FOOTBALL UPDATE: BARTLESVILLE AND AREA SCHOOLS BATTLE LAST FRIDAY
Bartlesville High School’s Sutton Williams (0) tackles a Sand Springs player last Friday at Custer Stadium in Bartlesville. The Bruins fell 51-0.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Pawhuska High School’s Kane Foreman (12) looks to pass during last Friday’s game at Oklahoma Union. The Huskies defeated OKU 62-8 last Friday.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
By Mike Tupa
Sept. 29, 2025
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Following is a roundup of area high school football action for last Friday (September 26).
SAND SPRINGS 51, BARTLESVILLE 0
A successful onside kick by Maci Alleman, a 37-yard pass completion from Michael Kent to Boden Roberts on a 4th-and-5 play deep in Bruin territory, an onside kick recoveries by Sonji Ketiku and Christian Ketiku and some gritty carries by sophomore Kyler Godinez in his debut as feature tailback.
That nearly completes the sparse list of highlights for the Bruins, on whom fate frowned like a moody cloud.
Bartlesville (0-4, 0-1) struggled to put together good plays back-to-back while getting shut out for the first time this season.
The Bruins and the Sand Spring Sandites (2-2, 1-0) collided in the District 6A-II-2 opener at Custer Stadium.
The evening started on a tough note when the Bruins went three-and-punt on the game’s opening possession — and then gave up a 59-yard touchdown pass to the Sandites on their first offensive play of the game. Sand Springs employed a flea flicker, with quarterback Easton Webb delivering the bomb on target to an open receiver on a deep post route.
That first minute-and-a-half set the pattern for most of the game.
Sand Springs would score touchdowns on its first five possessions while Bartlesville came up just a play or two short on several drives of keeping pace.
On a first-quarter possession Kent completed a pass to Boden Roberts for first-down yardage on 3rd-and-10 — but the ball came loose at the end of the play and Sand Springs recovered at the Bruin 34-yard line. That set up another Sandite touchdown, scored on Webb by a keeper up the middle.
Sand Springs then went up 27-0 on a double-pass that resulted in a 62-yard scoring play.
All that took place in the opening quarter
The Bruins then mounted their best drive of the night, powering the ball 70 yards, down to the Sandite seven-yard line. On this march, Kent played his receivers like a well-tuned piano. An eight-yard completion to Harrison Ketchum, the aforementioned clutch fourth-down toss down the middle of the field to Roberts and a nine-yard bullet to Gavin Thomas to put the ball inside the red zone.
But the drive ended with an interception inside the five-yard line. That led to another scoring drive by Sand Springs to increase its lead to 34-0.
Bartlesville then got a big break when Sonji Ketiku recovered an onside kick and took the ball into Sandite territory. But, a quarterback sack derailed the Bruin drive.
Sand Springs led 37-0 by halftime.
The Bruins opened the second half on an audience energizer when Alleman’s onside kick was recovered by Christian Ketiku on the Sand Springs 44-yard line. But on the very next play, Sand Springs sacked Kent for a loss back in Bruin territory and the drive stalled.
Meanwhile, the Bruin defense tightened considerably in the second half.
On one key defensive stand by the Bruins, Shaun Thrasher tackled a ballcarrier for a two-yard loss on 3rd-and-1 and on the next play defensive back Cale Granger jarred a receiver to keep him from a catch.
Late in the third quarter, Roberts caught a short Kent pass and turned it into a rugged, body-smashing 23-yard gain into Sand Springs territory. But another quarterback sack disrupted the march.
Sand Springs ran for a touchdown in the fading seconds to round out the scoring.
The Bruins — who are coached by Harry Wright — will hope to get some injured or healing Bruins back in full action next Friday for the trip to Sapulpa, their first district road game.
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Bartlesville High School’s Matthew Sears (5) catches a Michael Kent (14) pass during Friday’s home game against Sand Springs. The Bruins fell 51-0.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
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PAWHUSKA 62, OKLAHOMA UNION 8
Kane Foreman gave a whole new meaning Friday evening to the word foremost.
The senior Pawhuska quarterback dialed up five touchdowns and 283 yards on 15-of-18 passing, with no interceptions. He also rushed for 22 yards.
And that was all in one half.
Foreman’s super-efficient outing boosted Pawhuska to a 5-0 record, including 2-0 in district.
“We scored on every drive by our varsity,” said Pawhuska head coach Matt Hennesy. “We pulled our starters at halftime. We let our jayvee play the second half. I was proud of our kids. We had to travel. … There was no pregame music. It was kind of flat and not a lot energy there.”
He said he felt happiest when his team played to its level in taking care of business.
“We’re not worried about big plays, touchdowns,” Hennesy added. “We’re worried about first downs.”
Foreman really had only one true incompletion, he pointed out. Another throw was dropped and the other was a throwaway.
“Kane does a great job of taking care of the football,” Hennesy said, noting the Huskies have made just three turnovers in five games.
Several other Huskies stood out.
Jenson Snodgrass added 87 yards rushing, with one touchdown, and three two-point conversions. Logan Cass also carried for a touchdown and Vann Wildcat ran in two two-pointers. Jaxon Arnett added one two-point run.
In the pass-catching department, five different Wildcats racked up more than 25 yards receiving — Paycen Kelly (2-80, 1 TD), Wildcat (3-74, 1 TD), Corlin Cass (4-67, 2 TDs), Dane Jensen (4-37) and Snodgrass (2-26, 1 TD).
When Pawhuska went on defense, “they (Oklahoma Union) never had a chance to breathe,” Hennesy said.
He also praised what coach Bruce Munden is doing at Oklahoma Union and the high caliber of talent on their roster.
But this is Pawhuska’s time and the Huskies are continuing their drive toward a district title. That quest could be sorely tested next Friday when the Huskies take on Pawnee.
“Pawnee has been a thorn in our side,” said Hennesy, noting his Pawhuska teams are 0-3 against the Black Bears since he became Pawhuska head coach in 2018.
At least twice Pawnee has beaten Pawhuska out for a district title. The Huskies will be out next week to alter that narrative.
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Caney Valley High School’s defense causes a fumble against Nowata last Friday. The visiting Trojans fell to Nowata 26-0 on the road on Friday.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
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NOWATA 26, CANEY VALLEY 0
One of northeastern Oklahoma’s rivalries wrote a new chapter Friday night in a gritty battle between teams fighting for their first season wins.
Nowata (1-4) got it done with plenty of grit and panache, led by the break-out game of receiver Caleb Woolman.
Caney Valley (0-4) played with plenty of starch in its soul but not enough firepower in its offensive attack.
Caney Valley head coach Derrick Hammer praised his defense’s consistency.
“We saw a lot of good stuff,” he continued. “I felt like we gave 100 percent. We played four full quarters. I don’t care about the scoreboard. Our attitude was let’s play football tonight. They really competed.”
Nowata, meanwhile, finally broke through to the victory column, snapping back from a 37-36 loss last week to Barnsdall — in an effort Nowata head coach Chance Juby indicated was a big stride forward.
The Ironmen stepped up again Friday, surging to a 26-0 lead and holding serve throughout a running clock in the second half.
Nowata’s first-string did most of the damage before Juby started clearing the bench.
Asiah Saxton, who played only a quarter-and-a-half, rushed for a touchdown. Quarterback Adrian O’Dell ran for another score and found Woolman for two touchdown passes.
Woolman, who finished with seven catches for 94 yards, registered his best performance of the season, Juby said.
On the defensive side, Brett Malone — who is playing only his second year of football — amassed eight tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack.
“He’s leading the team in tackles,” noted Juby.
Maliki Ornder and Tyson Lecroy were other defensive standouts mentioned by the coach. Ornder led the team in tackles.
Although he’s happy to get the team’s first win, Juby felt his team didn’t play as well as it had in the one-point loss to Barnsdall.
Against Quapaw next week, “we’ve got to make sure we play a little better,” he explained. “If we play as good as we played against Barnsdall we should be in good shape.”
Caney Valley’s offense was led by Bryor Bonde at quarterback. He played with a lot of grit despite a sore leg, Hammer said.
Defensive lineman Cash Williams “did a pretty solid job,” Hammer continued. “He also ran the ball a couple of times and got some positive yards. … Our secondary guys all played pretty well. They definitely rallied to the ball.”
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Dewey High School’s Braxton Braden (1) is under center during an earlier season game. The Bulldoggers fell to Metro Christian 42-0 on the road last Friday.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
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Metro Christian 42, DEWEY 0
“The boys played hard all four quarters,” said first-year Dewey head coach Scott Sapulpa, adding he feels blessed to coach this scrappy crew of players.
The defense “is getting very close to being very dang good,” Sapulpa continued. “We had some man coverage busts last night, three of them, but the boys are starting to figure things out.”
Dewey allowed only one second-half touchdown, he noted.
Playing a team the caliber of Metro Christian is a “good learning experience,” Sapulpa continued.
He praised the play of his defense, including that by linebacker Fenix Bolding and defensive end Will Lawrence, both juniors.
On offense, Easton Davis ran the ball well, he added.
Dewey (1-3, 0-1) next goes up against Tahlequah-Sequoyah (4-0, 1-0).
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Copan High School’s Teegan Caron (5) runs the ball during an earlier season game. The Hornets defeated South Coffeyville 46-0 at home last Friday.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
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COPAN 46, South Coffeyville 0
A 32-point explosion in the second quarter propelled the Hornets to their third mercy-rule win of the season.
The turning point began early in the second quarter when Copan turned the ball over on downs on the South Coffeyville two-yard line — and then recorded a safety by Teegan Caron to stretch the lead to 10-0.
More importantly, “after that we kind of got rolling with our offensive game,” said first-year Copan head coach Trenton Kallenberger.
The Hornets (3-1) had struck early when Shooter Brewington returned the opening kickoff 63 yards for a touchdown. Weston O’Rourke added the two-point conversion to put Copan ahead, 8-0.
That’s where the score stood at the end of the first quarter.
“In the first quarter it was touch and go,” said Kallenberger as Copan tried to fight past penalties and other mistakes.
But after Caron’s safety fired up Copan, “I thought our kids played well,” Kallenberger said.
Freshman Edan Thompson recovered a fumble and scored from 24 yards out to record his fourth-straight game with coming up with a turnover.
Copan’s offense proved to be efficient. Quarterback Zane Stricklin hit on 6-of-8 passes for 74 yards and two touchdowns — one each to Caron and Brewington.
Copan’s leading rushers included Caron (9-69, TD), O’Rourke (4-65, TD, 2-pt), Stricklin (4-20, 2pt) and Elijah Evans (2-pt).
Leading receivers were Caron (3-54, TD) and Brewington (2-14, TD, 2-pt).
Top Copan tacklers were Brewington (14), Peyton Call (9), O’Rourke (8), Ashton Jeffers (6), Payten Caron (6) and Thompson, Bryson Kalivoda and Evans with four apiece.
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Christ Prep (Kan.) 41, CANEY VALLEY (Kan.) 8
All things considered, Caney Valley head coach Criss Davis refuses to wear a martyr’s mantle after his Bullpups endured the 33-point loss
“I wasn’t disappointed with my kids,”Davis said. “They kept fighting to the end. They never quit on me.”
Christ Prep last year was the No. 1-ranked homeschool football team in the nation, he added.
Take away two Caney Valley fumbles in the shadow of their goal posts and Christ Prep and the ending might have had more of a dramatic twist.
Layne Denny connected with Drake Roberds on a touchdown pass for the Pups’ lone score. Traxcyn Garton ran in the two-point conversion.
By then, Christ Prep led by only two scores, 24-8. But Christ Prep finished up on a 17-0 run to wrap up the victory and hand Caney Valley (3-1) its first season loss.
As stated earlier, one stat loomed large — Caney Valley lost three fumbles; Christ Prep none.
Twice Caney Valley gave the ball away on its 14-yard line to give Christ Prep a short porch to the end zone.
But Caney Valley still put up decent offensive numbers (42-162 rushing, 217 total yards) and boasted more first downs, 10 to seven.
Caney Valley defensive highlights included forcing Christ Prep to go for field goals on at least three drives, including a 40-yard miss.
“I look at those (holding them to field goal tries) as wins,” said Davis. “I thought we did a pretty decent job on defense.”
Jacob McVey and Austin Freisberg each racked up 5.5 tackles to lead the Pups’ ‘D’. McVey also intercepted a pass.
Next up, the Pups began district play in next week’s showdown against Cherryvale.
CV: 0-8-0-0—8
CP: 7-17-10-7—41
Scoring
First quarter
CP — Justice Criniere 54 run (Archie Esh kick), 7:33.
Second quarter
CP — Timothy Edwards 47 run (Esh kick), 11:38.
CP — Criniere 1 run (Esh kick), 6:00
CP — Esh 37 field goal, 2:17.
CV — Drake Roberds pass from Layne Denny (Traxcyn Garton run), 1:16.
Third quarter
CP — Esh 33 field goal, 4:32.
CP — Criniere 3 run (Esh kick), 0:44.
Fourth quarter
CP — Jackson MacGregor 14 yard reception (Esh kick).
Team stats
First downs: CV 10, CP 7; Rushing: CV 42-162, CP 21-186; Passing: CV 4-11-1-55; CP 7-21-1-115; Fumbles: CV 3-3, CP 0-0; Punts: CV 4-110 (27.5), CP 1-36; Penalties: CV 8-90, CP 9-70.
Caney Valley leaders
Rushing: Garton 12-80, Jace Buckley 18-49, Boone White 5-27.
Passing: Denny 4-11-1-55.
Receiving: Drake Roberds 2-45.
Tackles: McVey 5-5, Freisberg 5.5, Buckley 5, Konner Paulie 3-5.
Interception: McVey.
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Fairland 41, BARNSDALL 6
It was just one of THOSE nights for the Barnsdall Panthers (3-1, 0-1) in their district opener.
Three series into the game they saw perhaps their two most valuable players go out with injury — on top of already missing their two top running backs.
The contest had started off well enough for Barnsdall, which drove the ball effectively down the field. But their drive stalled out. Fairland got the ball and scored to take a 7-0 lead.
When the Panthers got the ball back, they again mounted a big drive — only to give up the ball on a fumble. Hominy scored three plays later to go up, 14-0.
Around this stage of the game, Barnsdall lost its starting quarterback Lincoln Gott and defensive leader Haydon Collins for the rest of the game, due to injury. Prior to that, Gott had been averaging more than five yards per carry.
“It basically changed our dynamic on how we played,” said Barnsdall head coach Kylee Sweeney. “We were already down two running backs,” including Gavin Wood and Blaine Miller.
Tripp Barbee took over at quarterback. Chance Jackson would score Barnsdall’s touchdown — on a 22-yard romp. Jackson also picked off a pass.
Sweeney said he’s not sure yet of the playing status next week of his injured players in the key showdown against district power and defending Class A-II state champion Woodland.
Note: In the win against Barnsdall, Gott recorded 400 total offensive yards and five touchdowns. Barbee ran for 155 yards and three touchdowns, including the winning 55-yard reverse. Andrew Cole added three catches for 92 yards.