Christian Heritage Crusaders OK 2024 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 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 Christian Heritage Crusaders!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Christian Heritage Crusaders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #7 In Class A-1<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: UR In Class A-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Head Coach: Joel Franks - 4th Season - 18-14 Record At Christian Heritage</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (5-5 Record - Missed Playoffs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 25th - Lost To Oklahoma Christian School 20-0<br>Aug. 31st - Lost To Casady 14-12<br>Sept. 8th - Beat OKC Patriots 35-0<br>Sept. 15th - Beat Mount Saint Mary 33-13<br>Sept. 22nd - Lost To Hinton 36-7<br>Sept. 29th - Lost To Crescent 34-14<br>Oct. 6th - Lost To Minco 37-7<br>Oct. 12th - Beat Cashion 34-18<br>Oct. 20th - Beat Watonga 22-20<br>Nov. 3rd - Beat Western Heights 69-20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 23.3 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 21.2 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Christian Heritage Crusaders are ready to start a new season after their roller coaster of a year in 2023. It finished with a 5-5 record but they lost the district games they couldn't afford to lose and missed out on the playoffs. And that has not happened that often since they joined the OSSAA nearly two decades ago. The season began with back to back losses to Oklahoma Christian School and Casady. But they bounced back in a major way with impressive wins over the OKC Patriots and Mount Saint Mary. District play opened up and unfortunately, that's where the season was lost as they would begin district play with a three-game losing streak. They fell to Hinton, Crescent and Minco and were sitting at 2-5. They would finish the season on a high note, winning their last three games to settle in at 5-5. But the Crusaders are going to be hungry to put this season behind them and start a new year in August. Last year, Christian Heritage was coming off a 2022 campaign where they went 9-3 and lost in the playoffs to eventual champion Fairview. This year, the Crusaders want to get back to having a winning season and making that deep run in the postseason. They bring back the majority of their starters and there are reasons to believe that they have what it takes to have that bounce back season in 2024.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When we look at this year's team, there's a lot to be excited about and it starts with the experience returning along with a senior class that is hungrier than ever. The Crusaders feel like they vastly underperformed during the 2023 season and some of those losses should have been wins. This was a 5-5 team but a bounce here and there and you have a winning team that is back in the playoffs. Seven starters return on the offensive side of the ball. All eyes will be on the quarterback position as the Crusaders played two quarterbacks last year and as of now, they still have a battle going on for the QB1 job heading into this fall. It wouldn't be surprising to see them play two quarterbacks again but the battle will continue into fall practice. The offensive line will have a lot of new faces but the offense is aided by the return of almost all of their skill talent. This was an offense that definitely played well down the stretch last year and they could show a vast improvement this fall. The defense brings back eight starters on that side of the ball. They lost one of their top players on defense to graduation but they bring back almost everyone else. And like we mentioned, this is a team that has a rather large senior class that is ready to more than make up for the losses to graduation. Now, it'll be a new world for the Crusaders as they enter a new district in the new Class A-1. But they come in as a top ten team and have a good chance to possibly win the district. And what a turnaround story that would be if it happened. From missing the playoffs to capturing a district title and hopefully, much more.&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>Bryce Graham - Linebacker<br>Jon Warren - Offensive Lineman<br>Stonewall Brown - Offensive/Defensive Lineman</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":["1337328"],"_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-6698941fd6eba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1337328' first='Caleb' last='Gideon'] is going to be one of the names to watch in this Christian Heritage offense while the Crusaders figure out what they want to do at the quarterback position. Gideon emerged last season as the top option in the running game. He led the team in rushing and he's hungry for more in 2024. As the Crusaders were finishing off the season on a three-game winning streak, that's when Gideon was playing some of his best football. We don't think it's a coincidence that winning and his performances were happening at the same time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1337335"],"_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-6698941fd6f18"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1337335' first='Dillon' last='French'] is one of two quarterbacks that had success last season but this year, he's looking to finish the job. Last year, he got off to a good start but his sophomore campaign would end in a district game against Cashion. French put up some good numbers in the passing game and he's one of the quarterbacks that is competing for the starting position. There is no doubt that when you compare the two competing, French is more known for what he can do in the passing game. He'll look to make up for lost time and get on the field again this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1337332"],"_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-6698941fd6f61"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1337332' first='Marshall' last='Brown'] is the other player that's fighting for that quarterback job and even if he doesn't win QB1 duties, the Crusaders will be happy with his versatility and overall playmaking. When French's season came to an end against Cashion, Brown moved over from wide receiver and had an instant impact as a dual-threat at the quarterback position. He played really well in the final three games, including the season finale against Western Heights when he absolutely dominated. Brown threw for three touchdowns and ran for four touchdowns in the win to end the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1337330"],"_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-6698941fd6fba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Whoever ends up being the quarterback will have the top target in the passing game returning as well in 2024. Senior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1337330' first='Tate' last='Campbell'] returns after enjoying somewhat of a breakout season in 2023. Campbell wasn't on our radar but that changed rather quickly. In the early season loss to Casady, Campbell would finish the game with 12 catches for well over 200 yards and a touchdown. He led the team in every receiving category and if has more games like the early one against Casady, he'll emerge as one of the top receivers in Class A-1 this season. </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='1707975' first='Asher' last='Edelen'] - 2026 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Brody Fisher - 2026 Running Back/Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1607338' first='Nathan' last='Dinwiddie'] - 2025 Kicker<br>Noah Moix - 2025 Tight End/Defensive End<br>Slate Snider - 2027 Linebacker</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><strong>Aug. 30th - Oklahoma Christian School<br></strong>- The season opener is always a date to circle on the calendar and this year is no different. The Crusaders will open the 2024 campaign at home against Oklahoma Christian School and just like they're hungry to turn things around after last year's 5-5 season, they're hungry to turn things around in the series with OCS. These two teams have met in each of the last four years and the Saints have gone 4-0 during that stretch. The Crusaders will attempt to jump on an OCS team that is full of new faces. <br>Sept. 13th - AT Crooked Oak<br><strong>Sept. 20th - AT Rejoice Christian<br></strong>- In week three, Christian Heritage will hit the road to face Rejoice Christian in a match-up of top ten teams in Class A-1. So when we look at this non-district clash, we see the perfect measuring stick game for both teams before they enter district play. Each team is going to know what they need to do before those games start counting towards playoff seeding. This is also the second time that these two have met. They also squared off in the Class A semifinals back in 2018 and the Crusaders won that meeting. <br>Sept. 27th - Walters<br>Oct. 4th - AT Wynnewood<br>Oct. 11th - Stratford<br>Oct. 17th - AT Frederick<br>Oct. 25th - AT Okemah<br><strong>Nov. 1st - Minco<br></strong>- In week nine, the Crusaders will play host to Minco and when you look at the preseason rankings, these are the top two teams from this district in our Class A-1 rankings. Minco is a borderline top five team and the Crusaders hope to overtake them not only in the rankings but more importantly, in the district standings. These two teams have been district foes off and on for the last six years. The Crusaders won the 2022 meeting but Minco has owned the series in the other three meetings. The district title could be decided here. <br>Nov. 8th - Hobart</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 football season was definitely a rare one for the Crusaders when you compare it to the rest of their football history. Christian Heritage officially joined the OSSAA and could start competing under the state association in 2008. Ever since they joined, they've been a pretty consistent playoff team and don't miss out on the postseason very often. In the 16 seasons of playing under the OSSAA, Christian Heritage has made 12 playoff appearances. Last season was only the fourth time that they missed out on the postseason but it was also the second time in the last three seasons. The Crusaders now enter the 2024 season looking to lean on that experience that is returning on both sides of the ball to be playing their best football when the playoffs roll around. We're not that far removed from the Crusaders playing for the Class A state championship in 2018. The Crusaders have a good shot in their district 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>2023 - 5-5 - Missed Playoffs<br>2022 - 9-3 - Lost In Class A 2nd Round<br>2021 - 4-6 - Missed Playoffs<br>2020 - 7-5 - Lost In Class A 2nd Round<br>2019 - 6-4 - 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><strong><em>0 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->