After a 10-game regular season of Class 5A football, only one team went unscathed in the loss column. On Friday, Guthrie will attempt to do something no team was able to do against Lawton MacArthur. It will be a tall challenge, but the Jays are not backing down.
With a 31-6 win in Week 10 over Guymon, Guthrie advances to the first round of the playoffs for the 12th straight year. Guthrie, who finished as the fourth seed in District 5A-2, will make the two-hour road trip to Lawton and challenge the top-ranked Highlanders (10-0).
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. inside Cameron Stadium.
Due to Oklahoma State Basketball, the Jays and Highlanders game broadcast will only be available via online at Guthrie Sports Page and Guthrie News Page. Pregame coverage will begin at 7 p.m.
Guthrie (6-4) and Lawton Mac will meet for the fourth time 10 years. The Jays hold a 2-1 record against MacArthur, including a state championship win in 2011 and a 2012 first round playoff win.
“They have an outstanding ball club this year,” Jays Head Coach Kelly Beeby said in his weekly radio show.
The Highlanders, winners of District 5A-1 for the second year in a row, continues to be a staple in not only Lawton, but across Class 5A. The program won their first and only state championship in 2014.
MacArthur claimed the district title in recent weeks with back-to-back wins over both Altus and Ardmore, whom were ranked among the elite throughout the season.
Along with the district wins in the last two weeks, Lawton Mac picked up quality wins over a team from Amarillo, Texas and Del City. Mac needed a field goal in overtime to defeat the Eagles (24-21) in week six.
The Highlanders enter the game averaging nearly 44 points per game while allowing only 19.
Quarterback Anthony Love returns for Head Coach Brett Manning. The left-handed passer is known for his ability to run the ball. Backup quarterback JR Winningham filled in at the position after Love suffered an injury. Winningham’s ability to throw the ball gives the Highlanders an advantage.
Highlanders will depend on three-year starter Teddy Thomas to have success in the run game against the Jays, who pride themselves in stopping the run.
Mac’s defense is experienced with eight senior starters.
“They bring tremendous pressure with their linebackers,” Associate Head Coach Scott Mick said. “They are athletic and are good defensively.”
Since 2001, the Jays have played in 14 first round playoff games and are currently 11-3 in those game.
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