Cascia Hall Commandos OK 2025 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 2025 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 Cascia Hall Commandos!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Cascia Hall Commandos</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #3 In Class 3A</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Joe Medina - 27th Season - 259-62 Record At Cascia Hall</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 RESULTS (9-2 Record - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 30th - Beat Holland Hall 29-28<br>Sept. 6th - Beat Rejoice Christian 45-14<br>Sept. 13th - Lost To Metro Christian 21-14<br>Sept. 27th - Beat Inola 38-7<br>Oct. 4th - Beat Cleveland 59-0<br>Oct. 11th - Beat Vinita 42-0<br>Oct. 17th - Beat Jay 61-14<br>Oct. 25th - Beat Claremore Sequoyah 41-31<br>Nov. 1st - Beat Verdigris 49-6<br>Nov. 8th - Beat Berryhill 35-14<br>1st Round - Lost To Checotah 35-28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2024 Offensive Scoring Average: 40.1 Points Per Game<br>2024 Defensive Scoring Average: 15.5 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At this time last season, Cascia Hall was right outside the top five of our Class 3A preseason rankings but they certainly played like a top five team all season. The Commandos would kick off the season with a rivalry win over Holland Hall, followed by a decisive 31-point win over a Rejoice Christian team that went on to win the Class A-1 state title. They finished up non-district play with a close loss to Metro Christian but didn't lose the rest of the way in the regular season. The Commandos would run over everyone in their path, on their way to another district championship. The closest win came in week eight, when they beat Claremore Sequoyah by ten points. Other than that, they would dominate their way to the district title and had a ton of momentum when they headed into the playoffs. But unfortunately for Cascia Hall, that momentum was halted to a stop when they ran into Checotah in the first round. The Commandos were a rare district champion that would get upset in the first round. Granted, Checotah had a phenom wide receiver that would end up being our PRZ-Oklahoma Player Of The Year. But nevertheless, Cascia Hall's season would end with a 9-2 record and a first round playoff exit. The Commandos, who have always had the reputation of having one of the top defenses in the state, would actually be known for their high-powered offense in 2024. They averaged just north of 40 points per game while still being stingy on defense, giving up just 15 points per game. But as a new season is about to begin, the Commandos expect to be right back in contention in Class 3A. This is a group that certainly feels like they have some unfinished business.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Commandos are coming into this season firmly as a top five team in the preseason rankings and looking to challenge reigning champ Lincoln Christian for 3A supremacy. The offense is once again going to lead the way for this group of Commandos. A handful of starters are back on that side of the ball but it all starts with the quarterback position. Cascia Hall will have the benefit of having a three-year starter at the quarterback position and a guy who holds almost every single passing record in school history. And when you're talking about an offense that averaged north of 40 points per game, having the triggerman of that unit back is a big plus. They also return multiple starters on the offensive line and at the wide receiver position. A new running back will need to emerge but the passing game will lead the way on that side of the ball and the Commandos are confident with whoever ends up in that running back slot. Defensively, the Commandos will need to replace a few more names but they are still confident with the group they have coming back. The linebacker position could be a strength of this defense but they also have some very productive players returning in the secondary. With a tough non-district schedule, these new starters might go through baptism by fire but it should set them up for making a run towards another district championship and contending when the playoffs get here. Last season, Cascia Hall made the playoffs for the 38th consecutive season, extending their state record. This year's Commando team not only expects to make it 39 consecutive years in the postseason but they expect to contend for that state championship. It's been nearly 15 years since Cascia Hall played for the state title, they want to end that drought in 2025.&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>Hank Witte - Linebacker<br>Owen Darby - Running Back (All State Honorable Mention)</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":["1704727"],"_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-686bb252d126d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1704727' first='Aiden' last='Estep'] returns on both sides of the ball for the Commandos but defensively is where he can really shine. Last season, Estep was one of the leading tacklers on the team and this season, he's the top returning tackler after finishing last season with a little over 100 tackles and a handful of sacks. Estep also started for the Commandos on the offensive side of the ball at one of the tackle positions on the offensive line. That experience on the line of scrimmage will certainly help an offense that expects to be scoring north of 40 points per game again this season. Estep is going to be one of the more important two-way players that will be returning this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1083187"],"_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-686bb252d12c8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1083187' first='Barrett' last='Mullen'] is that three-year starter that we mentioned earlier that has completely rewritten the record books at Cascia Hall. Last season, Mullen threw for nearly 2,400 yards and 37 touchdowns with just ten interceptions. He's thrown for around 5,500 yards and 63 touchdowns in the last two seasons alone. In our opinion, he's one of the top quarterbacks in the state's 2026 class and there's a reason that D1 programs have started to pay attention to what he's doing. Mullen's touchdown number last season increased by 11 and what's scary is we could see him increase that number again this season with a deep run in the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>(All State Honorable Mention)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1333179"],"_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-686bb252d1310"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior wide receiver and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1333179' first='Carter' last='Nathman'] is one of the top two leading receivers for this high-powered Cascia Hall passing attack. Last season, Nathman would be somewhat limited with an injury but he still managed to finish the year with 500 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. That was following a breakout sophomore season in 2023, where he had nearly 900 yards and 11 touchdowns. Now, as he heads into his senior season, he has the potential to give the Commandos another reliable pass-catching threat at wide receiver. If he's healthy, he's going to be one of the more productive players on this offense and last season was another example of that.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>(All State Honorable Mention)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1067472"],"_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-686bb252d1353"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1067472' first='Fisher' last='Lai'] is one of our favorite players to watch in person because of the tremendous impact he has in all three phases of the game. Offensively, Lai is going to be one of the top wide receivers and he's been an absolute dude since his freshman season. Last year, he had over 800 yards and 13 touchdowns. Defensively, he is a lockdown cornerback and had four interceptions on that side of the ball. And not to mention, he's also a threat in the return game on special teams. Similar to Mullen, we think that Lai is going to completely rewrite all the receiving records at Cascia Hall when it's all said and done. He'll be one of the best overall players in Class 3A this fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>(All State Honorable Mention)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1704725"],"_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-686bb252d1394"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1704725' first='Vaughn' last='Graham'] is joining Estep in that OL/LB combination where it looks like he'll be just as valuable on both sides of the ball. Like Estep, Graham is a returning starter on the offensive side of the ball at one of the tackle positions. And just like with Estep, he's going to be a critical part of protecting Mullen and giving the Cascia Hall quarterback some time to get rid of the ball to their various playmakers. Defensively, Graham brings back some experience on the defensive side of the ball at the linebacker position. And as we mentioned earlier, the linebacker group (along with the secondary) could really end up leading the way for Cascia Hall being improved on defense. </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>Alex Nathman - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Beckett Garcia - 2026 Defensive Back<br>Conner Powell - 2026 Running Back/Defensive Lineman<br>Cort Strom - 2026 Defensive Lineman<br>Cullen Darby - 2027 Linebacker<br>Quinn Livingston - 2028 Running Back<br>Rowan Alexander - 2026 Offensive Lineman<br>Spencer Snyder - 2026 Defensive Lineman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 SCHEDULE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aug. 29th - AT Holland Hall</strong><br>- The annual “Hall Brawl” kicks off the season for the second straight year as Cascia Hall will go across town to Holland Hall. The Commandos won 29-28 last season and are in the middle of a three-game winning streak in the series but all three wins have been decided by seven points or less.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 5th - AT Rejoice Christian</strong><br>- In week one, Cascia Hall heads north to Owasso to face Rejoice Christian. These two teams started playing one another in 2020 after both had games cancelled due to Covid. This has turned into a nice non-district series. Rejoice is coming off a state championship season in 2024.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 12th - Metro Christian</strong><br>- Cascia Hall's first home game of 2024 will come in week two against Metro Christian. The only blemish on the 2024 regular season slate was the 21-14 setback to Metro Christian. But what's interesting is prior to last year's meeting, these two teams hadn't met in the regular season in two decades.<br><strong>Sept. 26th - Inola</strong><br>- District play kicks off in week four with a home game against Inola. The Commandos beat the Longhorns 38-7 last season and this is one of several district series on the schedule that has been completely one-sided. The Commandos are 10-0 against Inola in the last two decades.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 3rd - Cleveland</strong><br>- We're at the halfway point of the regular season in week five, when Cascia Hall will host Cleveland. The Tigers were a new district opponent for Cascia Hall last season. They won 59-0 and that would be their largest margin of victory. Prior to last season, these two hadn't played since 2015.<br><strong>Oct. 10th - AT Vinita</strong><br>- After a little over a month of playing at home, Cascia Hall goes back on the road to face Vinita in week six. The Commandos shut out the Hornets last season with a 42-0 victory. Prior to last year, Cascia Hall hadn't played Vinita since 2019. They were district foes from 2014-2019.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 16th - Jay</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night, the Commandos will host Jay in week seven. The Commandos scored a season-high 61 points in their win over the Bulldogs a year ago. They took some frustrations out on the Bulldogs after they tripped up against Jay during the 2023 meeting.<br><strong>Oct. 24th - AT Claremore Sequoyah</strong><br>- In week eight, Cascia Hall goes on the road to face Claremore Sequoyah. The Eagles were another new district opponent for Cascia Hall last season. The Commandos prevailed 41-31 but that would actually end up being their closest district contest on their way to the district title.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 31st - Verdigris</strong><br>- On a Halloween night in week nine, the Commandos will host Verdigris. Cascia rolled to a 49-6 victory last season against a Cardinal team that was incredibly young. But they have nearly everybody back and under a first year head coach, they expect to make some noise in 2025.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 7th - Berryhill</strong><br>- The regular season comes to an end in week ten at home, against Berryhill. It wouldn't be surprising if this week ten match-up ends up being another head to head clash for the district title. The Commandos won 35-14 last season but Berryhill has won four of the last six meetings.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Joe Medina has been a Cascia Hall lifer. He graduated from Cascia Hall in 1984 and would start his coaching career there in the late 80's as an assistant coach. After eight seasons out in California, Medina returned to his alma mater in 1999 to become the head coach and has been there ever since. He has taken the program to new heights, including the peak in the late 2000's when they won three straight state championships from 2007-2009. In 2023, Medina hit two coaching milestones that put him in elite company in Oklahoma. First off, Medina would win his 300th career game between his two stops at St. Augustine in San Diego and Cascia Hall. And in a first round win, Medina won his 250th career game at Cascia Hall. He's now sitting at 259 wins as head coach of the Commandos and the list of coaches who have won 250+ games in Oklahoma is not very long. The only active head coaches ahead of Medina are Seminole's Mike Snyder, Wagoner's Dale Condict and Owasso's Bill Blankenship. And Medina has been winning close to ten games every season for a while now. Which is easy enough math for us to figure out that the longtime Cascia Hall head coach will be closing in on 300 wins in Oklahoma alone before we know it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LAST FIVE SEASONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2024 - 9-2 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round<br>2023 - 8-4 - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals<br>2022 - 9-3 - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals<br>2021 - 9-4 - Lost In Class 2A Quarterfinals<br>2020 - 8-2 - Lost In Class 2A 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>5 State Championships</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2009 - Beat Berryhill 21-0<br>2008 - Beat Claremore Sequoyah 28-21<br>2007 - Beat Heritage Hall 20-13<br>1999 - Beat Bristow 31-0<br>1989 - Beat Okemah 21-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->