Letter Accomplished

Remember Kade's letter to the editor inquiring about Oakley's lack of media coverage?

Well...

BAM! Look what showed up in the Thursday edition of the Times News! (After the writer showed up to practice on Tuesday.)

Offense, defense, ice cream and movies key Oakley's winning streak

By Ryan Howe
Times-News writer

Ask the Oakley High football players and coaches how many consecutive games they've won and watch them scratch their heads.

"Is it 19? I know it is up there somewhere," said Payson Bedke.

"Let's see, we went 12-0 last year and we're 5-0 or 6-0 this year. So about 18 games?" guessed Hunter Wadsworth.

"I don't even remember what game it was that we lost," admitted defensive coordinator Bret Jones. "It was what, two seasons ago?"

When a team racks up as many consecutive wins as Oakley has, it's hard to keep track. It's like Donald Trump remembering how many buildings he owns. The last time Oakley lost a football game, gasoline cost $2.21 per gallon.

Oakley holds the longest active winning streak in all of high school football in Idaho - from Class 5A down to Class 1A Division II.

For the record, the number is 20.

"Coaches have told us there's no pressure, don't think about it," Wadsworth said of the streak. "We've got enough on our backs, we don't need that as another burden."

It's not easy being the defending Class 1A Division I state champions. It's not easy to follow a perfect 12-0 season. It's not easy to carry the weight of an entire community's high expectations.

No, it's not always easy. But it is fun.

In lieu of a Monday practice two weeks ago, the Hornets watched some game film then went down the street to The Hornets Nest for ice cream sundaes.

"If we're fortunate enough that our season goes into that third week in November, then that makes for a long season," Jones said. "These kids need a little bit of distraction. We all do. I think we're to the point where the kids can handle that."

The team often gathers at The Hornets Nest after games. Hornet recommended, taste bud approved, the food joint is located two blocks east of the school. Its menu includes pizza and sandwiches - everything from a basic ham and cheese to the more risky "fire in the hole" sub.

But when it comes to ice cream, according to several sources, the official flavor of the Oakley Hornets is raspberry Oreo.

"It's divine," said Wadsworth.

Vanilla ice cream with raspberry topping and crushed Oreo cookies, it can be had in sundae or milkshake form.

"I heard about it, and raspberry Oreo just didn't sound good. But then I tried it and it's probably my favorite now," Bedke said.

Oakley also breaks the monotony by playing Simon Says or holding field goal kicking competitions. This past Monday, Oakley's field was covered in snow, so the team ran 2.5 miles then watched an "inspirational, team-building" movie. The movie's theme, according to Jones: "Get in your happy place and come ready to play football."

"When we're happy and having fun out on the field, we're going to win," Wadsworth said.

The more they win, however, the more the Hornets find it's tricky to keep their fans happy.

"A year ago, I think the enthusiasm level of the community was higher because it was something new, and this year it's an expectation," Jones said. "Winning isn't good enough. The community as a whole expects us to blow everybody out."

And they have. Of Oakley's 20 consecutive wins, 13 have ended on the 45-point mercy rule. Some Oakley fans like the lopsided victories. Others get upset that they paid to see four quarters of football and only got two.

"We've had parents get mad at us," said Colten Wadsworth. "We've had parents come up and tell us, 'Why don't you make the game go longer, we came to watch and you might as well make it a game.' Then some parents come and say 'Why didn't you 45 them sooner?' There's no pleasing them."

The secret to Oakley's success this season - besides the undeniable power of raspberry Oreo shakes - is found in its defense, which has allowed just four touchdowns in six games. Oakley has outscored opponents 311-26 this season. Not that any of it matters. Like the past 20 wins, it's in the past.

"Once a game's over, it's over," Bedke said. "We don't look back on last season or how many game we've won in a row. We just concentrate on our next opponent."

With three regular-season games remaining, the Hornets will sharpen their focus heading toward the state playoffs. They may start cutting back on the ice cream and movie Mondays, but that doesn't mean they'll stop having fun.

"You've gotta have fun. If you dread practice, then what's the point? Football is supposed to be fun," Hunter Wadsworth said.

The winning streak dates back nearly two years, to Oct. 20, 2006. But the Hornets won't be truly happy unless the streak continues to 26 games - the number they'll need to reach another state title.

"Talent-wise, these kids are probably better than last year's group," Jones said. "Whether they've got the heart to finish it is yet to be seen."

Yes, I bet you all can see the smile on Kade's face. (And on mine.) Nice article Mr. Howe. We appreciate your effort.