Preview: Midwest City at Edmond Santa Fe
Class 6A No. 3 Midwest City (2-0) at No. 9 Edmond Santa Fe (2-0)
7 p.m. Thursday
Wantland Stadium, Edmond
When Midwest City has the ball: Midwest City is stacked with talented players on offense, starting with running back James Flanders, who has already rushed for 309 yards and five touchdowns through two games.
One matchup to watch is the lines. Midwest City’s offensive line returned just two starters from last season, while Edmond Santa Fe’s defensive front, led by Division I recruit Michael Onuoha, has been outstanding through two games. However, Edmond Santa Fe coach Lance Manning said that, just from watching film, you wouldn’t know about the Bombers’ inexperience up front because they’ve been so good.
When Edmond Santa Fe has the ball: The Wolves offense figured to be a project coming into this year when sophomore Justice Hansen earned the starting quarterback spot. But Hansen has shown plenty of poise and the talent that figures to make him one of the state’s top quarterback prospects among the class of 2014. Junior running back Phillip Sumpter has proven to be an effective runner while also giving Hansen a good target through the air.
The Wolves, in wins over Edmond Memorial and Yukon, haven’t seen the kind of physical defense they will in Midwest City, though. The Bombers have one of the state’s top secondaries, led by Ricky Reeves and Ronnie Davis, who have already combined for four interceptions. Hansen will need to maintain his composure against tough coverage looks and a strong front seven if the Wolves are to remain undefeated through their non-district schedule.
PREDICTION TIME
Jason: Midwest City has big-game experience and loads of talent. But Edmond Santa Fe is playing at home and has built up all kinds of momentum. I wouldn’t be surprised either way, but I’m picking Edmond Santa Fe 21, Midwest City 20.
Ryan: A couple weeks ago, even after watching the Wolves in a scrimmage against Norman North, I would’ve picked the Bombers to win this game comfortably. The Wolves were going to be much improved but the way they’ve come together as quickly as they have under first-year coach Lance Manning has been remarkable. Midwest City still gets the job done tonight in a tight game but this is the kind of game that will benefit the Wolves down the road. Midwest City 21, Edmond Santa Fe 14
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