PLAYOFF PICKS: Week 1 edition

11/9/2018 |  Ben Johnson

All hail Randy Turney and his picking skills. He made it look easy while beating the snot out of Swisher, Whitt and myself. He spent 11 weeks picking games and gradually putting all of us away -- well, most of us. Swisher might have an outside shot of catching him. We'll see how it plays out. Me, on the other hand, I have to face the music and wave the white flag. Picking for pride now! 

Week 10 picks - Coach Turney 19-7 | Whitt 19-7 | Swisher 18-8 | Ben 13-13

Overall - Turney 158-52 | Swisher 151-59 | Whitt 148-58 | Ben 140-70

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

Norman at Owasso

Michael Swisher: Owasso 38, Norman 24

Ben Johnson: Owasso 33, Norman 31

Whitt Carter: Owasso 34, Norman 24

Randy Turney: Owasso 28, Norman 7

Edmond Santa Fe at Union

Michael Swisher: Union 31, Edmond Santa Fe 21

Ben Johnson: Union 31, Edmond Santa Fe 13

Whitt Carter: Union 37, Edmond Santa Fe 13

Randy Turney: Union 32, Edmond Santa Fe 14

Del City at Booker T. Washington

Michael Swisher: Del City 33, Booker T. Washington 20

Ben Johnson: Del City 23, Booker T. Washington 19

Whitt Carter: Del City 27, Booker T. Washington 21

Randy Turney: Booker T. Washington 21, Del City 20

Lawton at Bixby

Michael Swisher: Bixby 28, Lawton 13

Ben Johnson: Bixby 28, Lawton 7

Whitt Carter: Bixby 41, Lawton 21

Randy Turney: Bixby 42, Lawton 20

Sapulpa at Midwest City

Michael Swisher: Midwest City 39, Sapulpa 24

Ben Johnson: Midwest City 36, Sapulpa 20

Whitt Carter: Midwest City 35, Sapulpa 14

Randy Turney: Midwest City 42, Sapulpa 7

Altus at Bishop McGuinness

Michael Swisher: Bishop McGuinness 28, Altus 14

Ben Johnson: Bishop McGuinness 24, Altus 16

Whitt Carter: Bishop McGuinness 37, Altus 24

Randy Turney: Bishop McGuinness 24, Altus 14

Guthrie at Duncan

Michael Swisher: Duncan 14, Guthrie 12

Ben Johnson: Duncan 20, Guthrie 13

Whitt Carter: Duncan 28, Guthrie 27

Randy Turney: Guthrie 21, Duncan 14

Claremore at Edison

Michael Swisher: Edison 24, Claremore 22

Ben Johnson: Claremore 29, Edison 23

Whitt Carter: Edison 34, Claremore 28

Randy Turney: Claremore 23, Edison 21

Coweta at Tahlequah

Michael Swisher: Tahlequah 27, Coweta 23

Ben Johnson: Tahlequah 30, Coweta 27

Whitt Carter: Tahlequah 30, Coweta 21

Randy Turney: Tahlequah 30, Coweta 16

Hilldale at Bristow

Michael Swisher: Bristow 38, Hilldale 30

Ben Johnson: Bristow 29, Hilldale 18

Whitt Carter: Bristow 37, Hilldale 31

Randy Turney: Bristow 42, Hilldale 10

Catoosa at Broken Bow

Michael Swisher: Broken Bow 30, Catoosa 12

Ben Johnson: Broken Bow 20, Catoosa 10

Whitt Carter: Catoosa 27, Broken Bow 24

Randy Turney: Broken Bow 38, Catoosa 20

Blanchard at Cache

Michael Swisher: Blanchard 31, Cache 30

Ben Johnson: Cache 37, Blanchard 32

Whitt Carter: Cache 21, Blanchard 20

Randy Turney: Blanchard 32, Cache 14

Seminole at Berryhill 

Michael Swisher: Berryhill 28, Seminole 20

Ben Johnson: Berryhill 36, Seminole 27

Whitt Carter: Seminole 37, Berryhill 35

Randy Turney: Berryhill 28, Seminole 14

Stigler at Locust Grove

Michael Swisher: Locust Grove 19, Stigler 16

Ben Johnson: Locust Grove 23, Stigler 22

Whitt Carter: Stigler 28, Locust Grove 26

Randy Turney: Locust Grove 24, Stigler 16

John Marshall at Plainview

Michael Swisher: John Marshall 22, Plainview 20

Ben Johnson: John Marshall 30, Plainview 26

Whitt Carter: Plainview 35, John Marshall 31

Randy Turney: John Marshall 27, Plainview 20

Victory Christian at Metro Christian

Michael Swisher: Victory Christian 30, Metro Christian 24

Ben Johnson: Metro Christian 42, Victory Christian 27

Whitt Carter: Metro Christian 34, Victory Christian 21

Randy Turney: Metro Christian 30, Victory Christian 24

Kellyville at Perry

Michael Swisher: Perry 24, Kellyville 21

Ben Johnson: Perry 24, Kellyville 17

Whitt Carter: Perry 27, Kellyville 20

Randy Turney: Perry 34, Kellyville 20

Spiro at Eufaula

Michael Swisher: Eufaula 20, Spiro 19

Ben Johnson: Eufaula 32, Spiro 22

Whitt Carter: Spiro 21, Eufaula 18

Randy Turney: Eufaula 24, Spiro 23

Okemah at Oklahoma Christian School

Michael Swisher: OCS 38, Okemah 20

Ben Johnson: OCS 43, Okemah 32

Whitt Carter: OCS 35, Okemah 28

Randy Turney: OCS 34, Okemah 21

Chisholm at Meeker

Michael Swisher: Meeker 30, Chisholm 28

Ben Johnson: Meeker 31, Chisholm 19

Whitt Carter: Chisholm 24, Meeker 20

Randy Turney: Meeker 32, Chisholm 14

Christian Heritage at Ringling

Michael Swisher: Ringlng 30, Christian Heritage 22

Ben Johnson: Ringlng 26, Christian Heritage 21

Whitt Carter: Ringling 31, Christian Heritage 28

Randy Turney: Ringling 28, Christian Heritage 7

Thomas at Frederick

Michael Swisher: Frederick 24, Thomas 14

Ben Johnson: Thomas 26, Frederick 22

Whitt Carter: Thomas 37, Frederick 24

Randy Turney: Thomas 14, Frederick 13

Central Sallisaw at Wayne

Michael Swisher: Central Sallisaw 34, Wayne 32

Ben Johnson: Wayne 33, Central Sallisaw 27

Whitt Carter: Wayne 42, Central Sallisaw 38

Randy Turney: Wayne 28, Central Sallisaw 18

Wynnewood at Gore

Michael Swisher: Gore 31, Wynnewood 28

Ben Johnson: Wynnewood 34, Gore 31

Whitt Carter: Gore 35, Wynnewood 31

Randy Turney: Wynnewood 20, Gore 18

Yale at Foyil

Michael Swisher: Foyil 30, Yale 22

Ben Johnson: Yale 44, Foyil 29

Whitt Carter: Yale 44, Foyil 36

Randy Turney: Yale 42, Foyil 12

Pioneer at Seiling

Michael Swisher: Seiling 24, Pioneer 21

Ben Johnson: Pioneer 45, Seiling 19

Whitt Carter: Seiling 42, Pioneer 40

Randy Turney: Pioneer 27, Seiling 22

Covington-Douglas at Paoli

Michael Swisher: Paoli 38, Covington-Douglas 28

Ben Johnson: Paoli 39, Covington-Douglas 28

Whitt Carter: Paoli 42, Covington-Douglas 32

Randy Turney: Paoli 34, Covington-Douglas 22

Medford at Graham-Dustin

Michael Swisher: Graham-Dustin 50, Medford 33

Ben Johnson: Graham-Dustin 49, Medford 32

Whitt Carter: Graham-Dustin 38, Medford 34

Randy Turney: Medford 34, Graham-Dustin 20

Tyrone at Fox

Michael Swisher: Tyrone 40, Fox 35

Ben Johnson: Tyrone 38, Fox 37

Whitt Carter: Fox 46, Tyrone 38

Randy Turney: Tyrone 38, Fox 20

Midway at Coyle

Michael Swisher: Coyle 39, Midway 30

Ben Johnson: Coyle 55, Midway 22

Whitt Carter: Coyle 36, Midway 30

Randy Turney: Coyle 48, Midway 12

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

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

Week 6 Rankings

10/1/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Here's the top 10 in each class heading into Week 6

Class 6AI

1. Broken Arrow (1) - 5-0

2. Jenks (2) - 4-1

3. Union (3) - 3-2

4. Edmond Santa Fe (4) - 5-0

5. Owasso (5) - 2-3

6. Putnam City North (7) - 5-0

7. Westmoore (9) - 4-1

8. Moore (10) - 3-2

9. Yukon (6) - 4-1

10. Mustang (8) - 1-4

Class 6AII

1. Stillwater (1) - 5-0

2. Bixby (3) - 4-1

3. Del City (5) - 4-1

4. Midwest City (2) - 4-1

5. Lawton (6) - 3-2

6. Booker T. Washington (4) - 2-3

7. Muskogee (7) - 4-1

8. Choctaw (8) - 3-2

9. Sapulpa (9) - 4-1

10. Shawnee (10) - 2-3

Class 5A

1. Carl Albert (1) - 5-0

2. Ardmore (2) - 5-0

3. Collinsville (5) - 5-0

4. Bishop McGuinness (6) - 4-1

5. Tahlequah (7) - 5-0

6. Altus (3) - 4-1

7. Duncan (8) - 5-0

8. Guthrie (9) - 5-0

9. Skiatook (4) - 4-1

10. Bishop Kelley (NR) - 3-2

Class 4A

1. Wagoner (1) - 5-0

2. Poteau (2) - 5-0

3. Tuttle (3) - 5-0

4. Bethany (4) - 5-0

5. Blanchard (5) - 4-1

6. Bristow (7) - 5-0

7. Broken Bow (9) - 4-1

8. Catoosa (10) - 4-1

9. Hilldale (6) - 4-1

10. Clinton (NR) - 4-1

Class 3A

1. Heritage Hall (1) - 4-1

2. Berryhill (3) - 5-0

3. John Marshall (2) - 4-1

4. Seminole (7) - 5-0

5. Plainview (5) - 4-1

6. Sulphur (6) - 4-1

7. Lincoln Christian (4) - 4-1

8. Cascia Hall (8) - 4-1

9. Kingfisher (10) - 3-2

10. Checotah (NR) - 4-1

Class 2A

1. Millwood (1) - 5-0

2. Sperry (2) - 5-0

3. Vian (3) - 4-1

4. Jones (4) - 4-1

5. Beggs (5) - 4-1

6. Washington (6) - 4-1

7. Holland Hall (7) - 3-2

8. Kingston (8) - 4-1

9. Alva (9) - 5-0

10. Victory Christian (10) - 5-0

Class A

1. Hooker (1) - 5-0

2. Cashion (2) - 6-0

3. Morrison (3) - 5-0

4. Minco (4) - 4-1

5. Rejoice Christian (5) - 5-0

6. Thomas (6) - 3-2

7. Hominy (7) - 4-1

8. Crossings Christian (8) - 5-1

9. Wynnewood (9) - 4-1

10. Ringling (10) - 4-0

Class B

1. Shattuck (1) - 5-0

2. Davenport (2) - 5-0 

3. Regent Prep (3) - 4-0

4. Seiling (5) - 6-0

5. Snyder (6) - 4-0

6. Laverne (8) - 4-1

7. Dewar (4) - 5-0

8. Yale (7) - 5-0

9. Canadian (10) - 4-1

10. Watts (NR) - 5-0 

Class C

1. Pond Creek-Hunter (1) - 5-0

2. SW Covenant (2) - 6-0

3. Tipton (3) - 3-2

4. Buffalo (4) - 5-0

5. Coyle (5) - 3-1

6. Tyrone (6) - 4-0

7. Covington-Douglas (7) - 5-1

8. Paoli (8) - 5-1

9. Graham-Dustin (9) - 5-0

10. Mountain View-Gotebo (10) - 4-1

Week 1 rankings

8/27/2018 |  Ben Johnson

Here's the top 10 in each class heading into Week 1.

Class 6AI

1. Broken Arrow (3) - 1-0

2. Owasso (2) - 1-0

3. Jenks (3) - 1-0

4. Union (4) - 0-1

5. Norman North (5) - 0-0

6. Mustang (6) - 0-0

7. Westmoore (7) - 0-0

8. Norman (8) - 0-0

9. Edmond Santa Fe (9) - 0-0

10. Yukon (10) - 1-0

Class 6AII

1. Booker T. Washington (1) - 0-1

2. Midwest City (2) - 1-0

3. Stillwater (3) - 0-0

4. Bixby (4) - 0-1

5. Lawton (5) - 0-0

6. Del City (6) - 0-0

7. Putnam City (7) - 0-0

8. Sand Springs (8) - 0-0

9. Muskogee (9) - 0-0

10. Shawnee (10) - 0-1

Class 5A

1. Carl Albert (1) - 0-0

2. Bishop McGuinness (2) - 0-0

3. Coweta (3) - 0-0

4. Ardmore (4) 0-0