One of the bigger questions coming into this season was how Metro Christian would replace their star quarterback Kirk Francis from a year ago. But the Patriots would once again prove that they are a quarterback factory as senior Jaxson Grimes Jaxson Grimes 6'2" | 185 lbs | ATH Metro Christian | 2024 State OK has moved into that position and he flourished in their season-opening win over NOAH. Grimes would throw for nearly 400 yards and four touchdowns as he completed 30 of his 54 passes. Grimes is a special athlete and he is going to make sure that the Metro offense doesn’t take a step back this fall. Now, Grimes and the Patriots will get a big test in week two as they play host to 4A’s #2 Poteau, who has a very talented and stingy defense.

The other offensive player that the Patriots have to replace is their star quarterback in Kirk Francis. Stepping into that role is 2024 standout Jaxson Grimes Jaxson Grimes 6'2" | 185 lbs | ATH Metro Christian | 2024 State OK who will bring a little more athleticism to the position. Grimes has been an overall athlete for the Patriots over the last year or so as he could be moved around to different positions and provide a spark, whether it was offense or defense. This year, Grimes is projected to be QB1 for the Patriots and he’s definitely going to bring something different to the Metro Christian offense. And as we mentioned with the other players to watch, the running game could have a lot of success, especially early on this season. Grimes definitely has the athleticism and ability to become a dual-threat QB in this Metro offense.

One of the bigger athletes on this breakdown is Metro Christian 2024 standout Jaxson Grimes Jaxson Grimes 6'2" | 185 lbs | ATH Metro Christian | 2024 State OK . The Metro junior tested incredibly well in just about everything we did on Saturday. He ran good times and showed off how explosive he is in the broad jump. Grimes is currently listed as an athlete but it’s becoming more and more obvious that his natural position at the next level is at wide receiver. Now, moving forward, it’s going to be very interesting to see how Grimes does this fall within the Metro Christian offense. The Patriots lose a lot on the offensive side of the ball and Grimes is one of the lone returning starters and playmakers. That could also open things up for him to have an explosive 2023 campaign.

Just like Nauman, junior Jaxson Grimes Jaxson Grimes 6'2" | 185 lbs | ATH Metro Christian | 2024 State OK was another one of those four Metro players who finished with over 100 yards receiving. On offense, Grimes finished with eight catches for 115 yards. He also turned around and had an impact on defense. He would finish with nine tackles, a forced fumble and a pass breakup. Grimes is going to be an interesting player to watch moving forward. He’s a rare junior on a roster full of seniors, especially in the starting lineup. Grimes is also listed on the roster as a quarterback, wide receiver and linebacker. He’s a good looking athlete but we’re curious to see what he’ll be with the Patriots next season. With Metro losing so much to graduation, will Grimes take over at quarterback and be more of an overall athlete playing the position? Only time will tell there. But on Thursday night, Grimes was an impact player on both sides of the ball.

One of the more important two-way players for Metro Christian this season has been junior wide receiver and defensive back Jaxson Grimes Jaxson Grimes 6'2" | 185 lbs | ATH Metro Christian | 2024 State OK . On offense, Grimes has been one of the many wide receivers that has put up numbers in the pass-heavy Metro Christian offense. On defense, Grimes has also been one of Metro’s best defensive backs and he’s been incredibly productive on that side of the ball as well. We mentioned above with Hodges how Heritage Hall is going to look to run the ball. While that’s true, they are also an offense that takes pride in being balanced. They can throw the ball and have some talented wide receivers that can make plays. When that inevitably happens and they take shots down the field, Grimes will be one of the players that need to make a play to get stops.