BULLDOGS TROUNCE MCLAIN, SET NEW MARK FOR CONSECUTIVE WINS

It was a victory deserving of the celebration that followed. A celebration of hope, a community and success. Wagoner has done what no other 11-man team in the state of Oklahoma has done before — win 43 consecutive games. It is a streak that started three years ago and the Class 4A No.1-ranked Bulldogs put their name at the top of the list with a 62-22 win over Tulsa McLain at W. L. Odom Stadium on Friday night. “The school system, families, and fans deserve this,” coach Dale Condict said. “The community revolves around school. I feel this is something that gives hope, maybe cause people to wake up a little happier. It’s about belief.” Condict’s talk of hope was displayed no greater than what happened after a Wagoner timeout with time for one more play. Marshall McKinney, whose football career was sidelined by cancer, came on wearing jersey number 43 to take the final snap of the game. “I felt this was a way for him to say ‘cancer take that, I’m having my day,’” Condict said. “The idea came to me before the season and I felt tremendous pressure because of the idea. He’s out here everyday asking what he can do to help the team.” It was the first time in two years that McKinney suited out for a game. He knew of the plan since last Friday and as the clock wound down, nerves took over. “I was incredibly nervous,” McKinney said with a smile. “Once everyone started chanting my name it got even worse. It meant everything to me. It just showed me how much the community and Coach Condict cares about me.” Senior Patrick Curley, who returned a fumble 66 yards for a score and caught a 14-yard touchdown pass, was at a loss for words. “Words can’t describe what this means,” Curley said. “Marshall has put in a lot of hard work to overcome a lot. He deserved that.” The post-game celebration included fireworks and a video highlighting the players and games that made up the streak. It was celebration equal to a championship celebration, yet different. “This was a team effort,” McKinney said. “It took a whole team of players over three years to do this. I never expected something like this to happen in the history of Wagoner football.” But it did happen and it’s not through. Curley refused to say how many more games the Bulldogs would add to their streak. Wagoner will play host to ranked Oologah next week. “I’ll tell you one reason we did this,” Condict said. “We’re up big at halftime and Patrick and some other players were already watching film of Oologah. That’s the kind of work ethic they have.” Celebration plans were made days before Friday night. But a game still had to be played to make it official. Wagoner (6-0 and 3-0 in District 4A-3) exploded for four touchdowns in the second quarter as a 21-8 lead and that turned into a 48-14 halftime advantage. Schylar Adair led Wagoner with 138 yards rushing and a score. Blake Dumond and Nikia Jones each had a rushing touchdown. Dumond struggled throwing the ball early, but found his targets as he connected with Jones for 64 yards and Eric Farbes for 54 yards, both for touchdowns. Dumond finished with 158 yards passing and three touchdowns. Wagoner’s defense, which give up a couple of big plays in the first half, held McLain (3-3, 1-2) to just 14 total yards in the second half.

BULLDOGS TROUNCE MCLAIN, SET NEW MARK FOR CONSECUTIVE WINS

Photo Credit: Shane Keeter

Contact Us