By Scott Hansen
MaxPreps.com
It might seem a little overzealous to start talking about December when the heat of two-a-days has just begun to take its toll.
In Class 3A, the scenario of two defending state champions facing each other in 2008 is a distinct possibility as Clinton and defending 2A champion Cascia Hall appear to be on a collision course towards a frozen field somewhere in Oklahoma.
Tuttle and Sequoyah-Claremore will be in the thick of things as well. Sequoyah won the 3A title in 2006.
In Class 2A, look for the new kids in town to move towards instant success. Lincoln Christian is loaded with one of the best running backs in 2A with Josh Daugherty and one of the best linebackers in the entire state in Cody Wilson.
Kingfisher drops to 2A after losing in the 3A state title game to Clinton last season, while Heritage Hall and Millwood appear to be the best of the leftovers in 2A.
Scott Hansen’s Class 3A Preseason Ratings
1.) Cascia Hall Commandoes
2007 Record: 15-0 (7-0)
Overview
Cascia Hall is loaded on offense, fresh off its state title in Class 2A last season. Class 5A Tulsa Edison is on the schedule this season, proof that Cascia Hall will play anybody. The Commandoes return a plethora of high-level performers from last season, which is why they start out at No. 1.
Offense
QB Sam Clancy (1,600 passing yards, 25 TDs) will ease the transition to 3A for the Commandoes. WR Price Pinkerton (773 yards, 16 TDs) is big-time. RB Ransom LaLonde (650 yards, 7 TDs) is expected to have a huge season in the backfield.
Defense
DL Danny Husband (81 tackles, 11 sacks), junior DE Daniel Zabienski (56 tackles, 13 sacks), LB LaLonde (74 tackles, 17 sacks) are the top returnees on defense. DB’s Fitz Blue (68 tackles) and Pinkerton (30 tackles, 5 INTs, 2 defensive TDs) bolster the secondary for the Commandoes.
2.) Clinton Red Tornadoes
2007 Record: 14-0 (7-0)
Overview
Sound the siren. Clinton won its 15th state title last season. It is one of the most dominant runs in high school football nationally. A Tornado Watch will be issued shortly.
Offense
Junior QB Ryan Stringer (1,715 yards passing, 26 TDs) is outstanding. At RB, pick your poison. Junior Delance Griffin (600 rushing yards, 9 TDs) and Antonio Huddlin (430 yards, 4 TDs; 1,055 yards, 7 TDs in 2006) are both proven in the running game. Junior OL Jarrett Richard is the top lineman.
Defense
DE Jon-Paul Dickson (37 tackles, 8 sacks), LB Ricky Malone (62 tackles, 1 sack), and DE Kris Carlisle (48 tackles, 3 sacks) lead the returnees on defense. In the secondary, the Red Tornadoes lost 19 interceptions to graduation. DB Cecil Kirdenholl (25 tackles, 3 INTs) and Huddlin (1 INT) are poised to make up for some of the loss.
3.) Tuttle Tigers
2007 Record: 10-3 (5-2)
Overview
The road to the 3A-1 title and for the most part, the state championship, goes through Clinton. Last season the Tigers lost to the Red Tornadoes twice, including in the 3A semifinals. Tuttle has lost three straight to its district rival. When Clinton was not in 3A in 2005, Tuttle won the state title.
Offense
QB Sterling Koons (1,822 yards, 20 TDs; 6 TDs rushing) was outstanding as a junior. Junior RB Bryce ‘Paco’ Moore (1,944 yards, 19 TDs) exploded onto the scene in 2007. Moore, who stands at just 5-foot-5, had 376 yards against Hobart in his second varsity start. OL Ethan Reedy (6-1, 280) is responsible for protecting Koons and making holes for Moore.
Defense
LB Reno Marical (113 tackles, 2 sacks) is 180 pounds of thunder. LB Nathan Harp (85 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 INT) and junior Ethan Biddy (70 tackles, 1 INT) are proven. Tuttle lost 29 interceptions from its secondary last season, so Dillon Wolfe will need to step up for his senior season.
4.) Sequoyah-Claremore Eagles
2007 Record: 8-4 (4-3)
Overview
Sequoyah brings its Wing-T into the 2008 season with an experienced quarterback. The Eagles are just two season’s removed from a Class 3A state championship.
Offense
Junior QB Cody Richardson (466 passing yards, 3 TDs; 783 rushing yards, 9 TDs) is built perfectly to drive Sequoyah’s machine. RB Jake Rhine (387 yards, 6 total TDs) will see his work increase now that Cory Park has graduated. RB Michael Wangsgard (301 yards, 2 TDs) will work in hand with Richardson and Rhine.
Defense
DB’s Jake Rhine (99 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries) and Wangsgard (57 tackles) lead the Eagles defense by patrolling the secondary. Junior LB Gage Delozier (54 tackles) and LB A.J. Rhine (33 tackles) give the Eagles two solid linebackers. DT Justin Shelton (50 tackles; 6-1, 290) will make plays up front in the 4-4 setup. DB Richardson (42 tackles, 2 INTs) can also do the business when called upon.
5.) Metro Christian Patriots
2007 Record: 9-2 (6-1)
Overview
Metro Christian was upset in the first round of the 3A playoffs last season in a loss to Seminole. The Patriots enter 2008 with the motivation to make a run deep into the playoffs.
Offense
QB Joey Rogers was third in the pecking order last season, but looks to get the nod this season for an offense that threw for an average of 325 yards per game in 2007. RB Josh Angell (211 rushing yards, 3 TDs) will become the main man in the backfield. Metro runs the spread offense, which means WR Colton Blankenship (505 yards, 5 TDs) is set to have a huge season. WR’s Rylan Hess (385 yards, 5 TDs), Jake Schooley (143 yards, 3 TDs), and Grant Schmitz (150 receiving yards, 4 TDs) will also be rewarded this season with a big-time seasons in the pass-happy attack.
Defense
LB Alex Bradshaw (62 tackles, 1 sack) and junior Scott Winters (48 tackles, 1 sack) lead the front seven for the Patriots. DB Schooley (32 tackles, 7 INTs) was outstanding in the secondary as a sophomore. Hess (3 INTs) joins Schooley in the secondary and will dare opposing offense to throw on them.
6.) Berryhill Chiefs
2007 Record: 6-6 (4-3)
Overview
Berryhill posted a respectable 6-6 season despite its youth. On defense, they are a year wiser and loaded with experience. Defense will be the strong suit for the Chiefs in 2008.
Offense
RB Justin Dunbar (808 yards, 6 TDs) is on the cusp of a breakout season for the Chiefs. Junior RB’s Andy Morgan (434 yards, 4 TDs) and Austin Enloe (434 yards, 4 TDs) enter 2008 with the same résumé and look to expand on it in 2008. WR Cameron Cichon (495 yards, 5 TDs) is one of the top receivers in 3A.
Defense
DB Cichon (8 INTs) leads the defense into this season. Berryhill lost its top two tacklers from last season, but junior Tyler Brown (104 tackles, 1 INT) is ready to fill the gap left by graduation. Morgan (98 tackles, 6 sacks), Tyler Johnson (93 tackles, 1 sack), Jesse Nabors (91 tackles, 7 sacks), and Jacob Henderson (88 tackles, 4 sacks) were among eight sophomores that started on defense last season.
7.) Victory Christian Conquerors
2007 Record: 6-5 (6-1)
Overview
After losing its first three games against formidable competition, the Conquerors rallied to finish 6-1 in its district. The roster is full of experience heading into 2008.
Offense
QB Jason Turner (1,073 yards, 9 total TDs) gives Victory Christian experience. The Conquerors will need to find a RB early on. WR Matt Letney (590 yards, 2 TDs) gives Turner a proven target. OL Matt Dumond (6-4, 270) is a load on the offensive line and a three-year starter.
Defense
DE Jeremiah Ablorh (74 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 INT) is the catalyst up front in the 4-3 defense. DT Dumond (51 tackles, 6 sacks) is nearly unblockable at times, while LB Sterling Willis (6-foot-6, 220 pounds; 76 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT) is another proven commodity. DB Brandon Gordon (49 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 sack) is the leading returnee in the secondary.
8.) Idabel Warriors
2007 Record: 5-5 (3-4)
Overview
In 2007, the Warriors were better than its record indicated. Idabel drops to 3A this season and is looking to make some noise.
Offense
Skilled positions are the key for the Warriors. RB Ne’ron’te Threatt (221 yards, 2 TDs) could have a huge 2008, and fellow RB Mack Dixon (206 yards, 1 TD) is another option. WR Tareekus Broades (302 yards, 3 TDs) should help settle the new QB. Sophomore Keontay Young is likely to get the nod at QB for the Warriors.
Defense
Junior LB Johnny Braxton (59 tackles, 1 INT), Threatt (54 tackles, 1 INT), and DE Daniel Pond (49 tackles, 5 sacks) lead the defense for Idabel.
9.) Marlow Outlaws
2007 Record: 7-4 (5-2)
Overview
Barry Foster replaces Matt Weber as Marlow’s head coach after Weber went to Ada. The cupboard is not bare with 18 seniors on the roster for Foster in his first season, along with a host of young experience especially at the skilled positions. Marlow went to the 3A state final in 2006.
Offense
Junior QB Chance Rice is a returning starter for the Outlaws. RB Drew Wortham is back to boost the offense as a returning starter for Marlow. RB Chris Walden gives the Outlaws a bigger option in the backfield.
Defense
DE Colt McCauley (6-foot-2, 250 pounds; 74 tackles, 6 sacks) is a big-time player for the Outlaws on defense.
10.) Pauls Valley Panthers
2007 Record: 2-8 (2-5)
Overview
Forget about the 2-8 record from 2007. Pauls Valley had a young football team and went through some growing pains. Those growing pains will be short-lived.
Offense
Junior QB Caleb Livingston (840 total yards, 9 TDs) leads Pauls Valley into the 2008 campaign. Junior RB Tyler Harding (1,137 rushing yards, 13 TDs) could develop into one of the best running backs in 3A before long. WR Adrian Morales (250 yards, 1 TD) leads the receiving corps. OL Chase Hunt will pave the way on the offensive line.
Defense
Junior LB Bo McKee (107 tackles, 5 sacks) had a breakout campaign last season. DB Morales (34 tackles, 3 INTs) is the leader of the pack in the secondary.
All-3A Team
QB – Ryan Stringer, Clinton
RB – Bryce Moore, Tuttle (Jr.)
RB – Tyler Harding, Pauls Valley
WR – Price Pinkerton, Cascia Hall
WR – Colton Blankenship, Metro Christian
TE – Mike Cain, Okmulgee (Jr.)
OL – Ethan Reedy, Tuttle
OL – Orlando Hudson, Purcell
OL – Justin Underhill, Dewey
OL – Kevin Castleberry, Roland
OL – Jarrett Richard, Clinton
DL – Jeremiah Ablorh, Victory Christian
DL – Matt Dumond, Victory Christian
DL – John-Paul Dickson, Clinton
DL – Danny Husband, Cascia Hall
LB – Reno Marcial, Tuttle
LB – Ransom LeLonde, Cascia Hall
LB – Jonathan Rose, Bethany
DB – Jake Schooley, Metro Christian (Jr.)
DB – Cecil Kirkendoll, Clinton
DB – Cameron Cichon, Berryhill
DB – Stephen Marcotte- Blackwell
Scott Hansen’s Class 2A Preseason Ratings
1.) Lincoln Christian Bulldogs
2007 Record: 11-0 (Independent)
Overview
Lincoln Christian enters the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association for the first time after being an independent last season. The goal for Lincoln Christian is pretty simple, win the coveted gold ball in Class 2A. Anything less for the Bulldogs would be deemed a disappointment. Last season the Bulldogs outscored their opponents 53-8 en route to an 11-0 record.
Offense
A QB is needed for its transition, but whoever inherits job from masterful graduate Dillon Wagnon (1,796 passing yards, 31 TDs, 2 INTs; 13 rushing TDs) can breathe easier. RB Josh Daugherty (1,031 yards, 17 TDs, 11.5 yards per carry) is a threat to go the distance every time he gets his paws on the football. WR’s Jarrett Melton (575 yards, 11 TDs) and Adrian Hixenbaugh (219 yards, 4 TDs) will help settle the new QB, which will likely end up as Kent Warren (216 yards passing, 3 TDs). OL Mark Stahl (6-6, 335) is a load up front.
Defense
LB Cody Wilson (33 tackles, 12 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries) only played a handful due to injury but might be the best linebacker in the state of Oklahoma in quite some time according to observers. Junior DL Zach Fullingim (56 tackles) and Cole Johnson (48 tackles, 5 sacks) will put pressure on the opposing QB. Then there’s DB Daugherty (22 tackles, 2 INTs, 2 sacks, 1 defensive TD) in the secondary disrupting the passing game.
2.) Kingfisher Yellowjackets
2007 Record: 10-4 (7-1)
Overview
Another program that will not receive any red carpet treatment from the remainder of Class 2A is Kingfisher. The Yellowjackets pushed Clinton to the brink last season in the Class 3A state final before losing by five.
Offense
RB Nathan Grabow (724 yards, 10 TDs) will need to increase his workload as the Yellowjackets break in a new QB. WR Tim Winans (434 yards, 4 TDs) is has stable hands in the passing attack. Junior Jake York could have a breakout season for Kingfisher.
Defense
Kingfisher lost its top five leading tacklers from last year’s 3A finalist, but return Grabow (70 tackles, 2 INTs) and DE Cash Johnson (54 tackles, 5 sacks). Johnson is capable of taking this defense on his shoulders. Josh Morgan (57 tackles, 2 sacks), junior DL Joe Gaither (41 tackles, 2 sacks). Junior DB Brayden Hicks (42 tackles, 3 INTs) and possible QB Carl Tisdale (17 tackles, 3 INTs) lead the secondary.
3.) Heritage Hall Chargers
2007 Record: 14-1 (7-0)
Overview
The alma mater of NFL star Wes Welker keeps nipping at the heels of the power programs of 2A in order to win its second state championship. The Chargers keep getting closer. Last season, Heritage Hall lost in the 2A final to Cascia Hall.
Offense
ATH Turner Peterson (717 receiving yards, 7 TDs; 6 rushing TDs; 3 passing TDs) also kicks the field goals and does the punting for the Chargers. About the only position Peterson does not play is on the line. Junior RB Tanner France (842 rushing yards, 11 total TDs) had a nice sophomore season. Rico Phinnissee (350 rushing yards, 5 total TDs; 12.5 yards per carry) is another big-play waiting to happen for Heritage Hall.
Defense
LB’s Graham King (98 tackles, 6 sacks, 1 INT) and LB Banning Fudge (92 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 INTs) are proven and ready to replace Heritage Hall’s top three tacklers from 2007. DB’s David Price (75 tackles, 5 INTs) and Michael Dillard (65 tackles) hold down the secondary for the Chargers. It is early, but freshman *Barry Sanders Jr. (son of NFL legend Barry Sanders) is already drawing praise, according to an August story in The Oklahoman.
4.) Millwood Falcons
2007 Record: 4-6 (4-3)
Overview
A 4-6 mark would not have gone over well in Falcon Country. Millwood has won four state championships since 2000. Last season a pair of three-game losing streaks had the Falcons watching from the bleachers when playoff time rolled around.
Offense
Sophomore QB Kevonte Richardson (1,402 yards passing, 16 total TDs) almost needs no introduction. RB Rodrick Douglas (580 yards, 7 TDs) gives the Falcons a rock out of the backfield. Thomas Darlington could also see plenty of action on offense. Sophomore WR Josh Turner is another sophomore that was identified by MaxPreps’ Stephen Spiewak as one of the best in the nation. OL Christian Crigler (6-0, 245) is a three-year starter for the Falcons.
Defense
Junior LB Trayvon Henry (181 tackles) leads the defense. Joining Crigler on the defensive line will be Marcus McDowell (6-0, 265). At linebacker are Kewante Dewberry and Paul Chandler will be in the mix.
5.) Prague Red Devils
2007 Record: 10-4 (4-3)
Team Website: http://www.praguefootball.com/
Overview
After a blazing 5-0 start in 2007, the Red Devils limped to the finish of the regular season and finished with a regular season mark of 7-3. Prague upset Eufaula in the first round of the playoffs and rolled to the semifinals and lost to eventual champion Cascia Call.
Offense
Expect to see a lot of Dakota Harris (1,673 rushing yards, 34 TD’s rushing; 2,311 passing yards, 18 TDs). Harris is arguably the top quarterback in the entire state regardless of school size. Harris led his offensive to an average of 409 yards per game last season. RB Kyle Moore is the workhorse (1,081 rushing yards, 7 TDs) in the backfield behind Harris in the no-huddle attack. RB Kyle Warden (503 rushing yards, 2 TDs) also is experienced. Junior WR Brad Crawford (540 receiving yards, 2 TDs) will be Harris’ go-to receiver.
Defense
Junior DL Denton Simek (6-6, 260) has a chance to be big-time sooner rather than later. LB Kyle Warden, Travis Baker, Crawford will join Simek to form a solid defense.
6.) Davis Wolves
2007 Record: 10-3 (8-2)
Overview
Turn back the clock about three decades. Davis runs the traditional wishbone offense and has one of the small school programs in Oklahoma as well. The Wolves rolled to 338 yards per game on the ground last season and averaged less than 27 yards per game through the air. If you love to watch old-fashioned football, head to Davis.
Offense
John Collette (551 rushing yards, 6 TDs) moves from RB to QB this season, a natural transition in the wishbone. Keep an eye on RB Blake Looney (132 rushing yards, 3 TDs) to have a huge season. OL’s Grant Couch (6-1, 200) and Jarod Tillman (6-1, 230) prove that in this complex offense, being a bigger lineman is not always necessarily better.
Defense
Junior LB Jericho Rogers (76 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INTs) leads the returnees on defense and led the Wolves in tackles in 2007. Fellow junior Trevor Thomasson (53 tackles, 4 sacks) is the leading DL on the team. DB Collette (41 tackles, 2 INTs), DL Looney (32 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 INT), and DB Colby Ruth (15 tackles, 2 INTs) all pace a very solid unit.
7.) Washington Warriors
2007 Record: 11-3 (7-1)
Overview
Washington is up from Class A this season. In 2007, the Warriors fell to a hot Okeene team in the Class A semifinals, 30-23. Okeene went on to win its second straight title. Washington needs no motivation with its move to Class 2A after getting so close to gold ball glory last season.
Offense
RB Josh Zimmer (2,050 yards, 41 total TDs) simply went off as a junior for the Warriors. Tyler Hancock will be sorely missed at QB, but Darren Madden (559 passing yards, 6 total TDs) proved his athleticism on defense last season. WR Stroad Lanham (641 receiving yards, 2 TDs) is a proven target in the passing game.
Defense
LB Lanham (99 tackles, 3 INTs) leads the returnees on defense for the Warriors. Colton Hyde (76 tackles), Zimmer (68 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 sack), Madden (51 tackles, 4 INTs), and junior Justin Noel (25 tackles, 4 INTs) round out one of the top units in 2A.
8.) Sequoyah-Tahlequah Indians
2007 Record: 10-2 (7-0)
Overview
Gone is quarterback Nathan Stanley (Mississippi), the first Sequoyah player to receive a Division I scholarship to play football. The Indians have enough firepower left over to make some noise in 2008.
Offense
Stanley was not the only player that the Indians will miss. Hunter Cunningham needs to be replaced, and RB Zach Gann (4 rushing TDs) might be the man to do it. OL Chris Littlehead (6-3, 300) is good enough to follow Stanley into the ranks of Division I.
Defense
DL Littlehead (56 tackles, 5 sacks) is the catalyst up front for Sequoyah. LB Jacob Stoop (55 tackles) is the other top returnee for the Indians. DB’s Gann (36 tackles, 2 INTs) and David Adair (31 tackles, 2 INTs) lead an experienced defensive backfield.
9.) Plainview Indians
2007 Record: 12-1 (7-0)
Overview
Plainview had an outstanding 2007 season, winning its first 12 games before being ousted in the playoffs by Kingfisher in the Class 3A semifinals. The Indians drop down a notch to 2A in 2008.
Offense
QB Brandon Allen (2,142 passing yards, 18 TDs; 988 rushing yards, 12 TDs) was stellar as a junior in 2007. It was helpful, however, to have Justin Blackmon (Oklahoma State) as a receiver. RB’s Logan Russell (803 yards, 17 total TDs) and Kevin Warner (476 rushing yards, 6 TDs) will help Allen in the backfield.
Defense
LB Russell (136 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 INT) is the leader on defense. Ethan Bateman (111 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 sack) and Noah Townley (47 tackles, 1 sack) provide experienced pieces to the puzzle.
10.) Bridge Creek Bobcats
2007 Record: 10-2 (6-1)
Overview
Only two losses last season for the Bobcats. In district play Bridge Creek fell to one of the best team in 2A (Bethany) before falling in the state playoffs against Hennessey.
Offense
Gone is Michael Aska, but RB Shane Leiter (853 rushing yards, 8 TDs, 9.4 yards per carry) is capable of stepping in after being part of a one-two punch in 2007. OL’s Sean Harrell (6-3, 265) and Dalis Forbes (6-3, 225) are solid linemen for the 2A level.
Defense
LB Cory Tallent (110 tackles, 5 sacks) leads a stingy defense that allowed just 188 yards per game in 2007. Leiter (81 tackles, 2 sacks) joins Tallent. The big dog on defense is Forbes (76 tackles, 16 sacks). Michael Beer (50 tackles), Seth Beers (48 tackles, 1 sack), and Todd Baker (47 tackles) join a defense that is loaded with experience.
All-2A Team
QB – Dakota Harris, Prague
QB – Brandon Allen, Plainview
RB – Josh Zimmer, Washington
RB – Auggie McCulley, Hennessey
WR – Bobby McAdoo, Kingston
WR – Josh Daugherty, Lincoln Christian
WR/ATH – Turner Peterson, Heritage Hall
OL – Christian Crigler, Millwood
OL – Chris Littlehead, Sequoyah-Tahlequah
OL – Grant Couch, Davis
OL – Cal Drury, Sulphur
OL – Denton Simek, Prague (Jr.)
DL – David Thornton, Vian
DL – Cash Johnson, Kingfisher
DL – Kenneth Garrett, Crooked Oak
LB – Ken Berry, John Marshall (Jr.)
LB – Cody Wilson, Lincoln Christian
LB – Trayvon Henry, Millwood (Jr.)
LB – Logan Russell, Plainview
DB – Corbin Nelson, Watonga (Jr.)
DB – Tyren Samuels, Vian
DB – David Price, Heritage Hall
DB – Kevin Stout, Verdigris
The Story So Far
Oklahoma Preview by the Numbers
Harris Leads ’08 All-State Offense
Dewar Star Leads All-State Defense
6A: Norman North Primed to Buck History
5A: A Healthy Oku Means 5A Glory for Titans
4A: McGuinness Looking for Three-Peat
Stats, Stats, Stats!
Give your players and program a chance to be recognized nationally. To request a password to include your roster and statistics for the upcoming season, visit the website below. Have a great 2008 season!
http://www.maxpreps.com/FanPages/CoachHandout.mxp
Debate Scott Hansen’s picks, email him at maxprepsok@sbcglobal.net
