Gridiron Preview
TAHLEQUAH KEYS HULBERT SEQUOYAH NORTHEASTERN STATE
KEYS
TAHLEQUAH
“You can’t control the event, but you can control the response.”
Seniors leading charge for more disciplined Tigers, pg. 10
Cougars looking to break through to playoffs, pg. 14
HULBERT Riders put emphasis on player safety with guardian caps, pg. 17
SEQUOYAH Indians hoping to return to playoffs in 2024, pg. 22
Free checking that ear ns up to $120 on debit card purchases
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Returning experience set to play key role for Tigers in 2024
leading charge for more disciplined Tigers
Cougars looking to break through to playoffs
FEATURE
Improved offensive, defensive lines to help Cougars
Riders looking at new leadership perspective heading into 2024
Riders put emphasis on safety with guardian
Indians
Chiaverini
Staff
© 2024 Tahlequah Daily Press
The 2024 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 21, 2024. Any errors or corrections can be sent to jsermershiem@tahlequahdailypress.com
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OLDER AND BETTER
Returning players’ experience set to play key role for Tigers in 2024
By Jake Sermersheim
This summer has been a time of improvement for the Tahlequah Tigers.
After winning a combined six games the past two seasons, the Tigers are looking to take a step up and score some additional wins this season. To achieve this, the Tigers are striving for improvements on the field and in mentality.
A bright spot is that they are returning experienced players to nearly every position, including quarterback.
“[Playing last year] helps a lot. My quarterback coach said his senior year was 10 times better than his junior year, so we are expecting that this year. Big things are coming,” quarterback Cash McAlvain said.
McAlvain returns to lead THS for his second season. Beckett Robinson, Jacob Morrison and J.J. Antwine are back in the fold in the wide receiver room. On the offensive line, seven players come back with starting experience. Defensively, the Tigers bring back several their key players.
“If you look at our offense, there are 10-11 guys who have played a lot that are returning,” THS head coach Brad Gilbert said. “That experience alone on offense is something to build upon. It is proven that year after year, if a young man gets that experience, he can’t help but improve. The experience they gained [last season], but also the chemistry they developed, you can’t replace it. I see them improving and making more and more plays for us this season.”
That experience has already borne fruits during the summer and early
Tahlequah Quarterback Cash McAlvain drops back during fall training camp.
Tahlequah’s Kingston Hall runs with the ball during training camp.
practice season, as players and coaches alike are optimistic for the offense’s potential.
“We improved throwing the ball, and our vertical game got better,” Robinson said. “Our running game got better, too. We have all the running backs and receivers we need this year.”
The offense hasn’t been the only area improving for the Tigers; the defense has made strides as well.
In 2023, the Tigers struggled to stop the run at times and were often hounded late in games by strong running attacks. This year, THS is hoping that is a thing of the past, with an emphasis on run defense.
“I think we are going to stop the run a lot more,” senior defensive end Carter Kelly said. “We are really hounding on that, so I think it should be a lot better really.”
While most holes on the roster have been filled by returning players, the biggest question mark easily lies at linebacker.
Going into the season last year, the Tigers’ linebacking core was highly touted. With a group of four seniors, it was set to be the best unit to step onto the field. Health problems delayed the
ROSTER
1 JJ Antwine Sr. WR, CB
2 Will Talburt So. QB, LB
3 Synjin Sampson Jr. QB, CB
4 Cutter Girdner Jr. WR, CB
5 Kingston Hall Jr. DE, RB
6 Jaxon Head Sr. WR, OLB
7 Elvis Myers Jr. TE, DE
8 Braden Davis Sr. WR, CB
9 Jake Girty Jr.RB, LB
10 Caden Waits Sr. RB, SS
11 Beckett Robinson Sr. WR, CB
12 Cash Mcalvain Sr. QB, CB
13 Isvan Santana So. WR, DB
15 Austin Marsh Jr. WR, OLB
16 Hayden Murphy So. WR, CB
17 Cayden Swim Jr. WR, CB
18 Bryan Collins So. RB, OLB
unit’s playing in full, but when they were on the field together, it was arguably the strongest unit on the defense.
The Tigers have one upperclassman returning with varsity experience, and not much depth outside of that.
“The one position that is really a void is our linebacker position. Tiger Jimmerson has played some, but outside of that, there is really no one,” Gilbert said. “That is key to our team and the development of our defense. That is something you want to look at going
19 Colten Hale So. RB, OLB
21 Christopher Perry Jr. RB, OLB
22 Xaxton Carshall Jr. WR, SS
23 Traeven Morrison Jr. FB, LB
24 Tanner Felts So. WR, CB
25 Tyger Jimerson Sr. TE, LB
26 Daniel Carey Jr. RB, DB
27 Micah Larsen So.WR, DB
28 Daniel Sosa Jr. TE, DE
30 Landon Cummings Jr. TE, ILB
32 Michah Cervantes So. WR, DB
33 Bryan Luna So. FB, LB
34 Korbin Dietz Jr. FB, OLB
35 Kael Dobbins So. WR, RB, FB
36 Miguel Rodriquez Sr. FB, DE
36 Norberto Ramirez So. RB, OLB
40 Caleb Lamb So. FB, DE
into 2024.”
Througout the start of the practice season, the Tigers seem ready to take the necessary steps.
“Everything is going good; the team looks better this year,” McAlvain said. “We have more experience up front, our receivers look really good, and everything is coming together. I am just trying to win games and be better than last year.”
THS officially kicks off its season at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at East Central.
41 Trenton Youngblood Jr. WR, DB
42 Renier Rozell So. WR, DB
43 Dave Olvera Jr. FB, DT
44 Josiaha Koshiway So. OLB, TE
46 Jordan Horn So. RB, DB
50 Braxton Baker So. OL, DL
51 Drake Chaffin Sr. OL, DT
52 Cash Jones Sr. OL, DT
53 Blayn Justice Jr. OL
55 Jayden Whitehead Jr. C
55 Lane Fisher Jr. TE, DE
56 Wyatt Hodgson So. OL, DL
57 Wyatt Stephens Jr. OL
58 Brock Mascho Sr. OL
59 Xander Denton Jr. OL
60 Carter Kelly Sr. OL, DE
61 William Woodard So. OL, DL
62 Nicholas Kynast Sr. OL
63 Ethan Moore Sr. OL
65 Joe Yang. So. OL, DL
66 Aiden Culver Jr. OL, DT
67 Kael Carey Jr. OL
67 Coburn Killer So. G, NG
68 Stormy Holt Jr. OL
70 Avery Culver So. OL, DL
72 Luke Gower So. OL, DL
73 Gunter Rhodes Jr. C
74 Casen Steeley So. OL, DL
75 Bronson Anderson So. OL, DL
80 Kelton Mccullough Jr. WR, CB
81 Davente Keys So. TE, DE
82 Blake Dotson Jr. WR, DB
88 Blake Falling Jr. WR, CB
88 Dakota Johnson So. WR, DB
Tahlequah’s Xander Denton during a drill at fall training camp.
Seniors leading charge for more discipline
By Jake Sermersheim
This summer, a motto for the Tahlequah Tigers football team was, “You can’t control the event, but you can control the response.”
Discipline was a big focus for the Tahlequah Tigers football team.
Last season, the Tigers struggled with penalties, generally keeping level heads but once getting into a sideline brawl. This is hopefully a thing of the past, though, as head coach Brad Gilbert and his staff challenged their team to grow in this aspect of the game.
But it’s one thing to hear it from a coach, and another from a player who is suiting up every week. Some teams might try to instill this narrative but can’t make it a reality because their players haven’t bought in. This shouldn’t be a worry for the Tigers, because some senior leaders have stepped up to make it a point.
“We were down and we need someone to help pick us up and get us back in that shape to help us throughout the season,” wide receiver Beckett Robinson said. “I was working out twice a day and training as much as I can, to train for my team the best I can. I wanted to do better than we did last year, and hopefully stay disciplined, locked in and not tap out.”
THS did make the playoffs last season, but finished with just three wins. The Tigers were in most of their
games down to the end of last season, although small things piled up and took away from potential wins.
Senior defensive end Carter Kelly thinks the player leadership has been better.
“Discipline is on and off the field. If you’re not disciplined on the field, you commit a lot of penalties. Leadership can make the team, and it can unite us,” Kelly said. “I think we will do far better than last year; I think we will come together more than ever this year. It is just a different atmosphere this year, and I am excited for the season.”
While the Tigers are talking a big game, they have been backing it up so far. During the summer, Gilbert
said, players were out supporting their teammates in ways he hadn’t seen before.
“But the chemistry and attitudes are good to see,” Gilbert said. “We have multiple linemen going to passing leagues and helping out on their own, passing out water bottles and helping their teammates. It is refreshing to see; it was a good summer.”
Time will tell if the offseason changes will have an impact, but through the early workouts, THS looks like a more disciplined team going into 2024.
SCHEDULE
Aug. 30 at East Central, 7 p.m.
Sept. 6 at home vs Sapulpa, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 at Wagoner, 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Claremore, 7 p.m.
HOMECOMING
Oct. 4 vs Pryor, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Collinsville, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17 vs Tulsa Memorial, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Del City, 7 p.m.
Nov. 1 vs Will Rogers, 7 p.m.
SENIOR NIGHT
Nov. 8 vs Nathan Hale, 7 p.m.
Tahlequah’s Tanner Felts runs footwork drills during fall training camp.
Tahlequah’s Colton Hale jumps for a pass during fall training camp.
LEARNING FROM LAST SEASON
Cougars looking to break through to playoffs
By Jake Sermersheim
The Keys Cougars were on the verge of making the playoffs last season, breaking a drought that had been haunting the team. (I will have an exact year count tomorrow)
Unfortunately, the Cougars fell just short of the playoffs, needing one more win to crack the field. But that was last season, and KHS players are using that feeling to motivate themselves for the 2024 season. Falling just short of the goal last season, first-year head coach Justin Brown and his team now looked poised to beat that mark.
“It has been a few years since we have been to the playoffs,” Brown said. “We want to take that next step and continue what we did last year. We can’t worry about all that. The next step is Gore, week one, but our goal is to make the playoffs every season.”
Finishing last season 3-8, the Cougars are primed to take the next step in 2024. Senior offensive lineman Garrett Murphy has been using last season’s motivation to improve over the summer.
“It makes us want to strive more
Keys’ Clancy Quentone, left, battles Elijah Meadows during the first day of pads practice.
Keys head coach Justin Brown talks to his team during training camp.
and finish more games,” Murphy said. “It makes us really want it this season. I am hoping to see us with a winning record and make the playoffs.”
On the field, Brown has started to see the Cougars make the progress.
Brown said that since he took over for spring football, the Cougars have made strong strides. Even though they weren’t officially practicing during the summer, Brown saw the Cougars retain what they learned months earlier.
“Our young guys’ knowledge of what we are trying to do has been the best progression I’ve seen in training camp,” Brown said. “Even though you can’t have practice in the summer, they can still learn things. I am impressed with their recall from seven-on-seven.”
The Cougars have some strong upperclassmen taking over leadership rules. Brown is expecting Murphy to perform on both sides of the line. Another senior, Adden Shaw, is going to lead the way at tackle and outside backer. Taking hard hits on both sides of the ball, Shaw has one of the toughest jobs.
Rounding out Brown’s leaders, Treveron Guthrie is expected to build on a strong sophomore campaign. After starting at wide receiver and strong safety last season, Guthrie is expected to be an important player this year.
“Guthrie is a good leader for us, as well as our seniors. Garrett Murphy will be a three-year starter. He isn’t
ROSTER
1 Ryder Davis FR QB/DB
2 Colt Ward FR QB/DB
4 Garrett Lemasters FR RB/LB
5 Jude Brant FR WR/DB
6 Cory Jones JR WR/DB
7 Jon Beckwith JR WR/DB
8 Tanner Starr SOPH TE/DE
10 Jett Kimble SOPH QB/DB
11 Jacob Kirk FR WR/DB
12 Kaleb Andrews FR RB/LB
14 Chaestin Butler FR WR/DB
15 Elijah Meadows SR WR/DB
the most vocal guy but he leads by example. Our seniors are really coming on as leaders,” Brown said.
The Cougars have been practicing with strong enthusiasm. After four days with no pads, they finally geared up and cracked each other for the first team. Brown decided to open the first day of pads with an oldie but a goodie: the Oklahoma drill. As more and more kids lined up for their chance at the one-on-one drill, the cheers got louder and louder as the Cougars showed they were ready for the first true day of practice.
KHS officially kicks off the season at 7 p.m. at Gore Friday, Sept. 6.
18 Clancey Quetone SR WR/DB
20 Chayce Phillips SOPH RB/LB
21 Raiden Beckwith FR RB/DB
22 Treveon Guthrie JR WR/DB
23 Danny Musgrove SOPH WR/LB
31 Nathan Allen SR WR/DB
32 Braxton Womack SOPH RB/LB
33 Nathan Rogers SR WR/DB
35 Merrick Combs SR WR/LB
40 Clint Brown FR RB/LB
42 Benton Martin SOPH TE/DE
44 Ryan Kirk JR RB/LB
50 Ricky Sharette JR OL/DE
51 Garret Murphy SR OL/DL
SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 6 at Gore, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 13 vs Stilwell, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 20 at Sequoyah, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 27 at Kansas, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 4 vs Colcord, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 11 at Salina, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 17 vs Chelsea, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 25 vs Adair, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 1 vs Commerce, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 8 vs Wyandotte
52 Cooper Sanders SOPH OL/DL
53 Adden Shaw SR OL/LB
54 Ethan Scott SR OL/DE
56 Justus Aguilar JR OL/DL
57 Neamiah Begay SR OL/DL
58 Gabe Gillinger JR OL/DE
60 Logan Starr SR OL/DL
61 Jaxon Gleese FR OL/DE
62 Ashton Cuthill JR OL/DE
63 Aden Boston SOPH OL/DL
65 Micah Begay SOPH OL/DL
69 Dillon Blair FR OL/DL
71 Kairaba Andrews JR OL/DL
72 Evan Bales JR OL/DL
75 Jake McCormick FR OL/DL
77 Michael Sharette FR OL/DL
79 Quinton Martin SOPH OL/DL
80 Dustin Lingelbach FR WR/DB
Ashlynn Carlile SR Manager
Daphne Travis SR Manager
Gillian Howe JR Manager
Jenna Carlile SO Manager
Keys Cougars’ Clint Brown, left, and Braxton Womack battle during the first day of padded practice.
Improved offensive, defensive lines to help Cougars
By Jake Sermersheim
Out of all its units, KHS upgraded arguably the most important part of any defense and offense: the line.
Garrett Murphy is set to be one of the leaders on both sides of the line, playing right tackle and nose guard.
The importance of the offensive and defensive line cannot be overstated. It’s not just the protection for the most important players, but it’s the first point of contact on the other side of the ball.
Improving the trenches could be the next step to break into the playoffs.
“It is the base point. You have to start in the line to have a successful offense,” Murphy said. “That has to be going well to make sure the offense is going well. Our technical got better during lineman camps, for sure.”
Coming into the season, Murphy is expected to be an anchor on both sides of the line. He has been a key contributor to the Cougars over the past several seasons. This season will mark his third starting season.
Murphy isn’t the only returning experience for the Cougars at the line positions. Adden Shaw will bring strong senior experience and physicality at tackle and defensive end. The Cougars will implement Luis Torres and Heath Thomas in the guard position.
Heading into training camp, head coach Justin Brown had seen the lines
take bigger steps than any other position group. With a solid line, the offense should flow smoothly this season, he said.
“I think our offensive and defensive line, we have some guys who have played there before,” Brown said. “Our guys have done a good job of picking up where they were last year.”
Overall, the Cougars were able to
make big steps in the weight room this summer, according to Brown. Although it was a volunteer workout, the Cougars had solid attendance this summer. With a lot of players showing up, the Cougars saw solid growth by the end of the summer.
“We had good participation, hard work and good gains in the weight room,” Brown said.
Keys assistant coach Paul Whitley, right, instructs Jake McCormick during training camp.
PLAYERS LEADING PLAYERS
Riders looking at new leadership perspective heading into 2024
By Jake Sermersheim
After practice during the first week of the season, Hulbert Riders head coach Chadd Botts told his team, “Good teams are led by coaches; great teams are led by the players.”
This season, Botts and his staff are focused on instilling that mindset into their players. The idea is to get team members to play for one another and keep everyone accountable. This mindset is part of how HHS is looking to shift its football culture.
“We are trying to get our guys to take more ownership of the program,” Botts said. “Anytime a coach is in total control, I understand, but you aren’t as good as a team. The great programs have players holding each other accountable and they have those expectations and standards. That is what we are trying to get our program to.”
Part of building discipline was having a good summer workout program. According to Botts, the Riders made huge steps in the weight room, and HHS met their goals.
Botts said the Riders got to their 80% mark on their max lift, which was the goal heading into the summer.
“We added good percentages to all of our lifts,” Botts said. “We had really good attendance. The last time we maxed out, they were night and day to what they were from the start of the summer. We have definitely gotten stronger and we will continue to as the season goes on.”
Hulbert head coach Chad Botts motivates his players through running drills during a practice ahead of the 2024 season.
Hulbert quarterback Ethan Ellis throws a ball during a practice prior to the 2024 season.
Once on the field, this should bring dividends for a team that struggled with size a season ago. Building themselves up will only help the young team. As a team with a lot of juniors and sophomores expected to play, the added endurance from strong summer workouts will pay off.
Botts noted the offensive and defensive lines, in particular, are going to benefit from hitting the weight room hard.
“It is a physical sport; it takes power to control the line up front,” Botts said. “We have to be able to control the ball on both sides to take control. I think we have made the strides we needed.”
Outside of an improved trench game, the Riders are looking for the trio of Ethan Ellis, Ethan Thompson, and Cody Botts to lead the way. Last season, the three learned Botts’ sys-
ROSTER
1 Tazwell Voekel Jr. WR, DB
5 Cody Botts Jr. QB, DB
7 Shane Hubbard Jr. WR, DB
8 Jadrian Simmons So. WR, DB
10 Ethan Ellis Jr. QB, DB
13 Coby Botts So. WR, DB
15 Kallen Smith Sr. WR, DL
18 Hayden Taylor Jr. RB, LB
tem in his first year. Now, with an additional year under their belt, Botts is expecting a step up in play.
“Those guys are good competitors and will give you good effort,” Botts said. “I’m expecting a lot out of them this season.”
Through the early goings of the practice season, the Riders have been focusing on improving their offense and building their lines.
“The guys who are coming are locked in. We are making strides to where we were this time last year in terms of growth. We had a good offseason,” Botts said. “The concepts we are pushing, we want those guys to have that instinct and not think. We want to get repetitive toward what we are good at, then build toward other stuff and expand. Really, it is getting the grasp of our concepts.”
20 Luke Harris Fr. RB, DB
22 Noah Clark Fr. RB, LB
23 Coale Gifford Fr. TE, LB
25 Aidan Schmitt Jr. WR, DB
27 Tevan Holden Jr. WR, DB
28 Tyler Miller So. RB, LB
32 Hunter Ranking Fr. RB, LB
40 Wyatt Tedder Sr. WR, LB
42 D.J. Gregory So. RB, DB
48 Jamen Sims Jr. TE, LB
The Riders kick off the season Friday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. at home against Caney Valley.
SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 6 vs Caney Valley, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 13 at Porter, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 20 at Westville, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 27 vs Hartshorne, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 4 vs Panama, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 11 at Pocola, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 17 vs Haskell, 7 p.m.
HOMECOMING
Friday, Oct. 25 vs Warner, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 1 at Rejoice Christian, 7 p.m.
SENIOR NIGHT
Friday, Nov. 8 vs. Chouteau-Maize, 7 p.m.
54 Easton Graalfs Jr. OL, DL
55 Jeremeiah Harris So. OL, DL
56 Dusty Tedder Sr. OL, DL
58 Noah Hubbard Fr. OL, DL
60 Dustin Potts Fr. OL, DL
62 Jaxtin Decker Fr. OL, DL
66 Logan Harris So. OL, DL
68 Dayson Soleberg So. OL, DL
70 Gavin Henderson Fr. OL, DL
72 Anthony Torres Jr. OL, DL
75 Jake Botts Jr. OL, DL
77 Shane Russell Fr. OL, DL
78 Immanuel Bacon
Riders put emphasis on safety with guardian caps
By Jake Sermersheim
An observer at the Hulbert Riders training camp will notice something new as a part of the players’ uniforms.
Normally the players would be waring shiny black and yellow helmets, graced with the usual Riders logo, but it’s a different sight this year. Blocking the Riders’ striking helmets is an ugly, black, blocky padding called “guardian caps” that definitely doesn’t add anything to the aesthetic of the Riders’ uniforms.
But these guardian caps serve an important function: reducing the impact on players’ heads. The soft cush-
ioning will ensure the chances for head injury are greatly reduced during practice. The players can do repetitive drills, putting additional wear and tear on not only their bodies, but the equipment they use.
“A lot of programs are implementing them,” HHS head coach Chad Botts said. “For us, we don’t have to worry as much about head injuries with those. It is just another piece of equipment that will help our players avoid injury.”
While it seems like the helmet guards are more important for game activities, it is actually the opposite. Because of the added repetitive nature of hits, players are more likely to receive concussions at practices. A 2021 study
published in JAMA Neurology found that 71% of the concussions at the college level occur during practices.
Implementing the new guardian caps was an easy decision for Botts. At around $70 for one at the commercial level, they do not constitute an expensive added piece of equipment.
“As a coach, that is something that eases my mind as we get ready for the long season,” Botts said.
The Riders aren’t the only team that has started to use this equipment. Last season, the Sequoyah Indians added the device to their gear, and the Northeastern RiverHawks are required to use them by the NCAA.
RIDERS FOR LIFE!
‘A LOT OF YARDS’
Indians offense expecting to show out in 2024 season
By Jake Sermersheim
If you ask the Sequoyah Indians players, they’ll tell you the offense is going to be a well-oiled machine this season.
With senior starters like Jalen Handle, Josiah Foreman and Austin Brown, and just one season fresh off a playoff berth and win, the Indians have reason to be optimistic. Last season, they averaged just a hair under 30 points a game, proving they can win some barn burners that saw them score 30 or more points in seven of their eight wins.
“I am expecting a lot of hard work and effort. We have some things we need to clean up, but you should watch out for us this season,” Foreman said. “I have seen effort and a lot of hard work. Everyone is showing up and putting in the work. It was 115 degrees [during camp] and we were still putting in that work. I am expecting great things and a lot of yards. “
The Indians are returning some of their best offensive players, but they also lost some solid weapons. Graduation took away some key skill players, mainly former Offensive Player of the Year Brody Young.
That means the Indians will have to rely on some younger talent to plug the holes. During training camp, finding players didn’t seem to be an issue, according to Handle, SHS’ quarterback.
“It is looking pretty good; we have some good offensive weapons,” Handle said. “We are pretty deep in wide receiver and have some studs at running back. All we really need is to fix the little things, fix the blocks, but if we block right, we should score every drive.”
Though through the early stages of
Sequoyah’s Hudson Hendricks streaks up field after catching a pass during training camp.
Sequoyah’s Crayton Sapp throws a pass during training camp.
camp, the Indians were still building offensive chemistry.
“If we are talking about a group that should be further along, it’s offense,” SHS head coach Chad Hendricks said. “We have a lot of returners coming back.”
While the offense wasn’t fully up to speed during week one of training camp, Hendricks expects his offense to catch up by the time the season opens. Since the start of spring ball, the Indians have been progressing well, despite a young roster. But they’ve been doing the job like older
ROSTER
0 Alden Jones So. QB, RB, OLB
1 Hudson Hendricks So. QB, RB, WR
2 Aidan Armontrout Jr. RB, OLB
3 Shaystin Duncan Fr. RB, SB, WR
4 Jayden Sierra Sr. OLB
5 Jalen Handle Sr. QB, RB, CB
7 Lawson Morgan Jr. WR, CB
9 Ridge Blackbear Fr. RB, TE, OLB
12 Kannon Trammel Fr. QB, OLB
13 Casen Leep Fr.TE, DE
14 Jacob Cox
16 Kurt Trammel So.WR, C
17 Eli Waterdown So. WR, FS
20 Malakhi Baccus Jr. SB, WR, FS
players during the start of training camp.
“We start in May with spring ball, so they get some good reps. Then in June, they get good reps with camps,” Hendricks said. “So we are further than we have been as we keep moving on and evolving. So far, we are just helmets – no pads – and are just going over some things to polish up. Those younger guys are catching up and we are seeing older guys stepping up.”
Even though the Indians might be young in spots — especially defense — they have strong senior leadership.
22 Gage Still Fr. WR, CB, FS
23 Jakob Rider So. RB, WR
24 Crayton Sapp So.TE, OLB
25 Chujah Flute
26 Bryce Girty So. WR, CB
28 David Hammer Fr. TE, MLB
29 David Peterson Jr. WR, DB
30 Braden Macdonald Jr. WR
31 Josiah Foreman Sr. NG, DE
33 Bam Timmons Fr. RB, OLB
34 Avis Rabbitt So. RB
37 Toby Friend FR WR, DE
40 Zach Crow Sr. WR, TE, OLB
45 Jude Chuculate Fr. TE, DE
Foreman has started all four years, and so have Logan Rill and Handle. They, along with Dayson Prichard, are expected to be leaders in various ways and in different units.
“I expect those seniors to step up, whether it is vocal work or just showing up and showing the younger guys what they need to do,” Hendricks said. “It doesn’t matter what age you are, leaders are leaders – and we are expecting to get after it, no matter what.”
SHS officially kicks off the season at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6 at Prairie Grove.
SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 6 at Prairie Grove, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 13 at home vs Eufaula, 7 p.m.
HOMECOMING:
Friday, Sept. 20 vs Keys, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 27 vs Chandler, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 4 vs. Dewey, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 10 at Central, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 17 vs Sperry, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 24 at Webster, 7 p.m.
SENIOR NIGHT:
Friday, Nov. 1 at home vs Westville, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 8 at Metro Christian, 7 p.m.
50 Kyler Scott Jr. G
51 Kaleb Collins So. G
52 Jayden Marquez Sr. DE, T
53 Marley Moore So. G, NG
54 David Dale Jr. T, DE
55 Logan Rill Sr. DT, G
56 Dylan Parris So. T, G, C
57 Memphis Drywater
58 Dayson Pritchett Sr. T
59 Ethan Smith Fr. T, DT
60 Jerome Tsosie Jr. T
61 Staden James Fr. C, NG
62 Newton Martin Sr. MLB
63 Caden Murphy So. C, NG
64 Leo Sam So. G
65 Bronson Johnson Fr. T, G, DE
66 Kade Sanders Fr. DT, NG, G
68 Toby Friend Fr. T, DE
69 Cameron Blue Fr. G, DE
70 Cory Bolin Jr. OL, DL
71 Malachi Hopkins Fr. G, DE
72 Littlebear Teehee Jr. G, DT
73 Eli Daugherty Jr. C, DT
74 Josiah Sapp So. C
75 Memphis Kingfisher Fr. G, DT
76 Xarren Dick So. T, DT
77 Koal Gritts So. T
78 Billy Kyden, Fr OL, DL
Sequoyah’s Avis Rabbit rushes through a hole in the offensive line.
Indians hoping to return to playoffs in 2024
By Jake Sermersheim
After scoring eight wins, a berth to the playoffs and a first-round playoff win, the Sequoyah Indians are ready to pick up where they left off last season.
Making the playoffs marked a big stepping stone for the Indians, as they even hosted the week one encounter. Now the task is to not only replicate their playoff run, but improve upon it.
“It is big; winning is a cureall,” SHS head coach Chad Hendricks said. “For us, coming and evolving every year is the goal, and the expectations are high. They know what it takes to make the playoffs. Our goals are still to win district and set ourselves up for the State Tournament.”
After starting for the Indians in the playoffs as a junior, quarterback Jalen Handle is looking to parlay that experience into a deeper run as a senior. After playing throughout the season, Handle gradually got more comfortable leading the team.
“It is a tremendous experience. I am more comfortable, more relaxed in the pocket,” Handle said. “Last year, I came out in my first game and was a little jit-
tery against Henryetta. I didn’t feel comfortable until week 10 against Vian.”
Even though the Indians nabbed a win in the playoffs, they learned that any little mistake can quickly sink the ship. Going into this season, SHS has been focusing on making sure the fine details are on point.
“In the playoffs, everything has to be perfect,” Handle said. “It is going to be a tough game, no matter if you are perfect or not. It is about who can do the little things better and who wants it more.”
Four-year starter Josiah Foreman
echoed Handle’s assessment of the playoffs.
“I took away that we need to improve the little things,” Foreman said. “There were little things last season and we can always strive to be more perfect.”
By the time the playoffs rolled around, the Indians were fielding a lot of underclassmen. Fast forward to this year’s training camp, and those players are stepping up to help improve the team. DHendricks said the sophomores and juniors in starting positions are performing like older players.
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Sequoyah’s Morgan Ballew reels in a catch during training camp.
RIVERHAWKS CULTURE SHOCK
Chiaverini brining new mindset to RiverHawks
By Jake Sermersheim
When Darrin Chiaverini
was hired as Northeastern State’s newest football coach, he brought with him an emphasis on the recruiting trail.
Throughout the offseason, finding the best players in the surrounding areas – and even outside of the normal recruiting range – was a priority for the new coaching staff. This season, the RiverHawks will bring in over 80 new players from all over the country, including Utah and California, along with the usual suspects like Arkansas, Kansas, and of course, Oklahoma.
Chiaverini ventured as far as every school in Tulsa with a football roster to make sure he didn’t miss any nearby talent.
“In order to build a successful football program, you have to keep your homegrown talent home,” Chiaverini said. “You need to make sure the Tulsa kids are coming here. The issue with football is that there is a lot of money being spread around college athletics, and we need to find a way to retain those players.”
So far, the recruiting has paid off. According to Chiaverini, the RiverHawks have improved vastly from last season.
“We have upgraded every position on the roster,” Chiaverini said. “The only way you are going to have a good football team is by having competition, and now we are seeing a lot of competition across the 10 position groups. Our job as coaches is to get them ready. “
The emphasis on bringing in those players shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who has been listening to Chiaverini from day one. Coming into the program, he talked about his four important pillars to building a program: retention, improvement,
Northeastern State’s Blake Corn jumps up to block a pass from quarterback Derun Dortch.
Northeastern State head coach Darrin Chiaverini gets fired up during fall training camp.
development and graduation. With name, image and likeness taking over the NCAA, Chiaverini believes keeping players four years will build stronger teams in the longer run.
With a lot of new players around Doc Wadley Stadium this fall, the competition level has been high for NSU across the board.
“I think the biggest thing about the competition is the camaraderie. There are a bunch of new people, and sometimes that is hard,” Jeremy Atwell, special teams coordinator, said. “When those kids become a team, you can see the team come together; that comes along with the competition.”
With NIL taking over the NCAA and transfer rules loosening, players have been leaving schools on a whim, either for quicker playing time or more money from sponsors. Chiaverini reflected on his college days, playing behind a future Carolina Panthers wide receiver, and how many players are missing out on developing behind older players.
“How we retain you and develop you through your four or five years is the most important thing,” Chiaverini said. “For us and our pillars, we need to get back to what makes college athletics important. I tell them that 99% are not going pro, so you need to develop the classroom. The most important thing you are going to do at NSU is walk across the stage to get a college degree.”
So far, Chiaverini’s philosophy has
paid off during NSU’s training camp. Through the early stages of the season, he has been looking to build a mentality of accountability through the program. And the team has shown this new mentality.
“It has been unbelievable. I think our players have really embraced the work,” Chiaverini said. “I tell our student-athletes they have to be accountable, to tell themselves they aren’t doing the right thing. I tell my kids they can lie to their friends, parents, girlfriends, me – but they can’t lie to themselves. The next part of that is being a part of a team. Your teammates need you to do your job; you need to go out there and finish, and I have seen that in training camp.”
Part of training camp includes coaches putting teams in undesirable positions and seeing how they react. So far, the RiverHawks seem to be reacting well to what the staff is throwing at them.
“We have been covering pressure situations,” Junior Tanuvasa, defensive coordinator, said. “We couldn’t be happier with how we are progressing. The kids are responding to everything we are throwing at them. It is exciting to see.”
NSU kicks off the season at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, at home against Missouri Western.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Aug. 29 vs Missouri Western, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 7 at Central Missouri, 1 p.m
Saturday, Sept. 21 at Fort Hays State, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28 at Missouri Southern, 3 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 5 at Emporia State, 2 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 5 vs Lincoln (Mo.), 6 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 19 vs Central Okla., 1 p.m.
HOMECOMING
Saturday, Oct. 26 vs Lincoln (Calif.), 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 2 at NW Missouri, 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 9 at Mississippi College 12 p.m.
SENIOR NIGHT
Saturday, Nov. 16 vs Washburn, 1 p.m.
Northeastern State’s Kacie Riley catches a pass during fall training camp.
Northeastern State’s Taimane Brown catches a pass during practice.
Staff bringing new mindset to RiverHawks
By Jake Sermersheim
With a new head coach naturally comes a new coaching staff – and a new scheme for the Northeastern State RiverHawks.
NSU head coach Darrin Chiaverini and his staff aim to revitalize the RiverHawks. Not only is Chiverini taking over for former head coach J.J. Eckert, but he is assuming duties as offensive coordinator.
Chiaverini comes into the program with an offensive pedigree, being a former top 15 receiver in the nation straight out of high school. Eventually, he made his way to Colorado and then the NFL. With experience all across the NCAA and the professional ranks, NSU’s new head coach is looking to bring in a more explosive offense with a college-spread offensive strategy.
“We want to build a system around our players,” Chiaverini said. “We are spending the start of camp finding who the best players are. We are going to stretch the ball downfield. We have athletic quarterbacks and we can definitely throw the ball downfield. it is a hard defense to defend, so we are spending a lot of time in camp [learning] how to do the technique.”
Along for the ride with Chiaverini is one of his most trusted assistant coaches, Junior Tanuvasa. This is the third time Chiaverini has hired the defensive mind, siginaling the utmost trust. Tanuvasa worked with Chiaverini for the first time in 2009, when the pair worked at Mount San Antonio. The duo then reunited in 2020 at Colorado University.
“The guys are going to play hard, be disciplined and bring pressure,” Chiaverini said. “I am always giving him things that give offenses problems. I want him to show that on defense to get us better. He is a
hard worker, an unbelievable recruiter, and a good teacher, and the young men trust him. Our defense is going to be really sound.”
On the field, the RiverHawks run a lot of 4-3 and 4-2-5 schemes, according to Tanuvasa.
“We are old school in our fourman front,” Tanuvasa said. “Really, the biggest thing for us defensively is playing aggressively and hard. The scheme seems simple for us, but there is a learning curve for the players because it is new. But once they learn, it is easier for them to play fast.”
To round out the trio of coordinators, Chiaverini brought in Jeremy Atwell, a former special teams
coach at Colorado, to handle the role. Chiaverini said being a special teams coach under him isn’t easy, but Atwell steps up to the plate.
Coming to NSU, Atwell was blessed with a strong senior punter/placekicker in Tyler Crawford. Atwell acknowledges the strong talent as he challenges Crawford with the strong depth behind him.
“I think it comes back to the recruiting process; we have competition everywhere,” Atwell said. “We created that competition and it brings the best out of them. Some teams see special teams as a formality, and that is not how we want to look at it.”
Northeastern State defensive coordinator Junior Tanuvasa looks on during fall training camp.
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