About

History: The Oklahoma City Patriots were created in 2002 as a way to give home educated young men an opportunity to play competitive football. The first few years of Patriot football the team had just enough players to make an 8-man team. The Patriots didn’t have a home field and practice locations were not great. But the program grew and a Mid High team was added in addition to the High School team. In 2012, the program joined the Oklahoma Christian Schools Athletic Association, this gave players an opportunity to compete for a state title and earn All-State honors. The High School team made it to the State Championship five years in a row. In some thrilling games, we were State Runner-Up each of those years. In 2015, a partnership with Santa Fe Charter Schools was created, which provided a practice field and a true home field. By 2017, God had blessed the Patriot Nation and it had grown exponentially. The Patriots left the OCSAA and moved to 11-man football. In 2017, the team traveled to Florida for the National Home School Football Tournament, we won the tournament and were National Champions. Governor Mary Fallon honored the Patriots by declaring November 16, 2016 “Oklahoma City Patriots National Championship Day”. Our players were honored at the Oklahoma City Capitol. The program has continued to grow and compete. In 2020, the team won their Division at the National Homeschool Tournament in Florida.

Victories on the field are important and the Patriots stove to win every game they play. However, growing young men, their leadership, and their relationship with Christ is the true heart of the Patriots Football program.

Coaches

• Chris Toney, High School Head Coach
• Ron Yocum, Mid High Head Coach

Chris Toney, High School Head Coach:

Christopher (Chris) Toney came to the Patriot Nation during the 2018 season helping with our Junior High program. Chris has an extensive background in athletics, especially football. Chris sees himself first, as a husband to his wonderful wife Jennifer, and father to his beautiful children Bellamy, Stella, Bray, Hope, and Joshua.

Prior to raising his family, Chris attended Christian Heritage Academy and played eight-man football in high school. Chris went on to play football and baseball at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma. Chris played linebacker and was part of the 1999 NAIA National Championship Football team. Chris then transferred to the University of Oklahoma. Chris played scout team linebacker that entire season as the Sooners went on to win the 2000 National Championship. Chris was soon after moved to fullback where he started for the Sooners and part of two Big 12 Championships, Cotton Bowl Championship, Rose Bowl Championship. Chris went on to play professionally in the arena leagues.

Chris believes his athletic skills and “doors” that opened during his athletic career were part of a bigger plan. God’s plan. Chris knows his journey and experiences have prepared him to use football to reach young people. To influence them, connect with them, and motivate them. Chris is passionate about helping the Patriot Program take its next steps.  Chris wants to further put the things that matter to God above the things that matter to us. Teach the young men that playing, working, parenting, finds positive momentum and success when done the Lord’s way. “Winning comes when you do things the right way”.  

Ron Yocum, Mid High Head Coach: I am currently the Headmaster of Cornerstone Christian Academy in Southwest Oklahoma City. My wife, Coleen, and I have been married for 53 years. We have 6 daughters and 1 son; 4 sons-in-law and 1 daughter-in-law; 19 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. I am a blessed man. I have coached football for 20+ years in various capacities and age groups and in three different states. I have started two football programs here in Oklahoma and one in Seattle, Washington.
When I began coaching full me in 1974 I was a Coach who was a Christian. In 1977 I became a Christian Coach. What’s the difference you may ask? Most of us who are Christians live our lives in secular society “being in the world but not of the world” as Jesus commanded us. When I allowed Christ to live and coach through me I became a Christian Coach. Football is just a game unless we use it to teach young men about God and how He wants us to live. Football is a vehicle to train up Godly men to take our places in society.

Winning or success in any walk of life is a by-product of planning and hard work. The legendary coach John Wootan said this “The will to prepare to win is more important than the will to win.” Paul tells us to “run the race to win the prize.” That prize is the high calling of Jesus Christ. Col. 3:23 reads “Whatsoever you do, do it heartily as unto God and not unto man.” We should live our lives as if Jesus Christ is our only audience, and that is how I coach young men.

Player Eligibility

1. To be eligible for High School, the player must not turn 19 before September 1st of the current season. To be eligible for Mid-High, the player must not turn 15 before September 1st of the current season (following OSSAA guidelines)
2. At the Varsity (High School) level a player is only eligible to play for 4 consecutive seasons.
3. The player must be enrolled in at least four classes and be able to provide info regarding classes.
4. The player must meet one of the following criteria:
   1. Player is independently home educated
   2. Player is enrolled in a Public School at Home program and cannot play sports for a public school.
   3. Player is enrolled in a Private School that does not offer a sports program.
5. A Santa Fe Charter School student who is in good standing with Santa Fe Charter Schools.