LOCAL

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Event Friday at 6
Ponca Tribe One of Ten in Nation Qualifying for Even Start Funds
Happy Thanksgiving

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Event Friday at 6

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

Ponca City adds one more facet to its holiday bedazzlement with the annual lighting of the city’s 50-foot Christmas tree Friday night.

The event, featuring up to 6,000 shimmering lights, will be held at the Centennial Plaza, Fifth Street and Grand Avenue.

Carolers will gather at the plaza and join in on the tree lighting countdown at 6 p.m., then spread some Christmas cheer with traditional holiday caroling.

A special guest at the event will be Santa Claus.

“All of the events scheduled this holiday season are for the whole family to enjoy,” said Terri Sherbon, the Park and Recreation Department’s recreation superintendent. “This time of year, especially, is the time for family togetherness.”

Sherbon indicated Santa would be taxied in a fire truck to the plaza, after parking his sleigh at an unspecified location, to visit with the kids and help spread the Christmas cheer. “Then we will begin the countdown for the Christmas tree lighting,” she added.

Afterward, visitors and residents alike can enjoy the heartwarming songs of Christmas. “In the past we’ve had up to 100 carolers to participate in the event,” she continued.

“This year we would like to see as many participants attend the caroling as possible, making this the best Christmas tree lighting program ever for Ponca City.”

“If you have a friend or relative who can’t attend on their own, why not bring them along and help brighten up their holidays, too?” she suggested.

“The tree is 50-foot high and covered with around 6,000 lights,” indicated Mike Payne, also with the Park and Recreation Department. “You don’t want to miss it.”

Following the Christmas tree lighting and caroling, residents can drive through the Festival of Angels holiday lighting celebration, located at points across the city from Broadway Avenue to Lake Ponca. The display is open nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. through December.

“The Festival of Angels is spectacular to behold,” stressed Sherbon. “My little boy thinks its amazing. We see something new every time we drive through it.”

She also said people have come from as far as Dallas, Texas, to see the display. “I don’t think I’ve ever met a person yet who isn’t just amazed by the lights.”

Other holiday events scheduled in November and December are:

•“Angel Central,” a gift shop featuring angel souvenirs and handmade gifts located on the south end of Ponca Plaza, 2101 North Fourteenth Street, will be open Nov. 24 through Dec. 31.

•Nana’s Santas, a Santa Claus collection exhibiting around 2,000 Santas at 3161 West North Avenue, will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through December.

•The city’s annual lighted Christmas parade will be held at 6 p.m. on Dec. 1 in the downtown area.

•A Holiday Historic Home Tour will be held on Dec. 2 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The tour will cost $5.

•The Christmas Gala is slated for Dec. 2 on the Marland Mansion Estate from 7 p.m. to midnight.

For more information about any of these events, contact Sherbon at the Park and Recreation Department office, 767-0430.

Ponca Tribe One of Ten in Nation Qualifying for Even Start Funds

The Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma is one of ten tribes or organizations in the nation to be awarded a four-year grant for Even Start funding from the Department of Education, Washington D.C. Amount of federal funding available the first year is $141,984.

Goal of the new Ponca Even Start Program is to improve the educational opportunities of low income families in the Ponca jurisdiction by integrating early childhood education, adult literacy/basic education, and parenting education into a unified family literacy project.

This successful grant opportunity came about as a result of the Ponca tribal leadership’s collaboration with ten tribal social programs, officials at the American Indian Institute — University of Oklahoma, officials at Oklahoma State University, officials in the Ponca City school system, tribal parents, elders, and committed community members. All played a significant role as the tribal planning department assembled the proposal application.

Bennett Arkeketa, Chairman of the Ponca Tribe, states “This shows the positive results of everyone working together on behalf of the children. The Tribe is committed to administering the Even Start Program in a way that will reinforce our children’s positive images of themselves. The Program will assist in improving the future of the Ponca Tribe by elevating the educational opportunities of our children, at this dawning of the new millennium.”

According to Ms. Doris Sligh, a Department of Education official in Washington, D.C., the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma was one of only ten Indian tribes/organizations nationwide who successfully competed for these education funds for fiscal year 2000.

The other Indian tribes/organizations include: Ahmium Education, Calif., Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Minn,; Mision Indians, Calif.; Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Wash.; Owens Valley Board of Trustees, Calif.; Pala Band of Mission Indian, Calif.; Red Cliff of Lake Superior Chippewa, Wis.; Tape Topa Elementary School, N.D., and Utah Navajo, Utah.

Happy Thanksgiving

Sometimes it’s a little difficult to count our blessings.

Sure, we still don’t know who our next president will be. Unemployment may be up. Money may be in short supply. Crime is a worry. A new flu epidemic may be heading our way. It just isn’t like the “good old days.”

So, to be positive in a negative way, let’s be thankful this Thanksgiving for what we DON’T have.

First, we don’t have a war going on.

There are no major epidemics sweeping the world. There’s concern about AIDS, but as a major epidemic, it just doesn’t fit the pattern. It is a horrific disease, but it can be controlled with lifestyle changes and a cure is probably going to happen before too many years.

There’s not a major financial depression. Sure, the stock market has been up and down for the past few months, making investors very nervous and keeping those with retirement accounts a little edgy, but many prognosticators insist that this is merely a hiccup on the way to more economic growth. There are more reasons to think things will be better than there are to think things will be worse.

National reports say crime on the streets is down. When crime happens it becomes big news. When it stops being big news, it means it’s way too commonplace.

Some of our biggest worries are the weather (snow storms, drought, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes) and whether or not there really is Global Warming going on (and if so, what can we do about it).

On the positive side:

Folks, be thankful you live in America. It’s still the best of available choices.

Even though Florida can’t decide on a presidential winner, at least nobody has declared martial law. There will be a solution and we will have a new president inaugurated in January.

Be thankful you’re celebrating Thanksgiving in a nation where you are free to travel, watch (or not watch) football and parades on TV, go to church (or not) and associate with whomever you want.

Be thankful that churches and concerned citizens join together to feed, clothe and bring warmth and shelter to the less fortunate.

Be thankful you can gripe about what you don’t like and praise what you do.

Be thankful you can volunteer your services to help in a wide choice of areas to help your community, your state, your nation and your fellow beings wherever they may be.

We are much blessed as a nation. We’ve come a long way since Plymouth Rock and the Pilgrim days. Even if things aren’t exactly the way we think they should be, this is still a pretty good place to be and a pretty good time to be here.

Enjoy the day, be thankful for what you have.

Happy Thanksgiving.

FLJ

DEATHS

Alice Jeanette Bontz
Alonzo Brown
Ottis Erwin
D. Walker Howard
Julie M. Eagle
Julie B. Hutson

Alice Jeanette Bontz

BLACKWELL — Alice Jeanette Bontz, resident of Blackwell, died Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2000, in the Collinwood Nursing Home in Plano, Texas. She was 87.

Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 25, 2000 at 2 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church of Blackwell, with the Revs. Gale Izard, of the First United Methodist Church, and the Rev. Steve Robertson, of University Park Methodist Church of Dallas, Texas, officiating. Burial will follow at the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Nardin under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Alice Jeanette Bontz was born on Sept. 10, 1913, near Nardin, the daughter of Harry S. and Blanch H. (White) Steele. She grew up in the Nardin area and attended Cooper Elementary School and then Blackwell High School where she graduated at the age of 16. She then attended University Preparatory School in Tonkawa.

She married John F. Bontz on Dec. 25, 1932, in Wellington, Kan., and they settled in Kansas. After raising two sons, she was employed by Beech Aircraft in Wichita, Kan., as an inspector. She retired from the company in 1971. In 1975 they moved to Blackwell, where they made their home until April of 2000 when they moved to Plano, Texas. She belonged to camping clubs and was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women in Blackwell.

Survivors include; her husband of the home; two sons, Robert L. Bontz of Plano, Texas, and Jack Bontz or Petaluma, Calif.; six grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Robert Wayne Steele.

Casket bearers are Scott Bontz, Jon Robert Bontz, Gregory Bontz, Eric Devonport, Mitchell Devonport and Jim Ring.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, c/o Missions or Good Samaritans, Sixth and Coolidge, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Obituaries

Alonzo Brown

Alonzo “Lonnie” Brown, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, Nov. 21, 2000, at his home. He was 73.

The funeral will be held Saturday, Nov. 25, 2000, at 2 p.m. at Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Michael R. Kear, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Alonzo Brown was born Feb. 4, 1927, in Beaver, the son of Edward George and Jessie Maude (Porter) Brown. He grew up in the Beaver area and attended country schools. Mr. Brown entered the U.S. Army May 9, 1945, and served in the 538th Motor Ambulance Co. in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre during World War II. He received the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged Dec. 13, 1946.

On June 19, 1948, he and Anna Lee Crosby were married in Perryton, Texas. They made their home in Winfield, Kan., where Lonnie was employed as a truck driver and later as a cement mason for Richardson Brothers Construction. He later worked as a mechanic for Boeing for 15 years before returning to Beaver in 1972 and working as a road maintainer for Beaver County District II. He retired in 1985 and they moved to Auburn, Wash., where they lived until coming to Ponca City one and one-half years ago.

Lonnie was a member of the Free Methodist Church and a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed bird hunting, fishing, and throwing horseshoes.

Alonzo, known as Lonnie or Brownie to some was and still is a very respected man. Lonnie has never neither seen nor met a stranger. He touched the lives of all those who knew him with his hard work, honesty, humor, life stories, and jokes. He loved music, life, and especially his family. He was a very loving and caring husband and father.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Lee of the home; two sons, Alonzo Brown and his wife, Donna, of Auburn, Wash., and Bruce Brown and his wife, Carol, of Ponca City; and three daughters, Deanna Hefner and Dennis of Auburn, Wash., Brenda Diehl of Ponca City, and Becky Ecklund and her husband, Joel, of Auburn, Wash. Additional survivors include a sister, Maydean Caldwell and her husband, Paul, of Balko.; 14 grandchildren, Alonzo Lee Jr., Michelle, Brian, Bonnie, Sarah, Cristy, Chan, Kelli, Michael, Raymond, Stacie, Richard, Kerri and Stephanie; 28 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law and all will dearly miss him. In addition to his parents, four brothers, four sisters and a granddaughter, Jennifer, preceded him in death.

Honorary casket bearers will be the grandsons.

Contributions may be made in her memory to American Heart Association, Kay County Chapter, P.O. Box 1151, Ponca City, Okla. 74602 or to Veterans of Foreign Wars, c/o Chuck Hoddy, Commander, 727 N. Union, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

paid obituary

Ottis Erwin

BLACKWELL — Ottis Erwin passed away Nov. 21, 2000, at the age of 95. A longtime resident of Blackwell, born May 27, 1905. She was the daughter of Alpha Pearl and Luanna (Lee) Howk, early day pioneer residents of South Haven, Kan. She was united in marriage with Clarence Erwin of Dadeville, Mo., Feb. 12, 1927. Clarence preceded her in death in 1947.

Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 25, 2000 at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Blackwell, with the Dr. Daryl Donovon, officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, South Haven, Kan., under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home.

Ottis enjoyed a very special relationship with her sister, DeLoit Brewer and her family. Having no children of her own, she treated her nephews, Keith and Michael, as her own children and gave them boundless love and affection. The same love and affection was extended to every member of her family and each one knew the special place they held in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clarence; her parents; her brothers, Paul Howk, Harold Howk, Keith Howk, Gerald Howk and John Howk; her sisters, Ruby Johnston and DeVeda Westbrook.

She is survived by her sisters DeLoit Brewer of Blackwell and LaVelle Ellison of Great Bend, Kan.; nephews, Keith Brewer and wife Susan and their son Wally of Oklahoma City, Michael Brewer and wife Kay and their children, Jennifer, Lloyd and Jessica of DeSoto, Texas; sister-in-law, Delma Howk of Red Cloud, Neb.; nieces Marlys Reyes and husband, F.M. and Kaylene Myers and husband, Charles of Nebraska; sister-in-law, Wanda Howk; niece Rhonda Howk; nephews, Andy Howk and wife LuAnn; Charles Howk, all of Norman; nieces Janice Mendez and husband, Bill, Gay Lynn Robbins and husband Gary, all of San Fernando, Calif.; and nephew, Carl Lewis Westbrook of Boulder, Nev.

Casket bearers will be Michael Brewer, Wally Brewer, Lloyd Brewer, Andy Howk, Charles Howk and Josh Howk.

Honorary bearers will be Richard Pennington, Lindy Woodruff and Frank V. Dyer II.

Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund.

paid obituary

Services Pending

D. Walker Howard

D. Walker Howard, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 86. Services are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Local survivors include his wife Marjorie of the home.

Julie M. Eagle

Julie M. Eagle, lifelong Ponca City Resident, died late Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2000, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 57. An evening prayer service will be held Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in the Ponca Indian Baptist Church. Other arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Funerals

Friday

Julie B. Hutson

Julie B. Hutson — Services will be at 2 p.m. at the Faith Tabernacle Church. Burial will follow at the Resthaven Memiroial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

Memorial Dinner — The family of Andy James Hudson requests all friends and relatives to come and eat dinner at the Otoe Senior Citizens Building in the Otoe Tribal Complex, Red Rock, Saturday, Nov. 25, at noon. Bring your own dishes and chairs.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle. Installed, $2,395. 765-2633. adv.

Accident — A hit-and-run accident in the 700 block of East Prospect Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 8:07 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T No. 4, 201 West Hartford Avenue, reported a gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 8:13 a.m. Wednesday. A description was given of the suspect and vehicle. An officer was assigned. The clerk called back to advise the customer had returned and paid for the fuel.

Po-Hi Class of 1976 reunion meeting Friday, November 24th at 7 p.m. Elks Lodge, 3612 East Lake Road. For more information call Bill, 762-3946. adv.

Theft — A sales associate at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported a juvenile male shoplifter was in custody to Ponca City police at 10:56 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned. The boy was taken into police custody then later released to his parents.

30% Off, New Childrens clothing and maternity. Monday/Saturday, 10/5:30, Sunday 1/5, New and Bearly New. adv.

Theft — A sales associate at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported a woman was being held for shoplifting to Ponca City police at 12:23 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The woman was taken into police custody for petit larceny.

Antiques At After The Gold Rush. Open 10 to 5, Monday - Saturday, One block North of Osage Pioneer Bank. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T No. 3, 720 South Waverly Street, reported a $23 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 3:21 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Substitute Teacher Training: Earn $50 per day. Attend a mandatory training on Wednesday November 29, 9 a.m. at 111 West Grand. adv.

Subject Held — An officer in the 400 block of Lansbrook Road reported a 23-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication at 3:26 a.m. Thursday.

Accident — A clerk at Triple T No. 4, 201 West Hartford Avenue, reported someone had just ran into their building to Ponca City police at 3:53 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A man in the 300 block of South Eighth Street reported someone had broken into his vehicle to Ponca City police at 9:52 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country all day Friday special All you can eat, smoked

BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad, and coleslaw, only $7.49, all day. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Fire Run — A caller reported a grass fire in an alley in the 900 block of North First Street to the Communications Center at 4:56 p.m. Wednesday. Unit one with the Ponca City Fire Department handled the call.

Miscellaneous — An officer at the intersection of West Central Avenue and South Elm Street reported several juveniles at that location were being cited at 11:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Subject Held — An officer in the parking lot at the Ponca City Police Department, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, reported a 38-year-old woman was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under intoxication and no drivers license at 11:56 p.m. Wednesday.

Ambulance Run — A two-vehicle accident in the 3700 block of South Ranch Drive was reported to the Communications Center at 3:34 a.m. Thursday. The Kay County Sheriff’s Department was advised. An ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department also responded to the scene. One person was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. A 24-year-old man was transferred to the Ponca City Police Department after being arrested by sheriff’s deputies for driving under intoxication.

GARDENING

Diggin’ in the Dirt

Diggin’ in the Dirt

by Kathy Zehr

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone is stuffed with delicious turkey and pumpkin pie, dishes are done, and the cook has his/her feet up when The News arrives on the doorstep. Last week we talked briefly about the harm done to poinsettias if exposed to a few minutes of cold weather (below 55 degrees). We know that we should always keep them wrapped or covered while transporting in cold weather and never leave their red bracts shivering in a cold car.

Choosing A Poinsettia

We will soon see poinsettias everywhere in the greenhouses and garden centers. The traditional Christmas plant comes in all sizes and several colors ranging from red to white Most of us enjoy several in our homes during the holidays. They also make excellent gifts for friends who “have everything.”

But, how do you pick a good one? Start with the shape! The poinsettia should be well expanded and evenly shaped. Bracts (red colored leaves) should be full and healthy looking with small flowers in the center of bract clusters. Foliage should be medium to dark green with uniform coloring. If leaves and bracts are curling at the tips, scarred, or discolored, pass it by!

Also take into consideration the care they’ve had in the store before you buy one. If its been sitting in a cold draft in the store you will be disappointed to see the bracts die and fall from the plant in a day or two. Also watch for tiny white insects which (if carried home) will spread to other live plants.

Care of Poinsettias

Remember to cover the plant while transporting it home or to a gift recipient if the weather is below 55 degrees. When you get it home, place the poinsettia away from outside doors or anyplace with cold drafts. The plants also need six to eight hours of good light daily. Water thoroughly when the soil feels dry. Do not keep the soil wet for extended periods of time or the leaves wilt, yellow and drop.

With good care the plant will be beautiful until spring or even summer. If you want to revive it after the hot summer months have passed and are confined to your home for about two months you may be successful.

My experience includes trying it twice, but if we were gone or forgot to move it - even a day or two — all our work went down the drain. We found it much easier and probably less expensive to just buy new plants each December.

To revive the red bracts, you must move it from light to dark daily for measured hours. If you want to give it a try, and since it is an exacting procedure, I suggest you check a “how-to” book from the library.

By the way, poinsettias are not poisonous, but are not edible. If leaves or stems are broken they may release a sap than can irritate sensitive skin.

Last Minute Lawn Care

If you want to get in a final lawn mowing this season, better hurry — only a few good days left in November. If you normally pick up the grass from your lawn mowing, consider leaving the clippings from this mowing on the lawn as a fertilizer. The clippings will slowly break down over winter, providing a light mulch during the winter and turning into fertilizer when the lawn starts growing in spring.

Many horticulturists also recommend fertilizing your existing lawn with a dormant-season fertilizer to help it off to a good head-start next spring. Apply it after the last mowing and just before the snow cover arrives. Make sure the nitrogen is not water-soluble or it could encourage growth during winter warm spells, here in Northern Oklahoma.

Little Sprouts

On a nice day, go to the park or a neighbor’s house and pick up some spikey gumballs or pine cones. Take them home and paint them in Christmas colors and attach a pretty ribbon to hang them on the Christmas Tree. You can also create hats, angel wings and other things to make them look like elves, angels, reindeer, Santa Claus, and other Christmas characters. Pick up some extras (don’t paint them) for bird feeders. Just stuff some peanut butter in them and hang them outside for the birds.

SPORTS

OU OSU Rivals Have Reversal Of Fortunes
Georgia Upends Sooners
Sooners, Others Play for Big Bucks

OU OSU Rivals Have Reversal Of Fortunes

STILLWATER (AP) — Just three years ago, Zac Akin felt sorry for his friend and former high school teammate, Bary Holleyman.

In 1997, Akin and Oklahoma State beat Holleyman and the Sooners, 30-7 in Norman. The Cowboys went on to win eight games and play in the Alamo Bowl. Oklahoma finished 4-8.

“I thought I’d get four rings and I felt bad for him, thinking that he wasn’t going to get any rings and this and that,” Akin said.

How wrong he was. That Alamo Bowl memento is still the only ring Akin and the other Oklahoma State seniors have won. They will finish their careers Saturday with three straight losing seasons.

Holleyman, meanwhile, is part of an Oklahoma team that played in a bowl game last year and comes into this week’s game undefeated and ranked No. 1.

“Obviously, that’s reversed on us and he’s done a great job,” Akin said. “I’m happy for Bary and other people that are there.”

Akin isn’t the only Oklahoma State player who thought back in 1997 that the Cowboys had turned the corner against Oklahoma.

In Bob Simmons’ first year as coach, 1995, Oklahoma State beat the Sooners for the first time since 1976. The Cowboys beat them again in 1997 on their way to their first bowl trip in nine years.

“I remember when we got the ring and I was like, ’I’ve got four years. That’s four rings,’ ” said senior offensive tackle Josh Lind. “I was excited about getting a ring every year. It hasn’t happened since.

“It’s been pretty disappointing, but to be able to go one time was fun. I really could not tell you why things turned around, what happened.”

Oklahoma State followed the ’97 season with 5-6 finishes the next two years. With a couple of breaks here or there, the Cowboys might have been able to qualify for a bowl trip in one or both of those seasons. But they didn’t.

This year, after winning the first two games, Oklahoma State lost the next seven.

“I could have sworn things would have gotten better,” Lind said. “If you had told me we would have this type of season, I might have punched you in the face earlier this year.”

Oklahoma, under new coach Bob Stoops, went 7-5 a year ago and played in the Independence Bowl. The Sooners were expected to be better this year, and began the year ranked in the Top 25. But no one predicted this kind of success.

After starting the year with four home victories, the Sooners proved they were for real by beating Texas, Kansas State and Nebraska. At the time, those teams were ranked No. 11, No. 2 and No. 1.

“There’s always a team that comes out and has a breakout season. They’ve done it this year,” defensive end Zac Warner said. “You have to give ’em a lot of credit.

“Some of those guys are not really the biggest names around, but they’ve just gelled well and played well together and they’re 10-0. You can’t say enough about that. It doesn’t matter how you got there, they’re there.”

Georgia Upends Sooners

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Foul trouble and a bad hamstring limited Tawana McDonald’s productivity in sixth-ranked Georgia’s first two games. She made up for that in a big way Wednesday night.

McDonald, a junior center, scored 16 points and grabbed 17 rebounds as Georgia beat No. 12 Oklahoma 94-70 in the opening game of the Coaches vs. Cancer Challenge.

She averaged 10 minutes in Georgia’s first two games of the season — a loss to Connecticut and a win over Massachusetts.

“We’ve got a good team overall, but we just have a great team when Tawana is in the game,” said Coco Miller, who scored 20 points and helped open up the inside for McDonald with some outside shooting.

“We need her.”

Georgia advances to Friday’s championship game against the winner of Wednesday’s second game between No. 5 Notre Dame and No. 19 Wisconsin.

Stacey Dales had 19 points for Oklahoma (2-1).

Deanna Nolan and reserve Christi Thomas chipped in 11 points apiece for Georgia, but the difference was McDonald.

“Unbelievable,” Oklahoma coach Sherri Coale said of McDonald’s play. “Seventeen rebounds. We didn’t really have an answer for her.”

The teams combined for 54 fouls in a game that was tightly called. That hurt Georgia in the first half, when Nolan and Kelly Miller, both starters, had three fouls apiece.

But nine different Georgia players scored as Georgia took a 45-34 lead into the half.

“We have a great bench,” Coco Miller said. “That really helps us. When we get in foul trouble, we have good players to come in for us.”

Georgia jumped out to a 23-9 lead, but Oklahoma narrowed it to 32-30 before Coco Miller hit a 3-pointer to spark a 13-4 run that gave Georgia a 45-34 halftime lead.

Oklahoma stayed within 10 points early in the second half, but Georgia started to pull away as the fouls on the Sooners began to build up.

Georgia was 33-of-44 (75 percent) from the free throw line, while Oklahoma made 26 of 32.

“We panicked and a team like Georgia smells that,” Coale said.

LaNeishea Caufield added 16 points and nine rebounds for Oklahoma, who will play in Friday’s consolation game.

“Just all night long, we didn’t do the things we normally do,” Coale said. “But we’ll be a better team because of this.”

No. 6 GEORGIA 94,

No. 12 OKLAHOMA 70

GEORGIA (2-1)

Briggans 3-5 0-2 6, McDonald 6-12 4-5 16, Nolan 3-8 5-6 11, K. Miller 2-12 4-6 8, C. Miller 6-13 6-8 20, Taylor 0-0 0-0 0, Lycett 0-0 1-2 1, Thomas 4-6 3-4 11, Brown 0-0 8-9 8, King 1-1 0-0 2, McEntire 1-1 0-0 2, Washington 1-1 0-0 2, Murphy 2-5 2-2 7. Totals 29-64 33-44 94.

OKLAHOMA (2-1)

Hill 3-7 3-4 9, Cunningham 2-8 2-2 6, Hardeman 0-3 0-0 0, Caufield 4-10 8-9 16, Dales 5-18 8-8 19, Taylor 0-0 0-0 0, Luce 1-1 0-0 2, Seeley 4-12 2-3 11, Ross 1-4 1-2 3, Selmon 0-0 0-0 0, Talbert 1-6 2-4 4. Totals 21-69 26-32 70.

Halftime—Georgia 45, Oklahoma 34. 3-Point goals—Georgia 3-11 (C.Miller 2-5, Murphy 1-2, Nolan 0-2, K.Miller 0-2), Oklahoma 2-10 (Seeley 1-2, Dales 1-3, Hill 0-1, Hardeman 0-2, Ross 0-2). Fouled out—Thomas, Hill, Dales. Rebounds—Georgia 46 (McDonald 17), Oklahoma 45 (Caufield 9). Assists—Georgia 20 (C.Miller 5), Oklahoma 12 (Dales 4). Total fouls—Georgia 26, Oklahoma 28. A—NA.

Sooners, Others Play for Big Bucks

RICHARD ROSENBLATT

AP Football Writer

While No. 1 Oklahoma is looking for a win and No. 2 Miami a rout, No. 11 Notre Dame is playing for a $13.5 million payday.

The Sooners (10-0), heavily favored against Oklahoma State on Saturday, need only to beat the Cowboys and then Kansas State in the Big 12 title game to move to the Bowl Championship Series’ national title game in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 3.

The Hurricanes (9-1), now third behind Oklahoma and Florida State (11-1) in the BCS standings, are looking for a big win over Boston College to remain in the national title chase. The top two teams in the final BCS standings Dec. 3 play in the BCS’ title game.

Saturday’s biggest bonanza is waiting for Notre Dame (8-2), which needs a win over rival Southern California (5-6) to clinch an at-large BCS bowl berth worth $13.5 million. A loss and the Irish and coach Bob Davie must settle for a $1.4 million payout in the Gator Bowl, where they would play No. 15 Clemson (9-2).

There’s a bit of history working against Notre Dame. In 1996, USC beat the Irish 27-20 in overtime and cost Notre Dame an $8 million payday in the Fiesta Bowl; in ’98, the Trojans won 10-0 and kept Notre Dame out of a BCS game worth $12.5 million.

Before schools start making travel plans and counting their money, though, the games still have to be played.

Sooners quarterback Josh Heupel, coming off one of his least productive games in a 27-13 win over Texas Tech, leads his team against Oklahoma State. The left-hander is seventh in the nation in passing with 3,018 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Cowboys (3-7), playing their final game under coach Bob Simmons, are 80th in pass defense, allowing 262.9 yards per game. Simmons’ resignation becomes effective after Saturday’s game.

Miami has stars on both sides of the ball — from linebacker Dan Morgan to wide receiver Santana Moss and quarterback Ken Dorsey. Last week, the Hurricanes shut out Syracuse 26-0. Dorsey is eighth nationally in passing with 2,485 yards and 20 TDs.

Freshman quarterback Matt LoVecchio leads the Irish into the Trojans’ den, where Notre Dame last won in 1992 — there was a 17-17 tie in ’94. Despite early season-ending injuries to quarterback Arnaz Battle and defensive end Grant Irons, Notre Dame is looking for its seventh win in a row.

“I’m jacked about this one and I know our team will be,” Davis said. “It’s fun to play in a big time game like this.”

USC, with coach Paul Hackett’s job in jeopardy, is coming off a 38-35 win over crosstown rival UCLA.

The picks:

No. 1 Oklahoma (minus 25 1/2) at Oklahoma State

At this point, Sooners will take a win by any margin. ... OKLAHOMA, 42-14.

Boston College (plus 25) at No. 2 Miami

Hurricanes need to win — and win big — to stay in national title race. ... MIAMI, 45-10.

Virginia (plus 20) at No. 6 Virginia Tech

With QB Vick healthy, Hokies look to remain alive for a BCS game. ... VIRGINIA TECH, 35-17.

No. 11 Notre Dame (pick ’em) at USC

USC had big win last week vs. UCLA; Irish need this one to cash in on BCS game. ... NOTRE DAME, 24-22.

Colorado (plus 24) at No. 9 Nebraska (Friday)

Two weeks after loss to K-State, Huskers take out frustrations on Buffs. ... NEBRASKA, 41-14.

No. 22 Texas A&M (plus 5 1/2) at No. 12 Texas (Friday)

Can ’Horns RB Mitchell run for 200 yards against Aggies? TEXAS, 28-24.

No. 13 TCU (minus 23) at SMU (Friday)

Horned Frogs looking for first 10-win season since 1938. ... TCU, 42-10.

No. 18 Georgia Tech (plus 1 1/2) at No. 19 Georgia

Tech QB Godsey could be the difference. ... GEORGIA TECH, 24-20.

No. 23 Mississippi State (minus 4 1/2) at Mississippi (Thursday)

Battle for the Golden Egg. ... MISSISSIPPI STATE, 23-21.

No. 24 LSU (minus 3) at Arkansas (Friday)

Tigers looking for win No. 8 for new coach Nick Saban. ... ARKANSAS, 31-30.

No. 25 Tennessee (minus 16) at Vanderbilt

Commodores’ last win vs. Vols was 18 years ago. ... TENNESSEE, 41-21.

———

Last week: 11-5 (straight); 6-8 (vs. points)

Season: 175-52 (straight); 117-97-3 (vs. points)