MacArthur favored over Newcastle

Call this week crunch time, must-win week or anything else that signifies the importance of district games late in the season because there are some important matchups for numerous area teams trying to solidify their playoff position.

The week begins tonight with Northwest Classen coming to Cameron Stadium to face Eisenhower which is in position to make the Class 6AII playoffs as possibly the 5th seed out of its district.

Ike will have a couple of players back from the injury list but don’t expect explosive Serrie Sheridan to play as the Eagles try to keep him healthy for next week’s game against Choctaw and most importantly for the playoffs.

Friday night MacArthur hosts Newcastle in a battle for the District 5A-1 lead. Also Friday, Lawton High gets its toughest test of the season as the Wolverines drive up the turnpike to face No. 1 Carl Albert which is the clear-cut favorite to win its third straight state title.

Down the line there are other important games including Stratford at Walters in a District AII-2 Contest, Plainview at Anadarko in a huge Class 3A battle and Empire at Hollis in a Class B showdown of top teams.

With those big-time matchups, there comes challenges when it comes to figuring just which team has the edge so there is no time like now to get started.

Here are this week’s picks and remember, home teams are listed in all-capital letters:

Thursday’s game

EISENHOWER 34, Northwest Classen 6—The Eagles should be able to control the ball with their running game and the defense should be able to control the Knights well enough to seal the outcome.

Friday’s games

MacARTHUR 36, Newcastle 28—Having been able to see both of these teams in person against a very good Elgin team, we feel the Highlanders are good enough to control the ball with their ground game and mix in enough passes to score on the Racers.

CARL ALBERT 42, Lawton High 12—The Titans are as good as any team in the state and for LHS the good news is they are in good position to make the playoffs regardless of this outcome.

WALTERS 27, Stratford 14—Blue Devils picked up a big win over Minco last week to get back into position to host a first-round playoff game and playing at home this week will give them an added lift.

CLINTON 36, Cache 14—Bulldogs just can’t get over the hump in some of these tough district games.

Elgin 56, OKC DOUGLASS 6—This could be as big as the Owls want it to be but Chalmer Wyatt and his staff will get their lead and get reps for the younger players.

Guthrie 36, ALTUS 21—Bulldogs are making improvements but they have to face three of the top teams in District 5A-2 over the course of the final three weeks.

Plainview 42, ANADARKO 27—Plainview turned a great deal of heads by taking Heritage Hall to overtime and mine was one of those.

MARLOW 30, Dickson 12—Outlaws gave a great effort last week before losing to Washington in overtime and they will come out strong this week at home.

WYNNEWOOD 42, Frederick 14—Wynnewood headed for the playoffs while the Bombers are trying to build for the future.

DAVIS 42, Comanche 13—Davis once again chasing down a district title.

Apache 27, MOORELAND 21—Warriors showed some toughness last week beating a good Minco team but they can’t overlook this bunch.

CARNEGIE 14, Cordell 6—Battle of winless teams but we see the Wildcats being able to get the win at home.

Empire 36, HOLLIS 34—This could be the best matchup of this week with a pair of strong offensive units mixing it up.

CENTRAL HIGH 14, Burns Flat 12—When in doubt go with the home team.

Cyril 42, ALEX 36—This is a tough game to pick and while comparative scores are never an ex-act science, we think there’s something in these records that swayed our pick.

Tipton 50, GRANDFIELD 6—This one could end early which never makes the concession people happy.

MT. VIEW-GOTEBO ,20, Corn Bible 14—Home field edge once again sways this pick.

Waurika 42, SNYDER 12—Cyclones just don’t have enough offensive weapons to win this con-test.

Last week: 13-4, 76.4 percent. Season: 91-28, 76.4 percent.