Delk leaving Perry wrestling for Bentonville job

6/3/2019 |  Ben Johnson

The state’s flagship wrestling program will have a new coach when the 2019-2020 season begins.

Perry’s Ronnie Delk was hired as an assistant coach at Bentonville High School, after the school board in Arkansas approved the move Monday.

Delk took over at Perry prior to the 2011-2012 season and guided the Maroons to eight straight dual state wrestling titles. He also helped the Maroons garner five team titles during his eight years, giving Perry now a state-best 43 state championships.

The two-time state champion from Collinsville heads to Arkansas after three of his Perry wrestlers won individual titles in 2019. Ryan Smith (113), Dylan Avery (132) and Hadyn Redus (152) were all state champions for the Maroons at State Fair Arena in February.

After having a season-best six individual champions in 2018, Delk departs Perry having coached 16 individuals to state championships, including Smith, Avery, Redus, Cale Betchan and David Thomas all being two-time state champions during that time.

WRESTLING NEWS: Shawn Jones steps down at Broken Arrow; Rodney Jones takes over

3/26/2019 |  Ben Johnson

Shawn Jones is going out as a champion. On Monday, the Broken Arrow wrestling coach announced he is stepping down in order to try a new employment venture.

“I meant business when I got here,” Jones told Skordle. “We didn’t go 14 for 14, but we did pretty well.”

Jones’ reign comes to an end after a 14-year run, which included five team championships, four dual state titles and 36 individual champions. Broken Arrow wrapped up February with dual state and team championships.

“I didn’t know a lot of stuff until the press conference,” Jones said. “I didn’t keep track of a lot of that stuff.”

Included among Jones’ accomplishments was Zach Marcheselli becoming Broken Arrow’s first four-time state champion since Brandon Tucker at the turn of the century.

Reece Witcraft (132) and Emmanuel Skillings (195) also picked up individual titles for the Tigers in 2019. And before they claimed their gold medals at the state tournament, Jones had already accepted a job outside of coaching.

“I had something land in my lap,” Jones said. “I always said I would continue to do this until I can’t pass something up.”

Jones said he was entering the medical field, selling cardiothoracic devices.

“I have three girls, and they unselfishly let me do my thing,” Jones said. “But now it’s time for me to do something where I can be with them.”

Broken Arrow athletic director Steve Dunn expressed his admiration for Jones.

“We appreciate all that Shawn has meant to Broken Arrow athletics over the years and, we wish him and his family the very best in this new adventure,” he said. “We didn’t have to look very far to identify the next head wrestling coach. In fact, he has been interviewing for the job for the past 14 years.”

Jones’ brother, Rodney, will take over the Tiger wrestling program, and he’ll be only the fifth head coach of the program since 1990. Rodney Jones has served alongside Shawn Jones, and he’s a former three-time All-American at the University of Oklahoma. Jones also served as an assistant coach at OU for five years before a one-year stint Mustang segued into his time at Broken Arrow.

“I don’t have the words to properly explain how excited and grateful I am for this opportunity,” Rodney Jones said. “There is absolutely no place like Broken Arrow. The opportunities this district provides our students and teachers is unmatched. It’s an honor to be chosen to lead this great program’s legacy and championship tradition.”

As for Shawn’s whereabouts when Broken Arrow starts wrestling during the 2019-2020 season, it won’t be hard to find him.

“I’m going to be a super fan, and since I have a connection I might be able to score some wrestling gear,” Shawn said before being asked if he’d sneak down into the coaching corner on the mats. “I’m going to be absolutely fine just sitting in the stands.”

WRESTLING: All-State rosters announced

3/12/2019 |  Ben Johnson

The Oklahoma Coaches Association announced the 2019 All-State wrestling rosters on Tuesday morning.

Here are the rosters and some notes on the honorees:

Large East

113: David Boucher (Bartlesville)

120: Laif Jones (Bartlesville)

126: Ty Nohelty (McAlester)

132: Reece Witcraft (Broken Arrow) - Two-time state champion headed to Oklahoma State

138: Spencer Schickram (Ponca City) - Won the Class 6A 138 title this season

145: Gage Hight (Glenpool) - Finished as a three-time runner-up for the Warriors 

152: Ja’len Hernandez (Union) 

160: Scott Patton (Sand Springs) - Runner-up at 6A 152

170: Isaac Strain (Tahlequah)

182: Talon Borror (Coweta) - Three-time state champion headed to Oklahoma

195: Elijah Tomlin (Union)

220: Korbin McLaughlin (Skiatook) - The 5A 220 champion this season to help Skiatook split the 5A state title with Collinsville

HWT: Caleb Orr (Jenks) - Runner-up in 6A heavyweight this season

Large West

113: Dominic Derr (Westmoore)

120: Jayston Cato (Carl Albert) - Runner-up at 5A 120 this season

126: Mitchell Lance (Piedmont) - Third place finish at 5A 126 this season

132: Colt Newton (Choctaw) - Finished third at 6A 132 this season 

138: Cameron Picklo (Mustang) - Finished third at 138 this season

145: Kobi Gomez (Altus) - State champion at 5A 138 this season

152: Hunter Jump (Duncan) - State champion at 5A 160 after winning a state title at Lawton Mac as a junior

160: Rene Martinez (Putnam City) - Runner-up at 6A 160 this season

170: Zane Coleman (Choctaw) - Arizona State signee became a four-time state champion this season

182: Christian Maldonado (Lawton Mac) - State champion at 5A 170 this season

195: Carson Savage (Deer Creek) - Runner-up at 6A 195 this season

220: Jake McCoy (Edmond North) - Runner-up at 6A 220 this season

HWT: Josh Heindselman (Piedmont) - Became a two-time state champion by winning the 5A heavyweight crown this season

Small East

113: Kaleb Harris (Sallisaw)

120: Luke Montgomery (Bristow) - Finishied third at 4A 120 this season

126: Thaddeus Long (McLain) - Became the Titans’ first state champion since 1976 with a title at 4A 126

132: Wesley Scott (Pawnee) - Runner-up at 3A 132 this season

138: Price Perrier (Pawhuska) - Runner-up at 3A 138 this season

145: Trystian Shireman (Wagoner) - Finished third at 4A 138 this season

152: Hadyn Redus (Perry) - State champion at 3A 152 this season

160: Jacob Ahrberg (Cushing) - State champion at 4A 160 this season

170: Cade Shropshire (Checotah) - Two-time state champion for the Wildcats with the 3A 160 chamionship this season

182: River Simon (Vian) - Became a two-time state champion by winning the 3A 182 title this season

195: Eriq Simpson (Cushing) - Runner-up at 4A 195 this season

220: Drake Barbee (Blackwell) - State champion at 3A 195 this season

HWT: Teaguen Wilson (Perry) - Runner-up at 3A heavyweight this season

Small West

113: Remington White (Walters) - Former state champion was the 3A runner-up at 113 this season

120: Jaxon Miller (Comanche)

126: Logan Farrell (Tuttle) - Runner-up at 4A 126 this season

132: Kolton Smith (Bridge Creek) - Became the Bobcats’ first state champion by winning the 3A 126 title this season

138: Kobey Kizarr (Marlow) - State champion at 3A 138 this season

145: Val Park (Heritage Hall) - Became a three-time state champion by winning 4A 138 title this season

152: Alec McDoulett (Little Axe) - Runner-up at 3A 152 this season

160: Tyler Lavey (Marlow) - Runner-up at 3A 160 this season

170: Ethon Hamrick (Comanche) 

182: Denver Dahlenburg (Hinton) 

195: Carson Berryhill (Tuttle) - Won a second straight state championship by winning 4A 195 title this season

220: Cameron Gregg (Pauls Valley)

HWT: Ruben Guiterrez (Clinton) - Finished third at 4A heavyweight this season

**Photo courtesy of Austin Bernard/Owrestle.com

PODCAST TIME! Wall to wall basketball and wrestling

2/28/2019 |  Ben Johnson

Medals and trophies have been handed out to wrestlers across the state. Now it’s time for basketball teams to start claiming hardware.

Ben and Michael dive into Class A & B state basketball tournaments on tap this week, and they guys also make their predictions in each class.

Ben breaks down what happened at the state wrestling tournament and some of the various highlights along the way. 

Also added a new segment where the guys named their MVPs of the week. Listen in and find out who they dubbed as last week’s MVPs.

All that leading up to Michael's interview with Okarche coach Ray West. You don't want to miss what West had to say.

Thanks for listening & enjoy!

Have any feedback? Email the show at ben@skordle.com

STATE TOURNAMENT WRESTLING: Complete class-by-class roundup

2/25/2019 |  Ben Johnson

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Zane Coleman stepped off the podium and started fielding multiple requests. Everyone inside Jim Norick Arena wanted to snap a photo with the newest member of the four-time state champion club.
The Choctaw senior joined the exclusive membership with a 1-0 victory over Broken Arrow’s Bryce Mattioda, making it 37 wrestlers to be share the lofty accomplishment.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Coleman, the 170-pound senior who did it with his dad, Benny Coleman, coaching him to all four championships. “I dreamed about this forever, and now that it’s come true I couldn’t be happier.”
Finishing as Class 6A’s Most Outstanding Wrestler of the state tournament capped Coleman’s career and wrapped up a 41-1 season. He’ll soon depart for Tempe, Arizona, where he’ll join the Arizona Sun Devils program.
“They have a great coaching staff,” Zane Coleman said, “and I think we’re the No. 2 recruiting class right now, so we have good things coming.”

Class 3A wrap-up

Perry wins another title; Bridge Creek claims first individual crowns

The state’s preeminent wrestling program did what it normally does to end each wrestling season: pose with a trophy to memorialize another team championship. For Perry, that’s now 43 team championships. The closest to the Maroons? Tuttle and Midwest City with 16.
“It’s pretty awesome to win as a team,” Perry’s Ryan Smith told the Stillwater NewsPress. “Since I’ve been a freshman, we’ve won every year. All of my teammates did what they’re supposed to do.”
Smith picked up one of three individual championships for the Maroons. Smith beat Walters’ Remington White, 4-2, to capture the 113 title. Dylan Avery (132) and Hadyn Redus (152) claimed the Maroons other two championships.
- Smith, DePron lead Bridge Creek: The Bridge Creek Bobcats had waited long enough, so Kolton Smith made sure to make quick of his opponent. Smith, at 126 pounds, pinned Marlow’s Anthony Orum in 58 seconds to claim Bridge Creek’s first individual championship.
Then Kolby DePron followed at 145 with another title, picking up a 10-8 victory over Geary’s Landon Holt to double up the Bobcats’ hardward in one evening.
“It feels insane,” DePron said. “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. … I hardly remember the match. Just an adrenaline rush; I went out and barfed everywhere.”
- Marlow finishes second: Perry was too far out of reach, but Marlow still made plenty of noise in the championship matches on Saturday night. Tyler Lawson (106) picked up a title with a 6-2 over Vian’s Braylen Rodgers, and Kobey KIzarr pinned Pawhuska’s Price Perrier at 6:57 to pick up the Outlaws second title.
Perry topped the 3A leaderboard with Marlow in second place with 91 points.
- Other 3A titles: Vinita’s Alex Prince won the 120 crown with an 8-3 win over Newkirk’s Dayton Cary. Sperry’s Bryce Carter beat Comanche’s Cade Cook 6-4 at 170 pounds. Blackwell’s Drake Barbee (182) pinned Inola’s Brody Jenkins at 2:33.
All three became first-time champions.
Checotah’s Cade Shrosphire beat Marlow’s Tyler Lavey, 3-2, in an ultimate tiebreaker. Vian’s River Simon (182) pinned Perry’s Kohl Owen at 3:41. Comanche’s Konner Doucet picked up a 15-0 technical fall over Berryhill’s Nico Lopez for the 220 crown, and Davis’ Cooper Webb won the heavyweight crown by pinning Perry’s Teaguan Wilson at 1:20. All four became repeat champions. It was the second for Shrosphire, Simon and Webb, and Doucet picked up his third in three years. He’ll attempt to become a four-time state champion as a senior next season.

Class 4A wrap-up

Long breaks McLain’s title drought; Tuttle picks up title No. 16

McLain’s TJ Long put the Titans back on the wrestling map at State Fair Arena. In perhaps the match of the night, Long went back and forth with Tuttle’s Logan Farrell in the 126-pound title bout before ultimately picking up a 12-10 win in sudden victory.
It was McLain’s first individual championship since 1977 (Greg Hawkins at 178 pounds).
“It sounds like I just wrote my name in the record books,” Long said.
Long, last year’s runner-up at 126 pounds, capped his senior season at 36-0.
“I lost in the finals last year,” Long said. “And I said, ‘that’s not happening this year. I’m known for clutch situations, so I was like, ‘I got this.’”
- Tuttle wins again: There was never a doubt -- even before the weekend started -- as to who would claim the 4A championship. Tuttle made it look easy again, claiming 229 points to cruise to its 16th championship in its program’s history.
“I transferred to Tuttle my eighth grade year to experience this, and it’s great,” said Plott, ranked third nationally at 170 pounds. “The group of guys we have right now is like a family. We hang out a lot, and we’re all really close.”
Garrett Steidley (113), Ryder Ramsey (132), Brady DeArmond (145), Luke Surber (152), Plott and Carson Berryhill (195) each picked up individual crowns for the Tigers. Reese Davis (120), Farrell (126), Bryce Dauphin (138), Harley Andrews (160) and Kavan Guffey (182) were all runners-up at their respective weights.
-- Cascia Hall sophomore Eli Griffin picked up a 9-1 major decision win over Cushing Luke Ahrberg for his second title in two years. The Commandos have claimed at least one individual title every year since Mike Bizzle won the school’s first in 2002.
-- Heritage Hall’s Val Park beat Dauphin 3-0 for his third consecutive championship. He became the school’s fourth wrestler to win at least three individual championships, with Rodrick Mosley being the most recent with his title at 152 last season.
-- Cushing picked it first individual championships since 2014. Jacob Ahrberg finished the season 26-0 with a 9-8 win over Tuttle’s Harley Andrews. Gage Hockett followed at 182 and beat Tuttle’s Kavan Guffey 3-2 in an tiebreaker. Hockett finished the season 32-0.
-- Bristow’s Luke Fortney pinned Poteau’s Seth Ford at 3:06 to claim the 220 championship, Bristow’s first since 2007.
-- Other 4A champions included Wagoner’s Braden Drake (120) and Blanchard’s Ryder Wiese at heavyweight.

Class 5A wrap-up

Collinsville, Skiatook split 5A title; Borror wins for a 3rd time

The pressure was sitting squarely on Korbin McLaughlin’s shoulders. The Skiatook senior needed a victory at 220 pounds for the Bulldogs to have a chance at the Class 5A championship.
Collinsville was leading Skiatook 137 to 133, and a win by decision by McLaughlin would be enough to pull the Bulldogs even. Anything better than that would give Skiatook the championship outright, two weeks after celecrating a dual state title in Shawnee.
McLaughlin wound up beating Claremore’s Seth Seago, 4-1, meaning Skiatook and Collinsville both left Jim Norick Arena with first-place honors.
Collinsville finished with four individual champions, including junior Caleb Tanner (132) beating Skiatook’s Cody Francis, 9-0, for his third title in three years. Two Cardinal freshmen claimed their first titles: Cameron Steed (106) and Jordan Williams (113). Rocky Stephens (120) followed with a title by posting an 8-0 win over Carl Albet’s Jayston Cato.
Skiatook sophomore Josh Taylor (126) picked up his second championship in as many seasons with a 9-3 win over Collinsville’s Jordan Cullors. Then the Bulldogs’ Cougar Anderson capped an unbeaten season (38-0) by pinning Piedmont’s Landis Scoon at 4:36 for the 152 crown.
For Collinsville, it’s the Cardinals’ second straight championship, and Skiatook claimed its first title since 1987.
- Borror bests 182 field: Piedmont’s Austin Cooley jumped out to an early lead against Coweta’s Talon Borror. But Borror didn’t let that last long, rallying to pin Cooley at 2:43 to pick up his third consecutive championship.
“There’s a lot of hard work that goes into it,” Borror said. “Now it’s time call it a career.”
Well, high school career, that is. Borror wrapped up his senior varsity stint at 38-2 and now will head to Norman and join the Sooners.
“We’re building a good team and have a lot of good recruits coming in,” Borror said. “Looking to make a run at the top.”
- Hicks prevails for Durant’s 1st title: Durant’s Cody Hicks trailed early on, but he rallied for a 6-4 win over Glenpool’s Gage Hight. Now Hicks will forever be known as the first Durant wrestler to win an individual championship for the Lions.
And he celebrated accordingly by jumping into his brother’s arms.
“He’s eight years older than me, and he’s always worked with us,” Hicks said of his brother, Colby. “(To jump into his arms) was an amazing moment.”
-- Other 5A champions included Altus’ Kobi Gomez (138), Lawton Mac’s Christiain Maldonado (170) and Matthew Santos (195) and Duncan’s Hunter Jump (160), a former champion at Lawton Mac before moving to Duncan.
Piedmont’s Josh Heindselman, named 5A's most outstanding wrestler, also picked up his second state championship at heavyweight by pinning Lawton Mac’s Montana Phillips at 3:13.

Class 6A wrap-up

Tigers back on top with 6A crown; Mustang nabs 4 titles

If there’s ever a constant about Class 6A, it’s that the teams like to pass around the team championship. Sure enough, it was Broken Arrow’s turn again with the Tigers claiming their first crown since 2015.
Broken Arrow was the lone 6A team to crack the 100-point barrier and compiled 158 points by weekend’s end. Mustang was second with 96, and Choctaw was third at 75.
The Tigers’ Jackson Cockrell (113) and Jared Hill (120) both lost in the finals before Reece Witcraft registered Broken Arrow’s first individual title at 132. Witcraft toppled Owasso’s Zeke Washington -- for the second week in a row -- with a 6-3 decision for his second straight state championship.
Broken Arrow sophomore Emmanuel Skillings (182) nabbed his first championship with a 5-1 victory over Owasso’s Taylor Fleming, and then Zach Marcheselli (220) etched his name into the Oklahoma record book with his fourth state championship. He made history by beating Edmond North’s Jake McCoy 10-4 in his final varsity match.
For Broken Arrow, that’s now two four-time state champions after Brandon Tucker accomplished the feat from 2000 to 2003.
- Mustang crowns 4: Mustang threw the biggest party on the outskirts of the 6A mat inside State Fair Arena on Saturday night. It had been since 2005 that the Broncos snared an individual state championship, so Mustang made sure to celebrate accordingly for each of the four titles.
Tucker Owens (113) claimed Mustang’s first title with a 9-0 victory over Cockrell of Broken Arrow. Then John Wiley, the No. 4 seed out of the West Regional, picked up a 5-1 win over Stillwater’s Carter Young for title No. 2 for Mustang.
Tate Picklo followed at 160 and pinned Putnam City’s Rene Martinez to cap off an unbeaten 43-0 season. The Broncos’ final state title was courtesy of Judson Rowland and his last-second, 11-10 win over Deer Creek’s Carson Savage.
-- Choctaw claimed three individual championships. Coleman won at 170, Gabe Johnson (145) knocked off Deer Creek’s Micah Lugafet, 9-4, and heavyweight Marquonn Journey beat Jenks’ Caleb Orr, 3-1.
- Other 6A champions included:
-- Bixby’s Zach Blankenship: Won the 120 title as a freshman with a pin of Broken Arrow’s Jared Hill at 5:12.
-- Ponca City’s Spencer Schickram picked up the 138 title with a 10-0 major decision over Broken Arrow’s Blake Gonzalez.
-- Jenks junior Drake Vannoy picked up his second championship by beating Sand Springs’ Scott Patton, 5-1.

NEW PODCAST: Talkin' Wrestlin' ..... (and lots of hoops)

2/21/2019 |  Ben Johnson

Class 3A preview

7/6/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Look back at 2017

2017 district champs

3A-1: Oklahoma Christian School - Kingfisher gave OCS a run for its money in district play, but the Saints marched to a 28-22 victory against the Yellowjackets to close out the regular season. In the playoffs, Mason Arnold, who rushed for 1,368 yards his senior season, and the Saints almost knocked off Beggs, but the Demons moved on an eventually made the 3A championship game.

3A-2: Jones - The Longhorns were machine-like in 2017. It was a near cakewalk to 13-0, and it was the same story in the first three rounds of the playoffs. But then John Marshall got in the way. That's when Jones' season came to a half at 13-1.

3A-3: John Marshall - The Bears had weapons for days on their way to the 3A-3 title and the Class 3A crown. Both Devonte Lee and Trey Eason rushed for more than 1,000 yards, but it was Lee who amassed 2,175 yards and 35 touchdowns before heading off to Nevada to start his collegiate career.

3A-4: Sulphur - The only blemish the Bulldogs endured in the season's first 13 weeks was a loss to John Marshall out of district play. Beyond that, the Bulldogs rolled right up until the 3A semifinals. There, Beggs derailed Sulphur and its plans to advance to the title game.

3A-5: Berryhill - Had all the makings of a team poised to make a run at the title in 2017. The Chiefs pulled out a seven-point win over Sperry in district play for the crown, and Berryhill's defense was stout all season long. But then Tahlequah Sequoyah pulled off a 32-30 upset in the second of the 3A playoffs to stun Berryhill.

3A-6: Beggs - The Demons had no problem scoring points last season. Quarterback Dalton Spring and all his weapons put up 592 points in 14 weeks, including eight performance of 40-plus points. Beggs stormed its way to the 3A finals, but there points were hard to come by in a 14-7 loss to John Marshall.

3A-7: Jay - No one pegged as the 3A champion before the 2017 season started. That's when Gabe Simpson and company steamrolled their way to a 9-1 regular season, including an unbeaten run through district play. But in the second round of the playoffs, Sperry ousted the Bulldogs from the playoffs.

3A-8: Idabel -Offering up stout defense all year long, the Warriors only slip-up in district play was against Eufaula. Idabel did, however, knock off Muldrow, who tied with the Warriors atop the district standings. In the playoffs, Idabel beat Bristow in the second round of the postseason, but John Marshall ended the Warriors' season in the quarterfinals.

 

Talking title game: John Marshall 14, Beggs 7

Both John Marshall and Beggs could put up points at will in 2017, but neither succeeded in doing so in the championship game. The two teams combined for six turnovers in the title game, but it was Devonte Lee's 51-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter to put the Bears ahead for good. Lee rushed for 223 yards on 25 carries in John Marshall's first championship since 1995.

 

On to 2018...

Players to watch

- Jett Sternberger (Kingfisher): The Yellowjacket quarterback was instrumental on offense all year long in 2017. Sternberger completed 183 of his 282 passes for 2,398 yards and 35 touchdowns.

- Trey Kiser (Sulphur): Bulldog tailback is gaining traction on the recruiting scene, thanks to his monster junior year in 2017. He rushed for 1,937 yards and 25 touchdowns on 195 carries, and he mixed in 100 tackles on defense.
- Jamon Dennis (Seminole): In 2017, Dennis was one of two 1,000-yard rushers for the Chieftains. Dennis racked up 1,121 yards and 12 touchdowns on 184 carries.

- Cameron Gunville (Seminole): Gunville joined Dennis in the 1,000-yard rushing club with 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns on 167 carries.

- LaQuan Wells (Idabel): Wells did it all for the Warriors in 2017. Wells threw for 1,694 yards and 26 touchdowns, and he also ran the ball 115 times for 653 yards and eight touchdowns. Then he mixed in 17 catches for 164 yards.

- Chase Ricke (Lincoln Christian): Emerged on the scene last year as a sophomore and immediately took command of the Bulldogs' passing attack. Ricke passed for 3,055 yards and 25 touchdowns while completing 222 of 367 attempts.
- Cody Ross (Berryhill): The Chiefs were led on offense by Ross, who completed 132 of 211 passes for 2,319 yards and 29 touchdowns.

- Jerod Leviston (John Marshall): Leviston takes over the Bears' offense with the departure of Devonte Lee. Last season, Leviston passed for 1,698 yards and 19 touchdowns.
- Kaysen Fisher (Mount Saint Mary): The leader of the Rockets' defense last season with 106 tackles and five sacks.

- Aaron Wolcott (Mannford): Landry Wasson was the key cog for Mannford on offense last season, but now Wolcott will look to build on his 919 yards and six touchdowns on 180 carries last season.
- Billy Ross (Heritage Hall): A situational tailback during his freshman and sophomore years, Ross emerged as a key playmaker for the Chargers in 2017. He had 1,388 yards and 22 touchdowns on 168 carries, and he also caught 31 passes for 380 yards and four touchdowns. Then on defense, he added 49 tackles.

- Cole Crosswhite (Kingfisher): His rushing totals were down last year, but his effectiveness wasn't. Crosswhite is a true dual threat with lightning-quick moves and surprising power packed into his smaller frame.

 

District debriefs

(Note: Class 3A has only four districts for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.)

3A-1: Things could get interesting here. First off, there's Heritage Hall, who faced limited resistance en route to a 14-0 season and the 4A title in 2017. The Chargers drop down a class and now share district space with the reigning 3A champion, John Marshall. Then mix in a solid Kingfisher team and 3A-1 offers up plenty of intrigue from start to finish. Also vying for the 3A-1 crown the next two seasons will be Blackwell, Bridge Creek, Mount Saint Mary, Mannford and Perkins-Tryon.

3A-2: Shades of 3A-4 from the last couple of seasons. Sulphur and Plainview will again clash for district supremacy, and they're once again joined by Pauls Valley and Lone Grove. Bethel, Douglass, Purcell and Marlow round out the rest of the district.

3A-3: Break out the gas card for this group of eight, which spans from the far southeast corner of the state up through east Tulsa. Idabel, Stigler and Roland all stick together in the move from 3A-8. The rest includes a mixture of Checotah, Seminole, Okmulgee, Webster and Lincoln Christian.

3A-4: Berryhill, Claremore Sequoyah and Verdigris will all be familiar with one another, while Inola, Locust Grove and Jay move in from 3A-7. Then there's Cascia Hall and Vinita who both shift down from Class 4A.

 

What’s new? (coaching moves)

- Dusty Raper is now in charge at Pauls Valley, taking the place of Matt Weber.

- Speaking of Matt Weber, he's now in charge at Marlow.

- Former Roland coach Jeff Streun left, and assistant coach Waymon Potts was elevated to head coach.

- Tragedy struck Okmulgee in the offseason when head coach Carl Lee died due to complications with kidney cancer. The Bulldogs' new head coach is Bruce Munden, who was recently the head coach at Hale.

- Dennis Parker retired at Idabel, and Jeffrey Gibson is now the head coach.

- Matt Hennesy led a resurgence at Locust Grove, and he took over at Pawhuska this summer. Now David Blevins is the head coach for the Pirates.

- Rob Gilbreath spent eight seasons as the head coach at Claremore, and now he's back in Claremore again -- this time as the head coach at Claremore Sequoyah.

 

Fun facts:

- Brett Bogert took over for his dad, Andy, prior to the 2015 season. In three years at the helm for the Chargers, Brett Bogert is 40-1 -- the only loss being a quarterfinal setback against Cascia Hall in 2016.

- Cascia Hall head coach Joe Medina has been in charge of the midtown Tulsa school since 1999. During that time, Medina has gone 202-39.

- Then there's Mike Snyder at Seminole. Snyder has led the Chieftains since 1980 and has a record of 352-113.

 

Prediction time

Swisher - You know about Kingfisher's Trey Green and his basketball exploits. You'll read more about him and football this year | Captain Obvious: 3A-1 is a bit top-heavy | Defending champ John Marshall lost a lot of talent and its OC, but coaches tell me they don't expect a huge drop-off on the field | The class is loaded with quality teams. Maybe not "great" teams, but really good ones that will make the top-10 tough to pick each week | I can't go against Heritage Hall until someone beats the Chargers. Tough pre-district schedule will help prepare them for two anticipated district games and then a strong playoff run.

Whitt Carter - Sulphur's Trey Kiser is Oklahoma's best-kept secret | No, seriously. He might just be the best player in the class | Although 3A looks much different now, the smaller-sized class is loaded with good teams | And it's even tougher with the addition of Heritage Hall and Cascia Hall, both down from Class 4A | Familiar programs like Kingfisher, Lincoln Christian, Berryhill and Plainview will certainly be tough to beat | But can anyone beat the aforementioned Chargers? | They won it all in a class above last year and are the clear favorite to win their fourth state title in five years.

Ben - Yowza, 3A-1 is loaded at the top -- of course, like Swisher said, that's plainly obvious | Sulphur will lay low and rack up victory after victory and then start wrecking havoc on the rest of the field come playoff time | Always feel like Mike Snyder and Seminole are overlooked, and I'm guilty of that nearly every year. But shocker, the Chieftains will be good yet again | Lincoln Christian's statkeeper will be one of the hardest-working individuals on Friday nights this season | Cascia Hall returns to 3A and wins District 4 | Going chalk here with Heritage Hall to win the 3A crown. No reason to doubt Brett Bogert, so why start now?

Guest picker - Hall of Fame coach Randy Turney - Gotta go with Heritage Hall here.

*Photos courtesy of Joey Johnson & Russell Stitt

6A Soccer Playoff Preview

5/5/2025 |  Michael Swisher

6A GIRLS – FINAL RANKINGS

1 Edmond North (14-0) (7-0) – 25

2 Norman North (12-1) (7-0) – 23

3 Jenks (12-2) (7-0) – 22

4 Bixby (12-1) (7-0) – 17

5 Deer Creek (8-2) (6-1) – 17

6 Westmoore (11-3) (6-1) – 13

7 Edmond Memorial (9-3) (5-2) – 14

8 Broken Arrow (7-3) (5-2) – 15

9 Norman (9-4) (5-2) – 11

10 Tulsa Union (9-4) (5-2) – 10

11 Edmond Santa Fe (7-5) (5-2) – 11

12 Piedmont (9-3) (5-2) – 10

13 Yukon (9-4) (5-2) – 10

14 Mustang (12-3) (4-3) – 6

15 Moore (6-7) (4-3) – 5

16 Enid (7-7) (4-3) – 2

Oklahoma 6A Girls Soccer Playoff Bracket – 2025

#2 Norman North vs. #15 Moore

#6 Westmoore vs. #12 Piedmont

#3 Jenks vs. #14 Mustang

#5 Deer Creek vs. #11 Edmond Santa Fe

#4 Bixby vs. #16 Enid

#9 Norman vs. #7 Edmond Memorial

#1 Edmond North vs. #13 Yukon

#10 Tulsa Union vs. #8 Broken Arrow

MATCHUPS, DISCUSSION AND PICKS

#2 Norman North (-3.5) should advance past #15 Moore and host the winner of #12 Piedmont at #6 Westmoore (-1). We expect a close matchup, but Westmoore should prevail, setting up a quarterfinal between #6 Westmoore and #2 Norman North on Friday night.

#3 Jenks dominated District 6A-4 and faces a tough draw in #14 Mustang. Assuming Jenks (-1.5) wins, they will host the winner of one of the most intriguing 1st round matchups: #5 Deer Creek vs. #11 Edmond Santa Fe. We see Deer Creek (-1) sneaking out a win thanks to home field advantage, setting up a quarterfinal of #5 Deer Creek at #3 Jenks.

#4 Bixby navigated a brutal 6A-3 schedule and should beat #16 Enid (+3). Bixby would then host the winner of a PICK-EM game: #9 Norman vs. #7 Edmond Memorial. We picked Edmond Memorial, setting up #4 Bixby vs. #7 Edmond Memorial in the quarterfinals.

#1 Edmond North rides a 24-game win streak and should beat #13 Yukon (+4), advancing to face the winner of another PICK-EM: #8 Broken Arrow vs. #10 Tulsa Union. We’re picking Broken Arrow, leading to a quarterfinal of #1 Edmond North vs. #8 Broken Arrow.

6A BOYS – FINAL RANKINGS

1 Owasso (13-2) (7-0) – 22

2 Tulsa Union (14-1) (7-0) – 13

3 Edmond Memorial (12-1) (7-0) – 20

4 Broken Arrow (13-2) (6-1) – 17

5 Norman North (13-1) (6-1) – 13

6 Yukon (11-3) (6-1) – 6

7 Northwest Classen (9-4) (5-2) – 10

8 Deer Creek (9-5) (5-2) – 8

9 Putnam City West (8-6) (5-2) – 6

10 Stillwater (8-7) (5-2) – 6

11 Jenks (6-8) (5-2) – 9

12 Southmoore (9-6) (4-3) – 5

13 Edmond North (9-5) (4-3) – 4

14 Mustang (9-6) (4-3) – 4

15 Piedmont (9-5) (3-4) – 0

16 Bartlesville (6-6) (4-3) – 3

Oklahoma 6A Boys Soccer Playoff Bracket – 2025

#6 Yukon vs. #13 Edmond North

#4 Broken Arrow vs. #11 Jenks

#2 Tulsa Union vs. #16 Bartlesville

#7 Northwest Classen vs. #9 Putnam City West

#1 Owasso vs. #15 Piedmont

#5 Norman North vs. #8 Deer Creek

#3 Edmond Memorial vs. #12 Southmoore

#10 Stillwater vs. #14 Mustang

MATCHUPS, DISCUSSION AND PICKS

#6 Yukon, winners of the 6A-1 District, host #13 Edmond North. We see Yukon (-1) advancing to face the winner of #11 Jenks at #4 Broken Arrow (-1), a rematch from the regular season. Expect another close one, but Broken Arrow moves on, setting up a quarterfinal of #6 Yukon vs. #4 Broken Arrow.

#2 Tulsa Union, riding a 13-game win streak, should handle #16 Bartlesville and face the winner of the PICK-EM matchup between #7 Northwest Classen and #9 PC West. We give the edge to Northwest Classen, setting up a quarterfinal: #2 Tulsa Union vs. #7 Northwest Classen.

#1 Owasso, winners of 12 straight, should get past #15 Piedmont. They’ll then face the winner of the marquee 1st round matchup: #5 Norman North (-1) vs. #8 Deer Creek. We see Norman North pulling out a narrow win, setting up a heavyweight quarterfinal: #1 Owasso vs. #5 Norman North.

#3 Edmond Memorial, undefeated in district play, should beat battle-tested #12 Southmoore. They’ll then host the winner of the final PICK-EM: #10 Stillwater vs. #14 Mustang. We’re picking Stillwater in a revenge win, setting up a quarterfinal of #3 Edmond Memorial vs. #10 Stillwater.

6A Soccer Rankings and Playoff Projections

4/21/2025 |  Michael Swisher

6A Girls

1. Edmond North (12-0) (5-0)
2. Norman North (9-1) (4-0)
3. Bixby (10-1) (5-0)
4. Jenks (10-2) (5-0)
5. Deer Creek (7-1) (5-0)
6. Westmoore (10-2) (5-0)
7. Edmond Memorial (8-2) (4-1)
8. Norman (8-3) (4-1)
9. Broken Arrow (5-3) (3-2)
10. Tulsa Union (7-3) (3-1)
11. Edmond Sante Fe (6-4) (4-1)
12. Yukon (7-4) (3-2)

Games of the Week

• Tuesday 4/22:  #1 Edmond North at #5 Deer Creek – the 6A-2 District championship will most likely be decided in this cross-town matchup of 2 red hot teams and rematch of last year’s State Semi-Final that EN won 1-0 on its way to the State title. 
• Friday 4/25:  #3 Bixby at #6 Westmoore – Assuming both teams take care of business Tuesday, this match will decide the 6A-3 District Title.
• Friday 4/25:  #7 Edmond Memorial at #1 Edmond North – regardless of the outcome of EN-DC Tuesday, this game will have a lot riding on it - as an EDLAM rivalry and since EM was the last team to beat EN last season in non-district play.

District Playoff Discussion and Projections

In District 6A-1 - Norman North, riding a 9-game winning streak, play 3 games this week and control their own destiny for the District title with a win at #11 Edmond Santa Fe on Friday. Norman, despite an ugly loss to NN, can secure the 2-seed with a road win at #12 Yukon on Friday.  Edmond Santa Fe is safely the 3-seed but can still win the District title and 1-seed with a win at Choctaw Tuesday and an upset of #2 Norman North at home on Friday night. As for the 4-seed, Yukon needs a home win over Southmoore Tuesday to lock in the final playoff spot.

Projection:

1. Norman North
2. Norman
3. Edmond Sante Fe
4. Yukon

In District 6A-2, Edmond North, the defending champs, are steamrolling teams, but face their toughest tests of the regular season this week with matches at #5 DC on Tuesday and vs. #7 EM on Friday. Deer Creek is coming off an impressive 2-0 win at #7 EM last week and have not conceded a goal in the run of play yet this season. DC is all but a lock to be the 2-seed but can win the District title outright with a home victory over #1 EN Tuesday night. Similarly, if EN beats DC Tuesday they will win the District Title regardless of the results of EN-EM Friday due to their large lead in Margin Points. However, Edmond Memorial can still get the 2-seed with a win over EN Friday, if DC beats EN on Tuesday night as well. Otherwise, EM is likely safely the 3-seed. For the 4-seed, Moore can secure the last playoff spot in 6A-2 with a home win over Putnam City Tuesday night.

Projection:

1. Edmond North
2. Deer Creek
3. Edmond Memorial
4. Moore

In District 6A-3, the Friday matchup of #3 Bixby at #6 Westmoore will most likely decide the District champion and the 2-seed – assuming Bixby can hold serve at home against a dangerous Owasso team Tuesday night. From there, Broken Arrow (3-2), Owasso (2-3), Mustang (2-3) and Bartlesville (2-3) all remain alive for the final 2 playoff spots. BA at 3-2 is in the best shape, but play 2 tough games this week at Bartlesville Tuesday and at Owasso on Friday. Mustang should get to (3-3) with a win at home vs. Sand Springs Tuesday and then face Bartlesville on the road Friday. Owasso at 2-3 and with 3 margin points faces the toughest road with games at Bixby Tuesday and home vs. BA Friday – but could jump to the 3-seed with a pair of wins. Bartlesville will need to score upsets at home vs. BA Tuesday and at Mustang Friday and hope for some more luck to end up 4th in 6A-3.

Projection:

1. Westmoore
2. Bixby
3. Broken Arrow
4. Mustang

In District 6A-4, Jenks wil likely coast to another District title and 1-seed with winnable home games vs. US Grant and Sapulpa this week. Union (3-1) plays 3 games this week and can likely lock in the 2-seed with a win at Stillwater Tuesday. From there, Stillwater (3-2), Piedmont (3-2) and Enid (3-2) all remain in the mix for the 3rd and 4th playoff spots, depending on the outcome of this week’s games. Piedmont hosts Enid Tuesday and can likely lock up the 3-seed with a win there. Stillwater hosts Union Tuesday and then plays at Enid Friday night with the last playoff spot likely on the line.

Projection:

1. Jenks
2. Union
3. Piedmont
4. Stillwater

6A Boys

1. Tulsa Union (11-1) (4-0)
2. Broken Arrow (11-1) (4-0)
3. Edmond Memorial (10-1) (5-0)
4. Owasso (11-2) (5-0)
5. Yukon (10-2) (5-0)
6. Norman North (10-1) (3-1)
7. NW Classen (8-3) (4-1)
8. Edmond North (9-3) (4-1)
9. Stillwater (8-5) (5-0)
10. Deer Creek (7-4) (3-2)
11. Bartlesville (6-4) (4-1)
12. Bixby (9-3) (3-2)

Games of the Week

• Tuesday 4/22:  #3 Edmond Memorial at #7 NW Classen - the 6A-2 District Title will be at stake in this game at Taft Stadium.
• Tuesday 4/22:  #1 Union at #9 Stillwater - the last 2 undefeated teams still standing in 6A-4 will likely decide the District champ in this Tuesday match in Stillwater.
• Friday 4/25:  #2 Broken Arrow at #4 Owasso - when these top 2 teams, both currently unbeaten in District, play Friday night it will likely be for all the marbles in 6A-3.

District Playoff Discussion and Projections

In 6A-1, Yukon, coming of their OT win over previously undefeated Norman North, controls its own destiny and can win the District with either a sweep or just a split of their games at Southmoore Tuesday and home vs. Norman Friday. NN plays 3 games this week but against the teams currently occupying the bottom 3 spots in District and appear poised to secure the 2-seed. From there Norman hosts PC West, both 3-2, Tuesday and the winner is a safe bet for the 3-seed with the loser the 4.

Projection:

1. Yukon
2. Norman North
3. Putnam City West
4. Norman

In 6A-2, Edmond Memorial (5-0) plays atNW Classen (4-1) Tuesday with the winner in the drivers’ seat for the District title and the loser likely the 2. However, Edmond North (4-1) can also still win the District with 2 wins this week at DC Tuesday and hosting EM on Friday - with a EM win over NWC Tuesday. But, DC can still swipe the 3-seed from EN by winning their match-up Tuesday and holding serve Friday vs. PCO. 

Projection:

1. Edmond Memorial
2. NW Classen
3. Deer Creek
4. Edmond North

In 6A-3, the top 5 teams play a round-robin of sorts this week to decide the final District standings and champ. However, the outcome of Friday’s matchup of BA at Owasso will most likely determine who is the District Champ and who is the 2-seed. As for the final 2 spots, Bartlesville’s OT win over Bixby may likely prove to be decisive, even if Mustang tries to play spoiler by beating Bartlesville at home Friday.

Projection:

1. Broken Arrow
2. Owasso
3. Bartlesville
4. Bixby

In 6A-4, the Stillwater-Union game Tuesday likely determines the District Champ and the 2-seed. Jenks appears locked in as the 3-seed while Enid and U.S. Grant will matchup this week (and hope for some luck) for the winner to secure the last playoff spot - but U.S. Grant holds the advantage due to its prior 2-1 win over Enid.

Projection:

1. Union
2. Stillwater
3. Jenks
4. US Grant

6A Soccer Rankings and Games to Look Out For

4/15/2025 |  Michael Swisher

6A Girls

1. Edmond North (10-0) (3-0)
2. Norman North (7-1) (2-0)
3. Bixby (8-1) (3-0)
4. Jenks (8-2) (3-0)
5. Deer Creek (5-1) (3-0)
6. Edmond Memorial (7-1) (3-0)
7. Norman (7-2) (3-0)
8. Westmoore (8-2) (3-0)
9. Broken Arrow (4-2) (2-1)
10. Tulsa Union (6-2) (2-0)
11. Mustang (9-2) (2-1)
12. Yukon (6-3) (2-1)

6A Girls Games of the Week

• 4/15 - #7 Norman at #2 Norman North - Cross-town rivalry with 6A-1 District Title likely on the line.
• 4/15 - #10 Tulsa Union at #4 Jenks - Cross-town rivalry with huge 6A-4 District Title implications.
• 4/17 - #5 Deer Creek at #6 Edmond Memorial - EDLAM rivalry game with 6A-2 District home field advantage on the line.
• 4/17 - #3 Bixby at #9 Broken Arrow - Green County battle with 6A-3 District home field advantage implications.

6A Boys

1. Norman North (9-0) (2-0)
2. Tulsa Union (9-1) (2-0)
3. Broken Arrow (9-1) (2-0)
4. Edmond Memorial (8-1) (3-0)
5. Owasso (9-2) (3-0)
6. Bixby (9-1) (3-0)
7. Deer Creek (7-2) (3-0)
8. Yukon (8-2) (3-0)
9. Southmoore (7-4) (2-1)
10. Edmond North (7-3) (2-1)
11. NW Classen (6-3) (2-1)
12. Stillwater (6-5) (3-0)

6A Boys Games of the Week

• 4/15 - #2 Tulsa Union at Jenks - When these two teams get together, need we say more?
• 4/17 - #1 Norman North at #8 Yukon - #1 Norman North has tough 6A-1 District week, hosting rival Norman and #8 Yukon.
• 4/17 - #7 Deer Creek at #4 Edmond Memorial - EDLAM rivalry game with 6A-2 District title and home field advantage implications.
• 4/17 - #6 Bixby at #3 Broken Arrow - Green County rivalry game with 6A-3 District title and home field advantage at stake.

High School Football rankings

11/14/2024 |  Michael Swisher

6A Division-I

1. Owasso (10-0)
2. Jenks (7-3)
3. Norman (9-1)
4. Bixby (8-2)
5. Edmond Memorial (8-2)
6. Union (7-3)
7. Deer Creek (7-3)
8. Moore (6-4)
9. Norman North (3-7)
10. Broken Arrow (4-6)

6A Division-II

1. Muskogee (10-0)
2. Choctaw (8-2)
3. Stillwater (8-2)
4. Sand Springs (7-3)
5. Piedmont (6-4)
6. Putnam City (6-4)
7. Putnam City North (7-3)
8. Bartlesville (3-7)
9. Lawton Ike (4-6)
10. Sapulpa (4-6)

Class 5A

1. Carl Albert (10-0)
2. Del City (9-1)
3. Booker T. Washington (8-2)
4. Newcastle (7-3)
5. Guthrie (7-3)
6. McAlester (8-2)
7. Bishop McGuinness (7-3)
8. Bishop Kelley (5-5)
9. Lawton Mac (7-3)
10. Pryor (7-3)

Class 4A

1. Wagoner (10-0)
2. Elgin (10-0)
3. Tuttle (10-0)
4. Blanchard (9-1)
5. Bethany (8-2)
6. Ada (7-3)
7. Weatherford (8-2)
8. Sallisaw (8-2)
9. Clinton (8-2)
10. Miami (8-2)

Class 3A

1. Lincoln Christian (10-0)
2. Heritage Hall (9-1)
3. Sulphur (9-1)
4. Cascia Hall (9-1)
5. Plainview (9-1)
6. Perkins-Tryon (8-2)
7. Pauls Valley (7-3)
8. Bristow (6-4)
9. North Rock Creekl (6-4)
10. Idabel (7-3)

Class 2A Division-I

1. Washington (10-0)
2. Millwood (9-1)
3. Metro Christian (10-0)
4. Kingston (9-1)
5. Marlow (8-2)
6. Jones (8-2)
7. Kiefer (7-3)
8. Chandler (7-3)
9. Chisholm (6-4)
10. OCS (7-3)

Class 2A Division-II

1. Vian (10-0)
2. Adair (10-0)
3. Stroud (10-0)
4. Holdenville (10-0)
5. Alva (8-2)
6. Davis (6-4)
7. Beggs (8-2)
8. Colcord (9-1)
9. Henryetta (8-2)
10. Salina (6-4)

Class A Division-I

1. Hooker (9-1)
2. Fairview (9-1)
3. Rejoice Christian (9-1)
4. Walters (9-1)
5. Pawnee (7-3)
6. Pawhuska (8-2)
7. Christian Heritage (7-3)
8. Pocola (8-2)
9. Wynnewood (8-2)
10. Minco (7-3)

Class A Division-II

1. Woodland (10-0)
2. Regent Prep (9-1)
3. Hominy (8-2)
4. Thomas (9