Kingfisher Yellowjackets OK 2025 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 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 Kingfisher Yellowjackets!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Kingfisher Yellowjackets</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #6 In Class 3A</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Reagan Roof - 2nd Season - 5-6 Record At Kingfisher</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 RESULTS (5-6 Record - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 6th - Lost To Weatherford 20-3<br>Sept. 13th - Lost To Clinton 30-27<br>Sept. 20th - Beat Bridge Creek 35-6<br>Sept. 27th - Lost To Pauls Valley 43-40<br>Oct. 4th - Beat Purcell 26-13<br>Oct. 10th - Lost To Heritage Hall 46-23<br>Oct. 18th - Beat Star Spencer 41-22<br>Oct. 25th - Beat North Rock Creek 45-41<br>Nov. 1st - Beat Anadarko 31-6<br>Nov. 8th - Lost To Plainview 15-13<br>1st Round - Lost To Sulphur 66-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2024 Offensive Scoring Average: 25.8 Points Per Game<br>2024 Defensive Scoring Average: 28 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new era of Kingfisher football began in 2024. After several years of turmoil and court proceedings, longtime head coach Jeff Myers was let go and Weatherford head coach Reagan Roof was hired to take over the Kingfisher program. Needless to say, it was a rocky start for the Yellowjackets in their first season under Roof. Facing a tough non-district schedule, Kingfisher would go 1-3 in the first month of the season, including two games where they lost by a total of six points. After a 23-point loss to Heritage Hall, the Yellowjackets were in danger of having their playoff streak snapped and they needed to win some games in a major way. They would rattle off three straight wins over Star Spencer, North Rock Creek and Anadarko to put themselves firmly in the playoffs. That win over North Rock Creek would end up deciding their fate after a week ten loss to Plainview, the Yellowjackets were tied with NRC in the district standings. That head to head win would put the Yellowjackets into the playoffs for the 25th consecutive season. They would meet Sulphur in the first round for the second season and for the second straight year, it did not go well against the Bulldogs. After losing 42-7 in 2023, the Yellowjackets fell 66-0 to a Sulphur team that made it all the way to the state title game. The season came to an end at 5-6 but there is plenty of room for optimism as we start looking ahead to the 2025 football season.&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 Yellowjackets enter the 2025 football season squarely in the preseason top ten and there are real expectations for this Kingfisher team. And for us, it all starts on the offensive side of the ball. Six starters return on an offense that averaged around 25 points per game last season. But they return the quarterback and some of the top players in the skill department and that's enough to get you excited about the potential for this unit moving forward. Defensively, five starters come back from last year's team and if they can have a little improvement on that side, the offense should be enough to keep them in most games this season. The Kingfisher coaching staff is very excited about the potential they have this season because of the caliber of athletes they bring back in 2025. As for every team in class 3A, if the Yellowjackets can stay healthy, they are going to have the chance to be very competitive. And the schedule sets up for Kingfisher having a decent season. Three of their first four games are at home. They started 1-3 last season and you could potentially see them flipping that record in September, if not better. Now, when you're talking about the district they're in, all conversations begin with Heritage Hall after they've had a stranglehold on district supremacy for the last decade. But if the Yellowjackets can stay healthy, those young players come along, by the time they meet in week six, Kingfisher could give them (and their district winning streak) a run for their money. And if Kingfisher can capture that district championship, that will set them up for a run in the playoffs. These are a lot of “ifs” that we're throwing out there but that's what previews are all about.</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>Jiaro Velarde - Linebacker<br>Landon Rempe - Offensive Lineman<br>Santiago Ortega - Wide Receiver/Defensive Back</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":["1716127"],"_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-6877dfef95f95"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned earlier in the preview how Kingfisher's offense is a big reason why we like the Yellowjackets coming into this season. Sophomore running back [player_tooltip player_id='1716127' first='Brett' last='Calamateo'] is coming off a freshman season where he got stronger as the season went on. In the first half of the season, Calamateo would see some playing time but it was mainly when games were already decided. However, in the second half of the season, Calamateo started getting in the game more and by the end of the season, he was getting a decent number of carries. This season, the Kingfisher coaches expect him to be a big part of their rushing attack. Don't be surprised if his production shows that.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716121"],"_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-6877dfef96044"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1716121' first='Jackson' last='Willbanks'] is part one of a legitimate two-headed monster that the Yellowjackets will put out there at wide receiver. Willbanks led the Yellowjackets in receptions and yards last season. They had three different players finish with over 500 receiving yards but Willbanks led the way with 543 yards. He also finished the year with seven touchdown receptions. Defensively, Willbanks was one of their more versatile defenders. He finished with nearly 40 tackles and he also blocked a field goal. It didn't matter where Willbanks was lining up on offense, defense or special teams, he found a way to have a significant impact on the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1626587"],"_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-6877dfef960c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1626587' first='Jhett' last='Birdwell'] is going to be the triggerman of a Kingfisher offense that could take a significant step forward this season. Last year, Birdwell enjoyed his breakout season, becoming one of the top passers in Class 3A football. Birdwell would finish with over 2,100 yards and 22 touchdowns, while completing 63 percent of his passes. He would also add nearly 400 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, earning him All State Honorable Mention honors. And as we look ahead to the 2025 football season, Birdwell is going to be one of the top returning quarterbacks in Class 3A. And it's clear he still has weapons around him so 2025 could be a big year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>(2024 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":["1716122"],"_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-6877dfef96139"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1716122' first='Kasen' last='Blair'] is the other part of that two-headed monster returning for Kingfisher at the wide receiver position. Blair will double as one of Kingfisher's top pass catchers and also one of their top returning defenders in the secondary. Offensively, he finished the year with 25 catches for well over 500 yards and nine touchdowns. That reception to touchdown ratio is off the charts good. Blair is a big play threat every time he touches the ball when you consider that over a third of his receptions last season went for touchdowns. Defensively, Blair would also finish with nearly 25 tackles and a pair of interceptions. He's going to be a big name to watch on offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716123"],"_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-6877dfef961a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The offense isn't the only unit that brings back experience and production. Defensively, the Yellowjackets will also return their leading tackler from last season and Kingfisher's coaches have high expectations for senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1716123' first='Mauricio' last='Valles'] coming into this season. Last year, he finished with over 80 tackles, three fumble recoveries and an interception. He led the team in tackles and the Kingfisher coaches expect him to be the leader of this year's defensive unit. They'll have a few new names sprinkled throughout the three levels of their defense so Valles will clearly play a critical part in not only bringing that same production but helping the other parts of this unit.</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>Brody Boeckman - 2027 Wide Receiver/Linebacker<br>Carter Stephenson - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Cale Reagan - 2026 Defensive Lineman<br>Donovan Dunn - 2028 Offensive 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>Sept. 5th - AT Weatherford</strong><br>- The season will open up on the road against Weatherford. Kingfisher has lost the last two in this series, including last year's 20-3 decision against the Eagles. For head coach Reagan Roof, it could end up being an emotional season opener as he returns to Weatherford, where he was coach prior to Kingfisher.<br><strong>Sept. 12th - Clinton</strong><br>- For the fourth straight year, these two teams will meet in non-district play and the Yellowjackets are going to be hungry to turn things around in this series. Kingfisher lost to Clinton 30-27 last season and that was their fifth straight loss in the series. It's been nearly two decades since their last win.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 19th - Bridge Creek</strong><br>- Kingfisher will wrap up their non-district slate at home, against Bridge Creek. And this has been a series that has been very friendly to the Yellowjackets. Kingfisher won 35-6 in last season's meeting. They haven't lost to Bridge Creek in any of the seven meetings in the last two decades.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 26th - Pauls Valley</strong><br>- District play will open up in week four with Kingfisher hosting Pauls Valley. Last season, these two teams played a very exciting and high-scoring affair but Pauls Valley came out on top, winning 43-40. Prior to last season, the last time these two met was in the 2016 playoffs.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 3rd - AT Purcell</strong><br>- After three straight home games, Kingfisher will go on the road in week five to face Purcell. The Dragons were a new district opponent for Kingfisher last season. Prior to last year's 26-13 victory, they had only met twice in the last couple of decades and both meetings took place in the playoffs.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 10th - Heritage Hall</strong><br>- If Kingfisher wants to contend for the district championship, this is the team they have to beat. Heritage Hall has owned any district they've been in for the majority of the last decade. Kingfisher fell 46-23 in last season's meeting. With a win, they'll snap a 7-game losing streak and step closer to that district crown.<br><strong>Oct. 17th - AT Star Spencer</strong><br>- Kingfisher will head to Star Spencer in week seven for another district match-up. The Bobcats were a new district opponent for the Yellowjackets in 2024. Kingfisher won 41-22 last season. Prior to that, these two hadn't met on the gridiron since they were district opponents in 2012 and 2013.<br><strong>Oct. 24th - North Rock Creek</strong><br>- In week eight, Kingfisher will host North Rock Creek. These two teams became district foes in 2022 and this will be their fourth consecutive meeting. Kingfisher won 45-41 last season and that ended up providing the difference between being on the inside or outside of the playoffs.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 31st - AT Anadarko</strong><br>- The Yellowjackets will go on the road to face Anadarko on a Halloween night in week nine. Kingfisher won 31-6 in their meeting last season and is on a bit of a run in this series. These two teams have met every year since 2020 and Kingfisher currently holds a 4-1 record during that time.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 7th - AT Plainview</strong><br>- Kingfisher will wrap up their regular season in southern Oklahoma with a showdown against Plainview. The Indians will have a first year head coach and Kingfisher is looking to snap a two-game skid in the series. They lost last year 15-13 and also fell 48-20 in the 2021 playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As mentioned earlier in the preview, head coach Reagan Roof was going into a tough situation where he was replacing a coaching legend that had been pushed out. That wouldn't be an easy situation for any coach to take over but Roof actually extended a pretty impressive streak in his first season as head coach of the Yellowjackets. Kingfisher punched their ticket to the playoffs for the 25th consecutive time last season. Only nine other schools in the state have a longer active playoff streak. Cascia Hall has the state record and holds the longest active streak with 38 consecutive playoff appearances. For Kingfisher, they've been a playoff team every season since the turn of the century. But as they enter the 2025 football season, Kingfisher's expectations aren't just to extend that streak. They expect to not only make it back to the playoffs but make a run once they get there. In the last ten years, Kingfisher made it to the semifinals just once (2018) and they are hungry to make it back. As mentioned earlier, there was that stretch from 2007-2013, where Kingfisher made five appearances in the state title game. They're hungry to get back to that and the pursuit of it will begin this fall.&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 - 5-6 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round<br>2023 - 4-7 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round<br>2022 - 8-4 - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals<br>2021 - 6-5 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round<br>2020 - 8-4 - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals</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>2013 - Beat Blanchard 30-23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2003 - Beat Sulphur 21-18</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->