Norman HS Prep Preview

ble o No e|N rma x A n|N ittle L | orman n a North | Community Christi

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T H U R SDAY, AUGU ST 29, 2 0 2 4 • T H E NOR M A N T R A N SC R I P T

Gameday

Recipes Ingredients 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 teaspoons chili powder Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Grilled Corn and Bean Salsa with Baked Corn Chips

4 ears corn, shucked or 4 1/2 cups frozen or canned corn kernels 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, well drained

For Salsa: 1) Set up grill or indoor grill pan over medium heat.

2) In a small bowl combine canola oil, chili powder, and salt and pepper, to taste.

Brush corn with oil mixture. Place on hot grill and cook 10 minutes, turning frequently. Remove to a cutting board and let cool for a few minutes. When cool enough to handle, cut kernels from the cob.

3) In a large bowl combine tomatoes, beans, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, garlic and grilled corn. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

For Corn Chips: 1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 2) Cut each tortilla into 8 triangular portions. Arrange in a single layer on sheet pans.

Spray with canola oil cooking spray to help them crisp up, sprinkle with salt and bake until crisp and lightly browned about 10 minutes. Allow to cool and serve with salsa.

1 teaspoon, chopped garlic

1/2 medium red onion, diced 1 jalapeno, seeds removed and diced 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves 2 tablespoon lime juice 15 corn tortillas Canola oil spray

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T H U R SDAY, AUGU ST 29, 2 0 2 4 • T H E NOR M A N T R A N SC R I P T

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VARSIT Y PRE VIEW

New districts create shakeup in Class 2A playoff picture TARIK MASRI TRANSCRIPT S P O R T S E D I TO R

Every other year the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association redraws districts that have an impact on the high school football season, but this year will have even bigger changes than normal.

The OSSAA had to reevaluate classifications after a court ruling overruled the organization’s Rule 14, which forced private schools to be reclassified due to sustained success. Private schools can still be moved up or down based on their success, but now can’t be placed higher than Class 5A and can’t be moved up more than one classification.

Though only a few schools are affected by Rule 14, the court’s ruling has made a big impact on how the classifications were redrawn for 2024 and 2025.

The OSSAA split Class 2A, A and B into two divisions that will compete for separate titles, similar to the two divisions used in Class 6A. Now after playing in the same district last season, Little Axe and Community Christian are no longer even in the same division.

Little Axe will be competing in Class 2A-I and the Royals will be in 2A-II. The Indians now go from being one of the larger schools in a 64-school Class 2A, to the 25th bigSee SHAKEUP on G7

Kyle Phillips | The Norman Transcript

CCS’s Jace Samples takes a hit as he runs with the ball during the Royals’ game against Fredrick, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2022, at Royal Stadium.

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NORMAN HIGH SCHOOL

Tigers ready to build on last year’s quarterfinal appearance TARIK MASRI T R A N S C R I P T S P O R T S E D I TO R

Norman High ended up on the wrong side of five games that were decided by two scores or less in 2022.

After starting off last season with three straight losses, the Tigers proved late in the season that the program has a bright future ahead.

They rebounded with back to back wins over Edmond North and Edmond Memorial and closed out district play winning two of their final three games to earn a spot in the playoffs and home field advantage in the first round.

It all culminated in a historic 21-18 win over the same Broken Arrow team that ended their season in the playoffs the year before.

It was the school’s first playoff win in 11 years.

Quarterback Phoenix Murphy’s development as a leader and playmaker played a key role in the Tigers’ run to the quarterfinals. The Tigers will bring back more experience on the offensive line than they had a year ago and Murphy will have plenty of options to get the ball to.

He threw six touchdown passes to his brother Ryder, who returns for his junior season.

Crew Noles and BJ Randle give the Tigers two more big-play threats in the passing game from last season.

The Tigers will have the impossible task of trying to replace Dax Noles on both sides of the ball. On offense Noles could play receiver, running back or wildcat quarterback. He also anchored a talented Tigers’ defense at safety.

Still, Norman High head coach Rocky Martin and offensive coordinator Chase Cooksey have shown in the past they aren’t afraid to look outside of the box to get production out of the offense.

The Tigers open up the season on Sept. 6 against Norman North at Harve Collins Field. They’ll be looking to put an end to a fourgame losing streak in the Crosstown Clash.

Last season the Tigers trailed 7-0 heading into the fourth quarter, but ended up giving up two late touchdowns.

The 2022 edition was also close

NORMAN HIGH (5-7) SCHEDULE • Sept. 6 — Crosstown Clash • Sept. 13 — at Ed. Santa Fe • Sept. 20 — at Piedmont • Sept. 27 — vs. Ed. North • Oct. 4 — at Jenks • (T) Oct. 10 — vs. Enid • (T) Oct. 17 — at Moore • Oct. 25 — vs. Deer Creek • Nov. 1 — at Mustang • Nov. 8 — at Bixby

CLASS 6A-I District 1 Norman High Bixby Deer Creek Ed. North Enid Jenks Photos by Kyle Phillips | The Transcript

A Norman High student waves a flag during the Tigers’ game against Broken Arrow on Nov. 9 at Harve Collins Stadium.

Moore Mustang

Norman High’s head coach Rocky Martin celebrates a touchdown during the Tigers’ game against Broken Arrow Nov. 9 at Harve Collins Stadium. until the end, but the Timberwolves pulled out a 40-36 win.

The Tigers’ two other non-district games will be less daunting than the past two years as well.

They play Edmond Santa Fe on Sept. 13 before facing Piedmont the week after.

The Wolves narrowly beat the Tigers last season, but Piedmont is Norman High practicing at Harve Collins Field on Aug. 21, 2024. (Tarik Masri / The Transcript) in Class 5A.

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NORMAN NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

Timberwolves looking to compete for District 6A1-1 title TARIK MASRI TRANSCRIPT S P O R T S E D I TO R

Over the past two seasons, Norman North has only lost three regular season district games and has made it to the state quarterfinals both times.

Now the Timberwolves want to prove they have what it takes to compete for the state title. They’ll greatly benefit from the return of quarterback Owen Eshelman.

Eshelman, a South Dakota State commit, threw for 24 touchdowns during his junior season and led a T-Wolves offense that averaged almost 31 points per game. Junior wide receiver Mason James gives Eshelman an elite playmaker on the outside coming off a breakout sophomore season that saw him score 17 touchdowns on over 1,000 all-purpose yards.

James is ranked as the No. 3 high school prospect out of the state of Oklahoma by 247Sports and the No. 30 receiver nationally. The 5-11 wideout has received offers from Alabama, Oregon, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Penn State, Texas A&M and many others.

At running back, Jackson Lundquist is expected to once again take over the majority of the carries in the running game. His offensive line returns three seniors from last year’s squad.

The Timberwolves will have several key contributors to replace from the defensive side of the ball.

On the defensive line, Harrison

NORMAN NORTH (9-3) SCHEDULE • Sept. 6 — Crosstown Clash • Sept. 13 — at Deer Creek • Sept. 20 — at Moore • (T) Sept. 26 — vs.

Ed. Memorial • Oct. 4 — at Westmoore • Oct. 11 — vs.

Union • (T) Oct. 17 — at Broken Arrow • Oct. 25 — at Yukon • Nov. 1 — vs.

Owasso • Nov. 8 — vs. Ed. Santa Fe

CLASS 6A-I Kyle Phillips | The Transcript

Norman North’s defense stops the ball Friday during the TImberwolves’ game against Edmond North at Harve Collins Stadium.

Utley graduated after a dominant senior season and is now playing at Kansas. They’ll also have to replace all five of their starters in the secondary from last season.

Defensive end Garrison Utley and linebacker Logan Richard are

expected provide veteran leadership on that side of the ball.

Norman North moved from District 1 to District 2 this offseason and will no longer be in the same district as Bixby, who has nine state titles in the past 10 years. Now the Timber-

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wolves will be hoping compete for a district title against favorites Union and Owasso.

Owasso knocked Norman North out of the quarterfinals and Union beat See NN on G7

Opening September 8th, 2024

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• District 2 • Norman North • Broken Arrow • Edmond Memorial • Edmond Santa Fe • Owasso • Union • Westmoore • Yukon

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T H U R SDAY, AUGU ST 29, 2 0 2 4 • T H E NOR M A N T R A N SC R I P T

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T H U R SDAY, AUGU ST 29, 2 0 2 4 • T H E NOR M A N T R A N SC R I P T

SHAKEUP CONTINUED FROM G3

Kyle Phillips | The Transcript

Norman North’s Owen Eshelman passes the ball during the Timberwolves’ game against Yukon, Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at Harve Collins Field.

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Owasso 55-22 last season.

The Timberwolves will have the luxury of facing both of those teams at home during the regular season.

After the annual matchup with Norman High, the T-Wolves continue non-district play against new 6A-I school Deer Creek.

They’ll face Moore the following week on Sept.

20 before finally playing their first true home game

against Edmond Memorial on Sept. 26.

Tarik Masri is the sports editor for The Transcript covering OU athletics and area sports. You can reach him by emailing tarik@ normantranscript.com

gest school in 2A-I, which has just 32 schools.

Districts were drawn based on average daily membership numbers from last October.

Little Axe had an ADM of 321.83, which is about 19 more than the largest 2A-II school. Meanwhile, the Royals will be the 10th biggest school in 2A-II and only trails one other private school (Casady).

CCS will compete in District 2 alongside Beggs, Coalgate, Comanche, Davis, Dibble, Holdenv ille and Tishomingo. The Indians will be in District 2 of 2A-I with Crossings Christian, Dickson, Lexington, Lindsay, Marietta, Marlow and Washington.

Now every class from 5A down to C will have the same district structure. Every class will 32 teams with four districts comprised of eight teams.

The top four teams from each district will advance to the playoffs. The playoffs will be played over four rounds with no teams earning bye weeks.

For Norman High, Norman North and Noble, the re-districting didn’t have as big of

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2024-25 FOOTBALL DISTRICTS CL ASS 6A-1

DISTRICT I Norman High, Bixby, Deer Creek, Ed. North, Enid, Jenks, Moore, Mustang

DISTRICT 2 DIVISION II Norman North, Broken Arrow, Edmond Memorial, Edmond Santa Fe, Owasso, Union, Westmoore, Yukon

CL ASS 5A DISTRICT 2 Noble, Altus, Carl Albert,

an affect.

Norman High and Norman North flipped districts in Class 6A-I. For the next two seasons the Tigers will be competing in District 1 in football along with Bixby, Deer Creek, Edmond North, Enid, Jenks, Moore and Mustang.

Deer Creek is the newest addition to Class 6A-I, bumping Southmoore down to 6A-II. Norman North will be in District 2 with Broken Arrow, Edmond Memorial, Edmond

El Reno, Guthrie, John Marshall, Lawtonm, Western Heights

CL ASS 2 A-I DISTRICT 2 Little Axe, Crossings Christian, Dickson, Lexington, Lindsay, Marietta, Marlow, Washington

CL ASS 2 A-II DISTRICT 2 Community Christian, Beggs, Coalgate, Comanche, Davis, Dibble, Holdenville, Tishomingo

Santa Fe, Owasso, Union, Westmoore and Yukon.

Noble got a tough draw in Class 5A-2. Not only will the Bears have to face defending 5A champs Carl Albert in district play, they’ll also face a 10-win team in Guthrie and Lawton, who was bumped down from 6A-II. Tarik Masri is the sports editor for The Transcript covering OU athletics and area sports.

You can reach him by emailing tarik@normantranscript.com

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COMMUNIT Y CHRISTIAN

Offensive line experience key for return to playoffs TARIK MASRI

COMMUNIT Y CHRISTIAN (3-7)

TRANSCRIPT SPORTS E D I TO R

Community Christian will look to lean on its experience up front as it tries to rebound from a 3-7 season in 2023.

On the of fensive line, everything starts with senior tackle AJ Shadid. The 6-3, 270-pound lineman is one of five returning starters for the Royals’ offensive line.

Shadid has already received an offer to play at Tulsa and will be instrumental in protecting whoever the Royals start at quarterback this season.

Seniors Justin Montgomery and Justin Skero return at the two guard positions and junior James Peterson will take the other tackle spot opposite Shadid.

Running back Grayson McGuire is a two-way player that will also spend time at linebacker on defense. He was one of the Royals’ leading running backs last season as well and the 5-11, 203-pound senior appears poised to do the same this season.

Senior Layton Teichroeb Matthew Gaston | For The Transcript will join McGuire at linebacker in the Royals’ new Community Christian’s Kendall Davis (10) runs for a touchdown to put the Royals up 13-0 against Little Axe late in the first quarter Friday. CCS jumped out to an early 28-0 halftime lead to claim the “W” on homecoming, winning 38-8.

See PLAYOFFS on G11

LET’S GO SOONERS!!

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SCHEDULE • Aug. 30 — vs.

Washington • Sept. 6 — at Mount St. Mary • Sept. 13 — vs.

Casady • Sept. 27 — at Perry • Oct. 4 — vs.

Newkirk • Oct. 11 — at Kiefer • (T) Oct. 17 — vs.

Hennessey • Oct. 25 — at Alva • Nov. 1 — vs.

Kellyville • Nov. 8 — at Luther

CLASS 2A-II District 2 Community Christian Beggs Coalgate Comanche Davis Dibble Holdenville Tishomingo

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NOBLE HIGH SCHOOL

Bears looking to build off up and down 2023 TARIK MASRI TRANSCRIPT SPORTS E D I TO R

A quarterback battle has been underway for Noble during the offseason as it prepares for the 2024 season.

Whoever the Bears end up starting behind center, they’ll have confidence in knowing they return some key playmakers around him. Senior wide receivers Conner Lane and Bryson Carey combined for nearly 20 touchdown catches last season.

In the r unning game, the Bears will have three upperclassmen return on the offensive line as well as starting running back Jordan Peterman.

The Bears are coming off a 3-7 season last year, a small step back from their 5-5 record in 2022.

All three of their wins came in district play including a dramatic overtime win Ardmore in the district opener.

The Bears averaged 31.6 points per game last season, but allowed 46.8 per game.

They return starters at all three levels of their defense, providing a solid base to build off of last season. Up front the Bears have three returning upperclassmen starters in Logan Clark, Jordan Hensley and Robert Rushing.

Carey will line up at cornerback again this season and will have two experienced safeties behind him in Seth Wilson and Nate Sandridge.

Noble’s path to making it back to the Class 5A playoffs didn’t get any easier with re-districting. The only two familiar district foes will be El Reno and Altus.

The Bears beat Altus 63-14 last season and lost in a 68-67 thriller to El Reno.

Carl Albert is in their district after winning the Class 5A state title behind a perfect season last year. Guthrie went 10-2 with one of their See BEARS on G11

Kyle Phillips | The Transcript

Above, Noble’s Bryson Carey runs with the ball during the Bears’ game agaiinst Blanchard, Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, at Blanchard High School.

Below, Carey runs with the ball during the Sept. 1 game.

NOBLE (3-7)

• Nov. 8 — vs. John Marshall

SCHEDULE

CLASS 5A

• (T) Aug. 29 — at Bethany

District 2 Noble Altus Carl Albert El Reno Guthrie John Marshall Lawton Western Heights

• Sept. 6 — vs. Blanchard • Sept. 13 — at Tuttle • Sept. 27 — vs. Lawton • Oct. 4 — at Guthrie • (T) Oct. 10 — vs. Carl Albert • (T) Oct. 17 — at Altus • Oct. 25 — at Western Heights • Nov. 1 — at El Reno

T H U R SDAY, AUGU ST 29, 2 0 2 4 • T H E NOR M A N T R A N SC R I P T

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LITTLE A XE

Looking to the next step after breakthrough win TARIK MASRI T R A N S C R I P T S P O R T S E D I TO R

After starting the season off with six straight losses, Little Axe finally broke through for a win, knocking off Crooked Oak 40-8 on homecoming last season.

After entering halftime of that game leading by one score, head coach Billy Sexton emphasized the importance of the moment, not only for the program, but for the entire community. They went on to outscore Crooked Oak 24-0 in the second half.

The win snapped a three-year losing streak for the program that lasted 35 games. It was also Sexton’s first career win as Little Axe’s head coach.

Now the Indians will be looking to take another step forward as it embarks on its first season in the newly-created Class 2A-I. Little Axe was placed in District 2 along with defending state champions Washington. Kingston was a 10-win team last season, Oklahoma Christian went 9-2 and Mount St. Mary will be moving into 2A after going 2-8 in 3A last year.

Still, despite facing a tougher district, Little Axe has several games on its schedule that it should expect to be competitive in.

Crooked Oak is back on the schedule after going winless last season and will host the Indians on Oct. 24.

The next week, they’ll be back at home to face a Marietta team that also finished last season without a win. The Indians’ non-district schedule consists of Lexington, Dibble and Bethel.

Running back Esteban Calderon returns for his junior season after providing a key spark for the Indians’ offense in 2023.

Tarik Masri is the sports editor for The Transcript covering OU athletics and area sports. You can reach him by emailing tarik@normantranscript.com

Photos by Matthew Gaston

Little Axe’s Jack Graymountian-Gross (25) rushes for a first down during play against Community Christian School Friday, Sept. 22, 2023.

Little Axe lost to CCS 38-8.

LIT TLE A XE (1-8) SCHEDULE • (T) Aug. 29 — vs. Elmore City • (T) Sept. 5 — vs. Dibble • Sept. 13 — at Bethel • (T) Sept. 19 — vs. Lexington • Sept. 27 — at Crossings Christian

Little Axe’s T.J. Upshaw (17) braces for the hit during play against Community Christian Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. The Royals beat the Indians 38-8.

• (T) Oct. 3 — vs. Washington • (T) Oct. 10 — at Dickson • (T) Oct. 17 — vs. Marietta • (T) Oct. 24 — at Lindsay

• Nov. 1 — at Marlow

CLASS 2A-I District 2 Little Axe Crossings Christian Dickson Lexington Lindsay Marietta Marlow Washington

T H U R SDAY, AUGU ST 29, 2 0 2 4 • T H E NOR M A N T R A N SC R I P T

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Kyle Phillips | The Transcript

Noble’s Seth Wilson makes a tackle during the Bears’ game agaiinst Blanchard, Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, at Blanchard High School.

Kyle Phillips | The Transcript

Community Christian has high hopes for the upcoming season.

PLAYOFFS CONTINUED FROM G8

4-2-5 defense this season. In the secondary, Kendall Davis and Tyndale McIntosh are two proven talents that can provide stability in the back of the Royals’ defense.

The Royals will have to be ready to go for the first game of the

CONTINUED FROM G9

season as they take on two-time defending state champion Washington in Week Zero at home.

They’re other two non-district games won’t be a cakewalk either.

They’ll face Class 3A Mount Saint Mary on Sept. 6 before closing out non-district play against Casady.

Still, out of its seven district games this season, only two will come against teams with winning

records from last season.

Community Christian will be looking to make it back to the playoffs after its streak of five straight appearances was snapped last season.

Tarik Masri is the sports editor for The Transcript covering OU athletics and area sports. You can reach him by emailing tarik@normantranscript. com

losses coming by three points to Carl Albert.

Lawton will move down from Class 6A-2, where it went 3-8 last season.

The Bears will face Lawton in their first district game of the season on Sept. 27 at home.

Western Heights and John Marshall were both bumped up from Class 4A despite each posting los-

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ing seasons last year.

The Bears will have the benefit of playing their toughest district contests at home. Lawton and Carl Albert will come to Noble this season along with Western Heights and John Marshall.

Their games against Guthrie, Altus and El Reno will all be on the road.

Tarik Masri is the sports editor for The Transcript covering OU athletics and area sports. You can reach him by emailing tarik@normantranscript.com

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T H U R SDAY, AUGU ST 29, 2 0 2 4 • T H E NOR M A N T R A N SC R I P T

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