6A-3 Team-By-Team Breakdowns

SCHOOL NAME: Bartlesville Bruins HEAD COACH: Ron Smith 2007 RECORD: 1-9 OFFENSIVE FORMATION: Multiple Spread DEFENSIVE FORMATION: 4-2-5 2008 SCHEDULE: 9/05 Stillwater 9/12 @ Ponca City 9/19 @ Enid 9/26 @ Muskogee 10/03 Sand Springs 10/10 @ Claremore 10/16 Sapulpa 10/24 @ Jenks 10/31 Memorial 11/07 Broken Arrow WHO TO WATCH FOR ON OFFENSE: The Bruins expect to have a strong nucleus at the skill positions in 2008 under third-year head coach Ron Smith. Senior wide receiver Clay Jenkins (5-10, 180) will be counted on heavily in Bartlesville's multiple spread offense. Jenkins, who has been timed with 4.5 speed and has received interest from several Division I schools, had 18 grabs for 450 yards and three touchdowns and also rushed for 155 yards and one score as a junior. The Bruins seem to be set at the quarterback position over the next three years with sophomore Kirby Schoenthaler (5-10, 170). In five starts as a freshman, Schoenthaler completed 72-of-197 passes for 1,017 yards and five touchdowns. The Bruins also welcome back running backs Airon Durant (5-9, 185, SR.) and Bobby Dean (5-10, 175, JR.). WHO TO WATCH FOR ON DEFENSE: Hard-hitting free safety, Jenkins will also anchor the defense for Bartlesville in 2008. Jenkins will provide strong leadership and is a sure tackler. The Bruins will have a strong duo manning the cornerback spots with junior Mike Thompson (5-10, 175) and senior Luke Mitchell (5-10, 170). Solidifying the defensive line will be junior defensive ends Justin Butterfield (6-3, 220) and Devin Randall (6-3, 225). Both Butterfield and Randall provide great speed and quickness off the corners. Senior Isaac Costello returns as a starter at linebacker. NEED TO KNOW: Head coach Ron Smith returns for his third season at Bartlesville. Smith, who also coached for five years at Owasso, won a state championship as Edmond Deer Creek head coach in 2000. Smith's son, Paul Smith, was a three-year starter at the University of Tulsa and holds school records in passing yards and touchdowns for a career. Smith signed a free agent contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, following the 2008 NFL draft. COACHES SPEAK: "The future for Bartlesville football is bright. We have new facilities and strong support from the community. It's up to us as coaches and players to do our part." - Head coach Ron Smith SCHOOL NAME: Broken Arrow Tigers HEAD COACH: Ron Lancaster 2007 RECORD: 6-5 (Lost to Owasso in first round) OFFENSIVE FORMATION: Multiple set, One-Back DEFENSIVE FORMATION: 4-3 2008 SCHEDULE: Sept. 5 Union Sept. 12 Owasso Sept. 19 at Booker T. Washington Sept. 26 at Sapulpa Oct. 3 Muskogee Oct. 10 at Jenks Oct. 16 Sand Springs Oct. 24 at Memorial Oct. 31 Claremore Nov. 7 at Bartlesville WHO TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Head coach Ron Lancaster has a lot of praise for senior quarterback Cale Fulps (5-8,155), a returning starter. Lancaster calls Fulps the most knowledgeable quarterback for his scheme that he has ever coached. Fulps completed 85-of-134 passes for 1,274 yards with nine touchdowns during his junior year. Fulps will have plenty of help out of the backfield with the return of leading rusher Jerrod Green (5-8, 160, Jr.). Green finished with 1,102 yards on 187 carries with 12 scores in 2007. Broken Arrow's biggest questions will have to be answered at wide receiver with the departure of both Micah Robertson and Taylor York. Robertson led the Tigers with 882 receiving yards on 51 catches and six touchdowns a year ago. Senior Winston Holder (5-9, 160), figures to replace Robertson. The Tigers do welcome back senior tight end Skyler Timm (5-11, 230). Timm caught 13 passes for 158 yards and two TDs as a junior. Anchoring the offensive line will be senior left guard Aaron Kannard (6-3, 275) and senior left tackle Alvin Bailey (6-5, 330). WHO TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: The Tigers return leading tackler, junior mike linebacker Jon Bullock (6-0, 195). Bullock logged 102 tackles and three quarterback sacks as a sophomore. Also back and playing alongside Bullock is junior linebacker Terry Williamson (6-1, 198). Williamson recovered 91 tackles, four sacks and one interception last season. Senior Drake Ballew (5-10, 220) will man the other linebacker position, after finishing with 53 tackles last season. Senior nose guard Dominique Reynolds (5-11, 235) and senior defensive tackle Sam Moses (6-2, 235) will provide the bulk up front. The leader of the secondary will be senior cornerback Chris Price (6-0, 175). As a junior, Price registered 51 tackles. COACHES SAY: "We'll be tested early so we'll know real quick if we're ready for our district. We have as good of a chance as anyone if we stay healthy. We have good kids coming back and good kids coming up that can contribute. A real strength for us is having a quarterback with experience coming back. He's as knowledgeable about our scheme and the game as any I've ever coached." - Head coach Ron Lancaster Claremore Zebras HEAD COACH: Rob Gilbreath 2007 RECORD: 5-5 Offensive Formation: Spread Defensive Formation: 4-4 2008 SCHEDULE: Sept. 4 at Oologah Sept. 12 Tahlequah Sept. 19 Bixby Sept. 26 Jenks Oct. 2 at Memorial Oct. 10 Bartlesville Oct. 17 at Muskogee Oct. 24 Sand Springs Oct. 31 at Broken Arrow Nov. 7 at Sapulpa WHO TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: The Zebras will enter 6A with not only one of the toughest schedules in 6A, but they must replace quarterback Blake Grauer. Gavin Little, Blake's brother Cale Grauer, and sophomore Levi Rudd will look to fill the quarterback position. Little possesses good speed but will look to stay in the pocket more this season and not escape too early. Grauer, a junior, is probably the best passer of the three prospects. The young Rudd has good speed and is a true student of the game. At tailback will be the small, but shifty James Tolson (5-7, 160). On the offensive line, the cornerstone will be returning starter at tackle Greg Dicks, whose size at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, he has college coaches intrigued. WHO TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: The defensive line will be anchored by Andy Blackard (6-1, 240) and sophomore Jeremy Miller. Blackard is an explosive, physical player that has good speed for his size. Miller led the freshman team in tackles and ran the anchor leg on the relay team. At 235 pounds, Miller has incredible speed for his size and will be looked at to cause problems. Ryan Garrett and Tyler Butcher will man the linebacker positions. Garrett is a hard nosed player that placed in the state wrestling tournament. While Butcher is the best D-I college prospect who is very athletic, he placed in the state tournament in the 110m hurdles, and uses his speed at the inside linebacker position. At strong safety is Evan Crutchfield, who Coach Gilbreath called the biggest hitter on the team, brings it all the time. Josh Cunningham a 6-1, 210 pound defensive end/linebacker is expected to do big things. Cunningham is a hard worker with good hands and feet that also plays tight end. COACH'S QUOTE: "It will be a challenge next year competing at the 6A level for the first time. It will be an all new district and we do not know what to expect. We should be tough on defense while our offense is very young and inexperienced."—Head Coach Rob Gilbreath FAMOUS ALUM: Steve Gage—Played quarterback at the University of Tulsa and went on to play for the Washington Redskins in the National Football League. JENKS TROJANS HEAD COACH: Allan Trimble 2007 RECORD: 13-1, 6A state champs Offensive formation: Multiple set I formation Defensive formation: 3-3 Stack 2008 SCHEDULE: Sept. 5 Bixby Sept. 12 at Union Sept. 19 at Owasso Sept. 26 at Claremore Oct. 3 Sapulpa Oct. 10 Broken Arrow Oct. 17 at Memorial Oct. 24 Bartlesville Oct. 31 at Muskogee Nov. 7 Sand Springs WHO TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Returning to the offense is fullback Grant Goodwin (5-10, 220) and wide receiver Tremaine Thompson (5-9, 155). Goodwin is a hard hitter and can catch out of the backfield. Thompson broke the team's record for the vertical leap at 38.5 inches and set a new pro agility time previously held by Andrew Brewer. A battle at tight end has Brian Johnston (6-5, 210), and Tyler Ott (6-4, 200) battling for that starting position. Left tackle Jake Alexander (6-3, 255) has started since his freshman year and Brian Mincher (6-2, 250) will play the right tackle. Junior running back Colton Dost (5-11, 175) will add a spark to the Trojan offense. Devin Pugh (5-10, 165) ran a 4.4 in the 40 during the spring. Junior lineman Eric "Bob" Graham (6-4, 270) is another big lineman prospect the Trojans are excited about. The junior transfer from Blackwell, Beau Marsaln is expected to compete for the starting job at quarterback. WHO TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Defensive ends Chris Ray (6-4, 220) and Ott are solid on the edges. Ray is being heavily recruited by several colleges. Linebackers Jason Bixler (6-foot, 185) and E. J. Colbert (5-9, 200) can stuff the run and are hard for guards to block. Blue-chip prospect at corner Gabe Lynn (6-2, 180) is one of the top defensive back prospects in the country while sophomore corner Tate Beer (5-9, 165) gets his chance to start. Jake Hathaway (5-7, 145) could see time at safety as well as sophomore Trent Martin (6-2, 195). COACH'S QUOTE: "We spent the spring and summer evaluating the great competition we've seen at quarterback and running back as they try to replace (Mark) Ginther and (Chris) Adkins. We also lost great interior defensive linemen so we need to shore up that position as well as our safeties. I think a lot of people are wanting to see what we're made of so it should make for an interesting start of the season."- Head coach Allan Trimble Memorial Chargers Head Coach: Tony Daniels 2007 Record: 1-9 Offensive formation: I Formation-Pro Set Defensive formation: 4-4 and 4-3 2008 SCHEDULE: Sept. 5th at Bishop Kelley Sept. 12th Edison Sept. 19th at Hale (East Side Complex) Sept. 26th at Sand Springs Oct. 2nd Claremore Oct. 10th at Sapulpa Oct. 17th Jenks Oct. 24th Broken Arrow Oct. 31st at Bartlesville Nov. 7th Muskogee WHO TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Senior wide receiver Dominique Cornelius (6-3, 205) will be the main target for quarterback Tyler Simms (6-2, 195). Simms is a junior this season and could have a breakout year for the Chargers. He'll depend heavily on the offensive line and junior lineman Eric Doutey (5-11, 250) and junior Jordan Ryder (5-11, 260). Looking to make his mark on Charger football is sophomore lineman Garrett Stafford (6-3, 265). The Charger offense will go through some growing pains in 2008 having to face defenses like Jenks, Broken Arrow and Muskogee's Legion of Doom. WHO TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Senior defensive lineman DeAndre Wilson (6-2, 275) is a rock up front and is getting looks from colleges. Defensive back Kelvin Chaplin (5-11, 170) gives the Chargers an explosive cover man with good hands. His speed will be needed in the tough district. Junior linebacker Royal Isokawri (6-foot, 240) is a big linebacker that hits hard and changes the direction of running backs real quick. The Charger defense will have a tough time stopping the high powered offense in the district, but the coaching staff is confident that they can play well enough to keep their offense in games. COACH'S QUOTE: "Our motto since I have taken over is 'TEAM and UNITY.' I say these words everyday to reiterate to the athletes how important is it to work together and become one. Once we achieve these two things this program will turnaround and be successful."- Head Coach Tony Daniels Muskogee Roughers Head Coach: Matt Hennesey 2007 Record: 9-4 O-Form: Spread D-Form: Multiple 4-3 2008 SCHEDULE: Sept. 5th @ Owasso Sept. 12th Norman North Sept. 19th Union Sept. 26th Bartlesville Oct. 3rd @ Broken Arrow Oct. 10th @ Sand Springs Oct. 17th Claremore Oct. 23rd @ Sapulpa Oct. 31st Jenks Nov. 7th @ Memorial WHO TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Sophomore quarterback Archie Bradley will step into the starting role this season after the Roughers lose Trae Cook (Central Arkansas) to graduation along with a number of dynamic receivers including Jameel Owens (Oklahoma). Bradley must develop quickly as the Roughers start with a tough early season schedule Owasso, Norman North, and Union. Don't expect to see four or five wide this season as senior Vernon Scott and junior Brenton Bogar will both line-up in the backfield. Scott was injured in the fifth game last season but Hennesey expects to be getting phone calls from college coaches by the end of the season in regards to Scott. Bogar is a young player that has a great burst and speed running the 40 yard dash in 4.3 seconds. WHO TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Senior nose guard Robert Thomas will be a force to be reckoned with as he will be the sole focus of opposing offensive linemen now that Stacy McGee has graduated. Thomas is already "being recruited by everybody" as coach Hennesey put it. Expect Thomas to open holes for senior linebacker Erick Howell is a tackling machine and was a key cog in the "Legion of Doom" last season. Hennesey was quick to point out Bogar as the young player to watch next season. With his speed Bogar will be capable of covering some of the best wide receivers in 6A next season. Most Famous Alum: Max Boydston, Kurt Burriss, Robert Burris, Bo Bolinger, Joe Rector, Eddie Crowder, Terry Webb and Preston Carpenter COACHES QUOTE: "We have to continue to improve as the season goes on. We start with a killer first three games, we've got Owasso, Norman North, and Union. So we have to grow as the season goes on and hopefully we'll be better by playoff time then we were last year." -Coach Matt Hennesey Sand Springs Sandites 2007 Record: 4-6 Head coach: Dustin Kinard Offensive Formation: One Back Spread Defensive Formation: 4-3 2008 SCHEDULE: 9/5 Enid 9/12 Stillwater 9/19 @ Ponca City 9/26 Memorial 10/3 @ Bartlesville 10/10 Muskogee 10/16 @ Broken Arrow 10/24 @ Claremore 10/31 Sapulpa 11/7 @ Jenks WHO TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Talk to anyone around campus and the player everyone is excited to watch is senior offensive tackle Mike Bowie (6-5, 310). Bowie has received attention from division I schools like Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Iowa State and Oregon State. Junior quarterback Johnny Deaton (6-2, 190) is excited to have Bowie up front, but he's also excited about having a number of starters back up front. Tyler Burgess and Lance Kitchens are both solid lineman and Cole Norton has good game experience and should come in and start this season. One of the weapons the Sandites will use this season is receiver/running back Terrance Dixon. Dixon is quick and elusive making him to cover. WHO TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: This is an easy one. Middle linebacker Znick Ferrell (6-2, 210) is as tough as they come. Ferrell is also a state champion wrestler who wants to play football in college. Kyle Pride and Allen Hamilton are the outside linebackers giving the Sandites one of the best linebacking corps in the district. In the secondary junior Kyle Bales will have a big impact at corner. Mike Wilson and Ryan Umbarger are returning starters as well giving the Sandites seven players from last years squad. Umbarger is returning at the safety position and also wrestles for the Sandites. New defensive coordinator J.J. Smith comes to the Sandites with a ton of experience with in 4-3. COACH'S QUOTE: "We've got the community back into football. The old Sandites want to come back and see the new stadium. And having a half way competitive year last year seemed to get people interested again. We're trying to get the tradition back into it because we haven't always been the laughing stock of 6A-3. We have a chance this year to do something and in this new district if we play like we're capable we can make the playoffs."-Head coach Dustin Kinard Sapulpa Chieftains Head Coach: Trandy Birch 2007 Record: 4-6 (3-4) Offensive Formation: Spread Defensive Formation: 4-3 2008 SCHEDULE: Sept. 5th Ponca City Sept. 12th at Enid Sept. 19th at Stillwater Sept. 26th Broken Arrow Oct. 3rd at Jenks Oct. 10th Memorial Oct. 17th at Bartlesville Oct. 24th Muskogee Oct. 31st at Sand Springs Nov. 7th Claremore WHO TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: With a new coach comes an open battle for every position. One thing is certain, junior Mike Glisson will be starting at quarterback this season. Glisson should pick up coach Trandy Birch's spread offense quickly as he only has to be told once how to do something. Glisson's leadership will be called upon as the Chieftain's schedule gets difficult with back-to-back games against Broken Arrow and Jenks. With the spread offense, the wide receivers will be a key position this season and the Chieftains will call upon seniors Chache Ward, Cody Hood and Mikel Brown. Jeff Davis will also play a major role in the passing game. WHO TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Just as every position is open on offense, the same holds true on the defensive side of the ball. But coach Birch expects big things out of his defensive line. Senior defensive tackle Shea Cutler and junior Matt Anderson will look to fill the running lanes and cause havoc for opposing offensive coordinators. Paden Fleak, a junior safety, was pointed out by coach Birch as a player to watch this season. Fleak will be joined in the defensive backfield by fellow junior Kane Barnes. Barnes is expected to be the top corner and will draw the assignment of covering some of the best receivers in the area. Coach's Quote: "From top to bottom, Sapulpa has always been so tough. Historically every game I've been involved in against Sapulpa; win, lose, or draw, they have fought tooth and nail. They are so tough and have a great desire to compete and win." - Head coach Trandy Birch