Interesting matchups and fairytale seasons are prominent in the Durant Area this football season; here’s my take.

DURANT LIONS VS. MCALESTER BUFFS

McAlester bested the Lions this past Friday, 56-14.

Payton’s Take: The Lions didn’t have an answer this week for McAlester. I thought this ballgame would be much closer, but I was mistaken. The Buffs were cohesive both offensively and defensively, stifling Durant and owning the Southeast region on Friday night. Durant couldn’t find their rhythm this past Friday.

“I thought our guys played about as complete a game as we have played all year,” McAlester Coach Forrest Mazey said. “The defense stepped up and held Durant to two yards rushing on the evening while our offense churned out 621 yards.”

Durant will host the Tulsa Memorial Chargers this Friday.

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BROKEN BOW SAVAGES VS. HILLDALE HORNETS

The Savages bested Hilldale this past Friday at home, 35-7.

Payton’s Take: Broken Bow showed great progress this week against the Hornets. The Savages have a talented group of players and I feel if they can keep the momentum going, they will have a great chance to make a run in the playoffs.

“We put together a good second half,” Coach Davis said. “We gotta cut the mistakes down. We didn’t turn the ball over and won the game in the 2nd half. We’re still in the hunt for a playoff spot if we can finish the season strong.”

Broken Bow will host Stilwell this coming Friday.

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IDABEL WARRIORS VS. ANTLERS BEARCATS

The Warriors outscored the Bearcats on Friday, 56-6.

Payton’s Take: Idabel was a force on the field, flying to the ball, rushing hard and stopping Antlers in their tracks. I have been impressed by the Warriors since the beginning of the season; they are a well-coached, hungry and passionate group of players. They will make an unprecedented playoff run, mark my words!

Idabel is 7-0 on the season, a testament to their hard work and dedication.

“It’s so much fun coaching these guys, they deserve all the credit,” Coach Scott Pratt said. “They’ve got a passion for the game, these kids are a coach’s dream. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish the rest of the schedule and into the postseason.”

The Warriors will travel to Wilburton to take on the Diggers this Friday on Week 9.

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