Wetumka Chieftains
Wetumka, OK 74883
Record: 6-4 | Unranked
@ Dewar | L | 69-0 9/6 |
vs Davenport | W | 32-28 9/13 |
vs Empire | L | 0-36 9/20 |
vs Savanna | W | 26-22 9/26 |
vs Savanna | Missing Score |
@ Wesleyan Christian | W | 7-32 10/4 |
@ Alex | W | 14-20 10/11 |
vs Cyril | L | 12-44 10/17 |
@ Thackerville | W | 56-68 10/25 |
vs Weleetka | L | 0-52 11/1 |
vs Strother | W | 20-8 11/8 |
vs Shattuck OSSAA State First Round at Wetumka | L | 20-44 11/15 |
Week 2 picks
| Ben Johnson
That noise you heard following the games in Week 1 was Michael Swisher shouting for joy. The oldest of the bunch is proving to be much wiser than those going against him so far. But we’ll see if we can’t gain some ground on him with a solid slate of Week 2 games.
Standings so far
Week 1Michael Swisher - 15-2
Whitt Carter - 12-5
Ben Johnson - 11-6
Overall
Michael Swisher - 26-5
Whitt Carter - 19-12
Ben Johnson - 19-12
And the fan favorites….
Madison Carter - 16-15
Alicia Johnson - 18-13
And away we go….
Owasso at Broken Arrow
Michael Swisher - Broken ArrowWhitt Carter - Broken Arrow
Ben Johnson - Broken Arrow
Jenks at Union
Michael Swisher - UnionWhitt Carter - Union
Ben Johnson - Union
Del City at Carl Albert
Michael Swisher - Carl AlbertWhitt Carter - Carl Albert
Ben Johnson - Carl Albert
Sapulpa at Claremore
Michael Swisher - ClaremoreWhitt Carter - Claremore
Ben Johnson - Sapulpa
Bishop Kelley at Bishop McGuinness
Michael Swisher - Bishop McGuinnessWhitt Carter - Bishop McGuinness
Ben Johnson - Bishop McGuinness
Clinton at Heritage Hall
Michael Swisher - Heritage HallWhitt Carter - Heritage Hall
Ben Johnson - Heritage Hall
Plainview at Tuttle
Michael Swisher - TuttleWhitt Carter - Plainview
Ben Johnson - Tuttle
Vian at Lincoln Christian
Michael Swisher - Lincoln ChristianWhitt Carter - Lincoln Christian
Ben Johnson - Lincoln Christian
Purcell at Washington
Michael Swisher - WashingtonWhitt Carter - Washington
Ben Johnson - Washington
Morrison at Pawnee
Michael Swisher - PawneeWhitt Carter - Morrison
Ben Johnson - Morrison
Wetumka at Davenport
Michael Swisher - DavenportWhitt Carter - Wetumka
Ben Johnson - Davenport
Sulphur at Davis
Michael Swisher - SulphurWhitt Carter - Sulphur
Ben Johnson - Sulphur
Douglass at Millwood
Michael Swisher - MillwoodWhitt Carter - Millwood
Ben Johnson - Millwood
Photo credit - David Stacy
Week 2 rankings
| Ben Johnson
(__) - previous rank - Week 1 result
Class 6AI
1. Broken Arrow (1) - Beat Union, 14-0
2. Owasso (3) - Beat Fayetteville (Ark.), 51-19
3. Union (2) - Lost to Broken Arrow, 14-0
4. Jenks (4) - Lost to Bixby, 57-7
5. PC North (5) - Beat Putnam City, 50-0
6. Norman (6) - Beat Norman North, 31-24
7. Edmond Santa Fe (7) - Beat Edmond North, 41-14
8. Westmoore (9) - Beat Moore, 44-35
9. Mustang (10) - Beat Yukon, 38-0
10. Moore (8) - Lost to Westmoore, 44-35
Class 6AII
1. Bixby (1) - Beat Jenks, 57-7
2. Stillwater (2) - Beat Edmond Memorial, 42-7
3. Booker T. Washington (3) - Beat Bishop Kelley, 33-14
4. Del City (4) - Beat Bishop McGuinness, 20-17
5. Sapulpa (5) - Beat Edison, 21-13
6. Choctaw (7) - idle
7. Midwest City (6) - Lost to Carl Albert, 31-0
8. Muskogee (8) - Beat McAlester, 43-7
9. Lawton (9) - Beat Burkburnett (Texas), 56-21
10. Deer Creek (NR) - Beat Southmoore, 45-14
Class 5A
1. Carl Albert (1) - Beat Midwest City, 31-0
2. Bishop McGuinness (4) - Lost to Del City, 20-17
3. Bishop Kelley (2) - Lost to Booker T. Washington, 33-14
4. Duncan (7) - Beat Putnam West, 59-35
5. Edison (5) - Lost to Sapulpa, 21-13
6. Collinsville (3) - Lost to Oologah, 13-12
7. Tahlequah (8) - Beat Fort Gibson, 42-21
8. Claremore (10) - Beat Bartlesville, 40-28
9. Guthrie (6) - Lost to Shawnee, 33-23
10. Noble (NR) - Beat Newcastle, 41-12
Class 4A
1. Bethany (1) - Beat Elk City, 41-20
2. Wagoner (3) - Beat Coweta, 36-27
3. Clinton (4) - Beat Woodward, 49-14
4. Weatherford (5) - idle
5. Tuttle (6) - Beat Kingfisher, 41-18
6. Blanchard (2) - Lost to Elgin, 35-20
7. Bristow (7) - Beat Cushing, 19-16
8. Poteau (8) - Beat Durant, 40-13
9. Broken Bow (9) - Beat Idabel, 41-0
10. Cache (NR) - idle
Class 3A
1. Heritage Hall (1) - Beat Millwood, 34-0
2. Lincoln Christian (2) - Beat Jones, 49-14
3. Plainview (3) - bye
4. Berryhill (4) - Beat Mannford, 35-7
5. John Marshall (5) - Beat Classen SAS, 48-0
6. Sulphur (6) - Beat Madill, 49-21
7. Seminole (8) - Beat Harrah, 40-8
8. Perkins-Tryon (10) - Beat Hennessey, 35-0
9. Kingfisher (7) - Lost to Tuttle, 41-18
10. Cascia Hall (9) - Lost to Holland Hall, 28-7
Class 2A
1. Metro Christian (2) - idle
2. Sperry (3) - Beat Verdigris, 49-13
3. Vian (4) - Beat Eufaula, 14-2
4. Holland Hall (5) - Beat Cascia Hall, 28-7
5. Millwood (1) - Lost to Heritage Hall, 34-0
6. Beggs (7) - Beat Okmulgee, 39-0
7. Washington (8) - Beat Hobart, 42-7
8. Kingston (9) - Beat Hugo, 44-22
9. Jones (6) - Lost to Lincoln Christian, 49-14
10. Adair (NR) - Beat Commerce, 46-16
Class A
1. Cashion (1) - Beat Prague, 28-0
2. Stroud (2) - Beat Okemah, 40-38
3. Thomas (3) - Beat Newkirk, 41-0
4. Pawhuska (4) - Beat Okla. Union, 60-18
5. Rejoice Christian (5) - Beat Crossings Christian, 48-6
6. Tonkawa (6) - Beat Newkirk, 41-0
7. Christian Heritage (7) - Beat Mount Saint Mary, 30-7
8. Morrison (9) - Beat Crescent, 24-10
9. Pawnee (10) - idle
10. Minco (NR) - Beat Dibble, 14-6
Class B
1. Shattuck (1) - Beat Destiny Christian, 44-8
2. Regent Prep (2) - Beat Prue, 53-6
3. Cherokee (4) - Beat South Barber (Kan.), 44-8
4. Davenport (3) - Lost to Weleetka, 32-28
5. Laverne (5) - Beat Alex, 28-22
6. Keota (6) - idle
7. Dewar (7) - Beat Strother, 46-0
8. Weleetka (8) - Beat Davenport, 32-28
9. Snyder (9) - Beat Waukomis, 44-6
10. Wetumka (10) - Beat Depew, 40-6
Class C
1. SW Covenant (1) - Beat Central Marlow, 52-28
2. Pond Creek-Hunter (3) - Beat Kremlin-Hillsdale, 54-0
3. Buffalo (4) - Beat Medford, 40-12
4. Covington-Douglas (6) - Beat Garber, 64-62 (4OT)
5. Tyrone (8) - Beat Turpin, 56-22
6. Tipton (2) - Lost to Burns Flat-Dill City, 54-6
7. Maysville (NR) - Beat Paoli, 52-6
8. Coyle (5) - Lost to Pioneer, 48-20
9. Midway (NR) - Beat Gans, 64-48
10. Boise City (NR) - Beat Beaver, 48-0
Photo credit - David Stacy
CLASS PREVIEWS - 2A through C
| Ben Johnson
Rankings
2A
1. Millwood (1)
2. Metro Christian (2)
3. Sperry (3)
4. Vian (4)
5. Holland Hall (5)
6. Jones (6)
7. Beggs (7)
8. Washington (8)
9. Kingston (9)
10. Eufaula (10)
Class A
1. Cashion (1)
2. Stroud (2)
3. Thomas (3)
4. Pawhuska (4)
5. Rejoice Christian (5)
6. Tonkawa (6)
7. Christian Heritage (7)
8. Crossings Christian (9)
9. Morrison (10)
10. Pawnee (NR)
Class B
1. Shattuck (1)
2. Regent Prep (2)
3. Davenport (3)
4. Cherokee (4)
5. Laverne (5)
6. Keota (6)
7. Dewar (7)
8. Weleetka (8)
9. Snyder (9)
10. Wetumka (10)
Class C
1. SW Covenant (2)
2. Tipton (1)
3. Pond Creek-Hunter (3)
4. Buffalo (4)
5. Coyle (5)
6. Covington-Douglas (6)
7. Fox (7)
8. Tyrone (8)
9. Sharon-Mutual (9)
10. Medford (10)
Our best guess(es)…
Class 2A
Michael Swisher: Vian - I could be way off on this one, but I’m going with a wildcard. Sperry dominated everyone in the playoffs and will be salty on defense. Metro will have the flashy offense. Both of them are great picks. I’ll take Vian, which is a steady force year in and year out.
Whitt Carter: Metro Christian - This class is wide open. Millwood will certainly have a say and I think Jones and Adair will be very good by year’s end, but I’ll go with the Patriots, who have some key pieces back including quarterback Asher Link.
Ben Johnson: Metro Christian - If the Patriots’ defense is solid, Metro Christian could be hard to beat with Asher Link leading the charge.
Class A
Michael Swisher: Cashion - The Wildcats have been good - really good - some years, but so unlucky. Other years they’ve caught some breaks, but maybe weren’t as good as the best in the class. This could be the year for Shack and the ‘Cats. He returns 21 starters from a team that won the toughest district in the class a year ago and went unbeaten in the regular season. If they stay healthy and Harman is at least productive at QB, they’ll be tough to top.
Whitt Carter: Ringling - (from the editor’s desk)… Whitt originally had Cashion. Then he got some inside intel that Ringling is really good. That’s the pick.
Ben Johnson: Stroud - I’ll go with the Elerick family to get it done and win a title this season.
Class B
Michael Swisher: Regent Prep - It’s really tough to pick against Shattuck, which just knows how to win in November and December, including last year’s 42-26 victory over Regent in last year’s title game. However, nobody will put more talent on the field than Regent this year and it will equate into a state title.
Whitt Carter: Shattuck - If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I have learned in previous years to basically auto pick these guys to win it all. Although there are some teams that can challenge, it won’t be enough.
Ben Johnson: Regent Prep - (insert what Swisher said right here)
Class C
Michael Swisher: Tipton - See Class 5A and Class 3A. Not picking against Tipton. @me,
Whitt Carter: Southwest Covenant - Crazy not to go with Tipton, but the talent coming back on offense for SW Covenant is unreal. I think that’s enough to knock off the big bad Tigers and win it all.
Ben Johnson: SW Covenant - Tipton can’t win them all. Might as well go with the Patriots.
WEEK 1 RANKINGS
| Ben Johnson
Class 6AI
1. Broken Arrow (2)
2. Union (1)
3. Owasso (3)
4. Jenks (4)
5. PC North (5)
6. Norman (6)
7. Edmond Santa Fe (7)
8. Moore (8)
9. Westmoore (9)
10. Mustang (10)
Class 6AII
1. Bixby (1)
2. Stillwater (2)
3. Booker T. Washington (3)
4. Del City (4)
5. Sapulpa (5)
6. Midwest City (6)
7. Choctaw (7)
8. Muskogee (8)
9. Lawton (9)
10. Bartlesville (10)
Class 5A
1. Carl Albert (1)
2. Bishop Kelley (2)
3. Collinsville (3)
4. Bishop McGuinness (4)
5. Edison (5)
6. Guthrie (6)
7. Duncan (7)
8. Tahlequah (8)
9. Ardmore (9)
10. Claremore (10)
Class 4A
1. Bethany (1)
2. Blanchard (2)
3. Wagoner (3)
4. Clinton (4)
5. Weatherford (5)
6. Tuttle (6)
7. Bristow (7)
8. Poteau (8)
9. Broken Bow (9)
10. Cache (NR)
Class 3A
1. Heritage Hall (1)
2. Lincoln Christian (2)
3. Plainview (3)
4. Berryhill (4)
5. John Marshall (5)
6. Sulphur (6)
7. Kingfisher (7)
8. Seminole (8)
9. Cascia Hall (9)
10. Perkins-Tryon (10)
Class 2A
1. Millwood (1)
2. Metro Christian (2)
3. Sperry (3)
4. Vian (4)
5. Holland Hall (5)
6. Jones (6)
7. Beggs (7)
8. Washington (8)
9. Kingston (9)
10. Eufaula (10)
Class A
1. Cashion (1)
2. Stroud (2)
3. Thomas (3)
4. Pawhuska (4)
5. Rejoice Christian (5)
6. Tonkawa (6)
7. Christian Heritage (7)
8. Crossings Christian (9)
9. Morrison (10)
10. Pawnee (NR)
Class B
1. Shattuck (1)
2. Regent Prep (2)
3. Davenport (3)
4. Cherokee (4)
5. Laverne (5)
6. Keota (6)
7. Dewar (7)
8. Weleetka (8)
9. Snyder (9)
10. Wetumka (10)
Class C
1. SW Covenant (2)
2. Tipton (1)
3. Pond Creek-Hunter (3)
4. Buffalo (4)
5. Coyle (5)
6. Covington-Douglas (6)
7. Fox (7)
8. Tyrone (8)
9. Sharon-Mutual (9)
10. Medford (10)
*** Big thanks to Caleb Williams, whose work is the cover photo for this post. Check out his work here: https://www.photosbycaleb.com/
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.
PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Classes 2A, A & B QUARTERFINALS and C FINALS
| Ben Johnson
Christian Heritage’s coaching staff wanted to give Zach Hale a break. The Crusaders’ senior quarterback/safety had Christian Heritage leading Stroud late in the second quarter, so his coaching staff wanted to give him a moment to catch his breath.
That’s when Stroud’s Colby Davis returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown. Needless to say, Hale didn’t come off the field the rest of the night.
“Funny story now, but it wasn’t funny at the time,” Christian Heritage coach Tony Merrell said. “One of our coaches asked if we could get him off our kickoff team for one play, because he looked tired or something. They immediately ran the next kick back, and Zach let me know -- as it was being returned for a touchdown -- that he is never coming off the field again.”
Then Merrell had a quick second to think.
“I agreed with him,” he said.
And once again, it was Hale and Co. crashing the Class A playoff scene last week. Hale passed for 214 yards and four touchdowns, and he also ran for 52 yards. After four of Christian Heritage’s five touchdowns, Hale also had a hand in the successful two-point conversions.
On defense, Hale recorded 13 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery to guide the Crusaders into their first semifinal appearance.
“He has been so good, and he’s an All-State safety and he keeps getting better as a quarterback,” Merrell said. “We have so many guys that are playing at a high level, and it’s just fun to be part of.”
Up next for Christian Heritage (9-4) is a date with third-ranked Rejoice Christian at Cushing High School in the semifinals. The Crusaders are a game away from the title game after taking down Ringling, Thomas and Stroud to this point.
“Oh man, what a run,” Merrell said. “And really, you have to throw Crescent in there after playing them in Week 10. Those are really good football teams with great coaches. We are playing at a really high level, and to be honest, we are still getting better. We have guys playing their best games of the year these last few weeks.”
Class 2A
No. 5 Sperry vs. Adair
Where: Lantow Field (Claremore High School)
Last week
- Sperry 44, Eufaula 13: Beau Teel passed for 132 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 73 yards and two more touchdowns for the Pirates. Joe Whiteley added three sacks on defense, and he caught four passes for 96 yards for a touchdown for Sperry.
- Adair 38, Vian 27: Austin Hines passed for 360 yards and four touchdowns, and Barrett Bradbury caught 12 passes for 147 yards and three touchdowns. Bradbury then added 18 tackles on defense.
Need to know
- The all-time series is tied at 3-3. The last meeting was last season -- a 50-26 win for Sperry.
- Adair appeared in back-to-back semifinals in 2015 and 2016, going 1-1 with a win over Chisholm in 2015. The Warriors went on to win their only title the same season.
- Sperry has gone 1-5 in semifinal games. The Pirates’ only win was in 1968 -- 8-0 against Marietta.
Metro Christian vs. No. 3 Beggs
Where: Collins Stadium (Sapulpa High School)
Last week
- Beggs 36, Kingston 31: TJ Austin scored the game-winning touchdown with 50 seconds left as Beggs rallied to knock off the Redskins.
- Metro Christian 34, Washington 28: Ryan Johnson rushed for 130 yards and caught nine passes for 130 yards. The Patriots turned back Washington on fourth-and-goal late in the fourth quarter to preserve the victory.
Need to know
- The all-time series is 1-1. The last meeting was in 2003 -- a 48-13 win for Metro Christian.
- The Patriots are 1-1 in the semifinals. The lone win was in 2010 against Anadarko.
- Beggs is 3-1 in the semifinals. The Demons beat Sulphur 37-28 in the semifinals last year before losing to John Marshall in the Class 3A playoffs.
Class A
No. 7 Tonkawa vs. Fairview
Where: Ranger Field (Northwest Oklahoma State University in Alva)
Last week
- Tonkawa 20, Hobart 13: Braydon Hampton scored on a 3-yard TD run with 22 seconds left to propel Tonkawa to the win.
- Fairview 54, Commerce 21: Quarterback Kade Dillard completed 8 of 14 for 232 yards and four touchdowns. He also added 21 carries for 219 yards and three touchdowns for the Yellowjackets.
Need to know
- Tonkawa is 6-4 all-time against Fairview. The last meeting was in 2013 -- a 17-7 win for Tonkawa.
- Tonkawa is 8-2 in the semifinals. The Buccaneers’ last semifinal appearance was in 2009 - a 24-22 win over Hennessey.
- Fairview is 2-2 in the semifinals. Fairview’s last semifinal appearance was 1999 -- a 36-17 win over Haskell.
No. 3 Rejoice Christian vs. Christian Heritage
Where: Cushing High School
Last week
- Christian Heritage 39, Stroud 22
- Rejoice Christian 33, Crossings Christian 14: Andrew Crow rushed for 247 yards and three touchdowns for the Eagles.
Need to know
- This is the first meeting between the two teams.
- Rejoice Christian is 0-2 in the semifinals -- both losses occurring in Class B in 2013 and 2012.
- This is Christian Heritage’s first appearance in the semifinals.
Class B
No. 2 Davenport vs. No. 1 Shattuck
Where: D. Bruce Selby Stadium (Enid)
Last week: Davenport 52, Waurika 0; Shattuck 67, Dewar 20
Need to know
- Shattuck is 2-0 all-time against Davenport. These two met in last year’s semifinals -- a 48-16 win for Shattuck.
- Davenport is 6-4 in the semifinals. The Bulldogs last semifinal win was 40-14 over Dewar in 2015.
- Shattuck sports a 12-3 record in the semifinals. The Indians have appeared in a championship game every year since 2015.
No. 3 Regent Prep vs. No. 8 Wetumka
Where: Bill Jensen Field (Choctaw High School)
Last week: Regent Prep 68, Laverne 52; Wetumka 51, Burns Flat-Dill City 6
Need to know
- These two are meeting for the first time.
- Regent Prep wideout Jack Wright had 17 receptions for 351 yards and seven touchdowns in the Rams’ win over Laverne last week.
- This is Regent Prep’s first appearance in a semifinal game.
- Wetumka is 2-0 in semifinal games -- last appearance was a 32-14 win over Kiefer in 2010.
Class C Championship
No. 2 Tipton vs. No. 1 Southwest Covenant
Where: Milam Stadium (Southwest Oklahoma State University, Weatherford)
Last week: Tipton 50, Pond Creek-Hunter 28; Southwest Covenant 42, Buffalo 20
Need to know
- Tipton is 3-0 against Southwest Covenant -- last meeting was last season, a 52-12 win for the Tigers
- Tipton is 6-2 in title games. The two-time defending champion in Class C beat Pond Creek-Hunter 56-8 in last year’s title game.
- This is Southwest Covenant’s first appearance in a championship game.
PLAYOFF PICKS: Week 3 edition
| Ben Johnson
Time to schedule the Randy Turney championship parade. He's all but wrapped up the Skordle picking crown for 2018.
Playoff picks - Week 2 - Coach Turney 16-9 | Whitt 16-9 | Swisher 15-10 | Ben 15-10
Overall - Turney 197-68 | Whitt 181-84 | Ben 174-91 | Swisher 180-85
Now I present picks for the third round of the playoffs:
Carl Albert vs. Collinsville
Michael Swisher: Carl Albert 24, Collinsville 20
Ben Johnson: Carl Albert 23, Collinsville 17
Whitt Carter: Carl Albert 34, Collinsville 28
Randy Turney: Carl Albert 28, Collinsville 21
Bishop Kelley vs. Ardmore
Michael Swisher: Ardmore 28, Bishop Kelley 14
Ben Johnson: Bishop Kelley 20, Ardmore 19
Whitt Carter: Ardmore 28, Bishop Kelley 17
Randy Turney: Ardmore 24, Bishop Kelley 14
Bethany vs. Clinton
Michael Swisher: Bethany 28, Clinton 24
Ben Johnson: Bethany 29, Clinton 24
Whitt Carter: Clinton 28, Bethany 20
Randy Turney: Clinton 21, Bethany 20
Poteau vs. Tuttle
Michael Swisher: Poteau 19, Tuttle 17
Ben Johnson: Poteau 32, Tuttle 21
Whitt Carter: Tuttle 35, Poteau 21
Randy Turney: Tuttle 23, Poteau 14
Heritage Hall vs. Lincoln Christian
Michael Swisher: Heritage Hall 34, Lincoln Christian 24
Ben Johnson: Heritage Hall 30, Lincoln Christian 20
Whitt Carter: Heritage Hall 41, Lincoln Christian 27
Randy Turney: Heritage Hall 28, Lincoln Christian 21
Kingfisher vs. Sulphur
Michael Swisher: Sulphur 33, Kingfisher 20
Ben Johnson: Kingfisher 21, Sulphur 18
Whitt Carter: Sulphur 34, Kingfisher 27
Randy Turney: Sulphur 30, Kingfisher 21
Adair at Vian
Michael Swisher: Vian 23, Adair 18
Ben Johnson: Vian 23, Adair 14
Whitt Carter: Adair 28, Vian 27
Randy Turney: Vian 30, Adair 22
Eufaula at Sperry
Michael Swisher: Sperry 30, Eufaula 12
Ben Johnson: Sperry 20, Eufaula 13
Whitt Carter: Sperry 34, Eufaula 21
Randy Turney: Sperry 27, Eufaula 14
Kingston at Beggs
Michael Swisher: Beggs 42, Kingston 24
Ben Johnson: Beggs 31, Kingston 21
Whitt Carter: Beggs 41, Kingston 27
Randy Turney: Beggs 31, Kingston 18
Washington at Metro Christian
Michael Swisher: Washington 34, Metro Christian 33
Ben Johnson: Washington 33, Metro Christian 31
Whitt Carter: Metro Christian 42, Washington 35
Randy Turney: Washington 21, Metro Christian 14
Commerce at Fairview
Michael Swisher: Fairview 35, Commerce 28
Ben Johnson: Fairview 24, Commerce 23
Whitt Carter: Fairview 34, Commerce 14
Randy Turney: Fairview 35, Commerce 14
Rejoice Christian at Crossings Christian
Michael Swisher: Rejoice Christian 34, Crossings Christian 18
Ben Johnson: Rejoice Christian 21, Crossings Christian 19
Whitt Carter: Rejoice Christian 35, Crossings Christian 31
Randy Turney: Rejoice Christian 22, Crossings Christian 21
Stroud at Christian Heritage
Michael Swisher: Stroud 38, Christian Heritage 31
Ben Johnson: Stroud 26, Christian Heritage 21
Whitt Carter: Stroud 28, Christian Heritage 20
Randy Turney: Stroud 20, Christian Heritage 14
Tonkawa at Hobart
Michael Swisher: Hobart 27, Tonkawa 21
Ben Johnson: Tonkawa 22, Hobart 21
Whitt Carter: Hobart 27, Tonkawa 21
Randy Turney: Hobart 32, Tonkawa 22
Shattuck at Dewar
Michael Swisher: Shattuck 40, Dewar 24
Ben Johnson: Shattuck 43, Dewar 37
Whitt Carter: Shattuck 52, Dewar 24
Randy Turney: Shattuck 46, Dewar 6
Waurika at Davenport
Michael Swisher: Davenport 48, Waurika 30
Ben Johnson: Davenport 55, Waurika 15
Whitt Carter: Davenport 48, Waurika 28
Randy Turney: Davenport 52, Waurika 12
Wetumka at Burns Flat-Dill City
Michael Swisher: Wetumka 31, Burns Flat-Dill City 18
Ben Johnson: Wetumka 38, Burns Flat-Dill City 33
Whitt Carter: Burns Flat-Dill City 42, Wetumka 40
Randy Turney: Wetumka 38, Burns Flat-Dill City 14
Regent Prep at Laverne
Michael Swisher: Regent Prep 22, Laverne 16
Ben Johnson: Regent Prep 44, Laverne 41
Whitt Carter: Regent Prep 48, Laverne 34
Randy Turney: Regent Prep 26, Laverne 20
Buffalo vs. Southwest Covenant
Michael Swisher: Southwest Covenant 42, Buffalo 36
Ben Johnson: Southwest Covenant 51, Buffalo 47
Whitt Carter: Buffalo 42, Soutuwest Covenant 36
Randy Turney: Southwest Covenant 28, Buffalo 26
Tipton vs. Pond Creek-Hunter
Michael Swisher: Tipton 33, Pond Creek-Hunter 22
Ben Johnson: Tipton 39, Pond Creek-Hunter 28
Whitt Carter: Tipton 48, Pond Creek-Hunter 44
Randy Turney: Tipton 48, Pond Creek-Hunter 14
Let us know what you think. Tweet your predictions to us at @Skordle.
PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Class A & B QUARTERFINALS & CLASS C SEMIFINALS
| Ben Johnson
Class A
Quarterfinal matchups
No. 3 Rejoice Christian (12-0) at No. 8 Crossings Christian (10-2)
Last week: Rejoice Christian 40, Gore 14; Crossings Christian 28, Hooker 0
Players to watch
- Andrew Crow (Rejoice Christian): Senior tailback has run for 2,029 yards and 36 touchdowns on 170 carries for the Eagles.
- Owen Crotts (Crossings Christian): Sophomore quarterback has thrown for 1,574 yards and 20 touchdowns for the Knights.
Need to know
- This is a rematch from earlier this season. Rejoice Christian beat Crossings Christian 21-20 on Aug. 31.
- The teams have met five times with Rejoice Christian winning three of the five. Combined score of all five matchups is: Rejoice Christian 139, Crossings Christian 117.
- Rejoice Christian last advanced beyond the quarterfinals in 2013 in Class B.
- This is Crossings Christian’s first quarterfinal appearance.
No. 5 Stroud (11-1) at Christian Heritage (8-4)
Last week: Stroud 16, Morrison 12; Christian Heritage 42, Thomas 36
Players to watch
- Grant Elerick (Stroud): Junior quarterback has completed 149 of 218 passes for 2,445 yards and 29 touchdowns.
- Zach Hale (Christian Heritage): Senior quarterback/safety has passed for 2,145 yards and 26 touchdowns while rushing for 655 yards and eight touchdowns.
Need to know
- Former District 2A-2 members from last season have met four times before. The all-time series is split 2-2 with Christian Heritage winning last year, 38-20.
- Christian Heritage’s only quarterfinal appearance was in 2008 -- a 48-10 loss to Morrison.
- Stroud last advanced beyond the quarterfinals in 2009 -- same year the Tigers lost to Tonkawa in the Class A title game.
No. 7 Tonkawa (11-1) at No. 10 Hobart (10-2)
Last week: Tonkawa 23, Wayne 14; Hobart 30, Minco 23
Player to watch
- Alec Meinert (Hobart): Senior QB has completed 92 of 149 passes for 1,604 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Need to know
- First meeting between these two teams.
- Tonkawa is back in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2009 -- the same year as the Buccaneers’ last state championship.
- This is Hobart’s last quarterfinal appearance since 1997 -- the same year as Hobart’s last championship.
Commerce (9-3) at Fairview (9-3)
Last week: Commerce 41, Hulbert 13; Fairview 34, Cashion 27
Players to watch
- Chris Ibarra (Commerce): Senior tailback has rushed for 1,757 yards and 23 touchdowns, and he’s also caught 23 passes for 426 yards and three scores. Also has a team-high four interceptions on defense.
- Kade Dillard (Fairview): Senior QB threw for 217 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 81 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s win over Cashion.
Need to know
- First meeting between these two teams.
- Commerce has gone 0-11 in the quarterfinals since 1998. Last semifinal appearance was 1991.
- Since 2000, Fairview has been in the quarterfinals once, and it ended up being a 32-0 loss to Hominy.
Class B
Quarterfinal matchups
No. 1 Shattuck (11-0) at No. 6 Dewar (11-1)
Last week: Shattuck 55, Alex 6; Dewar 32, Yale 6
Need to know
- Only one previous meeting between these two -- a 32-7 victory for Shattuck in 1991.
- This is Shattuck’s third year in Class B. The Indians have advanced to the championship game the past two seasons.
- Dewar won its previous two quarterfinal appearances in 2015 and 2014.
No. 7 Waurika (11-0) at No. 2 Davenport (12-0)
Last week: Waurika 58, Cherokee 14; Davenport 48, Weleetka 0
Need to know
- First meeting between these two teams.
- Waurika’s last quarterfinal victory was in 1996.
- Davenport has a four-year winning streak in the quarterfinals.
No. 8 Wetumka (9-3) at Burns Flat-Dill City (7-5)
Last week: Wetumka 16, Depew 14; Burns Flat-Dill City 34, Pioneer 26
Need to know
- First meeting between these two teams.
- Wetumka’s last quarterfinal victory was in 2010.
- Burns Flat-Dill City last won a quarterfinal game in 2005.
No. 3 Regent Prep (11-0) at No. 5 Laverne (10-2)
Last week: Regent Prep 59, Keota 24; Laverne 26, Snyder 20
Player to watch
- Braden Gilbert (Regent Prep): Junior quarterback has thrown for 2,755 yards and 46 touchdowns while completing 119 of 202 passes this season.
Need to know
- First meeting between these two teams.
- Regent Prep has never advanced past the quarterfinals in Class B or C.
- In 2017 and 2016, Laverne won in the quarterfinals by a combined score of 106-8 against Prue and Weleetka.
Class C
*Both games start at 7 p.m. Friday
No. 3 Buffalo (12-0) vs. No. 1 Southwest Covenant (11-0)
Where: Northwest Oklahoma State University (Alva)
Last week: Buffalo 36, Medford 28; Southwest Covenant 56, Tyrone 16
Need to know
- First meeting between these two teams.
- Buffalo is 0-3 in the semifinals. It’s last appearance was a 38-16 loss to Fox in 2004.
- This is Southwest Covenant’s first appearance in the semifinals.
No. 2 Tipton (10-2) vs. No. 5 Pond Creek-Hunter (11-1)
Where: Southwest Oklahoma State University (Weatherford)
Last week: Tipton 62, Coyle 26; PC-Hunter 54, Paoli 8
Need to know
- Pond Creek-Hunter owns a 3-2 edge in the all-time series. The last meeting was in last year’s title game -- a 56-8 victory for Tipton.
- Tipton has gone 2-0 in its last semifinal games and won those games by a combined score of 102-22.
- Tipton also beat PC-Hunter 28-26 in the 2016 Class C title game.
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.
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.