Top 5 Intriguing games for week 1 in the Muskogee Area – by Nick Hampton and Bill Huddleston – Editors VYPE+ Muskogee Area.

There are some interesting matchups this week in the Muskogee area as the high school football season gets into full swing. Among the traditional week 1 schedule are five matchups that are certain to be filled with game changing moments. Both editors agreed on the victors last week but this time Bill Huddleston and Nick Hampton have a different view of the final scores.

Is the ‘Dawgs bark more than their bite?

WAGONER AT COWETA

(Photo courtesy Von Castor, September 2022)

This annual contest is one that always seems to be close and full of surprises. Last year the Tigers upended the Bulldogs 9-7 for one of only three Bulldog losses on the season so you can be sure that coach Dale Condict and his crew will be looking for revenge. Both teams had talented players move on to play college ball this year but the Bulldogs, with Kale Charboneau returning to the QB spot, seem to be in better shape while Coweta tries to regroup from their loss last week to top-ranked Carl Albert.  Wagoner better bring the A-game because the Tigers at home won’t go down without a fight.

Nick’s pick: Wagoner 30  Coweta  17

Bill’s pick:  Wagoner 17  Coweta 14

Can the Ironheads win on the road against the Wolverines who are hungry to bounce back?

EUFAULA AT VIAN

Both of these teams are re-tooling their quarterback positions and whoever can get that done the quickest will have the chance of success the rest of the season. The Wolverines opened up last week against the defending Class 2A state champs Washington and the top-ranked Warriors showed they’ve lost no steam as they posted a 55-13 victory. This will be the season opener for the Ironheads with lots of questions they need to answer. This game probably doesn’t have all the hoopla as in previous seasons but should still be entertaining and whoever comes with the best defense will likely prevail. Our editors vary in their choices to win.

Nick’s pick:  Vian 21 Eufaula 17

Bill’s pick:  Eufaula 14  Vian 12 

 Can the Hornets match the speed of the Eagles?

TULSA EDISON AT HILLDALE

In past seasons this game has been pretty much a walk in the park for the Hornets but this year it could be more interesting. Hilldale is replacing all of their starting skill positions this season and hasn’t generated a lot of offense in their two scrimmages. The Eagles will have a freshman quarterback but lots of speed to utilize at the receiver spots. This game may come down to defenses and who can establish some kind of running game. I give the nod to the Hornets playing at home.

Nick’s pick   Hilldale 20  Edison 12

Bill’s pick:   Hilldale 17   Edison 13

Can Stigler make it two wins in a row over Class 4A teams?

CATOOSA AT STIGLER

The Panthers pulled out a wild win over Sallisaw in their season opener last week with quarterback Mcade Peery leading the way in a come-from-behind score in the last two minutes. The Indians have a new coach and are slowly bringing that program back to winning ways but appear to still be lacking a little in the skilled positions. Because the Panthers have some momentum,, a game under their belts already, and a proven QB, I like them to win their home opener in this inter-class clash.

Nick’s pick:  Stigler 28  Catoosa 14

Bill’s pick:  Stigler 35  Catoosa 13

“Fly Like An Eagle…to the Victory….”

 SAVANNA AT WARNER

The Eagles are flapping their wings ready to fly high this year as both teams play their first games of the 2023 campaign. Warner features talent and experience at the skill positions with Jace Jackson at quarterback and Preston Cannon at running back as well as the versatile Ty Vinson who can show up in a number of positions. Savanna has struggled the past few years and while they have a little more experience at some positions this year, they’ll probably not be a match on the road against the talented Eagles.

Nick’s pick   Warner 44  Savanna 20

Bill’s pick:   Warner 35  Savanna 7

Other games in the area will find Class 6A-II number one ranked Muskogee on the road at Putnam City, Fort Gibson entertains Berryhill, Gore sails its ship to play Keys, Haskell goes to Checotah, Heavener seeks a 2-0 start vs. Central Sallisaw, Muldrow goes to Sequoyah Tahlequah, Tahlequah goes to Sapulpa, Porter entertains Hulbert and Roland visits Stilwell.  Poteau, Sallisaw and Spiro take the week off.