Verdigris Cardinals 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>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 Verdigris Cardinals!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Verdigris Cardinals</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: UR In Class 3A</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Justin Morsey - 1st Season</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 RESULTS (0-10 Record - Missed Playoffs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 30th - Lost To Beggs 21-10<br>Sept. 6th - Lost To Sperry 33-22<br>Sept. 13th - Lost To Catoosa 30-6<br>Sept. 27th - Lost To Jay 52-36<br>Oct. 4th - Lost To Vinita 19-14<br>Oct. 11th - Lost To Cleveland 8-2<br>Oct. 17th - Lost To Inola 21-6<br>Oct. 25th - Lost To 56-20<br>Nov. 1st - Lost To Cascia Hall 49-6<br>Nov. 8th - Lost To Claremore Sequoyah 49-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2024 Offensive Scoring Average: 13.6 Points Per Game<br>2024 Defensive Scoring Average: 33.8 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've been doing these team previews for a little over a month now and the teams that are coming off tough seasons are usually the hardest ones. It feels like you're opening a wound when we recap the season that they just went through but it's part of the process. Verdigris missed out on the postseason for the first time in a few years in 2024. They struggled to stay healthy at key positions and were forced to play a lot of younger players that might not have necessarily been ready to play in 2024. Ultimately, the season ended with an 0-10 record but it wasn't just blow out after blow out. The Cardinals were competitive in several games. A couple district games were decided by six points or less and they were also competitive in non-district play. Verdigris was incredibly young in 2024. The Cardinals knew going into the season that it was going to be an uphill battle with the youth movement they had going on. When you combine that with the injuries that they had to deal with, you get a team that is struggling on Friday nights. Even if the team was more experienced, some of those injuries to key positions could have taken a decent season off the tracks. But Verdigris is putting the 2024 season behind them and they are actually starting a new era, under a new head coach and could be primed for a major bounce back 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>Earlier this year, Verdigris hired Justin Morsey as their next head coach. Morsey comes to Verdigris from Owasso, where he was the offensive line coach and part of two state championship teams. He was also on staff at Union when they won two state titles. Morsey inherits a Verdigris roster that dealt with plenty of growing pains in 2024 and now they come back hungry to make it back to the playoffs. This offseason, Morsey said that all 22 starters that will take the field this season will have some form of starting experience. Offensively, they have more than 11 players returning that have starting experience because of the injuries they had to suffer through in 2024. A lot of young players got onto the field before they were ready but now, on the flip side, they come into 2025 with plenty of experience. Defensively, it's a similar story. All 11 starters on the defense had some starting experience from a year ago. For some, it was the entire season. For others, it might have been a game or two. But when the Cardinals take the field in 2025, there won't be a starter on the field that didn't experience significant playing time in 2024. Because of that, the Cardinals are a very unique team to watch this season. Because on one hand, you do have a team that is coming off a winless season. But on the other hand, this is going to be one of, if not the most experienced team in Class 3A. We don't know if they'll make it back to the playoffs but we don't think they'll be winless this season. They are going to take a step back in a positive direction in 2025.&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":["1198335"],"_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-68922f7f52c30"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1198335' first='Braxton' last='Dean'] is a player in this Verdigris offense that could enjoy a breakout season this fall. Dean finished off his sophomore season as one of the team's leading receivers and we've seen some of the work he's put in this offseason. All signs point to him taking that next step and becoming a reliable target for the Verdigris passing game. One thing we like about his overall game is the versatility. He does have the potential to impact the game in more ways than just at wide receiver. He's one name that we're keeping an eye on as a potential breakout player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1299977"],"_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-68922f7f52c93"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1299977' first='Peyton' last='Stelling'] is the most productive offensive player returning for the Cardinals this season. Last year, he was one of the bright spots for the Cardinal offense. He finished with just shy of 700 yards on the ground and six touchdowns. He had to earn those yards as well with over 160 carries. This season, we expect those carries to go up but because the Cardinals bring everybody back on the offensive line and should be improved in that area, we could see Stelling's production go up this fall. He was also the second leading tackler on the team in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1757107"],"_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-68922f7f52cde"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When Verdigris' coaches submitted their team info, all we had to see was the name Roller and he was going to be a player that we wanted to watch this season. Junior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1757107' first='Tate' last='Roller'] is the next one up for the Cardinals and we're looking forward to seeing the jump he makes this season. Last year, he was one of the team's leaders in tackles with 64 on the season. If you've watched high school football in the Tulsa area over the last 15 years, there have been a few Rollers that have dominated high school football. It's high praise but Tate could be the next one up. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1161912"],"_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-68922f7f52d22"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Cardinals come into this season as an incredibly young team. The senior class is not that big on this roster. However, senior [player_tooltip player_id='1161912' first='Will' last='Rogers'] is a name to keep an eye on with this defense. He's a player that can line up on the defensive line and cause absolute mayhem. Last season, he finished with 60 tackles but he led the team in tackles for loss with 12 on the season. Rogers will also line up on offense and give the Cardinals a big and physical player at the tight end position. On a team full of young players, Rogers is no doubt the veteran leader of the group. </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>Charter Zimet - 2027 Tight End/Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1760808' first='Dawson' last='Shanholtzer'] - 2027 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Grant Hardin - 2026 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Heath Hutchison - 2028 Quarterback/Linebacker<br>Hunter Attaway - 2028 Athlete<br>Jake Patterson - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Jensen Underwood - 2029 Quarterback<br>Kaison King - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Lincoln Butler - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Ryder Smith - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Tony Riddle - 2026 Running Back/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 - Beggs</strong><br>- For the second straight year, Verdigris will open up the regular season against Beggs. Last season, they lost 21-10 to the Demons. Both teams come into this season with first year head coaches. But Beggs lost quite a bit to graduation and transfers while the Cardinals bring almost everyone back.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 5th - Sperry</strong><br>- In week one, Verdigris renews their series with Sperry with a home game against the Pirates. These two teams have met every year for decades and the series has been incredibly even. Sperry won 33-22 last season and has won the last two meetings but Verdigris won the previous three.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 12th - AT Catoosa</strong><br>- The first road game comes in week two as the Cardinals make a short trip over to Catoosa. These two teams have met in non-district play in each of the last three years. The Indians have the edge in the series with a 2-1 record, including last year's 30-6 victory. Verdigris looks to turn things around in 2025.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 26th - AT Jay</strong><br>- District play kicks off in week four with a road game for the Cardinals. Verdigris heads to Jay to face the Bulldogs and this one will be one to circle. Jay won 52-36 last year, snapping a five-game losing streak to the Cardinals. But Jay's new head coach is Verdigris' old head coach.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 3rd - Vinita</strong><br>- After two straight road games and an off week, Verdigris plays in front of the home fans for the first time in a month when they host Vinita in week five. The Cardinals lost a close one, 19-14 last season. It snapped a four-game winning streak they had in the series against the Hornets.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 10th - AT Cleveland</strong><br>- The second half of the regular season kicks off with a road game against Cleveland in week six. Not only was Cleveland a new district opponent for Verdigris last season, they were a new opponent period. In their first meeting last year, Cleveland prevailed 8-2.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 16th - Inola</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night, Verdigris hosts Inola in week seven. The Cardinals and Longhorns have been district opponents every year since 2018. Since 2018, Verdigris is 6-1 against the Longhorns, with the only loss coming last year, when they fell 21-6.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 24th - Berryhill</strong><br>- In week eight, Verdigris has their final home game in the regular season as they host Berryhill. The Cardinals have dropped the last two meetings, including last year's 56-20 loss. These teams have met multiple times in the playoffs in the last five years and are very familiar with one another.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 31st - AT Cascia Hall</strong><br>- On a Halloween Friday night, Verdigris heads to Tulsa to face defending district champion Cascia Hall. The Cardinals lost 49-6 to the Commandos last season and have dropped the last two in the series. Verdigris wants to get back to contending for district titles. This is a game that you have to win to do that.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 7th - AT Claremore Sequoyah</strong><br>- The regular season finale comes in week ten with another road game. Verdigris makes the short trip to face Claremore Sequoyah. Last season was the first time these two teams met since 2019. Claremore Sequoyah rolled to a 49-14 win last year. Verdigris could lock up a playoff spot with a win here.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Justin Morsey is not only looking to turn Verdigris around immediately but he's looking to turn the Cardinals back into the program that we got used to seeing in the last five years. The Cardinals made six straight playoff appearances from 2018-2023 and within that stretch they would make the 3A semifinals on three different occasions. It seems crazy to think but prior to 2000, Verdigris had never punched their ticket to the playoffs. Since 2000, they've been in the playoffs the majority of the time. Now, they're still looking for their first appearance in the state championship game. During this latest stretch of playoff success, Heritage Hall was a thorn in their side, beating the Cardinals in the playoffs three straight years. Class 3A has been dominated by private schools in the last decade but Verdigris is definitely one of the public schools that has been able to have success at a high level. They look to return to that this season.&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 - 0-10 - Missed Playoffs<br>2023 - 5-6 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round<br>2022 - 11-2 - Lost In Class 3A Semifinals<br>2021 - 11-2 - Lost In Class 3A Semifinals<br>2020 - 9-2 - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals</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 -->