Broken Arrow Tigers OK 2024 Team Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 25% Off Your Subscription By Entering Knight25 In The Coupon Code Area. Enjoy!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the month of July and that means it's preview time! Throughout the month of July and even into August, we are publishing well over 100 of the most in-depth team previews that you'll find anywhere to get you completely ready for the 2024 football season. This is something that began for us at PRZ-Oklahoma in 2021 and it continues to get bigger and better every single year. We're looking forward to diving deep into the top teams across the state in every class. From defending champions, to the top contenders and plenty of dark horses and other teams to know, we'll have complete coverage every single day. There will be multiple previews dropping every single day! In this post, we take a look at the Broken Arrow Tigers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Broken Arrow Tigers </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #8 In Class 6A-1<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: T6 In Class 6A-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Head Coach: Josh Blankenship - 4th Season - 16-19 Record At Broken Arrow</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (3-8 Record - Lost In Class 6A-1 1st Round)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 25th - Lost To Bentonville, AR. 41-0<br>Sept. 1st - Lost To Union 27-17<br>Sept. 8th - Lost To Owasso 41-21<br>Sept. 22nd - Beat Southmoore 52-13<br>Sept. 29th - Lost To Norman North 28-14<br>Oct. 5th - Lost To Westmoore 42-35<br>Oct. 13th - Lost To Bixby 51-7<br>Oct. 20th - Beat Enid 44-20<br>Oct. 27th - Lost To Jenks 42-14<br>Nov. 2nd - Beat Moore 42-35<br>1st Round - Lost To Norman 21-18</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 24 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 32.8 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's no other way to describe it, the 2023 football season was a forgettable one for the Broken Arrow Tigers. They finished the season with a 3-8 record and a first round loss to Norman. But when you put last season under a microscope, it starts to make a little more sense. While 3-8 is never going to be an acceptable result, the Tigers were playing in 2023 as one of the youngest and inexperienced teams in Class 6A-1. The Tigers had a combination where they were bit bad by the injury bug and also just had some talented younger players that they ended up sending 26 sophomores and 6 freshmen out there for meaningful reps throughout the 2023 season. We knew that the Tigers were going to fight an uphill battle early on in the year as they played a tough non-district schedule. They lost to Bentonville followed by losses to rivals Union and Owasso. After a week off, they began the district slate and got a win over Southmoore. That was followed up by three straight losses to Norman North, Westmoore and Bixby. And at that point, the Tigers had their backs against the wall. They would win two out of their last three to punch their ticket to the playoffs. But in the first round, they lost to Norman. The Tigers never quit and tried to rally in the fourth quarter but the comeback bid fell short. So the 2023 season came to an end and the Tigers are incredibly hungry to put that one in the past and start anew in 2024.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anytime you have a season like Broken Arrow had in 2023, there is always the silver lining of hope for the future. Because the Tigers played 32 players that were either sophomores or freshmen, they come into this season with much more experience and those young players getting on the field for the first time aren't so young anymore. Broken Arrow brings back nine starters on the offensive side of the ball and we really like what the Tigers are building on that side of the ball. You start the conversation with the offensive line and this is a unit that could be one of the better offensive line units over the next two seasons. They have a great blend of young talent and experience up front that it should give their new quarterback an advantage. They will be inexperienced at the quarterback position but the Tigers are expecting a breakout season from that position. On defense, the Tigers also bring back nine starters and this is a group that is looking to improve in a major way after giving up a little over 30 points per game in 2023. Head coach Josh Blankenship is going into his fourth season as head coach of the Tigers and he's looking to lead a major turnaround this fall. They have the pieces in place to do so but let's face it, Class 6A-1 is absolutely loaded. Everyone knows about the talent at the top of the class but it's getting deeper and deeper throughout the class. But at the end of the day, Broken Arrow has the talent to not only make the playoffs but once they get there, they could end up going on a run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KEY LOSSES TO GRADUATION</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cooper Bates - Quarterback<br>Derrick Osmond - Tight End/Defensive End<br>Donavin Hardaway - Defensive Back</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1339144"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669a0a0b4bfc9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The defensive side of the ball is going to get a lot of attention this year because of the experience that they bring back and the improvement they need to have in order for the team to be successful. Senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1339144' first='Chaddwyck' last='Stewart'] will be a big part of the turnaround as he's the team's leading tackler that returns for the 2024 season. In fact, we like what Broken Arrow brings back at the linebacker position and that could end up leading them to new heights on the defensive side of the ball. Stewart wasn't on our radar coming into the 2023 season but he would end up second on the team (behind a senior) in tackles with nearly 100 on the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402376"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669a0a0b4c021"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As much attention as the defense will get this fall, the quarterback position will as well. It looks like junior [player_tooltip player_id='402376' first='Jeramiah' last='Ssettimba'] is going to get the nod at QB1 for the Tigers this season and after seeing him in person multiple times this offseason, we're looking forward to seeing what he can do. Broken Arrow's signal caller a year ago was a guy who could impact the game throwing or running the ball. We watched Ssettimba this offseason on the 7v7 circuit and he definitely has a strong arm and can put the ball where it needs to be. But a 7v7 tournament is much different than under the lights on a Friday night. Ssettimba will look forward to proving himself this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1304573"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669a0a0b4c064"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned earlier in the preview that Broken Arrow's offensive line is definitely going to be one of the strengths of this year's team. And you can start that conversation with junior offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1304573' first='Jerod' last='Breshears'] as the guy that will lead this unit in 2024. Breshears had his breakout season last fall as a sophomore. He started for the Tigers at left tackle and he really had a strong season. Whether it's as a pass blocker or a run blocker, Breshears was a very impactful player. There are several players along Broken Arrow's offensive line that we could have picked but we're going with Breshears here. This is going to be a fun unit to watch throughout the 2024 season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["649663"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669a0a0b4c0a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Because of the combination of a talented offensive line along with a new quarterback, we think the run game is going to be Broken Arrow's best friend on offense, at least early on in the season. And running back [player_tooltip player_id='649663' first='Octavian' last='Roberson'] was one of the top freshman standouts at the Class 6A-1 level in 2023. Roberson was part of a three-headed monster in the Broken Arrow running game but those other two pieces have graduated. That has opened the door for Roberson to have a much more significant workload in 2024 and the production should rise in a major way. Roberson is a running back that has a lot of the tools to elevate to a new level this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402385"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669a0a0b4c0e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At this time last year, we were high on wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='402385' first='Tayshawn' last='Wade'] but even we didn't expect him to have the kind of season he had. Wade would emerge as Broken Arrow's leading receiver in yards and this was a position group that had quite a bit of talent. Now, going into his junior season, we think that Wade could end up taking a massive step forward and it wouldn't surprise us if he led the Tigers in receptions, yards and touchdowns this season. But like last year, Broken Arrow is not lacking playmakers at the wide receiver position so Wade won't have to do it all by himself. He's a player that has impressed us in the past and we're looking forward to seeing what he does this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>MORE NAMES TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1297664' first='Carter' last='Archer'] - 2027 Offensive Lineman<br>Colby Crosby - 2025 Defensive Back<br>De'Quavian Combs - 2025 Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='811900' first='Da'Sean' last='Jordan'] - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Don Fryar - 2025 Defensive Back<br>Jovany Castillo - 2025 Running Back/Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1304600' first='Kaden' last='Moody'] - 2026 Offensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1180987' first='Kedan' last='Johnson'] - 2025 Wide Receiver<br>Kole Lamont - 2025 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1175656' first='Ricardo' last='Fernandez'] - 2025 Offensive/Defensive Lineman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 SCHEDULE/GAMES TO CIRCLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 30th - Springdale Har-Ber, AR.<br><strong>Sept. 6th - Fayetteville, AR.<br></strong>- In week one, Broken Arrow will play host to a team from northwest Arkansas for the second straight week. The “Purple Dogs” from Fayetteville will come into Broken Arrow and give the Tigers arguably their toughest non-district contest early on in the season. Fayetteville is coming off a 2023 season where they enjoyed a perfect season and won the state championship in the state's largest class. For Broken Arrow, it'll be an opportunity to gain some much-needed momentum early in the year. <br>Sept. 13th - AT Mustang<br><strong>Sept. 27th - AT Owasso<br></strong>- Broken Arrow will open up district play in week four on the road against Owasso. This is no longer the “Blankenship Bowl” as Owasso head coach Bill Blankenship retired in December. But these are still two teams that are very familiar with one another. They have met in non-district play and in a lot of cases, they would have a rematch in the playoffs. The Rams have won the last two meetings in the series but this one is very important. The winner here begins district play with a very important win. <br>Oct. 4th - Yukon<br>Oct. 11th - AT Edmond Santa Fe<br>Oct. 17th - Norman North<br><strong>Oct. 25th - AT Union<br></strong>- For the first time in nearly two decades, Broken Arrow will face off with Union in a district contest. These two teams have been non-district opponents every season since 2008. And during that stretch, there were multiple winning streaks from both sides. Union won 14 in a row from 2009-2017 and Broken Arrow followed that up with four straight wins from 2018-2020 and Union now has a six game winning streak. Broken Arrow looks to end that in week eight and get a big boost in the district standings. <br>Nov. 1st - Edmond Memorial<br>Nov. 8th - AT Westmoore</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2022, Broken Arrow would go 5-7 and it would be their first losing season in over two decades. In 2023, they couldn't overcome the growing pains of a young roster, combined with a brutal schedule and they went 3-8. This season, not only does Broken Arrow get a fresh start this year, they will have several new opponents. In fact, the majority of their 2024 schedule features new opponents as six of the ten games are new teams compared to last year's schedule. All three non-district games feature new opponents as Broken Arrow has switched districts and their former non-district games with Owasso and Union now count towards the district standings. So Broken Arrow's fresh start in 2024 is more of a fresh start than one might have anticipated coming into this season. They are hungry to not only make the playoffs but make plenty of noise when they get there. And they'll look to get out to a fast start this fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LAST FIVE SEASONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 - 3-8 - Lost In Class 6A-1 1st Round<br>2022 - 5-7 - Lost In Class 6A-1 Quarterfinals<br>2021 - 8-4 - Lost In Class 6A-1 Semifinals<br>2020 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 6A-1 Quarterfinals<br>2019 - 9-3 - Lost In Class 6A-1 Semifinals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>1 State Championship</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2018 - Beat Jenks 28-20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->