STATE CHAMPIONS: #1 BTW vs. East Central

For the 2nd time in 3 years and for the eighth time in the school's history BOOKER T. WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TOOK STATE! And they did this is a dominating fashion as the completely outplayed East Central for beginning to end to grab a 32-3 victory and the gold ball! ''We were upset that people thought they could hang. we knew we were the best. They caught us on a bad night back in september. They called us decent. They thought they could beat us. They thought they deserved it, Well we took it,'' said senior Dillon O'Carroll. The defense was able to shut down the Cardinals offense as they were only able to attain 158 yards of offense. Throughout the game EC's inability to get diverse play calling from the sideline. It was this along with the outstanding performance by all the guys on defense that made it possible. Pressure came from everywhere along the front seven and in the secondary as no receivers were able to get free down field. Opposing offenses did not score a touchdown in the playoffs continuing to add to one of the best defensive teams in a long time. Right off the bat the offense found the end zone and they would find it often behind Isaac Bennett's 222 rushing yard performance along with two scores. He ran behind a great offensive line as they opened up holes on all sides of the field as well as giving the quarter backs time to throw on passing plays. The second half on offense was highlighted by the Hornet's using the wildcat formation on the last drive of the game. First time that this has been used all season and worked to perfection as it ended with Bennett throwing for a score. The Hornets finish the season 13-1 under first year Coach Hall who is graduating around 25 seniors and several division one players.
Player of the Game: This game was made possible in great part to this week's players of the week, Isaac Bennett as well as both the offensive and defensive lines. On offense Bennett had his best game of the season as he looked unstoppable at times running behind huge holes provided by the offensive line. Both lines were by far dominating the Cardinal's lines throughout the entire game. EC was shut down as their running game was not able to get anywhere and the quarter back was under pressure all game.

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW: #1 BTW vs. #2 East Central

This Saturday's championship game will pit the two top teams in 5A against each other in a highly anticipated re-match. These teams met in week 3 in what turned into a defensive battle in which BTW went on to win 27-24. This game however should turn out quite differently. The Hornet offense will look much different and much improved; week 3 was star Jordy Albert's first game back but now he has stepped up his game, and will play much better Saturday. He will be accompanied by running back Isaac Bennett, who has had monster season, the two were responsible for all 5 touchdowns last week. Because this is a two dimensional offense, you stop the run then you have to stop the pass, you stop the pass, then you have your hands full with the running game. In this game Coach Hall should abandon the two qb system and play Albert the entire game as they scored more when he is on the field then off. Another advantage that the Hornets have is a strong offensive line, they are all seniors who can play both the run and pass effectively. ''We are hungry. We want more, whether its giving the qb time or blocking for the running back,'' said Senior lineman Jordan Simmons on their success, ''Our goal is to dominate the line of scrimmage. Games are lost and won in the trenches'' he added. I agree completely and in they will have another great showing as they have all season. The words that best describe the defense is methodical, dominating, or unstoppable. The Hornet defense has had 7 shutouts this season and opponents are only averaging 8 points a game. Whether it is defending the run or the pass you can always count on a big play. ''When we play them we know that we can stop the run so when we do stop the run they got to pass and if our d-line knows they are going to pass we are going to get pressure on the QB which causes INT's so really we are able to stop them is because we already know the other teams game plan,'' Senior defensive lineman Derrick Alexander said about their solid play. What separates them from every other defense is that they are consistent throughout the entire game whether it is the first play of the game or the last play of the game. Derrick Alexander, Dillon O'Carroll, and William Whayne have been solid along the line while Dante Barnett and Tyler Lockett make great plays in the secondary. This game should be good but will end up in BTW's favor. The Achilles heel for Booker T. in the prior meeting was the inability to move the ball and to defend the pass however things have changed, ''we will win as long as we play team football and keep our heads up.'' The Hornets are on a roll, the offense, defense are on the same page, and ''we want to win.bad.'' said Senior Dillon O'Carroll speaking for the team. There is no debate, HORNETS WIN STATE 28-7.

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.