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.

Football Preview: Sandites Headed to Choctaw for Playoff Quarterfinals

The Class 6A-II No. 5 ranked Charles Page High School football team (8-3) will look to extend its season by another week when it travels to No. 3 Choctaw (7-2) Friday night.

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, including against Choctaw last season. The Sandites’ only losses this season have come to 6A-I No. 1 Bixby, then-No. 1 Muskogee, and current No. 1 Stillwater.

The Yellowjackets have also qualified for the playoffs four consecutive years, only failing to make it past the quarterfinals once. They finished as State Runners-Up last season and in 2020 and are looking to earn their first gold ball since 1960 when they were still in Class B.

Sand Springs is coming off a 56-24 rout of Lawton (3-8) and riding a five-game win streak while Choctaw had a first-round bye following its 48-13 rout of Ponca City (6-5) in Week 10.

The game will be held at Bill Jensen Field on the campus of Choctaw High School at 14300 NE 10th St. in Choctaw. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $7 for general admission, including adults, students, and seniors.

The Series

Choctaw leads the series 7-2 all-time and has won the past five consecutive meetings.

The teams first met in 1992, with the Yellowjackets dealing the Sandites a 21-14 loss. In 1993 backup tailback Shawn Moore scored three touchdowns in the second half to lift the Sandites to a 31-18 victory.

The teams didn’t meet again until 2000 when the Yellowjackets won a 37-0 district shutout, but the Sandites won 29-6 the next year.

Since then, it’s been all Choctaw. The Yellowjackets won a pair of close non-district games 45-41 in 2016 and 21-20 in 2017, then won district games 34-9 in 2020 and 41-28 in 2021.

Last year the Yellowjackets won 48-29 in the quarterfinals en route to a State Runner-Up finish.

Steele Wasel, now at Akron, was 23-of-33 passing for 453 yards and six touchdowns to defeat the Sandites.

Choctaw stormed out to a 34-9 lead but the Sandites battled close with a 21-20 second half behind Easton Webb’s 19-of-33 passing performance for a career high 257 yards and four touchdowns.

Last Week

Eight Sandites had receptions, six had carries, seven had touchdowns, and 32 made plays on defense as the Sandites throttled Lawton in the highest-scoring playoff game in Sandite history.

The Sandites held the Wolverines to negative yardage in a 27-0 first quarter and outgained Lawton by 200 yards in a 50-6 first half.

Easton Webb was 7-of-7 passing for 207 yards and three TDs while backup QB Jace Arnold was 5-of-6 for 67 yards with two total TDs.

Dom Forbes had three receptions for 49 yards and a TD and Caleb Goodman had two receptions for 82 yards and a TD.

Kenneth Page had five carries for 45 yards and a TD plus a 65-yard TD catch. Ali McCoy needed only two carries for 41 yards and a TD.

Dawson Puckett was six-for-six on PATs, had two catches for 30 yards and a TD, ran in a two-point conversion, and averaged 41 yards per punt.

The defense was led by Owen Floyd and Gatlin Gunn with nine tackles apiece. Gunn had four tackles for loss while Floyd had three for loss and a 22-yard pick six. Landyn Barnes and Kambren Foster also had interceptions and Keagan Gilman had a fumble recovery.

On the Season

Sand Springs has established itself as a dominant team in the trenches, averaging 174 rushing yards per game while passing for 124.

Webb is 76-of-114 passing for 1040 yards, 9 TDs, and 6 INTs with 2 rushing TDs. Goodman has 41 catches for 602 yards and 5 TDs.

Page has 162 carries for 920 yards and 13 TDs plus 3 TD receptions. McCoy has 94 carries for 772 yards and 10 TDs plus 1 TD reception.

Puckett is 41-of-44 on PATs and 3-of-5 on field goals with a career-long of 42 yards.

The defense is led by Gunn with 81 tackles, Floyd with 75, Dallas Elifrits with 64, Alex Dudley with 58, and Hunter Wilson with 55. Gunn and Dudley have a team-best three interceptions apiece.

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.

Football Preview: Sandites Host Lawton Friday in First-Round Playoff

The Class 6A-II No. 5 ranked Charles Page High School football team (7-3) will kick off the postseason Friday Night at Memorial Stadium with a first-round game against Lawton (3-7).

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.

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.

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

Sand Springs is coming off a 56-0 shutout against U.S. Grant (2-8) and riding a four-game win streak while Lawton won 54-6 against Capitol Hill (0-10) to snap a three-game losing streak.

The game will be held at Memorial Stadium in Sand Springs on the campus of Charles Page High School at 500 North Adams Road.

Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $7 for general admission, including adults, students, and seniors. Because it is an OSSAA playoff event, Sandites with all-sports season passes will still have to purchase a ticket. Veterans plus one guest will receive free admission with the presentation of a valid military ID.

The Church That Matters Tailgate Party will start at 6:00 outside of the stadium. Tickets are $6 and include your choice of a hamburger, grilled chicken sandwich, or hot dog with chips and a drink. Proceeds benefit Sandite Athletics. Concessions will also be available inside the stadium with proceeds benefitting the Gold Pride marching band.

The Series

Lawton won the only-ever meeting between the two programs 14-10 in the 1987 playoff semifinals. The Wolverines went on to win the State Championship.

Last Week

Eight Sandites had receptions, seven had carries, eight had touchdowns, two kicked PATs, and 27 made plays on defense as the Sandites dealt the Generals a sixth consecutive shutout.

Through the first three quarters, Grant managed zero first downs and only 8 offensive yards before finally putting together a semi-successful drive in the fourth.

Easton Webb was 3-of-4 passing for 46 yards and a TD while backup QB Jace Arnold was 7-of-8 for 57 yards and two TDs.

Kayden Campbell had two receptions for 22 yards and a TD and Brock O’Dell had two catches for 29 yards.

Kenneth Page had two carries for 27 yards and a TD, Gabe Harris had two carries for 33 yards, and Arnold had four carries for 26 yards.

The defense was led by Kambren Foster with 9 tackles, Jonathan Rowe with 6 tackles, and Gage Gunn with 5 tackles.

Hudson Sheppard and Gage Gunn had fumble recoveries while Alex Dudley and Hunter Wilson had interceptions. Dudley recorded a 51-yard pick six while Wilson returned his pick 30 yards before handing it off to Marcum Sims for the touchdown.

On the Season

Sand Springs has established itself as a dominant team in the trenches, averaging 179 rushing yards per game while passing for 109.

Webb is 69-of-107 passing for 833 yards, 6 TDs, and 6 INTs with 2 rushing TDs. Caleb Goodman has 39 catches for 520 yards and 4 TDs.

Kenneth Page has 157 carries for 875 yards and 12 TDs plus 2 TD receptions. Ali McCoy has 92 carries for 731 yards and 9 TDs plus 1 TD reception.

Dawson Puckett is 35-of-38 on PATs and 3-of-4 on field goals with a career-long of 42 yards.

The defense is led by Gatlin Gunn with 72 tackles, Owen Floyd with 66, Dallas Elifrits with 60, Alex Dudley with 55, and Hunter Wilson with 54. Gunn and Dudley have a team-best three interceptions apiece.

Football Preview: Sandites Headed to U.S. Grant for Regular Season Finale

The Class 6A-II No. 5 ranked Charles Page High School football team (6-3, 4-2) will wrap up the regular season Thursday night at U.S. Grant (2-7, 0-6), virtually a guaranteed win.

Even if Grant pulls off the upset of the century, the Sandites will still finish the year third in district play for the first time since 2015.

Sand Springs is coming off a 24-14 win against No. 10 Booker T. Washington, snapping a seven-year losing streak to the Hornets. The Generals are looking to snap a 16-game district losing streak or at least avoid a sixth consecutive shutout.

The game will be held at Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City, which is celebrating its 90th birthday next year. Taft Stadium was built in 1934 by the Works Progress Administration as part of the Second New Deal. Following a $9.7 million renovation from 2013 to 2015, the stadium has a capacity of 7,500, down from its original 18,000.

The historic stadium has hosted a 1956 NASCAR Convertible Series contest, Bedlam games from 1943 to 1944, high school state championships in various sports, and was the home of the Oklahoma City Energy FC from 2015 to 2021.

Taft Stadium is located at 2501 North May Avenue.

Gates open at 5:45 with Senior Night festivities beginning at 6:15 p.m. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $2 for students and $5 for adults. Generals fans can enter through the North gates while Sandites must enter through the South gates. No re-entry is allowed.

The Senior Night celebration will recognize football, cross country, cheer, pom, and band, and there will be a Senior Circle following the game.

The Series

Sand Springs won 83-0 last year in the first and only meeting between the two programs. It was the largest win in program history for the Sandites, who took a 48-0 lead in the first quarter on only eight offensive plays.

Brody Rutledge tossed a forward pitch to Jabe Schlehuber for an 80-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. Charles Gaylord recovered the ensuing kick and Kenneth Page score a 36-yard touchdown run on the next play. Kyle Morrall recovered the next kick and Page scored on an 8-yard run for a 21-0 lead before the Generals’ offense ever stepped on the field.

The Sandites led 48-0 after the first quarter and were 62-0 at halftime. They scored ten rushing touchdowns and a punt return for a touchdown, out-gaining the Generals 438 yards to 41.

Last Week

Easton Webb was 8-of-14 passing last week for 63 yards. Kenneth Page led the ground game with 17 carries for 130 yards and two touchdowns while Ali McCoy had 12 carries for 53 yards and a score. Dawson Puckett kicked a career-long 42-yard field goal.

Owen Floyd led the defense with 8 tackles, followed by Dallas Elifrits and Gatlin Gunn with 7 apiece. Elifrits had three tackles for loss and Waylon Jeffers had two sacks.

On the Season

Sand Springs has established itself as a dominant team in the trenches, averaging 185 rushing yards per game while passing for 110.

Webb is 65-of-102 passing for 787 yards, 5 TDs, and 6 INTs with 1 rushing TD. Caleb Goodman has 38 catches for 499 yards and 4 TDs.

Page has 155 carries for 848 yards and 11 TDs plus 2 TD receptions. McCoy has 92 carries for 731 yards and 9 TDs.

Dawson Puckett is 28-of-31 on PATs and 3-of-4 on field goals with a career-long of 42 yards.

The defense is led by Floyd with 69 tackles, Gunn with 56 tackles, and Alex Dudley with 47 tackles. Gunn has a team-best three interceptions.

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.