Week 4 picks

9/19/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Well, I can't lie, my performance in Week 3 was disgraceful. It's been a rough go of it for myself and Whitt this season. But we're just waiting for district play to kick it into gear.

Week 3 picks - Swisher 11-3 | Coach Turney 10-4 | Whitt 9-5 | Ben 8-6

Overall - Swisher 51-22 | Turney 48-25 | Ben 43-30 | Whitt 42-31

Week 4 picks comin' at ya:

Jenks at Broken Arrow

Michael Swisher: Broken Arrow 23, Jenks 14

Ben Johnson: Broken Arrow 24, Jenks 17

Whitt Carter: Broken Arrow 27, Jenks 17

Randy Turney: Broken Arrow 21, Jenks 20

Blanchard at Bethany

Michael Swisher: Blanchard 34, Bethany 25

Ben Johnson: Blanchard 32, Bethany 27

Whitt Carter: Blanchard 34, Bethany 31

Randy Turney: Blanchard 28, Bethany 7

Lawton at Midwest City

Michael Swisher: Midwest City 35, Lawton 30

Ben Johnson: Lawton 21, Midwest City 20

Whitt Carter: Midwest City 27, Lawton 17

Randy Turney: Midwest City 35, Lawton 31

Owasso at Union

Michael Swisher: Owasso 38, Union 30

Ben Johnson: Union 34, Owasso 28

Whitt Carter: Union 42, Owasso, 40

Randy Turney: Union 28, Owasso 24

Thomas at Hooker

Michael Swisher: Hooker 21, Thomas 18

Ben Johnson: Hooker 25, Thomas 24

Whitt Carter: Thomas 21, Hooker 14

Randy Turney: Hooker 20, Thomas 14

Noble at Duncan

Michael Swisher: Duncan 22, Noble 7

Ben Johnson: Duncan 28, Noble 24

Whitt Carter: Duncan 28, Noble 14

Randy Turney: Duncan 24, Noble 13

Wagoner at Catoosa

Michael Swisher: Wagoner 24, Catoosa 22

Ben Johnson: Catoosa 20, Wagoner 17

Whitt Carter: Wagoner 27, Catoosa 24

Randy Turney: Wagoner 34, Catoosa 20

Bixby at Sapulpa

Michael Swisher: Bixby 29, Sapulpa 20

Ben Johnson: Bixby 33, Sapulpa 31

Whitt Carter: Bixby 42, Sapulpa 21

Randy Turney: Bixby 30, Sapulpa 14

Lawton MacArthur at Ardmore

Michael Swisher: Ardmore 31, Lawton MacArthur 22

Ben Johnson: Ardmore 32, Lawton MacArthur 23

Whitt Carter: Ardmore 34, Lawton MacArthur 21

Randy Turney: Ardmore 22, Lawton MacArthur 7

Cashion at Christian Heritage

Michael Swisher: Cashion 33, Christian Heritage 14

Ben Johnson: Cashion 41, Christian Heritage 17

Whitt Carter: Cashion 37, Christian Heritage 27

Randy Turney: Cashion 34, Christian Heritage 14

Guthrie at Piedmont

Michael Swisher: Guthrie 28, Piedmont 21

Ben Johnson: Guthrie 30, Piedmont 20

Whitt Carter: Guthrie 21, Piedmont 13

Randy Turney: Guthrie 31, Piedmont 13

Stigler at Lincoln Christian

Michael Swisher: Lincoln Christian 31, Stigler 24

Ben Johnson: Lincoln Christian 22, Stigler 20

Whitt Carter: Lincoln Christian 38, Stigler 28

Randy Turney: Lincoln Christian 38, Stigler 20

Chandler at Jones

Michael Swisher: Jones 30, Chandler 19

Ben Johnson: Chandler 17, Jones 16

Whitt Carter: Jones 32, Chandler 20

Randy Turney: Jones 42, Chandler 14

Haskell at Sperry

Michael Swisher: Sperry 34, Haskell 10

Ben Johnson: Sperry 27, Haskell 20

Whitt Carter: Sperry 34, Haskell 13

Randy Turney: Sperry 20, Haskell 14

Meeker at Kellyville

Michael Swisher: Kellyville 19, Meeker 14

Ben Johnson: Kellyville 22, Meeker 18

Whitt Carter: Kellyville 21, Meeker 17

Randy Turney: Kellyville 18, Meeker 14

Spiro at Vian

Michael Swisher: Vian 33, Spiro 23

Ben Johnson: Vian 29, Spiro 21

Whitt Carter: Vian 42, Spiro 21

Randy Turney: Vian 31, Spiro 20

Pawnee at Tonkawa

Michael Swisher: Tonkawa 24, Pawnee 18

Ben Johnson: Tonkawa 20, Pawnee 16

Whitt Carter: Tonkawa 37, Pawnee 26

Randy Turney: Tonkawa 28, Pawnee 20

Davenport at Strother

Michael Swisher: Davenport 55, Strother 20

Ben Johnson: Davenport 61, Strother 12

Whitt Carter: Davenport 50, Strother 14

Randy Turney: Davenport 58, Strother 12

Let us know what you think. Tweet your predictions to us at @Skordle.

Week 4: Top 10 games

9/18/2018 |  Ben Johnson

District play has arrived in full force, and there are great games all over the state this week.

Narrowing down the list to the top 10 games wasn't easy, but here it is:

1. 6AI No. 2 Jenks (3-0) at 6AI No. 1 Broken Arrow (3-0): This game was an offensive showcase for both teams last year, despite a relatively low-scoring 26-13 final, which was won by Jenks. Both teams accumulated more than 400 yards on offense, and Noah Cortes rushed for 164 yards on 22 carries. But it was Jenks quarterback Ian Corwin who passed for 365 yards and three scores. And thus Jenks' domination of Broken Arrow throughout the years continued. The Trojans have gone 14-2 against Broken Arrow since the Tigers won back-to-back seasons against Jenks in 2002 and '03.

2. 4A No. 1 Blanchard (3-0) at 4A No. 5 Bethany (3-0): Heck of a way to get things started in 4A-2. Blanchard is 6-3 against Bethany since 2008, but the two club have altered wins in the series since 2013. And it was Blanchard who won last year, 17-0.

3. 6AII No. 6 Lawton at 6AII No. 2 Midwest City (2-1): Expect points aplenty. Between Lawton's Miles Davis and Midwest City's Preston Colbert, there should be plenty of offensive fireworks. Midwest City has won the last two meetings, including a 41-35 victory last season.

4. 6AI No. 3 Owasso (1-2) at 6AI No. 4 Union (1-2): The Rams have scored at will this season with Will Kuehne at quarterback, but Owasso's defense has failed to stop anyone. Owasso is yielding an average of 44 points per game, and that's exactly how much Union scored against the Rams in last year's regular-season showdown. But then Owasso got its revenge with a 21-14 victory in the 6AI title game.

5. A No. 5 Thomas (2-1) at A No. 1 Hooker (3-0): Hooker has punished some out-of-state teams recently with wins over Booker (Texas) and Clayton (New Mexico). But now the Bulldogs return the the Sooner State and get fifth-ranked Thomas in District 1 play. Thomas won last year's game, 20-0, and expect another moderately low-scoring game again this year.

6. 5A No. 10 Noble (2-1) at 5A No. 8 Duncan (3-0): Talk a one-sided matchup throughout history. Since 1999, Duncan is 8-0 against Noble and the closest result along the way a 21-0 win for Duncan in 2006. The rest have been routs, including the last meeting between the two -- a 41-0 pummeling in 2011.

7. 4A No. 2 Wagoner (3-0) at Catoosa (3-0): Copy and paste the Noble-Duncan series information here. Only it's Wagoner owning the series for more than two decades. Since 1996, Wagoner is 10-1 against Catoosa, with the Indians' lone victory in 2011 (45-27). The two clubs have shared District 4A-3 real estate since 2010, and this one will go a long way in determining who finishes atop 4A-3 this year.

8. 6AII No. 3 Bixby (2-1) at 6AII No. 8 Sapulpa (3-0): Eli Williams and Co. have posted some impressive wins over Edison, Claremore and East Central and are off to a 3-0 start -- the best start to a Chieftains' season since going 4-0 to begin the 2013 campaign. The winning streak in 2013 was snapped by Jenks in Week 5 and Bixby followed with a win over the Chieftains. That actually began a current five-game winning streak for the Spartans over Sapulpa, including last year's 48-10 rout.

9. Lawton MacArthur (1-1) at 5A No. 2 Ardmore (3-0): The Tigers may be the higher-ranked team here, but it's been Lawton MacArthur with all the wins in this series dating back to 2005. The Highlanders won last season against Ardmore, 36-7, but the games in 2016 and 2015 were both decided by one point apiece.

10. A No. 2 Cashion (4-0, 1-0 A-3) at Christian Heritage (2-1, 1-0): These two reunite for the first time since 2009. The Wildcats' offense gets its rightful share of attention, but so far it's been the Cashion defense that has been dominant, allowing a total of 18 points through four games. And in an incredibly-deep District A-3, every victory is important.

Honorable mention

5A No. 9 Guthrie at Piedmont: Bluejays are 7-1 since the two started playing each other in 2006.

Stigler at 3A No. 4 Lincoln Christian: District 3A-3 is going to be deep, and someone among Lincoln Christian, Seminole, Stigler, Checotah and Idabel is going to miss the playoffs. Look for plenty of offensive fireworks in this one.

Chandler at 2A No. 4 Jones: Jones is 4-0 against Chandler since 1999, including a 58-6 victory in last year's playoffs.

Haskell at 2A No. 2 Sperry: The last time these two met was 2007 -- a 20-7 win for Sperry.

Meeker at Kellyville: Both clubs are off to surprising 3-0 starts, and they meet for the first time.

Spiro at 2A No. 3 Vian: Wolverines are 4-0 against Spiro since 2006, including a 32-14 win in the last meeting in 2013.

Pawnee at Tonkawa: Playoffs spots in District A-5 look like they will be difficult to come by with the likes of Barnsdall, Morrison, Pawhuska, Tonkawa and Pawnee off to solid starts. Since 2008, Tonkawa has won seven of eight meetings against the Black Bears.

B No. 2 Davenport at Strother: The Bulldogs have mercy-ruled Strother the past two seasons, but Strother is coming off solid wins of its own against Bowlegs and Sasakwa. One problem for Strother: Davenport posted 80 points last week!

So who wins all the matchups? Check back for our weekly picks on Thursday.

POSTSEASON PREDICTIONS

11/15/2019 |  Ben Johnson

Michael Swisher

6A-I - Union over Edmond Santa Fe
The Redskins were my preseason pick and about a month into the season it appeared to be a foolish one. Even now - as they’ve landed on the tougher half of the bracket - it would seem yours truly is just being stubborn. I think Owasso is the best team, but Union is a different squad than it was early in the season. The Redskins are going to upset Broken Arrow and Owasso on the way to a state title. If I would have written that last sentence four years ago, you all would have sent me in for a brain scan.

6A-II - Bixby over Stillwater
Who’s going to beat them?

5A - Carl Albert over Bishop McGuinness
Every single pundit in the state is going to write the same thing. Some people may have discounted the Titans after the shocking loss to Piedmont. If anything, it ignited them. They proved it last week by hammering McGuinness. The title is again theirs to lose. It’s all true.

4A - Bethany over Tuttle
Obligatory Sam Brandt reference, but it’s warranted. He’s explosive on offense and dynamic on defense. The Bethany run game is exceptional and it sets up the adequate passing game. And if you need proof of how stingy the Broncho defense is, just go look at the Tuttle result. This is a complete team.

3A - Heritage Hall over Perkins-Tryon
I’m not so sure this is as much of a given as last year (or the Chargers’ 2017 title in 4A or 2015 title in 3A). Heritage Hall has the versatile Phillip Smitherman leading the way, but a number of Chargers can help get the job done. They know how to win big games and rarely do you see them make mistakes that cost them games. You have to beat them. That said, I’m not convinced that Lincoln Christian isn’t the best team, so watch out for that semifinal. And if you need a sleeper, look at the bottom of the bracket in Perkins-Tryon, although the Demons no doubt have the toughest road to the finals.

2A - Sperry over Metro Christian
This might be my toughest class to pick. I bounced between Sperry and Metro Christian at least a half-dozen times. Two dominant offenses AND defenses. I’m going to go with experience, which is what led me to Sperry. Don’t sleep on Vian, my preseason pick, either.

A - Cashion over Rejoice Christian
The Wildcats would probably prefer I pick another squad. I believe I tabbed Cashion a year ago and the Wildcats were done before the quarterfinals. Cashion doesn’t have a superstar, but it has a TON of stars. It’s got to be a nightmare to prepare for them because if you key on one, two or three players, then one, two or three others can hurt you. There are a plethora of potential speed bumps on both sides of the bracket, so you never know in Class A (who picked Tonkawa and CHA to reach last year’s title game?). I think Cashion and Rejoice Christian are the two best. Either could win it.

B - Regent Prep over Shattuck
They got a taste of the state title game last year and they’re ready to take the next step. Regent has been the most dominant team in the class and it’s not close. Of course Shattuck knows how to get it done. The Bullards have made the western Oklahoma program a dynasty. But not even that dynasty can overcome the talent gap between Regent and the rest of the class this season.

C - Pond Creek-Hunter over Waynoka
The Panthers are tired of being bridesmaids. Four times in the last decade they’ve been runners-up. This is the squad that gets it done. While PC-H piles on the points, it’s the defense that sets the Panthers apart. The potential semifinal with Southwest Covenant is a big one and Waynoka is lurking on the bottom half of the bracket. The Railroaders gave PC-H one of its two close games of the year.

Ben Johnson

Class 6AI
Owasso over Jenks
Edmond Santa Fe is coming on strong late in the season, but the Rams have been the most talented club in 6AI all season long. Oh, and Owasso has one of the best coaches in the state’s history.

Class 6AII
Bixby over Stillwater
This will be an epic rematch. The Pioneers are crazy loaded, but yet Bixby might be the best team in the entire state.

Class 5A
Carl Albert over Noble
The Titans have kicked it into high gear and another title is on the horizon.

Class 4A
Bethany over Bristow
Sam Brandt and Co. missed out on last year’s 4A title but not this year.

Class 3A
Heritage Hall over Plainview
Seriously considered going with Lincoln Christian as the 3A winner, but can’t pick against Heritage Hall until the Chargers actually lose.

Class 2A
Sperry over Metro Christian
It took the Pirates what seemed like forever to claim their first title and now could make it two in a row.

Class A
Stroud over Cashion
I had Stroud from the beginning of the season, so I’m gonna ride with the Tigers. Few problems along the way could be Ringling and Rejoice Christian. But nonetheless, sticking with Stroud.

Class B
Regent Prep over Dewar
The Rams have inched closer to a title every year and now they’ll finally get it.

Class C
Coyle over Southwest Covenant
Bluejackets head back to the finals for the second time and finally pick up their first championship.

Whitt Carter

6A1: Owasso

The Rams have been the best team all year and I don’t see why they don’t bring it home. I doubt it’s a cake walk, but with athletes everywhere and Bill Blankenship in charge, Owasso brings home its’ second title. 

6A2: Bixby

Is there really another choice? One of the most dominant runs in recent memory, the Spartans haven’t even really been tested this year. And I don’t think that’s changing. The best team in school history and *ducks* maybe the state? Yeah it’s a wrap. 

5A: Carl Albert

The Titans had the long winning streak snapped earlier this year in a surprising loss to Piedmont. That did nothing but refocus Carl Albert. The cream of the crop again rises to the top to win its’ 4th straight. 

4A: Tuttle

The Tigers got back on top last year and have only lost to Bethany this season. The year long favorite Broncos have a brutal path to the title game. I think someone catches them and Tuttle goes back-to-back.  

3A: Plainview

A team loaded with talent that is flying under the radar is my surprise pick here. The Indians have what it takes to get it done and are as complete of a team as any in the class. This bracket is full of good teams and it could get wild but I think the Indians win their first title. 

2A: Metro Christian

I’m sure I’m following the beat of the drum of our fearless leader Ben Johnson, who’s been a loyal Patriots fan for years now. And rightfully so. The Pats have as an impressive of an offense as you’ll see in many years in 2A. I don’t know that anyone can slow them down. The gold ball comes back to the 918. 

A: Cashion

I’ve picked the Wildcats for seemingly seven years now. And one day it’s gonna come true. So I’ll stick with it, as I think they are the most talented and are always so well coached. John Hardaway will be dancing in the streets. 

B: Shattuck

How do you pick anyone else? At this point it’s fair to assume that Shattuck wants Bama. But are they better than Bama?? Maybe they want LSU? Or the Patriots? I’m not picking against them ever so we are done here. 

C: Pond Creek-Hunter 

I’ll take Pond-Creek in an always fun class B. They have been impressive this year and always can put up a ton of points, which is a requirement in this class. The Panthers take the title in 2019.

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Giuseppe's Italian Dining in Marlow

11/14/2019 |  Michael Swisher

By Autumn Davenport

Former Marlow Outlaw

A little piece of Italy down in Southwestern Oklahoma. Marlow is the home Giuseppes’s Italian Dining in the heart of its historic Main Street. 

The restaurant is housed in an old bank building that was built in 1911. They have kept many of its original design elements to allow their guests a chance to go back in time while dining. 

This restaurant has been one of the crown jewels of Marlow for decades, and draws in crowds from all over. Make sure to sign in the guest book, and also take a peek at how far some guest have traveled to enjoy the cuisine over the years. 

Pictured: Original Marlow, OK Main Street circa 1911. The building on the right side with the shorter roof is still the home of the restaurant today. 

Food Recommendations: 

Starters: 

Artichoke Spinach Dip – always a favorite of mine. Served with large pieces of flat bread for you to dip with. If you are in the mood for a warm app to start your evening, this will not let you down. 

Salad and Bread - almost all entrees come with a house salad and bread for the table. The salad is a simple base of iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, black olives and parmesan cheese. But the house dressing takes it to another level. Olive Garden wishes their salad could beat this, but never will. 

Entrees: 

Pizzas – Keep in mind that their pizzas take 40 minutes to prepare to allow the cheese to melt perfectly. But does that sound like a bad thing when I told you how awesome the appetizers were? The wait is worth the hype. These brick oven styled pizzas will most definitely satisfy your hungry, and may even leave you a few leftovers for later due to their large size. 

Fettuccine Half & Half – The perfect balance of pasta sauce in this dish. They take the traditional fettuccine alfredo and elevate it with the additional of a rich homemade marinara sauce. If the traditional plate is too rich for you, try this twist and you may just find your new favorite order! I have also ordered the tortellini with this sauce option and was more than pleased with its turn out! 

Buoni Vicini – Translates to Good Neighbors – One of the most famous dishes and a house favorite. A simple meal of sautéed chicken breast with seasoned vegetables but in the style only Giuseppe’s can prepare. Take our word for it, this guilt free option may lead you to think you cheated your diet due to how amazing it tastes. 

House Wines: 

Both the red and the white house wines are actually made by a local winery in the heart of Marlow. Cotton Blossom Winery, owned by locals Ryan and Megan Bell, is located on Broadway just down the road from Giuseppe’s. Enjoy a carafe for the table, or a single glass for yourself and you won’t be disappointed. You may even buy a bottle from the restaurant to take home after you leave to remember the evening and all the joy it brought you. 

Pictured: Current Owners Tandy Banks and Brandon Floyd (also the Chef Partner). They are the third set of owners of the restaurant in its tenure. 

A locally-owned and operated restaurant is hard to come by these days with all the chain restaurants popping up overnight. This is a stop you have to make!

But make sure to plan ahead.

Giuseppe’s is only open Thursday – Sunday from 11 am – 9 pm. Whether you go for game day or for a fun date night, you will enjoy every minute of this Oklahoma gem. (Click the link at the top of the story to find the complete menu.)

OSSAA: UCO TO HOST 11-MAN TITLE GAMES

11/13/2019 |  Michael Swisher

In an effort to satisfy its membership and build up an atmosphere similar to basketball at “The Big House,” the OSSAA on Wednesday announced plans to consolidate all of its 11-man football state championships to one location this season.

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Wantland Stadium in Edmond will be the host site of seven title tilts over two weekends.

The announcement was made by OSSAA Executive Director David Jackson during a press conference at the association’s headquarters in Oklahoma City.