By Bruce Campbell, Staff Writer
No. 7-ranked Oklahoma Bible Academy has a rare distinction going into tonight’s Class A second-round football playoff game at Cordell. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.
The Trojans (10-1) might be the only high school team in Oklahoma that can claim a perfect record (1-0) in the playoffs after shutting out Oklahoma Christian School 7-0 in their first-ever postseason game last week.
“I really wanted to get that first playoff win,’’ said OBA coach Todd Kuy-kendall. “I believe each win builds confidence in the kids week in and week out.’’
Cordell (9-2), the District A-3 champion, runs a spread offense like OCS. The Saints, who came into the game averaging 37.9 points a game, managed only 176 yards in total offense, including 48 yards passing (7-of-18).
“Having seen the spread last week will be helpful,’’ Kuykendall said. “Our defense has kept us in games all year long and I expect to see them do that again Friday night.’’
Cordell, though, will throw more than OCS.
Quarterback Trey Waldrop completed 136 of 252 passes for 2,254 yards and 27 touchdowns. He’s thrown only eight interceptions.
He has three stellar receivers in Rylan Russell (40 for 788 yards, 5 TDs), Nic Leppke (28 for 461 yards, 8 TDs) and Donald Mitchell (25 for 453, 6 TDs).
“What we did against OCS gives us a lot of excitement going into this week,’’ Kuykendall said. “We’re going to have to stay on top of their receivers. Coach (Mark) Boyd was making constant shifts on defense last week which might have confused OCS some.’’
Safety Nick Benbrook, Kuykendall said, set the tone for the OCS game with two “huge hits.’’
“That showed OCS they were going to be in for a physical game,’’ Kuykendall said.
The rest of OBA’s defensive starters — linemen Jonathan Sturgeon, Timmy Ramseyer, Richard Mooers and Seth Rigel, linebackers Bo McKenzie, Aaron Beagley, Harley Downing and Robert MacDonald and cornerbacks Harrison Jackson and Andy Meier all graded high.
The Trojans have allowed an average of only 7.6 points per game. They have allowed eight passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns.
Cordell is averaging 36 points per game while allowing 17.2. The Blue Devils’ two losses came against Thomas, 32-16 and Apache, 22-20.
Cordell is coming off a 48-20 win over Maysville in the first round. That was the Blue Devils’ first playoff win since beating Turpin, 27-24 in 2003. Cordell is in the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
“That was their kids’ first playoff win, too,’’ Kuy-kendall said. “I’m sure they are excited and motivated.’’
OBA advanced despite being held to 131 yards in total offense — 125 rushing and 6 passing. That was the Trojans’ second lowest offensive total of the season. They were held to 67 yards in losing to Hennessey 19-0 on Oct. 15.
But the Trojans did not have a turnover while recovering two OCS fumbles. Jackson had 105 yards rushing while Beagley scored the game’s lone touchdown on a 15-yard run.
Jackson has rushed for 1,551 yards on 244 carries and 20 touchdowns.
“I asked Harrison if that was the hardest 100 yards he’s ever gained and he said yes,’’ Kuykendall said. “OCS had a very good defense, but we found a way to win. I’m very proud of the kids for that.’’
Kuykendall said OBA matches up well with the Blue Devils physically.
“I do feel we can run the ball against them,’’ Kuykendall said.
The Trojans are accustomed to long trips having gone to Texhoma and Hooker this season. OBA has won six straight road games dating back to last season.
OBA’s two biggest wins came on the road against Okeene (7-3) and Texhoma (15-0).
“We’re not afraid to go on the road,’’ Kuykendall said. “We have a good following. The excitement around the OBA community is probably at an all-time high.’’
The Trojans report no major injuries.
The preparations in recent weeks have been more mental than physical. There’s been less hitting to save wear and tear on bodies.
“We want to keep everybody fresh,’’ Kuykendall said. “We have mostly been tweaking and fine tuning everything.’’
Kuykendall says OBA’s motto has been: “to work harder than it did the previous week.’’
“We’re very focused at this point,’’ he said. “We realize we have a special season going. The way we see it, we still have a month left in the season and we want to make the most out of every day.’’
The win over OCS gave OBA its first 10-win season.
OBA would get to host a quarterfinal game next week with a win over Cordell and a Salina victory over Central Sallisaw. If OBA and Central Sallisaw win, the Trojans are back on the road. The game can be heard on KCRC Radio (1390 AM).
