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!

Just in case, a few more options to listen to the podcast....

On Overcast 

On Apple Podcasts 

On Google Podcasts 

On Radio Public 

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.

Week 2 High School Football Rankings

9/10/2024 |  Michael Swisher

6A Division-I

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

6A Division-II

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

Class 5A

1. Carl Albert
2. Collinsville
3. Coweta
4. Guthrie
5. Del City
6. McAlester
7. Bishop McGuinness
8. Tahlequah
9. El Reno
10. Lawton Mac

Class 4A

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

Class 3A

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

Class 2A Division-I

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

Class 2A Division-II

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

Class A Division-I

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

Class A Division-II

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

Class B Division-I

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

Class B Division-II

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

Class C

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

Week 1 High School Football Rankings

9/4/2024 |  Michael Swisher

6A Division-I

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

6A Division-II

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

Class 5A

1. Carl Albert
2. Collinsville
3. McAlester
4. Guthrie
5. Del City
6. Coweta
7. Bishop Kelley
8. El Reno
9. Bishop McGuinness
10. Lawton Mac

Class 4A

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

Class 3A

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

Class 2A Division-I

1. Washington
2. Millwood
3. Jones
4. Metro Christian
5. Kingston
6. Prague
7. Marlow
8. Chandler
9. OCS
10. Sequoyah-Tahlequah

Class 2A Division-II

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

Class A Division-I

1. Fairview
2. Minco
3. Pocola
4. Crescent
5. Hooker
6. Pawhuska
7. Rejoice Christian
8. Pawnee
9. Walters
10. Stratford

Class A Division-II

1. Hominy
2. Woodland
3. Central Sallisaw
4. Apache
5. Regent Prep
6. Velma-Alma
7. Thomas
8. Ringling
9. Mangum
10. Gore

Class B Division-I

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

Class B Division-II

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

Class C

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

The Casady Cyclones inaugural season in the OSSAA

9/4/2024 |  Michael Swisher

Offense - Welcome to the Airbone offense. That’s the coin termed by offensive coordinator Cliff Prestidge on a retreat this summer with passing guru Hal Mumme. It’s safe to say that no team will put the ball in the air more than the Casady Cyclones. Casady averaged 52 passes per game in 2023 and has most of its skill weapons back for another go. Quarterback Ethan Hamilton (6-0, 180, SR) started every game a year ago for the Cyclones. Hamilton threw for 1,700 yards and 19 touchdowns to an army of wide receivers returning to action. Dyson Fay (5-8, 165, SR) is a big-play threat out of the slot. Fay averaged 27 yards per catch last year and handles all the kick and punt return duties. Henry Lewis (5-8, 160, JR) and Micah White (5-8, 160, JR) earned the nickname “muscle hamsters” due to their size and strength. They will be a part of the rotation at inside receiver. Landon Hamilton (6-0, 180, SR) is one of the outside receivers for the Cyclones and also a key member of the defense. He’s the twin brother of quarterback Ethan Hamilton. James Elder (6-5, 200, JR) came on strong as a deep threat a year ago and is set to contribute right away this fall. Andrew Fitzpatrick (6-0, 190, JR) has started every game of his varsity career at running back. He earned his stripes as a freshman and can now enjoy having that experience. The offensive line must be rebuilt. Alex Spiropoulos (6-0, 290, SR) is the lone returning starter for the Cyclones. Robert Evans (6-2, 250, SR) is also projected as a starter up front. 

Defense - Most of the same faces will be responsible for the defense. With the number of players utilized in the passing game, the defense should be able to stay energized. Landon Hamilton is the top returning tackler on the team at outside linebacker. He pursues the football well and has the strength needed for secure tackling. Dyson Fay returns at strong safety with Andrew Fitzpatrick at outside linebacker. Most of the rest of the wide receivers will see time in the secondary where Luke Woodroof (5-11, 185, SR) has started the last two seasons at cornerback. Landon Hart (5-10, 190, SR) will see action at defensive end. It’s a special year at Casady. Hall of fame head coach Ty Prestige is entering his 50th season on the sidelines and it is the first year for the Cyclones to compete in the OSSAA. Casady has played a representative schedule the past couple of seasons and should be up to the task of challenging for a playoff spot in the district. 

Schedule

8-30 - BYE

9-6 - at OCS

9-13 - at Community Christian

9-20 - vs. Mt. St. Mary

9-27 - vs. Alva

10-4 - at Newkirk

10-11 - vs. Kellyville

10-18 - at Meeker

10-25 - at Stroud

11-1 - vs. Luther

11-8 - vs. Hennessey

Class C Football Preview

9/3/2024 |  Michael Swisher

Class C Top 10 Rankings

1.     Tipton Tigers

2.     Ryan Cowboys

3.     Timberlake Tigers

4.     Mountain View-Gotebo Tigers

5.     Waynoka Railroaders

6.     Tyrone Bobcats

7.     Medford Cardinals

8.     Maysville Warriors

9.     Welch Wildcats

10.  Grandfield Bearcats



Players to Watch

Alaniz, Xavier - Grandfield

Alviso, Noah - Maysville

Boone, Conner - Paoli

Brown, Davieon - Tipton

Clinton, Mason - Welch

Fernandez, Johnny - Tipton - Pre-season offensive player of the year

Garrett, Scotty - Paoli

Gonzalez, Ethan - Medford

Hawley, Malakye - Oaks

Hobbs, Cash - Mountain View-Gotebo

Judd, Maveric - Timberlake

Johnson, Wyatt - Tyrone

Payne, Zach - Mountain View-Gotebo

Pool, Landon - Tipton

Rodriguez, Carson - Ryan

Seiger, Landon - Waynoka - Pre-season defensive player of the year

Tomberlin, Kyson - Ryan

Tonitigh, Creed - Mountain View-Gotebo

Notable Coaching Moves

1.    Payson Slater from Tyrone to Waynoka

2.    Caleb Howell from Canton to Geary

Unranked Teams to Look Out For

1.    Deer Creek-Lamont Eagles

2.    Corn Bible Crusaders

Games of the Year

September 6 - Mountain View-Gotebo at Maysville

September 6 - Geary at Canton

October 11 - Tipton at Ryan

October 17 - Waynoka at Timberlake

October 17 - Mountain View-Gotebo at Tipton

October 25 - Welch at Medford

November 1 - Mountain View-Gotebo at Ryan

November 1 - Grandfield at Corn Bible

Mountain View-Gotebo has the longest streak of consecutive winning seasons in Class C with six.

Timberlake has finished the last four seasons with double digit wins.

Ryan’s 12 wins in 2023 was the most in a season at the school since 2009.

District 3 has only one team that finished with a winning record in 2023, the Welch Wildcats. Tipton has won 27 consecutive games.

Five teams in Class C have losing streaks that date back to 2022

-  South Coffeyville 35 straight losses - last win September 11th, 2020 vs. Cave Springs.

-  Bray-Doyle 27 straight losses - last win September 3, 2021 at Ryan.

-  Beaver - 25 straight losses - last win October 1st, 2021 vs. Corn Bible.

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 1 (2024): The Best Corn on the Cob You've Ever Had

9/3/2024 |  Michael Swisher

We are finally here.

It’s Week 1 of the Oklahoma High School football season and I know everyone is excited for everything that comes with Friday Night Lights. 

The college football season got going this past weekend and the NFL gets started this Thursday, so this means the 2024 football season is in full swing from now until the Super Bowl in February. 

If you have been reading the Sampler the last couple of years, you know our affinity for BBQ. 

I want to give a major round of applause to Edge Craft Barbecue in Oklahoma City for making Daniel Vaughn’s Texas Monthly’s Magazine Top 10 list of best Texas BBQ places outside the state of Texas. 

We have been big fans of Edge Craft for a long time and this comes as no surprise to anyone who has visited them for the best BBQ in Oklahoma City. 

Check out Layne Jones' article from last year outlining how great Edgecraft really is and why you need to go.

  In addition to Edge Craft, two other Oklahoma BBQ joints also received recognition in the same article and that was Phat Tabb’s BBQ in Idabel (Past Sampler as well from Week 1 2020), and Oakhart Barbecue in Tulsa. 

I’m a really big fan of Phat Tabb’ss and would highly encourage anyone visiting Southeast Oklahoma/Broken Bow/Hochatown area to visit Tabb Singleton's place. 

Not only because his BBQ is great, but because all his culinary creations are truly exceptional! A quick Google search will tell you why. 

As for Oakhart in Tulsa, I have heard and seen some good things about them. Oakhart is on my list of places to visit the next time I’m in Tulsa for lunch and when I do, you can bet they will be mentioned in the next Sampler. 

Do you want an easy way to make the very best corn on the cob you have ever had at home? 

I came across a simple recipe online last year for Jalapeńo Honey Butter Corn and ever since, it has become my go-to for making homemade corn on the cob. 

Start with your basic big pot of boiling water that is big enough to put full ears of corn into it. 

Once the water is boiling, you add 1 stick of butter, 1 cup of milk and 3 tablespoons of honey. 

Mix all this together with a whisk or spoon until the butter is melted and honey thinned out. 

You will then add 2-3 sliced jalapeńos to the mixture and give it another good stir. 

Add your ears of corn and boil like you normally would until it's cooked. 

Once the corn is ready and on your plate, add some more butter, garlic salt and ground pepper to taste. 

Now you are enjoying the best corn on the cob you have ever had. Trust me, because this recipe adds tremendous flavor and sweetness!

Something new to the Sampler this football season will be the inclusion of a sort of “Fun Fact(s) of the Week” from Chris Wilfong of www.iwasatthegame.com. 

Chris has done an incredible job of accumulating and organizing a ton of Oklahoma high school sports history on his website. 

When I asked him for a fun fact heading into Week 1, he shared with me the following, which just happens to involve one of our Game of the Week teams, the Washington Warriors.  

There currently are two teams in Oklahoma riding a 31-game consecutive winning streak in high school football - Washington and Fairview. 

This week Washington hosts Sulphur and Fairview travels to Kingston so tune in to SKORDLE.TV or any of our social media platforms to watch or follow these games and all the others from Week 1 on your SKORDLE app.

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 10 (2023): Edge Craft Barbecue

11/2/2023 |  Michael Swisher

Zach Edge used to run the pit at Maples BBQ in Oklahoma City.

What started out as just a popular BBQ food truck gained a lot of traction and had locals buzzing about finding Central Texas BBQ right here in Oklahoma, so they built a brick and mortar location.

Maples grew too fast, had a subpar review from regionally-renowned Texas Monthly BBQ critic Daniel Vaughn and - just like that - Maples closed its doors.

Edge learned a lot of lessons from his time at Maple’s. After Maple’s closed, Edge went back to the drawing board and vowed to persevere.

By going out on his own and controlling all the things he knew were important, he was able to call the shots on everything: The equipment, the building, the employees, the sides, the quality of meat, the wood, the smoker and most importantly - the finished product.

In late summer of 2021, Zach opened the doors to Edge Craft Barbecue.

It's what most believe Maple’s could’ve been. Edge removed all the restraints of being an employee and quickly elevated himself to the top of the BBQ food chain simply by doing it his way.

I was there the day Edge Craft opened and I knew immediately that he nailed it.

Starting out with his custom-made 1,000-gallon offset smoker from Primitive Pits, Edge is already ahead of his competitors.

He’s not using propane, pellets, or any other shortcut to perfect his fire. He’s using the most basic and most challenging method to cook meat with real fire.

This is where the magic begins and ends. And when you’re there, ask to look at the pit; they’ll gladly show you!

Edge Craft Barbecue is not possibly or could be, but IS DEFINITIVELY cranking out the best brisket north of the Red River.