@dmk_calgary You have 3" thick slabs of red oak? 15" supports is complete overkill. Have a look at the sag calculator. Hardwood has much higher stiffness compared pine/MDF, so longer spans can be used.
I used 1" red oak and 3' = 36" spans are perfectly fine. I also prefer rabbets/glue/dowels over screws. Much stronger connection.

