MacArthur heads southeast for a meeting with 5A-District 1 opponent Ardmore. The Highlanders are undefeated in district play. They are averaging 41.6 points per game and only allowing 23.8 points on defense. Big Mac is fresh off a shutout win last week versus the Altus Bulldogs and looks to keep the high scoring offense of Ardmore at bay to remain atop the district standings.
Ardmore is 0-2 in the district after dropping a heart breaker to the Noble Bears, 60-56, two weeks ago and then a disappointing loss to the Elgin Owls, 35-0, last week. They are 2-3 overall on the year with wins over Eisenhower and Shawnee. The Tigers average 27 points a game and allow nearly 33 points on defense. They were predicted to finish top three in the district and potentially win it, but things have not gone well for the Tigers.
The Highlanders like to run a very fast offense and put-up big numbers. Offensive coordinator, Michael Pooschke, said, “I’ve been a part of many Ardmore vs Mac games… I see this one being one of those great games that comes down to whoever plays the more physical game and doesn’t turn the ball over.”
“Ardmore is a very physical team up front. The Tiger's two inside linebackers are very physical, and they fly to the ball. We have to match their physicality up front in the trenches in order to win the game." - Coach Michael Pooschke
He also mentioned how the offensive line has become a better unit over the first half of the season. He said that their gameplan offensively is to be clean and efficient.
“We want to have zero turnovers, zero pre-snap penalties, score on 60% of our offensive possessions and snap the ball seventy-five times.” – Coach Michael Pooschke
He said that when they lost to Lawton High, they failed to meet those goals. Look for the Highlanders to score fast and often and keep the momentum in their favor on the road.
Defensively, the Highlanders look to continue their dominance. Defensive coordinator, Mike Reffett, said he “expects the same thing every game. Our guys to play hard, run to the ball, and tackle.”
“Ardmore’s quarterback (Cal Swanson) is dangerous through the air and on the ground. It will be a tough game, always is.” – Coach Mike Reffett
The Highlanders kickoff at 7:00 pm on the Oklahoma Sports Network. Pregame show begins at 6:30 pm.