Cushing Tigers 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 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 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 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><em><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #8 In Class 4A</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Rusty Morgan - 8th Season - 56-26 Record At Cushing</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 RESULTS (7-4 Record - Lost In Class 4A 1st Round)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 30th - Beat Berryhill 18-7<br>Sept. 6th - Beat Bristow 13-6<br>Sept. 13th - Beat Perkins-Tryon 23-13<br>Sept. 27th - Beat Skiatook 35-3<br>Oct. 4th - Lost To Grove 28-21<br>Oct. 11th - Beat Oologah 37-7<br>Oct. 17th - Lost To Wagoner 42-21<br>Oct. 25th - Lost To Miami 31-14<br>Nov. 1st - Beat Fort Gibson 40-23<br>Nov. 8th - Beat Catoosa 40-7<br>1st Round - Lost Ada 53-50</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2024 Offensive Scoring Average: 28.4 Points Per Game<br>2024 Defensive Scoring Average: 20 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cushing Tigers have become one of the more consistent winners in Class 4A and at this time last year, they were outside of the preseason top ten. That was a mistake on our part and they proved it pretty quickly. The season opened with a 4-0 start, including wins over Berryhill, Bristow and Perkins-Tryon in non-district play. The Tigers were once again a top ten team and they looked like they had just reloaded from the previous season. However, October was bumpy for the Tigers as they would drop three out of their four district games and that put them in a tough position for the playoffs. It put them in a spot where they had to win their final two games or they could miss out on the postseason. They beat Fort Gibson and Catoosa in the final two weeks to solidify their playoff spot but the 1-3 stretch in October would force them to drop in the standings and they ended up having a tough first round match-up against Ada. But that first round game would be one of the best in the entire playoffs. Ada escaped a high-scoring, back and forth affair with a 53-50 victory. There weren't many games that were better than that but Cushing came up just short. The Tigers had their 2024 season come to an end earlier than they wanted at 7-4 but it was another season of making the playoffs and honestly proving a lot of people wrong. This program continues to reload, year after year and they expect to do it again in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This season, the Tigers come into the season firmly in the top ten and they expect to get back to contending for the district title and possibly the 4A title. It is another season where Cushing is going to have to reload as they lost the majority of their starters from last year to graduation. But the guys that they bring back were among the best on the team last season. Cushing brings back four starters from last year's offense that averaged nearly 30 points per game. But the conversation starts with the quarterback and the backfield in general. Cushing has multiple skill players returning and a quarterback that could end up being one of the best in Class 4A this season. He was incredibly productive last season and is back for year two as QB1. And historically, when Cushing has experience returning at QB, that's when they get real dangerous. Defensively, the Tigers bring back five starters and this is a solid unit that has a great mix of productive returning starters and talented young players. And as the Tigers prepare for the 2025 football season, there should be a lot of room for optimism. Cushing's district feels like it's completely wide open as the year gets ready to kick off. Wagoner has owned the district and has been one of the heavy hitters in Class 4A for a long time but they are starting a new era under a new head coach this fall. It feels more wide open than ever before. That could open the door for the Tigers to break through and become that consistent contender.&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>Lane Wood - Wide Receiver<br>Michael Cruz - 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":["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-687d3a881c675"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1292085' first='Kellen' last='Fry'] is going to be one of the best two-way players in Class 4A this season because he was just that for the Tigers last year. Offensively, Fry gives the Tigers a physical runner that punishes opponents. He finished with over 600 yards on the ground last year and was also productive as a pass catcher out of the backfield. But Fry is a linebacker that also happens to play offense. Defensively, Fry finished his junior season with over 150 tackles and also had ten sacks. Cushing has produced a few players like this over the last several years. A linebacker that also plays running back. It seems like their best teams in the last five years have had a player like that. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1633137"],"_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-687d3a881c6f2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1633137' first='Lane' last='Simpson'] is a 2028 prospect that we are very interested in watching this season. Cushing has the talent in the backfield but they need some new names to step up at the wide receiver position. The Tigers lost their top four receivers to graduation so new names will have to emerge this season. Simpson certainly looks like a guy that could step into that role this fall. He was a player that the Cushing coaches are high on and he's a guy that has some momentum coming into this season. He had a really successful offseason, competing on the 7v7 circuit. Now he has to go out and have that same production when the pads come on this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1719590"],"_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-687d3a881c754"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There's no doubt that Cushing has the talent returning in the skill departments but the line of scrimmage is an area where they need new faces to step up. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1719590' first='Max' last='Hoover'] isn't a new face and he'll be leaned on this season as one of the leaders on the offensive line. Hoover has plenty of experience coming into this season and the Tigers have been able to move him around and play multiple positions on either side of the line of scrimmage. If Hoover and the rest of the Cushing offensive line gel together and become a solid unit, this Cushing offense has the potential to be one of the higher scoring offenses in Class 4A. But they have to prove it on the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1719591"],"_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-687d3a881c7b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1719591' first='Roman' last='Tucker'] will be one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in Class 4A this season. Last year, Tucker became the latest Cushing quarterback to put up monster numbers in several categories. He threw for nearly 2,500 yards and 26 touchdowns while also adding over 650 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. If Tucker just repeats that production, Cushing will be in good shape. If he improves on it, they'll be incredibly tough to stop. Tucker also started for the Tigers on defense, finishing the season with over 80 tackles and coming down with four interceptions. He's going to be a very fun player to watch this season in Class 4A. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(2024 All State Honorable Mention)</em></strong></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>Bryce Ward - 2026 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Erick Garrido - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Gage Sharp - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Jordan Kersey - 2026 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Justice Elliott - 2027 Tight End/Defensive End<br>Logan Ford - 2027 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>TJ Johnson - 2028 Offensive/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 Berryhill</strong><br>- For the second straight season, Cushing opens up the year against Berryhill and they'll go on the road for this year's match-up. Cushing beat the Chiefs 18-7 last season and they extended their winning streak to five in a row. Prior to this win streak, they had lost five of the last six.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 5th - AT Bristow</strong><br>- The Tigers go back on the road in week one to face Bristow. Cushing would win a low-scoring game last season 13-6. That was their fifth consecutive win over the Pirates. Bristow and Cushing have squared off every year in the last two decades. Bristow will have a first year head coach this fall.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 12th - Perkins-Tryon</strong><br>- In week two, Cushing gets their home opener against rival Perkins-Tryon. This match-up has been relatively even over the last decade and the Tigers will be gunning for their second straight win. They beat the Demons 23-13 last season and a win this year would be their fifth in the last six meetings.<br><strong>Sept. 26th - AT Skiatook</strong><br>- District play kicks off with another road game for the Tigers as they'll head up to Skiatook in week four. These two teams started facing off in 2022 when they became district opponents. Cushing won 35-3 last season and are 3-0 in those meetings. And all three wins have been by 30+ points.<br><strong>Oct. 3rd - Grove</strong><br>- Cushing hosts Grove in week five and it'll be just their second home game of the year. The Ridgerunners were the first of a few new opponents for the Tigers last season. And they got the best of Cushing, winning 28-21. But the Ridgerunners will look a little different with a first year head coach.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 10th - AT Oologah</strong><br>- It's back to the road to kick off the second half of the regular season. Cushing heads up to Oologah in week six. The Tigers beat the Mustangs 37-7 last season and this district series is another that hasn't been particularly close since it started in 2022. All three Cushing wins have been by 20+ points<br><strong>Oct. 16th - Wagoner</strong><br>- All eyes will be on this Fall Break Thursday night match-up as Wagoner comes to town in week seven. As we mentioned earlier, the Bulldogs will be under a new head coach but they expect to continue winning. The district title could be decided here. Cushing looks to snap a three-game losing streak to Wagoner.<br><strong>Oct. 24th - Miami</strong><br>- Following the showdown with Wagoner, Cushing will host Miami in week eight. This is another district series that began in week eight. Cushing holds a 2-1 advantage in the series but the Wardogs beat the Tigers late in the regular season last year. Cushing looks to avenge last year's 31-14 setback.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 31st - AT Fort Gibson</strong><br>- On a Halloween Friday night in week nine, the Tigers go on the road to face Fort Gibson in a “Tiger battle”. This was a new opponent for Cushing in 2024 and they rolled to a 40-23 victory. But Fort Gibson has some momentum heading into this year with one of the nation's best 2027 prospects.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 7th - Catoosa</strong><br>- The regular season comes to an end with a home game against Catoosa in week ten. The Tigers have absolutely dominated this district series since it began in 2022. They beat the Indians 40-7 last season and that was their third straight win and all three victories have been by 30+ points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 4A has been dominated by teams like Clinton, Poteau, Tuttle and Wagoner over the last five years and most recently by Elgin in 2024. But it's time to start mentioning Cushing when talking about some of the best programs in Class 4A, year after year. Head coach Rusty Morgan has turned the Tigers into a consistent winner over the last five seasons. He's preparing for his eighth season as Cushing's head coach. He went 8-14 in his first two seasons and it's been nothing but winning seasons ever since. In the last five years, Cushing has gone 46-14 and that's one of the better records in Class 4A during that time. There was a semifinal appearance in 2020 and then they made it to the 4A championship game in 2022. But in the last two seasons, Cushing has been bounced out of the playoffs in the first round. With a district that feels more wide open than ever before, it wouldn't be surprising if Cushing is the team that grabs the title and sets themselves up with a more favorable path in the 4A playoffs.&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>2024 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 4A 1st Round<br>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</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>1 State Championship</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1961 - Beat Harding 15-14<br>1958 - Beat Ada 9-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->