Mustang Broncos 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 Mustang Broncos!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Mustang Broncos&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #6 In Class 6A-1<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #8 In Class 6A-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Head Coach: Lee Blankenship - 6th Season - 33-24 Record At Mustang</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (6-5 Record - Lost In Class 6A-1 1st Round)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 1 - Beat Southmoore 44-13<br>Sept. 8 - Beat Deer Creek 26-23<br>Sept. 15 - Beat Springdale Har-Ber, AR. 49-47<br>Sept. 22 - Beat Yukon 49-21<br>Sept. 29 - Lost To Owasso 54-3<br>Oct. 6 - Lost To Edmond Santa Fe 56-49<br>Oct. 13 - Lost To Union 46-7<br>Oct. 20 - Lost To Norman 27-19<br>Oct. 27 - Beat Edmond North 48-10<br>Nov. 3 - Beat Edmond Memorial 36-30<br>1st Round - Lost To Westmoore 43-38</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 33.5 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 33.6 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's no doubt that the 2023 season for Mustang was a roller coaster of a year and they are looking to get a little more stability in 2024. This was a team that scored 33.5 points per game and gave up 33.6 points per game. And that's a fitting average considering so many of their games would go down to the wire and feature some late game heroics. Mustang began the 2023 season with a 4-0 record and had some exciting but big wins over Deer Creek and Springdale Har-Ber in Arkansas. But the Broncos would lose four straight and that losing streak was headlined by a key injury to their starting quarterback in week seven. That forced them to go to a freshman for the final three games of the regular season. The Broncos went from 4-0 to 4-4 but would rally in the final two weeks with a win over Edmond North and then another win that went down to the wire against Edmond Memorial in week ten. They squared off with Westmoore in the first round of the playoffs and fell 43-38. There were six games in 2023 that were decided by eight points or less. Mustang won the first two of that group but then lost three out of the last four. And whenever you're going into a new season, it's easy to look at those one score outcomes and think if a ball bounces a different way, maybe Mustang is looking at a better record than 6-5 and avoids a first round playoff exit. But the Broncos have learned from the 2023 season and they have some talent coming back that's ready to take advantage of a new year.&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 Broncos bring back half of their starters from last season. Six starters return on the offensive side of the ball and another six starters are back on defense. The defense will be an area to watch this season because the strength is going to come in the back end with multiple linebackers and members of the secondary coming back. And Mustang was snakebit by injuries in some areas on both sides last season so this is a team that has built some depth out of necessity and some players will come into this season with a little more experience because of it. The offense has the chance to be electric in the passing game with the return of their original starting quarterback before he went down with a season-ending injury. And this is a player that was playing really well so he's going to be hungry to make up for lost time in 2023. And the Broncos have several playmakers at the wide receiver position along with the majority of their offensive line returning. This was an offense that averaged nearly 35 points per game along with over 450 yards per game and they were just scratching the surface on what they could be this season. Now, the Broncos are changing districts and on paper, it looks like they are in the tougher district of the two because they land in the district with the top two ranked teams in the preseason rankings. But this is a Mustang program that has been excited about some of their younger classes that are coming up and now, that youth movement is here and ready to prove they have the talent to back up all the hype.&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>Bear Meadows - Linebacker<br>Bryance Sanders - Running Back<br>LeBryan Hayes - Wide Receiver<br>Zachery Warren - 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":["1332241"],"_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-66933dedeea24"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When you look at how Mustang's 2023 season played out, one of the first things that stands out are the close games. The Broncos will bring back one of the better kickers in the state with senior [player_tooltip player_id='1332241' first='Aiden' last='Jordan'] and if Mustang finds themselves in more close games in 2024, having a kicker that has D1 talent will certainly help. Jordan kicked the game-winning field goal with just 15 seconds left for Mustang to beat Springdale Har-Ber, 49-47. So it's clear that he is no stranger to coming up big when the Broncos need him the most. When you have a kicker that can change a game like that, it's an underrated quality that can separate them from other contenders.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1041452"],"_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-66933dedeea8a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1041452' first='Jaden' last='Johnson'] emerged as the team's top receiver in the offense last season. Johnson is the younger brother of former Mustang All American Jacobe Johnson, who is now at OU. It was only a matter of time before Jaden had that breakout moment and it ended up happening last season. And when you break down his sophomore season, it looked like the majority of his production came in the second half of the season. He had a career night in week nine of last season with over 250 yards and four touchdowns on ten catches. He'll look to take his game to another level this fall after finishing his sophomore season with over 1,100 yards.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1332238"],"_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-66933dedeead4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior safety [player_tooltip player_id='1332238' first='Tayten' last='Duncan'] is a good example of a player that got a ton of playing time in 2023 because of an injury to an original starter. While it might have hurt the 2023 Broncos to lose their starter, it's certainly going to help the 2024 Broncos that Duncan has a handful of starts under his belt as he goes into his junior season this fall. The Mustang coaches are very excited about his potential because he's a very athletic player that has a high on-field IQ that allows him to play with great instincts. When you combine his athleticism and speed with that IQ and instincts, you have a player that is primed for a monster breakout season in 2024.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["998363"],"_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-66933dedeeb18"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='998363' first='Trajan' last='Williamson'] will return to the lineup and there is no doubt that he's going to be hungry to get back on the field after having his junior season cut short with a broken hand. Before he went down with an injury, he was having a strong game running the ball against Union on the road. And in the first half of the season, Williamson performed at a very high level. With Williamson back in the lineup and healthy, the Broncos get a player that is completely dynamic within the offense. He has a strong arm but can clearly tuck the ball and run and he's a tough player to contain. Williamson will be one of the top senior athletes in 6A-1 football this fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["477314"],"_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-66933dedeeb63"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned earlier in the preview that the strength of this Mustang defense would come in the secondary and that begins with the return of senior [player_tooltip player_id='477314' first='Waleed' last='Gaines Jr']. at the cornerback position. Gaines is going to be a three-year starter at the cornerback position and for a player to start at the 6A-1 level at corner, you know Gaines can absolutely play. Gaines has been a player that we've talked about in the state's 2025 class for a while now. And this offseason, his recruitment took off and he earned his first offers and it shouldn't slow down anytime soon. Gaines is a terrific corner in man to man situations. He's done a great job over the last few seasons.&nbsp;</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>Antone Bogus - 2025 Offensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1261245' first='Ben' last='Patkowski'] - 2025 Wide Receiver<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1332860' first='Blaine' last='Fulmer'] - 2025 Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1211251' first='Jaytee' last='Johnson'] - 2026 Wide Receiver<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1699024' first='Josiah' last='Stevens'] - 2026 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='595675' first='Latin' last='Everheart'] - 2025 Running Back/Defensive Back<br>Louie Jones - 2025 Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='473852' first='Taven' last='Brown'] - 2027 Running Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='502549' first='Tucker' last='Brown'] - 2027 Athlete<br>[player_tooltip player_id='473873' first='Tyson' last='Pogi'] - 2027 Quarterback</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>Sept. 6th - AT Yukon<br>Sept. 13th - Broken Arrow<br><strong>Sept. 20th - Westmoore<br></strong>- Mustang had their 2023 season come to an end in a first round shootout with Westmoore. In week three this season, they'll host the Jaguars and the Broncos will get a chance to get some payback for their season-ending loss in November. But more importantly, this match-up comes in week three and it's the final non-district games. This will be the final tune up for Mustang before they go into a very competitive district slate and games start counting towards playoff seeding.&nbsp;<br>Sept. 27th - Moore<br>Oct. 4th - AT Enid<br><strong>Oct. 11th - Jenks<br></strong>- Mustang will see almost a completely new district slate this year (more on that later) and one of the biggest tests will come in week six when they host perennial powerhouse Jenks. Two weeks later, they travel to Bixby. Those are two of the favorites to win it all in 6A-1. Needless to say, this is a measuring stick game for the Broncos as they play host to a Jenks team that is absolutely loaded coming into the 2024 season. But a win here could put them in contention for the district crown.&nbsp;<br>Oct. 17th - AT Edmond North<br>Oct. 25th - AT Bixby<br>Nov. 1st - Norman<br><strong>Nov. 8th - AT Deer Creek<br></strong>- When we looked at this section of the preview and tried to figure out which games would be the biggest, the very first game was the week ten clash with Deer Creek. These two teams have played instant classic games in 2022 and 2023, with each team scoring a win. Now, Deer Creek has bumped up to Class 6A-1 and they become a district foe to the Broncos. And with this game taking place in week ten, there could be massive playoff implications when these two teams square off.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mustang's 2024 schedule is full of new opponents as the Broncos have changed districts. In fact, they will have five new district foes as they move over to the other district in Class 6A-1. Despite that, the challenge remains the same when it comes to 6A-1 football. Everyone is chasing the Tulsa-area powerhouses and even though Owasso and Union are now off their schedule, they trade them for Bixby and Jenks. In some ways, it's tougher now because those are the top two teams in the 6A-1 preseason rankings. But the Broncos have made it clear that they are not going to shy away from the challenge that the east side teams present. Mustang has also found some success against some of the east side teams and they'll get cracks at Broken Arrow in non-district play, along with Bixby and Owasso during district play.&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 - 6-5 - Lost In Class 6A-1 1st Round<br>2022 - 8-3 - Lost In Class 6A-1 Quarterfinals<br>2021 - 7-5 - Lost In Class 6A-1 Semifinals<br>2020 - 5-7 - Lost In Class 6A-1 Quarterfinals<br>2019 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 6A-1 Quarterfinals</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>0 State Championships</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->