Game preview: Choctaw at PC North

Choctaw (3-6, 2-4) at Putnam City North (3-6, 2-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Putnam City Stadium

Why the Yellowjackets could win: Until the second half vs. Yukon got out of control, Choctaw had been playing well the last couple weeks. They beat Norman North to keep themselves alive in the playoff race at the time. They were right there with the Millers until shooting htemselves in the foot a couple times. After a rough stretch in the middle of the season, Choctaw has been playing better of late.

Why the Panthers could win: It’s win or go home time for the Panthers, and there’s no better motivation. The run-pass threat is as good as it’s been all season. The defense had a rough week against Moore last Friday, but in general, that’s been a good unit. Bob Wilson is an excellent motivator, and I think that will show through this week.

Key matchup: Tanner Hessman vs. PC North DBs. Hessman is a run-pass threat at QB and the Panther secondary had a rocky performance against Moore last week. They’ll need to bounce back with a better showing Friday and keep the ‘Jackets one-dimensional. But if Hessman can hit some big plays through the air, the Panthers will be in for another shootout.

The pick: PC North 24, Choctaw 21. I think the Panthers will slow it down and pound the run game with Sam Wolfe and Dre Holman to control the clock and grind out the victory they must have — then hope for wins by Yukon and Midwest City to seal up their playoff spot.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com