Football Forecast

Week 8: District Drive
Separation week proved to be our best prediction week of the season, hitting on over 87 percent to move past the 80 percent plateau for the overall season. Class A was the best where our prognosticators selected 26 of 27 winners correctly. Now it's the drive for district titles around the state, including several matchups of unbeatens in this week's Big Ten contests.
Last Week: 151-22 (.873); Season: 999-238 (.808)

The Big Ten

#3 Deer Creek at #1 Guthrie
Our Take: (Class 5A) As we mentioned before a Week 4 win over Carl Albert, Deer Creek was attempting to put itself among the class's elite. Guthrie, like Carl Albert, is already there. The Bluejays are the defending state champs and, despite a key offensive injury, have been rolling right along. However, both teams have done it against suspect schedules, playing the likes of Guymon and Western Heights along the way. With Carl Albert being the common foe, both grabbed narrow wins in those contests. Guthrie's proven time and time again it can win "the big game" and this one certainly is as the winner could place as high as district champ and the loser could potentially fall all the way to third place. However, it's pure instinct telling us this one belongs to Deer Creek in an upset.
Our Pick: Deer Creek 24, Guthrie 21

#3 Ryan at #1 Tipton
Our Take: (Class C) Showdown for District C-2 supremacy between two of the four remaining unbeatens in Class C. Top-ranked Tipton has been flat amazing defensively, yielding only eight total points in seven contests. The Tigers have been solid offensively with over 50 points a contests with a host of runners that average over 11 yards per attempt as a team. Ryan hasn't quite been as dominant but hasn't had too many difficulties outscoring opponents by an average of 45-12. The Cowboys rely heavily on the ground with an eye-popping 358 yards a contest along with 34 touchdowns. Junior Tyler Brown is the ringleader, averaging over 11 yards per carry.
Our Pick: Tipton 42, Ryan 14

#5 Edmond Santa Fe at #7 Norman
Our Take: (Class 6A) District 6A-4 supremacy is at stake in this one as both teams enter without a district loss. Norman is coming off a big "upset" of Southmoore in which the Tigers were sparked by a goal-line stand. However, the Tigers haven't gone up against an offense this potent. With the exception of a 13-point hiccup against Edmond North, the Justice Hansen-led Wolves have been completely unstoppable, scoring almost at-will. The've scored more points than anyone in Class 6A, 30 more than the second-place team. The defense has been questionable at times, but the offense makes up for it. Look for a shootout.
Our Pick: Edmond Santa Fe 48, Norman 35

#2 Cascia Hall at #7 Fort Gibson
Our Take: (Class 4A) As has been the case in recent years, Cascia Hall sports one of the top defenses in the state, yielding less than 10 points a contest once again. The "Blue Swarm" has been aided by a solid rushing attack as well keyed by 1,000-yard rusher Abrm McQuarters. Fort Gibson meanwhile has been one of the surprises of the season after posting no more than four victories any season since 2005. The Tigers have averaged more than 43 points a game with Jake Gandara one of the top runners in 4A with 1,000 yards on the ground along with 19 touchdowns. Key will be whether the Tigers can stop the Commando offensive attack.
Our Pick: Cascia Hall 24, Fort Gibson 14

#8 Cleveland at #1 Wagoner
Our Take: (Class 4A) Strong starts are nothing new to Cleveland over the past couple of seasons but finishing is a different story. The Tigers however seem to have all the ingredients in an experienced unit that combines one of the top passers in 4A and a solid defense. Quarterback Chas Stallard has amassed more than 2,000 yards of total offense and 25 touchdowns. Since an opening loss to 5A Coweta, defending state champ Wagoner has been virtually unstoppable. Lawrence Evitt is one of the top rushers in the entire state with 1,671 yards and 21 scores. Expect some offensive fireworks in this one.
Our Pick: Wagoner 38, Cleveland 34

#7 Tulsa Kelley at #8 McAlester
Our Take: (Class 5A) It looked like graduation got the best of these two as both struggled out of their respective gates this season. Tulsa Kelley dropped its first two games of the season while McAlester lost all three of its non-district contests. However, the last month-plus has been much more kind and both enter the game tied with Memorial atop the 5A-3 standings with 4-0 marks. Both have to play Memorial yet, but the winner of this contest could finish as high as district champ while the loser could potential drop to third, which means a first-round playoff game on the road. McAlester has won the last two, but this is a much-less-experienced Buffs squad. We'll go with the Comets by a field goal.
Our Pick: Tulsa Kelley 23, McAlester 20

#5 Cashion at #8 Crescent
Our Take: (Class A) Crescent has fed off last year's strong finish and playoff appearance for a perfect 7-0 start. The Tigers haven't been challenged since an opening win over Newkirk but also haven't beaten a team with a winning record thus far. They are however averaging more than 45 points a game with a balanced assault of 172 yards rushing and 202 yards passing per contest. Junior Michael Cronister is the rushing leader with 798 yards and 12 touchdowns while Preston Walker has thrown for 1,416 yards and 20 scores. Senior QB Ty Reasnor is the focal point of the Cashion offense, averaging almost 250 yards per game through the air alone. Cashion won last year's matchup 35-21.
Our Pick: Cashion 35, Crescent 27

#4 Texhoma at #9 Fairview
Our Take: (Class A) Battle of unbeatens that will likely determine the District A-1 title. It's been a strong resurgence for Fairview this season but how far have the Yellowjackets progressed since their 50-14 loss to Texhoma a season ago. Fairview's closest outing thus far was a 19-point win over Tonkawa while Texhoma has been even more dominant with the Red Devils' closest outing a 62-30 triumph against Beaver. Fairview's Grant Nightengale has been outstanding with more than 2,300 yards of offense and 19 touchdowns. Texhoma counters with a bit more balance as QB Jack Powers had 1,000 yards of total offense and 12 scores while Bryson Beattie has added over 1,000 total yards and 16 touchdowns.
Our Pick: Texhoma 28, Fairview 21

#9 Jones at #3 Tuttle
Our Take: (Class 3A) The hits keep on coming for Jones as it's made the move up to Class 3A. Last week the Longhorns got a dose of Blanchard. This week it gets, we suspect, even tougher with Tuttle. However, this should be Tuttle first real test of the season. While the Tigers haven't played an awful schedule, it's not exactly littered with teams tearing it up this year. To ther credit, they've taken car of business, holding all but one team to seven points or less while allowing the second-fewest points (29) in the class. Jones, smarting after that loss to Blanchard, will be the best offense the Tigers have seen. David Cornwell is a top-notch quarterback who could give the Tigers fits. On the flip side, Tuttle will be every bit as strong and physical, if not more so, than Blanchard was last week. It should make for a fun matchup.
Our Pick: Tuttle 27, Jones 20

Seq. Claremore at #6 Verdigris
Our Take: (Class 3A) District titles likely aren't in these two teams' futures as both have three-point losses to Berryhill this season. However, second place in District 3A-5 is still a possibility as is a fourth-place finish. One is as desirable as the other is dreaded, so this game has big implications. The Eagles were the latest to nearly pull off an upset of Berryhill, dropping a 17-14 decision last week. They've certainly tested themselves this season as they also have losses to Seminole and 4A Sallisaw. Verdigris has done its part as well, beating Perkins-Tryon and also picking up a huge 23-20 win last week over Metro Christian. We suspect both teams will be able to score, but it won't be a shootout. In the end, Verdigris will have just a little more firepower.
Our Pick: Verdigris 27, Seq. Claremore 23

Statewide Picks

Class 6A
Thursday
Broken Arrow 56, Tulsa Edison 0
Edmond North 48, Moore 7
Jenks 60, Muskogee 6
Lawton 62, Putnam West 13
Mustang 39, Choctaw 14
Owasso 48, Enid 14
Putnam City 27, Bixby 26
Stillwater 33, Sand Springs 30
Union 47, Bartlesville 14
Yukon 31, Midwest City 28

Friday
Edmond Santa Fe 48, Norman 35
Lawton Ike 48, U.S. Grant 0
Norman North 31, Putnam North 27
Southmoore 35, Edmond Memorial 17
Tulsa Washington 30, Ponca City 13
Westmoore 31, Sapulpa 21

Class 5A
Thursday
Carl Albert 67, Guymon 0
Claremore 31, Tulsa Central 13
Coweta 37, Grove 14
Deer Creek 24, Guthrie 21
Duncan 29, Southeast 18
El Reno 42, Western Heights 7
Pryor 27, Tahlequah 17
Shawnee 28, Durant 20
Tulsa East Central 26, Collinsville 20
Tulsa Memorial 59, Skiatook 13

Friday
Ardmore 55, Capitol Hill 0
Del City 38, Chickasha 18
Lawton Mac 42, Altus 8
McGuinness 63, Northwest 0
Noble 35, Tulsa Hale 20
Tulsa Kelley 23, McAlester 20

Class 4A
Thursday
Ada 45, Harrah 7
Anadarko 53, Piedmont 6
Cascia Hall 24, Fort Gibson 14
Catoosa 42, Tulsa Webster 0
Douglass 24, McLoud 7
Glenpool 21, Tecumseh 13
Mannford 36, Santa Fe South 12
Oologah 24, Tulsa McLain 22
Poteau 31, Muldrow 13
Sallisaw 28, Broken Bow 14
Vinita 27, Miami 13
Wagoner 38, Cleveland 34
Weatherford 32, Elgin 13
Woodward 27, Cache 14

Friday
Clinton 44, Elk City 7
Stilwell 33, Tulsa Rogers 20

Class 3A
Thursday
Berryhill 48, Blackwell 0
Bethany 27, Prague 20
Blanchard 35, Mount St. Mary 13
Chandler 31, Kellyville 13
Checotah 38, Idabel 8
Dewey 29, Locust Grove 19
Henryetta 35, Okmulgee 9
Hilldale 31, Keys 17
Kingfisher 56, Bethel 14
Lincoln Christian 49, Westville 6
Madill 33, Sulphur 14
Marlow 30, Little Axe 14
Metro Christian 39, Sperry 10
Morris 24, Inola 19
Pauls Valley 38, Atoka 13
Perkins-Tryon 21, Cushing 19
Plainview 39, Dickson 22
Purcell 27, Lone Grove 23
Roland 41, Eufaula 10
Seminole 38, Bristow 18
Seq. Tahlequah 37, Jay 17
Spiro 35, Valliant 24
Stigler 37, Heavener 18
Verdigris 27, Seq. Claremore 23
Victory Christian 31, Beggs 7

Friday
Bridge Creek 27, Star Spencer 13
Newcastle 33, John Marshall 18
Tuttle 27, Jones 20
Heritage Hall 48, OK Centennial 8

Class 2A
Thursday
Adair 38, Oklahoma Union 8
Alva 42, Tonkawa 7
Caney Valley 47, Chouteau 12
Chelsea 22, Pawhuska 20
Chisholm 38, Pawnee 14
Coalgate 35, Marietta 18
Colcord 28, Ketchum 20
Commerce 39, Salina 10
Davis 56, Kingston 0
Dibble 38, Crooked Oak 20
Frederick 58, Hinton 24
Hartshorne 34, Gore 22
Hennessey 48, Newkirk 14
Hobart 29, Comanche 27
Holdenville 19, Wellston 14
Kansas 31, Wyandotte 28
Lexington 38, Tishomingo 8
Lindsay 59, Riverside 7
Meeker 29, Mounds 27
Nowata 41, Regent Prep 7
Okemah 49, Konawa 7
Oklahoma Christian 38, Christian Heritage 17
Perry 35, Luther 28
Pocola 44, Antlers 7
Quapaw 33, Hulbert 19
Stroud 39, Haskell 14
Vian 61, Wilburton 7
Washington 39, Mangum 13

Friday
Hugo 22, Panama 20
Millwood 48, Northeast 7

Class A
Thursday
Bray-Doyle 38, Wilson 16
Caddo 42, Maysville 6
Carnegie 33, Pioneer 24
Cashion 35, Crescent 27
Healdton 42, Walters 15
Hollis 45, Sayre 0
Kiefer 40, Drumright 0
Liberty 39, Foyil 13
Minco 42, Crossings Christian 0
Mooreland 30, Hooker 28
Morrison 48, Barnsdall 12
Okeene 52, Beaver 6
Oklahoma Bible 42, Turpin 13
Ringling 35, Empire 14
Rush Springs 20, Velma-Alma 14
Savanna 34, Quinton 8
Snyder 32, Burns Flat 14
Summit Christian 56, Hominy 38
Texhoma 28, Fairview 21
Thomas 36, Cordell 7
Tulsa NOAH 24, Watonga 17
Warner 47, Fairland 12
Wayne 41, Wewoka 7
Wynnewood 53, Stratford 0
Yale 43, Depew 6

Friday
Afton 34, Porter 21
Apache 27, Anadarko JV 13
Central Sallisaw 30, Canadian 14
Talihina 55, Haileyville 0

Class B
Thursday
Alex 52, Central Marlow 30
Allen 66, Macomb 18
Canton 42, Medford 14
Covington-Douglas 32, Garber 28
Cyril 62, Geary 12
Davenport 58, Cave Springs 8
Dewar 56, Porum 0
Fox 64, Waurika 6
Keota 34, Gans 26
Laverne 52, Merritt 6
Paoli 46, OCA 22
Pond Creek-Hunter 60, Seiling 14
Ringwood 64, Waukomis 18
Watts 34, Copan 12
Welch 38, Agra 28
Weleetka 70, Strother 20
Wetumka 62, Bowlegs 6
Woodland 28, South Coffeyville 24

Friday
Coyle 52, Oaks 16
Rejoice Christian 56, Riverfield 0

Class C
Thursday
Bluejacket 66, Kremlin-Hillsdale 14
Carney 50, Gracemont 0
Cherokee 48, Timberlake 0
Corn Bible 60, Mountain View-Gotebo 12
Forgan 54, Buffalo 6
Grandfield 42, Cement 12
Maud 38, Southwest Covenant 36
Sharon-Mutual 46, Balko 14
Shattuck 52, Goodwell 6
Temple 46, Duke 0
Thackerville 64, Arkoma 12
Tipton 42, Ryan 14
Tyrone 68, Waynoka 22
Webbers Falls 65, Sasakwa 18
Wesleyan Christian 64, Prue 26

Friday
Deer Creek-Lamont 56, Claremore Christian 8

article updated on 10/18/12 12:16