When and Where:
3A #2 Heritage Hall (0-0) vs. 2A #10 Millwood (0-0)
Week 1: Thursday, September 1, 7:00 PM
L.W. Good Stadium at Millwood High School
Live stream: https://hhchargers.tv

Game Notes:
Heritage Hall and Millwood are two perennial powerhouse programs in the OKC Metro looking for big gains this season. Heritage, more fired up than ever, is coming off a disappointing loss in the semifinals to Lincoln Christian. The playoff loss left the Chargers with a bad taste, to say the least. Many say they should have played for a state championship this past year. On the other hand, Millwood had a reloading year last season and barely missed the playoffs. These two have combined for 14 football state championships. Heritage Hall is on a 17-game regular season win streak and is hoping to keep that rolling right through "Turkey Day." Each team is loaded with talented and decorated senior leaders on both sides of the ball. Heritage Hall's senior class of 5 enters Thursday's contest with a career record of 35-4 and a substantial win percentage of .897. Considering the historic rivalry between these two teams and the fact that it is the season opener for both, expect a packed house in Millwoods "Pit" on Thursday.

Millwood Spotlight:
Millwood features a couple of prolific player profiles in the state of Oklahoma, who are the crucial keys to their success. Running back Rickey Hunt (#28) has had an outstanding past three seasons for the Falcons. The three-year starter, listed at 6'0 190, is the focal point of their high-powered offense. Hunt has elite field vision and is extremely dangerous in the open field. The Falcon running back has some of the strongest legs in the state; he has the ability to turn a three-yard loss into a breakaway touchdown. Hunt is ranked the 12th best player in Oklahoma on 247Sports.com and has yet to commit to a Division One college. He holds offers from Iowa State, Ohio University, Navy, and many more impressive schools. The Falcons also have added a deadly deep threat wide receiver to their arsenal this offseason. Jaden Nickens (#7) is listed at 6'3 170 and is in the class of 2025. The basketball star decided to take his talents to the football field this year, and they are translating quite well. The lengthy wideout holds offers from North Texas and UTSA for football – and has garnered offers from Auburn, Oklahoma State, and Ole Miss for basketball. The Falcons will be looking to get the ball in the hands of their playmakers. 

Heritage Hall Spotlight: 
Heritage Hall graduated a great senior class last year, leaving opportunities for new and rising players. The offense will be quarterbacked by junior Andy Bass (6'0 195), who sat out varsity action last year after transferring in from Casady. His passing prowess is equally impressive as his evasiveness and power as a running option. Bass placed third in the 100m at the state track meet last year, so his breakaway speed is phenomenal. Speaking of running options, River Faulkner (5'11 195, senior) is a returning starting running back with 1154 yards and 22 touchdowns last year and will help carry the load in the running game if he is ready to go. In addition, fullback Zach Fetrow (6'0 190) will pave the way and carry some of the running load as well. With the graduation of All-State and "All-Everything Charger" Gavin Freeman, a committee of talented receivers will cover the receiving duties. Orie Walker, senior, the athletic deep threat receiver (6'3 190) hopes to fill Freeman's shoes as The Hall's top wide receiver this season. Walker is coming off a breakout campaign with 519 yards and 6 touchdowns in the 2021 season. Also returning starting tight end, Cooper Cookson (6'1 200) will be a reliable target for Bass this season. The receiving corps will also feature senior Liam Burton (6'0 192) and juniors Rashaud Smith (6'0 182) and Jordyn Harris (6'0 175), who have all stepped up strong this off-season. The offensive line will be young but talented and anchored by junior left guard Zavier Freeman (6'1 232). On the defensive side, returning Team Defensive Player of the Year, Cookson will captain the squad at linebacker. Harris is a lockdown cornerback, Fetrow returns as a starting linebacker, and Burton and Walker are back to cover the safety position.

Overview:
The Chargers and Falcons have squared off on Week 1 for the past five years, favoring the Chargers four times in that span, including three straight. The anticipation for this rivalry is always elite and brings in a large crowd. Thursday's matchup features two dynamic offenses, and it would be no surprise if the game turned into a shootout. Everyone will be tuning in to watch newcomer and quarterback Bass take the helm of the Heritage Hall offense. The Charger senior class will be looking to shut out the Falcons and complete the four-year sweep. In order to clip the Falcon's wings and secure an opening day win, the Chargers must contain Millwood's two-headed monster and keep the big plays to a minimum.

Written by Cooper Cookson '23
Photos by Dawn Freeman