Mount St. Mary Rockets OK 2026 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 2026 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>RELATED</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/DK7QaG9aMX0" type="link" id="https://youtu.be/DK7QaG9aMX0">- Mount St. Mary Video Preview With HC J.D. Runnels</a></strong></em></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: #3 In Class 3A</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: J.D. Runnels - 3rd Season - 12-9 Record At Mount St. Mary</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 RESULTS (7-4 Record - Lost In Class 2A-1 1st Round)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 5th - Beat Community Christian 59-14<br>Sept. 11th - Beat OKC Patriots 55-6<br>Sept. 19th - Beat Casady 66-3<br>Sept. 26th - Beat Crooked Oak 47-0<br>Oct. 3rd - Beat Chisholm 62-14<br>Oct. 10th - Beat Perry 53-0<br>Oct. 16th - Lost To Millwood 24-22<br>Oct. 24th - Lost To Jones 50-20<br>Oct. 31st - Beat Blackwell 61-6<br>Nov. 7th - Lost To Oklahoma Christian School 45-6<br>1st Round - Lost To Marlow 49-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2025 Offensive Scoring Average: 41.6 Points Per Game<br>2025 Defensive Scoring Average: 19.2 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We thought that Mount St. Mary could have a breakout season in 2025 and the Rockets backed up all the preseason hype with their performance on the field. The Rockets went 7-4 and earned a playoff spot for the first time since 2016. It was also just their third playoff appearance in the last four decades. They took a big step forward as a program and things are looking really good heading into 2026. But first, let's look back at their successful 2025 campaign. Things couldn't have started better for Mount St. Mary as they began the season 6-0 and were absolutely dominant in all six wins. In fact, the “closest” game during that stretch was a 45-point win over Community Christian in the opener. They tripped up against Millwood in week seven in a game that they probably should have won. And overall, they went 1-3 in the final month after that 6-0 start with additional losses to Jones and Oklahoma Christian School. But the Rockets found their way back to the playoffs with a 7-3 record in the regular season. They met Marlow in the first round and were bounced out of the playoffs as they are still looking for their first playoff win since 1977. But overall, it's hard not to say that the 2025 season wasn't a massive success for the Rockets considering where this program has been over the last decade. They averaged over 40 points per game on offense and came out of the gates swinging. And like we mentioned, there are a lot of reasons to be very optimistic about the Rockets heading into 2026.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mount St. Mary is moving up to Class 3A and you can make the argument that they find themselves in one of the toughest districts in the state, regardless of class. However, the Rockets appear to be ready for the bigger challenge in 2026. For the first time in a long time, Mount St. Mary comes into a season as a top five team in the preseason rankings. But preseason rankings mean nothing if you don't get the job done in the season. The Rockets are looking to be one of the top teams in Class 3A in December. Mount St. Mary comes into this season with the majority of their starters returning on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they bring back nearly everyone on a unit that averaged over 40 points per game. There is a lot of potential for this unit to be one of the top offenses in Class 3A this season. Defensively, they also bring back the majority of their starters. The strength will definitely be on the line of scrimmage. The Rockets might have the best defensive line unit in the state, regardless of class. Now, it's pretty clear if you've followed our coverage on Mount St. Mary over the last 18 months that we're high on the Rockets moving forward. But the preseason rankings and the hype coming into the season means nothing if they can't get the job done when it matters most. On paper, this looks like a team that can truly contend but that would also put this program in a position they've never been before. However, there's always that breakout moment that every program has. The 2026 football season could be exactly that for the Rockets.&nbsp;</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-6a4cf162209e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 running back and defensive standout [player_tooltip player_id='1680267' first='Christian' last='Tschudy'] is a player that got on our radar a little over a year ago. He really impressed us with his ability to carry the ball and he followed that up with a very strong junior season. Tschudy is one of several two-way players to keep an eye on this season. But when we look at Tschudy's overall impact on the Rockets for this season, we're leaning to him being critical on the offensive side of the ball. The MSM offensive line is one that is getting better and better. That's going to open up holes for Tschudy's rushing production to reach new heights this season and he can help the Rockets become a very balanced offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1833388"],"_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-6a4cf16220a50"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned earlier in the preview how Mount St. Mary's defensive line might be one of the better DL units in the state. Don't overlook the other side of the line of scrimmage. 2027 offensive and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1833388' first='Jacob' last='Johnston'] is a newcomer to the Rockets and he has the potential to be a breakout player for them on either side of the line of scrimmage. We got a chance to watch Johnston go to work at our showcase event back in May and he had a good showing. Johnston's strength is off the charts so it's no surprise that his numbers in the weight room are so impressive. He's a player on this roster that has a high upside moving forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1680643"],"_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-6a4cf16220a9a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 tight end and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1680643' first='Jake' last='Allison'] is one of the foundational pieces to this Mount St. Mary turnaround over the last two years. The Rockets have added very valuable pieces but Allison has been here from the beginning and you can't forget about his impact on where this program has come. Offensively, Allison is one of several tight end prospects to look out for this season. He has reliable hands but that's not the only impact he'll have on offense. He'll also take direct snaps in the backfield as a wildcat quarterback. But then he turns around and is a very productive defender at the linebacker position. He could end up being one of their leading tacklers this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913667"],"_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-6a4cf16220ae0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='913667' first='Kade' last='Barton'] is a new face for the Rockets after he moved over from Guthrie this offseason. As a junior with the Blue Jays, Barton earned All State 3rd Team honors after he absolutely terrorized opponents throughout the 2025 season. Barton is a machine coming off the edge and puts constant stress on opposing offenses. We've said the following statement countless times at this point, but just in case you're new here. Barton had the single best individual performance from a defensive player that we watched in person last season when Guthrie beat Altus in overtime. Now, Barton looks to terrorize Class 3A quarterbacks in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>(2025 All State 3rd Team Selection)</strong></em></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-6a4cf16220b20"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 offensive and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1680645' first='Malachi' last='Hardiman'] is the foundational piece for the Rockets on both sides of the line of scrimmage. He's described as “the rock of our team” by MSM coaches and that checks out. Last season, Hardiman helped pave the way for arguably the best offense in program history. He would then turn around and dominate the line of scrimmage from the defensive tackle position. We've watched Hardiman three times in person in the last 18 months. Every single time, he has been absolutely dominant. There are not many holes in his game. He's one of the best two-way lineman prospects in the state, regardless of class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(2025 All State Honorable Mention)</em></strong></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-6a4cf16220b5e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At this time last year, 2027 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1035105' first='Roman' last='Manella'] was preparing for his first season with the Rockets. He moved over to Mount St. Mary after starting for Midwest City during his sophomore season. Manella proceeded to rewrite the record books with the Rockets and emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in Class 2A-1. Now, he's looking to do the same thing in Class 3A with another season of starting experience under his belt. Looking at what's possible for the 2026 season, it wouldn't surprise us if Manella outdoes his production from last year. All of those records Manella set last season could come crashing down for a second straight year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(2025 All State Honorable Mention)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1829105"],"_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-6a4cf16220b9a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another reason why Manella could have an even better senior season is the fact that the majority of his receivers are back this season. 2028 wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1829105' first='Zach' last='Wylie'] wasn't really on our radar around this time last year but that certainly changed after the season he had. Wylie ended up being a breakout star in the Mount St. Mary offense during his sophomore season. He led the team in catches and receiving touchdowns. He was also up there in receiving yards. When we got a chance to watch the Rockets this spring, Wylie was catching everything thrown his way. All signs point to Wylie becoming the unquestioned top receiver in the offense this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1837321"],"_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-6a4cf16220bd9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 wide receiver and defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1837321' first='Zechariah' last='Robinson'] is an alien that should be getting more attention as he prepares for his senior season. Robinson put up some really strong numbers last year and he has the size and overall athletic ability that translates to the next level. Robinson was very productive on offense last season and one of his best games came against eventual state champion Jones. He'll also be a nightmare for offensive lines to deal with as he comes off the edge, opposite of Barton. The three-headed monster of Barton, Hardiman and Robinson is why we think this MSM defensive line has the potential to be one of the best in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>(2025 All State Honorable Mention)</strong></em></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='1839472' first='Airion' last='Bass'] - 2029 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Berkley Loper - 2027 Offensive Lineman<br>Colin Foley - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Donald Sanders III - 2027 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1836819' first='Hero' last='Abraham'] - 2027 Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1831092' first='Hezekiah' last='Bell'] - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1831895' first='Hezekiah' last='Mitchell'] - 2027 Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1720431' first='Jackson' last='Braun'] - 2027 Tight End/Defensive End<br>James Runnels III - 2028 Offensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1829104' first='Ja'Ron' last='Jefferson II'] - 2029 Athlete<br>Jose Herrera - 2027 Offensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1837322' first='Marcus' last='Benavides'] - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Markee Winters - 2027 Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1834749' first='Paul' last='Glorius'] - 2027 Athlete<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1832828' first='Spencer' last='Tedrow'] - 2027 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1834696' first='Tyler' last='Stubblefield'] - 2028 Tight End/Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1720206' first='Zack' last='Pitts'] - 2027 Tight End/Linebacker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aug. 28th - AT Legacy Christian, TX.</strong><br>- The Rockets will kick off the season south in the state of Texas as they face Legacy Christian in week zero. Legacy Christian is based in Frisco and went 6-5 last season. The Rockets are branching out for the first time in a long time. It's been decades since they played an out of state opponent but that will change in 2026.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 4th - [player_tooltip player_id='2136437' first='John' last='Marshall']</strong><br>- The home opener comes in week one as they'll host [player_tooltip player_id='2136437' first='John' last='Marshall']. The Bears will be another new opponent to Mount St. Mary's schedule this season. These two teams haven't played one another since they were district opponents in 2018 and 2019. The Bears were absolutely dominant in both meetings but these programs have gone in opposite directions.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 11th - Jones</strong><br>- The Rockets wrap up non-district play against former district foe Jones in week two. The Longhorns captured the 2A-1 state championship last season and both teams have moved up to Class 3A this season. However, they'll be in different districts. This also kicks off one of the hardest four-game stretches for any team in the state.<br><strong>Sept. 25th - AT Marlow</strong><br>- The district slate opens up with a road game against Marlow in week four and there's no doubt that this is a game that the Rockets have had circled for a while now. Similar to Jones, the Outlaws have also moved up from 2A-1 to Class 3A and this is a rematch of last year's 49-6 loss to Marlow in the first round. This is a huge district opener.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 2nd - Plainview</strong><br>- Following the showdown with Marlow, Mount St. Mary will return home to host Plainview in week five. It's another showdown featuring ranked teams with heavy playoff implications. Plainview is in a similar position to the Rockets where they have a young core that has come up and appear to be ready to take the next step in 2026.<br><strong>Oct. 9th - AT Oklahoma Christian School</strong><br>- The Rockets wrap up this brutal four-game stretch with a road game against Oklahoma Christian School. Just like Jones and Marlow, the Saints are also moving up from 2A-1 and they will remain in Mount St. Mary's district for at least the next two seasons. When they were in 2A-1 the last two years, OCS won both meetings, including last year's 45-6 decision.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 15th - North Rock Creek</strong><br>- The Rockets host North Rock Creek in week seven and this will be the first time these two teams have met on the gridiron since they were district opponents in 2022 and 2023. North Rock Creek won both meetings, including the 46-20 victory in 2023. But both teams certainly look a lot different heading into the 2026 season.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 23rd - McLoud</strong><br>- The Rockets will host McLoud in week eight and it's the first time these two teams have met since they were district opponents from 2020-2023. The Rockets are looking to turn things around in this series. They went 1-3 during that four-year stretch, including a 54-13 loss to the Redskins in their last meeting in 2023.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 30th - AT Kingfisher</strong><br>- Mount St. Mary goes back on the road to face Kingfisher in week nine and with the playoffs right around the corner, both teams are going to have a lot to play for when these two square off. They met every year from 2016-2023 (except the 2020 Covid season) and the Yellowjackets were undefeated against the Rockets.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 6th - AT Purcell</strong><br>- The regular season comes to a close with a week ten road game against Purcell. These two teams haven't played each other in recent memory and the Rockets will be looking to pick up some momentum with the playoffs right around the corner. Considering how tough the district is, the Rockets might still have some work to do here in week ten.&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 third season as head coach at Mount St. Mary and there is no question that he has the Rockets going in the right direction. They aren't far removed from going 2-8 and missing the playoffs in back to back seasons. Now, they enter the 2026 season as a top five team in the preseason rankings, which would seem absurd just a few years ago. But Runnels has brought together a very impressive coaching staff and a roster that has enough talent and firepower to live up to all the preseason hype that we're lofting their way. But when the games kick off in 2026, Mount St. Mary will not be satisfied with just making it back to the playoffs and having another first round exit. They are looking to truly contend for the school's first state championship in program history. If they make the playoffs this season, it will be the first time since 1976 and 1977 that the Rockets made the playoffs in consecutive seasons. And if they win a playoff game, it would be their first playoff win in nearly 50 years. The Rockets have only been to the quarterfinal round and never beyond. This season, they have the talent to contend for the gold ball. But it's easy to say that here in July. They will have to prove it on the field 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>2025 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 2A-1 1st Round<br>2024 - 5-5 - Missed Playoffs<br>2023 - 2-8 - Missed Playoffs<br>2022 - 2-8 - Missed Playoffs<br>2021 - 4-5 - 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><strong><em>0 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->