Guthrie, Shawnee renew series with a Top 10 showdown

The Guthrie and Shawnee football series went away for a few years, but the series has renewed and the first meeting back will be a top 10 matchup. Yep, welcome back Guthrie and Shawnee.

With mutual respect from both sidelines, the two programs meet Friday for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. You can listen to the game on Hot 93.7 FM and across the globe on Guthrie Sports Page and Guthrie News Page.

Guthrie (1-0) opened the season last week with a 22-19 win over Class 6A II Enid in Week Zero. Shawnee concluded their scrimmage schedule last week and begins their season inside Jim Thorpe Stadium.

Overall, Shawnee leads the series against Guthrie that dates back to 1971, but the Jays have won five of the last six meetings, including their last meeting in the 2013 playoff game where Guthrie escaped with a 23-21 victory and eventually went on to win their fourth gold ball.

Shawnee, who won the 2003 state championship, is coming off a disappointing 3-6 season a year ago, but brings back a strong nucleus that is expected to help them contend for the 5A-3 district title and a deep playoff run.

Wolves quarterback Jack Diamond is one of six offensive starters who return for head coach Billy Brown. Last season, Diamond tossed for over 2,800 yards and 26 touchdown passing scores. The senior has just enough speed that defenses must account for his ability to escape and get down field.

Diamond’s biggest target comes in wide-receiver Tyree York, who is among the best in Class 5A at that position. York displays tremendous speed and the Jays secondary must make it a priority of staying in front of him.

The Wolves offensive line will be anchored by University of Oklahoma commit Creed Humphrey, who will be in the middle of the o-line at the center position.

Humphrey will also be a force on the Wolves defensive line at nose guard. A year ago he brought in 67 tackles and is expected to have a stellar senior year.

Defensive end Logan Clark is also expected to be a force on the defensive line as he looks to improve on his 54 tackles from a year ago. Spencer Bordon and Calib McLaurin combined for 125 stops and will again be called upon in 2016.