Bombers have used speed, agility to build 12-0 mark; Jenks next in line

By Justin Harper
Published: November 20, 2007

MIDWEST CITYRussell Brown doesn't consider it bulletin board material, just a fact. When the Bombers face Jenks at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in a Class 6A semifinal, they'll bring something to the table heretofore unseen by the Trojans.
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"I read some newspaper story this week that when we play Jenks, we're going to see a level of play we haven't seen all year,” said Brown while cooling off from Monday's football practice. "And that may be. But playing against us, they're going to see a type of physical play and speed they haven't seen.”

Without breaking down a lot of tape, it's hard to judge those facets in regards to Jenks' 12 opponents this season.

But it's not in the case of the Bombers. Their shiny 12-0 record was built on speed and agility. Those traits are only bolstered when they are utilized with sheer force.

"That's the way we've played all season and we're 12-0,” said Brown, a standout defensive end who is being looked at by Kansas State, Arkansas and Missouri among others. "It's worked every time this year, so we're not going to change.”

The one thing Midwest City wants to change is its drought of 11 seasons without a state championship. The past 11 Class 6A crowns have been split among Jenks and Tulsa Union, creating an annual plea from west-side football fans for someone — anyone — to break up the monopoly. But for all the hopes attached to teams such as Norman North this season, Westmoore a year ago, Putnam City North two years before that, etc., Midwest City might be the best bet yet to end the string.

"Well, we were the last ones to do it,” Brown said.

Indeed, the Bombers' (and the west's) last title came in 1995, which gave Midwest City back-to-back championships. And even a year later, the Bombers advanced to the 6A semifinals.

That was the last time a Midwest City team made it that far. Ironically, it was Jenks that beat the Bombers that day en route to winning six consecutive state championships. Midwest City coach Steve Huff relayed that bit of history to his players at Monday's practice.

"All that history won't affect the way we play,” said the 6-foot-1, 265-pound Brown, who has 95 tackles and 11 sacks on the year. "But it does affect your mentality. And that will help. But we're thinking about now.

"We know some people think Jenks is supposed to win. But all year long we've been predicted to lose this game or that game. And look at our record. We haven't done it yet.”

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Congrats bombers on having a great season. You played a good game. Jenks MWC should scrimmage or play nondist games, that would probably benefit both programs. You have atremendous coach, seems to be full oc class!
David, Tulsa - Nov 25, 2007 9:04 AM
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My point exactly. However, I dont know about run all over them. BA and Union are much larger than Jenks yet haven't really seen much evidence of intimidation. I am glad that you are proud of your school and everyone should be. Dynamite comes in small packages, this year we are calling it Chris Adkins. Everyone talks about Smith, Blankenship and Flanders but if Adkins played an entire game instead of being pulled out for sportsmanship, I think he may be at the top of the leaderboard. You will see what I mean Saturday as long as you are there the 1st half. I dont really expect him to play much in the second half.
David, Tulsa - Nov 23, 2007 11:21 AM
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Can you imagine what MWC would be if we only had 1 high school like Tulsa Schools. The Carl Albert and MWC teams (yeah and Del City) all in one!! Now THAT would be a powerhouse that would have run all over Jenks and Union for decades past and to come. Our littl 1500 students are a potent group of hard workers and I'm extremely proud of all of them. Band/Athletes/Etc....Good Luck to everyone!
Chris, midwest city - Nov 23, 2007 10:29 AM
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David, MWC I agree completely. MWC has a great team and wish you guys best of luck. My only point was that these schools have spent more on their stuff than most small colleges. No nock on anybody, just an observation. Its kinda like a Broken Arrow that has 2-4 times the student body as some of the smallest 6a schools. The bombers have been great (12-0) and certainly have some great athletes. Best of luck Saturday and hope you had a great Tgiving.
David, Tulsa - Nov 22, 2007 6:31 PM
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David my grammar was bad ! I have seen the website it is major league! But that's what is going to make it a story when we win!Sometimes we judge a person walking down the street as a nobody because we are driving,but he could be a rich person in the world in spirit and joy! Material things make life easier but do not always make life a success!!!! GO BOMBERS!!!
david, midwest city - Nov 22, 2007 6:27 PM
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David I have seen to the website it is major league!Our school just does not have funds the 3 story sports facilty with flat screen TVs and new age training equiment, but we are going to do our best our kids are no less of a team or people because they don:t !!!! Go BOMBERS!!!!
david, midwest city - Nov 22, 2007 6:08 PM
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Andrew, Good luck! Problem is that if you have not seen Jenks or Union you probably don't understand the "league" comment. Truth is I tend to agree that the Jenks and Union facilities, web sites, attendance, athletes and coaches have few if any rivals. I have seen the best programs in Texas and there are less than a handfull that would compete. Ohio learned the hard way from Union this year. Anyway, I realize it's not the NFL... just a pretty good training ground. Look at the Jenks website and go to alumni...pretty amazing how many come from these teams.
David, Tulsa - Nov 22, 2007 5:28 PM
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Yes, what I was saying was that we are very dependent on ginther to lead our team, our backups are sophs that haven't had much play time, much less playoff experience. I agree that OU got beat by col w/Bradford, just as we got beat by Union w/Ginther. Truth is OU nor Jenks should have lost those games. MWC looks to have a good team, they are now #45 in one poll which attests to their season! (Jenks is 15 in the same poll) Don't get me wrong, Jenks has several good players but we only get a Ginther every once in a while. If the young defense can get going, may be an extremely long day for MWC. No way they can stop the Jenks offense w/o turnovers. If Owasso could run on them, Jenks will have no problem. The biggest problem that I see for Jenks is that MWC looked to have a lot of speed, especially in their D Line. We haven't daced a lot of that yet. I want to stay home and watch on TV but we will be freezing in the stadium like the other good people!
David, Tulsa - Nov 22, 2007 5:22 PM
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David, You say "We are OU w/o our QB. Anybody might beat us.". I guess your refering to OU not having Bradford at QB this week that they are applicable getting beat by OSU and the fact they lost to Tech after Bradford left the game with a concusion? So your saying your applicable as well of getting beat with your QB as well? Might as well be as you know OU lost to Colorado with Bradford at QB. lol
Chris, Edmond - Nov 22, 2007 1:10 PM
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"But Jenks and Union continue to be out of their league or anyone else's,..."

thats horsecrap . there is no such thing as a league...this is high school football...not the NFL...by the way Bomber fans we are back in the national rankings...number 45.
Andrew, Midwest City - Nov 21, 2007 1:12 PM
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Bombers have home side!!!! yes!!! im excited!!! cant wait any longer for this one!!!!!
MWC wins 28-17.
Andrew, Midwest City - Nov 21, 2007 7:51 AM
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GOOD LUCK BOMBERS!!! You guys can do it!
Maurice Sanders 1988 State Championship Team
Shane Sanders 1995 State Championship Team
shane, Midwest City - Nov 21, 2007 7:48 AM
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Thanks for the responses. Truth is that this one may be affected by weather.. that's football. Obviously from Jenks, we feel everything is our advantage but to the Bombers, Good luck and Great season in advance. If you beat us, you will be the state champs, if not you will be co runner up with our next victim. I agree MG has a rare bad night and even those have been recvr related but it happens. We are OU w/o our QB. Anybody might beat us.
David, Tulsa - Nov 20, 2007 7:02 PM
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Thanks for the responses. Truth is that this one may be affected by weather.. that's football. Obviously from Jenks, we feel everything is our advantage but to the Bombers, Good luck and Great season in advance. If you beat us, you will be the state champs, if not you will be co runner up with our next victim. I agree MG has a rare bad night and even those have been recvr related but it happens. We are OU w/o our QB. Anybody might beat us.
David, Tulsa - Nov 20, 2007 7:02 PM
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(On) paper and/or papers (newspapers) don't win ball games. That's why they play the game. GO BOMBERS!
I SAMUEL 17:9 (KJV) - PHILLIPPIANS 4:13 (KJV) This is all the bulletin board material you need.
Chris, Edmond - Nov 20, 2007 10:53 AM
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Absolutely David, we often forget the truly important issues - we've tragically already lost too many young men this year across the state. So yes, lots to be thankful for this season, including the amazing young men and women from both schools involved Saturday - cheer, band, trainers, and those who are raising and sponsoring them (and their teachers!). Safe travels to all and enjoy Edmond - we're proud to host such a GREAT game (wish it was Edmond North though)!
C.D., Edmond - Nov 20, 2007 10:01 AM
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Parent of a Bomber, I agree David it will be a good game!The pressure is not on the Bombers. I think people look at score teams beat other teams by measure how they should beat them by. I"m sure the Jenks coach has made that point clear. Good luck to both teams and have a GOOD THANKSGIVING !!!Pray for both Teams that nobody hurt severely
david, midwest city - Nov 20, 2007 9:52 AM
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Hmmm, speed and agility like they haven't seen? Like Union, Booker T., and Muskogee? Make no mistake, the Bombers should be proud of their record, and of their play, both are exceptional. But Jenks and Union continue to be out of their league or anyone else's, if they show up. MWC will have to play w/o ANY mistakes and hope for Jenks to be looking ahead - all possible, and should be a good and exciting game. Jenks early, capitalizing on playoff experience and Bomber errors, final 31-14.
BTW David, the stadium holds 10,000 - get there early, and according to the forcast, bring lots of blankets! I'm sure you've seen it, but directions on the Trojan football site at http://jenkstrojanfootball.com/2007_midwest_city_semi_finals_.html
C.D., Edmond - Nov 20, 2007 9:43 AM
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By the way - great discussion on high school sports at Oklahoma Prep Sports Forum - http://okprep.proboards84.com/index.cgi - it's free, too!
A, Tulsa - Nov 20, 2007 9:40 AM
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Another Jenks guy here. David, you may be correct in saying that if Ginther is off, MWC has a chance. The only thing is that Ginther is very rarely off, and if he is, there are other weapons available. Ginther is probably the most accurate high school passer I have ever seen (I'm 48). He rarely throws a really bad ball and many of his incompletes are really good passes that were dropped. And, no, I am not his dad. Jenks needs to get that halftime lead and build on it in the second half. Don't want to let MWC hang around and have a chance at the end. I see this one going like the last few Jenks/Muskogee games - high scoring, but Jenks prevails.
A, Tulsa - Nov 20, 2007 9:36 AM
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Does anyone know what the capacity of OCU stadium?
David, Tulsa - Nov 20, 2007 8:09 AM
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I am an avid Jenks supporter and I must agree that MWC should provide a great match for the Trojans. The speed of the quarterback could be the achilles heel for Jenks. If MWC controls the ball, it may be a great game but w/o a passing game they may have extreme difficulty. The key to beating Jenks is getting to Ginther, if he is off, the Trojans go down. If you dont get to him, they will score big because they have too many weapons on the outside. Should be a great game, best of luck to the bombers. Prediction Jenks 21-MWC 7. (at halftime)
David, Tulsa - Nov 20, 2007 7:16 AM
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Parent of a Bomber, I agree David it will be a good game!The pressure is not on the Bombers. I think people look at score teams beat other teams by measure how they should beat them by. I"m sure the Jenks coach has made that point clear. Good luck to both teams and have a GOOD THANKSGIVING !!!Pray for both Teams that nobody hurt severely
david, midwest city - Nov 20, 2007 9:52 AM
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