Tahlequah Tigers 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 Tahlequah Tigers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Tahlequah Tigers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: UR In Class 5A<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: UR In Class 5A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coach: Brad Gilbert - 13th Season - 67-65 Record At Tahlequah</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (3-8 Record - Lost In Class 6A-2 1st Round)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 1st - Lost To Sapulpa 41-38<br>Sept. 8th - Lost To Wagoner 34-13<br>Sept. 15th - Lost To Sallisaw 37-23<br>Sept. 22nd - Beat Putnam City West 29-19<br>Sept. 29th - Lost To Sand Springs 41-7<br>Oct. 6th - Beat Booker T Washington 24-21<br>Oct. 13th - Lost To Muskogee 67-0<br>Oct. 20th - Beat U.S. Grant 44-0<br>Oct. 26th - Lost To Stillwater 55-14<br>Nov. 3rd - Lost To Bartlesville 51-20<br>1st Round - Lost To Putnam City 41-21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 21.2 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 37 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tahlequah Tigers are looking forward to the 2024 football season after two seasons competing as one of the smallest schools in Class 6A-2. Despite being one of the smallest schools, the Tigers would make the playoffs in each season and are coming off their tenth consecutive playoff appearance. That is without a doubt the longest playoff streak in program history. For the second straight year, Tahlequah would finish the year with a 3-8 record but they won the games they needed to win to get into the playoffs. The 2023 season started with an 0-3 start, including a heartbreaking loss in the season opener to Sapulpa. But they bounced back with a win in the district opener and they actually won two of their first three district games. They reached week eight and they were 3-5 overall but more importantly, they were 3-2 in the district and had already locked up a spot in the playoffs. They would drop their last two games but made it back to the playoffs and the streak reached double digits. The Tigers dropped their first round game to Putnam City and the season came to an end at 3-8. And this sounds strange but the Tigers have a lot to be excited about coming off that 3-8 season and it starts with a drop back down to Class 5A, where they were a consistent winning team for nearly a decade.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Going back down to Class 5A after two seasons in Class 6A-2 is the headline for Tahlequah coming into the 2024 season. You combine that with the fact that the Tigers bring back the majority of their starters and you have two big reasons to be very optimistic as the 2024 season is approaching us. Nine starters are back on the offensive side of the ball and the conversation surrounding the offense starts with the quarterback and the weapons he's going to have around him. The majority of his offensive line returns, he has some serious playmakers at wide receiver and while they have to find someone new in the running game, they should be just fine on that side of the ball. They averaged a little over 20 points per game as an offense in 2023. We would be very surprised if that number doesn't get a big spike in 2024. Defensively, they also bring back the majority of their starters as six guys are back on that side of the ball. This is another unit that we expect to see improvement from 2023 to 2024 because of their overall experience and talent level they have returning. Between the experienced players returning and coming back to Class 5A football, it wouldn't be surprising to see Tahlequah not only continue their playoff streak, but they could end up being a top ten team in the class and perhaps even more. The schedule is a tough one but this is a team that has been battle-tested and they'll be ready for a fight.&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>Brayden Northington - Tight End/Linebacker<br>Kale Shankle - Offensive 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":["211566"],"_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-66aaae6411744"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='211566' first='Beckett' last='Robinson'] has been an absolute stud since his freshman season and he doesn't get enough credit for what he can do on the football field. In our opinion, he's one of the more underrated prospects in the state's 2025 class and he has to be hungry to get back on the field this season. Robinson was limited to just six games during his junior season because of an injury but he was still the team's leading receiver. He finished with 41 catches for just over 700 yards and seven touchdowns. He was also an impact player in the run game and a standout on defense as well. We think he's going to be one of the top two-way players in 5A football this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1355840"],"_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-66aaae64117d3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1355840' first='Cash' last='Mcalvain'] returns to lead the Tahlequah offense and as we mentioned earlier in the preview, this is an offense that returns a lot of firepower and we think that Mcalvain is primed for a monster senior season. His junior year wasn't so bad either as he would throw for nearly 1,700 yards and 14 touchdowns. But without Robinson for part of the 2023 season, Mcalvain didn't have his top playmaker in the passing game. Heading into the 2024 season, if the Tigers remain healthy, Mcalvain could put up some serious numbers and climb the ranks as one of the top quarterbacks in Class 5A. He proved he could do it at a high level last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1355841"],"_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-66aaae641181d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The offense brings back some absolute studs and they could end up headlining this year's team, but don't forget about the defense. Junior defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1355841' first='Kingston' last='Hall'] is ready for a big 2024 season after breaking out last year as a sophomore. Hall would emerge as one of Tahlequah's top defenders and a guy that really set the tone for the Tigers along the line of scrimmage. Hall would finish the season with 40 tackles and he was one of the team's leaders in the sack category, finishing with six on the year. This season, we expect Hall to be that tone setter on the defensive line and help some of the new guys come along on the Tiger defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1355844"],"_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-66aaae6411862"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1355844' first='Xaxton' last='Carshall'] is another junior to watch on the Tahlequah defense this season. From his safety position as a sophomore, Carshall was similar to Hall where he had a breakout season. He was one of the team's leaders in tackles as he finished with 84 on the season. He would also add an interception and a handful of pass breakups from the safety position. Carshall will also spend some time on the offensive side of the ball but for us, we really like his production on defense. And with Robinson returning and looking to be healthy, these two could end up becoming one of the better secondary duos in Class 5A football when the season kicks off. </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>Aiden Culver - 2026 Offensive Lineman<br>Brock Mascho - 2025 Offensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1699010' first='Elvis' last='Myers'] - 2026 Defensive Lineman<br>JJ Antwine - 2025 Wide Receiver/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>Aug. 30th - AT East Central<br>Sept. 6th - Sapulpa<br><strong>Sept. 13th - AT Wagoner<br></strong>- Tahlequah wraps up non-district play in week two with the toughest match-up on that non-district slate. They hit the road to face a Wagoner team that is once again one of the top teams in Class 4A. These two teams have met in non-district play in each of the last four years. Wagoner has gone 4-0 in those meetings. But for Tahlequah, this will be the ultimate measuring stick game before they enter district play. They'll know exactly where they are after competing with the Bulldogs. <br>Sept. 27th - AT Claremore<br>Oct. 4th - Pryor<br><strong>Oct. 11th - AT Collinsville<br></strong>- In week six, Tahlequah will go on the road to face a Collinsville squad that expects to be in the mix in Class 5A with a wealth of talent coming back on the offensive side of the ball. The Cardinals will challenge Tahlequah's defense but if the Tigers can get a win here, you could see them in the driver's seat for the district crown. These two haven't met since the last time Tahlequah was in Class 5A. They were district foes for a decade from 2012-2021 but Collinsville holds the series edge. <br>Oct. 17th - Memorial<br><strong>Oct. 25th - AT Del City<br></strong>- Another tough road game for the Tigers comes in week eight when they travel all the way to Del City for a district contest. We mentioned with the Collinsville game that if Tahlequah beats the Cardinals, they could be in the driver's seat for the district crown. When week eight rolls around, if the Tigers are unbeaten in district play, they could all but lock up the district title with a win here. But this is a Del City team that's fresh off an appearance in the 5A state title game and they're hungry to get back. <br>Nov. 1st - W. Rogers<br>Nov. 8th - Nathan Hale</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When we look at Tahlequah's schedule for this season, there's one thing that continues to show up when you identify the biggest games. And it's simply the word “AT”. All three games that we highlighted are all on the road. You can make the argument that Tahlequah's four toughest games are all away from home. Right now it feels like Claremore and Pryor are a toss up for which game would be tougher. Either way, Tahlequah will have to embrace being road warriors this season because the toughest games on the schedule will be played away from the home field advantage in Tahlequah. If the Tigers make it back to the playoffs in Class 5A, and we like their chances, they will have earned it by going on the road, testing themselves and coming out on the other side with some big wins.&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 - 3-8 - Lost In Class 6A-2 1st Round<br>2022 - 3-8 - Lost In Class 6A-2 1st Round<br>2021 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 5A 1st Round<br>2020 - 6-5 - Lost In Class 5A  2nd Round<br>2019 - 9-2 - Lost In Class 5A 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 -->