PODCAST: Time to tackle some public/private discussion

7/18/2019 |  Ben Johnson

We finally took the plunge and did a deep dive into the long-standing public schools vs. private schools debate in Oklahoma. Cashion head football coach (and athletic director) Lynn Shackelford (24:45) joined us to share his thoughts from the public side, and Bishop Kelley athletic director Lance Parks (46:24) offered up some insight from the private school side.

Regardless of which side you're on, both make great points. Both have valid arguments. 

Also, we talk about some recent football commitments, including Broken Arrow's Andrew Raym siding with the Sooners. The chat briefly about OSU's recruiting class after Bixby's Brennan Presley vowed his commitment to the Cowboys.

But perhaps most importantly, we talked food (5:46). Is there a place that we think is overrated? Underrated? FYI: We talked pizza!

Have your own thoughts on food or the public/private debate? Tweet us at @benjohnsontul or @michaelswisher. 

Or send us an email at ben@skordle.com & we'll answer any questions or read comments on the next podcast.

Thanks so much for listening!

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PODCAST TIME! Wall to wall basketball and wrestling

2/28/2019 |  Ben Johnson

Medals and trophies have been handed out to wrestlers across the state. Now it’s time for basketball teams to start claiming hardware.

Ben and Michael dive into Class A & B state basketball tournaments on tap this week, and they guys also make their predictions in each class.

Ben breaks down what happened at the state wrestling tournament and some of the various highlights along the way. 

Also added a new segment where the guys named their MVPs of the week. Listen in and find out who they dubbed as last week’s MVPs.

All that leading up to Michael's interview with Okarche coach Ray West. You don't want to miss what West had to say.

Thanks for listening & enjoy!

Have any feedback? Email the show at ben@skordle.com

Week 5 Player of the Week Poll

10/1/2018 |  Ben Johnson

The Skordle Week 5 Player of the Week poll is sponsored by:

Noah Cortes (Broken Arrow) - Senior tailback rushed for 200 yards and a single-game school-record six touchdowns on 14 carries in the Tigers’ 63-7 win over Norman.

Cameron Gunville (Seminole) - Junior tailback rushed for 319 yards and four touchdowns on 41 carries in the Chieftains’ 50-31 victory over Lincoln Christian.

Corey Ramsey (Okemah) - Senior running back rushed for 359 yards and seven touchdowns on 16 carries in the Panthers’ 70-32 victory over Holdenville.

Brant Hager (Verdigris) - Junior quarterback completed 22 of 33 passes for 537 yards and five touchdowns. Also rushed for 24 yards and one touchdown in the Cardinals’ 45-35 win over Vinita.

Austin Hines (Adair) - Senior quarterback completed 14 of 23 passes for 496 yards and seven touchdowns in the Warriors’ 48-21 win over Wyandotte..

Tayden Lucero (Haskell) - Senior quarterback had 23 carries for 271 yards and four touchdowns, and also completed 9 of 17 passes for 197 yards and one touchdown. On defense, had 10 tackles and an 81-yard interception return for a touchdown in the Haymakers’ 44-16 win over Dewey.

Stevie Orr (Davenport) - Senior quarterback rushed for 123 yards and five touchdowns on 18 carries. Completed 20 of 34 passes for 396 yards and two touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ 50-38 win over Dewar.

Josiah Markum (Okla. Christian Academy) - Senor tight end caught nine passes for 398 yards and seven touchdowns. On defense, he finished with four tackle, one interception, one sack, one tackle for loss and one fumble recovery in OCA’s 63-42 win over Northeast.

Honorable Mention

Nick Jones (Eufaula) - Rushed for 158 yards and two touchdowns and threw a touchdown pass in only one half against Hartshorne in the Ironheads’ 41-6 win.

Michelle Artzberger (Lawton Mac) - Caught eight passes for 100 yards and three touchdowns. Also had six tackles on defense in the Highlanders’ 48-0 win over Southeast.

Cade Shropshire QB (Checotah) - Passed for 172 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 155 yards and four touchdowns on 16 carries in the Wildcats’ 55-26 win over Okmulgee.

Wyatt Conley (Minco) - Passed for 148 yards and one touchdown and also ran for one touchdown. On defense, had an 18-yard interception return for a touchdown in Minco’s 34-8 win over Watonga.

Laquan Wells (Idabel) - Passed for 186 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 88 yards and three touchdowns in the Warriors’ 70-12 win over Webster.

Dae Dae Leathers (Tahlequah) - Rushed for 202 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries in Tahlequah’s 14-7 win over Skiatook.

Danny Brockup (Inola) - Senior running back scored three touchdowns while rushing for 176 yards on 20 carries. Also had one catch for 45 yards in the Longhorns’ 42-0 win over Claremore Sequoyah.

Andrew Crow (Victory Christian) - Rushed for five touchdowns on offense and had two interceptions on defense in the Eagles’ 54-0 win over Fairland.

Garrett Williams (Victory Christian) - Threw for 301 yards and four touchdowns, also rushed seven times for 58 yards and two touchdowns in the Conquerors’ 63-16 victory over Morris.

Jaxon Canard (OCS) - Rushed for 182 yards and four touchdowns on 23 carries in the Saints’ 42-22 win over Newkirk.

Senior LB/WR Jonathan Buskirk (Regent Prep) - Had 15 tackles and three tackles for loss on defense. On offense, had two catches for 44 yards and a touchdown in Regent Prep’s 32-22 win over Yale.

Michael Marin (Barnsdall) JR RB - Junior tailback had 244 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries in the Panthers’ 50-36 win over Langston Hughes.

Qwontrel Walker (Stillwater) - Rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries. Also had a 44-yard touchdown reception in the Pioneers’ 31-13 win over Midwest City.

Will Dunigan (Spiro) - Caught five passes for 130 yards and one touchdown. On defense, he had 14 tackles in Spiro’s 47-14 win over Westville.

Shade Watie (Tahlequah Sequoyah) - Rushed for 148 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries. Also had six catches for 77 yards and one touchdown in the Indians’ 34-13 win over Pocola.

Drake Roush (Holland Hall) - Completed 14 of 23 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns. Also had eight tackles on defense in a 49-21 win for the Dutch over Keys.

Conner Carey (Heritage Hall) - Rushed for 188 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries. Also had three catches for 86 yards in the Chargers’ 27-20 win over John Marshall.

Nate Asbill (Sallisaw) - Rushed for 274 yards and four touchdowns in the Black Diamonds’ 42-21 win over Stilwell.

OLB Cole McMurphy (Crossings Chr) - Recorded 17 tackles and a touchdown off his own blocked punt in Crossings Christian’s 16-14 win over Crescent. 

Makai Blades (Glenpool) - Rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries in the Warriors’ 66-0 win over Hale.

Collin Oliver (Edmond Santa Fe) - Recorded 17 tackles, three tackles for loss, one tackle for a safety and a fumble recovery in the Wolves’ 30-14 win over Yukon.

Blake Lair (Coweta) - Caught six passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns in the Tigers’ 41-7 win over Durant.

Jahkobie Smith (Del City) - Completed 17 of 22 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns and also rushed for 155 yards and three touchdowns in Del City’s 49-13 win over Putnam City West.

Jeff Foreman (Del City) - Caught 10 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns in the Eagles’ 49-13 win over PC West.

Miles Davis (Lawton) - Rushed for 256 yards and a touchdowns on 35 carries in the Wolverines’ 34-17 win over Deer Creek. 

Trenton Skinner (Shawnee) - Caught seven passes for 130 yards and a touchdown. Also threw a touchdown pass in the Wolves’ 32-27 win over Ponca City.

Brennan Presley (Bixby) - Caught three passed for 51 yards and a touchdown, and also rushed for 25 yards. Even completed a pass for 34 yards. On defense, he had a 36-yard interception return in the Spartans’ 21-7 win over Booker T. Washington.

Jimmie Coleman (Muskogee) - Rushed for 206 yards and five touchdowns on 29 carries. Also caught three passes for 49 yards in the Roughers’ 45-27 win over Sand Springs.

Week 2 picks

9/6/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Can't sugarcoat the truth: it was a rough go of it for everyone not named Michael Swisher last week. Old man Swisher managed to pull off a 16-8 slate with Week 1 picks, but we can all assume he cheated somehow. As it stands now, Swisher leads the pack through two weeks at 27-13, and I'm three games off his pace. Randy Turney is currently third at 23-17 and Whitt Carter is hovering just above .500 at 21-19.

It's our vow to you to be better this week (or something like that). Week 2 picks right here:

Broken Arrow at Owasso

Michael Swisher: Broken Arrow 24, Owasso 14

Ben Johnson: Broken Arrow 37, Owasso 20

Whitt Carter: Broken Arrow 31, Owasso 17

Randy Turney: Broken Arrow 21, Owasso 17

Carl Albert at Del City

Michael Swisher: Carl Albert 31, Del City 20

Ben Johnson: Carl Albert 34, Del City 16

Whitt Carter: Del City 28, Carl Albert 27

Randy Turney: Carl Albert 24, Del City 20

Union at Jenks

Michael Swisher: Union 33, Jenks 24

Ben Johnson: Union 20, Jenks 17

Whitt Carter: Jenks 34, Union 24

Randy Turney: Union 24, Jenks 23

Lincoln Christian at Vian

Michael Swisher: Lincoln Christian 22, Vian 19

Ben Johnson: Vian 32, Lincoln Christian 27

Whitt Carter: Lincoln Christian 28, Vian 21

Randy Turney: Lincoln Christian 34, Vian 24

Tuttle at Plainview

Michael Swisher: Tuttle 21, Plainview 20

Ben Johnson: Tuttle 29, Plainview 22

Whitt Carter: Tuttle 34, Plainview 31

Randy Turney: Tuttle 35, Plainview 21

Booker T. Washington vs. Horn Lake (Miss.)

Michael Swisher: Booker T. Washington 35, Horn Lake 14

Ben Johnson: Horn Lake 24, Booker T. Washington 22

Whitt Carter: Booker T. Washington 35, Horn Lake 27

Randy Turney: Horn Lake 28, Booker T. Washington 17

Bishop McGuinness at Bishop Kelley

Michael Swisher: Bishop Kelley 31, Bishop McGuinness 24

Ben Johnson: Bishop Kelley 16, Bishop McGuinness 13

Whitt Carter: Bishop McGuinness 20, Bishop Kelley 16

Randy Turney: Bishop Kelley 21, Bishop McGuinness 20

Heritage Hall at Clinton

Michael Swisher: Heritage Hall 30, Clinton 20

Ben Johnson: Heritage Hall 35, Clinton 18

Whitt Carter: Heritage Hall 35, Clinton 21

Randy Turney: Heritage Hall 31, Clinton 20

Anadarko at Blanchard

Michael Swisher: Blanchard 29, Anadarko 18

Ben Johnson: Blanchard 29, Anadarko 16

Whitt Carter: Blanchard 42, Anadarko 21

Randy Turney: Blanchard 24, Anadarko 7

Davis at Sulphur

Michael Swisher: Sulphur 18, Davis 16

Ben Johnson: Sulphur 30, Davis 14

Whitt Carter: Sulphur 34, Davis 12

Randy Turney: Sulphur 21, Davis 20

Coweta at Tahlequah

Michael Swisher: Coweta 23, Tahlequah 17

Ben Johnson: Coweta 27, Tahlequah 19

Whitt Carter: Coweta 34, Tahlequah 27

Randy Turney: Tahlequah 17, Coweta 10

Southwest Covenant at Empire

Michael Swisher: SW Covenant 48, Empire 28

Ben Johnson: SW Covenant 44, Empire 29

Whitt Carter: SW Covenant 38, Empire 22

Randy Turney: SW Covenant 34, Empire 17

Stillwater at Norman North

Michael Swisher: Stillwater 29, Norman North 19

Ben Johnson: Stillwater 42, Norman North 19

Whitt Carter: Stillwater 34, Norman North 24

Randy Turney: Stillwater 24, Norman North 17

Mustang at Edmond Santa Fe

Michael Swisher: Edmond Santa Fe 24, Mustang 21

Ben Johnson: Edmond Santa Fe 28, Mustang 24

Whitt Carter: Edmond Santa Fe 35, Mustang 28

Randy Turney: Edmond Santa Fe 18, Mustang 16

Lawton MacArthur at Lawton

Michael Swisher: Lawton 28, Lawton MacArthur 20

Ben Johnson: Lawton 33, Lawton MacArthur 31

Whitt Carter: Lawton MacArthur 41, Lawton 28

Randy Turney: Lawton 21, Lawton MacArthur 14

Ada at Noble

Michael Swisher: Noble 24, Ada 18

Ben Johnson: Noble 33, Ada 23

Whitt Carter: Noble 21, Ada 13

Randy Turney: Ada 21, Noble 7

Edison at Memorial

Michael Swisher: Memorial 23, Edison 16

Ben Johnson: Edison 26, Memorial 24

Whitt Carter: Edison 27, Memorial 21

Randy Turney: Memorial 14, Edison 13

Adair at Locust Grove

Michael Swisher: Adair 38, Locust Grove 22

Ben Johnson: Adair 38, Locust Grove 22

Whitt Carter: Adair 34, Locust Grove 18

Randy Turney: Adair 28, Locust Grove 13

Oklahoma Christian Academy at Crescent

Michael Swisher: Crescent 30, OCA 15

Ben Johnson: OCA 35, Crescent 30

Whitt Carter: Crescent 21, OCA 20

Randy Turney: OCA 28, Crescent 21

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

OCA aiming for first state tournament appearance

Girls Basketball | 2/25/2018 | Jacob Unruh | NewsOK

Oklahoma Christian Academy’s girls basketball team is in uncharted territory.

One win away from a state tournament berth for the first time in program history, the unranked Eagles are approaching Monday’s Class A area tournament consolation championship with confidence.

“People don’t know who we are,” OCA coach Joe Crawford said. “On any given night, we can beat anybody in Class A basketball.”

OCA (18-9) plays No. 5 Canute at 6:30 p.m. in the Enid Event Center. It’s a rematch of the regional tournament championship in which OCA won in overtime.

POSTSEASON PREDICTIONS

11/15/2019 |  Ben Johnson

Michael Swisher

Ben Johnson

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.