OKC Mid-Season Report and second-half preview

Capitol Hill (0-5, 0-2): The Redskins, as expected, have had a tough time so far this season. They did take U.S. Grant to overtime before losing 13-7. They’ve been shut out three times. It won’t be an easy process turning Capitol Hill around but first-year coach Montana Lyons seems to have passion about the process and taking care of his players.

Centennial (3-2, 1-1): The Bison were expected to be a playoff contender and, while that remains a possibility, a loss to Bethel to open district play puts a big crimp on those aspirations. Centennial must win the next three weeks, or at least two of three, to have a shot at making their postseason debut. With Millwood and Lexington looming in the season’s final two weeks, the time for Centennial to make a run is now.

Douglass (4-1, 2-0): The only blemish on the Trojans record is their Soul Bowl loss to Millwood in the second week. With the exception of a close win over Star Spencer, the rest of Douglass’ wins have been comfortable. They should have another this week with Guymon but after that, the next two weeks will determine the Trojans’ playoff spot. Douglass play at McGuinness and then hosts Weatherford. A sweep and the Trojans figure to win the district title. 1-1 give them a home playoff game. 0-2 and the Trojans seem destined to go on the road during the playoffs. Douglass’ offense has been explosive but it’s hard to fully judge the Trojans with their two key games still ahead.

John Marshall (4-1, 1-1): The Bears are off to their best start in years, with the only blemish coming in a 19-13 overtime loss to Newkirk two weeks ago. This week figures to be a win for the Bears but things get tougher down the stretch with Heritage Hall and Kingfisher. If John Marshall can win their other games, though, and they figure to have pretty good shots against Alva and Perry, the Bears can make the playoffs for the first time sicne dropping to Class 2A from 5A.

Millwood (3-2, 1-1): The Falcons got off to a rocking start with wins over Douglass and Star Spencer, two teams expected to contend for a title in 4A. Since, though, things have been rocky. Trayvon Henry’s suspension from the team and a rash of injuries has hurt Millwood’s district title hopes, especially after last week’s loss to Jones. Jones wasn’t even expected to be Millwood’s biggest competition in the district. That was Lexington, the team the Falcons host this week. They have the best true wide receiver in the state in any class in Josh Turner and one of the best quarterbacks in Kevonte Richardson but they’ve got to establish a running game to be a serious contender. So a lot of Millwood’s future rests in either the return of a healthy Emilio Gatewood or the emergence of another runnign threat.