Salina Wildcats 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 Salina Wildcats!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Salina Wildcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #4 In Class 2A-2</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Scott Harmon - 2nd Season - 7-5 Record At Salina</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 RESULTS (7-5 Record - Lost In Class 2A-2 Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 30th - Beat Quapaw 20-6<br>Sept. 5th - Lost To Locust Grove 52-34<br>Sept. 20th - Beat Chouteau 64-6<br>Sept. 27th - Lost To Adair 22-18<br>Oct. 4th - Beat Commerce 41-0<br>Oct. 11th - Beat Keys 40-21<br>Oct. 17th - Lost To Wyandotte 28-27<br>Oct. 25th - Beat Kansas 28-21<br>Nov. 1st - Lost To Colcord 36-13<br>Nov. 8th - Beat Chelsea 30-6<br>1st Round - Beat Henryetta 26-12<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Stroud 56-21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2024 Offensive Scoring Average: 30.2 Points Per Game<br>2024 Defensive Scoring Average: 22.2 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Salina hired longtime head coach Scott Harmon last year and the veteran coach immediately turned the Wildcats into a winner. In his first season, Harmon led Salina to a 7-5 record, clinching their first playoff spot since 2018. It was a bumpy start but Salina turned out to be a team to be reckoned with. The season started with a 2-2 record after losses to rival Locust Grove and then in the district opener to Adair. Salina would go 4-2 down the stretch and clinch a spot in the playoffs. In two of the three district losses, they lost by a combined five points. They were incredibly competitive and what was even more impressive was they were missing arguably their best playmaker for a decent part of the season. They would beat Henryetta in the first round and that was their first playoff victory in a little over a decade. The season came to an end with a loss to Stroud in the quarterfinals. But there was no doubt that Salina went from a borderline .500 team to a playoff squad that would become one to watch moving forward. Now, they come into a new season where they've already proven they can win at a high level and they want to take that next step. They certainly have the talent to do so but the district will be a competitive one. 2024 was a solid start to turning Salina into a serious contender.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You could say that the hype is real as we head into the 2025 football season. Salina comes into this year as the number four team in our preseason rankings for Class 2A-2. Six starters are back on the offensive side of the ball. They'll be headlined on offense by the return of arguably the most underrated wide receiver in the state. They also have returning experience at the running back position and a key move in at quarterback. If this group can gel together, they have a unit that could really take a major step forward. Last season, they averaged around 30 points per game. There's no reason to think that they can't do better in 2025 with the firepower they have coming back. If they stay healthy, they'll be one of the better offenses in Class 2A-2. Defensively, the Wildcats also bring back six starters and that's another area where we should see some improvement from last year, where they gave up around 22 points per game. The biggest question surrounds the district slate. Last year, this was one of the more competitive districts in the state, regardless of class. This year, Adair is still a serious contender after winning the district a year ago but after that, there are a lot of question marks. Several of the top teams from this district lost a lot to graduation. That could certainly open the door for Salina to step in and contend for the district championship and if they do that, they could go on a run in November.&nbsp;</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":["1707876"],"_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-68714b887dc67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior two-way standout [player_tooltip player_id='1707876' first='Brandon' last='Hawk'] has the potential to lead this Salina defense to an improved 2025 campaign. Hawk burst onto the scene as a sophomore, when he finished with nearly 100 tackles in his first season as a starter. Last season, he continued to improve and took his game to another level, becoming one of the unquestioned leaders of the defense. Offensively, Hawk will also get plenty of carries at the running back position. But when we're looking at everything he brings to the table, we believe that he is more valuable on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1707877"],"_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-68714b887dcc8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Salina will have a new quarterback in 2025 but he's not going to be unfamiliar with starting. Senior signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='1707877' first='Brogan' last='O'Neal'] is a newcomer to Salina after transferring over from Salina. He's a physical quarterback that also has had a lot of success on the wrestling mat. O'Neal had several big games last season where he produced as a passer and as a runner. When we look at what Salina has offensively, having an experienced quarterback leading the way is a very positive thing. It wouldn't be surprising to see O'Neal become one of the top quarterbacks in 2A-2. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["807020"],"_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-68714b887dd0f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Earlier in the preview, we mentioned how Salina missed arguably their best playmaker last season for part of the year. Junior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='807020' first='Cooper' last='Hooker'] was that guy and he's back to 100 percent and ready to make up for lost time. Simply put, Hooker is one of the more dynamic football players in the state and it's insane how underrated he is as a true prospect for the next level. We've seen Hooker quite a bit in each of the last few offseasons and on film with the pads on. Every time we've seen him, he's one of the top players on the field. He intends to be just that again this fall.&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":["1261180"],"_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-68714b887dd53"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1261180' first='Jescee' last='Sanders'] will be the other running back to keep an eye on. He split carries with Hawk last season and it's expected that we'll see much of the same this fall. A little over a year ago, we got our first look at Sanders when he attended one of our offseason camps. He was one of the top running backs in attendance that day. Now, he is looking to become one of the more consistent running backs in Class 2A-2. This three-headed offensive monster of O'Neal, Hooker and Sanders is a big reason why we think the Wildcats will be improved offensively. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1707878"],"_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-68714b887dd91"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1707878' first='Konway' last='Williamson'] has the potential to be one of the more dominant guys in Class 2A-2 when it comes to play on the line of scrimmage. Williamson's older brother stood out to us a few years ago as a terrorizing edge rusher. Now, Konway certainly has a chance to have a similar impact on either side of the line of scrimmage. In our preseason notes, Williamson is listed as an offensive lineman and then when we looked into him as a prospect, he's been having a very successful offseason. He's been going to work at various camps and lining up primarily on offense. </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>Braylon Hart - 2027 Linebacker<br>Caden James - 2026 Offensive Lineman<br>Caleb Wheeler - 2027 Defensive Back<br>Conner Hess - 2028 Defensive Back<br>Jordan Hess - 2026 Athlete<br>Tranel Love - 2026 Defensive Lineman<br>Trenton Phillippe - 2027 Wide Receiver</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 - Quapaw</strong><br>- Salina will open up the season for the fourth consecutive year against Quapaw. This season, they will face them at home. They opened the 2024 season with a 20-6 victory. That win would snap a two-game losing streak in the series. Prior to meeting in 2022, they hadn't met since 2013.<br><strong>Sept. 4th - AT Locust Grove</strong><br>- The annual rivalry clash with Locust Grove takes place in week one, as Salina goes on the road to face the Pirates. This was a high-scoring game last year, which Locust Grove won 52-34. That snapped Salina's four-game winning streak in the series against the Pirates.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 12th - Chouteau</strong><br>- Salina's non-district schedule will wrap up in week two with a home game against Chouteau. These two teams have met in non-district play in each of the last three years. Salina is 3-0 during this stretch, including last year's 64-6 win. That was their largest margin of victory in 2024.<br><strong>Sept. 26th - AT Adair</strong><br>- All eyes will be on this district opener as Salina goes on the road to face Adair. These are the top two teams in this district with both squads coming into the season as top ten teams. Adair has owned this series, winning nine of the last ten meetings, including the last two.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 3rd - Commerce</strong><br>- Following the road showdown with Adair, Salina will return home to host Commerce in week five. Last season, Salina scored their lone shutout victory against Commerce. Prior to last season, these teams met just once in the last decade, which was in the 2017 playoffs.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 10th - AT Keys</strong><br>- The second half of the regular season begins with a road game against Keys. The Wildcats will look for their second straight win over Keys after beating them 40-21 last season. Prior to last year, these two teams hadn't met since they were district opponents all the way back in 2007.<br><strong>Oct. 16th - Wyandotte</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night, Salina will host Wyandotte in week seven. Wyandotte was a new district opponent for the Wildcats last season. Prior to last year, they hadn't met since 2019. And last season was a tough loss as they fell 28-27 in what ended up being the closest game of the year.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 24th - Kansas</strong><br>- Salina will host Kansas in week eight and this is another game to keep an eye on this season. The Wildcats beat the Comets 28-21 last season and that was a big reason why they clinched a playoff spot. They've had a lot of luck in this series, winning nine of the last ten meetings.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 31st - AT Colcord</strong><br>- On a Halloween Friday night, Salina goes on the road to face Colcord. And this is a Colcord team that will look a little different under a first year head coach and a relatively new roster. Salina lost 36-13 in last season's meeting but they will certainly expect to win this time around.<br><strong>Nov. 7th - Chelsea</strong><br>- The regular season finale comes against Chelsea in week ten. They'll host the Green Dragons and at this point, they'll be looking to pick up momentum going into the playoffs. They've met Chelsea ten times in the last 15 years. They're a perfect 10-0 during this stretch.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Earlier in the preview, we mentioned Salina made the playoffs in 2024 for the first time since 2018. Technically that's not the whole truth. Everyone made the playoffs during the Covid-impacted season in 2020 so they did make it then but in a normal year, they would not have qualified. 2024 was their first time qualifying for the playoffs since 2018. And like we mentioned earlier, the first round win over Henryetta last season was their first playoff victory since 2013. But now, Salina won't be satisfied with just making the playoffs and winning one playoff game. They're looking to make more history in 2025. Salina has never made it to the semifinal round, let alone the state championship game. Last year was just the fourth time in school history that they made it to the quarterfinal round and they are now 0-4 in the quarters. They'll be looking to take that next step this season and finally get to practice on Thanksgiving, something that's become a major tradition in Oklahoma high school football.&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 - 7-5 - Lost In Class 2A-2 Quarterfinals<br>2023 - 4-6 - Missed Playoffs<br>2022 - 5-5 - Missed Playoffs<br>2021 - 5-5 - Missed Playoffs<br>2020 - 4-7 - Lost In Class 2A 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>0 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->