Semi-Finals: #1 BTW vs. #3 Guthrie

HORNETS ARE GOING TO STATE!! After playing a near perfect game against Guthrie, the Hornets will play for a second state championship in four years. The offense was very efficient led by Senior quarterback Jordy Albert who helped orchestrate five scoring drives and a final score of 38-11. It was within the first five minutes BTW was up 14-0 as Albert was able to connect with Dante Barnett and Tre Stearns on well thrown passes. ''They couldn't do anything against our defense and our offense was doing good so at this point I knew it was going to be a blowout,'' and Albert was right. Isaac Bennett would take over as he would score rushing touchdowns of 4 and 90 yards. He ran behind great blocking from the O line anchored by Jordan Simmons and Derrick Alexander. The offense was able to move the ball because of the solid balance between run and pass plays. Passing worked particularly well with the main focus on short passes, since the defense was playing the deeper pass. The defense played methodical, shutting down the Bluejays offense with ease. Star Kentrell Brothers had one or two big plays but was put in check for most of the night. Guthrie's running game was a non-factor thanks to a solid, unstoppable defensive front led by Dillon O'Carroll and William Whayne. This is one of the best defenses in years at Booker T. Washington and they do not disappoint, as they again did not allow a touchdown. Guthrie managed to score on a blocked field goal and a field goal. Besides that and a few penalties, BTW looked in top, championship form, close to perfect.
Player of the Week: This week again two outstanding performances cannot go unnoticed. Jordy Albert had the best showing of his career as he threw for 195 yards, on 11-16 passing and three touchdown passes. He has not looked any better and he is peaking at the right time. Also Isaac Bennett had another stellar performance as he rushed for 201 yards on 18 carries and two scores. This duo is a nightmare for defenses, as they have to stop both the run and pass. Each week they continue to improve and impress which is key for the offense to have a big night.

Semi-Final preview: # BTW vs. #3 Guthrie

This week's game should be a great one as the top ranked Hornets meet the Blue Jays from Guthrie who are currently ranked 3rd in 5A. The last time these two teams met was in the playoffs two years ago, in a thrilling game that went into triple overtime, and which the Hornets won. Both of these teams have a 9-1 record and are vying for a spot in the championship game. Guthrie is led by Kentrell Brothers who has a great season on both sides of the ball. They have looked great at times but the most solid opponent they have played this year was Carl Albert, and they have not looked that impressive. Booker T. has looked dominating in every 5A game this year and they are riding a 10 game winning streak that dates back to week 3. Derrick Alexander and Dillon O'Carroll lead this defense which has 7 shut outs in 9 games. O'Carroll is coming off of a strong performance last week in which he recorded 14 tackles and 3.5 sacks. They as a unit have dominated opposing offenses and have had solid games. The offense last week was led by Isaac Bennett and Jordy Albert who had good showings last Friday, but only put up 23. That is okay because the defense is too good, if the offense is not able to put up points then the opposing teams offense will not put up any. I like Booker T. in this one because of the defense and because the offense has some big play makers. Booker T. goes to the finals 20-7.

Quarterfinal Playoffs: #1 BTW vs. #9 Edmond Deer Creek

Friday night showed that Booker T. Washington has all the right players and chemistry to win a second championship and three years. A great game by the Hornets led to an 23-0 victory. The score does not really convey the dominance that present, but the stats did. Deer Creek never even got close to scoring and they were only able to manage less then 140 yards of total offense. Throughout the entire game the running lanes were shut down by the line led by Derrick Alexander and Dillon O'Carroll and re enforced by the solid secondary. From the beginning until the end, Deer Creek's offense looked unorganized and sloppy, but give a lot of credit to the Hornet Defense. Two key starters returned for the offense quarterback Jordy Albert and running back Isaac Bennett who played well. The offense and Albert looked a little rusty a first throwing an early interception and unable to do much on offense, but the second quarter Isaac Bennett took over. His 48 yard run to put BTW up 7-0 was one to put on the highlight tape, as he broke tackles, cut back and gave one of the meanest stiff arms I have ever seen to last defender. This was the spark that ignited the points as later before half Albert connected with receiver Dante Barnett to go up 14 yards at half. Another Bennett score and a late field goal by Dylan Seibert would end the scoring. This would a good all around game, not as high scoring as in the past couple of weeks but still a solid game by the whole team. This is the Hornets seventh shut out in nine games, the dominance continues and do not look for it to stop.
Player of the game: This week their were two outstanding performances. Returning from injury he had 152 yards on 14 carries and 2 scores. He seemed unstoppable and almost had several long touchdown runs. This is what happened in only 3 quarters of play as he seemed to re injure his ankle on his last touchdown run. Him behind that strong offensive line is scary, I do not think their is a team in the state that could stop him. Senior offense and defensive lineman Dillon O'Carroll also had a great game on both sides of the ball. On offense he opened holes for the run game and was a big factor in why that was successful. On defense he recorded 14 tackles and 3.5 sacks. His play has been solid all season long and has dominated opposing lineman and offenses.

Quarterfinal Playoff Preview: #1 BTW vs. #9 Edmond Deer Creek

Round two of the playoffs will begin Friday night, and the #1 ranked team in 5A Booker T. Washington(9-1) will host #9 Deer Creek(7-3). BTW is coming off of a dominating shutout win against Claremore, and that momentum will continue to carry on into this one led by the defense. Derrick Alexander heads a front that only less then 120 yards of total offense last week. Mistakes have not really been seen this year with D, they play hard, fundamental football, which creates many problems for the offense. Turnovers are forced constantly and communication between the front 7 and the secondary is close to perfect. This is key say if the offense were to have a not so good performance, defense has always been there for backup. With seven shutouts in nine games, their is no game plan that can beat this team. The offense has looked great for the past couple of weeks, as in the last four games they are averaging 50 points a game. Dominique Sells is emerging into a solid pocket passer, and his turnovers have sharply decreased, a big part of why so many points are being scored. Along with a balanced attack by the tandem Isaac Bennett and Dalshawn McFayden, which have been unstoppable lately. This one will not be as good of a game as people think as Deer Creek has not looked great at times this year, losing by over 20 points to Carl Albert in which BTW beat them. Starters Jordy Albert and Isaac Bennett are listed as game time decisions. Hornets win and move on to the semifinals behind solid D and a methodical offense 47-7.

Playoffs Round 1: #1 BTW vs. Claremore

Playoffs began on high note for the number one ranked Hornets as they went on to defeat the Claremore Zebras in dominating fashion 43-0. Booker T. Washington got off to a slow start on the offensive side of the ball but managed to get on track in the second half as they were able to score 26. "The adjustment came from within, the coaches barked at us for not playing hornet football, and we responded well. We usually do respond well to being chewed out. I think coach Hall should rip into us BEFORE the game instead of at halftime'' said Dillon O'Carroll about the changes that took place at half. Junior tailback DalShawn McFayden had another great performance, starting for the injured Isaac Bennett. He had 136 yards on 20 carries along with 3 total scores. Along with that the passing game looked polished as well. Dominque Sells had a pair of throwing touchdowns to receivers Dante Barnett and Tyler Lockett. All aspects of the offense looked great, zero turnovers and just methodically moving the ball. If this kind of play keeps up, the scoreboard will continue to light up, because it is going to take a great defense to shut this momentum down. The defense all year has been the strong point and that will continue in the playoffs as well, as they were able to record another shutout. Derrick Alexander led the charge again, causing havoc on just about every play. Claremore only had 6 first downs and less then 120 yards of total offense. Yes Claremore was 4-6 coming into the game, but to have a dominating performance like BTW did in the playoffs then it makes it just that much better. Confidence is high, and Coach Hall has been great in incorporating his new system this year, as the Hornets are favored to win the 5A title.
Player of the Week: Junior running back Dalshawn McFayden is this weeks player of the week. He rushed the ball 20 times for 136 yards, 2 touchdowns as well as a receiving touchdown. He is showing more and more maturity/confidence every game. It is key that this continues to develop in case injury prone Isaac Bennett goes down again. I think that he is a smart runner, able to see the holes and then explode through them for big gains. He is becoming a key player on offense and should continue the good games throughout the playoffs.

Round 1 Playoff preview: #1 BTW vs. Claremore

As the days get shorter and as the temperatures drop it can only mean one thing, high school football playoffs! The Hornets begin their quest for another championship on Friday Night at S.E. Williams Stadium at 7:30 against the 4-6 Claremore Zebras. The Zebras are in district 5A-4 and went 3-4 against division foes, and able to grab a late spot in the playoffs. They are coming off of a big loss versus East Central, which BTW beat back in week 3. The Hornets who went undefeated in district play, will look to win their first playoff game since 2008, also the same year the won the championship. When asked about this Senior Derrick Alexander said, '' The mentality is to get this gold ball and redeem our state title that we never got to defend. We had a great week of practice and when that happens we usually win.'' Look for that stat to hold up again this year as they will easily win this one in their first round match up. Isaac Bennett is questionable for this game, if he plays that would be great if he does not it is a good chance for the younger backs to get game in a playoff game so they can gain not only experience and confidence behind a great offensive line. Senior quarterback Dominique Sells will be starting in place of starter Jordy Albert who is out due to a hand injury. At times Sell's performance has been shaky but he is slowly adapting and his stats back him up as he threw three touchdown passes last week. This will only benefit him in case Albert is out long term. The defense has had a great year, forcing the ball and swarming to the ball on every play. They have been the key to BTW's success and that will continue in the playoffs. They are anchored by Senior lineman Derrick Alexander who is having a monster season with 107 tackles and 8 sacks. The confidence is their with this team but they are also focused and poised, again Alexander, ''Were not looking past them. We gotta focus cause they could end our season. But were a good all around team.'' Claremore has not faced an opponent like Booker T. this year, while the Hornets have looked very solid throughout and only show improvement, BTW wins this 45-10.

Week 10: #1 BTW vs. #5 McAlester

In what was supposed to be somewhat of a battle for the 5A-3 district title on senior night, turned into a romp pretty easily as the Booker T. Washington Hornets won 49-18. This gives BTW the number one seed in class 5A as well as home field advantage, so there will be two more games at S.E. Williams stadium this season. The Hornet defense who played a major role in this victory as they were able to shut down 5A's leading offense that was led by quarterback Tony Keifer. They did not even get on the board until late in the first quarter when Kiefer scored on a 6 yard run. In the beginning of the second however there was a short period that made Hornet fans nervous as the Buffaloes made it 21-12 but after it was all BTW. A bad coaching call for McAlester was to go for the two point conversion twice which made no sense and that added confidence to the defense. A good call of Coach Hall was to put superstar lineman Derrick Alexander to spy on the qb and it worked out according to plan as they were held to season low numbers. The Hornet offense was led by senior quarterbacks Jordy Albert and Dominique Sells. In what has been a rather quite passing attack they both threw three touchdowns to a combination of receivers, Dante Barnett, Tyler Lockett and Tre Stearns. ''We just took what they were giving us and that night they were giving us the passing game,'' said Albert about the change. Backup running back Delshawn McFayden had a quite but solid game as he had 88 yards on 19 carries and one score. Balance is so important for a team, it also makes them better as it adds a lot more diversity in the play calling which makes it harder for the opponent to stop them. An injury note, late in the game Albert got hit and injured his hand, which will require surgery and it looks like he will be able to return late in the playoffs.
Player of the Game: This week's player of the game is tight end Tre Stearns. He had 3 touchdown receptions of 3, 35, and 13 yards. It was not his catches that made the play but his runs after the play as he was able to cut and break several tackles. He has been quite but is a major impact in the passing game as we saw, blocking on running plays and he also makes plays on defense. He is a valuable all around tight end, and is a big threat to take it in for a score every time he touches the ball.

Week 10 preview: #1 BTW vs. #5 McAlester

The district 5A-3 title is up on the line this Friday night as the Booker T. Washington Hornets face off against the undefeated McAlester Buffaloes. Also up for grabs in this game is the very important home field advantage. That means that the winner will get to play at home for the first two rounds of the playoffs which will began Friday, November 12th. This is why this is such a crucial game for both teams. The Hornets are coming into this game with four straight shut outs along with a lot of points on offense. They have averaged 33 points a game and are led by a very efficient and strong runny game. Star Isaac Bennet however will not play but his replacements have proven to be just as effective. They include Junior Delshawn Mcfayden and Tre Jones. The passing game has been improving, which will be good to have for playaction plays and on long 3rd and long. Despite a solid running game, Jordy Albert will need a good game to create a good balance if necessary. On defense, which has been great all year, they will need to shut down McAlester's star quarterback Tony Keifer He has looked very impressive this year, having over 3 thousand yards of total offense and 33 touchdowns. However, I think Booker T's defense is too good to let him have a big game. They penetrate, cover and swarm to the ball so quickly that it is hard for any offense to be productive. The Hornet's all around talent is better then McAlester's, their offense will get shut down and they will have a difficult time stopping the offense, especially on the road. Furthermore McAlester has not faced such a good opponent yet and has struggled against weak teams such as Hale and Rogers, while BTW dominated them.Booker T. wins the crucial battle 38-17.

Week 9: #1 BTW vs. Rogers

Booker T. Washington's domination in district play continued on Friday night with a dominating 66-0 over Rogers. From the beginning the Hornets were in control and that was proved by Dante Barnett as he returned the opening kickoff 80 yards, weaving and breaking tackles. Next possession BTW drove down the field for an easy score and that would continue throughout the night as they were up 52-0. Yes points were put up on the board but what was great was that it came from a wide variety of players. Backup running backs Dalshawn McFayden, Deontay Fields, Tre Jones and Jermaine Wright all got into the endzone and having a big impact on the field. This proved that there is good depth at the tailback position which is great to wear out a defense and also as a replacement to Isaac Bennett is questionable for this week's game. Blocking upfront was an area needed to be improved and the mistakes and question marks were all fixed, as they drove blockers off the ball and opened up numerous holes for the runner. This was a good sign as the running game has been the strength of the offense. Senior quarterback Jordy Albert who had a good game approved saying, ''we executed well, I was pleased.'' On defense another shutout which seems to be this teams specialty as they have now recorded their 4th shut out in a row. The domination continues with no sign of a let down as they are led by brothers Derrick and Dominique Alexander. Lineman Dillon O'Carrol l said this when asked about why the defense is so strong every week, ''We get to the ball, in football you don't let them score, they can't win. It's imperative that we win.''
Player of the Week: Dalshawn McFayden, the junior backup running back is this weeks player of the week. He looked more like Isaac Bennett as he rushed for 143 yards on 8 carries and scoring 2 touchdowns. He was a major factor on offense and with each game he is improving which is essential as he will be needed Friday and in the playoffs as well.