Bethany Bronchos

Bethany, OK 73008

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    • 2024-2025 Football Schedule
    Record: 6-2 | Rank: 9
    vs NobleW40-21
    8/29
    @ John MarshallW6-46
    9/6
    @ JonesW29-36
    9/13
    @ ChickashaW14-52
    9/27
    @ BlanchardL48-44
    10/4
    vs TuttleL19-42
    10/11
    vs HarrahW42-7
    10/17
    @ ArdmoreW9-41
    10/25
    vs Tecumseh 11/1
    7PM
    vs Madill 11/8
    7PM

    WEEK 7 RANKINGS

    |  Ben Johnson

    (____) - previous rank

    Class 6AI

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

    Class 6AII

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

    Class 5A

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

    Class 4A

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

    Class 3A

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

    Class 2A

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

    Class A

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

    Class B

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


    Class C

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

    WEEK 6 Rankings

    |  Ben Johnson

    (__) - previous rank

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


    *Photo by Trey Hunter/Piedmont Gazette

    Week 5 rankings

    |  Ben Johnson

    (___) - previously ranked

    Class 6AI

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

    Class 6AII

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

    Class 5A

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

    Class 4A

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

    Class 3A

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

    Class 2A

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

    Class A

    1. Cashion (1) - 4-0
    2. Stroud (2) - 4-0
    3. Pawhuska (3) - 5-0
    4. Rejoice Christian (4) - 4-0
    5. Thomas (6) - 4-1
    6. Pawnee (8) - 4-0
    7. Minco (9) - 5-0
    8. Christian Heritage (7) - 4-1
    9. Colcord (10) - 4-0
    10. Tonkawa (5) - 4-1

    Class B

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

    Class C

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



    WHAT WE'VE LEARNED SO FAR

    |  Ben Johnson

    It’s time for most teams to embark on district games. Let’s take a look at what’s become apparent so far…

    Mansfield, Texas teams stink

    Everyone hypes up Texas football, but wow, the teams in Mansfield are ……. ungood. I mean, sure, Union lost in one of the only competitive games between five Oklahoma teams and the Mansfield clubs. But I watched Mansfield Legacy with my own eyes, and I watched Jenks to shove it down their throat all game long. That’s all I needed to know about the caliber of teams down there.

    6AI runs through Owasso (so far)

    We’ll find out who the best team is in 6AI-2 on Friday night, but it appears as though Owasso is on track for its second title in three years. And hot take: If Blankenship wins another title at Owasso, he becomes the best high school football coach this state has ever seen.

    Bixby might be the best team in the state

    Notice above I said “6AI-2” because the state’s best team could be in 6A Division II. Bixby is that good. If you’ve never watched Brennan Presley or any of his superstar teammates in Bixby, do yourself a favor and go see them before the Spartans’ season ends in another 6AII championship game.

    Bishop Kelley has had the worst injury luck so far

    The Comets had a chance to stand toe to toe with Carl Albert in Class 5A. Then Bishop Kelley lost defensive lineman Montrell Cozart, receiver Cori Lewis and Oklahoma State commit Zach Middleton to various injuries. Now Bishop Kelley will have to dig deep and grind its way through District 5A-3 until Lewis and Middleton maybe (possibly) come back.

    We need to start using common sense when it comes to weather

    One coach texted me and was pissed about a having a game cut short due to weather to close out non-district play. Someone happened to let the officials know that lightning was 32 -- THIRTY-TWO -- miles away. That’s outrageous. Look, I get it, safety is the name of the game. But let’s use some common sense. We all live in Oklahoma; we all know how to read radars. Just because you see lightning doesn’t always mean there’s imminent danger. Take the 6AI title game last year …. We endured a long delay and were just about to get back to the game when a stray lightning strike flashed east of Tulsa. There was no chance it was coming back toward Chapman Stadium, and yet, the clock was reset to 30 minutes before teams could warm up. All I’m asking for is some common sense to be applied. 

    Sam Brandt & Asher Link need to be getting more attention

    Mason Williams is putting up silly numbers at Bixby, but there’s plenty of QB talent around. Sam Brandt is a menace on both sides of the ball for Bethany, and Asher Link has Metro Christian in position to be the favorite in 2A. More college coaches should be taking notice in these guys.

    Dorian Plumley could lead El Reno to special things


    If El Reno’s junior quarterback were two inches taller, college coaches would be knocking down his door. Some things never change on the recruiting trail.

    Dae Dae Leathers might be the best RB you don’t know about

    Dominic Richardson, Sevion Morrison, Qwontrel Walker and Tristan Truelove are notable running backs in this state, but Leathers is putting up solid numbers every week in far eastern Oklahoma.

    Bristow & Mannford have a fantastic rivalry trophy

    The Battle for the Boat trophy played for between the two Keystone Lake rivals KICKS ASS!

    Heritage Hall remains good

    Take a moment, allow the shock to wear off. OK, let’s continue….

    Mike Snyder is about to be the king of coaching in Oklahoma

    Might not be another guy in the state who remains so quiet and just continues to get the job done. And he’s a win shy of tying the state’s record for all-time coaching wins.

    Classes 2A & A are extremely deep

    As many as a dozen teams (if not more) could win the gold balls in 2A or A.

    A really good team from District A-5 will miss the playoffs

    Pawhuska, Barnsdall, Pawnee and Tonkawa are all unbeaten. Hominy is 3-1 and Morrison is 2-2. Only four of these teams will escape A-5 and venture into the playoffs. Buckle up!

    WEEK 4 RANKINGS

    |  Ben Johnson

    (____) - previous rank

    Week 3 scoreboard
    6AI

    6AII

    5A

    4A

    3A

    2A

    A

    B

    C

    Class 6AI

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

    Class 6AII

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

    Class 5A

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

    Class 4A

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

    Class 3A

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

    Class 2A

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

    Class A

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

    Class B

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

    Class C

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


    **Photo credit: Von Castor / Von Castor Photography


    WEEK 3 PICKS

    |  Ben Johnson

    Here’s how things stand through Week 2 and 44 games picked by the Skordle fellas (and a few wives).

    Last week

    Michael Swisher: 11-2
    Whitt Carter: 8-5
    Ben Johnson: 11-2
    Alicia Johnson: 11-2
    Madison Carter: 9-4

    Overall

    Swisher: 37-7
    Whitt: 27-17
    Ben: 30-14
    Alicia: 29-15
    Madison: 25-19


    Holland Hall at Metro Christian

    Michael Swisher: Metro Christian
    Whitt Carter: Metro Christian
    Ben Johnson: Metro Christian

    Kingfisher at Bethany

    Michael Swisher: Bethany
    Whitt Carter: Bethany
    Ben Johnson: Bethany

    Kingston at Sperry

    Michael Swisher: Sperry
    Whitt Carter: Sperry
    Ben Johnson: Sperry

    Putnam City North at Choctaw

    Michael Swisher: PC North
    Whitt Carter: PC North
    Ben Johnson: PC North

    Edison at Claremore

    Michael Swisher: Claremore
    Whitt Carter: Edison
    Ben Johnson: Edison

    Mustang at Westmoore

    Michael Swisher: Mustang
    Whitt Carter: Westmoore
    Ben Johnson: Mustang

    Elgin at Plainview

    Michael Swisher: Plainview
    Whitt Carter: Plainview
    Ben Johnson: Plainview

    Clinton at Lawton MacArthur

    Michael Swisher: Lawton Mac
    Whitt Carter: Lawton Mac
    Ben Johnson: Clinton

    Pawhuska at Morrison

    Michael Swisher: Pawhuska
    Whitt Carter: Pawhuska
    Ben Johnson: Pawhuska

    Ponca City at Collinsville

    Michael Swisher: Collinsville
    Whitt Carter: Collinsville
    Ben Johnson: Collinsville

    Chickasha at El Reno

    Michael Swisher: El Reno
    Whitt Carter: El Reno
    Ben Johnson: El Reno

    Oologah at Hilldale

    Michael Swisher: Oologah
    Whitt Carter: Oologah
    Ben Johnson: Oologah

    Checotah at Eufaula

    Michael Swisher: Checotah
    Whitt Carter: Eufaula
    Ben Johnson: Checotah

    Millwood at Cascia Hall

    Michael Swisher: Millwood
    Whitt Carter: Millwood
    Ben Johnson: Millwood

    Cashion at Crescent
    Michael Swisher: Cashion
    Whitt Carter: Cashion
    Ben Johnson: Cashion

    Hominy at Barnsdall
    Michael Swisher: Hominy
    Whitt Carter: Hominy
    Ben Johnson: Barnsdall


    WEEK 3 Rankings

    |  Ben Johnson

    (___) - previous rank

    Week 2 scoreboard
    6AI

    6AII

    5A

    4A

    3A

    2A

    A

    B

    C


    Class 6AI

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

    Class 6AII

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

    Class 5A

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

    Class 4A

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

    Class 3A

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

    Class 2A

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

    Class A

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

    Class B

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

    Class C

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


    Photo cred: Byron Beers/Tahlequah Daily Press


    Week 2 rankings

    |  Ben Johnson

    (__) - previous rank - Week 1 result



    Class 6AI

    1. Broken Arrow (1) - Beat Union, 14-0
    2. Owasso (3) - Beat Fayetteville (Ark.), 51-19
    3. Union (2) - Lost to Broken Arrow, 14-0
    4. Jenks (4) - Lost to Bixby, 57-7
    5. PC North (5) - Beat Putnam City, 50-0
    6. Norman (6) - Beat Norman North, 31-24
    7. Edmond Santa Fe (7) - Beat Edmond North, 41-14
    8. Westmoore (9) - Beat Moore, 44-35
    9. Mustang (10) - Beat Yukon, 38-0
    10. Moore (8) - Lost to Westmoore, 44-35

    Class 6AII

    1. Bixby (1) - Beat Jenks, 57-7
    2. Stillwater (2) - Beat Edmond Memorial, 42-7
    3. Booker T. Washington (3) - Beat Bishop Kelley, 33-14
    4. Del City (4) - Beat Bishop McGuinness, 20-17
    5. Sapulpa (5) - Beat Edison, 21-13
    6. Choctaw (7) - idle
    7. Midwest City (6) - Lost to Carl Albert, 31-0
    8. Muskogee (8) - Beat McAlester, 43-7
    9. Lawton (9) - Beat Burkburnett (Texas), 56-21
    10. Deer Creek (NR) - Beat Southmoore, 45-14

    Class 5A

    1. Carl Albert (1) - Beat Midwest City, 31-0
    2. Bishop McGuinness (4) - Lost to Del City, 20-17
    3. Bishop Kelley (2) - Lost to Booker T. Washington, 33-14
    4. Duncan (7) - Beat Putnam West, 59-35
    5. Edison (5) - Lost to Sapulpa, 21-13
    6. Collinsville (3) - Lost to Oologah, 13-12
    7. Tahlequah (8) - Beat Fort Gibson, 42-21
    8. Claremore (10) - Beat Bartlesville, 40-28
    9. Guthrie (6) - Lost to Shawnee, 33-23
    10. Noble (NR) - Beat Newcastle, 41-12

    Class 4A

    1. Bethany (1) - Beat Elk City, 41-20
    2. Wagoner (3) - Beat Coweta, 36-27
    3. Clinton (4) - Beat Woodward, 49-14
    4. Weatherford (5) - idle
    5. Tuttle (6) - Beat Kingfisher, 41-18
    6. Blanchard (2) - Lost to Elgin, 35-20
    7. Bristow (7) - Beat Cushing, 19-16
    8. Poteau (8) - Beat Durant, 40-13
    9. Broken Bow (9) - Beat Idabel, 41-0
    10. Cache (NR) - idle

    Class 3A

    1. Heritage Hall (1) - Beat Millwood, 34-0
    2. Lincoln Christian (2) - Beat Jones, 49-14
    3. Plainview (3) - bye
    4. Berryhill (4) - Beat Mannford, 35-7
    5. John Marshall (5) - Beat Classen SAS, 48-0
    6. Sulphur (6) - Beat Madill, 49-21
    7. Seminole (8) - Beat Harrah, 40-8
    8. Perkins-Tryon (10) - Beat Hennessey, 35-0
    9. Kingfisher (7) - Lost to Tuttle, 41-18
    10. Cascia Hall (9) - Lost to Holland Hall, 28-7

    Class 2A

    1. Metro Christian (2) - idle
    2. Sperry (3) - Beat Verdigris, 49-13
    3. Vian (4) - Beat Eufaula, 14-2
    4. Holland Hall (5) - Beat Cascia Hall, 28-7
    5. Millwood (1) - Lost to Heritage Hall, 34-0
    6. Beggs (7) - Beat Okmulgee, 39-0
    7. Washington (8) - Beat Hobart, 42-7
    8. Kingston (9) - Beat Hugo, 44-22
    9. Jones (6) - Lost to Lincoln Christian, 49-14
    10. Adair (NR) - Beat Commerce, 46-16

    Class A

    1. Cashion (1) - Beat Prague, 28-0
    2. Stroud (2) - Beat Okemah, 40-38
    3. Thomas (3) - Beat Newkirk, 41-0
    4. Pawhuska (4) - Beat Okla. Union, 60-18
    5. Rejoice Christian (5) - Beat Crossings Christian, 48-6
    6. Tonkawa (6) - Beat Newkirk, 41-0
    7. Christian Heritage (7) - Beat Mount Saint Mary, 30-7
    8. Morrison (9) - Beat Crescent, 24-10
    9. Pawnee (10) - idle
    10. Minco (NR) - Beat Dibble, 14-6

    Class B

    1. Shattuck (1) - Beat Destiny Christian, 44-8
    2. Regent Prep (2) - Beat Prue, 53-6
    3. Cherokee (4) - Beat South Barber (Kan.), 44-8
    4. Davenport (3) - Lost to Weleetka, 32-28
    5. Laverne (5) - Beat Alex, 28-22
    6. Keota (6) - idle
    7. Dewar (7) - Beat Strother, 46-0
    8. Weleetka (8) - Beat Davenport, 32-28
    9. Snyder (9) - Beat Waukomis, 44-6
    10. Wetumka (10) - Beat Depew, 40-6

    Class C

    1. SW Covenant (1) - Beat Central Marlow, 52-28
    2. Pond Creek-Hunter (3) - Beat Kremlin-Hillsdale, 54-0
    3. Buffalo (4) - Beat Medford, 40-12
    4. Covington-Douglas (6) - Beat Garber, 64-62 (4OT)
    5. Tyrone (8) - Beat Turpin, 56-22
    6. Tipton (2) - Lost to Burns Flat-Dill City, 54-6
    7. Maysville (NR) - Beat Paoli, 52-6
    8. Coyle (5) - Lost to Pioneer, 48-20
    9. Midway (NR) - Beat Gans, 64-48
    10. Boise City (NR) - Beat Beaver, 48-0



    Photo credit - David Stacy


    WEEK 1 RANKINGS

    |  Ben Johnson

    Class 6AI

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

    Class 6AII

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

    Class 5A

    1. Carl Albert (1)
    2. Bishop Kelley (2)
    3. Collinsville (3)
    4. Bishop McGuinness (4)
    5. Edison (5)
    6. Guthrie (6)
    7. Duncan (7)
    8. Tahlequah (8)
    9. Ardmore (9)
    10. Claremore (10)

    Class 4A

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

    Class 3A

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

    Class 2A

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

    Class A

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

    Class B

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

    Class C

    1. SW Covenant (2)
    2. Tipton (1)
    3. Pond Creek-Hunter (3)
    4. Buffalo (4)
    5. Coyle (5)
    6. Covington-Douglas (6)
    7. Fox (7)
    8. Tyrone (8)
    9. Sharon-Mutual (9)
    10. Medford (10)


    *** Big thanks to Caleb Williams, whose work is the cover photo for this post. Check out his work here: https://www.photosbycaleb.com/

    CLASS 4A PREVIEW

    |  Ben Johnson

    Class 4A preview

    Rankings

    1. Bethany - Declaring 2019 the year of Sam Brandt. He’s improved his quarterbacking skills as the years have gone along, and last season he rushed for 1,262 yards and 25 touchdowns, in addition to 2,615 yards and 27 touchdowns through the air.
    2. Blanchard - Class 4A’s top rusher last year was the Lions’ Bryce Madron with 1,743 yards and 32 touchdowns. And, he’s back.
    3. Wagoner - Running back Chochee Watson could be on the verge of a breakout season after totaling 746 yards and nine touchdowns while sharing time with Schyler Adair in 2018.
    4. Clinton - Expect a big year from tailback linebacker Eddi Gonzalez, who logged 107 tackles during his junior campaign.
    5. Weatherford - Ethan Downs, a big-time tight end that stands 6 feet, 4 inches and 240 pounds, holds offers from OU, Arkansas, Baylor, LSU and plenty more.
    **6. Tuttle - The departure of Carson Berryhill at quarterback could mean the reigning 4A state champs turn to Triston Truelove for a heavy bulk of the offensive load. Truelove rushed for 1,621 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.
    7. Bristow - Having Jalen Fullbright’s athleticism back will certainly help, and the same goes for Luke Fortney (reigning state champion in wrestling) and Braden Fullbright on the offensive line.
    8. Poteau - Greg Werner returns after a stint at Hilldale as head coach, and so does Mr Do Everything Easton Francis.
    9. Broken Bow - Savages are always sneaky good, and that’s likely to be true this season with plenty of seniors on defense, including Dawson Jackson, Stephen Young and Britton McKinney.
    10. Hilldale - Hornets lose some talent from last year’s roster, but they still have Jay Porter at quarterback, along with Brayson Lawson and Dylan Walker at wide receiver.

    **2018 state champion


    Premier players

    - Wil Moyer (Cushing): As a junior, Moyer passed for 2,576 yards and 22 touchdown while completing 60 percent of his passes.
    - Keaton Crooks (Cushing): Most of Moyer’s passes found Crooks, who had 1,117 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
    - Ben Ward (Cleveland): Enters his junior year after throwing for 2,334 yards for the Tigers last season.
    - Caden Culver (Elk City): Threw for 1,683 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior in 2018.
    - Jaxon Ratterree (Weatherford): Downs gets the accolades in Weatherford, but Ratterree threw for 1,758 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior last year.



    Our best guess(es)

    Michael Swisher: Tuttle -- Want to see a cool tradition? Go to a Tuttle home game and watch the Tigers bus into the stadium and go straight from the bus to warmups. That’s not going to win Tuttle a gold ball, obviously. But the fact about 90 Tigers roll off those buses certainly helps. Tuttle will reload what it lost from a year ago and repeat.

    Whitt Carter: Wagoner -- It will be hard to defeat Bethany if Sam Brandt is as good or better than he was last year, but the Bulldogs have a ton back and it’s enough to get it done and reclaim their spot at the top.

    Ben Johnson: Bethany -- Could foresee a Bethany-Blanchard finale, and I like Sam Brandt to get the job done this year.



    NEW PODCAST: Football is back

    |  Ben Johnson

    We're now a week away from real-life, actual football. (Well, games that actually count)

    This week we pay tribute to one of the state's best, Mr. Ray West, who passed away recent. Swisher shares several great stories about West and what he meant to a lot of people in this great state.


    Then we start our football previews, talking about Classes 6AI through 4A. We unveil our top 10 in each class and offer up some storylines along the way.

    Want to interact with the podcast? Tweet us at @michaelswisher & @benjohnsontul

    Or you can email the show at ben@skordle.com


    As always, thanks for listening!


    PODCAST: Summer is coming

    |  Ben Johnson

    It's that time of year again. Summertime has arrived, and high school sports fans are left waiting for more games in August. But fear not! The Publics and Privates OKpreps Podcast will help get you through the slow months.

    This week the guys recap some state tournament baseball, including Edmond Santa Fe and Pryor winning titles for the first time for both programs. The guys also look back on the memorable moments from the 2018-2019 athletic season, including some cross country, football, basketball and much more. 

    The podcast closes out with Swisher breaking down this week's Skordle Shootout in Cushing. A solid field of small school hoopsters will be at Cushing Middle School, and Swisher gives you all the details you need to stop by and watch some basketball.



    We'd welcome your feedback! Tweet at us - @michaelswisher & @benjohnsontul

    SKORDLE NOTEBOOK: Vannoy piling up victories for Jenks; Watch out for Clinton boys

    |  Ben Johnson

    Drake Vannoy was pressed for time with wrestling season around the corner. Jenks’ football season didn’t end until Nov. 30, and the Trojans were slated to open their wrestling campaign less than a week later.
    Good thing Vannoy had a championship pedigree to rely on.
    The junior wasted little time reacquainting himself with the mat, starting the 2018-2019 wrestling season with a first place finish at the Chuck West Invitational in Bristow.
    “My performances are starting to improve as I’m getting back into wrestling shape after football,” Vannoy said. “I’m starting to like the pace and intensity that I’m going at.”
    And it would be hard to find any detractors right now, especially after coasting through the 152-pound field at the Jay Hancock Invitational in Yukon last weekend. Vannoy advanced to the finals with four wins by fall, and he capped the tournament off with a 19-2 technical fall triumph over Edmond North’s Jayden Villalobos.
    “Drake has been dominating this year,” Jenks coach Ray Weis said. “He has had some learning matches, but he really imposes his will in most matches.”
    And he’s been doing it since bursting onto the scene as a sophomore last season. Vannoy settled for a third place showing at last season’s Class 6A regional tournament, but he avenged his regional loss to Broken Arrow’s Brady Mattioda with a convincing victory between the two in the state tournament. Vannoy would eventually claim a state championship at 152 pounds, and this year he’s out to defend it.
    “Drake is learning what it is like to be a defending state champion,” Weis said. “He has learned that everyone is going to wrestle him differently and he has to be intense every match. That has made him a better competitor and wrestler.”
    With a fourth place finish at the Las Vegas Classic and a second-place showing at the Larry Wilkey Invitational, Vannoy said his main focus is to constantly put his opponents on the defensive.
    “The biggest key to my success is my conditioning and ability to push the pace,” he said.
    Jenks has two regular season duals left against Union and Owasso, and the Trojans will wrestle in the Glenpool tournament before venturing into postseason play, which includes dual state, regionals and the state tournament at the end of February.


    Hoop notes…


    **The last major tournament week of the basketball season means more than championship trophies and bragging rights.
    It’s also the last chance for teams to make a major push before Monday’s rankings are submitted.
    Those rankings are the last ones before the OSSAA releases playoff assignments for Classes 2A, 3A and 4A.
    So, for a team like Bethany, which currently sits at No. 11 in 4A, could a win against No. 1 Kingfisher in the finals of the Buckle of the Wheatbelt (IF both make it there) be enough to vault the Bronchos into the highly-valued top-eight?
    That’s what teams on the edge of the top-eight, whether in or out this week, will be looking to achieve in the biggest tournament week of the year.


    **When Oklahoma City Public School Superintendent Sean McDaniel revealed three possible plans as part of its “Pathway to Greatness” initiative to the district school board Tuesday night, there was one glaring fact that would affect the state’s basketball landscape.
    Each plan listed a number of potential school closings within the district. A few schools were listed in all three of them. One of them was Oklahoma Centennial Mid-High.
    Barely a decade old, Centennial is already considered a basketball power.
    It won back-to-back 3A championships in 2011 and 2012 and has contended for a title nearly every year since.
    The Bison aren’t necessarily a power player this year. They’re currently 4-9 with two of those wins against home-school program OKC Storm North.
    However, much of the rest of their schedule has been a brutally-tough one and the Bison will be a team nobody wants to see come playoff time.
    But with the future of the school basically decided, what will become of the program?
    Where will the current and future roster be going to school in the future?
    What about head coach Kendal Cudjoe, part of one of the most respected basketball families in OKC?
    All of that has yet to be decided, but when it happens, there will be a void in 3A and a boost to other programs who benefit from the school’s closing.


    **A team to watch? How about the Clinton boys.
    Not necessarily known for their basketball prowess, the Red Tornadoes are 12-3.
    They staked their claim to be ranked Tuesday by knocking off No. 4 Anadarko, 61-48.
    They’re the No. 1 seed in this week’s Tishomingo Invitational. A win there - or at least a strong showing - and the Reds just might be ranked come Monday afternoon.
    It likely won’t affect their playoff draw much, but it will be a big boost to a program no doubt overshadowed by football.


    **If you tuned into our Publics & Privates OKPreps Podcast this week, you heard me say Class B is as far down as I can remember.
    That goes for boys and girls.
    Doesn’t mean there aren’t quality teams on either side, but the depth and level of quality just isn’t there like it was three, four, five and more years ago.
    On the podcast, I was specifically talking about Class B girls.
    And - literally - as we were recording that last Friday night, Seiling was hammering home that point.
    Class A’s top-ranked Ladycats took Hammon out to the ol’ proverbial woodshed with a 70-32 beating.
    Now, there’s no shame in losing to Seiling. It is a team, after all, with two Division I signees in Macy and Karly Gore,
    They embarrass lots of foes.
    And I don’t think the margin of victory would be quite so much should the teams play again.
    But, still, there’s a large gap between the best teams in A and the best teams in B.
    That hasn’t always been the case.


    *****Michael Swisher contributed to this report

    SKORDLE ALL-STATE: Large school team and top honors

    |  Ben Johnson

    The high school football season can’t come to a close until awards are handed out. Over the next week, Skordle will issue its first All-State football teams for large and small schools.

    The large schools consist of teams in Classes 6AI through 4A. Small schools included every team from Class 3A through Class C. There are also Player of the Year, Offensive MVP and Defensive MVP named for each individual class.

    The teams were chosen by those who covered high school football for Skordle all year long: Michael Swisher, Whitt Carter and Ben Johnson.

    So let’s get to it. Here is your large school All-State team and class superlatives…

    CLASS SUPERLATIVES

    Class 6AI

    Player of the Year: NOAH CORTES (Broken Arrow) - Running behind the Tigers’ massive offensive line, Cortes rushed straight into the Broken Arrow record books during his senior season. The 6-foot, 205-pound tailback compiled 1,958 yards on 261 carries, and he also set a new school record with 35 touchdowns. He finished his career with 4,453 yards and is now Broken Arrow’s all-time leading rusher. Also led the Tigers to their first state championship, thanks to a 120-yard effort on 30 carries in the Class 6AI championship game against Jenks.
    Broken Arrow coach David Alexander: “Noah was the heartbeat of our team. He led us in the weight room, locker room and at practice. And his hard work showed up big time on game nights.”

    Offensive MVP: IAN CORWIN (Jenks) - The Trojans’ 6-foot, 185-pound quarterback engineered a high-powered offense to 464 points in only 13 games this season. The senior signal caller completed 176 of 290 passes for 2,905 yards and 25 touchdowns. Finishes his Trojans’ career as the program’s top passer with 8,988 yards and 548 completions. He’s also second with 80 passing touchdowns. In a championship game loss to Broken Arrow, Corwin passed for 319 yards and three touchdowns while completing 17 of 28 passes.
    Jenks coach Keith Riggs: “Jenks has had a number of great quarterbacks over the years, and yet Ian was able to re-write the Jenks record book for passing statistics. He was a great leader and role model in the offensive huddle, on the practice field and in the film room. As good as he was on the field, he is an even better person; he’s humble, involved in a number of school groups and activities and always willing to help others.”

    Defensive MVP: GAVIN POTTER (Broken Arrow) - It was 1A and 1B in middle of Broken Arrow’s defense this season with Potter and Zach Marcheselli. The nod goes to Potter ever so slightly after the Tigers’ defense mauled seemingly every opponent it faced this season. Potter, a 6-1, 200-pound senior linebacker, finished with 102 tackles and 23 tackles for loss this season. He also added 11 quarterback pressures, five pass break-ups and two blocked kicks. Anchored Broken Arrow’s defense in the state championship game with 10 tackles against Jenks.
    Broken Arrow coach David Alexander: “Gavin’s explosiveness and his unmatched effort on every play made him a tackling machine in every game we played.”

    Class 6AII

    Player of the Year: QWONTREL WALKER (Stillwater) - In a dynamic offense that also featured quarterback Gunnar Gundy and wide receiver Anthony Bland, Walker stole the spotlight with his running ability this season. The 5-foot-8, 185-pound running back finished with 2,310 yards and 35 touchdowns on 284 carries. Accounted for Stillwater’s only two scores in the 6AII title game, finishing with 150 yards on 31 carries against Bixby. He collected 234 yards and two touchdowns in Stillwater’s semifinal win over Booker T. Washington.
    Stillwater coach Tucker Barnard: “Q is an incredible back. His combination of speed, quickness, power, balance and vision is unlike any running back I’ve coached.”

    Offensive MVP: PRESTON COLBERT (Midwest City) - Senior quarterback guided the Bombers to the 6AII semifinals, thanks to 2,427 yards through the air on 147 completions. He completed 53.5 percent of his passes and also threw for 31 touchdowns. He also added 432 yards and eight touchdowns on 61 carries.

    Defensive MVP: ETHAN HALL (Bixby) - The Spartans’ defense featured plenty of playmakers, but none more so than Hall in the middle of it all at linebacker. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker racked up 82 tackles with 26 1/2 of those for loss. During a six-game span from Sept. 14 to Oct. 18, Hall notched 17 tackles for loss, including four against Sand Springs. Hall also mixed in 12 sacks, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.


    Class 5A

    Player of the Year: SEVION MORRISON (Edison) - A solid sophomore season in 2017 segued to a monster 2018 for Morrison, who turned in one spectacular performance after another. Against McAlester, Morrison logged 429 total yards and scored seven touchdowns, and he polished off the regular season with a 382-yard, 5-touchdown performance against Ada. That’s when the Division I offers started rolling in for the 6-foot, 190-pound junior running back. Morrison finished off his junior campaign with 2,728 yards and 36 touchdowns on 232 carries. He currently holds offers from Arkansas, Iowa State, Mississippi State, Missouri, Nebraska and Nevada heading into this senior season.
    Edison coach Tony Daniels: “Sevion is a special player. His vision and how hard he runs the ball down hill, or in open space, is what makes him that way. Track has helped him out a lot this past year, and we cannon wait to see what he can do next season.”

    Offensive MVP: DADRION TAYLOR (Carl Albert) - Missing a quarter of Carl Albert’s season didn’t keep “Rabbit” from turning in another monster season. While guiding the Titans to their third straight 5A championship, Taylor rushed for 1,365 yards and 24 touchdowns on 175 carries. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Utah State commit wrapped up his career with 4,611 yards and 65 touchdowns for the Titans.

    Defensive MVP: REISE COLLIER (Carl Albert) - Offenses found little success against Carl Albert this season, and in the middle of it all was Collier, a 6-3, 205-pound junior linebacker. Collier collected 175 tackles, five sacks and two interceptions while leading the charge in Carl Albert’s march to a third straight championship.

    Class 4A

    Player of the Year: SAM BRANDT (Bethany) - Mr. Do It All -- aka Sam Brandt -- is listed first most places as a defender -- a 5-10, 180-pound defensive back. He performed there admirably during his junior season, amassing 76 tackles and seven interceptions while leading Bethany to a runner-up finish in Class 4A. But he also seems to have a handle on his offensive abilities, becoming dual-threat quarterback who put up monster numbers. Brandt completed 175 of 269 passes for 2,615 yards and 27 touchdowns, while also adding 1,262 yards and 25 touchdowns on 191 carries. But please, continue to tout the USA Today’s All-State team, one that couldn’t even bother to include Brandt anywhere on its roster.

    Offensive MVP: CARSON BERRYHILL (Tuttle) - His numbers might not have been as electric as Brandt’s, but Berryhill guided the Tigers all the way to the 4A title. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound senior quarterback completed 132 of 233 passes for 2,271 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also rushed for 440 yards and nine touchdowns on 93 carries.
    Tuttle coach Brad Ballard: “Carson did everything that a quarterback could do to lead his team to a championship. He was a threat running and throwing the ball. His attitude and leadership was instrumental in our success.”

    Defensive MVP: DYLAN COFFMAN (Tuttle) - Anchoring Tuttle’s stout defense was a 6-foot, 215-pound linebacker this season. Coffman logged 123 tackles, two sacks and one interception while the Tigers’ defense yielded only 150 points over the course of 14 games.
    Tuttle coach Brad Ballard: “He was the leader of our defense. He started for us multiple year and was among our leading tacklers in each of those. He set the tone for our team every week. One of the most physical players I have ever coached.”

    LARGE SCHOOL ALL-STATE TEAM

    Coach of the Year: DAVID ALEXANDER (Broken Arrow) – In his fifth year at Broken Arrow, Alexander improved to 44-16 with a perfect 13-0 campaign in 2018. The Tigers capped a run to their first championship with a 28-20 victory over Jenks in the Class 6AI title game, one that featured a weather delay of more than two hours. The Tigers averaged 44.5 points per game this season while giving up only 7.9 points.

    Offense

    QB: Ian Corwin (Jenks) – Passed for 2,905 yards and 25 touchdowns while leading the Trojans to the 6AI championship game.
    RB: Sevion Morrison (Edison) – Junior tailback rushed for 2,728 yards and 36 touchdowns on 232 carries for the Eagles.
    RB: Noah Cortes (Broken Arrow) – Amassed 1,958 yards and 35 touchdowns on 261 carries for the Tigers during his senior season.
    RB: Qwontrel Walker (Stillwater) – Set a new Stillwater single-season record with 2,130 yards. Added 35 touchdowns on 284 carries as a sophomore.
    WR: Jeff Foreman (Del City) – Caught 64 passes for 1,247 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior.
    WR: Brennan Presley (Bixby) – Hauled in 67 catches for 1,081 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior.
    OL: Andrew Raym (Broken Arrow) – Paved the way for the Tigers’ high-powered offense as the most sought-after offensive lineman on the recruiting circuit. As a junior, Raym rotated all over Broken Arrow’s offensive line to give defenses different looks.
    OL: Chester Baah (Edison) – University of Tulsa signee anchored the Eagles’ offensive line that saw Sevion Morrison re-write the Eagles’ record books.
    OL: Ricky Stromberg (Union) – Arkansas signee created an array of running opportunities for tailback Darius Boone Jr., and kept the pocket intact for quarterback Peyton Thompson.
    OL: Brady Latham (Jenks) – Arkansas signee was the key cog for the Trojans’ offensive line that allowed Jenks to score 464 points in 13 games.
    OL: Trenzel Johnson (Ardmore) – Senior lineman graded out as the Tigers’ top offensive lineman for a unit that guided Ardmore to 368.1 rushing yards and 35.8 points per game.

    Defense

    DL: Montrell Cozart (Bishop Kelley) – Junior nose guard had seven sacks and 128 tackles to lead the Comets’ stingy defense.
    DL: Trace Ford (Edmond Santa Fe) – Oklahoma State signee finished the season with 41 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks.
    DL: Alphonse Joseph (Carl Albert) – Junior lineman collected 98 tackles and 31 tackles for loss. Even had 16 sacks to pace the Titans’ defense en route to their third straight 5A championship.
    LB: Ethan Hall (Bixby) – Senior linebacker notched 82 tackles and 12 sacks for the Spartans on their way to another 6AII championship.
    LB: Gavin Potter (Broken Arrow) – Senior linebacker led the Tigers with 102 tackles and 23 tackles for loss.
    LB: Zach Marcheselli (Broken Arrow) – TCU signee completed his senior season with 101 tackles and 12 tackles for loss.
    LB: Dylan Coffman (Tuttle) – Senior linebacker recorded 123 tackles, two sacks and one interception for the 4A champions.
    DB: Aaron Stokes (Broken Arrow) – Snagged five interceptions and had 52 tackles for the Tigers during his senior season.
    DB: Dax Hill (Booker T. Washington) – Finished with 93 tackles and nine tackles for loss before signing with Michigan.
    DB: Cade Cavender (Bixby) – Senior safety had 64 tackles and two interceptions. On offense, rushed for 222 yards and three touchdowns in the Spartans’ 34-13 win over Stillwater in the 6AII championship game.
    DB: Sam Brandt (Bethany) – Recorded 76 tackles, seven interceptions and a fumble recovery for the Bronchos. Added 3,877 rushing and passing yards combined on offense with 52 touchdowns.

    Special teams

    K: Noah Rauschenberg (Union) – Set a school record with a 54-yard field goal and finished the season 10 of 16 on field goal attempts.
    P: Andrew Wisniewski (Bishop McGuinness) – Averaged 42.7 yards per punt on 34 attempts during his senior season.
    KR/PR: Jamie Nance (Blanchard) – Nebraska signee had four touchdowns on 15 kickoff returns, and he averaged 45.2 yards per return. On punt returns, he averaged 25.8 yards per return and two touchdowns.
    ATH: Dadrion Taylor (Carl Albert) – Senior tailback led the Titans’ offense with 1,365 yards and 24 touchdowns on 175 carries.

    Let us know what you think. Leave a comment or send a tweet to Ben Johnson on Twitter. Small school All-State team will be published next week.


    * Photo courtesy of Jimmy Gillispie/Stillwater NewsPress

    CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEWS: Classes 5A, 4A & 3A

    |  Ben Johnson

    It's time to break down championship games for Classes 5A, 4A and 3A -- or I like to call it, the “no east side teams allowed” preview. For real, just look at whose left in these three championship games.
    As for the quality in these three games, it’s top notch. You have perennial powers, grind-it-out ball clubs and no shortage of extraordinary talent.
    Looking for something to do on Friday night in the Oklahoma City area? You have plenty of options, stretching from Yukon to Edmond.

    Now, here are your game previews….

    *All games scheduled to start at 7 p.m. on Friday


    Class 5A


    No. 1 Carl Albert (13-0) vs. No. 2 Ardmore  (13-0)

    Where: Wolves Stadium (Edmond Santa Fe High School)

    Road to the title game

    - Carl Albert: 28-7 vs. El Reno in the first round; 42-6 vs. Claremore in the quarterfinals; 37-20 vs. Collinsville in the semifinals
    - Ardmore: 42-13 vs. Piedmont in the first round; 48-13 vs. Coweta in the quarterfinals; 21-13 vs. Bishop Kelley in the semifinals

    What to watch for

    - Ground game galore: Carl Albert’s Dadrion “Rabbit” Taylor is coming off a monster game against Collinsville - 313 yards and five touchdowns on 32 carries. Then there’s Ardmore arsenal of ball carriers, including Tero Roberts, Jadrien Monroe and Cameron Petties. The Tigers are averaging close to 400 yards on the ground per game, and they’re coming off a 21-13 win over Bishop Kelley where they ran for 318 yards on 43 carries.

    - Ardmore’s massive offensive line: Lost amid the big names in this one is the Tigers’ massive offensive line. Anchored by 5-foot-10, 305-pound senior guard Trenzel Johnson, Ardmore may possess the largest offensive front, this side of Broken Arrow. Brayden Bryant, Ethan Phillips, Sitani Lemeki and Johnson all check in at more than 275 pounds, and Tafolla mans the center position at 210.

    - Tradition or Tigers? Carl Albert has won 35 straight games, and the Titans are basically royalty when it comes to winning championships. Then there’s Ardmore, looking for its first title since 1992.

    Random facts

    - Carl Albert head coach Mike Corley took over in 2017. He’s gone 27-0 over the course of two seasons.
    - Ardmore head coach Josh Newby took over in 2015. He’s gone 40-9 over the course of four seasons.
    - Ardmore is 3-2 all-time in championship games -- the last one being a 34-14 win over Douglass for the 5A crown in 1992.
    - Carl Albert sophomore quarterback Ben Harris has completed 140 of 240 pass attempts this season for 2,224 yards and 19 touchdowns. For his career, Harris has logged 4,990 yards through the air.
    - Junior linkebacker Reise Collier leads Carl Albert on defense with 160 tackles, five sacks and two interceptions.
    - Carl Albert has won back-to-back 5A titles -- both wins over Bishop McGuinness in 2017 and 2016 by a combined score of 69-52.
    - Carl Albert is 16-7 against Ardmore all-time, and the Titans beat Ardmore in both 2017 (28-12) and 2016 (38-21).
    - A title would be ….. Carl Albert’s 14th; Ardmore’s fourth.

    Prediction panel

    Michael Swisher: Ardmore over Carl Albert - Man, if we could just stop at the first three classes, I would seem pretty smart. I've nailed all six title game participants so far. I went out on a limb with my Ardmore pick. Only a fool would pick against Carl Albert. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce myself, the fool. I could be embarrassed by this pick still, but I feel the Tigers' ground game and stellar defense do just enough to knock off the champs.

    Ben Johnson: Carl Albert over Ardmore - Welp, I had Bishop Kelley making the championship game against Carl Albert, so strike one for me there. But I had Carl Albert winning it all, so I’ve still got that going for me. When the season started, it looked like Carl Albert was the run-away favorite to win another gold ball, and while I’m still picking the Titans, I think Ardmore’s got a great shot. With guys like Tero Roberts, Cameron Petties and others, Ardmore will do its best to lean on it size and speed as much as possible. But when it comes down to it, Carl Albert has too much firepower. I know, I know -- what else is new?

    Whitt Carter: Carl Albert over Ardmore - Again, this was my pick before the playoffs started and I've seen no reason to change it. Carl Albert is in the middle of an incredible run and they'll be hard to beat with a chance to go for the three-peat and their 36th win in a row. But it won't be easy, as Tero Roberts is the real deal. Again, major props to Tigers' head coach Josh Newby. He has this program at an elite level in 5A and they aren't going away anytime soon. But they will have to wait, as the Titans continue to add to their historic run.


    Class 4A


    No. 6 Bethany (12-1) vs. No. 2 Tuttle (13-0)

    Where: Miller Stadium (Yukon High School)

    Road to the title game

    - Bethany: 38-13 vs. Weatherford in the first round; 42-35 vs. Wagoner in the quarterfinals; 31-30 in double overtime vs. Clinton in the semifinals.
    - Tuttle: 31-0 vs. Anadarko in the first round; 42-14 vs. Hilldale in the quarterfinals; 21-11 vs. Poteau in the semifinals.

    What to watch for

    - Rematch time: Just about the only thing Bethany had going for it back in October was it was at home. Beyond that, Tuttle waltzed into Bethany and knocked around the Bronchos, winning a 30-7 clash in District 4A-2. “I just wanted to beat them so bad,” Tuttle quarterback Carson Berryhill told the Oklahoman. And he sure did, accounting for four touchdowns -- two on the ground and two through the air. He finished with 82 yards through the air and 60 yards on the ground, while the Tigers’ defense did the rest.

    - Truelove’s traction: Lost amid Berryhill’s touchdowns against Bethany was Tuttle’s junior tailback Triston Truelove piling up yardage while helping Tuttle dominate in time of possession. Truelove had 182 yards on 29 carries, and he has more than 1,500 yards for the Tigers this season.

    - Best of Brandt: Christian Heritage’s Zach Hale is one of the poster boys for having to do it all this season, but Bethany’s Sam Brandt is in the conversation. The junior quarterback/defensive back has rushed for 1,234 yards and 24 touchdowns on 177 carries this season, and he’s added 2,405 yards and 25 touchdowns while completing 156 of 241 passes. And he’s not done there. He’s logged 71 tackles and seven interceptions. His production was limited against Tuttle the first time around, so don’t expect that to happen again.

    Random facts

    - Bethany coach Jon Arthur took over in 2017, and he’s gone 22-4 over the course of two seasons.
    - Tuttle coach Brad Ballard took over in 2014, and he’s gone 45-12 over the course of five seasons.
    - Bethany is unbeaten in its only state championship appearance -- a 40-6 win over Davis in the 2A title game of 2003.
    - Tuttle is 11-2 all-time against Bethany. The Tigers did lose 21-12 to Bethany last season during district play.
    - Bethany’s senior tailback Jacob Kyle has rushed for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns on 185 carries this season.
    - Five Bethany receivers -- Ben Lawson, Lawson Stout, Jordan Flinton, Jackson Howard and Skylar Holzhauser -- each have at least 299 yards receiving this season.
    - Brodey Claborn leads Bethany in tackles with 107. Lawson Stout had added 103 tackles, one sack and two interceptions.
    - A title would be ….. Bethany’s second; Tuttle’ third.

    Prediction panel

    Michael Swisher: Tuttle over Bethany - In my defense, I was forthright in saying I had no idea what was going to happen in the 4A playoffs when I picked Poteau to beat Wagoner in the finals. I still think you could start the playoffs over and get at least one different finalist. That said, sorry for doubting you, West side. Bethany's Sam Brandt will be the best player on the field, in my opinion. But, Tuttle has the best overall team. It's a return to glory for the Tigers. For the record, I have Tigers winning three of the top four classes now.

    Ben Johnson: Tuttle over Bethany - I’d like to piggyback off of Swisher, if I could, and offer an apology to the west side teams. I had Poteau over Wagoner in the finals. I felt really good about Poteau, too, but the Pirates picked a bad time for injuries to start mounting up. Just how the luck shakes out sometimes. Nevertheless, Tuttle is more than deserving of being in the finals. It might not have looked like it by the final score, but Hilldale was a really good football team this season and Tuttle just smacked the Hornets around in the quarterfinals. The Tigers have the luxury of letting Carson Berryhill do his thing at quarterback, or they can hand the ball off to Triston Truelove. All the while, Tuttle has the more stout defense between itself and Bethany. Sam Brandt and Bethany aren’t going anywhere, so perhaps 2019 could be the year the Bronchos wrestle gold away from the rest of Class 4A. Until then, I’m sticking with Tuttle to claim football and wrestling championships this season (that’s right, I’m already calling my shots in wrestling).

    Whitt Carter: Tuttle over Bethany - Tuttle was my preseason state championship pick for Class 4A and I must say, I'm pretty proud. Not many picked this team to make a deep run, probably due to not making it out of the first round in three of the last four years. But Tuttle has been the team to beat in 4A all season long. The Tigers are 13-0 and haven't played a game closer than 10 points all year. But they will have to beat a really good Bethany team to finish the perfect season. Broncos QB Sam Brandt will give the Tigers all they can handle, but Tuttle QB Carson Berryhill has made plays when it mattered all year long and I'm betting he does it again, as Tuttle reigns supreme as the Class 4A champ.


    Class 3A


    No. 1 Heritage Hall (12-1) vs. No. 3 Sulphur (12-1)

    Where: Charles W. Scheid Stadium (Western Heights High School)

    Road to the title game

    - Heritage Hall: 42-0 vs. Marlow in the first round; 44-21 vs. Stigler in the quarterfinals; 69-34 vs. Lincoln Christian in the semifinals.
    - Sulphur: 34-7 vs. Perkins-Tryon in the first round; 56-31 vs. Idabel in the quarterfinals; 35-26 vs. Kingfisher in the semifinals.

    What to watch for

    - Containing Conner: Prior to his senior season, Heritage Hall tailback Conner Carey had a whopping 158 rushing yards to his credit. This year, Carey has burst onto the scene with 1,667 yards and 28 touchdowns on 182 carries. A receiver last season who hauled in 44 catches for 642 yards, Carey switched to the backfield for the Chargers, who also have Billy Ross to hand the ball off to, as well. Carey still says busy catching the ball, hauling in 23 catches for 474 yards and seven touchdowns. Then on defense, he’s come up with 55 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions.

    - Containing Kiser: This year has been full of tremendous running back performances across the state. Yet, the one piling up the most yards resides in Sulphur. Kiser, a 6-foot, 190-pound tailback, is sitting at 2,442 yards and 38 touchdowns on 367 carries with one game left to go. It’s no surprise that Sulphur will go as he goes -- even if his ankle is still a little wobbly. He torched Kingfisher for 130 yards and three scores last week, so he’s no stranger to picking up yards against good teams. And if his offensive endeavors aren’t enough, he’s also one of Sulphur’s main defense stoppers, and he added 10 tackles against the Yellowjackets last week.

    - Dixon does it again?: Sulphur coach Jim Dixon has been coaching the Bulldogs since 1975, but he actually wasn’t Sulphur’s coach when the team won its last state championship. Wait, what? Dixon missed the 2004 season due to an illness, and Jeff Nye coached the Bulldogs to the 2A title that season, beating Purcell in the championship game. Dixon returned in 2005, but Sulphur has yet to reclaim a gold ball. Heading into this week’s game, Dixon is 309-179 in 43 years on the sidelines.

    Random facts

    - Heritage Hall head coach Brett Bogert took over in 2015. He has gone 52-2 over the course of four seasons.
    - Sulphur won its first championship in 2002 against Seminole in the 2A title game. The Bulldogs’ last title was in 2004. That’s been it, despite Sulphur being a perennial power in Oklahoma.
    - Heritage Hall has scored an average of 42.4 points in its last seven playoff games.
    - Billy Ross has rushed for 637 yards and nine touchdowns, and he’s also caught 42 passes for 800 yards and nine touchdowns for Heritage Hall this season.
    - Hardy Bowers leads Heritage Hall with 144 tackles, and he also has 10 sacks. Jaden McDaniel (12) and Will Dunn (11) also have more than 10 sacks apiece, too.
    - These two teams have had pretty limited exposure to one another. Only other meeting was in 2004 -- a 48-21 win for Sulphur in the 2004 semifinals.
    - A title would be ….. Sulphur’s third; Heritage Hall’s seventh.

    Prediction panel

    Michael Swisher: Heritage Hall over Sulphur - Kingfisher knocked off Berryhill, my pick to make it out of the bottom half of the bracket. Then Sulphur disposed of the Yellowjackets last week behind its always-solid ground game. While stopping Trey Kiser is key, he's not the only rushing weapon for the Bulldogs. However, Heritage Hall's offense also has a multi-pronged rushing attack. That, plus a quirky, blitzing defense will be too much for Sulphur to overcome. Heritage Hall won't do things to get itself beat and, if need be, I think the Chargers can go to the air to win. I'm not convinced Sulphur can.

    Ben Johnson: Heritage Hall over Sulphur - Deferring to Swisher and Whitt would be the smart play here. Both were at the semifinal clash between Sulphur and Kingfisher last week, so both know what Sulphur has to offer. That being said, they’re split on the outcome so I’ll break the tie. Sulphur is about as hard-nosed as it gets, but I’m never one to doubt a member of the Bogert family. Brett opted to switch things up and go with Conner Carey as the team’s primary tailback this season, because of a Billy Ross ailment, and it’s paid dividends. It always seems like Bogert and his staff are always one step ahead, so that’s enough to sway me. I should mention here that I had Berryhill making the title game against Heritage Hall, so you’re welcome to publicly shame me. I deserve it.

    Whitt Carter: Sulphur over Heritage Hall - So I picked the Chargers pretty confidently back in August, and they've done nothing to earn my distrust. But I did pick Sulphur to beat the Chargers in the finals at the start of the playoffs and I'll stay with that mindset. Heritage Hall is looking for its fourth state title in five years, and we all know they can certainly get it done. But this Sulphur team has been overlooked all year, and the way they play is tough to deal with. This will surely be the toughest test the Bulldogs have faced all year long, but they have the best player on the field in Trey Kiser and I think they find a way to pull the upset. The Bulldogs win a nail-biter for their third state title in school history.


    *Photo courtesy of Russell Stitt



    PLAYOFF PICKS: Week 3 edition

    |  Ben Johnson

    Time to schedule the Randy Turney championship parade. He's all but wrapped up the Skordle picking crown for 2018.

    Playoff picks - Week 2 - Coach Turney 16-9 | Whitt 16-9 | Swisher 15-10 | Ben 15-10

    Overall - Turney 197-68 | Whitt 181-84 | Ben 174-91 | Swisher 180-85

    Now I present picks for the third round of the playoffs:


    Carl Albert vs. Collinsville

    Michael Swisher: Carl Albert 24, Collinsville 20

    Ben Johnson: Carl Albert 23, Collinsville 17

    Whitt Carter: Carl Albert 34, Collinsville 28

    Randy Turney: Carl Albert 28, Collinsville 21


    Bishop Kelley vs. Ardmore

    Michael Swisher: Ardmore 28, Bishop Kelley 14

    Ben Johnson: Bishop Kelley 20, Ardmore 19

    Whitt Carter: Ardmore 28, Bishop Kelley 17

    Randy Turney: Ardmore 24, Bishop Kelley 14


    Bethany vs. Clinton

    Michael Swisher: Bethany 28, Clinton 24

    Ben Johnson: Bethany 29, Clinton 24

    Whitt Carter: Clinton 28, Bethany 20

    Randy Turney: Clinton 21, Bethany 20


    Poteau vs. Tuttle

    Michael Swisher: Poteau 19, Tuttle 17

    Ben Johnson: Poteau 32, Tuttle 21

    Whitt Carter: Tuttle 35, Poteau 21

    Randy Turney: Tuttle 23, Poteau 14


    Heritage Hall vs. Lincoln Christian

    Michael Swisher: Heritage Hall 34, Lincoln Christian 24

    Ben Johnson: Heritage Hall 30, Lincoln Christian 20

    Whitt Carter: Heritage Hall 41, Lincoln Christian 27

    Randy Turney: Heritage Hall 28, Lincoln Christian 21


    Kingfisher vs. Sulphur

    Michael Swisher: Sulphur 33, Kingfisher 20

    Ben Johnson: Kingfisher 21, Sulphur 18

    Whitt Carter: Sulphur 34, Kingfisher 27

    Randy Turney: Sulphur 30, Kingfisher 21

    Adair at Vian

    Michael Swisher: Vian 23, Adair 18

    Ben Johnson: Vian 23, Adair 14

    Whitt Carter: Adair 28, Vian 27

    Randy Turney: Vian 30, Adair 22


    Eufaula at Sperry

    Michael Swisher: Sperry 30, Eufaula 12

    Ben Johnson: Sperry 20, Eufaula 13

    Whitt Carter: Sperry 34, Eufaula 21

    Randy Turney: Sperry 27, Eufaula 14


    Kingston at Beggs

    Michael Swisher: Beggs 42, Kingston 24

    Ben Johnson: Beggs 31, Kingston 21

    Whitt Carter: Beggs 41, Kingston 27

    Randy Turney: Beggs 31, Kingston 18


    Washington at Metro Christian

    Michael Swisher: Washington 34, Metro Christian 33

    Ben Johnson: Washington 33, Metro Christian 31

    Whitt Carter: Metro Christian 42, Washington 35

    Randy Turney: Washington 21, Metro Christian 14


    Commerce at Fairview

    Michael Swisher: Fairview 35, Commerce 28

    Ben Johnson: Fairview 24, Commerce 23

    Whitt Carter: Fairview 34, Commerce 14

    Randy Turney: Fairview 35, Commerce 14


    Rejoice Christian at Crossings Christian

    Michael Swisher: Rejoice Christian 34, Crossings Christian 18

    Ben Johnson: Rejoice Christian 21, Crossings Christian 19

    Whitt Carter: Rejoice Christian 35, Crossings Christian 31

    Randy Turney: Rejoice Christian 22, Crossings Christian 21


    Stroud at Christian Heritage

    Michael Swisher: Stroud 38, Christian Heritage 31

    Ben Johnson: Stroud 26, Christian Heritage 21

    Whitt Carter: Stroud 28, Christian Heritage 20

    Randy Turney: Stroud 20, Christian Heritage 14


    Tonkawa at Hobart

    Michael Swisher: Hobart 27, Tonkawa 21

    Ben Johnson: Tonkawa 22, Hobart 21

    Whitt Carter: Hobart 27, Tonkawa 21

    Randy Turney: Hobart 32, Tonkawa 22


    Shattuck at Dewar

    Michael Swisher: Shattuck 40, Dewar 24

    Ben Johnson: Shattuck 43, Dewar 37

    Whitt Carter: Shattuck 52, Dewar 24

    Randy Turney: Shattuck 46, Dewar 6


    Waurika at Davenport

    Michael Swisher: Davenport 48, Waurika 30

    Ben Johnson: Davenport 55, Waurika 15

    Whitt Carter: Davenport 48, Waurika 28

    Randy Turney: Davenport 52, Waurika 12


    Wetumka at Burns Flat-Dill City

    Michael Swisher: Wetumka 31, Burns Flat-Dill City 18

    Ben Johnson: Wetumka 38, Burns Flat-Dill City 33

    Whitt Carter: Burns Flat-Dill City 42, Wetumka 40

    Randy Turney: Wetumka 38, Burns Flat-Dill City 14


    Regent Prep at Laverne

    Michael Swisher: Regent Prep 22, Laverne 16

    Ben Johnson: Regent Prep 44, Laverne 41

    Whitt Carter: Regent Prep 48, Laverne 34

    Randy Turney: Regent Prep 26, Laverne 20


    Buffalo vs. Southwest Covenant

    Michael Swisher: Southwest Covenant 42, Buffalo 36

    Ben Johnson: Southwest Covenant 51, Buffalo 47

    Whitt Carter: Buffalo 42, Soutuwest Covenant 36

    Randy Turney: Southwest Covenant 28, Buffalo 26


    Tipton vs. Pond Creek-Hunter

    Michael Swisher: Tipton 33, Pond Creek-Hunter 22

    Ben Johnson: Tipton 39, Pond Creek-Hunter 28

    Whitt Carter: Tipton 48, Pond Creek-Hunter 44

    Randy Turney: Tipton 48, Pond Creek-Hunter 14



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


    SEMIFINAL PREVIEWS: Classes 5A & 4A

    |  Ben Johnson

    Four teams have punched their tickets to state championship games. Bixby and Stillwater rallied to claim their spots in the Class 6AII title game, and Jenks and Broken Arrow pulled off some heroics of their own to set up a 6AI title clash. But now they have the week, so the focus shifts to Class 5A and on down.

    Here’s what to look for this week…

    Class 5A

    *Both games scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Friday


    Semifinal matchups

    No. 3 Collinsville (12-0) vs. No. 1 Carl Albert (12-0)

    Where: Owasso High School
    Last week: Carl Albert 42, Claremore 6; Collinsville 35, Guthrie 10
    Players to watch
    - Jake Tuttle (Collinsville): The Cardinals’ leading in a three-headed rushing attack. Tuttle has gained 910 yards and 14 touchdowns on 107 carries this season.
    - Brayden Burd (Collinsville): Not far off Tuttle’s pace with 872 yards and 12 touchdowns on 75 carries.
    - Ben Harris (Carl Albert): The Titans’ offensive engineer with 2,076 yards and 19 touchdowns while completing 123 of 219 passes this season.
    - Reise Collier (Carl Albert): Junior linebacker has been a menace for the Titans all season long, totaling 142 tackles, five sacks and two interceptions.
    Numbers to know
    - These two clubs are meeting for the first time.
    - Cardinals are 1-4 all-time in the semifinals -- at any level. Collinsville’s lone semifinal win was in 2015, a 23-3 victory over Skiatook to advance to the 5A title game.
    - Thanks to Millwood’s loss last week, the Titans now own the state’s longest winning streak (34).
    - Carl Albert has won 10 straight playoff games. The Titans beat Skiatook in last year’s semifinals, 42-12, to reach the championship game.

    No. 5 Bishop Kelley (10-2) vs. No .2 Ardmore (12-0)

    Where: Western Heights High School
    Last week: Bishop Kelley 34, Bishop McGuinness 33; Ardmore 48, Coweta 13
    Players to watch
    - Zach Middleton (Bishop Kelley): The leading rusher in the run-heavy Comets offense. Middleton has totaled 759 yards and 11 touchdowns on 89 carries this season.
    - Montrell Cozart (Bishop Kelley): Comets’ leading tackler with 96 takedowns this season, including six sacks.
    - Tero Roberts (Ardmore): Three different Tiger ball carries have more than 600 yards this season, and Roberts leads the pack with 1,089 yards and seven touchdowns on 100 carries.
    - Cameron Petties (Ardmore): The drive-finisher for the Tigers has a team-high 13 touchdowns, and he’s amassed 690 yards on only 72 carries this season.
    Numbers to know
    - These two have met once -- a 37-29 victory for Ardmore in the 5A quarterfinals in 2016.
    - The Comets, 2-2 all-time in the semifinals, are making their first semifinal appearance since 1999.
    - Ardmore is making its fourth semifinal appearance since 2011. The Tigers haven’t been in a championship game since 1992.



    Class 4A

    *Both games scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Friday




    No. 1 Poteau (12-0) vs. No. 2 Tuttle (12-0)

    Where: Allan Trimble Stadium (Jenks)
    Last week: Tuttle 42, Hilldale 14; Poteau 36, Blanchard 14
    Players to watch
    - Carson Berryhill (Tuttle): Senior quarterback is completing 58.2 percent (99 of 170) of his passes for 1,632 yards and 22 touchdowns this season.
    - Triston Truelove (Tuttle): Junior tailback is Tuttle’s leading rusher with 1,376 yards and 16 touchdowns on 217 carries.
    - Easton Francis (Poteau): Junior standout does it all for the Pirates. He stepped into play quarterback last week for Jett Pitchford, who suffered a hamstring injury. Francis will likely have to do the same this week. This season, he’s rushed for 1,143 yards and 18 touchdowns on 180 carries, and he’s the Pirates’ punter with a 35.1-yard average per boot.
    - Gunnar Thompson (Poteau): At 6 feet, 4 inches and 235 pounds, Thompson has emerged as a Division I prospect this season. While wrecking havoc on defense, he’s totaled 97 tackles and 11 sacks. He also can carry the ball on offense, or haul in a pass at tight end.
    Numbers to know
    - These two teams are meeting for the first time.
    - Poteau is 1-7 in semifinal games since 1989. Lone semifinal victory was a 27-20 win over Douglass in 2013.
    - Tuttle, with two state championships since the turn of the century, is 2-4 in semifinal games since 2001.

    No. 6 Bethany (11-1) vs. No. 9 Clinton (11-1)

    Where: Putnam City Stadium (Warr Acres)
    Last week: Bethany 42, Wagoner 35; Clinton 28, Broken Bow 14
    Players to watch
    - Eddi Gonzalez (Clinton): Junior linebacker has racked up 107 tackles for a Red Tornadoes that is allowing 11.6 points per game.
    - Juan Guzman (Clinton): The leading rusher for a Red Tornadoes rushing attack that features five different ball carriers over 350 yards this season. Guzman has 748 yards and eight touchdowns on 104 carries.
    - Sam Brandt (Bethany): Junior quarterback has had a monster season, rushing for 1,132 yards and 22 touchdowns while also passing for 2,289 yards and 24 touchdowns. On defense, he’s posted 58 tackles and six interceptions.
    - Jacob Kyle (Bethany): The Bronchos’ leading rusher with 1,262 yards and 14 touchdowns on 161 carries.
    Numbers to know
    - First meeting between the two teams.
    - Bethany is 4-2 in the playoffs at the 4A level. The Bronchos’ season last year was ended by Ada in a 26-22 loss in the semifinals.
    - Bethany’s last championship game appearance was in the 2003 Class 2A title game.
    - Clinton has won 16 state championships with the most recent being in 2012.
    - Since back-to-back title game appearances in 2011 and 2012, Clinton has appeared in the semifinals once -- a 28-21 loss to Oologah in 2016.

    PLAYOFF PICKS: Week 2 edition

    |  Ben Johnson

    At this point, Randy Turney is just showing off. He went 23-7 last week and has all but sewn up his title as Skordle's premier picker this year. The rest of us are not worthy! And spinzone: I wasn't horrendous at picking games last week, so baby steps.

    Playoff picks - Week 1 - Coach Turney 23-7 | Ben 19-11 | Whitt 17-13 | Swisher 14-16

    Overall - Turney 181-59 | Swisher 165-75 | Whitt 165-75 | Ben 159-81

    Now I present picks for the second round of the playoffs:


    Broken Arrow vs. Owasso

    Michael Swisher: Broken Arrow 38, Owasso 18

    Ben Johnson: Broken Arrow 42, Owasso 10

    Whitt Carter: Broken Arrow 42, Owasso 17

    Randy Turney: Broken Arrow 38, Owasso 17


    Jenks vs. Union

    Michael Swisher: Union 34, Jenks 33

    Ben Johnson: Jenks 27, Union 24

    Whitt Carter: Jenks 31, Union 28

    Randy Turney: Jenks 24, Union 14


    Bixby vs. Midwest City

    Michael Swisher: Bixby 30, Midwest City 24

    Ben Johnson: Bixby 37, Midwest City 21

    Whitt Carter: Bixby 27, Midwest City 21

    Randy Turney: Bixby 32, Midwest City 22


    Stillwater vs. Booker T. Washington

    Michael Swisher: Stillwater 24, Booker T. Washington 18

    Ben Johnson: Stillwater 16, Booker T. Washington 14

    Whitt Carter: Stillwater 31, Booker T. Washington 28

    Randy Turney: Stillwater 32, Booker T. Washington 20


    Bishop McGuinness at Bishop Kelley

    Michael Swisher: Bishop McGuinness 21, Bishop Kelley 20

    Ben Johnson: Bishop Kelley 20, Bishop McGuinness 19

    Whitt Carter: Bishop McGuinness 35, Bishop Kelley 31

    Randy Turney: Bishop McGuinness 24, Bishop Kelley 10


    Guthrie at Collinsville

    Michael Swisher: Collinsville 31, Guthrie 20

    Ben Johnson: Collinsville 23, Guthrie 17

    Whitt Carter: Collinsville 27, Guthrie 20

    Randy Turney: Collinsville 24, Guthrie 14

    Bethany at Wagoner

    Michael Swisher: Wagoner 22, Bethany 22

    Ben Johnson: Bethany 24, Wagoner 21

    Whitt Carter: Wagoner 27, Bethany 24

    Randy Turney: Wagoner 17, Bethany 14


    Blanchard at Poteau

    Michael Swisher: Poteau 19, Blanchard 18

    Ben Johnson: Poteau 20, Blanchard 16

    Whitt Carter: Poteau 28, Blanchard 21

    Randy Turney: Poteau 21, Blanchard 20


    Broken Bow at Clinton

    Michael Swisher: Clinton 21, Broken Bow 20

    Ben Johnson: Broken Bow 14, Clinton 9

    Whitt Carter: Clinton 31, Broken Bow 27

    Randy Turney: Clinton 34, Broken Bow 28


    Hilldale at Tuttle

    Michael Swisher: Tuttle 30, Hilldale 18

    Ben Johnson: Hilldale 27, Tuttle 26

    Whitt Carter: Tuttle 35, Hilldale 21

    Randy Turney: Tuttle 35, Hilldale 14


    Kingfisher at Berryhill

    Michael Swisher: Berryhill 32, Kingfisher 24

    Ben Johnson: Berryhill 27, Kingfisher 22

    Whitt Carter: Kingfisher 28, Berryhill 27

    Randy Turney: Berryhill 28, Kingfisher 21


    Plainview at Lincoln Christian

    Michael Swisher: Lincoln Christian 35, Plainview 31

    Ben Johnson: Lincoln Christian 29, Plainview 27

    Whitt Carter: Plainview 38, Lincoln Christian 31

    Randy Turney: Lincoln Christian 42, Plainview 38


    Metro Christian at Jones

    Michael Swisher: Metro Christian 24, Jones 20

    Ben Johnson: Metro Christian 27, Jones 23

    Whitt Carter: Jones 35, Metro Christian 28

    Randy Turney: Jones 27, Metro Christian 21


    Vian at Millwood

    Michael Swisher: Millwood 35, Vian 30

    Ben Johnson: Millwood 30, Vian 16

    Whitt Carter: Millwood 34, Vian 21

    Randy Turney: Millwood 42, Vian 21


    Washington at Holland Hall

    Michael Swisher: Holland Hall 27, Washington 20

    Ben Johnson: Holland Hall 20, Washington 18

    Whitt Carter: Washington 27, Holland Hall 24

    Randy Turney: Washington 35, Holland Hall 20


    OCS at Beggs

    Michael Swisher: Beggs 31, OCS 21

    Ben Johnson: Beggs 37, OCS 29

    Whitt Carter: Beggs 42, OCS 31

    Randy Turney: Beggs 34, OCS 24


    Fairview at Cashion

    Michael Swisher: Cashion 34, Fairview 28

    Ben Johnson: Cashion 30, Fairview 13

    Whitt Carter: Cashion 34, Fairview 21

    Randy Turney: Cashion 26, Fairview 20


    Christian Heritage at Thomas

    Michael Swisher: Christian Heritage 22, Thomas 14

    Ben Johnson: Christian Heritage 27, Thomas 25

    Whitt Carter: Christian Heritage 30, Thomas 27

    Randy Turney: Christian Heritage 21, Thomas 14


    Crossings Christian at Hooker

    Michael Swisher: Hooker 35, Crossings Christian 18

    Ben Johnson: Hooker 26, Crossings Christian 22

    Whitt Carter: Hooker 28, Crossings Christian 14

    Randy Turney: Hooker 19, Crossings Christian 14



    Morrison at Stroud

    Michael Swisher: Morrison 22, Stroud 19

    Ben Johnson: Morrison 23, Stroud 21

    Whitt Carter: Stroud 27, Morrison 24

    Randy Turney: Morrison 28, Stroud 20


    Commerce at Hulbert

    Michael Swisher: Commerce 36, Hulbert 33

    Ben Johnson: Commerce 41, Hulbert 37

    Whitt Carter: Hulbert 35, Commerce 28

    Randy Turney: Commerce 31, Hulbert 21


    Laverne at Snyder

    Michael Swisher: Synder 34, Laverne 22

    Ben Johnson: Snyder 44, Laverne 29

    Whitt Carter: Snyder 38, Laverne 36

    Randy Turney: Snyder 38, Laverne 28


    Keota at Regent Prep

    Michael Swisher: Regent Prep 48, Keota 18

    Ben Johnson: Regent Prep 33, Keota 22

    Whitt Carter: Regent Prep 42, Keota 32

    Randy Turney: Regent Prep 42, Keota 42


    Coyle at Tipton

    Michael Swisher: Tipton 38, Coyle 33

    Ben Johnson: Coyle 43, Tipton 41

    Whitt Carter: Tipton 48, Coyle 38

    Randy Turney: Tipton 42, Coyle 14


    Pond Creek-Hunter at Paoli

    Michael Swisher: PC-Hunter 41, Paoli 35

    Ben Johnson: PC-Hunter 55, Paoli 23

    Whitt Carter: PC-Hunter 42, Paoli 36

    Randy Turney: PC-Hunter 26, Paoli 14



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

    PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK: Classes 2A, 3A & 4A

    |  Ben Johnson


    Class 2A

    First round rewind

    •    Kellyville 41, Perry 21: Hayden Hutchins rushed for 206 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries with the Ponies being the only team to knock off a district champion in the first round. It was the Ponies’ first playoff appearance since 2004 and postseason victory since 2002.

    •    Sperry 68, Salina 13: In just one half of football, quarterback Beau Teel completed 11 of 15 passes for 281 yards and four touchdowns for the Pirates. “All playoff wins are good wins,” Sperry coach Robert Park said. “We took care of the football this week, and that is always important this time of year. Big challenge coming up for us at Kellyville.”

    •    Eufaula 27, Spiro 0: Zac Anderson had 116 yards and three touchdowns on eight carries for the Ironheads. “The kids have been playing with great effort,” Eufaula coach Larry Newton Jr. said. “Somebody has had to step for the past few weeks because of an injury, kid sick or ineligible. They were determined to hold Spiro scoreless.”

    •    Coalgate 57, Lexington 31: Austin Lambert completed 12 of 16 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns to lead Coalgate, who hadn’t advanced beyond the first round since 2010.

    •    Adair 44, Morris 20: Garrett Long had eight catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns for the Warriors, who have advanced to the quarterfinals every year 2011.

    •    Chisholm 48, Meeker 42: Braden Meek completed 19 of 24 passes for 274 yards and six touchdowns or the Longhorns, who had 492 yards of total offense.

    •    Millwood 48, Dickson 6: Falcons won their 39th straight game, moving them into a tie with Jenks for fifth all-time for winning streaks among 11-man teams.

    •    Vian 74, Hugo 21: Bodhi Vann rushed for 162 yards and four touchdowns on eight carries for the Wolverines, who improved to 57-39 all-time in the playoffs.

    •    Holland Hall 31, Valliant 0: Quarterback Drake Roush threw two touchdown passes and had a 50-yard touchdown run for the Dutch, who have reached the quarterfinals of the playoffs every year since 2016 -- the season Holland Hall moved from Southwestern Preparatory Conference play to OSSAA competition.

    •    Washington 49, Lindsay 7: The Warriors picked up a playoff victory for the seventh straight season.

    •    Jones 49, Newkirk 18: The Longhorns came up with five interceptions on defense, and kept Newkirk running back Laike Wilhelm in check. Tye Tucke also had five receptions for 116 yards and four touchdowns for Jones.

    •    Metro Christian 60, Victory Christian 19: Asher Link passed for 391 yards and three touchdowns and also scored a rushing touchdown for the Patriots, who are back in Class 2A, a class they hadn’t played a playoff game in since 2003. Oh, and they last went to the quarterfinals in 2003.

    •    Kingston 49, Community Christian 13: Redskins moved closer to an all-time record of .500 in the playoffs, now 22-25. The game was also Community Christian’s postseason debut.

    •    Antlers 29, Panama 18: Antlers won the playoffs for the third straight season.

    •    Beggs 56, Wyandotte 13: Demons rushed for 437 yards while picking up where they left off as last year’s runner-up in 3A.

    •    Okla. Christian School 63, Okemah 26: Jaxon Conrad rushed for 258 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries for the Saints. “First time to see (Okemah) and they ran some unusual stuff,” OCS coach Derek Turner said. “We struggled in the first half, and we were down 20-14 at halftime. But then we scored 49 unanswered points. The offense played out of this world, and our kids put it together.”
     

    On tap this week…

    •    Sperry at Kellyville: Ponies return home after upsetting Perry on the road. Sperry and Kellyville have met five times since 1999, and Sperry has won them all. The most recent was a 62-24 contest in 2015. The Pirates’ defense against Kellyville’s rushing attack and Hayden Hutchins will be front and center in this one.

    •    Coalgate at Eufaula: Only separated by about an hour on Highway 69, these two haven’t met since …. wait for it ….. 1956! Coalgate is 2-0 against Eufaula, but that was a long long time ago.

    •    Chisholm at Adair: Only meeting between these two was 2015 at Sand Springs High School in what was a 44-14 victory for the Warriors on their way to the title.

    •    Vian at Millwood: A matchup most would have been content with the semifinals or finals, but here we are. River Simon, Bodhi Vann and the Wolverines will have their hands full with Marcus Majors and crew at Millwood. And it was Millwood who dispatched Vian from the playoffs last year, 44-0 in the quarterfinals.

    •    Washington at Holland Hall: First meeting between these two. If the game comes down a field goal, Holland Hall has a secret weapon in Alex Felkins.

    •    Metro Christian at Jones: First meeting between these two, too. The quarterback clash between Jones’ Daniel Jackson and Metro Christian’s Asher Link will be key, and the more successful one likely moves on to the quarterfinals. Then there’s Jones’ Korbin Cox and Metro Christian’s Ryan Johnson. Bottom line: a lot of talent all over the field in this one.

    •    Antlers at Kingston: Kingston is 6-0 against Antlers all-time. The Redskins, though, have won only one second round game since … 1992.

    •    Okla. Christian School at Beggs: Rematch of last year’s quarterfinal clash that the Demons won 32-26. OCS’ Jaxon Canard has rushed for 474 yards in the last two weeks. Then there’s Beggs’ quarterback Dalton Spring, who leads a high-powered offense himself.
     
     
     



    Class 3A

    First Round Rewind

    •    Heritage Hall 42, Marlow 0: New class, same result for the Chargers. The reigning 4A champion improved to 14-1 in playoff games since 2014, thanks to limiting Marlow to 157 yards of offense. Billy Ross scored on TD runs of 38, 21 and 90 yards for Heritage Hall.

    •    Stigler 33, Locust Grove 7: Nate Bryant endured a heavy workload, rushing 48 times for 289 yards and four touchdowns while also throwing a touchdown pass in the Panthers’ road victory. “Nate Bryant was the best player on the field,” Stigler coach Chris Risenhoover said.

    •    Lincoln Christian 61, Verdigris 21: Bulldog quarterback Chase Ricke threw for 322 yards and three touchdowns, and he also ran for 124 yards and a touchdown.

    •    Plainview 45, John Marshall 6: Brock Parham threw for 206 yards and three touchdowns, and he also ran for a touchdown to eliminate last year’s 3A state champion from the playoffs. “Our kids played really well,” Plainview coach Joe Price said. “Our intensity was good on defense, and we did a good job of creating turnovers. Our players were excited about the challenge of playing John Marshall.”

    •    Sulphur 34, Perkins-Tryon 7: Trey Kiser rushed for 232 yards and two touchdowns, and he also recorded one sack and four tackles for loss. Tavius McDonald added 117 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries for Sulphur.

    •    Idabel 33, Cascia Hall 0: Warriors recorded their first shutout of the season, and LaQuan Wells rushed for 114 yards and two touchdowns, and he also threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns for Idabel, who has now recorded a playoff victory in five straight seasons.

    •    Berryhill 33, Seminole 13: Daniel Rice rushed for 264 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries for the Chiefs.

    •    Kingfisher 48, Purcell 15: Trey Green scored in a variety of ways for the Yellowjackets -- on a 35-yard interception return, a 29-yard reverse and on a 12-yard catch. Kingfisher quarterback Jett Sternberger also added three touchdowns through the air and two on the ground.
     

    On tap this week…

    •    Stigler at Heritage Hall: Stigler’s upset of Locust Grove in the first round was stunning, mostly because of the way the Panthers dominated the Pirates. Now Nate Bryant and Co. get to figure out how to take down the juggernaut that is Heritage Hall. It’ll be the first matchup between these two schools.

    •    Plainview at Lincoln Christian: Another stout challenge in the works for the Plainview defense. The Indians have allowed only two opponents this season to score 20 or more points. Lincoln Christian has scored under 31 points only once this year. This is a rematch of a 2016 3A quarterfinal clash, a 35-34 win for Plainview.

    •    Idabel at Sulphur: There’s no question what Sulphur will attempt to do in this game and that’s run the ball. It’ll be up to LaQuan Wells and the rest of the Idabel roster to find a way to slow down the Bulldogs’ rushing attack. These two haven’t met since 1956, and Sulphur is 2-0 in the all-time series.

    •    Kingfisher at Berryhill: There were some that thought Seminole and its running attack could upset Berryhill in the first round, but the Chiefs prevailed regardless. The Chiefs just wore down Seminole on both lines, and that’ll be Berryhill’s goal against Kingfisher, too. The Yellowjackets are a sneaky No. 2 seed out of District 3A-1, so watching Jett Sternberger against the Berryhill defense should be a treat. The last time these two met was 2004 in a 35-25 win for Berryhill in the 3A semifinals.
     
     



    Class 4A

    First Round Rewind

    •    Clinton 49, Cushing 20: The Red Tornadoes collected 388 yards and six touchdowns on the ground, led by Atrel Bryson who had six carries for 178 yards and two touchdowns.

    •    Broken Bow 21, Catoosa 0: The Savages recorded their first playoff shutout win since 1993.

    •    Wagoner 21, Fort Gibson 0: The Tigers hung around the entire game, but Wagoner used 92 yards and 22 carries from Schyler Adair to prevail. “A win is a win at this point of the season,” Wagoner’s Jaden Snyder told the Coweta American. “I love those (Fort Gibson) guys to death, but I’d rather win.”

    •    Bethany 38, Weatherford 13: Sam Brandt was dominant on both sides of the ball for Bethany, passing for 177 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 175 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. On defense, he snagged two interceptions.

    •    Tuttle 31, Anadarko 0: Tristin Truelove had 194 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries for the Tigers, who picked up only their second playoff win since 2014.

    •    Hilldale 35, Bristow 21: Dawson Neighbors led the way for the Hornets with 208 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries. “They played their tails off,” Hilldale coach Greg Werner said of Neighbors and Devin Hembry. “They are big time players.”

    •    Poteau 16, Oologah 0: Easton Francis rushed for 160 yards as the Pirates picked up their first playoff win since 2015.

    •    Blanchard 21, Cache 11: Bryce Madron scored on a 62-yard TD run in the third quarter to put Blanchard in front for good.
     
     

    On tap this week…

    •    Broken Bow at Clinton: Broken Bow’s defense has been stout all season long, and it’ll have to be to limit Atrel Bryson’s production. These two clubs have met five times overall and three times in a title game. Clinton has all five games, and most recently 28-0 in the 2004 4A title game.

    •    Bethany at Wagoner: Bethany ventured east and upended Hilldale last year in the quarterfinals. The Bulldogs’ defense will have its hands full with Sam Brandt -- Mr. Do Everything for the Bronchos.

    •    Hilldale at Tuttle: The Hornets caught the attention of everyone last week with a massive upset win over Bristow. Now Hilldale is tasked with shutting down Carson Berryhill and the rest of Tuttle’s team this time around. These two haven’t met since 2009, and Tuttle is 2-0 against Hilldale.

    •    Blanchard at Poteau: Bryce Madron vs. Easton Francis? Absolutely! Sounds like a great time. This is an excellent matchup with two rock-solid defenses. And they’re meeting for the first time.

    Class 4A playoff preview

    |  Ben Johnson


    Players to watch

    - Gunnar Thompson (Poteau): A 6-foot-4, 230-pound defensive end who is starting to get recognition by Division I coaches has wrecked havoc on opposing offenses all year long with 74 tackles and nine sacks. He's also chipping in on offense at tight end with 22 catches for 375 yards and three touchdowns.
    - Bryce Madron (Blanchard): Junior tailback has powered the Lions' offense all season long with 1,499 yards and 31 touchdowns on 146 carries.
    - Tavien Woodworth (Fort Gibson): Junior running back has eclipsed 200 carries through 10 games with 201 rushes for 1,474 yards and 17 touchdowns.
    - Jose Oritz (Catoosa): Senior tailback has amassed 1,198 yards and 17 touchdowns on 151 carries this season.
    - Sam Brandt (Bethany): Junior quarterback does it all for the Bronchos. He's carried the ball 99 times for 805 yards and 15 touchdowns, and he's also completed 106 out of 163 passes for 1,717 yards and 16 touchdowns. On defense, he's logged 50 tackles and two interceptions.
    - Carson Berryhill (Tuttle): Senior quarterback has tossed 19 touchdowns while completing 83 of 144 passes for 1,324 yards. 
    - Devin Hembry (Hilldale): Rushed 88 times for 1,011 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Hornets this season.

    Don't overlook... Bristow

    The Pirates were forced to move up a class from the past several seasons, but it's worked out swimmingly. Bristow has outscored opponents by a combined score of 478 to 206, and the Pirates' lone loss was a 29-28 contest in overtime against Wagoner. Tyler Wayland at quarterback is as dangerous as it gets, and the Pirates will attempt to control the game in the trenches.

    Favorite (potential) matchup - Bristow vs. Poteau

    Both teams face an uphill battle to get to this point, but what a showdown it would be. Bristow's dominating running game against Poeau's defense would be a sight to behold. 

    Coaching candor

    How do other high school coaches see the 4A postseason playing out? We asked and they made their predictions (after being granted anonymity, of course). 
    Coach One: "For the semifinals, I'll go with Broken Bow against Wagoner. Bow is really fast but Wagoner knows how to win. I'll also go with Bristow against Blanchard. Bristow has the fasteset backfield in maybe 4A history. So I"ll go with Bristow. In the finals, Wagoner won the first time and will win the second time. After all, they are Wagoner."
    Coach Two: "Tuttle is the total package. They are extremely physical on both sides of the ball. They have tremendous line and skill kids. They don't have a weakness that can be spotted. Really good players at all positions. To top if off, they are extremely well coached."

    Prediction time

    Michael Swisher: Poteau over Wagoner - I’ll be the first to admit I have no idea what’s going to happen in the 4A playoffs. I think you could play out the bracket 10 times, get different matchups in the final each time and have six or seven different teams bring home the gold ball. That’s the long way of saying I wouldn’t be surprised if neither of these teams are in the title tilt. So why not Poteau? Pirates win their first-ever football crown.
    Ben Johnson: Poteau over Wagoner - Could be in store for a rematch of last year's first round matchup that Wagoner barely won. The Bulldogs deploying Schyler Adair against the Pirates' defense would be exceptional to witness. I would like to go with Bristow in the championship game, but I picked Poteau at the beginning of the season so I'll stick with the Pirates.
    Whitt Carter: Tuttle over Clinton - Arguably the most wide-open class in the state should make for a fun few weeks of playoff games. The Red Tornadoes missed the playoffs last year for the first time since the Civil War, but are more than back. Clinton finished 9-1 with the lone loss by just a touchdown in week 2 to Class 3A favorite Heritage Hall. The recipe is the same, as Clinton runs the football right at you and plays great defense, a recipe for success in November and December. Meanwhile, Tuttle has been as impressive as anyone in the class this year, as they too are back among the elite after finishing 6-5 a year ago. Quarterback Carson Berryhill leads a great Tigers' offense that has wins over Kingfisher, Plainview, Bethany, Cushing and Blanchard - all playoff teams. I picked Tuttle to win it at the beginning of the year and I'm sticking with the Tigers. 

    *Photo courtesy of John Sullivan Photography

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