HS Football: How Will Oak Ridge Soldier On Without Star-Studded Roster?

OAK RIDGE NORTH, TX -- District 13-6A shake-ups went through the War Eagles’ program after their 2023 squad saw many key players depart for the Division One College ranks. How will their replacements and the departures of some of Texas’ best affect the team’s output in the 2024 season?

A hard-nosed defense was a staple for Oak Ridge’s success during the 2023 season, and leading the charge for them were some of the top defenders in Texas. The two names that attracted nationwide attention were linebacker Justin Williams and defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye.

Williams’ impact on opposing offenses was immeasurable. The 2023 District 13-6A Defensive Player of the Year was a reliable option on blitzes and out in coverage. A unique combination of strength and speed in the middle of the defense gave Williams the tools to become the district’s marquee defender, racking up sacks, tackles, and interceptions.

His success on the field led to Williams earning the number one linebacker ranking and a top 10 overall ranking in the 2024 class according to 24/7 Sports. With his high ranking and counting stats entering the 2023 season, Williams received 32 different offers from colleges across the nation. Offers included Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon, Oklahoma, USC, and Texas. But in the last minute, the University of Georgia sent in their offer at the end of March 2023 and Williams was signed as the team’s highest-rated defender in school history by December.

Joining Williams on the stacked Bulldog program is teammate Joseph Jonah-Ajonye. The Nigerian mountain on the defensive line was a nightmare matchup for every school in the district. His impressive size and strength were a lethal combination that could overpower assignments with ease, leading to a 1st Team All-District selection.

Joseph-Ajonye’s commitment came in July of 2023 before the season had started, attracting more eyes to the noticeably stacked War Eagle defense.

But now both stud defenders are gone to the college ranks, and joining them is one of the district’s best runningbacks, Frankie Arthur.

Arthur and teammate Larry DeBose made up a dual-headed monster in the Oak Ridge backfield that was based on blistering speed and elusiveness to evade tacklers for big gains. Arthur initially committed to UCF before the season began, but with his accomplishments during 2023, he flipped and ended up signing with UTSA on August 1st.

DeBose did not receive the same national attention as his teammates, but his contributions to the team’s success were just as measurable. Like Arthur, DeBose possessed great ball-carrier vision. His ability to dissect a defense based on where his blockers were currently and where they would end up allowed him to burst through gaps for yards, conversions, and scores. Despite not committing to any schools, DeBose’s presence in the backfield will be sorely missed by the War Eagles who must replace two 1st Team All-District runners.

Another notable absence in the Oak Ridge backfield will be Jack Emerson. He was the ever-reliable dual-threat option when regular starter Adam Trosclair needed a breather or was unavailable. The potent spark that Emerson provided was necessary for extending multiple drives for the War Eagles during the latter half of their season and their two-round deep playoff run.

The usual non-starter earned himself a 2nd Team All-District spot due to his steady contributions, but with openings across the North Houston area, Emerson made the move to a spot that had seen unprecedented success.

Before the heart of the offseason got underway, Emerson transferred schools and made the jump to the Willis Wildkats. Willis’ success during 2023 likely played a role, but issues like playing time, notoriety, and family potentially added to his decision to link with the Wildkats for 2024.

The outlook for 2024 seems grim for the War Eagles, but venerable coaching from head man Mark Schmid will likely right the ship early should those in the replacement roles come close to matching their previous team’s success.