PODCAST: Summer is coming

6/4/2019 |  Ben Johnson

It's that time of year again. Summertime has arrived, and high school sports fans are left waiting for more games in August. But fear not! The Publics and Privates OKpreps Podcast will help get you through the slow months.

This week the guys recap some state tournament baseball, including Edmond Santa Fe and Pryor winning titles for the first time for both programs. The guys also look back on the memorable moments from the 2018-2019 athletic season, including some cross country, football, basketball and much more. 

The podcast closes out with Swisher breaking down this week's Skordle Shootout in Cushing. A solid field of small school hoopsters will be at Cushing Middle School, and Swisher gives you all the details you need to stop by and watch some basketball.

We'd welcome your feedback! Tweet at us - @michaelswisher & @benjohnsontul

Golden town: Wright City locks up school's first championship of any kind

3/12/2018 |  Ben Johnson

OKLAHOMA CITY — Right or wrong, perhaps Wright City was best known for intervening and delaying the 2013 state baseball tournament in the state courts system.

No more.

Now the Class 2A No.1 Lumberjax can be known for being state champions following a 62-49 win over second-ranked Latta at State Fair Arena on Saturday night. Now Wright City has a golden achievement to add to the trophy case in far southeast Oklahoma — the first of its kind at the school.

“It’s a privilege to bring it home,” Wright City coach Joel Dickerson said. “I know our fans standing (in the arena), my former players — it means a lot to our community.

“…This group was just fortunate to get it done.”

That they did.

CJ Briley made all seven of his field goal attempts, including three from beyond the 3-point arc, to lead Wright City with 18 points. His brother, Robert Briley, added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, to go along with five assists.

“It feels great,” Robert Briley said of the school’s first state championship. “Our hard work paid off, and I’m grateful for it.”

In taking down the reigning state champions, Wright City out-rebounded Latta, 27-14, and the Lumberjax also shot 53.8 percent (21 of 39) from the field.

“My guys, they’re really, really good shooters,” Robert Briley said. “All we do is practice shooting 3s all the time.”

Adam Jordan scored 20 points on 7 of 11 shooting in 31 minutes on the court. Trent Smith mixed in 19 points and eight rebounds for the Panthers (26-6).

The score was tied at 13 at the end of the first period, but a 17-10 second quarter put Wright City in front for good. And the end result was just what Dickerson preached about all season long.

“We talked about this all year,” he said. “It’s not about making a state tournament, it’s not about winning one or two games, it’s about winning this gold ball. These guys believed in that, and we got it done.”

No. 1 Wright City 62, No. 2 Latta 49

	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Latta	13	10	9	17	49
Wright City	13	17	16	16	62

Latta (26-6): Adam Jordan 20, Trent Smith 19, Elijah Factor 8, Hyatt Hoppe 2.

Wright City (30-2): CJ Briley 18, Dalyn Burrell 15, Robert Briley 14, Justin Lecrone 9, Chris Trusty 6.

Playoffs Week 1 Player of the Week Poll

11/18/2019 |  Ben Johnson

FINALISTS

Cade Stephenson (Kingfisher) - Junior quarterback completed 20 of 29 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns, and he also ran for 152 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries the Yellowjackets’ 45-42 victory over Marlow in triple overtime. With the win, Kingfisher advances to face Lincoln Christian in the 3A quarterfinals.

Joe Cole (Barnsdall) - Senior quarterback completed 17 of 24 passes for 278 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 165 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries. Cole also had 15 tackles (four for loss) and a forced fumble in the Panthers’ 33-7 road victory over Commerce in the opening round of the Class A playoffs.

Ben Harman (Cashion) - Wildcats’ standout quarterback torched Rush Springs by going 22 of 36 through the air for 376 yards and six touchdowns in Cashion’s 45-0 victory in the opening round of the Class A playoffs.

Bryce Drummond (Pawhuska) - Junior signal caller threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns while completing 14 of 19 passes, and he also ran for 119 yards and four touchdowns on 18 carries in the Huskies’ 52-6 win over Oklahoma Union in the opening round of the Class A playoffs.

Josh Kaste (Lincoln Christian) - Senior tailback rushed for 211 yards and five touchdowns on 10 carries, and he also hauled in two catches for 57 yards and a score in the Bulldogs’ 56-7 victory over Inola in the opening round of the Class 3A playoffs.

Kentrell Bizzell (Carl Albert) - Titans ball carrier recorded 28 rushes for 250 yards and three touchdowns in Carl Albert’s 48-7 victory over Duncan in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs.

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HONORABLE MENTION

Verdigris

Toby Willis - 4 receptions, 100 yards, 3 TDs // 2 tackles, 1 INT on defense

Eufaula

Nick Jones - 8 rushes, 116 yards, 3 TDs // 1 INT on defense

Stigler

Ridge McClary - 16 rushes, 227 yards, 4 TDs

Jaxson Calhoun - 2 INTs - broke school record with 14 career interceptions

Frederick

Kyle Edwards - 17 rushes, 148 yards, 3 TDs // 8 tackles, 1 INT on defense

Gus Gaytan - 4/9 passing, 60 yards + 12 rushes, 166 yards, 1 TD // 7 tackles on defense

Gore

Weston Shanks - 28 rushes, 215 yards, 1 TD + 1 TD passing

Noble

Austin Fisher - 257 yards passing, 2 TDs

Sperry

Bryce Carter - 9 tackles and a blocked punt // 2 rushing TDs and a two-point conversion

Metro Christian

Asher Link - 23/26 passing, 373 yards, 6 TDs + 4 rushes, 37 yards, 1 TD

Carson Callaway - 8 receptions, 178 yards, 1 TD

Beggs

CJ Brown - 10 rushes, 181 yards, 2 TDs

Dusty Pendergrass - 13/20 passing, 252 yards, 3 TDs

Easton Davis - 3 receptions, 121 yards, 1 TD

Dibble

Dakota Shiflett - 22 rushes, 195 yards, 2 TDs // 8 tackles, 1 INT on defense

Thomas

Ethan Hamberlin - 9 rushes, 220 yards, 3 TDs

Vian

Xavin Lackey - 5 rushes, 108 yards, 1 TD

Meeker

Caden Wolford - 21 rushes, 141 yards, 2 TDs // 5 sacks, 6 tackles on defense

Piedmont

Caden Hendren - Punt return for a TD // forced fumble, 12 tackles (2 for loss), 1 pass break-up on defense

Adair

Nate Ratcliff - 7/11 passing, 155 yards, 2 TDs + 12 rushes, 74 yards, 4 TDs

Jacob Lappe - 24 rushes, 234 yards, 1 TD

Coweta

Gage Hamm - 10/17 passing, 289 yards, 4 TDs + 1 reception, 21 yards, 1 TD

Wagoner

Trey Gause - 16 tackles (3 for loss)

McAlester

Chris Hilton - 5/7 passing, 98 yards + 22 rushes, 182 yards, 4 TDs

Bethany

Sam Brandt - 5/7 passing, 139 yards, 2 TDs + 24 rushes, 183 yards, 1 TD // 9 tackles on defense

Poteau

Jayden Mankin - 61 yards rushing, 45 yards receiving, 3 TDs // 6 tackles, 1 INT on defense

Mason Barcheers - 17 rushes, 157 yards, 1 TD

Cache

Jake Barnes - 6 tackles, 101-yard INT return for TD

Bishop McGuinness

Dominic Richardson - 12 rushes, 150 yards, 3 TDs + 4 receptions, 21 yards

Weatherford

Sam Hoffman - 36 rushes, 160 yards, 2 TDs + 2 receptions, 69 yards, 1 TD

Stillwater

Gunnar Gundy - 33/41 passing, 380 yards, 6 TDs

Anthony Bland - 19 receptions, 230 yards, 4 TDs

Jenks

Stephen Kittleman - 16/25 passing, 271 yards, 5 TDs

Will Cox - 20 rushes, 150 yards, 2 TDs

Broken Arrow

Sanchez Banks - 30 rushes, 155 yards, 3 TDs

POSTSEASON PREDICTIONS

11/15/2019 |  Ben Johnson

Michael Swisher

6A-I - Union over Edmond Santa Fe
The Redskins were my preseason pick and about a month into the season it appeared to be a foolish one. Even now - as they’ve landed on the tougher half of the bracket - it would seem yours truly is just being stubborn. I think Owasso is the best team, but Union is a different squad than it was early in the season. The Redskins are going to upset Broken Arrow and Owasso on the way to a state title. If I would have written that last sentence four years ago, you all would have sent me in for a brain scan.

6A-II - Bixby over Stillwater
Who’s going to beat them?

5A - Carl Albert over Bishop McGuinness
Every single pundit in the state is going to write the same thing. Some people may have discounted the Titans after the shocking loss to Piedmont. If anything, it ignited them. They proved it last week by hammering McGuinness. The title is again theirs to lose. It’s all true.

4A - Bethany over Tuttle
Obligatory Sam Brandt reference, but it’s warranted. He’s explosive on offense and dynamic on defense. The Bethany run game is exceptional and it sets up the adequate passing game. And if you need proof of how stingy the Broncho defense is, just go look at the Tuttle result. This is a complete team.

3A - Heritage Hall over Perkins-Tryon
I’m not so sure this is as much of a given as last year (or the Chargers’ 2017 title in 4A or 2015 title in 3A). Heritage Hall has the versatile Phillip Smitherman leading the way, but a number of Chargers can help get the job done. They know how to win big games and rarely do you see them make mistakes that cost them games. You have to beat them. That said, I’m not convinced that Lincoln Christian isn’t the best team, so watch out for that semifinal. And if you need a sleeper, look at the bottom of the bracket in Perkins-Tryon, although the Demons no doubt have the toughest road to the finals.

2A - Sperry over Metro Christian
This might be my toughest class to pick. I bounced between Sperry and Metro Christian at least a half-dozen times. Two dominant offenses AND defenses. I’m going to go with experience, which is what led me to Sperry. Don’t sleep on Vian, my preseason pick, either.

A - Cashion over Rejoice Christian
The Wildcats would probably prefer I pick another squad. I believe I tabbed Cashion a year ago and the Wildcats were done before the quarterfinals. Cashion doesn’t have a superstar, but it has a TON of stars. It’s got to be a nightmare to prepare for them because if you key on one, two or three players, then one, two or three others can hurt you. There are a plethora of potential speed bumps on both sides of the bracket, so you never know in Class A (who picked Tonkawa and CHA to reach last year’s title game?). I think Cashion and Rejoice Christian are the two best. Either could win it.

B - Regent Prep over Shattuck
They got a taste of the state title game last year and they’re ready to take the next step. Regent has been the most dominant team in the class and it’s not close. Of course Shattuck knows how to get it done. The Bullards have made the western Oklahoma program a dynasty. But not even that dynasty can overcome the talent gap between Regent and the rest of the class this season.

C - Pond Creek-Hunter over Waynoka
The Panthers are tired of being bridesmaids. Four times in the last decade they’ve been runners-up. This is the squad that gets it done. While PC-H piles on the points, it’s the defense that sets the Panthers apart. The potential semifinal with Southwest Covenant is a big one and Waynoka is lurking on the bottom half of the bracket. The Railroaders gave PC-H one of its two close games of the year.

Ben Johnson

Class 6AI
Owasso over Jenks
Edmond Santa Fe is coming on strong late in the season, but the Rams have been the most talented club in 6AI all season long. Oh, and Owasso has one of the best coaches in the state’s history.

Class 6AII
Bixby over Stillwater
This will be an epic rematch. The Pioneers are crazy loaded, but yet Bixby might be the best team in the entire state.

Class 5A
Carl Albert over Noble
The Titans have kicked it into high gear and another title is on the horizon.

Class 4A
Bethany over Bristow
Sam Brandt and Co. missed out on last year’s 4A title but not this year.

Class 3A
Heritage Hall over Plainview
Seriously considered going with Lincoln Christian as the 3A winner, but can’t pick against Heritage Hall until the Chargers actually lose.

Class 2A
Sperry over Metro Christian
It took the Pirates what seemed like forever to claim their first title and now could make it two in a row.

Class A
Stroud over Cashion
I had Stroud from the beginning of the season, so I’m gonna ride with the Tigers. Few problems along the way could be Ringling and Rejoice Christian. But nonetheless, sticking with Stroud.

Class B
Regent Prep over Dewar
The Rams have inched closer to a title every year and now they’ll finally get it.

Class C
Coyle over Southwest Covenant
Bluejackets head back to the finals for the second time and finally pick up their first championship.

Whitt Carter

6A1: Owasso

The Rams have been the best team all year and I don’t see why they don’t bring it home. I doubt it’s a cake walk, but with athletes everywhere and Bill Blankenship in charge, Owasso brings home its’ second title. 

6A2: Bixby

Is there really another choice? One of the most dominant runs in recent memory, the Spartans haven’t even really been tested this year. And I don’t think that’s changing. The best team in school history and *ducks* maybe the state? Yeah it’s a wrap. 

5A: Carl Albert

The Titans had the long winning streak snapped earlier this year in a surprising loss to Piedmont. That did nothing but refocus Carl Albert. The cream of the crop again rises to the top to win its’ 4th straight. 

4A: Tuttle

The Tigers got back on top last year and have only lost to Bethany this season. The year long favorite Broncos have a brutal path to the title game. I think someone catches them and Tuttle goes back-to-back.  

3A: Plainview

A team loaded with talent that is flying under the radar is my surprise pick here. The Indians have what it takes to get it done and are as complete of a team as any in the class. This bracket is full of good teams and it could get wild but I think the Indians win their first title. 

2A: Metro Christian

I’m sure I’m following the beat of the drum of our fearless leader Ben Johnson, who’s been a loyal Patriots fan for years now. And rightfully so. The Pats have as an impressive of an offense as you’ll see in many years in 2A. I don’t know that anyone can slow them down. The gold ball comes back to the 918. 

A: Cashion

I’ve picked the Wildcats for seemingly seven years now. And one day it’s gonna come true. So I’ll stick with it, as I think they are the most talented and are always so well coached. John Hardaway will be dancing in the streets. 

B: Shattuck

How do you pick anyone else? At this point it’s fair to assume that Shattuck wants Bama. But are they better than Bama?? Maybe they want LSU? Or the Patriots? I’m not picking against them ever so we are done here. 

C: Pond Creek-Hunter 

I’ll take Pond-Creek in an always fun class B. They have been impressive this year and always can put up a ton of points, which is a requirement in this class. The Panthers take the title in 2019.

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Giuseppe's Italian Dining in Marlow

11/14/2019 |  Michael Swisher

By Autumn Davenport

Former Marlow Outlaw

A little piece of Italy down in Southwestern Oklahoma. Marlow is the home Giuseppes’s Italian Dining in the heart of its historic Main Street. 

The restaurant is housed in an old bank building that was built in 1911. They have kept many of its original design elements to allow their guests a chance to go back in time while dining. 

This restaurant has been one of the crown jewels of Marlow for decades, and draws in crowds from all over. Make sure to sign in the guest book, and also take a peek at how far some guest have traveled to enjoy the cuisine over the years. 

Pictured: Original Marlow, OK Main Street circa 1911. The building on the right side with the shorter roof is still the home of the restaurant today. 

Food Recommendations: 

Starters: 

Artichoke Spinach Dip – always a favorite of mine. Served with large pieces of flat bread for you to dip with. If you are in the mood for a warm app to start your evening, this will not let you down. 

Salad and Bread - almost all entrees come with a house salad and bread for the table. The salad is a simple base of iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, black olives and parmesan cheese. But the house dressing takes it to another level. Olive Garden wishes their salad could beat this, but never will. 

Entrees: 

Pizzas – Keep in mind that their pizzas take 40 minutes to prepare to allow the cheese to melt perfectly. But does that sound like a bad thing when I told you how awesome the appetizers were? The wait is worth the hype. These brick oven styled pizzas will most definitely satisfy your hungry, and may even leave you a few leftovers for later due to their large size. 

Fettuccine Half & Half – The perfect balance of pasta sauce in this dish. They take the traditional fettuccine alfredo and elevate it with the additional of a rich homemade marinara sauce. If the traditional plate is too rich for you, try this twist and you may just find your new favorite order! I have also ordered the tortellini with this sauce option and was more than pleased with its turn out! 

Buoni Vicini – Translates to Good Neighbors – One of the most famous dishes and a house favorite. A simple meal of sautéed chicken breast with seasoned vegetables but in the style only Giuseppe’s can prepare. Take our word for it, this guilt free option may lead you to think you cheated your diet due to how amazing it tastes. 

House Wines: 

Both the red and the white house wines are actually made by a local winery in the heart of Marlow. Cotton Blossom Winery, owned by locals Ryan and Megan Bell, is located on Broadway just down the road from Giuseppe’s. Enjoy a carafe for the table, or a single glass for yourself and you won’t be disappointed. You may even buy a bottle from the restaurant to take home after you leave to remember the evening and all the joy it brought you. 

Pictured: Current Owners Tandy Banks and Brandon Floyd (also the Chef Partner). They are the third set of owners of the restaurant in its tenure. 

A locally-owned and operated restaurant is hard to come by these days with all the chain restaurants popping up overnight. This is a stop you have to make!

But make sure to plan ahead.

Giuseppe’s is only open Thursday – Sunday from 11 am – 9 pm. Whether you go for game day or for a fun date night, you will enjoy every minute of this Oklahoma gem. (Click the link at the top of the story to find the complete menu.)

OSSAA: UCO TO HOST 11-MAN TITLE GAMES

11/13/2019 |  Michael Swisher

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

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

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