BARTLESVILLE AND AREA FOOTBALL PREVIEWS
Bartlesville High School’s Michael Kent (14) runs the ball during an earlier season game. The Bruins travel to Sapulpa on Friday.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
By Mike Tupa
Oct. 3, 2025
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
(Note: Live broadcast or streaming coverage of some of this weekend’s games are available on the Bartlesville Radio website or on the radio. Bartlesville’s key showdown against Sapulpa will be available on KWON (1400-AM, 93.93-FM or 95.1-FM) or can be seen on KWONTV.com.
Wow!
Believe it or not, the high school football regular season reaches the halfway point this Friday.
But it’s still a young campaign in at least one way — most of the area teams will be just in their second week of district competition.
Following is a look at this week’s area contests:
6A-II-2: Bartlesville (0-4, 0-1) at Sapulpa (2-2, 0-1)
2A-I-4: Tahlequah-Sequoyah (4-0, 1-0) at Dewey (1-3, 0-1)
A-I-3: Pawhuska (5-0, 2-0) at Pawnee (3-1, 1-0)
A-I-3: Tonkawa (3-1, 1-0) at Caney Valley Trojans (0-4, 0-1)
A-I-3: Nowata (1-4, 1-1) at Quapaw (1-3, 0-1)
A-I-3: Oklahoma Union (0-4, 0-1) at Morrison (1-3, 0-1)
A-II-4: Barnsdall (3-1, 0-1) at Woodland (2-2, 1-0)
KANSAS AAA: Caney Valley Pups (3-1) at Cherryvale (2-2)
B-II-4 (8-man): Copan (4-1), bye
———
Following are more details about each matchup.
———
6A-II-2: BARTLESVILLE (0-4, 0-1) at Sapulpa (2-2, 0-1)
Last week’s results: Sand Springs 51, BARTLESVILLE 0; SAPULPA 54, Capitol Hill 0
2024: Sapulpa 35, Bartlesville 28 (ot)
2023: Sapulpa 44, Bartlesville 36
2022: Sapulpa 27, Bartlesville 21
Will Bartlesville High School’s football team come out firing on all cylinders — in all three phases of the game — Friday night?
That’s a key question as the Bruins try to change direction following an 0-4 season start, including last week’s district-opening loss to Sand Springs.
Providing the opposition will be the host Sapulpa Chieftains (2-2, 0-1), who are coming off a gimme district win against one of the probable bottom dwellers.
Like a whirling dervish, the Bruin attack has been all over the place momentum wise.
In some instances they’ve started out games red-hot offensively but penalties or turnovers have taken their toll.
At other times they’ve started slow but finished strong in the second half.
One gets the feeling the Bruins don’t have to do much to effect a turnaround — they just have to do more of the good things of which they’re already capable.
“We have to start fast on both sides of the ball,” Bruin head coach Harry Wright said about this week’s showdown at Sapulpa — although in a deeper sense he’s talking about all the remaining games. “We have to win the turnover battle, always key in district games.”
Bartlesville’s most consistent highlight has been the connection between quarterback Michael Kent and his receivers. When given time, Kent has been able to pick apart opposing secondaries. If not for some dropped passes, the Bruins could be sitting much more pretty in the standings or at least have a higher C.Q. (Competitive Quotient).
“I’ve been very pleased with the depth we have at wide receiver and our ability to spread the ball around,” said Wright. “Boden (Roberts), (Matthew) Sears, Harrison (Ketchum) and Gavin (Thomas) had all had big games stats wise in different games. Michael has done a great job of recognizing who the hot hand is that night.”
Kent also has excelled at spreading the ball around to keep the defense from focusing on just one receiver, Wright added.
Kent and the offense should be greatly bolstered by the return to action this week of tailback Daeton Stevens.
The Bruins have had to battle the past few games without a highly-effective ground game to take pressure off Kent in the passing game.
Although substitute backs have turned in gritty and at times promising efforts, none of them has shown that consistent breakaway threat that Stevens could provide.
With a powerful ground game, the Bruins could find that balance that will keep opposing defenses on their heels.
Also slated to return to action if fullback and linebacker Drake Ford, another valuable component.
The softest part of the Bruins’ district schedule is still coming up, which means wins in 50-50 games — on paper — against foes like Sapulpa could be especially crucial in pecking order of playoff seeding.
Series (since 1986): Sapulpa leads 13-8.
———
Dewey High School’s Cadyn Artherton (6) runs to the sidelines during an earlier season game. The Bulldoggers host Tahlequah-Sequoyah on Friday.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
———
2A-I-4: Tahlequah-Sequoyah (4-0, 1-0) at DEWEY (1-3, 0-1)
Last week’s results: Metro Christian 42, DEWEY 0; TAHLEQUAH-SEQUOYAH 24, Chandler 14
2024: Tahlequah-Sequoyah 53, Dewey 0
2023: DNP
2022: DNP
OUTLOOK: The Dewey Bulldoggers continue its grueling grinder of a district schedule by taking on unbeaten Tahlequah-Sequoyah. The Doggers have displayed much progress this season, including a lopsided win against Locust Grove and a one touchdown loss at Checotah. But District 2A-I-4 is top-loaded with established powerhouses that make it difficult for teams like Dewey to break through. However, one of these days Dewey is going to put it all together for a massive turn-around win. Why not this week?
Tahlequah-Sequoyah players to look for could include quarterback Grayton Sapp, who has completed nearly 63 percent of his passes and thrown for almost 15 touchdowns. Ridge Blackbear has been Tahlequah-Sequoyah’s leading rusher.
For Dewey, Easton Davis is averaging more than 55 yards rushing per game and has scored two touchdowns. Eddie Rice and Jayden Vallen also have carried the ball well for the Doggers.
Caydn Artherton and Vallen have hauled in more than 100 yards receiving apiece and two and one touchdowns, respectively.
Parker Garrison has been one of Dewey’s most prolific tacklers.
———
A-I-3: PAWHUSKA (5-0, 2-0) at Pawnee (3-1, 1-0)
Last week’s results: PAWHUSKA 62, Oklahoma Union 8; PAWNEE 54, Morrison 14
2024: Pawnee 62, Pawhuska 16
2023: DNP
2022: DNP
OUTLOOK: Matt Hennesy can boast a tremendous list of highlights from his seven-and-a-half seasons as the Pawhuska Huskies head coach.
Among them are advancing twice to the Class A state semifinal game, recording a perfect 10-0 record season record (2020), finishing 9-1 during another regular season (2019), two 8-2 regular season records (2021, 2024), and an overall record of 66-24, including seven straight seasons of qualifying for the playoffs.
But — other than a state championship — one achievement has eluded him.
Beating Pawnee.
In the three previous times Pawhuska and Pawnee have clashed during the Hennesy Era, Pawnee is 3-0, including last season’s 62-16 rout.
Hennesy would dearly love to change that narrative on Friday night.
In addition to bragging rights and playoff positioning, the district title also could be on the line.
In some ways this season might feature Hennesy’s most well-rounded offensive attack. In years past, the emphasis was heavily tilted toward the passing game. The quarterback often was one of the leading rushers.
But this year, the Huskies boast an effective ground game by its running backs, led by Jenson Snodgrass and Vann Wildcat, who have combined for more than 550 yards rushing and six touchdowns.
The passing game — manned by senior transfer Kane Foreman — remains a devastating weapon.
Foreman has completed nearly 80 percent of his passes for 1,140 yards and 19 touchdowns — with just two interceptions.
Foreman has distributed the ball effectively — Corlin Cass (16 catches), Wildcat (12 catches), Dane Jensen (11 catches), Snodgrass (8 catches), and Tripp Walker (7 catches).
Pawhuska’s defensive stats are incredible and include some of the state's most consistent tacklers — Jimmie Wildcat (63), Vann Wildcat (56), Jensen (44), Logan Cass (43) and Jayden Henley (34).\
A few things will be certain about Friday night — the pads will be popping like howitzers, the crowd will be roaring like a waterfall, and the players will be as determined as an iceberg on its unalterable course.
———
Caney Valley High School’s Bryor Bonde tries to control the ball during an earlier season game. The Trojans host Tonkawa on Friday.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
———
A-I-3: Tonkawa (3-1, 1-0) at CANEY VALLEY TROJANS (0-4, 0-1)
Last week’s results: Nowata 26, CANEY VALLEY 0; TONKAWA 63, Quapaw 14
2024: Tonkawa 65, Caney Valley 8
2023: DNP
2022: DNP
OUTLOOK: Victory can be determined by many factors. Sometimes survival and getting up to fight again are the true measurements of the hearts of warriors. That has been the case so far of the Caney Valley Trojan players, who have bounced back from a forfeit and continue to give their all in the crucible of adversity.
It might be difficult for these Friday Night heroes to overcome Tonkawa — although there’s a reason the game is played on the field. But, win or lose, this will be another opportunity for the Trojans to gain experience, learn, and get better.
———
A-I-3: NOWATA (1-4, 1-1) at Quapaw (1-3, 0-1)
Last week’s results: NOWATA 26, Caney Valley 0; Tonkawa 63, QUAPAW 14
2024: Nowata 42, Quapaw 8
2023: DNP
2022: DNP
OUTLOOK: Nowata might be the best 1-4 team in Class A-I. Coming off a shutout win against Caney Valley, the Ironmen could be building up momentum for another charge toward the playoffs.
Quarterback Adrian O’Dell, receiver Asiah Saxton, Brett Malone and Caleb Woolman have been Nowata’s biggest playmakers on both sides of the ball.
Assuming Nowata’s regulars throughout the lineup are healthy, the Ironmen should have a strong opportunity to grab their second win and move right into the thick of the playoff chase.
———
A-I-3: OKLAHOMA UNION (0-4, 0-1) at Morrison (1-3, 0-1)
Last week’s results: Pawhuska 62, OKLAHOMA UNION 8, Pawnee 54, MORRISON 14
2024: Morrison 36, Oklahoma Union 27
2023: Morrison 30, Oklahoma Union 8
2022: Morrison 39, Oklahoma Union 6
OUTLOOK: Oklahoma Union rooters are waiting for that Friday evening when everything falls in place.
That could take place this week. The Cougars have boasted some very talented athletes but have struggled to find the symbiotic sync that will make them a playoff contender.
Series (since 2018): Morrison leads, 6-0.
———
A-II-4: BARNSDALL (3-1, 0-1) at Woodland (2-2, 1-0)
Last week’s results: Fairland 41, BARNSDALL 6; WOODLAND 52, Porter 6
2024: Woodland 62, Barnsdall 15
2023: DNP
2022: DNP
OUTLOOK: This is definitely one of those defining weeks for the Barnsdall Panthers.
First, they are coming off a surprising lopsided loss to Fairland.
Second, Woodland is one of those powerhouse programs the Panthers need to beat in order to move into the conversation as a district title contender and postseason threat.
Assuming Barnsdall has all its main pieces in uniform and action Friday night, the Panthers could claw out the signature win.
Panther quarterback Lincoln Gott has amassed 1,000 yards of total offense and 15 touchdowns (8 rushing, 7 passing). Tripp Barbee is a double-threat as a ballcarrier or receiver and Haydon Collins has racked up more than 30 tackles — 11 of them for loss.
Series (since 2004*): Woodland leads 9-4.
*Results not available for 2012-15.
———
KANSAS AAA: CANEY VALLEY PUPS (3-1) at Cherryvale (2-2)
Last week’s results: Christ Prep Academy 41, CANEY VALLEY 8; Riverton 37, CHERRYVALE 27
2024: Caney Valley 48, Cherryvale 0
2023: Caney Valley 42, Cherryvale 6
2002; Caney Valley 54, Cherryvale 20
OUTLOOK: Caney Valley and Cherryvale open district play with a rivalry showdown. The Pups have dominated the series in the 2000s and are off to a strong start this season.\
While offense generally garners more of the media coverage, the Pups’ defense is a mighty unit that no other team can afford to overlook.
Austin Freisberg has provided some of the most consistent high-level play on that side of the ball, but many others have stepped up week-to-week or for major moments that turned the tide or added to the Caney Valley momentum.
Offensively, Layne Denny has displayed a fine passing touch, including back-to-back 100-yard games earlier in the season.
Jace Buckley and Traxcyn Garton both are capable of 100-yard rushing games — on the same night, as they’ve done at least once this season.
Drake Roberds has developed into Denny’s biggest receiving scoring threat.
Series (since 2004): Caney Valley leads 16-3.
———
B-II-4 (8-man): COPAN (4-1), bye
UPDATE: Copan might have two weeks off if it doesn’t find an opponent for October 10. Officially, that date will be a district forfeit for Copan as Wesleyan Christian School cancelled its season shortly before the opening of play. Copan might not be able to find a replacement opponent that’s within reasonable driving distance.