Week 9 preview: #1 BTW vs. Rogers

Homecoming 2010 is finally here, and it should be a lot of fun as the number ranked Booker T. Washington Hornets prepare to face off against Rogers. This one should be early over as BTW should easily over power the ropers just as they did last year. The offense is coming off of a good but sloppy performance against Hale, so we will get a chance to see the upgrades and adjustments. Star running back Isaac Bennett will sit this one out as he is still recovering from an ankle injury, so look for several backs to show their potential and have a good game. The offensive line will need to block better in this one to open up more gaps, so whoever the rb is can get by and step into that next gear. Defense should be solid, as Derrick Alexander should again add to his monster senior season up front as you can see in the photo above. BTW will win this Homecoming fairly easy thanks to improvements on offense, limiting mistakes and playing hardcore defense. Hornets win big 52-0.

Week 8: #1 BTW vs. Nathan Hale

The Hornets started out a little sloppy but still managed to win big Friday night 41-0 against Hale at the East Side Sports Complex. Isaac Bennett did not play due to an ankle injury, so it was interesting to see adjustments to the offense as well as the game plan. Early on it was a pass heavy offense as the first three touchdowns were through the air. Senior Quarterback Jordy Albert threw 2 scores to Dante Barnett from 31 and 33 yards out, meanwhile other quarterback Dominique Sells threw a 71 yarder to Tyler Lockett and one later in the third quarter to Tre Stearns. Due to Bennett's injury other running backs got several reps and Junior Delshawn Mcfadden looked impressive on his 33 yard score. Though 41 points were put up, the offense looked very shaky at times, having a hard time moving the ball. Running the ball in the first half for BTW was a struggle, and fundamental mistakes such as fumbles, and penalties were again present. Against Hale anyone should be able to move the ball up and down the field, it is hard to understand why they couldn't do that. Coach Hall needs to re look at his game plan and offense to make serious adjustments because a performance like that will not cut it. I asked senior captain Dillon O'Carroll about the struggles and he said, ''the offensive line just needs to block a little longer. We'll be alrightwe're getting to the point where it doesnt matter who's running the ball, we need to just dominate up front.'' At the quarterback position Jordy Albert is playing better but still needs to improve to be more consistent in his throws but he is playing well. Dominique Sells however should just run the ball when he is the game, passing is not his forte, mistakes every week cannot continue to happen, Albert is a much better passer and Hall should look into running him as a solo quarterback. Defense continues to look great as they record another shut out and they also had an impressive goal line stance to top that off. No question marks here as all the pieces are in place and hard work is paying off. If the Hornets could do the same on offense this team would be unbeatable.
Player of the Week: Senior receiver and safety, Dante Barnett is player of the week. On offense he caught two touchdown passes. Meanwhile he was a workhorse on defense recording several tackles as well as recording an INT. He has had a quite senior year but is a major factor on both sides of the ball. It was good to see him have a breakout game, and in the coming weeks his play should continue to be solid. What makes him a great player is that he plays hard as well as fundamental football, who makes very few mistakes. Barnett is also a key part of this team and should end up in D-1 ball next year.

Week 8 preview: #1 BTW vs. Hale

Week eight should be a very high scoring game, for the Hornets that is. Even though Isaac Bennett will be out for the next three weeks with an ankle injury, the offense should still be dominating. A good fact to know is that over the past 4 weeks Booker T. has scored 147 compared to opponents who have only had 16. Junior Delshawn McFadden should have a great game behind this experienced offensive line. On defense I think another shut out will take place and make it 4 out of 5 games with the opposing team scoring zero points. Derrick Alexander should have a great game to go along with his stellar season. The Hornets will force turnovers and mistakes, this game should be over at half, BTW wins 62-0.

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Week 7: #1 BTW vs. Bishop Kelley

Booker T. Washington's streak of dominance is still present and does not look like it will end as again the Hornets won 21-0 against Bishop Kelley. As in the previous games it was much of the same, basic offense and hardcore defense. It took some time but BTW finally got on the board with 2:12 left to play in the second quarter thanks to a great effort by star runnning back Isaac Bennett. Before halk he would have a big run that led to Jordy Albert throwing a great pass down the middle to Tre Stearns, which put the Hornets up 14-0 at half. Bennett would score again in the third and that score would end up being final. The defense recorded their 3rd shut out in 4 games, shutting down the run and the passing attack. What makes them so good is the speed and experience that they are showing. The defensive line is so good at plugging up holes, and getting into the backfield that the safeties and corners do not have to play close to the line of scrimmage. That allows for the secondary to make big plays and force turnovers, including the linebacking core that has a few INT's as well. They held Kelley to under 120 yards of total offense. The Comets struggled with field position in large part to Dylan Seibert's punting, he averaged over 45 yards a punt. However, in this game, like in previous ones fundamentals were a factor. Over 10 penalties committed by the Hornets hurt on certain drives and conitnued drives for the Comets. As of now they have not had to much of an impact but it would be better to reduce them no doubt as they could hurt against a stronger opponent. But overall a very solid and impressive performance proving why they are the favorites for that gold ball. The Hornets are now 6-1 and 4-0 in district play.
Player of the Week: Isaac Bennett had another strong performance as he rushed for 147 yards on 17 carries, leading the Hornets to a 21-0 victory. He also had two rushing touchdowns and several amazing runs as he broke tackles and even leaped over a defender as you can see in the picture. He is continuing a great senior season in which no team, even Broken Arrow has been able to stop him. Bennett should land on a solid college football team next season.

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Week 7 preview: #1 BTW vs. Bishop Kelley

The #1 ranked Hornets will meet this Friday at S.E. Williams stadium in a re-match of last years wild game in which the Comets won in an upset 28-14 However this year should be a different story as the Hornets have been playing very solid ball for the past couple of weeks. On offense good combination of run and pass has doomed opposing defenses as they are averaging 30 points a game. The defense has been very good this year thanks to a lot of leadership and experience at almost every position. Seniors Derrick Alexander and William Whayne have been dominating in shutting down the run, meanwhile Seniors Tyler Lockett and Dante Barnett have been instrumental in shutting down the passing game. Alexander said the game plan Friday night is, ''stop the run'' which is fitting after BK had a great game on the ground last year but looked for it to be keeped in check. It is for this reason that the Hornets have had 2 shut outs in the last three games, and will go for another against the Comets. Bishop Kelley is not the same team as last year as they are not even ranked in the top 10 however they are tied for third in District 5A-3. Booker T. has looked very solid and I cannot see BK coming in on the road and defeating the red hot Hornets, BTW wins 35-10.

Week 6: #1 BTW at Collinsville

The Booker T. Washington Hornets remain undefeated in district play after another brilliant performance Friday night. BTW took care of business on both sides of the ball forcing numerous turnovers and making big plays that led to a very solid 42-0 win. For the second time in 3 games, the defense recorded a shut out in which they deserved. Derrick Alexander led the Hornets as he disrupted several plays, Dante Barnett had an important interception and William Whayne recovered a fumble. The Hornets have a very good turnover margin and that has been key to the current success, and why they win by so many points. ''Were playing unselfish team ball,'' said Whayne on the defensive success. On offense Tyler Lockett stole the show as he had 3 touchdown catches and showed why he is going to play D-1 ball next year. Isaac Bennett had a good but rather quite game, as he also took it in for a score. Tre Stearns scored his second touchdown of the year, the passing game looked a lot better then in previous games thanks to great play by both Dominique Sells and Jordy Albert. The Hornets are looking very consistent and that is important as the playoffs approach. Every week the team continues to improve on both sides of the ball, also the coaches have been doing a good job a preparation. Whayne on the consistancy, ''because we are unselfish and all after that gold ball at the end of the year.'' A great quote which is 100 percent true. This week will be a tougher challenge for the number one ranked Hornets as they will host Bishop Kelly at 7 p.m. Friday night at S.E. Williams stadium.
Player of the Week: This week's player of the week is senior all around man Tyler Lockett. He finally had his break out game, getting on the board three times for BTW asnd twice from qb Jordy Albert.. His good game was instrumental in the win, look for other big games by him in the upcoming weeks. Also had a solid game on defense shutting down the passing game.

Week 6 preview: #1 BTW at Collinsville

This week the number one ranked Hornets will take the road for the third time this season, with a match up against the Collinsville Cardinals. Not too much is known about this team because they are not that good but here are some important notes. Coached by Bob Craig the team is 3-2 on the year coming off of a big win against Rogers 47-0. They are currently ranked 3 in district 5A-3. However they have not played a team like BTW this year, and that is not good. The Hornets are coming off of a great win against Memorial last Friday in which they played a very proficient game dominating all aspects. This week should be much of the same, as the Hornets look to continue to improve and win. Senior Isaac Bennett should have another great game as he has every game this year, look for his presence to be a major factor, as he will rush for over 100 yards and get a few scores. Give credit as well to the mature offensive line and receivers who have blocked very well and opened up major holes for big gains. Last week we saw other pieces of the offense make plays created a good compliment to Bennett, that included receiver Tyler Lockett and quarterback Jordy Albert. On the defensive side of the ball Derrick Alexander has had a very good couple of weeks going double digit in tackles back to back, weeks along with brother Dominique who has had several defensive scores. He is a force on the line who has been making plays all over the field, forcing bad plays and mistakes. Turnover ratio is looking solid ever since the Broken Arrow game, interceptions and fumbles have been scooped up by the swarming defense. Booker T. will remain unbeaten in district play with a dominating win against Collinsville 35-13

Week 5: #1 BTW vs. Memorial

Tulsa Public school rivals Booker T. Washington and Memorial met on the gridiron Friday night at S.E. Williams stadium, with the Hornets coming in as the heavy favorites and they did not disappoint. BTW got on the board early and never trailed in this one as they went on to rout the Chargers 49-16. It did not take long for Booker T. to strike first as Jordy Albert took the ball in from 36 yards out, it was a botched play as Albert was supposed to hand it off, but their was some miscommunication and he did what we he could do and scored. After that it was 7 straight touchdowns and went in to half with a 42-0 lead. Reserves were out on the field for the second half and only allowed 16 points, and Isaac Bennett took a hand off down the sideline for 85 yards, finally getting that 49 on the scoreboard. Isaac played another spectacular game scoring twice on 13 carries and obtained 147 yards. The offense looked very good, rushing for over 210 yards and gaining 96 through the air thanks to solid play from senior quarterbacks Dominique Sells and Jordy Albert who both contributed for a combined 28 points. Another revelation was the defense anchored by senior lineman Derrick Alexander with 12 tackles, they were all over the field making plays and forcing turnovers. Brother Dominique Alexander also played a major role, returning a fumble for a score. Tyler Lockett returned an interception was a big play as that gave the Hornets a 35- lead, and on the next drive he caught a touchdown pass. The only concern coming out of this game was that Booker T. committed 11 penalties for 104 yards costing 2 touchdowns, but overall an all around great performance, which gives this team momentum as district play continues and some re assurance to the fans that the Hornets are the team to beat in 5A. If these fundamental penalties can be avoided that would be great because a better team then Memorial could capitalize on it or again in this case take points away. Next Friday BTW will travel to Collinsville in a district match up so tune in for the preview later this week.
Player of the Week: Isaac Bennett had a wonderful game going for 147 yards on 13 carries and two scores. His numbers would have been even better but penalties eliminated two long rushing touchdowns. On Friday he averaged a very solid 11 yards a carry and he seemed unstoppable at times. Give the line a lot of credit for opening up holes throughout the entire game, they are both on the same page and it shows week in and week out. He is a special player so look for his numbers to only get better as he leads this offense.