Guthrie, Ponca City seeking first win of the season

Both Guthrie and Ponca City enter Friday night with identical 0-2 records. Both have daunting opponents in the coming weeks and are looking for confidence and a win.

The Jays and Wildcats will meet for the eight straight year inside Jelsma Stadium for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The game will be carried on Guthrie Sports Page and Guthrie News Page. Due to Oklahoma State playing South Alabama on Friday night, the game will not be carried on the radio (93.7 FM). The pregame begins at 6:30 p.m.

Guthrie has started the season with losses to Enid (34-23) and Shawnee (27-13). In the losses, the Jays have been outscored 55-3 in the first two quarters, but in the second half have outscored their opponents 33-6.

The Jays will try and avoid a three game losing streak – something they endured last year with losses to Ponca City, Carl Albert and McGuinness.

The Wildcats have not been much better in the first half by being outscored 47-21 in their losses to Edmond Memorial (28-7) and Enid (61-34).

Ponca City has won just 10 games in the past five seasons, including last year’s 9-0 win over the Jays in a weather-shorten game. The last winning season for the ‘Cats came in 2005.

Last year’s loss was the first for the Bluejays in the series. Prior to last year, Guthrie won seven straight by an average of 27 points. Overall, the Jays have the upper hand with a 7-1 record.

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This season the Wildcats return three starters and a sophomore quarterback.

Justin Andrews has completed 37 of 63 passes for 527 yards with three touchdown scores. He has been picked off seven times.

His primary threat and top play-maker will be wide-out Dalton Vogele. The senior has hauled in 14 catches for 254 yards and three scores.

The running game will be anchored from sophomore Kyle Welch, who transferred from Ark City, Kansas. In the first two games he has had 25 carries, 123 yards and three scores.

The Ponca defense returns one starter.

Defensive back Daylan Hawkins, who missed five games last season due to injury, returns and so far has 21 tackles and a fumble recovery.

The Wildcats will attempt to try and not stop themselves when it comes to turnovers. Last week against Enid, the Plainsmen were able to score five touchdowns off of Ponca turnovers.