Oklahoma City's Thabo Sefolosha (right) and Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant go after a loose ball during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009. By John Clanton, The Oklahoman

Oklahoma County jail inmate Jesus Lucero rides in an elevator as he cleans along with a group of jail trusties on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry

Michael Meyers, of Norman, waves a flag during a rally on the north side of the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma CIty on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009. By John Clanton, The Oklahoman

Jovia Franklin (21) of El Reno makes a catch over the defense of Kale Thaxton (20) of Duncan during the high school football game between Duncan and El Reno in El Reno, Okla., Friday, November 6, 2009. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Cheri White Owl gives a hug to "Dan" at Horse Feathers Equine Rescue Facility in Guthrie, OK, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009. By Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman

-John Clanton

SMOKIN' Steam rises from the head of Nicholas Nealy as he rests on the sideline during the high school football game between Douglass and Weatherford at Douglass High School Friday, Oct. 23, 2009. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman

-Doug Hoke

I wish it could stay fall forever. Bring on the hot chocolate, apples, nutmeg, cinnamon and pumpkins. I am ready to leave summer in the dust.

Here are some pictures from my fall night at the Shawnee vs. Carl Albert football game.

The Shawnee Wolves run onto the field before the high school football game between Shawnee and Carl Albert Friday, 0ct. 2, 2009, at the Jim Thorpe Stadium in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

The moon rises over Jim Thorpe Stadium

Shawnee's Dakota Blanchard cheers before the start of the high school football game between Shawnee and Carl Albert Friday, 0ct. 2, 2009, at the Jim Thorpe Stadium in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

Gabrion Frazier (1) is brought down Carl Albert defenders during the high school football game between Shawnee and Carl Albert Friday, 0ct. 2, 2009, at the Jim Thorpe Stadium in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

Shawnee's Gabrion Frazier (1) and Carl Albert's Dwight Dobbins (2) get tangled up following a play during the high school football game between Shawnee and Carl Albert Friday, 0ct. 2, 2009, at the Jim Thorpe Stadium in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

The Shawnee Wolves run onto the field before the high school football game between Shawnee and Carl Albert Friday, 0ct. 2, 2009, at the Jim Thorpe Stadium in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

Rebecca Tyberg, a junior at Piedmont High School, puts on her blindfold as she enters a ballroom for Dining in the dark at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009. By John Clanton, The Oklahoman

Boone Pickens, center, holds court for a group of past and present Holdenville, Okla. residents during game day of the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the Grambling State University Tigers at Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Stillwater, Okla. By Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

The Oklahoman Photo Department has been busy in the last seven days. Henry Bellmon’s funeral, OU vs. Miami football, a feature story about T. Boone Pickens and, of course, high school football are a few of the assignments we’ve photographed. Here are a few images that stand out over the last week.

Gov. Brad Henry and his wife Kim pay their respects at the casket of former governor Henry Bellmon as they remove it from the State Capitol on Friday, Oct. 1, 2009, in Oklahoma City, Okla. By Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman.

Miami's Thearon Collier (28) just misses catching a pass in front of OU's Quinton Carter (20) during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners and the University of Miami (UM) Hurricanes at Land Shark Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, Saturday, October 3, 2009. Miami won, 21-20. By Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

-John Clanton

Doug Hoke with his denim 1970's photo vest and retro look.

OSU coach Mike Gundy and OSU president Burns Hargis watch as Boone Pickens cuts the ribbon to officially open the new stadium before the college football game between OSU and the University of Georgia at Boone Pickens Stadium on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman.

When I started coming to Stillwater for The Oklahoman the stadium was not much more than rusty bleachers and now it is one of the finest facilities in the Big 12 if not the country. As I made my way through the press box and worked the sidelines there were only 5 faces I saw that had been around as long. Mike Holder who was golf coach back then is now the Athletic Director. Pat Quinn was the SID when I started, but long since retired. Dr. Cooper is still patrolling the sidelines as is Steve Ingram, an OSU campus police officer who I have seen just about every season. And John Biever with Sports Illustrated was at the game too.

Not many working peers left, but lots of athletes in front of the lens. A few stand out. The best receiver I ever covered was Hart Lee Dykes. The guy could catch anything thrown his direction. Speaking of throwing, another OSU player named Mike Gundy stands out. Don’t know if he’s the best, but I have covered him at MWC high school, OSU as a player and now a coach. That’s history.

Hart Lee Dykes is congratulated by teammates after a touchdown in 1988 against Texas A&M. Photo by Doug Hoke.

OSU head coach Pat Jones, left, talks with an assistant coach as quarterback Mike Gundy looks on Saturday. Photo by Doug Hoke

oach Mike Gundy talks with an official during the college football game between OSU and the University of Georgia at Boone Pickens Stadium on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman.

Thurman Thomas and a guy named Barry Sanders are near the top of the running back list. But my favorite all time running back to photograph was Billy Sims. I just like the way he glided around the field. Add two other Heisman winners, Jason White and Sam Bradford and that’s four Heisman players I’ve covered.

A couple of others who stand out are Brian Bosworth and Adrian Peterson. Bosworth played with passion and Peterson is, well, AD. I’m horrible with names, so I’m sure there are others I should mention, especially members of OSU’s swarming defenses over the years that I made iconic images of.

Barry Sanders 89 yard TD, outruns the Miami of Ohio defense. Staff Photo by Doug Hoke

1/2/79. Orange Bowl. OU-Nebraska. Oklahoma halfback Billy Sims outruns Nebraska's Jim Pillen on his way to his first Orange Bowl touchdown as the Sooners downed the Huskers 31-24 in Miami. Staff photo by Doug Hoke

University of Oklahoma vs Baylor University in Norman, Okla. on Saturday October 20, 2001. OU quarterback Jason White scrambles looking for a receiver late in the game. Staff photo by Doug Hoke.

Sam Bradford, Putnam City North, high school football. Staff photo by Doug Hoke.

Sam Bradford throws a pass during the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) at Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, in Stillwater, Okla.

After a week off for a wedding, I’m back in Stillwater today covering the game with Rice. Please, no rain! I’m starting to feel old.

-Doug Hoke

Here’s a few pictures I like that we didn’t have space to put in the paper that are of the State Fair, football and rain.

Members of the Edmond North band cheer in the rain with other students and fans before the high school football game between Mustang and Edmond North at Wantland Stadium in Edmond, Okla., Thursday, September 10, 2009. The game was eventually postponed until Saturday due to the weather. By Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

A man climbs on a ladder up the face of a video board before the college football game between the University of Houston Cougars and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, September 12, 2009. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

OSU's Dez Bryant (1) stands on the gate in front of the team before taking the field for the college football game between the University of Houston Cougars and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, September 12, 2009. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Chandler Hardy, 2010 Miss Oklahoma State Fair's Outstanding Teen, talks with Kylie Hart, 4, and Kylie's mother, Jana Hardy, of Oklahoma City, during the Oklahoma State Fair at State Fair Park in Oklahoma Ctiy, Thursday, September 17, 2009. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Regan The Entertainer, right, tries to get a reaction from eight-month-old William East, of Luther, Okla., as his parents, Rebecca East and Billie East, looks up during the Oklahoma State Fair at State Fair Park in Oklahoma Ctiy, Thursday, September 17, 2009. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings

The Langston band performs during a college football game between Langston and New Mexico Prep at Langston University, Saturday, August 29, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

This week marks the official launch of football season in Oklahoma. Last week we had a warm-up with a couple of real games that we covered, courtesy of Langston University and Casady School. However, this week things are full speed ahead with a full slate of high school games and OU and OSU beginning their seasons.  We’ll have updates from the college openers later this weekend and some more high school photos in our galleries too.

Here’s some photos shot during the games last night and another I liked from Casady’s first game last week. To see a gallery of more of our photos from last night, click here.

Casady quarterback Cale Shivers (9) dives for a touchdown in the second quarter during the high school football game between Casady and Fort Worth All Saints at Casady School in Oklahoma City, Friday, August 28, 2009. By Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Norman High School players take the field to play Norman North in high school football at Gaylord Family -- Oklahoma Memorial Stadium§on the campus of the University of Oklahoma (OU) on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009 in Norman, Okla. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

Putnam City's N.J. Ape (18) makes a touchdown catch in front of Choctaw's Dylan Sigman (2) during the high school football game between Choctaw and Putnam City at Putnam City Stadium in Oklahoma City, Thursday, September 3, 2009. By Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

The Putnam City pom squad dances during the high school football game between Choctaw and Putnam City at Putnam City Stadium in Oklahoma City, Thursday, September 3, 2009. By Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Edmond Memorial's Blake Umberham throws the ball past Southmoore's Mason Myers, left, and Kimes Gilbert during the high school football game between Southmoore and Edmond Memorial at Wantland Stadium at UCO in Edmond, Okla., Thursday, September 3, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Edmond Memorial fans cheer for their team during the kickoff before the high school football game between Southmoore and Edmond Memorial at Wantland Stadium at UCO in Edmond, Okla., Thursday, September 3, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Timberwolves' Jamar Harrison loses the ball as he is tackled near the end zone by Rashad Parker (4) as Norman High School plays Norman North in high school football at Gaylord Family -- Oklahoma Memorial Stadium§on the campus of the University of Oklahoma (OU) on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009 in Norman, Okla. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings

OU’s Sam Bradford gets hit by Florida’s Dustin Doe, center, and Carlos Dunlap during the second half of the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN

Originally I planned to do a post about the BCS Championship football game directly after the game. When we didn’t get finished working until 3 a.m., plans changed a bit. The more I talked with Sooner fans, the more they didn’t want to talk about it. I figured waiting until Monday to post some pictures would work out best for everybody. If readers of this blog were frantically looking for photos here directly after the game, I apologize to both of you.

If you’re a careful reader, you will notice a common visual theme in coverage after a big loss: the pictures of the team walking off of the field.  I think it is much easier to find good pictures of a team that has just won. There are many ways to show the joy of winning. Photos that show losing are not as plentiful. A great and unique picture of a dejected player is much more rare than a great celebration shot. Consequently, dejection pictures tend to involve players on the bench looking at the scoreboard or players walking off of the field. Below are some different pictures from the game, including the players walking off the field.

So, Sooner fans, I don’t expect you to enjoy these pictures. But now that the dust has settled a bit, I hope you can take a look.

OU’s Jermaine Gresham leaps over Florida’s Major Wright during the first half of the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.  PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN

OU’ Mike Knall flies through the air after being hit by the Florida defense on a punt attempt during the second half of the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Oklahoma lost the game 24-14 to the Gators.  PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

A Sooner fan reacts to OU’s 24-14 loss to Florida during the second half of the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Oklahoma lost the game 24-14 to the Gators.  PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow celebrates after the Gators scored the final touchdown in the fourth quarter during the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Florida Gators won, 24-14. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

A Sooner fan reacts after Oklahoma fell behind against Florida during the second half of the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Oklahoma lost the game 24-14 to the Gators.  PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

OU’s Chris Brown (29) walks off the field as photographers swarm Florida players after the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Florida Gators won, 24-14. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

OU walks off the field as Florida fans celebrate in the stands after the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Oklahoma lost the game 24-14 to the Gators.  PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

OU head coach Bob Stoops walks off the field after OU’s 24-14 loss to Florida in the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow celebrates with fans after the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Florida Gators won, 24-14. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

OU’s Sam Bradford walks off the field after the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Oklahoma lost the game 24-14 to the Gators.  PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

To see even more photos from the game, click here.

-Nate Billings

Dylan and Rachel Cole of Moore, Okla., take their photo outside Dolphin Stadium before the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Florida Gators (UF) on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.   PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN  

Maria Hayes of Altus, Okla., shouts at Florida fans before the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Florida Gators (UF) on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.   PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN 

Sooner fans Alex Eppler, Rick Perry and Jordan Eppler, from left, pose for photos before the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Florida Gators (UF) on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.   PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

Fans walk outside the stadium before the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Florida Gators (UF) on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.   PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN

OU fan Johnny Lane, left, and Florida fan David Baghdassarian, both of Coral Springs, Fla., talk while tailgating together before the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Florida Gators (UF) on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Lane is originally from Ardmore, Okla. The two are best friends who typically root for each other’s team until this game where the two teams are playing for the first time. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

Flags for the United States, University of Oklahoma and University of Florida fly in the parking lot before the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Florida Gators (UF) on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.   PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

Sooner fans William Winfree and Andrew Hajek, from left, sit on the curb as they wait to get in the gates before the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Florida Gators (UF) on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.   PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN 

More after the game.

-Nate Billings

OU football fans travel along I-75 from Fort Myers to the Miami area. By Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

The Oklahoman’s photography crew touched down in Florida yesterday to cover today’s BCS National Championship game between OU and Florida. For the trip we’ve brought three still photographers, Bryan Terry, Chris Landsberger, and myself, along with videographer Damon Fontenot. We ended up flying into Fort Myers and then driving across Alligator Alley on I-75 for two hours to get to the Miami area. I was disappointed that I did not see any actual alligators. Maybe we’ll get lucky tomorrow on the drive back to the airport. Yesterday it was overcast and raining. So far today the weather is sunny and beautiful.

I have photographed every OU bowl game since 2002. After the last couple of Fiesta Bowls, I hope the team can win this one. As I’ve written before, I think a winning team makes better photos. And everybody back home will be a lot happier if the Sooners get their 8th national title. I will update this blog with photos of fans before the game and then will have another update from the game after it is all over.

-Nate Billings