Class B & C playoff preview

11/9/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Players to watch

- Braden Gilbert (Regent Prep): Junior quarterback has passed for 2,176 yards and 37 touchdowns this season.

- Tatton Anderson (Alex): Sophomore tailback has rushed 137 times for 1,350 yards and 26 touchdowns, he's also caught 51 passes for 827 yards and 11 touchdowns.

- Stevie Orr (Davenport): Senior QB has passed for 2,112 yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 108 of 178 passes.

- Coleton Hudson (Weleetka): Senior running back has compiled 922 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Outlaws.

- Jace Horton (Prue): Junior quarterback has passed for 1,212 yards and 18 touchdowns, and he's also rushed for 649 yards on nine touchdowns. On defense, he leads the Rockets with 111 tackles.

Prediction time

Michael Swisher: Shattuck over Regent Prep - The Indians will need to slip past Davenport in the semifinals, but I expect them to do just that. Their closest game this season was a 30-point victory in the season opener over last year’s Class C champ Tipton. Their lowest scoring total is 36 points in Week 9 when they shutout Seiling. That said, Regent Prep has been every bit of dominant, if not more, beating foes by an average of 53-7. However, I give the nod to Shattuck for two reasons: Troy Bullard and experience.

Ben Johnson: Davenport over Regent Prep - I've been high on Davenport all season long, and the Bulldogs haven't given me a reason not to be. That said, I think the semifinal winner of Shattuck-Davenport wins it all, so keep an eye out for that matchup.

Whitt Carter: Shattuck over Regent Prep - Whoo, boy. There are some stellar teams atop Class B, which should make for a fun semifinals week on down the road. Shattuck has been the clear favorite all year long, although aa semifinal matchup with Davenport is certainly something to get excited about. Regent Prep has dominated the east side of things this year and have a really talented squad, but Shattuck will be too much. They win ANOTHER state title in 2018.

Players to watch

- Robert Taylor and Brendon Weathers): Pair of senior running backs have both eclipsed 700 yards apiece on the ground this season. They've contributed to Coyle's 2,373 yards and 32 touchdowns on the ground as a team this year.

- Cory Cunningham (Paoli): The Pugs' leading rusher with 808 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. As a team, Paoli has rushed for 2,570 yards and 38 TDs.

- Derrick Jennings (Graham-Dustin): Junior QB has passed for 1,398 yards and 27 touchdowns and has rushed for 689 yards and 14 TDs.

Prediction time

Michael Swisher: Buffalo over Tipton - This class has the potential for some dynamite semifinal matchups featuring Buffalo vs. Southwest Covenant on the top half and then a rematch of last year’s title game between Tipton and Pond Creek-Hunter on the bottom side. Tipton took a couple lumps early on but has returned to championship form with five shutouts in its last six games. However, it’s tough to ignore what Buffalo did against Tyrone (44-0) and Pond Creek-Hunter (38-6) in back-to-back weeks earlier this year. It will be a battle with Southwest Covenant in the semis, but I’m picking the Bison to emerge victorious and then bring home gold.

Ben Johnson: Southwest Covenant over Tipton - I've liked Buffalo all season long in Class C. but I'll go with Southwest Covenant anyway. But the way my picks have gone this season, that means Buffalo will skate to the title.

Whitt Carter: Tipton over Buffalo - Another fun class with some great teams at the top should make for a lot of fun in the playoffs. Tipton has been dominant as of late on defense, which is obviously tough to do in 8-man football. They could meet up with Pond-Creek in the semis, making for an awesome rematch of the title game a year ago. A popular pick in Buffalo will be tough to beat on the other side of the bracket, as the have rolled to a 10-0 record. They'll have to get past top ranked SW Covenant in the semis and I think they do. But I'll go with Tipton to win its' third straight Class C state championship.

Week 2 picks

9/6/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Can't sugarcoat the truth: it was a rough go of it for everyone not named Michael Swisher last week. Old man Swisher managed to pull off a 16-8 slate with Week 1 picks, but we can all assume he cheated somehow. As it stands now, Swisher leads the pack through two weeks at 27-13, and I'm three games off his pace. Randy Turney is currently third at 23-17 and Whitt Carter is hovering just above .500 at 21-19.

It's our vow to you to be better this week (or something like that). Week 2 picks right here:

Broken Arrow at Owasso

Michael Swisher: Broken Arrow 24, Owasso 14

Ben Johnson: Broken Arrow 37, Owasso 20

Whitt Carter: Broken Arrow 31, Owasso 17

Randy Turney: Broken Arrow 21, Owasso 17

Carl Albert at Del City

Michael Swisher: Carl Albert 31, Del City 20

Ben Johnson: Carl Albert 34, Del City 16

Whitt Carter: Del City 28, Carl Albert 27

Randy Turney: Carl Albert 24, Del City 20

Union at Jenks

Michael Swisher: Union 33, Jenks 24

Ben Johnson: Union 20, Jenks 17

Whitt Carter: Jenks 34, Union 24

Randy Turney: Union 24, Jenks 23

Lincoln Christian at Vian

Michael Swisher: Lincoln Christian 22, Vian 19

Ben Johnson: Vian 32, Lincoln Christian 27

Whitt Carter: Lincoln Christian 28, Vian 21

Randy Turney: Lincoln Christian 34, Vian 24

Tuttle at Plainview

Michael Swisher: Tuttle 21, Plainview 20

Ben Johnson: Tuttle 29, Plainview 22

Whitt Carter: Tuttle 34, Plainview 31

Randy Turney: Tuttle 35, Plainview 21

Booker T. Washington vs. Horn Lake (Miss.)

Michael Swisher: Booker T. Washington 35, Horn Lake 14

Ben Johnson: Horn Lake 24, Booker T. Washington 22

Whitt Carter: Booker T. Washington 35, Horn Lake 27

Randy Turney: Horn Lake 28, Booker T. Washington 17

Bishop McGuinness at Bishop Kelley

Michael Swisher: Bishop Kelley 31, Bishop McGuinness 24

Ben Johnson: Bishop Kelley 16, Bishop McGuinness 13

Whitt Carter: Bishop McGuinness 20, Bishop Kelley 16

Randy Turney: Bishop Kelley 21, Bishop McGuinness 20

Heritage Hall at Clinton

Michael Swisher: Heritage Hall 30, Clinton 20

Ben Johnson: Heritage Hall 35, Clinton 18

Whitt Carter: Heritage Hall 35, Clinton 21

Randy Turney: Heritage Hall 31, Clinton 20

Anadarko at Blanchard

Michael Swisher: Blanchard 29, Anadarko 18

Ben Johnson: Blanchard 29, Anadarko 16

Whitt Carter: Blanchard 42, Anadarko 21

Randy Turney: Blanchard 24, Anadarko 7

Davis at Sulphur

Michael Swisher: Sulphur 18, Davis 16

Ben Johnson: Sulphur 30, Davis 14

Whitt Carter: Sulphur 34, Davis 12

Randy Turney: Sulphur 21, Davis 20

Coweta at Tahlequah

Michael Swisher: Coweta 23, Tahlequah 17

Ben Johnson: Coweta 27, Tahlequah 19

Whitt Carter: Coweta 34, Tahlequah 27

Randy Turney: Tahlequah 17, Coweta 10

Southwest Covenant at Empire

Michael Swisher: SW Covenant 48, Empire 28

Ben Johnson: SW Covenant 44, Empire 29

Whitt Carter: SW Covenant 38, Empire 22

Randy Turney: SW Covenant 34, Empire 17

Stillwater at Norman North

Michael Swisher: Stillwater 29, Norman North 19

Ben Johnson: Stillwater 42, Norman North 19

Whitt Carter: Stillwater 34, Norman North 24

Randy Turney: Stillwater 24, Norman North 17

Mustang at Edmond Santa Fe

Michael Swisher: Edmond Santa Fe 24, Mustang 21

Ben Johnson: Edmond Santa Fe 28, Mustang 24

Whitt Carter: Edmond Santa Fe 35, Mustang 28

Randy Turney: Edmond Santa Fe 18, Mustang 16

Lawton MacArthur at Lawton

Michael Swisher: Lawton 28, Lawton MacArthur 20

Ben Johnson: Lawton 33, Lawton MacArthur 31

Whitt Carter: Lawton MacArthur 41, Lawton 28

Randy Turney: Lawton 21, Lawton MacArthur 14

Ada at Noble

Michael Swisher: Noble 24, Ada 18

Ben Johnson: Noble 33, Ada 23

Whitt Carter: Noble 21, Ada 13

Randy Turney: Ada 21, Noble 7

Edison at Memorial

Michael Swisher: Memorial 23, Edison 16

Ben Johnson: Edison 26, Memorial 24

Whitt Carter: Edison 27, Memorial 21

Randy Turney: Memorial 14, Edison 13

Adair at Locust Grove

Michael Swisher: Adair 38, Locust Grove 22

Ben Johnson: Adair 38, Locust Grove 22

Whitt Carter: Adair 34, Locust Grove 18

Randy Turney: Adair 28, Locust Grove 13

Oklahoma Christian Academy at Crescent

Michael Swisher: Crescent 30, OCA 15

Ben Johnson: OCA 35, Crescent 30

Whitt Carter: Crescent 21, OCA 20

Randy Turney: OCA 28, Crescent 21

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

Week 2: Top 10 games

9/3/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Week 1 offered up a tremendous slate of games. This week doesn't provide near as many spectacular games, but still solid nonetheless.

Here are this week's top 10 games:

1. 6AI No. 1 Broken Arrow (2-0) at 6AI No. 4 Owasso (1-1): One thing is becoming increasingly clear early on this season: Broken Arrow's defense is really good. The Tigers will get their stiffest test from an opponent's offense this week in the form of North Texas quarterbcak commit Will Kuehne, who fuels the Rams' high-powered offense. The problem currently for Owasso is defense, where the Rams have given up an average of 42.5 points through two games. In the all-time series, Broken Arrow leads 23-11.

2. 5A No. 1 Carl Albert (1-0) at 6AII No. 5 Del City (1-0): The Titans have the inside track to claiming supremacy in the Mid-Del school district this season. Fresh off a 28-21 win over Midwest City -- the Titans' first ever against the Bombers -- Carl Albert will square off with a Del City team that it's beaten four times in a row (2013, 2012, 1979, 1978). The last two showdowns were in the playoffs, but with Del City now in 6AII that's no longer an option.

3. 6AI No. 3 Union (1-1) vs. 6AI No. 2 Jenks (2-0) at the University of Tulsa: If it's non-district time, it must mean another edition of the Backyard Bowl in Tulsa. Despite Owasso's 6AI championship last season, Union and Jenks still reign supreme in Oklahoma. This one never disappoints and same goes for this year with both teams coming off impressive wins over teams from Mansfield, Texas. Since Jenks' state title in 2013, the Trojans have six of the last night matchups.

4. 3A No. 4 Lincoln Christian (2-0) at 2A No. 2 Vian (1-0): Lincoln Christian certainly hasn't shied away from a tough non-district slate this season after knocking off Jones last week in Tulsa. Now the Bulldogs' high-octane offense takes an excursion toward Arkansas, where River Simon and the Wolverine defense will be waiting. These two clubs haven't met since 2011, when Vian won 41-24. They've only met four times overall and split all of those decisions.

5. 4A No. 4 Tuttle (2-0) at 3A No. 6 Plainview (2-0): This would make for a quality wrestling dual, but the football matchup should be even better this week. The Tigers endured a stiff test from Kingfisher last week and won 26-14, and Plainview flexed its muscles with a 42-7 victory over Sanger (Texas). The Tigers and Indians have met 10 times since 1999, and it's been a mostly even series with Tuttle owning a 6-4 edge.

6. 6AII No. 1 Booker T. Washington (1-1) vs. Horn Lake (Miss.) at Battle on the Border in Shreveport, La.: The top-ranked Hornets return to Shreveport for the third straight season. Last year, Booker T. Washington came up short against West Monroe (La.). Horn Lake enters ranked No. 3 in Mississippi.

7. 5A No. 8 Bishop McGuinness (0-1) at 5A No. 9 Bishop Kelley (0-1): Nothing resembles bragging rights more than an old Irish stick used as weaponry. The shillelagh will be on the line when the two Catholic schools square off this week. Since 2010, Bishop McGuinness has won seven of the last night meetings, including a victory in the 2012 playoffs. (Side note: There should be more rivalries in this state playing for inanimate objects. Let's make that happen.)

8. 3A No. 1 Heritage Hall (0-1) at 4A No. 10 Clinton (1-0): The Chargers are no strangers to loading up their non-district slate with tough games, so a trip west a week after playing Millwood sounds about right. The Red Tornadoes are coming off an easy win over Woodward, and now they turn their focus to Heritage Hall, who has beaten Clinton in each of the past four seasons.

9. 4A No. 8 Anadarko (2-0) at 4A No. 1 Blanchard (1-0): Former district foes in Class 3A rekindle their matchup this week for the first time since 2011. Anadarko beat Blanchard in both 2010 and 2011, but the Lions had beaten the Warriors in 2008 and 2009 before that.

10. Davis (1-0) at 3A No. 7 Sulphur (1-1): Separated by close to nine miles on Highway 7, these two have squared off every year since 1968. Sulphur owns a 38-31 edge in the rivalry. Also, if anyone witnesses a pass during the game, record a video or snap a photo for documentation, as it could be quite rare. But hey, good luck to any other games in the state finishing before this one.

Honorable mention

Coweta at Tahlequah: It was Tahlequah that bounced Coweta from last year's playoffs.

Southwest Covenant at Empire: These two met for the first time last year, and Southwest Covenant won, 41-14.

So who wins all the matchups? Check back for our weekly picks on Thursday.

Week 8 Pay Dirt Picks & Results

10/24/2024 |  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

10/23/2024 |  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

10/20/2024 |  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

10/16/2024 |  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

10/16/2024 |  Michael Swisher

Week 7 High School Football Rankings

10/15/2024 |  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

10/9/2024 |  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

10/9/2024 |  Michael Swisher

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

10/9/2024 |  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

10/7/2024 |  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

10/4/2024 |  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

10/2/2024 |  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

10/1/2024 |  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?

9/26/2024 |  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. 

Week 4 Pay Dirt Picks

9/26/2024 |  Korry Rogers

	MARK 12-0	JACOB 10-2	TOM 9-2	Mark 7-5
Timberlake @ Balko-Forgan
Beggs @ Community Christian
Sequoyah Tahlequah @ Chandler
Blanchard @ Harrah
Texhoma-Goodwell @ Southwest Covenant
Kingfisher @ Pauls Valley
Central Sallisaw @ Wewoka
Garber @ Covington Douglas
Jenks @ Bixby
Choctaw @ Piedmont
Del City @ Collinsville
Sulphur @ Perkins-Tryon

Week 4 High School Football Rankings

9/23/2024 |  Michael Swisher

6A Division-I

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

6A Division-II

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

Class 5A

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

Class 4A

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

Class 3A

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

Class 2A Division-I

1. Washington
2. Millwood
3. Metro Christian
4. Jones
5. Kingston
6. Marlow
7. OCS
8. Chisholm
9. Prague
10. Mt. St. Mary

Class 2A Division-II

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

Class A Division-I

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

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

Class B Division-II

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

Class C

1. Tipton
2. Ryan
3. Timberlake
4. Welch
5. Tyrone
6. Geary
7. Oaks
8. Medford
9. Maysville
10. Mt. View-Gotebo

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 3 (2024): A TRIBUTE TO COACH GLOVER

9/17/2024 |  Michael Swisher

There are times in life where no words are adequate to truly express what a person means to you. Moments of immense sadness normally tend to be tied to the loss of a loved one. 

That person can be a family member, a close friend or an impactful mentor. This week I feel like I lost all three of those when my coach, David Glover, passed from this earth. 

Coach Glover’s positive impact on me is not worthy of any words or sentences I could ever type, but doing so allows me to remember him and process the immense levels of sadness I have felt this past week. 

While writing this, I find threads of joy and appreciation of the relationship I had with Coach and that helps me cope with the grief of losing someone that has meant the world to me. 

My family moved to Fairview from Hennessey the summer before my 8^th grade school year. I knew who Coach Glover was - the Fairview girls coach - but I didn’t know him. 

I always thought he looked like a college or NBA coach because he was always well dressed in a suit and tie. 

He coached with passion and confidence and his girls played that way. The Fairview Lady Jackets were as good as anyone playing in Oklahoma at the time. 

Coach Glover’s 1995 team lost the state semifinals the last year of 6-on-6 girls’ basketball in Oklahoma. A fellow coach and longtime friend of his once told me, “Glove was a heck of 6-on-6 coach!”

During my first year of school at Fairview, Coach Glover made it a point to seek out the new 8^th grader who loved basketball. Coach did this to help a new kid become comfortable and feel a part of a school and community. 

He did this with a welcoming smile and a smooth delivery. 

As I moved towards high school, I would be in the same building as Coach Glover. He was someone I really liked and I knew he liked me because he was constantly giving me a hard time, but never in a harsh or serious way. 

Coach loved to bring me back down a couple notches in the hallway of the high school or in the gym and it was exactly what I needed at the time. 

Coach did this in a way that let me know he was keeping up with me.

Coach Glover’s girls’ team my freshman year of high school was excellent. It was the first year of 5-on-5 for all classes in Oklahoma. 

The Fairview Lady Jackets made it all the way to the state championship game at the Fairgrounds, losing to Inola by 2 points. I vividly remember it was an excellent game as I cheered in the student section at State Fair Arena like so many small-town Oklahoma kids do if their school is lucky enough to make it there. 

I also remember specifically watching Coach Glover “coach” a lot that year from the student section. 

My sophomore year of high school was when my relationship with Coach Glover became special and meaningful. I had Coach Glover in class every day and he would be my assistant coach in varsity basketball. 

I was about to become “Phat” for the rest of my life and let me tell you a story why. 

Coach Glover was my Sophomore English teacher. Coach was an excellent classroom teacher and I absolutely loved going to his class. 

For me personally, he was this awesome, funny, confident and highly-successful coach who had an incredible ability for teaching and reaching students in the classroom. 

We had a vocabulary test every week, which he taught out of this little old notebook. I learned how to write a five-paragraph essay. 

My favorite thing in his classroom was reading books together as a class, normally in a play format with characters assigned by Coach. Of all the stories we read together in class, Of Mice and Men was his favorite. 

When it came to reading it that school year, Coach cast himself as George and I was Lennie. 

In the book, Lennie asks George several times, “When are we going to get that little place to live on the fat of the land?” 

If you have ever read the book or watched the movie, you know exactly what I’m talking about. 

During the class readings, Coach gave me the nickname “Phat.” Thankfully he changed the spelling to be cool and hip from the “F” to “Ph” and it stuck. 

Coach called me Phat from that point forward for the rest of his life. It didn’t matter about the situation or who was around, if Coach was talking to me, it was only Phat and it always made me laugh. 

I can hear the exchanges between us in class just like it was yesterday.  

 

Coach Glover was also our assistant boys’ basketball coach my sophomore year and he was fantastic in that role. We spent a tremendous amount of time together in practices. 

He gave me encouragement, confidence and advice. We shot a lot of baskets together before and after practices.

 My favorite part was that he wanted to shoot, too, and demanded “change” on all his makes. Coach could really shoot the basketball, a self-described smooth lefty. 

I spent a lot of time rebounding and him shooting with him talking some mild trash the entire time. I was, however, smart enough to never shoot him for dollars. 

Coach hid the gym key under his mailbox for us players to use anytime. This was the kind of thing you can do when you coach and play in a small rural town. 

The number of times I went to get that key would be too many times to even guess. 

Coach and I also shot a lot of baskets together over the years, either in the gym or in his driveway. It’s the kind of activity two people who love basketball and each other do, while talking about anything and everything other than basketball. 

That following summer would be the start of some of the most enjoyable times that I ever had with Coach Glover as a referee for his summer league. 

For the next three summers, Coach and I along with Adam and Matt Diesselhorst reffed a ton of summer league games together. The pay was low, but the experience together was a blast. 

Cyndy Glover always took care of us with some Paul Bunyan bread and Sonic drinks. I wrote about this in 2020.

My junior year, my parents bought Coach Glover’s old black 1985 GMC Jimmy for me to drive. It was a stick shift and it backfired all the time. 

When it would do this, it scared the heck out everyone nearby. It literally sounded like a shotgun being fired into a tin bucket. It makes me giggle just thinking about how loud it was and how often it happened. 

I drove that Jimmy for several years and that little V6 couldn’t pass a single car, even going downhill and putting the gas pedal to the floorboard. 

During my junior and senior years of high school, I had two amazing experiences with Coach Glover. I was his teacher’s aide in the coaches’ office and he was the head baseball coach.

 These two years of my life are what made me want to be a coach.  

Being Coach Glover’s aide in the coaches’ office for the next two years was simply awesome. All the coaches shared an office together. 

I heard and participated in all the discussions, good and bad, of all the games and practices. I bet I only got asked to leave (“go shoot Phat”) a handful of times. 

The best part of this experience was talking about whatever was going on at the school or on all the teams. It was a great experience and one I cherish greatly to this day. 

Secondly, Coach Glover was my head baseball coach. There are a ton of great stories from these two years of high school baseball. 

In the last high school game I ever played in any sport, I was pitching and was just getting hammered on the mound. We were down several runs in an elimination game. 

Simply put, I was awful and coach left me in way too long. I never wanted to come out of any game and I could tell he didn’t want to come get me either, but he had to. 

When I got to the dugout ahead of him, I went and sat by myself. I was really upset because I felt like I let my teammates, and especially him, down.  

High school sports were over for me. 

When Coach Glover got back to the dugout, he came and put his arm around me. In classic Coach Glover fashion, he started telling funny stories from the two baseball seasons we had together, trying to make my heartache a little better.

Coach Glover was a heck of a golfer and he would let me borrow his golf cart anytime I wanted if he wasn’t using it. Coach finally told me, after calling him repeatedly, and said, “Phat quit calling me every time you want to go out there and just make sure to put it back on the charger.” 

Occasionally, Coach would allow me to join his round of golf and I was always asking for pointers because my game needed lots of improvement. 

During my sophomore year of college, I finally decided to do what I really wanted to do since being an office aide for Coach in high school. 

That was ditching my pursuit of a business degree and pursuing a teaching degree and becoming a coach. I remember telling Coach Glover and he was genuinely excited for me. 

My first head coaching job was when I was 22 years old. I called or emailed Coach a bunch of times that year. I was learning fast that I really didn’t know anything about coaching and being a teacher, but he always encouraged me, challenged me to work hard and to create meaningful relationships with my players. 

Coach would always listen to what I had to say and mentor me. 

For the next several years, I would cross paths with Coach regularly while he was at Newkirk, Bethel and Okarche while I was at Morrison and Cashion. 

I would see him and Cyndy at a lot of basketball games, but also many other sporting and school events. Coach would call, text or email often about my games he watched mainly to let me know he cared about how I was doing. 

When Coach moved onto the OSSAA to be the director of small school basketball for the state of Oklahoma, this became a new situation in our relationship. 

We didn’t always agree on whatever we were discussing, but every single call ended with him saying “Love ya Phat” and I would reply “Love ya Coach.” 

We understood we were both doing what we thought was best at the time. 

Coach was an excellent basketball director! He would always take a call or reply to an email from the hundreds of schools, administrators or coaches he served at the OSSAA. 

Coach worked diligently on drawing up the playoffs for B-4A every year and he wanted to get it right. Coach had lots of Oklahoma state maps with push pins and rubber bands in his office and at his house creating playoff brackets. 

I know he really cherished his time at the Big House representing the OSSAA. He loved watching hoops with Cyndy and their grandkids sitting right next to him.

 

I loved to go and sit with him at the State Fairgrounds which was his happy place. I always thought he was perfect for that job and he was excellent at it. 

When Coach moved to Kingfisher, I would get to see him regularly at ballgames. I also made it a point to try and stop by his house when I was in town. 

Coach and Cyndy had my kids over to swim in their pool during the summer. 

I really enjoyed going over to his house to see him prior to the start of the state basketball tournaments. We would visit and talk about all the teams and who might win, because Coach loved the state tournament! 

Looking back now, I wish I had stopped in more and stayed longer.

Coach and Cyndy attended a lot of my teams’ games just to watch me coach. In 2021, they were sitting in the front row to watch my team at the Tournament of Champions. 

Just last year at the Lomega Junior High Tournament in Loyal, they stayed after the Kingfisher game there were there to watch just to see my son, Jack, play his game.

This really meant a lot to me. 

If you have or had a relationship with a coach, teacher, sponsor or principal like the one I had with Coach Glover, you are truly fortunate and you should count yourself blessed. 

Coach Glover has been coaching me for the last 30 years of my life, not just a single or couple of seasons like most people experience. 

I will never take this for granted, but rather know I was beyond fortunate. 

Coach, thank you for everything you ever did for me! You gave me comfort, confidence, discipline, laughter and guidance whenever I needed it most. 

If I can make just 1% of the positive impact on my own family, players and students that you made on me, I know that would be substantial and profound. 

I would never have been a teacher, coach or the person I’m today if it wasn’t for you and your immeasurable influence on me. 

Rest in peace coach and I hope you are hitting it long and straight in Heaven!

        Love, 

                        Phat

Cyndy Glover World Famous Baked Beans

In addition to the Paul Buyan Bread recipe linked above, I have also included Cyndy Glover’s World-Famous Baked Beans. She made this all the time for cookouts and get togethers. The Hardaway boys (my dad included) loved it so much, my mom asked her for the recipe. This is a picture of the actual recipe Cyndy shared with my mom.  I love the notes my mom wrote on the recipe *SO GOOD* and “The boys love this”. This recipe is incredible and the best baked beans you will ever have. 

Week 3 High School Football Rankings

9/17/2024 |  Michael Swisher

6A Division-I

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

6A Division-II

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

Class 5A

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

Class 4A

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

Class 3A

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

Class 2A Division-I

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

Class 2A Division-II

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

Class A Division-I

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

Class A Division-II

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

Class B Division-I

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

Class B Division-II

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

Class C

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

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 2 (2024): RIBS

9/12/2024 |  Michael Swisher

Simple question: Who doesn’t like ribs? 

Whether it's pork ribs (spare ribs, St. Louis ribs, baby back ribs) or beef ribs (dino ribs), ribs are a culinary staple for any BBQ lover. 

Pork ribs are pretty much a no-fail mission in BBQ, second only behind  pulled pork when it comes to ease and edibility. 

The reality is that about anyone or any place can cook up some solid, edible pork ribs in many different shapes, sizes and flavors that can satisfy any hungry BBQ lover. 

Beef ribs, on the other hand, take a lot more craftsmanship and patience to get done just right.

But when they are, they are almost magical. 

When I visit a BBQ place for the first time, I almost always get the “Texas Trinity” which is pork ribs, sausage and sliced brisket. 

I do this as a way to sample the primary staples of any good BBQ restaurant. 

Now, ribs are never the deal breaker in forming my opinion of the top end quality of BBQ establishment (that lies with sliced brisket), but I often find that ribs (along with sausage) can save the day for a particular visit if the sliced brisket isn't up to my lofty standards. 

If you come across a place that does smoked beef ribs (dino ribs), I highly recommend giving these a try. 

Beef ribs can be hard to find sometimes and many places (normally highly quality establishments) only sell them on special days of the week or occasions. 

They tend to be pretty expensive, BUT, this is because they are really incredible when done right. 

Imagine some of the best, rich, flavorful brisket you have ever tasted, but on a big handle. That’s a beef rib for the most part. If you see it somewhere, I encourage you to get it!

Now, if you are brave or skilled enough to smoke some ribs at home, this is where I feel ribs really have the opportunity to be excellent without a lot of crazy techniques and difficulty. 

At-home (DIY) meat smokers can produce some really great ribs on a pellet, stick or electric smoker. Just follow the easy-to-find, tried-and-true Johnny Trigg method (Google search) with maybe your own twist or variation based on your experiences and wants when it comes to your ribs. 

My preference has been 2 hours uncovered, 3 hours covered and 1 uncovered on my offset stick burner smoker. 

I want to have guaranteed, fall off the bone, delicious ribs as opposed to the competition ribs, so I like the extra hour in the foil to get them nice and soft with plenty of pull back off the ends of the bone. 

Despite the above method, which I have described and used for many years, the best ribs I have ever smoked were by complete accident and have never been replicated since. 

My good friend Layne Jones – BBQ, Tea and Red Dirt music connoisseur – can attest to the quality of these ribs and the complete lack of preparation or general care that produced them. 

It was 3 racks of St. Louis style pork ribs on a cheap big box store smoker. I literally sprinkled the ribs with some retail seasoning blend, put them on the smoker and packed the fire box with as much charcoal and hickory wood that I could fit in there. 

I left the smoker going for hours, never checking the ribs once – not the temp, not the fire box – and I came and ate the best ribs I have ever had, primarily because of the exceptional bark. 

Still to this day I don't know why or how they came out so great, but man they were and I have been chasing these same ribs ever since. 

Maybe my problem now is that I do care and that is actually the method here - not caring as much, not peeking and not worrying about temperature control. 

Like the old saying goes “If you're looking, you're not cooking.”

Before we finish up with some beautiful rib pictures, we have to share the  iwasatthegame.com “Fun Fact of the Week.” 

When I asked Chris for something interesting to share with our millions and millions of readers (not really) he wanted people to know about some very long-standing football rivalries in Oklahoma. 

 

Since 1944, HARTSHORNE and WILBURTON have played every year with HARTSHORNE leading the series 54-26. I don’t have the total number of times these teams have played but the earliest I could find was in 1922.

 

IDABEL and BROKEN BOW will be squaring off for their 110^th time this Friday night, according to my calculations. The Warriors and the Savages first squared off in 1915 with BROKEN BOW leading the ALL-TIME series 62-45-2.

 

The most games played since 1944 between 2 teams is ARDMORE vs DUNCAN and IDABEL vs HUGO. These matchups have happened 81 times with each playing some years twice (playoffs and regular season). Neither one of these rivalries are scheduled for this year during the regular season.

Are you ready for some rib pictures? Here you go!

Week 2 High School Football Rankings

9/10/2024 |  Michael Swisher

6A Division-I

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

6A Division-II

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

Class 5A

1. Carl Albert
2. Collinsville
3. Coweta
4. Guthrie
5. Del City
6. McAlester
7. Bishop McGuinness
8. Tahlequah
9. El Reno
10. Lawton Mac

Class 4A

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

Class 3A

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

Class 2A Division-I

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

Class 2A Division-II

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

Class A Division-I

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

Class A Division-II

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

Class B Division-I

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

Class B Division-II

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

Class C

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