Published: September 06, 2008 11:41 pm         

Barwick no longer a secret weapon

SAND SPRINGS — The secret is out, and Daniel Barwick is a secret weapon no longer.

With a breakout performance here Friday in Enid’s 38-23 victory over the Charles Page Sandites, Barwick established himself as a bonafide Class 6A home run threat.

As word (and game film) of Barwick’s gem gets out, Enid’s future opponents will be scheming to contain the speedy, shifty and versatile newcomer from the 8-man ranks.

Barwick transferred last spring to Enid from Pond Creek-Hunter, where he nearly was unstoppable. The 5-foot-8, 175-pound senior was much the same Friday against the Sandites, rushing for 148 yards on 23 carries with two touchdowns as a running back. As a slot receiver, he flashed past the secondary and caught a 72-yard touchdown pass.

Barwick showcased his skills on three consecutive touches in the fourth period, bouncing off a tackle and accelerating through traffic for a 30-yard gain. On the next play, he showed vision and speed by cutting back through the middle and scoring untouched on a 14-yard run. On the first play of Enid’s next series, he hurdled a standing tackler on his way for a 12-yard gain.

Barwick’s opening-night performance drew high praise from head coach Tommy Parker.

“He had a big night,’’ said Parker. “He’s come into the program and worked light’s out. He has a good attitude. He’s a football player. Athletically, he’s blessed, and he plays the game the right way. It’s not about him. He’s a team player. When he scores on a big play, he acts like he’s done it before, and he has.’’

Playing offense and defense and on most of Enid’s special teams, Barwick seldom left the field, much as he did while playing at Pond Creek-Hunter.

“He doesn’t know you are not supposed to be tired,’’ said Parker. “This is what he’s used to.’’

Barwick wasn’t the only weapon the Plainsmen employed en route to a 460-yard game on offense.

Senior quarterback Clint Chelf hit 14 of 22 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns. His numbers could have been even better, but Matt Cotton dropped a well-thrown ball down the sideline that would have went for a 32-yard touchdown.

Cotton, though, had an impressive game with five catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns, including one on a busted play. In the second period, a snap from center went over Chelf’s head. He retrieved the ball and unleashed a 48-yard strike to Cotton, who had slipped behind the secondary.

The Plainsmen needed a productive offensive performance as the Sandites rolled up 392 total yards themselves. Operating out of a no-huddle, spread offense, quarterback Johnny Deaton was a handful to contain, rolling up 144 yards rushing and passing for 166 yards.

Enid linebacker Tyler Barnes was at the point of attack much of the game, finishing with 19 tackles, including 13 solos.

Friday’s game was the first as a head coach for Parker, who had spent the previous 17 years as an assistant for former EHS coach Tom Cobble.

“That was a pretty fun night,’’ said Parker. “At times, we played really, really well. Our offensive execution was very good for Week 1. On defense, it went about like I thought, with their ability to spread you out.’’



Around the district



The opening week of league play proved to be a rough one for teams in District 6A-4.

Only Enid and Ponca City were able to notch victories, while six other teams lost.

Ponca City got off to a good start with a 12-9 victory over Sapulpa on a last-second, 46-yard field goal.

The biggest surprise of Week 1 was Tulsa Union’s 24-9 loss at Broken Arrow. Union came into the game ranked No. 1 in the first AP Poll of the season.

Owasso dropped a 17-16 decision to Muskogee in a game that matched two eastern Oklahoma powers.

Stillwater stumbled out of the blocks with a 28-21 loss at Bartlesville.