LOCAL

AWOL Santa Expected To Show Up Saturday

AWOL Santa Expected To Show Up Saturday

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

While all the adult world is worried about dimpled chads, Kids are worried about Santa Claus. He was missing Friday evening from the festivities at the ceremonial tree lighting on the lawn of the Civic Center.

That’s right Santa was a no show. There was no belly shaking like a bowl of jelly, no “on Donner, on Blitzen” not even a firetruck with sirens screaming.

No “ho, ho-ing” or photos with Santa. Parents and children stood in the cold for nearly an hour, but the big red-suited fellow didn’t appear and some of his fans went away disappointed and crying.

Singing of Christmas carols and a talk about the true meaning of Christmas weren’t enough to console the young fan club.

Speculation ran rampant at the public gathering. What happened? Were the reindeer on strike for higher food allowances? Did Santa’s suit not come back from the cleaners? Was Mrs. Claus under the weather and he couldn’t leave her? Did he have a tummy ache from too much Thanksgiving turkey?

Did UPS fail to deliver the presents or was Santa standing in line at Kmart waiting for Playstation 2? Was it his night to go bowling and with all the Christmas hustle and bustle he just forgot?

Could it be that the media jumped the gun in predicting Santa be there? Apparently the jingle bell signals from the North Pole were crossed somewhere along the way, according to Main Street Director Tim Wilkins, who had been informed that Santa and one of his elves were scheduled to appear.

But the story has a happy ending, as Santa’s press secretary has rescheduled his appearance at the Christmas parade planned for 6 p.m. Saturday.

And what’s more, according to the press aide, Santa has invited a number of his friends to join the parade. Leading the event is to be the exciting Big Blue Band, announced to Wilkins. Also a number of floats by local churches and civic clubs and even a horse riding club from Blackwell are expected.

So kids look at this way, this little Santa snafu has given you a chance to add to your list — course you still must be nice and not naughty.

DEATHS

Grace Carolyn Miller
Jay Barton
Wayne LeRoy Collyar
Geneva Jane Stephenson Yager
Tanna LaRue Walls
Elnora Pauline Butler
Hazel Brians Allen
Blanche Clarida
Charles W. Richardson
Dorothy McWilliams
D. Walker Howard

Grace Carolyn Miller

Grace Carolyn Miller, longtime resident of Ponca City, died Saturday evening, Nov. 25, 2000, at the home of her parents. She was 65.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2000, at the First Lutheran Church with the Rev. Tom Ramsey presiding. Burial will be at the IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Carolyn Miller was born February 4, 1935, in Ponca City, the daughter of Francis Marion Dyson Jr. and Gladys Jewel Hall Dyson. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School of Ponca City in 1953. She married Ira Kenneth Psikal in 1954 and later married Murl Miller. She was employed at Wal-Mart of Ponca City for 16 years, serving in various capacities. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church, a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, the church choir and the Evangelism Committee. She enjoyed needlework of all kinds, reading and flower gardening.

Survivors include her mother and stepfather, Tony Yazbeck of Ponca City; two daughters, Marilynn Ione Dauzat of Ponca City and Clara Louise Klomp of Midwest City; two sons, Kenneth Michael Psikal of Van Buren, Ark., and Kevin Alan Miller of Ponca City; three brothers, Donald Dale Dyson of Rio Rancho, N.M., Hollis Dean Dyson of Ponca City and Joe Yazbeck of Houston, Texas; two sisters, Marylee Henson of Albuquerque, N.M., and Martha Ann Phillips of Belgrade, Maine; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father; two husbands; two sons, John Fredrick Psikal and Donald Charles Miller; and one brother, Francis Marion Dyson III.

Casket bearers will be Paul Ellis, Jim Flesher, Paul Schatte, Nick Wolf and Gary Strickland.

Honorary bearers will be members of the First Lutheran Choir.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church, 1101 North Fourth, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

The casket will be closed at the service, but family and friends may call at the funeral home from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

The family will be at the Yazbeck home.

Jay Barton

PAWHUSKA — Jay Barton, former resident of Foraker, died Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2000, at his home in Jerusalem, Ark.

A memorial service will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Foraker Community Church. The funeral has been held in Morrilton, Ark.

He is the son of Ralph Early and Leora Bowman Barton.

Survivors include his wife, Paula Barton of the home; two sons, Tucker Barton of St. Vincent, Ark., and Bowman Barton of Beebe, Ark.; one daughter, Dorothy Virginia Gratzer of Lake Jackson, Texas; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two sisters, Dorothy Lee Hamilton and Edna Mae Olsen, both of Pawhuska; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Wayne LeRoy Collyar

NEWKIRK — Wayne LeRoy Collyar, former Newkirk resident, died Monday, Nov. 13, 2000 at his home in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was 63.

A memorial service has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27, in Miller-Stahl Funeral Chapel with Danny W. Cornish, minister of the Newkirk Church of Christ officiating. Burial will follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.

Wayne LeRoy Collyar was born Sept. 9, 1937, in Blackwell, the son of Claude and Mary (Falkenberg ) Collyar. He received his education in Kay County schools and graduated from Newkirk High School with the class of 1955. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas. While there he married June Perkins, and they moved to Newkirk after his discharge. He was employed by Maurer- Neuer in Arkansas City, Kan., for 21 years.

They returned to Corpus Christi in 1979, and he began farming on the Chapman ranch. Later he worked on various farms. After a time, he owned and operated his own rodeo grounds and horse stables, housing horses for other people.

He is survived by two sons, David Collyar of Newkirk and Derrick Collyar of Corpus Christi, Texas; one daughter, Tammy Cline of Newkirk; three brothers, John Collyar and Jim Collyar, both of Ponca City, and Melvin Collyar of Newkirk; one sister, Edith Newland of Blackwell; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Ed Collyar and Frank Collyar.

Geneva Jane Stephenson Yager

Geneva Jane Stephenson Yager, former Ponca and Shidler resident, died Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2000 At Orting, Wash. She was 74.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Leland Petersen of Ponca City officiating. Burial will follow in the Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Geneva Jane Stephenson Yager was born on Feb. 11, 1925, in Henryetta, the daughter of Millard F. and Roxie Iona Williamson Stephenson. She moved to Shidler as a small child.

She received her education in the Shidler public schools. She married Warren G. Yager at her parent’s home on Sept. 14, 1942. After World War II, they moved to Wichita, Kan., where they resided for 24 years. She attended keypunch school and was employed with Boeing Company. In 1965, they moved to Kansas City, Mo., where she was employed with TWA for 13 years until her retirement in 1983. They moved to Ponca City in 1988, where they lived here until moving to Washington to be near family.

She enjoyed fishing and camping.

Survivors include her husband, currently of Orting, Wash.; a daughter, Barbara Humphrey of Graham, Wash.; a son, Warren Steve Yager of Wichita, Kan.; a sister, Jetina Smith of Lovington, N.M.; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister.

Casket bearers will be Loren McGowen, J.T. Carter, Clyde Yager, Clarence Maylor, Max Porter and Elton Baynes.

Obituaries

Tanna LaRue Walls

Tanna LaRue Walls, longtime Ponca City resident, died Sunday morning, Nov. 26, 2000, in the Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She was 54.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2000, in the Bible Baptist Church with the Rev. Coy Whitener officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Born Tanna LaRue Robertson on Aug. 13, 1946, in Altus, she was the daughter of Chester and Cletus (McCormick) Robertson. Tanna attended schools in Altus and married James “Jim” Walls on Feb. 24, 1964, in Altus. The couple moved to Ponca City in 1987. Tanna went to work for, what was then known as, Defenders and, now known as P & R Janitorial Services, as a custodian for Conoco. She was baptized and became a member of Bible Baptist Church.

Tanna enjoyed going to the Arkansas River and hunting for arrowheads, spending time with her kids, whom were her best friends, and especially her grandkids as well as fishing. She truly was a virtuous woman in every aspect for “Her children shall arise and call her Blessed, her husband to and he shall praise her in the courtyard.”

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her lifetime companion of 36 years, James “Jim” Walls; two sons, Chris Walls and Dustin Walls both of Ponca City; two daughters, Shelia Pappan of Ponca City and Tammy Walls of Perry; eight grandchildren, Kansas Craft, Cody Carlile, Jesse Carlile, Holly Carlile, Tyler Pappan, Stacy Muegge, Christopher Lawe and Kyle Walls; two brothers, Rodney Robertson and Phill Robertson, both of Altus; two sisters, Sharon Howland of Altus and Carol Kern of Mt. Clemens, Mich.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; one son, James Walls Jr.; and one sister, Pat Robertson.

Casket bearers will be Carl Searcy, Darell G. Lampe, Darell Lampe, Don Lampe, Haskell Walls and Lynx Walls.

Honorary casket bearers will be Keenan Pappan and Jamie Lampe.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Elnora Pauline Butler

BLACKWELL — Elnora Pauline Butler, resident of Blackwell, died Saturday, Nov. 25, 2000, at Blackwell Integris Hospital. She was 81. Services are pending with Hackler Funeral Home in Blackwell.

Hazel Brians Allen

Hazel Brians Allen, Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Nov. 26, 2000, at Westminster Village. She was 94. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Blanche Clarida

Blanche Clarida, resident of Ponca City, died Sunday morning, Nov. 26, 2000, at the home of her son, Dannie Clarida. She was 82. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City and the Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion, Ill.

Funerals

Tuesday

Charles W. Richardson

Charles W. Richardson — Graveside service at 10:30 a.m. at Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Dorothy McWilliams

Dorothy McWilliams — Funeral at 2 p.m. in the chapel of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home in Tonkawa will burial following in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery.

Friday

D. Walker Howard

D. Walker Howard — Graveside service at 2 p.m. in Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City. Memorial service at 4 p.m. in the Albright United Methodist Church.

NEWS BRIEFS

Luncheon Meeting — Retired Sequoia and Cities Service employees will meet at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday at Furr’s Cafeteria.

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

Business After Hours — The Ponca City Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours is scheduled Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m., at the United Way office, 205 North Second. The event is sponsored by United Way of Ponca City and John’s Apparel.

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

Republicans to Meet — Kay County Republican Party monthly meeting for November will be at the Ponca City Library at 7 p.m., Thursday. This will be a planning meeting for the January Precinct meetings, according to Dave White.

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.

Smoke Investigation — The Communications Center was informed at 10:25 a.m. Saturday that a unit from the Ponca City Fire Department was responding to a request to check for smoke at a business near the intersection of Second Street and East Grand Avenue. The department reported everything was all right.

Dixie Brown at Touch of Class has 18 years experience with haircuts, coloring, and perms. 767-0777. adv.

Garage Burglarized — A man from the 400 block of South Lake Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:31 p.m. Saturday that his garage had burglarized and change, CD, and tools had been taken. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Stolen Vehicle — A man from the 2500 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:06 p.m. Saturday that someone had stolen a vehicle. The Kay County Sheriff’s Office responded that the vehicle had been recovered, completely burned. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — The Communications Center received a call at 2:15 p.m. Saturday that an accident had occurred in the 1200 block of South Fifth Street. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and information was logged that subjects had worked things out.

Bicycle Stolen — A man from the 2100 block of Berkshire reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:25 p.m. Saturday that a bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Suspicious Activity — A woman at the intersection of Elm Street and West Grand Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:43 p.m. that a subject appeared to be intoxicated and driving north. Two officers were assigned and a 28-year-old man was taken into custody at the intersection of North Osage Street and West Highland Avenue for DUI and a city warrant.

Air Conditioner Stolen — A woman from the 900 block of West Grand Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:02 p.m. Saturday that an air conditioner had been stolen from rental property. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — An accident in the 3200 block of Kingston was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:58 p.m. Saturday. The information was logged.

Gas Drive-Offs — Two incidents of subjects driving off without paying were reported by a clerk in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street at 5:35 a.m. Sunday. The first subject left north bound without paying for $20 worth of gas and the second subject left south bound without paying for $14.40 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and reports were taken.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Conoco, 1613 West South Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7 p.m. Saturday that a subject in a green van had driven off and headed south without paying for $10.01 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Disturbance — The Communications Center received a request for a police office at 7:39 p.m. Saturday from a business in the 3000 block of East Prospect Avenue concerning a man owing $39 and refusing to pay. Two officers responded to the scene and the problem was gone upon arrival.

Subject Held — The Communications Center received a report from an official at the emergency room of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center that a subject was being treated for injuries from a domestic disturbance. An officer was assigned, a report was taken, and a 22-year-old man was held for domestic assault and battery.

Shooting Fireworks — A woman from the 1600 block of Donahoe Drive reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:03 a.m. Sunday that subjects were shooting fireworks in the area of Clarke Street and Donahoe Drive. An officer was assigned and all juveniles involved and parents were contacted. A citation was issued to the juvenile.

Theft — A clerk at a Triple T in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:23 a.m. Sunday that someone had taken a 30-pack of beer and left without paying. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T, 720 South Waverly Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:01 a.m. Sunday that a subject had left without paying for $5 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — The Communications Center received a call about a disturbance in the 600 block of South Fourteenth Street at 8:49 a.m. Sunday. Two officers were assigned and a 44-year-old man was held for domestic assault and battery.

Vandalism — A man from the 200 block of Virginia Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:17 a.m. Sunday that a windshield of his vehicle had been broken out. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Educators Meeting — Kay County Area Professional Oklahoma Educators will meet Nov. 28 at 4:30 p.m. in the Newkirk Elementary School Library on South Street in Newkirk. Ginger Tinney, state executive director, will present items of interest to educators. For further information contact Richard Turner at (580) 362-2279.

Gas Drive-Off — A man from the 2900 block of North Union Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:14 p.m. Sunday that someone had driven off without paying for $19 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vandalism — A man from the 1200 block of South Fifth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:17 p.m. Sunday that the residence had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A man from the 900 block of West Highland Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police department at 12:39 p.m. Sunday that his rental property had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken that there was extensive damage done also. A request was made for an extra patrol.

Items Found — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Hubbard Road and Pecan Road at 3:33 p.m. Sunday that he had found a frame and wheels to a small scooter. The information was logged and information was left for Animal Control to pick up the items.

Hit and Run — A man from the 200 block of Virginia Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:34 p.m. Sunday that someone had hit his vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken on the accident, and another report taken on vandalism to another vehicle.

Accident — A woman from the 800 block of Brentwood reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:43 p.m. Sunday that her vehicle had been hit while parked. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:31 p.m. Sunday that a deer had been hit five miles east of U.S. 77 on Oklahoma 11. Officials were called to pick up the deer.

Deer Hit — The Communications Center received a report from an officer of the Ponca City Police Department at 5:56 p.m. Sunday that a deer had been hit at the intersection of South Fourteenth Street and Harding Avenue. Officials were called to pick up the deer.

Suspicious Activity — A subject in the 200 block of North Lake Street reported to the Communications Center at 8:18 p.m. Sunday that some yelling in the area indicated a problem. Three officers were assigned and a report was taken on suspicions of drugs at the location.

Assault — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Lake Street and West Broadway Avenue that an assault had occurred. A report was taken.

Suspicious Activity — The Ponca City Police Department received a report of a suspected intoxicated driver at 10:03 p.m. in the 2700 block of North Fourteenth Street. Two officers were assigned and a 46-year-old man was held for public intoxication and a city warrant on failure to pay.

Curfew Violation — A woman from the 200 block of South Ash Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:51 a.m. Monday that a disturbance was occurring. An officer was assigned and a 15-year-old girl was taken to her residence and a curfew violation was issued.

LIFESTYLES

American Legion Post 14 Honors Gold Star Parents
Stately Touches Add Grandeur to Homes

American Legion Post 14 Honors Gold Star Parents

American Legion Post 14 and Auxiliary Unit 14 were honored to have area Gold Star parents as their guests at the November family dinner which also was a celebration of the Auxiliary’s 81st birthday.

Gold Star parents present were Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Horinek of Newkirk, Rev. and Mrs. James Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rouse of Ponca City.

Corsages, crafted by Auxiliary member Joyce Chrisler, were presented to the Gold Star mothers by Lisa McGee, Auxiliary president.

Post Commander Marvin Rider presented a decorated birthday cake to the Auxiliary from the post. Auxiliary president McGee accepted it on behalf of the Auxiliary.

A short meeting for both groups followed the dinner.

President McGee conducted the business meeting with Cecelia Easky reading the minutes and Dora McGee giving the treasurer’s report.

The membership report was 274 senior members, two junior members and 12 VIMS.

Committee chairman Dora Adkins and Evelynn McCutcheon gave their reports. The idea of a brown bag noon lunch meeting was suggested for consideration during this month, which would hopefully increase the montly membership attendance.

The president reported Kathy McLemore was getting the Veteran’s Day float ready. Those planning to ride on the float were Lisa McGee and son Justin; Jamie, the Legion and Auxiliary’s sponsored girl; Betty Brown and Poppy Girl 2000, Katie Marie Brown and Vera Jean Officer, Gold Star Mother of Ponca City.

Pop tabs are still being saved for Trout’s fifth grade classes. All members are asked to bring items for the Christmas basket or for the Mission on South Avenue.

Members are also asked to check their membership cards to see if they are current. Auxiliary benefits will cease Dec. 31, 2000, if the dues for this year (July 1, 2000, to July 1, 2001) have not been paid by that date. Clare McCollum will be happy to take your dues or send them to the Auxiliary at 407 South Avenue, Ponca City.

The next meting will be Dec. 15 at 1:30 p.m. in the Auxiliary Room.

Stately Touches Add Grandeur to Homes

Stately touches such as a pediment over the front door and an unusually grand master bath are among many features of this design, Plan J-38, by the HomeStyles.com Designers Network. Its floor plan covers 2,636 square feet of living space.

A double-door foyer introduces the living room, which shares its natural light with the adjacent dining room. Around the corner, the island kitchen, which services the adjoining breakfast nook, has a pantry closet and ample counter space for gourmet chefs.

The family room is a tempting gathering spot, with its corner fireplace, bookshelves and sliding glass doors to the rear porch. Double doors create a grand entrance into the home’s most alluring spot, the master suite.

SPORTS

Look Out Sooners, ’Canes Are Gaining
Monday Evening Quarterback
Lady Mavs Lose First
OU Must Now Regroup for KSU
OU Cagers Reach Goals in Hawaii
Tonkawa Reaches Semifinals

Look Out Sooners, ’Canes Are Gaining

By The Associated Press

Don’t look back Oklahoma, Miami is gaining on you.

The unbeaten Sooners maintained the No. 1 ranking in The Associated Press Top 25 Sunday, but No. 2 Miami made a move upward by taking away a half-dozen first-place votes from Oklahoma.

The Hurricanes (10-1) completed their regular season with a 52-6 rout of Boston College (6-5), while the Sooners hung on for a 12-7 win over Oklahoma State (3-8) on Saturday.

In addition to moving closer to Oklahoma (11-0), Miami strengthened its lead over No. 3 Florida State (11-1) in balloting by the 71 sports writer and broadcasters on the AP panel.

Oklahoma received 64 first-place votes and 1,765 points, with Miami collecting six first-place votes and 1,696 points. Florida State, which completed its season last week, had one first-place vote and 1,640 points. The Sooners finish out next Saturday against Kansas State in the Big 12 title game.

For the past three polls, the Sooners had 70 first-place votes, the Seminoles one and the Hurricanes none. This is the first time this season Miami has received votes for No. 1. Miami now trails Oklahoma by 69 points and leads Florida State by 56; last week the Hurricanes trailed the Sooners by 93 points and led the Seminoles by 36.

In the USA Today/ESPN coaches poll, the top three were Oklahoma, Miami and Florida State.

Miami’s move in the AP poll is significant since it sets up the possibility of split national champions. If the Hurricanes fail to get into the Bowl Championship Series’ title game — the Orange Bowl on Jan. 3. — they can still become national champions in the AP media poll, in which sports writers and broadcasters vote independently of the BCS.

Three teams cracked the AP Top 25 for the first time this season — No. 22 Louisville (9-2), No. 23 Colorado State (9-2) and No. 25 Toledo (10-1).

Monday Evening Quarterback

by Fred Hilton

News Sports Editor

Coach Bob Simmons is out of a job at OSU. But if he can copyright the defense he used against the Sooners Saturday he may not be for long.

Unfortunately, the defense is not his alone. The “D” used to slow the pass-happy Sooners was started at Texas A&M. It was refined by Texas Tech and then to another level by the Cowboys.

“We spent a lot of time on the phone with coaches,” Simmons admits to the plan which gave OSU a chance at its biggest upset in history.

“The Defense,” is relatively simple. It just endeavors to take away the Sooners’ long pass.

It forces OU to either run the ball — which it does not do all that well — or inch its way down field with short passes — which it did not do all that well last Saturday.

It appeared to shake the unflappable Josh Heupel, who had a hard time finding receivers. He completed 19-of-36 attempts for 154 yards and one touchdown. Not too bad except by Heupel’s standards.

The Cowboys regularly dropped seven into pass coverage and at times had as many as nine. Even the OSU four-man front was radically different.

At times the middle of the alignment was wide open. It appeared Heupel and running back Quintin Griffin could walk for first downs.

However, the stunting tackles and the speed of the linebackers kept that from happening, although Griffin did manage to gain 119 yards on 21 carries.

Any coach will tell you Xs and Os do not win games. Players who execute those Xs and Os do. The OSU players came close, but no cigar.

Too bad the OSU coaches could have coached and the players played that well earlier in the season.

Of course, it being Simmons’ last game, the last game for 15 seniors and — above all — Bedlam, OSU came on a little harder. If the Cowboys had an offense to go with Saturday’s defense, the Sooners would have lost a lot more ground in the polls than they did.

The OU defense had something to do with that. It came up with the big plays when needed — like holding OSU out of the end zone for what could have been the winning touchdown for four downs inside the 10 yard line in the final minutes in the game.

But the OSU defensive plan is sure to draw attention. Kansas State coach Bill Snyder probably had his call in for the game film even before the players walked off the field at Stillwater,

Copies are also sure to be floating around the state of Florida during the next few weeks.

For every offense there is a defense. Teams have found a way to counter Heupel & Co.. The Sooner brain trust must now add some new wrinkles to its offense to offset that.

But, as stated earlier, new Xs and Os are only part of the solution. The Sooners must execute the new Xs and Os — and even the old ones better than they did against OSU.

They have five days before meeting K-State in the Big 12 Championship game in Kansas City and the Sooners must know they have lost some of the psychological edge they had on the Wildcats following their 41-31 win at Manhattan on Oct. 14.

That Dec. 2 game at Arrowhead Stadium could really determine if the Sooner Magic is really back.

Lady Mavs Lose First

GREAT BEND, Kan — The Northern Oklahoma Lady Mavericks got set on their heels early in the second period against Barton County and didn’t quite recover soon enough to keep their unblemished season alive.

On the positive side, Tia Andrews made the all-tournament team at the Barton County Classic.

The host team beat the Lady Mavericks 83-77 in front of a vocal home crowd.

Ashley Hewitt sank a 3-pointer to pull the ladies to within a point with 10 seconds to go.

“We had to foul them and they converted,” coach Greg Krause said.

The Lady Mavs led by 14 points, 42-28, at the end of the first half. But, Barton County came back in the seond half and scored 55 points while NOC scored only 35.

“Anytime you give up 55 points in a half, you aren’t doing your job defensively,” Krause said. “This was the first time they were really tested. Theyjust got them back on their heels and stayed there too long.”

He said he felt the loss would serve a good learning experience as the team gets farther into conference play. The Lady Mavs are 8-1, 1-0 for the season and face Eastern at Wilburton on Saturday. Game time is at 6:30.

Barton College out-rebounded NOC 39-37 and out scored the Lady Mavs by 14 points from the free throw line. Barton College made 33 of 42 attempts, while NOC only converted 19 of 32.

LaQueisha Dickerson led the Lady Mavericks with 23 points. Ashley Hewitt followed with 19; Erin Goss, 11 points and 10 rebounds; Tia Andrew, 9 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocked shots.

B. J. Homer contributed 5 points. She got into fould trouble in the first half and picked up her fourth early in the second period. Denise Jake also had 5 points. Lindsey Shiever put in three and Angela King had one.

OU Must Now Regroup for KSU

STILLWATER. (AP) — Oklahoma’s first perfect regular season in 13 years had far from a perfect ending.

The top-ranked Sooners needed a big defensive stand in the closing minutes to overcome a poor day by the offense and beat Oklahoma State 12-7 on Saturday.

Now 11-0 for the first time since 1987, Oklahoma will prepare to play Kansas State in the Big 12 championship game this week in Kansas City. A victory would send the Sooners to the Orange Bowl to play for the national title.

“We can’t play like this, like we did today,” linebacker Rocky Calmus said. “If we play like that, we’ll get beat.”

The Sooners entered the game averaging 43 points and 452 yards per game. Their 12 points were the fewest in 26 games, the 309 yards were a season low and Josh Heupel’s 154 passing yards were his fewest in two years at Oklahoma.

“I think our team just realized that when you play a team that has nothing to lose and can go all out, and you’re going to get everybody’s best shot to begin with, that you need to be sharp and on top of your game or you’re going to get in trouble,” offensive coordinator Mark Mangino said. “Thank goodness that our defense played extremely well today.”

The defense gave up just 275 yards, 60 of them on a third-quarter touchdown run by Tatum Bell that brought the Cowboys (3-8) within 12-7.

Oklahoma came up with a big stop late in the game, after a 22-yard punt return gave Oklahoma State the ball at the Sooner 39-yard line.

The Cowboys moved downfield and had first-and-goal at the 10-yard line. They gained 1 yard on first down, Aso Pogi scrambled for two more on second down, then they were hit with an illegal procedure penalty.

On third-and-goal from the 12, Pogi threw the ball away under pressure. On fourth down, he threw to 6-foot-4 tight end Marcellus Rivers in the end zone, but the ball was slightly underthrown and freshman cornerback Derrick Strait broke up the pass.

“Our defense has been outstanding all year and has come up with big plays in a lot of big games and did today,” coach Bob Stoops said. “Football is the ultimate team sport, and you’ve got to find ways to win and help each other and we were fortunate to do that today.”

Oklahoma State, playing its final game under coach Bob Simmons, often dropped nine players into pass coverage in an effort to frustrate Heupel. He wound up completing 19 of 36 passes with one touchdown and two interceptions.

“It’s disappointing because we know we’re better than that,” Heupel said. “The difference between being successful and not successful is a very thin line. We were on the wrong side of it today for the most part. We need to get things corrected and get ready to go next week.”

Heupel and the offense have had a difficult time the past two weeks. His 248 yards passing in a 27-13 victory over Texas Tech had been his season low before Saturday.

But as he did last week, when he drove the Sooners 71 yards for a clinching touchdown late in the game, Heupel came up with some big plays Saturday. On Oklahoma’s final possession, he completed a 12-yard pass on third-and-11 to keep the drive alive. Later, he ran for a 4-yard gain on third-and-2, allowing the Sooners to run out the clock.

OU Cagers Reach Goals in Hawaii

HILO, Hawaii (AP) — It was mission accomplished for the Oklahoma Sooners at the Big Island Invitational Tournament.

When the Sooners (5-0) arrived in Hawaii for the eight-team, three-day basketball carnival, Kelvin Sampson had a few goals on his agenda.

They head home today with the glistening championship trophy and several goals reached.

“When we came here, I wanted two things: one was to test our resolve on defense and to make sure we competed as hard as we’re capable of competing,” Sampson said after Oklahoma’s surprisingly easy 78-60 victory over previously unbeaten Oregon State in Sunday’s title game.

“We got better in both areas.”

But, leaving nothing to chance, he added, “But we have a high ceiling. We can still get a lot better. We’ve got to stay focused and not get satisfied. We’ve got a lot of work to do if we’re going to stay together.”

In overpowering Oregon State (4-1), the Sooners switched to long-range shooting after two games of inside muscle.

With J.R. Raymond leading the way, they hit 12 3-pointers in a well-distributed attack. Hollis Price, Nolan Johnson and Kelley Newton each added two and, for good measure, even forward Aaron McGhee got into the act with one.

McGhee, who opened the tournament with 32 points, was plagued by foul problems for the second straight night. He picked up two in the early going and wound up playing only 19 minutes.

“We were well-prepared,” Sampson said of the team’s effort. “We were ready to play; real focused.

“Oregon State had been blowing out people (by an average of 35 points) and the kids felt that was a challenge.”

Defensively, Oklahoma permitted only two offensive rebounds.

“When you allow a big team like Oregon State only two off its own boards, you’ve accomplished something,” he said. “Again, that goes back to commitment; staying focused.”

Players off the bench, meanwhile, contributed 18 points.

Sampson cautioned that there’s still room for improvement.

“We’re still in November, so we’re trying to find our niche,” he said. “They finding a way to play with each other — finding their roles.

“This was a good challenge for us. All three opponents (Montana State, Tulane and Oregon State) all play different systems and the players adjusted well.”

OSU’s Richie McKay said, “I think we can beat a No. 19 team, but not tonight. They hit the open 3s and we weren’t able to respond. But we’ll be back in the mix.”

The Sooners seized control early.

Johnson and Price hit consecutive 3-pointers to cap a 17-5 run that led to a 40-25 halftime lead.

The Beavers got to within nine early in the second half, but Raymond converted three free throws and followed with back-to-back 3-pointers to blunt the comeback effort.

Tonkawa Reaches Semifinals

By DAVID DAVIS

News Sports Writer

LUTHER — The Tonkawa Buccaneers defeated the Luther Lions 49-14 Saturday to advance to the state semifinals. Tonkawa will play Thomas Saturday at 7:30 p.m., at Choctaw High School.

The other two remaining teams are Apache and Wewoka. They will play their semifinal game at Norman High School, Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Apache defeated Seiling 25-7; Washington, 12-7 and Velma-Alma, 41-13. Wewoka beat Verdigris, 42-0; Kansas, 32-14 and Hominy, 20-0.

Thomas defeated Texoma 60-0 in the first round, the beat Walters, 50-7 in the second round. In the quarterfinals on Friday, Thomas defeated Mooreland 28-10.

Tonkawa defeated Afton, 52-14; Dewar, 34-14 and Luther, 49-14.

The Bucs beat the Lions 34-6 in Tonkawa Oct. 27, in the ninth week to determine second place in District A-7.

Luther head coach Randy Hedge said before Friday night’s game the Lions could win the game, “... if we can hang onto the ball.”

But, that wasn’t the answer.

The Lions recovered their only fumble, which occurred during their second possession of the game, just after the Bucs scored their first touchdown with 4:08 remaining. An interception by Shane Marlin resulted in the Bucs’ seventh touchdown with 4:10 remaining in the third period, but the game was way out of hand by then. An interception by Brady Fath on the Lions’ next possession resulted in a Buccaneer punt.

The Lions keyed on Kolby Simpson and held him to 48 yards on 11 carries in the first half ... but, that wasn’t the right key. Simpson still managed to get into the end zone after a 4-yard run to make the score 28-6 wih 4:00 minutes remaining in the second quarter.

The Simpson score came about 2 seconds after Marlin caught a 58-yard touchdown pass from Fath with 4:02 on the clock. Mario Ochoa kicked off to about the 10-yard line of Luther. The deep back watched the ball bounce toward the end zone for should have been a touch back, with Luther taking over at their own 20.

Instead, a heads up and aggressive play by special teams player Howard Ribs shut the door on any chances the Lions had. Ribs ran untouched down the field and pounced on the ball at the 4-yard line as the Lions watched in disbelief.

Simpson ran the ball in on the next play from scrimmage.

Luther did an excellent job of pressuring Fath and keeping him off balance. But, they didn’t do so well against punter Tyler Reese who threw a touchdown pass off of a fake punt on the Bucs’ second possession of the game.

The Bucs were unable to move the ball on their first two possessions. Reese came into punt on a fourth-and-six from the Lions’ 35. Instead, Fath zipped down the right sideline and Reese’s pass landed in Fath’s hands. He never missed a step as he ran full speed towards the goal line with 4:08 left in the first quarter.

Although the Lions did a good job containing Tonkawa’s passing game early in the contest, the Lions’ defense gave up another big play in the first quarter when Fath rushed 35-yards for the second Tonkawa score. With 1:18 remaining in the first, the score was 14-0.

Tonkawa scored from long distances of 35 yards on a run and a pass; a 58-yard pass, 30-yard pass, 38-yard run, a 12-yard pass and a 4-yard run.

Antwan Richardson scored on a 38-yard pass from Bryan Henry at the $:58 mark in the second period to make the score 14-6. He scored late in the fourth quarter on a 20-yard pass to make the score 49-14.

Tonkawa 49, Luther 14

Tonkawa 14 14 21 0 — 49

Luther 0 6 0 8 — 14

Tonk - Fath, 35-yard pass from Reese, Ochoa kick, 7-0, 4:08

Tonk - Fath, 35-yard run, Ochoa kick, 1:18

Luth - Richardson, 38-yard pass from Henry, kick failed, 14-6, 4:58

Tonk - Marlin, 58-yard pass from Fath, Ochoa kick, 21-6, 4:02

Tonk - Simpson, 4-yard run, Ochoa kick, Ochoa kick, 28-6, 4:00

Tonk - Reese, 30-yard pass from Fath, Ochoa kick, 35-6, 6:30

Tonk - Marlin, 12-yard pass from Fath, Ochoa kick, 42-6, 5:19

Tonk - Simpson, 38-yard run, Ochoa kick, 49-6, 4:10

Statistics

Tonk. Luth.

First Downs 14 5

Rush att-yrd 25-163 27-30

Passing yards 155 70

Comp-att-int-td 4-13-1-3 4-10-2-2

Fumbles-lost 0-0 1-0

Punts-avg 4-28.25 5-32.6