Benford, Moroney named to All-State football team

Guthrie seniors Nate Benford and Eli Morney will be written down in Oklahoma high school football history forever after they were named to the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State football team.

The duo helped lead one of the greatest statistical defenses in Guthrie’s history in the 2023 season.

Benford, a two-year starter, was called upon to stop the opponent’s top wide receiver each week. He finished with 72 tackles and six interceptions. On offense, he added seven catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns.

Moroney, also a two-year starter, was a team captain and finished with 19 sacks, which tied Kentrell’s Brothers school record. Moroney finished his prep career with 23 sacks which ranks fourth all-time in Guthrie history.

Along with the sacks, he added 98 tackles, including 35 tackles for loss.

Benford and Moroney, who will play for the West team, are expected to sign to play college football on Feb. 7 inside the high school gymnasium. Benford announced he will sign with Emporia State and Moroney with Culver-Stockton.

The Jays finished the season ranked third in Class 5A with a 10-2 record.

The OCA all-state football game is set for 7 p.m. July 26, 2024, at a to-be-announced venue.

Defense

DL: Ashton Taylor, Minco; Nathen Spaulding, Washington; Elijah Moroney, Guthrie; Villiami Lewis, Del City; Marques McGrew, Choctaw;

LB: Micho Lavine, Millwood; Easton Harless, Carl Albert; Jason Wilson, Edmond Santa Fe; Easton Teel, Choctaw

DB: Dax Noles, Norman; Zach Warren, Mustang; Terrance Taffe, Millwood; Curtis Miller, Norman North; DaMontre Patterson, Sulphur; Nate Benford, Guthrie

ATH: Kingston Tito, Lawton Eisenhower

P/K: Cade Gilbert, Marlow

Offense

QB: Andy Bass, Heritage Hall; Major Cantrell, Washington; Carson Cooksey, Blanchard

RB: Jah Norman, Dibble; Kaden Manuel, Seiling; Malachi Nicholson, El Reno; Matthew Lund, Elgin

WR: Isaiah Burris, Fairview; LaDainian Fields, Del City; Judson Cheatham, Oklahoma Bible Academy; Jordyn Harris, Heritage Hall

TE: Noah McDoulett, Tuttle

OL: Keith Ferguson, Elgin; Harrison Utley, Norman North; Merrick Barnett, Edmond Santa Fe; Jace Warren, Tuttle; Eli Kirkes, Minco; Tanner Norman, Carl Albert; James Williams, Westmoore; Trey Spencer, Blanchard