November 11, 2023

Sandite Recruiting Report: Evan Williams Commits to Bethel College

November 11, 2023/ Scott Emigh

Senior lineman/TE Evan Williams (5’10”, 215 pounds) announced on X Friday that he has committed to play collegiate football at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas.

“I can’t wait to continue my academic and my athletic career at Bethel college,” tweeted Williams.

“I want to thank God for all he has done for me to have the opportunity to play at the next level.”

“I also want to thank my Mom for all you did for me growing up: running me house to house, getting me to the summer workouts and all the practices. Thank you for all you do for our family.”

“Thank you Dad for all the tournaments and games you came to no matter the weather conditions simply because you wanted to see me succeed.”

“Thank you Jett for teaching me how to be a great big brother; I can’t wait to see you succeed in football. Brooklyn, thank you for being at every game you could for the past two years and sitting in the cold.”

“Thank you to all my friends for all the support throughout the years. Thank you to all my coaches for everything you have taught me the last 4 years.”

“Everyone in my life has helped me get to this moment and have the chance to announce my commitment to Bethel Football! Let’s go to work! Roll on.”

The Threshers compete in the NAIA and are led by first-year head coach A.B. Stokes. The Threshers have won back-to-back Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference championships and are currently 6-4 in the current season.

Before being offered by Bethel, Williams also received offers to play at Kansas Wesleyan University, Hendrix College, Lyons College, and Oklahoma Wildcats Prep.

Williams is one of nine Sandites with offers to play collegiate football.

Senior offensive lineman Marcus Sims (6’0”, 265 pounds) has received offers to play at Langston University and Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Sophomore quarterback Easton Webb (6’3” 175 pounds) is committed to playing baseball at Oklahoma State University, but he recently received a Division I football offer from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.

Sophomore lineman Ryley Kester (6’4” 270 pounds) has received Division I offers from UNLV, Houston, Tulsa, Georgia Tech, and Texas Tech.

Sophomore receiver Brock O’Dell (5’10” 170 pounds) holds one college offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Senior offensive lineman Tyler “Tank” Smith (5’10” 285 pounds) holds one college offer from Hendrix.

Senior linebacker Owen Floyd (6’0” 190 pounds) has earned two offers this season from Hendrix and Oklahoma Wildcats Prep.

Senior running back Kenneth Page (6’0” 190 pounds) holds one offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Junior receiver Kooper Kelly holds one offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Baseball

Six Sandite baseball players signed letters of intent to play college ball on November 8th.

Senior RF/LHP Kayden Campbell (5’9” 165 pounds) signed with Cowley County Community College.

Senior right-handed pitcher Eli Buxton (6’6” 185 pounds) signed with Arizona State University.

Senior OF/LHP Miller Tavaglione (6’2” 190 pounds) and senior INF/RHP Jace Arnold (6’2” 180 pounds) signed with Allen County Community College.

Senior INF Wyatt Rutledge (6’2” 170 pounds) signed with Northern Oklahoma College at Enid.

Senior INF/RHP Jackson Stewart (5’11” 195 pounds) signed with McPherson College.

Basketball

5’3” senior guard Sakauri Wilson signed an LOI to play at Southwestern Oklahoma State University on November 8th.

5’10” senior small forward Kiaryn Taylor holds three offers from Western Texas College, Ranger College, and Lincoln Trail College.

5’7” senior guard Taiona “Yonnie” Morris has received offers from Eastern Oklahoma State College, Coffeyville Community College, and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

Softball

Senior RHP/INF Kelsi Hilton signed an LOI with Southern Nazarene University on November 8th.

Soccer

Two senior soccer players signed LOIs on November 8th.

Senior Ava Watts signed to play Division I soccer at Texas A&M-Commerce.

Senior Kate Webb signed to play at University of the Ozarks.

Coaches, players, and parents can send recruiting updates to sanditepridenews@gmail.com.

November 11, 2023

Sandites Pummel Lawton 56-24 in Playoffs

November 11, 2023/ Scott Emigh

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.

November 10, 2023

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

November 10, 2023/ Scott Emigh

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.

November 09, 2023

Sandite Recruiting Report: Evan Williams Offered by Bethel College

November 09, 2023/ Scott Emigh

Senior lineman/TE Evan Williams (5’10”, 215 pounds) recently announced that he has received an offer to play collegiate football at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas.

Williams has also received offers to play at Kansas Wesleyan University, Hendrix College, Lyons College, and Oklahoma Wildcats Prep.