2010 Opponent Preview: Ponca City Wildcats

GuthrieSporsPage.com previews each of Guthrie's 2010 opponents.

Game Buildup

Not much history, if any, between these two program's although both squads have scrimmaged each other the past few seasons. Ponca City could enter the Rock on with a 1-0 record with a possible win over Sapulpa and extra motivated to win their second game and match last years win total. Guthrie will have the comfort of Jelsma for the second week in a row and will be the favorites despite an enrollment difference of 606.

Season Outlook

The Wildcats are looking to get off to a great start in the non-district with Sapulpa, Guthrie, and Shawnee because of district 6A-4 with the likes of Union, Bartlesville, and Owasso looming. Rob Fry enters his second season as the head coach after serving as the defensive coordinator for the 'Cats. Despite being perhaps underdogs in eight, or nine games this season, Ponca feels like they can win more this year then they did a year ago. The biggest hole Ponca must replace is running back Rob Farmer, but return quarterback Brent Wilson, who threw for 1,162 yards with 10 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Wilson completed 63% of his passes.

	Players to Watch
Brent Wilson (6-0, 172, Jr.) QB Ross Catlin (5-10, 173, Jr.) WR Andrew Parham (6-2, 195, Jr.) DE

	Key's vs Ponca City's Offense
The Wildcats will be inserting a new running back into the offense, and are not solidified at quarterback so the Jays may be coming hard into the backfield, but the Poncan's will be big up front, who average 270 across the line, could allow time the quarterback time to throw. The young Guthrie cornerbacks will have to be ready for the big stage of a Friday night.

	Key's vs Ponca City's Defense
The biggest nightmare for the Poncan's was trying to keep the opponent out of the end zone as they allowed an average of 38 points a contest. Naturally, the talent level they face will allow that in 6A-4, but Guthrie may be able to take advantage with the passing game with the inexperience Wildcat secondary, but expect the Jays to try and run the ball first.

	Game Implications
No major game implications when it comes to the playoffs in this game, unless of course, either team drops their first game. If so, both teams will want to get this win and not go 0-2 before heading into the final non-district game. If Ponca City enters with a 1-0 record you can expect the Wildcats highly motivated to see the Jays.