From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Thursday,
October 23, 1997
LOCAL
It Happens Every Year
Nearly News
Letters
Make A Difference Day Set But Needs More Volunteers
Story of Queen Victoria Plays at Poncan Theatre
McCord Community Effort Helps Seniors
Cadette Girl Scouts Enjoying Projects
Chamber News
Teenage Boy Held in Burglary
DEATHS
The Rev. Stanford W.T. White Star
Obituaries
Lawrence E. Spoon
Roberta Lyle Stegall
Services Pending
Willie Lackey
Maggie White
Rosella M. Glaser
NEWS BRIEFS
SPORTS
Sapulpa Recovers From Loss of Star
Area Football
Potential Upsets On-Line For Week 8
Softballers Get Honors
Freshmen Close Out With Win
THERE'S MOLE THAN meets the eye at Po-Hi, when Junior Dick Engle and Senior Kate Emig are crowned king and queen during National Mole Day activities. Celebrated by both chemists and chemistry teachers, the National Mole Day Foundation highlights the "mole" - a chemical term for an amount of substance - each year, beginning at 6:02 a.m. on October 23, and ending at 6:02 p.m. the same day. (News Photo by Michael Kennedy)
A pair of Ponca Tribal events that had earlier been scheduled for this week will be postponed to a later date, following the death of a tribal elder. NN has learned the OoKeeHee fall powwow that had been scheduled for Saturday, and the meeting of Ponca Indians for Democracy, which had been set for Friday, have both been postponed.
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Oops-the trick is on us! We have been informed that trick or treating by the downtown merchants will begin immediately following the parade Thursday evening, Oct. 30, and will continue until 7 p.m. Happy Halloween!
Why No DARE Later?
I am a 9th grader at Ponca City Mid-High School. In first grade, I started the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, or DARE, along with most of the other students now in attendance at school. It is a wonderful program, but 7th grade was the last time it was offered to my classmates and me.
Why is this? I have no idea. Taking into account the fact that most students start drugs after they reach the age of thirteen, the lack of the program in our schools may be contributing to the existing drug problem in Ponca. Maybe the "people in charge" felt the program was no longer needed, that it's effect on kids was not successful. Maybe they should stop and consider the following: that the group most likely to use drugs is not even being offered the program. This is why when people look on charts and graphs, they see that a major decrease in drug use is not there.
The problem may also lie in the fact that students seem uninterested in DARE after a certain age. Perhaps they are! Just as teaching styles change the older that pupils get, prevention styles should also change. Students' eagerness to learn about the dangers of drugs was witnessed during the one and only drug prevention assembly offered all year, featuring "Regie" a comedian who knows about drugs firsthand.
The only other program offered last year did not take place at the school, but at the Hutchins. Students could easily get out of it. Prior notice was given, so students could be absent on purpose or skip that day. Also, a note was sent home to parents that could be signed to excuse their children from the program. Students could simply fill in the space themselves, excluding themselves from the program.
The DARE system needs work, but with improvement, it could become an excellent weapon in our war on drugs. I strongly urge all citizens concerned with the health of our students and the status of our community to support the existing DARE program and promote its continuation at the secondary level.
Brandi Combes
Talented Orchestra
As a member of the Ponca City Mid-High Ninth Grade Orchestra, I feel as though someone should try to draw attention and support from the citizens of Ponca City for the Ponca City Instrumental Music Department. I guess that person will be me.
To begin with, Ponca City is one of the luckiest cities in Oklahoma. I say this because our community has been blessed with a very talented group of instrumental musicians. There are over three hundred band and orchestra members grades 5 through 12. We all try to be our best and make our families and friends proud. Not only are the musicians in the music department very talented, but are highly regarded in the music world. Most people in our own community know nothing of the music department or its members.
For example, a large portion of the city's population know how well and how badly the Po-Hi football team performs. On the other hand, most people know little of the performances of the high school band and orchestra. For those who are not aware, the Big Blue Band has received forty-eight superior ratings in forty-eight consecutive years of state contests. They have also gotten three superior ratings at national contests. That was only band's accomplishments. Orchestra has received nine superior ratings and nine sweepstakes awards in the last ten years. The sweepstakes award is very similar to a state title in football because only one group gets it out of the entire state. When was the last time the Po-Hi football team won a state title? a district title?
Another example of our music programs' not getting attention or support from the community is the poor attendance at performances. The majority of the audience is our family members. If people are sitting at home not doing anything on a night of one of the many performances, they should come out and support us. For people who don't enjoy classical music, a contemporary piece is usually added to "spice" things up a bit. Also, there's a jazz band for those who like the "hipper" side of instrumental music.
In addition, a department fund raiser must be held each fall to help supplement the department's budget. Most sales go to our families, while a very minimal amount go to the general public.
My objective in writing this letter has been to get more support and attention from the community for the Instrumental Music Department. Support doesn't just have to be monetary: just a few extra faces in the audience at concerts would make every musician feel a little more secure and a lot prouder to be a part of one of the top music programs in the state of Oklahoma. I would also like to say a huge thank you too for all their help and support. Without them, we couldn't do half the things we do.
Susan Taylor
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
Organizations around the city are making preparations and seeking volunteers for the seventh annual Make A Difference Day to be held on Saturday.
According to Ponca City Tomorrow Director Cathy Ferguson, Make A Difference Day is the day set aside for citizens to help one another in the community. "It is all about individuals helping in an individual way in order to give back to the community as a whole," Ferguson explains.
Painting seems to be the order of the day during Make A Difference Day as several different organizations, from youth shelters to adult care centers, are seeking volunteers to help paint everything from inside walls to outside fences. One organization will even be painting curbs.
Members of the new Ponca City chapter of the AmeriCorps will be painting street numbers of residential homes onto curbs located on South Fourth Street between East South Avenue and Alma Street. According to AmeriCorps Director Ruslyn Hermanson the community service project is being undertaken in an effort to make identifying homes easier especially for emergency response units.
From painting, to reading, to cleaning, there are many volunteer activities scheduled for the day and organizers say they are in need of additional volunteers. Chairperson of Ponca City Tomorrow's Mutual Respect and Community Attitude Committee Sandy Murphy-Driggers says that several scheduled activities are in jeopardy of being canceled due to lack of volunteers. Some of the projects currently in need of assistance are:
· The Will Rogers Boy Scout Council needs help painting the outside areas of the Scout Service Center.
· RSVP and Golden Villa are both in need of assistance in painting.
· The Ponca City School System is asking for mentors at all elementary schools.
· The Family Resource Center is asking for donations of used books, toys, videos and tape players.
· Retired Senior Volunteer Program is in need of volunteers to organize a room.
· Car seats are being collected for several local organizations and can be dropped off at the Salvation Army at anytime.
· Donations of canned food and paper goods are needed at area shelters.
Make A Difference Day was created in 1992 by USA WEEKEND in partnership with The Points of Light Foundation as a way to both challenge and reward volunteers. And according to literature, it is the largest community service effort in the nation.
If you are looking for an idea for something to do to help a neighbor or assist in any of the community projects scheduled for the day contact Cathy Ferguson at Ponca City Tomorrow at 767-0823.
"Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown," a story based on an historic relationship of Queen Victoria, plays at the Poncan Theatre beginning Friday. The film is widely celebrated and could easily be in the Oscar hunt in the spring.
The marriage of Victoria and Albert is one of the most famous love matches of all time, partly because Victoria, queen at age 18, was so passionately connected to her husband. Three years after his untimely early death, the Queen was still obsessed by mourning. On the theory that fresh air might do her good, the court brought in a Scottish horseman to manage the Queen's stables and to see that she went riding. But the Scotsman, John Brown, was an independent man who broke the rules of the rigid Victorian court. Instead of kowtowing in the royal presence, Brown took liberties no one else dared. He corrected her wardrobe selection. He advised her on personal matters. He addressed her as "woman." Behind the scenes, it was whispered that he may have taken other liberties. And ... here's the significance for history ... it was whispered that he may have advised her on matters of state.
Victoria gave her name to a period of extreme moral uprightness. But it was historically true that public concern about this possible liaison put the monarchy itself in jeopardy. The Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, was afraid that the public, outraged by the gossip, was turning against the monarchy itself. It was not an unreasonable fear. The title, "Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown," hints at the court whisper uttered about the Queen and Mr. Brown. Victoria had been a recluse for three years. She wished to remain in seclusion. So Disraeli traveled to her Scottish castle at Balmoral to observe and advise the Queen. He encouraged her to make public appearances again in London.
"Mrs. Brown" is called "magnificent" by "Boxoffice" magazine. Judi Densch, who plays Queen Victoria, is one of the most acclaimed actresses in London. She has appeared in a few films, including "Room With a View" and last year's "Hamlet." Here, movie goers can see this extraordinary actress as theatre goers have seen her for years. She is paired with Billy Connolly, best known for his comic work in "Head of the Class." The chemistry between leads is very powerful. "Boxoffice" writes that the two performers exude "an elegance and passion not seen since O'Toole and Hepburn in 'The Lion in Winter.'"
The film also features Anthony Sher as Benjamin Disraeli. Sher is also among the most prestigious actors on English stage and screen, and his presence adds depth and color to the Victorian court.
In depicting the scandalous relationship, the film is "insidious in its methods," writes Roger Ebert. The writer has moved very carefully around facts that are known, pushing only far enough into the world of conjecture. Ebert says that the film "asks us to see what is happening beneath the guarded surfaces." The result is "grace, wit and unerring sensitivity," says "Boxoffice." They add that this is "one of the finest and most human portraits of any monarch ever to grace the silver screen."
"Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown" begins Friday at the Poncan Theatre. The film is rated PG. For show times see the Ponca City News or call the theatre at 765-0943.
"The entire McCord community came together last Saturday night to wholeheartedly support the chicken and noodles benefit dinner for the McCord Senior Citizens Center. Neighbors and friends enjoyed the good food and the fellowship," Catherine Horner, volunteer for the McCord Senior Citizens Center, told The News Wednesday.
The McCord Senior Citizens Center, located on U.S. 60 east across from the Pioneer Bank of the Osage, provides a hot, nutritious noon meal Monday through Friday to area residents.
The main support of this service is from the low cost of the meals, Horner pointed out, which is kept low by the community bringing their garden surplus to the Center and the help of volunteers in preparing, serving the food, and clean up. Volunteers also deliver meals to the homebound, and meals are free to anyone unable to pay.
Horner pointed out it was truly a community effort with food being donated by Miller Market and Buy-for-Less Grocery and paper goods sent by K-Mart and ice donation from MidWest Easy Stop. Pioneer Bank of the Osage and others in the community made cash contributions and the McCord School provided the school cafetorium for the dinner.
Members of the McCord Fire Department, McCord Homemakers Club, McCord PTM, Osage Heights Baptist Church, Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, Eastern Heights Christian Church and the Wah-Sha-She Homemakers Club assisted with desserts, sold tickets and helped with the serving of the meal.
Horner pointed out it was truly a community effort and all the proceeds will go to continue the operation of the Center in the McCord community.
Seven Cadette Girl Scouts and their leaders of Troop 463 have enjoyed several service projects recently. Homemade pizza, salad, fruit, and cookie was the menu chosen to cook and serve the guests of Friendship Feast free meal program.
The girls practiced their homemade pizza recipe at an overnight activity before the event. Allison Ford, Emily Wiswell, Candice Robinson, Rachel Yeakley, Jenni Cowan and Gennifer Burgress were joined by Linda Mena, Sabrie Baird, Bethany Lewis and Samantha Estes in the Friendship Feast endeavor. The Friendship Feast service project completed the requirements of the girls' Cooking Interest Project.
Troop 463, comprised of 7th Grade girls, also hosted a Teddy Bear Tea for area kindergarten girls interested in being Daisy Girl Scouts. The girls served refreshments and played games with the guests and their teddy bears while the parents received information and help with forms from Membership Specialist Cyndi Weston.
The cardboard maze at "Oktoberfest" was another service project of Troop 463. The girls painted, taped, and tied the boxes to create a "Friendship Maze." Friendship rings were given to each customer who went through the maze, which only required one ticket, and benefited the Marland Estate.
Future plans of the troop include visits and studies of young children, and a free babysitting night for the Child Development Center. The girls plan on starting a business of providing birthday parties for young children, offering a variety of themes. This activity will provide funds for future learning activities involving travel.
Troop members are Linda Mena, Rachel Yeakley, Sabrie Baird, Samantha Estes, Bethany Lewis, Allison Ford, and Jenni Cowan. Leaders are Beth Ford and Bonnie Baird.
"Business After Hours"
"Business After Hours" is scheduled for Oct. 28 from 5-7 p.m. at Sun Precision Machining located at 2401 North Ash Street. "Business After Hours" is an important benefit to members of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce - but only if it is used! We hope that all members will plan to attend and bring plenty of business cards.
If your business is having an anniversary, special event or you are interested in sponsoring a "Business After Hours" in 1998, contact the Chamber office at 765-4400.
Community Holiday Preview November 8 & 9
A community wide "Holiday Preview" has been set for Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 9 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium. This event will give our Chamber retail members an opportunity to show the public what their businesses have to offer during the "Home for the Holidays" Christmas shopping season. If your business would be interested in participating contact the Chamber office at 765-4400 for more details. Cost for retailers to participate is $20.
Want To Reduce Workers' Comp Costs?
Here's an opportunity to learn how to:
-Make your workplace safer
-Get a no cost review of your current status
-Get free assistance in writing a Safety Plan
-Get free help in writing your company Safety Plan
-Reduce your Workers' Comp costs by up to 15 percent
Announcing: A free Safety Seminar
Date: Monday, Nov. 10, 1997
Place: Pioneer Technology Center
Seminar Times: (Choose the one that fits your schedule) 9-11 a.m., or 1-3 p.m. To Register Call: 762-8336 Ext. 253 Or 765-4400.
Sponsors: Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, Pioneer Technology Center, Oklahoma Department of Labor Oklahoma Safety Council, Ponca City Noon Rotary, Economic Development Advisory Board.
Upcoming Events
Oct. 28 - "Business After Hours," Sun Precision Machining, 5-7 p.m.
Nov. 8 & 9 - "Home for the Holidays" Preview, Hutchins Memorial Auditorium.
Nov. 10 - Safety Seminar, Pioneer Technology Center, 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m.
A residential burglary was solved Wednesday with the arrest of a local 15-year-old boy.
According to police, the juvenile was arrested at 9:10 a.m. Wednesday in the 400 block of Fairview Avenue after a security company called police reporting that a boy on a bike was "trying to get into cars."
While questioning the juvenile, police discovered he was in possession of property reportedly stolen during a burglary Tuesday afternoon. According to a police spokesperson, in addition to carrying a pellet gun, the juvenile was also carrying a knife that had been stolen from a residence in the 900 block of East Chestnut.
The juvenile was arrested on charges of unlawful carrying of weapons,
grand larceny, second degree burglary, and three counts of knowingly concealing
stolen property. He is being held in the Cleveland County Detention facility
in Norman.
DEATHS
The Rev. Stanford W.T. White Star, resident of Ponca City, died Wednesday evening, Oct. 23, 1997 at his home. He was 83.
Evening Prayer Services will be held this evening and Friday evening at 7 p.m. in the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center. The Traditional Indian Feast will be held at noon on Saturday with the funeral service at 2 p.m.
Other arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel and will be
announced later.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Lawrence E. Spoon will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, 1997 in St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Fr. Joseph Burger officiating. Burial will be in the Newkirk Cemetery.
A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 in the Memory Chapel of Hackler Funeral Home.
Lawrence E. Spoon was born on Dec. 25, 1914 in Collinsville, Okla. to Carl and Millie Jane (Lee) Spoon. Lawrence died on Oct. 22, 1997 at Blackwell Regional Hospital. He moved to Blackwell as a small child. He was married to Alice Ciskowski on May 5, 1943 at St. Joseph's Church in Tonkawa by Fr. Steven A. Leven. They lived on a farm near Arkansas City for seven years and then moved to Blackwell in August 1954. They have made their home here ever since.
He was employed at Blackwell Zinc for 33 years. At his retirement, he was foreman in the furnace department. He was a World War II veteran who served in Europe with the 90th Division under Gen. George Patton. He entered the Army in 1942 and was discharged in October of 1945. He then served with the 45th Division Unit of the National Guard in the Korean Conflict. He served from September 1950 until May 1952.
He belonged to the American Legion and the VFW Posts of Blackwell. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife, Alice of the home. He is also survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Carl Reutter of Ponca City; his grandson and his wife, Jeff and Dee Reutter of Tulsa; his granddaughter and her husband, Cindy and Mike Riggs of Ponca City. He has two great-grandchildren, Eric Riggs of Ponca City and Alec Reutter of Tulsa. He is also survived by three sisters, Cleone Deichman of Blackwell, Arlene Sawyer of Seattle, Wash. and Millie Gene Barrows of Braman and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and step-father, Eugene Pierce.
The Flag presentation will be conducted by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans Posts of Blackwell. Hackler Funeral Home is in charge of service arrangements.
paid obituary
Roberta Lyle Stegall, former resident of Burbank, Okla., died Sunday, Oct. 19, 1997 in Marietta, Ga. She was 88.
A retired elementary school teacher, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Roy Stegall, who was a former basketball coach and superintendent of Burbank Public Schools.
Surviving are a daughter, Lyla Stegall Roberts of Oklahoma City; her sons, L. R. Stegall of Marietta, Ga. and Ben Stegall of Kansas City, Mo.; her brother, James Lyle of Beaver, Okla. and her sister-in-law, Mary Emma Maloney Lyle of Greeneville, Tenn.; also five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The funeral was to be Thursday at 10 a.m. in Ninde Garden Chapel, Tulsa with 3 p.m. graveside service at Stegall Cemetery, Robel Ranch, just outside Ponca City. Services are under the direction of Ninde Funeral Directors, Garden Chapel, Tulsa.
paid obituary
Willie Lackey, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1997 at 10:35 p.m. at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 93.
Survivors will include a daughter, Lona Baker, 721 North Osage Street.
Services are pending with the Trout Funeral Home and will be announced later.
Maggie White, mother of Mayda Strode of Ponca City, died Wednesday at her daughter's home. She was 100.
Funeral arrangements are pending with the Kent Funeral Home of Green City, Mo. Local arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Rosella M. Glaser, long time Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1997 at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 81.
Funeral services are pending with the Trout Funeral Home, and will be
announced later.
NEWS BRIEFS
Chicken Noodle Dinner - A chicken noodle dinner will be held Friday from 5-7 p.m., at Asbury United Methodist Church, 700 West Liberty Avenue, Ponca City. The chicken noodle dinner is available at $4 for adults, $2 for children, with pie an additional 50 cents a piece.
Marine Completes Basic - Marine Pvt. David P. Lambert, son of David L. and Peggy D. Lambert of Newkirk, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. Lambert began training by running three miles and performing calisthenics, spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments, and performed close order drill. He received instruction on Marine Corps' core values and ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour team effort, problem solving evolution which culminated with an emotional ceremony in which the recruits were presented the Marine Corps Emblem. He is a 1997 graduate of Newkirk High School.
Ponca Tribe - The Ponca Indians for Democracy invite all concerned citizens of the Ponca Tribe to share the latest news from the BIA. Dinner and discussion will be at 6 p.m. Friday at 1507 South Ninth Street. More information may be obtained by calling 762-8438.
Arrest - A 44-year-old woman was arrested at 7:34 a.m. Wednesday from the 1100 block of Shirlee Avenue on a city warrant.
Arrest - Police arrested a 20-year-old man at 7:38 a.m. Wednesday at Fairview Avenue and Patton Drive for driving under suspension and speeding.
Bar Burglary - At 8:12 a.m. Wednesday police received a call reporting a burglary at the Friendly Bar located at 705 North Osage Street. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 26-year-old man at 8:22 a.m. Wednesday from the 800 block of North Third Street on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Arrest - Police arrested a 31-year-old woman at 10:12 a.m. Wednesday from the 100 block of Fresno Avenue on a Kay County warrant.
Attempted Burglary - At 12:08 p.m. Wednesday police received a phone alarm from a residence in the 800 block of North South Street. Three officers responded and an attempted burglary report was taken.
Forgery - An employee of Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported a forgery to police at 12:09 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 32-year-old at 12:38 p.m. Wednesday from the 900 block of West Prospect Avenue on a city warrant for assault and battery.
Arrest - A 44-year-old woman was arrested at 2:52 p.m. Wednesday from the 1700 block of Sykes Blvd. on a Kay County warrant for embezzlement.
Bad Check - At 4:43 p.m. Wednesday Buy For Less, 2405 North Fourteenth Street, required an officer for a insufficient check. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Injury Accident - Two people were taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for injuries received at the scene of a two vehicle accident that occurred at 5:25 p.m. Wednesday in the 900 block of East Prospect Avenue. Another person was taken to the hospital by a private vehicle.
Arrest - A 19-year-old man was arrested for petit larceny at 9:44 p.m. Wednesday after an employee of Hastings, 2101 North Fourteenth Street, reported a shoplifter to police.
Break-In - A woman in the 300 block of South Elm Street reported to police at 9:49 p.m. Wednesday that someone had broken into her residence and taken several items. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vehicle Vandalism - A man in the 3400 block of Meadow Lane reported vandalism to his vehicle to police at 9:59 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vandalism - A destruction of private property report was taken at 10:46 p.m. Wednesday when officers discovered windows broken at Lincoln Alternative School, 700 West Broadway Avenue.
Assault - A man in the 300 block of North Lake Street reported
an assault to police at 1:47 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and
a report was taken.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
It's not every high school team which can lose one of the best athletes in the state and still keep on track.
That's what happened to Sapulpa after the Chieftains's star quarterback J. R. Romine went down with a knee injury two weeks ago.
"It was like we had to replace five players," Sapulpa coach Ron Marvel said. "J.R. was our quarterback, safety, kicker and kickoff returner."
But the Chieftains shook off the loss to slam Shawnee and then played Stillwater down to the wire before losing to the No. 4 ranked Pioneers in the final seconds.
Still, Marvel wonders what might have been.
"Romine would have definitely made a difference," he said after watching Stillwater come from behind with two touchdowns in the final three minutes of the game.
An errant pitch out as Sapulpa was trying to run out the clock set up Stillwater's winning score. Marvel feels that probably wouldn't have happened with Romine at quarterback.
But the Chieftains haven't been looking back. They are still on track toward another berth in the playoffs.
"A lot of the kids have shouldered the load," Marvel said of the Chieftain's play since the loss of Romine. "Everybody has had to step up their play."
One of the chief reasons the Chieftains have stayed on course is the play of running back Jason Broom.
Broom wears No. 1 on his jersey and for good reason. The 5-9, 205 senior is the leading ground gainer in Class 6A. He has gained 1,158 yards in seven games. Broom scored three touchdowns against a tough Stillwater defense. He has 12 TDs on the season.
The Chieftains are averaging 336 yards per game rushing.
Broom has the advantage of running behind one of the biggest offensive lines in the state.
Topped by 6-6, 310-pound junior tackle Travis Bolden, the Chieftains' six-man offensive front averages a whopping 249 pounds per man.
Also, junior quarterback Ryan Presnell (6-1, 165) is starting to step up his performance since taking over for Romine, according to Marvel.
"He is throwing the ball pretty well now," the coach said.
The Chieftains' bulk does not carry over to the defensive line. The Sapulpa front four barely average 190 pounds. But they are very quick and talented.
"This is the best defensive unit we've had since I've been here," Marvel said.
Ponca City at Sapulpa, 7:30
Blackwell at Glenpool, 7:30
Pawnee at Nowata, 7:30
Woodland at Newkirk, 7:30
Drumright at Tonkawa, 7:30
S.Coffeyville at Morrison, 7:30
Shidler at Bluejacket, 7:30
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
After seven weeks of high school football, the district standings have begun to take on some permanence. Many teams are already eyeing possible post-season matchups, while others are struggling and playing mostly for pride.
The wheat has separated from the chaff, so to speak. But that also makes for some potential upsets.
For one, in 2A-5, always competitive Pawnee (5-2, 3-1) takes on district leader Nowata (7-0, 4-0) and scoring sensation Chris Alford. Second, Woodland (2-5, 2-3) and Newkirk (5-2, 4-1) clash in an A-5 battle that could be closer than their respective records indicate. Also in A-5, but not quite within reason, Drumright (1-6, 1-5) tries to upset runaway district leader Tonkawa (7-0, 5-0).
In 4A-2, it's Blackwell (6-1, 3-1) sans the support of superman Danny Langdon taking on still-in-it Glenpool (4-3, 2-2). In B-3, the Morrison Wildcats (1-6, 1-1), rarely the favorite this season, try to pick up a second win against hapless S. Coffeyville (2-5, 0-2). Also, Shidler (4-3, 3-1) takes on Bluejacket (3-4, 2-0), the only team still undefeated in district C-4.
Woodland (2-5, 2-3) at Newkirk (5-2, 4-1)
If the Woodland Cougars were limping last week, they're hobbling now.
After having two starters out last week, one with a concussion and another with mono, this week three more came down with the flu. Assorted others remain banged up from last week's game, as well. "We have to get healthy," says Woodland head coach Bill Pascoe, "our hands are tied right now."
Still, Pascoe says the Tigers "can't be real relaxed" about Friday's game, even though they're favored to win and have virtually clinched a playoff spot. Woodland played Barnsdall tough for three quarters last week (in a 35-6 loss). The Cougars moved the ball well, but couldn't convert. "We had the ball in the red zone three or four times," Pascoe said, "we just couldn't score."
The Cougars hope to change all that this Friday. "We have to take every chance we get. And we got to play with them to the end of the ball game," Pascoe says, and after a pause adds, "and we have to stay healthy."
On the opposite sideline, Newkirk head coach Sonny Schovanec says his team - in contrast to Woodland - is "as healthy as we've been all season," but agrees with Pascoe on one point: the Cougars may be sick but they're far from dead.
"They're not going to roll over," says Schovanec, "Pascoe's a great coach, he's gonna scheme us and we're gonna have to be on our toes."
Schovanec also credits the Woodland offense for their ability to break a game open, and says the key is to simply keep them off the field and eat up the clock.
"I like the long, 15 play, 80 yard drives with a touchdown on the end. Smash mouth football is going to win this game."
Pawnee (5-2, 3-1)
at Nowata (7-0, 4-0)
A great upset for Pawnee, and one the Black Bears truly want is against District co-leader Nowata. The Black Bears are alone at second place in tough district 2A-5, and an upset would not only boost their confidence, but could also give them a better draw come playoff time.
Pawnee could make it happen. Their two losses this season were by a total of four points, and they showed up eager to win last week, drubbing a hungry Sperry squad, 30-15.
Still, the Black Bears face a road block Friday night in the form of Nowata's Chris Alford, who leads the 2A in both rushing and scoring. "We just have to keep him in check," says Pawnee head coach Bobby Miller, "Nowata's very deserving of their record. We can't give them any big plays."
That said and done, how do the Black Bears score against a stingy Nowata defense? Miller defers to his defensive line again.
"I told my defensive coordinator that if he could shut them out for four quarters, I could get one score on the board."
Drumright (1-6, 1-5)
at Tonkawa (7-0, 5-0)
Good and Bad Fortune struck the Tonkawa Buccaneers this week. First, standout receiver Zac Swords suffered a leg injury in practice, and may be out for the season.
"We'll have to shuffle things around now," sighs head coach Steve Love. Then, however, Love goes on to describe a gem of recompense in new kid John Williams. Williams, a 6'4" 240 pound defensive tackle from 5A Tulsa Kelly could beef up a front line that Love considers his team's weakest point.
"If we can fit him in, he's exactly what we need," Love says.
By the way, Tonkawa also takes on 1-6 Drumright this week. As for another possible yawner, like last week's 54-0 slaughter of Kiefer, Love is characteristically cautious. "They have (star running back) Billy Don Overstreet. We'll just have to key him. And we can't go out and play flat."
Blackwell (6-1, 3-1)
at Glenpool (4-3, 2-2)
The Blackwell Maroons also suffered a crushing blow this week. Running back Danny Langdon, who gained 126 yards and three touchdowns last week against Tecumseh, was diagnosed with a torn stomach muscle and may be out for the season.
"It hurts when you lose somebody who's been scoring touchdowns at the rate he has," says head coach Greg Werner.
Still, Werner says his Maroons have to "take care of business" this Friday against Glenpool and their potent offensive line.
"They have two big weapons," Werner says, "Tailback Anthony Cato and Chris Munyoz, who probably has the best arm in the district."
The Maroons also need to win the rest of their games to place third in district and gain a home field advantage.
S. Coffeyville (2-5, 0-2)
at Morrison (1-6, 1-1)
After a supreme effort against Yale two weeks ago to notch their first victory, the Morrison Wildcats fell down flat last week, losing to Copan, 46-30.
It was back to square one for head coach Joe Sindelar, whose young team has been plagued by errors this season.
"We just lacked intensity," Sindelar says, in a familiar phrase, "they got up on us and we fell apart. We had too many costly turnovers."
However, the Wildcats have as good a shot at redemption this Friday as they ever will, taking on 0-2 South Coffeyville.
"It's strange for me to think of us as favorites," says Sindelar, "but we can win this game. And we're still playing for a minimal playoff spot.
"The question I asked the kid is 'which Morrison team is going to show up?'"
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Post season honors continue to pour in for the Lady Wildcat softball team which advanced to the state pool finals during what was supposed to be a rebuilding season.
The Class 6A and 5A All-Region II team looked a lot like the Ponca City line up with five Lady Wildcats named to the 12-person all-star team.
Ponca City also got a bonus with coach Roydon Tilley named as Region II Coach of the Year for the two largest classes.
The Po-Hi girls on the All-Region team were pitcher Julie Schiltz, first baseman Robbi Coffelt, shortstop Christan Hinman, outfielder Marie Wilson and utility player Courtney McChristian.
It was the second honor for Schiltz and Coffelt, who were named to the All-Frontier Conference Team earlier.
Joining them on the All-Conference team from Ponca City were catcher Lendsi Boyd along with outfielders Shawntia Feathers and Alana Smith.
Receiving Honorable Mention honors were Hinman, McChristian, Gena Osborn, Nikki Andrews, Wilson, Sarah Pameticky, Ashley Engle, Teya Roughface, Smith and Jena Birdsong.
Schiltz, who missed almost half of the season with an injury, still managed to finish with a 15-5 record and set a record for career wins by a Po-Hi pitcher. Schiltz was 60-29 in her three years on the mound.
She had 121 strike outs in slightly over 140 innings while walking 38.
Schiltz also led the Lady Wildcats in hitting this season with a .412 batting average. She had 45 hits in 109 at-bats. Schiltz scored 20 runs on the season and had 23 RBIs.
Hinman was second to Schiltz in hitting with a .331 average on 53 hits in 160 appearances. Batting lead off for most of the season she led the team in runs scored with 42.
McChristian batted .316 for the season and had a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.
Coffelt batted .275 for the season with 30 runs scored. At first base, she had a .978 fielding percentage with just six errors in 236 put-outs and 35 assists.
Wilson batted .200 on the year and played 25 games without an error.
Feathers was the other .300 hitter for the Lady Cats with a .319 average. She led the team in doubles with 14 and had two home runs. She was also tops in runs-batted-in with 24.
The Lady Wildcats batted .272 as a team and had a combined .932 fielding average in chalking up a 31-19 record on the season.
The ninth grade junior varsity closed out it's season on a positive note Tuesday by defeating Bartlesville's JV's, 16-8.
Bartlesville scored early in the second quarter, but the Cougars came right back on a Billy Broughton 40 yard touchdown run. Quarterback J. Michael Sharron then kept the ball on the successful two point conversion to tie the game at 8-8.
The Cougars would mount another impressive drive before halftime, but stalled out on the six yard line.
After a scoreless third quarter, Broughton got loose again, this time on a 35 yard jaunt in the fourth quarter to put the Cougars ahead. A Sharron to tight end Michael Martin connection for the two point conversion then put the game away.
The Cougars finish their season at 2-3, but as head coach Brad Larimer
points out, two of those losses were to varsity squads.