6A-2 Team-By-Team Breakdowns

Edmond Memorial Bulldogs Coach: Mark Walker 2007 record: 5-6 (4-3) Finish: Lost first round to Norman North 24-14 Offensive/Defensive formation: Multiple/4-3 2008 Schedule: Sept. 4 - at Southmoore Sept. 12 - vs. Edmond Santa Fe Sept. 19 - at Del City Sept. 26 - at Midwest City Oct. 3 - vs. Putnam City West Oct. 9 - vs. Norman Oct. 16 - at Westmoore Oct. 24 - vs. Lawton Eisenhower Oct. 31 - at Edmond North Nov. 7 - vs. Putnam City Can't miss game on the schedule: When you're talking Edmond football, the big games of the year are always the ones against your city rivals. The Bulldogs take on Santa Fe in week two, but the Oct. 31 game against Edmond North could be huge as both teams share a district and will be fighting for a playoff spot. Website: www.emhsdogs.com Enrollment:1,950 Who to watch for offensively: Anthony Morales (5-11, 200, Sr.) is the guy the Bulldogs are going to give the ball to as they likely have an established running game. Morales won't make anyone miss, but he will run people over. The quarterback situation isn't decided yet, but junior Blake Umberham went into spring practice as the No. 1 possibility. Running back Cale Obert (6-0, 180, So.), Cameron Doolittle (5-10, 185, So.) and Jordan Marczweski (6-3, 190, Jr.), as well as Delias Ealom (5-9, 170, Sr.) make up an impressive group of skill players. Who to watch for defensively: Morales will be the guy to watch on defense. An all-purpose kind of player, he's being recruited by Tulsa, Kansas, Kansas State, Texas A&M and others. Also, watch Logan Thomas (6-1, 215, Sr.) at the strong side linebacker spot. He's also got some college interest. Matt Woodliff (6-4, 230, Sr.) is back at defensive end, a late bloomer, according to Mark Walker, but one who should have a big season. Others to watch include David Baldwin (6-2, 250, Sr.) at defensive tackle and Adrian Shoecraft (6-0, 200, Jr.) at linebacker. One thing to know about Memorial: Memorial got into the playoffs last year for the first time in 13 seasons, and put a scare into district champion Norman North in the first round. Coach Speak: "We feel like we got over the hump last year. Our kids have always believed, but if we stay healthy we should be a contender in the playoffs this season. They all buy into what's here. We have a great mixture of guys and the kids who want to play are out playing,'' said coach Mark Walker. Edmond North Huskies Coach: Jeremy Dombek 2007 record: 5 - 6 (4-3) Finish: Lost to Muskogee in the first round Offensive formation/Defensive formation: Multiple I/4 -3 Schedule: Sept. 5 - vs. Santa Fe (At Wantland Stadium) Sept. 12 - at Mustang Sept. 18 - vs. Yukon Sept. 26 - vs. Lawton Eisenhower Oct. 3 - at Norman Oct. 9 - at Putnam City Oct. 16 - vs. Midwest City Oct. 24 - at Putnam West Oct. 31. vs. Edmond Memorial (at Wantland Stadium) Nov. 7 - at Westmoore Can't miss game on the schedule: Week 1 is big because it's Edlam vs. Santa Fe, but week 9 is bigger this year when the Huskies take on the Bulldogs. It's Edlam with a district win up for grabs. Team website: www.huskyfootball.org Enrollment: 2,034 Most-famous alum: Olympic gold medalist Shannon Miller is an Edmond North graduate as is Kelly Gregg of the Baltimore Ravens. Who to watch for offensively: Roy Finch (5-7, 165, Jr.) is a dynamic running back who had more than 1,200 yards of total offense last season. He'll be counted on to do more this season. Offensive lineman Brad Wilcox (6-7, 268, Sr.) is getting a number of Division-I looks from schools such as BYU and Kansas State. Quarterback to be Cody Crabaugh (6-5, 181, Sr.) might be an unknown, but he has great arm strength and good size. Who to watch for defensively: Xavier Smith (6-1, 169, Jr.) started the last seven games of last season and had two interceptions. Physical and fast. Also, watch for Barrett Shelley (6-3, 252, Sr.) at defensive tackle. He started every game last season and will be the only three-year starter on the team. He had five sacks and 62 tackles last year. One thing to know about North: Coach Jeremy Dombeck, who has also coached at Plainview and Perry, played college quarterback at Wyoming. North will make the playoffs if: "We need to continue to build on the confidence that was established a year ago,'' says second-year coach Jeremy Dombek. "No one thought we would make it last year and we did. If we stay healthy and find a couple of key pieces to the puzzle, we feel we should be a much improved team from a year ago.'' Distant replay: When Santa Fe and North played in the quarterfinals in 2003, it really became the first, big Edlam game. Santa Fe went on to the victory and played in the state final, but North emerged at the time as Santa Fe's biggest rival. Lawton Eisenhower Eagles Coach: Boone Copeland 2007 record: 3-7 Offensive/Defensive formations: Multiple with shotgun/4-3 2008 schedule Sept. 5 - vs. Lawton High (at Cameron) Sept. 12 - at Altus Sept. 19 - vs. Lawton MacArthur (at Cameron) Sept. 26 - at Edmond North Oct. 3 - vs. Putnam City Oct. 10 - at Midwest City Oct. 16- vs. Putnam City West Oct. 24 - at Edmond Memorial Oct. 31 - vs. Westmoore Nov. 7 - vs. Norman Website: http://www.ikeeagles.org/ Who to watch on offense: Projected quarterback Wes Dillion (6-0, 170, Sr.) runs well, has some speed and will join Sean Burris (5-9, 175, Sr.) in the backfield. Burris has 4.3 speed and has played behind Harrison Jeffers the past two seasons. But this could be a break-out year for him. Offensively, the Eagles will have plenty of speed, but they will be young. Who to watch on defense: Jordan Hinton (6-3, 247, Sr.) at defensive end is a returning starter and is an athletic, solid performer, who can run better than a 5.0 40. He also will play on the offensive line. The Eagles only return three starters on defense. The other two are juniors Devonte Bailey (5-11, 190) and Jacoby Crowley (6-1, 185). The Eagles will be young defensively with a good sophomore class, but they will have to come in and fill a major role. Coach Speak: "If we develop into a team, and I think that we will, we'll have a shot at the playoffs. We have a good group of kids. I think we'll make the playoffs if we can stay together. We're playing a lot of young people. Hopefully, we'll fly under the radar a little bit. Most-famous alum: Raymond Austin played in the NFL with New York Jets. Nick Cole is currently with the Philadelphia Eagles. Also, Marcus Henry played at Kansas and was recently drafted by the Jets. One thing to know about Ike: This is the first season as head coach for Boone Copeland. He had been an assistant at Lawton High before coming to Eisenhower two seasons ago as an assistant. "I'm not from here, and since I didn't grow up here, it wasn't a big deal to make that move,'' Copeland said. Midwest City Coach: Steve Huff 2007 record: 12-1 Finish: Lost to Jenks in semifinals Offensive formation/Defensive formation: Multiple/3-4 2008 Schedule: Sept. 5 - vs. Del City Sept. 12 - vs. Moore Sept. 19 - at Southmoore Sept. 26 - vs. Edmond Memorial Oct. 3 - at Westmoore Oct. 10 - vs. Lawton Eisenhower Oct. 16 - at Edmond North Oct. 24 - vs. Putnam City Oct. 31 - at Norman Nov. 7 - at Putnam City West Can't miss game on the schedule: Del City is always a rivalry game, but the big game this year comes during week one of the district schedule when the Bombers host Edmond Memorial. Memorial is playoff-caliber and the game will be a good measuring stick to see how good Midwest City is this season. Enrollment: 1,513 Who to watch for offensively: Tim Flanders (5-10, 195, Sr.). with more than 2,600 rushing yards the past two seasons, is the player to watch this year. Already with an offer from Tulsa, Flanders is one of the highest-profile players in the state. Antonio Brown (5-10, 175, Sr.) at running back will be an excellent complement to Flanders. Both have great speed and both will be in the game at the same time. Jase Chilcoat (6-1, 185, Sr.) looks to be the quarterback this season for Midwest City. He broke his ankle last year, but is healthy now. A very smart player, and a good thrower. He'll need to be a good thrower to give the Bombers a shot at being balanced offensively. Who to watch for defensively: Brown will be a two-way starter as well as Flanders. Kevin Gaddis (5-9, 165, Sr.) at corner can play some receiver, too. He'll also return kicks as well. Richard Reed (5-10, 198, Sr.) was one of the leading tacklers last year until an ankle injury kept him from completing the season. He's a run stopper from his linebacker spot. Four juniors will start this year, all of whom got experience last season. One thing to know about Midwest City: Former Midwest City football and baseball star Vernon Maxwell's cousin Emanuel Maxwell will start at linebacker this season for the Bombers. Midwest City will make the playoffs if: "For us, it's the same as usual. We have to stay healthy. Our depth is better than it was last year, but we've got to be healthy. The big thing that helps us is that we didn't turn the ball over that many times and we forced a bunch. We have to keep hold of the ball," said coach Steve Huff. Norman Tigers Coach: Greg Nation 2007 record: 3-7 (2-5) Offensive/Defensive formation: Multiple/4-3 Enrollment: 1,800 2008 Schedule: 9/4 vs. Norman North 9/12 @ Del City 9/18 vs. Moore 9/25 @ Putnam City West 10/3 vs. Edmond North 10/9 @ Edmond Memorial 10/16 vs. Putnam City 10/23 @ Westmoore 10/31 vs. Midwest City 11/7 @Lawton IKE Who to watch on offense: The quarterback situation is still undecided as the Tigers will be trying out two names. Trenton Wright (5-10, 170, Sr.) is athletic, with a strong arm and has good pace on the ball. He can run and throw. He'll be battling Chad Anderson (6-1, 180, Jr.), a strong leader who has great poise in the pocket. The running back situation will focus around Jamar Harrison (5-8, 170, Jr.). He has great speed, can break a tackle and can really finish a run. Watch Jamie Myers (5-7, 165, So.) at receiver. Small, but Myers has good speed. Dalton Gaither (5-10, 205, Sr.) will play fullback and contribute at linebacker as well. Who to watch on defense: Jack Jewell (6-6, 250, Sr.) is one of the top defensive linemen in the state. He is getting some Division-I interest and will demand a double team. The linebackers will be the strength of the defense with Gaither along with Nick Lipham, the biggest hitter on the team. Zac Ladner has excellent desire and is a playmaker from the linebacker spot as well. Can't miss game on the schedule: The season-opener against Norman North at OU is always worth watching. Not only does the crowd show up, but it's turned into one of the top rivalries in the state - one that North has established a two-game winning streak after Norman had won the previous nine. Coach Speak: "We've got the motivation and determination. It's one of those things where last year got them down. They didn't enjoy losing. That's soaked in. We have to come out with a new desire and a new attitude. It's obvious that the shot against Norman North hurt them. There's a lot of pride here, and we lost some of that. We are going to be the best conditioned team in Oklahoma.'' - coach Greg Nation. Putnam City Pirates Coach: Mark Little 2007 record: 10-2 (6-1) Finish: Lost in quarterfinals to Tulsa Union Offensive/Defensive formation: Mulitple I and spread/4-3 stack 2008 Schedule: 9-5 - at Choctaw 9-12 - vs. Putnam City North 9-19 - vs. Mustang 9-26 - vs. Westmoore 10-3 - at Lawton Ike 10-9 - vs. Edmond North 10-16 - at Norman 10-24 - at Midwest City 10-31 vs. Putnam City West 11-7 - at Edmond Memorial Can't miss game on the schedule (with small breakdown): Watch for the week two matchup with Putnam North. Despite the fact that the two aren't in the same district this year, the rivalry will be intense. Putnam City beat North last year in the first round of the playoffs. School website: http://putnamcitypirates.ok.usfootballnet.com/ Enrollment: 2,000 Most-famous alum: Former Tulsa and NFL receiver Steve Largent. Who to watch for offensively: Kieshawn Richardson (5-10, 160, Sr.) is the team's difference-maker. He started on defense last season and will likely be the quarterback this season. Richardson is a returning safety and had four interceptions last year. Michael Lawrence (5-11, 205, Jr.) will be the running back with good size and speed and some power, too. Robbie Diamond (6-0, 160, Sr.) at wide receiver will be Richardson's main target. He played some secondary last year, but should be a contributor on both sides of the ball this year. Who to watch for defensively: Justin Tea (6-0, 220, Jr.) could be a force along on the defensive line at end. Quick-footed, but strong as well. He played a lot last year, so experience won't be an issue. He joins returning starters Michael Hood (5-11, 250, Sr.) and Josh Ramirez (5-11, 220, Sr.) at linebacker. Both were good enough last year which is an indicator of their talent. They all have speed. The Pirates will have some holes to fill, but they have been a consistent playoff team for most of the past decade. One thing to know about Putnam City: The Pirates have beaten city rival Putnam North six of the past seven meetings. Coach Speak: "This group has a goal in mind. They are anxious and excited and right now they are developing some team confidence. We have a lot of good pieces and we hope they all hang together,'' said coach Make Little. The Pirates will make the playoffs if: Despite the fact that all of last season's offensive starters are gone, the Pirates have enough talent, with enough experience to make the playoffs. If they can maintain the health of Richardson and Lawrence, the defense should be good enough to get the Pirates back to the postseason. Distant replay: The Pirates beat Midwest City in the last game of the 2005 regular season for their first district title in 25 years. Putnam City West Patriots Coach: John Jensen 2007 Record: 2-8 (1-6) Offensive/Defensive formation: Spread/4-4 2008 schedule Sept. 5 - vs. Putnam North Sept. 11 - vs. Yukon Sept. 19 - at Edmond Santa Fe Sept. 25 - vs. Norman Oct. 3 - at Edmond Memorial Oct. 10 - vs. Westmoore Oct. 16 - at Lawton Eisenhower Oct. 24 - vs. Edmond North Oct. 31 - at Putnam City Nov. 7 - vs. Midwest City Can't miss game on the schedule: Putnam West went just 2-8 last year, but had a strong showing against Putnam North and now opens the season against the Panthers at Putnam City Stadium. Website: www.putnamcityschools.org/pcwest Enrollment: 1,400 Most-famous alum: Jeff Salazar, the former Putnam West baseball player now plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Who to watch for offensively: Jarious Williams (5-10, 175, Jr.) is the leading candidate at quarterback. A runner and a thrower, West is hoping he develops into a double-threat. Others to watch on offense are Dominique Tapplin (6-1, 180, Jr.) at receiver and Daniel Farrow (6-0, 180, Jr.) at running back. Both Farrow and Tapplin will play in the defensive secondary as well. Klayton Neal (5-11, 215, Sr.) is the rock of the offensive line after starting there a season ago, and he'll also play defensive line this season. Who to watch for defensively: Brock Corr (6-1, 220, Sr.) started on the defensive line last year and has quick feet and a strong lower body, so expect him to be a force this season. Paige Chatmon (5-8, 170, Jr.) played outside linebacker last year and will be back this season, and could see some time at running back as well. Stephen Trevino (6-2, 245, Sr.) was a defensive lineman last season, but is quick enough to play linebacker. He'll play on both sides of the ball. Coach speak: "We will make the playoffs if we eliminate special team mistakes, have increased offensive productivity and have solid tackling. Focusing on improving ourselves is what we will work on,'' said second-year coach John Jensen. Westmoore Jaguars Coach: Mike Whaley 2007 record (district record): 8-4 (5-2) Finish: Lost in the quarterfinals to Jenks Offensive formation/Defensive formation: multiple I, 4-3 Schedule: 9-5 - at Moore 9-12 - vs. Southmoore 9-19 - at Norman North 9-26 - at Putnam City 10-3 - vs. Midwest City 10-10 - at Putnam City West 10-16 - vs. Edmond Memorial 10-23 - vs. Norman 10-31 - at Lawton Eisenhower 11-7 - vs. Edmond North Can't miss game on the schedule: With back-to-back games against Moore schools to start the season, Westmoore will find out if it is still the team to beat in Moore. Any Moore War is a big deal. Now the Jaguars have two of them. Team website www.jagsfootball.com Enrollment : 1,900 Most-famous alum Billy Bajema, San Francisco 49er tight end What to watch for offensively: There will be a new quarterback for the Jags this season - likely Jordan Meers. Meers played a bit last year and is different than the typical, running style quarterback Westmoore has had in the past. This year, expect Westmoore to pass more with Meers, who has a good arm and is an accurate thrower. He just needs experience. Also watch the backfield tandem of Brian Self (5-10, 195, Sr.) and Devon Schiffman (5-10, 190, Sr.). Self is quick enough to play defensive end or linebacker, but will see action at running back with his low center of gravity and his ability to stay on his feet. Schiffman is a strong runner who is good between the tackles. Watch tackle Cameron Pound (6-3, 272, Sr.) He can play center, guard or tackle. Very athletic and excellent off the ball. James Glover (6-5, 205, Jr.) at tight end is a future star. Soft hands and good speed make him one to watch this season. What to watch for defensively: The Jags will also be dealing with a new defensive staff after Chris Jensen, Jason Melot and others left to go to Southmoore. Jensen is the new coach at Southmoore. Watch Mason Myers (6-3, 280, Jr.) on the defensive line. He can play both sides of the ball and is a natural center, but has enough technique that he will be used on defense as well. One thing to know about Westmoore: The Jags have made the playoffs every year since 1991. Will make playoffs if: If Meers can step up and be a solid quarterback, the Jaguars shouldn't have an issue making it back to the playoffs. They still need to establish a running back and get some depth in the skill positions. Distant replay: The Jags Jeff Frazier was stopped on the 1-yard line on the last play of the 5A championship game and Putnam North held on for the title win in 1991.