Tulsa Central Prepares for First Playoff Appearance Since 2003

The pads and footballs are in play and the Tulsa Central Braves couldn’t be happier to still be playing football the second week of November.

Thursday, July 28th 2011, 5:22 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Nov 10, 2009 9:49 PM CDT

Class 5A Playoff Coverage on Oklahoma Sports
- Tulsa Central Prepares for First Playoff Appearance Since 2003 (11/11)
- Booker T’s Fall From Grace Shakes Up 5A Playoffs (11/10)
- Top 3 Class 5A Postseason Matchups – First Round (11/10)
- Class Breakdowns: Class 5A (11/9)
- View the full playoff bracket
- Oklahoma Sports High School Football Playoff Discussion

Kyle Dierking
Oklahoma Sports Reporter

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The pads and footballs are in play and the Tulsa Central Braves couldn’t be happier to still be playing football the second week of November.

“Usually it’s been a turning in equipment week,” said Tulsa Central head coach Corey Russell. “It’s something we’re not used to and we’re going to have to get our kids accustomed to keep practicing, keep heading on strong going into the playoffs.”

Behind Texas commit Demarco Cobbs, Tulsa Central cruised to an 8-2 record this season with narrow losses coming against East Central and on the road at McAlester. It’s a far cry from just a few years ago when the Braves had trouble winning.

“Changing that whole attitude and mindset was a lot of hard work,” Russell said. “We took our kids to see other teams practice. We took our kids to go see TU practice just to look at their tempo, attitudes and how they reacted to certain situations. We’ve prepared for this point.”

Now that Central’s in the playoffs for the first time since 2003, Russell says he can not only see the change in the players, but even the mood at Tulsa Central High School.

“It’s an exciting time and an exciting time for the school,” Russell said. “All the kids in the school just have a different atmosphere in the building.”

The Braves draw Bixby in the first round – a team that finished second in district 5A-3 and has lots of playoff experience.

“We went and watched them against Booker T. and I don’t think they had but one or two penalties,” Russell said. “They don’t make very many mistakes and they do what they’re supposed to do and they play so hard and they’re a physical football team.”