City, area teams face critical district games

There is nothing better than having several very important district matchups, fall break and a cold front arrive the same week and while some are posting photos from the edge of Lake Lawtonka, this writer is busy trying to figure out just which teams will prevail this week.

There are 16 area teams playing Thursday night and then Friday there are just two games but their impact will likely clear up the district standings for two Lawton teams. MacArthur heads to Midwest City for a District 5A-1 showdown and Eisenhower will be hosting Piedmont in an important District 6AII-1 battle at Cameron Stadium.

Among the interesting games tonight are El Reno and Lawton High clashing in a District 5A-2 contest and Weatherford visiting Elgin for a showdown of 3-0 teams in District 4A-1. There is also a showdown in 2A-2 where Marlow visits Washington in a battle of unbeatens in that district race.

Down the list are other important games with Minco at Walters in Class A, and in 3A, Pauls Valley at Anadarko as the Warriors try to improve their district record as they try to take a big step to a playoff berth.

One thing that we’ve seen in past seasons is that with some families taking trips this week, attendance drops, which can often affect just how teams perform. So if at all possible, get out and support your favorite team and be sure and take along a jacket. Yes, finally we are getting a slight test of football weather. So, here we go with this week’s picks and remember, home teams are listed in all-capital letters:

Thursday’s games

LAWTON HIGH 27, El Reno 20—The Wolverines have jumped out to a 3-0 record in district but the toughest games are still ahead. The LHS offense now features athletic Pene Vasiagote back at quarterback and this will be a great opportunity for the Wolverines to find its stride and pick up a huge win.

ELGIN 35, Weatherford 14—The Eagles are going to be the toughest test in District 4A-1 for the Owls, however, we’ve seen both teams and Elgin has more offensive weapons, a huge, talented offensive line, plus a stingy defense.

CACHE 28, Bridge Creek 7—The Bulldogs should be able to move the ball effectively against BC and we think another week of work by the Cache defense will pay off with a good outing.

McGuinness 28, DUNCAN 21—Demons can be dangerous on offense but the defense was suspect against MacArthur last week, getting gashed numerous times on the ground.

ANADARKO 21, Pauls Valley 20—Not sure about this contest but the Warriors are at home and they are playing well on both sides of the ball. Defense must step up big time tonight.

WASHINGTON 28, Marlow 21—The Outlaws can win this game but having to go on the road against the No. 1-ranked Warriors is no easy task.

Christian Heritage 35, FREDERICK 14—Christian Heritage has beaten some good teams but it also lost to a couple of Christian schools. Bombers are young but getting better.

BEGGS 32, Comanche 12—Indians have been struggling to get defensive stops and this will be another tough game for Comanche.

Apache 27, SOUTHWEST COVENANT 21—Warriors held off a really good Thomas team last week, 34-33, to get a big District AII-5 win but Apache has to tighten up its defense if it expects to get what would be a big district win tonight.

Mooreland 36, CARNEGIE 16—Wildcats are giving up too many points and Mooreland seems headed to the playoffs.

EMPIRE 42, Snyder 8—Bulldogs are still unbeaten at 6-0 and the Cyclones won’t have an answer on how to stop them.

Minco 28, WALTERS 26—Another very tough game to break down. Blue Devils have been playing well but this will be a challenge for their defense.

HOLLIS 42, Central High 8—Tigers are getting better every week.

WETUMKA 26, Cyril 20—Another tough pick but a game the Pirates can win if they can find a way to slow Wetumka down on offense.

TIPTON 45, Mt. View-Gotebo 13—Tigers showed the state that they are ready to defend the state title by beating a good Ryan team last week.

Friday’s games

Piedmont 34, EISENHOWER 21—Eagles have to get some big stops in this one and offensively Ike must control the ball and limit Piedmont’s big plays.

MacArthur 36, MIDWEST CITY 28—The Highlanders have been scoring at a high clip against some good teams by using a strong ground game and some timely passing. But this is a game the defense is going to have to have a strong effort to limit the Bombers as much as possible to help Mac wrangle this important District 5A-1 victory.

Last week: 15-4, 78.9 percent. Season: 78-24, 76.4 percent.