2019 Owasso Football Preview Issue

owasso

OWASSO

Rejoice Christian

REPORTER

Ready to

rumble 2019 football preview

Collinsville

a special supplement of the owasso reporter

BIRTHDAY PARTIES • GROUP PARTIES • SKATING FUN LASER TAG • PLAY ZONE • ARCADE FUN • LEARN TO SKATE

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT?

CALL NOW 918-272-7537 WHEELSANDTHRILLS.COM

Located at Wheels and Thrills Corner 10637 N. Garnett Owasso. Wheels and Thrills is a brand-new family entertainment center offering the latest in indoor skating, laser tag, arcades, an exciting play zone for the kids, and so much more!

football preview

Owasso Reporter | August 2019

3

table of contents Owasso rams

collinsville cardnials

4

2019 Schedule

17-18 Offensive Breakdown

4-6

Offensive Breakdown

19-20 Defensive Breakdown

8-9

Defensive Breakdown

21

10

Special Teams Breakdown

21-22 Special Teams Breakdown

2019 Schedule

11-12 Opponents Breakdown 14-15 Q&A with Coach Blankenship 16

Meet the Coaches

Rejoice eagles 23

Player Profile: Riley Walker

25-26 Offensive Breakdown 27-28 Defensive Breakdown 29

2019 Schedule

29

Special Teams Breakdown

30

2019 Predictions

2019 Football Preview A special Supplement of the Owasso Reporter Publisher: Gloria Fletcher News Editor: Art Haddaway Sports Editor: Shawn Hein Senior Marketing Consultant: Karen Bennett Customer Service Representative: Brandi Smith Designer: Melanie Allen

4

football preview

August 2019 | Owasso Reporter

Offensive breakdown

Seasoned Ram receivers return to lead in 2019

Rams Schedule Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 17 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8

Opponent Time at Bentonville West 7 p.m.

FAYETTEVILLE! 7:30 p.m. at Broken Arrow 7 p.m.

UNION# 7:30 p.m. at Edmond North# 7 p.m.

NORMAN NORTH#$ 7:30 p.m. at Southmoore# 7:30 p.m. at Mustang# 7 p.m.

MOORE# 7:30 p.m.

PC NORTH#% 7:30 p.m.

#-District 6AI-2 game ! – FOR Night $ — Homecoming % — Senior Night

Owasso Reporter | August 2019

football preview

5

L

ast season, Will Kuehne was surrounded by a virtually unproven receiving corps. Mario Kirby was the most experienced pass catcher a year ago at this time and even he barely cracked double digits in receptions as a sophomore.

Now, going into the 2019 season, it will be the Ram receivers who are stocked with experience and will need to break in a new quarterback with eight returning starters on offense overall.

Kirby (6-0, 220) returns as a senior at H-Back and will be the offense’s lone three-year starter.

Kirby had a breakout season with a 34 catches for 539 yards and five touchdowns. But he’s hardly the only recognizable Ram receiver back in the fold.

Junior Trey Goins (6-3, 210) returns after leading all receivers with 625 yards and 6 TD. Sophomore Kelan Carney (6-0, 170) also is back after he paced Owasso with 39 catches as a freshman. Add in senior Payton Lusk (6-3, 160) and Ram coaches expect to see significant improvement from the position.

“It’s completely different from last year,” said receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator

Hudson Moseby is one of several Owasso offensive linemen that hopes to benefit from a year of varsity experience already under their belts.

Zac Simmonds. “We were bringing Kelan up as a freshman about this time, so we were teaching him everything. Trey was moving from quarterback, so he was learning a new position. And Payton had just come off the basketball court and had never played.

6

football preview

“Those three guys were starting at zero and now they have a year behind them. That year of experience is going to be big.”

Sophomore Ronnie Thomas Jr., junior Chance Lucas, sophomore Jaray Austin and junior Jett Williams also figure to see time at receiver. Along with Kirby, junior Dwaylen Reed (6-2, 205) returns to prior playing experience at H-Back.

Getting the ball the Ram receivers will be a new face after Kuehne graduated and took his game to North Texas.

Former Collinsville starting QB Cole Dugger (6-1, 180) was the leading candidate going into fall camp. Dugger, a senior, completed 65 of 117 passes for 872 yards with 8 TDs and 4 INTs last season with the Cardinals.

“He’s got a big arm and quick release,” Simmonds said of Dugger. “Just from a fundamentals standpoint, his arm strength is really impressive. When you see some of the throws he can make, not everyone can make some of those.”

Junior Melchesidech “Jay” Porter (6-1, 192), who transferred from Broken Arrow, is a candidate for the starting QB job as well as sophomore Solomon Skalnik (6-3, 185), along with senior Kellen Pokoski and junior Seth Heinrichs.

Whoever does lineup as Owasso’s signal caller, he figures to benefit from the use of highly-recruited senior RB Isaiah Jacobs (6-0, 210) and a more experienced offensive line.

Jacobs, who ran for more than 1,000 yards despite playing in just seven full games a season ago, added 20 pounds to his frame and still whittled down his 40-yard dash time while garnering offers from Power Five schools like Michigan, Nebraska and Oklahoma State in the offseason.

“Isaiah is awesome,” said co-offensive coordinator Justin Morsey. “Not just because of the talent that he has, but he does everything right in the weight room and on the field.”

Behind Jacobs on the running back depth chart are junior Tre Brown, a move-in from the Austin, Texas area, along with Derrick Overstreet, Hagen Hood, Hayden Beaman and Cody Chase.

Paving the way the Rams will be a vastly more experienced offensive line than a season ago.

August 2019 | Owasso Reporter

Senior h-back Mario Kirby (left) will be a three-year starter this season for Owasso.

Owasso returns three starters up front, senior Allen Carey (6-0, 285) and juniors Grayson Isaac (6-2, 285) and Hudson Moseby (6-1, 240). Anticipated first-year starters Dillon Gilbert (6-4, 260) and Logan Ledbetter (6-0, 270), both juniors, also return with significant varsity experience under their collective belts.

In addition to experience, this quintet is particularly versatile as each took snaps at different positions in 2018. Moseby is slated to start at left tackle after lineup at right tackle. Ledbetter moves from left tackle to left guard. Carey shifts over from left guard to center. Isaac played both left guard and left tackle and now lines up at right guard. Gilbert moves from right guard to right tackle.

Morsey, who also begins his third season as offensive line coach, said he’s noticed a difference in his group.

“You can see that development,” he said.

“They have gained a lot more confidence from that and through the weight room with the stuff that (Owasso Strength and Conditioning Coordinator) Jordan (Johnson) has done. They have put on not just weight, but they have put on good weight.”

Sophomore Rhett Fultz (6-3, 265), junior Chevy Gamrak (6-3, 280), junior Carter Davis, senior Anthony Lawrence and senior Damicah Potts also figure to see game time on the line.

With a bulk of last year’s key offensive contributors back, Simmonds said the Rams should benefit from that experience.

“Last year was the first time for so many of these guys to play varsity football,” he said.

“And to play in the semifinals and take (Broken Arrow) to the wire really taught them a lot. It made them hungry. It’s a hungry group.”

8

football preview

August 2019 | Owasso Reporter

Defensive breakdown

Owasso hopes to build off of memorable end to 2018

B

obby Klinck admitted to replaying last year’s Class 6AI state semifinal game in his mind several times over the past nine months.

Who could blame the Owasso’s thirdyear defensive coordinator?

Facing a Broken Arrow team many were touting among the best ever to come out of Oklahoma’s largest classification, the Rams came up with their finest performance of the entire year as a unit. Owasso forced three turnovers, held the Tigers to more than 200 yards under their season average and surrendered just one touchdown to a team that entered the contest averaging 49 points per outing.

The outing was even more impressive considering BA had thumped the Rams early in the regular season, 47-20, in a rain-soaked Owasso Stadium.

“I don’t think anybody expected us to have a chance,” Klinck said. “And, to see those kids not really care about anything else said, we had a good game plan and watched those kids execute.

All you can do is get those kids in the

Owasso senior safety Dawson Adams returns as one of the defensive leaders as a three-year starter.

Owasso Reporter | August 2019

right position and then it’s up to them. They made play after play after play.”

Owasso came up agonizingly short on that mid-November night at the University of Tulsa in a 10-7 loss. Klinck said the defeat took a while to get over and even used an amusing analogy.

“We liken it to an old girlfriend,” Klinck said.

“She’s gone and we’ve got to move on.”

What remains are eight starters from that squad, led by a veteran secondary that returns all five members, including a pair of three-year starters.

Senior cornerback Duece Mayberry (6-1, 180), a University of Kansas commit, and multi-dimensional senior strong safety Dawson Adams (5-10, 170), who paced the secondary with 54 tackles last fall, were both starters on the 2017 state title team. Senior cornerback Omarr Barker (5-10, 181) and junior free safety Gage Laney (5-10, 160) each tied Mayberry for the team lead with three interceptions a season ago while senior bandit safety Tristan Profit (6-0, 170) shined late in the 2018 campaign.

“That whole secondary, they’re obviously talented kids,” Klinck said of the projected quintet that will anchor his 4-2-5 scheme. “But they’re talented kids that have had meaningful game experience. It just shows.”

Juniors Braxton Bickham and Chantz Lucas are both candidates to see time at cornerback while athletic hybrid sophomore Cody Chase (6-0, 170) has flashed a potential that has impressed coaches.

Klinck said the experience and ability of his defensive backs should enable the Rams to be a little more aggressive up front.

“Having the athletes to do it definitely helps, we’re cautiously optimistic,” he said.

“We’re going to blitz, do the things we’ve always done. But the kids have a better grasp of things so we’re going to add some more things.”

Both linebackers, juniors Brendan Dye (62, 205) and Emaud Triplett (5-11, 215), return after being thrown into starting roles last year.

Triplett collected 51 tackles, including six from behind the line of scrimmage on the outside. Considered a breakout candidate for 2019, coaches believe Triplett will benefit

football preview

9

from moving to the inside.

Dye was unexpectedly cast into the starting lineup after Kejuan Hay, considered the heart and soul of the Ram defense, missed six games due to a leg injury. Dye finished tied for third on the team with 54 tackles.

While Dye may have struggled to fill the role initially, Klinck said he’s further along because of the experience.

“I remember thinking this is tough now, but it’s going to be good for next season,” Klinck recalled. “It’s really paying off for him. He’s smart and knows everything we’re doing. In the spring, he’s just reacting to what he sees.

The game slows down for him now, which is big.”

Senior Kuper Sparks (5-9, 200) and junior Nathan Deatherage (5-10, 185) were slotted second on the depth chart during the summer.

The defensive line will be Owasso’s least experienced going into 2019. Senior defensive end Haydon Grant (6-5, 215), a University of Tulsa commit, is the lone returning starter up front.

Grant tallied four sacks and eight tackles for loss a season ago.

“The thing about him is he’s so long that if he gets his arms on people, they can’t block him,” Klinck said of Grant. “We’re looking for big things from him.”

Opposite will be senior defensive end Andre King (6-2, 190), who has impressed coaches in the offseason with his energy level and ability. Senior Cole Creekmoore (6-0, 200), regarded as one of the stronger players in the program with a 300-pound bench and 400-pound squat, should see time at an end spot.

Seniors Jaden Love (5-11, 265) and Kameron Bland (5-10, 260) were the top candidates at the nose guard spots going into fall camp. Junior Caleb Nealis could both push for playing time as well.

With the benefit of eight returning starters, Klinck said he hopes his defensive unit can build on the momentum from their postseason performance against Broken Arrow.

“Even with a loss, it’s probably one of the more fulfilling games I’ve ever coached,” he said.

10

football preview

August 2019 | Owasso Reporter

| | | | Special teams breakdown | | | |

Rams look to fill roles in kicking game

S

enior Will Felts (5-8, 160) has been part of the Owasso kicking game for the past couple of seasons. As the most veteran foot remaining in the program, Felts figures to be utilized even more heavily in 2019.

With the graduation of both Christian Johnson and Alex Haight, Felts was the front runner to take over placekicking duties going into fall camp.

Finding a replacement at punter was a bigger question mark for the Rams, according to coach Bill Blankenship during the summer.

Senior Tate Farley, a soccer standout for the Rams, has come on during the offseason and, while being new to the position, has impressed coaches.

OHS does seem to be set at long snapper with senior Mario Kirby (6-0, 220) returning for his third season on the job. Sophomore

Rhett Fultz (6-3, 265) stood at No. 2 on the depth chart.

In the return game, seniors Omarr Barker (5-10, 181) and Isaiah Jacobs (5-10, 220) Senior Will Felts figure to handle kickoff duties. Barker had the Rams lone return for a score in 2018 when he took the opening kick back 90 yards against Mustang.

Senior Dawson Adams (5-10, 170) and junior Gage Laney (5-10, 160) have prior experience as punt returners.

Owasso Reporter | August 2019

football preview

11

Breaking down Owasso’s 2019 schedule Week 0 Bentonville West Wolverines When: 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 30 Where: Wolverine Stadium, Centerton, Ark. Head coach: Bryan Pratt 2018 record: 7-5 overall.

Lost to North Little Rock, in second round of Arkansas’ Class 7A playoffs.

All-time series vs. Owasso: 0-1.

Last meeting: The Rams rallied for a season-opening 56-40 win in at Owasso Stadium last year. Bentonville West led 3114 midway through the third quarter but Owasso outscored its Arkansas visitors 35-6 over the final 12 minutes.

Scouting Bentonville West: The Wolverines dropped their first three games, including the season opener against Owasso, but bounced back to beat Fayetteville lost only one of their eight district games…Pratt, the former Ram assistant, has several key pieces to replace on offense.

Week 1 Fayetteville Bulldogs When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 6 Where: Owasso Stadium Head coach: Billy Dawson 2018 record: 9-3 overall. Lost to Bryant, 28-25, in second round of Arkansas Class 7A playoffs.

All-time series vs. Owasso: 1-0.

Last meeting: Bill Blankenship’s return to his former school did not go as hoped as Fayetteville handed Owasso its first loss in 11 games with a 45-31 decision last season.

Scouting Fayetteville: Darius Bowers gave the Rams fits a season ago and is now off to the University of Central Arkansas. His replacement, 6-foot-5 senior Hank Gibbs, could be another headache for Owasso. Gibbs threw for 1,000 yards and 14 TDs while appearing in six games in 2018.

Week 2 Broken Arrow Tigers When: 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 13 Where: Memorial Stadium, Broken Arrow Head coach: David Alexander 2018 record: 13-0 overall, 7-0 in District 6AI-1. Def. Jenks, 28-20, in state championship game.

All-time series vs. Owasso: 28-12 overall. Will actually be the 42nd meeting between the schools. The 1927 outcome is unknown.

Last meeting: Broken Arrow claimed two wins over the Rams a season ago. BA won 47-20 in the regular season, then outlasted OHS in a 10-7 slugfest in the state semifinals.

Scouting Broken Arrow: The Tigers graduated a talented senior class on their way to the championship. But the cupboard is still stocked as BA returns several offensive players which will be protected tackle and OU commit Andrew Raym (6-5, 290), regarded as the best lineman in Oklahoma. Safety and Oregon commit Myles Slusher (6-0, 184) is one of the anchors on defense.

Week 4 Union Redskins When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27 Where: Owasso Stadium

Head coach: Kirk Fridrich 2018 record: 9-3 overall, 7-0 in District 6AI-2. Lost to Jenks, 27-24, in 6AI state semifinals.

All-time series vs. Owasso: 31-14 overall.

Last meeting: Union avenged its 2017 state title game loss with a 21-0 win in the district opener.

Scouting Union: Senior WR Kyler Pearson (6-2, 190), a Kansas commit, will be one of the Redskins’ top playmakers on an offensive unit that needs to replace its starting quarterback...Center Gabe Cantu (6-4, 295) is a Tulsa commit.

Two-way lineman Mason Givens (6-0, 255) figures to be a top performer on Union’s defensive front.

Week 5 Edmond North Huskies When: 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4 Where: Husky Field, Edmond Head coach: Tanner Roof 2018 record: 0-10 overall, 0-7 in District 6AI-2.

All-time series vs. Owasso: 2-4 overall.

Last meeting: The Rams blocked a pair of kicks, intercepted passes on consecutive drives as they ended a three-game losing streak with a 48-0 romp of the Huskies last year.

Scouting Edmond North: Roof hopes to build on his first season with the Huskies which saw them go winless. Offensively, North struggled on the ground with just 166 net rushing yards through 10 games, a statistic that contributed to the Huskies eclipsing 14 points in a game on only two occasions during the season.

Week 6 Norman North Timberwolves When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11 Where: Owasso Stadium (Homecoming) Head coach: Justin Jones 2018 record: 2-8 overall, 2-5 in District 6AI-2.

All-time series vs. Owasso: 2-4 overall.

Last meeting: The Rams intercepted three passes, including an Omarr Barker pick-six, Isaiah Jacobs ran for 145 yards and scored three TDs in a 38-7 win last year on the road.

Scouting Norman North: The T-wolves will look to bounce back in Jones’ second season at the helm. North has seen a five-game regression in the win column each of the last two seasons since reaching the 2016 6AI title game… Senior RB Blaine Martin ran for 674 yards, including a 327-yard performance against Edmond North, despite missing four games last season.

Week 7 Southmoore Sabercats When: 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17 Where: Moore Stadium, Moore Head coach: Jeremy Stark 2018 record: 3-7 overall, 2-5 in District 6AI-2.

All-Time Series vs. Owasso: 2-3 overall.

Last meeting: Trailing 13-10 in the third quarter, Owasso scored 17 unanswered, including a pair of fourth-quarter

12

football preview

scores as it rallied for the 27-13 district victory on Homecoming last season.

Scouting Southmoore: The Sabercats return nine starters on offense including all five of linemen up front. Last year’s starter QB Jaedyn Scott, also the team’s leading rusher, moves over to receiver…Defensively, Southmoore is switching its base alignment from 3-4 to a 3-3 stack.

Week 8 Mustang Broncos When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25 Where: Bronco Stadium, Mustang Head coach: Lee Blankenship 2018 record: 4-6 overall, 3-4 in District 6AI-2.

All-time series vs. Owasso: 3-2 overall.

Last meeting: Omarr Barker opened the game with a 95yard kickoff return for a touchdown and the Rams outscored Mustang 21-0 in the second half to notch their fourth consecutive victory, a 35-10 verdict in 2018.

Scouting Mustang: Lee Blankenship, cousin of Owasso coach Bill Blankenship, takes over the Broncos’ program.

Blankenship spent five years at Beggs, then made a oneyear stop at Bartlesville a season ago before he took over the largest west side school in Oklahoma.

Week 9 Moore Lions When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 1 Where: Owasso Stadium Head coach: Brad Hill 2018 record: 5-6, overall, 4-3 in District 6AI-2. Lost to Broken Arrow, 49-0, in state quarterfinals.

All-time series vs. Owasso: 4-3 overall.

Last meeting: Moore halted the Rams’ four-game

August 2019 | Owasso Reporter win streak with a 43-31 defeat last season.

Scouting Moore: QB Daniel Hishaw Jr., whose performance last season was one of the most effective by any opposing quarterback against the Ram defense, returns as a senior. Hishaw threw for 1,869 yards and ran for 776 yards with a combined 29 TDs a year ago.

Week 10 Putnam City North Panthers When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 8 Where: Owasso Stadium Head coach: Ryan Laverty 2018 record: 8-3 overall, 5-2 in District 6AI-2. Lost to Jenks, 42-12, in state quarterfinals.

All-time series vs. Owasso: 0-5 overall.

Last meeting: This 41-7 win may go down as Owasso’s most important and impressive victory of the year. The Rams tallied a season-high 323 rushing yards and 511 in total offense as they clinched second place in District 6AI-2 and a first-round home playoff game.

Scouting Putnam City North: Fresh off the program’s best record since an identical 8-3 mark in 2007, the Panthers look to build after a five-win improvement last season…

Senior QB Aaron Norment returns after he threw for 2,220 yards and 21 TDs. Senior WR Angelo Bell tallied 817 receiving yards and 13 TDs on just 40 catches last season…Junior LB Hunter Birmingham (70 tackles) and senior CB Jarimieh Harrison (4 INTs) return as defensive leaders.

GAME ON! Expand your customer base.

Print, Digital, Events, Reputation Management and more...

Don’t miss out on your local sports scores. www.owassoreporter.com

Contact Karen at 918-272-1155 or email karen.bennett@owassoreporter.com

Contact Brandi at 918-272-1155 or email brandi.smith@owassoreporter.com

14

football preview

August 2019 | Owasso Reporter

Q Head Coach Bill &a Blankenship Owasso head coach Bill Blankenship sat down with sports editor Shawn Hein for a Q&A session during the off-season. Blankenship will enter his third year leading the Rams. OHS won the Class 6AI state title in Blankenship’s first season and advanced to the state semifinals last year.

Q: Where will be the biggest difference fans will see from the BA game in the playoffs until now?

A: I think we’re becoming a faster team. I think team speed has improved over a season ago. I think sometimes speed is relative in if you’re confident, you can play faster. And, if you’re not confident, you just are hesitant. I thought by the time we got to Broken Arrow, our young guys were playing with more confidence. They knew what we were asking them to do, so they were playing faster.

I think physically we’re seeing a real positive change from (strength and conditioning) coach (Jordan) Johnson having a full year with our guys.

There are any number of them that we could point out who have put on 15-20 pounds since the end of December. We don’t have a ton of big-time linemen prospects of guys who walk out on the field and everybody goes ‘oh wow.’ But I think we’ve got really, really good high school players that are going to be way stronger and way faster than they were a year ago.

Q: Offensively, you have a lot of key guys back. You replace your quarterback but it’s with somebody, in Cole Dugger, who already has experience at the varsity level. How will the Rams look different offensively than a year ago?

A: Take a guy like Payton Lusk. He played football for the first time last year in a whole bunch of years.

He was still a late starter and we didn’t have all summer with him. So the fact that Payton is going to get his team camp and 7-on-7 and passing league and all the tournaments, you’re going to see his skills really develop into being a good route runner, not just a guy that runs deep and catches a ball.

Trey Goins has really changed his body and is becoming a threat. (Last year) he was a good sophomore playing, but I don’t think he was dangerous.

Kelan Carney was one of our leading pass catchers and he was just a guy out there as a freshman. And, so far, he’s looked like a guy that can catch it and run away from people, whereas we never thought he could do that last year… I think that’s what I’m hoping people see. If we get Isaiah (Jacobs), he’s going to be 15-20 pounds heavier than he was a year ago.

He’s going to be faster and stronger than he was a year ago. I think it’ll be noticeable.

Q: That receiver group you talked about was virtually all new last year, with the exception of Mario Kirby. And sometimes it showed where somebody would come up with a big game

here or there, but there did not seem to be a go-to-guy on a consistent basis. Was the spread-the-ball around mentality by design, or do you expect that to change this season?

A: It’s not terrible if they’re all good. But if there are none of them that are guys that can separate, you’re going to struggle a bit. I think, for most of the year, we struggled early because we didn’t have a go-to receiver that could get loose no matter who he was playing. Mario evolved into that guy as kind of a matchup problem. I think we’re be a bigger matchup problem because we’re better across the board. We maybe don’t have that one just freak. But we have three or four that can go and make a play. That’s encouraging.

Q: Defensively, you had to deal with missing an important part like linebacker KeJuan Hay for most of the year. But you had guys like a Brendan Dye or a Tristan Profit who came on by the end of the year. How much will those guys and, others around them, benefit from that time last year?

A: Brendan is a great example. He got forced into action. He was starting at linebacker the first time we played Broken Arrow. And to say that it was bad was an understatement. I’m not saying he wasn’t giving effort. They were all trying. But there’s just no short cut to experience. It’s about learning your keys and learning how to play. Brendan is, now, a dynamic linebacker. Not just a more experienced one. I think he’s a really good linebacker.

When you move Emaud Triplett from the outside safety spot to inside backer, I saw it in spring practice. I saw it in team camp. I continue to see it in 7-on-7. He is special at that spot. I think it’s a natural spot for him to play. I think it will be obvious to our fans that our linebackers are more active.

Q: How are they going to look different defensively?

A: What I hope will be noticeable will be team speed. I think you’re going to see us run to the ball really well. That’s one of the signatures of a Bobby Klinck defense, is the effort and the intensity. Now the athleticism is getting there to where it’s going to be noticeable. I don’t think there are any obvious weak links in the secondary. We’ve got guys that can

Owasso Reporter | August 2019

run and play and cover and hit. We’re able to spread it around a bit. Up front is similar. You’re not going to see a guy that looks like a Power 5 recruit. They don’t. But they are going be really, really good high school players. I think we might be better in a lot of those positions.

Haydon Grant, who recently committed to Tulsa, has been one of those developing guys. His body and his body of work have been radically different from December to today. During spring practice and team camp, he was hard to block. He was always a potential guy. He had that long body. But he has, what we call at the college level, that twitch, that ability to create problems. I think that’s going to be a fun thing to see him create issues in passing situations. Andre (King) is a little bit like that. He has really good speed.

Q: There are several familiar faces with 16 returning starters from a season ago. Who are a few under-the-radar guys who Owasso fans may not know now but will by November?

A: Rarely do people say that about offensive linemen but I do think Dillon Gilbert is a guy people are going to begin to notice. A really, really good player. An athlete.

As an offensive linemen, people who are usually behind the scenes, people are going to pay attention to him. It’s going to a lot of fun with him.

Defensively, he’s not new to us. But to a lot of folks who didn’t follow us through the playoffs, Tristan Profit is going to be a much better player than what people

football preview

15

realized. He gives us a lot of opportunity on defense.

Omarr Barker has been a very solid No. 2 (cornerback) to Duece (Mayberry). And I think Omarr has really turned the corner. His strength and ability to cover. He had a great track season. He doesn’t look like the same guy I coached two years ago.

Probably in the d-line, I think (people) are going to wonder where Jaden Love came from. He’s been a guy in the rotation and just continues to find a way to make plays. Through spring football, I really liked Michael Jamerson. He’s a sophomore who was working with the d-line. He’s been hurt a bit so he was a little bit behind. But I think, eventually, MJ will come out of the pack and people will notice him.

Q: During last season, Owasso showed a lot of progress between the regular season losses to Broken Arrow and Union and the BA game in the playoffs. Even though the state semifinal against BA was a loss, how much momentum has that given them during the off-season?

A: Momentum’s a good word. The double edge of a lot of our seniors being on a championship team and then being on a team that put it together at the end and were within a drive of winning against a really special Broken Arrow team, I think they came back and went to work and were motivated by that.

Seeing what they could become, I think this group, rather it was because of the way it ended, there is a hunger for doing something special from this group.

16

football preview

August 2019 | Owasso Reporter

Meet the Coaches Owasso’s 2019 Staff

Bill Blankenship Head Coach

Antonio Graham Associate Head Coach/Defensive Backs Coach

Justin Morsey Co-Offensive Coordinator/Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach

Zac Simmonds Co-Offensive Coordinator/Passing Game Coordinator/Receivers Coach

Bobby Klinck Defensive Coordinator

Rex Blankenship Director of Player Development

Levy Adcock Tight Ends/H-Backs Caoch

Jake Bray Running Backs Coach

Steve Craver Defensive Backs Coach

Paul Croft Defensive Line Coach

Josh DuPree Linebackers Coach

Jerrod Hart Assistant Receivers Coach

Stephen Hogan Quarterbacks Coach

Gary LaBass Assistant Defensive Line Coach

Darnell Walker Cornerbacks Coach

Owasso Reporter | August 2019

football preview

17

Offensive breakdown

Burd set to be Cardinals’ bell cow on offense

Collinsville’s Brayden Burd (center) tallied more than 1,000 rushing yards last season.

BRETT ROJO/For the Tulsa World

L

ast season, Collinsville’s top three offensive priorities were to run the ball, pound the rock and run some more.

The Cardinals ground-and-pound approach resulted in one of the best seasons in school history, which included three separate running backs nearly reaching 1,000 rushing yards. Senior Brayden Burd (5-10, 195) is the lone remaining back of the three going into 2019.

Burd, who tallied 1,059 rushing yards along with 15 TDs and 9.8-yards per carry, figures to be centerpiece of the run game and Cardinal game plan.

“With the graduation of Jake (Tuttle) and Malcolm (Tillman), he’s definitely our bellcow,” said Collinsville head coach Kevin Jones.

Burd is one of just four returning starters on the offensive side. Seniors Kolten Allphin (5-9, 180), who switched positions from slot receiver a season ago, and Jeran Seabolt (60, 180), who is switched schools after moving in from Skiatook last winter, should also get some time at running back.

One of the biggest question marks for Collinsville will be finding a new quarterback after last year’s starter, Cole Dugger, departed to take over the job at Owasso. Junior Baylor

Weathers (6-0, 195) is the top candidate for the nod.

“Baylor does a really good job managing the game and managing the offense,” Jones said. “I think that’s from an extra year of maturing and being with us in the program.”

Sophomores Andrew Carney (6-0, 180) and Oscar Hammond were listed as backups during the summer. Both played freshman ball a season ago.

Top receiving options for Weathers and the rest of the Cardinal signal callers figures to begin with senior returning starter Andrew Wilson (6-1, 170) on the outside. Wilson tallied five catches for 57 yards last year.

Senior Taylor Olinghouse has been a bright spot throughout the off-season. The athletic pass catcher bounced back from a severely torn hamstring to win the state title in the pole vault last spring.

“Taylor’s really grown a bunch and really impressed us in spring ball and during 7-on7,” Jones said.

Junior Caden Buoy (5-11, 165) and senior Cole Kuykendall (5-9, 155), whose return figures to be delayed following offseason knee surgery, are other possibilities at receiver. Juniors Luke Stein (5-11, 173) and slot receiver

18

football preview

Eli Benham (5-8, 140) also return to the mix.

Collinsville figures to be able to pick from an ample supply of athletic ability for its H-Back position, which will be filled by a newcomer following the graduation of Oklahoma State commit Grayson Boomer.

Seniors Peyton Russell (5-11, 210), Gage Tacker (6-3, 210) and Trevin Hodges (6-3, 215) could all see time at the hybrid fullbacktight end spot. Hodges has not played since his freshman year after suffering torn ACL injuries on each knee.

“He’s a great athlete,” Jones said of Hodges. “We’re hoping we can keep him healthy.”

Collinsville returns two starters on the offensive line, a group that helped the Cardinals average 38 points and nearly 300 rushing yards per game. Seniors Zac Robbins (6-3, 220) and Isaac House (6-5, 275) both return.

Robbins will be a three-year starter lining up at guard while House, who made significant strides a season ago, will occupy the left tackle spot.

“By the time we got to the playoffs, (House) was a different kid,” Jones said. “He just kept getting better and better and better.”

Sophomore Cannon Howard (6-3, 285) will be tasked with replacing veteran and All-State honoree Karson Cole at right tackle. Juniors Kaden Jones and Zach Morris are also leading candidates at center and guard.

Junior Baylor Weathers entered the fall atop Collinsville’s quarterback depth chart.

August 2019 | Owasso Reporter

Owasso Reporter | August 2019

football preview

19

Offensive breakdown

Tacker’s “beast” mode helps spur Collinsville defense

20

G

football preview

age Tacker may have laid back demeanor. But Collnsville’s senior defensive end flips a switch when he steps on the field.

“He’s an absolute beast,” Collinsville coach Kevin Jones said of the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Tacker. “If you asked anybody out there, who’s the toughest guy on the team? They’d all say he is.”

Tacker’s rangy frame made him problematic for opposing offenses and helped him rack up 88 tackles along with seven sacks and two fumble recoveries a season ago.

Senior Zach Kitch and junior Zach Morris are both possibilities at the other end spot of the Cardinals’ front-three alignment. Senior Zac Robbins (6-2, 255) could have the first shot at a starting job in the middle. Morris could also slide over to the nose guard spot, along with Kaden Jones, as CHS looks to fill the void left by the graduation of Adam Carney.

“Adam’s tough to replace,” Jones said.

“Teams either had to double him or they paid for it. He helped allow our linebackers to make plays.”

One of those players who benefited from Carney’s disruptive presence was senior inside linebacker Brayden Burd (5-10, 195).

Burd, the team’s leading tackler the last two seasons, collected 89 total stops, including five for loss, and five sacks and a fumble recovery last fall.

Senior Trevin Hodges (6-3, 215), who missed the last two seasons due to ACL injuries, is another possibility on the inside as the Cardinals hope to be able to spell Burd, their two-way star, on defense at times.

Another proven commodity at linebacker is Payton Russell (5-11, 210). Russell had 84 tackles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown last season as a junior.

Juniors Luc Stein (5-11, 180) and Nate Wilkins also saw some varsity time during Collinsville’s dominance throughout much of the 2018 campaign. The Cardinals outscored their opponents by an average of 29 points per game. Jones estimated his starting defense took the field in the fourth quarter only three times all year long.

“A lot of backups got reps as the season

August 2019 | Owasso Reporter

went on,” he said. “We’re hoping that pays off this fall.”

In the secondary, senior cornerback Cole Kuykendall (5-9, 155) and junior corner Eli Benham (5-8, 150) are the most experience returnees. Kuykendall tallied two interceptions last year while Benham came on as the season progressed.

Kuykendall, however, figures to miss the first part of the season while still recovering from offseason knee surgery. Versatile junior Caden Buoy (5-11, 165) could be called upon to step in for him. Senior Kolten Allphin (5-9, 180) and Skiatook move-in Jeran Seabolt (6-0, 180) could occupy both safety spots.

With a talented sophomore class waiting in the wings, Jones said, at least during the summer time, he felt confident about what he’ll see from his defense, a unit that posted four shutouts and held four other foes to fewer than 10 points an outing.

“I think we’ll be solid defensively early, which will be good so we can figure things out offensively,” Jones said.

Owasso Reporter | August 2019

football preview

21

Special teams breakdown

Searching for the next specialists

Cardinals Schedule Date Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 17 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8

Opponent Time at Oologah 7 p.m. at Bartlesville 7 p.m.

PONCA CITY 7 p.m.

CLAREMORE#$ 7 p.m. at Tulsa Memorial# 7 p.m.

TAHLEQUAH# 7 p.m. at East Central# 7 p.m.

PRYOR# 7 p.m. at Skiatook# 7 p.m.

ROGERS#% 7 p.m.

#-District 5A-4 $-Homecoming %-Senior Night

22

football preview

August 2019 | Owasso Reporter

S

enior Ashton Jones is the lone remaining foot for Collinsville’s kicking duties going into the 2019 season.

Seth Weiser, who handled kickoffs and long field goals, has graduated. Former punters Cale Hutchens and Walker Roberts have departed as well. Jones, who produced in his role a season ago, heads into the fall in charge of all place kicking and extra point duties for the Cardinals.

Senior Kolten Allphin (5-9, 180) will enter 2019 atop the depth chart as placeholder.

Skiatook move-in senior Jeran Seabolt (6-0, 180) and sophomore Brayden Gilkey (5-10, 180) are the leading candidates at punter, a position rarely utilized a season ago due to Collinsville’s offensive success.

Either Trevin Hodges (6-3, 215) or Payton Russell (5-11, 200), both seniors, figure to handle long snapping duties.

The Swiss Army Knife that is senior Brayden Burd (5-11, 180) will be one of the team’s top threats on kickoff returns. Junior Eli Benham (5-8, 140) appears to be a front runner as the primary punt returner.

Kevin Jones enters his 10th season as Collinsville head coach. BRETT ROJO/For the Tulsa World

football preview

Owasso Reporter | August 2019

23

player profile

Rejoice QB Walker ready to take on extended role Riley Walker

R

iley Walker’s numbers have been solid in his first two years as the starting quarterback for Rejoice Christian.

Walker has thrown for 40 touchdowns and more than 4,300 yards. In 26 games under center, Walker’s Eagles have come away victorious 23 times. A year ago, Walker orchestrated an offense that averaged more than 46 points per game and made the program’s first state semifinal trip in 11-man football.

Despite the impressive statistics, Walker’s name may not be the first many fans list when rationing out credit for Rejoice’s recent success. All-Staters like receiver Matt Nicholson and running back Andrew Crow gobbled up many of the headlines over the last few years.

Entering his senior season in a blue and gold uniform, the veteran will have more on his plate going into this fall. Rejoice coach Brent Marley said he plans to rely more on Walker, both as a passer and runner.

“He’s had a good off-season,” Marley said. “He’s gotten stronger. And he’s a dual

He’s had a good off-season. He’s gotten stronger.

And he’s a dual threat.

We’ve held him back a little bit, trying to protect him. This year we’re going to try to unleash him more.”

Brent Marley, Rejoice Christian head coach threat. We’ve held him back a little bit, trying to protect him. This year we’re going to try to unleash him more.”

Walker said he’s ready to take on a larger role in the offense.

“I definitely think I have to step up,” he said. “I’m the guy now.”

Walker is one of seven returning starters on offense for Rejoice. Gage Barham and Cole Hill are his top returning targets after posting a combined 52 receptions for 740 yards and five touchdowns a year ago.

Three starters return on the offensive line while Nate Anderson figures to replace Crow at running back.

“I think we’ll look a little bit inexperienced at first, but just as talented as last year,” Walker said.

Owasso Reporter | August 2019

football preview

25

Offensive breakdown

Anderson looks to fill the void at running back

N

ate Anderson steps into some pretty big shoes with the senior being penciled in as Rejoice Christian Schools’ top running back this fall.

At 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, Anderson will lineup in the backfield as the heir apparent to Andrew Crow, the record-setting back that will continue his career at the University of Oklahoma.

“You don’t replace Andrew Crow,” said Rejoice coach Brent Marley. “Andrew Crow was his own self. He had a great (senior) year and a great career. You can’t just say we’re going to take away a guy with 48 touchdowns and 2,600 yards and we’re going to replace him.”

Anderson, one of the Eagles defensive leaders at linebacker, was effective in a limited role at running back last season. He averaged 8.2 yards per run on 11 carries.

Marley said Anderson brings a different running style than his predecessor.

You don’t replace Andrew Crow. Andrew Crow was his own self.

He had a great (senior) year and a great career. You can’t just say we’re going to take away a guy with 48 touchdowns and 2,600 yards and we’re going to replace him.”

Brent Marley, Rejoice Christian coach “He’s not the elusive, shifty type of back that Andrew Crow is,” he said of Anderson, who also hauled in 13 receptions for 162 yards and three scores a season ago.

“Nate’s more of your Ezekiel Elliott, one cut and burst. He runs downhill. He’ll run you over.”

Behind Anderson will be speedy junior Hunter Jennings, Rejoice’s leading returning rusher with 251 yards on the ground. Marley

26

football preview

has tabbed the tandem as ‘Thunder and Lightning.’ Senior Cole Hill (5-7, 140) and junior Grady James (5-5, 136) could also be utilized in the backfield.

Handing the ball off will be veteran quarterback Riley Walker (5-11, 170). The senior has won all but three of his first 25 varsity starts and, according to Marley, has taken another step in the off-season.

“He’s played very well,” Marley said of Walker. “He’s been in some big ballgames.

We all think he’s turned another corner this spring and summer. He’s looked very good in 7-on-7 and passing league… He seems more decisive. He’s gained a little bit of weight. He’s gotten stronger in the weight room. He’s doing the things for a kid going into his senior year you expect to do.”

Behind Walker is freshman Chance Wilson, an Owasso transfer, who has promise with his 6-foot-1 frame and the athletic ability to run, along with sophomore Sammy Armentrout (6-0, 180), who has the advantage of playing in the Rejoice system the past few seasons. James is another possibility under center, if needed.

Seniors Gage Barham (5-10, 148) and Cole Hill (5-7, 140) are the Eagles’ leading returning receivers.

Barham finishes second on the team with 31 receptions for 485 yards and four TDs during Rejoice’s run to the state semifinals and could be in line for bigger things this season.

“Gage has been making plays all spring and summer,” Marley said of Barham, who will occupy an outside receiver spot. “He’s probably the senior that’s ready to take on that playmaker role that Andrew Crow had.”

Senior Caden Ward (6-2, 205), who has recovered after tearing his ACL at the end of last season, could lineup on the outside. Freshman Jay Wilson (5-10, 135) is another candidate after he impressed during the team’s 7-on-7 trip to Shiloh Christian, Arkansas.

Hill, who is committed to play college baseball at Missouri State, will lineup in the slot a season after he caught 21 passes for 255 yards.

August 2019 | Owasso Reporter

Rejoice Christian senior receiver Gage Barham is the Eagles’ leading returning pass catcher going into the 2019 season.

SHAWN HEIN/Owasso Reporter

“We call Cole the Energizer bunny,” Marley said. “He is at 100-miles-per-hour all the time. He’s like a missile. He gets to full speed in about three steps.”

James could also line up in the slot.

Freshman Bryce Revard also has impressed at receiver in the offseason.

Marley labeled his offensive line as “young” but added the Eagles have more depth than they’ve had in the last three or four years.

All three returning starters are seniors.

Guards Zach Hair (5-11, 215) and Caillum Ward are both back. The same can be said for tackle Duke Curtis (6-1, 200). Tackle Logan Linnell (6-0, 245) and center Stockton Ryan (6-1, 211) lead a strong sophomore contingency up front, which includes the versatile Caleb Woods (5-10, 225).

Owasso Reporter | August 2019

football preview

27

Defensive breakdown

Standout linebackers lead Eagles defense into season Junior Hunter Jennings looks to help bolster the Rejoice Christian defense.

28

football preview

August 2019 | Owasso Reporter

B

rent Marley’s words were not to be taken lightly.

During his first four seasons leading the program, those who have been chosen to occupy the linebacker position have been some of Marley’s most accomplished players. Names of past defensive generals in blue and gold include current Sooner Bryan Mead as well as Kendall Freeman and Hunter Perry. All three went on to earn All-State recognition.

When describing the upcoming group of Eagle linebackers, Marley boldly stated, “This collective group is by far the best linebacking core we’ve ever had.” He then doubled down by adding, “It’s probably the best group of linebackers I’ve had in 19 years of coaching.

That includes my time at Victory (Christian).”

The starting quartet expected to line up for Rejoice are seniors Caden Ward (6-2, 225) at outside, Clint Hurst (6-2, 220) at Stud, Zach Hair (5-11, 215) at Will and rounded out with Nate Anderson (5-9, 185) at Will.

“Those four guys are as good of a group of linebackers as any in a lot of classes,” Marley said.

Possible reserves at linebacker include junior Gunner Evans (5-11, 187) as well as sophomores Stockton Ryan (6-1, 211), Sammy Armentrout (6-0, 180), Caden Marley (5-6, 150), Seth Miser (5-7, 165) and Colton Abel.

As a unit, Rejoice allowed just 16 points per game and forced 35 turnovers in all.

Behind the highly-touted group of linebackers will be an experienced secondary that returns seniors Riley Walker (5-11, 170) and Gage Barham (5-10, 148) at safety, along with juniors Grady James (5-5, 136) and Hunter Jennings.

Senior Cole Hill (5-7, 140) is back at corner along with junior Grady James. Juniors Carter Cox and Brady Thomas could vie for playing time along with freshman Bryce Revard.

The biggest question mark lies on the defensive line as the Eagles look to replace a pair of multi-year starters to graduation, Roman Lockney and Logan Barnes, on their front three. Senior Duke Curtis (6-1, 200) is the lone returning starter after he occupied the strong side end spot for the last half of the

Crescent move-in Dyson Auschwitz adds another weapon to the Eagles’ defense.

2018 campaign.

Hurst and senior Dyson Auschwtiz, a Crescent move-in, are both candidates at the other end spot. Senior Caillum Ward entered the fall as the front-runner at nose guard but sophomores Caleb Woods (5-10, 225) or Linnell are possibilities as well, as well as junior Will Lambley (5-9, 158), who has moved up from linebacker. Freshman Dalton Close (510, 255) could also see time at nose.

Owasso Reporter | August 2019

football preview

29

Special teams breakdown

Eagles aim for a new leg at kicker

B

Eagles Schedule

Date Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 24 Nov. 1 Nov. 8

Opponent Time CROSSINGS CHRISTIAN 7 p.m. at Kiefer 7 p.m.

HASKELL@ 7 p.m.

OKLAHOMA UNION#$ 7 p.m. at Fairland# 7 p.m. at Ketchum# 7 p.m.

QUAPAW#%5E 7 p.m. at Commerce# 7 p.m.

AFTON#% 7 p.m. at Colcord# 7 p.m.

@-Dad’s Night #-District A-6 $-Homecoming %5E-Mom’s Night %-Senior Night

en Brown (6-2, 192) looks to have taken the lead on the kicking duties going into the fall for Rejoice Christian

Schools.

The junior was sparingly used on extra-point attempts (3-for-4) and did not attempt a field goal in 2018. The younger brother of Will Brown, a Rejoice kicker two years ago, Ben will be called on for place kicking and kickoff duties.

Seniors Clint Hurst (6-2, 220) and Nate Anderson (5-9, 185), both soccer players, could each figure in the kicking game. Hurst has the potential to be used on kickoffs and punts while Anderson would likely be exclusively used in punting situations.

The reliable hands of senior Cole Hill (5-7, 140) will be utilized on both kick and punt returns. Senior Gage Barham (5-10, 148), juniors Grady James (5-5, 136) and Hunter Jennings along with freshman Bryce Revard could also be used in the return game.

30

football preview

August 2019 | Owasso Reporter

Preseason predictions for the season

E

xpectations are again sky high for all three area high school football teams going into the 2019 season.

Owasso, Rejoice Christian and Collinsville were each ranked in the top five

of their respective classes. Each was also proclaimed as the preseason favorite to win their respective districts in the annual VYPE Oklahoma Pigskin Preview. Here are class and district predictions for each team.

Class 6AI 1. Broken Arrow 2. Owasso 3. Union 4. Jenks 5. Norman 6. Edmond Santa Fe 7. Putnam City North 8. Moore 9. Westmoore 10. Norman North

Class 5A 1. Carl Albert 2. Bishop McGuinness 3. Bishop Kelley 4. Lawton MacArthur 5. Collinsville 6. Duncan 7. Tahlequah 8. Guthrie 9. Edison 10. Ardmore

Class A 1. Cashion 2. Rejoice Christian 3. Thomas 4. Stroud 5. Minco 6. Frederick 7. Boone-Apache 8. Pawhuska 9. Gore 10. Tonkawa

District 6AI-2 1. Owasso 2. Union 3. Putnam City North 4. Moore 5. Norman North 6. Mustang 7. Southmoore 8. Edmond North

District 5A-4 1. Collinsville 2. Tahlequah 3. Claremore 4. Skiatook 5. Pryor 6. East Central 7. Memorial 8. Will Rogers

District A-6 1. Rejoice Christian 2. Commerce 3. Oklahoma Union 4. Colcord 5. Quapaw 6. Fairland 7. Afton 8. Ketchum

Owasso and Broken Arrow, Class 6AI state champions the last two seasons, are picked by some as the top two teams in 2019.

Collinsville hopes to jump into another district title this fall. JOSEPH RUSHMORE

Rejoice Christian eyes another deep playoff run in Class A this season.

for Tulsa World

Owasso Reporter File Photo

IAN MAULE/Tulsa World

HERE’S TO A GREAT 2019 SEASON! Family Owned Since 1966

SALES • SERVICES ON ALL MAKES • 24 HOUR SERVICE

Dale & Lee’s Service Inc. HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING & PLUMBING

918-272-1600 • 105 E. 3rd St., Owasso www.daleandleesservice.com

Proudly Supports

Thank you, Owasso for supporting us!

Visit us at:

ccoklahoma.com