Panama Razorbacks

Panama, OK 74951

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    • 2024-2025 Football Schedule
    Record: 5-4 | Unranked
    vs SpiroW40-21
    9/5
    @ HeavenerL26-16
    9/13
    vs WilburtonW39-13
    9/20
    vs Chouteau - MazieW54-14
    9/27
    @ HulbertW16-62
    10/4
    vs Rejoice ChristianL6-28
    10/11
    @ WarnerL23-20
    10/17
    @ HaskellW0-51
    10/25
    vs PocolaL20-30
    11/1
    @ HartshorneW10-12
    11/8
    vs Pawnee
    OSSAA State First Round at Pawnee    		 Missing Score
    @ PawneeL30-7
    11/15

    McKinley Whitfield headed to NY Giants mini camp

    |  Ben Johnson

    Fort Coffee is headed for the big stage.

    Wait, Fort Coffee? Where is that? Is it in Oklahoma?

    It’s a town that might go unrecognized, outside of severe weather coverage in Oklahoma, but Fort Coffee sits in the Arkansas River bend near Skullyville and northeast of Spiro. Just find LeFlore County in far eastern Oklahoma, and it sits at the very northern tip of the county.

    It’s where McKinley Whitfield has called home all his life.

    Now Whitfield will fly the Fort Coffee flag proudly when he attends New York Giants mini camp.

    “It means everything in the world to me to represent Spiro and Fort Coffee,” said Whitfield, a former standout at Spiro High School before playing college football at the University of Tulsa.

    “I grew up there my whole life, and I just try my best to be a inspiration to all the younger kids there.”

    Whitfield, measuring at 6 feet, 3 inches and 217 pounds, knows professional athletic endeavors don’t come along often for those growing up in Fort Coffee.


    “Not many people from the area get changes like these,” he said, “so it’s a blessing.”

    Whitfield, a safety by trade, recently watched the NFL Draft intently, hoping for his name to appear in the later rounds. But all seven rounds breezed by, despite a few draft boards mentioning Whitfield as a possible late-round candidate.

    “It was very frustrating,” said Whitfield, who logged 264 tackles and 19 pass breakups during his collegiate career. “Everybody was thinking that I was going to get drafted, so I didn’t want to let anybody down. I just tried to keep myself busy during the whole process and be around my family.”

    It didn’t take long for Whitefield to draw an invitation to New York’s minicamp, which begins this weekend.

    “It feels good getting a chance to go play at the next level,” said Whitfield, who nabbed four interceptions while at Tulsa. “Of course I would rather have gotten drafted or a free agent deal, but it’s just more motivation for me.

    Whitfield joins four other TU players as mini camp invitees. Justin Hobbs and Willie Wright will work out for the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns, respectively, and two other in-state talents, Tyler Bowling (Yukon) and Chandler Miller (Bixby), will try to earn a spot with the Atlanta Falcons.

    Leading up to the draft, Whitfield never had much interaction with the Giants, chatting with the organization once while at a senior event in Texas. But now he gets a chance to prove Fort Coffee belongs in the NFL.

    “I’ve always been a hard worker since I was a kid,” Whitfield said. “That definitely isn’t going to stop now.”




    *Photo credit: University of Tulsa

    Class 2A playoff preview

    |  Ben Johnson


    Players to watch

    - Laike Wilhelm (Newkirk): Perhaps the most widely unknown player to put up the best numbers this season. The senior tailback has rushed for 2,051 yards and 21 touchdowns on 261 carries this season.
    - Jaxon Canard (OCS): Junior tailback has only rushed 133 times this year, but he's piled up 1,207 yards and 18 touchdowns in the process.
    - Korbin Cox (Jones): Another year, another offensive standout for Jones. This time it's a sophomore running back who has collected 1,007 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground this season.
    - Lance Spaulding and Trevor Stuever (Washington): The running duo has teamed up for 2,108 yards and 22 touchdowns this season.
    - Taryn Kesler (Lindsay): Sophomore QB has thrown for 1,635 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. Also completed 91 of 150 attempts.
    - Asher Link (Metro Christian): Junior quarterback has thrown for 2,037 yards and 21 touchdowns, and he's done a lot of that by not even playing in the second half during most district games.
    - Austin Hines (Adair): The Bradbury family passed the torch to Hines last season at quarterback, and Hines has filled the void with big numbers. This season, Hines has passed for 1,746 yards and 17 touchdowns.
    - Dalton Spring (Beggs): Senior quarterback is an exceptional athlete who can beat opponents through the air or on the ground. He's passed for 1,377 yards and 21 touchdowns this season while completing 74 of 128 pass attempts.
    - Beau Teel (Sperry): Much like Spring at Beggs, Teel has a dual-threat QB for defenses to have to try and wrangle. He's passed for 1,365 yards and 14 touchdowns, and he also has a stout offensive line to allow him to run around on the ground, if necessary.
    - Blade Horton and Austin Lambert (Coalgate): One of 2A's top rushing and passing duo this season. Horton has rushed for 1,500 yards and 30 touchdowns, and Lambert has completed 128 of 203 passes for 2,065 yards and 19 touchdowns.

    Don't overlook... Sperry

    The Pirates had things rolling up until the final week of the regular season when they lost an emotional roller coaster of a game against Beggs. Sperry still has a loaded roster with the likes of Beau Teel, Jacob Sutherland, Hayden Borth, Clay Johnson, Cooper Park, Walker Niver and plenty more. Sperry's road to the 2A semifinals is perhaps easier than some others since the Pirates could potentially be back at home for the quarterfinals with Coalgate arriving. Of course, that's subject to change. What's not changing is Sperry's roster that is talented enough to make a long run in the playoffs.

    Favorite (potential) matchup - Holland Hall vs. Jones

    Stage is set for a potentially intriguing matchup in the quarterfinals. The Dutch had its postseason halted in a road loss at Davis last season, so Holland Hall is out to rectify last year's outcome. Meanwhile, Jones is loaded yet again and the Longhorns took John Marshall to the wire before losing in last year's semifinals.

    Coaching candor

    How do other high school coaches see the 2A postseason playing out? We asked and they made their predictions (after being granted anonymity, of course). 
    Coach One: "I'll take Millwood because they have all the pieces. They have a very good O-line and a very good D-line. They have great skill kids on both sides of the ball. They have speed and power. They have it all. Plus, they don't seem to care how you try and stop them. They adjust and play. Don't think anyone will really play them close unless they have injuries."
    Coach Two: "I'm picking a Millwood-Beggs championship with Millwood winning the gold ball. Millwood is experienced and has athletes all over the field. They are big up front with great skill kids. Not much to say on them except they are good. I would pick Millwood 34, Beggs 13."
    Coach Three : "Millwood and Beggs in the finals. I am curious if emotions can get Beggs over Millwood."

    Prediction time

    Michael Swisher: Millwood over Beggs - First of all, Beggs is a good football team. Now the Demons are riding a wave of emotion that can carry them a long way in the 2A bracket. They’ll no doubt be the darlings of the state as everyone outside of Millwood (and their weekly opponent) will be sentimentally pulling for them. But Millwood is also a really good football team. The Falcons aren’t quite the dominant force defensively they were a year ago and Washington proved they are susceptible earlier this year. However, Millwood will get it done yet again.
    Ben Johnson: Millwood over Metro Christian - Yeah, I should probably take Beggs here, but it doesn't really matter who ends up in the title game opposite of Millwood. The Falcons are too good. Did you see what other 2A coaches had to say above? The bottom half of the bracket is pretty spread out when it comes to equal talent, but the same can't be said for the top half of the bracket. Millwood is just too good. Falcons win another gold ball. Book it!
    Whitt Carter: Millwood over Beggs - Arguably the school with the most talent from Class 4A on down, Millwood has been everything you had hoped for in 2018. They have won 38 straight games and are looking for their third straight gold ball. The Falcons are loaded, featuring Oklahoma commit Marcus Major and Texas signee De'Maryion Houston, along with several others. They beat Class 3A favorite Heritage Hall to open the season and have only been tested once since. Meanwhile, Beggs has played a tough schedule and been through unbelievable circumstances, losing starting running back Kayson Tolliver tragically last week. The Demons rallied for a huge win over Sperry last week to win the district title. Beggs has more to play for than any team you will ever see. They have quarterback Dalton Spring and talented players around him. And it would be incredible to see them make another run to the state title game. But Millwood is too good, and the Falcons make it 43 in a row, hoisting their third straight gold ball.

    Week 10: Top 10 games

    |  Ben Johnson

    The playoffs are here! Well, not quite but for some teams it will feel that way. Some teams are playing to extend their seasons while some are playing to better position themselves for long postseason runs. Week 10 is always a whirlwind, so buckle up and hold on!

    Here's what's on tap:

    1. 6AII No. 1 Stillwater (9-0) at 6AII No. 4 Del City (7-2): It has been a day or two since Stillwater last laid claim to a district championship. Since 1995 to be exact. Pioneers can clinch the District 6AII-1 title with a win. A Del City victory (plus a Midwest City win over PC West) creates a three-way tie at the top of the district with district points deciding the champion. Stillwater is 2-0 against Del City, but they haven't played since 2007.

    2. 5A No. 1 Carl Albert at 5A No. 4 Bishop McGuinness (8-1): If these two are squaring off, there's always something significant on the line. Last season it was the Class 5A championship. This time, it's for 5A-2 supremacy. The winner claims the district crown. For Carl Albert, it would two years in a row. For the Irish, it would be the third district title in four years.

    3. A No. 2 Cashion (9-0) at A No. 3 Minco (8-1): Take the Stillwater-Del City playoff scenario and apply it here. Cashion wins the District A-3 title with a win. A victory for Minco creates a logjam atop the district with Crossings Christian off for the way and cemented at 7-1 in the district. A Cashion win also moves Minco to third. 

    4. 2A No. 2 Sperry (9-0) at 2A No. 4 Beggs (8-1): It's been 77 years -- SEVENTY. SEVEN. -- since Sperry was 9-0. The Pirates have won a district title more recently than that (1992), but it's still been a long time for that, too. Beggs, on the other hand, is coming off a runner-up finish in Class 3A, so this is familiar territory for the Demons. The winner here claims the District 2A-3 title, and the loser finishes second. The quarterback matchup -- Sperry's Beau Tell against Beggs' Dalton Spring -- should be a good one, too.

    5. 3A No. 3 John Marshall (8-1) at 3A No. 7 Kingfisher (6-3): Winner finishes second in 3A-1 and gets a home playoff game. Loser finishes third and hits the road -- likely to Plainview -- in the first round of the playoffs.

    6. 4A No. 8 Hilldale (8-1) at 4A No. 1 Poteau (9-0): Poteau will have to reverse a recent trend if it wants to win District 4A-4. The Pirates can win the district with a win, but a Hilldale victory likely creates a three-team tie atop the standings with Broken Bow also involved. The streak Poteau has to end is its losing ways to Hilldale, who has beaten the Pirates four times in a row, dating bcak to 2010. Poteau's last win over Hilldale was 2009.

    7. 6AI No. 7 Owasso (5-4) at 6AI No. 5 Putnam City North (8-1): Neither one can catch Union in 6AI-2, but the Panthers can lock up second place with a win over Owasso, the reigning 6AI champion. An Owasso win likely means the Rams, PC North finish in a tie for second and resort to district points. A win for PC North would be its first ever against Owasso. The Rams are 4-0 all-time against PC North.

    8. 5A No. 7 Tahlequah (8-1) at 5A No. 9 Claremore (6-3): This one is simple enough -- winner gets second place in 5A-4, the loser finishes third. The running back battle between Tahlequah's Dae Dae Leathers and Claremore's Jace Hightower should be fun to watch.

    9. 6AII No. 2 Bixby (8-1) at 6AII No. 7 Muskogee (6-3): Regardless of records, it seems as though Bixby always struggles with Muskogee. The Spartans have secured the 6AII-2 title and can look toward a home playoff game next week, while Muskogee needs a win to finish third in 6AII-2.

    10. 5A No. 5 Altus (8-1) at 5A No. 10 Duncan (8-1): Same at the Tahlequah-Claremore game -- winner gets second place, loser finishes third.


    Honorable mention

    Edmond Santa Fe at Norman: The Wolves are in the playoffs, but a win would assure a third-place finish. A Norman victory gives the Tigers a chance to make the playoffs with Westmoore headed to Jenks.

    Ada at Edison: Winner finishes second in 5A-3, loser gets third since both Edison and Ada are vastly ahead of McAlester in district points.

    Clinton at Cache: The Red Tornadoes are no strangers to district titles with 38, according to Iwasatthegame.com. Yet, Clinton hasn't won one since 2011. Cache hasn't won one since 1983. It's a winner-take-all game in 4A-1.

    Oologah at Catoosa: A Catoosa win likely means third place and would leave Bristow and Wagoner to settle the district title. An Oologah victory likely means Bristow, Wagoner and Oologah finish tied for the district title, and would likely go to Bristow based on district points.

    Checotah at Lincoln Christian: Well, the best way to describe the District 3A-3 standings is jumbled. But don't over-think it. More likely than not, Seminole, Stigler and Idabel should bag victories this week, so this game will decide whether there's a five-way tie for first place or a three-way tie for second place. Either way, it's all about district points at that stage.

    Locust Grove at Vinita: After Berryhill at the top of this district, it gets a bit chaotic. Vinita need to win to keep its playoff hopes alive, whereas Locust Grove claims second place with a win.

    Lindsay at Kingston: Even if Lindsay wins here, Kingston will have wrapped up its first district championship since 1987. That's how sizeable Kingston's district points lead is.

    Panama at Holland Hall: The Dutch win a district title with a win over Panama, whereas a Panama victory likely hands the district title to Vian.

    Christian Heritage at Crescent: Someone's season will end here. District A-3 is deep so this game will decide who finishes fourth. Crazy to think Crescent could go from Class A runner-up to out of the playoffs, but that's the scenario headed into this week's slate of games.

    Pawhuska at Pawnee: Pawnee has to win to keep its playoff hopes alive. A Pawhuska win would assure the Huskies of third place in District A-5.

    Hobart at Frederick: Simple enough on this one. The winner claims the District A-2 title and the loser finishes second.

    Ringling at Apache: Did you read the Hobart-Frederick breakdown? Same thing applies here. Would be Ringling's eighth straight district title.

    Gore at Central Sallisaw: Gore is looking for its first district championship since 2011. A Central Sallisaw win would give it a chance at a district title for the first time since 2001.

    Weleetka at Wetumka: District B-5 will be decide in this one. Winner gets first place, loser gets second place.

    Regent Prep at Foyil: These two clubs have played some stout defense this year, giving up only a combined 112 points in 17 games. The better defense here will help its win a district championship. The loser of the game stays home for the playoffs but won't claim a district title.

    Paoli at Graham-Dustin: Winner claims the District C-4 championship. Loser finishes second.



    *Photo courtesy of Jason Elmquist/Stillwater NewsPress

    Class 2A preview

    |  Ben Johnson



    Look back at 2017

    2017 district champs

    2A-1: Chisholm - The Longhorns were golden when they weren't facing Washington in 2017. Luckily for them, Washington was in a different district, so Chisholm made an unbeaten 6-0 run through A-1 last season, including a 33-21 victory over Alva in October. But unfortuntaely for Chisholm, its only two losses were to Washington in non-district play in September and then in the second round of the playoffs in November.

    2A-2: Millwood - A machine -- that's what Millwood was in 2017. The Falcons scored no fewer than 37 points in all 14 of their games, and they never gave up more than 18. That's pure dominance. And to cap it all off, Millwood outscored its opponents 228 to 7 in the postseason.

    2A-3: Lindsay - The Leopards were hard to get a read on in 2017, but they finished atop 2A-3 by the end of the regular season. A 27-21 loss to Hobart landed Lindsay in a tie atop the district with Washington, but the Leopards followed that loss with a 38-21 victory over Washington to claim the tiebreaker. But while Washington was making a run to the state championship game, Lindsay ended up with a second-round loss to Alva to cap a 7-5 season.

    2A-4: Davis - Head coach Jody Weber capped his 17-year run as the Wolves' head coach with the program's 34th district title. Davis knocked off every 2A opponent it faced in 2017 until it clashed with Washington in the semifinals. 

    2A-5: Vian - The Wolverines coasted in 2A-5 play, winning all five contests comfortable. The closest was a 26-12 win over Okemah in late October. The district title segued into playoff wins over Panama and Victory Christian and the first two rounds, but then Millwood was waiting in the quarterfinals to pull the plug on Vian's postseason run.

    2A-6: Valliant - Really only one word sums up 2A-6 in 2017: craziness. Five -- yes, five! -- teams finished atop the district standings at 4-2. It was Valliant that ended up with its fifth district crown, and then there was Hartshorne that missed the playoffs altogether. Valliant, Spiro and Antlers all won their first round playoff matchups, but none of the three advanced past the second round.

    2A-7: Holland Hall - It was the first district championship for the Dutch, a team that had joined the OSSAA ranks in 2016 after transitioning over from the Southwest Preparatory Conference with mostly Texas teams. Holland Hall looked like a potential opponent for Millwood in the finals, but a furious comeback by Davis in the quarterfinals ended the Dutch's postseason run.

    2A-8: Adair - The Warriors picked up their seventh straight district title, thanks in large part to a 36-14 win over Commerce in the final week of the regular season. Adair marched into the quarterfinals, where Alva dispatched the Warriors with a 40-8 rout.



    Talking title game: Millwood 42, Washington 7

    An underdog heading into the game, Washington struck first and looked like it might elevate Millwood's stress level for the first time during the 2017 season. But all the Falcons did was respond with 42 straight points to coast to their seventh state championship. Running back Marcus Major ran for 152 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries for the Falcons, and Dezmond Howard scored on both sides of the ball (a 40-yard TD reception and an 82-yard fumble return). Millwood ended up forcing four Washington turnovers in the game.

     



    On to 2018...

    Players to watch

    - Marcus Major (Millwood): Not great news for the rest of Class 2A that Major returns in the Falcons' backfield in 2018. The Oklahoma commit had 1,155 yards and 23 touchdowns on 102 carries last season. Also mixed in 23 catches for 490 yards and five touchdowns.



    - Laike Wilhelm (Newkirk): Another 1,000-yard rusher returning to the 2A landscape in 2018. Wilhelm totaled 1,097 yards and 16 touchdowns on 174 carries as a junior in 2017.

    - Owen Ostroski (Holland Hall): Had a monster season as a freshman for the Dutch in 2017. Ostrokski was a key cog along the defensive front with 13 1/2 sacks.

    - Gus Smith (Stratford): As a sophomore, Smith fell just short of the 1,000-yard rushing mark. He amassed 934 yards and nine touchdowns on 155 carries.

    - Barrett Bradbury (Adair): The next in the long line of Bradbury's to shine in high school football. B.J. Bradbury led the Warriors to the 2015 championship, and now it's Barrett's varsity turn. As a sophomore in 2017, Barrett caught 55 passes for 1,011 yards and 17 touchdowns, and on defense he had 116 tackles and four interceptions.
    - Austin Hines (Adair): The engineer of Adair's high-flying offense. During his junior season last year, Hines passed for 2,866 yards and 43 touchdowns while completing 166 of 275 pass attempts.
    - Peyton Wilson (Luther): Burst onto the scene during his sophomore year in 2017. Tossed for 2,576 yards and 38 touchdowns while connecting on 64.3 percent (160 of 249) of his passes. 

    - Beau Teel (Sperry): A standout two-way player for the Pirates in 2017. At quarterback, Teel passed for 2,120 yards and 21 touchdowns, and he added 671 yards and 15 touchdowns on 111 carries. 

    - Tayden Lucero (Haskell): Haymakers' quarterback tossed for 751 yards and five touchdowns, but he did most of his damage with his lags, racking up 681 yards and 17 touchdowns on 155 carries.

    - Dalton Spring (Beggs): The Demons lost talent from the 2017 roster that finished as the 3A runner-up. The Beggs returns Spring, who starred at quarterback during his junior season. He completed 107 of 179 passes for 1,967 yards and 21 touchdowns.




    - Bodhi Vann (Vian): The leading rusher for the two-headed monster in Vian last season. Vann racked up 1,875 yards and 23 touchdowns on 256 carries. 
    - River Simon (Vian): Vian's quarterback didn't need to pass the ball much last year with himself and Vann running the ball so often. Simon rushed for 1,147 yards and 16 touchdowns, and he also led the Wolverines on defense with a team-high 91 tackles.
    - Kaden Speer (Antlers): Completed 144 of 207 passes for 1,348 yards and 12 touchdowns during his junior campaign in 2017.
    - Trevor Stuever (Washington): Tyler Stuever was Washington's key cog in the rushing game last year with 2,483 yards, and now Trevor takes over after a junior year that included 839 yards and nine touchdowns on 104 carries.

     

    District debriefs

    2A-1: Chisholm, Alva and Hennessey -- the top three finishers in the district last season -- all return to the 2A-1 mix. Perry and Newkirk are the only other familiar faces with Tonkawa and Pawhuska vacating. The biggest addition will be Oklahoma Christian School, which claimed the 3A-1 title last season. Luther, who finished second to Millwood in 2A-2, joins the district and so does Centennial.

    2A-2: This district has undergone a full facelift. Millwood dominated in this space for two years, but they're relocated to a new 2A district. Now it's Jones as the central figure at the top, after moving down from 3A. Prague, who finished second to Jones in 3A-2, makes the move with the Longhorns. Okemah, a member of 2A-5 recently, makes the move as another playoff team last year. The rest of the district includes Henryetta, Holdenville, Kellyville, Meeker and Chandler.

    2A-3: This becomes an eastside district for the next two years, after recently featuring Hobart, Lindsay and district champ Washington. Now it's occupied by Victory Christian, Beggs, Haskell and Sperry -- all playoff teams in 2A or 3A last season. Dewey, Morris and Caney Valley are three other additions, and Kiefer joins the group after not long ago being an eight-man team.

    2A-4: Welcome to basically what was 2A-8 last season. Adair, 2A-8 champion last year, heads the district and they have familiar faces in Wyandotte, Chelsea and Nowata. Metro Christian falls two classes and joins 2A-4, it'll be joined by Chouteau, Kansas and Salina.

    2A-5: It's Vian leading the pack again, but with almost a new crew around it. Westville, Tahlequah Sequoyah and Keys move in from 3A, and Holland Hall shifts over after cruising to the 2A-7 crown last year. The rest of the field includes Panama, Pocola and Spiro.

    2A-6: Let's just hope this district doesn't turn into such a mess at the end of this season. It will feature Antlers, Valliant, Hartshorne, Wilburton and Hugo again. They will welcome Atoka, Eufaula and Heavener to the festivities for the next two years.

    2A-7: Millwood's new landing spot -- and it comes with a perennial contender in Washington. The 2A title game rematch will come at some point during district play with Washington shifting over from 2A-3 and Millwood moving from 2A-2. The other six teams include Crooked Oak, Lexington, Little Axe, Star Spencer, Community Christian and Stratford. 

    2A-8: This is practically 2A-4 from recent memory. Davis, Kingston, Coalgate, Marietta and Tishomingo will all recognize one another, and they'll have new district mates in Comanche, Dickson and Lindsay.

     

    What’s new? (coaches on the move)

    - Ron Smith, after leading Victory Christian to the 2A title game in 2016, stepped down after leading the Conquerors back to the playoffs in 2017. Now Dub Maddox takes over after serving as Jenks' offensive coordinator.

    - Mike Shklar takes over at Alva after Taylor Schwerdtfeger's three-year run.

    - Not long ago (2015) Haskell was in the Class 2A title game under Greg Wilson. Rusty Harris took over for one year in 2017, and now he's elevated to superintendent of Haskell Public Schools. One of his first hires was Frank Marsaln to run the football program.

    - Lee Blankenship took over at Bartlesville not long after leading the Demons to the 3A championship game. Now the reins at Beggs have been handed over to David Tenison.

    - Matt Hagebusch returned home to Chelsea, and at first he didn't intended to take over the football program. But now he'll lead the Dragons into the 2018 season after recently serving as head coach at Claremore Sequoyah.

    - Chris McMullen led Keys back to the postseason, but he stepped down after the 2017 campaign. In steps Mitchell Crittenden, who was recently the head coach at another Cherokee County team, Hulbert, in the early 2010s.

    - A Weber family member had been leading the Davis Wolves since 1988, but then Jody Weber stepped down this offseason after going 193-34 in 17 seasons. Now long-time assistant Greg Parker is the head coach for the Wolves.


    Fun facts:

    - No team in Oklahoma has a longer streak of consecutive playoff appearances than Davis. The Wolves have punched their playoff ticket for the past 34 seasons, dating back to 1984.

    - Millwood owns a 28-game winning streak headed into the 2018 season.

    Prediction time

    Ben: Watch out for Metro Christian dropping down from Class 4A | Jones will be just fine despite J.D. Head moving out of the state | Get to know Sperry's Beau Teel -- he's really good | Vian continues to win big with a Simon family member leading the way (someone in that family ought to run for mayor) | Holland Hall will be good, but losing Vance Mullendore hurts | Beggs still has enough to talent to make a big splash in 2A | Davis makes another playoff appearance (shocker!) | Made it this far without mentioning Millwood, but here it is: Falcons lose a game in 2018 but still win the title.

    Swisher: Ben touched on most the points I was going to...and then some | This will be the first time in three full decades a Weber isn't the head coach at Davis. | Like Ben said, the Wolves' tradition will easily carry on in 2018. It will be interesting to watch its trajectory beyond that | Last year's Millwood team was one of the best small-school teams this state has ever seen. How will this one match up? That's what I'm looking for. | Speaking of matching up: No 2A team can do that with the Falcons. Send that gold ball to northeast OKC.

    Whitt Carter: No surprise here, going with Millwood.

    Guest picker - Hall of Fame coach Randy Turney: Yep, make it 4 for 4. I'm going with Millwood to win the title.


    *Photos courtesy of Joey Johnson & Abby Blankenship



    High School Football rankings

    |  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 (9-1)
    5. Mangum (9-1)
    6. Talihina (9-1)
    7. Central Sallisaw (7-3)
    8. Velma-Alma (8-2)
    9. Texhoma (7-3)
    10. Mooreland (7-3)

    Class B Division-I

    1. Laverne (9-1)
    2. Dewar (8-1)
    3. Yale (9-0)
    4. Turpin (9-1)
    5. Hollis (7-2)
    6. Drumright (7-3)
    7. Empire (9-1)
    8. Garber (7-3)
    9. Caddo (8-2)
    10. Keota (7-3)

    Class B Division-II

    1. Seiling (9-1)
    2. Weleetka (10-0)
    3. Covington-Douglas (10-0)
    4. Okeene (9-1)
    5. Wilson-Henryetta (8-1)
    6. Waukomis (8-2)
    7. Copan (8-2)
    8. Shattuck (6-3)
    9. Webbers Falls (6-4)
    10. Alex (6-4)

    Class C

    1. Tipton (10-0)
    2. Timberlake (10-0)
    3. Ryan (9-1)
    4. Medford (7-2)
    5. Welch (9-1)
    6. Tyrone (7-2)
    7. Maysville (8-2)
    8. Paoli (7-3)
    9. Geary (7-3)
    10. Waynoka (5-5)

    SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 10 (2024): Sunrise Cafe in Kingfisher

    |  Michael Swisher

    In Kingfisher, Oklahoma, there is a great little food place called Sunrise Cafe.

    I have had breakfast here a few times over the years, but my most recent trip had me giving the incredible looking "Gravy Train" a try after scanning over the menu.

    When it comes to breakfast dining out, I normally tend to migrate towards some combination that includes biscuits and this morning would be no different with the Gravy Train selection I was making. 


    So what is the Gravy Train?

    It's two open-faced homemade biscuits with sausage gravy and hash browns on top. I then added cheese, two runny medium eggs and bacon.



    The Gravy Train is so good and covers all the bases when it comes to breakfast.

    It's one of those breakfast plates that when you're done you either (A) feel like you should go build a fence or chop wood in the snow or (B) head on back to the couch for a morning nap.

    The Gravy Train is definitely not a "light breakfast" by any measure, but rather a heavy and hearty breakfast that is extremely satisfying for those not afraid of a big breakfast. 

    I'm sure local Kingfisher icon Micheal Swisher would have strong recommendations for Sunrise Cafe as well and probably not just for breakfast either.

    It's the kind of small-town cafe that I really enjoy and probably has an excellent hamburger or chicken fried steak meal if i was guessing.

    So the next time you are rolling through Kingfisher in the morning, stop in at the Sunrise Cafe and give the Gravy Train a try because it's a really solid breakfast all the way around!

    Week 10 High School Football Rankings

    |  Michael Swisher

    6A Division-I

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

    6A Division-II

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

    Class 5A

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

    Class 4A

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

    Class 3A

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

    Class 2A Division-I

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

    Class 2A Division-II

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

    Class A Division-I

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

    Class A Division-II

    1. Woodland (9-0)
    2. Regent Prep (8-1)
    3. Hominy (7-2)
    4. Thomas (8-1)
    5. Mangum (8-1)
    6. Mooreland (7-2)
    7. Talihina (8-1)
    8. Central Sallisaw (6-3)
    9. Velma-Alma (7-2)
    10. Texhoma (6-3)

    Class B Division-I

    1. Laverne (8-1)
    2. Dewar (7-1)
    3. Yale (8-0)
    4. Turpin (8-1)
    5. Caddo (8-1)
    6. Hollis (6-2)
    7. Drumright (6-3)
    8. Empire (8-1)
    9. Garber (6-3)
    10. Pond Creek-Hunter (7-2)

    Class B Division-II

    1. Seiling (8-1)
    2. Weleetka (9-0)
    3. Covington-Douglas (9-0)
    4. Okeene (8-1)
    5. Wilson-Henryetta (7-1)
    6. Waukomis (7-2)
    7. Cherokee (5-4)
    8. Alex (6-3)
    9. Copan (7-2)
    10. Shattuck (5-3)

    Class C

    1. Tipton (9-0)
    2. Timberlake (9-0)
    3. Ryan (8-1)
    4. Tyrone (7-1)
    5. Medford (6-2)
    6. Welch (8-1)
    7. Maysville (7-2)
    8. Paoli (6-3)
    9. Geary (6-3)
    10. Waynoka (4-5)

    SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 9 (2024): Revisiting Our Top Candy Picks, Good Soup & Happy Birthday Adam

    |  Michael Swisher

    Since it is Halloween today, I thought it would be fun and timely to run back some previous SKORDLE Halloween Candy Blogs from 2021 and 2022.

    I discuss many important topics related to candy preference, secretly stealing lots of candy from my children and my love for the old days of homemade Halloween treats.

    If you are fortunate enough to come across a Popcorn Ball, Brownie, Candy Apple, or Rice Krispies Treats, rather than a full-sized candy bar (what's really special about that?), you are truly one of the lucky ones tonight! 

    I have also included - in the 2021 blog - an incredible Minestrone Soup recipe courtesy of Mr. SKORDLE himself Adam Diesselhorst.

    Speaking of Adam, today is his birthday, so tell him Happy Birthday! 

    Week 9 Pay Dirt Picks & Results

    |  Korry Rogers


    MARK
    11-1
    JACOB
    9-3
    TOM
    9-2
    TONY
    10-2
    Anadarko
    @
    Kingfisher
    Chandler
    @
    Sperry
    Crossings
    @
    Washington
    Hinton
    @
    Cashion
    Minco
    @
    Christian Heritage
    Keota
    @
    Dewar
    Piedmont
    @
    Stillwater
    Perry
    @
    Chisholm
    Norman
    @
    Mustang
    Sand Springs
    @
    Putnam City North
    Carl Albert
    @
    Guthrie
    Bishop McGuinness
    @
    Newcastle

    Week 9 High School Football Rankings

    |  Michael Swisher

    6A Division-I

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

    6A Division-II

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

    Class 5A

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

    Class 4A

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

    Class 3A

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

    Class 2A Division-I

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

    Class 2A Division-II

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

    Class A Division-I

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

    Class A Division-II

    1. Woodland (8-0)
    2. Mangum (8-0)
    3. Regent Prep (7-1)
    4. Hominy (6-2)
    5. Talihina (8-0)
    6. Thomas (7-1)
    7. Ketchum (6-2)
    8. Mooreland (6-2)
    9. Central Sallisaw (5-3)
    10. Velma-Alma (6-2)

    Class B Division-I

    1. Laverne (7-1)
    2. Dewar (6-1)
    3. Yale (7-0)
    4. Turpin (7-1)
    5. Caddo (7-1)
    6. Hollis (5-2)
    7. Garber (6-2)
    8. Keota (6-2)
    9. Drumright (4-2)
    10. Waurika (4-4)

    Class B Division-II

    1. Seiling (7-1)
    2. Weleetka (8-0)
    3. Covington-Douglas (8-0)
    4. Okeene (7-1)
    5. Wilson-Henryetta (6-1)
    6. Waukomis (6-2)
    7. Copan (7-1)
    8. Shattuck (5-2)
    9. Cherokee (4-4)
    10. Wetumka (5-3)

    Class C

    1. Tipton (8-0)
    2. Timberlake (8-0)
    3. Ryan (7-1)
    4. Tyrone (6-1)
    5. Medford (5-2)
    6. Geary (6-2)
    7. Welch (7-1)
    8. Maysville (6-2)
    9. Paoli (5-3)
    10. Sasakwa (6-1)

    Week 8 Pay Dirt Picks & Results

    |  Korry Rogers


    MARK
    9-3
    JACOB
    9-3
    TOM
    9-3
    DOUG
    10-2
    Okeene
    @
    Boise City
    Kingfisher
    @
    North Rock Creek
    Tulsa Central
    @
    Chandler
    Lincoln Christian
    @
    Checotah
    Texhoma-Goodwell
    @
    Mangum
    Southwest Covenant
    @
    Thomas-Fay-Custer
    Blanchard
    @
    Tuttle
    Turpin
    @
    Garber
    Sequoyah Claremore
    @
    Cascia Hall
    Muskogee
    @
    Sand Springs
    Jenks
    @
    Moore
    McAlester
    @
    Booker T Washington

    SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 8 (2024): Flamingo Lounge

    |  Michael Swisher

    If you haven’t had a burger at the Flamingo Lounge in Enid, you really need to because they are absolutely delicious! 


    The Flamingo is located right at the main intersection of town (U.S. 81 and U.S. 412 or Van Buren and Garriott for the locals).


    It’s a classic dive joint that has been a favorite for many for a really long time. 


    Simple is why they are great. 


    The burgers are incredible and what I love the most is the melty cheese and warm greasy bun.


    I would highly recommend the Double Meat, Double Cheeseburger.




    You can even add chili if you’re brave enough or have arteries made of steel.


    Regulars normally get some Chili Cheese Nachos as an appetizer or side. 


    If you’re wanting to try something truly unique, follow the lead of Mr. SKORDLE Adam Diesselhorst and order the Pickled Eggs. 


    I have never brought myself to try them (I stick to the nachos and burgers), but Adam loves them and you might too. 


    The place has a shuffleboard, pool and video games for the kids. 


    The next time you are in Enid, I would strongly suggest a stop at the Flamingo for an awesome burger!!!

    Week 8 High School Football Rankings

    |  Michael Swisher

    6A Division-I

    1. Owasso
    2. Bixby
    3. Union
    4. Jenks
    5. Deer Creek
    6. Norman
    7. Edmond Memorial
    8. Mustang
    9. Moore
    10. Broken Arrow

    6A Division-II

    1. Muskogee
    2. Stillwater
    3. Choctaw
    4. Sand Springs
    5. Piedmont
    6. Putnam City North
    7. Putnam City
    8. Sapulpa
    9. Southmoore
    10. Lawton Ike

    Class 5A

    1. Carl Albert
    2. Del City
    3. Lawton Mac
    4. McAlester
    5. Guthrie
    6. Bishop McGuinness
    7. Collinsville
    8. Booker T. Washington
    9. Newcastle
    10. Shawnee

    Class 4A

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

    Class 3A

    1. Lincoln Christian
    2. Heritage Hall
    3. Sulphur
    4. Cascia Hall
    5. North Rock Creek
    6. Plainview
    7. Perkins-Tryon
    8. Sequoyah-Claremore
    9. Pauls Valley
    10. Idabel

    Class 2A Division-I

    1. Washington
    2. Millwood
    3. Metro Christian
    4. Kingston
    5. Marlow
    6. Jones
    7. Kiefer
    8. Perry
    9. Crossings Christian
    10. Hugo

    Class 2A Division-II

    1. Vian
    2. Adair
    3. Stroud
    4. Davis
    5. Holdenville
    6. Alva
    7. Beggs
    8. Colcord
    9. Kansas
    10. Community Christian

    Class A Division-I

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

    Class A Division-II

    1. Woodland
    2. Mangum
    3. Regent Prep
    4. Hominy
    5. Talihina
    6. Thomas
    7. Texhoma
    8. Ketchum
    9. Central Sallisaw
    10. Velma-Alma

    Class B Division-I

    1. Laverne
    2. Dewar
    3. Yale
    4. Turpin
    5. Garber
    6. Caddo
    7. Empire
    8. Hollis
    9. Keota
    10. Drumright

    Class B Division-II

    1. Seiling
    2. Weleetka
    3. Covington-Douglas
    4. Okeene
    5. Wilson-Henryetta
    6. Copan
    7. Boise City
    8. Waukomis
    9. Shattuck
    10. Cyril

    Class C

    1. Tipton
    2. Timberlake
    3. Ryan
    4. Welch
    5. Tyrone
    6. Maysville
    7. Geary
    8. Medford
    9. Paoli
    10. Sasakwa

    Week 7 Pay Dirt Picks

    |  Korry Rogers


    MARK
    5-7
    TOM
    10-1
    CHRIS
    8-4
    HUNTER
    8-4
    Ardmore
    @
    Blanchard
    Oklahoma Christian School
    @
    Perry
    Minco
    @
    Walters
    Thomas-Fay-Custer
    @
    Texhoma-Goodwell
    Waynoka
    @
    Timberlake
    Garber
    @
    Pond Creek-Hunter
    Marlow
    @
    Washington
    Fairview
    @
    Hooker
    Deer Creek
    @
    Jenks
    Stillwater
    @
    Choctaw
    Colcord
    @
    Adair
    Norman
    @
    Moore

    SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 7 (2024): Fun Facts on Win Streaks and Mr. Burger

    |  Michael Swisher

    SKORDLE has two MASSIVE Games of the Week on the SKORDLE.TV network for Week 7.

    Class 2A Division 1's fourth-ranked Marlow will be at #1 Washington and Class A Division 1 #1 Fairview will be at #2 Hooker.

    The winner of both games will have a big leg up on the district races and these could be a preview of future playoff matchups down the road.

    I asked Chis Wilfong of Iwasatthegame.com for some "fun facts" related to both of these matchups and he had some very interesting ones to share. 

    In the Marlow-Washington game, the all-time head-to-head matchup favors Marlow by a 5-2 margin.

    Do you know who Washington's last loss in a game was?

    You guessed it, Marlow in the 2021 state championship. 

    In the Fairview-Hooker game, the all-time head-to-head matchup favors Fairview by an 11-4 margin.

    This is a rematch of last year's Class A State Championship game won by Fairview. Currently in Class A Division I, when it comes to scoring, Fairview is No. 3 while Hooker is No. 4 so the scoreboard operator could be very busy Thursday night. 

    As mentioned in an earlier Sampler this season, Washington and Fairview are both riding 30-plus game winning streaks and now they have company in this lofty club. It is the Carl Albert Titans, who have won 31 games in a row.

    According to Chris Wilfong, this is the first time ever in state history that we have had three 30-plus-game winning streaks going on at the same time in 11-man football.

    Now that is a truly "fun fact" heading into these big games this week. 

    As for food recommendations, if you are heading to Washington there are plenty of quality stops on the way, including my favorites of Victoria's Pasta Shop in Norman (Shrimp Lasagna Rolls) or Purcell at the Original Jo's Famous Pizza (any of it). 

    For those of you heading way out west to Hooker, I highly suggest you stop and eat at the Mr. Burger in Guymon or Hooker. 

    I randomly stumbled across this gem in the panhandle coming home from a ski trip in 2023. I ended up having a really great Bacon Cheeseburger, 13 tater tots and a delicious Cherry Limeade.

    Local insider (Todd Kerr) also highly recommends the Jalapeno Chicken and onion rings, which also sounds fantastic.

    Good luck to all the teams this week as it is starting to feel like actual Fall outside and keep a close eye on these two big matchups on SKORDLE.TV

    Week 7 High School Football Rankings

    |  Michael Swisher

    6A Division-I

    1. Owasso
    2. Bixby
    3. Deer Creek
    4. Union
    5. Jenks
    6. Edmond Memorial
    7. Broken Arrow
    8. Moore
    9. Mustang
    10. Norman

    6A Division-II

    1. Muskogee
    2. Stillwater
    3. Choctaw
    4. Sand Springs
    5. Piedmont
    6. Putnam City North
    7. Putnam City
    8. Sapulpa
    9. Lawton Ike
    10. Southmoore

    Class 5A

    1. Carl Albert
    2. Del City
    3. Lawton Mac
    4. Collinsville
    5. McAlester
    6. Guthrie
    7. Bishop McGuinness
    8. Booker T. Washington
    9. Newcastle
    10. Shawnee

    Class 4A

    1. Wagoner
    2. Elgin
    3. Tuttle
    4. Blanchard
    5. Broken Bow
    6. Grove
    7. Weatherford
    8. Clinton
    9. Poteau
    10. Cushing

    Class 3A

    1. Lincoln Christian
    2. Heritage Hall
    3. Sulphur
    4. Plainview
    5. Cascia Hall
    6. North Rock Creek
    7. Bristow
    8. Perkins-Tryon
    9. Checotah
    10. Sequoyah-Claremore

    Class 2A Division-I

    1. Washington
    2. Millwood
    3. Metro Christian
    4. Marlow
    5. Kingston
    6. Jones
    7. Hugo
    8. OCS
    9. Kiefer
    10. Chisholm

    Class 2A Division-II

    1. Vian
    2. Adair
    3. Stroud
    4. Davis
    5. Holdenville
    6. Colcord
    7. Luther
    8. Salina
    9. Alva
    10. Beggs

    Class A Division-I

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

    Class A Division-II

    1. Woodland
    2. Mangum
    3. Texhoma
    4. Regent Prep
    5. Hominy
    6. Talihina
    7. Thomas
    8. Ketchum
    9. Central Sallisaw
    10. Velma-Alma

    Class B Division-I

    1. Laverne
    2. Turpin
    3. Dewar
    4. Yale
    5. Garber
    6. Caddo
    7. Empire
    8. Hollis
    9. Keota
    10. Pond Creek-Hunter

    Class B Division-II

    1. Seiling
    2. Weleetka
    3. Covington-Douglas
    4. Okeene
    5. Wilson-Henryetta
    6. Shattuck
    7. Copan
    8. Cherokee
    9. Thackerville
    10. Boise City

    Class C

    1. Tipton
    2. Ryan
    3. Timberlake
    4. Welch
    5. Tyrone
    6. Maysville
    7. Geary
    8. Sasakwa
    9. Medford
    10. Balko-Forgan

    Week 6 Pay Dirt Picks

    |  Korry Rogers


    MARK
    10-2
    JACOB
    9-3
    TOM
    8-4
    SHANE
    9-3
    Tonkawa
    @
    Pawhuska
    Beggs
    @
    Holdenville
    Crossings
    @
    Marlow
    Millwood
    @
    Oklahoma Christian School
    Wynnewood
    @
    Minco
    Waukomis
    @
    Covington-Douglas
    Perry
    @
    Mount St. Mary
    Hooker
    @
    Cashion
    Moore
    @
    Deer Creek
    North Rock Creek
    @
    Pauls Valley
    Tuttle
    @
    Bethany
    Alva
    @
    Stroud

    SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 6 (2024) Part I: Flour and Fennel

    |  Michael Swisher

    The Game of the Week this Friday night is Hooker at Cashion.

    For this week's installment of the Sampler Blog we revisit my column from Week 3 last year when I shared the excellence that is Flour and Fennel Pizza in Cashion.

    If you're traveling to Cashion for the game this week, I highly recommend going to Flour and Fennel for some of the best pizza you can find in the entire Sooner State!

    Recently our go-to meal has been Salad (Shareable), Cheesy Bread (Incredible) and Arby's Pizza (Meat lovers). I would also encourage you to check the specials menu and consider the homemade meatballs! 

    SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 6 (2024) Part II - REVISITING AUBURN 25 YEARS LATER

    |  Michael Swisher

    Great food experiences are often tied to core memories.


    We enjoyed a great meal as part of a bigger experience and often linked them together.


    Sometimes, sadly, that great memory inflates the actual quality of the meal.


    I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been disappointed to revisit a restaurant on my own - after having previously experienced a fantastic meal there before - only to discover the meal was….just….OK.


    It was the overall time I had that was fantastic.


    So that was my concern as I was driving into Auburn, Ala., early in the afternoon of Sept. 27.



    I was headed there for a showdown between MY two teams.


    I grew up in Oklahoma, was lured in by Barry Switzer’s OU teams of the 1980s and have never been able to shake a love and a pride of the crimson and cream ever since.


    However, I also moved to Alabama in 1989. Lived there for eight years. I went to high school in Muscle Shoals and, after a stellar academic career in JUCO, went to Auburn to pursue a journalism degree.


    Eventually, I landed back in Oklahoma, but I grew to truly love Auburn, the Tigers, War Eagle, Toomer’s Corner and everything that came with it.


    But it’s not easy to return to a place that’s 865 miles away.


    I went once for a few days in 1999.


    Then I flew in and flew out in 2018 when Auburn hosted Jace Sternberger and Texas A&M.


    That’s it.


    It had been 25 years since I’d spent an measurable time in a place that holds a big spot in my heart.


    When OU was announced to be joining the SEC, I was ecstatic. When it was announced OU would be visiting Auburn this season, I. HAD. TO. GO.


    So I did.


    Lots of people stepped up for me to make it happen, but it did.


    Anyone who has followed me through the years knows I love food. I’m not some big connoisseur of fine dining. I just love to find cool spots with great food.


    And there were two places in Auburn that I insisted on revisiting: Momma Goldberg’s and Guthrie’s.


    Both were Auburn staples when I was there in the mid- to late-1990s and both remain today.


    I pulled into Auburn at about 1 p.m. on that Wednesday prior to the OU game. 


    By 2 p.m., me and my buddy Elk were sitting inside Momma Goldberg’s with three Momma’s Love sandwiches and a pitcher sitting in front of us.


    Yes, three. Elk loves to eat, too.


    You can read about Momma Goldberg’s and its history here.


    They have multiple “signature” sandwiches but their signature of signatures is the “Momma’s Love.” 


    It’s roast beef, ham, hickory smoked turkey with muenster cheese served on a seeded hoagie bun. All signature sandwiches there have spicy brown mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomato and “Momma’s sauce.”


    And they’re also steamed before they are served which, to me, is the kicker.



    Yes, it’s simple. Yes, it’s just a sandwich.


    Which had me wondering….did I really love the Momma’s Love or did I just love being at Auburn and the Momma’s Love is part of that.


    My first bite into one in over a quarter-century told me I did, in fact, love the Momma’s Love.


    It was all that I had remembered.


    A couple days later, it was time to revisit Guthrie’s.


    Now I know what you’re thinking. It’s a chicken finger restaurant. How original. There’s 20 different franchises and 100 locations in Oklahoma City.


    True.


    But Guthrie’s is truly the original chicken finger restaurant. It opened its first location in Auburn in 1982.


    When I actually had some money in my pocket while in college, Guthrie’s was a must-stop for me.


    The order: Box, no slaw, extra fries, extra sauce.



    Sounds like Raising Cane’s, right?


    Just think Cane’s before there was Cane’s. 


    That was - and is - Guthrie’s.


    But did it live up to my hype?


    Now imagine this….


    Just think Cane’s chicken…..but SEASONED. Guthrie’s actually has flavor WITHOUT using the dipping sauce.


    But you also can’t not (double negative alert) use their signature sauce which was Cane’s sauce before there was Cane’s sauce!!!!!


    Needless to say, Guthrie’s - like Momma Goldberg’s - wasn’t just about great memories at Auburn.


    It was great food and remains so today….almost 30 years after I first fell in love.

    Week 6 High School Football Rankings

    |  Michael Swisher

    6A Division-I

    1. Owasso
    2. Bixby
    3. Deer Creek
    4. Union
    5. Jenks
    6. Edmond Memorial
    7. Moore
    8. Mustang
    9. Norman
    10. Broken Arrow

    6A Division-II

    1. Muskogee
    2. Stillwater
    3. Choctaw
    4. Sand Springs
    5. Piedmont
    6. Putnam City North
    7. Putnam City
    8. Sapulpa
    9. Lawton Ike
    10. Southmoore

    Class 5A

    1. Carl Albert
    2. Del City
    3. Bishop McGuinness
    4. Lawton Mac
    5. Collinsville
    6. McAlester
    7. Guthrie
    8. Claremore
    9. Booker T. Washington
    10. Newcastle

    Class 4A

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

    Class 3A

    1. Lincoln Christian
    2. Heritage Hall
    3. Sulphur
    4. Plainview
    5. Cascia Hall
    6. Pauls Valley
    7. Bristow
    8. Seminole
    9. North Rock Creek
    10. Checotah

    Class 2A Division-I

    1. Washington
    2. Millwood
    3. Metro Christian
    4. Marlow
    5. Kingston
    6. OCS
    7. Jones
    8. Crossings Christian
    9. Hugo
    10. Kiefer

    Class 2A Division-II

    1. Vian
    2. Adair
    3. Stroud
    4. Davis
    5. Holdenville
    6. Colcord
    7. Kansas
    8. Alva
    9. Beggs
    10. Luther

    Class A Division-I

    1. Fairview
    2. Hooker
    3. Rejoice Christian
    4. Hartshorne
    5. Tonkawa
    6. Christian Heritage
    7. Walters
    8. Pawnee
    9. Pawhuska
    10. Minco

    Class A Division-II

    1. Woodland
    2. Hominy
    3. Mangum
    4. Regent Prep
    5. Texhoma
    6. Thomas
    7. Talihina
    8. Central Sallisaw
    9. Mooreland
    10. Ringling

    Class B Division-I

    1. Laverne
    2. Turpin
    3. Dewar
    4. Yale
    5. Garber
    6. Pond Creek-Hunter
    7. Caddo
    8. Hollis
    9. Empire
    10. Keota

    Class B Division-II

    1. Seiling
    2. Weleetka
    3. Okeene
    4. Covington-Douglas
    5. Wilson-Henryetta
    6. Shattuck
    7. Webbers Falls
    8. Thackerville
    9. Waukomis
    10. Copan

    Class C

    1. Tipton
    2. Ryan
    3. Timberlake
    4. Welch
    5. Tyrone
    6. Maysville
    7. Waynoka
    8. Geary
    9. Paoli
    10. Sasakwa


    Week 5 Pay Dirt Picks

    |  Korry Rogers


    MARK
    9-3
    JACOB
    9-3
    TOM
    8-3
    NICK
    7-5
    Blackwell
    @
    Perry
    Bethany
    @
    Blanchard
    El Reno
    @
    Carl Albert
    Jones
    @
    Millwood
    Mooreland
    @
    Texhoma-Goodwell
    Cashion
    @
    Watonga
    Mount St. Mary
    @
    Chisholm
    Davis
    @
    Beggs
    Owasso
    @
    Union
    Putnam City
    @
    Choctaw
    Pocola
    @
    Rejoice Christian
    Pauls Valley
    @
    Plainview

    SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 5 (2024): Taco Stop in Ponca City

    |  Michael Swisher


    This week the Blackwell vs. Perry football game is on the SKORDLE PayDirt Pick’em Show as well as SKORDLE PayDirt.

    When these two schools meet, it must be one of, if not the only, Maroons vs. Maroons game in America and by all accounts a heck of rivalry. 


    In between the two towns and just slightly east is Ponca City and for many years I have heard numerous folks rave about Taco Stop. 


    When I was rolling through Ponca City this year, the time had come for me to try this popular place myself. 


    I decided my best bet was to get the favorites of two people who are big fans of Taco Stop, my wife Amanda and food expert Mark Rodgers. 


    Amanda’s favorite item on the menu is the Taco Salad while Mark’s go-to the is Casadia. 


    Both Amanda and Mark stated that the famous taco sauce - and a lot of it - is what really made the meals at Taco Stop. 


    I went to the counter and placed my order of a Taco Salad and Casadia along with a refreshing fountain drink to wash it all down. I also made sure that some taco sauce would be readily available at the table. 


    When I got my food and sat down, I could immediately tell this was going to be a solid lunch! 


    The Taco Salad had all the markings of being great, most notably the paper-thin crunch taco shell and pile of shredded cheese. 


    The Casadia had a generous layer of taco meat topping and melted shredded cheese on top of a corn tortilla.  



    I also added a ton of taco sauce as I devoured my food and found myself generously adding some more to every single bite. 


    Quite frankly, Taco Stop was fantastic! 


    It is easy to see why Taco Stop, with its great food and extremely reasonable prices, is such a popular place to eat in Ponca City. 


    I would highly recommend stopping in any time you are in town and remember to put a lot of the famous taco sauce on everything you order because it makes everything even better.

    Week 5 High School Football Rankings

    |  Michael Swisher

    6A Division-I

    1. Owasso
    2. Bixby
    3. Union
    4. Deer Creek
    5. Jenks
    6. Moore
    7. Norman
    8. Edmond Memorial
    9. Mustang
    10. Broken Arrow

    6A Division-II

    1. Muskogee
    2. Stillwater
    3. Choctaw
    4. Sand Springs
    5. Putnam City
    6. Putnam City North
    7. Piedmont
    8. Southmoore
    9. Sapulpa
    10. Bartlesville

    Class 5A

    1. Carl Albert
    2. Del City
    3. Bishop McGuinness
    4. Lawton Mac
    5. Collinsville
    6. McAlester
    7. Guthrie
    8. Claremore
    9. Shawnee
    10. Booker T. Washington

    Class 4A

    1. Wagoner
    2. Elgin
    3. Tuttle
    4. Blanchard
    5. Sallisaw
    6. Poteau
    7. Bethany
    8. Cushing
    9. Grove
    10. Weatherford

    Class 3A

    1. Lincoln Christian
    2. Heritage Hall
    3. Sulphur
    4. Pauls Valley
    5. Plainview
    6. Seminole
    7. Cascia Hall
    8. Idabel
    9. Anadarko
    10. Muldrow

    Class 2A Division-I

    1. Washington
    2. Millwood
    3. Metro Christian
    4. Jones
    5. Marlow
    6. Kingston
    7. OCS
    8. Mount St. Mary
    9. Chandler
    10. Crossings Christian

    Class 2A Division-II

    1. Vian
    2. Adair
    3. Stroud
    4. Davis
    5. Holdenville
    6. Beggs
    7. Colcord
    8. Kansas
    9. Alva
    10. Luther

    Class A Division-I

    1. Fairview
    2. Hooker
    3. Rejoice Christian
    4. Pocola
    5. Pawhuska
    6. Wynnewood
    7. Hartshorne
    8. Tonkawa
    9. Christian Heritage
    10. Walters

    Class A Division-II

    1. Woodland
    2. Regent Prep
    3. Hominy
    4. Mooreland
    5. Mangum
    6. Thomas
    7. Velma-Alma
    8. Texhoma
    9. Talihina
    10. Central Sallisaw

    Class B Division-I

    1. Laverne
    2. Turpin
    3. Dewar
    4. Yale
    5. Garber
    6. Pond Creek-Hunter
    7. Keota
    8. Caddo
    9. Hollis
    10. Empire

    Class B Division-II

    1. Seiling
    2. Weleetka
    3. Okeene
    4. Covington-Douglas
    5. Wilson-Henryetta
    6. Shattuck
    7. Webbers Falls
    8. Thackerville
    9. Waukomis
    10. Copan

    Class C

    1. Tipton
    2. Ryan
    3. Timberlake
    4. Welch
    5. Tyrone
    6. Maysville
    7. Mt. View-Gotebo
    8. Waynoka
    9. Paoli
    10. Sasakwa


    Oklahoma State Fair Trip 2024 - Where is the Beef?

    |  Michael Swisher

    This past weekend my family made our annual trip to the Oklahoma State Fair. We go mainly to eat our favorite fair foods which are the corn dog and roasted corn. Funnel cake normally makes the rotation, especially for the kids, but for some reason it took a year off this time. Here are some pictures of our trip and man these were great!


    Also, the Brown’s Lemonade stands never disappoint because they only serve actual real hand squeezed lemonade. Multiple lemonade refills were needed on our trip because it was hot!

    The Indian Taco used to ALWAYS be in the rotation until this year. The last couple of years I noticed that my Indian Tacos were severely lacking in beef. From my estimation the “chili mix” as described on the menu was about 99.9% beans and 0.1% beef. Last year I even went into the State Fair with a gameplan to only order meat and cheese so the lack of beef couldn’t be hidden under a pile of toppings. My suspicion of no beef was only confirmed even further, and I was disappointed.

    I made the decision this year that I would do some reconnaissance of the Indian Taco hoping for improvements. Unfortunately, I saw none, so I just passed on the Indian Taco this year. As I looked at several Indian Tacos passing by, I saw the delicious fry bread, piles of beans, heaps of lettuce, and a handful of shredded cheese, but no noticeable beef.

    It is a sad day at the State Fair when the Indian Taco is no longer in the line-up! Has anyone else felt the same way or had a similar experience? This will be my final comments on the matter until actual beef topping makes its triumphant return to the Indian Taco at the State Fair. Until then I will remember the days of old when this great State Fair food staple was at its peak. 

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