3 things to watch: Keys/Cascia Hall football

The unranked Keys Cougars are venturing into uncharted territory — Siegfried II Stadium in Tulsa — tonight to take on Class 3A No. 2 Cascia Hall in the second round of the playoffs. While Keys has never advanced past the second round of the playoffs, there are some items to keep on an eye on while the Cougars try to make history.
Here’s what to watch for tonight between Keys (7-4) and Cascia Hall (11-0):




• Cascia Hall’s passing game vs. Keys’ secondary: With the way Keys’ secondary (consisting of Trevor Eubanks, Christian Worthington, Colten Douillard and Cameron Parks) has performed the last two week, Cascia Hall’s passing game could be neutralized by the Cougars. Granted, Cascia Hall doesn’t pass much, but Thomas Rouse (the Commandos’ quarterback) is efficient when he has to pass. Just remember, Parks has four interceptions in his last two games.

• Special teams: That’s a pretty broad spectrum, but all of it will be important. Keys punter Jacky Walker is an above-average punter for the high school ranks, and could help Keys play the field-position game with Cascia Hall tonight. The Commandos counter with Erik Testa, who is regarded as one of the better kickers in the Tulsa area. Keys, though, has JJ Ozturk, who might be one the most underrated kickers in Green Country. Given the opportunity, Ozturk can go kick for kick with most kickers.

• The second and third quarters: In Cascia Hall’s 11 games this season, opponents have combined to score 14 points in the quarters around halftime. Keys last week posted 32 points in the second and third periods against a physical Valliant team.

My prediction: Cascia Hall 28, Keys 21.
If you’re going to the game, enjoy. If you’re staying in Cherokee County, listen to the game on KEOK, FM-102.1.

Also, here are my stories on tonight's game between Keys and Cascia Hall:
— Keys hoping to translate basketball success to the football field
— Cougars riding high right now (Keys football notebook)