OU commits Kevin Sperry, Xavier Robinson spark comeback
Something about being connected with OU and the quarterback position this month. Dillon Gabriel had his comeback moment two weeks ago against Texas in the Cotton Bowl.
It was time for Kevin Sperry to have his first one big one Thursday night.
Sperry, OU’s 2025 quarterback commitment, led Midwest City (Okla.) Carl Albert down the field in the final four minutes for the game-winning touchdown pass with 45 seconds left.
It capped a sensational battle to give the Titans a 24-21 victory against Guthrie at GHS’ Jelsma Stadium, The Rock.
On fourth-and-goal from the 5 yard line, Carl Albert used a little deception with Sperry rolling out to his right only to throw back to his left and find 2025 OU target Marcus James in the end zone.
“This rivalry – first time playing in this rivalry – so proud of this team,” Sperry told SoonerScoop’s Eddie Radosevich after the game. “They never gave up. I’m at a lost for words right now.
“Ran a little trick play to win it. We practice that play every single week. I told everybody we’re going to get it. I told everybody to believe.”
Both teams entered the night at 7-0. Carl Albert had never trailed in a game this season. Guthrie had only allowed three points in the entire season.
The Blue Jays took a 14-0 lead before Sperry found James for their first touchdown connection late in the first half.
Sperry said after the game he is battling a grade 1 AC joint sprain, and he took some big-time hits on his shoulder throughout the contest.
But it helps to have someone like Xavier Robinson as a teammate. Robinson, a three-star OU commitment at running back, came through as Sperry fought to get back in the game.
Robinson had a 21-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to give Carl Albert its first lead of the game at 17-14.
“I always like a challenge,” Robinson said. “That’s one of the best defenses in the state.”
Guthrie responded with a drive of its own to take the 21-17 lead with just over four minutes left.
Then it was time for Sperry. The crucial play on the final drive was a 42-yard connection from Sperry to 2025 OU target Trystan Haynes to set up the first-and-goal.
Guthrie stopped CA three straight time at the goal line, even sending the Titans backward. Until Sperry found James for the fourth down touchdown.
“He kept it going for the team,” said Robinson about Sperry. “He’s a great leader. He kept us motivated. Great leader, great quarterback.”
Robinson and Sperry are already in the OU fold. James, a three-star linebacker prospect, is expected to announced Nov. 2. The Sooners are the favorite for his commitment in less than two weeks as well.
Carl Albert cements itself as the No. 1-ranked team in Class 5A. But there’s a sneaky feeling this, too, might just be the first of two meetings this season between the longtime rivals.
