Muskogee Roughers 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 reigning Class 6A-2 state champion Muskogee Roughers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Muskogee Roughers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #1 In Class 6A-2<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #1 In Class 6A-2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coach: Travis Hill - 4th Season - 23-12 Record At Muskogee</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (11-2 Record - Class 6A-2 State Champions)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 25 - Beat Enid 49-27<br>Sept. 1 - Beat Putnam City 57-0<br>Sept. 8 - Lost To Carl Albert 43-20<br>Sept. 22 - Beat Sand Springs 51-13<br>Sept. 29 - Beat Putnam City West 69-0<br>Oct. 6 - Beat U.S. Grant 72-0<br>Oct. 13 - Beat Tahlequah 67-0<br>Oct. 19 - Beat Booker T Washington 63-20<br>Oct. 27 - Beat Bartlesville 30-27<br>Nov. 3 - Lost To Stillwater 30-20<br>Quarterfinals - Beat Ponca City 34-10<br>Semifinals - Beat Deer Creek 36-35<br>Championship - Beat Stillwater 28-26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 45.8 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 17.8 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Muskogee Roughers were building towards the 2023 season and it ended with a climb back to the mountain top in Oklahoma high school football. For the first time in nearly four decades, the Roughers were state champions. The expectations were high for Muskogee coming into the 2023 season and they lived up to them. After going winless in 2020, 2-8 in 2021, they were 10-2 in 2022 and came into last season as our preseason #1 team. The Roughers would stumble in a #1 VS #1 clash with Carl Albert in week two. In week ten, they fell on the road to Stillwater with the district championship on the line. But the Roughers would bounce back and survive a semifinal classic with Deer Creek to punch their ticket to the state championship game. They would face Stillwater for the second time in a month but this time the state title was on the line. The Roughers would be led by their star quarterback and for the second straight week, they needed a stop on a two-point conversion in the final seconds to clinch the win. And as we mentioned at the top, you could see Muskogee was climbing. Now they are on top and everyone is chasing them to take the 6A-2 crown. For the second straight season, Muskogee comes into the year as the preseason number one team in the Class 6A-2 rankings. As defending champion, the Roughers are expecting to get everyone's best shot, week after week. It will be very fun to watch the Roughers in 2024 as they look to defend that 6A-2 crown.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Muskogee had been building towards what we saw in 2023. They had multiple players on both sides of the ball that were two and three-year starters. And graduation hit the Roughers hard with a special 2024 class. They only bring back five starters on the offensive side of the ball but they are definitely confident about that side of the ball considering they bring back a guy who will be a four-year starter at quarterback. And last season, he was without a doubt one of the best overall players in the state. So despite having to replace the majority of starters on offense, we really like what they have on offense with the quarterback returning and they also got the addition of one of the top running backs in the state's 2025 class. On defense, it will be more of a rebuild as the Roughers only bring back three starters on that side of the ball. But Muskogee's coaches are confident with the guys that are coming up and will be stepping into new roles this season. The Roughers have talent on defense but at this point, it's inexperienced right now. However, these are still players that watched the previous two senior classes build the foundation to what Muskogee has become now. Another thing that helps Muskogee and those young players is the schedule. The Roughers are the favorites to win the district and two of the other top three teams in the class are in the other district. The Roughers will win a lot of games in 2024 and those young guys will be able to grow as players as Muskogee prepares for the playoffs and making a run at another state championship.&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>Anthony Watson - Tight End/Defensive End<br>Jayden Swanson - Defensive Back<br>Kayden McGee - Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Teyon Brewer - Defensive Lineman<br>Wesley Harvey - Offensive Lineman</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":["211556"],"_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-6681e9150f182"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='211556' first='Jamarian' last='Ficklin'] is going into this fall as one of the very best players in the state of Oklahoma. Ficklin was one of the ten finalists for PRZ-Oklahoma Player Of The Year and had a terrific junior season while leading the Roughers to a state championship. This fall, as long as Ficklin stays healthy, he will eclipse 10,000 passing yards for his career and 100 passing touchdowns. He's going into his fourth season as QB1 of the Roughers and his growth from his freshman season to what he is now is outstanding. His ceiling as a quarterback is incredibly high and we're looking forward to seeing what else he adds to his game this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["479391"],"_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-6681e9150f1f8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While Ficklin was Muskogee's leading rusher, it was running back [player_tooltip player_id='479391' first='Latavion' last='Johnson'] that emerged as the top option as a running back. As a junior, Johnson would be second on the team in rushing and he also finished the year with 14 touchdowns on the season. This year, Johnson returns but he has even more firepower joining him in the backfield. So we won't be surprised if the Roughers get creative with how they use Johnson on the offensive side of the ball. He's a terrific athlete and proved last season that he can produce at a high level. So whether it's at running back or somewhere else, we think he'll be an impact player again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1187309"],"_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-6681e9150f256"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Roughers will have to reload on the offensive line but they will benefit from the return of [player_tooltip player_id='1187309' first='Miguel' last='Chavez'] along the line of scrimmage. Prior to last season, Chavez was somewhat of an unknown but during the season, it didn't take long for him to gain attention from college coaches and his recruitment took off. Chavez has emerged as one of the more intriguing offensive lineman prospects in a loaded 2025 class in the state. We got a chance to see the Roughers back in May at team camp and Chavez was absolutely dominant. And he was going one on one with one of the top defensive ends in the state and he was winning the battles more times than not. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["598826"],"_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-6681e9150f2b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='598826' first='Ondraye' last='Beasley'] emerged as one of Muskogee's most versatile players on the offensive side of the ball last season. Beasley was another weapon that Muskogee could use in the run game but his top priority was as a wide receiver. Overall, Beasley would combine for over 1,000 yards of total offense and was Muskogee's second-leading receiver. With Muskogee losing McGee to graduation, the Roughers need a new player to step into the number one receiver role. It's safe to say that Beasley has a good chance to be just that this season. But don't forget that he provides the Roughers with a unique offensive talent at multiple positions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["515901"],"_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-6681e9150f309"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned earlier how the Roughers were adding another weapon to the offense and senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='515901' first='PJ' last='Wallace'] is that guy. He'll join Johnson in the backfield this season and he provides the Roughers with a running back that knows how to make big plays. Wallace was a star for Bartlesville over the last two seasons and now he's looking to elevate his game and get an opportunity to play at the next level. Wallace is a terrific playmaker and we got our first look at Wallace wearing the Muskogee green back in May and he already looked ready to go. Wallace and Johnson will be one of the best running back tandems in the state and both will take pressure off Ficklin. </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='1097272' first='Anthony' last='White'] - 2025 Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1097273' first='Coda' last='Barnoski'] - 2026 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1570987' first='EJ' last='James'] - 2025 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1136250' first='Gervon' last='Washington'] - 2025 Tight End<br>J'Lyn Burns - 2025 Offensive Lineman<br>Michael Puckett - 2025 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>O'Shea Stevenson - 2025 Offensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='716513' first='Payton' last='Lang'] - 2027 Quarterback/Athlete<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1097271' first='Timothy' last='Moore'] - 2025 Linebacker</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. 30th - Booker T Washington<br></strong>- The season opener is always a game to circle on the calendar and with the Roughers coming into the season as defending champs, we know the Muskogee community will come out to celebrate a new season. And this year's season opener is a former district foe. Booker T Washington comes to town and they will be in a similar position that Muskogee was in when their rebuild started. The Hornets have a first year head coach but a lot of talent to watch. <br>Sept. 6th - AT Rogers, AR.<br><strong>Sept. 13th - Bentonville West, AR.<br></strong>- The Roughers will wrap up non-district play in week two against their second consecutive Arkansas team. After traveling to Rogers in week one, Muskogee will host Bentonville West. These two teams were non-district opponents in 2020 and 2021 and Bentonville West would win both match-ups. The Roughers will look to finish off non-district play with a win before taking a week off. And when week four rolls around, the games start counting for real for the defending champs. <br>Sept. 27th - Ponca City<br>Oct. 4th - AT Putnam City West<br>Oct. 11th - Bartlesville<br>Oct. 17th - AT Capitol Hill<br><strong>Oct. 25th - AT Sand Springs<br></strong>- Muskogee comes into this season as the favorite to win the district. But the toughest district contest could come in week eight and it's on the road against Sand Springs. The Sandites have a lot of experience returning on both sides of the ball. Whether it's Sand Springs, Bartlesville or new 6A-2 member Sapulpa, the Roughers don't have a clear path to the district championship. But it wouldn't surprise us if a win here either locks up or gets them closer to locking up the district crown. <br>Nov. 1st - Sapulpa<br>Nov. 8th - AT Putnam City North</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When you win a state championship, the postseason accolades usually follow. And that was the case for the Roughers back in December after they captured that elusive gold ball. First up was the star quarterback. [player_tooltip player_id='211556' first='Jamarian' last='Ficklin'] was named one of our ten finalists for Prep Redzone Oklahoma Player Of The Year. He was one of three juniors to be named a finalist and you can certainly make the argument that he is going to be the favorite for that award as we head into the 2024 season. He wasn't the only one receiving postseason praise. Head coach Travis Hill was the recipient of our Prep Redzone Oklahoma Coach Of The Year award. Hill has long been considered one of the best coaches in Oklahoma and the job that he's done at Muskogee over the last three years has been very fun to watch. From 2-8 in 2021 to state champions in 2023. It didn't happen overnight but it was a steady rise and both Hill and Ficklin are back for more 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 - 11-2 - Class 6A-2 State Champions <br>2022 - 10-2 - Lost In Class 6A-2 Semifinals<br>2021 - 2-8 - Missed The Playoffs<br>2020 - 0-7 - Lost In Class 6A-2 1st Round<br>2019 - 8-3 - Lost In Class 6A-2 Quarterfinals</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>10 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 - Beat Stillwater 28-26<br>1986 - Beat Booker T Washington 14-12<br>1950 - Beat Capitol Hill 19-14<br>1948 - Beat Chickasha 27-6<br>1941 (No Official State Playoffs)<br>1940 (No Official State Playoffs)<br>1935 (No Official State Playoffs)<br>1925 (No Official State Playoffs)<br>1923 (No Official State Playoffs)<br>1910 (No Official State Playoffs)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->