BARTLESVILLE AND AREA FOOTBALL TEAMS EYE THURSDAY NIGHT GAMES
Dewey High School’s Kade Lackey awaits a punt during an earlier season game. The Bulldoggers host Tulsa Webster on Thursday.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
By Mike Tupa
Oct. 16, 2025
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
(Note: Fans can hear live play-by-play radio or TV coverage of the Bartlesville Bruins. Bruin games are on the radio at KWON (1400-AM, 93.3-FM, 95.1 FM) or streamed on KWONTV.)
Following are previews of this week’s area high school football games. All the area teams will be in action on Thursday except for the Caney Valley (Kan.) Bullpups.
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District 6A-II-2 (Thursday): BARTLESVILLE (0-6, 0-3) at Putnam City North (2-4, 2-1)
Last week’s results: Muskogee 48, BARTLESVILLE 0; PUTNAM CITY NORTH 47, Capitol Hill 0
2024: Putnam City North 23, Bartlesville 0
2023: Bartlesville 45, Putnam City North 14 (playoffs)
2022: DNP
OUTLOOK: Can the Bartlesville Bruins create on the road the success they’ve been chasing?
That’s the main question for Thursday’s showdown at Putnam City North.
A victory would put Bartlesville — which is coached by Harry Wright — in position to challenge for homefield advantage in the playoffs. Even with a loss, there would still be a path for the Bruins to the postseason — but their chance of hosting a first-round playoff game would virtually disappear.
The Bruins’ district schedule has been front-loaded with opponents that currently rank among the district’s three or four teams — Muskogee, Sand Springs and Sapulpa. Putnam City North also belongs in that group through three district games.
On the backend of the Bruins schedule are Ponca City, Putnam City West and Capitol Hill, the three bottom teams, along with Bartlesville, in the district standings.
The Bruins have displayed a kind of topsy-turvy pattern so far this season — incredible offense in some games and struggling to move the ball in others. Great defensive play at times or vulnerable in other situations.
There are two crucial keys to Bartlesville’s success — to avoid falling behind by more than two scores and to establish an effective ground game with the handoff brigade.
In regard to the first point, when the Bruins are forced to play catch-up it allows defenses to tee off on the pass rush and sack or pressure Bruin QB Michael Kent. He’s been sacked several times the past two games, which have been drive killers.
As far as running the ball, if the Bruins can force defenses to respect their rushing attack, it will take pass rush pressure off Kent, make the play-action more effective and loosen up pass coverage, especially on the edge and within 20 yards of the line of scrimmage. Plus, by burning clock with running plays, the Bruins are keeping the opposing offense cooling its heels on the sideline.
Another important factor might be for the Bruins to play the flip-the-field game more, which means less fourth-down plays, especially on their side of the 50. The risk-reward factor of going for it on fourth down in an unfavorable field position can produce significant negatives if it fails, more so than the potential benefit of going for it, on balance. It gives the other team an added short possession and it can give a positive emotional lift to the team that makes the stop and a negative emotional impact on the team that is stopped. Football momentum is as much about the emotion of the moment as it is about physical advantage or strategy.
As long as the defense can make a stop of the other team’s offense deep in its territory, the flip-the-field punting game can be decisive. But, to emphasize, the defense has to step up and force some three-and-punts in order to give its team a grind-it-out and occasional-big-play advantage.
The Bruins still have a lot going for them — Kent is a very good passer — especially when he has time — and an effective strategic runner. The receiving corps is gritty, deep and athletic. The Bruins have the potential for a powerful one-two punch at the tailback rotation. The defensive secondary plays well for the most part and the Bruins have some effective pass rush packages.
Injuries or absences for other reasons, inexperience and the lack of a lot of huge bodies up front have taken their toll on the Bruins.
Win or lose, during Thursday’s road battle the Bruins could create the traction that will help them move forward with more consistent footing as they move through the remainder of their schedule.
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Bartlesville High School’s Boden Roberts catches a pass during an earlier season game. The Bruins travel to Putnam City North on Thursday.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
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District 2A-I-4 (Thursday): Tulsa Webster (0-6, 0-3) at DEWEY (2-4, 1-2)
Last week’s results: DEWEY 45, Westville 6; Chandler 52, TULSA WEBSTER 6
2024: Dewey 30, Tulsa Webster 6
2023: DNP
2022: DNP
OUTLOOK: First year Dewey Bulldogger head coach Scott Sapulpa has never wavered in his confidence about the playoff potential of his team.
Even after the squad stumbled through a three-game losing streak — including a couple of ugly defeats — Sapulpa expressed his belief his newly-retooled but maturing Doggers would put it together the second half of the season.
With last week’s rout of Westville, the Doggers proved their coach at least partially right. A win Thursday night against Tulsa Webster would put them square in the playoff chase.
Now, let’s be honest and not sugarcoat this— Westville and Tulsa Webster are probably the two weakest district teams on Dewey’s schedule. But Dewey also has a winnable shot in its three games following that — vs. Sperry (2-4, 2-1), vs. Tulsa Central (3-3, 2-1) and vs. Chandler (3-3, 1-2).
The Doggers have already played the district’s two bullies — Metro Christian (6-0, 3-0) and Tahlequah-Sequoyah (6-0, 3-0).
The scenario seems promising — or at least pleasingly possible — that Dewey could win at least three of its final four games and clinch its first postseason berth since 2019.
Webster has scored only 12 points through three district games (compared to 45 for Dewey) and given up 119 (Dewey has allowed 88).
During last week’s 39-point thumping of Westville, Dewey boasted two 100-yard rushers — Jayden Vallen with 142 and Easton Davis with 138. Both scored two touchdowns apiece — and three other Doggers ran in one score apiece.
Parker Garrison piled up nine solo tackles and Kavery Weathers grabbed two picks.
If Dewey can build on last week’s momentum, it likely would come out on top Thursday and continue to confirm its coach’s vibes.
Series (since 2014) — Dewey leads, 3-2.
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Oklahoma Union’s Colton Wickham is tackled during an earlier season game. OKU travels to Caney Valley on Thursday.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
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District A-I-3 (Thursday): OKLAHOMA UNION (0-6, 0-3) at CANEY VALLEY TROJANS (0-6, 0-3)
Last week’s results: Quapaw 49, OKLAHOMA UNION 22; Pawnee 50, CANEY VALLEY 0
2024: Oklahoma Union 60, Caney Valley 0
2023: DNP
2022: DNP
OUTLOOK: The good news is either Oklahoma Union or Caney Valley is going to nail down its first season win.
The sad fact is neither of these teams expected to go 0-6 in their first six games.
But football is a forward-looking game, and one of the teams will celebrate a victory on Thursday and revive its playoff hopes.
History is on neither side. Both teams have won five times in the 10 times they’ve met since 2006.
However, Oklahoma Union completely dominated last year’s showdown, 60-0, and would probably be considered the favorite again this season.
But Caney Valley certainly will be out to try to reverse last year’s result and put its season on more solid footing.
Oklahoma Union is coming off a strong offensive game, putting up 22 points against Quapaw. Quarterback Aiden Talbott found Colton Wickham for two touchdown passes. Joseph Lindner tallied the other six-pointer.
Wyatt Maxey continues to play an increasing role for the Cougars, first-year Oklahoma Union coach Bruce Munden said.
Caney Valley is led by first-year head coach Derrick Hammer, who had to deal with the triple whammy of a low number of players, coming off a 1-19 record the past two seasons and limited experience.
Even so, Hammer has praised his team’s effort and competitive attitude.
Series (since 2006) — Tied, 5-5.
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District A-II-4 (Thursday): BARNSDALL (3-3, 0-3) at Summit Christian (1-5, 1-2)
Last week’s results: Ketchum 45, BARNSDALL 14; Porter 43, SUMMIT CHRISTIAN 20
2024: Barnsdall 42, Summit Christian 14
2023: Barnsdall 52, Summit Christian 6
2022: Barnsdall 44, Summit Christian 42
OUTLOOK: For the fourth time in five seasons Barnsdall has a losing record heading into Week 4 of district play — 2024 (1-2), 2022 (1-2), 2021 (1-2).
Amazingly, in two of those seasons (2024, 2022) Barnsdall rallied in the final four games to qualify for the playoffs.
Whether the Panthers might repeat that pattern this year is a little more complicated — and daunting.
The Panthers are 0-3 through from the opening of their district schedule — which means they have to win at least three of their four remaining games, and probably all four, to have a chance to get back to the postseason for the fourth-straight season and for the seventh time during Sweeney’s 10-year tenure.
Barnsdall will start its late-season charge this Thursday against Summit Christian, definitely a winnable game for Sweeney’s Panthers.
The challenge beyond that is Barnsdall still eyes Hominy (4-2, 3-0) later down the road.
But all the Panthers can do now is take care of business one week at a time, starting Thursday at Summit Christian.
In last week’s 45-14 loss to Ketchum, Barnsdall was its own worst enemy — three interceptions, a lost fumble, two onside kick recoveries by Ketchum and multiple bad snaps.
No doubt if the Panthers could play a little sharper this week they’ll give themselves an excellent chance.
Quarterback Lincoln Gott rushed for both Barnsdall touchdowns against Ketchum.
Series (since 2020): Barnsdall leads, 3-2.
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District B-II-4 (Thursday): COPAN (5-1, 1-0) at Gans (2-4, 0-1)
Last week’s results: Copan win by forfeit; Arkoma 38, GANS 12
2024: Copan 56, Gans 0
2023: DNP
2022: DNP
OUTLOOK: The biggest question mark for Copan is how will it play after two full weeks off?
The Hornets haven’t yet played in October, due to a bye week and a forfeit win against Wesleyan Christian.
Copan has been impressive so far — they’ve outscored opponents, 231-40, and that number likely would have been more lopsided if not for a forced 15-0 decision against Wesleyan Christian.
Other than a surprising third-game loss to Depew, 34-14, Copan has played like the team — or even better — that finished 8-2 last season.
Perhaps the biggest difference has been on the defensive side. Copan has shut out two opponents and held two others to only six points. In addition, Copan has generated a lot of positive plays by its special teams.
Offensively, the Hornets have a different-looking attack following the transfer of their three-year starting quarterback. But the explosive play of Teegan Caron and Weston O’Rourke, the steady and hammering power of Shooter Brewington has helped make the Hornets a powerful force to try to stop.
That Terrific Trio are all fourth-year starting seniors. But several other players are stepping up — on both sides of the ball — as well.
Copan — which is led by first-year head coach Trenton Kallenberger —plays in only a six-team district. With last week’s forfeit win against Wesleyan Christian — which cancelled its season due to a lack of sufficient players — this Thursday’s showdown at Gans will really be Copan’s district opener.
The Hornets appear on paper to be the favorite.
Series (since 2008) — Copan leads, 2-1.
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District A-I-3: NOWATA (1-6, 1-3), bye
Last week result: Morrison 56, NOWATA 18
OUTLOOK: Nowata finally gets a break after one of the busiest schedules in the state to start the season. In this era of zero week and a bye week, the Ironmen have played a grueling gauntlet of seven-consecutive weeks.
Their list of opponents played includes state title contender Pawhuska (6-1, 3-1).
But coming off the bye, Nowata eyes another couple of telling challenges in Pawnee (4-2, 2-1) and Tonkawa (5-1, 3-0).
Regardless of the record and prospects, Nowata has displayed much progress for coach Chance Juby. Several key senior players from last year’s playoff team bid adieu via graduation so it’s been a rebuilding year.
But the growing pains and lumps taken this season should make Nowata a much stronger crew next season, even as it looks to finish this year with a strong statement.
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District A-I-3: PAWHUSKA (6-1, 3-1), bye
Last week’s result: Tonkawa 32, PAWHUSKA 8
OUTLOOK: Like Nowata, Pawhuska played seven-straight weeks, a marathon stretch by current standards.
And they’ve battled through one of the toughest schedules in the state — highlighted by Hominy (4-2, 3-0), Woodland (3-3, 2-1), Pawnee (4-2, 2-1) and Tonkawa (5-1, 3-0).
Pawhuska won three of those four mega-scraps, losing only to Tonkawa last week.
Tonkawa did something few other teams — if any — have managed to do this season — limit Pawhuska’s running game.
No doubt the Pawhuska Huskies can make welcome use of this bye week to heal up, renew the tired legs and arms, catch their breath and surged into the final three games hoping to get some help in their quest to win the district crown.
Head coach Matt Hennesy’s career record at Pawhuska is 67-25 (.728), since he took charge in 2018. His career regular season record at Pawhuska is 60-17 (.779) and his Huskies teams are 8-7 in the playoffs, including two appearances in the state semifinals.
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FRIDAY
Kansas (Friday): Galena (4-2, 2-1) at CANEY VALLEY PUPS (5-1, 2-0)
Last week’s result: CANEY VALLEY 66, Fredonia 32; GALENA 28, Cherryvale 6
2024: Caney Valley 46, Galena 12
2023: DNP
2022: DNP
OUTLOOK: Galena has been one of only two or three habitual regular opponents that Caney Valley has dominated the past 25 seasons.
There’s a lot of stake in this contest — it’s very possible this game could have a direct impact on who wins the district title. (Caney Valley is the defending district king.)
Criss Davis’ Bullpups have looked robust on both sides of the ball. They’re averaging 38.3 points per game and giving up only 14.2.
In their five wins the Pups have won by an average margin of five touchdowns (35.6).
Jace Buckley and Traxcyn Garton have both ran for more than 100 yards in the same game twice.
Quarterback Layne Denny has passed the ball well overall, his two biggest receiving touchdown threats being Drake Roberds and Jacob McVey.
Austin Freisberg had been one of the all-around stalwarts for the Pups.
Series (since 2006) — Galena leads, 8-5.