Week one of Oklahoma high school football delivered electrifying performances across the state, setting the stage for an exciting season. As fans and analysts dissect the opening games, the spotlight turns to the standout athletes who dominated the field. Among these exceptional players is Qwontrel Walker of Stillwater Pioneer Football, whose remarkable performance has earned him a well-deserved nomination for Week 1 Player of the Week.
Walker, a junior running back, was instrumental in Stillwater’s commanding 42-7 victory over Edmond Memorial. He showcased an explosive blend of speed and power, amassing an impressive 262 rushing yards on 24 carries, and finding the end zone three times. Walker’s dominant performance not only secured a decisive win for the Pioneers but also positioned him as a top contender for individual honors early in the season. His contribution is a key highlight for Stillwater Pioneer football as they look to build momentum.
However, Walker is not alone in the race for Player of the Week. Week 1 witnessed a plethora of outstanding individual efforts. Cash Ramsey from Chelsea High School made a strong case with a staggering 276 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Ramsey’s performance was pivotal in Chelsea’s 52-13 triumph over Ketchum, marking their first win since October 2017, a significant turnaround for the Green Dragons.
Another standout quarterback, Grant Elerick of Stroud, displayed exceptional passing prowess. He completed 24 of 40 passes for 369 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Tigers to a narrow 40-38 victory over Okemah. Elerick’s clutch game-winning 20-yard pass with just 12 seconds remaining underscored his composure and talent under pressure.
Nate Anderson of Rejoice Christian also threw his hat in the ring with a dominant rushing display. He carried the ball 19 times for 284 yards and five touchdowns, contributing heavily to the Eagles’ dominant 48-6 win against Crossings Christian. Similarly, Ethan Hamberlin of Thomas High School racked up 276 yards and four touchdowns on 28 carries, leading the Terriers to a 33-26 victory over Alva.
Tyler Travis of Deer Creek and Triston Truelove of Tuttle further cemented the week as one for running backs. Travis rushed for 269 yards and four touchdowns, helping Deer Creek overpower Southmoore 45-14, while Truelove led Tuttle with 283 yards and four touchdowns in their 41-18 win against Kingfisher. Harvey Phillips of Mustang also deserves recognition for his efficient performance, securing 204 yards and three touchdowns on just 13 carries in Mustang’s 38-0 shutout against Yukon.
Beyond these finalists, Week 1 was rich with commendable performances earning honorable mentions. Bixby’s Mason Williams and Brennan Presley showcased a potent quarterback-receiver duo, while Broken Arrow’s Isaiah Keller and Owasso’s Cole Dugger also impressed in the passing game. Booker T. Washington’s Gentry Williams demonstrated versatility with both passing and rushing touchdowns.
The list of honorable mentions extends across various schools and conferences, highlighting the depth of talent in Oklahoma high school football. From Dae Dae Leathers of Tahlequah to Braden Gilbert and Jack Wright of Regent Prep, Chase Ricke of Lincoln Christian, and Racer Felter of Lawton Mac, quarterbacks and receivers across the state put up impressive numbers.
Running backs like Brennon Lewis of Weleetka, Isaac Tubbs of Clinton, Blake Gonzales of Colcord, Logan Smith of Sulphur, Thomas Brownfield of Dewar, and Christian Houston of Lawton also made significant contributions on the ground. Defensive standouts such as Bryant Watts of Kingston and Solomon Wright of Vian were recognized for their impactful plays on the other side of the ball.
Special teams also saw exceptional performances, with players like Brody Rice of Mounds and Kohlby Foster of Sperry making game-changing plays in punt returns. The sheer volume of talent displayed in Week 1 promises a thrilling season of Oklahoma high school football.
As the votes for Player of the Week are tallied, Qwontrel Walker’s standout performance for Stillwater Pioneer football is undoubtedly a major talking point. However, the depth and breadth of talent displayed across Oklahoma in just the first week indicates a season filled with exciting matchups and individual brilliance. Fans eagerly anticipate week two and the continued emergence of star players throughout the state.
