Newcastle Racers 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 Newcastle Racers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Newcastle Racers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #10 In Class 5A</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Jeff Brickman - 9th Season - 47-40 Record At Newcastle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 RESULTS (9-4 Record - Lost In Class 5A Semifinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 29th - Beat Bartlesville 49-24<br>Sept. 6th - Lost To Tuttle 21-0<br>Sept. 13th - Lost To Blanchard 14-10<br>Sept. 20th - Lost To Elgin 56-14<br>Sept. 27th - Beat Duncan 60-7<br>Oct. 4th - Beat Midwest City 43-7<br>Oct. 18th - Beat Classen SAS 63-0<br>Oct. 25th - Beat Lawton MacArthur 35-31<br>Nov. 1st - Beat Bishop McGuinness 24-21<br>Nov. 8th - Beat Southeast 41-14<br>1st Round - Beat Noble 63-14<br>Quarterfinals - Beat Pryor 38-37<br>Semifinals - Lost To Guthrie 35-30</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2024 Offensive Scoring Average: 31 Points Per Game<br>2024 Defensive Scoring Average: 19.4 Points Per Game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At this time last year, Newcastle was preparing for a new frontier. After the emergency redistricting shuffle in April, the Racers were bumped up to Class 5A for the first time in school history. We weren't sure what to expect from the Racers in their first venture in Class 5A and Newcastle got off to a bumpy start. After beating Bartlesville with ease in the season opener, the Racers would drop three straight games. Granted, two of those losses (Elgin &amp; Tuttle) were to teams that played for the state championship in Class 4A and would have beaten a lot of really good 5A teams in 2024. So with a 1-3 start, once again, we weren't sure what to expect. The Racers would respond in a big way. They won six straight to capture the district championship in their first season in Class 5A. That included close wins over Bishop McGuinness and Lawton MacArthur. The district title set the Racers up with a favorable path in the playoffs. They took care of business in the first round and then survived a high-scoring affair with Pryor in the quarterfinals. They punched their ticket to the semifinals for the first time in two decades. That's where the season came to an end as they fell 35-30 to Guthrie. Newcastle finished the season at 9-4 but after that 1-3 start, we don't think many people would have predicted that they'd come up one game shy of playing for the state championship. Needless to say, it was a very successful venture into Class 5A for the first time in school history.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now as we start to look ahead to the 2025 football season, if you're Newcastle, how do you build on what you accomplished in 2024? The Racers might have surprised a handful of teams in 2024 but they won't sneak up on anybody this season. And it's obviously a good story that they made it to the semifinals but this is a program that's not going to settle for just another semifinal appearance in 2025. Seven starters return on the offensive side of the ball, for a unit that averaged a little over 30 points per game. The offense is going to be headlined by one of the best running backs in the state. He's going to be a four-year starter and while the Racers work in a new quarterback, having that kind of experience and overall talent returning will help. The quarterback will be looking to fill big shoes because Newcastle had a very good one in 2024. Defensively, the Racers bring back six starters from last year's semifinal team. And similar to the offensive side of the ball, Newcastle will have to replace some really good players but they also have quite a bit of experience coming back in some key places. Now, when you look at the schedule, that first month will once again be highlighted. They play Tuttle, Blanchard and Elgin in consecutive weeks so they're going to know exactly where they stand after that gauntlet against some of 4A's best teams. Based on what Newcastle has coming back and how wide open Class 5A looks this fall, it's not a stretch to say that the Racers could make a run to Edmond in December.&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>Jackson Schanuel - Quarterback/Linebacker (Signed With Hutchinson CC Baseball - All State Honorable Mention)<br>Hunter Barry - Defensive Lineman (Signed With NEO)<br>Taj Smith - Offensive/Defensive Lineman (Signed With The Redlands CC Baseball)</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":["1727291"],"_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-68812d08632f8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior quarterback and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1727291' first='Ashton' last='Shumard'] will be in a battle for the starting quarterback role this season. When we got a chance to watch the Racers in person this spring, Shumard really impressed us with his ability on both sides of the ball. Specifically at the quarterback position, Shumard had complete control of the offense and was a threat with his arm and with his legs. Shumard would then turn around and play really well in the secondary at the safety position. No matter who wins the QB battle, Shumard is going to be able to help the Racers on either side of the ball and play at a high level. And if he's QB1, he's going to have a lot of talent around him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["482118"],"_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-68812d086339c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When we look back on the 2024 season, there might not have been another player more underrated than [player_tooltip player_id='482118' first='Kaden' last='Longman'] on offense and defense. Offensively, he ended the year as Newcastle's leading receiver with ten touchdowns on the year. Defensively, he was also a ball hawk and led the team in interceptions. It didn't matter where Longman was lined up on the field, he was more than likely going to make a play at a critical time. Newcastle's coaches are excited to bring back that experience and overall playmaking ability. And as Newcastle works in that new quarterback to the offensive side of the ball, having Longman returning will be a major boost. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1727292"],"_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-68812d0863419"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1727292' first='Preston' last='Scagnetti'] will be one of the leaders of the defense after a breakout sophomore season. Scagnetti would finish second on the team in tackles with nearly 100 on the season. Newcastle would lose a handful of linebackers to graduation so we expect Scagnetti to be one of the leaders of this year's defense and it wouldn't be surprising if he becomes the top tackler for the Racers this fall. Not only does he bring experience and production to the field but he also plays with a high IQ and Newcastle's coaches expect him to be one of the leaders of the “Fast N Furious” Racer defense. Following that breakout season in 2024, Scagnetti is expecting more in 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["467407"],"_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-68812d0863490"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If you're looking for a breakout star in Class 5A this season, you might not need to look anywhere else. Senior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1678993' first='Santorrio' last='Boykins'] has been a 2026 prospect that we've been intrigued by for a while now. He started his high school career at Edmond Memorial and last year, he moved over to Newcastle and has the potential to give the Racers that ultimate downfield threat in the passing game. We got a chance to watch Boykins in the Newcastle offense back in the spring. He is going to be a problem for opposing 5A defenses. He has all the tools to be a leading receiver and he has the size to be a match-up nightmare for most cornerbacks he lines up against. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["449184"],"_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-68812d0863508"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Earlier in the preview, we talked about Newcastle bringing back one of the more experienced running backs in the state. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='449184' first='TJ' last='Bradford'] is that player and we can't wait to see what he does for his senior season. In the last two seasons combined, Bradford has run for just over 2,700 yards and 34 touchdowns and this season, he could end up seeing his production go up even more. Like we've mentioned a few times, Newcastle will have a new quarterback. Bradford will be the ultimate safety valve of this offense. When in doubt, give the ball to Bradford and he always has a chance to make something special happen. Not to mention he's one of their top defenders at the cornerback position.&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><br><strong><em>(2023 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>Alec Shumard - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Beau Birdsong - 2028 Fullback<br>Ben Rogers - 2027 Running Back/Linebacker<br>Blake Allen - 2026 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Bryan Medrano - 2026 Kicker<br>Cody Nix - 2027 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Damari Morgan - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1164644' first='Graham' last='White'] - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Jace Ledoux - 2026 Offensive Lineman<br>Jaden Fletcher - 2026 Tight End/Defensive Lineman<br>Korbin Brewer - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Zane Miller - 2028 Running Back/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 - AT Bartlesville</strong><br>- For the second straight year, Newcastle will open up the football season against Bartlesville. Last year, the Racers would start their season with a win after beating the Bruins 49-24. This season, Newcastle returns the favor of a home and home and will head to Bartlesville for this opener.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 5th - AT Tuttle</strong><br>- Newcastle goes on the road to face Tuttle in week one and the Racers are hungry to turn things around in this series. It hasn't mattered if they were district foes or met early on, Tuttle has had their number. Newcastle lost 21-0 last year and have lost 12 straight in the series.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 12th - Blanchard</strong><br>- Newcastle's home opener comes in week two, when they host Blanchard. Last season, the Racers would come up short, losing 14-10 to the Lions. Unfortunately for the Racers, they're in the middle of a bad stretch in this series. They've lost four in a row and eight of the last nine.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 19th - Elgin</strong><br>- Non-district play will wrap up in week three with a home game against the defending 4A champions. Newcastle hosts Elgin and will definitely be looking for a little payback after losing to the Owls 56-14 last season. These two teams have alternated wins in each of the last few years.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 26th - AT Duncan</strong><br>- District play will open up for the Racers in week four. Newcastle will hit the road to face Duncan and the defense of their district title from a year ago will begin. Newcastle rolled to a 60-7 victory over the Demons last year. And for a lot of these district match-ups, last year was the first ever meeting.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 3rd - Midwest City</strong><br>- Newcastle's marathon start to the season will come to a close in week five with a bye week coming in week six. The Racers will host Midwest City. They beat the Bombers 43-7 last season. Midwest City will be under new leadership this season with a first year head coach.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 17th - Classen SAS</strong><br>- All of Newcastle's district opponents were new except for Classen SAS. The Comets got bumped up to Class 5A as well last year and would remain in Newcastle's district. The Racers won 63-0 last season and that was their third straight win over the Comets in the last three seasons.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 24th - Lawton MacArthur</strong><br>- It's a big game in week eight and will have that “big fight” feel as Newcastle hosts Lawton MacArthur. The Racers would win a high-scoring affair with the Highlanders last season. Newcastle won 35-31 and that would put them in a position to capture the district championship.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 31st - AT Bishop McGuinness</strong><br>- Depending on the results of that Lawton Mac game, all eyes could very well be on this week nine match-up between the Racers and Bishop McGuinness. Newcastle will head to OKC to face the Irish in a game that could very well decide the district title. They won last year 24-21.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 7th - AT Southeast</strong><br>- The regular season will come to an end in week ten with another road trip to Oklahoma City. The Racers will square off with Southeast in the regular season finale. Last season, Newcastle had no problem with the Spartans, beating them 41-14 in the first meeting between these two programs.&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, Newcastle made some history during the 2024 football season. Last year was Newcastle's first season competing in Class 5A and they certainly did it at an extremely high level. The Racers don't appear to be a program that will ever move back down to Class 4A because it's a community that continues to rise in population and their ADM numbers are continuing to trend up. The last time they were playing in the semifinals, it was 2004 and they were all the way down in Class 2A. In the last two decades, they've gone from Class 2A to Class 5A and once again, they show no signs of slowing down. What's ironic is that originally, Newcastle was slated to be in Class 4A in 2024. But an emergency redistricting shuffle would bump the Racers up and they became one of the smallest schools in Class 5A. How do they respond? They win the district championship and come up one game shy of playing for the state championship. Newcastle is a community that is not slowing down in their rise and the football program looks to mirror that.&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 - 9-4 - Lost In Class 5A Semifinals<br>2023 - 9-3 - Lost In Class 4A Quarterfinals<br>2022 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 4A 1st Round<br>2021 - 5-6 - Lost In Class 4A 1st Round<br>2020 - 7-3 - Lost In Class 4A 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>1 State Championship</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1992 - Beat Marlow 21-11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->