Class 2A Top Games to Watch: Round 1

Originally Published: Nov 10, 2010 2:44 PM CDT

Layna Dewell Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer
Each year in the first round of playoffs there are always the close battles between teams fighting for a birth into the next round and the games of a highly ranked team against a lower ranked opponent.

This year for Class 2A is no different. There will be exciting games between two teams quite evenly matched and the games of the class’s powerhouse teams who always have something to show when they step on the field.

Listed are some games to look for that promise to be exciting not only for the players and coaches on the field, but also for the fans and high school football fanatics.

Okemah at Talihina: This game will be the first chance for Talihina to expose both their surging offense and powerful defense. The Okemah Panthers finished fourth in 2A-5 with a 7-3, 4-2 record. Led by senior quarterback Matt Tucker the Panthers have a heavy rush attack, but will need to really show up if they want to beat the undefeated Talihina Golden Tigers. Talihina has only allowed opponents to score a combined total of 85 points all season. I expect Talihina to be the victor in the end, but Okemah should come out firing.

Hobart at Davis: The Hobart Bearcats have a bit of a chip on their shoulders after losing their final game of the regular season 42-13. That was their second in district and a win could have forced a three way tie based on records in district three. Conversely, the Davis Wolves are undefeated in district play, and actually their only loss of the season was in week against 3A’s Heritage Hall. The Bearcats lost in the first round of the playoffs last year leaving them with sour memories and motivation to play further into the postseason this year.

Adair at Lincoln Christian: The Adair Warriors, who lost in the first round of playoffs last season, have high hopes of a first round win this year. The Warriors finished third in 2A-8 and their 8-2, 5-2 record began with a six game winning streak with two shutouts before losing in week seven. Their second loss in week nine was only by one point, which a win could have moved them to second in their district. The Lincoln Christian Bulldogs enter the post season with an 8-2, 5-1 record and a big week ten win over Caney Valley 55-6. They are the defending state champions from last year so they know what it takes to go all the way in the post season. These two teams are hungry for more, and only one loss separates the two teams so it should make for an exciting game.

Oklahoma Christian at Millwood: The Millwood Falcons, undefeated on the season so far will be the team to watch in this game. We must consider that the playoffs either bring out the best and worst in teams, so Oklahoma Christian can’t be totally counted out, but they have to bring their A game in all series if they are going to challenge the high flying Falcons.

Christian Heritage at Hennessey: The Christian Heritage Crusaders have three losses on the season, but enter the playoffs with three straight wins. This matchup will be a tough one against the Hennessey Eagles who are 7-3, 6-1. The Eagles only loss in district play came in week nine to Watonga and in their last regular season game they stomped Oklahoma Centennial 55-6. Look for a tight matchup between the two teams pushing to make it to round two.