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Wednesday, November 1, 2006
First and 10
Central Oklahoma, OK
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Ten teams with 10 players to watch from the Oklahoma City area through the rest of the playoffs
Norman Tigers
Class 6A
Why Norman: A bevy of skill players, led by do-it-all Ryan Broyles, the Tigers have the most talent offensively as they’ve had in at least 10 years.
One to watch: All eyes will be on Broyles and quarterback Sam Tullius, but linebacker Turner Troup is dominating. One of the top players in the state, Troup surpassed the 100-tackle mark just eight games into the season.
Westmoore Jaguars
Class 6A
Why Westmoore: Led by quarterback Ryan Fightmaster and its typical stingy defense, the Jags rolled through the regular season. Along with Norman, Westmoore is the top team on the West side of the state. The Jags became the first team ranked No. 1 on the West side of the state since 1996.
One to watch: Running back Willie Taylor. Taylor, averaging more than 6 yards per carry, needs to continue to be effective to keep defenses from keying on Fightmaster.
Mustang Broncos
Class 6A
Why Mustang: The Broncos have been there before. A surprise team coming out of the West last season, Mustang cruised all the way to the title game. This season, the offense is once again high scoring and effective.
One to watch: Receiver Josh Cooper gets a lot of publicity, but senior receiver David Balenseifen finished the regular season with more than 900 yards receiving. Balenseifen and Cooper were the top two pass catchers in Class 6A during the regular season.
Carl Albert Titans
Class 5A
Why Carl Albert: The Titans won five 5A titles in a row (1997-2001) and again in 2004, but this year, Carl Albert has an experienced running game and a better-than-last year’s defense to rely on.
One to watch: While most will be focusing on running back David Oku, Daytawion Lowe is on his way to being a star with the Titans. The sophomore free safety led the team in tackles through the regular season and also contributes at receiver. “This guy has a chance to be real good,’’ said coach Gary Rose. “But what I like about him is he has great character.’’
Guthrie Bluejays
Class 5A
Why Guthrie: Despite losing in week nine to Carl Albert, the Bluejays still earned a home game for the first round of the playoffs. Meanwhile, they have the stingiest defense on the West side of Class 5A, allowing less than a touchdown per game.
One to watch: Kye Staley. The do-everything quarterback is a run-pass threat. He has more than 1,000 yards rushing and more than 600 yards passing. Staley, just a junior, went into the last week of the regular season without having thrown an interception all season.
Bishop McGuinness Irish
Class 4A
Why McGuinness: The Irish are the top-scoring team in Class 4A and only Wagoner is allowing fewer points. That’s a good combination for making a deep playoff run.
One to watch: Make that three. The trio of Kris Parham, Joseph Krenger and Towns Holmboe make the Irish tough to stop. The three have combined for close to 2,000 yards rushing.
Clinton Tornadoes
Class 3A
Why Clinton: Well, why not. The Red Tornadoes are coming off a Class 4A title and now they are in Class 3A. Only makes sense that they would be the pick to win it all again. Clinton topped Tuttle during week nine and went into the playoffs as the district champion in 3A-1.
One to watch: Sophomore Antonio Huddlin is the next star at Clinton. He is averaging close to 10 yards per carry and went over the 1,000-yard mark before the regular season finished.
Tuttle Tigers
Class 3A
Why Tuttle: The Tigers have never missed the playoffs under coach Phil Koons. Meanwhile, Clinton and Tuttle, who share a district, are the two top teams in the class.
One to watch: Zack Mincey. The senior running back had more than 2,000 yards rushing last season as the Tigers took the 3A title. He has more than 1,300 yards rushing this season and is averaging nearly 6 yards per carry.
Purcell Dragons
Class 3A
Why Purcell: All the focus is on Clinton and Tuttle, but as district champs in 3A-2, the Dragons earned themselves two home games for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Purcell played in the Class 2A state title game two seasons ago and has a stout defense (allowing less than 7 points per game).
One to watch: Well, make it a group to watch. Running back Donelle Martin is averaging more than 5 yards per carry, quarterback Chase Page and receiver Erik Venegas are a solid trio of talent.
Millwood Falcons
Class 2A
Why Millwood: Simply put, the Falcons have the best player in the Class, and maybe the state. Yes, quarterback Gerald Jones is that good.
One to watch: You saw his picture in our magazine, but Prentice Washington isn’t smiling on the field. He’s all business. He’s averaging more than 5 yards per carry and is the perfect complement to Jones.
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