North Rock Creek Cougars 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 North Rock Creek Cougars!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>North Rock Creek Cougars </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #10 In Class 3A<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: UR In Class 3A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Head Coach: Jason Murray - 8th Season - 12-28 Record At North Rock Creek</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (5-6 Record - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 1st - Beat Little Axe 21-0<br>Sept. 8th - Lost To Prague 34-26<br>Sept. 15th - Lost To Holdenville 34-15<br>Sept. 22nd - Lost To McLoud 21-16<br>Sept. 29th - Beat Mannford 24-2<br>Oct. 6th - Beat Mount Saint Mary 46-20<br>Oct. 12th - Beat Anadarko 48-20<br>Oct. 20th - Lost To Perkins-Tryon 43-7<br>Oct. 27th - Beat Kingfisher 12-10<br>Nov. 3rd - Lost To Metro Christian 40-7<br>1st Round - Lost To Heritage Hall 55-13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 21.4 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 25.4 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The North Rock Creek Cougars made history in 2023. After opening their doors as a school in 2019, they played their first football season the following year and then officially joined the OSSAA in 2022. In just their fourth season of playing football, the Cougars would punch their ticket to the playoffs. Despite the 5-6 record, it was a season to remember for North Rock Creek. However, the Cougars struggled to start the year, going 1-3 with tough losses to Prague and McLoud. But they would win three straight and four out of the next five to punch their ticket to the playoffs. That included big wins over Anadarko and then late in the season against Kingfisher. Despite a week ten loss to Metro Christian, the Cougars were playoff bound and would go into the postseason as the four seed. That four seed would mean they had to go on the road to face 2022 state champion Heritage Hall in the first round. And the Chargers showed why they have been one of the best 3A teams over the last decade. The season came to an end with a 55-13 loss to the Chargers and a 5-6 record. But nevertheless, there is no doubt that North Rock Creek had a season to remember. They had the most wins in their short program history and would make the playoffs for the first time ever. And it's hard to not be excited about the future with what they can build on. They have momentum and the majority of their starters return for another run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Rock Creek comes into this season as a top ten team in our Class 3A preseason rankings and the Cougars appear to be ready to take that next step in 2024. Eight starters are back on the offensive side of the ball and we really like some of the players they bring back at the skill positions. They have some terrific prospects returning on the offensive side of the ball so they should be among the better units in Class 3A. The conversation starts with the running back position as they might have one of the best, if not the best running back in Class 3A this season and there are some talented guys in this class. The defense also brings back eight starters and a lot of the players we like on offense, including that defense, will double as starters for the defensive side of the ball. This is a defense that could be one of the more underrated units in Class 3A. If both sides of the ball improve from last season, we could see North Rock Creek taking that next step this season. The Cougars will lean on that experience coming back this fall to jump out to a fast start. If they can avoid a slow start like last fall's 1-4 start, they should have a ton of momentum heading into district play. And the Cougars are well aware that the district is going to throw quite a few challenges their way. Two of the top three teams in our 3A preseason rankings are in their district. The first half of the schedule is definitely the tougher part of the slate but the Cougars have the talent and experience to hang with some of those heavy hitters.</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>Calvin Bray - Linebacker<br>Drew Ritter - Offensive/Defensive 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":["593641"],"_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-66a25a0da628b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned earlier how North Rock Creek might have the best running back in Class 3A and senior [player_tooltip player_id='593641' first='Caleb' last='Hawkins'] is that dude. Last season, he ran for nearly 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also added nearly 300 yards receiving and five touchdowns. On defense, he had 75 tackles in the secondary and five interceptions. And finally, he took back multiple kicks for touchdowns. Hawkins was one of the best athletes in the state last season and that's why he earned All State honors following an outstanding junior season. Hawkins is one of the more underrated prospects in the state's 2025 class and hopefully he continues to open some eyes this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["570966"],"_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-66a25a0da62fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another two-way player from this senior class to watch is [player_tooltip player_id='570966' first='Jordan' last='Mcclain Jr'] at the tight end and defensive end position. Last season, Mcclain emerged as a safety blanket for the passing game at tight end. He would finish the season third on the team in receiving with over 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns. But it was defensively that Mcclain really provided an impact. He was among the team leaders in tackles, finishing the year with over 70 on the season. The Cougars have several two-way players to watch this season and Mcclain might be a guy that's flying under the radar right now. He shouldn't be and we are looking forward to seeing his production this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1288792"],"_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-66a25a0da634e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">North Rock Creek junior [player_tooltip player_id='1288792' first='Memphis' last='Burdine'] is a 2026 prospect that we are very intrigued by after watching him in person back in the spring. Granted, it was a limited sample but he still impressed us immediately and consistently. Burdine is listed as a quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back. Simply put, he's going to be one of the best athletes on the field, every time he steps on the field. Last season, he emerged as a ball hawk on the defense, finishing the year with three interceptions. On offense, Burdine was a standout wide receiver. But he's right there with Hawkins among the best athletes on this offense so North Rock Creek will get creative with keeping him involved. </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>Austin Nickles - 2025 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Blaine Robison - 2025 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1177925' first='Brodie' last='Grace'] - 2027 Running Back/Linebacker<br>Case Cossey - 2026 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>CJ Stephens - 2026 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Cooper Ford - 2027 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Kashion Christopher - 2027 Running Back/Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1184832' first='Tyson' last='Hawkins'] - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back</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 - Marlow<br></strong>- Let's face it, the season opener is usually a date you have to circle on the calendar and excitement continues to build around this program. So when North Rock Creek opens the 2024 season against Marlow, it'll be a big event for the Cougars. Marlow is one of the top teams in Class 2A-1 this season. North Rock Creek wants to become a perennial playoff team and much more this season. This season opener against Marlow will definitely fall under the “measuring stick game” category. <br>Sept. 13th - Prague<br>Sept. 20th - AT Holdenville<br><strong>Sept. 27th - AT Heritage Hall<br></strong>- District play opens up in week four and it doesn't get much tougher than this one. The Cougars will hit the road to face Heritage Hall in a rematch of last year's first round match-up. The Chargers had their way in that one but this year's Heritage Hall team is different after the graduation of one of the best players in the state. But let's face it, the Chargers have been one of the best teams in Class 3A and it doesn't matter who's on the roster, they'll still be one of the top teams in the class this fall. <br>Oct. 4th - Star Spencer<br><strong>Oct. 11th - AT Pauls Valley<br></strong>- In week six, North Rock Creek will go back on the road to face one of the top teams in the district and in Class 3A this season. They face a Pauls Valley team that has a lot in common with North Rock Creek this year. Both teams are looking to take that next step as a program and become real contenders in the class. And both teams also will be led by a running back that is among the best in the state. There is no doubt that the outcome of this game will have playoff implications. <br>Oct. 18th - Purcell<br>Oct. 25th - Kingfisher<br>Nov. 1st - AT Plainview<br>Nov. 8th - AT Anadarko</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For North Rock Creek, the 2023 season was that first big step as a football program. This is a brand new school (opening in 2019) within the state and they just began playing the sport in 2020. In their first two seasons, they were not members of the OSSAA and officially joined in 2022. They went 3-7 and missed the playoffs in their first season as an OSSAA member and then went 5-6 with a playoff appearance last season. First you crawl, then you walk, then you run. It looks like the Cougars have gotten the first two checked off. With the majority of their starters coming back and momentum off last year's finish, this is a team that looks like they are ready for their first ever winning season and another playoff appearance. And once they get there, maybe the school's first ever playoff win could be in the cards for this talented team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LAST FOUR SEASONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 - 5-6 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round<br>2022 - 3-7 - Missed Playoffs<br>2021 - 3-5 - Non-OSSAA Member<br>2020 - 0-7 - Non-OSSAA Member</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>0 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->