Unfortunately for the Savages, Tecumseh felt the wrath of a McGuinness team out for blood. The Savages couldn’t pick a worse night, Friday the 13th, to step in to the house of the #2 team in 4A, and have their playoff hopes on the line. From the looks of things, it seemed as if the Tecumseh Savages were unworthy to be on the same field as the Fighting Irish. Not only embarrassing themselves, but making those eight teams they (somehow) beat look even worse.

Things started off positive for McGuinness when Kyle Ahmad caught a Tecumseh pass, and set up the first Irish score. LaRone Richardson’s first game back at Pribil Stadium was one to not forget. LaRone was credited with two of the seven Irish touchdowns, and both not even challenged. Richardson played out of his mind, and Tecumseh hadn’t an answer for one of the best running backs in 4A football.

The Savages didn’t catch a break when Coach Young started rotating the running backs. Will Blaik powered his way through Tecumseh, and breezed by the defenders on a 60 yard run that took McGuinness to the THS four yard line. Camden Tharp would then throw to Jameel Whitney, and still no sign of life from the Savages.

Speaking of #12, Camden Tharp had a remarkable playoff debut. Whether he was burning the defense on the ground, or using the wind to his advantage, Tharp was stellar in this ball game. Something McGuinness needed last year was a consistent option quarterback. Tharp brings that and a whole lot more to the table. Since the Milwood game, Tharp has been able to use some great foot work and speed to find the end zone.

Tharp’s favorite target, Kyle Ahmad, also had an incredible game. Late in the third, Ahmad caught another INT that saved a Savage score, and Ahmad scored a pair of touchdowns. Ahmad’s presence certainly makes up for Sam Crabtree’s absence, but still makes things harder on the Irish work horse.

To end things off, the entire defense deserves a game ball. McGuinness put the pressure on early, and didn’t let up. The guys were able to make receivers miss catches, and took up all the room for the running backs. The Savages went disappointed back to Tecumseh, and will not forget this game any time soon.

Now let the celebrations ensue for the next few hours, but the job isn’t completely done. Bishop McGuinness faces a tough Sallisaw team that beat Collinsville on a last second field goal. McGuinness will be forced to travel to Sallisaw, and play the Black Diamonds next Friday. However, Coach Young’s squad is unphased by the upcoming match up.

I was able to chat with Camden Tharp after the game, and to say the least, the playoff atmosphere doesn’t effect the way he has played. He knows what his guys can do, and loves that LaRone Richardson is right behind him.

Another question I squeezed in to our conversation was how he felt about Glenpool’s shocking loss to the Douglass Trojans. He responded by saying the entire team went crazy, and enjoyment spread on the McGuinness sideline.

God has blessed us with a talented football that is headed towards the top. Hopefully the climb becomes less bumpy, but Sallisaw is no push over. Make sure to check back next Saturday for another edition of our post game recap.