Harrah stays perfect, Bethel gets their first win, and Tecumseh wins and in-county matchup. Those are just a few of the headlines from an exciting week in the Shawnee area as teams wrapped up their non-district schedule and not get set to try and make district runs. With that said, here is the Week 3 Monday Morning Quarterback!

As always, if there is additional info you want in future MMQBs, please reach out by emailing me at chris.cox@vype.com!

Shawnee Wolves (1-2) at Blanchard Lions (2-1)

Result: Blanchard beat Shawnee 34-31

Top Performer(s): 

Jamir Owens, Shawnee (QB, Jr) – 13-25, 254 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT

Delmone Miller, Shawnee (WR, Sr) – 5 catches, 134 yards, 2 TD

Deetrick Beavers, Shawnee (RB/DB, Jr) – 15 rush, 74 yards, 4 catches, 56 yards, 2 total TD

Coach’s Quote: “I was proud of our effort but we left too many points off the board with penalties and turnovers. We challenged our skill guys to make big plays in the passing game and they did just that. Blanchard is so talented and for us to have a chance to tie or win late in the 4^th shows we’re making progress. We have to learn how to win the those games.” – Jason Madonna, Shawnee HC

My Thoughts: After snapping a 15-game losing skid last week, the Wolves gave another valliant effort against a very good Blanchard team. Shawnee was finally able to create consistent big plays in the passing game. For the first time this year, the running game struggled a bit but it’s been so strong so far this year, I’m not too concerned. The defense did a decent job against a high-powered Blanchard team. These next two weeks for the Wolves will be tough, at McGuinness and at home against Carl Albert, but if they can play well and gain confidence that should set them up to try and make a run in the tough district 5A-2. 

Up Next: Shawnee @ Bishop McGuinness (2-1), Thursday 9/21/23, 7 PM

McLoud Redskins (1-2) vs Tecumseh Savages (2-1)

Result: Tecumseh beat McLoud 26-13

Top Performer(s): 

Marquan Krush, Tecumseh (ATH, Sr) – 9 rush, 101 yards, 3 catches, 111 yards, 2 total TD, 1 INT

Hollin Barnes, Tecumseh (QB, Jr) – 10-16 passing, 188 yards, 1 TD, 1 rush TD

Kaiden Cue, McLoud (RB/DB, Sr) – 20 rush, 141 yards, 1 TD, 15 tackles

Zaylun Matlock, McLoud (WR/DB, Soph) – 9 catches, 77 yards

Coach’s Quote: “McLoud had a great game plan and played extremely hard. We made some adjustments and halftime and the kids dialed in and executed those adjustments in the second half. We fought through some adversity and pulled out the win.” – Ty Bullock, Tecumseh HC

“Hard fought game. Not finishing in the red zone due to some poor penalties was what was the difference. Our kids have gotten better every single week and are priming up for a good entrance into district play where everyone starts out 0-0.” – Coleman Ramsey, McLoud HC

My Thoughts: This was a nice victory for Tecumseh. They now take a two-game win streak into district play. Tecumseh has shown the ability to win in a lot of different ways but if the defense can continue their play from the last two weeks, they should be tough to beat. For McLoud, this was a tough loss. McLoud had an opportunity to play up a class and get a quality win. McLoud plays in a tough district but should have a chance to make some noise if they continue to stay balanced and avoid turnovers.

Up Next: Tecumseh @ Newcastle (3-0), 9/22/23, 7:00 PM McLoud vs North Rock Creek (1-2), 9/22/23, 7:00 PM

Harrah Panthers (3-0) vs Seminole Chieftains (1-3)

Result: Harrah beat Seminole 45-6

Top Performer(s): 

Devon Macaraig, Harrah (RB, Sr) – 19 rush, 230 yards, 3 TD

Walker Johnson, Harrah (RB/LB, Jr) – 7 rush, 75 yards, 2 TD, 15 tackles, 2 TFL

Heath Whitmore, Harrah (LB, Jr) – 10 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack

Landon Bowling, Seminole (WR, Jr) – 7 catches, 88 yards

Coach’s Quote: “Our offensive game plan this week was solid and one our kids and staff believed in. Our offensive line had a great week of practice and adjusted in game to give our guys a chance to make some plays. Our team continues to play with a physical presence with all eleven defenders getting to the football, play after play. The energy and effort are contagious and something I look forward to every Friday night with this team. Also, special shout out to our student section and community for showing up and showing out with their love and support of our school and football team. Friday night football for Harrah is a special thing that everyone has contributed to and made it an event you don’t want to miss.” – Chris Bliek, Harrah HC

“I really believe that Harrah will have a huge impact in 4A this year. It’s one of best teams they have had.” – Mike Snyder, Seminole HC

My Thoughts: This was a huge win for Harrah. The Panthers dominated Seminole and got their first win over the Chieftains since 2015. Harrah is playing arguably the best football in the Shawnee area and will now look to continue that hot play in district 4A-2. Things will not be easy though as the Panthers play their first two district contests on the road. For Seminole, this was another tough loss. After the Chieftains double overtime win against Shawnee in Week 1, Seminole has struggled to find a rhythm. They will need to clean things up on both sides of the ball if they want to regain the form everyone across the state is used to seeing from them. Seminole’s start to district is very tough with home games against Stigler and Checotah, two teams that are a combined 6-1.

Up Next: Harrah @ Blanchard (2-1), 9/22/23, 7 PM Seminole vs Stigler (3-0), 9/22/23, 7 PM

North Rock Creek Cougars (1-2) @ Holdenville Wolverines (2-1)

Result: Holdenville beat North Rock Creek 34-15

Top Performer(s): Memphis Burdine, NRC (WR/QB, Soph) – 5 catches, 64 yards

Coach’s Quote: “We had 5 turnovers. It’s tough to win games doing that.” – Jason Murray, North Rock Creek HC

My Thoughts: Coach Murray summed it up. You don’t win when you turn it over five times. This was a disappointing loss for the Cougars who are looking to take that next step. They have talent and they have good coaching, but it all needs to start coming together. It seems when teams are able to take Caleb Hawkins out of the game plan, North Rock Creek tends to struggle. The Cougars need to a better job of getting the ball in his hands. 

Up Next: North Rock Creek @ McLoud (1-2), 9/22/23, 7 PM

Bethel Wildcats (1-2) vs Little Axe Indians (0-3)

Result: Bethel beat Little Axe 37-8

Top Performer(s): 

Luke Quinter, Bethel (RB/LB, Soph) – 7 rush, 106 yards, 10 tackles, 2 TFL

Ezra Powis, Bethel (RB, Soph) – 6 rush, 101 yards, 2 TD

Jacob Fortin, Bethel (WR, Sr) – 2 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD

Brady Lower, Bethel, (OLB, Sr) – 5 tackles, 3 sacks

Coach’s Quote: “I’m pleased with the way our dudes got after it! We challenged them this week to play disciplined and consistent and they truly rose to the occasion. We were consistent all night on both sides of the ball and kept our penalties to a minimum. We play assignment sound on both sides of the ball.”– Joey Ginn, Bethel HC

My Thoughts: The Bethel Wildcats earned their first victory of the year as they beat Little Axe 37-8. It was Bethel’s sixth straight win over Little Axe and a much-needed victory. For a lot of teams, you have to learn how to win, and you have the win the games that you should win. Bethel did that. They beat a Little Axe team that they are simply better than and will now go into district play with some momentum. After going 2-5 in district last year, the Wildcats will look to take that momentum, improve their district record, and get back to the playoffs after missing out last season.

Up Next: Bethel vs Meeker (1-2), 9/22/23, 7 PM

Meeker Bulldogs (1-2) vs Pawnee Black Bears (3-0)

Result: Pawnee beat Meeker 46-40

Top Performer(s): 

Treyvon Compton, Meeker (QB, Jr) – 17-28, 279 yards, 13 rush, 129 yards, 4 total TD, 9 tackles

Ajay Lynch, Meeker (RB, Sr.) – 20 rush, 108 yards, 5 catches, 124 yards, 3 total TDs

Kayde Massey, Meeker (HB/LB, Sr) – 7 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD, 7 tackles

Brayden Dowdle, Meeker (LB, Sr) – 25 total tackles

Coach’s Quote: “Offensively, we were able to move the ball on the ground and through the air productively. We had seven possessions, scored four touchdowns and had three turnovers. Once we get the turnovers cleaned up, it will really help our offensive production. Defensively, we had another really physical outing against a team that stresses defenses. I’m extremely proud of how our kids played. They scored in the 4^th to take the lead and we had to respond with a long drive to take the lead back late.” – Maverick Lang, Meeker HC

My Thoughts: This was a tough loss for Meeker. Pawnee is a good team but hate to lose to a team in a lower classification, especially at home. The Meeker offense was good once again but three turnovers put their defense in bad spots. Meeker now has a chance to get things on the right track as they begin district play against a Bethel team they beat last year. 

Up Next: Meeker @ Bethel (1-2), 9/22/23, 7 PM

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