Pauls Valley Panthers OK 2024 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 2024 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 Pauls Valley Panthers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Pauls Valley Panthers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #3 In Class 3A<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #7 In Class 3A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Head Coach: Dusty Raper - 7th Season - 29-33 Record At Pauls Valley</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (6-4 Record - Missed Playoffs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 25 - Beat Lindsay 38-16<br>Sept. 1 - Beat Davis 33-29<br>Sept. 8 - Beat Purcell 35-14<br>Sept. 22 - Lost To Marlow 22-7<br>Sept. 28 - Lost To Heritage Hall 42-7<br>Oct. 6 - Lost To Sulphur 37-7<br>Oct. 12 - Beat Plainview 34-14<br>Oct. 20 - Beat Dickson 57-6<br>Oct. 26 - Beat Douglass 48-0<br>Nov. 3 - Lost To Lone Grove 35-28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 29.4 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 21.5 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 football season was a roller coaster for the Pauls Valley Panthers. They began the year at 3-0 and were rolling through non-district play. They would proceed to drop their first three games in district play and just like that, they were 3-3. However, they would win another three games to move to 6-3 and had a week ten showdown with Lone Grove for the final playoff spot in their district. They fell down 35-7 on the road to the Longhorns and would rally to trail 35-28 and had the ball with less than two minutes to play. A turnover would end their comeback and ultimately their playoff hopes and they finished the season at 6-4. In most years, you make the playoffs at 6-4 but that wasn't the case for the Panthers and they missed out on the postseason for the first time since 2019. While the 2023 season ended in disappointment and featured several ups and downs, the 2024 season is looking up and Pauls Valley will enter this fall looking to finish the job that they started last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pauls Valley could very well go from being a borderline .500 team to one of the best in Class 3A this season. And the reason is very simple. Experience. This is going to be one of the more experienced squads in the class this fall as nine starters are back on the offensive side of the ball and another nine are back on defense. And when you look up and down this roster, you see a lot of names that will be four-year starters for the Panthers this season. Based solely on that, they are going to be in the mix and are going to be a team to look out for. You add in the fact that they have some very talented players on both sides of the ball and you have a recipe for a breakout season for this Pauls Valley squad. On offense, they are going to have arguably one of, if not the best running back in the state. He'll be joined in the backfield by a productive quarterback returning and a wealth of experience everywhere else. The district slate will provide several challenges but we like the Panthers to make some noise throughout the 2024 season.&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>Ford Center - Linebacker<br>Nathan Whitaker - Linebacker</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":["353410"],"_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-6689c2b58664e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When we said Pauls Valley has one of, if not the best running backs in the state, senior [player_tooltip player_id='353410' first='Caden' last='Knighten'] is that dude. Knighten is a Baylor commit and is hungrier than ever to get back on the field. He missed almost all of his junior season with an injury. As a sophomore, Knighten was a finalist for our Player Of The Year award. He's also a multiple state champion in track. Knighten committed to Baylor earlier this year and when he's healthy, he is an absolute monster coming out of the backfield. Knighten is expected to give the Panthers a significant boost to their offense. After moving in from Wynnewood, Knighten provides even more firepower to an experienced squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1187311"],"_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-6689c2b5866b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We might have mentioned this before but senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='1187311' first='Jon' last='Grimmett'] might be one of the more intriguing prospects to watch this fall in the state's 2025 class. Right now, we have Grimmett listed on the offensive side of the ball as a tight end or a bigger hybrid wide receiver. But don't overlook what Grimmet can do on the defensive side of the ball. He was very productive last season on defense with nearly 70 tackles and three interceptions. He would also produce on offense with his 6'5 frame, becoming a red zone nightmare for opponents. Grimmett's recruitment picked up this offseason and he would eventually give his commitment to UNLV. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1324224"],"_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-6689c2b5866f6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior defensive standout [player_tooltip player_id='1324224' first='Jorge' last='Fabela'] is a 2025 prospect that the Pauls Valley coaches are very excited about heading into this season. Knighten and Grimmett are the marquee players but Fabela is a prospect that could emerge as a name to know this fall. Last season, he was very productive, with nearly 60 tackles and four interceptions on the year. Fast forward to this summer and Fabela is 6'1 and 170 pounds and he certainly passes the eye test from a defensive back perspective. He's also expected to help out on the offensive side of the ball as a wide receiver. Don't be surprised if Fabela ends up being one of the top defensive backs in 3A football this fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1324228"],"_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-6689c2b586730"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We're staying on the defensive side of the ball with our next player to watch. Senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1324228' first='Noah' last='Olguin'] is the leading tackler returning for the Panthers this fall. Last season, Olguin finished his junior campaign with nearly 80 tackles on the year. He leads a very experienced linebacker group back this season. And as we mentioned earlier in the preview, the Panthers are very excited about the level of experience that this team has coming into the 2024 season. Olguin is your prototypical linebacker at the high school level where he might not have the prototypical measurements but he exceeds expectations with his production on the field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1005608"],"_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-6689c2b58676c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The term “underrated” gets thrown around a lot nowadays but we're doing it here. Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1005608' first='Tanner' last='Perry'] is one of the more underrated quarterbacks in Class 3A as we head into the 2024 season. Perry has been a dual-threat nightmare for opponents to deal with over the last few seasons and now with Perry lining up in the backfield with Knighten, this Pauls Valley offense has a chance to really explode this fall. Perry accounted for nearly 2,000 yards of total offense and 28 total touchdowns last season. Because of the firepower they have back on the offensive side of the ball, don't be surprised at all if those numbers sky rocket this season.&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>Cooper Russell - 2025 Offensive Lineman<br>Elijah Olguin - 2027 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1699511' first='James' last='Fields'] - 2026 Offensive Lineman<br>Jase Wilkerson - 2026 Linebacker<br>Maddex Prince - 2025 Wide Receiver<br>Mason Barahona - 2026 Defensive Lineman<br>Pablo Amaya - 2025 Kicker<br>Ryan Reed - 2025 Offensive Lineman<br>Skeet Jolley - 2026 Tight End/Safety</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 SCHEDULE/GAMES TO CIRCLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 30 - AT Lindsay<br>Sept. 6 - Davis<br><strong>Sept. 20 - Weatherford<br></strong>- As mentioned before, the 2024 season is about Pauls Valley taking the next step. They've hovered around .500 in each of the last four years. They will get their first major challenge in week three. Wrapping up non-district play, the Panthers will host 4A's #6 Weatherford. The Eagles have one of the best overall prospects in the state's 2025 class and we'll have a very good idea of just how serious Pauls Valley is as a 3A contender following this game.&nbsp;<br>Sept. 27 - Kingfisher<br><strong>Oct. 4 - AT Plainview<br></strong>- While the Weatherford game in week three is the first big challenge this season, this week five clash on the road against Plainview is the first big one that counts. They will square off in district play and there are some really good players on both sides of this match-up. Plainview has been a consistent threat in Class 3A and Pauls Valley wants to become one of those teams. They've won their last two meetings with Plainview after dropping 13 in a row prior from 2007-2021.&nbsp;<br>Oct. 11 - North Rock Creek<br>Oct. 17 - AT Anadarko<br><strong>Oct. 25 - Heritage Hall<br></strong>- To be the best, you have to beat the best. And there are few programs in Oklahoma, regardless of class, that have been better than Heritage Hall. In week eight, the Panthers will host Heritage Hall and if Pauls Valley finds themselves unbeaten in district play, this could decide the district championship. It will certainly be a challenge. The Chargers have beat the Panthers in each of the last three years and they are averaging over 50 points per game during that stretch.<br>Nov. 1 - AT Star Spencer<br>Nov. 8 - AT Purcell</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pauls Valley is looking to make some history this season with Grimmett and Knighten both holding D1 offers. Knighten has been committed and is expected to sign with a D1 program and Grimmett has received more and more attention and a handful of offers over the last six months. If (when) either of these guys (or both) sign with a D1 program, it will be the first time in nearly two decades that a prospect from Pauls Valley has signed with a D1 program. In the 2007 class, William Wright signed with Arizona. Wright played 8-man ball before spending his senior season at Pauls Valley. Knighten has a solid chance to have a similar story. He was an absolute star at Wynnewood and is looking to finish off his high school career with a strong season and establish himself once again as one of, if not the best running back in the state of Oklahoma. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LAST FIVE SEASONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 - 6-4 - Missed Playoffs<br>2022 - 6-5 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round<br>2021 - 5-6 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round<br>2020 - 5-6 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round<br>2019 - 2-8 - Missed Playoffs</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 -->