Before they shine on Owen Field, recruits shine on the high school playoff stage.
Editor’s Note: I’d like to welcome Jesse Birdsong to the Stormin’ in Norman staff. He will be helping us expand our recruiting coverage, as well as basketball. Make sure to follow Jesse on Twitter.
As the air gets colder, the sun sets sooner, the leaves turn colors, it signifies winter is near. In Oklahoma, like many other states, it signifies that its playoff time for high school football.
There may not be a true playoff in Division 1 college football yet, but the playoffs for high school football have been in full swing. This means that some future Sooners have suffered playoff heartbreak while other future Sooners have experienced playoff football glory.
Only Ahmad Thomas, Matt Dimon, and Keith Ford are left, and here is how each fared in the playoffs for the past week.
Ahmad Thomas, Safety: Thomas is a standout defensive back for a Miami Central team loaded with Division 1 talent. Miami Central took on Naples in a semifinal clash for a chance to go to the Florida 6A title game. Central was down 24-14 at the half. However, Central’s offense got going in the second half and Thomas helped a Central defense that allowed only 9 points from Naples. Miami Central went on to beat Naples 48-33 and advance to the Florida 6A finals where they will face Gainesville on December 15th at 1 p.m. ET in Orlando, FL.
Matt Dimon, Defensive End: Dimon of the Katy Tigers faced off against the Cy Ranch Mustangs. Katy is no stranger to big time Texas high school football. Cy Ranch on the other hand is making its first playoff appearance. The Tigers made quick work of the Mustangs; winning comfortably, 70-21. Dimon had another good game with a pair of sacks and hurrying the quarterback multiple times. Dimon and the Tigers will square off against Cibolo Steele next Saturday, December 15th at 2 p.m. CT in Waco, TX.
Keith Ford, Running Back: Ford was on the wrong end of the Katy beat down. Ford is a blue chip running back for Cypress Ranch and a big reason that the Mustangs made a deep playoff run this season. In his final game, Ford ran for 96 yards on just 11 carries including a 77 yard touchdown run. The tenth-ranked running back averaged 8.7 yards per carry and also had 1 catch for 12 yards. Ford’s senior season came to an end, but the talented running back will be sporting the crimson and cream next fall.