Yukon nearing fourth straight playoff berth

Yukon's Codey Sanchez catches a touchdown pass against Edmond North during a high school football game at Wantland Stadium in Edmond, Okla., Thursday, October 4, 2012. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Yukon coach Todd Wilson has always desired to build the Millers into a regular playoff team. Heading into Friday’s home game against U.S. Grant, Yukon needs just one win to lock up a postseason berth for the fourth straight year under Wilson — a significant achievement for the program.

Yukon went to the playoffs three straight years from 1996-98, including a state runner-up finish in 1997. But the team hasn’t been to four straight postseasons in more than 40 years, the last such stretch coming under coach Rene Huckaba in 1966-69.

The Millers are coming off last week’s win over Midwest City, the team’s first defeat of the Bombers since 1997.

After starting 1-5, Yukon has revived its season with a balanced offensive attack. Running back A.J. West has rushed for 1,112 yards and 11 touchdowns on 150 carries, and quarterback Hayden Somerville is nearing the 2,000-yard passing mark. Receiver Codey Sanchez has been one of the top receivers in the state this season with 944 yards and 10 TDs on the season with an average of 17.5 yards per catch.

The Millers host U.S. Grant this week, and close the regular season at Putnam City North, which could be a battle for the third seed in District 6A-3.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK