Sayre Eagles
Sayre, OK 73662
Record: 5-3 | Unranked
vs Cordell | W | 68-0 8/30 |
vs Thomas - Fay - Custer | L | 8-20 9/6 |
@ Carnegie | W | 8-44 9/13 |
vs Hooker | L | 20-50 9/27 |
@ Crescent | W | 32-38 10/4 |
vs Merritt | W | 26-6 10/11 |
@ Watonga | W | 13-36 10/17 |
vs Cashion | L | 14-35 10/25 |
@ Fairview | 49-24 | |
GAME LIVE NOW! | ||
@ Hinton | Missing Score |
@ Hinton | L | 34-16 11/8 |
Class A preview
| Ben Johnson
Look back at 2017
2017 district champs
A-1: Thomas - The Terriers hit the half-century mark in district titles with an unbeaten run against A-1 foes. A 20-0 win over Hooker set the stage for a district crown, and that was part of the Terriers' 10-game winning streak, which continued into December. But Afton derailed Thomas' playoff run in the semifinals.
A-2: Watonga - A September win over Cordell proved to be the deciding factor for the A-2 crown for Watonga. The Eagles went on to avenge a season-opening loss against Okeene with a win to open the playoffs, but then Watonga was dispatched from the postseason in the next round against Oklahoma Christian Academy.
A-3: Ringling - The Blue Devils knocked off Apache to begin district play, and they rolled the rest of the way against A-3 opponents. Ringling's playoff run lasted until the second round when Hooker moved on to the quarterfinals.
A-4: Minco - Led by Cole Burchfield in the backfield, Minco motored to the district title last year. Eleven straight wins, including six in district play, preceded Minco's run to the Class A quarterfinals, where the Bulldogs were beaten by Afton.
A-5: Crescent - Cashion, Pawnee and Morrison were no match for the Tigers during district play. Crescent manhandled every opponent it faced in its first 14 games, including wins over Cashion (54-14), Morrison (51-24) and Pawnee (35-14) during the regular season. The Tigers' unbeaten run, though, came to a halt in the Class A title game, which ended with a 44-12 loss to Afton.
A-6: Kiefer - The Trojans started the season 0-4, but a 34-14 win over Woodland in late September turned Kiefer's season around. Kiefer, Woodland and Hominy all finished atop the district at 5-1, but it was the Trojans who prevailed, thanks to district points. Kiefer, though, was bounced quickly from the playoffs, a 28-0 loss to Morrison in the opening round of the postseason.
A-7: Afton - The Eagles labored through a stout district -- that included Rejoice Christian, Barnsdall and Hulbert -- and emerged unscathed. A 22-20 victory over Rejoice Christian in mid October propelled Afton a district title, and from there the Eagles went into cruise control the rest of the season. In the playoffs, Afton outscored its opponents 214 to 46.
A-8: Talihina - Led by seniors Heath Humphreys and Sooner Box, the Tigers coasted to the A-8 crown. Talihina dismantled Central Sallisaw, 36-0, in a showdown of the district's top two teams. The Tigers finished the regular season 9-1 and beat Barnsdall in the opening round of the playoffs before being upset by Hominy in the second round.
Talking title game: Afton 44, Crescent 12
Afton quarterback Wil Amos put on a show for the ages. Crescent had no answer for Amos on either side of the ball, with the Eagles' senior signal caller racking up 418 yards and six touchdowns on 39 carries to lead Afton to its first football championship. Amos added an interception on defense, while the Eagles held Crescent to 196 yards of offense.
On to 2018...
Players to watch
- Landon McCracken (Apache): An offensive stalwart during his junior season in 2017. He passed for 2,591 yards and 29 touchdowns while completing 202 of 309 passes. He also ran for 776 yards and eight touchdowns on 92 carries.
- Griffin Lamb (Cashion): While leading Cashion to a 9-3 season, Lamb was the Wildcats' offensive catalyst. He racked up 2,250 yards and 31 touchdowns through the air while completing 66.3 percent (138 of 208) of his passes.
- Hunter Bowers (Crescent): The Tigers' junior quarterback was a driving force in getting Crescent to the Class A championship game. An ankle injury limited his output in the title game, but his numbers all season long were outstanding. He passed for 2,250 yards and 34 touchdowns with 121 completions on 195 attempts. He also mixed in 1,052 yards and 22 touchdowns on 129 carries.
- Tanner McBee (Hooker): A difference maker on both sides of the ball. He amassed 1,165 yards and 17 touchdowns on 207 carries, and on defense he collected 68 tackles and three interceptions.
- Karder Neville (Hooker): As a junior, Neville reeled in 40 receptions for 731 yards and eight touchdowns. He also totaled 80 tackles and three sacks on defense.
- Nathan Malchaski and Garrett Malchaski (Dibble): Defensive pair racked up a ton of tackles in 2017. Nathan, a sophomore last season, had 126 tackles and four tackles, while Garrett notched 115 tackles and four tackles as a junior.
- Tyler Grove (Wynnewood): Sophomore season saw Grove blossom into a solid contributor with 882 yards and 10 touchdowns passing. On defense, he hauled in four interceptions, and he also punted 15 times with a 35.8 yard average.
- Josh Harvey (Healdton): There were 121 tackles on defense during his sophomore campaign to go with 440 yards and seven touchdowns on 69 carries on offense.
- Dylan Roach (Hominy): Burst onto the scene during his junior season. He racked up 2,264 yards and 31 touchdowns on 155 carries. However, he did that while leading Prue to an 11-3 season, and he's transferred to Hominy for his senior season.
- Blake Hipp (Hominy): The signal caller alongside Roach in the backfield. A 6-foot-2, 180-pound senior who passed for 1,753 yards and 22 touchdowns last season, on top of rushing for 547 yards and nine touchdowns on 101 carries.
- Joe Smith (Barnsdall): Came up just short of 1,000 yards during his junior season. He piled up 951 yards and 12 touchdowns on 91 carries.
- Tommy Smith (Gore): The 5-foot-11, 210-pound senior was a key cog on both sides of the ball as a junior in 2017. He ran the ball 210 times for 1,409 yards and 20 touchdowns, and he added 79 tackles and an interception.
- Josh Factor (Kiefer): At middle linebacker, Factor racked up 103 tackles as a sophomore last season for the Trojans.
- Andrew Crow (Rejoice Christian): Emerged as the Eagles' primary threat out of the backfield with 1,054 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2017.
- Jacob Bruce (Hulbert): Capped his junior season in 2017 with his second straight 2,000-yard rushing campaign. He ran the ball 227 times for 2,105 yards and 27 touchdowns while leading the Riders into the second round of the Class A playoffs.
- Collin Seaton (Stroud): Had nearly 200 carries during the 2017 campaign. Logged 198 rushes for 1,015 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Tigers.
District debriefs
A-1: Thomas headlines the district again and will be in search of its 51st district championship. Hooker will challenge the Terriers while going after its first district title since 1985. Mooreland, Fairview, Beaver, Okeene and Texhoma return to the same district, and they all welcome Oklahoma Bible Academy, which moves over from A-5.
A-2: Watonga's out and in a different district, so there will be a new A-2 champion in 2018. Cordell, who finished tied atop the district but finished in second place, returns as the favorite. Mangum, Merritt, Sayre, Hollis and Hinton all return for another year of A-2 competition, and Hobart and Frederick slide down from 2A-3 to the Class A ranks.
A-3: Here's a district that looks vastly different from the past two seasons -- and wow is it deep. Cashion and Crescent -- the top two teams from A-5 -- venture into A-3 with seven other newcomers (Crossings Christian, Minco, Northeast, Oklahoma Christian Academy, Watonga, Wellston and Christian Heritage). That's three district champions from last year -- Minco, Watonga and Crescent -- along with four other teams (Cashion, Crossings Christian, OCA and Christian Heritage) that made the playoffs. Both Northeast and Christian Heritage will drop down a class after spending time in 2A-2 the last two seasons.
A-4: This is pretty much A-3 from last year with Ringling, Apache, Healdton, Rush Springs, Elmore City and Velma-Alma sticking together. Now they'll welcome Dibble (8-4 and a playoff team) and Walters into the mix with both moving from 2A-3.
A-5: Pawnee, Morrison and Drumright stay put while everyone around them is new. Hominy and Woodland -- who tied for the top spot in A-6 last season -- slide over, and Pawhuska and Tonkawa move down a class. Then factor in Langston Hughes, which will drop its independent status this season. This and A-3 are the only nine-team districts in Class A.
A-6: This is essentially A-7 from 2016 and 2017. Defending state champion Afton headlines the new A-6 group, which also includes Rejoice Christian, Fairland and Quapaw from A-7. Ketchum, Colcord, Commerce and Oklahoma Union round out the rest of the district.
A-7: A true hodgepodge district that spans from Mounds to Wynnewood. It's a catch-all district with seven new clubs. Wewoka and Stroud are former Class 2A participants, and Allen will move up from Class B. Konawa, Liberty, Mounds and Wayne are all clubs that won four or fewer games last year, and Wynnewood leads the pack as a team that went 6-5 with a first-round playoffs exit in Class A last season.
A-8: Talihina, Sallisaw Central, Gore and Savanna -- the four playoff teams from A-8 last season -- return this year, and Hulbert is dropped into the mix after finishing third in a deep A-7 last season. Warner and Quinton also return for two more years in A-8, and both sported one victory during the 2017 campaign.
What’s new? (coaching moves)
- Yale has a new coach in Johnny Ray, who led Prue to a 10-3 record and the state quarterfinals last season.
- Matt Hennesy stepped down at Locust Grove to take over at Pawhuska. In his six years at Locust Grove Hennesy went 52-18 -- which was more victories than the combined wins of the 10 coaches before him, dating back to 1957.
- Fred Peery takes over reigning Class A champion, Afton. Peery was previous at McLoud as a assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.
- Bob Pool returns to his alma mater, Savanna, who had been under the leadership of James Bond since 2003.
- Like Pool, Eric Bradley takes over at his alma mater, Wewoka.
- Prentice Joseph was promoted to head coach at Porter after Zac Ross was named the new head coach at Wyandotte.
- Gerald Hammond takes over at Liberty, a program that hasn't won a game since 2015.
- Konawa's new head coach is Dusty Newberry.
- Previous Ringling coaches -- Steve Justus, Tracy Gandy and Rick Gandy -- have made a habit of winning and winning often. Now Phil Koons takes over at Ringling after a tumultuous ending to his tenure at Clinton.
The More You Know:
- Afton had never appeared in a championship game before last season. The Eagles had gone 0-2 in the semifinals before breaking through in 2017.
- The loss to Afton in the title game dropped Crescent to 1-4 in championship games.
Prediction time
Ben - Hulbert's Jacob Bruce becomes a household name | Matt Hennesy provides a jolt for Pawhuska | Hominy makes a serious charge for its second title in three years | Commerce in prime position to win its first championship | I'll take Thomas to win the title.
Swisher - At least one good team, probably more, will miss the playoffs in A-3 | Not that the Wildcats have been down, but this is the beginning of another really strong stretch for Cashion | We will miss Wil Amos | Defensive coaches will not miss Wil Amos | I'm going with a wildcard and picking Hooker to claim the 2018 crown. Sorry, Hooker. I always get Class A wrong.
Whitt Carter - Taking Ringling to win it all.
Guest picker - Hall of Fame coach Randy Turney - Going with Thomas to take the Class A title.
High School Football rankings
| Michael Swisher
6A Division-I
- Owasso (10-0)
- Jenks (7-3)
- Norman (9-1)
- Bixby (8-2)
- Edmond Memorial (8-2)
- Union (7-3)
- Deer Creek (7-3)
- Moore (6-4)
- Norman North (3-7)
- Broken Arrow (4-6)
6A Division-II
- Muskogee (10-0)
- Choctaw (8-2)
- Stillwater (8-2)
- Sand Springs (7-3)
- Piedmont (6-4)
- Putnam City (6-4)
- Putnam City North (7-3)
- Bartlesville (3-7)
- Lawton Ike (4-6)
- Sapulpa (4-6)
Class 5A
- Carl Albert (10-0)
- Del City (9-1)
- Booker T. Washington (8-2)
- Newcastle (7-3)
- Guthrie (7-3)
- McAlester (8-2)
- Bishop McGuinness (7-3)
- Bishop Kelley (5-5)
- Lawton Mac (7-3)
- Pryor (7-3)
Class 4A
- Wagoner (10-0)
- Elgin (10-0)
- Tuttle (10-0)
- Blanchard (9-1)
- Bethany (8-2)
- Ada (7-3)
- Weatherford (8-2)
- Sallisaw (8-2)
- Clinton (8-2)
- Miami (8-2)
Class 3A
- Lincoln Christian (10-0)
- Heritage Hall (9-1)
- Sulphur (9-1)
- Cascia Hall (9-1)
- Plainview (9-1)
- Perkins-Tryon (8-2)
- Pauls Valley (7-3)
- Bristow (6-4)
- North Rock Creekl (6-4)
- Idabel (7-3)
Class 2A Division-I
- Washington (10-0)
- Millwood (9-1)
- Metro Christian (10-0)
- Kingston (9-1)
- Marlow (8-2)
- Jones (8-2)
- Kiefer (7-3)
- Chandler (7-3)
- Chisholm (6-4)
- OCS (7-3)
Class 2A Division-II
- Vian (10-0)
- Adair (10-0)
- Stroud (10-0)
- Holdenville (10-0)
- Alva (8-2)
- Davis (6-4)
- Beggs (8-2)
- Colcord (9-1)
- Henryetta (8-2)
- Salina (6-4)
Class A Division-I
- Hooker (9-1)
- Fairview (9-1)
- Rejoice Christian (9-1)
- Walters (9-1)
- Pawnee (7-3)
- Pawhuska (8-2)
- Christian Heritage (7-3)
- Pocola (8-2)
- Wynnewood (8-2)
- Minco (7-3)
Class A Division-II
- Woodland (10-0)
- Regent Prep (9-1)
- Hominy (8-2)
- Thomas (9-1)
- Mangum (9-1)
- Talihina (9-1)
- Central Sallisaw (7-3)
- Velma-Alma (8-2)
- Texhoma (7-3)
- Mooreland (7-3)
Class B Division-I
- Laverne (9-1)
- Dewar (8-1)
- Yale (9-0)
- Turpin (9-1)
- Hollis (7-2)
- Drumright (7-3)
- Empire (9-1)
- Garber (7-3)
- Caddo (8-2)
- Keota (7-3)
Class B Division-II
- Seiling (9-1)
- Weleetka (10-0)
- Covington-Douglas (10-0)
- Okeene (9-1)
- Wilson-Henryetta (8-1)
- Waukomis (8-2)
- Copan (8-2)
- Shattuck (6-3)
- Webbers Falls (6-4)
- Alex (6-4)
Class C
- Tipton (10-0)
- Timberlake (10-0)
- Ryan (9-1)
- Medford (7-2)
- Welch (9-1)
- Tyrone (7-2)
- Maysville (8-2)
- Paoli (7-3)
- Geary (7-3)
- 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.
Week 10 High School Football Rankings
| Michael Swisher
6A Division-I
- Owasso (9-0)
- Bixby (8-1)
- Union (7-2)
- Jenks (6-3)
- Norman (8-1)
- Edmond Memorial (7-2)
- Deer Creek (6-3)
- Moore (5-4)
- Mustang (5-4)
- Norman North (2-7)
6A Division-II
- Muskogee (9-0)
- Choctaw (7-2)
- Stillwater (7-2)
- Sand Springs (6-3)
- Putnam City (6-3)
- Putnam City North (7-2)
- Piedmont (5-4)
- Southmoore (4-5)
- Bartlesville (2-7)
- Lawton Ike (3-6)
Class 5A
- Carl Albert (9-0)
- Del City (8-1)
- Booker T. Washington (7-2)
- Newcastle (6-3)
- Guthrie (6-3)
- Lawton Mac (7-2)
- McAlester (7-2)
- Bishop McGuinness (6-3)
- Pryor (7-2)
- Bishop Kelley (4-5)
Class 4A
- Wagoner (9-0)
- Elgin (9-0)
- Tuttle (9-0)
- Blanchard (8-1)
- Sallisaw (8-1)
- Bethany (7-2)
- Weatherford (7-2)
- Ada (6-3)
- Clinton (7-2)
- Miami (7-2)
Class 3A
- Lincoln Christian (9-0)
- Heritage Hall (8-1)
- Sulphur (8-1)
- Cascia Hall (8-1)
- Plainview (8-1)
- Perkins-Tryon (7-2)
- Idabel (7-2)
- Pauls Valley (6-3)
- Berryhill (6-3)
- Holland Hall (6-3)
Class 2A Division-I
- Washington (9-0)
- Millwood (8-1)
- Metro Christian (8-0)
- Kingston (8-1)
- Marlow (7-2)
- Jones (7-2)
- Kiefer (6-3)
- Chandler (6-3)
- Chisholm (5-4)
- Lindsay (6-3)
Class 2A Division-II
- Vian (9-0)
- Adair (9-0)
- Stroud (9-0)
- Holdenville (9-0)
- Alva (7-2)
- Davis (5-4)
- Beggs (7-2)
- Colcord (8-1)
- Henryetta (7-2)
- Kansas (6-3)
Class A Division-I
- Hooker (8-1)
- Fairview (8-1)
- Rejoice Christian (8-1)
- Walters (8-1)
- Pawnee (6-3)
- Pawhuska (7-2)
- Wynnewood (8-1)
- Christian Heritage (6-3)
- Pocola (7-2)
- Cashion (7-2)
Class A Division-II
- Woodland (9-0)
- Regent Prep (8-1)
- Hominy (7-2)
- Thomas (8-1)
- Mangum (8-1)
- Mooreland (7-2)
- Talihina (8-1)
- Central Sallisaw (6-3)
- Velma-Alma (7-2)
- Texhoma (6-3)
Class B Division-I
- Laverne (8-1)
- Dewar (7-1)
- Yale (8-0)
- Turpin (8-1)
- Caddo (8-1)
- Hollis (6-2)
- Drumright (6-3)
- Empire (8-1)
- Garber (6-3)
- Pond Creek-Hunter (7-2)
Class B Division-II
- Seiling (8-1)
- Weleetka (9-0)
- Covington-Douglas (9-0)
- Okeene (8-1)
- Wilson-Henryetta (7-1)
- Waukomis (7-2)
- Cherokee (5-4)
- Alex (6-3)
- Copan (7-2)
- Shattuck (5-3)
Class C
- Tipton (9-0)
- Timberlake (9-0)
- Ryan (8-1)
- Tyrone (7-1)
- Medford (6-2)
- Welch (8-1)
- Maysville (7-2)
- Paoli (6-3)
- Geary (6-3)
- 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
- Owasso (8-0)
- Bixby (7-1)
- Union (6-2)
- Jenks (5-3)
- Norman (7-1)
- Edmond Memorial (6-2)
- Mustang (5-3)
- Deer Creek (6-2)
- Norman North (2-6)
- Moore (4-4)
6A Division-II
- Muskogee (8-0)
- Choctaw (6-2)
- Stillwater (6-2)
- Sand Springs (5-3)
- Putnam City North (7-1)
- Southmoore (4-4)
- Piedmont (5-3)
- Putnam City (5-3)
- Lawton Ike (3-5)
- Sapulpa (4-4)
Class 5A
- Carl Albert (8-0)
- Del City (7-1)
- Guthrie (6-2)
- Booker T. Washington (6-2)
- Newcastle (5-3)
- Bishop McGuinness (6-2)
- Lawton Mac (6-2)
- McAlester (6-2)
- Shawnee (6-2)
- Pryor (6-2)
Class 4A
- Wagoner (8-0)
- Elgin (8-0)
- Tuttle (8-0)
- Blanchard (7-1)
- Clinton (7-1)
- Sallisaw (7-1)
- Bethany (6-2)
- Weatherford (6-2)
- Ada (5-3)
- Miami (6-2)
Class 3A
- Lincoln Christian (8-0)
- Heritage Hall (7-1)
- Sulphur (7-1)
- Cascia Hall (7-1)
- Plainview (7-1)
- Perkins-Tryon (6-2)
- Idabel (6-2)
- North Rock Creek (5-3)
- Pauls Valley (5-3)
- Berryhill (5-3)
Class 2A Division-I
- Washington (8-0)
- Millwood (7-1)
- Metro Christian (8-0)
- Kingston (7-1)
- Marlow (6-1)
- Jones (6-2)
- Kiefer (5-3)
- Perry (6-2)
- Hugo (6-2)
- Chandler (5-3)
Class 2A Division-II
- Vian (8-0)
- Adair (8-0)
- Stroud (8-0)
- Davis (5-3)
- Holdenville (8-0)
- Alva (6-2)
- Beggs (6-2)
- Colcord (7-1)
- Wyandotte (6-2)
- Salina (5-3)
Class A Division-I
- Hooker (7-1)
- Fairview (7-1)
- Rejoice Christian (7-1)
- Christian Heritage (6-2)
- Walters (7-1)
- Pawnee (5-3)
- Pawhuska (6-2)
- Pocola (6-2)
- Wynnewood (7-1)
- Cashion (6-2)
Class A Division-II
- Woodland (8-0)
- Mangum (8-0)
- Regent Prep (7-1)
- Hominy (6-2)
- Talihina (8-0)
- Thomas (7-1)
- Ketchum (6-2)
- Mooreland (6-2)
- Central Sallisaw (5-3)
- Velma-Alma (6-2)
Class B Division-I
- Laverne (7-1)
- Dewar (6-1)
- Yale (7-0)
- Turpin (7-1)
- Caddo (7-1)
- Hollis (5-2)
- Garber (6-2)
- Keota (6-2)
- Drumright (4-2)
- Waurika (4-4)
Class B Division-II
- Seiling (7-1)
- Weleetka (8-0)
- Covington-Douglas (8-0)
- Okeene (7-1)
- Wilson-Henryetta (6-1)
- Waukomis (6-2)
- Copan (7-1)
- Shattuck (5-2)
- Cherokee (4-4)
- Wetumka (5-3)
Class C
- Tipton (8-0)
- Timberlake (8-0)
- Ryan (7-1)
- Tyrone (6-1)
- Medford (5-2)
- Geary (6-2)
- Welch (7-1)
- Maysville (6-2)
- Paoli (5-3)
- 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
- Owasso
- Bixby
- Union
- Jenks
- Deer Creek
- Norman
- Edmond Memorial
- Mustang
- Moore
- Broken Arrow
6A Division-II
- Muskogee
- Stillwater
- Choctaw
- Sand Springs
- Piedmont
- Putnam City North
- Putnam City
- Sapulpa
- Southmoore
- Lawton Ike
Class 5A
- Carl Albert
- Del City
- Lawton Mac
- McAlester
- Guthrie
- Bishop McGuinness
- Collinsville
- Booker T. Washington
- Newcastle
- Shawnee
Class 4A
- Wagoner
- Elgin
- Tuttle
- Blanchard
- Broken Bow
- Clinton
- Poteau
- Sallisaw
- Bethany
- Weatherford
Class 3A
- Lincoln Christian
- Heritage Hall
- Sulphur
- Cascia Hall
- North Rock Creek
- Plainview
- Perkins-Tryon
- Sequoyah-Claremore
- Pauls Valley
- Idabel
Class 2A Division-I
- Washington
- Millwood
- Metro Christian
- Kingston
- Marlow
- Jones
- Kiefer
- Perry
- Crossings Christian
- Hugo
Class 2A Division-II
- Vian
- Adair
- Stroud
- Davis
- Holdenville
- Alva
- Beggs
- Colcord
- Kansas
- Community Christian
Class A Division-I
- Hooker
- Fairview
- Rejoice Christian
- Christian Heritage
- Walters
- Pawnee
- Pawhuska
- Pocola
- Hartshorne
- Wynnewood
Class A Division-II
- Woodland
- Mangum
- Regent Prep
- Hominy
- Talihina
- Thomas
- Texhoma
- Ketchum
- Central Sallisaw
- Velma-Alma
Class B Division-I
- Laverne
- Dewar
- Yale
- Turpin
- Garber
- Caddo
- Empire
- Hollis
- Keota
- Drumright
Class B Division-II
- Seiling
- Weleetka
- Covington-Douglas
- Okeene
- Wilson-Henryetta
- Copan
- Boise City
- Waukomis
- Shattuck
- Cyril
Class C
- Tipton
- Timberlake
- Ryan
- Welch
- Tyrone
- Maysville
- Geary
- Medford
- Paoli
- 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
Week 7 High School Football Rankings
| Michael Swisher
6A Division-I
- Owasso
- Bixby
- Deer Creek
- Union
- Jenks
- Edmond Memorial
- Broken Arrow
- Moore
- Mustang
- Norman
6A Division-II
- Muskogee
- Stillwater
- Choctaw
- Sand Springs
- Piedmont
- Putnam City North
- Putnam City
- Sapulpa
- Lawton Ike
- Southmoore
Class 5A
- Carl Albert
- Del City
- Lawton Mac
- Collinsville
- McAlester
- Guthrie
- Bishop McGuinness
- Booker T. Washington
- Newcastle
- Shawnee
Class 4A
- Wagoner
- Elgin
- Tuttle
- Blanchard
- Broken Bow
- Grove
- Weatherford
- Clinton
- Poteau
- Cushing
Class 3A
- Lincoln Christian
- Heritage Hall
- Sulphur
- Plainview
- Cascia Hall
- North Rock Creek
- Bristow
- Perkins-Tryon
- Checotah
- Sequoyah-Claremore
Class 2A Division-I
- Washington
- Millwood
- Metro Christian
- Marlow
- Kingston
- Jones
- Hugo
- OCS
- Kiefer
- Chisholm
Class 2A Division-II
- Vian
- Adair
- Stroud
- Davis
- Holdenville
- Colcord
- Luther
- Salina
- Alva
- Beggs
Class A Division-I
- Fairview
- Hooker
- Rejoice Christian
- Hartshorne
- Christian Heritage
- Walters
- Pawnee
- Pawhuska
- Pocola
- Wynnewood
Class A Division-II
- Woodland
- Mangum
- Texhoma
- Regent Prep
- Hominy
- Talihina
- Thomas
- Ketchum
- Central Sallisaw
- Velma-Alma
Class B Division-I
- Laverne
- Turpin
- Dewar
- Yale
- Garber
- Caddo
- Empire
- Hollis
- Keota
- Pond Creek-Hunter
Class B Division-II
- Seiling
- Weleetka
- Covington-Douglas
- Okeene
- Wilson-Henryetta
- Shattuck
- Copan
- Cherokee
- Thackerville
- Boise City
Class C
- Tipton
- Ryan
- Timberlake
- Welch
- Tyrone
- Maysville
- Geary
- Sasakwa
- Medford
- 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
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
- Owasso
- Bixby
- Deer Creek
- Union
- Jenks
- Edmond Memorial
- Moore
- Mustang
- Norman
- Broken Arrow
6A Division-II
- Muskogee
- Stillwater
- Choctaw
- Sand Springs
- Piedmont
- Putnam City North
- Putnam City
- Sapulpa
- Lawton Ike
- Southmoore
Class 5A
- Carl Albert
- Del City
- Bishop McGuinness
- Lawton Mac
- Collinsville
- McAlester
- Guthrie
- Claremore
- Booker T. Washington
- Newcastle
Class 4A
- Wagoner
- Elgin
- Tuttle
- Blanchard
- Broken Bow
- Grove
- Weatherford
- Bethany
- Clinton
- Poteau
Class 3A
- Lincoln Christian
- Heritage Hall
- Sulphur
- Plainview
- Cascia Hall
- Pauls Valley
- Bristow
- Seminole
- North Rock Creek
- Checotah
Class 2A Division-I
- Washington
- Millwood
- Metro Christian
- Marlow
- Kingston
- OCS
- Jones
- Crossings Christian
- Hugo
- Kiefer
Class 2A Division-II
- Vian
- Adair
- Stroud
- Davis
- Holdenville
- Colcord
- Kansas
- Alva
- Beggs
- Luther
Class A Division-I
- Fairview
- Hooker
- Rejoice Christian
- Hartshorne
- Tonkawa
- Christian Heritage
- Walters
- Pawnee
- Pawhuska
- Minco
Class A Division-II
- Woodland
- Hominy
- Mangum
- Regent Prep
- Texhoma
- Thomas
- Talihina
- Central Sallisaw
- Mooreland
- Ringling
Class B Division-I
- Laverne
- Turpin
- Dewar
- Yale
- Garber
- Pond Creek-Hunter
- Caddo
- Hollis
- Empire
- Keota
Class B Division-II
- Seiling
- Weleetka
- Okeene
- Covington-Douglas
- Wilson-Henryetta
- Shattuck
- Webbers Falls
- Thackerville
- Waukomis
- Copan
Class C
- Tipton
- Ryan
- Timberlake
- Welch
- Tyrone
- Maysville
- Waynoka
- Geary
- Paoli
- 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
- Owasso
- Bixby
- Union
- Deer Creek
- Jenks
- Moore
- Norman
- Edmond Memorial
- Mustang
- Broken Arrow
6A Division-II
- Muskogee
- Stillwater
- Choctaw
- Sand Springs
- Putnam City
- Putnam City North
- Piedmont
- Southmoore
- Sapulpa
- Bartlesville
Class 5A
- Carl Albert
- Del City
- Bishop McGuinness
- Lawton Mac
- Collinsville
- McAlester
- Guthrie
- Claremore
- Shawnee
- Booker T. Washington
Class 4A
- Wagoner
- Elgin
- Tuttle
- Blanchard
- Sallisaw
- Poteau
- Bethany
- Cushing
- Grove
- Weatherford
Class 3A
- Lincoln Christian
- Heritage Hall
- Sulphur
- Pauls Valley
- Plainview
- Seminole
- Cascia Hall
- Idabel
- Anadarko
- Muldrow
Class 2A Division-I
- Washington
- Millwood
- Metro Christian
- Jones
- Marlow
- Kingston
- OCS
- Mount St. Mary
- Chandler
- Crossings Christian
Class 2A Division-II
- Vian
- Adair
- Stroud
- Davis
- Holdenville
- Beggs
- Colcord
- Kansas
- Alva
- Luther
Class A Division-I
- Fairview
- Hooker
- Rejoice Christian
- Pocola
- Pawhuska
- Wynnewood
- Hartshorne
- Tonkawa
- Christian Heritage
- Walters
Class A Division-II
- Woodland
- Regent Prep
- Hominy
- Mooreland
- Mangum
- Thomas
- Velma-Alma
- Texhoma
- Talihina
- Central Sallisaw
Class B Division-I
- Laverne
- Turpin
- Dewar
- Yale
- Garber
- Pond Creek-Hunter
- Keota
- Caddo
- Hollis
- Empire
Class B Division-II
- Seiling
- Weleetka
- Okeene
- Covington-Douglas
- Wilson-Henryetta
- Shattuck
- Webbers Falls
- Thackerville
- Waukomis
- Copan
Class C
- Tipton
- Ryan
- Timberlake
- Welch
- Tyrone
- Maysville
- Mt. View-Gotebo
- Waynoka
- Paoli
- 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.