Alex Longhorns
Alex, OK 73002
Record: 6-4 | Rank: 10
@ Okeene | L | 56-0 8/30 |
vs Maud | W | 76-32 9/6 |
vs Bray - Doyle | W | 60-12 9/13 |
@ Davenport | W | 27-28 9/20 |
@ Empire | L | 70-24 10/4 |
vs Wetumka | L | 14-20 10/11 |
@ Strother | W | 22-58 10/17 |
vs Cyril | W | 60-36 10/25 |
vs Thackerville | W | 54-38 11/1 |
@ Weleetka | L | 54-0 11/8 |
vs Okeene OSSAA State First Round at Okeene | L | 58-26 11/15 |
Week 3 Picks
| Ben Johnson
Last week…
Michael Swisher: 10-2
Ben Johnson: 10-2
Whitt Carter: 9-3
Overall
Swisher & Ben: 28-8
….
….
Whitt: 24-12
Week 3 games
Metro Christian at Holland Hall
Jones at Lincoln Christian
Thomas at Cashion
Heritage Hall at John Marshall
Cherokee at Shattuck
Booker T at McGuinness
Muskogee at Coweta
Noble at Piedmont
Clinton at Millwood
Beggs at Chandler
Alex at Davenport
Pond Creek at Medford
Norman North at Yukon
Berryhill at Cushing
Our picks….
Whitt
Holland Hall
LIncoln
Cashion
Heritage Hall
Shattuck
Booker T
Muskogee
Piedmont
Clinton
Chandler
Davenport
Pond Creek
Norman North
Berryhill
Swisher
Holland Hall
Lincoln
Cashion
Heritage Hall
Shattuck
Booker T
Muskogee
Piedmont
Clinton
Beggs
Davenport
Pond Creek
Norman North
Berryhill
Ben
Holland Hall
Lincoln Christian
Cashion
Heritage Hall
Shattuck
Bishop McGuinness
Muskogee
Piedmont
Clinton
Beggs
Davenport
PC-Hunter
Yukon
Berryhill
CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEWS: CLASSES 2A, A & B
| 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
| 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.
Week 3 picks
| Ben Johnson
Coach Turney got tired of Old Man Swisher's winning ways every week, so he did something about it. Randy dropped off a 15-4 mark in Week 2, one game better than Swisher. Whitt wasn't too far off with a 12-7 record, and then there was yours truly rounding out the pack with a disgraceful 11-8 week of picks. Unacceptable. Just have to be better -- no two ways about it.
Week 2 picks - Turney 15-4 | Swisher 14-5 | Whitt 12-7 | Ben 11-8
Overall - Swisher 40-19 | Turney 28-21 | Ben 35-24 | Whitt 33-26
Without further ado, here the Week 3 picks:
Cascia Hall at Millwood
Michael Swisher: Millwood 28, Cascia Hall 7
Ben Johnson: Millwood 20, Cascia Hall 12
Whitt Carter: Millwood 34, Cascia Hall 21
Randy Turney: Millwood 34, Cascia Hall 21
Bethany at Kingfisher
Michael Swisher: Bethany 30, Kingfisher 13
Ben Johnson: Bethany 29, Kingfisher 22
Whitt Carter: Bethany 27, Kingfisher 20
Randy Turney: Bethany 20, Kingfisher 14
Metro Christian at Holland Hall
Michael Swisher: Metro Christian 28, Holland Hall 26
Ben Johnson: Holland Hall 25, Metro Christian 24
Whitt Carter: Holland Hall 31, Metro Christian 21
Randy Turney: Holland Hall 35, Metro Christian 21
Crescent at Cashion
Michael Swisher: Cashion 23, Crescent 20
Ben Johnson: Cashion 37, Crescent 22
Whitt Carter: Cashion 35, Crescent 30
Randy Turney: Cashion 28, Crescent 21
Alex at Davenport
Michael Swisher: Davenport 31, Alex 24
Ben Johnson: Davenport 44, Alex 20
Whitt Carter: Davenport 32, Alex 22
Randy Turney: Davenport 42, Alex 34
Rejoice Christian at Haskell
Michael Swisher: Rejoice Christian 34, Haskell 7
Ben Johnson: Rejoice Christian 24, Haskell 19
Whitt Carter: Rejoice Christian 42, Haskell 32
Randy Turney: Rejoice Christian 31, Haskell 20
Choctaw at Putnam City North
Michael Swisher: PC North 24, Choctaw 14
Ben Johnson: Choctaw 28, PC North 20
Whitt Carter: Choctaw 31, PC North 18
Randy Turney: Choctaw 34, PC North 20
Del City at Bartlesville
Michael Swisher: Del City 34, Bartlesville 31
Ben Johnson: Del City 45, Bartlesville 34
Whitt Carter: Del City 41, Bartlesville 14
Randy Turney: Del City 28, Bartlesville 13
Duncan at Ada
Michael Swisher: Ada 18, Duncan 15
Ben Johnson: Duncan 22, Ada 20
Whitt Carter: Ada 21, Duncan 20
Randy Turney: Duncan 21, Ada 14
Piedmont at Noble
Michael Swisher: Noble 28, Piedmont 23
Ben Johnson: Piedmont 20, Noble 18
Whitt Carter: Noble 24, Piedmont 17
Randy Turney: Piedmont 20, Noble 14
Lawton MacArthur at Clinton
Michael Swisher: Lawton Mac 30, Clinton 20
Ben Johnson: Lawton Mac 31, Clinton 27
Whitt Carter: Lawton Mac 24, Clinton 20
Randy Turney: Lawton Mac 31, Clinton 14
Westmoore at Mustang
Michael Swisher: Westmoore 29, Mustang 25
Ben Johnson: Westmoore 33, Mustang 21
Whitt Carter: Mustang 22, Westmoore 18
Randy Turney: Mustang 24, Westmoore 20
Catoosa at Coweta
Michael Swisher: Catoosa 19, Coweta 12
Ben Johnson: Coweta 35, Catoosa 31
Whitt Carter: Coweta 34, Catoosa 28
Randy Turney: Catoosa 18, Coweta 12
Barnsdall at Hominy
Michael Swisher: Hominy 31, Barnsdall 20
Ben Johnson: Hominy 39, Barnsdall 35
Whitt Carter: Hominy 30, Barnsdall 23
Randy Turney: Hominy 34, Barnsdall 14
Week 3: Top 10 games
| Ben Johnson
Week 3 is upon us. I'd be lying if I said there were a lot of stellar games. But there are some solid matchups here and there.
Here are this week's top 10 games:
1. 3A No. 5 Cascia Hall (2-0) at 2A No. 1 Millwood (2-0): This is becoming a mainstay in the non-district landscape. Millwood owns a 3-2 edge in the matchup, which was a title game showdown in 2001. Since then, they've met every year since 2014 with Millwood winning the last two.
2. 4A No. 5 Bethany (2-0) at 3A No. 9 Kingfisher (1-1): Former district mates earlier this decade, but now they're meeting for the fifth straight season. Bethany won last year's matchup, 30-13.
3. 2A No. 9 Metro Christian (2-0) at 2A No. 6 Holland Hall (1-1): Metro Christian running back Ryan Johnson against Holland Hall's defense should be one entertaining chess match. The two teams have split two games in the past two seasons with Holland Hall winning 45-14 last year.
4. Crescent (2-1) at A No. 2 Cashion (3-0): Cashion's track record against Crescent is remarkably successful. Since 2008, the Wildats have won nine of the 10 games between the two; the only slip-up was last season when Crescent won 54-14 in District A-5 action on its way to a state runner-up finish later in the year. Now they shift their district game to A-3, and it'll be Cashion's defense -- which has only allowed 12 points in three games -- against Crescent's offense, led by quarterback Hunter Bowers. Oh, and Skordle will be there for all the fun.
5. B No. 4 Alex (2-0) at B No. 2 Davenport (2-0): Davenport has been busy doing Davenport things in its first two games of the season, blowing out both Weleetka and Wetumka. Now, though, comes a top-10 clash with Alex, which has hammered both Laverne and Central Marlow. Davenport won last year's game against Alex, 26-16, and it leads in the series, 4-1.
6. A No. 6 Rejoice Christian (2-0) at Haskell (2-0): First time these teams are squaring off, and Haskell quarterback Tayden Lucero against Rejoice Christian's defense will be vastly compelling.
7. 6AII No. 7 Choctaw (2-0) at 6AI No. 9 Putnam City North (2-0): PC North enters on the heels of sweeping through its fellow Putnam City cohorts, and it did so by only allowing six points in two games. Meanwhile, Choctaw is unbeaten after taking down Lawton Eisenhower last week. This series has belonged to PC North over the years (18-4), but Choctaw picked up a 42-14 win over PC North last season.
8. 6AII No. 5 Del City (1-1) at Bartlesville (1-1): First time these two are ever seeing each other, and the Bruins will have their hands full with Del City quarterback Quinlan Ganther. But the same goes for the Eagles' defense when Bartleville's DeAndre Young touches the ball. The senior tailback rushed for almost 300 yards against Collinsville last week.
9. 5A No. 9 Duncan (2-0) at Ada (1-1): Javion Dangerfield, a Week 2 player of the week candidate, has been a weapon all over the field for the Demons in their unbeaten start to this point. Meanwhile, Ada rebounded nicely with a win over Noble after a season-opening loss to Ardmore.
10. 5A No. 10 Piedmont (1-1) at Noble (1-1): These two started squaring off in 2014, and they've met every year since. Not once has it gone Piedmont's way. Noble's wins over Piedmont in 2016 and 2017 were by a combined 15 points.
Honorable mention
Lawton MacArthur at Clinton: Highlanders are 6-0 against Clinton since 1972.
Westmoore at Mustang: Westmore leads 12-5 in the series, including a 55-42 win in the most recently showdown in 2011.
Catoosa at Coweta: Catoosa beat Coweta 19-0 last season to stop a seven-game losing streak against the Tigers.
Barnsdall at Hominy: Two Osage County rivals with Hominy owning a 15-0 record against Barnsdall since 2000.
So who wins all the matchups? Check back for our weekly picks on Thursday.
Week 1 picks
| Ben Johnson
Full slate of games greets us on this last week of August. Rejoice! Also, fans of Swisher, Coach Turney and myself will be happy to know we tied at 11-5 last week. Whitt is lagging way behind at 10-6.
OK, let's do this. Week 1 picks for your enjoyment:
Heritage Hall at Millwood
Michael Swisher: Millwood 31, Heritage Hall 28
Ben Johnson: Heritage Hall 24, Millwood 23
Whitt Carter: Millwood 34, Heritage Hall 21
Randy Turney: Heritage Hall 24, Millwood 20
Midwest City at Carl Albert
Michael Swisher: Midwest City 33, Carl Albert 29
Ben Johnson: Midwest City 35, Carl Albert 34
Whitt Carter: Carl Albert 27, Midwest City 24
Randy Turney: Midwest City 28, Carl Albert 14
Coweta at Wagoner
Michael Swisher: Wagoner 22, Coweta 12
Ben Johnson: Coweta 32, Wagoner 29
Whitt Carter: Coweta 41, Wagoner 37
Randy Turney: Coweta 21, Wagoner 14
Del City at Bishop McGuinness
Michael Swisher: Bishop McGuinness 31, Del City 17
Ben Johnson: Bishop McGuinness 28, Del City 23
Whitt Carter: Del City 27, Bishop McGuinness 26
Randy Turney: Bishop McGuinness 28, Del City 10
Kingfisher at Tuttle
Michael Swisher: Tuttle 29, Kingfisher 20
Ben Johnson: Tuttle 37, Kingfisher 22
Whitt Carter: Tuttle 34, Kingfisher 28
Randy Turney: Tuttle 21, Kingfisher 20
Holland Hall at Cascia Hall
Michael Swisher: Cascia Hall 21, Holland Hall 14
Ben Johnson: Cascia Hall 33, Holland Hall 23
Whitt Carter: Cascia Hall 31, Holland Hall 17
Randy Turney: Cascia Hall 20, Holland Hall 14
Laverne at Alex
Michael Swisher: Laverne 34, Alex 30
Ben Johnson: Laverne 47, Alex 28
Whitt Carter: Laverne 28, Alex 20
Randy Turney: Laverne 36, Alex 14
Oologah at Collinsville
Michael Swisher: Collinsville 16, Oologah 7
Ben Johnson: Collinsville 30, Oologah 27
Whitt Carter: Collinsville 37, Oologah 35
Randy Turney: Collinsville 17, Oologah 14
Norman at Norman North
Michael Swisher: Norman North 38, Norman 14
Ben Johnson: Norman North 30, Norman 13
Whitt Carter: Norman North 41, Norman 24
Randy Turney: Norman North 21, Norman 17
Mansfield Lake Ridge (Texas) at Union
Michael Swisher: Union 28, Mansfield Lake Ridge 19
Ben Johnson: Union 26, Mansfield Lake Ridge 23
Whitt Carter: Mansfield Lake Ridge 28, Union 17
Randy Turney: Union 24, Mansfield Lake Ridge 10
Mansfield (Texas) at Broken Arrow
Michael Swisher: Broken Arrow 22, Mansfield 20
Ben Johnson: Broken Arrow 28, Mansfield 17
Whitt Carter: Broken Arrow 24, Mansfield 21
Randy Turney: Broken Arrow 35, Mansfield 17
Mansfield Legacy (Texas) at Jenks
Michael Swisher: Mansfield Legacy 31, Jenks 20
Ben Johnson: Mansfield Legacy 23, Jenks 13
Whitt Carter: Mansfield Legacy 28, Jenks 20
Randy Turney: Mansfield Legacy 20, Jenks 14
Mustang at Yukon
Michael Swisher: Mustang 31, Yukon 28
Ben Johnson: Yukon 27, Mustang 26
Whitt Carter: Mustang 37, Yukon 22
Randy Turney: Mustang 24, Yukon 7
Altus at Lawton
Michael Swisher: Lawton 23, Altus 20
Ben Johnson: Lawton 29, Altus 17
Whitt Carter: Lawton 42, Altus 21
Randy Turney: Lawton 28, Altus 7
Owasso at Fayetteville (Ark.)
Michael Swisher: Owasso 31, Fayetteville 30
Ben Johnson: Owasso 41, Fayetteville 20
Whitt Carter: Owasso 30, Fayetteville 27
Randy Turney: Owasso 17, Fayetteville 14
Ada at Ardmore
Michael Swisher: Ardmore 33, Ada 14
Ben Johnson: Ardmore 32, Ada 17
Whitt Carter: Ardmore 37, Ada 24
Randy Turney: Ardmore 32, Ada 20
Idabel at Broken Bow
Michael Swisher: Broken Bow 31, Idabel 20
Ben Johnson: Broken Bow 20, Idabel 13
Whitt Carter: Broken Bow 28, Idabel 16
Randy Turney: Broken Bow 21, Idabel 20
Jones at Lincoln Christian
Michael Swisher: Lincoln Christian 30, Jones 17
Ben Johnson: Lincoln Christian 44, Jones 37
Whitt Carter: Lincoln Christian 41, Jones 27
Randy Turney: Jones 34, Lincoln Christian 14
Commerce at Adair
Michael Swisher: Adair 28, Commerce 20
Ben Johnson: Commerce 26, Adair 23
Whitt Carter: Commerce 21, Adair 14
Randy Turney: Adair 28, Commerce 7
Thomas at Alva
Michael Swisher: Alva 28, Thomas 24
Ben Johnson: Thomas 35, Alva 33
Whitt Carter: Thomas 34, Alva 13
Randy Turney: Thomas 14, Alva 13
Crescent at Morrison
Michael Swisher: Morrison 23, Crescent 17
Ben Johnson: Morrison 24, Crescent 16
Whitt Carter: Crescent 35, Morrison 31
Randy Turney: Crescent 31, Morrison 28
Rejoice Christian at Crossings Christian
Michael Swisher: Rejoice Christian 42, Crossings Christian 21
Ben Johnson: Rejoice Christian 41, Crossings Christian 21
Whitt Carter: Rejoice Christian 28, Crossings Christian 24
Randy Turney: Rejoice Christian 34, Crossings Christian 18
Pioneer at Coyle
Michael Swisher: Coyle 38, Pioneer 31
Ben Johnson: Coyle 44, Pioneer 40
Whitt Carter: Pioneer 32, Coyle 20
Randy Turney: Coyle 41, Pioneer 20
Regent Prep at Prue
Michael Swisher: Regent Prep 44, Prue 40
Ben Johnson: Regent Prep 51, Prue 32
Whitt Carter: Prue 21, Regent Prep 18
Randy Turney: Regent Prep 48, Prue 6
Let us know what you think. Tweet your predictions to us at @Skordle.
High School Football rankings
| Michael Swisher
6A Division-I
- Owasso (10-0)
- Jenks (7-3)
- Norman (9-1)
- Bixby (8-2)
- Edmond Memorial (8-2)
- Union (7-3)
- Deer Creek (7-3)
- Moore (6-4)
- Norman North (3-7)
- Broken Arrow (4-6)
6A Division-II
- Muskogee (10-0)
- Choctaw (8-2)
- Stillwater (8-2)
- Sand Springs (7-3)
- Piedmont (6-4)
- Putnam City (6-4)
- Putnam City North (7-3)
- Bartlesville (3-7)
- Lawton Ike (4-6)
- Sapulpa (4-6)
Class 5A
- Carl Albert (10-0)
- Del City (9-1)
- Booker T. Washington (8-2)
- Newcastle (7-3)
- Guthrie (7-3)
- McAlester (8-2)
- Bishop McGuinness (7-3)
- Bishop Kelley (5-5)
- Lawton Mac (7-3)
- Pryor (7-3)
Class 4A
- Wagoner (10-0)
- Elgin (10-0)
- Tuttle (10-0)
- Blanchard (9-1)
- Bethany (8-2)
- Ada (7-3)
- Weatherford (8-2)
- Sallisaw (8-2)
- Clinton (8-2)
- Miami (8-2)
Class 3A
- Lincoln Christian (10-0)
- Heritage Hall (9-1)
- Sulphur (9-1)
- Cascia Hall (9-1)
- Plainview (9-1)
- Perkins-Tryon (8-2)
- Pauls Valley (7-3)
- Bristow (6-4)
- North Rock Creekl (6-4)
- Idabel (7-3)
Class 2A Division-I
- Washington (10-0)
- Millwood (9-1)
- Metro Christian (10-0)
- Kingston (9-1)
- Marlow (8-2)
- Jones (8-2)
- Kiefer (7-3)
- Chandler (7-3)
- Chisholm (6-4)
- OCS (7-3)
Class 2A Division-II
- Vian (10-0)
- Adair (10-0)
- Stroud (10-0)
- Holdenville (10-0)
- Alva (8-2)
- Davis (6-4)
- Beggs (8-2)
- Colcord (9-1)
- Henryetta (8-2)
- Salina (6-4)
Class A Division-I
- Hooker (9-1)
- Fairview (9-1)
- Rejoice Christian (9-1)
- Walters (9-1)
- Pawnee (7-3)
- Pawhuska (8-2)
- Christian Heritage (7-3)
- Pocola (8-2)
- Wynnewood (8-2)
- Minco (7-3)
Class A Division-II
- Woodland (10-0)
- Regent Prep (9-1)
- Hominy (8-2)
- Thomas (9-1)
- Mangum (9-1)
- Talihina (9-1)
- Central Sallisaw (7-3)
- Velma-Alma (8-2)
- Texhoma (7-3)
- Mooreland (7-3)
Class B Division-I
- Laverne (9-1)
- Dewar (8-1)
- Yale (9-0)
- Turpin (9-1)
- Hollis (7-2)
- Drumright (7-3)
- Empire (9-1)
- Garber (7-3)
- Caddo (8-2)
- Keota (7-3)
Class B Division-II
- Seiling (9-1)
- Weleetka (10-0)
- Covington-Douglas (10-0)
- Okeene (9-1)
- Wilson-Henryetta (8-1)
- Waukomis (8-2)
- Copan (8-2)
- Shattuck (6-3)
- Webbers Falls (6-4)
- Alex (6-4)
Class C
- Tipton (10-0)
- Timberlake (10-0)
- Ryan (9-1)
- Medford (7-2)
- Welch (9-1)
- Tyrone (7-2)
- Maysville (8-2)
- Paoli (7-3)
- Geary (7-3)
- Waynoka (5-5)
SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 10 (2024): Sunrise Cafe in Kingfisher
| 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
| Michael Swisher
6A Division-I
- Owasso (9-0)
- Bixby (8-1)
- Union (7-2)
- Jenks (6-3)
- Norman (8-1)
- Edmond Memorial (7-2)
- Deer Creek (6-3)
- Moore (5-4)
- Mustang (5-4)
- Norman North (2-7)
6A Division-II
- Muskogee (9-0)
- Choctaw (7-2)
- Stillwater (7-2)
- Sand Springs (6-3)
- Putnam City (6-3)
- Putnam City North (7-2)
- Piedmont (5-4)
- Southmoore (4-5)
- Bartlesville (2-7)
- Lawton Ike (3-6)
Class 5A
- Carl Albert (9-0)
- Del City (8-1)
- Booker T. Washington (7-2)
- Newcastle (6-3)
- Guthrie (6-3)
- Lawton Mac (7-2)
- McAlester (7-2)
- Bishop McGuinness (6-3)
- Pryor (7-2)
- Bishop Kelley (4-5)
Class 4A
- Wagoner (9-0)
- Elgin (9-0)
- Tuttle (9-0)
- Blanchard (8-1)
- Sallisaw (8-1)
- Bethany (7-2)
- Weatherford (7-2)
- Ada (6-3)
- Clinton (7-2)
- Miami (7-2)
Class 3A
- Lincoln Christian (9-0)
- Heritage Hall (8-1)
- Sulphur (8-1)
- Cascia Hall (8-1)
- Plainview (8-1)
- Perkins-Tryon (7-2)
- Idabel (7-2)
- Pauls Valley (6-3)
- Berryhill (6-3)
- Holland Hall (6-3)
Class 2A Division-I
- Washington (9-0)
- Millwood (8-1)
- Metro Christian (8-0)
- Kingston (8-1)
- Marlow (7-2)
- Jones (7-2)
- Kiefer (6-3)
- Chandler (6-3)
- Chisholm (5-4)
- Lindsay (6-3)
Class 2A Division-II
- Vian (9-0)
- Adair (9-0)
- Stroud (9-0)
- Holdenville (9-0)
- Alva (7-2)
- Davis (5-4)
- Beggs (7-2)
- Colcord (8-1)
- Henryetta (7-2)
- Kansas (6-3)
Class A Division-I
- Hooker (8-1)
- Fairview (8-1)
- Rejoice Christian (8-1)
- Walters (8-1)
- Pawnee (6-3)
- Pawhuska (7-2)
- Wynnewood (8-1)
- Christian Heritage (6-3)
- Pocola (7-2)
- Cashion (7-2)
Class A Division-II
- Woodland (9-0)
- Regent Prep (8-1)
- Hominy (7-2)
- Thomas (8-1)
- Mangum (8-1)
- Mooreland (7-2)
- Talihina (8-1)
- Central Sallisaw (6-3)
- Velma-Alma (7-2)
- Texhoma (6-3)
Class B Division-I
- Laverne (8-1)
- Dewar (7-1)
- Yale (8-0)
- Turpin (8-1)
- Caddo (8-1)
- Hollis (6-2)
- Drumright (6-3)
- Empire (8-1)
- Garber (6-3)
- Pond Creek-Hunter (7-2)
Class B Division-II
- Seiling (8-1)
- Weleetka (9-0)
- Covington-Douglas (9-0)
- Okeene (8-1)
- Wilson-Henryetta (7-1)
- Waukomis (7-2)
- Cherokee (5-4)
- Alex (6-3)
- Copan (7-2)
- Shattuck (5-3)
Class C
- Tipton (9-0)
- Timberlake (9-0)
- Ryan (8-1)
- Tyrone (7-1)
- Medford (6-2)
- Welch (8-1)
- Maysville (7-2)
- Paoli (6-3)
- Geary (6-3)
- Waynoka (4-5)
SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 9 (2024): Revisiting Our Top Candy Picks, Good Soup & Happy Birthday Adam
| 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
| 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
| Michael Swisher
6A Division-I
- Owasso (8-0)
- Bixby (7-1)
- Union (6-2)
- Jenks (5-3)
- Norman (7-1)
- Edmond Memorial (6-2)
- Mustang (5-3)
- Deer Creek (6-2)
- Norman North (2-6)
- Moore (4-4)
6A Division-II
- Muskogee (8-0)
- Choctaw (6-2)
- Stillwater (6-2)
- Sand Springs (5-3)
- Putnam City North (7-1)
- Southmoore (4-4)
- Piedmont (5-3)
- Putnam City (5-3)
- Lawton Ike (3-5)
- Sapulpa (4-4)
Class 5A
- Carl Albert (8-0)
- Del City (7-1)
- Guthrie (6-2)
- Booker T. Washington (6-2)
- Newcastle (5-3)
- Bishop McGuinness (6-2)
- Lawton Mac (6-2)
- McAlester (6-2)
- Shawnee (6-2)
- Pryor (6-2)
Class 4A
- Wagoner (8-0)
- Elgin (8-0)
- Tuttle (8-0)
- Blanchard (7-1)
- Clinton (7-1)
- Sallisaw (7-1)
- Bethany (6-2)
- Weatherford (6-2)
- Ada (5-3)
- Miami (6-2)
Class 3A
- Lincoln Christian (8-0)
- Heritage Hall (7-1)
- Sulphur (7-1)
- Cascia Hall (7-1)
- Plainview (7-1)
- Perkins-Tryon (6-2)
- Idabel (6-2)
- North Rock Creek (5-3)
- Pauls Valley (5-3)
- Berryhill (5-3)
Class 2A Division-I
- Washington (8-0)
- Millwood (7-1)
- Metro Christian (8-0)
- Kingston (7-1)
- Marlow (6-1)
- Jones (6-2)
- Kiefer (5-3)
- Perry (6-2)
- Hugo (6-2)
- Chandler (5-3)
Class 2A Division-II
- Vian (8-0)
- Adair (8-0)
- Stroud (8-0)
- Davis (5-3)
- Holdenville (8-0)
- Alva (6-2)
- Beggs (6-2)
- Colcord (7-1)
- Wyandotte (6-2)
- Salina (5-3)
Class A Division-I
- Hooker (7-1)
- Fairview (7-1)
- Rejoice Christian (7-1)
- Christian Heritage (6-2)
- Walters (7-1)
- Pawnee (5-3)
- Pawhuska (6-2)
- Pocola (6-2)
- Wynnewood (7-1)
- Cashion (6-2)
Class A Division-II
- Woodland (8-0)
- Mangum (8-0)
- Regent Prep (7-1)
- Hominy (6-2)
- Talihina (8-0)
- Thomas (7-1)
- Ketchum (6-2)
- Mooreland (6-2)
- Central Sallisaw (5-3)
- Velma-Alma (6-2)
Class B Division-I
- Laverne (7-1)
- Dewar (6-1)
- Yale (7-0)
- Turpin (7-1)
- Caddo (7-1)
- Hollis (5-2)
- Garber (6-2)
- Keota (6-2)
- Drumright (4-2)
- Waurika (4-4)
Class B Division-II
- Seiling (7-1)
- Weleetka (8-0)
- Covington-Douglas (8-0)
- Okeene (7-1)
- Wilson-Henryetta (6-1)
- Waukomis (6-2)
- Copan (7-1)
- Shattuck (5-2)
- Cherokee (4-4)
- Wetumka (5-3)
Class C
- Tipton (8-0)
- Timberlake (8-0)
- Ryan (7-1)
- Tyrone (6-1)
- Medford (5-2)
- Geary (6-2)
- Welch (7-1)
- Maysville (6-2)
- Paoli (5-3)
- Sasakwa (6-1)
Week 8 Pay Dirt Picks & Results
| 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
| 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
| Michael Swisher
6A Division-I
- Owasso
- Bixby
- Union
- Jenks
- Deer Creek
- Norman
- Edmond Memorial
- Mustang
- Moore
- Broken Arrow
6A Division-II
- Muskogee
- Stillwater
- Choctaw
- Sand Springs
- Piedmont
- Putnam City North
- Putnam City
- Sapulpa
- Southmoore
- Lawton Ike
Class 5A
- Carl Albert
- Del City
- Lawton Mac
- McAlester
- Guthrie
- Bishop McGuinness
- Collinsville
- Booker T. Washington
- Newcastle
- Shawnee
Class 4A
- Wagoner
- Elgin
- Tuttle
- Blanchard
- Broken Bow
- Clinton
- Poteau
- Sallisaw
- Bethany
- Weatherford
Class 3A
- Lincoln Christian
- Heritage Hall
- Sulphur
- Cascia Hall
- North Rock Creek
- Plainview
- Perkins-Tryon
- Sequoyah-Claremore
- Pauls Valley
- Idabel
Class 2A Division-I
- Washington
- Millwood
- Metro Christian
- Kingston
- Marlow
- Jones
- Kiefer
- Perry
- Crossings Christian
- Hugo
Class 2A Division-II
- Vian
- Adair
- Stroud
- Davis
- Holdenville
- Alva
- Beggs
- Colcord
- Kansas
- Community Christian
Class A Division-I
- Hooker
- Fairview
- Rejoice Christian
- Christian Heritage
- Walters
- Pawnee
- Pawhuska
- Pocola
- Hartshorne
- Wynnewood
Class A Division-II
- Woodland
- Mangum
- Regent Prep
- Hominy
- Talihina
- Thomas
- Texhoma
- Ketchum
- Central Sallisaw
- Velma-Alma
Class B Division-I
- Laverne
- Dewar
- Yale
- Turpin
- Garber
- Caddo
- Empire
- Hollis
- Keota
- Drumright
Class B Division-II
- Seiling
- Weleetka
- Covington-Douglas
- Okeene
- Wilson-Henryetta
- Copan
- Boise City
- Waukomis
- Shattuck
- Cyril
Class C
- Tipton
- Timberlake
- Ryan
- Welch
- Tyrone
- Maysville
- Geary
- Medford
- Paoli
- Sasakwa
Week 7 Pay Dirt Picks
| 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
| Michael Swisher
Week 7 High School Football Rankings
| Michael Swisher
6A Division-I
- Owasso
- Bixby
- Deer Creek
- Union
- Jenks
- Edmond Memorial
- Broken Arrow
- Moore
- Mustang
- Norman
6A Division-II
- Muskogee
- Stillwater
- Choctaw
- Sand Springs
- Piedmont
- Putnam City North
- Putnam City
- Sapulpa
- Lawton Ike
- Southmoore
Class 5A
- Carl Albert
- Del City
- Lawton Mac
- Collinsville
- McAlester
- Guthrie
- Bishop McGuinness
- Booker T. Washington
- Newcastle
- Shawnee
Class 4A
- Wagoner
- Elgin
- Tuttle
- Blanchard
- Broken Bow
- Grove
- Weatherford
- Clinton
- Poteau
- Cushing
Class 3A
- Lincoln Christian
- Heritage Hall
- Sulphur
- Plainview
- Cascia Hall
- North Rock Creek
- Bristow
- Perkins-Tryon
- Checotah
- Sequoyah-Claremore
Class 2A Division-I
- Washington
- Millwood
- Metro Christian
- Marlow
- Kingston
- Jones
- Hugo
- OCS
- Kiefer
- Chisholm
Class 2A Division-II
- Vian
- Adair
- Stroud
- Davis
- Holdenville
- Colcord
- Luther
- Salina
- Alva
- Beggs
Class A Division-I
- Fairview
- Hooker
- Rejoice Christian
- Hartshorne
- Christian Heritage
- Walters
- Pawnee
- Pawhuska
- Pocola
- Wynnewood
Class A Division-II
- Woodland
- Mangum
- Texhoma
- Regent Prep
- Hominy
- Talihina
- Thomas
- Ketchum
- Central Sallisaw
- Velma-Alma
Class B Division-I
- Laverne
- Turpin
- Dewar
- Yale
- Garber
- Caddo
- Empire
- Hollis
- Keota
- Pond Creek-Hunter
Class B Division-II
- Seiling
- Weleetka
- Covington-Douglas
- Okeene
- Wilson-Henryetta
- Shattuck
- Copan
- Cherokee
- Thackerville
- Boise City
Class C
- Tipton
- Ryan
- Timberlake
- Welch
- Tyrone
- Maysville
- Geary
- Sasakwa
- Medford
- Balko-Forgan
Week 6 Pay Dirt Picks
| 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
| Michael Swisher
SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 6 (2024) Part II - REVISITING AUBURN 25 YEARS LATER
| 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
| Michael Swisher
6A Division-I
- Owasso
- Bixby
- Deer Creek
- Union
- Jenks
- Edmond Memorial
- Moore
- Mustang
- Norman
- Broken Arrow
6A Division-II
- Muskogee
- Stillwater
- Choctaw
- Sand Springs
- Piedmont
- Putnam City North
- Putnam City
- Sapulpa
- Lawton Ike
- Southmoore
Class 5A
- Carl Albert
- Del City
- Bishop McGuinness
- Lawton Mac
- Collinsville
- McAlester
- Guthrie
- Claremore
- Booker T. Washington
- Newcastle
Class 4A
- Wagoner
- Elgin
- Tuttle
- Blanchard
- Broken Bow
- Grove
- Weatherford
- Bethany
- Clinton
- Poteau
Class 3A
- Lincoln Christian
- Heritage Hall
- Sulphur
- Plainview
- Cascia Hall
- Pauls Valley
- Bristow
- Seminole
- North Rock Creek
- Checotah
Class 2A Division-I
- Washington
- Millwood
- Metro Christian
- Marlow
- Kingston
- OCS
- Jones
- Crossings Christian
- Hugo
- Kiefer
Class 2A Division-II
- Vian
- Adair
- Stroud
- Davis
- Holdenville
- Colcord
- Kansas
- Alva
- Beggs
- Luther
Class A Division-I
- Fairview
- Hooker
- Rejoice Christian
- Hartshorne
- Tonkawa
- Christian Heritage
- Walters
- Pawnee
- Pawhuska
- Minco
Class A Division-II
- Woodland
- Hominy
- Mangum
- Regent Prep
- Texhoma
- Thomas
- Talihina
- Central Sallisaw
- Mooreland
- Ringling
Class B Division-I
- Laverne
- Turpin
- Dewar
- Yale
- Garber
- Pond Creek-Hunter
- Caddo
- Hollis
- Empire
- Keota
Class B Division-II
- Seiling
- Weleetka
- Okeene
- Covington-Douglas
- Wilson-Henryetta
- Shattuck
- Webbers Falls
- Thackerville
- Waukomis
- Copan
Class C
- Tipton
- Ryan
- Timberlake
- Welch
- Tyrone
- Maysville
- Waynoka
- Geary
- Paoli
- Sasakwa
Week 5 Pay Dirt Picks
| 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
| 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
| Michael Swisher
6A Division-I
- Owasso
- Bixby
- Union
- Deer Creek
- Jenks
- Moore
- Norman
- Edmond Memorial
- Mustang
- Broken Arrow
6A Division-II
- Muskogee
- Stillwater
- Choctaw
- Sand Springs
- Putnam City
- Putnam City North
- Piedmont
- Southmoore
- Sapulpa
- Bartlesville
Class 5A
- Carl Albert
- Del City
- Bishop McGuinness
- Lawton Mac
- Collinsville
- McAlester
- Guthrie
- Claremore
- Shawnee
- Booker T. Washington
Class 4A
- Wagoner
- Elgin
- Tuttle
- Blanchard
- Sallisaw
- Poteau
- Bethany
- Cushing
- Grove
- Weatherford
Class 3A
- Lincoln Christian
- Heritage Hall
- Sulphur
- Pauls Valley
- Plainview
- Seminole
- Cascia Hall
- Idabel
- Anadarko
- Muldrow
Class 2A Division-I
- Washington
- Millwood
- Metro Christian
- Jones
- Marlow
- Kingston
- OCS
- Mount St. Mary
- Chandler
- Crossings Christian
Class 2A Division-II
- Vian
- Adair
- Stroud
- Davis
- Holdenville
- Beggs
- Colcord
- Kansas
- Alva
- Luther
Class A Division-I
- Fairview
- Hooker
- Rejoice Christian
- Pocola
- Pawhuska
- Wynnewood
- Hartshorne
- Tonkawa
- Christian Heritage
- Walters
Class A Division-II
- Woodland
- Regent Prep
- Hominy
- Mooreland
- Mangum
- Thomas
- Velma-Alma
- Texhoma
- Talihina
- Central Sallisaw
Class B Division-I
- Laverne
- Turpin
- Dewar
- Yale
- Garber
- Pond Creek-Hunter
- Keota
- Caddo
- Hollis
- Empire
Class B Division-II
- Seiling
- Weleetka
- Okeene
- Covington-Douglas
- Wilson-Henryetta
- Shattuck
- Webbers Falls
- Thackerville
- Waukomis
- Copan
Class C
- Tipton
- Ryan
- Timberlake
- Welch
- Tyrone
- Maysville
- Mt. View-Gotebo
- Waynoka
- Paoli
- Sasakwa
Oklahoma State Fair Trip 2024 - Where is the Beef?
| 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.