Bethany’s impact players in 2025 will look different than the team that reached the 4A semifinals a year ago.

Wide receiver and defensive back Wyatt Geissler, quarterback and defensive back Jackie Payne both graduated. Running back and linebacker Judson Gilliland and defensive back Evenson Malaska (who was also a weapon on offense) both transferred to 6A-I Mustang for their senior year.

“We definitely have to replace a lot of pieces from our success a year ago (Geissler, Payne, Gilliland, Malaska, etc), but we have a great group of kids who are committed to success,” Bethany coach Jon Arthur said in a preseason questionnaire. “On paper, our athletic talent and depth may not be what it was a year ago, but we will control what we can control and take the field each with being the most prepared team and playing with our best effort.”

While the losses were great, several players return who were contributors to the 10-3 squad a year ago that fell in the semifinals to Tuttle.

Arthur commented on several of his returnees.

Jagger Weaver (SR) – Wide Receiver / Safety
“(He) will play both ways. Good speed and good tackler on defense. Very hard worker and will be a great leader for us.”

Seth Greiner (SR) – Wide Receiver / Safety
“Super competitive guy who has started since his sophomore year. Very athletic, good speed, and good tackler.”

Wyatt Keefer (JR) – Running Back / Linebacker
“Excellent FB player. Physical and fast on defense and also is very good running the ball.”

Baren Tehee (SR) – Linebacker
“(He) was injured towards the end of last year, but should be ready to go for us this fall.”

Gabe Baxter (JR) – OL / DL
“Excellent two way offensive lineman with good size. He’s an excellent player on the defensive side and will be good offensively as well at the tackle spot.”

Chase Clanton (SR) – OL / DL
“Our best OL returning that started every game last year. Very physical, will play left tackle, and also contribute a lot on defense as well.”

Breck Brady (SO) – TE / DL…
“Played a lot on both sides a year ago as a freshman and will play an even bigger role this year. At 6’6 he will be a big time target on offense and also in the run game as a blocker.”

Arthur also shared about his necomers.

Ozzie Brown (JR) – OL
“Will start at center. Had a great spring and summer to improve and step into this much needed role.”

Stoli Melton (SO) – OL
“Will play on the OL. Has had a great spring and summer in the weight room as well and looks to play a role as a sophomore.”

Brody McLaren (JR) – QB / LB
“Brody play QB for us. He is a great competitor and hard worker. He has had a great summer of preparation.”

Marcos Lopez (SR) – DL
“Will be a big time contributor on the DL. Very strong and athletic.”

The Bronchos will have to navigate a tough district in 4A-2. Of the teams ranked in the Associated Press 4A preseason poll, three of them are ranked. Bethany is ranked eighth.

Tuttle, who ended the Bronchos’ season before losing the next week in the state title game to Elgin, is the preseason top squad.

Blanchard is tied for fourth with Ada (who is in 4A-4). The Lions won the 2023 state title. Bethany beat Ada in the quarterfinals last season

While last season’s schedule featured four out of the last five games at home, the schedule is flipped this year. The Bronchos will play a majority of the early game at home. Tuttle will also be a road game this season.

Bethany will also welcome an out-of-state opponent in Shiloh Christian Sept. 19. The Saints, from Springdale in northwest Arkansas are a 6A power that has 10 state titles in different classifications, including their last title – in 2020 as a 4A school. They finished as the 6A state runner-up last season.

UP NEXT

The Bronchos open on the road Friday (Aug. 29) at 5A Noble. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

Bethany beat the Bears in the opener at home last season. The loss was part of a six-game losing streak to start the season for Noble last season.

The Bears rebounded to win four straight games to earn a playoff spot before falling to Newcastle in the first round.

Photographs courtesy of Kristie Escoe of Life in Action Photography.

BETHANY 2025 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 29	at Noble (7:30 p.m.)
Sept. 5	BYE
Sept. 12	Jones (Youth Football/Cheer)
Sept. 19	Shiloh Christian (Ark.) (Cheer Clinic)
Sept. 26	Chickasha * (Homecoming)
Oct. 3	Blanchard * (Hall of Honor)
Oct. 10	at Tuttle *
Oct. 16 (THU)	at Harrah *
Oct. 24	Ardmore * (Senior Night)
Oct. 31	at Tecumseh *
Nov. 7	at Madill *

BRONCHOS AT A GLANCE

Head Coach: Jon Arthur (71-25, 9th Year as Head Coach, 19th Overall)
Associate Head Coach / ST Coordinator: Adam Forester (16th Year)
Co-OC / Offensive Line: Jacob Pennington (8th Year)
Co-DC / ILBs: Ryan Morgan (17th Year)
Co-OC / Passing Game Coordinator / QBs: Jeff Horrocks (1st Year)
Defensive Line Coach: Manuel Gonzales (15th Year)
Wide Receivers / Defensive Backs: Dalton Stout (9th Year)
Outside Linebackers Coach: Tommy Baird (2nd Year)
Running Backs Coach: Payton Hunt (1st Year)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 417-373-4
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1 (2003, Class 2A)

Some information courtesy of IWasAtTheGame.com