Malikai Miller
Joseph Clay
Jaden Hunter
Moore Chamber Plans a Family-Friendly Festival Focused on Community and Competition
The Moore Chamber of Commerce is proud to kick off a new fall event in Moore - Grillstock. Kim Brown, president and CEO of the Moore Chamber of Commerce, is hopeful that the event will spark the same community fellowship and camaraderie found in Moore’s other fantastic events, such as Celebration in the Heartland and Christmas Spectacular.
“These are huge events with huge impacts, and we’re hoping to add to the reputation that we have of putting on great events that are welcoming to all,” shared Brown.
Grillstock will take place at Buck Thomas Park on Saturday, Sept. 14 and will feature the only Kansas City Barbeque Society official competition in the Oklahoma City Metro area.
Its Masters Series Competition will take place with professional teams competing. They’re required to cook four proteins (chicken, pork ribs, pork butt, and brisket) with KCBS rules in place.
The Backyard Cook Team competition involves teams cooking two proteins also following KCBS rules and regulations. All of these meats will be taste-tested by certified judges only.
Visitors will have the chance to participate in a People’s Choice Tasting Contest, Kids Q and a Chili Cook-Off. Each competition will take place as long as the minimum entry requirements are met.
Admission to Grillstock is free. Entry fees and guidelines for competitions are listed on the event’s website. Vendors, food trucks, inflatables, games, live entertainment and a beer garden will be set up for the public to enjoy, all while taking in the BBQ aroma.
In consideration of the OU / Tulane football home game, the Chamber is planning on setting up a viewing area for the game as well.
“Moore is so much more than a place that keeps getting hit by tornadoes. We want to let those from outside the Moore area get a taste of what Moore is really like,” Brown shared. “We are backyard BBQ kind of people where we like to gather with friends and family and support each other, and that’s who we are. This is a fancier backyard BBQ party.”
The idea came to fruition when the Chamber of Commerce decided to forego their typical auction event. The idea of a KCBS BBQ event had been toyed with in the past and guided them in this direction. They wanted an event that would better serve their membership by focusing on a connection with the general public instead. Their goal is to host a community event that showcases Moore.
“This will be a defining thing for Moore. We are wanting to bring the outside in to showcase why we are who we are,” explained Brown.
They are hopeful that it will become an annual event.
Buck Thomas Park will be closed on Sept. 12 & 13 for setup. For more information about competitions, entries, sponsors, lineups and general questions, check out grillstockok.com for the most recent news. Updates to the website will occur regularly. – SMS
Care Through Connection
Moore Public Schools’ Camp Firewheel goes beyond the classroom to provide students with mental health support during the summer. The camp just wrapped up its fourth year, serving MPS students of all backgrounds who can benefit from mental health support.
MPS employs a team of therapists to promote the importance of mental health throughout the school year, and Camp Firewheel provides additional support for students with mental health needs. The camps are for elementary and middle school students and are based on trustbased relationship intervention (TBRI), based on the research of the late Karyn Purvis, PhD at Texas Christian University’s Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development.
“Camp Firewheel is a wonderful program that reinforces the personal skills and techniques during the summer that our mental health team works on with identified students throughout the year,” Moore School Superintendent Robert Ro-
BY: CHRIS PLANK BY: VICTORIA STEPHENS
mines, Ph.D. said. “I’ll always support the work that our mental health team does for MPS, as they work with our students and MPS employees. We know this type of support is needed and necessary, and I’m proud of MPS for making mental health a priority.”
Every year, MPS therapists attend a training in the TBRI method at TCU. Karyn Purvis, PhD and her mentor, David Cross, PhD began The Hope Connection, a summer camp for adopted children who experienced early orphanage care, and it was such a success that a foundation was formed for TBRI, a model for children from “hard places.” The central theme of camp is connection.
One connection students make is with their camp buddies, who are high school students who graduated from Camp Firewheel. The buddies do all the same activities that the camp participants do to help encourage participation.
“It’s beneficial for our students as it helps to promote emotional regulation, building new and healthy relationships and connections, increases self-awareness, increases coping mechanisms, and learning how to get their needs met in a positive way,” Counselor Davene Findlay-Williams said.
During camp, students are divided into groups for a rotation of activities. The themes for the rotations are movement, mindfulness, regulation, nurture, nature and art. Throughout the camp, they also work on what it looks like to give and receive care through activities and discussion including putting Band-Aids on one another with permission.
“Sometimes it’s hard for kids from hard places or who experienced trauma to receive care or ask for help,” Williams said.
One central activity during the camp is a nature-related field trip where students participate in outdoor activities together to further the central theme of connection. This summer, they traveled to the UCO Boathouse for kayaking and paddleboarding.
There is no charge to families whose student participates in the mental health program through Moore Public Schools or the Camp Firewheel summer program. The camp is funded through fundraisers and donations from local businesses. Anyone interested in giving to the camp can contact Moore Public Schools.– SMS
20 Years at Valliance
Leadership.
MATT CLOUSE Norman President, Chief Lending Officer
It is a whole new world for Oklahoma Sooner football - new offensive and defensive coordinators, a new starting quarterback, a new offensive line and a new conference. As the Sooners begin their maiden voyage in the Southeastern Conference, the anticipation is high, and enthusiasm is unquestioned.
But is Oklahoma ready for this monumental leap into college football’s best conference? Are the Sooners SEC ready?
After missing the Big 12 Championship game each of the last three seasons and suffering its first losing season since 1997 during that same stretch, is Oklahoma ready for one of the most difficult schedules in college football?
THE FOUNDATION
At the press conference announcing the new head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners in 2021, Brent Venables reassured fans that he was ready for the challenge of the SEC.
“Taking Oklahoma from the Big 12 to the SEC, you’ve got your guy to take you on this journey,” Venables proclaimed. “OU has been and always will be the measuring stick in college football.”
As OU embarks on its maiden voyage in the SEC, the Sooners’ improvement from year one to year two under Venables has gone far beyond the field. The development of the SOUL Mission increased its overall commitment to every aspect of the program.
“When I was hired, we were in the 70s (nationally) in support staff salary pool, and we’ve made a real commitment there. As a program, we’ve been really forward-thinking, progressive about how to get better and more efficient,” Venables said. “Strength and conditioning, sports performance, nutrition, life skills - growth is (critical).
“We have to develop and nurture our culture. That’s really the root of the program. For us, that’s where it all starts.”
Oklahoma has also restructured the front office of its football operations with the addition of Curtis Lofton as the program’s general manager and started collaborating with former Eagles Vice President Jake Rosenberg and his company “The Athlete Group” to better manage and understand athlete compensation.
“I recognize the challenge is real,” Venables said. “Winning, being successful, having longevity, consistency, stability, continuity, those are all hard things to hold on to. This is a league that’s very unforgiving. It’s a dog fight week in and week out. We have to be efficient. We have to be willing to adapt.”
OFFENSE
The time is now for quarterback Jackson Arnold. After backing up and learning from Dillon Gabriel last season, Arnold heads into 2024 as the unquestioned starter and leader of the Oklahoma Sooner offense.
“All good football teams, at a really high level, are going to be quarterback-driven,” Venables said. “The quarterback can’t play ok and then the team be really good. That’s a given. That’s the arena that Jackson knows he’s stepped into.
“Jackson’s going to focus on Jackson… on improving, being the best version of himself. He’s a guy who knows that the tough moments are part of that position—as in any position—to get better. That’s one of the ingredients.”
To help Arnold in his first season as a starting quarterback, the Sooners have a loaded list of pass catchers led by returning veteran Jalil Farooq, freshman All-American Nic Anderson and Purdue transfer Deion Burks.
Anderson caught 38 balls for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading the nation in yards per reception among qualified wide receivers. Mix in the return of Jayden Gibson, who had a break-out season, and the development of young receivers like Jaquaize Pettaway and Zion Kearney, the Sooners have the potential to be one of the top receiver groups in the SEC.
“That room is stacked,” Arnold said of his receivers. “We’ve got two or three guys at each position (that) can compete at a high level. I would feel confident throwing them a go ball for a touchdown.”
Gavin Sawchuk emerged down the stretch last season as the Sooners’ top running back. After battling injuries early in the season, he took off, running for more than 100 yards in each of the final five games of the year. He totaled 744 yards and 9 touchdowns over the course of the season. Over the final five games, Sawchuk carried the ball 86 times for 617 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 7.2 yards per carry.
The biggest question mark for the Sooners offensively will be the offensive line. The Sooners replace every regular starter along the line. In total, Oklahoma lost 4,188 snaps worth of experience from last year’s O-line unit. Jacob Sexton returns after starting the final two games of last season at right tackle and the Sooners hit the transfer portal hard adding Michigan State’s Spencer Brown, Geirean Hatchett from Washington, North Texas’ Febechi Nwaiwu and USC’s Michael Tarquin. The Sooners even added some experience and depth at center with the post-spring addition of SMU center Branson Hickman.
“We got great leadership there,” Venables said of his offensive line group. “I believe in the players and Coach Bedenbaugh and the rest of the offensive staff to develop the chemistry and continuity.”
Potentially the biggest change for the Sooners is new offensive coordinators. The offense has been the strength for Oklahoma the last two seasons. After Jeff Lebby left to take the head coach’s job at Mississippi State, Venables elevated Seth Litterell to be the play caller.
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Mark Doescher
Litterell will mesh his air-raid philosophy with the offense the Sooners have run over the last two seasons. Jo Jon Finley will work as the co-offensive coordinator.
“I love where we’re at (offensively),” Venables said. “We’ve got tremendous experience coming back at the skill positions. Certainly Jackson (Arnold), this’ll be his first full season — Jackson is as talented a player as there is in college football. Smart guy, great instincts, he’s got tremendous skill, he’s got great toughness to him.”
DEFENSE
The identity and focus of Oklahoma football had shifted away from the dominant defenses of the early Bob Stoops era. But that changed the moment Venables took over and, heading into 2024, he has experience and depth that OU has not seen on the defensive side of the football in years past.
Eleven of the top 13 tacklers return, led by two preseason All-Americans in linebacker Danny Stutsman and safety Billy Bowman Jr. Stutsman led the unit with 104 tackles, while Bowman’s six interceptions tied him for third nationally.
“We have a lot more cohesion now,” Stutsman said. “We’re not really trying to explain so much. Just trying to tweak everything out.”
return of Bowman, Stutsman, senior defensive end Ethan Downs and veteran cornerback Woodi Washington gave the Sooners an experienced core to help the defense prepare for the SEC.
“I love the leadership on our defense, the returning players,” Venables said. “They’ve got several guys that have a mindset like ‘Coach me like a freshman, Coach.’ And I love that. Sign me up for that. Having the humility, first of all, as opposed to ‘this is my third or my fourth year, and you guys are lucky to have me back.’”
Bowman has embraced the challenge of increased competition.
“We indeed are ready. I’ll go out there with my guys right now and play against anybody, but it is a process in the making,” Bowman said in an interview on KREF. “Yes, the SEC might be a different style, but at the end of the day, football is football. It’s hard to win in any conference. We’re just taking steps to be ready to hit the ground for whatever is in front of us.”
The Sooners in year two under Venables improved in just about every statistical defensive category. The OU defense was better year-over-year in rushing defense, passing defense, pass efficiency defense, total defense, scoring defense, third-down efficiency and red-zone scoring efficiency. That included finishing
The
top-50 nationally against the run (42nd), in pass efficiency defense (17th), scoring defense (46th), thirddown defense (14th) and red-zone scoring (43rd) a year removed from finishing as one of the worst defensive teams in the country in 2022.
The Sooners are led by a dynamic group of talented linebackers and potential cheetahs. Along with Stutsman, Jaren Kanak, Kip Lewis and Kobie McKinzie return while Dasan McCullough will likely fill the cheetah linebacker role after an injury-plagued first season.
“Love our group of linebackers,” Venables said. “We are as far away from where we were two years ago as you could be at linebacker. The development, the depth, what it looks like… That’s been the heart and soul, one of the great leadership groups.”
In the secondary, Venables believes the Sooners are “better at corner right now than any point in time a year ago.” The safety room is in good hands with the returning trio of Bowman, Robert Spears-Jennings and Peyton Bowen.
“The competitive depth that we have this year, it’s unbelievable, and I don’t think we’ve had that since I’ve been here,” Woodi Washington said. “It hasn’t been even close to that.”
As solid as the defensive line group appears to be, it still looms as one of the biggest question marks for Oklahoma. But, with the amount of talent at both defensive end and defensive tackle, the line has the potential to be a major difference maker.
The Sooners feature returning starters Ethan Downs and R. Mason Thomas on the edge. Downs recorded 29 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss in 2023 while Thomas is fully healed after battling injuries through most of 2023. The Sooners return Adepoju Adebawore and Trace Ford while adding newcomer Caiden Woullard out of the transfer portal.
The biggest makeover from 2023 on the defensive line is on the interior. David Stone and Jayden Jackson were elite recruits who had solid springs. The Sooners added All Big 12 performer Damonic Williams from TCU. Throw in the returning production of Da’Jon Terry and the emergence of Gracen Halton and it is the most depth OU has had on the interior of its defense line in years.
“We’ve made steady improvement,” Venables said. “It’s been incremental. It can’t ever happen fast enough. You’re never satisfied. But this will be year three, the first time that we’ve had third-year players in our system, so we have some experience within our schemes. We’ve developed in the weight room — all those areas that are incredibly important.
“But I love our buy-in, the investment that our players have in that locker room. This is a very highly invested team. Several guys chose to come back. They wanted to help lead us. There’s multi-layered reasons guys want to come back, but one of the reasons is to leave your mark. (They) have an opportunity to do that going into the SEC.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
DL DAMONIC WILLIAMS – The TCU transfer was considered the best defensive tackle in the transfer portal. The Sooners won a competitive recruiting battle to earn the right to have the talented Williams anchor the Sooners defensive line.
Williams was a rising star with the Horned Frogs having started all 27 games to start his collegiate career as a true freshman and sophomore. A 2022 true freshman All-American and a 2023 All-Big 12 honorable mention, the California native was very productive in two seasons in Fort Worth racking up 60 total tackles with 9.5 tackles for loss including 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
With the potential of both Jackson and Stone, Williams adds proven production that the Sooners desperately needed at defensive tackle.
QB JACKSON ARNOLD –The development and maturation of Jackson Arnold and his ability to manage the biggest moment will go a long way in determining the Sooners’ level of success in 2024.
“Jackson is as talented of a player as there is in college football,” Venables said of his starting quarterback. “He’s a winner. He’s won his whole life. He can run it. He can throw it. Wherever he ended the season last year in his first collegiate start, he’ll be on another planet.”
Arnold has embraced his role as the starting quarterback, especially when it comes to the leadership role.
“I think for me, it was more of me being vocal and speaking out to these guys and kind of showing that I am gonna be their quarterback, I am gonna be their guy, they’ve gotta trust me and lean on me this spring,” Arnold said. “Just showing ‘em how I play on the field to get those guys to trust me and connect with me.”
Despite the struggles in the Alamo Bowl, the experience and the development gained have put Arnold in a better position to be successful in 2024.
“This is a game of development,” Venables said. “My expectation of where we start at the beginning of the year, he’ll develop and get better. He’s tough, he’s got great self-awareness to him. He’s got all the traits that allow you to have to kind of go through it, both the good and the bad, and he responds to adversity. Just a tremendous leader and players play hard for him.”
TE BAUER SHARP – The unquestioned hit of spring camp was Southeastern Louisiana transfer Bauer Sharp. Sharp was a standout high school quarterback, but had just one scholarship offer.
At 6-foot-5 and 250-pounds, the possibility of being more successful at another position led to Sharp making a move after his first season in college. The measurables made him a natural fit for a tight end.
“I was kind of raw mentally in the QB room,” Sharp said. “It was easy, knowing coverages, just knowing where to sit in a zone, break off high or low in man. Concepts started to click for me once I started playing tight end.”
As a redshirt sophomore at Southeastern Louisiana, Sharp tallied 288 receiving yards and three touchdowns through the air while adding 133 yards and five scores on the ground. Sharp recorded 25 rushing attempts in his final year at Southeastern Louisiana, operating as a running quarterback out of the wildcat formation.
The tight end position was ravaged by injuries and a lack of depth in 2023, but with the addition of Sharp, the Sooners have an instant upgrade over last season.
“I think that I’m very versatile as a tight end. I don’t think I’m the regular tight end that’s going to put his hand down and block the whole game,” Sharp said.
“I feel like you can use me in different ways. I played wildcat QB at my old school and I feel like that’s a huge part of my game. I’m just happy to help this offense any way I can. Whatever they need me to do, special teams, anything on offense, blocking, I’m doing that. I just want to win.”
2024 TAKE
Since the 2000 season, Oklahoma has recorded nine seasons with at least 12 wins, 16 with 11 wins or more and 19 seasons with at least 10 wins. Many experts believe those days, at least in the near term, are going to be more difficult to come by in the SEC.
“This is not a program that’s Johnny Come Lately,” Venables said. “This is a program that’s been established for a very, very long time. We don’t look at other programs to try to compare ourselves. We focus inside out. That’s what we need to do to be an SEC championship-caliber football program. So that’s where our focus is.”
The Sooners bring back just 44% of their offensive production (114th nationally), thanks to some key departures on that side of the ball, including quarterback Dillon Gabriel, leading receiver Drake Stoops and wholesale changes to the offensive line. Oklahoma’s expected strength will be its defense, which returns 86% of its production from a year ago. That number is third among FBS teams, behind only Rice and Iowa.
“We’ve got the most depth of leaders that we’ve had,” Venables said. “That’s a big part of building a stable, strong, consistent environment and building a team.”
The schedule is as challenging as it has ever been for Oklahoma football, but Venables has built a difference-making defense and with the potential offensively there is no doubt the Sooners could find themselves fighting for a playoff spot in the newly expanded 12-team playoff. – BSM
MOORE
LIONS
For the 2024 season, head coach Greg Bryant will draw upon 12 returning starters and 32 seniors as a treasure of experience. The Lions have had two successive 4-6 seasons and they stand ready for a breakout year.
In the off-season, the Lions have focused not only on lifting and running, but also on building the culture of Lions football, developing team leadership and fellowship. A major point of emphasis has been mastering the little things, according to Bryant, while being disciplined and accountable.
OFFENSE
The Lions’ offense will present a challenge for opponents, featuring quickness and speed. The Lions will utilize a spread-shotgun framework, which allows for multiple personnel and formations to disrupt opposing defensive units.
With veteran players on offense, Moore will push to break their recent cycle of early season success, working to secure more wins down the stretch. Last year’s offense scored, on average, 35 points in the first three games while finishing the season averaging 30 points a game.
Players to watch on offense include four talented senior athletes in the skill positions. Malikai Miller (5’11”, 170), behind center, is entertaining offers from Army, UCO and Emporia State. Elijah Moon (5’9”, 165) will be the featured running back and can be used in multiple ways.
Receivers include C.J. Simon (6’, 165), who has caught the eye of numerous college recruiters from D1 programs, and Andre Lee (5’10”, 160), another shifty player that must be respected by opponents.
The offensive line will feature four seniors led by Gracen Gruver (6’4”, 290), who is an early commit to the Air Force Academy; Cheii Larney (6’1”, 295), who attended several camps during summer break; and Seth Freeman (6’2”, 235), an early commit to the University of Oklahoma, along with Jackson Forney (6’1”, 300).
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - OFFENSE
One of the strongest phases for the Lions’ offense is the line. Gracen Gruver – who’s heading to play at the next level at Air Force Academy – has the experience, size and knowledge to rally his fellow linemen in executing Moore’s offensive schemes.
Malikai Miller
DEFENSE
On the defensive side, the Lions will line up in an odd man front, relying on the second and third level defenders to make quick reads while exhibiting flexibility to counter their opponents’ multiple looks. Last year, Moore held their first three opponents to an average of nearly 33 points, winning all three by a combined total of seven points. In the six losses, teams scored 54 points on average. However, with five returning players on defense, the unit will be able to draw from combined leadership and experience to improve.
The defensive line is formidable and will wreak havoc on all opposing offenses. Hayden Stull (6’3”, 240) had an impressive junior year and has already received an offer from UCO. He will be joined by Anthony Ramirez (6’1”, 215). Nick Carden will be called on to go both ways as a linebacker (6’4”, 215) and will be joined by Dalton Mayes (6’, 230).
The secondary will be anchored by senior Jaeden Williams (6’1”, 185), who has two offers on the table from UCO and Emporia State.
The Lions have the ingredients to get through a competitive schedule and make a show ing in this year’s playoffs.
KEY MATCHUPS
The Lions’ schedule opens up with a bang as they host their crosstown rival, Westmoore Jaguars. The two remaining non-district games include Southmoore, followed by Nor man North. The Lions’ away games will all be played in the Oklahoma City metro area this season.
CJ Simon PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - DEFENSE
Malikai Miller (5’ 11”, 165) plays both ways for the Lions and is a threat on either side of the ball. His role in Moore’s secondary utilizes his athleticism to clamp down on opposing offenses. He is fun to watch play the game.
BY DANNY HENDERSON
WESTMOORE
JAGUARS
For the first time since 2016, the Westmoore Jaguars will be under the direction of a new head coach. David White, with ties to Oklahoma football, will be leading the Jags as they adjust to a new coaching staff, a different approach and new culture.
The Jags finished the 2023 season in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs with an overall record of 7-5, including big back-to-back wins over Jenks and Broken Arrow in the regular season. White, a disciple of consistency and a competitive mindset, is encouraged by what he’s seen so far.
“Our off-season program has gone well, and we know we still have a lot of room for growth,” he said.
OFFENSE
The Jaguars’ offense will utilize the entire field, employing what White calls “a fun, explosive offense” he labeled an “air-pistol,” employing concepts from both the Air Raid and Pistol schemes.
Senior Tre Lewis, who has received some interest from small college football programs, appears to be a candidate for the starting quarterback position, though the Jag’s QB1 has yet to be officially named.
Another contender behind center is junior Brodie Inhofe, a member of Westmoore’s 2024 Class 6A baseball championship team. Inhofe has experience as a signal caller from both his freshman and sophomore seasons. The featured running back has yet to emerge for the Jags, but it will be someone capable of doing damage against opposing defenses. A quartet of receivers will provide some excitement. Senior Jaden ‘Speedy’ Hunter, who got that moniker for an obvious reason, along with junior Bryce Collier and sophomore Stacey Brewer, will be called on to stretch the field and make the Air-Pistol offense successful. Freshman Tommalik Benson will be worked into the mix.
Westmoore’s offensive line is experienced to provide the necessary protection and space for their shifty runners. The line includes seniors Preston Igleheart, Joseph Coffey, Alex Le, John Hermosillo and Connor McKee. Coffey and Hermosillo have both generated interest from some Division 2 schools. Vidal Ortiz, who received interest from some Division 2 schools as well as a preferred walk-on opportunity at a D-1 program, returns for his last year at tight end. Ortiz can be a diamond in the rough with his pass-catching and running abilities.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - OFFENSE
Senior Jaden Hunter (5-8, 155) will give the Jags speedy versatility on offense. Once he gets loose past the line of scrimmage, catching him will be difficult. He will fill roles in the pass progression and get the ball in his hands as often as needed.
Jaden Hunter
DEFENSE
Defensively, Westmoore will operate in a 3-4 base with the ability to flex and adapt, creating a strong box to defend against the run. Most of the offensive line will play double duty on defense, in addition to Gavin Gagno, who came on strong last season and enjoyed success in the Jaguars’ wrestling program this past year.
The linebacker corps is being completely rebuilt after the previous three seasons. Two seniors, Devin Lacroix and Tegan Spell, are being called on to maintain the reputation of some hard-hitting, stingy pass defense in the middle sector of the Jags’ defensive unit.
The Jaguars’ secondary will feature some veterans who will implement an aggressive approach - Dwayne Bumphus; Jaden Hunter, who is getting looks from Division 2 schools, and Isaiah Wallace.
Two juniors, Kalem Gonzales and Alazar Andrews, will both be involved in the place-kicking and punting duties.
KEY MATCHUPS
Westmoore will start their season on Aug. 29 at the all-new Moore Lions Stadium to battle their long-time rival, the Moore Lions. The Jags will play in their new stadium when they face off against Southmoore on Sept. 6. With the new district realignment, the Jags have only one game in the Tulsa area, against Owasso on Oct. 11.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - DEFENSE
Senior Joseph Coffey (6-2, 240) has the experience and tools to be a major cog in a battle-tested defensive line. As a legitimate prospect at the next level, Coffey, along with his fellow D-line warriors, will effectively execute a stiff wall at the initial point-of-attack against the Jags’ foes.
BY DANNY HENDERSON
Joseph Coffey
SOUTHMOORE
SABERCATS
Southmoore begins the 2024 football season with high hopes despite a disappointing campaign last year. The SaberCats may have had a lackluster record, but they were able to play a lot of young guys which should bode well for this coming season. Another key factor that could lead to success is the move from 6A-I to 6A-II.
OFFENSE
The SaberCats will have a multiple offense which gives them the ability to attack their opponents’ weaknesses. Head coach Jake Monden holds a great deal of faith in his returning players to create a plethora of strategies.
The quarterback room is filled with a handful of guys who can run Southmoore’s offense. Monden had a difficult choice to make, but ultimately chose Moore transfer Taven Hayes (6’1”, 175). The young sophomore has plenty of upside as QB1.
“Taven does an incredible job using his dual threat skills,” said Monden. “We know he’s going to put us in good situations and make big plays.”
Fans can expect to see multiple guys fight for reps at running back. Some of the SaberCats who will be vying for lead back are sophomore Tylenn Diggs (5’10”, 180) and juniors Mason Heathington (5’10”, 180) and Malakye Williams. Senior Marcus Weddle (6’2”, 255) could see time too.
Southmoore will primarily utilize their tight ends as extra blockers. Those duties are going to be held by senior Jacob Hoffman and juniors Joseph Dover (6’2”, 235) and Colton Charqueno.
The SaberCats receiving group is fairly young, but Monden likes the unit as a whole. Two leaders of the group are junior Corbin Rodriguez (5’10”, 170) and senior Kasen Rinehart (6’, 190). Both of those guys played inside receiver last year and proved they have what it takes to give the offense a boost again. SaberCats’ fans can expect to see Rinehart playing on the outside as well. Monden also mentioned a slew of sophomores who can be in the mix at receiver - Gabe Willingham (6’3”, 180), Elyjiah Beamus (5’10”, 175), Lance Lingo and Ashton Jay.
The offensive line has some solid starters in seniors Kai Hooks (6’3”, 270), Blake Durham (5’11”, 245), Cale Hornbeck (6’6”, 285) and junior Alex Woods (6’4”, 250). Fans can expect to see senior Gabe Tarpley (6’1”, 265) in the shuffle too.
DEFENSE
The SaberCats will also be multiple on defense but primarily in a fourman front. The heart of the defense for the SaberCats starts down low in the trenches.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - OFFENSE
The offensive line will be the most important spot for the SaberCats on offense. The leader of that group is senior right tackle Cale Hornbeck. Hornbeck has tremendous size at 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds. Southmoore expects big things from him in his final season.
Cale Hornbeck
“I think the strongest group for us this fall is the defensive line,” said Monden. “I’ve always believed that you should build your team inside out and they are really good up front.”
If you are a fan of football guys who never quit, keep an eye on the defensive end position. SaberCats’ fans will see senior Joseph Clay (6’3”, 230) and Dover at defensive end.
The interior is going to be led by junior Na’Kwaine Carter who has received multiple D-1 offers. Carter stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 254 with a nose for the football.
“Na’Kwaine has great length and is a hard one to deal with,” said Monden. “I think he led our team in sacks last year and we’re excited to see how he does this year.”
Beside Carter will be sophomore Seantawqua McCray II. McCray played defensive end last year but spent a lot of time working on getting bigger this offseason. Another strong part of the SaberCats defense is the interior linebackers. Monden was impressed with what senior Oaklee Wren (5’9”, 200) was able to do last season.
“He truly has a knack for the ball,” said Monden. “He can play the A-gap and scrape off the tackle and get downhill and make plays.”
Alongside Wren will be junior Drake Picott, who played defensive line last season but has made the transition to linebacker.
Senior Davian Hogue and junior Kolton Ashley could fight for time.
Hybrid-safety starters will depend on Southmoore’s opponent, but fans can expect to see juniors Ma son Heathington (5’10”, 180) and Christian Deloera (5’10”, 170) every week. Southmoore will rotate between sophomore Gabe Willingham and junior Corbin Rodriguez (5’10”, 170) at the traditional safety spot.
At corner will be sophomores DJ Murray (5’9”, 200), Dashae Hogue (5’9”, 160) and Malachi Cowart.
KEY MATCHUPS
Southmoore begins their sea son taking on their cross-town rival Westmoore. The following week is the battle of the Big Cats against Moore.
“Those games are so easy to get up for and our kids always fight hard in both of those games,” Monden said.
Joseph Clay
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - DEFENSE
Senior Joseph Clay is a grinder and honestly a football coach’s dream player. Coaches love his dedication to the game of football and his commitment to the weight room. His passion and high motor could make Clay a fan favorite this season.
MEET THE PLAYERS
Local student athletes share what makes their community, school, team and coaches unique.
WHAT POSITION DO YOU PLAY?
OL / DL
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SEASON?
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT PLAYING FOR YOUR SCHOOL?
To make an impact on my team, to make the playoffs and a run for State
The connection and comradery between the players and coaches that allows us to lead and help each other.
Make the playoffs
The coaches
BESIDES YOUR CURRENT POSITION, WHAT POSITION WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY AND WHY?
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ATHLETE?
Free safety - I love Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed. I’ve always been great at reading coverages and also just being able to lay a boom after building up 15 yards of speed.
Larry Allen
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT IN YOUR ATHLETIC CAREER?
In 8th grade, I got a pick 6 and sprinted down the field. Not one person could catch me.
Quarterback because I like Lamar Jackson. Zay Flowers
Scoring in the playoffs
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG TO LISTEN TO BEFORE YOU PLAY?
WHAT IS YOUR “X” HANDLE?
“Love” by Keyshia Cole
@GracenGruver52
“Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill
Cale Hornbeck SR • 6’5” • 290
Offensive Tackle
Compete and win football games
The coaching
Running back - I want to run the ball down the middle.
Creed Humphrey
My touchdown block against Norman North on a run play last season.
“Engine No. 9” by Deftones
@CaleHornbeck
Does your banker know your business?
We do. At Armstrong Bank, we’re dedicated to understanding the unique qualities, goals, and challenges of each business. We work alongside businesses to ensure not just their survival, but their thriving growth. When you’re a partner with Armstrong Bank, you’re family.
NORMAN REGIONAL HEALTH FOUNDATION THANKS OUR DONORS
The Norman Regional Health Foundation thanks all Equipped for Tomorrow donors who prioritized health and wellness in our communities by investing in state-of-the-art medical technology at Norman Regional Hospital and renovating the Education Center on Porter Avenue.
A heartfelt thank you to Equipped for Tomorrow Campaign Chair, Sherri Coale and to the following lead donors: Trae Young Family Foundation Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Anonymous Donors
Arvest Foundation
BancFirst
Crowe & Dunlevy
Charleston's Restaurant Group- In honor of Hal W. Smith
Eide Bailly
Farzaneh Family Foundation
First United The Fowler Family
Mr. & Mrs. Craig W. Jones
Judy J. Hatfield & the Hatfield Family
Dianne Kittinger - In memory of Ronald Dunlap
Gerry & Pat Mayes - In memory of Dr. Robert Mayfield
Armstrong Bank
Braxton Byrd Foundation
Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages
David & Sherri Durica
Muhammad & Asma Anwar
Calvin & Tara Bohanan
The Carter Family
Disabled Veterans National Foundation
Pat & Melanie Hall
Cristina Filippo, Ph D Family - Steople Group
Johnson Controls Inc.
OEC Electric & Fiber
Alok & Archana Gautam
Susie & Chris Graves
Justin & Jennifer Jenkins
John P Manfredo
Norman Anesthesia Providers
Anderson Greenhaw, MD
· John Buck Hill, DO
· Melissa Jennings, MD
Mason Lawrence, MD
· Jason Leonard, MD
Quentin Lobb, MD
· Michael Mullins, MD
Scott Proctor, MD
Shane Stidham, MD
· Joe D. Voto, MD
OG&E
Oklahoma Natural Gas
Joseph Saveika, MD, MBA & Ruth Smith, MLIS
Mary Angus Sherman
Richie & Jill Splitt
The Talley Family
Bob & Ellen Usry Family
Joe & Tammy Mankin
Rick & Carol McCurdy
Norman Youth Foundation
Chilton & Brad Purcell
Elaine & Tom Purvis
Valliance Bank
Vision Bank
John H. Waller
Family of Darlene & Steven Wood
Karen & Andy Rieger
Dr Sara & Jay Spurlock
Michael & Sarah Villano
Bryan & Casey Vinyard
Jim & Martha Wade - In memory of Randy Laffoon
EMERGENCY READY
Norman Regional Relocates Acute Care Services to New Location
Amove years in the making came to fruition on July 28. At 6 a.m. that Sunday, Norman Regional Health System’s Porter campus ceased operations of their acute care services, ushering in a new era.
Norman Regional’s flagship hospital including the emergency department, intensive care unit, surgery services and inpatient care relocated to the Healthplex, which is now known as Norman Regional Hospital. The Tecumseh campus will also serve as the corporate headquarters for the health system.
“The Porter emergency department closed Sunday morning, July 28,” confirmed Brittni McGill, chief nursing officer for the health system. “We moved all acute care services and emergency services from the Porter campus over to the newly expanded hospital.
“In healthcare, as the technology becomes more advanced, you have to have the infrastructure to support that. The Porter campus is over 75 years old. This new space is truly state-of-art, it is all top of the line.”
McGill said the proximity to I-35 increases patient accessibility.
“We did about 5,000 inter-campus transfers a year between the two hospitals. Sometimes care is complicated, and patients need more than one sub-specialty,” she explained. “Now all of those sub-specialties are under one roof…right off of I-35. From an EMS
perspective, to have your destination point be easily accessible is important and the same thing can be said for our Highway 9 and Moore facilities.”
In the days leading up to the move, hospital staff conducted specialized training, role playing real-life emergency scenarios during a multi-day event. Nurses, physicians, technicians and other medical professionals spent time acclimating to the new spaces and procedures.
In order to make these moves happen, the health system established a transformative plan, Inspire Health, to modernize and consolidate patient care.
“We are excited to consolidate our resources and our care,” shared McGill. “The care teams are very excited to all be together. There is a lot of opportunity in terms of efficiency and culture, so we are excited to be able to do that as one huge team.”
As part of Inspire Health, Norman Regional Nine and a behavior health hospital were constructed and the Healthplex underwent an extensive expansion, constructing a new critical care tower and emergency department. The final phase will relocate cancer care and transition the Porter Campus into a health village.
The health system celebrated the opening of the expansion with a ribbon cutting and a family fun fest and open house in July.– SMS
WHAT WILL REMAIN AT THE PORTER CAMPUS?
On July 29, an urgent care clinic opened in the vacated space that is now known as the Porter Health Village.
“We opened an urgent care in that space for lower acuity things like coughs, colds, ear infections, sprains or strains, things that can be safely cared for in urgent care,” explained McGill.
Cancer care services will remain at the Porter Health Village until the construction of a new cancer center is complete at the Tecumseh campus in 2025.
South Metro Eats
Llamas
Photo by: Mark Doescher
BY: TIM WILLERT
Olivia Spradlin took a chance on Sugar Llamas and she’s happy she did. Spradlin has tried every donut on the menu.
“I don’t think there’s one I don’t like,” she said. “They’re all so good.”
Daughter Oaklynn, 2, prefers rainbow sprinkle donuts and cotton candy.
“She’s probably their little taste tester,” Spradlin said.
Both are regulars at the eclectic dessert bar and coffee shop at 12501 S. Western Ave next to Westmoore High School that offers freshly made mini donuts and ice cream and makes its own cotton candy.
“I’ve always liked little shops and just wanted to try it because it was new and it was on my way to work and it was really cute,” said Spradlin, 25, who works at a south Oklahoma City learning center.
The donuts, which are deepfried and flavored right before your eyes, are big sellers and for good reason. They melt in your mouth.
“They are made to order and they’re hot and fresh when you get them,” said Wendy Stubbs, Sugar Llamas’ owner and operator. “We have hundreds off flavor combinations ... you can build your own flavor combinations.”
Bam Berry (blueberry, lemon), Cinnamon Roll (cinnamon sugar, vanilla drizzle), Boss Hog (maple, bacon), and Bananas Foster (cinnamon sugar, banana, caramel drizzle, graham cracker topping) are among the top sellers and come in packs of 6, 12, 16, 25 and 36 and boxes of 100.
“The first time you come it’s a little overwhelming because there are so many options,” Stubbs said. “But my staff is trained and does a wonderful job walking people through the menu and helping them make those choices.”
Stubbs and husband Kelley opened the franchise’s 16th location in late September, nearly two years after
visiting the chain’s flagship store in Tulsa by chance. The couple, who keep llamas and alpacas as pets, were in Tulsa when they came across a social media post about Sugar Llamas.
It was Wendy who said, “I don’t know what it is, but it has llamas in the name, so we’ve got to go.”
“I walked in, saw they had extremely bright colors and llama wallpaper and that you can get ice cream, coffee and donuts all in one place and it’s open until 9 p.m.,” she said. “I loved the concept and decided we needed to do this.”
Wendy, 59, a former healthcare administrator and Kelley, 60, a retired air traffic controller, had no food service experience when they decided to go into the sugar business.
“It took me almost a year to talk my husband into it,” she said. “But it’s such a wonderful concept. This is a full-service business. Everyone loves coffee, ice cream and donuts and it’s the only place I know of where you can get all three in one place.”
Wendy said she “spent months” searching for the perfect location, which turned out to be close to Westmoore, which has an open campus lunch policy.
“You immediately have a few thousand kids that know where you’re at,” she said. “And it’s not just kids. Kids tell their parents and family members.
“We started fast. We’re extremely lucky that we had a couple of social media influencers come in and do reviews. That brought in a lot of business.”
Sugar Llamas serves Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream along with a variety of dirty mixers — soft drinks combined with flavor options that include coconut, cotton candy, peach, strawberry and watermelon.
Additional drink offerings include Red Bull mixers and llamanade, which is lemonade with added flavors.
Moore resident Lauren Fluty, 34, has known Wendy Stubbs most of her life. Fluty and her family are Sugar Llamas regulars. Fluty said Stubbs makes a point of personalizing the experience for customers.
“Every time we go in, she very much tries to personally address every single customer that comes in,” she said. “There’s not a person who walks in the door that she doesn’t say hi to or acknowledge or try to make feel special.
“I think a lot of her staff are teens or young adults, and I think they follow her lead by example. It’s a pretty welcoming environment.”
Stubbs, a mother and grandmother — her 22-yearold granddaughter is a Sugar Llamas employee — does serve a lunch special consisting of a sausage roll, four mini donuts and a soft drink that sells for $6.
“We’ll have somebody come in and ask if we have anything sugar free and my response is ‘we have bottled water,’” she said. “Sugar is in our name.” – SMS
Orangetheory
