Oklahoma 4A State Final Preview

By Kyle Dierking, NewsOn6.com

6A      5A      3A

UNDATED, OK -- When Glenpool came up short in last year's state final against Bishop McGuinness, Warrior coach Steve Edwards took a page from David Letterman's book.

Only this wasn't a laughing matter.

"We had a list of the top 10 things we needed to fix after last season," Edwards said.

Glenpool had eight off-sides penalties in last year's four point loss to the Irish, prompting the Warriors to play with more discipline.

"If someone has a false start in practice, they're doing push-ups," said Glenpool quarterback Israel Maselera. "It's all discipline here."

Now Glenpool has a second shot to play with poise against the Irish in Saturday's 4A state final.

"We wanted the match-up so bad," Maselera said. "We didn't care who we played, but we really wanted to play McGuinness. We really needed that rematch because we had them on the ropes and let up a little bit. That little bit let them come back in the game and win it."

Saturday's game is also about being patient. In last week's semi-final game against Broken Bow, the Warriors used a clock-control offense in a 12-7 win.

"We have to keep moving down the field and wasting clock," said Maselera, who rushed for 45 yards and a touchdown last Saturday. "Five yards a carry is all coach Ed says we need and not try to bust out the big play because it'll come when it's supposed to."

The top 10 list is down to number one. Saturday's game determines who claims the top spot.

"It'd be sweet, it'd be so sweet," said Edwards about avenging last season's loss to McGuinness. "Both sides want it bad. Whoever wins, it'll be a hard fought ballgame from both teams. It'd be sweet to get that last win. It surely would."


4A FACTS

• WHO: Bishop McGuinness (11-2) vs. Glenpool (13-0)
• WHEN: Saturday, December 6 at 1:30 p.m.
• WHERE: Broken Arrow High School
• LAST MEETING: 2007 4A State Final (Bishop McGuinness 14, Glenpool 9)

QUICK HITS

Glenpool is looking for its first state title since the 2002 season...A McGuinness win would mean three-straight 4A state championships for the Irish...McGuinness tight-end Gabe Ikard is committed to Oklahoma