Both the Guthrie BlueJays and Enid Plainsmen are almost exactly where they wanted to be heading into week three of the football season. Almost.
Guthrie and Enid will meet for the third season in a row with both teams winning on their home field, including the BlueJays 34-0 win a season ago. Each will enter with 2-o records, but neither are likely to have their starting running backs.
The game can be heard Friday night on Triple Play Sports Radio 105.1 FM and on www.GuthrieSportsPage.com. The broadcast can be heard on the radio, computer, or mobile device. Pre-game is set for 7 p.m. inside Jelsma Stadium with kickoff at 7:30.
Guthrie junior running back Kai Callins was lost for the season in week one after suffering an ACL injury and just last week Enid’s Seth Handley left the game late in the fourth quarter with a right knee injury as well. The good news for Plainsmen fans is Handley’s injury appears to be not as serious and may return as early as next week when district play begins.
A year ago, Handley struck for 376 rushing yards against Ponca City to set a single-game school record en route to rushing for over 900 yards and 10 touchdowns a year ago. In a 41-12 week one win against Choctaw, the senior dashed them for 243 yards, but was held to just 24 yards in three-quarters against Edmond Memorial last week.
Enid will likely insert sophomore Raeshaan Finley (5’6, 150) in Handley’s spot which moves him from his full back position. A week ago, Finley scored twice, once on the ground (8-yards) and once through the air (15-yards).
The Plainsmen running game will work against a Guthrie defense that is allowing only 65 yards rushing per game and have allowed just one score in the first two weeks. Annually the BlueJay defense ranks among the best against stopping the run.
Enid first year head coach Steve Chard, who has spent time at Owasso and is handling the defense, has inserted senior quarterback Chance Pryor (5’9, 175) to run the spread offense, who is averaging nearly 350 yards of offense.
Pryor showed a balance attack last week by passing for 96 yards and rushing for 65 more. His performance helped the Plainsmen score 19 unanswered points in the second half against Edmond Memorial to remain unbeaten.
Pryor’s favorite target very well could be junior Aaron Beagle (5’8, 160), who hauled in a touchdown score last week. Other targets include the brothers of former Oklahoma University and current NFL player Curtis Lofton in Demetrius and Alex Lofton.
The offensive line is commanded by four seniors and a sophomore, who measure out 6’1 and 240 pounds.
The Enid defense will look to stop a Guthrie offense that has gotten off to quick starts in a 43-0 win over Duncan and 36-7 decision over Ponca City. Against Duncan, the Jays led 36-o at the half and was up 29-0 over Ponca City.
The running games for both teams could decide the game with expected temperatures in the 60’s and rain in the forecast.
they’re not growin’em very tall in Enid these days….
well fellas and bluejay fans
what is the most recent thing to
know? If we play” BLUEJAY” football
Friday_then ENID & “THE ROCK” will
make our current win streak become
17-0 ! ! ! big _T_bone
THey have not played the Guthrie Bluejays yet. I have a strong belief that The Guthrie Bluejays Defense will put Enid in there place. Guthries Offense is also good with or without Kai Callines but even better with him. Let it be known that The Guthrie Bluejays will not lose.