19th Street August 2021

Uniting Alumni, Students & Community

2021 Moore War Run

Sooner Football 2021

Players to Watch

2021 Prep Gridiron Stars

Meet the Players

MOORE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETICS NOW ON MOORESPORTS.TV

August 2021 • Issue 8 • Volume 4

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Features

AUGUST CONTENTS 2021

ISSUE 8– VOLUME 4 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Doescher

2021 Moore War Run

10 by Callie Collins

MANAGING EDITOR Lindsay Cuomo

A tradition uniting alumni, future grads and the community.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark Doescher

CONTRIBUTORS

Hi-tech Upgrades

14by Lindsay Cuomo

Moore Public Schools athletics upgrade fan-focused features including a new scoreboard and live-streaming coverage.

10

Sharla Bardin | Callie Collins Lindsay Cuomo | Steve Marshall Tyler McComas | Chris Plank

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

Haley Gauley - haley@sportstalk1400.com Trevor Laffoon - trevor@sportstalk1400.com Perry Spencer - perry@sportstalk1400.com

PUBLISHER

Casey Vinyard

In Memory of

RANDY LAFFOON

Central Oklahoma Workforce

18 Innovation Board

by Sharla Bardin Collaboration aims to help more individuals attend school, re-enter workforce.

High School Football Previews

Moore Lions

24 by Tyler McComas

16

19th Street Magazine 2020 E. Alameda Norman, Oklahoma 73071 Phone: (405) 321-1400 E-mail: 19thstreetmagazine@gmail.com Copyright © 19th Street Magazine Any articles, artwork or graphics created by 19th Street Magazine or its contributors are sole property of 19th Street Magazine and cannot be reproduced for any reason without permission.

Any opinions expressed in 19th Street are not necessarily that of 19th Street management.

Westmoore Jaguars

28 by Steve Marshall

Southmoore Sabercats

32

by Steve Marshall

Meet the Players

36

by Players

Meet the stars of the gridiron this fall.

OU Football ‘21 42 Players to Watch

28

by Chris Plank New faces in new places will power the Sooners this season.

Screening Sooner Saves Lives

61

by Lindsay Cuomo

Recommended age for colorectal cancer screening lower to 45.

sportstalk1400.com

42

Cover photo by: Mark Doescher

WELCOME BACK!

- B.B. King Moore Chamber of Commerce www.moore chamber.com

COMM U N I T Y

2021 Moore War Run

A tradition uniting alumni, future grads and the community

S

aturday, Aug. 28 is the big day for a time-honored tradition in Moore: the thirteenth annual Moore War Run will take place at 7:30 a.m. Moore High School and Westmoore High School Alumni Associations host the event, which serves as a fundraiser for current students.

strates the resilience and commitment of all of the participants.”

The Moore War Run marks a rare truce. In the three-decade Moore War rivalry, the Lions and Jaguars “sparred against one another to determine the big cat in town.” But on race day, each August, the feud is put aside to come together for a common cause – current students.

“All funds benefit students of Moore Public Schools with scholarships and various activities,” said Kelli Kinnamon, race director and Westmoore class of ‘92 alumna, whose vision and leadership have guided the race since its beginning.

“I don’t have a kid in the school or anything like that but I just had this crazy idea more than 13 years ago that it could work and it has.

Former classmates from both schools put friendly rivalries and their differences aside in support of their children, grandchildren or simply the present class of students in their community.

This year’s 5K is made possible by sponsors large and small and this year’s presenting sponsors are Brown O’Haver, Horn Equipment, Norman Regional Hospital and Randy L. Thurman, CPA. Alice Young, owner and CEO of Brown O’Haver, agrees the event is meaningful to the Moore community.

“Moore War Run continues to be an event that is near and dear to Brown O’Haver,” said Young. “Running the best water stop [during the race] for the last seven years has always been one of the highlights of our year. We enjoy watching our community come together in an event like this that demon10 August 2021

Volunteers lead all race efforts, from event planning to race day staffing.

“We’ve raised $180,000 through our first 12 events. Our goal is to get sponsors to pay for the actual expense of the race so that all the entry fees go directly to helping students.”

Uncertainty marked last year’s race, which took place in person even as the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of so many events. Solemnity in remembrance of the hit-andrun deaths of three Moore High School students in February 2020 was also part of last summer’s event.

Through the incredible difficulties of the past year, the community has come together in more ways than one and will again for the 2021 Moore War Run. More than 1100 participants are expected to run in this year’s race.

“This will be a return to normal for us,” said Kinnamon. “We

BY: CALLIE COLLINS

will have a DJ back again, there will be water stations and finish line activities.”

The Moore War Run begins at the corner of Main and Eastern, in front of Moore High School. Runners will continue south to 19th Street before turning west and heading to Broadway Ave before returning north. The race ends in Old Town Moore.

The cost to register is $30 and registration can be completed online at moorewarrun.com. Student fees are $15 and registration should be completed through athletic coaches. Registration is also possible the day of the event. Every runner will receive a medal.

Loyal

TO MOORE & YOU

Members of the community who do not wish to participate but would like to purchase a t-shirt can do so for $15, with proceeds also benefiting local students.

Volunteers are also needed to make the event a success. Email moorewarrun@yahoo.com for more information about volunteer opportunities.

“Moore War Run is a great community event and we are excited to be back with cheers and poms,” said Kinnamon.

“This year, there will be cheering along the course and more student participants.

“Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, fellow alumni and the Moore community for your support of the event but also your support of one another.” -19SM sportstalk1400.com

MOORE

600 NW 5th 701 SW 19th St

Come see us!

B A N C F I R S T. B A N K 19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 11

COM M U N I T Y

Hi-tech Upgrades

Moore Public Schools Athletics upgrade fan-focused features including a new scoreboard and live-streaming coverage

M

oore Public Schools’ sports fans have even more ways to support their favorite student-athletes. SportsTalk Media is partnering with the district to provide live-stream broadcasts of more than 150 athletic events for the upcoming school year.

“Moore Public Schools and MPS Athletics are excited to partner with SportsTalk Media because this partnership brings attention to all of our programs,” said District Athletic Director Brian Fitzgerald. “We’ve got some really great programs and we are thrilled to be able to share more about all of them.”

Through the live stream, all home & away football games as well as select volleyball and fast-pitch softball games and multiple winter and spring sporting events will be broadcast online, including one of the premier basketball tournaments in the state, the John Nobles Invitational.

“SportsTalk Media is honored to be able to bring live-streaming to Moore schools, much like we have for the past eight years for Norman Public Schools, including playoffs and state title games for football, basketball and soccer,” said Perry Spencer, director of streaming for SportsTalk Media. “We want to encourage fans to still show up in person to support their favorite school, but if you can’t, we will have you covered this year with our great coverage.”

Local and out-of-town family and friends will be able to watch

14 August 2021

the live-stream events at MooreSports.tv.

“We are excited to provide this experience for our fans in the metro but also across the world,” Fitzgerald said. “They can watch their loved ones and still feel a part of everything.”

Live-streaming coverage will complement current athletics coverage. Moore Lions football will still have their radio broadcast led by JD Northcutt and Westmoore will have theirs led by Chris Foshee.

“We want to be another great community partner with those two great broadcast teams,” said Spencer. “Our live streaming will offer the district even more visibility and Moore sports fans additional access to show their support.”

Fans will be able to watch regular-season games free of charge, thanks to advertiser support.

“One of the greatest parts about this will be that the service to watch will be absolutely free in the regular season, that is a big difference from the past where you might have to pay monthly, and that is because of our great advertisers,” shared Spencer.

“We really appreciate the advertisers for making that possible.”

Programming will also include coaches’ shows featuring coaches and student-athletes, starting this fall with cross country, football, fast-pitch softball, volleyball, cheer, pom and band.

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO following MooreSportsTV on Twitter or Facebook. Those interested in advertising or sponsoring a broadcast should email streaming@mooresports.tv.

For those Moore athletics fans attending in person, another new feature fans are sure to notice is the new scoreboard at Moore Schools Stadium. The hi-tech scoreboard was installed this summer.

Fitzgerald said that the previous scoreboard required an expensive extended warranty and was expensive to maintain.

“The old technology became obsolete quickly,” he explained.

“This new board isn’t even a scoreboard anymore. It’s one large screen that we can manipulate to what we need.”

“We believe this will be a great opportunity to help showcase the entire district, highlighting the coaches, athletes and all the folks that are involved with the athletics for Moore Public Schools,” said Spencer. “Our first event will be fast-pitch softball, something that is very popular in the Moore area, Moore vs. Southmoore on Aug. 10.”

SportsTalks’ live-streaming broadcasts through BlueFrame Technology, a premier end-to-end video streaming provider servicing over 800 colleges, high schools and athletic organizations across North America. SportsTalk Media Group publishes two community-based magazines, Boyd Street Magazine and 19th Street Magazine, and broadcasts live local radio talk shows and a variety of play-play coverage on 1400AM & 99.3FM, in addition to their streaming services.

“SportsTalk is grateful to Moore Public Schools, Dr. Robert Romines, Brian Fitzgerald and the school board for giving us the opportunity to provide great coverage that so many of these athletes deserve,” shared Spencer. “We have assembled a high-quality broadcast crew for these three schools, and I think the people that watch will enjoy what they will see.”

“What makes us different from most broadcasting groups is that we give money back to the schools that we broadcast for,” added Spencer. “That is something we have done since the beginning, and we will be doing for Moore Public Schools as well.”

Keep up to date on Moore athletics’ live-streaming events by Operated by an iPad, the new scoreboard has different functionalities set for a variety of activities that take place at the stadium, whether it’s a Friday night football game, soccer match or even graduation.

“Some people even do movie nights on their screen,” Fitzgerald said.

Fans can expect to see more big-league features such as instant replay, fan experiences, commercials and student-athlete spotlights.

“We have advertising packages available for businesses that want to support Moore athletics,” he said.

To learn more about the scoreboard advertising packages, contact Dawn Jones at dawnjones@mooreschools.com. –19SM sportstalk1400.com

19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 15

TM

COMM U N I T Y

BY: SHARLA BARDIN

Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation B oard

Collaboration aims to help more individuals attend school, re-enter workforce

A

collaboration between Moore Norman Technology Center and a federal workforce initiative seeks to ease the financial burdens faced by individuals who want to continue their education, re-enter the workforce or pursue a new career field. A primary goal of the collaboration is to increase awareness about the resources available, including assistance for those who have been laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic and are looking for new jobs.

The Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board is a nonprofit organization focused on building a quality workforce through education and creating connections between job seekers and businesses.

The organization receives funding from the Department of Labor and the State of Oklahoma. Individuals who qualify can receive funding to help them complete training and other programs for an in-demand occupation, such as machining, commercial truck driving and health care jobs.

“There are a lot of barriers out there. That’s what we help to try to eliminate,” said Steve Kehl, a representative for the board. “We work with (individuals) up to a year to make sure they find employment.”

Kehl works as a career navigator and has an office at the Moore Norman’s South Penn campus, assisting individuals who qualify for the programs.

Kehl said adults can complete an assessment to gauge their career interests and meet with a representative to talk about next steps. Representatives with the organization also work with individuals on career guidance and planning.

Additionally, the board also offers programs to help youth receive education, training and work experience to help them transition into the workforce.

Kehl is excited about the joint effort between the board and Moore Norman Technology Center and the opportunity to reach more people who can benefit from the board’s services.

18 August 2021

Peter Evans, a training consultant at the technology center, said the resources from the Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board have been available to students but the program has been underutilized. Having Kehl on campus can help raise awareness and connect more students to those resources.

Evans shared that the programs aren’t exclusively available to Moore Norman Technology Center students. Individuals can utilize the services at other career technology centers in the area. Evans encouraged individuals who are interested in furthering their education and training but face financial or scheduling difficulties to contact the board or a career technology center to learn more about additional programs that can help.

“We’re here trying to eliminate those obstacles,” Evans offered.

A variety of other programs are available to help students pay for programs and classes at Moore Norman Technology Center. Audra Main, a financial aid coordinator at the center, said the financial aid office can help students navigate various avenues of assistance.

“We’re happy to answer questions and guide you the best way that we can,” she said.

One of the first steps she recommends is for individuals to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.

The form allows students to request federal grants, work-study and loans in one application and is found at studentaid.gov.

Another area of assistance for some students is the GI Bill, which helps qualifying veterans pay for college, graduate school and training programs.

State assistance, scholarships and tuition waivers also are available to students. In addition, Main recommends that students from Native American tribes in Oklahoma inquire about financial assistance through the tribe.

For more information about the Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board, visit cowib.org or visit mntc.edu to learn more about career training and vocational programs. -19SM

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HI G H S C H O O L FO OTBAL L PREVIEW

MOORE LIONS T

he definition of the word athleticism is the combination of qualities such as speed, strength and agility that are characteristic of an athlete. But really, Webster’s Dictionary could have saved us a lot of time by just saying see the 2021 Moore Lions.

Brad Hill’s team has a lot going on this year, but nothing more than the crazy athleticism his Lions will display this fall. In fact, this may be one of the most athletic teams Moore has had in many years.

Denver Wolfe (Jr, 5’9”, 150) is back at quarterback after his baptism by fire last year in the Moore War. It was an unexpected moment, but he handled it with poise and turned in an impressive sophomore campaign.

“He’s gotten better and better each day,” said Hill. “He’s got command of the offense and understands defenses. He had a really good spring and a really good team camp. We knew he was a good athlete, but after this offseason, we’ve seen he’s one of our pound-for-pound strongest kids. He’ll be an electric player this fall for us.”

The big-play potential for the Lions will be on display at wide receiver. Marcus Dockins Jr. (Sr, 6’2”, 178) is a superstar that scored in every way imaginable last year.

“Marcus is definitely a dynamic athlete,” said Hill. “He can run, jump and even scores 20 points a game in basketball.

Last year, he scored touchdowns for us throwing, running and receiving. He plays everywhere and is a really special player.”

If it’s not Dockins making the big play, then it’ll surely come from Brayden Clark (Jr, 5’11”, 170), Lonato Henderson (Sr, 6’4”, 221) or Wyatt Stull (Sr, 6’1”, 165).

Clark is a track star that finished in the Top 6 in the 200-meter dash at the state meet. He has the speed and Henderson brings the size. Stull is a two-year starter that brings a wealth of experience to the table.

“Skill position wise...it’s as good as we‘ve been since I’ve been here.”

Brad Hill

24 July 2021

“We feel really good about the weapons Denver gets to throw to,” Hill said.

Opponents will have to pick their poison as the Lions feature a thunder and lightning approach at running back. Keandre Pittman (Jr, 6’, 245) is the thunderous power back that had six rushing touchdowns last season. Rejond Hayes (Sr, 5’11”, 180) is the lightning with his quick twitch and incredible

BY: TYLER MCCOMAS

2021 SCHEDULE 8.27

Edmond Memorial

9.3

@ Westmoore

9.9

Norman

9.24

Southmoore

10.1

Edmond North

10.7

@ Norman North

10.15 Union 10.22 @Putnam City 10.28 Owasso 11.5 speed. CJ Simon (Fr) who can play anywhere on offense, also figures to be in the rotation.

“Skill position wise, as a collective group, it’s as good as we’ve been since I’ve been here,” Hill said.

The offensive line looks to be a nice blend of experience and young talent. Jax Rumsey (Jr, 6’4”, 280) is a three-year starter and may be the best leader on the team. Race Buser (Sr, 6’5”, 330) is a huge body at tackle and will make rushing the passer extremely difficult for opposing defensive ends.

“We feel like we have some really good players coming back, headlined by Jax,” said Hill. “We also have some young lineman we think are going to be really good.”

It doesn’t get much better than Tyler Lorenzen (Sr, 6’4”, 230) at defensive end. The Division 1 scholarship offers are rolling in, and rightfully so, as the only thing higher than his sack and tackle totals are his ACT score.

“He’s a great young man,” Hill said. “He busts his tail and is a really smart kid. He’s extremely fast off the edge.”

Caleb Pounds (Jr, 6’2”, 190) and Phillip Benjamin (Sr, 6’,

2020 Record: 3-8 Coaches: HC-Brad Hill sportstalk1400.com

@ Mustang

225) will be two other names to watch for on the Lions’ defensive line. Pounds was the defensive MVP of the o-line/d-line camp in Bixby and is poised for a breakout year. Benjamin tore his ACL in the Moore War last year but is ready to make up for lost time.

The linebacker core will have plenty of open competition.

Several new faces will vie for the open positions, but the luxury for Moore is that Jacob Leger (Sr, 6’, 210) is back.

“He’s got an offer from Northwestern,” Hill said. “Gritty, throwback type of football player, he’s going to be really solid for us.”

In the secondary, you’ll see a lot of two-way players. That’s a good thing, seeing as Hill will use all the athleticism he has on offense on the defensive side, too.

“Our skill kids will cross both ways,” Hill said. “Clark and Dockins will cross over. Rejond Hayes (Sr, 5’11”, 180) will also play.”

Look for Saxon Scantlin (Sr, 6’, 180) and Dion Williams (Jr, 5’11”, 170) to be main contributors as well.–19SM

All Time Record: 316-369-2 OC-Lonny Nolen

DC-Greg Lane 19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 25

HOMES

HOPE COMMUNITY! Norman CLEVELAND COUNTY IS

STRONGER

BECAUSE OF YOU! Noble

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HI G H S C H O O L FO OTBAL L PREVIEW

WESTMOORE JAGUARS W

estmoore has a strong cast of returning starters on both sides of the ball this year. To better fit the strengths of the returning team, the Jaguars are adjusting their formations, but they will have some big shoes to fill at quarterback with the graduation of three-year starter Dayton Wolfe.

Jaguar head coach Lorenzo Williams said this years’ approach would be more of a ground attack.

“We will look a little bit different,” Williams said. “We don’t have Dayton anymore so we can’t sit back there and throw the ball 50 times a game.”

The Jags are coming off a 6-5 season last year. Even with plenty of talent returning, there are still some question marks heading into the 2021 season.

Shyheim Johnson (So, 6’2”, 200) appears to be the early leader in the quest for the starting job at quarterback, according to Williams.

“He’s got a great frame and a big arm and makes really good decisions,” Williams said. “We just need him to manage the football, not turn it over very much and get it to the guys who can make plays.”

Westmoore will try to establish a stronger run-game this year with a running back who is a returning starter and a starter from two years ago who didn’t get to play last year due to injury.

“Our guys up front are looking good. We got a really good run game,” said Wiliams. “We’re going to be more dependent on the run game and making sure our quarterback has some time to adjust to the speed of the game.”

“We’re going to be more dependant on the run game...”

Lorenzo Williams

28 August 2021

Brandon Arnold (Sr, 5’10”, 185) is back at running back where he had a good season for the Jaguars last year rushing for 532 yards and 668 yards receiving, along with five touchdown receptions. Kaibren Grant (Sr, 5’10, 175), a starter as a sophomore but had to sit out all of last year due to an ACL injury, also returns to give the Jaguars plenty of depth at the skill positions.

Jalen Hardison (Sr, 5’9”, 150) had 521 yards receiving, Kevion Williams (Sr, 6’, 160) had 832 yards and eight touchdowns and Ethan Lawrence (Sr, 5’9”,170) had six touchdown receptions and 728 yards receiving. Those three will be the primary receivers who play on the edge and will be counted on to make big plays, especially once they get in the open field.

BY: STEVE MARSHALL

2021 SCHEDULE 8.27

@ McKinney North

9.3

Moore

9.10

@ Southmoore

9.23

Broken Arrow

10.1

@ Edmond Santa Fe

10.7

Enid

10.15 @ Norman 10.22 @ Edmond Memorial 10.29 Yukon 11.5 Tyler Koonce (Jr, 6’, 265) will be the veteran on a very young but talented offensive line. The Jags will be starting two sophomores on the offensive line to try and open the holes for the running game and protect the quarterback.

The Jaguars will change their defensive approach as well and will run a traditional 3-4 defense with the entire front-seven returning. Some of the leaders are expected to be nose-guard Bashon Basey (Jr, 6’3”, 280) and a pair of defensive ends Devin Simmons (Jr, 6’2”, 235) and move-in Talon Pierce (Sr, 6’3”, 235) also on the defensive front.

“We’ve got a good, talented front,” Williams said. “Our linebackers are fast and explosive.”

Kayzen Bird (6’1 205 Jr) will be the leader of the defense at inside linebacker. He had 31 tackles in a back up role last year and is ready to strike in his first year as a starter. D’Angelo Shanks (Sr, 6’1”, 220) is another player new to the program to keep an eye on at the outside linebacker position, according to Williams.

Playing in the defensive backfield for the Jaguars, Xavier Ware (Sr, 6’2”, 184) is another newcomer to the program expected to make an impact.

2020 Record: 6-5 Coaches: HC-Lorenzo Williams sportstalk1400.com

@ Jenks

Free safety Parker Franklin (Jr, 6’, 160) grew a couple of inches since last year. CB Mykel Patterson (So, 5’9”, 170) is going to be a superstar, according to Williams.

“He’s got a 36-inch vertical and runs a 4.4 forty,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him do a lot of great things at that corner position.”

“Defensively, we’ve been looking pretty good even at team camp. Guys are excited, very motivated,” Williams added.

“We’re expecting big things from our defense this year.”

When asked if he felt the defense was the strength of the team, Williams said, “Anytime you start a sophomore quarterback your defense has to step up. I’m counting on the defense to hold it together while we get this young quarterback to adjust to the speed of the game.”

Freshman Jackson Lee and senior Ashton House will take care of the kicking duties.

The Jaguars will open the season with their two rivalry games against Moore and Southmoore before going on the road to play at Broken Arrow week 3. District play begins week 4 at Edmond Santa Fe. –19SM

All Time Record: 224-147 OC-Dustin Finn

DC-Dylan Hopson 19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 29

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30 August 2021

HI G H S C H O O L FO OTBAL L PREVIEW

SOUTHMOORE SABERCATS S

outhmoore is looking to take the next step forward under second year head coach Josh Norman as they hope to improve on last year’s 3-8 record and advance into the second round of post-season play.

The Sabercats will open the season with Noah Peters (Sr, 5’11”, 165) as starting quarterback. Norman has been impressed with the growth of his dual threat leader during the off-season and is expecting big things from his senior signal caller who threw for 1,182 yards and eight touchdowns last year and had another 378 yards rushing.

“He can make a lot of plays with his feet and throws the ball very well,” Norman said.

In the backfield, the Sabercats will look to Markus Means (Jr) who saw the ball quite a bit last year as a sophomore rushing for 338 yards on 64 carries. Joining Means will be Caden Durham (So, 5’7”, 175) who finished the season starting in the backfield during last year’s playoffs. Durham showed he has the speed for the position as he also ran one of the legs of the State Champion 4x100 relay team.

“We’re looking at being a young team this year,” Norman said. “That means more opportunities for a good number of young guys to get a lot of snaps. We’re excited about coaching these guys and going after our goals.”

Norman is also excited about receiver Bryce Rusche, (Sr, 5’7”, 160) a move-in who is expected to make an impact on the offensive side of the football.

Joshua Clay (Sr, 5’11”, 250) returns as the starting center for the Sabercats for a third consecutive year and the coaches will be looking for Clay to continue to be one of the team leaders.

“We’re looking at being a young team this year.”

Josh Norman

32 August 2021

Guard Jonquill Rogers (Sr, 6’, 250) is a great physical talent who had a really good spring and team camp during the pre-season.

Norman said the Sabercats are looking forward to Rogers being the most dominant offensive lineman the Cats have.

Norman feels the Sabercats defensive line may be the deepest and best unit on this year’s team.

“We’ll have a good mix of sophomores, juniors and seniors,” he said. “Triston Dartez is a member of the Sabercat wrestling squad and played on the team two years ago and is ready to go after sitting out his sophomore year.”

BY: STEVE MARSHALL

2021 SCHEDULE 8.26

Booker T. Washington

9.3

@ Deer Creek

9.10

Westmoore

9.24

@ Moore

10.1

@ Mustang

10.8

Putnam City

10.14 @ Owasso 10.22 Edmond North 10.29 @ Union 11.5 Defensive end Riley Hoffman (Sr, 6’, 240) will be the leader on defense again this year, according to Norman.

“He was very instrumental in what we did last year on defense and we’ll look at him at defensive end and also some linebacker too,” said Williams. “He’s just a versatile kid who can play a lot of different positions.”

Javion Council (So, 6’1”, 260) is also going to be counted on as a big contributor.

“He’s a special talent, athletic and moves extremely well,” Norman said. “Once he truly gets the technique of the position down, he’s going to be a really, really special player for us.”

At the linebacker position, Norman said they’re still trying to find the right fit for a number of different candidates battling for the position and he feels confident that he’ll have developed several players by the time the regular season rolls around.

In the secondary, the Sabercats are led by Trenton Wetsiline (Jr, 6’1”, 152) who started as a sophomore last year and played extremely well this spring.

2020 Record: 3-8 Coaches: HC-Josh Norman sportstalk1400.com

Norman North

Kyus Henry (So, 6’, 155) looks like another key piece in the secondary. Norman said he is another guy that they’re expecting to be a special player. Skyler Mayer (So, 5’11”, 155) will start at safety.

“We’re going to be young but we’ve got a lot of talent at those positions in the secondary,” Norman said.

Norman had one word for what the key to improvement will be for his young squad this year. He said that is consistency.

“Our biggest problem early on will be consistency,” said Norman. “We have the effort. We have the buy-in. We just have to be able to do it consistently, consistently execute the details and the fundamentals and the technique of everything they’re being coached.”

The Sabercats host Booker T. Washington to open the season and then play at Deer Creek and Westmoore before opening district play against the Moore Lions. –19SM

All Time Record: 63-75 OC-Chaz Stover

DC-Christian Doty 19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 33

S P O RT S

MEET THE PLAYERS Local student athletes share what makes their community, school, team and coaches unique.

Tyler Lorenzen

SR • 6’4” • 230 WHAT POSITION DO YOU PLAY?

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SEASON?

Kaibren Grant SR • 5’10” • 180

Defensive End

Running Back & Safety

Our expectations are to make a deep run in the playoffs and nothing less!

For myself and my teammates to be able to keep our mental game in tack, to finish the second half of the season and go win State!

Everybody who plays at Moore just always has a chip on their shoulder and always is striving to be successful. Most of my teammates and I have played football since little league, so our bond together is just something you don’t see everywhere.

Our culture, we’re a family.

BTB

BESIDES YOUR CURRENT POSITION, WHAT POSITION WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY AND WHY?

I would love to play tight end.

My secondary position has been offensive line, but I can catch so tight end would be a good mix of both.

I wouldn’t change where I play now!

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ATHLETE?

Demarcus Lawrence

Saquon Barkley

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT IN YOUR ATHLETIC CAREER?

I would have to say getting my first offer from NWOSU at the same time as one of my best friends from junior high, Jacob Leger.

Summer workouts, it’s where I am able to bond with my teammates the most prior to the season.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG TO LISTEN TO BEFORE YOU PLAY?

First Day Out by Tee Grizzley

Anything Goes by Marlo & Lil’ Baby

WHAT IS YOUR TWITTER HANDLE?

@TylerLorenzen54

@_kaibrengrant_

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT PLAYING FOR YOUR SCHOOL?

36 August 2021

BY: THE PLAYERS

Noah Peters SR • 5’11” • 170 Quarterback

Make the playoffs.

My teammates & coaches.

Probably safety but I haven’t thought much about it. I like playing QB and leading my team down the field when the game is on the line.

Tom Brady

When I threw a touchdown pass in overtime to win the game vs Moore.

Sauce It Up by Lil Uzi Vert @noahpeters22 sportstalk1400.com

19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 37

S P O RT S

SOONER REVIEW McIntyre Law is a proud supporter of OU athletics.

Contact McIntyre Law for all your personal injury needs

A

Players to W

s Oklahoma Sooner Football prepares for the 2021 season, expectations are high throughout the Sooner Nation. With a Sooner win in the Cotton Bowl over Florida, a likely preseason top 5 ranking and the excitement of a full capacity crowd returning to Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, several players are likely to play a major role as the Sooners attempt to clinch a 7th straight Big 12 title and pursue National Championship No. 8.

Photos courtesy: OU Athletics

BILLY BOWMAN When Billy Bowman signed with Oklahoma, co-offensive coordinator and inside receivers coach Cale Gundy raved about Bowman’s athletic ability.

“He’s such a great athlete,” Gundy said on Signing Day. “Billy is a guy that can do a lot of things.”

42 August 2021

Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley echoed Gundy’s sentiments with one interesting caveat. The Sooners really did not know on which side of the football Bowman would end up playing.

“Don’t know that I’ve seen a more dynamic athlete in the country this year than Billy,” Riley said. “I don’t have the first clue where he’s going to play for us, but it’s going to be somewhere, and it wouldn’t shock me if he doesn’t end up having a role for us on both sides of the football.”

As Bowman arrived on campus, a battle was taking place inside the Sooner football offices. The 5-foot-10, 182-pound product from Ryan High School in Denton, Texas was the rare prospect listed as “athlete.” Bowman was so impressive on both sides of the ball that both the Sooner offensive and defensive coaches sought the dynamic player.

In the end, the defense won

BY: CHRIS PLANK

Nick Bonitto

“We won that recruiting battle… which was an important one for us,” Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch said with a smile during spring football.

Bowman is in the mix to start in the Sooner secondary, specifically at the nickel back position. Over the last two seasons, Brendan Radley-Hiles had anchored the nickel position before transferring to Washington. Many had projected Tre Norwood to potentially be the starting nickel, but this past offseason, instead of returning for his final season with the Sooners, Norwood declared for the NFL Draft and was selected by the Steelers in the 6th round.

Now, Bowman has put himself squarely into the conversation to start as a true freshman.

“I don’t want to put too much on him,” said Grinch. “But he’s really taken off. He’s a good football player, and from a mental aptitude standpoint, he’s done a tremendous job.

I think he’s only going to get better.”

Bowman will compete with names like Jeremiah Criddell and Justin Broiles, but early returns have pegged the Sooner true freshman as a guy who will have the opportunity to play on day one.

Bowman will also be a factor in the return game. With the creativity of Riley, there is no doubt that Bowman could be used offensively as well.

NIK BONITTO

Watch

Nik Bonitto had a decision to make. The Sooner outside linebacker had just finished a breakout season with eight sacks, a team-high 11 quarterback hurries, along with 10.5 tackles for losses. In continuing to evolve and progress as more than just a pass rusher, Bonitto had become the apple of some NFL Scouts eye.

Pro Football Focus, a scouting website that evaluates NFL and college players, had consistently rated Bonitto as one of the top edge rushers that could be available for the NFL Draft. Pro Football Focus had even projected the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida product as a first-round pick.

“It was definitely a real option,” Bonitto said about leaving for the NFL Draft. “It was definitely a lot to think about.”

On Jan. 11 in a tweet titled, “Unfinished Business… Sooner Nation we coming for Number 8”, Bonitto announced that he would return for another year at the University of Oklahoma.

“I still feel like I left a lot on the table personally,” Bonitto said.

Having earned second-team All-American honors for his performance in 2020, Bonitto will be counted on to help minimize the loss of Ronnie Perkins to the NFL Draft and continue to elevate the Sooner defense. As he continues to improve, Bonitto will be counted on to bolster a solid defensive line, specifically the edge rush position.

Billy Bowman sportstalk1400.com

“Nik (Bonitto) is a kid that knows his limit, which is good, because sometimes you get kids out there that want to play 19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 43

for eight to 10 straight pays,” Jamar Cain, Sooner outside linebacker and defense end coach, said. “Nik knows he’s a five to six snap guy and then the next guy comes in. Those guys see there are a lot of plays out there to be made, a lot of snaps out there to get an opportunity, so it’s a healthy competition in that room right now. And between Alex Grinch and I, we just love the competition where it’s at.”

The 2020 season was the first full season that Bonitto played, and he did not disappoint with two sacks against Texas and had three against KU. Again, Pro Football Focus continued to heap praise on Bonitto declaring him the best returning defensive lineman in all of college football.

“I want to be a perfectionist at everything I do,” Bonitto said.

“I feel like there’s still a lot of stuff in my game I’m trying to get better at. I need to hone in on that. That way I can get a better version of Nik Bonitto for this upcoming season.”

With the dramatic improvement of the Oklahoma defense over the past two seasons, Bonitto has embraced the high expectations and the goal of a National Championship.

“Obviously, we have lofty goals here,” Bonitto said. “Especially on our defense, but as a team, we want to get that last one. That’s really the goal going into this. We know this is the year.”

PERRION WINFREY The overriding theme for the Sooner defense is depth, but don’t be confused, it’s more than just depth in numbers.

“Speed D” is loaded with quality depth and consistent contributors. The Sooners have built a two-deep roster that is littered with experience and athleticism. Perhaps no position magnifies that better than the interior of the defensive line.

Jalen Redmond re-enters the mix after sitting out last season due to Covid-19. Jordan Kelly and Josh Ellison both flashed when given opportunities and LaRon Stokes is back to provide experience after battling injuries last season.

But there is not a more impressive defensive tackle in the Big 12 than second-year Sooner Perrion Winfrey.

In his first season on campus, Winfrey always seemed to be around the football. A second-team All-Big 12 selection, Winfrey finished with six tackles for loss and 19 total tackles. The numbers might not be jaw dropping, but his ability to live in the opponent’s backfield made a difference the entire defense.

In fact, many thought the defensive tackle might decide to take his talents to the NFL after one season. Winfrey had different plans.

“Honestly, I didn’t explore it all too much,” said Winfrey. “I wanted to stay another year, and perfect my craft even more.”

Winfrey entered the offseason committed to slimming down and improving his overall game. In addition to dropping 10 pounds, Winfrey has a deep-rooted trust in his defensive line coach, Calvin Thibodeaux “No matter if I’m doing something good or doing something 44 August 2021

bad, he’s on me the same way,” Winfrey said. “He’s not a fan like everybody else. When I do something good, he’s telling me what I did bad, to make myself better. Honestly, he’s one of the greatest coaches I’ve ever had. Nobody pushes me like him.”

Thibodeaux used his experience coaching at the junior-college level to help him get the most out of Winfrey, who came to OU by way of Iowa Western Community College.

“He’s a big, talented guy,” Thibodeaux said. “He’s gotta trust you, and if he trusts you, he’ll run through a wall for you. It’s all about relationships with any player.”

Much like Bonitto and the rest of the Sooner defense, Winfrey is not only confident in the ability of the Oklahoma Sooner defense but has embraced the enormous expectations for the Sooners in 2021.

“I felt like we had a good shot this year at getting our aim, which is the national championship,” Winfrey said. “I like our team overall. I feel like we’re stacked at every position. If there’s any time to go get that, I feel like this is the year. That’s why I stayed.”

AUSTIN STOGNER Austin Stogner was a favorite target of quarterback Spencer Rattler. A trusted option with strong and solid hands, Stogner had a knack for getting open when his quarterback needed him most.

Through four games last season, Stogner led the team in receptions and receiving yards. Before his injury against Kansas, Stogner had caught 25 passes with 20 of those ending in a first down or a touchdown for the Sooners.

He was the ultimate safety valve.

“Starting out the season, Stog was one of our biggest targets,” Rattler said. “One of the best mismatches in the country, one of my favorite targets.”

But midway through the 2nd quarter in the game against Kansas, Stogner was hit low and hard. He was down, and his regular season was done. It was not until much later that we learned just how severe the injury Stogner suffered was.

“It really hit his body hard in the procedure and the medications and all that he was on to fight the infection,” Riley said of the recovery. “They were successful, but they also really took a toll on his body.”

Stogner ended up requiring surgery and a solid round of medications to heal a staph infection on his quad muscle after the injury. While fighting the infection, Stogner ended up losing about 35 pounds.

“Stog’s (Stogner) was a long journey back,” Riley said. “It was, I would say, a good three weeks before we thought about doing anything with him. It was a scary thing to go through.

We knew he took a pretty decent hit in that game but never dreamed that something like that’s going to happen — and obviously got a lot worse before it got better.”

Austin Stogner sportstalk1400.com

19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 45

Despite missing four and a half games, Stogner was third on the team this year with 26 catches, 442 yards and three touchdowns. He somehow returned to suit up against Florida in the Cotton Bowl and registered a catch in limited action.

Though he had returned in Dallas for the Cotton Bowl, Stogner was still somewhat limited in spring practices.

“It’s been kind of a slow return,” Riley said. “I really wouldn’t say a slow return off his injury but there’s just some natural ups and downs that you are going to have. We don’t have him full-go for every practice. There are some days where he feels really good and does the full deal and then there are some days where it’s just not right. [ Jeremiah] Hall and [Brayden] Willis have certainly taken the majority of reps and done a great job with them up to this point.”

Stogner is also dealing with a new voice inside the H-back/ tight ends room. Shane Beamer left to take over as head coach of South Carolina. Riley tabbed a former Sooner Joe John Finley. So far, Finley has been impressed with what he has seen from Stogner. ”Stog’s done a great job,” Finely said. “We are trying to work on his total game. We are still working on routes, releases, stems, all that good, good stuff that he loves but he knows he has also got to be able to put his hand in the dirt and be a complete tight end and he embraces that. He has got the body and the ‘want to’ to do it. Now it’s all about the tools that you have and the tools that you can use to block these guys that are coming off the edge.”

ERIC GRAY It has been a roller coaster of an offseason for the Sooner running back room. One player declared for the NFL Draft, one transferred and two were removed from the program for offthe-field issues.

But through all the lows, one intriguing and necessary high hit when Eric Gray decided to transfer from Knoxville to Norman.

A former four-star prospect from Memphis’ Lausanne Collegiate School, Gray ranked sixth in the SEC while at Tennessee in rushing in 2020 with an average of 85.8 yards per game and finished eighth in the league with 1,026 yards from scrimmage. Including the final two games of his freshman season, he averaged 100.3 rushing yards per game and 126.5 scrimmage yards per game and scored 10 touchdowns over his past 11 games.

After the 2020 season, Gray decided it was time for a fresh start.

“I kind of knew from the jump that this was the place I wanted to come to,” Gray said. “Looking at the past years, you see how great the offense is. I saw how great I could fit into the offense.”

Gray concluded his Vols’ career with 1,311 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns (eight rushing, three receiving). During his 2020 campaign, he led Tennessee with 772 rushing yards 46 August 2021

and finished second on the team with 30 receptions.

Gray immediately made an impact in the minds of fans with his solid performance in the Spring Game. Gray averaged six yards per carry during the spring game and had a highlight-reel 19-yard run when he shook a defender in the open field and sprinted into the end zone.

“He had the best day of the (running back) group,” Riley said.

“And I thought he ran the most aggressively, kept his footing, did some nice things. There’s no surprise… he’s just one of those guys that shows up and works every day.”

Gray has also caught the eye of his teammates with his explosiveness and elusiveness.

“Eric is just so explosive and has great balance, great vision and patience,” Rattler said. “He’s going to add a whole other versatile position to that running back group.”

As Demarco Murray enters his second year as the Sooners’ running backs coach, the former standout tailback sees a lot of himself in Gray, at least in his personality and approach.

Marvin Mims “Quiet guy, he’s about his business,” Murray said. “It’s a privilege every day to come in and work with him and make sure that he’s continuing to get better and he’s continuing to compete.”

“What surprises me about this offense is how good we can be,” Gray said. “We haven’t hit our stride yet. We got a lot of things we got to work on. I feel like once we hit our stride, we’re going to be a really great offense.”

Gray is embracing the opportunity to work with a proven NFL star like Murray.

MARVIN MIMS

“I definitely want to learn a lot,” he said. “He’s been to the highest level. Coach Murray teaches you how to get those touchdowns, how to get those extra yards, ultimately the best player you can be.”

Gray will be counted on to be one of the key contributors in a new look, at least in comparison to last year. Kennedy Brooks has returned after opting out last season due to Covid concerns to provide much-needed stability. Marcus Major had a break-out performance during the Cotton Bowl and figures to get more of an opportunity when fall camp starts. Add LSU transfer Kevontre Bradford to the mix and a room that was filled with a lot of unknowns suddenly is loaded with potential and optimism.

Gray is not shying away from the high expectations.

Sophomore wide receiver Marvin Mims knows a thing or two about breaking reads.

During his career at Lone Star High School in Frisco, Texas, Mims set the high school state record for receiving yards in a career and in a season. So, it should not come as a surprise that Mims would rewrite record books.

During Mims’ debut season, he set the school record for touchdown receptions by a freshman (nine) and tied the conference record. He finished with a team-high 610 receiving yards in 2020 and was the first wide receiver in OU history to earn Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Freshman All-American status.

He was also a second-team All-Big 12 selection.

“I had a great year last year,” Mims said, “but I want to keep building on it. If I did the same stuff I did last year, then there’s no growth.”

With his record-setting season in the rearview, Mims will have a different set of responsibilities in 2021. Not only will the second-year sophomore be counted on to provide leadership on several fronts, but he is also moving from the outside receiver spot to the inside.

“Marvin Mims continues to do Marvin things like he’s doing,” Gundy said. “I think it’s helped with him playing inside some. You’re moving an extremely fast guy inside where linebackers and safeties are trying to cover. I think he loves and enjoys running around, there’ll be times that he’ll play outside as well.”

Mims has accepted the challenge of leadership.

“My role is tremendously different than it was last year,” Mims said. “Coach Dennis Simmons talked to me about it like midway through the season last year. ‘Guys are gonna start looking up to you.’”

The Sooners are loaded with talented receivers. Theo Wease Jr. returns after tying for the team lead with 37 receptions. Jadon Haselwood appears to be back to 100% after injuries cost him most of last season while incoming freshman Mario Williams and Cody Jackson have flashed when given the opportunity. Add to the mix the return of Drake Stoops and the Sooners have receiving weapons all over the depth chart, but the individual counted on the most is the soft-spoken Mimms.

“It’s kind of weird, just how I put myself in this position — especially here at the University of Oklahoma,” Mimms said. “But it’s kind of cool being able to coach those guys up and them come to you and ask questions on something that they’re confused about or they’re unsure about. It’s kind of like a big brother, little brother role.”

The wide receiver position did not meet the high expectations set for last season. The shadows of names like Biletnikoff Award winner and Heisman Trophy finalist DeDe Westbrook along with current NFL stars Ceedee Lamb, Marquise Brown and Sterling Shephard loom large. While Mimms still has a lot of work to do to reach that level, he is on a trajectory for greatness.

“Marvin’s got a chance to be a really good player,” Riley said. “I think a lot of it comes down to that same fact. How good can he be in the weight room, adding strength to his game, adding explosion to his game because he’s a smart player and a gifted player.” –19SM 48 July August 2021 2021

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BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

S creen ing S o on er S aves Live s Recommended age for colorectal cancer screening lower to 45

C

ancer is not a word anyone likes to hear, and when you add colonoscopy to the conversation, many of us are eager to change the subject.

Dr. Rahal Kahanda, a specialist in colon and rectal surgery with Norman Regional, says that with the prevalence of colorectal cancer among people younger than 50 on the rise, it is important to be aware of a new cancer screening recommendation.

“Colon and rectal cancer are definitely becoming more prevalent among younger age groups,” Kahanda said. “Originally, we were noticing an increase in specific demographics but now we are seeing it in all demographics.”

Kahanda confirmed that both men and women are being diagnosed earlier.

“For both men and women, the propensity of colorectal cancer is pretty evenly distributed,” Kahanda explained. “When you parse it out between males and females, colorectal cancer is the No. 3 leading cause of cancer-related death with prostate cancer in second for men, breast cancer in second for women, lung cancer is in the lead for both.

“When you look at it collectively, it’s the second leading cancer-related cause of death as a whole, among both men and women.”

With this alarming trend, experts are now advising patients at an average risk for colorectal cancer to begin getting colonoscopies at age 45, instead of 50. Kahanda said that colonoscopies are not only important in terms of early detection but also for therapeutic purposes.

“A colonoscopy is the only modality we can use that is both diagnostic and therapeutic in nature,” he said. “Cancer usually occurs at the site of a polyp. During a colonoscopy, we can remove polyps long before they become cancer. sportstalk1400.com

“The way I look at it, it’s like owning a car. We’ve got to do the maintenance to live our longest life possible.”

If the thought of getting a colonoscopy brings about some anxiety, Kahanda has some advice for you. He recommends scheduling your screening on a Monday if possible so you can have the weekend to prepare for the procedure.

“The hardest part is the prep the day before,” he shared. “The prep cleans out the colon. The procedure only takes about 30 minutes and patients are asleep.”

Afterward, Kahanda says patients might experience some fullness or gas but “most are ready for a good lunch.”

Colonoscopies also screen for inflammatory bowel diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Kahanda cautioned against relying solely on products like Cologuard.

“Cologuard or FIT tests are only 70 percent accurate and if they come back positive you still have to have a colonoscopy,” he explained.

If you are at a higher risk for colorectal cancer or have been experiencing symptoms such as unexpected weight loss, rectal bleeding, frequent constipation or lower abdominal fullness or tenderness, Kahanda advises speaking to your primary care physician or calling his office to schedule a consultation.

“All insurances are different, but for patients 45 and older or those experiencing symptoms, a colonoscopy should be covered by their insurance,” he said.

No referral is needed to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Kahanda sees patients at Norman Regional Oklahoma Surgical Associates at 500 E. Robinson St, Suite 2300. Appointments can be made by calling 405-329-4102. –19SM 19TH STREET MAGAZINE | 57

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