Published: October 29, 2009 10:36 am      

Buffs play for district title away from home

The McAlester Buffaloes football team (8-0) travels to Tulsa East Central Stadium, Friday to play for the Class 5A District 4 Championship against the Cardinals (7-1).

The two teams are tied in district play (5-0) the winner will determine the 5A-4 champion despite what the outcome will be week 10.

The Buffaloes are coming off a, 38-12, win at home against the Tahlequah Tigers (2-6).

The Cardinals are coming off a close, 24-21, win over the Ada Cougars (6-2, 3-2) Friday at home.

The Buffs and the Cardinals game is expected to “really good high school football game,” according to Buffs’ Head Coach Bryan Pratt.

“They are a really good football team,” Pratt said. “ When you play for district they’re going to big, good team regardless.

“Tulsa Central is a very physical team, they are big and it’s going to be a challenge for us.”

Pratt and the Buffs watched game film on the Cardinals and they saw that “the score itself was a lot closer than the game was.”

“Central made a few mistakes that helped Ada stay in the game,” Pratt said.

The Buffs will be complete with Tim Curry returning in the linebacker position. Also returning starting quarterback Tony Kiefer should expand the options on the Buffs offense.

Kiefer practiced this week with no limitation, allowing Tyler Crabtree to return to his spot at receiver and defensive back.

“He (Kiefer) had a good practice,” Pratt said. “Crabtree was a total team player. With Kiefer back, this gives him (Crabtree) breaks on offense so he can play defense. He’s a big help on our defense.

“We hope a big crowd turns out. This is a big high school football game and support would help.”

The Buffs will travel to Tulsa’s East Central Stadium, located at 12150 E 11th Street. They are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m.

Contact Porky Falcon at pfalcon@mcalesternews.com