Mount St. Mary Rockets OK 2025 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 2025 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 Mount St. Mary Rockets!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Mount St. Mary Rockets</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #8 In Class 2A-1</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: J.D. Runnels - 2nd Season - 5-5 Record At Mount St. Mary</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 RESULTS (5-5 Record - Missed Playoffs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 6th - Beat Community Christian 29-21<br>Sept. 13th - Beat OKC Patriots 38-6<br>Sept. 20th - Beat Casady 41-7<br>Sept. 27th - Beat Crooked Oak 63-0<br>Oct. 4th - Lost To Chisholm 52-7<br>Oct. 10th - Lost To Perry 41-7<br>Oct. 17th - Lost To Millwood 42-6<br>Oct. 25th - Lost To Jones 49-7<br>Nov. 1st - Beat Blackwell 48-6<br>Nov. 8th - Lost To Oklahoma Christian School 26-21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2024 Offensive Scoring Average: 26.7 Points Per Game<br>2024 Defensive Scoring Average: 25 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mount St. Mary Rockets entered a new era in 2024 as J.D. Runnels took over as head coach of the MSM program. Runnels inherited a team that had a unique blend of experienced upperclassmen and very talented but inexperienced underclassmen. But the biggest hurdle would be the schedule as the Rockets were going to be competing in the most competitive district in Class 2A-1 and arguably the most competitive in the state. But the Rockets got out to a fast start. In fact, they were 4-0 by the end of September. They took care of Community Christian in a close one during the season opener. And from there, they rattled off three more wins and they won all three by 30+ points. But the calendar flipped to October and the Mount St. Mary record would also flip. They went from 4-0 in September to 0-4 in October with losses to Chisholm, Perry, Millwood and Jones. They snapped that streak with a win over Blackwell but lost to Oklahoma Christian School in a close one during the regular season finale. The season came to an end with a 5-5 record and they came up short on making the playoffs. Despite how October went and despite missing the playoffs, the arrow is still pointing up. All of those inexperienced but talented underclassmen now head into 2025 with experience and the Rockets appear to be ready to soar.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rockets bring back the majority of their starters from last season and they also have a few additions on the roster and in the coaching staff that should make this team even better in 2025. And because of that, the Rockets will go into this season as the #8 team in Class 2A-1 and like we said, the arrow is pointing up and we're buying stock early. Offensively, Mount St. Mary brings back seven starters from last year's team. The quarterback will be new but he does have starting experience elsewhere. The offensive line has some monsters ready to emerge and they have quite a bit players ready to produce at a high level in the skill department. Six starters are back on the defensive side of the ball and when we caught them in the spring, we couldn't help but notice the standouts they had in the front seven. It's going to be difficult for opponents to drive on this team. Last season, the offense averaged a little over 25 points per game and the defense gave up exactly 25 points per game. We think that both sides will improve significantly in 2025. Now they have to prove it on the field and the schedule will once again be challenging. The Rockets should get out to a fast start in September but it's going to be all about what they do in October. They can't afford to go winless in October again and they will be facing some of the best competition in 2A-1 during that stretch. If the Rockets are going to take that next step and become a playoff threat and even more, those are games that you have to compete in and win. But we think the Rockets are a playoff team and they could even elevate to being a 2A-1 darkhorse.&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>Isaiah Gray - Linebacker<br>Jailan Colbert - Running Back<br>John Allison - Tight End/Linebacker</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":["1680267"],"_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-687e59176ba67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned this earlier in the offseason, but just in case you're new, junior [player_tooltip player_id='1680267' first='Christian' last='Tschudy'] was one of the more impressive running backs that we watched in the spring. The running back and defensive end was incredibly productive during their team camp and he was equally as impressive on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he was a very patient runner that has the strength to bulldoze opponents but the patience to wait for his hole to open and accelerate through it. Defensively, he used that same acceleration and overall athleticism to cause havoc coming off the edge on the line of scrimmage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1513491"],"_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-687e59176bad8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1513491' first='Jefferson' last='Hodge'] is making the move from quarterback to wide receiver and we are really looking forward to see how that looks within the Rocket offense. Hodge was solid last fall but the Rockets got a new addition at QB and Hodge can be valuable as an overall playmaker at wide receiver. We got the first glance of what that could look like this spring and he definitely passed the eye test there. Now, this is something that we've seen in the past where a QB moves to WR and actually becomes the top target or close to it that season. It wouldn't surprise us if that's what Hodge did this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1680645"],"_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-687e59176bb25"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Earlier in the preview we mentioned that Mount St. Mary had some monsters emerging on the offensive line. Here you go. The conversation starts with [player_tooltip player_id='1680645' first='Malachi' last='Hardiman'] and that goes for both offense and defense. Hardiman has the potential to be one of the top two-way linemen in Class 2A-1 this season. He checks a lot of boxes both from a physicality standpoint and his abilities. Just like with the rest of the team, he has to prove it on the field but we're just saying that the ceiling is high. He had a really good spring and that momentum has continued into the summer. We'll see if it carries over to the fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1035105"],"_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-687e59176bb67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1035105' first='Roman' last='Manella'] moves over from Midwest City, where he started for the Bombers as a sophomore. Manella brings a style where he can carve defenses up with his arm but he can do it from a variety of positions. He can sit back in the pocket and make plays but he almost excels when he's on the run and moving around. The accuracy isn't impacted and that's one of the more impressive traits that he brings to the table. Manella is a player that we think will provide an instant impact to the Mount St. Mary offense this year and produce at a very high level in his first season with the Rockets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1720206"],"_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-687e59176bba8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Yet another junior to watch this season, tight end and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1720206' first='Zack' last='Pitts'] is one of several players that will play with that position combo that you need to know about. Earlier this offseason, Pitts picked up his first offer from a D1 program and just like the team, his stock is going up and it appears that he's just scratching the surface on what he can be as a prospect. From an athleticism standpoint, he's off the charts. Now, he's starting to put the other tools together and becoming an even more complete prospect. We're looking forward to seeing what kind of production he has this fall. </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='425505' first='Caden' last='Boulware'] - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Donald Sanders - 2027 Tight End/Linebacker<br>Gabe Ward - 2026 Wide Receiver<br>Hezekiah Bell - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1720431' first='Jackson' last='Braun'] - 2027 Tight End/Defensive End<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1680643' first='Jake' last='Allison'] - 2027 Tight End/Defensive End<br>James Runnels III - 2028 Offensive Lineman<br>Jayden Jessie - 2026 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Marcus Benavides - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Max Chavesz - 2026 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Rezzell Winters - 2026 Defensive Back<br>Spencer Tedrow - 2027 Running Back/Linebacker<br>Wyatt Banta - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Zac Wylie - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Zechariah Robinson - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive End</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 SCHEDULE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sept. 5th - AT Community Christian</strong><br>- For the second straight year, Mount St. Mary will open up the regular season against Community Christian. Last season, they opened the 2024 season with a 29-21 victory over the Royals. This year, they'll make the short trip south to face Community Christian, looking for a 1-0 start.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 11th - AT OKC Patriots</strong><br>- It'll be a short week in week two as the Rockets go back on the road to face off with the OKC Patriots. Last year, MSM rolled to a 38-6 victory in the first meeting between these two in over a decade. For those unfamiliar, the Patriots are the OKC-area home school football team.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 19th - Casady</strong><br>- Mount St. Mary has their home opener in week three as they host Casady in the non-district finale. Last season was the first meeting between these two teams and the Rockets rolled to a 41-7 victory over a Casady team that was in their first season as an official OSSAA member.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 26th - AT Crooked Oak</strong><br>- It's back to the road for Mount St. Mary in week four as district play begins with a road game against Crooked Oak. The Ruf Nex struggled last season and it opened the door for the Rockets to get their largest win of the 2024 season, a 63-0 win and they'll be looking to get district play off to a strong start.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 3rd - Chisholm</strong><br>- In 2024, the month of October was tough for Mount St. Mary. So when the Rockets host Chisholm in week five, they will be hungry to get a win and keep momentum going. Last season, they lost to the Longhorns 52-7. But Chisholm could look different with a first year head coach this fall.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 10th - AT Perry</strong><br>- The Rockets hit the road to kick off the second half of the regular season when they face Perry in week six. Mount St. Mary lost to the Maroons 41-7 last season. It was the first meeting between these two teams in 15 years. To compete in district, this is another game you have to win.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 16th - Millwood</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night, Mount St. Mary will welcome in Millwood and here's a game that will show us just how serious the Rockets are in the 2A-1 race. The Falcons have been the dominant team in this district for a few years. They beat MSM 42-6 last season but they also have a lot of new faces.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 24th - AT Jones</strong><br>- Right after playing Millwood, the schedule doesn't get easier as they hit the road to face Jones. The Longhorns are coming into this season as a top five team in the class and on paper, they look like the favorite to win this district. They beat MSM 49-7 last year in the first meeting in over a decade.<br><strong>Oct. 31st - Blackwell</strong><br>- On a Halloween Friday night, Mount St. Mary will host Blackwell and after facing Millwood and Jones in back to back weeks, this is an opportunity to reset and get some momentum heading towards November. Last year, the Rockets rolled to a 48-6 victory in their first meeting with Blackwell since 2019.<br><strong>Nov. 6th - Oklahoma Christian School</strong><br>- The Rockets will wrap up the regular season at home in a game against Oklahoma Christian School. Last season, Mount St. Mary lost 26-21 in the first meeting between these two schools in nearly a decade. Both teams here expect to be playoff teams and the result here could make or break playoff chances.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach J.D. Runnels is going into his second season as head coach at Mount St. Mary and he has the Rockets trending in the right direction. The former Carl Albert Titan and Oklahoma Sooner has built a very impressive coaching staff and the talent on the Mount St. Mary roster is one that you have to start taking very seriously. It's been a while since the Rockets were a consistent presence in the playoff picture but you have to start somewhere when you're turning around a program and that's what we could be looking at right now. The Rockets last made the playoffs in 2020 but that was the Covid season where every team in the state made the playoffs. Had that not been the case, their last playoff appearance would have been 2016. That's the only legitimate playoff appearance for the Rockets in the last 35 years. And it's been nearly 50 years since their last playoff win. But Runnels, the coaching staff and the players are not worrying about history and focused on turning this team and program into a consistent winner in Class 2A-1.&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>2024 - 5-5 - Missed Playoffs<br>2023 - 2-8 - Missed Playoffs<br>2022 - 2-8 - Missed Playoffs<br>2021 - 4-5 - Missed Playoffs<br>2020 - 4-4 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round</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 -->