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Monday, October 1, 2007
The playoffs start soon. Here’s a check of some area teams that could make a run to the gold ball
Central Oklahoma, OK
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6A
Norman North
Players to Watch: RB Beau Blankenship, TE/DE K.J. Williams, CB/KR Chika Madu
Why they could make a playoff push: Coach Lance Manning has the luxury of featuring more talent on his roster than arguably any other squad on the West side of the state with legitimate Division-I recruits in not only Blankenship, Williams and Madu, but also defensive tackle Nathan Badger.
Why they could disappoint: The Timberwolves have been forced to play this season without the services of their star signal caller, Tyler Tettleton, who was lost for the year because of a torn ACL. Another big injury could spell disaster for Norman North’s post-season chances.
Prediction: QB Jake Damrill must continue to improve, but having Blankenship in the backfield eases the learning curve and makes their chances of being the last West side school standing in the playoffs very good.
Lawton Eisenhower
Players to Watch: RB Harrison Jeffers, QB Brayden Stringer
Why they could make a playoff push: Having a player like Jeffers in the backfield opens up the passing game for Stringer and makes opposing defenses pick their poison when facing the Eagles.
Why they could disappoint: Last season, the Eagles had plenty of talent around Jeffers including division-I signees De’Von Bailey and Chris Struzriem but still fell in the first round of the playoffs. That trend will have to change in order for Coach Bill Whiteley’s squad to make a run towards a gold ball.
Prediction: The development of Stringer has been a pleasant surprise and could be the thing that turns this squad into a team that is capable of putting together a couple of wins in the playoffs.
Midwest City
Players to Watch: RB Timothy Flanders, CB John Flanders
Why they could make a playoff push: Speed, speed and more speed. The Bombers may arguably feature more team speed than any other squad in the state. Most of their starting backfield also pulls double duty as members of Midwest City’s talented track team which means that their a threat to take one to the house at any time.
Why they could disappoint: It’s needless to say that head coach Steve Huff’s squad features one the best running attacks in 6A. But unless they can develop a serviceable passing game to exploit defenses that load the box against the Bombers, Midwest City could have trouble moving the ball against quality defenses.
Prediction: Midwest City’s speed makes them a dangerous squad at all times but their lack of a true passing game could mean a earlier exit to the playoffs than the Bomber faithful would like this season.
Westmoore
Players to Watch: QB Tracey Norwood, DE Joey Fowler, CB Craig Ralls
Why they could make a playoff push: Coach Mike Whaley has made a living in Class 6A by playing smash-mouth football and sound defense. This year, he has an athletic quarterback in Norwood and an experienced run stopper in Fowler on defense to work with.
Why they could disappoint: Westmoore always seems to get up for the big games on their schedule each season, but they also have a history of letting their guard down against some of the games that they should have won easily. Unless that trend can be reversed, the Jaguars could be setting themselves up for an early round heartbreaker.
Prediction: Westmoore seems to be always in the thick of things once November rolls around but a first-round win may be maxing out this squad potential this season.
Putnam City North
Players to Watch: RB Josh Booker, OT Joe King
Why they could make a playoff push: Two years of frustration have this season’s edition of the Panthers hungry for a return to success. With the mammoth King opening holes for Booker, PC North could return to the elite of 6A sooner rather than later.
Why they could disappoint: This year’s groups of seniors were freshmen the last time that North was a factor in Class 6A. Lack of playoff experience could come back to haunt the Panthers in 2007.
Prediction: This season’s Putnam North squad has talent but then again so did the 2005 squad that featured current OU star Sam Bradford and went 5-5. Unlike that squad, this one should make the playoffs but will more than like bow out early.
5A
Carl Albert
Players to Watch: RB David Oku, FB Joe Stoner, DT Pierre Alexander
Why they could make a playoff push: Every single squad in class 5A knows that the road to the gold ball goes through coach Gary Rose’s squad. Barring a string of catastrophic injuries, the Titans will be in the thick of things until the very end.
Why they could disappoint: With their 2006 gold ball in the trophy case, the Titans again have the target on their backs for the rest of 5A-2 to aim for. When you’re the best, you can count on everyone bringing their “A” games to Harris Field each week.
Prediction: With the talent Rose has assembled at Carl Albert and its experience in big games, until someone knocks them off their perch at the top the Titans have to be called the favorites in class 5A.
Guthrie
Players to Watch: QB Kye Staley, WR Donte Foster, CB Israel Escoe
Why they could make a playoff push: This season, defenses will have to take on the task of stopping Staley not only at quarterback but also at running back and wide receiver as coach Rafe Watkins tries to find mismatches for the Oklahoma State commit to exploit.
Why they could disappoint: The Bluejays have shown that they can rack up yards on the ground with the best of them. But Guthrie may find those rushing yards a little harder to come by in the playoffs and need to develop their passing game further.
Prediction: Week nine’s matchup with Carl Albert should decide the district title and could be a preview for a November matchup for the big one.
Lawton Macarthur
Players to Watch: QB Austin Giles, RB Kevin Williams
Why they could make a playoff push: Giles has teamed with Williams and wide out Zack Zukerman to give the Highlanders a potent offense that can score points in bunches. Giles came up big during the playoffs last season and their near miss in the state title game has this squad hungry for revenge.
Why they could disappoint: With as many as six teams fighting for a playoff spot, district 5A-1 is one of the toughest in the state. If the Highlanders let their guard down for even a week, they could quickly find themselves in a bad situation facing a much tougher road ahead of them in the playoffs.
Prediction: Last season’s impressive run to the state title game featured wins over Ada and Guthrie. The Highlanders will make a return to the playoffs but a repeat of last season’s success is highly unlikely.
Duncan
Players to Watch: QB Trent Wilkins, WR Caleb Knight
Why they could make a playoff push: Wilkins is one of 5A’s best-kept secrets and has turned into a true dual-threat quarterback that can hurt you with his arm or his legs. If Duncan is going to make any noise in the playoffs, Wilkins will be a big reason for it.
Why they could disappoint: Last season saw the injury bug bite the Demons including Wilkins who missed three games. Duncan must stay healthy if they want to have any hope for a playoff run in 2007.
Prediction: Jim Holloway has this program going in the right direction but 2007 is still a little early to be talking about anything other than a possible round-one win.
Durant
Players to Watch: QB Bo White, RB Tyler Fields
Why they could make a playoff push: White does it all for this Durant squad leading the Lion’s rushing attack from under center and making plays with his arm as well. The duo of Fields and Max White joins him in giving the Lions three legitimate options to get things done this season.
Why they could disappoint: If this season’s earlier games are any indication, this Durant squad could find itself in more than its fair share of shootouts. If the Lions want to make a run this season, the defense has to find a way to get some stops to give their potent offense a chance.
Prediction: With their ability to score points quickly and in large quantities, Durant maybe a popular darkhorse pick for a November run in 5A this season.
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