Seminole has had some tough first-round playoff challenges in Mike Snyder’s veteran coaching tenure.
But none of those openers likely rivaled the past two years.
In 2008, the Chieftains had to travel to perennial power Douglas and fell, 42-30.
The task won’t be any easier tonight (7:30) as Snyder’s 16th-ranked squad travels west to take on top-ranked Weatherford (10-0).
Seminole, 4-6 overall and a fourth-place finisher in District 4-2, is making its 25th straight playoff appearance under Snyder.
District 4A-1 champion Weatherford rebounded from a 4-6 record last season.
“They are a very physical team,” said Snyder. “I was talking to Woody Roof, their athletic director, and he said the quarterback (Jake Barrios) and tailback (Kale Sawatzky) are probably the two best players ever to play in Weatherford.”
Barrios (6-1, 195), who is headed to LSU on a baseball scholarship, has passed for 1,328 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has connected on 98-of-169 attempts with nine interceptions. Barrios has also scored 11 rushing touchdowns while accumulating 744 yards on 109 carries.
“He’s probably the best throwing quarterback, as far as arm strength, as we’ve ever played,” Snyder said. “He’s a stud.”
Sawatzky (6-1, 195) not only has rushed for 735 yards and 15 touchdowns but is a terror at free safety.
“He makes plays all over the place,” Snyder said. “He will hurt you.”
Sawatzky has collected 119 tackles.
Snyder said Weatherford starts 11 seniors on defense and nine seniors on offense.
The Eagles are averaging 199.2 yards rushing while allowing just 98.
“It’s hard to find any weaknesses,” Snyder said. “They are just very solid.”
Chris Wolfe has been Seminole’s most productive rusher with 1,328 yards on 273 carries, including 16 touchdowns. Adam Kuehner has rushed for 482 yards.
Quarterback Garrett Clark has hit 77 of 141 passes for 1,132 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions. His primary receivers have been Josh Cramer with 34 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns, and Austen Harvey with 27 catches for 303 yards and two TDs.
Tecumseh at McGuinness
Coach Greg George has looked for some weaknesses in the McGuinness armor.
He found few, if any.
“They are a typical top-5 team,” said the Tecumseh head coach. “They have good skilled kids, good linemen and good discipline.”
Tecumseh went 8-2 during the regular season with the setbacks coming to Star Spencer (40-0) and Glenpool (49-6). Star Spencer is currently ranked third and Glenpool is fifth.
McGuinness, 8-2 with losses only to top-ranked, 4A Weatherford (21-20) and fifth-ranked, 5A Tulsa Kelley (10-9), is ranked third.
“They are good at all the key positions,” George said.
Quarterback Camden Tharp of McGuinness is a threat both running and passing. He has completed 47 of 82 passes for 607 yards and three touchdowns while surrendering four interceptions. He has rushed for 654 yards and five touchdowns on 114 carries.
Two other Irish figure prominently on the offensive side. LaRone Richardson has not only rushed for 493 yards, including 10 touchdowns, but has intercepted four passes.
Kyle Ahmad has been the most productive Irish receiver with 20 receptions for 401 yards and four touchdowns. He is the second-leading tackler in 5A wih 148.
George will regain the services of two players who have missed the past two weeks with injuries. Jake Watkins (6-3, 240) can be utilized as both a defensive tackle and power back, the latter in short yardage situations. Hunter Montgomery (5-10, 255) will be employed on both the offensive and defensive lines. Watkins had been sidelined with a back injury and Montgomery had a knee sprain.
“They are a couple of bulls inside,” George said.
Tecumseh will be without wide receiver/defensive back performers Ryan Morrison and Chandler Martinez because of injuries.
“We will have to have some young kids step up and fill the void,” George said.
Tecumseh quarterback Kyle Fowler has accounted for 22 touchdowns — 12 on the ground and 10 through the air. Fowler has been accurate on 81 of 163 passes for 1,082 yards with 15 interceptions. He has rushed for 812 yards on 197 carries.
Chris Nunnally has a team-high 39 receptions for 594 yards, ine touchdowns and one 2-point conversion. Keith Longhorn has rushed for 329 yards (three touchdowns) on 74 carries.
