Published: November 04, 2009 11:32 pm      

Collison course

Duncan, El Reno square off for district title

DUNCAN — Friday night, the Duncan Demons will attempt to add to the tradition of the football program and bring home a district title.

Not since 1993 has a Duncan team won a district title. A feat that was accomplished when the 2009 team was more familiar with Pampers than they were shoulder pads.

Standing in Duncan’s way is an El Reno team that is ranked No. 2 in the state with a 9-0 record and is the defending 5A-1 season. The stage is set and the state is watching. It has all come down to Week 10.

“It’s pretty unusual that two teams meet in Week 10 undefeated in district,” Duncan coach Jim Holloway said. “Two years ago beat us in the middle of the season. In essence, that was the district championship game.”

Offensively, the Demons will face a defense that ranks among the best in the state. Only two teams have scored in double figures on the Indians in district play and one of those teams, Northwest Classen, scored its 15 points late in the game.

Lawton MacArthur dropped a 42-17 decision to El Reno in a game many across the state felt would be for the District 5A-1 title. The game was close until a couple of turnovers late in the first half allowed the Indians to put the game away.

“They are not huge up front, but they are really good,” Holloway said. “They are talented at every level of the defense. They could be the best four in the secondary that we have seen this year.

“Nobody has really had a good offensive night against them other than Lawton MacArthur.”

The Demons will attack the strength of the Indian defense with its own strength, the running game. Duncan leads Class 5A in rushing this season with 2,363 yards on the season.

Offensively, El Reno boasts one of the best playmakers in the state in Jakeil Everheart. The senior quarterback is slight of frame at 160 pounds but big of heart. And quick of feet. Everheart’s ability to make plays has definitely caught Duncan’s attention.

“He is the most elusive quarterback that we have seen,” Holloway said. “Carl Albert’s quarterback (J.T. Realmuto) is a fantastic player, but he is more physical. They just attack you in different ways.

“You just have to keep him out of the end zone. We have to do a good job.”

Everheart is not the sole Indian weapon by any means. El Reno has a couple of good running backs in Devante Moore and Cory Dauphin as well as a good offensive line. And there are the receivers that are able to make plays. But it all starts with Everheart.

“He is a better passer than he was last year, he is able to put the ball in there,” Holloway said. “Every game he has played, he has had a big passing play.”

In terms of history between the two teams, Duncan holds a 25-11-3 advantage. In 2008, the Demons faced El Reno in a game they had to win to make the playoffs and dropped a 21-7 decision.

Directions to the game: US-81 North to Chicksha. Take I-44 North to the last Chickasha exit, exit and go east on Hwy 62-West through Chickasha. Take US-81 North to I-40 in El Reno. Take I-40 W. to exit #123/Country Club Rd. Go north to Sunset St. (dead end) and turn left. Memorial Stadium is a quarter-mile away. Duncan fans sit on the south side. Best place to park is directly behind the stands in the lot to the west.