1977 State Champion Football Team to receive honors at Athletic HOF
Oct. 10—The Duncan Demons football team that took home the State Championship after 32 years will receive honors with an induction in the Duncan Athletic Hall of Fame this month.
The Demon' squad in 1977 earned Duncan's first championship since 1932 with a 19-6 victory over the Stillwater Pioneers. Overall, the team boasted a 12-2 record and the only losses the '77 Demons saw came against Lawton Eisenhower (IKE) and Yukon, who was then considered an "archrival."
That loss to Yukon, according to yearbooks, left the Demons anxiously awaiting a coin flip which would ultimately decide their fate and whether or not they would make the playoff.
"After making it, they were unstoppable," the yearbook states. "The Demon defense played an important role in the team's success as they registered six shut-outs and only gave up 9.5 points per game. The offense also complemented the defense as it scored in desperate situations."
That same book shows the Demons, at the time, were second in total offense in Class 3-A.
The first games in the playoff came against Carl Albert, which was reportedly "the toughest" the Demons played in their playoff journey, followed by "pass-minded" Southeast which sported "an explosive offense."
That didn't stop the Demons, who captured that second playoff win with a 27-21 victory.
That victory then led the Duncan '77 squad to Ada, where "a big play" won the game and sent them to the State Finals against the Stillwater Pioneers. It was the first time the Demons had broken into the finals in 32 years.
That game saw Duncan cinch the 19-6 victory and earn its first State Championship since 1932. The victorious team was led by Coach Ray Hall.
Demons seniors for 1977 included Cary Jones, Reggie Smith, Larry Byrom, Larry Bond, Vic Pearson, James Mayfield, Brad Russell, Pat Bomkamp, Jerry Alexander, Ronnie Schlittler, Mark Reeves, Tim Burns, Keith Jantz, Mark Lindsey, Carnell Dean, Mike Langston, Doug Davis and Ken Duesman.
All District-Players included Cary Jones, Reggie Smith, Larry Bond, Larry Byrom, James Mayfield, Pat Bomkamp, Jerry Alexander and Tim Burns.
All-State went to Cary Jones and Honorable Mentions were Larry Bond and Reggie Smith.
This year's 2023 Hall of Fame Football Game will take place on Friday, Oct. 20. The latest class of inductees will receive honors at halftime of the game at Halliburton Stadium. The '77 team is slated for induction alongside the '78 Championship Team and Tennis Coach Peggy Hoover, who will be inducted posthumously.
On the following evening, the yearly Hall of Fame Banquet will take place. It is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Duncan Golf & Tennis Club.
A social hour will precede the event at 5:30. Dinner will then serve up at 6:30 p.m. and the induction ceremony will follow at 7:45 p.m.
This year's ticket pricing is $30 per person. Those wishing to attend must have purchased a ticket from the website at https://www.dhsathletichof.org/. To purchase a ticket, find the middle column of the website and select the option, "purchase banquet tickets."
The ticket includes the buffet dinner. A cash bar will be on site.
Tickets are on sale now and will remain on sale until Thursday, Oct. 12.
For questions, contact Rusty England by email at rusty.england.mdjp@statefarm.com or Kelly Kirkland by email at kelly@kirklandhome.net.
For more information about the DHS Athletic Hall of Fame, to view past HOF inductees, or to support the HOF, visit https://www.dhsathletichof.org/.
The Banner staff will publish subsequent stories on others receiving induction honors in future editions.
