Goalie Edgar Soberano impresses in 2-1 double overtime loss to Westmoore

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Charles Page High School boys’ soccer team (2-11) broke a two-week scoring dry-spell against the Westmoore Jaguars (1-12) on Friday night Senior Night at Memorial Stadium. Alex Hernandez scored the first goal since the Edison Tournament to end a streak of four-straight shutouts.

Austin Morrison got off the first shot of the game in the first minute then Brandon Ong retaliated with a close shot just a few minutes later. Sophomore goalie Edgar Soberano was all over the ball all night long, snagging many incredible saves.

Jonah Nance also made some impressive saves for the Jags, including one on a shot by Simon Hollekve just three minutes into the game, and another jaw-dropper on a shot by Andrew Morrison. Hernandez finally got the boys on the board with 5:38 to go in the first half.

The second half was a slow-starter with the first close shot not coming till Hernandez sent one a hair wide twelve minutes into the period. Jovanny Hernandez netted the equalizer two minutes later and the Sandites began firing off shots left and right as the clock wound down.

Soberano was a superhuman in the final minutes, sliding feet first into a pointblank shot by Javier Aguilar then picking up two more astounding saves in the final 30 seconds to force overtime.

In the first overtime period Westmoore made the first big offensive push, but the Sandites rallied with all 11 men deep in the box to battle it out. Finally the Sandites broke free with the ball and made a quick drive downfield where Hernandez got a free kick that Nance swooped up.

Soberano added another save with 7:20 to go and sent the ball out to Kaleb Brooks who would take a shot with 6:00 left. The back and forth affair continued till Ong saw an opening with 1:34 remaining and swooped in. Soberano had just made a diving save on a shot by Bryce Wilmore but was unable to secure the ball. Ong scrambled and managed to edge a shot past the weary keeper for the win.

Sand Springs returns to action next Tuesday in a Highway 97 Rivalry matchup at Sapulpa (2-9) while the Jaguars will take on take on a tough Deer Creek team (11-1) Tuesday at home.

Moore scores 10 runs in bottom of the sixth, but Sandites hold on for 11-10 victory

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Story and photo by: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

If Monday night's 7-6 victory over Moore was the Hollywood classic, Tuesday night's rematch was the action-packed reboot: same story, just far more explosions.

The Charles Page High School varsity baseball team (8-2) won their fourth-straight game Tuesday night at Moore (2-6), and their second straight against the Lions. Jake Ward (4-0) got the win on the mound and remains undefeated for the season. 

Treyce Tolbert hit a single on a hard ground ball to start the game, but was put out at second on a fielder's choice as Rhett Rutledge took first. Ward flied out to short, but Sandite of the Week Hunter Greathouse and Josh Taber were walked to load the bases. Trevor Tolbert singled to score Rutledge and Joey Montgomery sacrificed to bring in Greathouse for a 2-0 lead. 

Josh Detweiler singled for the Lions but was put out on a double play as Drew White grounded to Ward. Ty Fain was hit by pitch to top the second inning and Tyler McCallie singled. Fain was put out on the next play, however, as Treyce Tolbert reached on a fielder's choice. Rutledge sacrificed to bring in McCallie, but Ward grounded out to short and the Sandites went to field with a 3-0 advantage. They would come right back in soon after, however, as Ward only gave up one walk and no hits in the bottom of the second. 

The slow-rolling Sandite offense added yet another run in the top of the third. Greathouse singled but was put out on a fielder's choice that singled Taber. Trevor Tolbert advanced Taber to third on a sacrifice, and Montgomery doubled to bring the runner home. The bottom of the third fared no better for the host team as Conner Chapman and Masters were put out at first on dropped third strikes and Andrew Brewer flied out to Treyce Tolbert in center field.

In the fourth inning, Treyce Tolbert was walked, Rutledge doubled, and Ward brought Tolbert in on a sacrifice. Rutledge was left stranded. Detweiler singled for the Lions but was put out on a fielder's choice that put White on base. Joe Balak walked and Cooper reached on an error to load the bases. Two would be left stranded, however, as Matt Reeves and Cooper were outed on a double play.

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Taber was hit by pitch to start the fifth, Trevor Tolbert struck out swinging, and Montgomery singled and was replaced by Cody Motes on base. Fain sacrificed to score Taber and the Sandites brought a 6-0 lead into the bottom of the inning. Logan Wint was walked, but Chapman and Masters both struck out swinging and Greathouse caught a Brewer fly in foul territory.

Both teams had their biggest offensive outputs in the sixth. McCallie, Treyce Tolbert, and Rutledge all singled to load the bases with no outs. Ward singled to score McCallie, Greathouse doubled to score Tolbert and Rutledge, and Taber singled to score Mack Thompson who was courtesy running for Ward. Trevor Tolbert flied out, Greathouse was put out at home on a fielder's choice as Montgomery reached first, but Taber scored on a passed ball for the 11th and final run of the evening for the Sandites. It would appear the game was all wrapped up and the Sandites had it in the bag.

That's when Moore exploded.

Detweiler doubled and White hit a homerun over the left field fence. Balak doubled and Greathouse relieved Ward on the mound. Cooper walked, Reeves reached first on catcher's interference, and the bases were loaded. Wint was walked to score Balak, Cooper scored on a Chapman single. Masters was walked, Brewer singled to score Alvarado (courtesy running for Reeves), Detweiler singled to score Chapman and Masters, and finally the Sandites found another out as White was struck out looking. The Lions weren't done yet, however. Balak hit yet another double, scoring Brewer. Detweiler and Balak came home on a throw as Cooper reached on error, and just like that it was 11-10 and the home team was putting up the most impressive rally attempt the Sandites had seen this season. 

In the top of the seventh, Jake Terry grounded out, Treyce Tolbert flied out, and Rutledge struck out looking. The Lions needed only two runs to win and they had just scored ten in a single inning. Greathouse saved the game striking out the side in order to hold the Lion rally fruitless for the second night in a row. 

The Sandites will return to action Thursday morning at 11:00 when they take on Hilldale (4-6) in the first round of the Bixby tournament.

Week 11 Rankings and Playoff Predictions

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The quarterfinals are upon us and with the top four teams all being from the same district, the predictions are all pretty easy. 

Bracket 1

#1 Booker T Washington (9-0, 7-0) District 1

#9 Choctaw (5-5, 2-4) District 2

Get ready for a swarm, because it's Hornets vs Yellowjackets and everybody's a loser in that situation. My hatred for flying pests aside, Booker T shouldn't find Choctaw to be anything more than a pesky gnat. Between Dakari Willis and Justice Hill, Booker T won't be a one-sting-wonder in this game. 

The pick: BTW 52, Choctaw 17.

Location: Booker T, Friday @ 7:00

#3 Charles Page (5-4, 5-2) District 1

#8 Stillwater (5-5, 3-3) District 2

The Pioneers might have a home field advantage, but considering Sand Springs hold numerous records in Pioneer Stadium, I don't think the Sandites are sweating it. Stillwater managed to complete only one pass in their last game against Eisenhower, and considering Sand Springs held Bixby to negative rushing yards in their last game, I'd say Stilly's in for a beat down. Keep your eyes on Cole Dixon in this game if you can keep up with him.

The pick: CPHS 27, Stillwater 3.

Location: Stillwater, Friday @ 7:00

Bracket 2

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

#5 Lawton (8-1, 6-0) District 2

If there's a single game I'm unsure about, it's this one. Lawton has the better record and a third-straight undefeated district championship, but they still haven't taken on any tough competitors to weigh them against. Lawton's only opponent worth its salt is MacArthur, who beat them. Then again, Bixby's been falling further and further behind the team we thought they were going into the season. All the potential is still there, but they're not living up to it. If the Spartans manage to wake up in this game, they still have everything it takes to make another run at the title. But if I had to pick an upset, this would be it. 

The pick: Bixby 35, Lawton 28.

Location: Lawton, Saturday @ 2:00

#2 Bartlesville (9-1, 6-1) District 1

#6 Midwest City (6-3, 4-2) District 2

Theoretically, this should be a blow out. But the bombers are resilient and gave Sand Springs a lot of grief in the playoffs last year. Still, it should be Colton Penrod dropping bombs this weekend.

The pick: Bartlesville 42, MWC 35. 

Location: Bartlesville, Friday @ 7:30

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)
• Week 8: 7-1 (.875)
• Week 9: 6-2 (.750)
• Week 10: 6-1 (.857)
• Overall: 74-16 (.822)

*All round one playoff games will be free to past and present service members in honor of Veterans Day. From the bottoms of our hearts, we thank you for your service. 

Week 10 Roundup

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The last week of regular-season football was no less exciting than the rest of the season, and the rankings haven't changed much going into the playoffs.

#1 Booker T Washington (9-0, 7-0) District 1

#7 Muskogee (3-7, 3-4) District 1

The Roughers never really had much of a chance to stop the Hornets from a perfect season--not after Bixby, Bartlesville, and Sand Springs failed to. But they certainly played with heart. Without lead running back Molijah Gilbert, the Roughers resorted to an aerial offense and senior quarterback Quintahj Cherry managed to surpass the 2000 yard mark for the season. It was nowhere near enough to overcome OSU-commit Justice Hill, however. The soon-to-be Cowboy ran up 135 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 9 carries before retiring to the bench after the first half. 

The pick: BTW 56, Muskogee 14

Results: BTW 46, Muskogee 21

#2 Bartlesville (9-1, 6-1) District 1

#15 Claremore (2-8, 0-7) District 1

The Zebras actually managed to lead the Bruins, briefly. Then Colton Penrod dropped touchdown bombs of 65, 65, and 55 on his way to a 237 yard finish. The run game was strong as well as Jarron Hilger picked up 124 rushing yards and scored on the first Bruin drive. 

The pick: Bville 48, Claremore 13

Results: Bville 56, Claremore 22

#3 Charles Page (5-4, 5-2) District 1

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

Sand Springs got their payback against the Spartans for last season. Bixby was dealt their first shutout in seven years and was held to negative rushing yards by the top defense in the state which ran up 5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. 

The pick: CPHS 41, Bixby 35

Results: CPHS 20, Bixby 0

#5 Lawton (8-1, 6-0) District 2

#9 Choctaw (5-5, 2-4) District 2

The Wolverines were without their leading defensive player, and it showed, but they were still able to hold off the Yellowjackets for their third consecutive undefeated district championship. 

The pick: Lawton 48, Choctaw 24

Results: Lawton 33, Choctaw 25

#6 Midwest City (6-3, 4-2) District 2

Midwest City elected not to play a fourth non-district game and took a week off before the playoffs.

#8 Stillwater (5-5, 3-3) District 2

#12 Eisenhower (1-9, 1-5) District 2

The Eagles didn't fail to impress, but they did fail to bump the Pioneers down from the #2 seed. It was a battle royale at Pioneer Stadium as Ike tied things up 21-21 late in the fourth quarter, but quarterback Jace Brownlee ran in a 61 yard touchdown on the ensuing drive to take the final lead. 

The pick: Stilly 35, Ike 21.

Results: Stilly 33, Ike 27.

#10 Ponca City (3-6, 2-5) District 1

#11 Sapulpa (2-7, 1-6) District 1

The Chieftains had a rough start this year, but managed to work their way up a few spots due to some solid late-season performances. This loss came down to the first ever field goal miss of Sapulpa kicker Paige McCracken, but considering what Sapulpa had to overcome from last year, they should all be proud.

The pick: Ponca 35, Sapulpa 21

Results: Ponca 30, Sapulpa 28.

#13 Putnam City West (4-6, 2-4) District 2

#14 Enid (2-8, 2-4) District 2

The Patriots' post-season dreams came to an end, but they still won three more games than anyone thought they would. It looks like the losing-streak for PCW may finally be reaching its end, so District 2 better keep a wary eye going into next season. Enid narrowly pulled off the upset to avoid the bottom ranking in the division.

The pick: PCW 47, Enid 35

Results: Enid 49, PCW 42

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)
• Week 8: 7-1 (.875)
• Week 9: 6-2 (.750)
• Week 10: 6-1 (.857)
• Overall: 74-16 (.822)

Stella Millican officially signs with MACU Softball

By Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Charles Page Senior Katelyn Stella Millican put pen to paper today to officially join the 2016 Mid-American Christian University softball team. The outstanding right-fielder verbally committed to playing for the Evangels early this September after fielding offers from several other colleges, before settling on MACU.

Stella settled on the Oklahoma City-based college due to its Christian beliefs and their softball program. The senior's goals are to one day teach English and coach softball.

The 2015 CPHS Fast Pitch Softball team went 31-9 this season and lost by one run to Choctaw in the State Championship game.

Week 9 Predictions

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

These next two weeks hold a lot of post-season-implication for District 1. While the dust is mostly settled down South, the North still has four teams battling it out for playoff berths and you can expect that none of them will go quietly into that good night.

#1 Booker T Washington (7-0, 5-0) District 1

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

Easily the biggest game of the week for 6A-II, and the biggest game of the year for Sand Springs, this will be the deciding game on if the Sandites have a real shot at the state title. If CPHS can pull off the upset here then they'll have a guaranteed ride to the playoffs. On paper, the Hornets should have no problem fending off Sand Springs, but a storm is brewing and the Sandites are hungry. Booker T is a predominately run-oriented offense while Sand Springs has a pretty even pass-rush split. BTW has the home field advantage, but with rain on the way, anything can happen. Booker T leads the series 11-6, but Sand Springs has won 2 of the last 3 and the last 2 were both big-scoring shootouts.

The pick: BTW 43, CPHS 24

#2 Bartlesville (7-1, 4-1) District 1

#10 Ponca City (2-5, 1-4) District 1

Not much to see here, the Wildcats will be easily tamed by the Bruins' stellar air raid. Colton Penrod just passed the 8000 mark on career-passing yards and is third in the state this season. 

The pick: Bartlesville 56, Ponca 28

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

#7 Muskogee (3-5, 3-2) District 1

Muskogee's last real hope for a playoff berth comes down to this game. The Spartans are still one of the top teams in the state, but they have fallen on hard times. Bixby is coming off a devastating loss to BTW and Muskogee gets the home field advantage in what's sure to be a thrilling game. The Spartans have a lot to prove in this game if they want to be a real contender for the title. 

The pick: Bixby 42, Muskogee 27

#5 Lawton (6-1, 4-0) District 2

#6 Midwest City (6-2, 4-1) District 2

Probably the second-most exciting game of the week is the Title game for District 2. The Bombers put up a great effort in a week 1 loss to BTW, then got upset majorly by Stillwater. Was the Pioneer loss a fluke or are the Wolverines truly the best team down South? 

The pick: Lawton 35, MWC 27

#8 Putnam City West (4-4, 2-2) District 2

#15 Eisenhower (0-8, 0-4) District 2

The Patriots came into the season as the bottom-ranked team in the division and haven't had a winning record since 2000, and haven't seen the playoffs since 1996. The current lineup has put an end to that era and is headed to the playoffs, so long as they aren't upset by the two worst teams in the state. 

The pick: PCW 42, Ike 14

#9 Stillwater (3-5, 2-2) District 2

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

The Pioneers won't have a winning record, but they should make the playoffs with the bottom seed, at least. Enid's only true win was a 3-point win against Ike last week. Sand Springs had to forfeit a 33-7 victory after a player was deemed ineligible. 

The pick: Stilly 38, Enid 20

#11 Claremore (2-6, 0-5) District 1

#13 Sapulpa (1-6, 0-5) District 1

The pick: Claremore 35, Sapulpa 27

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

US Grant (2-5) 

The Generals finally broke a 6-game losing streak and officially have their best record since 2003. Don't expect them to tie that magical 4-6 season, however. 

The pick: Choctaw 47, Grant 12