Cascia Hall Commandos OK 2026 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 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 2026 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 Cascia Hall Commandos!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RELATED</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/VSPP2hN_OT4" type="link" id="https://youtu.be/VSPP2hN_OT4">- Cascia Hall Video Preview With HC Joe Medina</a></strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Cascia Hall Commandos</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #3 In Class 3A</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Joe Medina - 28th Season - 268-65 Record At Cascia Hall</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 RESULTS (9-3 Record - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 29th - Lost To Holland Hall 27-6<br>Sept. 5th - Beat Rejoice Christian 21-14<br>Sept. 12th - Lost To Metro Christian 41-14<br>Sept. 26th - Beat Inola 34-7<br>Oct. 3rd - Beat Cleveland 47-6<br>Oct. 10th - Beat Vinita 42-0<br>Oct. 16th - Beat Jay 49-13<br>Oct. 24th - Beat Claremore Sequoyah 42-10<br>Oct. 31st - Beat Verdigris 42-14<br>Nov. 7th - Beat Berryhill 35-21<br>1st Round - Beat Idabel 42-7<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Perkins-Tryon 35-34</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2025 Offensive Scoring Average: 34 Points Per Game<br>2025 Defensive Scoring Average: 16.3 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cascia Hall Commandos came into the 2025 football season with high expectations but that is a program that embraces those high expectations. Cascia Hall was a top five team in the preseason but stumbled a couple times out of the gate. They played a difficult non-district schedule and had a couple setbacks because of it. They lost the season opener to rival Holland Hall but bounced back with a big win over defending champion Rejoice Christian. Unfortunately, they slipped up the following week against Metro Christian and began the season with a 1-2 record following non-district play. The Commandos wouldn't slip up again in the regular season. They ran through the district with a 7-0 record and beat up Berryhill in week ten to capture the district championship. In fact, that 35-21 win over Berryhill in week ten was the closest game that Cascia Hall had in district play. They were playing really good football as they headed into the playoffs. And it should be mentioned here that Cascia Hall punched their ticket to the playoffs for the 39th consecutive season. That extends their state record for most consecutive playoff appearances. But after being a rare district champion to lose in the first round in 2024, this team was hungry to avoid that. They did with a 42-7 victory over Idabel in the first round. But the season came to an end the following week after losing 35-34 to Perkins-Tryon. Overall, the season came to an end at 9-3 with a district championship but falling short of taking that next step to the semifinals or beyond. Looking ahead to 2026, the Commandos are hungrier than ever to take that next step.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cascia Hall comes into the 2026 season eyeing a deeper run than we've seen from them over the last decade. 2016 was the last time the Commandos were playing in the semifinals. We're used to seeing Cascia Hall in the playoffs but it's been a little bit since we've seen them make that deep run in the postseason. Looking at this team on paper, it could be a traditional Cascia Hall team that is led by a strong rushing attack and an even stronger defense. Cascia Hall brings back the majority of their starters on the defensive side of the ball. They gave up around 16 points per game last season but they have the potential to be even better this year. There aren't many holes on this side of the ball as they bring back experience and talent in all three levels of the defense. Cascia Hall will need the defense to play well as they break in a new quarterback on offense. Whoever QB1 ends up being is stepping into some big shoes, having to replace the school's all time leading passer. But he will benefit from taking over an offense that also has the majority of their starters returning. Nearly every offensive lineman is back, along with a productive running back and several playmakers at wide receiver. The final challenge facing Cascia Hall is a new class and district. The Commandos have dropped down to 2A-1 and face a district schedule where nearly every opponent is one that Cascia Hall won't be familiar with coming into the season. But on paper, the Commandos look like one of the favorites to win the district crown. If they can win their fourth straight district title, that could set them up for success in the playoffs.&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>Barrett Mullen - Quarterback (2025 All State Honorable Mention)<br>Carter Nathman - Wide Receiver</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":["1704727"],"_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-6a4e38185b8a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 offensive and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1704727' first='Aiden' last='Estep'] will be one of the more experienced players in 2A-1 football this season. He's preparing for his fourth season as a starter and he comes back after leading the team in tackles last season. Estep finished his junior season with over 100 tackles and the expectation is for him to lead this Cascia Hall defense throughout the 2026 season. You turn around and see Estep have an impact on offense as a returning starter up front. He's one of several offensive linemen returning and that will help a new quarterback come along a little faster. But make no mistake, Estep's greatest impact comes on the defensive side of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2243555"],"_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-6a4e38185b94f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 wide receiver and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='2243555' first='Alex' last='Nathman'] returns this fall and he's going to be a very valuable part of what the Commandos do on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Nathman had a breakout season at the wide receiver position. He comes into this season as their second-leading wide receiver returning. Defensively, he could end up being a swiss-army knife on that side of the ball. Nathman will line up at linebacker but he actually led the team in interceptions last season with six. He's going to be able to impact the game in a variety of ways on both sides of the ball. After a breakout junior season, we're fired up to see what he does this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2243557"],"_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-6a4e38185b9c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 running back [player_tooltip player_id='2243557' first='Dason' last='McBride'] was another breakout star for the Commandos on the offensive side of the ball last season. All eyes were on the explosive passing game and all the weapons that Cascia Hall had in that department. But they had a sophomore running back that was a steady presence from start to finish. He ran for well over 700 yards and nine touchdowns last season. With The Commandos still figuring out who their starting quarterback will be, having a player like McBride back will certainly help. And with the majority of their offensive line returning, don't be surprised if McBride's overall production goes up in a major way this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1067472"],"_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-6a4e38185ba37"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We continue to say it because it continues to be true. 2027 wide receiver and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1067472' first='Fisher' last='Lai'] is one of the more underrated players in the state. Offensively, he's an absolute playmaker and the Commandos will get creative with how they get him the ball. He'll be their leading receiver but also carry the ball and it wouldn't surprise us to see him taking direct snaps as he can do it all with the ball in his hands. And offense isn't even where he's at his best. Lai is one of the best lockdown cornerbacks in the state. All you have to do is go back and look at three years of film in the fall or any of his work in various 7v7 tournaments. He's very clearly one of the state's best.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>(2025 All State 3rd Team Selection)</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2243558,"_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-6a4e38185baa2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2030 quarterback and defensive back Manhattan Duffie hasn't started high school yet as an incoming freshman this fall. But he's already on the radar and he appears to be a name to know in the state's 2030 class. Duffie's older brother Memphis is a very talented basketball prospect but it looks like Manhattan will be more of a gridiron giant. Duffie has already established himself as a starter on the defensive side of the ball. Cascia Hall expects him to start right away in the secondary. But he could end up starting on both sides of the ball this season. Duffie is one of two quarterbacks that will be battling for the starting job this season. He's an early name to know in this 2030 class. </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>Blake England - 2027 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Brady Webster - 2029 Offensive Lineman<br>Foster Gray - 2028 Defensive Lineman<br>Jacob Toppins - 2027 Linebacker<br>Johnny Cannon - 2027 Wide Receiver<br>Logan Hickerson - 2028 Quarterback/Defensive Back<br>Quinn Livingston - 2028 Running Back/Linebacker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aug. 28th - Holland Hall</strong><br>- The annual “Hall Brawl” between Cascia Hall and Holland hall kicks off the season for the third consecutive year. The Commandos will be hungry to get another shot at the Dutch after losing 27-6 in the season opener last year, snapping a three-game winning streak over Holland Hall. This series always has a surprise or two when these two face off.<br><strong>Sept. 4th - Rejoice Christian</strong><br>- Cascia Hall will host Rejoice Christian and square off with a two-time defending state champion in week one. But now, Rejoice is in Cascia's class in 2A-1 so this match-up has a little more weight to it than it's had in the past. Cascia Hall has won three straight in the series, including last year's 21-14 win over the Eagles.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 11th - AT Metro Christian</strong><br>- Cascia Hall makes the short drive over to Metro Christian in week two to wrap up non-district play. The Commandos will be hungry to turn things around in this series, having lost three straight to the Patriots, including last year's 41-14 loss at home. The Commandos will look to wrap up non-district play with a statement win in week two.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 25th - AT Blackwell</strong><br>- District play opens up in week four and the Commandos are entering a district with a lot of new faces on the schedule. They start with a road trip to Blackwell for the district opener. These two teams were district opponents from 2008-2011 but haven't played since. The Commandos will be determined to get out to a strong start in district play.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 2nd - Crooked Oak</strong><br>- The Commandos return home in week five to host Crooked Oak. This is the first of several new match-ups for Cascia Hall. These two have no recent history but the Commandos will be expected to win this one. Crooked Oak has been a program that has struggled for a while now. Their last winning season came over a decade ago.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 9th - AT Chisholm</strong><br>- Cascia Hall will head west again in week six when they travel to face Chisholm. This is another new match-up for the Commandos as these two have no recent history. Chisholm was a playoff team a year ago but they'll have to replace some key pieces to their team that made a run to the playoffs a year ago. Cascia will look for a big win here to pick up momentum.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 15th - Kiefer</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night, Cascia Hall hosts Kiefer in week seven. It's July, and a lot can change between now and October 15th. But all signs point to this game inevitably deciding who goes on to capture the district championship. Both teams come into this season with high expectations and the winner will be in the driver's seat.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 23rd - Bethel</strong><br>- Following the showdown with Kiefer, Cascia Hall will host Bethel in week eight. This is another new opponent for the Commandos coming into this season. But this is not an opponent that the Commandos can take likely whatsoever. Bethel has been a pretty consistent team over the last decade and could give Cascia Hall problems if they aren't ready.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 30th - AT Perry</strong><br>- Cascia Hall's final road game of the regular season comes in week nine. They'll head west once again to face Perry. The Commandos will be coming off the toughest stretch of their schedule and they'll still need to have the foot on the gas here to pick up momentum with the playoffs right around the corner.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 6th - Dewey</strong><br>- The regular season wraps up at home in week ten against Dewey. The Bulldoggers are the only district opponent on the schedule that Cascia Hall will have some familiarity with coming into this season. These two teams were district opponents in 2022 and 2023. The Commandos dominated the series, winning both by 40+ points.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It will be a special year at Cascia Hall as the school celebrates their 100-year anniversary. The Commandos will also have an opportunity to hit a couple milestones along the way during the season. Cascia Hall already has the record for the longest streak of playoff appearances. If they punch their ticket to the postseason again this fall, that will be 40 consecutive years in the playoffs. Head coach Joe Medina also enters his 28th season as head coach of the Commandos. He currently has 268 victories as Cascia Hall head coach. There are only three active coaches in the state that have more. Mike Snyder, Dale Condict and Bill Blankenship make up that list and Medina is right there in the mix. It won't be long before he's flirting with 300 wins in Oklahoma alone. When you include his time in California, he has well over 300 wins for his career. But with Cascia Hall dropping down to Class 2A-1, the goal is to compete for the district title and ultimately the state championship. There are plenty of contenders but Cascia is determined to be one of them.&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>2025 - 9-3 - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals<br>2024 - 9-2 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round<br>2023 - 8-4 - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals<br>2022 - 9-3 - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals<br>2021 - 9-4 - Lost In Class 2A 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>5 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2009 - Beat Berryhill 21-0<br>2008 - Beat Claremore Sequoyah 28-21<br>2007 - Beat Heritage Hall 20-13<br>1999 - Beat Bristow 31-0<br>1989 - Beat Okemah 21-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->