All-State 2008: Gabe Ickard (Defensive Lineman)

 
By Justin Harper | Modified: December 28, 2008 at 1:36 am | Published: December 27, 2008    Comment on this article Leave a comment

There was a time when McGuinness students groused to Gabe Ikard about being bored at Irish football games. Seems McGuinness was winning so big, so frequently that there was no excitement.

photo - HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: All State football player Gabe Ikard, Bishop McGuinness, in the OPUBCO studio, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008. BY NATE BILLINGS
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: All State football player Gabe Ikard, Bishop McGuinness, in the OPUBCO studio, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008. BY NATE BILLINGS

Multimedia

“When we won the state championship in my sophomore and junior years, everyone was asking, ‘Can’t you make the games a little interesting?’” Ikard said.

True, the Irish never lost in that span, going 28-0 and winning the Class 4A crown in back-to-back seasons. But if it was excitement the fans wanted, the Irish — and Ikard in particular — gave it to them in spades this past season.

McGuinness started the season 0-2 and then won 11 straight games en route to the Class 4A final. Along the way, there were four victories decided by four points or less — the last two were playoff thrillers that kept alive the Irish’s improbable drive to the state championship game.

Ikard provided the highlight play of the season with his 75-yard touchdown catch of a ball that had ricocheted off a defenders’ helmet.

Page 1 of 2



If you prefer your thoughts to appear in The Oklahoman's Opinion section, we encourage you to submit a letter to the editor.

Ads by Yahoo!

Affordable Child Care
Sittercity Can Help You Find Local Child Care Services Today.
Sittercity.com/Child-Care
Human Services Programs
Compare Human Services Programs. Find the Right School For You.
AllCriminalJusticeSchools.com

News Photo Galleriesview all