Washington Warriors 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 reigning Class 2A state champion Washington Warriors!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Washington Warriors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #1 In Class 2A-1<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #1 In Class 2A-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coach: Brad Beller - 15th Season - 150-35 Record At Washington</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (15-0 Record - Class 2A State Champions)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 25 - Beat Vian 55-13<br>Sept. 1 - Beat Sulphur 35-10<br>Sept. 8 - Beat Jones 34-8<br>Sept. 22 - Beat Frederick 42-7<br>Sept. 29 - Beat Community Christian 51-0<br>Oct. 6 - Beat Crooked Oak 49-0<br>Oct. 12 - Beat Lindsay 54-0<br>Oct. 19 - Beat Purcell 40-0<br>Oct. 27 - Beat Comanche 62-0<br>Nov. 3 - Beat Little Axe 42-0<br>1st Round - Beat Lexington 55-7<br>2nd Round - Beat Meeker 56-7<br>Quarterfinals - Beat Vian 47-14<br>Semifinals - Beat Jones 35-34<br>Championship - Beat Millwood 41-24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 46.5 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 8.3 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Washington Warriors came into the 2023 season with a big target on their back but big expectations after capturing the 2022 state championship. Not only did they meet expectations, they exceeded them, winning another state championship with another perfect 15-0 record. The Warriors began the season with a tough schedule against two preseason ranked 2A teams and a preseason ranked 3A team. They dominated all three, winning all three by at least 25 points. They were dominant right from the jump and they continued that into district play. The Warriors were giving up right around ten points per game following the three non-district games. They gave up just seven points the rest of the regular season. They would run away with the district championship, scoring shutout victories in six consecutive games. The playoffs began and the blowouts continued. They met fellow 2A power Vian for the second time in 2023 during the quarterfinals and won 47-14. That set up a semifinal clash with Jones, which would be another rematch from non-district play. The Warriors would rally to beat the Longhorns and punch their ticket to the state championship game for the fourth consecutive season. They met Millwood in that title game and it was a rematch of 2022. But the Warriors ran away with the gold ball this time around instead of waiting for the fourth quarter. They beat the Falcons 41-24 to win their third state championship in school history. And as we start looking ahead to 2024, they show no signs of slowing down.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a new world in small school Oklahoma high school football. Class 2A, A and B have been split into two divisions and there's a lot of change that's coming to small school football starting this season. But you know the old saying. The more things change, the more they stay the same. And for Washington, the goal remains the same and it doesn't matter if 2A is split into two divisions or remains as one class. The Warriors are the favorites in Class 2A-1 and they plan on extending their winning streak and winning another state championship. But as with any great program, things will look a little different from year to year and this year is a good example of that. The Warriors lost a truly special senior class that won a lot of football games. They'll have a new quarterback after graduating a three-year starter and they also lose other very important pieces on both sides of the ball. But the Warriors expect to be the favorites this season and they expect to keep this train rolling. They bring back enough firepower on both sides of the ball to make another run to Edmond. This offseason, they got a key move in and they also have a strong freshman class entering the high school this fall. We got a glimpse at two of the freshmen that have a chance to be truly special and it could start as early as this season. The Warriors will be heavy favorites once again in their district. They'll get everybody's best shot. But this is a Washington program that has turned into a dynasty and until someone knocks them off, it's hard to pick against them.&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>Cage Morris - Wide Receiver<br>Cooper Alexander - Tight End<br>Major Cantrell - Quarterback<br>Naithen Spaulding - Defensive Lineman<br>Tanner Winlock - 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":["473879"],"_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-6683729a05faf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophomore linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='473879' first='Case' last='Alexander'] was one of the best freshmen in the state last season. He enjoyed a breakout season where he emerged as one of the team's leading tacklers. He finished the season with 81 tackles on the year and he's going to come into this season as one of the state's top linebackers, regardless of class. Alexander has also emerged as one of the state's top prospects in his class and that should only continue as he elevates his game. This season, don't be surprised to see Alexander come in the game on the offensive side of the ball. The Warriors will look for Alexander to play some tight end when necessary at times this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["473891"],"_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-6683729a06002"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The quarterback position is one we're circling heading into the season. Freshman signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='473891' first='Creed' last='Barrett'] is going to be in the running for the position. And look, Barrett hasn't even begun his freshman year of high school so he still has a lot to learn about the position and the level of competition that he'll be playing. But Barrett has an incredibly high ceiling moving forward. We've seen him in a few camp settings and each time, he's been outstanding. And then when we watched him in person at team camp in May, he looked like he belonged against high school competition. Don't be surprised if Barrett ends up on the field this fall, leading the Washington offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["311986"],"_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-6683729a06044"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='311986' first='Hudson' last='Howard'] was the breakout star for the Warriors last season. Washington needed a new running back to step up in 2023 and Howard answered that call immediately. Howard would finish his junior season with over 1,700 yards and 25 touchdowns on the ground. In the very first game of the season, he had nearly 200 yards and four touchdowns on less than ten carries. It was clear that Howard was going to be a playmaker for the Washington offense. As Washington works in a new quarterback to the offense, Howard will be a consistent option to lean on. It wouldn't be surprising to see his production go up this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["671397"],"_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-6683729a06082"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned earlier in the preview that the Warriors got a key move-in this offseason. Senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='671397' first='Kash' last='Guthmueller'] moved into the program during the offseason and the Warriors are expecting him to be an instant impact player. Guthmueller has had a really good offseason and we're excited to see how he looks this season with the Warriors. We watched him in person a handful of times this offseason, including at team camp in May. His main position is on the defensive side of the ball and he'll provide his greatest impact there. But don't be surprised to see him coming in on offense as a running back in short yardage situations this season.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["353411"],"_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-6683729a060be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior tight end [player_tooltip player_id='353411' first='Nate' last='Roberts'] has been considered the state's top overall prospect for a while now. And because of that, he's had just about every college recruiting him over the last several seasons. Roberts committed to Ohio State earlier this year and comes into this season as one of the top players to watch in any class. Roberts has been very productive in the last two years and has played a vital part in both of their state championship victories. This season, Roberts will be leaned on more than ever before because he'll be the top target in the passing game. And with the Warriors working in a new quarterback, Roberts will be that quarterback's best friend. </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='1109231' first='Dawson' last='Thomas'] - 2026 Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='474035' first='Josiah' last='Dickerson'] - 2028 Running Back<br>Kade Babcock - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1572513' first='Kale' last='Brakefield'] - 2026 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='489454' first='Kane' last='Lampkin'] - 2025 Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1572510' first='Kingston' last='Stringer'] - 2026 Offensive Lineman<br>Riley Gay - 2027 Linebacker<br>Wyatt Phillips - 2027 Offensive Lineman</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. 29th - AT Community Christian<br><strong>Sept. 6th - Sulphur<br></strong>- Washington took care of business against Sulphur last season but this year, they'll be facing a Bulldog team that has basically everybody back from last year and they are one of the favorites in Class 3A. The winning streak could be in jeopardy here in week one as the Warriors face off with Sulphur in the home opener. The Warriors are very talented but they are inexperienced in some areas that the Bulldogs are not. This will be one of the top games to watch in week one this season. <br>Sept. 13th - Purcell<br>Sept. 27th - AT Dickson<br>Oct. 4th - Marietta<br>Oct. 10th - AT Little Axe<br><strong>Oct. 17th - Marlow<br></strong>- One of the new district opponents for Washington this season and next is Marlow and up until April, this wasn't supposed to be the case. The Outlaws were slated to be in Class 3A for the 2024 and 2025 seasons but after the private school lawsuit was decided and the classes and districts got shaken up, Marlow dropped back down to Class 2A-1. This is also a rematch of the 2021 2A state championship. Marlow is the last team to have beaten Washington and it happened that night. <br>Oct. 25th - AT Lexington<br>Nov. 1st - Crossings Christian<br><strong>Nov. 8th - AT Lindsay<br></strong>- We mentioned how different the new Class 2A is with the two divisions and here's a good example. This week ten match-up with Lindsay is one of only two district games on Washington's schedule that were district games last season. Little Axe and Lindsay are the only district foes that were in Washington's district a year ago. As for the game itself, Lindsay was a playoff team last season and they will look to stun the Warriors in the final game before the playoffs begin. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Washington has a few active streaks to keep an eye on as we move forward during the 2024 season. The obvious one is the 30-game winning streak. They haven't lost a game since walking off the field at UCO with the silver ball in December of 2021. But the Warriors also have one of the longest active playoff streaks. They've made it to the playoffs in 33 consecutive seasons and they are only behind three other schools that have longer active streaks. They're also tied with 4A powerhouse Tuttle with the 33 playoff appearances. Cascia Hall (37) Jenks (35) and Union (34) are the only schools that have longer active streaks than the Warriors. Look, upsets happen and anything can happen in football. But we think the playoff streak will be extended this season. The biggest question is how long will that winning streak stay intact. Only six other programs have had winning streaks of at least 40 games in the state's 11-man football history. Another 10-0 regular season puts Washington in that group. And if the Warriors go ahead and win another title with a perfect record, they'll finish 2024 with the third longest winning streak in 11-man football history.&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 - 15-0 - Class 2A State Champions <br>2022 - 15-0 - Class 2A State Champions<br>2021 - 14-1 - Class 2A Runner Ups<br>2020 - 12-2 - Class 2A Runner Ups<br>2019 - 12-1 - Lost In Class 2A 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>3 State Championships</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 - Beat Millwood 41-24<br>2022 - Beat Millwood 17-14<br>1996 - Beat Turpin 35-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->