The highly anticipated showdown between the Jenks Trojans and the Bixby Spartans was on Sept. 27, Friday. However, the game between the Oklahoma high school football powerhouses also featured an unusual pre-game event that had fans and players buzzing.
A helicopter appeared above the field, releasing a flurry of Chick-fil-A toys, creating excitement and generating social media attention before kickoff.
On the field, Bixby dominated Jenks, securing a 21-7 victory. This marked the Trojans' fourth consecutive loss to the Spartans. Bixby’s dynamic duo Cooper Parker and Carson Kirby were key to the team's success.
Parker registered an impressive game and managed 81 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Not to be outdone, Kirby added 78 rushing yards and another touchdown, revealing Bixby's offensive power. Parker's defense made the difference as he notched eight tackles and deflected two passes.
Jenks has had difficulty dealing with this loss; now it has a 1-3 record this season. On the other hand, Bixby's victory increased its winning home match record to eight, over the past season; it now stands at 3-1.
Looking ahead, Jenks will face Norman on Friday at 7:30 p.m., hoping to rebound from its recent struggles. Norman’s offense has been putting up big numbers, so it’s sure to be a challenge for the Trojans.
Bixby, on the other hand, will hit the road to take on Moore at 7:00 p.m., where Moore will be looking to extend their winning streak to four games, but Bixby won't give in easily.
Bixby high school principal arrested for public intoxication at fall dance
Bixby High School Principal Mickey Replogle was arrested for public intoxication during the school's fall dance on Saturday, held at the Renaissance Hotel in Tulsa. Multiple reports surfaced alleging that Replogle smelled of alcohol after bonding out of jail and inappropriately touched several students.
Bixby Public Schools swiftly addressed the situation with a statement, promising to support both students and staff.
"We understand this news is very upsetting, and we are committed to supporting our students and staff. Our school counseling team will be available to assist anyone needing it, and our administration is prepared to support the continued smooth function of our daily school operations," the statement read.
"The well-being of our students is critically important, and parents and students must have complete confidence in the employees entrusted with their care."
Parent Emily Blaylock expressed concern, emphasizing the role of a principal as a student role model. But she praised the school district's quick action.
“People were talking about it on social media last night, so it had to be addressed, and it being addressed the very next morning was amazing, and I appreciate the transparency and the quick handling of it,” Blaylock said.
Superintendent Rob Miller confirmed that Replogle had been immediately suspended pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation, which is expected to be completed within two days.