2026 Tahequah Gridiron-FINAL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

8 TAHLEQUAH TIGERS PREVIEW

Tigers looking for explosive offense to lead way back to playoffs

Offensively, the Tahlequah Tigers might be the envy of the area heading into the season.

FEATURE

Returning line, backs to lead defensive unit for THS

12 KEYS COUGARS PREVIEW

Transformed passing game aims to open up Keys offense Offensively, Keys is going to be a lot different this year.

FEATURE

Cougar defense continues change, brings back hard-hitting veterans

16 SEQUOYAH INDIANS PREVIEW

Indians return 18 starters as they eye deep run

Sequoyah’s seniors have a different personal goal heading into 2026.

FEATURE

Last year’s success leaves Indians hungry for 2026

20 HULBERT RIDERS PREVIEW

Returning veterans stepping into vacant leadership spots for Riders When players graduate, new leaders have to step up in their place.

FEATURE

Riders determined to ‘earn it’ heading into fresh season

26 NORTHEASTERN STATE RIVERHAWKS PREVIEW

Northeastern State football looking to build on last season’s success Last year’s success was just a taste for Northeastern State University.

FEATURE

RiverHawks ready to start ‘the climb’ as they look to continue growth 4 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview | Tahlequah Daily Press

PUBLISHER Heather Kilpatrick hkilpatrick@tahlequahdailypress.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kim Poindexter kpoindexter@tahlequahdailypress.com

REGIONAL ADVERTISING MANAGER Joe Mack jmack@tahlequahdailypress.com

SPORTS EDITOR Jake Sermersheim JSermersheim@tahlequahdailypress.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jay Judah © 2026 Tahlequah Daily Press

The 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview is a yearly magazine published by the Tahlequah Daily Press. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and cannot be reproduced without express permission from CNHI, LLC. All information in this magazine is accurate as of August 23, 2026. Any errors or corrections can be sent to jsermersheim@tahlequahdailypress.com.

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Tigers looking for explosive offense to lead way back to playoffs Story By Jake Sermersheim

2026 SCHEDULE Sept. 4 Poteau Sept. 11 at Wagoner Sept. 18 Sapulpa Sept. 25 at Tulsa Memorial District opener Oct. 2 Pryor Homecoming Oct. 9 at Claremore Oct. 15 Collinsville Oct. 23 Tulsa Hale Senior night Oct. 30 at Bishop McGuinness Nov. 6 at Tulsa Edison

Offensively, the Tahlequah Tigers might be the envy of the area heading into the season.

Just about everyone is back on that side of the ball, led by senior quarterback Will Talburt.

Joining the gunslinger is a deep roster, including running back/wide receiver Michael Torkelson, wide receivers Kael Dobbins and Ashton Morgan, and running backs Dustin Duvall, Miguel Martinez and Raiden Beckwith.

“Our chemistry has progressed; I’ve thrown to every single wide receiver since at least freshman year,” Talburt said. “We’re all friends, too, and I think that matters more than almost athleticism.

Every day it’s growing more; we just understand each other, we know what we are going to do. They know how I throw and I know how they catch.”

Last year, Talburt was in an interesting position, sharing early-season duties at quarterback before taking over at the end of the season. Through the ups and downs of learning the position, Talburt found his footing and led the team to back-to-back 49-point performances to end the year.

“I think we’re expanded offensively,” THS head coach Brad Gilbert said. “We have the ability to do a lot with the receivers we have. We return a lot of veteran guys who are hungry; we also bring a good backfield. It’s just a good place to be right now.”

With returners galore on that side of the ball, the

8 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview | Tahlequah Daily Press

ROSTER

Tigers are looking to one-up an already solid offense from last year, when THS posted 32.1 points per game.

The Tigers are hoping their experience leads to greater heights and back to a winning record after finishing 5-5 last year.

“We don’t have to worry about guys not performing or the moment being too big, since everybody has been there before,” Torkelson said. “We’ve all had Friday night experience here or another state, another team.”

Talburt aims to show he has matured since last year. In his limited role, the junior had a strong touchdown rate but also struggled with interceptions at times in lategame situations. Now with a year under his belt, Talburt is trying to weed out those turnovers as the full-time starter.

“I’m looking to make better decisions and make more completions,” Talburt said.

“If I don’t need to throw, I don’t need to.

Sometimes I’m going to just have to tuck it [and run]; I can’t try and force things this year. I need to be more mature and not throw things all over the place. “ The Tigers return plenty of starters at skill positions, but possibly more importantly, they bring back plenty of experience at the offensive line.

Braxton Baker and Wyatt Hodgson are return after starting last season to anchor the line. Brayden Carey didn’t earn a starting spot early last season, but Gilbert noted he has the highest ceiling for potential there.

In addition, Casen Steely joins the line this season as a starter.

“Our line is really strong,” Baker said.

“We have some really big, physical guys there and they can move through people.”

The Tigers will be striving for their first return to the playoffs since 2023. Though they fell short, the Tigers have been contenders throughout the past couple of seasons, leaving the team hungry.

“I think intensity is high; the underclassmen have stepped up to fill roles. They might not start, but they are competing,” Talburt said. “Everyone is taking ownership; everyone wants it.”

No. 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 28 32 33 34 35 37 40 42 43 44 46 50 51 52 54 55 56 57 58 60 62 63 64 65 66 68 70 71 74 78 84 88

Name Konner Tindel Michael Torkelson Hestin Carr Miguel Martinez Dustin Duvall Bryan Luna Hayden Murphy Raiden Beckwith Kael Dobbins Ashton Morgan Will Talburt Isvan Santana Jakob Rider Layne Morgan Silas Hughes Trae Collins Waylon Odom Anderson Doan Micah Larsen Hollister Swafford Khoeda Rider Hayden Justice Taetyn Oosahwee Daylin Cross Emory Tidwell Luke Gower Owen Skinner Channing Mangrum Caleb Lamb Benton Martin Cayson Osburn Marcos Ibaara Lucas Asbill Braxton Baker Dain Gower Brayden Carey Alyx Smith Josiaha Koshiway Wyatt Hodgson Aaron Chen Valon Pllana Eric Talbert Zach Limpy Baxton Baker Mykah Coleman Jonah Batie Jett French Chris Gonzalez Avery Culver Beckett Taylor Casen Steeley Kyndryk Carey Shyler Goate Michah Cervantes

Grade Senior Junior Sophomore Junior Sophomore Senior Senior Junior Senior Senior Senior Senior Senior Sophomore Junior Sophomore Junior Sophomore Senior Junior Junior Freshman Sophomore Sophomore Junior Senior Sophomore Sophomore Senior Senior Junior Sophomore Junior Senior Sophomore Junior Sophomore Senior Senior Sophomore Junior Junior Junior Senior Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Senior Sophomore Senior Junior Sophomore Senior

Tahlequah Daily Press | 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview 9

Returning line, backs to lead defensive unit for THS Story By Jake Sermersheim The Tigers will have a new set of faces in the middle of the field in the starting lineup, but they have some help on the outsides, too.

During the offseason, the Tigers have been looking for a new starting four at linebacker after graduating their starters this offseason. Even though the backer unit will be inexperienced, the defensive line and defensive backs return key leaders.

“I think you’re seeing a lot of not young, but inexperienced players showing they progressed,” THS head coach Brad Gilbert said.

“Understanding the scheme and fit, especially in the linebacker position, has developed.”

The Tigers bring back four experienced players to lead the line, and in the backfield, Michael Torkleson and Isvan Santana return to lead the corners and safeties.

Braxton Baker, Josiah Koshiway, Casen Steely, Luke Gower and Avery Culver all return as experienced senior starters this season. Baker brings with him 22 tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack, while Koshiway added 13 tackles, four TFLs and two sacks.

As the unit coming back with the most experience, the front seven are expected to set the tone for the Tigers.

“Since we’re all seniors, they can run through us,” Baker said. “We should be pretty solid. We have some young guys who are stepping up and learning fast and we should be really good.”

In the defensive back, the Tigers will have Torkelson and Hayden Murphy at cornerback, Santana and Trae Collins at strong safety, and Hestin Carr and Micah Larsen at free safety.

The DB unit was skilled at taking the ball away last season, with Torkelson’s six leading the way, including a pick-six vs. Wagoner.

“We have to step up; there are a lot of guys who haven’t had as many minutes,” Torkelson said. “But really, it’s bringing everything together. We’ve all played together

for a long time. We’re going to go out there and get takeaways. We had a lot of dropped interceptions that could have turned into touchdowns, so we need to go fix that.”

That just leaves a young linebacking corps for the Tigers. With key starters like Chris Perry and Treveyon Morrison gone from the roster, that gives a new set of young players a chance to make their mark.

Bryan Luna returns to the team after time

10 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview | Tahlequah Daily Press

in a reserve role last season, but will have more on his shoulders this year. He will be joined by a cast of Lucas Asbill, Marcos Ibarra, Taetyn Oosahwee, Waylon Odom and Hayden Justice.

“I really like where we are at with linebacker,” Gilbert said. “[Our new guys] have been doing really well. They’re locked in and focused; it’s a really good room and we have a lot of young guys playing.”

BUILDING A TEAM ON

FINANCIAL STRENGTH

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Tahlequah Daily Press | 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview 11

Transformed passing game aims to open up Keys offense

Story By Jake Sermersheim

2026 SCHEDULE

Offensively, Keys is going to be a lot different this year.

The summer was spent adding and adapting the passing game for the Cougars. After two seasons as a runfirst team with quarterback Ryder Davis, the Cougars are going to stretch out the defense and make sure teams can’t home in on the rushing attack in 2026.

“It’ll open everything up for us because last year, at times, we couldn’t get that done,” Cougar head coach Justin Brown said. “We would get into situations where they would load the box and they could shut down the run game, so I think being more balanced is going to help open that up.”

This season, Davis will have some new members at offensive line, but plenty of familiar faces are returning to give him a hand at skill positions. Those include lineman Braxton Womack, running back Garrett LeMasters, and receivers Jacob Kirk, Braxton Fritz, Clit Brown and Jonathon Coombes.

Alongside Davis, that offensive unit was key to a five-win season and a trip to the playoffs for the first time under Brown. Davis is looking to lead the team

Aug. 28 at Tishomingo Sept. 4 Pocola Sept. 11 at Roland Sept. 19 BYE Sept. 25 at Wyandotte

Start of district season Oct. 2 Salina Homecoming Oct. 9 at Chouteau Oct. 15 Adair Oct. 23 Chelsea Oct. 30 at Tulsa Kipp Nov. 6 Kansas Senior night

12 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview | Tahlequah Daily Press

to new heights in his third season under center.

“I think the biggest challenge for us is just putting it into place when it comes to the season,” Davis said.

“We have a bunch of new passing stuff and a bunch of running stuff. We can keep pushing in the passing game; I can get better, our receivers can throw better routes, we can all do things to make us better as a team.”

Keys is focusing more on the passing game, but that doesn’t mean the play calls are going to be one-dimensional. The running game is still going to be potent this season, new and improved.

The passing game isn’t the only element getting an overhaul, with KHS adding plenty of new looks to the rushing game during camp.

“We’ll always run the ball, but that’s something we’ve been working on all spring and summer; I think it’s starting to pay off,” Brown said.

Passing leads to running and vice versa if the Cougars can find the right balance. Getting defenses to stop focusing in on the running game gives some relief to junior running back Garrett LeMasters.

“It’s going to open up the running game for me,” LeMasters said. “Once the passing gets everything figured out, it will only make things easier on the inside for me.”

The improved passing attack should contribute to an offense that was already solid last season. Last year, the Cougars dropped an average of 31.6 points per game.

Changing everything could be risky, but the Cougars are coming into the season with a lot of earned confidence. After the playoff run last season, they brings back their most battle-tested roster in recent memory, touting 14 upperclassmen.

“I think we’ll be pretty good this year; we’ll all be pretty good,” Womack said. “We’re older and we know our responsibilities and we know what we have to do.”

ROSTER No. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 18 20 21 23 25 32 33 35 36 40 50 51 54 55 56 57 62 63 68 69 71 79

Name Garret LeMasters Ryder Davis Johnny Coombes Braxton Fritts Blake Enos Skyler Carlile Colby Bogard Aaron King Aden Cobb Jerome Simmons Charlie Jones Jacob Kirk Kayden Sang Joey Martinez Tanner Starr Chayce Phillips Timmy Pilon Jax Espinal Clayton Clenney Hayden Fontenot Aiden Blackwood Isaac Wilder Mason Mathis Clint Brown Micah Begay Stone Sanders Braxton Womack Hunter Parker Chase Rose Canaan Rose Lane Hunt Aden Boston Zaine Starr Lukas Swepston Dillon Blair Quintin Martin

Grade Junior Junior Junior Sophomore Freshman Sophomore Sophomore Senior Freshman Junior Sophomore Junior Junior Sophomore Senior Senior Sophomore Junior Freshman Freshman Freshman Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Sophomore Senior Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Senior Freshman Senior Junior Senior

Tahlequah Daily Press | 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview 13

Cougar defense continues change, brings back hard-hitting veterans Story By Jake Sermersheim

Change continues on the defensive side of the ball for the Cougars.

In addition to the offense, complementary changes being made to ensure the other unit can limit other teams. Last year, the defense was hot and cold, restraining teams to under two touchdowns three times, but allowing more than 50 points four times. This averaged out to a middling 34.6 points per game.

“We’ve changed the defense up quite a bit and I think the kids are liking it,” Cougar head coach Justin Brown said. “We are still in the early stages of picking those things up, but it’s coming together. This stuff changes once games start, but as far as now goes, it’s been good to see.”

A big change for a specific player is Garrett LeMasters, moving from line back to defensive back. Spending the first several seasons of his career in the middle, the junior is giving reinforcement to the passing defense.

“It’s definitely not the same, but I’m getting there,” LeMasters said. “Coach is

14 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview | Tahlequah Daily Press

helping me out and it’s been a tough adjustment.”

Overall, the linebackers and front line look like they have a good chance to be a strength for the team.

Chayce Phillips, Braxton Womack and Clint Brown all return as key members of the defense.

“I think our rush defense is definitely a strength.

We’ve been really good and have honed their technique, speed and strength,” LeMasters said.

During training camp, the Cougars have put in work to not only improve on the new scheme, but were focused on improving their fundamental play.

“We want a lot more forced fumbles, a lot more tackles and a lot more discipline,” LeMasters said. “We need to read guards, know our responsibilities.”

Key returners included Braxton Womack, who brings with him 49 tackles, two sacks and an interception. Benton Martin comes back with 48 tackles and two sacks; Clint Brown added 57 tackles, a sack and an interception; and Jacob Kirk comes in with 44 tackles and three interceptions.

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Indians return 18 starters as they eye deep run Story By Jake Sermersheim

2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

Sequoyah’s seniors have a different personal goal heading into 2026.

Some of the them are striving to get better as players, some want to make their game known to colleges and some are just hoping to have a fun year.

No matter what their personal goals are, they hold the same goal as a team: to make a run with a stacked returning roster.

“The goals have been the same and it took a while to get where we needed to be, but that’s why you have goals,” SHS head coach Chad Hendricks said.

“We want to win our district and set ourselves up for a State Playoff run, and those are still our goals. It’s a long season and anything can happen, so we’re just trying to be as healthy as we can be for the end of the season.”

With a team led by juniors, the Indians won the first nine games of the season, hosted and won a playoff game, and played a competitive secondround road playoff showdown. SHS returns 18 starters from last season — nine on each side of the ball — and is looking for that maturity to be key in the run for the State Title.

The number of returning seniors is astonishing for any team, but more importantly, most of those players have started or gotten significant minutes on the field since they were freshman.

Senior returners on offense include quarterback Crayton Sapp; wide receivers Hudson Hendrick, Alden Towie and Kurt Trammel; and running back Ridge Blackbear.

On defense,

at Pawnee at Prairie Grove Eufaula Bye week at Lincoln Christian District opener Roland Homecoming at Checotah Hugo at Heavener Spiro Senior night at Victory Christian

16 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview | Tahlequah Daily Press

returning as key senior starters are lineman Dylan Parris; linebackers Marley Moore and Avis Rabbit; and defensive back Eli Waterdown.

“It keeps us aggressive,” coach Hendricks said.

“We’re two deep in our skill spots and those guys all played last year, too. We have guys right behind them who are just as capable who can step up and fill in when our starters need a break.”

Under the deep stack of senior talent, the underclassmen are also going to play essential roles this season. Though it may be hard to break into the starting 11 on offense or defense, SHS was using the fall practice slate to find some depth.

Finding the right times to mix in those younger players with the veteran returners is will be at the forefront for head coach Hendricks.

“We’ve seen a lot of growth from our freshman; we’re getting better with them,” Sapp said. “I’m looking to become more efficient with my passing. We have [so many] options and more stuff in our playbook.”

Defensively, the Indians have high expectations.

“I expect to see good passing coverage,” SHS defensive back Eli Waterdown said. “I think we’re going to be really good; we have keen eyes. And a lot of our guys are hungry right now.”

Returning players on the defensive side of the ball means more battletested eyes. Those eyes are catching what the other team is doing and letting the rest of the team know what they see.

“I just think it is a benefit,” Waterdown said. “I think it just makes us better on how we can communicate.

We have so many guys who can step up as leaders.”

Until games start, coach Hendricks plans to focus on finding more depth at linebacker and defensive back to supplement the starters.

“That’s a place we have to create depth, but we have two deep rotation up front on the defensive line,” coach Hendricks said. “We need to find some depth on the linebacker and defensive back unit.”

ROSTER No. 0 1 2 3 4 6 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 37 39 40 41 44 45 50 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 61 62 63 64 66 67 68 70 71 73 74 76 77 79

Name Alden Towie Hudson Hendricks Rowdy Berry Shaystin Duncan Eli Vance Crayton Sapp Bam Timmons Ridge Blackbear Grayson Seller Kannon Trammel Casen Leep Holden Lusk Marley Moore Kurt Trammel Eli Waterdown Zayden Sanders Carson Jimmie James Gaylor Gage Still John Tehee Cannon Smith Reese Carpenter Kahner Bunch David Hammer Talon Ketcher Maverick Davis Uriah Smith J.J. Samples Kyler Frits Shade Eubanks Tyler Smith Brock Crittenden Tuson Stayathome Kade Ross Karson Briscoe Bronson Johnson Shadow Still Gabe Venegas Jaxon Compton Avis Rabbits Knox Keys Dylan Parris Gavin Reese Jalen Baccus Ethan Smith Staden James Jedidiah Hampton Caden Murphy Sam Leo Kade Sanders Jace Parks Jonah Billy Kason Poe Malachi Hopkins Wyatt Johnston Josiah Sapp Kobe Timmons Koal Gritts Matthew Wilkerson

Grade Senior Senior Freshman Junior Sophomore Senior Junior Junior Sophomore Junior Junior Freshman Senior Senior Senior Freshman Sophomore Freshman Junior Freshman Senior Sophomore Freshman Junior Sophomore Freshman Sophomore Freshman Sophomore Freshman Freshman Sophomore Freshman Freshman Sophomore Junior Freshman Freshman Freshman Senior Sophomore Senior Sophomore Sophomore Junior Junior Sophomore Senior Senior Junior Sophomore Freshman Freshman Junior Sophomore Senior Freshman Senior Senior

Tahlequah Daily Press | 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview 17

Last year’s success leaves Indians hungry for 2026 Story By Jake Sermersheim Last year was just the beginning for the Sequoyah Indians.

Off to a hot start, the Indians won the first nine games of the season, hosted and won a playoff game, and engaged in a competitive secondround road playoff showdown. With a 10-1 record and most of the team back from last season, the team is hungry not only to replicate last year’s success, but one-up it.

“I just think we need to build on what we started last year,” senior wide receiver Hudson Hendricks said. “Playing in all those games helps; it doesn’t feel like anything new. We’re not expecting anything different because we are a lot more in control and can find it easier to end games.”

Returning to the offense are some of quarterback Cryaton Sapp’s favorite weapons in wide receivers Hendricks, Alden Towie, running back Ridge Blackbear, and tight end Casen Leep, among others.

The familiarity will only help the Indians and Sapp. While last season was a success, they were a young team and are coming back this season, wanting to finish the journey they started.

“It shows us how we can be better for this season,” Sapp said. “[Making a playoff run] will be easier than last year. We were pretty nervous but we’re better prepared. Now it’s expected.”

During last season’s run, the Indians were potent on offense, averaging 45 points per game with a 10-2 record. With all of those weapons returning for a senior quarterback, the Indians can surpass a tough offense.

“We should be even better,” Hendricks said.

“Passing-wise, we’ve got a longer team and everything will pay off now that we’re older. We have an advantage with how many returners we have.”

On the defensive side of the ball, the Indians were hard to score on, only giving up more than 20 points three different times. They worked two shutouts, and opposing teams only scored an average of 9.3 points per game in losses.

“If you have five or six people for those positions, you can have depth and move things around,” SHS head coach Chad Hendricks said. “Then you never know; over the course of the season, someone might step up and learn and get better.”

18 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview | Tahlequah Daily Press

Returning veterans stepping into vacant leadership spots for Riders

Story By Jake Sermersheim

When players graduate, new leaders have to step up in their place.

This has been the main challenge for the Hulbert Riders during training camp. After key players graduated last season – including at quarterback and running back – they will hand over the reins to new leaders, on and off the field.

Bo Thayer is set to take over as quarterback this season. The senior has been a critical part of the Riders squad for the past several seasons, but is taking the helm for a program entering a new era.

“We knew he was a pretty good athlete for us at the quarterback spot,” Rider head coach Chad Botts said. “There’s a lot of responsibility that goes into it.

You have to have a big character, your demeanor is big, you can’t panic when it is going bad. You need to stay calm at all times and control the

2026 SCHEDULE Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

Fairland Porter at Westville Panama District opener at Pocola Okemah Homecoming at Warner Haskell Senior night at Coalgate at Vian

20 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview | Tahlequah Daily Press

huddle, and I think he is doing a very good job at that.”

As one of the leaders, Thayer has to accept a truth about the Riders: They’re a run-first team. The gunslinger knows his role is about making sure he can do whatever possible to help out the run game, but to also maximize his chance when he does get to throw the ball.

Accompanied by Hunter Rankin at running back, the upperclassmen duo will be important pieces if HHS is to build on last year’s 5-5 record. “[We’ll be] pushing people to go past and keep running,” Thayer said. “This type of offense is running into people every play. It’s pushing down the field and

ROSTER

going past everyone when they think we are done.”

Thayer took the starting job after a summer of battling for the position.

“He is just going to keep getting better each and every day,” Botts said. “It’s always hard to replace the quarterback who’s been the starter for three years. I think he’s doing a pretty good job so far.”

Rankin is in a similar position as Thayer – taking over the starting role from a three-year starter. However, injuries put Rankin into the RB1 position for a handful of games down the stretch.

With those touches, Rankin proved he was more than capable of taking over the bell cow running back duties.

“It gave me a lot of experience,

stamina, and to just know what to expect,” Rankin said. “Something I learned last year was how to keep going even when I’m straining late in games. You have other people out there giving it our all.”

Outside his running game, Rankin will play a key role on the other side of the ball. The Riders bring a healthy set of returners with key minutes back at linebacker, including Rankin, D.J. Gregory and Coale Gifford. That is expected to be the biggest strength for the Riders this year.

“I think we offer a lot of size,” Rankin said. “We’ll be a pretty good linebacking corps; we have good returners coming back this year and we just need to put the coaching to use.”

No. Name

Grade

1

Michael Drywater

Senior

2

Hunter Rankin

Junior

3

Chevy Gailey

Sophomore

4

JJ Moss

Sophomore

5

Cade McClure

Junior

6

Michael Ortiz

Sophomore

7

Logan Girdner

Sophomore

8

Sean Palmer

Freshman

9

Jadrian Simmons

Senior

10

Bo Thayer

Senior

11

Ricky Monroy

Sophomore

12

Seth Cote

Freshman

13

Coby Botts

Senior

15

Trenton Beeler

Freshman

18

Luke Harris

Junior

21

Jeremiah Torres

Sophomore

22

Braxton Kilapatrick

Freshman

23

Coale Gifford

Senior

32

Kylee Jenkins

Junior

42

DJ Gregory

Senior

48

Gunner Edwards

Freshman

50

Gavin Henderson

Junior

51

Jake Beaver

Senior

55

Maverick Kerr

Junior

56

Kia Whitekiller

Freshman

58

Karsyn Asher

Senior

60

Dustin Potts

Junior

62

Jaxtin Decker

Junior

72

Shane Russell

Junior

78

Immanuel Bacon

Junior

Tahlequah Daily Press | 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview 21

Riders determined to ‘earn it’ heading into fresh season Story By Jake Sermersheim Talent isn’t enough in sports, especially in football. That’s the point Hulbert head coach Chad Botts is trying to get across to his team.

After an early practice the second week of training camp, Botts closed out the session with a statement: “You can be mediocre or you can hunker down and work.”

Botts thinks if his team can play by that statement they can have a strong 2026.

“I think for us, we are trying to build that workhorse mentality,” Botts said. “We are not going to give anything with who we are; we have to work for stuff, we have to earn it. The way you go out and earn it is by working for it. You give that good effort and you get better and better at the job, build good days on good days.”

After finishing last year with five wins, the Riders aim to prove it wasn’t a fluke and they can maintain the culture. Part of that was coming into the training camp with a slightly altered mindset. This August, practices have looked cleaner and more productive for the team.

“I think we have a lot more discipline than in the past,” D.J. Gregory said. “Our practices are starting to go better than we’ve seen before. The main thing is just figuring out where the new guys are going to play.”

Going into the start of camp, the Riders were looking for leaders to step up before the opening game of the regular season.

Along with Bo Thayer, Coby Botts and Hunter Rankin, Gregory is expected to be a leader.

Playing both sides of the ball for the past several seasons, the junior has been taking a position as leader from the early days of camp.

“I try and hold the younger guys to standards, making sure they make it to the end and show up to practice,” Gregory said. “We try to hold them accountable; sometimes [it] doesn’t always work. We need to work together and not take plays off.”

Practices might have looked basic for the Riders – position specific drills, running plays and conditioning – but the work is paying off, so far.

“This team, with the unit and attitude we have, I am really positive this team can produce,” Botts said. “As a quarterback, I’m trying to be someone for younger players look up to. I’m just trying to act right in football and in classes.”

22 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview | Tahlequah Daily Press

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Northeastern State football looking to build on last season’s success

Story By Jake Sermersheim

Last year’s success was just a taste for Northeastern State University.

NSU had a winning record last season for the first time since 2011 and strung together sevenstraight wins to end the year. That success is still fresh, but the RiverHawks’ roster knows that was the past, and this year is different.

“It’s a new season; we are starting at the bottom again,” NSU senior quarterback Donnie Smith said. “Every day we’re trying to do what we have to do to climb to the top – go through tough practices, beating the tough teams, everything that comes with it.”

Smith returns as a key leader and player from last year’s roster. In his first season with NSU, Smith set a lot of school records: 2,962 total offensive yards, 2,045 passing yards, 231 completions, 253.8 passing yards per game, and 71.1% completion percentage – and his 23 passing touchdowns was the most since 2026.

Heading into his senior year as a preseason top 100 selection, Smith and the RiverHawks are looking for a playoff berth this season.

“He is a veteran guy who has leadership and understands the offense,” NSU head coach Darrin Chiaveri said. “I think he’s so much further ahead than he was at this point last year, which is a testament to his hard work and playing a lot of football with us last year. He played his best the last seven games of the year, so I’m expecting him to lead this offense.”

On the other side of the ball, Marvelous Owens

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Nov. 7 Nov. 14

Delta State at Missouri S&T at Truman State at Northern Colorado at Stephen F. Austin, Texas Permian Basin Homecoming at West Florida William Jewell Bye week at Langston Oklahoma Gridiron Classic at McKendree vs. West Alabama Senior day

26 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview | Tahlequah Daily Press

returns as not only a senior leader, but also a two-time All-American from a season ago. The cornerback heads back to lead a defensive back unit that Chiaverini described as “potential to be one of the best.”

“I view myself as a leader because a lot of the players look up to me,” Owens said. “Being an All-American last year [sets a benchmark], so I have to come out every day, work and go 100%.”

According to NSU’s third-year head coach, the RiverHawks are faster, stronger and more physical this year.

“They just need to be who they are; they don’t have to do more than what they do,” Chiaverini said. “Go out there, compete, play winning football and understand their assignments; they don’t have to do more than what they’ve been doing.”

eight games of the year, the defense only gave up 10.25 ppg, with no teams scoring more than 21 in that span.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Tigers averaged 40.25 ppg, led by Smith. NSU never scored less than 21 points and scored over 50 points on three separate occasions.

“I need to just stay the course, trust my receivers and trust the o-line,” Smith said. “We want to get our team into the playoffs and have success once we make it.”

The defensive unit has a strong passing defense, but they also bring back key players at linebacker, including leading tacklers Kale Charboneau and Khaden Walker. NSU also brings in two junior transfers in twins Tre Williams and Deuce Williams for the defensive line.

“It all starts with the defensive line,” Owens said. “That’s the reason I was getting those interceptions last year; the pressure around the quarterback opened me up. I’m looking to play faster, have better IQ and just work on the little things I was doing last year.”

Last season, the defense was solid and got better as the year went on.

Over the course of the year, the RiverHawks only gave up an average of 18.5 points per game. In the first four games of the season, NSU gave up an average of 28 ppg, including a season high of 49 points vs.

West Alabama.

However, over the final Tahlequah Daily Press | 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview 27

RiverHawks ready to start ‘the climb’ as they look to continue growth

Story By Jake Sermersheim

Last year, “The Chase” was completed, but this season, it’s “The Climb.”

The RiverHawks’ motto was “The Chase” as they looked to get into the national spotlight. With a preseason ranking of No. 23, NSU’s eyes shift to what head coach Darrin Chiaverini has dubbed “The Climb.”

A seven-game winning streak and a win in the First American Bowl have given the RiverHawks some national recognition.

“Last year, we did what we did; we had to chase,” senior defensive back Marvelous Owens said. “We climb this year; we’re on ground level. We’re trying to get to the top; where we want to be is the playoffs, then the National Championship.”

Even with last year’s success, the RiverHawks know they are seeing new teams, taking new road trips, and still have to develop the roster.

“First and foremost, having a productive season last year set the foundation for playing winning football,” Chiaverini said. “Those things set us up this season. We have a tougher schedule this year, but I think we’re a better team this year. Just having a challenge of a tough schedule and having seven road games sets up that we have to climb the ladder this year.”

The road to success is going to be tough this season for the RiverHawks, with a hard schedule to play through.

NSU has a rematch schedule for Missouri S&T, West Florida, William Jewell, McKendree and West Alabama, with six new foes on the radar. Overall, the RiverHawks play three D1 programs in Stephen F. Austin, Northern Colorado and West Florida – all on the road, all happening in a four-week span.

Despite the challenge ahead, the RiverHawks are ready for the season to open.

“In the season, not everything is going to be perfect,” NSU quarterback Donnie Smith said. “When we fight though adversity we just need to keep the guys straight, keep moving forward and pushing towards our

28 2026 Cherokee County Gridiron Preview | Tahlequah Daily Press

goals and just remind the guys of all the hard work we did during the summer.”

Getting to the goals the RiverHawks are aiming for is going to take a lot of work, but the practices have been highly productive.

“Our practices have been pretty good so far; they’re supercompetitive,” Smith said. “I feel like we’re going against the best defense every day, so they’re giving the offense guys good looks every day.”

Good Luck This Season To All The Local Football Teams

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