WAY Too Early Look At Class 2A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Get 25% off your subscription by entering Knight25 in the coupon code area. Enjoy!</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're still seven months away from the 2024 season kicking off but it's never too early to look ahead. Well, sometimes it is and this is our WAY too early look at Class 2A in 2024. And man, this class looks completely different. Starting this year, there are now two different divisions in Class 2A. So we will have top ten rankings for both classes and then the rest of this preview is on Class 2A overall. So much can change between now and when August rolls around. But nevertheless, we're looking into the crystal ball and putting the spotlight on the top teams, players and storylines to watch in 2024. Keep it locked in to Prep Redzone Oklahoma over the next week as we have our “WAY Too Early” Previews for each class dropping each day!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>WAY TOO EARLY 2A-1 RANKINGS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1) WASHINGTON<br></strong>- Two-time defending champion Washington isn't looking to give up their crown anytime soon.<br><strong>2) IDABEL<br></strong>- The Warriors appear to be ready to take that next step with experienced talent everywhere. <br><strong>3) CASCIA HALL<br></strong>- The Commandos were very young last year and will be bringing back everyone in 2024. <br><strong>4) MILLWOOD<br></strong>- The Falcons had to settle for silver in 2022 and 2023. They want to bring home a gold ball in 2024.<br><strong>5) VICTORY CHRISTIAN<br></strong>- The Conquerors have to replace some big names but they won't be starting from scratch either.<br><strong>6) JONES<br></strong>- The Longhorns are a perennial power in Class 2A and nothing changes with the split in the class. <br><strong>7) PRAGUE<br></strong>- Prague has turned into one of the consistent contenders over the last few years in the state. <br><strong>8) BEGGS<br></strong>- Beggs will have a new head coach but this is still a team that has talent year in and year out. <br><strong>9) OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL<br></strong>- The Saints have to reload but this has become one of the more consistent programs in Oklahoma.<br><strong>10) CROSSINGS CHRISTIAN<br></strong>- Crossings Christian is going to be an interesting team to watch as they look to contend in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>WAY TOO EARLY 2A-2 RANKINGS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1) VIAN<br></strong>- The Wolverines will bring back the majority of their starters and appear to be the 2024 favorites.<br><strong>2) REJOICE CHRISTIAN<br></strong>- Rejoice will get back their best player and they will be a team to look out for with the 2A split. <br><strong>3) ALVA<br></strong>- Alva made a deep playoff run and with the majority of their starters back, expect them to contend.<br><strong>4) COLCORD<br></strong>- Colcord brings back the majority of their starters and could make plenty of noise in the fall. <br><strong>5) KANSAS<br></strong>- They bring back their quarterback and Kansas could take the next step to contending in 2024.<br><strong>6) DAVIS<br></strong>- Davis has been a perennial power and the Class 2A split could make them a power again. <br><strong>7) KIEFER<br></strong>- Kiefer has to replace quite a bit of experience but the Trojans will still be a team to watch. <br><strong>8) SALINA<br></strong>- Salina has a young roster returning and that could help them have a breakout season in 2024.<br><strong>9) VALLIANT<br></strong>- Valliant brings back some very talented players and they should be a team to watch this fall. <br><strong>10) ADAIR<br></strong>- The Warriors returned to contending in 2023 and we expect them to be a top ten team again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2A STORYLINES TO FOLLOW IN 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>A COMPLETELY NEW CLASS 2A IS HERE<br></strong>So Class 2A (and Class A and B) will look completely different starting this season and moving forward. The class is now split into two divisions and after several years of being arguably the deepest class in the state, it's now going to be just a little bit easier to navigate the waters and compete for a state championship. Class 6A split into two divisions a decade ago and it's worked out just fine. It will be interesting to see what new teams pop up and become contenders because of this split. We could we see a team that's been knocking on the door become a power.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CASADY ENTERS THE OSSAA<br></strong>Casady is set to compete against OSSAA competition after years of participating in the Southwest Prep Conference. Nearly a decade ago, Holland Hall made the same leap from the SPC to the OSSAA and the Dutch found immediate success. They would win back to back state championships in 2020 and 2021 and because of that success, they are actually participating in Class 4A for the next two seasons. It's going to certainly be interesting to see if the Cyclones have that same immediate success and impact, beginning this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OPEN TRANSFERS COMING</strong><br>In December, the OSSAA made the announcement that student athletes in Oklahoma will have a one-time transfer without setting up residency or sitting out a year. It was a monumental announcement and in the first two weeks in July, we'll see exactly what kind of impact this decision has. Those two weeks in July is the only time that student athletes are able to make the transfer from one school to another. We've seen plenty of notable players moving schools over the last few years. Only time will tell what impact this rule has on the future of Oklahoma.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>24 PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='211564' first='Austin' last='Melson'] - 2025 Linebacker - Bethel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bethel linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='211564' first='Austin' last='Melson'] has been one of the more productive linebackers in Class 2A over the last several years. He looks to continue that dominance this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1083187' first='Barrett' last='Mullen'] - 2026 Quarterback - Cascia Hall</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cascia Hall quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1083187' first='Barrett' last='Mullen'] has a very bright future. As the Commandos moved to more of a pass-first offense, Mullens exploded with a monster sophomore season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1163094' first='Bradley' last='Breland'] - 2025 Running Back - Kiefer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kiefer has to replace some big names on the offensive side of the ball but they will bring back [player_tooltip player_id='1163094' first='Bradley' last='Breland'] at the running back position. Breland could see his production explode in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='294265' first='Cale' last='Marley'] - 2025 Quarterback/Defensive Back - Rejoice Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rejoice Christian standout [player_tooltip player_id='294265' first='Cale' last='Marley'] missed almost all of his junior season with an injury so we know he's going to be hungry to get back on the field and he'll be incredibly dynamic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='571111' first='Cameron' last='Carter'] - 2025 Linebacker - Millwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Millwood standout [player_tooltip player_id='571111' first='Cameron' last='Carter'] is one of the best linebackers in Class 2A and in the state overall. And in 2023, Carter became a two-way star as a standout running back as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473879' first='Case' last='Alexander'] - 2027 Linebacker - Washington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Washington's [player_tooltip player_id='473879' first='Case' last='Alexander'] was one of the very best freshmen in the state of Oklahoma last season. Alexander could certainly make the case for the top defensive freshman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='434614' first='CJ' last='Turnbull'] - 2026 Quarterback - Millwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Millwood quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='434614' first='CJ' last='Turnbull'] has started since he was a freshman and he's going to be one of the more experienced 2A quarterbacks in 2024 and he'll just be a junior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807020' first='Cooper' last='Hooker'] - 2027 Wide Receiver - Salina</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Salina wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='807020' first='Cooper' last='Hooker'] was arguably the most productive freshman wide receiver in Oklahoma last season. Hooker looks to build on a fantastic freshman season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402373' first='Dallas' last='Dyer'] - 2026 Running Back - Victory Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When healthy, Victory Christian's [player_tooltip player_id='402373' first='Dallas' last='Dyer'] was one of the best playmakers in Class 2A last season. Dyer has the potential to see his production absolutely explode this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1163096' first='Draighton' last='Fletcher'] - 2026 Running Back - Vian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vian's [player_tooltip player_id='1163096' first='Draighton' last='Fletcher'] enjoyed a breakout season for the Wolverines in 2023. Fletcher will be one part of a two-headed monster for the Wolverines in the Vian backfield this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1067472' first='Fisher' last='Lai'] - 2027 Wide Receiver - Cascia Hall</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We mentioned Cascia Hall's pass-first offense and [player_tooltip player_id='1067472' first='Fisher' last='Lai'] was a big beneficiary at the wide receiver position. Lai was just a freshman in 2023 and made a massive impact for Cascia. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='311986' first='Hudson' last='Howard'] - 2025 Running Back - Washington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Washington running back [player_tooltip player_id='311986' first='Hudson' last='Howard'] enjoyed a breakout season during 2023. With the Warriors replacing their quarterback, look for Howard to have an even bigger impact in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='479393' first='Jaxon' last='Armstrong'] - 2025 Athlete - Heavener</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look out for Heavener and standout [player_tooltip player_id='479393' first='Jaxon' last='Armstrong'] as one of the more underrated playmakers in the class. Armstrong is absolutely dynamic with the football in his hands. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587265' first='Kenny' last='Golston'] - 2026 Running Back - Valliant</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Valliant standout [player_tooltip player_id='587265' first='Kenny' last='Golston'] has been a player to watch since his freshman season. Golston is a star running back but he's also becoming one of the better defenders in the class as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='474063' first='Khaleeal' last='Penn'] - 2025 Offensive/Defensive Lineman - Colcord</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colcord is going to have to reload but they have a great cornerstone to build with [player_tooltip player_id='474063' first='Khaleeal' last='Penn'] on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Penn is a dominant force on both sides of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1163095' first='Lantz' last='Mathers'] - 2025 Running Back - Alva</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alva was a surprise team during the playoffs but [player_tooltip player_id='1163095' first='Lantz' last='Mathers'] leads a very experienced Alva team going into the 2024 season. Look for Mathers to see his production explode.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='840303' first='Lehmantre' last='Olds'] - 2025 Wide Receiver - Star Spencer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Star Spencer wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='840303' first='Lehmantre' last='Olds'] is a name that more people need to know about. Olds has the ability to be the best wide receiver in the class with a dominant season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587272' first='Luke' last='DeBusk'] - 2026 Linebacker - Jones</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='587272' first='Luke' last='DeBusk'] is going to be right there with the best linebackers in the class. DeBusk did a great job in his jump from freshman to sophomore and we look forward to the encore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='479389' first='Matrail' last='Lopez'] - 2025 Athlete - Idabel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Idabel standout [player_tooltip player_id='479389' first='Matrail' last='Lopez'] enjoyed a junior season where he became one of the best two-way players in the state. He's incredibly dynamic on the offensive side of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='424595' first='Masyn' last='Wright'] - 2026 Athlete - Vian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vian's [player_tooltip player_id='424595' first='Masyn' last='Wright'] is the next Wolverine star with that last name. Wright enjoyed a breakout freshman season and then elevated his game last year and now he's one of the best in the class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353411' first='Nate' last='Roberts'] - 2025 Tight End - Washington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Washington tight end [player_tooltip player_id='353411' first='Nate' last='Roberts'] is currently the top-ranked prospect in the state's 2025 class. Roberts has been a critical part of Washington's back to back state championships. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='211234' first='Ravian' last='Larry'] - 2025 Running Back - Idabel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Idabel running back [player_tooltip player_id='211234' first='Ravian' last='Larry'] has been a name to watch since he was a freshman several years ago. But Larry needs to stay healthy if he's able to provide that impact for Idabel. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192928' first='Ryan' last='Grayson'] - 2025 Athlete - Beggs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beggs standout [player_tooltip player_id='192928' first='Ryan' last='Grayson'] has been a star since he was a freshman. Beggs always stars and this year will be no different. Grayson is truly dynamic with the football in his hands. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='479390' first='Seneca' last='Steele'] - 2025 Quarterback - Kansas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kansas quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='479390' first='Seneca' last='Steele'] is a lefty to keep an eye on moving forward. Kansas took the first step to contending and Steele looks to lead them to new heights in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->