VYPE Tulsa Area September 2014 by Austin Chadwick

SEPTEMBER 2014

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for all the sports you play, we’re on your team. at eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic center, we’ve been caring for athletes just like you for many years. that means, when you’re seen by one of our sports medicine specialists, you’re seeing the same doctors who care for the elite athletes of the University of tulsa, Oral roberts University, and many other college and high school teams. from physicals to physical therapy and beyond, our team is here to help you be the best athlete you can be. call the sports medicine experts at eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic center at (800) 283-3662 today.

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Experienced handling wins the game. Experienced handling is also the difference between powerful promotional products and just another coffee mug. Stanley M. David & Assoc. Inc. has been delivering superior customer service for nearly 50 years. We find the most unusual promotional products, design targeted programs and come up with creative ideas to help you reach your marketing goals. To get your winning game plan started, call:

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16 | Backyard Bowl 2014 The University of Tulsa will host the best rivalry in the country as Jenks and Union meet in week two. Take a look at our predictions and the history of this game.

26 | Broken Arrow Softball 32 teams converged on Broken Arrow in midAugust to compete in one of the toughest tournaments of the fastpitch season.

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38 | Collinsville Football Class 5A is loaded with teams capable of making this a year to remember. Find out why Collinsville is one of those teams.

42 | Owasso Rams Head coach Bill Patterson and the Owasso Rams are excited to see what the future holds for the football team in the new Class 6A-I. Trinity Media Group, LLC 6737 S. 85th E. Ave. • Tulsa, OK 74133 All rights reserved. Publisher Austin Chadwick Partner/Editorial Director Brad Heath Partner/Director of Operations Rod Coulter Partner/Three Rivers Director Bill Huddleston Editor at Large Kyle Kendrick Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migliore Partner Mark Rodgers Contributing Writers Brad Heath, Sarah Dewberry, Kyle Kendrick, Bill Huddleston, Ben Johnson Contributing Photographers Brad Heath, Kyle Kendrick, Chris Barker, Marea Breedlove, Bluncks Photography, Defining Moment Photography, Josh Clough, John Hasler, Kevin Bishop, Michael Mayberry, Brett Rojo, Sara Carter, Sam Perry, Brandy Moton, Dean Majors, Trey Coursey, Christian Campbell Contact Information Website: www.VYPEOK.com • Phone: 918.495.1771 • Fax: 918.495.1787 VYPE is published monthly by Trinity Media Group, LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited. VYPE is not responsible for the return of unsolicited artwork, photography or manuscripts and will not be responsible for holding fees or similar charges. All digital submissions and correspondences will become property of VYPE.

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Athlete of the Month

Cameron Gilbert – Summit Christian Academy Summit Christian senior quarterback Cameron Gilbert returns to help the Eagles to another successful season. Last year Gilbert threw for 2,484 yards and 26 touchdowns giving him over 8,000 yards over his career. Gilbert has started at quarterback since his freshman season at Summit Christian. Head coach Todd Fulps and the Eagles went 9-2 last year behind the leadership of Gilbert. “We have a few holes to fill, but we’re confident in Gilbert’s ability to get the job done.” Gilbert looks to lead a talented, but young group on offense and despite graduating his favorite target in the passing game the Eagles have developed a solid core group of players on offense. Gilbert credits his offensive line for giving him the time to throw. “The offensive line is so important to what we do on offense. They give us time in the passing game and open holes in the running game.” In the winter Gilbert plays for the varsity basketball team at Summit Christian.

For his leadership on and off the field and his dedication to making the teams he plays for better, Cameron Gilbert is the Excellence in Athletics Player of the Month.

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F E AT U R E

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F E AT U R E

01 Holland Hall Dutch Photo: Sara Carter 02 Josh Holliday - Broken Arrow Photo: Brett Rojo 03 Feather Roberts - Sapulpa Photo: Brad Heath 04 Connor Sitton - Sand Springs Photo: Brett Rojo 05 Chandler Roberts - Coweta Photo: Brad Heath 06 Rylee Peterson - Owasso Photo: Christian Campbell 07 Kenzie Weigt - Jenks Photo: Brad HEath 08 Lincoln Christian Cross Country Photo: brandy Moton

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Jordan Edwards Jenks Cheer How long have you been involved with FCA? I have been involved for two years now and I love it. Who influenced you to join? My friends Alaina McGuire and Jake Sabin invited me to come and I am so grateful that they did. How has FCA made an impact in your life on and off the field? It has brought me closer to my classmates and my teammates. We had a different kind of bond that brings us closer having the same character, morals and outlook. How have your beliefs helped you as an athlete? I know that God has given me this gift and I strive to use it to the best of my abilities and glorify him in everything I do. What is your favorite Bible verse and why? I Timothy 4:12. “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, life, love, faith and in purity.” I love this verse because it shows that it doesn’t matter how old you are you can make an impact on others in a positive way by just being a light wherever you go.

Union High School Athlete of the Month Kayla Crutchmer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Union Softball Union Lady Redskins junior softball player Kayla Crutchmer is already turning heads early on this season. Crutchmer hits leadoff and starts in center field, and she has helped the team go 7-1 over their first eight games, including a tournament championship, between Pool A and Pool B, at the Broken Arrow Tournament. Over its first eight games, Union has outscored its opponents 50-9, with Crutchmer hitting well over .500 along with six stolen bases. Last year, Crutchmer hit .486 and swiped 11 bags, and she is well on her way to obliterating those totals in 2014. For her outstanding efforts and continued dedication to excellence on the softball Field, Kayla Crutchmer is the Union Athlete of the Month.

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ALL-AMERICAN TALENT

The top 100 high school football players in the state will compete for the annual title of Mr. Football Oklahoma presented by Shelter Insurance. Here are the top 100 players from the Tulsa Area as they introduce themselves and represent their schools. Don't forget to follow them on twitter and keep up with their season at #VYPETop100. Polls open on August 1st for the first round of online voting at VYPEOK.com. Athletes with a denotes D-I offer. TULSA-AREA TOP 100 NOT PICTURED: ROBERT THOMAS – UNION

Marquise Overton – DT Jenks Trojans

TJ Harris – DE Booker T. Washington Hornets

Markale Moses – CB Broken Arrow Tigers

Michael Anderson – DE Owasso Rams

Cooper Nunley – QB Jenks Trojans

Derrick Reliford – RB Claremore Zebras

Nic Roller – RB/DE Bixby Spartans

Gunner Green – LB Owasso Rams

Cordale Grundy – QB Booker T. Washington Hornets

Mason Farquhar – QB Union Redskins

Dustin Basks – WR/DB Claremore Zebras

Tre’von Cherry – QB East Central Cardinals

Jonathan Johnson – DE East Central Cardinals

Trey Sneed – RB/LB Kiefer Trojans

Akylen Mayfield – ATH

Micah Wilson – QB Lincoln Christian Bulldogs

Justin Dunn – K Berryhill Chiefs

Alec Davidson – WR/SS Lincoln Christian Bulldogs

Keats Calhoon – QB Victory Christian Conquerors

Kyle McLaughlin – RB VYPEOK.COM | 14 Bulldogs Skiatook

S eptember 014 Edison 2Eagles

Warren Leak – RB Broken Arrow Tigers

Adam Fleniken

Cascia Hall Prepatory School

Cascia Hall senior Adam Fleniken will play on both the offensive and defensive line for the Commandos this season, but Flenikenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talents arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t limited to the gridiron. Fleniken is also a standout in the classroom, carrying a 3.84 grade point average. The outstanding grade point average is even more impressive when factoring in the assortment of AP classes (Calculus, Chemistry, Language and Composition and Physics) that Fleniken has taken. Fleniken said his favorite class overall is AP Chemistry. After high school, Fleniken plans to go to college and study either Civil or Mechanical Engineering. For his continued dedication to being a true student-athlete, Adam Fleniken is the TTCU Male Academic Athlete of the Month.

Caroline Platt

Bixby High School

Bixby senior cheerleader Caroline Platt is an integral part of the Bixby cheer squad, but she is also much more than that. A dedicated student, Platt also focuses just as hard at succeeding in the classroom. Platt carries a 4.0 unweighted grade point average in addition to a 4.5 weighted grade point average, due to the amount of AP classes she has taken. Currently, Platt is taking AP Statistics and AP Government, but in her previous years at Bixby, she has also taken AP US History, AP Geography, AP English Language & Composition along with AP Chemistry. Platt, however, added that her favorite class is Trigonometry. After high school, Platt plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in some type of engineering. For her continued dedication to not only athletics but also academics, Caroline Platt is the TTCU Female Athlete of the Month.

Submit your nomination for the TTCU Academic Athlete of the Month to: Oklahoma@VYPE.com

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Backyard Bowl 2014 Jenks-Union Arms Race

This year we go into the minds of the two signal-callers who will square off in the 11th annual Backyard Bowl. 16

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Nunley: We weren’t having the best game last year. The coaches called the right play at the right time. Dylan ran a great route and I just put it up there for him to catch. It saved the game for us.

VYPE: The energy and excitement for the Backyard Bowl is similar to the way the two teams approach and play in the playoffs. What is the week leading up to the game like for you?

Mason Farquhar VYPE: Mason you didn’t play in the Backyard Bowl last year. After facing Jenks in the state title game last year and watching the Backyard Bowl from the sidelines, how excited are you to play in this game? Farquhar: I’m really excited. The Backyard Bowl just has a different atmosphere. It’s even different than state, I think. It will be a fun experience. Growing up watching it, now I finally get to play in one. VYPE: Cooper, last year was one of the most exciting Backyard Bowls in recent memory. The last second heroics with Dylan Harding was amazing. Are there words to explain how something that magical takes place in this game?

Nunley: It’s really intense and busy leading up to the game. Its Union so everyone knows whoever wins that game will be considered the best team in the state. VYPE: Mason, your team goes on the road again to Dallas for a game against Southlake Carroll, then you return for the Backyard Bowl. What are these two weeks like for you?

Farquhar: A lot of focus. These two weeks of practice have to be perfect. That’s how you win these two games. It will be good for us to play a good Texas team right before we play Jenks. It will get us ready and get the first game jitters out of our system. VYPE: What is your favorite and least favorite pass to throw? Farquhar: Probably just a simple post. Least favorite, you have to have them, but hitches and out

Cooper Nunley routes.

Nunley: Probably the exact same thing. Maybe a comeback route. VYPE: Three names of players everyone should look for in the Backyard Bowl.

Farquhar: Tyler Adkins, Brandon Golphin and Robert Thomas. Brandon plays safety and Robert will probably play mostly offense. Nunley: Marquise Overton, Dillon Stoner and Carson Epps.

VYPE: What’s been the biggest adjustment or change to your team from last year to this year? Farquhar: We’ve lost a lot. I think it’s been a bunch of guys stepping up and filling in spots on the team. You will see a lot of guys you didn’t see last year.

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Edmond North one of the North players got hurt and his brother was yelling at our huddle. Carson Meier yelled back, “stop being stupid” and our entire huddle started laughing.

Marquise Overton

Nunley: It was last year against Broken Arrow. Our offense was usually pretty confrontational during games and there were several times when I had to wait to call the play because they were jawing with the defense.

Nunley: Obviously we don’t have anyone that looks like Steven Parker and Dylan Harding in the locker room. We have a lot of kids that have to step up and continue to work hard.

Farquhar: For any team it starts with the offensive line. The skill players get all the credit, but the run and pass game starts with them.

VYPE: Funniest thing you’ve heard in the huddle? Farquhar: Last year against

VYPE: Speaking of the offensive line. How important are those guys?

Nunley: I think it’s the hardest position to play on the field. They have to work together as a unit. Our guys get better every time we play.

Robert Thomas VYPE: Who wins the 2014 Backyard Bowl? Farquhar: Union. Everyone wants a blowout, but I think it will probably be a close game. Nunley: Jenks. Hopefully we can have another awesome ending like last year.

Oklahoma traditions. Brought to you by an Oklahoma bank.

10th Annual MidFirst Bank Backyard Bowl September 13, 2013, 7:05 p.m. kickoff Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium Live Broadcast on Cox Channel 3

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Keys to Victory Jenks secondary, he is capable of putting up numbers similar to the 2013 state titlegame.

But it doesn’t all fall on the shoulders of the Redskins signal caller.

Running back Tyler Adkins and the big offensive line will have a say in the outcome of this game. Adkins has the privilege of running behind guys like Dominique Briggs and Davis Harker. Both players are Division I-type linemen. If Adkins can get going early, he could take some of the pressure off Farquhar.

Austin Quillen We ask the "so-called" experts to weigh in on what we think will be the keys to victory. VYPE's Brad Heath Says..... Two things you need to know about every Backyard Bowl.

First, never leave early. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched people leave the game only to regret it later. Second, expect the unexpected. From the game coming down to a last-second pass for a touchdown, a trick play to start the game or the outcome being decided by a kicker’s foot, the Backyard Bowl never follows the game plan for a typical game.

Union quarterback Mason Farquhar missed last year’s Backyard Bowl, but he got his shot at Jenks in the state title game. In that game, Farquhar threw for 283 yards and a touchdown against an outstanding Jenks secondary. The Trojans graduated most of that secondary and enter the 2014 season with a couple question marks at corner and safety. If Farquhar can exploit the

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Defensively, the Redskins have speed at the corners with Robert Thomas roaming the secondary. This group is known for getting turnovers, and that could be the difference in this game. Very few quarterbacks have been as successful as Cooper Nunley in the history of the Jenks program. Think about that.

Nunley is in rare company when it comes to quarterbacking the Trojans. The emergence of wide receiver Carson Epps will give the Trojans another big threat downfield and could open up the passing game for someone like Dillon Stoner to have a big night. The two-headed monster in the running game, Kalen McDavid and Darwin Thompson, give the Trojans two different looks at the position. The Trojans are going to run the ball and one of these two backs will have a big night. The biggest question for Jenks is their defense. Several playmakers have graduated, including linebacker Trent Taber. Enter, Carter Nelson. Nelson could become the leader of this unit that’s searching for an identity. Marquise “Q” Overton is a force on the defensive line and needs to have a big game against the best offensive line he will face all year. Tyler

Tyler Atkins Thomas is another defensive tackle the Trojans will turn loose on the Redskins.

No one can accurately predict what’s going to happen in this game. Farquhar will have a big night. Thompson and McDavid will combine for a lot of yards. The Redskin defense will grab a turnover or two and possibly convert one into points on their own.

Nunley leads the Trojans on a late fourth quarter drive and the game is decided on the foot of Jenks kicker Danny Donley. Jenks wins, 34-31. 97.1 The Sports Animal's Matt Reynolds Says.....

I predict big games from Jenks junior quarterback Cooper Nunley and senior defensive tackle Marquise Overton. For the Redskins, look for big games from senior quarterback Mason Farquhar and junior running back Tyler Adkins. My breakout players in the Backyard Bowl are senior wide receiver Carson Epps for Jenks and senior defensive end Chance Wenglewski

Go Spartans

for Union.

The Jenks Trojans will score first to take a 7-0 lead behind the arm of Nunley. The Redskins will quickly answer the Trojans’ score with a touchdown of their own ran in by Adkins. The first quarter will end a 7-7 tie between the two 6A Division I foes.

the two teams in the of Dylan Harding, Trent Tabor and Steven| 918. 8300 NewOfClasscourse Sapulpa Rdmet| again www.dannybeckchevy.com 6A state finals and both signal callers Parker. To balance things out, Union lost

In the second quarter, Union will jump out and take the lead off of a connection from Farquhar to Robert Thomas. The Trojans will not be able to respond, as Wenglewski will find his way into the backfield and record a sack, forcing Jenks to punt. Adkins will break off a long touchdown run right before the half to give the Redskins a 21-7 lead.

The Trojans will receive the ball to start the second half and drive down the field into Union's territory. Jenks senior running back Kalen McDavid will barrel into the endzone to cut Union's lead to 21-14. The Redskins’ offense will be forced to punt on their ensuing possession after a sack by Overton. The third quarter will end with Jenks driving the ball on the Redskins trailing by seven. Early in the fourth quarter, the Trojans will knot the game up at 21-21 with a touchdown pass from Nunley to Epps. The Redskins will drive deep into Jenks’ territory, but the Trojans defense will halt Union inside the red zone. The field-goal attempt from the Redskins will hook left, just missing the upright. Nunley will lead the Trojans down the field with several extraordinary passes to get the Trojans inside the red zone. Nunley will race out on a bootleg, and with no receivers open, he will run it in to give the Trojans a 27-21 lead.

The Redskins will have a chance to regain the lead with over two minutes remaining on the clock at Skelly Field, but the Trojans will force a fumble, dashing the hopes of Union. The back-to-back state champions will defeat Union in the Backyard Bowl 2721. VYPE's Kyle Kendrick Says....

These two teams have had their fair share of great quarterback play; there is no doubt about that. This year the quarterback battle comes to the forefront yet again as Jenks junior Cooper Nunley leads the Trojans with a cool, calm demeanor. Union senior Mason Farquhar guides the Redskins with a deadly precision-like arm. In last year’s MidFirst Bank Backyard Bowl, Nunley etched his name in the game’s history with a 76-yard touchdown pass to Dylan Harding that put the Trojans in front with under 30 seconds left to play. Farquhar, meanwhile, missed the Backyard Bowl in 2013 due to an injury that he suffered in the season opener against DeSoto, Texas.

came in healthy. Farquhar went 26-for-40 in the state championship game, throwing for 283 yards and one touchdown. Nunley came up big again, though, completing 11 of 16 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns, leading Jenks to the win yet again.

Union fans will tell you those wins weren’t as much about Nunley, though, as much as they were about his supporting cast. Jenks fans are quick to point out that Nunley went 21-of-32 for 443 yards and four touchdowns against Union in 2013, and most importantly, led his team to a gold ball.

plenty of offense from last year including OU commits Carson Meier and Jeffery Mead. Both teams have established quarterbacks (Mason Farquhar and Cooper Nunley) for Union and Jenks respectively, who have developed into more than game managers. This will be the game that new names come out as stars of the future. Look for Tyler Adkins to be a difference maker in the game for Union, and lead them to victory in an always-close Backyard Bowl football game.

Those arguments will all be settled this year, however, as both quarterbacks will be asked to shoulder even more of the load. Both quarterbacks lost their biggest targets last year with Union’s duo of Carson Meier and Jeffery Mead both at Oklahoma now. Jenks’ duo of Harding and Steven Parker are gone with Harding at Oklahoma State and Parker at Oklahoma. The quarterback that can gel with his receiving corp the quickest may greatly effect the outcome of this game, but more than that, the quarterback that can make the big play in the big moment may affect it even more.

Event Program Savant Rod Coulter Says... This year’s game will boil down to which defense is going to make the big stops. Last year we knew that the Jenks defense was going to be their strength, but due to graduation, much of that talent is gone. The question is, will the youngsters grow up quick enough under the brightest of lights early in the season to slow down the Redskins. Marquise Overton will anchor the defense, but it will be tough to replace the likes

Allan Trimble

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Last 10 Years...

2004 – The Trojans held off a late Union push to beat the Redskins 17-13 before an estimated crowd of 25,000 at Skelly Stadium. Andrew Brewer and Freddie Carolina were the heroes for Jenks as they combined for 284 yards and two touchdowns. Phillip Dillard and the Trojan defense held Tony Moore and the Union offense to 267 yards. 2004 – State Finals

For the fourth time in six years the Redskins and Trojans would face off in the 6A State Championship. Brad Glenn, a Union fullback who joined the squad at mid-season, stole the show with 189 yards of total offense and three touchdowns. Phillip Dillard and the Jenks defense could not find an answer as Glenn seemed to slip out of the backfield to catch numerous passes and bulldoze his way into the end zone. Andrew Brewer and company were able to amass 332 yards of offense but that was not enough as Union finally beats Jenks in the state championship 27-17. 2005 – Isaac Norman scored on a 64-yard pass from Jake Strain with 18 seconds remaining to give Class 6A No. 2 Jenks a 4844 victory over top-ranked 6A Union in the

Backyard Bowl before a crowd of 24,110 at Skelly Stadium. Jake Borgsmiller caught three TDs for Union while quarterback Casey Whorton threw for 197 yards and four TDs. Oklahoma-bound Dominique Franks also had a 96-yard kickoff return for a TD. Tanner Shuck, Jake Laptad, and Tony Gillespie held on to keep the Redskins at bay for most of the second half. Union went on to win the 2005 state title game against Mustang in decisive fashion. This ended long-time Union coach Bill Blankenship’s era as the Skins coach. 2006 – With 39 seconds left, Brandon Rogers fired a 34-yard TD pass to Brad Wondra that would have erased Jenks’ three-point lead and put Union ahead. However, before the pass was delivered, a penalty flag was tossed for illegal motion in the Redskins’ backfield. Jenks’ defense then held on the next three plays to preserve the top-ranked Class 6A Trojans’ 9-6 victory over No. 2 Union before 22,406 in the Backyard Bowl at Skelly Stadium. This was Union’s coach Kevin Wright’s only test against Jenks before leaving the program at season’s end. 2007 – Union tailback Jeremy Smith and quarterback Brandon Rogers helped write

another amazing chapter in the RedskinsJenks football rivalry at the University of Tulsa’s Chapman Stadium. Smith rushed for 171 yards, including an overtime touchdown of 5 yards that was followed by the decisive extra-point kick by Tress Way to lift No. 2 Union over top-ranked Jenks 43-42 before a crowd of 20,578. Rogers completed 15-of-21 passes for 168 yards and three TDs, and also had a 1-yard TD run while Mark Ginther was 17-of-22 for 287 yards and four TDs. 2007 – State Finals

For the second straight year, big performances by quarterback Mark Ginther and tailback Chris Adkins in the Class 6A state championship game helped Jenks come away with the gold football. Adkins had 26 carries for 229 yards and two touchdowns while Ginther produced 202 yards total offense and three TDs to lead the Trojans past Union 42-24 before a crowd of 21,723 on a Friday night at Chapman Stadium.

2008 - Another fantastic finish was added on Friday night to the history of the JenksUnion football rivalry that already had more than its share of amazing endings.

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when Jenks beat Union, 33-7 at UnionTuttle Stadium. Alex Ross broke the game open with a 59-yard touchdown run and his legendary status was born. Sawyer Kollmorgen finshed the game with 201-yards and Zach Langer would add a late touchdown and the Trojans went on to win the game. 2010 – State Championship For the second straight year, Jeremy Smith scored the winning overtime touchdown, this time on a 1-yard run, to help fourthranked Union outlast top-ranked Jenks 24-17 at Union-Tuttle Stadium in a battle of Class 6A powers. With a capacity crowd of over 15,000, Union-Tuttle Stadium was rocking. Union’s Chase Boyce threw for over 200 yards and Thomas Roberson scored on a 47-yard reverse in the first half. 2008 – State Championship

Union won its fifth state title Friday with a 34-20 win over Jenks in a Class 6A state high school football championship before 19,000 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Union answered Jenks' second-half rally when the Trojans tied the game 20-20 in the third quarter. However, Union had too many weapons with a stout defense and the running of Jeremy Smith. Overall, Smith had 242 yards on 28 carries. Quarterback Chase Boyce connected with Thomas Roberson on two second half scores.

2009 – A star is born as Jenks running back Zack Langer bursts on to the scene for the Trojans as they won 27-25 in another thriller. The junior had 135 yards on 32 carries and scored on runs of 23 and 34-yards in the second half to seal the deal. The game was capped off with five turnovers from the Redskins and the Trojans took advantage. The attendance was announced at over 19,000, bringing the 15-year total to over 400,000 in spectators since 1994. 2009 – State Championship

The 2009 Class 6A state championship game produced another big surprise in the Union-Jenks rivalry. For the second straight year, Union defeated Jenks in the 6A final behind a huge night from Union receiver Thomas Roberson. Roberson returned the opening kickoff on a lateral from Jacob Rice to scamper 76-yards for the score. Chase Boyce became the first Union quarterback to start two championship wins. Union finished the half with a 32-0 lead and capped it off with a 52-19 victory. 2010 – Coming into the game Jenks was ranked No.2 in the state and Union was No.1, but those numbers changed hands

Another No.1 vs. No.2 state finals between Jenks and Union meant the experts were divided 50/50 on who was going to win this game. The Redskins were looking for redemption after dropping the Backyard Bowl at home and they found it in the title game defeating Jenks, 50-47. In front of more than 16,000 fans Jenks running back Alex Ross opened the game with an 86-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Union wide receiver Stephon Weaver threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Hood with :39 seconds left on the clock. Hood finished the game with seven receptions for 199 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Kale Pearson passed for 315 yards in the win. 2011 – Union entered the 2011 Backyard Bowl with that No.1 ranking and a state title after beating Jenks the year before. Hunter Atyia was the quarterback for the Redskins and his ability to lead was quickly realized. Linebacker Kyle Krutchmer intercepted a Kyle Alexander pass and took it 100 yards to paydirt. The 41-19 victory for the Redskins served as a notice to the rest of Class 6A that they were for real.

2012 - Union won the annual Backyard Bowl by a score of 14-7. Jenks running back Trey’vonne Barre put the Trojans on top early with a 45-yard touchdown run but Union countered the score on the ensuing kickoff when Khalid Kornegay took the return 85-yards for a score. The score stayed tied at 7-7 until Union recovered a Jenks fumble in the fourth quarter and later cashed it in on a five-yard touchdown run by Justin Silmon with just under six minutes to go. Jenks failed to answer and the Redskins walked away with the win. 2012 - Semifinals

The teams would meet again in the Class 6A semifinals and the outcome was much different. Jenks dominated the game start to finish winning the game 41-10. Braden Calip put Jenks in front early with a 6-yard touchdown run. After a Union field goal, Jenks running back Brett Tye found the end zone from 16 yards out. Jenks later went up 21-3 when Kyle Alexander ran in a touchdown run of his own. Tye ran in another score with 9:36 to go in the second quarter putting the Trojans up 28-3. Jenks went up 35-3 when Garrett Patterson

caught a one-yard touchdown pass from Alexander. After Barre scored on a one-yard touchdown plunge and gave the Trojans a 41-3 lead Union picked up its only touchdown of the game when Jeffery Mead caught a 17-yard touchdown pass. 2013 - A game that will go down in the history books, just like so many of the other meetings between these two teams. Cooper Nunley to Dylan Harding became immortal after Nunley hit Harding on a 76-yard touchdown pass with 25 seconds remaining in the game to propel Jenks to a 20-16 win. What made it even better was that Harding called his shot by telling coaches, “Kejuan Jones right now,” just before the final drive began.

Nunley connected on 10-of-16 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns in the game, while Jenks’ Steven Parker had four catches for 89 yards and Harding had two for 113. Cameron Booty was Jenks’ leading rusher with 11 carries for 92 yards.

Union, meanwhile, got 105 yards on 25 carries from running back Tyler Adkins, while quarterback Zach Fisher completed 19-of-30 passes for 155 yards. 2013-State Championship

The Trojans jumped out to a big lead early, building a 24-point lead through three quarters, and never really looked back.

This time it was Steven Parker putting up the highlight reel plays by catching five passes for 164 yards and one touchdown, along with sealing the game with an interception late in the fourth quarter. Cameron Booty also had a monster game in the title tilt, rushing for 176 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. Nunley also played a great game, completing 11-of-16 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns along with rushing for another. Union, meanwhile, saw Mason Farquhar put up big numbers under center with 283 yards passing and one touchdown by completing 26-of-40 passes.

SEPTEMBER 2014

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Athlete theYear of

S C H O L A R S H I P

September 2014 Mazzio’s Corporation and VYPE have teamed up to grant a $2,000 Scholarship for one boy and one girl to be presented in the June issue of VYPE. Here is how it will work: • Each month, VYPE will take nominations for an Athlete of the Month and a boy and girl will be elected the Mazzio’s Athlete of the Month. This will be a chance for boys and girls of all sports to be recognized for their performances. • Nominees can be mailed to scholarship. Oklahoma@VYPE.com. Give the nominee’s name, school, sport and reasons you believe the athlete should be awarded the scholarship. • The nominees will need to be seniors this season but keep in mind that their accomplishments as juniors will be taken into consideration as well. • Each monthly recipient will be a candidate for the scholarship that will be awarded in June. • All sports will be eligible to have a nomination. • The male and female athletes who are chosen each month will have a pictured bio, highlighting their accomplishments, placed on this page.

Bridget Montgomery Sand Springs Softball Bridget Montgomery is a senior at Charles Page where she plays varsity fastpitch softball for coach Shelli Brown. Bridget has played softball for seven years and said she loves playing for coach Brown and the Lady Sandites. “The best thing about playing for coach Brown and Sand Springs is that we are all a family. We play together, we win together. Coach Brown pushes us to get better.” Bridget is a versatile player and a solid hitter at the plate. Defensively she can play shortstop, second base and the outfield giving coach Brown several options in the field. After high school Bridget plans to join the Navy to become a nurse or go to the University of Oklahoma and enter their nursing program. Bridget is focused on her senior season and making it one the Lady Sandites will not soon forget. “Making it to state and winning a state title would make this a great senior year. We want to be state champs and beat last years record.”

Mason Farquhar Union Football Union Redskins senior football player crashed the party that is Class 6A football last year and guided Union to a silver ball after losing to Jenks in the state championship. Overall Farquhar completed 204 of his 299 passes last year racking up 2,720 yards and 27 touchdowns while throwing just seven interceptions. This year Farquhar is back looking to put up even better numbers and more importantly is hoping to trade in his silver for gold in his final year in a Union jersey. Farquhar has already been selected to the VYPE Top 100 this year making him eligible to win the Shelter Insurance Oklahoma Mr. Football Award and is expected to rack up more and more honors as the year goes on. For his efforts to help lead his team both on and off the field Mason Farquhar is the Mazzio’s Male Athlete of the Month.

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Union takes top honors at BA Softball Tournament as Boyle throws no-hitter in the finals. to an 8-0 victory. Boyle went 2-1 in the tournament and recorded 14 strikeouts. Union head coach Jerry Pease gave credit to his pitchers for carrying the team in the tournament, and the bats of freshman Sammi Dutton, Kayla Crutchmer and Lexy Dobson for sparking the offense. Sand Springs head coach Shelli Brown was proud of her team and how they performed.

Lexy Dobson - Union Thirty-two teams converged on Arrowhead Park in Broken Arrow to play in one of the toughest tournaments of the fastpitch season.Several favorites, including Broken Arrow, Edmond North, Jenks, Sand Springs, Union and Owasso, faced tough opposition early. In Pool A, the Lady Tigers of Broken Arrow had good tests against Skiatook, Deer Creek and Berryhill. But it was Sand Springs that would move out of Pool A to play for the Gold Bracket title.

Union’s path to the final included games against Fort Gibson, Mannford, Tahlequah, Putnam City North and Sequoyah Claremore. After winning Pool B, the Lady ‘Skins would face a Sand Springs team loaded with talent and experience. But pitching was the difference for Union. Paige Boyle tossed a no-hitter and Union rolled 26

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“I was proud of my team and how they performed over the weekend. The Broken Arrow tournament requires you to grow up fast and learn quickly. The competition is always a great measuring stick to see where your team is performing and what your team needs to work on. You always walk away with some positives and a practice plan for Monday.”Only a sophomore, Sand Springs pitcher and shortstop Sydney Pennington was incredible at the plate hitting three home runs, 15 RBI and was 2-1 from the circle. Pennington recently committed to Oklahoma State University.

can play with the best of any class. It's a great tournament,” said head coach Shane Eicher. The Lady Rams faced Coweta, Mustang, Chickasha, Bixby and Inola in pool play. Bixby head coach Joy Marie-Galliart said of the tournament, “I have a very young team this year and despite our overall record during the tournament we gained some valuable experience to use down the road. My young kids are being forced to grow up quickly and fill some big shoes following the senior class from last year. With continued work and improvement I look for us to be able to compete with the top teams in this area when it counts the most at the end of the season.”

Owasso found itself in Pool D, which may have been the toughest pool to win. “The Broken Arrow tournament is always a great way to see how you stack up against some of the best teams in the state. It's always nice to play some very good nondistrict teams. We played against some of the best teams in Class 5A and 4A, and believe me, they

Kayla Crutchmer - Union

Allie Eicher - Owasso

SEPTEMBER 2014

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Western Sun Federal Credit Union is proud to support....

The “Driven” Athlete of the Month Paige Boyle - Union High School

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Sophomore Paige Boyle is a pitcher and third baseman for the Lady Redskins varsity fastpitch softball team. During the Broken Arrow Invitational Tournament Paige pitched a no-hitter against Sand Springs in the finals winning, 8-0. During the tournament Paige was 2-1 with an ERA of 2.4 and 14 strikeouts.

better as we play more games. Paige had an outstanding tournament at Broken Arrow. We’re young, but we’re getting better.”

Paige has become one of the top pitchers in Class 6A and could help lead the Lady Redskins to a very successful season. Head coach Jerry Pease said, “Our pitching is getting

For her dedication to her team and for her outstanding performance on the field, Paige Boyle is the Western Sun Driven Athlete of the Month.

When she’s not in the circle you can find her guarding the line at third. Paige is a force at the plate making her an all-around offensive and defensive threat.

Kali Mallory Sand Springs

Hannah Ree- Broken Arrow

Carli Jones - Inola

Sydney Pennington Sand Springs

Asea Webber - Mannford SEPTEMBER 2014

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Lady Trojans Begin Season by Winning Six of First Eight Matches In 2013, the Jenks Lady Trojans volleyball team finished 22-14 and made it to the Class 6A state tournament, beating rival Union in the first round before losing to eventual champion Edmond Santa Fe in the semifinals. With an experience-laden roster, the Lady Trojans started 2014 on the right foot, winning six of their first eight matches of the season. That string of wins included a 4-2 record at the Union Invitational and a big win over perennial powerhouse Bishop Kelley. After those first eight matches, the Lady Trojans dropped two straight matches but then righted the ship with a dominating win over Sapulpa to improve to 7-4 overall and earn a No. 4 ranking in the state.

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The Lady Trojans still have an important matchup on the schedule when they travel to Edmond to take on Edmond Memorial and Edmond Santa Fe on Sept. 13. Following those two big matches, the Lady Trojans will have a crucial match against Owasso on Sept. 16. The Lady Trojans will then host theJenks Invitational on Sept. 19 and 20.

Members of the team are: Raegan Poole, Lacy Beeler, Jamie Poe, Anabella Pope, Alisen Hansen, Paige Phillips, Carly Bender, Madilynn Hays, Darian Parsons, Abby Migliore, Natalie Mikels, Karen Montes, Sara Nell, Natalie Schelbar, Sarah Thiessen, Cassity Alexander and Maggie Hembree.

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Jenks senior volleyball players Raegen Poole, Abby Migliore and Karen Montes discuss the season at hand. who would win the Hardest Worker Award?

Raegan Poole

Abby Migliore

VYPE: What are your goals for the team this year?

Migliore: Our goals for the team this year are to be undefeated in conference games and, of course, to go to the state finals.

Montes: This year our main goal is to gel together as a team and to take state of course!

Poole: My goals for the team this year would be to grow stronger as a unit and to play to the best of our ability each time we hit the court. VYPE: What first got you interested in playing volleyball? How old were you when you started playing competitively?

Migliore: When I was in the 6th grade I was playing on a competitive softball team and one of my friends said she was playing volleyball so I thought I would try it out and I immediately fell in love with it! I started school ball in the 6th grade at Summit Christian but I started playing competitively with Team Tulsa after my 8th grade school season. Montes: I think what first got me interested in playing volleyball was just that my whole family played recreationally and I just thought it was a fun game so I tried it competitively when I was 11 and have been playing ever since!

Poole: As a kid I played multiple sports. I heard about the tryouts at school and thought I’d give volleyball a try. I started volleyball when I was 10 years old. VYPE: What is the most embarrassing song you have on your iPod?

Migliore: I think all my songs are awesome!

Montes: The most embarrassing song I have on my iPod is a song from this TV show called Lazy Town that I used to watch as a kid that I still find very catchy.

Karen Montes

Poole: Nobody’s Perfect – Hannah Montana VYPE: What is your guilty pleasure?

Migliore: I'm definitely a shopaholic! I'm in my happy place when I'm at Francesca's in the mall! Montes: My guilty pleasure is eating at ChickFil-A. Poole: My guilty pleasure would either be shopping or getting a pedicure.

Migliore: I definitely think our MVP would be Karen Montez because I swear she is Wonder Woman! She's an amazing libero and I have no idea how she gets all the balls up that she does! Team Spirit Award would go to Sara Nell! She has the best attitude on the team, always wants to get better and she is hysterical! She always puts a smile on my face! I would give Hardest Worker to Darian Parsons because I love her work ethic and she always wants to be better and she definitely puts in the work in and out of practice. Montes: I would say the team MVP would be Paige Phillips the Team Spirit Award would go to Lacy Beeler and the Hardest Worker Award would go to Darian Parsons. Poole: MVP would be Karen Montes. Lacy Beeler would get the Spirit Award and Darian Parsons would be the hardest worker.

VYPE: What's one TV show you can't miss when it comes on? Migliore: How I Met Your Mother was my favorite show and every Monday night I would watch it with my dad, but sadly the show has ended and I have nothing to look forward to on Mondays anymore! Montes: The one TV show I can't miss when it comes on is The Office.

Poole: I hate missing Long Island Medium. I’ve seen almost every episode.

VYPE: If you were telling somebody about the Jenks team who would you say is the team MVP? Who would win the Team Spirit Award? And

SEPTEMBER 2014

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By Ben Johnson

From 1988 to 1994, Jenks' running prowess was unmatched. The Trojans claimed seven straight state championships in cross country. Based on the talent that Jenks has now, the Trojans could be in line to make a run at that seven-year stretch. But you won't catch the Trojan runners or coaches talking about the seven consecutive titles.

"We have never discussed the seven streak," Jenks coach Steve Patterson said. "We are focused on this season alone. There are too many good teams in the state year in and year out to look to far into the future." Still, though, the future is quite bright for Jenks. It helps when the Trojans' top runners aren't even seniors yet.

Cody Jones is the veteran presence as a junior, and as a sophomore he finished second to Norman North's Ben Barrett at the Class 6A state meet. Jones' state meet time was 15:40.76 in the 5K race, and now he's out to improve upon that this season. "I want to win state and run under 15 minutes in the 5K," Jones said of his expectations for the 2014 campaign. He'll have plenty of teammates to help push him under the 15-minute mark.

Jockeying for position as Jenks' pace-setter will also be sophomores Chris Staub and Jacob Janzen. Patterson said there are plenty of runners pushing Jones, Staub and Janzen, thus making his job much easier as a coach.

"It makes my job a lot easier with the influx of new talent," Patterson said. "The kids know that if their time is top seven, then they get a varsity spot. That's the beauty about cross country; the stopwatch is the judge.

"We have aspirations of making Nike nationals," Jones said.

As for the Jenks girls, Grace Barber returns in 2014 after finishing seventh overall at the state meet as a junior. Barber and Rachel Buker will lead the charge in hopes of getting Jenks higher than the fifth-place overall mark in 2013.

"Our practices are as tough as a lot of meets that we go to. They are very competitive, and we also have a ranking system that helps to motivate the kids."

When the dust settled as last year's state meet, Jenks finished with a mere 23 points. Edmond Memorial was a distant with 124 points. The Trojans' dominance is evident. That means fighting complacency can happen at times.

"The boys' number one motivator is to be in the top seven on the team at the end of the season," Patterson said. "That adds a lot of motivation... We talk every day about competing within yourself as well, being the best you can be and striving for personal improvement." Envisioning national success also has the Trojans running hard each day at practice.

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Davey Thayer 34

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Sandites Hoping Early Tests Mean Success Down the Road. year after heavy losses to graduation.

After the game against Guthrie, the Sandites will return home to square off against Bartlesville, a challenging game to open district play. If Sand Springs can navigate themselves past Guthrie and Bartlesville, they will face another tough test in a road game at Claremore on Oct. 3.

Connor Sitton Photos By Brett Rojo

Class 6A-2 District I has several teams with their eyes on the playoffs this year. Last year, Sand Springs, Booker T. Washington and Sapulpa all made the Class 6A playoffs and will be looking to do the same this year. Claremore also joins the district this year after making the Class 5A playoffs in 2013. Throw in talented teams like Bartlesville, Bixby and Muskogee, and you have the recipe for what promises to be a very competitive district. The Sandites have several key games this year, and they all start when they travel to Guthrie on Sept. 19 to take on the defending Class 5A state champion. While the Bluejays lost some playmakers and will be operating under a new head coach, the game still promises to be a good test for the Sandites, who will also be looking to fill some holes this

The Sandites toughest test, however, will come in the form of a three-headed monster in the final three weeks of the season. On Oct. 24, Sand Springs will travel to Muskogee to take on a supremely confident Roughers squad, led by new head coach Rafe Watkins (Guthrieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s former head coach). Following

the game against Muskogee, the Sandites return home to take on early 6A Division II favorite, Booker T. Washingon, a team that will test Sand Springs with their speed and athleticism on both sides of the field. As if those two games werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough, the Sandites will travel to Bixby to meet the Spartans and star running back/linebacker Nic Roller on Nov. 7. One thing is for certain: if the Sandites can navigate their way through such a tough schedule, expect them to be extremely battle tested come playoff time and ready to take on all comers as they compete for a gold ball.

"I was pleased with the defense as a whole against Jenks at the Trojan Preview. Delvin Jordan and Jacob Taber are our leaders on defense," said Kinard.

SEPTEMBER 2014

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SEPTEMBER 2014

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By Ben Johnson

Ten victories, a district championship and a semifinal appearance in the Class 5A playoffs. The 2013 season will certainly be one to remember for the Collinsville Cardinals. But time for reflection can wait, head coach Kevin Jones says. It's all about the 2014 Cardinals right now.

"It's all about the now and not the past or future," Jones said. The Cardinals motored to the District 5A-4 crown last season, and they parlayed that into a 5A semifinal appearance, which ended with a loss to Guthrie. So is there pressure to replicate that kind of success in Collinsville?

"We just focus on the day (practice) at hand," Jones said. "We try not to look ahead and just focus on ourselves and what we can control."

Jones and the Cardinals had to bid farewell to quarterback Zane McElroy, wide receiver TJ Johnson and tight end Keenan Hamilton. Luckily for Jones, though, he has pieces to fill the voids. Taking over at quarterback will be Shawn Koscheski, who started six

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games while McElroy was out with an injury to start the 2013 season. Koscheski passed for 663 yards, but most of his damage came with his feet to the tune of 711 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.

"Shawn feels like and is considered a returning starter," Jones said. "He's been there with the bullets flying in tight ball games. He is without a doubt a gamer." Ryan Haymaker is back to carry the load in the backfield. As a junior, the Cardinal tailback scampered for 1,004

yards and 10 touchdowns on 184 carries.

On defense, the Cardinals return the services of Josh Arnold and Justin Kothe. The duo combined for 268 tackles and 11 sacks in 2013.

But is Collinsville's defense overlooked at times? "I think they've been recognized pretty well. We don't dwell on individual achievements and recognition," Jones said. "We try to stay humble and remember that we are just one

component of eleven working for the same goal." Jones, however, couldn't refrain from bragging about Kothe in the Cardinals' crucial district victory over Pryor last season.

"Kothe's game vs Pryor last year may be the best defensive game I've ever seen a player have," Jones said. "He had 22 tackles and two sacks from defensive end."

With Coweta, Pryor and East Central back in 5A-4 this season, the Cardinals will have plenty of challengers for the

district title. Tahlequah, Grove and Edison will also be in the district mix. "I think the overall strength of the district is every bit as strong as it was," Jones said, despite the loss of

Claremore to Class 6A. "Edison comes into the district with a ton of talent and speed. They've been competing at a 6A level and doing much better. The rest of the district is tough as nails. Pryor will be extremely strong."

SEPTEMBER 2014

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VYPE talks football, music and everything in between with Owasso football stars, Gunner Green, Michael Anderson, Gabe Neph. VYPE: What are your goals for the team this year? Green: For the Owasso Rams to bring home a gold ball.

Anderson: Our team goals are to win district and get a home playoff game. Then win us a state championship for the first time in a long time. Neph: Play well together, win our district, win a state title.

VYPE: What first got you interested in playing football? How old were you when you started playing competitively?

Green: Football has always been a thing in my family. I started playing football in 1st grade. Anderson: I have always played football, since flag in like 1st grade. I would say college football and also going to Owasso's HS Games also got me into football. I started playing tackle football in 4th grade.

Neph: My dad and older brother got me involved in football. I started playing competitively when I was around 10. VYPE: If you could play any sport besides the one or ones you already do

Michael Anderson, Gunner Green what would it be and why?

Green: I would like to play rugby or basketball because I think they would be fun sports to participate in.

Anderson: I would probably play baseball because I stopped playing 7th grade year. Neph: Golf; so I can stay in shape.

VYPE: What is the most embarrassing song on your iPod? Green: One Direction.

Gabe Neph 40

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Anderson: Most embarrassing song would be Let it Go from the movie Frozen. Neph: 1000 miles. Christina Perri.

VYPE: Who would you say is the hardest worker on the team? Who is the biggest motivator? And who is the funniest guy in the locker room? Green: Hardest worker would be Antonio Cooper. Best motivator would be Justin Ratcliff. The funniest person is Rhyan Medlock or Austin Boyd.

Anderson: The hardest worker on the team is Gunner Green. Biggest motivator is Bo Winters. Funniest guy in the locker room is Kavon Graham. Neph: Justin Ratcliff and Craig Holman are the hardest workers. I would say Gunner Green is the biggest motivator. Antonio Cooper is the funniest.

SEPTEMBER 2014

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Beggs Demons look to conquer high school football.

By Sarah Dewberry

Football fans in Beggs have a fever, and the only prescription is Demons high school football.

As football season kicks off, a group that’ll make a name for themselves this season are the Demons at Beggs High School. If you haven’t noticed the Demons, now is the time to do so, because they are a force to be reckoned with.

After finishing 10-3 with a second-place finish in the district last season and with his first season at the helm under his belt, head coach Lee Blankenship is ready for his team to do big things in Class 3A. Last year, the Demons beat out Checotah, Claremore Sequoyah to advance in the playoffs, before losing to current Class 3A state champion

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Kingfisher in the playoffs.

“We had a really great run in the playoffs last year,” Blankenship said. “We beat Claremore Sequoyah in the first round of the playoffs. We then went to Checotah, who was the district champion, at their place. We ended up back at our place to face Kingfisher, who went on to win the championship. Most of our coaches were in their first season, so we were really pleased with the outcome of our season.” For Blankenship, to beat the best, you have to be the best. This year the Demons are rewriting the history books and hope the ending of their story is different than last season’s, as they plan to be crowned champions once the season is all said and done. “Our expectations this year are to win every single day, and that’s something

we talk about every single day,” Blankenship said. “We want to win today, and what we mean by that is that we want to win the state championship. We practice every single day. We want to practice harder than every other team in the state, and we feel like if we are able to win every day then we are going to win every Friday night, and that’s going to help us and push us deep into the playoffs again this year.” As several key components, including several top offensive players, come back to outfit the Demons, Blankenship and his coaches are expecting them to throw up big-time statistics and to give it everything they have.

“Our top offensive players are running backs Kerry Daniels, and then a guy who I feel like is the best player on our team, Lane Bouse,” Blankenship said. “These two split carries last year. Last year they

combined for 3,000 yards with equal carries. Lane is our 2-way starter. He is going to start at safety as well as at running back. So we’ve got a really pretty good backcourt.”

Working in the spread offense, a quarterback looking to break more records is senior Tyler Marr. As a junior, Marr broke the school’s passing record after throwing for 2,379 yards. After going 166-of-279 with 23 touchdowns last season, look for Beggs to have a deadly offense this season.

“My expectations are to go out there and give it everything we got,” Marr said. “We’ve been working so hard as a team and we really are a brotherhood on this team. We all work for each other and we all have the same goals, so I expect us to go out and do what we do every single day and win every single game that we play. I expect us to be the best team that’s ever been at Beggs.” As for the two studs in the backfield,

VYPE asked Demon running backs Lane Bouse and Kerry Daniels about life and football. LANE Bouse VYPE: Who would you say has the best dance moves on the team?

LANE: Probably Kerry Daniel, because they can break it down. VYPE: Why did you decide to play football?

LANE: When I was a freshman, I didn’t get to play that much, but I got to get into one play with the varsity. I ended up doing really well, and that’s when I started to realize that I wanted to be a really good football player during my high school career. VYPE: What are your plans after you graduate high school? LANE: I plan to play college football wherever I get the best scholarship.

VYPE: Have you always been a running back?

LANE: I’ve been a running back since I was 5 years old, so you can say I’ve been playing this position all my life. VYPE: Who is the fastest player on your

Daniels and Bouse look at themselves as a family.

“This season, we are going to block great for each other, as well as protect the ball and make big runs,” Daniels said. “We also plan to back up the quarterback when he needs blocking.”

As the Demons begin to take everything by storm with their up-tempo offense, the team will look for unselfish plays out of the leaders while adding two sleeping giants to the mix.

“I really feel like we have the deadliest running backs in the state, for sure in our class, if not in the state of Oklahoma,” Blankenship said. “We had a young man move in from a neighboring town, Blaylen Crawford. He was the starting back for Bristow. He has already made an immediate impact. If we didn’t already have a one-two punch with Kerry and Lane, and then you add Blaylen to the mix and we are really dangerous on offense.”

team?

LANE: Kerry Daniels and I are because we are both pretty fast. I ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds. Kerry ran it in 4.59. VYPE: What are expectations this year?

LANE: I want to complement the offensive line. We have a bunch of returning offensive lineman this year, and my expectations are to have a huge hole to run through just like a running back should,and I think the o-line will do that this year. KERRY Daniels

VYPE: What are your goals/expectations this season?

KERRY: I would like to have over 2,000 rushing yards, and I would like my offensive line to give me some love. I love my offensive line. I tell them that every single day. They do great in practice every single day. They work hard. VYPE: How long have you been playing football?

KERRY: I started playing football either in third or fourth grade and then I quit for a while. I started playing again in eighth grade.

Another player Blankenship sees making a name for himself on offense is Aaron Burrus. “He’s truly a guy who plays for his team and loves to see others be successful,” Blankenship said. “In our first scrimmage against Tahlequah, Daniels broke a big run and we see Burrus coming all the way from the other side of the field, and he makes a key block to allow Daniels to score. It’s that kind of unselfish play that really makes him a valuable part of our offense. On top of that, the guy, man, has had an unbelievable summer and offseason, and we expect him to be our key receiver this year as far as our passing game is concern.” For Blankenship, he knows his boys won’t miss a beat in their passing game as they look to finishing on top this season.

VYPE: Who is the funniest person on your team?

KERRY: Aaron Burrus because he’s a goofy guy. He has a lot of enthusiasm and he likes to goof off. VYPE: Who has the worst singing voice on the team?

KERRY: It would have to be Coach Blankenship because he has no vocals at all.

VYPE: What are your plans after graduating high school?

KERRY: I want to play at a Division I school and do great there and get a good education. I’d like to go to University of Oklahoma, but it really doesn’t matter to me. I just want to get out of a small town. I have been working really hard this summer, and I want to be the best player in the state. VYPE: Who is the strongest player on the team?

KERRY: It would have to be our left tackle Garrett Randol. He works really hard and he likes to work out a lot. Randol can squat 400 pounds. SEPTEMBER 2014

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Q&A with coach Vance Miller.

By Ben Johnson

VYPE: What should people expect from Skiatook football in 2014?

Miller: People should expect to see a very exciting and competitive football team this year. VYPE: In terms of turnarounds, was last year's season about the most extreme you've ever experienced? Miller: Yes, this is the biggest turnaround that I have ever experienced.

VYPE: How satisfying was it to go from 0-10 to the playoffs in one year? Miller: It was very satisfying. We were so happy for our players, because they had worked so hard to get into the playoffs. VYPE: Do you feel like this is a year where Skiatook takes another step in 5A? Miller: Yes we do. One of our goals is to get a home playoff game, which hasn't happened here since 1998 football season.

VYPE: You had a lot of close losses to

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a lot of really good teams last year, so does that spark confidence? Miller: Yes it does.

VYPE: What has been your message to your team leading up to the 2014 season?

Miller: Our message is that we want to 'break out' this year and take this season to the next level!

VYPE: Kyle McLaughlin put up big numbers on offense last season, but who's a unheralded guy that gets overlooked on your offense? And what about that player makes him so special? Miller: Stephen Upton is that guy. He is an athlete that ended up having to move from receiver to QB last year because of injuries. He is a very hard working and a good leader. Very talented.

VYPE: Your linebacker combination of Baylor Jenkins & C.J. Miller has proven to be really good. How do those guys take the next step & what kind of long term potential do both have? Miller: They will be the core of

our defense we will count on them making a lot of plays this year. We are expecting a good year from them both. VYPE: With playing time under his belt at quarterback, what kind of improvement do you expect from Stephen Upton at quarterback this year?

Miller: Stephen will be moving back to receiver for us and will still probably play some QB in some package deals. He has made some big improvements from his sophomore year to his junior year. VYPE: You were an assistant under Steve Edwards for a little bit at Glenpool. How did Edwards help shape your coaching career and what's the most important thing you learned from him?

Miller: Coach Edwards was a great mentor to work for in just the short time I was there he taught me so much about coaching football. Not only did I learn X's and O's from Coach Edwards but the most important thing was how to get the most out of your players.

SEPTEMBER 2014

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Cheer

The Holland Hall Varsity Cheer squad is off to a great start this year. Sarah Cox, coach for nine years, has retired, and the squad has a new coach, Hailey Woodard. Sarah has brought this cheer program up from very little to a great success and Hailey is excited to continue her legacy. This summer the squad helped with a Holland Hall Youth Cheer Camp, as well as back to school parties for the younger grades. For the early fall, their main focus is cheering on the Dutch Football team and preparing for ASC regional competition in November. The squad is filled with talent and excited for the new season. Team captains are Cerease Armour and Chloe Zahn. They are joined by fellow juniors Kaelyn Cook, Sara Iftikhar, Kelsey Marr and Emily O’dell. The team is rounded out by sophomore Austen Hubbard and freshman Alley Doyle and Lauren Hughes.

Field Hockey

The 2014 season brings with it a lot of high expectations, high excitement and a core of veteran players determined to compete for a Southwest Preparatory Conference championship. This Holland Hall squad boasts ten returning seniors, five of which were starters on the 2013 team. Seniors Mercedes Pena and Madison Turgeau will anchor the defense. The Dutch will boast a strong midfield, led by seniors Audrey Wise and Nicole

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Hood who will be joined by juniors Merich Frizzell and Morgan Kramer. Another senior, Ann Savage, will lead an offense that promises to have a potent attack with a lot of scoring potential. Other key offensive players are a very speedy and skillful forward, Tara Smith, and last year's end-of-season upstart, sophomore Annie Wise. Sophomore goalkeeper, Maddie Murphy, trained extensively in the offseason to prepare for her varsity starting role and that training has paid off. Her kicking skills, balance and agility around the goal cage will make her tough to beat. This year's team looks to clinch a spot in the Division I tournament and make a run at the title. With upperclass experience and strong chemistry, the Dutch look to have their breakout season.

accolades and achievements recognizing her abilities both at Holland Hall and her club team. She has been named All North Zone and All SPC as well as being named to several All Tournament teams and garnering MVP awards. She has committed to play collegiately at Stetson University in Florida. Warren has played competitively for five years and her play has really stepped up this year. “She is a strong leader on and off of the court.” according to Felkins. They will be joined by a solid group of sophomores who hope to make it to the SPC tournament this year. One major change this year in the SPC is that there will only be one tournament this year versus in the past when there was a Division I and Division II.

Adding to the experience and strength of the team are returning letterwinners, seniors Gracie Westfield, Madeleine Sherburn, Cheraden Gavlik , Amanda Brauninger and junior Gracie White.

Volleyball

This will be a re-building year for the Dutch volleyball team, replacing five starters from last seasons squad. According to coach Inna Felkins, they do have a solid group of players who are returning who have been playing since their freshman year. The team will be lead by team captains Anna Bezhan (Sr.) and Audrey Warren (Jr.). Bezhan is an outside hitter who has racked up a lot of

Anna Bezhan

SEPTEMBER 2014

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