Gore Pirates 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 Gore Pirates!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Gore Pirates</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #8 In Class A-2</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Brandon Ellis - 3rd Season - 15-8 Record At Gore</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 RESULTS (6-5 Record - Lost In Class A-2 1st Round)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 30th - Beat Wilburton 20-8<br>Sept. 6th - Lost To Keys 27-22<br>Sept. 13th - Beat Chouteau-Mazie 40-28<br>Sept. 27th - Beat Mounds 22-18<br>Oct. 4th - Lost To Talihina 48-6<br>Oct. 11th - Lost To Regent Prep 68-36<br>Oct. 17th - Beat Wewoka 34-6<br>Oct. 25th - Beat Liberty 42-8<br>Nov. 1st - Lost To Central Sallisaw 20-14<br>Nov. 8th - Beat Allen 40-6<br>1st Round - Lost To Woodland 48-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2024 Offensive Scoring Average: 26.4 Points Per Game<br>2024 Defensive Scoring Average: 25.9 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gore Pirates came into the 2024 football season as a borderline top ten team in the first ever Class A-2 rankings. And their season would somewhat play out like that as they had some ups and some downs, competing in one of the tougher districts in the state, regardless of class. They opened the season by going 3-1 in the first month of the season, with the only loss coming to Keys. However, they dropped the first two games of October to Talihina and Regent Prep, giving up 48 and 68 points respectively. They bounced back with two straight wins before dropping a close game to Central Sallisaw in week nine. They closed out the regular season with a win to secure their spot in the playoffs but ended the regular season with a 6-4 record. In the first round, the Pirates were dropped 48-14 to a Woodland team that would go on to win the state championship. The season ended at 6-5 and for the first time in several years, Gore didn't get out of the first round of the playoffs. But there's no doubt that the 2024 season will definitely leave a chip on Gore's shoulder as they turn the page and head into the 2025 season. The Pirates are going to enter this season, looking to bounce back in a major way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gore comes into this season as the #8 team in our preseason rankings. They bring back the majority of their starters from last season but more importantly, it feels like the majority of their production returns. Offensively, the Pirates bring back seven starters to run their unique run-first offense. The Pirates will lean on experience and misdirection to put those returning starters in a position to make plays at a high level. The quarterback returns, as well as the top running backs from last season. Defensively, Gore brings back seven starters on that side of the ball. On offense, they averaged 26 points per game and on defense they gave up 25 points per game. This season, because of the experience they bring back, we think both sides of the ball could end up improving in that department. The biggest hurdle that Gore will need to overcome is the district. They are one of three teams in the top eight of the preseason rankings. District foe Talihina is the top-ranked team in the preseason ranks and Regent Prep is another team to watch. Last year, the Pirates found themselves in one of the more competitive districts in the state and that could be the case again this season. But if Gore can pull an upset or two in district play, that should put them in a position to contend for the district championship. And if they're able to do that, they could be in a position to contend for the state championship.&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>Ayden Cox - Tight End/Linebacker<br>Jagger Moore - Offensive Lineman/Linebacker</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":["1735052"],"_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-68869ad391ee5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior offensive and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1735052' first='Antonio' last='Parker'] is a major part of how good this Gore offense can be. When you're talking about a run-first offense that is looking to move the ball up and down the field at will, that starts on the line of scrimmage. Having a senior returning this season is a major positive. Parker will also see plenty of time on the defensive side of the ball. No matter what side of the line of scrimmage you're talking about, Parker has the potential to be an impactful player for the Pirates. He'll be looking to set the tone for Gore from the opening snap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1348799"],"_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-68869ad391f47"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The first of two running backs you have to keep an eye on this season will be senior [player_tooltip player_id='1348799' first='Bladin' last='McCartney'] and he has the potential to be one of the top returning backs in Class A-2. Last season, McCartney elevated his game and became the top rusher on the team. He finished with 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. His rushing numbers went up by about 400 yards and he ended up in the end zone three more times than his sophomore season. We can't wait to see if his numbers go up even more this season. Although he will be splitting carries with a few other players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1348800"],"_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-68869ad391f94"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of those running backs that McCartney will be splitting carries with is junior [player_tooltip player_id='1348800' first='Devon' last='Mannon'] this fall. At this time last year, we were talking about Mannon for what he was able to do on the defensive side of the ball. But 2024 saw Mannon become a breakout player on offense. He finished the season with 800 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. But Mannon is going to be one of the best two-way players in Class A-2 this season. He also finished with over 100 tackles on the defensive side of the ball. That came after he had nearly 100 tackles during his freshman year in 2023. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1348798"],"_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-68869ad391fdc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1348798' first='Tate' last='Brooksher'] comes into this season as one of the more experienced quarterbacks in the class. Brooksher has been starting for the Pirates since his sophomore season and he can be incredibly productive as a passer and a runner. But for Gore's offense, he's going to be in a position where he's leading a unique offense that is incredibly tough to defend. Gore is going to be a run-first offense and Brooksher has proven he can be a threat in the ground game. But in those situations where they are forced to pass, Brooksher can make it happen with his arm as well. </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>Kaydin McCartney - 2027 Running Back/Defensive Lineman<br>Marcus Scott - 2026 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Trenton Cunningham - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Treydan Daughtery - 2029 Tight End/Defensive End<br>Weston Cunningham - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Zach Comer - 2027 Offensive Lineman/Linebacker</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 - Wilburton</strong><br>- For the fourth consecutive year, Gore will open up the regular season with a meeting against Wilburton. The Pirates have gone 3-0 in season openers the last three years against the Diggers. Last season, they rolled to a 20-8 victory. In the two previous meetings, they had shutout wins.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 5th - AT Keys</strong><br>- The first road game for the Pirates comes in week one as they travel to Keys. This was one of the losses that Gore suffered in 2024. Last season, they lost 27-22 to the Cougars. That loss would snap a two-game winning streak. These two started playing in 2022 and before that, the last meeting was 2007.<br><strong>Sept. 12th - Chouteau</strong><br>- In week two, Gore will wrap up their non-district slate with a home game against Chouteau. Last season, the Pirates would prevail with a 40-28 victory. That meeting was actually the first between these two since they were district foes in 2014 and 2015. Gore will be looking for a win to give them momentum.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 26th - Mounds</strong><br>- After a bye week, the Pirates will open up district play at home against Mounds in week four. The Pirates beat Mounds 22-18 last season and it was their fourth straight win in the series. Before last season's meeting, these two met every year (except 2020) in non-district play from 2012-2023.<br><strong>Oct. 3rd - AT Talihina</strong><br>- Hard to argue that the biggest game on the schedule comes in week five as the Pirates go on the road to face Talihina. The Golden Tigers are the preseason #1 team in Class A-2 after making it to the title game and bringing everyone back. Gore has won four of the last five meetings but lost 48-6 last year.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 10th - Regent Prep</strong><br>- Right after the Talihina showdown comes another one as the Pirates will host Regent Prep to kick off the second half of the regular season. Last year was the first ever meeting between these two as it was Regent Prep's first year playing 11-man ball. For playoff seeding, Gore needs a win here.<br><strong>Oct. 16th - AT Wewoka</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night, Gore goes on the road to take on Wewoka in week seven. The Pirates beat Wewoka 34-6 last season and it was their fourth win over the Tigers in the last 15 years. Prior to last season, the last meeting came in the 2021 playoffs.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 24th - AT Liberty</strong><br>- For the second straight week, Gore goes on the road as they'll travel to face Liberty in week eight. Liberty was a new district opponent for the Pirates last season. The last time these two met, prior to last year was in 2017. In last season's meeting, the Pirates won 42-8.<br><strong>Oct. 31st - Central Sallisaw</strong><br>- On a Halloween Friday night in week nine comes the final major district showdown. They host Central Sallisaw and the Pirates are hungry to turn things around in this series. They've lost the last two, including last year's 20-14 loss. Prior to the last two seasons, the Pirates won four straight in the series.<br><strong>Nov. 7th - AT Allen</strong><br>- In the regular season finale, Gore goes on the road to face off with Allen. Last season, the Pirates rolled to a 40-6 victory. Allen was a new opponent on the schedule for the Pirates. The only other time these two met in the last two decades was in the 2020 playoffs. Allen will have a first year head coach.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a program, Gore is playing some of their best and more importantly, their most consistent football in this era. In 2018, the Pirates made it back to the playoffs and they would snap a lengthy losing streak. From 2001-2017, Gore made 11 playoff appearances but they were one and done. They would get bounced out in the first round in each game. In 2018, they finally broke through and won a playoff game. Of course, in 2022, they made a run all the way to the state championship game. In fact, from 2018-2023, they had a streak of six straight playoff appearances with at least one playoff win. Last season was the first time since 2017 that they were bounced out in the first round. They ran into the eventual state champions in the 2024 first round. And like we've mentioned a few times, that's strictly because of how competitive of a district they were in. This season, they plan on making it back to the playoffs and they'll be looking to stick around for a while.</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 - 6-5 - Lost In Class A-2 1st Round<br>2023 - 9-3 - Lost In Class A 2nd Round<br>2022 - 14-1 - Class A Runner Ups<br>2021 - 11-1 - Lost In Class A 2nd Round<br>2020 - 8-1 - Lost In Class A 2nd Round</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 -->