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Moore High's 44-21 Triumph Secures First Playoff Spot in 18 Years

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, December 13th 2025 at 21:14 GMT by Tulsa World
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Moore High School Boys’ Football Squad Cements Championship Run With 44‑21 Victory Over OKC St. Thomas

In a game that felt as much like a graduation ceremony as it did a high‑school contest, the Moore High School boys’ football team (12‑2) capped an impressive season with a 44‑21 win over Oklahoma City’s St. Thomas on Sunday night in front of a rapturous crowd of more than 3,000 fans at the “T‑Slam”‑era‑built Moore High Stadium. The victory secured the team’s spot in the state playoffs for the first time in 18 years and left coach Kevin “K.K.” Henderson (12‑year tenure) and his players in a celebratory high‑gear mode.

A Game‑Day Narrative

From the first snap, Moore’s offense executed with surgical precision. Quarterback Tyler “T‑C” Carter, who finished the season with 3,400 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and a 68‑percent completion rate, connected on a 41‑yard throw to wide‑receiver “Flash” Mitchell for the opening score. Carter’s poise under pressure was the hallmark of the entire offensive game plan. He finished with 12 completions on 18 attempts for 260 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.

The ground game, meanwhile, found its rhythm behind the formidable duo of running back Jason “J‑J” Jenkins and rookie sophomore Chris “C‑S” Santiago. Jenkins ripped 115 yards on 17 carries, while Santiago added 95 yards on 11 carries. The rushing attack forced St. Thomas to defend in short‑field situations, allowing Moore to control the clock and keep the Bulldogs’ offense off the field.

The defense, a unit that had long been known as the “Moore Wall,” put on a show. Linebacker Marlon “M‑B” Bishop forced a fumble on the second play of the game, which was recovered in the end zone for a pick‑up touchdown. Linebacker‑halfback mix of 8 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 forced turnovers defined the defensive performance for the entire game. Defensive back Kevin “K‑K” Jackson intercepted a pass late in the fourth quarter to seal the win. In total, the defense recorded 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions.

Quotes & Reactions

Coach Henderson, who has been the driving force behind Moore’s resurgence, emphasized the importance of a “team-first” philosophy. “This game was a result of hard work, focus, and a willingness to put the team above the individual,” he told reporters. “We’re proud of how we played, but we’re not finished yet. The playoffs will test us in new ways.”

Tyler Carter echoed his coach’s sentiment. “We know we’re not good enough to sit back and just wait for our opponents to make a mistake. We played the game that we want to play. The guys came in early, played hard, and the fans backed us up.” The 20‑year‑old quarterback highlighted the value of the coaching staff’s “clear game plan.” He also added a personal note: “I can’t thank my parents enough for always driving me to practice. This win is for them, too.”

Running back Jenkins, who was named the team’s Most Valuable Player for the season, said that the victory was a payoff for the grueling preseason training. “We’ve been working hard all year long, so it’s rewarding to see it pay off,” he said. He also praised the team’s defensive unit for doing a great job in a high‑pressure environment.

The Bigger Picture

Moore’s 12‑2 record and the 44‑21 win over St. Thomas have earned the team a #5 seed in the 6‑team Western Conference playoff bracket. They will host the top‑seeded Tulsa Catholic on Saturday, 4 p.m. at Moore High Stadium. If the Bulldogs manage to win, they’ll advance to the regional championship against the Tulsa High School Tigers.

The 2023 season was also a historic one for Moore. It was the first time the team has reached the state playoffs in 18 years, and it ended a long drought of losing records that had plagued the program since the late 2000s. The team’s success has rekindled interest among alumni, who are now actively supporting the booster club and the youth‑sports program.

Follow‑Up Links

• Coach Kevin “K.K.” Henderson’s Profile: The article links to a full profile of Coach Henderson’s coaching career, highlighting his journey from a former player at Tulsa University to a seasoned high‑school coach at Moore.
• Player Roster & Stats: Readers can view the complete roster with player stats, including year, height, weight, and key game statistics.
• Playoff Schedule & Bracket: The article also contains a link to the Tulsa World’s updated playoff bracket, allowing fans to see where Moore’s next opponent is slated.
• Season Recap: The Tulsa World also posted a recap of the season’s opener, which was a 20‑10 win over Tulsa Catholic, providing readers with additional context on how the season progressed.

What Comes Next?

As the team gears up for the upcoming playoff matches, the focus will shift from individual achievements to a cohesive team strategy that can withstand the higher competition level. The coaching staff plans to emphasize ball‑control tactics, aggressive defensive play, and a balanced passing/rushing attack. The team’s senior leadership will likely call out on the field to galvanize the younger players for the high‑stakes games ahead.

Ultimately, Moore High School’s boys’ football team has not only captured a moment of victory but also reignited a tradition of competitive excellence in Tulsa’s high‑school sports community. Their performance on Sunday’s Sunday night game, as documented by Tulsa World, illustrates a program that has matured, built resilience, and is now poised for what could be a historic run in the state playoffs.