Tahlequah Tigers
Tahlequah, OK 74464
Record: 2-2 | Unranked
@ East Central | W | 12-40 8/30 |
vs Sapulpa | W | 24-14 9/6 |
@ Wagoner | L | 51-7 9/13 |
@ Claremore | L | 28-21 9/27 |
vs Pryor | W | 31-30 10/4 |
@ Collinsville | 10/11 7PM |
vs Memorial | 10/17 7PM |
@ Del City | 10/25 7PM |
vs Will Rogers | 11/1 7PM |
vs Nathan Hale | 11/8 7PM |
Week 1 - OKpreps Standouts
| Ben Johnson
Top performers
Dewar
Joey Fowler - Passing 20 of 22 for 252 yards and 4 TD’s 0 int’s / Rushing 19 for 156 yards and 1 TD / 11 tackles on defense
Vian
Javyn Wright - 24 rushes 249 yards 3 tds / 1 passing td
Grove
Emmanuel Crawford - 29 rushes, 197 yards, 1 TD / 2 receptions, 33 yards
Lawton Mac
Nasir Kemper - 4TDs / Kickoff return TD / 98 yard TD run / 2 yard TD run / 21 yard TD reception / 250+ all purpose yards
Tonkawa
Tristan Burdick - 231 yds on 15 carries for 4 tds
Kellyville
Trevor Jones - 19 carries for 236 yds and 3 tds
Durant
Fransisco Avila - 19 rushes, 332 yards, 5 TDs
Stillwater
Qwontrel Walker - 29 carries, 228 yards, 5 TDs
Chelsea
Cash Ramsey - 23 carries, 300 yards, 4 TDs
Bixby
Mason Williams - 26/40 passing, 5 TDs, 231 yds
Honor roll
McLoud
Clint Campbell - Soph. RB - 15 carries for 121 yards, 2-TD’s, 2-2 pt. conv.
3 catches for 67 yards. 1 TD
Holland Hall
Owen Ostroski: 9 solo tackles/2 assisted/6.5 for loss/ 4 QB hurries/2 sacks/ 1 forced fumble
Depew
Tavin Hunt - 10 carries 117 yards and 2 rushing TDs. 2 catches for 25 yards. 15 tackles and 2 picks (1 being a pick 6)
Tulsa Memorial
Elvis Grayson: Senior - 2 rushing TDs / 1 catch for a 2pt Conv. / 8 Tackles 1 TFL
Scored 14 of team’s 15 points
He helped stop Central on 4th and inches late in the fourth quarter and got the first down to seal the game!
Inola
Landon Prows was 20-33 for 345 yards, 3 td's and 0 picks.
Gavin Williams caught 4 passes for 165 and 2 td's.
Thomas
Ethan Hamberlin 15 carries 211 yards 2 TD
Jayce Miller 8 tackles- Int- blocked punt
Cache
Hunter Tate. 6 carries 118 yards 2TDs, 2 receptions 63 yds 1TD / 7 Tackles / He only played first half
Dewar
Ty Whitlow - 11 catches for 193 yards and 3 TD’s
Lawton
Christian Houston - 20 carries 150 yards 2 tds
Ardmore
Anton Scallion - 16 carries for 190 yards & 3 TDs
Wagoner
Braden Drake - 159 yards on 18 carries with 2 tds. Also had 8 tackles
Isaac Smith - 8 tackles, 3 sacks, and a fumble recovery
Christian Heritage
Kye Davis - 10/17 passing, 262yds. 3 TDS and 1 int / 3 carries, 47 yds
Cade Hale - 5 receptions, 186 yds, 1 TD / 4 tackles
Cashion
Brexton Green - 7-198-4TDs receiving
Purcell
Sam Wofford - 12 tackles, 1 sack
Kody Kroth - 19-34 for 339 2tds no Ints
Crescent
Hunter Wilmoth - 10 rushes 150 yds 3 rushing td. 1 passing td
Chandler
Casmen Hill - 10 carries for 143 yds, 2 TD / 95 yard kick return for a TD / 4 receptions for 53 yds
Frederick
Adrian Gaytan - 9-14 passing, 167 yds 2 td’s
Pawnee
Trevor Mitchell - 19 rushes, 144 yards, 1 TD
Blake Skidgel - 20 rushes, 109 yards, 3 TDs
Carl Albert
Noah Dobson (offensive tackle) - Coaching staff graded him at a 90 percent
Antlers
Isaac Sorrells - Kick return for a TD / Rushing TD / two 2pt conversions / 48 yards receiving / 12 tackles
Grove
Greg McCurdy - 4 catches, 124 yards, 2 TDs
Weatherford
Sam Hoffman - 14 carries 174yds 4 TD’s / 7 tackles
Piedmont
Caden Hendren - 3 catches for 100 yards 2 TDS / 11 tackles on defense.
Collinsville
Oscar Hammond (WR/FS Junior) - 3 catches for 119, 2tds / 6 tackles
Verdigris
Alec James - 117 rushing yards and 2 TD / 40 receiving yards and 1 TD / 4 tackles
Checotah
Dontierre Fisher - 11 carries 156 yards, 3 tds
Washington
Luke Hendrix - 4 receptions 132 yards and 2 td
Atoka
Andrew McCall - 3 carries 158 yards rushing, two touchdowns
Salina
Jack Wilkins soph QB - 17 carries 157 yds rushing long of 66, 2 TD, 1 pass TD
Skiatook
Jace Woodrow (Corner) - 2 interceptions, 1 pick 6, 4 tackles.
Barnsdall
Hunter Auschwitz - 13 carries, 128 yards, 3 TDs / 4 tackles, 1 sack
Carson Auschwitz - 12 tackles, 5 for loss / 1 rush, 25 yards / 5 catches, 38 yards
Enid
Nate Gamble - 5 pancake blocks after rehabbing sprained ankle all week long
Porter
Caleb Brewer - 14 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
East Central
Cunu Fields - 6/10 passing, 241 yards, 5 TDs + 1 67-yard rushing TD
Stigler
Ridge McClary - 14 rushes, 115 yds, 1 TD
Bruce Engle - 12 tackles, 2 sacks
Chelsea
William Hampton - 4/9 passing, 63 yards, 2 TDs + 12 rushes, 121 yards, 2 TDs
Tahlequah
Malik McMurtrey - 26 rushes, 135 yards, 1 TD
Have a player of the week candidate? Let us know. Email Ben Johnson at benjohnsontdp@gmail.com
**PHOTO CREDIT - JASON ELMQUIST - STILLWATER NEWSPRESS
Steve Edwards steps down at Glenpool
| Ben Johnson
GLENPOOL -- When Glenpool starts the 2020 season, the Warriors will have a new head coach for the first time since the mid 90s.
On Thursday, Steve Edwards told Skordle he’s stepping down as the Warriors’ head coach after a 24-year run.
“Been going up and down the sidelines for 35 years,” he said. “It’s time to take a break.”
After serving as an assistant coach in Hominy, Edwards took over at Glenpool in 1996 and led the Warriors to the most successful years in the program’s history.
Glenpool had won only one district championship before Edwards arrived, and he now departs with eight district titles and two state championships (2002 and 2008).
“Through those 24 years at Glenpool, it’s been a really good run,” Edwards said. “Class 4A was good to us for a while.”
Edwards enjoyed a vast amount of success after his father questioned his profession a long time ago.
“I remember my dad asking why I wanted to be a football coach and having to move everywhere,” Edwards recalled. “But that wasn’t the case for me because I’ve ended up being at Glenpool for a long time.”
During his 24-year run at Glenpool, Edwards went 167-109, including a 2-8 season in 2019 to close the book on his tenure with the Warriors.
“Since 1996, we’ve followed the same coaching mantra, ‘make better players, not better plays,’” Edwards said. “It’s been so much more than developing good football players. We’ve always wanted to make sure the young boys turn into great men.”
As for Edwards, he’ll still be in Glenpool as the Warriors’ assistant athletic director. It will allow him more time to watch his sons, Gus and Michael, play football and wrestle.
“I want to sit back and watch them,” Edwards said. “Both have really promising futures in both football and wrestling, I want to be able to watch them.”
And what about coaching? Edwards wouldn’t totally close the book on a return in the future.
“If I still have a hankering to get back into it,” he said, “hopefully I’ll be able to do that.”
Steve Edwards’ career
Record: 167-109
Seasons: 24 (all as Glenpool head coach)
District titles: 8
State titles: 2
WEEK 7 RANKINGS
| Ben Johnson
(____) - previous rank
Class 6AI
1. Owasso (1) - 6-02. 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) - 6-02. 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) - 5-12. 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) - 6-02. 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) - 5-02. 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) - 6-02. 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) - 6-02. 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) - 6-02. 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) - 5-02. 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
| 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 5 rankings
| Ben Johnson
(___) - previously ranked
Class 6AI
1. Owasso (1) - 4-02. Broken Arrow (2) - 3-1
3. Union (3) - 1-3
4. Jenks (4) - 1-3
5. PC North (5) - 4-0
6. Norman (6) - 4-0
7. Westmoore (7) - 4-0
8. Moore (9) - 2-2
9. Edmond Santa Fe (10) - 3-1
10. Mustang (8) - 2-2
Class 6AII
1. Bixby (1) - 4-02. Stillwater (2) - 4-0
3. Booker T. Washington (4) - 2-2
4. Del City (5) - 3-1
5. Sapulpa (3) - 3-1
6. Muskogee (7) - 4-0
7. Choctaw (6) - 2-2
8. Midwest City (9) - 2-2
9. Lawton (8) - 3-1
10. Ponca City (10) - 2-2
Class 5A
1. Carl Albert (1) - 4-02. Bishop McGuinness (2) - 3-1
3. Edison (4) - 3-1
4. Bishop Kelley (5) - 2-2
5. Tahlequah (6) - 4-0
6. Collinsville (7) - 3-1
7. El Reno (8) - 4-0
8. Duncan (3) - 2-1
9. Pryor (9) - 3-1
10. Piedmont (NR) - 3-1
Class 4A
1. Bethany (1) - 4-0
2. Tuttle (2) - 4-0
3. Wagoner (3) - 3-1
4. Weatherford (5) - 3-1
5. Poteau (6) - 3-1
6. Bristow (7) - 3-1
7. Broken Bow (8) - 3-1
8. Clinton (4) - 2-2
9. Central (NR) - 4-0
10. Cache (NR) - 2-2
Class 3A
1. Heritage Hall (1) - 3-02. Lincoln Christian (2) - 4-0
3. Plainview (3) - 2-1
4. John Marshall (4) - 4-0
5. Berryhill (5) - 4-0
6. Sulphur (6) - 4-0
7. Perkins-Tryon (7) - 4-0
8. Lone Grove (8) - 4-0
9. Seminole (NR) - 3-1
10. Stigler (9) - 3-1
Class 2A
1. Metro Christian (1) - 4-02. Sperry (2) - 4-0
3. Vian (3) - 3-1
4. Millwood (4) - 3-1
5. Holland Hall (5) - 3-1
6. Washington (6) - 4-0
7. Jones (7) - 3-1
8. Beggs (9) - 3-1
9. Kingston (10) - 3-1
10. Adair (8) - 4-0
Class A
1. Cashion (1) - 4-02. Stroud (2) - 4-0
3. Pawhuska (3) - 5-0
4. Rejoice Christian (4) - 4-0
5. Thomas (6) - 4-1
6. Pawnee (8) - 4-0
7. Minco (9) - 5-0
8. Christian Heritage (7) - 4-1
9. Colcord (10) - 4-0
10. Tonkawa (5) - 4-1
Class B
1. Shattuck (1) - 4-02. Regent Prep (2) - 4-0
3. Cherokee (3) - 4-0
4. Davenport (4) - 3-1
5. Dewar (5) - 4-0
6. Burns Flat-Dill City (7) - 3-1
7. Laverne (8) - 3-1
8. Weleetka (6) - 2-2
9. Canadian (9) - 4-0
10. Snyder (NR) - 4-0
Class C
1. Southwest Covenant (1) - 3-02. Pond Creek-Hunter (2) - 4-0
3. Tyrone (4) - 4-0
4. Covington-Douglas (5) - 3-2
5. Maysville (6) - 4-0
6. Coyle (7) - 3-1
7. Midway (8) - 5-0
8. Boise City (9) - 4-0
9. Graham-Dustin (10) - 3-1
10. Buffalo (3) - 3-1
WHAT WE'VE LEARNED SO FAR
| Ben Johnson
It’s time for most teams to embark on district games. Let’s take a look at what’s become apparent so far…
Mansfield, Texas teams stink
Everyone hypes up Texas football, but wow, the teams in Mansfield are ……. ungood. I mean, sure, Union lost in one of the only competitive games between five Oklahoma teams and the Mansfield clubs. But I watched Mansfield Legacy with my own eyes, and I watched Jenks to shove it down their throat all game long. That’s all I needed to know about the caliber of teams down there.
6AI runs through Owasso (so far)
We’ll find out who the best team is in 6AI-2 on Friday night, but it appears as though Owasso is on track for its second title in three years. And hot take: If Blankenship wins another title at Owasso, he becomes the best high school football coach this state has ever seen.
Bixby might be the best team in the state
Notice above I said “6AI-2” because the state’s best team could be in 6A Division II. Bixby is that good. If you’ve never watched Brennan Presley or any of his superstar teammates in Bixby, do yourself a favor and go see them before the Spartans’ season ends in another 6AII championship game.
Bishop Kelley has had the worst injury luck so far
The Comets had a chance to stand toe to toe with Carl Albert in Class 5A. Then Bishop Kelley lost defensive lineman Montrell Cozart, receiver Cori Lewis and Oklahoma State commit Zach Middleton to various injuries. Now Bishop Kelley will have to dig deep and grind its way through District 5A-3 until Lewis and Middleton maybe (possibly) come back.
We need to start using common sense when it comes to weather
One coach texted me and was pissed about a having a game cut short due to weather to close out non-district play. Someone happened to let the officials know that lightning was 32 -- THIRTY-TWO -- miles away. That’s outrageous. Look, I get it, safety is the name of the game. But let’s use some common sense. We all live in Oklahoma; we all know how to read radars. Just because you see lightning doesn’t always mean there’s imminent danger. Take the 6AI title game last year …. We endured a long delay and were just about to get back to the game when a stray lightning strike flashed east of Tulsa. There was no chance it was coming back toward Chapman Stadium, and yet, the clock was reset to 30 minutes before teams could warm up. All I’m asking for is some common sense to be applied.
Sam Brandt & Asher Link need to be getting more attention
Mason Williams is putting up silly numbers at Bixby, but there’s plenty of QB talent around. Sam Brandt is a menace on both sides of the ball for Bethany, and Asher Link has Metro Christian in position to be the favorite in 2A. More college coaches should be taking notice in these guys.
Dorian Plumley could lead El Reno to special things
If El Reno’s junior quarterback were two inches taller, college coaches would be knocking down his door. Some things never change on the recruiting trail.
Dae Dae Leathers might be the best RB you don’t know about
Dominic Richardson, Sevion Morrison, Qwontrel Walker and Tristan Truelove are notable running backs in this state, but Leathers is putting up solid numbers every week in far eastern Oklahoma.
Bristow & Mannford have a fantastic rivalry trophy
The Battle for the Boat trophy played for between the two Keystone Lake rivals KICKS ASS!
Heritage Hall remains good
Take a moment, allow the shock to wear off. OK, let’s continue….
Mike Snyder is about to be the king of coaching in Oklahoma
Might not be another guy in the state who remains so quiet and just continues to get the job done. And he’s a win shy of tying the state’s record for all-time coaching wins.
Classes 2A & A are extremely deep
As many as a dozen teams (if not more) could win the gold balls in 2A or A.
A really good team from District A-5 will miss the playoffs
Pawhuska, Barnsdall, Pawnee and Tonkawa are all unbeaten. Hominy is 3-1 and Morrison is 2-2. Only four of these teams will escape A-5 and venture into the playoffs. Buckle up!
WEEK 4 RANKINGS
| Ben Johnson
(____) - previous rank
Week 3 scoreboard
6AI
6AII
5A
4A
3A
2A
A
B
C
Class 6AI
1. Owasso (1) - 3-0
2. Broken Arrow (2) - 2-1
3. Union (3) - 1-2
4. Jenks (4) - 1-2
5. PC North (5) - 3-0
6. Norman (6) - 3-0
7. Westmoore (7) - 3-0
8. Mustang (8) - 2-1
9. Moore (9) - 1-2
10. Edmond Santa Fe (10) - 2-1
Class 6AII
1. Bixby (1) - 3-0
2. Stillwater (2) - 3-0
3. Sapulpa (3) - 3-0
4. Booker T. Washington (4) - 1-2
5. Del City (6) - 2-1
6. Choctaw (5) - 2-1
7. Muskogee (7) - 3-0
8. Lawton (9) - 3-0
9. Midwest City (8) - 1-2
10. Ponca City (10) - 2-1
Class 5A
1. Carl Albert (1) - 3-0
2. Bishop McGuinness (2) - 2-1
3. Duncan (3) - 2-0
4. Edison (4) - 2-1
5. Bishop Kelley (5) - 1-2
6. Tahlequah (6) - 3-0
7. Collinsville (7) - 2-1
8. El Reno (NR) - 3-0
9. Pryor (NR) - 2-1
10. Claremore (8) - 1-2
Class 4A
1. Bethany (1) - 3-0
2. Tuttle (2) - 3-0
3. Wagoner (3) - 2-1
4. Clinton (4) - 2-1
5. Weatherford (5) - 2-1
6. Poteau (7) - 2-1
7. Bristow (8) - 2-1
8. Broken Bow (9) - 2-1
9. Elgin (10) - 1-1
10. Hilldale (NR) - 2-1
Class 3A
1. Heritage Hall (1) - 2-0
2. Lincoln Christian (2) - 3-0
3. Plainview (3) - 1-1
4. John Marshall (4) - 3-0
5. Berryhill (5) - 3-0
6. Sulphur (6) - 3-0
7. Perkins-Tryon (7) - 3-0
8. Lone Grove (9) - 3-0
9. Stigler (10) - 3-0
10. Kingfisher (8) - 1-2
Class 2A
1. Metro Christian (1) - 3-0
2. Sperry (2) - 3-0
3. Vian (4) - 2-1
4. Millwood (5) - 2-1
5. Holland Hall (3) - 2-1
6. Washington (7) - 3-0
7. Jones (9) - 2-1
8. Adair (10) - 3-0
9. Beggs (6) - 2-1
10. Kingston (8) - 2-1
Class A
1. Cashion (1) - 3-0
2. Stroud (2) - 3-0
3. Pawhuska (3) - 4-0
4. Rejoice Christian (4) - 3-0
5. Tonkawa (5) - 4-0
6. Thomas (6) - 3-1
7. Christian Heritage (7) - 4-0
8. Pawnee (8) - 3-0
9. Minco (9) - 4-0
10. Colcord (NR) - 3-0
Class B
1. Shattuck (1) - 3-0
2. Regent Prep (2) - 3-0
3. Cherokee (3) - 3-0
4. Davenport (4) - 2-1
5. Dewar (7) - 3-0
6. Weleetka (8) - 2-1
7. Burns Flat-Dill City (NR) - 3-1
8. Laverne (5) - 2-1
9. Canadian (NR) - 3-0
10. Seiling (NR) - 4-0
Class C
1. Southwest Covenant (1) - 2-0
2. Pond Creek-Hunter (2) - 3-0
3. Buffalo (3) - 3-0
4. Tyrone (4) - 3-0
5. Covington-Douglas (5) - 2-2
6. Maysville (7) - 3-0
7. Coyle (8) - 2-1
8. Midway (9) - 4-0
9. Boise City (10) - 3-0
10. Graham-Dustin (NR) - 3-0
**Photo credit: Von Castor / Von Castor Photography
WEEK 3 Rankings
| 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
| 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
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/
CLASS 5A PREVIEW
| Ben Johnson
Class 5A preview
Rankings
**1. Carl Albert - Dadrion Taylor ran for 1,365 yards and 24 touchdowns last season, but now he passes the torch to Javion Hunt, who holds offers from Arkansas, Iowa State, Ole Miss, Texas Tech and several more (only in-state offer is Tulsa).
2. Bishop Kelley - Plenty of notable names on this year’s Comets roster, but don’t surprised when Cori Lewis’ name is in high demand on the recruiting trails by midseason (if not before then).
3. Collinsville - Cardinals lose Grayson Boomer and Jake Tuttle from last year’s 5A semifinal team. But Collinsville always finds a way to replace departed talent and keep on winning.
4. Bishop McGuinness - Get ready for a lot of Dominic Richardson, a TCU commit, this season.
5. Edison - Running back Sevion Morrison burst onto the scene last season and rewrote several Edison records en route to 2,761 yards and 38 touchdowns.
6. Guthrie - The Bluejays always manage to have a stout defensive unit, and 2019 shouldn’t be any different. Should be Hector Goosby and Tervae Williams anchoring this season’s defensive efforts.
7. Duncan - A lot of talented players in 5A, and Jai’Vion Dangerfield could be the most unheralded of them all.
8. Tahlequah - He may be small (5 feet, 7 inches and 170 pounds), but running back Dae Dae Leathers has been nothing but productive when he’s on the field.
9. Ardmore - Last season’s 5A runner-up will have to move on to 2019 without several key contributors from 2018 -- Brayden Bryant, Sitani Lemeki, Tero Roberts, Cameron Petties, Trenzel Johnson and several more.
10. Claremore - Zebras with no lack of skills guys this season, including Dylan Kedzior, Quention Skinner and Jace Hightower.
**2018 state champion
Premier players
District 5A-1
- Racer Felter (Lawton Mac): Senior quarterback leads a senior-heavy squad that could make a run this year in 5A.
- Jai’vion Dangerfield (Duncan): A two-way playmaker who had 1,100 receiving yards and 15 total touchdowns, with one on an interception and two on punt returns. “He’s the real deal.” -- Duncan head coach JT Cobble.
District 5A-2
- Dominic Richardson (Bishop McGuinness): TCU commit embarks on a senior season as the Irish’s central figure in a potential title run.
- Reise Collier and David Peters (Carl Albert): Two tackling machines combined for 328 takedowns for the Titans in 2018.
- JD Coonfield and Tervae Williams (Guthrie): Combined for 197 tackles and five interceptions in 2018.
- Dylan Hampton (Piedmont): Threw for 1,338 yards and ran for 375 yards during his junior campaign.
District 5A-3
- Blake Lair (Coweta): Hauled in an impressive 952 yards and 15 touchdowns on 47 catches as a junior in 2018.
- Chris Hilton (McAlester): Senior-to-be quarterback could thrive in first-year head coach Forrest Mazey’s offense after passing for 1,032 yards and nine touchdowns, while adding 625 yards on the ground last year.
- Zach Middleton (Bishop Kelley): Oklahoma State commit is a standout as an offensive ball carrier, but shines on defense and leads a stout Comets’ defense.
- Makai Blades (Glenpool): Speedster could cause problems for opposing defenses if his offensive line creates proper running lanes.
District 5A-4
- Jace Hightower (Claremore): Senior tailback has committed to Air Force after running for 1,138 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.
- Jayden Garner (Skiatook): Dynamic offensive weapon for the Bulldogs, who once got the same production out of Jayden’s brother, Shae.
- Dae Dae Leathers (Tahlequah):
Our best guess(es)
Michael Swisher: Carl Albert -- The Titans will have to tussle with the Bishops (Kelley and McGuinness) along the way, but until one of them - or someone else - gets the job done, I’m not betting against the westside power. Carl Albert is chasing history this season, which will add to the pressure, but will have enough to lift yet another gold ball and etch its name in the winning streak book.
Whitt Carter: Carl Albert -- Hold on to your butts - Carl Albert is loaded again. This will certainly come to an end sometime and they could finally lose this year, as hilarious as that sounds. But they are winning 5A again, regardless of whether the streak continues or not.
Ben Johnson: Carl Albert -- I like Bishop Kelley a lot, but can’t deviate from the norm. Boring, I know.
NEW PODCAST: Football is back
| Ben Johnson
We're now a week away from real-life, actual football. (Well, games that actually count)
This week we pay tribute to one of the state's best, Mr. Ray West, who passed away recent. Swisher shares several great stories about West and what he meant to a lot of people in this great state.
Then we start our football previews, talking about Classes 6AI through 4A. We unveil our top 10 in each class and offer up some storylines along the way.
Want to interact with the podcast? Tweet us at @michaelswisher & @benjohnsontul
Or you can email the show at ben@skordle.com
As always, thanks for listening!
Tim Holt Jr. steps down at Coweta
| Ben Johnson
As spring football begins, there’s now a head-coaching vacancy at Coweta. Early Monday morning, Tim Holt Jr. submitted his resignation to athletic director Tim Johnson.
Holt ends a three-year run at Coweta, where he went 19-15 with a district championship in 2017. He also guided the Tigers to the playoffs in three consecutive years.
“We appreciate the time Coach Holt put into the program,” Coweta athletic director Tim Johnson told the Wagoner County American-Tribune. “We wish Tim and his family nothing but the best.”
According to several sources, Holt is heading to Broken Arrow to become the Tigers’ passing game coordinator. For the Tigers, the reigning Class 6AI champions, Holt joins the offensive staff, which is led by offensive coordinator Jay Wilkinson.
Holt served as an assistant at Broken Arrow from 2010 to 2015.
Coweta is coming off a 5-7 season, one that ended with a loss to Ardmore in the Class 5A quarterfinals.
The next head coach will be Coweta’s third since 2013.
WRESTLING: All-State rosters announced
| Ben Johnson
The Oklahoma Coaches Association announced the 2019 All-State wrestling rosters on Tuesday morning.
Here are the rosters and some notes on the honorees:
Large East
113: David Boucher (Bartlesville)
120: Laif Jones (Bartlesville)
126: Ty Nohelty (McAlester)
132: Reece Witcraft (Broken Arrow) - Two-time state champion headed to Oklahoma State
138: Spencer Schickram (Ponca City) - Won the Class 6A 138 title this season
145: Gage Hight (Glenpool) - Finished as a three-time runner-up for the Warriors
152: Ja’len Hernandez (Union)
160: Scott Patton (Sand Springs) - Runner-up at 6A 152
170: Isaac Strain (Tahlequah)
182: Talon Borror (Coweta) - Three-time state champion headed to Oklahoma
195: Elijah Tomlin (Union)
220: Korbin McLaughlin (Skiatook) - The 5A 220 champion this season to help Skiatook split the 5A state title with Collinsville
HWT: Caleb Orr (Jenks) - Runner-up in 6A heavyweight this season
Large West
113: Dominic Derr (Westmoore)
120: Jayston Cato (Carl Albert) - Runner-up at 5A 120 this season
126: Mitchell Lance (Piedmont) - Third place finish at 5A 126 this season
132: Colt Newton (Choctaw) - Finished third at 6A 132 this season
138: Cameron Picklo (Mustang) - Finished third at 138 this season
145: Kobi Gomez (Altus) - State champion at 5A 138 this season
152: Hunter Jump (Duncan) - State champion at 5A 160 after winning a state title at Lawton Mac as a junior
160: Rene Martinez (Putnam City) - Runner-up at 6A 160 this season
170: Zane Coleman (Choctaw) - Arizona State signee became a four-time state champion this season
182: Christian Maldonado (Lawton Mac) - State champion at 5A 170 this season
195: Carson Savage (Deer Creek) - Runner-up at 6A 195 this season
220: Jake McCoy (Edmond North) - Runner-up at 6A 220 this season
HWT: Josh Heindselman (Piedmont) - Became a two-time state champion by winning the 5A heavyweight crown this season
Small East
113: Kaleb Harris (Sallisaw)
120: Luke Montgomery (Bristow) - Finishied third at 4A 120 this season
126: Thaddeus Long (McLain) - Became the Titans’ first state champion since 1976 with a title at 4A 126
132: Wesley Scott (Pawnee) - Runner-up at 3A 132 this season
138: Price Perrier (Pawhuska) - Runner-up at 3A 138 this season
145: Trystian Shireman (Wagoner) - Finished third at 4A 138 this season
152: Hadyn Redus (Perry) - State champion at 3A 152 this season
160: Jacob Ahrberg (Cushing) - State champion at 4A 160 this season
170: Cade Shropshire (Checotah) - Two-time state champion for the Wildcats with the 3A 160 chamionship this season
182: River Simon (Vian) - Became a two-time state champion by winning the 3A 182 title this season
195: Eriq Simpson (Cushing) - Runner-up at 4A 195 this season
220: Drake Barbee (Blackwell) - State champion at 3A 195 this season
HWT: Teaguen Wilson (Perry) - Runner-up at 3A heavyweight this season
Small West
113: Remington White (Walters) - Former state champion was the 3A runner-up at 113 this season
120: Jaxon Miller (Comanche)
126: Logan Farrell (Tuttle) - Runner-up at 4A 126 this season
132: Kolton Smith (Bridge Creek) - Became the Bobcats’ first state champion by winning the 3A 126 title this season
138: Kobey Kizarr (Marlow) - State champion at 3A 138 this season
145: Val Park (Heritage Hall) - Became a three-time state champion by winning 4A 138 title this season
152: Alec McDoulett (Little Axe) - Runner-up at 3A 152 this season
160: Tyler Lavey (Marlow) - Runner-up at 3A 160 this season
170: Ethon Hamrick (Comanche)
182: Denver Dahlenburg (Hinton)
195: Carson Berryhill (Tuttle) - Won a second straight state championship by winning 4A 195 title this season
220: Cameron Gregg (Pauls Valley)
HWT: Ruben Guiterrez (Clinton) - Finished third at 4A heavyweight this season
**Photo courtesy of Austin Bernard/Owrestle.com
STATE WRESTLING: Drake Barbee's story of survival
| Ben Johnson
EMAIL ME - ben@skordle.com | RELATED - State tournament wrestling predictions
Drake Barbee will take the mat at Jim Norick Arena on Friday. Impressive for someone who was near death 14 months ago.
“It was as severe as it could have gotten,” Barbee said, “other than death, of course.”
Barbee, attending Stilwell during his junior year at the time, was en route to his dad’s fiance’s house in Broken Arrow.
Then things went horribly wrong.
“I have no recollection of anything other then trying to avoid something that night,” Barbee said. “The people at the hospital told me there was a guy that crossed over the center line that was high on meth, and I should have died.”
Needless to say, Dec. 19, 2017, was a horrifying day for Chris Barbee, Drake’s dad.
“Hardest phone call I ever had to take,” the elder Barbee said. “A lot of stuff goes through your mind, and I didn’t know the extent of his injuries until I got to the hospital.”
Chris Barbee was about to be horrified all over again. The list of Drake’s ailments was painfully extensive.
- Broken hip
- Broken jaw
- Traumatic brain injury
- Brain bleeds
The injuries caused Drake Barbee to spend nine days in a coma. Then came “multiple months in multiple hospitals,” Drake recalled. “Then a rehab center for an additional month.”
Drake’s near-death experience came immediately after competing at the Tournament of Champions in Reno, Nevada. And it would be the last time he’d take the wrestling mat for a while -- and understandably so.
“It was hard; I looking anywhere I could to get on the mat,” Drake said. “I was decently moving after the rehab center, and my mentality was ‘just keep going.’ I was just trying to grind it out.”
But he pushed himself too hard. He ended up blowing out a knee while recovering.
His junior season was a lost cause. That prompted several months of rest for Drake, and it wasn’t long before he relocated to Blackwell.
But Drake also faced a harsh reality.
“It hit me,” he said, “I realized I might not be able to wrestle for a while.”
A crushing realization for someone who lives for the wrestling room.
“It’s my lifestyle,” Drake said. “I literally love wrestling. Call me crazy, but it’s what I do.”
For Chris Barbee, it was agonizing watching his son endure hardships that no high school athlete should have to entertain.
“It was very tough to see him go through that kind of ordeal,” Chris Barbee said. “I just knew it was gonna be a long road back.”
But Drake navigated the path back to full strength -- or as close to full strength as he can get.
Now he sports a 34-4 record and a regional championship as he enters the 195-pound field in the Class 3A state tournament in Oklahoma City.
“It’s been awesome,” Drake Barbee said of being at Blackwell for his senior season. “The wrestling tradition is what I like. It doesn’t get much better.”
Regardless of how Drake, an Arkansas-Little Rock signee, does at State Fair Arena, it’ll be impressive for a wrestler who was told he may never display the correct walking tendencies.
“The doctor said he’d never had someone recover and walk correctly,” Drake Barbee said. “So to recover and do what I’m doing now, I’m truly blessed.”
And Chris Barbee couldn’t be happier to coach his son for his senior season.
“It’s been very satisfying to see him get back to his old self and what he’s capable of,” Chris Barbee said. “He’s very driven and is a tireless worker. He’s wrestling really good right now, and he is gonna be tough to beat.”
PLAYOFF PICKS: Week 1 edition
| Ben Johnson
All hail Randy Turney and his picking skills. He made it look easy while beating the snot out of Swisher, Whitt and myself. He spent 11 weeks picking games and gradually putting all of us away -- well, most of us. Swisher might have an outside shot of catching him. We'll see how it plays out. Me, on the other hand, I have to face the music and wave the white flag. Picking for pride now!
Week 10 picks - Coach Turney 19-7 | Whitt 19-7 | Swisher 18-8 | Ben 13-13
Overall - Turney 158-52 | Swisher 151-59 | Whitt 148-58 | Ben 140-70
Now I present picks for the first round of the playoffs:
Norman at Owasso
Michael Swisher: Owasso 38, Norman 24
Ben Johnson: Owasso 33, Norman 31
Whitt Carter: Owasso 34, Norman 24
Randy Turney: Owasso 28, Norman 7
Edmond Santa Fe at Union
Michael Swisher: Union 31, Edmond Santa Fe 21
Ben Johnson: Union 31, Edmond Santa Fe 13
Whitt Carter: Union 37, Edmond Santa Fe 13
Randy Turney: Union 32, Edmond Santa Fe 14
Del City at Booker T. Washington
Michael Swisher: Del City 33, Booker T. Washington 20
Ben Johnson: Del City 23, Booker T. Washington 19
Whitt Carter: Del City 27, Booker T. Washington 21
Randy Turney: Booker T. Washington 21, Del City 20
Lawton at Bixby
Michael Swisher: Bixby 28, Lawton 13
Ben Johnson: Bixby 28, Lawton 7
Whitt Carter: Bixby 41, Lawton 21
Randy Turney: Bixby 42, Lawton 20
Sapulpa at Midwest City
Michael Swisher: Midwest City 39, Sapulpa 24
Ben Johnson: Midwest City 36, Sapulpa 20
Whitt Carter: Midwest City 35, Sapulpa 14
Randy Turney: Midwest City 42, Sapulpa 7
Altus at Bishop McGuinness
Michael Swisher: Bishop McGuinness 28, Altus 14
Ben Johnson: Bishop McGuinness 24, Altus 16
Whitt Carter: Bishop McGuinness 37, Altus 24
Randy Turney: Bishop McGuinness 24, Altus 14
Guthrie at Duncan
Michael Swisher: Duncan 14, Guthrie 12
Ben Johnson: Duncan 20, Guthrie 13
Whitt Carter: Duncan 28, Guthrie 27
Randy Turney: Guthrie 21, Duncan 14
Claremore at Edison
Michael Swisher: Edison 24, Claremore 22
Ben Johnson: Claremore 29, Edison 23
Whitt Carter: Edison 34, Claremore 28
Randy Turney: Claremore 23, Edison 21
Coweta at Tahlequah
Michael Swisher: Tahlequah 27, Coweta 23
Ben Johnson: Tahlequah 30, Coweta 27
Whitt Carter: Tahlequah 30, Coweta 21
Randy Turney: Tahlequah 30, Coweta 16
Hilldale at Bristow
Michael Swisher: Bristow 38, Hilldale 30
Ben Johnson: Bristow 29, Hilldale 18
Whitt Carter: Bristow 37, Hilldale 31
Randy Turney: Bristow 42, Hilldale 10
Catoosa at Broken Bow
Michael Swisher: Broken Bow 30, Catoosa 12
Ben Johnson: Broken Bow 20, Catoosa 10
Whitt Carter: Catoosa 27, Broken Bow 24
Randy Turney: Broken Bow 38, Catoosa 20
Blanchard at Cache
Michael Swisher: Blanchard 31, Cache 30
Ben Johnson: Cache 37, Blanchard 32
Whitt Carter: Cache 21, Blanchard 20
Randy Turney: Blanchard 32, Cache 14
Seminole at Berryhill
Michael Swisher: Berryhill 28, Seminole 20
Ben Johnson: Berryhill 36, Seminole 27
Whitt Carter: Seminole 37, Berryhill 35
Randy Turney: Berryhill 28, Seminole 14
Stigler at Locust Grove
Michael Swisher: Locust Grove 19, Stigler 16
Ben Johnson: Locust Grove 23, Stigler 22
Whitt Carter: Stigler 28, Locust Grove 26
Randy Turney: Locust Grove 24, Stigler 16
John Marshall at Plainview
Michael Swisher: John Marshall 22, Plainview 20
Ben Johnson: John Marshall 30, Plainview 26
Whitt Carter: Plainview 35, John Marshall 31
Randy Turney: John Marshall 27, Plainview 20
Victory Christian at Metro Christian
Michael Swisher: Victory Christian 30, Metro Christian 24
Ben Johnson: Metro Christian 42, Victory Christian 27
Whitt Carter: Metro Christian 34, Victory Christian 21
Randy Turney: Metro Christian 30, Victory Christian 24
Kellyville at Perry
Michael Swisher: Perry 24, Kellyville 21
Ben Johnson: Perry 24, Kellyville 17
Whitt Carter: Perry 27, Kellyville 20
Randy Turney: Perry 34, Kellyville 20
Spiro at Eufaula
Michael Swisher: Eufaula 20, Spiro 19
Ben Johnson: Eufaula 32, Spiro 22
Whitt Carter: Spiro 21, Eufaula 18
Randy Turney: Eufaula 24, Spiro 23
Okemah at Oklahoma Christian School
Michael Swisher: OCS 38, Okemah 20
Ben Johnson: OCS 43, Okemah 32
Whitt Carter: OCS 35, Okemah 28
Randy Turney: OCS 34, Okemah 21
Chisholm at Meeker
Michael Swisher: Meeker 30, Chisholm 28
Ben Johnson: Meeker 31, Chisholm 19
Whitt Carter: Chisholm 24, Meeker 20
Randy Turney: Meeker 32, Chisholm 14
Christian Heritage at Ringling
Michael Swisher: Ringlng 30, Christian Heritage 22
Ben Johnson: Ringlng 26, Christian Heritage 21
Whitt Carter: Ringling 31, Christian Heritage 28
Randy Turney: Ringling 28, Christian Heritage 7
Thomas at Frederick
Michael Swisher: Frederick 24, Thomas 14
Ben Johnson: Thomas 26, Frederick 22
Whitt Carter: Thomas 37, Frederick 24
Randy Turney: Thomas 14, Frederick 13
Central Sallisaw at Wayne
Michael Swisher: Central Sallisaw 34, Wayne 32
Ben Johnson: Wayne 33, Central Sallisaw 27
Whitt Carter: Wayne 42, Central Sallisaw 38
Randy Turney: Wayne 28, Central Sallisaw 18
Wynnewood at Gore
Michael Swisher: Gore 31, Wynnewood 28
Ben Johnson: Wynnewood 34, Gore 31
Whitt Carter: Gore 35, Wynnewood 31
Randy Turney: Wynnewood 20, Gore 18
Yale at Foyil
Michael Swisher: Foyil 30, Yale 22
Ben Johnson: Yale 44, Foyil 29
Whitt Carter: Yale 44, Foyil 36
Randy Turney: Yale 42, Foyil 12
Pioneer at Seiling
Michael Swisher: Seiling 24, Pioneer 21
Ben Johnson: Pioneer 45, Seiling 19
Whitt Carter: Seiling 42, Pioneer 40
Randy Turney: Pioneer 27, Seiling 22
Covington-Douglas at Paoli
Michael Swisher: Paoli 38, Covington-Douglas 28
Ben Johnson: Paoli 39, Covington-Douglas 28
Whitt Carter: Paoli 42, Covington-Douglas 32
Randy Turney: Paoli 34, Covington-Douglas 22
Medford at Graham-Dustin
Michael Swisher: Graham-Dustin 50, Medford 33
Ben Johnson: Graham-Dustin 49, Medford 32
Whitt Carter: Graham-Dustin 38, Medford 34
Randy Turney: Medford 34, Graham-Dustin 20
Tyrone at Fox
Michael Swisher: Tyrone 40, Fox 35
Ben Johnson: Tyrone 38, Fox 37
Whitt Carter: Fox 46, Tyrone 38
Randy Turney: Tyrone 38, Fox 20
Midway at Coyle
Michael Swisher: Coyle 39, Midway 30
Ben Johnson: Coyle 55, Midway 22
Whitt Carter: Coyle 36, Midway 30
Randy Turney: Coyle 48, Midway 12
Let us know what you think. Tweet your predictions to us at @Skordle.
Week 10: Top 10 games
| Ben Johnson
The playoffs are here! Well, not quite but for some teams it will feel that way. Some teams are playing to extend their seasons while some are playing to better position themselves for long postseason runs. Week 10 is always a whirlwind, so buckle up and hold on!
Here's what's on tap:
1. 6AII No. 1 Stillwater (9-0) at 6AII No. 4 Del City (7-2): It has been a day or two since Stillwater last laid claim to a district championship. Since 1995 to be exact. Pioneers can clinch the District 6AII-1 title with a win. A Del City victory (plus a Midwest City win over PC West) creates a three-way tie at the top of the district with district points deciding the champion. Stillwater is 2-0 against Del City, but they haven't played since 2007.
2. 5A No. 1 Carl Albert at 5A No. 4 Bishop McGuinness (8-1): If these two are squaring off, there's always something significant on the line. Last season it was the Class 5A championship. This time, it's for 5A-2 supremacy. The winner claims the district crown. For Carl Albert, it would two years in a row. For the Irish, it would be the third district title in four years.
3. A No. 2 Cashion (9-0) at A No. 3 Minco (8-1): Take the Stillwater-Del City playoff scenario and apply it here. Cashion wins the District A-3 title with a win. A victory for Minco creates a logjam atop the district with Crossings Christian off for the way and cemented at 7-1 in the district. A Cashion win also moves Minco to third.
4. 2A No. 2 Sperry (9-0) at 2A No. 4 Beggs (8-1): It's been 77 years -- SEVENTY. SEVEN. -- since Sperry was 9-0. The Pirates have won a district title more recently than that (1992), but it's still been a long time for that, too. Beggs, on the other hand, is coming off a runner-up finish in Class 3A, so this is familiar territory for the Demons. The winner here claims the District 2A-3 title, and the loser finishes second. The quarterback matchup -- Sperry's Beau Tell against Beggs' Dalton Spring -- should be a good one, too.
5. 3A No. 3 John Marshall (8-1) at 3A No. 7 Kingfisher (6-3): Winner finishes second in 3A-1 and gets a home playoff game. Loser finishes third and hits the road -- likely to Plainview -- in the first round of the playoffs.
6. 4A No. 8 Hilldale (8-1) at 4A No. 1 Poteau (9-0): Poteau will have to reverse a recent trend if it wants to win District 4A-4. The Pirates can win the district with a win, but a Hilldale victory likely creates a three-team tie atop the standings with Broken Bow also involved. The streak Poteau has to end is its losing ways to Hilldale, who has beaten the Pirates four times in a row, dating bcak to 2010. Poteau's last win over Hilldale was 2009.
7. 6AI No. 7 Owasso (5-4) at 6AI No. 5 Putnam City North (8-1): Neither one can catch Union in 6AI-2, but the Panthers can lock up second place with a win over Owasso, the reigning 6AI champion. An Owasso win likely means the Rams, PC North finish in a tie for second and resort to district points. A win for PC North would be its first ever against Owasso. The Rams are 4-0 all-time against PC North.
8. 5A No. 7 Tahlequah (8-1) at 5A No. 9 Claremore (6-3): This one is simple enough -- winner gets second place in 5A-4, the loser finishes third. The running back battle between Tahlequah's Dae Dae Leathers and Claremore's Jace Hightower should be fun to watch.
9. 6AII No. 2 Bixby (8-1) at 6AII No. 7 Muskogee (6-3): Regardless of records, it seems as though Bixby always struggles with Muskogee. The Spartans have secured the 6AII-2 title and can look toward a home playoff game next week, while Muskogee needs a win to finish third in 6AII-2.
10. 5A No. 5 Altus (8-1) at 5A No. 10 Duncan (8-1): Same at the Tahlequah-Claremore game -- winner gets second place, loser finishes third.
Honorable mention
Edmond Santa Fe at Norman: The Wolves are in the playoffs, but a win would assure a third-place finish. A Norman victory gives the Tigers a chance to make the playoffs with Westmoore headed to Jenks.
Ada at Edison: Winner finishes second in 5A-3, loser gets third since both Edison and Ada are vastly ahead of McAlester in district points.
Clinton at Cache: The Red Tornadoes are no strangers to district titles with 38, according to Iwasatthegame.com. Yet, Clinton hasn't won one since 2011. Cache hasn't won one since 1983. It's a winner-take-all game in 4A-1.
Oologah at Catoosa: A Catoosa win likely means third place and would leave Bristow and Wagoner to settle the district title. An Oologah victory likely means Bristow, Wagoner and Oologah finish tied for the district title, and would likely go to Bristow based on district points.
Checotah at Lincoln Christian: Well, the best way to describe the District 3A-3 standings is jumbled. But don't over-think it. More likely than not, Seminole, Stigler and Idabel should bag victories this week, so this game will decide whether there's a five-way tie for first place or a three-way tie for second place. Either way, it's all about district points at that stage.
Locust Grove at Vinita: After Berryhill at the top of this district, it gets a bit chaotic. Vinita need to win to keep its playoff hopes alive, whereas Locust Grove claims second place with a win.
Lindsay at Kingston: Even if Lindsay wins here, Kingston will have wrapped up its first district championship since 1987. That's how sizeable Kingston's district points lead is.
Panama at Holland Hall: The Dutch win a district title with a win over Panama, whereas a Panama victory likely hands the district title to Vian.
Christian Heritage at Crescent: Someone's season will end here. District A-3 is deep so this game will decide who finishes fourth. Crazy to think Crescent could go from Class A runner-up to out of the playoffs, but that's the scenario headed into this week's slate of games.
Pawhuska at Pawnee: Pawnee has to win to keep its playoff hopes alive. A Pawhuska win would assure the Huskies of third place in District A-5.
Hobart at Frederick: Simple enough on this one. The winner claims the District A-2 title and the loser finishes second.
Ringling at Apache: Did you read the Hobart-Frederick breakdown? Same thing applies here. Would be Ringling's eighth straight district title.
Gore at Central Sallisaw: Gore is looking for its first district championship since 2011. A Central Sallisaw win would give it a chance at a district title for the first time since 2001.
Weleetka at Wetumka: District B-5 will be decide in this one. Winner gets first place, loser gets second place.
Regent Prep at Foyil: These two clubs have played some stout defense this year, giving up only a combined 112 points in 17 games. The better defense here will help its win a district championship. The loser of the game stays home for the playoffs but won't claim a district title.
Paoli at Graham-Dustin: Winner claims the District C-4 championship. Loser finishes second.
*Photo courtesy of Jason Elmquist/Stillwater NewsPress
Week 10 rankings
| Ben Johnson
Here's the top 10 in each class heading into Week 10
Class 6AI
1. Broken Arrow (1) - 9-0
2. Jenks (2) - 8-1
3. Union (3) - 7-2
4. Edmond Santa Fe (4) - 7-2
5. Putnam City North (6) - 8-1
6. Moore (8) - 5-4
7. Owasso (5) - 5-4
8. Yukon (9) - 5-4
9. Norman (10) - 5-4
10. Westmoore (7) - 5-4
Class 6AII
1. Stillwater (1) - 9-0
2. Bixby (2) - 8-1
3. Midwest City (4) - 7-2
4. Del City (5) - 7-2
5. Booker T. Washington (6) - 6-3
6. Lawton (4) - 5-4
7. Muskogee (8) - 6-3
8. Sapulpa (7) - 6-3
9. Choctaw (9) - 4-5
10. Sand Springs (NR) - 3-6
Class 5A
1. Carl Albert (1) - 9-0
2. Ardmore (2) - 9-0
3. Collinsville (3) - 9-0
4. Bishop McGuinness (4) - 8-1
5. Altus (5) - 8-1
6. Bishop Kelley (8) - 7-2
7. Tahlequah (8) - 8-1
8. Guthrie (6) - 7-2
9. Claremore (9) - 6-3
10. Duncan (10) - 8-1
Class 4A
1. Poteau (1) - 9-0
2. Tuttle (2) - 9-0
3. Wagoner (5) - 8-1
4. Blanchard (3) - 7-2
5. Bristow (4) - 8-1
6. Bethany (6) - 8-1
7. Broken Bow (8) - 7-2
8. Hilldale (9) - 8-1
9. Catoosa (8) - 7-2
10. Clinton (10) - 8-1
Class 3A
1. Heritage Hall (1) - 8-1
2. Berryhill (2) - 9-0
3. John Marshall (3) - 8-1
4. Sulphur (4) - 8-1
5. Lincoln Christian (5) - 8-1
6. Plainview (6) - 7-2
7. Kingfisher (7) - 6-3
8. Seminole (8) - 7-2
9. Stigler (10) - 7-2
10. Locust Grove (NR) - 7-2
Class 2A
1. Millwood (1) - 9-0
2. Sperry (2) - 9-0
3. Jones (3) - 8-1
4. Beggs (4) - 8-1
5. Holland Hall (5) - 7-2
6. Vian (6) - 7-2
7. Washington (7) - 7-2
8. Kingston (8) - 8-1
9. Meeker (9) - 8-1
10. Coalgate (10) - 8-1
Class A
1. Hooker (1) - 9-0
2. Cashion (2) - 9-0
3. Minco (3) - 8-1
4. Rejoice Christian (4) - 9-0
5. Ringling (6) - 9-0
6. Stroud (7) - 8-1
7. Tonkawa (8) - 8-1
8. Crossings Christian (5) - 8-2
9. Morrison (9) - 8-1
10. Frederick (10) - 8-1
Class B
1. Shattuck (1) - 8-0
2. Davenport (2) - 9-0
3. Regent Prep (3) - 8-0
4. Snyder (4) - 8-0
5. Laverne (5) - 7-2
6. Dewar (6) - 8-1
7. Waurika (8) - 8-0
8. Yale (7) - 7-2
9. Weleetka (NR) - 7-2
10. Keota (10) - 6-1
Class C
1. SW Covenant (1) - 8-0
2. Tipton (2) - 7-2
3. Buffalo (3) - 9-0
4. Coyle (4) - 6-2
5. Pond Creek-Hunter (5) - 8-1
6. Tyrone (6) - 6-2
7. Paoli (7) - 9-1
8. Graham-Dustin (9) - 9-0
9. Medford (10) - 5-3
10. Covington-Douglas (9) - 6-4
() - Last week's ranking