errors or corrections can be sent to jsermersheim@tahlequahdailypress.com.
Tigers bringing back defensive experience in 2025
Story By Jake Sermersheim
A tight-knit defensive group is expected to lead Tahlequah football throughout the course of the 2025 season.
With seniors returning in nearly every starting position, the Tigers’ defense is shaping up to make a difference in games this season. The Tigers bring back all their starters on the defensive line and linebacker corps, including players like Elvis Myers, Kingston Hall, Treveon Morrison, Xaxton Carshall, and more.
“This whole group is close; we’ve played together for a while and we just know our strength that will make us good,” Myers said. “I think it’s going to work out well this season.”
Any coach will say strong play at the line position is key to winning games. With so many of those players returning, the Tigers should have a strong control of the running game and potentially see a rise in quarterback pressures.
“We have a really good defense this year, so we’re going to make it hard for teams to get yards on us and score,” senior Kael Carey said. “It’s going to help the offensive side of the ball.”
The veteran experience has shown on the field during the Tigers’ training camps and scrimmages before the start of the season. Head coach Brad Gilbert said that was to be expected.
“You’re seeing the experience from that side show up daily. They’re aggressive, they’re hungry and some of them play with a little anger,” Gilbert said. “That’s good as long as they’re controlled from whistle to whistle.”
With an offense that’s going to have more new starters at key positions, the defense should help limit teams and overcome any early-season learning curves.
“That is where we are the most experienced. You should see that at the beginning of the year and throughout the course of the year.,” Gilbert said. “Those guys up front, whether it be the defensive line or those linebackers, they are all experienced, and physical players and can move well.”
Another piece of the puzzle for the Tigers is how hungry they are. No matter whether it’s offense or defense, the
players have big goals for the season and they’ve put in the work to reach their lofty aspirations.
“I am trying to get named All-State, 10
touchdowns and 1,000 yards,” Myers said. “I’ve been to a bunch of camps [this summer] that sent me invites and I’ve been working by myself [to grow my game].”
GOTIGERS!!
Keys cougars
2025 SCHEDULE
Sept. 5 Gore at home
Sept. 12 at Stilwell
Sept. 19 Sequoyah at home
Sept. 26 Kansas at home
Oct. 3 at Colcord
Oct. 10 Salina at home
Oct. 16 at Chelsea
Oct. 24 Adair at home
Oct. 31 at Commerce
Nov. 7 at Wyandotte
Keys upping the expectations in year two under Justin Brown
Story By Jake Sermersheim
Age usually defines experience, especially on the football field.
However, “usually” doesn’t apply to the Keys Cougars football team in 2025. Last season, the Riders put out a number of freshmen and sophomores on the field to supplement their upperclassmen talent. That game time should pay off for a KHS team that only missed the playoffs by a game last season.
“I think with a lot of guys coming back and not having so many new guys having to learn stuff, it’ll be easier for us just being able to do practice and having
to teach as much,” head coach Justin Brown said. “[We’re] just keeping our heads on straight, going into every game focused and prepared, and knowing what we need to do to come out with the win.”
The Cougars are still short-handed when it comes to senior players, but have improved from last season.
“We started a bunch of freshmen last year, so for these guys to come back and have a lot of experience for their sophomore or junior years, our expectations have gone up,” Brown said. “What was a good practice last year is going to be an average or below-average practice this year; so far, they have met the challenge.”
With players who were freshmen and sophomores last season still needing to play, the field time is only going to result in a smoother-running Cougars team.
“We got a little glimpse of what high school football was like coming into this year,” sophomore quarterback Ryder Davis said. “I think the sophomores are going to be really good on the field this year.”
One senior who is returning for the Cougars is four-year starter Treveon Guthrie. Playing wide
Davis, Guthrie leading Cougars on field as ‘extra coaches’
Story By Jake Sermersheim
Two of the top leaders for Keys football are very different.
Ryder Davis is a sophomore quarterback looking to make strides in his second season with the Riders. On the other hand, Treveon Guthrie is a senior wide receiver and one of Davis’ top weapons heading into 2025.
Even though they have some difference, both players have the same goals: help improve the Riders and make the playoffs.
“[Head coach Justin Brown] wants us to buy into the team and play for one another,” Guthrie said. “If we want to win, it’s going to come through us; we’re going to have to put in the work. I just want to be the best leader I can be for my team and I want to get some college offers during my senior year.”
As the Riders head into their second season under Brown, the head coach has seen the Riders change in a short time. From training camp last season to the start of camp this year, the Riders have grown as players and leaders.
Brown has seen the pair — amongst others — take charge of the program since last season.
“They coach younger guys on what’s going on, so it’s like having
a bunch of extra coaches out there when we’re getting the young guys to work on things, and that helps them learn it, too,” Brown said.
Last season taught Davis a lot about what he needs to succeed for the rest of his career. Davis said he was usually one of the best on the field, but that starting in high school is a whole new ballgame.
A broken collarbone midway through the year opened the thenfreshman quarterback’s eyes.
“Last season, breaking my collarbone really opened my eyes up and showed me I’m not always the best out there and I can be better every day. That’s what I’ve been trying to do all summer,” Davis said.
After finishing the season 3-7, Davis is not only looking to help his team get better, but also to improve his own game.
“I want to score more points this year in every game,” Davis said. “I really want to play better as a team. We didn’t do that well last year, but I think this year it will be much better. One personal goal is trying to throw less than one or two interceptions a game. That will help us a lot.”
2025 SCHEDULE
Aug.28 at Catoosa
Sept. 5 Prairie Grove at home
Sept. 12 at Eufaula
Sept. 19 at Keys
Sept. 26 Chandler at home
sequoyah indians SHS rests on experience for return to playoffs in 2025
Oct. 3 at Dewey
Sequoyah football has progressively presented a more experienced roster over the past couple of
With a slightly bigger senior class than in the past and a large, productive junior class returning, the Indians are likely to build on their playoff appearances. SHS made the playoffs the past two seasons, but is looking to bank on that experience to pick up a couple of wins and make some runs.
“We are getting a little bit older every year,” SHS head coach Chad Hendricks said. “Even last year, we had a lot of sophomores who played with some of the upperclassmen; now we have a lot of juniors and seniors that play. To me, it doesn’t matter
what grades you’re in, if you’re one of the better ones to play and help us on Friday nights.”
The long-term plan for the Indians is having a roster mainly of junior and senior talent. At this point, they appear to be one season away from Hendricks’ goal.
“There are still a couple of sophomores [who will get playing time], but what you want is to be junior and senior heavy and that is the goal,” Hendricks said. “But they’re always working hard, and I tell them to be at the best level on the field to create competition throughout. I think that’s important.”
On the defensive side of the ball, there are nine returning starters from a season ago, led by senior linebacker Aidan Armontrout. Juniors Marley Moore, Hudson Hendricks, Jakob Rider and others are going to have a big impact.
“On defense, we are solid; we have great depth up front. Those guys have a lot of game reps,” Hendricks said.
On offense, the Indians have a stout group of weapons for a new starting quarterback, Crayton Sapp. Around him will be two strong receivers in Hudson Hendricks and Alden Jones. For the running game, Armontrout, Hendricks, Shaystin Duncan and others will likely get touches with a deep roster of running backs.
“We got weapons everywhere, we have size and running backs who can take it anywhere,” Hendricks said.
Last season as a sophomore, Sapp started the first round of the playoffs after senior Jalen Handle went down during week 10. During that start, Sapp ended up hurt, but Hendricks said the new starter is learning from that injury.
“He is healthy now; it is part of the game to keep yourself healthy,” Hendricks said.
During spring practices, the Indians made some tweaks on offense and defense. At the start of training camp, Hendricks has seen those changes start to take place.
“We are still moving some things around; we changed what we’re doing just a little bit on offense and defense,” Hendricks said. “We implemented that back in the spring and started to work on that during week one of training camp. They’re starting to pick it up more and more. That’s what we do all the time, just advance forward. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I like where we’re headed.”
Jones, Armontrout reflect on goals heading into 2025 season
Story By Jake Sermersheim
A pair of Sequoyah football playmakers are looking to ensure a playoff berth this season.
On both sides of the ball, the Indians return starters who made key plays during playoff runs the past two seasons. Two of those players are senior Aidan Armontrout and junior Alden Jones. The two have played a role on both sides of the ball and are expected to be key pieces on a deep roster.
“My personal goals for my senior season are to make everyone else around me better and to just be better than the guy lined up across from me every play,” Armontrout said.
Jones has similar goals, looking to improve as much as he can throughout the season.
With both players on offense and defense, they know they bear a lot of responsibility in 2025.
“Having a better understanding of offense and defense will help me do my job better on both sides of the ball, ultimately helping our team achieve the goals we have set,” Jones said.
Playing on both sides creates a bigger workload, but the two players are up for the challenge.
“I think there are a lot of ways I can help my team all over the field,” Armontrout said. “I am expecting a lot this year. I want a big workload; hopefully by doing that, the younger guys see that and want to put in the work and be even better than me.”
The Indians’ defense is probably going to be the team’s strength. With all but two starting players back in action, the defense could end up shaking up games throughout the season.
“I expect a lot from our defense, but I know they got it,” Armontrout
said. “We are expecting to go further than what we have been. I think everyone is buying into what the coaches are saying and we are locked in right now.”
Just because the defense is going to be a strength doesn’t mean the offense is a weakness. Along with Jones, the Indians return a bunch of weapons that have made plays over the past several seasons.
“We’re expecting to have an explosive offense with multiple contributors being a year older and stronger, and an extra year in the system will help us continue to improve offensively as we have in the past,” Jones said.
2025 SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 at Haskell
Sept. 5 at Caney Valley
Sept. 12 Porter at home
Sept. 19 Westville at home
Sept. 26 Hartshorne at home
Oct. 3 at Panama
hulberT riders Riders bring senior leadership, hunger to 2025
Oct. 10 Pocola at home
Oct. 17 bye week
Oct. 24 at Warner
Oct. 31 Rejoice Christian
Story By Jake Sermersheim
During the past two seasons, Hulbert football hasn’t fielded an average-sized senior class.
In 2023 and 2024, the Riders had four seniors and relied a lot on younger talent to fill the gaps. But this season, the Riders have at least nine seniors on
“Experience is our biggest strength, across the board; we have a lot of players who have a lot of time,” Botts said. “We don’t put a lot of rookies out there. I feel like physically we can match up with most teams, but it is about whether we are going to be mentally tough and aggressive. We are going to have that killer instinct.”
Having more seniors is a huge plus for a team that has lived off youth for the past several seasons. Head coach Chad Botts is hoping that having more seniors will result in the Riders having more leaders on the field than on the sidelines.
“As we get them to get more leadership on the field, we are asking a lot as coaches,” Botts said. “They are doing a lot and we need them to make the next step – holding players accountable, acting as leaders for the program. That’s a thing we are lacking on. That is one of our goals to get to the next level. If it is coach-centered, what is it?”
A lot of those senior players are putting forth the effort to see the change happen this season. Cody Botts, Jake Botts, Easton Graafls and Jamen Sims are four whom Botts expects to step up as leaders. That quartet has seen a lot of playing time for the Riders over the past several years and is looking to cash in some chips.
The final step for the program, according to Botts, is seeing his players take charge during games this season. Botts can say one thing but get another from his team, but the players appear to have
bought into his plan.
“I am going to step up a lot. Last year I wasn’t a leader as much; this year, I am looking to get more involved and hands-on,” Graafls said. “It’s important to get the underclassmen to be a family. I am expecting a good season; we have some good players this year.”
With quarterback Ethan Ellis, running back Cody Botts and wide receiver Aiden, along with Jake Botts leading the line, the offense is going to be senior at every major position.
“We have grown a lot in our skill player group. We have a lot of talent to work with,” Easton said.
Even though the Riders have more seniors, they will still get minutes from underclassmen.
“Being a leader, you have to take the job seriously on the field, with underclassmen looking up to us to do everything right,” Cody Botts said.
The team comes in motivated with linebacker and tight end Jamen Sims looking to double the number of tackles from his junior season.
“I am expecting just to motivate and teach; I know quite a bit and I know that there are people looking up to me,” Sims said. “Just showing them that it isn’t just the technical part, you have to want to do it.”
Riders looking to cap off rebuild
Story By Jake Sermersheim
Hulbert football has been working hard the past two seasons, rebuilding the program – and it showed during training camp.
When head coach Chad Botts came in before the 2023 offseason, he was looking to turn a team that hadn’t won a game in several seasons into a winner. Fast forward to 2025, and the Riders look like a completely different set of players.
“It has to pay off on the field now,” Botts said. “We have done the right move, I believe, to get this program in the right direction. Now it is up to the players to step up and put ourselves in good positions. If you’re in position and doing the right things, it has to pay off at some point. We are at some point.”
Coming into the program, Botts built the team up by focusing on their getting physically stronger and mentally tougher. After improving their weight training the past several years, the Riders are a much stronger and aggressive team.
“[We have] a lot more aggressiveness in the weight room and the field,” Jamen Sims said. “More kids, especially underclassmen, want to go out and hit someone.”
The coaches and the players believe this is the chance for the Riders’ program to break through into winning territory. Offensive lineman Jake Botts has been with the team for three seasons and has won just once, but he is excited at the opportunity to help the Riders break through.
“For us, it’s important because we haven’t had a good team, so I think improving on that really benefits us. We have gotten tougher,” Botts said. “[Being on the team that breaks through] would mean a lot. I haven’t been a part of a team that has done that.”
At this point in training camp, coach Botts thinks his team has made a lot of progress from not only this time last year, but also past seasons
“I feel we are well ahead of where we were this time last year,” Botts said. “That really comes to our guys having experience and not losing a lot. We are getting some underclassmen reps as well. We were just trying to look at things that were issues and trying to fix them.”
2025 SCHEDULE
Aug. 28 at Saginaw State 5 p.m.
Sept. 6 Missouri S&T at home 6 p.m.
Sept. 13 at North Alabama 6 p.m.
Sept. 20 Westgate Christian at home 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 Bye week
Oct. 4 West Florida at home 1 p.m.
Nsu su riverhawks Returning roster looking to help RiverHawks in 2025
Oct. 11 at Lincoln 12 p.m.
Oct. 18 at William Jewel 3 p.m.
Oct. 25 Central Oklahoma 7 p.m.
Nov. 1 Lincoln at home 6 p.m.
Nov. 8 McKendree at home 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 at West Alabama TBA
Story By Jake Sermersheim
This time last season, it was probably hard to recognize some of the faces on Northeastern State University football’s roster.
With Darrin Chiaverini coming in as head coach, the lineup completely changed. But this year marks a big difference for NSU as the RiverHawks return about 75% of the players from last season.
With so many returning to the gridiron, Chiaverini knows the team is in better shape than it was last year.
“I think the biggest step is we have a team back from last year,” Chiaverini said. “In year one, it was a whole new team trying to instill the culture, how we’re going to practice and train. Guys are going to know each other this year and [most] of the roster is back from last year. Just having roster retention and development in the offseason program is so you can see the growth in our program over one year.”
With some spots still left to fill, Chiaverini looked to add players who were not only powerful but also quick. This allowed the RiverHawks to improve on both sides of the ball.
Getting bigger and stronger players from working in the weight room is going to be key in 2025 for NSU.
“I would say we’ve gotten bigger on both sides of the ball,” Chiaverini said. “The offensive and defensive line – we’re a lot bigger in the trenches, and then
athletically with our speed on the outside, especially on offense. We have a lot better speed this year and overall better athletes.”
Chiaverini said he is looking for improvements on both sides of the ball.
On offense, NSU and its head coach are looking to limit the number of turnovers after issues last season. On the defensive side of the ball, Chiaverini said they need to make a lot of strides after being one of the worst-ranked teams in that category.
“If you look at the numbers, we were actually one of the poorer defenses, so we have to improve,” Chiaverini said. “We have to stop the run and get those key stops in the third quarter.”
Heading into week one, it isn’t clear who will take the starting quarterback role. The RiverHawks have a battle between returning starter Dereun Dortch and Donnie Smith.
Dortch returns to the roster after playing 10 games a season ago for NSU, throwing for 1,760 yards, 17 touchdowns and a 58% completion percentage. But that wasn’t all; as a dual-threat quarterback, Dortch ran for 300 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Smith, on the other hand, is a transfer who came into NSU this offseason from Snow College. At the junior college level, Smith threw for 2,812 yards and 39 passing touchdowns with a 58% completion percentage.
“They have been competing for the starting job; we’re going to see how it kind of plays out going into week one,” Chiaverini said. “Donnie has a good football mind, a good touch on the football and understands the game. Deruon is more of a dual-threat guy. He can run, he can throw, he’s a smart guy; I think they both bring different strengths to the game.”
This season marks the first since leaving the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association that NSU will play a mainly independent schedule. The slate is going to be tough, with five teams holding preseason rankings.
“At the end of the day, I’ve got to do the best job I can to prepare our team to play college football games,” Chiaverini said. “We have a very talented schedule, so we have to play good football to have a good record this year. I’m excited about the challenges, especially in week one, with a very good Saginaw team on the road.”
Hulbert Health Center (918) 772-2879
Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM 124 E. Main St. Hulbert, OK
Tahleguah Health Center (918)431-0202
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1500 E. Downing St. #214 Tahlequah, OK
P!:Y-or Family: Medical Center (918) 981-5000
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Saturday 7AM-3PM 5319 S. Mill St. Pryor, OK
Tahleguah Pediatrics (918) 456-7700
Monday-Friday 7AM-7PM
Saturday: 7AM-3PM 1310 E. Boone St. Tahlequah, OK
Tahleguah Family: Practice (918) 708-3570
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Salina Family: Medical Center (918) 434-7440
Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM 101E. Ferry St. Salina, OK
Westville Family: Medical Center (918) 723-3997
Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM 1779 Buffington Rd. Westville, OK
Tahleguah Extended Care (918) 456-0011
Monday-Friday 7AM-7PM
Saturday 7AM-3PM 1500 E. Downing St. #214-A Tahlequah, OK
Muskogee Medical Clinic (918) 683-0470
Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM 922 N. York St. Muskogee, OK
NeoHealth Women's Care Center (918) 456-2496
Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM 1500 E. Downing St. #208 Tahlequah, OK
Tahleguah ENT (918) 453-9002
Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM 1203 East Ross Bypass Tahlequah, OK
Hulbert Pharmag (918) 772-2727
Monday-Friday
8:30AM-12:30PM, 1PM-5PM 131E. Main St. Hulbert, OK
Tahleguah Pharmag (918) 708-3585
Monday-Friday
8:30AM-12:30PM, 1PM-5PM 1721 S. Muskogee Ave Tahlequah, OK
NeoHealth Pediatrics (918) 207-0773
Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM
1500 E. Downing St. #102 Tahlequah, OK
NSU Medical Center (918) 444-2126
Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM
529 N. Oak Ave. Tahlequah, OK
Behavioral Health NSU Medical Center (918) 444-2126
Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM 529 N. Oak Ave Tahlequah, OK
