Stroud pulled away in the second half and took a 36-14 win over district rival Atoka Friday night.
If they win their last two games against Morris and Kellyville, the Tigers are on track make the playoffs. Although they currently sit fifth in District 2A-II-4, the have a win over fourth-place Wilburton, which still has to play Holdenville and Hartshorne,who are a combined 15-1.
The Tigers are on the road this week against Morris and close the regular season the following week at home against the Kellyville Ponies.
Against Atoka, the Tigers held a 14-6 halftime lead, but a took 22-14 lead after three periods and closed it out with two fourthquarter touchdowns “We got a couple of turnovers and we started getting after them on defense, getting home on some pressures,” coach Josh Presley said. “We got a few sacks, tackles for losses, a couple of turnovers.
“You know, momentum is a powerful thing. We started ripping off long runs and it just kind of steam rolled from there.
Presley said he was pleased with his team’s performance in all three phases of the game.
“We gave up one long drive in the third quarter, but then we started getting in and disrupting the passing game,” he said. “I was proud of the kids. We had a great week of practice.
“We knew they were way better than a 1-6 football team. They had some pretty good pieces.
“They were huge up front on the offensive line - 270 pounds, 365 pounds up front.
“So, we knew we would have our hands full in that area. Their quarterback was slinging it around, so our thing on defense was to get pressure on him and disrupt him a little. And we started getting there in the second half.”
Freshman Lawyer Plunkett took over at quarterback in the second half and did well, Presley said.
“Lawyer did a great job,” he said. He ran the offense efficiently and did a great job.
“I was extremely proud of him. He handled the situations really well.”
Next up are the Morris Eagles, and Presley said the Tigers need more of the same.
“Obviously, we need to have another great week of practice,” he said. “Just stay steady, keep working and stay focused. Then go from there.”