Week 10 Rankings and Predictions

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

#1 Booker T Washington (8-0, 6-0) District 1

#7 Muskogee (3-6, 3-3) District 1

Don't expect any surprises here. Muskogee's a far better team than they've been in recent years, but after being knocked out of playoff contention there's little likelihood that they'll find the motivation to upset the #1 undefeated team. Expect OSU-commit Justice Hill to rush for a couple hundred yards as usual and Dakari Willis will probably look to stretch his arm out a bit before the playoffs.

The pick: BTW 56, Muskogee 14

#2 Bartlesville (8-1, 5-1) District 1

#13 Claremore (2-7, 0-6) District 1

Bartlesville consistently gives up points, but also consistently scores substantially more. It'll be a blow out, but I doubt it'll be a shut out. The Zebras have had a rough time this season with injuries, but they've still got heart and won't go down without a fight. Between Colton Penrod and Jarron Hilger, however, it should be a clear Bruin victory.

The pick: Bville 48, Claremore 13.

#3 Charles Page (4-4, 4-2) District 1

#4 Bixby (6-3, 4-2) District 1

Bixby has fallen quite a bit from their early season performance and barely edged by Muskogee last week in overtime while Sand Springs was close to upsetting top-ranked Booker T. On paper, this should be a clear pick. However, there's a lot of bad blood between the Sandites and Spartans after Bixby injured several Sand Springs players last year and beat them twice--once in the regular season and once in the semifinals. Muskogee's players hadn't even made it home yet before Twitter was blowing up with Sandite tweets calling out Bixby last week. The playoffs are locked up for both teams, but they'll be battling for the #3 seed so it should be a shootout, just like last year's 34-31 week 10 game. Bixby has one of the best runningbacks in the state in Nic Roller and Sand Springs has the best defense so it should be a great matchup.

The pick: Sand Springs 41, Bixby 35.

#5 Lawton (7-1, 5-0) District 2

#11 Choctaw (5-4, 2-3) District 2

The Wolverines wrapped up a district championship last week against Midwest City and their only loss was a rivalry matchup against the undefeated #1 team in 5A. Choctaw is coming to do battle, however, as they need a win to hold onto a playoff berth. 

The pick: Lawton 48, Choctaw 24

#6 Midwest City (6-3, 4-2) District 2

Midwest City elected not to play a fourth non-district game and is taking a week off before the playoffs.

#8 Putnam City West (4-5, 2-3) District 2

#14 Enid (2-7, 1-4) District 2

It's down to the wire for PCW. The Patriots are already experiencing their best record since 2000, but after a big time upset by Eisenhower last week it still remains to be seen if they'll clinch their first playoff appearance since 1996. On paper, it should be locked up. But if Enid overcomes PCW like Ike did, then Choctaw will take the bottom seed in the playoffs.

The pick: PCW 47, Enid 35

#9 Stillwater (4-5, 3-2) District 2

#15 Eisenhower (1-8, 1-4) District 2

It's too late for Ike to reach the playoffs, but it's not too late for them to bump Stillwater down to the bottom seed and at least move up from the bottom rank of the division. The Eagles will be flying high after their 50-28 dominating upset @ PCW last week.

The pick: Stilly 38, Ike 35

#10 Ponca City (2-6, 1-5) District 1

#12 Sapulpa (2-6, 1-5) District 1

The Chieftains pulled off a narrow 1 point win last week against Claremore in the lowest scoring game of the season for 6A-II, but it was their first win since week 2 and it was an upset. Expect Dae Williams to cross the 1500 season rushing mark. Ponca doesn't have any huge stars like Williams, but they have a better talent-spread among the players. Keep your eyes on QB Conner Larson and the RB/WR combo of the Arita brothers. 

The pick: Ponca 35, Sapulpa 21

My Record

• Week 1: 10-2 (.833)
• Week 2: 12-2 (.857)
• Week 3: 6-3 (.666)
• Week 4: 6-2 (.750)
• Week 5: 5-3 (.625)
• Week 6: 8-0 (1.00)
• Week 7: 8-0 (1.00)
• Week 8: 7-1 (.875)
• Week 9: 6-2 (.750)
• Overall: 68-15 (.819)

Week 9 Predictions

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

These next two weeks hold a lot of post-season-implication for District 1. While the dust is mostly settled down South, the North still has four teams battling it out for playoff berths and you can expect that none of them will go quietly into that good night.

#1 Booker T Washington (7-0, 5-0) District 1

#3 Charles Page (4-3, 4-1) District 1

Easily the biggest game of the week for 6A-II, and the biggest game of the year for Sand Springs, this will be the deciding game on if the Sandites have a real shot at the state title. If CPHS can pull off the upset here then they'll have a guaranteed ride to the playoffs. On paper, the Hornets should have no problem fending off Sand Springs, but a storm is brewing and the Sandites are hungry. Booker T is a predominately run-oriented offense while Sand Springs has a pretty even pass-rush split. BTW has the home field advantage, but with rain on the way, anything can happen. Booker T leads the series 11-6, but Sand Springs has won 2 of the last 3 and the last 2 were both big-scoring shootouts.

The pick: BTW 43, CPHS 24

#2 Bartlesville (7-1, 4-1) District 1

#10 Ponca City (2-5, 1-4) District 1

Not much to see here, the Wildcats will be easily tamed by the Bruins' stellar air raid. Colton Penrod just passed the 8000 mark on career-passing yards and is third in the state this season. 

The pick: Bartlesville 56, Ponca 28

#4 Bixby (5-3, 3-2) District 1

#7 Muskogee (3-5, 3-2) District 1

Muskogee's last real hope for a playoff berth comes down to this game. The Spartans are still one of the top teams in the state, but they have fallen on hard times. Bixby is coming off a devastating loss to BTW and Muskogee gets the home field advantage in what's sure to be a thrilling game. The Spartans have a lot to prove in this game if they want to be a real contender for the title. 

The pick: Bixby 42, Muskogee 27

#5 Lawton (6-1, 4-0) District 2

#6 Midwest City (6-2, 4-1) District 2

Probably the second-most exciting game of the week is the Title game for District 2. The Bombers put up a great effort in a week 1 loss to BTW, then got upset majorly by Stillwater. Was the Pioneer loss a fluke or are the Wolverines truly the best team down South? 

The pick: Lawton 35, MWC 27

#8 Putnam City West (4-4, 2-2) District 2

#15 Eisenhower (0-8, 0-4) District 2

The Patriots came into the season as the bottom-ranked team in the division and haven't had a winning record since 2000, and haven't seen the playoffs since 1996. The current lineup has put an end to that era and is headed to the playoffs, so long as they aren't upset by the two worst teams in the state. 

The pick: PCW 42, Ike 14

#9 Stillwater (3-5, 2-2) District 2

#14 Enid (2-6, 1-3) District 2

The Pioneers won't have a winning record, but they should make the playoffs with the bottom seed, at least. Enid's only true win was a 3-point win against Ike last week. Sand Springs had to forfeit a 33-7 victory after a player was deemed ineligible. 

The pick: Stilly 38, Enid 20

#11 Claremore (2-6, 0-5) District 1

#13 Sapulpa (1-6, 0-5) District 1

The pick: Claremore 35, Sapulpa 27

#12 Choctaw (4-4, 2-3) District 2

US Grant (2-5) 

The Generals finally broke a 6-game losing streak and officially have their best record since 2003. Don't expect them to tie that magical 4-6 season, however. 

The pick: Choctaw 47, Grant 12

Week 7 Roundup

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

#1 Booker T Washington (6-0, 4-0) District 1

#2 Bartlesville (6-1, 3-1) District 1

The biggest match-up of the season thus-far came down to a field goal. Bartlesville took to the air, completing 11 of 17 for 194 against Booker T's 7 of 15 for 91. The Hornet ground game amassed a stellar 215 against Bartlesville's 84. Washington gave up 23 more yards to penalties than the Bruins, but Bville gave up a key fumble on the Hornet 7 yard line with less than three minutes remaining--and it would end up costing them the game as Booker T sank a field goal with 7 seconds left.

The pick: Booker T 21, Bartlesville 14

Results: Booker T 17, Bartlesville 14.

#3 Bixby (5-2, 3-1) District 1

#13 Sapulpa (1-5, 0-4) District 1

Bixby's missing several starters who were suspended for underage drinking a few weeks ago, and Nic Roller, their stud runningback, continues to be hampered by recent surgery. He was recovered enough to play, but he didn't amass nearly the yardage he normally does. Believe it or not, 116 yards on 11 carries is subpar for this beast. All of that combined, and this incredible Bixby team still scored the second-most points against Sapulpa of any team this season. QB Tanner Griffin passed for 296 yards as the Spartans "dined in Hell" against Sapulpa. 

The pick: Bixby 53, Sapulpa 7

Results: Bixby 53, Sapulpa 17.

#4 Charles Page (3-3, 3-1) District 1

#10 Ponca City (1-5, 0-4) District 1

I made it to 18-straight Sandite games before I finally had to miss this one because our Lady Softballers were at State. Apparently it was a hell of a game to miss. Greathouse was solid passing, as always, connecting on 10 of 16 for 128. The real show was in the rush game. Payton Scott carried for 200 yards and two touchdowns, followed by Lane Lettich with 117 and one TD. Overall the Sandites had a massive 528 yards-total-offense and the D gave up a stingy 149 for only two touchdowns. 

The pick: CPHS 35, Ponca 13

Results: CPHS 44, Ponca 21.

#5 Lawton (5-1, 4-0) District 2

#15 Eisenhower (0-7, 0-3) District 2

It started as a close game between the two in-town rivals, but eventually the Wolverines pulled ahead for a blowout. Ike struck first on a two yard run, and only trailed 15-7 going into the half, but the dominant team found their feet in the second half.

The pick: Lawton 49, Ike 13.

Restults: Lawton 43, Ike 7. 

#6 Muskogee (3-4, 3-1) District 1

#11 Claremore (2-5, 0-4) District 1

The Roughers are finally finding their feet under second-year coach Rafe Watkins, winning 3 of their last 4 games. Unless they pull off an upset against Sand Springs this week, they'll likely finish the season with the same record as last year. The losses have all been a lot closer, however, and the wins have been more punishing. Muskogee got nearly twice the yards-per-carry as Claremore, and despite completing less than half of all passes, they still gained just under 200 yards-by-air. 

The pick: Muskogee 17, Claremore 14

Results: Muskogee 38, Claremore 8

#7 Stillwater (3-4, 2-1) District 2

#12 Choctaw (4-3, 2-2) District 2

This game came down to the wire, and nobody saw it coming. With a 30-13 lead and only two minutes left, it seemed like the Pioneers had it all wrapped up. Choctaw wasn't done fighting, however, and marched 80 yards in 10 plays for a touchdown, then recovered the ensuing onside kick. The next play was a touchdown followed by a conversion. Stillwater barely held on as the next onside kick traveled out of bounds and they were able to assume victory formation.

The pick: Stillwater 35, Choctaw 13

Results: Stillwater 30, Choctaw 27

#8 Midwest City (5-2, 3-1) District 2

#9 Putnam City West (3-4, 1-2) District 2

The Bombers pretty much locked in another playoff appearance in knocking down PCW.

The pick: MWC 14, PCW 13.

Results: MWC 33, PCW 14.

#14 Enid (1-6, 0-3) District 2

The Plainsmen just can't catch a break. With a bye-week from district play, Enid took on 5A unranked Tahlequah and were easily handed. The only win for Enid comes from a forfeiture-by-technicality. 

The pick: Tahlequah 28, Enid 14

Results: Tahlequah 44, Enid 21.

My Record

• Week 1: 10-2 (.833)
• Week 2: 12-2 (.857)
• Week 3: 6-3 (.666)
• Week 4: 6-2 (.750)
• Week 5: 5-3 (.625)
• Week 6: 8-0 (1.00)
• Week 7: 8-0 (1.00)
• Overall: 55-12 (.820)

Week 6 Roundup

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

#1 Booker T Washington (5-0, 3-0) District 1

#10 Claremore (2-4, 0-3) District 1

No surprise here, the Hornets registered yet another dominating win, their first shut out of the season, over Claremore. OSU-commit Justice Hill rushed for 276 yards and five touchdowns and personally registered more than double Claremore's total yardage. 

The pick: BTW 52, Claremore 3

Results, BTW 40, Claremore 0. 

#2 Bartlesville (6-0, 3-0) District 1

#6 Muskogee (2-4, 2-1) District 1

Bartlesville keeps on winning, but they keep doing it sloppily and last minute. Simply looking at the score and you'd think it was a Bartlesville slaughter, but believe it or not, the Roughers led 21-7 at one point. Statistically, the teams were neck-and-neck and it looks like Rafe Watkins might finally be whipping the Roughers into shape. Muskogee could very well be shaping up to be a major contender next year.

The pick: Bartlesville 54, Muskogee 14

Results: Bartlesville 48, Muskogee 27

#3 Bixby (4-2, 2-1) District 1

#12 Ponca City (1-4, 0-3) District 1

Oh how the mighty keep falling. The Spartans were without go-to running back Nic Roller for most of the night, and while they firmly routed the Wildcats, it was far from the devastation that was expected of the former number one team. The defending state champions are far from out of contention for a playoff-repeat, but they need to get their stuff together quick. 

The pick: Bixby 47, Ponca 6

Results: Bixby 43, Ponca 21

#4 Sand Springs (2-3, 2-1) District 1

#13 Sapulpa (1-4, 0-3) District 1

Yet another exciting installment of the greatest rivalry in Oklahoma. Between QB Hunter Greathouse's 181 passing yards and Lane Lettich's 116 rushing yards, the Sandites dominated in air and on land, and the defense was outstanding as well, with numerous interceptions and fumble recoveries. 

The pick: Sand Springs 42, Sapulpa 35

Results: Sand Springs 44, Sapulpa 10. 

#5 Lawton (4-1, 3-0) District 2

#8 Stillwater (2-4, 1-1) District 2

Just when I thought Stillwater was starting to make a come-back, they go and get shut out. Four different Lawton players crossed the hundred-yard mark against Stillwater as the top team in District 2 affirmed their position.

The pick: Lawton 35, Stillwater 14

Results: Lawton 24, Stillwater 0

#7 Putnam City West (3-3, 1-1) District 2

5A Capitol Hill (1-5) 

Not going to lie, I'm jealous that District 2 gets to explore a little more. Non-district games are a lot more exciting to me. What I don't understand is why they waste their time with teams their JV could stomp. 

The pick: PCW 42, Capitol 7

Results: PCW 56, Capitol 0

#9 Midwest City (4-2, 2-1) District 2

#14 Enid (1-5, 0-3) District 2

Enid just keeps getting floored, and Midwest City found their feet after being upset last week by Stillwater.

The pick: MWC 35, Enid 12

Results: MWC 38, Enid 6

#11 Choctaw (4-2, 2-1) District 2

#15 Eisenhower (0-6, 0-2) District 2

The pick: Choctaw 38, Eisenhower 15

Results: Choctaw 59, Ike 27.

My Record

• Week 1: 10-2 (.833)
• Week 2: 12-2 (.857)
• Week 3: 6-3 (.666)
• Week 4: 6-2 (.750)
• Week 5: 5-3 (.625)
• Week 6: 8-0 (1.00)
• Overall: 47-12 (.796)

Division 6A-II Sandite Pride Week 2 round-up/ Week 3 Rankings and Predictions

 By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Five teams remain undefeated in 6A-II after the week 2 bouts. Here are the new Sandite Pride rankings and predictions for this upcoming weekend.

#1 Charles Page (2-0, 0-0) District-1

The Sand Springs Sandites walked all over Enid in a 33-7 sabotage of the Plainsmen's homecoming. CPHS had over 400 yards of total offense and limited the home team to only 162. Last week the Sandites leveled the Hale Rangers 61-8 while Enid was smashed 41-14 at Ponca City. Sand Springs will take on 5A Guthrie at home this Friday.

Last week I picked CPHS by 24; the Sandites slightly outdid my expectations with a 26 point win.

Week 3 Pick: Sand Springs 35, Guthrie 24

#2 Bixby (1-1, 0-0) District-1

The 2014 6A-II State Champions, improved to 1-1 overall with a 71-7 win over 5A East Central (0-2). Bixby's first game was a 58-24 loss to the 2014 6A-1 State Champs at Jenks who this week affirmed their #1 ranking with a 45-27 win over Union. East Central's first loss was a 47-0 shutout to Bartlesville (2-0).

Last week I picked Bixby to win by 54 points which was 10 points shy of the damage they actually did.

Week 3 Pick: Bixby 54, Springdale AR 13

#3 Booker T Washington (2-0, 0-0) District-1

BTW put a 62-16 beat down on 4A Tulsa Central Friday, improving on their 28-16 win over Midwest City last week. The numbers are solid but their enemy was not. The Braves are 0-2 and unranked. Last year they won only two games and aren't expected to fair much better this year. The Hornets should breeze through their next four opponents and won't experience a real challenge till Bartlesville and Bixby at the end of October.

Last week I picked BTW by 35 points--an underestimation of 9 points.

Week 3 Pick: BTW 56, East Central 6

#4 Midwest City (1-1, 0-0) District-2

Midwest City won their first game of the season against cross-town rivals 5A #4 Carl Albert (1-1) in a close 28-21. It turned from a beat down to a dog fight as MWC's 28-0 3rd-quarter lead quickly dissipated and Carl Albert was barely held off from a touchdown drive that could have forced overtime. MWC has nine new starters on both sides of the ball and they'll need to really break them in before Del City this weekend.

Last week I picked MWC by 12 points.

Week 3 Pick: Del City 35, MWC 31

#5 Bartlesville (2-0, 0-0) District-1

#12 Enid (0-2, 0-0) District-2

The Bruins may be off to a better start than last year, but considering their wins were 46-0 over unranked 5A East Central and 42-14 over the 4A #6 Cascia Hall, its unclear how well they'll do when it comes to district play. Enid however, has been walked all over this season and hasn't had a win yet.

Last week I picked Bartlesville to win by 35 and was one touchdown off from their 28 point win. Enid lost by 2 points more than my 24 point prediction. 

Week 3 Pick: Barlesville 35, Enid 12

#6 Choctaw (2-0, 0-0) District-2

The Choctaw Yellowjackets may be undefeated, but it's against teams that are at the bottom of everybody's list. 38-12 in Week one over Sapulpa and 24-13 over unranked 6A-I Putnam City Friday. Choctaw has a lot to clean up before they'll make anyone's top picks this season--especially after committing 22 penalties for 172 yards against PC. Their passing game needs some major workup too as they connected on less than half of 26 attempts for under 100 yards.

Week 3 Pick: Choctaw 34, Putnam City North 28

#7 Muskogee (0-2, 0-0) District-1

The Rougher's record may not look good this season, but it's a noticeable improvement over last year. Muskogee suffered a 33-22 loss to 5A #5 McAlester who defeated them 35-7 last year, and Friday they lost 34-25 to 6A-1 #5 Owasso who shut them out 34-0 last year. The Roughers were 3-7 last year and should be expected to finish around 5-5 or better this year.

Either I put too much faith in Owasso or too little in Muskogee as the Roughers only lost by 9 points as opposed to the 3 touchdowns I expected.

Week 3 Pick: Fayetteville AR 21, Muskogee 0

#8 Putnam City West (1-1, 0-0) District-2

The Patriots narrowly lost 47-42 in week one to 5A #1 Del City and smoked cross-town rivals PC North 29-6. PCW hasn't had a winning season since 2000 and in the last 14 years they've gone 18-122. It appears the team may finally be on the up-and-up.

Last week I picked PCW by six points. The game was actually won by 23.

Week 3 Pick: Putnam City 18, PCW 16

#9 Ponca City (1-1, 0-0) District-1

The Wildcats started the season hot with a 42-14 win over Enid, but choked against 5A unranked Guthrie, 28-19. 

I had picked Guthrie by 14 points, the blue jays won by 9.

Week 3 Pick: Ponca 28, Shawnee 7

#10 Claremore (2-0, 0-0) District-1

The Red Zebras may not be winning by a lot, but they're undefeated and have won as many games this year as they did through all of last year. They narrowly beat Pryor 21-20 this week, but had a solid edge on Rogers, AR 18-7.

Last week I picked Rogers by six and was happily wrong as our Okies won by 11.

Week 3 Pick: Siloam Springs 28, Claremore 21

#11 Lawton (1-1, 0-0) District-2

#14 Sapulpa (1-1, 0-0) District-1

The Lawton Wolverines are far from a team to laugh at, but they've certainly fallen off their pedestal from last year. They won 56-35 over Salina, Kansas last week--a team that they beat 49-3 the year before. This week they barely put up points  against in-town 5A rivals, MacArthur. MacArthur's starting QB went down with a leg injury early in the 2nd quarter, but even with the backup in, Mac managed a 13-0 lead into the half. MacArthur's 33-12 was a notable improvement over their narrow 35-33 winlast year. With divisional play not starting till the Wolverines travel to Sapulpa next week, there's still plenty of time for them to find their mojo and make a run at the state title--but they'll definitely need to make some improvements if they're going to stand a chance against District-1's top dogs. 

Sapulpa is healthily recovering from a 1-9 record last year with a new head coach and a 55-0 shutout of Tulsa Hale. At the least, they'll tie their record from last year. I expect them to do a little better but I doubt if I'd pick them for a winning season. They lost 38-12 to Choctaw in week one. 55-0 sounds impressive, but Hale has lost their last 27 consecutive games and 8 of those were shutouts of 50+ points. 55-0 was the same score Sapulpa managed last year. 

I picked Sapulpa to win by 41 points last week and they outdid my expectations by a pair of touchdowns.

I picked Lawton by 13 last week and was way off as Mac topped them by 21.

Week 3 Pick: Lawton 48, Sapulpa 27

#13 Stillwater (0-2, 0-0) District-2

The Plainsmen are non-contenders this year, losing 31-7 to 5A unranked Deer Creek and 41-14 to 6A-1 Mustang.

I picked Mustang by 31 points last week and was only 4 points off.

Week 3 Pick:  Stillwater 21, Edmond North 14

#15 Eisenhower (0-2, 0-0) District-2

Eisenhower is off to a rough start this year after a 58-6 loss to #3 Fayetteville, AR and a 41-14 loss to 5A #1 Del City. Last year they went 4-6--this year I expect them to do worse. 

Week 3 Pick: MacArthur 35, Ike 9

 

 

 

Week 2 Football Rankings

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Here's the consolidated rankings for all you stat geeks like me out there.