Elk City Elks

Elk City, OK 73644

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    • 2024-2025 Football Schedule
    Record: 5-5 | Unranked
    vs CanadianL27-32
    8/29
    @ AltusW14-28
    9/6
    vs JoshuaL0-42
    9/20
    vs CacheW36-21
    9/27
    @ ElginL49-6
    10/4
    vs ClintonL21-24
    10/10
    @ DouglassW0-42
    10/17
    vs WeatherfordL21-28
    10/25
    @ Bridge CreekW14-47
    11/1
    vs WoodwardW30-12
    11/8
    vs Tuttle
    OSSAA State First Round at Tuttle    		L34-6
    11/15

    CLASS 4A PREVIEW

    |  Ben Johnson

    Class 4A preview

    Rankings

    1. Bethany - Declaring 2019 the year of Sam Brandt. He’s improved his quarterbacking skills as the years have gone along, and last season he rushed for 1,262 yards and 25 touchdowns, in addition to 2,615 yards and 27 touchdowns through the air.
    2. Blanchard - Class 4A’s top rusher last year was the Lions’ Bryce Madron with 1,743 yards and 32 touchdowns. And, he’s back.
    3. Wagoner - Running back Chochee Watson could be on the verge of a breakout season after totaling 746 yards and nine touchdowns while sharing time with Schyler Adair in 2018.
    4. Clinton - Expect a big year from tailback linebacker Eddi Gonzalez, who logged 107 tackles during his junior campaign.
    5. Weatherford - Ethan Downs, a big-time tight end that stands 6 feet, 4 inches and 240 pounds, holds offers from OU, Arkansas, Baylor, LSU and plenty more.
    **6. Tuttle - The departure of Carson Berryhill at quarterback could mean the reigning 4A state champs turn to Triston Truelove for a heavy bulk of the offensive load. Truelove rushed for 1,621 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.
    7. Bristow - Having Jalen Fullbright’s athleticism back will certainly help, and the same goes for Luke Fortney (reigning state champion in wrestling) and Braden Fullbright on the offensive line.
    8. Poteau - Greg Werner returns after a stint at Hilldale as head coach, and so does Mr Do Everything Easton Francis.
    9. Broken Bow - Savages are always sneaky good, and that’s likely to be true this season with plenty of seniors on defense, including Dawson Jackson, Stephen Young and Britton McKinney.
    10. Hilldale - Hornets lose some talent from last year’s roster, but they still have Jay Porter at quarterback, along with Brayson Lawson and Dylan Walker at wide receiver.

    **2018 state champion


    Premier players

    - Wil Moyer (Cushing): As a junior, Moyer passed for 2,576 yards and 22 touchdown while completing 60 percent of his passes.
    - Keaton Crooks (Cushing): Most of Moyer’s passes found Crooks, who had 1,117 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
    - Ben Ward (Cleveland): Enters his junior year after throwing for 2,334 yards for the Tigers last season.
    - Caden Culver (Elk City): Threw for 1,683 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior in 2018.
    - Jaxon Ratterree (Weatherford): Downs gets the accolades in Weatherford, but Ratterree threw for 1,758 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior last year.



    Our best guess(es)

    Michael Swisher: Tuttle -- Want to see a cool tradition? Go to a Tuttle home game and watch the Tigers bus into the stadium and go straight from the bus to warmups. That’s not going to win Tuttle a gold ball, obviously. But the fact about 90 Tigers roll off those buses certainly helps. Tuttle will reload what it lost from a year ago and repeat.

    Whitt Carter: Wagoner -- It will be hard to defeat Bethany if Sam Brandt is as good or better than he was last year, but the Bulldogs have a ton back and it’s enough to get it done and reclaim their spot at the top.

    Ben Johnson: Bethany -- Could foresee a Bethany-Blanchard finale, and I like Sam Brandt to get the job done this year.



    Class 4A preview

    |  Ben Johnson


    Look back at 2017

    2017 district champs

    4A-1: Heritage Hall - Everyone should have seen it coming from the start. Heritage Hall took down John Marshall -- who went on to win the Class 3A title -- in the first week of the season, and the Chargers just stampeded their way through 4A-1, as well. Clinton came the closest to knocking off Heritage Hall, 28-24, in week four but Heritage Hall ended up polishing off a 14-0 campaign with a title game victory over Ada.

    4A-2: Ada - The Cougars endured some brutal losses to Ardmore and Carl Albert in non-district play, but it prepared Ada for what was up ahead in 4A-2 play. The Cougars' only blemish in district competition was to Tuttle, but Ada ended up knocking off Blanchard for the tiebreaker at the end of the year when both finished atop the standings. Then Ada went on to knock off Oologah in the quarterfinals, and the Cougars marched all the way to the title game, where Heritage Hall ended up prevailing.

    4A-3: Wagoner - Few figured there'd be many teams to stand between Wagoner and Heritage Hall ultimately meeting in the 4A title game. The Bulldogs owned the state's longest winning streak (48) after another unbeaten run through 4A-3 and a first round playoff victory over Poteau. But trouble arrived in the form of Blanchard, who ended the Bulldogs' unbeaten run at Odom Stadium.


    4A-4: Hilldale - The Hornets were another east power that figured to challenge the likes of Wagoner and Heritage Hall late in the playoffs. After all, Hilldale breezed through 4A-4 for the district crown, but Bethany rallied and took down Hilldale in the quarterfinals.

     







    Talking title game: Heritage Hall 14, Ada 0

    Quarterback Blake Adams found Conner Casey for a 10-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, and from there the Chargers' defense secured Heritage Hall's sixth state championship and third in the four seasons. Adams added a 3-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, and it was plenty with the Charger defense forcing two Ada interceptions while limiting the Cougars to 193 total yards.


    On to 2018...


    Players to watch

    - Bryce Madron (Blanchard): Even as a sophomore, Madron was instrumental for the Lions on offense in 2017. Blanchard finished 11-2 and it was Madron who shouldered a bulk of the load on offense with 1,316 yards and 21 touchdowns on 200 carries.

    - Jaxon Ratterree (Weatherford): Ratterree will head into his junior season after completing 87 of 153 passes for 1,274 yards and nine touchdowns last year.
    - Schyler Adair (Wagoner): Partnered with Nikia Jones on offense, Adair did his work on the ground for the Bulldogs in 2017. He rushed for 1,231 yards and 14 touchdowns on 158 carries.

    - Sam Brandt (Bethany): Taking over the quarterback reins, Brandt became a star for the Bronchos. He passed for 1,290 yards and 16 touchdowns with a 57 completion percentage, and he tacked on 964 yards and nine touchdowns on 174 carries. And for good measure, he piled up 76 tackles and six interceptions on defense.




    - Easton Francis (Poteau): Francis did it all during his sophomore campaign last year. He rushed for 1,404 yards and 23 touchdowns on 215 carries. He also caught 16 passes for 182 yards and three scores, and he saw a little time at quarterback, where he completed 37 of 62 passes for 809 yards and eight touchdowns. And for good measure, he also served as the Pirates' punter with a 35.3 yard-per-punt average on 18 attempts.

    - J.R. Crain (Broken Bow): The Savages will give the ball to Crain plenty of times during the upcoming season. In 2017, Crain rushed for 748 yards and seven touchdowns on 134 carries.
    - Tyler Wayland (Bristow): Senior quarterback is ready to pick up where he left off last season. He threw for 634 yards and eight touchdowns, but he was deadly on the move with 1,236 yards and 18 touchdowns on 160 carries.
    - Jesse Rudd (Fort Gibson): Rusty Rudd and Jesse Rudd shared the bulk of the carries for the Tigers in 2017, but it was Jesse Rudd who led the team with 1,003 yards and 14 touchdowns on 195 carries as a sophomore.




    - Jamie Nance (Blanchard): The wide receiver exploded onto the recruiting scene in the offseason, garnering offers from across the nation. The Nebraska commit is looking to build on last year's campaign that saw him tally nearly 700 yards and six TDs.


     

    District debriefs

    4A-1: Heritage Hall took its Class 4A championship trophy and marched on to 3A, leaving 4A-1 open for the taking. Weatherford, Elk City, Elgin, Cache, Newcastle, Clinton and Chickasha all return to familiar stomping grounds, and they all welcome newcomer Anadarko in its move up from 3A.

    4A-2: No more Ada here, but the tussle among Blanchard, Bethany and Tuttle should be phenomenal again. That trio, along with Harrah and Tecumseh, all return for more 4A-2 action, and newcomers include Cushing, McLoud and Madill.

    4A-3: Very little has changed here with Oologah and Wagoner headlining 4A-3 once again. Catoosa, McLain, Grove and Miami are all back again, too. Bristow shifts up from 3A and Cleveland moves from 4A-2, where it spent most of its time traveling west last year.

    4A-4: Hilldale and Fort Gibson can once again clash for The Rock trophy during district play. They're both back for more time in 4A-4, and same goes for Broken Bow, Poteau, Stilwell and Sallisaw. Metro Christian moved out, so in comes Tulsa Central and Muldrow.

     

    What’s new? (coaching moves)

    - Barrett Shupe (59-24 at Cushing) had an impressive seven-year run at the helm with the Tigers, but he stepped down and gave way to Rusty Morgan.

    - Oklahoma lost a solid head coach in Brandon Craig, who accepted the head coaching job at Siloam Springs in Arkansas. In steps Chase Kime, who served as defensive coordinator under Craig.

    - Zach Gardner spent 11 seasons at Afton and compiled a record of 96-32, including a 14-0 run to last year's Class A state title. But Andrew Rice left Miami for a position at Northeastern Oklahoma State A&M, and Gardner is now the head coach for the Wardogs.

    - Former Central star Willie Ponder is now the head coach at McLain, taking over for Jarvis Payne, who went 24-35 in six seasons with the Titans. Ponder, a former speedster who played for the New York Giants, most recently was a wide receivers coach at Colorado Mesa University.

    - Sallisaw hired Randon Lowe as its new head coach after Lowe's stint as an offensive analyst for North Texas University.

    - Greg Werner parlayed his success at Poteau from 2012 to 2014 to the head coaching gig at Van Buren (Arkansas) a few years ago. Now Werner is back in Oklahoma, taking over at Hilldale after Chad Kirkhart stepped down.

    - J.T. Cobble accepted the head coaching position at Duncan, and Mike Perez is the new head coach at Stilwell.


     

    Fun fact:

    - Dale Condict took over at Wagoner in 2005, and since then he's gone 147-23 with nine district titles and four state championships.

     

    Prediction time

    Michael Swisher - Anyone is 4A sad to see Heritage Hall go? Anyone? Bueller? | I'll be looking to see if Blanchard - and a couple others - are ready to remain contenders or if dominance in the class returns to Wagoner and Oologah | Remember the name Ethan Downs, a sophomore RB/TE/DE (whatever you need from him) from Weatherford | Wagoner. Maybe it's a safe pick, but I'm not sure if someone else is ready to step up and take the title.

    Ben - Beyond bummed to see former Oologah head coach Brandon Craig leave for the Siloam Springs job, but the Mustangs will be just fine under Chase Kime | This class is an enigma | Sam Brandt will be a problem for a lot of teams this season | Bristow may have moved up a class, but the Purple Pirates should hold their own in 4A-3 | Oologah and Wagoner will duke it out for the 4A-3 title - shocker! | Get to know Poteau's Easton Francis - he'll be a hot commodity in no time | I could end up being way off, but I think Poteau has what it takes to win the title | I've talked myself into it - Poteau Pirates as the 2018 4A champions.

    Whitt Carter -This class is wide open | Gone are the days of Wagoner dominance, although it wouldn't surprise me if it found a way to play late in the year | Coaches are gladly waving goodbye to previous champ Heritage Hall (now in 3A) and runner-up Ada (now in 5A) | Blanchard's Jamie Nance is no doubt going to be a major problem for 4A | Southeastern Oklahoma will be heard from, as Poteau and Broken Bow have as good of a chance as anyone | But I'll take a darkhorse, Tuttle, to improve throughout the year and be there at the end, capturing their first gold ball since 2005.

    Guest picker - Hall of Fame coach Randy Turney - Better go with Bethany to win gold in 4A.


    *Photos courtesy of Von Castor



    6A Soccer Rankings and Playoff Projections

    |  Michael Swisher







    6A Girls

    1. Edmond North (12-0) (5-0)
    2. Norman North (9-1) (4-0)
    3. Bixby (10-1) (5-0)
    4. Jenks (10-2) (5-0)
    5. Deer Creek (7-1) (5-0)
    6. Westmoore (10-2) (5-0)
    7. Edmond Memorial (8-2) (4-1)
    8. Norman (8-3) (4-1)
    9. Broken Arrow (5-3) (3-2)
    10. Tulsa Union (7-3) (3-1)
    11. Edmond Sante Fe (6-4) (4-1)
    12. Yukon (7-4) (3-2)

    Games of the Week

    • Tuesday 4/22:  #1 Edmond North at #5 Deer Creek – the 6A-2 District championship will most likely be decided in this cross-town matchup of 2 red hot teams and rematch of last year’s State Semi-Final that EN won 1-0 on its way to the State title. 
    • Friday 4/25:  #3 Bixby at #6 Westmoore – Assuming both teams take care of business Tuesday, this match will decide the 6A-3 District Title.
    • Friday 4/25:  #7 Edmond Memorial at #1 Edmond North – regardless of the outcome of EN-DC Tuesday, this game will have a lot riding on it - as an EDLAM rivalry and since EM was the last team to beat EN last season in non-district play.

    District Playoff Discussion and Projections

    In District 6A-1 - Norman North, riding a 9-game winning streak, play 3 games this week and control their own destiny for the District title with a win at #11 Edmond Santa Fe on Friday. Norman, despite an ugly loss to NN, can secure the 2-seed with a road win at #12 Yukon on Friday.  Edmond Santa Fe is safely the 3-seed but can still win the District title and 1-seed with a win at Choctaw Tuesday and an upset of #2 Norman North at home on Friday night. As for the 4-seed, Yukon needs a home win over Southmoore Tuesday to lock in the final playoff spot.


    Projection:

    1. Norman North
    2. Norman
    3. Edmond Sante Fe
    4. Yukon

    In District 6A-2, Edmond North, the defending champs, are steamrolling teams, but face their toughest tests of the regular season this week with matches at #5 DC on Tuesday and vs. #7 EM on Friday. Deer Creek is coming off an impressive 2-0 win at #7 EM last week and have not conceded a goal in the run of play yet this season. DC is all but a lock to be the 2-seed but can win the District title outright with a home victory over #1 EN Tuesday night. Similarly, if EN beats DC Tuesday they will win the District Title regardless of the results of EN-EM Friday due to their large lead in Margin Points. However, Edmond Memorial can still get the 2-seed with a win over EN Friday, if DC beats EN on Tuesday night as well. Otherwise, EM is likely safely the 3-seed. For the 4-seed, Moore can secure the last playoff spot in 6A-2 with a home win over Putnam City Tuesday night.


    Projection:

    1. Edmond North
    2. Deer Creek
    3. Edmond Memorial
    4. Moore

    In District 6A-3, the Friday matchup of #3 Bixby at #6 Westmoore will most likely decide the District champion and the 2-seed – assuming Bixby can hold serve at home against a dangerous Owasso team Tuesday night. From there, Broken Arrow (3-2), Owasso (2-3), Mustang (2-3) and Bartlesville (2-3) all remain alive for the final 2 playoff spots. BA at 3-2 is in the best shape, but play 2 tough games this week at Bartlesville Tuesday and at Owasso on Friday. Mustang should get to (3-3) with a win at home vs. Sand Springs Tuesday and then face Bartlesville on the road Friday. Owasso at 2-3 and with 3 margin points faces the toughest road with games at Bixby Tuesday and home vs. BA Friday – but could jump to the 3-seed with a pair of wins. Bartlesville will need to score upsets at home vs. BA Tuesday and at Mustang Friday and hope for some more luck to end up 4th in 6A-3.


    Projection:

    1. Westmoore
    2. Bixby
    3. Broken Arrow
    4. Mustang

    In District 6A-4, Jenks wil likely coast to another District title and 1-seed with winnable home games vs. US Grant and Sapulpa this week. Union (3-1) plays 3 games this week and can likely lock in the 2-seed with a win at Stillwater Tuesday. From there, Stillwater (3-2), Piedmont (3-2) and Enid (3-2) all remain in the mix for the 3rd and 4th playoff spots, depending on the outcome of this week’s games. Piedmont hosts Enid Tuesday and can likely lock up the 3-seed with a win there. Stillwater hosts Union Tuesday and then plays at Enid Friday night with the last playoff spot likely on the line.


    Projection:

    1. Jenks
    2. Union
    3. Piedmont
    4. Stillwater




    6A Boys

    1. Tulsa Union (11-1) (4-0)
    2. Broken Arrow (11-1) (4-0)
    3. Edmond Memorial (10-1) (5-0)
    4. Owasso (11-2) (5-0)
    5. Yukon (10-2) (5-0)
    6. Norman North (10-1) (3-1)
    7. NW Classen (8-3) (4-1)
    8. Edmond North (9-3) (4-1)
    9. Stillwater (8-5) (5-0)
    10. Deer Creek (7-4) (3-2)
    11. Bartlesville (6-4) (4-1)
    12. Bixby (9-3) (3-2)

    Games of the Week

    • Tuesday 4/22:  #3 Edmond Memorial at #7 NW Classen - the 6A-2 District Title will be at stake in this game at Taft Stadium.
    • Tuesday 4/22:  #1 Union at #9 Stillwater - the last 2 undefeated teams still standing in 6A-4 will likely decide the District champ in this Tuesday match in Stillwater.
    • Friday 4/25:  #2 Broken Arrow at #4 Owasso - when these top 2 teams, both currently unbeaten in District, play Friday night it will likely be for all the marbles in 6A-3.

    District Playoff Discussion and Projections

    In 6A-1, Yukon, coming of their OT win over previously undefeated Norman North, controls its own destiny and can win the District with either a sweep or just a split of their games at Southmoore Tuesday and home vs. Norman Friday. NN plays 3 games this week but against the teams currently occupying the bottom 3 spots in District and appear poised to secure the 2-seed. From there Norman hosts PC West, both 3-2, Tuesday and the winner is a safe bet for the 3-seed with the loser the 4.


    Projection:

    1. Yukon
    2. Norman North
    3. Putnam City West
    4. Norman

    In 6A-2, Edmond Memorial (5-0) plays atNW Classen (4-1) Tuesday with the winner in the drivers’ seat for the District title and the loser likely the 2. However, Edmond North (4-1) can also still win the District with 2 wins this week at DC Tuesday and hosting EM on Friday - with a EM win over NWC Tuesday. But, DC can still swipe the 3-seed from EN by winning their match-up Tuesday and holding serve Friday vs. PCO. 


    Projection:

    1. Edmond Memorial
    2. NW Classen
    3. Deer Creek
    4. Edmond North

    In 6A-3, the top 5 teams play a round-robin of sorts this week to decide the final District standings and champ. However, the outcome of Friday’s matchup of BA at Owasso will most likely determine who is the District Champ and who is the 2-seed. As for the final 2 spots, Bartlesville’s OT win over Bixby may likely prove to be decisive, even if Mustang tries to play spoiler by beating Bartlesville at home Friday.


    Projection:

    1. Broken Arrow
    2. Owasso
    3. Bartlesville
    4. Bixby

    In 6A-4, the Stillwater-Union game Tuesday likely determines the District Champ and the 2-seed. Jenks appears locked in as the 3-seed while Enid and U.S. Grant will matchup this week (and hope for some luck) for the winner to secure the last playoff spot - but U.S. Grant holds the advantage due to its prior 2-1 win over Enid.


    Projection:

    1. Union
    2. Stillwater
    3. Jenks
    4. US Grant


    6A Soccer Rankings and Games to Look Out For

    |  Michael Swisher







    6A Girls

    1. Edmond North (10-0) (3-0)
    2. Norman North (7-1) (2-0)
    3. Bixby (8-1) (3-0)
    4. Jenks (8-2) (3-0)
    5. Deer Creek (5-1) (3-0)
    6. Edmond Memorial (7-1) (3-0)
    7. Norman (7-2) (3-0)
    8. Westmoore (8-2) (3-0)
    9. Broken Arrow (4-2) (2-1)
    10. Tulsa Union (6-2) (2-0)
    11. Mustang (9-2) (2-1)
    12. Yukon (6-3) (2-1)

    6A Girls Games of the Week

    • 4/15 - #7 Norman at #2 Norman North - Cross-town rivalry with 6A-1 District Title likely on the line.
    • 4/15 - #10 Tulsa Union at #4 Jenks - Cross-town rivalry with huge 6A-4 District Title implications.
    • 4/17 - #5 Deer Creek at #6 Edmond Memorial - EDLAM rivalry game with 6A-2 District home field advantage on the line.
    • 4/17 - #3 Bixby at #9 Broken Arrow - Green County battle with 6A-3 District home field advantage implications.

    6A Boys

    1. Norman North (9-0) (2-0)
    2. Tulsa Union (9-1) (2-0)
    3. Broken Arrow (9-1) (2-0)
    4. Edmond Memorial (8-1) (3-0)
    5. Owasso (9-2) (3-0)
    6. Bixby (9-1) (3-0)
    7. Deer Creek (7-2) (3-0)
    8. Yukon (8-2) (3-0)
    9. Southmoore (7-4) (2-1)
    10. Edmond North (7-3) (2-1)
    11. NW Classen (6-3) (2-1)
    12. Stillwater (6-5) (3-0)

    6A Boys Games of the Week

    • 4/15 - #2 Tulsa Union at Jenks - When these two teams get together, need we say more?
    • 4/17 - #1 Norman North at #8 Yukon - #1 Norman North has tough 6A-1 District week, hosting rival Norman and #8 Yukon.
    • 4/17 - #7 Deer Creek at #4 Edmond Memorial - EDLAM rivalry game with 6A-2 District title and home field advantage implications.
    • 4/17 - #6 Bixby at #3 Broken Arrow - Green County rivalry game with 6A-3 District title and home field advantage at stake.

    High School Football rankings

    |  Michael Swisher

    6A Division-I

    1. Owasso (10-0)
    2. Jenks (7-3)
    3. Norman (9-1)
    4. Bixby (8-2)
    5. Edmond Memorial (8-2)
    6. Union (7-3)
    7. Deer Creek (7-3)
    8. Moore (6-4)
    9. Norman North (3-7)
    10. Broken Arrow (4-6)

    6A Division-II

    1. Muskogee (10-0)
    2. Choctaw (8-2)
    3. Stillwater (8-2)
    4. Sand Springs (7-3)
    5. Piedmont (6-4)
    6. Putnam City (6-4)
    7. Putnam City North (7-3)
    8. Bartlesville (3-7)
    9. Lawton Ike (4-6)
    10. Sapulpa (4-6)

    Class 5A

    1. Carl Albert (10-0)
    2. Del City (9-1)
    3. Booker T. Washington (8-2)
    4. Newcastle (7-3)
    5. Guthrie (7-3)
    6. McAlester (8-2)
    7. Bishop McGuinness (7-3)
    8. Bishop Kelley (5-5)
    9. Lawton Mac (7-3)
    10. Pryor (7-3)

    Class 4A

    1. Wagoner (10-0)
    2. Elgin (10-0)
    3. Tuttle (10-0)
    4. Blanchard (9-1)
    5. Bethany (8-2)
    6. Ada (7-3)
    7. Weatherford (8-2)
    8. Sallisaw (8-2)
    9. Clinton (8-2)
    10. Miami (8-2)

    Class 3A

    1. Lincoln Christian (10-0)
    2. Heritage Hall (9-1)
    3. Sulphur (9-1)
    4. Cascia Hall (9-1)
    5. Plainview (9-1)
    6. Perkins-Tryon (8-2)
    7. Pauls Valley (7-3)
    8. Bristow (6-4)
    9. North Rock Creekl (6-4)
    10. Idabel (7-3)

    Class 2A Division-I

    1. Washington (10-0)
    2. Millwood (9-1)
    3. Metro Christian (10-0)
    4. Kingston (9-1)
    5. Marlow (8-2)
    6. Jones (8-2)
    7. Kiefer (7-3)
    8. Chandler (7-3)
    9. Chisholm (6-4)
    10. OCS (7-3)

    Class 2A Division-II

    1. Vian (10-0)
    2. Adair (10-0)
    3. Stroud (10-0)
    4. Holdenville (10-0)
    5. Alva (8-2)
    6. Davis (6-4)
    7. Beggs (8-2)
    8. Colcord (9-1)
    9. Henryetta (8-2)
    10. Salina (6-4)

    Class A Division-I

    1. Hooker (9-1)
    2. Fairview (9-1)
    3. Rejoice Christian (9-1)
    4. Walters (9-1)
    5. Pawnee (7-3)
    6. Pawhuska (8-2)
    7. Christian Heritage (7-3)
    8. Pocola (8-2)
    9. Wynnewood (8-2)
    10. Minco (7-3)

    Class A Division-II

    1. Woodland (10-0)
    2. Regent Prep (9-1)
    3. Hominy (8-2)
    4. Thomas (9-1)
    5. Mangum (9-1)
    6. Talihina (9-1)
    7. Central Sallisaw (7-3)
    8. Velma-Alma (8-2)
    9. Texhoma (7-3)
    10. Mooreland (7-3)

    Class B Division-I

    1. Laverne (9-1)
    2. Dewar (8-1)
    3. Yale (9-0)
    4. Turpin (9-1)
    5. Hollis (7-2)
    6. Drumright (7-3)
    7. Empire (9-1)
    8. Garber (7-3)
    9. Caddo (8-2)
    10. Keota (7-3)

    Class B Division-II

    1. Seiling (9-1)
    2. Weleetka (10-0)
    3. Covington-Douglas (10-0)
    4. Okeene (9-1)
    5. Wilson-Henryetta (8-1)
    6. Waukomis (8-2)
    7. Copan (8-2)
    8. Shattuck (6-3)
    9. Webbers Falls (6-4)
    10. Alex (6-4)

    Class C

    1. Tipton (10-0)
    2. Timberlake (10-0)
    3. Ryan (9-1)
    4. Medford (7-2)
    5. Welch (9-1)
    6. Tyrone (7-2)
    7. Maysville (8-2)
    8. Paoli (7-3)
    9. Geary (7-3)
    10. Waynoka (5-5)

    SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 10 (2024): Sunrise Cafe in Kingfisher

    |  Michael Swisher

    In Kingfisher, Oklahoma, there is a great little food place called Sunrise Cafe.

    I have had breakfast here a few times over the years, but my most recent trip had me giving the incredible looking "Gravy Train" a try after scanning over the menu.

    When it comes to breakfast dining out, I normally tend to migrate towards some combination that includes biscuits and this morning would be no different with the Gravy Train selection I was making. 


    So what is the Gravy Train?

    It's two open-faced homemade biscuits with sausage gravy and hash browns on top. I then added cheese, two runny medium eggs and bacon.



    The Gravy Train is so good and covers all the bases when it comes to breakfast.

    It's one of those breakfast plates that when you're done you either (A) feel like you should go build a fence or chop wood in the snow or (B) head on back to the couch for a morning nap.

    The Gravy Train is definitely not a "light breakfast" by any measure, but rather a heavy and hearty breakfast that is extremely satisfying for those not afraid of a big breakfast. 

    I'm sure local Kingfisher icon Micheal Swisher would have strong recommendations for Sunrise Cafe as well and probably not just for breakfast either.

    It's the kind of small-town cafe that I really enjoy and probably has an excellent hamburger or chicken fried steak meal if i was guessing.

    So the next time you are rolling through Kingfisher in the morning, stop in at the Sunrise Cafe and give the Gravy Train a try because it's a really solid breakfast all the way around!

    Week 10 High School Football Rankings

    |  Michael Swisher

    6A Division-I

    1. Owasso (9-0)
    2. Bixby (8-1)
    3. Union (7-2)
    4. Jenks (6-3)
    5. Norman (8-1)
    6. Edmond Memorial (7-2)
    7. Deer Creek (6-3)
    8. Moore (5-4)
    9. Mustang (5-4)
    10. Norman North (2-7)

    6A Division-II

    1. Muskogee (9-0)
    2. Choctaw (7-2)
    3. Stillwater (7-2)
    4. Sand Springs (6-3)
    5. Putnam City (6-3)
    6. Putnam City North (7-2)
    7. Piedmont (5-4)
    8. Southmoore (4-5)
    9. Bartlesville (2-7)
    10. Lawton Ike (3-6)

    Class 5A

    1. Carl Albert (9-0)
    2. Del City (8-1)
    3. Booker T. Washington (7-2)
    4. Newcastle (6-3)
    5. Guthrie (6-3)
    6. Lawton Mac (7-2)
    7. McAlester (7-2)
    8. Bishop McGuinness (6-3)
    9. Pryor (7-2)
    10. Bishop Kelley (4-5)

    Class 4A

    1. Wagoner (9-0)
    2. Elgin (9-0)
    3. Tuttle (9-0)
    4. Blanchard (8-1)
    5. Sallisaw (8-1)
    6. Bethany (7-2)
    7. Weatherford (7-2)
    8. Ada (6-3)
    9. Clinton (7-2)
    10. Miami (7-2)

    Class 3A

    1. Lincoln Christian (9-0)
    2. Heritage Hall (8-1)
    3. Sulphur (8-1)
    4. Cascia Hall (8-1)
    5. Plainview (8-1)
    6. Perkins-Tryon (7-2)
    7. Idabel (7-2)
    8. Pauls Valley (6-3)
    9. Berryhill (6-3)
    10. Holland Hall (6-3)

    Class 2A Division-I

    1. Washington (9-0)
    2. Millwood (8-1)
    3. Metro Christian (8-0)
    4. Kingston (8-1)
    5. Marlow (7-2)
    6. Jones (7-2)
    7. Kiefer (6-3)
    8. Chandler (6-3)
    9. Chisholm (5-4)
    10. Lindsay (6-3)

    Class 2A Division-II

    1. Vian (9-0)
    2. Adair (9-0)
    3. Stroud (9-0)
    4. Holdenville (9-0)
    5. Alva (7-2)
    6. Davis (5-4)
    7. Beggs (7-2)
    8. Colcord (8-1)
    9. Henryetta (7-2)
    10. Kansas (6-3)

    Class A Division-I

    1. Hooker (8-1)
    2. Fairview (8-1)
    3. Rejoice Christian (8-1)
    4. Walters (8-1)
    5. Pawnee (6-3)
    6. Pawhuska (7-2)
    7. Wynnewood (8-1)
    8. Christian Heritage (6-3)
    9. Pocola (7-2)
    10. Cashion (7-2)

    Class A Division-II

    1. Woodland (9-0)
    2. Regent Prep (8-1)
    3. Hominy (7-2)
    4. Thomas (8-1)
    5. Mangum (8-1)
    6. Mooreland (7-2)
    7. Talihina (8-1)
    8. Central Sallisaw (6-3)
    9. Velma-Alma (7-2)
    10. Texhoma (6-3)

    Class B Division-I

    1. Laverne (8-1)
    2. Dewar (7-1)
    3. Yale (8-0)
    4. Turpin (8-1)
    5. Caddo (8-1)
    6. Hollis (6-2)
    7. Drumright (6-3)
    8. Empire (8-1)
    9. Garber (6-3)
    10. Pond Creek-Hunter (7-2)

    Class B Division-II

    1. Seiling (8-1)
    2. Weleetka (9-0)
    3. Covington-Douglas (9-0)
    4. Okeene (8-1)
    5. Wilson-Henryetta (7-1)
    6. Waukomis (7-2)
    7. Cherokee (5-4)
    8. Alex (6-3)
    9. Copan (7-2)
    10. Shattuck (5-3)

    Class C

    1. Tipton (9-0)
    2. Timberlake (9-0)
    3. Ryan (8-1)
    4. Tyrone (7-1)
    5. Medford (6-2)
    6. Welch (8-1)
    7. Maysville (7-2)
    8. Paoli (6-3)
    9. Geary (6-3)
    10. Waynoka (4-5)

    SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 9 (2024): Revisiting Our Top Candy Picks, Good Soup & Happy Birthday Adam

    |  Michael Swisher

    Since it is Halloween today, I thought it would be fun and timely to run back some previous SKORDLE Halloween Candy Blogs from 2021 and 2022.

    I discuss many important topics related to candy preference, secretly stealing lots of candy from my children and my love for the old days of homemade Halloween treats.

    If you are fortunate enough to come across a Popcorn Ball, Brownie, Candy Apple, or Rice Krispies Treats, rather than a full-sized candy bar (what's really special about that?), you are truly one of the lucky ones tonight! 

    I have also included - in the 2021 blog - an incredible Minestrone Soup recipe courtesy of Mr. SKORDLE himself Adam Diesselhorst.

    Speaking of Adam, today is his birthday, so tell him Happy Birthday! 

    Week 9 Pay Dirt Picks & Results

    |  Korry Rogers


    MARK
    11-1
    JACOB
    9-3
    TOM
    9-2
    TONY
    10-2
    Anadarko
    @
    Kingfisher
    Chandler
    @
    Sperry
    Crossings
    @
    Washington
    Hinton
    @
    Cashion
    Minco
    @
    Christian Heritage
    Keota
    @
    Dewar
    Piedmont
    @
    Stillwater
    Perry
    @
    Chisholm
    Norman
    @
    Mustang
    Sand Springs
    @
    Putnam City North
    Carl Albert
    @
    Guthrie
    Bishop McGuinness
    @
    Newcastle

    Week 9 High School Football Rankings

    |  Michael Swisher

    6A Division-I

    1. Owasso (8-0)
    2. Bixby (7-1)
    3. Union (6-2)
    4. Jenks (5-3)
    5. Norman (7-1)
    6. Edmond Memorial (6-2)
    7. Mustang (5-3)
    8. Deer Creek (6-2)
    9. Norman North (2-6)
    10. Moore (4-4)

    6A Division-II

    1. Muskogee (8-0)
    2. Choctaw (6-2)
    3. Stillwater (6-2)
    4. Sand Springs (5-3)
    5. Putnam City North (7-1)
    6. Southmoore (4-4)
    7. Piedmont (5-3)
    8. Putnam City (5-3)
    9. Lawton Ike (3-5)
    10. Sapulpa (4-4)

    Class 5A

    1. Carl Albert (8-0)
    2. Del City (7-1)
    3. Guthrie (6-2)
    4. Booker T. Washington (6-2)
    5. Newcastle (5-3)
    6. Bishop McGuinness (6-2)
    7. Lawton Mac (6-2)
    8. McAlester (6-2)
    9. Shawnee (6-2)
    10. Pryor (6-2)

    Class 4A

    1. Wagoner (8-0)
    2. Elgin (8-0)
    3. Tuttle (8-0)
    4. Blanchard (7-1)
    5. Clinton (7-1)
    6. Sallisaw (7-1)
    7. Bethany (6-2)
    8. Weatherford (6-2)
    9. Ada (5-3)
    10. Miami (6-2)

    Class 3A

    1. Lincoln Christian (8-0)
    2. Heritage Hall (7-1)
    3. Sulphur (7-1)
    4. Cascia Hall (7-1)
    5. Plainview (7-1)
    6. Perkins-Tryon (6-2)
    7. Idabel (6-2)
    8. North Rock Creek (5-3)
    9. Pauls Valley (5-3)
    10. Berryhill (5-3)

    Class 2A Division-I

    1. Washington (8-0)
    2. Millwood (7-1)
    3. Metro Christian (8-0)
    4. Kingston (7-1)
    5. Marlow (6-1)
    6. Jones (6-2)
    7. Kiefer (5-3)
    8. Perry (6-2)
    9. Hugo (6-2)
    10. Chandler (5-3)

    Class 2A Division-II

    1. Vian (8-0)
    2. Adair (8-0)
    3. Stroud (8-0)
    4. Davis (5-3)
    5. Holdenville (8-0)
    6. Alva (6-2)
    7. Beggs (6-2)
    8. Colcord (7-1)
    9. Wyandotte (6-2)
    10. Salina (5-3)

    Class A Division-I

    1. Hooker (7-1)
    2. Fairview (7-1)
    3. Rejoice Christian (7-1)
    4. Christian Heritage (6-2)
    5. Walters (7-1)
    6. Pawnee (5-3)
    7. Pawhuska (6-2)
    8. Pocola (6-2)
    9. Wynnewood (7-1)
    10. Cashion (6-2)

    Class A Division-II

    1. Woodland (8-0)
    2. Mangum (8-0)
    3. Regent Prep (7-1)
    4. Hominy (6-2)
    5. Talihina (8-0)
    6. Thomas (7-1)
    7. Ketchum (6-2)
    8. Mooreland (6-2)
    9. Central Sallisaw (5-3)
    10. Velma-Alma (6-2)

    Class B Division-I

    1. Laverne (7-1)
    2. Dewar (6-1)
    3. Yale (7-0)
    4. Turpin (7-1)
    5. Caddo (7-1)
    6. Hollis (5-2)
    7. Garber (6-2)
    8. Keota (6-2)
    9. Drumright (4-2)
    10. Waurika (4-4)

    Class B Division-II

    1. Seiling (7-1)
    2. Weleetka (8-0)
    3. Covington-Douglas (8-0)
    4. Okeene (7-1)
    5. Wilson-Henryetta (6-1)
    6. Waukomis (6-2)
    7. Copan (7-1)
    8. Shattuck (5-2)
    9. Cherokee (4-4)
    10. Wetumka (5-3)

    Class C

    1. Tipton (8-0)
    2. Timberlake (8-0)
    3. Ryan (7-1)
    4. Tyrone (6-1)
    5. Medford (5-2)
    6. Geary (6-2)
    7. Welch (7-1)
    8. Maysville (6-2)
    9. Paoli (5-3)
    10. Sasakwa (6-1)

    Week 8 Pay Dirt Picks & Results

    |  Korry Rogers


    MARK
    9-3
    JACOB
    9-3
    TOM
    9-3
    DOUG
    10-2
    Okeene
    @
    Boise City
    Kingfisher
    @
    North Rock Creek
    Tulsa Central
    @
    Chandler
    Lincoln Christian
    @
    Checotah
    Texhoma-Goodwell
    @
    Mangum
    Southwest Covenant
    @
    Thomas-Fay-Custer
    Blanchard
    @
    Tuttle
    Turpin
    @
    Garber
    Sequoyah Claremore
    @
    Cascia Hall
    Muskogee
    @
    Sand Springs
    Jenks
    @
    Moore
    McAlester
    @
    Booker T Washington

    SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 8 (2024): Flamingo Lounge

    |  Michael Swisher

    If you haven’t had a burger at the Flamingo Lounge in Enid, you really need to because they are absolutely delicious! 


    The Flamingo is located right at the main intersection of town (U.S. 81 and U.S. 412 or Van Buren and Garriott for the locals).


    It’s a classic dive joint that has been a favorite for many for a really long time. 


    Simple is why they are great. 


    The burgers are incredible and what I love the most is the melty cheese and warm greasy bun.


    I would highly recommend the Double Meat, Double Cheeseburger.




    You can even add chili if you’re brave enough or have arteries made of steel.


    Regulars normally get some Chili Cheese Nachos as an appetizer or side. 


    If you’re wanting to try something truly unique, follow the lead of Mr. SKORDLE Adam Diesselhorst and order the Pickled Eggs. 


    I have never brought myself to try them (I stick to the nachos and burgers), but Adam loves them and you might too. 


    The place has a shuffleboard, pool and video games for the kids. 


    The next time you are in Enid, I would strongly suggest a stop at the Flamingo for an awesome burger!!!

    Week 8 High School Football Rankings

    |  Michael Swisher

    6A Division-I

    1. Owasso
    2. Bixby
    3. Union
    4. Jenks
    5. Deer Creek
    6. Norman
    7. Edmond Memorial
    8. Mustang
    9. Moore
    10. Broken Arrow

    6A Division-II

    1. Muskogee
    2. Stillwater
    3. Choctaw
    4. Sand Springs
    5. Piedmont
    6. Putnam City North
    7. Putnam City
    8. Sapulpa
    9. Southmoore
    10. Lawton Ike

    Class 5A

    1. Carl Albert
    2. Del City
    3. Lawton Mac
    4. McAlester
    5. Guthrie
    6. Bishop McGuinness
    7. Collinsville
    8. Booker T. Washington
    9. Newcastle
    10. Shawnee

    Class 4A

    1. Wagoner
    2. Elgin
    3. Tuttle
    4. Blanchard
    5. Broken Bow
    6. Clinton
    7. Poteau
    8. Sallisaw
    9. Bethany
    10. Weatherford

    Class 3A

    1. Lincoln Christian
    2. Heritage Hall
    3. Sulphur
    4. Cascia Hall
    5. North Rock Creek
    6. Plainview
    7. Perkins-Tryon
    8. Sequoyah-Claremore
    9. Pauls Valley
    10. Idabel

    Class 2A Division-I

    1. Washington
    2. Millwood
    3. Metro Christian
    4. Kingston
    5. Marlow
    6. Jones
    7. Kiefer
    8. Perry
    9. Crossings Christian
    10. Hugo

    Class 2A Division-II

    1. Vian
    2. Adair
    3. Stroud
    4. Davis
    5. Holdenville
    6. Alva
    7. Beggs
    8. Colcord
    9. Kansas
    10. Community Christian

    Class A Division-I

    1. Hooker
    2. Fairview
    3. Rejoice Christian
    4. Christian Heritage
    5. Walters
    6. Pawnee
    7. Pawhuska
    8. Pocola
    9. Hartshorne
    10. Wynnewood

    Class A Division-II

    1. Woodland
    2. Mangum
    3. Regent Prep
    4. Hominy
    5. Talihina
    6. Thomas
    7. Texhoma
    8. Ketchum
    9. Central Sallisaw
    10. Velma-Alma

    Class B Division-I

    1. Laverne
    2. Dewar
    3. Yale
    4. Turpin
    5. Garber
    6. Caddo
    7. Empire
    8. Hollis
    9. Keota
    10. Drumright

    Class B Division-II

    1. Seiling
    2. Weleetka
    3. Covington-Douglas
    4. Okeene
    5. Wilson-Henryetta
    6. Copan
    7. Boise City
    8. Waukomis
    9. Shattuck
    10. Cyril

    Class C

    1. Tipton
    2. Timberlake
    3. Ryan
    4. Welch
    5. Tyrone
    6. Maysville
    7. Geary
    8. Medford
    9. Paoli
    10. Sasakwa

    Week 7 Pay Dirt Picks

    |  Korry Rogers


    MARK
    5-7
    TOM
    10-1
    CHRIS
    8-4
    HUNTER
    8-4
    Ardmore
    @
    Blanchard
    Oklahoma Christian School
    @
    Perry
    Minco
    @
    Walters
    Thomas-Fay-Custer
    @
    Texhoma-Goodwell
    Waynoka
    @
    Timberlake
    Garber
    @
    Pond Creek-Hunter
    Marlow
    @
    Washington
    Fairview
    @
    Hooker
    Deer Creek
    @
    Jenks
    Stillwater
    @
    Choctaw
    Colcord
    @
    Adair
    Norman
    @
    Moore

    SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 7 (2024): Fun Facts on Win Streaks and Mr. Burger

    |  Michael Swisher

    SKORDLE has two MASSIVE Games of the Week on the SKORDLE.TV network for Week 7.

    Class 2A Division 1's fourth-ranked Marlow will be at #1 Washington and Class A Division 1 #1 Fairview will be at #2 Hooker.

    The winner of both games will have a big leg up on the district races and these could be a preview of future playoff matchups down the road.

    I asked Chis Wilfong of Iwasatthegame.com for some "fun facts" related to both of these matchups and he had some very interesting ones to share. 

    In the Marlow-Washington game, the all-time head-to-head matchup favors Marlow by a 5-2 margin.

    Do you know who Washington's last loss in a game was?

    You guessed it, Marlow in the 2021 state championship. 

    In the Fairview-Hooker game, the all-time head-to-head matchup favors Fairview by an 11-4 margin.

    This is a rematch of last year's Class A State Championship game won by Fairview. Currently in Class A Division I, when it comes to scoring, Fairview is No. 3 while Hooker is No. 4 so the scoreboard operator could be very busy Thursday night. 

    As mentioned in an earlier Sampler this season, Washington and Fairview are both riding 30-plus game winning streaks and now they have company in this lofty club. It is the Carl Albert Titans, who have won 31 games in a row.

    According to Chris Wilfong, this is the first time ever in state history that we have had three 30-plus-game winning streaks going on at the same time in 11-man football.

    Now that is a truly "fun fact" heading into these big games this week. 

    As for food recommendations, if you are heading to Washington there are plenty of quality stops on the way, including my favorites of Victoria's Pasta Shop in Norman (Shrimp Lasagna Rolls) or Purcell at the Original Jo's Famous Pizza (any of it). 

    For those of you heading way out west to Hooker, I highly suggest you stop and eat at the Mr. Burger in Guymon or Hooker. 

    I randomly stumbled across this gem in the panhandle coming home from a ski trip in 2023. I ended up having a really great Bacon Cheeseburger, 13 tater tots and a delicious Cherry Limeade.

    Local insider (Todd Kerr) also highly recommends the Jalapeno Chicken and onion rings, which also sounds fantastic.

    Good luck to all the teams this week as it is starting to feel like actual Fall outside and keep a close eye on these two big matchups on SKORDLE.TV

    Week 7 High School Football Rankings

    |  Michael Swisher

    6A Division-I

    1. Owasso
    2. Bixby
    3. Deer Creek
    4. Union
    5. Jenks
    6. Edmond Memorial
    7. Broken Arrow
    8. Moore
    9. Mustang
    10. Norman

    6A Division-II

    1. Muskogee
    2. Stillwater
    3. Choctaw
    4. Sand Springs
    5. Piedmont
    6. Putnam City North
    7. Putnam City
    8. Sapulpa
    9. Lawton Ike
    10. Southmoore

    Class 5A

    1. Carl Albert
    2. Del City
    3. Lawton Mac
    4. Collinsville
    5. McAlester
    6. Guthrie
    7. Bishop McGuinness
    8. Booker T. Washington
    9. Newcastle
    10. Shawnee

    Class 4A

    1. Wagoner
    2. Elgin
    3. Tuttle
    4. Blanchard
    5. Broken Bow
    6. Grove
    7. Weatherford
    8. Clinton
    9. Poteau
    10. Cushing

    Class 3A

    1. Lincoln Christian
    2. Heritage Hall
    3. Sulphur
    4. Plainview
    5. Cascia Hall
    6. North Rock Creek
    7. Bristow
    8. Perkins-Tryon
    9. Checotah
    10. Sequoyah-Claremore

    Class 2A Division-I

    1. Washington
    2. Millwood
    3. Metro Christian
    4. Marlow
    5. Kingston
    6. Jones
    7. Hugo
    8. OCS
    9. Kiefer
    10. Chisholm

    Class 2A Division-II

    1. Vian
    2. Adair
    3. Stroud
    4. Davis
    5. Holdenville
    6. Colcord
    7. Luther
    8. Salina
    9. Alva
    10. Beggs

    Class A Division-I

    1. Fairview
    2. Hooker
    3. Rejoice Christian
    4. Hartshorne
    5. Christian Heritage
    6. Walters
    7. Pawnee
    8. Pawhuska
    9. Pocola
    10. Wynnewood

    Class A Division-II

    1. Woodland
    2. Mangum
    3. Texhoma
    4. Regent Prep
    5. Hominy
    6. Talihina
    7. Thomas
    8. Ketchum
    9. Central Sallisaw
    10. Velma-Alma

    Class B Division-I

    1. Laverne
    2. Turpin
    3. Dewar
    4. Yale
    5. Garber
    6. Caddo
    7. Empire
    8. Hollis
    9. Keota
    10. Pond Creek-Hunter

    Class B Division-II

    1. Seiling
    2. Weleetka
    3. Covington-Douglas
    4. Okeene
    5. Wilson-Henryetta
    6. Shattuck
    7. Copan
    8. Cherokee
    9. Thackerville
    10. Boise City

    Class C

    1. Tipton
    2. Ryan
    3. Timberlake
    4. Welch
    5. Tyrone
    6. Maysville
    7. Geary
    8. Sasakwa
    9. Medford
    10. Balko-Forgan

    Week 6 Pay Dirt Picks

    |  Korry Rogers


    MARK
    10-2
    JACOB
    9-3
    TOM
    8-4
    SHANE
    9-3
    Tonkawa
    @
    Pawhuska
    Beggs
    @
    Holdenville
    Crossings
    @
    Marlow
    Millwood
    @
    Oklahoma Christian School
    Wynnewood
    @
    Minco
    Waukomis
    @
    Covington-Douglas
    Perry
    @
    Mount St. Mary
    Hooker
    @
    Cashion
    Moore
    @
    Deer Creek
    North Rock Creek
    @
    Pauls Valley
    Tuttle
    @
    Bethany
    Alva
    @
    Stroud

    SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 6 (2024) Part I: Flour and Fennel

    |  Michael Swisher

    The Game of the Week this Friday night is Hooker at Cashion.

    For this week's installment of the Sampler Blog we revisit my column from Week 3 last year when I shared the excellence that is Flour and Fennel Pizza in Cashion.

    If you're traveling to Cashion for the game this week, I highly recommend going to Flour and Fennel for some of the best pizza you can find in the entire Sooner State!

    Recently our go-to meal has been Salad (Shareable), Cheesy Bread (Incredible) and Arby's Pizza (Meat lovers). I would also encourage you to check the specials menu and consider the homemade meatballs! 

    SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 6 (2024) Part II - REVISITING AUBURN 25 YEARS LATER

    |  Michael Swisher

    Great food experiences are often tied to core memories.


    We enjoyed a great meal as part of a bigger experience and often linked them together.


    Sometimes, sadly, that great memory inflates the actual quality of the meal.


    I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been disappointed to revisit a restaurant on my own - after having previously experienced a fantastic meal there before - only to discover the meal was….just….OK.


    It was the overall time I had that was fantastic.


    So that was my concern as I was driving into Auburn, Ala., early in the afternoon of Sept. 27.



    I was headed there for a showdown between MY two teams.


    I grew up in Oklahoma, was lured in by Barry Switzer’s OU teams of the 1980s and have never been able to shake a love and a pride of the crimson and cream ever since.


    However, I also moved to Alabama in 1989. Lived there for eight years. I went to high school in Muscle Shoals and, after a stellar academic career in JUCO, went to Auburn to pursue a journalism degree.


    Eventually, I landed back in Oklahoma, but I grew to truly love Auburn, the Tigers, War Eagle, Toomer’s Corner and everything that came with it.


    But it’s not easy to return to a place that’s 865 miles away.


    I went once for a few days in 1999.


    Then I flew in and flew out in 2018 when Auburn hosted Jace Sternberger and Texas A&M.


    That’s it.


    It had been 25 years since I’d spent an measurable time in a place that holds a big spot in my heart.


    When OU was announced to be joining the SEC, I was ecstatic. When it was announced OU would be visiting Auburn this season, I. HAD. TO. GO.


    So I did.


    Lots of people stepped up for me to make it happen, but it did.


    Anyone who has followed me through the years knows I love food. I’m not some big connoisseur of fine dining. I just love to find cool spots with great food.


    And there were two places in Auburn that I insisted on revisiting: Momma Goldberg’s and Guthrie’s.


    Both were Auburn staples when I was there in the mid- to late-1990s and both remain today.


    I pulled into Auburn at about 1 p.m. on that Wednesday prior to the OU game. 


    By 2 p.m., me and my buddy Elk were sitting inside Momma Goldberg’s with three Momma’s Love sandwiches and a pitcher sitting in front of us.


    Yes, three. Elk loves to eat, too.


    You can read about Momma Goldberg’s and its history here.


    They have multiple “signature” sandwiches but their signature of signatures is the “Momma’s Love.” 


    It’s roast beef, ham, hickory smoked turkey with muenster cheese served on a seeded hoagie bun. All signature sandwiches there have spicy brown mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomato and “Momma’s sauce.”


    And they’re also steamed before they are served which, to me, is the kicker.



    Yes, it’s simple. Yes, it’s just a sandwich.


    Which had me wondering….did I really love the Momma’s Love or did I just love being at Auburn and the Momma’s Love is part of that.


    My first bite into one in over a quarter-century told me I did, in fact, love the Momma’s Love.


    It was all that I had remembered.


    A couple days later, it was time to revisit Guthrie’s.


    Now I know what you’re thinking. It’s a chicken finger restaurant. How original. There’s 20 different franchises and 100 locations in Oklahoma City.


    True.


    But Guthrie’s is truly the original chicken finger restaurant. It opened its first location in Auburn in 1982.


    When I actually had some money in my pocket while in college, Guthrie’s was a must-stop for me.


    The order: Box, no slaw, extra fries, extra sauce.



    Sounds like Raising Cane’s, right?


    Just think Cane’s before there was Cane’s. 


    That was - and is - Guthrie’s.


    But did it live up to my hype?


    Now imagine this….


    Just think Cane’s chicken…..but SEASONED. Guthrie’s actually has flavor WITHOUT using the dipping sauce.


    But you also can’t not (double negative alert) use their signature sauce which was Cane’s sauce before there was Cane’s sauce!!!!!


    Needless to say, Guthrie’s - like Momma Goldberg’s - wasn’t just about great memories at Auburn.


    It was great food and remains so today….almost 30 years after I first fell in love.

    Week 6 High School Football Rankings

    |  Michael Swisher

    6A Division-I

    1. Owasso
    2. Bixby
    3. Deer Creek
    4. Union
    5. Jenks
    6. Edmond Memorial
    7. Moore
    8. Mustang
    9. Norman
    10. Broken Arrow

    6A Division-II

    1. Muskogee
    2. Stillwater
    3. Choctaw
    4. Sand Springs
    5. Piedmont
    6. Putnam City North
    7. Putnam City
    8. Sapulpa
    9. Lawton Ike
    10. Southmoore

    Class 5A

    1. Carl Albert
    2. Del City
    3. Bishop McGuinness
    4. Lawton Mac
    5. Collinsville
    6. McAlester
    7. Guthrie
    8. Claremore
    9. Booker T. Washington
    10. Newcastle

    Class 4A

    1. Wagoner
    2. Elgin
    3. Tuttle
    4. Blanchard
    5. Broken Bow
    6. Grove
    7. Weatherford
    8. Bethany
    9. Clinton
    10. Poteau

    Class 3A

    1. Lincoln Christian
    2. Heritage Hall
    3. Sulphur
    4. Plainview
    5. Cascia Hall
    6. Pauls Valley
    7. Bristow
    8. Seminole
    9. North Rock Creek
    10. Checotah

    Class 2A Division-I

    1. Washington
    2. Millwood
    3. Metro Christian
    4. Marlow
    5. Kingston
    6. OCS
    7. Jones
    8. Crossings Christian
    9. Hugo
    10. Kiefer

    Class 2A Division-II

    1. Vian
    2. Adair
    3. Stroud
    4. Davis
    5. Holdenville
    6. Colcord
    7. Kansas
    8. Alva
    9. Beggs
    10. Luther

    Class A Division-I

    1. Fairview
    2. Hooker
    3. Rejoice Christian
    4. Hartshorne
    5. Tonkawa
    6. Christian Heritage
    7. Walters
    8. Pawnee
    9. Pawhuska
    10. Minco

    Class A Division-II

    1. Woodland
    2. Hominy
    3. Mangum
    4. Regent Prep
    5. Texhoma
    6. Thomas
    7. Talihina
    8. Central Sallisaw
    9. Mooreland
    10. Ringling

    Class B Division-I

    1. Laverne
    2. Turpin
    3. Dewar
    4. Yale
    5. Garber
    6. Pond Creek-Hunter
    7. Caddo
    8. Hollis
    9. Empire
    10. Keota

    Class B Division-II

    1. Seiling
    2. Weleetka
    3. Okeene
    4. Covington-Douglas
    5. Wilson-Henryetta
    6. Shattuck
    7. Webbers Falls
    8. Thackerville
    9. Waukomis
    10. Copan

    Class C

    1. Tipton
    2. Ryan
    3. Timberlake
    4. Welch
    5. Tyrone
    6. Maysville
    7. Waynoka
    8. Geary
    9. Paoli
    10. Sasakwa


    Week 5 Pay Dirt Picks

    |  Korry Rogers


    MARK
    9-3
    JACOB
    9-3
    TOM
    8-3
    NICK
    7-5
    Blackwell
    @
    Perry
    Bethany
    @
    Blanchard
    El Reno
    @
    Carl Albert
    Jones
    @
    Millwood
    Mooreland
    @
    Texhoma-Goodwell
    Cashion
    @
    Watonga
    Mount St. Mary
    @
    Chisholm
    Davis
    @
    Beggs
    Owasso
    @
    Union
    Putnam City
    @
    Choctaw
    Pocola
    @
    Rejoice Christian
    Pauls Valley
    @
    Plainview

    SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 5 (2024): Taco Stop in Ponca City

    |  Michael Swisher


    This week the Blackwell vs. Perry football game is on the SKORDLE PayDirt Pick’em Show as well as SKORDLE PayDirt.

    When these two schools meet, it must be one of, if not the only, Maroons vs. Maroons game in America and by all accounts a heck of rivalry. 


    In between the two towns and just slightly east is Ponca City and for many years I have heard numerous folks rave about Taco Stop. 


    When I was rolling through Ponca City this year, the time had come for me to try this popular place myself. 


    I decided my best bet was to get the favorites of two people who are big fans of Taco Stop, my wife Amanda and food expert Mark Rodgers. 


    Amanda’s favorite item on the menu is the Taco Salad while Mark’s go-to the is Casadia. 


    Both Amanda and Mark stated that the famous taco sauce - and a lot of it - is what really made the meals at Taco Stop. 


    I went to the counter and placed my order of a Taco Salad and Casadia along with a refreshing fountain drink to wash it all down. I also made sure that some taco sauce would be readily available at the table. 


    When I got my food and sat down, I could immediately tell this was going to be a solid lunch! 


    The Taco Salad had all the markings of being great, most notably the paper-thin crunch taco shell and pile of shredded cheese. 


    The Casadia had a generous layer of taco meat topping and melted shredded cheese on top of a corn tortilla.  



    I also added a ton of taco sauce as I devoured my food and found myself generously adding some more to every single bite. 


    Quite frankly, Taco Stop was fantastic! 


    It is easy to see why Taco Stop, with its great food and extremely reasonable prices, is such a popular place to eat in Ponca City. 


    I would highly recommend stopping in any time you are in town and remember to put a lot of the famous taco sauce on everything you order because it makes everything even better.

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