Class 6A-D1 Season Preview
We’re now less than a week away from the 2020 season kicking off. Every day, we’ll be putting out a new preview for each class from Class 6A-D1 all the way to Class A. Be sure to check back each…
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Continue ReadingWe’re now less than a week away from the 2020 season kicking off. Every day, we’ll be putting out a new preview for each class from Class 6A-D1 all the way to Class A. Be sure to check back each day for new preview content.
DEFENDING CHAMPION
Owasso Rams
For the second time in the last three seasons, Owasso ended the season with the state championship. For the first time in history, the Rams finished the year with a perfect record. Owasso lost some really good players to graduation but the cupboard isn’t bare by any means. Owasso has become a program that will be in the mix every single year. They have a great mix of experience and youth and the one common theme is talent. The Rams aren’t expecting to take a step back while defending their title and at this point, nobody should suggest a step back.
TEAM TO BEAT
Jenks Trojans
Despite raising a silver ball in December of last year, Jenks comes into 2020 as the preseason top dog and the team to beat in 6A-D1. The Trojans are loaded on both sides of the ball and when you look at how strong they ended 2019, they bring plenty of momentum into this fall. They’ll need to fill a few holes but as of right now, they have more answers than questions. Led by a very talented senior class, Jenks comes into the year looking to reclaim their spot on top of Oklahoma. Expect Jenks to get out to a fast start and back up all the hype around the perennial power.
TOP CONTENDERS
Broken Arrow Tigers
Last year was a season to forget for Broken Arrow. After winning the 2018 state championship, the Tigers were bit hard by the injury bug throughout the 2019 season. A silver-lining to that would be that they had several players gain experience that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. So as they head into 2020, the Tigers are a step ahead after dealing with the headaches of last season. Expect the Tigers to once again be in the mix for the state championship.
Edmond Santa Fe Wolves
In 2019, Edmond Santa Fe took a step forward by doing a few things. They beat Broken Arrow on the road, Jenks on the road and brought home the district title. In 2020, the Wolves won’t settle for that as they come in with aspirations of a state championship. Despite winning the district, Santa Fe comes into this year with a hunger after being bounced out of the playoffs in the first round. They need to replace a few key pieces but have the overall talent to make another run.
Union Redskins
For the first time in a long time, Union found their season come to a close after a first round exit. That simply doesn’t happen at Union and we don’t think it’ll happen again this season. The Redskins bring back some big time players on both sides of the ball. And similar to Broken Arrow, they had a lot of players get into the mix and that youth that dealt with growing pains in 2019 is now experienced in 2020. Expect a big bounce back year for the Redskins this fall.
DARKHORSE
Norman North
We could put a few teams here in the darkhorse spot but we’re going with Norman North. Coming off a season where they went 3-7, Norman North could certainly be flying under the radar in 2020. If a team overlooks the T’Wolves, they’ll be making a mistake. And just like Broken Arrow and Union, Norman North had a lot of young playmakers last year that are a year older and a year better. Not only do we think the T’Wolves will have a winning record, they’ll battle for a playoff spot.
STORYLINES TO FOLLOW
Brutal District…Again
District 1 was a gauntlet last season and it’s pretty much the same going into 2020. Last year, six teams all had legitimate cases as playoff teams but only four made it. Now, looking at 2020, Broken Arrow, Edmond Santa Fe and Jenks all look like not only district contenders but state contenders. Those three teams alone are three of the top five teams in our preseason rankings. That’s three playoff spots right there. Throw in Norman, Westmoore and Yukon and the battle for that final playoff spot will be intense. Expect another brutal race to the playoffs in 2020.
Jenks Drought Destined To End
It’s been four years since the Jenks Trojans won the state championship. At a program like Jenks, that’s a drought. In the last two years, Jenks made it to the championship game but would have to settle for a silver ball. The last time Jenks went five years without a title, it was the early 90’s. Almost three decades ago. The last time Jenks went four years without a gold ball, they responded by winning four in a row from 2012-2015. Are we about to see another four-peat run from the Trojans? Time will tell, but odds are that they won’t go much longer without the gold ball.
The West’s Pursuit Of Power
When it comes to Class 6A-D1, the storyline conversation is always going to start with looking west and seeing who can make a run at the Tulsa-area teams. For two decades, Jenks and Union won all the titles. While neither has won in the last three seasons, neither has a team from the westside. Edmond Santa Fe showed glimpses of it last season but as mentioned, the Wolves need to do it in November and December. Mustang has a very young but talented team that could make plenty of noise. Until it happens, this question will always be asked.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
AJ Green
AJ
Green
6'0" | RB
Union | 2021
State
OK
– Running Back – Union
When he’s healthy, he has the ability to be the most electric player in the state of Oklahoma. However, his health has been the concern. Going into his senior year,
AJ Green
AJ
Green
6'0" | RB
Union | 2021
State
OK
is determined to show why he might be the most talented running back to come out of Union High School.
Emaud Triplett
Emaud
Triplett
6'1" | LB
Owasso | 2021
State
OK
– Linebacker – Owasso
If he was a few inches taller, he would be considered one of the top linebackers in this part of the country. Despite that, we know he’s one of the best linebackers in Oklahoma. He’ll be leaned on more this fall as a leader of the defense. The production will still be there.
Sanchez Banks
Sanchez
Banks
6'0" | RB
Broken Arrow | 2021
State
OK
– Running Back – Broken Arrow
After being a breakout star in 2019, all eyes will be on Broken Arrow’s
Sanchez Banks
Sanchez
Banks
6'0" | RB
Broken Arrow | 2021
State
OK
for his senior season. It’s no secret that Broken Arrow wants to line up and pound the rock. We don’t see that changing anytime soon. So expect Banks to try to replicate what he did last year.
Stephen Kittleman
Stephen
Kittleman
5'11" | QB
Jenks | 2021
State
OK
– Quarterback – Jenks
Stephen Kittleman
Stephen
Kittleman
5'11" | QB
Jenks | 2021
State
OK
emerged last year as the next quarterback for the Jenks Trojans. With the graduation of Will Cox, Kittleman will be relied on to make more plays this fall. He’s backed up by a very talented and experienced roster for the Trojans. It should be a good year for #9.
Talyn Shettron
Talyn
Shettron
6'3" | WR
Edmond Santa Fe | 2022
State
OK
– Wide Receiver – Edmond Santa Fe
He still has two years to go, but Santa Fe’s
Talyn Shettron
Talyn
Shettron
6'3" | WR
Edmond Santa Fe | 2022
State
OK
appears to already be the best wide receiver in Oklahoma. He backed up the hype as a sophomore and will have an even bigger target on him this fall. Despite that target, Shettron will still find a way to make plenty of plays.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
September 11th – Jenks VS Union
It’s the annual rivalry clash between Jenks and Union. The first of two big games on September 11th. It’s been a few years since Jenks or Union has lifted a gold ball and both teams have the firepower to make a run at this year’s title. As it always is, this is a good measuring stick game.
September 11th – Owasso AT Broken Arrow
The other big game on September 11th happens in Broken Arrow as the Tigers host the Rams. These two teams have won the last three titles in 6A-D1. In the last two years, both teams have used this match-up as an opportunity to take over the top spot in the class and never look back.
September 25th – Union AT Owasso
It’s the first week of district play but the district title could be up for grabs right here. Of course, other teams will have something to say about that. However, heading into 2020, the Rams and Redskins are the two favorites in this district. This should be a good one once again.
October 2nd – Broken Arrow AT Jenks
These two teams have played some great games in the last few years and this year shouldn’t be any different. One week after the Owasso-Union clash, these two teams will face off and the other district title could be on the line. The loser here could be in danger of going on the road in the playoffs.
October 15th – Edmond Santa Fe AT Jenks
After Santa Fe beat Broken Arrow on the road, they knocked off the Trojans in the 918 as well. This game will certainly have district title implications and the Wolves will want to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke. Meanwhile, Jenks will want a little revenge on a Fall Break Thursday.
PREDICTION FOR TITLE GAME
Jenks VS Owasso
They’re #1 and #2 in our rankings for a reason. While Owasso does have some holes to fill, they still don’t have a lack of talent and it’s apparent that they’ve become a team that simply reloads. No more rebuilding at Owasso. Bill Blankenship has done what he was brought in to do, make Owasso a consistent contender and balance the power in the Tulsa area. As for top ranked Jenks, we’ve mentioned it multiple times, the Trojans are geared up for a run at the title. This Jenks team reminds us of Owasso from last year. They finished the previous season strong, and won it all the following year. That could be on the table for Jenks as they head into the 2020 season.