Mac, Elgin meet Friday in District 5A-1 showdown

Since last fall’s first matchup of Elgin and MacArthur on the football field there has been a great deal of anticipation of another great game and Friday that young series returns, this time at Elgin.

If the weather cooperates there should be a huge crowd on hand for the rematch of last year’s game that went down to the final seconds before Elgin pulled out the victory on a pass from Tres Lorah to Michael Adesola.

Both teams, though, advanced to the playoffs and that’s where both teams suffered first-round playoff losses and those setbacks have been the focus of both clubs since they started summer pride workouts.

While our policy is not to pick these games between the five Lawton-Area big-school programs we will explore how we see the game taking shape.

Both have explosive offenses with good running backs, solid offensive lines and some great receiving threats. The difference at quarterback may be a factor since Elgin’s Tres Lorah has been starting for three years and comes into the game with impressive accuracy. His prime target Adesola also returns.

Mac uses both Aivan Locklin and Dane Edwards at quarterback and while both have had some big plays, they have also turned the ball over at times. They are both good runners while Lorah leaves the running to his backs, Matthew Lund and Ritson Meyer. The Mac QBs also have good backs with Jeremy Hutcheson and several others but the edge on the ground seems to favor Elgin.

Defensively the Owls have the best stats but have not played as tough a schedule with 4A teams Cache and 3A Anadarko part of the non-district slate for Elgin. Both teams have played a strong El Reno program and won but did give up some points to the big, physical Indians.

Some players to watch on defense include Shay Spencer, Colyn Donnelly, Jack Angelly, Meyer and Adesola for the Owls. Mac is led by Marquise Casper, Braden Brown, Jake Caldwell, Xavier Booth and Dominic Collins.

Don’t be surprised if one or more of those defensive leaders make a big play in this game. And, like is most often the case in these big matchups, the team that can avoid turnovers and penalties will come out the winner.

It should be another Southwest Oklahoma classic.

OK, on to this week’s picks and remember, the home team will be in all-capital letters:

Thursday’s games

Guthrie 32, EISENHOWER 20—Bluejays have a tremendous defense, having allowed just 24 points in eight games this season. Ike still has playoff hopes but would need a win in this matchup to keep its hopes alive.

Velma-Alma 45, CENTRAL HIGH 8—Comets gearing up for a playoff journey while Bronchos are building for future.

Friday’s games

Putnam North 27, LAWTON HIGH 21—Wolverines would love to pull off a good win to help close the season on a high note.

El Reno 42, DUNCAN 21—El Reno has a big, powerful front line and has been causing trouble for other 5A-1 teams and it has the more favorable schedule and should earn a playoff berth in two weeks.

ALTUS 21, Ardmore 20—Just a hunch but in this battle of flexbone teams, the home field may be the difference.

Clinton 21, CACHE 20—Bulldogs have shown improvement but the Red Tornadoes seem to always find a way to win the big games.

Metro Christian 32, ANADARKO 7—Metro heading toward the playoffs in 3A and will be more than the Warriors can handle.

MARLOW 28, Plainview 13—Outlaws are angry after last week’s 14-13 loss to Sulphur and they want to seal up a playoff berth with a win.

LINDSAY 34, Frederick 21—Bombers will make this one close but Lindsay has a little more offensive might.

WASHINGTON 42, Comanche 6—Washington is ranked No. 1 for good reason.

APACHE 27, Empire 16—This could be a trap game for the Warriors after their wild win over Walters, however, playing at home and with a shot at closing out the title race in District A-2 will carry them to a victory.

Walters 32, HOBART 12—Walters is still upset at not getting a good start last week against Apache and will take that out on Hobart.

Mangum 30, CARNEGIE 14—Mangum has more speed and a few more good defenders.

CORDELL 27, Snyder 8—Snyder anxious to get back into eight-man ranks next season.

Cyril 28, WILSON 26—This is the battle for third in District B-4 but the good news is both should make the playoffs.

TIPTON 54, Corn Bible—This one might not last until halftime so get those concessions early.

Mt. View-Gotebo 35, GEARY 20—Tigers are still smarting from a big loss to Tipton and will come out fighting mad Friday on the road.

RYAN 42, Grandfield 26—Ryan can clinch second in District C-2 with a win at home.

BRAY-DOYLE 21, Temple 8—Battle of winless teams who deserve credit for just suiting up and competing this season.

Last week: 11-5, 68.8 percent. Season: 92-29, 76.0 percent.