Their Crown

R a m s lo o k f o r e n c o r e a f t e r w i n n i n g g o l d b a ll

2018 football preview

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Owasso Reporter | August 2018 football preview 3

Table of
contents
Owasso Rams Preview
New-look stadium awaits fans 4
2018 schedule 5
Ram offense set to retool 6-7
Defense looks for repeat performance 8-9
Job description for Ram special teams 10-11
Breaking down Owasso’s foes in 2018 12-14
Preseason predictions for the Rams 15
Meet the Owasso coaches 16
Q&A with Coach Blankenship 18-20

Collinsville Cardinals Preview

Cards offense looks for health, production 21-22
Depth, experience key defense 23-24
Weiser strengthens special teams 25
2018 schedule 26
Preseason predictions for the Cards 28

Rejoice Christian Eagles Preview

2018 schedule 30
Crow, Hair give offense 1-2 punch 32-33
Athletic LB group keys defense 34-35
Seay’s leg leads special teams 37
Preseason predictions for the Eagles 37
Player to watch 38
4 football preview August 2018 | Owasso Reporter

Owasso Stadium getsVideoboard

new look& in 2018Add
Bleacher

O
wasso Stadium will look a bit
different to Ram fans this fall.
The 2018 season will be the
first with a brand new video scoreboard
looming above the newly-installed south
end zone seating. The field also will be
surrounded, for the first time ever, by
LED lighting. A fresh layer of FieldTurf
has been put down on the playing sur-
face for good measure.
All of these elements were part of nu-
merous resurfacing projects around OHS
athletics that began over the summer.
The video scoreboard includes a 25’ x
44’ full HD videoboard, along with an up-
dated speaker and sound system. Among
the video scoreboard features include
the capability to show movies and com-
mercials. Fans in the stands will be able Above, This is a
to view pregame and halftime presenta- rendering of the
new videoboard
tions as well as on-the-field interviews
that will be
on the screen. installed at
“Our community will feel proud,” said Owasso Stadium
Owasso Athletic Director Zach Duffield. in time for the
“It will enhance our Friday night atmo- 2018 season.
sphere.” The installation
The new video scoreboard will be in was not com-
use during games. Along with the typical pleted by press
functions of a scoreboard, such as time time.  
clock, score, down and distance, the
board will also show in-game action. Left, Here is a
rendering of
“I think the sky is the limit of what
the new-look
you can do with it,” Duffield said. field at Owasso
Speakers will be located within the Stadium.  
video scoreboard, which is expected to COURTESY
improve the sound quality throughout PHOTOs
the stadium.
The Stacy Group in Owasso has
handled the architecture and design of This will be the
the video scoreboard. The new project stadium’s third FieldTurf surface install-
is estimated to cost $854,000. Daniels ment since the field was transplanted
Construction will handle the resurfac- from its original grass surface to artifi-
ing project to the stadium, which is part cial turf in 2001.
of a $4.56 million project that includes The Owasso Stadium projects were
resurfacing both the baseball and softball scheduled to be completed prior to Aug.
fields as well as the infield of the high 24, the Rams’ football home opener
school track. against Bentonville West, Arkansas.
Owasso Reporter | August 2018 football preview 5

Rams
football
schedule Owasso opens its 2018 season on Aug. 24 at
Date Opponent Time home against Bentonville West.  FILE PHOTO

Aug. 24 BENTONVILLE WEST! 7:30

Aug. 31 at Fayetteville 7
Sept. 7 BROKEN ARROW 7:30
Sept. 21 at Union# 7
Sept. 28 EDMOND NORTH# 7:30
Oct. 4 at Norman North# 7
Oct. 12 SOUTHMOORE#% 7:30
Oct. 18 MUSTANG#$ 7:30
Oct. 26 at Moore# 7
Nov. 2 at PC North# 7
*-Scrimmage at Union
! – FOR Night
# — District 6AI-2 game
% — Homecoming
$ — Senior Night

Let’s
play ball!
6 football preview August 2018 | Owasso Reporter

Offense
Kuehne, Kirby lone returnees for Rams
T
wo. Will Kuehne and Mario Kirby,
that’s it.
Of Owasso’s 11 starters on the offen-
sive side of the ball that trotted out against
Union in the Class 6A-I state championship
game last December, only Kuehne and Kirby
return for another season with the Rams.
Owasso will be tasked with rebuilding both
its offensive line and receiving corps going
into 2018.
But one area the Rams do not have to
worry about is at quarterback with Kuehne, a
North Texas commit, returning as the trigger
man. Last season, Kuehne (6-1, 190) threw
for nearly 2,800 yards and accounted for
34 touchdowns, his first year orchestrating
Owasso’s offensive attack.
Passing game coordinator Zac Simmonds
has seen Kuehne improve going into this
senior season.
“His overall knowledge of the offense is Kirby
better,” Simmonds said. “He’s going to get to
his second- and third-level reads faster than like his predecessor and record-setting Bryce
last year. He’s a better leader and has more Cabrera, put up big numbers.
confidence.” “It’s just been a joy to see his development
Fellow senior Preston Hendricks (6-2, 185), after coming in August last year,” Owasso
a basketball player for the Rams, will once
coach Bill Blankenship told the Tulsa World
again serve as the backup QB on the depth
of Jacobs. “He kind of was a slow starter
chart.
initially. I think the transition got him and a
Kirby (6-0, 220), a junior, will be one of the
couple minor injuries.”
familiar faces for Kuehne from a season ago.
Jacobs, the younger brother of Alabama
After filling the H-back role last year, Kirby
running back Josh Jacobs, already has offers
figures to line up as a tight end this fall as the
Rams look to use him more in the passing from Tulsa and Memphis.
game. “We’re really excited about what he can do,”
“He’s been changing his body to be more Morsey said. “He’s a home-run threat. He’s
physical in blocking as well,” run-game coor- fast and elusive.”
dinator Justin Morsey said of Kirby. Sophomore Emaud Triplett (5-10, 178) could
Senior Hilton Moseby (6-2, 250) will also be see time at running back. Triplett, whose
called on at tight end in certain situations in stock rose in the coaches eyes throughout the
addition to his defensive duties. spring, adds a physical style with good vision.
The offensive backfield will feature junior Seniors Julian Stoner (5-7, 145) and Ed-
running back Isaiah Jacobs (5-11, 205). De- die Nava (5-8, 150) going into the season as
spite a limited sample size last season after speedy reserves at running back.
coming from Tulsa Central, Jacobs could, After losing the likes of Tyrese Sisson and
Owasso Reporter | August 2018
Dylan Chinn, among others to graduation,
Kuehne will look to a new group of pass
catchers this season. And, as was the case
with Cabrera and Josh Proctor a year ago,
several Rams figure to contribute in the aerial
attack.
Senior Grant Vanlandingham (6-3, 195) is
the most experienced receiver. Vanlanding-
ham was a key cog in the cog in the passing
game two years ago but was limited last
season after suffering a broken ankle.
Already established as key pieces of the
secondary, juniors Dawson Adams (5-10, 170),
Omarr Barker (5-10, 170) and Deuce Mayberry
(6-0, 170) could each catch passes at receiver.
Sophomores Trey Goins and Chance Lucas
are options as well.
Simmonds said whoever the offense calls
on at receiver, they’ll need to run efficient
routes, possess reliable hands and do their
part as blockers as well, an asset for both Sis-
son and Chinn last season.
“It starts with our perimeter blocking with
how much we do on the perimeter,” Sim-
monds said. “That’s something we excelled at
football preview 7
last year.”
The Rams will be protected by an offensive
line that must replace all five starters from a
group that averaged 277 pounds a season ago.
“A year ago, when we came in, almost all
of those guys had played,” Morsey said of
last year’s starters. “They had collegiate-
type size. This year, we’re smaller and less
experienced.”
Morsey and Owasso entered fall camp with
a trio of guys did gain some varsity time a
year ago. Senior Tyler Dillingham (6-0, 270)
will likely line up at left tackle but is capable
of playing all five spots. Dillingham and fel-
low senior Luis Boyzo (6-1, 290), at guard,
will provide a vocal presence. Senior Jackson
Kourtis (5-11, 265) could occupy the right
tackle position.
At center, seniors Logan Kirkpatrick
(5-9, 215) and Javon Richbow (5-10, 240)
will compete for playing time. Sophomores
Hudson Moseby, younger brother of senior
Hilton Moseby, and Grayson Isaac (6-3, 254)
have shown potential but lack experience on
Friday nights.
8 football preview
Defense
‘D’ looks to gain from last year’s success
T
he Ram offense grabbed a large chunk
of the headlines during their memora-
ble state championship run a year ago.
Don’t be fooled.
The improvement of Owasso’s defense
played a critical role in transforming the Rams
from possible contenders to standing on top
of the mountain in Class 6AI. Over the final
eight games of the season, Owasso surrendered
more than 16 points one time. Essentially, the
only time the opposition scored more than two
touchdowns in a contest during that eight-
game stretch, all wins by the way, came in a
60-28 rout of district foe Norman North.
The opportunistic Ram ‘D’ also forced an
impressive 32 turnovers.
In the first season under coordinator Bobby
Klinck, Owasso turned in two of its best de-
fensive performances in a semifinal win over
Jenks followed by a title-game victory over
Union. Against the Trojans, Owasso forced six
turnovers in a 21-0 blanking, its first shutout
of the season. Two weeks later, the Rams tal-
lied three takeaways in a 21-14 win and the
program’s first gold ball in 43 seasons.
Armed with four returning starters from
last year’s Ram squad that finally broke up
the Jenks-Union monopoly of championship
trophies, Klinck believes clearing that mental
hurdle in 2017 will benefit his defense going
into this fall.
“Our overall attitude and confidence will be
one of our strengths,” Klinck said. “Last year
we had a lot of athletes and physicality. (This
year) we’re young at some spots but we’re ma-
ture enough to understand what it takes.”
That mentality will be tested as the Rams
must replace four graduates that went to
play at the Division I level. Courte Alexander
(Arkansas), Wayne Jones III (Kansas State),
Carson Kropp (Oklahoma State) and Josh Proc-
tor (Ohio State) were key pieces to the defense
a year ago.
Two of the four returning starters come in
August 2018 | Owasso Reporter
Moseby
the defensive line with seniors Hilton Moseby
(6-1, 245) and Aiden O’Dell (5-10, 235).
Klinck refers to Moseby, at tackle, as “strong
as an ox” with his 300-pound bench press and
500-pound squat. Head coach Bill Blankenship
had his own description of Moseby.
“He’s the nucleus of the middle of our
defense. For recruiters, I call him ‘an academy-
type player.’ He’s just that guy who does every-
thing right. He’s big enough and fast enough,
but he’s not going to blow anybody away with
his physical attributes, other than that you’re
going to have a hard time blocking him and
he’s going to make plays against you. That’s
what I saw for years going against Navy and
Air Force,” Blankeship told the Tulsa World.
Klinck said retaining Moseby and O’Dell up
front for another season gives Owasso “two
strong, tough dudes. We know what we’re go-
ing to get with them.”
Senior Matt Lor (5-9, 210) and junior Jaden
Love (5-9, 250) also could figure into the rota-
tion at tackle.
Junior Mario Kirby (6-0, 220), senior
Caymon Severs (6-0, 200) and junior Haydon
Grant (6-2, 175) are prime candidates to occupy
the end positions. Severs, who had quite a bit
of playing time last season, also will be used at
the viper position, which allows him to move
between end and outside linebacker.
One familiar name that will return at
Owasso Reporter | August 2018
linebacker is senior KeJuan Hay (6-1, 215).
While not a returning starter, Hay was in the
mix for the Rams a year ago and had a sack
and fumble recovery in the season-opening
win against Jenks.
With scholarship offers from Missouri State,
South Dakota State, Texas State and Arkansas-
Pine Bluff, Klinck believes Hay, who has shined
throughout the offseason, is poised to be one of
his top performers in the fall.
“Hay is going to stand out this year,” Klinck
said. “He’s going to make a lot of plays. He just
explodes on the field.”
Fellow senior, Jaden Thomason (5-9, 180),
looks to be a top candidate for the other line-
backer spot. The intuitive Thomason returns
after being hampered by injuries a season ago.
Junior Kuper Sparks (5-7, 200) also could see
time at linebacker.
The other two returning starters on defense
reside in the Ram secondary, juniors Dawson
Adams (5-11, 180) and Duece Mayberry (6-0,
173).
After grabbing six interceptions a year ago
at cornerback, Mayberry is one of the most
football preview 9
highly-touted college prospects on the defen-
sive side.
Blankenship told the Tulsa World of Mayber-
ry, “He’s probably our most improved. Duece
came in as a talent, but didn’t really have the
maturity and work ethic as a sophomore. He
just kind of played and was in the right place
at the right time to make plays. He has really
blossomed. He is at his best when the competi-
tion is the best.”
Fellow junior Omarr Barker (5-9, 150) looks
to man the opposite corner spot.
At free safety, Adams was clutch for the
Rams a season ago at safety with two intercep-
tions in the semifinal win over Jenks and the
game-clinching interception at the goal line
against Union in the title game.
Senior Ryan Chase, junior Cole Creekmore
and Gage Laney could also see time at the free
safety spot.
Sophomore Emaud Triplett has come on
during the spring and figures to push for a
starting job at strong safety. Hay will also slide
over to strong safety, on occasion, from his
linebacker spot.
10 football preview
Punter Alex Haight is one of
several key pieces returning in
the kicking game.  FILE PHOTO
Runners, hitters qualify on special teams
C
oaching philosophies on special teams
can run the gamut.
Some programs spend a significant
part of time the kicking and return game while,
for others, it’s an afterthought and usually re-
served for the last few moments in practice.
Owasso coach Bill Blankenship’s focus on
special team lies in the personnel that lines up
every time the ball is kicked through the air.
It is that personnel that dictates the level of
success.
“You look for guys that are runners and hit-
ters,” Blankenship said. “If they’ll be dependable
and they can run and hit, then they’ll go into
this group. You hope you have 18 or 20 of them.
Those guys are on every special team you’ve got.
If those guys happen to be a starter, well then
you limit them to one or two of those. You can’t
keep them on everything.”
Who are examples of runners and hitters that
fit Blankenship’s mold?
“Your backup linebackers and backup run-
ning backs, those guys ought to all be in your
top group of guys that are dependable and they
can run and hit,” he said. “If they are, then we
can coach those techniques to them and they
can be pretty solid.”
Last season, Blankenship took on the role of
a special teams coordinator. But that’s not how
August 2018 | Owasso Reporter
things will typically run. Coaching special teams
is not a one-man job. The Ram head coach be-
lieves those duties should be spread out among
several.
That’s why each special teams unit, field goals
and PATs, punts and kickoffs will be divided up
individually among the Ram coaching staff.
“We think there’s more buy-in if there are
more coaches (involved),” Blankenship said.
One benefit for Owasso’s numerous special
teams coaches will be the each unit does return
a key piece or two from last season.
Senior Christian Johnson (6-1, 175) developed
into the Rams’ most consistent field goal kicker
a season ago. Junior Will Felts (5-9, 205) also
reps on field goals, PATs and kickoffs.
“I feel good about the placements and the
kickoffs,” Blankenship said.
Left-footed senior Alex Haight (5-8, 205)
returns after evolving into the team’s primary
punter. Haight battled senior Preston Hendricks
(6-1, 180), who also returns, for punting oppor-
tunities last fall.
Blankenship expects Haight’s impact to
heighten now that the job is his to keep.
“He’s now going into the year knowing he’s
going to be the punter,” Blankenship said. “So
he’s worked on it a lot more and I think he’s a
lot better.”
Owasso Reporter | August 2018 football preview 11

Junior Mario Kirby (6-1, 215) has experience

under his belt as Owasso’s long snapper with
fellow junior Hayden Grant (6-2, 175) also eager
to step in.
In the return game, the Rams will need to fill
a void left by All-American Josh Proctor. A trio
of juniors, Dawson Adams, Duece Mayberry and
Isaiah Jacobs, could all see time.
Jacobs showed his explosiveness in limited
opportunities on kickoff returns a season ago,
including a 73-yard return against Norman
North. Mayberry also has shown a knack for
finding daylight.
Isaiah Jacobs figures to get more attempts in
Each has shown the traits Blankenship the return game.
is looking for entrusted as the deep men on
kickoffs. With what figures to be an experienced and
“You try to find the guys that are courageous athletic group on special teams, the Owasso
and will hit the opening,” he said. “They have coach believes this could be an area the Rams
the speed to take it the distance.” thrive in this season.
Adams’ primary role on special teams figures “I hope so because we’re going to be more
to come as a punt returner. experienced there,” Blankenship said. “I think
“There is all kinds of traffic and you’ve got that’s a part that really goes under the radar
to have a little experience,” Blankenship said. sometimes, especially at the high school level.
“Dawson was the guy that had begun to do it If you can be really good and efficient, you can
(last season) and he just has the instinct for it.” steal points.”
12 football preview
Breaking down Owasso’s schedule
Week 0
Bentonville West Wolverines
When: 7:30 p.m., Aug. 24
Where: Owasso Stadium
Head coach: Bryan Pratt
2017 record: 9-2 overall. Lost to Conway, 48-40,
in second round of Arkansas’ Class 7A playoffs.
All-time series vs. Owasso: First-ever meeting.
Scouting Bentonville West: The Wolverines will
bring a talented, experienced crew to Owasso in
the season opener. Senior QB Will Jarrett (6-0,
170) completed 67 percent of his passes for 3,514
yards and accounted for 33 TDs last season.
Fellow seniors WR Jadon Jackson (6-2, 175) and
OLB/DE Kendall Young (6-5, 220) each have of-
fers from Arkansas. Jackson had an eye-popping
62 receptions for 1,241 yards and 14 TDs last year.
Young tallied 13 sacks and 85 tackles.
Week 1
Fayetteville Bulldogs
When: 7 p.m., Aug. 31
Where: Harmon Field, Fayetteville
Head coach: Billy Dawson
2017 record: 7-5 overall. Lost to Bryant, 21-20, in
second round of Arkansas’ Class 7A playoffs.
All-time series vs. Owasso: First ever meeting.
Scouting Fayetteville: Ram head coach Bill
Blankenship will return to one of his former
stomping grounds in Owasso’s road opener for
2018. Blankenship guided Fayetteville a 12-1
record and the 2016 Class 7A state championship
in 2016, his only season with the Bulldogs before
taking over the Ram program...The Bulldogs
return senior QB Darius Bowers (6-3, 194), threw
for nearly 3,400 yards and completed 63 percent
of his throws last season. Bowers, a dual-threat,
accounted for 39 TDs and is the team’s leading
returning rusher with 377 yards, including a 59-
yard scamper.
Week 2
Broken Arrow Tigers
When: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 7
Where: Owasso Stadium
Head coach: David Alexander
2017 record: 7-5 overall, 5-1 in District 6AI-1.
Lost to Union, 21-0, in state semifinals.
All-time series vs. Owasso: 26-12 overall. Will
actually be the 40th meeting between the schools.
The 1927 outcome is unknown.
Last meeting: Bryce Cabrera ran for 104 yards
and 4 TDs as the Rams won Blankenship’s home
debut, 49-27, in front of an estimated record
August 2018 | Owasso Reporter
Owasso opens
District 6AI-2
action on the
road against
former Ram
coach Kirk
Fridrich and the
Union Redskins
on Sept. 21.  
FILE PHOTO
crowd of 11,600 at Owasso Stadium last season.
Josh Proctor ran back the opening kickoff for an
85-yard score and Wayne Jones added an inter-
ception in the fourth quarter to spoil a possible
Broken Arrow rally.
Scouting Broken Arrow: The Tigers return
nine starters on offense, including senior RB
Noah Cortes (6-0, 210). Cortes ran for 1,617 yards
and 13 scores a season ago. Junior offensive line-
man Andrew Raym (6-4, 305) is regarded as one
of the top Division I prospects up front in the
state...Defensively, Broken Arrow is led by senior
LB Zach Marcheselli (6-1, 215). Marcheselli, who
tallied 101 tackles last year, is a TCU commit and
three-time state champion in wrestling.
Week 4
Union Redskins
When: 7 p.m., Sept. 21
Where: Union-Tuttle Stadium, Tulsa
Head coach: Kirk Fridrich
2017 record: 12-1 overall, 7-0 in District 6AI-2.
Lost to Owasso, 21-14, in 6AI state finals.
All-time series vs. Owasso: 30-14 overall.
Last meeting: The Rams finally ended the Jenks-
Union stronghold on state titles by defeating the
Redskins, 21-14, on Dec. 1 in the 6AI state champi-
onship game at the University of Tulsa. It marked
Owasso’s first gold ball since 1974 and first-ever
outright championship. The win marked the first
time since 1995 that neither Jenks nor Union
could lay claim to the title.
Scouting Union: Seniors QB Peyton Thompson
(6-2, 190) and RB Darius Boone (5-11, 190) return
as starters for the Redskins, who also bring back
three starters on the offensive line. Boone has
drawn offers from several Division I schools…De-
fensively, Union returns seniors Darrias Murdock
(6-5, 270) up front and LB Elijah Tomlin (5-11,
200). The Redskin secondary returns seniors JT
McLoud (5-11, 185) and Cameron Watts (5-10,
175)…Senior Noah Rauschenberg (6-2, 185) is one
of the most productive kickers in the Tulsa area.
Owasso Reporter | August 2018
Week 5
Edmond North Huskies
When: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 28
Where: Owasso Stadium
Head coach: Tanner Roof
2017 record: 3-7 overall, 2-5 in District 6AI-2.
All-time series vs. Owasso: 2-3 overall.
Last meeting: Cabrera scored five TDs and racked
up more than 240 total yards as the Rams used a
28-point second half to win going away, 42-14, in
the regular season finale. The Rams finished with
442 yards of offense. Proctor and Duece Mayberry
each had interceptions for the Owasso defense.
Scouting Edmond North: Roof begins his first
season as the Huskies’ head coach. He served as
Edmond Memorial’s offensive coordinator last
year… The Huskies struggled find consistency but
showed flashes of offensive firepower a season
ago as they put up 112 points over a three-game
period against District 6AI-2 foes Mustang,
Putnam City North and Moore…Senior RB Blake
Minnick (5-8, 225) returns from injury in the
backfield. Junior Jake Cheap (6-4, 190) could be
a top receiving weapon after hauling in 20 recep-
tions last season…Defensively, Edmond North
returns senior linebackers Cade Prosak (6-0, 205)
and Jake McCoy (6-2, 210), a tandem that com-
bined for more than 100 tackles a season ago.
football preview 13
Week 6
Norman North Timberwolves
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 4
Where: Harve Collins Stadium, Norman
Head coach: Justin Jones
2017 record: 7-4 overall, 5-2 in District 6AI-2.
Lost to Broken Arrow, 31-28, in the first round of
the 6AI playoffs.
All-time series vs. Owasso: 2-3 overall.
Last meeting: The Rams churned out more
than 600 yards of offense and the defense gained
momentum as the game wore on as they forced
two turnovers, including a Courtre Alexander
fumble recovery as Owasso won 60-28 last season
in Norman.
Scouting Norman North: Jones begins his first
season with the Timberwolves after spending the
past seven seasons as the head coach at Bishop
McGuinness…North will also be led by a new quar-
terback with a familiar last name. Junior Jacob
Switzer (6-3, 175), grandson of former OU legend-
ary coach Barry Switzer, will take over as North’s
signal caller. The 2020 Sooner recruit had success
in limited varsity time a season ago…Known for
their high-powered offense, the Timberwolves
averaged more than 41 points per game in 2017.
Their 28-point outing against Owasso tied for their
lowest scoring game of the season.
14 football preview
Week 7
Southmoore SaberCats
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 12 (Homecoming)
Where: Owasso Stadium
Head coach: Jeremy Stark
2017 record: 0-10 overall, 0-7 in District 6AI-2.
All-Time Series vs. Owasso: 2-2 overall.
Last meeting: Many of the starters played just
a half as the Rams rolled to a 48-2 victory over
the SaberCats in Moore in 2017. Cabrera scored
3 TDs on nine touches while Josh Proctor and
Grant Vanlandingham also found the endzone as
Owasso scored five of the first six times it touched
the ball and never looked back.
Scouting Southmoore: The SaberCats look to
bounce back after an uncharacteristically tough
season in which they did not win a game…New
offensive coordinator Ty Prestidge will look to
pump some life into a unit that mustered just 83
points during all of 2017…Southmoore does have
eight returning starters on offense, including
senior receiver Corbin Padgett (6-2, 185).
Week 8
Mustang Broncos
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 18 (Senior Night)
Where: Owasso Stadium
Head coach: Jeremy Dombek
2017 record: 5-5 overall, 3-4 in District 6AI-2.
All-time series vs. Owasso: 3-1 overall.
Last meeting: The Rams jumped out to a 42-14
halftime lead and never looked back in a 63-41
rout in the District 6AI-2 opener at Owasso Sta-
dium. QB Will Kuehne threw for 264 yards and 4
TDs in the first half alone. The Ram defense came
up with several big plays, including two INTs
from Duece Mayberry.
Scouting Mustang: The Broncos were absent
from the postseason last year, a rarity for the
program…Mustang looks to get back on track in
2018 and hopes new offensive coordinator and
former Oklahoma State quarterback Aso Pogi can
provide a spark. Pogi was the offensive coordina-
tor at John Marshall last season and helped the
program average more than 40 points per game
and a Class 3A state title run.
Week 9
Moore Lions
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 26
Where: Moore Schools Stadium, Moore
Head coach: Brad Hill
2017 record: 4-7 overall, 3-4 in District 6AI-2.
Lost to Jenks, 49-16, in first round of 6AI playoffs.
All-time series vs. Owasso: 3-3 overall.
Last meeting: The Ram defense forced six turn-
overs, including two interceptions from reserve
Cole Creekmoore, as they grabbed a 42-0 halftime
August 2018 | Owasso Reporter
Owasso hosts Mustang for Senior Night on Oct.
18.  file photo
lead and went on to a 52-6 romp over Moore last
year at home. Bryce Cabrera ran for 194 yards
and 4 TDs and Will Kuehne used up just two
quarters in throwing for 175 yards and two scores.
Scouting Moore: Despite Owasso’s dominating
victory over Moore a season ago, the Lions went
on to make the first postseason appearance in 12
years and gaining some momentum. The Lions
have nine wins over the past two seasons, the
highest win total for the program since the 2004-
05 campaigns…Moore expects big things from
junior QB Daniel Hishaw (6-0, 205), who ran for
250 yards and 5 TDs in a victory over Norman a
year ago…The Lion defense has experience with
eight returning starters this fall.
Week 10
Putnam City North Panthers
When: 7 p.m., Nov. 2
Where: Putnam City Stadium, Warr Acres
Head coach: Ryan Laverty
2017 record: 3-7 overall, 2-5 in District 6AI-2.
All-time series vs. Owasso: 0-4 overall.
Last meeting: Nine different Rams had rushing
attempts as the team finished with 258 yards on
the ground as they throttled Putnam City North,
55-10, last season at home. Owasso scored on
its first four offensive possessions to take a 28-0
lead. The Ram defense limited to Panthers to 19
yards on 14 carries in the first half and surren-
dered just 80 passing yards all night.
Scouting Putnam City North: Seven starters
return on offense for the Panthers, including
junior QB Aaron Norment (5-10, 190). Last season
Norment set a school record with 399 yards of
total offense in a 41-38 win over Edmond North.
The old record of 372 yards was held by Heisman
Trophy winner and former Oklahoma quar-
terback Sam Bradford…The PC North defense
brings back nine starters, including Division I
prospects NG Juan Macedo (6-0, 250) and LB
Will Taylor (6-3, 240).
Owasso Reporter | August 2018 football preview 15

Preseason picks for Owasso in 2018

B
elow are the preseason predic-
tion of District 6AI-2 and the
top 10 in 6AI, according to
VYPE Oklahoma 2018 Pigskin Preview.
District 6AI-2
1. Union
2. Owasso
3. Norman North
4. Mustang
5. Moore
6. Putnam City North
7. Southmoore
8. Edmond North
Class 6AI
1. Union
2. Owasso
3. Broken Arrow
4. Jenks
5. Norman North
6. Mustang
7. Edmond Santa Fe
8. Westmoore
9. Moore Some prognosticators see Owasso and Union once
10. PC North again meeting for the gold ball in Class 6AI.  FILE PHOTO
16 football preview August 2018 | Owasso Reporter

coaches

Rams
Staff Antonio
Graham
Associate Head
Bill
Blankenship
Head Football Coach
Coach/Defensive
Backs Coach

Justin Zac Bobby Rex

Morsey Simmonds Klinck Blankenship
Co-Offensive Coor- Co-Offensive Coordina- Defensive Coordinator/ Director of Player
dinator/Run Game tor/Passing Game Linebackers Coach Development
Coordinator/Offensive Coordinator/Receivers
Line Coach Coach

Levy Jake Steve Paul

Adcock Bray Craver Croft
Tight Ends/H-Backs Running Backs Coach Defensive Backs Coach Defensive Line Coach
Caoch

Jerrod Stephen Gary Darnell

Hart Hogan LaBass Walker
Assistant Receivers Quarterbacks Coach Assistant Defensive Cornerbacks Coach
Coach Line Coach
 PROUD
SUPPORTER
OF OUR
FOOTBALL
TEAMS
HERE’S TO A
GREAT SEASON!

Tim
Tim Miller, Owner
Miller, Owner

50 Years of Combined
Automotive Experience!
212 N. MAIN ST.
Mike Figart David Figart
918.272.7437
• A/C Service • Tune-Ups • Alignments • Brakes • Engines
18 football preview
Q&A
with Ram head coach
Bill Blankenship
O
wasso Head Coach Bill Blanken-
ship sat down with Reporter Sports
Editor Shawn Hein prior to fall
practice for a Q&A session. Here are some
of the topics they covered.
Q: After winning the state title in your first
year, what can you do to top that?
A: Well, you can’t. A pretty good friend of
mine that has a pretty good sense of humor, he
was out in Wyoming and coming back when
he heard we’d won the state title. He sent me a
text and he said ‘should you decide to remain
in coaching, let it be known that the best you
can do next year is go sideways.’ That’s pretty
accurate.
The thing we love about the success is now
it becomes a real thing to these guys. It’s not
just ‘hey, we want to win state.’ Now they know
what it looks like, what it feels like, what it
tastes like. But, it’s a lot harder to stay there
than it is to get there. Not to mention you take
Josh Proctor, Wayne Jones, Courtre Alexander
and Carson Kropp and all those receivers and
offensive linemen that we’re missing. Well, still
that glass ceiling has been broken, that door
has been kicked in and they at least know what
it feels like. And it gives us a shot.
We’re going to be really young but, if we can
put something together and stay in it, I think
we’ve got a shot to really be competitive this
year. And we’ve got really good young players
coming. So they’d better keep us down this
year because we’re going to get it going.
Q: What carry over effect have you seen
since winning the state title?
A: The work ethic. That’s hard to be tangible
with but our offseason was way better than last
year’s offseason. The guys that were backup
players (this year) are working much harder
than they guys that were backup players last
year.
I think we have even more credibility. Once
you’ve hoisted that trophy, your world changes.
And you see what’s possible.
August 2018 | Owasso Reporter
Owasso head coach Bill Blankenship begins
his second season leading the Rams.
Q: You won consecutive state titles at Union
so what’s the difference in chasing a state title
and defending one?
A: When you’re defending, you’re going to
get everybody’s best shot. I think it’s bogus,
but you can make a case that Jenks didn’t see
it coming. Owasso was 3-7 the year before,
so maybe (Jenks) was looking past us (in last
year’s season opener). Then you get one against
BA and you play Union close. And you’re like
‘ok.’
By the end of the year, we’re getting every-
body’s best. But, in the beginning of the year,
maybe not.
When you’re getting everybody’s best, you
have to bring it at a higher level every game be-
cause there’s no chance of a letdown. Norman
North’s going to give you their best shot. Mus-
tang’s going to give you their best shot. They
won’t look at you as one of the team’s they’ve
got to beat. No, (Owasso) is the defending state
champion. That’s a big feather in their cap if
they can get one against you now.
Q: What are the biggest differences in the
program from when you took over until now?
A: The biggest change is, and I think it was
a slow change, we had guys last year that
because of whatever had happened to them
before were easily discouraged. So, (last
summer) when we were in passing league and
somebody would catch a ball or make a play
Owasso Reporter | August 2018
against them, you could just visibly see their
shoulders drop. And I’m talking about even the
good players.
They had talent but they were just beat up
with injuries and it had been a tough year or
two. Those guys had not had a lot of success.
So, something in your brain says ‘here it goes
again. Here it goes again.’ It is the hardest
thing to put failure behind you and go play the
next play, go play the next play, go play the next
play. It’s easy for us to talk about as coaches,
but it’s hard to do.
But we saw that happen very visibly amongst
our team to where, by the end of the year, it
was the other team making those mistakes at
the end. Even though we had given up plays,
we could put it behind us and make the next
play. That’s a tough thing to continue but I
like the way we’re training right now because I
think they’re getting that. But every player has
to learn that for themselves.
Q: Was there a point last year where you saw
that change take place?
A: There were a couple of key points.
The first time we saw it was at the 7-on-7
tournament in Shiloh Christian (Arkansas).
We had gone to another 7-on-7 tournament
earlier in the summer and we were just getting
football preview 19
roasted. It’s not winning or losing in 7-on-7 for
me. It’s about competing and learning and get-
ting better. And I vividly remember playing in
one of those early tournaments and we’re play-
ing Coweta. They’re just catching bombs on us,
treating us like we’re some 2A team out there.
Our guys shoulders are just dropping and it’s
just disgusting. Later on, we go to the Shiloh
tournament and it began. If you make a mis-
take, do it again. If you get an interference call,
so what. Do it again. And they kind of bowed
up and started doing it again. Well, we had
enough success. We got in the winner’s bracket
and we won several games. We didn’t win it,
by any stretch. But they began to see that, if
you keep fighting, a lot of times, you come out
winning in the end. That was one of the big
moments.
The first game against Jenks was huge. We
got rolling and everything went perfect. I don’t
think our guys realized it. We probably couldn’t
do that again in 10 tries. But it gave them a
belief.
Then, when we played Union (during the
regular season), I don’t think they really
believed we were going to go there and win.
But we were still standing and an overtime
» See Q&A, 20
20 football preview
» Q&A, from 19
game in the end and had opportunities to win.
I think (the team) actually left there strangely
encouraged. They thought ‘ok, now we’ve seen
all these teams. And we can do this.’
It was just moments along the way.
I tell people a lot the Norman North game
was huge because, for the first time, we were
going against somebody really good on offense
and we just changed our whole mentality and
went straight physical. We started playing
physical defense, our offensive line took charge
of the game. We started running the ball. Those
are the things you have to do at playoff time.
I even told our players and coaches afterward
‘that’s the first time all year I thought we had
what it takes to win a championship.’
Now, that doesn’t mean you’re going to do it.
But you’ve at least got to have what it takes.
Q: Is the program where you thought it
would be when you took over on Jan. 6, 2017?
A: No, with all honesty, I think we’re way
ahead. If you gave us truth serum, I don’t think
any of us coaches thought we were going to
win a state championship. Now, we thought we
could. We thought we had the pieces.
But, man, I’ve been doing this a long time.
I had really hoped we would really win some
big games and get our guys believing we would
compete. Then, hopefully, in the next two or
three years, we would get there and try to
knock that door down.
I had no illusions of championships when I
came here. They had losing seasons, back-to-
back, before I came here. Now, the year before
they had gotten a lot of guys hurt and there
were a lot of reasons for that. But, still I just
didn’t think so.
The one thing I did think and now sounds
prophetic is when I was introduced to the team
in the weight room on the day I got hired,
we looked better, way better, than I thought
we would just looking at them. We had big
guys. We had athletic guys. I told them, and I
don’t think a lot of people thought I was being
sincere, ‘I don’t remember having a team at
Union that looked the part any more than this
team did.
When we had linemen (at Union), we didn’t
have the skill guys. When we had skill guys,
we didn’t have the linemen. When I came
(to Owasso), we had a bunch of big offensive
linemen-looking dudes. And we had some (ath-
letic) guys that looked like Wayne Jones and
Josh Proctor. I thought ‘I don’t know. But we
ought to be able to coach these guys.’
August 2018 | Owasso Reporter
Owasso’s Will Kuehne and coach Bill Blanken-
ship hug after the Rams’ 21-14 win over Union
in the Class 6AI state championship game last
December.  FIle photo
Q: What are you most interested to see out of
your team going into this year?
A: How we handle adversity. We’ve got three
really tough openers. The sooner that we get
past the fact that we’re not last year’s team and
we need to get our own identity. We’ve got to
figure out who those guys are and what are we
going to be good at.
If we can overcome some adversity early, I
think that’ll set the tone for our season. There
is no way to sugarcoat it. We’re going to be re-
ally young. And young guys make mistakes. We
have a real learning curve. If we can get past
it, I think we can be pretty good going into late
in the season. If we slump our shoulders, it’s
going to be a tough year.
Q: During the offseason, you had mentioned
in a story from the Tulsa World you have at
least three more seasons at Owasso before
you start contemplating retirement. Has
anything changed since then?
A: No, not really. People have put a little too
much on that. It’s a very practical three years
and it’s all about teacher retirement. The teach-
er retirement system is based on your highest
average salary over a three-year period. Begin-
ning this year, my salary is competitive with
the other coaches in this area. That would by
far be my highest three years, way more than
I ever had at Union or anywhere just because
that is what’s happened. It’s just a real practical
thing. I’d be crazy to not at least wait for those
three years before I do anything else.
Owasso Reporter | August 2018 football preview 21

Offense
Collinsville hopes health equals success
I
njuries and youth proved to be road
blocks in Collinsville returning to the
postseason in 2017.
Among those banged up a year ago were
Oklahoma State commit Grayson Boomer
(6-6, 230) and quarterback Cole Dugger (6-1,
170). Boomer’s health began to take a tough
turn when he suffered a grade-three shoulder
separation during the summer followed by
a nagging hamstring injury. Dugger’s season
ended prematurely when he suffered a bro-
ken left wrist in the district opener against
Bishop Kelley and Collinsville was without
its top two quarterbacks on the depth chart
by midseason.
“Last year was tough,” said Cardinals
coach Kevin Jones. “We were kind of one-
dimensional the second half of the season.
“We were real competitive. We were just real
inexperienced.”
Boomer and Dugger return with a clean
bill of health as two of Collinsville’s eight
returning starters on offense and led by a Boomer
set of skill players capable of lighting up the
scoreboard. paign, figures to be showcased on offense,
Dugger, the junior signal caller, will or- defense and special teams.
chestrate the offense following an offseason “He’s probably the best pure athlete on our
in which he grew a couple of inches and put team,” Jones said. “He’s pretty special. We’re
on about 30-35 pounds over the past year. excited about getting him the ball and letting
“He’s come a million miles since last fall, him do some things.”
just physically,” Jones said. “He’s got a great Senior Cale Hutchens (5-11, 170) is another
pocket presence. The ball is coming off his solid receiving option to go along with junior
hand with so much more velocity. He looks Kolten Allphin (5-9, 160).
like a totally different kid.” At running back, the Cardinals could fea-
The right-handed gunslinger will look for ture a three-headed monster behind Dugger.
Boomer, who could move around in and out Senior Jake Tuttle will lead the way in
of the backfield this season. Jones said his the backfield. Tuttle, a move-in from Rejoice
imposing tight end will end up playing a role Christian prior to last season, has ran for
similar to what he will take on next fall in more than 1,700 yards tallied 23 total touch-
Stillwater. downs the last two years and has a an offer
A potential breakout star this season for from the Ivy League’s Brown University.
Collinsville could be senior receiver and “He’s a dandy, a really good running back,”
three-year starter Walker Roberts (6-0, 170).
Roberts, who had a strong sophomore cam- » See Offense, 22
22 football preview
» offense, from 21
Jones said of Tuttle.
Along with Tuttle, senior Malcolm Tillman,
a state champion in the 300 meter hurdles
last spring, and junior Brayden Burd give
Collinsville a myriad of options.
“It’s tough because they all want to be
the guy,” Jones said. “But the good thing is
they’re also good players on the other side of
the ball, too. It’s easier to use those guys on
defense when you’ve got three of them. Then,
on offense, you can rotate them and keep
them from getting too tired.”
Up front, the Cardinals will lean on three-
year starter Karson Cole (6-1, 190) to anchor
the offensive line. Cole has lined up at center
the past two seasons but will move to tackle
as a senior.
“He’s a super-aggressive kid,” Jones said
of Cole. “He likes to get nasty on the field.
When you’re at center and got to worry
about snapping the ball, it’s hard to really
come off and just get in the middle of some-
body.”
August 2018 | Owasso Reporter
Collinsville lacks
quite the same size
in the trenches as
it had over the past
couple of seasons,
which is why the
Cardinals are switch-
ing from a zone
blocking scheme
Dugger to more of a power
look.
“We needed to change our identity,” Jones
said. “We felt like we were a bit of a finesse
team last year. In the past, we’ve had some
monsters up front. We could use their zone
scheme to help us. Now we want to come off
the ball and be more physical.”
If Collinsville’s offense is to realize its po-
tential, the Cardinal coach said health could
play the biggest role. That’s particularly true
at the quarterback position.
“That could be the difference of going
real deep in the playoffs or being a first- or
second-round team. That’s the big concern, is
keeping Cole healthy,” Jones said.
Owasso Reporter | August 2018 football preview 23

Defense
Cardinal ‘D’ looks to flex muscle
A
fter losing just seven seniors to All-District acco-
graduation last spring the Col- lades, returns on the
linsville defense figures to benefit outside while junior
from a wealth of experience and quality Brayden Burd and
depth returning for the fall. Kenlee Hall will sort
The Cardinals bring back seven start- out the action at
ers to a unit that gave up just 147 points middle linebacker.
in 2017, the fewest allowed of any team in In the secondary,
District 5A-4. seniors Walker Rob-
Armed with that experience, Collinsville Carney erts (6-0, 170) and
head coach Kevin Jones expects to see his Malcolm Tillman
defense once again pose a stiff challenge to both return. Roberts will occupy a corner
an opposing offense. One of the reasons for spot while Tillman will roam the defensive
his enthusiasm is the depth he can utilize at backfield at safety. Junior Kolten Allphin (5-
a number of key positions. 9, 160) looks to line up at free safety.
“The thing I’m most excited about is While the more experienced Cardinals
we’ve got more depth than maybe we’ve garner much of the preseason hype, Jones
ever had, definitely as much as we had the said several others will make a name for
year we went to the finals (in 2015),” Jones themselves as 2018 progresses.
said. “It just makes you so much better in
practice when you’re practicing against
good players.
“We tell our team good teams have good
players that are not even on the field. We’ve
got to have more than 11. That’s the differ-
ence between pretty good and real good,
when you’ve got depth.”
Leading the way up front will be senior
nose guard Adam Carney (6-2, 230). Carney,
who could play on both sides of the line,
has impressed coaches with his physical
ability and demeanor.
“He’s had an amazing offseason,” Jones
said of Carney. “He’s definitely the strongest
kid on our team. He’s a good, hard-working,
blue-collar kid.”
Senior Grayson Boomer (6-6, 230) will
again make life miserable for opposing of-
fenses with his large frame at defensive end.
Fellow senior Tres Sexton also figures in the
mix at end.
Behind Boomer, Carney and Sexton will
be a veteran group of linebackers.
Senior Jake Tuttle (5-10, 200), who has
24 football preview August 2018 | Owasso Reporter
Owasso Reporter | August 2018 football preview 25

Weiser brings strong leg to kicking game

S
enior Seth Weiser (5-9, 170) has a season. Hutchens av-
strong leg, which may not be note- eraged 38.6 yards per
worthy considering he occupies the punt a year ago and
kicker position for Collinsville. Weiser was twice pinned Bishop
mentioned as one of the top kickers in the Kelley at its own 1.
Tulsa metro area as part of the All-World pre- Hutchens, how-
season rankings from the Tulsa World. ever, will not be
Cardinal coach Kevin Jones would concur available for the
with the preseason hype over Weiser. opener after having
Weiser
“He’s got a super strong leg,” Jones said. elbow surgery in
Weiser has also been one of the Cardinals’ the offseason. Jones
top performers during summer workouts, said Hutchens may not be ready until around
a distinction not typically associated with midseason.
kickers. Senior Walker Roberts (6-0, 170) is ex-
“He’s one of our strongest kids in the pected to fill in for Hutchens at punter in his
weight room,” Jones said. “He’s a beast.” absence. Roberts will also figure in the Cardi-
Jones hopes Weiser’s strength will be nals’ return game in addition to his duties on
reserved for kicking purposes only on special offense and defense.
teams. Junior Kolten Allphin (5-9, 160) is another
Along with Weiser, senior punter Cale option for Jones as a return man. Junior
Hutchens (5-11, 170) has also been touted with Brayden Burd entered fall camp as a return
one of the top legs in the area going into the candidate for kickoffs.
26 football preview August 2018 | Owasso Reporter

Cardinals
football
schedule
Date Opponent Time
Aug. 31 OOLOGAH 7 p.m.
Sept. 7 at Bartlesville 7 p.m.
Sept. 14 at Ponca City 7 p.m.
Sept. 21 at Claremore* 7 p.m.
Sept. 28 TULSA MEMORIAL* 7 p.m.
Oct. 5 at Tahlequah* 7 p.m.
Oct. 12 EAST CENTRAL* 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Pryor* 7 p.m.
Oct. 26 SKIATOOK* 7 p.m.
Nov. 1 at Will Rogers* 7 p.m.
*-District 5A-4 game

Go
Cardinals!
28 football preview August 2018 | Owasso Reporter

2018 predictions
for Collinsville
B
elow are predictions for Class 5A
and District 5A-4, according to
VYPE Oklahoma Pigskin Preview
magazine.
Class 5A District 5A-4
1. Carl Albert 1. Collinsville
2. Bishop 2. Skiatook
McGuinness 3. Tahlequah
3. Ardmore 4. Claremore
4. Bishop Kelley 5. Pryor
5. Lawton Mac 6. East Central
6. Guthrie 7. Tulsa Memorial
7. Collinsville 8. Will Rogers
8. Skiatook
9. Coweta
10. Ada

Go
o lll i n sv i ll e !
C

Collinsville hopes to celebrating a district title

and a deep postseason run in 2018.  file photo
Owasso Reporter | August 2018 football preview 29

The Highway 20 Bowl trophy will be up for grabs

Oct. 26 when the Cardinals host Skiatook on
Senior Night.  FILE PHOTO
30 football preview August 2018 | Owasso Reporter

Eagles
eagles
football
schedule
Date Opponent Time
Aug. 31 at Crossings Christian 7 p.m.
Sept. 7 KIEFER 7 p.m.
Sept. 14 at Haskell 7 p.m.
Sept. 21 at Oklahoma Union* 7 p.m.
Sept. 28 FAIRLAND 7 p.m.
Oct. 5 KETCHUM* 7 p.m.
Oct. 12 at Quapaw* 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 COMMERCE* 7 p.m.
Oct. 26 at Afton* 7 p.m.
Nov. 2 COLCORD* 7 p.m.
*-District A-6 game

Rejoice Christian Eagles

Andrew Crow (28) makes a
good run during high school
football action between
Afton at Rejoice Christian
last season.  file photo
32 football preview August 2018 | Owasso Reporter

Offense
Eagles’ backfield adds another weapon
R
ejoice Christian’s offense has piled
up the points and yardage over the
last couple of seasons. Running back
Andrew Crow played a key role in making that
happen.
The scary thing for Eagles’ opponents in 2018
is that Crow (6-0, 170), now a senior, will have
help in the backfield.
Along with Crow, who has ran for nearly
2,000 yards the past two years, Rejoice added
senior move-in Dillon Hair (5-9, 170) in the
offseason. Hair, also a senior and who played on
the Eagles’ baseball team in the spring, tallied
more than 1,000 yards on the ground the last
two seasons at Lincoln Christian.
The addition of Hair allows the Eagles some
flexibility with Crow. Rejoice head coach Brent
Marley has experimented with Crow at receiver
during team camp at NEO during the summer.
Crow responded by claiming Camper of the
Week honors, primarily because of his effective-
ness as a wide out.
“We just have more explosive depth at run- Henson
ning back,” Marley said. “It’s like when the years
when OU had (Samaje) Perine and (Joe) Mixon. targets like All-Stater Matt Nicholson, who has
You really don’t care who’s out there.” since graduated. Instead, Walker looks to dis-
Look for junior Nate Anderson (5-9, 185) and perse his throws amongst a talented, but mostly
sophomore Hunter Jennings to get some carries unproven group of receivers that enters fall
in the backfield as well as the Eagles look to use camp without an established go-to weapon.
more two-back formations. “This year the receivers are smaller across the
Crow is one of six returning starters on of- board. So we all have to step up,” Walker said.
fense for the Eagles. Another is junior quarter- “The wide receivers have to run a better route. I
back Riley Walker (5-11, 160). Walker threw for have to put the ball on them even better.”
2,127 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, his Senior Brock Henson is the most prolific
first atop the depth chart, despite missing time. returning to the mix. Henson caught nearly 400
Marley said he noticed significant improve- yards of passes last season and, Marley believes,
ment in Walker in the offseason. could be in line for a breakout season.
“Riley’s done a great job,” Marley said in June “He’s one of those guys that could be a top
during passing league. “He’s still got things he priority for other teams to stop,” Marley said.
needs to work on. We talk to him all the time Juniors Gage Barham and Cole Hill (5-8, 160),
about getting rid of the ball quicker. He’s mak- who could be the fastest player on the team,
ing the right reads.” are other potential targets. Juniors Caden Ward
One significant adjustment for Walker will be (6-2, 205), Clint Hurst and sophomore Grady
his receiving corps. James (5-5, 136) could all see time in the slot.
No longer are the likes of large imposing Another name to watch for is senior Reece
Owasso Reporter | August 2018 football preview 33

Hamar (6-3, 190). Hamar is a move-in from Hurst could also

Owasso and has not played football since see time about tackle
eighth grade, but his size and leaping ability are or tight end and
intriguing. sophomore Joey
Hamar also will serve as the backup to Stephens (6-1, 220)
Walker at quarterback. is a candidate for the
Marley feels like his receivers can give oppos- other tackle position.
ing teams more headaches with the possibility With a promising
of so many weapons to defend. The Eagles crop of incoming
coach just hopes it does not backfire on his own freshmen on the
team.
Crow line, the future looks
“We’ve got a lot of good skill kids,” Marley bright up front for
said. “When you get multiple kids that can do Rejoice. Logan Linnell (6-0, 220) is one that
something with the ball, each of them may not could make an impact this season.
get the ball a lot. Because there’s so many of The Eagles will be slightly smaller on the line
them and (passes are) spread around a whole and at receiver, which will slightly change their
lot, I want us to be remain humble and selfless. offensive objective going into the season. Marley
“We’re able to control what we can control said his team will work from the spread at times
and that’s our attitude. That’s up to us.” but, ideally, will incorporate fewer four or five
Rejoice returns three starters on the line, all receiver formations.
of whom are seniors. Cole Inouye is the most “We’re going to be more balanced offensively,”
experienced of the bunch and will occupy the he said. “We’re not very big up front so we’re go-
center spot. Inouye will be surrounded by famil- ing to have to be balanced, give the opponents
iar faces in guards Eric Cullen (5-10, 180) and a lot to work on. We’ll be a little more multiple
Logan Barnes (6-0, 180). than in years past.”
34 football preview August 2018 | Owasso Reporter

Defense
Talented linebackers lead Rejoice ‘D’
I
f healthy, the Rejoice Christian linebackers
could be a scary bunch for any foe in Class
A this fall.
The Eagles return athletic veterans Nate
Anderson (5-9, 185) and Clint Hurst (6-0, 190)
and add a couple of more new additions that
figure to make instant impacts. Add in some
solid depth and head coach Brent Marley
believes his backers could be the foundation a
defense built on its 3-3 base formation.
“That should be one of our strengths,
especially at outside (linebacker),” Marley said.
“We’ve got some guys that can run.”
One of the top returnees is Anderson at the
weak side spot. He led Rejoice with 122 total
tackles last year as a sophomore. Anderson’s
knack for finding the football was also evident
in his nine tackles for loss, three sacks, two
Hurst fumble recoveries, one interception and a
35 football preview
safety.
Anderson also scored a defensive touch-
down, for good measure.
“Nate is just a football player. He’s got great
instincts,” said Marley, who added Anderson
reminded him of former LSU defender Tyrann
Mathieu. “When a loose ball pops up, he’ll be
right there. “He’s just in the right placed at
the right time.”
Hurst (6-2, 220) will line up on the strong
side. The super athletic junior led the Eagles
with 10 tackles for loss and tallied 65 total
tackles.
Sophomore Zach Hair (5-8, 170), a move-
in from Lincoln Christian, is soaking up the
playbook and looks to be settling into the
MIKE spot.
Senior Duke Curtis gives the Eagles some
depth at linebacker. Fellow senior Mason
York, who came out for football for the first
time, has made a strong impression in the
weight room and looks to compete for playing
time as well.
Senior Dillon Hair (5-8, 170), the older
brother of Zach and also in his first year
with Rejoice, and Dawson Gates, who played
corner a season ago, will each compete for an
outside linebacker spot.
Another enticing option is the speedy
sophomore Hunter Jennings. Jennings ran
the first leg on the Eagles’ 4x100 meter state
championship relay last spring.
“When you have a kid like that who can
run, he needs to be on the football field. We’re
going to find a place for him,” Marley said.
Enabling that group of linebackers to show
their athleticism by chewing up blockers will
be defensive line led by the return of senior
nose guard Roman Lockney (5-8, 170). Lock-
ney tallied 40 tackles, including two tackles
for loss, despite missing two games. Marley
said Lockney is among his most highly-re-
spected defensive players.
“Other coaches we play will come up to me
and say ‘Coach, that kid is tough. We could
not block him,’” Marley said. “Roman has
such a low pad level and he’s just tenacious.”
Senior Logan Barnes (6-0, 180) returns
at tackle after collecting 44 tackles and two
forced fumbles last season.
Junior Caden Ward (6-2, 205), a transfer
August 2018 | Owasso Reporter
from Owasso, is
a candidate for
a defensive end
spot. Senior Eric
Cullen (5-10, 180)
and sophomore
Joey Stephens (6-
1, 220) also could
see time on the
edge, along with
freshman Logan
Linnell (6-0, 220)
and Hurst.
Marley Linnell, who
could also fill in
at nose guard, has impressed coaches despite
his inexperience.
“He’s got the physique to play as a fresh-
man,” said Marley, who lined Linnell up at de-
fensive end and guard on offense during team
camp over the summer. “He’s got a motor and
he’ll have a chance to play.”
In the secondary, senior Andrew Crow (6-0,
180) returns at the free safety spot for Rejoice.
Crow snagged five interceptions a season ago,
which tied for the team lead. His versatility
allows the Eagles to line Crow up at corner-
back as well.
Marley expects Crow, one of his team lead-
ers, to finish his career on a high note.
“If he stays healthy, he should be an All-
Stater,” the Eagles’ coach said.
Junior Riley Walker (5-11, 160) and senior
Reece Hamar (6-3, 190) also figure to line up
at safety.
Senior Brock Henson lines up as one of Re-
joice’s more experienced defenders at corner.
Henson had 28 tackles and played in all 12
games.
Sophomore Grady James (5-5, 136) and
Gage Barham also could line up as a cover
man, along with junior Cole Hill (5-8, 160).
Hill also could slide over and play outside
linebacker.
The Eagles will be a bit small all three
levels of their defense. But, as long as their
health holds up, Marley’s crew appears to
have the athletic ability to succeed.
“We’re just not very big, but we can run,”
Marley said. “And if I had to choose size or be-
ing able to run, I’d choose being able to run.”
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37

Seay returns for 2018 predictions

kicking duties for Rejoice in
S
enior Justin
Seay is the
most expe-
district, Class A
B
rienced leg return- elow are preseason predic-
ing to the Rejoice tions for Class A and District
Christian kicking A-6, according to the VYPE
game this fall. Seay Oklahoma Pigskin Preview.
handled kickoff Class A District A-6
duties a season ago 1. Minco 1. Commerce
and averaged better Anderson 2. Wynnewood 2. Rejoice
than 30 yards per 3. Thomas Christian
punt on 26 attempts. 4. Morrison 3. Colcord
The Eagles will look to replace the graduated 5. Hobart 4. Afton
Will Brown, who connected on 54 of 58 extra- 6. Commerce 5. Quapaw
point attempts last season. Rejoice may not 7. Rejoice Chris- 6. Oklahoma
have to look too far as sophomore Ben Brown, tian Union
Will’s younger brother, could keep the job in the 8. Crescent 7. Ketchum
9. Hooker
family.
10. Central
Juniors Nate Anderson (5-9, 185) and Clint Sallisaw
Hurst (6-2, 220)¬, who both also play on the

Go
soccer team, could be kicking options as well.
In the return game, senior Andrew Crow (6-
0, 180) averaged better than 16 yards on kickoff

Eagles!
returns. Senior Brock Henson, junior Cole Hill
(5-8, 160) and Gage Barham each saw time
returning kicks, as did Anderson and Hurst.
38 football preview August 2018 | Owasso Reporter

Player to Watch
Roman Lockney to the time he has
spent in the weight
5-8, 170 room and an ag-
NG, SR gressive mindset on
Rejoice Christian the field. He’s also a
Chances are Roman Lockney has heard or student of the game.
seen every type of reaction when somebody looks Lockney said he en-
at him, then glances back at the Rejoice Christian joys watching film on
roster. Lockney the opponent to learn
The Eagles senior will line up at nose guard their weaknesses and
this season, just as he did last year. Lockney has pick up tips from other defensive linemen.
proven his worth to coach Brent Marley and the “It’s about explosion and watching their steps,”
rest of the staff. He caused havoc for opposing he said. “I watch on film how their center and
offenses and finished with 40 tackles a year ago. guards work together and how their tackles
What makes fans, teammates, foes and op- work. I watch a lot of film, study up their move-
posing coaches take notice is when they realize ments.”
Lockney does his damage despite standing just Lockney said he also likes to watch some of
5-foot-8 and 170 pounds. the top defensive lines in college football, like
“I get that all the time,” Lockney said. “But I Clemson.
love it because everybody underestimates me and “They’re the best d-line in the nation,” he said.
how good I am.” “I like to see what they do, even though I’m not
Lockney attributes his success in the trenches 6-6 and 340.”
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