The 2022 high school football season will start off with a bang this fall when Oklahoma 6A powers Bixby and Owasso square off in the inaugural “Battle of the ‘Burbs.” The game will take place on Thursday, August 25th at the University of Tulsa’s H.A. Chapman Stadium. QuikTrip is the game’s corporate sponsor.
The official announcement was made this week at a press conference at the University of Tulsa.
Bixby has won four straight 6A-II championships and currently owns a state-record 49-game winning streak. The Spartans move up to Class 6A-I this fall.
Owasso won the 6A-I state championship in 2017 and 2019. The Rams are traditionally one of the top teams in the state’s largest class and will be a title contender again this fall.
“This is a wonderful deal for Bixby Public Schools, Owasso Public Schools and our students and student-athletes to get to play in a venue like this with so much fanfare,” said Bixby coach Loren Montgomery. “I think this event is just going to further enhance the quality of football that we have in Oklahoma, specifically the Tulsa area.”
“Nothing like jumping right into the fire with a team of their caliber,” quipped Owasso coach Bill Blankenship. “We’re excited to have that challenge. I think our fans and our communities will be really, really excited to be part of what I think will grow into a big, big, big deal.”
QuikTrip is currently committed to sponsoring the matchup for two seasons. Owasso will be the designated home team for this year’s game. Bixby will be the home team the following season.
“We’re thrilled to provide a venue that showcases the great teams on the field and provides an exciting atmosphere for the fans in the stands,” said QuikTrip Marketing and Communications Manager Mendi Treat. “Tulsa is such a great football town, and we know fans and alumni of these two schools can’t wait to fire up their team spirit and cheer on their favorite team in this highly anticipated matchup.”
Players from both teams are excited for the opportunity to play on a Division-I field and to open their season with such a quality opponent.
“Oh my gosh, this is the best thing ever,” said Owasso wide receiver Cole Adams. “There’s no better way to start my senior season. We’re both competitors. I’m very excited about it.”
“It’s going to be exciting, getting to play in front of a bunch of people,” added Bixby cornerback Tyson Williams, whose father is a former Golden Hurricane football player. “I think it will be a great game to watch.”
