Kiefer Trojans 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 Kiefer Trojans!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Kiefer Trojans</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #8 In Class 2A-1<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #6 In Class 2A-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Head Coach: Trent Worley - 6th Season - 41-19 Record At Kiefer</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (13-1 Record - Lost In Class 2A Semifinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 25th - Beat NOAH 62-34<br>Sept. 1st - Beat Adair 64-26<br>Sept. 15th - Beat Keys 62-14<br>Sept. 22nd - Beat Morris 30-12<br>Sept. 29th - Beat Sperry 44-12<br>Oct. 6th - Beat Okmulgee 58-38<br>Oct. 12th - Beat Kansas 22-14<br>Oct. 19th - Beat Beggs 68-6<br>Oct. 27th - Beat Westville 60-28<br>Nov. 3rd - Beat Victory Christian 40-34 (OT)<br>1st Round - Beat Vinita 62-20<br>2nd Round - Beat Tahlequah Sequoyah 64-28<br>Quarterfinals - Beat Alva 34-14<br>Semifinals - Lost To Millwood 34-29</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 49.9 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 22.4 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kiefer Trojans had a dream season in 2023 but that dream would turn into a nightmare at the very end. The story of their 2023 season might be headlined by the way it ended but it was still a year to remember. Kiefer into the year as a team to watch in Class 2A and they quickly backed that up. They would score 60+ points in each of their first three games. They rolled over their opponents in non-district play and then entered one of the tougher districts in Class 2A with a ton of momentum. That dominant play continued when district play began and they were undefeated going into week seven on the road against Kansas. They came into this game with a 6-0 record. It would be their first close call but they came away with a 22-14 victory. They would roll over their next two opponents, setting up a week ten showdown with Victory Christian for the district championship. They captured the district championship with an exciting 40-34 win over the Conquerors in a game that went to overtime. In the first three rounds, we saw that same dominant Kiefer team that was beating opponents and doing so without breaking a sweat. The closest game was a 20-point quarterfinal win over Alva. That set up a semifinal showdown with Millwood. The Trojans would score the go-ahead touchdown with 12 seconds left. But there were 12 seconds left. Millwood would take the ensuing kickoff all the way back for a score as time expired and the dream season came to an abrupt and heartbreaking end. It's an ending that has to leave a sour taste in their mouth throughout the offseason. Now, Kiefer looks to bounce back and use that ending as motivation throughout the 2024 football season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kiefer comes into this season as a top ten team in our preseason rankings and they'll be hungry for some redemption in 2024. The Trojans lost some very key pieces to graduation but they also bring back plenty of production to not only be a top ten team but they could end up being the favorite in their district. First, we start with the offensive side of the ball. The Trojans bring back six starters on that side of the ball but all eyes will be on the quarterback position. Kiefer had one of the more productive and experienced quarterbacks in Class 2A last season but he has graduated and moved onto the next level. So the Trojans will have a new guy under center this season but he'll have a familiar last name. The Trojans will also need to reload at the wide receiver position as they lost the majority of their production from that group. They do bring back some experience along the offensive line and their leading rusher also returns. And this was a Kiefer running game that did an excellent job as a whole and having their running back returning will certainly help an offense that averaged nearly 50 points per game last season. On defense, the Trojans also bring back six starters and it's a glass half full or half empty situation. On one hand, they lost a linebacker that was one of the best in the state, but on the other, they also brought back another linebacker who broke out last year as a freshman and is emerging as one of the better guys in his class. Now, Kiefer will shift their focus to competing in a new district and a new class altogether. Class 2A has been split into two divisions and the Trojans find themselves in the division featuring the larger schools in Class 2A. In fact, they are the smallest school in the brand new Class 2A-1. But that won't be intimidating to them as they look for their redemption in 2024.</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>Jaxon Worley - Quarterback<br>Jentry Pendergraft - Linebacker</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":["1163094"],"_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-669d00c07c7ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1163094' first='Bradley' last='Breland'] was Kiefer's leading rusher last season as a junior. This was a Kiefer team that finished the year with four players that had over 500 yards on the ground. Breland led them all with nearly 850 yards and ten touchdowns on the year. The one time we watched Kiefer in person last season was the game against Kansas. Breland was one of the best players on the field that night. The Trojans will be able to rely on him this season as they work in new players into the lineup. He led the team in carries and yards and we expect that to stay the same this fall. It will be fun to see how his production expands throughout the 2024 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["646348"],"_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-669d00c07c84c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior [player_tooltip player_id='646348' first='Brayden' last='Holt'] comes into this season in a similar boat as Breland. Holt has been more of a complimentary piece because of the senior leadership they've had. Now, Holt is going to be a senior and could see his production go up as well as his impact on the game. We first watched Holt as a tight end at one of our camps and he had a solid showing. Kiefer is going to need new guys to step up in the passing game and that's one area where Holt could have a major impact with his 6'4 frame. On defense, Holt was also impactful on the defensive line. We're looking forward to seeing what kind of production Holt ends up having on both sides of the ball this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1343433"],"_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-669d00c07c88f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned earlier how Kiefer's new quarterback was going to have a familiar name. It looks like sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1343433' first='Cash' last='Worley'] will be replacing Jaxon Worley as quarterback of the Trojans and we're looking forward to seeing the immediate impact Worley has on the field this season. He got into some games last season as a freshman but it was mostly in situations where the game was decided. So when he steps on the field, the pressure will definitely be ratcheted up but he should be ready for the opportunity. And as we've said before, Kiefer's strength on offense could start with the offensive line and running game so Worley will lean on that early as he gets his feet wet. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1297668"],"_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-669d00c07c8e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1297668' first='Titus' last='Bell'] has to be on the shortlist of players that had monster freshman seasons in 2023. Kiefer had one of the best linebackers in 2A football last season with Jentry Pendergraft but the emergence of freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1297668' first='Titus' last='Bell'] also got our attention. He would end up with nearly 100 tackles on the season and he was second on the team in that category after Pendergraft. Now, Bell will be the guy at linebacker after the graduation of Pendergraft. He definitely checks a lot of the boxes already with his physical size and the production he had last fall. This defense will have some new faces but it wouldn't be surprising to see them improve on what they did a year ago. </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>John Watkins - 2026 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Kendall Lang - 2025 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Lucas Boyles - 2027 Athlete</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 - Jones<br></strong>- Kiefer is not shying away from competition to kick off the 2024 season. They will throw their somewhat young team into the fire in the first week of the season when they host Jones. The Longhorns are #3 in our preseason 2A-1 rankings. This will be a rematch of their 2022 meeting in the Class 2A quarterfinals. Both teams had brutal losses in the 2A semifinals a year ago. And Kiefer will follow this week one test with another in week two when they face 2A-1's #1 Vian on the road. <br>Sept. 13th - AT Vian<br>Sept. 20th - AT Sperry<br><strong>Sept. 27th - AT Kingston<br></strong>- District play opens up with arguably the toughest district opponent on the schedule. And for the third straight week, Kiefer will go on the road as they travel to face Kingston. The Redskins have a solid group coming back this season and they are another team that comes in ranked fairly high in the Class 2A-1 rankings. These two teams are not familiar with one another but it wouldn't be surprising if the district championship ends up getting decided here in the first week of district play. <br>Oct. 4th - Roland<br><strong>Oct. 11th - AT Prague<br></strong>- In week six, Kiefer will kick off the second half of the regular season on the road against Prague. Similar to the Trojans, Prague would have a memorable 2023 season, going undefeated in the regular season but then coming up short in the playoffs. And this season, the Red Devils are reloading after losing a very deep senior class to graduation. But one of the few starters they have coming back is going to be one of the top senior prospects in Class 2A-1 this fall. <br>Oct. 17th - Hugo<br>Oct. 25th - AT Bethel<br>Nov. 1st - Heavener<br>Nov. 8th - Okmulgee</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kiefer was one of many schools in Oklahoma that got thrown into a whirlwind back in April. When several Oklahoma City private schools won a decision against the OSSAA, that sparked an emergency redistricting shuffle and there were several schools that not only ended up changing districts, they changed classes. Kiefer was one of those schools. Originally, Kiefer was slated to be in Class 2A-2 and while they would have some tough competition, they also would have been one of the favorites in their district. Now, the Trojans find themselves in Class 2A-1 and we think that the Trojans have a legitimate shot to claim another district championship but this is also a class that features some heavy hitters in the class. The obvious ones are two-time defending champion Washington and a Millwood team that made it to the last two state title games. But Kiefer will not shy away from the challenge this season.&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 - 13-1 - Lost In Class 2A Semifinals<br>2022 - 11-2 - Lost In Class 2A Quarterfinals<br>2021 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 2A 1st Round<br>2020 - 5-6 - Lost In Class 2A 1st Round<br>2019 - 5-6 - Lost In Class 2A 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><strong><em>0 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->