Class 4A Players To Watch – Playoff Edition

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Get 25% off your subscription by entering Knight25 in the coupon code area. Enjoy!</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 regular season is in the books! And it's time to start talking playoff football across Oklahoma. It feels like yesterday that we were previewing the 2023 football season and the year was kicking off. Now, teams truly begin their journey on the road to Edmond. Before we know it, we'll be at UCO crowning state champions to wrap up a fantastic 2023 season. Prep Redzone Oklahoma will have you completely covered for the 2023 playoffs. From all the teams and players you need to know about to the best state championship coverage in the state, we'll have wall to wall coverage of the 2023 playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this post, we're taking a look at Class 4A and some of the top players that will have an impact on the playoffs. We put a spotlight on one player from each team in the playoffs and also give you more names to know in the postseason. And if you want a complete breakdown on the playoffs, you can check out our <strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/11/class-4a-playoff-preview-3/">Class 4A Playoff Preview</a></strong>. And check back each day for more playoff preview content ONLY on Prep Redzone Oklahoma!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1082649"],"_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":"Oologah had to win in week ten to get into the playoffs and not only did they beat McLain in week ten, they earned the three seed out of the district and will hit the road to face Ada on Friday night. Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1082649' first='Brad' last='Hoisington'] is Oologah's player to watch throughout the playoffs. He's put up some strong performances this season as a passer and as a runner, including in the week ten win over McLain. And an underrated part of Hoisington's game is his ability to elevate his game when it matters the most. And there's not a bigger stage than the playoffs so Hoisington should shine.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["215570"],"_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":"There are a few versatile players on this breakdown but Tuttle junior standout [player_tooltip player_id='215570' first='Brady' last='Mcadoo'] is near the top of the list with the impact he can have on a game. On offense, he's Tuttle's top option at running back and has also shown the ability to be a reliable option in the passing game. He's a standout defensive back and then also returns kicks, impacting the game in all three areas. Mcadoo has really impressed us specifically at the running back position every time we've seen him in person. Tuttle is hungry for another deep playoff run. They have a star in the making in Mcadoo to lead them.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1082642"],"_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":"Sallisaw senior [player_tooltip player_id='1082642' first='Brock' last='Streun'] might be listed here as a quarterback but there is no doubt that he's an all around athlete for the Black Diamonds. He's a big reason why Sallisaw went from 0-10 last year and 1-19 in the last two seasons to a playoff team this fall. Streun is closing in on 1,000 rushing yards for the season and has over 10 touchdowns on the ground. There is no doubt that his best impact comes from what he does on the ground. And he's playing his best football right now with nearly 500 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground in the last four games to help Sallisaw into the playoffs.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["363852"],"_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":"Blanchard senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='363852' first='Carson' last='Cooksey'] is the first of several players on this breakdown that earned their way on to our PRZ-Oklahoma Player Of The Year watchlist. Cooksey helped lead the Lions to a district championship and a favorable path on the road to Edmond. Cooksey was one of the more efficient quarterbacks in Class 4A this season and has cut back dramatically on his turnovers from last season. The Blanchard senior has thrown for over 2,300 yards and 22 touchdowns this season with only 5 interceptions. This is Cooksey's third season of at least 20 touchdown passes.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["353421"],"_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":"Weatherford junior [player_tooltip player_id='353421' first='CJ' last='Nickson'] might be the best all around athlete in Class 4A and in the state all together. Nickson is one of the top football prospects in the state's 2025 class but he also happens to be one of the state's best prospects on the basketball floor as well. He has D1 offers to play both sports and is a star in the making out in western Oklahoma. On the football field, Nickson is a match-up nightmare at wide receiver because he's 6'4 and can go up and get just about anything thrown his way. He also turns around and plays defense, coming off the edge and causing problems.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1082643"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"For whatever reason, Class 4A has historically featured the top teams having strong running games and this year is no different. Elk City is right back in the mix as a team to watch out for. They're coming off back to back trips to the 4A semifinals and there's no doubt that they want to do it again and truly contend for 4A gold. Elk City has several standouts to watch in the running game but we'll have an eye on senior [player_tooltip player_id='1082643' first='Cooper' last='Garbarino'] with the versatility he brings to the offensive side of the ball. No matter where Garbarino lines up, he seems to make plays and he's done so in their biggest games.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["215196"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"We've been talking about Poteau senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='215196' first='Dax' last='Collins'] for a while now. Whether it's offense, defense or special teams, Collins has the ability to be the best overall player in Class 4A as we begin the playoffs. On offense, Collins is an electric playmaker at the running back position. He leads Poteau's powerful rushing attack and then turns around and is a standout at defensive back. Collins is also a threat to impact the game when he returns kicks in special teams. Collins had his junior season impacted by injuries but he has made up for lost time this season and the Pirates are back to contending.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["628151"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Ada was right there in the mix all season as one of the top teams in Class 4A. They come into the playoffs with a 9-1 record and the only blemish was in a district title showdown with Poteau. The Cougars have a few young players that we have an eye on moving forward but the spotlight here is going on senior [player_tooltip player_id='628151' first='Fisher' last='Marr'] at the linebacker position and he also helps the Cougars in certain situations at running back. Marr is one of the better linebackers in Class 4A and whenever they need a power runner near the goal line or in other short yardage situations, he's proven to be a big asset.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["929832"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Miami is back in the playoffs for the second straight year and that's the first time that's happened in over a decade. The Wardogs have a balanced offense but senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='929832' first='Hunter' last='Nichols'] has been arguably the most consistent offensive threat for them over the last three seasons. You just look at the numbers and it's hard to argue. But Nichols has elevated his game in the second half of this season. 593 of his 876 yards this season have come in the second half of the schedule. 12 of his 14 rushing touchdowns on the season have come in the last five games as well.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["917666"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Bethany is an interesting team to watch in the 4A playoffs. They have been one of the better teams in Class 4A all season but found themselves in the toughest district in the class. Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='917666' first='Jackson' last='Payne'] will lead Bethany into a first round rematch with Clinton on Friday night. These two teams played an overtime classic in the first round last year. Payne has been playing really good football down the stretch of the regular season. They have a very balanced offense but we've liked how Payne has taken care of the ball in the last month of the season. They'll look to avenge last year's loss this week.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["1082651"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"So Cache has a tall task as a four seed on Friday night, going up against district champion Blanchard in the first round. But we like what the Bulldogs have in the run game and a sophomore that has stood out to us on the film is [player_tooltip player_id='1082651' first='JaJa' last='Thomas'] at the running back position. No matter where Cache lines him up on offense, he has the ability to really impact the game. Whether it's at running back or as a wingback in the flexbone looks that they've had this season, Thomas makes plays. And just a sophomore, Thomas has a bright future moving forward and we're looking forward to seeing more of him.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["922913"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"We've mentioned this a few times this season but there's no doubt that Cushing has exceeded all expectations this season. Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='922913' first='John' last='Hilligoss'] had a tall task of replacing one of the best quarterbacks in the state from a year ago and the Tigers had to replace a ton of key players from last year's runner up team. Hilligoss has passed just about every test this season. They even pushed Wagoner in the regular season in a game that ended up deciding the district championship. Hilligoss and the Tigers want to continue to surprise Class 4A with another deep playoff run this month.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["530573"],"_player_evaluations_12_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"Wagoner junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='530573' first='Kale' last='Charboneau'] helped lead the Bulldogs to another state championship last season in his first season as QB1 of the Bulldogs. Coming into the 2023 season, there were expectations that Charboneau would light it up on the offensive side of the ball as a passer and a runner and that's exactly how this season has played out. Charboneau has thrown for over 2,100 yards and 15 touchdowns and also added over 500 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. The Bulldogs have some stars on this year's team but Charboneau is the engine that makes things go.","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_13_player":["611316"],"_player_evaluations_13_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"Broken Bow senior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='611316' first='Kyran' last='Whitfield'] is an absolute playmaker with the football in his hands. We got a chance to see Whitfield in person a handful of times in the offseason during 7v7 season and he always seemed to be one of the more consistent receivers. This fall for Broken Bow, Whitfield has made a massive impact on the offensive side of the ball. He's still their top option at wide receiver but in last week's game against Ada, Whitfield was taking reps at running back and making an impact in the running game as well. They have a tall task on Friday against defending champ Wagoner.","_player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_14_player":["449184"],"_player_evaluations_14_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"Newcastle has a few players that could fit in this category but we're going with a sophomore that needs more attention statewide. [player_tooltip player_id='449184' first='TJ' last='Bradford'] is one of the more underrated players in Class 4A when you look at the production he's had this season. Bradford enjoyed a solid season last year as a freshman and we caught the tape and he was strong at running back. But seeing Bradford in the spring and then seeing what he's done this fall, this guy is a legitimate two-way threat at running back and defensive back. Newcastle has a tough playoff road but Bradford should provide a massive impact.","_player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_15_player":["901851"],"_player_evaluations_15_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_15_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_15_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_15_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_15_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"Whenever you're talking about the player to watch for Clinton, it doesn't matter what year it is, that player is usually going to come from the backfield at the running back position. This year, it's junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='901851' first='Zaedon' last='Collins'] and he's having an outstanding junior season. He's not alone in the Clinton backfield but he has shined in arguably their two biggest games of the season. Collins ran for well over 200 yards in a loss to 3A powerhouse Heritage Hall. He would then have another good game against Elk City in late September that would end up deciding the district championship.","_player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":16,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-654bfab0ac52e"} /--> <!-- 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='294262' first='Alex' last='Shieldnight'] - 2025 Defensive Lineman - Wagoner</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='268307' first='Brayson' last='Carter'] - 2025 Athlete - Blanchard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='633075' first='Brady' last='Matheson'] - 2024 Wide Receiver - Cushing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='911940' first='Brock' last='Boyles'] - 2026 Quarterback - Ada</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='154215' first='Jackson' last='Bergt'] - 2024 Quarterback - Newcastle</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1082645' first='Luke' last='Brooks'] - 2024 Defensive Lineman - Poteau</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='988903' first='Stone' last='Chism'] - 2025 Quarterback - Weatherford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='268445' first='Witt' last='Edwards'] - 2024 Athlete - Wagoner</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='917665' first='Wyatt' last='Geissler'] - 2025 Wide Receiver - Bethany</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->