Way's field goal lifts Oklahoma
OU signee boots 50-yarder for win
Way's field goal lifts Oklahoma: OU signee boots 50-yarder for win

By Ryan Aber

Published: June 22, 2008

WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Friday morning, Tress Way was in a classroom at the University of Oklahoma, sitting through his history of jazz class and acclimating to life in college.

Saturday night, Way was at Wichita Falls ISD Memorial Stadium, where his 50-yard field goal helped Oklahoma to a 17-16 win over Texas in the 71st Annual Oil Bowl in front of 6,500 fans.

"I just thought to myself this was a little miniature Cotton Bowl,” Way said. "At the time we were down three and both defenses were playing out of their minds, so I didn't know how much of a chance we were going to get.”

Until recently, it looked doubtful that Way would get a chance to play.

Oil Bowl players are typically required to report to Wichita Falls by the Monday prior to the game.

Since Way is already a student at OU, though, he couldn't make it until Friday evening.

Game officials decided to waive the rule to allow the Sooners signee and former Tulsa Union star to kick for Oklahoma.

"My dad told me about that rule and told me to thank everyone for letting me play,” Way said.

After the way Way helped Oklahoma to its first win since 2005, Texas officials might not be so amenable to letting an Oklahoma player report late again.

Texas kicker Ben Parks had a chance for a game-winning 50-yard field goal of his own in the final minute, but a botched snap gave Oklahoma the ball back and all but ended Texas' chances.

Way is used to big kicks.

Saturday night's kick still doesn't stack up to his game-winner in overtime against Jenks in last year's regular-season meeting with the archrival Trojans.

"There will never be another one like that one against Jenks,” Way said. "I'd been dreaming of that since I was little.”

Several of Way's Sooner teammates were in the stands cheering on the Oklahoma team.

Duncan's Trent Wilkins, a Tulsa signee, gave Oklahoma the lead for good with a 65-yard touchdown run to end the third quarter.

Wilkins will play safety for the Golden Hurricane but was the quarterback for Oklahoma on Saturday.

"I've only got a couple more chances to play quarterback and wanted to take advantage of them,” Wilkins said.

Wilkins was named the game's outstanding offensive player. Grove's R.J. Bartley and Hilldale's Zack Wallace were named co-outstanding defensive players.

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