Tulsa Memorial seeks to jump-start its offense to increase win total

By Ross Lovelace 

Over the next few weeks, SBLive Oklahoma will break down high school football teams from the four largest classifications in the state in anticipation of the upcoming 2022 season. Here's our look at the Tulsa Memorial Chargers. 

HEAD COACH 

Brian Worrell

RETURNING STARTERS

Many on offense, 9 defense

2021 AT A GLANCE

Overall record: 1-9

District record: 1-6, 7th in District 5A-4

Playoffs: Did not qualify

PLAYERS TO WATCH

QB/RB Darius Woods, 6-1, 200, Jr.

Woods will play a multitude of positions for the Chargers, and he’ll likely split the load at both quarterback and running back. Woods is one of the best athletes on the team, and Tulsa Memorial will benefit from getting him the ball.

He has exceptional speed for his size, and will be a huge part of what the Chargers are trying to do. Expect Woods to see work on both the offensive end and the defensive end, and really lead this Memorial team.

WR/RB Keshaun Thompson, 6-1, 195, Sr.

Thompson is another versatile athlete for the Chargers that will likely line up at a few different positions in the fall. He can play out wide and make plays as a receiver, but is also dynamic enough to line up at running back.

Thompson will likely play both ways, as his speed and athleticism can’t be wasted. The Chargers need athletes on the field, and Thompson is one of the best.

OL Michael Johnson, 6-3, 340, So.

Johnson is a unit on the offensive line, and has already shown big signs of growth as just a sophomore. He has elite size and is still working on his quickness and foot speed.

If he can continue to improve, his size gives him a great chance to play at the next level. His growth, and the offensive line as a collective unit, will be a big key to Memorial’s success.

LB Amon Herring, 5-9, 200, So.

Herring is just a sophomore, but will be a vocal leader on the field for the Chargers this fall. At 5-foot-9, 200 pounds, the linebacker has serious closing speed and is a hard-hitter.

Last season, Herring recorded 51 tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks as a freshman. Any playing time as a freshman is impressive, but the Chargers relied on Herring’s production early on.

With a year of experience and a full offseason of getting stronger, Herring could be primed for a breakout season.

OUTLOOK

Tulsa Memorial has had a tough time finding on-field success over the past few seasons, and last year was no exception. The Chargers scored more than eight points just once all season, recording their lone win over crosstown foe Hale on the last week of the regular season.

With new offensive coordinators in the fold, head coach Brian Worrell is hoping to rejuvenate the offense and bring life to Memorial. An experienced offensive line could do wonders for the Chargers and really open up the field.

Memorial will rely heavily on the duo of Darius Woods and Keshaun Thompson to produce.

COACH SAID

"With our new co-offensive coordinators in place, we are looking to improve across the board as an offense. We have several players that should make an impact right away and we will also have some experienced players returning, especially in the backfield and the offensive line." - Brian Worrell