The "Battle of the Burbs" between suburban Tulsa (Oklahoma) schools Bixby and Owasso always is a fun rivalry.
It is even more fun when it is a rematch of last season’s Class 6A-1 state championship game.
However, this contest was nothing like last season's thrilling overtime finish as Bixby defeated Owasso, 49-21, Thursday night in Tulsa. The Spartans were ranked No. 1 in The Sporting News preseason Top 25 Oklahoma poll, with the Rams coming in at No. 2.
Bixby never trailed, and led by as many as 42 points. A positive for Owasso is they scored the final two touchdowns late in the game.
Despite Owasso losing by four touchdowns, they still have much time to improve, and Bill Blankenship’s teams always respond in big fashion. Last season, Owasso beat Bixby in week zero 40-21, and both teams met in the state championship game with Bixby winning in overtime, 43-42.
Bixby (1-0) will play next on Friday, Sept. 5 at Sand Springs, which is Bixby coach Loren Montgomery’s alma mater. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Owasso (0-1) will also have its next game on Friday, Sept. 5 as the Rams have their home opener against Jenks. Kickoff is also set for 7 p.m.
Below are key takeaways from the 2025 "Battle of the Burbs."
Key Takeaways
- Bixby quarterback Carson Kirby scored four touchdowns, and threw for 253 yards. He scored a 14-yard rushing touchdown, and threw three TD passes: Braeden Presley twice, for 87 and 37 yards, and Nathan Gonzales for 36 yards.
- Bixby took control early on both sides of the ball, scoring on four straight possessions to lead 28-0 early in the second quarter. The Spartan defense also got off the field in a hurry, as they forced four straight three-and-outs.
- Bixby saw much success on the ground game and with creative plays. Jayson Moll, who transferred from Owasso, scored a 49-yard rushing touchdown. Jack Gill scored a 2-yard rushing touchdown, and Cord Nolan also scored a 6-yard touchdown on a pop pass play.
- Owasso found some success on offense. Jayden Hall scored an 80-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. Owasso’s other two scores came earlier in the game from Drew Frankenfield: Julius Wilson from 19 yards and Takhari Bethel for 18 yards. Frankenfield threw for 237 yards.
- Despite trailing in the fourth quarter and having virtually no chance to win the game, Owasso’s defense did force two turnovers on downs late in the game.
- Owasso does have to clean up their game, as they committed seven false starts. Despite four being on the first drive, it still is way too many.
- Neither team committed a turnover in the contest, which is rare in any week zero contest.
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