Durant Lions 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>Throughout the month of July and now into August, we are publishing 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 Durant Lions!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Durant Lions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: UR In Class 5A</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Todd Vargas - 6th Season - 12-37 Record At Durant</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 RESULTS (2-8 Record - Missed Playoffs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 30th - Lost To Ada 20-13<br>Sept. 6th - Lost To Broken Bow 42-34<br>Sept. 13th - Lost To Gravette, AR. 34-20<br>Sept. 27th - Lost To Booker T Washington 28-14<br>Oct. 4th - Beat East Central 41-19<br>Oct. 11th - Beat Edison 44-0<br>Oct. 18th - Lost To Shawnee 28-7<br>Oct. 25th - Lost To Coweta 17-13<br>Nov. 1st - Lost To McAlester 21-15<br>Nov. 8th - Lost To Bishop Kelley 29-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2024 Offensive Scoring Average: 21.5 Points Per Game<br>2024 Defensive Scoring Average: 23.8 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Durant Lions came into the 2024 football season with some momentum. They had gone 5-5 in 2023 and the five wins equaled the win total from the previous three seasons combined. But the Lions would endure a roller coaster of a season in 2024 that saw them ultimately finish 2-8 and once again miss out on the postseason. The year started with four straight losses, two of those losses were in one possession games. Following the 0-4 start, they would win back to back games over East Central and Edison. But from there, they dropped the next four games to finish off the season at 2-8. And just like with their first four-game losing streak, Durant once again had two losses during the final four weeks that were one possession games. All in all, they were 0-4 in those one possession games in 2024. And if the ball bounces differently, maybe several of those games turn into Durant victories. Now, all of a sudden you're looking at a 6-4 record and flirting with a playoff spot instead of going 2-8 and missing the playoffs once again. But that's the game of football. There are plenty of teams that are on the opposite side of that same argument. They benefitted and were victorious in several one possession games. But despite going 2-8 in 2024, there are a lot of reasons for Durant fans to be optimistic about the Lions heading into 2025.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Durant comes into this season with a lot of momentum when you look at the players they bring back and the new names they've added to the roster. We think that the Lions could go from 2-8 last season to contending for one of the four playoff spots. Starting with the offense, the Lions bring back quite a bit from a skill player perspective. They are going to be able to be explosive on that side of the ball. This was an offense that averaged just over 20 points per game in 2024. We think that number goes up this season. If the new faces can gel on offense, the Lions have a chance to really improve this season. Defensively, the Lions are in a similar position. They have one of the top defensive linemen in the state setting the tone on the line of scrimmage. The Lions also have a secondary that is full of talented playmakers. They gave up 23 points per game last season and we think that they could certainly improve on that number. Now, the biggest hurdle (other than the new names blending into the roster) is the district slate. We've said the same thing in every other team's preview from this district. This district looks like it's going to be the most competitive race in Class 5A. We don't think it's crazy to suggest that six teams have a legitimate shot to be playoff teams this fall. Only four will get in. Durant is still going to be a team to watch this season.&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":["858878"],"_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-6891677b6e75c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior [player_tooltip player_id='858878' first='Cleveland' last='Williamson'] is the first of two notable additions to the Durant roster after moving south from McAlester. Williamson was one of the best ball hawks in Class 5A last season. Whether he's lined up at cornerback or further back as a centerfielder-like safety, just roaming the secondary, Williamson does a great job of tracking the ball and keeping eyes on the quarterback. Williamson had a terrific junior season and really he's been solid over the last two seasons. He has a chance to leave no doubt that he's one of the best DBs in Class 5A and he should be on more radars for college coaches.&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":["402370"],"_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-6891677b6e7e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior [player_tooltip player_id='402370' first='Cole' last='Robbins'] is heading into his fourth season with the Lions and we've lost track on how many positions he's played for Durant over the last three years. Robbins is the ultimate swiss army knife where he can line up just about anywhere on the field (outside of the line of scrimmage but even that we'd not raise our eyebrows) and he's going to be productive. Offensively, he gives Durant a reliable playmaker at quarterback, running back or wide receiver. Defensively, he can be moved around but we've loved what we've seen from him in the secondary. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402371"],"_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-6891677b6e83a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior and Arkansas commit [player_tooltip player_id='402371' first='Colton' last='Yarbrough'] has been firmly on the radar for well over three years now. Yarbrough was one of the rare prospects in Oklahoma that received legitimate P4 offers before he even entered high school. The summer before his freshman year, Yarbrough exploded on the map and he hasn't slowed down since. The Durant senior checks just about every box there is from an athletic and size standpoint. This Durant defense has the potential to be one of the more underrated units in Class 5A this season. And it starts with the Arkansas commit on the line of scrimmage.&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":["1754220"],"_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-6891677b6e88a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1754220' first='Holdan' last='Robinson'] is a prospect in the state's 2026 class that we are very excited to see this season. Throughout the offseason, Robinson turned some heads at various 7v7 tournaments and he has the opportunity to put more tape out there that shows he's one of the top guys at his position in Class 5A. We mentioned the Durant secondary having dudes everywhere and Robinson has the potential to be one of those guys. He's already on the radar of a few schools as he has a handful of offers. A strong senior season could help him explode this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1343782"],"_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-6891677b6e8d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another move in from McAlester to keep an eye on is senior two-way standout [player_tooltip player_id='1343782' first='Kacin' last='Washington-Mazey'] as he has the potential to play a few different positions for the Lions. Last season, with McAlester, Washington-Mazey would lead the Buffalo offense from the quarterback position. And he had a really solid junior season. But this offseason, he's had a really good six months while playing primarily on the defensive side of the ball. Similar to Williamson, we're very excited to see how the Lions utilize Washington-Mazey and his overall athleticism this fall. </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>Axel Thurman - 2026 Fullback/Linebacker<br>Grant Bull - 2026 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Jayden Rangel - 2026 Athlete<br>Maddox Arnold - 2026 Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='767883' first='Shajen' last='Davis'] - 2026 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back</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 - Ada</strong><br>- For the third straight year, Durant opens the regular season against Ada. Last season, they lost to the Cougars 20-13. It was the second straight loss by seven points to Ada. The Cougars have owned this series, winning five straight against the Lions. Durant's last win was in 2019.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 5th - AT Broken Bow</strong><br>- In week one, Durant goes on the road to face Broken Bow. Last season, these two teams played a very entertaining and high-scoring game but the Savages prevailed, winning 42-34. It wouldn't be surprising to see these two teams lock up for another high-scoring affair this season.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 12th - Gravette, AR.</strong><br>- The Lions will wrap up non-district play in week two with a home game against Gravette, Arkansas. Last season, they headed over to Arkansas to face Gravette for the first time. The Lions lost 34-20. A win here would give Durant a ton of momentum heading into district play.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 26th - AT Booker T Washington</strong><br>- There is no easing into the district slate in week four. Durant travels up to Tulsa to face the defending district champs in Booker T Washington. The Lions fell to the Hornets 28-14 last season. It was the first meeting between these two programs in two decades. This is a measuring stick game for the Lions.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 3rd - AT East Central</strong><br>- For the second straight week, Durant makes the trip up north to Tulsa to square off with another TPS foe in East Central. The Lions have had success against the Cardinals since they became district opponents in 2020. They've won four of the last five meetings, including last year's 41-19 win.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 10th - Edison</strong><br>- The second half of the regular season begins with Durant facing their third straight TPS foe in district play. They'll host Edison in week six, looking for their third straight win over the Eagles. They shut out Edison last year, winning 44-0 and that was their first meeting since 2021.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 16th - Shawnee</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night, Durant hosts Shawnee in week seven. These two teams have been district foes off and on for the last decade. In the last ten years, Durant has just one win over the Wolves as they've lost the last five meetings, including last year's 28-7 loss on the road.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 24th - AT Coweta</strong><br>- It's not another trip to Tulsa but it's close. Durant goes to Coweta in week eight and the Lions need to turn things around in this series. These two teams have met every year since 2016. Durant is winless during that stretch. Both of these teams were on the outside looking in on the playoffs last year.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 31st - McAlester</strong><br>- On a Halloween night in week nine, Durant hosts McAlester and the storylines here write themselves. The Lions have several former McAlester starters in their lineup. The Lions will try to turn things around in this series. They lost 21-15 last season and have dropped the last seven in the series.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 7th - AT Bishop Kelley</strong><br>- For the third time in 2025, Durant will head up the highway to Tulsa as they face Bishop Kelley in the regular season finale. These two teams have been district opponents off and on over the last 15 years. It's been a one-sided series in favor of the Comets. Bishop Kelley won 29-14 last year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Durant, this feels like a year that they can finally kick down the door they've been knocking on over the last 15 years. The Lions are looking to punch their ticket to the playoffs for the first time since 2011. The goal is to make it back to the playoffs and end this drought but once they get there, they don't want to be one and done. The Lions haven't won a playoff game since 1994. In our opinion, the Lions are trending in the right direction to make it back to the playoffs and potentially get their first playoff win in three decades. But they are going to have to prove it on the field. They look like a team that has the pieces and are going all in on this season. But as we've said a few times, the district is hard, they have to gel and making the playoffs has been something that they've flirted with over the last 15 years but they want to finally punch their ticket 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 - 2-8 - Missed Playoffs<br>2023 - 5-5 - Missed Playoffs<br>2022 - 2-8 - Missed Playoffs<br>2021 - 1-9 - Missed Playoffs<br>2020 - 2-7 - Missed Playoffs</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>2 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1983 - Beat Bristow 14-0<br>1979 - Beat Wewoka 38-32</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->