Two big matchups going into last weekend in the 8-man ranks turned in to two strong performances by teams looking to repeat as state champions.
Defending Class B champ Laverne scored on its first seven possessions and got things totally under control, rolling to a 52-16 win against Pond Creek-Hunter.
And the defending Class C champions Cherokee had far too much for third-ranked Shattuck, racing out to a 42-14 triumph to solidify their spot atop the class.
The top two teams in Class B the previous two years have resided in the same district. And that’s the case again in 2014, with Laverne and Pond Creek-Hunter set for a critical midseason test not just for district position but to solidify as the No. 1 team in Class B.
Last year, Laverne knocked off PCH 40-6 in the regular season and 42-12 on the way to its second straight state championship. They also beat PCH for the 2012 championship as well.
Also big this week in the 8-man ranks is a showdown between Cherokee and Shattuck. Cherokee is the regining Class C champion but Shattuck has been the top team overall in the class in the past decade.
Fall is here, and that means football season is heating up even as the temperatures start to drop a bit. Several good matchups around the northwest Oklahoma area are on the slate for week four.
Hooker at Thomas
Thomas is off to its usual strong start, with three lopsided wins in the first three weeks and looking like a challenger for a long run through Class A. Hooker is just 1-2 but played defending Class A champ Hollis tough in a 28-20 loss.
Weatherford at Clinton
Even with the participants sporting just a 3-3 combined record, this game is always one of the biggest in western Oklahoma year in and year out. Clinton scored its first win of the year last week against Plainview, while Weatherford fell to visiting McGuinness.
Waynoka at Cherokee
The Railroaders are out of the gate fast with a 3-0 start to the season but face a stern road test against the defending Class C champions. The Chiefs are dominating again with two run-rule victories and only six points allowed thus far.
Other matchups to watch out for this week include Elgin at Woodward, Merritt at Ringwood and Pond Creek-Hunter at Canton.
The Oklahoma East and West High School Sports Desk 