Bethel Wildcats 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 Bethel Wildcats!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Bethel Wildcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: UR In Class 2A-1<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: UR In Class 2A-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coach: Joey Ginn - 8th Season - 28-43 Record At Bethel</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (2-8 Record - Missed Playoffs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 1st - Lost To Classen SAS 30-22<br>Sept. 8th - Lost To McLoud 28-21<br>Sept. 14th - Beat Little Axe 37-8<br>Sept. 22nd - Lost To Meeker 46-7<br>Sept. 29th - Beat Kellyville 57-8<br>Oct. 6th - Lost To Chandler 62-21<br>Oct. 13th - Lost To Star Spencer 34-28<br>Oct. 20th - Lost To Crossings Christian 39-26<br>Oct. 27th - Lost To Luther 64-20<br>Nov. 3rd - Lost To Jones 63-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 24.6 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 38.2 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bethel WIldcats come into the 2024 season looking to erase the memories of the 2023 campaign after they went 2-8 and missed out on the playoffs for a second straight year. In a lot of ways, the 2023 season was similar to the 2022 campaign. They had a decent start but the district slate beat them down and the finish wasn't what they drew up. Bethel began the season with an 0-2 start after one possession losses to Classen SAS and McLoud. But things would turn around in the next three weeks because they went 2-1 and hit the halfway mark at a respectable 2-3. However, the week five win over Kellyville would be the last win of the 2023 campaign as they would lose their last five games to finish the year at 2-8 and now look to bounce back in 2024. And this offseason was one of change as the Wildcats switched things up on defense and are looking to find more consistency from the offensive side of the ball. The Wildcats will also experience change within the district this season. All seven district opponents are different from what Bethel went up against over the last two seasons. And Class 2A is different as well with the two different divisions. Bethel finds themselves in Class 2A-1.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats will once again bring back the majority of their starters as they have a very experienced and talented 2025 class. This group features players that have started for two and three years and have a lot of experience playing together. They're hoping that the experience they have on both sides of the ball will help lead them back to the playoffs. The Wildcats bring back seven starters on the offensive side of the ball and the strength will come from the running game. They have plenty of production returning there and all of their offensive linemen coming back as well. The Wildcats will lean on that running game while they try to figure out the quarterback position. They played multiple guys last season and it wouldn't be surprising to see multiple guys get playing time again this year. Defensively, Bethel brings back nine starters on that side of the ball. And we mentioned earlier how the Wildcats made a change to this side of the ball. They are going to attack from a 3-4 front and this front seven will be one to watch. Not just because they've made this schematic change, but that's where the majority of their experience is on the defensive side of the ball. Bethel has a lot of potential coming into this season and we're looking forward to watching this team try to fight their way back to the playoffs.&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>Reagan Curry - Wide Receiver/Defensive 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":["1348777"],"_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-66a330344af51"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned earlier in the preview how Bethel's offensive line brings everyone back this season and it could be a massive strength for the Wildcats. We have a few different guys that we can spotlight on that offensive line but we're giving the nod to senior [player_tooltip player_id='1348777' first='Alex' last='Barnett'] and he starts on both sides of the ball. Barnett will look to anchor a Bethel offensive line and pave the way for a running game that could really carry the Wildcats early in the season. Look for Barnett and the rest of this Bethel offensive line to really shine for the Wildcats throughout the 2024 season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["211564"],"_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-66a330344afb6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The term “underrated” gets thrown around a lot and we try to avoid using it all the time. However, it's possible that senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='211564' first='Austin' last='Melson'] is the most underrated linebacker in the state. Melson has been starting for the Wildcats since his freshman season and all he's done is become a tackling machine. He had over 100 tackles as a freshman and did it again in 2022 as a sophomore. Melson would then lead the team with nearly 140 tackles last season. Needless to say, the Wildcats will lean on that production and leadership as they make big changes to their defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["922984"],"_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-66a330344affc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='922984' first='Cale' last='Duncan'] is one of two guys that will be battling for playing time at the position this season. Last year, Duncan was categorized as a “gunslinger” and we're looking forward to seeing his growth as a pure passer coming into this year. As a junior, Duncan would complete around 50 percent of his passes and he finished with nearly 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns. If Duncan can take another step forward in his abilities as a quarterback, he's going to be in a really good position. As of right now, he'll be splitting reps with another quarterback. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1045558"],"_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-66a330344b03d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bethel's senior class is a deep and experienced one but they have strong players in the other classes. Junior running back and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1045558' first='Luke' last='Quinter'] is an example of that. He's a terrific two-way player for the Wildcats and he's going to join Melson on the defensive side of the ball as a linebacker to watch. He joined Melson last season with over 100 tackles and he's looking for more in 2024. Quinter also ended the season as the team's leading rusher. And as we've mentioned a few times in this preview, the Bethel running game is going to be a strength this season. </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>Dally Trussell - 2025 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Ezra Powis - 2026 Running Back/Defensive Back<br>Ian Cooper - 2025 Defensive Lineman<br>Kaden Pierce - 2025 Offensive Lineman<br>Kord Johnson - 2025 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1035153' first='Maddox' last='Davis'] - 2027 Quarterback<br>Talon Barlow - 2025 Offensive/Defensive Lineman</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>Sept. 6th - Luther<br></strong>- You always have to circle the season opener on the schedule and this season, Bethel will open the year against a familiar foe in Luther. All seven of Bethel's district opponents are new but Luther moves from a district foe in 2022 and 2023 to now the season opener in 2024. And the Wildcats are looking to turn things around in this series. Bethel won back to back meetings in 2020 and 201 but they've lost the last two in the series, with Luther winning 46-7 last season. <br>Sept. 13th - AT McLoud<br>Sept. 20th - Little Axe<br>Sept. 27th - AT Prague<br>Oct. 4th - Hugo<br><strong>Oct. 10th - AT Kingston<br></strong>- The second half of the season will be big for Bethel as they look to finish strong after struggling down the stretch in each of the last two seasons. The Wildcats begin the second half with a road game against Kingston. The Redskins bring back the majority of their starters and come into this season as a top five team in our Class 2A-1 preseason rankings. So needless to say, Bethel will have their work cut out for them but a win here will put them in a very good position. <br>Oct. 17th - Roland<br><strong>Oct. 25th - Kiefer<br></strong>- In week eight, it's senior night for Bethel and one of the more important games of the season. We've mentioned it already in this preview but this senior class has played a lot of football so on a night to recognize them, that will be special. Then you combine that with the fact that Kiefer is a top ten team in our preseason 2A-1 rankings and you have the makings for a big time atmosphere. At this point in the season, Bethel will know exactly what they need to do to get to the playoffs. <br>Nov. 1st - AT Okmulgee<br>Nov. 8h - AT Heavener</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bethel's district is going to be tough and while the Wildcats have a decent shot to make it to the playoffs, they are going to have to earn it. But you can make the argument that the Wildcats are actually one of the schools that benefited from the emergency redistricting shuffle in April. When a group of OKC-area private schools won a case against the OSSAA, all of the classes and districts got redrawn and Bethel actually ended up in a much more manageable situation. They went from a district that would have included two of the top three teams in the 2A-1 rankings in Millwood and Jones to this district which does feature two other ranked teams in Kingston and Kiefer but there is a big difference between #2 and #3 versus #5 and #8. But the bottom line is very simple for us. The Wildcats have to prove it on the field and after two straight losing seasons, there's no denying that this is a program that is hungry to do just that.&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 - 2-8 - Missed Playoffs<br>2022 - 4-6 - Missed Playoffs<br>2021 - 8-3 - Lost In Class 2A 1st Round<br>2020 - 6-4 - Lost In Class 2A 1st Round<br>2019 - 5-5 - 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 -->