By Bruce Campbell, Staff Writer
Kingfisher’s 21-8 playoff record in this decade and seven trips to the state semifinals would be hard to duplicate.
Millwood, the Yellow-jackets’ opponent in a Class 2A semifinal Saturday at Yukon High School, is one of few teams that can match that record.
The Falcons have a 27-4 postseason record in the 21st century, including state championships in 2006, 2002, 2001 and 2000, and a semifinal appearance in 2003.
Kingfisher won the Class 3A state crown in 2003 and lost to Clinton in the 3A state finals in 2007.
“Any time you get in the Final Four, you’re going to be playing some really good teams,’’ said Kingfisher coach Jeff Myers. “Millwood has a lot of speed and athleticism.’’
The Yellowjackets are in the semifinals for the seventh time in eight years for a reason, too, Myers said.
“Our kids know what it takes to get there,’’ he said. “They work very hard and are very disciplined. This is the icing on the cake for all the hard work they did this summer. I know I’m prejudiced but I think we do it better than a lot of people.
“A lot of times we have won games when we’re not the most athletic team on the field. We have built a tradition here and we feed off it. Each team tries to better what the team did before them. There’s a little bit of competition there. That’s why we look forward to this time of year.’’
Millwood (12-1, including a forfeit win over Jones) was ranked No. 4 in the final Class 2A poll, while Kingfisher (11-2) was No. 6.
The Falcons on-the-field losses were to 4A McGuinness, 48-26, and to Jones, 35-28, a game later forfeited because the Longhorns used an ineligible player.
Millwood’s playoff wins have come over Newkirk, 28-7, Washington, 33-23, and Verdigris, 28-0.
Kingfisher’s losses were to 3A Tuttle, 28-7, and defending state champion Heritage Hall, 17-0.
Starting quarterback Derek Patterson didn’t start in either of those games because of a shoulder injury.
The Yellowjackets’ playoff wins have been over Lexington, 24-3, Bridge Creek, 33-32, and Sperry, 35-14.
Newkirk and Lexington are common opponents.
Kingfisher beat Newkirk 27-0 on Nov. 6 while Millwood beat Lexington 26-24 on Oct. 9.
The Falcons are averaging 36.4 points per game while allowing 15.4. Kingfisher is averaging 31.6 points per game while allowing 12.7.
Both teams have outstanding passers — King-fisher’s Patterson has thrown for 2,012 yards and 20 touchdowns. Millwood’s Kevonte Richardson has thrown for 1,921 yards and 22 TDs.
Patterson threw for a season-high 331 yards against Sperry but threw three interceptions. Kingfisher lost a fumble to match its season-high.
“We’re playing well but I don’t think we have hit on all cylinders on the offensive side of the ball,’’ Myers said. “We have had good spurts but haven’t clicked like we’re capable of clicking.’’
Patterson’s top targets are Jacob Woods (49 receptions for 969 yards and 13 TDs) and Jeremy Smith (24 for 447 yards and eight TDs).
Enid American Legion baseball player Logan Nault is expected to come off the injury list.
Millwood counters with Brandon Swindall (36 for 718 yards and 11 TDs) and Shevin Patton (24 for 328 yards and two TDs).
Both have a 1,000-yard running back — Millwood’s Emilio Gatewood has gained 1,750 yards and has scored 24 touchdowns. Kingfisher’s Jacob York has rushed for 1,101 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Kingfisher linebacker Rhett Blundell is one of the state’s top tacklers with 197 stops.
He is followed by Joe Gaither with 112, Alex Bastida with 97, Blake Jech with 76 and Dillon Schaefer with 70.
The Yellowjackets’ defense forced eight turnovers last week, including three interceptions — two by Woods — and five fumble recoveries.
“We forced a majority of those,’’ Myers said.
“We put in a few guys at nose guard that caused some fumbles on the quarterback-center exchange.
“They not only forced the fumble but they recovered it. Any time you’re on the plus side in turnovers, things generally go your way.’’
Kingfisher has a plus-15 turnover ratio (41-26).
