Owasso Rams OK 2023 Team Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 25% off your subscription by entering Knight25 in the coupon code area. Enjoy!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the month of July and that means it's preview time! Throughout the month of July and into August, we are publishing well over 100 in-depth team previews to get you completely ready for the 2023 football season. This is something that began in 2021 and has continued to get bigger every single year. We're looking forward to diving deep into the top teams across the state. From defending champions, to top contenders and plenty of dark horses, we'll have complete coverage every single day with new teams from Class 6A, all the way down to the addition of 8-man coverage this year with Class B and C. In this post, we take a look at the Owasso Rams.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Owasso Rams&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #4<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking:&nbsp;#4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2022 Owasso Rams had one of the more improbable seasons in recent memory in Class 6A-1. The Rams came into the season as a top five team but they also knew that their schedule was going to provide plenty of challenges early on in the season. They came in ranked #4 in the preseason and their first five games were against the #1, #2, #3, #5 and #6 teams in those preseason rankings. It was without a doubt the hardest first half schedule of any team in Class 6A-1 and the Rams definitely went through some growing pains during that time. After starting the season 1-4, the Rams would settle in and win out to finish off the regular season with a 6-4 mark. They beat Westmoore with ease in the first round and then went on the road and knocked off Norman North in the quarterfinals. Then came a showdown with Union in the semifinals and after the game was tied at 13 following regulation, it took six overtimes to finally decide this one and Owasso stunned the Redhawks with a 50-47 win. A rematch with Bixby in the state title game ended with the Rams taking home silver but at the halfway point they were 1-4 and made it all the way to the state title game. It was one of the more unique comebacks that we've seen in 6A-1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, heading into the 2023 football season, the early season schedule is just as tough and the Rams are going to have to be ready right out of the gate. But Owasso just proved last fall that they can take a hit and keep on coming. The Rams bring back six starters on offense and there's no doubt that Owasso's strength this season will be on the offensive side of the ball and specifically along the offensive line. The Rams still have to figure out the quarterback position but whoever wins that job is going to have at least two future D1 offensive tackles blocking for him and he'll have some strong skill players around him. The defense will also have to reload as they bring back just five starters on that side of the ball and some of those starters they replace were 2-3 year starters. But there are some young names and new faces that have come along quickly this spring and summer and appear ready to take on that challenge. The Rams are once again a top five team coming into the season and we're looking forward to seeing not only how they start the season, but also how they finish it. Because we watched plenty of fireworks from the Rams last season after that slow start and we're looking forward to seeing what they do for an encore.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2022 RESULTS (9-5 Record - Class 6A-1 Runner Up)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 25 - Lost To Bixby 49-14<br>Sept. 2 - Lost To Jenks 14-7<br>Sept. 9 - Beat Broken Arrow 27-26<br>Sept. 23 - Lost To Union 35-17<br>Sept. 30 - Lost To Mustang 27-17<br>Oct. 7 - Beat Edmond North 30-16<br>Oct. 13 - Beat Yukon 36-17<br>Oct. 21 - Beat Edmond Memorial 37-14<br>Oct. 28 - Beat Edmond Santa Fe 13-7<br>Nov. 4 - Beat Norman 24-14<br>1st Round - Beat Westmoore 41-7<br>Quarterfinals - Beat Norman North 41-34<br>Semifinals - Beat Union 50-47 (6 OT)<br>Championship - Lost To Bixby 69-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Key Losses To Graduation</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anthony Hills - Wide Receiver<br>Braeden Foster - Linebacker<br>Cole Adams - Wide Receiver<br>Hunter Haff - Defensive Lineman<br>Kunta Jordan - Linebacker<br>Mason Willingham - Quarterback<br>Tyler Rich - Defensive Lineman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Players To Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["350246"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["350245"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"We mentioned Owasso's offensive line and how it was going to be the strength of the offense as the quarterback position was figured out. Anchoring that offensive line are two dominant 2025 tackles with [player_tooltip player_id='350246' first='Blake' last='Cherry'] and [player_tooltip player_id='350245' first='Ryker' last='Haff'] as they have established themselves as the top two offensive linemen in the state's 2025 class. Cherry and Haff are easy to spot as both are listed at 6'6 and both weigh around 300 pounds. One lines up at left tackle while the other is on the other side at right tackle. We first saw Cherry and Haff at the team camp following their freshman seasons. Multiple Owasso coaches pointed to the two of them and talked about how they were going to be dudes. They were right. Both Cherry and Haff emerged this spring as serious 2025 prospects and college coaches really started noticing their potential for the next level.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["215030"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Another 2025 standout on the offensive side of the ball is going to be [player_tooltip player_id='215030' first='Cooper' last='Auschwitz'] who comes to the Rams after standing out on both sides of the ball at Rejoice Christian. Auschwitz, who is a notable baseball prospect as well, was outstanding as a wide receiver and then a hard-hitting linebacker on defense. We're intrigued to see how the Rams use Auschwitz and if he leans to one side of the ball or the other. Because he certainly has the potential to play both sides and the Rams are going to need some new linebackers to step up after losing quite a few to graduation. But either way, Auschwitz is going to provide a spark to the Rams on either side of the ball and potentially both sides. He's a 2025 prospect that we really thought took the next step last fall in becoming a two-way star with Rejoice and could be an instant impact player for Owasso.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["154214"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"2024 wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='154214' first='Deuce' last='Chalk'] was another move in addition to the Rams this offseason as he came to Owasso from Booker T Washington. Chalk has been a wide receiver prospect in the state's 2024 class that we have talked about quite a bit this offseason. He was one of the top wide receivers we watched during the 7v7 season as he consistently stood out and torched opposing DB's with Sooner 7. Now, as we always mention when it comes to those 7v7 standouts, we want to see it when the helmets and pads come on because that's what we see on Friday nights. And Chalk was still that playmaker in May at Owasso's team camp. It didn't matter who the Rams were matched up with, Chalk found a way to make play after play. It's a buzz word in recruiting but it's true with Chalk. He's one of the more underrated prospects in the state's 2024 class.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["115730"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Speaking of underrated players. Owasso 2024 standout [player_tooltip player_id='122241' first='J'Kharri' last='Thomas'] proved last season that he could be an overall playmaker in Owasso's offense. When the Rams lost star receiver Cole Adams for the season, they needed some new names to step up and Thomas was one of them. We've watched Thomas in person quite a bit over the last two years but like Chalk, the majority of it was in various 7v7 tournaments. But just like in those tournaments, Thomas proved last fall that you can't tackle what you can't catch. Listed at 5'8 on the roster, Thomas is an absolute speed demon with quickness and lateral movement that is incredibly tough to keep bottled up. Thomas would lead the team in receptions last fall as the Rams would get the ball out to him quickly and let him work in space. They'll do the same thing this fall as Thomas is a highlight play waiting to happen.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["867294"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"The Rams dealt with some key injuries throughout their offensive skill positions last season and that led to them moving some players around and unlikely names started stepping up, specifically at the running back position. One of those players was 2025 athlete [player_tooltip player_id='867294' first='Tariek' last='Johnson'], who was known more as a tight end when the season began. But at a certain point, the Rams needed anyone they could get to line up in the backfield and take some carries and that ended up being Johnson. He finished with well over 500 yards and five touchdowns. He also would finish his sophomore season with 140 carries on the year. Similar to Thomas, the Rams now know they have a unique offensive player in Johnson who can do a lot of different things and do them at a very high level. We're looking forward to seeing how many positions he plays this fall.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a5a629d5cd7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>More Names To Know</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Derrick Lockridge - 2024 Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='211561' first='Eric' last='Harris'] - 2025 Defensive Back<br>Jaylen Jones - 2024 Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1004330' first='Kale' last='Pennington'] - 2024 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='110745' first='Knox' last='Dyson'] - 2024 Quarterback<br>Lyric Wheeler - 2024 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='660345' first='Reece' last='Satterwhite'] - 2025 Defensive Lineman<br>Ryan Case - 2024 Offensive Lineman<br>Tyler Caviness - 2024 Quarterback</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 Schedule/Games To Circle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aug. 24 - Bixby (@ TU's Chapman Stadium)<br></strong>- It's the week zero kickoff that has been labeled as the “Battle Of The Burbs” as Owasso squares off with Bixby. Last year, the Rams welcomed Bixby officially into Class 6A-1 and the Spartans responded with a 49-14 win to extend their winning streak to 50 consecutive games. They would see each other again at the end of the season in Edmond as the Spartans captured another state championship with a 69-6 victory. Owasso's early season schedule is once again no joke so the Rams will look to get some early momentum here.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 1 - Jenks<br></strong>- This non-district match-up was brought back last season after four years off Prior to the 2022 season, the last time Owasso and Jenks squared off in the regular season was in 2017. They had several playoff meetings since then but last year was their first regular season meeting since 2017. The Trojans were able to get a low-scoring win over the Rams as both teams struggled on the field. Both Jenks and Owasso dealt with some key early season injuries. The Rams will host Jenks in week one this year in a match-up of two title hopefuls.&nbsp;<br>Sept. 8 - Broken Arrow<br><strong>Sept. 22 - AT Union<br></strong>- This is going to be one of the marquee games of week four as district play opens up and the Rams travel south to face district rival Union. These two played an instant classic last season in the semifinals with Owasso winning in six overtimes. Union got the best of Owasso in the regular season and that put them in the driver's seat for the district crown. The first goal is the district and despite this being week four, this match-up will play a big role in the district title race. Since Bill Blankenship took over at Owasso in 2017, the Rams are 4-4 against Union.&nbsp;<br>Sept. 29 - Mustang<br>Oct. 6 - At Edmond North<br>Oct. 13 - Yukon<br>Oct. 19 - AT Edmond Memorial<br>Oct. 27 - Edmond Santa Fe<br>Nov. 3 - AT Norman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Notable</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the majority of the last decade, there has been a “big four” in 6A-1 football and that was Broken Arrow, Jenks, Owasso and Union. When Bixby joined the fray in 2022, that “big four” turned into a “big five” immediately. The Tulsa-area teams have dominated the largest class of football in Oklahoma for decades and are showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. And just like last season, and just like we mentioned earlier on in the preview, the Rams are going to be tested by the other four teams right from the jump. They open the season in a state championship rematch against Bixby. Then they'll face Jenks before the rivalry game with Broken Arrow. After a week off, they start district play against Union. We mentioned this before last season how the Rams had arguably the toughest four games to start the season of any team in the state. They definitely took their lumps but came out the other side better for it. We'll see how they do this time around.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Championship History</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2 State Championships</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2019 - Beat Jenks 14-6<br>2017 - Beat Union 21-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->