Tonkawa returns to Buc Stadium for the first time since opening week for a three-game home stint.And it’s the opening week of District A-5 play for all teams. The Bucs will host Chouteau at 7 p.m. this Friday. Tonkawa is 3-0 with wins over Newkirk, Perry and Blackwell. Chouteau is 1-2 with a win over Warner 30-22 and losses to Liberty 16-21 and Salina 22-50.The Wildcats will be in a flexbone offensively. “We’ll have to play assignment football against them,” Buc Head Coach Mike Kirtley said.“These guys like to finesse you,” They’re a peppy bunch and obviously like to play the game.” As district starts, everybody is 0-0 on opening week. Defensively, Chouteau will be in a 3-4 alignment. “They like to use motion to get you out of position on your blocking,” Kirtley said.Tonkawa is coming off a 40-6 win over Blackwell last Friday night. “I thought our offensive line play was much improved,” he said, “Isaiah Lively was a good addition.”Kirtley said going into the season coaches were worried that Clayton Lopeman could handle the power running back position. “After Friday night, it’s obviously of no concern,” he said. Lopeman ran for two touchdowns and ran for 229 yards on 23 carries, nearly 10 yards a carry.Kirtley also praised Barrick Wano who was filling in for Lucas Keith. “Peyten Keith’s interception was sweet,” the coach said.It was the tenth straight win for the Bucs over Blackwell since the rivalry was renewed in 2014. The Maroons will be dropped from the schedule in 2024 and 2025.
