Analysis of Enid vs. Stillwater

McDougall’s Musings
Plainsmen Trends, Turning Points & Difference Makers

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ENID, OK - In every team sporting event there are three major components that determine the outcome: Trends, what’s working and what isn’t working; Turning Points, disruptions to the trends; and Difference Makers , the people who execute the trends and the turning points.
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Using that perspective, let’s break down Thursday night’s Enid High School football game against Stillwater.
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Trends:
Three prevailing trends shaped the district matchup. Stillwater rushed for 115 yards in the first quarter, marking a trend that prevailed throughout the game. The Pioneers consistently gashed the Plainsmen defense for modest gains. Of their 58 carries for 434 yards, only twice were they able to break runs of longer than 20 yards. Meanwhile, Enid’s offense relied on a solid passing game that produced 247 yards through the air. Unfortunately for the Plainsmen, that trend was largely nullified by the third trend: 10 penalties for 83 yards.
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Turning Points:
The first turning point occurred late in the first quarter: Trailing 13-0, Enid completed a 36 yard touchdown pass to cut into the lead. Because of two penalties on the play, the touchdown was called back, costing the Plainsmen six points and 22 yards of field position that, ultimately, derailed the drive.
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Trailing 26-14 with three minutes left in the first half, Enid executed a flawless onside kick and quickly scored to cut the lead to five points with 1:16 left in the second quarter. This Enid turning point was quickly negated by a 56 second scoring drive by Stillwater taking their halftime advantage to 33-21.
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Finally, with the score 40-27 and eight minutes remaining in the game, Enid recovered a fumble on the Stillwater 31 yard line, giving them a chance to make it a one score game with plenty of time remaining. Despite reaching the 11 yard line in two plays, the drive stalled and Enid failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
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Difference Makers:
For the Pioneers, two running backs paved the way with Qwontrell Walker grinding out 174 yards and Tyler Disidore adding 135. For the Plainsmen, junior quarterback Mason Skrimager accounted for 316 yards of offense and four total touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Jerra Williams was also impressive. He caught passes for 116 yards and a touchdown.
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In the end, Enid’s inability to capitalize on positive trends and turning points led to a 53-34 Stillwater victory.
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Stillwater 7-1 (4-1), hosts Putnam City 6-2 (3-2) at 7 p.m. Friday as they continue to battle for a district championship.
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Enid 3-5 (1-4), travels to play rival Midwest City 7-1 (5-0) Friday at 7 p.m. The Plainsmen will be looking to get back on track and score their first victory over the Bombers since 2006.
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Luke McDougall
McDougall is the Sports Writer for Enid Buzz. He comes to Enid via Denton, Texas and has a passion for sports and writing. Contact him at luke.mcdougall20@gmail.com.
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