Bixby cruises past Deer Creek to win 6A-II state title, sets new state record of 49 straight wins

Photo Credit: Tulsa World (Ian Maule)

EDMOND, OKLAHOMA— When it comes to powerhouses in Oklahoma High School Football, the Bixby Spartans are arguably at the top of that list. It was no surprise that the Spartans were making an appearance in yet another 6A-II State Championship, but there was more on the line this year than just a state title.

Bixby came into Thursday night’s state championship game having won 48 straight games, which is tied for the Oklahoma state record. The Spartans have won four consecutive state titles, and have won seven state titles in the past eight years. The only thing in Bixby’s way of extending their winning streaks and increasing their number of championships were the Deer Creek Antlers. The Antlers had to battle to get to the state championship, winning their first round matchup by seven points and their second round matchup by three points. However, while Deer Creek had all the momentum they could possibly have to put up a fight against Bixby, Bixby has had momentum for years, and they were ready to add to the legacy.

The Spartans got right to work after forcing a punt on Deer Creek’s opening possession. Running back, Braylin Presley, completed a pass off a trick play to wide receiver, Preston Solomon, and Solomon ran in for a 76-yard touchdown (PAT good). Bixby’s secondary was flying around to start the game, and linebacker, Beau Bertelli, intercepted a pass on Deer Creek’s next drive, and gave the Spartans the ball at the Deer Creek 13-yard line. Braylin Presley did the rest. The Oklahoma State Commit found his way into the end zone on 3rd and goal to make it a 14-0 game (PAT good). Deer Creek controlled the Spartans from there, as both teams traded punts to end the first quarter.

The defenses for both teams continued to execute into the second quarter, until Bixby found room to start rolling again. Braylin Presley got the offense going, as he shifted his way down the field all the way to the Deer Creek 25-yard line. Presley capped off the drive with an 11-yard touchdown to make the score 20-0 (PAT no good).

Deer Creek found some light shortly after. The Antlers executed a fake punt on 4th and 2 to keep the drive alive at their own 31-yard line. But Bixby answered with an interception by safety, Cale Fugate, to give the offense the ball at the 50-yard line. This allowed Christian Burke to find Preston Solomon for a 23-yard touchdown to extend the Spartans’ lead to 28-0 (2-point conversion good). Deer Creek started to find some momentum down field once again, but Preston Solomon came up with a sack to halt the momentum and force a punt.

Braylin Presley put the offense on his back on their next drive with a 93-yard touchdown down the left sideline. After cornerback, Tyson Williams, came up with an interception for Bixby, the first half ended with the Spartans up 35-0.

Bixby kept their foot on the gas to start the second half, as Connor Kirby took the snap in the wildcat formation, and found Preston Solomon for a 35-yard touchdown. However, Deer Creek wouldn’t give up. Safety, Bryson Rouse, intercepted a pass and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown, putting the Antlers on the board, and making the score 42-7 (PAT good).

Regardless, the Spartans continued to show their dominance. Bixby running back, Jersey Robb, ran in for a 5-yard touchdown, and safety, Jakeb Snyder, returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown, making the score 56-7 at the end of the third quarter.

Deer Creek still would not back away. Bryson Rouse took the snap in wildcat formation, and ran it in the end zone for a 6-yard touchdown, making the score 56-14 (PAT good). But Bixby had one more chance to score, and they took it. Running back, Zach Blankenship, ran up the middle on Spartan’s final drive of the game for a 16-yard touchdown.

The Spartans ran out the clock from there, won their fifth straight 6A-II state championship, and won their 49th straight game, setting a new Oklahoma state record with a 63-14 win. Bixby ends their season with a perfect 13-0 record, and will end the season as the number-1 team in Oklahoma. Deer Creek ends their great season with 10-3 record.