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<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 6A-2 in 2024. 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>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>WAY TOO EARLY 6A-2 RANKINGS</strong></p>
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<p><strong>1) MUSKOGEE<br></strong>- After their first title in nearly four decades, Muskogee is not letting go of their crown in 2024.<br><strong>2) DEER CREEK<br></strong>- The Antlers have been knocking on the door of being the best in 6A-2, will 2024 be the year?<br><strong>3) CHOCTAW<br></strong>- Choctaw is right there with Deer Creek as those "next up" programs and they are ready for this fall.<br><strong>4) STILLWATER<br></strong>- Pioneers will have to reload but they'll be hungry for a third consecutive trip to Edmond. <br><strong>5) SAND SPRINGS<br></strong>- Sandites return a lot of experience and overall talent on the offensive side of the ball this year.<br><strong>6) BARTLESVILLE<br></strong>- Bruins bring back some impressive pieces and could be ready to take the next step in 2024. <br><strong>7) BISHOP McGUINNESS<br></strong>- Irish move up from 5A but they bring back a lot of talent on both sides of the ball to contend.<br><strong>8) PIEDMONT<br></strong>- Piedmont moves up to 6A-2 and also have to reload after losing a very special senior class. <br><strong>9) PONCA CITY<br></strong>- Will have a new head coach but Ponca City has proven to be a consistent playoff team. <br><strong>10) LAWTON EISENHOWER<br></strong>- Moving up from Class 5A but this is a team that has some serious next level talent returning. </p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>6A-2 STORYLINES TO FOLLOW IN 2024</strong></p>
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<p><strong>IS 6A-2 STILL A 4-TEAM CLASS?<br></strong>When Bixby moved up to Class 6A-1 back in 2022, it opened the door for Class 6A-2 to become more competitive. Stillwater won it all in 2022 and Muskogee last year. But in both seasons, the class was absolutely dominated by four teams. Choctaw, Deer Creek, Muskogee and Stillwater were simply above the rest of the class and it played out that way in both seasons. These were the final four teams in 2022 and 2023 and looking ahead to 2024, we're not sure anyone can break that up. We'll be interested to see if anyone outside the top four can crash the party.</p>
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<p><strong>NEW TEAMS ENTER THE CLASS<br></strong>The 2024 season brings a new redistricting cycle and 6A-2 will see a few new teams into the class this season and into 2025. First off, Booker T Washington, Putnam City West and Tahlequah have all dropped down to Class 5A. PC West and Tahlequah made the 2023 playoffs. The three teams moving up from Class 5A are coincidentally all from the same district. Bishop McGuinness, Lawton Eisenhower and Piedmont are all moving up. And as you see above in our early rankings for this season, all three teams are expected to make immediate impacts. </p>
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<p><strong>OPEN TRANSFERS COMING<br></strong>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>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>24 PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2024</strong></p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992746' first='Ali' last='McCoy'] - 2025 Running Back - Sand Springs</strong></p>
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<p>Sandite running back [player_tooltip player_id='992746' first='Ali' last='McCoy'] was a breakout star in 2023. Now, as we look ahead to the 2024 season, McCoy is going to be the marquee back in the Sandite offense. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='479395' first='Braven' last='McConnell'] - 2025 Linebacker - Choctaw</strong></p>
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<p>Choctaw is hungry to capture that gold ball and defensive standout [player_tooltip player_id='479395' first='Braven' last='McConnell'] could play a big role. He was one of Choctaw's top tacklers during the 2023 season. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1078310' first='Brayden' last='Knox'] - 2025 Linebacker - Putnam City</strong></p>
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<p>Putnam City might have the best linebacker in Class 6A-2 with [player_tooltip player_id='1078310' first='Brayden' last='Knox'] returning. He's already picking up interest and offers from D1 programs and that won't slow down. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='211555' first='Cash' last='Williams'] - 2025 Quarterback - Choctaw</strong></p>
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<p>Choctaw quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='211555' first='Cash' last='Williams'] was one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in 6A-2 in 2023. As we look ahead to 2024, we expect Williams to take his game up another notch. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='898115' first='Damien' last='Niko'] - 2025 Wide Receiver - Bartlesville</strong></p>
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<p>Bartlesville is looking to become a contender in 2024. Wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='898115' first='Damien' last='Niko'] is without a doubt one of the best wide receivers in the class heading into the new season. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='922869' first='Damon' last='Cochran II'] - 2025 Quarterback - Bishop McGuinness</strong></p>
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<p>McGuinness quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='922869' first='Damon' last='Cochran II'] was one of the breakout stars of the 2023 season. As the Irish move up to 6A-2, he immediately becomes one of the best in the class. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492378' first='Deakon' last='Jones'] - 2027 Wide Receiver - Stillwater</strong></p>
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<p>Following a breakout freshman season, Stillwater's [player_tooltip player_id='492378' first='Deakon' last='Jones'] is going to be hungry for what's next this fall. He'll be the top receiver in the Pioneer offense in 2024. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='449993' first='Easton' last='Webb'] - 2026 Quarterback - Sand Springs</strong></p>
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<p>Sand Springs quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='449993' first='Easton' last='Webb'] might have the strongest arm in the state, regardless of class. He'll look to lead an explosive Sandite offense to new heights. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='470675' first='Ethan' last='Shelton'] - 2025 Defensive Back - Piedmont</strong></p>
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<p>Piedmont has to replace a very experienced and talented senior class. But they will return a standout defensive back in [player_tooltip player_id='470675' first='Ethan' last='Shelton'] and he should be their cornerstone. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='242231' first='Grady' last='Adamson'] - 2025 Quarterback - Deer Creek</strong></p>
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<p>Deer Creek quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='242231' first='Grady' last='Adamson'] is one of the best quarterbacks in the state. Looking ahead to 2024, Adamson will be hungry to lead the Antlers to that elusive gold ball. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='211556' first='Jamarian' last='Ficklin'] - 2025 Quarterback - Muskogee</strong></p>
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<p>Muskogee's [player_tooltip player_id='211556' first='Jamarian' last='Ficklin'] was one of the best overall players in the state as he led the Roughers to a state title. Now, he's back for more this fall and we can't wait to see the encore. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209252' first='Jared' last='Kappenman'] - 2025 Linebacker - Deer Creek</strong></p>
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<p>Deer Creek linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='209252' first='Jared' last='Kappenman'] has been on our radar for years now. He's finally going into his senior season and he'll lead a talented Deer Creek defense. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='595671' first='Joshua' last='Lombard'] - 2026 Quarterback - Putnam City North</strong></p>
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<p>Putnam City North quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='595671' first='Joshua' last='Lombard'] went through some growing pains in 2023. Now, a year older, we expect Lombard to join some of the other top signal callers. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='211559' first='JuJu' last='Smith'] - 2025 Athlete - Choctaw</strong></p>
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<p>Choctaw standout [player_tooltip player_id='211559' first='JuJu' last='Smith'] is one of the more underrated playmakers in the state. Whether it's offense, defense or special teams, he has a tremendous impact on the game. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='479391' first='Latavion' last='Johnson'] - 2025 Running Back - Muskogee</strong></p>
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<p>On their way to a state title, Muskogee enjoyed a breakout season from [player_tooltip player_id='479391' first='Latavion' last='Johnson'] at running back. Heading into this fall, Johnson will be a more well known name around 6A-2. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='894347' first='Mason' last='Smith'] - 2025 Wide Receiver - Deer Creek</strong></p>
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<p>Deer Creek might have the top passing attack in the class this season. Having [player_tooltip player_id='894347' first='Mason' last='Smith'] returning at wide receiver will certainly help the Antlers go after that title. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='916927' first='Nate' last='Jones'] - 2025 Running Back - Lawton</strong></p>
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<p>Lawton will have a new head coach but they'll once again have one of the best running backs in the class. [player_tooltip player_id='916927' first='Nate' last='Jones'] will return and give the Wolverines a boost on offense. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='467410' first='Nehemiah' last='Kolone'] - 2026 Defensive Lineman - Stillwater</strong></p>
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<p>Stillwater defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='467410' first='Nehemiah' last='Kolone'] is an absolute monster up front for the Pioneers. He has the makings of becoming an All State-caliber player along the defensive line. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='598826' first='Ondraye' last='Beasley'] - 2025 Athlete - Muskogee</strong></p>
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<p>Muskogee's [player_tooltip player_id='598826' first='Ondraye' last='Beasley'] became their X-factor on offense this season. Whether he was lining up at running back or wide receiver, he found a way to make an impact. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='515901' first='PJ' last='Wallace'] - 2025 Running Back - Bartlesville</strong></p>
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<p>Bartlesville running back [player_tooltip player_id='515901' first='PJ' last='Wallace'] continues to prove why he's one of the best in 6A-2. He's going to make a case for being one of the best backs in the state, regardless of class. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='479394' first='Rashaud' last='Hurt'] - 2025 Running Back - Lawton Eisenhower</strong></p>
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<p>Lawton Eisenhower running back [player_tooltip player_id='479394' first='Rashaud' last='Hurt'] is going to be ready to let loose this fall. After missing most of 2023 with a knee injury, we can't wait to see what he does. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='467408' first='Ryley' last='Kester'] - 2026 Offensive Lineman - Sand Springs</strong></p>
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<p>Simply put, Sand Springs offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='467408' first='Ryley' last='Kester'] is one of the best in the state at his position. The Sandites can be explosive on offense and it starts with Kester. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159460' first='Serri' last='Sheridan'] - 2025 Athlete - Lawton Eisenhower</strong></p>
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<p>We're fired up to see Lawton Eisenhower this season and two-way standout [player_tooltip player_id='1159460' first='Serri' last='Sheridan'] is a big reason why. The two-way playmaker is about to turn a lot of heads in 2024. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='479388' first='Zach' last='Tawwater'] - 2025 Tight End/Defensive End - Bishop McGuinness</strong></p>
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<p>McGuinness two-way standout [player_tooltip player_id='479388' first='Zach' last='Tawwater'] should help the Irish as they attempt to compete in Class 6A-2. Tawwater is just as valuable on both sides of the ball. </p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>PREDICTING 6A-2'S BREAKOUT STARS THIS FALL</strong></p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159462' first='Caleb' last='Goodman'] - 2025 Wide Receiver - Sand Springs</strong></p>
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<p>We mentioned Sand Springs and the weapons they return on the offensive side of the ball. One of the players that might not be known right now but is primed for a big season is [player_tooltip player_id='1159462' first='Caleb' last='Goodman'] at the wide receiver position. He's in a position to be the leading receiver for the Sandite offense this season. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1136250' first='Gervon' last='Washington'] - 2025 Tight End - Muskogee</strong></p>
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<p>Muskogee is going to have one of the best quarterbacks in the state but he needs to find some new weapons. 2025 tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1136250' first='Gervon' last='Washington'] might be one of those players. After the Roughers lose a player like [player_tooltip player_id='202153' first='Anthony' last='Watson'], don't be surprised if Washington become's Ficklin's security blanket. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159463' first='Gunnar' last='Fugett'] - 2025 Running Back - Stillwater</strong></p>
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<p>Stillwater has had a good running back for the majority of the last decade. From Qwontrel Walker to Noah Roberts and [player_tooltip player_id='215207' first='Holden' last='Thompson'], the Pioneers have always had a dude in the backfield. This fall, [player_tooltip player_id='1159463' first='Gunnar' last='Fugett'] might be the next up. He was Thompson's back up in 2023 and could be the next star back.</p>
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