Yoemen play big role in Bedlam showdown

The annual Bedlam football game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and Oklahoma Sooners will take place this Saturday in Norman.

For the second straight year, the rivalry will decide the Big 12 championship.  The Cowboys and Sooners are ranked inside of the top 10 in the college football rankings and the winner could have an outside shot at one of the four playoff spots. 

Playing a big role on each side will be two former Yoemen in Oklahoma receiver Dede Westbrook and Oklahoma State defensive end Tralund Webber.

Westbrook was a receiver for the Yoemen during the state championship run in 2010 while Webber helped Cameron win back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.

Both players began their careers in Blinn, and were on the same roster for the Buccaneers in 2014.

Each found large amounts of success during their time at the junior college level.  Westbrook led Blinn in receiving yards while Webber had the team high in sacks.

Westbook

Westbrook, an Biletnikoff award finalist, has exploded onto the scene as one of college football's top offensive threats.  That is a talent the community of Cameron has seen on display for a number of years now. 

“Dede was a super athlete,” said Yoemen head coach Tommy Brashear.  “He was one of the fastest guys to ever come through the school.”

Westbrook had a breakout junior year with the Sooners, finishing second to Sterling Shephard in receiving yards.  Shepherd is now with the New York Giants.  

Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield now has Westbrook as his primary, go-to receiver.  The senior has caught 70 passes for 1,354 yards and 15 touchdowns.  In the Sooners past eight contests, Westbrook has caught at least one touchdown and has recorded no less than 88 yards in any game.

“His athleticism was unbelievable,” said Brashear.  “He was one of those guys that had the ability and the mindset.  He was confident he could make any catch or tackle anybody.  That is the mentality you have to have.”

Webber

Webber, now a junior, is in his first year within Mike Gundy's program.  In his days in Cameron, receiver was actually his first choice. 

“Tralund wanted to be a receiver,” said Brashear.  “His junior year he played some wide receiver and some defensive end for us on JV because he had not played much football in his career.  He was doing a lot of learning, but he got a lot better his JV year.”

In his final season as a Yoemen, Webber exploded as one of the top defensive threats in all of 3A football.

“His senior year he was all bought into that defensive end position,” said Brashear.  “He had a great year.  He had a couple of injuries but he came back and we won state and he was a big part of that.  He is a great kid.”

The 6'5" defensive end has seen playing time in all 11 games for OSU this season.  Webber is second on the team in tackles for loss (eight) and sacks (five).

Kickoff for the defacto Big 12 championship is set for 11:30 a.m. on Fox.