Colcord Hornets 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 Colcord Hornets!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Colcord Hornets</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #5 In Class 2A-2<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #3 In Class 2A-2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Head Coach: Ryan Keenom - 2nd Season - 10-2 Record At Colcord</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (10-2 Record - Lost In Class A 2nd Round)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 31st - Lost To Kansas 27-20<br>Sept. 8th - Beat Stroud 32-6<br>Sept. 15th - Beat Oklahoma Union 50-7<br>Sept. 22nd - Beat Quapaw 46-13<br>Sept. 29th - Beat Ketchum 55-15<br>Oct. 6th - Beat Commerce 53-24<br>Oct. 12th - Beat Wyandotte 38-6<br>Oct. 20th - Beat Fairland 45-7<br>Oct. 27th - Beat Hulbert 58-13<br>Nov. 3rd - Beat Afton 58-7<br>1st Round - Beat Pocola 50-20<br>2nd Round - Lost To Woodland 28-24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 44.1 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 14.4 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new era of Colcord football began in 2023 but the ultimate results were what Hornet football fans have come to expect. Colcord alum Ryan Keenom took over as head coach during the offseason following a successful stint as an assistant coach at Wagoner. The Hornets were coming off a 13-1 season in 2022 that saw them make it all the way to the semifinals before falling to eventual state champion Fairview. With almost all of their starters returning in 2023, the Hornets actually came into the season as our number one team in the Class A preseason rankings. Unfortunately, they didn't stay there very long. Colcord lost a heartbreaker to Kansas in the season opener as the Comets would stun them in the final minute to win 27-20. But from there, Colcord showed why there was plenty of hype coming into the season. Simply put, the Hornets were dominant during the 2023 regular season. The closest game over the following nine weeks was a 32-6 win over Stroud in week two. They ran away with the district championship and were never really challenged for it. After a 30-point win in the first round, Colcord tripped up in the second round to a very good Woodland team. Normally, this would have been a match-up you saw in the quarterfinals or semifinals but it's just the way the bracket shook out after Woodland finished second in their district. And just like the season opener, Woodland would stun the Hornets in the final minute. Now, Colcord turns the page and looks to start a new chapter in 2024 and after the way 2023 started and finished, this is a team that is hungry to finish.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The word “finish” will probably come up in multiple capacities during the 2024 season. The Hornets will look to avoid those late game heartbreaks and finish this season off with a high note. And this is a team that is very senior-heavy so you have a roster that will be hungry to finish off their high school careers with that elusive state championship. This senior class has won a lot of games and they've enjoyed playoff success. Now, they're ready to finish the job and raise that gold ball. Now, they bring back seven starters on the offensive side of the ball and while they'll be senior-heavy, they do need to find a new quarterback after the graduation of a very productive and experienced signal caller. But fortunately for the new signal caller, he'll have some serious talent around him at the running back position and along the line of scrimmage on the offensive line. The defense also brings back seven starters and similar to the offense, those guys on the line of scrimmage will double as standouts on the defensive line. The Hornets also bring back a very talented linebacker group. They might be one of the better units in their class and in the state overall. Colcord is also moving up a class after the recent round of redistricting. And while a move up to Class 2A seems tough on the outside, 2024 also brings a new era of 2A football. Class 2A (along with A and B) will have two divisions based on enrollment. Colcord finds themselves in the smaller division and comes in as a top five team in our initial Class 2A-2 preseason rankings. Unfortunately for the Hornets, they find themselves in arguably the toughest district as three of the top five teams (including Colcord) are all in the same district. But this is a program and team that is ready for the challenge and ready to finish the fight in 2024.&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>Gabe Winfield - Quarterback/Defensive Back<br>Reed Williams - Offensive Lineman<br>Treyden Larmon - Tight End/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":["473068"],"_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-6694b7e83582b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We mentioned earlier in the preview how the Colcord defense might have one of the better linebacker groups in Class 2A-2 and in the state. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='473068' first='Cade' last='Linn'] is a big reason behind that statement. Linn will come into his senior season with nearly 300 career total tackles. He was outstanding last season for the Colcord defense and we're looking forward to seeing how he finishes off his high school career. Linn might even end up with over 400 career tackles when it's all said and done and we have to think that he'll be near the top, if not at the top of any Colcord tackling record. He's been very successful in his career and he's looking to finish it off with a big year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806156"],"_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-6694b7e83588d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior running back and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='806156' first='Cooper' last='Mott'] is going into this season as one of the more productive two-way players in Class 2A-2 and that's not up for debate. On offense, Mott has been a consistent playmaker with over 2,500 total yards during his career. On defense, Mott has also logged over 200 tackles in his career from the linebacker position. We're telling you, this Colcord linebacker group is very talented. The 1-2 punch of Mott along with Linn bring nearly 500 career tackles to the table. Mott should be incredibly productive this season and if he's able to pick up where he left off, Colcord should be in a very good position, specifically on the offensive side of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["474063"],"_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-6694b7e8358d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior [player_tooltip player_id='474063' first='Khaleeal' last='Penn'] has been on our radar ever since he stole the show at multiple Prep Redzone camps during the offseason prior to last season. Whether it was on offense or defense, Penn found a way to be one of the best prospects in attendance. Now, Penn is going into his senior season and he'll be a critical part of Colcord's success along the line of scrimmage. On offense, Penn will anchor the offensive line and set things up for their running game and more. On defense, Penn will do the same for the defensive line as an absolute force up the middle. He has 15 career sacks but his impact goes a lot further than the stat sheet. </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>Dalen Tehee - 2026 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Geo Acosta - 2026 Running Back/Defensive Back<br>Jackson Still - 2025 Quarterback/Defensive Back<br>Justin Robinette - 2026 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Malachi January - 2025 Running Back/Defensive Back<br>Manuel Bocanegra - 2025 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back</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. 30th - AT Oklahoma Union<br>Sept. 6th - Claremore Sequoyah<br>Sept. 14th - AT Haskell<br><strong>Sept. 27th - Wyandotte<br></strong>- It's no secret that Colcord's district is arguably the toughest one in Class 2A-2. With three of the top five teams in the class, this district is absolutely loaded. Wyandotte is a district foe that might be flying under the radar as we head into the 2024 season. They have a very talented quarterback returning and that “under the radar” position might help them surprise some teams. So Colcord opening the district slate against Wyandotte isn't exactly an easy draw but most games in this district will be tough. <br>Oct. 4th - AT Keys<br>Oct. 11th - Commerce<br><strong>Oct. 17th - AT Adair<br></strong>- Perhaps the toughest district contest will come in a short week. On a fall break Thursday night, Colcord will hit the road to face an Adair team that comes into this season as the number three team in the 2A-2 rankings. And when we look at Adair, we see a lot of similarities between the Warriors and Colcord. Adair has a ton of experience returning but they'll have a new quarterback after the graduation of a very productive signal caller. The winner here will be in the driver's seat for the district crown. <br>Oct. 25th - Chelsea<br>Nov. 1st - AT Salina<br><strong>Nov. 8th - Kansas<br></strong>- Sometimes, the schedule just works out and the storylines write themselves. This is one of those cases as Colcord will finish off the regular season against Kansas. It's a rematch of last season's week one heartbreak and there are layers to this one. Colcord will get their shot at finishing the job against the Comets. This game will have a significant impact on playoff seeding and it could be a straight up district championship contest. And finally, it'll be senior night for a very special senior group in Colcord history. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You can make the argument that the last four years have been one of the best stretches in Colcord football history. They have a 42-8 record during that stretch and that includes a run to the 2022 Class A semifinals. With Colcord moving up to the new Class 2A-2, it will be interesting to see how competitive the Hornets are right from the jump. Because this is a team that is very senior-heavy, they have the experience of winning and winning at a high level. They are definitely not going to back away from the challenge. And the district that they are in is definitely going to provide a challenge. As we mentioned earlier, three of the top five teams (including Colcord) in the Class 2A-2 rankings are all in the same district. Despite the challenge, we like Colcord to continue their winning ways and this is a program that is hungry to take the next step. They've never played for a state championship but maybe that changes in 2024.&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>2023 - 10-2 - Lost In Class A 1st Round<br>2022 - 13-1 - Lost In Class A Semifinals<br>2021 - 9-3 - Lost In Class A 2nd Round<br>2020 - 10-2 - Lost In Class A 3rd Round<br>2019 - 7-4 - Lost In Class A 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 -->