Games of the week
The Oklahoman’s Jacob Unruh previews the top 10 matchups of Week 2 in high school football. The Backyard Bowl between Jenks and Tulsa Union tops this week’s list.
Rivalry games were played in Week 1 and they continue in Week 2.
After a strong Week 1, the second week may be even more entertaining, especially with classic rivalry games leading the way. Even with one team struggling entering the annual Backyard Bowl, Jenks and Tulsa Union’s rivalry still tops the list.
Here’s a look at The Oklahoman’s top 10 games of Week 2:
1. Class 6A-1 No. 6 Jenks (0-2) at 6A-I No. 1 Tulsa Union (2-0), Thursday at University of Tulsa
Jenks is off to an 0-2 start, which takes away some luster from this game. But this game also rarely disappoints. It’s unpredictable and entertaining, making it the perfect game to open the week.
2. Class 5A No. 2 McGuinness (1-0) at 5A No. 5 Tulsa Kelley (1-0)
The rivals have provided plenty of entertainment in the past, including McGuinness’ thrilling overtime win last season. Over the past four seasons, no team has won by more than a touchdown in the series.
3. Class 6A-I No. 5 Broken Arrow (0-2) at 6A-I No. 2 Owasso (2-0)
It’s hard to deny the difficulty the East’s big four face in non-district games by playing the two not within their districts. Owasso’s rapid improvement under coach Bill Blankenship adds even more intrigue.
4. Class 3A Douglass (1-0) at Class 2A No. 1 Millwood (1-0), Saturday at Langston University On paper, it’s a good matchup. But the atmosphere moving to Langston University makes it even more worthwhile.
5. Class 3A No. 4 Cushing (2-0) at 3A No. 2 Berryhill (1-0)
It’s not a classic rivalry game, but a top-five matchup early in the season is always thrilling, especially when you have two teams battling to show they belong near the top of the class.
6. Class 3A No. 7 Sulphur (2-0) at Class 2A No. 3 Davis (1-0)
A classic rivalry continues, and for the second year in a row both teams are in the top 10 entering the week.
7. Class 6A-II No. 4 Lawton (0-1) at Class 5A No. 3 Lawton MacArthur (1-0)
Lawton MacArthur is going for its fourth straight city championship, but Lawton is ready to prove something after last week’s one-point loss to Carl Albert.
8. Class 4A No. 10 Ada (0-1) at Class 5A No. 1 Carl Albert (1-0)
Two of the state’s most successful football programs collide for a second straight season. What’s not to like about that matchup?
9. Class 4A No. 2 Oologah (1-0) at Class 5A No. 8 Skiatook (1-0)
After three straight runner-up finishes, Oologah showed it’s still a contender last week against rival Collinsville. Now, it heads east to another nearby rival.
10. Class 6A-II No. 9 Choctaw (1-0) at 6A-II No. 8 Sand Springs (0-1)
This was a thriller last season with Choctaw rallying in the fourth quarter. On paper, it should be equally entertaining.
Note: All games Friday, unless noted.