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

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

New changes for football in 2019

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Wes Hayes survives heart attack

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Perry claims 11th straight dual title

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Werner leaves Hilldale and returns to Poteau

Football | 2/12/2019 | MIke Kays | Muskogee Phoenix

3A/4A dual state roundup: Tigers’ Ten: Tuttle breezes to another dual title

2/10/2019 |  Ben Johnson

SHAWNEE -- Every wrestling team that entered FireLake Arena on Friday and Saturday scored teams points somewhere along the way. Except for the three that faced Tuttle. 

The Tigers put a chokehold on the Class 4A field and breezed to their 10th straight dual state championship and 16th overall. And Tuttle did it by finishing off Wagoner 63-0 in the finals.

“Pretty good team performance,” Tuttle’s Luke Surber said. “Other than that, our team was pretty dominant.”

That’s an understatement.

The Tigers won their three duals in the tournament by a combined score of 209-0. It started with a 75-0 win over Grove in the quaterfianls, and Cache was Tuttle’s semifinal victim with a 71-0 score.

Then came Wagoner, making its first dual state championship appearance.

Tuttle’s Ryder Ramsey set the tone against Wagoner with a win by fall in only 58 seconds against the Bulldogs’ Alex O’Quinn at 132 pounds. Brady DeArmond (145), Dustin Plott (170), Carson Berryhill (195), Ashton Grounds (106) and Logan Farrell (126) also won by fall for the Tigers. Surber added a 15-0 technical fall victory at 152.

But it was Tuttle’s Reese Davis who came up with the Tigers’ biggest victory against Wagoner. Down 8-2 to Wagoner’s Braden Drake, Davis kicked it into high gear and rallied for a 14-11 win.

“I was pretty nervous about it,” Davis admitted afterward. “I wasn’t ready for the first period, but I kept my head straight and came back.”

For Davis, a freshman, it was his first time to experience Tuttle’s winning ways.

“It’s great,” Davis said. “The crowd is big and it’s awesome.”

**See results from Tuttle-Wagoner finals dual below.

3A: Perry picks up another dual state title

When you win as often as Perry does, minor bumps along the way become more noticeable. Such was the case with Perry coach Ronnie Delk, despite his team beating Marlow 38-27 for the Maroons’ 11th straight dual state championship -- and 20th overall.

“Definitely not pleased with that effort at all,” Delk told the Stillwater NewsPress.

Marlow, ranked second in 3A, managed to stay within striking distance early on in the finals. Jordan Taylor (138) and Kobey Kizarr (145) both won by fall, Marlow led 12-6 early on. But Perry did what Perry does and overpowered its opponent before the dual finished up.

Jace Burdick (170) picked up a 5-2 victory over Marlow’s Kyle Wilson, and Perry was within 15-12 at that point. The Maroons then fired off wins in five of the next six weights to take control. During that span, Kohl Owen (182) came up with a win by fall to put Perry in front 18-15, and Teaguen Wilson (heavyweight) and Gave Valencia (106) followed with pins to put Perry firmly in front 38-18.

And before the night was through, Wilson had a message for everyone in 3A.

“I think regionals and state won’t be as close,” he said.

5A/6A dual state roundup: Taylor sends Skiatook to first title

2/10/2019 |  Ben Johnson

SHAWNEE -- It all came down to Mitchell Lance or Josh Taylor. Fortunately for Skiatook, it had a state champion ready to roll with a Class 5A dual state championship on the line.

Taylor, last year’s 5A champion at 120 pounds as a freshman, scored in early takedown against Lance, and he cruised the rest of the way to an 8-0 major decision, sending Skiatook to a 29-25 victory and its first dual state title.

“I wouldn’t want to put it in anyone else’s hands,” Taylor said not long after his team was handed some dual state hardware inside FireLake Arena. “I knew I could pull through.”

With all eyes inside the venue on the 5A mat, Taylor’s confidence was on full display. While resetting in the middle of the mat in the second period, he winked at someone in the direction of the scorer’s table.

He knew the Bulldogs were a few minutes away from a celebration.

“Once I got that first period takedown,” Taylor said, “it set the tone for the whole match.”

Starting at 132 pounds, Piedmont -- in its first dual state finals appearance -- worked its way up to a 16-9 advantage and then a 22-18 lead after Oklahoma signee Josh Heindselman recorded a pin at heavyweight. Eventually, Piedmont’s Alan Flores would tie the dual at 25 with a 8-4 win at 120 pounds, but Taylor took the mat and sealed the deal for Skiatook, last year’s runner-up at 5A dual state.

“To have Josh Taylor go last -- especially in a tied up dual -- you couldn’t ask for a better one to go take care of business,” said Skiatook coach Jake Parker, who had a message for his team before the season started.

“We started a saying and wanting to know, ‘is it worth it?’ It is worth it to go get that extra takedown or fight off your back. That’s kind of our new saying; it has to be worth it you to be able to go compete for what you’re doing.”

In the end, Skiatook won eight of the 14 matches and prevailed as 5A’s new dual state champion. 

**See results from the 5A dual finals below

6A: Broken Arrow back on top with big win over Choctaw

Class 6A No. 1 Broken Arrow made easy work of Choctaw in a 50-10 victory in the dual state finals on Saturday night. But it was getting to the championship that proved to be the day’s biggest hurdle for the Tigers.

In a dual marred by unsportsmanlike conduct point deductions both ways, Broken Arrow managed to hold off Mustang, 29-24, to reach the 6A finals. 

Mustang jumped out to a 12-0 lead, and Broken Arrow was forced to fire Oklahoma State signee Reece Witcraft out there, even with an injured left ankle. On practically one leg, Witcraft scored a 6-5 win over Mustang’s Joseph Sylvester at 145 pounds (up a weight class from where Witcraft normally wrestles), and the Tigers used that momentum to win six of seven matches between 145 pounds and 220. 

But Mustang’s Christiain Rowland scored a win by fall over Broken Arrow’s Noah Cortes at heavyweight, and the Broncos were within 24-22 with three weights remaining. And ultimately, Broken Arrow’s Jared Hill cruised past Mutang’s Jaston Jackson with a 11-1 major decision to punch the Tigers’ way into the finals.

Against Choctaw, Broken Arrow lost only three matches, and it was Chris Moores fighting off multiple pin attempts by Choctaw’s Gabe Johnson that proved to be a spark for the Tigers. Moores suffered a 19-8 major decision loss, but he kept the Tigers from giving away major bonus points to Choctaw, who only scored wins by Johnson, Zane Coleman (170) and Colt Newton (132).

Witcraft, wrestling at 138, made quick work of Choctaw’s Jace Dean with a pin at 23 seconds, Noah Cortes (220), Zach Marcheselli (heavyweight) and Jared Hill (120) all won by fall to pad Broken Arrow’s lead.

It was the Tigers’ first dual state championship since 2014.

PODCAST: Signing Day Special

2/8/2019 |  Ben Johnson

Break down signees on Signing Day, plus a. look at upcoming basketball playoffs. Then quick mention of dual state. Also, sit-down interviews in Bixby with the Spartans' Ainslie Lane, Cade Cavender & Noah West.

DUAL STATE: Previews and class predictions

2/8/2019 |  Ben Johnson

Postseason wrestling is here. The dual state tournament kicks things off this weekend in Shawnee at Firelake Arena. Here’s everything you need to know before the first dual begins.

*All championship duals will be at 6:30 p.m. Saturday

Class 6A

Friday - Quarterfinals at noon

Choctaw vs. Owasso

Sand Springs vs. Edmond North

Broken Arrow vs. Deer Creek

Mustang vs. Jenks

Saturday - Semifinals at noon

Choctaw-Owasso winner vs. Sand Springs-Edmond North winner

Broken Arrow-Deer Creek winner vs. Mustang-Jenks

Championship dual on Mat 1

The favorite: Broken Arrow

There’s a reason the Tigers are ranked 14th in the nation, according to Intermat.com. It’s because Broken Arrow has a lot of senior-laden firepower, including nationally-ranked wrestlers, Reece Witcraft (132), Gavin Potter (195) and Zach Marcheselli (220). Then there’s Emmanuel Skillings (182), Blake Gonzalez (138) Bryce Mattioda (170) for added depth. Last weekend, Witcraft finished sixth at the Glenpool tournament, but that’s only because he injury defaulted in his final three matches. With postseason wrestling around the corner last weekend, there wasn’t any reason to push a stalwart at his weight; the Broken Arrow coaches know his importance this weekend, at regionals and the state tournament.

Watch out for… Choctaw

The Yellowjackets are the real deal, and they proved that again last season with a dual state championship. A lot of key pieces are back from last season -- Colt Newton (126/132), Gabe Johnson (145) and Zane Coleman (170) -- but there are a lot of young pieces around them. Choctaw has had some impressive dual performances this season, including a 63-18 win over Edmond North last week. The Yellowjackets also beat Deer Creek 37-28 to open the season. 

Keep an eye on… Mustang

Likely a two-horse race in the 6A field, but the Broncos have a few stars of their own -- Keegan Luton (132), Cameron Picklo (138) and Tate Picklo (160). The question will be, where will the rest of Mustang’s points come from? Mustang is 19-2 in duals this season with the only losses against Tuttle (54-13) and Allen, Texas (43-28). And having wins against other teams -- Deer Creek, Owasso and Edmond North -- in the 6A dual state field will inspire confidence, but Broken Arrow will be quite the obstacle for the Bronco, if the two collide in the semifinals. 

Storyline to know: There hasn’t been a repeat champion in 6A since Ponca City in 2004-2005

Seven different teams have claimed the 6A dual state crown since 2010, including Broken Arrow and Choctaw doing it twice. Choctaw 

Prediction: Broken Arrow 33, Choctaw 21

These two were supposed to meet in January, but the dual was called off because of poor weather conditions outside. But here’s where the big showdown happens. The Tigers, minus a dual state title since 2011, have quality pieces nearly top to bottom, and then their standouts who are likely to secure bonus points. However, if Witcraft is hobbled for the Tigers, that could throw everything out the window and make for a free-for-all in the 6A field.

Class 5A

Friday - Quarterfinals at 4 p.m.

Piedmont vs. Coweta

Collinsville vs. Lawton MacArthur

Skiatook vs. Altus

Duncan vs. Durant

Saturday - Semifinals at 2 p.m.

Piedmont-Coweta winner vs. Collinsville-Lawton MacArthur winner

Skiatook-Altus winner vs. Duncan-Durant winner

Championship dual on Mat 2

The favorite: Skiatook

The Bulldogs were oh so close last year, finishing as the 5A dual state runner up in 35-18 loss to Lawton MacArthur. But this could be the beginning of something special for Skiatook. Only Trey Bowman (113), Cash Calfy (182) and Korbin McLaughlin (220) are seniors, so Skiatook is poised to begin some prolonged success. Skiatook will lean on Josh Taylor (126), Cougar Anderson (152) and Owasso transfer Richie Lee (160). Skiatook has also been a tremendously tough dual team, too. The Bulldogs have knocked off Vinita, Owasso, Wagoner, Sperry and Collinsville this season.

Watch out for… Collinsville

This will come as no surprise but the Cardinals are stacked again at the lower weights. Cameron Steed (106), Jordan Williams (113), Rocky Stephens (120), Garrett Strickland (120), Eli Benham (126), Caleb Tanner (132) and Connor Henson (138) is a formidable group that can rack up points in a hurry for the Cardinals. But Collinsville’s fate will rest in the hands of the wrestlers at the heavier weights, and if they can steal points then the Cardinals could be in store for their first dual state crown since 2015.

Keep an eye on… Piedmont and Duncan

Piedmont doesn’t have a ton of firepower, but it has Braden Culp (170) and Josh Heindselman (285), so it has some key pieces to come up with some big points. Same goes for Duncan, who has Hunter Jump at 160. 

Storyline to know: Only three schools have won dual state titles since 2011. Lawton MacArthur is the reigning champion with titles in 2017 and 2018, and Coweta won a championship in 2016. But before that, it was Collinsville winning gold from 2011 to 2015.

Prediction: Skiatook 39, Piedmont 19

This is the year. This is when Skiatook finally captures that elusive dual state title. The Bulldogs take what they learned from last year’s finals and get over the hump. All that said, the competition for the team title at the state tournament in a few weeks will be fascinating to watch.

Class 4A

Friday - Quarterfinals at 6 p.m.

Tuttle vs. Grove

Vinita vs. Cache

Wagoner vs. Clinton

Cushing vs. Mannford

Saturday - Semifinals at 2 p.m.

Tuttle-Grove winner vs. Vinita-Cache winner

Wagoner-Clinton winner vs. Cushing-Mannford winner

Championship on Mat 3

The favorite: ?????

Just kidding. It’s Tuttle. Duh! The Tigers aren’t ranked 10th in the country for nothing. Tuttle is loaded top to bottom. Try to find a weakness in the Tigers’ lineup. It’s not possible. Dustin Plott (170) might be the best wrestler in the state, regardless of class. He’s ranked third in the country and has lost only once in two seasons. He’s on track to start winning college championships in a few years. Then there’s Luke Surber (152) and Carson Berryhill (195) who are both nationally ranked. Just one heavy hitter after another for Tuttle.

Watch out for… Vinita

Alex Prince (120), Lane Enyart (145), Zach Wattenbarger (170) and Brodi Miller (195) are all solid, but the problem for the Hornets is their placement in the bracket. A quarterfinal victory over Cache would mean a meeting with Tuttle on Saturday, and good luck with that.

Keep an eye on… Cushing

The biggest drama in the 4A field will be who wins the bottom half of the bracket to advance to the finals against Tuttle. The Tigers are balanced from top to botto and could get there, but beating a team like Wagoner in the semifinals would be a challenge. 

Storyline to know: There used to be a time when Cushing and Bristow owned the 3A class at dual state. (Class 4A now is what 3A used to be up until 2009). Now 4A belongs to Tuttle, who hasn’t let any other team touch the dual state trophy since 2009. 

Prediction: Tuttle 59, Cushing 9

What would be great is if all the dual state champions wrestled in a round robin-style event afterward. It would be great to see Tuttle matched up against the 5A and 6A champions. But we can only dream until that day.

Class 3A

Friday - Quarterfinals at 2 p.m.

Perry vs. Vian

Jay vs. Pawnee

Comanche vs. Mangum

Marlow vs. Sperry

Saturday - Semifinals at noon

Perry-Vian winner vs. Jay-Pawnee winner

Comanche-Mangum winner vs. Marlow-Sperry winner

Championship on Mat 4

The favorite: Perry

The Maroons have had far more dominating teams in the past, but Perry is once again putting forth a balanced attack. Ryan Smith (113), Dylan Avery (132), Hadyn Redus (152) and Teaguen Wilson (285) are all rock solid. Once again it’ll be difficult for other teams to cripple Perry’s chances at claiming another dual state championship.

Watch out for… Comanche

Konner Doucet (220) -- ranked sixth in the country -- drives Comanche’s success. Beyond him, there are plenty of quality depth to score points, and even some bonus points. 

Keep an eye on… Sperry

The Pirates are a longshot to win a football championship and then a dual state title, but the Pirates have some stout wrestlers. Bryce Carter (170) leads the way with a 28-2 record, despite mostly 5A-6A wrestlers this season.

Storyline to know: His stay in the dual state tournament might not last long since Vian will be a sizeable underdog, but watch Vian’s River Simon at 182 pounds. Recently signed with Army to wrestle and play football, and he’ll likely be matched up with Perry’s Kohl Owen.

Prediction: Perry 26, Comanche 24

I might be crazy but I think Comanche has a solid chance at upending Perry. The Indians knocked off 6A No. 2 Choctaw on Jan. 22, but not long before that Perry beat Comanche by 20. But when the dust settles, it’ll be Perry hoarding its 11th straight dual state title.

PODCAST: Best Playoff System in the Country

2/6/2019 |  Ben Johnson

We breakdown the OCA All-State football rosters.

Talk some Tuttle wrestling and chat briefly about former Adair great Kevi Luper and her jersey being retired at ORU.

Finish with an interview of the OSSAA's David Glover about what goes into the process of small school playoff assignments.

Trent Worley named head coach at Kiefer

2/5/2019 |  Ben Johnson

KIEFER -- Trent Worley is a small-town kid at heart. Plus, he and his wife Ashley have most of their family living in northeast Oklahoma.
That made the head coaching vacancy at Kiefer so intriguing.
And sure enough, Worley was named the Trojans’ head man Monday night, becoming only the program’s second head coach in 12 years.
“It’s a really good spot to be in, both for me and my family,” Worley told Skordle. “But to a lot of people, it’ll look like a crazy move.”

Worley, a Foyil alum, recently wrapped up a two-year tenure at Piedmont, where he went 8-13. The Wildcats went 5-6 in 2018 and earned a playoff berth before being eliminated in the first round by eventual Class 5A runner-up, Ardmore.
In Kiefer, Worley will fill the void left by Josh Calvert, who is stepping away from coaching to take a job in Oregon. From 2008 to last season, Calvert led the Trojans to a 94-37 record.
“This is something I’m looking forward to,” Worley said. “What was impressive to me about Kiefer was how the town places a priority on athletics, and those being bright spots in the community. Plus, there they place a great deal of importance on building relationships in settlings like Kiefer.”
Kiefer is coming off a 3-7 campaign in 2018. The Trojans shared a spot in District 2A-3 with Class 2A’s state champion, Sperry, and runner-up, Beggs. Kiefer entered the final week of the regular season vying for postseason spot, alongside Haskell and Morris.
“I’m a small-town guy,” Worley said. “I’m going into year No. 20 in my career. The older you get the more you realize what’s important, so I’m excited for the move for my family. And I’m excited about the Kiefer program, which as unlimited potential.”