Oklahoma preseason football Top 25: No surprise as defending 5-time champion Bixby gets top spot

Fellow Class 6AI contenders Tulsa Union, Jenks land at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively

High school football is back and so is the SBLive Oklahoma Power 25 rankings. 

The season kicks off Thursday evening with the Zero Week game known as the “Battle of the Burbs,” Bixby against Owasso, at Chapman Stadium, located on the University of Tulsa campus. Tulsa Union is also playing that evening on the road at Westmoore; then there will be several other games Friday.

Not everybody opens the season this coming week, though. Some don’t start until Week 1, in which games are played Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.

Here is the 2023 SBLive Oklahoma preseason Power 25. 

1. Bixby (12-1 in 2022, Class 6AI state champion)

Coach: Loren Montgomery (14th season)

First Game: Aug. 24 vs. Owasso, Battle of the Burbs, at Chapman Stadium, University of Tulsa campus

The Spartans may have lost a lot of people from last year’s championship squad, but remember, this is a team that reloads. Bixby is currently on a five-year win streak of titles and eight of the last nine.

After dominating 6AII from 2014-21, it had no trouble adjusting in its first season to Division I in 2022 as the Spartans took home another gold ball.

Gone from graduation are players Connor Kirby, Jersey Robb, Jakeb Snyder, Cale Fugate and Lucas Hasz.

But you know Bixby. It reloads. And until someone knocks them off, the Spartans can’t be denied No. 1.

Key players in the Spartans’ quest to repeat are senior Kordell Gouldsby (5-foot-10, 180), who will alternate between wide receiver and running back, and offensive linemen Brody Duffel (6-5, 260) and Evan McClure (6-4, 265).

Last year, Gouldsby caught 53 passes for 653 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 138 yards and four TDs on the ground.

Duffel and McClure will anchor a line that will be the Spartans’ strength going into the season. Duffel has Division I offers from Eastern Michigan and Army. McClure has one from Akron.

2. Tulsa Union (11-1 in 2022, Class 6AI semifinalist)

Coach: Kirk Fridrich (17th season)

First Game: Aug. 24 at Westmoore

Many people expected Union and Bixby to meet in the Class 6AI final last December, but the matchup was denied by the Redhawks’ stunning loss to Owasso in a classic that went six overtimes in the semifinals.

Union looks to rebound from its heartbreaking playoff loss to the Rams with a berth in the 2023 championship final. It has the tools as key players return to the Redhawks, who were flying in their pro-style spread offense last year, until that point.

Back are junior quarterback Shaker Reisig (6-2, 200) and senior wide receiver Jino Boyd (5-10, 165), who is considered the best in the Tulsa area at this position and has a DI offer from New Mexico State. Reisig, who threw for 2,656 yards and 27 TDs in 2022, has offers from Tulsa and Illinois.

Junior Boston Carrasco (5-10, 165), senior Tayveon Perry (5-6, 160) and junior and Jenks transfer Jordan Schelling (5-9, 181) are expected to be threats in the backfield.

Returning on defense are players with leadership, Fridrich said in a preseason magazine. Among them are senior defensive backs Devon Jordan (6-0, 165) and Isaac Covington (5-11, 190). Jordan is being recruited heavily and has offers from Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Alabama and Texas A&M. Covington has offers from Army, Air Force and New Mexico State.

J.T. Fridrich (6-1, 165), a junior, is also back in the secondary, and senior Trey Barnes (5-11, 275) returns to the defensive line.

3. Jenks (10-3 in 2022, Class 6AI semifinalist) 

Coach: Keith Riggs (6th season)

First Game: Aug. 25 vs. Edmond Santa Fe

Jenks lost some key people to graduation, but it also reloads. Blocked kicks in key wins against Mustang and Broken Arrow and the ending of Bixby’s 58-game winning streak on national television were the highlights of the Trojans’ season in 2022. The Bixby win helped Jenks finish in a three-way title with Bixby and Norman North for the District 6AI-1 championship.

Gone are the likes of Ike Owens, Ty Walls, Jalyn Stanford and Jaiden Carroll. But there will be new faces, including sophomore Kaden Jones (6-0, 170), who transfers in from Broken Arrow. Jones, the son of former Trojan and OU standout Kejuan Jones, had a big game against Jenks for the Tigers last year and the Trojans are glad to have him on their side now.

All six starters return to the offensive line, anchored and led by senior Gavin Kirby (6-1, 275). A.C. Christiansen (6-3, 180), another senior, is projected to move to wide receiver from quarterback, and senior Khy Beaty (5-10, 205) could be used at fullback or tight end. Senior Conner Thompson (5-11, 165) is also supposed to factor in at wide receiver.

Back as linebackers in the 3-4 defense are senior Jett Calmus (6-0, 195), the son and nephew of former Trojan standouts Ritchie and Rocky Calmus, respectively, the latter a standout at OU, and junior Jace Hager (5-9, 175). Another junior, Hudson Ball (6-2, 228), is back at defensive end.

4. Stillwater (13-0 in 2022, Class 6AII State Champion)

Coach: Chad Cawood (1st season)

First Game: Aug. 25 at Greenwood, Ark.

The Pioneers are coming off their first state championship season since 1967 and first unbeaten campaign since 1961. They’ll be defending their title without the coach who got them there. Tucker Barnard departed for a job in Arkansas, and Cawood was promoted from offensive coordinator in July.

There are no more Gundys to help at quarterback since Gage, the youngest of OSU coach Mike’s three boys, graduated in the spring and is now playing baseball. But Stillwater has four starters back on offense, including two in the receiving unit.

One is senior and OSU commit Josh Ford (6-5, 260), a tight end/fullback. The other is Heston Thompson (5-11, 180), a senior who is known as a big-play threat as a wide receiver. Twin brother Holden Thompson (5-11, 180), a senior, and fellow senior Talon Kendrick (6-2, 200) are listed as members in the backfield.

Battling to take over at quarterback for the departed Gage Gundy are junior Parker Edwards III (5-10, 180) and sophomore Connor Quintero (6-0, 185). Quintero already has offers from Oregon, UNLV and Tulsa.

Five starters return on defense, including seniors in lineman Kailer Page (6-1, 210), Trey Tuck (6-1, 186) and Trace Clark, both from the secondary.

5. Midwest City Carl Albert (12-2 in 2022, Class 5A State Champion)

Coach: Mike Dunn (7th season)

First Game: Aug. 25 vs. Coweta

The Titans have another dynasty going in 5A, after winning a sixth state championship last year in seven seasons. They had to overcome injuries early in the season to do it.

With a dynasty in place and senior tailback and Oklahoma commit Xavier Robinson (6-2, 225) back, the Titans are favored to defend their title with potential to repeat as champions in 2023.

With speed, size and muscle to his frame, Robinson is heralded as the best running back in the state in the preseason. He is also among the top prospects on the country. In the 5A final last year against McAlester, Robinson ran for 180 yards and two TDs on 22 carries. He also had another TD receiving in that game.

Robinson won’t be the only weapon on offense. Kevin Sperry (6-0, 225), a junior move-in from Prosper, Texas, is at quarterback and is also an OU commit. He is a dual threat. And there is senior Kash Ferris (6-2, 175), who started six games behind center last year.

There is also a solid receiving unit back, plus junior and Bishop McGuinness move-in Marcus James (6-4, 220) now on board.

The offensive line has experience. So does the defense.

Other streaks CA has going: Six straight District 5A-2 championships and 25 straight district victories. The 2022 championship is the 17th gold ball in the Titans’ trophy case. Two more and the program will be tied for most in Oklahoma.

6. Wagoner (11-3 in 2022, Class 4A State Champion)

Coach: Dale Condict (19th season)

First Game: Sept. 1 at Coweta

Was the Bulldogs’ 24-21 upset of Cushing in last year’s 4A final a springboard for the 2023 season? Can they repeat? The return of most of their starters is a good indicator.

Most significant is junior QB Kale Charboneau (6-0, 215), who threw for two TD passes and ran for another in the championship game. Charboneau threw for 2,082 yards and 18 TDs, completing 63 percent of his passes.

Five other guys are back on offense, including junior tight end Alex Shieldnight (6-4, 235) and senior receiver Witt Edwards (6-6, 205) as Charboneau’s receiving targets. Juniors Matson Watson (5-10, 160) and Anthony Coleman (6-1, 175) are also back in the receiving corps.

Juniors Trenton Edwards (5-11, 165) and Tayshawn Williams (5-10, 185), along with senior Bryce Steel (5-9, 170), will lead the Wagoner power ground game.

The defense welcomes back eight starters to a unit that was dominant and shut out six foes in 2022, including senior linebacker Keyton Cole (6-0, 185), who led with Bulldogs with 117 tackles last year. Steel and junior Gavin Miller (6-0, 205) are the outside linebackers.

7. Washington (15-0 in 2022, Class 2A State Champion) 

Coach: Brad Beller (8th season)

First Game: Aug. 25 vs. Vian

Like Wagoner in 4A, the Warriors welcome most of their starters back, mostly seniors, and have a solid chance to repeat as champions in Class 2A. Nothing would be better than that after runner-up finishes in 2020 and 2021.

Senior Major Cantrell (5-11, 182) returns to start his third season at QB. Iowa State commit Cooper Alexander and Nate Roberts, who recently de-committed from Notre Dame, will be part of a double tight end set, which will be a big offensive weapon for Washington.

Leading the defense is senior end Nathan Spaulding (6-3, 245), who is known for setting up a dominating presence and made 26 tackles a year ago.

8. Choctaw (11-2 in 2022, Class 6AII Runner-up)

Coach: Jake Corbin (7th season)

First Game: Aug. 25 vs. Del City

After tasting the state title game through a trip last December, the Yellowjackets want to go back. They have the tools to do it.

Six starters are back on offense and everyone returns to the defense.

Junior Cash Williams (6-0, 202) is back at QB. So is sophomore Landon Gatson (6-4, 218), who took some snaps behind center last year, too. Key receivers back are junior JuJu Smith (5-9, 160) and senior Will Smith (6-4, 245). The latter is entertaining DI offers after de-committing from Oklahoma State.

Will Smith, who also plays end on defense, had 13 sacks last year.

9. Muskogee (10-2 in 2022, Class 6AII Semifinalist)

Coach: Travis Hill (3rd season)

First Game: Aug. 25 vs. Enid

The Roughers are primed for a berth in the 6AII state championship with most of their starters back in 2023.

Junior quarterback Jamarian Ficklin (6-2, 185), junior backfield members Ondraye Beasley (5-8, 175) and LaTavian Johnson (5-8, 185), along with senior wide receiver Kayden ‘TD” McGee (6-2, 165) return after contributing to Muskogee’s offensive explosion last season. Ficklin passed for 2,803 yards and 38 TDs.

Key players also return to a defense that limited opponents to 15.5 points per game, including senior lineman Teyon Brewer (6-3, 285), who had 65 tackles from the line.

10. Owasso (9-5 in 2022, Class 6AI Runner-up)

Coach: Bill Blankenship (7th season)

First Game: Aug. 24 vs. Bixby, Battle of the Burbs, Chapman Stadium, University of Tulsa campus

The Class 6AI final was not something to remember last year for Owasso, but the adversity it overcame through the season, dealing with early-season injuries and a 1-4 start, going on an eight-game winning streak including a six-OT upset win against Union in the state semifinals, is something the Rams are building on.

Junior wide receivers J’Kharri Thomas (5-8, 160) and Drew Hogan (5-11, 160) are the skill players back. Thomas totaled 1,055 yards and seven TDs last year.

Three linemen – juniors Ryker Haff (6-6, 305) and Blake Cherry (6-6, 285) as well as senior Ryan Case (6-3, 290) – are back on offense.

On defense, senior linebackers Lyric Wheeler (5-10, 185) and Kale Pennington (6-2, 185) return.

11. OKC Millwood (13-2 in 2022, Class 2A Runner-Up)

Coach: Darwin Franklin (11th season)

First Game: Aug. 31 at OKC Heritage Hall

One team that may stand in Washington’s way to repeat is the team the Warriors beat in last year’s 2A championship game. The Falcons had a seven-point lead going into the final quarter before yielding 10 points to the Warriors in an eventual 17-14 loss.

With most starters back at Millwood, it would not be a surprise to see both teams playing for the 2A title again, come December in Edmond.

Sophomore C.J. Turnbull (6-1, 170) returns after a phenomenal freshman campaign at quarterback. Jaden Mickens (6-3, 190), a junior football and basketball prospect who just committed to OU, is at wide receiver, and there is senior Micho Lavine (6-2, 205) in the backfield carrying from the shotgun.

Lavine also plays linebacker on defense and has committed to play that position at North Texas.

12. Guthrie (9-3 in 2022, Class 5A quarterfinalist)

Coach: Kelly Beeby (10th season)

First Game: Aug. 25 vs. Ponca City

After going as far as the second round of the Class 5A playoffs last season, the Blue Jays are ready to step up and go further.

Returning to the nest is senior quarterback Hayden Calvert (6-0, 191), who has a 21-5 record as a three-year starter. A dual threat, Calvert passed for 1,323 yards and 13 TDs and rushed for 696 and 11 scores.

Then in the backfield, there is senior Alex Clark (6-0, 212), sophomore Zane Thomas (5-9, 171), and senior Jaylen Harper (6-0, 188). Harper is also expected to alternate at wide receiver.

Key starters are back on an experienced defense as well, including a quartet of seniors on the line in Eli Maroney (6-2, 205), Dae’Lontae Glover (6-2, 234), Niko Pena (5-11, 236) and Trey Braxton (6-0, 201). There is also senior linebacker Josh Varnell (6-2, 211), along with senior defensive backs Nate Benford (6-1, 185), and Xavier Williams (6-0, 177), who will work to be disruptive to opposing offenses.

13. Poteau (10-3 in 2022, Class 4A Semifinalist)

Coach: Greg Werner (5th season, second stint; 8th season overall)

First Game: Aug. 25 vs. Tulsa Bishop Kelley

The Pirates are looking for a return to the playoffs and make the final after being shut out, 30-0, by eventual 4A state champion Wagoner in last year’s semifinals.

They have the tools to do it as 10 starters return on offense. Senior running backs Dax Collins (6-1, 185) and Jackson Sommers (5-7, 170) are among them. Collins, also a standout defensive back who recently committed to Tulsa, ran for 1,302 yards and 22 TDs last season, while Sommers compiled 1,400 yards and 18 TDs.

14. OKC Heritage Hall (13-1 in 2022, Class 3A State Champion)

Coach: Brett Bogert (9th season)

First Game: Aug. 31 vs. OKC Millwood

It looks like another good year is in store for the Chargers as most starters are back, which means an opportunity to repeat as state champions.

Heritage Hall beat Tulsa Metro Christian, 72-56, in the 2022 3A state final, setting a state record for most points scored in a high school postseason football game.

Most everyone returns, including senior Andy Bass (6-0, 202), the quarterback who totaled 361 yards in that game – 256 on the ground and 105 in the air – ran for two TDs and threw for another.

Barrett Travis (6-2, 188), a junior, takes over the load in the backfield for the graduated River Faulkner, and seniors Grayson Hume (6-1, 233) and Eddie Johnson (5-9, 224), anchor the o-line.

Six starters are back on defense, including top pass rushers in seniors Zavier Freeman (6-2, 255) and Jack Harris (6-1, 228), and senior nose guard Charlie Ghaniabadi (6-2, 248), who scored the first TD on a fumble recovery in the ‘22 state title game.

15. Collinsville (9-2 in 2022, Class 5A FIrst Round Playoffs)

Coach: Kevin Jones (14th season)

First Game: Sept. 1 at Oologah

Collinsville would like to return to the glory it attained in 2021 when it won the 5A state title. The Cardinals seemed on that road until they saw their 21-game win streak upended in a 49-21 loss at home to Grove in Week 8 last year.

After bouncing back with wins against Tulsa Edison and Claremore to close the regular season, they fell to McAlester, the same team they beat in the ‘21 final, in the first round of the playoffs.

Key people were lost to graduation from last year’s team. But key people are also back, such as senior wide receiver Hudson Henslick (5-9, 155), who caught 10 TDs on 63 receptions and 1,047 yards, senior running back Jack Keith (6-1, 235), and senior offensive lineman Colten Christian (6-4, 290). Enthusiasm and excitement abounds in Collinsville.

16. Tulsa Lincoln Christian (11-2 in 2022, Class 3A Semifinalist)

Coach: Jerry Ricke (7th season)

First Game: Aug. 25 vs. Tulsa Holland Hall

The Bulldogs are another program that always reloads and usually make the playoffs every year. They played in three consecutive title games prior to last year, having won state in 2019, and would love nothing better than a return.

Senior Luke Milligan (6-2, 183) is back at quarterback. He threw for 3,460 yards and 40 TDs last year. He will have senior wide receiver Dylan Baldridge (6-1, 180) back to throw to. Baldridge caught 34 receptions a year ago.

Senior Moses Fullingim (6-1, 215) returns as running back behind a line that features seniors Caden Ricke (6-2, 285), David Smithwick (6-4, 275), and Grayson Swafford (6-4, 240).

Playing in a 3-3-5 scheme, Baldridge and senior Sawyer Brooks (6-0, 175) are the safeties. Fullingim and junior Luke McCants (6-0, 180) anchor the defense line and junior Mason Torres (6-0, 175), who forced 48 tackles - seven for loss - in ‘22 is back at linebacker.

17. Norman North (8-3 in 2022, Class 6AI Quarterfinalist)

Coach: Justin Jones (6th season)

First Game: Aug. 31 vs. Norman

The Timberwolves intend to build off of last year with hopes of going further in the postseason, compared to last year’s early exit from the playoffs. They are coming off a year in which they shared the District 6AI-1 championship with eventual state champion Bixby and semifinalist Jenks, with a 31-21 win over the latter in Week 6 being a key highlight.

Returning are junior quarterback Owen Eschelman (6-3, 179), wide receivers in senior Zain Prater (6-0, 190) and junior Carter Hammer (5-8, 145), along with senior defensive linemen Isaac Morgan (6-0, 250), and Finn Smith (6-2, 230).

18. Mustang (8-3 in 2022, Class 6AI Quarterfinalist)

Coach: Lee Blankenship (6th season)

First Game: Sept. 1 vs. Southmoore

Who plays quarterback in the Broncos’ explosive offense will dictate their direction in 2023. Junior Trajan Williamson (6-3, 200) and senior and Westmoore transfer Jake Blice (5-10, 185) are battling for the spot to replace the graduated three-year starter Tristan Russell, who passed for more than 2,800 yards last year.

Whichever gets the nod has a plethora of receivers to throw to in sophomore twin brothers Jaden and Jaytee (both 6-1, 170) Johnson, whose older brother Jacobe is now at OU, junior Ben Patkowski (5-9, 165), and senior Tyler Hollingsworth (6-0, 175).

19. Fairview (15-0 in 2022, Class A State Champion)

Coach: Robert Bernard (9th season)

First Game: Aug. 25 at Hobart

The Yellowjackets have enough to do a repeat as state champions in 2023.

Jax Bernard (5-11, 175), a junior and son of head coach Robert Bernard, returns behind center snap. He had an impressive year with 3,055 yards passing and 39 TDs, along with nine more scores and 395 yards on the ground.

His trio of receivers are also back. Reed Martens (6-4, 180), Isaiah Burris (5-8, 165), and Brant Strader (5-11, 175), all seniors, combined for 2,089 yards and 25 TDs.

Two-way starter Boden Miller (5-11, 195), a junior, returns as center and linebacker. He and senior Tegan Gilchrist (5-10, 185) are expected to be playmakers on the defensive unit.

20. Colcord (13-1 in 2022, Class A Semifinalist)

Coach: Ryan Keenom (1st season)

First Game: Aug. 31 vs. Kansas

Keenom takes over the reins after having served previously as defensive coordinator at Wagoner, the 2022 4A champion. He is inheriting a program that is coming off a state semifinal appearance and hopes to carry them on.

Seven starters are back for the Hornets.

Senior Gabe Winfield (6-1, 180) is back at quarterback. He passed for 2,400 yards and 35 TDs and ran for 1,036 yards and 22 TDs. And you have junior running back Cooper Mott (6-2, 210), who rushed for 1,030 yards and 22 TDs.

The recieving duo of senior Treyen Larmon (6-4, 210) and junior Manuel Bocanegra (6-1, 160) are also back after combining for 1,361 yards and 21 TDs.

Junior Cade Linn (6-0, 205), Mott and Larmon lead the linebacking corps on defense.

21. Hominy (13-1 in 2022, Class A Semifinalist)

Coach: Caleb Christian (7th season)

First Game: Aug. 25 vs. Kellyville

After falling in the semifinals last season, the Bucks will be aiming for another attempt at the gold ball.

Senior Jaxon Woods (5-10, 170) returns to lead at quarterback. He tossed 2,146 yards and 22 TDs, completing 70 percent of his passes in ‘22. Also a force on the ground, he ran for 1,925 yards and 33 TDs.

Other skill players with Hominy are junior receivers Blain Hipp (6-4, 195) and Elijah Hughes (6-2, 145), along with senior running back Bryon Marshall (5-6, 135), the state runner-up in the Class 2A 100-meter dash back in the spring.

22. Broken Arrow (5-7 in 2022, Class 6AI Quarterfinalist)

Coach: Josh Blankenship (3rd season)

First Game: Aug. 25 vs. Bentonville, Ark.

A look at the record and its easy to think the Tigers had a struggling year. But if you saw them play, you know they’re better than their record and they are on the rise.

They nearly upset Jenks in Week 9 before seeing a 14-point lead wither in a one-point OT loss to the Trojans. And they got off to a fast start with a pair of early leads before succumbing to Tulsa Union in the quarterfinals of the 6AI playoffs.

Broken Arrow has aspirations to do more in 2023.

Senior Derrick Osmond (6-6, 235), who recently committed to Tulsa, is expected to be utilized at tight end, junior Kayleb Barnett (5-7, 125) is back at wide receiver, and junior Cooper Bates (6-0, 180) is slated to play behind center and throw to both Osmond and Barnett.

23. Edmond Deer Creek (10-2 in 2022, 6AII Semifinalist)

Coach: Wade Standley (7th season)

First Game: Aug. 25 at Edmond North

Eight starters are back from 2022, and the Antlers are hungry.

At quarterback is pro-style passer Grady Adamson (6-2, 195), a junior who tossed for more than 2,800 yards and 33 TDs, completing over 66 percent of his passes and six rushing TDs. He has offers from Pittsburgh, Tulsa and North Texas.

Receivers Mason Smith (6-3, 195), a junior and Colten Neal (5-9, 170), a senior, are also back as big weapons on offense, and there is senior Mason Miller (6-1, 220) in the backfield.

24. Cushing (13-1 in 2022, Class 4A Runner-up)

Coach: Rusty Morgan (11th season)

First Game: Sept. 1 at Bristow

The Tigers had a phenomenal year until they were stunned by Wagoner on a last-second field goal with no time left in the Class 4A final.

It will be a more challenging campaign this season.

Four starters are back on each side of the ball, including senior wide receiver Brady Matheson (6-0, 180), who caught 35 passes for 621 yards and 15 TDs last season.

25. McAlester (12-2 in 2022, Class 5A Runner-up)

Coach: Forrest Mazey (5th season)

First Game: Aug. 25 at Broken Bow

The Buffaloes have now lost back-to-back years in the state final and are hoping to make another go at it with six starters back on offense and eight returning on defense.

Senior Caden Lesnau (5-11, 170) is back at quarterback after tossing for 2,207 yards and 22 TDs last year. There is also running backs Lance Stone (6-2, 220), a senior, sophomore Jordan Clark (6-0, 175), senior Ethan Watkins (5-10, 163), junior Brayden Bumphus (5-10, 190) and junior Drayton Pouncil (6-2, 200), who return to run in the wildcat offense. 

Bixby photo by Michael Kinney