Published: October 29, 2009 10:32 pm      

Everything is on the line

Memorial squares off with North with second place up for grabs

A late season Edlam battle between North and Memorial has enough electricity in itself. Toss in a city title and possible home playoff date along with the bragging rights, and you have the potential for a blockbuster tonight at Wantland Stadium.

“When you win football games the school gets into it and there’s a bunch of school spirit, but this is for the city championship,” North senior linebacker Virgil Walker said. “Last year we both lost to Santa Fe, so it was just not to get third place in the city, but this year it’s for all the marbles. And like Coach (Jeremy) Dombek said, if we win this game, the sky is the limit.”

While Midwest City has the District 6A-2 title all but wrapped up, the number two spot is still up for grabs. No. 9-ranked North (7-1, 4-1) opened the door for the No. 15 ‘Dogs (5-3, 4-1) two weeks ago when they lost at Midwest City, creating a tie for second place.

“I’ve been a part of (Edlam) the last two years and a lot is at stake here, second place in district, hosting a game for the playoffs, and just being city champs,” Memorial senior wide receiver/defensive back Nelson Medeiros. “That hasn’t happened here in a long time. And we’re taking pride in that, winning one for Memorial. We’re very excited, I’m excited, I’m getting a little nervous thinking about it, but we’re ready to go.”

The ‘Dogs, who are coming off a 14-7 road win against Lawton Eisenhower, have found their rhythm offensively with Kameron Doolittle under center. The explosive junior has given the unit another dimension with his ability rack up yards with his feet.

Cale Olbert has emerged as a force in the running game, picking up 549 yards and six touchdowns this season. Olbert will get some help Friday with the return of senior D’Juan Brooks. The speedy senior got off to a fast start this year, before missing several games due to injury.

“I think we match up real good with them,” Brooks said. “Honestly, I think we should win this game, we have enough talent to where I think we can put several points on the board. We have great running backs, great quarterbacks and receivers, who can make things happen.”

The North defense should be ready for the challenge. The Huskies are giving up 20 points per game and have plenty of playmakers. Senior defensive end Colton Byford is a solid pass rusher with a team-leading nine sacks, while Dakota Lambeth has team-high 106 tackles.

“We’re prepared for it, we’ve been practicing all week, watching film and we can pretty much guess what they’re going to run,” Lambeth said.

On the other side of the ball, the Huskies have been one of the most consistent offenses in 6A. The offensive line quickly came together this season and has been clearing holes for the backfield trio of Joe Aska, Qua’Don Henderson and Jared Benway. Aska leads the group wit 818 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Benway has been a scoring machine with 11 total touchdowns this fall.

North’s passing game was in good hands with quarterback Travis Townsend, until the junior went down with a high ankle sprain against Midwest City. Senior Danny Rossi filled in nicely last week with three touchdowns in a win over Putnam City West, but Dombek is still uncertain who will get the starting nod tonight.

Memorial’s senior Adrian Shoecraft said they have respect for the North offense, but believes it should be an even matchup with the ‘Dogs’ defense.

“I think we match up well, we have been a great defense against the run, that’s one of our strengths,” Shoecraft said.

The Memorial defense has quietly been one of the best in Class 6A this year. They are allowing just 10.5 points per game, while holding teams to only 172 yards of offense.

Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. at Wantland Stadium.