Local News and Sports

From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Thursday, November 7, 1996

LOCAL
Wedding Friday At White Eagle
'Angels in Disguise' Author Here For Autographing on Saturday
Library Adds Seven Books To Children's Collections
Letters Say:
Kay County Landowners Can Join Wetlands Program
Sales Tax Defeated In Cowley County
Juvenile Cases Heard During Municipal Court

DEATHS
Gordon Douglas Holmes
Byrle M. Baker

Obituaries
Oma McMillen
Floyd M. Neal

Services Pending
Rev. David l. Stuart

NEWS BRIEFS

GARDENING
PTC Planning New Greenhouse

SPORTS
Cats Hope To End On Good Note
Area Football Roundup: Week 10; Much on the Line for Area Teams
Cushing at Blackwell, 7:30
Y Needs Coaches
8th Football Over

LOCAL

Wedding Friday At White Eagle

Tyrone and Donna Poore of Marland announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Amy Lynn to Noland Rhodd, son of Cheryl DeLodge, also of Marland.
The vows will be exchanged Friday, Nov. 8, in the White Eagle Methodist Church.
Both the prospective bride and groom attended Frontier School, and Mr. Rhodd is currently employed at Shawn Manor.
Friends and family of the couple are invited to attend the wedding.

'Angels in Disguise' Author Here For Autographing on Saturday

"Angels in Disguise," a true story about an Osage County girl and her dog just won first prize for Life Stories in Writer's Digest 1995 National Self-Published Book Awards. The author will be in Ponca City, Saturday, to autograph copies of her book.
On June 22, 1993, Lou Dean (Jacobs) Williams was rescued from a life-threatening situation by her dog. Williams was pinned for several hours beneath a 500 pound ATV when Jake, a German short-haired pointer ran down the mountain, grabbed a ranch hand by the pants leg and led him back to the accident.
CBS TV "This Morning" took cameras and crew to the Utah horse ranch where Williams now lives, and where the rescue occurred and the dramatic rescue saga spread across the nation in newspapers and major magazines. Williams, a 20-year freelance writer with more than 50 articles in print, decided to write a story about the rescue.
"As I worked on the story, it kept pulling me home to (Osage County) Oklahoma and another very special dog. I had no idea my book would get this much national attention. It seems to be striking a chord with animal lovers everywhere." said Lou Dean.
In December 1995, two months after the release of the book, it was picked up by Literary Guild and Doubleday book clubs. From December to April, the book clubs sold some 7,600 copies. An excerpt from the book will appear in an upcoming issue of a national magazine, "Angels on Earth."
"Angels in Disguise," is a coming of age story set in rural Oklahoma in the 1950s. The story begins when an unwanted pup provides five-year-old Lou Dean with love and stability in an inconsistent and uncertain home life. As one reviewer wrote, "If you've ever loved an animal, this is a must read."
The paperback edition at $7.95 is available in bookstores across the country.
Lou Dean will be appearing at Brace Books and More, Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. as a part of a national tour. Jean and Jerry Brace, owners of Brace Books and More have invited the public to come in, enjoy a cup of coffee at the coffee bar and meet the author.

Library Adds Seven Books To Children's Collections

The Ponca City Library recently added seven new books to the children's collection.
"Spotting the Leopard," by Anna Myers, tells the story of H.J. Harper, who is intent on finding a way to help his older sister study to become a veterinarian. He also tracks down a leopard that has escaped from the zoo in Oklahoma City where his father is working on a W.P.A. project. The book is a sequel to "Red Dirt Jessie" and is set in the late 1930s.
Joseph Burchac wrote of an 11-year-old Ohkwa're and his twin sister who must make peace with a hostile gang of older boys in their Mohawk village during the late 1400s. The book is titled "Children of the Longhouse."
"A Pizza the Size of the Sun" is a collection of humorous poetry, written by Jack Prelutsky.
Catherine Paladino, who wrote, "Spring Fleece: A Day of Sheepshearing" tells the story of two sheep shearers who spend their day rounding up sheep, shearing them and bundling the fleeces. The shearers establish connections between the fleeces and the wool producing many articles of clothing.
Mary Greyfeather experiences the traditional Shawnee ceremony by which children are given a tribal name in the book "White Bead Ceremony," by Sherrin Watkins.
Robin Cross is the author of "Movie Magic: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Filmmaking." The book contains hundreds of full-color photographs and illustrations which allow children to see how camera work and special effects are created as well as how sets are designed.
"Celebrating Hanukkah," by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith, includes the history, traditions and significance of Hanukkah as it is celebrated by a Jewish family in San Francisco.

Letters Say:

Editor, The News,
I listened to Mr. Wood on WBBZ at noon today with interest. The first thing I heard him try to do was make all the "no" voters feel guilty for voting "no." Then he said it was the retirement community's fault, saying they didn't care about business.
I don't feel guilty about voting "no" and some of us had retirement forced on us for medical reasons. We didn't all retire from Conoco.
Then I heard Mrs. Andrews come right back and say next month there's going to be a bond issue to vote on for the fire and police departments and oh yes, the spillway at Lake Ponca. And because this is a whole new thing to vote on, she's assured of it passing.
The Fire and Police Departments should have had top priority years ago. They are with us 24 hours a day seven days a week, making sure the citizens and property are taken care of and lives are saved. As for the spillway, there are more important things needing to be done here in town.
If we lose small businesses, it's because all the tax and utilities breaks are going for new businesses being brought in. Take care of your own people first. We foot the bill.
I think before another bond issue or sales tax comes up again, we need an accounting of where all the money is going and has gone. It's our money and where it goes is our business, I think a financial statement printed in the paper is in order, don't you voters?
Frances McIntyre

Kay County Landowners Can Join Wetlands Program

NEWKIRK - Oklahoma landowners can have their wetlands and be paid for them too, according to Dick Zetterberg of the Kay County Conservation District.
The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, formerly the Soil Conservation Service, is conducting a sign-up for the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). The sign-up began Monday and will continue indefinitely, which is different than the previous two- or three-week sign-up periods.
NRCS State conservationist Ron Clark said the program now offers landowners more options for wetlands restoration and more time to work with NRCS conservationists to develop a plan to restore and protect wetlands.
Kay County has many acres which are potentially eligible for this program, Zetterberg said.
To be eligible for WRP, land must be restorable and provide significant wetland and wildlife habitat. The program offers landowners three options: permanent easements, 30-year easements, and restoration cost-share agreements of a minimal 10-year duration. The restoration cost-share agreements provide financial and technical assistance for implementing wetland restoration practices and do not require recorded easements.
As of Oct. 1, no new permanent easements can be enrolled until at least 43,333 acres of nonpermanent easements are enrolled in the program nationwide.
Permanent easements will receive the lesser of the agricultural value of the land, an established payment cap, or an amount offered by the landowner. USDA will pay 100 percent of the costs of restoring the wetland.
The 30-year easement "may be more desirable to landowners who don't want to sign over a permanent easement to the USDA. Under this option, easement payments are 75 percent of what would be paid for a permanent easement, plus 75 percent of the storage costs," Zetterberg said.
Early enrollment will improve the applicants opportunity to participate because the program is competitive.
Nationwide WRP has restored 325,000 acres of high quality wetlands and the goal for the next six years is to restore another 650,000 acres. Oklahoma is in the process of restoring more than 12,000 acres of wetlands enrolled in 1995's first state WRP sign-up.
Landowners can sign up at any local NRCS office. For information, contact the county conservation district at 405-362-3362.

Sales Tax Defeated In Cowley County

ARKANSAS CITY - Voters in Cowley County turned down a one percent sales tax for economic development Tuesday. The measure failed by a large margin 11,305 to 3,974.
According to Arkansas City and economic development officials preelection polling service reaching 10,000 registered county voters showed a much better response with 49 percent in favor, 25 percent against and 26 percent undecided.
Organized opposition came from the Cowley County Auto Dealers Association, chaired by Merle Snider. The negative stance on the tax revolved around concerns regarding the increased cost of new automobiles if the tax was passed.

Juvenile Cases Heard During Municipal Court

By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The majority of juvenile cases on Tuesday's municipal court docket would have been heard in District Court, with the District Attorney presenting charges, according to Nancy Hunt, Ponca City Court Clerk.
Hunt confirmed it was disheartening that most of the crimes involved such offenses as assault and battery, vandalism, petit larceny and trespassing. Last year, these cases would not have been heard in municipal court, she stated.
Twenty-five juveniles, who ranged in age from 10 to 17, appeared before Judge John Northcutt to be accountable for their decision to break the law. Hunt noted that a few of the defendants had prior offenses.
In addition to assault and battery, vandalism, petit larceny and trespassing, three youths had curfew violations and two were issued citations for minor in possession of tobacco.
Fifteen of the youths were charged to perform 100 hours of community service. Four juveniles charged with vandalism are required to pay restitution of $672.
Juveniles are required to sign in upon arrival for juvenile court. To protect the juvenile's right to privacy, cases are heard on an individual basis. However, should an incident include several youths, all will appear before the judge at one time.
Seven juveniles, who previously pled not guilty had their trials during Tuesday's docket. When a not guilty plea is entered, the court clerk subpoenas the officer who issued the citation as well as the victim. The defendant can also bring witnesses.
A trial consists of testimony from the officer, victim and defendant, as well as any witnesses.
Additionally, the court clerk's office recently mailed final warnings to juveniles who have not paid fines. If fines are not paid before the one-week deadline, Hunt verified that warrants will be issued for the arrest of the parent.

DEATHS

Gordon Douglas Holmes

BLACKWELL - Gordon Douglas "Doc" Holmes, Blackwell resident, died at his home Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 5, 1996. He was 46.
The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in the Ponca City First Lutheran Church with the Rev. Paul M. Volz, pastor, officiating. The Rev. Dan Bohn, Trinity Lutheran Church of Blackwell will assist. Burial will be in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell. The casket will remain closed at all times.
Gordon Douglas "Doc" Holmes was born July 26, 1950, in Ponca City, the son of Clinton H. and Lois Edith Hawkshaw Holmes. He grew up and attended schools in Ponca City. Following his schooling he entered the U.S. Army, serving in the Vietnam War.
He was married to Frances Margaret Garrison on July 27, 1971, in Pawnee and the couple lived in Texas, Colorado and Germany, where he was stationed with his military career. Holmes received his GED while in the military. Following his medical discharge in 1981, the couple settled in Hartford, Conn., for a short while before moving to Blackwell to make their home. Holmes then began employment as a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service in Ponca City. He retired in 1995, due to medical reasons. Holmes had served as a coach in the Girls Softball Program in Blackwell and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans.
Survivors include his wife, Frances M. Holmes of Blackwell; two daughters, Constance Holmes and Kelsey Holmes, both of Blackwell; one son, Clayton Holmes of Oklahoma City; two sisters, Marietta Doughty of Houston, Texas, and Shirley Stone of Vinita; and one brother, Clinton Henry Holmes Jr. of Collinsville. He was preceded in death by one son, Clinton Henry Holmes; his parents; one brother, Ronald Holmes; and two sisters, Emily Tally and Juanita Pearson.
Casket bearers will be Kelly Smith, Phillip Tannehill, Danny Holmes, Roy Davis, Max Courtney and Randy McAbee. Honorary bearers will be Billy Dover, Brandon Ward, Shawn Moyer, Ryan Fedderson, Brent Casper, and Chad Baker.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Holmes' name to the First Lutheran Church, 1101 North Fourth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will meet at the home of Virgie Holmes in Ponca City at 3120 Moneytree on Friday.

Byrle M. Baker

NEWKIRK - Byrle M. "Curly" Baker, resident of Newkirk, died Tuesday morning, Nov. 5, 1996, at the Newkirk Nursing Home. He was 82.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City, with the Rev. Charles Heyer, associate minister of the Ponca City First Christian Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery.
Byrle M. "Curly" Baker was born Aug. 22, 1914, at Silverton, Texas, the son of Joe and Marie Jewell Baker. He received his early education in a rural grade school northwest of Newkirk. In earlier years he was employed in the pipeline and oilfield business, the Ponca City Fire Department, then Continental Oil Company before his retirement in 1965.
He was married to Hazel Stewart on April 11, 1942, in Newkirk, and the couple made their first home in Ponca City. They moved to Harrison, Ark., in August 1965. After the death of Mrs. Baker in January 1993, he moved to Newkirk. Baker was a member of the Ponca City First Christian Church. He enjoyed watching car racing and had attended several Indianapolis 500 auto races. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and collecting antique cream pitchers.
Survivors include a sister, Dortha Eastin of Newkirk; one aunt, Clara Dalano; and two sisters-in-law, Helen Skaggs and Joanne Haddock. In addition to his wife, Hazel, and his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Bruce Baker and one sister, Doris Hager.
Casket bearers will be Stephen Stewart, Curtis Eastin, Mike Vogele, Wayne Birdsong, Irvin Stickel, and Dorman Chambers.
The family will be at 317 North Sixth Street, Newkirk.

Obituaries

Oma McMillen

Oma McMillen, Ponca City resident and wife of Bill R. McMillen, died Wednesday morning, Nov. 6, 1996, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 76.
Mrs. McMillen was born June 7, 1920, in Covington, the oldest child of Lloyd and Tressa (Cunningham) Conrad. She lived in Shamrock, Okla., where she began her early education. In 1932, she moved to Ponca City, where she graduated from Ponca City High School in 1938.
She was married to Bill R. McMillen on March 30, 1939 and the couple made their home in Ponca City. Oma worked at Niemann-Northcutt Clinic while Bill served as an aviation cadet in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After his discharge, the couple both worked for Beech Aircraft Corp. in Wichita, Kan. After returning to Ponca City Oma continued to work at the clinic until 1947. During Bill's Conoco employment they traveled internationally and temporarily lived in Denver in 1971-72.
Mrs. McMillen was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ for 64 years where she was active in the Christian Women's Fellowship, Naomi Bible Study Class and the Chapel Sunday School Class. She was also active in many clubs and organizations in Ponca City including the Mother's Club, Rose Club, Aviation Club and had served as a Camp Fire Girls leader and the area director for the Mother's March of Dimes campaign.
Oma was an excellent seamstress and shared her love and joy for handwork with her daughters. She also enjoyed flower gardening and feeding and watching the birds.
Survivors include her husband Bill, of 57 years ; two daughters, Coni Osborn of Evergreen, Colo. and Kristin Music of Houston, Texas; six grandchildren, Angela Osborn of Chicago, Ill., Leanne Music Wells of Houston, Texas, Scott Osborn of Denver, Colo., Todd Music of Houston, Texas, Alison and Erin Osborn of Evergreen, Colo.; one sister, Faye Cavnar of Sacramento, Calif.; one brother, L.B. Conrad of Blackwell; and a niece and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Ponca City First Christian Church with the Rev. Kent Dorsey, officiating. Burial will be in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 8:30 a. m. Saturday.
Casket bearers will be Bob Culwell, Allan Cortright, Harold Taylor, John Griffith, Preston Gant, and Steve McGuire.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. McMillen's name to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund, 210 North Fifth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.
paid obituary

Floyd M. Neal

Floyd M. Neal, longtime area resident, died Tuesday, Nov. 5, 1996, at 7:02 p.m. at Westminster Village. He was 99.
A rosary will be said Thursday evening, 7 p.m., in the Chapel of the Trout Funeral Home by the Rev. Scott Adams, associate pastor, St. Mary's Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church with the Rev. John Michalicka, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Floyd Monroe Neal was born April 4, 1897, in Marshall, Oklahoma Indian Territory, the son of John Samuel and Edith Evans Neal. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering.
He and Emma Chermack were married June 25, 1925, in Bison, Okla. Mr. Neal worked for many years as an engineer at the OG&E Electrical Generating Plant just south of Ponca City. At the time of his retirement in 1962, he served as chief engineer for OG&E at Sulphur. Floyd also had a farm located at the east edge of Ponca City on which he raised wheat and cattle.
Floyd was a serious and thoughtful man, but also had a good sense of humor. He was always very helpful to his family and friends. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
He is survived by several nieces and nephews, including Mary Ann Murray, and Leo Jueschke, both of Ponca City, Gerald Jueschke of Borger, Texas, and Billy Jueschke and Dr. R. Wayne Neal, both of Tulsa.
He was preceded in death by his wife, on March 21, 1996; his parents; a daughter, Floydean Neal; five brothers, Oliver Neal, Tom Neal, Byron Neal, Royden Neal and Harold Neal; and one sister, Marie Neal Smith.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 421 South Seventh Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Casket bearers will be David Neal, Dr. R. Wayne Neal, Leo Jueschke, Billy Jueschke, Gerald Jueschke, and Don Mertz.
The family will be at the home of Mary Ann Murray, 1205 East Central Avenue.
paid obituary

Services Pending

Rev. David l. Stuart

The Rev. David L. Stuart, pastor of the Covenant Community Church, Ponca City, died Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 6, 1996, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 48. Survivors include his wife, Mary Stuart, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

Accident - The Ponca City Police Department received notice of a minor accident at East Overbrook Avenue and North Seventh Street at 8:17 a.m. Wednesday.

Collision - A Ponca City police officer took a report of an accident in the 300 block of South Ash Street at 9:02 a.m. Wednesday.

Larceny - The owner of Miller Market, 900 South Fourth Street, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 10:29 a.m. Wednesday to report pallets stolen. An officer took a report.

Arrested - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 38-year-old man at West Chestnut Avenue and North Union Street at 1:50 p.m. Wednesday on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Subject Held - A 25-year-old woman was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, at 2:46 p.m. Wednesday for petit larceny.

Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of an accident with minor injury in the 100 block of North Sixth Street at 3:18 p.m. Wednesday.

Stolen - A resident in the 300 block of South Ash Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 3:27 p.m. Wednesday of three pairs of jeans taken off the clothes line. An officer responded and took a grand larceny report. The resident declined prosecution.

In Custody - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 31-year-old man from the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street at 4:32 p.m. Wednesday on a Kay County warrant for violation of ex parte.

Collision - The Ponca City Police Department received notice of an accident in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street at 6:12 p.m. Wednesday. An officer took a report.

Shoplifter - An employee of Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 8:21 p.m. Wednesday to report that a girl was in custody for shoplifting. An officer responded, took a report and issued the 17-year-old girl a citation. She was released to her aunt on a promise to appear.

GARDENING

PTC Planning New Greenhouse

The new greenhouse being planned at Pioneer Technology Center will be larger than the previous one and will have all the up-to-date equipment - proper lighting, sprinklers, heating and cooling pads. The greenhouse will also have more of a variety of ivy, annuals, perennials, shrubbery and trees, according to Horticulture instructor Burton Brandt.
"This will be a great opportunity for the students to be able to grow the plants from seed and cultivate other plants," Brandt pointed out . "Learning what a plant, flower or tree is called, is very important for my students. However, they also need to know how to grow and maintain them. This type of training will enhance other landscaping projects that the students are responsible for on the PTC campus."
The class has already received a variety of plants to use for cuttings from Jim Eck, Ponca City Park Department, and Brenda DeBuhr, Cann Memorial Gardens. "Cuttings are something I have never dealt with. Being able to work with different plants and cuttings will really add to the horticulture class," said Bouchard.
The greenhouse is being built by the construction trades class at Pioneer Tech and will be ready for the students by January 1997. For more information on the horticulture program or any other program at PTC, call 762-8336.

SPORTS

Cats Hope To End On Good Note

By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Trying to shake off the disappointment of their latest loss, the Wildcats look to end their season on a winning note as they travel to Shawnee Friday night.
Of the five losses this season, the 35-16 setback to Sand Springs may have been the most disappointing for the 17 Wildcat seniors, according to offensive lineman Robert Warrior
"That was kinda tough," he said. "We had to win that one to have any chance at the playoffs."
The loss also killed the Poncans' chance to finish with a 6-4 season. Now they will have to battle to finish 5-5.
Noting that the Wildcats have not finished at .500 for a couple of seasons, Warrior feels a win Friday could take some of the sting out of this season.
"We want to finish strong," he said.
But he also warned that 0-9 Shawnee can be tough with a number of seniors in the lineup.
"They are about the same size that we are. They've been in most of their games. Shawnee led Bartlesville at halftime but then their defense kinda broke down."
"I think our offense has a chance to do pretty well. We have had some good practices this week," said Warrior.
"We lost Marlon (Guess, to an ankle injury against Sand Springs), but Dennis (Shields) has been back playing a lot at tailback this week and we have some other people back."
Injuries and inconsistency have plagued the Wildcat offense most of the season.
The Poncans opened up their offense somewhat against Sand Springs with quarterbacks Eric Michael and Brad Taylor putting the ball in the air 30 times. Michael had 10 completions for 125 yards and two touchdowns. But the pair also threw four interceptions - one that was returned for a touchdown.
The aerial game has resulted in 42 completions in 126 attempts for 581 yards and eight touchdowns. But there have been 16 interceptions.
Split end Wesley Swygert has had six TDs, including both touchdowns against Sand Springs. He now has 17 receptions for 259 yards. Tight end Ryan Treadway has 14 catches for 171 yards and one score.
Offensive coordinator Terry Henderson is trying to get running backs Billy Swygert and Shields in the backfield at the same time.
Shields showed some versatility last week when he threw his first pass of the season, a throw-back to quarterback Michael, which set up the Poncans' first score.
Billy Swygert remains the Cats' leading rusher with 427 yards on 124 carries. He has two touchdowns. Shields, who missed two games with an ankle injury, has 319 yards on 95 carries and five touchdowns.
The Wildcats' run production has tailed off slightly in the past couple of games, but they are still averaging three yards per carry. The Poncans have rushed for 996 yards on the season.
Offensive Stats
Through 9 Games
Rushing
Player Atts. Yds. Avg. TDs
Swygert. B 124 427 2.2 2
Shields 95 319 3.4 5
Graves 31 102 3.3 1
Throop 19 61 3.2 0
Wimms 14 40 2.8 0
Guess 1 25 25.0 1
RedLead 3 22 7.3 0
Michael 25 -51 -2.0 1

Totals 312 945 3.0 10

Passing
Player Att. Comp Yds Int. TDs
Michael 118 41 571 14 8
Taylor 5 0 0 1 0
Shields 1 1 10 0 0

Totals 122 42 581 15 8

Receiving
Player Rec. Yds Avg. TDs
Swygert, W 18 259 15.2 6
Treadway 14 171 12.2 1
Tillman 1 57 57.0 1
Shields 2 21 10.5 0
Swygert, B 3 18 6.0 0
Smith 1 16 16.0 0
Jones 1 10 10.5 0
Michael 1 10 10.0 0
Brune 1 9 9.0 0

Totals 42 581 13.6 8

Area Football Roundup: Week 10; Much on the Line for Area Teams

By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
Heading into the final week of the high school football season, this much is known: Tonkawa is champion of District A-5; Woodland, Pawnee, Morrison and Shidler have all secured playoff berths; Blackwell and Newkirk are on the bubble and Deer Creek-Lamont and Billings will play their final games of the year Friday night.
Pawnee and Morrison have a shot at district titles and their games will be featured by the News. Pawnee hosts second-ranked Berryhill in a 2A-5 showdown and Morrison entertains top-ranked Foyil in a B-3 matchup.
In other games Friday night, Blackwell hosts Cushing, Tonkawa is at Liberty, Woodland hosts Kiefer, Newkirk is at Oklahoma Union, Shidler is at Pioneer, Deer Creek-Lamont hosts Wakita and Billings is at Covington-Douglas.
Foyil at Morrison, 7:30
It's quite simple for Morrison. To win its 11th consecutive district title the Wildcats must defeat top-ranked Foyil (8-1, 4-0) by 10 points. A win by less than 10 points and Morrison will finish second. A Foyil win and Morrison lands in third place behind Yale.
"If we win we eliminate having to play them again until the finals at the earliest," Morrison head coach Joe Sindelar said of Foyil. "If we lose we'll meet in the second round at their place. We'd just as soon win now."
Sindelar said Foyil is built around two players both offensively and defensively- tailback Josh Brown and their fullback on offense and Brown on defense from his safety spot and a 6-2, 225-pound nose guard named Prock.
"Brown's not real big, about 160 to 170 pounds, but he darts and jitters. He's a tremendous athlete and he's just a junior. He's also a kicker deluxe. In fact, I've heard that he's already been contacted by the University of Nebraska as a kicker," said Sindelar.
"Defensively, Prock controls the entire line of scrimmage. And if you don't pass, Brown will come up for run support and stuff you. So it's real important that we throw the ball effectively. But that's not the strong part of our game."
Sindelar said that senior Phillip Cowley will start at quarterback but Ryan Luter will be available if needed. But Sindelar also admitted that senior tailback Bobby Berkenbile will need to have a strong game, "but we have to make sure other kids get some carries and production."
Sindelar is confident, however, despite coming into the game with a 7-2 mark and 3-1 district record.
"I think we'll play well and I think we'll win," Sindelar said matter-of-factly. "Both teams have strengths and both teams have weaknesses, though. It will be an interesting game."
Berryhill at Pawnee, 7:30
On paper it doesn't look like much of a contest. Berryhill comes into this game 9-0 overall and 6-0 in District 2A-5. The Chiefs have outscored their nine opponents 411-25 and are ranked second by the Associated Press. Pretty heady stuff.
Pawnee, in contrast, is just 5-4 overall. But the Black Bears have fared well in the district, forging a 5-1 record.
Now they get their shot at Berryhill.
"In order to be successful against Berryhill we have to keep the ball out of their hands," said head coach Bobby Miller of Pawnee. "We'll have to mix things up to sustain possession and we'll have to take advantage of our scoring chances.
"Defensively, we need to score and come up with some big plays. Our defense hasn't scored yet this season. But we need something big like that against Berryhill. They are a very good football team."
Pawnee has secured at least a second place finish in District 2A-5 while a win will give the Black Bears a district championship.

Cushing at Blackwell, 7:30

Former Morrison head coach Dennis Casey brings his unbeaten, second-ranked Tigers into Blackwell with a District 4A-2 championship already locked up. Blackwell needs to win to assure a playoff spot.
"If we win we're in," explained Blackwell's Mike Monroe. The first-year head coach also pointed out some other scenarios.
"If we lose and Tecumseh wins we'll finish third. But if we lose and Tecumseh loses at Mannford then we're out. So we can finish second, third, or out of the playoffs."
Winning will be a tough chore for the Maroons but Monroe is not backing down from that possibility.
"They're a good football team. They are 9-0 for a reason. But they are not 9-0 unbeatable. Casey's lost some key starters the last three weeks. Talent-wise, I think we're as good if not better than them. What they have on us is they've been used to winning the last two years."
Casey said of the matchup, "Blackwell's a good team and that motivates us. We want to beat good teams. We know they have some talent, are well coached and highly motivated. So we're not looking past this game."
Monroe said Cushing's weakness is a lack of size up front and in the linebacker areas.
"They are extremely quick on defense but not very big. We may be able to have some success running right at them, especially if we can get the passing game working. I don't think they've seen an offense as good as ours. Of course I don't think we've seen a defense as good as theirs, either.
"But I really believe we're the second best team in the district, if not the best."
Tonkawa at Liberty, 7:30
Buccaneer football fans have been on Cloud Nine all week after posting a district championship win over then-third ranked Woodland Friday night by a 28-25 score.
"It took a while to sink in," Tonkawa head coach Steve Love said of winning A-5. "I didn't really think we'd be here when the season began but the hard work has been paying off."
Love said his 8-1, 7-0 squad is healthy for its regular season finale against Liberty, which is 3-6 and 1-6. But Love said he won't be too cautious Friday night.
"We've been preparing this week like its any other game. Hopefully we can make some substitutions early but we're not worrying about injuries. The first-teamers will be in and out a lot," said Love.
The Buccaneers will probably host 5-4 Picher from District A-6 in the playoff opener in Tonkawa. If Quapaw upsets Commerce then the Bucs would host 5-4 Chouteau.
Kiefer at Woodland, 7:30
Woodland's loss to Tonkawa last Friday left the 10th-ranked Cougars in second place in District A-5 but more tragically it left the Cougars battered.
"We're hurt," said head coach Bill Pascoe, who said senior running back/defensive back Brandon Conner has been lost for the season with a knee injury and senior lineman Spencer Cave is out for at least two weeks with a knee injury.
"Conner has knee surgery planned in a couple weeks and Spencer will be re-evaluated in two weeks," Pascoe reported. "If the doctor finds cartilage damage at that point he'll have to have surgery."
The already thin Cougars may have to increase the duties of linebacker Jason Neff and quarterback Tyler Barnard. Neff may seem time on the offensive line and Barnard in the defensive secondary.
"Were going to use this game to work four guys in at those two positions and see who earns the right to start there in the playoffs," Pascoe said of Friday night's game against Kiefer (1-8, 1-6).
Pascoe may be a little discouraged because of the severe injuries his team suffered against Tonkawa but he's still confident of his squad's ability.
"It looks like we'll play Kansas (6-2) in the first round at home and then we'll have to go "whup up" on Washington," Pascoe said, following that bravado statement with a roar of laughter.
Washington is unbeaten and currently ranks No. 1 in the class.
Newkirk at Oklahoma Union, 7:30
Newkirk head coach David Caffey reports that his staff and team are still very big Mounds fans this week. They'd better be. For the Tigers to advance to the playoffs, they must win and Mounds must defeat Barnsdall. If Barnsdall wins then Newkirk stays home for the playoffs because of a lack of playoff tiebreaker points.
Should the Tigers advance, Caffey said Newkirk would travel to face 8-1 Wyandotte, currently tied for third in the AP rankings.
Caffey also reported that senior Andy Ring would continue to start at quarterback with Cody Oesterman moving into the fullback spot vacated by Ring.
"Oesterman has really come a long way this season," said Caffey of the junior back. "I didn't think he'd be much of a help to us this season but he has really improved through playing junior varsity and getting a lot of playing time."
Besides winning, Caffey said the goal for Week 10 is, "Be a little sharper in our execution and come out of it healthy."
Oklahoma Union is 2-7 overall and 1-6 in the district. Newkirk is 5-4, 4-3.
Shidler at Pioneer, 7:30
Shidler (6-3, 3-2) could very well lose this week and still finish second in District C-4. Pioneer was the preseason No. 1 pick in Class B but has lost twice and is currently unranked.
For Shidler to finish second and host a first round playoff game, Bowlegs (6-2, 4-0) needs to beat White Oak (5-4, 3-1) and Bluejacket (3-6, 2-2) needs to defeat Butner (1-7, 0-4) - two very likely scenarios.
That would leave Shidler, White Oak and Bluejacket with 3-2 district records and Shidler takes second on points. The Tigers currently have 37 playoff points, White Oak 15 and Bluejacket minus 17.
Pioneers is coached by former Morrison player and assistant coach John Kerr.
Wakita at DCLA, 7:30
These two teams will wrap up disappointing seasons Friday night. Both are 3-6 overall and 1-5 in District C-3.
Billings at Covington-Douglas, 7:30
The Bulldogs haven't tasted a win since Week 2 and probably won't get that taste again Friday night as they travel to playoff-bound Covington-Douglas, which is 6-3 overall and 4-2 in district C-3. Billings is 1-8 and 0-6.

Y Needs Coaches

The YMCA still needs three coaches for its co-ed basketball program.
Program Director Bill Kenney said the YMCA needs two coaches for its 6-and-under teams and one for an 8-and-under team.
Those interested should contact Kenney at the Y (765-5417)

8th Football Over

Ponca City's eight grade footballers wound up their season with a 21-12 loss to Woodward here last week.
The eighth graders finished with a combined record of 6-8, playing as one team for the last two games.
"The kids did a good job, " coach Calvin English said. "They did everything we asked of them."
The eighth grade coaches included English, Justin Snipes, Mark Huster, Brad Parent and Link Cotham.