Bartlesville vs. Stillwater top area football game; WCS, Barnsdall, others face key tilts
On the whole, the Stillwater vs. Bartlesville high school football series has been one-sided — the Stillwater Pioneers have beaten Bartlesville 18 times in their 23 meetings since 1986.
But since 2008 — in the first-ever game at Custer Stadium on artificial turf that featured a legendary Bruin goalline stand in the 28-21 victory — Bartlesville leads the series, 4-3. (The teams didn't play each other for 10 seasons, 2012-2021.)
Few, if any, of the past 23 showdowns have had the significance of this Thursday's battle at Custer, at least for the Bruins.
Both teams are unbeaten (3-0) in District 6A-II-1 and Stillwater is the defending 6A-II state champion. In 2022, the Pioneers embarrassed the Bruins, 55-0, in the second round of the playoffs in only the third shutout loss for Bartlesville in nine seasons.
This year's Bruin team (3-3, overall) is riding the momentum of a three-game winning streak, including a 62-0 crushing of U.S. Grant; Stillwater has won four straight, outscoring its opponents 187-43.
A couple of question marks for the Bruins revolve around the quarterback and tailback spots, whether season starter Nate Neal is healed enough to play and whether leading rusher P.J. Wallace will be back after not playing in last week's 31-28 squeaker victory against Putnam City West.
Damien Niko also caught two scoring aerials from Bruin quarterback Brett Eaves and Jett Scully ran for the other. Eaves also found brother Chase Eaves for a 66-yard passing gain to set up one of the TDs.
Two of Stillwater's primary weapons are ballcarrier Holden Thompson, who has rushed for 14 touchdowns and nearly 1,000 yards in six games; quarterback Chance Acord is averaging nearly 200 yards passing and 1.5 touchdowns per game.
Other than Wallace, who averaged more than a touchdown per fame the first five weeks, Niko is the Bruins' next most prolific touchdown threat.
But, Niko also has distinguished himself as an ironman.
"He has played both ways, as many as 126 downs in one game," said Bartlesville cornerbacks' coach Sonja Ketiku. "He's been a blessing for us at cover corner."
Ketiku also offered high praise for Sully, his other starting corner.
"Scully has been a bright spot," Ketiku said. "He's been a dog from end to end. … He's really getting better with time. … We've played amazing football when it comes down to shutdown football in the passing game. We've been in position every down when it comes to taking care of our responsibilities."
Ketiku expects Stillwater to feature a completely balanced attack, putting pressure on the secondary.
"I feel like my corners are up to the challenge," he said. "As a team, we just need to play our game. … We'll be okay, we need to put the ball in the offense's hands and don't fall for tricks."
Another key player on the defensive side has been middle linebacker Adyn Peugh, who racked up a vital 11-yard sack last week, which led to a punt and Bartlesville's final touchdown. Peugh moved this season from defensive line to linebacker.
"I feel a little more free to make those plays," he said. "I'm having a lot of fun."
He perceives better communication as a factor in Bartlesville's turnaround. Peugh added he enjoys his opportunity as fullback to catch passes and block for Wallace.
Overall, Peugh sees Thursday's game as a major opportunity to knock off the defending state champion and improve Bartlesville's district record to 4-0 for the first time since 2015.
"Just the team," Peugh said about what he enjoys most about playing. "It's been great. I've had a blast."
THURSDAY
Wesleyan Christian (4-2, 3-0) at Wilson (Henryetta) (5-1, 3-0)
A district title could be at stake. WCS has stormed to three-straight wins, outscoring its opponents, 143-30. Wilson has scored at least 50 points in all three district triumphs. KEY FACTORS FOR WCS: With the return the last two weeks of four-year starting quarterback Ty Cloud and four-year starting receiver Kael Siemers, the Mustangs are looking like the team the was very public in the preseason about its goal to play for the state title. With other important warriors like Carson Tennison, Mason Jensen, Hank Siemers and others in the mix, that quest appears to be on track.
Inola (1-4, 1-2) at Dewey (1-5, 0-3)
Dewey could pick up its first district win. KEY FACTORS FOR DEWEY: With Ryder Muninger gaining valuable experience each week as the first-year starting QB. Gavin Lynch is one of the team’s other important pieces.
Barnsdall (6-0, 1-0) at Regent Prep (4-1, 0-1)
Regent Prep remains the team to beat — thrashing Barnsdall, 75-38, last season and finishing 11-1. But, Barnsdall could be the district big dog. The Panthers have outscored their opponents, 306-100. KEY FACTORS FOR BARNSDALL: With the return last week of third-year starting quarterback/linebacker Mav Lanphear, Barnsdall becomes twice as tough to battle. Whether that will be enough to beat Regent Prep will be revealed Thursday.
Salina (3-3, 1-2) at Pawhuska (4-2, 3-0)
Pawhuska has roughed up its first three district foes, 176-13. Salina has lost two straight in district. KEY FACTORS FOR PAWHUSKA: Canyon Hindman has blossomed as a passer for Pawhuska, throwing four TDs, including two to Lane Kyler last week. JoJo Hendren helps boost the rushing game to balance the quick-strike offense.
Nowata (3-3, 1-2) at Claremore-Sequoyah (4-2, 1-2)
The Nowata Ironmen clawed through their first four games with a 3-1 record, but, two lopsided losses have disrupted their momentum. KEY FACTORS FOR NOWATA: As quarterback Treaver Emberson and receiver Peyton Trotter go, so does the Ironmen’s defense. Nowata boasts other strong talents that might be ready to elevate Nowata to an upset triumph.
Adair (3-3, 3-0) at Caney Valley (0-6, 0-3)
Caney Valley is hoping to find its competitive stride against a greatly improved Adair squad. KEY FACTORS FOR CV: Caney Valley boasts the top tackler in the state (Cooper Fogle) and other talented components. Are they primed to make a major U-Turn.
Woodland (6-0, 3-0) at Oklahoma Union (0-6, 0-3)
Oklahoma Union head coach Steve Trammell has expressed confidence all season in the raw potential of his talent. The Cougars will need to put it all together on Thursday to grab their first win.
Friday
Copan (2-4, 1-2) at South Coffeyville (0-7, 0-4)
The Copan Hornets are the favorites to win — although South Coffeyville lost last week by just two points to Oaks, 48-46. Copan still has a shot at a home playoff game. KEY FACTORS FOR COPAN: Shooter Brewington returned last week from the injured list and should be even stronger this week. Quarterback Kane Foreman continues to guide a strong offense that is averaging 38 points a game overall and 35 in district games. Zach Sharp is an important element as the most powerful lineman.
Caney Valley (Kan.) (4-2, 2-0) at Fredonia (Kan.) (2-4, 0-3)
A win could clinch first-round playoff home-field advantage for Caney Valley. KEY FACTORS FOR CV: QB Garrett Watson is already one of the most prolific passers the Pups have put on the field in several seasons. He’s also developed into a scoring running threat. TB Jackson Griffin, who had ran for 232 yards 2 weeks ago, gained only 38 in last week’s non-district loss.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Bartlesville, WCS, Barnsdall games top area football slate in Week 7
