Madison Contreras

Writer

For the first time since 2014, Marlow High School hosted the first round of the 3A District Playoff games on Friday, Nov. 15.

Being ranked number two in their district, the Marlow football team was set to compete against Kingfisher High School, the football team ranked third in 3A.

Explaining how the hard work the team has put in has paid off, senior and tight end Seth Aguilera stated why this game was important to Marlow.

“You play your heart out all regular season so you can go make a run in the playoffs,” said Aguilera. “It’s been a while since we’ve had a home playoff game, so it’s just showing how hard we’ve worked in the weight room this summer, in the off-season and during this football season.”

Leading up to the game, the MHS football team bonded through various different activities.

Aside from their traditional game-day team lunch, the football team, joined by the managers and coaches, gathered the night before the game on Thursday, Nov. 14.

While enjoying a home-cooked meal, the team told stories, laughed and relished in each other’s company.

After everyone had finished eating, former coach Joe Weber spoke to the team about the difference between Marlow football and other football teams.

Joe ended his time speaking by announcing his pride in the Outlaws.

Immediately following Joe’s speech to the team, those in attendance watched highlight clips starting from week six.

Highlights from week one through five were played Nov. 7, the night before the last district game.

Also on November 7, retired coach Ron Newby talked with the football team about what the true meaning of a team is and what responsibilities come with it.

On the day of the game, the MHS student body dressed as police officers to school and the game, as the theme for the night was “SWAT the Yellowjackets.”

Starting the night off, the game ball was delivered in a helicopter while the MHS Band played the Fight Song.

At the end of the first half, both teams had fought each second of play, but Kingfisher finished two touchdowns ahead with a score of 21-7.

By scoring two touchdowns, the MHS Football team made a comeback in the second half after being down in the first.

With three minutes and twenty-two seconds left in the fourth quarter, Marlow scored their third touchdown, tying the ball game at 28-28.

Holding each other down, the game was lead into overtime as neither team could score before the end of the game.

During overtime, teams flip a coin to determine who is on defense and offense.

Then, teams alternate trying to score a touchdown from the 10 yard line until one does not fulfill the touchdown, leaving the other with a higher score.

Although Kingfisher won the coin toss, they chose for Marlow to be on offense and Kingfisher to be on defense first.

Running into triple overtime, the outcome of the game resulted in Kingfisher winning with a field goal, 45-42.

Despite a devastating loss to Kingfisher, the MHS Football team played their hardest throughout the game.

Senior and tight end for the MHS Football team Jayce Martin described why he felt the score were tight in the Marlow vs. Kingfisher game.

“Our game against Kingfisher was so close because we never gave up. Most teams will wave the white flag and be done once they are down by two touchdowns,” said Martin. “We didn’t do that. We kept pushing and pushing.”

Recalling the effort the football team displayed, MHS Football head coach Matt Weber stated why the game was a good match-up.

“The game versus Kingfisher was two very evenly matched teams, which we realized going into the game,” Coach Weber said. “Our guys really took to the weight room for a full year and it allowed us to compete with better competition.”

As the MHS Football team continues to strive for a state championship next season, they will relentlessly practice and better themselves for the next season.