Yukon Millers 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 Yukon Millers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Yukon Millers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: UR In Class 6A-1<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: UR In Class 6A-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coach: Brent Barnes - 2nd Season - 1-9 Record At Yukon</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (1-9 Record - Missed Playoffs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 1st - Lost To Westmoore 54-28<br>Sept. 8th - Beat Stillwater 37-34<br>Sept. 15th - Lost To Norman North 57-28<br>Sept. 22nd - Lost To Mustang 49-21<br>Sept. 29th - Lost To Union 63-7<br>Oct. 6th - Lost To Edmond Memorial 42-28<br>Oct. 13th - Lost To Owasso 63-42<br>Oct. 19th - Lost To Edmond North 49-34<br>Oct. 27th - Lost To Norman 63-21<br>Nov. 3rd - Lost To Edmond Santa Fe 54-28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 27.4 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 52.8 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's incredibly easy to look at the 2023 season for the Yukon Millers and judge it solely on the 1-9 record. But there were definitely positive steps and this is a program that was torn down to the foundation and began to build back up in 2023. After years of running the flexbone offense with several different coaches, Yukon went away from that and started to spread things around under first year head coach Brent Barnes. Barnes has had success as a head coach in Oklahoma and he's looking to do the same thing at Yukon. The season began with a 1-1 start where they lost to Westmoore in the season opener but would then beat Stillwater 37-34 and the Pioneers would go on to play for the 6A-2 state championship. It was baby steps for Yukon in 2023 and there were definitely some positives to take away from the year. They looked really good on the offensive side of the ball and had some breakout players emerge. Defensively, there's not much of a positive spin we can put on that. They gave up a little over 50 points per game and will need to improve on that side of the ball if they are going to get to their ultimate goal. But like we said at the beginning, 2023 was a complete rebuild job. They tore it down and now they are beginning to build it back up. It's not a complete project by any means but you can see the progress.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Six starters return on the offensive side of the ball and we're looking forward to see what kind of jump they make in year two under Barnes. He was known as an offensive coach during his time at Norman North, when he led them to the 2016 state championship game. And the Millers certainly looked more effective on that side of the ball after averaging around 12 points per game during the 2022 season. Yukon brings back their top two wide receivers and that will help out the quarterback position because that's the biggest question mark coming into this season. They had a breakout star at quarterback last season and now they have to start over but they are confident that they have a guy. And honestly, whoever the guy ends up being will benefit from having two receivers who each caught at least 80 passes a year ago. But where Yukon needs to see the biggest improvement is on the defensive side of the ball. We mentioned earlier how much they struggled in 2023. They bring back six starters from last season and if they can bring that average down, they could be in a position where they start winning more games. The schedule is going to be tough because they're in the largest class in the state. But we do like what the Millers are building from the top, all the way down. If things fall in the right direction, they could be one of the dark horses for a playoff spot in 2024.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KEY LOSS TO GRADUATION</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holden Kee - Quarterback</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":["1353202"],"_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-66a874c8d72f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After seeing what Kee was able to accomplish running this offense last season, we're fired up to see what senior [player_tooltip player_id='1353202' first='Carter' last='Creach'] is able to do in 2024. He appears to be the next QB1 of the Millers but he's not a new name to the starting lineup. He started for Yukon in the secondary a season ago so he won't be going into 2024 with no experience. Creach got into the game at times in 2023 as a quarterback but this will be our first chance to really see him in the role this fall. And as we mentioned earlier, Yukon has some terrific wide receivers so he'll be entering an offense with playmakers. But don't forget about the impact he can have on defense as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1304575"],"_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-66a874c8d737e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This Yukon offense has a lot of pieces coming back that we like in the skill department but you can't do anything offensively without the guys on the line of scrimmage. Junior offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1304575' first='Cayden' last='Carter'] enjoyed a breakout season in 2023 as a sophomore and Yukon's coaches believe that he has an incredibly high ceiling moving forward. He checks a lot of boxes when you talk about his potential as a prospect. He's listed at 6'4 and 315 pounds and started every game for the Millers in 2023 at the highest level in Oklahoma. Carter could end up being a prospect that ends up at the D1 level with another successful season because his arrow is pointed straight up.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["858874"],"_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-66a874c8d73e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='858874' first='Destry' last='Lujan'] was a player that stood out to us at one of our camps in the past and he had a solid sophomore season in 2023. Lujan would start every game for the Millers on the defensive side of the ball and he's just one of those linebackers that loves to hit, be physical and fly all over the field. Late in the season, he also added offensive duties to what he brought to the table and started for Yukon in the final game against Edmond Santa Fe and finished with 175 yards on the ground. Whether he plays more on offense this season remains to be seen but it wouldn't be surprising with how he finished 2023. Lujan is going to be a fun physical player to watch.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["594085"],"_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-66a874c8d7449"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior [player_tooltip player_id='594085' first='Kenison' last='Rogers'] is the first part of the two-headed monster returning for Yukon at wide receiver. Last season, Rogers became one of several breakout stars in the Miller offense. He would finish with 81 catches for over 950 yards and five touchdowns. Simply put, he knows how to get the job done when he's out there on the field. Rogers has also impressed us during the times we've seen him this offseason. Whether it was at a 7v7 tournament or one of our offseason camps, Rogers is a consistent player that has some very reliable hands. He's going to be a big part of what Yukon does offensively in 2024 and it wouldn't surprise us to see his production go up.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1056539"],"_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-66a874c8d74b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1056539' first='Lucas' last='Jones'] is the second part of the two-headed monster along with Rogers at the wide receiver position. And just like Rogers, Jones emerged last fall as an absolute game changer in the Yukon offense. He would end up leading the team in receiving with 82 catches for just over 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns on the year. Jones is another Yukon prospect that just looks the part physically and he has a lot of tools working for him that could make him a guy for the next level. With Jones and Rogers returning, this Yukon offense has the potential to really explode this season. It will also be a fun competition to see if Jones can lead the team in receiving again.&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>Daniel Yebit - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Rocco Johnson - 2027 Defensive Lineman<br>Trendon Turner - 2028 Running Back<br>Zayden Khalil - 2028 Wide Receiver</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 Putnam City<br><strong>Sept. 6th - Mustang<br></strong>- The home slate will open in week one in the annual rivalry game against Mustang. After being district opponents in the last two years, Yukon will now face the Broncos with strictly bragging rights on the line. For the Millers, they are going to be hungry to turn things around in this series because it has been completely one sided here recently. Mustang has won six straight and the winner here will take some much needed momentum. Both teams have some very explosive playmakers on offense.&nbsp;<br>Sept. 13th - Sapulpa<br><strong>Sept. 27th - Westmoore<br></strong>- The district slate will open up in week four and the Millers will play host to Westmoore after getting a week off following non-district play. Westmoore was a very intriguing team last season but they have to replace the majority of their starters and will have a first year head coach. This is an opportunity for Yukon to kick off district play with a big win. A win here will put them in a solid position moving forward. They've lost the last two meetings with Westmoore but won two straight in 2020 and 2021.&nbsp;<br>Oct. 4th - AT Broken Arrow<br>Oct. 11th - Edmond Memorial<br>Oct. 17th - AT Union<br>Oct. 25th - Norman North<br><strong>Nov. 1st - AT Edmond Santa Fe<br></strong>- By the time week nine rolls around, Yukon is going to know exactly where they are and what they need to do in order to make it to the playoffs in 2024. They'll hit the road and face an Edmond Santa Fe team that was one of the better 6A-1 teams on the west side of the state. This year, they still have arguably the best running back in the state and will look to give Yukon problems. The Millers will look to snap a four-game losing streak to Santa Fe and get a massive win late in the year.&nbsp;<br>Nov. 8th - AT Owasso</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After back to back 1-9 seasons, Yukon is hungry to make it back to the playoffs for the first time in a few seasons. As a program looking to grow in a positive direction, first you crawl, then you walk and then you run. For the Millers, crawling would be flirting with or having a winning record. Walking would be to make the playoffs and then running would be winning in the playoffs. And Yukon has not run in quite some time. 2021 was the last playoff appearance but you have to go all the way back to 1997 to find the last playoff win. That's when they made it all the way to the state championship game but they haven't won in the playoffs ever since. They've lost in eight consecutive playoff appearances and Yukon is hungry to end that streak and with the expanded playoffs in 6A-1, we think that's definitely something that's possible and this program could really start taking giant leaps in the right direction moving forward.&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 - 1-9 - Missed Playoffs<br>2022 - 1-9 - Missed Playoffs<br>2021 - 4-7 - Lost In Class 6A-1 Quarterfinals<br>2020 - 6-5 - Lost In Class 6A-1 1st Round<br>2019 - 4-6 - Missed Playoffs</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 -->