Our Time is Now

For the last eleven seasons, many teams have challenged for the 6A state championship, but only two have prevailed. Many have celebrated that fact. Many have been disgusted with it. So when will this trend change?

Union and Jenks have been seated atop the 6A rankings for a shade over a decade and don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Since Class 6A was formed in 1992, only Norman (1992), Midwest City (1994-1995), Jenks, and Union have brought home the gold ball. When will parity take place in the largest class in the state?
For three schools in Eastern Oklahoma, they hope it's sooner rather than never. Broken Arrow, Owasso, and Muskogee have been in the hunt each year trying to attain that elusive goal, but seem to fall short.

At nearly 4,400 students, the Tigers, commandeered by Ron Lancaster, are the largest school in the state. With the leadership that is in place, Broken Arrow seems to be heading in the right direction.

"We have to be as prepared mentally as we are physically for each game," said Lancaster. "There are some outstanding kids and programs in 6A and we have to go out and compete each and every week. Our student athletes are learning and understanding this."

Broken Arrow seems to have talent in each class from seniors Jared Higinbotham (6-1, 285, DL), Trevor Morgan (5-10, 170, DB), Chris Ford (5-10, 216, RB), and J.D. Wood (6-0, 185, WR/DB) to juniors Cale Fulps (5-10, 165, QB), Aaron Kannard (6-4, 285, OL) and Alvin Bailey (6-4, 295, OL).

Ford's speed and quickness should keep the Tigers in most games this year. He had 952 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2006 and has bulked up in the offseason. Fulps has also worked on his arm strength and footwork to complement his on-the-field smarts.

"One of the first things that we as coaches did when we came in was instill a sense of belief in these players. They need to believe that we can win and we can compete for championships," Lancaster added. "I wasn't talking about competing a couple of years from now. We want to compete this year. We can still do that."

"I know we started off with a three losses to three of the top ranked teams in Muskogee, Owasso, and Jenks, but these kids are still fighting to achieve the goals that we set back in two-a-days."

Speaking of Muskogee, it seems every year they have another crop of extremely talented young men, and this year is no different. Gone are the days of Pete Richardson, Rell Lewis, Dre Stout, and Jontae Bumpus. Welcome this year's class headlined by Jameel Owens (6-4, 220, WR) and Stacey McGee (6-5, 280, DL).

In 2006, the Roughers beat Union twice, the latter in the first round of the playoffs, but Union answered back in 2007 by beating Muskogee 26-11 at the Indian Bowl in week three.

"I think we have the athletes in place to compete every year," commented Muskogee coach Matt Hennessy. "We are very close. These student athletes want it more than anything. We as coaches want it. This community wants it."

Just north of Tulsa, is a growing community both economically and athletically. Owasso has long been considered the Baseball school in Oklahoma and is now challenging the football ranks every year. 2007 should be no different, but can they bring home the hardware?

With new coach Bill Patterson at the helm, there is a sense of a "we can do this" attitude on this year's squad, led by Brandon Webb (6-4, 275, OL), Jacques Washington (6-0, 170, RB/WR), and Matt Copeland (6-0, 205, LB).

"I think this team believes that they can be there in the end," Patterson said. "We have the tools in place and the attitude is there to achieve great things this year."

Owasso faces quite a daunting task this year by having Muskogee, Booker T. Washington, and Jenks on the road, but they know that each week in 6A is never easy.

"It will be tough this year, but our players are preparing every week for what is coming." Patterson added. "We just look at this week's schedule and prepare for the team that we are facing on Friday, not someone down the road. If we remain focused, we have a chance to be really special this year."

At press time, Owasso is still undefeated at 3-0, while Muskogee is 2-1, and Broken Arrow is 0-3. Never count out any of these schools when it comes to district play. They should all be there in mid-November in the playoffs fighting for another chance to hoist the gold ball.