Fw*telegram Oil Bowl..dragon-like Performance Keeps

OldTimer · June 24, 2007

Posted on Sun, Jun. 24, 2007reprint or license print email Digg it del.icio.us AIM Dragon-like performance keeps Texas going strong

By MILENKO MARTINOVICH

Star-Telegram staff writer

WICHITA FALLS -- Southlake Carroll defensive end Kyle Russo didn't want to end his high school football career with a loss, a rare occurrence playing for the Dragons.

His personal winning streak was kept intact thanks to a brilliant performance at Saturday's Maskat Shrine Oil Bowl Classic. Russo and the Texas All-Stars surrendered only 48 rushing yards to Oklahoma in Texas' 31-16 victory at Memorial Stadium.

Texas won for the sixth time in eight meetings and extended its all-time series lead to 44-17-1.

Saturday's victory marked the second consecutive year Oklahoma's offense was stymied. Oklahoma was shut out last year 17-0.

"I was telling the guys I'm not used to losing," said Russo, who last lost a high school game his freshman year. "We had a lot of pride coming into this game. We wanted to show them what Texas football is all about."

Russo and Co. had a lot to do with Oklahoma's problems. Russo, who signed with North Texas, and his linemates consistently penetrated Oklahoma's offensive line, effectively shutting down its running game. Texas forced five turnovers, including Russo recovering a fumble in Oklahoma territory early in the fourth quarter. Texas scored on the next play for a 24-9 lead.

"It was like [playing for] Southlake in the second half," said Russo, who finished with five tackles. "Defense forced turnovers, offense cashed it in."

Three other area players -- Justin Northwest's Zach Palmer, Burleson's Brad Smith and Springtown's Logan Turner -- competed alongside Russo. And Saturday's game might have meant the most to Palmer. He missed the second half of the season after breaking his left leg against Carroll on Oct. 20 and played only a handful of special teams plays in Northwest's only playoff game against Hebron.

Palmer, who has signed with Tarleton State, was still selected to play Saturday despite playing only seven regular-season games.

"It's a special honor," said Palmer, who played safety and on special teams. "I had a great time with these guys and I'm looking forward to turning it up in college."

Turner had a roller coaster game. He sparked Texas' offense in the first half, completing his first five passes and setting up Texas' first score, a Thomas Moreland 32-yard field goal. Turner, who has signed with SMU, then struggled with turnovers, but redeemed himself late with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Wylie's Tyler O'Quin. He finished with a game-high 158 passing yards.

Smith, who usually plays left tackle, played mostly right guard in Saturday's game and didn't miss a beat. Smith, who has signed with Northwestern (La.) State, didn't give up a sack this season and continued that streak Saturday.

TEXAS 31, OKLAHOMA 16

mmartinovich@star-telegram.com

Milenko Martinovich, 817-548-5532

GreenSquared · June 24, 2007

"I was telling the guys I'm not used to losing," said Russo, who last lost a high school game his freshman year. "We had a lot of pride coming into this game. We wanted to show them what Texas football is all about."

An example of why TD recruits winners. Leadership!