Lawton Mac Highlanders 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 Lawton MacArthur Highlanders!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Lawton MacArthur Highlanders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #7 In Class 5A</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Brett Manning - 17th Season - 141-48 Record At Lawton MacArthur</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 RESULTS (7-4 Record - Lost In Class 5A 1st Round)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 29th - Lost To Elgin 28-7<br>Sept. 6th - Beat Lawton Eisenhower 57-21<br>Sept. 13th - Beat Lawton 55-21<br>Sept. 20th - Beat Ponca City 41-0<br>Oct. 3rd - Beat Classen SAS 61-0<br>Oct. 11th - Beat Duncan 64-23<br>Oct. 18th - Beat Midwest City 36-28<br>Oct. 25th - Lost To Newcastle 35-31<br>Nov. 1st - Beat Southeast 38-16<br>Nov. 8th - Lost To Bishop McGuinness 38-23<br>1st Round - Lost To Guthrie 43-21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2024 Offensive Scoring Average: 39.5 Points Per Game<br>2024 Defensive Scoring Average: 23 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lawton MacArthur Highlanders came into the 2024 football season with high expectations. They were a top five team in the Class 5A preseason rankings and had plenty of talent returning on both sides of the ball. The season got off to a bumpy start as they fell to Elgin in the opener 28-7. But as it turned out, Elgin was one of the better teams in the state. They went 14-0 and won the 4A state title and would have contended for state in 5A. In hindsight, not a bad loss at all and the Highlanders immediately turned things around. They won six straight following the loss to Elgin, including beating rivals Lawton Ike and Lawton High. But they would stumble again in the last three weeks. They lost a close one to Newcastle in week eight, bounced back with a win over Southeast but then fell again to Bishop McGuinness in the regular season finale. That cost the Highlanders a chance at the district championship and an easier path in the playoffs. Instead, they had to go on the road to face Guthrie in the first round. The season came to an end there as they lost 43-21 to the Blue Jays. Guthrie went on to play for the state title and finished as 5A Runner Ups. Lawton MacArthur's season came to an end at 7-4 and a first round exit. It probably wasn't what was predicted before the season but it's definitely fuel for the Highlanders as they turn their attention 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>Lawton MacArthur goes into the 2025 football season looking to take that next step and truly contend in Class 5A. They are once again entering the season in the top ten of the preseason rankings and they have plenty of talented players on both sides of the ball to make some noise this fall. Last year was the third straight year that the Highlanders were bounced out of the playoffs in the first round and it was the fourth time in the last five seasons. There's no doubt that Lawton Mac is hungry to get over that hump and make a run when it matters most. Offensively, they have plenty of talent all over the field with a three-year starter at quarterback, multiple D1 commits at wide receiver and a very big offensive line paving the way on the line of scrimmage. Last season, they averaged right under 40 points per game and it would be surprising if they don't improve on that number in 2025. Defensively, we'll see one of those D1 commits on that side, manning the secondary. They'll need to replace a few key losses to graduation on defense but if they can do that, they could improve from last year's unit. The schedule starts out with a rematch with the defending 4A champs in Elgin. And the district is going to be incredibly tough at the top once again. And unfortunately, arguably their two toughest district games will be away from home. If the Highlanders want that district title, they'll have to earn it.&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>AJ Vaughn - Defensive Back - Signed With Northern Iowa - All State Honorable Mention<br>Marquise Harris - 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":["403509"],"_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-687a61f410edc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior wide receiver and safety and Arkansas commit [player_tooltip player_id='403509' first='Adam' last='Auston'] checks just about every box you have from a safety prospect or even that linebacker/safety hybrid position that we are seeing more and more of. His future at the college level might be on defense but don't overlook the impact that Auston can have for the Highlanders on offense. Auston first emerged a few years ago as one of the top prospects in the state's 2026 class. There was a lot of upside and the ceiling for him was incredibly high. Over the last two years, he's started to realize that potential and continues to get better every time we've watched him in person. This year, he could be one of the top two-way players in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>(2024 All State 3rd Team Selection)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["670654"],"_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-687a61f410f6d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='670654' first='Aivan' last='Locklin'] is heading into his third season as the starter for the Highlanders and he's in the argument for being the top quarterback in Class 5A football this fall. When you look around Locklin, you see plenty of talent and there's a reason why he's been able to be so productive over the last two seasons. Last year, he was terrific and this season, if he takes another step forward, his stock will continue to point up. And one thing that has impressed us is Locklin's work ethic over the last two years. He's been incredibly busy in each offseason and earlier this summer, he started to tear it up on the camp circuit and started earning his first offers.&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":["1182029"],"_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-687a61f410fe8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Joining Locklin in the backfield is junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1182029' first='Connor' last='Claborn'] and we started noticing him a little over a year ago. Claborn feels like a player that is primed for a breakout season this fall. He has to prove it on the field but things are lining up for him to have a big year. Claborn had to split carries last season but he should be the top guy in the MacArthur running game this season. So after running for a little over 400 yards and four touchdowns last season, we think his production will get a serious boost. And if Claborn has a big year on the ground, that's just going to open up things more for the Lawton Mac passing game and this offense will really do some damage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1045555"],"_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-687a61f411058"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior wide receiver and Tulsa commit [player_tooltip player_id='1045555' first='Joshua' last='Rushing'] comes into this season as one of the very best at his position in the state of Oklahoma. He emerged following his freshman season and has been considered one of the state's best ‘26 wide receivers ever since. Last season, Rushing finished with nearly 1,000 yards receiving and eight touchdowns. He comes into this year looking to leave no doubt that he's the top receiver in Class 5A and arguably the best receiver in the state. It also helps that he's been Locklin's top target for the last three years. The chemistry these guys have will certainly help them as they take the field this season.&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":["472323"],"_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-687a61f4110c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='472323' first='Milo' last='Wyatt'] made the move over to MacArthur high school after spending the last several years as a starter for rival Eisenhower. In our opinion, Wyatt is one of the more underrated offensive linemen in the state's 2026 class and he is stepping into a Highlander program that has a pretty good reputation at developing and producing offensive linemen that end up at the next level. There are a few guys on the line of scrimmage that should be playing college ball in 2026 but Wyatt might be the best of the bunch. It will be very interesting to see how Wyatt and the rest of this O-line gel together to open things up for Lawton Mac's skill players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 SCHEDULE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aug. 29th - AT Elgin</strong><br>- For the second straight season, Lawton MacArthur opens the year against Elgin. Last year, they lost at home 28-7 as the Owls would go on to win the Class 4A state championship. This season, they'll head to Elgin and try to snap a three-game losing streak that started back in 2022.<br><strong>Sept. 5th - AT Lawton Eisenhower</strong><br>- After the showdown with Elgin, Lawton MacArthur will face rival Lawton Eisenhower. The Highlanders beat the Eagles 57-21 last season and this series has been completely dominated by MacArthur. They've won 14 straight match-ups with the last loss coming back in 2010.<br><strong>Sept. 12th - Lawton</strong><br>- After facing one city rival, the Highlanders will face Lawton High in week two. Lawton MacArthur beat the Wolverines 55-21 last season and captured the city title for the second straight year and the third in the last four. Each of their last two wins have been by 30-plus points.<br><strong>Sept. 19th - Ponca City</strong><br>- Non-district play wraps up for the Highlanders in week three with a home game against Ponca City. The Wildcats were a new team to the Lawton MacArthur schedule in 2024. The Highlanders would roll to a 41-0 win. They'll look to dominate the match-up again this season.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 2nd - Classen SAS</strong><br>- After a bye week in week four, Lawton MacArthur's district slate will actually start in week five, with a home game against Classen SAS. The Comets were a new district opponent for the Highlanders and a new opponent altogether last season. Lawton Mac rolled to their largest win of the year, winning 61-0.<br><strong>Oct. 10th - AT Duncan</strong><br>- After four straight games at Cameron Stadium, the Highlanders have to go on the road in week six to face Duncan. The Highlanders beat the Demons 64-23 last season and that was their fourth consecutive win in the series. These two teams have been district foes for a very long time.<br><strong>Oct. 16th - Midwest City</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night, Lawton MacArthur will host Midwest City. These two teams have met in district play in each of the last three years. Last year, Lawton Mac won 36-28, snapping a two-game losing streak to the Bombers. Midwest City will have a first year head coach.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 24th - AT Newcastle</strong><br>- Newcastle bumped up to Class 5A and would make a run to the semifinals in their first season. The Highlanders go on the road to face the Racers in week eight and this match-up has heavy playoff implications. The Racers beat the Highlanders 35-31 in their first ever meeting last season.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 30th - Southeast</strong><br>- Lawton MacArthur will host Southeast in week nine and this is another series that the Highlanders have absolutely owned. In the last 20 years, they've met 11 times and Lawton Mac has won all 11. That includes last season's 38-16 victory as these two are once again district foes.<br><strong>Nov. 7th - AT Bishop McGuinness</strong><br>- The regular season comes to an end in week ten and the district championship could be on the line here as Lawton MacArthur travels to OKC to face Bishop McGuinness. Last year, the Highlanders lost 38-23 and that cost them valuable playoff seeding. Last year was the first meeting in two decades.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Brett Manning is heading into his 17th season as head coach of the Highlanders and he's nearing a special milestone. His dad Ernie Manning was the head coach at Lawton MacArthur from 1993-2008 and Brett took over prior to the 2009 season. He's nine wins away from win number 150 as Lawton MacArthur's head coach. He's had the Highlanders as that consistent threat in Class 5A for the majority of the last two decades. They climbed to the mountain top in 2014 when they captured the school's first and only state championship. Prior to that, they had countless trips to the state title game, having to settle for silver each time. That wasn't the case in 2014 and a little over a decade later, the Highlanders are ready to help their head coach reach that milestone and contend for what they hope is their next state championship.&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 5A 1st Round<br>2023 - 8-3 - Lost In Class 5A 1st Round<br>2022 - 6-5 - Lost In Class 5A 1st Round<br>2021 - 11-2 - Lost In Class 5A Semifinals<br>2020 - 6-3 - Lost In Class 5A 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><strong><em>1 State Championship</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2014 - Beat Skiatook 39-12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->