STUFF TO FIX AS RECORD WIN ON HORIZON

It is actually true that Wagoner is fumbling and stumbling its way to what could be its last major hurdle to breaking Ada’s state record of 42 consecutive wins this week. In reaching 40 wins, the Bulldogs have turned the ball over 10 times in its three non-district wins against Coweta, Pryor and Fort Gibson. And the progression, rather than show the kinks getting worked out, is going in reverse. “It’s definitely been headed in the wrong direction,” Wagoner coach Dale Condict said. “We had two, three and five, in that order. And although it wasn’t a turnover except on downs, we had a bobbled snap on a punt last week and had to fall on the ball so instead of punting from the 20, we took a knee on the 5. “It’s come in a lot of ways. A receiver slipped on a comeback route, Coweta picked it off. Against Pryor, the ball went through the receiver’s hands and got picked. Another, we broke a big run and the running back drops it without being hit. A few others just were fumbles in traffic.” Fundamentally, he said, it’s just about getting and keeping both hands on the football. Mentally, it might involve the burden of The Streak. “There’s added pressure no doubt,” Condict said. “We’d all love to be a part of that and we’re also ready for it to be over. It’s hard for anyone to look beyond that until it happens or doesn’t happen. After that, you’re not chasing anything for a while.” Except that is, a fourth consecutive state championship. And that brings the double-edged sword starting this week with Cascia Hall, a team they last met and beat in the Class 4A semifinals. It’s the District 4A-3 opener for both teams. “They’re a solid team. They always seem to match up with us real well. I’m excited about it but I’m confident we can handle things,” said Patrick Curley, the running back and linebacker tied for the team lead in sacks with three. “Even with the streak not being a part of it, everyone is giving us their best shot. It’s added motivation with the shot at being the team to end the streak.” Last week it was an arch-rival who tried. This week is a Commandos team that has a history with breaking up streaks. They got to Wagoner last November by ending Heritage Hall’s run of 38 straight wins in a 32-7 quarterfinal win. “Fort Gibson’s really got a lot of talent over there,” Condict said of the closest regular season game since the 21-17 loss to Cascia in 2014. “They have more guys for me to worry about offensively than Cascia Hall but I can promise you I’m more worried about Cascia Hall now than I was last week because of their tradition and all that.” Quarterback Blake Dumond temporarily stepped into the semifinal game a year ago and kept Wagoner’s momentum going by helping to finish off a touchdown drive before the half. He’s no longer behind three-time All-Phoenix MVP Malcolm Rodriguez now and is driving the bus full time behind center, surrounded by an effective ground game but according to Condict, doing what he is expected to — manage the situation. “I remember having to step in and step up for Malcolm,” Dumond said. “It’s the same thing really this year. I’m just in that spot fully and I’ve got to take care of business.” So far he’s rushed for 125 yards on 37 carries and thrown 16-of-29 for 247 yards and three scores – numbers that would be better of not for the drops turned into turnovers and drops. He had 140 yards passing against Fort Gibson. “The turnovers have allowed teams to keep hanging around. If we do that this week against Cascia, it’s definitely going to be a tough game,” Dumond said. The Commandos will go heavy with a ground game with the week one loss of returning quarterback Dalton Abney with a broken ankle. After Cascia, the next two games are at winless Miami to tie it and at home against McLain to break it. Oologah, Wagoner’s date in three straight championship wins, would make 44 wins in a game that will factor heavily in the 4A-3 hunt. “When we get the record it will take some weight off our shoulders, but it doesn’t end our business,” Dumond said.

STUFF TO FIX AS RECORD WIN ON HORIZON

Photo Credit: Wagoner High School Athletics

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