Week 3 Picks

9/18/2020 |  Ben Johnson

Last week…

Michael Swisher: 10-2

Ben Johnson: 10-2

Whitt Carter: 9-3

Overall

Swisher & Ben: 28-8

….

….

Whitt: 24-12

Week 3 games

Metro Christian at Holland Hall

Jones at Lincoln Christian

Thomas at Cashion

Heritage Hall at John Marshall

Cherokee at Shattuck

Booker T at McGuinness

Muskogee at Coweta

Noble at Piedmont

Clinton at Millwood

Beggs at Chandler

Alex at Davenport

Pond Creek at Medford

Norman North at Yukon

Berryhill at Cushing

Our picks….

Whitt

Holland Hall
LIncoln
Cashion
Heritage Hall
Shattuck
Booker T
Muskogee
Piedmont
Clinton
Chandler
Davenport
Pond Creek
Norman North
Berryhill

Swisher

Holland Hall

Lincoln

Cashion

Heritage Hall

Shattuck

Booker T

Muskogee

Piedmont

Clinton

Beggs

Davenport

Pond Creek

Norman North

Berryhill

Ben

Holland Hall

Lincoln Christian

Cashion

Heritage Hall

Shattuck

Bishop McGuinness

Muskogee

Piedmont

Clinton

Beggs

Davenport

PC-Hunter

Yukon

Berryhill

WEEK 7 RANKINGS

10/14/2019 |  Ben Johnson

(____) - previous rank

Class 6AI

1. Owasso (1) - 6-0
2. Broken Arrow (2) - 5-1
3. Jenks (3) - 3-3
4. Union (4) - 2-4
5. Norman (5) - 5-1
6. PC North (4) - 5-1
7. Moore (8) - 4-2
8. Westmoore (7) - 5-1
9. Mustang (9) - 4-2
10. Edmond Santa Fe (10) - 4-2

Class 6AII

1. Bixby (1) - 6-0
2. Stillwater (2) - 6-0
3. Del City (3) - 5-1
4. Muskogee (4) - 6-0
5. Booker T. Washington (7) - 3-3
6. Midwest City (9) - 3-3
7. Choctaw (6) - 3-3
8. Ponca City (8) - 3-3
9. Deer Creek (10) - 3-3
10. Bartlesville (NR) - 1-5

Class 5A

1. Bishop McGuinness (1) - 5-1
2. Carl Albert (2) - 5-1
3. Edison (3) - 5-1
4. Tahlequah (4) - 6-0
5. Piedmont (6) - 5-1
6. Noble (7) - 5-1
7. El Reno (8) - 5-1
8. Collinsville (5) - 4-2
9. Duncan (9) - 4-1
10. Pryor (10) - 5-1

Class 4A

1. Bethany (1) - 6-0
2. Wagoner (3) - 5-1
3. Tuttle (2) - 5-1
4. Poteau (4) - 5-1
5. Bristow (5) - 5-1
6. Clinton (6) - 4-2
7. Broken Bow (7) - 5-1
8. Weatherford (8) - 4-2
9. Cache (10) - 4-2
10. Central (9) - 5-1

Class 3A

1. Heritage Hall (1) - 5-0
2. Lincoln Christian (2) - 6-0
3. Plainview (3) - 4-1
4. Berryhill (4) - 6-0
5. Sulphur (5) - 6-0
6. John Marshall (6) - 5-1
7. Perkins-Tryon (7) - 5-1
8. Checotah (10) - 5-1
9. Idabel (NR) - 5-1
10. Lone Grove (8) - 5-1

Class 2A

1. Metro Christian (1) - 6-0
2. Sperry (2) - 6-0
3. Vian (3) - 5-1
4. Holland Hall (5) - 5-1
5. Washington (6) - 6-0
6. Jones (7) - 5-1
7. Beggs (8) - 5-1
8. Millwood (4) - 4-2
9. Kingston (9) - 5-1
10. Adair (10) - 5-1

Class A

1. Cashion (1) - 6-0
2. Stroud (2) - 6-0
3. Pawhuska (3) - 7-0
4. Rejoice Christian (4) - 6-0
5. Thomas (5) - 5-1
6. Pawnee (6) - 6-0
7. Minco (7) - 7-0
8. Ringling (NR) - 5-1
9. Gore (NR) - 6-1
10. Hobert (NR) - 4-1

Class B

1. Shattuck (1) - 6-0
2. Regent Prep (2) - 6-0
3. Dewar (3) - 6-0
4. Burns Flat-Dill City (4) - 5-1
5. Laverne (5) - 5-1
6. Weleetka (6) - 4-2
7. Cherokee (7) - 5-1
8. Davenport (8) - 5-1
9. Canadian (9) - 6-0
10. Seiling (10) - 5-1

Class C

1. Southwest Covenant (1) - 5-0
2. Pond Creek-Hunter (2) - 6-0
3. Covington-Douglas (3) - 5-2
4. Maysville (4) - 5-0
5. Midway (6) - 7-0
6. Coyle (5) - 4-2
7. Graham-Dustin (8) - 4-1
8. Tyrone (7) - 4-2
9. Waynoka (NR) - 4-2
10. Sasakwa (NR) - 5-1

WEEK 6 Rankings

10/7/2019 |  Ben Johnson

(__) - previous rank

Class 6AI
1. Owasso (1) - 5-0
2. Broken Arrow (2) - 4-1
3. Jenks (4) - 2-3
4. PC North (5) - 5-0
5. Union (3) - 1-4
6. Norman (6) - 4-1
7. Westmoore (7) - 5-0
8. Moore (8) - 3-2
9. Mustang (10) - 3-2
10. Edmond Santa Fe (9) - 3-2

Class 6AII
1. Bixby (1) - 5-0
2. Stillwater (2) - 5-0
3. Del City (4) - 4-1
4. Muskogee (6) - 5-0
5. Sapulpa (5) - 4-1
6. Choctaw (7) - 3-2
7. Booker T. Washington (3) - 2-3
8. Ponca City (10) - 3-2
9. Midwest City (8) - 2-3
10. Deer Creek (NR) - 3-2

Class 5A
1. Bishop McGuinness (2) - 4-1
2. Carl Albert (2) - 4-1
3. Edison (3) - 4-1
4. Tahlequah (5) - 5-0
5. Collinsville (6) - 4-1
6. Piedmont (10) - 4-1
7. Noble (NR) - 4-1
8. El Reno (7) - 4-1
9. Duncan (8) - 3-1
10. Pryor (9) - 4-1

Class 4A
1. Bethany (1) - 5-0
2. Tuttle (2) - 5-0
3. Wagoner (3) - 4-1
4. Poteau (5) - 4-1
5. Bristow (6) - 4-1
6. Clinton (3-2
7. Broken Bow (7) - 4-1
8. Weatherford (4) - 3-2
9. Central (9) - 5-0
10. Cache (10) - 3-2

Class 3A
1. Heritage Hall (1) - 4-0
2. Lincoln Christian (2) - 5-0
3. Plainview (3) - 3-1
4. Berryhill (5) - 5-0
5. Sulphur (6) - 5-0
6. John Marshall (4) - 4-1
7. Perkins-Tryon (7) - 5-0
8. Lone Grove (8) - 5-0
9. Stigler (10) - 4-1
10. Checotah (NR) - 4-1

Class 2A
1. Metro Christian (1) - 5-0
2. Sperry (2) - 5-0
3. Vian (3) - 4-1
4. Millwood (4) - 4-1
5. Holland Hall (5) - 4-1
6. Washington (6) - 5-0
7. Jones (7) - 4-1
8. Beggs (8) - 4-1
9. Kingston (9) - 4-1
10. Adair (10) - 4-1

Class A
1. Cashion (1) - 5-0
2. Stroud (2) - 5-0
3. Pawhuska (3) - 6-0
4. Rejoice Christian (4) - 5-0
5. Thomas (5) - 5-1
6. Pawnee (6) - 5-0
7. Minco (7) - 6-0
8. Christian Heritage (8) - 4-1
9. Mangum (NR) - 5-0
10. Dibble (NR) - 5-1

Class B
1. Shattuck (1) - 5-0
2. Regent Prep (2) - 5-0
3. Dewar (5) - 5-0
4. Burns Flat-Dill City (6) - 4-1
5. Laverne (7) - 4-1
6. Weleetka (8) - 3-2
7. Cherokee (3) - 4-1
8. Davenport (4) - 4-1
9. Canadian (9) - 5-0
10. Seiling (NR) - 5-1

Class C
1. Southwest Covenant (1) - 4-0
2. Pond Creek-Hunter (2) - 5-0
3. Covington-Douglas (4) - 4-2
4. Maysville (5) - 4-0
5. Coyle (6) - 4-1
6. Midway (7) - 6-0
7. Tyrone (3) - 4-1
8. Graham-Dustin (9) - 3-1
9. Boise City (8) - 4-1
10. Sharon-Mutual (NR) - 3-2

*Photo by Trey Hunter/Piedmont Gazette

WEEK 3 Rankings

9/16/2019 |  Ben Johnson

(___) - previous rank

Week 2 scoreboard
6AI

6AII

5A

4A

3A

2A

A

B

C

Class 6AI

1. Owasso (2)
2. Broken Arrow (1)
3. Union (3)
4. Jenks (4)
5. PC North (5)
6. Norman (6)
7. Westmoore (8)
8. Mustang (9)
9. Moore (10)
10. Edmond Santa Fe (7)

Class 6AII

1. Bixby (1)
2. Stillwater (2)
3. Sapulpa (3)
4. Booker T. Washington (3)
5. Choctaw (6)
6. Del City (4)
7. Muskogee (8)
8. Midwest City (7)
9. Lawton (9)
10. Ponca City (NR)

Class 5A

1. Carl Albert (1)
2. Bishop McGuinness (2)
3. Duncan (4)
4. Edison (5)
5. Bishop Kelley (3)
6. Tahlequah (7)
7. Collinsville (6)
8. Claremore (8)
9. Noble (10)
10. Lawton MacArthur (NR)

Class 4A

1. Bethany (1)
2. Tuttle (5)
3. Wagoner (2)
4. Clinton (3)
5. Weatherford (4)
6. Blanchard (6)
7. Poteau (8)
8. Bristow (7)
9. Broken Bow (9)
10. Elgin (NR)

Class 3A

1. Heritage Hall (1)
2. Lincoln Christian (2)
3. Plainview (3)
4. John Marshall (5)
5. Berryhill (4)
6. Sulphur (6)
7. Perkins-Tryon (8)
8. Kingfisher (9)
9. Lone Grove (NR)
10. Stigler (NR)

Class 2A

1. Metro Christian (1)
2. Sperry (2)
3. Holland Hall (4)
4. Vian (3)
5. Millwood (5)
6. Beggs (6)
7. Washington (7)
8. Kingston (8)
9. Jones (9)
10. Adair (10)

Class A

1. Cashion (1)
2. Stroud (2)
3. Pawhuska (4)
4. Rejoice Christian (5)
5. Tonkawa (6)
6. Thomas (3)
7. Christian Heritage (7)
8. Pawnee (9)
9. Minco (10)
10. Morrison (8)

Class B

1. Shattuck (1)
2. Regent Prep (2)
3. Cherokee (3)
4. Davenport (4)
5. Laverne (5)
6. Keota (6)
7. Dewar (7)
8. Weleetka (8)
9. Snyder (9)
10. Seiling (NR)

Class C

1. Southwest Covenant (1)
2. Pond Creek-Hunter (2)
3. Buffalo (3)
4. Tyrone (5)
5. Covington-Douglas (4)
6. Tipton (6)
7. Maysville (7)
8. Coyle (8)
9. Midway (9)
10. Boise City (10)

Photo cred: Byron Beers/Tahlequah Daily Press

Week 2 rankings

9/8/2019 |  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

SPRING SPORTS: State golf recaps (boys and girls)

5/7/2019 |  Ben Johnson

Girls golf - state championship results

FIND FULL TOURNAMENT RESULTS HERE

Class 6A

Team
1. Edmond North - 621 - Huskies second straight championship and ninth overall
2. Jenks - 629
3. Edmond Memorial - 649

Individual
1. Sydney Hermann (Ponca City) - 144 (73-71) - Went from finishing in a tie for 10th at last year’s state tournament to winning this year’s title
2. Emma Shelley (Bartlesville) - 148 (71-77)
3. Emily Miller (Edmond North) - 150 (76-74)

Class 5A

Team
1. Durant - 666 - Lions pick up second title in program history (first was in 2016)
2. Duncan - 680
3. Ardmore - 737

Individual
1. Blayne Barker (Durant) - 146 (75-71) - Was last year’s seventh-place finisher in 5A.
2. Jaelynn Unger (Noble) - 150 (72-78)
3. Mika Ramos (Bishop Kelley) - 152 (75-77)

Class 4A

Team
1. Hilldale - 616 - Hornets first championship since 2015 and fifth overall.
2. Wagoner - 723
3. Muldrow - 724

Individual
1. Kenzie Kirkhart (Hilldale) - 146 (76-70) - Joins sister Katie Kirkhart as an individual state champion.
2. Maddie Kamas (Kingfisher) - 147 (73-74)
3. Jordan Clayborn (Hilldale) - 149 (74-75)

Class 3A

Team
1. Plainview - 582 - A move down to 3A this year secured the Indians’ third straight championship and fourth overall.
2. Purcell - 675
3. Dickson - 684

Individual
1. Reagan Chaney (Plainview) - 136 (66-70) - Was the fourth-place finisher in 4A last year before winning this year’s crown.
2. Taylor Towers (Rejoice Christian) - 143 (72-71)
3. Adeline Noron (Plainview) - 144 (70-74)

Class 2A

Team
*1. Oklahoma Christian School - 750 - Saints celebrated their first-ever girls golf championship in dramatic fashion.
2. Regent Prep - 750
3. Mooreland - 754
*Won in a playoff

Individual
1. Jenni Roller (Regent Prep) - 142 (73-69) - Roller wins the title in Regent Prep’s first year competing for the OSSAA championship.
2. Brooklyn Benn (Oklahoma Christian School) - 146 (73-73)
3. Sarah Sherrard (Christian Heritage) - 154 (75-79)

Boys golf - state championship results

FIND FULL TOURNAMENT RESULTS HERE

Class 6A

Team
1. Owasso - 897 - A second-round 284 propelled the Rams to their first championship since 2015, while ending Edmond North’s three-year run of titles.
2. Edmond North - 901
3. Stillwater - 901

Individual
1. Jordan Wilson (Edmond North) - 213 (68-70-75) - Went from fourth place last season to state champion this year.
2. Cooper Wilguess (Edmond Memorial) - 217 (72-70-75)
3. Kyle Peterson (Bixby) - 218 (74-74-70)

Class 5A

Team
1. Guthrie - 916 - Beat Bishop McGuinness by eight strokes to win last year’s state championship, and this year enjoyed a 28-shot cushion for the program’s fifth crown.
2. Bishop McGuinness - 944
3. Bishop Kelley - 949

Individual
1. Luke Morgan (Guthrie) - 213 (69-68-76) - Was eight shots off the winning pace last year for third place, but this season beat all other golfers and won by four strokes.
2. Hunter Oden (Piedmont) - (71-72-74)
3. David Woodliff (Bishop Kelley) - 223 (74-74-75)

Class 4A

Team
1. Heritage Hall - 911 - Chargers snagged their third straight title and 13th overall.
2. Cascia Hall - 950
3. Holland Hall - 951

Individual
1. Max Roberts (Ada) - 213 (70-72-71) - Had a seventh-place finish last year in the state tournament, but was one of three players to shoot a final-day 71 to claim the title.
2. Drew Mabrey (Holland Hall) - 217 (72-73-72) -
3. William McDonald (Heritage Hall) - 219 (75-69-75)

Class 3A

Team
1. Regent Prep - 882 - First program in school history to win its second championship. Rams won 2A last year and now 3A this season.
2. Oklahoma Christian School - 890
3. Kingston - 930

Individual
*1. Jaxon Dowell (OCS) - 202 (67-69-66) - Dowell edged out Goodman for last year’s championship by three strokes, and this time the Oklahoma commit won in a playoff.
2. Drew Goodman (Chr. Heritage) - 202 (63-69-70)
3. Jackson White (Regent Prep) - 207 (69-69-69)

Class 2A

Team
1. Turner - 924 - First team title since 2004 was never in doubt, thanks a 306 and a 308 in the first two rounds of the tournament.
2. Linc. Christian - 955
3. Community Christian - 956

Individual
1. Conner Boydston (Big Pasture) - 210 (66-74-70) - His first round 66 held up over the next two rounds, as he went from finishing fourth last season to first this year.
2. Brayden Strickland (Linc. Christian) - 215 (70-71-74)
3. Jackson Hoelker (Okla. Bible Academy) - 219 (71-71-77)

* Photo credit - Kevin Farr

STATE WRESTLING TOURNAMENT: Hicks makes Durant history

2/26/2019 |  Ben Johnson

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Time had not completely elapsed off the clock. Yet, Cody Hicks didn’t care.

As the final seconds ticked down, Hicks exploded off the mat and ran toward his coaches. One just so happened to be his brother, Colby, standing alongside Durant head coach Jim Taylor in the coaches corner.

“I was just so excited,” Cody Hicks said. “I just wanted to get to my brother and my coach, just as fast as I could.”

Time expired right as the Hicks brothers shared an embrace, and it marked the first individual state championship for Durant. From now until the end of time, Cody Hicks’ name will be listed first when it comes to state champions at Durant.

He etched his name into the Durant record books with a 6-4 victory over Glenpool’s Gage Hight in the 145-pound finals of the Class 5A state tournament at Jim Norick Arena.

“It was an amazing moment,” said Cody Hicks, a junior who failed to place at 145 pounds at the 2018 state tournament. “I’ve envisioned that for 12 years now. This is my 12th year of wrestling, and that’s what I’ve dreamt about forever.”

Same for Durant coach Jim Taylor, who has been coaching Lion wrestlers for 15 years as the head coach. And tack on an additional 11 years as an assistant.

“Absolutely unbelievable,” said Taylor, sporting a tie with wrestlers on it to mark the special occasion. “It couldn’t happen to a better kid. He’s put in the extra time, and I’m speechless.”

After a scoreless first period, Hight led Hicks 1-0 after a quick escape early in the second period. Hicks scored the first takedown with 21 seconds left in the second frame, but Hight answered with a reversal right before the match’s first four minutes had ticked away.

“My goal going into the match was to push him as hard as I could,” Hicks said. “I wanted to see if I could gas him out and see who had the better shape. It paid off for me in the third period.”

It didn’t take long for Hicks to reclaim control in the final two-minute stanza. Hicks was credited with a penalty point to knot the match at 3-3, and Hicks took the lead for good with an escape with 1:07 left. Then it was Hicks’ takedown with two seconds left that sealed the deal.

Hight managed an escape with a second left, but that’s because Hicks had made a mad dash to leap into his brother’s arms.

“We’ve had four kids in the finals in my 15 years (as head coach), Taylor said. “I’m always telling kids, ‘crazy things happen at the state tournament. You have to be good, you have to be lucky and things have to happen just right.’ We knew we just had to keep hammering away at it.”

It all culminated in Cody Hicks standing atop the podium with the 145-pound wrestlers in Class 5A being recognized.  

“I never knew how I would celebrate,” Hicks said. “But when the match ended and I saw the countdown of ‘3..2..1,’ I had to go celebrate with my brother, because he’s the person who has put into me so much.”

Week 4 picks

9/19/2018 |  Ben Johnson

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

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

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

Week 4 picks comin' at ya:

Jenks at Broken Arrow

Michael Swisher: Broken Arrow 23, Jenks 14

Ben Johnson: Broken Arrow 24, Jenks 17

Whitt Carter: Broken Arrow 27, Jenks 17

Randy Turney: Broken Arrow 21, Jenks 20

Blanchard at Bethany

Michael Swisher: Blanchard 34, Bethany 25

Ben Johnson: Blanchard 32, Bethany 27

Whitt Carter: Blanchard 34, Bethany 31

Randy Turney: Blanchard 28, Bethany 7

Lawton at Midwest City

Michael Swisher: Midwest City 35, Lawton 30

Ben Johnson: Lawton 21, Midwest City 20

Whitt Carter: Midwest City 27, Lawton 17

Randy Turney: Midwest City 35, Lawton 31

Owasso at Union

Michael Swisher: Owasso 38, Union 30

Ben Johnson: Union 34, Owasso 28

Whitt Carter: Union 42, Owasso, 40

Randy Turney: Union 28, Owasso 24

Thomas at Hooker

Michael Swisher: Hooker 21, Thomas 18

Ben Johnson: Hooker 25, Thomas 24

Whitt Carter: Thomas 21, Hooker 14

Randy Turney: Hooker 20, Thomas 14

Noble at Duncan

Michael Swisher: Duncan 22, Noble 7

Ben Johnson: Duncan 28, Noble 24

Whitt Carter: Duncan 28, Noble 14

Randy Turney: Duncan 24, Noble 13

Wagoner at Catoosa

Michael Swisher: Wagoner 24, Catoosa 22

Ben Johnson: Catoosa 20, Wagoner 17

Whitt Carter: Wagoner 27, Catoosa 24

Randy Turney: Wagoner 34, Catoosa 20

Bixby at Sapulpa

Michael Swisher: Bixby 29, Sapulpa 20

Ben Johnson: Bixby 33, Sapulpa 31

Whitt Carter: Bixby 42, Sapulpa 21

Randy Turney: Bixby 30, Sapulpa 14

Lawton MacArthur at Ardmore

Michael Swisher: Ardmore 31, Lawton MacArthur 22

Ben Johnson: Ardmore 32, Lawton MacArthur 23

Whitt Carter: Ardmore 34, Lawton MacArthur 21

Randy Turney: Ardmore 22, Lawton MacArthur 7

Cashion at Christian Heritage

Michael Swisher: Cashion 33, Christian Heritage 14

Ben Johnson: Cashion 41, Christian Heritage 17

Whitt Carter: Cashion 37, Christian Heritage 27

Randy Turney: Cashion 34, Christian Heritage 14

Guthrie at Piedmont

Michael Swisher: Guthrie 28, Piedmont 21

Ben Johnson: Guthrie 30, Piedmont 20

Whitt Carter: Guthrie 21, Piedmont 13

Randy Turney: Guthrie 31, Piedmont 13

Stigler at Lincoln Christian

Michael Swisher: Lincoln Christian 31, Stigler 24

Ben Johnson: Lincoln Christian 22, Stigler 20

Whitt Carter: Lincoln Christian 38, Stigler 28

Randy Turney: Lincoln Christian 38, Stigler 20

Chandler at Jones

Michael Swisher: Jones 30, Chandler 19

Ben Johnson: Chandler 17, Jones 16

Whitt Carter: Jones 32, Chandler 20

Randy Turney: Jones 42, Chandler 14

Haskell at Sperry

Michael Swisher: Sperry 34, Haskell 10

Ben Johnson: Sperry 27, Haskell 20

Whitt Carter: Sperry 34, Haskell 13

Randy Turney: Sperry 20, Haskell 14

Meeker at Kellyville

Michael Swisher: Kellyville 19, Meeker 14

Ben Johnson: Kellyville 22, Meeker 18

Whitt Carter: Kellyville 21, Meeker 17

Randy Turney: Kellyville 18, Meeker 14

Spiro at Vian

Michael Swisher: Vian 33, Spiro 23

Ben Johnson: Vian 29, Spiro 21

Whitt Carter: Vian 42, Spiro 21

Randy Turney: Vian 31, Spiro 20

Pawnee at Tonkawa

Michael Swisher: Tonkawa 24, Pawnee 18

Ben Johnson: Tonkawa 20, Pawnee 16

Whitt Carter: Tonkawa 37, Pawnee 26

Randy Turney: Tonkawa 28, Pawnee 20

Davenport at Strother

Michael Swisher: Davenport 55, Strother 20

Ben Johnson: Davenport 61, Strother 12

Whitt Carter: Davenport 50, Strother 14

Randy Turney: Davenport 58, Strother 12

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

Week 4: Top 10 games

9/18/2018 |  Ben Johnson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Honorable mention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Week 3 picks

9/13/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Coach Turney got tired of Old Man Swisher's winning ways every week, so he did something about it. Randy dropped off a 15-4 mark in Week 2, one game better than Swisher. Whitt wasn't too far off with a 12-7 record, and then there was yours truly rounding out the pack with a disgraceful 11-8 week of picks. Unacceptable. Just have to be better -- no two ways about it.

Week 2 picks - Turney 15-4 | Swisher 14-5 | Whitt 12-7 | Ben 11-8

Overall - Swisher 40-19 | Turney 28-21 | Ben 35-24 | Whitt 33-26

Without further ado, here the Week 3 picks:

Cascia Hall at Millwood

Michael Swisher: Millwood 28, Cascia Hall 7

Ben Johnson: Millwood 20, Cascia Hall 12

Whitt Carter: Millwood 34, Cascia Hall 21

Randy Turney: Millwood 34, Cascia Hall 21

Bethany at Kingfisher

Michael Swisher: Bethany 30, Kingfisher 13

Ben Johnson: Bethany 29, Kingfisher 22

Whitt Carter: Bethany 27, Kingfisher 20

Randy Turney: Bethany 20, Kingfisher 14

Metro Christian at Holland Hall

Michael Swisher: Metro Christian 28, Holland Hall 26

Ben Johnson: Holland Hall 25, Metro Christian 24

Whitt Carter: Holland Hall 31, Metro Christian 21

Randy Turney: Holland Hall 35, Metro Christian 21

Crescent at Cashion

Michael Swisher: Cashion 23, Crescent 20

Ben Johnson: Cashion 37, Crescent 22

Whitt Carter: Cashion 35, Crescent 30

Randy Turney: Cashion 28, Crescent 21

Alex at Davenport

Michael Swisher: Davenport 31, Alex 24

Ben Johnson: Davenport 44, Alex 20

Whitt Carter: Davenport 32, Alex 22

Randy Turney: Davenport 42, Alex 34

Rejoice Christian at Haskell

Michael Swisher: Rejoice Christian 34, Haskell 7

Ben Johnson: Rejoice Christian 24, Haskell 19

Whitt Carter: Rejoice Christian 42, Haskell 32

Randy Turney: Rejoice Christian 31, Haskell 20

Choctaw at Putnam City North

Michael Swisher: PC North 24, Choctaw 14

Ben Johnson: Choctaw 28, PC North 20

Whitt Carter: Choctaw 31, PC North 18

Randy Turney: Choctaw 34, PC North 20

Del City at Bartlesville

Michael Swisher: Del City 34, Bartlesville 31

Ben Johnson: Del City 45, Bartlesville 34

Whitt Carter: Del City 41, Bartlesville 14

Randy Turney: Del City 28, Bartlesville 13

Duncan at Ada

Michael Swisher: Ada 18, Duncan 15

Ben Johnson: Duncan 22, Ada 20

Whitt Carter: Ada 21, Duncan 20

Randy Turney: Duncan 21, Ada 14

Piedmont at Noble

Michael Swisher: Noble 28, Piedmont 23

Ben Johnson: Piedmont 20, Noble 18

Whitt Carter: Noble 24, Piedmont 17

Randy Turney: Piedmont 20, Noble 14

Lawton MacArthur at Clinton

Michael Swisher: Lawton Mac 30, Clinton 20

Ben Johnson: Lawton Mac 31, Clinton 27

Whitt Carter: Lawton Mac 24, Clinton 20

Randy Turney: Lawton Mac 31, Clinton 14

Westmoore at Mustang

Michael Swisher: Westmoore 29, Mustang 25

Ben Johnson: Westmoore 33, Mustang 21

Whitt Carter: Mustang 22, Westmoore 18

Randy Turney: Mustang 24, Westmoore 20

Catoosa at Coweta

Michael Swisher: Catoosa 19, Coweta 12

Ben Johnson: Coweta 35, Catoosa 31

Whitt Carter: Coweta 34, Catoosa 28

Randy Turney: Catoosa 18, Coweta 12

Barnsdall at Hominy

Michael Swisher: Hominy 31, Barnsdall 20

Ben Johnson: Hominy 39, Barnsdall 35

Whitt Carter: Hominy 30, Barnsdall 23

Randy Turney: Hominy 34, Barnsdall 14

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

Week 3: Top 10 games

9/11/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Week 3 is upon us. I'd be lying if I said there were a lot of stellar games. But there are some solid matchups here and there.

Here are this week's top 10 games:

1. 3A No. 5 Cascia Hall (2-0) at 2A No. 1 Millwood (2-0): This is becoming a mainstay in the non-district landscape. Millwood owns a 3-2 edge in the matchup, which was a title game showdown in 2001. Since then, they've met every year since 2014 with Millwood winning the last two.

2. 4A No. 5 Bethany (2-0) at 3A No. 9 Kingfisher (1-1): Former district mates earlier this decade, but now they're meeting for the fifth straight season. Bethany won last year's matchup, 30-13.

3. 2A No. 9 Metro Christian (2-0) at 2A No. 6 Holland Hall (1-1): Metro Christian running back Ryan Johnson against Holland Hall's defense should be one entertaining chess match. The two teams have split two games in the past two seasons with Holland Hall winning 45-14 last year.

4. Crescent (2-1) at A No. 2 Cashion (3-0): Cashion's track record against Crescent is remarkably successful. Since 2008, the Wildats have won nine of the 10 games between the two; the only slip-up was last season when Crescent won 54-14 in District A-5 action on its way to a state runner-up finish later in the year. Now they shift their district game to A-3, and it'll be Cashion's defense -- which has only allowed 12 points in three games -- against Crescent's offense, led by quarterback Hunter Bowers. Oh, and Skordle will be there for all the fun.

5. B No. 4 Alex (2-0) at B No. 2 Davenport (2-0): Davenport has been busy doing Davenport things in its first two games of the season, blowing out both Weleetka and Wetumka. Now, though, comes a top-10 clash with Alex, which has hammered both Laverne and Central Marlow. Davenport won last year's game against Alex, 26-16, and it leads in the series, 4-1.

6. A No. 6 Rejoice Christian (2-0) at Haskell (2-0): First time these teams are squaring off, and Haskell quarterback Tayden Lucero against Rejoice Christian's defense will be vastly compelling.

7. 6AII No. 7 Choctaw (2-0) at 6AI No. 9 Putnam City North (2-0): PC North enters on the heels of sweeping through its fellow Putnam City cohorts, and it did so by only allowing six points in two games. Meanwhile, Choctaw is unbeaten after taking down Lawton Eisenhower last week. This series has belonged to PC North over the years (18-4), but Choctaw picked up a 42-14 win over PC North last season.

8. 6AII No. 5 Del City (1-1) at Bartlesville (1-1): First time these two are ever seeing each other, and the Bruins will have their hands full with Del City quarterback Quinlan Ganther. But the same goes for the Eagles' defense when Bartleville's DeAndre Young touches the ball. The senior tailback rushed for almost 300 yards against Collinsville last week.

9. 5A No. 9 Duncan (2-0) at Ada (1-1): Javion Dangerfield, a Week 2 player of the week candidate, has been a weapon all over the field for the Demons in their unbeaten start to this point. Meanwhile, Ada rebounded nicely with a win over Noble after a season-opening loss to Ardmore.

10. 5A No. 10 Piedmont (1-1) at Noble (1-1): These two started squaring off in 2014, and they've met every year since. Not once has it gone Piedmont's way. Noble's wins over Piedmont in 2016 and 2017 were by a combined 15 points.

Honorable mention

Lawton MacArthur at Clinton: Highlanders are 6-0 against Clinton since 1972.

Westmoore at Mustang: Westmore leads 12-5 in the series, including a 55-42 win in the most recently showdown in 2011.

Catoosa at Coweta: Catoosa beat Coweta 19-0 last season to stop a seven-game losing streak against the Tigers.

Barnsdall at Hominy: Two Osage County rivals with Hominy owning a 15-0 record against Barnsdall since 2000.

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

Week 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.