Harrah Panthers 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 Harrah Panthers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Harrah Panthers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: UR In Class 4A</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Chris Bliek - 6th Season - 23-28 Record At Harrah</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 RESULTS (5-5 Record - Missed Playoffs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 6th - Beat McLoud 47-27<br>Sept. 13th - Beat Western Heights 65-0<br>Sept. 20th - Lost To Seminole 16-6<br>Sept. 27th - Lost To Blanchard 21-7<br>Oct. 4th - Beat Tecumseh 49-21<br>Oct. 11th - Beat Chickasha 24-19<br>Oct. 17th - Lost To Bethany 42-7<br>Oct. 25th - Beat Madill 43-0<br>Nov. 1st - Lost To Ardmore 21-20<br>Nov. 8th - Lost To Tuttle 40-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2024 Offensive Scoring Average: 27.8 Points Per Game<br>2024 Defensive Scoring Average: 20.7 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Harrah Panthers came into the 2024 football season looking to build off their 2023 campaign. In 2023, they went 6-4 but came up just shy of a playoff appearance. Punching their ticket to the playoffs in 2024 was the goal but for the second straight year, they knocked on the door but couldn't get in. Things started well for the Panthers as they won their first two games by 20 points or more. They followed that up with two straight losses but then bounced back with two straight wins. It was a roller coaster start but they were 4-2 heading into week seven. But that brought on the toughest part of the schedule, facing Bethany and Tuttle in the final four weeks. They dropped those games but beat Madill in week eight. In week nine, they lost 21-20 to Ardmore and that game would actually be the difference between Harrah making the playoffs and having their season end at 5-5. A single point kept the Panthers out of the playoffs in 2024 and we know that they have had a chip on their shoulder ever since. The Panthers are hungry for their first playoff appearance since 2021 and that hunger is getting worse and worse when you consider the fact that Harrah has been incredibly close in each of the last two years. The Panthers are hoping to finally kick the door down as we turn the page 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>We're very curious to see how Harrah looks in 2025 because they will have the issue of replacing the majority of their starters from last year's team. But they also have several new additions to the team and some younger players that feel like they are ready to have breakout seasons this fall. So despite not having as much experience returning, this team could possibly be better. That's the hope for the Panthers at least as they head into this season with five starters back on offense. Last season, they flirted with averaging nearly 30 points per game. They'll have some new players at the skill positions but they are new faces that the Harrah coaches are incredibly high on. Defensively, the Panthers bring back four starters from last season. And there were a few games where they completely shut down some explosive offenses. They'll look to build on that this season with new faces all over that side of the ball. But the biggest hurdle to overcome is not the new faces and overall inexperience at key positions. The biggest hurdle is going to be the district. They'll see Ardmore, Blanchard and Tuttle in district play and all three are in the preseason top ten. Bethany has also been a thorn in Harrah's side. As we head into the season, it feels pretty simple. Harrah has to beat one or two of those teams if they expect to be a playoff team when November rolls around.&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>Connor Barton - Offensive Lineman - All State Honorable Mention<br>Joey McLaughlin - Quarterback<br>Walker Johnson - Running Back/Linebacker - 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":["1748506"],"_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-688e4da820922"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior running back and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1748506' first='Brock' last='Day'] is a player that Harrah believes can replace the production of Walker Johnson as a running back and linebacker. Last season, Day finished with 500 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. And his carries should go up dramatically this season. Defensively, Day also had 34 tackles and one tackle for loss. Just like with the offensive numbers, we expect his defensive numbers to improve this season. But there is no doubt that his value will be at its highest on offense as a running back. He plays the game with a lot of aggression. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1748512"],"_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-688e4da82097e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophomore quarterback and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1748512' first='Cal' last='Whitnah'] is a 2028 prospect that the Harrah coaches have been very excited about since he started breaking out during his freshman season. Whitnah is assuming the role of quarterback for the Panthers this season and he brings a lot of versatility to the field. Whitnah is an incredible athlete and while he might tear things up as a runner, he shouldn't be overlooked as a passer. Defensively, Whitnah will also be productive from the safety position. He was also a terrific wrestler and started in baseball as a freshman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1748504"],"_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-688e4da8209c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1748504' first='Isaiah' last='Osborne'] is listed as the most fierce and physical player on the team. When we look at his measurements and all the different positions he could play, we think you have to throw the word “versatile” into the list of words to describe him. He's listed as a running back and wide receiver on offense and a defensive end and linebacker on defense. Last season, Osborne finished the year with nearly 100 tackles, including eight tackles for loss. This season, we think that Osborne has the potential to be the top standout on this Harrah defense while also being productive on offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1748510"],"_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-688e4da820a04"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior tight end and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1748510' first='Jacob' last='Queen'] is a 2027 prospect that we're definitely going to keep an eye on when the Panthers kick the season off this fall. Queen is listed at 6'5 and with that kind of size, he's going to be a match-up nightmare for a lot of defenders this season. Harrah's coaches are also high on Queen after watching him be an absolute force for the Panthers during the spring. And that goes for both sides of the ball. While it's easy to see Queen's size and overall athleticism and go to offense, don't overlook what he can bring to the table on defense. </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>Braylen Flowers - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Brody Byers - 2026 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Easton Coronado - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Gavyn Morgan - 2028 Offensive Lineman/Linebacker<br>Thomas Shamrock - 2027 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Zach Crabb - 2027 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>Sept. 5th - McLoud</strong><br>- The Harrah Panthers will once again open the regular season with their annual rivalry game against McLoud. Last season, the Panthers rolled to a 47-27 victory over the Redskins and it was their second straight win and the fourth in the last five meetings. They look to extend the streak this year.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 12th - AT Western Heights</strong><br>- Harrah's first road game comes in week two when they head to OKC to face Western Heights. These two began facing each other in non-district play in 2022. It's been a non-district series that Harrah has absolutely dominated. They won 65-0 last season and the other two meetings by 40 points or more.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 19th - Seminole</strong><br>- The non-district slate will come to an end in week three as Harrah hosts Seminole. The Panthers lost 16-6 to the Chieftains last season. Both teams would be much more explosive on the offensive side of the ball in 2024. This is the 12th straight year these two have met in non-district play.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 26th - AT Blanchard</strong><br>- District play begins in week four with a road trip to Blanchard. Harrah will look to snap a lengthy losing streak to the Lions. They've met nearly every year for the last decade and Harrah is 0-8 against the Lions, including last year's 21-7 loss. Blanchard will have a first year head coach this fall.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 3rd - AT Tecumseh</strong><br>- Harrah goes back on the road in week five to face Tecumseh. These two teams have been district foes for the last 15 years. Last season, the Panthers would beat Tecumseh 49-21. It was their second straight win and the third out of the last four meetings. Tecumseh will look pretty different in 2025.<br><strong>Oct. 10th - Chickasha</strong><br>- The second half of the regular season kicks off with a week six home game against Chickasha. The Panthers beat Chickasha 24-19 last season in the first meeting between these two teams since they were non-district foes in 2018 and 2019. Harrah snapped a two-game losing streak with the win.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 16th - Bethany</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night in week seven, Harrah will host Bethany and this is one of those games that we highlighted earlier that the Panthers have to win to make the playoffs. They lost 42-7 to Bethany last season but the Bronchos have lost a lot to graduation and transfers.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 24th - AT Madill</strong><br>- After two straight home games, Harrah goes on the road in week eight to face Madill. Last season was the first meeting between these two teams since 2018 and 2019. The Panthers prevailed last season 43-0 and Madill could look different this season as they have a first year head coach.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 31st - AT Ardmore</strong><br>- Harrah returns to the road in week nine to face Ardmore. As mentioned earlier, this was the game that ended up making the difference between Harrah making or missing the playoffs. Ardmore won 21-20 last season in the first meeting between these two teams since 2009.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 7th - Tuttle</strong><br>- In the regular season finale, Harrah hosts defending district champ Tuttle. When you're talking about measuring stick games with one of the best in Class 4A, this is it. The Panthers lost 40-10 to the Tigers last season as Tuttle made a run to the state title game. Harrah is desperate to turn things around in this series.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As every team gets ready for the season, almost every team has the exact same goals. Compete in the district, make the playoffs and compete for the state championship. For some teams, they have to check the first two boxes before they can realistically check that final box. Harrah is focused on the first two and we think they certainly could be a team that makes it to the playoffs this season. But after watching Harrah's momentum over the last two years, we have a feeling that just punching their ticket to the playoffs won't be enough for the Panthers. If Harrah makes it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2021, they'll be hungry to win some games and stick around as long as they can. Harrah has made 7 playoff appearances in the last 16 seasons but they've only had one playoff win during that stretch and it came in the 2015 first round. In fact, that's Harrah's only playoff win in the last three decades. But as we've said a few times now, Harrah is moving in the right direction. And it's a major cliche with growing programs but they are truly knocking on the door and 2025 might be the year where they kick the door down.&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 - 5-5 - Missed Playoffs<br>2023 - 6-4 - Missed Playoffs<br>2022 - 3-7 - Missed Playoffs<br>2021 - 6-5 - Lost In Class 4A 1st Round<br>2020 - 1-5 - Lost In Class 4A 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 -->