CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEWS: CLASSES 2A, A & B

12/5/2018 |  Ben Johnson

When Sperry and Beggs met the first time this season, it was an extremely emotion affair. News broke the day before the two met that Beggs running back Kayson Tolliver has been gunned down in his bed.
It was as tragic as it gets.
But Beggs opted to play and honor the life that Tolliver had lived. The scene on the field was highly irregular, as Sperry quarterback Beau Teel tells it.
“I can remember being in eighth grade, and Sperry had a player pass away and we had to play Claremore Sequoyah and emotions were so high,” Teel recalled. “That’s how that game was against Beggs.
“Players were crying on the field and everything. Makes you realize that football isn’t the most important thing in the world.”
Now the two teams will meet again -- and emotions will be high again. This time, it’ll be for the Class 2A championship at Owasso Stadium on Thursday.
“It means a lot, but not just to me, but our team and town have been waiting for an opportunity like this for a long time,” Sperry’s Bryce Carter said. “We want to make the most of it.”
Third-ranked Beggs beat Sperry 35-21 on Nov. 2. The Pirates led 14-0 at halftime, but the Golden Demons went on a torrid rally in the second half, including scoring 28 points in the third quarter.
“Our first time playing Beggs made us realize that you have to play your best football for all four quarters,” Teel said. “Beggs is a great second half team that plays with a lot of heart. They know what it takes to win big games. We can not let up any this time around.”
For No. 5 Sperry, it’s the Pirates first appearance in a championship game since 1968. That’s created a considerable amount of buzz around the small town on the western edge of Tulsa County.
“The town is so excited to be in this game,” Teel said. “It’s been over 50 years since this town has been in the championship game, and it’s just really awesome. People we’ve never seen before have started coming out just to watch us play. It’s great.”
 

Class 2A

No. 5 Sperry (13-1) vs. No. 3 Beggs (13-1)

Where: Owasso Stadium (Owasso High School)

Road to the title game

- Sperry: 68-13 vs. Salina in the first round; 49-7 vs. Kellyville in the second round; 44-13 vs. Eufaula in the quarterfinals; 56-8 vs. Adair in the semifinals.
- Beggs: 56-13 vs. Wyandotte in the first round; 49-22 vs. Oklahoma Christian School in the second round; 36-31 vs. Kingston in the quarterfinals; 33-28 vs. Metro Christian in the semifinals.

What to watch for

- Rematch adjustments: The District 2A-3 winner (Beggs) and 2A-3 runner-up (Sperry) met in Week 10, and the Golden Demons claimed a 35-21 victory, a day after Beggs player Kayson Tolliver was shot and killed. Sperry controlled the entire first half and owned a 14-0 lead at halftime. But Beggs rallied for four touchdowns in the third quarter to take control. The Golden Demons ended up out-gaining Beggs 265-121 in the final 24 minutes. This time around, it’ll be a matter of who makes the most adjustments from a month ago.
- Emotional wave: When the teams met the first time this season, emotions were on overload. Players were brought to tears while on the field after the tragic death of Tolliver. Both teams are a month removed from that, and while emotions still remain raw, the emotions on both sides should be closer to even keel. Instead, emotions will be through the roof because what’s at stake. By the end of the game, both teams will have mentally spent with the season coming to a close.
- Be the better QB: The quarterback clash on display is one of the best of any of the championship games. Both Beggs’ Dalton Spring and Sperry’s Beau Teel are dangerous dual-threat players. Both will tuck and run, but both have plenty of weapons if they opt to throw the ball. Perhaps it’s over-simplification, but odds are the better quarterback in the game should end up hoisting the gold ball with his teammates.

Random facts

- Sperry is 5-4 all-time against Beggs. Prior to this season’s first matchup, Sperry had won the previous four games, dating back to 1989.
- Sperry head coach Robert Park took over in 2000, and his record is 117-94; Beggs head coach David Tenison took over prior to the start of the season, and he is 13-1.
- Sperry is 0-1 in championship games -- the lone appearance was a 35-14 loss to Minco in the 1968 Class C title game.
- Beggs is 1-2 in championship games -- The Golden Demon’s last championship appearance was last season, a 14-7 loss to John Marshall in the 3A title game.
- Beggs’ lone championship was in 1975 with a 21-0 victory over Millwood in the Class A championship game.
- Beggs is 13-0 against Oklahoma teams this season. The Golden Demons’ lone loss was a 28-21 setback against Shiloh Christian (Ark.).

Prediction sure to go wrong…

Sperry 27, Beggs 26: We all had Millwood making it to the final week of the season, but Vian saw to it that it didn’t happen. Instead, two teams from District 2A-3 are left standing, ready for a rematch of Week 10. I picked Sperry then, and I haven’t learned my lesson, so I’m going with Sperry again. Beggs might be able to win the battle up front, but there’s something about Sperry that I just can’t quit. But the good news for Beggs is I’ve been terrible at picks all year long, so why stop this week?

Class A

Christian Heritage (10-4) vs. No. 7 Tonkawa (13-1)

Where: Pioneer Stadium (Stillwater High School)

Road to the title game

- Christian Heritage: 28-22 vs. Ringling in the first round; 42-36 vs. Thomas in the second round; 39-22 vs. Stroud in the quarterfinals; 34-13 vs. Rejoice Christian in the semifinals.
- Tonkawa: 55-12 vs. Colcord in the first round; 23-14 vs. Wayne in the second round; 20-13 vs. Hobart in the quarterfinals; 28-13 vs. Fairview in the semifinals.

What to watch for

- Hale of a season: Christian Heritage senior quarterback Zach Hale has been an unstoppable force, including last week’s five-touchdown performance against Rejoice Christian. And he’s been a tackling machine on defense, and he’s even mixed in some interceptions here and there.
- Heckuva year, Hampton: Tonkawa’s senior quarterback Braydon Hampton has been stride for stride with Hale and his production this season. Hampton has passed for 1,671 yards and 17 touchdowns, and he’s rushed for 1,634 yards and 25 touchdowns. On defense, he’s racked up 107 tackles, 25 sacks and four forced fumbles.

Random facts

- These two clubs are meeting for the first time.
- Christian Heritage head coach Tony Merrell took over in 2014, and he’s gone 38-21; Tonkawa head coach Mike Kirtley took over in 2003, and he’s gone 137-55.
- This is Christian Heritage’s first appearance in a championship game.
- Christian Heritage’s four playoff wins have come against teams with a combined record of 42-8.
- Tonkawa is 6-2 in championship games -- the Buccaneers’ last state title appearance was a 7-6 win over Stroud in the Class A title game.

Prediction sure to go wrong…

Christian Heritage 23, Tonkawa 20: I had Cashion winning the title, but do I get half credit for taking someone that’s in Cashion’s district? No? Well, OK then. The Crusades have undoubtedly been the hottest team in the playoffs -- in any class. The run the Crusaders have been on since Oct. 26, when they beat Watonga to start a six-game winning streak. Christian Heritage has surpassed hurdle after hurdle, so I’ll just stick with the Crusaders since they’ve come this far.

Class B

No. 1 Shattuck (13-0) vs. No. 3 Regent Prep (14-0)

Where: Charles W. Scheid Stadium (Western Heights High School)

Road to the title game

- Shattuck: 48-0 vs. Ringwood in the first round; 55-6 vs. Alex in the second round; 67-20 vs. Dewar in the quarterfinals; 54-30 vs. Davenport in the semifinals.
- Regent Prep: 49-0 vs. Prue in the first round; 59-24 vs. Keota in the second round; 68-52 vs. Laverne in the quarterfinals; 69-22 vs. Wetumka in the semifinals.

What to watch for

- Gilbert’s gains: Regent Prep quarterback Braden Gilbert has been on point all season long, and he’s up to 3,758 yards and 62 touchdowns through 14 games. He’s completing 59.7 percent (169 of 283) of his passes, and 75 of those passes have gone to Jack Wright, who has hauled in 1,773 yards and 33 touchdowns.

Random facts

- These two teams are meeting for the first time.
- Google Maps says these two schools are separated by 249 miles -- or a little more than a four-hour drive.
- Regent Prep head coach Adam Bishop navigated the Rams into OSSAA play in 2012, and the Rams have gone 40-9 since that time; Shattuck head coach Troy Bullard took over prior to this season and hasn’t lost in 13 games.
- This Regent Prep’s first championship game appearance.
- Shattuck is 10-2 with state championships on the line. The Indians are making their third straight appearance in the Class B title game, going 1-1 against Laverne over the span. Shattuck won last year’s championship game, 30-16.

Prediction sure to go wrong…

Shattuck 37, Regent Prep 27: What a surprise, my pick to win the championship (Davenport) didn’t make to the title game. Instead, Whitt and Swisher are both 2-for-2 on teams making it to the title game, and both have Shattuck winning the championship. I think Regent Prep will score some points against Shattuck -- something a lot of teams haven’t done -- but ultimately it’ll be Shattuck finishing atop Class B again.

Class B & C playoff preview

11/9/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Players to watch

- Braden Gilbert (Regent Prep): Junior quarterback has passed for 2,176 yards and 37 touchdowns this season.

- Tatton Anderson (Alex): Sophomore tailback has rushed 137 times for 1,350 yards and 26 touchdowns, he's also caught 51 passes for 827 yards and 11 touchdowns.

- Stevie Orr (Davenport): Senior QB has passed for 2,112 yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 108 of 178 passes.

- Coleton Hudson (Weleetka): Senior running back has compiled 922 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Outlaws.

- Jace Horton (Prue): Junior quarterback has passed for 1,212 yards and 18 touchdowns, and he's also rushed for 649 yards on nine touchdowns. On defense, he leads the Rockets with 111 tackles.

Prediction time

Michael Swisher: Shattuck over Regent Prep - The Indians will need to slip past Davenport in the semifinals, but I expect them to do just that. Their closest game this season was a 30-point victory in the season opener over last year’s Class C champ Tipton. Their lowest scoring total is 36 points in Week 9 when they shutout Seiling. That said, Regent Prep has been every bit of dominant, if not more, beating foes by an average of 53-7. However, I give the nod to Shattuck for two reasons: Troy Bullard and experience.

Ben Johnson: Davenport over Regent Prep - I've been high on Davenport all season long, and the Bulldogs haven't given me a reason not to be. That said, I think the semifinal winner of Shattuck-Davenport wins it all, so keep an eye out for that matchup.

Whitt Carter: Shattuck over Regent Prep - Whoo, boy. There are some stellar teams atop Class B, which should make for a fun semifinals week on down the road. Shattuck has been the clear favorite all year long, although aa semifinal matchup with Davenport is certainly something to get excited about. Regent Prep has dominated the east side of things this year and have a really talented squad, but Shattuck will be too much. They win ANOTHER state title in 2018.

Players to watch

- Robert Taylor and Brendon Weathers): Pair of senior running backs have both eclipsed 700 yards apiece on the ground this season. They've contributed to Coyle's 2,373 yards and 32 touchdowns on the ground as a team this year.

- Cory Cunningham (Paoli): The Pugs' leading rusher with 808 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. As a team, Paoli has rushed for 2,570 yards and 38 TDs.

- Derrick Jennings (Graham-Dustin): Junior QB has passed for 1,398 yards and 27 touchdowns and has rushed for 689 yards and 14 TDs.

Prediction time

Michael Swisher: Buffalo over Tipton - This class has the potential for some dynamite semifinal matchups featuring Buffalo vs. Southwest Covenant on the top half and then a rematch of last year’s title game between Tipton and Pond Creek-Hunter on the bottom side. Tipton took a couple lumps early on but has returned to championship form with five shutouts in its last six games. However, it’s tough to ignore what Buffalo did against Tyrone (44-0) and Pond Creek-Hunter (38-6) in back-to-back weeks earlier this year. It will be a battle with Southwest Covenant in the semis, but I’m picking the Bison to emerge victorious and then bring home gold.

Ben Johnson: Southwest Covenant over Tipton - I've liked Buffalo all season long in Class C. but I'll go with Southwest Covenant anyway. But the way my picks have gone this season, that means Buffalo will skate to the title.

Whitt Carter: Tipton over Buffalo - Another fun class with some great teams at the top should make for a lot of fun in the playoffs. Tipton has been dominant as of late on defense, which is obviously tough to do in 8-man football. They could meet up with Pond-Creek in the semis, making for an awesome rematch of the title game a year ago. A popular pick in Buffalo will be tough to beat on the other side of the bracket, as the have rolled to a 10-0 record. They'll have to get past top ranked SW Covenant in the semis and I think they do. But I'll go with Tipton to win its' third straight Class C state championship.

High School Football rankings

11/14/2024 |  Michael Swisher

6A Division-I

1. Owasso (10-0)
2. Jenks (7-3)
3. Norman (9-1)
4. Bixby (8-2)
5. Edmond Memorial (8-2)
6. Union (7-3)
7. Deer Creek (7-3)
8. Moore (6-4)
9. Norman North (3-7)
10. Broken Arrow (4-6)

6A Division-II

1. Muskogee (10-0)
2. Choctaw (8-2)
3. Stillwater (8-2)
4. Sand Springs (7-3)
5. Piedmont (6-4)
6. Putnam City (6-4)
7. Putnam City North (7-3)
8. Bartlesville (3-7)
9. Lawton Ike (4-6)
10. Sapulpa (4-6)

Class 5A

1. Carl Albert (10-0)
2. Del City (9-1)
3. Booker T. Washington (8-2)
4. Newcastle (7-3)
5. Guthrie (7-3)
6. McAlester (8-2)
7. Bishop McGuinness (7-3)
8. Bishop Kelley (5-5)
9. Lawton Mac (7-3)
10. Pryor (7-3)

Class 4A

1. Wagoner (10-0)
2. Elgin (10-0)
3. Tuttle (10-0)
4. Blanchard (9-1)
5. Bethany (8-2)
6. Ada (7-3)
7. Weatherford (8-2)
8. Sallisaw (8-2)
9. Clinton (8-2)
10. Miami (8-2)

Class 3A

1. Lincoln Christian (10-0)
2. Heritage Hall (9-1)
3. Sulphur (9-1)
4. Cascia Hall (9-1)
5. Plainview (9-1)
6. Perkins-Tryon (8-2)
7. Pauls Valley (7-3)
8. Bristow (6-4)
9. North Rock Creekl (6-4)
10. Idabel (7-3)

Class 2A Division-I

1. Washington (10-0)
2. Millwood (9-1)
3. Metro Christian (10-0)
4. Kingston (9-1)
5. Marlow (8-2)
6. Jones (8-2)
7. Kiefer (7-3)
8. Chandler (7-3)
9. Chisholm (6-4)
10. OCS (7-3)

Class 2A Division-II

1. Vian (10-0)
2. Adair (10-0)
3. Stroud (10-0)
4. Holdenville (10-0)
5. Alva (8-2)
6. Davis (6-4)
7. Beggs (8-2)
8. Colcord (9-1)
9. Henryetta (8-2)
10. Salina (6-4)

Class A Division-I

1. Hooker (9-1)
2. Fairview (9-1)
3. Rejoice Christian (9-1)
4. Walters (9-1)
5. Pawnee (7-3)
6. Pawhuska (8-2)
7. Christian Heritage (7-3)
8. Pocola (8-2)
9. Wynnewood (8-2)
10. Minco (7-3)

Class A Division-II

1. Woodland (10-0)
2. Regent Prep (9-1)
3. Hominy (8-2)
4. Thomas (9-1)
5. Mangum (9-1)
6. Talihina (9-1)
7. Central Sallisaw (7-3)
8. Velma-Alma (8-2)
9. Texhoma (7-3)
10. Mooreland (7-3)

Class B Division-I

1. Laverne (9-1)
2. Dewar (8-1)
3. Yale (9-0)
4. Turpin (9-1)
5. Hollis (7-2)
6. Drumright (7-3)
7. Empire (9-1)
8. Garber (7-3)
9. Caddo (8-2)
10. Keota (7-3)

Class B Division-II

1. Seiling (9-1)
2. Weleetka (10-0)
3. Covington-Douglas (10-0)
4. Okeene (9-1)
5. Wilson-Henryetta (8-1)
6. Waukomis (8-2)
7. Copan (8-2)
8. Shattuck (6-3)
9. Webbers Falls (6-4)
10. Alex (6-4)

Class C

1. Tipton (10-0)
2. Timberlake (10-0)
3. Ryan (9-1)
4. Medford (7-2)
5. Welch (9-1)
6. Tyrone (7-2)
7. Maysville (8-2)
8. Paoli (7-3)
9. Geary (7-3)
10. Waynoka (5-5)

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 10 (2024): Sunrise Cafe in Kingfisher

11/7/2024 |  Michael Swisher

In Kingfisher, Oklahoma, there is a great little food place called Sunrise Cafe.

I have had breakfast here a few times over the years, but my most recent trip had me giving the incredible looking "Gravy Train" a try after scanning over the menu.

When it comes to breakfast dining out, I normally tend to migrate towards some combination that includes biscuits and this morning would be no different with the Gravy Train selection I was making. 

Week 10 High School Football Rankings

11/5/2024 |  Michael Swisher

6A Division-I

1. Owasso (9-0)
2. Bixby (8-1)
3. Union (7-2)
4. Jenks (6-3)
5. Norman (8-1)
6. Edmond Memorial (7-2)
7. Deer Creek (6-3)
8. Moore (5-4)
9. Mustang (5-4)
10. Norman North (2-7)

6A Division-II

1. Muskogee (9-0)
2. Choctaw (7-2)
3. Stillwater (7-2)
4. Sand Springs (6-3)
5. Putnam City (6-3)
6. Putnam City North (7-2)
7. Piedmont (5-4)
8. Southmoore (4-5)
9. Bartlesville (2-7)
10. Lawton Ike (3-6)

Class 5A

1. Carl Albert (9-0)
2. Del City (8-1)
3. Booker T. Washington (7-2)
4. Newcastle (6-3)
5. Guthrie (6-3)
6. Lawton Mac (7-2)
7. McAlester (7-2)
8. Bishop McGuinness (6-3)
9. Pryor (7-2)
10. Bishop Kelley (4-5)

Class 4A

1. Wagoner (9-0)
2. Elgin (9-0)
3. Tuttle (9-0)
4. Blanchard (8-1)
5. Sallisaw (8-1)
6. Bethany (7-2)
7. Weatherford (7-2)
8. Ada (6-3)
9. Clinton (7-2)
10. Miami (7-2)

Class 3A

1. Lincoln Christian (9-0)
2. Heritage Hall (8-1)
3. Sulphur (8-1)
4. Cascia Hall (8-1)
5. Plainview (8-1)
6. Perkins-Tryon (7-2)
7. Idabel (7-2)
8. Pauls Valley (6-3)
9. Berryhill (6-3)
10. Holland Hall (6-3)

Class 2A Division-I

1. Washington (9-0)
2. Millwood (8-1)
3. Metro Christian (8-0)
4. Kingston (8-1)
5. Marlow (7-2)
6. Jones (7-2)
7. Kiefer (6-3)
8. Chandler (6-3)
9. Chisholm (5-4)
10. Lindsay (6-3)

Class 2A Division-II

1. Vian (9-0)
2. Adair (9-0)
3. Stroud (9-0)
4. Holdenville (9-0)
5. Alva (7-2)
6. Davis (5-4)
7. Beggs (7-2)
8. Colcord (8-1)
9. Henryetta (7-2)
10. Kansas (6-3)

Class A Division-I

1. Hooker (8-1)
2. Fairview (8-1)
3. Rejoice Christian (8-1)
4. Walters (8-1)
5. Pawnee (6-3)
6. Pawhuska (7-2)
7. Wynnewood (8-1)
8. Christian Heritage (6-3)
9. Pocola (7-2)
10. Cashion (7-2)

Class A Division-II

1. Woodland (9-0)
2. Regent Prep (8-1)
3. Hominy (7-2)
4. Thomas (8-1)
5. Mangum (8-1)
6. Mooreland (7-2)
7. Talihina (8-1)
8. Central Sallisaw (6-3)
9. Velma-Alma (7-2)
10. Texhoma (6-3)

Class B Division-I

1. Laverne (8-1)
2. Dewar (7-1)
3. Yale (8-0)
4. Turpin (8-1)
5. Caddo (8-1)
6. Hollis (6-2)
7. Drumright (6-3)
8. Empire (8-1)
9. Garber (6-3)
10. Pond Creek-Hunter (7-2)

Class B Division-II

1. Seiling (8-1)
2. Weleetka (9-0)
3. Covington-Douglas (9-0)
4. Okeene (8-1)
5. Wilson-Henryetta (7-1)
6. Waukomis (7-2)
7. Cherokee (5-4)
8. Alex (6-3)
9. Copan (7-2)
10. Shattuck (5-3)

Class C

1. Tipton (9-0)
2. Timberlake (9-0)
3. Ryan (8-1)
4. Tyrone (7-1)
5. Medford (6-2)
6. Welch (8-1)
7. Maysville (7-2)
8. Paoli (6-3)
9. Geary (6-3)
10. Waynoka (4-5)

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 9 (2024): Revisiting Our Top Candy Picks, Good Soup & Happy Birthday Adam

10/31/2024 |  Michael Swisher

Since it is Halloween today, I thought it would be fun and timely to run back some previous SKORDLE Halloween Candy Blogs from 2021 and 2022.

I discuss many important topics related to candy preference, secretly stealing lots of candy from my children and my love for the old days of homemade Halloween treats.

If you are fortunate enough to come across a Popcorn Ball, Brownie, Candy Apple, or Rice Krispies Treats, rather than a full-sized candy bar (what's really special about that?), you are truly one of the lucky ones tonight! 

I have also included - in the 2021 blog - an incredible Minestrone Soup recipe courtesy of Mr. SKORDLE himself Adam Diesselhorst.

Speaking of Adam, today is his birthday, so tell him Happy Birthday! 

Week 9 Pay Dirt Picks & Results

10/31/2024 |  Korry Rogers

	MARK 11-1	JACOB 9-3	TOM 9-2	TONY 10-2
Anadarko @ Kingfisher
Chandler @ Sperry
Crossings @ Washington
Hinton @ Cashion
Minco @ Christian Heritage
Keota @ Dewar
Piedmont @ Stillwater
Perry @ Chisholm
Norman @ Mustang
Sand Springs @ Putnam City North
Carl Albert @ Guthrie
Bishop McGuinness @ Newcastle

Week 9 High School Football Rankings

10/30/2024 |  Michael Swisher

6A Division-I

1. Owasso (8-0)
2. Bixby (7-1)
3. Union (6-2)
4. Jenks (5-3)
5. Norman (7-1)
6. Edmond Memorial (6-2)
7. Mustang (5-3)
8. Deer Creek (6-2)
9. Norman North (2-6)
10. Moore (4-4)

6A Division-II

1. Muskogee (8-0)
2. Choctaw (6-2)
3. Stillwater (6-2)
4. Sand Springs (5-3)
5. Putnam City North (7-1)
6. Southmoore (4-4)
7. Piedmont (5-3)
8. Putnam City (5-3)
9. Lawton Ike (3-5)
10. Sapulpa (4-4)

Class 5A

1. Carl Albert (8-0)
2. Del City (7-1)
3. Guthrie (6-2)
4. Booker T. Washington (6-2)
5. Newcastle (5-3)
6. Bishop McGuinness (6-2)
7. Lawton Mac (6-2)
8. McAlester (6-2)
9. Shawnee (6-2)
10. Pryor (6-2)

Class 4A

1. Wagoner (8-0)
2. Elgin (8-0)
3. Tuttle (8-0)
4. Blanchard (7-1)
5. Clinton (7-1)
6. Sallisaw (7-1)
7. Bethany (6-2)
8. Weatherford (6-2)
9. Ada (5-3)
10. Miami (6-2)

Class 3A

1. Lincoln Christian (8-0)
2. Heritage Hall (7-1)
3. Sulphur (7-1)
4. Cascia Hall (7-1)
5. Plainview (7-1)
6. Perkins-Tryon (6-2)
7. Idabel (6-2)
8. North Rock Creek (5-3)
9. Pauls Valley (5-3)
10. Berryhill (5-3)

Class 2A Division-I

1. Washington (8-0)
2. Millwood (7-1)
3. Metro Christian (8-0)
4. Kingston (7-1)
5. Marlow (6-1)
6. Jones (6-2)
7. Kiefer (5-3)
8. Perry (6-2)
9. Hugo (6-2)
10. Chandler (5-3)

Class 2A Division-II

1. Vian (8-0)
2. Adair (8-0)
3. Stroud (8-0)
4. Davis (5-3)
5. Holdenville (8-0)
6. Alva (6-2)
7. Beggs (6-2)
8. Colcord (7-1)
9. Wyandotte (6-2)
10. Salina (5-3)

Class A Division-I

1. Hooker (7-1)
2. Fairview (7-1)
3. Rejoice Christian (7-1)
4. Christian Heritage (6-2)
5. Walters (7-1)
6. Pawnee (5-3)
7. Pawhuska (6-2)
8. Pocola (6-2)
9. Wynnewood (7-1)
10. Cashion (6-2)

Class A Division-II

1. Woodland (8-0)
2. Mangum (8-0)
3. Regent Prep (7-1)
4. Hominy (6-2)
5. Talihina (8-0)
6. Thomas (7-1)
7. Ketchum (6-2)
8. Mooreland (6-2)
9. Central Sallisaw (5-3)
10. Velma-Alma (6-2)

Class B Division-I

1. Laverne (7-1)
2. Dewar (6-1)
3. Yale (7-0)
4. Turpin (7-1)
5. Caddo (7-1)
6. Hollis (5-2)
7. Garber (6-2)
8. Keota (6-2)
9. Drumright (4-2)
10. Waurika (4-4)

Class B Division-II

1. Seiling (7-1)
2. Weleetka (8-0)
3. Covington-Douglas (8-0)
4. Okeene (7-1)
5. Wilson-Henryetta (6-1)
6. Waukomis (6-2)
7. Copan (7-1)
8. Shattuck (5-2)
9. Cherokee (4-4)
10. Wetumka (5-3)

Class C

1. Tipton (8-0)
2. Timberlake (8-0)
3. Ryan (7-1)
4. Tyrone (6-1)
5. Medford (5-2)
6. Geary (6-2)
7. Welch (7-1)
8. Maysville (6-2)
9. Paoli (5-3)
10. Sasakwa (6-1)

Week 8 Pay Dirt Picks & Results

10/24/2024 |  Korry Rogers

	MARK 9-3	JACOB 9-3	TOM 9-3	DOUG 10-2
Okeene @ Boise City
Kingfisher @ North Rock Creek
Tulsa Central @ Chandler
Lincoln Christian @ Checotah
Texhoma-Goodwell @ Mangum
Southwest Covenant @ Thomas-Fay-Custer
Blanchard @ Tuttle
Turpin @ Garber
Sequoyah Claremore @ Cascia Hall
Muskogee @ Sand Springs
Jenks @ Moore
McAlester @ Booker T Washington

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 8 (2024): Flamingo Lounge

10/23/2024 |  Michael Swisher

If you haven’t had a burger at the Flamingo Lounge in Enid, you really need to because they are absolutely delicious! 

The Flamingo is located right at the main intersection of town (U.S. 81 and U.S. 412 or Van Buren and Garriott for the locals).

It’s a classic dive joint that has been a favorite for many for a really long time. 

Simple is why they are great. 

The burgers are incredible and what I love the most is the melty cheese and warm greasy bun.

I would highly recommend the Double Meat, Double Cheeseburger.

You can even add chili if you’re brave enough or have arteries made of steel.

Regulars normally get some Chili Cheese Nachos as an appetizer or side. 

If you’re wanting to try something truly unique, follow the lead of Mr. SKORDLE Adam Diesselhorst and order the Pickled Eggs. 

I have never brought myself to try them (I stick to the nachos and burgers), but Adam loves them and you might too. 

The place has a shuffleboard, pool and video games for the kids. 

The next time you are in Enid, I would strongly suggest a stop at the Flamingo for an awesome burger!!!

Week 8 High School Football Rankings

10/20/2024 |  Michael Swisher

6A Division-I

1. Owasso
2. Bixby
3. Union
4. Jenks
5. Deer Creek
6. Norman
7. Edmond Memorial
8. Mustang
9. Moore
10. Broken Arrow

6A Division-II

1. Muskogee
2. Stillwater
3. Choctaw
4. Sand Springs
5. Piedmont
6. Putnam City North
7. Putnam City
8. Sapulpa
9. Southmoore
10. Lawton Ike

Class 5A

1. Carl Albert
2. Del City
3. Lawton Mac
4. McAlester
5. Guthrie
6. Bishop McGuinness
7. Collinsville
8. Booker T. Washington
9. Newcastle
10. Shawnee

Class 4A

1. Wagoner
2. Elgin
3. Tuttle
4. Blanchard
5. Broken Bow
6. Clinton
7. Poteau
8. Sallisaw
9. Bethany
10. Weatherford

Class 3A

1. Lincoln Christian
2. Heritage Hall
3. Sulphur
4. Cascia Hall
5. North Rock Creek
6. Plainview
7. Perkins-Tryon
8. Sequoyah-Claremore
9. Pauls Valley
10. Idabel

Class 2A Division-I

1. Washington
2. Millwood
3. Metro Christian
4. Kingston
5. Marlow
6. Jones
7. Kiefer
8. Perry
9. Crossings Christian
10. Hugo

Class 2A Division-II

1. Vian
2. Adair
3. Stroud
4. Davis
5. Holdenville
6. Alva
7. Beggs
8. Colcord
9. Kansas
10. Community Christian

Class A Division-I

1. Hooker
2. Fairview
3. Rejoice Christian
4. Christian Heritage
5. Walters
6. Pawnee
7. Pawhuska
8. Pocola
9. Hartshorne
10. Wynnewood

Class A Division-II

1. Woodland
2. Mangum
3. Regent Prep
4. Hominy
5. Talihina
6. Thomas
7. Texhoma
8. Ketchum
9. Central Sallisaw
10. Velma-Alma

Class B Division-I

1. Laverne
2. Dewar
3. Yale
4. Turpin
5. Garber
6. Caddo
7. Empire
8. Hollis
9. Keota
10. Drumright

Class B Division-II

1. Seiling
2. Weleetka
3. Covington-Douglas
4. Okeene
5. Wilson-Henryetta
6. Copan
7. Boise City
8. Waukomis
9. Shattuck
10. Cyril

Class C

1. Tipton
2. Timberlake
3. Ryan
4. Welch
5. Tyrone
6. Maysville
7. Geary
8. Medford
9. Paoli
10. Sasakwa

Week 7 Pay Dirt Picks

10/16/2024 |  Korry Rogers

	MARK 5-7	TOM 10-1	CHRIS 8-4	HUNTER 8-4
Ardmore @ Blanchard
Oklahoma Christian School @ Perry
Minco @ Walters
Thomas-Fay-Custer @ Texhoma-Goodwell
Waynoka @ Timberlake
Garber @ Pond Creek-Hunter
Marlow @ Washington
Fairview @ Hooker
Deer Creek @ Jenks
Stillwater @ Choctaw
Colcord @ Adair
Norman @ Moore

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 7 (2024): Fun Facts on Win Streaks and Mr. Burger

10/16/2024 |  Michael Swisher

Week 7 High School Football Rankings

10/15/2024 |  Michael Swisher

6A Division-I

1. Owasso
2. Bixby
3. Deer Creek
4. Union
5. Jenks
6. Edmond Memorial
7. Broken Arrow
8. Moore
9. Mustang
10. Norman

6A Division-II

1. Muskogee
2. Stillwater
3. Choctaw
4. Sand Springs
5. Piedmont
6. Putnam City North
7. Putnam City
8. Sapulpa
9. Lawton Ike
10. Southmoore

Class 5A

1. Carl Albert
2. Del City
3. Lawton Mac
4. Collinsville
5. McAlester
6. Guthrie
7. Bishop McGuinness
8. Booker T. Washington
9. Newcastle
10. Shawnee

Class 4A

1. Wagoner
2. Elgin
3. Tuttle
4. Blanchard
5. Broken Bow
6. Grove
7. Weatherford
8. Clinton
9. Poteau
10. Cushing

Class 3A

1. Lincoln Christian
2. Heritage Hall
3. Sulphur
4. Plainview
5. Cascia Hall
6. North Rock Creek
7. Bristow
8. Perkins-Tryon
9. Checotah
10. Sequoyah-Claremore

Class 2A Division-I

1. Washington
2. Millwood
3. Metro Christian
4. Marlow
5. Kingston
6. Jones
7. Hugo
8. OCS
9. Kiefer
10. Chisholm

Class 2A Division-II

1. Vian
2. Adair
3. Stroud
4. Davis
5. Holdenville
6. Colcord
7. Luther
8. Salina
9. Alva
10. Beggs

Class A Division-I

1. Fairview
2. Hooker
3. Rejoice Christian
4. Hartshorne
5. Christian Heritage
6. Walters
7. Pawnee
8. Pawhuska
9. Pocola
10. Wynnewood

Class A Division-II

1. Woodland
2. Mangum
3. Texhoma
4. Regent Prep
5. Hominy
6. Talihina
7. Thomas
8. Ketchum
9. Central Sallisaw
10. Velma-Alma

Class B Division-I

1. Laverne
2. Turpin
3. Dewar
4. Yale
5. Garber
6. Caddo
7. Empire
8. Hollis
9. Keota
10. Pond Creek-Hunter

Class B Division-II

1. Seiling
2. Weleetka
3. Covington-Douglas
4. Okeene
5. Wilson-Henryetta
6. Shattuck
7. Copan
8. Cherokee
9. Thackerville
10. Boise City

Class C

1. Tipton
2. Ryan
3. Timberlake
4. Welch
5. Tyrone
6. Maysville
7. Geary
8. Sasakwa
9. Medford
10. Balko-Forgan

Week 6 Pay Dirt Picks

10/9/2024 |  Korry Rogers

	MARK 10-2	JACOB 9-3	TOM 8-4	SHANE 9-3
Tonkawa @ Pawhuska
Beggs @ Holdenville
Crossings @ Marlow
Millwood @ Oklahoma Christian School
Wynnewood @ Minco
Waukomis @ Covington-Douglas
Perry @ Mount St. Mary
Hooker @ Cashion
Moore @ Deer Creek
North Rock Creek @ Pauls Valley
Tuttle @ Bethany
Alva @ Stroud

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 6 (2024) Part I: Flour and Fennel

10/9/2024 |  Michael Swisher

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 6 (2024) Part II - REVISITING AUBURN 25 YEARS LATER

10/9/2024 |  Michael Swisher

Great food experiences are often tied to core memories.

We enjoyed a great meal as part of a bigger experience and often linked them together.

Sometimes, sadly, that great memory inflates the actual quality of the meal.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been disappointed to revisit a restaurant on my own - after having previously experienced a fantastic meal there before - only to discover the meal was….just….OK.

It was the overall time I had that was fantastic.

So that was my concern as I was driving into Auburn, Ala., early in the afternoon of Sept. 27.

I was headed there for a showdown between MY two teams.

I grew up in Oklahoma, was lured in by Barry Switzer’s OU teams of the 1980s and have never been able to shake a love and a pride of the crimson and cream ever since.

However, I also moved to Alabama in 1989. Lived there for eight years. I went to high school in Muscle Shoals and, after a stellar academic career in JUCO, went to Auburn to pursue a journalism degree.

Eventually, I landed back in Oklahoma, but I grew to truly love Auburn, the Tigers, War Eagle, Toomer’s Corner and everything that came with it.

But it’s not easy to return to a place that’s 865 miles away.

I went once for a few days in 1999.

Then I flew in and flew out in 2018 when Auburn hosted Jace Sternberger and Texas A&M.

That’s it.

It had been 25 years since I’d spent an measurable time in a place that holds a big spot in my heart.

When OU was announced to be joining the SEC, I was ecstatic. When it was announced OU would be visiting Auburn this season, I. HAD. TO. GO.

So I did.

Lots of people stepped up for me to make it happen, but it did.

Anyone who has followed me through the years knows I love food. I’m not some big connoisseur of fine dining. I just love to find cool spots with great food.

And there were two places in Auburn that I insisted on revisiting: Momma Goldberg’s and Guthrie’s.

Both were Auburn staples when I was there in the mid- to late-1990s and both remain today.

I pulled into Auburn at about 1 p.m. on that Wednesday prior to the OU game. 

By 2 p.m., me and my buddy Elk were sitting inside Momma Goldberg’s with three Momma’s Love sandwiches and a pitcher sitting in front of us.

Yes, three. Elk loves to eat, too.

You can read about Momma Goldberg’s and its history here.

They have multiple “signature” sandwiches but their signature of signatures is the “Momma’s Love.” 

It’s roast beef, ham, hickory smoked turkey with muenster cheese served on a seeded hoagie bun. All signature sandwiches there have spicy brown mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomato and “Momma’s sauce.”

And they’re also steamed before they are served which, to me, is the kicker.

Yes, it’s simple. Yes, it’s just a sandwich.

Which had me wondering….did I really love the Momma’s Love or did I just love being at Auburn and the Momma’s Love is part of that.

My first bite into one in over a quarter-century told me I did, in fact, love the Momma’s Love.

It was all that I had remembered.

A couple days later, it was time to revisit Guthrie’s.

Now I know what you’re thinking. It’s a chicken finger restaurant. How original. There’s 20 different franchises and 100 locations in Oklahoma City.

True.

But Guthrie’s is truly the original chicken finger restaurant. It opened its first location in Auburn in 1982.

When I actually had some money in my pocket while in college, Guthrie’s was a must-stop for me.

The order: Box, no slaw, extra fries, extra sauce.

Sounds like Raising Cane’s, right?

Just think Cane’s before there was Cane’s. 

That was - and is - Guthrie’s.

But did it live up to my hype?

Now imagine this….

Just think Cane’s chicken…..but SEASONED. Guthrie’s actually has flavor WITHOUT using the dipping sauce.

But you also can’t not (double negative alert) use their signature sauce which was Cane’s sauce before there was Cane’s sauce!!!!!

Needless to say, Guthrie’s - like Momma Goldberg’s - wasn’t just about great memories at Auburn.

It was great food and remains so today….almost 30 years after I first fell in love.

Week 6 High School Football Rankings

10/7/2024 |  Michael Swisher

6A Division-I

1. Owasso
2. Bixby
3. Deer Creek
4. Union
5. Jenks
6. Edmond Memorial
7. Moore
8. Mustang
9. Norman
10. Broken Arrow

6A Division-II

1. Muskogee
2. Stillwater
3. Choctaw
4. Sand Springs
5. Piedmont
6. Putnam City North
7. Putnam City
8. Sapulpa
9. Lawton Ike
10. Southmoore

Class 5A

1. Carl Albert
2. Del City
3. Bishop McGuinness
4. Lawton Mac
5. Collinsville
6. McAlester
7. Guthrie
8. Claremore
9. Booker T. Washington
10. Newcastle

Class 4A

1. Wagoner
2. Elgin
3. Tuttle
4. Blanchard
5. Broken Bow
6. Grove
7. Weatherford
8. Bethany
9. Clinton
10. Poteau

Class 3A

1. Lincoln Christian
2. Heritage Hall
3. Sulphur
4. Plainview
5. Cascia Hall
6. Pauls Valley
7. Bristow
8. Seminole
9. North Rock Creek
10. Checotah

Class 2A Division-I

1. Washington
2. Millwood
3. Metro Christian
4. Marlow
5. Kingston
6. OCS
7. Jones
8. Crossings Christian
9. Hugo
10. Kiefer

Class 2A Division-II

1. Vian
2. Adair
3. Stroud
4. Davis
5. Holdenville
6. Colcord
7. Kansas
8. Alva
9. Beggs
10. Luther

Class A Division-I

1. Fairview
2. Hooker
3. Rejoice Christian
4. Hartshorne
5. Tonkawa
6. Christian Heritage
7. Walters
8. Pawnee
9. Pawhuska
10. Minco

Class A Division-II

1. Woodland
2. Hominy
3. Mangum
4. Regent Prep
5. Texhoma
6. Thomas
7. Talihina
8. Central Sallisaw
9. Mooreland
10. Ringling

Class B Division-I

1. Laverne
2. Turpin
3. Dewar
4. Yale
5. Garber
6. Pond Creek-Hunter
7. Caddo
8. Hollis
9. Empire
10. Keota

Class B Division-II

1. Seiling
2. Weleetka
3. Okeene
4. Covington-Douglas
5. Wilson-Henryetta
6. Shattuck
7. Webbers Falls
8. Thackerville
9. Waukomis
10. Copan

Class C

1. Tipton
2. Ryan
3. Timberlake
4. Welch
5. Tyrone
6. Maysville
7. Waynoka
8. Geary
9. Paoli
10. Sasakwa

Week 5 Pay Dirt Picks

10/4/2024 |  Korry Rogers

	MARK 9-3	JACOB 9-3	TOM 8-3	NICK 7-5
Blackwell @ Perry
Bethany @ Blanchard
El Reno @ Carl Albert
Jones @ Millwood
Mooreland @ Texhoma-Goodwell
Cashion @ Watonga
Mount St. Mary @ Chisholm
Davis @ Beggs
Owasso @ Union
Putnam City @ Choctaw
Pocola @ Rejoice Christian
Pauls Valley @ Plainview

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 5 (2024): Taco Stop in Ponca City

10/2/2024 |  Michael Swisher

This week the Blackwell vs. Perry football game is on the SKORDLE PayDirt Pick’em Show as well as SKORDLE PayDirt.

When these two schools meet, it must be one of, if not the only, Maroons vs. Maroons game in America and by all accounts a heck of rivalry. 

In between the two towns and just slightly east is Ponca City and for many years I have heard numerous folks rave about Taco Stop. 

When I was rolling through Ponca City this year, the time had come for me to try this popular place myself. 

I decided my best bet was to get the favorites of two people who are big fans of Taco Stop, my wife Amanda and food expert Mark Rodgers. 

Amanda’s favorite item on the menu is the Taco Salad while Mark’s go-to the is Casadia. 

Both Amanda and Mark stated that the famous taco sauce - and a lot of it - is what really made the meals at Taco Stop. 

I went to the counter and placed my order of a Taco Salad and Casadia along with a refreshing fountain drink to wash it all down. I also made sure that some taco sauce would be readily available at the table. 

When I got my food and sat down, I could immediately tell this was going to be a solid lunch! 

The Taco Salad had all the markings of being great, most notably the paper-thin crunch taco shell and pile of shredded cheese. 

The Casadia had a generous layer of taco meat topping and melted shredded cheese on top of a corn tortilla.  

I also added a ton of taco sauce as I devoured my food and found myself generously adding some more to every single bite. 

Quite frankly, Taco Stop was fantastic! 

It is easy to see why Taco Stop, with its great food and extremely reasonable prices, is such a popular place to eat in Ponca City. 

I would highly recommend stopping in any time you are in town and remember to put a lot of the famous taco sauce on everything you order because it makes everything even better.

Week 5 High School Football Rankings

10/1/2024 |  Michael Swisher

6A Division-I

1. Owasso
2. Bixby
3. Union
4. Deer Creek
5. Jenks
6. Moore
7. Norman
8. Edmond Memorial
9. Mustang
10. Broken Arrow

6A Division-II

1. Muskogee
2. Stillwater
3. Choctaw
4. Sand Springs
5. Putnam City
6. Putnam City North
7. Piedmont
8. Southmoore
9. Sapulpa
10. Bartlesville

Class 5A

1. Carl Albert
2. Del City
3. Bishop McGuinness
4. Lawton Mac
5. Collinsville
6. McAlester
7. Guthrie
8. Claremore
9. Shawnee
10. Booker T. Washington

Class 4A

1. Wagoner
2. Elgin
3. Tuttle
4. Blanchard
5. Sallisaw
6. Poteau
7. Bethany
8. Cushing
9. Grove
10. Weatherford

Class 3A

1. Lincoln Christian
2. Heritage Hall
3. Sulphur
4. Pauls Valley
5. Plainview
6. Seminole
7. Cascia Hall
8. Idabel
9. Anadarko
10. Muldrow

Class 2A Division-I

1. Washington
2. Millwood
3. Metro Christian
4. Jones
5. Marlow
6. Kingston
7. OCS
8. Mount St. Mary
9. Chandler
10. Crossings Christian

Class 2A Division-II

1. Vian
2. Adair
3. Stroud
4. Davis
5. Holdenville
6. Beggs
7. Colcord
8. Kansas
9. Alva
10. Luther

Class A Division-I

1. Fairview
2. Hooker
3. Rejoice Christian
4. Pocola
5. Pawhuska
6. Wynnewood
7. Hartshorne
8. Tonkawa
9. Christian Heritage
10. Walters

Class A Division-II

1. Woodland
2. Regent Prep
3. Hominy
4. Mooreland
5. Mangum
6. Thomas
7. Velma-Alma
8. Texhoma
9. Talihina
10. Central Sallisaw

Class B Division-I

1. Laverne
2. Turpin
3. Dewar
4. Yale
5. Garber
6. Pond Creek-Hunter
7. Keota
8. Caddo
9. Hollis
10. Empire

Class B Division-II

1. Seiling
2. Weleetka
3. Okeene
4. Covington-Douglas
5. Wilson-Henryetta
6. Shattuck
7. Webbers Falls
8. Thackerville
9. Waukomis
10. Copan

Class C

1. Tipton
2. Ryan
3. Timberlake
4. Welch
5. Tyrone
6. Maysville
7. Mt. View-Gotebo
8. Waynoka
9. Paoli
10. Sasakwa

Oklahoma State Fair Trip 2024 - Where is the Beef?

9/26/2024 |  Michael Swisher

This past weekend my family made our annual trip to the Oklahoma State Fair. We go mainly to eat our favorite fair foods which are the corn dog and roasted corn. Funnel cake normally makes the rotation, especially for the kids, but for some reason it took a year off this time. Here are some pictures of our trip and man these were great!

Also, the Brown’s Lemonade stands never disappoint because they only serve actual real hand squeezed lemonade. Multiple lemonade refills were needed on our trip because it was hot!

The Indian Taco used to ALWAYS be in the rotation until this year. The last couple of years I noticed that my Indian Tacos were severely lacking in beef. From my estimation the “chili mix” as described on the menu was about 99.9% beans and 0.1% beef. Last year I even went into the State Fair with a gameplan to only order meat and cheese so the lack of beef couldn’t be hidden under a pile of toppings. My suspicion of no beef was only confirmed even further, and I was disappointed.

I made the decision this year that I would do some reconnaissance of the Indian Taco hoping for improvements. Unfortunately, I saw none, so I just passed on the Indian Taco this year. As I looked at several Indian Tacos passing by, I saw the delicious fry bread, piles of beans, heaps of lettuce, and a handful of shredded cheese, but no noticeable beef.

It is a sad day at the State Fair when the Indian Taco is no longer in the line-up! Has anyone else felt the same way or had a similar experience? This will be my final comments on the matter until actual beef topping makes its triumphant return to the Indian Taco at the State Fair. Until then I will remember the days of old when this great State Fair food staple was at its peak.