Del City Eagles 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 Del City Eagles!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Del City Eagles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #5 In Class 5A<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #2 In Class 5A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Head Coach: Robert Jones - 4th Season - 30-6 Record At Del City</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (12-1 Record - Class 5A Runner Ups)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 31 - Beat Booker T Washington 48-0<br>Sept. 7 - Beat Midwest City 53-14<br>Sept. 22 - Beat East Central 73-0<br>Sept. 29 - Beat McAlester 35-21<br>Oct. 6 - Beat Sapulpa 30-0<br>Oct. 13 - Beat Memorial 68-0<br>Oct. 19 - Beat Glenpool 67-0<br>Oct. 27 - Beat Coweta 43-14<br>Nov. 2 - Beat Durant 43-10<br>1st Round - Beat Pryor 48-8<br>Quarterfinals - Beat Guthrie 47-14<br>Semifinals - Beat Claremore 34-13<br>Championship - Lost To Carl Albert 35-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 46.4 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 9.9 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Del City Eagles came into the 2023 season with high expectations. They were number two in our preseason rankings in Class 5A and they instantly backed it up throughout the season. Del City was never really threatened during the regular season as they won all of their games by double digits. They looked great in non-district action and they continued that dominant play against district foes. They faced McAlester in week five and got out with a 35-21 victory. That game would actually be the closest margin of victory for the Eagles in 2023. The offense featured three of the best players in the state and it showed as they would average nearly 50 points per game. The defense did their job as well, giving up less than ten points per game. That also included five shutouts during the regular season. Del City would run away with the district championship and their dominant play would continue in the playoffs. They had a quarterfinal showdown with Guthrie in a match-up that felt more like a semifinal. But Del City was still not contained. They beat the Blue Jays 47-14, setting up a semifinal showdown with Claremore. They beat the Zebras with ease to punch their ticket to the state title game for the first time in nearly five decades. However, they ran into the Carl Albert dynasty in Edmond and their season ended with the silver ball. The Titans and Eagles were 1 and 2 respectively all season and it felt fitting that the two Mid-Del rivals would square off for the 5A crown. But the Eagles aren't satisfied with just making it to the title game. They want to win it all 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>Del City comes into this season as a preseason top five team. They knocked on the door of bringing home that elusive state championship in 2023 and now they want to kick the door down. Despite the Eagles losing their top three players from the offensive unit, there is still reason to be optimistic about that side of the ball. The Eagles bring back six starters on the offensive side of the ball. They'll be working in a new quarterback, top running back and they'll also need a new wide receiver to emerge to be the leading playmaker in the pass game. Del City does bring back some good experience on the offensive line and that should help them along with the guys that were role players on last year's team. While the offense figures things out with new names stepping into those roles, the defense could end up leading the way for the Eagles. Seven starters are back on that side of the ball and they will undoubtedly be led by their front seven. The Eagles have a ton of talent up front and specifically at the linebacker position. That experience will certainly help and when you add in the fact that this was a defensive unit that gave up less than ten points per game, they are going to play with a lot of confidence this season. Del City will also be challenged by a new district slate. The Eagles only have one familiar team from their district in the last two seasons. The non-district schedule will also provide a challenge but this is definitely a team to look out for, not only in the district race but in Class 5A as a whole.&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>Ladainian Fields - Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>River Warren - Quarterback<br>Rodney Fields - Running 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":["598829"],"_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-668f491473f4c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='598829' first='D'Marion' last='Turner'] is a player that we're fired up to see this season. The Del City senior is going to have an opportunity to take his game to new heights this season. Turner was among the best ball hawks on the team last season and helped lead them in interceptions. Now, Turner is one of several starters that are returning in the Del City secondary and on the defense in general. Turner is a defensive prospect that we've liked over the last 18 months and he certainly has a chance to have a big senior season. Del City's defense was absolutely dominant last season. Turner and company look to continue that this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["356897"],"_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-668f491473fab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='356897' first='Jashawn' last='Mccalister'] is a defensive playmaker that had a breakout junior season. He would end up earning All State honors and on a team full of senior playmakers, Mccalister was arguably Del City's best defender. He would mostly be known last fall as a linebacker and ended up leading the team in tackles. He also had a handful of interceptions and took a few of them back for touchdowns. Simply put, Mccalister is a terrific athlete and there's not much that he can't do. We saw Mccalister back in the spring and he's been moved back to the safety position. He could end up being what Ladainian Fields was for this defense last season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1035154"],"_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-668f491473fed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophomore standout [player_tooltip player_id='1035154' first='Kaleb' last='Blackwolf'] is a new name to Del City as the Eagles have added an outstanding playmaker to their offensive side of the ball. Blackwolf had a very strong freshman season at El Reno and despite the Indians having an outstanding running back, he found a way to get playing time at running back and a few other positions on offense. This season, don't be surprised if the Eagles use him in the same way. Whether he's at running back or wide receiver, Blackwolf has the potential to be a breakout star in this Del City offense. Blackwolf could also end up earning playing time on the defensive side of the ball in the Del City defense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["598825"],"_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-668f49147402a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='598825' first='MiShaun' last='Graham'] is another new addition to the roster after moving to Del City from Westmoore. Graham was an absolute breakout star last season and emerged as their top weapon in the passing game. This season, he has the potential to do that again with the Eagles. If this spring was any indication, Graham could end up having a big season. He was a big part of their passing game when we watched the Eagles in person at a team camp in May. He's a terrific addition to a Del City offense that needs new playmakers to emerge this fall in the passing game. And with a big senior season, his recruitment as a prospect should absolutely take off.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["587262"],"_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-668f49147407e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='587262' first='Ricklan' last='B Holmes II'] has been on our radar since his freshman season and he's really starting to transform into the linebacker that we saw that potential in a few years ago. You could see that Holmes had a high on-field IQ and brought a lot to the table on the defensive side of the ball. However, after seeing Holmes in person back in May, it looks like he has spent the last six months living in the weight room. We mentioned he's transforming and a lot of that is the literal transformation of Holmes from a physical standpoint. The Del City standout will go into this season as one of the top linebackers in Class 5A and in the state overall this fall.&nbsp;</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='1198313' first='Braylon' last='Lassiter'] - 2026 Quarterback<br>[player_tooltip player_id='595753' first='Charvis' last='Kelley'] - 2025 Linebacker<br>Choncei Jones - 2025 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Jammar Williams - 2027 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Josiah Chester - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Kadarrius Palmer - 2026 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1304610' first='Nick' last='Holmes'] - 2026 Wide Receiver<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1160764' first='Quaylin' last='Goodman'] - 2025 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Shane Thornton - 2025 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1099359' first='Tay' last='Johnson'] - 2025 Tight End/Defensive End</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 - Edmond Memorial<br>Sept. 6th - AT Booker T Washington<br><strong>Sept. 20th - AT Midwest City<br></strong>- Del City will wrap up non-district play in week three against Mid-Del rival Midwest City. Like the Eagles, the Bombers also have high expectations coming into this season. And this has been a series that has been dominated by Midwest City historically. However, Del City has won four of the last five and the last three wins haven't been close. Before the Eagles go into a tough district slate, they'll be looking to gain some more momentum with a win against another top ten 5A team.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 27th - AT Collinsville<br></strong>- It doesn't get much tougher for Del City than a road trip against Collinsville to open up district play. The Cardinals are another top five team in the class and bring back the majority of their starters from last year's quarterfinal team. And for the Eagles, this will be the third straight game away from home and the second time in September that they've had to go to the Tulsa area. These two teams don't have any recent history but it wouldn't be surprising to see the district title decided here.&nbsp;<br>Oct. 4th - Memorial<br>Oct. 11th - Nathan Hale<br>Oct. 18th - AT [player_tooltip player_id='1161912' first='Will' last='Rogers']<br>Oct. 25th - Tahlequah<br><strong>Nov. 1st - AT Claremore<br></strong>- You can make the argument that Del City's three (or even four) toughest games this season are away from home. In week nine, they hit the road to face a Claremore team that will definitely have this date circled on the calendar. Del City squared off with the Zebras in the semifinals a year ago and ended their season to remember. Now, this is a new season and this Claremore team will look quite different compared to the one that Del City saw in November. But it'll be a game with playoff implications.&nbsp;<br>Nov. 8th - Pryor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite being right outside of Oklahoma City, Del City once again finds itself in a district of schools either in Tulsa or north or east of Tulsa. This wasn't how it was supposed to be for the Eagles this fall and next year. Originally, they were going to be in a district that also featured Altus, Duncan, Elgin, Lawton MacArthur, Midwest City, Southeast and Western Heights. And that district would have been absolutely loaded. But when the April lawsuit regarding Rule 14 with the private schools would shake things up, that included Del City's district alignment. Now, they are back in a 5A district that features mostly Tulsa and Tulsa-area schools. On paper, Del City's new district might actually be an easier path to another district championship. It will obviously feature more travel but it could also mean more wins when it matters the most. The Eagles are looking to dominate in district play once again and make another run in the playoffs.</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 - 12-1 - Class 5A Runner Ups<br>2022 - 9-3 - Lost In Class 5A Quarterfinals<br>2021 - 9-2 - Lost In Class 6A-2 Quarterfinals<br>2020 - 4-6 - Lost In Class 6A-2 Quarterfinals<br>2019 - 9-3 - Lost In Class 6A-2 Semifinals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>1 State Championship</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1976 - Beat Putnam City West 27-13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->