Ringling Blue Devils 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>Throughout the month of July and now into August, we are publishing 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 Ringling Blue Devils!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Ringling Blue Devils</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #7 In Class A-2</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Tanner Koons - 2nd Season - 8-4 Record At Ringling</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 RESULTS (8-4 Record - Lost In Class A-2 Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 6th - Beat Atoka 20-12<br>Sept. 13th - Lost To Cashion 18-6<br>Sept. 20th - Lost To Dibble 28-27<br>Sept. 27th - Beat Elmore City 52-18<br>Oct. 4th - Beat Velma-Alma 36-22<br>Oct. 11th - Lost To Wilson 20-14<br>Oct. 18th - Beat Healdton 52-8<br>Oct. 24th - Beat Konawa 38-15<br>Nov. 1st - Beat Wayne 38-8<br>Nov. 8th - Beat Rush Springs 36-0<br>1st Round - Beat Mooreland 44-8<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Regent Prep 57-54</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2024 Offensive Scoring Average: 34.8 Points Per Game<br>2024 Defensive Scoring Average: 17.8 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Ringling Blue Devils were ready to get back on the field and find some sort of normalcy after there felt like there was a black cloud over the program during the 2023 season. Tanner Koons was named head coach and the Blue Devils would start a new era of Ringling football. It was a rocky start as they faced a tough non-district schedule. They beat Atoka in the season opener but the Blue Devils lost their next two games to go into district play with a 1-2 record. They beat Elmore City and Velma-Alma but then dropped a close game to Wilson in week six. From there, they rallied to win the next five games to finish off the regular season with a 7-3 record. They extended their playoff streak and won their first round playoff game against Mooreland with ease. That set up a quarterfinal match-up with Regent Prep. And that game was one of the more entertaining and high-scoring games of the quarterfinal round for any class. Ultimately, Ringling came up just short as they lost to the Rams 57-54. The season came to an end at 8-4 and while the Blue Devils expect to be a state title contender almost every season, this was still a step in the right direction. Now, Ringling looks to take the next step in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Blue Devils come into this season as the #7 team in our Class A-2 preseason rankings and they are looking to get back into the top five and truly contend for the state championship. When Class A was split into two divisions, Ringling was one of the teams that we circled to be that consistent contender in Class A-2. This season's team will look pretty different as they have to replace the majority of their starters from last year's squad. Five starters are back on the offensive side of the ball. They'll have a new quarterback but they are very confident with the athleticism and potential production they'll have there. They averaged nearly 35 points per game on offense last season and we think they could get back to that mark again this fall. Defensively, they also bring back five starters. But Ringling has become one of the programs that we just assume will have one of the best defenses in the state, regardless of how many starters they have coming back. Last season, they gave up around 17 points per game and we think they could be there or even lower this fall. The district is going to be a tough one but on paper, Ringling looks like the preseason favorite. And if they capture another district championship, that could put the Blue Devils on the path to contending for the state title. Last year, Woodland was the heavy favorite to win Class A-2 gold but this year, it feels a little more wide open as we get ready to kick off the 2025 football season.&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>Dee Dunn - Linebacker<br>Kysen Fincher - Athlete - All State Honorable Mention<br>Payton Waldie - Running Back/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":["1751651"],"_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-688fa84f19fff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The first of several seniors to watch this season is [player_tooltip player_id='1751651' first='Leelan' last='Johnson'] on the offensive and defensive lines. Johnson brings back a ton of experience and should be able to pave the way on offense and set the tone on defense. Looking at the roster and some of the experienced names Ringling brings back, they could end up being really good on both sides of the line of scrimmage. We specifically like what the Blue Devils bring back on the defensive side of the ball. Johnson has the chance to be a big part of what Ringling does on both sides of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1334944"],"_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-688fa84f1a05c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Looking back at some of our notes from this time last year, senior quarterback and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1334944' first='Rhett' last='Roberts'] was on our radar. At the time, we thought he would have a breakout season on offense as a quarterback but he would actually end up being one of the team's leaders on defense. He was one of the leading tacklers from the linebacker position. This season, we're looking forward to seeing what kind of impact he can have on offense and defense. Roberts definitely will pass the eye test. He's listed at 6'4 and 185 pounds and could end up being one of the top two-way players in Class A-2. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1751652"],"_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-688fa84f1a0a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our final player spotlight is on another senior standout that should find success on both sides of the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='1751652' first='River' last='Edwards'] is listed at running back and linebacker and will join Roberts in the backfield. Ringling has had the reputation over the last decade of having several different players that stand out at running back and then having a relentless defense. Edwards has the potential to be the top guy at the running back position. And then it wouldn't surprise us if Edwards is one of the top producers on the defensive side of the ball from that linebacker position. </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>Cooper Stewart - 2028 Fullback/Linebacker<br>Dempsey Nelson - 2029 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Eli Eubanks - 2028 Running Back/Linebacker<br>Guy Cox - 2027 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Macario Hernandez - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Mark Gardner - 2027 Tight End/Defensive Lineman<br>Nash Lester - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back</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 - Atoka</strong><br>- For the fifth straight year, Ringling will open up the regular season against Atoka. Last season, they opened the year with a 20-12 victory over the Wampus Cats. This non-district series started in 2021 and the Blue Devils are 4-0 in those meetings. Atoka will have a first year head coach this fall.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 12th - Cashion</strong><br>- Before last season, all of the meetings between Cashion and Ringling in recent memory have been in the playoffs. But with the Class A split, they won't see each other in the playoffs anytime soon. They met in the regular season last year and Cashion won 18-6. Both teams are preseason top ten teams.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 19th - AT Dibble</strong><br>- Ringling goes on the road to face Dibble to wrap up non-district play in week three. Prior to last season, these two were district opponents from 2018-2023. Ringling went 5-1 during that stretch but they've lost the last two meetings, including last year's 28-27 setback right before district play began.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 26th - Elmore City</strong><br>- The Blue Devils kick off district play at home against Elmore City in week four. Ringling beat Elmore City 52-18 last season and these two have been district opponents every year since 2016. Ringling lost that 2016 meeting but they've won the last seven in the series and don't plan on slowing down in 2025.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 3rd - AT Velma-Alma</strong><br>- Ringling goes on the road to face Velma-Alma in week five. Last year was the first meeting between these two teams since 2018. Last year was Velma-Alma's first season back in 11-man football after several years of 8-man ball. Ringling beat the Comets 36-22 last season.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 10th - Wilson</strong><br>- The second half of the regular season kicks off with a home game against Wilson in week six. Last season was the first meeting between these two programs since 2015. Wilson knocked off the Blue Devils 20-14 last fall and that was the only blemish on Ringling's district record in 2025.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 16th - AT Healdton</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night, Ringling goes on the road to face Healdton in district play. These two teams have been district foes for years and the series has been completely one-sided. In the last two decades, Ringling is 19-1 with the only loss coming in 2004. They won 52-8 last year.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 24th - AT Konawa</strong><br>- Konawa was a new opponent for the Blue Devils in 2024. Ringling hadn't played Konawa anytime in recent memory. They had no problems in the first meeting as they would roll to a 38-15 victory. Both teams would end up being 8-4 squads that made the quarterfinals and come into this season as top ten teams.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 31st - Wayne</strong><br>- Ringling hosts Wayne on a Halloween Friday night in week nine. Last season, they rolled to a 38-8 victory over Wayne and it was their fifth straight win in the last five meetings since these two became district opponents in 2020. Overall, they have won seven straight against Wayne.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 7th - Rush Springs</strong><br>- The regular season comes to an end with a home game against Rush Springs. This is another series that Ringling has been absolutely dominant over the last two decades. They've been district opponents every year since 2012 and they haven't lost once during that time. Including last year's 36-0 win.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2024, Ringling appeared in the playoffs for the 26th consecutive season. 1998 was the last football season that ended without a playoff appearance for the Blue Devils. The streak of 26 consecutive playoff appearances is one of the longest active streaks among the state's small school programs. Hominy is the only Class A program that has a longer active streak with 27 straight playoff appearances. And the Bucks are in the same boat as Ringling as one of the top teams in Class A-2 heading into this season. The Blue Devils are hungry to not only continue their streak in 2025 but they want to get back to winning major playoff games in November. In the four seasons from 2019-2022, Ringling played for the state championship in two seasons, winning it all in 2019. They also made it to the semifinals in 2020 and the quarterfinals in 2022. The first round loss to Crescent in 2023 was the first time they tripped up in the first round since 2018 and only the third first round exit in nearly two decades. The Blue Devils made it to the quarterfinals last season but they are hungry for more in 2025.&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 - 8-4 - Lost In Class A-1 Quarterfinals<br>2023 - 7-4 - Lost In Class A 1st Round<br>2022 - 12-1 - Lost In Class A Quarterfinals<br>2021 - 14-1 - Class A Runner Ups<br>2020 - 10-1 - Lost In Class A Semifinals</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>5 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2019 - Beat Cashion 20-14<br>2012 - Beat Wynnewood 39-12<br>2003 - Beat Tonkawa 27-20<br>1992 - Beat Velma-Alma 20-12<br>1989 - Beat Empire 31-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->