TUPATALK: Playoff anticipation to remember
Following is an excerpt of an E-E newspaper article previewing the Bruins’ 2009 playoff game against Owasso. Bartlesville would win, recording one of the of great postseason victories in team history.
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BLAST FROM THE PAST
(An excerpt of an E-E article from 2009.)
Offensive versatility and run defense are the two keys which will unlock Bartlesville High’s playoff destiny tonight, Bruin head football coach Ron Smith said Thursday night.
The Bruins (8-2, 5-2) head to Owasso (6-4, 5-2) in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
This will be the first time the two squads have met in the postseason. The winner will advance to next week’s quarterfinals.
Smith emphasized the importance of Bartlesville containing the Rams’ rushing attack.
“We couldn’t stop the Broken Arrow quarterback (Archie Bradley) from running last week,” Smith noted. “If we don’t stop them (Owasso) we’ll lose … We’ve got to stop them running the ball. If we stop them, we’ll win the game.”On the other side of the ball, Smith emphasized the importance of a multi-pronged attack.
“Coach James (Smith) has done a great job in mixing up the plays,” noted Smith in praising the work of his offensive coordinator. “We have the No. 3 offense in Class 6A by mixing our plays and keeping people off guard.”
A major factor in Bartlesville’s success also has been the pass protection of quarterback Kirby Schoenthaler, Ron Smith continued.“When we do that, we’re usually successful,” he added.
Starters on the line have included Joe Barnes as a 6-foot-5 anchor at center, flanked by Justin Butterfield, Devin Randall, Jacob Self and Colby Mitchell.
Schoenthaler, a third-year junior starter, is averaging more than 230 yards passing and 2.6 touchdown tosses per game. Combined with seven rushing touchdowns, he has been directly involved in 33 of Bartlesville’s 53 touchdowns.
Senior receiver Michael Thompson leads the Bruins in scoring with 74 points, including the only special teams touchdown (a 74-yard punt return). He also is the lone Bartlesville warrior who has scored rushing and receiving the ball.
Junior tailback Chandler Bennett has rumbled for more than 650 yards and seven rushing touchdowns in just a little more than half the season as the starter.
Bennett also boasts the squad’s lone defensive points, returning a fumble 54 yards for a score.
Sophomore fullback Jack Wiseman has rushed for six touchdowns.
Bruin junior placekicker Zack Merciez has registered a stellar 47-of-50 in extra point conversions.
Bruin junior receiver Garrett Powell leads the team in receiving touchdowns with 12. Other reliable receivers in the Bruins’ arsenal include junior Trevor Moll, senior Pete Montes and senior Blake Hood. Other recipients of Bruin passes this season, in addition to the running backs, are junior Tucker Collums, junior Collin Walsh, Hunter Gaut and senior tight end Brad Martin.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bruins’ front four has unleashed tidal wave-like pressure in several games on opposing quarterbacks. The main rotation on the line has included junior Mitch Tate, Martin, Randall, Butterfield, Mitchell, sophomore Taylor Long, senior Jesse Maltby and others.
Bartlesville’s linebacker rotation often plays like a force of nature, cutting down opposing teams with hurricane-like fury. Junior Mick Miller is a two-year starter at middle linebacker. Some of other main ‘backers/cornerbacks around him include Bennett, Zack Loyd, Taylor Woolman, Tucker Collums and Brandon Taylor.
Senior Justin Thompson has proven to be a shutdown presence at defensive back, particularly on the edge. Michael Thompson, senior Blake Hood and Powell also play major roles in defending other team’s vertical games.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: TupaTalk column
