Tonkawa’s Bucs have dug themselves into a playoff hole.
To qualify for the playoffs this year, Tonkawa has to win out.
And it won’t be easy.
The Bucs host Barnsdall at 7 p.m. this Friday at Buc Stadium.
“Barnsdall is just darn good,” Buc Head Coach Mike Kirtley said this week while preparing for the contest. “They’re big, fast and athletic,” he said.
“Offensively, the Panthers “run and throw really well out of multiple sets. They’re pretty balanced,” the coach continued. Defensively, Barnsdall will be in a four front mostly, but run multiple there as well.
Kirtley agrees with the playoff scenario. “We gotta win out to give us a chance to even make the playoffs,” he said.
The top four teams in the league go into the post-season.
Pawhuska and Pawnee will decide first and second on Nov. 8.
Unless Morrison trips up they have a lock on third with just two losses. The Wildcats only have Drumright this Friday and Hominy Nov. 1 left on their league schedule.
Tonkawa, Barnsdall and Hominy each have three losses in league play.
The Bucs host Barnsdall, then have a bye week Nov. 1 and go to Hominy Nov. 8 for the season finale.
The Bucs have missed the football playoffs only twice in the past 26 years -- 2011 when they went 4-6 and 2014 when they went 3-7.
For six seniors, this Friday’s ball game vs. Barnsdall could be the final one on Buc stadium. Senior night will be observed prior to the 7 p.m. kickoff. Seniors include Peyton day, Parker Miller, Joby Jauregui, Austin Sharp, Cody Morgan and Mason Byrum.
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