The unlikely comeback from a 35-point fourth quarter deficit drew attention on Twitter and from nationally recognized outlets like well-regarded footballscoop.com, which noted the feat was even possibly more remarkable considering Enid did it without recovering a single onside kick.
It's been fun to bask in, but now it's time to file it away with Choctaw coming to D. Bruce Selby Stadium tonight at 7 for Enid's homecoming. Well, not so fast said Enid head coach Steve Hayes earlier this week.
"In an era of participation awards, I think our kids have a sense of confidence that comes from accomplishing things," Hayes said. "What they did in the fourth quarter (last week) was extraordinary. I think they have a right to have confidence from that.
He continued, "I think we did something (last Friday) that exceptional groups do and it was an exceptional accomplishment on our part. I think the takeaway from all this is you define yourself differently after something like that, individually and as a team. So I think they have a right to look at themselves a little differently at this point because they've done something that very few ... have done."
While it does boost the team's confidence and give opponents something to be concerned about, it doesn't make the Plainsmen's (3-1 overall, 1-0 in district) task against the visiting Yellowjackets (3-1, 0-1) a simple matter as Enid hosts its first home game since its season-opening win over Guthrie on Aug. 25, a span of 35 days. The Plainsmen went 2-1 on their extended road trip.
Choctaw had a three-game winning streak snapped after falling 38-10 last week at home to Putnam City, possibly not just the best team in District 6AII-I, but the Pirates may be the best team in 6A-II this season.
They Yellowjackets also are coming to Enid with bitter memories after Enid pulled a stunning win last season at Choctaw 43-39 after the Jackets gifted the game with a late interception and the game's outcome all but certain with just a couple of kneel-downs needed for victory.
That game was the starting debut of quarterback Mason Skrimager, who like in the win last week over PC West, rebounded from a rough start to rally the team behind a game-changing defense.
Choctaw comes in with a new coach, Jack Corbin, who succeeded Todd Dilbeck, who retired after a 34-year coaching career to take an administrative position with the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association.
Under Corbin, Choctaw runs a spread offense that relies on heady playmaking by senior quarterback Hudson Woods, who leads the team in rushing (342 yards, six touchdowns) in addition to passing for 641 yards and five touchdowns and only three interceptions.
"A big portion of their game plan is running the ball and we are going to have to do a good of stopping it or it's going to be a long night," Hayes said. "They're going to run a lot of empty sets where they bring the running back in motion, but they're really putting their quarterback back there by himself. He's counting numbers, deciding whether or not he has a better run box or better box to throw to."
The Plainsmen allowed over 400 yards rushing last week and opponents are averaging 351.8 yards rushing per game this season. Part of last week's yardage can be discounted by the defense facing the rarely seen flexbone. Their second half shutdown, which paved the way for Enid's comeback, was telling.
Tonight, Enid plans on moving Ivey Mace and Brock Anderson back on the line against Choctaw's spread attack. The Plainsmen also welcomed back Augie Prichett last week after he sat out the first three games. Prichett responded with 13 solo tackles and will be counted on again to be a disruptive force.
The Plainsmen's offensive attack will face a more familiar 3-4 defense this week, anchored by state wrestling champion Jaryn Curry at linebacker.
"It's going to be about quality of execution on our part," Hayes said. "If we do our part, we should have success, but if we give them the football and make poor decisions, then it could make things a lot more interesting than it needs to be."
Last week, the Plainsmen uncharacteristically turned the ball over, which went a long way toward a 35-7 halftime deficit. Skrimager, who had only one interception entering the game, threw three picks, including a pick-six, before recovering, particularly after the Plainsmen lost running back Telin Phillips for the game.
"I think Mason did one of the toughest things there is to do for a quarterback and that is to be more than tough enough to come back and play well and finding a way to win," Hayes said. "A lot of kids would have checked out ... it's really a testament to his grit."
Marlo Hughes had four rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter, moving over from defense when Phillips went down. Hughes now has rushed for 553 yards this season and a team-leading 11 touchdowns. Phillips, who hurt his forearm when it got caught in an opponent's helmet, is expected back this week.
Also expected to be available is receiver Damien Rieman, who sat out while going through concussion protocol. Rieman is averaging a team-best 19.2 yards receptions. Jerra Williams leads the team with 35 catches for 377 yards and a pair of touchdowns. But his biggest impact may have been on defense last week with a jarring hit that broke up a potential PC West touchdown in overtime with Williams showing impressive closing speed.
However, safety Seth Ellis may not be available after suffering a broken wrist in last week's win. Ellis is expected back soon and it is anticipated he will be able to play with a cast. He leads Enid with four of the team's seven interceptions.
A win tonight not only would give Enid a 2-0 district start, but also it's first 4-1 start since 2010 when it started 5-1.
"It's going to be fun to finally play at home," Hayes said. "There is a tremendous amount of excitem... Click here to read full article
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