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Okeene's 31-0 victory over Woodland Saturday in the Class A championship game at Putnam City Stadium was two victories in one for the Whippets.

Aside from garnering the 2007 gold ball, the Whippets gave long-time followers of Okeene football a feeling of redemption. Okeene lost the 1977 football state championship in a 13-7 loss to Fairfax — which later became Woodland High School. Several current Okeene players' fathers played for the Whippets in that state final loss 30 years ago.

•Tempers flare: As the weather got colder Saturday, things got hotter on the field. Okeene and Woodland combined for seven personal foul penalties. The Cougars were flagged for five personal foul penalties and had another one declined.

"It was kind of testy out there,” said Okeene linebacker Brock Wardlaw. "Our coaches always tell us to keep our cool and play our game. We let our pads do the talking.”

•Nice rebound: Okeene quarterback Dalton Brewer transferred to Okeene after last year. He went to Dover High School, but played football for Hennessey because Dover does not play football and co-ops with Hennessey. Ironically, Hennessey had its best season in 40 years this year, including a lopsided victory over Okeene.

"I started at quarterback the first two games (for Hennessey) last year, then I was benched,” said Brewer, a junior. "It was kind of strange to play against them this year.”

Said teammate Brock Wardlaw of the Hennessey game: "We could tell he was kind of nervous before that game,” he said of Brewer. "It kind of (stunk) to lose like that. But we came together after that.”

•Big showing: Okeene receiver Taylor Hooper caught four passes for 61 yards Saturday to lead both teams in catches and receiving yards.

"It's too bad we couldn't have him back next year,” said Brewer. "I'd like to have him to throw to some more. He was really good today.”

By Justin Harper