ZERO WEEK PICKS

8/30/2019 |  Ben Johnson

Union at Mansfield (Lake Ridge)

Michael Swisher: Union
Whitt Carter: Union
Ben Johnson: Union

North Little Rock vs. Booker T. Washington (in Bentonville, Ark.)

Michael Swisher: North Little Rock
Whitt Carter: Booker T. Washington
Ben Johnson: Booker T. Washington

Broken Bow at Metro Christian

Michael Swisher: Metro Christian
Whitt Carter: Broken Bow
Ben Johnson: Metro Christian

Oklahoma Christian School at Jones

Michael Swisher: Jones
Whitt Carter: Jones
Ben Johnson: Jones

Owasso at Bentonville (West)

Michael Swisher: Owasso
Whitt Carter: Owasso
Ben Johnson: Owasso

Bixby at Mansfield (Timberview)

Michael Swisher: Timberview
Whitt Carter: Bixby
Ben Johnson: Bixby

Minco at Wynnewood

Michael Swisher: Minco
Whitt Carter: Wynnewood
Ben Johnson: Wynnewood

Altus at Cache

Michael Swisher: Altus
Whitt Carter: Cache
Ben Johnson: Altus

Poteau at El Reno

Michael Swisher: El Reno
Whitt Carter: Poteau
Ben Johnson: Poteau

Community Christian at Crossings Christian

Michael Swisher: Crossings Christian
Whitt Carter: Crossings Christian
Ben Johnson: Crossings Christian

Jenks at Mansfield (Legacy)

Michael Swisher: Jenks
Whitt Carter: Mansfield
Ben Johnson: Mansfield

Fairview at Perry

Michael Swisher: Perry
Whitt Carter: Fairview
Ben Johnson: Perry

Weatherford at Chisholm

Michael Swisher: Weatherford
Whitt Carter: Weatherford
Ben Johnson: Weatherford

Chr. Heritage at Coalgate

Michael Swisher: Christian Heritage
Whitt Carter: Christian Heritage
Ben Johnson: Christian Heritage

ZERO WEEK: Top 10 games

8/29/2019 |  Ben Johnson

1. Union at Mansfield (Lake Ridge)
Union won the matchup between the two clubs last year 36-30, thanks to Darius Boone’s 26-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Union went on to be a Class 6AI semifinalist, and Lake Ridge was a Region 1 semifinalist in Texas’ 6A Division II.

2. North Little Rock vs. Booker T. Washington (in Bentonville, Ark.)
A classic game last year ended with North Little Rock’s Oscar Adaway scoring on a 7-yard run with 1:28 left. Booker T. Washington led 28-15 with 9:14 left in the fourth quarter, but North Little Rock scored twice to seal the game.

3. Broken Bow at Metro Christian
Metro Christian quarterback Asher Link scored on a touchdown run and an 18-yard TD pass to Junior Simpson, and the Patriots defense took over from there in a 28-22 victory last season. Metro Christian is 8-3 all-time against Broken Bow -- with all 11 meetings happening since 2008.

4. Oklahoma Christian School at Jones
Jones ran its winning streak against OCS to four straight with last year’s 27-10 victory. Jones is 7-1 against OCS since 2006.

5. Owasso at Bentonville (West)
A high-scoring affair last year saw Owasso prevail 56-40. Owasso QB Will Kuehne threw for 343 yards and five touchdowns to beat Bentonville West.

6. Bixby at Mansfield (Timberlake)
It was a tight one last year, but the Spartans knocked off Mansfield Timberlake 36-33 to kick-start another championship season.

7. Minco at Wynnewood
Minco beat Wynnewood 27-14 last season, and is now 4-1 against Wynnewood in the past five seasons.

8. Altus at Cache
Both teams finished 8-3 last year and only makes sense that the Highway 62 foes would clash for the first time, despite only being separated by 41 miles.

9. Poteau at El Reno
Poteau’s defense was all over El Reno last year with four sacks and three fumble recoveries in last year’s 38-19 contest. Now the scene shifts to El Reno this year.

10. Community Christian at Crossings Christian
Community Christian scored first, but Crossings Christian followed with 29 straight points to dominate the rest of the way.

Honorable mention games
Jenks at Mansfield (Legacy)

Fairview at Perry

Weatherford at Chisholm

Chr. Heritage at Coalgate

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.

5 Games to Watch - Week 7

10/14/2021 |  Michael Swisher

We are just about halfway through the season. This is the point of the season where teams are really starting to figure out their identity. 

Coaches are figuring out if they need to make any other adjustments and how they should approach the final stretch before the playoffs. 

This is the most critical part of the season as teams fight out for home-field advantage…or even just a spot in the playoffs. 

Keep an eye out for these games on the Skordle app:

1. #2 McAlester 6-0 (3-0 in 5A-3) @ #3 Coweta 6-0 (3-0 in 5A-3) 

From what we’ve seen the past two weeks, defending 5A champion Carl Albert has slowly crept its way back in the top-five in the class. Regardless, Class 5A is still wide open this year and this game will largely affect the home field advantage and seeding race. Can senior quarterback Trent Boatright end his high school career in style with a state championship and end Carl Albert’s streak of five straight 5A titles? He and the rest of the Buffalo firepower are hungry for a road win this week. On the other side, it’s a pretty identical story. The Coweta Tigers are led by senior quarterback Gage Hamm who hasn’t thrown an interception all season. Hamm has 15 touchdowns in the air and four on the ground for the Tigers. This might be the biggest games for both seniors. It will be a blast to see which senior comes out on top.  

2. #2 Lincoln Christian 7-0 (3-0 in 3A-3) @ #4 Seminole 6-0 (2-0 in 3A-3)

Did you know that Lincoln Christian has been so dominant this season that its second-string quarterback has appeared in six of their seven games? Even the third string quarterback was awarded the opportunity to appear just a few weeks ago in a district game at Sequoyah where he went 10-15 for 80 yards and a touchdown. The only tough game the Bulldogs have had was a non-district road trip at Jones when they hung on 31-29. Other than that, it has been blowout after blowout for the Bulldogs. But the Chieftains are going to be fired up as well, especially after their past two clutch wins each by one possession. They’ve had their struggles on defense, but a home win for the Seminole faithful this week would be a huge boost for the Chieftains. 

3. #1 Jenks 5-1 (3-0 in 6AI-1) @ #4 Edmond Santa Fe 4-2 (3-0 in 6AI-1)

The only Edmond school that has a chance at a state championship hosts its biggest game all season when Jenks comes to town. Santa Fe is on a four-game winning streak since losing its first two at home. Jenks is almost in the same scenario, but the Trojans’ stellar defense is one of the main reasons they have gotten the job done. The two specific games were the 22-0 shutout against Union and the 31-14 win at Broken Arrow. Another reason that this Trojan team is dangerous is only losing to Bixby 23-15 especially since Bixby is pretty much blowing out everyone else on their schedule. Two teams on a winning streak in a tough Edmond atmosphere will be very dramatic. 

4. #4 Lawton MacArthur 6-0 (3-0 in 5A-1) @ #8 Noble 5-1 (3-0 in 5A-1)

The Highlanders of Lawton Mac have a long road trip ahead of them this week when they travel to the Noble Bears. And I mean it…… these could be the Bad News Bears of Oklahoma. Noble went 4-7 last season and the Bears are just three spots shy of reaching the top-five in 5A. Despite losing to Midwest City earlier in the season, 14-12, the Bears have scored at least 40 points or more in all five of their wins this season. There is a lot of promise for this program and this offense will be a huge challenge for the Highlanders defense. 

5. #5 Sand Springs 5-1 (2-1 in 6AII-2) @ #1 Bixby 6-0 (3-0 in 6AII-2) 

I will have to say that 70-7 win at Choctaw last week might have been the most impressive win I have ever seen out of the Bixby Spartan powerhouse. This program has literally been a dynasty. I still can’t get over the fact that the Spartans have won six out of the seven 6A-II state championships since the new class formation in 2014. But you have to admit that the Sand Springs Sandites have been the most surprising team in the class for 2021 considering last season was the first season they earned a winning record since 2016. They may have lost a heartbreaker last week to Booker T. Washington, but they could still finish out the year strong and be the 6A-II most improved team. It’ll be interesting to see what they have to show to Bixby this week. 

Skordle Staff Picks - Week 7

10/14/2021 |  Michael Swisher

Remember us? We are back after a couple of weeks off, ready to give you the crystal ball into week 7 of high school football in Oklahoma.

Beggs Stuns Metro Christian in Pivotal 2A-7 Clash

10/13/2021 |  Michael Swisher

The Beggs Demons stunned two-time defending state champ Metro Christian 24-22 last Friday to take a big step toward a potential District 2A-7 championship.

The Demons never completed a pass, but instead rode the legs of C.J. Brown and Red Martel.

The duo combined for 257 rushing yards as Beggs took the lead late in the first quarter and never surrendered it.

The win bumped the fourth-ranked Demons to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the district and in a tie with Victory Christian.

Second-ranked Metro Christian dropped to 4-2 and 2-1.

The Patriots turned it over on their first two possessions of the game as Beggs forced a fumble on the second play from scrimmage and then safety Braylon Davis picked off Metro’s Kirk Francis after the Patriots had driven inside the Beggs 10.

That set up a 51-yard touchdown run by Brown. Ayden Hamilton’s keeper on the conversion made it 8-0 late in the first.

The following Patriot drive saw Francis pass for 70 yards all the way down the field and Tagg Campbell punched in the touchdown with a 3-yard run. After the extra point by Brayden Haveman, the Demons’ lead was down to 8-7 with just seconds left in the first quarter.

Later in the second quarter, Beggs punter Chance Jordan pinned the Metro Christian offense inside its own 10. 

On second down, Francis dropped back to pass and delivered a short crossing route that got tipped and bounced around. 

Demon defensive lineman Chance Jordan came away with an interception and walked easily into the end zone.

Another Hamilton two-point conversion gave Beggs the 16-7 halftime lead.

Metro Christian thwarted a Beggs drive to open the second half by forcing a fumble.

The Patriots capitalized and turned that into points when Francis found Seth McCoy for a 17-yard touchdown.

McCoy bounced off multiple Demon defenders and dove in to the end zone before Dax Dancer’s two-point conversion shortened the deficit to 16-15.

After the fourth quarter featured both defenses stepping up, the game was ultimately decided on back-to-back plays.

Metro Christian drove inside the Beggs 10 with under 5:00 to play.

Campbell got three straight carries, but was short of the goal line.

On 4th and goal from the 2, Metro called his number again.

Campbell took the carry to the left, but lost the ball while crossing the goal line.

After a discussion between referees, it was determined he fumbled before crossing the line, giving the ball to the Demons on the touchback.

On the very next play, Martel took off for an 80-yard touchdown run. 

The two-point conversion was good, again by Brown, and the Demons led 24-15 with under four minutes remaining.

Metro didn’t fade away.

The Patriots quickly drove the field, bolstered by Francis’ passing and a 28-yard run by Campbell.

Francis eventually scored on a 1-yard run, pulling the Patriots within two points with under 2:00 left.

An onside kick was recovered by Beggs and the Patriots had all three timeouts at their disposal. 

Four straight plays by the Demon offense were turned away and Metro Christian had hope as the Patriots had 46 yards to go and no timeouts. 

Francis threw three straight incompletions and faced a 4th and 10. 

A Hail Mary attempt came up short as the ball traveled just out of reach of receiver Walker Holder, who was alone in the back of the end zone, allowing Beggs to hold onto the win.

Martel finished the game with 129 yards on just 11 touches for Beggs while Brown finished with 23 carries for 122 yards.

For Metro Christian, Francis was 26 of 43 for 310 yards. Speedster J.J. Shelby was his favorite target, but Reid Roth finished with over 100 yards receiving.

The Patriots were hurt by four turnovers - two interceptions by Francis and two fumbles.

Metro Christian can keep itself in the district title race this week when it travels to Victory Christian.

Beggs hosts Morris this week and its showdown with Victory Christian looms in Week 10.

5 Games to Watch - Week 6

10/7/2021 |  Michael Swisher

This week is full of rivalries, rivalries and more rivalries. Let’s talk about the fact that there’s another #1 vs #2 matchup, a 5A rivalry featuring the top two teams in their district already having two losses and the classic Mid-Del showdown. There is a lot to look forward this week and you definitely won’t want to miss any of the action.

1. #1 Bixby 5-0 (2-0 in 6AII-2) @ #2 Choctaw 4-1 (2-0 in 6AII-2)  

Revenge? A rematch of the 2020 6AII state championship? A fight to claim first in the district? Yeah, this is no doubt the best game of the week and possibly the game of the whole regular season. This is also one of the biggest home games for Choctaw in its school history. I’m also pretty sure almost the entire state of Oklahoma - outside of Bixby - will be rooting for the Yellowjackets to take down the two-time defending state champion Bixby Spartans. This game will determine a lot of seeding implications, but this could once again be the title game. The top-ranked Spartans just came off of yet another blowout win against a Putnam City West team that didn’t score until the fourth quarter in a game that was 67-0 at halftime. But we can’t forget about two weeks ago when Choctaw claimed a statement win against Booker T. Washington, 29-20. Out of all of the Yellowjackets’ four wins, this was the one they needed the most considering BTW is just behind them in the rankings at #3. Will this be the year Choctaw dethrones Bixby? 

2. #6 Carl Albert 3-2 (2-0 in 5A-2) @ #7 Bishop McGuiness 3-2 (2-0 in 5A-2) 

Are the Titans back already? After all, it sure seems like they woke up after dropping their first two to Midwest City and Del City. The embarrassing one though was when Eagles of Del City came to Carl Albert and hung 52 points on the Titans. Not to mention that Carl Albert only had a single touchdown in the second half. But since then, the Titans have gotten at least halfway back to themselves. A rivalry win on the road at Guthrie last week? That was the first test. Now they have to go to one of the hardest places in all of 5A. If they steal another one on the road Friday night against the Irish, this will turn from a “rebuilding year” to another championship year really fast. And to surprise everyone on a “rebuilding year”? That’s the definition of a top-tier football program. The Irish also lost to Del City earlier this year and they don’t have any quality wins on their résumé. But they are the Irish and they are at home and they desperately want revenge against the Titans. This game not only has a big say in who wins the district championship, but it’s also been a state championship preview. Carl Albert has defeated the Irish in the last two 5A title games and four of the last five. Anything can happen. I’ve heard from a Carl Albert graduate that this is probably the most heated rivalry in all of 5A. 

3. #3 Booker T. Washington 4-1 (1-1 in 6AII-2) @ #4 Sand Springs 5-0 (2-0 in 6AII-2) 

As mentioned, the Hornets lost a close one in Choctaw a couple weeks back. But if you’re a Hornet fan, you shouldn’t be too upset about that loss since it’s a very talented Yellowjacket team. The Hornets had a big bounce back win at home over Bartlesville 63-0. The blowout was largely behind phenomenal rushing performances by DJ McKinney and Ethan Washington, who each had a pair of rushing touchdowns and over 100 rushing yards. You can’t complain about that one bit if you’re a Hornet fan. Something that will be interesting though is how the Hornets will respond from a road atmosphere because you know Sand Springs will be fired up to garner a statement win.

4. Midwest City 4-1 (2-0 in 6AII-1) @ #5 Del City 4-1 (2-0 in 6AII-1) 

This is the classic Mid-Del rivalry, but few expected either one of these squads to have the kind of season they’re having right now. I didn’t think we would be talking about even one of these teams beating Carl Albert. But the beauty of high school and college sports is upset after upset. The Eagles have statement wins over Carl Albert, Bishop McGuiness and Stillwater, which is why they have journeyed their way into the top-five in 6AII. A win at home against their top rival could put them up even higher depending on how the teams ahead of them perform. 

5. #8 Bristow 4-1 (2-0 in 4A-3) @ #5 Grove 5-0 (2-0 in 4A-3) 

Talk about a battle between a high-power offense and a high-power defense. Last week, Bristow scored its only three points in the fourth quarter and managed to win 3-0. You don’t hear that kind of score very often. Also a reminder that Wagoner is the defending 4A state champion. Not allowing a single point against Wagoner says a lot. Ever since losing their opener to Cushing, the Pirates of Bristow have allowed an average of 10 points a game. That could be a challenge to Grove. The Ridgerunners may have a high scoring offense, but they are lacking on defense. Having homefield advantage will help the Ridgerunners tremendously, but Bristow has had momentum as well. 

Del City Dominant in Stillwater Road Win

10/7/2021 |  Michael Swisher

The Del City Eagles manhandled Stillwater 30-7 on the road last Thursday night in a matchup of top-10 6A-II teams.

Del City dominated the line of scrimmage, punishing the Pioneer defense with its run heavy offense. 

Del City senior quarterback Virgil Yates shined as the key contributor in the running game along with fellow senior running mate Ethan Lawrence. 

The two combined for 44 rushing attempts and more than 350 yards on the ground. 

The Del City defense put together an all around great performance by allowing under 300 total offensive yards from the Pioneer offense. 

Stillwater only put together one full drive in the third quarter as the Pioneers struggled to execute and finish drives throughout the game. 

Stillwater got solid performances from quarterback Gage Gundy and Holden Thompson from the backfield. 

Thompson shined late in the game after getting increased touches following the first couple of drives. 

The first quarter went on with neither team being able to capitalize on their drives. Del City attempted two field goals and Stanley Johnson made one from 21 yards and missed one from 44 and led the game early 3-0 near the end of the first quarter.

Del City drove down the field to start the second period. 

Yates ran in from seven yards out to post the first touchdown of the game. 

After a Johnson point after attempt, the Eagles led the game 10-0 with 10 minutes left in the first half. 

On the ensuing drive, Gundy found Thompson down the field for a 33-yard gain to kickstart their best drive of the half. After entering Eagle territory, a holding penalty derailed the drive and set up a 4th and 12 at the Eagle 39. 

The Pioneers attempted a fake punt where Heston Thompson got the ball on a sweep play. 

The Eagle special teams unit was prepared for the play and tackled him for a loss of nine yards. 

Two plays later, the Pioneer defense came up with a fumble from running back Jayson Smith. 

The Del City defense answered the bell yet again as Jaylin Sweet picked off a Gundy deep pass. 

Yates and Lawrence ran all over the defense on the next drive. 

Lawrence had a touchdown called back by a holding penalty late in the second quarter. 

Johnson had his field goal attempt of 34 yards blocked to end the half and the score stayed at 10-0.

In the second half, Stillwater got the ball first and after a quick first down, its drive sizzled to a stop and punted to Del City. 

Yates ran for41 yards on the Eagles’ first play to set them up at the Stillwater 25. 

Lawrence capped off the two-play drive with a touchdown from there, increasing their lead to 17-0 with just under eight minutes left in the third quarter. 

Stillwater answered when Holden Thompson had a 76-yard carry on second down to reach the 1 yard line. This set up a Gundy’s touchdown run to shed the Eagle lead to 17-7. 

The Eagles answered back even more quickly on the next drive after a long kickoff return by Braelon Adamah. 

On first down, = Lawrence executed a 49-yard carry to set up a first and goal. Yates ran in for a touchdown from a yard out to take a commanding 24-7 lead late in the third quarter. 

Going into the fourth, the lead looked insurmountable for the Pioneers. 

With just under 10 minutes left in the game, Yates found Sweet for a 14-yard touchdown pass for the last score of the game. 

In a final ditch effort for the Stillwater offense, they had a drive reach inside the 10 deep in Eagle territory. 

The Del City defense was perfect as the Eagles shut the door on a late game score. Three straight plays were stuffed from inside the 3. 

Del City would then retain possession from their own 1 and run the clock out. 

Del City’s defense came up with four sacks and one turnover while the offense dominated the ground.