton MacArthur did it but they squib kicked it to Wright when their kicker has the leg to put it in the end zone.

Carl Albert 7, Lawton MacArthur 0

About to start here at Carl Albert. I could be wrong but watching the refs signals, looks like Mac might’ve messed up and chose to kick, which would leave the Titans starting both halves with the ball.

Here at Jim Harris Field for tonight’s Class 5A playoff opener between Lawton MacArthur and Carl Albert. I’ll try to keep things updated here as much as possible. You can follow my Twitter feed (@ryaber) for updates on this and as many other games around the state as I can manage. Also, Bob Przybylo (@bprzybylo) will be updating on Edmond North at Lawton.

Lawton Eisenhower
Why the Eagles can win: Lawton Ike has won two straight win-or-no-playoffs games to advance to the postseason. It would take an epic effort to pull off this upset, but quarterback Adrian McDonald and running back Louis Durant are dangerous.

Southmoore
Why the SaberCats could win: Southmoore has the better team. Simple as that. Unless the SaberCats have a flurry of turnovers or completely overlook Ike, which isn’t likely, it should win handily.

Key matchup: Southmoore’s George Mallett vs. Lawton Ike’s Adrian McDonald. McDonald may be the best running quarterback Southmoore has seen this year. Mallett, as well as others like Austin Reece, have to keep the fleet QB from getting into space where he can make things happen.

The pick: Southmoore 37, Lawton Ike 18.
If Southmoore wants to show that it’s a serious title contender, step one is to play well and take care of the teams you’re supposed to handle. You can’t wait until week two or three to turn it on in the playoffs. Won’t be a problem for the ’Cats.

Newkirk (6-4) at Millwood (9-1)*
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Leodies Robinson Field, Millwood

Winner plays: Plainview-Washington winner at home next Friday.

Newkirk (L, Tonkawa; W, Caney Valley; W, Sedan, Kan.; W, John Marshall; W, Perry; Fairview; W, Alva; L, Heritage Hall; L, St. Mary; L, Kingfisher)
Why Newkirk can win: Because Kevonte Richardson is out for the Falcons and Millwood could be looking ahead to a possible game next week against Plainview when Richardson returns.

Millwood (W, Star Spencer; W, Douglass; L, McGuinness; W, Little Axe; W, Jones*; W, Lexington; W, SeeWorth; W, Bethel; W, Centennial; W, Meeker)
Why the Falcons can win: Because even with Richardson out, the Falcons are the better team. Danny Jackson looked good last week in his place and Emilio Gatewood has been virtually unstoppable since coming back from injury.

Stat Leaders
RUSHING
Newkirk
Paul Sears: 117 carries, 586 yards, 3 TDs
Trevor Presson: 104 carries, 466 yards, 2 TDs

Millwood
Emilio Gatewood: 117 carries, 1,244 yards, 15 TDs
Kevonte Richardson: 44 carries, 409 yards, 3 TDs

PASSING
Newkirk
Shea Johnston: 30-46, 675 yards, 13 TDs, 1 INT

Millwood
Kevonte Richardson: 91-154, 1,589 yards, 19 TDs, 8 INTs
Daniel Jackson: 8-10, 155 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs

RECEIVING
Newkirk
Connor Pulley: 18 catches, 309 yards, 9 TDs
Josh Gower: 13 catches, 273 yards, 2 TDs

Millwood
Brandon Swindall: 24 catches, 500 yards, 10 TDs
Josh Turner: 23 catches, 480 yards, 4 TDs

TACKLES
Newkirk
Ty Goodno: 132 tackles, 0 sacks
Terrence Summit: 91 tackles, 4 sacks
Trevor Presson: 75 tackles, 0 sacks
Trevor Summit: 69 tackles, 1 sack

Millwood
Larry Seals: 82 tackles, 1 sack
Derrick Hurst: 65 tackles, 0 sacks
Davion Pierson: 65 tackles, 4 sacks

Key matchup: Danny Jackson vs. Newkirk’s front seven. Jackson performed well last week but the playoffs are a different story. He doesn’t have to be a star, just keep things moving along and help Gatewood and Turner make big plays.

The pick: Millwood 24, Newkirk 13. A little closer than some expected but Millwood is ripe for a letdown with Richardson out and having a much better playoff position than first thought after the Jones forfeits of last week. It won’t be a big enough letdown to get Millwood beat, though, as the Falcons win relatively comfortably. It will help Millwood get focus back, though, going forward.

*Jones forfeited to Millwood
**Richardson won’t play tonight due to suspension following ejection

John Marshall (8-2) at Little Axe (8-2)*
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Little Axe High

Winner plays: Davis-Hobart winner on the road next Friday.

John Marshall (W, Northwest; W, Centennial; W, Crooked Oak; L, Newkirk; W, Fairview; W, St. Mary; L, Kingfisher; W, Alva; W, Heritage Hall; W, Perry)
Why the Bears can win: They’ve been consistent all season, with their only losses coming in overtime to Newkirk and after allowing a late score to Kingfisher. The John Marshall defense has been one of the best, if not the best, around and that defense carries the Bears into the second round.

Little Axe (W, Santa Fe South; W, St. Mary; L, Bridge Creek; L, Millwood; W, Meeker; W, Jones; W, Bethel; W, Centennial; W, Lexington; W, SeeWorth)
Why the Indians can win: Because they’re pumped up. This is Little Axe’s first playoff appearance ever and after Jones was forced to forfeit its games last week, Little Axe moved to a home playoff spot. The matchup isn’t easy but Little Axe is going to need emotion to carry it into the second round.

Stat leaders
RUSHING
John Marshall
Brendon Jordan: 107 carries, 766 yards, 15 TDs
Miles Jackson: 66 carries, 479 yards, 4 TDs
Kody Shields: 78 carries, 368 yards, 3 TDs

Little Axe
Robby Dryden: 118 carries, 650 yards, 10 TDs
Daniel Leonard: 104 carries, 550 yards, 18 TDs

RECEIVING
John Marshall
Derrick Allen: 21 catches, 445 yards, 7 TDs
Brandon Bray: 7 catches, 227 yards, 3 TDs

Little Axe
Robby Dryden: 11 catches, 360 yards, 2 TDs
Jacob Bookout: 17 catches, 311 yards, 5 TDs

PASSING
John Marshall
Brendon Jordan: 62-134, 796 yards, 11 TDs, 6 INTs

Little Axe
Daniel Leonard: 50-120, 766 yards, 6 TDs, 10 INTs

TACKLES
John Marshall
Ken Berry: 107 tackles, 0 sacks
Derrick Allen: 63 tackles, 6 sacks

Little Axe
Robby Dryden: 130 tackles, 10 sacks
Brandon Miller: 130 tackles, 5 sacks
Daniel Leonard: 80 tackles, 4 sacks
Dustin Hawkins: 80 tackles, 6 sacks

Key matchup: John Marshall QB Brendon Jordan vs. the Little Axe front seven. Little Axe has had a lot of success getting to opposing quarterbacks (just look at their sack totals), but Jordan is one of the best they’ve faced this year. And Jordan might be the second-best running quarterback they’ve faced all season, next to Millwood’s Kevonte Richardson. If Little Axe can get some pressure on Jordan, they might have a chance in this one. If Jordan is able to run free and get time to throw, it’ll be a long night for the Indians.

The pick: John Marshall 35, Little Axe 7. This isn’t an upset, with Little Axe having moved up a spot in the district pecking order with Jones’ forfeits. John Marshall is playing as well as anyone in Class 2A right now and that continues as the bears march on to what should be a heck of a game against Davis next week.

*Jones forfeited to Little Axe

Elk City (6-4) at Star Spencer (8-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Spencer

Winner plays: Poteau-Oologah winner at home next Friday.

Elk City (L, Western Heights; W, Clinton; W, El Reno; L, Douglass; W, Guymon; W, Southeast; W, Piedmont; W, Woodward; L, Weatherford; L, McGuinness)
Why the Elks can win: Because they’ve got one of the most proficient passing attacks in 4A and Star Spencer hasn’t faced many teams like that so far this season.

Star Spencer (L, Millwood; W, Southeast; L, Douglass; W, McLoud; W, Tecumseh; W, Cushing; W, Seminole; W, Cleveland; W, Mannford; W, Glenpool)
Why the Bobcats can win: Star Spencer knocked off No. 1 Glenpool last week to win the district championship. With a state championship four wins away, the Bobcats aren’t about the let up now. They’ve dominated through the last seven weeks and have the potential to keep that up.

Stat Leaders
RUSHING
Elk City
Steven Ferguson: 57 carries, 277 yards, 3 TDs
Will Davis: 103 carries, 200 yards, 8 TDs

Star Spencer
Darwin Rideau: 112 carries, 1,302 yards, 17 TDs
Terence Olds: 58 carries, 692 yards, 11 TDs
Franky Jamison: 73 carries, 692 yards, 8 TDs

PASSING
Elk City
Will Davis: 220-333, 2,280 yards, 14 TDs, 10 INTs

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

RECEIVING
Elk City
Zach Mattox: 74 catches, 837 yards, 8 TDs
Cody Lake: 72 catches, 676 yards, 4 TDs
Michael Hufford: 21 catches, 228 yards, 1 TD
Steven Ferguson: 23 catches, 189 yards, 1 TD

Star Spencer
Steve Henderson: 9 catches, 228 yards, 3 TDs

TACKLES
Elk City
Steven Ferguson: 84 tackles, 2 sacks
Conley Gilliland: 81 tackles, 1 sack

Star Spencer
Antwone Watson: 113 tackles, 2 sacks
Jamonte Mitchell: 93 tackles, 2 sacks
Kenneth Davis, Jr.: 77 tackles, 2 sacks

Key matchup: Elk City’s receivers vs. Star Spencer’s DBs. The Bobcats defensive backs haven’t faced a challenge quite like this so far this season, at least not since they played Millwood in non-district play. Star Spencer has some good defensive backs, they’ve just got to get used to defending a constant barrage through the air and not coming up to support the run stopping game.

The pick: Star Spencer 44, Elk City 14. The Bobcats don’t have much trouble getting through the first round and getting ready for another home playoff game next week.

Douglass (7-3) at Glenpool (9-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Glenpool High

Winner plays: Wagoner-Jay winner on the road next Friday.

Douglass (W, Capitol Hill; L, Millwood; W, Star Spencer; W, Elk City; W, Southeast; W, Guymon; L, McGuinness; L, Weatherford; W, Woodward; W, Piedmont)
Why the Trojans can win: They believe they’ve corrected a fumbling problem which hurt them in all three losses this season — none by more than seven points. Douglass’ defense is every bit as big as the Star Spencer defense that dominated Glenpool last week in ending the Warriors’ 23-game winning streak.

Glenpool (W, Berryhill; W, Bixby; W, Okmulgee; W, Seminole; W, Cleveland; W, Mannford; W, McLoud; W, Cushing; W, Tecumseh; L, Star Spencer)
Why the Warriors can win: Because that’s what Glenpool does — win in the playoffs. Glenpool’s defense isn’t as big and physical as its defense have been in the past but it’s still pretty good and capable of forcing turnovers, which have hurt Douglass all season.

Stat Leaders
RUSHING
Douglass
Quinton Neil: 142 carries, 1,112 yards, 13 TDs
Kevin Forbes: 121 carries, 925 yards, 11 TDs
Antyoun Smith: 114 carries, 597 yards, 7 TDs
Aliston Cobb: 40 carries, 415 yards, 4 TDs

Glenpool
Marco Nelson: 67 carries, 1,070 yards, 16 TDs
Drew Molencupp: 45 carries, 517 yards, 14 TDs

PASSING
Douglass
Antyoun Smith: 34-91, 656 yards, 7 TDs, 7 INTs

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

RECEIVING
Douglass
Marcus Caddell: 9 catches, 207 yards, 2 TDs
Norris White: 9 catches, 146 yards, 2 TDs

Glenpool
Anthony Haley: 18 catches, 337 yards, 6 TDs

TACKLES
Douglass
Aaron James: 89 tackles, 2 sacks
Corey Mitchell: 89 tackles, 7 sacks
Andre Thompson: 76 tackles, 3 sacks
Norris White: 69 tackles, 10 sacks

Glenpool
Nic Walters: 68 tackles, 0 sacks

Key matchup: Glenpool’s front seven vs. Douglass’ skill position players. Star Spencer showed last week that a deep group of running backs paired with a big offensive line can get yards on Glenpool’s defense. But if Douglass can’t hold onto the ball, it won’t matter how many yards it gets. If Douglass turns the ball over three or more times, Glenpool wins. If Douglass limits the turnovers, it can win and advance.

The pick: Douglass 27, Glenpool 22. I was a little gun-shy with this one after Douglass has burned me before. But I do think the Trojans have figured out the turnover issue that plagued them at times this season. Douglass wins and stays on the road next week.

Mustang (7-3) vs. Memorial (7-3)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: UCO’s Wantland Stadium
Winner plays Jenks/Yukon next Friday

Mustang (7-3)
Mustang’s key stats
Rushing
Daniel Farrow: 151 carries, 1,132 yards, 17 TD in six games
Passing
Brandon Taylor: 57-of-93, 822 yards, 8 TD, 2 INT
Receiving
David Glidden: 56 rec., 1,001 yards, 12 TD
Tackles
Jon Luckey: 96 tackles
Sacks
Alex Dowty: 15 sacks

Why the Broncos can win: With Daniel Farrow, David Glidden and Bronson Irwin, the Broncos have the best variety of offensive stars in Class 6A, which gives them more than one way to score points. The defense is getting better by the week, and has a good combination of speed and strength up front to battle the Bulldogs’ various running threats.

Quote:

(The Memorial offensive line is) bigger than most, but our defense is quick and strong. They’re not gonna be able to keep up with us.” — Mustang DE Alex Dowty

Memorial (7-3)
Why the Bulldogs can win: Because few teams are playing better football right now. I understand the offense hasn’t clicked every week, but I think if tested, the offense is going to show up and make big plays. And you know the defense has some pride, having not allowed a point in the last 10 quarters.

Quote:

Last week was key. I loved the way we bounced back with positive emotion. Daniel Farrow adds a lot to that team. We know we’re in for a fight.” – coach Justin Merideth

Scott’s key matchup: Memorial run game vs. Mustang run-stoppers. Should the Bulldogs find a way to move the ball consistently on the ground, it opens potential for two things: keeping Mustang’s high-powered offense off the field and open up the possibility for a big play in the passing game, which the Broncos have been known to give up at times this year.

Boneman’s key matchup: Farrow vs. Memorial D. Nothing flashy here. It’s going to be brute force against brute force. If Farrow wins this battle, Brandon Taylor’s eyes are going to get big and plays will be there in the passing game. If not, ooh boy, looking at another classic Bulldog defensive showing.

Scott’s pick: Mustang 28, Memorial 24.

Boneman’s pick: Mustang 15, Memorial 12. Picked Memorial early in the week until learning about Cale Olbert. One big hit can change things, and I think Memorial needs to have all its parts to pull this one off. Mustang will know it was in a fight after this one.

Putnam North (7-3) at Midwest City (8-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Jim Darnell Stadium, Midwest City

Winner plays: Winner of Friday’s Enid at Broken Arrow game at home next Friday.

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; W, Del City)
Why the Panthers can win: Aside from laying an egg against Mustang in Week 8, the Panther offense has been sharp for much of the last six weeks, and can score enough to keep them in just about any game. The defense stepped up last week to aid the blowout of Del City, so their confidence will be at its peak as well. And should it come down to a field goal, Kevin Cabello has one of the best kicking legs in the state. His FG percentage isn’t the best around, but that’s partially because he gets sent out to try 50-yarders on a regular basis. And he’s made a couple of them.

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; W, Putnam West)
Why the Bombers can win: Because it’s been blowing away opponents for the last seven weeks and no reasong to see things change now. Midwest City has used a tough running attack, efficient passing attack and strong all-around defense to be dominant.

Stat Leaders
RUSHING
Putnam North
Dre Holman: 171 carries, 858 yards, 7 TDs
Casey Coyle: 57 carries, 353 yards, 2 TDs

Midwest City
James Flanders: 90 carries, 626 yards, 10 TDs
J.R. Head: 83 carries, 530 yards, 8 TDs

PASSING
Putnam North
Jace James: 102-179, 1,481 yards, 13 TDs, 6 INTs

Midwest City
Greg Austin: 100-200, 1,414 yards, 16 TDs, 7 INTs

RECEIVING
Putnam North
Antonio Johnson: 31 catches, 548 yards, 5 TDs
Dillon Schooley: 29 catches, 465 yards, 4 TDs

Midwest City
Cole Eddy: 44 yards, 690 yards, 7 TDs

TACKLES
Midwest City
Emanuel Maxwell: 143 tackles, 8 sacks
Dominique Jones: 101 tackles, 7 sacks

Putnam North
Antonio Jenkins: 109 tackles, 0 sacks
Dillon Schooley: 96 tackles, 0 sacks

Scott’s key matchup: Between the tackles. This game will be decided up the middle, which is why MWC has the advantage on paper going in. The Bombers will try to establish the inside run game, which has been a weakness for the PC North defense at times. And the Panthers like to run inside some, too, with Dre Holman. But the Bombers are stacked in the middle of their defense, so it will make things difficult.

Ryan’s key matchup: Dre Holman vs. MWC’s linebackers. If this game is decided up the middle, Midwest City will win and win handily. For the Panthers to be successful, they need to get Holman to the edge and make things happen outside. They can do that, but it won’t be easy.

Ryan’s Pick: Midwest City 28, Putnam North 14. I don’t see the Bombers blowing away the Panthers like they have everyone in district play but Midwest City still wins this one comfortably.

Scott’s pick: Midwest City 31, PC North 21. The Bombers have too much strength in the middle and enough speed on the edges to keep up with the Panthers.

Lawton MacArthur (7-3) at Carl Albert (8-2)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Jim Harris Stadium, Midwest City

Winner plays: Ada-Tulsa Kelley winner next Friday on the road.

Lawton MacArthur (W, Coweta; L, Lawton; W, Lawton Eisenhower; W, Western Heights; W, Northwest; L, El Reno; L, Duncan; W, Altus; W, Chickasha; W, Deer Creek)
Why the Highlanders can win: The Highlanders have been on a tear since back-to-back losses during district play. They’ve scored 48 in back-to-back weeks and 60-plus twice this season.

Carl Albert (L, Tulsa Washington; W, Choctaw; W, Duncan; W, Capitol Hill; L, Shawnee; W, Noble; W, Guthrie; W, Ardmore; W, Durant; W, Harrah)
Why the Titans can win: Like Lawton MacArthur, Carl Albert has been on a tear. Tre Porter has emerged as more of an offensive threat than he was early in the season and his home run-play ability has turned Carl Albert back into one of the 5A favorites.

Quote:

They’re a really good team so it’ll be a tough matchup. But we’re playing as good as we have been all season” — Carl Albert’s Tre Porter

Stat leaders
RUSHING
Lawton MacArthur
Shawn McIntosh: 101 carries, 649 yards, 7 TDs

Carl Albert
J.T. Realmuto: 115 carries, 812 yards, 11 TDs
Tre Porter: 41 carries, 424 yards, 7 TDs
Kenton Whittington: 46 carries, 307 yards, 5 TDs

PASSING
Lawton MacArthur
Dylan Warner: 143-233, 1,734 yards, 21 TDs, 8 INTs

Carl Albert
J.T. Realmuto: 80-129, 1,543 yards, 18 TDs, 8 INTs

RECEIVING
Lawton MacArthur
Tuswani Copeland: 31 catches, 493 yards, 6 TDs
Rashaud Foreman: 13 catches, 218 yards, 0 TDs

Carl Albert
Tre Porter: 16 catches, 534 yards, 7 TDs
Sterling Wright: 28 catches, 371 yards, 4 TDs
Markell Walker: 14 catches, 275 yards, 2 TDs

TACKLES
Lawton MacArthur
Zac Corrales: 96 tackles, 1.5 sacks
Austin Payne: 76 tackles, 2 sacks

Carl Albert
Jeremiah Reed: 105 tackles, 4 sacks
Kenton Whittington: 98 tackles, 2 sacks
Tre Porter: 78 tackles, 1 sack

The pick: Carl Albert 28, Lawton MacArthur 10. The Titans hold the Highlanders to their lowest point total of the season because Lawton MacArthur hasn’t faced a team yet that can match up speed-for-speed with its defense. Carl Albert can run the ball better and, in the matchup of star against star, Tre Porter wins out over Tuswani Copeland. The Titans advance to a likely second-round matchup against No. 1 Tulsa Kelley.

Playoff Week 1
Edmond North vs. Lawton
Ryan: Lawton; Boneman: North; Scott: Lawton
Lawton MacArthur vs. Carl Albert
Ryan: CAlbert (LOCK); Boneman: CAlbert; Scott: CAlbert; Justin: CAlbert
Tulsa Central vs. Bixby
Ryan: TCentral; Boneman: TCentral; Scott: TCentral; Justin: Bixby
Guthrie vs. Duncan
Ryan: Guthrie; Boneman: Duncan; Scott: Duncan; Justin: Duncan
Douglass vs. Glenpool
Ryan: Douglass; Boneman: Douglass; Scott: Glenpool (LOCK); Justin: Glenpool
Sequoyah-Clarmore vs. Roland
Ryan: SeqClare.; Boneman: SeqClare.; Scott: SeqClare; Justin: SeqClare
Elgin vs. Purcell
Ryan: Elgin; Boneman: Purcell; Scott: Purcell; Justin: Purcell
Checotah vs. Berryhill
Ryan: Berryhill; Boneman: Berryhill; Scott: Checotah; Justin: Berryhill
Covington-Douglas vs. Maud
Ryan: CovDoug; Boneman: Maud; Scott: Maud; Justin: Maud
Laverne vs. Caddo
Ryan: Laverne; Boneman: Laverne; Scott: Laverne; Justin: Caddo
OCS vs. Oklahoma Bible
Ryan: OK Bible; Boneman: OCS (LOCK); Scott: OK Bible; Justin: OK Bible
Okeene vs. Watonga
Ryan: Watonga; Boneman: Watonga; Scott: Okeene; Justin: Watonga
Woodland vs. Commerce
Ryan: Woodland; Boneman: Woodland; Scott: Commerce; Justin: Commerce
John Marshall vs. Little Axe
Ryan: JMarshall; Boneman: JMarshall; Scott: JMarshall; JMarshall
Mustang vs. Edmond Memorial
Ryan: Mustang; Boneman: Mustang (painful); Scott: Mustang; Justin: Mustang (Lock)

Last week: Ryan (10-5, 0-1); Boneman (9-6, 1-0); Scott (11-4, 1-0); Justin (10-5, 1-0); Matt (12-3)
Regular season: Ryan (108-38, 5-5); Scott (100-46, 8-2); Justin (100-46, 6-4); Boneman (93-53, 6-4); Matt (92-54)

North (8-2) vs. Lawton (8-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Cameron Stadium, Lawton (I’ll be there)
Winner plays Tulsa Union/Claremore next Friday

North (8-2)
Why the Huskies can win: Because all season I’ve said I thought the Huskies had another gear they could go to. Last week, they went there. Riding the momentum of a complete game against Westmoore and getting healthy (RG Tyler Goodrich, QB Travis Townsend and RB Qua’Don Henderson) at exactly the right time.

Quote:

We know there is a lot on the line on this one, but we’re (DBs) ready for something like this. We’re going to be challenged, but that’s what we want.” – senior Xavier Smith

Lawton (8-2)
Why the Wolverines can win: Because any team from 6A-1 has a claim to say they’ve been battle-tested. Lawton has shown signs of explosiveness on offense and defense and definitely has the potential to put it all together. Cody Miller is the anchor of the offense, and he’ll need the O-Line to be at its best.

Key matchup: North running game vs. Lawton front seven. Yeah, I know it seems only natural to say it’s going to be about Miller against the North secondary. But man, I’m looking at Sonny Puletasi and the rest of the Lawton defense. If those boys stuff Joe Aska Jr. and Jared Benway, it’s going to be a long night for North.

Boneman’s Last Word: Think both teams are going to come out early and score in bunches. Then the defenses will get their feet under them, and it should be a smash-mouth battle between two of the best teams. Skill is about the same, so I’m saying will is going to play a bigger role than anything else.

The pick: North 24, Lawton 22. Expecting a great back-and-forth contest.

Meeker (6-4) vs. Heritage Hall (6-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Pop Murray Memorial Field
Winner plays Sulphur/Lindsay next Friday

Meeker (6-4)
Why the Bulldogs can win: Because Mike Hedge’s kids weren’t even supposed to be here. Meeker is in because of the ruling with Jones. The Bulldogs can play with the most care-free attitude of any team. They’re simply playing with house money.

Heritage (6-4)
Why the Chargers can win: Because a healthy Barry Sanders should lead to a W. This is still a defense that has been as feisty as any in the class. And like I’ve said this week, the parts are starting to come back as Tanner France is back to being himself while Austin Smith was able to return to his kicking duties.

Quote:

We’re making strides, and it’s almost like all these injuries have given some of the kids a rest. We’re not as worn down, and we’re getting healthy.” – coach Andy Bogert

Key matchup: Heritage passing game vs. Meeker defense. Cooper Cloud had a solid outing in his first start at QB last week. But if Cloud get flustered, that may be the only way Meeker has a chance to pull off the upset.

Boneman’s Last Word: I’m not sold on Cloud…yet. Doesn’t mean I won’t be when it’s all said and done. Bogert said he’s been extremely pleased with his progress. It’s just tough to not see Sterling Shepard out there. Either way, Marc Robinson and the defense should be able to carry the day here if the offense isn’t clicking on all cylinders. Overconfidence is my biggest concern.

The pick: Heritage 28, Meeker 6. Chargers move on in defense of title.

Tecumseh (8-2) vs. Bishop McGuinness (8-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Pribil Stadium
Winner plays Sallisaw/Collinsville next Friday

Tecumseh (8-2)
Why the Savages can win: Because Greg George’s kids are never flashy, but they’re a gritty bunch. Tecumseh prides itself on its physicality and this is a team that can bring it when it comes to size. Quarterback Kyle Fowler seemingly wills this team to victories this season.

Bishop McGuinness (8-2)
Why the Irish can win: On paper, they’re the better team. And on the field, they should be the better team. Even without LaRone Richardson, this team hasn’t missed a beat. Camden Tharp has been maturing at quarterback while the defense is as solid as it’s been all season. Nothing has changed on that front.

Quote:

We feel we’re quicker, and we’re going to use our speed to our advantage. We just have to play our style of football.” – coach Kenny Young

Key matchup: Irish running game vs. Tecumseh defense. Young doesn’t want to put Tharp in tough situations, and the key to that happening is the running game going wild. Tecumseh’s strong, but McGuinness has so many talented runners. Can the Savages keep up with all of them?

Boneman’s Last Word: I just don’t see how Tecumseh can win this game. Even if the Irish commit a couple of mistakes, I just don’t see the Savages with enough firepower to pull off the upset. Even if the McGuinness offense struggles (which I don’t think it will), scoring on the Irish defense is going to be tough.

The pick: McGuinness 35, Tecumseh 13. Trip to Sallisaw awaits Irish.

Not much of a teaser here. I’ve talked with North’s Xavier Smith a bunch of times. We know how good the North secondary is. We know how good Lawton’s offense is.

Just wanted to get a few words with him about the Huskies mindset entering the postseason and how to stop Lawton’s offense.

Can Guthrie slow down RB Payton Atchley and QB Brandon Wilson?

Neither player was overly productive against El Reno, but that’s because the Indians played so well on D. Guthrie’s defense isn’t too bad either, and matches up well against Duncan’s offense. Guthrie should be able to hold off Wilson who had just 36 yards in the air, but Duncan did have some success running the ball with 158 yards last week against a tough defensive front seven of El Reno.

How does Guthrie’s offense match up to Duncan’s defense?

Guthrie QB Bryan Dutton has been on fire lately, albeit against teams that have struggled this year. Still, El Reno was able to have a balanced offense last week against Duncan so look for more or the same from El Reno. Statistically Guthrie’s defense is better, giving up just 13 points per game but Duncan has played tougher opponents lately and gives up 15 points per game. Guthrie’s achilees heel all year has been turnovers. If they can limit those then there’s no reason to believe they can’t move the ball on Duncan.

Whose better prepared for the pressure?

Surprisingly it’s more or less a push. When you look at the most important positions on the field, quarterback jumpst to the top. Dutton is a freshman but you can argue after surviving the first 10 games, he’s no longer a rookie. Brandon Wilson is only a year ahead of Dutton so there’s also some inexperience there. A look at each team’s top skill player also shows similarities. Guthrie WR Kentrell Brothers is a junior and so is Duncan RB Payton Atchley. The home field should favor Duncan, but this is an area where neither coach should feel too concerned about having enough veterans in the lineup.

The pick: Duncan 17, Guthrie 14….Duncan’s week 10 battle with El Reno for the 5A-1 title was good preparation for this one as their defense rises to the occassion and gets them a win.

One good turn deserves another. This time Scott puts me in the hot seat with Mustang and Memorial.

Scott Wright: The Memorial running backs have battled injuries at different times this season. What (or who) should we expect at RB this week?

Robert Przybylo: Any and everything this week. Nothing to save yourself for. If Cale Olbert can go, he’s going to be out there. D’Juan Brooks’ confidence has never been higher and Kameron Doolittle is still a very effective runner. This is the key to the offense and the good news has been how strong the line has been regardless of who has been getting the bulk of the carries.

Wright: How has Memorial’s offensive philosophy changed since the transition to Kameron Doolittle at QB?

Przybylo: Coach Justin Merideth has admitted the offensive schemes have been made simpler. That’s not to say Doolittle can’t handle the complex schemes, but when you don’t have that much time to go over it, keeping it simple is the best move. Doolittle is a better thrower than I thought and Jordan Marczewski and Nelson Medeiros can definitely make plays in the passing game.

Wright: The Bulldog defense is riding high right now, and really all season, considering no one has scored more than 22 on them. What will be their key to success against a Mustang offense that has only been held under 22 twice all year?

Przybylo: Stop Daniel Farrow and make Brandon Taylor beat ‘em. Taylor has loads of potential, but when I’ve seen him, it seems like he holds onto the ball too long and is always looking for the big play. And with an experienced defense back there, they might be able to read his eyes and make some plays. The question is, can Farrow be stopped? Nobody has done it so far. Once he busts a couple runs, the passing game opens up for Taylor.

Wright: Mustang has been shaky with its field goals and extra points this year, but that seems quite the opposite for Memorial. How confident would they be in Will Conant if the game comes down to a field goal in the closing seconds?

Przybylo: Ding ding ding, this is the biggest edge in my opinion. I’ll take the Memorial kicking game against just about anybody in the state. I’d give Conant the nod in a late-game scenario, especially since he’s kicked so many times at Wantland Stadium.