Sapulpa Chieftains OK 2026 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>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 Sapulpa Chieftains!</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/09wxY53nIWY" data-type="link" data-id="https://youtu.be/09wxY53nIWY">- Sapulpa Video Preview With HC Tim Holt</a></strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Sapulpa Chieftains&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #8 In Class 5A</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Tim Holt - 6th Season - 32-24 Record At Sapulpa</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 RESULTS (7-4 Record - Lost In Class 6A-2 Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 5th - Beat Tahlequah 24-14<br>Sept. 12th - Lost To Yukon 40-0<br>Sept. 19th - Lost To Grove 21-7<br>Sept. 26th - Beat Capitol Hill 54-0<br>Oct. 3rd - Beat Bartlesville 41-21<br>Oct. 10th - Beat Putnam City West 44-6<br>Oct. 16th - Beat Ponca City 22-0<br>Oct. 23rd - Beat Putnam City North 40-14<br>Oct. 31st - Beat Muskogee 49-16<br>Nov. 7th - Lost To Sand Springs 35-18<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Choctaw 43-28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2025 Offensive Scoring Average: 29.7 Points Per Game<br>2025 Defensive Scoring Average: 19.1 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Sapulpa Chieftains came into the 2025 football season with some momentum after snapping a nine-game losing streak in the playoffs in 2024. They lost in the quarterfinals to the eventual state champs but the Chieftains were looking to take the next step in 2025. It was a bumpy start in the non-district slate after they beat Tahlequah in the opener, they lost to Yukon and Grove in back to back weeks to start the season 1-2. But the Chieftains would go on a run after that and put themselves in a position to contend for the district championship. After the 1-2 start, the Chieftains won six straight games, including an impressive 49-16 win over Muskogee in week nine to put them into a week ten showdown with rival Sand Springs. Not only was it an annual rivalry game but it was a head to head clash for the district championship. Sapulpa came up short and the Sandites prevailed 35-18 to capture the district title but Sapulpa ended the regular season at 7-3 and got a first round bye after finishing second in the district. The Chieftains hosted Choctaw in the quarterfinals after the Yellowjackets finished third in their district. It was a rematch of the quarterfinal clash from 2024. And while it was more competitive this time around, the result was the same as Choctaw prevailed 43-28 and would go on to face Sand Springs in the state title game. Overall, Sapulpa's season came to an end with a 7-4 record and a loss in the quarterfinals. It was the third time Sapulpa finished 7-4 in the last four seasons. And as they turn the page and start preparing for the 2026 football season, we'll end up seeing them put into a new position this fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Chieftains find themselves in an interesting position as a school and overall athletic program. In any given year, Sapulpa could either be one of the biggest 5A schools or one of the smallest 6A (and in football, 6A-2) schools. They are right there on that line and this year and next, they'll be in Class 5A after two seasons in 6A-2. And they should be excited for the opportunity because not only is it a new class, new district and new opponents throughout the schedule, but the Chieftains have some serious firepower returning this season to make a lot of noise. Eight starters return for an offense that averaged just shy of 30 points per game last season. We won't be surprised if they are north of 35 points per game and even flirting with 40 points per game this season. They will be led by a very experienced quarterback, who has several weapons around him and the majority of his offensive line returning. Sapulpa should be good on the offensive side of the ball. On the flip side, the Chieftains also bring back six starters on defense. We caught the Chieftains in person this spring and we like the way this defense plays as a unit. They have to replace some really talented players on that side of the ball, specifically in the front seven. But this year's group plays really well together and it's possible that we see them improve as well. The Chieftains will need this group to play well because despite dropping down to 5A, you can make a very good case that making it to the playoffs will be much tougher than it has been the last two seasons. Sapulpa is in a very competitive district at the top and the battle for those four playoff spots will be intense throughout the 2026 season.</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>DeShon Koch - Defensive Lineman (2025 All State Honorable Mention)<br>Jayce McIntosh - Linebacker (2025 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":["1035272"],"_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-6a60bdd98c418"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1035272' first='Braddox' last='Broughton'] is headed into his third season as QB1 of the Chieftains and he's hungry for a healthy season and to help Sapulpa reach new heights in 2025. Broughton played eight games last season and finished with over 1,800 yards and 22 touchdowns. He's a 2027 quarterback that we've known about since early on in his high school career. He certainly comes into this season as one of the more experienced quarterbacks in Class 5A. The Chieftains are hopeful that the experience, understanding of the offense and overall talent level can help Sapulpa explode on the offensive side of the ball this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1751862"],"_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-6a60bdd98c504"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If you're looking for a possible breakout star on this year's team, look at 2029 [player_tooltip player_id='1751862' first='Brodie' last='Chalakee'] at tight end and defensive end. Chalakee is expected to play a major role on both sides of the ball. The exact quote from Sapulpa's coaches was “He will not come off the field for us.” And you can see why when you see him in person. He checks in at 6'7 and 240 pounds and is a match-up nightmare as a tight end prospect. We're more familiar with his game on offense after seeing him at a handful of 7v7 tournaments in the last two years. But we can see why his frame and overall athletic ability could make him a terror coming off the edge 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":["1829118"],"_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-6a60bdd98c5c7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When we look at Sapulpa's offense, there's a lot to like about the different playmakers they have coming back in 2026. But 2027 wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1829118' first='Brice' last='Currin'] is near the top of that list because this guy can open things up for this offense in a major way. Just look at some of the numbers he had last season. He finished his junior year with over 600 yards receiving and eight touchdowns. He only caught 22 passes on the year. He averaged nearly 30 yards per catch. If the Chieftains can get him more involved in the offense and more touches, he's already proven that he's a big play threat waiting to happen. All signs point to his production seeing a spike for his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1831012"],"_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-6a60bdd98c684"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1831012' first='Dawson' last='Goodlin'] is a player that Sapulpa's coaches are excited about as we head towards the 2026 football season. It's easy to see why when you look at how productive Goodlin was last season. He finished the year with just over 70 tackles from his safety position. He also had a handful of tackles for loss, pass break ups and was an absolute ball hawk. He was one of the team leaders in that category with four interceptions on the season. Looking back at some of our notes from last year, Goodlin wasn't on our radar heading into 2025. He enjoyed a breakout season and is now back and hungry for more in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1837256"],"_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-6a60bdd98c73b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned earlier in the preview how the offensive line had the potential to be one of the strengths of this year's team. 2027 offensive and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1837256' first='Kamdin' last='George'] is one of the reasons behind that statement. He's a returning starter on both sides of the line of scrimmage and the expectations coming into this season are for him and this Chieftain OL to pave the way for a pretty dynamic offense. That's the expectation on offense but George will also be impactful on defense. He had a productive junior season and he's going to be one of the guys setting the tone for Sapulpa's defense. And the Chieftains need new guys to step up in the front seven. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1837253"],"_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-6a60bdd98c7f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sapulpa has a few players that will play very important roles on both sides of the ball. But you can make the argument that 2027 standout [player_tooltip player_id='1837253' first='Michael' last='Bennett'] might be the most important as he'll start at running back and then in the secondary on defense. Bennett ran for over 400 yards and five touchdowns last season but the expectation is for Bennett to be their top running back in this year's offense. He was also a threat in the passing game, finishing with four receiving touchdowns. On defense, Bennett finished with over 70 tackles and continued to fill up the stat sheet in special teams. He had a pair of touchdowns in kick return so there's no doubt that he's dynamic.</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>Darius Churchill - 2028 Offensive Lineman<br>Dom Harjo - 2030 Running Back/Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1556075' first='Garrett' last='McCurdy'] - 2028 Running Back/Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1829117' first='Landon' last='Barber'] - 2028 Wide Receiver<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1831017' first='Logan' last='Mason'] - 2027 Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1695919' first='Rylan' last='Watson'] - 2028 Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1831015' first='Thomas' last='Lopez'] - 2027 Offensive 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 - AT Fort Gibson</strong><br>- The 2026 football season will kick off with a road trip to Fort Gibson and this will be the first meeting between these two teams in recent memory. It's an excellent test for the Chieftains right out of the gate. The Tigers bring back nearly everyone from last year's team and could end up being one of the top contenders in Class 4A this season.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 4th - Sand Springs</strong><br>- With Sapulpa going back down to Class 5A, the annual Highway 97 rivalry game with Sand Springs goes back to non-district play. The Chieftains will be hungrier than ever before for this one. They had a shot at the district title last year but lost it to the Sandites. The Chieftains will also be looking to snap a ten-game losing streak in the series.<br><strong>Sept. 18th - AT Tahlequah</strong><br>- The non-district schedule will end with a road trip to Tahlequah to take on the Tigers. These two have met in non-district play in each of the last four seasons and Sapulpa has a 3-1 advantage. The Chieftains won 24-14 last season while Tahlequah won by the exact same score in 2024. Both teams expect to make noise in 5A.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 25th - East Central</strong><br>- The Chieftains will open up their district slate at home, against East Central in week four. When Sapulpa was last in Class 5A, these two teams were district opponents in 2022 and 2023. The Chieftains went 2-0 in that stretch, with both wins coming by 35+ points. They'll look to kick off district play with another big win here.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 2nd - AT Bishop Kelley</strong><br>- This week five game against Bishop Kelley kicks off a three-week gauntlet that could make or break Sapulpa's playoff chances and certainly their chances to contend for the district title. This will also be the first time these two teams have met in nearly a decade. They played twice in non-district play in 2016 and 2017 with the Comets winning both.<br><strong>Oct. 9th - McAlester</strong><br>- Sandwiched in between two tough road games is this week six match-up with McAlester. The Buffaloes are a new opponent for the Chieftains as these two teams don't have any recent history. Both teams expect to be playoff teams this season and both have plenty of firepower to create some fireworks in this week six clash.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 15th - AT Del City</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night, Sapulpa will head west for the only time in the regular season as they'll face Del City in week seven. The Eagles are another team that expect to contend for the district title and they've been one of 5A's best over the last five seasons. Del City shut out Sapulpa 30-0 the last time they played in 2023.<br><strong>Oct. 23rd - AT Glenpool</strong><br>- Sapulpa goes back on the road but for a much shorter trip in week eight as they face Glenpool. These two teams were district opponents from 2020-2023 and it was pretty one-sided towards the Chieftains. Glenpool won the 2020 meeting but then Sapulpa won three straight after that, including a 50-0 victory in their last meeting in 2023.<br><strong>Oct. 30th - Coweta</strong><br>- After back to back road games, Sapulpa returns home in week nine to host Coweta. This is yet another game that will have massive playoff implications. Coweta was a district champion last season and expects to be right back in the mix again this year. These two teams were district opponents in 2022 and 2023 and Coweta won both.<br><strong>Nov. 6th - W. Rogers</strong><br>- The regular season will wrap up in week ten with a home game against the Rogers Ropers. By the time this game rolls around, Sapulpa will know exactly where they stand in the district standings and will either have all but locked up their playoff spot or will just be playing for pride when these two teams step on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When you look at the history of Sapulpa football over the last couple decades, you see good and bad. On the good side, you have a program that consistently has a winning record. On the flip side, you have a program that is still searching for that deep playoff run and to find a way to bring that consistent winning into the postseason. Sapulpa enters this season having made eight consecutive trips to the playoffs and that's the longest stretch in program history. But the Chieftains are 1-8 over the last eight seasons. The lone playoff victory came in 2024, when they beat Lawton Eisenhower in the first round. They snapped a nine-game losing streak in the playoffs with that win but unfortunately, they enter this season with a two-game losing streak in the playoffs. The Chieftains are hoping to finish high in the district standings, secure a home playoff game (or two) and score some more victories in the postseason. Sapulpa has never won more than one playoff game in any given year. They look to end that streak 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>2025 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 6A-2 Quarterfinals<br>2024 - 5-7 - Lost In Class 6A-2 Quarterfinals<br>2023 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 5A 1st Round<br>2022 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 5A 1st Round<br>2021 - 6-5 - Lost In Class 5A 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><em><strong>0 State Championships</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->