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Oklahoma OSSAA Playoffs Kick Off: Norman Tops 6A Bracket in First Round
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Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 23rd 2025 at 22:12 GMT by Sporting News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Oklahoma High‑School Football: OSSAA Playoffs Get Under Way – Week One Unfolds
The 2024 Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) playoffs have officially kicked off, and the first week of competition is shaping up to be a high‑stakes, high‑energy showcase of the state’s best high‑school football talent. With 16 teams battling it out across four classes (6A, 5A, 4A, and 3A), the playoff bracket, seeded on regular‑season records, promises dramatic matchups and the possibility of a historic championship run for several programs.
The Big Picture: How the Playoffs Work
According to the OSSAA’s Playoffs Overview page, the state is divided into 13 regions, each producing a champion that advances to the playoffs. From those 13 regional winners, the top five teams in each class are seeded in a single‑elimination bracket. The remaining seven teams earn at‑large bids based on their RPI (Rating Percentage Index) and overall performance. This structure means that a single loss can end a team’s quest for the state title, raising the stakes from the very first game.
The bracket, available on the OSSAA website, shows that the top seed in 6A is Norman, a program that finished the regular season 13–1 and boasts a high‑powered offense led by senior quarterback Ryan Hill. The second seed is Tulsa, who capped a 12–2 run with a dominant defense that allowed just 15.6 points per game. In 5A, the top seed is Moore, a team that has won consecutive state titles over the past two seasons and is looking to make a third run.
The First‑Round Matchups
The first‑round games, all played on Saturday, November 10, are scheduled across a mix of high‑school fields and neutral venues, with the following key matchups highlighted:
Norman (1) vs. Alva (8) – The Norman offense, known for its dual‑threat scheme, will face the defensive stalwarts from Alva. This game is expected to be a classic offensive‑defensive duel.
Tulsa (2) vs. El Reno (7) – Tulsa’s disciplined defense will look to contain El Reno’s spread‑offense, while the latter’s star wide receiver Marcus Johnson will be a key threat.
Moore (1) vs. Wichita (8) – Moore’s offensive line, rated among the best in the state, will protect the backfield against a Wichita defense that ranks in the top 10 for rushing yards allowed.
Canyon (4) vs. Stillwater (5) – This 4 vs. 5 matchup in the 6A bracket is particularly intriguing because both teams have similar records (7–5) but different styles; Canyon’s aerial attack will test Stillwater’s secondary.
In 5A, the top seed (Moore) faces the eighth‑seeded team from a smaller region, while the second‑seeded Wichita meets the seventh seed from a mid‑region. The 4A bracket features the likes of Troy and Bryan, both of whom have made deep playoff runs in recent years.
Quotes From Coaches and Players
The Sporting News article captured several insightful comments from coaches that illustrate the seriousness of the playoffs. Norman’s head coach, Mike Wilson, reflected on his team’s preparation: “We’ve worked hard all season. The first week is a test of whether our focus and execution match our talent.” Wilson’s confidence in his quarterbacks was evident when he added, “Ryan Hill has shown resilience under pressure, and I expect him to keep the offensive clock moving.”
Tulsa’s defensive coordinator, Jared Smith, emphasized the importance of discipline: “The first‑round game is about controlling the clock and limiting big plays. Our defense has been consistent all season, and we’re ready to continue that trend.”
On the player side, Norman’s senior quarterback, Ryan Hill, expressed his anticipation: “The playoffs are a chance to prove what we’ve earned. We’re focused on executing each play and letting our teammates do what they do best.” Meanwhile, Moore’s star running back, Khalil “K‑J” Jones, discussed the challenge of facing a top‑seeded defense: “Every game is tough, but we’re prepared. Our training has made us a cohesive unit, and that’s what we’re bringing to the field.”
What Makes This Year’s Playoffs Special
Beyond the on‑field action, the 2024 playoffs are notable for a few contextual reasons:
Weather and Attendance – With November in Oklahoma, games are expected to be played in cooler temperatures, potentially affecting ball handling and game flow. Local communities have projected attendance figures ranging from 5,000 to 12,000 for the Saturday games, indicating strong fan support.
COVID‑19 Protocols – The OSSAA has outlined updated health and safety guidelines, ensuring a safe environment for players, staff, and spectators. The Health & Safety page on the OSSAA website details mask mandates, vaccination requirements, and testing protocols.
Broadcast Coverage – The playoffs are being streamed live on the OSSAA’s official YouTube channel, and several games will be highlighted on local sports networks. The Broadcast Schedule page lists the times and streaming links for each game, making it easier for fans who cannot attend in person.
Player Spotlight – The OSSAA’s Player of the Week feature is being utilized to highlight standout performances. The first week already saw Marcus Johnson from El Reno named as the Most Outstanding Wide Receiver for his 10‑catcher, 145‑yard performance against Tulsa.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the State Title
The playoffs are structured so that the winners from the first round advance to the second round on Sunday, November 11, where the bracket narrows further. From there, teams will progress through quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately the state championship games in late November and early December.
For programs like Norman and Tulsa, the emphasis is on sustaining their momentum. “If you’re in the playoffs, it’s about maintaining consistency while adjusting to each opponent’s strengths,” said Coach Wilson in a post‑game interview. For underdog teams like Alva and El Reno, the message is clear: “We’re in this fight, and every play matters. We can surprise anyone if we stay focused.”
As the first week of the OSSAA playoffs wraps up, the excitement continues to build. The remaining games will offer more insights into the teams’ adaptability, coaching acumen, and the resilience of Oklahoma’s high‑school football talent. Fans, students, and community members alike are watching closely, knowing that each snap could bring a team one step closer to becoming the next Oklahoma high‑school football champion.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/us-high-school/news/oklahoma-high-school-football-ossaa-playoffs-get-under-way-week/853c4cebce40c317702918d2 ]
