Berryhill Chiefs 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>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 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 Berryhill Chiefs!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Berryhill Chiefs&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: UR In Class 3A</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Pat Harper - 21st Season - 161-67 Record At Berryhill</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 RESULTS (7-4 Record - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 29th - Lost To Cushing 24-23<br>Sept. 5th - Beat Fort Gibson 31-30<br>Sept. 13th - Beat Bristow 31-8<br>Sept. 26th - Beat Cleveland 58-0<br>Oct. 3rd - Lost To Inola 24-17<br>Oct. 10th - Beat Jay 41-0<br>Oct. 16th - Beat Vinita 31-7<br>Oct. 24th - Beat Verdigris 21-12<br>Oct. 31st - Beat Claremore Sequoyah 48-0<br>Nov. 7th - Lost To Cascia Hall 35-21<br>1st Round - Lost To Holland Hall 28-27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Offensive Scoring Average: 31.7 Points Per Game<br>2025 Defensive Scoring Average: 15.3 Points Per Game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Berryhill Chiefs came into the 2025 football season looking to build off the way they finished in 2024 and they had a decent amount of starters returning to make that happen. The Chiefs were cardiac kids to start the season. They had a one point loss to Cushing and a one point win over Fort Gibson in the first two weeks. They started the season 3-1 with wins over Bristow and Cleveland but would then be upset by Inola in week five. However, the Chiefs bounced back and won the next four games, including an exciting 21-12 win over Verdigris in week eight. That put them at 7-2 heading into a week ten showdown with Cascia Hall. A win could have forced a three-way tie atop the district standings but they came up short. They lost 35-21 and that would finish third in the district heading into the playoffs. They had to go on the road to face Holland Hall in the first round and it was the second straight year they met the Dutch in the first round. And it was the second straight year that the season came to an end there. It was another very close and competitive game but the Dutch escaped with a 28-27 victory. Overall, Berryhill finished 7-4 on the season and once again made the playoffs. But they came up short of capturing the district championship and contending for the state championship. Now, they turn the page to 2026 and the expectations haven't changed but the district sure has.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berryhill comes into this season with an uphill battle in an absolutely loaded Class 3A. Lincoln Christian has dominated this class for the last three years but they are in a different class for the next two years. But an influx of 2A-1 powerhouses have made Class 3A more competitive than ever before. The Chiefs won't back down from the challenge and they have the firepower to make some noise this season. They bring back six starters on offense. And this offense has been incredibly consistent over the last several seasons. They've averaged 31 points per game in each of the last two seasons and things will start with their returning starter at the quarterback position. Defensively, the Chiefs also bring back six starters and that's another unit that was incredibly impressive last season. But just like with offense, the defense is going to be breaking in some new names that will be playing key positions for the Chiefs this season. Overall, Berryhill is one of several teams in Class 3A that (in most years) would be top ten teams heading into the season. But the depth of this class is more talented than it's been over the last several years. The district also looks completely different as five of Berryhill's seven district opponents are different. Overall, half of their regular season schedule features new opponents as the non-district slate remained the same. But despite the challenges ahead, Berryhill still expects to be a playoff team, contend for the district title and ultimately the state title.&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>Aiden Martin - Offensive Lineman (2025 All State 3rd Team Selection)<br>Braden Schwickerath - Linebacker (2025 All State Honorable Mention)<br>Cooper Barrington - Running Back</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":["1828256"],"_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-6a6fbff530ced"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Berryhill does have to replace a very productive running back from last year and they are looking at 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='1828256' first='Cash' last='Stein'] to fill that void on the offensive side of the ball. Stein was the backup running back a year ago but he got into plenty of games and when he did, he showcased a power style of running the football and with his size and strength, he is very difficult to bring down in a one on one situation. We're looking forward to seeing how Stein looks this fall with a much larger workload on offense. But there is a lot of potential here for Stein to be a breakout star for Berryhill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1177426"],"_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-6a6fbff530d2c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 wide receiver and cornerback [player_tooltip player_id='1177426' first='Jordan' last='Smith'] is a prospect that we're fired up to watch this season in the Berryhill offense. Smith was a player that we first watched at one of our 7v7 tournaments. He quickly got our attention as an overall playmaker and when you look at the Berryhill offense heading into this season, he has the potential to be that playmaker that can break a game open in the pass game. Berryhill brings back a lot of pieces in the passing attack and Smith is one that can't be forgotten. He has the potential to be their top two-way player this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1828174"],"_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-6a6fbff530d52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Berryhill has been really strong on the line of scrimmage over the last several seasons and that doesn't look like it is changing this fall. 2027 offensive and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1828174' first='Kasun' last='Horton'] is one of the top returning starters on either side of the line of scrimmage. Offensively, Horton will be a leader on a reworked offensive line, featuring a few new starters. Defensively, he's going to return in the middle of the defensive line as a nose guard that clogs up the line of scrimmage on nearly every snap. For Berryhill, it all starts on the line of scrimmage and Horton leads the way this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1718244"],"_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-6a6fbff530d74"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Chiefs have some holes to fill on both sides of the ball but offensively, they are in a good position by bringing back their starting quarterback. At this time last year, 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1718244' first='Max' last='Harland'] was earning the starting position for the first time and there were some obvious growing pains early on in the season. But by the end of the year, Harland was playing the position at a very high level. And he's certainly a strength for the Chiefs as they head into the 2026 season. Don't be surprised if he has a little more on his plate this fall as they look to him to lead this offense. </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>[player_tooltip player_id='1839654' first='Alex' last='Paddock'] - 2027 Athlete<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1829482' first='Asher' last='Martin'] - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1837761' first='Christian' last='Nelson'] - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Dax Fields - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1539369' first='Landen' last='Gonzalez'] - 2028 Quarterback/Defensive Back</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 Cushing</strong><br>- Berryhill opens with a road game against Cushing to open the season. The Chiefs will open against Cushing for the second straight year and this is the 13th straight year they've met in non-district action. But Cushing has won six straight in the series, including last year's 24-23 victory over the Chiefs in week zero.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 4th - Fort Gibson</strong><br>- Berryhill's home opener comes against Fort Gibson in week one. This will be the second straight week that they face a ranked team from Class 4A. The Chiefs and Tigers have faced off every year since 2018, with the one exception being 2020. Berryhill won the first four meetings but Fort Gibson has won two out of the last three.<br><strong>Sept. 11th - AT Bristow</strong><br>- The Chiefs wrap up non-district play with another road game, this time against Bristow in week two. These two started meeting in non-district play in 2024. The Chiefs lost the first meeting with the Pirates but they took care of business last year, winning 31-8. Berryhill will look to pick up where they left off and take momentum into district play.<br><strong>Sept. 25th - Catoosa</strong><br>- After a week off, Berryhill opens up district play in week four with a home game against Catoosa. We mentioned earlier in the preview how five of Berryhill's seven district opponents were new and Catoosa is one of them. In fact, these two teams haven't played each other in over 50 years. 1969 was the last time these two teams squared off.<br><strong>Oct. 1st - AT Webster</strong><br>- Berryhill makes a short trip over to Daniel Webster in week five to face the Warriors. These two teams haven't met in nearly a decade with 2017 being their last encounter. They met every year from 2010-2017. And in fact, the Chiefs come into this season with a 15-game winning streak over the Warriors. The last Webster win was in 2000.<br><strong>Oct. 9th - Vinita</strong><br>- The Chiefs return home to host Vinita in week six. The Hornets are one of two familiar district opponents this season. They started meeting in district play in 2024 and the Chiefs have taken care of business each time. They also have a three-game winning streak and have won five of the last six meetings against the Hornets.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 15th - AT Eufaula</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night in week seven, the Chiefs hit the road to face Eufaula. This is another new district opponent for the Chiefs moving forward. The only time these two teams have gone head to head was in the 2016 playoffs. They met in the second round and Berryhill moved on with a 56-13 victory over the Ironheads.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 23rd - AT Jay</strong><br>- It's back on the road in week eight as they travel to eastern Oklahoma to face Jay. The Bulldogs are the only other familiar district opponent for the Chiefs this season. They have met in district play in each of the last two years and Berryhill has been rather dominant. They shut out the Bulldogs 41-0 last season.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 30th - Metro Christian</strong><br>- The first of two very tough district games happens here with Berryhill hosting Metro Christian in week nine. These two haven't met in over a decade but they used to be district rivals. And it was a series that was owned by the Patriots. Metro Christian has won the last five meetings. But if Berryhill has district title hopes, this is a must win game.<br><strong>Nov. 6th - Jones</strong><br>- The regular season wraps up with another brutal district match-up as the Chiefs host Jones in week ten. The Longhorns have moved up to Class 3A after going 14-0 and winning the 2A-1 state title a year ago. The only time these two have met was in 2016, when the Longhorns beat the Chiefs in the 3A quarterfinals.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berryhill has been one of the ultimate consistent teams in Class 3A for decades now. Last season, the Chiefs punched their ticket to the playoffs for the 17th consecutive season. Now, like we mentioned earlier, Berryhill ran into Holland Hall for the second straight year and they were one and done, but it was another winning season. But when you look at that streak of playoff appearances, something else stands out about it. They usually win games once they get to the postseason. Berryhill won at least one game in 12 of the last 17 playoff appearances but that's been trending in the other direction recently. In the last four playoff appearances, there was only one playoff win and that came in the 2023 first round. They lost in the first round to Holland Hall in each of the last two seasons and there was also a first round loss to Verdigris in 2022. The Chiefs continue to be one of the consistent winners in Class 3A but they are hungry for playoff success. And with 2A-1 powers Jones and Metro Christian moving up, the road back to the playoffs just got a little tougher.&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 3A 1st Round</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2024 - 6-5 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 3A Quarterfinals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2022 - 5-5 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2021 - 9-3 - 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>1 State Championship</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2004 - Beat Victory Christian 27-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->