Reporter sees key wins for Elgin, Mac, LHS, Cache

While there aren’t as many Lawton-area teams in the mix for playoff berths this season, there are still some games with a great deal of significance to players, coaches and fans.

The game that will determine the order of finish in rugged District 5A-1 has unbeaten Elgin heading to Midwest City to face the Bombers in one of the state’s feature attractions on the final week of the regular season.

The Owls win and they are the district champs and will have earned the right to host two playoff games if they win the first. And, Elgin is also playing to aid Mac’s cause, a strange twist after the Owls handed the Highlanders a sound setback last week. Mac can finish as high as second by beating Noble Friday at Cameron Stadium and getting some help from the Owls who are in the playoffs regardless of whether they win or lose. However, the Elgin-MWC winner gets the title and that’s what the Owls are determined to accomplish.

“We need a combined 26-point gain in points from us and Elgin for us to get second,” Mac coach Brett Manning said. Elgin (6-0 in district) sits at plus-90 in the OSSAA point system that allows teams a maximum 15 points for wins or minus-15 for losses. MWC (5-1) is at plus-55, Mac (4-2) is at plus-30, El Reno (4-2) at plus-13 and Noble (3-3) at plus-2.

There are other important games featuring area teams. Lawton High needs to beat Capitol Hill to make the 6AII playoffs, Cache needs to beat Chickasha on the road to make the 4A playoffs, plus Frederick in 3A and Empire in Class A both must win to advance to the second season.

Teams having clinched playoff berths include Marlow which has clinched third in its 3A district; Apache that has clinched the A-2 title; and Tipton has clinched the C-2 title. Also in C-2, Mt. View-Gotebo has clinched third. In A-2, Walters has clinched second in A-2 due to Cordell ending the season early.

The chart that accompanies this week’s picks will give readers a quick look at the teams that are in, those on the bubble, and those that will be packing away the gear after Friday’s final games.

So, with all of that let’s get into this weeks picks. Remember, home teams are in all-capital letters:

Thursday’s games

Eisenhower 36, OC SOUTHEAST 6—Eagles close season with a victory but it won’t take away all the frustration after losing key players to injuries and missing a couple of chances for big wins. But this senior crew helped build a foundation for the future.

WILSON 45, Central High 14—Wilson heading to the playoffs and Bronchos planning a roadmap to future success.

Friday’s games

Elgin 31, MIDWEST CITY 14—Owls have a very strong defense and the offense is capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. Darnell Stadium is never an easy place to win but this Elgin team seems well prepared for any challenge.

MacARTHUR 36, Noble 14—Highlanders will be eager to take their frustration out on the Bears after last week’s effort. This will get Mac into the 5A playoffs.

Lawton High 27, CAPITOL HILL 6—Wolverines will get a win and make the playoffs in 6AII since the top six teams in those districts advance.

ARDMORE 24, Duncan 20—Tigers got a big win over Altus last week and being at home will make a difference Friday.

EL RENO 46, Altus 12—Indians have big, physical offensive line that had moved the ball against numerous teams and will do so Friday as well.

Cache 28, CHICKASHA 7—Bulldogs’ defense has been impressive since halftime of the Elk City game and that unit will make a lead stand up against the Chicks.

KINGFISHER 48, Anadarko 12—Kingfisher headed to the playoffs; Warriors heading to basketball.

HERITAGE HALL 42, Marlow 20—We have heard plenty about how good HH is this season but the Outlaws won’t be intimidated even on the road.

FREDERICK 28, Community Christian 18—Just have a feeling about this game. The Bombers aren’t as strong as last season but with a playoff berth on the line the old Bomber Bowl Magic will show up.

Purcell 48, COMANCHE 6—Comanche looking forward to the future.

Apache 36, CARNEGIE 12—This might be a trap game with Apache already having the District A-2 title in the bag but coach Tanner Koons is a defensive guy and he will have his bunch ready to play.

Hobart 22, EMPIRE 18—Hobart is playing better as was shown last week in a win over Walters while the Bulldogs are needing a win to advance to the playoffs. An interesting A-2 battle for sure.

CYRIL 32, Waurika 20—Pirates are eager to win and get into the Class B playoffs. Could be tight one, though.

TIPTON 48, Temple 8—Top-ranked Tipton is at home and gearing up for another state title march. Temple is winning each time it steps on the field and competes.

MT. VIEW-GOTEBO 42, Grandfield 20—The Tigers are going to get into the playoffs but with Tipton and several other good teams it will be a tough playoff ride.

Last week: 11-5, 68.8 percent. Season: 103-34, 75.2 percent.