VYPE.com
Regular Season Nov 22, 2009
map



« Last Page  |  viewing results 1-15 of 21  |  Next Page »



Defending the Homeland
By: steve88

No I'm not defending the Homeland grocery stores...partly cause I honestly haven't seen one in awhile.

I am however defending the east side of the state. Defending my dear school, Broken Arrow (never thought I would be doing this).

But a rather seasoned writer/columnist from the 'otherside' of the state decided to throw his two cents into the high school sports world. Its not that he gave his opinion that I have a problem with but rather the opinion itself.

I invite you to check out Mr. Barry Tramel's column from the Daily Oklahoman. He talks about making class 6A smaller. He talks about how Bixby and Shawnee will be playing against schools with 3000 more students in some cases. AND...OF COURSE...he brings up that schools districts like Edmond, Moore, Midwest City and others have multiple high schools unlike Broken Arrow and Union. Oh and he makes the quip that he thinks those school districts made the right decision to do that on multiple levels.

That's when I take offense. I'll get to the athletics side of his column in a minute but let me set straight the wild ideas of our westside brothers. As a graduate of Broken Arrow high school with nearly 1000 students in my graduating class I don't have a problem with the school size. To be honest it's probably a good thing that I didn't know or hang out with half the school. I got a great mixture of society with a school that big. The poor and rich were mixed within the same classrooms. There wasn't a school that was dominantly one race but rather one large school that held all races. It was a small college without the freedom. It was learning to deal with people with different stances and ideas. I believe Broken Arrow averages somewhere around 5-7 National Merit Finalists each year. So you take those kids and distribute them through three schools that's about 3 for each school. Not bad if you ask me.

You want to get my honest opinion about Broken Arrow splitting into multiple schools when it comes to athletics? I think it would be a much more scary situation. I think they might actually be a state championship level squad. Hard to believe but there were some kids that walked the hallways that were the cream of the crop but got lost in the politics. But they still got a good education and are off at college or contributing in the job force. And that's what it's all about right? Academics? So yeah sure maybe Junior didn't become a star quarterback because he went to BA and got lost in the numbers but he did get a good education. Plus isn't the old saying "If you're good enough they will find you."? That's what we say to kids stuck at 4A schools and elsewhere. If you have the ability college coaches will find you and you'll make it to the pros.

Now to the athletics side of Tramel's column. It's been a few years but Booker T. Washington put together quite a run in 6A football. It's funny how that works where the small school that works hard and doesn't let what everyone else is saying stop them. Sapulpa has had good teams in the past. It takes good coaching and the right attitude from the kids and wins will come. But isn't sport all about diversity. Then why does Tramel and others want us to take away that from sports. How about we just get rid of the scoreboards and just put clocks in the endzones and share juice boxes and fruit snacks when the final buzzer sounds!

Life isn't fair. Not everybody wins. It's called life. Better for Junior and Sissy to figure it out when mom and dad are trying to live through them then later on when they are on their own. To be honest I don't think a lot of kids care about this stuff anyways. I've never heard a kid following a loss to Broken Arrow, Union, Jenks or Owasso say "We'll it wasn't the overthrown ball for an interception that cost us the game. But rather the 2,000 more kids they have attending their school really made the difference in this game." I think I found my new question following a game.

 




The "You May Not Have Heard of Them" Team 2009 Football Edition
By: steve88

This past weekend I drove to Texas for a buddy of mine’s wedding. It was an interesting trip crossing over the Muddy Boggy River and the Clear Boggy River. Going through Atoka (nice little town) and Durant as well as many others really made it an interesting trip. But seeing the names of towns like Dewar and McAlester on street signs and driving through Texas where high school football stadiums stick out on the skyline like a beacon of light from the sky is shining down on them. It left me wondering just how long it is till football action begins. Really getting involved with the magazine this summer has given me the opportunity to realize that high school football goes on all summer long in some form or fashion. Don’t get me wrong, I always knew that team camps and passing leagues and early morning workouts took place. But I’ve been to passing leagues, passing tournaments, team camps and different variations of high school football all summer long. It seemed as if every week or two I had the chance to just feed the high school football beast that lives inside me (I’ve been told I should have that whole beast inside me thing checked out but I think it’s kind of cool, too bad the ladies don’t).

But I’ve been to passing leagues at Broken Arrow and Union and even tried to go to one at Owasso that was cancelled or something. I’ve been to team camps at Muskogee and Claremore. Also attended passing tournaments in Edmond and Arkansas but all these events really do is make me want more. More football and now!
So I made the mistake of looking at the booster club websites of Jenks and Broken Arrow and others. What I found makes me itch for the next couple weeks. Come August 11th teams start practicing in shorts. Shorts! But its still football and its still exciting. August 14th Jenks is going pads and I’m thinking I take the day off for that. The very next day, August 15th, for those keeping track at home with their calendars, is when the Trojans of Jenks, Oklahoma (writer’s side note: I hate the Jenks, America thing. It’s a given when you say Oklahoma that the aforementioned city is thus located in…AMERICA).
So basically three weeks (without looking at a Calendar might I add) prior to the season starting we (I mean “I”) can get my football fix. I’ve been told Dr. Drew could take care of this kind of thing but I’m fine with it and I don’t think my addiction to high school football isn’t unhealthy. Plus I think Chyna and one of the Baldwin brothers needs his help more than me.
So now that I’ve gotten all of that off my chest let me get to the Steve Braun “You May Have or May Not Have Heard of Them Team” Football 1.0!!!
The rules to this team is that I must like the way you play, seen you play or heard about your play from someone that I trust (real scientific deal here). Plus I hope that a majority of the people that read this haven’t really heard of the players listed.
OFFENSE
QB-Joe Lindsey-Owasso-JR-Lindsey is a real heady player with good intangibles. Won’t be found on a lot of top QB lists but gets the job done for what is asked of him.
RB-Isaac Maselera-Glenpool-JR-When Coach Steve Edwards says a kid is good, I listen. This young man has great size and speed and according to Edwards could start anywhere in the state.
RB-Darryl Fields-Madill-SR-His running style is patterned after Adrian Peterson’s. He’s drawn the attention of big time college coaches and now deserves your attention.
WR-Ronnie Price-Broken Arrow-SR-This kid is flat out fast. During 7on7 passing leagues over the summer no one could cover him. He’ll only get to show it more with Archie Bradley slinging the ball to him.
WR-Dylan Serowski-Southmoore-SR-This kid gets overlooked because of the big name players on his team like Julian Wilson, Nyko Symonds and Kendall Thompson. But Serowski has great size and will be a great possession receiver on my team opposite Price.
TE-Austin Haywood-Southmoore-SR-I feel like I’m cheating with this pick. Haywood is phenomenal and probably won’t meet the criteria for my team by…say…week 2?! He’s big, tall and fast. He’ll run around or over you. It’ll be fun to see what this kid does through the season.
OL-Eric “Bob” Graham-Jenks-SR-Not sure if he qualifies but it’s my list so…yes he does! The “Bob” stands for Big ‘Ol Boy. Enough said.
OL-Denton Simek-Prague-SR-Big kid as well that has drawn the attention of Nebraska and other schools cause he’s that good. Now I’m bringing him to your attention…you can thank me later.
OL-Davis Johnson-Claremore-JR-Davis is just mean. That’s the best way to put it. I think he takes every play personally. If an opponent even kind of sorta gets the advantage on him the next play he makes sure you forget all about it. He goes to the whistle blows and not until then.
OL-Joe Barnes-Bartlesville-SR-Drawing the attention of college recruiters and has the duty of protecting Bruin signal caller Kirby Schoenthaler.
OL-Justin Butterfield-Bartlesville-SR-See “Joe Barnes” above.
DEFENSE
DL-Devin Randall-Bartlesville-JR-Coach Ron Smith laughed…actually snickered and laughed when I asked what he expected out of this young man and how would he described Randall. It was one of those evil ‘I know more than you do’ types of laughs too. Randall has the size and has his coach believing he’ll do great things so I’ve jumped on board the bandwagon as well.
DL-Conner Botts-Miami-SO-This kid is huge and as a sophomore he’ll only get better and more dominate. I’ve seen him with my own eyes and he was a force.
DL-Rusty Reece-Miami-SO-See “Conner Botts” above.
DL/LB-Josh Cunningham-Claremore-JR-Josh is a linebacker playing defensive end for the Zebras but was still able to rack up over 100 tackles and over 5 sacks last season.
LB-Tyler Butcher-Claremore-SR-Great name for this kid because he’ll slice and dice offenses apart. I actually think he might be crazy the way he plays. It’s all out knock you down and then knock you down again on the next play.
LB-Conner Sherwood-Cascia Hall-SO-So Brad Heath says this kid is the best linebacker in the state…as a Sophomore! But I’ll take Brad’s word for it and put him on here because I doubt many know about the young man that was a beast last season…as a freshman!
LB-Caleb Gastelum-NOAH-SR-Coach Joe Blankenship (good coaching blood lines) disagrees with Brad and says that Gastelum might be the best in the state. He has good size and posted impressive stats last season for the Jags so expect the same and better this year.
DB-Evan Crutchfield-Claremore-SR-The goal for Evan Crutchfield this season might be to take an opponents head off. Evan isn’t a real big guy…I think I have the height advantage…but he’s bulked up and likes to hit and hit hard.
DB-Drake Keys-Skiatook-SR-Keys is the utility player for the Bulldogs. He might even be the drum major for the band…not sure though. But he is a heck of an athlete and could probably be listed at multiple positions on this list.
DB-Corey Mosley-Midwest City-SR-Fast. Not enough of a description? This kid caught the eye of just about everyone at the Oklahoma Showdown Vype 7on7 in Edmond over the summer.
DB-Quad Ware-Broken Arrow-SO-Quad may start for the Tigers at corner this season and even if he doesn’t start will likely see playing time. He will only get better for the Tigers under Coach Spav and Adam Gaylor.
 
 



Hot Stove Season for HS Football 2.0?
By: steve88

It’s time for the second annual Hot Stove Season for High School Football Report! If you missed it, around this time last year I wrote a nice little blog about last season’s personnel movements, if you’d like to read that one then click here. So with that being said, I present to you the Second Annual (unless there aren’t any transfers next season) Hot Stove Season for High School Football Report.

 So early at the start of the spring semester this past school year a transfer happened that affected high school football and that was Jenks quarterback (by way of Blackwell by way of Muskogee by way of Locust Grove) Beau Marsaln transferred to his fifth school in his four year high school career to Metro Christian Academy. Marsaln will look to replace the graduated Joey Rogers at quarterback and he’ll have a heck of a weapon in Jake Schooley to throw to. It’ll be interesting to see if this young man will live up to the hype that was given to him since early in his high school career.

Then there was a lull in the action of the high school hot stove. Then it all exploded with the big move as first reported right here on vype.com, Archie Bradley is a Tiger. The Muskogee quarterback whose highlight play came against Broken Arrow was following his mother (who accepted a high school assistant principal’s job) to the Land of Tigers and the Pride marching band. Bradley will likely take the reigns of a Tiger offense that had a big fat question mark at the quarterback position after future mayor of Broken Arrow Cale Fulps had graduated and moved on to the Riverhawks of Northeastern State. (Writer’s note: I hate that nickname and the reason Cale is the future mayor is that he’s a smart kid, personable and he was the first quarterback to lead the Tigers to a victory over Union in 19 years!) The movement away from Jenks didn’t end with Marsaln as Steven Stadler a defensive back that started for the Trojans transferred to cross-town, arch-rival Union. Rumored to be following him over to the U is running back Colton Dost. Then there was the transfer of Matt Leutjen and brother Derrick from Locust Grove to Hennessey. Then there was Kyler Harris who followed dear old dad to Muskogee. Oh and don’t forget about the supposed transfer of Bishop Kelley quarterback Jordy Albert to Booker T. Washington. The last time a kid transferred into BTW to play quarterback it worked pretty well didn’t it Collier Winters.

So there you have it the 2nd Annual Hot Stove Season for High School Football Report. Check back here next year and see what stud players have moved where. And no I’m not like Ed Werder of ESPN camped outside the houses of these kids trying to get a glimpse of what they had for breakfast.




Let Me Clear My Mind
By: steve88
So...It's been awhile and I'm sitting here doing nothing so I thought I would embark on a road of words of wisdom from me to you. My loyal following of no one. I'll bring up topics and give my thoughts and we'll go from there. Since this is a high school sports website and the big topic here in Oklahoma when it comes to high schools sports is the Private v. Public debate. First let me explain my disgust annoyance and multiple other adverbs and adjectives that I have towards the Athletic Director that explained that bring up the proposal wasn't a matter of wins. WASN'T A MATTER OF WINS?! (<-This is me yelling by the way). Then what the zippity doo da day is this all about? Did you Mr. A.D. decide one morning that you didn't like private schools? This has everything to do with wins! It has everything to do with the fact that these private school kids with their school uniforms are winning the gold balls that your school brought in 10-15 years ago. Here's an idea...have you ever thought about why these private schools win games? It's not that they are private schools and can "recruit". No the real reason is that they aren't stuck up pricks like you may want to believe but rather they are hardworking kids that put in the time and effort it takes to be the best at what they do. It's because they have coaches that understand the game and know how to build a program. I heard an argument that well these private schools can get the best coaches and pay them big bucks. Uhm...last I checked Jenks still has Allan Trimble and Ron Lancaster is at Broken Arrow. Those guys are some of the best high school coaches in Oklahoma history and they have yet to be lured by the big dollar amounts these private schools are ALLEGEDLY passing out to coaches. Back to the argument though...it's not a matter of these kids only being there for athletics because well, a lot of those athletes also get great educations and end up playing at the next at Ivy League Schools. Crazy how that works. I'm not saying the system currently is perfect but I also don't think you go crying Mommy stop the bad man until you have proof they are doing something wrong or 'bad'. How about you go out and work harder and longer and become stronger and faster. Put the same amount of time if not more than the private schools do. If you want to be the best then you must be the best. Professional athletes talk about the time they spend working out during the offseason and why they do it. Well they want to be the best and they understand that when they aren't working on getting better that their opponent somewhere is out working to get better. Alright enough of that I think I made my point...Sammy Sosa recently was reported as being one of the 104 players that tested positive for performance enhancing drugs back in 2003. Does this surprise anyone? Did the whole Rick Reilly/ Sammy Sosa incident not give enough evidence? I mean Sammy said I'll take a drug test anyday...except the day that Reilly invites me to go take one. I don't know if there is a player since around 1990 that can be looked at and you can feel 100% they are clean. So I got my latest edition of Phil Steele's college football preview magazine. Gets me excited but I'm also excited about the Vype Football Preview. The cover is sweet so is the content and everything else. It's definitely a must get and something you'll be toting around all season long. I'll reference it all season long just as I did with last years edition. Hopefully I'll get going with more of my views on everything in sports through this here blog. I'll be heading out to Broken Arrow for the passing league stuff taking pics and taking notes so if you see me with my Vype press pass say hi. I'll try to get recap stories up not just for the schools that are there but also review the whole night on here with my views. Until then let me know your thoughts leave a comment on here or email me at steve.braun@vype.com. Until next time...is this hotel pager friendly?



Spring Football Is Almost Over?!
By: steve88

It's crazy to think as schools begin to let out for the summer that high school spring football is also wrapping up. We'll be left to discussions here on Vype.com or at the barbershop about high school football.

But it's not too late for you to catch some high school football spring style. Many teams are holding spring games tonight and this weekend. Muskogee's game is underway and Glenpool is later today. Jenks and East Central will have their spring games tomorrow on a Friday night just like it's done in the Fall. Saturday is a big day that if you wanted to you could see three high school spring games. Broken Arrow at 9:30 am, Booker T. at 1:30 and then wrap up the evening in Sand Springs with Johnny Deaton at 6pm.

If that doesn't fill your appetitie then head to Sapulpa Monday when the Chieftans will have the Blue/White Game at 7pm.

Plenty of opportunities to get your fill...at least until summer passing leagues get underway. That's all for now...better get back to posting stories and updates here and if you have any ideas send them my way to steve.braun@vype.com

 




It's Over, It's Over!!!!
By: steve88

For the Bishop Kelley girls soccer team the streak is over. The Tulsa World had a quote from the head coach that made a good statement though. Something to the effect that it's new girls each year. That it's not the same team like many of the great dynasties of sports have been. With the same great player stretching the time of the dynasy. No this one had new components each year.

I still have to hand it to the Bishop Kelley Girls soccer program. 10 straight state titles. It's incredible to imagine. It's just one of those feats that will probably never be matched again. But then again as I say that the Cascia Hall boys program could be starting a mini-dynasty of their own. Check out that team as they go for their fourth straight state title.

Oh and for all of you wanting to talk about private vs. public. Cascia could capture the football, boy's basketball and boy's soccer titles this year. To go along with the state boy's basketball and boy's soccer title last year. Something strong is developing in athletics for the Commandos. Watch Out Public Schools!!!




Someday Over the Rainbow...
By: steve88
...way out there. At least that's how I think the song goes. Actually I think I changed the words a little bit but whatever.  I'm locked up in my house with all the snow we're getting here in Eastern Oklahoma and it has me left to watching College Lacrosse and College Hockey. It made me think sure the OSSAA has some great sports currently on board but there are more sports out there that should be played at the high school varsity level in Oklahoma.

I've been fortunate to write about some of the "less popular" sports or the sports that are "unconventional." I wrote about the world of high school hockey in Oklahoma that is being played at the Oilers Ice Center.

I just wrapped up a Grill that will be in the May issue where I interviewed Dax Junker, Bixby Head Rugby coach and President of the Green Country High School Rugby league.

Talking to some of these coaches and heads of leagues it's easy to see that this is where high school athletics are headed. Just look at the sport of soccer in Oklahoma high school athletics. Soccer has only awarded a state championship since for 24 years. It was 1985 and there was only one classification 5A. Now there are three classifications since 2006.

Hockey has a history in Tulsa with the Oilers. But has truly claimed a hold of the Tulsa sports world since the "rebirth" of the Central Hockey League and the restart of the Tulsa Oilers. Many states have high school hockey regulated by the state athletics association or governing body. Just take a look around at the covers of some of the northern states of VYPE on vype.com and you'll see.

Oh by the way if you want to read the Hockey story here it is Something is Heating Up on the Ice.

But talking to Dax Junker and the different hockey coaches it is easy to see that all these sports would like to be apart of the OSSAA.

I started wondering what sports I would want to see. But first I should include a list of the sports currently offered by the OSSAA.

FALL
•
BASEBALL
•CHEERLEADING
•CROSS COUNTRY
•FAST PITCH SOFTBALL
•FOOTBALL
•VOLLEYBALL

WINTER
•
BASKETBALL
•SWIMMING
•WRESTLING

SPRING
•
BASEBALL
•GOLF
•SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL
•SOCCER
•TENNIS
•TRACK

So here are some other sports I thought could be fun to watch plus high school sports are ultimately about giving kids an avenue to compete. So I offer you the Steve Braun future high schools sports list....drum roll please!

The first sport would be Arena Football. Partially because I enjoy the games and the party atmosphere. I think this would be a fun sport to see included in high school sports. The game is different and seems to benefit speed players and even smaller players.

So why not allow the high schools to play. Who wouldn't enjoy what a Jenks-Union Backyard Bowl arena football game in March or April? You could play the games at SoccerCity Tulsa where the field is 180x80 feet. Whereas the professional stadiums are 200x80 feet. It would be that big of a difference and I would love nothing more to see high school football games in the middle of Spring that truly matter.

This leads me to my second sport and that would be indoor soccer. The Charger Classic a soccer tournament hosted by Memorial was moved indoors due to all this snow. The games were being played at SoccerCity. It would be great to see an actual league. Indoor soccer is a physical game that involves some of the same things seen in hockey. Passes off the boards and minor "checks" into the boards as well. But the pace is high and the scoring can skyrocket sometimes.

Another sport that I think would be interesting now-a-days is 6-on-6 basketball. This would be a high defensively minded game. Many will remember the days of 6-on-6 women's basketball which had it's last days in Oklahoma in 1995. But let me explain how this would require more coaching and also would be interesting on the strategy of the game. Take the upcoming Elite Eight match-up of Oklahoma and North Carolina.

So if I was coaching OU in 6-on-6 my lineup would look like this:

O: Blake Griffin 6-10, 251lbs--He is the offense.

O: Willie Warren 6-4, 207 lbs--Second leading scorer and he could run the offense.

O: Tony Crocker 6-6, 206 lbs--He has good size and when he's knocking down shots he looks phenomenal. If he wasn't hitting I'd move him to defense quick.

D: Taylor Griffin 6-7, 238 lbs--He's a workhorse and plays physical but is versatile enough to guard a big guy but also covering a wing/shooter.

D: Juan Pattillo 6-6, 216 lbs--Versatile enough and has great hops that lends to him being able to block shots and change shots.

D: Austin Johnson 6-3, 176 lbs--He's got good length for a guard and is sneaky in his shot blocking and ability to steal at times.

Maybe I'm crazy thinking this would be cool but hey this is my list.

So there you have 3 sports that I think would be fun to see. Maybe I'll think of more and there will be another blog. If you agree, disagree, would like to submit your own sport, or have a question or something else you'd like me to discuss either comment on here or email me at steve.braun@vype.com.



A Step Back
By: steve88

I planned on having a blog talking about recruiting, looking forward to next year’s high school football and all that other fun stuff.


But then I was on facebook and fellow classmate and RSU basketball player Sylvester Spicer had a photo album of his little brother. His little brother that passed away unexpectedly while playing basketball this past week. To look at those pictures and see his friends comments and then some of his…I can’t even imagine. I don’t want to imagine a loss like that. I have a little brother of my own. I would consider him my best friend.


I’m new to this journalism/broadcasting thing and people ask me well why do you want to get into sports broadcasting? I always answer that I want to get paid to do something I love. But I think it’s also because sports have been a part of my family for a long time. I feel comfortable when dealing with sports because of that family aspect.


We joke in my family that my little brother grew up thinking he lived in a van because he was always shuttled along with me and my little sister from my soccer games to her ballet to my baseball games. When I started to play basketball my little brother was right there in the driveway wanting to join. He was usually regulated to chasing balls that went down the street.


I had the fun of helping coach my brother’s recreation soccer team along with my dad and cousin. It’s some of the most fun I’ve ever had and will be one of those memories that lasts with me for the rest of my life. I was the assistant coach of the tied for 1st place recreational soccer team in BA.


But I think we all have memories that make us smile about that someone we love. That’s what this is really all about. Be sure to let the ones you love know you love them. Whether it is by saying it or by your actions but let it be known. Cause you never know when your or you’re loved ones last day will come.


Big Spice my prayers go out to you and your family in what has to be a very rough time.


In elementary school I was in the choir and we sang a song titled “Irish Blessing” and I think it fits perfect for times like this.



May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be ever at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again.
May God hold you, May God hold you
Ever in the palm of his hand.





Until '09
By: steve88
So it's all over. With Union, Booker T, Glenpool, and Cascia bringing home the gold ball. It's awesome to be on the east side of the state and be able to see such championship football. Wonder what it's like on the west side of the state?

Maybe something like this?  Gilman if you're reading this...I kid I kid.

Anyways...sadly the world of high school football is over for 2008. Seems like just last week that the discussion was could Broken Arrow beat Union. (Yes They Can!) But now it's all over and there are somethings I'd like to recap.

-Broken Arrow beat Union. First time in a long time. Real long time. Like I was a year old the last time BA won long time ago. But it happened. Now BA can focus on winning a state championship sometime in the next 20 years. Taking baby steps, taking baby steps. Oh and we were introduced to a young man named Steven Hopper (more on him later).

-Union beat Jenks at Union Tuttle because H.A. Chapman Skelly Field that football facility at TU wasn't done yet. Anyways Union won then went on to win in the Championship game.

-Johnny Deaton. Was a pleasant surprise and led the Sandites to the playoffs. Maybe the best qb in the area and is only a junior. Can't wait to see him in action come spring ball and next fall.

-Claremore defense. Was impressive for a majority of the season. Held Muskogee to 3 offensive points. Held Jenks to -3 yards through one quarter. Zebra fans this unit was young as well and will return a lot of key players to a very stingy D.

-Union offense. Insane! Tracy Moore. Chase Boyce. Jeremy Smith (cue Chadwick describing him as Adrian Peterson's little brother). Brian DeShane. Alec Henry. The Roberson bros. You can just keep going on about the names. Thing is they were impressive and Smith closed the season with a bang at his future home Boone Pickens Stadium.

-Glenpool defense. Sensational. The Warrior defense only allowed 13 points in the regular season. Most teams give that up in the first game. Or the first two games. But over ten games they allowed 13 points total.

-Steven Hopper. The Broken Arrow running back didn't even plan to play football until other players talked him into it. Then an injury to Jerrod Green thrust Hopper into the starting job. His first game was against Union. Hopper broke a long touchdown that sealed the deal for the Tigers. By the end of the season he was the leading scorer in Broken Arrow history, had the most touchdowns in a season, and the most rushing yards in a season. Not bad for a guy that hadn't played football the year before. Heck somebody needs to write a book about this kid...hmmm...if this is my last blog for awhile you'll know what happened.

Just a few things. Oh and probably the coolest Vype cover ever was created during this football season.

It's just too bad we have to wait another 9 months. But until then there's spring football and passing league to wet you appetite. Yep...I can't wait for it all to begin again.



Finals
By: steve88
You may have clicked on this thinking oh some guy that writes for the Magazine has some thoughts on the State Finals.

Sorry you have come to the wrong place. I'm however preparing for Finals week since I'm still a college student yet my preparation has been watching ESPN and browsing the internet more than hitting the books.

So I'm guessing if you watch ESPN you've probably seen this commercial. The one with ORU basketball player Robert Jarvis and his basketball. The one that you feel sorry about because you know that he'll hear about this commercial every time he goes on the road. That is if the other student section is good and does just a little homework on the Golden Eagles. So here's the commercial I speak of:

Robert Jarvis "Just the two of us" commercial

The best part maybe when his teammates in the back of the car lip sync the women's vocals of "Just the two of us!" HAHAHA. It's a clever idea and everything by the ORU Marketing department. But it's just a little to...uhm...what's the word I can use..."cute"?!

Okay I'll talk a little bit about High School playoffs and the Finals. In 6A the most ridiculous thing is occurring Friday night as the Jenks-Union game is being played in Stillwater at Boone T. Pickens Stadium (Brent Musburger you idiot!). So Redskin and Trojan fans get the delight of driving over to Stilly to watch the game in the newly remodeled-refurbished-barely attended Boone Pickens Stadium. Myself...I'm going to be watching the game from the comfort of my couch.

Which brings me to my next point...I really hope there is a good play-by-play and color announcers for the game. The games are finally away from the joke that was the playoff coverage the last couple of years. But hopefully say a Bill Land will be calling the game. Or maybe get some of the guys from around the area that know the teams do the call. Just don't bring in a team of guys that have only watched the teams play on film on Thursday and received the roster then as well.

Well I'm gonna go take a nap with my text books under my pillow to hope it soaks into my brain.

Happy Finals to you!



Wonderful Weekend and Other Thoughts
By: steve88
This is the type of problem that I as a sports fan want to be in. That is what 2nd round playoff game to attend. I don't have to work at my other job and have the weekend free to watch games. The only question is which ones. Friday I have the choice of Norman North @ Union, MacArthur @ Coweta, and Clinton @ Checotah. Saturday I could go watch Guthrie @ Booker T, Bixby @ Carl Albert (ROAD TRIP!), Wagoner @ Glenpool, or Blanchard @ Cascia.

It  truly is a good problem. I promise.

I just don't know what I'll do. Those aren't the only games going on. It's just some of the many options. I'm like a kid in a candy store that has free range of whatever I want.

After having followed Claremore there are so many teams to see and just not enough time.

Other thoughts...

...all the focus President-elect Barack Obama is getting about wanting a playoff makes me wonder...Is that all it took was someone with some notoriety saying they thought a playoff in college football is a good idea?! I'm sure someone could have talked Jerry Seinfeld into making that push in between those ads with Bill Gates and him voicing a movie about bees.

...so it's been out for a while that the OSSAA had awarded the playoff television rights to Fox Sports Southwest and more specifically the newly created FS Oklahoma. Although theis is old news I think it's important to point out yet again as the State Football playoffs are under way and we as fans don't have to be relegated to that thing that was called a "statewide broadcast" the last couple of years.

...this past Saturday the Pride of Broken Arrow placed 6th at the Bands of America Grand Nationals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

That's all I have for now.



Broken Arrow vs. Jenks 2008: The Untold Story
By: bradb13
I felt the need to write about my experience I had at the BA-Jenks game earlier this season. Before I tell you about that night I must give you a little background on myself. I graduated in 2006 from Broken Arrow high school. Growing up I had to endure watching my dear Tigers get beat year in and year out by the evil empire known as the Jenks Trojans. Those memories still haunt me to this very day. Before the tears come let's fast forward to the 2008 version of this rivalry.

As I enjoyed watching the 1st half of the game from the comfort of the Broken Arrow sidelines, I was informed by my friend that we were going to go meet one of his friends over on the Jenks side of the field. Initially, I thought that it was going to be no big deal. Boy was I ever wrong. As I walked toward the Trojans side of the field I felt the ground under me start to get colder with every step. With every breath I took, I saw steam release from my mouth. I began to slip on patches of ice along the walkway.

Ok, maybe I am exaggerating a bit on those particular details but I did feel a chill moving down my spine. When we arrived at our destination I turned around to face the stands and realized that we were no more than 10 feet away from the Jenks student section known as the "Superfans". All of the students were dressed in black shirts, most had their face painted, and even one student was wearing a Saw mask. Suddenly, I came to the realization that I was no longer in the safety of Tiger-land. I started to hear cheers and chants from the Superfans that got my attention. But I remained calm and continued to watch the game.

Growing weary of the Tigers turning the ball over in the redzone over and over again, I started to get flustered by the Superfans. Their clever chants actually started to get to me. I thought that being 20 years old now I could be mature enough to just shrug them off. Unfortunately, my inner child started to have a hissy-fit. I remained a cool customer on the outside and tried to hide my reaction to a favorable Tiger play as best as I could but I felt myself getting weaker. As the game began to get out of reach for Broken Arrow I felt like a beaten and broken man.The Superfans had gotten in my head as well as they had gotten into the rest of the Broken Arrow faithful.

Finally, it was all over. Jenks had beaten the Tigers again. But this time I actually begin to see light at the end of this tunnel. This is the best Broken Arrow team I have seen in my lifetime. I actually believe this talented group can win it all. Cale Fulps has won me over along with coach Ron Lancaster. As we head into the high school playoffs I am focusing on mentally preparing myself for a rematch with the Superfans. And no I don't actually think that Jenks is evil. I have nothing but respect for what they have accomplished over the past years. But all I can do is end this with a plea to my alma mater. Give the Superfans nothing to chant about this playoff season.



The Braun Formula
By: steve88
So here it is the very thing that I can't stand...a computer ranking.

It's because I was bored and didn't want to do my homework.  At least that's what I'm going to blame it on.

So here's how my computer spit it out.

1-Jenks .8646

2-Broken Arrow .8125

3-Union .8021

4-Mustang .7604

4-Muskogee .7604

6-Edmond Santa Fe .75

7-Owasso .7292

8-Norman North .7188

9-Midwest City .6771

10-Edmond Memorial .6146

10-Edmond North .6146

Plus I just wanted to be as cool as Sawyer. Haha.



Zebra Stripes Being Earned
By: steve88
When I was offered and accepted the analyst job for the Claremore Zebra radio broadcast I didn't know what to think about this team.

After not making the playoffs last season while in 5A, I thought this season could be ugly. Playing in 6A and the most difficult district it didn't look promising.

But now after seven games and the Zebras are 3-4 it doesn't look all that bad. Especially after a loss to Top 10 Muskogee who had knocked off then No.1 Broken Arrow just two weeks prior.

Why am I so optimistic about this Zebra squad?

The fact that the two guys playing quarterback, Gavin Little and Levi Rudd, are both a junior and sophomore respectively. Little has played a majority of the season and has been impressive running the ball while Rudd has come on as of late and has stood strong in the pocket willing to get hit as he delivers the ball.

Sophomore Brian Varnell has been impressive in his back up role and ability to make catches in the flats. While Junior wide receiver Da'kota Basks (Baah-skiss) has made plays when the ball is in his hands.

But on a stingy defense, that has been able to contain a majority of teams to their season low, the majority of key players are juniors or even sophomores. At defensive end is 6-3, 215lbs junior Ethan Simpson who has great speed and seems to be wherever the ball is and making tackles. Three of the four linebackers are underclassmen with juniors James Tolson and Tyler Butcher and sophomore Josh Cunningham. Butcher is the leading tackler for the Zebras. Cunningham has been impressive while Tolson is undersized but an energetic, all-out player. At safety is Evan Crutchfield the "hardest hitter" on the team according to head coach Rob Gilbreath and Crutchfield is the second leading tackler on the team.

What does all this mean? That the Zebra are a team to keep an eye on. This team held the Jenks Trojans to negative yardage through three possessions and kept the Trojans to zero points until about 6 minutes left in the first half. The Zebra defense has allowed 104 yards through seven games which is an average of 14.9 points per game. Not bad for a defense that is out on the field for the majority of games.

I'm not saying the Zebras will be the surprise team next year but they could be a team that gives a good team a scare for a half or more. Something they've already done this season. Just ask the Muskogee Roughers and their fans.



Little Guys Can Win
By: steve88
It's been a week so I figured now was a good time to finally give my two cents on Broken Arrow's Cale Fulps winning the Top Gun National Challenge at Jenks. The senior QB not only took the state championship but also captured the national title.

What makes this so impressive isn't the fact that he's only listed at around 5-10 or 5-11 but the fact that he's not even considered one of the best quarterbacks in the state makes his win very surprising.

Sure the typical quarterback is somewhere over six feet in stature. But just look at a list of Big XII quarterbacks this season and you'll see that being at or under six feet doesn't make a difference.

Here's that list I was talking about...figured I'd have to find it for you to make my point cause you'd be too lazy to look for it yourself. Not that i'm talking about you I'm talking about the other person reading this right now. ANYWAYS here's the list:

Austen Arnaud/ Phillip Bates--Iowa State
Year: Sophomore / Sophomore Height, Weight: 6-3, 212 / 6-1, 215
Sam Bradford--Oklahoma
Year: Sophomore Height, Weight: 6-5, 213
Chase Daniel--Missouri
Year: Senior Height, Weight: 6-0, 225
Josh Freeman--Kansas State
Year: Junior Height, Weight: 6-6, 250
Joe Ganz--Nebraska
Year: Senior Height, Weight: 6-1, 210
Graham Harrell--Texas Tech
Year: Senior Height, Weight: 6-3, 200
Cody Hawkins--Colorado
Year: Sophomore Height, Weight: 5-11, 190 
Colt McCoy--Texas
Year: Junior Height, Weight: 6-3, 210
Stephen McGee--Texas A&M
Year: Senior Height, Weight: 6-3, 207
Todd Reesing--Kansas
Year: Junior Height, Weight: 5-11, 200
Zac Robinson--Oklahoma State
Year: Junior Height, Weight: 6-3, 205
Blake Szymanski--Baylor
Year: Junior Height, Weight: 6-4, 204
So what does all this madness mean?

It means that Cale Fulps should be regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the state. He showed his importance and talent last season for the Tigers. Fulps threw for 1,274 yards and completed 85-of-134 passes for nine touchdowns before being injured last year, his first under offensive coordinator Morris Watts. The Tigers offense wasn't nearly as impressive without Fulps last season and lost in the first round of the playoffs to Owasso.

Why isn't Fulps considered one of the top quarterbacks in the state?

Because he's 5-10 and 165 pounds.

But having the physical gifts doesn't make you a good quarterback. Just ask Ryan Leaf or Brent Rawls. No being a good quarterback requires one to be both smart and athletic. That's exactly what the Top Gun Challenge tested. Fulps won it. Maybe now he'll get considered as one of the top QBs.

Because if we don't recognize it now then he'll just have to prove it to all of us this season.

Hope the rest of 6A is ready.





« Last Page  |  viewing results 1-15 of 21  |  Next Page »