Head coach Kelly Beeby returns a veteran quarterback, experienced defensive leaders, and a program that has become one of the state’s most consistent playoff contenders. But if Guthrie hopes to make another run to Edmond, the Bluejays will have to survive one of the toughest schedules in Class 5A.
Guthrie finished 8-3 a season ago, averaging an impressive 46.2 points per game while allowing 20.6. The Bluejays’ only losses came against Tuttle, the eventual Class 4A state champion; Carl Albert, the eventual Class 5A state champion; and Bishop McGuinness, which advanced to the 5A championship game after defeating Guthrie in the opening round of the playoffs.
Despite the early postseason exit, Guthrie once again proved it belonged among the elite programs in Class 5A.
The Bluejays will again be led by senior quarterback Daelon Rice, a three-year starter who has become one of Class 5A’s top dual-threat quarterbacks.
Rice threw for 1,727 yards and 24 touchdowns while adding 412 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns last season. His experience gives Guthrie a steady foundation as several new starters step into larger roles.
Senior receiver Skylor Scamman returns as one of Rice’s top targets after excelling on both sides of the football. Running back Dereon Whitehorn is expected to play a major role on offense, while senior offensive lineman Sir William Morgan anchors a line that replaces several key graduates.
Although Guthrie lost standout and All-State offensive lineman Cooper Walters to graduation, the Bluejays return enough offensive firepower to remain one of the highest-scoring teams in Class 5A.
Defensively, Guthrie welcomes back six starters led by Scamman, Whitehorn, linebacker Rowan McHone, defensive lineman Qorrie Carlock, and junior edge rusher Gabe Jackson.
Scamman recorded 61 total tackles, three fumble recoveries, an interception, and four pass breakups in 2025. Jackson emerged as one of Guthrie’s top pass rushers after recording four sacks and four tackles for loss.
The biggest challenge for Guthrie may come before district play even begins.
The Bluejays open the season on the road against defending Class 4A champion Tuttle before hosting 4A runner-up Elgin. They then travel to Bethany before wrapping up non-district play against Blanchard.
District play begins immediately with perhaps the toughest game on the schedule — a road trip to perennial powerhouse Carl Albert. Guthrie has pushed the Titans in recent years but is still searching for its first victory over Carl Albert in more than a decade.
The second half of the season becomes more manageable with games against Midwest City, Lawton, Noble, Durant, and Duncan, but Guthrie knows every district game will be important in securing playoff positioning.
Beeby enters his 13th season as Guthrie’s head coach (23rd total), and since taking over the program in 2014 following legendary coach Rafe Watkins, Beeby has maintained Guthrie’s tradition of success with multiple quarterfinal appearances and a trip to the Class 5A championship game in 2024.
Now the Bluejays are focused on taking the next step.
Before kicking off the season on Aug. 28 on the road against defending Class 4A champion Tuttle, the Jays will travel to El Reno to scrimmage the Indians and Elk City in the week prior.
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