Sulphur Bulldogs 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 Sulphur Bulldogs!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Sulphur Bulldogs </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #4 In Class 3A<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #3 In Class 3A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coach: Corey Cole - 2nd Season - 8-4 Record At Sulphur</em></strong></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>Sept. 1st - Lost To Washington 35-10<br>Sept. 8th - Lost To Davis 15-14<br>Sept. 15th - Beat Whitesboro, TX. 62-21<br>Sept. 22nd - Beat Dickson 51-7<br>Sept. 29th - Beat Douglass 53-0<br>Oct. 6th - Beat Pauls Valley 37-7<br>Oct. 12th - Beat Lone Grove 41-0<br>Oct. 20th - Beat Marlow 14-13<br>Oct. 27th - Lost To Heritage Hall 35-14<br>Nov. 3rd - Beat Plainview 30-20<br>1st Round - Beat Kingfisher 42-7<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Lincoln Christian 45-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 31.3 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 17.1 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sulphur might have been flying under the radar for some coming into the 2023 season but that wasn't the case for us. Despite coming off a 4-5 season in 2022 and missing the playoffs, we had Sulphur as a top five team in Class 3A at this time last year. And for the second straight year, the Bulldogs find themselves as a top five team in the preseason rankings and they're looking to go further than they did a year ago. Despite the high expectations last year, Sulphur began the season with two straight losses to Class 2A foes. But they would go on a roll from there and the defense would really reach another level. Sulphur rattled off six straight wins and had a week nine showdown with perennial powerhouse Heritage Hall. The Bulldogs fell 35-14 but they did enough to earn the 2-seed from their district and went into the playoffs with some momentum after a week ten win. They beat up on Kingfisher in the first round and that set up a quarterfinal clash on the road with Lincoln Christian. For the second time in three seasons, Lincoln Christian would end Sulphur's season in the quarterfinal round. Lincoln would go on to capture the Class 3A state championship and that's a crown that Sulphur wants to wear. They come into this fall with the expectation that they will be contending for that gold ball in 2024.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sulphur comes into this season as a top five team and you can make the argument that there's not another team in Class 3A that has more experience returning than the Bulldogs. Nine starters are back on the offensive side of the ball while all eleven starters return on defense. Sulphur does have to find a way to replace some of the players they lost to graduation, including two prospects that signed with D1 programs. But this is still a team that brings back their quarterback, two excellent running backs and the entire offensive line. They'll need receivers to step into new roles but the offense has the chance to be very good. And defensively, there's a lot to like on that side of the ball. They have depth, experience and talent and they'll need that against a tough early schedule in September. The Bulldogs will test themselves with that early schedule but that could put them in a position to make a run when district play begins and the playoffs roll around. There aren't many teams, especially in the lower classes that have the kind of experience returning that Sulphur will have this season. Earlier this year, before Heritage Hall and Lincoln Christian dropped back down to 3A, we had Sulphur slotted as the top team in the class. Needless to say, we think this team can win their first state championship in 20 years. The last title came in 2004 and they could do it again 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>Brytan Gaddy - Wide Receiver<br>Coy Myers - Running Back/Linebacker<br>Damontre Patterson - 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":["1326373"],"_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-668c788e21a67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='1326373' first='Austin' last='Garrett'] is going to be one of Sulphur's top two-way players this season. Garrett returns to lead a defense that brings back all of their starters from last season. Garrett led the Bulldogs in tackles with 125 on the season. He filled up the stat sheet on the defensive side of the ball but you can't overlook what Garrett can do on the offensive side of the ball at running back. Garrett split time at running back and ended up being very productive there. He finished his junior season with nearly 800 yards and a handful of touchdowns. He wasn't the top option at running back but when he got into the game, he was productive. But on defense, Garrett was a star. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1326381"],"_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-668c788e21ac6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Whenever you talk about Sulphur's offense, you have to start the conversation with the line of scrimmage. The Bulldogs are bringing back all five starters on the offensive line and senior [player_tooltip player_id='1326381' first='Caden' last='Cole'] is going to be the leader of that unit. First off, there's a chance that Cole is one of, if not the strongest player in Class 3A this season. The Sulphur standout can squat 600 pounds and bench 375 pounds. Needless to say, he can really pack a punch. Cole has seen his recruitment start to take off this offseason with a handful of offers and even more interest from other area colleges. Sulphur's offense could be explosive and it starts up front with Cole and the offensive line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1326387"],"_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-668c788e21b07"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sulphur has the potential to have the top rushing attack in Class 3A but they also have an experienced and productive quarterback returning. So when they need to throw the ball, they'll have one of the better quarterbacks in the class. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1326387' first='Colten' last='Cole'] had a breakout season during his sophomore year and became one of the top passers in 3A football. He threw for just over 2,000 yards despite Sulphur being a run-first offense. He also finished with 25 touchdowns. Throwing for over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in his sophomore campaign definitely exceeded any preseason expectations. Cole will look to elevate his production this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1326371"],"_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-668c788e21b42"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wide receiver is the one position group where Sulphur doesn't bring back a wealth of experience and talent. But this offseason, they got a key move-in when [player_tooltip player_id='1326371' first='Eli' last='Vinson'] moved into the program after becoming a state champion pole vaulter at Madill. Vinson has the ability to play on both sides of the ball but there is no doubt that it's what he can do on the offensive side of the ball that will provide the Bulldogs with the most production. Don't be surprised if Vinson ends up becoming the team's leading receiver. There's no doubt that Vinson is going to be one of the top athletes on the team this fall. He's going to be a big key to what they do on offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["353413"],"_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-668c788e21b7b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior offensive and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='353413' first='Justus' last='Gilliam'] has been one of the best two-way lineman prospects in the state's 2025 class for a while now. Ever since we first saw Gilliam in person, he was also one of our favorite players to watch. The Sulphur standout is not one of the biggest guys at his position and it's never really mattered. Gilliam plays with a motor and a mean streak that puts him in a different category from other prospects. The Sulphur senior also has dominated on the wrestling mat. Having Gilliam setting the tone on both sides of the line of scrimmage is going to allow Sulphur to be one of the toughest teams in Class 3A 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>[player_tooltip player_id='1571875' first='Baer' last='Webb'] - 2025 Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1571868' first='Briar' last='Davenport'] - 2026 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1574394' first='Bridge' last='Barrett'] - 2026 Defensive Back<br>Brody Wallace - 2026 Offensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1571873' first='Cash' last='Matlack'] - 2025 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1326371' first='Eli' last='Vinson'] - 2025 Wide Receiver<br>Gideon Peterson - 2025 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1569774' first='Maddax' last='Mobly'] - 2026 Running Back/Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='731534' first='Maddux' last='Boyd'] - 2025 Defensive Back</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 - AT Washington<br></strong>- The 2024 season will open up on the road and it's a brutal season opener as the Bulldogs will face a Washington team that has won back to back 2A state championships and will come into this season with a 30-game winning streak. The Warriors are not strangers to Sulphur. They've met in non-district play in each of the last four seasons. Washington has won all four meetings. But Sulphur can end their losing streak to the Warriors by snapping their state-leading winning streak. <br>Sept. 13th - Davis <br>Sept. 20th - Cache<br><strong>Sept. 27th - AT Perkins-Tryon<br></strong>- District play will open up in week four and after a tough non-district slate, it won't get much easier for the Bulldogs. They'll hit the road to face a Perkins-Tryon team in the district opener. This is a Perkins-Tryon squad that might have quite a few new faces but they are also coming off a district championship last season and they aren't lacking talent. The Bulldogs will look to set the tone and put the rest of the district on notice and if they can beat the Demons, they'll take that first step. <br>Oct. 4th - McLoud<br>Oct. 11th - AT Lone Grove<br>Oct. 17th - Bristow<br>Oct. 25th - AT Seminole<br><strong>Nov. 1st - Victory Christian<br></strong>- In week nine, it's the final home game of the season and a senior night for a special senior class. But the challenge will be Victory Christian coming to town and that's a top ten team in our 3A preseason rankings. Despite moving up from 2A-1 to 3A back in April, the Conquerors have the talent to threaten for district supremacy. Sulphur will look to send their seniors out with a district championship and a few more home games in the process when the playoffs begin. <br>Nov. 8th - AT Mannford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sulphur has high expectations coming into this season but the road to the playoffs and to a possible state championship will be completely different for the Bulldogs. Out of the seven district opponents, Lone Grove is the only school that was in Sulphur's district a year ago. The Indians are going to test themselves this season. The hope is that it will prepare them for a run in November and inevitably December. They have a preseason scrimmage against 3A's #9 Plainview. They start the season against 2A-1's #1 Washington. Right after that they face another 2A ranked team in Davis in the home opener. The schedule is tough, the district is brand new and there will be teams that Sulphur might not be familiar with but they'll get acquainted real soon. This is a Sulphur team that has the experience and the talent to make their first deep playoff run since 2018 and they will look to get out to a fast start 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 - 8-4 - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals<br>2022 - 4-5 - Missed Playoffs<br>2021 - 8-4 - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals<br>2020 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round<br>2019 - 8-3 - 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>2 State Championships</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2004 - Beat Purcell 48-12<br>2002 - Beat Seminole 26-13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->