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McGuinness committed to winning state title Junior Luke a 7-3 record District 5A-2 Tarman is set over the to start at Irish since Pre-Season Rankings quarterback McGuinness Having made the state 1.Carl Albert for a second moved up to championship game in 2.McGuinness straight sea5A in 2012. two of the last three sea3.Guthrie son after earnA solid sons, McGuinness feels 4.Piedmont 5.Woodward ing the job group of like now is the time to 6.Lawton Eisenhower before the starters win the elusive gold ball. 7.Guymon 2018 camreturn on “It’s time to get it 8.Northwest Classen paign. offense for a done,” coach Bryan Pierce Source: VYPE Pigskin Preview Seniors squad that said of winning a title. Coach Bryan Pierce Aaron Beck finished 9-3 “This group will be very and Carter Pierce figure to be two in 2018. competitive in Class 5A.” of Tarman’s primary receiving tarSenior tailback Dominic The Irish open the season ranked gets, along with senior tight end Richardson figures to be the focal second behind three-time defending point of the Irish offense, thanks to Brynden Walker who is being highstate champion Carl Albert in both the 5A Top 10 poll and District 5A-2 his speed and game-changing abili- ly recruited. Senior Ben Tawwater anchors ty. Richardson is also electrifying pre-season survey. the offensive line. Both teams have finished first or in the return, including a 97-yard Walker is among a number of kickoff return for a touchdown second in the district over the last McGuinness players who compete against Tulsa Kelley. four years, with the Titans owning By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
on defense as well. He is a leader on the defensive line from his end position, along with senior Miguel Brown at nose guard and junior Andrew Chambers on the other end. Senior Evan Ille occupies the middle from his linebacker position, while senior Braden Allen and Beck are among the leaders in the defensive backfield for McGuinness. The Irish kick off the season Sept. 6 at Del City.
Class 5A Top 10 1.Carl Albert 2.McGuinness 3.Tulsa Kelley 4.Lawton Mac 5.Collinsville 6.Duncan
7.Tahlequah 8.Guthrie 9. Tulsa Edison 10. Ardmore Source: VYPE Pigskin Preview
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Surprise playoff run gives PC North momentum in ‘19 By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
third in District 6AI-2 behind perennial powers To anyone outside the PC Owasso and Tulsa North program, last year’s Union. success might come as a surKeying PC prise. Inside the program, North’s potent the Panthers knew they had offense, which the potential for a breakout returns nine season. starters, is quar“I’m looking forward to terback Aaron what we built on last seaNorment. The senson,” Laverty said. “We could ior accounted for Coach Ryan Laverty possibly have one of the 2,201 passing most explosive offenses in yards and 21 6A this year.” touchdowns, and also added 255 The Panthers learned quickly as yards rushing and four scores. they jumped out to a good start to Senior Angelo Bell and junior finish with an 8-3 record and make Tyce Mythen have emerged as the Class 6A playoffs. Norment’s primary go-to receivers. Expectations to keep the Bell caught 40 passes for 817 yards momentum going are high heading and 13 touchdowns, while Mythen into the 2019 season, as the hauled in 18 receptions for 164 Panthers are projected to finish yards and a pair of TDs.
Senior District 6AI-2 Keilan Scott could see a Pre-Season Rankings bulk of the car1. Owasso ries at tailback 2. Tulsa Union after rushing 3. PC North for 511 yards 4. Moore on 124 carries 5. Norman North and scoring 6. Mustang two TDs. 7. Southmore The offensive 8. Edmond North line boasts two Source: VYPE Pigskin Preview senior leaders in Jayston King and Donovan Forest who both weigh at least 300 pounds and have “next-level” talent. With extensive experience on offense, the Panthers have the opposite problem on defense which is expected to see several new starters. Linebacker Zach Dortch is among the top defensive returning
starters and has received two Division I offers from Army and Memphis. The senior accounted for 48 ½ tackles last season, including six for loss and six pass breakups. Senior D.J. Flowers anchors the defensive line after accumulating 40 tackles and four sacks last year from his end spot. PC North opens the season Sept. 6 against Putnam City.
Class 6AI Top 10 1. Broken Arrow 2. Owasso 3. Tulsa Union 4. Jenks 5. Norman
6. Ed. Santa Fe 7. PC North 8. Moore 9. Westmoore 10. Norman
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Casady remains optimistic for a successul 2019 season By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
composed of prep schools throughout the Dallas-Fort Having relied on a large Worth, Austin and number of underclassmen Houston metro over the last couple seasons, areas. Casady finds itself in a good Casady also spot to expect improved boasts a more diffiresults for the 2019 season. cult non-conference “I’m quite optimistic about schedule than in our year,” coach Koby previous years. Scoville said. “I really like They face off Coach Koby Scoville against former SPC our upperclassmen experience. We also have four new rivals St. Mark’s seniors who I believe will be a big and Holland Hall, along with a help for us. We’re ready to get battle against Class A powerhouse going.” Cashion. The Cyclones worked through an “We’re really excited about our up-and-down 4-6 record in 2018 non-conference schedule,” Scoville and hope to compete this season said. “Rivalry games are always fun.” for a spot in the Southwest On offense, the Cyclones hope to Preparatory Conference champicontinue a good balance between onship game. The SPC is primarily run and pass this year. It starts at
quarterback three touchdowns, while SW Preparatory where junior Campbell hauled in 24 recepConference Denver Wilson tions for 297 yards and three takes over after touchdowns as sophomores. Class 3A throwing for Casady also relies on severCasady 344 yards and al players to compete on both Cistercian two touchdowns sides of the ball. Country Day in a reserve role Senior Kayden Russell and John Cooper last year. junior C.J. Little anchor a Oakridge Senior strong defensive line and also St. Andrew’s Christian Owen play on the offensive line. St. Stephen’s returns at runJunior Cruz Uhland Trinity Valley ning back and returns as the leading tackler Source: www.spcsports.org looks to eclipse after making 80 stops and his 340 rushing three sacks from his lineyards and one backer spot. Wilson and touchdown total from last season. Brennan Wade also play at lineLuke Preston, one of the four new backer, while Kuehl aids Russell seniors, could crack the lineup. and Little at defensive end and Juniors Lenny Kuehl and Caleb Owen helps anchor the secondary. Campbell have emerged as Wilson’s The Cyclones host former SPC primary receiving targets. Kuehl rival St. Mark’s in their opener on caught 17 passes for 337 yards and Aug. 30 at Hoot Gibson Field.
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Mount St. Mary sees progress in rebuilding program By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
The district includes Despite a difficult season, powerhouses optimism remains high at such as Mount St. Mary as coach Heritage Willis Alexander opens his Hall and second year of rebuilding the Kingfisher program. along with “We’re trying to build on a past state young football team that has champion been young for the past two John years,” Alexander said. “We Marshall Coach Willis Alexander will find an identity and and perennibuild upon that.” al playoff The Rockets return six offensive contender Perkins-Tryon. and six defensive starters from a Luke Wagner is slated to start at squad that went 2-8 last season quarterback for the second straight and finished in the bottom half of season. District 3A-1, which is arguably The junior had 1,400 yards of one of the toughest districts in total offense last year and was Class 3A. responsible for 11 touchdowns.
Senior Grady younger players. District 3A-1 Glass figures to be Sophomore Wager’s top receivJackson Conroe conPre-Season Rankings ing target after tinues his leadership 1. Heritage Hall catching 22 passes from his linebacker 2. Kingfisher for 638 years last position from which 3. John Marshall season. he collected 41 tack4. Perkins-Tryon Senior Dalton les as a freshman. 5. Mannford Faires anchors the Jesse Hamilton, a 6. Blackwell offensive line from sophomore, is expect7. Mount St. Mary 8. Bridge Creek his guard position ed to be a big contriband is joined by a utor on the defensive Source: VYPE Pigskin Preview “solid leader” in line after earning junior James playing time in his Wildes on the line. first year. On defense, junior Cooper Glass Sophomore Jaxyn Ward also had led the Rockets with 101 tackles, 34 tackles and six pass breakups six pass breakups, four forced fum- from his spot in the defensive bles and two fumble recoveries as a backfield. defensive back. The Rockets kick off the 2019 At other key positions, Mount season Sept. 6 at Christian St. Mary is relying on a bevy of Heritage in Del City.
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Deer Creek hopes to break playoff drought in Class 6A By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
finish sixth in the district in Halfway through the 2019. 2018 season, Deer Creek Six seemed to be destined for starters another difficult season. return on The Antlers made a late offense with run for the playoffs to win a good mix their final three games but of young talultimately fell short of ent and sentheir first berth in the ior leaderCoach Wade Standley postseason since moving ship, includup to Class 6A four years ing at quarago. terback with junior Gavin Houska Keyed by their winning streak, who is looking to solidify his role Deer Creek hopes to make the as offensive leader. playoffs for the first time under Seniors Tyler Travis and coach Wade Standley. Lemorris Davis join forces in the The Antlers finished 4-6 last backfield to provide a legitimate year and in the bottom half of threat in the run game and help District 6AII-1. They are picked to Deer Creek put points on the
board. Fellow seniors Pre-Season Rankings Jake 1. Stillwater Sexton and 2. Del City Aaron 3. Lawton Corbin 4. Midwest City bring some 5. Choctaw physicality 6. Deer Creek 7. Putnam City and size 8. PC West (both are Source: VYPE Pigskin Preview near 300 pounds) as they anchor the offensive line. On defense, the Antlers boast one of the more experienced lines in the district. Senior Zander Crawford returns to his spot at nose guard with senior Garrick Johnson and junior Reed Eden on each end.
District 6AII-1
Seniors Dylan Diaz and Parker Johnson plug up the middle from their linebacker positions, while fellow seniors Elijah Allen and Angelo Clark provide key leadership in the defensive backfield. Deer Creek opens the season with three 6A Division I opponents, starting on Sept. 6 against Southmoore. The Antlers host Norman on Sept. 13 and visit Edmond Memorial in Week 3.
Class 6AII Top 10 1. Bixby 2. Stillwater 3. T. Washington 4. Del City 5. Muskogee
6. Lawton 7. Sapulpa 8. Midwest City 9. Sand Springs 10. Choctaw
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Heritage Hall reloading for another title run By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
at 2A Millwood in Week 1, then rolled off 13 victoReturning to Class 3A in ries in a row to 2018 after two seasons in claim a district 4A, Heritage Hall made a 3title along with seamless transition back by the state crown. rolling to the state champiThe Chargers onship. occupy the top The Chargers must spot in the 3A replace the most successful preseason poll senior class in school history and are also to capture a second straight favored to win Coach Brett Bogert gold ball this season. the district over “We have a lot of talent powerhouse coming back, and will rely on our Kingfisher, Fridayland rival John upperclassmen to step up as leadMarshall and Perkins-Tryon. ers,” coach Brett Bogert said. “We Junior Jackson Jobe likely will have a challenging non-district retains his spot as starting quarschedule that will help us prepare terback after throwing for 1,322 for another run at a district title and yards and 15 touchdowns, while our ultimate goal of a state title.” also running for another 152 yards. Heritage Hall opened with a loss Phillip Smitherman and Joe
Washington have 95 tackles, including 22 District 3A-1 stepped up as primary for loss, and had 13 receiving targets. sacks last season. Pre-Season Rankings Smitherman, a senior, Smitherman leads 1. Heritage Hall caught 27 passes for the secondary and col2. Kingfisher 505 yards and five lected 143 tackles, 3. John Marshall touchdowns. Senior three sacks, two forced 4. Perkins-Tryon tight end Will Dunn is fumbles, a fumble 5. Mannford also expected to be a recovery and an inter6. Blackwell valuable option. ception as a junior. 7. Mount St. Mary Junior Melvin Senior linebacker 8. Bridge Creek Swindle anchors the Hardy Bowers corSource: VYPE Pigskin Preview offensive line. ralled a team-best 153 On defense, tackles, 19 for loss, 10 Heritage Hall hopes to continue sacks, three forced fumbles and its aggressive style and try to two fumble recoveries. “make the offense play defense,” Swindle and junior Jayden Bogert said. Williams are expected to cause As with many smaller schools, trouble for opposing offenses on the several Chargers play both offense defensive line. and defense. The Chargers host 2A defending Dunn is expected to be a threat champion Millwood on Sept. 6 at on the defensive line. He racked up Pop Murray Field.
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Pogi feels ready to lead John Marshall back to playoffs By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
capacity at Mustang last year. “We had some sucSpending most of the cess (at John last 20 years as an assisMarshall) and I knew tant coach, Aso Pogi finally about the program,” felt comfortable to pursue a Pogi told FRIDAY. “So head coaching job. That this felt like the peropportunity came last sumfect time.” mer when Pogi accepted Eight offensive the challenge of taking starters return to a over at John Marshall after Bears squad that former coach Rashaun went 8-3 in 2018. The Coach Aso Pogi Woods moved to Enid. Bears are picked to “I felt like it was time for me to finish third in District 3A-1, behind step into the role of a head coach,” defending state champion Heritage Pogi said. “I’ve been offered (head) Hall and powerhouse Kingfisher. jobs over the years but believed my Several of those returning time would come.” starters include key skill players, Pogi, a former quarterback at such as junior wide receiver Tim Oklahoma State, served as John Stephens who is being highly Marshall’s offensive coordinator in recruited and senior running back 2017 before moving to the same Elian Morales who ran for more
than 1,000 yards as Devon Johnson will also District 3A-1 a junior. compete for the job. Senior Tim Like most teams in Pre-Season Rankings Stephens is also Class 3A, John Marshall 1. Heritage Hall getting some relies on a large number 2. Kingfisher recruiting interest of players to compete on 3. John Marshall at wide receiver, both offensive and defen4. Perkins-Tryon along with senior sive sides of the ball. 5. Mannford tight end Jason Tim Stephens and 6. Blackwell Lewis, junior offenShells are returning 7. Mount St. Mary sive lineman Blake starters in the defensive 8. Bridge Creek Millspaugh and backfield at cornerback Source: VYPE Pigskin Preview junior offensive and safety, respectively. lineman Malachi Senior Corey Wheeler Scurra. starts opposite Stephens at the other Tasked with getting the ball to corner spot and Lewis provides a big those talented skill players will be rushing threat from his defensive a first-time starting quarterback. end position. Other defensive Senior Jalen Shells has gotten starters include senior J’Vion most of the practice reps so far and Wheeler at linebacker and sophoappears to the leading candidate to more Torriano Toles on the line. earn the job. John Marshall opens its season Kane Donovan and new addition Sept. 6 at Northeast.
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Fridaylanders dot state college rosters A state champion and a smallschool standout highlight a list of nearly two dozen Fridayland players who made state college football rosters for the 2019 season. Former Heritage Hall quarterback Connor McGinnis returns to the University of Oklahoma as the holder on field goals and extra points. McGinnis, a redshirt sophomore, appeared in all 14 games last season, while being named a first-team Academic All-Big 12 selection. Justin Broiles, a former wide receiver/defensive back standout at John Marshall, hopes to increase his playing time this season for OU. Listed as a safety, the redshirt sophomore played in 11 games last season, starting five, and collected 24 tackles to go along with two pass breakups. OU opens its season Sept. 1 against Houston at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. Southwestern Oklahoma State in Weatherford boasts the most number of local athletes with 11 former Fridaylanders on the Bulldogs roster. Four hail from PC North, including freshman wide receiver Antajuan Brown, freshman wide receiver Jamal Jeffers, freshman defensive lineman Juan Macedo and freshman defensive back D.K. Stevenson. John Marshall’s Jared Leviston and Jarod Leviston are freshman
Fridaylanders on Campus Oklahoma Justin Broiles, John Marshall Connor McGinnis, Heritage Hall Central Oklahoma Mekail Hall, John Marshall Southwestern Oklahoma State Antajuan Brown, PC North Trip Dlugonski, Crossings Christian Jamal Jeffers, PC North Aaron Jeffreys, Mount St. Mary Lorenzo Jones, Mount St. Mary Jared Leviston, John Marshall Jarod Leviston, John Marshall Juan Macedo, PC North Jared Rayburn, Deer Creek D.K. Stevenson, PC North Oklahoma Baptist Trey Marion III, Heritage Hall Noah McGraw, Deer Creek Seth Meacham, Heritage Hall Ethan Watson, PC North Southern Nazarene Charlie Lane, Mount St. Mary Trent Miller, Crossings Christian
wide receivers, while redshirt freshman receiver Aaron Jeffreys and freshman defensive lineman Lorenzo Jones represent Mount St. Mary. The senior member of the group is former Deer Creek receiver Jared Rayburn, who is listed as a senior, along with Crossings Christian’s Trip
Dlugonski, a redshirt freshman offensive lineman. Southwestern travels to Southeastern in Durant on Sept. 5. John Marshall’s Mekail Hall is the lone Fridaylander on the Central Oklahoma roster, with the former Bear listed as a sophomore wide receiver. The Bronchos host Pittsburg State on Sept. 5 at Wantland Stadium in Edmond. Four locals made the roster at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, led by a pair of former Chargers in sophomore offensive lineman Trey Marion III and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Seth Meacham. The other two are redshirt sophomore tight end Ethan Watson from PC North and senior wide receiver Noah McGraw from Deer Creek. The Bison host Henderson State on Sept. 7 at Crain Stadium to open their season. Southern Nazarene in Bethany also boasts a pair of Fridaylanders on its 2019 football roster, including Mount St. Mary’s Charlie Lane and Crossings Christian’s Trent Miller. Lane is listed as a freshman offensive lineman, while Miller is a freshman defensive lineman. The Crimson Storm open Sept. 5 against Southern Arkansas at the SNU Football Stadium.
2019 OU Schedule Sept. 1 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30
vs. Houston vs. South Dakota @ UCLA vs. Texas Tech @ Kansas vs. Texas (at Dallas) vs. West Virginia @ Kansas State vs. Iowa State @ Baylor vs. TCU @ Oklahoma State
2019 OSU Schedule Aug. 30 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30
@ Oregon State vs. McNeese @ Tulsa @ Texas vs. Kansas State @ Texas Tech vs. Baylor @ Iowa State vs. TCU vs. Kansas @ West Virginia vs. Oklahoma
2019 State College Football Schedules Central Oklahoma Sept. 5 vs. Pittsburg State Sept. 12 @ Nebraska-Kearney Sept. 21 vs. Lincoln Sept. 28 @ NW Missouri Oct. 5 vs. Fort Hays State Oct. 12 @ Central Missouri Oct. 19 vs. Missouri Western Oct. 26 @ Washburn Nov. 2 vs. Missouri So. Nov. 9 vs. Northeastern Nov. 16 @ Emporia State
Oklahoma Baptist Sept. 7 vs. Henderson State Sept. 14 @ Southern Ark. Sept. 21 @ Southeastern Sept. 28 vs. East Central Oct. 5 @ Arkansas Tech Oct. 12 vs. Harding Oct. 19 @ Ouachita Baptist Oct. 26 vs. Ark.-Monticello Nov. 2 @ Northwestern Nov. 9 vs. Southwestern Nov. 16 @ So. Nazarene
Southern Nazarene Sept. 5 vs. Southern Ark. Sept. 14 @ Henderson State Sept. 21 @ East Central Sept. 28 vs. Southeastern Oct. 5 @ Harding Oct. 12 vs. Arkansas Tech Oct. 19 @ Ark.-Monticello Oct. 24 vs. Ouachita Baptist Nov. 2 @ Southwestern Nov. 9 vs. Northwestern Nov. 16 vs. Oklahoma Baptist
Southwestern OSU Sept. 5 @ Southeastern Sept. 14 vs. East Central Sept. 21 @ Ark.-Monticello Sept. 28 vs. Ouachita Baptist Oct. 5 @ Southern Arkansas Oct. 12 vs. Henderson State Oct. 19 @ Harding Oct. 26 vs. Arkansas Tech Nov. 2 vs. So. Nazarene Nov. 9 @ Oklahoma Baptist Nov. 16 @ Northwestern
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Crossings Christian riding high after breakout season The Knights return seven offensive and Coming off the best seaeight defensive starters for the son in program history, 2019 season. Crossings Christian has no On offense, all plans to let that momentum three key skill wane as the 2019 campaign opens this week. players are back including quarterMuch like the last two back, tailback and years, the Knights retain wide receiver. several key pieces from the 2018 squad which went 10Junior Owen Coach Jonathan Keathly Crotts is slated to 3 and finished second in make the start at District A-3. They also postquarterback after throwing for ed the first playoff win in program 1,718 yards and 21 touchdowns history with a 31-15 win over last season. Walters in the first round and folSenior tailback Jacob Snyder lowed it up with a 28-0 victory at rushed for 879 yards on 173 carHooker. Crossings’ season ended in the ries and scored 14 touchdowns for the Knights, while senior Hunter third round with a 33-14 loss to Johnson caught 38 passes for 639 Rejoice Christian. By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
with two sacks and two forced yards and 10 District A-3 touchdowns. fumbles from his linebacker Junior Jonah position. Pre-Season Rankings Johnson, a defensive back, Mahen and 1. Cashion picked off seven passes last sophomore 2. Minco season, including four against Mason Snyder 3. Crossings Chr. Hooker in the playoffs. are also 4. Christian Heritage expecting to Linebacker Zach Stephens 5. Crescent also helps anchor the middle make contri6. Watonga of the defense from his linebutions in the 7. OCA receiving backer spot where he had 65 Source: VYPE Pigskin Preview tackles and two interceptions corps. in 2018. Senior The Knights open Aug. 30 Tucker Dlugonski anchors the offensive line at right guard where against Community Christian. he has made 23 consecutive starts. Like a lot of small-school teams, Last 6 Years several players compete on both the offensive and defensive sides of 2018: 10-3 2015: 5-5 the ball. 2017: 5-6 2014: 7-4 Snyder and Johnson are two 2016: 3-7 2013: 3-7 such players, with Snyder notching Source: VYPE Pigskin Preview a team-high 104 tackles to go along
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