All five Hartshorne starters All-Conference, four other locals make it

Girls Basketball | 3/15/2018 | Corey Stolzenbach | McAlester News-Capital

The five Hartshorne girls who helped the Lady Miners start 26-0 before reaching the state quarterfinals have been named Black Diamond All-Conference. Seniors Alexis Lyons and Alex Miller, junior Jaycee Kitchell, sophomore Holli Lindley and freshman Ashton Hackler led the Lady Miners to three tournament championships, a bye in district, a regional championship, an area championship and to the first round of the state tournament. All five also earned Black Diamond All-Conference honors.

Numerous locals named Black Diamond All-Conference

Boys Basketball | 3/15/2018 | Corey Stolzenbach | McAlester News-Capital

Eleven of the 15 players named Black Diamond All-Conference this season are local players. Seniors Kariim Byrd and Dylan Blair, as well as sophomores Austin Fenton and Kobe Billy made the list for Talihina. Representing Hartshorne were seniors Blake Lindley, Andres Lujano, along with juniors Easten James and Ethan Edwards.

Konawa soars past Talihina in 2A Regional

Girls Basketball | 2/28/2018 | Brian Johnson | The Ada News

WARNER – Frankie Soar registered a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Shelby Gentry and Kayden King also scored in double figures Monday as the 20th-ranked Konawa Lady Tigers upended Talihina 63-52 in Class 2A regional basketball play.

Soar, who had 14 of her points in the second half, also collected two blocked shots and one assist. Gentry followed with 14 points to go with two assists, two steals and a pair of rebounds. King nailed her team’s only 3-point basket in totaling 10 points, six boards and two assists.

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Whataburger

10/16/2019 |  Michael Swisher

By John Hardaway

Spicy Ketchup Hoarder

You might be asking yourself…Why Whataburger on the food blog? 

I ask you….Why NOT Whataburger on the food blog? 

Whataburger is the best drive through “fast food” restaurant on the planet, plain and simple. A few of my friends have a different opinion, but it’s the wrong one and that’s ok I guess. 

A few people think Michael Jordan wasn’t the best either.  

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, 24/7 Whataburger is #1.

For me, personally, I have several favorites, but my most consistent order for lunch or dinner would be the Monterrey Melt, Onion Rings, and Vanilla Shake with both Spicy Ketchup and Jalapeno

Ranch. 

Yes, I capitalize my food.

Now to switch it up, I will substitute the Monterrey Melt with either the Mushroom and Swiss or the Sweet and Spicy Bacon Burger with the other normally-accompanying items staying the same. 

For full disclosure, I’m not a fan of their fries, but that’s OK because the Onion Rings are top notch!

The Whataburger Mushroom and Swiss is maybe the best Mushroom and Swiss out there and it has even become a permanent menu item. 

Adam Diesselhorst, who easily loves Shroom and Swiss burgers more than anyone I know - and probably has gotten one from any place that sells them - says it’s the best, so there you go.  

There are few burgers that hit the spot more than these three from Whataburger. I know there are also some of you that love the classic double (who gets a single patty??) cheeseburger with lettuce, onion, tomato and maybe bacon. 

I know Whataburger is also the go-to place for SKORDLE/Kingfisher media superstar Michael Swisher, who religiously stops at one late at night after the last state tournament basketball game (Ed. note: This is true…well the part about stopping by after state tournament games. The location on Meridian just north of Southwest 15th Street gets my business each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night of state basketball. I mean, 2,500 calories consumed at midnight is good for you, right? Mr. Hardaway's description of one Swisher is far exaggerated.)

My brother lived in California for a while and he always said Whataburger was one of the things he missed most about living in Oklahoma and Texas, and he would always made sure to get some on his trips back home those years. 

Now, what about breakfast? 

For me, the Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuit takes top prize! 

Now, if you are really hungry, some of the most veteran Whataburger fans will go with any of the burger combos, PLUS the Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuit kicker, which basically is like an appetizer or dessert, however you want to approach that situation. 

Normally this is only ordered on a solo mission, or with a tight circle of friends, free of judgments, probably doing the same thing. 

My sons love Cinnamon Rolls and the last time we were there, they got that and it would give Grandma’s a run for its money…warm, sweet and gooey! 

I was so impressed by the presentation, I swiped a few bites of theirs. Actually, there were so many swipes, they made me order another one for them to split…my bad.  

Finally, and most importantly…did you know you can buy Whataburger Spicy Ketchup from the grocery store? 

Yep, you sure can, and you need to put it on your next shopping list!

Buy the biggest bottle they have and then the next time you’re eating at home, you have plenty of Whataburger Spicy Ketchup for whatever you’re eating: burgers, dogs, fried potatoes, meatloaf, etc. 

So next time, if you’re not already a regular, swing into the place with the big orange roof and get some the best food going through a drive through window anywhere. 

And to my friend Todd Kerr, Hooker boys basketball coach who lives far, far, far away from the nearest Whataburger, just know I will think of you every time I do and will continue to send you pictures that I know make you really jealous.

Whataburger is #1!

WEEK 7 RANKINGS

10/14/2019 |  Ben Johnson

(____) - previous rank

Class 6AI

Class 6AII

Class 5A

Class 4A

Class 3A

Class 2A

Class A

Class B

Class C

Week 6 Player of the Week Poll

10/13/2019 |  Ben Johnson

FINALISTS

Dae Dae Leathers (Tahlequah) - Senior tailback carried the ball 33 times for 204 yards and two touchdowns in the Tigers’ 35-28 victory over Collinsville in a top-10 matchup in District 5A-4.

Jakoby Gouldsby (Haskell) - Senior quarterback completed 11 of 18 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns, and he added 153 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries on offense. On defense, he had a tackle and a pass break-up in the Haymakers’ 52-26 win over Victory Christian in District 2A-3 play.

Carson Thompson (Canadian) - Senior quarterback accounted for 365 yards and seven touchdowns in only one half in the Cougars’ 50-0 win over Caddo.

Lance Spaulding (Washington) - Senior running back had 206 yards and four touchdowns on 33 carries in the Warriors’ 37-6 win over Millwood in a top-10 game in Class 2A.

Jimmie Coleman (Muskogee) - Senior running back racked up 295 yards and four touchdowns on 28 carries in the Roughers’ 34-6 win over Sapulpa in District 6AII-2 play.

Levi Greenfield (Oklahoma Union) - Senior linebacker had 18 tackles (five for loss) and two sacks on defense. On offense, Greenfield hauled in five catches for 113 yards and one touchdowns. He also had a 20-yard run on a fake punt for a first down in the Cougars’ 52-7 rout of Quapaw.

Landon Prows (Inola) - Junior quarterback had 390 yards and five touchdowns while completing 31 of 40 passes, and he also had 44 yards and a touchdown on the ground in the Longhorns’ 62-26 win over Locust Grove in District 3A-4 play.

HONORABLE MENTION

Cashion

Justice Broadbent - 8 tackles and two interception returns for touchdowns

Atoka

Wyatt Holland, Will McCall and Nolan Burrage (on defense) - Combined for three interceptions and two fumble recoveries

Hobart

Cade Lyons - 29 rushes, 227 yards, 3 TDs

Ada

Braden Maloy - 12 ½ tackles (4 for loss)

Crossings Christian

Owen Crotts - 17/22, 184 yards, 4 TDs (final one was a 33-yarder as the game-winner with 25 seconds left)

Verdigris

Solan Roller - 11 tackles (3 for loss), 2 sacks, one fumble recovery for a TD

Jones

Elijah Reed - 5 catches, 130 yards, 2 TDs

Minco

Corbin Burchfield - 10 rushes, 211 yards, 4 TDs

O Line (Caleb Carruth, Aiden Howry, Rody Schneider, Orlando Vazquez, Cashus Burchfield) - 34 rushes, 453 yards, 6 TDs

Okemah

Mikey Cruz - 11 rushes, 191 yards, 2 TDs

Colcord

Stormy Odle - 14 rushes, 208 yards, 3 TDs + 1 passing TD and a 2-point conversion run

Mannford

Aiden Jones - 190 yards and 4 TDs rushing

Vian

Javyn Wright - 10 rushes, 194 yards, 3 TDs

Meeker

Caden Wolford - 22 rushes, 163 yards, 2 TDs

Adair

Brock Borin - 3 receptions, 61 yards, 2 TDs // 3 tackles, 2 sacks on defense

Nate Ratcliff - 16/23 passing, 266 yards, 4 TDs + 40 yards rushing, 1 TD

Cooper Thompson - 19 tackles (3 for loss)

Cushing

Wil Moyer - 16/21 passing, 310 yards, 4 TDs

Wagoner

Chase Nanni - 4 receptions, 134 yards, 2 TDs

Sawyer Jones - 12/15 passing, 266 yards, 2 TDs + 3 rushes, 30 yards

Clinton

Atrel Bryson - 11 rushes, 211 yards, 3 TDs

Bishop Kelley

Cooper McMurray - 8 receptions, 144 yards, 2 TDs + 1 rushing TD

McAlester

Chris Hilton - 11/13 passing, 183 yards, 1 TD + 11 rushes, 162 yards, 4 TDs (all in the first half)

Sallisaw

Jace Nicholson - 7 receptions, 255 yards, 3 TDs // 4 sacks on defense

Perry

Mason Drake - 13/19 passing, 285 yards, 4 TDs + 12 rushes, 104 yards, 1 TD

Brody Harbour - 8 touches, 181 yards, 2 TDs (73-yard punt return for TD)

Weatherford

Ethan Downs - 7 rushes, 142 yards, 2 TDs + 53-yard TD reception

Mustang

Khary Brown - 10 rushes, 266 yards, 4 TDs

Noble

Gavin Yeager - 10 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 fumble return for a TD

Claremore

Jace Hightower - 2 rushing TDs, 1 receiving TD + an interception on defense

Bartlesville

Laken Clowdus - 256 yards rushing, 4 TDs

Piedmont

Devontae Pickard - 25 rushes, 204 yards, 3 TDs

Bixby

Braylin Presley - 9 rushes, 120 yards, 1 TD + 54-yard punt return for a TD

Jenks

Stephen Kittleman - 12/16 passing, 288 yards, 3 TDs (all in 1 half)

Edmond Santa Fe

Jorgen Olsen - 11/15 passing, 219 yards, 3 TDs + 8 rushes, 63 yards, 2 TDs

Stillwater

Gunnar Gundy - 17/18 passing, 368 yards, 3 TDs

Edison

Sevion Morrison - 15 rushes, 228 yards, 2 TDs

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Greazy Steve's in Pond Creek

10/9/2019 |  Michael Swisher

By Andy Campbell

Skordle's #1 Fan

If you’re craving beet burgers and quinoa, this probably isn’t the blog for you. 

However, if you want to eat the best Oklahoma style cooking in the state before watching Skordle’s Game of the Week between the Pond Creek-Hunter Panthers and the visiting Sharon-Mutual Trojans, your first stop has to be at Greazy Steve’s.

Owner Steve Stinson and his wife, Melonie, opened Greazy Steve’s in 2008. After being open only one day, the restaurant burned to the ground. 

Steve picked up the pieces and rebuilt, opening for the second time in 2010. 

Since then, Greazy Steve’s (522 W. Cedar Drive, Pond Creek) has established its reputation as the best comfort food you’ll find anywhere. 

Steve features nightly specials every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

If you’re in Pond Creek for the big game this Friday, you’re in luck, as Friday is all-you-can-eat catfish night.

Or, if you’re in the mood for a steak, Steve features his 30-40-day aged ribeye steaks on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Trust me, Steve’s steaks are just as good as the fancy steakhouses in Oklahoma City for half the price. Be sure to order some fried green beans and ranch to dip them in before your meal. 

There's also chicken fried chicken, roast beef and other fine menu options.