Wagoner Bulldogs 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 4A state champion Wagoner Bulldogs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Wagoner Bulldogs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #1<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wagoner Bulldogs are once again the kings of Class 4A after stunning Cushing with a game-winning field goal as time expired to capture another state championship. While winning state championships seems routine for a program like Wagoner, the 2022 season was anything but a routine year. They came into the season as the #2 team in the 4A preseason rankings behind top-ranked Cushing. Despite a 1-2 start, with losses to top ten teams from Class 5A, the Bulldogs didn't drop and immediately rebounded with back to back shutouts in district play. Then they had their showdown with Cushing, which ended in a 42-0 loss. Despite giving up 42 points, this Wagoner defense proved to be one of the best in the state the rest of the way. They would give up 19 points throughout the rest of the regular season and then just ten points in the playoffs prior to the championship rematch with Cushing. And with all expectations on Cushing dominating once again, Wagoner pulled off one of the bigger championship upsets in recent memory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And as they look ahead to the 2023 football season, instead of chasing a championship, Wagoner is defending it. And instead of looking up at the top spot, the Bulldogs are firmly planted in the number one ranking as we head into the new year. Six starters return on the offensive side of the ball and another eight are back on that dominant defense. We think that the defense has the chance to be incredibly special. With how they played and performed all season in 2022, especially down the stretch, it's hard to imagine many other defenses across the state being as stout as the Bulldogs. On offense, they bring back their quarterback but they'll have a relatively new offensive line. Wagoner brings back some serious talent on both sides of the ball and the combination of that, plus the fact that all three teams that beat Wagoner a year ago all got hit hard by graduation, the Bulldogs are going to have a favorable schedule.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2022 RESULTS (11-3 Record - Class 4A State Champion)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 2 - Lost To Coweta 9-7<br>Sept. 9 - Beat Tahlequah 43-3<br>Sept. 16 - Lost To Grove 28-20<br>Sept. 23 - Beat Skiatook 66-0<br>Sept. 30 - Beat Oologah 36-0<br>Oct. 7 - Lost To Cushing 42-0<br>Oct. 13 - Beat Cleveland 56-0<br>Oct. 21 - Beat McLain 58-6<br>Oct. 28 - Beat Catoosa 63-6<br>Nov. 4 - Beat Miami 42-7<br>1st Round - Beat Ada 31-0<br>Quarterfinals - Beat Tuttle 13-10<br>Semifinals - Beat Poteau 30-0<br>Championship - Beat Cushing 24-21</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>Braylan Roberson - Running Back<br>Gabe Rodriguez - Athlete</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":["294262"],"_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":"2025 hybrid defender [player_tooltip player_id='294262' first='Alex' last='Shieldnight'] has quickly become one of the top overall prospects in the state's 2025 class. Whether it's as a standing defensive end or a more traditional outside linebacker, Shieldnight is one of the best defenders in the state, regardless of class. Last season, the Wagoner standout finished with over 80 tackles and 12 sacks. He is going to come into this season as one of the more disruptive players in Oklahoma. And with the combination of Shieldnight and fellow two-way star [player_tooltip player_id='268445' first='Witt' last='Edwards'] is going to be terrorizing for opposing quarterbacks. Shieldnight is also continuing to improve and become more valuable for the Bulldogs as a tight end on offense. But his recruitment has absolutely exploded as a defender.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["447554"],"_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":"We mentioned earlier in the preview how the biggest question mark surrounding Wagoner coming into the season was the offensive line as a unit. 2025 offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='447554' first='Dax' last='Griffin'] is not a question mark as he started in all 14 games last season and will be the leader of the unit as we head into this season. Griffin has the ability to anchor a Wagoner offense that is going to put up some points with some of the skill players they bring back. Griffin is incredibly big and has the size to become one of the better offensive lineman prospects in the state's 2025 class. We think that this could end up being a big year for Griffin when it comes to his recruitment. And as the offensive line unit comes along, this Wagoner offense is going to be even more potent.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["530573"],"_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":"2025 quarterback and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='530573' first='Kale' last='Charboneau'] would become Wagoner's breakout star from their championship season. Charboneau would replace Gabe Rodriguez at the quarterback position and allow him to be a more versatile athlete on offense. Charboneau would throw for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns and also ran for over 600 yards and 11 touchdowns. And with some strong talent returning around him, we anticipate those offensive numbers to go up this fall. On defense, Charboneau was a really strong linebacker and would finish his sophomore season with nearly 100 tackles on the season. We're looking forward to seeing what the Wagoner 2025 prospect does this fall for an encore after his breakout season last fall.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["855006"],"_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":"There are a few other players on Wagoner's defense that might grab more headlines because of their abilities as a college prospect. But 2024 linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='855006' first='Keyton' last='Cole'] is a big reason why we think that this Wagoner defense has the chance to be a very special unit. Cole was Wagoner's leading tackler last season with well over 100 tackles on the year. He also recorded three sacks and four fumble recoveries. Cole has had a very strong offseason and tested incredibly well at a combine earlier this year with a 4.61 40-yard dash. Cole will look to lead the Bulldogs in tackles once again this fall and when you look at his production and the star power they have in a few other spots, this Wagoner defense has all the makings of a dominant unit in Class 4A.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["268445"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"One of the more underrated parts of Wagoner's championship victory was the touchdown catch by 2024 standout [player_tooltip player_id='268445' first='Witt' last='Edwards'] right before halftime. That started to swing momentum and the Bulldogs continued that momentum swing in the second half. Edwards has been a unique prospect to watch over the last two seasons. On offense, he is a match-up nightmare at 6'6 and gives Wagoner someone who can catch just about anything on a jump ball. Then he turns around on defense and can literally play at all three levels. He has played at the safety position like a center fielder in baseball. Then he has played closer to the line of scrimmage at the defensive end and linebacker position. And again, his size provides a massive problem for opposing quarterbacks. And as mentioned, when Edwards and Shieldnight are coming after the QB, it becomes a big problem.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649f211c7dcda"} /--> <!-- 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='1100465' first='Anthony' last='Coleman'] - 2025 Wide Receiver<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1100463' first='Bryce' last='Steel'] - 2025 Linebacker<br>Gavin Miller - 2025 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1100461' first='Matson' last='Swanson'] - 2025 Wide Receiver<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1100457' first='Ryder' last='Aadahl'] - 2024 Offensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1100454' first='Shaun' last='Atkins'] - 2024 Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1100459' first='Trenton' last='Edwards'] - 2025 Running 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><strong>Sept. 1 - AT Coweta<br></strong>- Wagoner will head west on Highway 51 for their annual rivalry game with Coweta to kick off the 2023 football season. The Bulldogs will be hungry to not only get the season kicked off, but to turn things around in the series against the Tigers. Wagoner has lost their last two games against Coweta, including a close 9-7 decision last fall. Prior to the last two meetings, You have to go all the way back to 2004 and 2005 to find the last time that Wagoner had lost two in a row against their rivals on Highway 51.&nbsp;<br>Sept. 8 - AT Tahlequah<br>Sept. 15 - Grove<br>Sept. 22 - Skiatook<br>Sept. 29 - AT Oologah<br><strong>Oct. 6 - Cushing<br></strong>- You haven't been paying attention if you need much of a breakdown to know why this game is going to be one of the bigger match-ups in Class 4A this fall. After the way last season played out, this will be a game that most of Class 4A has their eyes on and there's a good chance that the district championship gets decided in this week six clash. Wagoner will look to win their second straight against the Tigers and they'll be the favorite as Cushing was hit hard by graduation.&nbsp;<br>Oct. 12 - AT Cleveland<br>Oct. 20 - McLain<br>Oct. 27 - AT Catoosa<br><strong>Nov. 3 - Miami<br></strong>- The final regular season game of the year features the Bulldogs hosting Miami. This has been a series that has been absolutely dominated by the Bulldogs since Dale Condict took over the Wagoner program. The Bulldogs have won 18 in a row in this series and Condict has never lost to the Wardogs since taking over in 2005. But coming into this season, this doesn't feel like your typical Miami team. The Wardogs had a very young but talented team last season and they should be improved this fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Notable</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wagoner is definitely in the conversation for the top program in Oklahoma over the last two decades. Head coach Dale Condict has over 250 wins in his career and over 200 of those wins have come at Wagoner. Ever since he took over in 2005, he immediately turned the Bulldogs into a winner. They have been without a doubt the most consistent team in Class 4A over the last two decades and it's really not even close. Before Condict, the Bulldogs had just 14 playoff wins in school history, with only one state championship game appearance. Since 2005, the Bulldogs have won 45 playoff games. Wagoner has been to the playoffs in 18 consecutive seasons and they've won at least one playoff game in all 18 appearances. There were only five playoff appearances during that stretch that didn't include Wagoner making it to the semifinals or championship game. There have been eight state championship game appearances in that time and they've won their last six appearances when playing for the gold ball, including the 2022 title.</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>6 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2022 - Beat Cushing 24-21<br>2020 - Beat Clinton 42-13<br>2016 - Beat Oologah 28-13<br>2015 - Beat Oologah 15-14<br>2014 - Beat Oologah 45-21<br>2011 - Beat Clinton 23-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->