High School notebook: Little Axe berth made sweeter

BY ROBERT PRZYBYLO AND RYAN ABER, Staff Writers Comments 0
Published: November 8, 2009

Last week, Little Axe clinched its first playoff berth in school history.

Thursday night, the Indians found out they would host a playoff game after Jones was forced to forfeit all but one win after an investigation found the Longhorns had been playing a player who was ineligible under OSSAA rules.

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Little Axe berth made sweeter

Jones will appeal the ruling at Wednesday’s OSSAA board meeting, but barring the forfeits being overturned, Little Axe will host John Marshall.

"It’s kind of a shock to hear actually," Little Axe coach Tony Smith said. "It’s pretty big for us to be in the playoffs, and having a home game is even bigger.

"The kids are excited about the opportunity."

Smith said Little Axe had heard for about a week of a problem with a Jones player that could lead to a forfeit.

"I hate to hear that for Jones," Smith said. "I know (Jones coach) Dave Martin and he’s a great guy. But we’ll just do what they tell us."

Junior wide receiver Jacob Bookout has been a difference maker. Bookout leads the team in receptions and touchdowns and is averaging nearly 20 yards per reception.

Conant a weapon for Memorial

Edmond Memorial’s defense has been a catalyst to the Bulldogs and their six-game winning streak.

But Memorial also has one weapon that most teams don’t have: a solid kicker.

Not only does junior Will Conant have one of the best legs in the state, he’s also one of the most accurate.

"He’s a great asset to have,” coach Justin Merideth said. "We know that when we get anywhere near the 30-yard line, we have options.”

Conant made two field goals (40, 41) in a 15-0 win at Putnam City on Friday night. Conant is 9-for-12 this season with a long of 44 yards and is also averaging more than 37 yards per punt.

Washington playing its best

Every coach is hoping his team is playing its best heading into the playoffs. Washington coach Dennis McCray doesn’t have to hope — he knows.

The Warriors, once 1-4, have won five games in a row to earn their 19th straight playoff appearance.

"Offensively, everyone is a lot more comfortable,” McCray said. "We knew our line was young coming in, and we’ve matured.”

Quarterback Dakota Treat and wide receiver Justin Noel have also become quite a tandem. The two hooked up for three touchdowns in a 32-6 win against Hobart on Friday. Washington has outscored its last four opponents 171-26.

CCS rolls into finals

Community Christian is heading back to the Oklahoma Christian Schools Athletic Association championship game, but the Royals are hoping for a different outcome.

CCS lost on a hook-and-lateral in last year’s championship to Destiny Christian. Under first-year coach Josh Norman, CCS has had no issues and is 10-0 heading into Friday’s championship against Rejoice Christian.

Quarterback Scott Seymour threw for four touchdowns while running back Jared Owen added three scores on the ground in a 54-8 semifinal win against Southwest Christian. CCS had 453 total yards and held SW Christian to 22 rushing yards.