PIGSKIN PREVIEW 2022 A stagenew The legendary Indian Bowl gives way to Rougher VillageStory,Page4 FIND YOUR TEAM: MUSKOGEE • HILLDALE • FORT GIBSON • WAGONER CHECOTAH • EUFAULA • HASKELL • WARNER • GORE PORTER • MIDWAY• PORUM • WEBBERS FALLS
TABLE OF CONTENTS Team pages Muskogee, 5 Hilldale, 8 Fort Gibson, 11 Wagoner, WebbersMidway,Porum,Porter,Gore,Haskell,Warner,Eufaula,Checotah,131619202224252728Falls, 29 OU-OSU, 30 Extras New districts, 7 Area team schedules, 10 Next-gen football, 15 A century at the Fort, 18 Web, radio and talk, 26 College schedules, 31 Pigskin Preview2 Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
RB: GUNNAR DOZIER, GORE 6-1, 210, SR. 1,207 yards on 138 carries, 23 touch downs. All-Phoenix 2021.
K: CHRISTIAN O’CONNOR, GORE, 6-1, 160, SR. 24 of 28 on XPs in five games due to injury, longest FG of 42 yards.
OL: GARRETT DOUTHIT, GORE, 6-3, 280, SR. All-Phoenix in 2021, 90 percent grade.
DL: ONTARIO ELLEN, EUFAULA, 5-11, 195, SR. 85 tackles, 6 sacks.
LB: ALEX SHIELDNIGHT, WAGONER, 6-4, 215, SO. 75 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions.
FB: TY VINSON, WARNER 6-0, 212, JR. Moved positions from All-Phoenix OL in 2021, where he graded out 94 percent.
DL: JUNIOR FAUL, HASKELL, 6-2, 220, SR. 56 tackles, 16 for loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries
CB: HUNTER BRANCH, FORT GIBSON, 6-2, 165, SR. 6 interceptions, 9 pass deflections, 23 tackles, 21 solo.
WR: CADE WAGGLE, FORT GIBSON, 5-11,165, SR. 44 catches, 725 yards, 9 TDs. All-Phoenix 2021.
3Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022Pigskin Preview
DL: DRAVEN GRAGG, EUFAULA, 6-3, 260, JR. 39 tackles last season.
Ficklin Virgil Dozier Vinson Bell Waggle Watson Keefe Gaddy Pepiakitah O’Connor
QB: JAMARIAN FICKLIN, MUSKOGEE, 6-1, 183, SO. All-Phoenix Newcomer of Year threw for 2,300 yards last season as a freshman starter.
RB: ERIC VIRGIL, HILLDALE, 5-9, 185, SR. 1.385 yards on 197 carries and 24 touchdowns in All-Phoenix season in 2021.
OL: ROMAN GARCIA, WAGONER, 6-3, 235, SR. Two-way starter a year ago.
P: COLE MAHANEY, FORT GIBSON, 5-10, 170, SR. 39.3 average on 33 attempts. All-Phoe nix 2021. Also a QB. Gr. DouthitGarcia
TE: ANTHONY WATSON, MUSKOGEE, 6-0, 218, JR. 38 catches, 425 yards, 3 TDs in 2021.
CB: ELIJAH THOMAS, CHECOTAH, 6-1, 175, SO. 44 tackles, 1 interception. Offered this summer by Arkansas.
S: GABE RODRIGUEZ, WAGONER, 5-9, 170, SR. 108 tackles and 1 fumble recovery. Was QB and Large School Offensive Player of the Year in 2021 but is being moved to an H-Back/running back spot.
LB: CARSON PARKS, WARNER, 6-0, 207, SR. Small School Defensive POY, 153 tackles and two interceptions.
PHOENIX’S ALL-PRESEASON TEAM
OL: GRAYSON GADDY, HILLDALE, 6-0, 240, SR. Graded out 90 percent in 2021.
S: BRETT PIPPENGER, EUFAULA, 6-0, 175, SR. 145 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 6 pass breakups
OL: VERNON PEPIAKITAH, MUSKOGEE, 6-1, 293, SR. Top lineman in 2021, season cut short by knee injury.
OL: EVAN KEEFE, HILLDALE, 6-3, 275, SR. Air Force commit,,All-Phoenix in 2021. 54 pancake blocks, 92 percent grade.
WR: JAYDEN BELL, MUSKOGEE, 5-8, 155, SR. Caught 50 passes for 968 yards and 9 TDs, All-Phoenix in 2021.
LB: GERVON WASHINGTON, MIDWAY, 6-1, 225, SO. 47 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble
Gb.Douthit Gragg Faul Ellen Shieldnight Washington Parks Rodriguez Branch Pippenger Thomas Mahaney
DL: GABE DOZIER, GORE, 6-1, 250, SR. All-Phoenix in 2021, 43 tackles included 12 for losses and 2 sacks.
The linchpin, as I un derstand it, is a chip for the power components that have kept Manhat tan Construction Com pany from enclosing the field house and complet ing locker areas, weight rooms, coaches offices and even a Stadium Club for special occasion seating. It’s a chip that also has a functioning elevator, wifi and phone lines on hold.
mkays@muskogeephoenix.com MPS An aerial view of the Muskogee stadium at Rougher Village. (See VILLAGE, 29) MendenhallParker FINANCING AVAILABLE WEST SIDE • 503 N 32nd St Tires & Service 918-687-4822 EAST SIDE • 1200 N York Tires & Service 918-687-7461 Mon thru Fri 8am-5:30pm • Sat 8am-1pm WWW.WISEMANTIRES.COM Here’s to a Winning Season for all our Area Teams! DISCOUNT TIRES
And some things, he insisted, had to be deliv erable.“Ipromised this community and these students we would be playing our first game here in 2022, and that’s what I wanted to keep everybody’s focus on,” he said.In spite of China. In spite of the supply chain. In spite of infla tion, which has put the entire bond issue over budget at about 9 per cent, or $5 million over the thegoingThatLowe’sthanofplanwithofwereSomelength.adjustmentsmadeattheoutsettheproject,beginningmovingtheinitialtothecampussideShawneeRoadrathertheareaeastofacrossthestreet.propertywasn’ttobeobtainedforpriceneeded. Kays
It’s apparently some where between here and China, perhaps sitting with some fireworks — remember those Fourth of July celebrations that got canceled? America is feeling this, not just Rougher Nation. And no one feels it more than superinten dent Jarod Mendenhall, who with a long-term planning committee put together at the outset of his tenure got the ball rolling with a vision, one that voters eventually embraced.Aslateas February, the view was through the glasses of rock-solid optimism that every thing needed for football would be finished. The asterisk was issues be yond immediate control, a proverbial flake in the corner of the eye.
“It was about that point I had to get my arms around what can be deliverable and what can not be practiceneededprocessweek,Mendenhalldeliverable,”saidlastreflectingonthethusfar.“Wetohavetheteamonthatfield for a period of time. We needed an answer for where they would dress. We had some hard con versations about this.”
Pigskin Preview4 Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 Like Indian Bowl’s beginning, Rougher Village’s will be gradual too By Mike
Well, Indian Bowl wasn’t fully ready for its opening night either 84 years ago. So history will repeat itself Sept. 2 when there’s a football game at northwestbeyondbackdroptreelinepleasingestheticallyevenplenty.ing,looksnario.perfectaVillageRougherinfarfromsceTheturfgreat.Theseatthere’sThere’santhecorner of the end zone, courtesy of na ture flightswillaccessingcomingneveratThejustmakeshiftvisitorscoaches’room,intendedroom?hotdogsvarietyindustry,ea’scludingtable,they’llButitself.therestrooms,beportable.Theconcessions?Porbutplenty—infourfromtheargrowingfoodtrucksoitaddstothestandardandnachosfare.ThehomelockerFornow,it’sthevisitor’slockercompletewithoffices.Thewillreceiveaarrangementdownthehallway.buildersofG-UnitMuskogeeHighlikelysawthatpurposesomeday.Meanwhile,thosethepressboxclimbfourtosixofstairstoget to it as the elevator will not be functional (quick, is there a crash cross-fit course for some of us old guys?), but there’s also the traditional way of scaling the bleachers to theAstop.for parking, it’s going to be a lot about what I’ll go ahead and name the Rougher Shuttle, from the shop ping center lot a block or so west of the stadium, where Ollie’s and MiniMax Food Store, among other establishments, is. But through it all, there will be football here for these seniors, and despite all the hur dles that have slowed completion in these pandemic and supply chain issue eras we’re in, that’s enough to kick off on time, say the folks who brought this to us as the centerpiece of a $110 million bond issue passed by voters three years“We’veago.been to fairs, we’ve even been to other arenas that have had this types of setups, whether it be perma nent or temporary,” said Jason Parker, Muskogee athletic director. “I’ve built a new house be fore. I’ve had to have a contractor come out up to 12 months later be cause things weren’t as finished as thought.”
So excuse the dust, so to “Ifspeak.itis going to incon venience some adults for a little while to allow these seniors a chance to play in it, so be it,” Parker said. “If you polled them, I think 100 percent would rather play in this facility one year even as is.”
File photo
Jamarian Ficklin was All-Phoenix Newcomer of the Year in 2021.
The frustration began early. Sixty-three points allowed in week one, and it was a roller-coaster ride from there — twice more, 49 points by the half. Per game, 415 yards allowed defen sively.Itwas far too much to ask the other side, led by a freshman quarter back with scant experi ence returning from an 0-7 team in a pandem ic-shortened 2020, and like the defense learn ing a new scheme under new coordinators and a new head coach. For Rougher Nation, it was catch-up from the word go, and never caught up.
Pigskin Preview 5Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
“Ioffense.waslinebacker through INFC (youth) ball and into ninth grade, then it all changed my sophomore year,” Tolbert, a senior now, said. By Mike Kays
Foundation laid, Roughers set to shine in new home
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Add to that the year spent under offensive coordinator Chris Ris enhoover, and also guys like Bell, McGee and running back Brandon Tolbert established themselves as leaders. Their growth helped so lidify plans over the off-season to let them go both ways — Bell and McGee will work at one corner spot and Tolbert will move to linebacker, perhaps leaning there more so than on
“It’s just so hard to correct when those guys making mistakes are 14-15 years old and playing at a speed they’ve never seen be fore,” said Steve Craver, who oversaw Musk ogee’s defense for the first time. By now, they have, and the game has slowed down, on both sides of the ball. So a year later, buoyed by mental growth, physical growth and growth that comes from forged relationships and trust, there’s fresh optimism, joined by a fresh turf and stadium at Rougher Village, thus ending 83 years of Indian Bowl tra dition.“Wehad to take small steps,” said Travis Hill, entering his second sea son as head coach after two stints as defensive coordinator, the first culminating in a semifinal season in 2016, and the second ending with the program’s only winless, though shortened, season of 2020.
So from the start in 2021, there was little two-way playing. The em phasis was on growing in the place you had the best shot of growing. And on the offensive side of the ball, the growth was more noticeable.Jamarian Ficklin threw for 2,328 yards and as a freshman was All-Phoenix Newcomer of the Year. He will no doubt have the benefit of a growing chemistry mix with Jayden Bell, who had 968 yards last season on 50 receptions and was All-Phoenix. But that chemistry improves as well with guys like junior Kayden McGee, a guy with de veloping D-1 stock and a few inches of height on the sure-handed Bell. There’s also Anthony Watson, a multi-faceted junior in terms of receiv ing and rushing options.
FicklinHillBell WatsonTolbertHenry (See next
mkays@muskogeephoenix.com
“You saw it, we all saw it. That’s where we came from into last year. When you’re that far down in about every way imaginable, it starts with little things. And you keep driving home those little things.”
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Bixby is now 6AI and bound for a nationally-televised game in week 10 with 6AI defending champ Jenks. That creates opportunity in 6AII that only Tulsa Washington has tak en advantage of, that being in 2017. Stillwater shifts from the western district to the east and appears to have the slight edge over Booker T at the top. Toss in the new stage in Rougher Village, and the upcoming season is full of intrigue. “My final run, and we got this new stadium. It’s really surreal because my uncles played at Indian Bowl,” Bell said. “I’m excited to see what (the new facility) is going to do for Muskogee.” This group will be the one that breaks it in, and the guys that make it up would like to be part of solving the equation at the top. Hill thinks they can, but first things“We’refirst.still driving home the fact that beyond the talent, it’s all about doing the little things right,” said Hill, who won a state title at Tulsa East Central over a decade ago. “It’s not just coach speak, it really is key to success, not just on the field but in life. If we make a habit of that across the board, we can do some special things.”
Muskogee File Jayden Bell was one of the area’s leading receiv ers last season. He’s back for his senior year. will be
Pigskin Preview6 Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 MUSKOGEE ROUGHERS
Last season: 2-8. Head coach: Travis Hill, 2nd year. Staff: Chris Risenhoover, offensive coordinator; Steve Craver, defensive coor dinator; Brad Higeons, linebacker/assistant head coach; Keaton Scott, tight end; Carter Bradley, receivers; Ryan Dvorak, offensive line; Tuffy Thornton, offensive line; Anthony McNac, defensive line; Prentice Joseph, defensive line; Pete Rich ardson, cornerbacks; Don Mayes, running backs; Brady Tingel, grad assistant. Returning starters (8 offensive, 5 defensive): Jamarian Ficklin So., QB, 6-1, 183; Jayden Bell, Sr., 5-8, 155, WR/CB, Brandon Tolbert, Sr., RB, 5-8, 201; Antho ny Watson, Jr., RB/TE/LB, 6-0, 218; Vernon Pepiakitah, Sr., OL, 6-1, 293; Kayden McGee, Jr., 6-0, 145, WR; Teyon Brewer, OL/DL, Jr., 6-3, 265; Braydn Henry, Jr., OL, 6-0, 210; Jase Garrett, Sr., OL, 5-11, 230;. Jayden Swanson, Jr. CB, 5-11,145; Ayden Kemp, Jr., S, 5-11, 165; Treyveon Houston, Jr., (DL now LB), 5-8, 190; De Shawn Smith, Sr., LB, 5-10,180; Jaron Riggs-Brown, Jr., S, 6-2, 151. Emerging: LaTavion Johnson, So., RB, 5-8, 175; Ondraye Beasley, So., WR, 5-8, 160; Wesley Harvey, Jr., OL, 6-6, 282; Pepiakitah, DL; Zion Dedmon, WR; Zack Coffman, Sr., OL, 5-9, 240; Watson, LB; Tolbert, LB; McGee, CB; Terryn Miles, Sr., CB/S, 5-8, 154; Deyonn Bowler, Jr., S, 5-7, 158; O’Shea Stevenson, So., OL, 6-2, 291; Kaleb Huston, Jr., OL, 6-2, 300. “I’m OK with this. Last year was a lot of ups and downs. This year we’re confident and ready for what’s ahead.”Theline will have Vernon Pepiaki tah healthy. He was lost half of 2021 with a knee injury. He was consid ered at the time their best blocker. But others have come along rath er well. Bradyn Henry will move to center following an off-season of weight work and summer strides that had offensive coordinator Chris Risenhoover labeling him the best player on the team during the team camp at “VernonClaremore.comingback is a big part of what we’ll be,” said Henry. “Me moving to center was a little bit of a change but I’ve played it before. We’ve got guys who can step up and give people breaks. And our bond is pretty good. “We know what we’re doing. We can look at the field and know what alignment we’re seeing, and know where our doubles are and how to playSpeakingtogether.”ofbonds, the glue that has kept Bixby’s hands stuck on the gold ball seven times in the eight years of Class 6AII-2’s existence has been broken due to realignment.
NEW DISTRICT ALIGNMENTS 6AII-1 PutnamUSStillwaterSandT.BartlesvilleTahlequahMuskogeeWashingtonSpringsGrantWest 4A-4 Fort StilwellSallisawPoteauMadillBrokenAdaHilldaleGibsonBow 4A-3 SkiatookOologahMiamiMcLainCushingClevelandCatoosaWagoner 3A-3 T.StiglerSeminoleMuldrowLocustLincolnBerryhillChecotahChristianGroveWebster A-5 VianSequoyahRolandPragueOkemahKeysHenryettaWarner 2A-6 WilburtonValliiantSpiroIdabelHugoHeavenerAntlersEufaula A-8 TalihinaSal.PocolaPanamaCanadianPorterHaskellGoreCentral(not playing) B-5 WebbersPorumMidway Falls QuintonDewarCaddo F In print or online your sportsIn print or online your sports source in Great Countr ysource in Great Countr y F o l l o w y o u r f a v o r i t eFollow your favorite t e a m s t h i s s e a s o n b yteams this season by r e a d i n g t h e M u s k o g e ereading the Muskogee P h o e n i x a n d f o l l o w i n gPhoenix and following u s o n F a c e b o o kus on Facebook FFootballootballFootballSeasonSeasonSeason Pigskin Preview 7Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
Hilldale running back Eric Virgil breaks loose from an Oologah running back last season. Virgil is the main cog in Hilldale’s offense that returns nine starters, but he’s got plenty of surrounding help. But don’t overlook the quarterback. Doing so almost cost a powerhouse a playoff win last year
(See next page)
Run game, seasoned line boost Hilldale’s hopes
BlevinsDavidKeefe
ononer,powerhouseagainstfourforCondict.headscaringtohebutquarterbackfordesiredis5-foot-8themayrunningtheirifwhatcloseunexpectedlyandtoshowingcanhappenyoufocusonnoteworthygame.CaynenDavidnotlookpart—hisheightlessthanthetowerahighschool—onthatnight,playedtheparttheextentofWagonercoachDaleDavidthrew323yardsandtouchdownsClass4AWagwhichkeyednowthree-year
WalkerGaddy Pigskin Preview8 Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
The season didn’t end like it wanted — and earlier than the quarterfinal peak it has been accustomed to reach over the years — yet Hilldale came exeedingly
starter Eric Virgil, limiting his carries to four with just 12 yards. And it wasn’t just David’s arm — he had 1,700 yards passing on the season — but as Condict said afterward, the elusiveness he showed came as a surprise.Nothing should surprise opposing defenses this year against this offense. Nine starters return, includ ing Virgil and his just shy of 2.800 yards rushing in two seasons. The line that helped protect the quarterback is all back, including Air Force commit Evan Keefe, who is re lieved he has his long-range fu ture map settled before getting into the season in front of him. He had 10 offers, seven from Division I schools, and the ex posure helped in other“Theways.thing that it did is it brought a lot of attention to other players on our team,” he said.You don’t get recruited to a military acad emy
BlevinsheadsomethingstandsKeefe’sthisanotherleadership.understandingwithoutThat’saspectofteambeyondpartthatout.It’sthatcoachDavidhasbecome familiar with as this senior class were freshmen when he arrived from Locust Grove.
“Me coming in when they were all freshmen, I saw a lot knew how to play and I played some of them,” Blevins said. “Nine guys started three years. The leadership this class brings, everyone is buying into this group. We’ve thought from the get-go this group would be special.”Thehead coach’s physi cal-over-finesse approach bodes well with such experience in By Mike Kays mkays@muskogeephoenix.com
File photo
KevinKirk WoDavidody MaercellusFaulk McCallMyron WaShelleygner AustinYates ChristopherBoals McCallJustin the“I’vetrenches.beenwith those guys since INFC (youth) football. I trust them with my life,” said fellow lineman Grayson Gaddy. “It’s one of the biggest brotherhoods we’re going to have, and the last few years I think we’ve really connected there and know what each other is going to It’sdo.”also a group that has a new line coach in Josh McMillan, who was with Blevins as part of Muskogee’s staff under Matt Hennesy in the 00s. Blevins takes over the defense as coordinator Earnie Ragland left this summer for Adair and the spot wasn’t filled from outside. That side of the football must overcome some key losses — Cason Albin set a school sack re cord at defensive end and was All-Phoenix Large School Defensive Player of the Year, and was one of three All-Phoenix selec tions on that side to grad uate. Those offensive line men will help fill spots up front. Behind them, Aden Jenkins had 73 tackles at linebacker.“Wetook some hard losses, we’ll have a couple new guys on the back end and our line looks good. We’ve got guys coming in who can play,” said Jace Walker, a returning start er at Andsafety.there’s plenty of leadership, including the quarterback.“Iwanteverything to go on my shoulders on Friday nights,” David said this summer. “If it’s some one’s fault we don’t win, I want it to be mine. I want to be that kind of guy for others.”
th A inning Team! Ride Wit Wi
CB,Alonzocum,WR/DB;5-7,Pickering,CB,iahWR/LB,MasonOL/DL/K,DB;WR/FS,155;Gonzales,Sr.,233;,Gonzalez,C,315;East,Sr.,205;Jenkins,WR,marionSr.,195;Sr.,275;Keefe,RB,sive):(9ing,nerbacks;Easley,backers;AlexGrantBurns,defensiveline;McMillan,siveErwinfensiveBlevins,lostHORNETSHILLDALELastseason:8-3,4Afirstround.Headcoach:David4thseason.Staff:Blevins,decoordinator;Starts,offencoordinator;JoshoffensiveBaileyPuckett,line;Blanequarterbacks;Dunn,safeties;Puckett,lineKenningtonreceivers/corTyPicker-runningbacks.Returningstartersoffensive,6defen-EricVirgil,Sr.,5-9,185;EvanSr.,OL/DL,6-3,LoganHarper,WR/OLB,6-3,CaynenDavid,QB,5-8,170;LaBurton,Sr.,6-0,160,AdenSr.,LB,6-10,GraysonGaddy,C,6-0,240;KobySt.,G/NG,6-2,BlairPaulson,6-7,218;MicahSr.,G,6-1,KaydenShoals,DL,5-7,265;IsaacSr.,FS,5-8,JaceWalker,Sr.,5-11,162.Emerging:Burton,CashSchiller,So.,5-8,235;Pickering,So.,6-0,190;Isa-Patterson,Sr.,WR/5-8,155;HaydenSo.,WR/DB,145;BradyScott,WyattBransSr.,DL,6-1,204;Perez,Sr.,WR/5-9,166.backquarterbackHilldaleCaynenDavidshowedinlastyear’snarrowfirst-roundplayofflosshecouldshoulderabiggerdualthreatloadifyoukeytoomuchonrunningEricVirgilwithtwo1,000-plusyardseasons. File photo Hornets Pigskin Preview 9Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
A26, at Regent Prep, 7 p.m. S2, Wesleyan Christian, 7 p.m. S9, Arkoma, 7 p.m. S16, at Oaks, 7 p.m. S22,at Cave Springs, 7 p.m. O7, Dewar, 7 p.m. O14, at Midway, 7 p.m. O20, Porum (HC), 7 p.m. O28, at Caddo, 7 p.m. N4, Quinton, 7 p.m.
SCHEDULES S30,S23,S9,S2,A26,MUSKOGEEatEnid,7p.m.PutnamCity,7p.m.atCarlAlbert,7p.m.atSandSprings,7p.m.PutnamWest(HC),7p.m.O7,atGrant,7p.m.O13,Tahlequah,7p.m.O20,atT.Washington,7p.m.O28,Bartlesville,7p.m.N4,Stillwater,7p.m.HILLDALES2,atT.Edison,7p.m.S9,TulsaHale,7:30p.m.S16,atClaremore,7p.m.S23,Stilwell(HC),7:30p.m.S30,Ada,7:30p.m.O7,atPoteau,7p.m.O13,atSallisaw,7p.m.O21,BrokenBow,7p.m.O28,Madill,7:30p.m.N4,FortGibson,7:30p.m.FORTGIBSONA26,Oologah,7p.m.S2,atBerryhill,7p.m.S16,Glenpool(HC),7p.m.S23,atPoteau,7p.m.S30,BrokenBow,7p.m.O7,atStilwell,7p.m.O13,atMadill,7p.m.O20,Ada,7p.m.O28,Sallisaw,7p.m.N4,atHilldale,7:30p.m.WAGONERS2,Coweta,7p.m.S9,Tahlequah,7p.m. S16, at Grove, 7 p.m. S23, at Skiatook, 7 p.m. S30, Oologah (HC), 7 p.m. O7, at Cushing, 7 p.m. O13, Cleveland, 7 p.m. O21, at T. McLain, 7 p.m. O28, Catoosa, 7 p.m. N4, at Miami, 7 S16,S30,A26CHECOTAHp.m.,atE.Central,7p.m.S2,C.Sequoyah,7p.m.S9,atHaskell,7p.m.S16,Eufaula,7:30p.m.S23,atMuldrow,7p.m.Seminole(HC),7p.m.O7,atL.Christian,7p.m.O13,LocustGrove,7p.m.O21,atBerryhill,7p.m.N4,Stigler,7p.m.WARNERS2,atSavanna,7p.m.S9,S.Central,7p.m.S16,atChouteau,7p.m.S23,Vian,7p.m.S30,atOkemah,7p.m.O7,Henryetta(HC),7p.m.O13,atKeys,7p.m.O21,Prague,7p.m.O28,T.Sequoyah,7p.m.N4,atRoland,7p.m.EUFAULAS2,Vian,7p.m.S9,atSequoyah,7p.m.atChecotah,7:30p.m.S23,atSpiro,7p.m. S30, Heavener (HC), 7 p.m. O7, at Wilburton, 7 p.m. O13, Antlers, 7 p.m. O21, Valliant, 7 p.m. O28, at Hugo, 7 p.m. N4, Idabel, 7 p.m. GORE A26, at Wilburton, 7 p.m. S2, Keys, 7 p.m. S9 ,at Mounds, 7 p.m. S16, at Savanna, 7 p.m. S30, Canadian (HC), 7 p.m. O7, at Pocola, 7 p.m. O13, Sal. Central, 7 p.m. O21, Panama, 7 p.m. O28, at Haskell, 7 p.m. N4, Porter, 7 HASKELLp.m. S2, Caney Valley, 7 p.m. S9, Checotah, 7 p.m. S16, at Morris, 7 p.m. S23, at Sal. Central, 7 p.m. S30, Porter, 7 p.m. O6 Casady, 7 p.m. O13 Canadian, 7 p.m. O21, at Pocola, 7 p.m. O28, Gore (HC), 7 p.m. N4, at Panama, 7 p.m. PORTER S2, Mounds, 7p.m. S9, at Hulbert, 7 p.m. S16, Wyandotte (HC), 7 p.m. S23, Panama, 7 p.m. S30, at Haskell, 7 p.m. O7, at Sal. Central, 7 p.m. O13 bye O20, at Canadian, 7 p.m. O28, Pocola, 7 p.m. N4, at Gore, 7 MIDWAYp.m. A26, Cave Springs, 7 p.m. S2 at Arkoma, 7 p.m. S9 at Bowlegs, 7 p.m. S16 Gans, 7 p.m. S30 Depew, 7 p.m. O6 at Quinton, 7 p.m. O13 Webbers Falls, 7 p.m. O21 Caddo, 7 p.m. O28 at Dewar, 7 p.m. N4 Porum, 7 PORUMp.m. S2, at S. Coffeyville, 7:30 p.m. S8, Oaks, 7:30 p.m. S16, Keota (HC), 7 p.m. S23, Gans, 7 p.m. S29, at Cave Springs, 7 p.m. O7, Caddo, 7 p.m. O13, at Dewar, 7 p.m. O21, at Webbers Falls, 7 p.m. O27, Quinton, 7 p.m. N4, at Midway, 7 p.m.
WEBBERS FALLS
Pigskin
Preview10 Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
From the moment Ryan Nolan walked into an auditorium to meet his first team to serve as head coach for, it’s been different. There was the player he told to sit up in his seat. Cell phones, turn them off. And from that point in time grew a sense of excitement, stretching to a bump in booster meeting attendance, and, where it matters most, summer workout“(Players)attendance.wantedto be there, they wanted to work every day, day in and day out,” said Hunter Branch, one of the“Aseniors.lotmore numbers, I can tell you that,” added his quarterback, Cole Mahaney.Mahaney had some inside informa tion on his new mentor. Mahaney’s uncle, Chance Ross, was Ryan Nolan’s favorite receiver at nearby Keys High School. The passing combo set multi ple school records together there. Since then, Nolan, inspired by his high school coach, Gary Willis, went a
GibsonatwinsplayoffchaseouttempofastNolan’stoFort
MIKE KAYS/Phoenix
By Mike Kays mkays@muskogeephoenix.com
New Fort Gibson head football coach Ryan Nolan talks to his players during a spring practice. Nolan, who played football at nearby Keys High School, takes over the Tigers off a Class 6A-1 championship as part of the Jenks staff.
(See next page) Pigskin Preview 11Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 gOur Ft. Gibson Team the best! 1224 E. Poplar •Ft. Gibson •918.478.2555 • fortgibsonfuneral@outlook.com clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com Wishing
way that most in his family did not, trad ing a career in medicine for football. A sojourn through multiple Class 6A schools around Tulsa, the last stop being part of Jenks’ 6AI state champion last year, has culminated with the call he got from athletic director Chuck London this spring.
Fort Gibson will look to improve on seven consecutive first-round playoff knockouts.
Staff: Scott Bethel, defensive coordinator; Wes Whiteley, linebackers; Sammy Johnson, defensive line, co-special teams; Jordan London, corners/safeties, co-special teams; Jake Tolbert, offensive line, run game coordinator; Chuck London, tight ends, H-backs, assistant offensive line; Grayland Dunams, receiv starters (6 offensive, 4 defensive): Cole Mahaney, Sr., QB/S, 5-10, 170; Cade Waggle, Sr., SLOT,/CB, 5-11, 165; Hunter Branch, Sr., WR/CB, 6-2, 165; Rylie Ladd, Jr., 5-11, 180; Andrew Sparks, Sr., OL, 6-1, 220; John Lewis, Sr., OL/ LB, 6-0, 200; Kayden Hunt, Sr., 6-2, LB, 220.
The last time they got to the second round was 2014 under James Singleton. Singleton, ironically, was also the last to conduct a Football 101 for Moms in the summer months, which Nolan led a couple weeks ago. Speaking of moms, his wife, Maci, is pregnant and due to deliver during the season.
Last season: 6-5, lost 4A first round. Head coach: Nolan Ryan, 1st year.
Emerging: Donnie Cox, So., MULT/DB, 5-10, 140.
WaggleSparks Tigers Pigskin Preview12 Muskogee Phoenix
ers.Returning
MIKE KAYS/Phoenix
The defense will remain the same under Scott Bethel, a 3-4 alignment, but four return as starters with most are in the back end.
“We knew we had coach (defensive coordinator Scott) Bethel in place, so we knew go ing in we needed an offensive guy who ran his own system. His being a part of 5A-6A type staffs allowed him to put in his system. His character, his knowledge of the game, rela tionships with coaches and players ... we felt like he’s the right guy for this time in our history.”Theup-tempo offense from the spread with run-pass options and multiple route options puts a lot of freedom in the feet of receivers and lots of mental load on the quarter backs.Mahaney, entering his fourth season as a starter be hind center, had an idea early on he was the type of “fit” for what Nolan wants there when his uncle let him know he applied for the job. “(Ross) just said (Nolan) reminded him a lot of the way I play,” he said. Added Nolan: “(The offense) is simple for a lot of people but not the quarterback. There’s no pre-snap reads, it’s all postsnap. You may not be able to read the cov erage but you’ve got to be able to find the space of what the coverage is giving you. Our receivers will have four options on every play. Cole will have to be able to see the space the receiver is attacking and not just deliver a catchable ball but throw him open.”With Branch and Waggle, Mahaney has about 1,200 of his 1,819 yards through the air in 2021, a year in which the Tigers tilted more away from the I to a spread. The up-tempo of Nolan’s system will generate more chances. Waggle and Branch will also man secondary spots on de fense — as will Mahaney. The offensive line will see a shuffle. Andrew Sparks played left guard. He’ll move to tackle as part of a movement to put the more athletic linemen at tackle for pulling purposes.
FORT GIBSON TIGERS
MahaneyBranchRyan Thursday, Aug. 25,
Cole Mahaney looks to throw while Tigers assistant coach Grayland Dunnams looks on.
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As for thetingmuchsomechangethoughts?Rodriguez’s“Ienjoythealot.There’sstillpressurebutnotasandIenjoystillgettorunsomeandcatchballaswell.”
Wagoner wants a football on Thanksgiving table again
“Gabe certainly could be one of the best quarterbacks in 4A football but he’s the kind of guy that’s going to do whatever he needs to do to help the team be the best we can be,” said Condict.
The Bulldogs’ running game will also benefit with the return of senior Braylan Roberson, who averaged over seven yards per carry last year while scoring 11 touchdowns.Thenewquarterback will certainly have a talented group of receivers that are among the eight return ing offensive starters with sophomore Alex Shield night, junior Witt Edwards and senior Brayden Skeen. Shieldnight, who comes from a basketball dominated family, has been a pleasant surprise for Condict.
Wagoner’s Gabe Rodriguez ran the offense as quarterback last year. He’ll still carry the football, but next to the guy who will take over behind center, Kaden Charboneau.
Condict
If that holds, Rodriguez’s last play at quarterback ended with a concussion in the first half of last year’s second-round playoff loss to Tuttle. He finished the year with just over 1,100 yards rushing and also passing and was All-Phoenix Large School Offensive Player of the Year.
“This will be just his sec ond year to play football and from the time he stepped on campus last year, I’ve never seen the growth in a player
By Nick Hampton Phoenix Correspondent File photo
(See next page) ShieldnightRodriguezSkeenEdwards Pigskin Preview 13Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
Having been to the pin nacle of success with five Class 4A championships since 2011, the Wagoner Bulldogs signal-callingtakingCharboneausophomorepositiontoquarterbackmovesGabetweak.withCondict.progress,”madethinkteamspringI’vehepaidshapingoff-seasontofromstaff,Bryantyearmid-seasonspreadoffensestapleingupshakingDalethisplayoffalastThanksgivingpracticingthemselvesfoundnotonyearaftersecond-roundexit.SoyearcoachCondictisthingsonoffense.AfterswitchfromthediamondtothearoundlastwithTravisbackonmovingdefenseoffense,anofithasdividends,said.“Fromwhatseenintheandincamps,Iwe’vealotofsaidProgressamajorSeniorRodriguezfromanH-backwithKaleovertheduties.
“His move to H-back will still utilize his athleticism and we’ll rely on his block ing but that’s not to say that you won’t see him at quar terback in some instances.”
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WAGONER BULLDOGS
lequah.andoutsthatnon-districttheyfindpracticeforwardgivingpracticeinyearwetingguyseverbetter2022.toand17leastfootballtheplayersonboneau,Shieldnight,Rodriguez,CharSkeenandRoballexpectedtovitalroles.TheBulldogsholdrecordin11-manforhavingatoneplayoffwininconsecutiveseasonsCondictislookingextendthatstreakin“It’sbeenoneofthesummerswe’vehad,andthesearefocusedongetusbacktowherewere,”hesaid.“Lastwasthefirsttimealongtimewedidn’ton‘Thankssowe’relookingtohavingthatagain.”TheBulldogswilloutquicklywherestandwithatoughscheduleincludes5AstandGroveandCoweta6AnewcomerTah
that I’ve seen in him,” said the Bulldog head coach.ForSkeen, getting used to a new quarter back has been a driving force for him.
“Last year was OK but I’m looking to do better this year. I’ve been working with Kale a lot and I’m liking what I see,” said Skeen. The offensive line will be buoyed by three returning seniors in Jacob Barney, Roman Garcia and Kaiden Dick.The Bulldog defense, which gave up an av erage of just 15 points a game last year, will again be solid with the likes of
Last season: 9-3, 4A quarterfinalist. Head coach: Dale Condict, 17th year, 25th over all.Staff: Ryan Keenom, Travis Bryant, Leland Al exander, Austin Condict, Chad Soma, Micco Char boneau, Ray Bell, Beau Bowman, Corey Tipton, AllenReturningSevier. starters (8 offensive, 7 defensive, 2 specialists): Gabe Rodriguez, Sr., QB/HB/SS, 5-9, 170; Braylon Roberson, Sr., RB/DE, 5-11, 220; Alex Shieldnight, So., TE/OLB, 6-4, 215; Kale Char boneau, So., LB, 6-0, 180; Witt Edwards, Jr., WR/S, 6-6, 205; Brayden Skeen, Sr., WR/CB, 6-0, 165; Ryder Aadahl, Sr., C 6-1, 255; Jacob Barney, Sr., C, 6-1, 255; Roman Garcia, Sr., OL /DE, 6-3, 235; Ethan Muehlenweg, Sr., K, 5-10, 185; Logan Bloxsom, Jr., K, 6-2, Emerging:185. Charboneau, QB; Dax Griffin, So., OL, 6-4, 285;Caiden Dick, Sr., OL, 6-0, 230; Gavin Miller, So., OLB, 6-0, 195; Bryce Steele, So., LB, 5-8, 165; Shaun Atikins, Jr., CB, 5-11, 165.
File phopto Brayden Skeen returns as a pass-catching weapon for Wagoner, as he was in this contest against Sperry in 2021.
Samuel Herrera,Midway
“When my kids play I believe it will be a bigger sport with more people playing.”
“More rules for people’s safety, possibly making the game softer. I think it will be on TV more.”
“I think the OSSAA will test more for steroids and drug tests will be mandatory.”
“I think it will be softer. Kids are getting soft.”
“I’m really hoping football stays the same. I want my kids to have the same great experience I had playing.”IsaiahVargas, Checotah
Jayden Bell, Muskogee
Gabe Rodriguez, Wagoner “When my kids play I hope the new coach and his values have set in to our program.”
“I think football is always going to be a sport the kids love. On the other hand, I also think parents are going to continue to cause problems and cause officials to slowly keep taking bits form the game.”
“Looking ahead I feel that we should be cautious, especially in this new wave of entitlement and the self-centered style of thinking sweeping our country, or we may begin to lose the concept of instilling mental fortitude along with the desire for team success even if it means selfsacrifice.”
“Football like all sports are constanty changing but the basics will remain the same. With that being said, it will evolve but if you have a good work ethic you can still dominate the Madduxgame.”Shelby, Webbers Falls
Ty Vinson, Warner
Brayden Stinnett, Porum
“Football will evolve in ways we’ve never seen before. New ideas to make a team work more than teamwork. The critical thinking it instills on young players will make the sport more than just a sport but a life skill.”
“Players will promote themselves and you’ll see the introduction of NIL deals in high school.”
Andrew Sparks, Fort Gibson
Pigskin Preview 15Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
THE FUTURE OF FOOTBALL
“I see the implementation of more technology for safety whether that be gear or more impact sensors. I also see it used more for recruiting and data Juniorrecording.”Faul,Haskell
“More rules for safety like more padding.” Miguel Chavez, Porter
Gunner Dozier, Gore
The game is changing seemingly daily. Players are getting paid, and they’re not pro yet. There’s thoughts that aspect could come to a high school near you.Safety measures, hightech preparation, you name it. It’s there. And in some places, there’s attrition in the game, so much so that the numbers are dwindling not just in terms of players, but also coaches and officials.Weasked area players to look ahead to a time when their kids are playing, and what the game will look like. These are a few of those responses.
Luke Adcock, Eufaula
Grayson Gaddy, Hilldale
Lots of holes to fill for Checotah on both sides of ball
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For the first time in three years, Checotah Wildcats head football coach Zac Ross finds himself in unfamiliar territory. With only two returning starters on offense and three on defense for the 2022 season he doesn’t have experience and leadership to fall back on. Seventeen combined starters and a pair of Division I players graduated has left the prover bial cupboard bare. Add to that the Wildcats play in one of the toughest districts in Class 3A with dangerous squads like Lincoln Christian, Seminole and Stigler and former 4A Muldrow dropping down to join the fracas, Dis trict 3A-3 will be anything but a cakewalk to a postseason berth.“We had a lot of talented players that we lost to gradua tion, so we’re going to be young, very young this season,” said Ross. “With what we’ve been doing this summer I am happy By Eric Shannon Phoenix Correspondent Checotah head coach Zac Ross gives advice to his squad during a practice session last week.
Wildcats’ task: Make sure the new claws fit
(See next page)
“We have definitely gotten bigger and stronger and we’re working harder than in years past,” said Lowe. “I think we’re going to sur prise some people, especially in our district.”
Last season: 3-8, lost 3A first round. Head coach: Zac Ross.
Emerging: Jacob Jones, Jr., QB, 6-3, 180; Jaydin Bray, Jr., WR, 6-0, 195; Reighn Westbrook, So., G, 5-10, 250; Isaiah Vargas, Sr., DE, 5-9, 180. with what we have, we have some kids that have to step up, learn fast, but we’ve been working hard and I’m excited to see what we can do this season.”
Bray concurs with Thomas that there are players ready to step up and fill in some“Weroles.have Lane El liot and Tyler Orman that will step up at anytime. Because it is more than just one player, we are only as good as the team is,” Bray said.
“We hold each other accountable out there,” he said. “It’s not about me, we are all working together, we want each other to succeed. We have guys on this team that can make plays like Jacob (Jones) and Jaydin (Bray), it’s a team game and we’re all going after that win.”
CHECOTAH WILDCATS
JOHN HASLER/Special to the Phoenix Right, Checotah’s Levi Lawson attacks the sled.
On the opposite side in a 4-2-5 set, the Wildcats will rely on senior defensive-end Isaiah Vargas and Hall from his line backer spot to keep the opposing offense off the field. Hall recorded 83 tackles last sea son as a junior. Senior Levi Lowe will be looked on to anchor the de fense from his defensive tackle spot along with the 6-foot-5, 330-pound Levi Lawson and Marshall at 285. Thomas will return to his defen sive back position, where he totaled 44 tackles in 2021 to lead an inex perienced defensive backfield. Doubters that they may have, the Wildcats have something to prove this season behind what could be an explosive team.
Staff: Rick Lang, defensive coordinator; Tom Butler, receivers/linebackers; Cody Prator, linemen; Brett Bouher, running backs/defensive line. Returning starters (2 offensive, 3 defensive): Eli jah Thomas, So., WR/DB, 6-1, 175; Jonah Marshall, Jr., G/DT, 6-0, 285; Kreed Hall, LB, 5-10, 185.
ThomasBray Lowe
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Pigskin Preview 17Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
“We have some challenges on the offensive line,” said Ross. “We’re go ing to have to grow up fast up front.”
Ross will look upon a sophomore in wide receiver Elijah Thomas, who pulled in 33 catches and 641 yards receiv ing with seven touch downs last season to lead his young and inexperienced offense. Thomas is the young er brother of four-year running back Dontierre Fisher, who signed a D-1 letter last winter. The young er brother has already caught the eye of University of Arkansas, which offered him after a summer football camp in June. With Thomas on one side, Eufau la transfer, junior Jaydin Bray will take on the other receiver spot with Muskogee junior transfer Jacob Jones tasked with getting the ball to the Withduo.the pressure being put on Thomas as just a sophomore, he says he is ready to take on the task of leadership, together with those around him.
Ross
Checotah
Kreed Hall gets the call at the running back spot, for the departed Fisher. Hall rushed for over 300 yards last season on 47 carries. The offensive line is where the real questions begin for Ross. The only returning starter is junior guard Jonah Marshall, which leaves all the other positions open for battle in fall camp.
NO. 3: FORT GIBSON 42, SALLISAW 41, OT (1997) — No. 3 Sallisaw and the legendary coach Ron Lancaster led 35-14 before the Paul Wilson-led Tigers erupted for three touchdowns to force overtime. Lance Vann’s toss to a wide-open Eric Holuby was the game-winner. Lehman, then a sophomore, scored twice. It earned the Tigers their first district championship in 26 years. NO. 4: FORT GIBSON 36, WAGONER 35 (2014) — Wagoner had rallied from a 14-0 deficit to lead 28-14 and again at 35-21 when Chris Walker scored for the fourth time on a run with 2:58 to get within a touchdown. Jordan London hit Will Rumbley from 16 yards out, then on the conversion with 34 seconds left. Wagoner quarterback Malcolm Rodriguez was intercepted by Colton Oliveras to secure the win. NO. 5: FORT GIBSON 7, JAY 0 (1989) — The Tigers had lost 14 consecutive games, five to open the 1989 season. Jay entered the game No. 2 in the class. Coach Jerry Kerr changed from the wishbone to the i-formation and inserted Kirkhart at quarterback and Gugello at running back. Gugello finished with 171 yards rushing on 18 carries and Kirkhart had 134 yards passing, unheard of at the time for the FGHS run-oriented offense. Defensively, Bryan Holder intercepted three passes. NO. 6: FORT GIBSON 20, STILWELL 13 (1997) — Fort Gibson’s first playoff win in 75 years of football. Nathan Marklow had two carries for 109 yards, one a 76-yard td. NO. 7: FORT GIBSON 59, POTEAU 56 (2011) — Jon Cook batted down a Poteau pass as time expired after the Tigers and quarterback J.R. Singleton rolled up 526 yards of offense with running back Jake Gandara rushing for 228, 325 all-purpose yards. NO. 8: FORT GIBSON 59, SALLISAW 42 (2012) — Gandara set a school rushing mark with 411 yards and six touchdowns. Fort Gibson finished with 529 rushing and 678 total yards. NO. 9: FORT GIBSON 24, LOCUST GROVE 7 (1990) — Gugello rushed for 222 yards, senior defensive tackle Mike Reese recorded four sacks, and the Tigers dispatched fourth-ranked and 5-0 Locust Grove. NO. 10: FORT GIBSON 28, COWETA 27 (2 OT) — In the 15th and last meeting between the two, the Tigers knocked off the No. 3 Tigers of a different color.
Pigskin
Preview18 Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
A team that was once known as the Spuders has seen highs and lows throughout the history of Fort Gibson football, which this year reaches the century mark in Oklahoma’s oldest town. In 1922 a former University of Oklahoma football player and law school graduate, Q.B. Boydstun, proposed to the Fort Gibson Schools Superintendent to begin a football program. The school with no funding for such a proj ect left Boydstun to find local funding for the team and he had to become the coach. Boydstun solicited those funds and purchased jerseys, pants and socks. Shoulder pads and hel mets were a few years off.Thirty-five young men that knew nothing about football suited up for the first official sea son at the Fort Gibson baseball park and the game was afoot. The inaugural team played 10 games, win ning just three, and lost a 7-6 heartbreaker to the Porum Panthers. It didn’t have an offi cial mascot, and they were red and white just because that is what Boydstun happened to pick out. Some of the unofficial names for the team were the Chero kees and the Soldiers. In 1923 the nickname became the Spuders courtesy of the Muskogee Phoenix Sports Ed itor, William Huff. This name was given because at the time Fort Gib son was a major potato growing community. How the Tigers came about is still a mystery. Most theorize that it was voted on by stu dents.While there’s never been a strong tradition of success, but rather a mix of highs and lows, the Tigers have pro duced 25 All-State football selections, 15 D-1 players and one NFL player in Teddy Leh man, who at Oklahoma won the Butkus and Bednarik Awards and All-American honors. Boydstun coached for two years with a 9-12-0 record, then came Jim Hendren for seven sea sons (27-44-5), but made the postseason going 6-5 in 1964. Fast forward to 1969, John Bowden took over then posted the Tigers’ first district title in 1970 and first career winning record with 217-3 over three years. Into the 1980s David West coached for six years but couldn’t mus ter much success. Then Jerry Kerr took over in 1985 for five years, trad ing the red and white for crimson and cream, imitating the Universi ty of Oklahoma in the process — triple option and all. Kerr did take the Tigers to the play offs once, in 1985, losing to Muldrow 21-20 but failed to produce anoth erGregwinner.Gorman was going to be the savior in 1990 with two winning records and making the playoffs in his sec ond year. However, 21 straight losses led to a 16-35-0 record over five years and sent him packing.Thencame the old man and the son in 1995 — legendary Texas high school coach Paul Wilson and defensive co ordinator Lonnie Reed. The two each stayed four years at the helm, eight years total togeth er, making the playoffs every year but one and making a championship run that fell short in the title game. The two combined for a 57-32-0 record, the best coach ing span to date.
By Eric Shannon
NO. 2: FORT GIBSON 21, HILLDALE 20 (1992) — Michael Gugello took an option pitch from FGHS quarterback Chad Kirkhart and scored on a conversion with 5 seconds left, just after scoring from the 1. The TD was set up by Kirkhart’s pass to Bryce Minor. The Tigers lost both starters at offensive tackle, tight end, center and two linebackers and their kicker was playing with a broken big toe.
NO. 1: FORT GIBSON 24, CLINTON 23 (1999) — Down 14-0 early in a battle of 1-2, No. 2 Fort Gibson rallied behind Teddy Lehman’s three touchdown carries, the last with 1:18 to go, putting FGHS in its only-ever championship game.
A century of Fort Gibson football
Phoenix Correspondent
Shannon ranks the best 10 games
Jeff Taylor stepped in after Reed left in 2003 and kept the ship afloat with three consecutive playoff appearances, but things began to drop off and he ended with a 28-35-0 record after six years.After D.J. Howell came and went, it was former Muskogee assis tant James Singleton that seemed to come to the rescue in 2011. Singleton had a 33-140 record in four years, making the playoffs every year — his last to the semifinals, the best season since ofandNolan.yearsprogramorheadedpercentagepercentaRyanfirstschoolthewithseveninleftley,coordinator,Singleton’s1999.offensiveGregWhitetookoverafterheandkepttheTigerstheplayoffsfiveofhisyearsbutfinisheda34-41-0record.Thatbringsusto16thheadcoachinhistory.Inhishead-coachingjob,Nolantakesoverprogramthathasa46careerwinningbutisexcit-tobetheTiger’s16thfootballcoach.“It’smygreatesthontocoachthisfootballthatturns100oldthisyear,”said“Iamhumbledblessedtobeapartthisgreatprogram.”
After Eufaula’s monumental run to semifinals, it’s reload, not rebuild
Preview 19Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
EUFAULA IRONHEADS
Last season: 12-2, 2A semifinalist.
ReturningStaff: starters (4 offensive, 4 defensive, 1 specialist): Luke Adcock, Sr., QB, 6-3, 220; Kaden Bumgarner, Sr., OLB, 5-10, 185; Ontario Ellen, Sr., DE, 5-11, 195; Brett Pippinger, Sr., S, 6-0, 175; Draven Gragg, OL/DL, 6-3, 260; Rashon Watts, Jr., OL/DL, 6-0, 300; Bryan Lynn, So., K, 5-10, 170.
returnees. (See Page 23) 918-689-7767 80 0-545-5358 New &Used Cars ·Trucks ·SUV’s Sales ·Service ·Parts Auto Body ShopDriveOne Cr ng Br ighter Futurein Eufaula, Oklahoma Proudly serving Eufaula area residents for over 36 years www.eufaulafordinc.com Hwy.9&69Hwy. (Easy On Easy Off) Eufaula Forover30years, theEufaulaFord family has invested in ourcommunity, local economy andour school. We know the future of our community lies in thehands of ouryoung people. That's whyour team at EufaulaFord supports ourschools,and local economy. High School footballisapassionfor our town becauseofthe commitmentand supportthatisreceivedthroughout this community andweare committed to doingour part.Weare proud to be apartofthe Eufaulacommunity andwish the Ironheadsasuccessful season in 2022! Brian Speligene
“WeNewtoncoachsaidhalftime,”decidedgamesmostbecauseyearofourwerebyheadLarryJr.talkabout it all the time — the next guy up and that’s the way it’s go ing to be.
Emerging: Ransom Venables, OL, 6-2, 275, Ashton Kimzey, WR/DB, 6-3, 185; Gabe Mortenson, Jr., OL, 5-11, 260; Kaden Rice, So., S, 6-2, 190; Dresden Chiles, So., WR/DB, 5-10, 145; Carson Luna, So., OL/DL, 6-1, 275; Brayden Neill, Fr., TE/ LB, 6-3, 190; Hunter Fletcher, Fr., S, 5-10, 170; Jayden Ellen, Fr., OLB, 5-10, 170; Brnedeon Delaney, Fr., DE, 6-2, 180; Ledger Folsom, Fr., QB/DB, 5-10, 165.
BumgarnerAdcock PippengerGragg
thesebutthisofhavenals.semifi“We’llalotnewfacesyear,alotofguys got a lot of experience last
Head coach: Larry Newton Jr., 11th season.
“I think our secret to yearsuccessafter year starts in the summer, and we just work extremely hard. I demand a lot of our kids and, for the most part, they’re up to the task and they can tell you it’s not easy being an returningbighead.”IronTheoneconstantfor Eufaula will be third-year quar terback Luke Adcock, a two-time All-Phoenix se lection who has account ed for over 4,000 yards and 41 touchdowns in the last two years play ing just a half in many games. A standout in both football and base ball, Adcock admits that being on the diamond is his favorite sport as noted by his commitment to play at Seminole State next
Even though some of the big names are gone and there are only four returning starters on offense, don’t sell the Eufaula Ironheads short in 2022 coming off a 12-2 campaign that took them to the Class 2A
VON CASTOR/Special to the Phoenix Eufaula quarterback Luke Adcock, a third-year starter, is one of a few
Pigskin
By Nick Hampton Phoenix Correspondent
aboutthingjustup.growingitemywaysball“Baseyear.hasalbeenfavorsportThere’ssomeitbut, of course, there’s also nothing like
Newton
(See next page) Pigskin Preview20 Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 710 S. Hwy 2 - Warner, OK 918-463-5123 Mon.-Thurs. 11am-9pm Fri.-Sat. 11am-10pm, Sun. 11am-9pm Wishing the Eagles a Winning Season! LUNCH SPECIALS • Mon.-Fri. 11am-3pm • Two Combo Dinners only $1799 File phopto Warner quarterback Jace Jackson gets off a pass in a season-opening win in 2021. He was injured in week 10 and missed the playoffs.
Eagles take flight with first-time head coach, healed QB John Williams’ first head-coaching job in 32 seasons comes at a time where the winds of change are blowing into the flight pattern of the Warner Ea gles.Warner is moving up to Class 2A this season and will be Okemah,withpairedVian,Prague, Keys, Henryetta, Roland and Sequoyah in District 2A-5.They’re coming off their best season (9-2) since an 11-1 mark in 2012.“In Class A we had two really tough pro grams to battle in Gore and Colcord. Here, we’ll have a whole district full of those games so we’ve got to be strong and we’ve got to be fit week in, week out,” Wil liams said. “We’re not afraid of anybody. And after a successful sum mer of lifting, 7-on-7 and team camps, we’re excited.”Williams is the Ea gles’ third head coach in three seasons. He takes over for Rafe Watkins, who was at the helm one season after seven years at Muskogee. Williams was on Watkins’ last staff at MHS in 2020. Josh McMillan, another member of Watkins’ staff at Muskogee and then at Warner a year ago, was in the mix By Mike Kays mkays@muskogeephoenix.com
Head coach has first such job after 31 years assistantas Williams
Returning starters (6 offensive, 5 defensive, 2 specialists): Jace Jackson, Jr., QB, 6-1, 185; Ty Vinson, Jr., FB (OL in 2021)/DE; Carson Parks, TE/LB/P, Sr., 6-0, 207; Jacob Girty, Sr., C, 5-10, 290; Braxton Williams, Sr., LG, 5-7, 175; Austin Spradlin, So., RG, 5-8, 180; Preston Cannon, So., OLB, 5-5, 160; Rowdy Girty, NG, Sr., 5-10, 290; Julian Hensley, Sr., SS, 5-11, 180; Keden Moseley, Jr., K, 5-9, 150. Emerging: Caden Thompson, Sr., WR, 6-0, 170; Lubbock Drake, So., LB, 5-10, 170; Cannon, RB. along with Williams to replace Watkins, but recently left to go to Hilldale. Another coach with similar ties is Mike Combs, who was a lay coach when Muskogee reached the semifinals in 2016. Charlie Parks and ordinator.coachayearscoachedroots.WarnerbothMitchellCooperhave“I’ve31aspositionorcoThis being my first head-coaching job, there’s some questions I had to work out,” Wil liams said. “They’ll feel secure with me because they know I care about all of them, and that’s where it starts.”
WARNER EAGLES
Jackson
wasreturneetowiththoseThey’llascomingfootball.body,”gocandown.needsivetheingers,otheranddone,prematurelypostseason.andwassophomoreyardsoverthrewrushedwhoJackson,back.quarterJacebothandfor1,000inhiscampaign,injuredinweek10didnotplayintheWarnerwasoneandbuthasJacksonsevenstartinclud-muchofoffenline.“Wedon’ttosinkWebeourselvesandcompetewithanyhesaid.“It’sstillWe’vegotguysinastalentedthekidslastyear.comeinandfillrolesandwe’llgoafullsteamreadytakeon2A.”CarsonParksisakeyondefense.HetheSmallSchool
File photo Preston Cannon will work at running back this season, taking on the load left by Mason Jim.
ThompsonParks Cannon Warner
Ty Vinson, one of the team’s leaders who on offense is moving off the line to the fullback spot, said the third straight transition at the top has been“It’sseamless.beensmooth for me,” he said. “I think you learn a lot from ev erybody that comes in new. There’s definitely no turmoil. That’s what makes Warner great. Everyone is pointed in the right direction and movingWarner’stogether.”runin Class A a year ago was de railed in the opening round largely due to the absence of its
Pigskin Preview 21Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 with 153 tackles and was also the District A-8 Defensive Player of the Year. “I’ll have to step into more of a leadership role, but we won’t miss much of a beat,” Parks said.They’ll need to replace Mason Jim, the school’s all-time rushing yards leader. Pres ton Cannon is that guy. He rushed for receiverexperiencedisThompsonyear.yards500lastCadenthemostreturning. He was in a reserve role there a year ago. Despite his short ten ure, Watkins and the Eagles will cross paths. Watkins left to go to Prague, his hometown. They’ll meet in Warner on Oct. “That’ll21.be a fun game,” Thompson said. “We love Coach Wat kins, we loved having him here. There’s noth ing there against him for leaving. It’ll be fun.”
Last season: 9-2, lost in A first round. Head coach: John Williams, 1st year. Staff: Charlie Parks, defensive coordinator; Mike Combs, receivers/defensive backs; Cooper Mitchell, quarterbacks/free safeties.
Preview22 Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
Pigskin 123 E. 918-910-5111Muskogee,OkmulgeeOK SCHOOL OF MUSIC $27StartingRentalsatpermo. We can help you with all of your band supplies and music lessons!
Haskell drops to Class A but packs a roster punch
Primary targets are 6-2 senior (202 yards in 2021) Lane Mann and haveMann.heads,”turngoingthat(317LucasjuniorKingyards).“Ithinkwe’retoalotofsaid“Wealotof kids buying into what we’re doing. The whole town is excit
HASKELL HAYMAKERS
Last season: 4-6. Head coach: Phil McWilliams, 2nd year. Staff: Isaac McWilliams, defensive coordinator; Mike Jones, defensive line; Paul McCrary, wide re ceivers; Tony Springer, defensive backs. Returning starters (7 offense, 7 defense, 2 specialists): Brannon Westmoreland, Sr., QB/K/P, 6-5, 195; Lane Mann, Sr., WR/DB, 6-2, 170; Junior Faul, Sr., OL/DE, 6-2, 220; Lucas King, Jr., WR/CB, 5-8, 145; Briar Payne, Jr., OL/NG, 6-3, 270; Briley Love, Jr., WR/ DB/RET, 6-1, 150; Colby Collins, So., OL, 5-10, 190; Logan Jones, Jr., LB, 5-8, 140; Hunter Powell, Jr., LB, 6-1,Emerging:150. Tomas Graber, Sr., LB/RB, 5-11, 200; Dylan Ozinga, Jr., WR/S, 6-2, 150; Ryker Porter, Fr., OL/DL, 6-3, 267; Pedro Diaz, So., WR/CB, 5-9, 135.
By Eric Shannon Phoenix Correspondent
Situated in Class 2A for as long as the cur rent Haymakers have been living, the football gods smiled on Haskell in the
num bers have gone the oth er way. In 2021, Haskell had 21 on the roster in a 4-6 hardlyliamsPhilheadsecond-yearthanhave2022,Enteringseason.theymore40,andcoachMcWilcanholdback his enthusiasm.“Wearealittle more suited for the Class A,” said weplayoffsmissingingyear,painsgrowinghadliams.McWil“Wesomelastfinish4-6andthebutcompeted and got a lot of kids a lot playing time, and many had to grow up fast. “That experience is what is going to help us this season. We have some veterans, but we also have a lot of young inexperienced kids and freshman that we’re go ing to need to step up.” Senior 6-foot-5
ClassHaskelldroppedenrollmentment.realignlastWhilethetoA,football
quarterback youngertalent,reland.upexcitedreallyweIseasonalearnedatouchdownsforground,leadwill15overWestmorelandBrannonhad1,500yardsandtouchdownsbutbelookedupontowithbothairandhavingrushedfouryearago.“Welotlastandthinkthathavegrown,andIamtoseewhostepsforus,”saidWestmo“Wehavesomewehavesomekidsinspots but they’re working hard so far this sum mer, I just have to get the ball to them.”
McWilliamsFaulWestmoreland Mann Graber (See next page)
MIKE KAYS/Phoenix Brannon Westmoreland looks for a target during a 7-on-7 tournament this summer.
EufaulaSPORTS EDITOR MIKE KAYS’ ASSOCIATED PRESS PRESEASON RANKINGS CLASS 6AI 1. Bixby 2 5.4.3.JenksUnionOwassoBrokenArrow CLASS 6AII 1. Stillwater 2. Choctaw 3. Deer Creek 4. Booker T 5. Muskogee CLASS 5A 1. McAlester 2. Carl Albert 3. Coweta 4. Collinsville 5. Guthrie 6. Midwest City 7. Del City 8. Ardmore 9. 10.PiedmontSapulpa CLASS 4A 1. Cushing 2. Poteau 3. Tuttle 4. Clinton 5. Wagoner 6. Blanchard 7. Broken Bow 8. Hilldale 9. 10.BethanyAda CLASS 3A 1. Lincoln Chrisitan 2. Heritage Hall 3. Holland Hall 4. Verdigris 5. Plainview 6. Perkins 7. Berryhill 8. Marlow 9. Cascia Hall 10. Kingfisher CLASS 2A 1. Washington 2. Beggs 3. Rejoice 4. Victory 5. Millwood 6. Pawhuska 7. OCS 8. Crossings Christian 9. 10.VianEufaula CLASS A 1. Ringling 2. Cashion 3. Hominy 4. Fairview 5. Tonkawa 6. Hinton 7. Gore 8, Mangum 9. 10.ColcordWoodland CLASS B 1. Laverne 2. Dewar 3. Seiling 4. Balko 5. Shattuck CLASS C 1. Timberlake 3. Tipton 3. Waynoka 4. Tyrone 5. Maud Continued from Page 19
“Kayden’s proven himself over the summer by being there everyday and working his tail off,” said Newton.
Pigskin Preview 23Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 ed for this season.”
Senbior Tomas Graber will shoulder the run game load behind linemen Junior Faul, Briar Payne, Colby Collins and freshman Ryker Porter.
Junior Logan Jones will lead a talented lineback er corps alongside Graber and junior Hunter Pow ell. Jones recoreded 74 tackles last season with two interceptions.Mann,King and Junior Briley Love will solidify the backend for the Haymakers.
Haskell
“Defense is going to be our strong point. We forced 28 turnovers last year and we want be that type of unit this year,” said McWilliams. “We’re going to be aggressive on defense and fly to the ball and make plays.”
“I’d like to pass for 25 touchdowns and 2,500 yards this year and be a strong senior leader,” he said. “And while I would like to be remembered as a good athlete here, I’d also like people to remember that there’s more to life than sports and that I was a good guy, a good Christian, and set good ex amples for others to follow.”
“We graduated a good line, but we’ve got a lot of talent and a lot of big guys to put together and I think we’ve got the tal ent to be better than in previous years and set us up for the future,” said Gragg. The heart of the Ironhead defense will be anchored by Pippenger at safety, who had 145 tackles last year, Ellen, a defensive end with 85 tackles, and Bumgarner at outside linebacker who had 78 stops with Gragg and Watts working in the Scheduletrenches.wise, Eufaula looks forward to a couple of early games against perennial power Vian who they haven’t beat en since the series started in 2018 and then the McIntosh County showdown with Checotah before moving on to com pete in District 2A-6 with a 27-game district winning streak on the line.
Friday night lights,” the senior signal caller said. The receiving corp will undergo some changes with the departure of All-Phoenix MVP receiver Khelil Deere to NEO. On the plus side though is the return of senior Brett Pippenger who was limited to a defensive role last year due to a broken wrist and the emergence of sophomore Dresden Chiles.“Dresden is probably our most athletic player overall,” said Newton. “He can run backwards as fast as most of kids can run forwards and he’s pretty strong for a 145-pound kid. He can bench press 200 pounds and squat 300 pounds.”
As Adcock begins his final season of football, he looked back and ahead on his career as an Ironhead.
Paul is the lone senior, Payne is a junior and Col lins a sophomore. The elder Faul will be looked upon as a two-way leader in the trenches. He had 56 tackles and four sacks last season.
“We don’t have the biggest kids and we don’t have a lot of experience on the offensive and de fensive lines, so it will be up to us to coach up the younger kids and get them ready.” Faul said. “We have experience here and there but we need to get everyone ready to play.”
The line will also undergo some changes this year with the loss of standout performers Ty Dodd and Johnny Burton, but there are two solid returners in juniors Rashon Watts and Draven Gragg.
Running back duties will fall to senior Kaden Bumgarner, a converted receiver, with Ontario Ellen serving as a backup.
Tyler
By Nick Hampton Phoenix Correspondent
Emerging: Noah Cooper, Jr., QB/LB, 6-2, 195; Liam Edwards, Sr., WR/DB, 5-10, 170; Hunter McGee, Jr., WR/DB, 5-10, 165; Aidan Dickerson, Sr., TE/CB, 6-3, 180; Blaidn McCartney, Fr., RB/LB, 5-10, 175.
“I think we have to instill mental toughness early knowing that once you get into the playoffs the people you play are at least as talented as you, so being mentally tough can be the differ ence,” said Lane. Tyler has coached Gore into the playoffs every year he’s been there and will shoot for his 175th career win against Wil burton. His philosophy hasn’t changed since win one.“Just like always you’ve got to stay healthy, you’ve got to have a little luck and you’ve got to give it all you got to have a great year,” said the veteran coach. But Gunner Dozier takes it a step further for 2022.“Ithink this could be one of the best teams to ever come out of Gore. We’ve got all of these seniors who have been playing together forever and we’re hungry,” said the talented running back. Get a Inspection!Home It’s The Peace of Mind Your Family Deserves. Home & Commercial Inspections and Residential and Commercial Mold Inspections. Termite Inspections by Vanish Pest Control Clark Home Inspections L.L.C. Lic. #70001249 918-616-2269 or jlclark44@yahoo.com
Last season: 11-1, lost A 2nd round. Head coach: Brandon Tyler. Staff: Eric Douthit, defensive coordinator; Tyler Lewis, special teams receiv ers, defensive backs. Greg Bobbitt, quarterbacks, running backas and line starters (10 offensive,10 defensive, 3 specialists): Gunner Dozier, Sr., RB, 6-1, 210; Jackson Duke, Sr., RB/LB,/S/K, 5-11, 180; Journey Shells, Jr., WR, 6-2, 165; Ben Kirkpatrick, Sr., WR, 6-1, 170; Blue Steward, Sr., WR/DB, 5-10, 170; Gabe Dozier, Sr., OG/DE, 6-1, 250; Layne Ward, Jr., C, 6-0, 225; Garrett Douthit, Sr., OT,/DL 6-3, 280; Nick Wolf, Sr., OG/DL, 6-0, 270; Cas Moore, Sr., OT, 6-0, 260; Dayne Perryman, Sr., LB, 5-11, 190; Alex Hallum, Sr., DE, 6-1, 250; Keigan Reid, Sr., DB, 6-0, 175; Tyler Lane, Sr., DB, 5-9, 155; Blane Barnes, Sr., DB, 5-11, 160; Wyatt Marrel, Sr., DE, 5-11, 190; Christian O’Connor, Sr., K, 6-1, 160.
“I can pretty well tell by their body language if the ball is coming to them or not and I also study a lot of film and scouting reports,” said Reid.Lane is one of 21 se niors and as a leader, feels that instilling a sense of mental tough ness is just as import ant as being physically tough.
GORE PIRATES
Pigskin
head coach Brandon Tyler, in his sixth season at Gore, ex pects to snap that streak. “Most of the starters coming back are threeor four-years starters so we’re ready to get started,” he said. “One thing I think that hurt us last year was that our starters didn’t have to play a complete game from week five until the second round of the playoffs so we might not have been as sharp as our op ponents, but with Has kell and Pocola coming into our district this year, I don’t think that will be a problem.”Oneofthose players that morehaveblyandbackuphisHe’ssummer.hadthatstrangerCooperjuniorposition,quarterbackisreplacedhavewilltobeatthebutNoahisnotospot.“Noahhasagooddonetimeinaroleprobawouldplayedlastyear except for a season-ending injury early in the season,” said the Pirates’ boss.
As Brandon Tyler en ters his sixth season as the head coach at Gore, the expectations for the Pirates may be higher than ever for the 2022 football season. Gore has been elim inated in the second round of the Class A year,theeachback10buttwotheplayoffspastyears,withstartersonsideofballthisPirates
Gore has been a ningGunnergotwhatintouchdownsand1.200hadDozier,Gunnerningsenioringgameyardseragingoffense,run-firstav338perrushledbyrunbackwhooveryards232021.“Weknowwe’vewithruntheball, but Noah throws the ball really well and we have four quality receivers return ing so we’ll see how that shakes out,” Tyler said. Defensively, Gore’s returnees include senior linebackers Dayne Per ryman. who recorded 86 tackles including nine for loss last year, and Alex Hallum, who had 65 stops in 2021. The line has two-way starters Gabe Dozier and Garrett Douthit, both All-Phoe nix in 2021, while the secondary, which picked off 13 passes last year, is headed up by the return of seniors Tyler Lane who contributed 73 tack les last year, and Keigan Reid, who had four picks, which he attributes to his ability to read receiv ers coming off the line.
CooperDozier DukeReed File photo Gore’s Alex Hallum, left, and Pirates wrap up a Woodland ball carrier last year.
Preview24 Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
backers.Returning
Last, and best, run for Gore seniors up next?
Cooper says he has learned a lot by watch ing Weston Shanks and Zane Craighead run the offense the last couple of years.“I’ve learned a lot just watching our guys and watching the pros play and watching a lot of film and feel like I’m ready for it,” said Cooper. For the past couple of years
atHill’sTravisjoinedthesephPrenticereplacedhavinghelm,JowhenlatterstaffMuskogee.
Last season: 4-7. Head coach: Denton Long, 2nd year. Staff: Travis Hollis, defensive coordinator; Alan Cox, special teams, defensive backs, receivers, Caleb Cox, defensive backs and receivers, Patrick Reeder, line; David Long, offensive line, linebackers. Returning starters (5 offensive, 5 defensive): Camden Price, Jr., RB/LB, 5-11, 205; Kyle Anderson, Sr., OT/DT, 6-0, 260; Shawn Byrd, Sr., C, 5-8, 240; Miguel Chavez, So., T/NG, 6-4, 260; Billi Wisely, Jr., WR, 5-7, 140; Mason Seaton, Sr., CB, 5-9,Emerging:140. Bradyn Israel, So., QB, 6-3, 220. These Pirates met surgicalthe sword • Defensive coordi nator Travis Hollis torn his patella tendon in February.•AlanCos, the special teams coordinator, tore his ACL in May.
PORTER PIRATES
Porter’s on the mend, but the players are fine
Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
Pigskin Preview 25Muskogee
Long Israel Anderson Roberts Chavez
Despite those absences off and on due to the staff inju ries, Anderson says the Pirates have settled into the“Definitelytransition.year one we were trying to figure out how Coach Long does things. Coach Jo was very hyper, a good coach and every thing else. Second year, we’ve locked it in on how everything and ev eryone works now and I think we’ll do really well.”This should be Israel’s second season at quar terback, but the injury bug got him in the first scrimmage last year. Listed at 6-3, 225, Israel suffered a knee injury and never returned. “He’s been around the system,” said Long. “Caden Willard did a good job in his place, but Bradyn is a different athlete who because of his size is able to open up our of fense with the Price,Camdenalsogamegame.”runningThatrunwillhavewhohad 800 yards last season as a sophomore. He also had 80 plus tackles and 11 sacks from his linebackerThespot.Pirates reached the playoffs last year despite being below .500 at 4-7. One of their non-district losses was a 40-0 loss against Has kell, which drops from 2A into the district this season.“They beat up on us pretty good, but the game after that we started turning things around and had a better year,” Long said, refer ring to a three-game win streak following thatThat’sloss.the way they want to start in 2022.
By Mike Kays mkays@muskogeephoenix.com
• Head coach Denton Long tore his Achilles in April•Assistant coach David Long, the head coach’s father, had knee surgery in August.
Porter’s Pirates better hope the spring wasn’t an omen for the fall. It’s normal to have injuries, but this spring and into the summer, the Pirates’ in juries have been on staff.coachingtheDefensive coordina tor Travis Hollis torn his patella tendon in February. Alan Cox, the special teams coordina tor, tore his ACL in May. Between those, head coach Denton Long tore his Achilles in April, and this month, his father, David, also on staff, is having knee surgery. With the comings and goings
herenothardedshort-handit’severyone,tationsrehabiliandofbeenastaff.“It’sbeenthembeingallthe time,” soph omore lineman Miguel Chavez said. “But we’ve still been up there as players every day work ing out in the weight room.”Long said it’s been the dedication of guys like Chavez, fellow lineman Kyle Anderson, line backer/tight end Logan Roberts Chavezwaters.thenavigatehaveIsraelBradynquarterbackandthathelpedchoppyinhis first year of football was the New comer of the Year in District A-8. “They were the lead ers in the weight room all summer,” said Long. “We have an attendance policy and all those guys made that policy and served as examples to Longeveryone.”enters his sec ond season at the
Your go-to pregame ritual: “Sit in my locker, put my AirPods in and listen to music and think about our game rituals.”
Player you most look up to:
THEY
Caynen David, Hilldale “My center.” Jonathan Mitcham, Midway Favorite pre-game meal: “I would say all foods are my favorite.”Chandler Long, Webbers Falls “Peanut butter crackers.” Lane Mann, Haskell “Breakfast.” Braylon Roberson, Wagoner
CAN’T MAKE HERE IS WHAT TO DO Muskogee: Okie Country 101.7 FM (radio), MuskogeeAthletics.org, Rougher Sports Network on YouTube (webcast)
Pigskin
Biggest temptation to breaking training: “Going fishing.” Jackson Duke, Gore “Nothing. I’m staying focused.” Jayvin Bray, Checotah “Being tired.”
GOT
WE QUESTIONS, GOT ANSWERS
Bradyn Henry, Muskogee “Rewatch game film and make sure I didn’t missJaceanything.”Jackson,Warner
“I like to get alone and pray and get my head right.”Drew Brown, Porum
Preview26 Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
Fort Gibson: FortGibsonTigers.tv Wagoner: WagonerTV.com
Logan Roberts,Porter
THE GAME?
Haskell: NFHS Network Warner: Warner Public Schools Events on YouTube.
“Malcolm Rodriguez” Brett Pippenger, Eufaula “Jordan London and Grayland DunnamsHunter Branch, Fort Gibson “My dad.”
Hilldale: Hilldale Buzz on YouTube
Longtime coach returns to place he once led to turn Porum around
PORUM PANTHERS
Pigskin Preview 27Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
Emerging: J.R. Robinson, Jr., TB/WR, 6-0, 135; Luke Johnson, Fr., TB/WR, 5-10, 140; Gabe Scarberry, Fr., 5-9, 145, FB/CB.
Staff: Jimmy Brown, assistant. Returning starters (6 offensive, 6 defensive, 1 specialist): Seth Brown, Sr., QB/FS, 6-1, 175; Bo Chapman, So, OL/DL, 5-11, 225; Drew Brown, So., FB/DE, 6-0, 230; Cooper Franklin, So., TE/LB, 6-1, 225; Lane Bailey, Jr., C/DL, 6-0, 230’ Braden Stennett, Sr., TB/DL, 6-0, 5-9, 145; Jason Dill, So., K, 6-0, 245.
(918)
tactedplayersmyago.paigna2014,sinceand1-9camayear“Someofformerconmelast spring and told me the job was open,” he said. “I was an assis tant at Morris and went there one year and it was different. We had some wearing gold helmets, others wearing maroon helmets. Uniforms were mix and match, we didn’t look the same. Now you look around and that’s not the case, and they also have a nice stadium and bleachers since then.” Now it’s about the qual ity of play, and Childers will hit his squad up with some changes toward that“Everyend. week we’ll have a new playbook,” said quarterback Seth Brown. “Coach is going to do ev erything he can to help us be a step ahead of every defense we go against. I think it’ll be one of the greatest learning experi ences of my career.” That’s the effort Childers brings. That’s also what he expects — an end to things jobeasy.givingpracticeskippinglikeandup“IfIdomyright,which has to do with preparation and toit,yourselfif“Aswin,”chancewe’vetals,fundamenIthinkgotatohesaid.aplayer,youinvestinit’shardergiveup.Ifyou play a game and play bad, if you don’t feel bad about it, you haven’t invested yourself.“Iexpect them to lay it on the line. We want to represent Porum in a class way. We want people in the stadium. Just give us a chance, let us show what we can do.”
File photo
S. Brown D. Brown
By Mike Kays mkays@muskogeephoenix.com
Larry Childers leads Porum in its first fall practice at midnight August 1.
ChapmanFranklinStinnett 687-7061 S. York, Muskogee,
M–F 8am–6pm • Sat 8am–2pm 721
hisThisgatesincecoachingbeenFalls.WebbersandHe’soutofCoalin2016.willbe41styear.“Onceyoudo this for so long, it’s part of life,” he said. “A lot of people might think it’s strange to see a 68-year-old man come out of retirement like this, but I was al ready teaching. I just added a little more ex tra-curricular activity.”
OK Purchase our Discount Card from Hilldale or Muskogee high schools. SUPPORT YOUR SCHOOLS
Larry Childers is re turning to the place of his first head coaching job back in 1982, hoping to give the Porum commu nity something to smile about after just two sea sons of four wins
Braden Stinnett, a tail back and defensive line man, has seen his coach’s determination.“Iwouldsaythe biggest difference I’ve seen is the discipline,” he said. “We run a play now and if we mess up, we run it again until we per fect it, schoolsseveralhadhead68-year-oldmuch.”prettyThecoachstopsatarea—Hilldale, War ner, Checo tah
Last season: 1-9. Head coach: Larry Childers, 1st year, 41st overall.
Corn Mitchum Reed Herrera Midway faces altered universe Pigskin Preview28 Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 GOOD RATES TO SAFE DRIVERS HOMEOWNER DISCOUNTS 1114 W Broadway St., Muskogee 918-682-2278 We Support High School Football! Since 1985 REPRESENTING SEVERAL COMPANIES Auto • Motorcycles • RV’s Homes • Mobile Homes HILDA J RICHEY INSURANCE AGENCY All Ages Accepted • Payment Plans Available
For the Midway Chargers, it’s a season of Dominantchange.inDistrict C-4 in recent years, the Chargers move up to Class B this fall, missing much of what helped them have much of the success they’ve en joyed over a playoff run of six consecutive seasons including two quarterfinal runs — one a 78-68 loss to eventual champion Tyrone two seasons ago.
Taking over for a four-year starter at quarterback in Geral Washington is his brother, Ger von Washington, and with the change, a different offense.
By Mike Kays mkays@muskogeephoenix.com
offensive,startersturning2ndStevecoach:HeadCorn,year.Staff:Re-(4 3 defensive): Gervon Washington, So. QB/LBDE, 6-1, Holingshed,280;Sr.,Mitcham,JonathanC,Reed,Jonathan225;Sr.,6-2,320;G,6-4,Wauker Sr., G, 5-10, 260; Samuel Herrera, Sr., LB/DE, 5-10, 220; 175;DB,HB/WR/Wolfe,ing:DL,Collins,LukeJr.,6-2,270.EmergTristanSo.,6-0,Jaden Thierry, Sr., WR/DB, 5-7, 145; 5-9,Cullar,Cooper5-10,Sr.,McPherson,BrysonHB/LB,220;McOL/DL,220,Sr.
“In Geral we had a guy who had a great arm and was very elusive,” said Midway coach Steve Corn. “He knew the posi tion. His little brother, he’s not the same player, no one will be, but we’ll do our best to make him that way. “But they are different kids. He doesn’t have the same tools, and teamwise we don’t have quite the speed as we did. We’ll have to do something to control the tempo. So being a run-dom inated defense will ease that tradition.”TheChargers will go with a ball-control approach. The younger Washington was a tight end, and looks like one — strong and physical. He’ll look to capitalize on that as he fills the shoes of a two-time All-Phoenix Small School Offensive Player of the“HeYear.just told me to keep my head up, don’t get down and serve as an example for the en tire team,” said Washington. The offense will employ a lot of read-option and traditional option-pitch around a line that does return everyone. Guard Jonathan Mitcham will be one with primary responsibilities of being a pulling guard in chang ing blocking schemes.
“I’ll definitely be moving a lot more than I used to be,” said Mitcham.Midway will welcome back Webbers Falls as an in-county rival on the high school stage — despite being out of the same district in the last several years the two schools have continued to face other at the junior high level. The Chargers will have a third county team in Porum. The powerhouses in District B-5 are Dewar and Caddo. The Chargers will have five non-dis trict weeks to ready themselves for that road. “It’ll be a challenge,” Corn said. “We lost heavy in terms of multi-year starters and have to have new guys in new positions in many places. But these kids are more than capable of step ping up to the challenge.”
MIKE KAYS/ Phoenix
Midway coach Steven Corn on Washington,Gervalbrother of two-time Small School Offensive Player of the Year, Geral Washington
“He doesn’t have the same tools, defensedon’tteamwiseandwehavequitethespeedaswedid.We’llhavetodosomethingtocontrolthetempo.Sobeingarun-dominatedwilleasethattradition.”
Gerval Washington assumes the quarterback spot his brother Ger al operated from for four seasons.
Last season: 8-4, lost in C second round.
MIDWAY CHARGERS
Webbers Falls in peak position in 2022
By Eric Shannon Phoenix Correspondent Stocked and deter mined might be the best way to describe Webbers Falls in 2022. Every starter from a 6-4 team returns and Warriors head coach Trent Holt thinks this might be his best team in his seven seasons there.“We just missed the playoffs last year and we had a couple of games that we should have won, simply put,” said Holt. “We have ev eryone back this year, a big senior and junior class this year and I’ve really seen improve ment with our work outs and attitude this summer.“Weexpect to have a very good season and compete for the district title with everyone we haveThat’sback.”abold state ment in the tough Dis trict B-5 that has pow erhouse Dewar, Caddo, Quinton and adds Class C stronghold Midway thisThree-yearseason. starter, junior experience,passing,rushingcountedMaddoxquarterbackShelbyacfor1,600yardsand660yardsbringspoise,andleader ship to the quarterback position.“Weare looking to expand on what we did last year and make a push deep into the playoffs this year,” said Shelby. “I think we have a chip on our shoulders because we togetbutfreshmanyearactionsawZaneSophomoredowns.eightrushing421rackedrimanBlaizeisninginties.”portunisomebutplayoffsinhaveshouldbeenthemissedopSteppingatrunbackseniorHerwhoupyardsandtouchNolanlimitedlastasawilltimespellHerriman this season and is one to keep an eye on. “With all of our re turning starters, and I am seeing a lot more maturity this year ver sus last year,” said Her riman. “We have some kids that can really add to our team like Zane.”
Another pair of re turning starters are Ogg and Nolan in the secondary.“Wehave great kids and we’re building that team chemistry; we’re getting to where we need to be,” said Holt. “They are understand ing to win the play, win the day. I think that if we do that, we will be successsful.”
Last season: 6-4. Head coach: Trent Holt. Staff: Hunter Holt, offensive coordinator, quarterbacks and running backs, linebackers; Steve Shelby, receivers and defensive backs. Returning starters (7 offensive, 7 defensive): Maddux Shelby, Jr., QB/LB, 5-9, 165; Blaize Herriman, Sr., RB/LB, 5-8, 165; Caden Dishman, Sr., TE/DE, 6-2, 220; Chandler Long, Sr., G/LB, 5-8, 160; Aiden Turley, Sr., G/DE, 6-0, 190; Ben Ward, Jr., DE, 6-1, 230; Riley Ogg, Sr., WR/DB, 6-2, 190; Zane Nolan, So., RB/DB, 5-9, 155.
ShelbyHoltLong DishmanHerriman
So $3 million was spent on 20 acres ob tained from Bacone College, the result being what you see now. The space was tighter than the original tract tar geted, and placement of the field house had been considered in alterna tive locations, one being the parking lot in front of the Fine Arts Build ing. Instead that will be parking, just as the lot next to Ron Milam Gymnasium and the lots east of the campus willThebe.parking lot serv ing Ollie’s and MiniMax will also be, and busses will shuttle fans who choose not to uti lize the sidewalk and stretch their legs. That shuttle, suggested,Mendenhallmightremain an option beyond the completion of every thing.“We want to create an experience here that goes beyond the football game itself,” he said. Eventually, parking will be added beyond the north end of the stadium.Butfor now, it’s all piecemeal, something the eye can only appre ciate with imagination or some online virtual reality tours. But at Muskogee, where as the phone greeting says, all de cisions are made with students in mind, we pushFootballforward.first. But even better experiences are“Thisahead.isa legacy proj ect,” Mendenhall said. “It changes the image and face of our schools, and it began with a committee that while I had a vision of my own, they had a bigger vision and were even more de termined that we had to do something big here at the high school.” Parker can see it through that dust — again, butinaogeeyouaroundaroundeveryerI’veimpressivedaytellingitstartshowspeaking.figuratively“Ithinkwhenpeopleup,Ithinkthey’lltosee—Iwalkeveryday,andIwasmywifeyesterit’soneofthemostcomplexeseverbeenin,”Parksaid.“I’veplayedatsinglelevel,allthecountry,alltheworld.WhentalkaboutMuskhavingthislevelofcomplex,it’safeatherthecaphere.“It’snotperfectnow,itwillbe.”
Village Continued from Page 4
Pigskin Preview 29Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
One of Shelby’s tar gets will be 6-2 senior Caden Dishman who had 14 catches and 241 yards receiving with five touchdowns last season with fellow se nior Riley Ogg. Shoring up the offensive line are senior Chandler Long and sophomore AidenDefensivelyTurley. the Warriors are equally stacked with Shelby and senior Chandler Long at linebacker. Shelby led the team last year with 68 tack les with Long adding 50. A fouryear starter in totackle.defensiveturnsWardjuniortionsendfromdefensefrontsolidifyTurleyyoungerandDishmanthewilltheofthetheirposiwhileBenreat“IpreferhitandI enjoy going after the quarterbacks,” said a laughing Dish man. “I think that our defense is going to be really good this year and I can’t wait.”
isexperienceReturningthereason
WEBBERS FALLS WARRIORS
“I feel like we have so much talent in so many areas,” quarterback Spen cer Sanders said. “Hopefully, we can come together and get to that Big 12 championship game like we did last year and take it all the way.” Sanders is back for his fourth sea son. He’s already among the school’s all-time statistical leaders in several categories, and he’s coming off a monster game in the Fiesta Bowl. He passed for 371 yards and four touch downs and ran for 125 yards in a 3735 win over Notre Dame. Last season, one of the nation’s best defenses carried much of the load for the Cowboys. This season, Sanders believes the team will be more bal anced. He’s one of 10 offensive start ers“It’sreturning.timeto show people what this offense can do,” he said. “We have to take care of the little things so that when the big things come, the lit
possess different vibe Win over Notre Dame launches OSU to higher hopes Listen to “SportsFlash”onOkieCountry 101.7 foruptothe minutescoresand sports news! Monday-Friday 6:00am 7:00am 8:00am 12:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm SandersVenables
The Sooners have a new quar Associated Press (See With new head coach, Sooners
NORMAN — There is a different vibe around the Oklahoma program thisTheyear.Sooners’ run of conference championships ended at six last season with a loss to Oklahoma State that cost them a spot in the Big 12 title game. Coach Lincoln Riley then quickly left for Southern California and quarter backs Caleb Williams and Spencer Rattler transferredOklahomaelsewhere.hiredClemson defen sive coordinator Brent Venables to steady the ship, but with all the movement, the Sooners aren’t even favored to win the conference this year — the coaches picked Baylor to repeat.That doesn’t matter to Venables, who has been focused on the process heading into the ninth-ranked Soon ers’ opener Sept. 3 against UTEP. He has a big-picture approach and expects to eventually have the kind of success the Sooners had when he was an assistant with the program from 1999 to 2011, which included a national title in 2000.
“Here we are, fall camp 2022, first season,” he said. “Our coaches and players and our staff have worked incredibly hard, relentlessly, trying to build for this season and beyond. And so I couldn’t be more excited about what’s in front of us.”
Springing from Fiesta
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Venables’ time
Associated Press
STILLWATER —Oklahoma State came within inches of winning the Big 12 title and likely claiming a spot in the College Football Playoff last season.The12th-ranked Cow boys believe they can go further this season after a heartbreaking 21-16 loss to Baylor in the con ference title game last December. They finished last season with a 12-2 record and No. 7 final ranking and take high hopes into this season.
Former Texas Tech coach Matt Wells and former Oklaho ma receiver Nick Basquine will assist Washington.
The Cowboys should have no problem pressuring quar terbacks this season with a dynamic defensive line that should rank among the nation’s best.Oliver led the Big 12 with 11.5 sacks as a true freshman last season. Brock Martin, a second-team all-conference pick last season along with Oliver, had nine sacks. Tyler Lacy had 11.5 tackles for loss. Trace Ford, a dominant pass rusher who missed last season with an inju ry, is back.
OU OSU
Oklahoma State opens Sept. 1 against Central Michigan and then gets a home game against Arizona State on Sept. 10. In league play, the toughest match ups are Oct. 1 at No. 10 Baylor and Nov. 19 at No. 9 Oklahoma.
Sticking it out
Younger brother Braylin, a true freshman, is a four star receiver. Sack masters
Gunnar Gundy
“We want a confident, physi cal, tough, blue-collar work eth ic team,” he said. “Coming out of fall camp, I want our guys to be incredibly confident through the work that we put in over the last several months.”
New top assistants
COLLEGE MENU tba OKLAHOMA S3 UTEP, 3:30 p.m. S10 Kent St., 7 p.m. S17 at Nebraska, Noon S24 Kansas St.* O1 at TCU* O8 N26N19N12N5O29O15Texas*Kansas*atIowaSt.*Baylor*atWestVirginia*OklahomaSt.*atTexasTech* OKLAHOMA ST. S1 C. Michigan, 7 p.m. S10 Arizona St., 7:30 p.m. S17 UA-Pine Bluff, 7 p.m. O1 at Baylor* O8 Texas Tech* O15 at TCU* O22 Texas* O29 at Kansas St.* N5 at Kansas* N12 Iowa St.* N19 at Oklahoma* N26 West Virginia* TULSA S3 at Wyoming, 3:30 p.m. S10 N. Illinois, 7 p.m. S17 Jax St., 7 p.m. S24 at Mississippi* O1 Cincinnati* O8 at Navy, 3:30 p.m. O21 at Temple, 7:30 p.m. O29 SMU* N5 N10Tulane*atMemphis, 7:30 p.m. N18 S. Florida, 9 p.m. N25 at Houston* NSU S1 at Emporia St., 7 p.m. S10 Mo. Southern, 6 p.m. S17 at Pitt St., 7 p.m. S24 Lincoln, 2 p.m. O1 at C. Missouri, 1 p.m. O6 at UCO, 7 p.m. O15 Mo. Western, 4 p.m. O22 at NW Mo., 2 p.m. O29 Washburn, 2 p.m. N5 at Fort Hays St., 1 p.m. N12 UN-Kearney, 2 p.m. terback in Central Florida transfer Dillon Gabriel. The preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year passed for more than 8,000 yards and 70 touchdowns while leading some of the na tion’s most productive offenses. He likes the team surrounding him, both at the skill positions and on the line, and he’s not shying away from high expec tations.“Theexcitement’s real,” Ga briel said. “People say they’re excited. But I’m truly excited because there’s just a bunch that we can do in every posi tion.”Many of the players have not been in action together, but Venables believes hard work will make up for it.
Venables’ staff includes some highly accomplished assistants in offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby and defensive coordina tor Ted Roof. Lebby, who also is the quarterbacks coach, led one of the nation’s top offenses at Ole Miss last season. Roof, also is the linebackers coach, fol lowed Venables from Clemson.
tle things take care of the big things.”Sanders will get help from Dominic Richardson. The soph omore gained 239 yards rushing and 54 yards receiving last season. He spent his previous years learning from star run ning backs Chuba Hubbard and Jaylen Warren. Now, he’s ready to “Thereshine. is a little bit of pres sure, but not as much because I’ve been working to this point for a long time,” Richardson said. “I knew one year this would come and now, this is the year.”The defense should be stout again despite losing linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez and safety Kolby Harvell-Peel — both all-conference selections. Defen sive lineman Collin Oliver and safety Jason Taylor II are pre season All-Big 12 picks. It all leads to high hopes for a Cowboys program that beat Oklahoma last season for the first time since 2014. “This is a different team, but we still are capable and have the players to go just as far if not farther than we did last year,” safety Thomas Harper said. New defensive coordinator Derek Mason has taken over as defensive coordinator now that Jim Knowles has gone to take the same position at Ohio State. Mason was defensive coordinator at Auburn in 2021. He was the head coach at Van derbilt from 2014 to 2020 and was defensive coordinator at Stanford before that. “It’s been smooth,” linebacker Mason Cobb said. “I love the way he coaches. He coaches ev eryone the same, from walk-ons to starters. I love how we are doing things.”
Presley time?
The schedule
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Redshirt freshman Gunnar Gundy — coach Mike Gundy’s son — is a reserve quarterback for the Cowboys. Coach Gundy said he lets quarterbacks coach Tim Rattay handle the teach ing.“It’s best for me to stay away from them and let (Rattay) coach him and let him function throughout the day,” coach Gundy said. “I don’t know if I’m right because it’s the first time I’ve done it, but I just stay away and let it all take place.”
“The room is going to start with EG,” Lebby said. “Eric has done an unbelievable job. The guy’s a pro. Everything he does is in a professional man or. Could not be more excited about where he’s at and what he’s going to be able to do for us this fall.”
Bulked up Oklahoma running back Eric Gray put on 10 pounds in the offseason to position himself to handle a greater workload as the clear starter. The senior is listed at 211 pounds. Kennedy Brooks was the primary ballcarrier last season, but Gray still managed to rush for 412 yards and gain 229 yards receiving.
Pigskin Preview 31Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
The Cowboys lost All-Big 12 receiver Tay Martin, but Bren nan Presley is positioned to be the next great Oklahoma State wideout. He had 50 catches for 619 yards and five touchdowns last season, including 10 catch es for 137 yards against Notre Dame.Hemight not be the only Presley who puts up numbers.
New receivers coach Oklahoma assistant head coach Cale Gundy announced his resignation on Aug. 7, and the school said the next day that Gundy uttered a racially charged word multiple times while reading off a player’s device during a film session the previous week. Gundy had been with the program since 1999.Venables said L’Damian Washington, who had been an offensive analyst, will coach receivers on an interim basis: “He’s already had incredible relationships built with these guys and trust and really a deep understanding of who they are as young men.”
Schedule Oklahoma visits old rival Nebraska on Sept. 17. There’s the annual showdown against Texas in Dallas on Oct. 8. Two of the biggest matchups are at home — Nov. 5 against No. 10 Baylor and Nov. 19 against No. 12 Oklahoma State. Run the table and a return to the play off could be in the cards.
Marvin Mims caught 32 passes for 705 yards and five scores last season. He stayed with the Sooners, even though Mario Williams transferred to USC, Jadon Haselwood left for Arkansas and Austin Stogner transferred to South Carolina.
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