Ike faces important home game tonight

This is a critical week for several area teams and one of the biggest matchups headlines tonight’s schedule as Eisenhower hosts McGuinness in an important District 5A-2 battle at Cameron Stadium.

The Eagles had the toughest matchup last week by going to No. 1 ranked Carl Albert and the Eagles were unable to slow down the Titans, losing 55-9.

That district also includes Guthrie and Piedmont so it’s easy to see if the Eagles want to make the playoffs tonight’s game is a priority.

The Eagles have a good defense and while the Irish aren’t on the talent level with Carl Albert, it will still be a tough test for Ike. The Eagles must have some long offensive drives to keep its defense from having to stay on the field for long stretches. The Eagles appear to have lost running back Rashaud Hurt for the season with a knee injury but there are a couple of good backups.

The Ike offensive line will also need to step up its level of play and quarterback Charlie Trachte needs to throw the ball and complete passes with consistency. He has shown the ability to get on hot streaks at times but tonight it’s all about keeping the offense on the field.

It won’t be easy but we see the Eagles pulling out a thriller; EISENHOWER 27, McGuinness 26.

Several area teams have open dates including Empire, Central High and Cyril. Here are the remainder of this week’s games with home teams listed in all capital letters:

Ponca City 20, LAWTON HIGH 19—Wolverines are struggling to move the football and that must change if they are to contend for a playoff berth.

MacArthur 42, ALTUS 12—Highlanders are rolling at the right time.

Midwest City 36, DUNCAN 13—Bombers are starting to put it all together and are eager to show they deserve to be mentioned as one of the 5A-1 favorites.

ANADARKO 27, McLoud 26—Warriors are tough at home and this would be a huge win when it comes to making the 3A playoffs.

Marlow 27, LONE GROVE 25—Gage Gilbert is playing well for the Outlaws and their defense is improving every week. Probably the best 3A matchup in the state this week.

Frederick 32, LITTLE AXE 12—Bombers are improving at the perfect time. Little Axe struggling to put points on the board.

COMANCHE 14, Crooked Oak 13—Pair of winless teams so something has to give Friday. We think the Indians will find a way to win at home.

WALTERS 42, Mangum 22—Second straight tough game for the Tigers and this one finds them heading to Walteras where the Blue Devils are tough to beat. Still looks like it will be Apache and Walters righting for the A-2 title down the way.

APACHE 36, Hobart 20—Warriors have several good offensive weapons and Hobart has yet to get its program back in the upper level of that district.

CARNEGIE 20, Cordell 18—Not sure what to expect but the Wildcats are home and that is the difference in this game.

TIPTON 42, Ryan 27—The best eight-man matchup of the week and when the Tigers are home they are double tough.

Grandfield 32, TEMPLE 12—Bearcats are just a better team at this point.

Mt. View-Gotebo 36, CORN BIBLE ACADEMY 18—Tigers should handle this challenge even though they are on the road.

Last week: 10-6, 62.5 percent. Season: 43-19, 69.4 percent.