Thomas-Fay-Custer Terriers
Thomas, OK 73669
Record: 1-7 | Unranked
 | vs Watonga | L | 9-20 8/27 |
 | @ Alva | L | 8-7 9/3 |
 | vs Cashion | L | 0-47 9/17 |
 | @ Mooreland | L | 44-19 9/24 |
 | vs Fairview | L | 13-53 10/1 |
| @ Fairview | L | 53-13 10/1 |
| vs Fairview | Missing Score |
 | @ Hooker | L | 54-14 10/8 |
 | @ Sayre | W | 14-26 10/14 |
 | vs Merritt | L | 14-29 10/22 |
More to life than football: Thomas standout shows perspective in gesture toward Cashion coach
| 
Michael Swisher
It was halftime of one of the most anticipated Class A matchups of this young football season.
Top-ranked Cashion and third-ranked Thomas featured some of the state’s best talent and physical specimens and were embroiled in a battle that saw them separated by just seven points at the game’s midway point.
The teams were exiting the field on the west end and headed for their respective locker rooms.
Cashion assistant Cale Cochran was in the throng of players and coaches marching up the incline when he heard someone shout out “Coach!”
“Coach!” the voice rang again. “Hold up!”
Cochran turned around and saw the Terriers’ big No. 71 running right toward him.
It was Aden Kelley.
“He was THE baddest dude on the field,” Cochran said of Kelley.
And the baddest dude on the field had Cochran in his sights and nobody was going to be able to stop him.
• • •
July 2 was supposed to be the greatest day of Cale Cochran’s life.
It was then that his wife, Jacie, gave birth to their firstborn, Jaxon Jay.
However, complications after the baby’s birth led to Jacie’s unexpected and tragic death at the age of 26.
It left Cochran without a wife and Jaxon without a mother.
The outpouring of support since that day has been tremendous.
Both Cashion and Washington – Jacie’s hometown – erected memorials in her honor.
There have been fundraisers and numerous other showings of comfort from both communities.
Cochran gets help with the baby from his family around Cashion as well as Jacie’s parents in Washington.
Still, times aren’t easy.
“One of the toughest things is being at home,” Cochran said. “That’s where we were all going to build our memories together.”
One of the best breaks from reality for Cochran is coaching football.
“Football is my smokescreen,” he said. “I can go out on the field and not think about things for a few hours.”
That’s what Cochran was doing last Friday night.
His Cashion Wildcats got on top of Thomas 14-0 early, but the Terriers had cut their deficit in half and had a modicum of momentum headed into halftime.
Cochran was contemplating the myriad of adjustments that could be made in preparation for the second half when he heard that voice behind him.
• • •
Aden Kelley is no ordinary 18-year-old kid.
He’s a 6-foot-3, 285- pound monster on the field.
Kelley plays right tackle and defensive end for Thomas and his rare combination of size, ability and athleticism garnered him 21 Division I football offers.
247 Sports has him rated as a four-star prospect and the fourth-best recruit in Oklahoma in the Class of 2021.
In July, Kelley committed to play at Oklahoma State University.
He’d just spent 24 football minutes in the trenches trying to clear paths for his running backs and quarterback on one side of the ball while being double- and triple-teamed on the defensive side.
With his entire face covered in eye black and sweat soaking his uniform, Kelley was also headed to his locker room.
However, he wasn’t thinking about adjustments.
When he realized Cale Cochran was in front of him, all he thought about was getting his arms wrapped around him.
•••
Kelley was aware that Cochran’s world had been shattered nearly three months ago.
“I remember back when it happened,” Kelley said. “I was heartbroken about it.”
Thomas was off the week before when Cashion played at Minco, but Kelley was among the Terrier contingent who went to scout the Wildcats.
“I wasn’t real sure what he looked like, but he walked by us and someone said that was him,” Kelley recalled. “I didn’t say anything to him then and it frustrated me all week.”
So when Kelley looked ahead of him and saw Cochran pacing toward the locker room, he wasn’t going to let another opportunity pass.
“I had no intentions on making it a point to find him,” Kelley said. “Of course, you want to say something, but you don’t know if it’s going to work out.”
It did.
Kelly shouted out: “Coach! Coach! Hold up!”
Cochran turned around and Kelley charged toward him.
“He ran up to me and gave me a huge hug,” Cochran said.
“He told me that I have a beautiful baby boy and prays for me everyday.”
Simply put, Cochran was blown away.
“It was surprising,” he said. “I didn’t know what he was going to say to me.”
To Kelley, it was just the right thing to do.
“There’s more to life than what I was going in to listen to at halftime,” Kelley said.
“The fact is, that man is hurting. He’s hurting bad and I wanted to do what I could to make him feel better.”
Initially, it had the reverse effect.
Football was supposed to be Cochran’s escape. Kelley’s gesture momentarily took him out of that.
“It was one of those things that reminded me again that she’s not here anymore,” Cochran said. “I went inside the locker room and couldn’t think about football anymore.
“It was hard to leave the locker room. It was probably the first time since I’ve been coaching football where football became very small to me.”
As halftime came to an end, Cashion head coach Lynn Shackelford and assistant D.L. Robertson told Cochran it was time to head back out.
“Something came over me and I got up and went out there and coached,” Cochran said. “It took a couple of minutes into the half for me to get back into football mode.”
Cashion eventually won the game 28-7 as the Wildcats pulled away in the fourth quarter.
“Man they’re a great team,” Kelley said. “That was such a great test for us and I just hope we get a chance to do it again in the playoffs.”
Cochran later had the time to truly let it soak in what Kelley had done in the heat of battle.
“There’s an 18-year-old kid going through a big game and he had the gumption to come up and say that to me.
“That shows the kind of kid he is.”
“Absolutely he is,” said Rob Friesen, the first-year Thomas superintendent who spent the previous seven years as superintendent at Okarche.
“He is as good as they get.”
Cochran chronicled the interaction the next day on social media.
“Although it hit me pretty hard where I was reminded yet again that I’ll never see her again…I was absolutely impressed with this young kid’s actions. I have always heard how great of a kid he is, but I sure am thankful he came up and said those nice words. He is an 18-year-old kid who was brought up to respect and support people going through a hard time,” Cochran wrote.
The Facebook and Twitter posts received tons of interactions.
“It’s cool to see how you reach and touch people like that,” Kelley said. “I didn’t want it to blow up. I was just trying to do the right thing.”
The right thing meant a lot to Cochran.
“It was a reminder that she’s not here, but also a nice reminder that people are thinking of me,” he said.
Life went on for Kelley this week and it’s a busy one.
On Thursday alone he had school, football practice, a team meal, an FFA meeting (he’s the chapter’s vice president) and then he helped his classmates work on their homecoming parade float.
Although his actions on Sept. 14 will stick with people for a long time, he didn’t feel it was out of the ordinary.
“There’s a bigger picture,” he said. “The good Lord has a plan for us all and I believe you have to stick to that.
“And I just wanted (Coach Cochran) to know he had my support.”
Week 3 Picks
| 
Ben Johnson
Last week…
Michael Swisher: 10-2
Ben Johnson: 10-2
Whitt Carter: 9-3
Overall
Swisher & Ben: 28-8
….
….
Whitt: 24-12
Week 3 games
Metro Christian at Holland Hall
Jones at Lincoln Christian
Thomas at Cashion
Heritage Hall at John Marshall
Cherokee at Shattuck
Booker T at McGuinness
Muskogee at Coweta
Noble at Piedmont
Clinton at Millwood
Beggs at Chandler
Alex at Davenport
Pond Creek at Medford
Norman North at Yukon
Berryhill at Cushing
Our picks….
Whitt
Holland Hall
LIncoln
Cashion
Heritage Hall
Shattuck
Booker T
Muskogee
Piedmont
Clinton
Chandler
Davenport
Pond Creek
Norman North
Berryhill
Swisher
Holland Hall
Lincoln
Cashion
Heritage Hall
Shattuck
Booker T
Muskogee
Piedmont
Clinton
Beggs
Davenport
Pond Creek
Norman North
Berryhill
Ben
Holland Hall
Lincoln Christian
Cashion
Heritage Hall
Shattuck
Bishop McGuinness
Muskogee
Piedmont
Clinton
Beggs
Davenport
PC-Hunter
Yukon
Berryhill
Week 1 - OKpreps Standouts
| Ben Johnson
Top performers
Dewar
Joey Fowler - Passing 20 of 22 for 252 yards and 4 TD’s 0 int’s / Rushing 19 for 156 yards and 1 TD / 11 tackles on defense
Vian
Javyn Wright - 24 rushes 249 yards 3 tds / 1 passing td
Grove
Emmanuel Crawford - 29 rushes, 197 yards, 1 TD / 2 receptions, 33 yards
Lawton Mac
Nasir Kemper - 4TDs / Kickoff return TD / 98 yard TD run / 2 yard TD run / 21 yard TD reception / 250+ all purpose yards
Tonkawa
Tristan Burdick - 231 yds on 15 carries for 4 tds
Kellyville
Trevor Jones - 19 carries for 236 yds and 3 tds
Durant
Fransisco Avila - 19 rushes, 332 yards, 5 TDs
Stillwater
Qwontrel Walker - 29 carries, 228 yards, 5 TDs
Chelsea
Cash Ramsey - 23 carries, 300 yards, 4 TDs
Bixby
Mason Williams - 26/40 passing, 5 TDs, 231 yds
Honor roll
McLoud
Clint Campbell - Soph. RB - 15 carries for 121 yards, 2-TD’s, 2-2 pt. conv.
3 catches for 67 yards. 1 TD
Holland Hall
Owen Ostroski: 9 solo tackles/2 assisted/6.5 for loss/ 4 QB hurries/2 sacks/ 1 forced fumble
Depew
Tavin Hunt - 10 carries 117 yards and 2 rushing TDs. 2 catches for 25 yards. 15 tackles and 2 picks (1 being a pick 6)
Tulsa Memorial
Elvis Grayson: Senior - 2 rushing TDs / 1 catch for a 2pt Conv. / 8 Tackles 1 TFL
Scored 14 of team’s 15 points
He helped stop Central on 4th and inches late in the fourth quarter and got the first down to seal the game!
Inola
Landon Prows was 20-33 for 345 yards, 3 td's and 0 picks.
Gavin Williams caught 4 passes for 165 and 2 td's.
Thomas
Ethan Hamberlin 15 carries 211 yards 2 TD
Jayce Miller 8 tackles- Int- blocked punt
Cache
Hunter Tate. 6 carries 118 yards 2TDs, 2 receptions 63 yds 1TD / 7 Tackles / He only played first half
Dewar
Ty Whitlow - 11 catches for 193 yards and 3 TD’s
Lawton
Christian Houston - 20 carries 150 yards 2 tds
Ardmore
Anton Scallion - 16 carries for 190 yards & 3 TDs
Wagoner
Braden Drake - 159 yards on 18 carries with 2 tds. Also had 8 tackles
Isaac Smith - 8 tackles, 3 sacks, and a fumble recovery
Christian Heritage
Kye Davis - 10/17 passing, 262yds. 3 TDS and 1 int / 3 carries, 47 yds
Cade Hale - 5 receptions, 186 yds, 1 TD / 4 tackles
Cashion
Brexton Green - 7-198-4TDs receiving
Purcell
Sam Wofford - 12 tackles, 1 sack
Kody Kroth - 19-34 for 339 2tds no Ints
Crescent
Hunter Wilmoth - 10 rushes 150 yds 3 rushing td. 1 passing td
Chandler
Casmen Hill - 10 carries for 143 yds, 2 TD / 95 yard kick return for a TD / 4 receptions for 53 yds
Frederick
Adrian Gaytan - 9-14 passing, 167 yds 2 td’s
Pawnee
Trevor Mitchell - 19 rushes, 144 yards, 1 TD
Blake Skidgel - 20 rushes, 109 yards, 3 TDs
Carl Albert
Noah Dobson (offensive tackle) - Coaching staff graded him at a 90 percent
Antlers
Isaac Sorrells - Kick return for a TD / Rushing TD / two 2pt conversions / 48 yards receiving / 12 tackles
Grove
Greg McCurdy - 4 catches, 124 yards, 2 TDs
Weatherford
Sam Hoffman - 14 carries 174yds 4 TD’s / 7 tackles
Piedmont
Caden Hendren - 3 catches for 100 yards 2 TDS / 11 tackles on defense.
Collinsville
Oscar Hammond (WR/FS Junior) - 3 catches for 119, 2tds / 6 tackles
Verdigris
Alec James - 117 rushing yards and 2 TD / 40 receiving yards and 1 TD / 4 tackles
Checotah
Dontierre Fisher - 11 carries 156 yards, 3 tds
Washington
Luke Hendrix - 4 receptions 132 yards and 2 td
Atoka
Andrew McCall - 3 carries 158 yards rushing, two touchdowns
Salina
Jack Wilkins soph QB - 17 carries 157 yds rushing long of 66, 2 TD, 1 pass TD
Skiatook
Jace Woodrow (Corner) - 2 interceptions, 1 pick 6, 4 tackles.
Barnsdall
Hunter Auschwitz - 13 carries, 128 yards, 3 TDs / 4 tackles, 1 sack
Carson Auschwitz - 12 tackles, 5 for loss / 1 rush, 25 yards / 5 catches, 38 yards
Enid
Nate Gamble - 5 pancake blocks after rehabbing sprained ankle all week long
Porter
Caleb Brewer - 14 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
East Central
Cunu Fields - 6/10 passing, 241 yards, 5 TDs + 1 67-yard rushing TD
Stigler
Ridge McClary - 14 rushes, 115 yds, 1 TD
Bruce Engle - 12 tackles, 2 sacks
Chelsea
William Hampton - 4/9 passing, 63 yards, 2 TDs + 12 rushes, 121 yards, 2 TDs
Tahlequah
Malik McMurtrey - 26 rushes, 135 yards, 1 TD
Have a player of the week candidate? Let us know. Email Ben Johnson at benjohnsontdp@gmail.com
**PHOTO CREDIT - JASON ELMQUIST - STILLWATER NEWSPRESS
WEEK 7 RANKINGS
| Ben Johnson
(____) - previous rank
Class 6AI
1. Owasso (1) - 6-02. Broken Arrow (2) - 5-1
3. Jenks (3) - 3-3
4. Union (4) - 2-4
5. Norman (5) - 5-1
6. PC North (4) - 5-1
7. Moore (8) - 4-2
8. Westmoore (7) - 5-1
9. Mustang (9) - 4-2
10. Edmond Santa Fe (10) - 4-2
Class 6AII
1. Bixby (1) - 6-02. Stillwater (2) - 6-0
3. Del City (3) - 5-1
4. Muskogee (4) - 6-0
5. Booker T. Washington (7) - 3-3
6. Midwest City (9) - 3-3
7. Choctaw (6) - 3-3
8. Ponca City (8) - 3-3
9. Deer Creek (10) - 3-3
10. Bartlesville (NR) - 1-5
Class 5A
1. Bishop McGuinness (1) - 5-12. Carl Albert (2) - 5-1
3. Edison (3) - 5-1
4. Tahlequah (4) - 6-0
5. Piedmont (6) - 5-1
6. Noble (7) - 5-1
7. El Reno (8) - 5-1
8. Collinsville (5) - 4-2
9. Duncan (9) - 4-1
10. Pryor (10) - 5-1
Class 4A
1. Bethany (1) - 6-02. Wagoner (3) - 5-1
3. Tuttle (2) - 5-1
4. Poteau (4) - 5-1
5. Bristow (5) - 5-1
6. Clinton (6) - 4-2
7. Broken Bow (7) - 5-1
8. Weatherford (8) - 4-2
9. Cache (10) - 4-2
10. Central (9) - 5-1
Class 3A
1. Heritage Hall (1) - 5-02. Lincoln Christian (2) - 6-0
3. Plainview (3) - 4-1
4. Berryhill (4) - 6-0
5. Sulphur (5) - 6-0
6. John Marshall (6) - 5-1
7. Perkins-Tryon (7) - 5-1
8. Checotah (10) - 5-1
9. Idabel (NR) - 5-1
10. Lone Grove (8) - 5-1
Class 2A
1. Metro Christian (1) - 6-02. Sperry (2) - 6-0
3. Vian (3) - 5-1
4. Holland Hall (5) - 5-1
5. Washington (6) - 6-0
6. Jones (7) - 5-1
7. Beggs (8) - 5-1
8. Millwood (4) - 4-2
9. Kingston (9) - 5-1
10. Adair (10) - 5-1
Class A
1. Cashion (1) - 6-02. Stroud (2) - 6-0
3. Pawhuska (3) - 7-0
4. Rejoice Christian (4) - 6-0
5. Thomas (5) - 5-1
6. Pawnee (6) - 6-0
7. Minco (7) - 7-0
8. Ringling (NR) - 5-1
9. Gore (NR) - 6-1
10. Hobert (NR) - 4-1
Class B
1. Shattuck (1) - 6-02. Regent Prep (2) - 6-0
3. Dewar (3) - 6-0
4. Burns Flat-Dill City (4) - 5-1
5. Laverne (5) - 5-1
6. Weleetka (6) - 4-2
7. Cherokee (7) - 5-1
8. Davenport (8) - 5-1
9. Canadian (9) - 6-0
10. Seiling (10) - 5-1
Class C
1. Southwest Covenant (1) - 5-02. Pond Creek-Hunter (2) - 6-0
3. Covington-Douglas (3) - 5-2
4. Maysville (4) - 5-0
5. Midway (6) - 7-0
6. Coyle (5) - 4-2
7. Graham-Dustin (8) - 4-1
8. Tyrone (7) - 4-2
9. Waynoka (NR) - 4-2
10. Sasakwa (NR) - 5-1
WEEK 6 Rankings
| Ben Johnson
(__) - previous rank
Class 6AI
1. Owasso (1) - 5-0
2. Broken Arrow (2) - 4-1
3. Jenks (4) - 2-3
4. PC North (5) - 5-0
5. Union (3) - 1-4
6. Norman (6) - 4-1
7. Westmoore (7) - 5-0
8. Moore (8) - 3-2
9. Mustang (10) - 3-2
10. Edmond Santa Fe (9) - 3-2
Class 6AII
1. Bixby (1) - 5-0
2. Stillwater (2) - 5-0
3. Del City (4) - 4-1
4. Muskogee (6) - 5-0
5. Sapulpa (5) - 4-1
6. Choctaw (7) - 3-2
7. Booker T. Washington (3) - 2-3
8. Ponca City (10) - 3-2
9. Midwest City (8) - 2-3
10. Deer Creek (NR) - 3-2
Class 5A
1. Bishop McGuinness (2) - 4-1
2. Carl Albert (2) - 4-1
3. Edison (3) - 4-1
4. Tahlequah (5) - 5-0
5. Collinsville (6) - 4-1
6. Piedmont (10) - 4-1
7. Noble (NR) - 4-1
8. El Reno (7) - 4-1
9. Duncan (8) - 3-1
10. Pryor (9) - 4-1
Class 4A
1. Bethany (1) - 5-0
2. Tuttle (2) - 5-0
3. Wagoner (3) - 4-1
4. Poteau (5) - 4-1
5. Bristow (6) - 4-1
6. Clinton (3-2
7. Broken Bow (7) - 4-1
8. Weatherford (4) - 3-2
9. Central (9) - 5-0
10. Cache (10) - 3-2
Class 3A
1. Heritage Hall (1) - 4-0
2. Lincoln Christian (2) - 5-0
3. Plainview (3) - 3-1
4. Berryhill (5) - 5-0
5. Sulphur (6) - 5-0
6. John Marshall (4) - 4-1
7. Perkins-Tryon (7) - 5-0
8. Lone Grove (8) - 5-0
9. Stigler (10) - 4-1
10. Checotah (NR) - 4-1
Class 2A
1. Metro Christian (1) - 5-0
2. Sperry (2) - 5-0
3. Vian (3) - 4-1
4. Millwood (4) - 4-1
5. Holland Hall (5) - 4-1
6. Washington (6) - 5-0
7. Jones (7) - 4-1
8. Beggs (8) - 4-1
9. Kingston (9) - 4-1
10. Adair (10) - 4-1
Class A
1. Cashion (1) - 5-0
2. Stroud (2) - 5-0
3. Pawhuska (3) - 6-0
4. Rejoice Christian (4) - 5-0
5. Thomas (5) - 5-1
6. Pawnee (6) - 5-0
7. Minco (7) - 6-0
8. Christian Heritage (8) - 4-1
9. Mangum (NR) - 5-0
10. Dibble (NR) - 5-1
Class B
1. Shattuck (1) - 5-0
2. Regent Prep (2) - 5-0
3. Dewar (5) - 5-0
4. Burns Flat-Dill City (6) - 4-1
5. Laverne (7) - 4-1
6. Weleetka (8) - 3-2
7. Cherokee (3) - 4-1
8. Davenport (4) - 4-1
9. Canadian (9) - 5-0
10. Seiling (NR) - 5-1
Class C
1. Southwest Covenant (1) - 4-0
2. Pond Creek-Hunter (2) - 5-0
3. Covington-Douglas (4) - 4-2
4. Maysville (5) - 4-0
5. Coyle (6) - 4-1
6. Midway (7) - 6-0
7. Tyrone (3) - 4-1
8. Graham-Dustin (9) - 3-1
9. Boise City (8) - 4-1
10. Sharon-Mutual (NR) - 3-2
*Photo by Trey Hunter/Piedmont Gazette
Week 5 rankings
| Ben Johnson
(___) - previously ranked
Class 6AI
1. Owasso (1) - 4-02. Broken Arrow (2) - 3-1
3. Union (3) - 1-3
4. Jenks (4) - 1-3
5. PC North (5) - 4-0
6. Norman (6) - 4-0
7. Westmoore (7) - 4-0
8. Moore (9) - 2-2
9. Edmond Santa Fe (10) - 3-1
10. Mustang (8) - 2-2
Class 6AII
1. Bixby (1) - 4-02. Stillwater (2) - 4-0
3. Booker T. Washington (4) - 2-2
4. Del City (5) - 3-1
5. Sapulpa (3) - 3-1
6. Muskogee (7) - 4-0
7. Choctaw (6) - 2-2
8. Midwest City (9) - 2-2
9. Lawton (8) - 3-1
10. Ponca City (10) - 2-2
Class 5A
1. Carl Albert (1) - 4-02. Bishop McGuinness (2) - 3-1
3. Edison (4) - 3-1
4. Bishop Kelley (5) - 2-2
5. Tahlequah (6) - 4-0
6. Collinsville (7) - 3-1
7. El Reno (8) - 4-0
8. Duncan (3) - 2-1
9. Pryor (9) - 3-1
10. Piedmont (NR) - 3-1
Class 4A
1. Bethany (1) - 4-0
2. Tuttle (2) - 4-0
3. Wagoner (3) - 3-1
4. Weatherford (5) - 3-1
5. Poteau (6) - 3-1
6. Bristow (7) - 3-1
7. Broken Bow (8) - 3-1
8. Clinton (4) - 2-2
9. Central (NR) - 4-0
10. Cache (NR) - 2-2
Class 3A
1. Heritage Hall (1) - 3-02. Lincoln Christian (2) - 4-0
3. Plainview (3) - 2-1
4. John Marshall (4) - 4-0
5. Berryhill (5) - 4-0
6. Sulphur (6) - 4-0
7. Perkins-Tryon (7) - 4-0
8. Lone Grove (8) - 4-0
9. Seminole (NR) - 3-1
10. Stigler (9) - 3-1
Class 2A
1. Metro Christian (1) - 4-02. Sperry (2) - 4-0
3. Vian (3) - 3-1
4. Millwood (4) - 3-1
5. Holland Hall (5) - 3-1
6. Washington (6) - 4-0
7. Jones (7) - 3-1
8. Beggs (9) - 3-1
9. Kingston (10) - 3-1
10. Adair (8) - 4-0
Class A
1. Cashion (1) - 4-02. Stroud (2) - 4-0
3. Pawhuska (3) - 5-0
4. Rejoice Christian (4) - 4-0
5. Thomas (6) - 4-1
6. Pawnee (8) - 4-0
7. Minco (9) - 5-0
8. Christian Heritage (7) - 4-1
9. Colcord (10) - 4-0
10. Tonkawa (5) - 4-1
Class B
1. Shattuck (1) - 4-02. Regent Prep (2) - 4-0
3. Cherokee (3) - 4-0
4. Davenport (4) - 3-1
5. Dewar (5) - 4-0
6. Burns Flat-Dill City (7) - 3-1
7. Laverne (8) - 3-1
8. Weleetka (6) - 2-2
9. Canadian (9) - 4-0
10. Snyder (NR) - 4-0
Class C
1. Southwest Covenant (1) - 3-02. Pond Creek-Hunter (2) - 4-0
3. Tyrone (4) - 4-0
4. Covington-Douglas (5) - 3-2
5. Maysville (6) - 4-0
6. Coyle (7) - 3-1
7. Midway (8) - 5-0
8. Boise City (9) - 4-0
9. Graham-Dustin (10) - 3-1
10. Buffalo (3) - 3-1
WEEK 4 PICKS
| Ben Johnson
Swisher is still in the lead, and blah blah blah. Whitt and I need to step it up
Week 3 picks
Michael Swisher - 9-6
Whitt Carter - 12-3
Ben Johnson - 13-2
Overall standings
Michael Swisher - 46-13
Whitt Carter - 41-18
Ben Johnson - 43-16
Broken Arrow at Jenks
Swisher: Broken Arrow
Whitt: Broken Arrow
Ben: Broken Arrow
Union at Owasso
Swisher: Owasso
Whitt: Owasso
Ben: Owasso
Del City at Choctaw
Swisher: Del City
Whitt: Del City
Ben: Del City
Sapulpa at Bixby
Swisher: Bixby
Whitt: Bixby
Ben: Bixby
Claremore at Collinsville
Swisher: Claremore
Whitt: Collinsville
Ben: Claremore
Elgin at Weatherford
Swisher: Elgin
Whitt: Elgin
Ben: Weatherford
Bethel at Sulphur
Swisher: Sulphur
Whitt: Sulphur
Ben: Sulphur
Cascia Hall at Verdigris
Swisher: Verdigris
Whitt: Cascia Hall
Ben: Verdigris
Lincoln Christian at Stigler
Swisher: Lincoln Christian
Whitt: Lincoln Christian
Ben: Lincoln Christian
Metro Christian at Adair
Swisher: Metro Christian
Whitt: Metro Christian
Ben: Metro Christian
Morris at Beggs
Swisher: Beggs
Whitt: Beggs
Ben: Beggs
Vian at Spiro
Swisher: Vian
Whitt: Vian
Ben: Vian
Barnsdall at Pawhuska
Swisher: Pawhuska
Whitt: Pawhuska
Ben: Pawhuska
Christian Heritage at Cashion
Swisher: Cashion
Whitt: Cashion
Ben: Cashion
Hooker at Thomas
Swisher: Thomas
Whitt: Thomas
Ben: Hooker
Tonkawa at Pawnee
Swisher: Tonkawa
Whitt: Tonkawa
Ben: Pawnee
Weleetka at Dewar
Swisher: Dewar
Whitt: Weleetka
Ben: Dewar
Buffalo at Boise City
Swisher: Boise City
Whitt: Buffalo
Ben: Boise City
Graham Dustin at Midway
Swisher: Midway
Whitt: Graham-Dustin
Ben: Midway
Seiling at Cherokee
Swisher: Cherokee
Whitt: Cherokee
Ben: Cherokee
**Photo by David Stacy
WHAT WE'VE LEARNED SO FAR
| Ben Johnson
It’s time for most teams to embark on district games. Let’s take a look at what’s become apparent so far…
Mansfield, Texas teams stink
Everyone hypes up Texas football, but wow, the teams in Mansfield are ……. ungood. I mean, sure, Union lost in one of the only competitive games between five Oklahoma teams and the Mansfield clubs. But I watched Mansfield Legacy with my own eyes, and I watched Jenks to shove it down their throat all game long. That’s all I needed to know about the caliber of teams down there.
6AI runs through Owasso (so far)
We’ll find out who the best team is in 6AI-2 on Friday night, but it appears as though Owasso is on track for its second title in three years. And hot take: If Blankenship wins another title at Owasso, he becomes the best high school football coach this state has ever seen.
Bixby might be the best team in the state
Notice above I said “6AI-2” because the state’s best team could be in 6A Division II. Bixby is that good. If you’ve never watched Brennan Presley or any of his superstar teammates in Bixby, do yourself a favor and go see them before the Spartans’ season ends in another 6AII championship game.
Bishop Kelley has had the worst injury luck so far
The Comets had a chance to stand toe to toe with Carl Albert in Class 5A. Then Bishop Kelley lost defensive lineman Montrell Cozart, receiver Cori Lewis and Oklahoma State commit Zach Middleton to various injuries. Now Bishop Kelley will have to dig deep and grind its way through District 5A-3 until Lewis and Middleton maybe (possibly) come back.
We need to start using common sense when it comes to weather
One coach texted me and was pissed about a having a game cut short due to weather to close out non-district play. Someone happened to let the officials know that lightning was 32 -- THIRTY-TWO -- miles away. That’s outrageous. Look, I get it, safety is the name of the game. But let’s use some common sense. We all live in Oklahoma; we all know how to read radars. Just because you see lightning doesn’t always mean there’s imminent danger. Take the 6AI title game last year …. We endured a long delay and were just about to get back to the game when a stray lightning strike flashed east of Tulsa. There was no chance it was coming back toward Chapman Stadium, and yet, the clock was reset to 30 minutes before teams could warm up. All I’m asking for is some common sense to be applied.
Sam Brandt & Asher Link need to be getting more attention
Mason Williams is putting up silly numbers at Bixby, but there’s plenty of QB talent around. Sam Brandt is a menace on both sides of the ball for Bethany, and Asher Link has Metro Christian in position to be the favorite in 2A. More college coaches should be taking notice in these guys.
Dorian Plumley could lead El Reno to special things
If El Reno’s junior quarterback were two inches taller, college coaches would be knocking down his door. Some things never change on the recruiting trail.
Dae Dae Leathers might be the best RB you don’t know about
Dominic Richardson, Sevion Morrison, Qwontrel Walker and Tristan Truelove are notable running backs in this state, but Leathers is putting up solid numbers every week in far eastern Oklahoma.
Bristow & Mannford have a fantastic rivalry trophy
The Battle for the Boat trophy played for between the two Keystone Lake rivals KICKS ASS!
Heritage Hall remains good
Take a moment, allow the shock to wear off. OK, let’s continue….
Mike Snyder is about to be the king of coaching in Oklahoma
Might not be another guy in the state who remains so quiet and just continues to get the job done. And he’s a win shy of tying the state’s record for all-time coaching wins.
Classes 2A & A are extremely deep
As many as a dozen teams (if not more) could win the gold balls in 2A or A.
A really good team from District A-5 will miss the playoffs
Pawhuska, Barnsdall, Pawnee and Tonkawa are all unbeaten. Hominy is 3-1 and Morrison is 2-2. Only four of these teams will escape A-5 and venture into the playoffs. Buckle up!
WEEK 4 RANKINGS
| Ben Johnson
(____) - previous rank
Week 3 scoreboard
6AI
6AII
5A
4A
3A
2A
A
B
C
Class 6AI
1. Owasso (1) - 3-0
2. Broken Arrow (2) - 2-1
3. Union (3) - 1-2
4. Jenks (4) - 1-2
5. PC North (5) - 3-0
6. Norman (6) - 3-0
7. Westmoore (7) - 3-0
8. Mustang (8) - 2-1
9. Moore (9) - 1-2
10. Edmond Santa Fe (10) - 2-1
Class 6AII
1. Bixby (1) - 3-0
2. Stillwater (2) - 3-0
3. Sapulpa (3) - 3-0
4. Booker T. Washington (4) - 1-2
5. Del City (6) - 2-1
6. Choctaw (5) - 2-1
7. Muskogee (7) - 3-0
8. Lawton (9) - 3-0
9. Midwest City (8) - 1-2
10. Ponca City (10) - 2-1
Class 5A
1. Carl Albert (1) - 3-0
2. Bishop McGuinness (2) - 2-1
3. Duncan (3) - 2-0
4. Edison (4) - 2-1
5. Bishop Kelley (5) - 1-2
6. Tahlequah (6) - 3-0
7. Collinsville (7) - 2-1
8. El Reno (NR) - 3-0
9. Pryor (NR) - 2-1
10. Claremore (8) - 1-2
Class 4A
1. Bethany (1) - 3-0
2. Tuttle (2) - 3-0
3. Wagoner (3) - 2-1
4. Clinton (4) - 2-1
5. Weatherford (5) - 2-1
6. Poteau (7) - 2-1
7. Bristow (8) - 2-1
8. Broken Bow (9) - 2-1
9. Elgin (10) - 1-1
10. Hilldale (NR) - 2-1
Class 3A
1. Heritage Hall (1) - 2-0
2. Lincoln Christian (2) - 3-0
3. Plainview (3) - 1-1
4. John Marshall (4) - 3-0
5. Berryhill (5) - 3-0
6. Sulphur (6) - 3-0
7. Perkins-Tryon (7) - 3-0
8. Lone Grove (9) - 3-0
9. Stigler (10) - 3-0
10. Kingfisher (8) - 1-2
Class 2A
1. Metro Christian (1) - 3-0
2. Sperry (2) - 3-0
3. Vian (4) - 2-1
4. Millwood (5) - 2-1
5. Holland Hall (3) - 2-1
6. Washington (7) - 3-0
7. Jones (9) - 2-1
8. Adair (10) - 3-0
9. Beggs (6) - 2-1
10. Kingston (8) - 2-1
Class A
1. Cashion (1) - 3-0
2. Stroud (2) - 3-0
3. Pawhuska (3) - 4-0
4. Rejoice Christian (4) - 3-0
5. Tonkawa (5) - 4-0
6. Thomas (6) - 3-1
7. Christian Heritage (7) - 4-0
8. Pawnee (8) - 3-0
9. Minco (9) - 4-0
10. Colcord (NR) - 3-0
Class B
1. Shattuck (1) - 3-0
2. Regent Prep (2) - 3-0
3. Cherokee (3) - 3-0
4. Davenport (4) - 2-1
5. Dewar (7) - 3-0
6. Weleetka (8) - 2-1
7. Burns Flat-Dill City (NR) - 3-1
8. Laverne (5) - 2-1
9. Canadian (NR) - 3-0
10. Seiling (NR) - 4-0
Class C
1. Southwest Covenant (1) - 2-0
2. Pond Creek-Hunter (2) - 3-0
3. Buffalo (3) - 3-0
4. Tyrone (4) - 3-0
5. Covington-Douglas (5) - 2-2
6. Maysville (7) - 3-0
7. Coyle (8) - 2-1
8. Midway (9) - 4-0
9. Boise City (10) - 3-0
10. Graham-Dustin (NR) - 3-0
**Photo credit: Von Castor / Von Castor Photography
WEEK 3 Rankings
| Ben Johnson
(___) - previous rank
Week 2 scoreboard
6AI
6AII
5A
4A
3A
2A
A
B
C
Class 6AI
1. Owasso (2)
2. Broken Arrow (1)
3. Union (3)
4. Jenks (4)
5. PC North (5)
6. Norman (6)
7. Westmoore (8)
8. Mustang (9)
9. Moore (10)
10. Edmond Santa Fe (7)
Class 6AII
1. Bixby (1)
2. Stillwater (2)
3. Sapulpa (3)
4. Booker T. Washington (3)
5. Choctaw (6)
6. Del City (4)
7. Muskogee (8)
8. Midwest City (7)
9. Lawton (9)
10. Ponca City (NR)
Class 5A
1. Carl Albert (1)
2. Bishop McGuinness (2)
3. Duncan (4)
4. Edison (5)
5. Bishop Kelley (3)
6. Tahlequah (7)
7. Collinsville (6)
8. Claremore (8)
9. Noble (10)
10. Lawton MacArthur (NR)
Class 4A
1. Bethany (1)
2. Tuttle (5)
3. Wagoner (2)
4. Clinton (3)
5. Weatherford (4)
6. Blanchard (6)
7. Poteau (8)
8. Bristow (7)
9. Broken Bow (9)
10. Elgin (NR)
Class 3A
1. Heritage Hall (1)
2. Lincoln Christian (2)
3. Plainview (3)
4. John Marshall (5)
5. Berryhill (4)
6. Sulphur (6)
7. Perkins-Tryon (8)
8. Kingfisher (9)
9. Lone Grove (NR)
10. Stigler (NR)
Class 2A
1. Metro Christian (1)
2. Sperry (2)
3. Holland Hall (4)
4. Vian (3)
5. Millwood (5)
6. Beggs (6)
7. Washington (7)
8. Kingston (8)
9. Jones (9)
10. Adair (10)
Class A
1. Cashion (1)
2. Stroud (2)
3. Pawhuska (4)
4. Rejoice Christian (5)
5. Tonkawa (6)
6. Thomas (3)
7. Christian Heritage (7)
8. Pawnee (9)
9. Minco (10)
10. Morrison (8)
Class B
1. Shattuck (1)
2. Regent Prep (2)
3. Cherokee (3)
4. Davenport (4)
5. Laverne (5)
6. Keota (6)
7. Dewar (7)
8. Weleetka (8)
9. Snyder (9)
10. Seiling (NR)
Class C
1. Southwest Covenant (1)
2. Pond Creek-Hunter (2)
3. Buffalo (3)
4. Tyrone (5)
5. Covington-Douglas (4)
6. Tipton (6)
7. Maysville (7)
8. Coyle (8)
9. Midway (9)
10. Boise City (10)
Photo cred: Byron Beers/Tahlequah Daily Press
Week 2 rankings
| Ben Johnson
(__) - previous rank - Week 1 result
Class 6AI
1. Broken Arrow (1) - Beat Union, 14-0
2. Owasso (3) - Beat Fayetteville (Ark.), 51-19
3. Union (2) - Lost to Broken Arrow, 14-0
4. Jenks (4) - Lost to Bixby, 57-7
5. PC North (5) - Beat Putnam City, 50-0
6. Norman (6) - Beat Norman North, 31-24
7. Edmond Santa Fe (7) - Beat Edmond North, 41-14
8. Westmoore (9) - Beat Moore, 44-35
9. Mustang (10) - Beat Yukon, 38-0
10. Moore (8) - Lost to Westmoore, 44-35
Class 6AII
1. Bixby (1) - Beat Jenks, 57-7
2. Stillwater (2) - Beat Edmond Memorial, 42-7
3. Booker T. Washington (3) - Beat Bishop Kelley, 33-14
4. Del City (4) - Beat Bishop McGuinness, 20-17
5. Sapulpa (5) - Beat Edison, 21-13
6. Choctaw (7) - idle
7. Midwest City (6) - Lost to Carl Albert, 31-0
8. Muskogee (8) - Beat McAlester, 43-7
9. Lawton (9) - Beat Burkburnett (Texas), 56-21
10. Deer Creek (NR) - Beat Southmoore, 45-14
Class 5A
1. Carl Albert (1) - Beat Midwest City, 31-0
2. Bishop McGuinness (4) - Lost to Del City, 20-17
3. Bishop Kelley (2) - Lost to Booker T. Washington, 33-14
4. Duncan (7) - Beat Putnam West, 59-35
5. Edison (5) - Lost to Sapulpa, 21-13
6. Collinsville (3) - Lost to Oologah, 13-12
7. Tahlequah (8) - Beat Fort Gibson, 42-21
8. Claremore (10) - Beat Bartlesville, 40-28
9. Guthrie (6) - Lost to Shawnee, 33-23
10. Noble (NR) - Beat Newcastle, 41-12
Class 4A
1. Bethany (1) - Beat Elk City, 41-20
2. Wagoner (3) - Beat Coweta, 36-27
3. Clinton (4) - Beat Woodward, 49-14
4. Weatherford (5) - idle
5. Tuttle (6) - Beat Kingfisher, 41-18
6. Blanchard (2) - Lost to Elgin, 35-20
7. Bristow (7) - Beat Cushing, 19-16
8. Poteau (8) - Beat Durant, 40-13
9. Broken Bow (9) - Beat Idabel, 41-0
10. Cache (NR) - idle
Class 3A
1. Heritage Hall (1) - Beat Millwood, 34-0
2. Lincoln Christian (2) - Beat Jones, 49-14
3. Plainview (3) - bye
4. Berryhill (4) - Beat Mannford, 35-7
5. John Marshall (5) - Beat Classen SAS, 48-0
6. Sulphur (6) - Beat Madill, 49-21
7. Seminole (8) - Beat Harrah, 40-8
8. Perkins-Tryon (10) - Beat Hennessey, 35-0
9. Kingfisher (7) - Lost to Tuttle, 41-18
10. Cascia Hall (9) - Lost to Holland Hall, 28-7
Class 2A
1. Metro Christian (2) - idle
2. Sperry (3) - Beat Verdigris, 49-13
3. Vian (4) - Beat Eufaula, 14-2
4. Holland Hall (5) - Beat Cascia Hall, 28-7
5. Millwood (1) - Lost to Heritage Hall, 34-0
6. Beggs (7) - Beat Okmulgee, 39-0
7. Washington (8) - Beat Hobart, 42-7
8. Kingston (9) - Beat Hugo, 44-22
9. Jones (6) - Lost to Lincoln Christian, 49-14
10. Adair (NR) - Beat Commerce, 46-16
Class A
1. Cashion (1) - Beat Prague, 28-0
2. Stroud (2) - Beat Okemah, 40-38
3. Thomas (3) - Beat Newkirk, 41-0
4. Pawhuska (4) - Beat Okla. Union, 60-18
5. Rejoice Christian (5) - Beat Crossings Christian, 48-6
6. Tonkawa (6) - Beat Newkirk, 41-0
7. Christian Heritage (7) - Beat Mount Saint Mary, 30-7
8. Morrison (9) - Beat Crescent, 24-10
9. Pawnee (10) - idle
10. Minco (NR) - Beat Dibble, 14-6
Class B
1. Shattuck (1) - Beat Destiny Christian, 44-8
2. Regent Prep (2) - Beat Prue, 53-6
3. Cherokee (4) - Beat South Barber (Kan.), 44-8
4. Davenport (3) - Lost to Weleetka, 32-28
5. Laverne (5) - Beat Alex, 28-22
6. Keota (6) - idle
7. Dewar (7) - Beat Strother, 46-0
8. Weleetka (8) - Beat Davenport, 32-28
9. Snyder (9) - Beat Waukomis, 44-6
10. Wetumka (10) - Beat Depew, 40-6
Class C
1. SW Covenant (1) - Beat Central Marlow, 52-28
2. Pond Creek-Hunter (3) - Beat Kremlin-Hillsdale, 54-0
3. Buffalo (4) - Beat Medford, 40-12
4. Covington-Douglas (6) - Beat Garber, 64-62 (4OT)
5. Tyrone (8) - Beat Turpin, 56-22
6. Tipton (2) - Lost to Burns Flat-Dill City, 54-6
7. Maysville (NR) - Beat Paoli, 52-6
8. Coyle (5) - Lost to Pioneer, 48-20
9. Midway (NR) - Beat Gans, 64-48
10. Boise City (NR) - Beat Beaver, 48-0
Photo credit - David Stacy
Week 1 Player of the Week Poll
| Ben Johnson
FINALISTS
Cash Ramsey (Chelsea) - Sophomore tailback rushed for 276 yards and five touchdowns to propel the Green Dragons to a 52-13 victory over Ketchum. The win is Chelsea’s first since October of 2017.
Ben Webb (Southwest Covenant) - Senior quarterback completed 9 of 14 passes for 201 yards and four touchdowns. Also rushed for 57 yards and one touchdowns on four carries. On defense, Webb collected nine tackles, two tackles for loss, three pass breakups and one interception in the Patriots’ 52-28 win over Central Marlow.
Grant Elerick (Stroud) - Senior quarterback completed 24 of 40 passes for 369 yards and four touchdowns in the Tigers’ 40-38 victory over Okemah. Elerick completed the game-winning, 20-yard completion to Chasen Neuman with 12 seconds left on the clock.
Nate Anderson (Rejoice Christian) - Senior running back carried the ball 19 times for 284 yards and five touchdowns in the Eagles’ 48-6 victory over Crossings Christian.
Ethan Hamberlin (Thomas) - Senior tailback logged 28 carries for 276 yards and four touchdowns in the Terriers’ 33-26 victory over Alva.
Qwontrel Walker (Stillwater) - Junior running back amassed 262 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries in Stillwater’s 42-7 rout of Edmond Memorial.
Tyler Travis (Deer Creek) - Senior running back had 269 yards and four touchdowns on 20 carries for the Antlers in their 45-14 win over Southmoore.
Triston Truelove (Tuttle) - Senior tailback led the charge for the Tigers with 283 yards and four touchdowns on 36 carries in the Tigers’ 41-18 victory over Kingfisher.
Harvey Phillips (Mustang) - Senior tailback had 204 yards and three touchdowns on 13 carries in the Broncos’ 38-0 victory over rival Yukon.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Bixby
Mason Williams - 16/19, 291 yards, 4 TD
Brennan Presley - 4 catches, 144 yards, 2 TD // 3 INT on defense
Broken Arrow
Isaiah Keller - 3 catches, 148 yards, 1 TD
Owasso
Cole Dugger - 13/19, 220 yards, 3 TD
Booker T. Washington
Gentry Williams - Passed for 288 yards, ran for 71 yards, scored 5 TDs
Tahlequah
Dae Dae Leathers - 17 carries, 258 yards, 2 TD
Regent Prep
Braden Gilbert - 11/12 passing for 260 yards, 6 TD
Jack Wright - 5 receptions, 142 yards, 4 TD
Lincoln Christian
Chase Ricke - 15/20 passing for 194 yards, 4 TD & rushed for 85 yards
Lawton Mac
Racer Felter - 9/15 passing for 301 yards, 5 TD & rushed for 27 yards
Perry
Mason Drake - 29/55 for 360 yards, 4 TD
Weleetka
Brennon Lewis - Rushed for 263 yards and threw for 183 yards and 5 total TDs
Kingston
Bryant Watts - 13 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 INT on defense
Christian Heritage
Denver Rhymer - 10/16 passing for 231 yards, 2 TDs … rushed for 23 yards
Clinton
Isaac Tubbs - 6 carries, 155 yards, 3 TDs … returned a kickoff for a touchdown
Colcord
Blake Gonzales - 30 carries, 142 yards, 1 TD … also threw a 62-yard TD pass
Sulphur
Logan Smith - 13 carries, 132 yards, 3 TDs … 3 receptions for 74 yards, 1 TD
Dewar
Thomas Brownfield - 14 carries, 156 yards, 2 TDs … 6 tackles, 1 INT on defense
Lawton
Christian Houston - 26 carries, 191 yards, 2 TDs … 4 tackles, 1 sack on defense
Beggs
CJ Brown - 12 carries, 104 yards, 1 TD … a kickoff return for a TD
Vian
Solomon Wright - 12 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack
Mounds
Brody Rice - 5 catches for 24 yards, 1 TD … 4 punt returns for 103 yards and a TD … 35 net yards per punt … 12 tackles, 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss on defense
Minco
Parker Winters - 6 catches for 115 yards, 1 TD … 7 tackles, 1 INT on defense
Hooker
Cole Fischer - 9 carries, 134 yards, 2 TDs … 3 receptions for 44 yards, 2 TDs … 12 tackles on defense
Wyandotte
Ethan McLaughlin - 16/24 passing for 237 yards, 5 TDs … rushed for 34 yards
Morris
Kolby Adams - 255 rushing & 3 TDs … 103 passing yard & 1 TD
Tonkawa
Tristan Burdick - 17 carries, 3 TDs … one TD passing
Pauls Valley
Zane Weilenman - 19 carries, 135 yards, 2 TDs
Justin Humphrey - 2 interceptions, 8 tackles … 60-yard punt on special teams
Barnsdall
Heath Moles - 6 catches, 125. Yards 2 TDs … 6 tackles, 1 INT on defense
Purcell
Addison Love - 21 carries, 119 yards, 2 TDs
Antlers
Clancy Shoemake - 55-yard TD reception … interception on defense
Holland Hall
Owen Ostroski - 10 tackles, 1 sack on defense
Wallace Clark - 11/21 passing for 199 yards and 2 TDs … 1 INT on defense
Sperry
Kohlby Foster - 8 catches, 85 yards, 2 TDs … 80-yard punt return for a TD
Poteau
Easton Francis - 85 rushing yards, 2 TDs … 126 yards passing, 1 TD
Hilldale
Dylan Walker - 7 catches, 179 yards, 2 TDs
Melchesidech Porter - 5/5 passing for 45 yards, 1 TD … 7 carries, 150 yards, 3 TDs
Johnny Durrosett - 5/7 passing for 200 yards, 3 TDs
Victory Christian
Triton Chandler - 15/23 passing for 204 yards, 4 TDs
Skiatook
Coby Ervin - 7 tackles, 2 INTs on defense
Heritage Hall
Hardy Bowers - 12 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack
Meeker
Jacob Martin - 15 carries, 107 yards, 3 TDs … 13/22 passing for 175 yards
Wagoner
Chase Nanni - 7 catches, 132 yards, 2 TDs
Isaac Smith - 14 tackles, 2 sacks
Bethany
Ben Lawson - 6 catches, 133 yards, 2 TDs
Pawhuska
Cade McNeil - 4 receptions, 100 yards, 2 TDs … 14-yard rushing TD … 2 punt returns for 102 yards and 2 TDs
Hominy
Cliffy Hayes - 19 carries, 133 yards, 1 TD … 1 reception, 23 yards … 1/1 passing for 84 yards, 1 TD … 7 tackles on defense
Adair
Nate Ratcliff - 10/18 passing for 216 yards, 5 TDs
Duncan
Jai’vion Dangerfield - 6 catches, 180 yards, 3 TDs (in one half)
Jaxon Gregston - 20/23 passing for 396 yards, 5 TDs … 1 rushing TD (all in one half)
Shawnee
Demetrius Beavers - 17 carries, 143 yards, 1 TD
Claremore
Charlie Murdock - 19/28, 268 yards, 4 TDs … 7 rushes, 58 yards, 1 TD
CLASS PREVIEWS - 2A through C
| Ben Johnson
Rankings
2A
1. Millwood (1)
2. Metro Christian (2)
3. Sperry (3)
4. Vian (4)
5. Holland Hall (5)
6. Jones (6)
7. Beggs (7)
8. Washington (8)
9. Kingston (9)
10. Eufaula (10)
Class A
1. Cashion (1)
2. Stroud (2)
3. Thomas (3)
4. Pawhuska (4)
5. Rejoice Christian (5)
6. Tonkawa (6)
7. Christian Heritage (7)
8. Crossings Christian (9)
9. Morrison (10)
10. Pawnee (NR)
Class B
1. Shattuck (1)
2. Regent Prep (2)
3. Davenport (3)
4. Cherokee (4)
5. Laverne (5)
6. Keota (6)
7. Dewar (7)
8. Weleetka (8)
9. Snyder (9)
10. Wetumka (10)
Class C
1. SW Covenant (2)
2. Tipton (1)
3. Pond Creek-Hunter (3)
4. Buffalo (4)
5. Coyle (5)
6. Covington-Douglas (6)
7. Fox (7)
8. Tyrone (8)
9. Sharon-Mutual (9)
10. Medford (10)
Our best guess(es)…
Class 2A
Michael Swisher: Vian - I could be way off on this one, but I’m going with a wildcard. Sperry dominated everyone in the playoffs and will be salty on defense. Metro will have the flashy offense. Both of them are great picks. I’ll take Vian, which is a steady force year in and year out.
Whitt Carter: Metro Christian - This class is wide open. Millwood will certainly have a say and I think Jones and Adair will be very good by year’s end, but I’ll go with the Patriots, who have some key pieces back including quarterback Asher Link.
Ben Johnson: Metro Christian - If the Patriots’ defense is solid, Metro Christian could be hard to beat with Asher Link leading the charge.
Class A
Michael Swisher: Cashion - The Wildcats have been good - really good - some years, but so unlucky. Other years they’ve caught some breaks, but maybe weren’t as good as the best in the class. This could be the year for Shack and the ‘Cats. He returns 21 starters from a team that won the toughest district in the class a year ago and went unbeaten in the regular season. If they stay healthy and Harman is at least productive at QB, they’ll be tough to top.
Whitt Carter: Ringling - (from the editor’s desk)… Whitt originally had Cashion. Then he got some inside intel that Ringling is really good. That’s the pick.
Ben Johnson: Stroud - I’ll go with the Elerick family to get it done and win a title this season.
Class B
Michael Swisher: Regent Prep - It’s really tough to pick against Shattuck, which just knows how to win in November and December, including last year’s 42-26 victory over Regent in last year’s title game. However, nobody will put more talent on the field than Regent this year and it will equate into a state title.
Whitt Carter: Shattuck - If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I have learned in previous years to basically auto pick these guys to win it all. Although there are some teams that can challenge, it won’t be enough.
Ben Johnson: Regent Prep - (insert what Swisher said right here)
Class C
Michael Swisher: Tipton - See Class 5A and Class 3A. Not picking against Tipton. @me,
Whitt Carter: Southwest Covenant - Crazy not to go with Tipton, but the talent coming back on offense for SW Covenant is unreal. I think that’s enough to knock off the big bad Tigers and win it all.
Ben Johnson: SW Covenant - Tipton can’t win them all. Might as well go with the Patriots.
WEEK 1 RANKINGS
| Ben Johnson
Class 6AI
1. Broken Arrow (2)
2. Union (1)
3. Owasso (3)
4. Jenks (4)
5. PC North (5)
6. Norman (6)
7. Edmond Santa Fe (7)
8. Moore (8)
9. Westmoore (9)
10. Mustang (10)
Class 6AII
1. Bixby (1)
2. Stillwater (2)
3. Booker T. Washington (3)
4. Del City (4)
5. Sapulpa (5)
6. Midwest City (6)
7. Choctaw (7)
8. Muskogee (8)
9. Lawton (9)
10. Bartlesville (10)
Class 5A
1. Carl Albert (1)
2. Bishop Kelley (2)
3. Collinsville (3)
4. Bishop McGuinness (4)
5. Edison (5)
6. Guthrie (6)
7. Duncan (7)
8. Tahlequah (8)
9. Ardmore (9)
10. Claremore (10)
Class 4A
1. Bethany (1)
2. Blanchard (2)
3. Wagoner (3)
4. Clinton (4)
5. Weatherford (5)
6. Tuttle (6)
7. Bristow (7)
8. Poteau (8)
9. Broken Bow (9)
10. Cache (NR)
Class 3A
1. Heritage Hall (1)
2. Lincoln Christian (2)
3. Plainview (3)
4. Berryhill (4)
5. John Marshall (5)
6. Sulphur (6)
7. Kingfisher (7)
8. Seminole (8)
9. Cascia Hall (9)
10. Perkins-Tryon (10)
Class 2A
1. Millwood (1)
2. Metro Christian (2)
3. Sperry (3)
4. Vian (4)
5. Holland Hall (5)
6. Jones (6)
7. Beggs (7)
8. Washington (8)
9. Kingston (9)
10. Eufaula (10)
Class A
1. Cashion (1)
2. Stroud (2)
3. Thomas (3)
4. Pawhuska (4)
5. Rejoice Christian (5)
6. Tonkawa (6)
7. Christian Heritage (7)
8. Crossings Christian (9)
9. Morrison (10)
10. Pawnee (NR)
Class B
1. Shattuck (1)
2. Regent Prep (2)
3. Davenport (3)
4. Cherokee (4)
5. Laverne (5)
6. Keota (6)
7. Dewar (7)
8. Weleetka (8)
9. Snyder (9)
10. Wetumka (10)
Class C
1. SW Covenant (2)
2. Tipton (1)
3. Pond Creek-Hunter (3)
4. Buffalo (4)
5. Coyle (5)
6. Covington-Douglas (6)
7. Fox (7)
8. Tyrone (8)
9. Sharon-Mutual (9)
10. Medford (10)
*** Big thanks to Caleb Williams, whose work is the cover photo for this post. Check out his work here: https://www.photosbycaleb.com/
NEW PODCAST: Spring sports spotlight and much more
| Ben Johnson
It's hardware galore as spring sports wind down. Michael and Ben dissect baseball, slowpitch softball, golf, track & soccer as teams and individuals enter the final weekend of competition for this athletic season.
Find out which performances this spring have impressed the guys the most, and listen in as they give props to the outstanding offensive performances at the slowpitch state tournaments that happened to close out the school year.
All that, plus some coaching moves to mention, including Justin Brown filling the shoes left by Larry Callison at Tahlequah Sequoyah. And also some football recruiting tidbits.
Thanks as always for listening.
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK! Have a topic you'd like discussed, or have any questions for us, feel free to contact the show at:
EMAIL: ben@skordle.com
@michaelswisher & @benjohnsontul
CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEWS: CLASSES 2A, A & B
| Ben Johnson
When Sperry and Beggs met the first time this season, it was an extremely emotion affair. News broke the day before the two met that Beggs running back Kayson Tolliver has been gunned down in his bed.
It was as tragic as it gets.
But Beggs opted to play and honor the life that Tolliver had lived. The scene on the field was highly irregular, as Sperry quarterback Beau Teel tells it.
“I can remember being in eighth grade, and Sperry had a player pass away and we had to play Claremore Sequoyah and emotions were so high,” Teel recalled. “That’s how that game was against Beggs.
“Players were crying on the field and everything. Makes you realize that football isn’t the most important thing in the world.”
Now the two teams will meet again -- and emotions will be high again. This time, it’ll be for the Class 2A championship at Owasso Stadium on Thursday.
“It means a lot, but not just to me, but our team and town have been waiting for an opportunity like this for a long time,” Sperry’s Bryce Carter said. “We want to make the most of it.”
Third-ranked Beggs beat Sperry 35-21 on Nov. 2. The Pirates led 14-0 at halftime, but the Golden Demons went on a torrid rally in the second half, including scoring 28 points in the third quarter.
“Our first time playing Beggs made us realize that you have to play your best football for all four quarters,” Teel said. “Beggs is a great second half team that plays with a lot of heart. They know what it takes to win big games. We can not let up any this time around.”
For No. 5 Sperry, it’s the Pirates first appearance in a championship game since 1968. That’s created a considerable amount of buzz around the small town on the western edge of Tulsa County.
“The town is so excited to be in this game,” Teel said. “It’s been over 50 years since this town has been in the championship game, and it’s just really awesome. People we’ve never seen before have started coming out just to watch us play. It’s great.”