Choctaw Ends Sandites' Season 45-15 in Quarterfinals

Bill Jensen Field is becoming a familiar, heartbreaking setting for the Sand Springs community. The Choctaw stadium has been the final resting place for the Sandite football team in back-to-back seasons.

Down 22-0 at halftime of the 6A-II quarterfinals Friday night, the Sandites scored on their first two drives of the second half to try and make a game of it, but the Yellowjackets scored two unanswered touchdowns to end the game 45-15.

“I got outcoached,” said head coach Bobby Klinck. “They did a great job of running counter and doing a few different things, cutting it up inside. We thought they wanted to go outside more on the perimeter. They had a great game plan.”

No. 3 Choctaw improved to 8-2 on the season and advanced to the semifinals for the fourth time in the past five years while No. 5 Charles Page High School ended the year 8-4.

Thus ended the high school careers of one of the most successful senior classes in school history.

The Class of 2024 was the first class to play all four years under Klinck, who arrived in 2021. They went 30-18 in that timeframe, the highest win total since the class of 1999, the only other team to hit that mark.

They won the highest-scoring game in Highway 97 Rivalry history (64-54) and the highest-scoring playoff game in Sandite history (56-24 against Lawton). The Class of 2024 was also part of the biggest win in school history last season when they routed U.S. Grant 83-0.

The Class of 2024 went 4-0 against their rivals from Sapulpa, and more importantly, they won playoff games all four years of their careers. The Sandites also went 5-1 on their home turf this season for their best record at Memorial Stadium since 1997.

Not a bad legacy.

“I think we’ve come pretty far,” said Klinck. “I think this senior class set up the standard of what we’re looking for.”

“We’re going in the right direction. I know we are. I’ve been a part of really good programs. I know what it’s like, and it takes time. I just wish that it could have been faster for this group of kids.”

The Sandites didn’t go down without a fight

With 4:07 in the third, junior running back Ali McCoy took a wildcat snap and flipped it to sophomore quarterback Easton Webb in motion from the slot. Webb dodged two would-be tacklers before finding McCoy again, wide open on a post route for a 25-yard touchdown.

The Sandites cut it as close as 29-14 and got a stop on the Yellowjackets’ next drive as well.

Unfortunately, a goal-line stand pinned the Sandites inside their own end zone. After three plays failed to find any vertical momentum and nobody got loose on fourth down, Webb stepped out of the back of the end zone for an intentional safety.

Mayor Morgan returned the ensuing kick 33 yards to set up a 37-yard touchdown run by Cash Williams, followed by a 12-yard touchdown run from Morgan after a Sandite three-and-out.

A turnover on downs with 2:02 remaining sealed the Sandites’ fate.

Sand Springs struggled to contain the explosive Yellowjackets, surrendering 505 yards on the night.

Williams, a Tennessee baseball commit, was 9-of-13 passing for 149 yards while carrying the ball eight times for 101 yards and two touchdowns.

Morgan ran the ball 16 times for 125 yards and three touchdowns with another 54 yards receiving.

Despite the final numbers, the Sandites did get some key stops early in the game and it looked like fans might have been in store for a defensive battle.

The Yellowjackets went three-and-out to open the game. After a fumbled handoff at midfield, the Sandites responded with a turnover on downs when Owen Floyd broke up a pass.

The Sandites marched as far as the Choctaw 31 before being turned away after a bad snap on a field goal attempt resulted in a turnover on downs.

Choctaw wouldn’t be denied on its third possession and scored on a 47-yard scamper by Williams, who connected with LT Simmons for the two-point conversion.

Sand Springs put together yet another semi-successful drive, marching as far as the Choctaw 25-yard line before McCoy was stuffed on fourth-down.

Gatlin Gunn deflected a third-down pass on Choctaw’s next possession and Landyn Barnes intercepted it, but once again the Sandites were stuffed on fourth down as Webb was stood up at the 14-yard line.

Five plays later, Hayden Mounce took a pitch 51 yards for the score.

Austin Hubert paid back the Sandites’ interception, picking off Webb to set up a 36-yard touchdown run from Morgan.

Once again the Sandites worked their way down the field, getting as close as the Choctaw 22-yard line before a bad snap on third-and-three sailed over Webb’s outstretched hands. Webb recovered, but the Sandites were forced to punt.

“We were able to move the ball, we get inside the 20 to the red zone, and then we just can’t finish drives,” said Klinck. “We’ve got to be able to do that to play at a top-notch program like Choctaw.”

“That’s what we talked about this year is to try to take the next step and when we get down in there, we’ve got to be able to convert.”

The Yellowjackets nearly scored again as JuJu Smith got loose on a forward pitch for 67 yards before Barnes made the touchdown-saving tackle as time expired.

Sand Springs adjusted well at halftime and scored four plays into the third quarter on a 42-yard run by Kenneth Page, then Jace Arnold ran in the point-after try to make it 22-8.

Choctaw responded with a 7-yard touchdown run by Morgan, followed by Webb’s touchdown throw to McCoy.

Webb finished the night 12-of-25 passing for 125 yards, getting in a strong rhythm with Dom Forbes, who had nine catches for 83 yards.

Page ended the night with 11 carries for 88 yards, putting him over 1,000 on the season. He also had a 14-yard reception from Forbes on a trick play.

McCoy had 38 yards on 16 carries to go with his 25-yard reception.

Defensively, the Sandites were led by Gunn and Keagan Gilman with eight tackles apiece.

Choctaw will advance to play No. 1 Stillwater (9-2) in a rematch of last year’s State Championship, which the Pioneers won 26-21. Stillwater is coming off a 56-7 rout of Putnam City (5-7) in its quarterfinal matchup.

Choctaw 45 CPHS 15

First Downs: Choctaw 10, CPHS 14
Fumbles/Lost: Choctaw 0/0, CPHS 4/1.
Passing: Choctaw 9-13-149-1, CPHS 13-26-139-1.
Rushing: Choctaw 39-356, CPHS 35-104.
Offense: Choctaw 52-505, CPHS 60-229.
Punts-Avg: Choctaw 1-38, CPHS 2-32.
Penalties: Choctaw 17-150, CPHS 5-39.

Scoring Summary

1Q (5:40) - Williams 47-yard Run, Simmons Pass from Williams, Choctaw 8-0.
2Q (5:51) - Mounce 51-yard Run, Jennings Kick, Choctaw 15-0.
2Q (4:16) - Morgan 36-yard Run, Jennings Kick, Choctaw 22-0.
3Q (10:29) - Page 42-yard Run, Arnold Run, Choctaw 22-8.
3Q (7:35) - Morgan 7-yard Run, Jennings Kick, Choctaw 29-8.
3Q (4:07) - McCoy 25-yard Pass from Webb, Puckett Kick, Choctaw 29-15.
4Q (11:00) - Safety, Webb Stepped out of End Zone, Choctaw 31-15.
4Q (9:54) - Williams 37-yard Run, Jennings Kick, Choctaw 38-15.
4Q (3:48) Morgan 12-yard Run, Jennings Kick, Choctaw 45-15.

Sandites Pummel Lawton 56-24 in Playoffs

It was a brisk evening under the Friday night lights at Memorial Stadium, but the Sandites heated up quickly, scoring four touchdowns in the first quarter en route to a 56-24 victory.

Class 6A-II No. 5 Charles Page High School (8-3) earned its highest-scoring playoff win in program history against Lawton (3-8) in the first meeting between the two programs since 1987.

The Sandites stormed out to a 50-6 halftime advantage and were able to play their backups throughout the second half.

“It’s a little bit different with the new playoff system and all that stuff, but it’s good that we get other people in and get meaningful snaps in situations like this,” said fourth-year head coach Bobby Klinck.

Sophomore quarterback Easton Webb connected with Kenneth Page on a 65-yard screen pass to score on the first play from scrimmage.

Following a quick three-and-out from Lawton, the Sandites scored on their second offensive play with a 39-yard touchdown run from Ali McCoy. Kicker Dawson Puckett ran in a two-point play on a fake kick to make it 15-0.

After the defense forced another quick three-and-out, Page led a methodical nine-play scoring drive, earning 45 yards on five carries and scoring a 15-yard touchdown before exiting the game before the second quarter.

“It was great,” said Page, a senior. “I didn’t know it would feel like this. Last time coming through the tunnel, running out on the field with my guys I grew up with and having fun with them.”

“It was my last home game, so it meant a lot.”

Dallas Elifrits and Keagan Gilman combined on a sack to force a third consecutive three-and-out, and once again the Sandites needed only a single play to score on their ensuing drive.

This time it was a 49-yard touchdown pass from Webb to freshman Dom Forbes to go up 29-0.

Landyn Barnes closed out the first quarter with a 26-yard interception return to set up a one-yard dive by Jace Arnold on the first play of second quarter.

“I’m proud of Landyn,” said Klinck. “He struggled a little bit early and he’s really coming into his own at cornerback. He’s really become a really solid football player for us. It speaks a lot about what Coach (Jay) Fleischman does with those corners.”

Lawton finally earned a first down on its fifth possession, but Gilman gave the Sandites their second takeaway on a fumble recovery.

The Wolverines finally got a stop of their own when Puckett missed a 32-yard field goal, but Owen Floyd cashed in a 22-yard pick six on the very next play to make it 43-0.

Lawton finally hit paydirt behind the legs of Nathen Jones, leaning on the junior running back for a 68-yard drive and two-yard touchdown plunge with 3:44 in the half.

But, the Sandites would get the final say of the half when Webb connected with Caleb Goodman for a 62-yard screen to hang half a hundred by halftime.

Webb exited the game at halftime 7-of-7 passing for 207 yards and three touchdowns, his best performance of the season.

“It’s important for him,” said Klinck. “Moving forward, the competition is obviously going to stiffen up, but having a confident quarterback to go with our run game which has been good all year, that’s good going into the next game.”

“It felt great,” said Webb. “I feel like every week we’ve slowly and progressively gotten better at everything we’ve been doing. The connections have gotten better.”

One of those growing connections is with Forbes, who recently moved up to varsity after closing out an undefeated season as the freshman quarterback.

“He was really good,” said Webb. “I feel like he really helps us a lot. He’s a good kid. He’s fast, he knows what he’s doing, he’s football savvy, he’s smart. He knows everything.”

“That’s a huge deal for Dom,” said Klinck. “He was playing scout team and just started making a bunch of plays on our defense and I said ‘shoot, we’ve got to get that guy in the game.’ That kid’s worked hard, he does everything right, and he’s going to become a weapon for us moving forward.”

Kambren Foster recorded the Sandites’ third interception of the night on a pass that was deflected by Joseph Farmer.

Wolverine quarterback Pene Vaisagote finally found the end zone on a one-yard sneak with 1:16 left in the third.

Arnold ran the offense in the second half and was 5-of-6 passing for 67 yards while running the ball four times for 18 yards. He added the Sandites’ final touchdown on a 17-yard pass to Puckett early in the fourth.

Vaisagote responded with a 22-yard touchdown throw to Tyrone Dean with 6:28 to play and Tamarcus Malone ran in a two-yard score with thirteen seconds remaining. All four of the Wolverines’ PAT attempts failed.

Vaisagote ended the night 11-of-22 passing for 95 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Jones paced the Wolverine offense with 35 carries for 206 yards.

The Sandite defense was led by Floyd and Gatlin Gunn with nine tackles apiece and Gunn was also in on four tackles for loss. 33 different Sandites made defensive plays.

“I obviously wanted to play some more, but it was great getting the other guys in behind me so they can get practice for next year,” said Gunn, who leads the Sandites with 81 tackles this season.

“It was awesome to be able to play with my boys again on the home field for the last time.”

Next up for the Sandites is a trip to No. 3 Choctaw (7-1) next Friday. The Yellowjackets have been a familiar foe, beating the Sandites in each of the past three seasons, including a 48-29 playoff quarterfinal last year.

“We’ve got to step up,” said Klinck. “They’re a good football team. Coach (Jake) Corbin and their staff do an unbelievable job. That’s a tough place to win, that’s a tough football team to beat. We’re going to have to bring our A-game to have a chance.”

CPHS 56 Lawton 24

First Downs: CPHS 9, Lawton 18.
Fumbles/Lost: CPHS 3/1, Lawton 2/1.
C-A-Y-I: CPHS 12-13-274-0, Lawton 12-23-138-3.
Rushing: CPHS 26-124, Lawton 50-248.
Offense: CPHS 39-398, Lawton 73-386.
Penalties: CPHS 2-15, Lawton 5-40.

Scoring Summary

1Q (11:47) - Page 65-yard Pass from Webb, Puckett Kick, CPHS 7-0.
1Q (9:41) - McCoy 39-yard Run, Puckett Run, CPHS 15-0.
1Q (4:25) - Page 15-yard Run, Puckett Kick, CPHS 22-0.
1Q (1:39) - Forbes 49-yard Pass from Webb, Puckett Kick, CPHS 29-0.
2Q (11:57) - Arnold 1-yard Run, Puckett Kick, CPHS 36-0.
2Q (6:58) - Floyd 22-yard Interception Return, Puckett Kick, CPHS 43-0.
2Q (3:44) - Jones 2-yard Run, Kick Failed, CPHS 43-6.
2Q (1:42) - Goodman 7-yard Pass from Webb, CPHS 50-6.
3Q (1:16) - Vaisagote 1-yard Run, Kick Failed, CPHS 50-12.
4Q (8:49) - Puckett 17-yard Pass from Arnold, Kick Failed, CPHS 56-12.
4Q (6:28) - Dean 22-yard Pass from Vaisagote, Pass Failed, CPHS 56-18.
4Q (0:13) - Malone 2-yard Run, Pass Failed, CPHS 56-24.

Postseason Preview: Sandites Host Lawton Friday

Charles Page High School is four-for-four in qualifying for the playoffs in the Bobby Klinck era and under the new playoff expansion implemented in 2022, they’ll get to host a first-round game for the second season in a row.

6A-II No. 5 Sand Springs (7-3) is set to host Lawton (3-7) Friday in only their second meeting ever. The first and only meeting was a 5A semifinal playoff game that Lawton won 14-10 in 1987.

The Bracket

The winner of Sand Springs vs. Lawton will advance to play No. 3 Choctaw (7-2), who gets a first-round bye. On the same side of the bracket is No. 8 Tahlequah (3-7) at Putnam City (4-6), with the winner playing No. 1 Stillwater (8-2).

On the other side of the bracket is No. 10 Putnam City North (4-6) at No. 6 Bartlesville (4-6), with the winner playing No. 2 Edmond Deer Creek (8-2), and No. 9 Putnam City West (5-5) at No. 7 Ponca City (5-5), with the winner playing No. 4 Muskogee (8-2).

The Contenders

Stillwater is the defending State Champion, though they’ve spent most of the season at the No. 4 spot after a head coach change and the graduation of many starters resulted in an 0-2 start. Since then, the Pioneers are 8-0 with a statement 30-20 win over Muskogee in the district title game. Last year was their second championship overall and their third finals appearance in the past five years.

Deer Creek is looking for its first State title since 2000 when the Antlers were still 3A. They made the finals in 2021 but were outmatched 63-14 by juggernaut Bixby. Deer Creek started the season 1-2, playing up a division against a trio of 6A-I schools. They closed the season on a 7-0 streak with a signature 25-20 win against Choctaw in Week 6.

Choctaw finished the year with four wins in a row after the close loss at Deer Creek. The Yellowjackets have made the finals in two of the past three years but are still looking for their first title since a Class B championship in 1960. They outscored fellow playoff teams Lawton, Putnam City, and Ponca City by a combined 171 to 39 in the final three games.

Muskogee has returned to its blue blood form the past two years in pursuit of its first title since 1986 and fifth overall. The Roughers are 4-0 in championship games but 0-6 in the semis since their last gold ball and looking to take that next step forward after getting stopped in the semis last year.

Sand Springs is in pursuit of its first State title since 1966 and first finals appearance since 2015. The Sandites have been turned away in the semis twice since then. The Sandites’ only losses this season have come to 6A-I No. 1 Bixby, then-No. 1 Muskogee, and current No. 1 Stillwater.

The Dark Horse

Bartlesville is undoubtedly the best team in the playoffs with a losing record. In three consecutive losses to Stillwater, Muskogee, and Sand Springs, the combined score was only 64 to 54. There was also a season-opening one-point loss to 5A No. 6 Claremore (9-1). The Bruins got back in the win column with a 51-20 domination of Tahlequah to close the regular season.

The Bruins have never made it to a State finals game and they haven’t made it past the quarterfinals since 2015.

The Hopefuls

Ponca City won a first-round playoff game last year for the first time since 1986 and is looking to take another step forward this season. The Wildcats have never won the gold ball and last played for it in 1965.

Tahlequah has qualified for the playoffs in 10 consecutive seasons, but they haven’t gotten past the first round since 2020 when they were still 5A. They have never won a State title, falling in the 4A finals in 1989.

Putnam City West is making its first postseason appearance since 2016 and looking for its first win since 1994. The Patriots won their lone title in 1981 in Class 4A and haven’t made it to the finals since then.

Putnam City North won a playoff game as recently as 2020 but missed out on the postseason last year. The Panthers won their only gold ball in 1991 in Class 5A and made their last finals appearance in 2001 in 6A.

Putnam City is looking to win its first playoff game since 2007. The Pirates won three titles in four years from 1974 to 1977 but haven’t made the finals since that 4A run.

Lawton was an early 6A-II power, making finals appearances in 2014 and 2016 after the 6A split. They lost both of those games to Bixby. They haven’t won a playoff game since 2017, however. The Wolverines own two gold balls, last winning a 5A title in 1987.

Sandites Throttle U.S. Grant 56-0, Finish Regular Season 7-3

Bobby Klinck told his team to envision Thursday night’s trip to Oklahoma City as a playoff road game.

“Hopefully if we can keep going into the playoffs we’re going to have to do this at some point, so envision that and use it as a dress rehearsal.”

That task may have stretched the imaginations of the Sandites as it’s unlikely they’ll get to bench their starters after one quarter at any point in the playoffs.

6A-II No. 5 Charles Page High School (7-3, 5-2) won a lopsided 56-0 shutout against U.S. Grant (2-8, 0-7) to spoil Senior Night at Taft Stadium.

The Sandites finished the regular season with a one-win improvement over last year and their best district mark since 2015. Meanwhile Grant ended the year on an eight-game losing streak with six consecutive shutouts.

The Generals’ first-half possessions ended in punt, pick six, punt, pick six, fumble, turnover on downs, punt, and punt.

Kenneth Page scored on an 11-yard touchdown run, Alex Dudley had a 51-yard pick six, and Ali McCoy scored on a 9-yard forward pitch from Jace Arnold for a 21-0 lead by the 4:53 mark of the first quarter.

The Generals’ next possession ended in a 30-yard interception return by Hunter Wilson, who handed the ball off to lineman Marcum Sims at the 1-yard line for the touchdown.

A fumble recovery by Hudson Sheppard set up a 1-yard touchdown run from Easton Webb to make it 35-0 at the end of the first.

Grant tried for a gutsy fourth-and-three in their own territory and was made to pay for it as Isaac Sensintaffar, Jakobe Vann, Jonathan Rowe, and Jaden Allen all combined for a sack.

After a pair of would-be touchdown passes to Dom Forbes were nullified for penalties, Webb finally connected with Kayden Campbell for a 14-yard touchdown.

Forbes wouldn’t be kept out of the end zone for long, scoring on a 3-yard pitch from Arnold to make it 49-0 at halftime.

“It’s big for the program moving forward that some of the younger guys could get in and get meaningful snaps,” said Klinck.

The Generals forced their first three-and-out to open the second half, though they gave the ball back on fourth down at midfield.

Brock O’Dell scored the final touchdown of the night on a two-yard run late in the third.

A running clock and their only semi-successful drive of the night helped the Generals eat the entire fourth quarter without letting the Sandite offense on the field.

JaMere Martin was able to find some running room against the Sandite reserves, earning 65 yards on three carries to help march his team to the 7-yard line. His hopes of getting to the end zone were quashed, however, when Gage Gunn recovered a fumbled snap for the final play of the game.

Even with the running clock, the Sandites had plenty of time to give plenty of backups plenty of snaps.

Eight Sandites recorded receptions, seven had carries, 27 made defensive plays, and the Sandites even got to see the backup kicker in action when Tanner Copeland took over for a 7-for-7 Dawson Puckett and connected on the final PAT of the night.

“It’s always neat to see guys that are program guys, scout teamers, and they’re younger and they get an opportunity to shine on Thursday night,” said Klinck. “That’s really fun.”

Webb finished the night 4-of-5 passing for 46 yards with two carries for 11 yards and two total touchdowns. Arnold was 7-of-8 for 57 yards with four carries for 26 yards and two total touchdowns.

Defensively the Sandites held the Generals to only 8 yards through the first three quarters without surrendering a single first down.

“Guys being in the right places and making the plays they need to make,” said Klinck. “We’re going to have to play well defensively to make a run at this thing, so I’m glad that we were able to do that.”

The defense was led by Kambren Foster with 9 tackles, followed by Rowe with 6 and Gunn with 5. The Sandites totaled 10 tackles for loss, including three sacks, with four takeaways.

Despite the total domination, the Generals showed improvement over last year’s 83-0 shutout at Memorial Stadium in which they only suited up 19 players. This time around, the Generals had about 40 players in a turnaround season that saw the end of a 13-game losing streak.

“It’s a testament to what coach (Alex) Levescy is doing,” said Klinck. “I’ve coached at Tulsa Public Schools in the inner city and that’s a really great job that he’s doing over there.”

“The victories aren’t counted in wins and losses sometimes.”

Sand Springs will return to action next Friday with a home playoff game against Lawton (2-7).

It will be only the second meeting ever between the Sandites and Wolverines, who last played each other in a 5A semifinal playoff game that Lawton won 14-10 in 1987.

“I’m hopeful that we’re going to play our best football moving forward and hopefully try to make a run at this thing,” said Klinck.

CPHS 56 Grant 0

First Downs: CPHS 7, Grant 4.
C-A-Y-I: CPHS 11-13-103-0, Grant 4-12-6-2.
Rushing: CPHS 14-123, Grant 28-78.
Offense: CPHS 27-226, Grant 40-90.
Fumbles/Lost: CPHS 2/0, Grant 2/2.
Penalties: CPHS 4-45, Grant 2-20.

Scoring Summary

1Q (9:12) - Page 11-yard Run, Puckett Kick, CPHS 7-0.
1Q (7:14) - Dudley 51-yard Interception Return, Puckett Kick, CPHS 14-0.
1Q (4:53) - McCoy 9-yard Pass from Arnold, Puckett Kick, CPHS 21-0.
1Q (4:16) - Sims 1-yard Interception Return, Puckett Kick, CPHS 28-0.
1Q (0:49) - Webb 1-yard Run, Puckett Kick, CPHS 35-0.
2Q (9:13) - Campbell 14-yard Pass from Webb, CPHS 42-0.
2Q (3:01) - Forbes 3-yard Pass from Arnold, Puckett Kick, CPHS 49-0.
3Q (1:45) - O’Dell 2-yard Run, Copeland Kick, CPHS 56-0.

Sandites Snap 7 Year Losing Streak to Booker T. Washington, 24-14 on Senior Night

Kenneth Page (Pictured against Tahlequah) ran for 130 yards and two touchdowns against Booker T. on Senior Night. (Photo: Charity Emigh).

Class 6A-II No. 5 Charles Page High School (6-3, 4-2) snapped a seven-year losing streak against Booker T. Washington Friday night at Memorial Stadium, winning 24-14 on Senior Night against the No. 10 Hornets (2-8, 1-6) behind a powerful run game.

Senior Kenneth Page scored two touchdowns and ended the night with 17 carries for 130 yards to lead all players in his third triple-digit performance of the season.

“It feels great,” said Page. “This morning we found out it had been seven years, so I was like ‘Wow. We’ve got to get the job done, we’ve got to change the program and get it done tonight.’”

Sand Springs never trailed after jumping out to a 10-0 first quarter lead, but was never able to pull away from the pesky Hornets.

The Sandites forced a turnover on downs on the opening drive and cashed in six plays later on a career-long 42-yard field goal by Dawson Puckett.

The visiting Hornets marched as far as the Sand Springs 25-yard line before Hudson Sheppard, Gatlin Gunn, and Joseph Farmer combined to stuff Kuhron Ross on fourth-and-one.

The teams traded punts from there, but Page made it a two-score game with a 44-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter.

“That play we had a fake sprint out and I’m coming back, I’m getting the ball, and I just see Tank (Tyler Smith) pull, wide open,” said Page. “Then I had to make sure the corner didn’t get me, so I had to run zig zags, but it was a great moment.”

Washington’s next trip to Sandite territory ended in a 26-yard interception return by Gunn, but the visitors got the ball back two plays later on a fumble recovery from Koreon Williams.

That turnover resulted in a 33-yard touchdown pass from Levi Brooks to Daylinn Overstreet to open the second quarter.

Three punts later, the Hornets threatened again, but Landyn Barnes picked off Brooks in the Sandite red zone and the home team took a knee to enter halftime.

“It was huge,” said head coach Bobby Klinck. “We give our guys opportunities to make plays and for the most part they made them tonight.”

Ali McCoy lost two fumbles last week against Bartlesville, but his hands were glue traps on Friday after receiving the Darnell Jefferson treatment.

“If anyone else brings this ball back to me, you’ll wish you were never born,” Klinck told McCoy on Monday, tasking him with babysitting a football all day in the spirit of the 1993 cult classic “The Program.”

The ploy worked as McCoy ended the night with 12 carries for 53 yards and a one-yard touchdown plunge to open the second half.

“I had to teach them about the movie,” said Klinck. “They didn’t know about it yet, so that was kind of fun. He brought it back, he was sweating, it was great.”

Washington tried to convert on fourth down to open the fourth quarter but Keagan Gilman lit up Brooks as he threw and the ball darted harmlessly into the turf.

This time it was Page’s turn to cash in, scoring on a six-yard run to go up 24-7 with 7:49 to play.

But, the Hornets would not go gentle into that good night.

Stefon Williams recovered a muffed punt deep in Sandite territory and Brooks scored on a two-yard draw for the final touchdown of the game.

Sand Springs successfully fielded an onside kick attempt and ate the final 5:20 of clock on the ground, picking up a trio of first downs to enter the Hornet red zone behind the legs of wildcat quarterback Jace Arnold before assuming victory formation.

“It’s hard soaking it all in, but coming out with a dub - that’s all we want on senior night,” said Arnold, who had nine carries for 39 yards in the second half.

The trio of McCoy, Arnold, and Page combined for 229 yards behind an offensive line that has been fairly dominant against most teams it has faced this year.

“Those guys have an attitude,” Klinck said of his o-line. “I like that they’re getting into it…Our offensive line has been a strength for us all year and our tailbacks are just feeding off that.”

Defensively the Sandites were led by Owen Floyd with eight tackles, followed by Dallas Elifrits and Gunn with seven apiece. Elifrits had three tackles for loss and Waylon Jeffers had two sacks.

The win cemented a third-place finish in the district for the Sandites after finishing fourth the past three years.

“We’re slowly moving up in the right direction,” said Klinck. “I really feel this program’s in a great place. It just depends. I think we are going to be pretty dang successful around here. We’ve just got see how quickly we want to do it and if this senior class wants to be the group that breaks through.”

The Hornets are fighting through their worst season since 1997 but they can still make the postseason with a win against No. 9 Putnam City West (4-5, 1-5) next week.

“Booker T. will be back,” said Klinck. “Coach (Jonathan) Brown’s an unbelievable coach. They’re too good, but we’ll take it this year.”

Sand Springs will look to finish the regular season on a four-game win streak next Thursday when it travels to U.S. Grant (2-7, 0-6). The Generals were the victims of an 83-0 defeat last season in Sandites’ biggest win in school history.

“I think we’re going to be playing our best football coming into the playoffs and that’s all we really want,” said Klinck.

CPHS 24 BTW 14

First Downs: CPHS 15, BTW 10.
C-A-Y-I: CPHS 8-14-63-0, BTW 11-21-132-2.
Rushing: CPHS 45-223, BTW 27-87.
Total Offense: CPHS 59-286, BTW 48-219.
Fumbles/Lost: CPHS 4/2, BTW 2/0.
Penalties: CPHS 8-95, BTW 6-51.
Punts-AVG: CPHS 4-37.8, BTW 4-31.

Scoring Summary

1Q (9:18) Puckett 42-yard Field Goal, CPHS 3-0.
1Q (1:40) Page 44-yard Run, Puckett Kick, CPHS 10-0.
2Q (10:43) Overstreet 33-yard Pass from Brooks, Carpenter Kick, CPHS 10-7.
3Q (7:01) McCoy 1-yard Run, Puckett Kick, CPHS 17-7.
4Q (7:49) Page 6-yard Run, Puckett Kick, CPHS 24-7.
4Q (5:20) Brooks 2-yard Run, Carpenter Kick, CPHS 24-14.

Senior Night

Sandite Dance celebrated four seniors: Aubri Castillo, Kylie Colbert, Briley O’Dell, and Emma Warwick.

Cheer celebrated four seniors: Camrie Chatham, Abbigail Elder, Gabrielle Grubb, and Lillie Keim.

Football celebrated three senior trainers (Abby Bryant, Ava Durham, and Kiara Williams) and 17 senior players: Jace Arnold, Kayden Campbell, Jonathan Cruz, Dallas Elifrits, Owen Floyd, Keagan Gilman, Gatlin Gunn, Mason Harris, Kenneth Page Jr., Easton Pritchard, Wyatt Rutledge, Marcum Sims, Marcus Sims, Greer Simmons, Tyler “Tank” Smith, Evan Williams, and Hunter Wilson.

Band celebrated 19 seniors: Logan Baugher, Macy Beard, Mykaela Cole, Ava Duncan, Carsten Englestead, Thomas Fahland, Emily Gregory, Isabelle Hester, Byron Jarrett, Dillon Jones, Kaylah Morgan, Devyn Pearson, Caitlin Shipman, Joshua Simpson, Ty Sims, Garrett Sorenson, Miriam Wilbanks, Tatum Wright, and Shelby Young.

Dawson Puckett's Overtime Field Goal Lifts Sandites to 20-17 Win Against Bartlesville

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Fireworks illuminated the eastern skyline from somewhere near downtown Tulsa, but nobody in the stands at Charles Page High School’s Memorial Stadium was watching them.

All eyes were on the turf Thursday night as junior kicker Dawson Puckett split the uprights on a game-winning 30-yard field goal in overtime to knock off Bartlesville 20-17.

For the second year in a row the No. 6 Bruins (3-5, 3-2) took No. 5 Sand Springs (5-3, 3-2) to an extra stanza, and for the second year in a row they were found wanting.

Puckett has proven to be a consistent kicker all year in points after touchdowns, but it was only his third field goal attempt of the season.

“I was so nervous,” said Puckett. “I felt a little cold because I didn’t kick the whole game, but with that adrenaline and everything I felt pretty good I was going to get it.”

He hadn’t even kicked a PAT since the first play of the game.

A 96-yard opening kick return by Alex Dudley set up a two-yard touchdown run from Kenneth Page as the Sandites looked to establish early momentum, but PJ Wallace responded with a 65-yard touchdown run on the next offensive snap to even things up.

A methodical drive was stopped on downs on the next possession as Page was stuffed at the three-yard line, but the Sandite special teams soon put the Sandites back out front when Christian Freitus scored a safety for the second week in a row, tackling Bruin punter Braxton Decker in the end zone.

Decker made up for it with an 18-yard field goal to end the half with a 10-9 lead.

After the first two offensive snaps resulted in touchdowns, it looked like fans might be in store for a shootout, but most of the game was characterized by defensive stands.

Sand Springs came away with the safety and three turnovers on downs, forcing two punts and two missed field goals. The Bruins had two fumble recoveries and three turnovers on downs, forcing three punts.

Decker missed a 35-yard field goal to open the second half, but the Bruins stuffed Easton Webb on fourth-and-one to set up a 40-yard touchdown toss from Nate Neal to Damien Niko.

Sand Springs wouldn’t stay down for long, marching 38 yards on four runs from Page and a fortuitous facemask penalty.

On fourth-and-seven from the 27-yard line, Webb stepped up into a collapsing pocket and connected with a wide-open Caleb Goodman in the end zone.

He followed it up with a right-side rollout, throwing back across his body to Ayden Wadley in the left corner for two points to even it up.

“Easton’s not normal,” said head coach Bobby Klinck. “He’s so talented, he’s so gifted, he’s so mature, you forget that he’s just a sophomore.”

Although the 11-of-19 for 127 yards stat line might not reflect it, Webb played some of his best ball of the season, establishing a strong rhythm with Goodman, who had six catches for 112 yards.

Of his eight incompletions, three were dropped, one was batted, and two were caught by the receivers but ruled out of bounds.

“I love where he’s at,” said Klinck. “I think we’ve just got to keep building through that. Tonight was a big night for him.”

“We knew we had some work to do,” said Webb. “We put in work all week. We studied, we watched film together. We did all this stuff to get ready for this game and for the rest of the season and it showed.”

The teams traded several short possessions throughout the late third and fourth quarters but it looked like Bartlesville was poised for the win when Cooper Wood batted a fourth-down screen attempt with 3:45 to play.

The Bruins marched 45 yards behind Wallace to set up a 28-yard field goal attempt by Decker as time expired, but the junior kicker missed right to send the game to overtime.

An apparent touchdown pass to Wallace was negated for offensive pass interference, setting up a third-and-goal from the 24. Gunn and Dudley broke up the next pass attempt and Ryley Kester sacked Neal on fourth down to give the Sandites possession.

“I knew we had something going,” said Webb. “Once our defense got that stop, I just knew. I just had that feeling we had something going and we were going to get the win.”

Webb had a touchdown pass of his own, to Kayden Campbell, negated due to an ineligible player downfield. Then he found Campbell again in the back corner of the end zone, but it was ruled out of bounds.

Finally, Puckett secured the win.

“We play to win around here,” said Klinck. “I believe in these kids and they pulled it out today.”

“I challenged our kids. I said ‘it’s week eight. The coaches have done all we can - it’s up to you guys to see how far you want this thing to go.’ So I’m very happy with these kids to pull it out.”

The victory pushed the Sandites’ win streak against Bartlesville to four - the longest streak for the Sandites in series history.

More importantly, it improved the Sandites to 3-2 in district action and put them in strong position to finish as high as third in the standings.

“Grit, fight, determination - these kids showed it tonight,” said Klinck. “And that’s a really good Bartlesville football team. They’re tough just like their dang coach. There’s going to be some wars coming up here with those guys.”

Page ended the game with 19 carries for 91 yards while Webb had 8 carries for 38 and Ali McCoy had 6 for 35.

Defensively the Sandites were led by Dallas Elifrits, Hunter Wilson, and Gunn with 9 tackles apiece while Owen Floyd was right behind them with 8. The team totalled six tackles for loss.

Neal was 8-of-18 passing for 141 yards for the Bruins. Niko was his top receiver with five catches for 86 yards. Wallace carried the brunt of the offense with 36 carries for 132 yards.

Next up for the Sandites will be a home game against No. 9 Booker T. Washington (2-6, 1-4).

The Hornets have won seven in a row against the Sandites in a streak dating back to 2015, but that run will be in jeopardy this year as the Hornets battle through their worst season since 1997.

CPHS 20 Bartlesville 17

First Downs: CPHS 13, Bartlesville 14.
C-A-Y-I: CPHS 11-19-127-0, Bartlesville 8-18-141-0.
Rushes-Yards: CPHS 34-167, Bartlesville 40-107.
Plays-Offense: CPHS 51-294, Bartlesville 58-248.
Fumbles/Lost: CPHS 3/2, Bartlesville 3/1.
Penalties-Yards: CPHS 7-62, Bartlesville 6-46.

Scoring Summary

1Q (11:38): Page 2-yard Run, Puckett Kick, CPHS 7-0.
1Q (11:25): Wallace 65-yard Run, Decker Kick, Tied 7-7.
1Q (2:07): Freitus Safety, CPHS 9-7.
2Q (0:01): Decker 18-yard Field Goal, Bartlesville 10-9.
3Q (4:11): Niko 40-yard Pass from Neal, Decker Kick, Bartlesville 17-9.
3Q (2:20): Goodman 27-yard Pass from Webb, Wadley 2-pt Pass from Webb, Tied 17-17.
OT: Puckett 30-yard Field Goal, CPHS 20-17.