Guthrie Blue Jays OK 2023 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 into August, we are publishing well over 100 in-depth team previews to get you completely ready for the 2023 football season. This is something that began in 2021 and has continued to get bigger every single year. We're looking forward to diving deep into the top teams across the state. From defending champions, to top contenders and plenty of dark horses, we'll have complete coverage every single day with new teams from Class 6A, all the way down to the addition of 8-man coverage this year with Class B and C. In this post, we take a look at the Guthrie Blue Jays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Guthrie Blue Jays </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #3<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No surprise here. The Guthrie Blue Jays are once again one of the top teams in Class 5A as we enter a new season. There are few teams in Class 5A that have been as consistent as the Blue Jays over the last two decades. But after being squarely in the championship picture for the majority of 15 years from 2000-2015, with either state titles or deep runs in the playoffs, the Blue Jays haven't made it out of the quarterfinal round since winning their last gold ball in 2013. Part of that has been they've shared the same district with 5A monster Carl Albert, who has won six of the last seven state championships. So competing for a district crown has been the first hurdle they've had to try to overcome. But as we enter the 2023 season, Carl Albert is still that big, bad monster in the district, but the Blue Jays won't back down from them or anyone else.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With seven starters back on offense and another eight starters back on defense, Guthrie certainly has the firepower to not only get back into the championship conversation in Class 5A, they expect to make a deep run into November by the time the playoffs roll around. The Blue Jays will certainly be battle-tested by the time they get to November. They play a challenging non-district schedule and then will jump right into one of the toughest districts, not only in Class 5A but in the state overall. But like we mentioned, Guthrie isn't going to back down from a fight from anyone this fall as they look to climb the 5A ladder and the first step is competing in the district and setting themselves up for a deep run in November and ultimately, making a short trip to UCO in December.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2022 RESULTS (9-3 Record - Lost In Class 5A Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 26 - Beat Ponca City 35-23<br>Sept. 2 - Beat Woodward 50-0<br>Sept. 9 - Beat Duncan 54-7<br>Sept. 16 - Beat Tuttle 24-20<br>Sept. 30 - Beat Piedmont 27-0<br>Oct. 7 - Lost To Bishop McGuinness 30-27<br>Oct. 13 - Beat Southeast 70-6<br>Oct. 21 - Lost To Carl Albert 41-7<br>Oct. 28 - Beat Lawton Eisenhower 37-0<br>Nov. 3 - Beat Shawnee 43-0<br>1st Round - Beat Elgin 17-0<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Grove 27-19</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>Isaiah Hammons - Running Back<br>Jaylen Chelf - Wide Receiver<br>Justin Berryhill - Offensive Lineman<br>Landen Hirzel - Linebacker<br>Tyrin Eaton - Wide Receiver</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":["380981"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Going into his third season as QB1 for the Blue Jays, 2024 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='380981' first='Hayden' last='Calvert'] isn't a stranger in playing in big games and there's not going to be much that will surprise him this fall. Last season, Calvert showcased his ability to beat defenses in a variety of ways. He threw for over 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns but then also added nearly 700 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. Calvert continued to produce at a very high level, no matter who took the field for the Blue Jays at some of the skill positions. If Calvert can take the next step this fall, don't be surprised to see his production go up and for the Blue Jays to be in a position for a deep run in the playoffs.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["448519"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"We just got a chance to see Guthrie just one time last season, but it was in the comeback win over Tuttle in week three. That also featured the breakout moment for 2024 running back [player_tooltip player_id='448519' first='Jaylen' last='Harper']. Filling in for an injured Isaiah Hammons, Harper would take over the Guthrie backfield in a big way, as he helped lead the Blue Jays to a big win on the road. He would finish off his junior season with nearly 600 yards on the ground and eight total touchdowns. He also had an impact in the passing game as a receiver and was a threat in the return game in special teams. Between Harper and Calvert returning, this Guthrie backfield has the potential to be one of the better QB-RB duos in Class 5A.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["893252"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Switching to the defensive side of the ball, 2024 linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='893252' first='Josh' last='Varnell'] returns after a stellar junior season last fall. Varnell was one of Guthrie's leading tacklers a year ago, finishing with well over 100 tackles on the season and he had an impact in several other statistical categories last season. Varnell will lead a very experienced Guthrie defense into action this fall and when we think of Guthrie football, we think of a strong running game and an even stronger defense. Varnell certainly has the potential to be one of the more impactful linebackers in Class 5A this fall. With all the experience and talent around him, look for his production to only go up this season.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["893253"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"When we look at some of the returning starters from last year's team, it's hard not to focus on 2024 athlete [player_tooltip player_id='893253' first='Nate' last='Benford'] with what he can do on both sides of the ball. Benford is probably more known for his abilities on the defensive side of the ball. Last season, Benford finished with nearly 60 tackles and a pair of interceptions. And he had countless batted balls when quarterbacks would make the mistake of challenging him in the passing game. I've seen they type of athlete Benford is on the basketball floor and there is a lot to be excited about from strictly an athletic perspective. Whether it's offense or defense, Benford is always going to be one of the more athletic guys on the field.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a48eb4867d8"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>More Names To Know</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dae'Lontea Glover - 2024 Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='994657' first='Eli' last='Moroney'] - 2024 Defensive Lineman<br>Kyron Axtell - 2025 Defensive Back</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 Schedule/Games To Circle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 25 - Ponca City<br>Sept. 1 - AT Woodward<br>Sept. 9 - AT Duncan<br><strong>Sept. 15 - Tuttle</strong><br>- Since 2000, Guthrie and Tuttle have been two of the better football programs in the Oklahoma City area. So it seems unfathomable that last year's meeting was the first time the Blue Jays and Tigers strapped it up. And it was one of the better games that we covered in person last season during the regular season. Tuttle jumped up 14-3 at halftime and it was back and forth in the second half, with the Blue Jays stunning the Tigers with a 24-20 win. They scored the game-winning touchdown with just over a minute to play. We anticipate another close game, full of hard hits and a strong running game from both sides. <br><strong>Sept. 29 - Piedmont<br></strong>- After a much needed week off before the Blue Jays start their gauntlet district run, they open up the district slate at home against Piedmont. This match-up will really set the tone for Guthrie with the district schedule ahead. Both teams are going to establish the running game, much like the Guthrie-Tuttle match-up in week three. The Blue Jays have won back to back games against the Wildcats, including a shutout victory a season ago. If the Blue Jays can get a win here in week five, that will give them a ton of momentum as they go into the month of October, which brings some tough district clashes. <br>Oct. 6 - AT Bishop McGuinness<br>Oct. 12 - AT Southeast<br><strong>Oct. 19 - Carl Albert<br></strong>- It's the game of the year for the Blue Jays, and they get it at home. In fact, Guthrie's three toughest games on paper are home games this season. But in week eight, they'll host defending champion Carl Albert, who is absolutely loaded once again. There's no doubt that the Titans are at the top of this district, and in Class 5A overall. So needless to say, the Blue Jays will have their hands full when they go head to head with their old 5A rival. The Blue Jays won six straight against the Titans from 2010-2015 but haven't beaten them since. They've lost their last six head to head match-ups, including a 41-7 decision last fall. <br>Oct. 26 - AT Lawton Eisenhower<br>Nov. 3 - Shawnee</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Notable</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another date that the Blue Jays will certainly have circled on their calendars is October 6th, when they travel to face fellow district foe Bishop McGuinness. Last season's week six meeting resulted in Bishop McGuinness knocking off the Blue Jays with a game-winning kick on an untimed down to escape with a 30-27 victory. The last McGuinness drive was one that Guthrie won't forget. After the Blue Jays tied it up with less than a minute to go, McGuinness would get a big pass play where the receiver was out of bounds before completing the catch and was ruled in bounds. There was a pass interference call, a roughing the kicker call on a field goal that was short and then the game-winning field goal on an untimed down. This game is very important for the 5A-2 district race but the Blue Jays haven't forgotten how the 2022 meeting ended.&nbsp;</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>4 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2013 - Beat McAlester 51-21<br>2011 - Beat Lawton MacArthur 24-7<br>2007 - Beat Bixby 16-3<br>2002 - Beat Booker T Washington 16-13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->