WAY Too Early Look At Class 6A-2
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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!
WAY TOO EARLY 6A-2 RANKINGS
1) MUSKOGEE
– After their first title in nearly four decades, Muskogee is not letting go of their crown in 2024.
2) DEER CREEK
– The Antlers have been knocking on the door of being the best in 6A-2, will 2024 be the year?
3) CHOCTAW
– Choctaw is right there with Deer Creek as those “next up” programs and they are ready for this fall.
4) STILLWATER
– Pioneers will have to reload but they’ll be hungry for a third consecutive trip to Edmond.
5) SAND SPRINGS
– Sandites return a lot of experience and overall talent on the offensive side of the ball this year.
6) BARTLESVILLE
– Bruins bring back some impressive pieces and could be ready to take the next step in 2024.
7) BISHOP McGUINNESS
– Irish move up from 5A but they bring back a lot of talent on both sides of the ball to contend.
8) PIEDMONT
– Piedmont moves up to 6A-2 and also have to reload after losing a very special senior class.
9) PONCA CITY
– Will have a new head coach but Ponca City has proven to be a consistent playoff team.
10) LAWTON EISENHOWER
– Moving up from Class 5A but this is a team that has some serious next level talent returning.
6A-2 STORYLINES TO FOLLOW IN 2024
IS 6A-2 STILL A 4-TEAM CLASS?
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.
NEW TEAMS ENTER THE CLASS
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.
OPEN TRANSFERS COMING
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.
24 PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2024
Ali McCoy Ali McCoy 5'9" | RB Sand Springs | 2025 State OK – 2025 Running Back – Sand Springs
Sandite running back Ali McCoy Ali McCoy 5'9" | RB Sand Springs | 2025 State OK 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.
Braven McConnell Braven McConnell 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Choctaw | 2025 State OK – 2025 Linebacker – Choctaw
Choctaw is hungry to capture that gold ball and defensive standout Braven McConnell Braven McConnell 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Choctaw | 2025 State OK could play a big role. He was one of Choctaw’s top tacklers during the 2023 season.
Brayden Knox Brayden Knox 6'3" | LB Putnam City | 2025 State OK – 2025 Linebacker – Putnam City
Putnam City might have the best linebacker in Class 6A-2 with Brayden Knox Brayden Knox 6'3" | LB Putnam City | 2025 State OK returning. He’s already picking up interest and offers from D1 programs and that won’t slow down.
Cash Williams Cash Williams 6'1" | 205 lbs | ATH Choctaw | 2025 State OK – 2025 Quarterback – Choctaw
Choctaw quarterback Cash Williams Cash Williams 6'1" | 205 lbs | ATH Choctaw | 2025 State OK 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.
Damien Niko Damien Niko 6'1" | WR Bartlesville | 2025 State OK – 2025 Wide Receiver – Bartlesville
Bartlesville is looking to become a contender in 2024. Wide receiver Damien Niko Damien Niko 6'1" | WR Bartlesville | 2025 State OK is without a doubt one of the best wide receivers in the class heading into the new season.
Damon Cochran II Damon Cochran II 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB Bishop McGuinness | 2025 State OK – 2025 Quarterback – Bishop McGuinness
McGuinness quarterback Damon Cochran II Damon Cochran II 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB Bishop McGuinness | 2025 State OK 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.
Deakon Jones Deakon Jones 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR Stillwater | 2027 State OK – 2027 Wide Receiver – Stillwater
Following a breakout freshman season, Stillwater’s Deakon Jones Deakon Jones 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR Stillwater | 2027 State OK is going to be hungry for what’s next this fall. He’ll be the top receiver in the Pioneer offense in 2024.
Easton Webb Easton Webb 6'4" | 205 lbs | QB Charles Page | 2026 State OK – 2026 Quarterback – Sand Springs
Sand Springs quarterback Easton Webb Easton Webb 6'4" | 205 lbs | QB Charles Page | 2026 State OK might have the strongest arm in the state, regardless of class. He’ll look to lead an explosive Sandite offense to new heights.
Ethan Shelton Ethan Shelton 5'9" | 175 lbs | DB Piedmont | 2025 State OK – 2025 Defensive Back – Piedmont
Piedmont has to replace a very experienced and talented senior class. But they will return a standout defensive back in Ethan Shelton Ethan Shelton 5'9" | 175 lbs | DB Piedmont | 2025 State OK and he should be their cornerstone.
Grady Adamson Grady Adamson 6'1" | 215 lbs | QB Deer Creek | 2025 State OK – 2025 Quarterback – Deer Creek
Deer Creek quarterback Grady Adamson Grady Adamson 6'1" | 215 lbs | QB Deer Creek | 2025 State OK 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.
Jamarian Ficklin Jamarian Ficklin 6'1" | 180 lbs | QB Muskogee | 2025 State OK – 2025 Quarterback – Muskogee
Muskogee’s Jamarian Ficklin Jamarian Ficklin 6'1" | 180 lbs | QB Muskogee | 2025 State OK 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.
Jared Kappenman Jared Kappenman 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Edmond North | 2025 State OK – 2025 Linebacker – Deer Creek
Deer Creek linebacker Jared Kappenman Jared Kappenman 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Edmond North | 2025 State OK 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.
Joshua Lombard Joshua Lombard 6'0" | 185 lbs | QB Putnam City Original | 2026 State OK – 2026 Quarterback – Putnam City North
Putnam City North quarterback Joshua Lombard Joshua Lombard 6'0" | 185 lbs | QB Putnam City Original | 2026 State OK went through some growing pains in 2023. Now, a year older, we expect Lombard to join some of the other top signal callers.
JuJu Smith JuJu Smith 5'8" | ATH Choctaw | 2025 State OK – 2025 Athlete – Choctaw
Choctaw standout JuJu Smith JuJu Smith 5'8" | ATH Choctaw | 2025 State OK 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.
Latavion Johnson Latavion Johnson 5'10" | RB Muskogee | 2025 State OK – 2025 Running Back – Muskogee
On their way to a state title, Muskogee enjoyed a breakout season from Latavion Johnson Latavion Johnson 5'10" | RB Muskogee | 2025 State OK at running back. Heading into this fall, Johnson will be a more well known name around 6A-2.
Mason Smith Mason Smith 6'3" | WR Deer Creek | 2025 State OK – 2025 Wide Receiver – Deer Creek
Deer Creek might have the top passing attack in the class this season. Having Mason Smith Mason Smith 6'3" | WR Deer Creek | 2025 State OK returning at wide receiver will certainly help the Antlers go after that title.
Nate Jones Nate Jones 5'10" | RB Lawton | 2025 OK – 2025 Running Back – Lawton
Lawton will have a new head coach but they’ll once again have one of the best running backs in the class. Nate Jones Nate Jones 5'10" | RB Lawton | 2025 OK will return and give the Wolverines a boost on offense.
Nehemiah Kolone Nehemiah Kolone 6'4" | 245 lbs | DL Stillwater | 2026 State OK – 2026 Defensive Lineman – Stillwater
Stillwater defensive lineman Nehemiah Kolone Nehemiah Kolone 6'4" | 245 lbs | DL Stillwater | 2026 State OK is an absolute monster up front for the Pioneers. He has the makings of becoming an All State-caliber player along the defensive line.
Ondraye Beasley Ondraye Beasley 5'11" | ATH Muskogee | 2025 State OK – 2025 Athlete – Muskogee
Muskogee’s Ondraye Beasley Ondraye Beasley 5'11" | ATH Muskogee | 2025 State OK 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.
PJ Wallace PJ Wallace 6'1" | RB Muskogee | 2025 State OK – 2025 Running Back – Bartlesville
Bartlesville running back PJ Wallace PJ Wallace 6'1" | RB Muskogee | 2025 State OK 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.
Rashaud Hurt Rashaud Hurt 6'1" | RB Lawton Eisenhower | 2025 State OK – 2025 Running Back – Lawton Eisenhower
Lawton Eisenhower running back Rashaud Hurt Rashaud Hurt 6'1" | RB Lawton Eisenhower | 2025 State OK 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.
Ryley Kester Ryley Kester 6'4" | 265 lbs | OL Charles Page | 2026 State OK – 2026 Offensive Lineman – Sand Springs
Simply put, Sand Springs offensive lineman Ryley Kester Ryley Kester 6'4" | 265 lbs | OL Charles Page | 2026 State OK is one of the best in the state at his position. The Sandites can be explosive on offense and it starts with Kester.
Serri Sheridan Serri Sheridan 5'10" | WR Lawton Eisenhower | 2025 State OK – 2025 Athlete – Lawton Eisenhower
We’re fired up to see Lawton Eisenhower this season and two-way standout Serri Sheridan Serri Sheridan 5'10" | WR Lawton Eisenhower | 2025 State OK is a big reason why. The two-way playmaker is about to turn a lot of heads in 2024.
Zach Tawwater Zach Tawwater 6'5" | 230 lbs | DL Bishop McGuinness | 2025 State OK – 2025 Tight End/Defensive End – Bishop McGuinness
McGuinness two-way standout Zach Tawwater Zach Tawwater 6'5" | 230 lbs | DL Bishop McGuinness | 2025 State OK should help the Irish as they attempt to compete in Class 6A-2. Tawwater is just as valuable on both sides of the ball.
PREDICTING 6A-2’S BREAKOUT STARS THIS FALL
Caleb Goodman Caleb Goodman 6'2" | WR Sand Springs | 2025 OK – 2025 Wide Receiver – Sand Springs
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 Caleb Goodman Caleb Goodman 6'2" | WR Sand Springs | 2025 OK at the wide receiver position. He’s in a position to be the leading receiver for the Sandite offense this season.
Gervon Washington Gervon Washington 6'2" | 245 lbs | TE Muskogee | 2025 OK – 2025 Tight End – Muskogee
Muskogee is going to have one of the best quarterbacks in the state but he needs to find some new weapons. 2025 tight end Gervon Washington Gervon Washington 6'2" | 245 lbs | TE Muskogee | 2025 OK might be one of those players. After the Roughers lose a player like Anthony Watson Anthony Watson 6'0" | 220 lbs | ATH Muskogee | 2024 State OK , don’t be surprised if Washington become’s Ficklin’s security blanket.
Gunnar Fugett Gunnar Fugett 5'10" | RB Stillwater | 2025 OK – 2025 Running Back – Stillwater
Stillwater has had a good running back for the majority of the last decade. From Qwontrel Walker to Noah Roberts and Holden Thompson Holden Thompson 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Stillwater | 2024 State OK , the Pioneers have always had a dude in the backfield. This fall, Gunnar Fugett Gunnar Fugett 5'10" | RB Stillwater | 2025 OK might be the next up. He was Thompson’s back up in 2023 and could be the next star back.