Beyond the Score - Football viewing guide 2010

Football begins in earnest tomorrow night after getting a taste tonight around the state.
And, back by popular demand (or just the fact that I love doing it), here’s a look at some games within driving distance that would give you a good look at what the area has to offer in the form of high school football.
So, grab your hat, and your appetite, and let’s go see some football
Week 1: Lone Grove at Marlow
Distance from Marlow – 0 miles
Why: The Jeremy Gage era begins for the Marlow Outlaws, and they will face former Outlaw Kenny Ridley and his Longhorns. This is slowly becoming somewhat of a rivalry as the Longhorns and Outlaws seem to cross each other’s paths quite a bit during the school year in all sports. Plus, the two scrimmages for the Outlaws have caused quite a buzz around town.
Where to eat: For $6, you can’t beat a hamburger and all the trimmings at the elementary school cafeteria supporting the Lions Club.
Week 2: Davis at Sulphur
Distance from Marlow – 66 miles
Why: It’s one of the best rivalry games around. Davis is in 2A, and Sulphur is in 3A, but that seven, or so, miles between the communities might as well be a moat. These teams do not like each other, and one will walk away with a loss that night.
Where to eat: If you are going with me, I am eating at Abuelita’s Mexican Restaurant. The flour tortillas are good, and it can get busy on football Fridays. If you are not a Mexican food fan, try Roma Italian Restaurant. The locals like it, too.
Week 3: Carl Albert at Duncan
Distance from Marlow – 10 miles
Why: Carl Albert is a perennial power in Class 5A. Jim Holloway now has Duncan in vying to play deep into the playoffs, as well. This will be Duncan’s test to see if they are ready.
Where to eat: Since Duncan is just right there, you probably have a favorite place. Mine is a ranch burger at Peyton’s Place.
Week 4: Mustang at Lawton High
Distance from Marlow – 35 miles
Why: The beginning of a district schedule in 6A-2 may just very well be for the district crown as Mustang and Lawton High lock horns at Cameron Stadium.
Where to eat: John & Cook’s BBQ on 21st street will have your belly full. The football will do the rest.
Week 5: Ringling at Velma-Alma
Distance from Marlow – 29 miles
Why: This will be another midseason showdown that will go a long way to deciding who will walk away with the district crown. This time it is district A-4, and these two teams have been here before.
Where to eat: I prefer the Chuckwagon when I go to Velma. You might save room for some good burgers at the game, too.
Week 6: Macomb at Central High
Distance from Marlow – 9 miles
Why: It’s time to watch some 8-man football, and there is nowhere closer to Marlow than Central High. The Bronchos should walk in this one, and it is also homecoming night for the Bronchos.
Where to eat: They have a big grill down in the east endzone. The burgers are good.
Week 7: Lawton Mac at Duncan
Distance from Marlow – 10 miles
Why: This will be for the district crown in 5A-2. Lawton Mac has become the cream of the crop in 5A, and Duncan is trying to get back to that level. A win here could get them there.
Where to eat: Leave a little early and get some catfish at Bob’s down in Meridian.
Week 8: Washington at Lindsay (Thursday night)
Distance from Marlow – 36 miles
Why: We’ve made a habit of watching games thus far that have gone on to decide several district championships. This will be no different. Lindsay is ready to move to the top of 2A-3, but they will have to knock off the champ to do it. The Warriors are used to being the best team in their district every year.
Where to eat: Pickin’s are slim in Lindsay. The best bet is a burger from the gas station and grill at the first stoplight you come to in town. It’ll be on your left. Allow enough time, because they are made to order and it can get busy on game night.
Week 9: Waurika at Bray-Doyle
Distance from Marlow – 10 miles
Why: If Bray-Doyle gets things together early, this will be a walk for them. If not, it could be a spirited contest at Donkey Field.
Where to eat: The Bray General Store with burgers, all kinds of fried foods and pizza.
Week 10: Apache at Carnegie
Distance from Marlow – 71 miles
Why: If everything known holds true, this game will decide the top spot in district A-3. Carnegie had success last year with two quarterbacks, which should be a good matchup for Apache’s defense.
Where to eat: Depends on how you go. If you miss I-44 and go through Elgin, stop at Trivet’s Family Restaurant – a must stop when I’m in Elgin. If you go out Highway 62, make a detour through Medicine Park to eat at the Old Plantation.
There you have it.
So why are you still sitting there.
Until next time, I will see you on the fields of play.