MORRISON, Okla. —
In recent years, the Morrison Wildcats were the team that was looking to defend a No. 1 ranking. Friday night in Wynnewood during the second round of the Class A state playoffs, the Wildcats will look to upset the top-ranked Savages.
“It’s a fun situation to be in,” coach Cory Bales said. “There is no pressure on these guys. They just have to go down there and play their best and play with their best effort. So we are really looking forward to it.”
Senior quarterback Kyle Collins admitted the team is a little nervous but hopes it keeps it in check.
“We are all fired up getting ready,” Collins said. “We are preparing for the game. We are going to try to not get too nervous and know it’s a task we can obtain.”
Wynnewood (10-0) won District 5-A, and only two opponents managed to stay within 20. The Savages primarily run the ball, averaging just under 300 yards per game and scoring 55 points per game. Bales said they will keep opposing defenses on their toes.
“What I like about them, watching them on film, is they are very multiple in their formations,” Bales said. “They will shift around late and get to the line quick and quick snap the football. They got several athletes they distribute the ball to. You really have to do your job against them because they do so much misdirection and quick passes and letting kids be athletes. You got to play well out in space and do your job well.”
Freshman running back Jordan Quinata said Morrison will have to play good assignment football to limit the Savages’ rushing output.
“We have to stop the run,” Quinata said. “We have to move the chains for us.”
The Wildcats (9-2) are also a solid rushing team as they put up 323 yards against Fairland last week. Bales said they are evenly matched with Wynnewood’s offensive and defensive lines.
“They are impressive up front,” Bales said. “Those kids come off the ball hard on both sides. It will be a heck of a battle up front.”
The Savages are only allowing opponents 11 points per game, with only two teams scoring 20 or more. Morrison only has two games in which it didn’t score more than 35 points and lost both of them. Collins said they will look to pass to keep Wynnewood off balance.
“Every team comes in knowing they are going to have to load up in the box to stop our running game,” Collins said. “We are going to have to throw play-action passes and quick routes, something they haven’t seen.”
The winner of Friday’s game will meet the winner of Thomas Fay-Custer and Velma Alma in the state quarterfinals.
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Related Photos
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Morrison quarterback Kyle Collins tries to get away from Pawnee’s Gage Godberson during a game earlier in the season. The Wildcats will rely on Collins’ arm and legs if they want to upset top-ranked Wynnewood Friday.
November 14, 2012
Morrison looks for an upset against Wynnewood
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