Glenpool's 23-Game Win Streak Ends in Regular Season Finale

Originally Published: Nov 7, 2009 12:27 AM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Reporter

GLENPOOL, Oklahoma – The Glenpool Warriors hadn’t lost since the 2007 state title game. Their 23-game win streak, undefeated season, and district championship dreams all faded after Star Spencer came in Friday night and picked up a huge 34-20 road win to lock up the 4A-2 crown.

Earlier in the week, Glenpool head coach Steve Edwards said “If you want to see some of the best running backs in the country, come out here on Friday night.”

Edwards was right.

Star Spencer used a trio of backs to keep Glenpool off balance while the Warriors relied on Tulsa commit Marco Nelson to shoulder the load.

On Star Spencer’s first possession of the game, the Bobcats marched down the field almost exclusively on the ground. The Bobcats threw the ball only once on its 45-yard touchdown drive. Senior Darwin Rideau made things look easy with a short scoring run to give the road team an 8-0 lead and some early momentum.

The Star Spencer defense matched the offense’s effort, forcing a three-and-out on Glenpool’s first possession. The formula for the defending state champion Warriors always includes their star running back, Nelson, but the senior couldn’t find any running lanes early on.

Star Spencer opened up its lead in the second quarter. On second-and-24 on their own 30-yard line, Terrance Olds broke through a huge hole and burst 70 yards for another Bobcats score.

“It felt great,” the senior said after the game. “I can’t even describe it.”

The Warriors would respond in a big way. Quarterback Derek Allen marched his team down the field but couldn’t hit Nelson on a touchdown pass in the back of the endzone. The ball slipped in and out of Nelson’s hands to bring up fourth-and-10. Glenpool converted on fourth down and Nelson powered his way in for a 5-yard score to cut Star Spencer’s lead to 14-7 at the half.

Defense was supposed to be Glenpool’s strength coming in. The Warriors came into the game giving up just over 8 points per contest and no more than 14 in a game at home this season. The Warriors fumbled a snap early in the third quarter and the Bobcats recovered. Quarterback Franky Jamison ran in for a 4-yard score making it a 22-8 game.

Glenpool threw two interceptions in the second half and Star Spencer’s high-powered offense took advantage. The Bobcats finished the night with three rushing plays of 20 or more yards including another long touchdown from Olds. After Glenpool scored to make it a 22-14 game, Star Spencer got a 61-yard kickoff return and one play later, Olds sprinted 34 yards for his second touchdown of the game.

Jamison iced the game with a short touchdown run late in the fourth quarter. After the game, both coaches acknowledged the positives the season finale offered their teams.

“It’s a tremendous win for our program. I haven’t beaten those guys since I’ve been here and I’ve been here ten years,” said Bobcats head coach Darrell Hall. “It’s going to give us a chance to have two home playoff games. That hasn’t happened in a long time.”

“We go in and let everybody know we’re going to be the state champions,” said Old. “It aint over. We have to go for what we want and work hard.”

Glenpool’s dominance comes to an end in a way that doesn’t hurt the team. The Warriors will still host one playoff game and now hope to start a new winning streak when round one begins next week.

“If you’re going to lose a game, this is the one you want to lose,” said Glenpool head coach Steve Edwards. “That’ll get us ready for the playoffs. My hat is off to Star Spencer. They played harder than we did and deserved to win.”

Glenpool finishes the season with a 9-1 record. Star Spencer ends with an 8-2 mark. The Warriors enter the playoffs on a rare low note, but say they are ready to defend their state title.

Next week, Glenpool will host Douglass. Star Spencer will entertain Elk City.