Published: October 26, 2009 10:29 am      

The Buffs play for third title of the season for McAlester

football | The Buffs will try and bring home a third title of the season for McAlester. They play at Tulsa East Central, Friday 7:30 p.m.

The McAlester Athletic Department should have the right to boast about their athletic programs with the way the season began.

The celebration began with the Lady Buffs’ volleyball team slammed their way into the state competition Oct 15. This season marked the fifth year in a row, the volleyball team competed in the state tournament.

The varsity softball team finished with an impressive (30-4 season, 3-1 post season) record. The Lady Buffs ended their season, Class 5A state runner-up, Oct 17 — the first time in McAlester’s history.

Friday, the Buffs defeated the Tahlequah Tigers, 38-12, to continue their undefeated record, 8-0.

All three athletic programs are ranked in the top 10, according to Oklahoma Secondary Schools Athletic Association web site okrankings.com.

The Lady Buffs softball team ended their final weeks ranked No. 1 in 5A. They made made history in McAlester, being the first softball team to make it to state, according to the records provided by MHS.

The Lady Buffs will lose three seniors — Shay Griffin, Whitney Anderson and Tylynn Sliger — next season. The three seniors assisted in the capture of the Class 5A Regional Championship, Oct. 6, in Tulsa. The Lady Buffs were scheduled to host the tournament but due to the field conditions, were forced to change the venue. That didn’t stop the Lady Buffs form shutting out the competition.

The remaining group of girls left for next season will consist of mostly juniors, including pitcher Taylor Dewbery.

Lady Buffs’ Head Coach Jackie Cumbie will continue McAlester’s quest for the first state title on the diamond.

The McAlester volleyball team was ranked No. 5 in Class 5A after winning the Regional Championships at home, Oct. 6, against Duncan. They blasted through the competition at Bob Brumley Gym during the regional tournament but lost their first round to Carl Albert in the Class 5A state tournament.

Friday, the Buffaloes will play for the Class 5A-4 district title against Tulsa’s Central High School (7-1), at East Central Stadium.

The Buffs’ defense will be a key factor in Friday night’s game.

Head Coach Bryan Pratt has confidence in his team.

Sophomore quarterback Tony Kiefer is expected back in the QB slot that should give fill-in quarterback Tyler Crabtree, a rest to focus more on defense.a

Contact Porky Falcon at pfalcon@mcalesternews.com