Sandite Recruiting Report: Wilson Signs with SWOSU, Thompson Offered by UNC Pembroke

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5’3” senior guard Sakauri Wilson signed a letter of intent to play at Southwestern Oklahoma State University on Wednesday, November 8th.

SWOSU is an NCAA Division II program in Weatherford, competing in the Great American Conference.

The Bulldogs went 8-19 last season under first-year head coach Jeff Zinn. SWOSU is a perennial powerhouse program with five NAIA Championships and a runner-up performance in the NCAA in 2019.

Wilson was the second-leading scorer for the Sandites last season, averaging 10.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.6 steals. She is one of three Lady Sandites receiving college attention this year.

5’7” senior guard Taiona “Yonnie” Morris recently announced her commitment to play at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

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

The Sandites will open the season on November 28th with a district home game against Edmond Memorial at 6:30 p.m.

6’4” guard Deke Thompson announced his first college offer on Monday from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

UNCP is an NCAA Division II program competing in the Conference Carolinas. The Braves went 26-4 last season under third-year head coach Drew Richards, winning back-to-back regular season conference titles.

Thompson is entering his first season at Sand Springs after transferring from Jenks this summer.

Golf

Senior golfer Mason Ward committed to play at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas on November 13th.

Football

Senior lineman/TE Evan Williams (5’10”, 215 pounds) committed to play at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas on November 10th.

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.

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.

Sandite Recruiting Report: Taiona Morris Commits to NEO

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5’7” senior guard Taiona “Yonnie” Morris announced her commitment to play basketball at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Saturday afternoon on X.

“I (am) beyond blessed to say that I will be continuing my athletic & academic career at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College,” tweeted Morris.

“None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for GOD, my loving family with their support & my parents who I am beyond grateful for for making the sacrifices they have to get me to all of my AAU practices, tournaments and etc. over the course of 5-6 years.”

“Just about 6 years ago, I had started playing the game of basketball. I would’ve never thought I’d make it this far knowing that I’ve picked up a ball late compared to everyone else. But if it wasn’t for Future Stars Athletics Training I wouldn’t be the player I am today, who’s accomplished so much talent over the past couple of years.”

“So thank you to everyone who’s believed in me and made sacrifices to support me and my future. I am so excited to play at the next level, create a brighter future for myself & I can’t wait to make you all proud.”

NEO is an NJCAA program located in Miami. The Lady Norse have been a perennial power under 19th-season head coach Jim Rowland, who led the program to five consecutive Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference titles from from 2014 to 2018. NEO went 14-13 last season and is 1-3 this year.

Morris also received offers from Eastern Oklahoma State College and Coffeyville Community College. She is one of three Sandites courting college attention this season.

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.

Football

Senior lineman/TE Evan Williams (5’10”, 215 pounds) committed to play at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas on November 10th.

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.

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.

Sandite Recruiting Report: Evan Williams Commits to Bethel College

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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.

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

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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.

Sandite Recruiting Report: Evan Williams Offered by Bethel College

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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.

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.

Williams has 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.

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

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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.