WEEK 3 Rankings

9/16/2019 |  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

9/8/2019 |  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

CLASS PREVIEWS - 2A through C

9/5/2019 |  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

9/1/2019 |  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/

PODCAST TIME! Wall to wall basketball and wrestling

2/28/2019 |  Ben Johnson

Medals and trophies have been handed out to wrestlers across the state. Now it’s time for basketball teams to start claiming hardware.

Ben and Michael dive into Class A & B state basketball tournaments on tap this week, and they guys also make their predictions in each class.

Ben breaks down what happened at the state wrestling tournament and some of the various highlights along the way. 

Also added a new segment where the guys named their MVPs of the week. Listen in and find out who they dubbed as last week’s MVPs.

All that leading up to Michael's interview with Okarche coach Ray West. You don't want to miss what West had to say.

Thanks for listening & enjoy!

Have any feedback? Email the show at ben@skordle.com

SKORDLE ALL-STATE: Small school team and top honors

1/11/2019 |  Ben Johnson

Putting together an All-State team sounds like fun and games, but when you start narrowing down the field, you hate yourself for leaving off a player here or a player there. Trust me when I say it was not pleasant leaving off guys like Lincoln Christian’s Chase Ricke, Metro Christian’s Asher Link or Fairview’s Kade Dillard on the small school All-State list.

For the small school team, it consists of players in Class 3A through Class C. Each class also had a designated Player of the Year, Offensive MVP and Defensive MVP.

The teams were chosen by those who covered high school football for Skordle all year long: Michael Swisher, Whitt Carter and myself (Ben Johnson).

And ps, there’s some hope in doing a podcast here before too long to discuss the thought process and how we ended up picking the teams. As for now, check out this year’s small school selections…

Class superlatives

Class 3A

Player of the Year: CONNER CAREY (Heritage Hall) - A receiver by trade throughout most of his varsity career, Carey was called upon to switch to running back for his senior season. And he passed the test with flying colors. At 5 feet, 11 inches and 195 pounds, Carey rushed for 1,844 yards and 32 touchdowns on 204 carries. While leading the Chargers to another championship, Carey accounted for 163 yards on the ground and five touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving). On offense, Carey finished with 2,002 yards rushing and 1,315 yards receiving and 48 combined touchdowns. Carey was also a key contributor on defense during his senior season with 57 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions.
Heritage Hall coach Brett Bogert: “Conner had one of the best individual all-around seasons by a Charger since I’ve been coaching here. He broke (Wes) Welker’s single-season touchdown record! It was awesome to watch him grow as a player and leader while excelling on the big stage this season. We will miss him.”

Offensive MVP: JETT STERNBERGER (Kingfisher) - Despite missing two games, the Yellowjackets quarterback propelled Kingfisher all the way to the 3A semifinals. Sternberger, little brother of Texas A&M star Jace Sternberger, crushed opponents on the ground and through the air during his senior campaign. He completed 180 of 270 passes for 2,411 yards and 33 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He also ran for 481 yards and 13 touchdowns on 127 carries.
Kingfisher coach Jeff Myers: “Jett has been a tremendous asset to us the last two years. His ability to run our offense has been a big reason for our success. Add in the injuries and changes we’ve endured at running back and offensive line, and his performances are even more impressive. We will certainly miss his presence as a player and a leader next year.”

Defensive MVP: TREY KISER (Sulphur) - One of the state’s best two-way players in 2018, Kiser was a standout at 6 feet, 200 pounds. On defense, Kiser racked up 131 tackles and eight sacks for a Sulphur defense that yielded only 16.9 points per game. Kiser was also one of the state’s best ball carriers with 2,572 yards and 39 touchdowns on 293 carries. He even set a new Sulphur record with 403 yards on just 15 carries in the Bulldogs’ win over rival Davis on Sept. 7.
Sulphur coach Jim Dixon: “He’s the best player I’ve ever coached. He’s truly as good as anyone I’ve ever coached. I’m really proud of the way he worked every year and his effort each day. And he was very, very blessed with a lot of ability. He’s a great kid and was a heck of a player.”

Class 2A

Player of the Year: BEAU TEEL (Sperry) - A two-year standout for the Pirates, Teel guided Sperry to its first-ever OSSAA championship without a blowout victory over Beggs. Along the way, the senior quarterback passed for 2,305 yards and 23 touchdowns while completing 133 of 233 passes. At 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Teel accounted for 31 tackles, two sacks and an interception at linebacker. He polished off his career with 10,046 total yards through the air (7,635) and on the ground (2,411).
Sperry coach Robert Park: “State champion quarterback for the Sperry Pirates. Nobody else can say that.”

Offensive MVP: RYAN JOHNSON (Metro Christian) - Was the closest thing to a 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver in Oklahoma during the 2018 season, right alongside Heritage Hall’s Billy Ross Jr. Johnson was a nightmare for opposing defenses with 2,036 yards and 28 touchdowns on 184 carries. He also hauled in 47 passes from quarterback Asher Link for 609 yards and five touchdowns. And just for the heck of it, he completed 4 of 5 passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson helped spark the Patriots to a 2A semifinal run, which ended with a loss to eventual runner-up Beggs.
Metro Christian coach Jared McCoy: “He’s a great player. His best games were against our best competition and he did whatever he had to do to help us win. He averaged over 100 yard rushing and 100 yards receiving in our four playoff games. His kind of stats are really difficult to attain while operating in a pass-first offense where our quarterback also led 11-man football in passing yards. Ryan also had two late interceptions against Broken Bow to help us win that game and a couple of key tackles on defense in the playoffs that helped us beat Jones and Washington. I’m most proud of the type of young man Ryan is. He’s a 4.0 student that’s loved by his teachers, coaches and fellow students. He’s extremely gifted, yet very grounded and humble for the way God has gifted him.”

Defensive MVP: RIVER SIMON (Vian) - Perhaps the hardest postseason superlative to hand out goes to a soon-to-be West Point cadet. The Army signee is another in a long line of Simon standouts at Vian. The 6-foot, 215-pound middle linebacker guided the Wolverines to the 2A quarterfinals, thanks to 128 tackles and eight sacks to cap off his senior season. “He was really, really good,” an opposing 2A coach said. “A great linebacker and one of the best tacklers I have seen.” On offense, he rushed for 466 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, and he even graded at 92 percent while blocking at tight end.
Vian coach Gary Willis: “Toughest- and hardest-working player that I’ve ever coached. He’s played through a lot of pain throughout his high school career.”

Class A

Player of the Year: ZACH HALE (Christian Heritage) - The Crusaders had themselves a solid regular season, and they capped it off with a win over Crescent to steal the No. 4 spot in District A-3. That’s when the real fun started for Christian Heritage. While captivating the state as postseason darlings, the Crusaders knocked off Ringling, Thomas, Stroud and Rejoice Christian on their way finishing as Class A runners-up to Tonkawa. And leading the charge was Hale, a two-way standout at quarterback and free safety. Hale finished the season with 2,638 yards and 33 touchdowns while completing 193 of 309 passes, and he also ran for 867 yards and 11 touchdowns. On defense, he amassed 202 tackles, including 73 in the playoffs. Hale also finished his senior season with one sack and eight interceptions.

Offensive MVP: JACOB BRUCE (Hulbert) - When you finish as the state’s leading rusher for a season, you’re probably due for some accolades. When you re-write the state’s record book for rushing yards, you’re guaranteed some postseason shine. And that’s what Bruce did in 2018, finishing his senior season with 3,268 yards and 41 touchdowns on 306 carries. He capped his career with 8,586 yards, which is 143 more than the previous record holder, Luther’s Larry Dupree (8,443). Bruce also scored on two kickoff returns this season while averaging 28.6 yards per return. For good measure, he added 57 tackles and five interceptions on defense.

Defensive MVP: SIMEON SHEPARD (Tonkawa) - In a district full of offensive stalwarts, Tonkawa used defense to win the District A-5 crown -- and eventually the Class A championship. The Buccaneers gave up more than 20 points only twice, and neither one of the occurrences surfaced in the postseason. And all the while, Shepard was leading the way as the Bucs’ leading tackler, alongside fellow defensive star Braydon Hampton. Shepard’s impressive senior season included 176 tackles, 27 sacks/tackles for loss, four interceptions, including to returns for touchdowns (69 and 48 yards).

Class B

Player of the Year: GATLIN GOODSON (Shattuck) - Leading the Indians to their second consecutive title -- and third in four years -- was Goodson, who did it all for Shattuck. The senior quarterback rushed for 1,760 yards and 31 touchdowns on 124 carries. He passed on occasion and finished with 441 yards and nine touchdowns while completing 21 of 37 attempts. At free safety, he recorded 72 tackles and three interceptions.

Offensive MVP: BRADEN GILBERT (Regent Prep) - Only two other passers in the history of Oklahoma high school football have had better seasons, yardage-wise, than what Gilbert put forth for the Rams. Gilbert passed for 4,065 yards and 63 touchdowns this season, and settled just behind Locust Grove’s Mason Fine (5,006 in 2014 and 4,227 in 2015) and Norman North’s Brandon Marquardt (4,609 in 2016). Gilbert’s 63 touchdowns were third-best in a single season, and he completed 195 of 328 passes along the way. The junior quarterback also rushed 105 times for 555 yards and 14 touchdowns while leading the Rams to the Class B title game.

Defensive MVP: JAXSON WALKER (Davenport) - The junior middle linebacker made sure life was miserable for opposing offenses throughout the 2018 season. The Bulldogs gave up only 11.5 points per game prior to losing to Shattuck in the Class B semifinals, and leading the way was Walker with 98 tackles, one sack and two interceptions.

Class C

Player of the Year: SEMAJ MCBRIDE (Tipton) - The Tigers’ dynamic ball carrier finished off his varsity career by guiding Tipton to its third consecutive championship. And to help secure the Tigers’ seventh title, McBride took over in the second half of the championship game with 154 rushing yards and two touchdowns while adding in 43 receiving yards and a TD catch. He logged 128 carries for 1,654 yards during his senior campaign, and he hauled in 18 catches for 611 yards. He scored 26 total touchdowns. On defense, he collected 46 tackles, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

Offensive MVP: BEN WEBB (Southwest Covenant) - Junior quarterback was instrumental in getting the Patriots to the Class C title game. Capped his year off by completing 109 of 177 passes for 2,130 yards and 40 touchdowns, and he also ran for 374 yards and nine touchdowns on 63 carries.

Defensive MVP: BRYCE WAUGH (Tipton) - Senior defensive end led the Tigers’ defense throughout the season, including five shutout victories throughout the regular season. Waugh was instrumental for the Tigers while coming up with 73 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions.

SMALL SCHOOL ALL-STATE TEAM

Coach of the Year: ROBERT PARK (Sperry) - He’s spent two decades at Sperry, and in his 20th season Park claimed his first championship with the Pirates. In fact, it was Sperry’s first OSSAA championship with a 35-14 victory over Beggs in the 2A title game. Not bad for a coach of a program who most figured to have no shot at winning the gold ball. That’s because Millwood was the clear frontrunner by most who follow 2A football, but that was all derailed by Vian in the second round. The Pirates may have lost the District 2A-3 crown to Beggs with a Week 10 loss, but the Pirates rebounded and outscored opponents 252 to 55 in the playoffs, including a 56-8 thrashing of Adair to reach the state finals.

Offense

QB: Braden Gilbert (Regent Prep) - Junior quarterback logged the fourth-best season in Oklahoma history, yardage-wise. Threw for 4,065 yards and 63 touchdowns, which is the third-best among single season TD records in the Sooner State.
RB: Andrew Crow (Rejoice Christian) - Senior tailback rushed for 2,554 yards and 43 touchdowns and even had 10 catches for 192 yards and a score.
RB: Jacob Bruce (Hulbert) - Became the state’s all-time leading rusher by churning out 3,268 yards and 44 touchdowns during his senior season. Finished his career with 8,586 yards on the ground.
RB/WR: Ryan Johnson (Metro Christian) - One of the state’s best rushing-receiving players with 2,036 yards and 28 touchdowns on the ground and 47 receptions for 609 yards and five touchdowns through the air during his senior season.
WR: Jack Wright (Regent Prep) - Led the state in receiving as Gilbert’s top target. Junior wideout hauled in 81 catches for 1,840 yards and 34 touchdowns.
WR: Sam Brueggeman (Lincoln Christian) - Was quarterback Chase Ricke’s favorite target in the passing game, and Brueggeman finished with 67 receptions, 1,487 yards and 17 touchdowns during his junior season.
OL: Melvin Swindle (Heritage Hall) - Sophomore offensive lineman paved the way for the Chargers offense, which averaged 39.5 points per game, including 69 and 50 in the 3A semifinals and finals, respectively.
OL: Baylor Christy (Beggs) - Senior Missouri State signee was the key cog on the Golden Demons’ offensive line, which spearheaded Beggs’ efforts in averaging 43.3 points per contest.
OL: Eli Russ (Plainview) - Senior Oklahoma State signee received a 95 percent overall grade for his efforts along the Indians’ offensive front.
OL: Perry Lewis (Millwood) - Junior guard was instrumental in the Falcons averaging 352.3 yards and 48.3 points per game.
OL: Brandon Collier (Cashion) - Junior tackle led the Wildcats’ high-octane offense that posted 375.5 yards and 40.5 points per game.

Defense

DL: Walker Niver (Sperry) - Junior defensive end finished with 80 tackles and 10 sacks for a Pirates defense that only allowed 174 points in 15 games.
DL: Kaavn Green (Crescent) - Senior tackle had 81 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and seven sacks for the Tigers.
DL/LB: Jaden McDaniel (Heritage Hall) - Senior defensive specialist had 100 tackles and 12 sacks.
LB: Zac Anderson (Eufaula) - Finished his career with the Ironheads with 159 tackles and 12 sacks during his senior season.
LB: Trey Kiser (Sulphur) - Senior standout had 131 tackles and eight sacks on defense while also serving as one of the better running backs in the state.
LB: Laike Wilhelm (Newkirk) - Senior collected 129 tackles and two sacks on defense and also turned produced 2,243 yards and 25 touchdowns rushing on offense.
LB: Simeon Sheperd (Tonkawa) - Set a new Tonkawa record with 176 tackles during his senior season. Also had 27 sacks, four interceptions and six fumble recoveries.
DB: Conner Carey (Heritage Hall) - Senior two-way player had 57 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. Also led the Chargers with 1,844 rushing yards and 32 TDs.
DB: Zach Hale (Christian Heritage) - The Crusaders’ sparkplug through the playoffs who finished off his senior season with 202 tackles, one sack and eight interceptions. Also passed for 2,600-plus yards and 33 touchdowns.
DB: Gatlin Goodson (Shattuck) - Senior free safety had 72 tackles and three interceptions. Also served as quarterback and ran for 17,60 yards during his senior season.
DB: Dawson James (Berryhill) - Sophomore snagged 12 interceptions while also recording 30 tackles for the Chiefs.

Special teams

K: Alex Felkins (Holland Hall) - Columbia signee was the state’s leader with 15 field goals. Senior kicker’s longest in 2018 was 41 yards.
P: Zach Ramay (Fairview) - Senior averaged 39.7 yards per punt for the Yellowjackets in 2018.
KR/PR: DeMariyon Houston (Millwood) - Finished the season with three kickoff returns for 184 yards and one touchdown, and also had four punt returns for 145 yards and a touchdown. Senior wideout also caught 35 passes for 772 yards and 11 TDs.
ATH: Beau Teel (Sperry) - Passed for 2,305 yards and 23 touchdowns and rushed for 14 touchdowns. Senior linebacker also had 31 tackles, two sacks and one interception.
ATH: Jett Sternberger (Kingfisher) - Senior quarterback completed 180 of 270 passes for 2,411 yards and 33 touchdowns. Also ran for 481 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground.

And let us know what you think. Tweet at Skordle or email Ben Johnson at benjohnsontdp@gmail.com.


*Photo credit: Russell Stitt

PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Classes 2A, A & B QUARTERFINALS and C FINALS

11/30/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Christian Heritage’s coaching staff wanted to give Zach Hale a break. The Crusaders’ senior quarterback/safety had Christian Heritage leading Stroud late in the second quarter, so his coaching staff wanted to give him a moment to catch his breath.
That’s when Stroud’s Colby Davis returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown. Needless to say, Hale didn’t come off the field the rest of the night.
“Funny story now, but it wasn’t funny at the time,” Christian Heritage coach Tony Merrell said. “One of our coaches asked if we could get him off our kickoff team for one play, because he looked tired or something. They immediately ran the next kick back, and Zach let me know -- as it was being returned for a touchdown -- that he is never coming off the field again.”
Then Merrell had a quick second to think.
“I agreed with him,” he said.
And once again, it was Hale and Co. crashing the Class A playoff scene last week. Hale passed for 214 yards and four touchdowns, and he also ran for 52 yards. After four of Christian Heritage’s five touchdowns, Hale also had a hand in the successful two-point conversions.
On defense, Hale recorded 13 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery to guide the Crusaders into their first semifinal appearance.
“He has been so good, and he’s an All-State safety and he keeps getting better as a quarterback,” Merrell said. “We have so many guys that are playing at a high level, and it’s just fun to be part of.”
Up next for Christian Heritage (9-4) is a date with third-ranked Rejoice Christian at Cushing High School in the semifinals. The Crusaders are a game away from the title game after taking down Ringling, Thomas and Stroud to this point.
“Oh man, what a run,” Merrell said. “And really, you have to throw Crescent in there after playing them in Week 10. Those are really good football teams with great coaches. We are playing at a really high level, and to be honest, we are still getting better. We have guys playing their best games of the year these last few weeks.”

Class 2A

No. 5 Sperry vs. Adair

Where: Lantow Field (Claremore High School)

Last week

- Sperry 44, Eufaula 13: Beau Teel passed for 132 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 73 yards and two more touchdowns for the Pirates. Joe Whiteley added three sacks on defense, and he caught four passes for 96 yards for a touchdown for Sperry.
- Adair 38, Vian 27: Austin Hines passed for 360 yards and four touchdowns, and Barrett Bradbury caught 12 passes for 147 yards and three touchdowns. Bradbury then added 18 tackles on defense.

Need to know

- The all-time series is tied at 3-3. The last meeting was last season -- a 50-26 win for Sperry.
- Adair appeared in back-to-back semifinals in 2015 and 2016, going 1-1 with a win over Chisholm in 2015. The Warriors went on to win their only title the same season.
- Sperry has gone 1-5 in semifinal games. The Pirates’ only win was in 1968 -- 8-0 against Marietta.

Metro Christian vs. No. 3 Beggs

Where: Collins Stadium (Sapulpa High School)

Last week

- Beggs 36, Kingston 31: TJ Austin scored the game-winning touchdown with 50 seconds left as Beggs rallied to knock off the Redskins.
- Metro Christian 34, Washington 28: Ryan Johnson rushed for 130 yards and caught nine passes for 130 yards. The Patriots turned back Washington on fourth-and-goal late in the fourth quarter to preserve the victory.

Need to know

- The all-time series is 1-1. The last meeting was in 2003 -- a 48-13 win for Metro Christian.
- The Patriots are 1-1 in the semifinals. The lone win was in 2010 against Anadarko.
- Beggs is 3-1 in the semifinals. The Demons beat Sulphur 37-28 in the semifinals last year before losing to John Marshall in the Class 3A playoffs.

Class A

No. 7 Tonkawa vs. Fairview

Where: Ranger Field (Northwest Oklahoma State University in Alva)

Last week

- Tonkawa 20, Hobart 13: Braydon Hampton scored on a 3-yard TD run with 22 seconds left to propel Tonkawa to the win.
- Fairview 54, Commerce 21: Quarterback Kade Dillard completed 8 of 14 for 232 yards and four touchdowns. He also added 21 carries for 219 yards and three touchdowns for the Yellowjackets.

Need to know

- Tonkawa is 6-4 all-time against Fairview. The last meeting was in 2013 -- a 17-7 win for Tonkawa.
- Tonkawa is 8-2 in the semifinals. The Buccaneers’ last semifinal appearance was in 2009 - a 24-22 win over Hennessey.
- Fairview is 2-2 in the semifinals. Fairview’s last semifinal appearance was 1999 -- a 36-17 win over Haskell.

No. 3 Rejoice Christian vs. Christian Heritage

Where: Cushing High School

Last week

- Christian Heritage 39, Stroud 22
- Rejoice Christian 33, Crossings Christian 14: Andrew Crow rushed for 247 yards and three touchdowns for the Eagles.

Need to know

- This is the first meeting between the two teams.
- Rejoice Christian is 0-2 in the semifinals -- both losses occurring in Class B in 2013 and 2012.
- This is Christian Heritage’s first appearance in the semifinals.

Class B

No. 2 Davenport vs. No. 1 Shattuck

Where: D. Bruce Selby Stadium (Enid)
Last week: Davenport 52, Waurika 0; Shattuck 67, Dewar 20

Need to know

- Shattuck is 2-0 all-time against Davenport. These two met in last year’s semifinals -- a 48-16 win for Shattuck.
- Davenport is 6-4 in the semifinals. The Bulldogs last semifinal win was 40-14 over Dewar in 2015.
- Shattuck sports a 12-3 record in the semifinals. The Indians have appeared in a championship game every year since 2015.

No. 3 Regent Prep vs. No. 8 Wetumka

Where: Bill Jensen Field (Choctaw High School)
Last week: Regent Prep 68, Laverne 52; Wetumka 51, Burns Flat-Dill City 6

Need to know

- These two are meeting for the first time.
- Regent Prep wideout Jack Wright had 17 receptions for 351 yards and seven touchdowns in the Rams’ win over Laverne last week.
- This is Regent Prep’s first appearance in a semifinal game.
- Wetumka is 2-0 in semifinal games -- last appearance was a 32-14 win over Kiefer in 2010.

Class C Championship

No. 2 Tipton vs. No. 1 Southwest Covenant

Where: Milam Stadium (Southwest Oklahoma State University, Weatherford)
Last week: Tipton 50, Pond Creek-Hunter 28; Southwest Covenant 42, Buffalo 20

Need to know

- Tipton is 3-0 against Southwest Covenant -- last meeting was last season, a 52-12 win for the Tigers
- Tipton is 6-2 in title games. The two-time defending champion in Class C beat Pond Creek-Hunter 56-8 in last year’s title game.
- This is Southwest Covenant’s first appearance in a championship game.

PLAYOFF PICKS: Week 3 edition

11/21/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Time to schedule the Randy Turney championship parade. He's all but wrapped up the Skordle picking crown for 2018.

Playoff picks - Week 2 - Coach Turney 16-9 | Whitt 16-9 | Swisher 15-10 | Ben 15-10

Overall - Turney 197-68 | Whitt 181-84 | Ben 174-91 | Swisher 180-85

Now I present picks for the third round of the playoffs:

Carl Albert vs. Collinsville

Michael Swisher: Carl Albert 24, Collinsville 20

Ben Johnson: Carl Albert 23, Collinsville 17

Whitt Carter: Carl Albert 34, Collinsville 28

Randy Turney: Carl Albert 28, Collinsville 21

Bishop Kelley vs. Ardmore

Michael Swisher: Ardmore 28, Bishop Kelley 14

Ben Johnson: Bishop Kelley 20, Ardmore 19

Whitt Carter: Ardmore 28, Bishop Kelley 17

Randy Turney: Ardmore 24, Bishop Kelley 14

Bethany vs. Clinton

Michael Swisher: Bethany 28, Clinton 24

Ben Johnson: Bethany 29, Clinton 24

Whitt Carter: Clinton 28, Bethany 20

Randy Turney: Clinton 21, Bethany 20

Poteau vs. Tuttle

Michael Swisher: Poteau 19, Tuttle 17

Ben Johnson: Poteau 32, Tuttle 21

Whitt Carter: Tuttle 35, Poteau 21

Randy Turney: Tuttle 23, Poteau 14

Heritage Hall vs. Lincoln Christian

Michael Swisher: Heritage Hall 34, Lincoln Christian 24

Ben Johnson: Heritage Hall 30, Lincoln Christian 20

Whitt Carter: Heritage Hall 41, Lincoln Christian 27

Randy Turney: Heritage Hall 28, Lincoln Christian 21

Kingfisher vs. Sulphur

Michael Swisher: Sulphur 33, Kingfisher 20

Ben Johnson: Kingfisher 21, Sulphur 18

Whitt Carter: Sulphur 34, Kingfisher 27

Randy Turney: Sulphur 30, Kingfisher 21

Adair at Vian

Michael Swisher: Vian 23, Adair 18

Ben Johnson: Vian 23, Adair 14

Whitt Carter: Adair 28, Vian 27

Randy Turney: Vian 30, Adair 22

Eufaula at Sperry

Michael Swisher: Sperry 30, Eufaula 12

Ben Johnson: Sperry 20, Eufaula 13

Whitt Carter: Sperry 34, Eufaula 21

Randy Turney: Sperry 27, Eufaula 14

Kingston at Beggs

Michael Swisher: Beggs 42, Kingston 24

Ben Johnson: Beggs 31, Kingston 21

Whitt Carter: Beggs 41, Kingston 27

Randy Turney: Beggs 31, Kingston 18

Washington at Metro Christian

Michael Swisher: Washington 34, Metro Christian 33

Ben Johnson: Washington 33, Metro Christian 31

Whitt Carter: Metro Christian 42, Washington 35

Randy Turney: Washington 21, Metro Christian 14

Commerce at Fairview

Michael Swisher: Fairview 35, Commerce 28

Ben Johnson: Fairview 24, Commerce 23

Whitt Carter: Fairview 34, Commerce 14

Randy Turney: Fairview 35, Commerce 14

Rejoice Christian at Crossings Christian

Michael Swisher: Rejoice Christian 34, Crossings Christian 18

Ben Johnson: Rejoice Christian 21, Crossings Christian 19

Whitt Carter: Rejoice Christian 35, Crossings Christian 31

Randy Turney: Rejoice Christian 22, Crossings Christian 21

Stroud at Christian Heritage

Michael Swisher: Stroud 38, Christian Heritage 31

Ben Johnson: Stroud 26, Christian Heritage 21

Whitt Carter: Stroud 28, Christian Heritage 20

Randy Turney: Stroud 20, Christian Heritage 14

Tonkawa at Hobart

Michael Swisher: Hobart 27, Tonkawa 21

Ben Johnson: Tonkawa 22, Hobart 21

Whitt Carter: Hobart 27, Tonkawa 21

Randy Turney: Hobart 32, Tonkawa 22

Shattuck at Dewar

Michael Swisher: Shattuck 40, Dewar 24

Ben Johnson: Shattuck 43, Dewar 37

Whitt Carter: Shattuck 52, Dewar 24

Randy Turney: Shattuck 46, Dewar 6

Waurika at Davenport

Michael Swisher: Davenport 48, Waurika 30

Ben Johnson: Davenport 55, Waurika 15

Whitt Carter: Davenport 48, Waurika 28

Randy Turney: Davenport 52, Waurika 12

Wetumka at Burns Flat-Dill City

Michael Swisher: Wetumka 31, Burns Flat-Dill City 18

Ben Johnson: Wetumka 38, Burns Flat-Dill City 33

Whitt Carter: Burns Flat-Dill City 42, Wetumka 40

Randy Turney: Wetumka 38, Burns Flat-Dill City 14

Regent Prep at Laverne

Michael Swisher: Regent Prep 22, Laverne 16

Ben Johnson: Regent Prep 44, Laverne 41

Whitt Carter: Regent Prep 48, Laverne 34

Randy Turney: Regent Prep 26, Laverne 20

Buffalo vs. Southwest Covenant

Michael Swisher: Southwest Covenant 42, Buffalo 36

Ben Johnson: Southwest Covenant 51, Buffalo 47

Whitt Carter: Buffalo 42, Soutuwest Covenant 36

Randy Turney: Southwest Covenant 28, Buffalo 26

Tipton vs. Pond Creek-Hunter

Michael Swisher: Tipton 33, Pond Creek-Hunter 22

Ben Johnson: Tipton 39, Pond Creek-Hunter 28

Whitt Carter: Tipton 48, Pond Creek-Hunter 44

Randy Turney: Tipton 48, Pond Creek-Hunter 14

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

PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Class A & B QUARTERFINALS & CLASS C SEMIFINALS

11/21/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Class A

Quarterfinal matchups

No. 3 Rejoice Christian (12-0) at No. 8 Crossings Christian (10-2)

Last week: Rejoice Christian 40, Gore 14; Crossings Christian 28, Hooker 0
Players to watch
- Andrew Crow (Rejoice Christian): Senior tailback has run for 2,029 yards and 36 touchdowns on 170 carries for the Eagles.
- Owen Crotts (Crossings Christian): Sophomore quarterback has thrown for 1,574 yards and 20 touchdowns for the Knights.
Need to know
- This is a rematch from earlier this season. Rejoice Christian beat Crossings Christian 21-20 on Aug. 31.
- The teams have met five times with Rejoice Christian winning three of the five. Combined score of all five matchups is: Rejoice Christian 139, Crossings Christian 117.
- Rejoice Christian last advanced beyond the quarterfinals in 2013 in Class B.
- This is Crossings Christian’s first quarterfinal appearance.

No. 5 Stroud (11-1) at Christian Heritage (8-4)

Last week: Stroud 16, Morrison 12; Christian Heritage 42, Thomas 36
Players to watch
- Grant Elerick (Stroud): Junior quarterback has completed 149 of 218 passes for 2,445 yards and 29 touchdowns.
- Zach Hale (Christian Heritage): Senior quarterback/safety has passed for 2,145 yards and 26 touchdowns while rushing for 655 yards and eight touchdowns.
Need to know
- Former District 2A-2 members from last season have met four times before. The all-time series is split 2-2 with Christian Heritage winning last year, 38-20.
- Christian Heritage’s only quarterfinal appearance was in 2008 -- a 48-10 loss to Morrison.
- Stroud last advanced beyond the quarterfinals in 2009 -- same year the Tigers lost to Tonkawa in the Class A title game.

No. 7 Tonkawa (11-1) at No. 10 Hobart (10-2)

Last week: Tonkawa 23, Wayne 14; Hobart 30, Minco 23
Player to watch
- Alec Meinert (Hobart): Senior QB has completed 92 of 149 passes for 1,604 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Need to know
- First meeting between these two teams.
- Tonkawa is back in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2009 -- the same year as the Buccaneers’ last state championship.
- This is Hobart’s last quarterfinal appearance since 1997 -- the same year as Hobart’s last championship.

Commerce (9-3) at Fairview (9-3)

Last week: Commerce 41, Hulbert 13; Fairview 34, Cashion 27
Players to watch
- Chris Ibarra (Commerce): Senior tailback has rushed for 1,757 yards and 23 touchdowns, and he’s also caught 23 passes for 426 yards and three scores. Also has a team-high four interceptions on defense.
- Kade Dillard (Fairview): Senior QB threw for 217 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 81 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s win over Cashion.
Need to know
- First meeting between these two teams.
- Commerce has gone 0-11 in the quarterfinals since 1998. Last semifinal appearance was 1991.
- Since 2000, Fairview has been in the quarterfinals once, and it ended up being a 32-0 loss to Hominy.

Class B

Quarterfinal matchups

No. 1 Shattuck (11-0) at No. 6 Dewar (11-1)

Last week: Shattuck 55, Alex 6; Dewar 32, Yale 6
Need to know
- Only one previous meeting between these two -- a 32-7 victory for Shattuck in 1991.
- This is Shattuck’s third year in Class B. The Indians have advanced to the championship game the past two seasons.
- Dewar won its previous two quarterfinal appearances in 2015 and 2014.

No. 7 Waurika (11-0) at No. 2 Davenport (12-0)

Last week: Waurika 58, Cherokee 14; Davenport 48, Weleetka 0
Need to know
- First meeting between these two teams.
- Waurika’s last quarterfinal victory was in 1996.
- Davenport has a four-year winning streak in the quarterfinals.

No. 8 Wetumka (9-3) at Burns Flat-Dill City (7-5)

Last week: Wetumka 16, Depew 14; Burns Flat-Dill City 34, Pioneer 26
Need to know
- First meeting between these two teams.
- Wetumka’s last quarterfinal victory was in 2010.
- Burns Flat-Dill City last won a quarterfinal game in 2005.

No. 3 Regent Prep (11-0) at No. 5 Laverne (10-2)

Last week: Regent Prep 59, Keota 24; Laverne 26, Snyder 20
Player to watch
- Braden Gilbert (Regent Prep): Junior quarterback has thrown for 2,755 yards and 46 touchdowns while completing 119 of 202 passes this season.
Need to know
- First meeting between these two teams.
- Regent Prep has never advanced past the quarterfinals in Class B or C.
- In 2017 and 2016, Laverne won in the quarterfinals by a combined score of 106-8 against Prue and Weleetka.

Class C

*Both games start at 7 p.m. Friday

No. 3 Buffalo (12-0) vs. No. 1 Southwest Covenant (11-0)

Where: Northwest Oklahoma State University (Alva)
Last week: Buffalo 36, Medford 28; Southwest Covenant 56, Tyrone 16
Need to know
- First meeting between these two teams.
- Buffalo is 0-3 in the semifinals. It’s last appearance was a 38-16 loss to Fox in 2004.
- This is Southwest Covenant’s first appearance in the semifinals.

No. 2 Tipton (10-2) vs. No. 5 Pond Creek-Hunter (11-1)

Where: Southwest Oklahoma State University (Weatherford)
Last week: Tipton 62, Coyle 26; PC-Hunter 54, Paoli 8
Need to know
- Pond Creek-Hunter owns a 3-2 edge in the all-time series. The last meeting was in last year’s title game -- a 56-8 victory for Tipton.
- Tipton has gone 2-0 in its last semifinal games and won those games by a combined score of 102-22.
- Tipton also beat PC-Hunter 28-26 in the 2016 Class C title game.

Class B & C playoff preview

11/9/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Players to watch

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction time

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

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

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

Players to watch

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

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

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

Prediction time

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

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

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

Week 6 picks

10/4/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Phew, what a relief for myself and Whitt in week 5. Swisher and Coach Turney were leaving us in the dust. But we were able to gain a little bit of ground in the overall standings. Just have to ride the wave of momentum now.

Week 5 picks - Whitt 14-3 | Ben 14-3 | Coach Turney 13-4 | Swisher 12-5

Overall - Swisher 78-30 | Turney 77-31 | Ben 71-37 | Whitt 71-37

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

Collinsville at Tahlequah

Michael Swisher: Collinsville 21, Tahlequah 18

Ben Johnson: Collinsville 17, Tahlequah 10

Whitt Carter: Tahlequah 35, Collinsville 31

Randy Turney: Collinsville 21, Tahlequah 14

Washington at Millwood

Michael Swisher: Millwood 45, Washington 14

Ben Johnson: Millwood 32, Washington 19

Whitt Carter: Millwood 36, Washington 21

Randy Turney: Millwood 41, Washington 14

Tuttle at Bethany

Michael Swisher: Tuttle 24, Bethany 22

Ben Johnson: Tuttle 21, Bethany 17

Whitt Carter: Tuttle 24, Bethany 20

Randy Turney: Tuttle 24, Bethany 13

Coyle at Southwest Covenant

Michael Swisher: SW Covenant 48, Coyle 14

Ben Johnson: SW Covenant 43, Coyle 38

Whitt Carter: SW Covenant 42, Coyle 40

Randy Turney: SW Covenant 38, Coyle 28

Stillwater at Choctaw

Michael Swisher: Stillwater 30, Choctaw 23

Ben Johnson: Stillwater 33, Choctaw 21

Whitt Carter: Stillwater 41, Choctaw 13

Randy Turney: Stillwater 34, Choctaw 14

Putnam City North at Union

Michael Swisher: Union 35, PC North 14

Ben Johnson: Union 42, PC North 9

Whitt Carter: Union 37, PC North 14

Randy Turney: Union 38, PC North 14

Muskogee at Sapulpa

Michael Swisher: Muskogee 24, Sapulpa 20

Ben Johnson: Muskogee 39, Sapulpa 29

Whitt Carter: Muskogee 42, Sapulpa 28

Randy Turney: Muskogee 28, Sapulpa 20

Ardmore at El Reno

Michael Swisher: Ardmore 28, El Reno 7

Ben Johnson: Ardmore 24, El Reno 9

Whitt Carter: Ardmore 32, El Reno 24

Randy Turney: Ardmore 31, El Reno 20

Seminole at Idabel

Michael Swisher: Seminole 27, Idabel 21

Ben Johnson: Seminole 45, Idabel 27

Whitt Carter: Seminole 42, Idabel 28

Randy Turney: Seminole 42, Idabel 20

Tyrone at Buffalo

Michael Swisher: Tyrone 34, Buffalo 24

Ben Johnson: Buffalo 35, Tyrone 26

Whitt Carter: Buffalo 41, Tyrone 34

Randy Turney: Buffalo 34, Tyrone 26

Westmoore at Broken Arrow

Michael Swisher: Broken Arrow 38, Westmoore 18

Ben Johnson: Broken Arrow 49, Westmoore 13

Whitt Carter: Broken Arrow 52, Westmoore 14

Randy Turney: Broken Arrow 42, Westmoore 14

Stigler at Checotah

Michael Swisher: Checotah 31, Stigler 29

Ben Johnson: Checotah 34, Stigler 28

Whitt Carter: Checotah 28, Stigler 24

Randy Turney: Stigler 24, Checotah 14

Haskell at Victory Christian

Michael Swisher: Victory Christian 30, Haskell 15

Ben Johnson: Victory Christian 37, Haskell 22

Whitt Carter: Victory Christian 42, Haskell 16

Randy Turney: Victory Christian 31, Haskell 20

Okemah at Prague

Michael Swisher: Okemah 33, Prague 21

Ben Johnson: Okemah 30, Prague 20

Whitt Carter: Prague 32, Okemah 21

Randy Turney: Okemah 21, Prague 20

Wynnewood at Stroud

Michael Swisher: Stroud 29, Wynnewood 24

Ben Johnson: Wynnewood 29, Stroud 23

Whitt Carter: Wynnewood 28, Stroud 14

Randy Turney: Wynnewood 20, Stroud 14

Prue at Yale

Michael Swisher: Yale 35, Prue 17

Ben Johnson: Yale 43, Prue 22

Whitt Carter: Yale 47, Prue 38

Randy Turney: Prue 38, Yale 30

Regent Prep at Watts

Michael Swisher: Regent Prep 34, Watts 28

Ben Johnson: Regent Prep 55, Watts 41

Whitt Carter: Regent Prep 49, Watts 34

Randy Turney: Regent Prep 48, Watts 12

Tipton at Mountain View-Gotebo

Michael Swisher: Tipton 24, Mt. View-Gotebo 19

Ben Johnson: Tipton 56, Mt. View-Gotebo 22

Whitt Carter: Tipton 47, Mt. View-Gotebo 28

Randy Turney: Tipton 48, Mt. View-Gotebo 6

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

Week 6: Top 10 games

10/2/2018 |  Ben Johnson

There are some quality games to be had in week 6, but nothing like the run of games recently.

Here's what's on tap this week:

1. 5A No. 3 Collinsville (5-0) at 5A No. 5 Tahlequah (5-0): District 5A-4 supremacy is on the line, and another big game on tap for Tahlequah, who knocked off Skiatook last week. Meanwhile, Collinsville put the clamps on Memorial running back Jamoni Jones, who was coming off a 300-yard rushing game the week prior. Both Collinsville and Tahlequah can play some defense, so points could be at a premium here. And the matchup of Tahlequah tailback Dae Dae Leathers against Collinsville should be must-see theater. Also, these clubs have met every year since 2012, and the Cardinals are 5-1. Tahlequah did manage to win last year's game, 31-21.

2. 2A No. 6 Washington (4-1) at 2A No. 1 Millwood (5-0): Rematch of last year's Class 2A title game, but now there is District 2A-7 positioning at stake. The Falcons labored through a victory over Community Christian last week, so can Washington pounce on the Falcons? Should mention Millwood is 3-0 all-time against Washington.

3. 4A No. 3 Tuttle (5-0) at 4A No. 4 Bethany (5-0): A win for Bethany all but wraps up the 4A-2 crown. That would give the Bronchos wins over both Tuttle and Blanchard. Tuttle had been 1-5 against Bethany since 2006, but the Tigers won last year's game, 21-12.

4. B No. 5 Coyle (3-1) at B No. 2 Southwest Covenant (6-0): Southwest Covenant has beaten Coyle two years in a row. And the winner here keeps pace with Covington-Douglas for the C-3 crown.

5. 6AII No. 1 Stillwater (5-0) at 6AII No. 8 Choctaw (3-2): It appears a good football team will be left out of the playoff picture in District 6AII-1. Stillwater and Del City sit atop the district, but teams like Choctaw, Midwest City and Lawton all figure to be there in the final week competing for postseason spots. A win for Choctaw here creates a large mess in 6AII-1. But first, Choctaw would have to shut down the Pioneers' offense, which has generated 234 games in five contests so far. Since 2008, Stillwater has beaten Choctaw five out of six times.

6. 6AI No. 6 Putnam City North (5-0) at 6AI No. 3 Union (3-2): The Panthers have risen to the top -- along with Edmond Santa Fe -- as the two Oklahoma City-area teams in 6AI to challenge the likes of Broken Arrow, Jenks and Union this season. Perhaps this is PC North's chance to upend Union -- something the Panthers haven't done since 2001.

7. 6AII No. 7 Muskogee (4-1) at 6AII No. 9 Sapulpa (4-1): Should be plenty of offensive fireworks in this one, especially for a Chieftains team that score 63 last week against Bartlesville. The winner here puts Bixby in its crosshairs in an attempt to go after the 6AII-2 title. The Roughers have won the past four games in this match, including last season's 27-14 victory.

8. 5A No. 2 Ardmore (2) at El Reno (4-1): El Reno has posted some quality wins over Piedmont, Chickasha and Noble. But now comes a stout test against the Tigers and a stingy defense. Through five games, Ardmore is giving up an average of 6.8 points per contest. Since 2000, Ardmore is 5-3 against El Reno, and that includes a current five-game winning streak after last season's 37-13 win.

9. 3A No. 4 Seminole (5-0) at Idabel (4-1): Seminole running back Cameron Gunville has been stellar through five games, racking up 1,107 yards and 16 touchdowns on 111 carries. Averaging 10 yards per rush will usually get the job done, and in this case it has the Chieftains 5-0 after a statement win over Lincoln Christian. Idabel has allowed a lot of points (134), but the Warriors can score, too, posting 214 to this point. Expect an offensive barrage in this one. Oh, and Seminole is 3-0 against Idabel in the all-time series.

10. C No. 6 Tyrone (4-0) at C No. 4 Buffalo (5-0): It's a three-team race to the C-1 title, and the winner here has to like its chances with Pond Creek-Hunter as the final district hurdle. Tyrone is 7-17 against Buffalo since 1980, but the Bobcats own a four-game winning streak over Buffalo after last year's 30-6 win.

Honorable mention

Westmoore at Broken Arrow: Westmoore has been solid, but can it figure out a way to slow down Noah Cortes and the Tigers?

Stigler at Checotah: Last time these two met was a 22-15 win for Stigler in 2013. Expect a lot of points on the scoreboard in this one.

Haskell at Victory Christian: Tayden Lucero continues to turn in one spectacular performances after another for Haskell. But Garrett Williams, Josh Sirleaf and Gabe Byrams have the Conquerors' offense humming along.

Okemah at Prague: District 2A-2 is providing some quality depth early on. The winner here could potentially challenge Jones for the district title.

Wynnewood at Stroud: District A-7 is on the line in this one. Winner faces very few speed bumps the rest of the way.

Prue at Yale: These two haven't met since 2003, and Yale was 4-1 from 1999 to 2003 against Prue. The winner here can shift its focus to Davenport for the B-7 crown.

Regent Prep at Watts: The Engineers (superb team nickname, by the way) have been a pleasant surprise in Class B. They can prove they're Class B title contenders by taking down the high-powered Rams.

Tipton at Mountain View-Gotebo: A throwback matchup to late 1950's here. These two haven't met since 1991 despite only being one hour apart from each other. Winner here as the inside track to the C-2 title.

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

*Photo courtesy of Tahlequah Daily Press

Zero Week picks

8/23/2018 |  Ben Johnson

High school football is back. Check out this week's picks from Michael Swisher, Whitt Carter, Randy Turney and myself.

Union at Broken Arrow

Michael Swisher: Union 27, Broken Arrow 13

Ben Johnson: Union 24, Broken Arrow 17

Whitt Carter: Union 20, Broken Arrow 17

Randy Turney: Union 24, Broken Arrow 17

Booker T. Washington vs. North Little Rock

Michael Swisher: N. Little Rock 24, Booker T. Washington 21

Ben Johnson: Booker T. Washington 32, N. Little Rock 30

Whitt Carter: Booker T. Washington 24, N. Little Rock 26

Randy Turney: Booker T. Washington 28, N. Little Rock 7

Midwest City at Bentonville

Michael Swisher: Bentonville 27, Midwest City 24

Ben Johnson: Midwest City 29, Bentonville 24

Whitt Carter: Midwest City 28, Bentonville 24

Randy Turney: Midwest City 17, Bentonville 7

Wynnewood at Minco

Michael Swisher: Minco 21, Wynnewood 14

Ben Johnson: Minco 20, Wynnewood 17

Whitt Carter: Minco 20, Wynnewood 16

Randy Turney: Wynnewood 20, Minco 18

Bentonville West at Owasso

Michael Swisher: Owasso 22, Bentonville West 14

Ben Johnson: Owasso 30, Bentonville West 21

Whitt Carter: Owasso 34, Bentonville West 21

Randy Turney: Owasso 24, Bentonville West 10

Jenks at Bixby

Michael Swisher: Jenks 30, Bixby 24

Ben Johnson: Jenks 34, Bixby 23

Whitt Carter: Jenks 28, Bixby 17

Randy Turney: Jenks 27, Bixby 10

Choctaw at Shawnee

Michael Swisher: Shawnee 27, Choctaw 23

Ben Johnson: Choctaw 28, Shawnee 20

Whitt Carter: Choctaw 41, Shawnee 37

Randy Turney: Choctaw 14, Shawnee 13

Shattuck at Tipton

Michael Swisher: Shattuck 45, Tipton 35

Ben Johnson: Shattuck 43, Tipton 22

Whitt Carter: Shattuck 41, Tipton 36

Randy Turney: Tipton 36, Shattuck 22

Hominy at Hulbert

Michael Swisher: Hominy 29, Hulbert 27

Ben Johnson: Hominy 20, Hulbert 19

Whitt Carter: Hulbert 28, Hominy 22

Randy Turney: Hominy 28, Hulbert 6

Chisholm at Weatherford

Michael Swisher: Weatherford 31, Chisholm 14

Ben Johnson: Weatherford 30, Chisholm 28

Whitt Carter: Weatherford 35, Chisholm 20

Randy Turney: Weatherford 27, Chisholm 14

Jones at Oklahoma Christian School

Michael Swisher: Jones 27, OCS 20

Ben Johnson: OCS 33, Jones 31

Whitt Carter: Jones 34, OCS 24

Randy Turney: Jones 35, OCS 21

Metro Christian at Broken Bow

Michael Swisher: Broken Bow 23, Metro Christian 21

Ben Johnson: Broken Bow 24, Metro Christian 13

Whitt Carter: Broken Bow 32, Metro Christian 28

Randy Turney: Metro Christian 28, Broken Bow 10

Plainview at Elgin

Michael Swisher: Plainview 28, Elgin 17

Ben Johnson: Plainview 34, Elgin 22

Whitt Carter: Plainview 34, Elgin 14

Randy Turney: Elgin 14, Plainview 13

Gore at Haskell

Michael Swisher: Gore 30, Haskell 20

Ben Johnson: Gore 39, Haskell 23

Whitt Carter: Gore 21, Haskell 18

Randy Turney: Haskell 21, Gore 14

Watonga at Okeene

Michael Swisher: Watonga 42, Okeene 12

Ben Johnson: Watonga 26, Okeene 23

Whitt Carter: Okeene 28, Watonga 23

Randy Turney: Watonga 21, Okeene 14

Morrison at Kiefer

Michael Swisher: Morrison 28, Kiefer 14

Ben Johnson:Morrison 27, Kiefer 12

Whitt Carter: Morrison 38, Kiefer 27

Randy Turney: Morrison 28, Kiefer 14

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

Zero Week: Top 10 games

8/21/2018 |  Ben Johnson

The calendar hasn't flipped to September yet, but high schools across Oklahoma are officially footballing this week.

Zero Week is here, and it's offering up some solid matchups to get the season rolling.

Here are this week's top 10 games:

1. 6AI No. 1 Union at 6AI No. 3 Broken Arrow: There will be talent all over the field on Friday night at Memorial Stadium. The running back matchup, featuring Broken Arrow's Noah Cortes and Union's Darius Boone Jr., will be fun to watch. This one could come down to quarterback play, and Union has the advantage there with Peyton Thompson. Also helps that Union holds a 39-3 record over the Tigers since 1983.

2. 6AII No. 1 Booker T. Washington vs. North Little Rock (Ark.) at Bentonville High School: Clash of two state champions from 2017. The Hornets will deploy Thomas Grayson, a Nebraska commit, at running back, and they'll also feature one of the nation's top recruits in Dax Hill, who figures to play on both sides of the ball. North Little Rock, Class 7A title winner in Arkansas, will counter with North Texas commit Oscar Adaway and plenty of other talented players across the field. The game is part of the Rumble in the Ozarks, played in Northwest Arkansas.

3. 6AII No. 2 Midwest City at Bentonville (Ark.): This will be the nightcap of the Rumle in the Ozarks on Saturday. Bentonville lost to North Little Rock in last year's title game, and Midwest City was dispatched from the Class 6AII playoffs in the semifinals. Look for Midwest City's Preston Colbert to get off to a roaring start for the Bombers this season.

4. A No. 6 Wynnewood at A No. 5 Minco: Both teams shared a district (A-4) in the past four seasons, and Minco ended up winning three of those four matchups. Now they've gone their separate ways in Class A, so they'll meet up in Zero Week. Minco quarterback Daxton Williams graduated, so they Bulldogs will have to find his replacement. Meanwhile, Wynnewood has Tyler Grove who passed for nearly 1,000 yards as a sophomore last season.

5. Bentonville West (Ark.) at 6AI No. 2 Owasso: Will Kuehne and Co. get the 2018 season kicked off against one of the newest programs in Arkansas. Bentonville West is led by former McAlester head coach Bryan Pratt, who led the Wolverines to a 9-2 record in 2017. For Owasso, the Rams will look for Bryce Cabrera's replacement at tailback and Josh Proctor's replacementin the defensive backfield.

6. 6AI No. 4 Jenks at 6AII No. 4 Bixby: This one-sided rivalry leveled out in 2017 with the Spartans ending a 26-game losing streak to Jenks with a 35-18 victory. Jenks' winning ways over Bixby had dated back to 1977. The Trojans return quarterback Ian Corwin and Mr. Do Everything Noah Hernandez, but they'll have a new look on the sidelines under first-year head coach Keith Riggs. For Bixby, there's a lot of newcomers after Tucker Pawley and Staton King graduated following the Spartans' runner-up finish in Class 6AII.

7. Choctaw at 6AII No. 10 Shawnee: These two haven't met since 1999, despite only being 30 miles apart. Now they're both members of Class 6AII with Shawnee bumping up a class this season. The Yellowjackets are coming off a 6-4 season, where Jake Corbin was in his first year as head coach. On the other side, Shawnee was 6-5 before leaving 5A. Now Heath Hunter and the Wolves get to show what they're made of in a new classification.

8. B. No. 2 Shattuck at C No. 1 Tipton: A rematch of the 2011 Class C state championship. Also a clash of last year's Class B (Shattuck) and Class C (Tipton) champions. The winner gets to claim the title of "best eight-man team" until the playoffs start.

9. A No. 4 Hominy at Hulbert: Perhaps the best running back matchup in the state, outside of Union-Broken Arrow. Hominy will feature move-in Dylan Roach, who torched opponents at Prue last season to the tune of 2,264 yards and 31 touchdowns. Then there's Hulbert's Jacob Bruce, who has posted back-to-back 2,000-yard rushing seasons for the Riders in 2016 and 2017.

10. 2A No. 7 Chisholm at 4A No. 7 Weatherford: This one features a solid matchup of quarterbacks. Chisholm's signal caller, Braden Meek, passed for 1,552 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior in 2017, and Weatherford's Jaxon Ratterree will begin his junior season after tossing for 1,274 yards and nine touchdowns last year.

Honorable mention

Jones at Oklahoma Christian School

Metro Christian at Broken Bow

Plainview at Elgin

Gore at Haskell

Watonga at Okeene

Morrison at Kiefer

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