Cushing Tigers 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 August and we're continuing our preview series! Throughout the month of July and now 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 Cushing Tigers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Cushing Tigers&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: UR In Class 4A<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #9 In Class 4A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coach: Rusty Morgan - 7th Season - 49-22 Record At Cushing</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (8-3 Record - Lost In Class 4A 1st Round)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 1st - Beat Bristow 34-21&nbsp;<br>Sept. 8th - Lost To Perkins-Tryon 21-7<br>Sept. 15th - Beat Berryhill 42-21&nbsp;<br>Sept. 22nd - Beat Miami 40-28<br>Sept. 29th - Beat Catoosa 48-14<br>Oct. 6th - Lost To Wagoner 15-14<br>Oct. 12th - Beat McLain 41-6<br>Oct. 20th - Beat Cleveland 63-6<br>Oct. 27th - Beat Oologah 45-21<br>Nov. 3rd - Beat Skiatook 61-7<br>1st Round - Lost To Sallisaw 35-28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 38.5 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 17.7 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After making a run to the 2022 state championship game, the 2023 season was supposed to be one where Cushing reloaded. Nobody told the Tigers that. Cushing would go 8-3 and they nearly won another district championship and it certainly wasn't a typical reloading season. They began the year with a 2-1 start after wins over Berryhill and Bristow but they fell to Perkins-Tryon. Cushing entered district play and continued to win at a high level by the halfway mark of the regular season. In week six, Cushing would go on the road to face district rival Wagoner in a state championship game rematch. The Bulldogs were supposed to roll in this one. Again, nobody told the Tigers this. Cushing nearly pulled off the win but gave Wagoner all they wanted in a 15-14 loss. Cushing bounced back with four straight wins to close out the regular season and they were dominant in all four games. They would host Sallisaw in the first round of the playoffs but were upset by the Black Diamonds, losing 35-28 and just like that, the season came to an end with the 8-3 record. Cushing definitely proved a lot of people (including us) wrong in 2023. And as we start to look ahead to the 2024 season, it's time to stop doubting the Tigers. Even though they have some losses at key positions, the Tigers should be just fine 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>We're looking forward to seeing what the 2024 Cushing Tigers look like with the majority of their starters returning. Seven starters are back on the offensive side of the ball and that includes the majority of their offensive line and their skill players. They will have a new quarterback and their top wide receiver graduated but we just saw Cushing replace those same positions last season and they had an offense that averaged nearly 40 points per game. So needless to say, we think they'll be just fine. And it's not like the roster is lacking experienced talent coming into this season. They know what they have and that's a deep senior class that is hungry to make it back to Edmond. Seven starters also return on the defensive side of the ball and we like the talent and production they bring back on that side. The non-district schedule will test them early on in the year against some tough 3A competition. Then they'll go into district play and while powerhouse Wagoner is still in the district, it's also a district where Cushing should be right back at the top of the standings. Now, while we think that Cushing is going to be a playoff team once again, there's also no doubt that Class 4A might be more competitive and deeper than we've seen in recent memory. That could benefit the Tigers as they fly under the radar while the rest of the class beats itself up and Cushing is able to make some noise when it matters most in November. </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>Brady Matheson - Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>John Hilligoss - Quarterback<br>Kade Ralston - Offensive/Defensive 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":["1358822"],"_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-66ae2921580ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cushing has been no stranger to having a team with dynamic two-way players and this year is no different. Look for senior [player_tooltip player_id='1358822' first='Brock' last='Bales'] to be that guy for the Tigers because he's coming off of a breakout season in 2023. Bales was somewhat of an unknown at this time last year but that didn't last long. On offense, Bales would account for nearly 600 yards of total offense and nine touchdowns. He can help in the backfield at running back or as a wide receiver because he's a versatile athlete. Then on defense, Bales would also finish the year with nearly 90 tackles and three interceptions. Bales has the potential to have a monster senior season in 2024.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1292085"],"_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-66ae2921581c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Evans isn't the only junior to keep an eye on this season. In fact, you can make the argument that linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1292085' first='Kellen' last='Fry'] is the top junior coming into this year. He was an absolute monster for the TIgers as a sophomore. There's no doubt he emerged as one of their top players on the defensive side of the ball. Fry would finish as the team leader in tackles with 135 on the season. He would also finish the year with 15 tackles for loss. Fry is one part of a defense that we think could take a significant step in the right direction this season. Right now, Fry might be flying under the radar but he should be in the conversation as one of the better linebackers in 4A football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1358824"],"_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-66ae292158248"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1358824' first='Lane' last='Wood'] appears to be the next top wide receiver in this Cushing offense after the graduation of Matheson. Wood was incredibly productive last season when he had his opportunities. He only had 32 catches but he would go for nearly 600 yards and seven touchdowns on the year. This season, we expect Wood to be the leading guy at the receiver position and when you're talking about the Cushing offense, it definitely favors guys in the passing game. Matheson absolutely exploded with a breakout season in 2023 and it wouldn't be surprising to see Wood come out in 2024 and enjoy a similar explosion in his overall production. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1358825"],"_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-66ae2921582b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We like the experience level of Cushing's offensive line and we think that it will definitely be a strength of this year's team. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1358825' first='Michael' last='Cruz'] is one of three starters returning on the offensive line and he doubles as a starter on defense as well. Starting on offense, Cruz will have the opportunity to anchor an offensive line that paves the way for an offense that has been lights out over the last several years. But don't forget what Cruz can do on the defensive side of the ball. Last season, he was a problem for opposing offenses as he finished with nearly 50 tackles on the year and had four sacks on the season. This will be his third season as a starter for Cushing.&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>Bret Griffeth - 2025 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Max Wood - 2025 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1719591' first='Roman' last='Tucker'] - 2026 Athlete<br>Rowdy Jackson - 2025 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Tucker Lang - 2025 Wide Receiver/Linebacker<br>Wyatt Heisler - 2025 Tight End/Defensive 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><strong>Aug. 30th - Berryhill<br></strong>- Whenever you're talking about the season opener, you always have to circle that date on the calendar and Cushing will open the 2024 season at home against Berryhill. These two teams have met in non-district play in each of the last ten seasons. And there's no doubt that this will be one of the marquee 4A-3A non-district clashes because each team is 5-5 in those ten meetings. After Cushing lost five of the first six in this series, they have gone 4-0 since 2020.&nbsp;<br>Sept. 6th - Bristow<br><strong>Sept. 13th - AT Perkins-Tryon<br></strong>- In week two, Cushing will go on the road for the first time in 2024 and it will also be their final non-district game and final tune up before the games start counting for real. They'll face a Perkins-Tryon team that beat the Tigers 21-7 last season. That loss to Perkins-Tryon would snap a three-game winning streak against the Demons. Cushing has had a lot of success over Perkins-Tryon in the last decade and they'll look to start a new winning streak in 2024.&nbsp;<br>Sept. 27th - Skiatook<br>Oct. 4th - AT Grove<br>Oct. 11th - Oologah<br><strong>Oct. 17th - AT Wagoner<br></strong>- On a Fall Break Thursday night, Cushing will go on the road in week seven to face perennial powerhouse Wagoner. We don't need to do a lot to sell why this is the top game to watch for Cushing this season. The Bulldogs have become the top rival on the Cushing schedule and they nearly stunned Wagoner in the regular season last year. A win here will put them in a position to capture the district championship. And this almost didn't happen. The emergency redistricting shuffle in April put Cushing back in this district.&nbsp;<br>Oct. 25th - AT Miami<br>Nov. 1st - Fort Gibson<br>Nov. 8th - AT Catoosa</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Rusty Morgan is going into his seventh season as head coach of the Tigers and he has really turned this program into one of the more underrated consistent programs in Class 4A. His first two seasons were Cushing's first two back up in Class 4A. There was definitely a learning curve as they would go 8-14 in his first two years. But despite back to back 4-7 seasons, they still made the playoffs each year. Ever since then, Cushing has been a consistent winner. They have gone 39-10 over the last four seasons and while Class 4A has been dominated by perennial powers like Poteau, Tuttle, Wagoner and last year's champion in Blanchard, you definitely need to start considering Cushing one of the top programs in Class 4A. Last year was the perfect example. After losing a truly special senior class, Cushing still had a winning record and like we mentioned, they nearly took the district title. This season, they come into the year as the smallest school in Class 4A and they won't be afraid of anybody.&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 - 8-3 - Lost In Class 4A 1st Round<br>2022 - 13-1 - Class 4A Runner Ups<br>2021 - 9-2 - Lost In Class 4A 1st Round<br>2020 - 9-4 - Lost In Class 4A Semifinals<br>2019 - 4-7 - Lost In Class 4A 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>1961 - Beat Harding 15-14<br>1958 - Beat Ada 9-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->