Class 3A Season In Review

Get 25% off your subscription by entering Knight25 in the coupon code area. Enjoy!   The 2023 football season has come to a close and it's time to start taking a look back at the year in football before we move on to the offseason and looking ahead to 2024. Every day for the next four weeks, we'll have more postseason content on Prep Redzone Oklahoma. From our Season In Review series to player awards and of course our All State teams. Check back each day for a new postseason post on the 2023 season, ONLY on Prep Redzone Oklahoma. In this post, we're continuing our season in review series with a look back at all the top stories and players from Class 3A.   STATE CHAMPION   Lincoln Christian Bulldogs (14-0)   For Lincoln Christian, they came into the 2023 football season with a feeling of unfinished business. They fell to Metro Christian in the semifinals a year ago and they came into this year at #2 right behind defending champion Heritage Hall. Despite replacing the majority of their starters on defense, the Bulldogs still looked like one of the best teams in the state and it played out that way early on. They simply reloaded instead of rebuilt. Like they do each year, Lincoln tested themselves against a tough non-district schedule and passed each test with flying colors. They would once again dominate the district and run away with another district title.   The closest game in the regular season came in week three when they beat Arkansas powerhouse Shiloh Christian 20-14, avenging their only loss from the regular season in 2022. Lincoln Christian kept that focus and dominating play during the first two rounds of the playoffs. They took care of Bristow in the first round and then had a top five showdown with Sulphur in the quarterfinals. Again, they passed with flying colors, winning 45-7. In the semifinals, Lincoln Christian got all they wanted and then some from Perkins-Tryon. The Bulldogs held on to win 17-10 in a very competitive game. That set up a 1 VS 2 championship showdown with Heritage Hall.   Things did not look good in the first 18 minutes of the championship clash. The Bulldogs fell down 28-7, which obviously isn't ideal in a game against the defending champs. But Lincoln would score two touchdowns in the final few minutes of the first half to make it 28-21 at the break. Lincoln then scored on the first possession of the second half and all of the momentum started to swing to the Bulldogs. Heritage Hall lost their star quarterback early on in the third quarter to a knee injury and that completely deflated their pursuit of a second straight gold ball. Lincoln's running game also could not be stopped as they combined for over 400 yards on the ground and rolled to a 48-28 victory.   CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_23y1r6YYHI </div></figure>   3A PLAYER OF THE YEAR    BREAKOUT STARS   [player_tooltip player_id='1083187' first='Barrett' last='Mullen'] - 2026 Quarterback - Cascia Hall   We were told before the season that Cascia Hall was switching to a pass-first offense and to not be surprised if they threw the ball 30-35 times in a game. That's exactly what happened and Cascia Hall sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1083187' first='Barrett' last='Mullen'] had a spectacular first season as QB1 for Cascia. Mullen put up some really impressive numbers and checking out some of his film as well as seeing him briefly in person, he does a good job of putting the ball all over the field. He's going to be a fun player to watch over the next two seasons.   [player_tooltip player_id='593641' first='Caleb' last='Hawkins'] - 2025 Running Back/Defensive Back - North Rock Creek   North Rock Creek made history this season by punching their ticket to the playoffs for the first time in their school's short history. And junior standout [player_tooltip player_id='593641' first='Caleb' last='Hawkins'] was certainly a name we knew about coming into the 2023 football season but he absolutely exploded. It seemed like every week, Hawkins was putting up 150-200 yards and accounting for three or four touchdowns. Hawkins was the very definition of a breakout star this fall. He was a good player back in August, he became one of Class 3A's very best players by November.   [player_tooltip player_id='922962' first='Connor' last='Payne'] - 2025 Quarterback - Berryhill   Berryhill made it back to the playoffs and they had a very balanced offense leading the way. Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='922962' first='Connor' last='Payne'] was a name that we weren't as familiar with back in the summer but he emerged as QB1 for the Chiefs and had a fantastic junior season. With Class 3A looking much different in 2024, that could open the door for the Chiefs to return to contending for state championships. Having Payne back at the quarterback position could certainly put Berryhill in that group of teams ready to take the next step.   [player_tooltip player_id='911962' first='Julius' last='Wilson'] - 2026 Athlete - Holland Hall   Holland Hall sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='911962' first='Julius' last='Wilson'] is going to be a name to watch out for moving forward. Wilson is quickly becoming one of the best two-sport athletes in the state's 2026 class. He's very highly regarded on the basketball floor but we think that he's going to start seeing his stock go up on the football field after the sophomore season he had. Wilson was a big play threat at wide receiver and was also a ball hawk at the safety position. And with basketball already well underway, Wilson is once again a star on the hardwood.   [player_tooltip player_id='979658' first='Malakai' last='Dillard'] - 2026 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back - Lincoln Christian   Lincoln Christian has quite a few players that could fit under the "Breakout Star" category. The sophomore and freshman classes really showed out this season. Sophomore wide receiver and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='979658' first='Malakai' last='Dillard'] ran away with the title this season while leading the Bulldogs in receiving. Dillard emerged as a big play threat in the Lincoln Christian offense very early on this season and continued his strong sophomore campaign in their pursuit of a state title. Dillard and these young Lincoln stars move up to 4A next season.   OTHER TOP PLAYERS   [player_tooltip player_id='846607' first='Ayden' last='Guess'] - 2024 Tight End/Defensive End - Central   Central senior [player_tooltip player_id='846607' first='Ayden' last='Guess'] was a player that we saw in person back in the spring and he immediately became a prospect to watch for us. Guess has the prototypical size and athleticism for a player at the next level and he produced throughout the 2023 season for Central.   [player_tooltip player_id='360247' first='Blake' last='Stewart'] - 2024 Running Back/Linebacker - Plainview   Plainview senior [player_tooltip player_id='360247' first='Blake' last='Stewart'] is one of the more underrated players in Class 3A and it's felt like that for a while now. Stewart has made 1,000 yards rushing and over 100 tackles seem simple over the last few seasons. He was back at it this season as one of the best two-way players in 3A.   [player_tooltip player_id='897727' first='Cade' last='Gilbert'] - 2024 Quarterback - Marlow   Marlow senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='897727' first='Cade' last='Gilbert'] was right there among the best signal callers in Class 3A this season. Whether he was throwing the ball or running the ball, Gilbert was a big play threat. He and the Outlaws came up just shy of playing for the Class 3A gold ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='393579' first='Cutter' last='Greene'] - 2024 Athlete - Perkins-Tryon   We've said this a few times but Perkins-Tryon senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='393579' first='Cutter' last='Greene'] is one of the best pure athletes in Class 3A. He showed that throughout his senior season and had an outstanding offseason prior to this fall. Greene remains one of the top athletes in Class 3A.   [player_tooltip player_id='1083184' first='Dalton' last='Barrington'] - 2024 Running Back - Berryhill   Berryhill senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1083184' first='Dalton' last='Barrington'] earned his spot on this breakdown with some of his best performances coming in Berryhill's biggest games of the season. Barrington put up strong numbers at running back but he elevated his game to new heights when he needed to.   [player_tooltip player_id='133792' first='Damontre' last='Patterson'] - 2024 Wide Receiver - Sulphur   Sulphur had a season to remember as they became one of Class 3A's best after missing the playoffs in 2022. Senior wide receiver and overall athlete [player_tooltip player_id='133792' first='Damontre' last='Patterson'] had a special season and proved that he is one of the better overall athletes in Class 3A, especially when it came to speed.   [player_tooltip player_id='917724' first='Darien' last='Dansby'] - 2025 Running Back - Bristow   Bristow junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='917724' first='Darien' last='Dansby'] had a strong season as he helped Bristow punch their ticket back to the Class 3A playoffs. And like we mentioned earlier, the future of Class 3A feels wide open. Bristow bringing back an experienced playmaker like Dansby could make them a team to watch.   [player_tooltip player_id='353415' first='Elijah' last='Thomas'] - 2025 Wide Receiver - Checotah   Checotah junior standout and Oklahoma commit [player_tooltip player_id='353415' first='Elijah' last='Thomas'] was without a doubt one of the best football players in Oklahoma this season. Thomas was lights out at wide receiver but he was much more than that. He became a touchdown machine all over the field for the Wildcats.   [player_tooltip player_id='1031234' first='Jacob' last='Jones'] - 2024 Quarterback - Checotah   Checotah senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1031234' first='Jacob' last='Jones'] certainly benefitted from having a player like Thomas at the wide receiver position. Jones put up some monster numbers and all of those passing numbers weren't only going to Thomas. Jones did a good job of distributing the ball around.   [player_tooltip player_id='192621' first='Jaxson' last='Grimes'] - 2024 Quarterback - Metro Chrisitan   Metro Christian senior [player_tooltip player_id='192621' first='Jaxson' last='Grimes'] moved over to the quarterback position this fall and made sure the Patriots were once again a playoff team. Grimes wasn't anywhere close to 100 percent when the playoffs rolled around but he put up some very impressive numbers.   [player_tooltip player_id='315546' first='Jordyn' last='Harris'] - 2024 Athlete - Heritage Hall   Heritage Hall senior [player_tooltip player_id='315546' first='Jordyn' last='Harris'] is another example of a player that was truly dynamic on both sides of the ball. Harris was one of Heritage Hall's top offensive weapons and then he turned around and impacted the game on defense and in special teams. Harris had a strong 2023 season.   [player_tooltip player_id='127357' first='Luke' last='Milligan'] - 2024 Quarterback - Lincoln Christian   Lincoln Christian senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='127357' first='Luke' last='Milligan'] led a Bulldog offense that was arguably the most efficient unit in Class 3A and is certainly up there in the state, regardless of class. They rarely made mistakes and could beat you in multiple ways. Milligan was in complete control throughout.   [player_tooltip player_id='1083182' first='Mason' last='Jones'] - 2024 Athlete - Stigler   Stigler made it back to the playoffs and they are a team to look out for moving forward. Senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='1083182' first='Mason' last='Jones'] helped set the tone for Stigler moving forward, laying a foundation where they can build on. Jones was a very productive player for the Panthers over the last two seasons.   [player_tooltip player_id='621291' first='Moses' last='Fullingim'] - 2024 Running Back - Lincoln Christian   Lincoln Christian senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='621291' first='Moses' last='Fullingim'] was one of the state's best running backs this season. And that's not just in Class 3A. He proved that in the state championship game with another stellar performance. He was primed for a big 2023 season and lived up to the hype.   [player_tooltip player_id='1091729' first='Sawyer' last='Brooks'] - 2024 Running Back/Linebacker - Lincoln Christian   Lincoln Christian senior [player_tooltip player_id='1091729' first='Sawyer' last='Brooks'] missed most of the 2022 season and made up for lost time this fall. He became the other half of the devastating 1-2 punch at running back with Fullingim. He also was one of the team's leaders in tackles on defense. Brooks put up monster numbers this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='428958' first='Titan' last='Hix'] - 2026 Quarterback - Locust Grove   Sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='428958' first='Titan' last='Hix'] moved from Hennessey to Locust Grove this offseason and despite the Pirates going through a losing season, Hix still showed why he's one of the best quarterbacks in the state's 2026 class. Hix has a bright future and we're looking forward to seeing what's next.   [player_tooltip player_id='231981' first='Tre' last='Stevenson'] - 2024 Running Back/Defensive Lineman - Perkins-Tryon   Perkins-Tryon senior running back and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='231981' first='Tre' last='Stevenson'] is another example of a player that was one of the best at his position. Stevenson ran for over 1,000 yards for the third consecutive season and he was also an incredibly disruptive player on the defensive line.   [player_tooltip player_id='1083181' first='Tyler' last='Willis'] - 2024 Wide Receiver - Verdigris   In a season where Verdigris had to replace a ton of production from last year's team, senior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1083181' first='Tyler' last='Willis'] emerged as one of the best players at his position in Class 3A. Willis was one of 3A's leading receivers statistically and had a fantastic senior season.   [player_tooltip player_id='531187' first='Zavier' last='Freeman'] - 2024 Defensive Lineman - Heritage Hall   Heritage Hall senior defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='531187' first='Zavier' last='Freeman'] finished off a stellar career at Heritage Hall. Every time we've seen the Chargers in person over the last two seasons, Freeman is routinely one of the best players on the field. He's an incredibly disruptive defensive lineman.   [player_tooltip player_id='587295' first='Zaylun' last='Matlock'] - 2026 Athlete - McLoud   McLoud came up short on making it to the playoffs but the future could be bright. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='587295' first='Zaylun' last='Matlock'] came into this season as one of the more dynamic players in the state's 2026 class. He played like that throughout this fall, impacting the game in so many ways.   EARLY LOOK AT 2024   With the redistricting shuffle and some of the best private school programs being bumped up to Class 4A, there's a chance we're going to see a completely wide open Class 3A in 2024. Lincoln Christian, Heritage Hall and Holland Hall all are headed up to Class 4A. Metro Christian is the only private school power left standing and they are going to have plenty of competition around them. In fact, as we look at the Class 3A district lineup, it's hard to pinpoint one team as the favorite going into 2024. It truly feels like a wide open class. Perkins-Tryon is coming off a semifinal appearance but they lose a very talented senior class. North Rock Creek has some standouts and some momentum after their first playoff appearance in school history. Marlow just made a run to the semifinals but they are in a district with teams like Lone Grove, Pauls Valley, Plainview and Sulphur, who all beat up on each other in 2023. On the east side of the state you have Checotah that might have the best player in 3A football next fall but have to rebuild around him. Berryhill and Bristow always seem to be playoff teams but can they take the next step? There are way more questions than answers when we look at Class 3A and that should make for some entertaining football throughout the 2024 football season.

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