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Let Me Clear My Mind
By: steve88
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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?
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Spring Football Is Almost Over?!
By: steve88
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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
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It's Over, It's Over!!!!
By: steve88
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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!!!
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Someday Over the Rainbow...
By: steve88
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...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. Â 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.
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A Step Back
By: steve88
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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.
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Until '09
By: steve88
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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.
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Finals
By: steve88
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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!
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Wonderful Weekend and Other Thoughts
By: steve88
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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.
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Broken Arrow vs. Jenks 2008: The Untold Story
By: bradb13
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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.
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The Braun Formula
By: steve88
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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. Â 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.
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Zebra Stripes Being Earned
By: steve88
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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.
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Little Guys Can Win
By: steve88
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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, 190Â
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.
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Reason to Watch
By: steve88
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With the VYPE Oklahoma Football Preview out on newstands everywhere, I have become more and more pumped about High School Football season and we'll football season in general. The most interesting thing about this season's high school football season maybe the fact that the talent level in Oklahoma is incredible.
How incredible?
Dark Knight incredible.
Don't believe me?
That's fine but according to the amount of players committing to major colleges it just goes to show that there is talent in Oklahoma.
Quick list of kids that have already committed:
QB:Dax Dilbeck-Edmond Deer Creek->Oregon State
RB:Jeremy Smith-Union->Oklahoma State
RB:Beau Blankenship-Norman North->Iowa State
TE:Greg Brown-Bixby->Tulsa
OL:Gavin Howard-Owasso->Kansas
OL:Michael Bowie-Sand Springs->Kansas State
OL:Keenan Taylor-Booker T Washington->Kansas State
OL:Brandon Webb-Owasso->Oklahoma State
OL:Brian DeShane-Union->Tulsa
DL:Robert Thomas-Muskogee->Kansas State
LB:Gus Jones-Wagoner->Oklahoma
LB:Ronnell Lewis-Dewar->Oklahoma
LB:Cody Wilson-Lincoln Christian->Tulsa
DB:David Gordon-East Central->Arkansas
DB:Justin Skillens-Booker T Washington->Tulsa
OKAY...not such a quick list but it proves my point.
Thing is the number one "All-Purpose Back" in the nation resides in Oklahoma. His name is David Oku and he lives in Midwest City...playing for Carl Albert. If you've seen him play then you understand. The kid has more juke than a jukebox. And yes I just typed that. You're chance to see him play here in Tulsa is week one of the High School football season against Booker T Washington at S.E. Williams Stadium.
On the defensive side of the ball, we as Oklahoma High School football fans are lucky to have the nation's number three cornerback playing right here in our great state. The cornerback is Gabe Lynn of Jenks. He's being courted by everyone, everywhere. From Nebraska to North Carolina to Southern Cal to Oklahoma, it's easy to see how Lynn is considered the best player in the state by many. He's got the size and speed that makes him a freak compared to other high school players and the perfect combination for college recruiters.
This maybe one of the best groups of talent in Oklahoma High School football history. I say maybe because well, I'm only 20 and can't think of a better one in the last five years or so. Sure there has been more talent at the top but this is the best talent throughout the class. Just look at the diversification of schools that players are going to.
The one that stands out to me is OREGON STATE.
Yes the Oregon State Beavers have come all the way to Oklahoma for football talent. Think about how far away that is. Now think about the price of gas. That's got to be a pretty good player.
Why do I say all this? Get out and watch this talent. This maybe one of those football seasons that you will be able to mention when you're sitting watching college and NFL football in a couple of years because well...you saw them when they were in high school.
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Hot Stove Season for HS Football?
By: steve88
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If you fell asleep in the last week or so well you've missed out on a lot when it comes to high school football.There have been a few key transfers that happened in the last week or two. With Edison athlete Terrell Williams transferred to Union and Broken Arrow junior quarterback Dillon Wallace who was expected to be the starter next season transferred to East Central. Beau Marsaln has transferred from Blackwell to Jenks with the intent of winning the Trojans current QB race.
Williams transfer is probably the biggest difference maker of the three as he is considered one of the better recruits in the state. At Edison he saw time at multiple positions, qb, rb, wr, and lb. Adding Williams to a Redskin offense that already posseses great talent at wr, rb, and te makes them all the scarier.
The transfer of Marsaln is an interesting one to say the least. At 6-3 and 205lbs he has the size that college coaches and hs coaches like. He also has made it happen on the field during games, having lit up 2A the previous two seasons. Entering his junior season Marsaln could replace Mark Ginther quite nicely, a feat many thought was impossible.
Dillon Wallace transferring to East Central has an impact on both teams. For East Central it appears that the Cardinals have found a replacement for the now departed Brooklyn Fox and lucky for them it's a junior that will lead the way. Wallace preformed well in limited time last season for BA and will possibly be the front runner for the starting job at East Central if he can get the offense down. The loss of Wallace hurts BA as they are now looking for a back-up quarterback that can play and keep the offense from missing a beat. The reason for concern is that starting qb Cale Fulps is undersized and has yet to complete a full season as the starter. He was the starter his sophomore season but split time with then junior Braden Chenowith. Last season as a junior, Fulps was injured and missed nearly half the season. If Fulps stays healthy this season then the loss of Wallace isn't as big of a factor this season. If Fulps is injured it will be interesting to see who will be the starter.Next season is where it becomes interesting for the Tigers as Wallace was suppose to be groomed under offensive coordinator Morris Watts and ready to lead the Tigers to the promise land in what would be Ron Lancaster's third and final season as the Tigers head coach. Now the plan seems to have been thrown a kink as Wallace is no longer there. This now makes Broken Arrow a very intriguing place for a young quarterback that is looking to move-in to a 6A school and compete for the starting qb job.
Makes waiting for the start of the high school football season all the more difficult.
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So I Have A Problem...Anyone With Me?
By: steve88
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Its summer time…School is out…Sunscreen sales are skyrocketing…and they only thing people think about when they hear High School is the swimming pool or High School Musical 3. But me? I think of only one thing when I hear High School and that’s…
FOOTBALL
I know it’s an obsession of mine. I have a problem. I haven’t been diagnosed yet…cause we’ll I’m a rare case. I’m telling everyone on here about my problem because maybe someone is the same way. But I think I’m a severe case. Like right now I’m thinking about how good a team the Bixby Spartans will have. I mean look at that back ***** with juniors Dalton Irvin and DeWitt Jennings at running back and junior quarterback Kevin Lamb. Plus they have Tyler McGrew returning at wide receiver and arguably the best tight end in the state in Greg Brown.See there I went…giving an analysis of a Bixby Spartan team that won’t suit up for their first game of the ’08 season for another couple of months.
I look through the paper and there is mention about the Jenks Trojans and Mark Ginther. It’s usually about him as a pitcher…he is going to Oklahoma State on a baseball scholarship. But all I can think about is how is Coach Trimble going to replace Ginther on the football *****? Or in that case Chris Adkins, Tony Gillespie and a whole cast of players that were key cogs in the Jenks football championship machine. I have a problem will somebody help?!
I drive by Union High School and the thoughts of Jeremy Smith, Tracey Moore, and crew lighting up the scoreboard. I mean I can’t wait until they play Jenks and Broken Arrow. Smith is one of the best running backs in the state. Or according to Austin Chadwick he is a freak and I quote “Could be confused for A.D.’s (Vikings RB Adrian Peterson) little brother!” Breathe Austin, Breathe! If Smith has a fan club, Chadwick is the President. Who am I kidding Austin probably started the thing.
Or what about over at Broken Arrow…QB Cale Fulps will begin what seems like his 5th season at quarterback for the Tigers (No he’s not Shawnee’s Tucker Brown). In Ron Lancaster’s second year I can’t wait to see more of Jr. Running back Jerrod Green or linebackers Jon Bullock and Terry Williamson causing havoc yet again. Oh and the Tigers may have the greatest offensive line tandem in the area in Alvin Bailey and Aaron Kannard.
How about in Muskogee where the Roughers will suit up for the first time in four years without Jameel Owens? I can guarantee the Roughers won’t be lining up with 5 receivers this year. What will this Muskogee team look like? Heck I don’t think a lot of people know. There will be more running and the “Legion of Doom” will be counted upon even more, especially early in the season.
Then there is the Ow***o Rams. They made some noise last season and return a lot of the offense that got them there. Like Jacques Washington…he started with the phrase “KingJack’s younger brother” prefacing his name prior to the season but by the end of the season had changed the prefacing phrase to “the explosive” Jacques Washington. Oh yeah, don’t forget about the big man up front on the o-line that has college coaches everywhere making a stop in Ow***o…Mr. Brandon Webb. Dude is big…and GOOD.
You have new coaches in Claremore, Sapulpa, Collinsville, and Ada, among others. Trandy Birch finally gets his long awaited shot at coaching at the 6A level at Sapulpa and will bring his spread attack along with him. Claremore will get to play with the “Big Boys” in 6A. I just can’t wait!
Will this be the year that someone other than Jenks and Union win the state title in 6A? Will Pat McGrew and the Bixby Spartans finally crash the 5A party? I don’t know but we have a while until high school football season starts. But spring ball is underway and p***ing leagues are coming soon to give me my fix…last year Union won the Frontier Conference P***ing League can they accomplish the repeat? (YES! I just referenced a p***ing league champion.)
I know I have a problem…I’m hoping I’ll be looked at as motivation to others to be comfortable with this problem and come out and receive help. You’re not alone. We can get through this together…maybe…cause it is a long time till the season starts.
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