football
AREA FOOTBALL roundup:
WCS Mustangs gallop into playoffs; OUHS Cougars spoil Nowata celebration; Pawhuska scores 72 in the 1st quarter
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BY MIKE TUPA
NOVEMBER 5, 2024
BA.RTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS
Nowata High School's Asiah Saxton (5) is tackled while Oklahoma Union's Jacob Harris (5) stands ready during football action in Nowata on Nov. 1, 2024. OKU defeated Nowata, 28-20..
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Wesleyan Christian School continued its amazing late-season run, Pawhuska guaranteed itself a playoff home game and Oklahoma Union stunned Nowata during area prep football action last weekend (Nov. 1).
Details follow.
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WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN MUSTANGS 50, Gans 0
Roman Edwards romped for three touchdowns to help fuel the Mustangs into a surprise charge into the playoffs.
Just two weeks ago, the Mustangs’ hopes to qualify for the postseason seemed DOA.
Back then, the Mustangs’ record stood at a dismal 0-7. To make their woebegone fortunes even grayer, WCS had been scored 359-57 overall and 110-20 in district games.
But the whip-snapping turnaround took place on Oct. 25 when the Mustangs axed Arkoma, 38-8.
They followed up with last Friday’s mangling of Gans — which also guaranteed WCS a berth in the playoffs.
“It’s really strange,” said first-year WCS head coach but multi-year assistant Blain Landers. “I’ve never been a part of a season like this. A lot of times we had some tough games in the beginning.”
Landers said the Mustangs began to reverse course on October 18 in the second half of a 54-14 loss.
“I challenged them against Webbers Falls,” Landers said about that game.
In addition to Edwards’ big scoring night against Gans, receiver Lennox Vieux and Isaac Valenzuela both gained about 50 yards of offense.
Even though he had to contend with a sore knee, Zander Week made 10 tackles, raising his total to more than 40 in district games, Landers noted.
Sebastian Pierce also is maturing into a dominating defensive force. He racked up double-digit tackles as well and forced a fumble.
“He’s becoming similar to Zander,” Landers said. “He’s seeing the field a lot better.”
WCS eyes a major challenge this coming Friday against Wilson (Henryetta) (7-1, 4-0). Landers said the team will prepare well and go into the game feeling no pressure and knowing they’ve already clinched a playoff future.
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OKLAHOMA UNION COUGARS 28, NOWATA IRONMEN 20
This game is wrapped up in so many storylines it’s hard to separate them into a coherent report of cause and effect.
Let’s keep it simple for the moment.
Nowata (3-6, 3-3) — the definite favorite — surged to a 20-8 halftime lead.
Oklahoma Union (3-6, 2-4) outscored the Ironmen 20-0 in the second half to reel off the upset and play the role of spoiler.
Nowata can clinch a playoff spot by beating Tonkawa (5-4, 4-2) in this upcoming Friday’s (Nov. 8) game, Ironmen head coach Chance Juby said. Even if Nowata were to lose there might be a path to the postseason for the first time since 2019.
Oklahoma Union, meanwhile, had already seen its chances of playoff action erased prior to traveling to Nowata.
Pulling out the victory against the Ironmen soothed some of the sting from an overall glum campaign.
“It’s not the way we drew it up, but we deserved one to go our way,” said veteran Cougar head coach Steve Trammell.
“We came out and made small mistakes all night long,” Juby said, but added the Ironmen defense “didn’t give up a first down the first half.”
Nowata quarterback Treavor Emberson scored two touchdowns and Keyshawn Verner scored on a scoop and score for the team’s other six-pointer.
Asiah Saxton energized the Nowata offense with 82 yards receiving on just three catches.
Oklahoma Union’s biggest offensive play in the first half was produced by the defense — a 70-yard fumble scoop and return by Connor Pierce to the Nowata 10-yard line.
Jake Harris had forced the fumble; Pierce cashed in on the turnover on a one-yard run.
After scoring the two point conversion the Cougars trailed by only six points, 14-8, with time running down in the second quarter.
But Nowata got a break on a scoop and score to go ahead by 12 at halftime, 20-8.
Nowata also recovered two onside kicks in the first half.
“In the second half we came out flat,” said Juby, noting the team had to warm up twice due to a lighting issue.
“We had too many penalties,” Juby added.
At halftime, Trammell encouraged his players “to do what you can do. Go to work.”
In the fourth quarter, Joseph Lindner made a game-changing play, of which the end result would be a seven-yard aerial from Pierce to Kaden Miller to make it a 20-14 game.
Oklahoma Union then recovered an onside kick, leading to another Miller touchdown. The two-pointer scored by Pierce put the Cougars up, 22-20. (Earlier in the game, Bodee West had rung up a deuce for Oklahoma Union.)
West then picked off a pass with a minute left. With 16 ticks remaining, Pierce found West on a 20-yard scoring pass to stretch the score to 28-20.
Grant Reeves intercepted a Nowata pass in the final seconds to seal the win.
Reeves finished with 11 tackles, followed by Pierce with 10. Bryer Heidenreich added nine tackles and Lindner made seven.
Waylon Miner contributed four interceptions.
On offense, Jake Harris rushed for 45 yards and a touchdown.
Juby is hoping the loss was just a temporary detour in getting to the postseason.
“We’ve still got high hopes of making the playoffs,” he added.
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PAWHUSKA HUSKIES 84, CANEY VALLEY TROJANS 12
There are solid starts, big starts, explosive starts and incredible starts.
But the opening eight minutes of this game created a whole new category.
By the end of the first quarter Pawhuska led, 72-0 — an average of six points per minute!
Even prior to the end of the opening quarter, Pawhuska head coach Matt Hennesy had pulled his starters.
“Their coach thanked me,” he said. “In the second half we played everybody.”
“We ran only 14 offensive plays in the game and scored eight touchdowns,” noted Hennesy, who saw his Huskies improve to 7-2, 5-1 (District A-I-3) and clinch a homefield playoff game in two weeks.
Caney Valley (1-8, 0-6) is still battling for a district victory. The Trojans should have a promising chance to do that when they play the Quapaw Wildcats (2-7, 1-5) in Quapaw.
Following Pawhuska’s hotter-than-molten-steel surge through the first stanza, the final three quarters took place with a running clock.
Pawhuska scored in pretty much anyway possible. Nathan Kelly and Lane Kyler both recorded a pick-six. Chase Eaves returned a punt for a touchdown and returned a kickoff to the one-yard line to set up another score.
The defense also tallied a safety.
On offense, Vann Wildcat rumbled for a touchdown, Kyler hauled in two six-point aerials from Canyon Hindman and Eaves registered both a rushing and receiving TD.
Hindman “was as sharp as I’ve seen him during the week at practice,” Hennesy said.
Hennesy praised his team for its focused attitude despite being the overwhelming favorite.
“To me the difference between a good or a great team is that the good teams play down to the level of their opponents,” he said. “We preach all week that the great teams play to their level. … I was really just proud of our kids.”
Hennesy also expressed his pride about how the community turned out Friday for Military Appreciation Night.
“We appreciated all the veterans that were there,” he said.
Hennesy wasn’t quite sure what to make of the Morrison Wildcats (3-6, 3-3), who the Huskies host this coming Friday (Nov. 8).
“They have struggled this year but I think they’re kind of healthy,” he said.
This also will be Pawhuska’s Senior Night.
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Tulsa Central Braves 16, DEWEY BULLDOGGERS 13
They’ve created antidotes to heal almost every painful human condition.
But, they’ve never come up with medicine to heal a broken heart.
The Bulldoggers could have used one Friday night after seeing their spirited second-half-of-the-season run to the playoffs ended with a three-point loss.
Dewey (2-7, 2-4 District 2A-1-4) took a 13-8 lead into halftime — but put up two empty frames second half. A 42-yard field goal attempt to try to send the game to overtime sailed just a foot under the cross bar.
The loss mathematically eliminated Dewey, which had won two of its previous three contests. Tulsa Central (4-5, 3-3) remains in contention for a postseason berth.
Dewey opened the scoring Friday when Kavery Weathers scored a touchdown, followed by Evan Propper’s PAT kick.
Later in the first half, quarterback Easton Davis found Cadyn Artherton on a 30-yard scoring aerial.
“In the first half, we put together a couple of good drives,” said Dewey head coach Ryan Richardson.
Thanks to Dewey’s snarling defense, the Braves trailed at halftime by five points.
“Our defense as a group played great,” Richardson said. “(It) was outstanding throughout the game.”
Among the highlights was Cole Ketcher’s interception.
But the Braves found the end zone and added a two-point conversion to grab the lead, 16-13.
Propper made a valiant effort on the last-gasp field goal try, but it barely came up short.
Dewey will close out the season next Friday (Nov. 8) on a road trip to Chandler (6-3, 5-1).
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Hominy Bucks 41, BARNSDALL PANTHERS 8
The good news is Barnsdall (5-4, 3-3, District A-II-4) is still in strong contention for a playoff spot.
And like a razor-tipped spear, Maverick Lanphear shredded Hominy’s defense. The Panther senior quarterback piled up 335 yards of total offense to give Barnsdall a chance.
“The craziest part of the game is we probably left 20 points off the board in the first half,” said Barnsdall head coach Kylee Sweeney.
Barnsdall turned the ball over on the two-yard line on its first drive.
On the next possession, Barnsdall drove 70 yards, only to suffer a bad punt snap that led to a scoop and score by a Hominy player.
Barnsdall also gave up a pick-six early in the second half.
“All three of our turnovers resulted in Hominy points,” Sweeney said.
But the Panthers turned in an explosive effort. Lanphear hit 9-of-19 passing for nearly 180 yards and a touchdown pass (31 yards to Lincoln Gott). He also rushed for 155 yards on 27 carries.
Braden Byars contributed three receptions for just fewer than 100 yards.
“We controlled the time of possession, ran well and passed well,” said Sweeney. “We had probably just under 375 yards of offense and scored only one touchdown.”
Getting out of the game without any fresh injuries proved to be a highlight for the Panthers, Sweeney said.
Barnsdall will play host Thursday (Nov. 7) to Porter, in a game heavy with playoff implications.
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Wilson (Henryetta) Tigers 48, COPAN HORNETS 0
Prior to this game, defeat had been almost banished from the Hornets’ lexicon.
But, Wilson proved it’s still the team to beat in District B-II-4.
Copan (7-2, 3-1) still can put the finishing touches on an amazing regular season with a win this coming Friday against Arkoma. Copan already has locked up homefield playoff advantage in the first round.
Wilson (7-1, 4-0) clinched the district crown.
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Council Grove (Kan.) 35, CANEY VALLEY BULLPUPS (Kan.) 14
For the first time in several weeks the Bullpups failed to score in the first quarter. Council Grove seized the early momentum and powered to the playoff run that ended Caney Valley’s season.
“We came out with a rough start,” said Bullpups head coach Criss Davis. “We gave up a touchdown and then we came out with a three-and-punt and snapped the ball over our punter’s head.”
Even though the Caney Valley defense valiantly held Council Grove out of the end zone after that turnover, the Bullpup offense never quite got into gear.
Even so, Caney Valley trailed by only 12 points going into the fourth quarter, 20-8. But Council Grove broke off two touchdown pass plays in the final 5:58 to put the win away.
Caney Valley crossed the finish line with a 6-3 record and a district title (4-0).
“My kids never quit,” Davis said. “I told my kids that win, lose or draw, as long as you can look in the mirror in the morning and knew you played your hardest,” a player can feel pride.
As evidence of Davis’ comment, even though they trailed by 27 points with less than three minutes left, the Pups kept swinging, scoring on an 81-yard touchdown pass play with 2:01 left from Layne Denny to Ben Matthews.
Caney Valley scored its other touchdown on a nine-yard run by Traxcyn Garton. He also racked up the two-point conversion.
Luke Stewart threw four touchdown passes for Council Grove and Ace Monihen broke off a 60-yard scoring scamper.
Garton finished with 134 yards rushing on 25 carries to energize the Caney Valley offense. Denny connected on 9-of-21 passes for 147 yards — but was intercepted three times.
Matthews secured four receptions for 107 yards.
On the defensive side, Angel Martinez and Jace Wren each recorded a sack, while Xavier Gaston compiled 6.5 tackles.
“I was pleasantly surprised with how we played defensively the first three quarters,” Davis said.
Davis also enjoyed the ride this season.
“This was a fun bunch of kids to coach,” he said. “The kids were willing to play positions maybe they hadn’t played in the past. It was a fun year. … The seniors came in as boys and are leaving like men. I’m blessed to be here at this time and fortunate to be at Caney.”
CANEY VALLEY TOUCHDOWNS
Second quarter
Traxcyn Garton 9 run (Garton run), 5:34.
Fourth quarter
Ben Matthews 81 pass from Layne Denny (pass fail), 2:01.
Caney Valley rushing: Garton 25-134, Burnett 7-5.
Caney Valley passing: Denny 9-21-3-147, Matthews 0-1-0-0.
Caney Valley receiving: McVeigh 2-10, White 1-2, Garton 2-13, Roberds 1-5, Matthews 4-107.
CV — Council
First downs: 14 — 7
Rushing: 41-124 — 9-17-0-149
Passing: 10-22-3-147 — 9-17-0-139
Fumbles-lost: 0-0 — 1-1
Punts: 3-94 — 2-64
Oklahoma Union High School's Bodee West (20) finds running room while teammate Grant Reeves (10) blocks during the Cougars 28-20 win over Nowata on Nov. 1, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Oklahoma Union head coach Steve Trammell coaches from the sidelines during their win over Nowata, 28-20, on Nov. 1, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Wesleyan Christian School's head coach Blain Landers coaches during an earlier season game. WCS shut out Gans, 50-0, on the road on Nov. 1, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Dewey High School head football coach Ryan Richardson coaches during an earlier season game. The Bulldogger fell to Tulsa Central, 16-13, on the road on Nov. 1, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Pawhuska High School's Brett Eaves (18) finds running room during earlier season action. The Huskies defeated Caney Valley, 84-12, on Nov. 1, 2024 in Pawhuska.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
BHS Bruins burst past Patriots to clinch playoff berth
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November 4, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Michael Kent (14) hands off to Sutton Williams (0) during football action against Putnam City West in Bartlesville on Nov. 1, 2024. The Bruins won, 40-9, qualifying them for playoffs.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
With cleats on their feet and steely heat in their hearts, Bartlesville High School’s offense made a strong statement on its first possession and followed up with an exclamation point during District 6A-II-4 football action Friday (Nov. 1) at Custer Stadium.
The Bruins (2-7, 2-4) scored on an 11-play, ground-pounding drive to open the game and proceeded to overwhelm Putnam City West, 40-9, in a Week 9 mismatch.
The final buzzer also made history — this is the first time in the 43-year history of Bruin football that Bartlesville has qualified for the playoffs three years in a row.
Some might say it’s an odd scenario for a team that sputtered to its seventh-straight loss just two weeks ago and appeared it might barely squeak into the playoffs as a No. 6 seed.
But assuming the Bruins (2-7, 2-4) take care of business this coming Friday against visiting Capitol Hill (1-7, 0-6), they will have finished the regular season with three straight wins and a wave of momentum.
For the second-straight week the recently drastically reorganized Bruin offense earned an ‘A’ grade — but this week it did most of the damage on the ground.
That doesn’t mean starting freshman quarterback Michael Kent was just a handoff machine. He contributed not only with a full well-placed darts but with his legs.
On the Bruins’ opening touchdown drive — which covered 71 yards and didn’t feature a play longer than 14 yards — Kent ran twice for 19 yards. But Sutton Williams did most of the heavy lifting — seven carries for approximately 35 yards, including a one-yard burst for the touchdown, followed by a PAT kick by Jaci Alleman.
The PC West Patriots answered immediately with a kickoff return to the house by Xavier Farrar. The Patriots would add a field goal late in the second quarter.
After that Bartlesville started to pile up the points in the rest of the first half — a 38-yard scoring burst by Kent, a four-yard surge to paydirt by Daeton Stevens, a 22-yard scoring aerial from Kent to Damien Niko (his 10th scoring catch of the season), a 27-yard field goal by Dillon Burson and a safety.
The Bruins headed into halftime with a 33-9 lead,
The scoring frenzy subsided in the second half. The only points came on Williams’ short run and an extra point in the third quarter.
Bartlesville’s defense turned in another sterling-quality effort.
Davin Carter and Archer Swisher combined for multiple sacks to help the Bruins not allow an offensive touchdown.
A win Friday against Capitol Hill would clinch the No. 5 seed for Bartlesville and a road trip the first week of the postseason. Bartlesville — which is coached by Harry Wright — is 2-0 in playoff openers the previous two years.
Bartlesville High School's Sam Hoback (4) and Garren Dennis (28) take down a Putnam City West runner during football action against Putnam City West in Bartlesville on Nov. 1, 2024. The Bruins won, 40-9, qualifying them for playoffs.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's Davin Carter (12) and Sutton Williams (0) make a tackle during football action against Putnam City West in Bartlesville on Nov. 1, 2024. The Bruins won, 40-9, qualifying them for playoffs.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville Bruins look to keep good times rolling friday night
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November 1, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Archer Swisher (10) reacts to a score during earlier season action. The Bruins are still in the playoff hunt and host Putnam City West on Friday (Nov. 1) at 7 p.m.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
(Note: You can hear live coverage of this game on KWON (1400 AM) radio starting about 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Custer Stadium.)
Putnam City West Patriots (2-6, 1-4) at BARTLESVILLE BRUINS (1-7, 1-4)
Last week: Bartlesville 30, Ponca City 20; Putnam City West 34, Capitol Hill 14
Last meeting: Bartlesville 31, Putnam City West 28 (2023)
Just a week ago, Bartlesville High School’s football team was struggling to get out of a downward spiral following an 0-7 start, including 0-4 in District 6A-II-2.
The scenario looked even gloomier than that — the Bruins had suffered some internal discord following a shutout loss two weeks ago, which resulted in calling on freshman Michael Kent to move up to starting quarterback.
That was only one of the key starting personnel changes the Bruins had to make prior to last week’s showdown at Ponca City.
But it all turned out good for the boys in Blue & White.
Kent hurled three touchdowns — to three different receivers — and the Bruins added another score in the 30-20 win at Ponca City.
Other game highlights were chronicled in an article earlier this week.
This week, the Bruins (1-7, 1-4) will try to keep their hopes for a No. 5 playoff seed as they take on the visiting Putnam City West Patriots (2-6, 1-4).
A victory would pull the Bruins into a tie for fifth place — while owning the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Bartlesville is closing in on team history — the first time the Bruins have qualified three years in a row for the playoffs.
Although Bartlesville’s expectations so far have been swallowed up in a vortex of frustration.
But success does not go by an unalterable game plan. All that counts is the willingness to not quit no matter how jagged the ordeal — and the style in which one crosses the finish line.
However, Bartlesville can’t take anything for granted. Unlike Ponca City, Putnam City West has been able to study game film with Kent at quarterback, as well as any other Bruin adjustments.
A year ago, the Bruins had to grind past the Patriots, 31-28, in a win that clinched Bartlesville’s first home playoff game since 2015.
On paper, the Bruins likely are considered definite favorites — the Patriots are averaging only 6.8 points per game in district while giving up an average of 45.6. That compares with 15.8 ppg scoring and 34.6 ppg allowed for the Bruins.
For the overall season, Putnam City West is averaging just 5.3 ppg scoring and 38.9 ppg allowing.
Some of Kent’s impact receivers last week included Damien Niko, E.J. Beisle, Harrison Ketchum and Landry Deaton.
Daeton Stevens scored on a two-yard burst to round out the touchdowns.
Davin Carter recorded a safety and Sam Hoback intercepted a pass.
Sutton Williams has racked up a team-high 57 tackles for the season.
This game’s outcome could come down to emotion — Putnam City West eager to record a quality district win, clinch the playoffs and end years of futility against the Bruins; Bartlesville waning to build on last week’s excitement and winning rhythm and to try to continue to write a new storyline for the 2024 surreal odyssey.
AREA FOOTBALL PREVIEWS: Playoff fate on line this week for several teams
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October 31, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Dewey High School's Easton Davis (10) is under pressure during earlier season action. The Bulldoggers travel to Tulsa Central on Friday (Nov. 1) and could land a District 2A-I-4 playoff spot with a win.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Perhaps in the spirit of Halloween a lot is at stake this week for area football teams.
Playoff survival, playoff qualification or clinching playoff homefield advantage are all on the line for six of the nine smaller schools in the area.
In addition the Caney Valley (Kan.) Bullpups open their playoff journey with a home game Friday (Nov. 1).
Following are more details about this week’s matchups:
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DEWEY BULLDOGGERS (2-6, 2-3) at Tulsa Central Braves (3-5, 2-3)
Last week: Sperry 39, Dewey 7; Chandler 47, Tulsa Central 6
Last meeting: Tulsa Central 40, Dewey 7 (2023)
Last time Dewey won in series: NA
In a season already marked by an amazing turnaround, Dewey has one more curve to whip through — qualifying for the Class 2A-I playoffs.
Just three weeks ago, that goal would have seemed more like an impossible dream than a dash for the prize.
But after starting out at 0-5 — and it was not a pretty 0-5 — the Doggers powered to back-to-back district wins. Despite Friday’s loss to a spartan Sperry team, Dewey is still looking to shift back into winning gear Friday.
In last Friday’s setback, Evan Propper scored the Doggers’ touchdown and kicked the PAT.
Dewey squandered multiple opportunities inside the red zone — but at least it gave itself a chance.
The teams will be batting for fifth place in District 2A-I-4 — or possibly a fourth-place tie should Westville (1-7, 0-5) upset Tahlequah-Sequoyah (4-4, 3-2).
Only the top four teams in the final standings on Nov. 8 will advance to the promised land of postseason competition.
Dewey hasn’t suited up since 2019 for the playoffs — adding more zest to their quest.
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OKLAHOMA UNION COUGARS (2-6, 1-4) at NOWATA IRONMEN (3-5, 3-2)
Last week: Pawnee 26, Nowata 6; Tonkawa 20, Oklahoma Union 16
Last meeting: Oklahoma Union 48, Nowata 0 (2021)
Last time Nowata won in series: Nowata 44, Oklahoma Union 8 (2016)
This is the classic clash of two hard-nosed teams whose seasons have gone in opposite directions.
Oklahoma Union will look to play spoiler for a resurgent Ironmen team that has won three of its last four games.
Nowata is just one win away from its first playoff trip since 2019; the Cougars are finishing up their third-straight losing regular season. Prior to that, Oklahoma Union had qualified four-straight seasons (2018-2021) for the postseason.
This is the 10th anniversary of Nowata’s 2014 team, which stormed to 14-1 and finished second in the state.
In last Friday’s loss, Nowata played the surging Black Bears better than anyone else has so far this year. They’ve been hammering everyone — including a very strong Pawhuska team — but ran into a fierce challenge at Nowata. Treaver Emberson tallied the Ironmen score.
Tyler Flower contributed 16 tackles.
Brett Malone has made 75 tackles for the season.
Oklahoma Union saw its playoff hopes dissolved in a heartbreak four-point loss. Connor Pierce and Kaden Miller each scored a touchdown, the latter on a halfback pass from Waylon Miner.
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CANEY VALLEY TROJANS (1-7, 0-5) at PAWHUSKA HUSKIES (6-2, 4-1)
Last week: Pawhuska 72, Quapaw 13; Morrison 51, Caney Valley 8
Last meeting: Pawhuska 82, Caney Valley 0 (2023)
Last time Caney Valley won in series: Caney Valley 22, Pawhuska 14 (ot) (2012)
Pawhuska is the favorite but the Trojans will be scrambling to pull off what would be a seismic stunner in District A-I-3 — and in all of Class A-1.
Caney Valley is enduring what some refer to as “just one of those seasons,” one of those seasons where little is going right on the field.
In six games, Sam Pitts made 52 tackles to lead Caney Valley, followed by Bryor Bonde with 44.
Offensively, through six games Noah Mitchell has connected on more than 1,200 aerial yards and eight scores.
Pawhuska relied heavily last week on quarterback Canyon Hindman (16-of-28, 263 yards, four touchdowns) and Chase Eaves (201 receiving yards, two interceptions, a pick six).
Through seven games Hindman passed for nearly 1,700 yards, to go with 21 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
Vann Wildcat amassed more than 100 yards of total offense.
Logan Cass is among the state’s Class A-I tacklers (98), followed closely by Wildcat (83) and Dane Jensen (67).
That’s why they suit up and meet on the field of test — to see which will be the better team on that given night.
Should things go according to probabilities, Pawhuska will win and clinch homefield advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Should the Trojans accomplish something improbable, it would be a feat that would reverberate through the years in Caney Valley grid lore.
The keys remain as ancient as long as athletes have been lugging leather — control the ball on offense, win the battle of field position with the defense, play better on special teams, avoid turnovers and keep an attitude of rugged toughness the entire way.
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BARNSDALL PANTHERS (5-3, 3-2) at Hominy Bucks (6-2, 4-1)
Last week: Barnsdall 54, Afton 0; Hominy 15, Porter 0
Last meeting: Barnsdall 36, Hominy 33 (2019)
This game is a double helix of layered rivalry and history.
Barnsdall head coach Kylee Sweeney is a Hominy High product and former coach for the Bucks prior to his arrival in 2016 at Barnsdall.
The towns of Barnsdall and Hominy are only about 25 miles apart and traditional nemeses in all sports.
As if this showdown needed any more intensity.
Barnsdall is ferociously determined to clinch a playoff spot and win out in order to improve its playoff seeding. Hominy is on the verge of clinching second place in District A-II-4 and first-round homefield playoff advantage.
Hominy will be the more rested combatant — the Bucks didn’t need to play last week due to a forfeit by the other team.
Barnsdall is riding a two-game winning streak with a cumulative point total of 96-14.
Barnsdall receiver James Johnson has hauled in 550 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Barnsdall’s Maverick Lanphear is building an incredible year. Through eight games he has piled up nearly 1,800 yards of total offense, 18 rushing touchdowns and five passing scores.
Blaine Miller and Lanphear have recorded 82 and 56 tackles, respectively.
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Wilson (Henryetta) (6-1, 3-0) at COPAN HORNETS (7-1, 3-0)
Last week: Copan 41, Webbers Falls 12; Wilson (Henryetta) 48, Gans 0
Last meeting: Wilson (Henryetta) 50, Copan 30 (2023)
Last time Copan won in series: NA
Copan already is pursuing its greatest season since 2008, when it finished 9-1 and won a first-round playoff game.
In last week’s historic victory, Karson Woodworth picked off two passes, Shooter Brewington grabbed one interception and Jakob Powell energized the defense to help elevate the Hornets to their first seven-win season since 2009, and their first homefield playoff advantage since 2008.
On offense, Kane Foreman engineered the mighty attack with his arm and feet. Weston O’Rourke scored two touchdowns and Caron hauled in a Foreman pass for another score.
With a win Friday, the Hornets would wrap up the District B-11-4 top seed and a guarantee of two playoff home games, providing they win the first one.
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WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN MUSTANGS (1-7, 1-2) at Gans Grizzlies (1-7, 0-3)
Last week: Wesleyan Christian 38, Arkoma 8; Wilson (Henryetta) 48, Gans 0
Last meeting: Might be first meeting
Emerging off last week’s rousing win, the Mustangs made the giant leap from oblivion to playoff contender.
Lennox Vieux snared a touchdown aerial and Roman Edwards sparkled at the running back slot to help fuel the win.
Sebastian Pierce, Zander Week, Issac Valenzuela and Jarrett Jensen each contributed either a touchdown or two-point conversion.
Even though their record is a modest 1-7 overall, they are 1-2 in District B-II-4 and with a win against the Grizzlies the Mustangs can move up to the No. 3 or No. 4 seed.
That would be a significant achievement for a seriously-rebuilding Mustang team that started the season at 0-7 and has been outscored, 367-95.
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PLAYOFFS: Council Grove (Kan.) Braves (5-3) at CANEY VALLEY (Kan.) BULLPUPS (6-2)
Last week: Caney Valley 51, Riverton (Kan.) 14; Silver Lake (Kan.) 29, Council Grove 12
Last meeting: Council Grove 32, Caney Valley 14 (2023)
Last time Caney Valley won in series: Caney Valley 16, Council Grove 3 (2022)
The Pups are just a couple of years away from a deep playoff run — which included a second-round win against the Braves.
Caney Valley might boast the squad, the experience, the confidence, the defense and the balanced offensive potential — and the hunger — to finally break through to the state semifinals.
Ben Matthews was on the receiving end of three Layne Denny scoring aerials during last week’s dominating win. Drake Roberds also found paydirt on a pass from Denny.
Logan Burnett, Traxcyn Garton and Braden Martin also each ran for a score.
But at this part of the process there are no weak opponents. Caney Valley will be focused on establishing the run to set up its passing attack and to unleash its defense — especially its fiery pass rush and gap-filling linebackers — to try to impede Council Grove’s offensive motor.
Copan High School's Teegan Caron (5) makes a tackle during earlier season action. The Hornets host Wilson Henryetta Friday (Nov. 1). The Hornets have clinched a home playoffs,
BECKY BUIRCH/BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS
Nowata High School's Brett Malone (44) and Jerome Jackson (68) could help lead the Ironmen to a playoff trip with a win over visiting Oklahoma Union on Friday (Nov. 1).
BECKY BUIRCH/BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS
AREA FOOTBALL reports:
Five teams blitz to wins, Copan clinches homefield advantage
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BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS
Copan High School's Jaxon White (50) hoists Teegan Caron (5) after a score in the first half of the Hornets 41-12 win over Webbers Fall in Copan on Oct. 25, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bob Stoops was finishing up his first decade as the University of Oklahoma football coach and the Steelers stampeded to the Super Bowl title the last time Copan High School’s football team recorded seven wins — or hosted a playoff game.
The Hornets arrived at both those milestones Friday night (Oct. 25) in front of an adoring homecrowd that stuffed the stands at Sheets Field like five pounds of jelly beans in a three-pound sack.
Four other area football teams also walked off the field with wins Friday night — Wesleyan Christian School, Pawhuska, the Caney Valley (Kan.) Bullpups and Barnsdall.
Wesleyan Christian avoided a winless season — and also injected itself into the hunt for a playoff spot — in a 30-point win.
The Caney Valley Bullpups finished off a perfect district record and eyes the opening of the Kansas playoffs later this week.
Oklahoma Union lost by just four points.
Following are details for these contests and others in the area follow:
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COPAN HORNETS 41, Webbers Falls Warriors 12
at Copan
What a night!
With several former Copan grid greats in attendance for Alumni Night, the current chapter of Hornet heroes hammered out perhaps the program’s most significant win in 15 years.
Paced by the big playability of several players, Copan (7-1, 3-0) buzzed past the Warriors (4-4, 1-2) by 29 points.
Copan rose to domination despite battling through some off-course air pockets.
“We didn’t play our best game,” noted Copan head coach Marshall Foreman. “We made multiple turnovers and had a lot of dumb penalties. We weren’t our sharpest.”
Even so, Copan never had to punt “and overall we played good,” said Foreman.
Copan started off the game with a big play — Shooter Brewington’s interception.
But, the Hornets gave the ball right back on a fumble.
However, Copan recovered from the giveaway without giving up any points. On its next possession, the Hornets found paydirt on Weston O’Rourke’s scoring run inside the 20 yard line.
A few minutes later quarterback Kane Foreman found Teegan Caron for a red zone touchdown. O’Rourke also tallied another first-half six-pointer and by halftime Copan led, 22-12.
The Copan defense shutout the Warriors in the second half while the offense added three more touchdowns — including an aerial connection from Kane Foreman to Karson Woodworth and a Kane Foreman run inside the red zone.
But the emphasis in the second half — was Copan’s defensive effort.
Woodworth would pick off two passes during the game while feisty Jakob Powell “probably had his best game of the year,” coach Foreman said. “He was constantly a nuisance.”
He also praised the play of Caron and Brewington at linebackers and of Jaxon White at defensive end.
“They (the Warriors) were really big overall, a big physical team,” said coach Foreman. “I thought we did a good job being the more physical team.”
With a seven-win season and homefield playoff game clinched, Copan next will go for its first district title since 2009.
Coach Foreman felt especially gratified by having the former Hornets in cleats in the stands or on the sidelines watching the current crop carry on the tradition.
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WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN MUSTANGS 38, Arkoma 8
at Wesleyan Christian
After struggling through a stony stretch littered with lopsided losses, the Mustangs finally stampeded to a Week 8 victory.
Unbelievably, not only did the Mustangs win, but they’re right in the thick of the chase for a playoff spot.
If they beat Gans (1-6, 0-2) next Friday, the Mustangs (1-7, 1-2) should be galloping into the playoffs.
The patient leader through the rebuilding pains and hard-fought progress is first-year head coach Blain Landers.
“The rate of growth hasn’t been what I wanted it to be,” Landers said about the past few weeks. “But, it’s getting to the point of the season where the guys are stacking enough of those learning experiences. … A lot of these young guys are starting to piece a lot of things together.”
The emphasis of last Friday’s game was on the 12th graders, who were recognized at Senior Night.
Four seniors contributed to the scoring total — Sebastian Pierce, Zander Week and Issac Valenzuela with a touchdown and two-point conversion each. Jarrett Jensen contributed a two-pointer.
Lennox Vieux caught a touchdown pass for one of the Mustangs’ other scores.
Running back Roman Edwards “had a great night on the ground,” Landers added. “He was running all over the place. Our sweeps were working.”
The Mustangs surged into the game inspired to win one in front of the home fans.
“Before the game I challenged everybody to do their job and told them this was a winnable game,” Landers said.
The defense set the tone.
Week played at linebacker and “was flying all over the field,” Landers said.
Also at linebacker, Pierce “had a pretty good night,” Landers added he probably had his best night in being in the right spots and in getting downhill.
The Mustangs next have to prepare for the road trip to Gans and to record a win.
“We have a lot of work left to do,” Landers said. “This something we can grab on to. We’re hungry and we’re ready.”
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BARNSDALL PANTHERS 54, Afton 0
at Barnsdall
What a difference two games have made.
Following back-to-back drubbings at the hands of Woodland, 62-15, and Ketchum, 49-14, the Panthers’ record stood at 1-2 in District A-II-4 and 3-3 overall.
The theme song for their playoff hopes seemed to be “Tara’s Theme,” otherwise known as “Gone With the Wind.”
But the Panthers refused to see their hopes blown away.
Following a 42-14 rout two weeks ago of Summit Christian, the Panthers (5-3, 3-2) followed up with Friday’s fricasseeing of Afton.
Maverick “High Gear” Lanphear amassed 240 total yards — including three touchdown plays.
Braden Byars, Lincoln Gott and James Johnson each hauled in a scoring strike; Blaine Miller rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Johnson recorded 113 offensive yards, including 65 receiving.
Colby Hollins added four carries for 34 yards and a touchdown.
Linemen Henry Easley carried the ball twice, once for a score, and Brohk Townley scored two two-point conversions.
Obviously the Panthers’ defense played like a giant brick wall extending up to the clouds.
Some of the Barnsdall heroes on that side of the ball included Hayden Collins with six tackles (four for loss) and two sacks; Townley with six tackles (three for loss) and a sack; Lanphear with eight tackles; and Gott and Byars with an interception each.
Not only that, but “not a single person got hurt for the first game this season,” Barnsdall coach Kylee Sweeney said. “We have to win one of the next two to make the playoffs. … We thought we had a pretty good week of practice. Offensive-wise we had a lot of success early and built momentum.”
Sweeney hopes his troops carry a lot of confidence and determination out of this contest to keep the good times rolling.
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PAWHUSKA HUSKIES 72, Quapaw 13
at Quapaw
Pawhuska (6-2, 4-1) took another giant stride toward clinching homefield advantage in the playoffs. If the Huskies were to win out, they would assure themselves of second place in District A-I-3 or possibly a district championship.
In either case, Pawhuska would be home to open the postseason.
In retrospect, Quapaw offered little resistance to Pawhuska’s determined march.
“We didn’t play great in the first half, but we had a good second half,” said veteran Pawhuska head coach Matt Hennesy.
Hennesy pulled his starters early and the jayvee added the last three touchdowns.
Several Huskie first-stringers made their impact felt like sledgehammers.
Quarterback Canyon Hindman connected on 16-of-28 passes for 263 yards and four touchdowns.
His most effective target was Chase Eaves, who amassed 201 receiving yards and on the defensive side picked off two passes, one of them for a pick-six.
Vann “Mr. Versatile” Wildcat gained 74 yards on two catches and rushed 12 times for 65 yards.
Logan Cass contributed a key 20-yard run before he went out with a serious leg injury, Hennesy said. Cass is out for the rest of the season, but could be back in time for wrestling, the coach added.
Tripp Walker zapped Quapaw with another pick six.
Jayvee quarterback Jadon Spicer connected on two passes for 102 yards and two scores.
Pawhuska hosts Caney Valley (1-7, 0-5) next Friday (Nov. 1).
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CANEY VALLEY (Kan.) BULLPUPS 51, Riverton (Kan.) 14
at Caney Valley
The Bullpups (6-2, 4-0) had plenty of reason to howl after earning the district title in perfect fashion.
Riverton hardly had a chance after Caney Valley scored three touchdowns in the opening 8:37 and never looked back.
Pups quarterback Layne Denny hurled four touchdowns — three to Ben Matthews and one to Drake Roberds — in a rare but impressive display of Caney Valley air power.
Matthews rang up 115 yards on just four catches.
Caney Valley also ran for 204 yards, led by Logan Burnett (11-117, 1 TD).
Traxcyn Garton and Braden Martin ran for one score apiece.
On the defensive side, the Pups buried Riverton like a hungry undertaker with dinner waiting at home.
Austin Freisberg contributed a sack, fumble recovery and 5.5 tackles.
Ace Koester added 4.5 sacks.
Xavier Gaston exacted a sack and a fumble recovery. Jace Wren also added a sack.
Caney Valley head coach Criss Davis is looking forward to seeing what his team might do in the postseason. The Pups’ only two regular season losses were to teams that finished the regular season undefeated.
He believes during the Pups gained a lot of confidence and determination in their loss to a very powerful Christ Academy team.
The Pups players learned in that game they could compete on a high level, Davis said earlier this season.
In analyzing his team’s SOP, Davis said the catalyst is the defense.
“I think our offense is feeding off our defense. … Actually, they’re feeding off each other,” he explained.
In dissecting his offense, he said the passing success is being set up by the running game. By forcing the other team to crowd the box the Pups are able to use the play-action to deter the pass rush and let the receivers get open.
The Pups will open the playoffs next Friday (Nov. 1) by hosting Council Grove. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
First quarter
CV — Logan Burnett 26 run (Traxcyn Garton run), 9:07.
CV — Ben Matthews 50 pass from Layne Denny (run fail), 7:35.
CV — Drake Roberds 61 pass from Denny (Garton run), 3:23.
Riv — Haydin Witherspoon 37 pass from Forbes (Javon Johnson kick), 1:34.
Second quarter
CV — Matthews 5 pass from Denny (Garton pass from Denny), 11:17.
CV — Braden Martin 3 run (run fail), 5:56.
Third quarter
CV — Matthews 42 pass from Denny (Garton run), 11:00.
CV — Garton 42 run (Angel Martinez kick), 7:24.
Fourth quarter
Riv — Caden Gray 42 run (Johnson kick), 2:44.
CV — Riv
First downs: 8 — 5
Rushing: 31-204 — 28-78
Passing: 5-8-0-176 — 4-10-0-70
Fumbles-lost: 1-1 — 2-2
CV rushing: Burnett 11-117, Garton 10-71, Martin 5-24.
CV passing: Denny 5-8-0-176
CV receiving: Matthews 4-115, Roberds 1-61.
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Sperry Pirates 39, DEWEY BULLDOGGERS 7
at Dewey
Let’s be honest — the Doggers (2-6, 2-3) faced long odds to scuttle the Pirates (5-3, 4-1), who had recorded their previous two district totals by a cumulative point total of 74-33.
Dewey players still came out and challenged Sperry like angry grizzly bears defending their den.
Going into the final minute of the first half, Dewey trailed by only a touchdown, 14-7.
But with 27 seconds left, Sperry finished off an 80-yard touchdown pass to go ahead, 21-7, and surf into intermission on a wave of momentum.
Sperry ruled in the second half, 18-0, to put away the pesky Doggers.
“The kids played really hard,” Dewey head coach Ryan Richardson said about his Doggers. “They played really well … especially in the first half.”
Evan Propper bulled three yards to the end zone for Dewey’s touchdown and also kicked the extra point.
Dewey squandered another gleaming chance to score, set up by the defense when Haydn Taylor forced a fumble and Propper scooped it and rumbled down to the Sperry 10-yard line. But, Dewey’s drive stalled inside the five-yard line.
On another drive, Dewey ran a fake field goal.
“We had an open receiver, but he didn’t come down with it,” said Richardson.
Sperry took possession at the 10-yard line and scored on a 90-yard touchdown aerial on its first play.
Despite the disappointment of the final result, Dewey could take heart of how it competed against one of the district powerhouses.
“Hopefully for the next game we’ll learn from (the missed opportunities),” Richardson said.
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Pawnee Black Bears 26, NOWATA IRONMEN 6
at Pawnee
If ever a loss could be considered a moral victory this would have been the case.
In its previous four District A-I-3 wins, Pawnee (5-3, 5-0) had outscored its opponents, 252-22 — an average winning margin of almost 52 points!
Nowata (3-5, 3-2) had started the season at 0-4 prior to running off three-straight district triumphs.
To hold Pawnee — which has averaged 41.25 points in all eight games — to less than 40 points was a kind of win in itself.
“Their coaches told me that’s the toughest anyone has played them,” said Nowata head coach Chance Juby. “It’s nice to hear that from other people. (Pawhuska coach) Matt Hennesy contacted us to how tell us how awesome he thought we did. … That’s probably the best loss I’ve ever had as far as how hard our kids played.”
Juby credited his team’s defensive fierceness as the principal factor in the Ironmen’s performance.
“We were full speed, relentless,” he added.
Tyler Flower inspired the defense with 16 tackles, followed by Jerome Jackson with eight and other crucial plays.
“Him and Tyler both gave our defense its energy,” he said.
Brent Malone added his first interception.
On offense, quarterback Treaver Emberson ran in Nowata’s touchdown and Asiah Saxton piled up a combined 72 yards on rushing and receiving.
Nowata is just one win away from guaranteeing a playoff spot. The Ironmen will try to get that done on Friday (Nov. 1) when they play host to area rival Oklahoma Union (2-6, 1-4).
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Tonkawa 20, OKLAHOMA UNION COUGARS 16
at Oklahoma Union
Head coach Steve Trammell and his Oklahoma Union players suffered another heart-breaking loss in a season journey strewn with disappointment.
This was the team’s third four-point setback, to go with a nine-point loss.
But this one was doubly costly, pretty much erasing the Cougars’ hopes of qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in three years.
Oklahoma Union fell to 2-6 and 1-4 (District A-I-3) while Tonkawa improved to 5-3, 4-1.
The Cougars went into the game with a major handicap with one of their best players missing due to another activity.
Even so, they nearly pulled it out.
“Defensively, we played well enough to win the game,” said Trammell. “We struggled offensively to get going. … This was a hard luck toss. We can’t finish a game. When we have good things happen it seems like bad things pop up.”
Tonkawa scored on its first two possessions to go ahead, 12-8, and only managed one other touchdown.
In the final two minutes Oklahoma Union drove the ball to midfield but suffered a miscue that short-circuited their attempt to pull out the win, Trammell noted.
Connor Pierce scored one of the Cougars’ touchdowns.
The other happened on a halfback pass from Waylon Miner to Kaden Miller, on a fourth-and-2 play.
Jake Harris and Miner also turned in notable defensive efforts, the coach added.
Oklahoma Union will look to play spoiler next Friday (Nov. 1) to county rival Nowata (3-5, 3-2). Nowata — which can clinch a postseason reservation with a win — will play host.
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Morrison 51, CANEY VALLEY TROJANS 8
at Caney Valley
The Trojans (1-7, 0-5) found the end zone for the first time in three games but still couldn’t derail Morrison (2-6, 2-3) which is scrambling to stay in the playoff chase.
Caney Valley will end the season with two road games, this Friday (Nov. 1) at Pawhuska (6-2, 4-1) and the final week at Quapaw (2-6, 1-4).
Copan High School's Weston O'Rourke (4) is tackled by a Webbers Falls tackler during home action on Oct. 25, 2024. The Hornets won, 41-12, sending them into post-season play.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Copan High School's Kane Forman (12) looks for a receiver during home action on Oct. 25, 2024. The Hornets won, 41-12, sending them into post-season play.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Barnsdall High School's Lincoln Gott (14) looks downfield during earlier season action. The Cougars shut-out Afton, 54-0 on Oct. 25, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Dewey High School's Hayden Taylor (1) tackles a Sperry runner during football action in Dewey on Oct. 25, 2024. The Bulldoggers fell to Sperry, 39-7.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Wesleyan Christian High School's Isaac Valenzuela-Aramburo (2) finds running room during home action against Arkoma on Oct. 25, 2014. The Mustangs celebrated senior night with a 38-8 win.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Freshman QB helps guide BHS Bruins to explosive district win
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October 27, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Michael Kent (14) and Boden Roberts (23) make a tackle during an earlier season game. Kent, a freshman quarterback, took over the Bruin offense in Ponca City to help lead the Bruins to their first win of the season, 30-20 on Oct. 25, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
What a difference a fresh start can make.
Make that a starting freshman.
On Friday (Oct. 25), ninth-grade wunderkind Michael Kent took charge of the Bartlesville High School offense and helped lead the Bruins to something they hadn’t done the previous seven contests — win.
Playing as if he had had an injection of glacier water in his blood, nerves of steel and a bionic arm, Kent hurled three touchdowns and avoided any interceptions in Bartlesville’s 30-20 win at Ponca City.
Perhaps it could be summarized thusly — In just 48 minutes Bartlesville’s season transformed from gloomy turmoil to gleaming renewal.
Kent’s elevation to starting quarterback defined a Bruin week that had started with disruption, which led to the absence of some experienced talent.
The mightily struggling Bruins needed that infection of friction about as much as a zookeeper needs a breakout of diarrhea in the elephant compound.
Not only had they been shutout the two previous games (55-0 to Muskogee, 23-0 to Putnam City North), but the team was off to an 0-7 start for the first time in 30 years.
Instead of calling for the U.S. Marines the Bartlesville coaching staff looked to freshman commando Kent to come to the rescue.
He set the tone on offense and the Bruin regulars did the rest.
Kent no doubt turned in the finest-ever performance by a Bruin freshman quarterback making his first varsity start — he completed 14 passes distributed among six different receivers, including touchdown strikes to fellow freshman E.J. Beisle (11 yards), junior Harrison Ketchum (36 yards) and senior playmaker Damien Niko (30 yards).
Freshman Daeton Stevens plunged two yards for Bartlesville’s other touchdown.
Rounding out Bartlesville’s scoring were junior kicker Dillon Burson (four extra-point kicks) and junior linebacker Davin Carter with a safety.
No one could deny the powerful impact of the Bruin defensive effort, as well, following up on their superb showing the week prior against Putnam City North.
“The players did a great job understanding what PCN was trying to do and making plays,” said Bartlesville head coach Harry Wright prior to Friday’s game.
For Ponca City — which rallied from a 16-0 halftime deficit to nearly tie the game — piled up its points on touchdowns by Lance Arbona (3-yard run), Jaxon Goddard (2-point catch), Roland-Barton (7-yard reception) and Ryder Trepton (17-yard reception).
Bartlesville improved to 1-7 and 1-4 in District 6A-II-2. The Bruins will be favored the next two weeks (vs. Putnam City West and Capitol Hill), which would launch them into the playoffs for the third-straight year — a team record.
Ponca City fell to 1-7, 0-5, and likely will need to win its final two (Capitol Hill, Putnam City West, both on the road) in order secure a playoff reservation.
Beyond all the program personnel adjustments this past week — for both teams — and the frenzied implications for the playoff chase, there was another factor that couldn’t be denied. Bartlesville and Ponca City are fierce rivals that just plain don’t like each other.
At stake Friday night was the ConocoPhillips Bowl Cup Trophy, a traveling award that’s been given to the annual winner since the mid-2010s.
“It’s there,” Wright said earlier in the week about the antipathy between the two teams. “Our kids are ready for the trophy to return.”
All those factors added up to a gladiatorial fever by the opening kick-off at the Po-Hi Football Stadium.
Bartlesville had to punt on its first possession, but the Bruins got the ball back quickly on an interception by Sam Hoback. at the Ponca City 14-yard line.
However, the Bruins let the golden opportunity slip away following back-to-back sacks of Kent that resulted in 20 yards of losses.
Bartlesville’s defense then racked up a safety — on Carter’s tackle — to put two points on the board and get the ball back to the offense.
On that possession, the Bruins put it together — aided by a personal foul penalty on the Wildcats. Bartlesville drove the ball 38 yards to paydirt, capped by the connection from Kent to Beisle.
Bartlesville’s defense continued to dominate Ponca City throughout the first half, thanks largely to the defensive heroics of Carter, Sutton Williams and Jaxon Zaun.
The Bruins went ahead 16-0 in the second quarter on the connection from Kent to Ketchum.
The teams continued trade possessions throughout the second period. The half ended on a sack by Carter with the ball at the Bruin 34-yard line.
In the second half, Ponca City stepped up play on both sides of the ball and quickly cut the Bruins’ lead in half, 16-8, with Arbona’s scoring burst and a two-point pass. The running of Wildcat quarterback Jonston Burke also played key role on the drive.
At the start of the fourth quarter, Ponca City scored again on a short drive set up by a muffed Bartlesville punt. The two-point try failed and Bartlesville led, 16-14, with 10:30 left in the game.
Meanwhile, Niko had come into the game in the second half and made a significant impact. On the Bruins’ crucial 76-yard touchdown drive early in the fourth quarter, Niko grabbed a nine-yard completion to move the chains. A few players later, Williams tore off a 20-yard run to set up Stevens’ scoring run.
Bartlesville added an insurance touchdown after the Bruin defense stopped the Wildcats on downs. A long run by Stevens and a 10-yard completion to Landry Deaton led to Niko’s 30-yard scoring grab, to increase the lead to 30-14.
Ponca City put together a quick scoring march to get within 10, 30-20, but missed the two-pointer.
Bartlesville then covered up the onside kick attempt and ran out the clock.
The Bruins had finally shattered their losing streak and also given fans a wide glimpse at the future.
Chances are the Blue & White faithful enjoyed the preview.
Bartlesville Bruins heft the prized ConocoPhillips Bowl Cup Trophy after defeating Ponca City, 30-20, on the road on Oct. 25, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Cody Meade
AREA FOOTBALL analysis:
Bartlesville vs. Ponca City key battle; playoff hopes for several local schools
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October 24, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Evan Goad (18) is tackled during an earlier season game. Bartlesville travels to Ponca City on Friday (Oct. 26).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
NOTE: Bruin fans can catch live play-by-play action on KWON Radio (1400 AM) or KWON-TV of the Bartlesville-Ponca City game Friday (Oct. 25).
Entering Week 8 of the high school football season, eight of nine area teams are still scrambling for playoff positioning.
Only the Caney Valley Trojans (0-7, 0-4) have reached mathematical elimination.
The Wesleyan Christian School Mustangs (0-7, 0-2) need to climb a tall, rugged mountain to ascend to the postseason — winning at least two of their remaining three games, and perhaps all three.
The only area squad that has clinched the playoffs outright is the Caney Valley (Kan.) Bullpups (5-2, 3-0). They will be battling this Friday for their district crown.
That leaves seven squads who are on the verge or still have a solid opportunity of guaranteeing a postseason berth.
The three that could get that done this Friday are the Pawhuska Huskies (5-2, 3-1), the Nowata Ironmen (3-4, 3-1) and the Copan Hornets (6-1, 2-0).
That leaves four area teams within clawing distance of the playoffs — Dewey (2-5, 2-2), Barnsdall (4-3, 2-2), Oklahoma Union (2-5, 1-3) and Bartlesville (0-7, 0-4).
Bartlesville plays in Class 6A-II, which allows six teams per district to advance to the postseason. The Bruins can make their playoff reservation by winning all three of their remaining games, or possibly just two of the three. Being they have reached the softest part of their schedule, that appears to be doable.
Following are closer looks at this year’s area matchups.
———
FRIDAY: BARTLESVILLE BRUINS (0-7, 0-4) at Ponca City Wildcats (1-6, 0-4)
LAST MEETING: Ponca City 34, Bartlesville 7 (2021)
LAST BRUIN WIN IN SERIES: Bartlesville 34, Ponca City 29 (2019)
LAST WEEK: Putnam City 23, Bartlesville 0; Sapulpa 28, Ponca City 7.
Many Bruin observers can’t quite get a handle on this year’s team.
It’s definitely better than its 0-7 record — but there have seemed to be few answers to the frustrations that have betrayed Bartlesville’s potential.
The symptoms are not complicated — the inability to move the ball consistently on the ground on first and second down plays, too many interceptions (some off tipped balls), too many turnovers on downs between midfield and the red zone, too many drive-disrupting penalties that have put the ball behind the chains in third and fourth-down situations, failure to cash in too many times on short fields and some dropped passes in critical situations.
Despite all those challenges, Bartlesville boasts some good offensive indicators. During their first five games the Bruins averaged 25.6 points scoring, Damien Niko is well on his way to being a 1,000-yard receiver, Julian Uribe has developed into a reliable — sometimes brilliant — second-option receiver to complement Niko, several freshmen have been contributing to the offensive production and several pass completions have gone for big yards.
Other than a penchant for giving up a big play or more in several games, the Bruins defense deserves a high grade, all things considered.
Archer Swisher is maturing into an intense impact linebacker, lineman Avery Hitchings and John Torres are threats on every snap to disrupt opponents’ plays, young secondary players are playing above their experience level and several other scrappy defenders have made key plays.
The defense has been handicapped by trying to defend too many short fields due to offensive turnovers or loss on downs.
It has to be noted that Bartlesville has played a brutal seven-game schedule. Not that the Bruins couldn’t have collected at least three, and probably four-or-more wins by this stage of the journey. But it simply has not worked out that way.
That’s the past. The Bruins now head into a less strenuous portion of their slate, at least as far as strength of schedule.
The cumulative record of Bartlesville’s first seven opponents is 37-12 (.755). The cumulative record of their three remaining opponents is 3-18 (.143).
One possible Bruin question going into Friday’s fray is who will lead the Bruin offense. During the second half of last week’s 23-0 loss to Putnam City North freshman quarterback Michael Kent took the place of Neal.
This week’s showdown against Ponca City is more than just another late-season scrap between two struggling teams.
This is a fierce rivalry that extends back many decades.
Since the mid-2010’s the Bartlesville vs. Ponca City grid game has been known as the ConocoPhillips Bowl, with the winner owning a perpetual trophy for the next year.
The teams haven’t met in the regular season since 2021, but they battled in preseason scrimmages in 2022 and 2023.
This will be the 39th meeting since the series began in 1982. Bartlesville owns a slim 20-18 series advantage.
Since 2008, Bartlesville has won 11 of the 14 games, but Ponca City has beaten the Bruins in the last two regular season battles (10-7 in 2020 and 34-7 in 2021).
Bartlesville boasts a 9-10 record at the Ponca City field.
Eleven of the previous 38 meetings have been decided by 10-or-fewer points. Ponca City is 6-5 in those games.
There have been 19 meetings decided by 14-or-fewer points. Bartlesville owns a 12-7 series advantage in those games.
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FRIDAY: Sperry Pirates (4-3, 3-1) at DEWEY BULLDOGGERS (2-5, 2-2)
LAST MEETING: Sperry 50, Dewey 12 (2021)
LAST BULLDOGGER WIN IN SERIES: Dewey 21, Sperry 14 (2013)
LAST WEEK: Dewey 30, Tulsa Webster 6; Sperry 26, Tahlequah-Sequoyah 25
Coming off back-to-back wins for the first time in five seasons, the Bulldoggers eye a measuring stick game against the pesky Pirates.
Sperry running back Landen Brooks is among the Class 2A-I rushing leaders (nearly 750 yards, nine touchdowns). Quarterback Jesse Justice has thrown for seven touchdowns and more than 840 yards — but has been picked off six times.
For some reason, Sperry has gotten the best of the Doggers in most of their series history. But Dewey could have the weapons, the growing confidence and the determination to scuttle the Pirates.
A victory would put Dewey just one win shy of locking up its first earned playoff spot since 2019 — making this probably Dewey’s most significant game in five seasons.
Coach Ryan Richardson and his team no doubt would appreciate a huge home crowd on hand Friday as the Doggers attempt to leapfrog over their rival to the next plateau.
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FRIDAY: PAWHUSKA HUSKIES (5-2, 3-1) at Quapaw Wildcats (2-5, 1-3)
LAST MEETING: Pawhuska 57, Quapaw 6 (2021)
LAST WEEK: Pawhuska, bye; Pawnee 68, Quapaw 0
Pawhuska is in the hunt to finish among the top two teams in the district. That makes Friday’s showdown a must-win.
Coming off a bye week, the Huskies should be as healthy as they’ve been in a month. They have a decent chance to sweep the rest of their regular season games and sweep into the playoffs on a surge of momentum.
However, “ifs” and “maybes” are shovels and picks. It still takes back-breaking digging and splitting rock to locate a gold mine.
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FRIDAY: NOWATA IRONMEN (3-4, 3-1) at Pawnee Black Bears (4-3, 4-0)
LAST MEETING: Pawnee 35, Nowata 7 (2002)
LAST NOWATA WIN IN SERIES: Nowata 33, Pawnee 6 (1998)
LAST WEEK: Nowata, bye; Pawnee 68, Quapaw 0
The 10th Anniversary season of the Ironmen’s crusade to the state championship game did not start off with a bang.
But Nowata is sizzling so far in September by winning three-and-a-row and moving up to within just a game of the top spot in District A-I-3
However, Nowata will need to try to retrieve some of the magic from the 2014 season (15-1) and raise its level of play to moon-walking magnitude in order to knock off a Pawnee team that has been untouchable in district play.
The Black Bears have defeated their four district opponents — including the Pawhuska powerhouse — by 230 points! (252-22.)
Nowata’s formula to pull off what would be the biggest upset of the decade probably includes controlling the clock to limit Pawnee’s offensive possessions, not allowing defensive or special teams points, and scoring on most of its possessions.
It’s a tall task. But in recent weeks these tenacious Ironmen have proven they possess a giant heart.
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FRIDAY: Morrison Wildcats (1-6, 1-3) at CANEY VALLEY TROJANS (1-6, 0-4)
LAST MEETING: Morrison 30, Caney Valley 8 (2021)
LAST CANEY VALLEY WIN IN SERIES: NA
LAST WEEK: Oklahoma Union 60, Caney Valley Trojans 0; Tonkawa 41, Morrison 6
It just hasn’t been a year of great cheer for the Trojans.
But this week’s scenario appears to be promising for Caney Valley to grab its first District A-I-3 victory and an emotional injection of success.
__________
FRIDAY: Tonkawa Buccaneers (4-3, 3-1) at OKLAHOMA UNION COUGARS (2-5, 1-3)
LAST MEETING: Tonkawa 43, Oklahoma Union 0 (2023)
LAST OKLAHOMA UNION WIN IN SERIES: NA
LAST WEEK: Oklahoma Union 60, Caney Valley Trojans 0; Tonkawa 41, Morrison 6
Oklahoma Union is better than its record. Truth is, the Cougars probably can play with anyone in a shootout — but they need to make more defensive stops.
Whether that’s a matter of the offense possessing the ball longer or a stiffer ‘D’ could be points of discussion.
The main point is the Cougars probably have the right stuff to challenge the Buccaneers for the win and it might come down to which set of players wants it the most.
———
FRIDAY: Afton Eagles (0-6, 0-4) at BARNSDALL PANTHERS (4-3, 2-2)
LAST MEETING: Barnsdall 28, Afton 8 (2019)
LAST WEEK: Barnsdall 42, Summit Christian 14; Woodland 68, Afton 0
If Barnsdall takes care of business with steely purpose it probably should put up its third district win.
The Panthers need this one — and at least one other win — to pounce into the 11-man playoffs for the first time since 2019, when Barnsdall burrowed all the way to the Class A state quarterfinals.
The OSSAA dropped Barnsdall to the eight-man level from 2020-2023, but due to a late offseason reorganization of the teams bumped them back up to the 11-man level.
Injuries have exacted a serious toll on Barnsdall’s potential, but the Panthers still are within clawing distance of six or seven regular season wins and a postseason berth.
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FRIDAY: Riverton (Kan.) Rams (3-4, 2-1) at CANEY VALLEY (Kan.) BULLPUPS (5-2, 3-0)
LAST MEETING: Riverton 30, Caney Valley 11 (2023)
LAST CANEY VALLEY BULLPUPS WIN IN SERIES: Caney Valley 36, Riverton 0 (2022)
LAST WEEK: Caney Valley Bullpups 46, Galena 12; Fredonia 21, Riverton 18
A year ago, Riverton took down the Bullpups by more than two touchdowns. But, two seasons ago, Caney Valley dominated the Rams.
As to which team will prevail Friday is a question of to be settled between the foul lines. Momentum-wise, the Pups seem to have the advantage. They are excelling on both sides of the ball, especially with an explosive offensive flair in the opening minutes.
During the past three games, Caney Valley has outscored its opponents by 80 points in the first quarter, 86-6. With such a prolific profusion of early points, the Pups have owned control of the final three quarters.
Riverton might be the Pups’ second-strongest district foe — although Galena, which Caney Valley beat 46-12 last week, could arguably fit that bill as well. A victory Friday would wrap up the district championship for Caney Valley, which will be battling in the playoffs to reach the state quarterfinals for the third or fourth time in the 2000s.
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FRIDAY (eight-man): Webber Falls Warriors (4-3, 1-1) at COPAN HORNETS (6-1, 2-0)
LAST MEETING: Copan/South Coffeyville (co-op) 24, Webbers Falls 12 (2019)
LAST WEEK: Copan 56, Gans 0; Webbers Falls 54, Wesleyan Christian School 14
This showdown is one of two monumental regular season benchmarks remaining for the high-flying Hornets.
A win Friday should clinch — at least make it very likely — that Copan would host a playoff game next month. In addition, it would turn the District B-II-4 championship chase into a two-team battle between Copan and Wilson (Henryetta) (5-1, 2-0), which will collide on Nov. 1 in Copan.
But Webbers Falls also is still in the mix for a home playoff game and likely will bring a determined attitude into the newly-refurbished Sheets Field in Copan.
Copan has outscored its two previous district foes, 112-6, and is averaging 51.4 points per game on the season. The Hornets have allowed just 76 points — the only B-II-4 team to not give up at least 100 points.
Webbers Falls lost to Wilson (Henryetta), 46-0, but bounced back last week to beat Wesleyan Christian School (0-7, 0-2), 54-14.
Webbers Falls is averaging 30.0 points scoring per game
__________
FRIDAY (eight-man): Arkoma Mustangs (5-2, 1-1) at WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL MUSTANGS (0-7, 0-2)
LAST MEETING: NA
LAST WEEK: Webbers Falls 54, Wesleyan Christian School 14; Wilson (Henryetta) 50, Arkoma 0
One gets the feeling the winless WCS Mustangs are set to make a big noise prior to the end of this season.
Whether they can outpace the Arkoma Mustangs could lead to a fascinating storyline Friday.
This contest could turn into an earth-pounding horse race — Arkoma trying to clinch a playoff spot and WCS trying to prove the next phase of the future has arrived.
Dewey High School's Evan Propper (11) chases down a runner during earlier season action. Dewey hosts Sperry on Friday (Oct. 26).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Nowata High School's Treaver Emberson (3) looks for running room while Emmanuel Wilson (19) blocks Pawhuska's Dane Jensen (6). Nowata travels to Pawnee, while Pawhuska heads to Quapaw on Friday (Oct. 26).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Copan High School's defense gets a big stop during earlier season action. The Hornets host Webber Falls on Friday (Oct. 26).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Wesleyan High School's Hudson Baker (12) is tackled in earlier season action in Bartlesville. WCS hosts Arkoma on Friday (Oct. 26).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
AREA FOOTBALL roundup:
Dewey registers back-to-back wins; Copan, Caney Valley (Kan.) chase district title
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October 21, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Dewey High School's team captains walk out to midfield prior to an earlier season game.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Golden leaves and golden performance went hand-in-hand for several area football teams during action last Thursday and Friday (Oct. 17 and 18).
Five of the teams came up winners — Dewey, Copan, Barnsdal, Oklahoma Union and the Caney Valley (Kan.) Bullpups.
Among the highlights, Dewey won back-to-back games for the first time since 2020, Copan reached six wins for the first time since 2009, and the Caney Valley Bullpups secured homefield playoff advantage.
DEWEY BULLDOGGERS 30, TULSA WEBSTER WARRIORS 6
Two weeks ago the Bulldogger players could have packed it in emotionally.
After all they had started out at 0-5 while being outscored 253-43.
But a combination of tremendous fighting spirit, confidence in their coaches and belief in themselves has generated a turbulent turnaround.
Including Friday’s victory at Tulsa Webster, Dewey has outscored its last two opponents, 64-22, and recorded back-to-back wins for the first time since 2020 — a span of 45 games.
Dewey also kept its slim playoff hopes alive. If the Doggers were to beat two of their remain three opponents — Sperry (4-3, 3-1), Tulsa Central (3-4, 2-2) and Chandler (4-3, 3-1) — they would qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
Evan Propper tallied two touchdowns to lead the Dewey offensive attack against Webster.
Easton Davis ran for score and found Caydn Artherton for a passing touchdown.
Propper also booted a 22-yard field goal and multiple extra points to round out the scoring.
Dewey’s defense also picked off two passes — one each by Layne Gastel and the other by Davis. (This was Gastel’s third interception in two games.)
The game was a wild-and-wooly one, especially in the second half when the teams traded several turnovers.
But Dewey’s defense refused to wilt in adversity and held Webster to just one big scoring play.
Dewey clung to a one-point lead before Propper took control with his legs on a crucial drive, including a couple of long runs. He also bullied the ball to the one-yard line to set up a Davis plunge that led to a 14-6 Dewey lead, which is where the score stood at halftime.
The Davis-to-Artherton-touchdown made it a 20-6 game.
Some other key plays in the second half included a completion from Davis to Mathias Walker and a fumble recovery by Parker Garrison.
“Our defense played phenomenal,” said Dogger head coach Ryan Richardson.
Linemen Lloyd Goad, Cole Ketcher and Kaiden Fowler each made two tackles for loss.
Richardson couldn’t be more pleased about how his team has fought back to change the season around.
“It’s kind of all-around,” he said. “Everybody has shown some grit. We’ve given ourselves a chance in the last three weeks.”
__________
COPAN HORNETS 56, GANS GRIZZLIES 0 (8-man)
This one was basically over with on Copan’s second play of the game — a near 50-yard touchdown jaunt of Weston O’Rourke. When Teegan Caron followed with the two-point run Copan led 8-0 — and would never be challenged.
A few seconds after that score, Copan got the ball back, leading to a 15-yard scoring strike from Kane Foreman to Caron.
The rout was on.
Kane also would connect on long aerial touchdown plays to Shooter Brewington and Karson Woodworth.
O’Rourke would finish with two rushing six-pointers and Caron also ran in a score.
Zane Stricklin added a touchdown carry in the second quarter to help Copan wrap up the mercy rule victory.
Copan elevated its season record to 6-1 — the first six-victory season for the Hornets since 2009 — and 2-0 in District B-II-4.
But it still has its two toughest district opponents — Webber Falls and Wilson (Henryetta) on the horizon.
Copan will be home next Friday against Webber Falls.
Hornet head coach Marshall Foreman is hoping for the same community support his team faced last Thursday against Gans.
“That was probably the biggest home crowd we’ve had for years,” he said. “It was also Homecoming and the first game with our new bleachers and everything.”
The Hornets rewarded their frenzied fans with quite a show, described in detail above.
Every player got a chance to contribute due to the lopsided score that allowed Copan to empty its bench in the second quarter.
Coach Foreman also praised the effort of senior linemen Jakob Powell and Gavin Scott.
At 5-foot-5, 130 pounds, Powell doesn’t cast the biggest shadow on the field but he is a hammer of impact.
“He’s little but he’s got a big attitude,” coach Foreman said.
Foreman also praised the yeoman efforts of Bryson Kalivoda, Keeghan Smith, Elijah Evans and Gavin Barnes.
Barnes, a freshman, ran the ball well and made two tackles for loss at linebacker.
“We’re getting better every week,” Foreman added.
__________
OKLAHOMA UNION COUGARS 60, CANEY VALLEY TROJANS 0
Someone was going to see their playoff hopes revived or their postseason hopes disappear in this one.
Oklahoma Union (2-5, 1-3) shook off weeks of frustrating competitive losses to finally feast on victory pie. Unfortunately for the hard-playing Trojans (1-6, 0-4), they came away still hungry for a district win.
Jake Harris turned in a high-calorie effort at running back, slicing through the defense for 143 yards and three touchdowns.
Waylon Miner added a major contribution on the ground — 146 yards and two scores on just seven touches. Miner also hauled in a catch for 43 yards to boost him to nearly 200 yards of total offense.
Brody Eddy snapped off a 90-yard touchdown run and Kaden Miller gobbled up 45 yards on three carries, one of them for a score.
Quarterback Connor Pierce ran for 40 yards and a score and completed 3-of-5 passes for 62 yards.
In the unsung hero category, Grant Reeves — who normally lines up at H-back and slot receiver — moved to center, due to necessity, and he dished out four pancake blocks.
“For somebody to hop into that position basically on the fly and do what he did was pretty impressive,” said Cougars head coach Steve Trammell.
Reeves also intercepted a pass.
Trammell said he felt the Cougars had an advantage in attacking the edge with his running game.
He also praised Connor Gagan for playing through adversity.
“I’m proud of the kids,” he summarized.
__________
BARNSDALL PANTHERS 42, SUMMIT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY EAGLES 14
To no surprise of long-time observers of Panther football, Barnsdall produced a big-time win Thursday at the most crucial time in order to stay in the playoff hunt.
The Panthers improved to 4-3 overall but more importantly to 2-2 in District A-II-4 to move into the No. 5 spot — according to district points — with three games remaining. Teams need to finish in the top four in order to qualify for the postseason.
With two wins in its final three games, the Panthers will advance to the playoffs. With three wins they might earn the right to host a first-round playoff game.
Naturally they turned to Maverick Lanphear to energize the offensive assault against Summit Christian.
According to one definition, maverick means “free spirit” and Lanphear was harder to catch Thursday evening than a greased ghost.
He rumbled for 330 yards and five touchdowns on 48 catches. Oh, and he also scored a two-point conversion and on defense intercepted a pass.
Blaine Miller added 40 yards on nine carries as Barnsdall rushed for more than 400 yards.
Leading tacklers included Brohk Townley, Lanphear, Gavin Wood, Henry Easley and Haydon Collins.
Townley also scored a two-pointer.
Next up, the Panthers travel Friday to Afton (0-6, 0-4).
__________
WEBBERS FALLS WARRIORS 54, WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL MUSTANGS 14 (8-man)
For the third time in four weeks the improving Mustangs (0-7, 0-2) forced an opponent to play the full four quarters instead of settling for a mercy rule loss.
“We’re starting to figure out some things offensively,” said first-year Wesleyan Christian head coach Blain Landers. “We had another three starters out offensively and at least two on defense. That’s kind of the story this year. We’re not healthy long enough to get familiar with each other. But, we’re figuring some things out.”
The Mustangs came back strong in the second half by scoring two touchdowns — one on a Roman Edwards’ run and the other on a touchdown strike from Hudson Baker to Zander Week.
Edwards is a feel-good story for the program.
Despite his light weight he played on the line during his middle school years. A couple of years ago he played at center — despite weighing between 135 to 140 pounds — for the Mustangs, Landers said.
After he saw limited time in 2023, Landers told him they would find the right fit for him his senior season.
“We had the idea he could be a power back,” Landers said. “He’s not the fastest kid in the world, but you give him a crease and he’s going to lower his shoulder and fight for extra yards.”
But despite the Mustangs’ scrappy effort, Gans (1-6, 0-2) earned its first season victory.
The Mustangs will charge out onto their homefield next week hoping to stop Arkoma (5-2, 1-1) and seize that first elusive win.
__________
CANEY VALLEY (Kan.) BULLPUPS 46, GALENA (Kan.) BULLDOGS 12
Galena Bulldog players showed up Friday night expecting to play a football game.
They should have worn their track shoes, instead.
The cleats of Bullpup ballcarriers shredded the turf for 389 yards — including touchdown scampers of 70 yards (Traxcyn Garton), 83 yards (Garton) and 48 yards (Logan Burnett).
Oh yeah. There was a 73-yard interception return by Austin Freisberg to set up another Caney Valley touchdown.
By the final buzzer, Caney Valley (5-2) owned a 3-0 record in district play and had wrapped up homefield advantage in the first round of the Kansas playoffs.
Next week, the Pups have a chance to nail down the district crown, as well.
“It was a good win,” said veteran Caney Valley head coach Criss Davis. “Galena has always give us fits through the years. We’ve always had great ball games.”
In fact, Galena had won the previous five meetings against the Pups.
But in Friday’s showdown Caney Valley erupted for 20 points in the first quarter and never looked back.
By halftime the Pups led by 20, 26-6, and stretched it to 34 points by the end of the third period, 40-6.
Spearheading the Caney Valley offensive thrust was the blistering tandem of Garton and Burnett, who combined for 370 yards and six touchdowns. Garton rumbled 221 yards on 14 totes while Burnett slashed for 149 yards on 13 carries.
“We really moved the football well,” said Davis. “I keep praising my offensive line every week.”
Davis also offered kudos for Galena.
“They were pretty solid running the football,” he said. “They were a fairly physical team.”
Some other major Caney Valley contributors included Drake Roberts with an interception, Matthews and Jay Wren with a sack apiece, and Xavier Gaston and Ace Koester with 11.5 and nine tackles, respectively.
CV 46, Galena 12
First quarter
CV — Traxcyn Garton 6 run (run fail), 8:55.
Gal —Burkhart 24 pass from Perry (pass fail), 4:55.
CV — Garton 70 run (Garton run), 3:21.
CV — Logan Burnett 48 run (run fail), 1:10.
Second quarter
CV — Ben Matthews 5 pass from Layne Denny (run fail).
Third quarter
CV — Garton 83 run (Matthews 2-pt catch), 11:41.
CV — Burnett 2 run (pass fail).
Fourth quarter
Gal — Botkin 10 pass from Perry (pass fail).
CV — Burnett 4 run (kick fail).
CV — Galena
First downs: 8 — 11
Rushing: 36-389 — 43-78
Passing: 1-3-0-5 — 8-23-2-123
Penalties: 3-30 — 5-35
CV rushing: Garton 14-221, Burnett 13-149, Martin 3-10.
CV passing: Denny 1-3-0-5.
CV receiving: Matthews 1-5.
Copan High School's defense strips the ball during earlier season action in Copan. The Hornets shut out Gans, 56-0, during their homecoming game on Oct. 17, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Barnsdall High School's Maverick Lanphear (14) squeezes through the defense during earlier season action at Nowata. Barnsdall defeated Summit Christian Academy, 42-14, on Oct. 17, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Wesleyan Christian School's Paxton Slief (1) is blocked during an earlier season game in Bartlesville. The Mustangs fell on the road to Webbers Falls, 54-14, on Oct. 17, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Caney Valley High School's Bryor Bonde (20) finds running room during earlier season action in Ramona. The Trojans fell on the road to Oklahoma Union, 60-0, on Oct. 17, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville defense plays at championship caliber, offense sputters
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October 20, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's EJ Beisle (13) and Putnam City's Lewis Moreland (3) go up for a pass during football action in Bartlesville on Oct. 17, 2024. The Bruins fell, 23-0.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Yes, the Bartlesville High School football team fought hard on Thursday (Oct. 17) at Custer Stadium.
Yes, the Bruin defense turned in perhaps its strongest performance of the season.
Yes, some of the officials’ calls were close and perhaps could have gone the other way or didn’t merit a yellow hankie.
The bottom line was this: Putnam City North 23, Bartlesville 0.
Bartlesville fell to 0-7 overall and 0-4 in District 6A-II-2, which pretty much mathematically eliminates the Bruins from a first-round playoff home game.
However, if the Bruins were to sweep the rest of the table — a promising opportunity — against Ponca City, Putnam City West and Capitol Hill, they could clinch the No. 5 playoff seed. If by winning two of the final three the Bruins have a chance at the final (No. 6) seed. Putnam City North improved to 6-1, 4-0.
That would make history, by making this group of Bruins — who are coached by Harry Wright — the first in school history to qualify for the postseason for three-straight seasons.
Before moving forward, however, Bartlesville has to find the right way to bounce back from back-to-back shutout losses for the first time since 2021.
For whatever reasons, the Bruins just couldn't get their offense in traction on Thursday. They moved the ball well on some plays — but sustainability melted away in the heat of their own mistakes and Putnam City North Panthers’ defense.
There was no one culprit, no identifiable misfiring component. It was just one of those nights when the offensive transmission lurched and stalled. There’s just no pretty way to put it.
On the other hand, the Bruin defense played with a heart as deep as the Grand Canyon.
The Panthers notched their touchdowns on a long breakaway run, a pick-six and off a short field after the offense turned the ball over on downs at midfield.
Bartlesville’s defense gave up only one really long drive — 66 yards — which ended with a field goal.
A look at the Panthers’ possessions reveals Bartlesville’s defensive mastery.
— Panthers 1st possession: 43-yard TD run.
— Panthers punt from P29 yard line. (Big play: John Torres tackle for loss on 3rd-and-1.)
— Panthers drive stall. (Big play: Sam Hoback makes tackle for loss to create 4th and 9.)
— Panthers three-and-out inside their 20-yard line. (Big plays: Archer Swisher tackle for loss; Avery Hitchings and Swisher record sack.)
— Bruins block punt at Panther 15-yard line.
— Panthers drive ball 66 yards on 15 plays, have to settle for field goal. (Big plays: Swisher, Hitchings tackle inside red zone; Michael Kent successfully defend pass in red zone.)
— Panthers three and punt.
— Panthers three and punt
— Panthers punt from their 36-yard line. (Big play: Davin Carter brings down quarterback on keeper.)
— Panthers score on short field.
— Panthers run out clock.
But the offense was like the two-fingered piano player that just couldn’t hit all the keys.
On the Bruins very first play of the game they had to recover their own fumble — that sour note led to a bumpy tune.
The Bruins also made some sweet refrains offensively — just not enough for a winning composition.
On their second possession, Nate Neal connected with Damien Niko for a near-20 yard completion into Panthers territory — but the Bruins punted away three downs later.
The next few Bruin possessions ended in either punts, a 29-yard field goal miss and an interception. The latter turn of events felt especially tough because the Bruins had gained control of the ball at the Panther 12-yard-line following a blocked punt.
In the third quarter, the Bruins picked up a couple of first downs on one drive — on a catch by Sutton Williams and a run by Williams — but punted from the Panther 44-yard line.
A pass to Julian Uribe on the next march made it third-and-short and the Bruins benefited on the next down from a pass interference call. They got as far as the Panther 37-yard line until a holding call forced them to punt from midfield.
Uribe made a long catch on the next drive. But, two downs later, Putnam City North’s Craig Goodin registered a pick six that stretched the Panthers’ lead to 16-0.
The Bruin coaching staff then made a quarterback change by inserting freshman Kent under center. He completed a couple of passes on his first possession, but was sacked twice and the Bruins gave the ball up on downs.
On Bartlesville’s last possession, Kent picked up a first down on a combination of a run and Panther penalty during the play, and another first down on an Uribe catch.
But he was sacked on back-to-back plays that ended the march. Putnam City North — which gained revenge for a lopsided playoff loss last season at Custer Stadium — then ran out the clock.
Bartlesville High School's Julian Uribe (8) fights for the ball during football action against Putnam City North in Bartlesville on Oct. 17, 2024. The Bruins fell, 23-0.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's Daeton Stevens (21) and Sutton Williams (0) chase down Putnam City North's Kameron Oliver (4) during football in Bartlesville on Oct. 17, 2024. The Bruins fell, 23-0.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's Nate Neal (7) looks downfield during football action against Putnam City North in Bartlesville on Oct. 17, 2024. The Bruins fell, 23-0.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
AREA FOOTBALL analysis:
Bartlesville eyes must-win tilt; Copan looks for win No. 6
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October 16, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Dewey High School's Easton Davis (10) hustles during an earlier season football action. Dewey travels to Tulsa Webster on Friday.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
With two of the area’s hottest high school football teams (Pawhuska and Nowata) cooling their heels (and healing up) during a bye week, there’s plenty at stake for the other teams in the BAS coverage grid.
Most of the games will be on Thursday (Oct. 17) due to fall break. One exception is Dewey, which will be playing on Friday and scrapping to win back-to-back games for the first time since 2020.
Bartlesville lights up Custer Stadium on Thursday night with the intention of recording its first season win.
In what could be a fiercely-competed rivalry showdown, Caney Valley and Oklahoma Union will clash Thursday with playoff chase survival at stake.
Following are more details on these games and others in the four-county area.
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THURSDAY: Putnam City North Panthers (5-1, 3-0) at BARTLESVILLE BRUINS (0-6, 0-3)
Last week: Muskogee 55, BARTLESVILLE 0; Putnam City North 70, Capitol Hill 0
Last meeting: Bartlesville 45, Putnam City North 14 (2023 playoffs)
Psychology could play a major role in this showdown on which anywhere from the No. 3 to No. 6 playoff seed could hinge.
The emotional aspects are captivating.
Almost a year ago, Bartlesville blasted the Panthers in the first round of the playoffs, 45-14. That victory helped the Bruins gain vindication from a 31-6 loss at the hands of Putnam City North back in the 2020 playoffs.
Beyond that, the Bruins are off to an 0-6, 0-3 start — but they’ve had to play the district’s three strongest teams out of the gate — while the Panthers are 5-1, 3-0 — but they’ve played the district’s three weakest teams.
Obviously the Bruins are not among the district’s best teams, at least not at the present. But it’s difficult to handicap how strong they are compared to the other four district squads.
In other words, are the Bruins the best of the rest?
Thursday’s game will provide some concrete evidence.
“We definitely have played a tougher schedule but they also have the confidence of being 5-1,” Bartlesville head coach Harry Wright said. “I’m not sure if that gives us or them the advantage.”
How tough has the Bruins’ schedule been?
Bartlesville’s six previous opponents own a cumulative 26-10 overall record and 15-2 conference record.
By comparison, Putnam City North’s opponents are 13-23 and 5-13.
One Bruin standout that probably looks like the Bogeyman to the Panthers is senior receiver Damien Niko. Despite the Bruins’ offensive woes in a game or two, Niko still is averaging more than 125 yards receiving per game and has hauled in eight touchdown passes.
Niko and quarterback Nate Neal could be known by opposing defenses as the Nitro Nightmare.
“Him and Nate have a really good connection that comes from years of throwing to each other,” Wright said about Niko. “That’s a testament to the work they have put in. Niko has gotten really good at running routes and has always had elite ball skills.”
That’s not to forget Neal’s other prime-time targets in recent games — Julean Uribe, Michael Kent and Landry Deaton.
“These are some of the guys that have stepped up in the last few weeks and made some big plays when everyone is focused on Niko,” Wright said.
Perhaps Bartlesville’s biggest offensive pains have been self-inflicted. Some of these miscues the Bruins need to overcome, according to Wright, are turnovers and penalties that move the ball behind the chains.
“We have to get our running game going also,” he added.
Wright sees the matchup along the line to be very similar, but added the Bruin offensive line will have to consistently account for the guys on the Panther front.
Panther stars the Bruins will have to account for all evening will be quarterback Mason Jones (eight passing touchdowns, 66-percent completion), running back MIlton Alford (nearly 100 yards rushing per game, 12 offensive touchdowns), Braylon Stubbs Jr. (more than 50 yards receiving per game) and versatile Kameron Oliver (eighth touchdowns overall, five receiving).
Dameon Hardman is making nearly eight tackles per game.
For the Bruins, Sam Hoback and Mason Manley are both near eight tackles per game.
Sutton Williams is solid on both sides of the ball, rushing for nearly 50 yards and making seven tackles per game.
Archer Swisher is credited with two sacks and six quarterback hurries.
Neal has thrown more than 1,200 yards and has amassed 12 touchdown passes.
The scenario Thursday seems pretty clear — the Bruins win and they eye a promising chance to finish in the top four seeds in the district. A loss and they might be scrambling for the No. 5 or No. 6 seed, especially if it comes down to a head-to-head tiebreaker with Putnam City North.
Bartlesville also will be trying to avoid going 0-7 for the first time since the 1994 campaign.
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FRIDAY: DEWEY BULLDOGGERS (1-5, 1-2) at Tulsa Webster Warriors (0-6, 0-3)
Last week: DEWEY 34, Westville 16; Chandler 69, Tulsa Webster 16
Last meeting: Dewey 29, Tulsa Webster 26 (2017)
Begin again.
That could be Dewey’s theme following last week’s powerful win that snapped a 14-game losing streak going back to last season.
The Doggers will look to follow up with another win Friday when they face the Warriors.
Dewey will be fighting for back-to-back wins for the first time since 2020.
Dewey and Webster have split their last four games, dating back to 2014.
In last week’s win against Westville, 34-16, Cadyn Artherton and Jayden Vallen each scored two receiving touchdowns on passes from Easton Davis.
Cole Ketcher and Lloyd Goad led the muscle in the pit.
Webster quarterback threw for 525 yards and four touchdowns through five games.
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THURSDAY: CANEY VALLEY TROJANS (1-5, 0-3) at OKLAHOMA UNION COUGARS (1-5, 0-3)
Last week: Quapaw 40, OKLAHOMA UNION 35; Pawnee 80, CANEY VALLEY 0
Last meeting: Oklahoma Union 56, Caney Valley 8 (2019)
Last Caney Valley win in series: Caney Valley 8, Oklahoma Union 6 (2018)
SERIES: Caney Valley leads, 7-6*
(*Information not available for 2013.)
Throw out the records, forget what happened the previous season, downplay the playoff implications.
When the Trojans and the Cougars clash, there’s a better-than-even chance the all-out battle will come down to the final possession.
At least seven of their past 13 contests (a result couldn’t be found for 2013) have been decided by single-digit points.
Of those seven nailbiters, six were decided by seven-or-less points.
Last year was a rare blowout — Oklahoma Union won, 56-8.
Both teams charge into this collision with a huge appetite for success. Each of them has managed just one win. Both are only one loss away from being eliminated from playoff contention.
After beginning the season with some solid offensive numbers — including 76 points in their first three games — the Trojans have managed just 14 points total the last three weeks.
Oklahoma Union’s challenge hasn’t been in scoring points — it’s been in keeping other teams out of the end zone.
In their last five contests the Cougars have averaged 31.0 points per game — but have given up 35.2 ppg.
With Connor Pierce and Bodee West leading the way, Oklahoma Union has given itself an excellent chance in three losses to reverse a loss. With just a few more tweaks, the Cougars could easily be 4-2, 3-0 rather than 1-5, 0-3.
Through the first four games, Caney Valley quarterback Noah Mitchell had passed for 903 yards and seven touchdowns.
On paper — especially taking into account the last three district games — Oklahoma Union is likely the favorite.
But Caney Valley is coming off a grueling three-game stretch against district leaders Nowata, Tonkawa and Pawnee and might be ready to recoil.
History is on the side of forecasting a fierce 48-minute battle.
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THURSDAY: Summit Christian Eagles (1-5, 1-2) at BARNSDALL PANTHERS (3-3, 1-2)
Last week: Ketchum 49, BARNSDALL 14
Last meeting: Barnsdall 52, Summit Christian 6 (2023)
This certainly isn’t the scenario Barnsdall’s program envisioned coming out of last season.
For one thing, the Panthers didn’t expect to be playing 11-man football. For another, they counted heavily on steel-muscled Ninja-like warrior Easton Malone to eviscerate the guts of unfriendly defenses like a five-pound twirling scalpel shot out of a cannon.
He was a living nightmare for opposing coaching staffs to game plan against, a bonanza of talent and toughness for Panther coach Kylee Sweeney.
But the OSSAA removed them from the eight-man realm and in the offseason Malone suffered a season-ending injury.
If those two blows would have filled Barnsdall’s quota, the team might have absorbed it in stride — especially with the other highly-honed weapons in the mix.
But a rash of injuries, self-inflicted mistakes and just plain slaps of bad luck have exacted an even bigger toll.
The scenario is simple — Barnsdall needs to step it up going into the season’s final four regular season games.
Led by quarterback Mav Lanphear and other skill players on both sides of the ball such as James Johnson, Braden Byers, Lincoln Gott and others, and strength up front on both offense and defense, Barnsdall should start its final push on a strong note Thursday at home.
Lanphear has rushed for more than 600 yards and rumbled into the end zone 13 times. Blaine Miller has added almost 400 yards rushing to go with two ground scores.
Lanphear has passed for 490 yards, two scores and three picks.
For Summit Christian Academy, James Logan has muscled out 546 yards and seven scores through five games. Gordon Fuller is close to 300 yards rushing and is a touchdown scoring machine (five).
Logan has connected on 620-yards-plus passing, recorded four touchdowns but has picked off seven times.
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THURSDAY: Gans Grizzlies (1-5, 0-1) at COPAN HORNETS (5-1, 1-0)
Last week: COPAN 56, Wesleyan Christian 6; Arkoma 38, Gans 6
Last meeting: Might be first-ever game
Look for Copan to come out with full focus. The Hornets have climbed such a steep mountain the past three seasons that they don’t want to lose any momentum in their chase for homefield playoff advantage or even a district crown.
They opened district play last week by stampeding past Wesleyan Christian School — who they hadn’t beaten since 2010.
Head coach Marshall Foreman is in his fifth season guiding the program.
After Copan stumbled to a 1-10 record his rookie campaign (2020), the team doubled its win total to 2-8 in 2021, doubled it again in 2022 (4-6) and muscled out a 5-6 record in 2023.
With a win against the Grizzlies, Copan will reach six wins in a season for the first time since 2009. More importantly, they will take another giant step toward fighting for the district crown.
Copan’s Feisty Fivesome of skill players continues to be senior Karson Woodworth and juniors Kane Foreman, Teegan Caron, Shooter Brewington and Weston O’Rourke, Zane Stricklin is among the other many Hornets that have made important contributions.
Copan also boasts a powerful wall up front on both sides of the line.
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THURSDAY: WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN MUSTANGS.(0-6, 0-1) at Webbers Falls Warriors (3-3, 0-1)
Last week: Copan 56, WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN 6; Wilson (Henryetta) 46, Webbers Falls 0
Last meeting: Webbers Falls 56, Wesleyan Christian 27 (2023)
Last Wesleyan Christian win in series: NA
Webbers Falls traditionally has been an unbeatable non-district foe for the Mustangs.
But the Warriors and Mustangs inhabit the same district this season and WCS is in desperate need of a win — or at least a bump up in competitive showing.
Both teams are 0-1 in district.
This has been an intense rebuilding year for the Mustangs, who have bid farewell to a wealth of talent after the past two seasons due to graduation or transfer.
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FRIDAY: CANEY VALLEY (Kan.) BULLPUPS (4-2, 2-0) at Galena (Kan.) Bulldogs (3-3, 2-1)
Last week: CANEY VALLEY BULLPUPS 53, Fredonia 7; Glena 8, Cherryvale 0
Last meeting: Galena 38, Caney Valley Bullpups 22 (2021)
Last Caney Valley Bullpups win in series: Caney Valley Bullpups 52, Galena 9 (2011, playoffs)
Unlike pretty much all their other regular or semi-regular opponents, the Bulldogs have been particularly pesky for the Bullpups.
From 2015 through 2021 Galena defeated Caney Valley five straight times, including a 41-21 playoff victory.
Caney Valley hasn’t tamed the Bulldogs since 2011.
That makes Friday’s game a bit hard to forecast — although Caney Valley seems to be riding the biggest wave of momentum.
The Bullpups have won their last two games by a combined point total of 91-8 and — get this — they’ve outscored those two opponents 56-0 in the first quarter!
Galena is 1-1 the past two weeks, including a grueling 8-0 win against Cherryvale — a team the Pups beat, 48-0.
Even though the numbers seem to favor Caney Valley, Galena is still a very good and threatening team.
Caney Valley’s offense is led by quarterback Layne Denny, who has displayed a good feel for the passing game, throwing for at least one touchdown in several games.
Running backs Traxcyn Garton and Luke Burnett each are capable of pounding out a 100 rushing yards every week — both doing it in more than one game.
Receiver Ben Matthews is a threat to catch the short passes or extend the field.
Although Caney Valley has clinched a playoff spot, a win Friday could wrap up homefield advantage in the first round of the postseason.
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BYES: PAWHUSKA HUSKIES (5-2, 3-1), NOWATA IRONMEN (3-4, 3-1)
Truth is, this break is probably very, very fortunate for both teams after seven-straight weeks of bruising, bone-jarring competition.
But, at the same time, the timing might not have been ideal.
Nowata had been red-hot with a three-game winning streak, coming off an 0-4 season start. Last week Nowata scrapped past Morrison (1-5, 1-2), 22-20.
Pawhuska goes into the bye fresh off a 50-12 dismantling of district power Tonkawa (3-3, 2-1).
When they return to action next week, Pawhuska will travel to Quapaw (2-4, 1-2) and Nowata will take on district leader Pawnee (3-3, 3-0).
Bartlesville High School's Avery Hitchings (52) puts pressure on the quarterback during earlier season football action in Bartlesville. The Bruins host Putnam City North on Thursday.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Copan High School's Shooter Brewington (20) looks to the sidelines during earlier season football action. Copan brings Gans to town for their homecoming game on Thursday.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Caney Valley High School's Noah Mitchell (17) takes a snap during earlier season action in Ramona. The Trojans travel to Nowata County to take on Oklahoma Union on Thursday.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Rough Night in Muskogee: BHS Bruins blanked, look to bounce back Thursday
(If using mobile device, additional photographs are available at the end of the story. If you see extra white space, please continue scroll to next story.)
October 15, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Nate Neal (7) hands off the ball to Sutton Williams (0) during earlier season football action in Bartlesville. The Bruins fell to Muskogee, 55-0, on the road Oct. 10, 2024. The Bruins are home Thursday (Oct. 17) at 7 p.m. against Putnam City North.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Even at 0-6 and 0-3 in district the Bartlesville High School football team is still alive in the chase of qualifying for the playoffs.
But time is running low.
Coming off a disappointing 55-0 loss last Friday at Muskogee (6-0, 3-0), Bartlesville eyes a schedule with greater parity, on balance, in the final four regular season games.
This coming Thursday’s (Oct. 17) home showdown against Putnam City North (5-1, 3-0) appears to be a telling test. But after that, the Bruins go up against Ponca City (1-5, 0-3), Putnam City West (1-5, 0-3) and Capitol Hill (1-5, 0-3).
Under the six-team-per-district playoff format, two or three district wins should be enough to punch a playoff ticket.
Bartlesville has history on the line, as well. The Bruins have never qualified for the football playoffs three seasons in a row. They could achieve that this season after having qualified for the postseason in both 2022 and 2023 with Harry Wright as their head coach.
All this is promising — but it doesn’t completely erase the sting of last week’s loss at Muskogee at the hands of the unbeaten, defending state champion Roughers.
Bartlesville displayed some bright moments, but Muskogee proved pretty much unstoppable — especially with multiple touchdown pass connections between quarterback Jamarian Ficklin and Ondraye Beasley, a super senior duo.
Former Bruins Noah Darnell and P.J. Wallace also contributed to Muskogee’s swamping wave.
But Bartlesville gave itself multiple chances to rev up some momentum, but struggled to put two good plays back-to-back.
After going three-and-done — mainly due to a sack of quarterback Nate Neal — the Bruins punted the ball to Muskogee, which cashed in with a strike from Ficklin to Beasley.
Sutton Williams slashed to a six-yard run on the Bruins’ second possession — but again they had to punt. And again Muskogee went down to score.
On their third possession, Bartlesville earned a first down on a second-level completion to Julian Uribe.
Bartlesville’s defense then forced the Roughers to punt.
Neal and his offense drove the ball about 45 yards on a second-quarter possession — credited largely to the runs of Daeton Stevens, including breaking off 12-yarder. However, the drive short-circuited on downs inside Muskogee’s 25-yard line.
One more time in the first half, Bartlesville threatened, including a sizable completion from Neal to Damien Niko. But the march ended in an interception and Muskogee went into halftime leading 27-0.
Shortly into the second half the lead increased to 41-0.
Bartlesville High School's Camden Dainty (61) eyes the field during earlier season football action in Bartlesville. The Bruins fell to host Muskogee, 55-0, Oct. 10, 2024. The Bruins are home Thursday (Oct. 17) at 7 p.m. against Putnam City North.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
AREA FOOTBALL roundup:
Dewey breaks losing streak; Copan BEATS WCS; Huskies in driver's seat
October 14, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Dewey High School's Will Lawrence (60) and Brayden Ringer (71) celebrate after Dewey's 34-16 win over Westville at home on Oct. 11, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Five area high school football teams seized victories last week to brighten next month’s playoff prospects
Among the highlights, Dewey lassoed its first season win, Copan beat Wesleyan Christian School for the first time in 15 seasons, Nowata powered to its third-straight win and Pawhuska remained in the chase for homefield postseason advantage.
Following are more details.
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DEWEY 34, Westville 6
After five weeks of fierce scraping, sweating, aching and scrapping without a win to show for it, the Dewey Bulldoggers broke through in a big way.
Perhaps it’s a new beginning for the no-quit warriors in Red & White.
The seeds of this victory might have been planted more than two weeks ago when the coaching staff decided to move Jayden Vallen from running back to wide receiver.
Vallen hauled in two touchdowns from quarterback Easton Davis — the first one to open the scoring and the second one covering about 70 yards.
“He’s made us more explosive,” said Dewey head coach Ryan Richardson, who noted Vallen chalked up more than 100 yards receiving.
Caydn Artherton also helped carry the offense on his broad shoulders — two touchdown catches, one of them for approximately 50 yards.
Davis hauled the mail three yards for Dewey’s other touchdown.
Another disruptive force for Dewey was Layne Gastel, who intercepted two passes — on back-to-back Westville possessions — in the second half.
“The guys really executed the game plan well,” said Richardson. “The guys played well. It was really a good job on both sides of the ball for us. They scored their touchdown (a pick-six) in the last three minutes.”
Much earlier in the game, Dewey caused a turnover when Davis forced a fumble and Haydn Taylor recovered the ball.
Some of the heroes in the pit included Cole Ketcher on the O-line and Lloyd Goad along the defensive front, Richardson said.
Dewey improved to 1-5 overall and 1-2 in District 2A-I-4. Next up, they travel Friday (Oct. 18) to Tulsa Webster (0-6, 0-3).
NOTES: Beating Westville snapped a 14-game losing streak for Dewey. More tellingly, the victory broke a 21-game losing streak against any team not named Nowata.
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COPAN 56, WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN 6
Technically, this had been a rivalry. The two schools are less than 15 miles apart.
In fact, during one season in the late 2010s, WCS and Copan co-opted together because of insufficient numbers by either school to field a team.
From 2011 through 2023, Wesleyan Christian dominated the series, swatting the Hornets by a lopsided score in almost every meeting.
But Copan turned that pattern around Friday night on the WCS field.
Zane Stricklin and Karson Woodworth contributed pick-sixes and Weston O’Rourke scored in the final second of the first half to energize Copan to the 50-point win.
“We definitely knew it had been a long time since Copan had won,” said Hornet head coach Marshall Foreman — precisely it had been 2010 when Copan had won, 14-10.
Copan scored 34 points in the first half in Friday’s clash, including a long touchdown run by Teegan Caron, a scoring pass hook-up by Kane Foreman to Karson Woodworth for approximately 45 yards, a long scoring strike from Foreman to Shooter Brewington, another touchdown connection from Foreman to Woodworth and a long touchdown aerial from Foreman to Weston O’Rourke.
The latter score was set up by the referees. Copan players thought time had expired in the first half and began to walk off the field when the officials decided there was 9/10ths of a second left on the clock and called both teams back.
Foreman then found O’Rourke on a little wheel route on the sideline that went for approximately 50 yards to the end zone, leading to a 34-6 lead.
Early in the second half, Gavin Barnes scored on a short run and Foreman ran in the two-pointer to make it a 42-6 lead.
Stricklin then registered his pick-six and the lead went to 50-6.
It ended shortly after when Woodworth’s pick-six ended the game on the 45-point mercy rule.
“Wesleyan Christian had a good game plan,” coach Foreman said. “They were trying to run the clock to limit us on offense. We scored on every possession but one.”
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NOWATA 22, Morrison 20
The Nowata Ironmen Express rolled to its third-straight win to improve to 3-4 overall and 3-1 in District A-I-3, tied for second.
Following a scoreless first quarter by both teams, Morrison carried the lead into halftime after scoring twice in two minutes.
Tyler Flower opened Nowata’s scoring on a pass from Treaver Emberson.
Nowata also would score on after a Sebastian Brown interception that set up a touchdown, and a 95-yard pass play from Emberson to tight end Asiah Saxton, off a quick pop pass.
Keyshawn Verner scored two two-point conversions to create the winning difference.
Emberson would rush for 89 yards for the game in addition to his passing assault, giving him more than 300 total yards on the night.
“Our defense showed up in the fourth quarter,” said Nowata head coach Chance Juby.
Nowata’s offense also earned a gold star, managing to put together a seven-minute drive in the final quarter to keep the ball out of Morrison’s hands.
“We then shut them down four straight plays,” Juby said and ran out the clock.
Nowata finally gets to its bye week and will be back in action in two Fridays.
“Hopefully we can keep the string deal going,” Juby said.
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PAWHUSKA 50, Tonkawa 12
Like Dorothy and her little dog Toto, there’s no place like home for the Pawhuska Huskies.
At least so far.
They proved that to be true Thursday night against a very strong Tonkawa Buccaneers team.
Coming off a 62-16 road loss the previous week, the fired-up Huskies — energized by the return of Chase Eaves to the lineup — zapped visiting Tonkawa in a key District A-I-3 showdown between two of the best teams.
With the win, Pawhuska (5-2) improved to 3-1 in district and put itself in the driver’s seat of clinching homefield advantage in the first round of next month’s Class A-I playoffs.
Canyon HIndman connected with Lane Kyler on two touchdown passes and Eaves rushed for a pair of scores to help the Huskies put the bite on the Buccaneers.
“This was a huge win,” said Pawhuska head coach Matt Hennesy. “I thought it would be a lot tighter game…. Our kids came out sky high like we have in all our home games.”
He credited part of the reason for the players’ storming style to the Pink Game excitement to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer treatment. Each of the players wore on the back of their jerseys the name of some person for whom they were playing.
Hindman provided plenty of fireworks — 22-of-35 passing for 235 yards and three touchdowns — two to Lane Kyler and one to Payton Hunt. Kyler gained 102 yards on nine catches.
In addition, on a trick play Logan Cass found Vann Wildcat for a touchdown pass off a fake field goal attempt.
As mentioned, in his return from injury, Eaves — a Bartlesville High transfer — ran for two touchdowns.
Recuperating from a sprain, Eaves was at about 80 percent of his capacity, Hennesy said, adding Eaves also is the team’s defensive leader from his safety position.
He had to sit out last week’s game against Pawnee, which took a hard toll on the Huskies.
“Our game plan (against Pawnee) had been centered around Chase,” before his injury kept him from playing, the coach added.
Pawhuska still wasn’t a full strength against Tonkawa, but got the job done — especially in stopping the Buccaneers.
“That was the story of the night, the way our defense played,” Hennesy said.
Tonkawa scored its first touchdown on a play in which a penalty flag thrown on it was waved off, Hennesy said. The Bucs managed their second touchdown against the Huskie jayvee.
He singled out the clutch play of Will Sweeden, rotating between linebacker and defensive end, and Jimmy Wildcat rotating in at linebacker as a key.
But the entire defense drew Hennesy’s praise.
“It was not just one guy, but all 11 guys flying to the football,” Hennesy said. “They were all executing well.”
Pawhuska improved to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in district.
If the Huskies win out, they will lock down one of the two top spots in the district and first-round playoff homefield advantage.
Pawhuska is going into a well-needed week-off from competition.
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CANEY VALLEY (Kan.) BULLPUPS 53, Fredonia (Kan.) 7
The Pups likely wrapped up a playoff spot — or at least positioned themselves to lock one up with another win. But at this point of the season it’s not about making the playoffs but trying to improve one’s seeding, Caney Valley head coach Criss Davis said.
Fredonia certainly couldn’t argue about Caney Valley’s credentials as credible postseason threat.
Barely after the shriek of the opening whistle had faded, the Pups had smothered Fredonia with 38 points the first 11:59.
From then on, it was all about working on execution and not getting anyone hurt.
“We shot out of the cannon,” Davis said, adding despite the 53 points scored by the offense, the defense deserved a King Kong thumbs-up.
How dominant? Fredonia’s final net running total was minus-14 yards on 22 carries.
“It’s our defense,” he said. “Our defense was playing lights out. … We caused three fumbles, all on kickoffs. We played a 5-1 defense and they couldn’t run the ball on us. We’re extremely well coached on defense. … Our defense is putting so much pressure on the quarterback that he doesn’t have time to stand back there and throw it.”
Fredonia got away with a pass play that covered 67 yards for its lone touchdown.
Xavier Gaston and Austin Freisberg do a good job of administering pressure, he added.
On the offensive side, Traxcyn Garton ran wild for 128 yards and three touchdowns — on only nine carries. Logan Burnett added 116 yards (five carries) and two ground scores.
Burnett’s 74-yard run set up one of Garton’s touchdowns.
Caney Valley quarterback Layne Denny threw a strike to Ben Matthews for a 53-yard scoring aerial and Braden Martin ran six yards for six points.
Burnett ran in four two-pointers, Jacob McVey caught a two-pointer and Angel Martinez nailed the only PAT attempt.
Drake Roberts picked off a pass while Matthews, Boone White and Martinez combined for four sacks. Gaston made 8.5 tackles.
CV—Fredonia
First downs: 11—6
Rushing: 37-334—22-(-14)
Passing: 3-6-1-88—8-24-1-142
First quarter
CV — 10:48 Traxcyn Garton 1 run (Logan Burnett run), 10:48.
CV — Garton 56 run (Burnett run), 7:04.
CV — Garton 9 run (Burnett run), 5:04.
CV — Burnett 3 run (run fail), 2:28.
CV — Burnett 25 run (McVey pass from Denny), 0:01.
Second quarter
Fre — Emmet Couch 67 pass from Braden O’Leary (Lucas Lyrs kick), 8:31.
CV — Ben Matthews 53 pass from Layne Denny (Burnett run), 7:32.
Fourth quarter
CV — Braden Martin 6 run (Angel Martinez kick), 11:45.
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Quapaw 40, OKLAHOMA UNION 36
Like the Tin Man, if it wasn’t for heartbreak the Oklahoma Union Cougars might need a stethoscope to double-check their collective ticker.
For the second week in a row they finished oh, so close of seizing an elusive district victory — only to sip the bitter medicine of “almost” rather than guzzle the healing nectar of victory.
“We’re just licking our wounds,” veteran Steve Trammell said Saturday morning, adding he believes his Cougars were the better team the past two weeks.
The Cougars and Quapaw were tied late, 28-28, but the game didn’t end well for the Cougars, thanks to a couple of calls and other disruptions.
“We’re driving and we’re going to take the lead, but they call holding and plus a major penalty on us,” he noted. “Offensively they're were not stopping us. … Penalties played a role,” along with some mental errors.
Oklahoma Union quarterback Connor Pierce put up some impressive numbers both passing and running.
Bodee West grabbed three touchdown catches (20, 50, 22 yards) and Caden Miller hauled in another.
Pierce also scored on short run.
On the defensive side, “Grant Reeves did a great job of getting our defense in great spots,” Trammell said.
Oklahoma Union had to battle back from a 14-0 deficit and almost made it — but needed more things to go right to complete the comeback.
Oklahoma Union fell to 1-5 overall and 0-3 in District A-I-3. The Cougars have run out of wiggle room — they’re hoping next Thursday’s home game against Caney Valley will jump-start their charge toward a playoff spot.
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Ketchum 49, BARNSDALL 14
Some early hiccups allowed the Warriors to seize an early lead the Barnsdall Panthers just couldn’t catch ‘em the rest of the way.
“All of a sudden they were up 21-0 or 22-0 and we were in shell shock,” said Barnsdall coach Kylee Sweeney. “We didn’t expect them to come out like they did.”
Barnsdall also hurt itself.
On Ketchum’s first drive, Barnsdall was penalized for offsides on third-and-five to give up a first down, which led to a score.
Barnsdall failed to answer and the Warriors got the ball back and rang up seven more on a big play. Barnsdall then turned the ball over on downs, greasing the chute for Ketchum’s third score.
Barnsdall battled back — Maverick Lanphear scored on a 10-yard run, James Johnson caught a touchdown pass and Braden Byers added a two-point catch.
But it’s far from panic time for Barnsdall (3-3). The Panthers are 1-2 in district and within reaching distance of a Class A-II postseason spot.
“I told the guys we’ve got to win three of our last four games to make the playoffs,” said Sweeney. “It’s been one of those weird injury years, but I said to them we’ve still got some goals in front of us.”
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Pawnee 80, CANEY VALLEY TROJANS 0
This was just a mismatch between two teams whose seasons have gone in different directions.
Caney Valley (1-5, 0-3) came into the game on a two-game losing streak, recording its only win against the Cleveland jayvee. Pawnee (3-3, 3-0) struggled early due to the absence of a key player, but had won its previous two games by a combined score of 104-22, against two of the district’s better teams.
Caney Valley next collides against Oklahoma Union (1-5, 0-3) in both teams’ final chance to inject themselves into the hunt for the playoffs.
Dewey High School's Jayden Vallen (3) catches a pass during football action against Westville in Dewey on Oct. 11, 2024. The Bulldoggers won their first game of the season, 34-16.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Dewey High School's Layne Gastel (12) tries to get past a tackler during football action against Westville in Dewey on Oct. 11, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Wesleyan Christian School's Zander Week (18) is tackled by Copan's Zane Stricklin (1) and Weston O'Roarke (4) during football action in Bartlesville on Oct. 11, 2024. Copan defeated WCS, 56-6.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Copan High School's Teegan Caron (5) is hit after catching a pass against Wesleyan Christian in Bartlesville on Oct. 11, 2024. Copan defeated WCS, 56-6.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Caney Valley High School’s Seth Perkins, right, tries to bring down a Pawnee runner during football action in Ramona on Oct. 11, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
AREA FOOTBALL ANALYSIS:
Teams enter must-win phases; WCS and Copan renew rivalry
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October 10, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Nowata High School's Emmanuel Wilson (19) tries to get past Pawhuska's Trenton Reese (28) in earlier season football action. Pawhuska hosts Tonkawa on Thursday (Oct. 10), while Nowata travels to Morrison on Friday (Oct. 11).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
For some area football teams, the next two games — starting with Friday’s (contests — are in “do-or-die” mode as far as playoff hopes are concerned.
Starting on Friday (Thursday in the case of Pawhuska), area teams have four or five district games remaining.
Being that the normal standard to earn a playoff spot is four district wins — with some exceptions mentioned below — wins and losses from here on out will take on critical implications.
Dewey, the Caney Valley Trojans and Oklahoma Union are each 0-2 in district — which means they likely need to win four of their final five games to earn a ticket for the postseason carousel.
Nowata and Pawhuska are both 2-1 in district and in contention to be playoff hosts as long as they win two-to-three of their remaining contests.
Copan and Wesleyan Christian begin their district schedules this week — fittingly by facing each other.
The Caney Valley (Kan.) Bullpups have a strong opportunity to win this week and improve to 2-0 in district.
The Bartlesville Bruins are in a unique position. Even though they are 0-2 in district, they play in 6A-II, which allows six playoff teams per district. They should be clear favorites in three of their final four regular season games, which gives them a chance to become the first Bruin group in team history to qualify for the playoffs three-straight seasons.
Following are closer looks at this week’s games.
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Thursday: Tonkawa (3-2, 2-0) at PAWHUSKA (4-2, 2-1)
Last week: Pawnee 62, Pawhuska 16; Tonkawa 65, Caney Valley 8
Last meeting: Pawhuska 48, Tonkawa 7 (2019)
ANALYSIS: Pawhuska is a hard time about which to get a handle. The Huskies manhandled a very strong Hominy team but have suffered thumpings at the hands of Pawnee and Woodland.
The Huskies have unleashed several strong offensive weapons, led by veteran quarterback Canyon Hindman. But they’ve also been beset by injuries to key players on both sides of the ball.
Through the first five games Hindman has thrown for more than 1,300 yards and connected on 17 touchdowns and only two interceptions.
Logan Cass and Vann Wildcat, as well as Hindman, fuel the running attack.
Lane Kyler and Chase Eaves provide the Huskies’ biggest receiving threats. Kyler had caught eight touchdowns in the first five games.
On the defensive side, through five games Tyler Neel, Trenton Reese, Cass and Wildcat have made nearly 60 tackles. Neel and Reese lead the team in tackles for loss.
Tonkawa is riding a two-game winning streak — recording both wins against two of the weaker teams in the district.
But only a close team observer would know whether the Bucs have solved some issues from earlier in the season or whether they are playing at a significantly stronger level.
With the exception of missing crucial personnel or execution woes the Huskies should claim their fifth win and stay in the battle for the district title.
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Friday: BARTLESVILLE BRUINS (0-5, 0-2) at Muskogee Roughers (5-0, 2-0)
Last week: Sapulpa 35, Bartlesville 28 (2ot), Muskogee 51, Putnam City West 0
Last meeting between teams: Muskogee 30, Bartlesville 27 (2023)
Last Bartlesville win against Muskogee: 2020 (52-24)
ANALYSIS: Some interesting side storylines make this matchup intriguing.
For one thing, Bartlesville gave Muskogee an especially hard time last season. Muskogee had to scrap fiercely to scrape past the Bruins, 30-27. The Roughers smashed most of their other foes on their way to winning the Class 6A-II state championship.
For another, Bartlesville’s exceptional running back from the past two season, P.J. Wallace, transferred during the offseason to Muskogee.
Wallace has amassed more than 700 yards and scored seven touchdowns for the Roughers. Other Muskogee players with some impressive numbers this season are quarterback Jamarian Ficklin, who has thrown for nearly 1,000 yards and recorded 12 touchdowns; leading tackler Coda Barnoski and receiver Ondrave Beasley.
For Bartlesville, quarterback Nate Neal also has unofficially reached or surpassed the 1,000-yard passing mark and hit on 13 touchdowns. In last week’s overtime shootout loss, he connected on scoring strikes to Damien Niko and freshman Michael Kent and ran in a score himself.
Niko has grabbed eight touchdowns and unofficially surpassed 600 yards receiving.
Tailback Sutton Williams has averaged unofficially around 100 yards total offense the past two games and scored Bartlesville’s overtime touchdown last week.
Defensively, Sam Hoback intercepted a pass last week and is one of the Bruins’ leading tacklers, along with Williams and Mason Manley.
There’s no doubt Muskogee wear’s the favorite’s mantle going into Friday’s showdown.
But the Bruins have appeared at times to be a powerful lion ready to flex its muscles and pounce with protracted claws and ripping determination. Could this be that Friday?
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Friday: Westville Yellowjackets (1-4, 0-2) at DEWEY BULLDOGGERS (0-5, 0-2)
Last week: Tahlequah-Sequoyah 53, Dewey 0; Tulsa Central 36, Westville 20
Last meeting between teams: Possible first-ever meeting
ANALYSIS: I’m rooting for the Bulldoggers to finally shed their winless ways and start the second half of the season with a needed home win.
Westville comes into the game on a two-game losing streak and some lopsided losses on its season resume.
But the Yellowjackets have scored 20-or-more points twice while Dewey has reached that milestone only once.
On paper, the matchup seems very competitive.
Dewey’s offense will have to focus on sustaining drives and cashing in with points. If it can do that and control the clock, the Dogger defense should be more than strong enough to limit Westville. Look for the Doggers to chalk up their first ‘W’ and build on that for the rest of the season.
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Friday: Pawnee Black Bears (2-3, 2-0) at CANEY VALLEY TROJANS (1-4, 0-2)
Last week: Tonkawa 65, Caney Valley 8; Pawnee 62, Pawhuska 16
Last meeting between teams: Pawnee 54, Caney Valley 12 (2021)
Last Caney Valley win vs. Pawnee: NA
ANALYSIS: Caney Valley is going to have to put it all together in order to tame the Black Bears, who are on a two-game winning streak.
Caney Valley has displayed stirrings of a mighty offensive attack, scoring 28 and 36 points in September games.
But the Trojans have amassed only 14 points the last two contests and are in need of opening up on all cylinders this week.
Leading Caney Valley’s offense is veteran quarterback Noah Mitchell who through four games tallied more than 900 passing yards and seven touchdowns.
Bryor Bonde had rushed for three touchdowns in four games.
Through four games, Talen Bond was Mitchell’s favorite receiver — 25 catches for 363 yards and four scores. Ethan Brown and Seth Perkins are two other reliable targets.
Pawnee went 0-3 in non-district games, with losses to Woodland, Stroud and Hominy — a rugged trio of powerhouses.
Simply put, Caney Valley will need to stage a major upset to subdue Pawnee.
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Friday: NOWATA IRONMEN (2-4, 2-1) at Morrison Wildcat (1-4, 1-1)
Last week: Nowata 42, Quapaw 8; Morrison 36, Oklahoma Union 27
Last meeting between teams: Might be first-ever meeting.
ANALYSIS: It’s likely no District A-1-3 team wants to see Nowata show up on the schedule.
After having struggled to a deceptive 0-4 start, the Ironmen have powered to two straight district wins — by a combine point total of 86-14.
Morrison comes into the game fresh off an impressive 36-27 win against Oklahoma Union.
Nowata appears to have a stable of offensive stars — led by veteran quarterback Treaver Emberson and recently-activated double-threat Tyler Flower — that can cause a king-sized headache for any opposing defensive coordinator.
Add to that potent pair the explosive presences of Jose Wilson, Keyshawn Verner, Sebastian Brown, etc., Nowata can provide some difficult challenges.
Emberson has compiled more than 800 yards and six touchdowns in five games.
Defensively, Brett Malone is nearing 50 tackles for Nowata and Jerome Jackson is among the best in the state in tackles-for-loss.
But, Morrison also boasts a handful of standouts and the momentum of a big win.
I like Nowata’s chances to seize its third victory if it competes hard and with quality rhythm for four quarters.
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Friday: OKLAHOMA UNION COUGARS (1-4, 0-2) at Quapaw Wildcats (1-4, 0-2)
Last week: Morrison 36, Oklahoma Union 27; Nowata 42, Quapaw 8
Last meeting between teams: Quapaw 47, Oklahoma Union 43 (2021)
Last OUHS win vs Quapaw: 2019 (52-7)
ANALYSIS: Truth is that the Cougars are probably one of the best 1-4 teams in Class A-1. They lost to Commerce by only four points, 28-20, hammered a very well-coached and talented Barnsdall team, 48-20, and fell by just nine points to Morrison, 36-27.
The challenge is Quapaw also has displayed a flair of competitiveness despite its 1-4 record. The Wildcats lost by only one point (in overtime) to Commerce, 22-21, and fell by just two touchdowns to a strong Salina team, 20-6.
With all that in mind, Friday’s showdown could evolve into a fierce struggle — especially with both teams needing a win to keep alive their shrinking playoff hopes.
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Friday: BARNSDALL PANTHERS (3-2, 1-1) at Ketchum Warriors (3-2, 1-1)
Last week: Woodland 62, Barnsdall 15; Hominy 48, Ketchum 20
Last known meeting between teams: Barnsdall 24, Ketchum 0 (1989)
ANALYSIS: By all available data this is the first time these schools have met on the regular season gridiron in 35 years.
But Friday’s scenario couldn’t be more important for either of them as they battle for playoff position in District A-II-4.
Each has identical records in a fiercely competitive district in which four teams are only one game behind district leaders Hominy and Woodland. A loss in this game would give Barnsdall a tall mountain to climb to the playoffs — especially with Hominy (4-1, 2-0) ahead on the schedule.
In last week’s loss to Woodland (5-0, 2-0) the Panthers tried to convert their hard lumps into new muscle.
“We challenged them (the Panther players) to win the second half,” said veteran Barnsdall coach Kylee Sweeney about his team’s effort, adding Woodland’s physicality “is very impressive.”
Barnsdall quarterback Maverick Lanphear racked up 132 yards of total offense and ran for both touchdowns.
Blaine Miller added 50 yards rushing and a two-point run, while James Johnson made a reception for 60 yards.
Lincoln Gott amassed seven tackles while Gavin Wood and Miller made six apiece.
For the season Lanphear has powered to nearly 1,000 yards of total offense and scored 12 rushing touchdowns. Miller has run more than 350 yards and multiple scores.
Johnson has hauled in more than 400 yards receiving and four touchdowns.
Ketchum is coming off a 48-20 loss against Hominy.
Even though this will be only game six, the implications of victory or defeat could echo until week 10 — or the playoffs.
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Friday: COPAN HORNETS (4-1, 0-0) at WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN MUSTANGS (0-5, 0-0)
Last week: Copan 58, Olive 7; Wetumka 32, Wesleyan Christian 7
Last meeting between teams: Wesleyan Christian 52, Copan 16 (2023)
Last Copan win vs. WCS: 2010 (14-7)
ANALYSIS: Hard to believe but just four years ago, Copan stumbled to a 1-10 record while being shut out four times and losing by a 20-point-or-more margin in nine contests.
But determined fifth-year coach Marshall Foreman has slowly but steadily built a strong program.
In 2022 the Hornets turned in a 4-6 record and missed the playoffs by one win. Last season Copan grinded out five wins and qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2009.
Going into Friday’s game against rival Wesleyan Christian, Copan is on the verge of win No. 5 and a strong start in District B-II-4 games.
There’s another churning factor that has to be considered: Copan hasn’t beaten WCS since 2010. In fact, the Hornets own a 9-3 lead in the series, which began in 2008.
In fact, WCS has completely dominated Copan since 2012, recording nine straight wins while outscoring Copan, 453-54 — an average winning margin of 44.3 points per game.
But this year WCS is in the midst of a serious rebuilding campaign — pretty much from the ground up — while Copan boasts one of its strongest groups since 2000.
Of course, anything is possible — both coaches are aware of that. Things are going to fall in place one of these weeks for the young WCS team and Copan can’t afford to coast as it approaches the money part of its schedule.
On paper, Copan should put this one in the victory column — but the Hornets have to prove it on the field.
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Friday: Fredonia (Kan.) (2-3, 0-1) at CANEY VALLEY (Kan.) PUPS (3-2, 1-0)
Last week: Caney Valley 48, Cherryvale (Kan.) 0; Neodesha (Kan.) 49, Fredonia 34
Last meeting between teams: Caney Valley 35, Fredonia 0 (2023)
ANALYSIS: Caney Valley is on the right course to return to the postseason for the 20th time in the past 21 seasons. But Bullpups coach Criss “Air” Davis isn’t into forecasting the corn harvest prior to the ripening of the ears.
The Air is meant to be a witticism. During most of his decades-long tenure, Davis has been to a passing attack what a sore throat is for a preacher — an unfortunate reality.
Davis never met a handoff he didn’t like.
But — to reference songwriter Bob Dylan — the times they are a-changin’ for Caney Valley offensive football.
Davis has made a serious commitment, relatively speaking, this season to the aerial assault — and, contrary to some reports, the polar ice caps haven’t melted to oblivion and pigs haven’t sprouted wings.
Not that anyone but a blind otter might mistake the Caney Valley sky offensive for the second coming of Bill Walsh’s West Coast Offense or the Joe Namath passing circus.
But the Pups’ quarterback Layne Denny has put up double-digit passing attempts in several games, delivered a number of touchdown strikes and racked up more than 100 yards in multiple contests. He has used his bevy of receivers — including experienced route runner Ben Matthews — like piano keys to compose a sweet ab lib tune of production.
Having said all that, when Davis can control a game by running the ball — with an occasional fling as a change of pace — he’s as happy as a cow in tall clover. Traxcyn Garton is well on pace for a 1,000-yard rushing year and Logan Burnett is capable every Friday night of amassing a triple-digit number of yards on the ground.
Even so, Davis has been serious about developing an effective air attack to complement the ground gobblers and make it harder for opponents — particularly the tougher competition — to have enough fingers to plug up the Bullpups’ offensive dam break.
Caney Valley is favored in Friday’s home game – but Davis and his staff will try to get the team to play as if a state title is on the line.
Who knows but that could be the Pups’ destiny in a few weeks — as long as they care of business with full intent now.
The future is up in the air — which could be the added ingredient for glory this season.
Pawhuska’s game will be broadcast Thursday at 99.1 KPGM, with the game starting at 7 p.m. Bartlesville's game is KWON 1400 AM beginning at 6:45 p.m. Friday.
Bartlesville High School's Evan Goad (18) looks to the sidelines during earlier season football action. Bartlesville travels to Muskogee on Friday (Oct. 11).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Dewey High School’s Chase Miller (20) looks to handoff to Hayden Taylor (1) in earlier season football action. Dewey hosts Westville on Friday (Oct. 11).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Copan High School's defense including Karson Woodworth, Gavin Scott and Teegan Caron, line up during earlier season football action. The Hornets travel to Wesleyan Christian School in Bartlesville on Friday (Oct. 11).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Barnsdall High School's Gavin Wood (9) stretches for some extra yards during earlier season football action. Barnsdall travels to Ketchum on Friday (Oct. 11).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
bartlesville football:
bruins drop district opener; sapulpa wins in overtime
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October 7, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Boden Roberts (23) reacts during football action against Sapulpa during the Bruins homecoming game at Custer Stadium on Oct. 4, 2024. The Bruins fell to Sapulpa, 35-28, in overtime.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Just call the main storyline Friday (Oct. 4) evening at Custer Stadium a comedy of errors.
Only no one was laughing.
In one of oddest odyssey’s in prep football history the Sapulpa Chieftains edged the Bartlesville Bruins in their home District 6A-II-2 opener, 35-28, in two overtimes.
The Bruins — who are coached by Harry Wright — never led in regulation but rallied three times to tie the score, 21-21 — scoring their final regulation touchdown with 35 seconds left in the fourth quarter — to send the game to football’s version of a shoot-out.
Bartlesville grabbed the first overtime lead on Sutton Williams’ run and Dillon Burson’s extra point, 28-21. But, the Chieftains tied it up, 28-28, then took the lead, 35-28, and prevented Bartlesville from scoring on the final overtime possession.
The loss dropped the Bruins to 0-5 overall and 0-2 in district. Sapulpa went to 2-3, 2-0.
If one word could describe Friday’s contest it would be “whacky.”
Fateful decisions, incredible athletic moments, red zone turnovers, gritty courage, instances of clutch execution and those unmeasurable human elements known as panache, determination and verve all weaved their loose ends together to create a pattern of drama and suspense.
Unfortunately for the thousands of faithful seated on the home side of Custer, the ending was not a happy one.
After Bartlesville turned the ball over on downs — on its own 39-yard line — Sapulpa took advantage of the short field to score midway through the first quarter — on a mid-range receiving touchdown by Julian Vess — and take a 7-0 lead.
Bartlesville went three and punt on its second possession. But Sapulpa stalled out on its next drive, thanks partly to a run stop by Sutton Williams and sack administered by Avery Hitchings.
Bartlesville fumbled the ball away on its third possession — but, the Bruin defense transformed into a stone wall and prevented Sapulpa from scoring.
Aiding Bartlesville’s cause was a bad snap by Sapulpa that resulted in a near 20-yard loss. That would be the first of multiple snap mistakes by Sapulpa that would make a strong impact on the game.
The list of madcap twists and turns continued moments later when an apparent 90-yard pass completion from Nate Neal to Damien Niko was called back due to a penalty. The Bruins punted five plays later.
Through a good chunk of the second quarter, Sapulpa put together a 58-yard drive down to the Bruin red zone. But, a holding penalty moved the ball back 10 yards and Sapulpa then fumbled the ball away. Bartlesville’s Daeton Stevens — who had to be taken off the field on a stretcher two weeks ago — recovered the ball.
The Bruin offense then finally put together a menacing march, taking the ball down to the Sapulpa three-yard line.
But on fourth-and-goal from the three, the Bruin coaches decided to go for the touchdown rather than kick the easy field goal.
The pass fell incomplete and Sapulpa’s offense took charge of the ball. The Chieftains produced a first down and managed to run down the clock to halftime while owning a 7-0 lead.
Bartlesville charged into the second half like a junkyard dog with its tail on fire.
They blazed through the Chieftain defense for a long touchdown drive — highlighted by a big catch by Niko and a 49-yard run by Neal down to the three-yard line.
Sapulpa stopped the Bruins at fourth-and-goal and the Bruins went for the three points. But a penalty by Sapulpa on the field goal attempt moved the ball to the one-yard line and the Bruin coaches reinserted the offense.
They scored on a trick play when Neal got the ball and threw it back to Neal who carried it over the goal line. Burson’s kick made it a 7-7 game about midway through the third period.
However Sapulpa answered with an 80-yard drive, capped by a short scoring pass, and regained the lead, 14-7.
Bartlesville struck back immediately. Starting at its own 40-yard line, the Bruins needed just five plays to score on a 32-yard connection from Neal to Niko. The game was then tied, 14-14, with more than 11 minutes left in regulation.
After Sapulpa had to punt on its next possession, the Bruins then gave themselves a chance to take the lead — on an 78-yard drive. A 30-yard completion to Landry Deaton moved the ball to the 14-yard line. But the Bruins turned the ball over on a tipped pass and interception.
Sapulpa cased in quickly on a 70-plus scoring run by Levi Jensen. The extra point pushed Sapulpa to a 21-14 lead with more than 6:30 left in regulation.
Bartlesville struggled on its next drive to move the ball and turned it over again on downs, this time at midfield.
Sapulpa’s offense started at the 50-yard line — but struggled through an ill-fated possession that included two other bad snaps — the second one on a planned punt.
That set up Bartlesville’s offense on the Sapulpa 25-yard line with plenty of time left to tie the game. But the Chieftains picked off another tipped ball.
Taking charge at their 25-yard line, the Chieftains made it to midfield and threatened to run the clock down to less than 20 seconds. But in what some might consider an odd decision, the Chieftains faced 3rd-and-11 and decided to try to pass the ball rather than keep it on the ground and run down the clock.
Bartlesville’s Sam Hoback intercepted the ball with 49 seconds left.
Bartlesville then scored on a long pass play from Neal to freshman Mike Kent. Burson’s extra point tied the game, 21-21, and sent it into overtime.
The overtime rules were simple: An offense takes possession at the 10-yard line against the opposing defense and has four plays to try to score either a touchdown or a field goal. Then the other team gets to go on offense.
Bartlesville had the first possession in the initial overtime period and scored on Sutton’s run. Sapulpa then tied it, 28-28.
In the second overtime period, Sapulpa started out on offense and scored to go ahead, 35-28. Bartlesville failed to match in its half of the second overtime and the game ended.
Bartlesville’s season of “almosts” continued — a two-point loss at Claremore, a 14-point loss against Collinsville in which the Bruins were only two points down in the second half; an 11-point loss at Sand Springs in which four second-half turnovers helped make the difference.
It doesn’t get easier — on paper — when the Bruins travel next Friday (Oct. 11) to Muskogee (5-0), the defending Class 6A-II state champion. Last year, Bartlesville pushed Muskogee to the limit — Muskogee squeezed out a 30-27 win, their most difficult victory all year until they edged Stillwater, 28-26, in the state final.
Following this week’s Muskogee showdown, the Bruins hit an easier stretch in the schedule.
Bartlesville scoring
Nate Neal 1 run (Dillon Burson kick).
Damien Niko pass from Neal (Burson kick).
Michael Kent pass from Neal (Burson kick).
Sutton Williams run (Burson kick).
Bartlesville High School's Nate Neal (7) gets a pass off during football action against Sapulpa during the Bruins homecoming game at Custer Stadium on Oct. 4, 2024. The Bruins fell to Sapulpa, 35-28, in overtime.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's EJ Beisle (13) knocks a pass out of the hands of a Sapulpa player in football action against Sapulpa during the Bruins homecoming game at Custer Stadium on Oct. 4, 2024. The Bruins fell to Sapulpa, 35-28, in overtime.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's pom squad performs during halftime of the Bruins homecoming game at Custer Stadium on Oct. 4, 2024. The Bruins fell to Sapulpa, 35-28, in overtime.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School cheerleaders perform during halftime of the Bruins homecoming game at Custer Stadium on Oct. 4, 2024. The Bruins fell to Sapulpa, 35-28, in overtime.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
AREA FOOTBALL ROUNDUP:
Copan, Nowata, 'Pups snap off wins
October 6, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Wesleyan Christian School's Austin Jenkins (15) takes a hit during football action against Wetumka in Bartlesville on Oct. 4, 2024. The Mustangs fell, 32-7, during their homecoming game.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
This weekend’s (Oct. 4) area high school football created a confluence of conflicting emotions — success or heartbreak, praise or pathos, cheers or bitter tears.
From Bartlesville’s overtime loss in a bizarre bazaar of high-priced miscues to Copan swamping its foe with a tidal wave of pain, the contrasts were as stark as the silhouette at sunset of a lonely wolf howling at the moon.
Following are game reports, with the exception of Bartlesville, whose story appears elsewhere on this site:
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Class 3A-I: Sequoyah-Tahlequah 53, DEWEY 0
Dewey (0-5) just didn’t have the wherewithal to challenge one of the state’s premier powers.
However, the Doggers boasted a handful of highlights.
“Easton Davis ran the ball well,” said Dewey head coach Ryan Richardson. “Eddie Rice made a nice couple of tackles for losses on defense.”
Richardson also lauded the punting of Parker Garrison, who averaged between 45 to 50 yards.
One of Dewey’s most steady warriors this season has been team captain Cole Ketcher, who lines up at guard on offense and lineman (mostly noseguard) on defense.
“He’s not the biggest guy in the world, but he does a very good job for us,” said Richardson.
Next up, Dewey will turn on the home lights to host Westville (1-4) on Friday (Oct. 11).
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COPAN 58, Olive 7
“It got ugly quick,” said Copan Hornet coach Marshall Foreman. “On the first possession we kicked off to them, they fumbled, we got the ball and scored two plays later.”
Olive would fumble the ball away two more times and wouldn’t score until 14 seconds before halftime to spoil Copan’s shutout bid.
“We played well, we didn’t have any turnovers and we cut down on penalties,” said Foreman, whose Hornets boast the best record (4-1) of the area.
Copan’s offense proved unstoppable.
Teegan Caron racked up five touchdowns — four of them on the ground.
Kane Foreman flung three touchdown passes — one each to Caron, Shooter Brewington and Karson Woodworth.
Sophomore Elijah Evans saw some quality time at running back and nearly scored on a pass. He also ran the ball well, coach Foreman said.
On defense, Gavin Scott recovered two fumbles.
“A lot of guys played good,” coach Foreman said.
Next up, Copan opens district play.
“I think the guys are confident, obviously,” coach Foreman, adding starting running back Weston O’Rourke is a bit “banged up” but hopefully will be at 100 percent when Copan plays it's tougher district game.
“Other than not being completely healthy, we couldn’t be playing a whole lot better probably,” coach Foreman added.
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NOWATA 42, Quapaw 8
Just two weeks ago, the Nowata Ironmen’s season seemed headed for a dumpster following an 0-4 start.
But the Ironmen (2-4) have won back-to-back blowouts and are rising toward a happier destination.
In Friday’s romp, Ironmen quarterback Treaver Emberson assaulted Quapaw through the air with three touchdowns — connecting with Tyler Flower, Isaiah Saxton and Keyshawn Verner. This was Verner’s first receiving score of the campaign.
Nowata coach Chance Juby also praised the running of Davionn Downing.
It’s more than coincidence Nowata’s abrupt turnaround coincided with the return of Flower to the lineup.
Nowata finished strong to put the lopsided touches on the win.
“It was only a two-score game going into halftime,” Juby said. “They really didn’t have anything going. Their running back busted one, which was their only mistake defensively. We executed extremely well defensively and we executed extremely well offensively.”
Brett Malone piled up 13 tackles to fuel Nowata’s defensive effort. Flower, Jose Wilson and Jerome Jackson also contributed some big plays, Juby said.
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CANEY VALLEY BULLPUPS 48, Cherryvale 0
Caney Valley charged out of its corner swinging haymakers and trying to deliver an early knockout.
That’s basically what happened.
By first quarter’s end, the Pups owned a 28-0 lead. It was basically all over but the 10-count.
“The kids played really well again,” said veteran Caney Valley coach Criss Davis, who saw his team improve to 3-2. “Our defense is playing really well. We have come out several times this season and shut the running game now. Now we’re starting to get pressure on the quarterback.”
At the same time, the defensive backs “are starting to figure things out. It Doesn’t hurt when we’re putting pressure on the quarterback with the front five.”
Cherryvale’s offense netted just 39 yards for the game — including only eight yards on 23 carries.
The Caney Valley offense also did its job Friday, piling up 348 yards, including 6-of-14 passing for 118 yards. No one’s going to be calling the Pups’ aerial game, “Air Davis” anytime soon, but the team is much more prone to put the ball in the air than in previous years.
Layne Denny did all the passing, including a 27-yard scoring strike to Drake Roberds. Denny also ran six yards to paydirt.
Logan Burnett and Traxcyn Garton both ran for two scores. Ace Koester racked up the other touchdown with a 33-yard pick six.
Burnett and Garton both ran in two-point conversions.
Garton finished with 140 yards rushing (on only five carries!) and caught three passes for 40 yards. He has rumbled for 670 rushing yards in five games.
Ben Matthews touched the ball just twice — for a total of 60 yards. (1-24 receiving, 1-36 rushing).
Defensively, Matthews amassed two sacks and Angel Martinez added another. Koester and Xavier Gaston both picked off a pass.
An irreplaceable asset for this year’s team has been the offensive line, Davis said. His three starting seniors up front are Koester, Kole Rigdon and Jack Halligas.
Caney Valley meets Fredonia next week for its second district game.
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Tonkawa 65, CANEY VALLEY TROJANS 8
No, this game wouldn’t come under the definition of a good time for Caney Valley.
But the Trojans still acquitted themselves with valiant grittiness.
“Overall, I was really pleased with our kids’ efforts,” said CV head coach Stephen Mitchell.
It was still a three-score game well into the second quarter but Tonkawa broke off a couple of long runs, Mitchell noted.
Other than those hiccups he praised his team’s fight on defense.
Bryor Bonde racked up two sacks, Mitchell said.
Trevor Morgan caught a pass from Noah Mitchell for Caney Valley’s touchdown. Bonde threw the two point pass to Seth Perkins.
One of Caney Valley’s consistent stalwarts has been senior center Bryce Bradshaw.
“He’s a steady kid,” said Mitchell. “He does things right. He’s a really good lineman.”
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Woodland 62, BARNSDALL 15
Barnsdall (3-2) discovered what four previous teams already knew — the Woodland Cougars (5-0) are the real deal.
The Cougars scored 60-plus points for the second-straight week and upped their average to 52.4 points per game. They are winning their games on an average margin of about 40 points.
Next up, Barnsdall travels to Ketchum (3-2) in a salty test that will push the winner into solid control of its playoff destiny.
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Pawnee 62, PAWHUSKA 16
The Pawhuska Huskies (4-2, 2-1) squandered a chance to dominate the District A-I-3 standings.
Had they won, the Huskies would have improved to 3-0 and taken a two game lead on everyone else. As it is, they are tied with Pawnee, Tonkawa and Nowata with two district wins apiece.
Pawhuska also continued its roller-coaster pattern — in its four wins it has averaged 52.0 points scoring and 15.9 points given up. In its losses it has averaged 12.0 points scored and 54.0 given up.
The Huskies eye another promising challenge next week against Tonkawa (3-2, 2-0).
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Wetumka 32, WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN 7
It seems the Wesleyan Christian Mustangs continue to improve their competitive quotient, even though victory continues to be elusive.
For the second-straight week the Mustangs (0-5) avoided a mercy-rule loss (45 points), forcing their opponent to have to compete all four quarters.
That compares to the first three weeks, when WCS didn’t reach an end in any of them.
Next up, WCS hosts Copan (4-1) in the District B-II-4 opener for both teams.
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Morrison 36, OKLAHOMA UNION 27
For the second time in three games, the OUHS Cougars came soooo close to capturing their second win — only to see it dribble away at the end.
The Cougars fell to 1-4 on the season and 0-2 in District A-I-3 action.
To catapult themselves back into the playoff discussion, they need to make something good happen next week against Quapaw (1-4, 0-2).
Wesleyan Christians School's Roman Jenkins (21) is tackled by a host of Wetumka defenders during football action in Bartlesville on Oct.4, 2024. The Mustangs fell, 32-7, during their homecoming game.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Copan High School's quarterback Kane Foreman (12) looks down field during football action earlier in the season. The Hornets defeated Olive, 58-7, during their homecoming game on Oct. 4, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Dewey High School's Mason Spears (8) reacts after a dropped pass during football action earlier in the season. The Bulldoggers fell to Sequoyah-Tahlequah, 53-0, on Oct. 4, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Nowata High School's Adrian O'Dell (6) looks for yards during football action earlier in the season. Nowata defeated visiting Quapaw, 42-8, on Oct. 4, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Barnsdall High School's Blaine Miller (8) is tackled by a host of Caney Valley Trojans during earlier season action. Barnsdall lost to Woodland, 62-15, while the Trojans fell to Tonkawa 65-8, on Oct. 4, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
AREA FOOTBALL ANALYSIS:
Teams look to gain traction as season hits midway point
October 3, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Sutton Williams (0) finds some running room while Landry Holmes (71) and Camden Dainty (66) block during an earlier season home game. BHS hosts Sapulpa for the Bruins homecoming game on Friday (Oct. 4, 2024).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Even though the prep football season reaches the midway point Friday, there’s still plenty of time for each area team to upgrade its destiny to a happy conclusion.
Of the 10 area teams, four boast .500 or better records — Pawhuska (4-1), Copan (3-1), Barnsdall (3-1) and the Caney Valley (Kan.) Bullpups (2-2).
Three other local squads are still seeking their first win and momentum down the stretch — Bartlesville (0-4), Dewey (0-4) and Wesleyan Christian (0-4).
The Caney Valley Trojans (1-3), Nowata (1-4) and Oklahoma Union (1-3) have all been more competitive than their records suggest in the hunt for their second wins.
Following is a closer analysis of each area matchup Friday (Oct. 4).
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6A-II — Sapulpa (1-3) at BARTLESVILLE (0-4)
Last meeting: Sapulpa 44, Bartlesville 36 (2023)
Last week: Sand Springs 41, BARTLESVILLE 20; Sapulpa 68, Capitol Hill 12
Bartlesville’s competitive level is not accurately reflected by its record. In other words, the Bruins have strong talent in key positions, solid game plans by the coaches and plenty of grit and scrap.
So, why are they 0-4?
Turnovers, costly penalties, some hiccups with execution, injuries — and a huge chunk of inexperience.
Bartlesville came into the season relying heavily on the freshman class and other first-year full-time players.
Even so, the Bruins barely lost to Claremore, 35-33; threatened in the second half to grab the lead in a loss to Collinsville, 37-23; and stayed close to Sand Springs until a rash of turnovers in a 41-20 setback.
“Our young guys are continuing to get valuable experience in big games and will continue to improve,” said Bruin head coach Harry Wright.
Sapulpa could provide the Bruins their best matchup so far this season. The Chieftains scored only 27 points total in their first three games and ran away last week against Capitol Hill, probably the district’s weakest team this season.
On the other hand, Sapulpa has held all four opponents to low point totals, giving up only 62 points.
On the offensive side, they like to try to control the clock.
“They (Sapulpa) are pretty balanced run/pass,” Wright said. “They use a lot of two-back running game, similar to what we have seen the past few games.”
One of the dark clouds that is lifting for Bartlesville is decreasing health issues.
“We are getting a few guys back that have been banged up that will help,” Wright said.
One of them could be freshman running back Daeton Stevens, who scored a touchdown two weeks ago, but then suffered an injury resulting in him being taken off the field to an ambulance.
“He practiced (early this week) and looked good,” Wright said.
Bartlesville’s defense has been a drive-stopping force for most the season, kind of in the mode of the legendary Cleveland Browns’ ‘D’: Bend but not break. But the defensive unit also has given up some big plays that made it harder for the Bruin offense to flip the field.
Some of those that have spearheaded the Bruin defense are Sam Hoback, Joe Torres and Sutton Williams, Wright said.
What will it take to win Friday at Custer Stadium?
“We have to play a clean game,” Wright said. “We can’t give up big plays defensively and can’t turn the ball over offensively.”
Bartlesville’s main scoring weapon this season has been Nate Neal passing to Damien Niko — which has produced seven touchdowns. The Bruins can interchange four or five players at feature back, where Williams has probably carried the most.
Stefan Williams has been a lightning-strike threat in the return game, particularly on kickoffs, where he has already brought one back for a touchdown.
If the Bruins bring the full recipe for four quarters on Friday, smiles, applause and frenzied cheering could be on the menu for Bartlesville fans.
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2A-I — DEWEY (0-4) at Tahlequah-Sequoyah (1-3)
Last meeting: NA
Last week: Metro Christian 48, DEWEY 7; Chandler 49, Tahlequah-Sequoyah 7
Dewey has been counting progress in spurts and baby steps.
Plus, the Doggers also have had to wedge through a grueling gauntlet of competition the first four games.
Against Tahlequah-Sequoyah they might finally play someone their own size — competitively speaking — and capture that elusive first victory.
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A-I — CANEY VALLEY TROJANS (1-3) at Tonkawa (2-2)
Last meeting: Tonkawa 41, Caney Valley 0 (1995)
Last week: Nowata 44, CANEY VALLEY 6; Tonkawa 44, Quapaw 0
Caney Valley has displayed signs this season of breaking out for some quality wins.
This game could be the springboard.
Tonkawa could offer a quality test that will reveal much about the Trojans’ progress.
This will be the first meeting between the teams in 29 years.
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A-I — PAWHUSKA (4-1) at Pawnee (1-3)
Last meeting: Pawnee 46, Pawhuska 40 (2019)
Last week: PAWHUSKA 52, Oklahoma Union 20; Pawnee 42, Morrison 6
This is an interesting meeting between rivals that haven’t met in five seasons.
In their last showdown, Pawnee won the shoot-out in Week 10 to deny Pawhuska its first-ever 10-0 regular season.
More than that, Pawhuska and Pawnee could again be two of the top contenders for the district crown. If Pawhuska were to win, it would improve to 3-0 in district and own the driver’s seat.
Quarterback Canyon Hindman has been the catalyst for Pawhuska’s remarkable offensive firepower — although two weeks ago Woodland limited the Huskies to just eight points.
Pawnee’s going to try to do to Pawhuska whatever Woodland did, but chances are Pawhuska will have all the answers it needs to prevail.
Look for Pawhuska to try to develop a strong ground game by its running backs in order to keep Pawnee’s offense off balance.
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A-I —Quapaw (1-3) at NOWATA (1-4)
Last meeting: Nowata 39, Quapaw 25 (1989)
Last week: NOWATA 44, Caney Valley 6; Tonkawa 44, Quapaw 0
Nowata is another team whose quality assets are better than its record.
With multi-year starting quarterback Treaver Emberson pulling the strings on an offense boasting a multiplicity of sharp-edged weapons, Nowata could be too overpowering.
These teams haven’t battled since 1989.
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A-I — Morrison (0-4) at OKLAHOMA UNION (1-3)
Last meeting: Morrison 30, Oklahoma Union 8 (2023)
Last week: Pawhuska 52, OKLAHOMA UNION 20; Pawnee 42, Morrison 6
Oklahoma Union eyes it's easiest victory opportunity of the season.
Of course, at 1-3, the Cougars have to arrive with full intent in order to write a happy script.
Quarterback Connor Pierce is a special double-threat force on offense and surrounded by other talented, gritty warriors.
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A-II — Woodland (4-0) at BARNSDALL (3-1)
Last meeting: Barnsdall 48, Woodland 33 (2019)
Last week: BARNSDALL 36, Fairland 30; Woodland 65, Porter 12
Let’s just say Barnsdall has faced more promising prospects.
A year ago, the Panthers were still playing eight-man football. Now they’re back on the 11-man level and taking on the Class A-II championship favorite.
But Barnsdall’s quiver of weapons is chock-full of explosive talents, led by quarterback Mav Lanphear.
Barnsdall has scored more than 35 points in each of its wins.
But the Panthers will need to do something special to knock off Woodland, which is beating opponents by an average margin of 37.8 points.
But in addition to Lanphear, Woodland will have to deal with James Johnson who last week caught four passes for 100 yards and a touchdown, rushed for 51 yards on three carries, and recorded seven tackles and a pick-six on defense.
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B-II — COPAN (3-1) at Olive (1-2)
Last meeting: Copan (co-op) 51, Olive 16 (2019)
Last week: Dewar jayvee 44, COPAN 34; Olive 47, Graham-Dustin 0
This is Copan’s final tune-up prior to beginning district play. The Hornets displayed a lot of valiant effort in last week’s 10-point loss at Dewar.
They weren’t quite able to get their running game in gear as usual, but quarterback Kane Foreman made up for it with a barrage of receiver-seeking missiles.
He hit 21-of-28 passes for 168 yards and four scores. Shooter Brewington hauled in three touchdown grabs.
Take away a couple of tough-luck plays and Copan likely would have won last week.
Olive has scored 34 and 47 points in its wins but was shutout against Yale, 45-0.
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B-I — Wetumka (2-2) at WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN (0-4)
Last meeting: NA
Last week: Foyil 41, WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN 7; Wetumka 26, Savanna 22
Wesleyan Christian School is on a program of progress, developing several players that had no or little football experience prior to this season.
It’s been a lump-taking season so far, but one can’t accurately predict when the Mustangs will put it all together and find their winning rhythm.
Could it be this Friday?
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Kansas — Cherryvale (1-3) at CANEY VALLEY BULLPUPS (2-2)
Last meeting: Caney Valley 42, Cherryvale 6 (2023)
Last week: Christ Prep Academy 43, CANEY VALLEY 6; Riverton 43, Cherryvale 6
The Bullpups should be the solid favorite. But when a rivalry game is on tap, the variables can be difficult to assess.
Caney Valley will need to strap it on tight and invest total effort in order to assure triumph in its district opener.
The Pups are coming off a 43-8 loss at Christ Prep Academy — a game in which they gave up 29 points in one quarter.
The strangest stat is that Caney Valley recorded almost four times the first downs (15 to four) and outrushed CPA (187 yards to 113)
Caney Valley had no answer for CPA quarterback Justice Criniere.
He accounted for five touchdowns — on a run of 49 yards and passes of 19, 42, 16 and 55 yards. He completed 9-of-15 passes for 190 yards — although Caney Valley’s Austin Freisberg intercepted him twice.
Boone White scored the Pups’ lone touchdown, with Logan Burnett recording the two-point run.
Traxcyn Garton ran for 128 yards on 24 carries to lead Caney Valley’s offensive attack.
“I knew they were fast and we had to keep the ball out of their hands,” said Caney Valley coach Criss Davis. “We did just what we wanted to do, which is proved by the 15 first downs.”
But the Pups’ offense and special teams sputtered at crucial times — five drives inside the CPA 10-yard line and only one touchdown. They also whiffed a punt for six yards to set CPA up for an easy score and they gave up a blocked punt and points with 29 seconds left until halftime.
Bartlesville High School's Joe Torres (57) blocks during an earlier season home game. BHS hosts Sapulpa for the Bruins homecoming game on Friday (Oct. 4, 2024).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Copan High School's Teegan Caron (5) looks to the sidelines during earlier season football action. Copan travels to Olive on Friday (Oct. 4, 2024).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Caney Valley High School's Ethan Brown (5) looks to the sidelines during an earlier season home game. The Trojans travel to Tonkawa on Friday (Oct. 4, 2024).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Nowata High School's Sebastian Brown and Pawhuska's Logan Cass go up for a pass during an earlier season game. Nowata hosts Quapaw, while Pawhuska travels to Pawnee on Friday (Oct. 4, 2024).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
STRONG STATEMENT:
Copan HORNETS scraps mightily in road loss
October 1, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Copan High School's quarterback Kane Foreman (12) takes a snap in earlier season football game in Copan. The Hornets fell on the road to Dewar jayvee, 44-34, on Sept. 26, 2024
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Although he didn’t state it this way, one sensed Copan High School football coach Marshall Foreman found more satisfaction in the way his team battled and scrapped back in last Thursday’s (Sept. 26) road loss than in a couple of the lopsided routs the Hornets (3-1) administered to weaker teams earlier this season.
Take away a couple of costly miscues and incredibly unfortunate bounces of the ball and Copan might well have defeated the bigger and more physical Dewar jayvee team. As it was, Dewar — who Foreman suspected was bolstered by some varsity players that didn’t have a game that night — pulled out a 44-34 win.
“We were still right there to win it,” said Foreman, noting a fumble scoop that led to a score and a recovered onside kick provided Dewar most of its good luck.
Copan, on the other hand, had to contend against a fickle fate. On the game’s first play, the Hornets threatened to score on a 60-plus yard pass play when the Copan receiver got behind his defender off a play-action throw. But, the receiver couldn't quite secure the catch.
On the next play, Copan fumbled, leading to Dewar going ahead 0-6.
The game would be tied, 6-6, and 14-14. Dewar stretched out to a 28-14 lead, but Copan trimmed it to 28-22 by halftime.
Two spectacular catches in the second half kept Copan in the game — a fade pattern by quarterback Kane Foreman to the back of the end zone, on which receiver Teegan Caron laid out backward over his defender and made the catch inbounds.
That play would have found its way to an ESPN highlight, coach Foreman said.
The other gritty grab happened when Shooter Brewington climbed the stairs to catch a throw at the back of the end zone and managed to get a foot down inbounds.
But Dewar enjoyed a couple of fortuitous bounces that resulted in touchdowns and the win, the Copan coach added.
Kane Foreman turned in perhaps his best passing performance in high school while carrying most of the offense on his shoulders, coach Foreman said. Kane completed 21-of-28 passes for 168 yards and four touchdowns. Four of his incompletions were drops.
“We pretty much had to ride him to give ourselves a chance,” the coach said.
Weston O’Rourke finished with 106 yards rushing — but he picked up 55 of those on a touchdown scamper. He also secured four receptions for 25 yards.
Caron rushed for 33 yards and caught seven throws for 37 yards.
Brewington seized six catches for 79 yards and three scores.
Karson Woodworth made three catches for 24 yards — but all three were clutch plays, coming on third or fourth down plays, coach Foreman said.
Defensively, Caron and Brewington made 12 and 11 tackles, defensively, followed by O’Rourke with eight.
“We just had more mistakes and more penalties,” the Copan coach summarized. “We stopped them on a fourth down play but we had a facemask call. Offensively we were really good. Defensively, we’ve just got to get better. This is probably the best team we’ll play other than Wilson (Henryetta).”
Copan High School's Shooter Brewington (20) gains some yards during an earlier season football game in Copan. The Hornets fell on the road to Dewar jayvee, 44-34, on Sept. 26, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
bartlesville football:
Sandites surge on late spurt to pull past BHS Bruins
SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Dillion Burson (32) kicks a field goal with Damien Niko (8) as holder during an earlier season game in Bartlesville. The Bruins fell to Sand Springs on the road, 41-20, on Sept. 27, 2024. Sapulpa comes to town Friday (Oct. 4) for the Bruins homecoming game.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School’s football team took another step forward Friday (Sept. 27) evening.
But it wasn’t enough to walk away with that could have been a significant win.
For the first time this season, the Bruins (0-4) led during part of the game — and in fact had a golden opportunity to be ahead in the fourth quarter.
But, the Charles Page (Sand Springs) Sandites rode the mighty arm of quarterback Easton Webb to a 41-20 victory in the District 6A-II-2 opener for both teams. Even though it’s still early in the season, the outcome could play a major factor when playoff seeding rolls around.
Sand Springs bolted to a 7-0 lead, but Bartlesville charged back — on a touchdown run by Sutton Williams and a TD aerial from Nate Neal to Damien Niko — to power the Bruins to a 13-7 lead in the second quarter.
By halftime, the Sandites had edged back ahead, 14-13.
Bartlesville’s defense stiffened and kept the Sandites out of the end zone for the first several minutes of the second half, giving the Bruin offense a chance to drive into the Sandite red zone. But the Bruins failed to cash in and Sand Springs soon extended its lead to 41-13.
Bartlesville finished off its scoring on a touchdown fling from Neal to Michael Kent — his first career score — followed by Dillon Burson’s extra point.
Even though it is 0-4, Bartlesville has been competitive in each of its contests, but has been bedeviled by either slow starts or tough stretches in the second half.
The team’s playoff hopes are still very strong, especially if they win four or five of their remaining six regular season games. Harry Wright could be the first Bruin coach to lead Bartlesville to the playoffs in three-straight seasons. He’s already made team history with postseason appearances in his first two seasons at the helm.
That push begins next Friday (Oct. 4) when Sapulpa invades Custer Stadium. Four of Bartlesville’s six remaining games will be at home.
Neal passed for approximately 200 yards Friday; Niko accounted for more than 100 of those and grabbed his seventh touchdown catch in four games. Williams flirted with 100 yards rushing.
Webb, meanwhile, threw several touchdown passes for Sand Springs, most of them to Dom Forbes.
Bartlesville still leads the series against Sand Springs, 21-20.
AREA FOOTBALL report:
Nowata, Pawhuska power to rivalry wins; Barnsdall wins on road
SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Caney Valley High School's Seth Perkins (15) is tackled by Nowata's Sebastain Brown (4) during football action in Ramona on Sept. 27, 2024. Nowata defeated the Trojans, 44-6.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Following is a roundup of weekend area high school football games:
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IRONMEN BREAK OUT: Nowata vs. Caney Valley
Following an 0-4 start, the Nowata Ironmen weren't in a mood to settle for anything less than a victory at the expense of their long-time geographic rival Caney Valley Trojans.
Nowata rode a huge rushing performance by Davionn Downing to a 44-6 victory at Caney Valley.
Downing ran for two touchdowns — one of them for more than 50 yards — to help lead the Nowata landslide.
Adrian O’Dell also rumbled for two scores and Tyler Flower — in his long-anticipated return to action — added another running score.
Veteran quarterback Treaver Emberson fired a couple of laser-guided aerials to Sebastian Brown for the other two Nowata touchdowns.
A factor that enhanced the Ironmen’s offensive firepower was the absence of multiple weapon Jose Wilson, due to health reasons, Nowata head coach Chance Juby said.
Juby singled out Keyshawn Verner for scoring three two-point conversions.
Nowata has been trying to help him score a touchdown “but everybody keeps double covering him,” he added.
The return of Flower was dynamic for Nowata.
“You can’t explain how big a lift that was for us,” Juby said. “He was our leading tackler last year even though he missed three games. Just his presence makes a difference. His leadership is huge.”
On the defensive side, Flower led Nowata in tackles and Brown and Downing both seized an interception.
Juby praised the fight displayed by Caney Valley (1-3).
“They kept fighting. … They make you play all four quarters,” he said. “Hats off to them.”
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INJURY BOWL: Pawhuska vs. Oklahoma Union
The two biggest winners in Clash of Crash were the Pawhuska Huskies and various area medical services that saw a lot of new business come their way.
By the final buzzer, the Pawhuska Huskies (3-1) walked away with a victory of redemption coming off the previous week’s loss to Woodland, 52-20.
But it was a costly victory — first-year Huskie star Chase Eaves, a Bartlesville High transfer — suffered an injury on the second drive and had to come out.
Pawhuska coach Matt Hennesy said it appeared Eaves didn’t suffer any bone damage, but another test this week will determine any other possible injury.
“Our offense and defense has been centered around him,” said Hennesy.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma Union was struck by cruel fate even earlier than that. During warmups, the Cougars lost their center to injury, Cougar head coach Steve Trammell said.
“Right now, the injuries just keep piling up,” Trammell added. “Last night we had a great opportunity but we lost our center and one of our outside linebackers went down.”
A warrior who was “up” all evening for Pawhuska was receiver Lane Kyler. The veteran skill thrill thundered to 147 yards receiving and three touchdowns on nine catches from quarterback Canyon Hindman. Kyler also pulled in two two-point conversions.
Hindman finished with 17-of-24 passes for 284 yards, five touchdowns and two two-point conversions. He also ran seven times for 44 yards.
Vann Wildcat added four touchdowns (12-79 rushing, 3-6 receiving).
On the defensive side, three-year starter Trenton Reece had to move to inside linebacker — due to injury — and excelled there. But he also provided some effective blocking offensively, Hennesy said.
Pawhuska missed two starting inside linebackers and two offensive guards.
“(Oklahoma Union) came out and hit us in the mouth,” Hennessy said. “But they couldn’t stop our passing. … They couldn’t stop (Kyler). … That was the best-coached Oklahoma Union team I’ve seen and they played extremely hard.”
“We stayed in the game even until the end of the third quarter,” said Trammell, adding Pawhuska scored a couple of fourth down touchdowns to make the margin more lopsided than the game itself.
“We made them punt three or four times,” Trammell said.
Trammell said despite a freshman on the line and the injury to the center the Cougars still amassed 300 yards of total offense, led by some impressive running efforts by Jake Harris (16-106, 1 TD), Connor Pierce (14-74, 1 TD) and Grant Reeves (5-22, 1 TD)
Bodee West saw limited action as he continues to heal but made four catches for 69 yards, Trammell said.
Caden Miller added four grabs for 75 yards — one of them for approximately 50 yards to set up a TD.
Pawhuska battles Pawnee next week (Oct. 4) in a showdown between district leaders. Trammell is eagerly anticipating the return of Waylon Miner, who he labeled as “the fastest kid in Class A” to the lineup as well as West being able to contribute more.
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MUSTANGS GAINING TRACTION: A Step Forward
Victory eluded Wesleyan Christian School (0-4) again, but at least they made some major gain for their pain.
“In the second half we were right there with them,” WCS head coach Blain Landers said about Friday’s loss to Foyil, 41-7. “They scored with 1:30 left to make it look a little worse than it was. I was glad to see the progression. … That was the best 41-7 loss I’ve ever taken in terms of execution.”
Just forcing Foyil to play the full four quarters (in eight-man football there is a 45-point mercy rule) was a triumph of the moral kind.
Only those who the past several years have followed closely the Mustangs can fully appreciate the amount of firepower and experience they’ve said good-bye to, due to graduation and transfer, following the past two seasons.
With such a dearth of battle-test varsity veterans — and himself being the first-year coach — Landers has witnessed plenty of room for improvement.
He perceived a major leap of hope on Friday — especially on the defensive side.
“All but two of their scores were on busted plays,” he noted. “Other than that, we contained them consistently and stopped them defensively nine or 10 times.”
On the offensive side, the Mustang line is “playing at 70 percent total health,” Landers said. “We’ve had to limit what their responsibilities are. They are starting to figure some things out.”
Quarterback Hudson Baker came to the team with little or no football experience.
“He’s a baseball kid,” Landers said. “We’ve been working with him since May in spring ball. … Last night was the first time I really saw big progression out of him. He seemed in control, sitting in the pocket. … He’s come so far for not having picked up a football before.”
Baker found tight end Zander Week for the Mustangs’ lone touchdown on a back-side play.
After going down 27-0 in the first half, the Mustangs drove the ball a couple of times in the Foyil 30-yard line.
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PANTHER CLAW: Barnsdall swats Owls
Barnsdall continued its successful foray back into 11-man football with a gut-check district win at Fairland, 36-30.
Despite squandering most of a 20-point lead, the Panthers held on at the end stopping the Owls near the red zone on a fourth-down play.
Barnsdall revved up its running game, busting free for 360 yards and five touchdowns on 47 carries — and three two-pointers. Maverick Lanphear scored all the TDs while rushing for 214 yards on 28 keepers. He also ran in all the two-pointers.
Blaine Miller added 107 yards rushing on 14 totes and Lincoln Gott ran five times for 40 yards.
Lanphear completed 3-of-7 passes for 75 yards, split between James Johnson and Braden Myres.
Defensive highlights included: Lanphear, 10 tackles, interception; Gott, nine tackles, tackled for loss, forced fumble; Miller, seven tackles, fumble recovery; Brohk Townley, eight tackles, three for loss; and Gavin Wood, six tackles, one for loss, forced fumbles.
After going up 20-0, Barnsdall saw Fairland cut the lead to 20-10 by halftime.
Late in the game, Fairland scored to pull within 36-30 and then recovered the onside kick. Barnsdall survived.
“It was good to see us finish out,” said Barnsdall head coach Kylee Sweeney. “When we missed recovering the onside kick we could have hung our heads.”
The Panthers improved to 3-1 overall, but more important to 2-0 in district — both wins recorded on enemy turf.
High-powered offense again made the difference — Barnsdall has scored more than 35 points in all three of its wins.
Next up, the Panthers finally get to defend their home turf when unbeaten powerhouse Woodland visits on Friday (Oct. 4).
Barnsdall had played eight-man football the past several years.
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PERFECTION INTERRUPTED: Copan loses on road
Following the program’s first 3-0 start since 2009, the Copan Hornets suffered a shootout loss Thursday at Dewar against that school’s jayvee team, 44-34.
In their first three games the Hornets had outscored their opponents, 156-19 (52.0 ppg to 6.3 ppg).
Copan will look to snap back next Friday (Oct. 4) at Olive — the last tune-up game prior to district play starting on Oct. 11 at Wesleyan Christian School.
Copan’s next scheduled home game is Oct. 17 against Gans.
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ANOTHER TOUGH TEST: Dewey goes to 0-4
For the fourth-straight game, the Bulldoggers faced a formidable test and suffered a somewhat predictable result.
Metro Christian downed Dewey, 48-7, in the district opening weekend, at Dewey.
Metro Christian remained unbeaten (4-0) and is in the conversation as a 2A state title contender.
Dewey should face more competitive parity next Friday (Oct. 4) at Tahlequah-Sequoyah (1-3), which is coming off a 49-7 loss against Chandler.
Caney Valley High School's Talen Bond (25) gains some yards as Nowata's Asiah Saxton (5) closes in during football action in Ramona on Sept. 27, 2024. Nowata defeated the Trojans, 44-6.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Pawhuska High School's Chase Eaves (18) gains some yards during an earlier season game. Eaves, a Bartlesville High School transfer, was injured during the Huskies' 52-20 win over Oklahoma Union on Sept. 27, 2024. Huskies head coach Matt Hennesey said there was no apparent bone damage, but more tests will be done this week.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Barnsdall High School's Blaine Miller (8) runs the ball during earlier season action. The Panthers defeated Fairland on the road, 36-30 on Sept. 27, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Dewey High School's Kaiden Fowler (64) chases down Metro Christian's quarterback Kincayde Eng (15) during the Bulldogger's homecoming game on Sept. 27, 2024 in Dewey.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Dewey High School's Layne Gastel (12) almost picks off a pass in the endzone against Metro Christian's Ty Guest (1) during the Bulldogger's homecoming game on Sept. 27, 2024 in Dewey.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
AREA FOOTBALL ANALYSIS:
BHS Bruins look to indite Sandites with loss; CV vs. Nowata could be classic
SEPTEMBER 27, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School players storm Custer Stadium in Bartlesville during last Friday's game against Collinsville on Sept. 20, 2024. The Bruins travel to Sand Springs Friday (Sept. 27)
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
For the second-straight year Bartlesville High School’s football team eyes an identical scenario — an 0-3 record and a need-to-win District 6A-II-2 opener.
Standing in the way are the Charles Page (Sand Springs) High School Sandites (1-2), who play host at 7 p.m. Friday (Sept. 27) to the Bruins (0-3).
Ensconced in a district where several teams are in contention for second place (defending Class 6A-II state champion Muskogee is the overwhelming favorite to win the district crown),
Bartlesville and Sand Springs are considered among the best of the rest — meaning that even though this is only the fifth week of the season, Friday’s outcome could have a direct bearing on who gets to host a playoff game in November.
Several other area prep football teams also will be scrambling out under the Friday night lights with winning intentions.
Copan (3-0) is the lone local program set to play on Thursday. The Hornets will be traveling to Dewar to take on its jayvee team.
Two area rivalries are on tap Friday — Nowata at Caney Valley and Oklahoma Union at Pawhuska.
Dewey eyes a grueling test — and opportunity — by hosting unbeaten Metro Christian.
Following is a closer look at these contests and others on the menu Friday:
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BARTLESVILLE (0-3) at SAND SPRINGS (1-2)
Last game result:
Collinsville 37, Bartlesville 23
Sand Springs 38, Bishop Kelley 3
Last meeting: Sand Springs 20, Bartlesville 17 (ot) (2023)
Last year the Sandites edged the Bruins, 20-17, in overtime. But Bartlesville still finished 4-3 in district and earned a home playoff game (beating Putnam City North, 45-14).
Other than the 49-24 loss at Newcastle, Bartlesville could easily possess a 2-1 record. Claremore barely held off the Bruins, 35-33, in the second game and Collinsville took advantage of four Bruin second-half turnovers to win, 37-23, last week.
Sand Springs’ first two opponents were brutal challenges — they lost to Class 6A-I powerhouse Bixby, 50-10, and to current Class 6A-1 No. 1-ranked team Owasso, 48-17. Last week they flattened Bishop Kelley, 38-3.
Damien Niko is putting together one of the great receiving seasons for Bartlesville and is complemented by acrobatic receiver Julian Uribe. The Bruins seemed to bring a little stability to their running attack in last week’s competitive effort, relying heavily on Sutton Williams and bringing in Stefan Williams and Daeton Stevens.
Niko is averaging between 150 to 200 yards receiving per game and has grabbed six touchdowns.
Neal is averaging nearly two touchdown passes and between 250 to 300 yards aerial yards per game.
Stefan Williams also returned a kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown, giving Bruin opponents something else to prepare again.
Ali McCoy could be a name to watch out for on Sand Springs.
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NOWATA (0-4) at CANEY VALLEY (1-2)
Look for an epic crusade tonight when the Ironmen of Nowata tangle with the Trojans of Caney Valley.
Not only are both teams in desperate need of a District A-1-3 win, but they have a history of a one-sided rivalry that goes back decades.
During their last 22 meetings, dating back to 1996, Nowata leads the series, 21-1. In 2017, Caney Valley snapped the drought, 35-0. And in 2022, Caney Valley appeared to be primed to beat the Ironmen again, but a mix-up in referee scheduling resulted in Nowata winning by forfeit, even though Caney Valley pushed for the game to be moved to another day.
Now we come to 2024.
With quarterback Noah Mitchell elevating his overall game — especially passing — to the performance the program has been waiting for and with the defense flexing its muscles, the CV Trojans appear to be ready to get back to the playoffs.
But Nowata, despite its winless record, also has a strong group of individual talents looking to put it all together to the tune of victory. Quarterback Treaver Emberson is a proven commodity and Jose Wilson is an all-round dynamic weapon.
Hard to handicap this contest.
Last game result
Caney Valley 36, Cleveland jayvee 0
Barnsdall 44, Nowata 33
Last meeting: Nowata 44, Caney Valley 8 (2023)
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OKLAHOMA UNION (1-2) at PAWHUSKA (3-1)
Pawhuska is coming off a red-faced 38-point loss last week against Woodland, shattering the aura of invincibility that the Huskies had been accumulating.
No doubt Pawhuska will be fired up to a high magnitude of passion by kickoff time against the Oklahoma Union Cougars.
But the Cougars are starting to emerge from a couple of seasons of futility and hungry to prove they are a competitive team to be taken seriously by anyone.
Canyon Hindman triggers the Pawhuska attack at quarterback and has a variety of weapons at his disposal.
Cougar quarterback Connor Pierce is an octane-fueled force of nature and could be a headache for Pawhuska if some of the team’s other main producers step up their game.
Pawhuska is the favorite, but I won’t be shocked if Oklahoma Union gives itself a chance to pull it out at the end.
Last game result
Woodland 46, Pawhuska 8
Commerce 28, Oklahoma Union 24
Last meeting: Pawhuska 44, Oklahoma Union 0 (2021)
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COPAN (3-0) at DEWAR jayvee
These teams played Thursday night.
Last game result
Copan 50, Depew 6
Dewar jayvee, NA
Last meeting: NA
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WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN (0-3) at FOYIL (1-2)
Wesleyan Christian School’s very inexperienced crew is battling to create its identity. The Mustangs are playing hard and bound to continue to get better each week with more game time and seasoning.
Last game result
Claremore Christian 64, Wesleyan Christian 14
Foyil 43, South Coffeyville 12
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BARNSDALL (2-1) at FAIRLAND (0-3)
No team has been struck harder by the injury plague than the Barnsdall Panthers.
They finally came out of a game healthy last week and are looking to get everything in gear against a Fairland squad still trying to retool after a coaching change earlier this month.
Barnsdall quarterback Maverick Lanphear is a special athlete and James Johnson assembled an amazing game last week on both sides of the ball.
Last game result:
Barnsdall 44, Nowata 34
Wyandotte 2, Fairland 0 (forfeit)
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CANEY VALLEY (Kan.) (2-1) at Christ Prep (Kan.) (3-0)
Caney Valley (Kan.) head coach Criss Davis and his Pups face the unknown against Christ Prep. But based solely on Christ Prep’s wins, this could be a meaty test for Davis’ crew.
Quarterback Layne Denny and ballcarriers Traxcyn Garton and Logan Burnett provide a good chunk of Caney Valley’s offensive firepower.
Last game result
Caney Valley 42, Neodesha (Kan.) 12
Christ Prep 45, Parsons 8
Caney Valley High School's Bryor Bonde (20) barrels through defenders during a home game against Barnsdall earlier in the season. The Trojans host Nowata on Friday (Sept. 27).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Nowata High School's Jerome Jackson (68) trots to the sidelines during earlier season action against Pawhuska in Nowata. The Ironmen travel to Caney Valley for a long-time rivalry showdown Friday (Sept. 27).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Barnsdall High School's Blaine Miller (8) finds running room during an earlier season game at Caney Valley in Ramona. The Panthers travel to Fairland on Friday (Sept. 27).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Wesleyan Christian School's Forest Cook (10) lines up during earlier season action. The Mustangs are looking for their first win at Foyil on Friday (Sept. 27).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
friday night football
Bartlesville competes hard, turnovers costly in home loss
SEPTEMBER 22, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Julian Uribe (9) catches a pass near the Bruins sideline during Friday's (Sept. 20, 2024) home opener against Collinsville.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
For a large portion of Friday’s (Sept 20) game, the Bartlesville High School football team put its best foot forward.
But they tripped over their own feet a few times in the second half and stumbled to a 37-23 loss against the visiting Collinsville High School Cardinals.
Next up, Bartlesville travels next Friday (Sept. 27) to Charles Page High School (Sand Springs) to open Class 6A-II district play.
When they were good the Bruins were very, very good against a strong Collinsville team that is expected to contend for the Class 5A state championship.
Certainly a disappointing result in a home opener — and sending the Bruins to an 0-3 start for the second-straight season.
Even so, the gritty Bartlesville team appeared to come to battle with a solid game plan — but few game plans are designed to overcome three second-half interceptions.
Perhaps Bartlesville’s most impressive highlight — other than Stefan Williams’ electrifying 83-yard kickoff return for touchdown — was The Drive.
In order to give themselves a solid chance Bartlesville needed to move the chains and burn some clock to keep the explosive Cardinal offense grounded on the sideline.
The Bruins did just that in the second quarter, putting together a drive that consumed more than seven minutes off the clock, covered 66 yards and resulted in a 21-yard field goal by Dillon Burson.
It was an inspiriting march that involved several playmakers:
— Running back Sutton Williams carried the ball a half-dozen times and caught a screen pass that went for 11 yards.
— Quarterback Nate Neal ran a bootleg for 10 yards and a first down into Claremore territory and later in the drive scrambled for a seven-yard gain to move the chains again.
— Damien Niko flashed for four yards on a reverse on a first-down play.
— On a 2nd-and-9 play near the end zone, Neal ran a play action and zipped the ball to Julian Uribe, who was running an inside slant cross for a 17-yard gain down to the five-yard line.
But, the Claremore defense then stiffened, forcing Bartlesville to settle for a field goal. Burson split the uprights to cut the Cardinals’ lead to four points, 14-10.
Collinsville would answer with a field goal on the final play of the first half to extend its lead back to a touchdown, 17-10.
Looking back at other first-half highlights, Collinsville running back Scott Rigby — who would grind out more than 100 yards — broke loose on a 39-yard touchdown jaunt for the game’s first points, only 2:23 into the game.
Bartlesville wasted no time in answering.
On the ensuing kickoff, Stefan Williams grabbed the kickoff at the 17-yard line, took off like a tiger with its tail on fire. He angled left, burst past a bevy of would-be tacklers and continued to bolt up the field toward the north end zone. Burson’s extra point tied the game, 7-7, with about 9:27 left in the first half.
The Bartlesville defense hardened and made the Cardinals struggle for every yard.
During Collinsville’s second possession of the first quarter, Michael Kent successfully defended a pass and Stefan Williams made a tackle for loss (minus three) off backside pursuit.
Collinsville managed to get the ball down to the 19-yard line, but the Bruins forced a turnover on downs.
On their second possession the. Bruins moved the ball 25 yards — including a jaw rubbing one-handed catch by Uribe for 14 yards on the sideline. Uribe stretched his arm with an elasticity that could diddle the nose of the Man in the Moon, got the ball in his fingers and tightened them like a vise — all while he was diving forward and falling down.
But the Bruin drive then stalled.
Collinsville scored its second touchdown on a 48-yard pass from Boren to Dillon Dugger when the backend Bruin defender bit on a hitch route fake, leaving Dugger alone in the back of the end zone.
As mentioned, by half Collinsville owned a close lead, 17-10.
Stefan Williams took the opening kickoff all the way to midfield but turned the ball over on downs. Unfortunately, on fourth down (4th-and-3), Neal ran forward and appeared to have enough open field in front of him to pick up the first down but chose to throw on the run and it went incomplete — reminiscent of the 2009 NFC championship game when Minnesota’s Brett Favre chose to try a pass on a broken play rather than tuck and pick up the short yardage.
However, the Bruin defense held on Claremore’s subsequent march, making a goal line stand at the one-yard line.
But then the miscues started for Bartlesville.
A lost fumble on a bad snap on their next possession — setting Collinsville up at the Bruin 17-yard line for a short scoring drive — followed by three interceptions on its next four possessions, one of them into the hands of a defensive lineman Drake Devore for a pick six.
However there were some notable Bruin second half outstanding plays, including Garren Dennis sacking the Cardinal quarterback, throwing him to the ground like a banana peel for an eight-yard loss.
Bartlesville scored both its final touchdowns in the fourth quarter — on a pass from Neal to Daeton Stevens and a short quick hitter to Niko on a post crossing route which covered 23 yards to the end zone.
There would be several scary minutes in the fourth quarter when Stevens went down hard and lay on the ground for about 15 minutes or more prior to EMT’s rolling him off the field and into an ambulance.
No official report was available after the game.
(Publisher's note: On Saturday the Bartlesville Bruin Football Facebook page released this statement: "Update on Daeton: was released from hospital, no breaks on scans and is resting at home".)
Collinsville improved its series lead to 7-0 against Bartlesville — the Cardinals are the only team the Bruins haven’t beaten in team history in at least four-or-more meetings.
Even though the Bruins also finished 0-3 last season in non-district games, they motored to a 4-3 record in district and qualify for district.
Collinsville: 7-10-7-13 — 37
Bartlesville: 7-3-0-13 — 23
First quarter
Col — Scott Rigby 39 run (Jack Edgington kick PAT), 9:37
Bart — Stefan Williams 83 kickoff return (Dillon Burson kick PAT), 9:33.
Second quarter
Col — Dillon Dugger 48 pass from Austin Boren (Edgington kick), 11:52.
Bart — Burson 21 field goal, 4:56.
Col — Edgington 22 field goal, 0:00.
Third quarter
Col — Zane Magee 11 run (Edgington kick), 5:44.
Fourth quarter
Col — Rigby 4 run (Edgington kick), 9:19.
Bart — Daeton Stevens pass from Nate Neal (Burson kick), 7:08.
Col — Drake Devore 36 interception return (PAT fail), 3:54.
Bart — Damien Niko 23 pass from Neal (PAT fail), 1:44.
Bartlesville High School’s Sutton Williams (0) finds a hole during football action against Collinsville on Sept. 20, 2024 in Bartlesville.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's Sam Hoback (4) makes a tackle during the Bruins' home opener on Sept. 20, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's quarterback Nate Neal (7) is chased by a Collinsville defender during the Bruins' home opener on Sept. 20, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's Daeton Stevens (21) pressures the Collinsville quarterback during the Bruins' season opener on Sept. 20, 2024. Stevens was injured during a second half play, leaving the field in an ambulance. However, the Bartlesville Football Bruin Football Facebook page stated Saturday that Stevens had no broken bones and was released from the hospital.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
AREA FOOTBALL PREVIEW ANALYSIS:
Bartlesville looks to pluck Cardinals' wings; Pawhuska hopes their offense stings
SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville Bruins Stefan Williams watches from the sidelines of last month's scrimmage. The Bruins will be looking for their first win Friday (Sept. 20) when Collinsville visits Custer Stadium in Bartlesville.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Most high school football teams are as eager to plunge into the district part of their schedule going as hungry lumberjacks crowded around the table at a pancake-eating contest.
But they’ll have to control those hunger pains for another week.
Fortunately, this coming Friday’s non-district games should provide a hearty appetizer — and whet their craving even more for the remainder of the schedule.
Four area grid squads will be grinding this Friday (Sept. 20) for their first season wins — Bartlesville, the Caney Valley Trojans, Wesleyan Christian and Nowata.
Pawhuska, meanwhile, will look to extend its perfect journey.
The Caney Valley (Kan.) Bullpups and Barnsdall are taking aim on their second victories.
Copan, Dewey and Oklahoma Union will get this week off to heal up and dive back into action the following week.
Following are thoughts about this week’s games.
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COLLINSVILLE (2-0) at BARTLESVILLE (0-2)
Last meeting: Collinsville 27, Bartlesville 14 (2023)
Most recent 2024 games:
Claremore 35, Bartlesville 33
Collinsville 56, Tulsa Edison 6
For the first time this season, the Bruins appear to be at full strength storming into action.
Despite being winless, the reloading Bruins have shown plenty of gritty gravitas during a grueling non-district gauntlet.
The first two teams Bartlesville has played this year (Newcastle, Claremore) had a combined 20-5 record last year and both won a playoff game. (Claremore advanced all the way to the Class 5A semifinals.)
This week’s opponent Collinsville romped to a 9-3 mark last year, including a playoff victory.
It gets a little more personal this week — in six previous meetings Collinsville is 6-0 against Bartlesville.
Could this be the year the Bruins tweak the Cardinals beaks?
Bartlesville is much more competitive than its 0-2 mark suggests. In both losses the Bruins rallied from massive deficits; against Claremore they fell behind 14-0 and lost by only two, 35-33.
Third-year Bruin head coach Harry Wright — the first in Bartlesville football history to guide the squad to the playoffs his first two seasons — could take more than a full deck into Friday’s pad-cruncher.
They have had two weeks work on the little things that have ailed them.
The bye week “gave us an opportunity to go back and work on some fundamentals of blocking and tackling,” Wright said. The focus was inward to improve.
In ancient lore, a pair of devoted buddies named Damon and Pythias lifted their whole culture to a higher level of respect.
Bartlesville boasts its own Damon — real name Damien Niko — and a pass-hurling Hercules named Nate Neal.
Like their legendary brothers-in-arms in 2500 years ago, Damien and Nate have the right connection to make this an epic season in Bruinland.
“Nate and Niko are playing really well right now and we will continue to lean on them to make plays,” Wright said.
As mentioned the Bruins are retooling — an expression meant to suggest proven talent and experience mixed with a sizable number of first-year players. For example, Bartlesville started five freshmen in the game against Claremore.
“It was is going well,” Wright said about the progress of the young athletes. “They are getting adjusted to the speed of the game and are getting better everyday.”
Both the veterans and developing warriors will need to play at a high level to drop Collinsville. The Cardinals employ a lot of 2-back sets and utilize various running schemes to try to maximize their effectiveness and facilitate the short passing game, Wright said, adding they boast a strong offensive line.
Wright perceives Friday’s success keys as tackling well, producing defensive turnovers and running the ball strong in order to create promising passing opportunities for Neal.
This will be the Bruins’ final chance to sharpen their claws before they pounce into district play.
TUPA’S POSSIBLE KEYS TO VICTORY: Bartlesville putting the first points on the board, sorting out a definitive running back rotation, passing the ball early to Julian Uribe in order to keep the safety honest and relaxing the pressure on Niko, perhaps utilizing the screen pass to Archer Swisher, especially on first downs, experimenting early with man coverage or hybrid man coverage in order to keep more bodies up close.
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CLEVELAND jayvee (NA) at the CANEY VALLEY TROJANS (0-2)
Last meeting: NA
Most recent 2024 games:
Hulbert 48, Caney Valley 28
This game could be a bigger challenge than it appears on paper. The Cleveland varsity has a “bye” that night, which could mean the Trojans might see a little stronger jayvee than they might normally face.
Even so, Caney Valley appears to be on the verge of breaking loose offensively — which could be huge in terms of turning this program around.
Recall hearing about the old crank handles for cars more than 100 years ago? If the Trojan scoring machine is engaged, opposing defenses might not be able to shut it down.
Some of Caney Valley’s key weapons on the action side of the ball are third-year quarterback Noah Mitchell — who threw for approximately 300 yards in the Trojans’ last outing — along with Talan Bond, who rang up four touchdowns, and Ethan Brown.
Bryor Bonde is a large part of the heart and soul of the Trojan defense.
TUPA’S POSSIBLE KEYS TO VICTORY: Establish the pass early in order to put points on the board; playing with intensity on defense.
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BARNSDALL (1-1) at NOWATA (0-3)
Last meeting: N/A
Most recent 2024 games:
Chelsea 23, Nowata 14
Oklahoma Union 48, 20
As mentioned this is an historic showdown.
The teams didn’t even know until late in the off-season they would be meeting.
Both squads have been plagued by the injury bug — especially Barnsdall.
Even prior to summer conditioning, the Panthers lost to three-year multi-tiered athletic gladiator Easton Malone — to a wrestling injury.
Without giving a grocery list, the Panthers saw two crucial talents lost in the first game and starting quarterback Mav Lanphear limited by injury.
Barnsdall head coach Kylee Sweeney hopes Lanphear will be much closer to 100 percent on Friday.
He’s also hoping for the return of two other “name” players.
“We had a pretty good practice the last couple of days,” Sweeney said. “We’re going to try to run the ball effectively and set up the passing game.”
Nowata fell behind 16-0 last week — and scrapped back to within two points, 16-14, before Chelsea tacked on a late touchdown to win, 23-14.
Jose Wilson, Asiah Saxton and Treaver Emberson are three names the public announcer could mention often as Nowata playmakers.
Keyshawn Verner also is a foe’s menace on both sides of the ball, as a receiver and a defensive back.
TUPA’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Psychology could play just as big a role as physical soundness. Players from both sides are coming off gut-twisting losses and how they are able to respond emotionally Friday could be a deciding factor. Both teams boast strong veteran quarterback play, although Barnsdall’s Lanphear might be a more impactful runner than Emberson. Both teams have short roster lists, making stamina and discipline vital components.
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PAWHUSKA (3-0) at WOODLAND (2-0)
Last meeting: Woodland 38, Pawhuska 22 (2023)
Most recent 2024 games:
Pawhuska 46, Hominy 24
Woodland 51, Morrison 20
Pawhuska is off to one of its most powerful starts in four seasons. The Huskies haven’t really been seriously challenged in their first three games.
Quarterback Canyon Hindman has performed magnificently. Last week he completed 22-of-32 passes for 318 yards and four touchdowns — and rushed 14 times for 42 yards and another score.
He also put up big numbers in the first two games.
Chase Eaves — a transfer from Bartlesville — has boosted the Huskies on both sides of the ball and on special teams. Among his highlights last week were his 14-tackle performance.
Lane Kyler, and Logan Cass also stepped up last week and Vann Wildcat has been an all-around contributor.
TUPA’S KEYS TO VICTORY: This undoubtedly Woodland’s most significant non-district game and the Cougar players will be fired up. Pawhuska just needs to keep doing what it’s been doing, including establishing a running presence with Hindman and at least one other ballcarrier.
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WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (0-2) at CLAREMORE CHRISTIAN (NA)
Last meeting: Wesleyan Christian 47, Claremore Christian 0 (2023)
Most recent 2024 games:
Keota 64, Wesleyan Christian 0
Claremore Christian (NA)
Wesleyan Christian School is coming off two big cycles of athletes — each of which overcame early growing pains to propel the program to great success.
This year’s team is starting over again and looking for the small positives that will build momentum and motivate a greater urgency of progress.
This week’s game could do both as WCS finally meets a squad that on paper should be closer to its competitive level.
In last week’s game, Hudson Baker found receiver Forrest Cook for the Mustangs only touchdown.
TUPA’S KEYS TO VICTORY: As Baker gains confidence at quarterback, the Mustang offense will progress exponentially. The Mustangs should boast a strong offensive line if they stay healthy. If the line can control the line of scrimmage WCS players should hand new head coach Blain Landers his first career victory.
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THE CANEY VALLEY (Kan.) BULLPUPS (1-1) at NEODESHA (Kan.) (1-1)
Last meeting: Caney Valley 48, Neodesha 6 (2023)
Most recent 2024 games:
Caney Valley 48, Erie 6
Neodesha 28, Bluestem 8
The Pups have already attempted 22 passes through two games, an average about as twice as many from many seasons past.
That greater commitment to the aerial game reflects the confidence of head coach Criss Davis in new starting quarterback Layne Denny. After having thrown four interceptions two weeks ago, Denny didn’t give up a pick and threw for 155 yards and two touchdowns last week.
But Caney Valley will still feature a strong running game, now led by Logan Burnett and Traxcyn Garton.
Ben Matthews is a reliable veteran receiver who is like a security blanket for Denny and the offense.
TUPA’S KEYS TO VICTORY: The Pups shouldn’t try to force anything offensively, but take with Neodesha’s defense gives. What makes this especially effective is the greater passing threat as compared to the traditional past. Caney Valley’s defense will look to bottle up a Neodesha offense that scored 28 points last week.
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BYES: COPAN (3-0), DEWEY (0-3), OKLAHOMA UNION (1-2)
Copan gets a chance to heal and energize up for the district wars that begin next week. Dewey will look to continue to sharpen the details. Oklahoma Union should be 2-1 instead of 1-2 and will be focused in practice on continuing to get better.
Bartlesville Radio's KWON will broadcast the Bartlesville Bruins football game starting at 6:30-6:45 p.m. Friday, as well as the Nowata Ironmen on KRIG.
Bartlesville High School's starting quarterback Nate Neal runs the ball during last month's home scrimmage. Collinsville heads to Bartlesville Friday (Sept. 20) for the Bruins' home opener.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Caney Valley High School's Trevor Morgan (3) vies for a pass against Barnsdall High School's Alexander Bruton (17) during the team's meeting during Week Zero. Caney Valley hosts the Cleveland JV, while Barnsdall visits Nowata Friday (Sept. 20).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Nowata High School's Treaver Emberson looks downfield during an earlier season game in Nowata. The Ironmen hosts Barnsdall Friday (Sept. 20).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Pawhuska High School's quarterback Canyon Hindman (11) hands off to Vann Wildcat (5) during an earlier season game. Pawhuska (3-0) travels to Woodland on Friday (Sept. 20).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Wesleyan Christian School's Jaxson Stapleton (35) is tackled during Week Two in Bartlesville. The Mustangs host Claremore Christian Friday (Sept. 20).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sport
AREA FOOTBALL REPORT
Copan, Pawhuska bolt to 3-0 records; CV Pups bounce back
SEPTEMBER 14, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Nowata High School's football team storms onto the field during Week Zero in Nowata. The Ironmen lost to Chelsea on the road, 23-14, on Sept. 13, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
While Bartlesville, Barnsdall and the Caney Valley Trojans enjoyed a well-needed week off, several other area high school football teams racked up lumps and cheers during Friday (Sept. 13) night excitement.
Copan, Pawhuska and the Caney Valley (Kan.) Bullpups each skied to overwhelming victories, while Nowata and Oklahoma Union endured gruelingly-close losses.
Dewey and Wesleyan Christian squads each continued to try to develop offensive traction.
Among the winners, Copan and Pawhuska both remained unbeaten (3-0), while the Pups pulled even at (1-1).
Bartlesville, Barnsdall and the CV Trojans, meanwhile, experienced a ‘bye’ week, giving them a chance to heal up, re-energize and refocus for upcoming battles.
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Friday’s area scores:
Pawhuska 46, Hominy 24
Copan 50, Depew 6
Caney Kan. 48, Erie 6
Chelsea 23, Nowata 14
Commerce 28, Oklahoma Union 24
Keota 64, WCS 6
Checotah 53, Dewey 13
Byes: Bartlesville, Barnsdall, Caney Valley Trojans
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Next week’s schedule (Sept. 20):
Collinsville (2-0) at Bartlesville (0-2)
Wesleyan Christian (0-2) at Claremore Christian (NA)
Pawhuska (3-0) at Woodland (2-0)
Barnsdall (1-1) at Nowata (0-3)
Cleveland jayvee (NA) at Caney Valley Trojans (0-2)
Caney Valley (Kan.) (2-0) at Neodesha (Kan.) (1-1)
Byes: Copan (3-0), Dewey (0-3), Oklahoma Union (1-2).
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vSome victories are nice, some are sweet and some are pure ambrosial ecstasy.
Chalk up Pawhuska’s 46-24 payback win against Hominy in the latter category.
The explosive triumph broke Hominy’s three-game win streak against the Huskies and also improved Pawhuska’s record to 3-0.
But the meaning of this conquest goes further than those positives.
“My first year I tried to down play it (rivalry against Hominy),” said Pawhuska coach Matt Hennesy, who took charge in 2018 of the Huskie program. “But, this year we made a big deal about it. … That’s the way the community feels. This is a big community vs. community thing. Pawhuska now has bragging rights for a year.”
When it comes to boasting, one couldn’t say enough about the toasting for which veteran Huskie quarterback Canyon Hindman subjected the Hominy defense.
Hindman’s numbers were Herculean — 22-of-32 passing for 318 yards and four touchdowns and two two-point conversions. He also rushed 14 times for 42 yards, a touchdown and two two-pointers. That added up to 360 total yards, five touchdowns and four two-point conversions.
Chase Eaves was Mr. All-Around — 74 yards receiving, with a touchdown a two two-pointers; a rush for a two-pointer; three punt returns for 118 yards, including a 78-yarder; and on defense 14 tackles and a pass break-up.
Lane Kyler and Logan Cass hauled in two and one touchdown catches, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Huskie offensive lineup didn’t allow a sack against the stout Hominy defense.
Defensively, “we did a nice job stuffing everything they do,” Hennesy said.
He also praised the strength of Hominy’s team and said he expects the Bucks to have the right stuff to make a big run in Class A-II.
As far as this coming week’s showdown against Woodland, Hennesy said the Huskies were “going from the frying pan into the fire.”
Pawhuska vs. Hominy since 2018
2018: Pawhuska 44, Hominy 38
2019: Pawhuska 46, Hominy 12
2020: Pawhuska 64, Hominy 24
2021: Hominy 33, Pawhuska 31
2022: Hominy 27, Pawhuska 22
2023: Hominy 38, Pawhuska 16
2024: Pawhuska 46, Hominy 24
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COPAN
There’s plenty of buzz among Hornet fans — and who can blame them.
Following Friday’s 50-6 win against Depew the streaking Copan crew improved to 3-0 — the program’s best start since 2009.
“We had a real good crowd,” noted veteran Hornet head coach Marshall Foreman. “Our homefield advantage has been pretty good, although our road following also has been pretty good. We had a really good crowd last night.”
Even the parents of the second-stringers had plenty about which to appreciate.
Foreman pulled his starters quickly into the second half and put the onus on us subs to finish up.
“Our young players held their own on defense,” he said.
Defense became the name of the game after Copan surged to an immense lead in the first half.
Weston O’Rourke scored approximately three touchdowns to pace the Hornet attack. Shooter Brewington also scored and Zane Stricklin registered a pick-six, Foreman said.
Stricklin racked up two interceptions on the night.
Karson Woodworth contributed some key catches and quarterback Kane Foreman turned in a heady performance.
“I thought he (Kane) played pretty well,” coach Foreman said. “He took care of the ball. When he got in trouble he didn’t try to force it but he tucked it and ran it when we needed yards.”
Coach Foreman also singled out senior Jakob Powell for his work on the back end of the defense.
Some of the defensive lineman that stood out were Gavin Scott and Jaxon White. Coach Foreman lauded the latter for “the big spark he gave us.”
Gavin Oliver and Bryson Kalivoda distinguished themselves on the line, coach Foreman added.
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CANEY VALLEY (Kan.) BULLPUPS
The Pups had reason to howl like full-grown wolves following the 48-6 ravaging of visiting Erie (Kan.)
Layne Denny zinged two touchdowns passes — one each to Ben Matthews and Drake Roberts — and Boone White broke loose for two scoring runs to help dynamize Caney Valley’s incendiary attack.
The Pups outgained Erie 395 yards to 27 on offense and built a 36-0 lead before Erie finally scored on a short-pass play.
“All in all I was very pleased with our quarterback play,” said CV head coach Criss Davis. “I thought Layne played a great ballgame. I thought our receivers didn’t drop the ball and on defense we tackled a lot better than the week before. … We played extremely well.”
Denny sparkled like Venus dust in an aerial performance that saw him complete 5-of-7 passes for 155 yards and two scores, one for 43 yards (Matthews), the other for 53 yards (Roberts).
Denny also hit Traxcyn Garton on a two-point conversion; Denny ran for another two-pointer.
Rounding out Caney Valley’s scorers were Ben Matthews (28-yard run), Logan Burnett (six-yard run, two-point run), and Raydn Martin (eight-yard run).
On the defensive side, Denny intercepted a pass, Xavier Gaston made 5.5 tackles, Ace Koester added five takedowns and Dillon Furnas and Austin Freisberg contributed 4.5 tackles apiece.
Davis said his warriors came ready to play from the opening whistle after having started out slowly in a loss the previous week.
Caney Valley: 22-20-0-6—48
Erie: 0-6-0-0—6
CV—Erie
First downs: 14—3
Rushing: 33-240—23-(-12)
Passing: 5-7-0-155—3-9-1-39
Fumbles-lost: 2-2—1-1
Punts: 0-0—5-162
Caney Valley leaders
Rushing: Logan Burnett 7-52 (TD), Traxcyn Garton 6-40, Boone White 5-46 (2 TDs), Ben Matthews 1-28 (TD).
Receiving: Ben Matthews 2-76 (TD), Huck Seger 2-26, Drake Roberts 1-53 (TD).
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NOWATA
A week after spotting their opponent a 20-0 lead, Nowata gave up a 16-0 advantage against the Chelsea Green Dragons.
But Nowata stormed back to close the gap to two points, 16-14, before Chelsea took advantage of a turnover to score a fourth-quarter touchdown and put it away, 23-14.
However, that tells only part of the story.
Some people talk about snow blindness. Nowata head coach Chance Juby had trouble seeing through a blizzard of yellow hankies on Friday night — 19, to be exact.
The host Chelsea team, meanwhile, was penalized just five times.
“Every time you get a big play it was a penalty,” Juby said, referring to his team in the first person. “You couldn’t get anything going. … It’s hard to battle back when you’re getting so many penalties. They are drive killers, momentum killers.”
Jose Wilson ran for one of Nowata’s touchdowns and quarterback Treaver Emberson hit Asiah Saxton for the other.
Defensively, Wilson hauled in two interceptions and Keyshawn Verner grabbed one.
Juby admitted this loss took its toll emotionally.
“Going into the season we’ve got high expectations,” he said. “It’s hard when things are not going the way you anticipate. I tell them we’ve got a lot games left. … Our number one goal going into the season was making the playoffs. We feel we should be 2-1, but ultimately we’ve had only one district loss. … Hopefully we’ll come back Monday with focus.”
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OKLAHOMA UNION
Following up with its impressive win the week before against Barnsdall, the Oklahoma Union Cougars nearly pawed past longtime rival Commerce.
Commerce scored with about six minutes to squeeze past the Cougars, 28-24.
“We had worked on their power play all week long, but they popped one on us,” OUHS coach Steve Trammell said about the decisive touchdown.
But anyone looking for Trammell to say a discouraging word would have had better luck finding hard-hatted deer and antelope plowing up the range.
“We had a lot of positives,” said Trammell, adding: “I see a lot of things we can build on for sure.”
One would struggle trying to build up enough superlatives to describe the play of veteran quarterback Connor Pierce.
He ran for 93 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries and completed 11-of-20 passes for 126 yards.
Jake Harris added 119 yards and a touchdown on 22 totes, and Kaden Miller grabbed six passes for 61 yards.
Miller also made a strong impact in the defensive secondary.
“He continues to grow from week to week,” Trammell said. “Every week he’s gotten quite a bit better.”
A Cougar gladiator already playing at an epic level is inside linebacker Grant Reeves.
“He runs our defense,” Trammell said, recalling a play where Reeves made an instant reaction by grabbing a blocker with his hands, falling backward and rolling into the running back to make the stop.
Oklahoma Union next gets a bye week to catch its breath after an exciting start.
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WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
In football there’s no magic short-cut from inexperience to success, just like there’s no way an apple seed can be shooting out blooms overnight.
Growing pains, nurturing and pruning are as vital as water and sunshine.
With that in mind, the largely green WCS team learned more lessons the hard way in a 60-6 loss Friday to Keota.
Hudson Cook connected with Forrest Cook — off a little screen and go — for the Mustangs’ touchdown.
“(Cook) was on the money,” WCS coach Blain Landers said. “That’s something they've done in practice a bunch.”
Cook, who hadn’t played quarterback prior to this season, is still settling in, the coach said, adding: “Toward the end he made some good throws.”
Despite a couple of rugged outings, the Mustangs are progressing, Landers said.
“After the game, we had a kind of turning-point moment,” he said. “The team thought Keota was a team we could have compete with. After the game, six or seven or eight guys in the locker room stood up and owned up to face they were not working as hard as they could have.”
That kind of accepting self-responsibility is a boost in morale, the coach added.
Landers believes the Mustangs’ passing game will continue to improve.
He’s looking to a more competitive opportunity this coming week against Claremore Christian.
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DEWEY
The best thing the Bulldoggers can say about their non-district schedule is that it is complete.
Energized by receiver Elijah Thomas — who is committed to play for the University of Oklahoma — Checotah thumped the Doggers, 53-13, to wrap-up their pre-district contest gauntlet at 0-3.
The positive lining is the experience and hardening Dewey players underwent during the past three weeks, Dogger head coach Ryan Richardson said.
He’s hoping his team has internalized the grueling lessons, which should help them turn woes into hallelujahs as the level of their competition eases up during the next several weeks.
Meanwhile, Richardson observed a handful of positives during Friday’s struggles.
“Easton Davis had his best outing at quarterback,” the coach said. “Cadyn Artherton led us in receiving and had a touchdown (approximately 35 yards) through the air.”
Evan Propper broke loose on a 38-yard touchdown run and booted the conversion for Dewey’s other points.
But, Dewey had few defensive answers in solving the enigma of Thomas. He caught a couple of scoring strikes and also scored on a run after taking the snap in a wildcat formation.
“They were a good team,” Richardson said. “They’ve got a good chance to be a playoff team in 3A.”
Richardson is looking forward to the upcoming bye week, especially to allow his players to heal up and for a couple to return to action.
“We need help up front,” Richardson said about the injury bug. “We need to establish some drives. We’re playing hard and we’re giving really good effort, we’re just not executing the way we need to or want to. … Longer possession of the ball and shortening the clock a little more would go a long ways for us.”
Pawhuska High School's head coach Matt Hennesy takes the field with his team during an earlier season game. The Huskies defeated Hominy, 46-24, in Pawhuska on Sept. 13, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Copan High School's Teegan Caron, Zane Stricklin and Rocky Thomas break up a Depew pass in Copan on Sept. 13, 2024. The Hornets (3-0) defeated Depew, 50-6.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Dewey High School's Kaiden Fowler (64) chases down a Checotah runner in Dewey on Sept. 13, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Wesleyan Christian High School's quarterback Hudson Baker (12) throws a pass during football action against Keota on Sept. 13, 2024 in Bartlesville. The young Mustangs lost, 64-6.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Wesleyan Christian School's Jaxon Stapleton (35) makes a tackle in the Mustangs 64-6 loss to Keota in Bartlesville on Sept. 13, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
ANALYSIS: Week 2 football matchups
BHS Bruins off; PHS, Copan look to improve to 3-0
SEPTEMBER 12, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Pawhuska High School's Chase Eaves (18) tries to get past Nowata's Asiah Saxton (5) during Week Zero action in Nowata on Aug. 30. Pawhuska takes on Hominy Friday (Sept. 13) in Pawhuska in what should be the area's best game of the week. Nowata travels to Chelsea.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Hardened by two heart-thumping — and courageous — ordeals the past two weeks, the Bartlesville High School football team gets to rest up sore bodies and bruised egos during their bye week of the season.
The Bruins are 0-2 following a couple of tumultuous tests. In both games they fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter — only to mount ferocious rallies in each.
Last week, an interception in the final minute cost them a chance to complete a combustible comeback. Claremore held on to win, 35-33.
But Bartlesville gets this Friday off before plunging back into action on Sept. 20 in its open opener. Collinsville — which is unbeaten (6-0) against Bartlesville — will provide the opposition.
Following is an evaluation of other area games this Friday and more thoughts about the Bruins.
Checotah (1-1) at DEWEY (0-2)
Last week:
Perkins-Tryon 49, Dewey 0
Seminole 60, Checotah 49
Dewey has been breaking in a new starting quarterback in Easton Davis, a multi-talented athlete. Offensive consistency is one of the areas of needed progress.
Some of Dewey’s other weapons on that side of the ball are Haydn Taylor, Cooper Wood, Jayden Vallen, Braydon Ringer and Evan Propper.
The Doggers have appeared stronger on the defensive side, led by Parker Garrison, Propper, Eddie Rice, Taylor and Nate Sloan.
There is an underlying potential of competitiveness by this retooled Dewey squad.
How Dewey could win: Control the ball longer on offense and score early to shake the confidence of Checotah, which is probably figuring to win this one.
Depew (0-2) at COPAN (2-0)
Last week:
Copan 44, Foyil 7
Caddo 55, Depew 6
Off to its first 2-0 start in 15 years, the Copan Hornets appear to have a promising chance to go 3-0.
The veteran warrior junior quartet of Kane Foreman, Teegan Caron, Weston O’Rourke and Shooter Brewington continues to be an imposing collection of talent and toughness.
They are all three-year starters now and last season helped lead the way to Copan’s first earned playoff spot since 2009.
Senior Karson Woodworth, whose play has been limited due to an ailment, is another mighty force — on both sides of the ball — especially when he’s at 100 percent.
Copan’s numbers are among the highest they’ve been in the past 25 seasons and their focus is on team success.
How Copan could win: The Hornets need to take care of business early and continue to build momentum heading toward district play.
Keota (1-0) at WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN (0-1)
Last games:
Yale 48, WCS 0
Keota 50, Gans 0
WCS is still breaking in a mostly new group, especially at the skill positions.
Speedy Kaden Weeks has been one of the WCS Mustangs early-season highlights.
Head coach Blaine Landers is looking for a big contribution from the line, including Zander Week, Clayton Burnett, Jarrett Jensen and Luke Macavan.
How WCS could win: One of football’s — and sports’ — major assumptions is that the growth curve of a young team can be very dramatic early. WCS has had two weeks to prepare for this one.
Hominy (1-0) at PAWHUSKA (2-0)
Last games:
Pawhuska 60, Meeker 13
Hominy 21, Cleveland 6
Without a doubt this could be considered the area game of the week.
In addition to reviving one of northeastern Oklahoma’s great rivalries, it also pits two Class A state championship contenders in a snarling battle akin to two hungry junkyard dogs scrapping for the same bone.
Hominy has beaten the Huskies the past three-straight seasons. Prior to that, Pawhuska was 3-0 in the series from 2018-20.
Pawhuska is led by veteran quarterback Canyon Hindman, who has shredded opposing defenses like a hurricane blasting through a cornfield.
Last week he threw for 251 yards and three touchdowns — in limited action.
Chase Eaves, Lane Kyler, Vann Wildcat, Jayden Henley and Jaydin Shaw are a few other Huskie stars on one or both sides of the ball.
How Pawhuska could win: Hominy has held Pawhuska to just 23 points per game in their last three meetings. The Huskies could break the losing streak to Hominy by keeping out of 3rd-and-long and win the time of possession, which is both an offensive and defensive effort.
NOWATA (0-2) at Chelsea (1-1)
Last games:
Warner 32, Nowata 28
Ketchum 26, Chelsea 21
Both teams are coming off close losses and eager to gain traction in what will be their final non-district contests.
Sebastian Brown, Isaiah Saxton, Jose Wilson and Treavor Emberson made some big plays last week for Nowata.
Jerome Jackson also scored off a blocked punt.
Emberson is a returnee at quarterback.
How Nowata could win: The Ironmen have a chance to build on last year’s successes — including rallying from a 20-0 deficit and taking the lead into the final two minutes. They have to come out strong and gain confidence against a gritty Chelsea bunch.
OKLAHOMA UNION (1-1) at Commerce (1-0)
Last games:
Oklahoma Union 48, Barnsdall 20
Commerce 37, Fairland 9
Oklahoma Union might have pulled off last week’s biggest surprise by defeating by a four-TD margin a very talented — albeit injury-plagued — Barnsdall squad.
Quarterback Connor Pierce turned in one of the top games — not only of the week but of the decade. He completed 10-of-20 passes for 214 yards and four touchdowns and ran for 217 yards on 26 totes and three scores. He also made approximately 10 tackles on defense.
Several other Cougars stood out — Bodee West, Colton Wickham, Caden Miller, Jake Harris, Grant Reeves and others.
West grabbed five catches for 135 yards.
How Oklahoma Union could win: The Cougars might be one of the top feel-good stories of Class A. Despite a combined 1-19 mark the last two seasons, coach Steve Trammell has remained patient and said many of the pieces were there. This year they might put it all together. This would be a huge early season victory.
Erie, Kan. (0-1) vs. CANEY VALLEY (Kan.) (0-1)
Last games:
Humboldt 28, Caney Valley 12
Eureka 28, Erie 6
Despite a roster that is more than two-thirds freshmen and sophomores, veteran Caney Valley head coach Criss Davis has assembled a competitive group.
Davis is the master engineer when it comes to assessing his talent and arranging it into maximum symbiosis.
He has some big play battlers in the mix — Traxson Garten and Logan Burdett each broke off 80-plus yard touchdown scampers last week and finished with more than 100 yards rushing each.
Layne Denny made his debut as the Pups’ starting quarterback and should get only better.
Caney Valley put up 16 passes — twice-as-many as it usually does.
How Caney Valley could win: Caney Valley has dominated this series, but of course the past has no leverage other than tradition. If the Pups cut down on their turnovers (five last week) and progress in the passing game they will be in a good position to win.
BYES
Caney Valley (0-2) and Barnsdall (1-1) both are off this week. Barnsdall will hopefully have a chance to heal up in what has been a curse of ailments. They’ve already lost their top-flight running back — who would have been among the elite Class A rushers — for the season.
Last week Caney Valley turned in one of its most prolific offense performances in three years. The Trojans are eager to build on that.
BARTLESVILLE BRUINS
Despite their 0-2 start, future opponents will want to take these Bruins seriously.
Last year’s 0-2 start (actually 0-3) was a disappointment due to the high number of seniors and returning experience.
But this year’s team had to replace eight starters on defense, completely rebuild its running back game and almost completely retool its receiving corps, which is led by Mr. Blue Lightning Flash, Damien Niko.
A year ago at this time, the Bruins’ progress in September seemed sporadic. This season, there seemed to be marked improvement from Game One to Game Two, and even from the start of Game Two to the second half.
Quarterback Nate Neal continues to spread his passes effectively, the Bruin stable of ballcarriers seem to be complementing each other better, last week the defense made on-the-fly adjustments after getting gobbled up early, and Stefen Williams continues to be a weapon on kickoff returns to help flip the field quicker.
A victory on September 20 against Claremore would provide a tremendous boost going into the district schedule.
Copan High School's Weston O'Rourke (4) handles a punt during the Hornet's win over Foyil, 49-0, Sept. 6 in Copan. Depew travels to Copan on Friday (Sept. 13). Hornet fans should enjoy newly installed bleachers at the home game.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Dewey High School's Easton Davis (10) looks to a receiver during last week's (Sept. 6) game against Perkins-Tryon in Dewey. Checotah heads to Dewey on Friday (Sept. 13).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
AREA FOOTBALL: Copan, Pawhuska, OUHS win; BHS Bruins lose by 2
SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Copan High School's Weston O'Rourke (4) slips through a tackle in football action against Foyil in the Hornet's home opener on Sept. 6, 2024. Copan won 44-7.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Pawhuska and Copan roared to 2-0 records, while Oklahoma Union — which had posted a 1-19 record the previous two seasons — piled up a stunning win against Barnsdall during second-week high school football action Friday (Sept. 6.)
Bartlesville fell to 0-2 — but made a ferocious comeback against Claremore. The Bartlesville Bruins came up just a turnover short of beating the Zebras on their homefield.
In other area grid action, the Caney Valley Trojans displayed an offensive break-through with four touchdowns although they lost; the Caney Valley (Kan.) Bullpups suffered a season-opening loss to one of their most competitive rivals; Dewey displayed some strong defensive moments in defeat; and Nowata rallied from a 20-point deficit to take the lead — only to lose in the final two minutes.
Following are summaries of the eight area games. A game report for Bartlesville already appeared, but a follow-up with coach's comments appears in this roundup.
CLAREMORE 35, BARTLESVILLE 33
Yes, the game was as exciting as the final score suggests.
Bartlesville had a chance in the final minute but threw an interception that spoiled an otherwise torrid rally in the final three-and-a-half quarters.
Claremore had surged to a 14-0 lead in the first five minutes, thanks to a couple of long touchdown runs by quarterback Brad Hoisington.
The Bruins outscored Claremore the rest of the way, 33-21, but never managed to take the lead. They got as close as two points, 28-26, in the fourth quarter. The Zebras answered with a score.
Bartlesville snapped back in the final three minutes on a 90-yards-plus touchdown pass play from Nate Neal to Damien Niko. The Bruins got the ball back with less than a minute left. After picking up a first down, they threw the game-ending pick.
Niko hauled in three touchdowns. He unofficially gained about 260 receiving yards, which Bruin head coach Harry Wright said might be a school record.
Daeton Stevens and Sutton Williams each rushed for a touchdown.
Hoisington finished with three TDs for Claremore, which has beaten the Bruins in their last two meetings. But Bartlesville leads the series, 8-3 since 2008.
Bartlesville’s defense was almost a sieve in the first half, allowing Claremore to score on its opening four possessions. Going into halftime, Claremore led by nine, 28-19.
But, the Bruin ‘D’ gave up only one score in the second half.
“The biggest thing was we started executing defensively,” said Wright. “We were getting stops and flipped the momentum a little bit.”
The key to containing Hoisington for most of the second half was tackling much better than in the first half, he added.
For the second-straight week, the Bruins (0-2) fell behind early, 14-0.
“That’s a question I’ve been asking myself,” Wright said about the tough starts. “We’re kind of seeing what we can do to get everybody coming out of the gate faster. … We can’t dig ourselves a hole like that.”
Neal threw the deep ball well for the most part, Wright said.
The Bruins remain young — they started five freshmen in this game plus several other first-year varsity players.
The Bruins get to take this next week off. They will play their home opener on Sept. 20 when Collinsville comes to town for the final non-district game.
COPAN 44, FOYIL 7
Junior quarterback Kane Foreman hurled two touchdown passes to Shooter Brewington and Weston O’Rourke scampered for three rushing scores to pace the Hornet offense.
Teegan Caron and Elijah Evans each rushed for a six-pointer to round out Copan’s seven-touchdown barrage.
Copan is off to its first 2-0 start since 2009. In fact, Copan began at 0-2 a year ago and still muscled out a berth in the playoffs.
On the defensive side, Karson Woodworth — seeing action in his second game of the season — made an important impact, coach Marshall Foreman said.
He lined up at defensive end “and shored up things pretty good for us,” said coach Foreman.
Brewington and Caron delivered numerous tackles apiece and Zane Agnew caused a fumble, the coach added.
“The good news is we were still pretty good to win by that margin even with the mistakes we made,” coach Foreman said. “Our defense played great. We’ve got a lot of guys flying to the ball.”
Foreman also expressed appreciation for the home fans.
“We had a really, really big crowd,” he said. “We always like that support.”
PAWHUSKA 60, MEEKER 13
Despite giving up an opening-drive touchdown to Meeker, Pawhuska had this victory well in hand early on.
“They’re (Meeker players) big and strong and we were worried about that,” Pawhuska head coach Matt Hennesy said. “But we still wore them out.”
Veteran quarterback Canyon Hindman nailed 16-of-29 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns. He completed two two-point conversions.
Logan Cass hauled in three catches for 105 yards and two scores. Corlin Cass added a 14-yard scoring grab.
Chase Eaves made five receptions for 69 yards and Lane Kyler added three catches for 45 yards and recorded a two-point conversion.
Backup quarterback Jadon Spicer connected with Paycen Kelley on a 36-yard scoring strike.
On the rushing side, Wildcat muscled out 58 yards and a touchdown on six carries. He also rang up a two-pointer.
Defensively, Jayden Henley and Jaydin Shaw both imposed their will on the line, while Wildcat returned an interception 70 yards although he didn’t get to the house.
“Once we got through that first series … we pretty much stuffed them,” Hennesy said.
As far as progress, “we just need to improve on all the little things,” Hennesy said. “Luckily, we’ve stayed healthy. … But I feel like we’re pretty sharp for this early in the season. We need to keep improving a little bit every day.”
Pawhuska is starting out the season at 2-0 for the fifth time in Hennesy’s seven years at the helm.
His career record at Pawhuska improved to 54-21 (.720) overall and 47-15 (.758) in regular season games.
OKLAHOMA UNION 48, BARNSDALL 28
In perhaps the biggest surprise of the week — if not in the final result at least by the margin — was the Cougars’ win against the Barnsdall Panthers.
This was the first time the teams clashed since 2017, when Barnsdall overwhelmed the Cougars (1-1) in three meetings by a cumulative score of 123–21 (2015-17).
Recording just their second win in their last 23 games, Oklahoma Union rode the superstar effort of quarterback Connor Pierce.
He compiled 430 yards of total offense (10-20 passing, 213 yards; and 26-217 rushing) and seven touchdowns (three passing, four rushing) to pace the win.
Bodee West, Caden Miller and Colten Wickham each hauled in a touchdown pass. West seized five receptions for 135 yards while Jake Harris made 10 grabs for 88 yards.
Harris had tough luck in short-yardage runs inside the five-yard line, Oklahoma Union head coach Steve Trammell said.
Barnsdall remained within striking distance going into the third quarter.
Trammell praised the efforts of Barnsdall’s James Johnson and quarterback Maverick Lanphear.
Barnsdall (1-1) suffered injuries to three key players the previous week. Trammell said Johnson went down in the third quarter in this game, taking away an important part of Barnsdall’s passing game.
Caden Rogers and Kaden Miller both rang up interceptions for Oklahoma Union and Grant Reeves and Pierce contributed several tackles, perhaps as many as 22-or-more between them, Trammell said.
HULBERT 48, CANEY VALLEY TROJANS 28
When it comes to stocks and Bond, Caney Valley is reaping a huge dividend.
After stocking their roster with a goodly amount of experience, the Trojans (0-2) enjoyed a monstrous output Friday by Talen Bond.
He returned a kickoff 70-something yards for a touchdown and hauled in three touchdown catches — including a 42-yarder — from veteran quarterback Noah Mitchell.
Mitchell and Ethan Brown also each scored a two-point conversion.
Even though it was a loss, Caney Valley scored at least 28 points for the first time in its last 14 games, dating back to 2022 — and for only the eighth time in its last 37 contests, marking back to 2020.
Mitchell threw for approximately 300 yards against Hulbert, veteran Trojan head coach Stephen Mitchell said.
The team’s downfall was “we just couldn’t contain their quarterback,” Mitchell said.
Defensive highlights included a sack at Bryor Bonde, a fumble recovery by Jackson Hardiman and approximately double-digit tackles by Sam Pitts.
“Our offense was good last week, but we were in the red zone several times without scoring,” coach Mitchell said. “This week we finished a lot of those drives off. We were able to cash in.”
PERKINS-TRYON 49, DEWEY 0
“I thought we showed some growth, especially defensively,” said Dewey Bulldogger head coach Ryan Richardson.
But the offense needs to become more productive and get better, especially up front, he added.
Either way, this was a grueling test for the young Doggers, which play in Class 2A — Perkins-Tryon is ranked No. 4 in the state in Class 3A.
“I thought our linebackers played a fantastic game,” Richardson said, singling out Eddie Rice, Nate Sloan, Parker Garrison and Evan Propper.
He also praised the work of defensive back Haydn Taylor.
“(Taylor) covered their best receiver,” Richardson said. “He didn’t allow a catch. … We did some things better (on that side of the ball). I was pretty happy.
Richardson is hoping his squad continues to grow up quickly. Next up Dewey takes on Checotah, which boasts a wide receiver that is a University of Oklahoma commit.
WARNER 32, NOWATA 28
Oh, so close.
Nowata burst back from a 20-0 deficit at halftime to outscore Warner, 28-12, in the second half.
Warner scored with about a minute-and-a-half left to pull out the victory.
The Nowata Ironmen (0-2), “kept going, they kept grinding and giving themselves a chance,” said head coach Chance Juby. “A lot of teams wouldn’t have battled back from a 20-0 deficit. They made it interesting.”
Sebastain Brown secured a couple of key receptions, Asiah Saxton scored on a 60-yard pass play from Treaver Emberson and Jose Wilson rumbled for multiple scores, Juby said.
Jerome Jackson also scored a touchdown off a blocked punt.
HUMBOLDT (Kan.) 28, CANEY VALLEY (Kan.) 12
The Bullpups (0-1) made a valiant effort in their season opener.
Armed with only 10 upper classmen — the other 32 players are sophomores or freshmen — Caney Valley (Kan.) continued to battle back even after trailing 16-0 at halftime and 22-12 in the fourth quarter.
Humboldt’s quarterback Blake Ellis ran for three touchdowns, and ran and threw for two-point conversions to lead the way.
“Their quarterback was the real deal,” Bullpup head coach Criss Davis said. “It was a very physical ballgame. They just made more plays than we did. I’ve got to give them credit. .. I thought we played well.”
Traxson Garten broke loose on an 81-yard scoring dash for Caney Valley’s first touchdown.
In the fourth quarter, Logan Burdett added an 82-yard to the house. But Humboldt finished it off with a touchdown midway through the fourth period.
Caney Valley squandered some golden chances, including throwing two red zone interceptions.
Garten and Burdett rushed for 137 and 117 yards, respectively, to fuel Caney Valley’s attack.
Quarterback Layne Denny, making his first varsity start, hit 7-of-16 passes for 77 yards but was picked off four times.
Ben Mathews grabbed one catch for 34 yards, followed by Drake Roberts with two receptions for 20 yards and Garton with three for 18.
Humboldt 28, CV 12
CV 0-0-6-6
Humboldt 8-8-0-12
CV-Humboldt
First downs: 14-15
Rushing: 38-283—43-205
Passing: 7-16-4-77—8-16-0-123
Fumbles-lost: 1-1—2-2
CV leaders
Rushing: Garton 12-137; Burdett 6-117; Boon 9-19.
Passing: Denny 7-16-4-17
Receiving: Roberts 2-20; Matthews 1-34; Garten 3-18; Rupert 1-5.
Copan High School's Teegan Caron (5) avoids a Foyil tackler during football action in Copan on Sept. 6, 2024. Copan defeated Foyil, 44-7.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Barnsdall High School's Lincoln Gott (14) runs the ball during Week Zero football action. The Panthers dropped their home opener, 48-28 to Oklahoma Union on Sept. 6, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Caney Valley High School's quarterback Noah Mitchell (17) looks for a receiver during Week Zero action. Caney Valley fell to Hulbert on the road, 28-12 on Sept. 6, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Dewey High School's Hayden Taylor (1) runs the ball during football action against Perkins-Tyron in Dewey on Sept. 6, 2024. The Bulldogger's young team lost 49-0.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Nowata High School's Treaver Emberson (3) looks for room as Emmanuel Wilson (19) blocks during their Week Zero home game against Pawhuska. The Ironmen fell in a close one at Warner, 32-28 on Sept. 6, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Pawhuska High School's Canyon Hindman (11) catches the snap with Vann Wildcat (5) in the backfield during a Week Zero matchup. Pawhuska defeated Meeker, 60-13 on Sept. 6, 2024 and is off to a 2-0 start.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
AREA FOOTBALL ROUNDUP, ZERO WEEK: Barnsdall, Pawhuska, Copan ring up impressive victories
SEPTEMBER 1, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Nowata High School's Jose Wilson (19) fights for yards during football action against Pawhuska in Nowata on Aug. 30, 2024. Pawhuska won 50-6.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
In the old “Wide World of Sports” weekly television feature, the opening monologue included the statement “the Agony of Defeat.”
Following last week’s season opener, Barnsdall High School football coach Kylee Sweeney appreciates a slightly-different version called “the Agony of Victory.”
Who could blame him after he lost three players to serious injury — including his fourth-year starting quarterback — during the 55-12 triumph against the rival Caney Valley High School Trojans?
The good news? Barnsdall improved to 9-0 in season openers during the Kylee Sweeney coaching era.
Meanwhile, in other area football results, former Bartlesville High School Bruin standout Chase Eaves made a smashing debut in his first game with Pawhuska High School since his transfer, while Wesleyan Christian School felt the sting of growing pains.
Copan High School made history with head coach Marshall Foreman’s first victory in a season opener. Dewey High School lost big but ended the game with a firestorm of momentum and Oklahoma Union suffered a season-opening setback as it tries to bounce back from a tough showing last year.
Following are summaries of Friday’s games:
COPAN 62, MIDWAY 6
Copan High School’s eight-man football team recorded a happy first in Friday’s season opener.
The Hornets swarmed all over Midway High School, 62-6, to reward head coach Marshall Foreman with his only 1-0 start since he took charge of the program in 2020.
“This was a good way to start,” said Foreman, who last year led Copan to its first earned playoff spot since 2009. “Even though we were the better team, we went out and just took care of business, which is something we haven’t always done in the past.”
Junior Weston O’Rourke scored multiple touchdowns — including a punt return to the house, while junior quarterback Kane Foreman found Shooter Brewington for a score.
Zane Stricklin intercepted two passes, one for a pick-six and Rocky Thomas added another pick; Brewington piled up several tackles.
Copan soared to a 40-0 lead by the time it had ran four plays, prompting Foreman to bench his starters early.
“Everybody had their moments,” Foreman said.
Want to add a significant fact that made this triumph doubly-impressive? The Hornets went to battle without fourth-year starting skill player Karson Woodworth, who is expected to be one of the squad’s most productive players this season.
BARNSDALL 55, CANEY VALLEY 12
Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!
Sweeney could have opened his own M.A.S.H. unit.
Four-year starting receiver Braden Byers, fourth-year designated starting quarterback Maverick Lanphear and sophomore Tripp Barbee all had to make painful exits, two of them with a possible broken body part.
Heap that slate of tough news with the fact Barnsdall is minus the services of what would have been fourth-year starting tailback Easton Malone — who suffered a season-ending injury during offseason wrestling competition — and fate has been meaner to Sweeney than junkyard dog with a toothache.
That’s not strictly true, however. Sweeney is still blessed with a teeming stable of top-notch competitors, including Lincoln Gott.
After Lanphear was forced to the sideline, Gott moved to quarterback and completed 7-of-11 passes for 250 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 56 yards, a touchdown and two-point conversion.
James Johnson proved to be a one-man wrecking crew — four receptions for 90 yards (and three touchdowns), a carry for 12 yards and two interception returns for touchdowns (94, 45).
Blaine Miller ran for 90 yards on 14 carries and scored two two-pointers. He also made 11 tackles (two for loss) and forced two fumbles. Henry Easley and Brohk Townley added seven tackles and two tackles for loss, respectively.
Meanwhile, Byers, Lanphear and Barbee already had made big contributions before they went out. Byers hauled in three receptions for 178 yards and three touchdowns. Lanphear completed a 45-yard pass and ran for 40 yards and a touchdown.
Barbee recovered a fumble.
LOCUST GROVE 53, DEWEY 23
By the time the Dewey High School football team found its traction it was too late to pull out a victory in Friday’s season opener.
But the Bulldoggers emerged on a surge of momentum out of the battle at Locust Grove High School. Locust Grove won, 53-23.
One might even say Dewey’s revival from a 42-0 deficit as amazing. The Doggers outscored Locust Grove, 23-11, to close out the scoring.
Evan Propper, Cooper Wood and Jayden Vallen each scored Dewey touchdowns, including multiple scoring strikes by first-year quarterback Easton Davis.
A follow-up report with more details is planned within the next few days.
Next up, Dewey plays host next Friday (Sept. 6) to Perkins-Tryon.
YALE 48, WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 0
After bidding good-bye to multiple four-year dynamos following last season, WCS Mustang followers realized the team faced a lot of rebuilding this year.
“We went into this season with a lot of new faces,” said first-year head coach Blain Landers. “But we have a lot of raw talent and we’re still working into football form.”
In addition, the Mustangs have been plagued by injuries, especially in their offensive/defensive line rotation, which figures to be a team strength.
Battle-hardened veteran Zander Week, good-sized Clayton Burnett (6-2, 245) and Jarrett Jensen and Luke Macavan are four linemen Landers is counting on to make major contributions as the season progresses.
Burnett “is a massive part of our offensive line, physically and metaphorically,” Landers said, adding Jensen “has got a lot of raw talent” and he expects help from Macavan as he develops.
WCS is green in the skill positions — in terms of varsity experience — and will be relying much on speedy Kaden Weeks, who runs a 40-yard dash fully-padded in 4.7, Landers said.
Weeks turned in multiple big runs, he added.
“A lot of our skill positions are underclassmen who are still coming along, the coach added.
He is optimistic his young team will continue to progress — and is motivated to do so, witnessed by the fact as they came off the field during the game they talked among themselves about their miscues and how to correct them.
“There were a number of encouraging things,” he added. “We need to get our guys healthy.”
PAWHUSKA 50, NOWATA 6
Not much surprise in the final result — but the margin turned out to be a little wider than Nowata veteran head coach Chance Juby hoped.
“Overall, we had a lot of miscues,” he said. “We should have been more competitive.”
Sebastian Brown hauled in a pass from returning starting quarterback Treavor Emberson for a 36-yard touchdown to avoid the shutout.
“Nowata is much improved,” Pawhuska coach Matt Hennesy said. “They’re very physical.”
Pawhuska — a Class A state finalist contender — received a major boost from Eaves. He snared eight receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown. He also scored a rushing touchdown and tallied two two-point conversions. Eaves also made a strong defensive impact.
Another first-year Huskie that injected plenty of firepower into the attack was Vann Wildcat, who rip-snorted to 109 yards and two touchdowns — on just three carries!
Veteran quarterback Canyon Hindman flung the ball with masterful artistry, completing 19-of-27 passes for 287 yards, four touchdowns and two two-point conversions.
On the defensive side, Jayden Henley “was all over the place from his defensive end position,” Hennesy said.
Hennesy said he felt Pawhuska’s conditioning made a difference. The Huskies ran 42 offensive plays in the first half and wore out the Nowata defense.
COMMERCE 40, OKLAHOMA UNION 7
The Oklahoma Union Cougars faced a mammoth challenge by taking on the state’s No. 1 team in Class 2A.
All things considered, OUHS coach Steve Trammell emerged encouraged from the game.
“I expected them to walk all over us,” Trammell said. “But, the game was not decided until late in the third quarter. We had a lot of play where we were competitive.”
Commerce scored on its first play of the game and with three seconds left until halftime. Otherwise, the Cougars battled with respectable verve against the Tigers.
“A fumble cost us a touchdown early,” Trammell noted.
Third-year starting quarterback Connor Pierce broke loose on an 87-yard run for OUHS’ touchdown. On the run, Pierce had a sizable lead at midfield on his nearest pursuer, but noticed the Commerce crowd start to cheer louder and realized the man behind him was catching up. Pierce increased his speed to cross the goal line with about a five-yard buffer.
Colten Wickham also made a sideline catch and long run to set up a chance for a score but the Cougars didn’t cash in.
Trammell also lavished praise on the play of Jake Harris and Grant Reed, who both excelled on both sides of the ball.
Nowata High School's Sebastian Brown and Pawhuska's Logan Cass go up for a pass during football action in Nowata on Aug. 30, 2024. Pawhuska came away with the win, 50-6.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Dewey High School's Easton Davis (10) catches a pass during a 2023-24 game in Dewey. The Bulldoggers lost their home opener on the road to Locust Grove, 53-23, on Aug. 30, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Caney Valley High School's Talen Bond (25) attempts to catch a pass while Barnsdall's Tripp Barbee (10) defends during football action in Ramona on Aug. 30, 2024. Barnsdall came away with the win, 55-12.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Caney Valley High School's Bryor Bonde (20) plows for some yards against Barnsdall in Ramona on Augt. 30, 2024. Barnsdall defeated Caney Valley, 55-12.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Copan High School's head football coach Marshall Foreman watches his team during an August scrimmage in Copan. The Hornets claimed their season opener, 62-6, on the road against Midway on Aug. 30, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville displays potential, growing pains in football opener
AUGUST 29, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Avery Hitchings (25) is pumped up during a football game last season in Bartlesville. The Bruins fell to Newcastle on the road, 49-24 in their season opener.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School’s varsity football team displayed a literary theme in Thursday’s (Aug. 29) season opener: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
When they were good, the Bruins were awesome on both sides of the ball. But they also displayed stretches of unsteady play that made the difference in a 49-24 loss at Newcastle High School.
No, there was no way Newcastle was 25 or 26 points better than Bartlesville. The Bruins led at halftime, 16-14, and trailed by only five points at the end of the third quarter, 21-16.
Newcastle erupted for four touchdowns in the final quarter — aided by a pass interference call on the Bruins, another crucial Bruin defensive penalty on a third-down play, an interception and a 40-plus touchdown burst with about two minutes left in the game.
Take away the woes of the fourth quarter and a slow start and Bartlesville — which is coached by Harry Wright and a veteran staff — displayed enough potential to encourage its fans for the rest of the campaign.
However, the seasoning process can’t be by-passed.
Truth is this Bruin team is very young overall — only about 25 percent of returning starters on defense, a drastically retooled rushing attack on offense and several new bodies in the receiver rotation.
The veterans helped carry the Bruins on Thursday.
Multi-year starting quarterback Nate Neal found battle-tested Damien Niko for two long touchdown passes of approximately 40 and 50 yards. Niko also grabbed a two-point catch.
Neal also found first-year varsity receiver Derek Edwards for a short scoring toss.
Kicker Dillon Burson accounted for a field goal and one extra point.
Defensively, Niko made an early crucial interception that energized the Bruins to a come-from-behind spurt.
Newcastle had surged to a 14-0 lead in the opening eight minutes and then threatened to break the game open in the first quarter after Neal threw the first of two interceptions in the game.
But two plays later Niko picked off the ball to spark a 16-0 run by Bartlesville. Hard running by Archer Swisher and Sutton Williams, and a long pass reception (27 yards) by Julian Uribe helped energize the combustible comeback.
In the last few minutes of the second quarter, the Bruin defense forced Newcastle to punt the ball to midfield. The drive started with a 19-yard completion to Niko and eventually ended up with Burson’s field goal to lift the Bruins into the lead, 16-14, with 2:26 left until halftime.
The Bruin defense held again to preserve Bartlesville's two-point lead at intermission.
However the Bruins failed to score on the opening possession of the third quarter and Newcastle generated a quick touchdown drive to regain the lead, 21-16. The score remained unchanged the rest of the third period.
Newcastle found paydirt again early in the fourth period, got the ball back after a Bruin punt and scored again to build an imposing lead, 35-16.
An interception set Newcastle up for another touchdown to push its lead to 42-16.
But a long kickoff return by Bartlesville’s Stefan Williams set the Bruins up for Neal-to-Niko connection — covering 39 yards. Following the two-point conversion the Bruins trailed by three possessions, 42-24, with about 3:30 left.
Newcastle secured the ensuing onside kick and seemed content to run the clock out — until one of its ballcarriers broke a long run for the game’s final touchdown.
Next up, the Bruins travel next Friday (Sept. 6) at Claremore for another non-district test.
Bartlesville High School's kicker, Dillon Burson, punts during a football scrimmage Aug. 23 at Custer Stadium in Bartlesville. The Bruins fell to Newcastle on the road, 49-24 in their season opener.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's Damien Niko (8) is tackled during a football game last season in Bartlesville. The Bruins fell to Newcastle on the road, 49-24 in their season opener.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
BHS Bruin football primed for powerful run
AUGUST 28, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's senior Nate Neal (7) returns for his third year as starting quarterback for the Bruins.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
(Note: Heights and weights are from the 2023 roster.)
Entering its 43rd year of existence, Bartlesville High School’s football team has never qualified for the playoffs in three consecutive seasons.
This year’s Bruin squad — led by Harry Wright in his third season as head coach — could be the first to do that.
During Wright’s first campaign in 2022, Bartlesville muscled out a 5-7 record, including a playoff win against Lawton, 36-30 (overtime) — the Bruins’ first playoff win since 2015.
Last year, Bartlesville bounced back from an 0-3 start to again storm to a 5-7 record and another postseason win — 45-14 against Putnam City North.
Wright is the first Bruin head coach to guide the program to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons. As mentioned above, he also could be the first to make it three postseason campaigns in a row.
It might be harder to do that than it appeared at the end of the 2023 success. During the offseason, the Bruins lost both their leading rusher and one of their most versatile skill players to transfers. That came on top of a large exodus of more than a dozen seniors, most of them starters.
But the Bruins still boast plenty of potent weapons, healthy allowing.
Nate Neal (5-11, 175) returns as the third-year starting quarterback, albeit he missed several games last year due to injury.
Damien Niko (6-2, 175) — a triple threat as a deep receiver, kick returner and defensive back — also will be a third-year starting senior.
Junior Earnhart (5-11, 266) is back as a third-year regular on the line. John Torres (6-0, 225) also returns to the offensive line and is working out on the defensive line as well.
Ballcarriers, QB could be major strengths
A spirited competition at running back is in process between Stefan Williams (6-0, 190) — who earned several varsity touches last year — along with Archer Swisher (6-2, 172) and others.
Williams was the No. 2 tailback on last year’s roster, but Swisher — formerly of Wesleyan Christian School — had to sit out last season due to his transfer.
Williams and Swisher both were unexpected blessings and — as it turned out — the answers to a coach’s prayer he didn’t know two years ago he would need.
Williams was an out-of-state move-in that provided Bartlesville with an explosive option last year at tailback.
In the fall of 2022 as a freshman, Swisher played a crucial role in leading the WCS Mustangs to a 10-2 record and quarterfinal playoff run.
After transferring to Bartlesville High last year he had to sit out his sophomore year from varsity play for the Bruins.
“Those two (Williams and Swisher) are competing daily as to who will be the guy No. 1 tailback,” Wright said, along with another candidate or two.
But due to the need of using some of these players to fill defensive vacancies, it might be more of a running back by committee situation.
“I see it possibly playing out as a combination of all of them so we can keep them fresh for defense,” Wright said.
That’s one of the questions whose answer Wright and his staff are pursing during preseason workouts and scrimmages.
The biggest spotlight will fall on Neal, who has displayed a big arm and savvy under pressure during his first two seasons.
“He’s had a good summer and offseason,” said Wright. “I think he has a chance to be one of the better quarterbacks in the state.”
Experience bolsters mix
Niko has been a golden workhorse — more like a thoroughbred — the past few seasons for the Bruins.
In the tradition of some of the Bruins most prolific long receiving threats the eight or nine seasons — including A.J. Parker, A.J. Archambo, Shane Simpson, John Cone, Caden Davis, Gage Keaton and others — Niko has been a game-breaker.
In 2022, Niko scored eight touchdowns, including two pick-sizes, a punt return and receiving scores of 36 and 34 yards and scored at least once in six of 10 games.
One of the other veterans in the 2024 receiving mix will be Julian Uribe (5-10, 150), Wright said.
A handful of the battle-tested players mentioned by Wright expected to fill key defensive side include Avery Hitchings (5-9, 212) (DL), Mason Manley (6-1, 185) (LB), Williams (ILB), Sam Hoback (6-0, 170) (S) and Ivan Griffith (5-11, 155) (CB).
(Some of them might see offensive roles, as well, due to the Bruins need to spread out the depth and experience.)
Regular season schedule challenging, but home friendly
(Note: Last year’s record is in parentheses.)
Bartlesville opens the non-district season Aug. 29 by traveling to Newcastle High School for a first-ever varsity football meeting between the programs.
This was a late change to the schedule after Sapulpa was moved from the non-district portion of the slate into the district schedule.
“I think the biggest thing is we’ve got several sophomores and freshmen who will have a chance to go and play Fridays,” Wright summarized. “It will be good to get them on the field and see how they’ve developed during the summer. … We’ll see what they can do against different teams. Physically, I think they’re ready. We’ll see how they can do mentally.”
Bartlesville is slated to play five home games — with no back-to-back road games.
The schedule also will take it easy on the travel budget and player miles. The road contests will be at Newcastle (9-3) (Aug. 29), Claremore (11-2) (Sept. 6), Sand Springs (8-4) (Sept. 27), Muskogee (11-2) (Oct. 11) and Ponca City (6-6) (Oct. 25).
The home menu includes: Collinsville (9-3) (Sept. 20), Sapulpa (7-4) (Oct. 4), Putnam City North (4-7) (Oct 17), Putnam City West (5-6) (Nov. 1) and Capitol Hill (0-10) (Nov. 8).
On paper, Bartlesville’s toughest district matchup will be against Muskogee, the defending Class 6A-II state champion.
Last year, the Roughers barely edged Bartlesville, 30-27, in what was their closest regular season win of the season — they’re next closest regular season victory took place against Enid, 49-27.
The cumulative 2023 record of Bartlesville’s 2024 opponents was 66-47. Six of them had winning records, one broke even and the other three finished below .500.
As mentioned, Muskogee is a defending state champion (6A-II). Claremore advanced to the 5A semifinals.
History in the making
As mentioned, Bartlesville is on the verge of qualifying for the playoffs for what would be a team record third-straight season.
The years the Bruins have qualified for the playoffs:
1983: (2nd round)
1984: (1st round)
1987: (2nd round)
1988: (3rd round)
1992: (1st round)
2002: (1st round)
2009: (2nd round)
2010: (1st round)
2014: (1st round)
2015: (2nd round)
2020: (1st round)**
2022: (2nd round)
2023: (2nd round)
** Due to the COVID situations, all teams were eligible for postseason play.
Bartlesville High School's head football coach Harry Wright, who begins his third season with the Bruins, watches from the sidelines during football action last year.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School Junior Earnhart (62) returns to the offensive line this season. The senior is expected to also see defensive line action.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's senior Stefan Williams (13) returns as a Bruins running back. Archer Swisher, who transferred from Wesleyan Christian School last year, will also handle ball carrying duties.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's senior Damien Niko (8) will return as a senior for the Bruins.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville, Dewey, Copan focus on highlights in scrimmages
AUGUST 24, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Copan High School's quarterback Kane Foreman watches action during the Hornets football scrimmage against Welch in Copan on Aug. 23, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
BARTLESVILLE HIGH
All things considered, the Bartlesville High School varsity football team displayed several moments of offensive firepower but struggled in finding the goal line during Friday’s (Aug. 23) intense home scrimmage against Bishop Kelley.
The battle ended in a 7-7 tie after late in the contest Bishop Kelley intercepted a pass to the end zone. The Bruins nearly got the ball back quickly when defensive back Sam Hoback couldn’t haul in a potential pick on a long pass that was just too far for his stretched out fingertips to secure.
This was Bartlesville’s final major test prior to Thursday’s (Aug. 29) regular season opener at Newcastle High School.
Several other Bruins also stood out in the fiercely contested tête-à-tête.
Junior ballcarrier Archer Swisher — making his Bartlesville varsity debut — scored the Bruins’ lone touchdown on a short power run. The score was set up on a 20-plus yard run by Swisher and a sizable reception gain by Ivan Griffith.
Swisher peeled off some other impressive plays as well.
Following a penalty that put the ball back to the 27-yard line, quarterback Nate Neal hit Swisher on a middle screen that went for 15 yards.
During the same drive, Archer bounced to the left side and made a serpentine run to the 25 yard line.
Bruin offensive coordinator Jason Munoz — who is in his seventh year on the Bartlesville staff — also singled out the ballcarrying efforts of Sutton Williams and Shaun Thrasher, and others, as a highlight.
“(Assistant coach) Tyler Deaton has done an incredible job with those guys,” Munoz said. “We were rotating three or four different personnel on the field.”
In addition to Griffith, returning leading receiver Damien Niko made some good grabs and Julian Uribe “continues to get better … He makes incredible plays,” Munoz said.
Neal — who has started for three years at quarterback, but missed most of last season due to injury — made a stellar impression.
“(He) is phenomenal,” said Munoz. “He works harder than anybody. … I think some unbelievable things could happen for him.”
Munoz felt that Friday provided a needed overall rugged test for a mostly-young Bruin team.
“I thought it was really good,” he said. “We got a lot of guys that were playing for the first time under the lights. We went against a really good team. … I thought we did a really good job just going out there and executing our basic stuff. We’re trying to find new personnel in a lot of areas. We’ve got some great kids.”
The passing game might require some time to heat up because of several receivers playing larger roles than last year, he added.
Munoz is anxious to see how the Bruins respond in Thursday’s opener at Newcastle High School — the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
Harry Wright is in his third year as the Bruin head coach. He has the opportunity to become the first-ever football skipper to lead Bartlesville to the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
DEWEY HIGH
The Bulldoggers are retooled and ready to try to celebrate like it’s 2019. Dewey surged to seven wins that season — it's only winning record in the past five years.
Dewey flexed its muscles last weekend at the Pioneer Women’s Classic Festival scrimmage in Pawhuska in its final tune-up prior to Friday’s (Aug. 30) opener at Locust Grove High School.
The Doggers delivered a solid defensive performance, energized by lineman Kaiden Fowler.
“He recorded a couple of sacks and made a couple of tackles for loss,” said veteran Dewey head coach Ryan Richardson. “He was very disruptive.”
Outside linebacker Eddie Rice added a sack and tackles for loss.
Richardson also praised the rock-ribbed romping of middle linebacker Parker Garrison, who recorded a sack “and made some good plays defensively,” Richardson said.
The Dogger offense didn’t score as high on the preseason report card. Richardson described the attack as “sluggish” — but with some nice exceptions.
He praised the pass-catching acumen of massive tight end Braydon Ringer (6-5, 250), and also lauded the route-running of Haydn Taylor.
“(Taylor) was winning man-to-man matchups,” Richardson said. “I thought he was very good getting off press coverage.”
Taylor also excelled in shutting down the other team’s best receiver, the coach added.
Easton Davis made his debut at quarterback in live action and battled valiantly through a tough baptism against high-quality competition, Richard said.
The Doggers held running back Jayden Vallen out of the scrimmage, but fans could hear his name often this season.
“He’s a quick-switch running back who we’re excited about,” Richardson said, adding he decided to sit Vallen to make sure he’s completely healthy for this week's opener.
COPAN HIGH
Charging into a season of promise, the Hornets “kept it fairly vanilla offensively,” said veteran head coach Marshall Foreman. “We started off a little sluggish. Welch is tough and it got a little chippy. They weren’t really able to stop us when we put drives together. The line blocked well for the most part. … We were able to match their physicality. I thought we showed up pretty well.”
Senior Karson Woodworth — who figures to be a devastating weapon for the Hornets, sat out the test.
Weston O’Rourke — one of several talented juniors in the mix — grabbed an interception on Welch’s first possession. He also made a touchdown catch and unleashed multiple long runs.
Shooter Brewington came on strong on the defensive side, as did freshman Zane Agnew, Foreman said.
Agnew started out playing with the second team, but Foreman then inserted him at safety for the varsity.
Last year’s team powered Copan to the playoffs for the first time since 2009.
Copan High School's Jett Waltrip breaks up a pass during the Hornets football scrimmage against Welch in Copan on Aug. 23, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's starting quarterback Nate Neal directs traffic during the Bruins football scrimmage against Bishop Kelley at Custer Stadium in Bartlesville on Aug. 23, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports