Semifinals set for Saturday

By Michael Kinney
The Moore American

MOORE November 25, 2009 09:58 am

— After Southmoore knocked off Bartlesville, the talk among coaches, players and schools officials centered on where they would play next. Most believed the SaberCats would have to travel to a far off place like Stillwater or Tulsa.
However, when the site of their Class 6A semifinal matchup with No. 1 Jenks was announced, Southmoore was pleasantly surprised. They will take on the top-ranked Trojans at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Putnam City Stadium.
ÒThey have to schedule a number of games, so I wasnÕt sure where it would be,Ó Southmoore coach Chris Jensen said. ÒBut I did know that it would be somewhere on the West side since it is an odd year.Ó
Tulsa University will host the second semifinal between Broken Arrow (10-2) and Tulsa Union (11-1) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
It will be the first time the ÔCats have played a Saturday game this season. The coaching staff doesnÕt see it being an issue. It also will allow Southmoore fans to see the game.
ÒWe have had great support this year and last,Ó Jensen said. ÒI think they would come no matter where it is. We want to keep the schedule as close to the same as possible.Ó

AWARD SEASON
Postseason honors are beginning to roll in and the SaberCats are getting their share. Jensen was named District 6A-1 coach of the year after leading Southmoore to a 9-1 regular season and district title. Senior tight end Austin Haywood was named 6A-1 co-offensive player of the year along with Del CityÕs Donavan Dan.
Despite missing two games, Haywood racked up 29 catches for 495 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also rushed for 131 yards and six touchdowns.
ÒThere is no doubt in my mind that he deserves that honor,Ó Jensen said. ÒHe shares it with a really good wide receiver from Del City.Ó
Along with Haywood, 11 players were selected to the all-district team, including Ryland Widener, Nyko Symonds, Sam York, Kimes Gilbert, Mason Myers, George Mallet, Ryan Long, Zach Boren, Derek Serowski, Kyle Buckley and Julian Wilson.
Even though they went 0-10, Moore placed five players on the team, including Chris Clark and Matt Sartori.
In District 6A-2, Westmoore landed seven players on the team. Stanley West and Danny Williams led the way.
To see the full list of all-district and all-conference selections, visit www.Mooreamerican.com.

OUT
Southmoore tailback Kyaunn Thompson underwent reconstructive knee surgery to repair his second anterior cruciate ligament tear in as many seasons. Thompson actually tore his ACL the second week of the season. But instead of giving up on the season, he delayed surgery and returned to the lineup for the SaberCatsÕ postseason opener against Lawton Eisenhower.
After only a few plays, he reagravated the ACL and had to be helped off the field. He didnÕt play in last weekÕs win over the Bruins.
Thompson transfered from Moore after his sophomore year and became a starting running back in SouthmooreÕs inagural season. He tore his first ACL during a 45-14 loss to Putnam City North and missed the rest of last season.
Thompson ends his prep career with 535 yards rushing and six touchdowns on 85 carries. He caught 24 passes for 259 yards and two scores.

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