Game Preview
This week’s Ford Game of the Week features an Oklahoma 6A-II District 2 showdown between the Midwest City Bombers (5-1, 3-0) and the Putnam City North Panthers (6-0, 3-0) – Friday, October 23rd at 7:00 pm CT. This game is the Oklahoman’s #1 game of the week.
How to watch Midwest City vs Putnam City North
An Eye on the District Championship
We know what you’re thinking – did you forget Stillwater? And yes, one or both of these teams will have to knock off the highly talented #4 ranked Pioneers to have any chance of claiming a district championship. However, there is no doubt this game will have huge implications heading into the last couple weeks of the season.
This is Putnam City North’s first season playing in Class 6A-II and so far the Panthers have been perfect. They come into the game undefeated at 6-0 and ranked #11 in Oklahoma and #4 in Oklahoma 6A-II. They have wins over Putnam City (31-6), Piedmont (39-3), Putnam City West (47-0), U.S. Grant (60-0), Deer Creek (0-0) and Del City (10-6).
Midwest City brings a 5-1 record overall and 3-0 in district play. They are ranked the #8 team in Oklahoma and #3 in 6A-II. The Bombers have wins over Westmoore (27-20), Noble (40-7), Lawton (34-9), Del City (19-10) and Deer Creek (53-0). The only loss of the season was week two against Mid-Del rival 5A #1 ranked Carl Albert (41-26).
Both teams know a win Friday night keeps them undefeated in district play and gives them the best shot at the district title when they face undefeated Stillwater over the next couple of weeks.
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Players to Watch
Both teams are led by sophomore quarterbacks. Midwest City Bombers QB DeAngelo Irvin Jr. has at times shown his inexperience but also the leadership needed to win close games.
In the Ford Game of the Week season opener, Irvin Jr. led the Bombers to a 27-20 come from behind victory over Westmoore with only 40 seconds left on the clock.
DeAngelo Irvin Jr's (@dj10irvin) experience paved the way for @bomberfb20's comeback against Westmoore on Friday. #OKPreps https://t.co/1Qw7dNeiVJ
— Cameron Jourdan (@Cam_Jourdan) August 29, 2020
The big-play weapon for the Bombers is 3-star senior WR Makale Smith (6’0″/165 lbs). On Senior Night against Lawton, Smith only had two receptions. However, both were for touchdowns and one was a 55-yard bomb from Irvin.
Smith is one of Irvin Jr’s favorite targets, so expect to see #2 as a frequent target during Friday night’s game. Smith is rated by ESPN as the 20th top recruit in the state and has committed to Oklahoma State University.
Makale Smith (@kalewts) saw his future on the basketball court but it was football that helped him secure a commitment to #OKState. Smith says he looks forward to sharing stories with Mike Gundy about their days at Midwest City High School. #OKPreps pic.twitter.com/iS1RFRr8Xg
— Nate Feken (@TheGreat_Nate) October 19, 2020
Putnam City North’s offense is led by sophomore QB Carson Laverty and 6’6″ senior WR Jeff Nwankwo, who has received offers from Eastern New Mexico and Cornell. Laverty has 1012 yards/9 TD’s on the season and averages 167 yards passing per game.
All glory to God 🙏🏾, Blessed to receive my first D1 and Ivy League Football offer from Cornell University!! 🔴🐻 #yellcornell pic.twitter.com/88EpGMoZ7u
— jeff nwankwo (@NwankwoJeff) October 20, 2020