Marlow, Comanche end a rivalry with spirit, solidarity

It was the final hurrah for a 100-year tradition Friday, when Marlow and Comanche met on the turf of Outlaw Stadium. Over the years, they haven't always had a game, but it was a rivalry that fans on both sides came to watch, cheer and enjoy.

This year's event had a different tone, but one of unity. Comanche lost a beloved teammate, #11 Noah Presgrove, 19, and a 2023 CHS graduate. He died earlier in the week, Sept. 4. Marlow players, fans and students wore T-shirts citing: We Stand With You #noaheffort. Comanche players had a new addition to their helmets - Noah's name and the date they lost him. Information released Tuesday by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation indicates they believe his death was suspicious. Presgrove was found alongside US-81 north of Terral in Jefferson County.

A prayer circle was led by The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, at the south end of the field prior to the kickoff. Outlaw fans displayed the We Stand With You banner for their team to enter.

Marlow Head Coach Matt Weber said, "Many of our kids knew Noah through various sports that he participated in. We sure remembered him on the football field. There is nothing worse than losing a young kid. Both communities handled the situation with the utmost class."

Marlow won the game 42-6, with touchdowns made by King Harrison, Cody Weber, Jonathan Brite, Barron Gage all in the 1[st] quarter. Harrison scored again in the 2[nd], with Wyatt Osborn and Hudson Morgan teaming up for the final touchdown in the 4[th] quarter. Comanche's Evan Dodd managed to get 6 on the board in the final moments of the game, thanks to a pass from Colby Shannon.

"We were very pleased to get the win and come out a better football team after week 2. It was nice to get everyone in uniform for some Friday night action. Coaches are constantly evaluating each and every player," Weber said.

Heading to Perkins this Friday, the Outlaws have their work ahead of them. "Perkins is a senior loaded team that handled us on two occasions last season." They met twice last year, with Marlow losing both contests, 34-21, and 49-0. Perkins is picked to win District 3A-1 this season. In its last 8 years, the opponents have only lost one game per season. They've also made playoffs every year since 2010 in 13 straight appearances. But, they also haven't won a road playoff game since 2007. Head Coach is Dawayne Hudson, in his 3[rd] season with this team He was former DC at Midwest City.

"They are equally a great football team this season," Weber said of Perkins. "Our team will need to continue to make strides and clean up mistakes through the week. Hopefully, we will get healthier and have more kids in uniform this week. We have no doubt our kids will prepare and be ready to go on Friday."

Outlaws will play Pauls Valley, Friday, Sept. 22.