Class 6A-1 Semifinal Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Get 50% off your subscription by entering BlackFriday2023 in the coupon code area for our special Black Friday Deal. Enjoy!</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's officially Thanksgiving week and we're down to the final four teams in Classes 6A-1, 6A-2, 5A, 4A and 3A. We're taking an in-depth look at every single semifinal match-up and the teams that are preparing for them. In this post, we're taking a look at 6A-1 as for the second straight year, Tulsa-area schools headline the final four and the semifinals feature two regular season rematches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#1 BIXBY (11-0) VS #3 OWASSO (9-2)<br>Friday - 1PM - Sand Springs HS.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>THE MATCH-UP</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top-ranked Bixby Spartans are one step closer to another trip to Edmond. The Spartans came into this season as defending champion and the team to beat and nothing has changed throughout the year. Bixby comes into this week with an 11-0 record and the closest margin of victory was a 31-14 over Jenks in week ten. Their offense has scored at least 50 points in all but two games this season. One of them was in a 42-16 win back in week zero against their semifinal opponent in Owasso. After the third-ranked Rams fell to Bixby in week zero, they won back to back games against Jenks and Broken Arrow. They opened up district play with a 55-22 loss to Union but they haven't lost since that game in week four. Owasso had back to back close calls against Edmond Memorial and Edmond Santa Fe in week eight and week nine. But they've been rolling ever since. After earning a bye week in the first round, they hosted Norman North in the quarterfinals and won in a 50-21 rout. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>BIXBY PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["519610"],"_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":"Bixby senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='519610' first='Hank' last='Puckett'] would be on this part of the breakdown regardless of what happened back in week zero. But when we look back at Bixby's 42-16 win over Owasso in late August, Puckett was arguably the most dominant player on the football field. He was definitely the best player on the defensive side of the ball. He finished with nearly 20 tackles that night and has been a tackling machine all season. Puckett has been one of the best linebackers in 6A-1 for two seasons now.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1005117"],"_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":"This is a perfect example of just how deep and talented Bixby is on the offensive side of the ball. Senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1005117' first='Jett' last='Turner'] might be the most underrated part of a Bixby offense that has averaged well over 50 points per game this season. Turner has been the most consistent threat in the Bixby running game and this is a rushing attack that has quite a few players that they run out. But we expect Turner to continue his excellent play on Friday. He's scored at least one touchdown in four straight games.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["110743"],"_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":"Just like Puckett, senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='110743' first='Kordell' last='Gouldsby'] was one of the top playmakers in that week zero meeting against Owasso. And Gouldsby has been the most electric player for the Spartans this season. He's been one of their leading receivers all season and a complete X-factor on the offensive side of the ball. And for whatever reason, teams still decide to punt to Gouldsby and he continues to make them pay as one of the best returners in the state. Gouldsby is incredibly fun to watch with the football in his hands.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655abb9303539"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OWASSO PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1035135"],"_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":"Back in that week zero match-up with Bixby, the Rams did have some bright spots despite a 42-16 loss. One of them was the emergence of freshman defensive lineman Dawayne Jones and he had a strong performance against a very strong Bixby offensive line. Jones has only gotten better over the last three months and has an incredibly bright future. As the Rams look to slow down Bixby's high-powered offense, don't be surprised if Jones picks up where he left off back in August and has a major impact.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1045556"],"_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":"The Rams might have one of the most balanced offenses in the state and just like Bixby, there's a variety of players that can beat you on any given night. The Owasso running game has two sophomores that you need to know about moving forward. But Owasso's leading rusher this season has been [player_tooltip player_id='1045556' first='Jayson' last='Moll'] and he will look to have an impact on Friday night's game. Just like Bixby, Owasso has an incredibly strong offensive line with multiple players that will end up playing at the D1 level and Moll benefits.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["110745"],"_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":"Owasso's senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='110745' first='Knox' last='Dyson'] came into this season in a battle for the starting job. It didn't take long for Dyson to earn the job and he has taken that opportunity and ran with it. Dyson has set records this season in the Owasso offense and has been one of the best quarterbacks in Class 6A-1. There's no doubt that Dyson benefits from having some really good players at receiver but he has reached new heights in his own game as a quarterback. We're looking forward to seeing what he does on Friday.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655abb9303601"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>HISTORY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two teams have gotten very familiar with one another since the Spartans moved up to 6A-1 last season. This is the second straight year that these two teams met in non-district play and then had a rematch in the playoffs. They opened up the 2022 season with a marquee match-up at the University Of Tulsa. Bixby won that meeting 49-14. After opening the season against one another, they would wrap up the season in the 6A-1 state title game. The Spartans rolled in that one with a 69-6 victory. This year, they met again at TU to kick off the season and Bixby won 42-16. Now, the Rams and the Spartans will go head to head with a spot in the 6A-1 state title game on the line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>EXPERIENCE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bixby:</strong>&nbsp;It should come as no surprise that Bixby has plenty of experience playing in semifinal games, especially since the split in Class 6A. They'll be making their 19th semifinal appearance in school history this week and hold a 16-3 record in those semifinal contests. Before moving up to 6A-1 last year, the Spartans dominated 6A-2, Bixby played in every single 6A-2 semifinal contest from 2014-2021 and had a perfect 8-0 record. With a win on Friday night, the Spartans can make some history. No program has ever made ten consecutive appearances in the state title game and Bixby is one win away. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Owasso:</strong>&nbsp;After being upset by Broken Arrow in the quarterfinals two years ago, Owasso is returning to the semifinals for the sixth time in the last seven seasons. Since taking over at Owasso in 2017, Blankenship has taken the Rams to the semifinals every year with the exception of 2021. They have a 3-2 record under Blankenship in the semifinal round. Prior to Blankenship taking over at Owasso, the Rams had lost in seven consecutive semifinal appearances. All time, they have a 4-9 record when they reach the final four. The Rams will have to overcome Bixby to make another title game appearance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#2 UNION (10-1) VS #5 JENKS (7-4)<br>Friday - 7PM - Sand Springs HS.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>THE MATCH-UP</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#2 Union gets an opportunity to avenge their only loss this season when they face rival Jenks in the semifinals on Friday night. The Redhawks came into this season as one of the teams to beat in 6A-1 and it's hard to argue many teams are better. But in week two, the Redhawks tripped up with a 31-24 loss to the Trojans. They haven't lost since. And despite losing their star quarterback for the second half of the regular season, Union dominated their way to another district championship. For #5 Jenks, it has been an incredibly unpredictable season, full of highs and lows. At the halfway point of the regular season, the Trojans were 2-3 and had lost to both Edmond Santa Fe and Westmoore at home. That doesn't happen very often. But Jenks would win five of their last six games and they avenged a week zero loss to Santa Fe by beating the Wolves 24-10 last week to punch their ticket to the semifinals this week. The Trojans are hungry for another trip to the state championship game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>JENKS PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402378"],"_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":"Jenks sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='402378' first='KD' last='Jones'] came into this season as one of the best players in the state and he's certainly backed up that claim throughout the year. Jones became a breakout star last year as a freshman and he's been electric this season for the Trojans. Whether he's playing as a traditional running back or making catches out of the backfield or even playing corner, Jones makes plays. There was a lot of attention on his move from Broken Arrow to Jenks this offseason. And he's lived up to the hype this fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["598834"],"_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":"As the Trojans turned things around in the second half, Jenks junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='598834' first='Owen' last='Jones'] has been solid during that time period. He's rarely made any mistakes on the offensive side of the ball and he's gotten the football to their playmakers. Jones will look to add his name to the list of Trojan quarterbacks who were able to beat rival Union twice in the same season. Jones is a quarterback prospect that is going to be intriguing moving forward. He continues to gain more and more confidence each week.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["478124"],"_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":"In the regular season match-up against Union, it was freshman [player_tooltip player_id='478124' first='Semaj' last='Stanford'] introducing himself to the state as the next potential Jenks star when he took an interception back for a touchdown. We knew Stanford had some potential coming into this season and he has exceeded all preseason expectations. Whether he's playing running back or defensive back, Stanford has been a playmaker for the Trojans. And with a rematch against Union looming, we're looking forward to seeing what the freshman does on the big stage.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655abb93036c3"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>UNION PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["110740"],"_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":"When Union's star quarterback went down, you can make the argument that senior [player_tooltip player_id='110740' first='Issac' last='Covington'] became the most important player on the Redhawk roster. Covington was already one of Union's top defenders. But he has also pitched in on the offensive side of the ball at running back. And in their semifinal match-up with Owasso last season, Covington put the offense on his back during the extra periods. We're looking forward to seeing how much he plays on both sides of the ball this week against the Trojans.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["110741"],"_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've mentioned this throughout the regular season but it deserves to be repeated here. Union's linebacker group has been outstanding this season and several of their starters played different positions in the past. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='110741' first='Lane' last='Wood'] is one of those players that moved to linebacker and has flourished. Wood leads a Union defense that will look to slow down the Jenks rushing attack. Wood is a 2024 prospect that has been on our radar for several years but his move to linebacker has been fun to watch this fall.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["188014"],"_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":"After leaving a week six game with a shoulder injury to his non-throwing shoulder, the Redhawks had missed junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='188014' first='Shaker' last='Reisig'] ever since. But in their quarterfinal win over Westmoore, Reisig returned to the field and immediately picked up where he left off in the first half of the season. Reisig was one of the best players in the state during the first half of the year and the only game in which he struggled with turnovers was against Jenks. On Friday, he gets another crack at his former team.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655abb9303769"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>HISTORY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It doesn't get better than Jenks-Union. It's been the best high school football rivalry in the state over the last three decades. And while the regular season match-up is always one of the games to circle on the calendar, whenever they face off in the playoffs, it just means more. Since 1998, Jenks and Union have squared off in the playoffs on 17 occasions. In those meetings, the Trojans hold a 11-6 advantage and have won six of the last seven meetings in the playoffs. The last playoff meeting came in the 2021 state title game and Jenks prevailed. But unfortunately for Jenks, the winner of the regular season meetings doesn't have the best record in the playoff rematch. The team that won the regular season meeting is 7-10 in the rematch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>EXPERIENCE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jenks:&nbsp;</strong>It's no secret that Jenks is one of the top programs in Oklahoma football history but some of these numbers are just mind-boggling. Jenks is headed to the semifinals for the 18th consecutive season. 2005 was the last time that the Trojans did not appear in the semifinals. There are plenty of players on the Jenks football team that weren't born yet the last time Jenks didn't make it to at least the semifinals. Overall, this will be the 36th trip to the semifinals and they have a 29-6 record in semifinal match-ups. And as we mentioned, the Trojans seem to have Union's number in the playoffs lately.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Union:</strong>&nbsp;Just like rival Jenks, Union has played in plenty of semifinals in their history. Friday's game will be the 31st time that Union has played in the semifinal round. They currently hold an 18-12 record in semifinal contests but the majority of those losses came to the rival Trojans. Since the split in Class 6A, Union has made every semifinal except for one and that was when Broken Arrow beat them in the 2019 quarterfinals. This will be their ninth appearance in the last ten seasons. They are looking to return to the state title game after suffering a stunning loss to Owasso in six overtimes last year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->