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