A three-game losing streak has knocked Sallisaw out of the playoff race, but the Diamonds still have a shot at rescuing a winning season. They are 5-4 overall and 2-4 in District 4A-4.
"All in all, you can't be happy because we're not in the playoffs. That's the goal and we didn't get it done," said Sallisaw head coach Virgil Terry.
"We'd like to finish with a winning season. That's still a worthy goal. At the same time, we'd like to work on some things and improve in several areas."
Okmulgee has struggled to a 2-7 record and the Bulldogs are 2-4 in the district. They've posted wins over Fort Gibson and Stilwell and Terry believes they have the athletic ability to make things tough for Sallisaw.
"Okmulgee is one of those teams that, if they're right, they're pretty dad-gum good. I just hope they're not right," said Terry.
The Okmulgee offense has seven seniors among its 11 starters, but has struggled to put points on the board this season. The Bulldogs have tallied a district-low 82 points-that's 199 less than Sallisaw.
In a 35-7 loss at Hilldale last week, running back Mike James led Okmulgee with 76 yards rushing on 11 carries. The quarterback is senior Lucas Stanley.
"The quarterback is the trigger man and he spreads it around pretty good. As usual, they have speed, and they have about eight or 10 kids that catch the ball," said Terry.
The defense accounted for Okmulgee's lone touchdown last week as senior linebacker Bradley Broadus returned a fumble 99 yards for the score. Two of the Bulldogs' top defensive players are ends Anthony Horn (6-1, 220, senior) and Herbert Byrd (6-0, 230, senior).
"The Horn kid is a good player and quick as a cat. He really stands out. The other defensive end is good too. They're very active," said Terry.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Linebackers Jordan Simonds and Clay Agent were Sallisaw's defensive players of the week from the Idabel game. Simonds, a senior, made seven tackles, while junior Agent made eight.
Junior guard Clint Agent and senior tailback Bubba Philpot were the offensive honorees. Philpot ran for 335 yards against Idabel.
Senior tackle Zac Spencer won the Hog award for offensive linemen for the third time in four weeks, while Derek Brewer won the Big Stick. Randy Tonch
