08-28-26 Pigskin Preview

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PC North intent on rebounding from ‘tough year’

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

“There has been a nightand-day difference in their Coming off what coach approach to Brian Lockart termed as practice and a “tough year,” the PC their preparaNorth football team tion (after the brings back a young but meeting),” the experienced roster in the coach said. hopes of competing for a The Panplayoff spot. thers open the “It was a rough year 2026 camfor us (in 2025),” Lockart paign Aug. 28 said. “We graduated Coach Brian Lockart at Fridayland nearly 30 seniors in 2024 rival McGuinand lost several more in ness in a first-time meeting betransfers. But our guys comtween the teams. peted every week and did all we PC North remains in Class 6A asked them to.”

Division II and plays in a reOver the off-season, Lockart vamped District 2 with Putnam and his staff met with the players “to ask them what they City and PC West, along with perennial contenders Choctaw, want out of this program.”

Edmond North transNorman and District 6AII-1 fer Owen McMahan, a Piedmont. junior, brings experi“I like that ence to the quarterall the Putnam Pre-Season Rankings back position where City schools are 1. Choctaw he’s competing with in the same dis2. Norman sophomore Vai Toles trict,” Lockart 3. Piedmont for a starting spot. told FRIDAY. “I 4. Putnam City Senior linebacker think it gives 5. PC North Stephen Brown serves our rivalry 6. Lawton Eis. as the centerpiece of games take on 7. PC West the PC North defense even more Source: VYPE Pigskin Preview after leading the way meaning.” with 95 tackles, three The Panthers fumble recoveries and finished last a defensive touchdown. year with just a 2-9 record and Fellow seniors D’Shaun Logmade the 6A-II playoffs where gins and Dominic Spotwood they lost to eventual runner-up round out the linebacking Choctaw in the first round. corps, while defensive ends On offense, PC North returns Gavin Krone and Cheatham several key pieces including senmake life tough for opponents ior receiver Gavin Davis who led up front. team in catches in 2025.

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Mount St. Mary aiming for deeper playoff run in 3A

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

perienced team.

This year we have remarkable depth and no excuses.”

Armed with a big senMount St. Mary ior class and momentum moves up to Class from a record-breaking 3A for this season year, the Mount St. Mary and competes in football team plans to of the toughest make a deep playoff run districts in the in this season. state, which inThe Rockets posted a cludes power7-4 record, including a 6house programs 0 start, set the singlesuch as Kingseason scoring record fisher, Marlow and reached the playoffs Coach J.D. Runnels and Plainview. for just the sixth time in “(Class 3A) is school history. the toughest class pound-forThey open the season on Aug. pound in the state,” Runnels 28 at Legacy Christian in Frisco, said. “There are a lot of great Texas. teams. Our goal is to be able to “It was special for us to make host a playoff game. We’ve never the playoffs,” said third-year hosted one.” coach J.D. Runnels. “We had just Nine starters return on offive seniors and a pretty inex-

fense for the boasts a wide frame District 3A-1 Rockets, led by at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds. quarterback Roman Manello.

Senior Zechariah Pre-Season Rankings The senior sigRobinson provides 1. Kingfisher nal-caller broke leadership as a reseveral passing ceiver, and Jackson 2. Marlow records in 2025 Braun makes a big 3. Plainview and is a “good, target at 6-foot-7 at 4. OCS vocal leader tight end.

5. Mount St. Mary who has learned As with a lot of 6. North Rock Creek what not to do,” smaller schools, 7. Purcell said Runnels. players often play 8. McLoud Senior Malaboth sides of the ball Source: VYPE Pigskin Preview chi Hardiman on offense and deanchors the offense. Mount St. fensive line, Mary is no excepwhere he didn’t allow a sack all tion, as Hardiman moves over to season, and is being recruited by defensive end, along with Roba number of college programs. inson and senior Kade Barton.

Fellow seniors Donald Sanders Christian Tschudi brings a and Zach Pitts anchor the middle load of talent and experience to of the defense from their linehis spot at tailback. The senior backer position. ran for more than 700 yards and

Casady refocusing effort under new coach Cooper

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

working their tails off.”

Cooper brings a wealth of football Often a new leader or knowledge to his situation can refocus a first head coachparticular group or ing stint, after team toward its ultimate serving as an asgoal of success. sistant at MusCasady proves to be tang, Deer Creek no exception, as the Cyand Casady over clones attempt to build the last three their football program years. into a competitive squad Coach Josh Cooper “The transition in Class 2A under new from an assistant coach Josh Cooper. to head coach is one of the most Casady hosts Christian Herdifficult,” Cooper told FRIDAY. itage this Friday at Hoot Gibson “You have to change your style a Field to open the 2026 season. bit from being a position coach “A new coach sets the stanto leading the program.” dard for what our program The Cyclones endured a tough hopes to be,” Cooper said. “Fall start last season to win four of camp is going good and our kids have shown up and bought into their last six games and a post a what we’re trying to do. They’re 4-7 record to reach the Class 2A-

ceiver where he saw II playoffs District 2AII-2 significant playing where they lost time in 2025 and will to powerhouse be a big part of this Davis in the Pre-Season Rankings year’s offense. Senfirst round.

1. Washington ior Frank Ross also For the 2026 2. Chandler figures to be a strong campaign, Ca3. Anadarko receiving target for sady moves up 4. Crossings Christian Kos. to 2A Division I 5. Lindsay Gavin Bennett, and competes 6. Dickson also a junior, helps in one of the 7. Little Axe anchor the offensive toughest dis8. Casady line after starting in tricts in the Source: VYPE Pigskin Preview 2025. class. Some of Junior Beckham the top teams Kerr, in just his first include Washyear playing football, impressed ington, Anadarko, Chandler and early on with his speed and inFridayland’s Crossings Christian.

Casady returns just a handful stincts at linebacker, and could of starters from last year’s see time as a tight end. squad, highlighted by junior AnSophomore Jaden Njengah drew Kos who begins his first adds more depth to the defenyear as the starting quarterback. sive secondary thanks to signifiJunior Kyler Tice plays wide recant minutes as a freshman.

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Deer Creek brings good mix of starters, younger players

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

Edmond Memorial on Sept. 11.

The Antlers also switched With a good mix of reover to 6A-I Disturning starters and trict 2, comprispromising younger ing such players, the Deer Creek powerhouses as football team could be Owasso, Jenks poised to contend for a and Tulsa Union playoff spot in Class 6A. along with The Antlers, playing Moore, Yukon in Division I, bring back and Edmond 12 starters from a team Santa Fe. that went 3-8 last year Coach Wade Standley Under coach and made the playoffs Wade Standley, where they lost to who begins his 10th year leadYukon in the first round. ing the program, Deer Creek Deer Creek opens the 2026 boasts a seasoned quarterback, season on Aug. 28 at Sand experienced skill players and a Springs in the first of a tough swarming defense for the upnon-district schedule which includes home games against Edcoming campaign.

Junior quarterback Dax mond North on Sept. 4 and

Trey Smith offers Chancey headDistrict 6AI-2 addition assistance lines the ofin blocking the run fense, after game. throwing for Pre-Season Rankings On defense, junnearly 2,000 1. Owasso ior Rebel Knowles yards last 2. Jenks returns as a key figyear.

3. Tulsa Union ure in the secondSenior Gage 4. Moore ary after starting as Gibbons, a ris5. Yukon a sophomore at coring track star 6. Deer Creek nerback, along with with back-to7. Edmond Santa Fe junior Mason Mayback 100Source: VYPE Pigskin Preview hew. meter state Senior Tyler titles, caught Lopez brings a 70 passes in physical presence at 2025, along linebacker for the Antlers. with tight end Hudson Poe, brings versatility and toughDeer Creek also boasts a big and experienced defensive line, ness as primary targets in the as senior Ryan Kiel teams up passing game. with juniors Sloan Van Ahn and Senior Steven Lavin and junRomeo Campos to disrupt oppoior Ethan Frasier help anchor nents’ offenses. the offensive line, while junior

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McGuinness picked to take title in new 5A district

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

They move into a new district composed of mainly TulsaPiggybacking off a area schools for berth in the state cham2026. pionship game, the “We look forMcGuinness football ward to playing team boasts a strong some new group of starters and teams,” Stringer young contributors said. “It’s alwhich could propel the ways fun to preIrish to another deep pare for new playoff run. opponents.”

“We are really excited McGuinness about this season,” said Coach Ryan Stringer is predicted to third-year coach Ryan capture the DisStringer. “We return all trict 5A-4 title, over other perenour skill players and eager to see nial contenders such as Pryor, how our young linemen progress.”

Collinsville and Claremore.

McGuinness entertains FridaySenior quarterback Gage land rival PC North on Aug. 28 in a first-time meeting between Chance returns to lead the offense, after throwing for more the teams.

have emerged as than 1,700 yards District 5A-4 potential starters and 17 touchdowns up front. last year.

Randolph, Receivers BrayPre-Season Rankings Parker and Gradildon Splitt and Nick 1. McGuinness las flip over to Pitman, both sen2. Pryor help anchor the iors, provide excel3. Collinsville defensive line. lent targets in the 4. Claremore Junior Marcelpassing game as 5. Tahlequah lus Tyner-Walker Splitt collected 503 6. Nathan Hale led the defense yards and seven 7. Edison Prep last year with 92 TDs and Pittman 8. Tulsa Memorial tackles and 11½ added 329 receivSource: VYPE Pigskin Preview sacks. Juniors ing yards and five Carter Akin and other scores.

Malachi Darby join Senior tailback senior Jackson Blackburn in plugDreAndre Bruton rushed for 983 yards and 10 touchdowns in ging the middle at linebacker.

Splitt, along with fellow sen2025. iors Stacy Brewer and John Junior Sam Randolph stands Luke Kloberdanz lock down opout as the only returning offenposing receivers in the defensive lineman. Juniors Mike Joyce, sive backfield.

Liam Parker and Benji Gradillas

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John Marshall stays hungry in rebuilding process

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

which could allow them to build a strong foundation for As it continues the reteams in the fubuilding process, the John ture.

Marshall football team re“I am excited mains hungry to compete about the direcand increase the Bears’ win tion of our foottotal each year. ball program “We have been in a reand the young building phase, and we unmen who will derstand that rebuilding is represent our not something that school this happens overnight,” said fall,” Addams third-year coach Tarion AdCoach Tarrion Adams said. “Our dams. “It takes consistency, coaching staff has put together discipline, commitment and, an incredible and productive offmost importantly, people willing season, and I believe the work to believe in the process. This our players have put in will show year’s team is young, talented when we step onto the field.” and hungry.”

John Marshall boasts a smaller This season will also look a little different for John Marshall, senior class of nine members,

as the team is participating in a non-traditional, independent schedule, along with four other Oklahoma City Public Schools squads.

The Bears host OKCPS crosstown rival Star Spencer this Saturday at 11 a.m. in what’s dubbed as the Country Bowl at Taft Stadium.

Their on-field identity is built around physical, disciplined and intelligent football, said Addams.

On offense, John Marsall operates a balanced spread attack, while utilizing an attacking defense, which emphasizes speed, physicality, communication and the ability to create problems for opposing offenses.

An added feature of this year’s team, according to Addams, is a jersey recognition system. The

Bears have designated three jerseys to “recognize players who represent the highest standards within our program.”

Senior Garyaun “G” Drew wears one of the three recognized jerseys. Drew plays both running back and free safety, who is poised for a potential breakout season.

Promising sophomore Za’Marion Stansfield, a receiver and defensive back, is expected to earn a spot as a 2-way starter, while senior Joseph Davis, a standout defensive player, rounds out the trio.

“We know we have a young football team,” Addams said.

“We know we have challenges ahead of us, but we also know what kind of work has been put in behind the scenes.”

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Optimism high at Crossings Christian for return to playoffs

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

with a 5-5 record and didn’t qualify for the Class Keyed by increased 2A playoffs. numbers and a new coach, “Our goal optimism is high at Crossis to contend ings Christian for the in the postKnights to compete for a season,” playoff spot in a loaded disWike told trict.

FRIDAY. “I “Our participation has think Crossreally grown; we have 45 ings is a prokids out (for football),” said gram that new coach Travis Wike.

Coach Travis Wike should be in “The players put in a good the playoffs summer and had strong paryear after year. We really want to ticipation in our summer weight be playing games in November.” training program.”

Crossings Christian competes in Crossings Christian opens the one of the toughest districts in 2A, 2026 campaign on Aug. 28 including perennial playoff teams against KIPP-Tulsa at Knights Stadium. like Washington, Anadarko and Chandler, along with Fridayland The Knights finished last year

Nehre come back as rival Casady.

District 2AI-2 a running back after The Knights not playing in 2025. return nine With the quarterstarters on ofPre-Season Rankings back position open fense, high1. Washington this season, four polighted by 2. Chandler tential competitors senior tight end 3. Anadarko battle to lead the Wyatt Dalton 4. Crossings Christian Knights under center. who boasts size 5. Lindsay Like most smaller and athleticism 6. Dickson schools, several to create 7. Little Axe Crossings players matchup prob8. Casady compete on both oflems for opposSource: VYPE Pigskin Preview fense and defense. ing defenses.

Wyatt Dalton flips Senior Brooks over to help anchor Ryan, juniors the defensive secKaiden Fields and Eli Dalton, and sophomore ondary. Seniors Brayson Degraffenreid, Grayson Danner and Hudson Holloman round out a Luke Belisle solidify a strong solid receiving corps. front seven on the defensive line, James Graham, also a senior, joined by Graham, juniors Paxton serves as the team’s featured Dunn and Sam Bigelow. tailback, while senior Sam

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Fridaylanders earn spots on state college rosters

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor A pair of state champions highlight a list of more than a dozen Fridayland football players on state college rosters for the 2026 season.

Former Heritage Hall standouts Andy Bass and Barrett Travis made the roster at the University of Oklahoma, with Bass listed as a junior running back and Travis as a sophomore linebacker.

Casady’s Ace Hodges rounds out the trio as a junior offensive lineman.

The Sooner host University of Texas-El Paso on Sept. 4 at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

PC North’s Jaleel Johnson figures to be an integral part of the defensive line at Oklahoma State as a redshirt senior.

Johnson played in four games, including three starts, and recorded 16 total tackles before being sidelined by an injury.

Deer Creek’s Jacob Sexton transferred to OSU from OU as a redshirt senior offensive lineman. Sexton started the first

Fridaylanders on Campus Oklahoma Andy Bass, Heritage Hall Ace Hodges, Casady Barrett Travis, Heritage Hall Oklahoma State Jaleel Johnson, PC North Jacob Sexton, Deer Creek Central Oklahoma Kazeyn Bird, McGuinness Zavier Freeman, Heritage Hall Apache Taylor, Deer Creek Oklahoma Baptist Brady Brewer, Deer Creek Blake Meek, Crossings Christian Haydn Thornton, PC North Southern Nazarene Marshall Bennett, PC North Russell Prato, Deer Creek

game against Illinois State before an injury also ended his season early.

The Cowboys open their season at Tulsa on Sept. 5.

Three Fridaylanders earned spots on the roster at University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

McGuinness’ Kazeyn Bird is listed as a senior linebacker, along with Heritage Hall’s Zavier Freeman as a junior defen-

sive lineman and Deer Creek’s Apache Taylor as a freshman defensive back.

The Bronchos headed to Texas Wesleyan on Aug. 27 for their season opener.

Oklahoma Baptist also boasts three local players on its roster, including Crossings Christian’s Blake Meek as a senior linebacker, PC North’s Haydn Thornton as a junior tight end and Deer Creek’s Brady Brewer as a sophomore linebacker.

The Bison entertain Southern Arkansas on Sept. 3 at Crain Family Stadium in Shawnee.

PC North’s Marshall Bennett and Deer Creek’s Russell Prato secured spots on the roster at Southern Nazarene, with Bennett listed as a freshman wide receiver and Prato as a freshman offensive lineman.

The Crimson Storm open their season on Sept. 3 against Henderson State at SNU Stadium in Bethany.

In addition, no local athletes are listed on the roster at Southwestern Oklahoma State in Weatherford.

The Bulldogs travel to Arkansas Tech on Sept. 3.

2026 OU Schedule Sept. 4 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7 Nov. 14 Nov. 21 Nov. 28

vs. UTEP @ Michigan vs. New Mexico @ Georgia vs. Texas (at Dallas) vs. Kentucky @ Mississippi St. vs. South Carolina @ Florida vs. Ole Miss vs. Texas A&M @ Missouri

2026 OSU Schedule Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7 Nov. 14 Nov. 21 Nov. 28

@ Tulsa vs. Oregon vs. Murray State @ West Virginia vs. UCF @ Houston vs. Colorado @ Iowa State @ Kansas State vs. Texas Tech @ Arizona State vs. Kansas

2026 State College Football Schedules Central Oklahoma Aug. 27 @ Texas Wesleyan Sept. 12 vs. Central Arkansas Sept. 19 @ Washburn Sept. 26 vs. NW Missouri Oct. 3 @ Central Missouri Oct. 10 vs. Fort Hays State Oct. 17 @ Emporia State Oct. 24 @ Pittsburg State Oct. 31 vs. Nebraska-Kearney Nov. 7 @ Missouri Southern Nov. 14 vs. Missouri Western

Oklahoma Baptist Sept. 3 vs. Southern Arkansas Sept. 12 @ Henderson State Sept. 19 @ Northwestern OSU Sept. 26 vs. Southwestern OSU Oct. 3 vs. Ouachita Baptist Oct. 10 @ Ark.-Monticello Oct. 15 vs. East Central Oct. 24 @ Southeastern OSU Oct. 31 vs. Harding Nov. 7 @ Arkansas Tech Nov. 14 vs. Southern Nazarene

Southern Nazarene Sept. 3 vs. Henderson State Sept. 12 @ Southern Arkansas Sept. 19 vs. East Central Sept. 26 @ Southeastern OSU Oct. 3 vs. Ark.-Monticello Oct. 10 @ Ouachita Baptist Oct. 15 @ Southwestern OSU Oct. 24 vs. Northwestern OSU Oct. 31 vs. Arkansas Tech Nov. 7 @ Harding Nov. 14 @ Oklahoma Baptist

Southwestern OSU Sept. 3 @ Arkansas Tech Sept. 10 vs. Harding Sept. 19 vs. Southeastern OSU Sept. 26 @ Oklahoma Baptist Oct. 3 @ Henderson State Oct. 10 vs. Southern Arkansas Oct. 15 vs. Southern Nazarene Oct. 24 @ East Central Oct. 31 vs. Ark.-Monticello Nov. 7 @ Ouachita Baptist Nov. 14 vs. Northwestern OSU

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Heritage Hall reloads for possible return to title game

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

loh Christian.

The early schedule also features a home game Aided by a veteran against Lincoln group of returning Christian on Sep. players, the Heritage Hall 4 and a trip to football team aims to get Millwood on back to the state chamSept. 18. pionship game after frusFor the first trating semifinal losses in time, the Hall previous years. competes in a disThe Chargers return trict composed seven offensive and eight primarily of eastdefensive starters from a Coach Brett Bogert side teams, inteam that went 11-2 in cluding Perkins, 2025 and lost to eventual Verdigris, Inola, Stigler, Muldrow, runner-up Lincoln Christian in the Bristow and Locust Grove. semifinals.

The Chargers currently own an Heritage Hall, led by coach 87-game district winning streak, Brett Bogert in his 21st year, with their last loss to Newcastle opens the season on Aug. 28 with a first-time trip to Arkansas on Oct. 10, 2013.

Senior Porter England joins for a non-district matchup at Shi-

enced offensive line, seven other reDistrict 3A-3 while tailback Nash turning Eiser comes back for starters, after his final season as the a big junior Pre-Season Rankings primary tailback. year, as a 1. Heritage Hall Max Everett, a junmajor focus of 2. Perkins-Tryon ior, is also expected to the offense, 3. Verdigris contribute as a multialong with fel4. Inola purpose back and relow senior 5. Stigler ceiver.

Walker Wedel.

6. Muldrow Wedel and fellow Tripp 7. Bristow senior Carson Phillips Thomas, a jun8. Locust Grove provide key leadership ior 3-year Source: VYPE Pigskin Preview in the middle of the starter and Charger defense from team captain, their linebacker spots. is also exSenior Andrick pected to be one of the team’s top receivers.

Golden and Ayers Kurtz plug the middle on the defensive line, Senior Teagan Lawson resumes while Thomas flips over to guide his spot at quarterback to direct the defensive backfield from his Heritage Hall’s offensive attack. safety spot. He can also be a danSeniors Caleb Blue and Ryan gerous factor as a kick returner.

Bullock help anchor an experi-

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