Edmond Memorial Bulldogs OK 2024 Team Preview

<!-- 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>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 Edmond Memorial Bulldogs!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Edmond Memorial Bulldogs&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #10 In Class 6A-1<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #10 In Class 6A-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coach: Justin Merideth - 1st Season</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (3-7 Record - Missed Playoffs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 25th - Lost To Moore 31-28<br>Sept. 1st - Beat Deer Creek 34-31<br>Sept. 8th - Lost To Edmond North 56-35<br>Sept. 15th - Beat Southmoore 51-7<br>Sept. 22nd - Lost To Edmond Santa Fe 54-7<br>Sept. 29th - Lost To Norman 44-43 (OT)<br>Oct. 6th - Beat Yukon 42-28<br>Oct. 19th - Lost To Owasso 49-42<br>Oct. 27th - Lost To Union 37-21<br>Nov. 3rd - Lost To Mustang 36-30</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 33.3 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 37.3 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's easy to look at the Edmond Memorial Bulldogs in 2023 and simplify things by saying it was a losing season. The Bulldogs would finish the year with a 3-7 record and missed out on the playoffs. But when you actually dive into the season and look at the year they had, the Bulldogs just had some tough luck in some key spots. Half of Edmond Memorial's games in 2023 were decided by seven points or less. And unfortunately for the Bulldogs, they held a 1-4 record in those one possession games. And more importantly, they were 0-3 in those one possession games during district play and that would crash their playoff plans. They opened the season with a close loss to Moore but bounced back immediately with a memorable comeback win over Deer Creek the following week. The Bulldogs would lose three of the next four games, including a tough overtime loss to Norman. They beat Yukon to begin October but then lost three straight to wrap up the regular season, including high-scoring affairs to Owasso and Mustang. This was an Edmond Memorial offense that could light up the scoreboard but the defense struggled and the Bulldogs ultimately missed the playoffs for the fourth time in the last five years. The Bulldogs will begin a new era in 2024, sort of, and they are hopeful to not only return to the playoffs but make some noise when they get there.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Earlier this year, Justin Merideth was announced as the next head coach of the Bulldogs, replacing Logan Thomas. This will be his second stint as head coach at Edmond Memorial. He was head coach from 2009-2017. And he takes over a team that has a lot of potential, specifically on the offensive side of the ball. This was an offense that was absolutely explosive in 2023, averaging well over 30 points per game. They return nine starters on that side, including their entire offensive line and one of the best quarterbacks in the state. They'll need some new guys to step up at the wide receiver position but they also bring back their running back and having the quarterback returning will put the Bulldogs in a position to be just as, if not more explosive in 2024. The defensive side of the ball brings back six starters from last season. This is a group that is determined to improve on last season. They know that the offense is going to be able to do their job and light up the scoreboard, they will look to improve and give their team an opportunity to win more of those games that were decided by a single possession. Edmond Memorial comes into this season as a top ten team in our 6A-1 preseason rankings. They are looking to go from 3-7 and missing the playoffs to a winning season and going on a run in November. The schedule is difficult but that's just the story in 6A-1 as this class is loaded with talent.&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>Ciaran Pedulla - Wide Receiver<br>Drelen Nero - Linebacker<br>Izaiah Spotwood - Defensive Lineman<br>Levi Peck - Wide Receiver</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":["353412"],"_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-66a06ce46e143"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The one hole on the offensive side of the ball is the wide receiver position but the Bulldogs feel confident that they have one guy in mind there. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='353412' first='Billy' last='McDown'] has had a terrific offseason and we believe that he will emerge as Edmond Memorial's leading receiver this season. McDown had a good season a year ago but this year, he could see his production absolutely explode. We've seen McDown in person a handful of times this offseason, specifically working with Edmond Memorial's quarterback and in each instance, he was lights out and showed a lot of promise. It will not surprise us at all if McDown becomes one of the top wide receivers in 6A-1 football this fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["209872"],"_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-66a06ce46e19c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Edmond Memorial senior [player_tooltip player_id='209872' first='David' last='McComb'] comes into this season as one of the best quarterbacks in the state. He's been considered one of the top QB's in the 2025 class since early on in his high school career. Last year, McComb reached new heights in terms of his production. He threw for over 3,000 yards and also ran for over 500 yards. Simply put, McComb has all the tools to be the very best quarterback in the state. McComb has been committed to Kansas for a while now and he's looking to finish off his high school career on a high note. His numbers last season were outstanding and we can't wait to see what he does for an encore this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1346490"],"_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-66a06ce46e1df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Edmond Memorial's defense is going to be a big key to their overall success this season. And leading the way will be senior defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1346490' first='Leland' last='Smith'] along the line of scrimmage. The Edmond Memorial coaches are excited about the potential on the defensive side of the ball. The Bulldogs didn't have a single senior on their defensive line a year ago and Smith is a guy that returns and becomes a leader of this group. He's a disruptive guy right in the middle of the line of scrimmage and will definitely set the tone of what this defense is going to be this season. As we've said before, if the Bulldogs improve on the defensive side of the ball, they could make a big run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1045568"],"_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-66a06ce46e21c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While Edmond Memorial's passing game got a lot of the headlines in 2023, they had a steady presence at the running back position. Junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1045568' first='Nick' last='Booker'] returns after a breakout sophomore season. He's a player that finished with nearly 650 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He also was an impact player in the passing game. He caught 23 passes for nearly 300 yards and became a very underrated weapon in this Edmond Memorial offense. Booker has improved a lot over the last 18 months and we're looking forward to seeing what kind of jump he makes this season. Booker seems like a guy that is primed for a monster 2024 season with the Bulldogs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["598832"],"_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-66a06ce46e256"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Edmond Memorial brings back their entire offensive line and while they have some firepower at the skill positions, everything is going to start up front for the Bulldogs. Leading the way for this group will be senior [player_tooltip player_id='598832' first='Parker' last='Howell'] and he has the potential to have a monster senior season from the left tackle position. Howell had a terrific offseason and performed very well at the Bixby team camp back in May. Edmond Memorial's offense was lights out last season and the fact that they bring their entire offensive line back makes them even more dangerous this season. Howell will be a guy to keep an eye on as a 2025 prospect that sees his recruiting stock go up with a big season.&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='216547' first='Colton' last='McComb'] - 2027 Wide Receiver/Linebacker<br>Diantre Bennett - 2026 Defensive Back<br>Gage Massey - 2026 Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1637567' first='Isaac' last='Woodard'] - 2027 Wide Receiver<br>Logan Lesch - 2026 Defensive Lineman<br>Madden Willis - 2025 Running Back/Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1421417' first='Riley' last='Baptiste'] - 2025 Running Back<br>Tripp Roberts - 2026 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 - AT Del City<br><strong>Sept. 6th - Deer Creek<br></strong>- In week one, Edmond Memorial kicks off their home slate against a Deer Creek team that is now a Class 6A-1 rival. And we can only hope this year's match-up is half of what we saw from these two teams a year ago. Edmond Memorial would rally, scoring 17 unanswered points to stun the Antlers with a 34-31 win. They would score the go-ahead touchdown with less than a minute to play. This match-up also will feature two of the best quarterbacks in the state with two guys committed to power four programs.&nbsp;<br>Sept. 13th - Edmond North<br><strong>Sept. 27th - AT Norman North<br></strong>- After a week off following non-district play, Edmond Memorial opens up district play in week four on the road against Norman North. We mentioned earlier in the preview that Class 6A-1 is loaded with talent and you can almost highlight every game during district play as one to circle. Norman North has some of the better players in the state and will provide the Bulldogs with a big challenge. A win here will put Edmond Memorial on the right path towards punching their ticket to the playoffs.&nbsp;<br>Oct. 4th - Edmond Santa Fe<br>Oct. 11th - AT Yukon<br>Oct. 17th - Owasso<br>Oct. 25th - Westmoore<br>Nov. 1st - AT Broken Arrow<br><strong>Nov. 7th - AT Union<br></strong>- In the final game of the regular season, Edmond Memorial goes on the road to face perennial powerhouse Union. The Bulldogs finish the year with back to back trips to the Tulsa area and at this point, they'll know exactly what they need to punch their ticket to the playoffs or even increase their seed within the district standings. This is another marquee quarterback match-up on the Bulldog schedule. Union's quarterback is another guy that is committed to a power four program and has been a star since he was a freshman.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we mentioned earlier in the preview, head coach Justin Merideth is in his second stint as head coach of the Bulldogs. Merideth was previously head coach of the Bulldogs for nine seasons and he led the Bulldogs to five playoff appearances during that stint. Following the 2017 season, he would resign as head coach, citing opportunities that had come up for his family that required more of his attention. Merideth would return to the sidelines for the Bulldogs as an assistant coach under Logan Thomas when Thomas was hired in 2020. When Thomas decided to resign earlier this year, Merideth was a solid choice to replace him and Edmond Memorial fans can only hope that he's able to replicate the success that the Bulldogs had in his first stint as head coach. The Bulldogs were 44-51 under him in his nine seasons but since he resigned, they went 11-50 and only made one playoff appearance in six seasons.</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 - 3-7 - Missed Playoffs<br>2022 - 4-7 - Lost In Class 6A-1 1st Round<br>2021 - 1-9 - Missed Playoffs&nbsp;<br>2020 - 0-10 - Missed Playoffs<br>2019 - 1-9 - Missed Playoffs</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>1989 - Beat Booker T Washington 23-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->