Hennessey could have two advantages when the No. 3-ranked Eagles host No. 5 Talihina in a battle of 12-0 teams in a Class A quarterfinal at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The Eagles are playing over the holidays for the third straight year. The Tigers, on the other hand, are in the quarterfinals for the first time since 1996.

“Kids don’t handle change very well,’’ said Hennessey coach Shannon Watford about practicing over the holidays. “If they’re not used to it, it can be a big deal. Our kids know how to handle it.’’

Talihina, which has beaten Wynnewood (46-0) and Commerce (38-7) at home in the playoffs, will have to make a cross-country trek to Hennessey.

“How would you like to drive four hours?’’ Watford said. “That’s a trip I’m glad we don’t have to make.’’

Talihina has allowed only 34 points this season, shutting out nine of its 12 opponents. The Tigers are averaging 38.9 points per game.

“They are as good an offensive team as I’ve seen since I’ve been here,’’ said the third-year Hennessey coach. “Their fullback, tailback and quarterback run well. They can throw it. They have the total package.’’

Quarterback Jordan Eagleroad had a 75-yard run against Commerce and threw touchdown passes of 5 yards to James Brigance and 54 yards to Chris Capsey.

Hennessey quarterback Matt Luetjen has run for 22 touchdowns and has passed for 18 more.

“When you make it this far, it usually comes down to who wins the battle up front,’’ Watford said.

Hennessey’s offensive line of right tackle Greyson Russell, right guard Michael Wanzer, center David Fuksa, left guard Kaleb Reeves and left tackle Derrick Luetjen has improved steadily throughout the season.

The development of young players in the line has allowed Watford to use Nick Henderson, Trevor Ritz and Justin Wanzer exclusively on defense. Derrick Luetjen is the only two-way starter on the line.

Watford called Friday’s 41-7 rout of Carnegie “our best complete game on both sides of the ball and special teams.’’

The Eagles had 387 yards in total offense and held Carnegie to 154 yards. The Hennessey defense forced four turnovers. Hennessey has intercepted 23 passes and forced nine fumbles.

The Hennessey-Talihina winner will play the Watonga-Tonkawa winner next week at a neutral site.



Watonga hosts Tonkawa



No. 9-ranked Watonga, which has eliminated traditional powers No. 8 Okeene (34-8) and No. 2 Ringling (24-14), hosts No. 1-ranked Tonkawa at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The Eagles are in the quarterfinals for the first time since 1997, when Watonga lost to Hobart in the state finals.

Tonkawa is in the quarterfinals for the 10th time in the last 11 years. The Bucs have won three state titles over that period and have been in the finals two other times.

“We knew we would be playing some really good teams if we kept winning,’’ said Eagles coach Shannon Grimes. “They have had a nice, long run.’’

Tonkawa has outscored opponents 477-75, including playoff wins over Foyil (41-6) and Stratford (27-0). The Bucs are led by tailback Jake Love.

“Love is one of those guys who makes everything better,’’ said Grimes. “We’re a little bigger than they are. Speed-wise, we’re similar. They are real aggressive on defense.’’

The Eagles gave up 234 yards rushing against Ringling but didn’t break. Defensive lineman Kyle Keplinger, Bronc Bryant and Chad Pinkerton each graded high.

Quarterback Trevon Hartfield threw two touchdown passes to Javis Flynn. Hartfield has thrown for 19 scores and has run for 17 more.

“He’s presented a lot of problems for people because he is so hard to sack,’’ Grimes said. “They have to decide if they are going to defend the pass or the run.’’

Corbin Nelson has caught eight TD passes and has been a dependable kicker. His 28-yard field goal gave Watonga an early 3-0 lead against Ringling.

Grimes said the Eagles’ return to glory has brought a lot of excitement to the Blaine County community. The crowd should get a boost from the holiday weekend.

“People here want a winning team,’’ Grimes said. “We have tried to keep the kids away from the hoopla as much as we can and just worry about playing.’’



Cashion faces Stroud



Cashion will travel to Stroud in a battle of 12-0 teams Friday.

The Wildcats’ Jeremy Seaton and Colin Willis both scored three times in Cashion’s 41-21 rout of Velma-Alma Friday.

Stroud has wins over Savanna, 54-6, and Pawnee, 21-13, in the playoffs so far.