Week 5 picks

9/27/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Whitt and I have reached red-alert status for this season. If we're not careful, we may be stripped of our picking duties. Either that, or our picks will be distributed for pure comedy.

Week 4 picks - Swisher 15-3 | Coach Turney 16-2 | Whitt 15-3 | Ben 13-5

Overall - Swisher 66-25 | Turney 64-27 | Ben 57-34 | Whitt 57-34

My apologies in advance to the teams I pick below:

Midwest City at Stillwater

Michael Swisher: Stillwater 28, Midwest City 17

Ben Johnson: Stillwater 37, Midwest City 32

Whitt Carter: Stillwater 34, Midwest City 27

Randy Turney: Stillwater 34, Midwest City 20

Heritage Hall at John Marshall

Michael Swisher: Heritage Hall 24, John Marshall 22

Ben Johnson: John Marshall 20, Heritage Hall 18

Whitt Carter: Heritage Hall 27, John Marshall 14

Randy Turney: Heritage Hall 24, John Marshall 21

Booker T. Washington at Bixby

Michael Swisher: Booker T. Washington 27, Bixby 20

Ben Johnson: Bixby 21, Booker T. Washington 20

Whitt Carter: Bixby 21, Booker T. Washington 20

Randy Turney: Bixby 28, Booker T. Washington 20

Altus at Ardmore

Michael Swisher: Ardmore 23, Altus 17

Ben Johnson: Ardmore 20, Altus 19

Whitt Carter: Ardmore 35, Altus 21

Randy Turney: Ardmore 21, Altus 20

Tahlequah at Skiatook

Michael Swisher: Skiatook 24, Tahlequah 14

Ben Johnson: Tahlequah 24, Skiatook 20

Whitt Carter: Tahlequah 35, Skiatook 31

Randy Turney: Skiatook 28, Tahlequah 21

Lincoln Christian at Seminole

Michael Swisher: Lincoln Christian 31, Seminole 21

Ben Johnson: Lincoln Christian 27, Seminole 19

Whitt Carter: Lincoln Christian 42, Seminole 28

Randy Turney: Lincoln Christian 22, Seminole 14

Davenport at Dewar

Michael Swisher: Davenport 41, Dewar 33

Ben Johnson: Davenport 37, Dewar 22

Whitt Carter: Davenport 52, Dewar 42

Randy Turney: Davenport 48, Dewar 40

Berryhill at Locust Grove

Michael Swisher: Berryhill 30, Locust Grove 29

Ben Johnson: Berryhill 29, Locust Grove 20

Whitt Carter: Berryhill 28, Locust Grove 21

Randy Turney: Berryhill 34, Locust Grove 21

Yukon at Edmond Santa Fe

Michael Swisher: Edmond Santa Fe 31, Yukon 20

Ben Johnson: Edmond Santa Fe 24, Yukon 17

Whitt Carter: Edmond Santa Fe 27, Yukon 17

Randy Turney: Edmond Santa Fe 21, Yukon 14

Yale at Regent Prep

Michael Swisher: Regent Prep 42, Yale 28

Ben Johnson: Regent Prep 38, Yale 30

Whitt Carter: Regent Prep 38, Yale 32

Randy Turney: Regent Prep 38, Yale 14

Crescent at Crossings Christian

Michael Swisher: Crescent 29, Crossings Christian 24

Ben Johnson: Crossings Christian 27, Crescent 23

Whitt Carter: Crossings Christian 24, Crescent 20

Randy Turney: Crossings Christian 28, Crescent 20

Jones at Meeker

Michael Swisher: Jones 35, Meeker 20

Ben Johnson: Jones 42, Meeker 27

Whitt Carter: Jones 36, Meeker 28

Randy Turney: Jones 34, Meeker 22

Clinton at Weatherford

Michael Swisher: Clinton 18, Weatherford 14

Ben Johnson: Clinton 22, Weatherford 17

Whitt Carter: Weatherford 24, Clinton 18

Randy Turney: Weatherford 22, Clinton 20

Broken Bow at Hilldale

Michael Swisher: Hilldale 21, Broken Bow 20

Ben Johnson: Hilldale 27, Broken Bow 21

Whitt Carter: Hilldale 34, Broken Bow 28

Randy Turney: Hilldale 22, Broken Bow 14

Woodward at Bishop McGuinness

Michael Swisher: Bishop McGuinness 31, Woodward 14

Ben Johnson: Bishop McGuinness 33, Woodward 22

Whitt Carter: Bishop McGuinness 37, Woodward 21

Randy Turney: Bishop McGuinness 38, Woodward 20

Memorial at Collinsville

Michael Swisher: Collinsville 28, Memorial 17

Ben Johnson: Collinsville 23, Memorial 12

Whitt Carter: Collinsville 28, Memorial 13

Randy Turney: Collinsville 22, Memorial 21

Union at Mustang

Michael Swisher: Union 28, Mustang 26

Ben Johnson: Union 37, Mustang 17

Whitt Carter: Union 27, Mustang 16

Randy Turney: Union 38, Mustang 18

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

Week 5: Top 10 games

9/25/2018 |  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. 6AII No. 2 Midwest City (3-1) at 6AII No. 1 Stillwater (4-0): In a loaded Class 6AII District 1, the winner here has to feel good about having the inside edge to a district title. The Bombers, having beaten Stillwater four of the last six matchups since 2012, topped the Pioneers in a 35-21 clash last season. In that game, Midwest City quarterback Preston Colbert accounted for 234 yards through the air, including three touchdowns. For good measure, he also rushed for two scores. Last week, Lawton's Miles Davis torched Midwest City for 181 yards and two touchdowns, and now Stillwater will deploy Qwontrel Walker, who rushed for 300-plus yards against Deer Creek last week.

2. 3A No. 1 Heritage Hall (3-1) at 3A No. 2 John Marshall (4-0): Heritage Hall's Billy Ross is closing in on 2,000 career rushing yards. John Marshall quarterback Jerod Leviston is closing in on 1,000 yards through the air this season. And while the offenses may have superb star power, it's the defense stealing the spotlights here. Heritage Hall has only given up 51 points -- most coming in a 30-20 loss to Millwood. John Marshall has yielded only 28 points -- most recently only giving up 10 in a 76-10 win over Bridge Creek last week. These two -- both reigning state champions: Heritage Hall (4A) and John Marshall (3A) -- have met in non-district play the last two seasons with the Chargers winning both. Now they get to square off with district supremacy on the line.

3. 6AII No. 4 Booker T. Washington (2-2) at 6AII No. 3 Bixby (3-1): Rematch of last year's 6AII title game -- one that saw Booker T. Washington come from behind to win. Both teams showcase stellar defensive units. Bixby is led by Ryan Kerr, Brody Sartin, Ethan Hall, Noah West and others, while Booker T. Washington's defense is led by Dax Hill, one of the nation's top recruits who just committed to Michigan. The key for both teams will be finding offensive success. Bixby will lean on quarterback Mason Williams, tailback Braden Roller and wideout Brennan Presley. Booker T. Washington was without its top tailback, Thomas Grayson, against Bartleville last week, and primary quarterback Dwight Hamilton also suffered an arm injury against the Bruins. If Hamilton is unable to go, the Hornets are likely to turn to Tai Dobbins. These two clubs have met every year since 2014, and the Hornets have won three of the five games.

4. 5A No. 3 Altus (4-0) at 5A No. 2 Ardmore (4-0): This might end being the quickest game of the week. Lots and lots of running and by a multitude of players. The Bulldogs have had at least seven players carry the ball at least 16 times and for more than 130 yards to this point in the season. And six of those seven have found the end zone. Ardmore has five -- Cameron Petties, Tero Roberts, Jadrien Monor, Jermaine Scallion and Eean Ross -- primary ball carries, all of which have shared the ball for more than 1,100 yards. Since 2010, Altus and Ardmore have shared district space, and Ardmore has gone 5-2 in those contests.

5. 5A No. 7 Tahlequah (4-0) at 5A No. 4 Skiatook (4-0): Two of the most unheralded players in the state -- Tahlequah's Dae Dae Leathers and Skiatook's Jayden Garner -- will battle it out this week. Leathers and the Tigers rushing attack has been nearly impossible to stop, and Skiatook has been extremely balanced on offense with Garner and Cody Evans at quarterback. One area where Skiatook could have the advantage is defense; the Bulldogs have given up only 19 points through four games. Twice opponents have scored 20 or more points against the Tigers.

6. 3A No. 4 Lincoln Christian (4-0) at 3A No. 7 Seminole (4-0): Much like Heritage Hall and John Marshall, Lincoln Christian and Seminole spent the last two seasons playing as non-district foes (with Lincoln Christian winning both). Seminole will undoubtedly turn to Cameron Gunville (761 yards on 70 carries) in the ground game, while Lincoln Christian will spread it around, thanks to quarterback Chase Ricke (875 yards, 10 TDs on 41 of 69 attempts), tailback Brendyn Harris (402 yards on 66 carries) and Sam Brueggemann (436 yards on 14 catches).

7. B No. 2 Davenport (4-0) at B No. 4 Dewar (4-0): Jacob Acord and Stevie Orr have been nothing short of stellar on the offensive side of the ball for Davenport. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs' defense remains tough to crack. These two teams put on a show last year in a 44-42 win for Davenport.

8. 3A No. 3 Berryhill (4-0) at 3A No. 9 Locust Grove (4-0): Here's a solid matchup of two quarterbacks that don't get the credit they deserved. Berryhill's Cody Ross has tossed for 750 yards and six touchdowns while completing 46 of 80 attempts. For Locust Grove, Caden Bendabout is completing 71 percent (54 of 76) of his passes for 865 yards and seven touchdowns. These two teams have met every year since 2013, and Locust Grove has won three of the five, although Berryhill has won the last two (a 46-14 win last year).

9. 6AI No. 6 Yukon (4-0) at 6AI No. 4 Edmond Santa Fe (4-0): The winner here might announce itself as a potential threat to Broken Arrow, Jenks or Union at the top of 6AI. The Wolves have won the past seven games dating back to 2011, and they'll test Yukon's defense with Kanan Hansen at quarterback.

10. B No. 7 Yale (4-0) at B No. 3 Regent Prep (3-0): Yale hasn't gotten the credit it deserves this season, but that'll end if it's able to knock off Regent Prep. The Rams' Braden Gilbert has thrown for 957 yards and 14 touchdowns while completing 37 of 57 passes this season. The two teams have only met once, and Yale won 38-14 in 2011.

Honorable mention

Crescent at Crossings Christian: Another week, another big showdown in District A-3. These two haven't met since 2015 with the series tied 2-2.

Jones at Meeker: Meeker's unbeaten start will be tested with these two clubs facing off for the first time since 2009.

Clinton at Weatherford: These two Interstate-40 rivals have met every year since 1957, including several some memorable playoffs showdown. Weatherford won last year's meeting 30-7.

Broken Bow at Hilldale: Hornets have beaten Broken Bow two years in a row, including last year's 21-6 decision.

Woodward at Bishop McGuinness: Woodward hasn't beaten Bishop McGuinness since 1996. The Irish have won the last seven matchups between the two clubs.

Memorial at Collinsville: Jamoni Jones rushed for 300-plus yards against East Central last week, but now he'll face a test in the Cardinals' stout defense. Collinsville's defense has been a lockdown unit since allowing 250-plus yards to Bartlesville's DeAndre Young in week two.

Union at Mustang: Union has won all six games against Mustang in the series between the two. Three times it has finished as a one-possession game, but Union won last year 48-28.

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

*Photo by Jimmy Gillespie/Stillwater NewsPress

POSTSEASON PREDICTIONS

11/15/2019 |  Ben Johnson

Michael Swisher

6A-I - Union over Edmond Santa Fe
The Redskins were my preseason pick and about a month into the season it appeared to be a foolish one. Even now - as they’ve landed on the tougher half of the bracket - it would seem yours truly is just being stubborn. I think Owasso is the best team, but Union is a different squad than it was early in the season. The Redskins are going to upset Broken Arrow and Owasso on the way to a state title. If I would have written that last sentence four years ago, you all would have sent me in for a brain scan.

6A-II - Bixby over Stillwater
Who’s going to beat them?

5A - Carl Albert over Bishop McGuinness
Every single pundit in the state is going to write the same thing. Some people may have discounted the Titans after the shocking loss to Piedmont. If anything, it ignited them. They proved it last week by hammering McGuinness. The title is again theirs to lose. It’s all true.

4A - Bethany over Tuttle
Obligatory Sam Brandt reference, but it’s warranted. He’s explosive on offense and dynamic on defense. The Bethany run game is exceptional and it sets up the adequate passing game. And if you need proof of how stingy the Broncho defense is, just go look at the Tuttle result. This is a complete team.

3A - Heritage Hall over Perkins-Tryon
I’m not so sure this is as much of a given as last year (or the Chargers’ 2017 title in 4A or 2015 title in 3A). Heritage Hall has the versatile Phillip Smitherman leading the way, but a number of Chargers can help get the job done. They know how to win big games and rarely do you see them make mistakes that cost them games. You have to beat them. That said, I’m not convinced that Lincoln Christian isn’t the best team, so watch out for that semifinal. And if you need a sleeper, look at the bottom of the bracket in Perkins-Tryon, although the Demons no doubt have the toughest road to the finals.

2A - Sperry over Metro Christian
This might be my toughest class to pick. I bounced between Sperry and Metro Christian at least a half-dozen times. Two dominant offenses AND defenses. I’m going to go with experience, which is what led me to Sperry. Don’t sleep on Vian, my preseason pick, either.

A - Cashion over Rejoice Christian
The Wildcats would probably prefer I pick another squad. I believe I tabbed Cashion a year ago and the Wildcats were done before the quarterfinals. Cashion doesn’t have a superstar, but it has a TON of stars. It’s got to be a nightmare to prepare for them because if you key on one, two or three players, then one, two or three others can hurt you. There are a plethora of potential speed bumps on both sides of the bracket, so you never know in Class A (who picked Tonkawa and CHA to reach last year’s title game?). I think Cashion and Rejoice Christian are the two best. Either could win it.

B - Regent Prep over Shattuck
They got a taste of the state title game last year and they’re ready to take the next step. Regent has been the most dominant team in the class and it’s not close. Of course Shattuck knows how to get it done. The Bullards have made the western Oklahoma program a dynasty. But not even that dynasty can overcome the talent gap between Regent and the rest of the class this season.

C - Pond Creek-Hunter over Waynoka
The Panthers are tired of being bridesmaids. Four times in the last decade they’ve been runners-up. This is the squad that gets it done. While PC-H piles on the points, it’s the defense that sets the Panthers apart. The potential semifinal with Southwest Covenant is a big one and Waynoka is lurking on the bottom half of the bracket. The Railroaders gave PC-H one of its two close games of the year.

Ben Johnson

Class 6AI
Owasso over Jenks
Edmond Santa Fe is coming on strong late in the season, but the Rams have been the most talented club in 6AI all season long. Oh, and Owasso has one of the best coaches in the state’s history.

Class 6AII
Bixby over Stillwater
This will be an epic rematch. The Pioneers are crazy loaded, but yet Bixby might be the best team in the entire state.

Class 5A
Carl Albert over Noble
The Titans have kicked it into high gear and another title is on the horizon.

Class 4A
Bethany over Bristow
Sam Brandt and Co. missed out on last year’s 4A title but not this year.

Class 3A
Heritage Hall over Plainview
Seriously considered going with Lincoln Christian as the 3A winner, but can’t pick against Heritage Hall until the Chargers actually lose.

Class 2A
Sperry over Metro Christian
It took the Pirates what seemed like forever to claim their first title and now could make it two in a row.

Class A
Stroud over Cashion
I had Stroud from the beginning of the season, so I’m gonna ride with the Tigers. Few problems along the way could be Ringling and Rejoice Christian. But nonetheless, sticking with Stroud.

Class B
Regent Prep over Dewar
The Rams have inched closer to a title every year and now they’ll finally get it.

Class C
Coyle over Southwest Covenant
Bluejackets head back to the finals for the second time and finally pick up their first championship.

Whitt Carter

6A1: Owasso

The Rams have been the best team all year and I don’t see why they don’t bring it home. I doubt it’s a cake walk, but with athletes everywhere and Bill Blankenship in charge, Owasso brings home its’ second title. 

6A2: Bixby

Is there really another choice? One of the most dominant runs in recent memory, the Spartans haven’t even really been tested this year. And I don’t think that’s changing. The best team in school history and *ducks* maybe the state? Yeah it’s a wrap. 

5A: Carl Albert

The Titans had the long winning streak snapped earlier this year in a surprising loss to Piedmont. That did nothing but refocus Carl Albert. The cream of the crop again rises to the top to win its’ 4th straight. 

4A: Tuttle

The Tigers got back on top last year and have only lost to Bethany this season. The year long favorite Broncos have a brutal path to the title game. I think someone catches them and Tuttle goes back-to-back.  

3A: Plainview

A team loaded with talent that is flying under the radar is my surprise pick here. The Indians have what it takes to get it done and are as complete of a team as any in the class. This bracket is full of good teams and it could get wild but I think the Indians win their first title. 

2A: Metro Christian

I’m sure I’m following the beat of the drum of our fearless leader Ben Johnson, who’s been a loyal Patriots fan for years now. And rightfully so. The Pats have as an impressive of an offense as you’ll see in many years in 2A. I don’t know that anyone can slow them down. The gold ball comes back to the 918. 

A: Cashion

I’ve picked the Wildcats for seemingly seven years now. And one day it’s gonna come true. So I’ll stick with it, as I think they are the most talented and are always so well coached. John Hardaway will be dancing in the streets. 

B: Shattuck

How do you pick anyone else? At this point it’s fair to assume that Shattuck wants Bama. But are they better than Bama?? Maybe they want LSU? Or the Patriots? I’m not picking against them ever so we are done here. 

C: Pond Creek-Hunter 

I’ll take Pond-Creek in an always fun class B. They have been impressive this year and always can put up a ton of points, which is a requirement in this class. The Panthers take the title in 2019.

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Giuseppe's Italian Dining in Marlow

11/14/2019 |  Michael Swisher

By Autumn Davenport

Former Marlow Outlaw

A little piece of Italy down in Southwestern Oklahoma. Marlow is the home Giuseppes’s Italian Dining in the heart of its historic Main Street. 

The restaurant is housed in an old bank building that was built in 1911. They have kept many of its original design elements to allow their guests a chance to go back in time while dining. 

This restaurant has been one of the crown jewels of Marlow for decades, and draws in crowds from all over. Make sure to sign in the guest book, and also take a peek at how far some guest have traveled to enjoy the cuisine over the years. 

Pictured: Original Marlow, OK Main Street circa 1911. The building on the right side with the shorter roof is still the home of the restaurant today. 

Food Recommendations: 

Starters: 

Artichoke Spinach Dip – always a favorite of mine. Served with large pieces of flat bread for you to dip with. If you are in the mood for a warm app to start your evening, this will not let you down. 

Salad and Bread - almost all entrees come with a house salad and bread for the table. The salad is a simple base of iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, black olives and parmesan cheese. But the house dressing takes it to another level. Olive Garden wishes their salad could beat this, but never will. 

Entrees: 

Pizzas – Keep in mind that their pizzas take 40 minutes to prepare to allow the cheese to melt perfectly. But does that sound like a bad thing when I told you how awesome the appetizers were? The wait is worth the hype. These brick oven styled pizzas will most definitely satisfy your hungry, and may even leave you a few leftovers for later due to their large size. 

Fettuccine Half & Half – The perfect balance of pasta sauce in this dish. They take the traditional fettuccine alfredo and elevate it with the additional of a rich homemade marinara sauce. If the traditional plate is too rich for you, try this twist and you may just find your new favorite order! I have also ordered the tortellini with this sauce option and was more than pleased with its turn out! 

Buoni Vicini – Translates to Good Neighbors – One of the most famous dishes and a house favorite. A simple meal of sautéed chicken breast with seasoned vegetables but in the style only Giuseppe’s can prepare. Take our word for it, this guilt free option may lead you to think you cheated your diet due to how amazing it tastes. 

House Wines: 

Both the red and the white house wines are actually made by a local winery in the heart of Marlow. Cotton Blossom Winery, owned by locals Ryan and Megan Bell, is located on Broadway just down the road from Giuseppe’s. Enjoy a carafe for the table, or a single glass for yourself and you won’t be disappointed. You may even buy a bottle from the restaurant to take home after you leave to remember the evening and all the joy it brought you. 

Pictured: Current Owners Tandy Banks and Brandon Floyd (also the Chef Partner). They are the third set of owners of the restaurant in its tenure. 

A locally-owned and operated restaurant is hard to come by these days with all the chain restaurants popping up overnight. This is a stop you have to make!

But make sure to plan ahead.

Giuseppe’s is only open Thursday – Sunday from 11 am – 9 pm. Whether you go for game day or for a fun date night, you will enjoy every minute of this Oklahoma gem. (Click the link at the top of the story to find the complete menu.)

OSSAA: UCO TO HOST 11-MAN TITLE GAMES

11/13/2019 |  Michael Swisher

In an effort to satisfy its membership and build up an atmosphere similar to basketball at “The Big House,” the OSSAA on Wednesday announced plans to consolidate all of its 11-man football state championships to one location this season.

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Wantland Stadium in Edmond will be the host site of seven title tilts over two weekends.

The announcement was made by OSSAA Executive Director David Jackson during a press conference at the association’s headquarters in Oklahoma City.