Sayre Grabs First Win of Season

The Eagles finished 2022 with a record of 1-9. With their 48-0 win over Cordell on Friday night, they’ve matched that win total, but coach Hixon and the staff are expecting more for this football team. 

Picked last in their district (A-1), Sayre may have an answer for all the nay-sayers who follow Class A football. His name, Ayden Hendershot. Hendershot is a senior this season starting at running back. His size and power make him a difficult player to stop. Coach Hixon said Hendershot is the “workhorse on the team.” 

Hendershot put up 1,274 yards last season and is off to a great start for his final season of prep football. 

Brad’s Take: It’s not all on Hendershot’s shoulders. Senior quarterback Ryan Johnston and offensive linemen like Parker Harrell and Kaden Beaird will play key roles in helping to turn the Sayre football program around. The schedule doesn’t get any easier with road games at Walters, Thomas, Fairview and Texhoma this season. 

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Plainsmen Drop Tough One to Muskogee 

Going on the road to face what many believe is the best team in 6AII is no easy task. For the Plainsmen of Enid, it was the test they needed heading into their tough schedule in 6AI-1. 

Early in the game the Plainsmen competed with the Roughers and were only down a possession at halftime. Aidan Robinson threw a 21-yard TD to Bennet Percival in the second quarter to get the scoring started for the Plainsmen, but ultimately the Roughers would win out, 27-49. 

Brad’s Take: Enid proved they could move the ball. Even matching the Roughers on first downs (18/18), the offense needs to take care of the ball. One interception and three fumbles (only lost one to Muskogee) will not help you against your district opponents. The Enid defense played well early in the game, now the question is how do they play like that for four quarters? 

Up next for the Plainsmen is a home game against Ponca City on Sept 1^st. 

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Was the Pigskin Preview Wrong on Thomas 

District A-1 is shaping up to be a tough grouping as we get one week closer to district play. Thomas head coach Bob Ward told the Pigskin Preview in June that his team was young and still learning from their mistakes. 

“A huge key for us this season will be our mental preparation. We have to learn from our early season mistakes and don’t repeat them.” 

Ward took his young team on the road to Watonga and came away with the win, 19-12. VYPE Top 100 selectee Zac Clancy was the standout player making 5 receptions for 172-yards and scoring 3 touchdowns. Clancy, who plays free safety on defense also recorded 2 interceptions. 

“It was a great win for a young team. We were extremely proud of our attitude, effort and toughness! Our team showed a lot of heart in the second half when things got tough. It was a great way to start the season,” said Ward. 

Brad’s Take: It’s not easy picking districts in June, trying to determine how districts will end in December. A lot of care, research, phone calls and debate take place before these are sent to press. This year, the Pigskin Preview has Thomas finishing 6^th in A-1 just ahead of Burns Flat-Dill City and Sayre. If Clancy has players maturing around him, limiting mistakes and the defense can hold up, Thomas could be competing for a spot in the playoffs. 

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Shawnee Area Monday Morning Quarterback

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