Stillwater Pioneers OK 2023 Team Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 25% off your subscription by entering Knight25 in the coupon code area. Enjoy!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the month of July and that means it's preview time! Throughout the month of July and into August, we are publishing well over 100 in-depth team previews to get you completely ready for the 2023 football season. This is something that began in 2021 and has continued to get bigger every single year. We're looking forward to diving deep into the top teams across the state. From defending champions, to top contenders and plenty of dark horses, we'll have complete coverage every single day with new teams from Class 6A, all the way down to the addition of 8-man coverage this year with Class B and C. In this post, we take a look at the reigning Class 6A-2 state champion Stillwater Pioneers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Stillwater Pioneers&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #3<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking:&nbsp;#1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Stillwater Pioneers came into the 2022 football season expecting to contend for the state championship and they were absolutely perfect, on their way to a state championship. A new era of 6A-2 football began in 2022 when Bixby moved up to 6A-1 and the class opened up for a new team to rise to the throne. Stillwater, having made multiple trips to the state championship game certainly felt like a team that could take over that top spot in 6A-2 but the competition to get to that top spot was going to be one of the bigger storylines in 2022. Stillwater was dominant for the most part as they won a district that was one of the more competitive in 6A-2 and then would go on to win that state championship in a win over Choctaw. And when we say that the Pioneers were perfect, we're not just talking about their record. They weren't blowing out every opponent every single week, but they rarely made many mistakes, and capitalized on all of them. They forced over 40 turnovers in 2022 and they had less than five giveaways on the season. That turnover ratio is incredibly rare and something we probably won't see anytime soon. The Pioneers had been knocking on the door for several years and they finally got the job done last year. But they aren't settling for just one.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pioneers come into this season as defending champion but they will have quite the rebuild after graduation took the majority of their starters. One of the biggest question marks around this Stillwater team will be the defensive side of the ball. They lost the majority of their starters on that side of the ball and when you throw in the fact that they probably aren't going to force the amount of turnovers that we saw from last year, it will be interesting to see how they come together throughout the season. Meanwhile on offense, there's a different kind of rebuild that will be taking place. The Pioneers bring back some serious talent and experience at the skill positions but they need to replace a quarterback and the majority of their offensive linemen. The quarterback battle will be one that we watch play out as the Pioneers have a couple really good options at that position. We're also going to keep an eye on some of the young players that are coming up. Their 2026 and 2027 classes have some pretty talented players that could end up providing some excitement and more importantly, some production at a high level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2022 RESULTS (13-0 Record - Class 6A-2 State Champions)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 26 - Beat Greenwood, AR. 41-27<br>Sept. 9 - Beat Yukon 55-9<br>Sept. 16 - Beat Norman 36-33<br>Sept. 23 - Beat US Grant 85-0<br>Sept. 30 - Beat Booker T Washington 38-6<br>Oct. 7 - Beat Sand Springs 58-7<br>Oct. 13 - Beat Bartlesville 55-7<br>Oct. 21 - Beat Putnam City West 49-7<br>Oct. 28 - Beat Tahlequah 55-0<br>Nov. 3 - Beat Muskogee 38-21<br>Quarterfinals - Beat Bartlesville 56-0<br>Semifinals - Beat Deer Creek 33-28<br>Championship - Beat Choctaw 26-21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Key Losses To Graduation</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cameron Johnson - Linebacker<br>Gage Gundy - Quarterback<br>Garhett Reese - Defensive Back<br>JaKobe Sanders - Offensive Lineman<br>Jude Ropp - Offensive Lineman<br>Julius Talley - Defensive Back<br>Noah Roberts - Running Back<br>Trent Hardesty - Wide Receiver<br>Zac Tyson - Linebacker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Players To Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["215206"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The first half of the Thompson twins is 2024 wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='215206' first='Heston' last='Thompson'] and he's coming off an outstanding junior season where he led the Pioneers in every receiving category. He was dominant last fall and we're looking forward to seeing what he does for an encore this fall. He caught nearly 80 passes for over 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. Thompson was without a doubt the top receiver in this offense as the rest of the offense combined couldn't match Thompson's 17 touchdowns on the season. Thompson had a really strong offseason as well when he was playing in various 7v7 tournaments with Sooner 7. He was routinely one of the top producers and we also think he has the potential to be one of the top receivers in Class 6A-2 this season. There are a few players in that conversation but he's near the top of the list for sure.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["215207"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"The other half of the Thompson twins is running back [player_tooltip player_id='215207' first='Holden' last='Thompson'] and we're fired up to see him back on the football field this fall. Thompson was injured during the summer of last year and missed almost all of his junior season. The last time we saw Thompson healthy and on the field for the Pioneers, he was running for over 1,100 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore, while splitting carries with Roberts in 2021. Thompson has to be incredibly hungry to not only get back on the field but to be able to produce at a high level. Thompson had to see what Roberts was able to do last season as the main running back and he should be ready to step into that role this fall. And the Pioneers might lean on the running game early on while their new quarterback gets his feet wet so Thompson could really excel.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["349796"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Already committed to Oklahoma State, Stillwater's tight end [player_tooltip player_id='349796' first='Josh' last='Ford'] might be the ultimate security blanket for whoever lines up at quarterback for the Pioneers. First off, Ford is a very physical tight end and he's going to be just an extension of that offensive line that will be looking for quite a few new names to step up. So Ford is going to be able to help some of those young players come along. Then, whoever ends up lining up at quarterback, you can't miss Ford down field because of his size and when in doubt, find the big tight end and let him go get the ball. Ford didn't have much production in 2022 in the passing game but we anticipate that changing when the 2023 football season begins. The potential is certainly there and he's another weapon for the Pioneers to use in that passing game.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["611314"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"We really try to avoid using the word “underrated” to describe a prospect because when you use it too much, it becomes completely irrelevant. But Stillwater 2024 wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='611314' first='Talon' last='Kendrick'] is one of the more underrated wide receiver prospects in the state's 2024 class and we think it's only a matter of time before he blows up in a big way. And while Thompson and Ford will get a lot of attention in the passing game, that could open things up for Kendrick to be a playmaker in addition to what he does to help the running game with his down-field blocking. Kendrick had a good offseason as well with good performances in various 7v7 tournaments and then he completely showed out in late April at our last prospect camp. He was one of the top receivers in attendance and he turned heads that day, he should turn more this fall.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649e127fbe01c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>More Names To Know</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='206345' first='Conner' last='Quintero'] - 2026 Quarterback<br>[player_tooltip player_id='492378' first='Deakon' last='Jones'] - 2027 Wide Receiver<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1096808' first='Judah' last='Schwoegler'] - 2025 Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='467410' first='Nehemiah' last='Kolone'] - 2026 Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='357487' first='Parker' last='Edwards'] - 2025 Quarterback<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1096820' first='Tan' last='Booth'] - 2025 Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1086230' first='Trey' last='Tuck'] - 2024 Defensive Back</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 Schedule/Games To Circle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 25 - AT Greenwood, AR.&nbsp;<br>Sept. 8 - AT Yukon<br><strong>Sept. 14 - AT Norman<br></strong>- Stillwater's closest game of their perfect season came against Norman in the final non-district game of the 2022 season. The Pioneers survived with a 36-33 victory and the Tigers had a chance at the win in the final seconds. A pass to the end zone was intercepted by the Pioneers and they held on for the three-point victory. Fast forward to this year's match-up and it's the third straight game on the road and the final non-district contest before the defending champs dive into a tough district schedule. The young Pioneers will need these non-district games to get them ready for what's next.&nbsp;<br>Sept. 21 - AT US Grant<br><strong>Sept. 29 - Booker T Washington<br></strong>- After a month of games away from home, the Pioneers finally open up their home schedule in week five as they play host to Booker T Washington. The Pioneers dominated this match-up with a 32-point victory last season and they also ended Booker T Washington's season in 2021 in the quarterfinals so these two teams are familiar with one another. This begins a two-week stretch at home where the Pioneers need to win to stay in the district title race. This is one of the tougher districts in the state and early losses can put a lot of pressure on a team throughout the rest of the regular season.&nbsp;<br>Oct. 5 - Sand Springs<br>Oct. 12 - AT Bartlesville<br>Oct. 19 - Putnam City West<br>Oct. 26 - Tahlequah<br><strong>Nov. 3 - Muskogee<br></strong>- Sometimes the district scheduling just lines up to set up these marquee match-ups in the final week of the regular season. Last year, the Pioneers and Muskogee were the top two teams in this district and they were both 9-0 coming into week ten. The Pioneers would go on the road and beat Muskogee 38-21 to capture the district championship. And as we go into this season, it's not crazy to think that this week ten clash will be another head to head district championship match-up. The Pioneers and Roughers are the top two ranked teams in this district and they could have another week ten showdown.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Notable</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, Stillwater had a unique regular season schedule where nearly all of their home games were in the first month of the season. And unfortunately for the Pioneers, that schedule has now flipped and they will be on the road for the first four games of the year. So this young Pioneer team will have to grow up away from the home fans as they spend the first month on the road. However, with that comes different benefits. They will benefit from having five of their seven district games at home, including arguably the three toughest district contests. And of course, the Pioneers plan on playing a game or two in front of the home fans when the playoffs roll around. And there's another part of the schedule this season that's unique. The Pioneers won't be shining under the “Friday night lights” this season. Six of their ten regular season games will be taking place on Thursday night this season. That's not including their preseason scrimmage at Union, which will also take place on a Thursday evening. The Pioneers have to be hopeful that when the new enrollment numbers come out and the districts shuffle that their schedule becomes a little more balanced moving forward in 2024.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Championship History</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2022 - Beat Choctaw 26-21<br>1967 – Beat Okmulgee 15-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->