Holdenville will be at Bethel tonight for a 7 pm kickoff. The Wolverines (0-6, 0-3 district 2A-3) have faced three of the top five district teams so far, losing to Community Christian (47-0), Lexington (34-28), and Purcell (28- 0). Tonight should be more of the same for them as they travel to Bethel (5-1, 2-1). Bethel’s only loss is to #1 Washington, who just beat Community Christian 13-10, likely securing the district championship. Bethel’s 5-1 start to the season ties the best in the school’s history (2002 and 2006). Tonight, a win over Wolverines will allow the ‘Cats to own the record outright at 6-1.
SERIES HISTORY: Holdenville leads, 4-0
Let’s be honest: the series history talk is for the fans. It’s just something interesting to chew on before kickoff. Everyone knows what happened in the past has no bearing on what will happen in the future. Week seven of the 2021 season is here, and series history has never meant less. Yes, Bethel has never beaten Holdenville, but the last time they played was 2001 when the current players weren’t even born. Had Covid-19 not canceled the game last year, tonight’s game would not be the first time Bethel would beat Holdenville. Prediction: Bethel 41, Holdenville 12.
Statistical Leaders
Passing: Bryce Tapley 85 com-120 att-1,425 yards-14 TD-4 int
Rushing: Corey Metscher 103 att-761 yards-12 TD
Receiving: John Gordon 40 rec-975 yards-8 TD
Tackles: John Allred 85 tackles, 14 for loss
For loss: Connor Hall 14 for loss, 53 tackles
Sacks: TJ Ramsey 10 sacks, 48 tackles
Coach Joey Ginn said one thing his squad will absolutely be ready and prepared for is the fake punt. “They will fake a punt anywhere on the field at any time.” Before that opportunity presents itself, however, the Wildcats will face a spread offense that favors the run. “They have a sophomore running back, #5, who’s pretty good,” Ginn said. He also said that the Wolverines moved their best wide receiver to quarterback last week. When Holdenville is on defense attempting to slow the Wildcat offense that is averaging nearly forty points per game, Ginn said they will be lined up “in an old school defense, Okie.” Okie is a five-man front with two linebackers The Wildcats expect to have seven men in the box every play, which forces teams to pass, which suits them just fine. John Gordon has 975 receiving yards, and quarterback Bryce Tapley is completing over seventy percent of his passes.
