Football | 8/12/2024 9:00:00 AM

Goodwell, Okla. — The Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) has announced its preseason polls for the 2024 football season, with the Panhandle State Aggies projected to finish in fifth place. This comes on the heels of a fifth-place finish in the 2023 season, where the Aggies posted a 5-5 overall record and a 4-4 mark in conference play.
Head Coach Cory Miller, entering his second year at the helm, commented on the preseason ranking: "We made significant strides last season, and I'm proud of the progress our team has shown. We're focused on building on that momentum and aiming for even greater success this year."
Season Recap and Key Improvements:

• The Aggies' offensive production saw marked improvement in 2023. The team's points per game increased from 19 in 2022 to 27, and their average yards per play improved from 4.3 to 5.1. Total offense also saw a rise, going from 290 yards per game in 2022 to 316 in 2023.
• A major factor in this improvement was the bolstered offensive line, contributing to an impressive rushing attack with 392 attempts, averaging 183 yards per game, and scoring 19 rushing touchdowns.
• The passing game saw a dip, with average yards per game decreasing from 203 in 2022 to 132 in 2023. However, key offseason improvements aim to enhance the overall offensive impact.
• On the defensive side, the Aggies' secondary, led by Loren Snead with 5 interceptions, helped the team finish second in the NAIA with 23 interceptions. The Aggies allowed an average of 328 yards per game and recorded 54 tackles for a loss of 191 yards.

Milestones to Watch:

•  Brandon Stephens is closing in on several career milestones:
  • 66 rushing yards away from 1,000
  • 528 passing yards away from 5,000
  • 14 passing touchdowns away from the school record of 56
  • 9 rushing touchdowns away from the school record of 26
• Loren Snead tied the OPSU record for most interceptions in a single season with 5, approaching the all-time record of 9 set by Xazier Murry (2012-16).
• Jalen Partida is 120 receiving yards away from 1,000 and 14 receptions away from 100.

2024 Aggies Football Schedule:

1. Hall Of Fame Game
   • vs. Wayland Baptist University
   • Aug 31 (Sat) - Goodwell, Okla. - 6:00 PM
2. at Southwest Baptist University
   • Sep 14 (Sat) - Bolivar, MO - 6:00 PM
3. Homecoming
   • vs. Texas Wesleyan University
   • Sep 21 (Sat) - Goodwell, Okla. - 6:00 PM
4. at Arkansas Baptist College
   • Sep 28 (Sat) - Little Rock, AR - 6:00 PM
5. at Louisiana Christian University
   • Oct 5 (Sat) - Pineville, LA - 2:00 PM
6. Battle of the Bell
   • vs. Langston
   • Oct 12 (Sat) - Goodwell, Okla. - 2:00 PM
7. at Texas College
   • Oct 26 (Sat) - Tyler, TX - 2:00 PM
8. vs. North American University
   • Nov 2 (Sat) - Goodwell, Okla. - 2:00 PM
9. at Nelson (Texas)
   • Nov 9 (Sat) - Waxahachie, TX - 2:00 PM
10. CHILI COOKOFF
    • vs. Ottawa University Arizona
    • Nov 16 (Sat) - Goodwell, Okla. - 12:00 PM

2024 SAC Football Preseason Poll:

1. Ottawa (AZ) – 61 (6)
2. Louisiana Christian – 56 (3)
3. Texas Wesleyan – 50
4. Langston – 45
5. Panhandle State – 35
6. Nelson – 29
7. Wayland Baptist – 22
8. Arkansas Baptist – 14
9. Texas College – 12