Week 7 picks

10/10/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Well, what we have here is two hotly-contested showdowns for first and third place. Swisher and Coach Turney are locked in a battle for first place, while Whitt and myself charge hard after the bronze.

Week 6 picks - Coach Turney 14-4 | Whitt 13-5 | Ben 13-5 | Swisher 13-5

Overall - Swisher 91-35 | Turney 91-35 | Ben 84-42 | Whitt 84-42

And per usual, my apologies in advance to the teams I pick below:

Carl Albert at Guthrie

Michael Swisher: Carl Albert 33, Guthrie 17

Ben Johnson: Carl Albert 30, Guthrie 16

Whitt Carter: Carl Albert 28, Guthrie 21

Randy Turney: Carl Albert 31, Guthrie 14

Broken Arrow at Edmond Santa Fe

Michael Swisher: Broken Arrow 38, Edmond Santa Fe 14

Ben Johnson: Broken Arrow 41, Edmond Santa Fe 19

Whitt Carter: Broken Arrow 34, Edmond Santa Fe 14

Randy Turney: Broken Arrow 28, Edmond Santa Fe 7

Stillwater at Lawton

Michael Swisher: Stillwater 35, Lawton 21

Ben Johnson: Stillwater 23, Lawton 22

Whitt Carter: Stillwater 42, Lawton 34

Randy Turney: Stillwater 35, Lawton 20

Cascia Hall at Berryhill

Michael Swisher: Berryhill 24, Cascia Hall 12

Ben Johnson: Berryhill 20, Cascia Hall 19

Whitt Carter: Cascia Hall 32, Berryhill 28

Randy Turney: Berryhill 28, Cascia Hall 20

Victory Christian at Beggs

Michael Swisher: Beggs 28, Victory Christian 10

Ben Johnson: Beggs 33, Victory Christian 24

Whitt Carter: Beggs 35, Victory Christian 27

Randy Turney: Beggs 21, Victory Christian 20

Plainview at Sulphur

Michael Swisher: Plainview 24, Sulphur 22

Ben Johnson: Plainview 29, Sulphur 23

Whitt Carter: Sulphur 28, Plainview 24

Randy Turney: Sulphur 34, Plainview 31

Buffalo at Pond Creek-Hunter

Michael Swisher: PC-Hunter 30, Buffalo 14

Ben Johnson: PC-Hunter 43, Buffalo 22

Whitt Carter: PC-Hunter 31, Buffalo 12

Randy Turney: PC-Hunter 34, Buffalo 22

Booker T. Washington at Sapulpa

Michael Swisher: Booker T. Washington 31, Sapulpa 30

Ben Johnson: Booker T. Washington 27, Sapulpa 24

Whitt Carter: Booker T. Washington 42, Sapulpa 28

Randy Turney: Booker T. Washington 31, Sapulpa 22

Stigler at Seminole

Michael Swisher: Seminole 34, Stigler 17

Ben Johnson: Seminole 23, Stigler 20

Whitt Carter: Seminole 34, Stigler 21

Randy Turney: Seminole 34, Stigler 20

Tonkawa at Morrison

Michael Swisher: Morrison 18, Tonkawa 14

Ben Johnson: Morrison 26, Tonkawa 16

Whitt Carter: Morrison 27, Tonkawa 21

Randy Turney: Morrison 38, Tonkawa 14

Yukon at Westmoore

Michael Swisher: Yukon 17, Westmoore 16

Ben Johnson: Yukon 21, Westmoore 17

Whitt Carter: Westmoore 21, Yukon 20

Randy Turney: Westmoore 24, Yukon 17

El Reno at Duncan

Michael Swisher: Duncan 24, El Reno 21

Ben Johnson: Duncan 32, El Reno 17

Whitt Carter: Duncan 28, El Reno 14

Randy Turney: El Reno 28, Duncan 21

Bethany at Cushing 

Michael Swisher: Bethany 31, Cushing 17

Ben Johnson: Bethany 33, Cushing 27

Whitt Carter: Bethany 35, Cushing 13

Randy Turney: Bethany 30, Cushing 24

Catoosa at Cleveland

Michael Swisher: Catoosa 36, Cleveland 25

Ben Johnson: Catoosa 28, Cleveland 18

Whitt Carter: Catoosa 37, Cleveland 21

Randy Turney: Catoosa 20, Cleveland 14

Kingfisher at Perkins-Tryon

Michael Swisher: Kingfisher 31, Perkins-Tryon 28

Ben Johnson: Kingfisher 27, Perkins-Tryon 21

Whitt Carter: Kingfisher 35, Perkins-Tryon 21

Randy Turney: Kingfisher 34, Perkins-Tryon 20

Okemah at Meeker

Michael Swisher: Meeker 33, Okemah 21

Ben Johnson: Meeker 34, Okemah 24

Whitt Carter: Okemah 33, Meeker 24

Randy Turney: Meeker 28, Okemah 12

Stratford at Washington

Michael Swisher: Washington 27, Stratford 23

Ben Johnson: Washington 32, Stratford 19

Whitt Carter: Washington 28, Stratford 20

Randy Turney: Washington 38, Stratford 20

Hooker at Okeene

Michael Swisher: Hooker 31, Okeene 13

Ben Johnson: Hooker 29, Okeene16

Whitt Carter: Hooke 35, Okeene 13

Randy Turney: Hooker 34, Okeene 7

Covington-Douglas at Southwest Covenant

Michael Swisher: SW Covenant 48, Covington-Douglas 30

Ben Johnson: SW Covenant 44, Covington-Douglas 25

Whitt Carter: SW Covenant 45, Covington-Douglas 31

Randy Turney: SW Covenant 42, Covington-Douglas 20

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

Week 7: Top 10 games

10/9/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Some rock-solid games this week as district races tighten up.

Here's what's on tap this week:

1. 5A No. 1 Carl Albert (6-0) at 5A No. 7 Guthrie (6-0): Bluejays beat Carl Albert every year from 2010 to 2015, but the Titans have posted back-to-back blowouts over Guthrie, including last year's 55-10 contest. Carl Albert running back Dadrion Taylor is also expected back after suffering a knee injury earlier in the season.

2. 6AI No. 1 Broken Arrow (6-0) at 6AI No. 4 Edmond Santa Fe (6-0): Tigers have been machine-like all season long. The Wolves pulling the upset would be one to send shockwaves throughout 6AI.

3. 6AII No. 1 Stillwater (6-0) at 6AII No. 5 Lawton (4-2): Pioneers are 0-4 against Lawton since the two clubs started playing district contests in 2014. And this one was going to feature a stellar running back showcase, but Stillwater tailback Qwontrel Walker was ejected in the fourth quarter against Choctaw last week, leaving his status for this week up in the air. Meanwhile, the Wolverines will ride the hot hand of Miles Davis at tailback.

4. 3A No. 8 Cascia Hall (5-1) at 3A No. 2 Berryhill (6-0): These two teams have met 10 times since 1999 and Cascia Hall is one nine of those games. The Chiefs' lone victory in the series was in 2004. Winner all but locks up the District 3A-4 crown.

5. 2A No. 9 Victory Christian (6-0) at 2A No. 5 Beggs (5-1): Former district mates are reunited in 2A-3 play this year. From 2010 to 2015, the two teams split the series 3-3. Winner here still has to tangle with Sperry to claim the district title.

6. 3A No. 4 Plainview (5-1) at 3A No. 5 Sulphur (5-1): Sulphur beat Plainview 35-12 last season, but prior to that Plainview had won the last eight clashes between the two teams.

7. C No. 4 Buffalo (6-0) at C No. 1 Pond Creek-Hunter (6-0): Winner all but wraps up the District C-1 championship. And to this point, Pond Creek-Hunter opponents are averaging four points per game.

8. 6AII No. 6 Booker T. Washington (3-3) at 6AII No. 7 Sapulpa (5-1): Chieftains came up with an overtime win over Muskogee last week, and a win over the Hornets would be a massive statement. One advantage Sapulpa does have is at the quarterback position with Eli Williams.

9. Stigler (5-1) at 3A No. 6 Seminole (5-1): All of a sudden everyone in District 3A-3 is chasing after Idabel. And it's looking more and more like a quality team will be left out of the playoff picture in the suddenly-deep 3A-3. The winner here at least feels somewhat more at ease with a postseason spot more obtainable.

10. Tonkawa (6-1) at A No. 3 Morrison (6-0): Tonkawa has a two-game winning streak going against Morrison, but it's the Wildcats who are ranked heading into this one. District A-5 is deep, so a win here moves one of these two closer to the district title.

Honorable mention

Yukon at Westmoore: Top three spots in 6AI-1 appear to be spoken for among Broken Arrow, Jenks and Edmond Santa Fe. So for a regular season matchup, it all but serves as a "win and you're in; lose and you're out" tilt. And Westmoore is 6-0 against Yukon since 2006.

El Reno at Duncan: The Demons are unbeaten but now the schedule tightens up. A win for Duncan sets up an epic showdown against Ardmore next week for 5A-1 supremacy. A win for El Reno has the Indians feeling better about securing a postseason spot. El Reno beat Duncan 41-40 last season.

Bethany at Cushing: Despite a minus-nine scoring margin in six games this season, the Tigers are 3-0 in District 4A-2. A win for Cushing could work toward some must-see games against Blanchard and Tuttle to close out the regular season in a few weeks.

Catoosa at Cleveland: District 4A-3 looks like it'll come down to Bristow or Wagoner at the top. So that leaves three -- maybe four (Catoosa, Cleveland, Grove and Oologah) -- competing for the final two playoff spots.

Kingfisher at Perkins-Tryon: We're finding out that a lot of districts have some solid depth, and 3A-1 falls in that category. Heritage Hall and John Marshall are locks for playoffs spots, so it's up to Kingfisher, Perkins, Mannford and Mount Saint Mary to challenge for the final two spots.

Okemah at Meeker: Since 2008, Okemah has won seven of the last eight matchups. Both of these clubs need a win to have a shot at possibly winning or finishing in the top two spots of 2A-2.

Stratford at Washington: Washington pushed Millwood to the limit last week. And despite a 1-2 mark in 2A-7, Stratford has to be taken seriously in the playoff mix.

Hooker at Okeene: Winner here gets a chance to challenge Oklahoma Bible Academy for District A-1 bragging

Covington-Douglas at Southwest Covenant: Winner all but wraps up the C-3 title.

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

*Photo courtesy of Guthrie Booster Club

OSSAA: UCO TO HOST 11-MAN TITLE GAMES

11/13/2019 |  Michael Swisher

In an effort to satisfy its membership and build up an atmosphere similar to basketball at “The Big House,” the OSSAA on Wednesday announced plans to consolidate all of its 11-man football state championships to one location this season.

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Wantland Stadium in Edmond will be the host site of seven title tilts over two weekends.

The announcement was made by OSSAA Executive Director David Jackson during a press conference at the association’s headquarters in Oklahoma City. 

Joining Jackson were UCO Athletic Director Eddie Griffin as well as Justin Jones, executive director of the Oklahoma Football Coaches Association.

“The University of Central Oklahoma has some of the best facilities in the nation and will provide a first-class venue for this championship,” said Jones, head coach at Norman North High School. “The student-athletes, coaches and communities who are fortunate enough to make it to the state championship game will no doubt walk away with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The OFBCA has long voiced its desire to host title games at one site since the OSSAA’s contract with Oklahoma State University ended in 2013.

The OSSAA has been receptive, but also faced an obstacle.

“A lot of our members see what goes on in Texas at AT&T (Stadium),” Jackson said, referring to the Lone Star State hosting all of its state championships at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.

“Where they (the membership) understand we don’t have an AT&T…they still wanted to at least pursue something that might work for us. But finding that one site was always the challenge for us.

Enter UCO.

Jackson and OSSAA staffer Mike Whaley entered discussions with the university.

“UCO was very interested when they were approached this time,” Jackson said. “The excitement that they have shown us in wanting to do this goes a long way because that shows they’re going to make sure our students have a great experience there.”

Jackson said the agreement is a one-year “trial run” but the hope is for a longer agreement. The desire is also there, he said, to develop an atmosphere that attracts the casual football fan, not just those of the competing teams, much like the state basketball tournaments in March.

“We hope that after we finish with this that we can both see this as a win-win and find a way to make it a long-term agreement because we like the prospects of that and what we can do in addressing what our membership is asking for,” Jackson said.

There will be no exceptions to UCO playing host, Jackson said.

For instance, if Jenks and Owasso were to meet up for the 6A-1 crown, they won’t be making the shorter drive to Chapman Stadium in Tulsa.

“One of the positive s that went in pursuing this was working with the OFBCA and those are a part of that,” Jackson said. “So when we hear from the OFBCA that ‘we’re interested in that,’ we take that as everyone is interested in that.”

Jackson noted that smaller schools from the same geographic region might also have to travel a longer distance to meet up.

“But when you have a chance to go to a great facility and you’re treated well, it eliminates a lot of that skepticism of travel a ways,” he said. “We plan on playing these 11-man football championships at UCO.”

The first two title games will be played Friday, Dec. 6: Class 4A is scheduled for 1 p.m. and 6A-II at 7 p.m.

Three gold balls will be earned Saturday, Dec. 7: Class 3A at 11 a.m., 5A at 3:30 p.m. and 6A-I at 8 p.m.

Class A and 2A, which have five playoff weeks, will decide their titles Saturday, Dec. 14. Class A is slated for 1 p.m. and 2A at 7 p.m.

POSTSEASON RANKINGS

11/11/2019 |  Ben Johnson

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

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

Class 5A
1. Carl Albert
2. Edison
3. Noble
4. El Reno
5. Bishop McGuinness
6. Tahlequah
7. Piedmont
8. Collinsville
9. Ardmore
10. McAlester

Class 4A
1. Bethany
2. Tuttle
3. Poteau
4. Bristow
5. Wagoner
6. Weatherford
7. Cache
8. Sallisaw
9. Clinton
10. Fort Gibson
Class 3A
1. Heritage Hall
2. Lincoln Christian
3. Plainview
4. Perkins-Tryon
5. Sulphur
6. Marlow
7. Veridgris
8. Checotah
9. Berryhill
10. Stigler

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

Class A
1. Cashion
2. Stroud
3. Pawnee
4. Rejoice Christian
5. Ringling
6. Minco
7. Pawhuska
8. Thomas
9. Gore
10. Mangum

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

Class C
1. Southwest Covenant
2. Pond Creek-Hunter
3. Coyle
4. Graham-Dustin
5. Covington-Douglas
6. Midway
7. Waynoka
8. Tipton
9. Maysville
10. Sasakwa

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Smoked Out BBQ

11/7/2019 |  Michael Swisher

By John Hardaway

BBQ Expert

In the mood for some really solid BBQ in the Northwest OKC? 

Then I highly suggest you check out Smoked Out BBQ on Northwest Expressway. 

Just look for the cool NEON GREEN signage outside. 

The Richardson family has been cooking food for 75 years. 

Smoked Out began as a highly-regarded food truck and catering business and then opened their brick and mortar storefront a little over a year ago.

On my visits, I have been impressed with the quality of their sliced brisket, which is always the measuring stick for any serious BBQ joint in my opinion. 

Their ribs were great; nice and meaty, not these clean and cute ribs that I run into from time to time.

Sausage has good bite and spice and the pulled pork was moist and delicious. 

Smoked Out prides themselves on quality sides and I was impressed with their mac and cheese and beans. 

Now, here are the two best pieces of advice I could give someone going to Smoked Out BBQ.