Cashion Wildcats 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 Cashion Wildcats!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RELATED</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://youtu.be/dGoU_f9DON0" type="link" id="https://youtu.be/dGoU_f9DON0">- Cashion Video Preview</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Cashion Wildcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #3 In Class 2A-2</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Lynn Shackelford - 21st Season - 205-53 Record At Cashion</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 RESULTS (8-3 Record - Lost In Class A-1 1st Round)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 29th - Beat Hennessey 41-13<br>Sept. 5th - Beat Velma-Alma 27-26<br>Sept. 12th - Beat Ringling 40-16<br>Sept. 26th - Beat Merritt 37-7<br>Oct. 3rd - Beat Watonga 42-7<br>Oct. 10th - Lost To Hooker 49-28<br>Oct. 16th - Beat Crescent 42-13<br>Oct. 24th - Beat Sayre 31-8<br>Oct. 31st - Beat Hinton 49-14<br>Nov. 7th - Lost To Fairview 42-39 (OT)<br>1st Round - Lost To Minco 24-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2025 Offensive Scoring Average: 35.5 Points Per Game<br>2025 Defensive Scoring Average: 19.9 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cashion Wildcats came into the 2025 football season as a top five team in Class A-1. They had a few tough seasons in 2022 and 2023 but had bounced back in 2024 and things were promising heading into the 2025 season. The Wildcats played like a top five team in the first half of the regular season, jumping out to a 5-0 record. They had a close call against Velma-Alma in week one but other than that, they were dominant in their first five wins. They had a showdown with Hooker in the panhandle and came up short, falling 49-28. They bounced back with three straight wins to set up a week ten match-up with Fairview. In one of the more memorable games in week ten, in more than one way, the Wildcats lost a heartbreaker by a field goal in overtime. That was a game that was incredibly fun to watch and a power outage actually sent the game to be finished in nearby Crescent. It went to overtime and the Yellowjackets escaped with a 42-39 win. That forced Cashion on the road in the first round of the playoffs, where they went up against Minco and lost 24-14. The Wildcats had their season come to an end in the first round for the third time in the last four years. But the overall record improved and as we start to look ahead to the 2026 football season, there are a lot of reasons to be excited about what's ahead for Cashion. Things will look a little different but the expectations remain the same and this is a team that has the chance to match those expectations with their play on the football field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cashion comes into the 2026 season as a top five team for the second straight year. But things are going to look different as the Wildcats have actually moved up to Class 2A-2 for the next two seasons. Cashion comes into a new class and district but immediately becomes one of the teams to watch as programs begin their march towards a potential state championship game berth in Edmond. The Wildcats bring back the majority of an offense that averaged 35 points per game last season. Led by a quarterback who will be one of the best in 2A-2 this fall, we wouldn't be surprised to see the Wildcats get north of 40 points per game in 2026. Defensively, the Wildcats will play with confidence on that side of the ball as not only do they bring back plenty of starters, they have guys who have been starters for a few years now. This will be a defense that also has a chance to improve on what last year's team did. Although they are going to have a few new faces throughout the lineup. Overall, it will be interesting to see how the Wildcats manage in their first season in Class 2A-2. Like we mentioned before, Cashion is coming off a four-year stretch where they've made the playoffs but been bounced in the first round three times. This is a team that certainly has the potential to turn things into a positive direction and get back to contending for district and ultimately state championships. A tough non-district schedule should prepare Cashion for a district slate, where, on paper, they look like the potential favorite. 2A-2 has a few newcomers that expect to contend in 2026 and Cashion is right there at the top of the list.&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":["1453261"],"_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-6a4e3ba1a6be6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1453261' first='Gavin' last='Layton'] returns as one of the more experienced players on this Cashion defense. Cashion coaches are expecting Layton to be an extension of the coaching staff at this point when you consider how many snaps Layton has played over the last few seasons. He's one of the major strengths in the Cashion front seven. They have some new faces throughout the front and linebacker group so having a returning starter like Layton returning will certainly help those guys come along a lot quicker. Look for Layton to be a heat-seeking missile at the linebacker position throughout the 2026 season, setting the tone for the Cashion defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1830247"],"_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-6a4e3ba1a6cab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 wide receiver and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1830247' first='Grayson' last='Davis'] is going to come into this season as one of the better two-way playmakers in Class 2A-2. Davis has been incredibly productive for the Wildcats in each of the last two seasons and there's no reason to think that he won't continue to elevate his game going into his senior year. We saw first hand last season how Davis finds a way to separate with ease from the defensive back trying to guard him. Good things usually happen when Davis gets the ball in his hands so don't be surprised if Cashion schemes up different ways to get Davis in the action as much as possible on the offensive side of the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(2025 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":["1524930"],"_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-6a4e3ba1a6d2b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 quarterback and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1524930' first='Kellen' last='Smith'] has been one of the better small school two-way stars in the last two seasons and now he's hungry to lead Cashion back to the top in his senior season. Smith had a breakout sophomore season and then just carried that over to last season. We got a chance to watch Cashion in person halfway through the regular season last year and despite losing the game, Smith was one of the best players on the football field that night. He can push the ball downfield as a passer but there's always a chance he tucks it and runs as a physical rushing threat. And finally, you can't forget about the impact he has on defense as a hard-hitting safety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(2025 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":["1830248"],"_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-6a4e3ba1a6d8d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1830248' first='Rival' last='Fields'] is a player that Cashion's coaches are very excited about heading into this season. Fields has dealt with injuries in the past that has limited his overall production. But with Davis on one side of the field, things are going to open up on the other side for Fields to become that breakout player for the Wildcats this season. Fields will more than likely be used in a variety of ways when they take the field this season. Whether it's as a traditional tight end or split out at wide receiver, look for Fields to be incredibly productive in the Cashion offense this season. You saw flashes of it last season and now 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":["1828017"],"_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-6a4e3ba1a6de6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 two-way starter [player_tooltip player_id='1828017' first='Slade' last='Williams'] is making a move this season on the offensive side of the ball. When we caught Cashion in person last season, Williams was making plays as a skill player on offense and then linebacker on defense. This season, the Wildcats are moving him to the offensive line and he is one part of a very experienced line up front on the line of scrimmage. There is no doubt that Cashion will have one of the better quarterbacks in 2A-2 this season. But if they can't protect him, that will present some serious problems. Williams goes from being one of Cashion's targets in the passing game to protecting it with this move to the line of scrimmage.</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>Asher Gable - 2027 Offensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='425505' first='Caden' last='Boulware'] - 2028 Wide Receiver<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1836547' first='Hank' last='Brown'] - 2027 Wide Receiver<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1828503' first='Houston' last='Jerry'] - 2028 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1828088' first='Kyler' last='Wear'] - 2027 Offensive/Defensive Lineman</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 - Crescent</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The 2026 season begins with the annual rivalry game against Crescent. After being district opponents in each of the last six seasons, they are non-district opponents for at least the next two years. The Wildcats have won the last two meetings and have historically dominated this rivalry. They'll look to continue that when the 2026 season kicks off.<br><strong>Sept. 4th - AT Kingfisher</strong><br>- In week one, Cashion's first road game will be a short trip but a memorable one as they head over to nearby Kingfisher. As far as we know, these two have never met on the gridiron but that will change in 2026. It also kicks off a three-game stretch where the Wildcats will have to be road warriors. Cashion will certainly be tested here in week one.<br><strong>Sept. 11th - AT Fairview</strong><br>- Cashion returns to the road in week two when they travel to Fairview. These two were district opponents in the last two seasons but now it turns into a non-district affair with Cashion moving up to 2A-2. Fairview won the last two meetings and three straight in the series. The Wildcats will be looking to end that streak and take some momentum into the bye week.<br><strong>Sept. 25th - AT Alva</strong><br>- A new class and a new district means more new opponents on the Cashion schedule. The Wildcats will head up to Alva to kick off the district schedule in week four. Similar to the Kingfisher match-up, this appears to be the first ever match-up between these two teams. Alva is looking to bounce back after a 3-7 season in 2025.<br><strong>Oct. 2nd - Meeker</strong><br>- After not playing a home game in the month of September, Cashion finally returns home in week five to host Meeker. This will be another new opponent on the Cashion schedule this season. Meeker is looking to turn things around this season. They went 1-9 last year with the lone win coming against a JV squad.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 9th - AT Christian Heritage</strong><br>- The Wildcats go back on the road to face Christian Heritage in week six. These two have been district opponents off and on in the last decade. They were district foes in 2022 and 2023 and the Crusaders went 2-0 during that stretch. Prior to that, Cashion had won three straight in the series. Both teams are moving up from Class A-1 this season.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 15th - Millwood</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night in week seven, Cashion will host Millwood in a very intriguing district match-up. These two teams have been two of the better small school programs in the state over the last decade. But they've never met on the gridiron. That changes this season and Millwood will come into this season with a new head coach.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 23rd - Hennessey</strong><br>- The Wildcats host Hennessey in week eight and this is a match-up that Cashion is very familiar with going into the 2026 season. Hennessey is a new district foe for the Wildcats but they've opened the season against Hennessey in each of the last two seasons. They also have a 2-0 record in those meetings, winning last year 41-13.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 30th - AT Newkirk</strong><br>- After back to back home games, Cashion returns to the road for a week nine match-up against Newkirk. This is another new opponent for the Wildcats and it comes against a program that is hungry to turn things around. Newkirk comes into this season, looking for their first winning record in over a decade.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 6th - Community Christian</strong><br>- The regular season comes to an end with a home game against Community Christian in week ten. The Wildcats haven't played the Royals in nearly two decades. These two teams were district opponents in 2006 and 2007 and the Wildcats were dominant in those two meetings. But Community Christian has a very young and talented roster.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cashion head coach Lynn Shackelford is getting ready for his 21st season as head coach of the Wildcats and he hit a couple major milestones during the 2025 season. First off, it was his 20th season as Cashion's head coach and there aren't many active coaches in Oklahoma that have been with their program as long as Shackelford has been with the Wildcats. He also joined an exclusive club last season when he won his 200th game as Cashion's head coach. He now sits at 205 wins during his time with the Wildcats. According to <a href="http://iwasatthegame.com">IWasAtTheGame.com</a>, there are less than 50 coaches in state history who have won 200 games. There are also only a handful of active coaches in the state that have more wins than Shackelford. After the last two years, Shackelford has the Wildcats in a position to contend once again. Last season was a year where he added some more major milestones to his coaching career. He's also the only coach to go 16-0 in a single season when they won state in 2020. With an extra round in the playoffs because of Covid, Cashion hit a number that will more than likely never be touched again.</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 - 8-3 - Lost In Class A-1 1st Round<br>2024 - 8-4 - Lost In Class A-1 Quarterfinals<br>2023 - 4-7 - Lost In Class A 1st Round<br>2022 - 4-7 - Lost In Class A 1st Round<br>2021 - 13-1 - Class A State Champions&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>5 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2021 - Beat Ringling 21-14<br>2020 - Beat Thomas 34-7<br>1981 - Beat Oklahoma Christian School 44-14<br>1979 - Beat Lone Wolf 17-14<br>1977 - Beat Kremlin 40-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->