NOTHING BUT GREEN: Week 1 high school football picks

Aug. 29—Last week: 2-2 (50%)

Overall record: 2-2 (50%)

Week Zero was filled with surprises and lessons, reminding me once again that high school football is an unpredictable beast.

When making my predictions for the four area games, let's be honest, I was feeling pretty confident about my choices. While I thought I had it all figured out, my two unexpected misses in the Foyil-Claremore Christian and Chelsea-Nowata matchups left me humbly reminded that surprises are the name of the game, especially early in the season.

Despite the odds, Foyil — a team with a new coach and a hastily reformed roster — emerged victorious over CCS, breaking a four-game losing streak to the Warriors. It was a reminder that change can bring unexpected results in high school football.

Then there was Nowata, a team that had won only two games in the past three years, going up against a resurgent Chelsea program. In what many considered a long shot, the Ironmen managed to defeat a Green Dragons team that had seemed poised to build on a promising 7-4 season.

It goes to show that not only do past records not always predict future success, but also underestimating any team can lead to unforeseen outcomes.

As we dive into this week's matchups, I find myself pondering whether more unexpected turns await, or if we'll revert to the anticipated outcomes. My current record stands at 2-2, a 50% accuracy rate that perfectly mirrors the unpredictability I encountered last week.

This week's matchups are no less intriguing. Let's start with Claremore facing off against Bartlesville.

This matchup has become characterized by sloppy play the past two years, plagued by untimely mistakes, turnovers and low scores.

The Zebras have committed seven turnovers against the Bruins in the past two season alone, and Bartlesville hasn't been much better with four giveaways. That is 11 turnovers combined through eight quarters of play, and I'm not even going to touch on the other miscues.

However, both teams boast experienced lineups this year, potentially paving the way for a more refined game.

Claremore returns eight players on both offense and defense, while the Bruins boast nine on offense and ten on defense. Bartlesville has the advantage of playing at home, but I can't help but feel that the Zebras have something special brewing.

Claremore's strong showing in scrimmages against formidable opponents like Coweta and Wagoner suggests it might hold the edge in this matchup, and as I assess the potential outcomes, I envision the Zebras emerging victorious and potentially becoming this year's breakout team in Class 5A.

Drawing a parallel to last year's Elgin team, which defied expectations to make the leap from 4-6 to an impressive 8-3 record, I believe Claremore's journey from a 5-6 season to something remarkable is within reach, potentially marking a milestone season for the program.

Of course, injuries and unforeseen challenges could play a role, but there is an air of excitement around the Zebras that hints at their potential for success ... Claremore 27, BARTLESVILLE 24

Collinsville 40, OOLOGAH 31: The Mustangs' 545 yards of offense and 479 yards rushing against Fort Gibson were impressive, but Collinsville's track record as a perennial power makes me cautious. I need to see more from Oologah before confidently picking it against a team like the Cardinals.

STIGLER 40, Catoosa 24: Although Stigler's 35-34 win over Sallisaw showcased its ability to score, it also revealed a vulnerability in defense. Catoosa, under first-year coach Sal Guerrero, might be somewhat competitive, but I don't expect the Indians to seriously challenge the Panthers.

VERDIGRIS 35, Sperry 21: Both teams have been hit hard by graduation. Verdigris may not look as smooth as in past seasons, as was proven in its scrimmage at Skiatook last week that resulted in a scoreless tie, but I believe coach Travis East will have his team ready enough to secure a fourth-consecutive season-opening win.

However, don't be surprised if the Pirates — who have the quarterback advantage — strike first, forcing the young Cardinals to rally at home.

Sequoyah 33, CHECOTAH 23: This is a game where I might be underestimating Sequoyah and overestimating Checotah. The Wildcats' solid 43-14 win over East Central suggests they have potential, but the Eagles are simply too loaded to lose to a team of this caliber.

Don't be surprised if Sequoyah blows this game open like last year's 63-18 trouncing.

GRAVETTE (Ark.) 27, Inola 21: Despite Inola's struggles in Week Zero against Sequoyah, there were bright moments. Gravette also stumbled in its season opener, a 38-14 loss to Pea Ridge, but as the home team, the Lions have the edge to secure a second-consecutive win over the Longhorns.

KETCHUM 24, Chelsea 14 (Thursday): Chelsea's disappointing 20-16 loss to Nowata raises questions about its season, and Ketchum's strong start — a 54-0 win over Canadian — suggests it is a formidable opponent. The Green Dragons' struggle to execute their new offense is concerning, and the Warriors' momentum might be too much for them to handle.

BARNSDALL 54, Foyil 24: Despite the offensive success Foyil experienced last week, Barnsdall's high-scoring 74-46 victory against Copan suggests it has the upper hand. Foyil, still in rebuild mode, may avoid a third-consecutive shutout at the hands of this worthy opponent, but Barnsdall's firepower should prove too much in this Battle of the Panthers.

Moving forward, I see the high school football landscape as a treasure trove of surprises waiting to unfold.

The lesson I've learned from Week Zero is that no matter how confident I am in my predictions, there is always room for the unexpected. As I gear up for another week of high school football action, I'm embracing the uncertainty and eagerly awaiting the twists and turns that lie ahead.

And to all those who might want to challenge my picks or share their insights, I welcome your thoughts at kgreen@claremoreprogress.com.

After all, it's the unpredictability that makes this sport so exhilarating, and I'm here to witness every moment.