When and Where:
3A Marlow (5-5) vs. 3A #1 Heritage Hall (9-1)
November 9 (Fri) 7:00 PM
Charger Stadium • First Round
Streamed at https://hhchargers.com/watch

Game Notes:
The Chargers enter this week with a lot of momentum after finishing the regular season with nine consecutive victories. This is no time to relax, however, as the postseason has arrived and every game from this point on will be win or go home. Friday's contest could potentially the last game of this incredible season, which is a daunting thought to process, but if this whole season is any indication, Heritage will not succumb to the pressure. It is also important in this stage of the season to stay completely focused on the task at hand and avoid peeking at the later stages of the playoff bracket. Every squad that reaches the postseason has the ability to stay close with any opponent, especially a team like Marlow who enters this matchup as huge underdogs playing with nothing to lose. Head Coach Brett Bogert and his staff have surely been preaching this all week at practice.

Friday's game marks the start of Heritage's quest to win back to back state championships, and the school's seventh all time. The 2018 senior class has had an absolutely incredible run, totaling a career record of 49-2 along with two state titles. There would be no better storybook ending for this miraculous group than to bring home their third gold ball on the 20 year anniversary of the historic 1998 team, led by Wes Welker, who won Heritage Hall's first championship. Although the Chargers are just four short wins away from doing so, they must take care of business one game at a time.

Unlike Heritage Hall's recent success, the Outlaws have not won a state championship since 1962. Head Coach Matt Weber, who led this team to a state championship appearance back in 2006, may not have his team back in title contention just yet, but a monumental upset victory over a storied program like Heritage Hall on Friday would surely help.

Player Spotlight:
Marlow's offense typically relies on the rushing attack, but they possess multiple play-makers around the field who can make defenses pay. Junior Peyton Laden receives most of the touches offensively, mainly from the running back position. He has an extremely small frame, listed just at 5'5 and 115 pounds, using his small frame well to slip through defenders and speed past the secondary. Coach Bogert describes the junior as a "little jitterbug," therefore it will be important for the Chargers to keep his quickness in check.

The Outlaw offense is very methodical, as they have consistently pounded their run game down opposing defenses all season long. Just as this rushing attack has almost lulled opponents to sleep, however, they break out a deep play action pass or quarterback keeper to create big plays. Wide receiver Tag Allen stands a bit taller than 6 foot, and is a common target when taking shots downfield. Quarterback Houston Davis throws the deep ball pretty well, but his most effective trait may be his ability to bust opposing defenses for big plays at just the right moments.

Injury Report:
The offensive line took a hit when starting guard Omari Smith was sidelined a few weeks ago at Kingfisher with knee problems, and unfortunately, things have not gotten much better in that front as of late. It now appears starting tackle A.J. Sirls will also be forced to miss Friday's game with a back injury. The offensive line entered the 2018 season with very little experience, as the unit only returned two starters from the prior year, and injuries have not helped. Senior center Jack Griffin will play a huge role on Friday, because the Outlaws constantly change their looks defensively and bring pressure in different ways. It will be up to the veteran to recognize everything in front of him and call it out to his younger teammates on the line. Center may not be a flashy position, but it is vital to the success of an offense and Griffin will definitely be ready to take on the challenge.

Overview:
In the regular season finale last Friday, Heritage Hall put together yet another well rounded performance. The Chargers have shied away from the passing game in recent weeks due to Conner Carey's emergence on the ground, but against Mannford, Jackson Jobe was finally allowed to air it out. The sophomore quarterback completed 14 of 21 passes in the game, finishing with nearly 200 yards and three touchdowns. Last week marked the first time since Jobe has taken the reigns at quarterback that the coaches truly allowed him to let it rip, and he did not disappoint. Heritage also took advantage of Robert Mbroh's running ability, subbing him in throughout the game and using his legs in special quarterback rushing packages. Versatility between the two quarterbacks could be a huge addition to the offense later in the playoffs.

Conner Carey and Billy Ross Jr. were amazing against the Pirates, which is no surprise to anyone, as they have shined together all season long. The duo recorded just over 270 total yards and six touchdowns on only 17 combined touches in the game. Carey and Ross have been sparks of instant offense throughout the season, and will need to continue doing so for the Hall to have success in November.

Possibly the most important battle of this week's matchup lies up front in the trenches. We know how dominant Jaden McDaniel, Will Dunn, and the rest of the defensive line were in the regular season, but more questions lie among the young offensive front full of younger players who have not faced the adversities of the postseason just yet. Marlow mixes up their looks well and sends pressure from different sides of the field, therefore it will be important the Charger O-line is focused and ready to recognize the defense in front of them. If Heritage Hall can control the battle on the line, then they'd have the advantage all night long against the Outlaws.

Written by Jake LeForce '19
Photos by Jake Steelman '19