Week 8 Predictions

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

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

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

Bixby may have fallen down the rankings a little bit after being upset by Bartlesville, but only a fool would count them out of the race for the state title. BTW barely held off Bville for a 3-point win last week to remain perfect, but this late in the season all eyes are focused in on the gold and anything can happen. Booker T wins by an average of 36 points this season, but knock out the pushovers from that lineup and things have been a lot closer. The only real challenges they've had have been #8 Midwest City whom they beat 28-16 in week one and #2 Bartlesville last week. Bixby, meanwhile, opened the season by running up 24 points against the top team in the state, the number 12 team in the nation. The only team to score more points against Jenks this season was Union who only outdid the Spartans by a field goal. This is the game to watch this week and while I'm picking BTW, if I had to pick an upset, this would be it.

I say Bixby scores first, BTW gets the run of things, Bixby surges late in the fourth for the last two TDs of the game with conversions on each but ultimately falls short.

The pick: BTW 35, Bixby 30

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

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

Get ready for another beat-down, Sapulpa, the Bruins are leaving ruins in their wake. The Chieftains are putting up decent points on everyone, but they're allowing far too many to stand a chance against this double headed offense. Expect Colton Penrod to clear 2000 season-passing yards this game while running-back Jarron Hilger should easily drum up another 100 yards rushing. Sapulpa is not without its stars, however. Keep your eyes on Dae Williams who just passed 1000 yards rushing for the season in last week's loss to Bixby. 

After last week's loss to BTW, Bartlesville will be looking to prove themselves before the playoffs. They should have no problem riding a 3-0 streak into the post season, but how they get those wins will be the true judge of their playoff-potential.

The pick: Bartlesville 47, Sapulpa 20.

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

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

The second-biggest game of the week will be in Sand Springs, and while the Bixby vs BTW game will be the most exciting, this game will have the most playoff implications. Unless something crazy happens, it looks like BTW, Bville, and Bixby have the top three spots locked up, so the Sandites and Roughers will be battling it out for the bottom-seed. The Sandites have one of the top ranked defenses in the state and get the home-field advantage. While Sand Springs has won 47% of games under Dustin Kinard, they've won 57% of home games.

Both teams tend to keep a pretty even pass-rush split. Sandite QB Hunter Greathouse should surpass 1000 season-passing yards this game while runningbacks Payton Scott and Lane Lettich will both likely pass 500 rushing yards.

The pick: CPHS 35, Muskogee 21

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

TX #754 Triple A Academy (4-4)

The Wolverines get a bye week not just from district play, but from challenging play, as they travel to Texas to take on Triple A Academy.

The pick: Lawton 61, Triple A 7.

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

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

This is another either-or game with the potential to throw things around in District 2. The West side of the state is a lot less settled than the Tulsa Metro and Lawton is the only clear top dog. Three weeks ago I would have picked PCW hands down. Now I'm not so sure either way. PCW had the more decisive victory over Choctaw, but Stillwater pulled off an upset over Midwest City, while PCW was floored. PCW lost by more points to Lawton, but Stillwater was shut out. 

I'm calling this game a shootout with Stillwater pulling it off by a late-fourth field goal for the win, but I'm prepared to be wrong.

The pick: Stillwater 38, PCW 36

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

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

MWC pretty much has playoffs locked in, despite an upset by Stillwater. But if they let a game go to the Pioneers then I wouldn't be surprised at all if whatever went wrong there continues to go wrong this week. Stillwater barely held off a last minute surge by Choctaw last week and I think after this game we'll see that the Bombers loss to the Pioneers was just a fluke. Or we could see Choctaw rallying for a late-season attempt at the playoffs.

The pick: MWC 27, Choctaw 13.

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

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

Its the battle for the bottom spot in District 1. The only reason I have Ponca ahead of Claremore is because so many of Claremore's starters are injured, including their starting quarterback. While Noah Grimett has been a great fill-in for the Zebras, ultimately I see this one going to the Wildcats.

The pick: Ponca 44, Claremore 30

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

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

These two teams will be battling it out to see who gets stuck with the title of "worst team in 6A." It may sound harsh, but it's a position somebody has to occupy. Not everybody gets a trophy in this sport--not yet anyway. 

The pick: Enid 27, Ike 16. 

My Record

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

Week 7 Roundup

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

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

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

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

The pick: Booker T 21, Bartlesville 14

Results: Booker T 17, Bartlesville 14.

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

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

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

The pick: Bixby 53, Sapulpa 7

Results: Bixby 53, Sapulpa 17.

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

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

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

The pick: CPHS 35, Ponca 13

Results: CPHS 44, Ponca 21.

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

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

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

The pick: Lawton 49, Ike 13.

Restults: Lawton 43, Ike 7. 

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

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

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

The pick: Muskogee 17, Claremore 14

Results: Muskogee 38, Claremore 8

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

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

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

The pick: Stillwater 35, Choctaw 13

Results: Stillwater 30, Choctaw 27

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

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

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

The pick: MWC 14, PCW 13.

Results: MWC 33, PCW 14.

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

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

The pick: Tahlequah 28, Enid 14

Results: Tahlequah 44, Enid 21.

My Record

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

Week 5 Roundup

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

#1 BOOKER T WASHINGTON (5-0, 2-0) DISTRICT 1

#13 SAPULPA (1-3, 0-2) DISTRICT 1

Booker T is off to a great start this year, putting up more than 60 points in each of their last three games and totally dominating both sides of the ball. Still undefeated two weeks into districts, their next big challenge will come in week 7 against Bartlesville. 

Sapulpa looks to be better than last year, but is still rebuilding from the ground up. We may see a solid state contender in years to come, but this year I'll be impressed if they win a single game in district play.

The pick: BTW 54, Sapulpa 12

Results: BTW 63, Sapulpa 24

#2 BIXBY (3-2, 1-1) DISTRICT 1

#3 BARTLESVILLE (5-0, 2-0) DISTRICT 1

Bartlesville pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season thus far with a  come-from-behind victory over the defending State Champions. The Bruins and the Hornets are the only undefeated teams left in 6A-II and will likely remain so until they meet each other in week 7. Nic Roller, the difference maker in most Bixby games, rushed for two touchdowns before Bartlesville got on the board and eventually tied it up 21-21 in the third period and led from there onward. Bixby relied on a pass-heavy offense with QB Tanner Griffin throwing 51% for 315 yards. Usually the Spartans are the ones dominating the ground game due to Roller, but this week it was the Bruins with 200 yards rushing in addition to their 226 passing yards.

The pick: Bixby 47, Bartlesville 35.

Results: Bartlesville 55, Bixby 33.

#4 SAND SPRINGS (1-3, 1-1) DISTRICT 1

#9 CLAREMORE (2-3, 0-2) DISTRICT 1

Sand Springs had a rough week, forfeiting both of their wins due to the discovery of an ineligible transfer student, but they didn't let it get them down. The Sandites dominated the ground and the air at their homecoming and reminded the Zebras that their 0-3 record was merely technical. The Sandites had a  slight edge on the Zebras offensively, but the defense is where Sand Springs always shows off their talent, snagging two fumbles and leading in tackles for loss. 

A lot can be said for Claremore for even showing up after the beating Bixby put on them. Not only did they put up 27 points against the State Champions last week, but they were right behind Sand Springs this week in total offense despite being without their starting quarterback, their leading rusher, their star defensive tackle, and several other key players. While they are still looking for a district win and probably won't get one next week (against BTW) either, they shouldn't be discounted as an all around solid-team, especially once they get their main players back next week. 

The Pick: Sand Springs 21, Claremore 13.

Results: Sand Springs 27, Claremore 7.

#5 MIDWEST CITY (3-2, 1-1) DISTRICT 2

#15 STILLWATER (2-3, 1-0) DISTRICT 2

Please excuse me for a moment while I extract the foot from my mouth and make room to eat my words. A completely unexpected tie game came down to the wire between these two teams and Stillwater snatched the victory as the clock hit 0:00 on a career-long 46-yard field goal by Zach Bryant. Midwest City ended the first half of their homecoming scoreless with only one first down and an impressive rally in the second half was not enough to overcome the upset. 

The Pick: MWC 41, Stillwater 10.

Results: Stillwater 25, MWC 22.

#6 LAWTON (3-1, 2-0) DISTRICT 2

#12 ENID (1-4, 0-2) DISTRICT 2

After those first two upsets, I'm glad Lawton scratched my back on this game. The Wolverines relied on a ground-heavy game, rushing for 460 yards of 577 total offense against Enid's 387 total yardage. Lawton lead with a 36-point first-half shut-out and the Plainsmen didn't get on the board till a kickoff fumble recovery lead to a 3-yard Devin Pratt run. 

The Pick: Lawton 52, Enid 12.

Results: Lawton 60, Enid 26.

#7 CHOCTAW (3-2, 1-1) DISTRICT 2

#10 PUTNAM CITY WEST (2-3, 1-1) DISTRICT 2

While I didn't actually pick PCW to win this game, I did say "if I had to pick an upset for this week, this would be it." Now I'm wishing I had gone with my instincts as the Patriots not only pulled ahead, but put distance on the Yellowjackets.

The Pick: Choctaw 28, PCW 21. 

Results: PCW 32, Choctaw 21.

#8 MUSKOGEE (2-3, 2-0) DISTRICT 1

#11 PONCA CITY (1-3, 0-2) DISTRICT 1

For the second week in a row, the Roughers were just shy of 500 yards-total-offense in their homecoming win over Ponca. 

The Pick: Muskogee 35, Ponca 14.

Results: Muskogee 42, Ponca 13.

#14 EISENHOWER (0-5, 0-1) DISTRICT 2

5A #69 CANYON, TEXAS (3-1)

The Eagles traveled 224 miles looking for a win, but all they found was 442 yards of total offense and a whole mess of touchdowns. 

The Pick: Canyon 35, Ike 6.

Results: Canyon 48, Ike 6.

My Record

• Week 1: 10-2 (.833)
• Week 2: 12-2 (.857)
• Week 3: 6-3 (.666)
• Week 4: 6-2 (.750)
• Week 5: 5-3 (.625)
• Overall: 39-12 (.764)