2019 Okie West Prep Sports Preview - Fall Edition

2019 Okie West
Prep Sports Preview
2019
Fall Edition
FOOTBALL • FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL • CROSS COUNTRY
“There is only one way to succeed in
anything…and that is to give it everything.”
–Vince Lombardi
2019 Okie West Prep Sports Preview - Page 2

A Letter from the Editor of
the 2019 Okie West Fall
Prep Sports Preview
I want to take a moment to thank you for purchas‐
ing the first‐ever edition of our Okie West Prep
Sports Preview. This magazine gives readers cover‐
Table of Contents
age of western Oklahoma fall prep sports including
football, fast‐pitch softball, and cross country in the
Western region of the state.
As a staff, this was our first foray into a maga‐ 4.) Staff Football Predictions 35.) Bridge Creek Football
zine, something we’ve always wanted to try to work 5.) Okeene Football Feature 36.) Heritage Hall Football
into our annual production plan. We plan to grow 8.) Watonga Football 37.) John Marshall Football
10.) Hinton Football 39.) KIngfisher Football
this publication every year with the possibility of 12.) Geary Football 41.) Mannford Football
adding a spring magazine each year, to enable a fall 14.) Cordell Football 42.) Mount St. Mary Football
and spring sports preview. 16.) Fairview Football 43.)Perkins-Tryon Football
With that being said, allow me to introduce the 18.) Thomas Football 44.) Weatherford Cross Country
20.) Canton Football 45.) Binger-Oney Fast-Pitch Feature
2019 edition of the Okie West Prep Sports Preview. 22.) Hooker Fast-Pitch 47.) Watonga Fast-Pitch
This magazine that you have just picked up is the 23.) Anadarko Football 48.) Hinton Fast-Pitch
absolute best in‐depth preview that has ever been 24.) Cache Football 49.) Geary Fast-Pitch
on this side of the state. This magazine is a must‐ 25.) Chickasha Football 50.) Cordell Fast-Pitch
26.) Clinton Football 51.) Clinton Fast-Pitch
read for every high school fan, coach, and player. 28.) Elgin Football 52.) Elk City Fast-Pitch
This magazine is packed. Plain and simple. A wealth 29.) Elk City Football 53.) Fairview Fast-Pitch
of area football, softball and cross‐country teams. 30.) Newcastle Football 54.) Kingfisher Fast-Pitch
31.) Weatherford Football 55.) Thomas Fast-Pitch
We obtained information on every single one of
32.) OBA, Seiling & Mooreland Football 56.)Weatherford Fast-Pitch
these high schools as we strive to add more teams 33.) Kingfisher Cross Country 57.) Mooreland Cross Country
and coverage for the years to come. Our efforts can 34.) Blackwell Football 58.) Watonga Cross Country
be annoying for some coaches and administrators.
For that, we humbly apologize.
This magazine would not be possible without the
team at Central Oklahoma Publications. Brett Wes‐
ner for believing in us and allowing us to make this
Central Oklahoma Publications
publication.
I’d also like to thank our Group Publisher, Eric
104 E. Main St. Watonga, OK 73772
Warsinskey, for helping with the production and
our General Manager, Kimberly Jenkins, for helping Group Publisher: Eric Warsinskey
with sales and production. Editor: Chad Waters
I’d also like to tip my cap to my fellow writers on Page Design: Eric Warsinskey, and Chad Waters
the project Kyle Batt, Bob Henline, Andrew Salmi, Sales Director: Kim Jenkins
and Eric Warsinskey.
Thanks to all the coaches for being helpful, taking Advertising Design: Kim Jenkins
time out of their busy schedules as well as the con‐ Contributing Writers: Kyle Batt, Bob Henline, An-
tributing photographers, who provided these awe‐ drew Salmi, Eric Warsinskey, and Chad Waters
some photos featured in this magazine.
As a staff, we’d like to thank our sponsors and ad‐
vertisers for without them this magazine would not
Contact Information:
be possible.
www.WatongaRepublican.com
You can contact me directly with any questions,
concerns, or information you may have at
104 E. Main St. Watonga, OK 73772
Chad@WatongaRepublican.com. 580-623-4922
‐ Chad Waters

2019 Staff Predictions
CLASS 4A CLASS 3A
STATE CHAMP: STATE CHAMP:
Bethany Heritage Hall
STATE RUNNER-UP: STATE RUNNER-UP:
Tuttle Plainview
FINAL FOUR: FINAL FOUR:
Bethany Heritage Hall
Tuttle District 3A-1 Plainview
Blanchard Predictions Sulphur
Clinton Kingfisher
1.) Heritage Hall
SLEEPER TEAMS: SLEEPER TEAMS:
2.) Kingfisher
Weatherford District 4A-1 3.) John Marshall John Marshall
Bristow Predictions 4.) Perkins-Tryon Vinta
OFFENSIVE MVP: 1.) Clinton 5.) Mannford OFFENSIVE MVP:
Sam Brandt, Bethany 2.) Weatherford 6.) Blackwell Blake Nowell, Plainview
DEFENSIVE MVP: 3.) Cache 7.) Mount St. Mary DEFENSIVE MVP:
Ethan Downs, Weatherford 4.) Anadarko 8.) Bridge Creek Will Dunn, Heritage Hall
5.) Newcastle
CLASS A 6.) Chickasha District A-3 CLASS B
7.) Elgin Predictions
STATE CHAMP: 1.) Cashion STATE CHAMP:
2.) Minco
8.) Elk City
Cashion 3.) Christian Heritage Academy Shattuck
District A-1 4.) Watonga
5.) Crossings Christian
STATE RUNNER-UP: STATE RUNNER-UP:
Predictions 6.) Crescent
7.) Oklahoma Christian Academy
Rejoice Christian Regent Prep
1.)Thomas Fay Custer
2.)Hooker
FINAL FOUR: FINAL FOUR:
3.) Fairview
Cashion
4.) Oklahoma Bible Academy District B-1 Shattuck
5.) Texhoma Predictions
6.) Mooreland
Rejoice Christian Regent Prep
1.) Shattuck
2.) Laverne
Minco Laverne
3.) Turpin
4.) Seiling
Thomas Carnegie
SLEEPER TEAMS: District A-2 5.) Canton SLEEPER TEAMS:
Frederick Predictions Alex
1.) Frederick District B-3
2.) Hobart
Hobart Depew
3.) Mangum Predictions
4.) Merritt 1.) Carnegie
OFFENSIVE MVP: OFFENSIVE MVP:
2.) Alex
Carson Bullard, CHA 5.) Hinton 3.) Cyril
Tatton Anderson, Alex
6.) Cordell 4.) Snyder
7.) Sayre 5.) Burns Flat-Dill City
DEFENSIVE MVP: DEFENSIVE MVP:
Andrew Houk, Fairview 6.) Geary John Bay, Shattuck

NWOK_SM_005_Layout 1 9/4/2019 5:15 PM Page 1
OHS
Okeene Whippets transition to
8-man with new head coach in 2019 football participants at 14,079 out in 2020, Okeene could play
schools in 2017. 8-man football against a Class
The one growth area in foot- C schedule. But throughout the
ball is 8-player participation, years, the Whippets would vol-
which is at an all-time high of unteer for what should be unfair
19,662 players on 847 teams (it fights in Class A’s 11-man game,
was 16,132 players on 749 against schools with vastly
teams when 11-player participa- larger selection of players.
tion peaked in 2009-10). But it’s not so much that the
At Okeene, the Whippets fell Whippet’s football program de-
to 19 players in the fall of 2018, clined an optional move to 8-
and they formed a co-op with man every two seasons when
Aline-Cleo, receiving four more districts and classes are reshuf-
players. They still went 4-6 last fles that’s notable. It’s that they
season, but it was a struggle never seem all that hindered by
J
late in the season. it, which is in large part due to
Although Okeene’s school one person who spent 25 years
Photo by Nate Billings board voted to make the change coaching the Whippet’s pro-
Former Okeene coach Jeff Wardlaw talks with his team during for the upcoming season, they gram.
a December practice in 2007. also voted to continue playing Jeff Wardlaw
11-man football at the middle- Wardlaw started coaching at
eff Wardlaw felt it year, joining Beaver, Hollis, school level with hopes of re- Okeene in 1989 and became
should’ve been done sev- Velma-Alma, Wellston, and turning to the 11-man ranks in the head coach two years later
eral years ago. He saw no Northeast, which is becoming the near future. in 1991. Since retiring after the
other way to save not only Classen SAS in the fall. There is no giving up in the 2014 season, Wardlaw finished
football but other athletic pro- Okeene and Velma-Alma community and school system with a 207-78 record (72.63-win
grams at Okeene High School. faced off in the Class A (11-man) who have requested to play 11- percentage), which was a part in
The Whippets elected to go to title game in 2006 with the man football for years, ignoring earning a spot in the Oklahoma
the eight-man football level this Whippets defeating the Comets, an average attendance below Coaches Hall of Fame. Wardlaw
past March. The game of foot- 24-14, and then winning the fol- 100 students. is tied for 34th for most wins all-
ball has forever been a commu- lowing year again in 2007 Okeene High School, as time in Oklahoma, and of the 33
nity rallying point and the against Woodland. Hollis coaches ahead of Wardlaw less
measured by the 2019-20 than half have a better winning
lifeblood to athletic programs hoisted the golden ball in 11- OSSAA’s official average daily
across the country. The football man as recently as 2013 but in percentage.
membership (ADM) numbers, Wardlaw had only one losing
program has been that and five years were forced to drop the same scale the OSSAA season (4-6 in 1996) and only
more for the hyper-competitive down to the 8-man ranks. uses to slot teams into compet- one other non-plus .500 record
community of Okeene, whose “When you’ve got programs itive classes, represents a stu- (5-5 in 1999) in his nearly 25-
football program dates back to with rich football traditions mak- dent body of around 78, which year tenure. The Whippets
1957. But to keep football on the ing that request, we know we’ve makes them the 386th-largest missed the playoffs those two
field the game needs to become got serious number issues,” Oklahoma high school meas- seasons, which would only hap-
smaller. said OSSAA Sports Information ured out of 479. pen one more time under Ward-
As participation numbers Director Ivan Van Shea. “We To explain it better, Okeene’s law. The only other year the
dwindle, it’s safer and smarter hope we’ve seen the worst drop official ADM, 78.06 for the 2019 Whippets failed to make the
for the small school in the rural in participation numbers, and season, is smaller than Class A playoffs was a 6-4 campaign in
town of fewer than 1,200 resi- we hope to see those numbers champion Tonkawa by 107.68, 2000, a season Okeene was in
dents. Wardlaw, the school’s as- climb again.” smaller than Class B champion the same district as state run-
sistant principal, believes if According to the National Shattuck (108.79) and lower still ner-up Apache and quarterfinal-
football ceases then other boys’ Federation of State High School than Class C champion Tipton ist Thomas.
programs will suffer. Not having Associations data, less than (90.01). If the Whippet’s played In 2005, Wardlaw explored
football could lead to them 1.04 million high school stu- the same Class A schedule this the possibility of transitioning to
transferring elsewhere. dents played football in 2017, season, on average, they would a full-time administrative posi-
In a time where football partic- which is a 2 percent drop from tion. Instead, with his son Brady
play opponents with an ADM of entering his senior season and
ipation is on the decline nation- 2016. Numbers for 2018 have 153.09, nearly doubling the
ally, it’s starting to hit close to not been released. In the past Brady’s younger brothers Brock
Whippet’s regular membership. and Bret not far behind, Ward-
home in a big way. decade, the 11-player football Last year’s largest school in law stayed with the team.
The Whippets are joined by participants are down 6.5 per- Class A, Crossings Christian in “I got to thinking, I’ve coached
five other schools the Oklahoma cent from its peak in 2009-10, OKC, tripled Okeene’s ADP with everybody else’s kids for so
Secondary School Activities As- which was at a top of 1,110,527 251.90. many years here, and now I
sociation (OSSAA) has allowed football players at 14,226 When the new districts come have an opportunity to
to drop 11-man football for next schools compared to 1,039,079

OHS
coach my own,” Wardlaw said. “I to-back championships in 2006 community that has a football tra- “When I started playing football
got the best seat in the house to and 2007. Brady led Okeene’s dition, and it really means some- that’s what we had,” Miller said.
watch my kids, and I sure would nontraditional spread offense at thing to them,” Wardlaw said. “I “I’m pretty familiar with it. We’ve
have screwed that up had I gone quarterback in 2006, where he always had at least one or two been stressing, especially with
the other direction.” completed 169 passes for 2,826 coaches who were football guys our seniors, that they aren’t play-
Wardlaw’s biggest thrills came and tied for most passing touch- on staff, which was very helpful. ing for a district title or state cham-
throughout the next two years downs in the state that same sea- And we were able to keep our pionship this year, but what
with the Whippets winning back- son with 32. In 2006 and 2007, coaching staff together for a long legacy are they going to leave.”
Brock was one of the Whippet’s time. A lot of consistency there, Year one into the transition is
leading receivers. The Whippets which really helped. And we had going to be crucial for the Whip-
made a third-straight champi- some really hard-working good pets, which will help Okeene suc-
onship appearance in 2008 but kids who were good, maybe not ceed once they get an 8-man
fell short to Morrison 13-9. great athletes, but wanted to be district next season.
Since then, Okeene hasn’t successful playing at football be- OFFENSE
been back to the championship cause we had a tradition here.” One of the most significant
game. However, they continued to The 22 Whippet players on the changes into 8-man football
make the playoffs with a streak of high school roster will transition comes on the scoreboard. With
14-straight appearances from from 11-man to 8-man while the just one safety and fewer defen-
2001-2014 despite having one of four seniors will play under a sive linemen, skill players like re-
the lowest ADMs in Class A. fourth new head coach. ceivers and running backs are
“We had a couple of years dur- primed for big games. It’s not un-
ing that time where we dipped common for eight-man teams to
under 20 kids,” Wardlaw said. run the no-huddle offense and
“But, for the most part, we were score more than 60 points in one
OKEENE able to stay around 28 to 33 kids
out. For many of those years, we
night.
And that’s exactly what coach
WHIPPETS
were at the bottom, it not, the bot- Miller wants to do with his up-
tom in participation for 11-man tempo offense with a solid core of
football, especially the last 10 athletes led by Jess Gambill (6’0”,
years I coached.”
2019 FOOTBALL Okeene came the closest in
140 lbs.) getting the ball, whether
it’s at the quarterback, running
SCHEDULE Wardlaw’s tenure to an 8-man
move before the most recent dis-
back, or wide receiver position.
The senior leader and athlete will
8-30 vs. Maud trict movement after the 2013 look to spread the ball around to
season. The Whippets’ ADM hov- guys like junior wide receiver Cole
9-6 vs. Hollis ered in the mid-70s at the time, Schmidt (6’0”, 140 lbs.) and soph-
and even with a participation rate Okeene coach Chad Miller omore tight end Miles Howe (6’2”,
9-13 at Balko of better than 70 percent among
Next Chapter 180 lbs.).
the school’s boys, Wardlaw, and “[Cole] can get into space and
9-20 vs. Regent Prep the administrators had to enter- Growing up in nearby Canton,
Chad Miller knew about the tradi- catch a lot of passes this season,”
tain thoughts of dropping. Miller said. “[Miles] is tall and is
10-4 at Wellston “I think it was mentioned at tion of Okeene football. A 2013
going to be an easy target to hit.”
school board meetings, but it was Canton graduate, Miller saw the
10-11 at Beaver Whippets win back-to-back state When Gambill isn’t playing run-
never put on the agenda to vote ning back, senior Erik Gutierrez
on,” Wardlaw said. “It was just championships in 2006 and 2007
10-17 at Hollis when he was in middle school. (5’8”, 160 lbs.) will get the majority
talked about off and on through- of the carries in the backfield.
out the years.” Miller took the job in May, a
10-25 vs. Beaver Even then, nothing was immi- month after the school board’s pe- Blocking for Gutierrez in the run-
tition to the OSSAA to drop to 8- ning game and Gambill in the
11-1 at Velma-Alma nent. Okeene drew 30 players, passing game will be sophomore
and the Whippets went 10-2, los- man was approved. A former
assistant at Enid High School the guard Sam Halverson (6’2”, 200
11-8 vs. Wellston** ing 14-7 in the second round of
past two years, Miller is excited to lbs.), senior center Johnathan
the Class A playoffs to Cashion, Hood (5’8”, 180 lbs.), and senior
and the topic never was ad- be the Whippets’ new coach even
*Homecoming though Okeene won’t be going to guard Matthew Montez (6’0”, 215
dressed with Okeene’s school lbs.).
the playoffs this season after
**Senior Night board during the rest of Ward-
choosing to drop to 8-man and be DEFENSE
law’s tenure. On defense, the Whippets will
However, in his last two sea- an independent team until they
run a base 3-2 and line up in zone
2018 RECORD sons, like the participation, Ward- are moved into Class B or C be-
fore the start of next season. man coverages depending on
law’s energy dwindled. It was one what the offense gives them, ac-
of the reasons he retired from the “As a young coach, or with any
coach, it’s your ultimate goal to be cording to Miller.
job he held since 1991. Since Gambill and Schmidt will start
Wardlaw’s retirement in 2014, the a head coach one day,” Miller
said. “And whenever you get that the cornerback positions while
Whippets have struggled, going Howe joins them in the secondary
15-27 in the past four seasons opportunity, you take it. Okeene
6 has a tradition with football, and at safety. Gutierrez will move to
Losses with zero playoff appearances. linebacker, and Austin Jordan
Wardlaw attributes a lot of his I’m happy to be a part of that and
keep the tradition while establish- (5’8”, 195 lbs.) will get that start at
4 team’s success over the years defensive end.
due to work ethic, enthusiasm, ing a new legacy in 8-man foot-
Wins ball.” Look for Okeene to adjust
and consistency. And the Whip- quickly and be competitive in 8-
pets have lacked the latter the Miller said being an 8-man
player has helped him with the man football. And eventually, be-
past four seasons as they now come a household name in 8-man
enter 2019 with their fourth coach transition. He said the learning
curve hasn’t been that difficult for football once Miller establishes
in five years. continuity in Okeene.
“First and foremost, I came to a him or the team.
-Chad Waters

Supporting Tradition.
Supporting Oklahoma.
In The Next
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Fairview Convenience Store: 580-227-2480

WHS
No room for error as Eagles battle
in Class A’s toughest district in 2019
T
he Watonga High linebacker. He is a Watonga senior
School varsity football hard hitter who racked QB Michael
team returns in 2019 up 102 tackles, four Reza (below).
with its sights set on sacks and 12 tackles
making a return to the playoffs for loss last season.
after missing them last season Making the switch
at 4-6. from cornerback to
Now in his third season at the safety this season will
helm of the Eagles’ football pro- be Stratton, who led
gram, Watonga head coach Zac Watonga with four in-
Maynard has compiled an 11-11 terceptions and 22
overall record over his first two tackles. At cornerback,
years, which includes a thrilling Kearney will be paired
42-35 victory over Okeene High on the outside with
WATONGA School in the first round of the Whiteshirt to cover op-
Class A playoffs in 2017. posing teams’ top wide
EAGLES receivers.
OFFENSE Junior defensive
2019 FOOTBALL Heading into the 2019 sea-
son, Watonga senior quarter-
lineman Kyle Brown
(6’1”, 240 lbs.) was a
SCHEDULE back Michael Reza (5’8”, 155 monster on defense
9-6 vs. Cordell lbs.) returns as the starter at the for the Eagles in 2018
helm of Maynard’s offense, as just a sophomore,
9-13 at Alva which will have a heavy empha- racking up eight sacks
9-20 vs. Crossings Christian*
sis on running the football and and 124 tackles.
mixing in the quarterback, run- Expect Watonga to
9-27 vs. Crescent* ning back and fullback option make improvements
plays. this season and to
10-4 at Minco* In 10 starts at quarterback for compete for a playoff
10-11 vs. OBA** the Eagles, Reza ran wild with spot in the highly com-
1,120 rushing yards and a petitive District 3 of
10-17 vs. Texhoma whopping 15 touchdowns on the Class A in 2019.
10-25 vs. Cashion*** ground. -Andrew Salmi Photo by Eric Warsinskey
Senior running back Dalton Watonga senior
11-1 at Christian Heritage* Laird (5’11”, 175 lbs.) and soph- running back
11-8 at OCA* omore running back Joe Jack- Dalton Laird (left).
son, along with senior fullback
*District Game Joe Rinehart (6’0”, 210 lbs.), are
**Homecoming expected to share carries and
rack up yards on the ground
***Senior Night with Reza.
Laird will be the featured run-
2018 RECORD ning back in the offense, as the
incoming senior had 892 yards
and 12 rushing touchdowns in
2018.
In the passing game wil be
6 seniors Elijah Kearney (6’3”,
Losses 180 lbs.), Blaine Stratton (5’8”,
150 lbs.), and Sebastian
4 Whiteshirt while senior center
Wins Wade McCrary (6’2”, 205 lbs.)
will anchor the offensive line.
DEFENSE
On defense, expect Laird to
make a huge impact at inside Photo by Chad Waters
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HHS
Hinton looks to flip the script this
season by getting off to a quick start
T
HINTON
COMETS
Photo by Eric Warsinskey
he Hinton High School offensive line for the Comets.
2019 FOOTBALL varsity football team is Gonzalez was selected last sea-
SCHEDULE looking for its first win- son to the all-district team for
ning season since 2012 Class A-District 2. With great
8-30 at Walters and begins 2019 under first-year size and a lot of potential on
9-6 vs. Mooreland head coach Grant Potter. both sides of the ball, Luke and
Although the Comets’ 2018 Seth Spady (6’2”, 235 lbs.)
9-13 at Thomas-Fay-Custer season finished at a disappoint- should see plenty of action
9-20 at Texhoma ing 1-9 mark and the team will catching passes from Dahlen-
be in a rebuilding year, four- burg.
9-27 vs. Hobart* straight losses late in the sea-
10-4 at Merritt* son were by one possession. As DEFENSE
the year went on, there was a On defense, expect Dahlen-
10-11 vs. Cordell** noticeable improvement for Hin- burg and Seth Spady to be the
10-17 vs. Mangum* ton on both offense and de- heart and soul for the Comets at
fense. their linebacker positions. In the
10-25 at Sayre* defensive secondary, sopho-
11-8 vs. Frederick*** OFFENSE more Jaxon Pate (6’0”, 160 lbs.)
For this upcoming 2019 sea- will start at free safety while Bol-
*District Game son, the Comets’ offense in- ing and fellow senior Trenton
tends to use senior Dagen Lusk (6’0”, 165 lbs.) return as
**Homecoming
Boling (5’9”, 150 lbs.) frequently starters in the secondary from
***Senior Night at different positions on both of-
fense and defense. Boling will
2018 RECORD split time at wide receiver and Photos by Eric Warsinskey
running back on offense while
making the switch from safety to
9 cornerback on defense.
Losses Whether it will be catching a Hinton senior wide receiver
pass from fellow senior quarter- Dagen Boling (above).
back Denton Dahlenburg (6’0”, last season’s squad. It will be
180 lbs.) or taking a handoff up- very interesting to see how this
field for positive yardage, Potter 2019 Comets’ football team de-
intends to get Boling at least 20- velops under Potter after they
plus touches per game for Hin- ended last season on a high
1 ton’s offense. Seniors Aaron note and had a strong offsea-
Win Gonzalez (5’11”, 240 lbs.) and son heading the 2019 season.
Andrew Boyton (5’9”, 205 lbs.) Hinton sophomore defensive -Andrew Salmi
will return as starters along the end Seth Spady (above).
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GHS
Young Bison team looks to improve
G
around new senior quarterback
eary High School’s in 2018 at quarterback, will DEFENSE
varsity football team make the switch back to wide On defense, sophomore de-
will look to get back to receiver and should be Holt’s fensive lineman Thad Hicks re-
its winning ways this top target. turns after a monstrous 2018 in
2019 season after a disappoint- Junior running back Tyre which he led the team in tackles
ing 1-9 finish in a 2018 year that Richey (5’9”, 180 lbs.) is antici- with 83 and a whopping 13.0
was plagued by injuries. pated to get a bulk of the carries sacks in nine games played.
At the helm will be Bison head for the Bison, while senior tight Sophomore defensive back
coach Steven Wilson, who en- end Gabe Kiener (5’10”, 180 Major Lewis (5’8”, 160 lbs.) will
ters his sixth year with the lbs.) should be another solid tar- also make a big impact in the
Geary football program. get for Holt in the passing game. secondary, as he finished with
Richey had a huge breakout 54 tackles and a team-high
OFFENSE performance last season three interceptions as a fresh-
The Bison will be led on of- against the Alex High School man in the 2018 season.
This 2019 Geary squad will
GEARY fense by senior quarterback Longhorns back in October
look to make noticeable im-
Landon Holt, a standout wrestler when he rushed for 135 yards
BISON at Geary, who returns to the on 14 touches (9.6 yards per
provements from last in Class B,
with the lone Bison victory being
football program after a two- carry) with two touchdowns on a lopsided 50-20 home win over
year hiatus. the ground. He also had three
2019 FOOTBALL Senior Max Glasgow (5’10”, receptions for 59 yards and one
Corn Bible Academy during the
second game of the year.
SCHEDULE 180 lbs.), who returns after he touchdown reception against
9-5 at Canton started all 10 games for Geary Alex. -Andrew Salmi
9-13 at Corn Bible Academy

9-20 vs. Waynoka
9-27 at Garber
10-4 vs. Pioneer-Pleasant Vale**
10-11 at Cyril*
10-17 vs. Alex*
10-25 vs. Snyder***
11-1 at BFDC*
11-8 at Carnegie*
*District Game
**Homecoming
***Senior Night
2018 RECORD
9
Losses
1
Win
Photo by Chad Waters
Supporting
Oklahoma’s Next
Generation of
Athletes.
Oklahoma
Strong.
Nobody
who ever gave his best
regretted it.
George Halas
(1895 – 1983, former player, coach, owner

and pioneer in professional American football)
Abstract & Guaranty Inc • 100 W Main St, Watonga, OK 73772 • 580-623-5017

CHS
New coach, new system, and new
T
feel for Cordell Blue Devil’s program
he Cordell Cordell junior running back opener against Moore-
Blue Devils Dane Corbin (below). land.”
have a new
coach this OFFENSE
year, and with a new Trammell’s new sys-
coach comes an en- tem will feature a ton of
tirely new system. misdirection plays in the
Head Coach Zane pistol offense. Leading
Trammell started his the Blue Devil’s offense
tenure at Cordell with will be senior quarter-
a new strength and back J.J. Addington
conditioning program (6’1”, 165 lbs.). Adding-
and hosted a camp for ton is versatile enough to
his players this offsea- play wide receiver as
CORDELL son to learn it all. well for a change of
Trammell’s off-sea- pace, giving Trammell
BLUE DEVILS son focus was getting the option to implement
his players in shape to Addington in many ways
take the field. He this season.
2019 FOOTBALL brought in Cordell Cordell’s full-time wide
SCHEDULE graduate and Univer- receivers will be senior
sity of Oklahoma Alex Grissom (6’1”, 165
8-30 vs. Mooreland strength and condi- lbs.) and senior Carson
9-6 at Watonga tioning intern Colton Photo by Eric Warsinskey Nickell (6’1”, 145 lbs.).
Henson to create and Two other Cordell ath-
9-13 vs. Rush Springs implement the team’s condition- energy and passion for the game letes to look out for this season
9-20 vs. Thomas ing regimen. For 10 weeks the and for each other, which is a trib- are junior Aden Zhangi (5’10”,
team worked out four days a ute to the community and their 175 lbs.) at running back and jun-
9-27 at Merritt* week, getting themselves in families. ior Dane Corbin (5’7”, 160 lbs.),
10-4 vs. Sayre** shape for the coming season. Trammell and his players had who will line up at multiple posi-
“We had a very difficult sum- the opportunity to work on that tions.
10-11 at Hinton* mer, which included 6 a.m. new program before the season
10-17 vs. Frederick* weights conditioning four days a officially started with a scrimmage DEFENSE
week, Monday through Thurs- at Apache. While scrimmages The middle of the defensive
10-25 at Hobart* day,” Trammell said. “Colton aren’t timed, and scores and sta- line will feature senior Adam Gon-
11-8 vs. Mangum*** Henson came in and created tistics aren’t kept, Trammell said zalez (6’3”, 300 lbs.) at nose
our 10-week program for us. he was happy with what his team guard. Nickell and Zhangi will
*District Game Over that period of time, our av- showed during the outing. start at the outside linebacker po-
erage bench press went up 20 “I was happy with the things sitions while sophomore Stacey
**Homecoming
pounds, and our squat went up that don't make the stat book,” Scarlett (5’11”, 185 lbs.) will start
***Senior Night 30 pounds, which is a huge Trammell said. “Our intangibles, at middle linebacker. Junior
jump in the eyes of strength and such as effort, attitude, tough- Cameron Cochran (6’0”, 200 lbs.)
2018 RECORD conditioning in that relatively ness, and grit, were exactly leads the Blue Devil’s edge rush
small time frame.” where I wanted them to be. I at one of the defensive end spots.
Trammell brings with him a thought our boys played hard and Trammell enters his first sea-
new system and a new ap- physical against a team that is son at Cordell with a lot of young
7 proach, something he taught his traditionally known for being and inexperienced players at key
Losses players at their own summer gritty, tough, and well-coached. positions. But the work put in
camp, also something new to We still have room to improve, throughout the offseason should
Cordell. but we are starting from a good make up for lack of playing time
“We were also able to hold position regarding those aspects last year. Cordell finished one
3 our own summer camp this of the game. We are getting bet- game shy of making the final
Wins year,” Trammell said. “That op- ter mechanically and fundamen- playoff spot in District A-2, and it
portunity gave the athletes a tally every single day of practice; will be a battle again for that final
chance to learn our new system the boys are also quickly catching spot in 2019.
before the start of our season. on schematically. We are excited
The athletes exerted incredible about our season and home -Bob Henline

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FHS
Fairview must replace 11 seniors
from last year’s semifinal team
T
he Fairview Yellowjack- zone. Look for fellow senior les the last two seasons. Junior
ets are looking to follow Bodie Cell (6’2”, 255 lbs.) to an- Parker Chance (5’9”, 150 lbs.)
up their 10-4 2018 sea- chor the offensive line and will play cornerback, where he
son with an equally suc- sophomore Sawyer Hutchison had 12 tackles and four pass
cessful 2019 campaign. Coach to assist him. Sophomore tan- breakups last season, opposite
Robert Bernard’s squad gradu- dem Brenner Fortune (5’10”, of Redhat, who added 41 tack-
ated 13 seniors from last year, 165 lbs.) at quarterback and les and three interceptions last
with 11 being significant contrib- sophomore Brody Wills (6’0”, season. Both Chance and Red-
utors to Fairview’s success. 195 lbs.) at wideout could pro- hat will look to keep opposing
Coming into his fifth season as vide some firepower for the Yel- wide receivers in check.
the Yellowjacket’s head coach, lowjackets offense. Wills made The duo of Fortune and Wills
Bernard is expecting the Yellow- an impact as a freshman wide- occupy the safety positions.
jackets to battle in the trenches, out, bringing in 30 catches for Hutchison tallied 37 tackles and
citing both the offensive and de- 406 yards and four touch- an interception as a freshman
fensive line as strengths of his downs. Fortune also had some and looks to help round out the
FAIRVIEW football team. action as a freshman, rushing linebacking unit this season.
for 105 yards on 19 carries. The Yellowjackets will shift their
YELLOWJACKETS OFFENSE Junior Frank Redhat (6’2”, 165 defensive scheme from a 4-3 to
Leading the younger Yellow- lbs.) may even step into the role a 3-4 and lean into their athletic
2019 FOOTBALL jackets on both sides of the ball
is senior Andrew Houk (6’2”,
of quarterback or running back,
should he be needed.
linebackers and secondary.
Despite their apparent youth,
SCHEDULE 190), who looks to help carry Fairview still returns players
8-30 at Perry the offensive load as running DEFENSE with meaningful experience and
back this season. As a junior, Houk will be the catalyst of are looking to be a competitive
9-6 vs. Chisholm Houk played wideout and the Yellowjackets defense from team this season.
hauled in 13 catches for 208 his linebacker position, where
9-13 at Sayre yards and five trips to the end- he has amassed over 300 tack- -Kyle Batt
9-20 vs. Alva
9-27 vs. Texhoma**
10-4 at Hooker*
10-17 vs. Mooreland*
10-25 at Pawnee
11-1 at Thomas*
11-8 at OBA*
*District Game
**Homecoming
***Senior Night
2018 RECORD
10
Wins
4
Losses
Photo by Travis Barnard

Wishing You
All the
Best This
Supporting Season!
our Community
and Our GO! FIGHT! WIN!
Athletes! Stevens Carpet, Inc.
122 S Main st, Okeene, Oklahoma 73763
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2019 Western Oklahoma Fall Sports Preview - Page 17
THS
Terriers returning talent makes
them district favorites and beyond
Thomas junior about the upcoming sea- The Terriers are in the small-
running back son,” Ward said. “We have est district in Class A with six
Ethan Hamberlin to come together as one teams after the Okeene Whip-
(below). unit. We return a lot of guys pets dropped to 8-man this sea-
who got playing time and son. To fill the void in the
have good team speed.” schedule, the Terriers added a
Senior Dylan Castillo non-district game against the
(5’1”, 260 lbs.) will call the Perry Maroons (8-3 in 2018)
shots at quarterback and from Class 2A as Thomas will
lead the Terrier’s spread of- head two hours northeast for the
fense. Castillo will have the season finale. However, with
warranted task of distribut- only five district opponents in
ing the ball to an athletic Disrict A-1, Thomas has less
group. One playmaker to room for error in 2019.
keep an eye on is junior run- “We hate to lose teams,” Ward
THOMAS-FAY-CUSTER ning back Ethan Hamberlin said. “It’s not a positive situation
(5’10”, 155 lbs.), who racked for the class. And it affects play-
TERRIERS up 692 yards at 6.6 yards offs because you don’t have to
per attempt for 11 scores win as many district games to
2019 FOOTBALL last season.
“[Ethan] has explosive
qualify for the playoffs.”
After falling in the second
SCHEDULE speed and makes big plays round of the playoffs to the even-
8-30 vs. Merritt happen,” Ward said. tual state-runner up Christian
Junior wide receiver Noah Heritage last season, 42-36, the
9-6 vs. Alva Rainwater (6’2”, 150 lbs.) Terriers are primed to add to its
will also build on his three state record of playoff appear-
9-13 vs. Hinton touchdowns, 52 receiving ances in 2019.
9-20 at Cordell yards and 60 rushing yards
T
from last year. Blocking for -Chad Waters
9-27 vs. Hooker** the talented playmakers is
senior Kale Cooper
10-4 at Texhoma* Photo by Tim Billy (5’10”, 260 lbs.) and jun- Thomas junior linebacker
10-17 at OBA* ior Aden Kelley (6’3”, 250 Caleb Fernandez (below).
he Terriers will need to lbs.)
10-25 at Mooreland* adjust to some new roles “Aden should make a huge
11-1 vs. Fairview*** and responsibilities after impact on the line,” Ward
losing great senior lead- said. “He is a big strong phys-
11-8 at Perry ership from a year ago. ical player that likes contact.”
Head coach Bob Ward is the
*District Game
right man at the helm to instill DEFENSE
**Homecoming those leadership qualities having The Terrier’s 3-5-3 defense
guided the Terriers to their latest will see seven starters return
***Senior Night title in 2014. Ward is entering his from last fall. A reliable line-
15th season at Thomas and 12th backing crew consists of
2018 RECORD as a head coach. Since 2010, Rainwater, junior Jayce Miller
(5’10”, 150 lbs.), and junior
the Terrier’s haven’t missed the
playoffs, which is a common Caleb Fernandez (5’9”, 150
theme in Thomas. The Terriers lbs.). Fernandez returns as
8 have the most playoff appear- last season’s leading tackler
Wins ances in Oklahoma high school with 104 tackles.
football history with 60, accord- “We expect [Caleb] to have
ing to IWasAtTheGame.com. another big year,” Ward said.
“He has good speed and has
4 OFFENSE a great nose for the football.”
Losses And the appearances through- Add that to Rainwater’s 52
out November should continue tackles and Miller’s 57, and it
as the Terriers return six starters locks a solid linebacker core.
on an offense that averaged 30 At defensive end, Kelley is a
points per game in 2018. big defensive contributor who
got 95 tackles last season. Photo by Tim Billy
“We are extremely excited
2019 Western Oklahoma Fall Sports Preview - Page 19
CHS
Canton enters season with best shot
T
at making the playoffs since 2009
he third year of Coach and junior Trevor Ross (5’10”, 175 brings back most of their starters
Jeremy Brashears’ era lbs.). Edwards rushed for about and Coach Brashears thinks that
in Canton should be a 630 yards last season and hit pay his crew will benefit from the ex-
step in the right direc- dirt 12 times, while Ross con- perience they gathered last year.
tion for the Tigers. Last year, the tributed another 720 yards and 11 “A year of maturity may be the
Tigers took a few lumps, but scores on the ground. Junior tight biggest difference maker,” Coach
showed some improvement. That end Seth Bromlow (5’10”, 170 Brashears said. “We have devel-
trend should continue this season lbs.) will also look to be a contrib- oped a good culture with a lot of
Canton junior running Canton senior quarterback
back Trevor Ross (below). Gabe Rocha (below).
CANTON
TIGERS
2019 FOOTBALL
SCHEDULE
8-29 vs. Mt.-View Gotebo
9-5 vs. Geary**
9-13 at Buffalo
9-20 at Kremlin-Hillsdale
9-26 vs. Ringwood
10-4 at Waukomis
10-11 at Laverne*
10-18 vs. Seiling*
11-1 at Turpin*
11-8 vs. Shattuck***
*District Game
**Homecoming
***Senior Night Photo provided by the Canton Times Photo provided by the Canton Times
2018 RECORD as the Tigers return a plethora of

starters.
utor to the Tiger’s offense, provid-
ing a consistent target for Scott.
hard-working players. Their work
ethic is their biggest strength.”
Work ethic and experience will
8 OFFENSE DEFENSE be big factors in the Tigers reach-
Losses Offensively, the Tigers will be The defensive mindset for the ing their goals for this season be-
led by senior quarterback Clay- Tigers this year is to show their cause they have their eyes set on
sen Scott (6’1”, 170 lbs.). Scott growth from last season. The 3-2- the playoffs. Despite a 2-8 record
proved to be a more than capable 3 scheme the Tigers run will fea- last year, the Tigers have players
offensive weapon, racking up 800 ture many of the same names with ability and that are willing to
yards passing and adding an from the offensive side of the ball. work. They may not have made a
2 extra 300 yards rushing. Scott will Scott and Edwards will be man- playoff appearance in several
be joined in the backfield by a dy- ning the defensive backfield, seasons, but the Tigers are mak-
Wins
namic duo of running backs, sen- while Ross and Bromlow will be ing an effort to claw their way
ior Josh Edwards (5’11”, 170 lbs.) the pair of linebackers in the back in this season.
Photo provided by the Canton Times Tigers scheme. The defense -Kyle Batt

Good Luck to
All Western
Oklahoma Teams!
Community
State Bank
of Canton
Wishes All Players
and Coaches Good
Luck This Season.

HHS
Lady Bulldogs ready to climb back
into the playoff picture this season
Sophomore Lady Bulldog’s don’t have her Bailey Myers (LF), senior Na-
pitcher Morgan Maloney catching any- talie Rodriguez (SS), and
(below). more,” Ruiz sophomore Mattie Baird (3B).
said. “Fresh- Two other players Ruiz ex-
man Ana Gomez pects to be big contributors
is filling that role. this season are senior Madi
Ana was our McMichael and sophomore
main catcher in Gracie Hussey.
junior high for Despite a 7-17 record in
two years, and their first season in Class 2A,
she has a good the Lady Bulldogs are looking
arm and hits the at this season as one where
ball well.” they can compete.
Another player “Our goal is to be in the top
HOOKER looking to make four of our district and go to
an impact this regionals,” Ruiz said.
T
LADY BULLDOGS season is sopho- Being a young team last
more Morgan year could benefit the Lady
Maloney. The Bulldogs this year as they
2019 SOFTBALL right-handed now have valuable experi-
ROSTER Photo by Lori Kraft
Maloney will ence, which will only continue
Seniors: Bailee Hanson, Tomi he Hooker Lady Bull- step into the circle to handle throughout the season. Off-
Hise, Madi McMichael, Bailey dogs are preparing to most of the pitching duties for season work ethic has also
storm the softball field the Lady Bulldogs. Last sea- been a focusing point for
Myers, and Natalie Rodriguez.
this season. After ad- son, Maloney was second on Ruiz, and he has been im-
Juniors: Kyra Benfer, and Lily
justing to Class 2A last season, the team with a .319 batting pressed with how much work
Diaz. coach Aaron Ruiz is optimistic average and was named All- his team has put in over the
Sophomores: Mattie Baird, that the Lady Bulldogs can be a District and All-Conference as summer.
Gracie Hussey, Morgan Mal- force to be reckoned with this a first baseman. Being a young team with
oney, and Evany Romero. year. “We graduated a pitcher returning experience should
“Last year was our first year last season, so Morgan and make this next season an ex-
Freshmen: Natalie Castaneda, in district play, so we weren’t another sophomore, Evany citing one for Hooker softball
Ana Gomez, Corlyn McGaha, sure what to expect playing Romero, have stepped up as they look to prove them-
Kylei Myers, Kaitlin Ochoa, teams downstate,” said Ruiz, and been pitching and work- selves in Class 2A. The hard
Heidi Rodriguez, and Brookelyn who is entering his sixth sea- ing all summer long to get work put in over the summer
Trimble. son as the Lady Bulldog’s prepared for the season,” should manifest in on-field re-
head coach. “I think with a Ruiz said. sults, and the Lady Bulldogs
Coaching Staff: Head Coach
year of experience, we know The other four returning will be eager to showcase
Aaron Ruiz. what we need to do to com- starters are senior Bailee their skills this season.
Assistant Coaches Morgan pete and get ourselves in a Hanson (1B & 2B), senior -Chad Waters
spot we want to be in the dis-
Kerr, and Wiley Martens. Senior Lady Bulldog’s
trict.” catcher Tomi Hise
DISTRICT 2A-2 Returning six starters from
last year’s team will benefit
(below).
(LAST SEASON RECORD) the Lady Bulldogs, especially
Mangum (26-6, 12-0) returning senior Tomi Hise.
Hise led the Lady Bulldogs
Hobart (20-12, 10-2) with a .381 batting average
Texhoma-Goodwell (20-9, 8-4) and is coming off an All-Con-
ference season as a catcher.
Boone-Apache (19-13, 8-4) Unfortunately, an ACL tear
Merritt (12-20, 6-6) last year brought some chal-
lenges for Hise, and she will
Hooker (7-17, 1-11) shift to first base this season
Sayre (5-16, 4-8) for the Lady Bulldogs.
“[Hise] tore her ACL in bas-
Cordell (2-21, 1-11) ketball last season, so we
Photo by Lori Kraft
AHS
Warriors hope to extend postseason
streak to double digits in 2019
Photo by Terence “Wally” Young said. “It’s no secret that all of our
offense revolves around him
and goes through him. We’ll be
as good as he is. He’s a big
physical runner and has been
working on his passing game.
I’m hoping he’ll be more of a
dual-threat this year.”
Novotny’s tasked with spread-
ing the ball around to his big
playmakers such as senior Hec-
tor Camp (5’9”, 160 lbs.), who
will make a promising target for
Novotny at wide receiver.
ANADARKO “[Hector’s] catching skills
have improved, and he’s an ex-
WARRIORS cellent blocker,” Paddlety said.
Novotny’s dual-threat ability
2019 FOOTBALL opens the offense
Anadarko’s feature running
for
SCHEDULE backs, senior A.J. Davis (5’11”,
8-30 at Harrah 200 lbs.), and junior Zavier
Galey (5’9”, 200 lbs.).
T
9-6 at Lexington “A.J. is a physical runner with
9-13 vs. Blanchard deceptive speed,” Paddlety
Anadarko senior quarterback Cash said. “Zavier is a state placer in
9-27 at Cache* Novotny (above). powerlifting and is a hard runner
10-4 vs. Newcastle** with breakaway speed.”
he Anadarko Warriors riors offense with seven return-
10-11 at Weatherford* extended their postsea- ing starters from last season. DEFENSE
son streak to nine in The Warriors strengths offen- Anadarko returns four starters
10-17 vs. Elgin* 2018, which is the sively will be at quarterback, on defense and will continue
10-25 at Clinton* longest streak in school history. running back and the offensive running its 4-4 defensive
This season, head coach Chris line. Since last year, Anadarko’s scheme led by an active defen-
11-1 vs. Elk City* Paddlety and the Warriors look improved on the offensive line, sive line and a strong group of
11-8 vs. Chickasha*** to prolong their streak to double- featuring big, strong linemen linebackers.
digits and make a deeper play- who can pack a punch. Anchor- Senior SirDarius Smith (6’5”,
*District Game off run after dropping their ing the line will be senior Joey 290 lbs.) provides another dom-
**Homecoming first-round game to eventual White (5’10”, 275 lbs.), who will inant defensive lineman along-
Class 4A Champion, Tuttle, last be a strong asset on the line side White. The linebacker crew
***Senior Night season. going both ways. includes Davis and Galey, as
“A year of experience will “Joey returns as a starter on well as junior Raheim Givens
2018 RECORD make all the difference this the offensive and defensive (5’10”, 170 lbs.). Paddlety cited
year,” Paddlety said. “We beat line,” Paddlety said. “If he is as junior Blayke Brower (5’9”, 165
the teams we were supposed to physical as we hope, then he lbs.) and sophomore Layton
beat last season. This year, we will be dominant.” Cyrus (5’10”, 180 lbs.) as two
have to beat the teams that we Behind center will be senior more Warrior linebackers to
6 aren’t supposed to beat to im- quarterback Cash Novotny have breakout seasons.
Wins prove our district ranking and (6’2”, 200 lbs.), who has the ath- With Novotny settling into his
5
playoff position.” leticism to be one of the top role at quarterback and having
Losses
players in Class 4A. A two-sport numerous playmakers sur-
OFFENSE athlete, Novotny is a hard run- rounding him in the multi-spread
Paddlety enters his second ner with the ball, who can not offense, the Warriors should im-
season as head coach but has only run through tacklers but prove on their 6-5 record and
continuity at Anadarko having jump over them. secure a 10th-straight spot in
coached there since 2004. And “Cash will have a major im- the playoffs in 2019.
there’s experience on the War- pact on our team,” Paddlety -Chad Waters

CHS
Bulldogs searching for quarterback
H
and running back replacements
ead coach Faron Griffin 185 lbs.), and senior Morgan state, according to Griffin. Play-
enters his third season Cox (6’4”, 202 lbs.). These five ing opposite of Bloodsworth is
at Cache with a couple playmakers will not only give de- senior Daniel Spalding (6’2”, 210
of questions to answer, fensive coordinators nightmares, lbs.), as the two will look to con-
which will go a long way in help- but most notably make the quar- tain the edge and force every-
ing his team succeed in 2019. terback’s job easier since trying thing back inside to a solid group
to cover everyone is a grueling of linebackers. Medina starts at
OFFENSE assignment. linebacker as well with fellow
Establishing a starter at quar- Add junior running back Kynel senior Jacob Mayhue (6’1”, 190
terback, and replacing Hayden Daniels (5’10”, 165 lbs.), and lbs.) at outside linebacker.
Nunley, who was the primary ball senior Kierce Franzen (5’8”, 165 Senior Kierce Franzen (5’10”,
carrier for the Bulldog’s offense lbs.) as another skill position 150 lbs.) returns to his free safety
and also lined up at wide re- player and you have recipe for spot, and senior Marquez Dowell
ceiver. success. But the most significant (6’0”, 150 lbs.) will likely start at
CACHE Quarterbacks Hunter Glenn ingredient is senior Jo-Siah Adu one of the corner spots for
(6’0”, 150 lbs.) and Barney Bur- (6’4”, 315 lbs.). The offensive Cache. Dowell’s speed and abil-
BULLDOGS genhier (6’1”, 190 lbs.) are in a tackle is one of the top tackles in ity to stay with receivers makes
battle this offseason to lead the class and will have a consid- him one of the top corners in
Cache’s spread offense come erable impact on the team in Class 4A.
2019 FOOTBALL week one. Burgenhier, a senior, 2019. Cache has a gem on special
SCHEDULE and Glenn, a junior, both played “Jo-Siah will anchor the line on teams with kicker Ralph Fawaz
8-30 vs. Altus quarterback last year with each both sides of the ball,” Griffin (6’2”, 175 lbs.). The senior
starting in five games in 2018. said. “He had a great offseason booted four field goals (24, 32,
9-13 at Marlow** Whoever earns the starting and is stronger and more agile 36 and 42) in a defensive domi-
role at quarterback will have the than a year ago.” nated 19-0 win against
9-20 at Sulphur desirable task of distributing the Returning five offensive Anadarko. Fawaz is also the
9-27 at Newcastle* ball to one of the deepest wide starters, the Bulldogs also return team’s punter, and his ability to
receiver cores in Class 4A. five starters on their defense. flip the field will help the Bulldog’s
10-4 vs. Weatherford* Senior Jake Barnes (6’2”, 195 defense immensely.
10-11 at Elgin* lbs.) leads the talented pool of re- DEFENSE “Ralph is a big weapon for us
ceivers that includes senior Senior Michael Bloodsworth and has won several competi-
10-17 vs. Elk City* Phoenix Medina (6’2”, 180 lbs.), (6’1, 190 lbs.) will start at defen- tions over the years as a punter
10-25 vs. Anadarko* senior Blake Young (5’8”, 155 sive end and will be one of the and kicker,” Griffin said. “I would
lbs.), senior J.D. Gladney (6’2”, premier defensive ends in the say he’s the best kicker/punter in
11-1 at Chickasha* the state. He’s ranked 33rd na-
11-8 vs. Cache*** Cache senior corner tionally.”
back Jacob Mayhue Last season, Cache went on a
*District Game (below). seven-game winning streak after
**Homecoming their first loss at Muenester,
Texas, 20-15, in Week 2. The win
***Senior Night streak set up a matchup with
Clinton to decide the 4A-1 district
2018 RECORD championship. However, the
Bulldogs fell to Clinton in a 7-
point decision as the Bulldogs
8 are still looking for their first dis-
Wins trict title since 1983.
Griffin is expecting his team to
improve upon an 8-3 season and
compete for another district title.
Winning a district title for the first
time in more than 35 years will
3 come down to whoever wins the
Losses quarterback battle and their abil-
ity to utilize the surrounding team
size and speed.
Photo by Jennifer Lewis -Chad Waters

CHS
Chickasha’s offense should continue
T
to excel this season lead by Burdex
he future looks promis- “Cayss has been as hard a said. “We will throw the ball a lit-
ing for the Fightin’ worker as you will find,” Bray tle more and move our skill guys
Chicks of Chickasha, as said. “He wants to be great, and around the field a little more.”
head coach Jerry Don he has a strong arm. Austin will
Bray enters his 14th season play some quarterback in a wild- DEFENSE
with his most talented team in a cat role. We’re blessed to have Bray plans to move his de-
long time. This season, Bray re- two really good quarterbacks at fense from the 3-4 to a 3-3 stack
turns nine starters to the offense one school at the same time.” to add more linebackers on the
and eight to the defense. We will try to get the ball in field.
“This team doesn’t have Austin’s hands as much as pos- Senior Harrison Funderburk
many holes,” Bray said. “We are sible this season because good (6’0”, 200 lbs.) returns as the
pretty solid from A-Z. We know things tend to happen when he leader at linebacker in 2019.
what positions guys will play, we has it.” Funderburk had 75 tackles last
know schemes, and we know Senior Hasian Burdex (5’8”, season and is expected to be a
CHICKASHA what it takes. We just have to be 190 lbs.) returns as Chickasha’s big-time player for Chickasha
disciplined and hungry enough lead running back after rushing this season.
FIGHTIN’ CHICKS to get the job done.” for 1,158 yards (6.1 per carry) “Harrison has had another re-
and 13 touchdowns in 2018. ally good offseason,” Bray said.
“Hasian will be a huge part “He had shoulder surgery mid-
2019 FOOTBALL Senior Chickasha running
back Hasian Burdex (below). of the run game and had an- way through last season, and
SCHEDULE other good year in the weight we look forward to seeing what
9-6 vs. at Marlow room,” Bray said. “We look he can do.”
forward to him catching the Senior Isaac Lee (6’2”, 265
9-13 vs. Harrah ball more out of the backfield.” lbs.) plays at one of the defen-
Sophomore wide receiver sive end positions where he
9-20 at El Reno Tae’Shon Richardson (6’1”, recorded 45 tackles and two
9-27 at Elk City* 170 lbs.) is another young but sacks last season. Senior Kee-
exciting weapon in the of- gan Crosley (6’0”, 200 lbs.)
10-4 vs. Cache** fense. As a freshman, locks up the other end position
10-11 at Newcastle* Richardson recorded more where he had 22 tackles a year
than 500 yards receiving. ago. Senior Ty Sanders (6’2”,
10-17 vs. Weatherford* Other players to watch out for 310 lbs.) starts at nose guard
10-25 at Elgin* this season is senior wideout and contributed 28 tackles and
Jordan Jackson (6’3”, 200 two sacks in 2018. Albright will
11-1 vs. Clinton*** lbs.) and senior Kaden play strong safety where he ac-
11-8 at Anadarko* Stephenson (5’7”, 150 lbs.). cumulated 45 tackles and two
Jackson scored five touch- interceptions as a junior.
*District Game downs last season on 26 re- Richardson joins Albright in the
**Homecoming ceptions for 468 yards while secondary at free safety and
Stephenson is the fastest guy also had two picks with 38 tack-
***Senior Night on the team and will play slot les in 2018.
receiver, according to Bray. Bray is working on developing
2018 RECORD “[Kaden] can make big a winning culture in Chickasha,
plays,” Bray said. “He had winning four more games in
Photo by Austin Litterell several big plays at our spring 2018 than the year before. The
football camp, so we’re really Fightin’ Chicks will need to keep
OFFENSE excited about him.” course if they want to make a
6 Junior Cayss Lowery (6’2”, The Fightin’ Chick’s offensive playoff appearance for the first
Losses 180 lbs.) will take over as the production went from nine time five years.
Fightin’ Chick’s traditional quar- points per game in 2017 to 25 “We have the players to com-
4 terback as Austin Albright (6’0”, points per game in 2018. With pete with everyone this year,”
Wins 190 lbs.) will contribute to the of- more experience on the offen- Bray said. “It is a nice feeling to
fense in a multitude of ways this sive side of the ball, that trend know if you handle business
season. Last year, Albright should continue upward for the and attack every day and every
passed for 1,196 yards with 10 Chickasha offense. game you will have a chance to
touchdowns and rushed for 864 “Our offense will be very sim- win.”
yards and eight scores. ilar with a few wrinkles,” Bray -Chad Waters

CHS
Unfinished business:Clinton looks
T
to bounce back after semifinal loss
he Red Tor- Clinton senior running for players to step up,
nadoes may back Atrel Bryson (below). especially on offense
have lost a with just five returning
lot of play- starters on that side of the
makers on both sides ball.
of the ball, but the Regardless, Clinton’s
mentality is the same opponents will have to
in Clinton. An attitude deal with the Red Torna-
that has been does I-formation offense
passed down gener- that doesn’t have too
ations and has led to many secrets. Clinton is
the Red Tornadoes going to put its hands in
leading the state in the dirt and run at its op-
wins (809) and sec- ponents relentlessly. Last
CLINTON ond-most in state season, the Red Torna-
championships (16). does had five players
RED TORNADOES “This is Clinton,” rush for more than 560
said head coach yards. However, only one
John Higbee. of those rushers returns
2019 FOOTBALL “Around here, in the this season. That title be-
SCHEDULE community, the kids, longs to senior Atrel
the people, they ex- Bryson (5’10”, 170 lbs.),
9-6 vs. Woodward pect you to win. They who is an every-down-
9-13 at Heritage Hall expect you to com- type running back with the
pete at a high level potential to break plays
9-19 at MacArthur and there’s not sup- for big gains. Higbee will
9-26 at Newcastle* posed to be any quit put Atrel all over the field
in them.” to ensure he has the most
10-4 vs. Weatherford* That lack of quit opportunities again this
10-11 at Elgin* showed during last season. Atrel heated up
year’s state semifinal during last year’s playoffs,
10-17 vs. Elk City* game against topping the 200-yard
10-25 vs. Anadarko** Bethany. The Red mark against both Cush-
Tornadoes found ing and Bethany. In just
11-1 at Chickasha* themselves down 21- 59 carries, Atrel rushed
11-8 vs. Cache*** 0 in the first quarter, a for 613 yards putting him
new territory as Clin- over 10 yards per carry on
*District Game ton hadn’t allowed 21 Photo by John Kinsey the season. Atrel added
points up until that eight catches for 185
**Homecoming second season, already making yards and two scores as well as a
point all season.
***Senior Night “It says a lot to the kids’ charac- the right steps in restoring tradi- pair of touchdowns in the return
ter,” Higbee said. “To go down 21 tion to a program that missed the game.
2018 RECORD nothing and to have the fortitude playoffs for the first time in 28 “Anybody watching film will
to come back and push through years the year before Higbee’s ar- know where Atrel is,” Higbee said.
11 rival. In his first season, Higbee “You better pay attention to where
it.”
Wins
Clinton would eventually fall to brought the Red Tornadoes the he is, but I like it when people
Bethany in double overtime, 31- closest they’ve been to reaching don’t.”
30, after a missed extra point sent the state title game since winning Still, Clinton must replace their
the Bronchos to the state title it all in 2012. And Higbee, along quarterback, a running back and
game. The bitter taste still lingers with his fellow coaches are ex- both fullbacks who accounted for
around the Clinton football pro- cited to see who steps up this 2,279 yards out of Clinton’s 3,615
gram, which is added fuel to take season. rushing yards in 2018. Higbee will
care of unfinished business in “We’re going to miss quite a be looking for a handful of guys to
2 few kids, but there’s really no ex- step up rushing the ball as the
2019.
Losses cuses here,” Higbee said. “You Red Tornadoes prefer to spread
OFFENSE step up and go again.” the ball around to a multitude of
Higbee returns to Clinton for his There’s plenty of opportunities playmakers on the ground.

CHS
Looking to fill those voids will Clinton senior running back Atrel Ryan Walters (5’11”, 200 lbs.) AT and Atrel Bryson will start in
be junior Zade Cisneros (6’0”, Bryson (below). at left guard. Senior Eddi Gon- the secondary with sophomore
170 lbs.), junior Tyson Miller (5’9”, zalez (6’0”, 200 lbs.), junior Aaron Seabolt (5’6”, 140 lbs.).
150 lbs.), and junior Tavious Jen- Matt Zurline (6’2”, 170 lbs.), and Atrel led the team with four inter-
nings (5’10”, 170 lbs.). Look for a whoever doesn’t start at quarter- ceptions while AT finished with
couple of transfers as well such back between Denny or Powell three and Seabolt had two picks
as sophomore Nate Jones (5’11”, will play at tight end positions as last season. Seabolt is a young
160 lbs.), who transferred from Higbee prefers to run one or two player with a promising future as
Cushing and will play both wide tight ends at a time. However, a starter. As a freshman, Higbee
receiver and cornerback. Fellow featuring the returnees for the O- called upon Seabolt to come in
move in senior Issac Tubbs (6’2”, line will be senior Reed Butcher mid-third quarter in a huge rivalry
180 lbs.) transferred from Burns (5’9”, 210 lbs.) at center and game at Weatherford.
Flat-Dill City this season, and is senior Andrew Roque at right “We put him in, and it wasn’t
every bit as fast as Atrel, accord- guard (5’9”, 240 lbs.). too long before they tried to trick
ing to Higbee. “I’m looking for a lot of young us with a play to their superstar
Clinton ran the ball 80 percent guys to step up on the offensive tight end,” Higbee said. “But he
of the time last season but still line because they have to,” Hig- sniffed it out as he has a pretty
managed more than 1,000 yards bee said. decent nose for the football. In the
through the air on just 62 comple- The Red Tornadoes put up a next series, they threw a ball late
tions. ton of points last season. Look toward the hash and [Aaron]
“When we throw it, we really for that output to continue in snags it and dang near takes it to
throw it,” Higbee said. 2019, once the quarterback and the house. So, he got hired pretty
Atrel’s older brother, AT (6’0”, offensive linemen positions play quickly.”
160 lbs.), leads a great group of out. Clinton’s biggest question de-
wide receivers. In the Clinton offensively is who fills in for defen-
fense, it’s not just a receiver’s job DEFENSE sive ends Reed Lindsey and
to catch the ball, but they must be In Clinton, Higbee always Valek Cisneros. Lindsey commit-
effective blockers with the ability practices defense first, which is ted to the University of Oklahoma
to run the ball as well. a big reason the Red Tornadoes while Cisneros committed to
AT, a senior, is that much and were so dominant on that side of Oklahoma State University, both
more as Higbee will pull out all the the ball last season. The stingy as preferred walk-ons. In their
plays to get his superstar the ball. Clinton defense allowed just 13 final season, Lindsey and Cis-
Last season, AT caught 10 Photo by John Kinsey points per game and averaged neros combined for 148 tackles,
passes for 287 yards and two nearly three turnovers a game 59 for loss, three interceptions,
scores while adding six carries for ell (6’3”, 215 lbs.) have been bat- last season. 17.5 sacks, five caused fumbles,
42 yards on the ground. tling it out this offseason to earn Seven players return from last and four fumble recoveries. Most
“AT is a big threat downfield the title as QB1. Denny was a re- year’s squad that manhandled players would be OK with match-
and is a really solid athlete who ceiver and linebacker last year most of its opponents, including ing half of the dominant duo’s
can spread the field for you,” Hig- while Powell started as a fresh- Gonzales, a hard-hitting line- stats from last season, and there
bee said. “If AT is having a hard man at the linebacker position as backer who has a nose for the are plenty of options to do that
time catching the ball, we will give well. football. Gonzalez led the Clinton and more in Clinton.
the ball to him directly by putting The two won’t provide the defense with 124 tackles, 14 for Sophomore Ben Foster (6’3”,
him in motion.” same dual-threat ability Gaunt did loss, last season. 200 lbs.), Fox, Walters, and
Similar to the running game, last season. But they make for a “Eddi is a really good line- Zurline make up most of the po-
the Red Tornadoes prefer to difficult decision as Higbee will backer for us,” Higbee said. “He’s tential defensive tackles who are
spread the ball around in the decide who leads the Clinton of- a tough kid who played through going to work in at the defensive
passing game. Last season, Clin- fense come Week 1. an injury last year. He flies to the end positions.
ton threw the ball to 11 different “You’ve got the older senior in football and can run with the best “Right now, it’s going to be a re-
receivers despite having a limited Dalton who knows our offense a of them.” placement by committee,” Higbee
passing game. little bit better,” Higbee said. “And Gonzales will have some said. “We have about five to six
Senior Ty Newcomb (6’1”, 160 you’ve got a sophomore in Caden friends on the defense, including defensive tackles who are going
lbs.) is another receiver fearful of who has great size and can defi- Cisneros, and Powell. Cisneros to work in for us at defensive
going across the middle and nitely put the ball downfield for recorded 65 tackles while Powell end.”
catching any ball thrown his way. us.” finished with 96 tackles last sea- The dominant defensive play
Newcomb finished last season as Regardless of who wins the son. They both combined for 22 should continue in 2019 led by
the team’s leading receiver with starting quarterback title, both tackles for loss, six sacks, and defensive coordinator Jay Richert
13 catches for 206 yards and a players will be seen on the field two interceptions. This trio of and his old school 50-front de-
touchdown. this season as major contributors. headbangers will make it difficult fense.
“Ty is a great possession re- Up front, the Red Tornadoes for anyone to move the ball “Defense is our main focus and
ceiver who runs great routes,” lost three offensive linemen and a against Clinton. is something we always stress
Higbee said. “Put the ball any- tight end and will rely on an unex- Teams who dare try to throw about,” Higbee said. “If we’re
where near him, and he’s going to perienced group to fill those areas the ball carelessly against the going to win then we always think
come up with it.” as lead blockers. Replacing the Clinton secondary are at their defense first and offense second.
Replacing quarterback Gage two tackles, left guard and tight own risk. Several teams paid for We’ve got a lot of coaches who
Gaunt, who committed to play end positions will be a battle as it, 23 times to be exact with an av- are familiar with the system, and
baseball at Oklahoma State Uni- several guys will see time erage of more than 1.5 picks per everyone has bought into it. And
versity in the fall, is Higbee’s throughout the season. Some game in 2018. it pays off to be fast.”
biggest question this offseason. guys to look out for are senior “We have some guys who can
Senior Dalton Denny (6’1”, 195 Sage Fox (6’0”, 175 lbs.) at one go up and take the ball from you,” -Chad Waters
lbs.) and sophomore Caden Pow- of the tackle positions, and senior Higbee said.

EHS
Chalmer Wyatt returns to Elgin to
F
coach a promising Owl’s program
irst-year head coach lbs.) as another playmaker who progression in the offseason,
Chalmer Wyatt takes will be engaged at several posi- junior Darryl Johnson (6’5”, 200
over the Owl’s program tions in the Owl’s offense. lbs.) is another potential defen-
that went 1-9 last year, Junior Zach Cizek (6’2”, 220 sive end Wyatt is excited about
as Elgin is looking for its first win- lbs.) is a three-year starter on the in 2019.
ning season since 2010. The offensive line and has next-level- “I am excited for our guys up
Owl’s lone win on the season type talent, according to Wyatt. front and in our secondary,”
came against Elk City, 49-21, “[Zach’s] a long and athletic Wyatt said. “We have an older
ending a four-game losing streak big man who can really maul de- group of kids in our secondary
against the Elks. fenders,” Wyatt said. “He should that have a good feel for one an-
Wyatt is an Elgin graduate and have a big year for us.” other.”
was drawn back home for sev- There’s a learning curve with
eral reasons. DEFENSE the coaching staff installing their
“Having the chance to return Defensively, Elgin plans to op- new offensive and defensive
ELGIN home at this magnitude was very erate out of new defensive coor- systems, but Wyatt credits his
special,” Wyatt said. “I am a be- dinator Carter Grigg’s 4-2-5 players for adjusting early. And
OWLS liever in our administration and scheme. Leading the way as one the Owls will have to do so
community as well as the brand of four returning starters for the quickly with a robust early slate
new endzone facility and turf Owl’s defense is senior strong of games against Blanchard
2019 FOOTBALL field.” safety Jon Calvert (5’11”, 170 (4A), Duncan (5A), and Plain-
SCHEDULE The new facilities and first- lbs.). Calvert will make plays view (3A), before opening district
9-6 vs. Blanchard year coaching staff jump-start stopping the run as well as pre- play at Weatherford.
the Owl’s football program into a venting the deep ball. Regardless, Wyatt is excited
9-13 vs. Duncan more promising future. And with “[Jon] understands the game to take over a program he feels
Wyatt & Co. adding 30 more extremely well, and is a great has great potential to get back in
9-20 at Plainview players to this year’s roster, the tackler in space,” Wyatt said. the playoffs for the first time
9-27 at Weatherford* stars are aligning in Elgin. Up front, the Owls will show- since 2017.
case the talents of junior Issaiah “We want to establish our
10-4 vs. Elk City** OFFENSE Wolf (6’1”, 201 lbs.) at defensive identity in all aspects of the
10-11 vs. Clinton* New offensive coordinator end. Senior Darren Flucas (6’1”, game,” Wyatt said. “We want to
Adam Castro gets five returning 220 lbs.) mirrors Wolf at the improve daily and give ourselves
10-17 at Anadarko* starters and brings in a new other end position, giving the a chance to make the playoffs in
10-25 vs. Chickasha* scheme to Elgin. The offense will Owls two prolific edge setters year one.”
run out of the 2-back gun, em- and pass rushers. Thanks to his -Chad Waters
11-1 at Cache* ploying the spread run attack
11-8 vs. Newcastle*** with multiple schemes. One of
the running backs will be senior
*District Game Seneca Coleman (5’11”, 170
**Homecoming lbs.), who not only gives the
Owls a game breaker in the
***Senior Night backfield but in the special
teams. Coleman is also a kickoff
2018 RECORD return specialist who has brought
back four kicks during his career,
9 including one against Ada in the
Losses 2017 playoffs.
“Coleman is a steady and pa-
tient running back who under-
stands blocks and catches the
ball well out of the backfield,”
Wyatt said.
Senior Rivers Johnson (5’9”,
160 lbs.) is another versatile
player who will be heavily in-
1
volved in the Owl’s offense this
Win season. Wyatt highlighted soph-
omore Ricardo Smith (6’0”, 175 Photo by Rose Cummings
ECHS
Elk City looks to end losing streak
and grow into new roles this season
E
lk City finished with a nesse running back.” fenses. Senior Gavin Chadwick
record of 0-10 for the Another player likely to garner (6’4”, 240 lbs.) will balance this
first time since the 1994 rushing attempts is Caden’s lineup as one of the defensive
season. Scoring wasn’t brother, Cory (6’1”, 240 lbs.). The ends. Senior Gregory Muck (6’0”,
a problem for the Elks in 2017, sophomore will play fullback this 235 lbs.) and sophomore Joseph
averaging nearly 35 points per season. Dailey (6’3” 225 lbs.) will both
game and lighting up Newcastle Similar to the running back po- play at defensive end and defen-
for 84 points in Week 9. How- sition, a core of sophomores will sive tackle positions.
ever, Elk City only reached the lead the wide receiver group and Returning starter, senior Bryler
20-point mark three times last makeup most of Caden’s targets. Nichols (5’9”, 160 lbs.), will pro-
season with two of those games Sophomore tight end Mason vide coverage and shore up the
coming in the first two weeks. Price (6’2”, 170 lbs.) should get secondary as a free safety.
The lack of offense had to do plenty of chances to put points “[Bryler] is the quarterback of
with a handful of seniors gradu- on the board this season. our defense,” Beer said. “He
ELK CITY ating at skill positions. That
trend continues this season, but
“[Mason’s] a really good tight
end,” Beer said. “He’s one of our
makes calls from the back end
and makes sure our guys are in
ELKS the Elks have lots of young tal-
ent to grow into their roles on
better receivers, and we can do
a lot of different things with him.
the right spots. He’s a hard-
nosed kid who will do whatever
the offensive side this year. He also blocks really well for his you ask him to do.”
2019 FOOTBALL size. He’s an overachiever when The Elks will gain value this
SCHEDULE OFFENSE it comes to that. He has some grit season with the underclassmen
After running out of the to him.” seeing the field. Only two sea-
9-6 at Bethany spread in 2018, head coach Sophomore Drake Hughes sons removed from its latest
Todd Beer plans to run a pro- (5’8”, 160 lbs.) will be another playoff appearance, Elk City is
9-13 at Woodward style offense and focus on run- main target at receiver along with heading in the right direction to
9-20 vs. Altus ning the ball as much as senior Bryler Nichols (5’7”, 145 make a return to the postseason
possible. Beer wants to estab- lbs.). Beer described Hughes as in the upcoming years.
9-27 vs. Chickasha* lish the running game to open a “Wes Welker-type” after finish-
10-4 at Elgin* up the passing game for his ing at the top of Class 4A for -Chad Waters
senior quarterback Caden Cul- freshmen receiving yards.
10-11 vs. Cache** ver (6’1”, 180 lbs.). In the spring, the Elks put a lot
10-17 at Clinton*
“We changed our offense, of emphasis on their offensive Senior Elk City quarterback
which I think is better for line that is now much improved, Caden Culver (below).
10-25 vs. Newcastle* [Caden],” Beer said. “I think he according to Beer. Snapping
throws the ball really well, and the ball at the center of the O-
11-1 at Anadarko* last year we were throwing it line is sophomore Brendan Wil-
11-8 vs. Weatherford*** every down. I think this gives helm (6’3”, 250 lbs.) while
him more of an opportunity to hit senior offensive guard Fran-
*District Game some big strides. He’s got a cisco Quezada (6’0”, 245 lbs.)
good arm, so this should open joins Wilhelm on the line.
**Homecoming
things up for him.” The new offense will work to
***Senior Night Five other returning starters control the clock more this sea-
join the second-year starter at son to help the unexperienced
2018 RECORD quarterback on offense. Beer is
excited to get a couple of his
group of playmakers while also
giving the defense some rest.
10
young running backs out on the
Losses field this season. Sophomore DEFENSE
Daylan Thompson (5’7”, 170 The defense has more senior
lbs.), and junior Bubba Brown- leadership to bring to the table
field (5’10”, 160 lbs.) are two dif- as they return three starters
ferent backs who should get the from last season. The Elks plan
most playing time at running on being more aggressive out
back. of their 4-2-5 base defense.
“[Daylan] has good vision, Senior William Wright (5’8”,
and he’s hard to bring down,” 155 lbs.) will anchor the line at
Beer said. “He bounces off guys the nose guard position. Junior
and always gets a couple of defensive tackle Felix Gonzalez
0 extra yards after the first con- (6’0”, 235 lbs.) will be another
Wins tact. [Bubba] is more of a fi- asset against opposing of- Photo by Rose Cummings
NHS
Newcastle’s High-Powered Offense
Looks to Secure Playoff Spot in 2019
H
ead coach Jeff Brick- cism in a game against Elk City (6’3”, 260 lbs.) will start at right
man enters his third last season when he jumped tackle, and junior Cole Clark
season at the controls over an Elk defender into the (6’2”, 250 lbs.) gets the start at
of the Newcastle foot- end zone. Granger followed that center. Winchester had 46 pan-
ball program. Compared to the highlight two weeks later with a cake blocks last season, while
two seasons before he Clark had 27.
was hired, the Racers Photo by
have won three times as Jennifer Lewis DEFENSE
many games. And since Like the offense, the de-
taking over in 2017, Brick- fense returns nine starters
man and his teams have this season and likes to
broken 54 school records, switch up the scheme to
including points in a sea- keep opponents guessing.
son, total offensive yards Junior defensive tackle
NEWCASTLE in a season, total passing
yards in a season and
Lyndon Evans (6’3”, 250
lbs.) returns as the
RACERS touchdowns in a season.
This season, Brickman
strongest player on the
team champing at the bit
and his staff are hopeful to cause all sort of prob-
2019 FOOTBALL the Racers will continue to lems in the backfield.
SCHEDULE add to the record books,
which should lead to the
Playing alongside Evans
will be junior Seth Dillman
8-30 at Tuttle big season they have been (6’4”, 215 lbs.), who is a
building toward since lean defensive end with a
9-6 at Noble Brickman set foot in New- quick jump off the line.
9-19 vs. Blanchard castle. Junior Kashus Kirkes
“The staff and I feel that (5’8”, 150 lbs.) will start at
9-26 vs. Clinton* this could be a break- linebacker after account-
10-4 at Anadarko* through year considering ing for 31 tackles as an
all of the hard work the underclassman. Junior
10-11 vs. Chickasha** players have put in as well Caleb Higgenbottom (6’0”,
as all of the experience we 180 lbs.) is an inside line-
10-17 at Cache* have coming back,” Brick- backer expected to have a
10-25 at Elk City* man said. tremendous season, ac-
Despite having the Senior running cording to Brickman. Jun-
11-1 vs. Weatherford*** toughest strength of back Soloman ior Zack Roberts (5’11”,
11-8 at Elgin* schedule, in terms of op- Granger (above). 180 lbs.) starts at safety
ponents wins and losses, highlight reel where he had 63 tackles last
*District Game of any class in the state last sea- that showcased his 4.4 speed, season, and sophomore Teagan
son, the Racers were a win shy outrunning Elgin defenders for Jordan (6’0”, 165 lbs.) will start
**Homecoming of making the playoffs. All seven 115 yards on just 10 carries with at one of the cornerback posi-
***Senior Night of Newcastle’s losses came three touchdowns. tions.
from teams with a combined There are two quarterbacks Starting 14 sophomores and
2018 RECORD record of 59-22 in 2018. And the on the roster for Newcastle who one freshman in 2018, Brick-
Racers will face those same both have considerable experi- man has his squad ready to
teams this season. ence entering the 2019 season. take its next step and finish in
7 Juniors Andrew Shumard (5’11”, the top four of the district. And
Losses OFFENSE 160 lbs.) and Chase Fox (5’11”, Brickman wouldn’t want to do it
With a schedule full of tal- 160 lbs.) are both capable of anywhere else.
ented teams, Newcastle will leading this team behind center. “I believe that with my staff,
need guys like senior running Shumard threw for over 1,000 football facilities, and the spirit of
back Solomon Granger (6’1”, yards and nine touchdowns last the Racer community, Newcas-
190 lbs.) to step up in big games season. Brickman is “looking tle is one of the top high school
3 and outdo his rushing (784) and forward to the competition” be- football places to be in Okla-
Wins receiving (247) totals from a tween the two quarterbacks, homa,” Brickman said.
year ago. Granger is the fastest who have the surrounding play-
player on the team and one of makers and linemen to be suc- -Chad Waters
the most athletic as well. cessful.
Granger displayed his athleti- Senior Jones Winchester

WHS
The Eagles are ready to take next
step as one of the top teams in class
R
eagan Roof said he Photo by Gary Pigg ceiver, where he caught 17
should have seen this passes for 355 yards (21 yards
coming. He knew the per reception) and scored five
two Class 4A teams touchdowns a year ago. The of-
would face each other eventu- fensive line is big with senior
ally. Last postseason, for the Kase Daniel (6’2”, 245 lbs.) and
third-straight year, Weatherford B.J. Ransome (6’3”, 250 lbs.) se-
and Bethany matched up in the curing two spots up front.
opening round of the playoffs.
And for the second-straight year, DEFENSE
Bethany earned bragging rights Rob Renshaw, who joins the
after defeating the Eagles. staff from Elgin, will serve as the
Roof is entering his third sea- Eagle’s defensive coordinator
son as the Eagle’s head coach running a 4-2-5 scheme. The Ea-
after a nine-year stint leading the gles return seven starters on de-
Bethany Broncho’s football pro- fense with several playing on
WEATHERFORD gram. Since coming to Weather- both sides of the ball to allow
ford, Roof’s former team has Roof to put his most talented
EAGLES gotten the better of him and the kids on the field at all times.
Eagles. But this season, Roof Senior linebacker Bryon
has the tools to build something Forbes (5’11”, 180 lbs.) is
2019 FOOTBALL special in Weatherford. With an Weatherford’s standout line-
SCHEDULE experienced senior class and
two superstars in the making, Weatherford
backer. Forbes, a three-year
starter, finished with 58 tackles
8-30 at Chisholm Roof has four team expecta- Junior Ethan last season and could even see
tions: 1) Win their district 2) Host Downs (above). time at safety. Alongside Forbes
9-13 vs. Piedmont a playoff game 3) Win a playoff is fellow senior Daniel Hubin
game 4) Practice on Thanksgiv- scores. (5’8”, 150 lbs.), who both fit Ren-
9-20 vs. Woodward ing Day. shaw’s defensive scheme as the
“Ethan is a special talent,”
9-27 vs. Elgin* Roof said. “He has a chance to duo can be used to stop the run
OFFENSE be dominant on both sides of the and drop back in coverage. Due
10-4 at Clinton* One player who will be a major ball this season. He is also a to their athleticism, Forbes and
factor toward accomplishing great leader for our team on and Hubin can be used in different
10-11 vs. Anadarko* those expectations is junior off the field.” ways, making them a valuable
10-18 at Chickasha* Ethan Downs (6’5”, 245 lbs.), Joining Downs as another one commodity for the Weatherford
who is one of Roof’s returning of Roof’s superstars is senior defense in 2019.
10-25 vs. Cache* stars. Downs, who has been on quarterback Jaxon Ratterree Ransome, a three-year starter,
everyone’s radar ever since he (6’2”, 180 lbs.), who enters his plays on the defensive line as
11-1 at Newcastle*** stepped foot onto the varsity field final season at Weatherford as well. In a limited role last season,
as a freshman, has established one of Oklahoma’s premier dual- Ransome accounted for 14 tack-
11-8 at Elk City* himself as the most heavily re- threat quarterbacks. les as Roof is counting on him to
*District Game cruited defensive end/tight end in The three-year starter at QB make a significant impact in the
the state. The Big 12 Confer- completed 101 passes for 1,758 middle of the defensive line.
**Homecoming ence’s most prestigious schools yards and 16 touchdowns in Senior Nolan Reynolds (6’1”,
are after Downs with the Univer- 2018. He also rushed for 242 215 lbs.), another three-year
***Senior Night sity of Oklahoma and the Univer- yards on 94 carries and scored starter, is a hard-hitting defen-
sity of Texas offering the seven times. Ratterree leads the sive end who will play opposite
2018 RECORD prospect a scholarship this past Eagle’s spread offense, which
summer. Downs also holds of- will find most of its production
of Downs. Reynolds will join
Downs as a fellow tight end as
fers from LSU, Nebraska, Okla- from the right arm and feet of well. Lastly, Roof praised junior
homa State, Penn State, and Ratterree. Murphy Beck (6’0”, 180 lbs.),
Texas A&M, among others. “[Ratterree’s] experience and who will see time on the offense
7 Downs will continue to bring athletic ability make him very line and linebacker positions.
Wins eyes across the country being valuable to us,” Roof said. “I be- “[Murphy] worked really hard
recruited nationwide as a domi- lieve he is going to have a very in the weight room and is going
nant defensive end for the Ea- productive season.” to turn himself into a great
4 gles, recording 69 tackles with This season the Eagles return player.”
Losses five sacks as a sophomore. But six starters to the offensive side There’s a lot of hype around
that didn’t stop Downs from of the ball. Sophomore Sam the Weatherford football pro-
being a playmaker on offense. Hoffman (6’0”, 170 lbs.) rushed gram this season as the Eagles
Last season, Downs rushed 70 the ball as a freshman 57 times have the depth, speed, and tal-
times for 482 yards and five for 241 yards and scored five ent to raise the gold ball come
touchdowns. He also caught 20 touchdowns. Junior Cam Patee late November.
passes for 326 yards and six (5’8”, 155 lbs.) starts at wide re- -Chad Waters
Quick Hits
A Look at some area football teams
as they prepare to hit the gridiron
Oklahoma Bible jans. However, playoff hopes fense for Seiling. Templin and of the Bearcats will be imple-
Academy Trojans
are much alive as the Trojans Colvard will look to punish the menting a new offense to pair
head into this season. Coach interior opposing offensive lines with their strong returning de-
Cayot expects leadership and from their defensive tackle posi- fense.
Enid is where the Trojans of maturity to be a strength for the tions. The two combined for 31 The Bearcats return eight
Oklahoma Bible Academy re- Trojans this season as well as tackles, two and a half sacks as starters on the offensive side of
side, and football coach Chris focusing on improving the well as a blocked punt. Coach the ball. Despite returning most
Cayot is optimistic they will be speed and strength of the team Manuel expects a double team of the starters, the Bearcat’s of-
able to put up a fight this sea- this off-season. With the experi- on either one of the two tackles. fense will be implementing a
son. Coach Cayot has 23 years ence the team has and perhaps If that is the case, expect Wion new system as they transition to
of experience coaching and his some youngsters who step up, and Tune to wreak havoc from running the flexbone. Coach
team will have more experience the Trojans are looking to march their defensive end positions. Howard is looking to the
than last year’s squad. The Tro- into the playoffs behind the lead- Wion accumulated 36 tackles trenches to make an impact this
jans return five starters on both ership of their coach and senior and two and a half sacks while season. Bayler Hensley, Bracen
the offensive and defensive quarterback. Tune tallied an additional 38.5 Lewis John Sturgill and Brentin
sides of the football. - Kyle Batt tackles along with three and a Case will anchor the line on both
The Trojans will be led by half sacks. Opposing offenses sides of the ball. Quarterback
senior quarterback Baron Win-
ter, who accumulated more than
Seiling Wildcats will find it difficult to make it
through the first layer of the de-
Dawson Frazier will share the
backfield with running back duo
1,500 passing yards last sea- After a promising 7-4 season, fense. But when they do, Gre- Keeton Bowers and Theo Sut-
son. Winter’s arm will be key in the Wildcats of Seiling have gory will be waiting to punish ton. Don’t be surprised if young-
orchestrating the Trojan’s their coach Gary Manuel feeling any ball carrier that finds their sters Conner Scarborough and
spread offense. Passers need hopeful about their place in the way through the line from his Ely Noble get a few carries this
receivers though, and the Tro- fray of 2019. linebacker position. Not to men- season as well. The wide re-
jans have a couple who will be Led by a litany of seniors on tion his backfield mate, Gore, ceiver corps will feature the trio
top targets in the form of junior the offensive side, the Wildcats who will be roving the defensive of Landyn Crawford, Jon Meuer
tandem Jett Cheatham and will look to beat opponents with backfield as a free safety. Gre- and Nate Butts.
Conner Colby. Senior running their strength and experience gory was responsible for 40.5 The defensive side of the ball
back Caleb Spann will round out upfront. Senior center Kaden tackles and seven and a half could be instrumental in the
the backfield for the Trojans of- Templin (6’0”, 260 lbs.), and sacks while Gore amassed an bearcat’s early season success
fense. Senior guard Andrew senior guards Josh Colvard impressive 70.5 tackles, two in- as the offense adjusts to the
Francis and junior center Mor- (5’9, 235 lbs.) and David Wion terceptions and two defensive flexbone. The defense will stick
gan Meyer will also be a crucial (6’3”, 235 lbs.) will be the back- touchdowns for the Wildcats last with the 3-4 that they ran last
part of the offense by providing bone of the offense as they look season. season. Lance Bolar, Korbin
protection for Winter and open- to pave the way for a talented Coach Manuel is optimistic for Blackard and Wade Lively will
ing gaps for Spann. backfield. That backfield fea- his team this year, despite play- join Bowers as the line backing
The defense will be spear- tures senior fullback Payton ing in the same district as Lav- unit. Frazier, Sutton and Scar-
headed by sophomore defen- Gregory (5’8”, 200 lbs.), who is erne and Shattuck. borough will patrol the defensive
sive tackle Cole Davis. Davis coming off a two-touchdown “I want to make it to weeks backfield for the bearcats and
accounted for five tackles for and 400-yard season, and junior nine and ten healthy this sea- look to keep the opposing re-
loss last season, while fellow running back Bryson Gore son, so we can try and compete ceivers in check.
sophomore Giovanni Bartolozzi (5’10”, 170 lbs.). Look out for with those teams,” Manuel said. “This is a hardworking bunch
accumulated 20 tackles and will Riley Tune (6’2”, 200 lbs.), a If the Wildcats manage to stay that took their lumps last year
look to be a menace at the de- senior tight end, to be a weapon healthy this season, they should and have come out ready to
fensive end position. Spann will as well after racking up 80 yards be a competitive and entertain- work give us a chance to make
be roving behind the defensive for four touchdowns on only four ing team to watch in Class B. the playoffs.” Coach Howard
line and will look to outdo his 75 receptions last season. The ex- -Kyle Batt said of his 2019 bearcat squad.
tackles from his linebacker spot. perience and stature of the Coach Howard is confident their
Junior Cooper Thornton will be
roaming the secondary for the
Wildcat’s offensive line will be a Mooreland strong defensive presence will
give their offense a chance to
Bearcats
significant offensive weapon as
Trojans, while Colby and it could potentially create lanes work out the kinks in the new
Cheatham will also be ball- for Gore and Gregory to bull- system. With a strong set of re-
hawking in the defensive back- rush through or hold off oppos- The Bearcats of Mooreland turning starters on both sides of
field. ing defenses long enough for are looking to maul their way to the ball, the bearcats could
After a 6-0 start to last sea- Tune to get his mitts on a few the playoffs this year. Under the make some noise this season.
son, some injuries combined more receptions this season. leadership of Frank Howard,
with stiff competition derailed a The six returning offensive who has 22 years of coaching -Kyle Batt
promising season for the Tro- starters also headline the de- experience, this year’s iteration

KHS
Lady Yellowjackets ready to defend
their first state title in 2019
KINGFISHER
LADY YELLOWJACKETS
2019 CROSS COUNTRY

ROSTER
Seniors: Emma Barnett, and
Ashtin Witt.
M
Junior: Zoey Evans.
Sophomores: Katon Lunsford,
Jacee Mueggenborg, Sydney Photo by Jeff Forman
Puritan, and Dani Rios Ramierz. adeline Loosen and stars this season. three.”
Freshmen: Layla Avilla, Ally Maddie St. Cyr “This year’s team will lack Last season, Kingfisher qual-
started the founda- senior leadership and experi- ified for the state meet for the
Scammahorm, Mary Slofsky, tion. As the duo im- ence,” said Lafferty, who is en- fifth straight year, where they
and Alli Themer. proved throughout their tering her 5th season as the have competed with some of
four-year tenure in Kingfisher, Lady Yellowjacket’s head the best in the state throughout
Coaching Staff: Head Coach the Lady Yellowjacket’s team coach. “However, our returning those years. Teams such as
Kerri Lafferty. followed. Loosen placed 14th runners have really stepped it Plainview, who placed second
Assistant Coach Shiloh Kannady. at state this year while Cyr up. They know what it’s going overall last season and Weath-
placed 5th overall. Two more to take to repeat as state erford, who took fourth overall
Kingfisher runners placed in champs.” in 2018.
2019 CROSS the top 15 to help give the Lady The top two returning The Lady Indians have won
Yellowjackets their first cross- starters from last season are 18 titles in girl’s cross country
COUNTRY SCHEDULE country title in program history. junior Zoey Evans and sopho- with the most recent being in
This season, Kingfisher must more Katon Lunsford. Evans 2017 while the Lady Eagles are
8-31 at Watonga replace the duo who were a finished 10th overall at state still looking for their program’s
9-7 at Kingfisher significant part of the Lady Yel- last season with a time of first state title. Plainview lost
lowjackets’ recent success. 12:44.0 while Lunsford placed two of its top three runners
9-14 at SWOSU Kingfisher finished 5th overall 13th overall with a time of from its runner-up squad in
in 2015, 4th in 2016, 3rd in 12:50.7. Filling out the return- 2019 while Weatherford only
9-28 at Watonga 2017, before leaping to 1st last ing starters from last season has to replace one of its top
season. Loosen finished as the are senior Ashtin Witt, junior seven runners from a year ago.
10-3 at OBU team leader at state in her first Britt Taylor, and senior Sarah Kingfisher has the returning
three seasons with a 19th Sanders. Another Lady Yellow- talent to return to the podium
10-12 at Chisholm place finish her freshman year, jacket runner to look out for is this season.
6th place finish her sophomore freshman Allie Kate Themer, However, if the younger girls
10-17 MS All-Star Meet year, and a 4th place finish her according to Lafferty. step up, then the Lady Yellow-
junior year. Cyr qualified for “We’re pretty strong with our jackets have what it takes to
10-19 Regionals state all four years as well, and top three runners,” Lafferty defend their state title in 2019.
10-26 State now coach Kerri Lafferty will said. “We need to get our four
look to replace her two super- and five runners up with our top -Chad Waters

BHS
Maroons look to improve in Class
2A’s toughest district this season
Photo by Mindi Johnson forced fumbles, and a
blocked field goal.
Junior Hunter Young
(6’0”, 155 lbs.) is an-
other linebacker who
recorded 70 tackles
and one interception
in 2018. Rounding
out the three line-
backer positions in
Lang’s 4-3 defense is
sophomore Christian
Mora (5’11”, 190 lbs.),
who recorded 30 solo
BLACKWELL
T
tackles with 59 total to
his credit in 2018. He
MAROONS also had a pick and
Blackwell junior wide receiver Tanner Botts caused three fumbles
(above).
2019 FOOTBALL last season.
S o p h o m o r e
SCHEDULE he Maroons are still a junior Trevor Goodenough (6’0”, Matthew Davis (6’4”, 220 lbs.) is
year or so away from the 180 lbs.). Also, a first-timer on a big defensive end with tremen-
8-30 at Tonkawa breakthrough season the football field, Goodenough is dous potential. In a limited role,
9-6 vs. Perry needed to get back into described by Lang as a player Davis had 20 tackles, three
the playoffs for the first time in with “fast playmaker.” Lang will sacks and two fumble recoveries
9-13 MacArthur nearly 20 years. hope Trevor is anywhere near last season. Another defensive
9-27 vs. Kingfisher** Head coach Rick Lang enters as reliable as his older cousin, end who saw a limited role last
his third season leading the Ma- Tanner, who rushed for a team- season is junior Kendall Burtner
10-4 vs. at Perkins-Tryon* roons as he’s looking to improve high 680 yards and six scores (6’1”, 220 lbs.), who finished with
10-11 at John Marshall* the team’s record for a third- during his senior season in 21 tackles and returned an inter-
straight season. 2018. After their final season, ception for a touchdown in 2018.
10-18 vs. Mannford* Tanner and fellow running back Junior Worthy Shepherd (6’2”,
10-24 at Mount St. Mary* OFFENSE Karston Loveall accounted for 190 lbs.) is a first-time starter at
The Maroons return six 1,103 of the Maroon’s 1,372 strong safety but is expected to
11-1 at Heritage Hall* starters on offense, including rushing yards in 2018. There- do great things for this second-
11-8 vs. Bridge Creek*** senior quarterback Mikey Riley fore, several Blackwell running ary. Senior Carson Garrett
(6’1”, 195 lbs.), who threw for backs will need to step up to (5’11”, 170 lbs.) joins Shepherd
*District Game 899 yards on 59 completions compensate for the lost in the secondary while junior
and four touchdowns last sea- yardage. Those running backs Alex Norton (6’0”, 255 lbs.) at
**Homecoming
son. Riley added nearly 100 will have an excellent opportu- defensive tackle is another guy
***Senior Night yards and four scores on the nity to do so thanks to the privi- to watch.
ground in 2018. lege of running behind junior The Maroons will look to
2018 RECORD Blackwell’s receiving core
loses six of its eight contributors
Riley Fleshman (6’4”, 235 lbs.).
Fleshman is a two-year starter
avenge last year’s non-district
play. To open the season, Black-
from last season. However, the on the offensive line and will be well heads to last season’s
8 good news is the two returning a force up front this season for Class A state champion,
Losses wide receivers were the team Blackwell. Tonkawa, who defeated the Ma-
leaders in 2018. Senior Kendall roons 23-17 in 2018. The Ma-
Burtner (6’2, 220 lbs.) caught 17 DEFENSE roons wrap up non-district play
passes for 207 yards and one The Maroon’s defense must against two Class 2A playoff
score last season while junior replace six of the team’s top-10 teams from a year ago with
Tanner Botts (6’0”, 170 lbs.) had leading tacklers from last sea- back-to-back home games
2 18 receptions for 416 yards and son. against Perry and Newkirk be-
two touchdowns. Senior Brett Botts returns at the linebacker fore starting district play against
Wins
Lenon (6’2”, 190 lbs.) is a first- position where he was second in Kingfisher.
time football player but is devel- tackles a year ago with 81 while
oping into a solid receiver, as is adding two interceptions, two -Chad Waters

BCHS
Bobcats prepare to take on tough
C
district with more experienced team oach Scott O’Hara is said. “Tyler worked hard all Smith (5’11”, 215 lbs.) up front.
entering his third sea- summer and grew as a leader. “[Nick] is the leader of the
son as Bridge Creek’s He will be one of our game- lineman group on both sides of
head coach and is try- breakers at running back and the ball as well as a team leader
ing to bring the Bobcats back wide receiver as well as a cor- in the locker room,” O’Hara said.
into the postseason in 2019. nerback on defense.”
Somewhere they haven’t been Senior Mason Hill (6’0”, 150 DEFENSE
since 2011. lbs.) averaged 10 yards per re- Senior Jimmy Whitaker (5’9”,
“We have worked incredibly ception last season and will be 210 lbs.) brings consistency to
hard to rebuild the program joined by fellow senior Ashton the field for the Bobcat’s 3-4 de-
since taking over a couple of Houser (6’0”, 150 lbs.) as some fense, which returns eight
years ago,” O’Hara said. “Now other go-to receivers. Similar to starters from a year ago. Last
that we are in year three, we the wide receiver position, the season, Whitaker had 38 tack-
feel like it’s time to start seeing Bobcat ball-carriers will come at les, five for loss, one sack.
BRIDGE CREEK the fruits of our labor.” a surplus in 2019. Guys like Smyth starts at linebacker giving
the defense an experi-
BOBCATS OFFENSE Senior Bridge Creek enced leader to play
Leading the Bobcat’s quarterback Dominick alongside sophomore
multi-spread offense is Baez (right). Logan James (5’4”, 118
2019 FOOTBALL senior Dominick Baez lbs.) and freshman Randy
SCHEDULE (6’1”, 175 lbs.) who ac- Nix (6’0”, 190 lbs.).
counted for 925 yards “[Randy] will end up
9-6 vs. Little Axe passing with four touch- being an important piece
9-13 vs. Lindsay downs through the air on both sides of the ball,
and two scores on the but he enters fall camp as
9-20 at Tecumseh ground. the starting middle line-
“Dominick will be a backer,” O’Hara said. “He
9-27 at John Marshall* leader and contributor on has a bright future in this
10-4 vs. Mount St. Mary** both sides of the ball,” program.”
O’Hara said. “He has Senior Ashton Houser
10-11 at Kingfisher* started at quarterback for (6’0”, 145 lbs.) also brings
10-17 vs. Heritage Hall* the better part of two leadership and experience
seasons and should to the Bridge Creek de-
10-25 at Perkins-Tryon* have a good senior year.” fense, which returns eight
Alongside Baez, the starters from 2018. House
11-1 vs. Mannford***
Bobcat’s return six
Photo by Cheyenne Osgood had 47 tackles last season
11-8 at Blackwell* starters on offense with the senior Devon Baez (6’0” 175 and one interception. Also, look
most significant roles to fill being lbs.), junior Takoda Smyth for sophomore Alex Simons
*District Game at the running back and wide re- (5’10”, 155 lbs.), junior Michael (6’3”, 212 lbs.) and junior Seth
**Homecoming ceiver positions. After graduat- McDaniels (5’10”, 140 lbs.), and Barnes (6’4”, 215 lbs.) to join
ing several standout players at senior Gage Barnaby (5’9”, 140 Whitaker on the defensive line.
***Senior Night both positions, the Bobcats will lbs.) will tout the rock for the Since his arrival, O’Hara has
lean heavily on several guys to Bobcats. grown the program to more than
2018 RECORD contribute at those spots. “Takoda played a great deal 50 players, many of which will
Look for Baez to play some last year but battled injury all contribute this season. And with
9 running back if sophomore season long,” O’Hara said. a lot of underclassmen getting
Losses Jason Linn (5’10”, 160 lbs.) “[Takoda] will carry a large load playing time sooner rather than
takes snaps at quarterback. at running back and linebacker later, Bridge Creek is building
Baez will look for senior Tyler for us now that he’s healthy… depth and experience for the fu-
Hay (6’1”, 165 lbs.) at wide re- [Devon] missed last season, but ture of the program.
ceiver, who finished with 229 re- he’s healthy and hungry for the “We return a large number of
ceiving yards and two season to start.” players with varsity experience
touchdown receptions last sea- Senior Nick Wiedemann (5’9”, who have been through many
son. Hay also added 140 yards 189 lbs.) returns for his third battles together,” O’Hara said.
on the ground and another two year as the Bobcat’s starting “This experience should help us
1 scores. center. Wiedemann will be as we take on a tough district
Win “Hay returns as a starter on joined by junior Sam Place (5’8”, schedule this year.”
both sides of the ball,” O’Hara 205 lbs.), and junior Colton -Chad Waters

HHHS
Heritage Hall’s the team to beat in
Class 2A, now going for a three-peat
T
he Heritage Hall Charg- passing game last season as throughout the years, and they
ers are back and ready well with 10 catches for 115 will continue to stick with it this
to compete for a third- yards and two touchdowns. An- fall. On the defensive side of
straight title in 2019 but other versatile player on of- the ball, Dunn continues to be
are tasked with replacing one fense is senior tight end Will a threat, racking up 95 tackles,
of the most successful senior Dunn (6’3”, 252 lbs.), who 22 for loss, and 13 sacks last
classes in school history. The caught six passes for 94 yards season.
graduating class was freshmen and one touchdown. Dunn also “[Will] will set the tone phys-
during head coach Brett completed 18 of 31 pass at- ically for us on both sides of
Bogert’s first season at Her- tempts for 333 yards and three the ball,” Bogert said. “He will
itage Hall. And in four years to- scores. be a key to our success.”
gether the group finished with Replacing Conner Carey at In the secondary, Smither-
a 53-2 record and three state running back will be a trio of man’s athleticism and speed
championships. guys: Junior Payton Earnest make him one of the most ver-
“The senior class we gradu- (6’1”, 188 lbs.), junior Jayden satile free safety’s in Class 2A.
ated was only five seniors, but Williams (5’9”, 210 lbs.), and Smitherman has 143 tackles,
HERITAGE HALL they accounted for eight start-
ing positions,” Bogert said.
sophomore Mason Georgia
(6’1”, 186 lbs.).
three sacks, two forced fum-
bles, a fumble recovery and an
“We have a lot of talent coming interception under his belt from
CHARGERS back, and we will rely on our DEFENSE last year. Not to be outdone,
upperclassmen to step up as but senior linebacker Hardy
leaders.” The Charger’s 30-stack de- Bowers (6’0”, 175 lbs.) had a
2019 FOOTBALL Bogert is confident for the fense served them well team-high 153 tackles, 18 for
SCHEDULE
upcoming season and has loss, 10 sacks, three forced
every right to be with seven re- fumbles, and two fumble recov-
9-5 vs. Millwood
turning starters on both sides Heritage Hall junior eries.
of the ball. quarterback Jobe “Hardy gained strength and
9-13 vs. Clinton OFFENSE
Jackson (below). speed during the offseason,”
Bogert said. “He was our lead-
9-20 at Davis ing tackler a year ago, and we
The Charger’s offense will expect the same this season.”
9-27 at Mount Mt. Mary* focus on a balanced run-pass Senior Connor Keith (6’1”, 175
option with multiple forma- lbs.) is another linebacker for
10-4 vs. John Marshall** tions. Junior Jackson Jobe teams to be wary of after
(6’2”, 176 lbs.) leads the attack recording 94 tackles, 13 for
10-11 at Perkins-Tryon* again at quarterback. Jobe loss, six sacks, an interception,
completed 60 percent of his two forced fumbles, and one
10-17 at Bridge Creek* passes for 1,322 yards and 15 fumble recovery. Williams and
touchdowns last year while fellow junior Melvin Swindle
10-25 vs. Kingfisher* rushing for 152 yards and three (6’3”, 303 lbs.) are both assets
scores. on the defensive line as they
11-1 vs. Blackwell*** “Jackson is a difference- both combined for 80 tackles,
maker on offense,” Bogert 15 for loss, seven sacks and
11-8 at Mannford* said. “He is fast and has an ex- two interceptions last season.
plosive arm.” Another lineman Bogert ex-
*District Game Another quarterback to split pects to have a dominant sea-
**Homecoming time with Jackson is junior son after returning from a torn
Robert Mbroh (6’3”, 204 lbs.), ACL last season is junior Omari
***Senior Night who completed 45 of his 64 Smith (5’9”, 255 lbs.).
throws for 668 yards and eight Heritage Hall opens the season
touchdowns and added 145 at home against the Millwood
2018 RECORD yards and a touchdown on the Falcons, who handed the
13 ground. Chargers their only loss last
Wins “[Robert] provides a tough, season, 30-20, at Millwood. Fol-
physical, and confident pres- lowing what should be a dog
ence behind center,” Bogert fight against the Falcons, the
said. Chargers face Class 4A semifi-
No matter who throws the nalist from last year, Clinton.
ball for Heritage Hall, the play- Even with a gritty non-district
makers at wide receiver pro- schedule, the Chargers have
vide a plethora of options. the tools to go undefeated en
Senior wide receiver Phillip route to a fourth-straight title.
Smitherman (6’0, 180 lbs.) “We will have a challenging
caught 27 passes for 505 yards non-district schedule that will
and five touchdowns last sea- help us prepare for another run
1 son, in addition to another 131 at a district title, and our ulti-
Loss yards rushing and two scores. mate goal of another state
Junior Joe Washington (6’3”, title,” Bogert said.
215 lbs.) contributed in the Photo by Jake Steelman -Chad Waters

JMHS
John Marshall’s team speed makes
them a dark horse in Class 2A
Photo by Terry Harris all those kids, especially the brings a lot of excitement for
senior and junior class.” Pogi and new offensive coordi-
Pogi returns to John Marshall nator Eric Peterson. Getting
looking to bring another gold Bryce and Tim the ball will be a
ball home, but now he’s tasked major priority in the Bears’ of-
with unifying a program under- fense whether it’s in the passing
going change under the Okla- or running game.
homa City Public Schools “Both Bryce and Tim are elec-
(OKCPS) board’s new program. tric guys,” Pogi said. “When you
Back in March 2019, the have that kind of speed you can
OKCPS board approved the do a lot of stuff with it. They
“Pathway to Greatness” plan, have the skillset to do a lot of
which closed or repurposed a things, and I know coach Peter-
total of 15 OKC public schools. son is going to utilize all of their
JOHN MARSHALL Centennial and Northwest abilities.”
Classen students have been Returning as the lead running
BEARS shuffled to John Marshall, and back is senior Elian Morales
since then have gotten to know (6’0”, 178 lbs.). Last season,
Pogi’s culture and standard. Morales carried the ball 98
2019 FOOTBALL “The move-ins have made a times for 1,032 yards (10.5
SCHEDULE huge impact already,” Pogi said. yards per carry) and 13 touch-
9-6 at Classen SAS “I think now they’ve gotten to downs.
know me and what we’re going “We know that [Elian] has a
9-13 vs. Capitol Hill to implement every day with our lot of talent and has a couple of
kids. I think they know I’m in the offers on the table already,” Pogi
9-20 at Douglas business of being a winner on said. “So, we’re excited about
J
9-27 vs. Bridge Creek** the football field and developing his campaign and what he can
young men.” do this upcoming year to add on
10-4 at Heritage Hall* John Marshall senior If anything, the “Pathway to to what he’s already done.”
10-11 vs. Blackwell* wide receiver Tim Greatness” brings a lot more tal- One move in to look out for at
Stephens (above). ent to an already talented Bears’ the running back position is sen-
10-17 vs. Mount St. Mary* ohn Marshall High School team. ior Darren Shaw (5’9”, 170 lbs.),
10-25 at Mannford* replaced one former who Pogi has been excited
Oklahoma State Cowboy OFFENSE about ever since coming from
11-1 at Perkins-Tryon* with another as the Bears’ Several skill players are back Centennial.
11-8 vs. Kingfisher*** next head coach. Former Okla- for John Marshall, including jun- “[Darren] has been phenome-
homa State quarterback Aso ior Bryce Stephens (6’0”, 160 nal and is just ripped to shreds,”
*District Game Pogi takes over as John Mar- lbs.) and his older brother, Tim Pogi said. “He has a good burst
**Homecoming shall’s head coach following the (5’9”, 156 lbs.). The two speedy of speed, so we have a heck of
departure of former OSU All- wide receivers are a touchdown a working combo in the back-
***Senior Night American receiver Rashaun threat whenever they touch the field.”
Woods, who served as the ball. Bryce finished with 43 re- Junior Jayquan Roberson
2018 RECORD school’s coach for five years. ceptions for 1,004 yards (23.3 (6’0”, 205 lbs.) is a power back
After one season away, Pogi yards per catch) and 15 receiv- who Pogi mentioned as another
returns to John Marshall after ing touchdowns last season. In player to see time at the running
8 guiding the Bears’ offense to a 2018, Tim recorded 48 recep- back position.
Wins Class 3A state title in 2017, as tions for 729 yards (15.2 yards However, Pogi’s most signifi-
the offensive coordinator under per catch) and nine touchdowns cant position to fill is arguably
Woods. For Pogi, the connec- receiving. the most important. The Bear’s
tion with the school and the With five 100-yard plus re- offense will need to find a new
players he developed in 2017 ceiving games and six multi- leader at the quarterback posi-
3 made the difference for him. touchdown games in 2018, and tion, replacing Jarod Leviston
Losses “I have great relationships an eye-opening blazing 40 time who threw for 2,588 yards and
that I built when I was here,” of 4.3 seconds, Bryce is being 36 touchdown passes while
Pogi said. “Our kids are a rea- heavily recruited by several Di- adding nearly 300 yards on the
son I came back because I had vision I schools. ground last season.
such a strong relationship with Having that type of speed
JMHS
The favorite to replace Levis- The Bears return all five play- great offensive line who is expe- who earned that title last season.
ton is junior Devin Johnson ers up front. Junior Blake rienced and will keep getting bet-Morales has experience at line-
(5’11”, 175 lbs.), who is a transfer Millspaugh (6’5”, 307 lbs.) is a backer from last year and will
ter and better. It’s pretty exciting
from Class 6A’s Putnam City highly recruited right tackle, and because we know we’re at a play alongside Pinniy as the
West. As a sophomore, Johnson junior Malachi Scurra (6’0, 260 good place with our offensive other backer. Sophomore
rushed for 807 yards and scored lbs.) is as reliable as it gets at the line.” Shayne Richard (5’10”, 170 lbs.)
eight touchdowns on the ground center position. DEFENSE is another skill position player
while throwing for 357 passing “We have a lot of guys who New defensive coordinator who could see time at linebacker
yards and three scores through have brought a lot of attention Josh Norman, a member of the this season.
the air. because of their work ethic and Oklahoma Sooners National Lewis starts at defensive end
“[Devin] is probably one of our what they’ve done,” Pogi said. Championship team in 2000, re- while sophomore Torriano Toles
fastest guys on the team,” (5’8”, 235 lbs.) is a
Pogi said. “I think he’s
John Marshall junior young player on the de-
wide receiver Bryce
going to make a huge Stephens (below). fensive line to look out
splash on the scene this for in 2019.
year. He’s going to go “We lost a few good
crazy once we put him out kids defensively, but
there.” we’ve definitely re-
Senior Jalen Shells (6’0”, loaded,” Pogi said. “We
190 lbs.) was the backup don’t feel like we fell off.
quarterback last season We’re just building our
and is joined by sopho- continuity and chemistry
more Kane Donovan each week.”
(5’10”, 142 lbs.) as two Pogi is excited about
more prospects to battle for his athletic, ball-hawking
QB1. secondary which fea-
“Both [Devin and Jalen] tures Tim Stephens and
are going to play this sea- senior Corey Wheeler
son,” Pogi said. “But we (6’0”, 175 lbs.) at the cor-
feel with those three quar- nerback positions. John-
terbacks that we have the son and Shells, the two
opportunity to be success- who are battling it out for
ful at that position. We the starting quarterback
haven’t named a starter, so spot, will both play at the
those guys are battling it safety positions.
out. We’re doing things “I’ve seen a lot of good
with all three of them, so high school groups, and
we’re excited about that I’m really excited about
position.” this secondary group,”
Along with the Stephens’ Pogi said. “The combi-
duo at wide receiver, who- nation of speed and
ever wins the quarterback power that we have in
position will have another our five guys in the sec-
reliable target in 2019. ondary is exciting to me.”
Senior Jason Lewis (6’4”, With the returning tal-
250 lbs.) at tight end is a ent, incoming transfer
big target and an excellent talent, new coaching
blocker. Lewis played on staff, and a nearly one-
the offensive line last sea- million-dollar new ath-
son and dropped 70 letic complex, there’s a
pounds in preparation of reason for optimism at
his move to the tight end
Photo by Terry Harris John Marshall. The
position. At his size, Lewis still “Blake is doing a wonderful job turns to football after a two-year Bears were already a wildcard to
runs a 4.9 40 and is one of the and is quick for his size as an of- stint as the Southern Nazarene’s make a run in a tough district fea-
Bears better athletes, according fensive lineman.” offensive coordinator in 2014 turing Heritage Hall and King-
to Pogi. Filling out the rest of the line and 2015. fisher. Now, with the high praise
“[Jacob] has a gun, he can and keeping the size-theme is Norman comes to John Mar- and yet unseen move-in talent,
run, and he probably has the junior Blaine Patton (6’5”, 255 shall with his 4-2-5 defense led John Marshall has drawn a lot of
best pair of hands on the football lbs.), junior Johnny Smith (6’0”, by a handful of playmakers at attention in Class 3A to poten-
team,” Pogi said. “He’s also a 265 lbs.), and senior Delano critical positions. Returning sen- tially push for a district title and a
good blocker, but he has so Kessee (5’9”, 255 lbs.). ior linebacker J’Vion Pinniy (6’1”, deep playoff run in 2019.
much other stuff he can do that “Most of those guys started as 200 lbs.) should fill in as the
we feel we can do a lot with him freshmen and sophomores last teams leading tackler this sea- -Chad Waters
this year.” year,” Pogi said. “So, we’ve got a son after losing Ke’Von Curry,

KHS
Cade Stephenson takes over as the
T
Yellowjacket’s quarterback in 2019
he Kingfisher Yellow- sees Stephenson bring- Junior Kingfisher quarterback Cade
jackets had a solid 2018 ing even more to the table Stephenson (below).
season, after competing with his athletic ability that
in a tough non-district was on display last sea-
schedule and falling a game son at the running back
short of the Class 3A state and wide receiver posi-
championship game. Head tions. Stephenson led the
coach Jeff Myers, entering his team with 510 rushing
16th season at Kingfisher, saw yards and five scores on
several playmakers graduate, the ground while adding
but he is confident that he has 29 receptions for 268
the talent to fill those roles. yards at receiver.
After a 26-14 season-opening “Cade is our guy, and
loss to future Class 4A state he’s going to get better
KINGFISHER champions, Tuttle, then senior each and every game,”
Jett Sternberger would miss the Myers said. “Knowing
YELLOWJACKETS following two games due to a he’s the guy he’s only
concussion against the Tigers. going to get more com-
Filling in for Sternberger at the fortable instead of going
2019 FOOTBALL time was Cade Stephenson in for a couple of games
SCHEDULE (6’2”, 190 lbs.), who got his first and then moving back to
9-6 vs. Tuttle start on the road against Hen- tailback and receiver like
nessey. In his first start at quar- he did last season…As
9-13 vs. Hennessey terback, Stephenson completed far as athletic ability, he
three of his six passes for 55 brings all kinds of stuff to
9-20 at Bethany yards and a touchdown in a 32- the table, and he’s going
9-27 at Blackwell* 14 victory. Stephenson didn’t to help us do things that
have much time to settle into his we haven’t been able to
10-4 at Mannford* new temporary role as the Yel- do in the past because of
10-11 vs. Bridge Creek** lowjackets faced off against his strength and athletic
eventual Class 4A runner-up, ability.”
10-17 vs. Perkins-Tryon* Bethany. Stephenson stepped
10-25 at Heritage Hall* up to the occasion right away, OFFENSE Photo by KHS Photography
finishing with nine completions Stephenson now con-
11-1 vs. Mount St. Mary*** for 210 yards and two touch- trols the reigns of the Yellow- downs in 2018. In last year’s
semifinal matchup with Sulphur,
11-8 at John Marshall* downs. Stephenson also added jacket’s up-tempo no-huddle,
Birdwell recorded five catches
100 yards and a score on the hurry-up offense. Establishing a
*District Game ground in a hard-fought 38-35 connection with a new group of for 134 yards in three scores.
defeat against the Bronchos. receivers will be huge for Myers expects twin brothers
**Homecoming senior Clayton Abercrombie
“Cade filled in for us in week Stephenson early in the season.
***Senior Night two and three, and he did a The Yellowjacket’s graduated (5’10”, 165 lbs.) and senior
great job,” Myers said. “We six of the 10 players who caught Keaton Abercrombie (5’11”, 180
lbs.) to be in the mix at the wide
2018 RECORD were pretty careful with him in passes last season. With losing
receiver position as well.
his first game since he was get- Stephenson as a wide receiver
ting acclimated, and against as well, Kingfisher will have to Another proven option at re-
Bethany, he played well for us to replace 166 of 194 completions ceiver is coach Myers son, Riley
9
win the ballgame.” consisting of 2,219 of their (6’1”, 205 lbs.), whose athleti-
Wins
It was after that two-game 2,667 receiving yards as well as cism allows him to move all over
slate, Myers knew he had his all 26 of their 36 receiving touch- the field. The senior will move
quarterback of the future. downs from a year ago. from the offensive line and play
Stephenson, now a junior, is a Leading the Kingfisher receiv- at the H-back and tight end po-
4 near mirror image replacement ing core will be junior Jarrett sitions. Senior Hayden Stratford
Losses for Sternberger, who finished his Birdwell (6’3”, 185 lbs.), who will (6’1”, 150 lbs.) is another tight
final season in 2018 with 180 provide Stephenson with a great end with a lot of athletic ability
completions for 2,411 yards and passing option down the field. and good hands, according to
46 total touchdowns (33 passing Birdwell caught 20 receptions Myers.
and 13 rushing). And yet, Myers for 387 yards and eight touch-

KHS
“We have a stable of guys, but we just H-back position with Myers. ond on the team in tackles (90) and
haven’t had to use them last year be- Leading the offensive line in protecting recording a team-high nine tackles for
cause we were so deep and had a bunch Stephenson and run blocking for the loss. Fahlenkamp and sophomore Alan
of upperclassmen,” Myers said. “We committee of backs is senior Wes Hine Munoz are two players who have im-
have the guys, who don’t have the num- (6’5”, 285 lbs.). Hine returns for his sen- proved this offseason and will see some
bers, but certainly have the capabilities ior season as one of the top offensive time at linebacker, according to Myers.
of being as solid and productive of any- linemen in the state. Back in June, Hine Keaton Abercrombie (5’11”, 180 lbs.)
body we’ve had.” committed to play football at the Univer- will contribute at both safety and line-
Like the receiving core, the Yellowjack- sity of Northern Iowa. backer while Clayton Abercrombie
ets will need to replace a lot of produc- Shoring up the offensive line is three- (5’10”, 165 lbs.) will return to his spot in
tion at the running back position. Last year starter senior Tanner Thompson the secondary as a cornerback. Keaton
year’s senior class provided nearly 1,000 (6’3”, 250 lbs.), along with senior Sebas- led the team with 93 tackles last season
of the teams 1,665 rushing yards and 16 tian Orozco (5’11”, 200 lbs.), senior Matt while Clayton led the defense with four
of the teams 26 rushing touchdowns. Palmer (6’0”, 240 lbs.), and senior Case interceptions in 2018. Birdwell and
Junior Caleb Dick (5’10”, 170 lbs.) Wills (5’11”, 245 lbs.). Stephenson are two more players who
leads what will be a committee at the will see time in the secondary. Birdwell
running back after rushing for 234 yards DEFENSE finished with two interceptions last sea-
and two scores last season. Dick also Operating primarily out of the 4-2-5 de- son while Stephenson logged 48 tackles,
recorded six catches for 60 yards and fense, the Yellowjackets have the ath- three for loss, and one sack and a forced
two scores in 2018. letes to run multiple sets, moving guys fumble.
“Caleb is someone who has improved on the line or back in coverage. “Cade is one of our top three strongest
his size and strength, and he’s looking Kingfisher returns a strong defensive guys in the weight room,” Myers said.
really good,” Myers said. “We’re excited line led by Hine and Thompson. Riley “So, he does not shy away from the
about him because he got a lot of reps Myers will also see action on this side of physicality part of offense or defense.
last year.” the ball as a triple-threat combo of defen- He’s a kid that we’re excited about see-
Senior Kyle Fahlenkamp (5’7”, 135 sive end and inside/outside linebacker. ing progress throughout the course of
lbs.) and junior Mason Mecklenburg Myers recorded 66 tackles, eight for loss the year.”
(5’10”, 155 lbs.) will join Dick as other and a team-high four sacks last season.
running backs to get into the mix. Move- Junior Tate Taylor will play alongside -Chad Waters
in junior T.J. Parker will split time at the Myers at linebackers after finishing sec-
Put our expertise

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217 N Main
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MHS
Mannford looks to get off to better
T
start in 2019 for chance at postseason
he Pirates battled back ceiver Aiden Jones (5’10”, 170 Paslay recorded 65 tackles, six
last season after losing lbs.), the Pirates have a danger- for loss and three sacks in 2018.
their first five games, but ous trio in Class 3A. Tuberville Senior Colby Jerome (5’9”, 200
the losing streak was expects at least two more of his lbs.) and senior Dalton Hayes
enough to fall a game short of players to step up at wide re- (5’8”, 200 lbs.) anchor the defen-
making the playoffs. Regardless, ceiver with more than half of sive line, giving Tuberville a for-
the optimism started early for Mannford’s receiving yards up midable duo in the trenches.
next season as Mannford re- for grabs from last season. Haynes finished the season with
turns quality senior leadership Senior running back Jayden 62 tackles, nine for loss and a
despite losing five key players to Welden (5’10”, 180 lbs.) will con- team-high 6.5 sacks.
graduation. tinue to be a playmaker on the Welden is a mainstay on the
“We are blessed to have a ground this season. Welden led Pirate’s defense as well and
good group of sen- should continue
iors, several of Photo provided his dominant
MANNFORD which have started play at middle
since they were l i n e b a c k e r.
PIRATES freshmen,” said Welden is a ball
coach Richard Tu- hawk and
2019 FOOTBALL berville, who is en-
tering his fourth
recorded
team-high
a
83
SCHEDULE season at Mann- tackles and nine
9-6 at Berryhill ford. “All of them tackles for loss
are good at their last season. The
9-13 vs. Cleveland jobs…Toughness Pirates will have
9-20 at Bristow and experience will to fill the final
be the strength of linebacker posi-
9-27 vs. Perkins-Tryon** our seniors.” tion as well as
replace a stout
10-4 vs. Kingfisher* OFFENSE secondary from
10-11 at Mount St. Mary* Leading that last year. Senior
class is senior quar- Wade Landrum
10-18 at Blackwell* terback Nathan (5’10”, 135 lbs.)
10-25 vs. John Marshall* Winters (6’4”, 190 returns at one of
lbs.), who Tuberville the safety posi-
11-1 at Bridge Creek* plans to utilize tions where he
11-8 vs. Heritage Hall*** more in 2019. Mannford senior quarterback Nathan produced both
Winters threw for Winters (above). as a run stopper
*District Game just over 1,000 yards and three the Pirates with a team-high 884 and pass protector with 75 tack-
**Homecoming touchdowns. He also rushed for yards rushing and 12 touch- les and three pass deflections.
192 yards and seven touchdowns. Houston nearly matched The Pirates losing five seniors
***Senior Night downs on the ground. Welden in yardage with 789 who made plays on both sides of
Winters is one of 10 returning rushing yards in 2018 and four the ball will be difficult to replace
2018 RECORD starters on offense, mostly con- scores. right away. But the Pirates return
sisting of upperclassmen. Win- Senior Zach Eslick (5’11”, 245 nine seniors who have just as
ters loses three of his favorite lbs.) and senior Tanner Hamilton much experience as those who
weapons from last season who (5’11”, 220 lbs.) will provide left and can ease the younger
7 combined for 45 receptions, 626 sound blocking at the center and players into their new roles.
Losses receiving yards and three touch- tackle positions for Welden and And Tuberville cited his senior
downs. Still, Winters gets two other Mannford athletes. class of 17 kids as having what
other targets back that he was it takes to lead this team back
accustomed to getting the ball to DEFENSE into the playoffs.
in 2018. Senior Donald Houston On the defensive side of the “We want this to be our best
3 (5’8”, 160 lbs.) returns as the Pi- ball, the Pirates return nine year ever,” Tuberville said. “This
Wins rate’s leading receiver after se- starters this season. Senior can only happen if our senior
curing 16 catches for 156 yards Zach Paslay (5’10”, 180 lbs.) class is all-in and ready to do
and one touchdown. With Hous- starts at linebacker and is one of what it takes.”
ton and fellow senior wide re- the top tacklers on this team. -Chad Waters

MSMHS
Quarterback Luke Wagner looks to
I
lead Rockets much-improved offense
n his second season Photo by Jessica Stiles
as head coach of the
Mount St. Mary Rock-
ets, Willis Alexander
is excited for what should
be an improved squad in
2019.
“We are a year older, and a
year into the program,”
Alexander said. “So hope-
fully, we have grown as a
program. We are looking
forward to the challenge of
building this program one
MOUNT ST. MARY brick at a time.”
ROCKETS OFFENSE
The Rockets return six
starters on offense, includ-
2019 FOOTBALL ing junior Luke Wagner
SCHEDULE (6’0”, 165 lbs.) at quarter-
9-6 at Christian Heritage back. As a first-year starter,
Wagner accounted for
9-13 at Crooked Oak 1,400 yards of total offense
with 11 touchdowns last
9-20 at Chandler season. With another year
9-26 vs. Heritage Hall* under his belt, Wagner is
expected to increase his (left to right) Mount St. Mary senior quarterback Luke
10-4 at Bridge Creek* production and guide the Wagner, and graduates Kaysen Fisher and Charlie Lane.
10-11 vs. Mannford* Rockets back on the win- perclassmen provide the re- ior Luke Harstad (6’1, 170 lbs.),
ning track after a 2-8 season in quired leadership to make up a where he recorded 49 tackles
10-17 at John Marshall* 2018. solid O-line. and eight tackles for loss last
10-25 vs. Blackwell** Senior Grady Glass (5’10”, season. Sophomore Jesse
11-1 at Kingfisher*
165 lbs.) returns as the lead DEFENSE Hamilton (5’10”, 200 lbs.) will
wide receiver for the Rockets. Rocket’s defensive coordina- start at one of the defensive end
11-8 vs. Perkins-Tryon*** Glass produced 638 total yards tor, Dasor Horton, has six play- positions. Alexander expects
of offense last season along ers back on defense this Hamilton to be a significant con-
*District Game with 22 receptions and two season, including junior Cooper tributor this season after seeing
**Homecoming touchdowns. Grady’s brother, Glass at defensive back. Last limited time as a freshman.
Cooper (6’2”, 170 lbs.), brought season, Glass recorded 101 “We’re trying to build upon a
***Senior Night in nine receptions for 307 yards tackles, six pass breakups, youthful football team that has
and four scores last year. Senior caused four fumbles and recov- been young for the past two
2018 RECORD Garrett Bocock (6’0”, 140 lbs.) ered two. Sophomore Jaxyn seasons,” Alexander said. “We
gives Wagner a third option in Ward (6’2”, 170 lbs.) joins Glass will find an identity and build
the passing game after bringing in the secondary, where he had upon that.”
8 in 15 receptions for 222 yards 34 tackles, six pass breakups, The Rockets will need to find
Losses and a score last season. and one interception as a fresh- that identity fast as they are
Behind Wagner’s team-lead- man. Completing the secondary competing in arguably the
ing 316 rushing yards from a is Grady Glass at free safety toughest district in Class 3A.
year ago, sophomore Jadyn and Bocock, who had two inter- Mount St. Mary’s district fea-
Ward and junior Garrett Hanke ceptions at cornerback last sea- tures the likes of back-to-back
return as the other leading rush- son. state champion, Heritage Hall,
ers from 2018. Sophomore Jackson Conroe along with Kingfisher, John Mar-
2 Senior Dalton Fairies (6’0”, (5’10”, 170 lbs.) starts at line- shall, and Perkins-Tryon, who
Wins 220 lbs.) anchors the offensive backer, where he collected 41 combined for a record of 37-11
line alongside junior James tackles as a freshman. Joining in 2018.
Wildes (6’1”, 235 lbs.). Both up- Conroe at linebacker will be jun- -Chad Waters

PTHS
Demons set on making a deeper run
T
in playoffs with key returning starters he past five seasons, the Perkins-Tryon senior Teegan Shepherd
Demons of Perkins- (below).
Tryon have been steady
playoff contenders, and
2019 appears no different.
“It’s an exciting time to be a PT
Demon, said coach Bruce
Williams, who’s entering his sixth
year in Perkins-Tryon. “We have
several players capable of mak-
ing an impact on this season.
Staying healthy will be a key to
our success.”
PERKINS-TRYON OFFENSE
This year, Williams will look for
DEMONS his offense to spread the ball
around more to give his star
player, junior Austin Mages (6’1”,
2019 FOOTBALL 190 lbs.), the opportunity to
SCHEDULE make plays. The Demon’s of-
9-6 vs. Hennessey fense is centered around the
two-year starter, who can get the
9-13 at Cushing job done on the ground and
through the air.
9-20 at McLoud Last season, Mages com- Photo by Justin Reedy
9-27 at Mannford* pleted 51 of his 107 pass at-
tempts for 671 yards and six season. Another young piece at tackles and tied the team-high
10-4 vs. Blackwell** touchdowns. However, Mages running back could be sopho- with three sacks last season.
10-11 vs. Heritage Hall* did most of his damage on the more Gannon McCutchen (5’10”, Bell starts at linebacker along-
ground after rushing for 939 155 lbs.). As a freshman, Mc- side junior Teegan Shephard
10-17 at Kingfisher* yards and 10 touchdowns in Cutchen rushed 20 times for 140 (6’0”, 180 lbs.), who will shore up
yards and two scores in 2018. the linebacker corps at one of the
10-25 vs. Bridge Creek* 2018. Doing the dirty up front at the outside linebacker positions. Bell
Perkins-Tryon returns four
11-1 vs. John Marshall*** other starters to the offense, in- offensive line structures is senior is the leading tackler from a year
Alton Allen (5’9”, 240 lbs.) and ago with 80 tackles, four for loss,
11-8 at Mount St. Mary* cluding senior running back junior Gage Allen (5’11”, 200 three sacks and two fumble re-
Ayron Lawson (5’6”, 155 lbs.).
*District Game Lawson gives the Demons an- lbs.). coveries in 2018. Shephard fin-
other player capable of making ished last season with 62 tackles
**Homecoming
big plays in the backfield. Law- DEFENSE and a team-high 12 tackles for
***Senior Night son will replace Ty Hill as the Defensively, the Demons re- loss. Lawson will lead the
Deacons lead back after rushing turn several players with Friday Demon’s secondary at the strong
2018 RECORD 53 times for 431 yards and three night experience, especially on
the defensive line. Senior Kevin
safety position after recording 77
tackles last season.
touchdowns last season.
Also look for junior Kendrick Stropes (5’10”, 180 lbs.) starts at The Demons have a solid core
Bell (5’9”, 215 lbs.) in the offense defensive end with junior Conner group of players to build around,
at running back or H-back. Bell Williams (6’3”, 200 lbs.) playing and if younger players can de-
7 on the opposite side of the develop, this team could become
returns as the Deacons leading
Wins wide receiver after recording six fensive line. Stropes and dangerous quickly. And Perkins-
catches for 140 yards and one Williams are going to be tough to Tryon will need to mature before
touchdown in 2018. Senior Cole block for anyone they face starting district play, which fea-
4 Aldridge (6’2”, 180 lbs.) is an- throughout the season. The de- tures 2018 semifinalist, King-
Losses other go-to playmaker, who fensive line also features the tal- fisher, and 2018 state champion
rushed 21 times for 101 yards ents of Alton Allen, who has the Heritage Hall.
and four touchdowns while quickness to beat bigger, more
adding four receptions for 23 massive offensive linemen and -Chad Waters
yards in the passing game last the speed to run down the quar-
terback. Alton finished with 53
WHS
Weatherford Lady Eagles Cross Coun-
try team ready for state title contention
And don’t expect No. 3 to
come at any point during the
Class 4A season.
Although having a superstar
such as Price is nice, losing
Brown will be a tough top runner
to replace. But the Lady Eagles
return some quality runners,
who contributed to last season’s
team that finished three points
short of the top three at state.
Last season Jacey Thomas
T
(senior) placed 38th overall,
while, as freshmen, Hunter Bay-
less (51st), Ana Arrieta (84th),
WEATHERFORD Photo by and Tatum Duncan (85th) per-
Kevin Fischer formed well in their first state
LADY EAGLES he Weatherford Lady middle school level last season championship meet. With the
Eagles return all but but at the high school level as returning varsity runners com-
one top-seven runner well. bined with the incoming fresh-
2019 CROSS COUNTRY men, Fischer believes he can
from last season and Weatherford runners Kennadi
ROSTER welcome a strong freshmen Price and Maci Brown were the have at least five girls finish in
Seniors: Katelyn Floyd, Es- class into 2019. The Lady Ea- first two runners to cross the fin- the top 30 at this year’s state
tephanie Perez, Sarah Scales, gles are inching closer to their ish line at the Class 4A State meet. An impressive feat, which
and Jacey Thomas. program’s first state title as Cross Country Meet last sea- would almost certainly warrant
Weatherford has finished in the son. Price, now a junior, finished the Lady Eagles securing their
Juniors: Kennadi Price, and first state title in school history
top four the past four seasons. first overall with a time of
Bentlee Robinson. “The Weatherford girls have 11:53.7 while Brown, now grad- this season.
Sophomores: Ana Arrieta, Pey- never won a cross country state uated, finished second with a Last season, Weatherford
ton Cole, and Tatum Duncan. title, and we want this to be the time of 12:03.2. Price finished qualified for the state meet for
Freshmen: Brooklyn Floyd, Jor- year that we do that,” Coach first at the state championship the sixth straight year, where
Kaleb Fischer said. “I think we as a freshman with a better time they have competed with some
dan Hoffman, Morgan Mouse,
are a stronger team all around. of 11:42.05. The top runner in of the best in the state through-
and Kenady Roach. out those years such as King-
Some of our younger girls are Class 4A has a legit chance of
Coaching Staff: Head Coach stepping up and are ready to placing first overall at all four fisher and Plainview. The Lady
Kaleb Fischer. perform well at the state meet.” state meets throughout her high Indians have won 18 titles in
Assistant Coach Kaisa Leedy. Freshmen Jordan Hoffman, school career. And it comes to girls cross country with the most
Morgan Mouse and Brooklyn surprise for Fischer, who’s seen recent being in 2017 while the
Floyd are those younger girls some great runners throughout Lady Yellowjackets won its
2019 CROSS who are expected to step up his seven years as a head school’s first state title in girl’s
COUNTRY SCHEDULE this season and compete for a coach at Weatherford. But none cross-country last season. How-
varsity spot. Hoffman finished so special as Price. ever, Kingfisher lost two of its
8-24 at Weatherford first overall at the Class 4A “She is one of the strongest top four runners from last year’s
8-31 at Watonga Oklahoma Junior High All-Star runners I have ever seen,” Fis- championship squad while
meet last season while Mouse cher said. “She doesn’t like to Plainview lost two of its top
9-7 at Kingfisher finished right behind Hoffman lose, and she does everything in three runners from its runner-up
9-14 at SWOSU for second overall. Floyd fin- her power to keep that from squad in 2018.
ished 23rd overall as the trio happening. She has learned a Kingfisher improved its state
9-21 at Norman were dominant enough to give lot over the past year, and I think meet finish each of the last three
Weatherford a first-place finish this could be her best season years before finally placing first
9-28 at Watonga as a team at the All-Star meet yet.” overall. The Lady Eagles are on
10-3 at OBU last season. Since her eighth grade year, the same path, being at the
“Those three freshmen will Price has only lost two cross cusp of bringing home their own
10-12 at Chisholm make the varsity team,” Fischer country races, according to Fis- cross-country state title this sea-
said. “They are all strong run- cher. son.
10-17 MS All-Star Meet
ners and will help make our “One of those was at the Nike
10-19 Regionals team much better.” Regional in Texas,” Fischer -Chad Waters
The Lady Eagles not only said. “She is truly unbelievable
10-26 State had the top two runners at the to watch run.”

BOHS
Binger-Oney Bobcats look to add
more hardware to program in 2019
hometown as Bench is with have it, he was asked to step in
Binger. Part of it was the ro- as Minco’s junior high softball
mance of the time. Small-town coach during the 1999-2000
Oklahoman becomes Major school year. It was Wilson’s first
League Baseball’s greatest experience with the game of
catcher playing for the greatest softball, so he learned on the
team, the Big Red Machine run.
A
(Cincinnati Reds), during the “I knew I wanted to coach,”
pinnacle of baseball. Part of it is Wilson said. “I thought I’d assist
the harmonizing baseball on a football team somewhere
name, mixed with Bench nam- and maybe even help with
ing his first son Robert Binger wrestling and baseball…A lot
Bench. Part of it is the baseball of doors shut on me, but a lot
field, named after Bench, where of others opened. I got into
he won a state championship softball and fell in love with it.
during his junior season for the Now, I wouldn’t coach any
Bobcats in 1964. Part of it is the other sport.”
Photo by Chad Waters Johnny Bench Museum, lo- Upon hearing of an open
Binger-Oney softball coach Jason Wilson (right) next to his cated in Binger Town Hall, that teaching position at Binger-
daughter, Addison (left), after a summer practice in 2019. is filled with some incredible Oney, Wilson called and got
fter a hot achieved, but I know none of memorabilia from Bench’s life the job where he again
s u m m e r that would have happened, and and career, including all 10 of coached softball. However, an
practice, keep happening if factors other his Gold Glove awards. administration decision led to
Binger-Oney than myself were not present,” And part of it remains a two-year absence for Wil-
s o f t b a l l said Wilson, who is entering his Bench’s ties with Binger. In son, who no longer coached
coach Jason 19th season as the Lady Bob- 2015, Bench returned to Binger fast-pitch but continued coach-
Wilson mo- cat’s head coach. to have his No. 5 jersey retired ing slow-pitch at Binger-Oney.
tioned toward It took some time, but with as well as host two autograph “I was in a sense fired as the
the outfield fence. The fence, the raw talent he’s molded, and sessions that raised $22,000 softball coach,” Wilson said. “I
currently decorated with recog- the talented assistant coaches for the Binger-Oney baseball didn’t have a job lined up. But,
nition boards for five State and supportive community by program. I’m stubborn, so I stayed and
Championships and 28 All- his side, Wilson would eventu- Bench and Binger’s baseball coached junior high and slow
Staters, has little room remain- ally outlast the shadow that tradition will forever be a staple pitch. It was a miserable time
ing. With the Lady Bobcats once towered the softball pro- in Binger. However, a young for me.”
adding three more All-Staters gram. A shadow that came from softball coach willing to learn Still, Wilson found himself revi-
and a Slow-Pitch State Cham- a few blocks away at the and determined to be the best talized when he again took
pionship in 2019, Wilson asked Binger-Oney baseball field, would take the baseball-crazed over Binger-Oney’s softball
assistant coach Gerald Wall which was once the only peren- community by storm, and never program in 2005.
what they should do once the nial power-house program in look back. “I wasn’t very good when I first
remaining space inevitably fills Binger. started,” Wilson said. “But it
up. “The growth of the was good for me because this
“We’re going to have to build A Never-Fading program mirrored time I understood that I had to
a taller fence,” Wall said. Romance my growth as a do better. I knew what I
When Wilson took over the coach” wanted to do, but I didn’t know
Binger sits about 60 miles
program in 2000, the second Wilson graduated from Hin- exactly how to do it.”
west of Oklahoma City, be-
year of the program’s history, ton High School in 1993 with To start, Wilson wanted to get
tween Hinton and Anadarko in
the fence was completely va- hopes of someday coaching a more support. Wilson visited
Caddo County. Heading West
cant. And since then, the suc- variety of sports. But never soft- with then Binger-Oney super-
into town, a sign reads “Binger:
cess hardly came easy or the ball. intendent Sharon Kniffin about
Home of Johnny Bench.” If one
way Wilson envisioned. Wilson married his high giving extra money for the pro-
didn’t know Johnny Bench was
Now, thanks to the continuity school sweetheart, Carrie, in gram.
from Binger, let alone who he
Wilson’s established, the Lady 1995; earned his teaching de- “I told her I was asking these
is, they would quickly learn
Bobcats fence is nearly blan- gree from Southwestern Okla- girls to invest a lot, so I need
after a visit to the town of
keted. homa State University and you guys to invest in them,”
around 600 residents.
“I’m proud of the accomplish- began student-teaching at Wilson said. “I felt that was the
No Oklahoma baseball star is
ments that my program has Minco. Then, as fate would moment the program started
so closely associated with his
to take a turn.

BOHS
The administrators gave Wil- games played by his son, sure is to get a ring for her their journey and hopefully suc-
son $1,000 for softball equip- Austin, a 2019 Binger-Oney while she’s on the field.” ceed in achieving a well-de-
ment and tools for field graduate. Addison was released for full served goal,” Wilson said.
maintenance. The mundane “That’s been my biggest sac- practice back in mid-July and The next three years, as they
status of the program changed rifice to have the program that has been working toward get- have been the past decade,
that day as the team took no- we have,” Wilson said. “My ting herself back to where she look promising for Wilson and
tice of the outside support. sacrifice was not to be as in- was prior to the injury. Wilson is the Lady Bobcats. Once Addi-
Next, Wilson began to study volved with [Austin] as I would hopeful she will be back soon son and her fellow sophomore
opposing coaches and teams, have liked to have been as far as one of his go-to relief pitch- class graduates, Wilson & Co.
examining their practice drills, as watching him play.” ers this season. will have their work cut out for
as well as their techniques and Austin played baseball under them for the first time in a long
strategies. He also started at- Bobcat’s coach Randy Smith, The talent remains time.
tending the state tournament to where he won two champi- Now that the offseason is “We’ve been lucky that when
watch the best teams in Okla- onship rings (2016 & 2017). Al- over, the Lady Bobcats return we graduate key positions that
homa on the biggest stage. though Wilson missed a to fast pitch after losing four those younger ones played
“I started watching these handful of games, he can recall seniors (Destiny Westervelt, those same key positions,” Wil-
great coaches, who were just a lot of Austin’s noteworthy Kaylee Milligan, Mysty son said. “When the sopho-
phenomenal at what they did,” games throughout his four-year Nevarez, and Tymber Britton), more class graduates it will be
Wilson said. “I paid attention career. who combined for three all- tougher. Coach Wall and I will
and made sure my girls did as “We relived every ballgame states and were a part of three find out what we’re really made
well.” he ever played as soon as I got championship teams. Even of.”
Throughout the past decade, home,” Wilson said. “We talked with six returning position Wilson will be the first to ac-
the Binger-Oney softball pro- pitch-by-pitch and situation-by- starters, Wilson admits this knowledge the success of the
gram has earned the respect of situation. But, as far as me year’s team will be “completely” program coming from other as-
every opponent they’ve faced. physically being there, that was different from his team last sea- pects than himself. From the
In that time, the Bobcats have a sacrifice.” son. Regardless, the talent re- athletes, assistant coaches, ad-
won six state titles—four in fast Fortunately for Wilson, he mains. ministration, parents, opposing
pitch—and finished as the state doesn’t have to endure the “We have several girls, if coaches, and the entire Binger-
runner up another five times. same sacrifice with his daugh- they’re not D1 type talent, then Oney community. They all have
Wilson’s fast-pitch and slow- ter Addison. Addison is a tal- they’re pretty stinking close to Wilson to thank, but everyone
pitch teams have a combined ented sophomore pitcher for it,” Wilson said. “And that’s had to invest in him and the
928-327 record for a .740 win- the Bobcats and has waited her pretty exciting to have at a program as well.
ning percentage and 31 All- entire life to take the field for small school like this. We have The consistency since 2008
Staters. one of her father’s teams. How- several others who can play brings a lofty expectation on
For Wilson, the rewards go ever, around Christmas in college ball at a smaller school the Binger-Oney softball pro-
beyond the titles with more 2018, Addison tore her right and make an impact. We have gram as the Lady Bobcats are
emotion shown during the post- ACL, sidelining her for the en- that because some of these not only expected to win but
season sports banquet each tire 2019 slow-pitch season. girls are blessed, and others win “beautifully.” To curtail the
year when Wilson commemo- “I was honestly depressed worked their butts off.” added pressure, Wilson avoids
rates another senior class. for two months,” Wilson said. “I Binger-Oney’s six returning referencing what his teams did
Each class that consists of a get pretty emotional about it starters are senior Kenadie in the past. There’s a time for
group he’s coached since they because of all the hard work Walsh (P, CF), junior Layne celebration and a time to move
were in elementary school. she’s put in for both sports. But Smith (C), junior Reagan Brock forward. And Wilson doesn’t
“It’s one of the things that she handled it with stride and (1B), sophomore Jadyn see the celebrating and long
makes the job rewarding,” Wil- was smiling after the surgery Goucher (SS), sophomore Jor- seasons getting old anytime
son said. “When I see these and smiling through the pain.” dan Anthony-Baade (2B), and soon.
girls, later on, we have a bond Before the injury, Addison sophomore Addison Wilson (P). “You know you’re getting old
that never leaves. So, that’s a presented her father with a Four other players who got when people ask how much
pretty good treat to have in life gift—a softball cutout with a significant playing time last longer I plan on coaching,” Wil-
when you have these types of display of photographs for each season were junior Bree John- son said. “The answer is al-
relationships that last so long.” of the championship teams. In son, junior Kimberly Smith, jun- ways the same. I will continue
the middle, she left a blank ior Madison Lynn, and as long as the fire burns within
Sacrifices along the space with a message. “This is sophomore Taylor Westervelt. me and in the kids I coach. I’m
way for when we do it together.” Several other players Wilson still enjoying it enough right
Austin and his younger sis- “When we won it, she wasn’t hopes to add to their play on now that I don’t see that hap-
ter, Addison, grew up around on the field, but she was a part the field and behind the plate pening anytime soon.”
their father’s softball program. of it,” Wilson said. “She was are senior Braylee Dolch, junior And with a solid chance to
Throughout that time, Wil- there obviously, and she was Korbyn Skipworth, junior Rilyn add a couple more titles in
son’s made a lot of sacrifices. the first person to get hugged Brown, sophomore McKaegan 2019-20, there’s no reason to
One sacrifice long weighed on after we won it…It took a lot of Gregory, sophomore Zoey An- think that fire’s going out any-
his mind. As Binger-Oney’s pressure off me to win it with glin, and freshman Summer time soon.
softball coach, Wilson has her and those group of girls I’ve Braudrick.
been forced to miss baseball had since they were 10 and “I am very excited for this -Chad Waters
under. But now, the next pres- group of athletes to continue
WHS
Watonga aims to return to playoffs
with experienced core in 2019
T
he Watonga Photo by Chad Waters coach Cope has
High School put a lot of faith in
Lady Eagles’ sophomore start-
varsity fast- ing pitcher Haylee
pitch softball team Roberts to be the
heads into the 2019 team’s go-to ace.
season with plenty of Watonga will also
returners and fresh have Emma
new faces. Hussey take the
Under Watonga mound as Wa-
head coach John tonga’s other
Cope, this Lady Ea- starting pitcher
gles’ squad returns from time to time.
many impact players Hussey finished
who got significant her 2018 fast-
WATONGA time on the field dur- pitch season with
ing the 2018 fast- a 3.864 ERA and
LADY EAGLES pitch and spring a 6-11 record.
2019 slow-pitch sea- Hussey struck out
2019 SOFTBALL sons.
Returning this sea-
71 hitters and
walked 45 across
ROSTER son as seniors for the
Watonga junior 83.1 innings
Seniors: Lavender Cisneros, Lady Eagles are third pitcher Emma pitched. She
Brennan Dobbins, Emma baseman Brennan, Hussey (above). started a total of
Hussey, and Kaitlynn Kalicki. shortstop Lavender 17 games for the
Juniors: Terra Blackbear, Bri- Cisneros, and outfielder Emma a .303 batting average, eight Lady Eagles.
Hussey. Each of them was a RBIs, nine runs scored and a Watonga’s varsity squad will
anna Brown, and Caton Cope.
starter in 2018 and is expected pair of stolen bases. have notable games this season
Sophomores: Alyssa Bay, Liza to be leaders throughout the Watonga will get a major against Hinton, Dale, Fairview,
Bruner, Mason Estep, Jadyn 2019 campaign. boost from junior first baseman Crescent, Wellston, Luther,
Hartfield, Landri Hussey, Dobbins, who was selected Brianna Brown, who displays a Crossings Christian, Kingfisher,
Haylee Roberts, and Kaylee as a second-team all-district lot of power out of the cleanup Anadarko, Woodward, and oth-
Roberts. selection following the 2018 spot in the batting order and hits ers.
Freshmen: Madison Ford, fast-pitch season as a junior, the ball very hard on contact. After finishing 11-17 in 2018,
Marisol Mata, Julien Roman will be a four-year starter for Junior outfielder Terra Black- the Lady Eagles seem to only
Nose, and Natalie Walker. Watonga. In 2018, she led the bear is also expected to make a be getting better and better as
team in home runs (two), RBIs very sizeable impact on both of- time goes against a very good
Coaching Staff: Head Coach fense and defense for the Lady
(33), triples (four), doubles schedule of teams in 2019.
John Cope. (seven), slugging percentage Eagles this season.
(.684), extra-base hits (13), On the mound for the Eagles, -Andrew Salmi
quality at-bat percentage
(59.09) and OPS (1.139).
Dobbins was second on the
team in batting average
DISTRICT 2A-1 (.408), runs (22), hits (31),
OBP (.455), walks (eight)
and two-out RBIs (eight).
Watonga Cisneros will bat leadoff
Dale in front of Hussey, who
were both standout mem-
Crescent bers on the 2019 Watonga
Wellston Lady Eagles’ Class 2A state
championship-winning
Luther track and field team.
Cisneros finished the
Hinton 2018 season with a .333
Crossing Christian batting average, 24 runs
scored and six stolen
Fairview bases. Hussey finished with
Photo by Chad Waters

HHS
Improving Lady Comets squad aims
to return to dominant form in 2019
T
he Hinton High School On the
Lady Comets’ varsity mound for Photo by Chad Waters Lady Comet senior
fast-pitch softball team the Lady pitcher Cabreigh
has a lot to be excited Comets,
House (below).
about heading into the 2019 reg- coach Han-
ular season. nah has put
Under second-year Hinton a lot of faith
head coach Garrett Hannah, in freshman
this Lady Comets’ squad returns starting
many impact players from its pitcher
2018 fast-pitch and 2019 slow- S i e r r a
pitch teams that gradually got Weathers to
better as the school year be the
passed. team’s go-to
Despite a frustrating 3-21 fast- ace. Hinton
HINTON pitch campaign last fall for Hin- will also
ton that saw a lot of very close have House
LADY COMETS losses, the Lady Comets im- start games
proved to 17-19 during the 2019 at pitcher
2019 SOFTBALL slow-pitch season in spring. The
Lady Comets got hot late in the
from time to
time.
ROSTER season, won their district tourna- The Lady
Seniors: Tandy Fontenot, ment and came just one run shy Comets’
Cabreigh House, Chea of advancing to the state tourna- v a r s i t y
ment during the postseason. squad will
Roberson Returning this season as sen- have no-
Juniors:Heaven Snow, iors for the Lady Comets are table games goes, so expect this team to
Athziry Rodriguez, Talyn shortstop/pitcher Cabreigh this season against Watonga, make plenty of noise this fast-
Wheeler, Jessica Findley, House, second baseman/third Dale, Fairview, Crescent, Well- pitch season and into the 2020
Megan Mauck, Riley Lytal baseman Chea Roberson and ston, Luther, Crossings Chris- slow-pitch campaign.
outfielder Tandy Fontenot. Each tian, Binger-Oney,
Sophomore: Cali Kirchoff, of them was a starter in 2018 Lookeba-Sickles, and others.
Brynnley Hohmann -Andrew Salmi
and is expected to be leaders Hinton seems to only be get-
Freshman: Sierra Weath- throughout the 2019 campaign. ting better and better as time
ers, Lizzie Giesbrecht, Ali Hinton will get a major boost Photo by Chad Waters
Bristow, Sophie Barrett, from junior catcher/outfielder
Talyn Wheeler, who had a team-
Matty Morgan, Remi King, high 39 hits in 67 at-bats (.582
Eli Turner, Andi Bynum, batting average) with 26 runs
Brook Helmuth, Amanda scored and 14 runs batted in.
Taylor Wheeler missed the entire slow-
pitch season for Hinton due to
injury, but she is fully healthy
now.
DISTRICT 2A-1 Junior first baseman Megan
Mauck also returns for the Lady
Comets after a huge slow-pitch
Dale season with a team-high 10
home runs, 44 hits and 43 runs
Crescent batted in.
Also expect a lot of production
Wellston from sophomore third base-
Luther man/catcher Cali Kirchhoff, who
came on strong out of the gate
Watonga as a freshman during the 2018
Crossing Christian fast-pitch season and was sec-
ond on the team with 32 hits, 19
Fairview runs scored and 14 runs driven Lady Comet jun-
in. ior catcher Talyn
Wheeler (above).

GHS
Lady Bison Fast-Pitch team looks to
return to playoffs again in 2019
T
he Geary High School of faith in junior starting pitchers fast-pitch Geary seems to only
Lady Bison varsity fast- Savana Ray and Kaylee Duran be getting better and better as
pitch softball team has to lead the team again this sea- time goes. Expect this team to
plenty to be excited son. Geary will also have fresh- make plenty of noise this 2019
about heading into the 2019 reg- man Maggie Glasgow start fast-pitch season and into the
ular season. games at pitcher from time to 2020 slow-pitch campaign.
Under Geary head coach Amie time and also provide a solid bat --
Shackleford, this Lady Bison in the middle of the Bison order. Geary High School Lady Bison
squad returns many impact play- Sophomore shortstop Amaya • Head Coach: Amie Shackle-
ers from its 2018 fast-pitch and Evans is definitely another name ford
2019 slow-pitch teams that grad- to watch for, as she racked up 20 2019 Fast-Pitch Roster
ually got better as the school hits in 44 at-bats (.455 batting av- o 1 - Haylee Gormley (FR)
year passed. erage) during the 2018 fast-pitch o 2 - Anna Littleraven (FR)
GEARY Returning this season as sen-
iors for the Lady Bison are the
season to go along with 19 runs
scored, 18 RBIs and two home
o 3 - Kaylee Duran (JR)
o 8 - Morgan Coppage (FR)
LADY BISON dynamic duo of catcher/short- runs. o 10 - Kierra Evans (SR)
stop Kierra Evans and first base- Other names to keep an eye o 11 - Kadence Pitts (FR)
man Kacee Reding, who will bat on for this season for Geary are o 12 - Maggie Glasgow (FR)
2019 FAST-PITCH third and fourth in the order and junior third baseman Olivia Lit- o 13 - Savana Ray (JR)
SCHEDULE are expected to be the heart and tleraven and freshman outfielder o 15 - Carla Evans (FR)
8-15 Calumet soul of the team. Linda Silva. o 20 - Oliva Littleraven (JR)
8-15 Alex Reding and Evans both hit The Lady Bison varsity squad o 21 - Amaya Evans (SO)
8-16 at Union City over .500 during the 2018 sea- will have notable games vs. o 23 - Elliott Harrall (FR)
8-16 Butner
8-19 Fort Cobb son and combined for 55 hits, 52 Calumet, Hinton, Mountain View- o 25 - Desiree Fear (FR)
8-20 Hydro runs batted in and 44 runs Gotebo, Okarche, Arapaho-But- o 30 - Linda Silva (FR)
8-24 Geary Festival scored in the 22 games the duo ler, Union City, o 33 - Kacee Reding (SR)
8-26 Hinton/Arapaho played in. Thomas-Fay-Custer, Verden and o 50 - Emily Cox (SR)
8-27 Thomas On the mound for the Bison, others.
8-29 at Watonga
8-30 at Calumet coach Shackleford has put a lot After going 14-9 in 2018 for -Andrew Salmi
9-5 at Mountain View
9-6 & 9-7 Geary Festival Lady Bison freshman
9-9 at Fletcher
pitcher Maggie
Glasgow (above).
9-10 at Dover
9-12 Ringwood
9-16 Verden
9-17 Okarche
9-19 at Ringwood
9-23 Mountain View
*District Game
**Homecoming
***Senior Night
2018 RECORD
14
Wins
8
Losses
Photo by Andrew Salmi

CHS
Lady Blue Devils ready to improve
C
in 2019 with young and talented core
ordell head coach Shelby Nance – sophomore – OF
Bobby Blackburn Makenzie Hougland – sr – SS-P-2B Jaden Kautz – sophomore - OF
said when his Lady Kamdyn Davis – senior – 3B Renee Javorsky – sophomore – RF
Blue Devils take the Kara Dowell – junior – LF-3B-1B Abby Brawley – sophomore – RF
field, the score- Andrea Palmer – junior – SS-P-C Piper Gallagher – freshman – 2B-util
board is one of the last things Evan Anderson – junior – CF Emma Estes – freshman – util
on their minds. With just two Paige Canterberry – junior – C Tristen Reimer – freshman– 2B
seniors on his roster, Blackburn Adrianna Stahley – junior – OF
is looking for his team to de- Abby Priebe – sophomore – 1B-P -Bob Henline
velop into a real competitor as Kenlee Dodd – sophomore – 2B-P
the season progresses.
“We are young and inexperi- Lady Blue Devil junior
enced, we’re not using the final catcher Paige Canterberry
score to measure ourselves,”
Blackburn said. “We are playing
CORDELL LADY in a very tough district. Our sea-
BLUE DEVILS son goal is to learn, get better,
and develop into one of the top
tier teams in our district.”
2019 FAST-PITCH One key component of that
SCHEDULE development rests on the shoul-
8-15 Calumet ders of the two senior Lady Blue
8-15 Alex
8-16 at Union City Devils, Kamdyn Davis and
8-16 Butner Makenzie Hougland.
8-19 Fort Cobb “Kam just lifts us up with her
8-20 Hydro play as well as her leadership,”
8-24 Geary Festival Blackburn said. “It’s nice having
8-26 Hinton/Arapaho
8-27 Thomas her back anchoring the infield at
8-29 at Watonga third base and swinging a hot
8-30 at Calumet bat. Makenzie continues to im-
9-5 at Mountain View press at short shop where she
9-6 & 9-7 Geary Festival
9-9 at Fletcher makes great plays and is al-
9-10 at Dover ways hustling.”
9-12 Ringwood Another key to the rise of the
9-16 Verden Lady Blue Devils as a district
9-17 Okarche power is the play of junior
9-19 at Ringwood
9-23 Mountain View pitcher Andrea Palmer, a multi-
sport athlete who goes all-in
*District Game whether playing softball, bas-
**Homecoming ketball, or running track in
***Senior Night Cordell blue.
“Andrea is becoming more
2018 RECORD and more consistent in the cir-
cle and fields her position as
21 well as any catcher you’ll find,”
Losses Blackburn said. “She basically
gives us another fielder.”
As the season moves for-
ward, expect the Cordell Lady
Blue Devils to work hard and
hustle every play. They’ll be
ready to play against every
team on their schedule, and win
or lose, will make the other
2 team earn every run they score.
Wins
ROSTER
Photo by Bob Henline
CHS
Lady Red Tornadoes set to attack
one of the toughest districts in 4A
Lady Red Tornado’s junior short stop Loren Coleman (below). man both have good arms and
quick hands,” Moss said.
“They’re also both athletic and
can run.”
Two other players to look out
for in the Clinton red and yellow
are seniors Morgandee Ca-
baniss and Kennedy Meacham.
Cabaniss is the Lady Tornadoes
center fielder while Meacham
plays behind the plate at the
catcher position.
“[Morgandee] has a cannon
for an arm,” Moss said. “I would-
CLINTON n’t recommend anyone running
against her. [Kennedy] has a
LADY RED TORNADOES pretty good arm, and she’s very
good at blocking and keeping
the ball in front of her.”
2019 SOFTBALL As far as swinging the bat,
ROSTER Coleman bats leadoff for the
T
Seniors: Kennedy Meacham, Lady Red Tornadoes and re-
Cassidy Blanchard, Kayde turns after leading the team in
Whitney, Jackie Briones, Mor- hits (31) and batting average
gandee Cabaniss, Jenna San- (.387). Moss mentioned Whit-
ton, Peyton Tharel, Christi Photo by Collin Wieder ney and the rest of her lineup as
Begay, and Julie Seabolt. he Clinton fast-pitch handed pitcher, junior McKenna being able to put the ball in play
Juniors: McKenna Lime, Kenzie softball team returns Lime, who will split time in the at any time.
Naranjo, and Loren Coleman. seven starters in 2019, circle with freshman Kenzie “[Loren] hits the ball hard with
all of which are upper- Kauk. Moss said the two pitch- a lot a lot of line drives and hard
Sophomores: Blair Hunter,
classmen. ers have different specialties ground balls,” Moss said. “What
Alizaiya Proa, Jaci Jefferson, Ra-
Coach Lisa Moss, entering and who gets the start will de- I like about my lineup this year
mona Vilegas, and Makia is that at any point those girls
her fourth season in Clinton, is pend on who the Lady Red Tor-
Lovelace. can come up with a big hit.”
going to rely on that experience nadoes are facing that day.
Freshmen: Kenzie Kauk, This offseason, Moss focused
to battle through one of the Behind Kauk and Lime, the
Saydee Starnes, Jayden Begay, toughest districts in Class 4A. Lady Red Tornadoes will have a on finalizing her starting lineup
and Samantha Martinez. Clinton’s district (D-3) features reliable defense. Junior short- and becoming sounder defen-
Coaching Staff: Head Coach two teams who made the state stop Loren Coleman and senior sively. If the team’s motto, “no
Lisa Moss. tournament (Tuttle and Weath- third baseman Kayde Whitney one is going to outwork us,”
Assistant Coaches Jeff King and erford) with the Lady Tigers win- make it hard for opposing bat- holds true then the Lady Torna-
Anthony Moss. ning the Fast-Pitch State ters to get base hits up the mid- does will have a good shot at
Championship in 2018. dle and in the 5-6 gap. making it out of their district and
DISTRICT 4A-3 A key returning starter is right- “My shortstop and third base- into the postseason.
-Chad Waters
(LAST SEASON RECORD)
Lady Red Tornado’s senior catcher
Tuttle (35-1, 12-0) Kennedy Meacham (below).
Weatherford (25-6, 10-0)
Elgin (17-9, 6-4)
Cache (13-16, 7-3)
Elk City (12-19, 3-7)
Anadarko (13-17, 2-8)
Clinton (11-20, 2-8)
Mount St. Mary (N/A) Photo by Collin Wieder
ECHS
Lady Elks aim to secure Playoff Spot
T
and improve on 2018 performance
he Lady Elks fast-pitch ford has a good pitcher and tough task as their fellow district
softball team enter the does the fundamentals well, and opponents combined for a 114-
2019 fast-pitch season they have a lot back. I believe 69 record last season. However,
with experience, which we can compete with anyone Elk City should be in the mix to
will come in handy for Elk City we play this year and that has secure a top-four spot to qualify
coach Kaleb Murray, whose me excited.” for the district playoffs.
team is competing in one of the Finishing 12-19 in 2018, Mur- “My main goal is the same it
toughest districts in Class 4A. ray returns five starters includ- is every year, get into the state
“This year’s team will have a ing his young right-handed tournament,” Murray said. “I ex-
lot more athleticism as a whole,” pitcher, sophomore Danni Sot- pect our team to go compete
Murray said. “We will be able to tile. and get better throughout the
steal a lot more bases and take “[Danni’s] just a great softball year. We hold the girls account-
extra bags on people. We also player, very talented and a able and preach that our work
ELK CITY
LADY ELKS
2019 SOFTBALL
ROSTER
Seniors: Mikah Butler, Angel
Legrand, Ashlie Odom, and
Aleigh Tucker.
Junior: Carsen Culver.
Sophomores: J’Lynn Hodnett,
Lillian Rhoade, Liz Salisbury,
McKenzie Simon, and Danni
Sottile.
Freshmen: Hailey Buie, Alivia
Geno, Jada Kimball, Rachel Put-
man, Campbell Rainey, Abby
Robbins, Jeryn Smith, and Rylee
Wyatt. Photo by Jim Hodnett
have a good group of senior smart player,” Murray said. ethic has to be better than it was
Kaleb Murray. leaders.” “She’s an old school type who the day before, and these girls
Assistant Coaches Camden Elk City’s district (4A-3) fea- just goes and does everything are buying in.”
Dennard, and Kevin Shockey. tures two teams who made the as hard as possible at all times.” -Chad Waters
state tournament (Tuttle and Filling out the rest of the re- Photo by Jim Hodnett
DISTRICT 4A-3 Weatherford). The Lady Tigers turning starters is senior Mikah
joined Elk City’s district this sea- Butler (outfield), senior Angel
(LAST SEASON RECORD) son and come in as one of the Legrand (outfield), junior Carsen
Tuttle (35-1, 12-0) best teams in the state, winning Culver (first base) and junior
the past three Class 4A Fast- Shailee Ross (third base).
Weatherford (25-6, 10-0) Pitch State Championships. Replacing a couple of key po-
Elgin (17-9, 6-4) “We want to play as many sitions will be freshmen Abby
tough games as we can during Robbins (catcher) and Rylee
Cache (13-16, 7-3) the season,” said Murray, now Wyatt (short stop). The two re-
Elk City (12-19, 3-7) entering his fourth season at Elk maining starting positions at
City. “Everyone’s goal is to get second base and outfield are
Anadarko (13-17, 2-8) in the state tournament and still open and will depend on
Clinton (11-20, 2-8) every game is tough there. Tut- who’s pitching, according to
tle is always a team you must Murray.
Mount St. Mary (N/A) Lady Elk’s senior outfielder
expect will be good. Weather- The Lady Elks will have a Mikah Butler (above).
FHS
Lady Yellowjackets in the mix for
Title with experienced 2019 squad
FAIRVIEW
LADY YELLOWJACKETS
2019 SOFTBALL
ROSTER
Seniors: Emily Cusack.
Juniors: Ashlyn Bingham, Katy
C
Brashears, Kenzie Doane, Ally
Robinson, and Kylie Tomah.
Sophomores: Alayna Long, Bre-
Photo by Ryan Nightingale
anna Silcott, Mackenzie Smith,
Abbey Wahl, and Madison Wal- oach Ryan Nightin- turns as the team leader in mul- Wahl also continues to pro-
gale enters his 16th tiple categories from a year vide team speed for the Lady
lace. season at the helm of ago: Hits (42), RBIs (36), home Yellowjackets with five stolen
Freshmen: Teagyn Baker, and the Fairview Lady Yel- runs (3), and batting average bases from last season.
lowjacket’s fast-pitch program. (.442). Nightingale hopes to have
Alexys Calwonsen. Joining Nightingale are eight re- “[Alayna] plays great at third the shortstop position filled
turning starters from last year’s base and hits well,” Nightingale soon as Fairview’s district (2A-
team that fell short at the re- said. 1) is one of the toughest dis-
Ryan Nightingale. gional tournament. Three other players to look tricts in Class 2A. The Lady
Despite having all but one re- out for behind the plate are Yellowjackets district features
Assistant Coach Olivia Mallory. turning starter from last season, Brashears, Cusack and junior Dale, who is going for its third-
Fairview has one lone senior, Ally Robinson, who combined straight title in fast-pitch softball
DISTRICT 2A-1 Emily Cusack. Regardless, the for 80 hits and 60 RBIs last sea- (sixth overall) this season.
(LAST SEASON RECORD) Lady Yellowjackets have two re- son. The tough district will only
liable pitchers in the circle, jun- An offseason concern for prepare Fairview to improve on
Dale (35-5, 12-0) ior Katy Brashears and Nightingale is replacing All- an 18-12 (9-5 district) season to
Crescent (21-13, 10-4) sophomore Alayna Long. State shortstop, Maddie Mason, make a run at regionals and po-
“Our strength is our pitching, who finished with a team-high tentially beyond.
Fairview (18-12, 8-5) and it should be fun to see what 47 hits, .528 batting average, “Our expectations are high,”
Wellston (13-13, 9-5) we can do as a team behind and 10 stolen bases in 2018. Nightingale said. “We play in a
them,” Nightingale said. “Both Nightingale looks forward to tough district, but we know that
Watonga (11-17, 4-7) girls do a good job and will give seeing which younger player we can compete at a high level.
Hinton (3-21, 1-10) us a chance to win a lot of ball- steps up to fill that void. We feel like we should make
games.” A younger player he can rely another regional and then make
Luther (4-15, 0-10) Long plays third base as well on to protect the 4-6 gap at sec- a push for the state tourna-
Crossings Christian (0-16, 0-13)
and is a player to watch, ac- ond base is sophomore Abbey ment.”
cording to Nightingale. Long re- Wahl. -Kyle Batt
KHS
Lady Yellowjackets aim to return to
L
contention with a young core
ooking to compete for a base). Ballard finished second and behind the plate is fresh-
district title in 2019, in RBIs (21) for the Lady Yel- man Natalie Dick at the pitcher
coach Danny Green lowjackets and finished with a and DH positions.
and the Kingfisher Lady team-high two home runs in Kingfisher’s new district (4A-
Yellowjackets main priority in 2018. 1) features last season’s state
doing so is replacing the key “I am confident in our pitching runner-up Newcastle, along
talent they lost in 2018. and infield,” Green said. “Both with three regional tournament
“We have lost several to should be solid, but I’m just teams (Perkins-Tryon, Cush-
graduation and season-ending looking to solidify the outfield ing, and McLoud). The addition
injuries, but I believe this team and get more consistent at the of Blackwell, Cushing, Newcas-
will be a close-knit group that plate.” tle, and Perkins-Tryon means
will push each other to suc- Replacing other key posi- the Lady Yellowjackets re-
cess,” said Green, who is enter- tions will be sophomore Emma placed four district opponents
ing his fourth season in Lukasek, who replaces Katelyn from the past two seasons.
KINGFISHER Kingfisher. Stolz at shortstop while junior Most notably, the Tuttle Lady
One of four returning starters Mia Farrell fills in at center field Tigers, who have won the past
LADY YELLOWJACKETS will be junior Olivia Wilcox, who for Chelsea Johnson, who will three fast-pitch state champi-
is a reliable replacement for miss the 2019 season with a onships.
Bree Taylor as Kingfisher’s ace torn ACL. The Lady Yellowjackets will
2019 SOFTBALL pitcher. In 2018, Wilcox finished “Katelyn’s bat will definitely have their hands full as the four
ROSTER with a team-high .400 batting be hard to replace, but Emma new teams combined for a 99-
Seniors: Loren Ballard, Macy average, 27 singles, 25 RBIs has been working hard,” Green 44 record last season.
and 10 stolen bases. said. “Mia is doing great at the Regardless, Kingfisher
McCully, Ashley Poarch, and
The other three returning position, but she just needs to should be in the hunt in secur-
Elizabeth Purdue. starters are senior Macey Mc- be more consistent at the ing a top-four spot to make the
Juniors: Katey Brickman, Mia Cully (catcher), senior Loren plate.” district playoffs.
Ballard (second base) and jun- Another player Green hopes
Farrell, Kaycee Karcher, and
ior Kaycee Karcher (third to add to their play on the field -Chad Waters
Olivia Wilcox.
Sophomores: Emma Lukasek,
Tia Thompson, Brittany Willson,
and Zoe Yandell.
Freshmen: Natalie Dick, and
Taylor Mills.
Danny Green.
Assistant Coaches Wyatt
Carter, and Audra Smalley.
DISTRICT 4A-1
(LAST SEASON RECORD)
Newcastle (31-3, 10-0)
Cushing (27-13, 10-2)
Perkins-Tryon (26-9, 9-3)
McLoud (16-16, 7-5)
Blackwell (15-19, 5-7)
Kingfisher (14-18, 3-9)
Bethany (13-21, 3-9)
Photo by Brooke Taylor
THS
Lady Terriers set to showcase veteran
T
core as they aim for Class A Playoffs
he Thomas-Fay- Lady Terrier’s senior pitcher
Custer fast-pitch Abbie Hart (below).
team returns a ma-
jority of its starters
from 2018 and will be able
to throw out two pitchers in
the circle this season.
“We are a very young
team,” said head coach
Lianna Mueller, who enters
her second season at
Thomas. “Our young girls
have a year of experience
under their belts, which will
THOMAS-FAY-CUSTER go a long way defensively
this year.”
LADY TERRIERS Most of the returning
starters may be changing
2019 SOFTBALL positions this year, accord-
ing to Mueller. One of those
ROSTER players making a change
Seniors: KayAnn Eck, Abbie this season is senior Abbie
Hart, who will move to one
Hart, Natasha Stitzer, and Bri- of the Lady Terrier’s pitch-
anna Thomas. ers. Hart is a three-year
Juniors: Katelyn Jones, Summer starter for the Lady Ter-
rier’s, but this will be her
Miller, and Abby Payne. first season to pitch in her
Sophomores: Olivia Hampton, career.
The other Lady Terrier
Kaylen Jones, Balee Noland, who will see time on the
Jerneigh Roberts, and Kaylee mound is
freshman Kyla
Yoder.
Megli. Megli
Freshmen: Sydney Hampton, has been the
Cambria Hoye, and Kyla Megli. ace pitcher for
the Lady Ter-
Coaching Staff: Head Coach rier’s junior high teams the
Lianna Mueller. past few seasons. Both
right-handers will provide
Assistant Coach Clark Roberts.
quality pitching that Mueller
can rely on throughout the
CLASS A season.
2018 RECORD After finishing 2-11 in
2018, Mueller is confident
her team can reach their
11 goals of performing at a
Losses high level and improving in
every game this season.
“I am very confident that
this team can reach these
goals,” Mueller said. “I’m
2 extremely excited to coach
Wins these girls and see what
this year brings.”
-Chad Waters Photo by Tim Billy

WHS
Weatherford Lady Eagles ready to
make a deep run towards a Title
WEATHERFORD
T
LADY EAGLES
2019 SOFTBALL Photo by Shelly Pond

ROSTER he Weatherford Lady season. In 2018, a lot of catcher Aleah Bozarth, who is
Seniors: Summer Bass, Sarah Eagles lost one starter Weatherford’s dominant play playing softball at the Univer-
from last year’s state started and ended with ace sity of Central Oklahoma in Ed-
Kirby, Lexi Lierle, Bailey Pond, tournament team and pitcher Meliah Brown. The mond. Replacing Bozarth at
Andrea Price, and Tayler War- have the talent to make a right-handed junior returns to catcher might come easier
ren. deeper run in 2019. the circle after winning district than replacing the work she
“This year’s team is loaded pitcher of the year as a sopho- put in on offense. In 2018,
Juniors: Cassidy Adair, Meliah with juniors and seniors,” said
more, finishing with a 15-4 Bozarth led the Lady Eagles in
Brown, Vanessa Davis, Haylee head coach Rick Morris, who is record and 93 strikeouts. hits (52), RBIs (36), home runs
Garcia, Randi Helt, Ember entering his fourth season in Brown also returns as one of (8), and batting average (.547).
Weatherford. “Last year we the Lady Eagle’s best hitters “We’re looking to replace
Hensley, Megan Mills, Abbie
only had one senior, so we had as she finished second in hits [Aleah] with junior Haylee Gar-
Moses, Autumn Phillips, and to rely on a lot of underclass- last season with 43. cia and possibly junior
Camry Teasley. men.” Weatherford also brings Vanessa Davis,” Morris said.
Sophomore: Hunter Bayless. Even with a lot of under- back one of the best hitters in Garcia has a lot of power be-
classmen last season, the the district, senior Sarah Kirby, hind the plate and will bat at
Freshmen: Kennedy Stewart, Lady Eagle’s fast-pitch squad
who finished second on the the cleanup spot, according to
Berkeley Wright, and Caton were crowned district and re- team with a batting average of Morris. Garcia contributed a
Young. gional champs before getting .436 last season. team-high 36 RBIs in 2018.
Coaching Staff: Head Coach knocked out in the first round An offseason priority for Seniors Summer Bass, Bailee
of the state tournament by the Morris is replacing last year’s Pond and Andrea Price return
Rick Morris. eventual state champion, Tut- Lady Eagle’s junior as reliable bats behind the
Assistant Coach Kyle Null. tle. Weatherford will become pitcher Meliah Brown plate as they combined for 92
all-too-familiar with the Lady (below). hits and 50 RBIs last season.
DISTRICT 2A-2 Tigers, who joins the Lady With a lot of upperclassmen
Eagle’s district this fall. Every- starting since they were fresh-
(LAST SEASON RECORD) one in Class 4A is familiar with
men, Morris expects his expe-
Tuttle (35-1, 12-0) the Lady Tigers, who have won rienced team to make some
Weatherford (25-6, 10-0) three straight fast-pitch state noise in Class 4A.
championships. Every team “I think our biggest strength
Elgin ((17-9, 6-4) wants to be the one to end Tut- is experience,” Morris said.
Cache (13-16, 7-3) tle’s run, and that team could “Our girls are focused on win-
Elk City (12-9, 3-7) come from the same district. ning a district championship so
The Lady Eagles have the that we can host a regional.”
Anadarko (13-17, 2-8) talent to play spoiler after
Clinton (11-20, 2-8) going undefeated in district -Chad Waters
Mount St. Mary (N/A) play with a record of 25-6 last Photo by Shelly Pond
MHS
Bearcats eye back-to-back State
Championships in Cross Country
MOORELAND
T
BEARCATS
2019 CROSS COUNTRY

Photo by Tom & Debbie Ray
ROSTER
Seniors: Chandler Crissup, he Mooreland Boy’s McLain, who placed second placed third overall at state last
Thomas Goff, Bracen Lewis, Cross-Country team is no overall at state last year with a season with a time of 17:11.1.
and Collen McLain. longer a program lurking time of 16:46.5. Boise City-Keys Stinnett is now starting his colle-
Juniors: Ben Brown, Dallett in the shadows. In the Colten Brown finished first over- giate career at Rogers State Uni-
Copenhaver, Dawson Frazier, program’s third year of existence, all at state with a time of 16:15.9, versity and competing on the
the Bearcats won their schools but Brown graduated in 2018 school’s cross country and track
Ely Noble, Francisco Ortega, first cross-country title. And doing making McLain the favorite to get & field teams. Filling in his top five
Jayden Patterson, and Theo so in dominant fashion after hav- his first individual state title this position and rounding out the top-
Sutton. ing the third largest point differen- season. At state, McClain fin- seven is the most significant off-
Sophomores: Chris Ainsworth, tial in state history with 82 points ished third overall as a freshman season concern for Mooreland.
Nate Butts, Riley Hensley, Wyatt separating Mooreland from sec- and second overall as a sopho- “Jackson was a huge part of
Lively, and Gavin Strunk. ond place Lomega. more, giving him the opportunity our success,” Hoover said. “We
Coach Kendra Hoover started to become a four-time cross- are very deep on our boy’s side
Freshman: Cody Dowell
the cross-country program back country all-stater. of things. Our younger ones con-
Coaching Staff: Head Coach in 2016, and since the program’s “He’s a naturally gifted runner, tinue to develop and will be great
Kendra Hoover. inception, her teams have quali- and is a true student of the sport,” additions when their time comes
fied for the state meet every year Hoover said. “He has great ability, to step up to fill one of the va-
2019 CROSS with a fifth-place finish in 2017 outstanding work ethic, and his cated varsity slots.”
COUNTRY SCHEDULE and a third-place finish in 2016. dedication is hard to surpass.” Hoover mentioned at least
This season, the Bearcats re- However, McLain is only one seven runners competing for the
8-17 at Buffalo turn all but one runner from their component of a dedicated team. six and seven spots on the varsity
8-24 at Hennessey top seven with the one graduate Juniors Francisco Ortega and lineup this season. Once those
also being one of the four Moore- Chandler Crissup will look to fin- positions fill out, the Bearcats will
8-31 at Watonga land runners who scored in the ish in the top 10 at state this sea- enter the 2019 season as a fa-
top-15 in 2018. And there’s no son. Ortega finished 11th overall vorite to repeat defend their title.
9-7 at Guthrie reason to believe the Bearcats last season with a time of 17:59.4 Regardless, Mooreland will enter
9-21 at Beaver can’t run it back in 2019. while Crissup placed 17th with a this season with the same men-
“We have more experience time of 18:226.4. Juniors Benn tality as last season.
9-28 at Watonga than ever before,” said Hoover, Brown and Dallett Copenhaver, “We always aim to win the
10-12 at Chishom who was selected as Region 1 and sophomore Theo Sutton title,” Hoover said. “The key lies in
Cross-Country Coach of the Year round out the returning starters continuing to train as if we are an
10-17 MS All-Star Meet in 2018. “These guys are from last season’s championship underdog. Every meet prepares
10-19 Regionals stronger physically than they squad. us for the ultimate war.”
have ever been.” However, the Bearcats lost
10-26 State Returning as the Bearcat’s their second-best runner from last -Chad Waters
lead runner is senior Collen season, Jackson Stinnett, who

T
WHS
Lady Eagles loaded with talent & ready to
contend for first State Title in a decade
he Watonga “She is a hard worker and is In her first year at Watonga
Lady Eagles last encouraging to her teammates. High School she was an All-
won a state She always wants to perform state runner, placing 8th last
championship in well for her teammates and is season in Shawnee. “I’m ex-
Cross Country always wanting the team to do pecting good things from her
10 years ago, in well as the group and not just again this year,” said Coleman.
2009. Flash-for- Emma Hussey placed top
ward to 2019 and the Lady Ea- 30 last season and should
gles enter the 2019 cross have another good showing
country season with a stacked this year. Caitin Parker was
roster and among the top con- battling injuries last year and
tenders for the team title and is healthy this season and
perhaps a few individual title should make a bigger im-
contenders. pact on the team this sea-
WATONGA Watonga Cross Country son.
Head Coach JimBob Coleman As for what Watonga
LADY EAGLES enters his seventh year at the needs to do in order to make
helm of the program with per- that next step and win a
haps his best roster to date. state title, “I think it is just to
2019 CROSS COUNTRY Coleman lost just one of his keep working hard in prac-
ROSTER top-seven starters from last tice and all 7 racing well on
Seniors: Rogelia Camarena, season and returns Riley Cole- the day of state,” said Cole-
Hallie Elston, Cacie Gorman, man, Jocelyn Turney, Emma man. “I think they all want to
Emma Hussey Hussey, Landri Hussey, Caitin win and are always working
Juniors: Caton Cope, Riley Parker, and Halie Elston from towards that goal.”
Coleman, Jocelyn Turney, last year’s team that ran for the Watonga’s competition at
Caitin Parker state championship in the State Title Meet will be
Sophomores: Allisa Bay, Ady Shawnee. very familiar as they have
Hightower, Landri Hussey With one open spot in the battled many of the same
Freshman: Madelynn Byrd, top seven for the Lady Eagles, schools for the past three
incoming freshman runners years in Shawnee. Hooker is
Jenna Dunkeson, Mason Estep,
Mason Estep and Julien returning all but one runner
Shawnda McMillen, Julien
Roman Nose both have a shot from their team last season
Roman Nose at rounding out Watonga’s ros- and Boise City is returning
Coaching Staff: Head Coach: ter. all but two, but the two they
JimBob Coleman The Lady Eagles will of lost were their top-2 runners.
course be paced by one of the Merritt will be a new addition
2019 CROSS best runners in the state of to the favorites, as they had
Oklahoma, junior runner Riley very good young runners
COUNTRY SCHEDULE Coleman. Coleman aims to win moving up to high school
8-15 at Watonga Quad a team title and an individual Photo by this season, from their mid-
8-31 at Watonga
state title in her third shot at the Eric dle school team.
feat. Warsinskey The Lady Eagles have
9-7 at Kingfisher Considered one of the top qualified as a team for the
runners in the state, Coleman State Title Meet three
9-14 at Mustang was asked about his daughter’s straight years. As for what is
9-28 at Watonga goals for this season, “She different about the 2019
doesn’t have a certain time [as Lady Eagles team, Coleman
10-3 at OBU a goal] because all courses are said, “Experience I think will
10-12 at Chisholm different, but she does in gen- herself.” be key. The girls are for the ma-
eral want to be faster this sea- While Coleman is considered jority made up of upper class-
10-17 MS All-Star Meet son. Other goals are to the big name on the roster, men with a few under
All-State again with a big goal what makes the Lady Eagles classmen.”
10-19 Regionals of being the state champion as so special is how deep their
10-26 State well as team champions.” roster is. Jocelyn Turney is a -Eric Warsinskey
When asked what makes returning for her second sea-
11-6 Meet of Champs her so special, Coleman added, son with the Watonga program.


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2019 CROSS COUNTRY

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