Class 6A-1 Season In Review

Get 25% off your subscription by entering Knight25 in the coupon code area. Enjoy!   The 2023 football season has come to a close and it's time to start taking a look back at the year in football before we move on to the offseason and looking ahead to 2024. Every day for the next four weeks, we'll have more postseason content on Prep Redzone Oklahoma. From our Season In Review series to player awards and of course our All State teams. Check back each day for a new postseason post on the 2023 season, ONLY on Prep Redzone Oklahoma. In this post, we're kicking off the season in review series with a look back at all the top stories and players from Class 6A-1.   STATE CHAMPION   Bixby Spartans (13-0)   The Bixby Spartans came into this season as the top-ranked team in Class 6A-1 and nothing changed in the last three months. Fresh off winning another state championship, the Spartans were the team to beat in the class all year. They opened the season with another win over Owasso and kept it rolling from there. From week zero to week nine, the Spartans were never threatened. In week ten, they had a showdown with Jenks for the district championship. Bixby would finally get challenged early on. They trailed 14-7 at halftime. The game was tied at 14 halfway through the third quarter but the Spartans would pull away to win 31-14.   After winning another district title and earning a first round bye, the Spartans opened up their playoff journey with a 59-20 win over Norman in the quarterfinals. That set up a semifinal clash with Owasso in a rematch from week zero and from last year's state championship game. Just like in week ten, this game was tied at 14 at one point. Then Bixby kicked it into overdrive. They scored three touchdowns in the blink of an eye and rolled to a 56-14 victory. With the win, Bixby made even more history. They became the first team in state history to make it to ten consecutive state championship games.   In the state title game, Bixby had a rematch from week ten with the Jenks Trojans. The Spartans were once again victorious, winning their sixth consecutive state championship and the ninth in school history. All nine championships have come in the last ten seasons. Bixby took advantage of early Jenks mistakes to jump out early and the decision was never in doubt. Anytime Jenks started gaining momentum, the Spartans were right there with a swift and dominating response. The Spartans rolled to a 49-21 win.   CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4-6Xs9fk3g&t=6s </div></figure>   6A-1 PLAYER OF THE YEAR    BREAKOUT STARS   [player_tooltip player_id='284114' first='Carson' last='Kirby'] - 2026 Quarterback - Bixby   At this time last year, we were crowning Bixby quarterback Connor Kirby the 6A-1 Player Of The Year. This year, we're putting the spotlight on his younger brother, sophomore QB [player_tooltip player_id='284114' first='Carson' last='Kirby'] after he had a breakout year. The Spartans ran multiple quarterbacks out there all season but Kirby was outstanding every time he took the field. The sophomore made the most of his opportunities and it's clear to us that he has a bright future.   [player_tooltip player_id='988901' first='Dev' last='Mathews'] - 2024 Running Back - Edmond North   Similar to a few other players on this breakdown, it didn't take long to figure out that Edmond North senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='988901' first='Dev' last='Mathews'] was going to be a game changer. Early on in the season, Mathews set the single game rushing record in Edmond North history. He had more games like that throughout his senior season. We didn't know much of anything about Mathews prior to this season but he emerged as one of the best in 6A-1.   [player_tooltip player_id='268325' first='Garrison' last='Utley'] - 2025 Defensive Lineman - Norman North   In his first season primarily on the defensive line, Norman North junior [player_tooltip player_id='268325' first='Garrison' last='Utley'] was one of the best players at his position in Class 6A-1. His older brother Harrison is a senior offensive lineman who's headed to the P5 level. And it looks like Garrison has the chance to be next up following an outstanding junior campaign. Utley finished the year with nearly 15 sacks and he was an absolute wrecking ball on the defensive line for the Timberwolves.   [player_tooltip player_id='1041452' first='Jaden' last='Johnson'] - 2026 Wide Receiver - Mustang   We mentioned this at the beginning of the season, Mustang is incredibly young and incredibly talented. Sophomore wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1041452' first='Jaden' last='Johnson'] was one of several young Mustang players that not only enjoyed breakout seasons, but they became potential stars very early on in their high school careers. Johnson is going to be a playmaker to keep an eye on moving forward. He's also the younger brother of former Mustang star Jacobe Johnson.   [player_tooltip player_id='211565' first='Malikai' last='Miller'] - 2025 Quarterback - Moore   Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='211565' first='Malikai' last='Miller'] got on our radar all the way back in January when he was the MVP for the quarterback position at our camp. Later on in the offseason, Miller moved from Edmond to Moore and became QB1 for the Lions. The Lions started out hot once again and were a fringe playoff team. Miller put up some outstanding numbers in the passing and running game and we're fired up to see what will be next for Miller and the Lions.   OTHER TOP PLAYERS   [player_tooltip player_id='211560' first='CJ' last='Simon'] - 2025 Wide Receiver - Moore   Moore junior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='211560' first='CJ' last='Simon'] has been lights out since he was a freshman and he's only continued to grow his game. On the offensive side of the ball, Simon is one of the more electric playmakers and that's a big reason why he's turned into one of the state's top prospects in the 2025 class.   [player_tooltip player_id='844468' first='Cooper' last='Bates'] - 2024 Quarterback - Broken Arrow   Broken Arrow senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='844468' first='Cooper' last='Bates'] was consistent throughout the season and he was a big reason why the Tigers had success on the offensive side of the ball. It was an offensive unit that had players in and out of the lineup but Bates was the one consistent threat on that side of the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='209872' first='David' last='McComb'] - 2025 Quarterback - Edmond Memorial   Edmond Memorial missed out on the playoffs but it wasn't because of a lack of offense. Junior quarterback and Kansas commit [player_tooltip player_id='209872' first='David' last='McComb'] was one of the top quarterbacks in the state this season. He put up some absolutely monster numbers week in and week out and took the next step as a QB.   [player_tooltip player_id='595764' first='Dax' last='Noles'] - 2024 Athlete - Norman   There are a few players that definitely fit under the "underrated" category and Norman senior [player_tooltip player_id='595764' first='Dax' last='Noles'] is certainly one of them. Just look at the impact Noles has in all three phases and you see one of the best players in the state. Noles helped lead the Tigers back to the playoffs this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='154214' first='Deuce' last='Chalk'] - 2024 Wide Receiver - Owasso   Senior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='154214' first='Deuce' last='Chalk'] moved from Booker T Washington to Owasso this offseason and he emerged as an absolute playmaker in a very balanced Owasso offense. The passing game reached new heights this fall and it was Chalk that became the big play receiver within the Ram offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='519610' first='Hank' last='Puckett'] - 2024 Linebacker - Bixby   Bixby senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='519610' first='Hank' last='Puckett'] came into this season as one of the top linebackers in the state. From the very first game of the year, it was clear that Puckett wasn't giving up that label anytime soon. He ended up leading the team in tackles and was an impact player every time we saw him.   [player_tooltip player_id='955229' first='Holden' last='Kee'] - 2024 Quarterback - Yukon   There were quite a few great comeback stories this season with players returning after missing most, if not all of the 2022 seasons. Yukon senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='955229' first='Holden' last='Kee'] was one of those players in 6A-1. Kee emerged as one of the top passers in the class throughout the season.   [player_tooltip player_id='191607' first='Hudson' last='Ball'] - 2025 Defensive Lineman - Jenks   Jenks junior defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='191607' first='Hudson' last='Ball'] was one of the first standouts on a Trojan defense that was one of the better units in 6A-1 this fall. The junior standout really impressed us when we saw the Trojans in person. He took the title of the hardest hitter in the state during the regular season.   [player_tooltip player_id='110740' first='Issac' last='Covington'] - 2024 Athlete - Union   We'll stand on this ledge for as long as it takes. Union senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='110740' first='Issac' last='Covington'] is one of the best football players in the state's 2024 class. It doesn't matter where he lines up, the Union standout makes plays. He's without a doubt one of the top available prospects in the state's 2024 class.   [player_tooltip player_id='110751' first='Jett' last='Calmus'] - 2024 Linebacker - Jenks   We'll get back on that same ledge for Jenks senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='110751' first='Jett' last='Calmus'] as one of the top linebackers in the state. Calmus was at his best this season in some of the biggest games of the year. After missing almost all of his junior season, Calmus made up for lost time with a massive senior year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1005117' first='Jett' last='Turner'] - 2024 Running Back - Bixby   Bixby senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1005117' first='Jett' last='Turner'] capped off a career that featured two state championships at Jenks with two more state titles at Bixby. Turner emerged as the top running back in the Bixby offense this fall. And when you look at his play in the final month of the season, he reached another level.   [player_tooltip player_id='122241' first='J'Kharri' last='Thomas'] - 2024 Athlete - Owasso   Owasso senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='122241' first='J'Kharri' last='Thomas'] is the other half of the Owasso receiver duo that was electric this season. The 1-2 punch of Thomas and Chalk gave the Rams two big threats in the passing game. Thomas is a receiver that has proven he can play at a high level for well over two years now.   [player_tooltip player_id='439153' first='Jordan' last='Schelling'] - 2025 Running Back - Union   Union junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='439153' first='Jordan' last='Schelling'] emerged as the top running back in the Redhawk offense this season. The move in from Jenks had a fantastic season and he really took his game to another level when Union was missing their star quarterback during the second half of the regular season.   [player_tooltip player_id='402378' first='KD' last='Jones'] - 2026 Running Back - Jenks   Jenks sophomore running back [player_tooltip player_id='402378' first='KD' last='Jones'] picked up where he left off as the best freshman in the state in 2022. Jones had another season of more than 1,000 yards on the ground and he also emerged as one of Jenks' top receivers. Jones took over games several times this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='110745' first='Knox' last='Dyson'] - 2024 Quarterback - Owasso   Owasso senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='110745' first='Knox' last='Dyson'] has had quite the journey in high school but it ended back at Owasso with him setting school records that might not be touched. Dyson led an Owasso offense that was extremely explosive. He won a QB battle for the starting job and continued to get better each week.   [player_tooltip player_id='110743' first='Kordell' last='Gouldsby'] - 2024 Athlete - Bixby   The last time we saw Bixby on the field, senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='110743' first='Kordell' last='Gouldsby'] was torching Jenks in the title game for over 300 total yards and five touchdowns. Gouldsby was one of the more electrifying players in 6A-1. Offense, defense and special teams had Gouldsby as a complete playmaker.   [player_tooltip player_id='284117' first='Mason' last='James'] - 2026 Wide Receiver - Norman North   James saw plenty of playing time last year for the Timberwolves as a freshman. James was a standout on both sides of the ball but this season, he really emerged as one of the better wide receivers in the state. James has recently seen his recruitment start to explode and it won't be slowing down anytime soon.   [player_tooltip player_id='393973' first='Micheal' last='Graham'] - 2024 Quarterback/Defensive Back - Westmoore   Westmoore senior quarterback and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='393973' first='Micheal' last='Graham'] moved to the school this offseason after being a breakout player for Southeast. Graham immediately turned into arguably the best dual-threat quarterback in Class 6A-1. He was truly dynamic as he led the Jaguars this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='595685' first='Owen' last='Eshelman'] - 2025 Quarterback - Norman North   Norman North junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='595685' first='Owen' last='Eshelman'] got his first taste of QB1 in the playoffs a year ago. He then took over the position as the full time starter this season. Eshelman ended up being one of the better athletes at the quarterback position. He continues to improve as a quarterback.   [player_tooltip player_id='188014' first='Shaker' last='Reisig'] - 2025 Quarterback - Union   Unfortunately, injuries happen in football and that had a major impact on Union junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='188014' first='Shaker' last='Reisig'] this season. In the first half of the year, there weren't many quarterbacks in the state playing better than Reisig. He had a shoulder injury but was able to return for the playoffs.   EARLY LOOK AT 2024   The 2024 season brings a new class and district cycle but there won't be much change in Class 6A-1. There are a few teams that will be switching districts. Broken Arrow, Edmond North, Mustang and Westmoore will all see new district opponents. As for the class overall, we have to start the conversation with two-time state champion Bixby. They entered 6A-1 in 2022 and immediately became the top team. But the Spartans are going to have company at the top. Jenks will return almost everyone on defense and the top overall prospect in the 2026 and 2027 classes. Union should be in the mix once again with the talent they bring back, specifically on offense. As of right now, Edmond Memorial, Owasso and Westmoore will all have new head coaches. And of course, one of the biggest storylines this offseason will be the new transfer rule. 6A-1 has seen quite a bit of player movement over the last few seasons. Will we see the number of moves and transfer reach new heights in the next 12 months?

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