Oak Grove looks to continue dominance in 2023

When it comes to the most dominant prep football programs in Louisiana in recent years, it does not take long to go down the roll to get to Oak Grove.

The Tigers have captured state championships in three of the last four seasons (2019, 2020 and 2022). Oak Grove also reached the title game in 2018.

Ryan Gregory has done a tremendous job in nine seasons, posting a 91-28 record to go with the championships.

There is no reason to believe that this emerging dynasty will not continue its huge success in 2023 in the Division IV Non-Select classification.

“I think the buy-in of our kids,” Gregory said. “They understand what it takes to get to that level and sustain it. The hard part is sustaining it. The big thing is the buy-in where the offseason is concerned. We give them a little time off and have a lot of kids who play multiple sports and sharing athletes while working around other sports. I think it translates well. Our baseball team has won its third championship in a row. It translates throughout the year. It is a 12-month deal.”

While the Tigers lost several big-time players from last season’s championship team, there are many key players returning.

That starts at quarterback with junior Jackson Bradley (6-3, 205).

“We lost key player but we’ve got guys starting for a third year,” Gregory said. “It all starts with Bradley. It is his third year starting. He’s getting more confidence every single year. We’re expecting big things. He had a really good year last year when we transitioned to a new offense.”

Oak Grove has an outstanding tight end in junior JT Layton (6-4, 215). There is depth at the position with the presence of senior Mark Alvizo (6-3, 230).

“We moved Alvizo from tackle to help us run it and Layton is a Division I recruit with several offers,” Gregory said.

Junior wide receiver Brodie Stuart (6-3, 170) is a huge target and an outstanding talent. He is joined by another excellent player in junior Jay Freeman (5-8, 145).

Up front, junior Tanner Duff (5-11, 270) and senior Truit Tietz (6-2, 240) return to anchor things.

“We lost three starters but we have guys coming back that played a lot and Duff and Tietz have a lot of experience,” Gregory said. “Remi Waters will be in the mix as well.”

Junior running back Quan Ruffin (5-9, 160) is back to provide punch in the run game.

“Quan played a lot last year after moving from receiver,” Gregory said. “He’s gained weight and gotten faster. We started 15 sophomores last year and he was one of them. He seems to have a lot of confidence with being the guy this year.”

Defensively, senior James Harris (6-1, 230), a Southeastern Louisiana, is a physical presence at linebacker. That position is a position of strength with the return of junior Seth Ray (5-11, 195), senior Landon Farrell (6-2, 195) and junior Joby Clark (5-11, 210).

“Our defense will center around our linebacker,” Gregory. Ray and Harris are outstanding. Ray is a two-sport star and a baseball state champion. We are strong there.”

Two linemen return in junior Isahia Joles (6-0, 245) and senior Gunner Hale (6-2, 230).

“We run a 3-4 scheme and both Joles and Hale are both experienced and outstanding high school football players who do a lot of things right,” Gregory said. “I feel Hale will get quite a few college offers. We have one spot to fill but having those two guys back will make it a lot easier.”

The secondary has experience and talent with returning starters in senior Colin Anderson (5-9, 163), senior Spencer Foster (5-8, 150) and junior George Spencer (5-10, 175).

“Losing Cam Franklin, you cannot replace the plays he makes and he is now at Oklahoma State,” Gregory said. “We’ve got some guys who will fill in nicely. Farrell will swing back there and Foster is a good player. We have a lot of competition there so we have some depth in the deep and that will make everyone better.”

Senior Thomas Clack (6-0, 170) returns to handle kicking and punting duties.

“Clack is a Division I kicker,” Gregory said. “He should have chances to kick in college. He kicks touchbacks, makes field goals and makes extra points. He is a real weapon. We will enjoy having him for one more year.”

Once again, the Tigers will play an extremely challenging schedule.

The season opens with home games against Opelousas Catholic and defending Select Division IV state champion Ouachita Christian. A road game follows against traditional power Sterlington.

District 2-2A play begins with road games at Rayville and Mangham before a key home non-district game with Haynesville.

Oak Grove returns to district play in week seven at Ferriday before hosting Madison, General Trass and Vidalia to conclude the regular season.

“I think the schedule sets up to figure out what to fix,” Gregory said. “We had a few setbacks last year and losing to Haynesville actually helped set us on course to a championship. I think this schedule gets you better every week. You’ve got to schedule to prepare to win in December. I think our district is one of the toughest as well.”

With 17 key players returning, the Tigers are poised to make a run at a fourth state title in five years. That is the level Gregory has raised this program to performing at and he welcomes the lofty expectations.

“We’ve got awfully good players that makes me a much better coach,” Gregory said. “I think you want the high expectations. If you are at a place where you are happy just to get to the playoffs, that is one thing, but we fully expect to win a state championship. If you don’t go into the year expecting that with that is your goal, you are setting your goals short. We should be fully in the mix in December.”

Click here for more CCS Prep Football team previews (including archives of past season previews).