Elgin Owls 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 Elgin Owls!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Elgin Owls</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking:&nbsp;#1 In Class 4A<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking:&nbsp;#4 In Class 4A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coach: Chalmer Wyatt - 6th Season - 27-23 Record At Elgin</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (11-1 Record - Lost In Class 5A Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 1st - Beat Anadarko 76-0<br>Sept. 8th - Beat Cache 55-6<br>Sept. 15th - Beat Weatherford 42-7<br>Sept. 22nd - Beat El Reno 54-21<br>Sept. 29th - Beat Ardmore 42-7<br>Oct. 6th - Beat Altus 57-0<br>Oct. 12th - Beat Noble 70-6<br>Oct. 20th - Beat Duncan 48-7<br>Oct. 27th - Beat Lawton MacArthur 62-14<br>Nov. 3rd - Beat Midwest City 13-3<br>1st Round - Beat Piedmont 20-0<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Claremore 7-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 45.4 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 6.5 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elgin's 2023 season was one to remember as the Owls would go 11-1 and were absolutely dominant, until they were stunned in a quarterfinal upset at home to Claremore. But Elgin's 11-1 record is the best in recent memory and they did not wait long to start dominating the competition. They smashed non-district foes with the closest game being a 35-point win on the road over Weatherford. Elgin continued that dominance into district play. They would run the table, with the only close game coming in a week ten, head to head match-up for the district championship with Midwest City. The Owls would win 13-3 and finish off an undefeated regular season. The Owls shut out Piedmont in the first round but were stunned by Claremore in the quarterfinals with a 7-6 loss. An offense that averaged well over 40 points per game was held to single digits. The defense that gave up just 6.5 points per game did their part but it was not enough to move on to the semifinal round for the first time in school history. Elgin had high expectations heading into the 2023 season and they certainly took a positive step forward as a program. But there's also no doubt that the Owls are hungrier than ever to contend for a state title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That hunger to contend is probably at its peak right now in Elgin. The Owls come into the season as the preseason number one team in Class 4A. They have multiple players that are committed to D1 programs. The Owls also bring back the majority of their starters and a few months ago, Elgin dropped back down to Class 4A. Instead of being one of several contenders in Class 5A, the Owls now find themselves on top of the 4A preseason rankings and they are ready to back up all the hype with their play on the field this fall. On offense, Elgin brings back seven starters and there is no doubt that the strength will be the offensive line and the backfield. Those D1 players are both offensive linemen and they have one of the more experienced quarterbacks in 4A football. The running game should be one of the best in the class. On defense, the Owls also bring back seven starters on that side of the ball. We won't be surprised if their production matches what last year's team was able to achieve. This is a defense that will rely on the front seven to dominate while a younger secondary comes together. The schedule is a challenging one but this is a team that has high expectations and they are determined to erase the memories of last year's playoff exit by making a trip to Edmond and winning what would be the first state championship in school history.&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>Andre Crabtree - Linebacker<br>Matt Lund - Running Back<br>Peyton Christensen - Linebacker<br>Treyvon Crabtree - 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":["629029"],"_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-66860c80d9138"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We already liked Elgin coming into this season, regardless of what class they were in. And then they got arguably the best move in from out of state this offseason. Senior offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='629029' first='Antoni' last='Kade Ogumoro'] moved to Oklahoma from North Carolina and landed in Elgin, immediately becoming one of, if not the very best offensive lineman prospect in the state's 2025 class. Ogumoro joined the Owls this offseason and Elgin immediately got way more attention from major college programs, who were pursuing their new offensive lineman. Ultimately, Ogumoro committed to Tennessee. Now he can focus on introducing himself to Oklahoma high school football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["915637"],"_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-66860c80d918f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">On the defensive side of the ball, we really like what we saw from senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='915637' first='Colyn' last='Donnelly'] last season. When we caught the Owls in person, Donnelly was arguably Elgin's best player on defense. And then you look at the stats from last season and we don't believe there's any argument with that statement. Donnelly was Elgin's leading tackler and it wasn't remotely close. He finished the season with nearly 150 tackles on the year and had 60 more tackles than the second leading tackler on the team. Donnelly is an absolute monster on the defensive side of the ball and there's no doubt that he was a tackling machine. He'll be one of 4A's best this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["497346"],"_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-66860c80d91d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Good luck to the defenses going against Elgin's offensive line, specifically on the left side. Joining Ogumoro on the left side of that O-line is fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='497346' first='Jace' last='Williams'] and even before Ogumoro landed in Elgin, Williams was going to be a player to watch for the Owls. He was an absolute force for Elgin last season and he simply moved bodies with ease. Williams has the complete package for us. He's athletic and can move but he also packs a punch and when he is engaged with a defender, he always has bad intentions. Williams also joined Ogumoro as D1 commits this summer when he committed to Navy in June. And don't overlook what Williams will do on defense for Elgin.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["472321"],"_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-66860c80d9210"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the toughest losses for Elgin coming into this season is Matt Lund at the running back position but we think that junior standout [player_tooltip player_id='472321' first='Ritson' last='Meyer'] is a guy that can fill those shoes. You saw flashes of it last season as Meyer got plenty of touches in the Elgin offense. He would finish his sophomore season with over 600 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. Fast forward to this year and Meyer's production is going to take a massive step forward. First off, he's going to get more carries in the Elgin offense. And as we've mentioned a few times already, the Owls have an outstanding offensive line. So Meyer has all the potential to become one of the top running backs in 4A football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["211570"],"_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-66860c80d924d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Every year, we'll see a quarterback that feels like they are going into their sixth season as the starter. Elgin senior [player_tooltip player_id='211570' first='Tres' last='Lorah'] is one of those quarterbacks for us this year. Lorah is going to be one of the more experienced quarterbacks in Class 4A and we're looking forward to seeing how he runs and manages this offense. He has a really strong arm but he will also have quite a few new targets at the wide receiver position so they will need to develop that chemistry. And Lorah is also a terrific athlete so he can do a lot of things really well. Lorah led an Elgin offense that was one of the best in Class 5A last season. He'll look to do the same thing and even elevate their unit 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>Adam Eaton - 2025 Tight End<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1701962' first='Brody' last='Morrison'] - 2026 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Gabriel Rush - 2025 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Shay Spencer - 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><strong>Aug. 29th - AT Lawton MacArthur<br></strong>- Up until a few months ago, this game wasn't going to take place in the season opener. This was supposed to be a district contest between two top five teams in the 5A preseason rankings. But when Elgin dropped down to 4A in April, these two southwestern teams still wanted to play each other and we have the makings of a fantastic season opener. This game will also take place on a Thursday night of week zero so there's a solid argument that this will be the best game of the night.&nbsp;<br>Sept. 6th - Dallas Hillcrest, TX<br>Sept. 20th - Newcastle<br>Sept. 27th - AT Woodward<br>Oct. 4th - Elk City<br>Oct. 11th - AT Bridge Creek<br><strong>Oct. 17th - Weatherford<br></strong>- Elgin will host Weatherford on a Fall Break Thursday night and this match-up could end up deciding the district championship. These two teams met in non-district play last season and Elgin dominated the Eagles on the road. Now, Elgin finds themselves as one of the favorites in Class 4A and Weatherford is definitely a team to watch with the majority of their starters returning this fall. Both teams have legitimate star power so this game will be one of the top match-ups in week seven.&nbsp;<br>Oct. 25th - AT Douglass<br><strong>Nov. 1st - Clinton<br></strong>- In week nine, the Owls will host traditional power Clinton and there will certainly be playoff implications here. Before Elgin bumped up to 5A for two seasons, these two were district foes and this series was completely one-sided. Clinton absolutely dominated the series with Elgin but this is clearly not the same Elgin team that won one game against Clinton in the previous two decades. The Owls expect to contend for a state title this year. Beating a traditional power will be a major confidence boost.&nbsp;<br>Nov. 8th - AT Cache</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Elgin Owls have high expectations coming into this season. They sit atop the Class 4A preseason rankings and have aspirations of competing for the state championship. If they do that, they'll be reaching not one, but a few different milestones in program history. The Owls have never played in a semifinal game and gotten out of the quarterfinal round. Forget playing for a championship or winning the title, they still haven't made it to the final four. Last year was supposed to be that year for the next step. But they were stunned by Claremore in the quarterfinals at home and came up short of playing for a shot at the title game. But they still made a bit of history last season. The first round win over Piedmont was their first playoff win since 2010. And every record we've found shows that last season was the first 10-win season for the Owls in program history. Now, we don't have complete records so that might not be the case but it's definitely the first one in a long time. Elgin took a step forward last season. Now they want to leap forward and contend for the state championship in December.&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 - 11-1 - Lost In Class 5A Quarterfinals<br>2022 - 8-3 - Lost In Class 5A 1st Round<br>2021 - 4-6 - Missed Playoffs<br>2020 - 0-8 - Lost In Class 4A 1st Round<br>2019 - 4-5 - 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><em><strong>0 State Championships</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->