Sand Springs Sandites 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 Sand Springs Sandites!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Sand Springs Sandites</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking:&nbsp;#4 In Class 6A-2<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking:&nbsp;#4 In Class 6A-2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Head Coach: Bobby Klinck - 5th Season - 30-18 Record At Sand Springs</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (8-4 Record - Lost In 6A-2 Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 25 - Beat Sapulpa 64-54<br>Sept. 8 - Lost To Bixby 61-7<br>Sept. 15 - Beat Ponca City 27-14<br>Sept. 22 - Lost To Muskogee 51-13<br>Sept. 29 - Beat Tahlequah 41-7<br>Oct. 5 - Lost To Stillwater 35-18<br>Oct. 12 - Beat Putnam City West 39-14<br>Oct. 19 - Beat Bartlesville 20-17 (OT)<br>Oct. 27 - Beat Booker T Washington 24-14<br>Nov. 2 - Beat U.S. Grant 56-0<br>1st Round - Beat Lawton 56-24<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Choctaw 45-15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 31.7 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 28 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Sand Springs Sandites had another successful season in 2023 and they are getting hungrier for a deeper run in the playoffs with the 2024 season right around the corner. Last fall, the Sandites would battle through a roller coaster of the first half of the season. They were 3-3 at one point, with their three losses coming to Bixby, Muskogee and Stillwater and they were happening every other week. The schedule was brutal and while it was tough to get any kind of momentum going, they were also battle-tested for the last month of the season. Sand Springs would go 4-0 to close out the regular season and were 7-3, finishing third in the district. They beat up on Lawton in the first round before falling to Choctaw in the quarterfinals. The Sandites had several young players on both sides of the ball and those players went through plenty of growing pains. But that should help them as they head into a new season. The Sand Springs offense was lights out last season, averaging over 30 points per game and they were led by a running game that was one of the best in the class. We knew they would be really good but they also had a breakout star at the running back position. Now, they turn their attention to the 2024 season and while the schedule is still going to be brutal, they will be ready for the challenge.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Bobby Klinck has made it very clear that he is going to challenge his team in the non-district schedule with some of the top competition in the state. This year is no different as they'll face two top five teams in Class 6A-1, including a Bixby program that is the king of Oklahoma HS football right now. Klinck is going into his fifth season as head coach of the Sandites and he has turned them into a consistent winner. They've had a winning season each season and appear to be ready to take that next step. The Sandites will be led by an offense that returns five starters. And the conversation will begin with the quarterback and the running back. The quarterback will be going into his third season as the starter and the running back was their breakout star from last season. The defense will also bring back five starters and have a good mix of experience and talented newcomers. If the Sandites can weather the storm in the first few weeks, they will have a really good shot when district play rolls around. On paper, the Sandites look like the second best team in the district and they have a legitimate shot to take the top spot this season. This should be a fun team to watch throughout the 2024 season and we're looking forward to seeing whether or not the Sandites can take that next step as a 6A-2 contender.&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>Gatlin Gunn - Defensive Back<br>Kenneth Page - Running Back<br>Mason Harris - 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":["1304614"],"_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-668c718e5a282"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When you look at the defensive side of the ball, junior defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1304614' first='Alex' last='Dudley'] has the potential to be the top guy on that side of the ball. His production from last season is an indicator that he's ready to take that next step and lead this defense this fall. Dudley is the team's leading returning tackler after he finished last season with nearly 70 tackles on the season. Dudley also came up big in the secondary while defending the pass. He had a handful of interceptions and was one of the team's leaders in pass breakups. And don't overlook what Dudley can do in special teams this season. He blocked multiple kicks last season for the Sandites.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["992746"],"_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-668c718e5a2f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Running back [player_tooltip player_id='992746' first='Ali' last='McCoy'] was the breakout star in this Sandite offense last season. We knew they would have a strong running game with Page returning but McCoy gave Sand Springs another weapon on the offensive side of the ball. McCoy would finish his junior season with just over 100 carries and he had over 800 yards and ten touchdowns. Fast forward to this season and now McCoy is the top guy in the backfield. Despite McCoy being a breakout player last fall, Page was still the top back. Now, it's McCoy's turn to carry the load of the Sandite running game. We're looking forward to seeing his production this fall as one of the top running backs in 6A-2.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1159462"],"_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-668c718e5a33a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1159462' first='Caleb' last='Goodman'] enjoyed a breakout season last fall. He was not on our radar prior to the 2023 season and quickly hopped on it after leading the Sandites in receiving. Having Goodman returning this fall will give the Sandites a weapon at the wide receiver position. Goodman led the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns last fall. The Sandite standout finished the year with a little over 40 receptions for over 600 yards. He was by far the leading receiver on the team and is looking to expand that production this season. With Goodman back as well as QB1 of the Sandites, look for them to be a great 1-2 punch this fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["449993"],"_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-668c718e5a37a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='449993' first='Easton' last='Webb'] is going to be one of the more experienced quarterbacks in 6A-2 this season. Despite only now being a junior, Webb will be a three-year starter for the Sandites this season and has definitely been thrown in the fire over the last two seasons. He's battled through growing pains and will look to have a massive junior season in the passing game. And with Goodman returning at wide receiver, and McCoy in the backfield with Webb, this Sandite offense could take a major step forward. Sand Springs will lean on Webb as a leader for some of the younger and inexperienced guys that they need to step up this 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>Ayden Wadley - 2025 Tight End/Defensive End<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1530080' first='Dom' last='Forbes'] - 2027 Wide Receiver<br>Hayden Bristow - 2025 Offensive Lineman<br>Hudson Shepherd - 2026 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1297670' first='Tristian' last='Birmingham'] - 2027 Wide Receiver<br>Waylon Jeffers - 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>Sept. 6th - AT Bixby<br>Sept. 13th - Owasso<br><strong>Sept. 20th - AT Bishop Kelley<br></strong>- In week three, Sand Springs will wrap up noon-district play on the road against Bishop Kelley. As we mentioned earlier in the preview, the Sandites aren't shying away from competition with their first two games so they could have a few battle scars following the first two weeks against 6A-1 powers Bixby and Owasso. But this is a game where the Sandites can really pick up some momentum before heading into district play. These two met in non-district play in 2020 and 2021, splitting the series.<br>Sept. 27th - Bartlesville<br>Oct. 4th - AT Capitol Hill<br>Oct. 11th - Ponca City<br>Oct. 17th - AT Putnam City West<br><strong>Oct. 25th - Muskogee<br></strong>- The Sandites will roll into week eight looking to get the state's attention against the defending champs. Sand Springs will host reigning 6A-2 state champion Muskogee and if the Sandites stun the Roughers, they'll be in a good position for the district championship. After Sand Springs beat Muskogee in 2020 and 2021, they dropped the last two meetings with the Roughers. Right now, Muskogee is on top of the 6A-2 mountaintop. The Sandites aspire to take that spot this season.&nbsp;<br>Nov. 1st - AT Putnam City North<br><strong>Nov. 8th - AT Sapulpa<br></strong>- After squaring off in the season opener in each of the last four seasons, the Highway 97 rivalry shifts to the end of the regular season as Sapulpa has moved back up to 6A-2 for at least this season and next. Highway 97 has been owned by the Sandites over the last decade. They've won eight in a row in the series but over the last few years, these two have played very entertaining and high-scoring games. No better example of that than last year's 63-53 Sandite victory in week zero.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The split in Class 6A a decade ago opened the door for Sand Springs to become a more consistent winner in the playoffs. The Sandites have taken full advantage of being in Class 6A-2 over the last ten seasons. They've made the playoffs in eight of the ten seasons since the Class 6A split. The Sandites were making trips to the playoffs before when 6A was a 32-team class but they were dropping out in the first round. In those eight trips to the playoffs, the Sandites have won at least one playoff game in all but one trip. In the last ten seasons, the Sandites have won eight playoff games. Prior to that, in the 32-team Class 6A, the Sandites had won just two playoff games in nearly two decades. They made a run to the 1997 semifinals but they went 0-6 in every other 6A playoff appearance. Now, the Sandites look to take the next step of winning and make it to the championship game 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 - 8-4 - Lost In Class 6A-2 Quarterfinals<br>2022 - 7-5 - Lost In Class 6A-2 Quarterfinals<br>2021 - 8-4 - Lost In Class 6A-2 Semifinals <br>2020 - 7-5 - Lost In Class 6A-2 Quarterfinals<br>2019 - 2-8 - 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>1 State Championship</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1966 - Beat El Reno 14-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->