The Fighting Irish will travel to the border of Oklahoma to take on their next opponent, the Sallisaw Black Diamonds. This quarterfinal match-up has all the potential to be an amazing football game, and people are split on who will move on to more than likely taken on Star Spencer.

Bishop McGuinness has been dealt with many injuries this season. This includes offensive threats like Quinn Shanbour during the Kelley game, Sam Crabtree at the Weatherford game, and LaRone Richardson during the Guymon game. The Irish prayers were answered when LaRone was able to come back last week, and Quinn will play on the defensive end of the ball. Unfortunately, Sam Crabtree won’t be able to finish out this season.

With some of these guys back, the Black Diamonds are going to have a rough time at home. McGuinness is more than ready to put the L on Sallisaw’s schedule. If the Irish are to beat Sallisaw today, the Irish will be the second team to defeat the District 4 powerhouse. Wagoner was able to beat the Black Diamonds, but the rest of Sallisaw’s opponents were unsuccessful.

Colinsville came very close to upsetting Sallisaw in the first round, but close doesn’t cut in high school football. Sallisaw played a mediocre game, but were able to win on a last second field goal.

So how do the Irish favor tomorrow night? Sallisaw has great talent out of senior QB Matt Oberste, who didn’t have a great game last week. However, his leadership was just enough to put the Diamonds in the winning end. You can’t overlook a very fast player out of Jeremy Davenport who has give teams fits all year long.

Some say this team may be too fast for the stingy Irish defense to hold. People question if the Irish can truly pull through with a sophomore quarterbacks. McGuinness has taken care of business plenty of times this year. In their lone two losses, they lost by a combined total of two points. Bishop’s playoff dreams are as bright as any other team.

I know I made the announcement that I wouldn’t be able to attend this game, but there has been a change of plans! IrishOnDeck.com will have video highlights ready for McGuinness fans on Saturday no matter the outcome. Make sure to reserve three to four minutes of McGuinness football in your Saturday plans!

The Pick: McGuinness 28, Sallisaw 17