Week 5 preview: #1 BTW vs. Memorial

This week's game will be a hard fought match up between rivals Booker T. Washington and Memorial. The Hornets are coming off of a 35-0 win at Skiatook while the Chargers are coming off of a dreadful 63-26 loss too McAlester. Over the years Booker T. has dominated this series and look for that to continue Friday night as this should be a runaway win. No team has been able to stop Isaac Bennett, as last week he averaged 11 yards a carry and scored 3 times. The Charger defense will struggle to contain this offense so look for the offensive stars to have spectacular games. The Chargers are led by quarterback Alex Bollinger, who has thrown for 667 yards and 5 touchdowns. However the Hornets have been solid all year on defense, keeping major weapons in check and Memorial just is not that good. Look for Senior Dante Barnett and Junior Jarvis Hinson to have big plays at the line of scrimmage and on pass defense, because Bollinger will have lots of pressure. Coach Hall needs to pressure throughout forcing mistakes, which could lead to a turnover or a big play for the D. Fundamentals and mistakes will be an important factor as well and I believe the Hornets will easily win this category. This should be an all around solid game for the Hornets with a final score of 31-14. When i asked Senior Dillon O'Carrol about what aspects of the Hornets game will be improved he said, ''all of them''.

Week 4: #1 BTW at Skiatook

District play began Friday night on a good note for Hornets, winning easily in Skiatook 35-0. Booker T. looked great on both sides of the ball as they look to reclaim their district 5A-3 crown. The Hornets got on the board early with an opening drive covering 91 yards in 7 plays, it was capped off by a 54 yard touchdown run by Army All-American candidate Isaac Bennett that took 6:47 minutes. 2 minutes later Dominique Sells made it 14-0 when he threw a nice ball to Tyler Lockett who took it in for BTW. Everything went well in the first half, on both sides of the ball, however the offense still did not looked as polished as it could be. Proof of this took place late in the second quarter, when the Hornets fumbled deep in Bulldog territory erasing a possible 21-0 halftime lead. Coach Hall would have to wait until their first second half to reach the 21 point mark thanks to another score from Bennett this time from 30 yards out. A gutsy fake punt on fourth down was able to set that up. On the play Dominique Alexander got the snap and took it nine yards and a first down keeping the drive alive. The Hornets would go on to score two more times in the third quarter stretching the lead to 35-0, which would end up being the final. Bennett took it in for a one yard touchdown and Jordy Albert hooked up with Tyler Lockett for a nice 48 yard strike giving Albert his first score of the season. It was a big play not only for the team but Albert who said, '' he had no emotional attachment to the pass, it was merely another day at the office.'' Their are still a few little things the Hornets can improve on, playing a complete fundamental game, not committing penalties are fumbling the bal as it happened again Friday. Senior Dillon O'Carroll agrees saying, ''we still haven't played a complete game, we need to do a better job of dominating.'' Unlike last years team the ability to put away oppnents is lacking and that could hurt in the playoffs. The offense is slowly getting better with everyone on the same page, when they do, the stat book should fill up and the points will gradually increase but until we remain a defensive team which makes us vulnerable against high scoring teams Broken Arrow for example. However their is much time to improve and rival Memorial will be good as they are better then Skiatook but not a contender. Tune in later this week as i will preview this weeks game!

Player of the Week: This week's player of week is for the third week in a row Isaac Bennett. He ran for 171 yards on 15 carries, 3 touchdowns and averaging an amazing 11 yards a carry. He was key on every drive consistently picking up big yardage and first downs. Look for another big game this week against Memorial.

Week 4 preview: #1 BTW at Skiatook

After escaping a sloppy played game against East Central last Thursday, this should be a great game to rebound from for the Hornets. They will be playing Friday night in Skiatook at 7:30 p.m in the first district match up this year. The bulldogs are 0-3 on the year and have been outscored by opponents 129-12. That means if the BTW offense gets going this should be a blowout. Look for Isaac Bennett to have another stellar performance in this match up. Also a surprise to keep an eye on will be the defensive line, Skiatook has a very young and inexperienced offense so look for the mature defensive line. Dillon O'Carroll and Derrick Alexander could get or be apart of a few sacks and fumbles. Coach Hall has a good opportunity to get some question marks on the team including at cornerback. With the departure of Terrence Taylor, this leaves a major hole in the secondary which needs to be fixed. Also Jordy Albert will get a lot of game time to adjust and get comfortable in the pocket, as he will get on the same page with his receivers. When i spoke with senior reciever/corner Tyler Lockett he said the things that will be worked on will be, ''our technique and getting more comfortable with the offense and just doing our jobs.'' This will be a tough one for the Bulldogs but there shall be no upset here look for the Hornets to win 72-7.

Week 3: #1 BTW at #3 East Central

In a game that came down to the 4th quarter Booker T. Washington was able to escape East Central with a 27-24 win on Thursday. Unlike the previous two years this was a close game but the Hornets managed to play good enough defense to move to 2-1 on the year. Isaac Bennett was the star of the night carrying the ball 18 times for 165 yards and also catching the game winning touchdown pass. He made up for the struggling offense that was led by the return of quarterback Jordy Albert who went 4-8 for 43 yards an INT and a touchdown pass. Booker T. jumped out to an early 10-0 lead thanks to a 38 yard field goal by Dylan Seibert and then followed by an interception return from Tre Jones. But in the second quarter the Cardinals got the offense rolling continuously pounding the football and scoring 10 points making it 13-10 at half. That was the story the whole game, EC's front seven dominated the Hornets defense leading to big run after big run. EC tailback Donta Burge finished with 185 yards on the night. The major weakness however was the passing game as the Hornets returned all 3 back for a touchdown, but the last one was called back for an illegal block in the back. The Cardinals QB John McDavid when under pressure just threw the ball up for grabs instead of throwing it away, and that would turn out to be the difference. A fourth quarter INT return and TD pass was just enough to win 27-24. The Hornet's have relied on the defense this year as the offense has struggled to get anything going. The passing game has not shown to be dependable however Albert should gain confidence as he is getting back into rhythm. Isaac Bennett is the fire to that offense but giving him the ball every play will eventually get shut down. Around 20 carries a game is a good number for him so it maintains a good offensive balance as well as reduces the injury risk. Another weakness that was exposed again is the run defense. In the past two weeks the Hornet defense has allowed over 500 yards rushing, not only does it move the ball, but it tires out the D opening up more possibilities for the offense. This cannot continue to happen, the pass defense has been just a little bit better, but what concerns me is that what will happen if we play a team with a solid QB and RB such as Broken Arrow. Adjustments are necessary to prevent another loss. If McDavid played smarter who knows what the outcome would have been. The suspension of Terrence Taylor does not help as he has played corner for three years, and was great in coverage. His absence was felt as the Cardinals scored on the same pass play two times during the game. Another thing is not having a good fullback. In high school it is not a big deal but BTW could have used one. I do not like Delshawn McFadden at fullback, he missed a few blocks as well as one in the open field which would have given Bennett a long TD run. He is good in that number two spot as he too has good speed and vision. Maybe putting a linebacker in there for a few plays, but when in the I formation one is key. This year's team is lacking the intensity on both sides of the ball but especially on defense, a player needs to step up and take up that big hitter role. Next week's game will be very beneficial against Skiatook so these issues can be figured out and taken care of.
Player of the Week: For the second week in a row Army All-American candidate Isaac Bennett is the player of the week. He rushed 18 times for 165 yards and catching the game winning touchdown pass in the 4th quarter. At this point it is hard to tell if there will be another player of the week as he has carried much of the load for this team. Runs to the outside went very well and he was name the State Farm Classic player of the game.

Week 3 preview: #1 BTW vs. #3 East Central

Preview: The top ranked Hornets will renew their rivalry with East Central this Thursday night at the East Side Sports Complex at 7pm in the 2010 State Farm Classic. This game will be particularly interesting as Jordy Albert makes his long anticipated return on the field after serving his two game suspension. ''I've never been so excited. I've been ready for this for a really long time'' said Albert and so have Hornet fans he should help the offense as at times they have struggled to put points on the board and convert on third downs. On paper this may seem as a toss up game but for the last several years BTW has dominated the series, beating EC 7-0 in the All-City game. However last season this game was foreshadowed by a series of events taking place in the crowd cutting the game short, but expect the intensity to move from the stands to the field this year. East Central coach Travis Hill and his team are 2-0 on the season and confidence is sky high as they look for the upset and a major win for the program. The mood is little different on the Hornets sideline as they suffered a tough loss on the hands of Broken Arrow, a win here would really instill confidence in this team. Look for both running back Isaac Bennett and quarterback Jordy Albert to have big games. The defense led by Derrick Alexander will be nothing less then hardcore on the cardinal offense as they will force plenty of mistakes. I expect domination in all three areas defense, special teams and defense as the Hornets should take this one 31-13. The past few years have been dominated by Eric Bennett but it is time another Hornet to make his name for himself, and what can we expect from Albert? ''I understand defenses better and defensive concepts much better and you should expect few turnovers and mistakes.'' Also other players to mention and look for on offense and defense include: Tyler Lockett, Dante Barnett, and Dillon O'Carroll.

Week 2: Booker T. vs Broken Arrow

A great first quarter by Broken Arrow was just enough to steal a win from the Hornets. The Tigers ranked #3 in class 6A came into this game looking to beat Booker T. #1 in 5A for the third year in a row and what a game it was at S.E. Williams stadium. The tigers got on the board twice in the first quarter to take a 12-0 lead thanks to runs by Richie Fruechting. It looked to be another easy win for BA but great 2nd quarter adjustments made by Coach Hall lead to big plays for the Hornets. Led by Isaac Bennett who played in his first game this season who had a big night and scored the first BTW touchdown on a 59 yard pass play. BA however answered right back with another twelve yard run. To end the half senior QB Dominique Sells led Booker T. to two scoring drives and went in at the half with all of the momentum. Tiger coach Steve Spavital made several key decisions including to go with power football, running the ball and playing hardcore defense, shutting out the Hornets in the 2nd half. Meanwhile Fruechting would end the night with over 250 yards rushing and 5 td's leading BA to a 32-17 win improving to 2-0 on the season.
This game was very winnable for BTW as this would have been their biggest win of the season. The inability to stop the run, and make tackles at the line of scrimmage allowed big runs and points. On most of Fruechting's runs he broke at least one tackle, but BA did a great job of opening up holes. Their draw play was worked well as not enough inside blitzes were called to stop this play, if the D cannot stop it then why not continue to run it. Going into half BTW had all of the momentum everything was going there way but not capitalizing on it going into the 3rd set the tone for the rest of the game. Cramps kept several payers out for a while including CB Terrence Taylor and RB Isaac Bennett. Backup Daylshawn McFaydden though continued to show his potential having two or three big runs but we seemed to go away from the run and pass more. But the offense never got going or into a solid rhythm as BA's defense played very solid. Long offensive drives led by QB Archie Bradley wore down the defense by pounding it inside and converting on 3rd down plays. Special teams played well not letting any blocks take place or returns, but penalties were still present having an impact, mostly illegal motions penalties.

Player of the Week: Running back Isaac Bennett returning back in the line up was very productive on offense. Scoring on a lateral play, and setting up the only other touchdown with powerful runs up the middle and nifty moves on the outside. He was limited in the 3rd quarter due to cramps but was still a major factor.

This game i think will help Booker T. to serve as a building block and as a motivator. Senior captain Dillon O'Carroll agreed saying "We didn't play bad as individuals, we just played bad as a team. We have to come together and improve in all facets. We're taking this as an opportunity to see what we did wrong and move forward, our final goals are still attainable and we're still gonna show up everyday and work to get them." The hornets our now 1-1 with a game against East Central on Thursday night hoping to regain confidence as the season rolls forward. When asked about the teams mentality was moving forward into the next few weeks O'Caroll said, ''win.''

Week 1: Booker T. vs. Carl Albert

High school football is back in green country which means time for the hornets to win another state title. After missing the playoffs last year, new head Coach Darrell Hall and the #1 hornets looked to continue the tradition in Midwest City against #3 Carl Albert. The team this year the defense is led by linemen Dillon O'Carroll and Derrick Alexander and safety Dante Barnett all division one prospects. The Offense will be led by US Army All-America candidate Isaac Bennett, Jordy Albert and Tyler Lockett. The game Friday night was the first test and what a game it was.

The Hornets got on the board early when QB Dominique Sells(playing in place of Albert) connected with Tre Stearns for a 18 yard touchdown pass. Despite this early score it would turn out to be a defensive struggle as penalties, mistakes and turnovers were present from beginning to end. Washington's special teams was the major disappointment as CA managed to block a punt, a field goal and two extra points. Coach Hall will have to make some changes because BA will no doubt take advantage of this. Score going into half was still 6-0 BTW. The titans managed a field goal in the 3rd quarter to set up a very intense and thrilling 4th quarter. An interception by Dante Barnett lead to Sells scoring on a 2o yd QB keeper to make it 12-6. After blocking a punt, Carl Albert was able to set up a short drive and score a few plays later to make it 12-10 with less then 6 minutes left to play. A stand by the titan defense would give them the ball near mid field and chance for a game winning drive. Completing a series of short passes including converting on a 4th and long, they went for the game winning field goal....WIDE RIGHT! HORNETS WIN!!!!!

This is a great win and a great way to kickoff the 2010 season, for Coach Hall and the team. 1-0 but there are improvents to be made for this weeks tough match up against 6A Broken Arrow. The defense looked great only allowing 10 points and they will need to continue that led by seniors Derrick Alexander and Dillon O'Carroll. The major dilemma is special teams. Blocking up front needs to improve, BA is a much faster and more athletic team then Carl Albert and that is a strong point for their team. Last year BA was dominant blocking several punts and field goals setting themselves up for easy points. Containing the inside rush as well as the speed rushers form the outside will be key.Whether there is a personnel shift or even a new formation this cannot continue to happen.

Player of the Week: Dominique Sells. His first game at QB went well, a few mistakes but normal for the first game in the absence of Jordy Albert. He went 10-20 for 93 yards and a TD pass. He also ran 4 times for 29 yards. When pressured he did very well in finding ways to escape and something out of nothing.

Injuries and Ineligibility kept some key starters out included: Jordan Simmons, Boston Williamson, Jordy Albert, and Isaac Bennett. The Hornet coaching staff did well in filling these gaps and not letting it affect the offense and defense. All of these players except Albert will be on the field this week.

Preview: This week the Hornets will face off against 6A power Broken Arrow at 7:30 pm at S.E. Williams Stadium. Some key match ups will include:
The hornet defense needs to be solid up front and in the secondary. Big plays cannot be allowed and forcing Bradley into bad throws is crucial. Speed Blitzes, zone blitzes will all be affective. Fundamentally sound football is probably the most important, penalties and dumb mistakes need to be avoided, every yard counts and in avoiding this it could lead to big plays.
The return of Isaac Bennett will bring a spark to the offense. Look for him to have a big game whether its running the ball or catching it out in the flats. Sells will need to play smart as well. I think that more QB draws would be affective in catching the defense off guard and opening up the potential for big yard plays.
Special teams again needs to be greatly improved, and this is an area that will be important and that BTW has the potential to win.
Prediction: BTW 20-14 over BA