After a bye week, the Longhorns are ready to hit the road again, this time against district foe Star-Spencer. Derrick Smith from Prep RedZone Oklahoma Joined us for a discussion on the season so far.
Who is your MVP so far this season?
Derrick: This one is the easiest question I’ve ever answered. Carson. If not for a couple of tough losses to start the season I would make the case that he’s the MVP of the state, regardless of class. May is 54/84 (64.3% completion rating) with 815 yards and 8 TDs through the air. Not to mention you add the scores on the ground as well. Closing in on 1k all offensive yards and double digit TDs in only 10 quarters of non-district football. 2 games of which were against top 10 teams in their classification along with a rivalry game. I’ve said before this team will go as May does, and nothing I’ve seen so far this year has done anything to change that line of thinking.
Matt: Hard to argue with Carson’s performance so far this season. I’ll take a few liberties and give two MPVs. I’ll go with the receiving combo of Cayden Karl (19 rec, 398 yds, 2 TD) and Emmitt Murphy (10 rec, 198 yds, 4 TD). The duo has combined for 29 receptions, 596 yards and 6 TDs through 3 games. Having a reliable group of receivers makes life so much easier for Carson May.
What has been the biggest surprise this year?
Matt: I’ll go with the performance of Freshman Running Back Chace Pitts during the Luther game. We all know that Carson May can sling the rock all over the field, but having a consistent running threat opens up the offense so much. Especially as the team enters District Play, it will be key to keep the running game going.
Derrick: That’s a great one. He played great a couple weeks ago. I don’t know if this should surprise me, but it’s been a pleasant one. Cayden Karl has been a good WR target for May the last couple years, but he has become as solid of a #1 option you could ask for if you Coach Martin and Co. I’ve been impressed with his ability to high point the ball as well as his route running and toughness going over the middle to make a catch.
Prediction for the Star Spencer Game?
Matt: This will be the sixth time the Bobcats and Longhorns have clashed since 2014, with the Longhorns winning the previous 5 meetings by an average score of 46-8. Even though the Bobcats will be at home I’m predicting a score of 52-9.
Derrick: I’m gonna try and hit the spread as well as last games. I think the Longhorns win this one easily. 54-12. Should be another outing where May and the offense cruise to a big first half lead that allows Carson to score one more time after half and rest the back half of the contest. Should be a good performance to continue building on the momentum from the Luther game.
Extra Points
Matt: I think the success of the Longhorn season will come down to two key games: Home against Chandler on October 1 and at Millwood on October 22. Both of those teams are super talented teams that made the playoffs last year and have tremendous skill position players. But if the Longhorns can show the same improvement between game one and game three throughout the whole season, there is no reason to think this team won’t be in a good position to bring home another district title.
Derrick: Carson took in his first game at his future home on Iowa. From what I can tell he had a fantastic time and got to meet with his future teammates and a couple of them being pass catchers that will be the future of the Hawkeyes. Really proud of how he’s representing the town of Jones as well as the program. I’ve got a feeling May will go down as the best and most successful player to come out of Jones.
