Minco Bulldogs 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 Minco Bulldogs!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Minco Bulldogs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #7 In Class A-1</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Brock Wardlaw - 11th Season - 92-26 Record At Minco</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 RESULTS (7-4 Record - Lost In Class A-1 1st Round)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 30th - Beat Hinton 16-14<br>Sept. 6th - Lost To Dibble 36-6<br>Sept. 13th - Beat Apache 26-14<br>Sept. 27th - Beat Frederick 30-24<br>Oct. 4th - Beat Stratford 26-13<br>Oct. 11th - Lost To Wynnewood 10-0<br>Oct. 17th - Lost To Walters 27-14<br>Oct. 25th - Beat Hobart 40-8<br>Nov. 1st - Beat Christian Heritage 12-0<br>Nov. 8th - Beat Okemah 40-18<br>1st Round - Lost To Hooker 20-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2024 Offensive Scoring Average: 19.1 Points Per Game<br>2024 Defensive Scoring Average: 16.7 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Minco Bulldogs came into the 2024 football season as a consensus top ten team and despite being incredibly young, they still had a very successful season. They kept their consecutive playoff appearance streak alive and finished the year 7-4. They got out of the gates hot, going 4-1 in the first half of the regular season. But the district slate caught up to them and they fell to Wynnewood and Walters but rallied to beat Christian Heritage in week nine and Christian Heritage ended up winning the district championship. That's definitely something that should give the Bulldogs plenty of confidence coming into this season. Offensively, Minco definitely had some growing pains as they went from a unit that averaged just under 40 points per game to one that averaged just under 20 points per game. Defensively, their average went up but it wasn't near as dramatic as what we saw from the offensive side of the ball. Minco's season came to an end for the second straight year at the hands of Hooker. In 2024, they went out to the panhandle and lost to a Bulldog team that made a run to the state championship game. Now, Minco shifts their focus to the 2025 football season and finally getting over that hump and making a run in the playoffs. There shouldn't be many growing pains that slow them down this fall.&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 Bulldogs come into this season as a top ten team, with the majority of their starters returning on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Bulldogs bring back nine starters from last year's team. They have to replace their top wide receiver but they get their quarterback, running back and nearly everyone on the offensive line coming back. Now, we talked about how this offense went from averaging 39 points per game in 2023 to 19 points per game in 2024. It would be pretty surprising if the Bulldogs don't get back up over 30 points and start flirting with 40 points per game because of the experience and overall talent they have coming back on offense. Defensively, the Bulldogs bring back eight starters and that's a unit that could really make Minco one of the top state championship contenders in the state. Last season, they gave up 16 points per game and they could obviously be better this season. That's definitely something we're going to keep an eye on this season. On paper, Christian Heritage might be the favorite to win the district as they are higher in the preseason rankings. But Minco will be confident having just beaten the Crusaders a year ago. And there aren't going to be many teams in Class A-1 that have more returning starters than the Bulldogs this season.&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>Carson Littlejohn - Wide Receiver - All State Honorable Mention<br>Colten Mendez - Offensive 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":["1718963"],"_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-687be5be22442"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last season, the Bulldogs went from one McMurtrey to another at the quarterback position. In 2024, they had to replace Reed McMurtrey, who was a very talented quarterback. They found his replacement in Dason and he had a solid junior season. Now, he has a season as the starter under his belt and could be one of the better quarterbacks in the district and in the class this season. Having that season as the starter will certainly help and when you look at all the experience he'll have around him, he should be productive. He has to find a new #1 receiver but someone will emerge. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1718967"],"_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-687be5be22499"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned earlier how strong the Minco defense could be this season and here's a big reason why. Senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1718967' first='Jase' last='Bratcher'] returns and with him back, the Bulldogs get their leading tackler from a season ago. As a sophomore, Bratcher got his first real action in the Minco defense but he took his game up a level during his junior season. He finished with nearly 100 tackles on the season and he's looking to lead the Minco defense again in 2025. If Bratcher and the rest of this Minco defense come out as strong as they look like they could on paper, they'll be a fun unit to watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1334933"],"_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-687be5be224e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1334933' first='Sebastian' last='Valdez'] returns for his third season as the starting running back in this Minco offense. He had a breakout season as a sophomore and returned for more last season. He improved his production running the ball, as he finished with nearly 1,000 yards on the ground. With Valdez back and the majority of this Minco offensive line, they could have a very strong rushing attack this season. Valdez also gives the Bulldogs a backfield running mate for McMurtrey. We're looking forward to seeing if Valdez can take another step forward from a production standpoint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1718968"],"_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-687be5be22532"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior offensive and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1718968' first='Tucker' last='Meiwes'] gives Minco a huge presence on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Meiwes is listed on the roster at 6'4 and 300 pounds and that kind of size brings an obvious impact player and someone to watch this season. Specifically when you're talking about Class A-1, there aren't many players that can contend with that size. Minco has the majority of their offensive line back but Meiwes has the potential to be the leader and help pave the way for this group to have a lot of success this season. We're interested in his potential as a 2026 prospect.</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>Aden Brummell - 2026 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>AJ Russell - 2026 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Brody Mathews - 2027 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Cashton Johnson - 2027 Running Back/Linebacker<br>Case Brasffield - 2026 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Jaxon Mathews - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1830164' first='Jurney' last='Mercado'] - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1334931' first='Landon' last='McMahon'] - 2026 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Taylor Truelove - 2028 Running Back/Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1836453' first='Trapper' last='Mulanax'] - 2027 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Tucker Wilson - 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 Hinton</strong><br>- For the second straight season, Minco opens up the season against Hinton. Last season, they got out of the season opener with a close 16-14 victory. These two have met in each of the last three seasons and the Bulldogs have won two straight. Minco will look to get off to a good start this fall.<br><strong>Sept. 5th - Dibble</strong><br>- In week one, Minco will have their home opener against Dibble. Last season, the Bulldogs lost 36-6 to Dibble. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, that loss snapped a ten-game winning streak against Dibble. These two teams have met in non-district play every year since 2010.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 12th - Apache</strong><br>- Minco hosts Apache in week two and it will wrap up non-district play for the Bulldogs. Last season, the Bulldogs beat the Warriors 26-14 and it would be their seventh consecutive victory against Apache. These two teams started playing every year in 2018 and the Bulldogs have owned the series.<br><strong>Sept. 26th - AT Frederick</strong><br>- The district slate will kick off with a road game against Frederick in week four. The Bulldogs beat the Bombers 30-24 last season. Frederick was a new district opponent for the Bulldogs and they don't have that much history. Just one other meeting (2020) in the last 20 years.<br><strong>Oct. 3rd - Stratford</strong><br>- Stratford was a new district opponent for Minco in 2024. The Bulldogs beat Stratford 26-13 but it was their first meeting in nearly a decade. These two teams were district opponents in 2006 and 2007 and then again in 2014 and 2015. Minco is 2-3 against Wynnewood in the last two decades.<br><strong>Oct. 10th - AT Wynnewood</strong><br>- The second half of the regular season schedule kicks off with a road game against Wynnewood and this is when things start getting very interesting. Minco lost 10-0 last year and have lost the last two in the series. The Bulldogs will be looking for a big road win to kick off the second half.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 16th - Walters</strong><br>- It's a Fall Break Thursday night game in week seven as Minco hosts Walters. Last season, this was one of the games that really hurt MInco's district title hopes. This season, they are hoping to avenge last year's 27-14 defeat and put themselves in a good position for the district title.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 24th - AT Hobart</strong><br>- In week eight, Minco goes on the road to square off with Hobart. The Bulldogs rolled to a 40-8 victory last season and that would end up being their largest margin of victory in 2024. That win was their third straight victory against Hobart and they are 3-1 against Hobart in the last decade.<br><strong>Oct. 31st - Christian Heritage</strong><br>- On Halloween night in week nine, Minco hosts Christian Heritage in a game that could be a head to head clash for the district championship. Right now, these two teams feel like the two favorites for the district crown. Minco won 12-0 last season and they've won four of the last five against CHA.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 7th - Okemah</strong><br>- In the final week of the regular season, Minco will host Okemah. Last season, the Bulldogs rolled to a 40-18 victory and this season, they are hoping that it wraps up a district title run. Last season's meeting with Okemah was the first between these two teams in recent memory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Minco Bulldogs punched their ticket to the playoffs for the 15th consecutive season in 2024. They are without a doubt one of the more consistent winners in Class A football but they are hungry for more than just keeping that playoff streak alive. They want to make a deep run and fully contend for the state championship in Class A-1. The Bulldogs lost in the first round last season and it was the second time in the last three years that they were bounced out in the first round. Fortunately for Minco, that hasn't been the case for the majority of this playoff streak. They usually win at least one playoff game but unfortunately it hasn't been more than that. You have to go all the way back to 1977 to find the last time Minco played in the semifinal round. And it's been 55 years since they played for the state championship. The Bulldogs have the experience and overall talent to finally break that wall down and make a deep run in November.</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 A-1 1st Round<br>2023 - 11-1 - Lost In Class A 2nd Round<br>2022 - 8-3 - Lost In Class A 1st Round<br>2021 - 8-4 - Lost In Class A 2nd Round<br>2020 - 7-3 - 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><em><strong>2 State Championships</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1970 - Beat Wetumka 28-0<br>1968 - Beat Sperry 35-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->