Cascia Hall Commandos 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 Cascia Hall Commandos!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Cascia Hall Commandos</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #6 In Class 3A<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: T8 In Class 3A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Head Coach: Joe Medina - 26th Season - 250-60 Record At Cascia Hall</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (8-4 Record - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 25th - Lost To Victory Christian 33-21<br>Sept. 1st - Beat Rejoice Christian 39-23<br>Sept. 8th - Lost To Berryhill 28-21<br>Sept. 22nd - Beat Holland Hall 29-27<br>Sept. 29th - Beat Central 37-8<br>Oct. 6th - Lost To Jay 57-34<br>Oct. 12th - Beat Verdigris 35-32<br>Oct. 20th - Beat Bristow 14-8<br>Oct. 27th - Beat Inola 49-8<br>Nov. 3rd - Beat Dewey 47-6<br>1st Round - Beat Stigler 32-21<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Marlow 45-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 30.4 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 21.5 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At this time last season, we were writing about the Cascia Hall Commandos and their offense going to a pass-first system that would look quite different from Cascia Hall teams we've seen in the past. They did not disappoint. The Commandos would see 12 school records get broken on the offensive side of the ball and they would continue their state record of playoff appearances. The Commandos would go 8-4 on the season and would actually capture the district championship. And that run to the district title came after Cascia Hall started the season 1-2 in non-district play and 3-3 to start the year overall. But they would finish 6-1 in district play and take home the district championship. They would win their first round game before falling to Marlow in the quarterfinal round. The Commandos would punch their ticket to the playoffs for the 37th consecutive season. They are extending their state record for consecutive playoff appearances and as we look ahead to the 2024 season, we don't see the Commandos falling short of extending that streak. They might have looked a little different last season but the expectation remained the same. They were contenders and they expect to contend again in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cascia Hall made history last season with their offensive change and saw a handful of records fall. What's scary is they could be even better this season. The 2023 Commandos averaged just over 30 points per game but we think this year's team could be north of 40 points per game with the firepower they bring back on that side of the ball. Cascia Hall's offense will be headlined by the return of their quarterback and their top two wide receivers and top running back. Having that kind of production will give the Commandos the potential to be one of the top scoring offenses in Class 3A this fall. On the defensive side of the ball, the Commandos will be experienced as well as they'll get a boost from the return of their leading tackler from the linebacker position and we think this is a unit that might be flying under the radar because of all the firepower that's on offense. Don't overlook how talented this Cascia Hall defense could be, specifically at the linebacker position as well as the secondary. The Commandos were thrown a curveball in April when the redistricting flurry happened. Originally, Cascia Hall was slated to drop down to Class 2A-1 this season. But after the redistricting took place, the Commandos now find themselves back in Class 3A for this fall. Either way, they were going to be contenders and we expect them to be one of the top teams in the class this fall.&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>Daniel Jarrett - Athlete<br>James Heatherman - Defensive Lineman<br>Mason Roach - 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":["1083187"],"_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-6694b2d1c993a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cascia Hall's offense reached new heights in 2023 and sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1083187' first='Barrett' last='Mullen'] was a big part of that. Coach Medina said how Cascia would be throwing the ball a lot more and Mullen did just that. He would go 208-361 for over 3,100 yards and 26 touchdowns. The 361 passes in a single season is an eye-opening number from a Cascia Hall offense. And as we mentioned earlier, the scary part is how young this offense is. Mullen was just a sophomore last season when he was slinging it all over the yard. Now he's back with a full season under his belt and his top receivers returning with him. Mullen's 2024 season could see more offensive records fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1333179"],"_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-6694b2d1c9991"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cascia Hall junior [player_tooltip player_id='1333179' first='Carter' last='Nathman'] is the first of two wide receivers that return to continue to light up defenses. Looking back at some of our notes from last season, we had Nathman listed as a linebacker to watch and would have a small role at wide receiver. That was clearly a mistake as Nathman is the leading returner for receptions and touchdowns. He caught 49 passes for over 850 yards and 11 touchdowns. Nathman is a big receiver that is a red zone nightmare for defenses. When we look at the production Cascia Hall's top receivers had last season and how they look this fall, it wouldn't shock us if the Commandos produce not one, but two 1,000 yard receivers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1067472"],"_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-6694b2d1c99d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cascia Hall sophomore wide receiver and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1067472' first='Fisher' last='Lai'] was one of the breakout stars in the state last fall. There is no doubt that Lai was one of the best freshmen in Oklahoma when you look at the impact he was able to have. He would be right there with Nathman in terms of receiving. He finished the year with 47 catches for just under 900 yards and ten touchdowns. He also impacted the game on the defensive side of the ball from the cornerback position. Lai is a terrific young prospect and when he gets the ball in the open field, he's absolutely electric. He had a really good offseason and is looking to carry that momentum into this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1333183"],"_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-6694b2d1c9a30"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned earlier in the preview how the Commandos would benefit from the return of their leading tackler from last season. Senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1333183' first='Hank' last='Witte'] played like a madman every single week last season and we're fired up to see what he can do for an encore. Last season, Witte led the team with nearly 150 tackles on the year. He also finished the season with five sacks and we're looking forward to seeing what his production looks like this season. And as we mentioned, the strength of this defense could definitely come from the linebackers and the secondary and Witte is a big reason why. Don't be surprised if Witte is one of the top linebackers in 3A. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["916762"],"_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-6694b2d1c9a88"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While a lot of the attention this season with Cascia Hall's offense will be on the passing game, don't forget about the running game as that will be another strength of this unit. Senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='916762' first='Owen' last='Darby'] returns and is coming off a fantastic junior season. Despite the Commandos going to that pass-first offense, Darby was still incredibly productive. He finished with just over 900 yards and nine touchdowns on the season. And we got a chance to watch Darby up close this spring and he really impressed us throughout the team camp. Darby enjoyed some breakout moments as a sophomore and then turned into the main threat at running back last 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>[player_tooltip player_id='1704727' first='Aiden' last='Estep'] - 2027 Offensive Lineman<br>Charlie Stanford - 2025 Wide Receiver<br>Chris Kutmas - 2025 Offensive Lineman<br>Cooper Frazier - 2025 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Cooper Smith - 2025 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Graham Kennedy - 2025 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><strong>Aug. 30th - Holland Hall<br></strong>- It's the annual “Hall Brawl” kicking off the 2024 season as Cascia Hall will host rival Holland Hall in week zero. After the last two seasons where these two teams were district opponents, they now go back to being non-district foes and kick off the year against one another. Cascia Hall comes into this season with a two-game winning streak against the Dutch. This year, they find themselves in different districts but will both look to become serious Class 3A contenders. <br>Sept. 6th - Rejoice Christian<br><strong>Sept. 13th - AT Metro Christian<br></strong>- In week two, Cascia Hall will go five miles south to face Metro Christian and wrap up their non-district slate. Despite only being five miles away from one another, this year's week two clash will be the first time since 2005 for these teams to square off with one another in the regular season. They've met in the playoffs two times in the last decade, with the last meeting coming in 2022. Both teams expect to be contenders in their respective classes this season. <br>Sept. 27th - Inola<br>Oct. 4th - AT Cleveland<br>Oct. 11th - Vinita<br>Oct. 17th - AT Jay<br>Oct. 25th - Claremore Sequoyah<br>Nov. 1st - AT Verdigris <br><strong>Nov. 8th - AT Berryhill<br></strong>- Arguably the toughest game on the schedule doesn't take place until week ten and this district clash with Berryhill could end up deciding the district championship. These two teams are the top-ranked teams in the district and the favorites for the district crown. Berryhill and Cascia Hall have met in non-district play in each of the last three seasons. Both teams have scored 28-21 victories over the other in the last two years but Berryhill got the best of the Commandos last year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Joe Medina has been a Cascia Hall lifer. He graduated from Cascia Hall in 1984 and would start his coaching career there in the late 80's as an assistant coach. After eight seasons out in California, Medina returned to his alma mater in 1999 to become the head coach and has been there ever since. He has taken the program to new heights, including the peak about 15 years ago when they would win three straight state championships from 2007-2009. Last season, Medina hit two coaching milestones that put him in elite company in Oklahoma. First off, Medina would win his 300th game between his two stops at St. Augustine in San Diego and Cascia Hall. And last year's first round win over Stigler would give Medina 250 career wins at Cascia Hall alone. The list of Oklahoma coaches with 250 wins is not long and Medina is now on it and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. And with the team he has for this year and the immediate future, he will be racking up more wins to what has been a storied career.&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 - 8-4 - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals<br>2022 - 9-3 - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals<br>2021 - 9-4 - Lost In Class 2A Quarterfinals<br>2020 - 8-2 - Lost In Class 2A 1st Round<br>2019 - 7-4 - 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>5 State Championships</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2009 - Beat Berryhill 21-0<br>2008 - Beat Claremore Sequoyah 28-21<br>2007 - Beat Heritage Hall 20-13<br>1999 - Beat Bristow 31-0<br>1989 - Beat Okemah 21-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->