Ada Cougars
Ada, OK 74820
Record: 5-3 | Unranked
vs Durant | W | 20-13 8/30 |
@ Ardmore | L | 42-18 9/6 |
@ McAlester | L | 10-2 9/13 |
vs McLain | W | 41-12 9/27 |
@ Ada | Missing Score |
vs Poteau | W | 19-14 10/4 |
@ Hilldale | L | 47-35 10/11 |
@ Stilwell | W | 13-53 10/17 |
vs Broken Bow | W | 55-34 10/25 |
vs Broken Bow | Missing Score |
@ Glenpool | 11/1 7PM |
vs Sallisaw | 11/8 7PM |
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.
SPRING SPORTS: State golf recaps (boys and girls)
| Ben Johnson
Girls golf - state championship results
FIND FULL TOURNAMENT RESULTS HERE
Class 6A
Team1. Edmond North - 621 - Huskies second straight championship and ninth overall
2. Jenks - 629
3. Edmond Memorial - 649
Individual
1. Sydney Hermann (Ponca City) - 144 (73-71) - Went from finishing in a tie for 10th at last year’s state tournament to winning this year’s title
2. Emma Shelley (Bartlesville) - 148 (71-77)
3. Emily Miller (Edmond North) - 150 (76-74)
Class 5A
Team1. Durant - 666 - Lions pick up second title in program history (first was in 2016)
2. Duncan - 680
3. Ardmore - 737
Individual
1. Blayne Barker (Durant) - 146 (75-71) - Was last year’s seventh-place finisher in 5A.
2. Jaelynn Unger (Noble) - 150 (72-78)
3. Mika Ramos (Bishop Kelley) - 152 (75-77)
Class 4A
Team1. Hilldale - 616 - Hornets first championship since 2015 and fifth overall.
2. Wagoner - 723
3. Muldrow - 724
Individual
1. Kenzie Kirkhart (Hilldale) - 146 (76-70) - Joins sister Katie Kirkhart as an individual state champion.
2. Maddie Kamas (Kingfisher) - 147 (73-74)
3. Jordan Clayborn (Hilldale) - 149 (74-75)
Class 3A
Team1. Plainview - 582 - A move down to 3A this year secured the Indians’ third straight championship and fourth overall.
2. Purcell - 675
3. Dickson - 684
Individual
1. Reagan Chaney (Plainview) - 136 (66-70) - Was the fourth-place finisher in 4A last year before winning this year’s crown.
2. Taylor Towers (Rejoice Christian) - 143 (72-71)
3. Adeline Noron (Plainview) - 144 (70-74)
Class 2A
Team*1. Oklahoma Christian School - 750 - Saints celebrated their first-ever girls golf championship in dramatic fashion.
2. Regent Prep - 750
3. Mooreland - 754
*Won in a playoff
Individual
1. Jenni Roller (Regent Prep) - 142 (73-69) - Roller wins the title in Regent Prep’s first year competing for the OSSAA championship.
2. Brooklyn Benn (Oklahoma Christian School) - 146 (73-73)
3. Sarah Sherrard (Christian Heritage) - 154 (75-79)
Boys golf - state championship results
FIND FULL TOURNAMENT RESULTS HERE
Class 6A
Team1. Owasso - 897 - A second-round 284 propelled the Rams to their first championship since 2015, while ending Edmond North’s three-year run of titles.
2. Edmond North - 901
3. Stillwater - 901
Individual
1. Jordan Wilson (Edmond North) - 213 (68-70-75) - Went from fourth place last season to state champion this year.
2. Cooper Wilguess (Edmond Memorial) - 217 (72-70-75)
3. Kyle Peterson (Bixby) - 218 (74-74-70)
Class 5A
Team1. Guthrie - 916 - Beat Bishop McGuinness by eight strokes to win last year’s state championship, and this year enjoyed a 28-shot cushion for the program’s fifth crown.
2. Bishop McGuinness - 944
3. Bishop Kelley - 949
Individual
1. Luke Morgan (Guthrie) - 213 (69-68-76) - Was eight shots off the winning pace last year for third place, but this season beat all other golfers and won by four strokes.
2. Hunter Oden (Piedmont) - (71-72-74)
3. David Woodliff (Bishop Kelley) - 223 (74-74-75)
Class 4A
Team1. Heritage Hall - 911 - Chargers snagged their third straight title and 13th overall.
2. Cascia Hall - 950
3. Holland Hall - 951
Individual
1. Max Roberts (Ada) - 213 (70-72-71) - Had a seventh-place finish last year in the state tournament, but was one of three players to shoot a final-day 71 to claim the title.
2. Drew Mabrey (Holland Hall) - 217 (72-73-72) -
3. William McDonald (Heritage Hall) - 219 (75-69-75)
Class 3A
Team1. Regent Prep - 882 - First program in school history to win its second championship. Rams won 2A last year and now 3A this season.
2. Oklahoma Christian School - 890
3. Kingston - 930
Individual
*1. Jaxon Dowell (OCS) - 202 (67-69-66) - Dowell edged out Goodman for last year’s championship by three strokes, and this time the Oklahoma commit won in a playoff.
2. Drew Goodman (Chr. Heritage) - 202 (63-69-70)
3. Jackson White (Regent Prep) - 207 (69-69-69)
Class 2A
Team1. Turner - 924 - First team title since 2004 was never in doubt, thanks a 306 and a 308 in the first two rounds of the tournament.
2. Linc. Christian - 955
3. Community Christian - 956
Individual
1. Conner Boydston (Big Pasture) - 210 (66-74-70) - His first round 66 held up over the next two rounds, as he went from finishing fourth last season to first this year.
2. Brayden Strickland (Linc. Christian) - 215 (70-71-74)
3. Jackson Hoelker (Okla. Bible Academy) - 219 (71-71-77)
* Photo credit - Kevin Farr
STATE TOURNAMENT WRESTLING: Weight by weight predictions
| Ben Johnson
State tournament wrestling is back. It's the weekend that every high school wrestler circles on the calendar. Now time to make predictions for every single weight class inside Jim Norick Arena.
Class 6A
Brackets posted here
106: Cruz Aguilar (Edmond Memorial): Spent his freshman season at Heritage Hall, where he finished second at 106 in 2017. Almost went with Owasso’s Jared Campbell or Sand Springs’ Brendon Wiseley, but opted for a Bulldog to win a title for the first time since Johny Hendricks in 2002.
113: Tucker Owens (Mustang): Finished second as a freshman last season at 113. A title for Owens would be the first for the Broncos since 2005 -- and only the second since 1999.
120: Zach Blankenship (Bixby): Has burst onto the scene as a freshman for the Spartans this season. Blankenship’s only loss of the season was to Sand Springs’ Seth Jones, when Bixby bumped Blankenship up a weight class for a regular-season dual. Blankenship is 27-0 at 120 pounds this season, including a dominant run through last week’s regional in Jenks. Nic Roller (220 pounds in 2016) won Bixby’s last state championship, but before him was Shane Roller in 1998.
126: Carter Young (Stillwater): Upended Yukon’s Studd Morris for the 106 crown in 6A last season. But he did it at Sand Springs. Now at 126, Young has potential obstacles in his way, like Broken Arrow’s Blazik Perez (27-9) and Bartlesville’s Laif Jones (last year’s 6A champion at 120). Should mention, Stillwater also has gone two years without a state champion. Young could bring that to a halt.
132: Reece Witcraft (Broken Arrow): Went from second at 126 with Coweta in 2017 to state champion last year with Broken Arrow at 126. Witcraft, ranked fifth in the nation on InterMat, pinned Choctaw’s Colt Newton in the finals last year, and this year it could be a semifinals matchup. The two didn’t clash at dual state, so a semifinal showdown would be the first in a year. The 132 field is loaded, for sure. Edmond Memorial’s Jackson Oplotnik (20-5), Mustang’s Keegan Luton (33-10) and Owasso’s Zeke Washington (34-4 and 6A’s runner-up at 120 last season) all share space on the top half of the bracket. Witcraft has been hobbled by a bum ankle, but he beat Washington 7-2 in the regional finals so there’s little doubt he’ll be ready to go in Oklahoma City.
138: Peter Rolle (Edmond Memorial): There was some personal anguish in making a selection here. So many qualified wrestlers in this field that it was hard to pick who might finish above the fray. Ultimately, sided with Rolle, because why not? The Edmond Memorial senior is 30-5, and he’s got Deer Creek’s Parker Wright (32-8) and Broken Arrow’s Blake Gonzalez (21-7) on his side of the bracket. Then there’s Mustang’s Cameron Picklo (41-3) and Ponca City’s Spencer Schrickram (39-2) on the bottom half of the bracket. This weight will be a gauntlet to get through.
145: Gabe Johnson (Choctaw): Went from not placing as a freshman at 106 in 2017 to a runner-up spot at 132 last season for the Yellowjackets. Lost in last year’s finals to Ponca City’s Dylan Schickram, 7-3. And another tough field awaits Johnson, including Edmond North’s Jaxon Randall (24-11) on Johnson’s half of the bracket. Then there’s Deer Creek’s Micah Lugafet (21-3), Enid’s Chance Davis (21-5) and Ja’len Hernandez (35-5) in the bottom half of the bracket. Would be Choctaw’s first championship at 145 since Jaryn Curry in 2016.
152: Drake Vannoy (Jenks): This one was tough to pick. Sand Springs’ Scott Patton beat Vannoy for last week’s regional crown, but Vannoy was last year’s champion at 152. A championship for Vannoy would be Jenks’ first back-to-back champion since Justin DeAngelis won in 2008 through 2010.
160: Tate Picklo (Mustang): Went 35-4 as a freshman en route to a second-place showing at 145 last year in 6A. Now Picklo is 40-0 and ranked 11th in the country at 160. Putnam City’s Rene Martinez might be Picklo’s biggest challenge in the field, and Picklo beat Martinez in an 18-6 major decision to win last week’s regional crown.
170: Zane Coleman (Choctaw): Ranked sixth in the nation and looking to join the four-timers club. After two suspenseful championships during his freshman and sophomore years, Coleman cruised to last year’s title at 170 by pinning Broken Arrow’s Bryce Mattioda in the first period. Coleman, an Arizona State signee, enters his final state tournament with a record of 145-8 -- and only two losses in the last two seasons. Coleman’s only loss this year was in the 170 finals of the Geary Tournament, when he lost to Blair Academy’s Peyton Craft.
182: JT Stambeck (Norman North): Narrowly missed out on the 170 finals last season after enduring a 3-2 loss to Mattioda. Enters this year’s state tournament at 29-1. Would be the Timberwolves’ first state champion since Levi Berry (160) in 2013.
195: Carson Savage (Deer Creek): Entered last year’s state tournament as the No. 4 seed out of the West at 182. This season, Savage is 35-2 and the top seed from out west. He’ll have to contend with a deep field, though. Broken Arrow’s Gavin Potter (last year’s champion at 195), Sand Springs’ Kaden Glass (31-9), Union’s Elijah Tomlin (36-7) and Mustang’s Judson Rowland are all contenders. Took Savage over Potter after Savage picked up a 9-2 win over Potter at dual state a couple of weeks ago.
220: Zach Marcheselli (Broken Arrow): Another wrestler in 6A aiming to be a member of the four-timers club. Marcheselli, ranked ninth in the country, has been on cruise control for most of the season. After guiding the Tigers to their first football championship, Marcheselli, a Texas Christian University signee for football, could add to his collection of hardware in a 220 field that could end up seeing a rematch of the east regional last weekend. Marcheselli knocked off Edmond North’s Jake McCoy 8-2 for the regional crown, and both appear to be on a collision course for the finals in Oklahoma City.
285: Noah Cortes (Broken Arrow): Jenks’ Caleb Orr beat Cortes for the regional crown last week, but it was a 3-2 decision in an ultimate tiebreaker. This could go any direction, including Choctaw’s Marquan Journey (33-6) and Yukon’s Ashton Aldridge (32-7) vying for the title. Last year, Cortes didn’t even make it out of the pigtail round of the state tournament.
Class 5A
Brackets posted here
106: Cameron Steed (Collinsville): Should come as no surprise that Collinsville has yet more freshmen contending for championships at the lower weights. This year it’s Steed and Jordan Williams (below) as favorites in their respective fields. Steed tech-falled Coweta’s Brody Gee, 16-1, in the regional finals and don’t see any reason to think he won’t do the same to anyone he comes across in Oklahoma City.
113: Jordan Williams (Collinsville): Previously ranked sixth in the nation at 106 pounds, Williams has been unbeatable at both 106 and 113 this season. And this is a weight Collinsville has controlled for several years in recent memory with four championships since 2013 -- Davion Jeffries (2013), Christian Moody (2014), Caleb Tanner (2017) and Rocky Stephens (2018).
120: Rocky Stephens (Collinsville): Turned a third-place finish as a freshman into a state championship last year at 113 pounds. Could be stream-rolling straight ahead to a solid showdown in the finals between Stephens and Carl Albert’s Jayston Cato (33-2).
126: Josh Taylor (Skiatook): Surprising turn of events at the east regional last week with Collinsville freshman Jordan Cullors knocking off Taylor, 2-1. But that loss for Taylor puts him on the top half of the bracket, and he avoids Tahlequah’s Jakob Lyons, who has routinely wrestled Taylor tough these past two seasons. Don’t be surprised if it’s a Taylor-Cullors rematch -- but this time for a state championship.
132: Caleb Tanner (Collinsville): Last year’s champ at 126, Tanner could put himself in position for a special senior year if he wins this year’s state championship at 132. It would be Tanner’s third state championship, and he would be a season away from joining Gary Wayne Harding and Will Steltzlen -- who both became four-time state champions at the 2014 5A state tournament.
138: Kobi Gomez (Altus): Someone other than a Collinsville wrestler will win a state championship in Oklahoma City this weekend. It just won’t feel much like it through the first handful of weights. Collinsville’s Connor Henson certainly has a shot at claiming the 138 crown, but I’m going with the reigning state champion here to win his second title. Could pave the way for two more special years for Gomez.
145: Gage Hight (Glenpool): It’s now or never for Hight. He’s knocked on the doorstep twice, but in back-to-back state tournaments he’s had to settle for second place. Last year, Coweta’s Ricky Turner who upended Hight, 3-2, in the finals after Hight had won the reginal matchup between the two. Durant’s Cody Hicks (32-3) and El Reno’s Jacob Catagas (22-3) are lurking, but surely it’s going to be Hight’s year.
152: Cougar Anderson (Skiatook): If the Bulldogs are going to challenge Collinsville for the team title, Anderson winning at 152 could be key. Anderson, a sophomore, is 35-0, and he’s on the same side of the bracket as El Reno’s Cole Thomas (28-3). Anderson was dominant last year en route to his first title, and expect him to be ready to roll in Oklahoma City.
160: Hunter Jump (Duncan): After second-place finishes as a freshman and sophomore at Lawton MacArthur, Jump picked up a title for the Highlanders last season at 160, and he did so in convincing fashion. Now at Duncan, Jump will enter a stout field that includes Skiatook’s Richie Lee (37-1) and El Reno’s Kord LaFoe (24-5). A title for Jump would be Duncan’s first since 2011 (Markwae Sanders and Justin Hughes).
170: Christian Maldonado (Lawton Mac): This is a wide open field. Maldonado was second to Coweta’s Talon Borror last season, and Maldonado is a week removed from knocking off Piedmont’s Braden Culp, 7-4. But Culp is more than capable to make a run at a championship. Same goes for Skiatook’s Hunter Hall. This is about as wide open as it gets.
182: Talon Borror (Coweta): In 2016, Lawton MacArthur’s Nick Mahan beat Borror in the 160 quarterfinals. Since then, Borror hasn’t lost inside Norick Arena. Borror stormed to titles in 2017 and 2018. He’s 35-2 and looking for a third title to cap his high school career. Standing in his way could be Lawton Ike’s Muhammad A Al Zeragi (23-1) and Piedmont’s Austin Cooley (28-2).
195: Cabe Dickerson (Altus): It was Piedmont’s Will Heindselman that knocked off Dickerson, 8-7, in an ultimate tiebreaker in last year’s state finals. It was a crushing end to Dickerson’s sophomore season, and then he followed it up with an elbow injury that’s limited him to 12 matches this season. But if Dickerson is a full strength, the 195 crown should be his to lose.
220: Korbin McLaughlin (Skiatook): This is could make things interesting late into the state tournament. If Skiatook is coming down to the wire against Collinsville or Piedmont for the team crown, the Bulldogs will need McLaughlin to pick up as many points as possible. McLaughlin has posted two fourth-place finishes, but if he captures a championship it could propel Skiatook to a title.
285: Josh Heindselman (Piedmont): It was a Heindselman party at last year’s state tournament with Josh (220) and Will (195) both capturing gold. Now Josh will aim for Piedmont’s second-ever title at heavyweight, despite being possibly the smallest guy in the field. Lawton Mac’s Montana Phillips is a two-time state champion, and he’ll be out for some revenge after getting pinned at 2:15 by Heindselman at last week’s regional tournament.
Class 4A
Brackets posted here
106: Eli Griffin (Cascia Hall): Ranked 15th in the country, Griffin is aiming for his second championship in as many years. In order for the sophomore to do so, he’ll have to navigate a field that looks a lot like it did in 2018. Returning as qualifiers at 106 are Tuttle’s Ashton Grounds (35-8) and Cushing’s Luke Ahrberg (31-3) -- and they share space in the top half of the bracket. One way or another, the finals in 106 will be extremely entertaining.
113: Garrett Steidley (Tuttle): After grabbing his first title as a sophomore last season, Steidley is a heavy favorite at 113. Steidley rolled through regionals last week, but he enters a field with some solid contenders from the east -- Sallisaw’s Kaleb Harris (25-6) and Mannford’s Wade Landrum (28-8).
120: Reese Davis (Tuttle): With some big wins under his belt as a freshman, perhaps none were bigger than his rally at dual state against Wagoner in the finals to keep the Tigers’ unbeaten streak intact throughout the entire weekend. That win was against Wagoner’s Braden Drake, and Davis breezed past Harrah’s Breaden Williams in the regional semifinals. Then he did the same against Heritage Hall’s Cole Allen in the regional finals. Davis could be hitting his stride at the right time as a freshman.
126: Thaddeus Long (McLain): This time there’s no Ryder Ramsey in Long’s way. Long was second to Ramsey at 126 last season, and before that he finished third at 106 for Union in 2017. If Long captures a title for the Titans, it would be the school’s first since Greg Hawkins won at 178 in 1977.
132: Ryder Ramsey (Tuttle): Picking up his first title as a sophomore last season, Ramsey entered the state tournament 36-9. Now he heads to Oklahoma City at 43-3 and another key cog in Tuttle’s deep lineup.
138: Val Park (Heritage Hall): Since 2012, the Chargers have produced 17 state champions, including Kaden Gfeller’s four-year run from 2014 to 2017. And while he might not join the four-timers club, Val Park has been a staple of consistency for Heritage Hall at the lower weights since teaming with Gfeller during his senior season in 2017. Park will be after his third title in as many years, winning previously at 113 (2017) and 132 (last season).
145: Brady DeArmond (Tuttle): Despite Tuttle being so utterly dominant across the board in 4A for quite some time now, last season’s state tournament felt a little off with Tuttle only claiming three state titles. And DeArmond was one that settled for third place after losing to Heritage Hall’s Carson West in the 145 semifinals. DeArmond enters a field that could pose some challenges, including Fort Gibson’s Cade Waltman, but DeArmond appears poised to snare his first title during his junior season.
152: Luke Surber (Tuttle): Elgin’s Jacob Butler dashed any hopes that Surber had of becoming a four-time state champion with a sudden victory win against Surber in last year’s 138 finals. Since then, Surber has been nearly unbeatable on the mat for the Tigers, including tournament titles at the MidCals in Gilroy, California, and an individual championship at the Geary Tournament in January. There are some quality wrestlers at 152 -- Cache’s Duncan Shafer (30-2), Bristow’s Anthony Bigpond (20-5), Catoosa’s Abel Perez (41-6) -- but good luck trying to knock off Surber this year.
160: Jacob Ahrberg (Cushing): It was a fourth-place finish for Ahrberg last year at 145, a year after not placing at 126. Now Ahrberg arrives in Oklahoma City at 23-0, fresh off a dominant run at the east regional in Catoosa. Madill’s Colt Crowson (26-5) could pose a significant threat to Ahrberg in the bottom half of the bracket, and then there’s Tuttle freshman Harley Andrews lurking in the top half. Also, a little surprising but a Cushing wrestler hasn’t won a title since 2014 (Gage Stallworth).
170: Dustin Plott (Tuttle): There might not be a better wrestler in the state right now than Plott, ranked third nationally and who has gone 88-1 over the course of his sophomore season and his current junior campaign. The lone loss was a 6-5 decision to Blair Academy’s Julian Ramirez in the Geary Tournament finals this January. Plott went fall-fall-major decision to win last year’s title at 160, so don’t be surprised this year with tech fall-fall-fall (or something impressive like that).
182: Gage Hockett (Cushing): There’s been a natural progression each year Hockett has been in the state tournament. As a freshman, he was third at 160 in 2017, and last season he finished second with a loss to Plott in the 160 finals in 4A. This season he returns to Norick Arena at 29-0 after taking down Cleveland’s Tyler Johnson (18-8) with an 8-5 decision in the regional finals. The winner between Anadarko’s John Mark Holton (29-6) and Oologah’s Landon Brown (30-6) could pose a threat to Hockett in the semifinals on Friday, though.
195: Carson Berryhill (Tuttle): A state champion as a sophomore in 2017, Berryhill lost to Heritage Hall’s Colton Denney in the 170 finals last season. But Berryhill bounced back in the fall by quarterbacking the Tigers to the 4A title, and now he sports a 37-1 mark (only loss to Mustang’s Judson Rowland at the Geary Tournament), heading into the state tournament. Berryhill has even worked his way up to 11th in the nation at 195. In Berryhill’s crosshairs in Oklahoma City could possibly be Poteau’s Nate Ulmer (32-1) and Cushing Eriq Simpson (34-2).
220: Luke Fortney (Bristow): Now a junior, the best Fortney has done at the state tournament was fourth at 195 last season. Now he’s 25-0 and coming off a solid weekend at regionals. He’s steamrolled his way to titles at the Chuck West Invitational and the Cushing tournament, and if Fortney can with a title he’d be Bristow’s first since 2007 (Kale Biggs at 160).
285: Griffon Williams (Madill): Guaranteed to not have a Tuttle winner here. It’s the one weight the Tigers didn’t qualify at. It’s a pretty balanced field that includes Wagoner’s Jaydn Marshall (31-12), Bristow’s Steven Marlow (23-7) and Blanchard’s Ryder Wiese (31-6). But this could be the year Madill wins its first individual title since 2003, when Brent Parkey picked up his third title in as many years.
Class 3A
Brackets posted here
106: Gabe Valencia (Perry): Finished fourth last year in his first crack at the state tournament. Now a junior, Valencia drops down a weight class and enters the final weekend at 44-6. At dual state, Valencia beat Marlow’s Case Rich, but the Outlaws will send Tyler Lawson (38-6) into the mix for a possible showdown against Valencia in the finals.
113: Ryan Smith (Perry): There’s a lot of quality depth at this weight, but none more superlative than Smith (43-2), last year’s champion at 106. Bridge Creek’s Kaden Smith (37-8) and Locust Grove’s Hunter Fitzpatrick (24-5) could make for tough semifinals draws, but Smith could be on a collusion course with Walters’ Remington White, the program’s only wrestler and a 2017 state champion. White to Plainview’s Jaxson Roney in the 113 finals, and it could be Smith standing in the way of only the second wrestling championship at Walters.
120: Alex Prince (Vinita): It was Perry’s Logan Smith -- the weight’s top seed from the east -- who pinned Prince in the final two seconds of their semifinal class at Perry last week. That leaves Prince (40-7) with a tough draw of Hinton’s Brian Pastrana (27-3) in the quarterfinals and possibly Smith (24-11) in the semifinals. If he advances beyond that, Checotah’s Luke Collett (28-6) or Newkirk’s Dayton Cary could be waiting in the finals. That’s quite a load for Prince in his junior season.
126: Kolton Smith (Bridge Creek): Two years in a row, Smith has watched while a Perry wrestler stood atop the podium. In 2017, Smith lost 7-4 to Perry’s Cale Betchan at 120, and last season Smith was on the wrong end of a 4-2 decision against Perry’s Cade Nicholas. And now, Smith enters as the top seed from the west after beating Marlow’s Anthony Orum (31-4) in the west finals. If a Bridge Creek wrestler wins a title this season, it would be the school’s first.
132: Dylan Avery (Perry): Now a junior, Perry will be after his second title in as many years. The field is deep at 132, though, with the likes of Sulphur’s Kolbe Madron (36-8), Marlow’s Jordan Taylor (42-5), Pawnee’s Wesley Scott (35-2) and Morris’ Kolby Adams (31-6).
138: Price Perrier (Pawhuska): Mike Perrier won a state championship at 136 in 1990. That’s Price’s father. Dax Perrior won a state championship at 160 in 2010. That’s Price’s brother. Price could be carrying on a family legacy with a title. But the field is a deep one. Plenty of candidates could snag the 138 crown -- Perkins-Tryon’s Ayron Lawson (30-7), Marlow’s Kobey Kizarr (43-4), Kingfisher’s Stone Snodgrass (29-8) and Salina’s Austin Wilkins (20-8).
145: Kolby DePron (Bridge Creek): Like his teammate, Kolton Smtih, DePron watched as a Perry wrestler celebrated a championship last year. As a freshman, DePron logged a second-place showing at 132. Now he’s the favorite at 145, despite plenty of qualified candidates -- Morris’ Ryan Allred (30-7), Geary’s Landon Holt (31-5) and Salina’s Brier Smith (46-3).
152: Hadyn Redus (Perry): A title would be Redus’ second in as many years. Redus pinned Little Axe’s Alec McDoulett in the third period of last year’s 138 finals, and sure enough, McDoulett is back in the same state tournament field as Redus again. Mangum’s Daelin Stacy (24-7), Pawnee’s Blake Skidgel and Comanche’s Gage Miller (33-5) all pose serious threats, too.
160: Cade Shrosphire (Checotah): The only state champion in the history of Checotah Public Schools will go for his second straight title as a senior now. This time the field is a tad deeper. Barnsdall’s Joe Smith (31-3) is on the top half of the bracket with Shrosphire, and Marlow’s Tyler Lavey (38-3) occupies the bottom half. And Shrosphire narrowly edged past Lavey in the regional finals, 3-2.
170: Bryce Carter (Sperry): The returning champion at this spot is Comanche’s Cade Cook (35-4), and he’s back as the top seed out of the west for his junior year. He could pair up with Jay’s Zach Coy (46-1) in the semifinals, and that could end up being a coin toss -- which is basically was when Cook beat Coy, 2-1, in last year’s quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Carter is up from 160 at this time last year, and he enters the state field at 33-2. And much like Tuttle’s Carson Berryhill, he’s going for the one-two punch of football-and-wrestling championships. And never count out Perry’s Jace Burdick (34-13), who finished second to Cook in last year’s 170 finals.
182: River Simon (Vian): Only two wrestlers have ever won state championships at Vian, and one just so happens to be Simon (2017 at 170; the other is Landon Decker in 2012). Simon, an Army signee, missed last year’s state tournament due to various injuries, and he hasn’t wrestled a full schedule to this point (only 22-1). But when he’s on the mat, he’s tough to beat. Sulphur’s Trey Kiser (36-7) is on the bottom half of the bracket, and he gets Vinita’s Zach Wattenbarger (43-3) in the quarterfinals. Then there’s Perry’s Kohl Owen (37-10), last year’s champion at 182.
195: Drake Barbee (Blackwell): What a story Barbee is. Endured a horrifying car accident two years ago, and now he’s back in the state tournament field as the top seed from the east. Barbee is 34-4 and he finished second at 182 at his last state tournament in 2017 -- when he wrestled for Stilwell. Already signed to wrestle at Arkansas-Little Rock in college, Barbee motored through the regional field, including a win by fall over Tonkawa’s Simeon Shepherd in the third period. The 195 field also features Little Axe’s Caeden Guthary (30-5), Hinton’s Denver Dahlenburg (29-3) and Perry’s Brandon Speikers (44-8).
220: Konner Doucet (Comanche): Already halfway to the four-timers club, Doucet, for the first time, enters the state tournament unbeaten in a season. He is 37-0 cruised through the regional tournament last weekend. Last year, he knocked off Sperry’s A.J. McEntire in the finals, 4-2, and as a freshman he was pegged as the 195 champion when Sulphur’s Dan Baker was disqualified in a controversial ending in extra time. Now Doucet is ranked sixth nationally at 220. Some of the others at 220 include Vinita’s Brodie Miller (39-6), Vian’s Cruz Partain (34-2) and Berryhill’s Nico Lopez.
285: Cooper Webb (Davis): Looking for his second straight title, Webb is 29-1 this season. He’ll have his work cut out for him against the likes of Geary’s Chase Merkey (33-3), Perry’s Teaguan Wilson (30-6) and Locust Grove’s Dalton Shatto (26-1). In fact, it was Webb who beat Shatto, 9-5, in last year’s heavyweight finals. Fun fact: Cooper’s brother, Conner Webb, won three titles for Davis from 2015 to 2017, and Cooper could still tie him with a championship this year and next.
**Photos courtesy of Austin Bernard/Owrestle.com
Have your own predictions or have feedback? Email me at ben@skordle.com
NEW PODCAST: Talkin' Wrestlin' ..... (and lots of hoops)
| Ben Johnson
The winter sports season is winding down, so we dissect playoffs happenings in Class 4A through Class B basketball. Swisher breaks down what happened on the hardwood, and what to look forward to this week.
Then we shift gears and Ben breaks down the state wrestling fields with Brian Heindselman. We make some predictions and let fans know what to watch for at Jim Norick Arena over the weekend. (PS, we think Tuttle is pretty good. SURPRISE!)
Email the show at ben@skordle.com - Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Email us & we'll talk about it on the next show.
Enjoy!
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 3 picks
| Ben Johnson
Coach Turney got tired of Old Man Swisher's winning ways every week, so he did something about it. Randy dropped off a 15-4 mark in Week 2, one game better than Swisher. Whitt wasn't too far off with a 12-7 record, and then there was yours truly rounding out the pack with a disgraceful 11-8 week of picks. Unacceptable. Just have to be better -- no two ways about it.
Week 2 picks - Turney 15-4 | Swisher 14-5 | Whitt 12-7 | Ben 11-8
Overall - Swisher 40-19 | Turney 28-21 | Ben 35-24 | Whitt 33-26
Without further ado, here the Week 3 picks:
Cascia Hall at Millwood
Michael Swisher: Millwood 28, Cascia Hall 7
Ben Johnson: Millwood 20, Cascia Hall 12
Whitt Carter: Millwood 34, Cascia Hall 21
Randy Turney: Millwood 34, Cascia Hall 21
Bethany at Kingfisher
Michael Swisher: Bethany 30, Kingfisher 13
Ben Johnson: Bethany 29, Kingfisher 22
Whitt Carter: Bethany 27, Kingfisher 20
Randy Turney: Bethany 20, Kingfisher 14
Metro Christian at Holland Hall
Michael Swisher: Metro Christian 28, Holland Hall 26
Ben Johnson: Holland Hall 25, Metro Christian 24
Whitt Carter: Holland Hall 31, Metro Christian 21
Randy Turney: Holland Hall 35, Metro Christian 21
Crescent at Cashion
Michael Swisher: Cashion 23, Crescent 20
Ben Johnson: Cashion 37, Crescent 22
Whitt Carter: Cashion 35, Crescent 30
Randy Turney: Cashion 28, Crescent 21
Alex at Davenport
Michael Swisher: Davenport 31, Alex 24
Ben Johnson: Davenport 44, Alex 20
Whitt Carter: Davenport 32, Alex 22
Randy Turney: Davenport 42, Alex 34
Rejoice Christian at Haskell
Michael Swisher: Rejoice Christian 34, Haskell 7
Ben Johnson: Rejoice Christian 24, Haskell 19
Whitt Carter: Rejoice Christian 42, Haskell 32
Randy Turney: Rejoice Christian 31, Haskell 20
Choctaw at Putnam City North
Michael Swisher: PC North 24, Choctaw 14
Ben Johnson: Choctaw 28, PC North 20
Whitt Carter: Choctaw 31, PC North 18
Randy Turney: Choctaw 34, PC North 20
Del City at Bartlesville
Michael Swisher: Del City 34, Bartlesville 31
Ben Johnson: Del City 45, Bartlesville 34
Whitt Carter: Del City 41, Bartlesville 14
Randy Turney: Del City 28, Bartlesville 13
Duncan at Ada
Michael Swisher: Ada 18, Duncan 15
Ben Johnson: Duncan 22, Ada 20
Whitt Carter: Ada 21, Duncan 20
Randy Turney: Duncan 21, Ada 14
Piedmont at Noble
Michael Swisher: Noble 28, Piedmont 23
Ben Johnson: Piedmont 20, Noble 18
Whitt Carter: Noble 24, Piedmont 17
Randy Turney: Piedmont 20, Noble 14
Lawton MacArthur at Clinton
Michael Swisher: Lawton Mac 30, Clinton 20
Ben Johnson: Lawton Mac 31, Clinton 27
Whitt Carter: Lawton Mac 24, Clinton 20
Randy Turney: Lawton Mac 31, Clinton 14
Westmoore at Mustang
Michael Swisher: Westmoore 29, Mustang 25
Ben Johnson: Westmoore 33, Mustang 21
Whitt Carter: Mustang 22, Westmoore 18
Randy Turney: Mustang 24, Westmoore 20
Catoosa at Coweta
Michael Swisher: Catoosa 19, Coweta 12
Ben Johnson: Coweta 35, Catoosa 31
Whitt Carter: Coweta 34, Catoosa 28
Randy Turney: Catoosa 18, Coweta 12
Barnsdall at Hominy
Michael Swisher: Hominy 31, Barnsdall 20
Ben Johnson: Hominy 39, Barnsdall 35
Whitt Carter: Hominy 30, Barnsdall 23
Randy Turney: Hominy 34, Barnsdall 14
Week 3: Top 10 games
| Ben Johnson
Week 3 is upon us. I'd be lying if I said there were a lot of stellar games. But there are some solid matchups here and there.
Here are this week's top 10 games:
1. 3A No. 5 Cascia Hall (2-0) at 2A No. 1 Millwood (2-0): This is becoming a mainstay in the non-district landscape. Millwood owns a 3-2 edge in the matchup, which was a title game showdown in 2001. Since then, they've met every year since 2014 with Millwood winning the last two.
2. 4A No. 5 Bethany (2-0) at 3A No. 9 Kingfisher (1-1): Former district mates earlier this decade, but now they're meeting for the fifth straight season. Bethany won last year's matchup, 30-13.
3. 2A No. 9 Metro Christian (2-0) at 2A No. 6 Holland Hall (1-1): Metro Christian running back Ryan Johnson against Holland Hall's defense should be one entertaining chess match. The two teams have split two games in the past two seasons with Holland Hall winning 45-14 last year.
4. Crescent (2-1) at A No. 2 Cashion (3-0): Cashion's track record against Crescent is remarkably successful. Since 2008, the Wildats have won nine of the 10 games between the two; the only slip-up was last season when Crescent won 54-14 in District A-5 action on its way to a state runner-up finish later in the year. Now they shift their district game to A-3, and it'll be Cashion's defense -- which has only allowed 12 points in three games -- against Crescent's offense, led by quarterback Hunter Bowers. Oh, and Skordle will be there for all the fun.
5. B No. 4 Alex (2-0) at B No. 2 Davenport (2-0): Davenport has been busy doing Davenport things in its first two games of the season, blowing out both Weleetka and Wetumka. Now, though, comes a top-10 clash with Alex, which has hammered both Laverne and Central Marlow. Davenport won last year's game against Alex, 26-16, and it leads in the series, 4-1.
6. A No. 6 Rejoice Christian (2-0) at Haskell (2-0): First time these teams are squaring off, and Haskell quarterback Tayden Lucero against Rejoice Christian's defense will be vastly compelling.
7. 6AII No. 7 Choctaw (2-0) at 6AI No. 9 Putnam City North (2-0): PC North enters on the heels of sweeping through its fellow Putnam City cohorts, and it did so by only allowing six points in two games. Meanwhile, Choctaw is unbeaten after taking down Lawton Eisenhower last week. This series has belonged to PC North over the years (18-4), but Choctaw picked up a 42-14 win over PC North last season.
8. 6AII No. 5 Del City (1-1) at Bartlesville (1-1): First time these two are ever seeing each other, and the Bruins will have their hands full with Del City quarterback Quinlan Ganther. But the same goes for the Eagles' defense when Bartleville's DeAndre Young touches the ball. The senior tailback rushed for almost 300 yards against Collinsville last week.
9. 5A No. 9 Duncan (2-0) at Ada (1-1): Javion Dangerfield, a Week 2 player of the week candidate, has been a weapon all over the field for the Demons in their unbeaten start to this point. Meanwhile, Ada rebounded nicely with a win over Noble after a season-opening loss to Ardmore.
10. 5A No. 10 Piedmont (1-1) at Noble (1-1): These two started squaring off in 2014, and they've met every year since. Not once has it gone Piedmont's way. Noble's wins over Piedmont in 2016 and 2017 were by a combined 15 points.
Honorable mention
Lawton MacArthur at Clinton: Highlanders are 6-0 against Clinton since 1972.
Westmoore at Mustang: Westmore leads 12-5 in the series, including a 55-42 win in the most recently showdown in 2011.
Catoosa at Coweta: Catoosa beat Coweta 19-0 last season to stop a seven-game losing streak against the Tigers.
Barnsdall at Hominy: Two Osage County rivals with Hominy owning a 15-0 record against Barnsdall since 2000.
So who wins all the matchups? Check back for our weekly picks on Thursday.
Week 2 picks
| Ben Johnson
Can't sugarcoat the truth: it was a rough go of it for everyone not named Michael Swisher last week. Old man Swisher managed to pull off a 16-8 slate with Week 1 picks, but we can all assume he cheated somehow. As it stands now, Swisher leads the pack through two weeks at 27-13, and I'm three games off his pace. Randy Turney is currently third at 23-17 and Whitt Carter is hovering just above .500 at 21-19.
It's our vow to you to be better this week (or something like that). Week 2 picks right here:
Broken Arrow at Owasso
Michael Swisher: Broken Arrow 24, Owasso 14
Ben Johnson: Broken Arrow 37, Owasso 20
Whitt Carter: Broken Arrow 31, Owasso 17
Randy Turney: Broken Arrow 21, Owasso 17
Carl Albert at Del City
Michael Swisher: Carl Albert 31, Del City 20
Ben Johnson: Carl Albert 34, Del City 16
Whitt Carter: Del City 28, Carl Albert 27
Randy Turney: Carl Albert 24, Del City 20
Union at Jenks
Michael Swisher: Union 33, Jenks 24
Ben Johnson: Union 20, Jenks 17
Whitt Carter: Jenks 34, Union 24
Randy Turney: Union 24, Jenks 23
Lincoln Christian at Vian
Michael Swisher: Lincoln Christian 22, Vian 19
Ben Johnson: Vian 32, Lincoln Christian 27
Whitt Carter: Lincoln Christian 28, Vian 21
Randy Turney: Lincoln Christian 34, Vian 24
Tuttle at Plainview
Michael Swisher: Tuttle 21, Plainview 20
Ben Johnson: Tuttle 29, Plainview 22
Whitt Carter: Tuttle 34, Plainview 31
Randy Turney: Tuttle 35, Plainview 21
Booker T. Washington vs. Horn Lake (Miss.)
Michael Swisher: Booker T. Washington 35, Horn Lake 14
Ben Johnson: Horn Lake 24, Booker T. Washington 22
Whitt Carter: Booker T. Washington 35, Horn Lake 27
Randy Turney: Horn Lake 28, Booker T. Washington 17
Bishop McGuinness at Bishop Kelley
Michael Swisher: Bishop Kelley 31, Bishop McGuinness 24
Ben Johnson: Bishop Kelley 16, Bishop McGuinness 13
Whitt Carter: Bishop McGuinness 20, Bishop Kelley 16
Randy Turney: Bishop Kelley 21, Bishop McGuinness 20
Heritage Hall at Clinton
Michael Swisher: Heritage Hall 30, Clinton 20
Ben Johnson: Heritage Hall 35, Clinton 18
Whitt Carter: Heritage Hall 35, Clinton 21
Randy Turney: Heritage Hall 31, Clinton 20
Anadarko at Blanchard
Michael Swisher: Blanchard 29, Anadarko 18
Ben Johnson: Blanchard 29, Anadarko 16
Whitt Carter: Blanchard 42, Anadarko 21
Randy Turney: Blanchard 24, Anadarko 7
Davis at Sulphur
Michael Swisher: Sulphur 18, Davis 16
Ben Johnson: Sulphur 30, Davis 14
Whitt Carter: Sulphur 34, Davis 12
Randy Turney: Sulphur 21, Davis 20
Coweta at Tahlequah
Michael Swisher: Coweta 23, Tahlequah 17
Ben Johnson: Coweta 27, Tahlequah 19
Whitt Carter: Coweta 34, Tahlequah 27
Randy Turney: Tahlequah 17, Coweta 10
Southwest Covenant at Empire
Michael Swisher: SW Covenant 48, Empire 28
Ben Johnson: SW Covenant 44, Empire 29
Whitt Carter: SW Covenant 38, Empire 22
Randy Turney: SW Covenant 34, Empire 17
Stillwater at Norman North
Michael Swisher: Stillwater 29, Norman North 19
Ben Johnson: Stillwater 42, Norman North 19
Whitt Carter: Stillwater 34, Norman North 24
Randy Turney: Stillwater 24, Norman North 17
Mustang at Edmond Santa Fe
Michael Swisher: Edmond Santa Fe 24, Mustang 21
Ben Johnson: Edmond Santa Fe 28, Mustang 24
Whitt Carter: Edmond Santa Fe 35, Mustang 28
Randy Turney: Edmond Santa Fe 18, Mustang 16
Lawton MacArthur at Lawton
Michael Swisher: Lawton 28, Lawton MacArthur 20
Ben Johnson: Lawton 33, Lawton MacArthur 31
Whitt Carter: Lawton MacArthur 41, Lawton 28
Randy Turney: Lawton 21, Lawton MacArthur 14
Ada at Noble
Michael Swisher: Noble 24, Ada 18
Ben Johnson: Noble 33, Ada 23
Whitt Carter: Noble 21, Ada 13
Randy Turney: Ada 21, Noble 7
Edison at Memorial
Michael Swisher: Memorial 23, Edison 16
Ben Johnson: Edison 26, Memorial 24
Whitt Carter: Edison 27, Memorial 21
Randy Turney: Memorial 14, Edison 13
Adair at Locust Grove
Michael Swisher: Adair 38, Locust Grove 22
Ben Johnson: Adair 38, Locust Grove 22
Whitt Carter: Adair 34, Locust Grove 18
Randy Turney: Adair 28, Locust Grove 13
Oklahoma Christian Academy at Crescent
Michael Swisher: Crescent 30, OCA 15
Ben Johnson: OCA 35, Crescent 30
Whitt Carter: Crescent 21, OCA 20
Randy Turney: OCA 28, Crescent 21
Let us know what you think. Tweet your predictions to us at @Skordle.
Week 1 picks
| Ben Johnson
Full slate of games greets us on this last week of August. Rejoice! Also, fans of Swisher, Coach Turney and myself will be happy to know we tied at 11-5 last week. Whitt is lagging way behind at 10-6.
OK, let's do this. Week 1 picks for your enjoyment:
Heritage Hall at Millwood
Michael Swisher: Millwood 31, Heritage Hall 28
Ben Johnson: Heritage Hall 24, Millwood 23
Whitt Carter: Millwood 34, Heritage Hall 21
Randy Turney: Heritage Hall 24, Millwood 20
Midwest City at Carl Albert
Michael Swisher: Midwest City 33, Carl Albert 29
Ben Johnson: Midwest City 35, Carl Albert 34
Whitt Carter: Carl Albert 27, Midwest City 24
Randy Turney: Midwest City 28, Carl Albert 14
Coweta at Wagoner
Michael Swisher: Wagoner 22, Coweta 12
Ben Johnson: Coweta 32, Wagoner 29
Whitt Carter: Coweta 41, Wagoner 37
Randy Turney: Coweta 21, Wagoner 14
Del City at Bishop McGuinness
Michael Swisher: Bishop McGuinness 31, Del City 17
Ben Johnson: Bishop McGuinness 28, Del City 23
Whitt Carter: Del City 27, Bishop McGuinness 26
Randy Turney: Bishop McGuinness 28, Del City 10
Kingfisher at Tuttle
Michael Swisher: Tuttle 29, Kingfisher 20
Ben Johnson: Tuttle 37, Kingfisher 22
Whitt Carter: Tuttle 34, Kingfisher 28
Randy Turney: Tuttle 21, Kingfisher 20
Holland Hall at Cascia Hall
Michael Swisher: Cascia Hall 21, Holland Hall 14
Ben Johnson: Cascia Hall 33, Holland Hall 23
Whitt Carter: Cascia Hall 31, Holland Hall 17
Randy Turney: Cascia Hall 20, Holland Hall 14
Laverne at Alex
Michael Swisher: Laverne 34, Alex 30
Ben Johnson: Laverne 47, Alex 28
Whitt Carter: Laverne 28, Alex 20
Randy Turney: Laverne 36, Alex 14
Oologah at Collinsville
Michael Swisher: Collinsville 16, Oologah 7
Ben Johnson: Collinsville 30, Oologah 27
Whitt Carter: Collinsville 37, Oologah 35
Randy Turney: Collinsville 17, Oologah 14
Norman at Norman North
Michael Swisher: Norman North 38, Norman 14
Ben Johnson: Norman North 30, Norman 13
Whitt Carter: Norman North 41, Norman 24
Randy Turney: Norman North 21, Norman 17
Mansfield Lake Ridge (Texas) at Union
Michael Swisher: Union 28, Mansfield Lake Ridge 19
Ben Johnson: Union 26, Mansfield Lake Ridge 23
Whitt Carter: Mansfield Lake Ridge 28, Union 17
Randy Turney: Union 24, Mansfield Lake Ridge 10
Mansfield (Texas) at Broken Arrow
Michael Swisher: Broken Arrow 22, Mansfield 20
Ben Johnson: Broken Arrow 28, Mansfield 17
Whitt Carter: Broken Arrow 24, Mansfield 21
Randy Turney: Broken Arrow 35, Mansfield 17
Mansfield Legacy (Texas) at Jenks
Michael Swisher: Mansfield Legacy 31, Jenks 20
Ben Johnson: Mansfield Legacy 23, Jenks 13
Whitt Carter: Mansfield Legacy 28, Jenks 20
Randy Turney: Mansfield Legacy 20, Jenks 14
Mustang at Yukon
Michael Swisher: Mustang 31, Yukon 28
Ben Johnson: Yukon 27, Mustang 26
Whitt Carter: Mustang 37, Yukon 22
Randy Turney: Mustang 24, Yukon 7
Altus at Lawton
Michael Swisher: Lawton 23, Altus 20
Ben Johnson: Lawton 29, Altus 17
Whitt Carter: Lawton 42, Altus 21
Randy Turney: Lawton 28, Altus 7
Owasso at Fayetteville (Ark.)
Michael Swisher: Owasso 31, Fayetteville 30
Ben Johnson: Owasso 41, Fayetteville 20
Whitt Carter: Owasso 30, Fayetteville 27
Randy Turney: Owasso 17, Fayetteville 14
Ada at Ardmore
Michael Swisher: Ardmore 33, Ada 14
Ben Johnson: Ardmore 32, Ada 17
Whitt Carter: Ardmore 37, Ada 24
Randy Turney: Ardmore 32, Ada 20
Idabel at Broken Bow
Michael Swisher: Broken Bow 31, Idabel 20
Ben Johnson: Broken Bow 20, Idabel 13
Whitt Carter: Broken Bow 28, Idabel 16
Randy Turney: Broken Bow 21, Idabel 20
Jones at Lincoln Christian
Michael Swisher: Lincoln Christian 30, Jones 17
Ben Johnson: Lincoln Christian 44, Jones 37
Whitt Carter: Lincoln Christian 41, Jones 27
Randy Turney: Jones 34, Lincoln Christian 14
Commerce at Adair
Michael Swisher: Adair 28, Commerce 20
Ben Johnson: Commerce 26, Adair 23
Whitt Carter: Commerce 21, Adair 14
Randy Turney: Adair 28, Commerce 7
Thomas at Alva
Michael Swisher: Alva 28, Thomas 24
Ben Johnson: Thomas 35, Alva 33
Whitt Carter: Thomas 34, Alva 13
Randy Turney: Thomas 14, Alva 13
Crescent at Morrison
Michael Swisher: Morrison 23, Crescent 17
Ben Johnson: Morrison 24, Crescent 16
Whitt Carter: Crescent 35, Morrison 31
Randy Turney: Crescent 31, Morrison 28
Rejoice Christian at Crossings Christian
Michael Swisher: Rejoice Christian 42, Crossings Christian 21
Ben Johnson: Rejoice Christian 41, Crossings Christian 21
Whitt Carter: Rejoice Christian 28, Crossings Christian 24
Randy Turney: Rejoice Christian 34, Crossings Christian 18
Pioneer at Coyle
Michael Swisher: Coyle 38, Pioneer 31
Ben Johnson: Coyle 44, Pioneer 40
Whitt Carter: Pioneer 32, Coyle 20
Randy Turney: Coyle 41, Pioneer 20
Regent Prep at Prue
Michael Swisher: Regent Prep 44, Prue 40
Ben Johnson: Regent Prep 51, Prue 32
Whitt Carter: Prue 21, Regent Prep 18
Randy Turney: Regent Prep 48, Prue 6
Let us know what you think. Tweet your predictions to us at @Skordle.
Week 1 rankings
| Ben Johnson
Here's the top 10 in each class heading into Week 1.
Class 6AI
1. Broken Arrow (3) - 1-0
2. Owasso (2) - 1-0
3. Jenks (3) - 1-0
4. Union (4) - 0-1
5. Norman North (5) - 0-0
6. Mustang (6) - 0-0
7. Westmoore (7) - 0-0
8. Norman (8) - 0-0
9. Edmond Santa Fe (9) - 0-0
10. Yukon (10) - 1-0
Class 6AII
1. Booker T. Washington (1) - 0-1
2. Midwest City (2) - 1-0
3. Stillwater (3) - 0-0
4. Bixby (4) - 0-1
5. Lawton (5) - 0-0
6. Del City (6) - 0-0
7. Putnam City (7) - 0-0
8. Sand Springs (8) - 0-0
9. Muskogee (9) - 0-0
10. Shawnee (10) - 0-1
Class 5A
1. Carl Albert (1) - 0-0
2. Bishop McGuinness (2) - 0-0
3. Coweta (3) - 0-0
4. Ardmore (4) 0-0
5. Skiatook (5) - 0-0
6. Collinsville (6) - 0-0
7. Altus (7) - 0-0
8. Bishop Kelley (8) - 0-0
9. Lawton MacArthur (9) - 0-0
10. Ada (10) - 0-0
Class 4A
1. Blanchard (1) - 0-0
2. Wagoner (2) - 0-0
3. Poteau (3) - 1-0
4. Tuttle (4) - 1-0
5. Oologah (5) - 0-0
6. Bethany (6) - 0-0
7. Weatherford (7) - 1-0
8. Hilldale (8) - 0-0
9. Fort Gibson (9) - 0-0
10. Cache (NR) - 1-0
Class 3A
1. Heritage Hall (1) - 0-0
2. John Marshall (2) - 0-0
3. Berryhill (3) - 0-0
4. Kingfisher (4) - 0-0
5. Lincoln Christian (6) - 1-0
6. Cascia Hall (7) - 1-0
7. Plainview (8) - 1-0
8. Sulphur (4) - 0-1
9. Seminole (9) - 0-0
10. Idabel (10) - 0-0
Class 2A
1. Millwood (1) - 0-0
2. Vian (2) - 0-0
3. Beggs (3) - 0-0
4. Holland Hall (4) - 1-0
5. Sperry (5) - 0-0
6. Jones (6) - 1-0
7. Chisholm (7) - 0-1
8. Washington (8) - 0-0
9. Adair (9) - 1-0
10. Kingston (10) - 0-0
Class A
1. Thomas (1) - 0-0
2. Commerce (2) - 0-0
3. Hooker (3) - 0-0
4. Hominy (4) - 1-0
5. Minco (5) - 1-0
6. Crescent (8) - 1-0
7. Rejoice Christian (7) - 0-0
8. Cashion (9) - 1-0
9. Morrison (10) - 1-0
10. Wynnewood (6) - 0-1
Class B
1. Laverne (1) - 0-0
2. Shattuck (2) - 1-0
3. Davenport (3) - 0-0
4. Regent Prep (4) - 0-0
5. Depew (5) - 0-0
6. Dewar (6) - 0-0
7. Alex (7) - 0-0
8. Pioneer (8) - 0-0
9. Empire (9) - 1-0
10. Prue (10) - 1-0
Class C
1. Tipton (1) - 0-1
2. Pond Creek-Hunter (2) - 0-0
3. Coyle (3) - 0-0
4. Timberlake (4) - 0-1
5. SW Covenant (5) - 0-0
6. Sharon-Mutual (6) - 0-0
7. Buffalo (7) - 0-0
8. Tyrone (8) - 0-0
9. Fox (9) - 0-0
10. Covington-Douglas (NR) - 1-0
Let us know your thoughts on the rankings. Tweet to @benjohnsontul or @skordle
Zero Week rankings
| Ben Johnson
Skordle will provide rankings each week throughout the football season. Here are the top 10 in each class before action starts in Zero Week...
Class 6AI
1. Union
2. Owasso
3. Broken Arrow
4. Jenks
5. Norman North
6. Mustang
7. Westmoore
8. Norman
9. Edmond Santa Fe
10. Yukon
Class 6AII
1. Booker T. Washington
2. Midwest City
3. Stillwater
4. Bixby
5. Lawton
6. Del City
7. Putnam City
8. Sand Springs
9. Muskogee
10. Shawnee
Class 5A
1. Carl Albert
2. Bishop McGuinness
3. Coweta
4. Ardmore
5. Skiatook
6. Collinsville
7. Altus
8. Bishop Kelley
9. Lawton MacArthur
10. Ada
Class 4A
1. Blanchard
2. Wagoner
3. Poteau
4. Tuttle
5. Oologah
6. Bethany
7. Weatherford
8. Hilldale
9. Fort Gibson
10. Broken Bow
Class 3A
1. Heritage Hall
2. John Marshall
3. Berryhill
4. Kingfisher
5. Sulphur
6. Lincoln Christian
7. Cascia Hall
8. Plainview
9. Seminole
10. Idabel
Class 2A
1. Millwood
2. Vian
3. Beggs
4. Holland Hall
5. Sperry
6. Jones
7. Chisholm
8. Washington
9. Adair
10. Kingston
Class A
1. Thomas
2. Commerce
3. Hooker
4. Hominy
5. Minco
6. Wynnewood
7. Rejoice Christian
8. Crescent
9. Cashion
10. Morrison
Class B
1. Laverne
2. Shattuck
3. Davenport
4. Regent Prep
5. Depew
6. Dewar
7. Alex
8. Pioneer
9. Empire
10. Prue
Class C
1. Tipton
2. Pond Creek-Hunter
3. Coyle
4. Timberlake
5. Southwest Covenant
6. Sharon-Mutual
7. Buffalo
8. Tyrone
9. Fox
10. Paoli
*Skordle's rankings will also double as my Associated Press weekly ballot.
Let me know your thoughts on the rankings. Tweet at me (@benjohnsontul) or email me at benjohnsontdp@gmail.com.
Cougar soccer team shuts out Durant
Girls Soccer | | Brian Johnson | The Ada News
DURANT – Andrey Hinson scored a pair of goals and assisted on the other as the Ada Cougars claimed a 3-0 victory over the Durant Lions Thursday night in boys’ high school soccer action. Hinson tallied the first goal of the contest in the opening half off a shot from 20 yards out, with Daniel Gutierrez providing the assist. The Cougars then went up 2-0 before halftime, as Esaie Beam scored off a Hinson cross.
Roff All-Stater named new Ada softball coach
Slow Pitch | | Jeff Cali | The Ada News
Former Roff High School All-Stater Taylor Canida is looking forward to her first-ever head-coaching gig. The Ada Board of Education officially hired Canida as the new Ada High School softball coach at a meeting earlier this week. “I’m very excited. I have great respect for (Ada athletic director Bryan Harwell). We plan to get the softball program up and running,” Canida said. “I see all the other sports right now at Ada doing well ... and we want to get Ada softball up there as well.”
Ada jumps on Morris early
Baseball | | Brian Johnson | The Ada News
BEGGS – The Ada Cougars flourished early with 11 first-inning runs while being helped by seven Morris errors in securing a 16-6 win Thursday in the first round of the Beggs Tournament. Ada managed just seven hits but received a two-run homer from Trel Moore and a 2-for-3 effort from the plate and two runs scored by Hunter Conklin. Jackson McFarlane, who was 1-for-1 with three walks, and Bo Charboneau, who went 1-for-3, each drove home a pair of runs, and Jerrett Ellis knocked in one off a
Ada coasts past Clinton in 4A matchup
Boys Basketball | | Jeff Cali | The Ada News
WASHINGTON — The 19th-ranked Ada High boys basketball team raced to a double-digit halftime lead and coasted past football rival Clinton 53-43 Thursday night at the Class 4A Area Tournament hosted by Washington High School.
It was a game that probably wasn’t as close as the final score might indicate.
Ada improved to 19-7 on the year and had a Class A Area date with No. 17 Elk City Friday at Washington. Clinton saw its season come to an end at 15-13.
Ada boys cool off Cache in 4A
Boys Basketball | | Brian Johnson | The Ada News
BLANCHARD – The Ada Cougars overcame a 26-20 halftime deficit to clip Cache, 47-38, in a Class 4A boys regional basketball clash Friday night.
Three Ada players reached double figures in scoring, led by 16 from Kobe Burgess, in securing the victory and improving to 18-6 on the season. Burgess also sank a pair of 3-point shots.
Kylen Cooper added 14 points to the Cougar attack and Jaxson Robinson finished with 11, all of which came in the second half. Robinson also canned one trey.