Rain and mud couldn’t put a stop to the Monster Ball Thursday night. The seventh annual fundraiser was relocated from the Sandite Softball Complex to Memorial Stadium and raised $4,000 for Special Olympics.
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Left to Right: Matt Barnett, Cassie Barnett, Paige Ryan, Austin Ryan. (Courtesy).
Pregnancy is often greeted with a great deal of celebration and excitement. Couples plan photo shoots for their announcements, followed by maternity photos. Baby showers have become elaborate affairs, and gender reveals have reached comedic and even dangerous magnitudes.
But what few people want to talk about is how many of those children will never celebrate their first birthday.
According to the World Health Organization, 10 to 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, and nearly 2 million babies are stillborn each year.
The level of loss and heartache that a parent goes through in these situations can’t be measured, affects everyone differently, and often leaves the parent feeling alone, confused, betrayed, and any other number of emotions.
And far too often they go through that pain without the community support that they had during their pregnancy. Folks turn out for baby showers, but there are no stillbirth showers.
That’s why two Sand Springs couples are hosting an annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss 5K.
“This is the second one we’ve been involved with,” said event co-organizer Matt Barnett.
“We just partnered in with Austin and Paige Ryan. They’ve been doing this for a couple years after they lost their first kid. Paige and my wife got close after we lost our first child.”
Jacob Austin Ryan was stillborn on January 23, 2018 and the Ryan family started the 5K and Fun Run that year in his honor.
Matt and Cassie Barnett lost their daughter, Elizabeth “Elle” Jane Bartnett to stillbirth on August 28th, 2021 and joined the Ryans in co-hosting the event last year.
“We started doing the run with them last year and it went well,” said Matt Barnett. “We added HillSpring into the mix and our church really got behind it. And then unfortunately we lost another kid.”
Paxton “Pax” Brently Barnett was also stillborn on March 23rd, 2023.
The Barnetts, who are both on staff at HillSpring Church in Sand Springs, often speak from the pulpit about the loss of their children and how it has affected both their faith and their marriage, shining a light on a difficult subject that’s rarely discussed publicly.
They hope the 5K will help bring attention to the issue and let other parents dealing with loss know that they’re not alone.
“Find community,” said Matt Barnett. “I would beg people, don’t do it alone. Find a community. Find a MEND group, find churches, find organizations that you can lean on and people who have been through the same experience.”
“Grief is long and it’s weird and it’s just unpredictable. It’s not fair to do it alone, so we need people to help.”
Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death (MEND) is one of two organizations that the 5K is raising money for.
“MEND is an organization that really helps put support groups together for families who have went through infant and pregnancy loss,” said Barnett. “They were really helpful for my wife when she went through this.”
The other organization is Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, which provides families going through a loss with newborn photography sessions.
“Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is a weird one for us” said Barnett. “I didn’t know if I wanted that the first time we lost somebody, but I never realized how much I would cherish that. It’s just another example of how they were real and how they mattered.”
The 2023 race on October 7th drew 78 entrees for the 5K any many more participated in the fun run at Case Community Park.
11-year-old Canyon Carnahan, of Sand Springs, won the race handily with a time of 22:01. Greg and Kiera Barnes, of Mannford, finished second and third in 23:36 and 24:17.
“It’s been really successful,” said Barnett. “I think last year we raised around $8,000 or so. That’s the most we’ve ever raised and we’re hoping to get close to that or more this year.”
The race drew everyone from avid runners to supporters of the cause to families who have experienced their own losses.
“It’s beautiful,” said Barnett. “There’s a lot of community involvement. The City’s involved with this, local churches, we have about 20 sponsors for the event. It really is a lot of people coming together so it’s really cool.”
22:01 Canyon Carnahan
23:36 Greg Barnes
24:22 Jeff Parks
24:41 Kory Brown
27:19 Kenny White
27:19 Caleb Smith
28:16 Shuan Adams
30:18 Bryce Beall
32:08 Christopher Matthews
32:19 Cayden Holder
33:24 Kevin Rouk
34:29 Bradley Potts
35:07 Kaidyn Cowan
35:13 Bobby White
35:48 Kurtis Crawford
36:10 Eli Beall
36:11 Daniel Henderson
37:20 Scott Emigh
43:44 Justin Carnahan
46:17 Keaton Smith
46:27 Ryan Johnson
49:23 Jacob Rupp
54:49 Ron Mayes
55:22 John Sommers
58:07 Bobby McIntosh
58:47 George Stabler
58:50 Andrew Arms
59:19 Shawn Smith
59:25 Nick Julkowski
1:05:22 Chris Wilson
24:17 Kiera Barnes
27:24 Chezney Kelley
27:29 Audrey Fincannon
28:09 Shelby Champ
28:26 Shannon Hamilton
28:43 Katelynn Castleman
28:45 Kassie Billingsly
29:11 Ashley Cox
29:25 Nancy Vanderburg
32:50 Victoria Buchanan
33:24 Kelly Holder
33:38 Kynlee Carnahan
35:54 Patricia Harsley
37:23 Victoria Middleton
38:42 Alison Holder
41:47 Andee Sage
43:10 Charity Emigh
43:42 Heather Carnahan
44:27 Sericca Walters
44:27 Kara Enkey
45:24 Regan Pidcock
45:27 Madison Smith
45:42 Amber Cowan
48:08 Haylee Dewberry
48:44 Tiffany Rowe
49:16 Michelle Key
49:23 Savannah Lytle
54:01 Emily Smith
54:03 Casey Arms
55:20 Heather Sommers
56:41 Kendra McIntosh
57:05 Karen Smith
58:07 Carolynn Canfield
58:37 Kaylee Kendall
58:38 Natasha Odom
58:44 Shannon Strabala
58:45 Claire Julkowski
58:49 Meoldy Hilligoss
58:49 Piper Brooks
58:50 Ashley Vanderburg
58:50 Hannah McGarvey
58:55 Lindsey Julkowski
59:41 Pam Jackson
1:03:26 Lana Greenfield
1:04:05 Paulette Bennet
1:04:05 Theresa Greene
1:04:10 Randy-Lynne Wach
1:05:22 Tamara Boyles
“Grief is long and it’s weird and it’s just unpredictable. It’s not fair to do it alone, so we need people to help.” Matt and Cassie Barnett and Austin and Paige Ryan co-host the annual event in honor of their children.
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Hunter Wilson scored the Sandites first points of the game with a blocked punt for a safety. (Photo by Charity Emigh).
When Bobby Klinck first arrived in Sand Springs in January of 2020, he held a meeting at HillSpring Church where he laid out his vision for the program to players, parents, and community stakeholders.
In that meeting he stressed the importance of special teams.
“Special teams have the ability to shift a game in either direction,” said Klinck. “Either negatively from failed preparation or positively from precise execution. Hidden yardage is the biggest advantage we will look for in special teams.”
In year four of the Klinck era, it’s clear that he wasn’t just talking. Thursday night at No. 9 Putnam City West (3-4, 0-4), it was the special teams who repeatedly shifted the game in the Sandites’ favor.
A blocked punt, two safeties, and kick returns averaging more than 35 yards were the difference maker in a 39-14 win from No. 5 Charles Page High School (4-3, 2-2) to remain undefeated against the Patriots.
“Coach (Jake) Bray, our special teams coordinator, is the best in the state,” said Klinck.
So when Bray came to Klinck this week and said he thought he could bring some pressure on the Patriot punting unit, Klinck said “let’s go get it, man.”
“Credit to the kids doing a great job and credit to Coach Bray for putting that game plan together and really taking advantage of our special teams.”
The first points of the game came on the Patriots’ second possession when Hunter Wilson blocked Brandon Garcia’s punt out the back of the end zone.
Alex Dudley returned the ensuing kick 40 yards to the Patriot 25 and Jace Arnold cashed in seven plays later with a four-yard wildcat run.
The Patriots’ next punt attempt was fumbled and recovered by Christian Freitus for a touchdown.
Then, Gatlin Gunn returned the next punt 41 yards to the Patriot 14, setting up a 9-yard run by Kenneth Page on the first play of the second quarter.
Two plays later, Owen Floyd forced a fumble that Marcum Sims recovered to set up a four-play scoring drive capped by Page’s 23-yard touchdown run.
Page was the workhorse for the Sandites all night, ending with 26 carries for 138 yards. The senior usually shares the load with Ali McCoy, who is missing this week and next with an injury sustained against Stillwater.
“It’s an absolute luxury,” said Klinck, about having two dynamic running backs.
“They’re stacking the box but we’re still able to get positive yards. We get some positive push up front, but then to have a big time tailback who knows where to hit the holes and then finishes runs - that’s a huge luxury to have.”
With a 30-0 lead just two minutes into the second quarter, it looked like the game would be a runaway rout, but the Patriots had other plans.
After holding Putnam West to only 13 yards in the first quarter, the Patriots exploded for 146 yards in the second quarter to make it a two-score game.
Shyheim Johnson led a methodical 10-play, 86-yard march and scored on a two-yard sneak to get his team on the board.
Then Marriceon Gilstrap recovered a fumbled hike to set up a six-play, 45-yard drive capped by a four-yard run from Dujuan Knight.
The Patriots stymied the Sandites’ last drive of the half and opened the second half with Aaron Edwards blocking a 40-yard field goal attempt by Dawson Puckett.
Jamar McCrary recovered the ball, but the Sandites had successfully eaten up nearly eight minutes of clock to slow the Patriots’ momentum.
“When it’s 30 to nothing, we’ve got to find a way to finish opponents and not let them back in the game,” said Klinck. “But I was glad we were able to have a long opening drive. I would have liked to have gotten some points out of that, but that was a good way to open the second half.”
The next three possessions were a series of turnovers on downs.
Freitus broke up a fourth-down pass intended for Mykel Ford in the end zone.
The Patriots responded by stuffing Arnold on fourth-and-one, but four plays later Johnson dumped an incomplete pass under pressure to give it back to the Sandites.
A 58-yard punt from Puckett pinned the Patriots deep in their own red zone and when Garcia failed to corral an errant long snap, the punter decided to toss the ball out the back of his end zone for the second safety of the night.
Dudley returned the ensuing kick 36 yards and Page cashed in a 36-yard screen pass from Easton Webb three plays later to pad the lead.
Freshman Joseph Farmer put the final nail in the Patriot coffin with an interception and the Sandites ended the night in victory formation.
Webb finished the game 7-of-15 for 83 yards passing. In addition to his 138 rushing yards, Page also had three catches for 57 yards.
Dudley led the defense with six tackles, followed by Floyd and Gunn with five apiece. The defense mustered five tackles for loss while holding Putnam West to only 184 yards, with only 25 yards in the second half.
Johnson was 9-of-25 passing for 125 yards and Knight had 15 carries for 77 yards to pace the Patriots.
Sand Springs improved to a perfect 6-0 all-time against the Patriots, though this was the closest meeting since 2017.
“Coach (Gregory) Johnson did a good job,” said Klinck. “Those kids were ready to go. They had a good game plan, they’re stacking the box. They did a good job taking away what we like to do, so hat’s off to them.”
“I was happy we were able to get some younger kids in to get some meaningful snaps and we had a freshman get an interception.”
“I think our program’s to the point of we’re disappointed in a 25-point win. Our kids know that we left some plays out there and that we need to finish an opponent off.”
Next up for the Sandites will be yet another Thursday night game, this time at home against No. 6 Bartlesville (3-4, 3-1), who fell 14-10 to No. 4 Stillwater in their Week 6 meeting.
Sand Springs has won three in a row against the Bruins, but Bartlesville leads the series 21-18. The series is one of the longest-standing rivalries for either school, having been played 22 consecutive seasons. The two teams have only missed playing each other twice since Bartlesville High School opened in 1982.
First Downs: CPHS 10, PCW 7.
Fumbles/Lost: CPHS 4/2, PCW 5/2.
C-A-Y-I: CPHS 8-16-83-0, PCW 9-25-125-1.
Rushes-Yards: CPHS 43-143, PCW 21-58.
Plays-Yards: CPHS 59-226, PCW 46-183.
Penalties-Yards: CPHS 10-65, PCW 13-95.
1Q (6:56) - Wilson Safety, CPHS 2-0.
1Q (4:23) - Arnold 4-yard Run, Puckett Kick, CPHS 9-0.
1Q (3:37) - Freitus Fumble Recovery, Puckett Kick, CPHS 16-0.
2Q (11:52) - Page 9-yard Run, Puckett Kick, CPHS 23-0.
2Q (9:51) - Page 23-yard Run, Puckett Kick, CPHS 30-0.
2Q (5:29) - Johnson 1-yard Run, Garcia Kick, CPHS 30-7.
2Q (1:56) - Knight 4-yard Run, Garcia Kick, CPHS 30-14.
4Q (7:12) - Safety, CPHS 32-14.
4Q (5:32) - Page 36-yard Pass from Webb, Puckett Kick, CPHS 39-14.
2020 Gold Pride Marching BAnd.
Cooler air has arrived, leaves are beginning to drop, and the boys of fall are once again bleeding and sweating on the gridiron.
The changing of the seasons also heralds the return of a beloved tradition that’s familiar to every small town in America - Homecoming.
The annual Charles Page High School Homecoming Parade will return to downtown Sand Springs on Thursday, September 28th at 6:00 p.m.
2018 Sandite Football Team.
The parade will follow its traditional route from Charles Page High School westward on Park Avenue to the downtown Triangle before turning south on Main Street. It will then turn east on 2nd Street before returning to the school by way of Adams Road.
Intersections along the parade route will be closed shortly before the parade begins and will reopen as soon as it concludes.
The event will highlight the Charles Page High School fall sports teams as well as youth football, cheer, dance, choir, marching band, and other school programs. The public is also invited to attend and the parade frequently includes local businesses, political candidates, and community leaders.
2020 Homecoming Queen Candidate Kali BAker.
The Homecoming Court will of course be crown jewel of the parade. The queen candidates and their escorts can typically be seen sitting atop sunroofs or waving from the finest of convertibles.
Anyone looking to enter the parade can download this form and email it to Frank Cooper at frank.cooper@sandites.org or fax it to Cooper at 918-246-1480.
Entrees are due no later than Tuesday, September 26th. Participants will need to be in position at the high school by 5:30 p.m. on Thursday the 28th.
The Sandites’ Homecoming football game and coronation will be Friday, September 29th at Memorial Stadium against No. 7 Tahlequah (0-3).
Sand Springs defeated Tahlequah 25-21 last season on the road after scoring 19 unanswered points to come back from a 25-6 deficit. They lead the all-time series against the Tigers 14-8-1 and have won the past five meetings, including Homecoming games in 2005 and 2006.
The annual Charles Page High School Homecoming Parade will return to downtown Sand Springs on Thursday, September 28th at 6:00 p.m.
Read MoreSand Springs Public Schools has announced a clear bag policy as well as other enhanced safety measures for Sandite football and other home athletics events.
The announcements comes on the heels of three gun-related incidents at high school football games over the past week.
Read MoreSand Springs Public Schools has announced a clear bag policy as well as other enhanced safety measures for Sandite football and other home athletics events.
The announcements comes on the heels of three gun-related incidents at high school football games over the past week.
A stampede happened at a Friday night football game at Booker T. Washington high school in Tulsa after a juvenile reportedly brandished a firearm. No shots were fired and police recovered the weapon but were unable to apprehend the suspect.
A Pryor student reportedly brought a firearm to a football game at Locust Grove that same night, though the unloaded gun was retrieved by police on a tip, and the student was apprehended.
The most horrific game of the night was Del City at Choctaw, where several shots were fired and 16-year-old Cordae Carter was killed. A 42-year-old man was reportedly shot by a law enforcement officer on the scene and he remains in intensive care. A 15-year-old was arrested Tuesday night, though it’s unclear what their connection was to the incident. Three individuals were shot and two teen girls suffered broken bones during the ensuing panic.
Below is the full statement from the district.
“At Sand Springs Public Schools, we are dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees at athletics events. In light of recent incidents at schools across Oklahoma, we are implementing new security procedures for football games and other athletics events hosted at Sand Springs.
Effective immediately, the following security procedures will be enforced at all home games:
Student ID Required: Students in grades 6-12 will be required to present their school ID upon entry, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. This applies to both Sand Springs students and visiting students.
Parent/Guardian Supervision: All students in grades PK-5 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Third-Party Students: If a student under 18 does not attend one of the two schools playing, that student must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If that student is 18 or over, they are allowed to attend unaccompanied, and they will have the same expectations as any adult.
Clear Bags Only: All attendees, including students, parents, staff, and visitors, can bring only clear bags to games. This policy will enable our security personnel to easily inspect the contents of bags and ensure that prohibited items are not brought onto the premises.
Cases containing medical equipment (insulin, EpiPens, etc.) will be permitted, but they will be subject to inspection.
Additional Staff: Games will have an increased presence of SSPS staff. The staff will wear highly visible uniforms so that they are easily identifiable in a crowd.
Gate Security: Security personnel will be stationed at each entrance at the event.
See Something, Say Something: Spectators are encouraged to speak out if they see or hear anything suspicious. Staff and security will be available nearby, and signs for the STOPIt Anonymous Reporting App will be placed throughout the stadium.
The procedures above are in addition to established rules, such as our dedicated middle school section, the prohibition of weapons and alcohol, etc.
Please know that these changes are not made lightly. The safety of our students, staff, and community remains our priority. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to make football games and athletics events as safe and secure as possible.”
SAnd Springs hosts the highway 97 rivalry trophy after a 2022 road victory at sapulpa.
Since 1952, Sand Springs and Sapulpa have been connected by State Highway 97, but since 1922 something else has connected the two Tulsa suburbs.
Blood, sweat, pigskin, and gridiron have been bringing the two communities together for 30 years longer than the rivalry has had a name - and for the 97th time in the past 102 seasons, Sandites and Chieftains will be at each other’s throats on Friday, August 25th at Memorial Stadium
Both Charles Page High School and Sapulpa High School will open their seasons in Zero Week in the American Heritage Bank Highway 97 Rivalry.
The defending 97 Champs? Sand Springs by way of a 35-21 road win that saw now-senior running back Kenneth Page lit up the scoreboard to the tune of 205 yards and five touchdowns.
With their eighth win in the past nine years, the Sandites finally took their first series lead since 1943 at 46-45-5.
Both teams are looking to take a big step this season. After three consecutive seasons with playoff wins, the Sandites aim for their first State Finals berth since 2015. Sapulpa is coming off back-to-back winning seasons and is looking for its first playoff win since 2005.
Both teams will be eager to start the season on the right foot with a win against their chief rivals before a packed house on statewide television.
The Sandites started the year with a 21-7 half-game loss to Choctaw at the Jenks Football Preview on Friday, August 18th. The Yellowjackets took a 14-0 lead before Easton Webb connected with Wyatt Rutledge, the latest in a long line of Rutledge football stars.
“We were a little bit tired towards the end of that scrimmage, which is natural,” said fourth-year head coach Bobby Klinck, who owns a 22-14 record since arriving at Sand Springs.
“You can run and sprint and do all that stuff, but football shape is different. You’ve got to be ready for it. So I thought there were some plays that we left out there, but for the most part, when we watched film and went back and looked at it, I thought we’re a much-improved football team from last year and I look forward to showing that on Friday.”
Klinck isn’t one to gently test the water toes-first. Choctaw was last year’s State Runner-Up, beating the Sandites 48-29 in the quarterfinals. His team will also take on defending 6A-I State Champion Bixby in the second game of the season.
The Sandites’ strength this season will be their offensive line. Six-foot-four sophomore Ryley Kester is already receiving Division I offers, checking in at 270 pounds. 275-pound senior Tyler Smith stands six feet fall, as does 280-pound senior Marcus Sims. At center, State Tournament-placing wrestler Mason Harris will provide six feet and 260 pounds of intensity.
“Combine that with Ali McCoy and Kenneth Page, we’re looking to run the football,” said Klinck. “There’s no doubt we should be able to. I’ve always told the O-line that we’ll go as far as they go.”
Page was the workhorse for the Sandites last year, carrying the ball 210 times for 1022 yards and 17 touchdowns. McCoy also showed off his speed with 53 carries for 297 yards and 7 TDs.
Klinck expects to split the workload pretty evenly between the two this year. “Those guys love it because they understand that when they’re fresh, they’re a lot better."
Also taking advantage of that powerful line will be 6’4” sophomore quarterback Easton Webb, who was 127-of-203 passing last season for 1,564 yards and 13 touchdowns after winning the starting job in week four.
But despite the football hype, Webb’s primary sport is baseball. In fact, he was recruited by and committed to Oklahoma State University as a freshman before he had ever played a varsity minute.
“In the summer, when you’re that type of athlete, you’ve got to juggle your time between baseball and football,” said Klinck. “And he needs to do that because he excels at both. We’re happy now that it’s coming up on fall and we get him full time.”
“His command, his physicality, the way he’s grown physically. Obviously we’re looking for great things from him.”
Webb also shows strong potential as a dual threat, carrying the ball for nearly 200 yards and four touchdowns last year.
“He’s a lot faster than what people think,” said Klinck. “He definitely wants to throw, but he’s not afraid to tuck it down and put his shoulder pads down when he has to. He’s an all-around type of player and we’re looking for him to make major strides this year.”
Untested for the Sandites will be their receiving corps after graduating their top four from last season.
“Wyatt Rutledge has really come on,” said Klinck. “I think (Caleb) Goodman is going to show some things this year. It’s a bunch of guys that are unproven but we feel that they have the talent to get it done. They’ve just got to prove it on Friday night.”
Defensively, the Sandites will be returning only a handful of their top guys from last season, but Klinck expects big things nonetheless.
“This is a group that they’ve been in the system for a minute and they’re playing fast. We’re going to be aggressive this year. We think that’s kind of our mentality and our nature.”
Gatlin Gunn, Keagan Gilman, Dallas Elifrits, Waylon Jeffers, and Alex Dudley are all expected to make a big impact as some of the top returning tacklers from last season.
As for the leadership this season, the team captains will be Harris, Sims, Dudley, and Gillman.
“We vote team captains. I allow the players to do that,” said Klinck. “They’ve done an unbelievable job. When it’s hot, when guys want to get testy, they’re the ones stepping in saying ‘we can’t be doing this, we’re on the same team.’”
“At the end of practice Alex Dudley’s telling all the scouting guys ‘thank you so much for helping us, it’s a big deal what you’re doing.’ It’s the old adage, ‘when players lead, those are the best teams.’ They’re doing it right now; it’s exciting.”
Sand Springs is hoping to #Sellout97 in what would be the first sellout crowd at Memorial Stadium since it was expanded to a 6,700-seat capacity in 2007. Fans who don’t like crowds will be able to tune in on Yurview (Cox Channel 3). The game will start late at 8:00 p.m. to help dodge the sun.
Car shows, professional wrestling, cornhole tournaments, fishing derbies, live music and more awaits visits to Sand Springs on the weekend of June 9-11.
Read MoreSand Springs is a town that’s known a tragedy or two over the years, and far too often those tragedies have been felt the hardest by the teenage community.
Read MoreThe Oklahoma wrestling community is rallying around one of their own as Jonce Blaylock undergoes a battle with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, a very rare and aggressive sarcoma.
Read More
2020 Homecoming Queen Corri Evans and Kissing Captain Sango Whitehorn
No. 5 Sand Springs (3-0) vs unranked Ponca City (1-2).
Memorial Stadium
600 North Adams Road
Sand Springs, OK 74127
Homecoming Court at 6:30 p.m.
Kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
Inside concessions benefit the Gold Pride Marching Band. Church That Matters pre-game tailgate outside the stadium benefits the Sandite Wrestling team and begins at 6:00 p.m.
Don't forget to stop by the Inkwell Printing official gameday booth for all your Sandite Spirit Wear!
Through three games...
Ty Pennington is 48 of 73 passing for 735 yards, 10 TDs, and 1 int this season. He's currently ranked No. 3 in the Tulsa World's All-World Top Ten Players list.
Blake Jones is 61-477 rushing for 7 TDs.
Receiving leaders
Brody Rutledge, 15-273, 3 TDs
Jacob Blevins 13-173, 2 TDs
Keaton Campbell 13-163, 3 TDs
Ryan Shoemaker 6-74, 2 TDs
Defensive playmakers
Brooks Dudley 29 tackles, 2.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks
Drake Fain 23 tackles, 1 for loss
Gabe Brown 19 tackles, 3 for loss, 1.5 sacks
Landon Hendricks 17 tackles, 5 for loss, 2 sacks
Charles Gaylord 16 tackles, 2 for loss
Conner Light 15 tackles, 1 for loss
Ryder Barnes 15 tackles, 0.5 for loss
Chase White 6 tackles, 1 int
Landon Wolfe is 12-of-14 on PATs and 1-of-1 on field goals with a long of 27 yards.
The Sandites' last 3-0 start was in 2012 when they went 6-0 before falling to Union.
Sand Springs beat Ponca City 35-10 last year on the road, but the Wildcats won 24-14 the last time they were in Sand Springs.
Pennington is 31-52-438-1 passing with 3 passing TDs and one rushing TD in his two games against the Wildcats. Campbell was 6-134 receiving against the Wildcats in 2019 and 10-138 with 2 TDs in 2020.
Sand Springs leads the all-time series 26-20-1.
The first-ever meeting was 1952 in a Thanksgiving day playoff that Ponca won 27-9.
The only tie in the series was 7-7 in 1953.
In 1954 the Sandites came back from a 20-point deficit to win 21-20 with future MLB star Jerry Adair at quarterback.
In 1981 the Sandites won 31-24 on the road in triple overtime.
The Sandites have met the Wildcats once before with a 3-0 record and they won 14-13 in 1987. Not including season openers, Sand Springs is 3-0 against the Wildcats when defending an undefeated record.
The Sandites have played Ponca at least thrice before on Homecoming. In 1988 Sand Springs won 20-0, Ponca won 30-14 in 1994, and Sand Springs won 56-35 in 2016.
Ponca City's biggest win in the series was 48-2 in 2003. Sand Springs's biggest win was 57-7 in 2013. The highest total score in the series was a 56-35 Sandite win in 2016.
Sand Springs has pitched four shutouts in the series and has only been shut out once. The last shutout was a 21-0 Sandite win in 2006.
All in the family...
Brett Pennington was 2-1 against Ponca (22-15, 28-0, 13-21)
Caden Pennington was 2-0 against Ponca (42-7, 35-14)
Ty Pennington is 1-1 against Ponca (14-24, 35-10)
Ty Pennington is 2-0 on Homecoming, beating Muskogee 45-14 as a junior and Shawnee 21-19 as a sophomore.
The annual Sand Springs Homecoming Parade will return to downtown Sand Springs on Thursday, September 23rd at 6:00 p.m.
Read MoreProfessional wrestling will be coming to Sand Springs in 2021. Core Professional Wrestling will debut at HillSpring Church on January 2nd thanks to the efforts of local couple Nathan and Audra Estrada along with HillSpring Associate Pastor Matt Barnett, who will serve as the Commissioner of the new league.
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Sango Whitehorn is the son of Sango and Lisa Whitehorn, and special son to Adam and Amanda Dudley. He has been a Sandite Football player for four years.
Lane Webster is the son of Adam Webster and Sarah Jordan. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Jamon Sisco is the son of Samico Morgan and Jelani Sisco. He has been on the Sandite Football team for two years.
Brycen Peterman is the son of Chad Peterman and Candice Hopkins. His grandparents are Andrew and Marilyn Flores. He has been on the Sandite Football team for two years.
Tyyee Atkinson is the son of Katherine Atkinson. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Nate Casebolt is the son of Tony Casebolt and Autumn Brown. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Bryson Wooten is the son of Rachel Julich and Jeff Wooten. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
JaRighteous Evans is the son of Anthony and Shannon Evans. He has been on the Sandite Football team for one year.
Trevin Corona is the son of Ashley Corona. He has been on the Sandite Football team for two years.
Noah Gourd is the son of Richard and Kelly Gourd. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Thomas Huckelberry is the son of Michael and Cheryl Rettig. He has been on the Sandite Football team for one year.
Jacob Weathers is the son of Ron and Laura Weathers. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
John Reed is the son of John and Melissa Reed. He has been on the Sandite Football team for one year.
Katie Daniels is the daughter of Rustin Daniels and Tamra Lovell. She has been a Football Trainer for two years.
Madeline Bateman is the daughter of Lance and Melanie Bateman. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for four years.
Renise Gabriel is the daughter of Rex and Kimberly Gabriel. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for two years.
Jaslynn Mock is the daughter of Tirita and Ari Montross, and Jason and Sherri Mock. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.
Katie Smith is the daughter of Brian and Amy Smith. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.
Shelbie Winzenburg is the daughter of John and Jamee Winzenburg. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.
Corri Evans is the daughter of Rikki Evans and Shawn Haskins. She has been in Sandite Cheer for three years.
Kathryn Call is the daughter of Jeff and Diann Call. She has played French horn and mellophone in band for seven years. After graduation she plans on joining the National Guard for Engineering.
Alyssa Crutcher is the daughter of Kendall and Shannon Crutcher. She has played saxophone in band for seven years. She has been a Drum Major for two years. After graduation she plans on attending the University of Arkansas.
Samren Gillispie is the son of Anita and Eric Gillispie and has played percussion in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on studying multimedia.
Cheyenne Hampton is the daughter of Ric and Miranda Hampton. She has played clarinet and saxophone, as well as holding positions of responsibility in the band for seven years. After graduation she plans on attending Oklahoma State University and opening a restaurant.
Tamika Jones is the daughter of Aaron and Anita Jones. She has played french horn and mellophone in band for seven years. After graduation she plans on attending Northeastern State University to study Music Education and Jazz Studies.
Olivia Moore is the daughter of Amy and Caleb Solomon. She has been in color guard for four years. After graduation she plans on attending Oklahoma State University.
Sara Nance is the daughter of Steve and Lori Nance. She has played percussion and held positions of leadership in the band for seven years. After graduation she plans on attending Oklahoma State University.
Katy Pinson is the daughter of Melinda Smith and Staff Sergeant Clint Pearson. She has been in color guard for four years. After graduation she plans on attending Tulsa Community College and Oklahoma State University to study Special Needs Education.
Hudson Shelton is the son of Tammy and Tommy Shelton. He has played trumpet in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on attending Northeastern State University.
Bryson Chase is the son of John and Krystal Chase. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Daren Hawkins is the son of Durrell Hawkins and Sacora Poncil. He has been on the Sandite Football team for four years.
Caden Harris is the son of Sherman and Megan Faulkner. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Micah Calico is the son of Bobby and Casey Duck. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Kale and Kyle Hilligoss are the sons of Keith and Ronee Hilligoss. They have been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Ian Britt is the son of Stephanie Ledbetter and Allen Britt. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Zach Heinen is the son of Alisha Heinen and Zane Pidcock. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Alex Favela is the son of Terri and Pete Lowe. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Ryan Johnson is the son of Tom and Stephanie Johnson. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Shawn Brauer is the son of Glen and Tiffany Brauer. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Samuel Higgins is the son of Willie and Teresa Higgins. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Jacinto Rodriguez is the son of Jacinto and Lacey Rodriguez. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Kali Baker is the daughter of Ronald Baker and Lois Deppe. She has been a Football Trainer for three years.
Kylin Coonce is the daughter of Sarah Coonce. She has been a Football Trainer for three years.
Maddie Bristow is the daughter of Johnie and Tiffany Bristow. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.
Zandi George is the daughter of David and Roxanne George. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.
Karlie Roulet is the daughter of Chris and Kendra Roulet. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.
Reanna Smith is the daughter of Lowren Smith, and Preston and Kim Smith. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.
Mattie Dorsey is the daughter of Carla and the late Gerald Dorsey. She has been in Sandite Cheer for three years.
Claire Smith is the daughter of Janet and Kelly Smith. She has been in Sandite Cheer for two years.
Stevie Courrier is the daughter of Anastasia Mollenhauer and Samuel Courrier and has been in the color guard for four years. After graduation she plans on being productive.
Jessica Essley is the daughter of Susan Areneault and Reanna Phillips and has played flute in band for seven years. After graduation she plans on working hard.
Bryce Gregory is the son of Johnny and Buffy Gregory. He has played percussion in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on attending the University of Oklahoma.
Brooklyn Jines is the daughter of Donna and Tom Jines. She has been in color guard for three years and plans on studying Environmental Engineering after graduation.
Kerrigan Koss is the daughter of Michelle Beyard. She has been in color guard for two years. After graduation she plans on becoming an EMT.
Zachary Moreo is the son of Brittany and Manny Jiminez and has played trombone in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on being an astronaut.
Quinn Paden is the daughter of Wendy and Todd Paden. She has played percussion and held positions of leadership in the band for seven years. After graduation she plans on studying psychology.
Delaney Roberts is the daughter of Todd Roberts and Tonya Lawley. She has played saxophone in band for seven years. After graduation she plans to study nursing.
Carl Wilkerson is the son of Leonard and Laura Wilkerson. He has played saxophone and held positions of responsibility in band for three years. After graduation he plans on attending Oklahoma Baptist University.
Zander Zieman is the son of Michelle Nicholas and Clifford Love. He has played trumpet and baritone in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on attending Wichita State University to study Music Composition and Performance.
Unavailable for photo was Lincoln Medlin. Lincoln is the son of Joseph and Joyce Medlin. He has played trumpet in band for eight years. After graduation he plans on learning more about the culinary and restaurant industry.
Jacob Weathers, Alyssa Crutcher, Zach Heinen, and Kale Hilligoss.
The first queen candidate is Alyssa Crutcher. Alyssa is the daughter of Kendall and Shannon Crutcher. She has been a band member for 4 years.
Her first escort is Jacob Weathers. Jacob is the son of Ron and Laura Weathers. He has been a member of varsity football for 3 years.
Her second escort is Zach Heinen. Zach is the son of Alisha Heinen and Zane Pidcock. He has been a member of varsity football for 3 years.
Her last escort is Kale Hilligoss. Kale is the son of Kieth and Ronee Hilligoss. He has been a member of varsity football for 3 years.
Shawn Brauer, Samuel Higgins, Sara Nance, Kyle Hilligoss.
The next queen candidate is Sara Nance. Sara is the daughter of Steve and Lori Nance. She has been a member of the CPHS Drumline for 4 years.
Her first escort is Shawn Brauer. Shawn is the son of Glen and Tiffany Brauer. He has been a member of varsity football for 3 years.
Her second escort is Samuel Higgins. Sam is the son of Willie and Teresa Higgins. He has been a member of varsity football for 3 years.
Her last escort is Kyle Hilligoss. Kyle is the son of Kieth and Ronee Hilligoss. He has been a member of varsity football for 3 years.
Trevin Corona, Kylin Coonce, Bryson Chase, JaRighteous Evans.
The next queen candidate is Kylin Coonce. Kylin is the daughter of Sarah Coonce. She has been a football manager for 4 years.
Her first escort is Trevin Corona. Trevin is the son of Ashley Corona. He has been a member of varsity football for 1 year.
Her next escort is Bryson Chase. Bryson is the son of John and Krystal Chase. He has been a member of varsity football for 3 years.
Her last escort is JaRighteous Evans. JaRighteous is the son of Anthony and Shannon Evans. He has been a member of varsity football for 1 year.
Corri Evans, Ian Britt.
The next queen candidate is Corri Evans. Corri is the daughter of Rikki Evans. She has been a varsity cheerleader for 3 years.
Her first escort is Ian Britt. Ian is the son of Allan Britt and Stepanie Ledbetter. He has been a member of varsity football for 3 years.
Not pictured is Jamon Sisco. Jamon is the son of Jelani Sisco and Samico Morgan. He has been a member of varsity football for 2 years.
Tyyee Atkison, Mattie Dorsey, Noah Gourd, Micah Calico)
The next queen candidate is Mattie Dorsey. Mattie is the daughter of Carla Dorsey and the late Gerald Dorsey. She has been a varsity cheerleader for 3 years.
Her first escort is Tyyee Atkison. Tyyee is the son of Katherine Atkison. He has been a member of varsity football for 2 years.
Her next escort is Noah Gourd. Noah is the son of Richard and Kelly Gourd. He has been a member of varsity football for 3 years.
Her last escort is Micah Calico. Micah is the son of Bobby and Casey Duck. He has been a member of varsity football for 3 years.
Daren Hawkins, Reanna Smith, Caden Harris, Nate Caseboldt.
The next queen candidate is Reanna Smith. Reanna is the daughter of Preston Smith and Lowren Smith. She has been a member of varsity dance for 2 years.
Her first escort is Daren Hawkins. Daren is the son of Durrell Hawkins and Sacora Poncil. Daren has been a member of varsity football for 4 years.
Her next escort is Caden Harris. Caden is the son of Sherman and Megan Faulkner. He has been a member of varsity football for 3 years.
Her last escort is Nate Caseboldt. Nate is the son of Tony Caseboldt and Autumn Tracy. He has been a member of varsity football for 3 years.
Bryson Wooten, Kali Baker, Ryan Johnson.
The next queen candidate is Kali Baker. Kali is the granddaughter of Ronald Baker and Lois Deppe. She has been a football manager for 3 years.
Her first escort is is Bryson Wooten. He is the son of Jeff and Rachel Wooten. He has been a member of varsity football for 3 years.
Her next escort is Ryan Johnson. Ryan is the son of Tom and Stephanie Johnson. He has been a member of varsity football for 3 years.
Not pictured is Jacinto Rodriguez. Jacinto is the son of Lacey Rodriguez and Jacinto Rodriguez. He has been a member of varsity football for 2 years.
Alex Favela, Madeline Bateman, Brycen Peterman, Lane Webster.
The final queen candidate is Madeline Bateman. She is the daughter of Lance and Melanie Bateman. She has been a member of varsity dance for 2 years.
Her first escort is Alex Favela. Alex is the son of Pete and Terri Lowe. He has been a member of varsity football for 3 years.
Her next escort is Brycen Peterman. Brycen is the son of Chad Peterman and Candice Hopkins and Shelly Flores. He has been a member of varsity football for 2 years.
Her last escort is Lane Webster. Lane is the son of Adam Webster and Sarah Jordan. He has been a member of varsity football for 3 years.
Parker Ross, Sango Whitehorn, Drew Bivin, Hudson O’Dell.
The little princess is Drew Bivin. Drew is the son of Ryan and Lindsay Bivin. She wants to be a doctor when she grows up.
The first little prince is Parker Ross. Parker Ross is the son of Jordan Ross and Lindsay Whittenburg. He wants to be a Marine when he grows up.
The second little prince is Hudson O’Dell. Hudson is the son of Josh and Haley O’Dell. He wants to be a dirt bike racer when he grows up.
Their first escort (not pictured) is Thomas Huckelberry. Thomas is the son of Cheryl Rettig and USMC Staff Seargent Michael Rettig.
Their second escort (not pictured) is Greg Reed. Greg is the son of John and Melissa Reed. He has been a member of varsity football for 1 year.
The Kissing Captain is Sango Whitehorn. Sango is the son of Sango and Lisa Whitehorn and the special son of Adam and Amanda Dudley. He has been a member of varsity football for 4 years.
The Sand Springs Homecoming Parade is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Thursday in downtown Sand Springs. The Homecoming Queen will be crowned Friday before the 7:00 p.m. game against Muskogee. Festivities will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the Church That Matters Tailgate Event, benefitting Sandite Wrestling.
Charles Page High School alumni and former University of Oklahoma Head Football Coach John Blake, 59, died July 23rd from a heart attack. There will be three visitations for the Sandite and Sooner before he is interred at Green Acres Memorial Gardens in Skiatook.
Friendship West Baptist Church at 2020 West Wheatland Road in Dallas will be hosting a visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, August 8th followed by a Celebratory Service from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
A second visitation will be held at the Ed Dubie Field House at 600 North Adams Road in Sand Springs. That event will be Sunday, August 9th from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
On Monday, August 10th a third visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc. at 1414 North Norfolk venue in Tulsa. Finally, a graveside service will be held Monday at Green Acres Memorial Gardens at 12410 North Yale Avenue in Skiatook.
Blake graduated from Charles Page High School in 1979 where he was a four-year letterman at fullback and nose guard. He was an All-Conference, All-Metro, and All-State selection his junior and senior years, and was the Most Valuable Player in the 1979 All-State game.
He was a three-year letterman at nose guard for the University of Oklahoma and was twice named Big 8 Defensive Player of the Week. He also made the All-Big 8 Second Team. He graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree and remained at OU as a graduate assistant until 1987.
Blake was an assistant coach at the University of Tulsa, the University of Oklahoma, and for the Dallas Cowboys, helping Dallas win two Super Bowls before returning to Oklahoma as Head Coach for three seasons. He was inducted into the Sand Springs Education Association Hall of Fame in 1996. He also coached for Mississippi State, Nebraska, North Carolina, and the Buffalo Bills before retiring in 2016.
The coach leaves behind his wife Freda, his son Jourdan, his mother Dorothy, and five siblings.
John Blake, a Charles Page High School alumni and former player and coach at the University of Oklahoma, reportedly died of a heart attack Thursday morning at the age of 59. The news was broken by News 9 Sports Director Dean Blevins.
Blake was the son of James and Dorothy Blake and graduated from CPHS in 1979. He was a four-year letterman at fullback and nose guard under Head Coach A.D. James. He was named to the All-Conference, All-Metro, and All-State teams his junior and senior years and was the Most Valuable Player in the 1979 All-State Game.
Blake was recruited by University of Oklahoma Head Coach Barry Switzer and was a three-year letterman at nose guard. He was twice named the Big 8 Defensive Player of the Week and was named to the All-Big 8 Second Team. He graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences degree and remained at OU as a graduate assistant from 1984 to 1987.
In 1988 Blake became an assistant coach at the University of Tulsa, then returned to OU from 1989 to 1992 as an assistant coach. In 1993 he was named the Defensive Line Coach for the Dallas Cowboys, helping the team to two Super Bowl wins.
Blake was inducted into the Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame in 1996. He once again returned to his alma mater in 1996, this time as Head Coach. In three seasons leading the Sooners he amassed a 12-22 record, but saw success in recruiting, despite the poor record. Over half of Bob Stoops’s 2000 National Championship team starters were recruited by Blake.
Blake never again held a Head Coaching position, returning to his old position as Defensive Line Coach for Mississippi State, Nebraska, North Carolina, and the Buffalo Bills before retiring in 2016.
Sandite Pride News, LLC is a locally owned and operated Sand Springs, Oklahoma news source, serving the community since 2014.
What is Sandite Pride News?
Sandite Pride is the only locally owned and operated news source for Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Sandite Pride News was founded in 2014 by Scott Emigh. The site is primarily focused on Sandite sports, Sand Springs city development, events, and community news.
