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Oklahoma-Maine Preview: One Big Thing

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Oklahoma-Maine Preview: One Big Thing


NORMAN — This week really is all about one thing for Oklahoma: staying healthy.

Oklahoma should obliterate Maine on the scoreboard Saturday, and neither the team nor Sooner Nation should read too much into OU’s margin of victory.

Mired in a ragged season, OU’s motivation might not seem very high for stepping out of Southeastern Conference play

That’s not the case, said linebacker Dasan McCullough.

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“This team, we’re just wild dogs ready to go bite at this point,” McCullough said. “We’re just ready to play, ready to against whoever, whenever.” 

As a program playing in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the Black Bears are limited to 63 athletic scholarships (there are 112 players on the roster). And while 100 percent of the players who received scholarships are good football players, only one of them was offered by an SEC school (DB Jayden Curry was courted by Texas A&M before beginning his career at South Florida and then transferring to Maine). The disparity in athletic talent is, strictly speaking, unfair.

(A caveat: Historically, Maine has four wins against FBS opponents, beating UMass in 2021, Western Kentucky in 2018, UMass in 2013 and Mississippi State — yes, of the SEC — in 2004.)

This Maine squad comes in 4-4 — that’s double the Bears’ win total from each of the last two seasons — with some impressive wins over FCS No. 5-ranked Villanova (35-7) and No. 21 Albany (34-20). But they’ve also suffered four double-digit defeats.

“I’ve got respect for them,” said OU cornerback Dez Malone. “I think we all should. That’s the last thing you want to do is kind of fall asleep on an opponent. This still is the game of football.”

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The Black Bears do have 20 graduate students and six seniors on their two-deep, which seems to cause concern on Brent Venables’ part. They also have four FBS transfers — two of whom are backups, two of whom don’t appear on the two-deep.

“What does that mean? They’ve got a lot of experience,” Venables said. “Nobody cares. We’re focused on Oklahoma like we always have been.”

The Black Bears’ depth chart does show some capable bodies. Maine’s defensive line averages 273 pounds per man, and the offensive line averages 307. All eight defensive backs are 5-11 or taller (six are listed above 6 feet). 

But this will be a mismatch.

Once the Sooners establish that a comfortable victory is secure — start of the third quarter, perhaps, or maybe a couple possessions after halftime — it’s time to dump the bench.

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“Big opportunity,” said linebacker Kip Lewis. “Big chance to get momentum for this next stretch, this next run. And so we gotta come out here and capitalize on it.”

Expect significant snaps for QB Michael Hawkins, and maybe even Casey Thompson could finally see his first action in Crimson and Cream. Jaquaize Pettaway, Zion Ragins, Zion Kearney, Ivan Carreon and Jacob Jordan should all have a breakout day catching the football. OU should get its first 100-yard rusher of the season, and then should expect another — maybe Sam Franklin

And most importantly, Isaiah Autry-Dent, Eddy Pierre-Louis, Eugene Brooks and Josh Aisosa should expect to play significant snaps on the offensive line. For that matter, if Daniel Akinkunmi is healthy enough to play and in shape enough to hold up, this would be a great time to unleash him into the world of American football.

This is when Bill Bedenbaugh finds out if those freshman can play, and that’s big because the offensive line in its current iteration isn’t good enough to push the Sooners across the finish line and into a bowl game. Bedenbaugh needs to start thinking about the future, and that starts Saturday.

OU needs to make a bowl not to keep alive its 24-year bowl streak, but to be able to schedule up to 15 more practices, where those young players can get frontline reps and really start to show improvement for 2025 and beyond.

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“It’s actually pretty important because, win this (and) we’re one more closer to getting to a bowl game,” said defensive end R Mason Thomas. “I know that’s huge because we have a bowl streak going back a long time. We’re not trying to look forward, but we know we have to win to make a bowl.”

“We’re going to keep fighting until the season’s over with,” said wideout J.J. Hester. “That’s what Coach V emphasizes, and we’re just going to keep going.”

Oklahoma started the season with high hopes but now begins the final third of 2024 with a 4-4 record and, at 1-4 in league play with a daunting finishing stretch of Missouri, Alabama and LSU, is in danger of finishing at the bottom of the SEC standings.

“What’s in the past is in the past,” Thomas said. “We’ve got to move on and if we’re going to let last week and the week before or the weeks before that define what we can do this week, then we might as well forfeit all the rest of the games.”



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Oklahoma teacher turns PB&J’s into a lifeline for students

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Oklahoma teacher turns PB&J’s into a lifeline for students


OKLAHOMA CITY –

Teaching is easily one of the most challenging and rewarding professions anywhere. And while most deserve to be recognized, when we heard about Deanne Strothers, we had to come meet her.

The Harding Charter Prep teacher has been teaching life through math for 30 years.

“My goal is to make them understand that they can get through tough stuff,” said Strothers.

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But seven years ago, there was some tough stuff put on her plate that was really tough to swallow.

“I had kids that would come in, and they didn’t have any. They didn’t have a lunch card, so they couldn’t eat,” said Strothers.

She recalls one student in particular, at a previous school.

“She came in, and she’s like, I’m hungry,” said Strothers.

After giving the student the peanut butter and jelly sandwich she had brought for lunch, Strothers made a decision: as long as she was teaching, no child would go hungry.

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“And so, I’m like, I’ve got to get something that is universal, and we landed on peanut butter and jelly,” said Strothers.

So, for the past seven years, each night she and her husband have prepared peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, totaling over 30,000 sandwiches.

It’s always grape jelly, you don’t have to be in any of her classes and the sandwiches are typically gone before 9 a.m.

“I would rather have a well-fed child than a child sitting here, not having the capability to really pay attention because they are hungry,” said Strothers.

As word spread of her personal feeding program, it prompted a visit from Oklahoma’s Secretary of Education, Dan Hamlin, who didn’t come empty-handed.

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“Well, we wanted to give you a check for supplies,” said Hamlin.

“I think it’s incredibly important that we recognize the great work that our teachers are doing across the state,” said Hamlin.

“I’ll keep doing this as long as I am teaching,” said Strothers.

As expected, Mrs. Strothers says she will use the check for more peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The $250.00 donation will paY for about one semester of sandwiches.

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Sponsored Content: The Spotlight – Winter Park

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Sponsored Content: The Spotlight – Winter Park


Today on the Spotlight, our crew explored why Winter Park Resort is so much more than a snowy winter destination. Nestled in Colorado’s breathtaking Fraser Valley along the Continental Divide, this mountain escape transforms into an outdoor paradise once the snow melts—offering cool temperatures, endless sunshine, and adventures for every kind of traveler.

Just 70 minutes from Denver and one of the closest major mountain resorts to Denver International Airport, Winter Park makes it easy to trade city life for alpine views. Surrounded by towering 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks, the resort delivers postcard-worthy scenery with summer temperatures that rarely climb above 80 degrees. Add in more than 300 days of sunshine each year, and it’s easy to see why so many visitors are discovering Winter Park as a perfect warm-weather getaway.

The resort village itself offers plenty of charm, with lodging, dining, shopping, and activities all conveniently located in one walkable area. Whether you’re looking for high-energy thrills or a laid-back mountain retreat, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

One of the most popular summer attractions is the scenic gondola ride, which carries guests up to 10,700 feet for unforgettable panoramic views of the Continental Divide, colorful wildflowers, and towering aspen groves. Adventure seekers can race down Colorado’s longest alpine slide or hit the trails to explore more than 3,000 acres of scenic hiking terrain. For those wanting to relax, Sunspot Mountain Lodge offers mountaintop dining with incredible views.

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As the sun begins to set, the mountain comes alive with happy hour gatherings and live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, creating the perfect atmosphere to unwind after a day of adventure.

Winter Park is also home to the legendary Trestle Bike Park, one of the top downhill mountain biking destinations in the country. Opening Memorial Weekend, the park features more than 40 miles of gravity-fed downhill trails designed for riders of all skill levels. Advanced bikers can tackle technical terrain, while beginners can ease into the sport with mellow trails, rental gear, and lessons available onsite. Visitors who prefer a more relaxed ride can explore the area with e-bike rentals and guided mountain tours.

Beyond the resort, Winter Park serves as an ideal base camp for exploring some of Colorado’s most iconic outdoor destinations. The quieter west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park is only about 35 minutes away, offering fewer crowds and incredible opportunities to spot wildlife like moose and elk.

And for travelers wanting to spend time on the water, Grand Lake, Lake Granby, and Shadow Mountain Lake are all within about an hour of the resort, offering boating, fishing, paddling, and even more mountain recreation opportunities.

From scenic gondola rides and alpine slides to mountain biking, hiking, lakeside escapes, and national park adventures, Winter Park truly lives up to its reputation as Colorado’s gateway to summer fun. Visitors looking to plan their next mountain getaway can find lodging deals, trailside stays, and a full calendar of summer events at Winter Park Resort.

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Two state senators are stalling Clemishire bill in Oklahoma; victims are asking why

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Two state senators are stalling Clemishire bill in Oklahoma; victims are asking why


Convicted felon Robert Morris — a megachurch pastor who abused 12-year-old Cindy Clemishire in 1982 — walked out of an Oklahoma prison in the early hours of March 31.

But time is running out to get legislation aimed at helping abuse victims such as Clemishire — and a bill named for her unanimously passed by the Oklahoma House of Representatives— to Gov. Kevin Stritt’s desk.

The Cindy Clemishire Act, HB 4227 would eliminate Oklahoma’s statute of limitations for prosecuting child sexual abuse and prohibit the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in related settlement cases.

The NDA provision is also known as “Trey’s Law” in remembrance of Trey Carlock, who was sexually abused at Camp Kanakuk, a Christian retreat in the Ozarks. Part of his legal settlement included a restrictive NDA that prohibited him from speaking about his abuse or Kanakuk’s role.

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Carlock died by suicide, aged 28, after having told a therapist, “they will always control me, and I’ll never be free.”

Your tax-deductible gift supports our mission of reporting the truth and restoring the church. Donate $50 or more to The Roys Report, and you can elect to receive our featured offer, “Kiss and Tell: The Innocent Moment That Shattered Mark Driscoll’s Cult” by Vince Manuele – click here.

Cindy Clemishire, pictured in 2024. (Courtesy Photo)

Yet for unknown reasons, the Oklahoma Senate’s leadership hasn’t yet brought the measure to the floor, and the legislative session is slated to end this Thursday (May 14).

“I’ve just been told they’re not going to hear it. No reason,” Oklahoma state Sen. Darrell Weaver (R-Moore) told online news outlet NonDoc.com on May 5. “I am baffled. Disappointed and baffled.”

Apparently standing in the way are state Sens. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, the Senate floor leader, and Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, Senate pro tempore. Daniels, according to the NonDoc.com report, won’t schedule a hearing for the bill, and Paxton reportedly is deferring to her on the matter.

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The Roys Report (TRR) has contacted Daniels and Paxton for comment, as well as state Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore. None immediately responded.

In a statement, Clemishire admonished Oklahoma lawmakers to get the bill passed.

robert morris court
On Sept. 4, 2025, Robert Morris enters his vehicle as he leaves the Osage County Courthouse in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. (Photo: Sheila Stogsdill

“For decades, predators like Robert Morris have hidden behind outdated laws to evade justice, but the time for silence is over. To the members of the Oklahoma Senate: you have the power to ensure no other child is forced into the shadows, but your work is not done until these protections are sent to the governor,” she said.

Elizabeth Phillips, sister of Trey Carlock and founder of No More Victims, was also emphatic about the need for passage.

“Predators rely on silence and time–the law shouldn’t reward either,” said Phillips. “We are calling on Oklahoma Senate leadership to stand with survivors by ending the forced silence imposed on them by NDAs, like the one that silenced my brother to his grave, and remove the criminal statute of limitations for child sex crimes just as 44 other U.S. states have done. Please, don’t let the clock run out on survivors.”

Oklahoma is one of six states — along with the U.S. House of Representatives — where measures aiding victims of clergy sexual abuse have been filed. Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, and West Virginia are the others where legislation has been introduced.

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In 2025, similar legislation was enacted in Texas, Missouri, California, and Tennessee, while Alabama and Georgia did so this year.

Mark A. Kellner is a reporter based in Mesquite, Nevada. He most recently covered statewide elections for the New York Post and was for three years the Faith & Family Reporter for The Washington Times. Mark is a graduate of the University of the Cumberlands and also attended Boston University’s College of Communication.





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