Berryhill Chiefs OK 2024 Team Preview

<!-- 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>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 Berryhill Chiefs!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Berryhill Chiefs </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #5 In Class 3A<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #4 In Class 3A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Head Coach: Pat Harper - 19th Season - 148-58 Record At Berryhill</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (7-4 Record - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 1st - Lost To Fort Gibson 22-19<br>Sept. 8th - Beat Cascia Hall 28-21<br>Sept. 15th - Lost To Cushing 42-21<br>Sept. 22nd - Lost To Lincoln Christian 49-13<br>Sept. 29th - Beat Muldrow 52-14<br>Oct. 6th - Beat Locust Grove 48-6<br>Oct. 19th - Beat Checotah 40-28<br>Oct. 27th - Beat Stigler 42-14<br>Nov. 3rd - Beat Seminole 48-20<br>1st Round - Beat Verdigris 37-16<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Heritage Hall 49-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 31.6 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 25.5 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Berryhill Chiefs reminded us in 2023 why they have been one of the more consistent winners over the last three decades. The Chiefs came into the 2023 season as an unranked team in our preseason rankings following a 5-5 campaign in 2022. They would lose three of their first four games and it looked like things were going in the wrong direction. That didn't last long. After losing a close season opener to Fort Gibson, Berryhill turned things around with a big win over Cascia Hall in week two. They lost to Cushing and Lincoln Christian in the next two weeks but a relatively young team flipped the switch in the second half of the regular season. After the Lincoln Christian loss, Berryhill wouldn't lose again in the regular season. They won five straight to close out the regular season and they looked impressive doing it. The closest win during that stretch was a 12-point victory over Checotah. They opened up the playoffs with a first round win at home against Verdigris. That playoff appearance was Berryhill's 15th consecutive trip to the postseason. It came to an end in the quarterfinal round as they ran up against perennial powerhouse Heritage Hall and the Chargers were too much. Berryhill's 2023 season began with a 1-3 record but it ended at 7-4 with a win in the playoffs and making it to the quarterfinals. And this 2023 squad was a young team. Now, they're experienced and ready to take the next step and contend once again in Class 3A.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After another winning season and making it to the quarterfinals, this young team enters the 2024 season hungry. They went up against one of the top programs in the state with Heritage Hall and came up short. The Chiefs want to be where the Chargers currently are and other teams like defending champion Lincoln Christian. And they could very well be on their way to doing just that. The Chiefs come into this season as a top five team in our Class 3A preseason rankings. This year's team is highlighted by eight starters back on the offensive side of the ball, including a quarterback who is quickly emerging as one of the better signal callers in Class 3A. He'll also benefit from having an offensive line that is not just experienced but a line that is very talented in multiple spots. This unit averaged over 30 points per game in 2023 and it would not surprise us at all if the Chiefs end up averaging north of 40 points per game with the firepower they have returning on that side of the ball. And the offense isn't the only side that has experience. The defense will have seven starters back and we really like the talent they bring back on the front seven. Between the defensive line and linebacker group, this is a front seven that will be causing problems for opponents throughout the 2024 season. Berryhill has also shifted into a new district. And on paper, they look like the favorite to win that district. They're the highest rated team from this district in our new 3A rankings. If they do win the district this fall, that could definitely set them up for their deepest playoff run in over a decade.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KEY LOSS TO GRADUATION</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dalton Barrington - Running Back</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":["1304608"],"_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-66909be84b69a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It only feels like a matter of time before Berryhill junior offensive and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1304608' first='Aiden' last='Martin'] sees his recruitment take off. We mentioned earlier in the preview that the Berryhill offense will be successful because of the experience and overall talent on the offensive line. The return of Martin at left tackle is a big reason behind that statement. He's not alone either and this Berryhill offensive line could be one of the better units in Class 3A, not only this fall but next year as well with the talent they have in the junior class. Martin was also incredibly productive on the defensive side of the ball. Either way, we think this could be a big season for him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["922962"],"_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-66909be84b6ef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='922962' first='Connor' last='Payne'] is definitely on the shortlist of the top quarterbacks in Class 3A football heading into this season. He had an outstanding 2023 campaign and we're looking forward to seeing how much he improves from last season to what we see from him this fall. Last year, Payne threw for nearly 1,800 yards while completing nearly 70 percent of his passes to go along with 14 touchdowns. He also added over 500 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. And this was an offense that also featured a running back with over 200 carries. Now, Payne will have a brighter spotlight on him as he attempts to lead Berryhill back to the mountaintop of 3A football. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1161903"],"_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-66909be84b733"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As good as Payne might be at the quarterback position, he can't do it all by himself. And he'll benefit from having his two leading receivers back from a year ago. Junior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1161903' first='Cooper' last='Barrington'] enjoyed a breakout season in 2023 as a sophomore. He led the team in receiving and it was with numbers that weren't particularly close to the guy who came in second. He led the team with 44 receptions and over 600 yards with five touchdowns. This season, we don't think it's a large stretch to suggest those numbers are all going to go up. With Barrington emerging as Payne's top target in the passing game, he could have a monster 2024 campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1161904"],"_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-66909be84b773"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We think that junior [player_tooltip player_id='1161904' first='Harry' last='Vaughn'] is another 2026 prospect on Berryhill's line of scrimmage to keep an eye on moving forward. Similar to Martin, Vaughn is another guy that passes the eye test on the Berryhill line of scrimmage and that goes for either side of the ball. Vaughn is a physical player that could end up being a breakout prospect in the state's 2026 class this season. Last year, he got some quality reps as a sophomore and is ready to break out this fall. Like Martin, Vaughn has a lot of momentum going right now after a very successful spring, followed by a camp circuit where he got more quality reps and took advantage of every opportunity. </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>[player_tooltip player_id='876534' first='Braden' last='Schwickerath'] - 2026 Linebacker<br>Cade Pickering - 2026 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Casey Field - 2025 Running Back/Linebacker<br>Chase Bivins - 2026 Running Back/Linebacker<br>Chase Reynolds - 2026 Tight End/Linebacker<br>Gavin Fielder - 2026 Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='922963' first='Trenton' last='Jordan'] - 2025 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1718249' first='Wayne' last='Howell'] - 2026 Wide Receiver</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><strong>Aug. 30th - AT Cushing</strong><br>- The season opener is always a date to circle on the calendar but Berryhill is looking to get out to a fast start and they'll get that opportunity against Cushing. These two teams started squaring off in non-district play back in 2014 and have met every year since. The Chiefs began this series with a 5-1 record but Cushing has won four in a row to even up the records for both schools at 5-5. The Chiefs will look to start out their 2024 season with a win and end the current losing streak in the process. <br>Sept. 6th - Fort Gibson<br><strong>Sept. 13th - AT Bristow</strong><br>- Berryhill will wrap up non-district play in week two on the road against Bristow. This is an intriguing match-up because up until April, these two teams were going to be district opponents. But after the April redistricting shakeup, they are no longer district foes and will now face off in week two. Bristow is starting a new era under a first year head coach and the Chiefs are looking to carry some momentum into district play in week four. This match-up could feature some fireworks. <br>Sept. 27th - Cleveland<br>Oct. 4th - AT Inola<br>Oct. 11th - Jay<br>Oct. 17th - AT Vinita<br>Oct. 25th - Verdigris<br>Nov. 1st - AT Claremore Sequoyah<br><strong>Nov. 8th - Cascia Hall<br></strong>- In the final week of the regular season, Berryhill will host Cascia Hall in a game that could be a head to head clash for the district championship. On paper, these are the top two teams in the district with the Chiefs coming in at #5 in our 3A preseason rankings and the Commandos are right behind them at #6. These two were district foes in 2018 and 2019 before facing off in non-district play the last three seasons. The playoffs start the following week but it'll feel like they've come early with this high stakes match-up. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berryhill has been one of the better and more consistent programs since Gary Harper took over the program in 1992. He would win well over 100 games, including helping lead the Chiefs to the state championship in 2004. He handed over the keys to the program to Pat Harper (no relation) prior to the 2006 season and he has continued that consistent dominance over the past two decades. Last season, the Chiefs punched their ticket to the playoffs for the 15th consecutive season. And during this current streak, Berryhill usually wins at least one, if not more games once they get there. After getting bounced out in the first round in 2022, the Chiefs would win their first round game last season before falling to Heritage Hall in the quarterfinals. Harper is also two wins away from a milestone as we head into the 2024 season. With two more wins, Harper will reach 150 career wins at Berryhill. He's going into his 19th season as their head coach and he's turned this program into one that you just pencil in as a playoff team and a top ten team prior to every season. This year, the expectations are even higher and they want to make a deep run into November.&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 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals<br>2022 - 5-5 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round<br>2021 - 9-3 - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals<br>2020 - 3-5 - Lost In Class 3A 2nd Round<br>2019 - 9-2 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>1 State Championship</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2004 - Beat Victory Christian 27-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->