Guthrie Blue Jays 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 Guthrie Blue Jays!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Guthrie Blue Jays </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #7 In Class 5A<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #3 In Class 5A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coach: Kelly Beeby - 10th Season - 76-36 Record At Guthrie</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (10-2 Record - Lost In Class 5A Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 25th - Beat Ponca City 40-0<br>Sept. 1st - Beat Woodward 69-0<br>Sept. 8th - Beat Duncan 65-0<br>Sept. 15th - Beat Tuttle 20-3<br>Sept. 29th - Beat Piedmont 35-0<br>Oct. 6th - Beat Bishop McGuinness 20-0<br>Oct. 12th - Beat Southeast 68-0<br>Oct. 19th - Lost To Carl Albert 24-21<br>Oct. 26th - Beat Lawton Eisenhower 51-6<br>Nov. 3rd - Beat Shawnee 50-0<br>1st Round - Beat Lawton MacArthur 49-21<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Del City 47-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 41.8 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 8.4 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Guthrie Blue Jays came into the 2023 football season as a top five team with a very special and experienced senior class. And there's no denying that they backed up the preseason hype. They would begin the season with a 7-0 record and the defense might have been the most dominant defense in the state. We're beginning this 2023 recap with the headline and this was a Guthrie team that didn't give up a touchdown until week eight. In their first seven games, they had six shutouts and only gave up a field goal to Tuttle. They would dominate their way through the non-district slate, including a 20-3 win over Tuttle. They would continue that dominant play on defense as district play opened up with wins over Piedmont and Bishop McGuinness. Week eight rolled around and a showdown with top-ranked Carl Albert loomed. And the Titans would hand Guthrie a heartbreaking defeat, converting on a fourth and goal with under a minute left, scoring the go-ahead touchdown and escaping with a 24-21 win. The Blue Jays would bounce back with dominant wins over the final two weeks and rolled into the playoffs as that top five team that we saw throughout the season. They beat up Lawton MacArthur in the first round and another Mid-Del showdown took place in the quarterfinals. It was #3 Guthrie going on the road to face #2 Del City in a semifinal-quality match-up that we got in the quarterfinals. Guthrie ran out of gas and they gave up 47 points in the season-ending loss after giving up 54 in the previous eleven games. Guthrie's season ended at 10-2 and now there's quite a bit of turnover within the roster. A very special senior class has graduated and it's time for a new group to step up.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite losing that special senior class to graduation, this is still a Guthrie team that expects to compete and they aren't going anywhere anytime soon. They are once again ranked in our 5A preseason rankings and they are currently slotted in the 2 seed from their district based on those rankings. And while this year's team is going to look a little different, there was definitely not as much turnover as we thought there would be in terms of starters with experience returning. Six starters are back on the offensive side of the ball and while the headliners at quarterback and running back are gone, they do have an experienced offensive line returning and some players that earned very valuable playing time last season. Let's face it, when you're shutting everyone out, week after week, you get a lot of kids in the game and those players return this season with valuable experience heading into the new year. Replacing a three-year starter at quarterback and one of the better running backs in 5A football won't be easy but the Blue Jays are confident in their guys. On defense, they bring back just four starters off that dominant defensive unit. But again, it's a similar story as the offense where you see how many kids got playing time last season and it's not like they'll be starting from scratch. We like what Guthrie does have coming back and this is going to be a very aggressive and fun defense to watch. Now, these new faces will get thrown to the fire in a way as the non-district schedule is a tough one. But that should prepare them for district play in week four. The Blue Jays don't expect to take a step back in 2024 and they have some guys that could make sure that doesn't happen.&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>Eli Moroney - Defensive Lineman<br>Hayden Calvert - Quarterback<br>Jaylen Harper - 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":["1056543"],"_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-669bc3d255075"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1056543' first='Blake' last='Doles'] is the first of several players that we think could take big leaps this fall simply because of their workload being heavier. Last season, Doles was a solid two-way player for the Blue Jays as a full back/hybrid tight end and then on defense as a linebacker. We wrote about Doles earlier this year and we were really impressed with his physicality when he was running the football. And Guthrie is going to have some new faces in the running game this season. We think he could still be more valuable to this team on the defensive side of the ball but don't overlook him coming in and making some big runs in short yardage situations. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1340787"],"_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-669bc3d25510a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1340787' first='Eli' last='Plagg'] is a player that we think is primed for a monster senior season when you look at the full body of work. Last season, Plagg might have been looked at as a complimentary piece to the senior class of playmakers. This season, Plagg has the potential to be one of, if not Guthrie's top two-way player this fall. On offense, he gives the passing game size at the tight end or receiver position. He's listed at 6'4 and brings a lot of versatility and more importantly, physicality to the field for the Blue Jays. You combine that with what he's able to do on defense at the linebacker position and this could end up being a breakout season for a new name to watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[605196],"_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-669bc3d255171"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For the first time in several seasons, Guthrie will have a new quarterback. And the guy that could end up being QB1 is a new name to the Guthrie program in general. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1340786' first='Kolten' last='Carlock'] has moved to Guthrie after enjoying a successful junior season at Ada last fall. He's listed as a quarterback right now for the Blue Jays but he's a terrific athlete and he's going to be able to produce at a very high level this season. Whether it's offense, defense or even special teams, Guthrie's coaches are expecting a monster season from Carlock. He's going to be a fun player to watch in this Guthrie offense. He's also an emerging prospect in the state's 2025 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["994659"],"_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-669bc3d2551ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another key position coming into this season is the running back spot. The Blue Jays had one of the best running backs in the state a year ago so replacing that isn't going to be easy. But we do like what we saw from junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='994659' first='Zane' last='Thomas'] last season. Thomas was just a sophomore and earned plenty of playing time to lessen the workload for Harper at running back. This season, don't be surprised if Thomas becomes the marquee running back in this Guthrie offense. And if that's what ends up happening, Thomas could end up being a breakout player in 5A football this fall. Guthrie's experience on the offensive line will also help pave the way for Thomas. </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='1706915' first='Cooper' last='Walters'] - 2026 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Jace Rainwater - 2026 Wide Receiver/Linebacker<br>Jacob Owens - 2025 Offensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1699033' first='Kellen' last='Hirzel'] - 2026 Tight End/Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1680645' first='Malachi' last='Hardiman'] - 2027 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Zechariah Robinson - 2027 Wide Receiver/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. 29th - Tuttle<br></strong>- After meeting in each of the last two seasons, these two perennial powers will now shift to the season opener and it'll kick off on a Thursday night. For Guthrie fans, this will be the only time they can see their team at home before October as the Blue Jays will play three straight games away from home following the season opener against Tuttle. The Tigers are going to give this new-look defense a challenge with a very strong offense that has some legitimate fire power. <br>Sept. 13th - AT Duncan<br><strong>Sept. 20th - AT Blanchard<br></strong>- Non-district play wraps up in week three when Guthrie goes on the road to face off with Blanchard. The Lions are coming off capturing the Class 4A state championship. And similar to the Tuttle match-up, this will be another challenge for the Guthrie defense as the Lions have several playmakers that will keep them on their toes. But no matter what, this is a great opportunity for the Blue Jays to challenge themselves before they enter district play the following week. <br>Sept. 27th - AT John Marshall<br>Oct. 4th - Noble<br>Oct. 11th - AT El Reno<br>Oct. 17th - Western Heights<br>Oct. 25th - AT Altus<br><strong>Nov. 1st - Carl Albert<br></strong>- We have to wait all the way until week nine but we'll finally get the rematch between the Blue Jays and reigning 5A champion Carl Albert. The Carl Albert-Guthrie match-up might have been our favorite game that we covered in person last season and there's no doubt that Guthrie has not forgotten about how that game ended. Throw in the fact that these are traditional rivals and the district championship will probably be on the line and you have the makings for another big contest. <br>Nov. 8th - Lawton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Blue Jays are hungry to break through a wall that has been stopping them on a consistent basis. That wall is the quarterfinal round in the 5A playoffs. In the last four seasons, Guthrie has been bounced out of the playoffs in the quarterfinal round. In fact, in their last five playoff appearances, they've lost in the 5A quarterfinals. And while there isn't just one thing you can point to for this stretch, there is a leader in the clubhouse for that discussion. The district. Because the Blue Jays have been in arguably the toughest district in Class 5A during that stretch, they've routinely had a tougher road in the playoffs. Last year was a perfect example. Guthrie played like a top three team for the entire 2023 season. But because they lost to Carl Albert, they had to go on the road to face Del City in the quarterfinals. But the Blue Jays are determined to end that bad luck stretch and finally get over the quarterfinal hump in 2024.&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 - 10-2 - Lost In Class 5A Quarterfinals<br>2022 - 9-3 - Lost In Class 5A Quarterfinals<br>2021 - 10-2 - Lost In Class 5A Quarterfinals<br>2020 - 6-3 - Lost In Class 5A Quarterfinals<br>2019 - 4-6 - 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><em><strong>4 State Championships</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2013 - Beat McAlester 51-21<br>2011 - Beat Lawton MacArthur 24-7<br>2007 - Beat Bixby 16-3<br>2002 - Beat Booker T Washington 16-13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->