Bartlesville Bruins OK 2024 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 even into August, we are publishing well over 100 of the most in-depth team previews that you'll find anywhere to get you completely ready for the 2024 football season. This is something that began for us at PRZ-Oklahoma in 2021 and it continues to get bigger and better every single year. We're looking forward to diving deep into the top teams across the state in every class. From defending champions, to the top contenders and plenty of dark horses and other teams to know, we'll have complete coverage every single day. There will be multiple previews dropping every single day! In this post, we take a look at the Bartlesville Bruins!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Bartlesville Bruins </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #7 In Class 6A-2<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #5 In Class 6A-2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Head Coach: Harry Wright - 3rd Season - 10-14 Record At Bartlesville</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (5-7 Record - Lost In Class 6A-2 Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 1st - Lost To Claremore 28-27<br>Sept. 8th - Lost To Sapulpa 44-36<br>Sept. 15th - Lost To Collinsville 27-14<br>Sept. 22nd - Beat Booker T Washington 21-10<br>Sept. 29th - Beat U.S. Grant 62-0<br>Oct. 6th - Beat Putnam City West 31-28<br>Oct. 12th - Lost To Stillwater 14-10<br>Oct. 19th - Lost To Sand Springs 20-17 (OT)<br>Oct. 27th - Lost To Muskogee 30-27<br>Nov. 3rd - Beat Tahlequah 51-20<br>1st Round - Beat Putnam City North 45-14<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Deer Creek 35-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 29 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 22.5 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bartlesville Bruins went 5-7 and lost in the 6A-2 quarterfinals for the second straight year in 2023 but when you put their season under a microscope, it could have gone in so many different directions. Half of their games were decided by a single possession in 2023. And unfortunately for the Bruins, they came out on the short end more times than not. In fact, they were 1-5 in those six games and if a ball bounces differently, maybe the whole season plays out in a different way. They opened the season with three straight losses in non-district play. They fell to Claremore and Sapulpa, both in single possession games. Then they lost to Collinsville in the non-district finale. They would respond to the three game skid with a three-game winning streak. They beat Booker T Washington, U.S. Grant and Putnam City West to open up district play and that gave them some momentum going into the toughest stretch of the district schedule. They played Stillwater, Sand Springs and Muskogee in three straight weeks. They lost to all three by a combined ten points with the Sand Springs game going to overtime. They beat Tahlequah with ease in the regular season finale and won their first round game against Putnam City North. The season came to an end on the road against Deer Creek in the quarterfinals. But you can't help but wonder what the Bruins would have looked like in 2023 if some of those close games went in the other direction. Specifically those three district contests. It could have set them up for a much deeper run in the playoffs. But it's clear the Bruins are close to taking that next step as a program.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You can look at the 2023 season and wonder what could have been but it's time to start looking at what's next and that's the 2024 season and a new opportunity. As we said, we like what the Bruins have done in the last two seasons and it feels like only a matter of time before they have that season where they get to a semifinal or even the championship game. They come into this season as the number seven team in our 6A-2 preseason rankings. But to be honest, there isn't much that separates the teams from four to seven. It wouldn't surprise us at all if the Bruins ended up significantly higher at the end of the season. For this season, it'll be about getting out to a fast start. Last season, they began 0-3 and while that didn't derail their season, the Bruins want to avoid that this fall. And the Bruins will specifically need to get out to a fast start in the first three games of district play. There will be no easing in as they play arguably the three toughest teams from their district in the first three weeks of district play. They'll also have to be road warriors early on. Only two of their first six games are at home. But having quite a bit of experience back will certainly help with that. Seven starters are back on the offensive side of the ball, including one of the more experienced quarterbacks in Class 6A-2. That will certainly help this team remain calm in those road games early on. They also bring back six starters on the defensive side of the ball. And this is a team that has a great blend of experienced seniors and young talent coming up. Bartlesville is a program that is knocking on the door of joining those other top programs in this class. They're hoping to kick the door down this season.&nbsp;</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>Brett Eaves - Defensive Back<br>Cooper Wood - Offensive/Defensive Lineman</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":["898115"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6697332e0c5fe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At this time last year, we were writing about wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='898115' first='Damien' last='Niko'] following his breakout season in 2022. He emerged as one of the top targets in the Bartlesville offense and during his junior season, he left no doubt that he was the top option in the passing game. He led the team in every receiving category and finished with nearly 800 yards and 12 touchdowns. This season, we think he could see that production go up even more. Because the scary part of Niko's 2023 production was he had multiple quarterbacks. If he gets a consistent QB in 2024, the sky is the limit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1335748"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6697332e0c658"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It's going to be fun to see how the Bartlesville defense comes together because they were an underrated unit last season. They could end up making a big step up this fall and senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1335748' first='Mason' last='Manley'] will probably have something to do with that. We like what the Bruins bring back on that side of the ball and the conversation has to start with Manley at linebacker. The senior is going to be one of the captains of not only this defense but of the Bruins going into his final season. We're looking forward to seeing what kind of production Manley ends up having in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["898116"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6697332e0c6ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='898116' first='Nate' last='Neal'] has to be looking forward to getting back on the field at full strength in 2024. Early on in the 2023 season, Neal would hurt his collarbone and would miss a significant amount of the regular season. The Bruins were able to tread water on offense but you don't just plug in another quarterback to replace an accurate and experienced quarterback like Neal. This season, we think the Bartlesville passing attack could be one of the better units in 6A-2 football. As long as Neal stays healthy, he has multiple weapons and a ton of ability to make some noise. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>MORE NAMES TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Archer Swisher - 2026 Running Back/Linebacker<br>Avery Hitchings - 2025 Defensive Lineman<br>Camden Dainty - 2027 Offensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1169294' first='Chase' last='Eaves'] - 2025 Athlete<br>Jesus Ortiz - 2027 Offensive Lineman<br>Ivan Griffith - 2026 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1610422' first='John' last='Torres'] - 2026 Offensive/Defensive LIneman<br>JR Earnhart - 2025 Offensive Lineman<br>Lucas Wilson - 2025 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Sutton Williams - 2026 Running Back/Linebacker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 SCHEDULE/GAMES TO CIRCLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 29th - AT Newcastle<br>Sept. 6th - AT Claremore<br><strong>Sept. 20th - Collinsville<br></strong>- The final non-district game happens in week three when Bartlesville plays their first home game of the season against one of the top teams in Class 5A. Collinsville comes to town and regardless of what Bartlesville does in the first two weeks, this will be a measuring stick game for the Bruins before they go into a tough district slate. And as we mentioned earlier in the preview, the first three district games are arguably the hardest. A win here will give them a ton of momentum. <br><strong>Sept. 27th - AT Sand Springs<br></strong>- The district slate begins on the road as Bartlesville will travel to Sand Springs to face the Sandites. Every game during these first three weeks of district play will have a dramatic impact on where Bartlesville is at the end of the year in terms of playoff seed or even competing for the district championship. The Bruins fell to Sand Springs in overtime a year ago. With a win here, they will control their own destiny in district play the rest of the way. A loss will make them have to scratch and claw for everything. <br>Oct. 4th - Sapulpa<br><strong>Oct. 11th - AT Muskogee<br></strong>- To be the best, you have to beat the best and Bartlesville will get their chance at beating the best in 6A-2 to kick off the second half of the regular season. The Bruins will go on the road to face defending 6A-2 champion Muskogee. This is a game to circle for obvious reasons. The Bruins want to climb the mountain the Muskogee ascended last season. The Roughers will also feature a running back that is very familiar to the Bruins so this game might have a little extra juice to it. <br>Oct. 17th - Putnam City North<br>Oct. 25th - AT Ponca City<br>Nov. 1st - Putnam City West<br>Nov. 8th - Capitol Hill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bartlesville is knocking on the door of becoming that consistent winner in Class 6A-2 under head coach Harry Wright. In his first two seasons, he's gone 5-7 with losses in the quarterfinals each year. But before that, the Bruins were struggling. They were missing the playoffs, they were only winning two or three games. So getting to the point where the Bruins expect to make the playoffs is one step. Winning in the playoffs is that next step. Bartlesville is not a stranger to playoff success in Class 6A-2. They made a run to the 2015 semifinals but ultimately fell short of punching their ticket to what would have been the first state championship game in school history. They are not that far away. The separation between Bartlesville and the top teams in 6A-2 like Choctaw, Muskogee and Stillwater is not a massive gap. The Bruins have an opportunity to take that next step in 2024 but a hot start in district play will be the biggest key.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LAST FIVE SEASONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 - 5-7 - Lost In Class 6A-2 Quarterfinals<br>2022 - 5-7 - Lost In Class 6A-2 Quarterfinals <br>2021 - 2-8 - Missed Playoffs<br>2020 - 3-8 - Lost In Class 6A-2 1st Round<br>2019 - 2-8 - Missed Playoffs</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>0 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->