What began as a rebuilding year for the Guthrie High School football team culminated in an impressive run to the Class 5A state championship game. On Saturday night at Chad Richison Stadium on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, the Bluejays’ remarkable season came to an end with a 30-6 loss to Carl Albert.
The Titans, finishing a dominant 14-0 season, solidified their place as one of Oklahoma’s top teams. Led by Oklahoma University signee Trystan Haynes, Carl Albert controlled the game from the outset, taking a 14-0 lead in the first quarter with two touchdowns by Haynes.
Guthrie’s lone score came late in the fourth quarter when sophomore quarterback Daelon Rice connected with Jace Rainwater, a junior, for a 15-yard touchdown on a 15-play drive. However, the Bluejays struggled to find a rhythm on offense, managing just 134 total yards and battling poor field position and three turnovers. Their first seven drives combined for only 25 plays.
Carl Albert, meanwhile, showcased a balanced offensive attack, totaling 296 yards, including 174 on the ground and 122 through the air. The Titans’ defense, one of the best in state history, held Guthrie at bay and capped their season by allowing only 53 points total in 14 games and eight shutouts.
Guthrie’s defense was led by junior linebacker Kellen Hirzel, who recorded seven tackles in the championship game. Despite the loss, the Bluejays’ 10-4 season exceeded expectations, especially after replacing 12 of their top 13 defensive players and introducing new quarterbacks and wide receivers.
To reach the championship, Guthrie defeated three top-ranked opponents: Lawton MacArthur, Booker T. Washington, and Newcastle. Their resilience and growth throughout the season highlighted the program’s depth and future.
Guthrie played in their first state championship game since 2013 and are now 4-1 in title games.
Carl Albert’s victory marked their 19th state championship in school history, tying them with Ada for the most football titles in Oklahoma high school history. The Titans have now won three straight 5A titles and eight of the past nine seasons.
The state title game was the 53rd meeting between the two programs but the first-ever meeting in the playoffs.
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