The Ponca City Wildcats simply can not wait to take the field against the BlueJays of Guthrie High School Friday night.
After a 34-14 setback to Sapulpa in week one, Ponca City will be looking to put that game behind them and prove they are better than what they showed a week ago.
Sapulpa jumped out to a 34-0 lead before Ponca City was able to score two fourth quarter touchdowns. In the loss, the Wildcats threw four interceptions, committed three fumbles and added up 125 yards in penalties.
Meanwhile, the top-ranked Jays will begin their season without the services of junior stand-out Kai Callins, who suffered a s season ending knee injury in last week’s 43-0 win over Duncan.
While many will not feel too sorry for the defending state champions, the Jays still have confidence they can make a deep run into the play-offs despite losing Callins, who has been receiving looks by Division I schools.
The Jays offense will look to give more carries to running backs JT McFadden and Tre Smith. Naturally, the offense will rely a little more on four-year quarterback Bryan Dutton beginning with Ponca City’s 3-4 defense.
The 6A Wildcats allowed 311 yards of offense (181 passing, 130 rushing) to Sapulpa and first-year head coach Josh Allen, who is the third Wildcat coach in nine seasons, wants to stop the big plays from Guthrie to give his team a chance. Something Duncan was unable to do.
The anchor of the defense comes in the middle of the defense with William LeClair at nose tackle, a heavyweight wrestler for the successful Wildcat wrestling program. Jakoda Bridges will look to apply pressure on Dutton from the defensive end position.
Ponca City returns linebackers Case Jenkins, Eric Segura and Zach LeForce from a team that was 2-8 a season ago.
The offense struggled in their opening game by collecting just 56 rushing yards, but were respectful with 131 passing yards. The Wildcats put up 80 receiving yards on one drive with junior quarterback Heath Cromwell finding classmate Hunter Womack for 56 yards and a 24-yard touchdown score.
Nick Hamilton returns to the running back spot after suffering a leg injury a season ago. The senior is listed just 5’6, but according to his coach has scatback speed.
Last year, Guthrie scored on each of their five possessions to begin the game to go on and win 43-7 for their second straight win in the series. Ponca finished with 148 yards of offense while Guthrie totaled up 360 yards, including Dutton’s 9-of-11 passing for 133 yards.
The game can be heard on Triple Play Sports Radio 105.1 FM and on the internet at www.GuthireSportsPage.com, including on mobile devices. The pregame show begins at 7:00 with the kick-off 30 minutes later.
Great job Chris Evans!!