For the second consecutive week, the Ponca City Wildcats rolled to an easy victory over an Oklahoma City opponent.

Friday, the Wildcats had little trouble in fashioning a 44-8 victory over the Northwest Classen Knights. A week earlier it was Ponca City 67-0 over Capitol Hill. The game against the Knights was the final regular season home game and it was the Wildcats’ annual Senior Night celebration.

The football seniors who were recognized were: Grant Harmon, Rayden Agee, Carter Hibbetts, Ryker Agee, Carsen Lively, Malakai Johnson, Gabe Roland, Skylar Ballin, Miles Greer, Cayden Andersen, Tytus Vickery, Darius Allen, Trycten Boyer, Geranimo Quillimaco, Mikah McBride, Xavier Burris and Mahzie Primeaux.

Friday’s victory sets up a showdown in the final week of the regular season between Ponca City and Choctaw. Choctaw has a 6-0 record in District 6A-ll 2, while Ponca City is tied with Deer Creek for second place with a 5-1 mark. Choctaw will be the favorite but if Ponca City could pull off an upset, it potentially would throw the district standings into a three way tie. Deer Creek closes out the regular season with a game at Putnam City North.

Against Northwest Classen, the Wildcats cashed in on a turnover to take an early lead. Ponca City kicked off to begin the game and the Knights started at their own 24. On the first play Northwest fumbled and the Wildcats recovered.

Brody Wicker carried the ball for five yards and then Wildcat quarterback Tay Moore threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Gavin Cunningham. Cayden Andersen kicked the extra point and Ponca City led 7-0 only one and one-half minutes into the game.

The second Wildcat score came four plays later as the Knights went into punt formation after three unsuccessful plays. The center snap went over the punter’s head and out of the end zone for a safety. Ponca City’s lead was 9-0 with 8:13 remaining in the first quarter.

Northwest Classen elected to punt after a series of plays that included a first down due to a Ponca City penalty. The Wildcats took possession at their own 28 and eight plays later Moore completed a 31-yard touchdown pass to Cole Runnels. Andersen’s kick made the score 16-0 with 1:27 remaining in the first quarter.

Jace Schneeberger ended the next Knight possession with an interception and seven plays later Moore ran 21 yards for a Wildcat touchdown. Andersen’s kick made the score 23-0 with 8:40 remaining in the half.

Again the Knights were forced to punt and this time Ponca City scored after five plays. Wicker ran 17 yards for the TD and with a successful kick Ponca City led 30-0.

Grant Harmon scored the next Wildcat touchdown which came with 2:53 remaining in the half on a one-yard run. Again the point after attempt was successful and the Wildcats were able to take a 37-0 lead into the half-time break.

Malakai Johnson returned the opening kickoff of the second half to the Northwest Classen 37 and five plays later Moore scored on a 17-yard run. The kick gave Ponca City a 44-0 lead.

There was a constantly running clock in the second half, and the third quarter ended two plays into the Knights’ next possession. The Knights put together a successful drive covering 76 yards on six plays and scored on a 14-yard pass play. They successfully executed a twopoint conversion attempt and made the score 44-8.

The game ended seven plays later after Ponca City gave up the ball on downs and the Knights tried three pass plays in an attempt to score again. But the game ended as Ponca City’s Tanner Otto intercepted a Northwest Classen pass.

“We did what we needed to do against Classen,” Ponca City Coach Scott Harmon said about Friday’s game. We got our starters their normal reps and got out of there healthy. I was pleased with our back ups again this week. They continue top improve as the season progresses. It gives us a chanced to evaluate some younger kids.”

With one week to go in the regular season schedule, Choctaw leads the district standings with a 6-0 record. Ponca City and Deer Creek are tied for second at 5-1. Lawton is fourth at 3-3, and Putnam City and Putnam City North are tied for fifth with 2-4 records. The top six teams qualify for the playoffs and Ponca City has clinched third place which means the Wildcats will host the first round playoff game. Tahlequah or Bartlesville will be the first round opponent if the Wildcats lose to Choctaw next Friday and finish third.