CPHS Football Preview: No. 6 Muskogee hopes to sabotage No. 7 Sandites' Homecoming

Former Sandite quarterback Hunter Greathouse hands the ball off to Payton Scott in last year's 26-25 victory over No. 1 Muskogee. Scott carried 25 times for 116 yards and a touchdown in that game. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

The No. 7 ranked Charles Page High School varsity football team (4-2 overall, 2-0 district) will host No. 6 Muskogee (2-4, 1-2) for Homecoming Friday night at Memorial Stadium as they look to secure their fifth-straight victory and first home-victory of the season.

The Sandites dropped their season opener unsurprisingly, 59-21 to nationally ranked No. 21 Pulaski Academy (6-0), then gave up a come-from behind 21-20 loss to No. 9 Choctaw (4-3, 1-3). Since then they've rattled off wins of 28-14 at No. 12 Putnam City West (1-5), 31-16 at No. 15 Sapulpa (0-6, 0-3), 26-21 at 6A-I No. 9 Yukon (3-3) and 41-7 at No. 14 Ponca City (1-5, 1-2).

Muskogee (2-4, 1-2) lost a close 26-20 battle to No. 2 Midwest City (5-1) in the season opener, then scored a 54-0 shutout over 5A McAlester (1-5). They fell 43-35 to Arkansas 7A No. 5 Bentonville West (6-0), but rebounded with a 71-6 drubbing of No. 13 Bartlesville (0-5, 0-2). They lost their last two bouts 38-23 to No. 3 Bixby (3-3, 2-0) and 42-21 to No. 1 Booker T. Washington (6-1, 3-0). 

Historically Muskogee leads the series 20-6, but all six of the Sandites' wins have been in an ongoing streak dating back to 2011. Their most recent win involved a radical two-point conversion that earned them the No. 1 ranking and the ESPN No. 1 Play of the Night. Hunter Greathouse's pass was batted back at him and he tried to take it to the house himself. He pitched a lateral to Josh Taber while being tackled, and Taber broke several tackles to score the winning points with under a minute remaining to upend the undefeated Roughers. 

Dustin Kinard is the only Sand Springs coach to ever win against Muskogee, and has a career record of 59-56 in his eleven years heading the program. He gave the Sandites their first winning season and first playoff appearance in over a decade in 2008, and the Sandites have had winning records and playoff appearances for the past five years, with a 6A-II State Finals appearance in 2015. 

Rafe Watkins is 17-20 in his fourth season at Muskogee, and last year took them to a 9-2 record after three-straight 3-7 seasons. He previously spent thirteen years in Guthrie where he led the Bluejays to four 5A State Championships. His career record stands at 150-44.

Both teams have taken heavy losses since last year. Muskogee graduated their entire O-line, while the Sandites lost their quarterback and entire receiving squad. 

This year's game will kick off at 7:00 p.m. and will be preceded by a tailgate party with the Church That Matters Holy Smokers. The church will be selling hot dogs, burgers, drinks, and other foods prior to the game as a fundraiser for the defending State Champion Sandite Wrestling team. 

Muskogee Avg. Box Score

Points: 37
Rushing: 30-119
Passing: 21-35-332-1
Plays-Yards: 51-451
Penalties 9-84

Allowed: 26
Rushing: 39-159
Passing: 11-22-202-1
Plays-Yards: 61-361
Penalties: 9-66

Sand Springs Avg. Box Score

Points: 28
Rushing: 43-278
Passing: 5-10-66-1
Plays-Yards: 53-344
Penalties: 4-33

Allowed: 23
Rushing: 38-211
Passing: 13-21-142-1
Plays-Yards: 59-353
Penalties: 6-47

Sand Springs vs. Muskogee History

2016: Sand Springs 26-25 (A)
2015: Sand Springs 34-10 (H)
2014: Sand Springs 13-0 (A)
2013: Sand Springs 39-14 (H)
2012: Sand Springs 40-28 (A)
2011: Sand Springs 7-3 (H)
2010: Muskogee 44-14 (A)
2009: Muskogee 37-29 (A)
2008: Muskogee 39-37 (H)
2007: Muskogee 49-21 (A)
2006: Muskogee 57-21 (H)
2005: Muskogee 47-25 (A)
2004: Muskogee 27-6 (H)
2003: Muskogee 37-14 (H)
2002: Muskogee 38-12 (A)

1995: Muskogee 28-6
1994: Muskogee 20-14 (OT)

1961: Muskogee 38-6
1960: Muskogee 14-5
1959: Muskogee 40-14
1958: Muskogee 12-0
1957: Muskogee 34-6
1956: Muskogee 7-0
1955: Muskogee 24-6
1954: Muskogee 40-12
1953: Muskogee 20-0

Week Seven 6A-II rankings and predictions; a look at this weekend's games

No. 1 Booker T. Washington Hornets (Last week No. 1)* District 2

The Hornets (6-1, 3-0) got a big obstacle out of the way in Muskogee (2-4, 1-2) and will have a bye week to recover before taking on Sand Springs in Week Eight. 

On Friday they handily doubled down on the Roughers 42-21. Thomas Grayson rushed for 192 yards and four touchdowns while Philip Wheatley was 10-19-226 passing. They picked off two passes and held the Roughers to 295 yards, forcing seven punts. Still battling the refs, they ended the night with 9 penalties for 98 yards. 

No. 2 Midwest City Bombers (2) vs. No. 12 Putnam City West Patriots (12)* District 1

Midwest City (5-1, 3-0) continued to show off their defensive might with a 27-3 beatdown of Choctaw (4-2, 1-2). Oklahoma-commit Jalen Redmond had four tackles-for-loss as the Bombers held Choctaw to 171 offensive yards. 

Putnam West (1-4, 0-2) suffered a blowout against undefeated Stillwater (5-0, 2-0) falling 49-7. The Patriots attempted only three passes and didn't complete any. They were 44-246 on the ground, but gave up three fumbles and 159 yards in penalties. 

The pick: MWC 49 PCW 7.

No. 3 Bixby Spartans (3) vs. No. 14 Ponca City Wildcats (14)* District 2

The three-time defending State Champions (3-3, 2-0) notched another district win 48-10 in Sapulpa (0-6, 0-3). Staton King passed 11-17-198-0 while Braden Roller and Vic Griffin combined for 198 yards on the ground. Defensively they held the Chieftains to 30-22 rushing yards and only eight first downs. They were up 48-0 to start the fourth quarter before sending in the backups. 

Ponca City (1-5, 1-2) had their homecoming sabotaged 42-7 by Sand Springs (4-2, 2-0). Double-threat sophomore quarterback Justin Andrews was 12-25-102-1 passing and 24-83 rushing to account for 65% of the Wildcat offense. He scored the lone touchdown for his team with three minutes remaining against the Sand Springs reserves. 

The pick: Bixby 55 Ponca 9.

No. 4 Lawton Wolverines (5) vs. No. 11 Enid Plainsmen (10)* District 1

Lawton (4-2, 2-1) is out to prove themselves after falling to Midwest City three weeks ago, knocking undefeated team in back-to-back weeks. After topping Putnam City (5-1, 2-1) 27-21 two weeks ago, they handled the Stillwater Pioneers (5-1, 2-1) 43-29. The Wolverines led 28-3 early in the third quarter before allowing the Pioneers to battle back.

Enid (3-3, 1-2) averaged 45 points per game over the first four weeks before being shut out 37-0 by Choctaw (4-1, 1-2). They fared better last week against Deer Creek (3-3, 1-2) but still fell 38-24 and will need a few upsets to have a shot at the playoffs.

The pick: Lawton 42 Enid 18.

No. 5 Stillwater (6)* vs. No. 9 Choctaw Yellowjackets (9)* District 1

The Pioneers (5-1, 2-1) saw their undefeated season come to an end in a 43-29 drubbing at Lawton (4-2, 2-1). The Pioneers were down 28-3 in the third quarter before staging a comeback attempt. Turnovers plagued the visitors, however, and Gunnar Gundy was 15-31-235 with three interceptions. 

Choctaw (4-4, 1-2) had their worst offensive output of the season. After steamrolling Enid 37-0 the week before, karma repaid them and they fell 27-3 to Midwest City (5-1, 3-0). The Yellowjackets struck first with a field goal but Midwest City scored two touchdowns by air, one by run, and one on an interception return. Choctaw gave up two interceptions and one fumble while failing to secure any turnovers of their own. They were 8-12-69-2 passing and 53-102 rushing.

The pick: Stillwater 42 Choctaw 28.

No. 6 Muskogee Roughers (4) vs. No. 7 Sand Springs Sandites (8)* District 2

Muskogee (2-4, 1-2) is coming off back-to-back losses and will be out for blood when they visit Sand Springs (4-2, 2-0) for the Sandite Homecoming. Jacob Medrano was 18-35-208-2 in a 42-21 loss to Booker T. Friday and the Roughers were held to only 87 rushing yards on 32 carries. The Roughers gave up 80 yards in penalties.

Sand Springs is coming off their biggest win of the season, 42-7 at Ponca City (1-5, 1-1). The Sandites were up 35-0 to start the fourth when they sent in the JV. Braden Foster hit Daren Hawkins for a 45-yard touchdown on his first varsity pass and the coaches cleared the press box and called it a night with eight minutes to go. 

Caden Pennington was 3-3-53-0 passing and 6-46 rushing, while Payton Scott was 25-284 with five touchdowns. Jaden Weiser was six-for-six on extra points, Tre Finch accumulated four tackles-for-loss including two sacks, and Braden Askew had a 20-yard interception return.

Virgil says: Muskogee 31 CPHS 21.
Scott says: CPHS 35 Muskogee 21.

No. 8 Putnam City Pirates (7) vs. No. 10 Deer Creek Antlers (11)* District 1

Putnam City (5-1, 2-1) got back in the win column with a lackluster 21-11 performance against Putnam West (1-5, 0-3). West led by as much as 9-0 before the Pirates got on the board. The favorites trailed 11-7 at halftime before winning the second half 14-0. Deer Creek (3-3, 1-2) notched their first district victory 38-24 against Enid (3-3, 1-2). 

The pick: Putnam 24 DC 16.

No. 13 Bartlesville Bruins (13) vs. No. 15 Sapulpa (15)* District 2

It's a battle of defeateds as both Sapulpa (0-6, 0-3) and Bartlesville (0-5, 0-2) are looking for their first wins of the year. At least one of these teams will avoid an 0-10 season. The other will have a far tougher time getting in the win column in the coming weeks.

Bartlesville is coming off a bye week following a 14-10 upset by Ponca City (1-5, 1-2), who will be the Chieftain's best hope for a win if they don't pull it off against the Bruins. The Bruins won their season opener 30-25 against McAlester (1-5) on the field, but later forfeited due to an ineligible player. Sapulpa put up a decent fourth quarter effort against Bixby (3-3, 2-0) finishing with 10 unanswereds to avoid the 48-0 shutout. 

The pick: Bartlesville 26 Sapulpa 17.

Scott Emigh
Editor-in-Chief
Overall: 41-15 (.732)
Last Week: 6-1 (.857)
Last Year: 48-21 (.695)

Virgil Noah
Staff Writer
Overall: 30-14* (.681)
Last Week: 6-1 (.857)
Last Year: 43-26 (.623)

*Virgil missed the first week of picks.

CPHS Football dominates Ponca City 42-7, Payton Scott scores 5 touchdowns

Braden Foster (pictured here in a scrimmage against Claremore) threw a touchdown on his first varsity pass attempt Friday night in Ponca City. 

The No. 8 ranked Charles Page High School football team (4-2 overall, 2-0 district) won its fourth-straight game of the season 42-7 against No. 14 Ponca City (1-5, 1-1) Friday night at Sullins Stadium. The Sandites put themselves one step closer to the post-season by winning their sixth-straight meeting with the Wildcats.

CPHS 42 Ponca 7
1Q CPHS 14-0
2Q CPHS 7-0
3Q CPHS 14-0
4Q All 7-7

Passing: CPHS 4-4-98-0, Ponca 12-25-102-1.
Rushing: CPHS 46-376, Ponca 41-183.
Plays-Offense: CPHS 50-474, Ponca 66-285.
First Downs: Ponca 18, CPHS 16.
Penalties: Ponca 6-46, CPHS 4-35.
Fumbles/Lost: CPHS 1/1, Ponca 1/0.

The Sandites were nearly flawless in the opening minutes. Defensively they gave up 27 yards before Braden Askew picked off the second pass of the night and returned it 20 yards to the Sandite 45. From there Payton Scott marched the whole distance in only six carries and scored from three yards out. Jaden Weiser kicked the extra point and the Sandites were up 7-0 right out the gate.

Ponca’s next drive amounted to nine yards and a punt, and the Sandites easily replicated their prior success. Just like last time, it was Scott with the three-yard touchdown run, but this time he had help. Caden Pennington connected with Garrett McCallie from 33 yards out to set up the scoring play.

The home team made it 25 yards to midfield before punting at the beginning of the second quarter. The Sandites saw their first unsuccessful drive end in a fumble at the Ponca 30, recovered by Lane Bristow, but the Wildcats were once again unable to capitalize.

The home team marched as far as the Sandite 29 before Mason Shipman broke up an endzone pass attempt for a turnover on downs. Payton Scott needed just a single snap to take the ball 71 yards to the house. Weiser’s PAT made it 21-0 where it remained till halftime.

Sand Springs picked up right where they left off, marching 65 yards in five plays with a 34-yard touchdown run from Scott on the opening drive of the third quarter.

One of Ponca’s most promising drives fell short as Bryson Denton ended their 58 yard march with an endzone breakup. The offense went right back to work with an 82 yard drive and one-yard Scott touchdown to tie his career-best five scores in a single game.

The fourth quarter was a different game as the Wildcat first team took on the Sandite backups. The Sandites punted on their first possession, but on their next drive sophomore backup quarterback Braden Foster connected with Daren Hawkins for a 45-yard touchdown on the first pass attempt of his varsity career. Weiser finished a perfect six-for-six for a 42-0 lead.

The Wildcats finally averted the shutout with 3:17 left to play, marching 80 yards and scoring on an eight-yard keeper from Justin Andrews. Josh Fairbanks kicked the final point of the game and sophomore running back Seth Jones finished out the night with a series of handoffs.

The Sandites will return to action next Friday for Homecoming after a four-week stretch on the road. They will host the talented No. 4 Muskogee Roughers (2-4, 1-2) who most recently fell 42-21 to No. 1 Booker T. Washington(6-1, 3-0). 

---

Sand Springs Individual Statistics

Passing: Pennington 3-3-53-0, Foster 1-1-45-0, 1TD. 
Receiving: Hawkins 1-45, 1TD, Scott 1-13, McCallie 1-11, Goins 1-7.
Rushing: Scott 25-284, 5TD, Pennington 6-46, Jones 7-15, McCallie 1-12, Edwards 1-11, Nortey 1-10, Fleischman 1-(-2).
PAT: Weiser 6/6.
Punting: Smith 2-30AVG.
Kicking: Cox 7-331AVG.
Tackles: Fain 7, Cramer 7, Finch 6, Fleischman 5, Bratcher 4, Lyons 3, Edwards 3, Askew 2, Cartwright 2, Mock 2, Hunter 2, Evans 2, Jordan 1, Shipman 1, Wright 1, Smith 1, Jones 1, Denton 1, Moyer 1, McCallie 1.
Tackles For Loss: Finch 4-13, Cramer 1-12, Evans 1-10.
Sacks: Finch 2-5, Cramer 1-12, Evans 1-10.
Interceptions: Askew 1-20.
Breakups: Denton 2, Shipman 1.

Ponca City Individual Statistics

Passing: Andrews 12-25-102-1.
Receiving: Tipton 4-27, Fahs 2-26, Vogele 2-25, Tapp 1-14, Defoor 3-10.
Rushing: Andrews 24-83, 1TD, Defoor 15-75, Fahs 3-25.
PAT: Fairbanks 1/1.
Punting: Fairbanks 5-38AVG.
Kicking: Fairbanks 2-38AVG.
Kick Return: Vogele 2-19.
Fumble Recovery: Bristow 1.

No. 8 Sand Springs looks to win sixth-straight over No. 14 Ponca City Wildcats

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TE Dash Fleischman posts a block for former QB Hunter Greathouse in a 56-35 win over Ponca City last season. (Photo: Morgan Miller). 

The No. 8 ranked Charles Page High School Sandites (3-2, 1-0) are headed to No. 14 Ponca City this Friday to take on the Po-Hi Wildcats (1-4, 1-0). Both teams are coming off wins, and both need to win this game to have a good shot at the playoffs.

Both Sand Springs and Ponca are coming off wins...

Ponca City started districts last weekend with their first win of the season. While Sand Springs came out on top of a 26-21 non-district thriller in Yukon (2-3), the Wildcats were winning a 14-12 upset against Bartlesville (0-5, 0-2).

Junior quarterback Caden Pennington had his best passing percentage of the season, completing six of seven throws for 58 yards. For the first time this year he didn't have an interception. He also carried eight times for 33 yards with one touchdown and a two-point conversion. Payton Scott bore most of the workload per usual, running the ball 33 times for 185 yards and three touchdowns to surpass the 1,000 yard mark for the season.

The special teams struggled, giving up two blocked point-after kicks and a blocked field goal, but the defense was sturdy and paved the way for victory with a fumble recovery and two goal-line stands as time ran out.

SEE RELATED: Defense paves the way to 26-21 victory at Yukon.

Ponca City came into their matchup with Bartlesville as the sixteen-point underdogs and the bottom ranked team in Class 6A-II.  Surprising everybody, they held a 14-0 lead going into the fourth quarter. The Bruins battled back with two touchdowns, but missed an extra point and failed a two-point conversion. 

Ponca was equally reliant on their defense for the win, recovering two fumbles and an interception in the third quarter, one of which led to their second touchdown. 

Double-threat quarterback Justin Andrews passed 8-18-138-0 with one touchdown and ran the ball 25 times for 125 yards and the other touchdown. 

Sand Springs has won its last five encounters with Ponca...

The Sandites have won their last five encounters with the Wildcats, all by healthy margins. Last season the Sandites won 56-35 and the last time the Wildcats won was 35-31 in 2011 when the Sandites went 3-7. The Sandites are 9-1 against Ponca in the decade that Dustin Kinard has led the program.

Josh Allen is in his sixth year at Ponca City and has yet to notch a win against the Sandites. Kinard is 58-56 with his program while Allen is 11-43 in Ponca. However, the Wildcats' win against Bartlesville was also their first in six years against the Bruins. 

Sand Springs has a 24-18-1 record against the Wildcats overall. Sand Springs High School was 1-1-1 against Ponca City, and the Sandites are 23-17 since the town desegregated and build Charles Page. 

Sand Springs has two five-win streaks against the Wildcats, but Ponca has the longest win streak at six-straight from 2000-2005 when the Sandites went a cumulative 13-47. Ponca's biggest win was 48-2 in 2003 and they have shut out the Sandites only once, 41-0 in 2004. The Sandites have shut out the Wildcats four times and their biggest win was 57-7 in 2013. 

The two teams first met in 1952 in the Class A Playoffs. The Sandites were 8-1-1 under Head Coach Cecil Hankins going into the Thanksgiving Day Regional and were defeated 27-9. Ponca went on to get trounced 41-7 by the eventual State Champions from Ada in the Area playoff. In 1953 the two teams tied 7-7 and in 1954 quarterback Jerry Adair led the Sandites back from a 20-0 deficit to a 21-20 victory.

The two teams met again in 1961 and the Wildcats prevailed 35-6 over Travis Rhodes's Sandites. They didn't meet again until 1978 and they have played all 39 seasons since then. Sandite Pride has picked the Sandites as a 20-point favorite over Ponca. 

Looking past Ponca...

The Sandites are halfway through the regular season, but just getting started in the most important stretch. With Sapulpa out of the way, the Sandites will likely only need two more wins to make the playoffs. If they play to the standard they've set in the past three games, they should get those wins against Ponca City and Bartlesville. Nothing is ever certain, however, and an off night with too many mistakes could easily put the underdogs ahead. 

Two games that don't have a clear favorite are home games against Muskogee (2-3, 1-1) and Bixby (2-3, 1-0). Neither team is playing to the level they did last year, but both have coaches with State Championship wins on their resume. Bixby had a rough 2-3 start last year too, but still pulled together during Districts and ended up with a third-straight gold ball. Muskogee had their best season in a decade at 9-2 before falling in the semifinals. 

Sand Springs beat Muskogee last year, but like Muskogee and Bixby, they had an experienced senior-laden team last year. The Sandites lost two games to Bixby last year, once on the road and once in the playoffs. The year before that they lost to Bixby in the State Title game, but shut the Spartans out 20-0 in the last home game of the season. 

Likely the most difficult opponent the Sandites will face in their district is No. 1 Booker T. Washington (4-1, 1-0). In 2015 the Sandites split games with Booker T., losing in the regular season but winning in the playoffs. Last season the Sandites lost a close 17-12 regular season home game. 

Sand Springs Individual Statistics 2017 

Passing

25-57-297-4 Pennington, 2 TD

Receiving

4-96 Scott, 1 TD
9-67 Millican
2-47 Fleischman, 1 TD
3-37 K. Adcock
1-23 McCallie
4-21 King
1-4 Mock
1-2 Bratcher

Rushing

159-1074 Scott, 14 TD
17-175 Nortey, 1 TD
4-16 Edwards
4-14 McCallie
1-8 Mackey
23-5 Pennington, 1 TD

Tackles

46 Cramer
35 Edwards
32 Fleischman
18 Fain
17 Lyons
17 Mackey
12 Denton
12 Haley
10 Bratcher
9 Askew
9 Finch
6 L. Adcock
4 Moyer
3 Cartwright
3 Tarver
2 Wright
1 Britton
1 Mallory
1 McCallie
1 Mock
1 Evans

Tackles-For-Loss

5-21 Edwards
4-18 Lyons
4-9 Fain
3-18 Fleischman
3-11 Finch
2-10 Bratcher
2-6 Cramer
1-4 Askew
1-3 Moyer

Sacks

3-17 Lyons
2-18 Edwards
1-12 Fleischman
1-6 Finch
1-3 Fain
1-3 Bratcher

Forced Fumbles

1 K. Adcock
1 Denton
1 Lyons
1 Mackey

Fumble Recoveries

1-24 Mackey
1-2 Edwards
1 Askew

Interceptions

2-11 Askew
1-6 Cramer
1 Lyons

Breakups

3 Cramer
2 Lyons
2 Mackey
1 Bratcher
1 Shipman
1 Haley

Punts-AVG

16-36 Smith

Kicks-AVG

22-35 Weiser
1-51 Smith

Kick Return

5-118 Denton
3-91 Scott
2-30 Bratcher
1-28 Millican
1-14 Mackey
2-9 K. Adcock

PAT

13/16 Weiser

Field Goals

1/2 Weiser

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Sand Springs vs. Ponca City

2016: Sandites 56-35 (H)
2015: Sandites 44-21 (H)
2014: Sandites 31-7 (A)
2013: Sandites 57-7 (H)
2012: Sandites 47-17 (A)
2011: Wildcats 35-31 (A)
2010: Sandites 35-21 (H)
2009: Sandites 31-10 (H)
2008: Sandites 45-42 (A)
2007: Sandites 21-19 (H)
2006: Sandites 21-0 (A)
2005: Wildcats 38-12 (H)
2004: Wildcats 41-0 (A)
2003: Wildcats 48-2 (A)
2002: Wildcats 41-22 (H)
2001: Wildcats 42-14 (A)
2000: Wildcats 28-10 (H)
1999: Sandites 26-0 (H)
1998: Sandites 19-7
1997: Sandites 20-6
1996: Sandites 35-16
1995: Wildcats 17-14
1994: Wildcats 30-14
1993: Wildcats 14-7
1992: Sandites 17-10
1991: Wildcats 21-13
1990: Sandites 28-0
1989: Sandites 22-15
1988: Sandites 20-0
1987: Sandites 14-13
1986: Wildcats 26-10
1985: Wildcats 14-13
1984: Wildcats 28-14
1983: Sandites 13-2
1982: Wildcats 28-12
1981: Sandites 31-24 *3OT
1980: Sandites 17-13
1979: Wildcats 30-9
1978: Sandites 25-18

1961: Wildcats 35-6 (H)

1954: Sandites 21-20
1953: Tied 7-7
1952: Wildcats 27-9 *Playoffs

Week Six 6A-II rankings and predictions; a look at this weekend's games

No. 1 Booker T. Washington Hornets (Last week No. 1) vs. No. 4 Muskogee Roughers (4)* District 2

Booker T. Washington (5-1, 2-0) took a 63-0 third-quarter lead for the second-straight week and defeated the Sapulpa Chieftains (0-5, 0-2) after a scoreless fourth quarter. 

The Hornet defense put up unreal numbers against Sapulpa, holding them to negative yards rushing, six yards passing, a single first down, and nine punts, including one that was blocked in the endzone for a D.J. Jones touchdown. Carrick Jackson added another defensive score on a 34-yard interception return. Offensively the Hornets racked up 339 yards on 40 carries and were 9-12-162-0 passing.

Muskogee (2-3, 1-1) is coming off a 39-23 loss to Bixby (2-3, 1-0). The Roughers played a solid game behind Jacob Medrano's 29-43-428-1 passing performance, but gave up two fumbles, thirteen penalties for 89 yards, and failed to secure any turnovers of their own. They were also held to field goals on three drives, scoring on kicks of 27, 21, and 37 yards from Manuel Espinosa. 

The pick: BTW 42 Muskogee 26

No. 2 Midwest City Bombers (2) vs. No. 9 Choctaw Yellowjackets (9)* District 1

Midwest City (4-1, 2-0) won their highest-scoring game of the season, hammering Deer Creek (2-3, 0-2) 63-14. Preston Colbert passed for five touchdowns, Astin Anderson scored three on the ground and backup quarterback Semaj Donner added another running score.

Choctaw (4-1, 1-1) bounced back from their loss to Putnam City (4-1, 1-1) with a 37-0 shutout of Enid (3-2, 1-1). The defense played lights out with four sacks, two interceptions, and one pick six from Angel Ackerman. 

The pick: MWC 42 Choctaw 26. 

No. 3 Bixby Spartans (3) vs. No. 15 Sapulpa (14)* District 2

The three-time defending State Champions (2-3, 1-0) got their season back on track in the district opener, solidly defeating Muskogee (2-3, 1-1) 38-23. They may have a losing record overall, but they're undefeated in the part of the season that actually matters. The Spartans had two fumble recoveries and an interception, without giving up any turnovers of their own. They also contained themselves to only 52 yards in penalties, a notable improvement over their 95-yard average over the prior three games. Braden Roller was 29-258 rushing while Staton King passed 14-23-306-0. 

Sapulpa (0-5, 0-2) is still looking for their first win of the season and they aren't likely to find it in Bixby. Last week the Chieftains were shut out 63-0 by Booker T. and were held to a cumulative 5 offensive yards with three pass completions, nine punts, and two turnovers. 

The pick: Bixby 68 Sapulpa 8.

No. 7 Putnam City Pirates (5) vs. No. 12 Putnam City West Patriots (13)* District 1

Putnam City (4-1, 1-1) saw their undefeated season come to an end 27-21 at Lawton (3-2, 1-1). A.J. Newsome was 17-36-244-2 passing, and those two interceptions combined with a fumble gave the Wolverines the edge they needed. Damon Jemison carried 22 times for 97 yards and a score while Newsome connected with Jawaun Bell and Eric Butler for touchdown passes. 

Putnam West (1-4, 0-2) suffered a blowout against undefeated Stillwater (5-0, 2-0) falling 49-7. The Patriots attempted only three passes and didn't complete any. They were 44-246 on the ground, but gave up three fumbles and 159 yards in penalties. 

The pick: Putnam 51 PCW 21.

No. 5 Lawton Wolverines (6) vs. No. 6 Stillwater (8)* District 1

Lawton (3-2, 1-1) got back in the win column with a 27-21 victory over Putnam City (4-1, 1-1) thanks to a consistent run game and three turnovers. Miles Davis ran 40 times for 215 yards and scored all four Wolverine touchdowns. The passing game was lackluster at 9-19-86-1, but the Wolverines caught two interceptions and recovered a fumble to help offset their 155 yards in penalties.

The Pioneers (5-0, 2-0) are now the only undefeated team left in Class 6A-II after hammering Putnam West 49-7. Gunnar Gundy was 6-8-120-0 passing with two touchdowns while freshman Qwontrell Walker carried 28 times for 250 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Defensively they recovered three fumbles 

Scott's pick: Stillwater 38 Lawton 35.
Virgil's pick: Lawton 28 Stillwater 27.

No. 8 Sand Springs Sandites (7) vs. No. 14 Ponca City Wildcats (15)* District 2

Sand Springs (3-2, 1-0) won their third game straight Friday in Yukon (2-3) 26-21 over the 6A-I Millers. The Sandites held a 20-7 halftime lead but lost the second quarter 14-6 and barely held on with a pair of goal-line stands in the final seconds to secure the victory. Caden Pennington was 6-7-58-0 passing while Payton Scott was 33-185 on the ground. The special teams struggled, allowing two point-after kicks and one field goal to be blocked, but the defense excelled with a sack, a forced and recovered fumble, and the game-winning heroics in the final moments. 

Ponca City (1-4, 1-1) notched their first win of the season 14-12 over Bartlesville (0-5, 0-2). Justin Andrews was 8-18-138-0 passing and 25-125 rushing with both touchdowns for the Wildcats. Defensively, Ponca came up with two fumble recoveries and an interception. 

The pick: CPHS 35 Ponca 15.

No. 10 Enid Plainsmen (10) vs. No. 11 Deer Creek Antlers (11)* District 1

Enid (3-2, 1-1) was throttled on Homecoming, falling 37-0 to Choctaw after being held to only 26 yards passing and 140 total. Marlo Hughes led the ground game with 22 carries for 99 yards. Mason Skrimager completed only three passes, was intercepted twice, and was sacked three times. 

Deer Creek (2-3, 0-2) fell 63-14 to Midwest City (4-1, 2-0) Dylan Diaz scored a 54-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and the Antlers didn't score again till the fourth. 

Scott's pick: Deer Creek 27 Enid 21.
Virgil's pick: Enid 24 Deer Creek 21.

No. 13 Bartlesville Bruins (12)* District 2

Bartlesville (0-5, 0-2) started the season with a 30-25 victory over McAlester (1-4) then lost their next four games. To add insult to injury, they had to forfeit their lone win after playing an ineligible player. Last week the Bruins went down 14-12 to Ponca City (1-4, 1-1) on Homecoming night. They fell in a 14-0 deficit and scored all of their points in the fourth quarter. Two touchdown passes, one with a missed PAT and one with a failed two-point conversion. Those two combined with a missed field goal in the first quarter left the Bruins just short of the win. Bartlesville will get a bye week before hosting Sapulpa. 

Scott Emigh
Editor-in-Chief
Overall: 35-14 (.714)
Last Week: 5-3 (.625)
Last Year: 48-21 (.695)

Virgil Noah
Staff Writer
Overall: 24-13* (.649)
Last Week: 6-2 (.750)
Last Year: 43-26 (.623)

*Virgil missed the first week of picks.

Sandite of the Week Payton Scott breaks 1,000 rushing yards in five games

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Charles Page High School senior Payton Scott was selected as our Sandite Pride Sandite of the Week for the third time for his record-breaking performances over the last several football games.

Click here to view previous Sandites of the Week. 

Scott has been the offensive anchor for a team that graduated its quarterback and entire receiving squad last year. While the young passing unit has been working to find its mojo, Scott has heartily picked up the slack to account for 83% of the Sandite run game and 73% of the total offense. 

In the season-opener against nationally-ranked No. 27 Pulaski Academy (5-0), Scott handled 51% of the plays and scored two touchdowns in the 59-21 loss. He carried 23 times for 92 yards with a long of 27. He also had a 20-yard kick return.

In week two the Sandites hosted Choctaw (4-1) and fell 21-20 after blowing a 13-point lead. Scott scored two more touchdowns with 40 carries for 214 yards and a long of 30. 

Sand Springs secured their first win of the season 28-14 on a trip to Putnam City West (1-4). Scott improved on the ground once again, carrying 24 times for 231 yards and three touchdowns, while also catching three passes for 91 yards and a score. His longest carry was 31 yards, he caught a pass for 52 yards, and he recorded a career-best 34-yard kick return.

Not many players can accrue 322 yards and four touchdowns in a single game and follow it up with an even better performance the very next week. Scott pulled it off in a 31-16 rivalry win at Sapulpa (0-5), carrying 29 times for 352 yards and four touchdowns with a career-best 75-yard carry and a career-best 37-yard kick return.

Last week the Sandites traveled to 6A-I Yukon (2-3) and made a goal-line stand for a 26-21 victory. While the defense stole the show for much of the game, Scott was still an invaluable asset for the Sandites, carrying 33 times for 185 yards and three touchdowns with a long of 50 yards. 

This year alone, Scott has amassed 1074 yards on 159 carries for fourteen touchowns, plus 96 yards and a touchdown on four receptions. Last year he carried 327 times for 1799 yards and 20 touchdowns, plus 10 receptions for 143 yards. That season the Sandites made the playoff semifinals. Thus far he has played seven-fewer games and is already 60% of the way to beating his prior season's record. 

Scott's superstar career won't end with football season. He's also the defending 6A 152-pound State Champion on the Sandite wrestling team. One thing has been apparent throughout Scott's athletic career. Whatever he puts his mind to, he can and will achieve.

Sandite of the Week can be anyone with significant ties to the Sand Springs community who is making a positive impact in Sand Springs or the world. Nominations may be sent to Sanditepridenews@gmail.com