Harrah Panthers 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 Harrah Panthers!</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/QNIBRq_6AMI" data-type="link" data-id="https://youtu.be/QNIBRq_6AMI">- Harrah Video Preview With HC Ted Dorrell</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Harrah Panthers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: UR In Class 4A</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Ted Dorrell - 1st Season</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 RESULTS (6-4 Record - Missed Playoffs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 5th - Beat McLoud 33-10<br>Sept. 12th - Beat Western Heights 49-0<br>Sept. 19th - Lost To Seminole 46-34<br>Sept. 26th - Lost To Blanchard 35-13<br>Oct. 3rd - Beat Tecumseh 49-23<br>Oct. 10th - Beat Chickasha 28-25<br>Oct. 16th - Beat Bethany 45-43<br>Oct. 24th - Beat Madill 62-21<br>Oct. 31st - Lost To Ardmore 66-28<br>Nov. 7th - Lost To Tuttle 62-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2025 Offensive Scoring Average: 35 Points Per Game<br>2025 Defensive Scoring Average: 33.1 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Harrah Panthers came into the 2025 football season looking for their first playoff appearance since 2021 and they had some momentum with the way the 2023 and 2024 seasons played out. Things started well with back to back wins over McLoud and Western Heights. But they dropped the next two games to head into October at 2-2. But October was kind to Harrah as the Panthers rattled off four straight wins and went into the final two weeks at 6-2 and more importantly, they were 4-1 in district play. However, they dropped their final two games of the year to Ardmore and Tuttle, and there were some upsets elsewhere that actually put Harrah into a three-way tie for the final two spots from this district to the playoffs. Despite beating Bethany in week seven, the Panthers did not get the advantage in the three-way tie with Bethany and Blanchard. The season came to an end despite having a winning record in district play. That doesn't happen very often but sometimes it does come down to the three-way tiebreaker and a team that is in the playoffs 95% of the time is sitting at home when the playoffs kick off. But there's no doubt that has put a massive chip on Harrah's shoulders as they come into 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers are beginning a new era with the 2026 football season. Shortly after the 2025 campaign, head coach Chris Bliek stepped down and the Panthers would hire Jones assistant coach Ted Dorrell to lead the Longhorns. He inherits a program that has the arrow pointed up. They will have plenty of new faces on the sidelines but also on the field this season. Six starters return from an offense that averaged 35 points per game last season. They will have new players in the skill department but they bring back the entire offensive line. Having that as their foundational piece moving forward has us confident that the Panthers could take a major step forward on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively, they only bring back three starters from last year's team. But talking with Harrah's coaches this summer, it sounds like they have really strong numbers on both sides of the ball. So while they will have some new starters rotating in, the depth on both sides is something that the Panthers will be able to lean on throughout the year. On paper, looking at the upcoming season, Harrah looks like a playoff team. Now, how far they can go will depend on where they finish in a district that features two top five teams in the 4A preseason rankings. If they can pull an upset or two, the ceiling for the Panthers is very high.</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>Brody Byers - Wide Receiver<br>Isaiah Osbourne - Athlete</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":["1229517"],"_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-6a7348054c1c3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Harrah lost their starting quarterback after he moved schools but they gained one from another school. 2029 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1229527' first='Colt' last=''] Cantrell has the potential to be one of the breakout stars of the 2026 season. We got a chance to watch Cantrell quite a bit during the offseason at various 7v7 tournaments. His throwing ability looks so natural and the ball jumps out of his hands with the flick of the wrist. Cantrell has been on our radar for the last six months but we think there's a potential for him to get on everyone's radar as soon as this season. There's also a lot around him to make this a breakout year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1643597"],"_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-6a7348054c29b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Harrah defense is going to have quite a few new faces on that side of the ball. 2027 defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1643597' first='Hayden' last='Keenan'] is one of the returning starters and “Moose” is ready to be one of the leaders on this side of the ball. Last season, Keenan was productive from his spot in the secondary and seems to have a lot of momentum as we get closer to kicking off the season. He has had a busy spring and summer, camping at schools across the region and his recruitment has started to pick up. Look for Keenan to be a very impactful player for the Harrah defense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1831054"],"_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-6a7348054c322"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned earlier in the preview how Harrah was bringing back their entire offensive line and they've added a couple major pieces up front that can help. 2027 offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1831054' first='Joey' last='Shamrock'] is definitely one of those foundational pieces when we look at Harrah's offensive line. He brings a lot of experience to the line of scrimmage. He's also a physical beast, measuring in at 6'4 and over 250 pounds. Shamrock has the ability to be the leader of a very talented and experienced offensive line. And if Shamrock and company get the job done, this offense could explode.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1838154"],"_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-6a7348054c3a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 running back [player_tooltip player_id='1838154' first='Rebel' last='Doiron'] is another new addition to the Harrah roster and looks to make an instant impact for the Panthers. Doiron ran for nearly 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns at Little Axe last season. Like the QB position, the Panthers lost their starting running back to transfer but have replaced him with a new face that could instantly pick up the rock and run with it. Doiron will also benefit from all of the experience and talent that Harrah has returning on the offensive line. The Panthers look to be a balanced offense this season so Doiron will get plenty of touches.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1831051"],"_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-6a7348054c41c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned with Cantrell how he'll have some strong weapons returning as pass catchers. 2027 wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1831051' first='Zachary' last='Crabb'] is one of those guys after he enjoyed a strong junior season. He finished last season with 35 catches for over 450 yards and two touchdowns. He's not the only receiver that returns that could have a major impact on this offense, but all signs are pointing to him being the go-to target in this offense. The Panthers are going to spread the ball around but Crabb could emerge as the leader. He'll also spend plenty of time on the defensive side of the ball in the secondary.&nbsp;</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='1831057' first='Braylen' last='Flowers'] - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1838199' first='Easton' last='Coronado'] - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Ethen Fortenly - 2030 Running Back/Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1831942' first='Gavyn' last='Morgan'] - 2027 Offensive Lineman<br>Kingston Trevino - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1831198' first='Lucious' last='Brown'] - 2027 Wide Receiver<br>Quad Smith - 2027 Offensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1833704' first='Samuel' last='Byers'] - 2029 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>Sept. 4th - AT McLoud</strong><br>- The 2026 season opens up with the annual rivalry game against McLoud in week one. The Panthers go on the road to face McLoud and will be looking for their fourth straight win in the series and the sixth in the last seven seasons. They beat McLoud 33-10 last season and their last three wins have all been by 20 points or more.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 11th - North Rock Creek</strong><br>- The home opener for Harrah comes in week two when they host North Rock Creek for the first time in program history. North Rock Creek hasn't been around very long but the Panthers have never played them. They had to replace Western Heights on the non-district schedule with the Jets becoming a district opponent this season and next.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 18th - AT Seminole</strong><br>- Harrah's non-district slate wraps up with a road game against Seminole. These two teams have played in non-district play in each of the last 12 years. The series has been owned by Seminole, with the Chieftains winning ten of those meetings. Harrah's last win came in 2023, when they won 45-6. Seminole was hit hard by graduation.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 25th - AT Chickasha</strong><br>- The district schedule opens up with Harrah's third road game in a four-week stretch. They go to Chickasha in week four to open district play. They've beaten Chickasha in each of the last two seasons but the games have been incredibly close. They beat Chickasha 24-19 in 2024 and then beat them 28-25 last season. Chickasha will also have a new head coach.<br><strong>Oct. 2nd - Western Heights</strong><br>- The Panthers return home to face Western Heights in week five. This game goes from being a non-district game to one that counts towards playoff seeding. That should work in Harrah's favor as they've been dominant in this series. They've played in non-district play in each of the last four years. They've won all four meetings by 40 points or more.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 9th - AT Ardmore</strong><br>- The first of two measuring stick games in back to back weeks starts here with a road trip to Ardmore in week six. The Tigers are a top five team heading into the season and have had Harrah's number in the last couple seasons. They beat Harrah 21-20 in 2024 but then ran away with a 66-28 victory in 2025. And they bring almost everyone back in 2026.<br><strong>Oct. 15th - Tuttle</strong><br>- The ultimate measuring stick game is on a Fall Break Thursday night when Harrah hosts defending state champion Tuttle in week seven. Simply put, the Panthers have never beaten the Tigers. But if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Tuttle comes into this season as one of 4A's favorites after back to back trips to the state title game.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 23rd - Tecumseh</strong><br>- The Panthers host Tecumseh in week eight and this is without a doubt the most common opponent Harrah has played in this century. These two teams have played every year since the turn of the century. The one exception was 2020 when the game was cancelled. Harrah comes into this season with a three-game winning streak in the series.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 30th - AT Bridge Creek</strong><br>- Bridge Creek is back on the schedule after these two didn't play in the last two years. Bridge Creek and Harrah were district opponents from 2020-2023 and the series was very favorable for the Panthers. They went 4-0 against Bridge Creek with each win coming by double digits. They travel there in week nine for another important district contest.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 6th - AT Blanchard</strong><br>- The season wraps up with a week ten road game against Blanchard. It will feel like the playoffs have started early as this game could be a “win and you're in” game for one of the final playoff spots. These two teams have been district opponents for a decade and Harrah is still looking for their first win during this stretch. Blanchard will also have a new head coach this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New head coach Ted Dorrell is very familiar with the area after decades coaching both as an assistant coach and as a head coach. Dorrell coached at Choctaw and Little Axe and has been on the Jones coaching staff for over a decade. Dorrell helped the Longhorns capture the school's first two state championships, including last year, when they went 14-0 and won the 2A-1 state championship. Dorrell told us this summer how it felt like the right time for him to move on and lead a program once again. And this Harrah program is one that's trending in the right direction. They have a 17-13 record in the last three seasons and have two 6-4 years where they came up just short of making it to the playoffs. We mentioned earlier how the Panthers look like a team that can make the playoffs as soon as this season. For Dorrell, he'll look to bring some of what made Jones so special over the last decade to Harrah. If the Panthers do make the playoffs, they won't be satisfied with just a playoff appearance. They'll be looking for their first playoff win in a decade.&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 - 6-4 - Missed Playoffs<br>2024 - 5-5 - Missed Playoffs<br>2023 - 6-4 - Missed Playoffs<br>2022 - 3-7 - Missed Playoffs<br>2021 - 6-5 - Lost In Class 4A 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><strong><em>0 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->