Bixby: Underdog role suits 'em fine...

By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com

Class 5A Championship
Carl Albert (11-2) vs. Bixby (9-4)
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater (Ryan Aber and myself will be there)
TV: FSOklahoma (Cox 37 here in the OKC area)

I had to start my conversation with Bixby coach Pat McGrew with the truth: “Um, you’re not mad at me because I picked Tulsa Central to beat you in the first round, are ya?”

He wasn’t and added just about everybody picked that. But it’s been real testament to McGrew and his staff as well as the kids that this team has made it back to the promised land.

Standing in their way? Familiar foe Carl Albert. This marks the third year in a row the two powers have played in the playoffs. Bixby upset the Titans two years ago while Carl Albert rolled by the Spartans last year.

We beat ‘em before, so we know it’s possible.  Then again, they came out and played smash-mouth football last year and got us. We know what to expect.” – McGrew

While Bixby definitely has been a different team since QB Kevin Lamb has been healthy, McGrew said senior offensive lineman Jordan Wiesman has provided just as big a spark.

Wiesman is the only senior on the line, and McGrew said he has stepped up huge during the playoff run.

A lot of people are counting out Bixby, but the Spartans have found a way. They’ve been tested all season, and it’s finally coming together for them at just the right time.

How can Bixby pull off the upset? Find out later in the week.