A
OKC 1 & 2
Choctaw Blue vs Bethany **Non Division** (Choctaw Blue) Choctaw made it to the Championship game a year ago and word is they picked up a couple more studs to go with what they return from a season ago. I honestly had no idea Bethany was in the INFC. Welcome! This is not your preferred introduction, but on the brightside it isn't all this bad.
Choctaw Gold vs Piedmont Gold **Non Division** (Piedmont Gold) I have no clue, but based on what we know this should be a fair assumption.
Edmond Maroon vs Yukon White (Edmond Maroon) Again I have 0 amount credible knowledge to make an educated statement here.
Edmond White vs Norman (Norman) See above..
Moore vs Choctaw White (Moore) See above the above.
Piedmont Blue vs Yukon Red (Yukon Red) Look even higher than that.
D1 TUL
BA Chrome vs Glenpool (Glenpool) Glenpool comes into the season on my short list of teams that might actually have a legitimate shot at usurping that great Bixby Blue squad. A few key additions gives Chaney & co some more options to play with. This should be a nice tune up game before a more serious test with BA White next week.
Bixby Blue vs Jenks Maroon (Bixby Blue) This Jenks Maroon team can look at this start a few different ways, but on the brightside it isn't going to get much tougher. Get this one out of the way early. Bixby Blue is a MACHINE.
BA White vs Stillwater (BA White) Got my first real look at Stillwater Week 1 Scrimmages. They have a nice little RB. BA is battle tested and more than prepared. I do think this could end up being a surprising and fun game to watch tho.
McAlester vs Tyaa Blue (Tyaa Blue) McAlester will fight the good fight, but Tyaa Blue is out to prove they still belong this year. Hear they have a couple of nice players they picked up as well. Defensively they have always been in the upper echelon with athletes all over the field. Rushing & co will have these kids ready to play.
Tulsa Yellowjackets vs Owasso Red (Owasso Red) Owasso is a pretty high energy team. I don't know much about South Tulsa, but this should be a nice opening game for the Rams.
D2 TUL
BA Silver vs Claremore (Claremore) Clare having won last years PST Tournament has got to be a huge momentum boost for this team. They are a super scrappy bunch and seem to keep getting better every week. This BA Silver team may be the team to give them a good look their 1st game. I think this team was BA Black last yr if I am told correctly.
Collinsville vs Bixby Red (Bixby Red) This Collinsville group will fight hard, but Big Red is on a mission. I think Bixby Red may be the only legit threat to BA Gold in D2.
Jenks Silver vs Bartlesville Blue (Bartlesville Blue) This game is going to be a fun one and should tell us more about both teams. I know we are just getting started, but I truly think the winner of this game will have the inside track on the #3 Playoff spot for D2, while the lower may be on the outside looking in. If it is a close game then all bets are off, but if 1 should happen to run away from the other then they may have indeed be a legitimate contender for #2 or even #1 seed in D2. #27 gives Blue a shot in almost any game.
Owasso Black vs BA Gold (BA Gold) I think Owasso has the guys upfront to keep this one interesting for a little bit, but I don't know if they have the offensive firepower to pull it off. If they can keep it close then they have every chance. In the end BA speed proves too much. This Owasso Black team is one on the rise to me tho.
Skiatook vs Sand Springs Gold (Sand Springs Gold) This is a toss up really. Gold has some good looking kids, but they aren't SS Black. Skiatook is a tough team. I watched them in the 2nd scrimmages a bit and I liked what they were trying to do. At 1st glance the TE they had catching the ball looked like he may be over. Maybe he isn't at all tho and if that is the case they will continue to fine tune that and be alright. Kid looks like a stud.
D3 TUL
Bartlesville White vs Bye (Bartlesville White) The Bruins shut the clock off Friday night in a laugher.
BA Black vs Tyaa Red (Tyaa Red) Tyaa Red was the best team in 3rd grade IMO. I have heard this and that about this year, but if they have their top 5 back I will take them against most. This is a tough way to start the season for the Tigers. Just staying healthy is a win because these Bulldogs bring it every play.
Coweta Black vs Muskogee (Muskogee) Low key GOTW material here. Both of these teams fight for the Playoffs in D2, but it is going to be a steep hill to climb in D3. Another Week1 eliminator IMO. Jr is top5 kid in the grade with the ball in space no doubt. Hard to bet against him.
LC vs Union Silver (LC) Coach Smalls and Union Silver will battle till the end, but ultimately this LC team is just on another level compared to most. With the coaches still being able to be on the field I'd imagine that they want to keep fine tuning that uptempo style of offense to have it ready for week 3. I could be wrong, but either way this LC team is just too tough.
Sand Springs Black vs Ft Gibson (Ft Gibson) **GOTW** This is a hell of a way to start the season. A loss for either one really put them behind the 8 ball all season long in terms of the Playoffs as that means the laser would almost certainly have to beat 1 or sweep both Tyaa Red and LC to get in. Besting 1 of the 2 would make it come down to points in the end IMO because I really don't see there being a 3 way split. Not to be the harbinger of doom, but this Division is that stacked. It is going to be a fun one to watch, but neither coaching staff gets much experience the night before this one. Ft Gibson has added a nice piece or 2 so I lean there today. #6 vs #24 get your🍿 ready baby!
AA 1 & 2
Catoosa vs Rejoice Christian (Non Division)
(Catoosa) This one is another lowkey good one or at least has my attention. Not sure if they lined up opposite one another last Saturday, but they no doubt got a good look at each other. Catoosa has always had some nice skill guys and it looks as tho they picked up some size. They played with some good confidence on Saturday and that is always huge. Rejoice looks the part upfront and defensively tackles well the set I seen. If that back is actually under to run the ball they could be a real problem for us all once they get rolling. The score of this game interests me a good deal.
Holland Hall vs Union Black (Holland Hall) The Dutch have some real speed where it matters most. Not overly big, but they have athletes everywhere. If Union can keep it close then it is a win for the rest of us.
Bishop Kelley vs Coweta White **Non Division** (Coweta White) #24 for Coweta is just too much. No doubt BK will fight hard tho and if they can keep it close anything can happen. Either I expect both teams to play hard.
Metro Christian vs Hilldale **Non Division** (Hilldale) I never go against my boys. Metro is one of only Eastside teams I haven't at least seen film on. They are an enigma. My history of playing them tells me we will have our hands full. Looking forward to a fun game.
Sapulpa vs Bixby White **GOTW AA #1** (Sapulpa)
This game is a huge game for AA1 as I see these 2 teams as favorites along with Verdigris for the top 3 spots. To play a game of this magnitude this early on can either be a blessing or a curse. They have 2 contrasting styles so 1 has to give. Sapulpa was a Playoff team a season ago so for now I will have to lean that way, but it will not surprise me in the least if my buddy from way back A Wade & co pull this one off. I want to see this one in person. My heart says Bixby and my mind says Sapulpa. I may switch it up before Saturday.
Verdigris vs Berryhill **Non Division** **AA GOTW #2** (Berryhill)
IMO this is another huge game for AA although it holds no bearing in the standings other than a W. If things worked out just right it could be these 2 teams playing for it all come November. I feel like Berryhill was the best AA team I seen thru scrimmages and I think they will be tough for anyone to beat. They boast a really good line and tough scrappy backs. Verdi has 2 of the more dynamic players in AA in the RB/WR and that super aggressive and fast OL/DL. If nothing else this will be a good measuring stick for where the Dirty Birds stand early on. This is another one I would love to watch. If it is close Verdi will be a clear threat to win AA1 no doubt about it.
As usual all in fun and EPO. I wish you all the best this season and look forward to chopping it up with you guys and meeting some more of you as well as the season goes forward. Most importantly I want to pray for the safety of our kids and for safe travels for everyone during the season. Go Hornets!