2023 Pigskin Preview

Deer Creek eyeing another shot at state championship

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

Over the last two seasons, the Deer Creek football team earned 10 victories in each campaign after collecting no more than five wins in a season since 2016.

The Antlers look to make another appearance in the Class 6A-II championship game after finishing with a 10-2 record and reaching the state semifinals where they suffered a 33-28 loss against eventual champion Stillwater.

Deer Creek also is ranked at No. 4 in the 6A-II preseason poll behind Stillwater, Choctaw and Muskogee.

On offense, Deer Creek returns a good mix of starters and experienced players.

Grady Adamson heads the unit in his second year starting at quarterback.

The junior threw for more than 2,800 and 33 touchdowns along with six rushing touchdowns for the Antlers which are picked to finish second behind Choctaw in District 6AII-2. Junior Mason Smith and senior Colton Neal are expected to be Adamson’s top two receiving targets. Smith caught 54 passes for 744 yards and nine touchdowns last season, and Neal collected 25 receptions for 426 yards and three scores.

Senior Mason Miller checks in as Deer Creek’s starting running back after gaining 652 yards and 10 touchdowns on 107 touches.

Toran Smith, another senior, projects to be the best retuning offensive lineman for the Antlers.

Meanwhile, Deer Creek returns just three defensive starters – Kevin Shenje, Eli Donohue and Brady Brewer – from a unit that recorded three straight shutouts to end last season.

Shenje, a senior lineman, recorded 65 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. Donohue, also a senior defensive end, grabbed 36 tackles, including nine for loss and six sacks.

Brewer serves as the most tenured linebacker where the junior corralled 23 tackles, eight tackles for loss and two sacks in 2022.

District 6AII-2

Pre-Season Rankings

Class 6A-II Top 10

Coach Wade Standley

McGuinness gearing up for playoff run in Class 5A

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

Boasting one of the strongest runs of success over the past two decades, McGuinness looks to reload for a deep run into the playoffs for the final season in Class 5A.

Last month, the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) board voted to move the Irish up to Class 6A, Division II for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

McGuinness is picked to finish fourth in District 5A-2 and hopes to record a 23rd straight winning season. Since 2015, the Irish have recorded five 10-win seasons including a 10-2 mark last year and a berth in the play-

offs where they endured a 39-29 loss to eventual champion McAlester in the semifinals.

In addition, the Irish were hit hard by graduation and return just two offensive starters from 2022 and a new face at quarterback.

Junior Damon Cochran takes over at QB after last year’s starter River Warren transferred to Del City.

Senior J.P. Spanier expects to be the featured running back and possesses breakaway speed along with poten-

tially being the Irish’s best returning player.

Sophomore J.R. Fletcher could also see time as the second option at running back.

Senior Peter Bilicki projects to be the top returning receiver, while junior Nick House and sophomore Baylor Moates are likely to start on the offensive line.

By contrast, the defense returns seven starters and should be the McGuinness’ strength.

Senior Jack Foster, along with juniors Jace Weeks and Tom Watts anchor the middle of the defense at linebacker.

Senior Jalen Stuart is regarded as an imposing, aggressive tackler from his defensive tackle position and could become one of the Irish’s top college prospects this season.

District 5A-2

Pre-Season Rankings

Class 5A Top

Coach Bryan Pierce

Former grad Malcolm Mack takes over at John Marshall

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

Since former coach Rashaun Woods left in 2018, a year after winning a Class 3A state title, the John Marshall football team has gone through three different head coaches over the last half-decade.

New coach Malcolm Mack hopes to change that trend as the John Marshall grad leads the program into the 2023 season, his first as a head coach.

“It’s really been a whirlwind,” Mack said. “It’s sort of been a baptism by fire and a huge adjustment to being a head coach.”

The Bears faced a tough opening schedule with a trip to Lawton MacArthur in Week 0 and continue

the stretch with a visit to Bethany on Sept. 1 before a bye in Week 2. Their first five opponents went a combined 42-16 last season.

While Mack’s ultimate goal is to win football games, the coach is primarily interested in “investing in our kids.”

“I really want to mold student-athletes of good character and help change the culture,” Mack said.

“We’ve had a great reception for me and my outstanding assistant coaches. The players have showed unity in what we’re trying to do.”

Just a handful of players return for John Marshall on the offensive side of the ball, led by wide receiver Makel Jackson and quarterback Terrance Caldwell.

Senior Jared Davis, along with Dai’Drean Parker and Jaylyn Sims provide experience along the offensive line.

Coaches also expect senior James Allen, a state track champion in the 100 and 200 meters, to step up as the team’s starting tailback.

On defense, Allen anchors the defensive backfield along with senior Dondric Williams.

Parker also flips over to defensive line where he’ll try to plug opponents’ offenses with sophomore Aeden Clayton.

Caldwell should roam the middle of the defense as a starting linebacker.

District 4A-1 Pre-Season Rankings

1. Weatherford

2. Clinton

3. Elk City

4. Chickasha

5. Cache

6. Woodward

7. John Marshall

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Marshall Facts

• John Marshall defeated Shawnee 22-23 on Oct. 9. The Bears and Wolves met for the first time in 1966. • The Bears face a murderer’s row to begin the season. Their first five opponents went a combined 42-16 last season.

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Coach Malcolm Mack John

Stephenson leads Crossings Christian into 2023 campaign

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

For the first time in nearly 10 years, the Crossings Christian football team brought in a new head coach for the 2023 season.

Jacob Stephenson takes over the Knights program following the resignation of former coach Jonathan Keathly last summer.

One of Stephenson’s first challenges is to fill several key offensive positions as only four starters return from the 2022 squad.

Last season, Crossings Christian went 8-3 and reached the Class 2A playoffs where they suffered a 34-29 loss to eventual state runner-up

Millwood in the first round.

The Knights open the season this Friday at Hennessey and enjoys its first home contest in Week 2 against Community Christian.

A trip to Fridayland rival Casady rounds out their pre-district schedule. The pair of schools are set to become district opponents for the 2024 season when Casady joins the OSSAA.

Senior Luke Olson provides leadership as the “Swiss army knife” of the unit who can run the ball, be

District 2A-2

Pre-Season Rankings

effective in the passing game and contribute on special teams.

Seniors Cole Taylor and Will Sutton anchor the offensive line that likely relies on several underclassmen.

Coaches expect Nate Rouse, a senior, to start at quarterback with junior Jonah Neher as the project starting running back in the balanced attack.

On defense, Olson solidifies the

backfield and is joined by senior Evan Crotts in the secondary. Junior Bennett Bell returns to his starting spot at linebacker, while senior Benton McKim keys the defensive line with his quickness and size at the line of scrimmage. Another key contributor on defense is sophomore Holden Manchester who plays linebacker and could see time on offense at running back.

Class 2A Top

Coach Jacob Stephenson

Heritage Hall reloads for run to 2nd straight title

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

In three seasons before 2022, the Heritage Hall football team lost in the semifinals of the Class 3A playoffs to eventual champion Lincoln Christian.

The Chargers, however, finally made it to the top of the championship mountain without having to meet their nemesis Bulldogs in the playoffs. They hoisted their eighth gold ball after a wild 72-56 win over Metro Christian in final at UCO’s Chad Richison Stadium, capping a 12-1 season.

“The offseason is much more fun if you win that final game,” coach Brett Bogert said. “After missing out on the last few years, it seemed like forever since we’ve won it all.”

Heading into the 2023 season, Heritage Hall is favored to capture its 10th straight district championship and currently owns a 66-game district winning streak. The campaign also marks its final one in 3A with the Chargers moving up to 4A for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Heritage Hall hosted Millwood last Thursday in its season opener.

“We do have lots of experience (coming back), especially in the offensive line and quarterback,” Bogert told FRIDAY.

Quarterback Andy Bass runs the Charger offense as a 3-year starter.

The senior threw for more than 2,000 yards for 28 touchdowns and collected an additional 970 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground.

Bass, a Division I college prospect, also captured the 100- and 200-meter state track championships last spring.

District 3A-2

Pre-Season Rankings

1. Heritage Hall

2. Sulphur

starters. I feel really good about our offense.”

Junior Barrett Travis is expected to make the start at tailback.

Seniors Rashaud Smith and Jordyn Harris are the team’s top receivers from last year and combined to catch 10 TDs in 2022.

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The Chargers return six other offensive starters including all five offensive linemen, including seniors Grayson Hume, Eddie Johnson, Zavier Freeman, Jack Harris and Charlie Ghaniabadi.

“I think this is the first year that we’ve had all five guys return from the O-line,” Bogert said. “Most of the time we just returned two or three

Like a lot of other small schools, most offensive players jump across the line to play on defense. With six returning starters, the Heritage Hall defense must replace all five linebackers but enjoys experience on both the line and secondary.

Freeman, Harris and Ghaniabadi anchor the defensive line, while Harris, Smith, sophomore Jerrod Williams and junior Cal Welker make up the secondary.

Coach Brett Bogert

PC North optimistic for improvement in 2023 season

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

After enduring a difficult season, the PC North football team remains optimistic for improvement in the second season under coach Derek Lane.

“We’re still trying to establish a different culture,” Lane said. “That’s not something that happens overnight.”

The Panthers posted a 2-8 record last year but qualified for the expanded Class 6A-II playoffs where they lost to TulsaWashington in the first round. Their 2023 campaign opened at Capitol Hill and continues this Friday at district rival PC West.

“We had one of the best off seasons we’ve ever had,” the coach told FRIDAY. “We’ve had a lot of leaders

step up and trying to better adapt our system to the players we have.”

PC North is picked to finish fifth in District 6AII-2 just behind Choctaw, Fridayland rival Deer Creek, Ponca City and Lawton.

Several key offensive starters return for the Panthers, including running back Camarion Jones. The senior, also a 3-year starter, ran for a team-best 947 yards and 13 TDs on 151 carries.

“Camarion is among some of the top players and we’re looking for

him to have a great year,” Lane said.

Sophomore Josh Lombard takes over as starting quarterback this season after throwing for just under 300 yards in pair of starts in 2022.

District 6AII-2

Pre-Season Rankings

1. Choctaw

2. Deer Creek

3. Ponca City

4. Lawton

5. PC North

6. NW Classen

7. Putnam City

a linebacker where he collected a team-best 113 tackles and 10 tackles for loss. Juniors Kelvin Tucker and Markus Stewart join Gooch in the middle after combining for 108 tackles in their sophomore campaigns.

Junior Kameron Oliver and Lewis Morland return as two of Lombard’s primary receiving targets as the pair combined for 1,300 yards. Milton Alford could also see significant time as a receiver and backup tailback.

8. Capitol Hill

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Senior Adrian Owdetallah anchors the offensive line.

On defense, leading tackler Ryan Gooch returns to his starting spot as

Seniors Dominique Doss and VaShon Russell should provide good production from their spots on the defensive line. Doss had nine sacks last year, while Russell added three sacks and two tackles for loss. Both players have attracted the attention of college football recruiters.

Junior Isaiah Wallace provides leadership in the secondary where he grabbed two interceptions.

Coach Derek Lane

Casady making progress in final year of independent slate

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

Now nearly two years removed from leaving the Southwest Preparatory Conference, the Casady football team kicks off the final season of a 2-year provisional membership in the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA).

The Cyclones embark on an independent schedule in 2023 before beginning district play in Class 2A for the 2024-25 academic year.

After a Week 0 contest against Community Christian, Casady traveled to the east metro for an Aug. 31 road game at Christian Heritage.

“We’re excited for the season,”

coach Ty Prestidge said. “Last year went better than I expected and we played a lot of freshmen which allowed them to get some experience.”

The Cyclones finished 5-5 in 2022, with two of those losses coming by less than three points.

Much like last season, the seniors in 2023 won’t have a chance to make the playoffs or play for a conference championship. However, that hasn’t affected preparations for the upcoming campaign.

“I’m so proud of the way our players, particluarly the seniors,

have bought into the process (of joining the OSSAA),” Prestidge said. “I do feel bad (for the seniors) that their season just ends. But they’ll be able to come back years from now and be proud that they helped put Casady where we are.”

Casady boasts an experienced offensive and defensive line for this season, led by seniors Ace Hodges, who recently committed to OU, and Ethan Nedio.

Junior Ethan Hamilton likely gets the start at quarterback after his season ended with a broken collar bone during a game against Tulsa NOAH.

His twin brother Landon Hamilton, a junior, along with seniors Jackson Stewart and Dyson Faye figure to be the primary receiving targets, while sophomore Andrew Fitzpatrick is likely to be the featured running back.

Hodges and Nedio also jump over to the defensive line where they are expected to create havoc for opposing offenses.

Senior Conner Phelps returns as the top tackler for Casady last season at middle linebacker, with Landon Hamilton as the second leading stopper at another linebacker spot.

Faye and Jackson provide speed and experience in the defensive back field for the Cyclones.

Cyclones to join OSSAA

The 2023 season is the second of a 2-year provisional membership for Casady in the OSSAA. Starting in 2024, the Cyclones are to compete in Class 2A.

Coach Ty Prestidge

Fridaylanders earn spots on state college rosters

Two state champions and several other standouts at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University highlight more than a dozen Fridayland athletes on state college football rosters in 2023.

Four local athletes dot the OU roster, led by former Heritage Hall athlete Gavin Freeman and McGuinness kicker Zach Schmit.

Freeman, a sophomore wide receiver, jumped onto the scene last year with several key catches for the Sooners and played in all 13 games, finishing the season with three catches for 46 yards and carried the ball seven times for 73 yards.

Schmit, a redshirt junior, solidified his position as the starting place kicker, after connecting on 12 of 18 field goals and 5353 on extra-point attempts.

Deer Creek’s Jacob Sexton played in 10 of 13 games last season at left tackle for OU and made his first start in the Cheez-It Bowl against Florida State.

Former Heritage Hall running back rounds out the quartet for the Sooners and could compete for playing time as a linebacker.

The Sooners host Arkansas State on Sept. 2 in the season opener.

At Oklahoma State, only two Fridaylanders – including Logan Ward and Jaleel Johnson – remain on the

Central Oklahoma

Aug. 31 vs. Nebraska-Kearney

Sept. 9 @ Central Missouri

Sept. 16 vs. Missouri Western

Sept. 23 @ Emporia State

Sept. 30 vs. Missouri Southern

Oct. 7 @ Northwest Missouri

Oct. 14 vs. Lincoln

Oct. 21 @ Northeastern State

Oct. 28 @ Fort Hays State

Nov. 4 vs. Washburn

Nov. 11 @ Pittsburg State

Fridaylanders on Campus

Oklahoma

River Faulkner, Heritage Hall

Gavin Freeman, Heritage Hall

Zach Schmit, McGuinness

Jacob Sexton, Deer Creek

Oklahoma State

Jaleel Johnson, PC North

Logan Ward, Deer Creek

Central Oklahoma

Kazeyn Bird, McGuinness

Grayson Miller, Deer Creek

Gavin Wilson, Heritage Hall

Oklahoma Baptist

Blake Meek, Crossings Christian

Southern Nazarene

Sam Bass, McGuinness

Southwestern Oklahoma State

Phil Jackson III, PC North

Cowboys roster after former McGuinness running back Dominic Richardson transferred to Baylor during the summer.

Ward, a redshirt sophomore, earned a spot as OSU’s starting punter about midway through last season. The former Deer Creek standout recorded 37 punts for 1,665 yards and 39 kickoff attempts with 13 touchbacks.

Johnson, listed as a redshirt freshman, took a redshirt year in the 2022 campaign after a standout senior sea-

son at PC North where he recorded 64 total tackles and nine sacks.

The Cowboys open the season Sept. 2 against Central Arkansas.

Six additional Fridaylanders made rosters at Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma Baptist, Southern Nazarene and Southwestern Oklahoma State.

Heritage Hall’s Gavin Wilson returns to UCO as a sophomore offensive lineman, along with fellow Antler Grayson Miller as a punter and McGuinness’ Kazeyn Bird as a freshman linebacker.

UCO opened its season Aug. 31 against Nebraska-Kearney.

Former Crossings Christian standout Blake Meek is the only local on the roster at Oklahoma Baptist as a freshman linebacker.

The Bison hosted Arkansas Tech on Aug. 31 to open the 2023 campaign.

McGuinness graduate Sam Bass returns for another season on the Southern Nazarene roster as a redshirtsophomore linebacker, while PC North’s Phil Jackson III plays at Southwestern as a freshman defensive back. Both the Crimson Storm and Bulldogs kicked off their seasons Aug. 31, as SNU hosted Harding and SWOSU entertained Ouachita Baptist.

– By Jason Jewell

2023 State College Football Schedules

Oklahoma Baptist

Aug. 31 Arkansas Tech

Sept. 9 @ Harding

Sept. 16 vs. Southeastern OSU

Sept. 23 @ East Central

Sept. 30 vs. Henderson State

Oct. 7 @ Southern Arkansas

Oct. 14 @ Southwestern OSU

Oct. 21 vs. Northwestern OSU

Oct. 28 vs. Ark.-Monticello

Nov. 4 @ Ouachita Baptist

Nov. 11 @ Southern Nazarene

2023 OU Schedule

Sept. 2 vs. Arkansas State

Sept. 9 vs. SMU

Sept. 16 @ Tulsa

Sept. 23 vs. Cincinnati

Sept. 30 vs. Iowa State

Oct. 7 vs. Texas (at Dallas)

Oct. 21 vs. Central Florida

Oct. 28 @ Kansas

Nov. 4 @ Oklahoma State

Nov. 11 vs. West Virginia

Nov. 18 @ BYU

Nov. 24 vs. TCU

2023 OSU Schedule

Sept. 2 vs. Central Arkansas

Sept. 9 @ Arizona State

Sept. 16 vs. South Alabama

Sept. 23 @ Iowa State

Oct. 6 vs. Kansas State

Oct. 14 vs. Kansas

Oct. 21 @ West Virginia

Oct. 28 vs. Cincinnati

Nov. 4 vs. Oklahoma

Nov. 11 @ Central Florida

Nov. 18 @ Houston

Nov. 25 vs. BYU

Southern Nazarene

Aug. 31 vs. Harding

Sept. 9 @ Arkansas Tech

Sept. 16 @ Northwestern OSU

Sept. 23 vs. Southwestern OSU

Sept. 30 vs. Southern Arkansas

Oct. 7 @ Henderson State

Oct. 14 vs. Southeastern OSU

Oct. 21 @ East Central

Oct. 26 vs. Ouachita Baptist

Nov. 4 @ Ark.-Monticello

Nov. 11 vs. Oklahoma Baptist

Southwestern OSU

Aug. 31 vs. Ouachita Baptist

Sept. 9 @ Ark.-Monticello

Sept. 16 vs. East Central

Sept. 23 @ Southern Nazarene

Sept. 30 @ Harding

Oct. 7 vs. Arkansas Tech

Oct. 14 vs. Oklahoma Baptist

Oct. 21 @ Southeastern OSU

Oct. 28 @ Southern Arkansas

Nov. 4 vs. Henderson State

Nov. 11 @ Northwestern OSU

Morale remains high at Mount St. Mary as rebuild continues

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

Although the results haven’t shown up in its win-loss record, Mount St. Mary football coach Matt Truelove remains confident in eventually building a winning program.

“The culture just needed to change,” Truelove said. “We’re getting into the right direction and trying to do things in a first-class manner.

“There are certain standards you need to develop a top-notch program.”

The Rockets finished just 2-8 last season but they are optimistic about improving on that win total in 2023.

After opening with a Week 0 con-

test against Hennessey, Mount St. Mary enjoys a week off before returning to the field Sept. 7 at NW Classen.

“We have a much different mentality when it comes to the Xs and Os,” the coach told FRIDAY.

Some examples include strong participation in a summer weightlifting program and a good showing at the Owasso 7-on-7 tournament.

“Several of our players have put on 20-30 pounds (of muscle) over the summer and I think people will see the results this fall,” Truelove said.

Even if the wins don’t come right

away, the standard of excellence at Mount St. Mary stays the same, according to the second-year head coach.

and a really special kid.”

District 3A-2

Pre-Season Rankings

1. Metro Christian

2. Perkins-Tryon

3. Kingfisher

4. North Rock Creek

5. Anadarko

6. Mount St. Mary

7. McLoud

8. Mannford

“Our expectation at a minimum is to play in Week 11,” he said. “There have been high expectations and success for every program but football. Here at The Mount, our football program is committed to success like the other sports.”

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Along with calling plays, Krug could see time at running back and even wide receiver, as will senior Keenen Estell. Other contributors include senior offensive lineman Jose Ruelas, senior receiver Karter Dumont, and tight end John Allison.

Much like other smaller schools, Mount St. Mary’s offensive players also jump across the line to play on defense.

On offense, the Rockets season seems to rest on the shoulders of quarterback Joe Krug.

“Joe is the heartbeat of our team,” Truelove said. “He’s a 3-year starter

Krug and Allison anchor the linebacker unit, along with junior Zach Ellison. Ruelas stars along the defensive line, while Estell plays in the secondary.

Coach Matt Truelove