Area teams out to seal playoff berths

Sitting around in one of our coaches’ offices recently, we were talking about how fast the football season goes after getting things started.

Those pre-season practices just seem to drag under the intense heat and then you start the season and the next thing you know the playoffs have arrived.

Well, we are still one week away from the playoffs and for the Lawton and surrounding area football teams, there are some mighty big games this week.

Some of those include Lawton High at Guthrie, McGuinness at MacArthur, Midwest City at Duncan, North Rock Creek at Anadarko, Texhoma at Apache and Wynnewood at Walters.

So, here goes and remember, home teams are listed in all-capital letters and we don’t pick games involving the five Comanche County teams, so we won’t offer a pick in the Battle of the Wichitas with No. 1 Elgin visiting Cache Friday:

Thursday’s games

Mt. View-Gotebo 45, BRAY-DOYLE 6—Tigers may not be as strong as they have been over the past couple of seasons but they will roll in this one.

Friday’s games

Eisenhower 48, OC GRANT 14—Eagles will have little trouble in this game since the Generals haven’t won this season and are in a rebuilding mode.

GUTHRIE 42, Lawton High 21—Wolverines are in the playoffs and they seem in good shape to finish third in District 5A-2 even with a loss Friday thanks to a head-to-head win over Noble.

MacARTHUR 35, McGuinness 14—With a forecast of rain, we feel good about Mac’s rushing game with a good offensive line and several talents backs, plus quarterback Aivan Locklin is also a running threat.

CARL ALBERT 42, Altus 13—Titans are just too powerful and will be a top contender for the Class 5A title for the fifth straight year.

Midwest City 27, DUNCAN 21—This might be a good game if the Demons can slow down the Bombers.

North Rock Creek 28, ANADARKO 21—Another good matchup which the Warriors can win with a strong defensive effort.

MARLOW 36, Little Axe 6—Outlaws are fine-tuning for the playoffs and their defense will take charge early in this one.

Stratford 28, FREDERICK 12—We saw Stratford and it can get the job done with good size and some quickness. The Bombers just won’t have the firepower to make it close.

HOLDENVILLE 48, Comanche 6—Holdenville has the district title wrapped up and the Indians are done for the season after this game.

APACHE 26, Texhoma 21—Not sure about this pick but the Warriors hold their own playoff hopes and need a win to advance. Apache’s defense is going to have to play its best in this one.

Mangum 42, CARNEGIE 12—Mangum just has too much quickness and a win gives the Tigers a district title and that’s an added edge.

Empire 28, WAURIKA 14—We know this game is in Waurika but the Bulldogs have won big games on the road and we feel their defense is just a bit better.

WALTERS 27, Wynnewood 21—Another big Class A battle but the Blue Devils have a good bunch and we see them being just touch better on offense with Coach Faron Griffin’s pop being tough to defend.

Snyder 42, CENTRAL HIGH 14—Cyclones have a better club and are wanting to get some momentum entering the playoffs.

CYRIL 36, Thackerville 28—Both teams lost by the same 50-0 score to Weleetka so when all else fails, pick the home team.

Ryan 48, GRANDFIELD 12—Ryan has another good club and while the Bearcats have improved, this would be a tall task to win for the home team.

Last week: 15-3, 83.8 percent. Season: 105-33, 76.9 percent.