gridiron 2025 - FINAL

A PUBLICATION OF THE DUNCAN BANNER

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

THE ONLY PUBLICATION WITH SCHEDULES FOR ALL SEVEN TEAMS UNDER THE

FEATURING BAND, POM, CHEER AND BOOTLEGGERS

FIND YOUR TEAM

PICTURED ON THE COVER:

CENTRAL’S LANDON JOHNSON, COMANCHE’S JONATHAN ALVAREZ, EMPIRE’S CUTTER ROCHELL, MARLOW’S HUDSON MORGAN, VELMA-ALMA’S SLADE STRICKLAND, DUNCAN’S TAVION HOLLAND AND BRAY-DOYLE’S BLADYN HARRIS.

Photos

by JASON HODGES

STEPHENS

STORIES / PHOTOS

Toni Hopper

MEET OUR FROM THE EDITOR

SUCCESS ON THE HORIZON FOR STEPHENS COUNTY

The Friday night lights in Stephens County have turned on once again, signaling a return to one of the most highly anticipated seasons of the year –football season.

While this publication normally publishes on or around Week Zero, this specific edition will make it to the hands of Stephens County football fans a little later than normal. And honestly, I’m OK with it for one reason: It gave The Banner staff a peek at the talent Stephens County is returning to the field this year.

they dispatched the homestanding Rams, 33-20.

Meanwhile, the Duncan Demons, also on the road, traveled to Bridge Creek where the Demons beat the Bobcats, 30-29, in a nail-biting final quarter. Way to go to the Big Red for starting strong and not backing down, even when the competition roared back and tried to steal the game.

EDITOR

CHARLENE BELEW

PUBLISHER CRYSTAL CHILDERS

At the time of writing this, Week Zero was completed – and for the first time in the longest time I can remember, every single Stephens County school that went out onto the Gridiron for Week Zero won their season opener.

The Empire Bulldogs kicked off the start of a successful Week Zero week Thursday, Aug. 28 when they took down the Canadian Cougars easily for a 46-12 victory right here at home. The ‘Dawgs showed exactly why they’re dominant over their feline opponents.

Then, the next night saw success for the remaining three teams opening their season on Week Zero: Comanche, Duncan and Marlow. Stephens County’s Big Three.

The Comanche Indians took to the road and traveled to Texas to visit S&S Consolidated, where

Lastly, the Marlow Outlaws took to the recently updated field just outside of the new Ron Newby Field House, which you’ll read about later on in this book, to rollover North Rock Creek, 41-6, despite a heavy mist drenching the field. The Outlaws, who have made it to the playoffs for the last several seasons, showed exactly what they’ll bring to the field this season as they work to eliminate foe after foe and fight their way back to a State Championship contention where they will seek out the ultimate prize – the golden ball.

That’s four victories down for Stephens County and the way we see it, there are many more to go throughout the rest of the season.

We’re excited for Week One of the campaign and to see how these teams continue their winning ways and how the other two competing teams, VelmaAlma and Central High, fare in their season openers.

It’s about time football season returned to Stephens County. Game on.

Charlene, also known in the community as Charlie, is the Managing Editor for The Duncan Banner and Duncan Magazine. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Cameron University, where she also held multiple positions with The Cameron Collegian, which ended with her serving as the Managing Editor in 2014-2015. Charlie has served two tenures with The Banner. Her first began in 2014 with an internship through Oklahoma Press Association and culminated in 2017 as News Editor. Her second began in 2018 when she returned as a staff writer and she resumed her editorship in 2020. Although she has spent much of her life growing up in Lawton, Charlie has always felt a special call to the Duncan and Stephens County community. She adopted a dog from Stephens County Humane Society’s Take Out Tuesday program with The Banner in 2019 and was a member of the Duncan Rotary Club. In 2021, Charlie led The Banner to the first Sequoyah Award from the Oklahoma Press Association since its last in 2012. She has taken home multiple awards for editorial writing, news writing and design. She had her first child, Anja, in January 2024, and is expecting another little girl, Astraea, in September 2025.

Crystal joined The Banner staff in 2013 as an advertising executive. She was promoted to Advertising Manager in 2017 before becoming General Manager in 2020 and then Publisher in August 2023. Crystal has won numerous awards from the Oklahoma Press Association in ad design, most recently a first and third place win for large ad space design along with second place for small ad space design. Born and raised in Duncan, Crystal graduated from Duncan High School in 2001, joining a long line of Duncan graduates in her family. Crystal is an active member of Faith Church along with several community groups, including the Duncan Noon Lions Club. She is a proud supporter of the Stephens County Humane Society and all Duncan Demon sports from the many years her children participated. Crystal has three children, Alyssa, Jacob and Jordan and enjoys spending time with family and her many dogs.

CHARLENE BELEW

CONTRIBUTORS

TAMARA GREGOR

Born and raised in California, Tamara joined the staff at The Duncan Banner in March 2020.

As an award winning journalist, Tamara has placed for her feature, education, business and news stories, as well as her photography and column writing over the past five years.

Tamara previously gathered her experience by interning at the South Gibson Star Times in Fort Branch, Indiana, as well as working as the editor for her college newspaper, The Collegian in Oakland City, Indiana. Her experiences continued while writing and publishing a magazine, Evoke, with a group of friends in Turlock, California.

With family local to Stephens County as well in the surrounding areas of Oklahoma, Tamara moved to Duncan from Stanislaus County, jumping right into community events as a reporter.

She loves to connect and engage with the community members to tell their heartfelt stories each day.

JASON HODGES

A Comanche resident since the age of 10, Jason graduated from Comanche High School in 1991. His wife, Jennifer, followed a year behind, and the family has strong roots in the area. They have raised three daughters here, each of whom graduated from Comanche. They also have grandchildren attending school there.

Jason began his career with The Banner in 2016 as a freelance photographer. Later, he accepted a full-time position in the advertising department, but he still enjoys taking photos, both for The Banner and his personal business, Hodges Photography. Jason loves his connection to the community he has now working at The Banner. He can be contacted for photography work on Facebook at Hodges Photography.

Duncan Magazine’s goal is to create a publication local to Stephens County that’s fun to read and view and created entirely by the hands of people you know. Here are the creators who use their time and talent to tell your stories.

HOPPER

Toni has been a contract writer with The Banner since July 2024, and enjoys sharing the stories of people and history of Stephens County.

Her own history with The Banner began in February 2000 as education editor. She continued in various roles, including news editor in 2013. She also was managing editor from 200305, at The Waurika NewsDemocrat. She worked at The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in late 2013 until June 2020.

Her first newspaper job was as photo chief of The Ag Journal in La Junta, Colorado. A neighboring newspaper extended an offer as general reporter for two papers they owned.

In 1997, she moved to Marlow and worked at The Marlow Review for two years. She also was managing editor of The Review (Sept. 2022-May 2024).

Toni and her husband Rex, live in Duncan. They have two sons, several grandsons, and a granddaughter. Her work has been published in The Dallas Morning News, The Native American Times, Cowboys & Indians, and Oklahoma Today (while working at The Heritage Center). She published a book, Riding The Chisholm Trail ‘Once in a Lifetime’ in 2009. Awards range from education to sports, photography, and tourism. She is a member of Chisholm Trail Arts Council and enjoys pursuing her landscape and fine art photography.

ANDY MORPHEW

Andy Morphew has been writing sports for The Duncan Banner since 2011 when he began his first tenure with the paper. He has over 14 years of experience in covering high school athletes in Stephens County. Morphew has lived in Stephens County since September of 2010 and is a graduate of The University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma. He has covered over 1,000 high school games and close to 1,500 games between the pro and college ranks. During his full-time tenure at The Duncan Banner, Morphew won many awards, including the 2021 Oklahoma Press Association top prize for Sports Coverage in the division. Just recently, Morphew was the runner-up in the Best of CNHI Contest for Sports Columnist of the Year.

Kelly S. Wray wrote his first articles for The Banner in September 1992 when Velma-Alma opened its football season with road wins over Washington, Oklahoma, and Dibble. Current V-A head coach Randy Norton played in those games, and Wray covered Central High when current head coach Dusty Ketner was an offensive lineman for the Bronchos. Wray has followed Stephens County sports and written about them, off and on, since 1992. A graduate of Empire High School and winner of the 2004 Society of Professional Journalists First Amendment Award, Wray has worked full-time for newspapers in Duncan, Chickasha, Newcastle and Lawton. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in behavioral health from Cameron University, and a master’s in school counseling from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He has taught communications at six different colleges and universities, including the University of Oklahoma.  He is a therapist for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.

Most recently, Wray swept Oklahoma Press Association’s column writing division for Semi- and TriWeekly newspapers.

KELLY WRAY

TONI

THE LISTS: HOW THEY STACK UP

How the districts line up

6A-1

DISTRICTS

District

6A-2 DISTRICTS

5A DISTRICTS

District

District

3A DISTRICTS

District

Henryetta

Morris

Spiro

Valliant

Vian

Wilburton

A-1 DISTRICTS

District 1

Cashion Crescent

Fairview

Hinton

Hooker

Merritt

Sayre

Watonga

District 2

Christian Heritage

Frederick Hobart

Minco

Okemah

Stratford

Walters

Wynnewood

District 3

Caney Valley

Morrison

Nowata

Oklahoma Union

Pawhuska Pawnee

Quapaw

Tonkawa

District 4

Chouteau-Mazie

Hartshorne

Haskell

Hulbert

Panama

Pocola

Rejoice

A-2 DISTRICTS

District 1

Apache

Carnegie

Cordell

Mangum

Mooreland Southwest Covenant

Texhoma

Thomas

District 2

Elmore City-Pernell

Ringling

Rush Springs

Velma-Alma

MIKEY GRIFFITH (NOW GRADUATED), AIDEN BELL, AND SLADE STRICKLAND MAKE A TACKLE AGAINST WALTERS IN THE 2024 CAMPAIGN.

Wayne Wilson

District 3

Allen

Central Sallisaw Gore

Liberty Mounds

Regent Prep

Talihina Wewoka

District 4

Afton

Barnsdall

Fairland

Hominy

Ketchum

Porter Consolidated

Summit Christian

Woodland

B-1 DISTRICTS

District 1

Garber

Laverne

Oklahoma Bible

Pioneer-Pleasant

Vale

Pond Creek-Hunter

Turpin

District 2

Burns Flat-Dill City

Central Empire

Hollis

Snyder

Waurika

District 3

Cave Springs

Depew

Drumright

Foyil

Porum

Yale

District 4

Caddo

Canadian Dewar

Keota

Quinton

Savanna

B-2 DISTRICTS

District 1

Boise City

Canton

Okeene

Ringwood

Seiling

Shattuck

Alex

District 2

Cyril

Strother

Thackerville

Weleetka

Wetumka

District 3

Cherokee

Covington-Douglas

Coyle

Davenport

Olive

Waukomis

District 4

Arkoma

Copan

Gans

Webber Falls

Wesleyan Christian

Wilson (Henryetta)

C DISTRICTS

District 1

Balko-Forgan

Beaver

Buffalo

Kremlin-Hillsdale

Sharon-Mutual

Timberlake

Tyrone

Waynoka

District 2

Bray-Doyle

Corn Bible

Geary

Grandfield

Mt. View-Gotebo

Ryan

Temple

Tipton

District 3

Billings

Bluejacket

Deer Creek-Lamont

Medford

Oaks Mission

South Coffeyville

Watts

Welch

District 4

Bowlegs

Fox

Graham-Dustin

Maud

Maysville

Midway

Paoli

Sasakwa

A LOOK AT THE GAMES ON THE HORIZON TO WATCH FOR 2025 5

THE GAMES

Mark the entire month of October on your calendars. Like it does in so many seasons, October offers the best –and most important – high school games. It’s in that month that rivalries resume, districts are won, and playoff positioning is determined.

WASHINGTON AT MARLOW, OCT. 16.

Defending 2A champ Washington is ranked No. 1 in preseason. Marlow is ranked preseason No. 3. And when these two play, something big is almost always at stake. Don’t expect anything less this season.

Washington and Marlow have played for one state championship and one district championship in the past four seasons. Washington won the district championship with a 3528 overtime victory in 2024. Marlow won the Class 2A State Championship over Washington, 17-13, in 2021. Marlow holds a 5-3 overall advantage in the series.

Marlow head coach Matt Weber is 2-4 vs. Washington, and Marlow is 1-1 at home against the Warriors. Washington has won three consecutive state championships and has not lost a game since Marlow beat

the Warriors, 17-13, in the 2021 Class 2A State Championship.

RINGLING AT VELMA-ALMA, OCT. 3

This game determined a district title – and sometimes state championships – for decades.

All through the 1990s and beyond, these two teams vied for supremacy in Class A. They played every season, and the winner was almost always the district champion.

Ringling beat Velma-Alma, 20-12, for the 1992 Class A state title and then the Comets won back-to-back Class A championships in the following two seasons.

The series paused from 2018 to 2024 after V-A moved to 8-man, but it resumed last season when the Comets lifted back to 11-man.

Ringling beat Velma-Alma, 36-22, last season.

Ringling owns a 14-7 series lead since 1999.

LAWTON MACARTHUR AT DUNCAN, OCT. 10

The MacArthur-Duncan rivalry, ignited by the two cities’ close proximity, started in 1974 and continues through today. The two teams are almost always in the same district.

This was one of the state’s best

series from the ‘70s through the early ‘90s. In 1974, MacArthur won the first game of the series, 14-0. It was a district 3A-2 match up then. Times have changed, as both teams now play in Class 5A, but the rivalry is still important

The Highlanders own a 33-20 series record and take a four-game winning streak over the Demons into this season.

The rivals have played three times in the playoffs. Duncan won a semifinal game, 14-13, in 1978 and another playoff game, 21-0, in 1983. MacArthur beat Duncan, 21-14, in a quarterfinal game in 1990.

MacArthur beat Duncan, 64-23, in 2024.

HOLLIS AT EMPIRE, OCT. 24

Hollis is ranked fourth in the Class B Preseason Top 10. Empire is ranked ninth. If all falls the way Empire coach Brant Hayes thinks, this year’s game should decide the district title.

That’s how it played out last season, when Hollis won 38-12 and then marched all the way to the Class B Semifinals.

It’s believed that these two teams have played six times -- and four of those games have determined district titles or playoff advancement. The Tigers earned playoff wins over

Empire in 1985, 2011, and 2013.

MARLOW AT LINDSAY, SEPT. 26

How old is this series? These two fought to a 6-6 tie on Nov. 2, 1917. It was Marlow’s fourth-ever football game. Skip ahead 108 years, and Marlow and Lindsay are still playing each other in important games. This year’s meeting will be the first district game for both schools, and Marlow head coach Matt Weber said he thinks Lindsay will be the most improved team in the district.

Marlow shut out Lindsay, 52-0, last season and owns a six-game winning streak over the Leopards. Weber is 7-3 vs. Lindsay, and the Outlaws are 13-15-1 at Lindsay.

Marlow owns a 35-30-5 series advantage.

OLDIES BUT GOODIES

BRAY-DOYLE AT CENTRAL, SEPT. 11

Only two games pit two Stephens County schools against each other, and this is one of them. The schools’ close proximity in Northern Stephens County makes this one even more heated. Central owns an 11game winning streak over its rivals. The Bronchos beat Bray-Doyle, 56-6, last season.

VELMA-ALMA AT RUSH SPRINGS, SEPT. 26

This was always a big game in the 1990s when Glenn Pool coached Velma-Alma and Joe Tunnel guided Rush Springs. The two schools won a combined three state titles in that de-

cade. Current head coaches Randy Norton (V-A) and Drew Beard (Rush Springs) played in a couple of these rivalry games in the late ‘80s and early 90s. Velma-Alma won the game last season, 46-0.

DUNCAN AT GUTHRIE, SEPT. 12

This series, tied at 13, dates to 1978. Duncan won the first game, 29-0, in 1978. The Blue Jays have won the last six matchups, including last season’s game, 54-12.

SHAWNEE AT DUNCAN, SEPT. 19

This series dates to at least 1951 when Duncan beat Shawnee, 27-14. The Demons dominated the early battles, going 12-2 in the first 14 get-togethers. Shawnee has won the last seven meetings, including last season’s 21-7 decision.

THE LISTS: Schedules

ALL-TIME SERIES vs.

MacArthur leads series 33-20

2024: Mac 64, Duncan 23

2023: Mac 59, Duncan 28

2022: Mac 49, Duncan 29

2021: Mac 42, Duncan 7

2020: Not played

2019: Duncan 21, Mac 19

2018: Duncan 24, Mac 13

2017: Mac 36, Duncan 23

2016: Mac 48, Duncan 28

2015: Mac 31, Duncan 13

2014: Mac 56, Duncan 14

2013: Mac 71, Duncan 56

2012: Mac 15, Duncan 0

2011: Mac 28, Duncan 7

2010: Mac 24, Duncan 14

2009: Duncan 35, Mac 34

2008: Duncan 31, Mac 28

2007: Mac 54, Duncan 7

2006: Mac 13, Duncan 7

2005: Duncan 24, Mac 10

2004: Mac 43, Duncan 7

2003: Mac 55, Duncan 7

2002: Mac 49, Duncan 7

2001: Duncan 18, Mac 10

2000: Mac 24, Duncan 0

1999: Duncan 34, Mac 23

1998: Mac 27, Duncan 20

1997: Duncan 27, Mac 24

1996: Mac 33, Duncan 27

1995: Mac 54, Duncan 7

1994: Mac 33, Duncan 15

1993: Duncan 40, Mac 0

1992: Mac 27, Duncan 14

1991: Duncan 14, Mac 10

1990: Mac 21, Duncan 14

1989: Mac 17, Duncan 3

1988: Mac 33, Duncan 22

1987: Mac 21, Duncan 0

1986: Mac 48, Duncan 14

1985: Mac 7, Duncan 3

1984: Duncan 27, Mac 6

1983: Duncan 35, Mac 7

1983: Duncan 21, Mac 0 (Playoffs)

1982: Duncan 14, Mac 8

1981: Mac 21, Duncan 0

1980: Mac 20, Duncan 6

1979: Duncan 3, Mac 0

1978: Duncan 29, Mac 0

1978: Duncan 14, Mac 13 (semifinals)

1977: Duncan 7, Mac 0

1976: Mac 20, Duncan 6

1975: Duncan 19, Mac 12

1974: Mac 14, Duncan 0

A LOOK AT

THE RIVALRIES

DUNCAN

Vs. Lawton MacArthur. This was one of the best series in the state for nearly three decades. Both schools and communities would circle this game when schedules were released. It’s lost some of its luster in recent years, but it’s still important to both schools – and it’s always an important district game.

Close Second: vs. Ardmore. We’d like to see this game again. No. 1 Ardmore and No. 2 Duncan played a classic in 1991, with fans lined twodeep along the fences at Halliburton Stadium and others standing on the roof of the radio station to get a view. Duncan won, 12-0. The Demons won the last meeting, 28-27, in 2023. The series ended when Ardmore dropped from 5A to 4A last season.

Strangest Matchup: vs. Roswell, N.M., in 1970 & 1971. In an other-worldly matchup, Duncan won, 8-6, in 1971, and 40-37 in 1971.

MARLOW

Vs. Chickasha. Marlow has played Chickasha 80 times. Only Comanche has appeared on the Marlow schedule more than Chickasha throughout the years. Comanche and Marlow have played 83 times.

The Marlow-Chickasha rivalry dates to 1917 when Chickasha beat Marlow, 30-6, in Chickasha. Chickasha and Marlow opened the season for 54 consecutive years from 1952 to 2005, marking the longest consecutive series in Marlow’s history.

Chickasha leads the all-time series 47-32, but Marlow has beaten Chickasha more times than all but three opponents. Marlow has beaten Comanche 57 times and Lindsay 34 times. Marlow has dominated the series lately, winning the last five meetings.

Weber owns a 5-4 record against Chickasha, and the Outlaws are 18-20 all-time against Chickasha at home. Marlow beat Chickasha, 35-7, last

season.

Close Second: vs. Washington. Though they haven’t played often, the games are always close and something big is always decided. Last season, the game decided the district title. In 2021, it decided the Class 2A State Championship.

Strangest Matchup: Marlow played Cameron University four times from 1917 to 1925. Cameron won the first game, 19-6. Then, Marlow swept three straight, winning 23-6, in 1919; 47-0, in 1920; and 20-13, in 1925.

COMANCHE

Vs. Marlow. Bring the hate, boys. These two schools are the OU-Texas of Stephens County. They don’t like each other, but they paused their series last season and won’t play again this year. They meet for the first time in the 1920s, and Marlow owns 57 wins against Comanche.

However, the series has been streaky at times. Marlow won 15 of the last 16 games against Comanche, but the Indians beat Marlow six consecutive times between 2000-2005.

Close Second: vs. Velma-Alma. These two used to open the county football slate against each other on the first Thursday night of the season. The game drew fans from across the county. Comanche owns a 10-6 series edge. They last played in 2017, and Comanche won, 31-8.

Strangest Matchup: The Indians

vs. ALL-TIME SERIES

Marlow vs. Chickasha

Chickasha leads the series, 35-31

2024: Marlow 35, Chickasha 7

2023: Marlow 37, Chickasha 14

2022: Marlow 45, Chickasha 14

2021: Marlow 40, Chickasha 14

2020: Marlow 24, Chickasha 21

2019: Chickasha 20, Marlow 7

2018: Chickasha 35, Marlow 24

2005: Chickasha 9, Marlow 8

2004: Chickasha 48, Marlow 0

2003: Chickasha 35, Marlow 7

2002: Chickasha 62, Marlow 6

2001: Chickasha 33, Marlow6

2000: Chickasha 42, Marlow 0

1999: Chickasha 35, Marlow 2

1998: Chickasha 48, Marlow 7

1997: Chickasha 9, Marlow 7

1996: Chickasha 23, Marlow 19

1995: Chickasha 23, Marlow 0

1994: Marlow 20, Chickasha 7

1993: Marlow 36, Chickasha 19

1992: Marlow 18, Chickasha 13

1991: Marlow 29, Chickasha 0

1990: Marlow 38, Chickasha 0

1989: Marlow 28, Chickasha 6

1988: Marlow 20, Chickasha 8

1987: Marlow 10, Chickasha 7

1986: Chickasha 10, Marlow 7

1985: Marlow 10, Chickasha 0

1984: Chickasha 19, Marlow 0

1983: Marlow 17, Chickasha 15

1982: Marlow 21, Chickasha 15

1981: Chickasha 14, Marlow 7

1980: Marlow 21, Chickasha 14

1979: Marlow 20, Chickasha 7

1978: Marlow 7, Chickasha 0

1977: Marlow 35, Chickasha 0

1976: Marlow 6, Chickasha 0

1975: Marlow 7, Chickasha 0

1974: Chickasha 35, Marlow 7

1973: Chickasha 33, Marlow 13

1972: Chickasha 9, Marlow 8

1971: Marlow 32, Marlow 19

1970: Chickasha 7, Marlow 0

1969: Marlow 28, Chickasha 8

1968: Chickasha 9, Marlow 6

1967: Chickasha 12, Marlow 0

1966: Marlow 7, Chickasha 6

1967: Chickasha 12, Marlow 0

1966: Marlow 7, Chickasha 6

1965: Marlow 27, Chickasha 6

1963: Marlow 14, Chickasha 0

1962: Marlow 34, Chickasha 8

1961: Chickasha 28, Marlow 14

1960: Chickasha 30, Marlow 8

1959: Chickasha 28, Marlow 14

1958: Chickasha 16, Marlow 15

1957: Marlow 18, Chickasha 6

1956: Chickasha 12, Marlow 6

1955: Chickasha 26, Marlow 0

1954: Chickasha 6, Marlow 0

1953: Chickasha 6, Marlow 0

1952: Chickasha 25, Marlow 7

1949: Chickasha 19, Marlow 0

1948: Chickasha 51, Marlow 14

1947: Chickasha 53, Marlow 0

1946: Marlow 19, Chickasha 6

1945: Marlow 7, Chickasha 6

1944: Chickasha 31, Marlow 0

1943: Chickasha 38, Marlow 0

1942: Chickasha 27, Marlow 0

1941: Chickasha 7, Marlow 0

1940: Chickasha 7, Marlow 6

1933: Chickasha 15, Marlow 0

1932: Chickasha 26, Marlow 0

1927: Chickasha 18, Marlow 0

1926: Chickasha 32, Marlow 0

1925: Marlow 7, Chickasha 6

1924: Chickasha 14, Marlow 7

1917: Chickasha 30, Marlow 6

1917: Chickasha 13, Marlow 6

THE LISTS: Schedules

ALL-TIME SERIES

vs.

Velma-Alma vs. Ringing Ringling leads series, 14-7

2024: Ringling 36, Velma-Alma 22

2018: Ringling 56, Velma-Alma 0

2017: Ringling 15, Velma-Alma 0

2016: Ringling 55, Velma-Alma 8

2015: Ringling 22, Velma-Alma 19

2014: Ringing 27, Velma-Alma 8

2013: Ringling 21, Velma-Alma 0

2012: Ringing 55, Velma-Alma 14

2011: Ringing 48, Velma-Alma 6

2010: Velma-Alma 24, Ringling 12

2009: Ringing 40, Velma-Alma 13

2008: Ringling 26, Velma-Alma 0

2007: Ringing 13, Velma 7

2006: Velma-Alma 33, Ringing 0

2005: Velma-Alma 10, Ringing 7

2004: Velma-Alma 31, Ringing 14

2003: Ringing 41, Velma-Alma 6

2002: Ringing 37, Velma-Alma 6

2001: Velma-Alma 14, Ringing 13 (OT)

2000: Velma-Alma 35, Ringling 7

1999: Velma-Alma 29, Ringing 15

edged Temple, 13-12, in 1957.

VELMA-ALMA

Vs. Ringling. Always a chart-topper, this single game sets the mood for both schools and communities. But pride usually isn’t the only thing on the line when the two meet. This game often decides championships, whether it be district titles and state championships.

Close Second: vs. Rush Springs. This game was once the second biggest game on Velma-Alma’s schedule, surpassed only by the Comets vs. Ringling.

Velma-Alma snapped a three-game losing streak to Rush Springs last season. The series has been close since 2000, with V-A owning a 10-8 advantage.

Strangest Matchup: Lawton Douglass beat Velma-Alma, 51-0, in a District B-7 game in 1957.

EMPIRE

Vs Waurika. This series dates to the

1970s when Empire first started its football program. The two schools, within close proximity, have battled in 11-man and most recently in 8-man. Empire owns a 10-9 series edge since 1999 and has won three in a row over the Eagles.

Empire beat Waurika, 38-6, last year. Close Second: vs. Alex. They haven’t played often, but they’ve played enough to build animosity. Empire head coach Brant Hayes got tossed from this game last year, and the game ended in a near brawl in the north end zone.

The contests are never close, with an average point differential of 40. Alex won the first five games of the series, including three playoff games. Empire won last season, 70-24.

Strange Matchup: The Bulldogs traveled 3-plus hours for the 2019 opener at Quinton. Empire won, 2614.

CENTRAL

Vs. Bray-Doyle. This represents a Stephens County war. The Bronchos have owned the series lately, winning 11 straight. Bray-Doyle last won in 2005, 40-26.

Close Second: vs. Grandfield. The turning point for this match up came in 1992 when Grandfield beat Central for the Class C State Championship on a sleet-ridden field in Cache. The Bronchos wouldn’t lose again for 3-plus seasons, including key district games against Grandfield. They last played in 2023, with Grandfield winning, 52-28

Strangest Matchup: Central earned back-to-back victories over Cement, winning 47-0 in 20024 and 49-0 in 2005.

BRAY-DOYLE

Vs. Central. This game is for bragging rights in northern Stephens County. Bray-Doyle beat Central in 1999, 2000, and 2001. The Donkeys won three straight from 2003 to 2005 but haven’t won since then.

Strange Matchup: Bray-Doyle beat Oklahoma School for the Deaf, 46-0, in 2017.

ALL-TIME SERIES vs.

Central leads the series 12-6

2024: Central 56, Bray-Doyle 6

2023: Central 76, Bray-Doyle 28

2022: Central 50, Bray-Doyle 6

2021: Central 34, Bray-Doyle 0

2020: Central 44, Bray-Doyle 18

2019: Central 50, Bray-Doyle 0

2018: Central 36, Bray-Doyle 20

2017: Central 50, Bray-Doyle 0

2016: Central 52, Bray-Doyle 67

2007: Central 32, Bray-Doyle 26

2006: Central 50, Bray-Doyle 48

2005: Bray-Doyle 40, Central 26

2004: Bray-Doyle 20, Central 6

2003: Bray-Doyle 54, Central 10

2002: Central 34, Bray-Doyle 22

2001: Bray-Doyle 41, Central 6

2000: Bray-Doyle 41, Central 6

1999: Bray-Doyle 35, Central 21

ALL-TIME SERIES

Empire vs. Waurika Empire leads the series, 10-9

2024: Empire 38, Waurika 6

2021: Empire 48, Waurika 0

2020: Empire 28, Waurika 22

2019: Waurika 56, Empire 22

2018: Waurika 68, Empire 22

2017: Empire 26, Waurika 20

2011: Empire 27, Waurika 20

2010: Empire 15, Waurika 8

2009: Waurika 45, Empire 8

2008: Waurika 26, Empire 18

2007: Empire 30, Waurika 6

2006: Waurika 19, Empire 14

2005: Waurika 42, Empire 12

2004: Waurika 36, Empire 8

2003: Empire 34, Waurika 14

2002: Empire 31, Waurika 12

2001: Empire 45, Waurika 0

2000: Waurika 14, Empire 7

1999: Waurika 23, Empire 7

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2025 5

RB/LB HUDSON MORGAN, MARLOW, SENIOR

Stock is high on Morgan, a two-sport star who’s drawing Division 1 looks in both football and baseball.

The Banner’s reigning 11-Man Player of the Year, Morgan is receiving football interest from the likes of Texas Tech, Abilene Christian, and Jacksonville State. He’s verbally committed to play baseball for Oklahoma State, turning down offers from Miami, LSU, Ole Miss, and Wichita State.

Morgan opened eyes last season when he scored a combined seven touchdowns against the two teams that played for the Class 2A State Championship, Washington and Millwood. He scored all five of Marlow’s touchdowns in an overtime semifinal loss to Millwood.

Morgan was the county’s sixth-leading rusher with 742 yards on 142 carries. He scored 22 touchdowns to tie with Empire’s Kamdyn Whetstone for most rushing touchdowns in the county.

On the other side of the ball, he finished second among county tacklers with 109 total stops.

QB/DB SAWYER RICE, DUNCAN, SENIOR

Rice earned Co-Offensive Player of the Year last season after leading the county in passing yards (1,343) and finishing second among county QBs in passing touchdowns (12).

The dual-threat senior also made good use of his legs, rushing for 630 yards and 10 TDs on 117 carries. That was the seventh most rushing yards by any ball carrier in the county.

Rice has offers from the University of North Texas (athlete) and Army and Navy (quarterback).

QB SLADE STRICKLAND, VELMA-ALMA, SENIOR

Strickland guided the Comets to the Class B State Championship game two seasons ago and followed that with another strong performance last year, as Velma-Alma rose back into the 11-man ranks.

Now a senior, Strickland was one of four quarterbacks in the county who threw for 1,000-plus yards. He finished with 1,051 yards passing and completed 75 of 110 attempts. He tied for the county lead in touchdown passes with 13 and was second among county quarterbacks in rushing yards with 748 yards on 132 carries. That placed him sixth among all county runners in rushing yards. He scored 15 rushing TDs.

RB/LB RYKER SANNER, VELMA-ALMA

Sanner could start at running back this season, but the senior has made his name on the defensive side of the ball.

Sanner was the county’s Defensive Player of the Year last season after leading all tacklers with 114 stops, including 48 solo tackles.

He finished with 66 assists, 9 tackles for losses, one sack, and one forced fumble. He was one of only four county defenders to make 100-plus total tackles.

DL ZION BUTLER, DUNCAN, JUNIOR

Butler won the county’s Newcomer of the Year selection last season, playing multiple positions on the Demons’ defensive line. He led the county with 23 tackles for loss and finished with 88 total tackles, 3 sacks, and one blocked punt.

OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2025

QUARTERBACKS & DEFENSIVE BACKS

QB/DB BRYCE SHAVER, EMPIRE, JUNIOR

Shaver benefited from giving the ball to Kamdyn Whetstone, the county’s leading rusher last season. But this season more will fall on Shaver’s shoulders as the Bulldogs move from a heavy run game to the spread. Shaver completed 62 of 10 passes for 737 yards and 10 TDS. He tossed 3 interceptions. Shaver ran 53 times for 341 yards and 4 touchdowns. Shaver didn’t play on defense last season but will start in the defensive backfield this year.

QB/DB BLADYN HARRIS, BRAY-DOYLE, JUNIOR

Harris started under center for the Donkey’s last season. He’s the frontrunner to win the quarterback job again this season, but the versatile junior could be moved to running back based on team need. Harris can play cornerback, safety, or linebacker on defense.

QB LANDON JOHNSON, CENTRAL

Johnson gives the Bronchos a tall, experienced gunslinger pulling the trigger. Johnson passed for 862 yards and helped Central get off to a fast 2-0 start last season. He threw for 10 TDs in 2024.

QB BRENDAN WEBER, MARLOW, JUNIOR

Weber has big shoes to fill as the last three Outlaws starting quarterbacks have been All-State in at least one sport. Jace and Cade Gilbert were All-State in football, and Blayd Harris, the starter last season, was AllState in basketball. Weber completed 11 of 21 passes for 117 yards and 2 touchdowns.

QB CARSON VANSICKLE, COMANCHE, JUNIOR

Vansickle is the leading candidate to replace Colby Shannon, who graduated last year after earning Co-Offensive Player of the Year honors in the county. Vansickle played wide receiver and defensive back in past seasons. Shannon is the only player to have played quarterback during head coach Gary Robinson’s tenure at Comanche. Shannon was second in the county in passing yards (1,342), finishing second to Duncan’s Sawyer Rice by one yard. He completed nearly half of his 205 passes and threw for 9 TDs. He led all county quarterbacks in rushing yards with 796.

RUNNING BACKS & DEFENSIVE BACKS/LINEBACKERS

RB TAVION HOLLAND, DUNCAN

Along with Rice, Holland spearheaded the Demons’ run game last season, gaining 794 yards rushing, fourth most in the county. He carried 175 times and scored 4 TDs. He caught 11 passes for 217 yards and one score.

RB GAVIN BARTON, CENTRAL, SENIOR

Barton was the leading returning rusher in the county entering last season, but he was limited by an early season ankle injury that never fully healed. In 2023, Barton gained 530 yards and scored touchdowns. Barton missed few games but he was never 100 percent. “He’s worked hard this summer,” Central head coach Dusty Ketner said. “We’re expecting a big year from him.”

RB HOLLISTER POLLOCK, COMANCHE

Pollock missed all of last season after tearing an ACL in a preseason scrimmage against Healdton. He was poised for a big year. In 2023, he carried 76 times for 276 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught 12 passes for 94 yards. Comanche head coach Gary Robinson calls Pollock a tough runner with good vision at making one cut and getting up the field.

RB/SS CLINT LADON, MARLOW, JUNIOR

Ladon is one of four backs who could join Morgan in the Outlaws’ backfield. Ladon was poised to contribute last season but was slowed by an early ankle injury and never fully got untracked. He carried 17 times for 131 yards and three TDs. Ladon will be one of four new starters in the defensive backfield.

THE LISTS: Playmakers

WIDE RECEIVERS & DEFENSIVE BACKS/LINEBACKERS

WR COOPER DOBBINS, COMANCHE

Dobbins was the Indians’ second-leading receiver last year. He caught 19 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. Dobbins finished with the eighth-most receiving yards in the county.

WR/DL FRANCISCO

GARCIA, EMPIRE, SENIOR

Garcia started as a defensive back and handled kick-off duties for the Bulldogs last season. He’ll move to defensive end and slip into a starting role as wide receiver this year. He made 55 tackles and two interceptions last season. He caught 13 passes for 116 yards and 2 TDs.

WR/ DB BOSTON WHITE, DUNCAN

Led the county with 6 interceptions; Also made 58 tackles, 13th-most in the county. He earned first-team All-County honors.

LB ERIK ROY, COMANCHE

Roy earned selection on the All-County Second Team last season after finishing 13th among total tacklers in the county. He made 64 total tackles, including 24 solo stops and 38 assists. He made 5 tackles for losses.

WR/DB CALE PORTER, EMPIRE, SENIOR

Porter will be the featured player in the Empire spread offense. The senior has played a lot of different positions in his career, including quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and defensive back. He also returned kicks. This season, he will line up in multiple positions but will primarily be a wide receiver. Last season, he caught 25 passes for 231 yards and 3 touchdowns. He made 36 tackles and 3 interceptions as a defensive back.

WR/P BOOMER BROOKS, MARLOW

Brooks, who also handles the Outlaw’s punting chores, finished third among all county receivers in receiving yards with 476. He tied for the county lead in touchdown catches with 5. Brooks earned first-team All-County punter selection after averaging 40 yards per kick.

WR/DB CONNER AKERS, VELMA-ALMA, SENIOR

Akers finished ninth in the county in receiving yards with 193. He caught 17 passes, including three for touchdowns. In 10 games, he made 28 total tackles, one sack, and one fumble. He also forced one fumble. A three-year starter, Akers gives the Comets experience on both sides of the ball.

WR RYLAN WHITE, COMANCHE

White led the county in receiving yards with 671 on 44 receptions. He caught 5 touchdowns, and his longest reception was 72 yards. He averaged 16 yards per catch and 70 yards receiving per game. He will likely be the favorite target of new quarterback Carson Vansickle.

WR/LB JAYZEN KORTEMEIER, DUNCAN

Kortemeier is coming off an ACL injury suffered in the final three weeks of the 2024 season. He underwent surgery a day after last Christmas. Kortemeier earned second-team All-County honors at linebacker. He played in only six games but made 52 tackles, including 16 for loss. He made one fumble recovery.

WR JAXON MURRY, MARLOW

Murray was the Outlaws’ third leading receiver last season, making 13 grabs for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also returned punts for Marlow.

THE LISTS: Playmakers

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN & DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

OL/DL AIDEN JUSTUS, MARLOW

Justice has played a lot in the Outlaws’ defensive line rotation, but he’ll bring his talents to the other side of the ball as well this season. Justice (6-1, 220) will start at left guard. He will likely see time at defensive end, along with Clete Gilbert and Jackson Miller.

OL/DL SHAD MCDANIEL, EMPIRE, SENIOR

McDaniel is the Bulldogs’ returning starter at center. He was part of the front line that paved the way for Kamdyn Whetstone’s county-leading 1,222 yards and 22 touchdowns. McDaniel will also be part of a rebuilt defensive line and could vie for the starting role at nose guard.

OL ZANDER RIFFE, VELMA-ALMA, SENIOR

Riffe is a key component of the Comets’ experienced offensive line. Riffe played a lot two years ago and then broke into the starting lineup last season. Riffe earned honorable mention on the All-County team in 2024.

OL/DL JAKE PETTIT, MARLOW

Pettit is the Outlaws returning starter at center, and he is likely to see time in the Marlow defensive line rotation. Pettit (6-, 228) has had a good offseason and grown stronger over the summer, Marlow offensive line coach Chad Gilbert said. He, along with Clete Gilbert, will be an experienced, stabilizing force up front.

OL/DL CLETE GILBERT, MARLOW

Gilbert will start at left tackle on offense and defensive end on defense. A returning starter on the offensive line, Gilbert (6-3, 244) was part of the front line that paved the way for the Outlaws to gain 2,159 yards in rushing last season. Gilbert is one of two returning starters on the Marlow offensive line. Gilbert was selected as a second-team All-County lineman last season.

DL AIDEN BELL, VELMA-ALMA, JUNIOR

Bell earned second-team All-County selection at defensive line last year, finishing with 32 total tackles. He made 15 solo stops and 17 assists. He also recorded one sack, 5 tackles for losses, and 3 interceptions.

OL/DL JUNIOR ALVAREZ, BRAY-DOYLE

Alvarez can play on the offensive line and also play at defensive end or defensive tackle.

OL/DL SEAN ALLEN, EMPIRE

Allen played only defense last season and earned second-team All-County selection at defensive end. He made 65 total tackles, ranking him 13th among all county defenders. He finished with 16 solo tackles and 49 assists. He ranked third among all county sack leaders with 8. Allen will return to starting offensive guard, a position he manned as a sophomore.

OL/DL BEAU KLINE, CENTRAL, JUNIOR

Kline is one of three returning starters on the Bronchos’ offensive line. He’ll start again at center after replacing All-County player Van Roberts who graduated in 2024. Kline was a first-team All-County selection last season and is considered Central’s most technically sound blocker.

C.J. WRIGHT, CENTRAL, SENIOR

Ketner describes Wright as big and aggressive on the field. “He’ll manhandle you, and he’ll wear you down,” Ketner said. Wright will be key for the Bronchos to run their balanced attack.

OL/LB CUTTER ROCHELL, EMPIRE

Rochell did his best work on the defensive line, taking control of several games from his defensive end position. He’ll move to linebacker this year, and don’t be surprised if he splits out wide as a wide receiver on offense. He earned second-team All-County honors at defensive end last year after making 50 total tackles, including 15 solo stops and 35 assists. He made 9 sacks and 9 tackles for losses, and he forced 1 fumble.

OL LANDON SWISHER, VELMA-ALMA, SENIOR

Swisher is a three-year starter for the Comets, who’ve won 23 games and played for one state title during his two seasons as a starter. Last season, Swisher paved the way for quarterback Slade Strickland to throw for 1,334 passing yards and run for 748 rushing yards.

OL/DL JULIAN FINDLEY, CENTRAL, SENIOR

Central head coach Dusty Ketner said Findley sees the game almost like a scholar. “He’s so smart,” Ketner said. “He’s able to break down everything. He sees it almost like a scholar, and he’s smart enough to play any position.” Findley is one of three returning offensive linemen for the Bronchos. He’ll play defensive end or linebacker on defense.

OL JONATHAN ALVAREZ, COMANCHE, SENIOR

A second-team All-County lineman last season, Alvarez (6-10, 230) returns at offensive guard and defensive tackle for the Indians. Comanche head coach Gary Robinson has described Alvarez as “strong, aggressive, and football intelligent.” As a three-year starter, Alvarez is the kind of player who can provide leadership and anchor an offensive line.

THE LISTS: The statistics

SLADE STRICKLAND TIED TO LEAD THE COUNTY IN PASSING TOUCHDOWNS DURING THE 2024 CAMPAIGN. BOTH STRICKLAND AND BLAYD HARRIS, OF MARLOW, WHO GRADUATED, TOTALED 13 PASSING TOUCHDOWNS. STRICKLAND ENDED THE 2024 SEASON WITH A 68 COMPLETION PERCENTAGE.

THE RETURNERS AND THEIR STATS

PASSING RUSHING

HERO ON THE SIDELINES

Athletic Trainer Amanda Woods invests in Duncan athletes

The school year is fresh, but for Duncan high school athletes, they’ve been on campus throughout most of the summer – even on a Saturday morning, as was the case for two juniors, Logan Sanders and Riley Hunter. They weren’t just hanging around. Both are multi-sport athletes and were taking advantage of the sports medicine room in the Demon field house.

Also at the field house was Amanda Woods, the district’s sole licensed and certified Athletic Trainer.

Hunter was busy rubbing gel on his legs. Woods added a compression accessory pad for his knee and calf area and set the Therm-X machine so it could stimulate Hunter’s leg.

“The machine has different accessories and pads for different joints –knee, ankle, hip – and offers different levels of pressure and temperature control,” Woods said. “I can do cryotherapy or heat and a combination of the two. Now, with this little machine, it changes temps on a dime and can be used on a lot of different joints. An example is a contrast band on the ankle. I can set it for three to five minutes hot, and then three minutes cold.”

Having the machine increases functional tasks and is used daily. While the machine is on one student, Woods can provide therapeutic care for another, or complete tasks like pre-practice taping. “I see so many kids here. This machine allows me to do something therapeutic for them.”

Hunter is constantly on his feet as an athlete. He is a member of the cross country team, wrestling and soccer.

“I practice two different sports a day, and I’m very accident prone, but this room keeps me out of the doctor’s office and keeps me in sports,” Hunter said, “instead of paying hospital bills and nothing actually being wrong.”

DUNCAN ATHLETIC TRAINER AMANDA WOODS WRAPS A FOOTBALL PLAYER’S ARM (ABOVE) AND CHECKS OUT A MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT ATHLETE (BELOW) DURING THEIR SPORTING EVENTS.

STORY BY TONI HOPPER

PHOTOS BY JASON HODGES, TONI HOPPER & SHARON MOFFATT

Sanders, who was the 800-meter State Champion last spring, also uses the trainer’s room regularly. “I just love having a facility where I know I am safe, and if I’m hurting, I can leave feeling better.”

Woods is now in her ninth season as Athletic Trainer with Duncan Public Schools. About 25 years ago, in her third year of college at University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond, she discovered sports medicine as a possible career. She took an elective class for sports injuries and was hooked. After visiting with Jeff McKibben, who remains her mentor to this day, she enrolled in the student training program and earned her degree. She stayed there as a graduate assistant and landed her first job at USAO in Chickasha for four years. Once

her children came along, she began working in the clinical field at Duncan Regional Hospital, in outpatient and cardiac rehab, for 14 years. Woods is a Duncan native and DHS graduate, as is her husband, Brian, and their two daughters, Madison, 22, and Hannah, 18. Madison attends UCO, and Hannah is enrolled at the University of Oklahoma as a freshman this year.

She is still employed at DRH, in a partnership role between the hospital and Duncan Public Schools. She discovered during her work full-time at the hospital that while she loved working in the cardiac rehab department, her true passion is in sports medicine.

“When Duncan Public Schools approached me, they had an athletic trainer (contracted) that covered foot-

ball for years. But they wanted somebody on site full-time,” Wood said.

AT’S PLAY VITAL ROLE IN PUBLIC SCHOOL SPORTS

Woods is available at all home game high school events and only a phone call away for middle school events, and she covers all middle school home football games for the Duncan Demons. One of the biggest changes she has noticed in the last decade is that all the sports seasons overlap, whereas in the past, each season had its own timeline. “Now athletes are going all the time.”

“Athletic Trainers are a versatile healthcare provider. We have an extensive education and skillset that makes us perfect for this environment. Anything from evaluation and treat-

LOGAN SANDERS, DUNCAN’S 2025, 800-METER STATE CHAMPION, TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE COMPRESSION SLEEVES IN THE ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM IN THE DEMON FIELD HOUSE, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF ATHLETIC TRAINER AMANDA WOODS, SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2025.

ment of orthopedic injuries, sprains, strains, dislocations, fractures, head and neck spine injuries, to concussion management,” she said. “We’re one of the few healthcare providers that can manage a concussion from start to finish – evaluate the concussion, manage it and rehab it and return them to play. My district allows me to do that. Obviously, I will refer them to the ER if there’s symptoms that match that need. I have preseason baseline concussion testing, and we have a protocol in place for them to return to play. Concussion management is an Athletic Trainer specialty.”

A growing number of students participating in more than one sport increases the need for a dedicated AT.

“Football has always been the prime environment for injuries to happen. Obviously they are high contact and more kids in that sport, so you see more injuries there,” she said. “I can deal with those injuries in a more timely manner and get them

back on the field. Most injuries do occur in practices. That’s why having an athletic trainer available full-time is necessary.”

This includes practices, scrimmages and games.

PREVENTION AND RECOVERY

Managing how student athletes deal with the heat and avoiding heat illness, which is preventable, she said, comes with the territory.

“Summer Pride programs have come a long way. That is a step in the right direction to help prevent recurring things. Heat and humidity don’t combine well with outdoor activities,” Woods said. “We have plenty of water, hydration and cold water immersion, in the instance that something happens. Once we get into a game, we focus on hydration and through the practices, getting acclimated to the heat. We follow all of the rules through the summer, but

they do get a little spoiled during the summer workout at 7 a.m. but when they start practicing (in August), it is hot on that turf.”

Prevention and recovery is the key focus. Woods also makes suggestions to coaches to include certain exercises. “With girls, we need to do hip and core to prevent knee injuries.” Football boys are doing yoga, implemented by the coaches. “Stretching and flexibility are not something male athletes do, but that focus, I do believe, helps them in their muscle injuries and strains. I see probably more muscular type stuff, on a regular basis, sprains – joints, knees, ankles, shoulders.”

To help speed recovery, players utilize ice baths daily. “Research and science behind the use of ice for injuries has taken a different route. I’m old school, but I still use ice for pain control for an injury. If somebody is hurting really bad, the first thing you want to do is control and manage

DUNCAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC TRAINER AMANDA WOODS LISTENS TO RILEY HUNTER ON A SATURDAY MORNING IN THE ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM OF THE DEMON FIELD HOUSE. RILEY, JUNIOR, A MULTI-SPORT ATHLETE, USES THE RECOVERY MACHINES OFTEN. HE PARTICIPATES IN CROSS COUNTRY, WRESTLING AND SOCCER.

that pain. Ice baths for recovery have a lot of physiological benefits. It’s a constrictor, but when they get up and they warm up, their muscles dilate. It brings good fresh blood flow to the area and it flushes out the toxins out of their soft tissues that are making them sore, so when you see them doing a full body immersion after a workout or after a hard practice that’s where that comes into play – a recovery mechanism for them.”

ADVOCATING FOR HER PROFESSION

“I am proud of the environment I am in – the administration, the coaches I work with, they value my recommendations. I feel that is important. Having an athletic trainer is not a perk for a high school, it is a necessity. Everybody should have access to an athletic trainer, but it’s not realistic right now, but they should have access to one,” she said. Nearly all 6A schools have certified trainers on staff, she said. “Most of the 5A schools like Duncan do have certified trainers on staff.”

Obtaining an AT license involves passing the national board exam for certification, and on the state level, licensure goes through the Oklahoma State Board of Licensure. “I wanted 100% to put my whole energy into sports medicine.”

She drafted an Emergency Action Plan for the district, and after each game and incident, forms are completed. She also coordinates with local healthcare providers for the annual physical draft that all students, whether athletics or extracurricular like band and music, must complete.

“I am proud of the program we’ve built here, the training rooms, the equipment we have. I love when we host an event, even if it’s a 14-hour

“I am extremely lucky to have my job and to love my job. It is extremely rewarding. I want to feel like I have done everything I can for every single kid.”

- AMANDA WOODS

Duncan’s Athletic Trainer

day. It’s something our coaches and kids and community can be proud of. Other kids from other schools come into our training room and they are impressed.”

“The district has been great in support of providing what we need – equipment, supplies and a great facility.”

Woods also seeks out grants and has spearheaded fundraising efforts.

“Funding is an issue. Schools can’t afford to hire athletic trainers. A lot of trainers have other certifications, like being able to teach, or in administrative roles. I teach two classes here – introduction to sports medicine, which is a smaller class with kids in there interested in what I do – talk to them about the therapies and clinics, and the other class is basic first aid. We go through the entire CPR, which is something everybody should know.

“I hope I will have left a legacy behind and they will continue this forever. I hope to be here for many years. Until this year, I’ve had a child of my own in the program. But these kids are very important to me. These are my athletes. I’m kind of territorial – these are my kids. I am extremely lucky to have my job and to love my job. It is extremely rewarding. I want to feel like I have done everything I can for every single kid.”

THE DUNCAN DEMONS

THE TIME IS NOW FOR THE DUNCAN DEMONS

STORY BY ANDY MORPHEW

Duncan has prepared for this season for a couple of years. Head football coach Matt Terry believes the time is now to shine and give people a taste of a successful 2025 season.

Terry is entering his third season with Duncan High School and is coming off a season in which they were one game short of the playoffs, finishing 4-6 overall, including a 2-0 start to the 2024 season.

After players showed up for two weeks of spring football and a full slate of summer activities, Terry was pleased with the preseason before official practices began, and the excitement grew for the offense.

“I thought offensively we looked good for that time of year. We got a bunch of guys that have played three or four years in our system, so they moved the ball well,” Terry said. “Defensively, we were trying something new on defense during the spring, and so we were a little slower defensively. We have to hire a new coach who will call our defense, and we are going to implement something new with the defense. Summer has been great for us, and the kids have been stronger and their numbers are going up in the weight room and getting faster, so we are all excited.”

In the non-district schedule, the Demons went 2-1, with victories against Bridge Creek and Cache; however, Guthrie dispatched the Demons efficiently, putting Duncan at the start of a three-game losing streak.

“We are never going to be the biggest team on the field, we may not be the fastest team, but you know our kids will always compete and give 100% effort, and we can’t knock that about our kids.”

- MATT TERRY

DHS Head Football Coach

Duncan jumped back with a victory against Southeast in an offensive shootout before getting one final win over Classen SAS to set up a win and get into a situation in the final game of the season.

Midwest City and the Demons battled with the Bombers, who ultimately secured the victory to end Duncan’s season. However, Terry believes they have been focused on finishing games in the offseason and is confident this team is ready to face some adversity.

“There are some games where we put up big numbers in yardage, but we just couldn’t get in the end zone, or we were in the game at halftime and they hit a big play on us. We allowed a few turnovers, whether it was on offense, special teams or a poor defensive adjustment, and things started to fall apart. Then you look up, you’re down three or four touchdowns,” Terry said. “I think the senior class we have, they have

Sept. 26 vs. Newcastle

Oct. 3 at Southeast

Oct. 10 vs. Lawton MacArthur

Oct. 17 at Bishop McGuinness

Oct. 24 BYE

FIVE YEARS

AT A GLANCE

2024 Record: 4-6

2024 District Record: 2-4

Head Coach: Matt Terry, 3rd season at Duncan. Record at Duncan: 5-15. Overall: 5 seasons with Duncan and Altus. All-time Record: 17-24.

Assistant Coaches: Brandon Graham, Cameron Etheridge, Connor Kelly, David Shaw, Grant Oliver, Jordon Dotson, Mike Terry, Rocky Carter, Ross Carter and Defensive Coordinator Scott Broussard.

Offensive Returning Starters: Senior Quarterback Sawyer Rice, Senior Wide Receiver Jayzen Kortemeir, Senior Wide Receiver Boston White, Senior Running Back Tavion Holland, Senior OL Bryson Poindexter, Senior OL Jacob Conn and Senior OL Corbin Waid.

Defensive Returning Starters: Senior Defensive Lineman Zion Butler, Senior Defensive Lineman Billy McClinton, Senior Sawyer Rice, Senior Camden Villigrana, Senior Boston White and Senior Tavion Holland.

They Said It: “We will never shy away from our goals of making the playoffs, I think the senior class realizes this is it. They’ve got 10 guaranteed games, and to get to number 11 you have to beat somebody you maybe aren’t supposed to,” Coach Matt Terry said.

Fast Fun Facts: Duncan, despite facing Bridge Creek and Cache several times in preseason action, competed against each other for the first time in 2024 in the regular season. The Demons are now 2-0 in the regular season against Bridge Creek after a win this to open 2024 and 1-0 against Cache, which they will look to improve to 2-0 also.

A LOOK BACK

State Championship Record: 5-3 Playoff Record: 48-29 (34 years)

Coaches Tenure Record

Matt Terry 2023-Present 5-15

J.T. Cobble 2018-2022 27-23

Craig Benson 2014-2010 14-26

Jim Holloway 2005-2013 54-43

Todd Wilson 2004 5-5

Bill Patterson 1997-2003 39-36

Charles Lynch 1987-1996 80-41

John Humphrey 1986 4-6

Charles Lynch 1980-1985 58-20

Ray Hall 1974-1979 55-20

Earl Presley 1966-1973 39-47

Pete Tillman 1962-1965 15-27

Woody Cooper 1960-1961 7-13

Earl Presley 1959 6-4

Harvey Griffin 1954-1958 27-25

Earl Presley 1949-1953 37-19

John Davenport 1947-1948 6-13

Billy Stamps 1944-1946 19-12

been a part of the last two years and a great class of leaders, and I think they are ready for this thing to turn.”

There is no doubt that the effort is there, according to Terry, and he believes that senior quarterback Sawyer Rice will lead this offense, along with a healthy three or four players on the offensive line.

Three of those individuals are seniors, including Corbin Waid, Jacob Conn and Bryson Poindexter. For the other two spots, Terry has the benefit of playing some young players due to injuries who have varsity experience and will help block for an offense that has many skilled players returning.

Tavion Holland returns to the running back position, and Terry believes he will have a breakout year due to the line’s resurgence, which will help give the offense a new dynamic.

er Boston White, who accounted for three touchdown catches on the season and will also be a factor on defense as part of the secondary.

Cord Byerly was thrown into the fire on the line and will be in the mix for a starting position.

Sophomore Caden Morris will be another possible option to take a spot on the offensive line.

As freshmen, Caleb Davis, Sam Lipscomb and DJ Warner played valuable minutes and are now sophomores, and Terry believes they will have to find a role on the team for the Demons.

On defense, the Demons will have a new defensive coordinator in Scott Broussard, who comes from Texas and has over 30 years of experience as a coordinator. Terry believes he will help the defense in the coming years.

“We have been meeting with him defensively on what we are going to do, and we are on about the Have a

Another returner on offense is wide receiv-

same lines of what we wanted to do in the spring with his terminology and what he wants to do scheme-wise,”

Terry said. “He has some good pieces to work with. Duncan right now is undersized in some positions, but we have some athletic guys that can go make plays and make bigger guys miss.”

Zion Butler led the Demons in tackles a year ago, recording 87 tackles, 25 of which were for a loss. He will play at the nose guard position.

Billy McClinton is another player who will factor into the defense’s plans as a senior for the Demons, and the secondary will feature White, Holland, Rice and Camden Villagrana.

“They are all smart kids, and Coach Broussard is the type that wants our defense to play fast, and we’ve got some guys who can run a bit,” Terry said. “Hopefully, we mesh really well.”

With only five players graduating from the 2024 team, Terry said having several players in-house with varsity experience will play a key to improving the Demons’ win total from a year ago.

With a group of seniors who will wear the Demons’ red and white in 2025, Terry believes they can compete with their district counterparts and that the seniors are hungry to turn this around.

“You’ve got to be sound and organized, and when you jog out on Friday nights, you have to let your kids know what you are expecting of them,” Terry said. “When you move to a place, you are trying to get the locker room right and trying to get the community behind you. They are starting to buy into the things that people may not see on the field, but all those translate into wins. For us, it is getting our kids in the best possible position for them to succeed. We are never going to be the biggest team on the field, we may not be the fastest team, but you know our kids will always compete and give 100% effort, and we can’t knock that about our kids.”

The Demons began their season against Bridge Creek High School Aug. 29, and won 30-29. They hope to carry that momentum into the rest of the season.

A LOOK BACK: DUNCAN’S PLAYOFF APPEARANCES

2020-5A

1 : DUNCAN OVER EISENHOWER 21-3

2 : BISHOP MCGUINNESS OVER DUNCAN 41-21

2019-5A

1 : CARL ALBERT OVER DUNCAN 48-7

2018-5A

1 : GUTHRIE OVER DUNCAN 23-20

2012-5A

1 : BISHOP MCGUINNESS OVER DUNCAN 34-20

2011-5A

1 : DUNCAN OVER ADA 45-7

Q : MCALESTER OVER DUNCAN 37-21

2010-5A

1 : CARL ALBERT OVER DUNCAN 30-27

2009-5A

1 : GUTHRIE OVER DUNCAN 20-12

2007-5A

1 : DUNCAN OVER NOBLE 35-7

Q : EAST CENTRAL OVER DUNCAN 52-8

2005-5A

1 : SHAWNEE OVER DUNCAN 35-16

2001-5A

1 : DOUGLASS OVER DUNCAN 54-0

1999-5A

1 : JOHN MARSHALL OVER DUNCAN 34-7

1997-5A

1 : DUNCAN OVER WOODWARD 52-21

Q : DUNCAN OVER ALTUS 48-20

S : CARL ALBERT OVER DUNCAN 35-6

1996-5A

1 : DUNCAN OVER BISHOP MCGUINNESS 43-15

Q : WOODWARD OVER DUNCAN 9-7

1994-5A

1 : EL RENO OVER DUNCAN 49-14

1993-5A

1 : DUNCAN OVER GUTHRIE 38-0

Q : DUNCAN OVER JOHN MARSHALL 21-20

S : DUNCAN OVER DURANT 26-14

C : CARL ALBERT OVER DUNCAN 23-6

1992-5A

1 : CARL ALBERT OVER DUNCAN 13-0

1991-4A

1 : DUNCAN OVER CHICKASHA 27-6

2 : DUNCAN OVER HARRAH 27-0

Q : DUNCAN OVER GUTHRIE 21-13

S : DUNCAN OVER OKMULGEE 20-0

C : ADA OVER DUNCAN 21-6

1990-4A

1 : DUNCAN OVER CAPITOL HILL 50-7

2 : DUNCAN OVER SHAWNEE 13-10

Q : MACARTHUR OVER DUNCAN 21-14

1989-4A

1 : CARL ALBERT OVER DUNCAN 32-6

1987-4A

1 : DUNCAN OVER CARL ALBERT 9-6

Q : DUNCAN OVER BIXBY 7-0

S : DUNCAN OVER CLAREMORE 7-6

C : MCLAIN OVER DUNCAN 7-6

1985-4A

1 : DUNCAN OVER DOUGLASS 14-6

Q : DUNCAN OVER CARL ALBERT 19-13

S : NORTHEAST OVER DUNCAN 7-3

1984-4A

1 : DUNCAN OVER CHOCTAW 35-0

Q : DUNCAN OVER ARDMORE 35-13

S : DUNCAN OVER DURANT 41-14

C : DUNCAN OVER BISHOP KELLEY 10-7

1983-4A

1 : DUNCAN OVER MACARTHUR 21-0

Q : DUNCAN OVER WOODWARD 20-6

S : DUNCAN OVER ARDMORE 33-2

C : DUNCAN OVER BROKEN BOW 21-0

1982-4A

1 : DUNCAN OVER CHOCTAW 21-14

Q : DUNCAN OVER CARL ALBERT 27-20

S : ARDMORE OVER DUNCAN 23-0

1981-3A

1 : MUSTANG OVER DUNCAN 16-7

1980-3A

1 : DUNCAN OVER CARL ALBERT 21-6

Q : DUNCAN OVER CHOCTAW 18-8

S : MUSTANG OVER DUNCAN 23-6

1979-3A

1 : ADA OVER DUNCAN 14-0

1978-3A

1 : DUNCAN OVER ADA 43-14

Q : DUNCAN OVER GUTHRIE 29-0

S : DUNCAN OVER MACARTHUR 14-13

C : DUNCAN OVER JENKS 32-13

1977-3A

1 : DUNCAN OVER CARL ALBERT 20-12

Q : DUNCAN OVER SOUTHEAST 27-21

S : DUNCAN OVER ADA 7-0

C : DUNCAN OVER STILLWATER 19-6

1976-3A

1 : DUNCAN OVER ADA 13-7

Q : DUNCAN OVER SOUTHEAST 41-10

S : DOUGLASS OVER DUNCAN 13-9

1975-3A

1 : DUNCAN OVER CHOCTAW 19-16

Q : DUNCAN OVER GUYMON 9-0

S : ARDMORE OVER DUNCAN 10-7

1967-3A

S : MIDWEST CITY OVER DUNCAN 14-12

1952-A

Q : DUNCAN OVER ALTUS 34-7

S : MIDWEST CITY OVER DUNCAN 39-12

1945-A

Q : DUNCAN OVER ALTUS 14-7

S : DUNCAN OVER ARDMORE 18-12

C : DUNCAN OVER WILL ROGERS 17-7

MEET THE DEMONS’ SPIRIT TEAMS

Duncan POM to promote school pride

Through inspiration and team bonds, the Duncan POM squad is ready to sharpen their skills and motivate the crowd at games.

Entering her third year as Duncan High School’s POM coach, Jana Marks said the squad continues to grow every year to bring a contagious energy, along with a strong commitment to represent the school with pride.

“With girls ranging from a dance background to multi-sport athletes, we bring a wide range of experience and enthusiasm to the floor and to the sidelines,” she said. “Our team is unified, spirited and determined to make a statement both on and off the field.”

This year, Marks said the squad’s goals are to work on team bonding and techniques to bring exciting performances.

“We aim to qualify for State again through a solid showing at Regionals,” she said. “I expect this team to work hard, bring the energy, support one another and lead by example in our school and community.”

With new skills and talents, Marks said the team continues to work on dances, motions, facials and preparing for the OSSAA Game Day routine for competition season.

“We’re also working on skills like high kicks, turns and jumps that will elevate our performances,” she said.

Marks said she loves watching this team grow in strength, confidence and school spirit.

“I expect dedication, respect and full effort on the sidelines and in the classroom,” she said. “I want my athletes to be dependable leaders who take pride in their role as representatives of our school and community.”

For the new season, Marks said the

THE 2025-26 DUNCAN HIGH SCHOOL POM SQUAD CONSISTS OF: SENIORS, EMILY HALLFORD (CO-CAPTAIN), BLAKELY STULIR, RILEY VAUGHN (CO-CAPTAIN); JUNIORS, CHESNEE ROBERSON, MADISON VONFELDT, MERRICK IVEY (CAPTAIN), MADYSON PRINCE, MALLORY TAYLOR; SOPHOMORES, BELLA REYES, ADDISON RANBERG, LAUREN KRISS, RAELYN HAMIL, MADI PUNNEO, MCKENZIE GRAHAM, KENNEDI RIDDLES; AND FRESHMEN, TORI GARLAND, EVYN WATKINS AND ELLI BISHOP.

squad is a larger and more diverse team.

“We’re implementing more focused technique time, leadership opportunities and intentional team bonding activities to build unity,” she said. “We’re also excited to continue partnering closely with our cheer program to show a united front of school spirit.”

With a main focus to build a cohesive team that is competitive, spirited and positive, Marks said she wants to develop strong performers.

Through the team’s development, She said they will understand success comes from consistency, character and commitment.

Marks said the team will make this

year memorable by creating meaningful moments, whether in practice, serving in the community or at performances.

“Our team is growing in number and in heart, and we’re making sure every member feels seen, supported and proud to be part of this program,” she said.

Marks said she is proud of where the team is headed.

“Every one of you brings something unique and valuable to this team,” she said. “I believe in your potential, your power and your passion. Let’s make this year one to remember, whether on the sidelines, on the competition floor or in the hearts of everyone watching us.”

STORIES BY TAMARA GREGOR

Duncan Cheer finds motivation through school spirit

Equipped with motivation, inspiration and teamwork, the Duncan High School cheerleaders are ready to give their all this season.

Duncan Cheer Coach Jesse Milburn said for the 2025-26 season, the squad is working toward excellence on and off the field.

While committed to practice and workouts, Milburn said the squad is involved in several areas around DHS, including leadership, Student Council, at RRTC and in concurrent classes.

“We lost just one senior last year and added several new faces,” she said. “Already this group is showing the same drive and heart that helped last year’s team earn the title of Academic State Champions.”

While Duncan has a lot to offer its students, Milburn said the athletes fully reap the benefits.

“They’re not just focused on cheer — they’re striving for excellence in all areas of life, and that’s what truly sets them apart,” she said.

Milburn said the team’s goal for competition is to make it to State.

“My personal goal is for them to understand that the sacrifices they make — early mornings, summer practices, tough workouts — are what makes success possible,” she said. “The destination is theirs, but I want them to value the journey that gets them there.”

Beyond the wins and championships, Milburn said one of the squad’s year-long goals is to continue to build strong bonds, as well as team culture for other students.

“In the process, it creates lasting memories for this team,” she said. “The kind they’ll carry with them long after the season ends.”

Milburn said the squad will compete at OSSAA Game Day for the second year.

“We have worked hard with a new choreographer from New Jersey,” she said. “We are continuously working on improving our motions, jumps, tumbling and stunts.”

Milburn, in her third year coaching, said her connection to cheerleading

THE 2025-26 DUNCAN CHEERLEADING ROSTER CONSISTS OF: SENIORS, MCKENNA ATTAWAY, JORDYN BLAKE, RAVEN CHANDLER, KAMRIE CHANNEL, SEQUOIA COBBS, ALEXIS EADES, MORGAN MASSIE, KYLEE SHEPPARD; JUNIORS, LUCAS FOWLER, ADDALYNN MIGLIETTI; SOPHOMORES, YOVANNA HERNANDEZ, AVERY MILBURN, RUBY MILLER, CHRISTIANA NGUYEN, LANDRY TERRY; AND FRESHMEN, CAROLINE ARMSTRONG, COLLINS BUDOWSKY AND ALYSSA HOPKINS.

began in high school, and continued when she became an All Star cheer mom.

“I’ve always had a deep love for the sport, and when I saw something special in these athletes, I knew I could help them polish the talent that was already there,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships within the cheer community, and I’ve brought in incredible people to help us grow.”

Milburn said the squad works with Siler Rolston, Southern Baptist University; Oklahoma City University cheer alum; a representative from a Jeff & Craig Camp staffer; Kimber Budowsky, OSU Cheer alum and NCA staffer; Whitney Taylor, Xtreme Thunder; and DHS Assistant Cheer Coach Yasmeen Petersen, who cheered at Noble High School and competed through All Star cheer.

Milburn said she recognizes the value in others to fill in the gaps and help out.

“It’s all about giving these athletes every opportunity to thrive,” she said.

Milburn said the squad will focus

their efforts on Game Day-style cheer at games. She said this will prepare the team for future competitions.

“It helps us develop skills that are essential for crowd engagement and performance energy, which will give us an edge down the road,” she said. “We’re fortunate to have more staff on board, which means more support, more energy and more opportunities for individual growth within the team. Our parents have also been incredibly supportive, and that makes a huge difference in what we can accomplish.”

Milburn said the team has planned a lot of bonding activities and community service projects. She said these will help the team grow closer not just as teammates, but as a family.

“We’re also adding more fun traditions and experiences to create memories that go beyond the sidelines,” she said. “Our goal is to make this year unforgettable by building strong relationships, supporting our school and community and making every moment count — on and off the field.”

Duncan Demons band ready to be loud and proud

The Duncan Demons band will strike a chord and jumpstart the new year with the desire to make Duncan proud.

With a band of 70 students this year, Director Jeramy Haas said the musicians began practicing for the season July 28.

The band resumed playing together for the annual Dehydrator Bike Ride, put on annually by the band boosters to raise money for the band necessities.

The 2025-26 season will bring Andrew Sinner and Erica Scott as drum majors, Haas said.

After another successful season last year, Haas said this year the band will strive to represent Duncan and Duncan High School to the best of their ability at every event, as well as in the band contests in which they participate.

While the preparation for contest starts early, Haas said the band’s marching show in the fall is called “Heartbreaker.”

“It features ‘Heartbreaker’ by Pat Benatar, ‘Bad Romance’ by Lady Gaga, Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and ‘Jar of Hearts’ by Christina Perri,” he said.

“We will be participating in the ECU Marching Contest, the Elgin Marching Contest and the OSSAA Regional Marching Contest.”

During the band season, Haas said the students look forward to getting to know each other better, as well as have fun and make a lot of music together.

Throughout the year, the older students help mentor the younger students.

“The new freshmen have been working hard and learning their marching skills,” Haas said. “The

THE 2025-2026 DUNCAN HIGH SCHOOL DRUM MAJORS, ANDREW SINNER AND ERICA SCOTT

upper classmen have been great examples for the freshman.”

After numerous years bringing school spirit and pride to Duncan, Haas said the band is appreciative of

the Duncan community. “(We) hope that they will continue their support of everything the band is involved in,” Haas said.

The 2025-26 Band Booster President is Carly Potts.

# T H I S I S D U N C A N

W o r k i n D u n c a n ! S c a n c o d e

D u n c a n A r e a E c o n o m i c

D e v e l o p m e n t F o u n d a t i o n i s h e r e f o r y o u !

w w w . o k - d u n c a n . c o m

THE EMPIRE BULLDOGS

EMPIRE BULLDOGS FUELING UP ON CHANGE

STORY BY KELLY WRAY

THE OFFENSE

Change – that is what’s coming to the Empire offense.

Gone is the 2024 version of WHAM, a power straight-ahead, run-heavy scheme that the Bulldogs used to pound nine opponents into submission en route to the Class B Playoffs.

Gone too is Kamdyn Whetstone, the hammerhead of the WHAM, who led Stephens County in carries (184) and rushing yards (1,222). Whetstone earned The Banner Eight-Man Player of the Year honors after tying for the county lead in rushing touchdowns (22). And he did all that while playing on an injured knee and with a late-season broken right hand.

Other changes are afoot on The Hill as well:

The offensive line won’t be as big, with the absences of starting guards Raymond Sarmiento and Emillio Hernandez who are no longer playing football.

And, unlike last season when the Bulldogs rolled to a 9-2 mark and second place finish in District B-1, depth might be an issue as Empire tries to qualify for the postseason for the fifth time in seven seasons.

Yet, what remains are the high expectations – and enough talent to again challenge for the league championship. There’s a core of six seniors, a group that has waited its turn to ascend into leadership.

While they aren’t as many or as big as last season’s senior group, they’re not shying away from

expectations that head coach Brant Hayes has built in his six seasons as the Bulldogs’ mentor.

Challenge Hollis for the District B-1 title.

Earn a playoff spot.

Advance.

That’s the agenda. And they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Wide receivers Cale Porter, Francisco Garcia and Johnathan Simmons, along with quarterback Bryce Shaver, center Shad McDaniel and guard Sean Allen say it’s their time to lead. And they’re ready to accept the challenge.

“We feel pretty comfortable taking the leadership role,” said Porter, who will be asked to generate most of Empire’s offensive production now that Whetstone has left The Pound. “Some of us took on that role a little bit last year, but we’re definitely excited to keep the tradition going and to lead the team to success this year.”

Hayes said the Bulldogs plan to withdraw from the WHAM and move to a no-huddle spread, which better fits the personnel this season.

QUARTERBACK: Shaver is the Bulldogs’ returning starter under center. He led the Bulldogs in passing with 737 yards and 10 TDs, and he did work with his legs, rushing for 341 yards and four scores. He carried 53 times.

Shaver completed 62 of 209 passes and tossed just three interceptions. He’s bound to play a bigger role this season as the Bulldogs move to

AT A GLANCE

2024: 9-2, Class B first round playoffs

District B1 Finish: second to Hollis

Head Coach: Brant Hayes – At Empire, 4222, 7th season. Overall, 45-37, 8th season

Assistant Coaches: Braden Hill (offensive Coordinator), Keith Burton (defensive coordinator), Denis Deviney (offensive and defensive lines), Brett Bagley, Jackson Billingsley

Offense: Spread

Offensive Returning Starters: 3

Defense: 3-2

Defensive Returning Starters: 3

Top Returners: WR/DB Cale Porter, 5-10, 160, senior, three-year starter and All-County honorable Mention; QB/DB Bryce Shaver, senior, All-County honorable mention; OL/DL Sean Allen, second-team All-County DL; WR/DB Francisco Garcia, senior, second-team All-County DB; OL/ LB Cutter Rochell, senior, second-team AllCounty DL; OL Shad McDaniel, senior; WR/ DB Johnathan Simmons, senior.

Key Losses: RB/LB Kamdyn Whetstone, All-County 8-Man Player of the Year; DL Chase Kaspereit, first-team All-County selection and signed with Southern Nazarene; WR/DB Christian Benitez, firstteam All-County WR; RB/LB Nathan Menga, first-team All-County LB.

They Said It: “We feel pretty comfortable taking the leadership role. Some of us took on that role a little bit last year, but we’re definitely excited to keep the tradition going and to lead the team to success this year.” –Empire WR/DB Cale Porter, talking about the Bulldogs’ senior class

Fast Fun Facts: Head coach Brant Hayes now owns the second most wins in school history. Hayes enters this season with a 42-22 mark in six seasons as the Bulldogs’ mentor. He has directed Empire to four playoff appearances in six seasons and is one of only three Empire coaches to claim a playoff victory. Johnny Taylor won 77 games at Empire from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s and guided the Bulldogs to the 1989 Class A State Championship Game. Empire has produced one D1 football player in its history, Lyndell Byford, who played at Oklahoma in the late 1970s. His daughter is Megan Byford-Robbins, head girls basketball coach at Marlow.

the spread.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Shaver will have a bevy of targets, including Porter who is likely to be the Bulldogs’ offensive catalyst, Hayes said. Porter, 5-10, 160-pounds, has played every skills position in the past three seasons, and

Hayes said the speedster can expect to be moved around in formations again this season.

Porter has played quarterback, running back and wide receiver, in addition to returning kicks and starting in the defensive backfield. With Whetstone handling the

majority of running chores and Shaver at QB, Porter spent most of last season as a wide out. He caught 25 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns. He ran 13 times for 61 yards and three TDs.

“The goal is going to be to get the ball to Cale as much as we can in open space,”

Hayes said. “We’re going to go straight spread, throw it and get it in the hands of Cale. We probably won’t even have a running back. We’ll go no-huddle and call everything from the sideline.”

Shaver won’t be able to target Chase Kaspereit, the

FRANCISCO GARCIA STARTED AT WIDE RECEIVER AND DEFENSIVE BACK AS A JUNIOR. HE’LL REMAIN AS A STARTING WIDE RECEIVER THIS YEAR BUT WILL MOVE TO END ON DEFENSE.

Bulldogs’ second-leading receiver from a year ago. Kaspereit graduated after catching 10 passes for 196 yards and two touchdown and is headed to play for Southern Nazarene.

But Shaver will have options in Garcia, Simmons and Rochell. At 6-foot-4, Rochell could be a match up nightmare for defensive backs –and Hayes said the Bulldogs will try to create one-on-one situations for Rochell, who was a star on the defensive line in 2024.

Rochell caught two passes for 85 yards and one TD.

Garcia, who also handles kickoff duties, grabbed 13 passes for 116 yards and two TDs. That made Garcia the Bulldogs’ third-leading receiver.

“We may be more athletic than last year,” said Hayes, who is the second most winning head football coach in Empire history. “We may have a little more speed. We won’t be able to run down people’s throats like we did last year. We’ll have to use different formations and try different things to get the ball in space. It’s how our players are suited this year. We’re going to need big chunk plays. There will be more bells and whistles than last year.”

“We may be more athletic than last year. We may have a little more speed. We won’t

be able to run down people’s throats like we did last year. We’ll have to use different formations and try different things to get the ball in space. It’s how our players are suited this year.”

- BRANT HAYES

Empire Head Football Coach

OFFENSIVE LINE: Up front the Bulldogs have Shad McDaniel returning at center and also welcome Allen back to the offensive line. Allen played on the O-line two years ago but moved exclusively to defensive end last season. He will start at one guard, while Aiden McGregor is penciled in at the other guard spot.

Empire averaged 33 points per game in 2024, even with forfeits from Temple and Burns Flat-Dill City, two teams the Bulldogs likely would have scored 45 points

A LOOK BACK: EMPIRE’S PLAYOFF APPEARANCES

HOLLIS OVER EMPIRE 22-17

THE DEFENSE

The Bulldogs were stout on defense last season, allowing just 11 points per contest and giving up double digits only three times in 11 outings. Only Cyril (12), Hollis (38) and Garber (36) scored more than 9 points against the ‘Dawgs.

An unmovable front featuring Kaspereit, Allen and Rochell helped clear the way for linebackers Whetstone and Nathan Menga, as the Bulldogs pitched four shutouts (not including forfeits). Kaspereit and Menga both graduated.

Kaspereit was the Bulldogs’ main stopper with 78 total tackles, including 20 solo stops and 58 assists last season. He finished with 5 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. He was eighth among all county defenders in total tacklers.

Kaspereit and Menga were both first-team All-County selections. Menga was the fifth-leading tackler among all county defenders, finishing with 95 total stops.

“With those guys we had in the middle up front last season, no one was going to run on them,” Hayes said.

DEFENSIVE LINE: That front wall will be rebuilt with the likes of Allen, McGre-

gor, McDaniel, Garcia or Bill Bunn, Hayes said.

Allen, a second-team All-County pick, will return at one defensive end after finishing with 16 solo tackles and 49 assists. He was third in the county with 8 sacks.

Garcia will move from safety to defensive end this season. He made 50 tackles and two interceptions while roaming the secondary last season. Hayes said starting dibs and nose guard will likely go to McGregor, McDaniel, or Bunn.

LINEBACKERS: Rochell, also a second-team All-County selection at defensive end, will move to middle linebacker this year. The plan, Hayes said, is for the D-linemen to eat up space and stymie blockers so that Rochell can run free to the ball.

Rochell finished among the top 20 tacklers in the county, collecting 50 total stops. He made 15 solo tackles and 35 assists. He had 9 sacks and 9 tackles for loss.

George Torres will likely get the nod at the other linebacker spot.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: Porter and Simmons will start at the cornerback spots, and Shaver is penciled in at free safety. Porter made three interceptions last season.

Let’s Go Bulldogs!

GEORGE TORRES COULD EARN A STARTING SPOT AT LINEBACKER.

MEET THE BULLDOGS’ SPIRIT TEAMS

Empire POM to ignite the force with next level energy

With enthusiasm and pride, the Empire POM team is ready to bring the bright side to the crowd this season.

Empire POM Coach Sarah Lemons said the POM team’s level of energy will stand out among the rest. She said this group of girls have some of the biggest hearts.

With 45 years of experience in the

dance industry, Lemons said she’s taught dance for 29 years.

The squad’s goals this year, Lemons said, is “to simply be better than last.”

Lemons, a veteran cheer coach, said the Empire POM Squad will continue to work on their halftime routines. She said the team will also work on a mini clinic routine for their elementa-

ry students to participate in.

“We will also begin working on our Game Day Competition routine soon,” she said.

While the POM Squad’s main focus is the school and community, Lemons said the team’s goal is to serve the school and community, increase school spirit and provide pride for the school.

STORIES BY TAMARA GREGOR

THE 2025–26 EMPIRE POM SQUAD CONSISTS OF: SENIOR LAYNIE JOHNSON; JUNIORS, BREE BENTLEY, CADY HILL, BAILEY SWANSON; AND SOPHOMORES, CHARLIE PRESGROVE, CHARLIE ROCHELL, MAKENZIE SIMMONS AND PAITYN WYLIE.

THE 2025-26 EMPIRE CHEERLEADERS CONSIST OF: AUDRA BREWER, CAPTAIN, SENIOR; KAMI MCMAHAN, SENIOR; HALLE HIGHTOWER, SOPHOMORE; CALI KASPEREIT, SOPHOMORE; KYLEIGH MCMAHAN, SOPHOMORE; EMILEE SOLI, SOPHOMORE; ZOEY GRAY, FRESHMAN; HOPE FIELDS, FRESHMAN.

Lady Bulldogs bring a new hope to Empire

Empire Cheer Coach Rachel Hightower said this year’s Lady Bulldogs have worked on trust and teamwork over the summer.

With great practice sessions, Hightower said the squad had a wonderful showing at NCA Cheer Camp.

“I think the girls are ready to get Empire to a place of spirit that we haven’t seen in years,” she said.

Once again, the cheer squad with team up with the POM girls to form a large spirit squad to compete.

“We hope to get better in that realm and push ourselves to show up and show out for Empire,” she said.

This year, Hightower said the squad will steer their focus toward their big

routine for competition.

“The cheer team has been working on updating our cheers and sideline dances to fit the times,” she said.

Hightower said she was a cheer coach 17 years ago and this year is her first year to return to a coaching position.

“I was a little unsure at first, but the girls and I have had a great summer and really built some trust in one another and I think it will be great,” she said.

In the new year, Hightower said the squad looks forward to having more spirit, more respect and more organization.

Hightower said she’s proud of all of the girls.

“I love these girls,” she said. “They pushed themselves this summer and I can’t wait for the year ahead.”

Empire bandmates to glow on and off the field

Empire High School band is ready to shine under the Friday Night Lights this season.

With 41 students taking part in the 2025-26 band season, Band Director Kim Herring said the musicians started practicing on the first day of school Aug. 14.

With some major goals ahead of the band, Herring said the students will strive to keep placing in the top three for drumline at the State Fair.

“Another goal will be for the Varsity Ensemble to receive a superior rating at the District Solo and Ensemble Contest and advance onto State Solo and Ensemble,” Herring said. “Last year we received the

highest rating at State and receiving another high rating will be another goal.”

This year’s Empire drum majors are Ella Stidham, Bailey Swanson and Annie Stewart.

As always, the band looks forward to the special halftime Glow Show. For the performance, Herring said the band students dress in all black and tape glow sticks all over them so they will glow in the dark as the stadium lights go off.

“We typically perform a song with a marching formation and then perform a dance all while glowing,” Herring said.

In the upcoming months, Herring said the band will compete in competitions,

such as the Oklahoma State Fair Band Day Parade, SWOBDA All-Region Honor band, SCOBDA Honor Band, OkMEA AllState Honor Band, SWOSU All Senior Honor Band, District Solo and Ensemble Contest and State Solo and Ensemble Contest.

“We always look forward to supporting our football team at the football games, state fair parade and varsity ensemble,” Herring said.

Herring said the older students provide a mentorship to the younger students throughout the year.

Herring said the sectionals the band participates in are opportunities for younger students to ask questions, as well as to receive valuable advice from their peers.

Herring said the band “teaches lifelong skills and helps teach teamwork.”

“A band cannot be successful because of one person; it takes the entire band,” Herring said. “Students who participate in band during their school years graduate with more skills to help them in their adult life.”

“My younger students work a lot with the older students due to the leadership that the older students show,” Herring said. “The older students hold marching and music sectionals with the younger students all throughout the year.”

BRAY-DOYLE

Date Opp. 9/4 Fox

9/12 at Central

9/19 Strother

9/26 at Tipton

10/3 Grandfield

10/10 at Corn Bible

10/16 at Geary

10/24 at Ryan

10/30 Temple

11/6 at Mt. View-Gotebo

CENTRAL HIGH

Date Opp.

9/5 at Paoli (8-4)

9/12 Bray-Doyle (0-9)

9/19 Ryan (11-2)

9/26 Thackerville (6-5)

10/3 at Maysville (9-3)

10/10 at Waurika (4-7)

10/16 Hollis (9-3)

10/24 at Burns Flat-Dill City (19)

10/31 Empire (9-1)

11/7 at Snyder (3-8)

COMANCHE

Date Opp. 8/29 at S&S Consolidated

9/5 vs. Wynnewood

9/12 vs. Kingston

9/19 BYE

9/26 at Tishomingo

10/3 vs. Coalgate (Homecoming)

10/10 at Dibble

10/16 vs. Beggs 10/24 vs. Davis

10/30 at Community CS 11/7 vs. Holdenville (Senior Night)

Date Opp. 8/29 at Bridge 9/5 vs. 9/12 at Guthrie 9/19 vs. 9/26 vs. 10/3 at Southeast 10/10 vs. 10/17 at Bishop 10/24 BYE

10/31 vs. 11/7 at Midwest

(Homecoming)

EMPIRE

Date Opp. 8/28 Canadian (1-9) 9/5 at Thackerville (6-5) 9/12 at Cyril (5-5) 9/19 Wetumka (6-5) 9/26 Bye 10/3 at Alex (6-5) 10/10 Burns Flat-Dill City (1-9) 10/16 Synder (3-8) 10/24 Hollis (9-3) 10/31 at Central (3-7) 11/7 Waurika (4-7)

MARLOW

Date Opp. 8/29 North Rock Creek (6-4) 9/5 Chickasha (2-8) 9/11 at Mustang JV 9/26 at Lindsay (6-5) 10/3 Lexington (5-5) 10/10 at Crossings Christian (5-5) 10/16 Washington (14-0) 10/24 at Dickson (3-7) 10/31 Marietta (1-9) 11/6 at Little Axe (3-7)

Date Opp. 9/5 vs. Cashion 9/12 vs. Wewoka 9/19 at Walters 9/26 at Rush Springs 10/3 vs. Ringling 10/9 at Wayne 10/17 vs. Konawa (Homecoming) Oct. 24 vs. Healdton Oct. 31 at Wilson Nov. 7 at

Entering a football field for home games is a big deal for high school teams. This year, it will be an even bigger experience for Marlow and its and fans. When the 2025-26 Outlaws make their entrance into the stadium during their home games, they will run out of the new Ron Newby Field House at Outlaw Stadium, with a straight path to the turf.

A few projects still need to be completed, but the field house was ready for use when official season practice kicked off Aug. 11. Driving up to the $2 million field house, the street view (both north and east) lacked any signs of what the non-descript sandstone-colored facility houses.

Stepping into the field house from the east side door, you enter an expansive locker room that holds 72 lockers for the 10th-12th grade team members.

“What’s interesting is this locker room is bigger than the entire old field house,” Athletic Director

Daryn Brantley said.

Leaving the locker room, you see a door, the coaches’ office and a wall of glass windows that offer a clear view of Outlaw Stadium.

Brantley said the old building served its purpose for years. “It’s been there since the 50s, and we tried to remodel and keep it up to date as best we could, but it’s a concrete cinder block building. Only so much you can do and with the size restriction with as many kids we have come out, we were just cramped and we shouldn’t have that problem now.”

Fans inside the stadium will see the exterior of the south side of the new building, and there will be no mistaking the pride that Marlow has in its team and community. Displayed are a big M logo, the name of the field house and of course, the years the Outlaws won State Championships (1959, 1964 and 2021) and runners-up titles (1992, 1994 and 2006).

“There is back-lighting behind the signage

BUILDING A LEGACY ON FOUNDATION

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY TONI HOPPER

on the south wall facing the field and then there are parking lot lights around the building,” Brantley said.

Head Coach Matt Weber’s shares the enthusiasm for the new facility.

“It’s going to be a lot more fun coming to work, and the kids are wild about it. Especially for the high school side, and everybody we brought in here. The high school side locker room, that’s the showpiece of the whole thing,” he said. “Everything is first class, nothing cheap about it. The other building has been here since 1952 or 54. Hopefully this one will be here, and we will take care of it for the next generation of kids, and it will look just as nice as we had it day one.”

An 8,000 square-foot facility, the district was able to create a space double what other Oklahoma schools

have constructed in recent years, at half the cost. Take for example Mustang at a cost of $4.5 million for a 4,900 square-foot facility that was contracted in 2020 (COVID-19 time frame). Marlow residents passed a $34 million bond in February 2022, but the groundwork for any bond begins months, if not years, prior to the actual ballot vote. By the time construction began on the many projects in the bond package, material costs and interest rates had increased because of the pandemic.

CUTTING CORNERS TO MEET BUDGET

Those increases resulted in a cost-cutting measure in order to achieve the end result. Touring the facility would not indicate the necessary initiative that the

administration balanced.

Housed inside: A massive equipment room, a spacious coaches’ office with desks for all and room for two conference tables, a laundry room with new machines, restrooms, including a separate family restroom for team managers (suitable for the females and coaches’ wives), two locker rooms, an ice tank and taping tables.

“Grady Hollars, Budro’s Woodshop, here in town, he did the cabinets and countertops,” Brantley said.

Coaches will be able to use their laptops or desktops, whichever they want. Each coach will have their area and see the field from their office. The restroom is a lot bigger and nicer than the old one.

“One thing, we don’t have the lockers for the coaches, those will be in the equipment room,” Brantley said. “Expandable storage in there offers tons of room.”

There is also a shared shower and bathroom and locker rooms for the freshmen players.

Brantley said the overall bond package included the field house, the wrestling room facility, two FEMA-approved safe rooms (buildings), a performing arts center and high school addition. All items have been completed per the “all-in-one bond.”

“We lost several million dollars off the amount because of increased costs and interest rates, so we had to cut corners here and there on each of the projects,” Brantley said. “Everything is not as originally spec’d, but it’s still very nice.”

The $2 million price tag did not include the cost of coaches’ office furniture, lockers and other items.

“Those were not purchased with bond money,” he said.

Joe Hall Construction (Elk City) was general contractor, but local businesses like WW Builders handled the demo/site prep for the pad, Sellers Heat & Air installed the HVAC system and Travis Plumbing installed the plumbing.

OUTLAW PRIDE

INCLUDES THE BASICS

Brantley said the laundry room is a major improvement to the program. In years past, it would take up to an

hour and a half each day after practice just to get through all the laundry.

“They wash jerseys, shorts and girdles every day after practice,” he said. “They had two really nice LG machines, but the problem was they were limited to two loads at a time. It would take three loads, so that will cut down the time they have to spend because now they get everything done in one cycle.” A commercial large load dryer handles the final task.

There are still items needed for the field house, like floor mats and a refrigerator/freezer.

Brantley said most of the team has already seen the inside of the new field house because they did much of the heavy lifting and moving the lockers in during Summer Pride. In the freshman locker room, many of the old original lockers were re-purposed and moved into that area, adding a bit of historic nostalgia to the room.

UPGRADING OUTLAW STADIUM

Fans and visitors will notice many new improvements to the historic 1936 Outlaw Stadium: everything from new goal posts to a new position for the scoreboard. To make all of these improvements, the city and school worked together to get the east-west alley that ran north of the field closed to public vehicle access. Fencing was installed on both sides of the front of the new field house.

“Over summer, we moved the scoreboard from the east side to the west side, added new goal posts and play clocks,” Brantley said. “We have a short four foot (width) fence, added gates to block off what used to be the alley.”

During the first week of August, workers were busy with these projects and also installing handicap-accessible seating at the north end of the main stadium.

“We will build one on the south side of the home bleachers, and build one on the south side of the visitors’ side too.” He said the elevated platform will have room

THE FRONT OF THE NEW RON NEWBY FIELD HOUSE SHOWCASES A BIG MARLOW “M” ALONG WITH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP YEARS.

Inspiring future generations

Anyone who has ever attended a Marlow football game will know that the new name and field house probably won’t go unrecognized by the announcers this season. In 2016, the Outlaw Athletics department honored former coach Ron Newby by dedicating the original field house in his honor. Newby coached at Marlow High School for 21 years (1979-2013), with nine seasons as head coach.

He led the Outlaws to three state championship battles (1992, 1994 and 2006). In 2001, Newby was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame. His legacy continues with the new field house. Newby died in April 2024 after a battle with cancer.

A 10-foot vinyl wrap banner of Newby will be displayed on the wall by the south door of the new field house, according to Head Coach Matt Weber. It will serve as encouragement for all

Outlaws and as a reminder of a lasting legacy.

Newby’s wife, Sandy, and adult children, Josh Newby and Julie Harris, shared what it means for Marlow to have the new field house.

“I am very proud of Ron. Coaching was his passion. He loved the game, his students, his teams and watching these young men move forward with their lives. He was doing what he definitely was called to do and I feel he is very deserving of this recognition,” Sandy said.

“Dad loved Marlow – the culture of grit and toughness that he helped create in the 80s and 90s lives on to this day,” Josh said.

“Our dad truly had a fire about him on the sidelines that was so fun to watch. We have so many good memories and we are very humbled and honored by this recognition,” Julie Harris said.

for three to four wheelchairs and two to three seats.

The old field house, where the ninth grade locker room was (south end visitors side), will eventually be demolished. In its place will be new restrooms. Last fall, the home side concession was expanded, along with a new women’s restroom, including more stalls and a baby changing table. Brantley said the men’s restroom also increased.

“We were hoping to get to the visitor’s side this year, but we just ran out of time trying to get all the projects done,” Brantley said.

A new play/game clock is part of the visible package improvements on the field.

“When the official starts the play clock, with the new rules, those just run down the seconds, but the new one will have a game clock too,” he said.

Additionally, speakers will be relocated. Brantley said in reality, they still need another month to six weeks to get everything completed. “

“The scoreboard moved a month late, the play clocks, all of that was supposed to be done by the end of June. We’ve got to finish the dirt work in the field,” he said. “You can see the ruts down through there, ruts on the south end goal post – have to get those smoothed out, roll the field, aerate and top dress the field. We should have had plenty of time to do that,”

but they were left “trying to squeeze all that in before” the Outlaws began practice Monday, Aug. 11.

READY TO PLAY

Weber said there are about 54 high school (10th-12th) members on this year’s season roster, and 29 ninth-graders. While the facility doesn’t have a dedicated viewing room, the portable smart TV’s allow them to break into groups for game rewatch and strategy discussion.

Both Brantley and Weber are excited for the season. Tradition of the Blue and White Scrimmage at home took place Aug. 16, prior to this edition printing). The Outlaws then traveled

to Pauls Valley Aug. 22 for a scrimmage.

“Everyone’s excited and it’s a big change,” Brantley said. “No official (field house) dedication ceremony is planned due to the late completion

date of the project. School, and the season, is about to start and there just isn’t a good time at this point that wouldn’t be a distraction to the team.”

Nevertheless, the Marlow Outlaws won their season opener at home against North Rock Creek, 41-6, Friday, Aug. 29.

The win, coupled with the enthusiasm for the new field house, will keep the momentum going all season long.

THE MARLOW OUTLAWS

EXPECTATION HIGH THIS YEAR FOR OUTLAWS

STORY BY KELLY WRAY

THE OFFENSE

Marlow stood at the doorstep of the state championship game in the last two seasons, banging like mad to be let in, and then watched as other teams skipped ahead in line.

That is twice the Outlaws pushed state semifinal games to the final drive. And twice, their hearts were broken, in 2023 by a last-second field goal and in 2024 by an overtime loss.

Let it be known, gods of football. You owe Marlow one. Make that two.

Expectations are high again this year in Outlaw Country, with the return of County Player of the Year Hudson Morgan and eight other starters from the 2024 team that finished 10-3 and lost in double-overtime to Millwood in the Class 2A Semifinal.

Depth should be no problem for the Outlaws.

“We’ll be similar to last season,” Marlow head coach Matt Weber said.

Weber is the dean of Stephens County head coaches. He’s gathered a 95-39 mark in 13 seasons at Marlow – and in 21 seasons as a head coach, Weber’s teams have never missed the playoffs.

“We’ll have different faces,” Weber continued. “For a school our size, we have a lot of depth. We’ll go two-deep at most spots and threedeep at some.”

The Outlaw roster features 53 players, not including freshmen. When Weber elevates the freshmen late in the season, Marlow will dress

“A lot of programs struggle to find one quarterback in their entire program, but we have one at every level. We have a lot of depth there.”

– MATT WEBER Marlow Head Coach

more than 80 players.

But one stands above the others. That’s Morgan. The 6-3, 210-pound senior is a Division I college prospect in baseball and football. He has verbally committed to play baseball at Oklahoma State, spurning baseball powerhouses such as Louisiana State, Ole Miss and Wichita State.

He’s recently started to draw interest from Division I football schools. Texas Tech has inquired and so has Abilene Christian and Jacksonville State.

Morgan likely grabbed their attention last season while bludgeoning defenses for 742 yards and a county-leading 22 touchdowns. He scored a combined 7 TDS touchdowns against the two Class 2A title contenders, Washington and Millwood; and he scored all five of Marlow’s touchdowns in a 36-34 overtime loss to Millwood in the state semifinal game.

Both Washington and Millwood needed overtime to beat Marlow last season. And Washington knocked off the Falcons, 7-6, for their fourth consecutive state championship.

2025 SCHEDULE

Date Opponent

Aug. 29 North Rock Creek

Sept. 5 Chickasha

Sept. 11 at Mustang JV

Sept. 26 at Lindsay

Oct. 3 Lexington

Oct. 10 at Crossings Christian

Oct. 16 Washington

Oct. 24 at Dickson

Oct. 31 Marietta

Nov. 6 at Little Axe

2024 RESULTS

LAST FIVE YEARS

2024: 10-3 (Class 2A Semifinals)

2023: 9-4 (Class 3A Semifinals)

2022: 7-4

2021: 15-0

2020: 11-1

AT A GLANCE

2024: 10-3, Class 2A State Semifinals

District 2A1-2: Second to Washington

Head Coach: Matt Weber – At Marlow, 95-39, 12 seasons

Assistant Coaches: Colby Shamley (defensive coordinator), Bobby Wortham (special teams), Chad Gilbert, Eddie Herchock, Brock Harris, Trey Coffman, Rowdy McAuley, Drew Wortham

Offense: Pistol Spread

Offensive Returning Starters: 5

Defense: 3-4

Defensive Returning Starters: 4

Top Returners: LB/RB Hudson Morgan, 6-3, 210, senior, All-County Player of the Year; WR/DB Boomer Brooks, 6-1, 195, senior; CB Wyatt Osborn, 6-1, 174, senor; CB Major Fleetwood, 5-10, senior; QB Brendan Weber, 6-0, 183, junior; RB/SS Clinton Ladon, 5-10, 177, junior; OL/DL Clete Gilbert, 6-3, 244, junior; OL/DL Jake Pettit, 6-1, 228, junior; DE/TE Jackson Miller, 6-3, 218, junior; DE/ OL Aiden Justus, 6-1, 220, senior; WR/DB Jaxson Murray, 5-8, 166, junior; FB/SS Justin Zhang, 5-9, 173, senior.

Key Losses: QB/DB Blayd Harris, first team All-County at DB; LG/DE Brock Smith, first-team All-County OL; LT/NG Gage Hixon, first-team All-County OL; WR/S Jacob Crowson, first-team All-County WR.

They Said It: “We will be replacing a large senior class, which it seems we are always doing. The seniors-to-be have a lot of skilled kids and our juniors are one of the most talented classes we’ve had come through. Because of such great participation in all classes, we usually have a lot of depth for a 2A school.” – Marlow head coach Matt Weber

Fast Fun Facts: The playoffs is familiar territory for Marlow and its head coach Matt Weber. The Outlaws have qualified for the playoffs in 13 consecutive seasons, and Weber’s teams have never missed the playoffs in his 21 seasons as a head coach. … Hudson Morgan, reigning Banner Player of the Year, is drawing D1 offers in both baseball and football. The Marlow running back has verbally committed to play baseball at Oklahoma State. He received baseball interest from Miami, LSU, Ole Miss and Wichita State. He’s received football interest from Texas Tech, Abilene Christian and Jacksonville State.

2024 TEAM STATISTICS

Marlow finished 10-3 and advanced as deep as the semifinals for the third time in four seasons.

“Hudson plays football for the reason you’d want someone to play football –because it’s fun for him,” said Weber, whose Outlaws scored 30 or more points in eight games last year and averaged 34 points per game. “It’s just playtime for him, and he’s the type of kid you can put in a lot of different places.”

QUARTERBACK:

Morgan’s accomplishments as a running back are well documented, but he could see time at quarterback this season. He and Blayd Harris battled for starting quarterback dibs last fall – but Harris won the job.

Harris, a three-sport standout who earned allstate honors in basketball, tied Velma-Alma’s Slade Strickland for the county

lead in touchdown passes with 13.

Harris will play defensive back for Emporia State this season, but he threw for 1,155 passing yards in the final season of his prep career.

Now, the question is: Who will replace Harris under center?

A bevy of options are open to Weber, but none of the returning quarterbacks have a lot of experience. Brendan Weber appears to be the heir apparent at QB. He entered fall camp as the favorite to win the job. As a sophomore last season, Weber completed 11 of 21 passes for 117 yards. He tossed two TD passes. Weber rushed for 75 yards on 21 carries.

Brett Wolfe is another prospect at quarterback. He completed 5 of 10 passes for 102 yards and one touchdown last season.

As for Morgan, he has

2A Rankings

• Washington

• Metro Christian

• Marlow

• Jones

• Chisholm

• Millwood

• Kingston

• Lindsay

• OCS

• Chandler

almost as much experience at quarterback as all the other returners. He completed 5 of 17 passes for 84 yards.

“We have solid quarterbacking at every level of our program, from seventh grade on up,” Weber said. “A lot of programs struggle to find one quarterback in their entire program, but we have one at every level. We have a lot of depth there.”

WIDE

RECEIVERS: Weber and fellow quarterbacks will have several experienced wide receivers to target.

Jacob Crowson, the Outlaws’ leading receiver a year ago, graduated after catching 26 passes for 605 yards and 7 touchdowns.

But outside receiver Boomer Brooks and slot receiver Jaxon Murray are both back. Brooks is the Outlaws’ returning leader in receiving yards with 476. He caught 18 passes, including five for touchdowns.

Brooks also handled the Marlow punting chores, earning first-team All-County selection with a 40.7-yard average.

A speedster, Murray will be back as the starting slot receiver. He made 13 catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned punts for Marlow

RUSHING

RECEIVING

Att Yds

Player Rec Yds TDs

Boomer Brooks 18 476 5

Jaxon Murray 13 180 3

MARLOW BEAT NORTH ROCK CREEK, 41-6, FRIDAY, AUG. 29 IN THE SEASON OPENER AT HOME. THE OUTLAWS LED 7-0 AT HALF BUT SCORED 20 POINTS IN THE THIRD STANZA AND CAPPED IT WITH A 14-POINT FOURTH.

last season.

Seniors Major Fleetwood (5-10) and Wyatt Osborn (6-1, 174) are vying for the starting role at the other outside receiver spot.

OFFENSIVE LINE: The

Outlaws graduated two first-county All-County offensive linemen in Brock Smith and Gage Hixon. But they return starters junior Jake Pettit (6-1, 228) at center and junior Clete Gilbert (6-3, 244)at left tackle.

Senior Aiden Justice (6-1, 220)has started as a defensive lineman and will bring his talents to the offensive side of the ball as starter at left guard this year. Hayden Sparks, who’s played nose guard in the past, is penciled

in at starting right tackle. And senior Thomas Griggs is set to start at right guard.

Jackson Miller (6-3, 218) will start at tight end and be backed up by Austin Harris.

This offensive line has more returning starters than a lot of Marlow offensive lines in the past. There’s been years when the Outlaws graduated all of their starting O-linemen. So, it’s not unusual for Marlow to have new starters up front. Many times, they’ve simply been waiting their turn and learning from older players in front of them.

“Kids who’ve done what we’ve asked over the years, we try to find a place to play them,” Weber said.

RUNNING BACKS:

Sam Waller, Clint Ladon and Justin Zhang could all see action in the backfield.

MARLOW RUNNING BACK HUDSON MORGAN IS THE REIGNING COUNTY PLAYER OF THE YEAR AND HAS DRAWN INTEREST FROM TEXAS TECH, ABILENE CHRISTIAN AND JACKSONVILLE STATE.

Ladon, a junior, battled an ankle injury most of last season but gained 131 yards and scored three touchdowns on 17 carries.

Waller gained 227 yards and scored two TDs on 17 attempts.

Zhang, a 5-9, 173-pound senior, will play as the Outlaws’ fullback when they line up in a two-back set.

THE DEFENSE

The Outlaws’ defense was dominant for much of 2024. Marlow pitched five shutouts and allowed just 11 points per game. Only North Rock Creek, Washington and three playoff opponents scored more than one TD against the Outlaws.

LINEBACKERS:

Morgan, an inside linebacker, is just as much a force on the defensive side of the ball as he is on offense. He finished second among all county defenders last season in total tackles with 109. He made two sacks and forced one fumble.

Marlow will have to replace Korbin Dittner, a first-team All-County selection as a senior last year who teamed with Morgan to make one of the toughest linebacking duos in the county. Dittner was one of four county defenders to make 100-plus tackles. He finished with 101 stops, third highest among county defenders.

Austen Harris will replace Dittner on the inside, Coach Weber said.

The Outlaws also lost outside linebacker Brantz Bateman, a second-team All-County selection who made 57 total tackles. Ladon will return at one outside linebacker spot, and Grant Woods, Waller and Avery Foster are vying for the other outside position.

Coach Weber expects Brennan Harris to contribute at linebacker as well.

DEFENSIVE LINE:

Gilbert, who starts at defensive end, is the only starter returning on the defensive line.

The Outlaws have to replace Smith at the other end and nose guard Hixon. Sparks will get the early nod at nose guard and will be backed up by Mantell Furr.

Miller will likely start at the other defensive end spot, with Justice providing backup.

SECONDARY: Marlow graduated its entire defensive backfield from a year ago. Harris, a first-team All-County pick at defensive back, led Marlow in interceptions with 5. Crowson, Keller Kizarr, and Kaden Harris also graduated, leaving a complete void in the secondary.

Fleetwood and Osburn will start at cornerback, while Murry and Brooks man the safety positions. Weber and Wolfe could also see time at safety, coach Weber said.

A LOOK BACK: MARLOW’S PLAYOFF APPEARANCES

2024-2A

1: MARLOW OVER CHISHOLM 21-14

Q: MARLOW OVER KINGSTON 27-21 S: MILLWOOD OVER MARLOW 36-34

2023-3A

1: MARLOW OVER METRO CHRISTIAN 28-14

Q: MARLOW OVER CASCIA HALL 45-7

S: HERITAGE HALL OVER MARLOW 31-29

2022-3A

1 : PERKINS-TRYON OVER MARLOW 49-0

2021-2A

1 : MARLOW OVER PURCELL 63-20

2 : MARLOW OVER CHANDLER 38-7

Q : MARLOW OVER CAS. HALL 38-7

S : MARLOW OVER EUFAULA 28-16

C : MARLOW OVER WASH. 17-13

2020-2A

2 : MARLOW OVER BETHEL 70-33

3 : MARLOW OVER CHANDLER 31-28

Q : METRO CHRISTIAN OVER MARLOW 35-31

2019-3A

1 : KINGFISHER OVER MARLOW 45-42

2018-3A

1 : HERITAGE HALL OVER MARLOW 42-0

2017-3A

1 : PLAINVIEW OVER MARLOW 67-48

2016-3A

1 : SULPHUR OVER MARLOW 28-7

2015-3A

1 : JONES OVER MARLOW 21-14

2014-3A

1 : MARLOW OVER LITTLE AXE 49-21

2 : CUSHING OVER MARLOW 41-7

2013-3A

1 : SEMINOLE OVER MARLOW 52-19

2012-3A

1 : SEMINOLE OVER MARLOW 59-7

2007-3A

1 : KINGFISHER OVER MARLOW 45-7

2006-3A

1 : MARLOW OVER TUTTLE 16-14

Q : MARLOW OVER LOCUST GROVE 25-10

S : MARLOW OVER HUGO 17-6

C : SEQUOYAH CLAREMORE OVER MARLOW 32-3

2005-3A

1 : KINGFISHER OVER MARLOW 21-20

2004-3A

1 : MARLOW OVER TUTTLE 42-31

Q : VICTORY CHRISTIAN OVER MARLOW 46-7

2002-3A

1 : SEMINOLE OVER MARLOW 21-14

1999-3A

1 : MARLOW OVER SEMINOLE 28-17

Q : DEER CREEK OVER MARLOW 23-6

1998-3A

1 : PURCELL OVER MARLOW 34-20

1997-4A

1 : MARLOW OVER MCLOUD 35-7

Q : CLINTON OVER MARLOW 14-3

1996-4A

1 : MARLOW OVER CUSHING 24-14

Q : WEATHERF. OVER MARLOW 30-0

1995-3A

1 : MARLOW OVER SEMINOLE 21-13

Q : TUTTLE OVER MARLOW 14-7

1994-3A

1 : MARLOW OVER TUTTLE 35-6

Q : MARLOW OVER SEMINOLE 10-7

S : MARLOW OVER VINITA 45-10

C : FREDERICK OVER MARLOW 34-13

1993-3A

1 : MARLOW OVER KINGFISHER 26-18

Q : FREDERICK OVER MARLOW 20-13

1992-3A

1 : MARLOW OVER TUTTLE 35-15

Q : MARLOW OVER MILLWOOD 24-14

S : MARLOW OVER LOCUST GROVE 28-20

C : NEWCASTLE OVER MARLOW 21-11

1991-3A

1 : MARLOW OVER BLACKWELL 31-0

2 : MARLOW OVER PLAINVIEW 14-8

Q : WEATHERFORD OVER MARLOW 10-0

1990-3A

1 : MARLOW OVER JONES 28-0

2 : MARLOW OVER NEWCASTLE 34-6

Q : SEMINOLE OVER MARLOW 17-14

1987-3A

1 : SEMINOLE OVER MARLOW 29-7

1985-3A

1 : PAULS VALLEY OVER MARLOW 39-17

1984-3A

1 : PAULS VALLEY OVER MARLOW 28-6

1983-3A

1 : MARLOW OVER ELK CITY 20-7

2 : MARLOW OVER PERRY 13-10

Q : MARLOW OVER BISHOP MCGUINNESS 27-0

S : DURANT OVER MARLOW 10-0

1981-2A

1 : MARLOW OVER MILLWOOD 31-20

Q : NEWCASTLE OVER MARLOW 49-22

1980-2A

1 : MARLOW OVER KINGFISHER 17-12

Q : LINDSAY OVER MARLOW 7-6

1978-2A

1 : MARLOW OVER HARRAH 14-7

Q : CLINTON OVER MARLOW 13-7

1976-2A

1 : CLINTON OVER MARLOW 21-6

1966-B

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER MARLOW 21-8

1964-B

1 : MARLOW OVER VELMA-ALMA 25-7

Q : MARLOW OVER JONES 47-0

S : MARLOW OVER HOBART 28-6

C : MARLOW OVER BIXBY 25-12

1963-B

1 : MARLOW OVER HOBART 42-8

Q : LINDSAY OVER MARLOW 20-14

1962-B

1 : MARLOW OVER HOBART 36-0

Q : LINDSAY OVER MARLOW 14-8

1959-B

1 : MARLOW OVER HOBART 52-12

Q : MARLOW OVER ARDMORE DOUGLASS 30-0

S : MARLOW OVER CHANDLER 82-6

C : MARLOW OVER HOMINY 32-0

1958-B

1 : HOBART OVER MARLOW 20-12

1953-B

1 : MARLOW OVER WILSON 33-6

Q : BETHANY OVER MARLOW 20-19

1952-B

1 : MARLOW OVER VELMA-ALMA 12-7

Q : MARLOW OVER MOORE 33-14

S : TONKAWA OVER MARLOW 18-14

1946-B

1 : SAYRE OVER MARLOW 19-12

1945-B

1 : MARLOW OVER ANADARKO 53-0  Q : MARLOW OVER PURCELL 39-0

S : WAGONER OVER MARLOW 13-12

MEET THE OUTLAWS’ SPIRIT TEAMS

STORIES BY TAMARA GREGOR

Marlow Bootleggers celebrating 50 years strong

From the moment the Bootleggers stepped onto the field half a century ago, the team has brought a legacy to Marlow Public Schools.

Marlow Bootleggers Coach Tristyn Ivory said the team’s kickline always makes them stand out from the crowd.

“Their kicks are a legacy that has been carried on for 50 years,” Ivory said. “They start working on their kicks in May to showcase them in September.”

Ivory said this year marks the 50-year anniversary for the Marlow Bootleggers.

With plans to host a reunion dinner, Ivory said they want to invite all of the alumni to attend. She said they also want to put on a special per-

formance at halftime with all of the Bootlegger alumni.

“The team is thrilled to be able to perform for the alumni and meet the people that created the program,” Ivory said.

With new goals and expectations this year, Ivory said she expects the girls to have five amazing halftime football performances.

“I expect them to give every performance their all and to represent Marlow the best that they can,” she said.

The Bootleggers work to prioritize the kick line every year.

“We have begun working on other technical skills that will elevate our competition performances,” she said.

Now in her third year of coaching, Ivory too was a Marlow Bootlegger

from 2013-17. She said she graduated from USAO in 2021 and shortly after began teaching at Marlow Public Schools.

“My expectation for myself has always been to give the girls that same amazing experiences I had on the team,” Ivory said. “The times I spent in the boots are memories I will forever cherish.”

Ivory said the main focus of the team is to make memories and to be proud of the dancers they have become.

“They never take a minute of practice for granted,” Ivory said. “Their goal of excellence shines through every Friday night performance. I could not ask for a better team to coach.”

Marlow Cheer to bring confidence to the field

Marlow High School’s cheerleaders work together everyday to increase their skills and athleticism.

With goals and expectations for increasing school spirit, Marlow Cheer

Coach Kim Davis said the MHS cheer team strives to lead the community and school in spirit.

This year, Davis said MHS Cheer will also work toward perfecting the squad’s performance competition routine. She said the competition will take place Sept. 20 in Chickasha.

With 13 years of coaching cheerleading under her belt, Davis said she, too, was a varsity cheerleader throughout high school.

“When I came back to Marlow, I assisted my former cheer coach while student teaching,” she said. “I have high expectations for the athletes as cheerleading is a full-year sport.”

While each year is different, Davis said this year the squad will focus on developing stunting skills, as well as increasing the team members’ confidence levels.

The MHS cheerleading squad will also learn new skills and to push, even when it is uncomfortable.

“I want to bring the love of cheerleading to each athlete going through the program,” she said.

To make this year memorable, Davis said the squad will work to create special moments.

“The team has created more opportunities for team bonding,” she said. “Also, bus rides to and from games are relaxed and fun.”

Davis said the cheerleading squad has worked hard

over the summer to prepare for the new school year.

“I have seen an enormous

amount of talent and I have seen many girls grow into leaders,” she said.

Tues.-Sat. 10am-5:30pm

THE MARLOW HIGH SCHOOL BAND CONSISTS OF: ABIGAIL BANNISTER, CHRIS BASHAM, PRESTEN BENTON, COLTON BRATCHER, MORGAN BUCKALLEW, NIAH BUSCH, ADDISON CARNELL, LEVI COLLIER, FAITH CONDIT, CHASE CVIKICH, KALEY DAVIS, CARTER DUKE, KOA FIELDING, LUNA FLAMMER, RILEY GASKINS, KAHLYN GUNN, JOSEPH HICKAM, HOLLEY HOLLEY, RAYLYNN HOOGENDOORN, CONOR HUTTON, JADYN JONES, ASPEN KAUFFMAN, MACKENZI KINGCADE, DAUGHTRY LEEVER, SERENITY LEMONS, GABRIEL LEWALLEN, MACY MAHAMED, PATRICK MAYS, CHELSIE MILLIGAN, BELLA MOORE, LILLIE MORNINGSTAR, RIKER NUNN, BIANCA PINEDA, CALEB PORRAS, HAYDIN PRICE, MAVERICK RAY, KATELYN REYNOLDS, CALEB SLAUGHTER, LINCOLN SMITH, MADISON TIDWELL, GAVIN WALLER, LANDYN WILLIAMS AND PAISLEY WILLIAMS.

Marlow musicians motivated to mentor others through music

Marlow High School’s musicians will bring the beat and pave the way for future band members to shine during the next school year.

With 43 students making up the Marlow High School band, Band Director Matthew Pitts said the musicians began practicing at drumline and band camp July 21.

This year,the Outlaws’ drum major is Haydin Price. With a new and larger performing arts center, as well as bigger goals, Pitts said the

band members will strive to focus on coming together and listening to each other.

“We could not do this before when we were cramped in the middle school band room,” he said.

Pitts said the marching show will feature a set from the 90s with music like “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” “Zombie” and “Enter Sandman.”

They’ll then head into competition.

“We plan to attend the OSSAA Marching Competition

in Lawton,” Pitts said.

As the band prepares to jump-start the season, Pitts said the students are looking forward to getting to be in the new performing arts center.

“We are so thankful to the community,” he said. “It is such a great space we get to use.”

With the larger band brings more opportunities for the older students to mentor the younger students.

Pitts said part of being

a good band is to find one where mentorship can happen.

“We are making it a priority to build relationships and good leaders,” Pitts said.

Pitts said the band has become closer than ever during his tenure.

“We are excited for a great year,” Pitts said.

For more information about the Marlow Band Booster Club, visit www. marlowbands.com or Marlow Band Parent Organization on Facebook.

THE COMANCHE INDIANS

INDIANS BUILD STRENGTH FOR NEW SEASON

STORY BY ANDY MORPHEW

It takes a lot of background work to win games in football. The Comanche Indians hope to turn the work they put in the weight room during the offseason into wins on the field in 2025.

Gary Robinson, entering his third season with the Indians, had players not participating in other sports enroll in weightlifting classes, which is the first time the school has offered the study.

Those players were in from December until practices officially began. Robinson believes the hard work will help the Indians move to the plus side of victories.

“We had them in the weight room every day, the majority of them for six months, and we had good numbers,” Robinson said. “I say we’ve had a better offseason than we’ve had in previous years.”

The Indians will have to replace their quarterback, Colby Shannon, who has just moved to college to play football at the next level. Robinson knows it will be hard to replace him, however he believes they have the talent to do so.

Two candidates are running for the starting position for the Indians: Carson Vansickle, a junior, and Levi Slovak, a freshman.

Robinson said these two have different attributes, with Vansickle showing as more of a running-type quarterback, like Shannon was, and Slovak being more of a pocket passer who can throw the ball deep.

“We are going to need to get in practice and get some reps in and

“We could be very explosive on offense if we play our cards right and get the ball in the right hands. If we can get them out in space where they can be athletes and be themselves, we can be successful.”

- GARY ROBINSON

Comanche Indians Head Coach

kind of see who looks best and see what direction we are going to go as far as the type of offense we will run,” Robinson said. “Jonathan Alvarez will lead us. He is a senior and a third-year starter for us, and he will be one of the team’s biggest leaders. The boys respect him a lot and he is a good-sized kid and one of the strongest kids in the weight room.”

Other linemen will include Brandon Lombard, a junior who will return as a three-year starter. For Robinson, the line will help make the transition of the quarterback easier, as they have been a cohesive unit.

Rylan White returns to the Indians at the receiver spot. He was a star in Stephens County last year, having 44 receptions for 671 yards and five touchdowns in the 2024 campaign.

Aug. 29 at S&S Consolidated

Sept. 5 vs. Wynnewood

Sept. 12 vs. Kingston

Sept. 19 BYE

Sept. 26 at Tishomingo

Oct. 3 vs. Coalgate

Oct. 10 at Dibble

Oct. 16 vs. Beggs

Oct. 24 vs. Davis

Oct. 30 at Community CS

Nov. 7 vs. Holdenville

LAST FIVE YEARS

2-8

3-7

3-7

AT A GLANCE

2024 Record: 2-8

2024 District Record: 1-6

Head Coach: Gary Robinson – 3rd year at Comanche, 4-16 record.

Assistant Coaches:

Bode Grice, Offensive Coordinator; Monte Blair, Defensive Coordinator; Fabian Reyes, Craig Coheley and Charles Hefner.

Offensive Returning Starters:

Rylan White - Wide Receiver, Hollister Pollock -Running Back, Cooper Dobbins - Wide Receiver, Jonathan AlvarezOffensive Lineman, Brandon LombardOffensive Lineman.

Defensive

Returning Starters:

Erik Roy - Linebacker, Kanon Clift - Linebacker, Rylan White - Defensive Back, Cooper DobbinsSafety.

They Said It: “I think we’ll do good this year. I think we will be better. We will win more games in district, but like I said I don’t know if I will focus a whole lot on wins and losses. We are just going to focus on ourselves, and what we do and just play hard.” – Coach Gary Robinson

Fast Fun Facts: The Indians have won four straight district games against Tishomingo. This season, the team hopes to make it five straight and improve their overall record against them to 7-2.

Cooper Dobbins will also prove a factor as he catches passes from the Indians’ signal caller. Despite being a sophomore, Coach Robinson is reminded by a former NFL player, Wes Welker, who resembles the way Dobbins plays.

“We could be very explosive on offense if we play our cards right and get the ball in the right hands,” Robinson said. “If we can get them out in space where they can be athletes and be themselves, we can be successful.”

At running back, Robinson said Hollister Pollock will return after an injury in the preseason ended his 2024 campaign. He is almost back to full health and poised to be a factor for the offense in 2025.

Eric Roy, senior, will play as a linebacker for the Indians. Robinson, believes Roy will serve as a leader for Comanche as they move forward.

Kanon Clift has matured significantly, according to Robinson, and will appear as another linebacker next to Roy, where he will read the offensive line and run to the football aggressively. In the secondary, White will play

Graham Jewelry

corner and both ways on offense and defense, along with Dobbins playing both ways and at safety, according to Robinson. Vansickle will likely be the other player, Robinson said.

“My philosophy has always been to pin your ears back, slobber at the mouth, get those eyes glazed over and run to the football like some mad dogs,” Robinson said. “I’m hoping that in our third season, this philosophy is starting to kick in and these boys will get a lot more aggressive on defense.”

A year ago, the Indians went 1-6 in district play, and although the district is tough, Robinson believes the players, now in their third year of his coaching, will come together to achieve more victories.

With the familiarity of the team playing together for this long, Robinson

said the core is in place and the sky is the limit for success in 2025.

“These kids have played together for a long time. We haven’t lost a lot of seniors since I’ve been here, we’ve lost some key kids, but for the most part the core of the team when I came to Comanche started as freshmen and sophomores,” Robinson said. “They are excited, and they want to win as badly as anyone. The good thing about this team is we’re going to lose some seniors on the offensive line, but a lot of those skilled players are coming back for another year, so we are hoping this year and next year are bigger for us.”

The Indians traveled to S&S Consolidated for their season opener Aug. 29, and won, 33-20. The team will look to build on that momentum as the campaign continues.

A LOOK BACK: INDIANS’ PLAYOFF APPEARANCES

2021-2A

1 : WASHINGTON OVER COMANCHE 55-20

2020-2A

1 : BETHEL OVER COMANCHE 27-0

2019-2A

1 : WASHINGTON OVER COMANCHE 45-13

2012-2A

1 : DAVIS OVER COMANCHE 59-12

2011-2A

1 : COMANCHE OVER COALGATE 49-28

2 : JONES OVER COMANCHE 38-0

2005-2A

1 : COMANCHE OVER HERITAGE HALL 27-26

2 : COMANCHE OVER TISHOMINGO 21-20

Q : COMANCHE OVER COLCORD 35-33

S : CHANDLER OVER COMANCHE 41-14

2004-2A

1 : COMANCHE OVER FAIRVIEW 23-15

2 : SULPHUR OVER COMANCHE 34-6

2003-2A

1 : BETHANY OVER COMANCHE 43-8

2002-2A

1 : HERITAGE HALL OVER COMANCHE 64-12

2001-3A

1 : TUTTLE OVER COMANCHE 24-3

2000-3A

1 : TUTTLE OVER COMANCHE 21-0

1996-2A

1 : COMANCHE OVER FAIRVIEW 34-8

2 : COMANCHE OVER MEEKER 22-8

Q : WEWOKA OVER COMANCHE 18-7

1995-2A

1 : WATONGA OVER COMANCHE 20-13

1993-2A

1 : ALVA OVER COMANCHE 34-13

1992-2A

1 : WATONGA OVER COMANCHE 34-7

1984-2A

1 : KINGSTON OVER COMANCHE 27-7

1980-A

1 : HOBART OVER COMANCHE 55-6

1979-A

1 : COMANCHE OVER PLAINVIEW 13-0

2 : FREDERICK OVER COMANCHE 33-12

1978-A

1 : COMANCHE OVER MADILL 28-14

2 : FREDERICK OVER COMANCHE 30-16

1977-A

1 : COMANCHE OVER BLANCHARD 14-7

2 : COMANCHE OVER TISHOMINGO 32-0

Q : COMANCHE OVER NEWCASTLE 25-20

S : WATONGA OVER COMANCHE 21-7

1974-2A

1 : COMANCHE OVER CLINTON 34-20

Q : COMANCHE OVER SULPHUR 26-14

S : PURCELL OVER COMANCHE 10-6

1969-B

1 : COMANCHE OVER SULPHUR 26-8

Q : STROUD OVER COMANCHE 57-6

1947-B

1 : ELK CITY OVER COMANCHE 13-13

1944-B

1 : WEATHERFORD OVER COMANCHE 21-19

MEET THE INDIANS’ SPIRIT TEAMS

School spirit moves through the southern hemisphere of Stephens County with style and grace.

The Comanche High School Indians look to stand proud to represent their town and tribe this sports season. With a coaching background of 33

years, Comanche Cheer Coach Kristy Houston said prior to coaching, she cheered for Comanche Public Schools in the 1980s.

Over the summer, Houston said the squad has hit the practice field a lot more than previous years.

“We have girls that are ready and

determined to make this season one of the best you have seen from Comanche cheerleaders,” she said. “This season our girls will be competing in the Game Day Competition.”

After several years of not competing, Houston said this year will be a first for Comanche High School cheerlead-

STORIES BY TAMARA GREGOR

ers. She said she looks forward to paving the way for future cheerleading squads as the team continues in competitions.

With new goals, Houston said the team will focus on teamwork to cheer for all Comanche sports.

“I expect our team to be ready to go and ready for anything this season may throw at us,” she said.

“I do believe we can do anything.”

While the team is in the beginning stages of choreography for game days, Houston said the girls will also take on the OSSAA Game Day competition.

She said school spirit is of the utmost importance, as well as involving the student body and supporting every team and activity.

Houston said the squad plans to make this year memorable by focusing on team bonding. She said the team is setting achievable goals, as well as celebrating every success.

She said it’s also important for the team to lead by example with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

Houston said she believes in each and every one of the girls on the team.

“Work hard, support each other and let’s make this season unforgettable,” she said.

The Pride of Comanche Band building leadership among student musicians

With new directors, at the helm, the Pride of Comanche is ready to set the mood and for student athletes and the community.

Dalaan Bassett and Jack Francis, band directors, look to set the Pride of Comanche up for success this year.

With 35 student musicians taking part in the band, practices resumed July 23 with drum majors Connor Holloway and Kain Pritchett at the lead.

Bassett said the band looks to set a “good foundation” for future band students “to keep the traditions of excellence of our band alive.”

“Internalizing marching fundamentals as well as a strong work ethic are our first steps toward that goal,” Bassett said.

Bassett said the band will focus on getting back into competing in contests.

“The group had a hiatus in between directors, so we are working to get back to where we were and better,” Bassett said. “This year we will be participating in the Moore, Konowa and OSSAA marching competitions.”

Bassett said the group is most excited about getting a chance at earning awards during sweepstakes.

In attempts to provide

the younger students with engaging learning opportunities, Bassett said the band is increasing the frequency of sectionals “to allow the younger students a chance to catch up with the older students, as well as a way to build leadership in the older students.”

Bassett said the band is always available to support the Comanche Indians.

“While we may exist as an individual group and have our own goals and accomplishments, we will always be ready to play our hearts out for our teams,” Bassett said.

THE VELMA-ALMA COMETS

COMETS AIM TO SOAR FARTHER IN PLAYOFFS

STORY BY ANDY MORPHEW

Velma-Alma, since Randy Norton has taken over as head coach, has had a tradition of making the playoffs. This year, the Comets will aim to soar farther in the playoffs in their second year back in 11-man football.

In 2024, the Comets finished with an 8-3 overall record and 6-1 in district play, which secured the district runner-up spot and their ticket to the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

It was a year removed from the Comets making a trip to the Class B State Championship game in 8-man football when the districts realigned and put Velma-Alma back in the ranks of 11-man football.

With the winning tradition in place, the Comets, who moved several years ago to 8-man due to participation numbers, returned to 11-man in the hopes of continuing their winning ways.

Norton, a 1995 graduate of Velma-Alma High School, has had the same staff since his return as a head coach of the program. He will have to make one change as his offensive coordinator is now the head coach of Healdton High School.

Despite the change, Norton believes the Comets had a successful first season back in 11-man and thinks Velma-Alma can compete with the team they have assembled for 2025.

“I thought we had a really good last year, and we ended the season 8-3. We started the year last year with a win against Cashion, which

is a little bigger than us, so to go beat a team like that after moving up from 8-man was a really positive thing,” Norton said. “We were district runner-up and made it to the playoffs as a second-place team in the district. For just moving back up to 11-man, it felt like it was a good year. We didn’t go as far as we wanted to go. We always have high expectations, but you know the kids did a great job, adapted well and I think that takes us into this year with the kids having a lot of confidence.”

Ben Justus, the former offensive coordinator for the Comets, was hired to take over Healdton, which is in the same district as Velma-Alma. The team will bring in Seth Tinsley, who has helped with the middle school squad, to oversee part of the offense.

Also helping will be Jake McGuire and Creede Wright, both Velma-Alma graduates and members of the coaching staff since Norton took over the head coaching job. They will have the benefit of five returning starters on offense.

Those returners include Slade Strickland at quarterback, Cole Pierce at running back, Connor Akers at wide receiver, and two offensive linemen in Landon Swisher and Zander Rife.

With those returning starters and some key sophomores who will factor into the lineup, Norton said that three or four linemen will work hard but have no varsity experience.

“There are five or six kids that

Sept. 5 vs. Cashion

Sept. 12 vs. Wewoka

Sept. 19 at Walters

Sept. 26 at Rush Springs

Oct. 3 vs. Ringling

Oct. 9 at Wayne

Oct. 17 vs. Konawa

Oct. 24 vs. Healdton

Oct. 31 at Wilson

Nov. 7 at Elmore City/Pernell

LAST FIVE YEARS

2024: 8-3

2023: 13-2

2022: 12-4

2021: 11-1

2020: 9-3

AT A GLANCE

2024 Record: 8-3, Class A First Round

2024 District Record: 6-1, District Runner-Up

Head Coach: Randy Norton – head coach since 2018. 62-21 overall record (State Finals Appearance 2023).

Assistant Coaches: Rusty BartonDefensive Coordinator; Jake McGuire - RB and WRs; Seth Tinsley - QBs; Creede Wright - OL/DL; Kenny Spigner.

Offensive Returning Starters: Slade Strickland - QB - Coach Norton said: “He’s very explosive, super smart, throws the ball extremely well and will be a senior and will be the one leading us on offense.” Cole PierceRB - Coach Norton said: “He had a good year last year and he will carry the ball a lot for us.” Conner Akers - WR - Coach Norton said: “He is one of the receivers who is coming back and is a very explosive player.” Landon Swisher - OL and Zander Rife - OL. Coach Norton said these two will most likely play the tackle positions. These are the five seniors who will be the leadership of the team.

Defensive Returning Starters: Zander Rife - Defensive Line - Coach Norton said he is a big, strong kid. Aiden Bell, one of the few sophomore starters from last year and now a junior, Norton says he worked really hard this summer. Ryker Sanner - Mike Linebacker - averaged over 100 tackles this year and will be in the middle of the field and a big time player. Strickland will be a two-way player in the secondary and Akers will play linebacker/safety and will appear in several spots. Cole Pierce will come back as the cornerback and be a part of a defense that was top three in the Class.

Key Losses: Brodric Spigner - DL, Class of 2025 Graduate. Talon Quick, Jace Riley and Justin Bowden.

They Said It: “I think we’re going to have to play well every week. I think winning district is definitely possible for us, but we’re just going to have to put it together every week,” Head Coach Randy Norton said. “There is no week that you can take off and just assume that you’re going to go win because your the Velma-Alma Comets. You’re going to have to go play, but I think we will have the kids to go win district.”

Fast Fun Facts: Since Norton has taken over as head coach, the Comets have averaged nearly 8.5 wins a season including multiple 10plus victories in a year.

have worked hard, and there will be three or four spots, so they are going to go out and compete and get out on the field,” Norton said. “I think we have a lot of pieces to put together a really good team, it’s just four or five positions where the kids are going to be kind of young. I think they are up to the challenge, and I’m happy to have them. We have confidence in them.”

Practice began Aug. 11, and even though there was a small amount of time between the start of practices and the first scrimmage, the Comets used the first week to implement what they did in their summer pride program to get familiar with each other and get ready to hit the ground running.

“It seems like a short time between the first practice and the first scrimmage, but you know, after four days of no pads and five days with pads, you are ready to go play someone else and get on the field with some other people and go compete,” Norton said.

On defense, the Comets will have six returning starters, including some two-way players in Strickland, Akers and Pierce. However, on the line, they will have a couple of returners who will factor significantly on defense.

Rife played at defensive end last year and will be on the line again, along with Aiden Bell, who will be a junior and has had a strong summer to start the season.

Ryker Sanner will also play as a linebacker for the defense as a senior. He has accumulated over 100 tackles in the last two seasons, positioning him in the middle of the field for the Comets.

With the defense featuring those six returners, Norton said having a topthree defense in the state in the class for points allowed helped, and he

knows those kids will contribute to the team’s success.

As for those starters, some key factors on defense might include Collin Smith, who played at Lone Grove last year, and a few sophomores, such as Carson Beck, Logan King and Brylan Mullin, who will be on the field.

With the team assembling for its season opener Sept. 5, Norton said he loves seeing his team come together and play positions they might not be familiar with. He knows this will ultimately be a benefit for the Comets.

Velma-Alma will begin the season Sept. 5 as the Comets host Cashion and serve as the home team for the first two games of the 2025 campaign. Norton knows those first three games will be tough ones to prepare for, and the district slate will be a tough battle week in and week out.

“I think we’re going to have to play well every week. I think winning the district is possible for us, but we’re just going to have to put it together every week,” Norton said. “There is no week that you can take off and just assume that you’re going to go win because you’re the Velma-Alma Comets. You’re going to have to go play, but I think we will have the kids go win district.”

A LOOK BACK: THE COMETS’ PLAYOFF APPEARANCES

2024-A

1: TEXHOMA OVER V-A, 42-12.

2023-B

1: VELMA-ALMA OVER COVINGTONDOUGLASS 58-52

2: VELMA-ALMA OVER GARBER 5640

Q: VELMA-ALMA OVER DRUMRIGHT 50-30

S: VELMA-ALMA OVER OKEENE 6648

C: SEILING OVER VELMA-ALMA 4816

2022-B

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER CANTON 50-0

2 : VELMA-ALMA OVER RINGWOOD 52-6

Q : VELMA-ALMA OVER REGENT PREP 40-26

S : LAVERNE OVER VELMA-ALMA 52-26

2021-B

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER CYRIL 50-0

2 : SHATTUCK OVER VELMA-ALMA 44-26

2020-B

2 : VELMA-ALMA OVER SNYDER 58-56

3 : VELMA-ALMA OVER TURPIN 62-38

Q : PIONEER OVER VELMA-ALMA 36-32

2015-A

1 : MINCO OVER VELMA-ALMA 41-27

2014-A

1 : STRATFORD OVER VELMA-ALMA 46-7

2013-A

1 : MINCO OVER VELMA-ALMA 49-32

2012-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER WATONGA 52-48

2 : THOMAS OVER VELMA-ALMA 55-6

2011-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER MANGUM 52-26

2 : MINCO OVER VELMA-ALMA 51-18

2010-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER SAYRE 34-0

2 : VELMA-ALMA OVER OKEENE 28-14

Q : WOODLAND OVER VELMA-ALMA 38-22

2009-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER HOLLIS 48-0

2 : CASHION OVER VELMA-ALMA

41-21

2008-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER HINTON 31-21

2 : OKEENE OVER VELMA-ALMA 48-13

2007-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER MAYSVILLE 22-10

2 : VELMA-ALMA OVER TEXHOMA 14-7

Q : WOODLAND OVER VELMA-ALMA 21-8

2006-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER DIBBLE 26-0

2 : VELMA-ALMA OVER BEAVER 41-14

Q : VELMA-ALMA OVER WOODLAND 46-22

S : VELMA-ALMA OVER CRESCENT 27-7

C : OKEENE OVER VELMA-ALMA 24-14

2005-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER WELLSTON 34-15

2 : VELMA-ALMA OVER HINTON 32-16

Q : VELMA-ALMA OVER COMMERCE 23-18

S : WASHINGTON OVER VELMAALMA 34-6

2004-A

1 : OKEENE OVER VELMA-ALMA 42-7

2003-A

1 : CROOKED OAK OVER VELMAALMA 27-0

2001-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER WAYNE 48-6

2 : VELMA-ALMA OVER CARNEGIE 35-14

Q : VELMA-ALMA OVER CROOKED OAK 34-12

S : VELMA-ALMA OVER KANSAS 33-7

C : HOMINY OVER VELMA-ALMA 3-0

2000-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER MINCO 28-6

2 : VELMA-ALMA OVER TURPIN 27-0

Q : APACHE OVER VELMA-ALMA 41-13

1999-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER WALTERS 42-0

2 : VELMA-ALMA OVER HINTON 33-21

Q : TURPIN OVER VELMA-ALMA 21-7

1998-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER CARNEGIE 41-6

2 : LAVERNE OVER VELMA-ALMA 30-10

1997-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER SAYRE 16-8

2 : LAVERNE OVER VELMA-ALMA 42-8

1996-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER SAYRE 36-22  2 : SEILING OVER VELMA-ALMA 12-7

1995-A

1 : RUSH SPRINGS OVER VELMAALMA 15-14

1994-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER EMPIRE 41-0

2 : VELMA-ALMA OVER OKEENE 28-0

Q : VELMA-ALMA OVER HOLLIS 28-14

S : VELMA-ALMA OVER QUAPAW 32-6

C : VELMA-ALMA OVER TEXHOMA 19-18

1993-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER HINTON 48-16

2 : VELMA-ALMA OVER WELLSTON 47-22

Q : VELMA-ALMA OVER RUSH SPRINGS 14-0

S : VELMA-ALMA OVER MAUD 7-0

C : VELMA-ALMA OVER TEXHOMA 37-26

1992-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER RUSH SPRINGS 28-7

2 : VELMA-ALMA OVER TEXHOMA 47-26

Q : VELMA-ALMA OVER OKEENE 20-6

S : VELMA-ALMA OVER WASHINGTON 14-12

C : RINGLING OVER VELMA-ALMA 20-12

1991-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER RUSH SPRINGS 14-0

2 : SHATTUCK OVER VELMA-ALMA 28-0

1990-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER WAYNE 21-13

2 : SHATTUCK OVER VELMA-ALMA 51-6

1989-A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER DAVENPORT 22-6

2 : CRESCENT OVER VELMA-ALMA 34-0

1987-2A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER TISHOMINGO 26-8

2 : VELMA-ALMA OVER VIAN 21-12

Q : DAVIS OVER VELMA-ALMA 35-0

1986-2A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER MANGUM 27-13

2 : VELMA-ALMA OVER HOLDENVILLE 24-23

Q : OKEMAH OVER VELMA-ALMA 23-13

1985-2A

1 : KINGSTON OVER VELMA-ALMA 26-10

1984-2A

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER PLAINVIEW 18-10

2 : CHANDLER OVER VELMA-ALMA 35-20

1983-A

1 : CACHE OVER VELMA-ALMA 57-12

1970-A

1 : PURCELL OVER VELMA-ALMA 16-15

1968-B

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER PURCELL 28-6

Q : STROUD OVER VELMA-ALMA 21-7

1967-B

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER WYNNEWOOD 34-6

Q : VELMA-ALMA OVER STROUD 21-14

S : HOBART OVER VELMA-ALMA 22-0

1966-B

1 : VELMA-ALMA OVER MARLOW 21-8

Q : VELMA-ALMA OVER HARRAH 28-13

1964-B

1 : MARLOW OVER VELMA-ALMA 25-7

1952-B

1 : MARLOW OVER VELMA-ALMA 12-7

1951-B

1 : WAURIKA OVER VELMA-ALMA 40-6

1950-B

1 : WAURIKA OVER VELMA-ALMA 21-6

1949-B

1 : WAURIKA OVER VELMA-ALMA 24-19

MEET THE COMETS’ SPIRIT TEAMS

Comets Cheer ready to shine under Friday Night Lights

With determination to soar high across the skies, the Velma-Alma cheerleaders look to bring positivity and unity across their community.

Cheer Coach Rebekah Herring said the Velma-Alma cheerleaders will work to improve the overall school spirit. She said the squad is working in partnership with the student council to implement student section themes.

“We plan to hold pep rallies for home games and to attempt to include more students than in the past,” she said.

As a team, Herring said the cheerleaders have worked to improve stunting skills as well. Over the summer, the squad attended weekly classes at Powerhouse gym.

“We have one stunt group that returned and have worked to create a new stunt group,” she said. “They also attended UCA camp where they received 1st overall in camp routine and sideline routine along with the Traditions Award.”

Herring said the awards the squad received qualified the team to attend the leadership gala at Great Wolf Lodge in October.

She said the squad also received the Overall Spirit Award and the Spread the Love Award.

Herring said cheerleader Daylee McGuire and Bailey Dunn were named Pin It Forward Award winners and Paige Wainscott was named an All American Cheerleader.

Herring said this is her fourth year to coach high school cheer. She said prior to coaching the squad at Velma-Alma, she was the middle and junior high school cheer sponsor.

Herring said the seniors will split the captain duties. She said Bailey Paramore and McGuire will serve as dance captains and Dunn, Graci Lockwood and Paige Wainscott will serve as sideline captains.

“These seniors have a lot of experience and will do an outstanding job of leading the squad throughout the year,” Herring said.

STORIES BY TAMARA GREGOR

With 22 students participating in the Velma High School band, Jennifer Stewart, band director, said the musicians will strive to build up the program and develop a strong leadership core.

Each year, Stewart said the band has several students compete to make it into honor band and solo/ ensemble contest.

“I am very proud to say that over half who compete make it,” Stewart said. “I am looking forward to seeing that number grow.”

This year, Stewart said the students will work on their teamwork, as well as fine tuning their sound.

With a goal to provide mentorship to the younger students, Stewart said

the high school band starts in eighth grade and runs through 12th grade.

“We have some very strong musicians who are great at leading and passing on the tradition of our songs,” Stewart said. “They are quick to guide and pass on their tricks of the trade through verbal encouragement, setting an example and playing the parts for them to hear.”

Stewart said she admires a quote by George Parks when talking about the Velma-Alma band.

“A band is not proud because it performs well; it performs well because it is proud,” George Parks said.

Stewart said the band is “small and mighty” and it takes everyone to show up, perform and succeed.

“I appreciate the verbal support in letting the students know how great they are sounding because it is very encouraging to hear after all the practicing they do,” Stewart said.

The Band Booster Club President is Misty Mathews.

Stewart said the band is looking for new officers to fill a couple of spots as well.

“We only have a couple of brief meetings a year which helps offset costs for instrument repair, uniform needs and snacks on game and performance days,” Stewart said.

To contact the band boosters or for more information or to become a booster, email vabandbooster@gmail. com.

THE CENTRAL HIGH BRONCHOS

PATIENCE BUILDS BRONCHOS FOR SUCCESS

STORY BY KELLY WRAY

THE OFFENSE

Central head football coach

Dusty Ketner waited patiently – and maybe sometimes not so patiently. He watched his sophomores turn into seniors, and he saw their talents develop.

And now, said Ketner, “this is our year.”

There’s reason for optimism in Bronchos Land. Central will welcome back six offensive and five defensive starters from a 2024 team that vaulted to a strong start but stumbled late after suffering key injuries.

Central has starters back at every position category. Big signal-caller Landon Johnson returns at quarterback. He’ll have Luke Thrasher to throw to at tight end. Gavin Barton is back and healthy at running back. And all three offensive line starters from a year ago are back in the stable.

The Bronchos are ready to run. And pass.

Balance is what they’re after, Ketner said.

“We have a lot of returning players on both sides of the ball,” Ketner said. “If we get our heads right, we could surprise some people. I got these (seniors) when they were sophomores. When I took this job, I talked to a bunch of coaches who have rebuilt programs and asked them what it takes. They all said ‘time.’ I’m excited to see these kids’ growth and development. This has been the best off-season we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

The Bronchos looked like they’d turned the corner early last season. They beat Bray-Doyle, 56-6, and then knocked off Paoli, 48-20, to start the season 2-0.

But buzzsaw Ryan, which eventually advanced to the Class C State Semifinals, blistered Central, 48-0, in the third game – and then Central traveled to Thackerville for what proved to be a turning point in the season.

Not only did the Bronchos lose to Thackerville, they lost Thrasher and starting wide receiver Tyler Mindon to injury. Barton had already been limited by an early season ankle injury. That left Central with little offensive juice – and the Bronchos didn’t recover.

They lost five of the final six games, and their only win came by forfeit from Burns Flatt-Dill City.

And you don’t have to look just at wins and losses to see how injuries impacted the Bronchos’ season. The proof is in the statistics too. Central averaged 34.5 points per game through its first four contests – and that’s even after being shutout by Ryan in game three.

Yet, after Thackerville and the injuries suffered there, the Bronchos scored just 22 points total the rest of the year.

“Thackerville was the turning point,” Ketner said. “When we lost Thrasher and Mindon, that killed us. They are two of our best players. It hurt our mentality as much as anything. I’m excited about this year though. We’ve been preaching

Sept. 5 at Paoli

Sept. 12 Bray-Doyle

Sept. 19 Ryan

Sept. 26 Thackerville

Oct. 3 at Maysville

Oct. 10 at Waurika

Oct. 16 Hollis

Oct. 24 at Burns Flat-Dill City

Oct. 31 Empire

Nov. 7 at Snyder

AT A GLANCE

2024: 3-7

District B1-2 Finish: 5th

Head Coach: Dusty Ketner – At Central 4-16, third season.

Assistant Coaches: Derek Roberts, Derek Martinez, Talon Statepauhoodle and Hunter Meldren.

Offense: I-formation, some spread

Offensive Returning Starters: 6

Defense: 3-2

Defensive Returning Starters: 5

Top Returners: QB Landon Johnson, threw for 862 yards and 10 TDs in 2024; RB/ OLB Gavin Barton, fully recovered from an ankle injury that limited him last season; TE/ DL Luke Thrasher, a returning at tight end and draws the starting nod at defensive end; OL/ DL Beau Kline, returns as the Bronchos’ starting center; OL/DL C.J. Wright, returning starter at offensive guard and nose guard; Julian Findley, one of three returning starters on the offensive line; WR/DB Kelan McFarland, a three-year starter on defense; and FB/DL Anthony Jones, a second-team All-County selection on the defensive line.

Key Losses: RB/MLB Cole Griffith; firstteam All-County selection at defensive back; DL/KR Kutter Jackson, one of the better kick returners in the county last season; Tyler Mindon, a talented receiver whose loss due to injury hurt the Bronchos in the back half of the season.

They Said It: “This is our year. We have a lot of returning players on both sides of the ball, and if we get our heads right, we can surprise some people. I got these seniors when they were sophomores. I’m excited to see those kids grow and develop this year. We’ve had the best off-season since I’ve been here.” – Central head coach Dusty Ketner.

Fast Fun Facts: Central head coach Dusty Ketner is a 1993 graduate of Central High. He and Velma-Alma’s Randy Norton are the only two current county football coaches who are head coaches at their alma-mater. Ketner was a starting lineman on the Central Class C State runner-up team and a graduate assistant coach on the Bronchos’ three-peat championship teams from 1993-1995. From 1993 through 1995, the Bronchos went 42-0. That’s the fourth longest winning streak in Oklahoma eightman history. Since 1978, Central is 238-260.

Good Luck Bronchos!

about being more physical and really taking the fight to people.”

The Bronchos’ roster is senior and freshman heavy. Central’s roster features 10 seniors, 10 freshmen and several talented sophomores and juniors.

And Ketner expects the seniors to lead and the freshmen to contribute heavily.

Ketner said the Bronchos will operate primarily out of the I-formation, but he said they hope to give defenses a lot of looks, including the spread at times. The desire is balance, he said.

“I’d like for Landon to be able to throw it 25 or 30 times, but I’d also like for him to be able to turn around and hand it to Gavin 25 or 30 times,” Ketner said.

QUARTERBACK: One of the key seniors is Johnson, the Bronchos’ returner at quarterback. At 6-foot-2, Johnson has no trouble seeing over the line, and he has the arm strength and accuracy to deliver pinpoint strikes.

Like Thrasher, Mindon and Barton, Johnson was limited by injuries late last season. He missed the game against Empire in week eight because of an injury, but he still finished with 862 yards passing and 10 touchdowns.

More of a pocket passer, Johnson rushed for 107 yards.

Landon Minhinnett will be the Bronchos’ backup

quarterback.

RUNNING BACK: Barton entered last season as the county’s leading rusher among returning players, but an early ankle injury never fully healed – and after the first three games, he was never at 100%.

In 2023, Barton gained 530 yards and scored five rushing touchdowns. Ketner expects Barton to eclipse those numbers this season.

“Gavin has been coming on strong,” Ketner said. “He’s starting to catch the ball out of the backfield. He’s worked hard, and he’s gotten stronger.”

Cole Griffith carried most of the rushing load for Central after Barton suffered his injury. Griffith graduated and will be replaced by Anthony Jones at fullback. Jones was a second-team All-County selection as a defensive lineman last season.

Logan Castle and two freshmen, Lucas Burk and Layne Johnson, could also see playing time at fullback, Kenter said. Castle was the Bronchos’ backup tight end last season.

Burk offers a bruising running style, while fellow freshman Johnson, brother of starting QB Landon Johnson, offers a more elusive running style.

OFFENSIVE LINE: All four starters on Central’s offensive line return. Beau Kline, who earned first-team All-County honors last season, returns at center. He is considered Central’s most technically

A LOOK BACK: BRONCHOS’ PLAYOFF APPEARANCES

2020-B

1 : SOUTHWEST COVENANT OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 44-0

2019-B

1 : BURNS FLAT-DILL CITY OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 54-6

2017-B

1 : ALEX OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 60-14

2016-B

1 : GEARY OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 50-0

2013-B

1 : POND CREEK-HUNTER OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 38-0

2012-B

1 : LAVERNE OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 58-12

2010-B

1 : CHEROKEE OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 48-0

2004-C

1 : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER WAYNOKA 28-18

Q : DAVENPORT OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 6-0

1997-B

1 : OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 35-12

1995-C

1 : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER RINGWOOD 47-0

Q : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER RYAN 49-0

S : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER WELCH 43-0

C : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER MEDFORD 56-12

1994-C

1 : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER TYRONE 51-6

Q : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER KREMLINHILLSDALE 47-0

S : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER POND CREEKHUNTER 34-8

C : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER MEDFORD 52-20

1993-C

1 : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER TYRONE 56-6

Q : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER GRANDFIELD 53-6

S : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER WHITE OAK 43-18

C : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER BALKO 38-25

1992-C

1 : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER TYRONE 41-30

Q : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER HELENA-GOLTRY 23-0

S : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER MEDFORD 42-25

C : GRANDFIELD OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 26-14

1989-B

1 : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER ALEX 39-27

Q : OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 36-33

1988-B

1 : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER ALEX 36-34

Q : OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 34-13

1981-C

1 : OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 36-29

1979-C

1 : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER DIBBLE 58-0

Q : LONE WOLF OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 56-14

1978-C

1 : ALEX OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 52-8

1966-2A

S : EL RENO OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 13-6

1947-A Q : CENTRAL MARLOW OVER HUGO 34-0  S : FREDERICK OVER CENTRAL MARLOW 13-0

sound blocker.

Julian Findley and C.J. Wright are back in the starting guard spots. Ketner said Findley “is able to break everything down. It’s almost like he’s a scholar. He’s smart enough to play anywhere.”

Wright is a mauler, Ketner said.

“He’s big, and he’ll manhandle you,” Ketner said. “He will wear you down.”

Thrasher is back at tight end and is one of the best athletes in the county. He’ll give Johnson a big target in the passing game.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Kelan McFarland will replace Mindon at one wide receiver spot.

Minhinnett should get snaps at wide receiver, and 6-foot-2 freshman Aiden Haggerty looked good catching the ball this summer in passing league games.

THE DEFENSE

Ketner believes his defense can return to its early season form of 2024. Injuries and the resulting offensive woes impacted Central’s defense too last season. The Bronchos allowed 29.5 points per game through the first four contests – but after losing to Thackerville, they didn’t hold an opponent under 44 points.

Central allowed 50 or more points in four of the last five games. Its pointsallowed-per-game average jumped to 54.4 in the final five contests.

DEFENSIVE LINE: Ketner will have a rotation of at least six to seven D-linemen. He plans to rotate his offensive line – Findley, Kline and Wright – into the mix.

Wright is penciled in at starting nose guard, with Castle and Thrasher man-

ning the ends. When Ketner decides to go to a four-man front, Brock Johnson could see playing time up front.

LINEBACKERS: Jones was a force on the defensive line last season and made enough tackles to be the fourth leading tackler among all returning county defenders. He will move to linebacker this year, filling the void left by Griffith’s graduation. Jones made 76 total tackles in 2024, including 58 solo stops. Barton will likely start at the other

Good Luck Duncan & All Area Football Teams

linebacker spot, but Castle and Smith could also get into the fray at linebacker.

Castle made 38 solo tackles and 23 assists in 2024. He led the county with 15 sacks.

DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD: Starters in the defensive backfield will include McFarland, a three-year starter, Minhinnett and Hayden Marcum, who played two years ago but sat out last season.

McFarland made 47 tackles last year.

MEET THE BRONCHOS’ SPIRIT TEAM

STORY BY TAMARA GREGOR

Central High Cheer ready to pump up the crowd this season

Whether it’s dancing to the beat or performing stunts, the Central High Bronchos cheerleading squad will set the bar high to accomplish new goals.

Central High Cheer Coach Brooklyn Brown said the team is ready to make the new year a memorable one.

While this year’s squad brought on a lot of new girls, Brown said they’ve also introduced several new talents.

This year, Brown said the Bronchos cheerleading team is working on different game day stunts and crowd engagement. The main focus of these motivators is to bring school spirit to the crowd.

“We want to get our crowd and fans engaged and pumped up the best we can,” Brown said.

In her second year coaching cheer, Brown’s background consists of cheering in high school.

With goals to push the squad to work hard, Brown said she expects the team to have fun at the same time.

Brown said the team learned a lot over the summer, especially at cheer camp. She said after the squad wrapped up UCA camp, they learned a lot, such as their homecoming

routine they’re working to perfect.

To make the new year special, Brown said the team plans to make every aspect fun.

“We have a lot of great athletes on our team this year and they have a great time together,” she said. “They have fun at practice and are constantly laughing.”

Brown said she’s really proud of the squad’s hard work and love for the sport. She said the team makes it fun to be their coach.

THE BRAY-DOYLE DONKEYS

DONKEYS LOOK TO YOUNG TALENT IN 2025

Editor’s note: When this story was written for publication, The Bray-Doyle Donkeys’ football season had not yet canceled. The Banner’s staff unanimously decided to leave the story in this publication so student athletes at Bray-Doyle could still receive the recognition they deserve.

STORY BY ANDY MORPHEW

It is year three for Wade Whatley, a 2001 graduate of Bray-Doyle High School, who has had some time to develop the younger talent that looks to shine in 2025 and beyond for the program.

Four of the Bray-Doyle athletes who will don the Donkeys’ jersey this season made 100% of the time available for summer pride practices, and Whatley thinks that sets a great tone to help mold the team.

“We had four of our kids make 100% of our summer pride days, and they are all freshmen, so it was pretty awesome to see for the future of our team,” Whatley said. “I felt like this year was a good step in the right direction.”

A year ago, the Donkeys went 0-9 on the season, and as Whatley geared up for practices that began Aug. 11, he knew the younger athletes were excited to play their first varsity action of their careers.

“In the two years that we’ve gotten to know them, they show up and their parents show up and are invested, and they were where we wish we could have our upperclassmen be,” Whatley said. “We don’t want to remember last year as far as the losses and how we played, but the kids showed up every day and they continued to work on their craft and get a little bit better

every practice. We will have a really young group of kids; we are not going to have any seniors.”

That leaves “one junior on the team, four freshmen and four sophomores in the group,” Whatley said.

The first game of the season is against Fox, and for Whatley, he believes that match up will be pretty even. If the cards fall right, it could be the Donkeys’ first win and get the ball rolling for the future.

“It is down to who got better during the summer, who focused on the summer and who improved over the summer, so we are hoping our kids did that,” Whatley said. “That is what we will focus on –continuing to get better so that by the time we get two or three years down the road, our freshmen are juniors and our sophomores will be seniors, so that they will peak at the peak performance they can get to during their time in school.”

The lone junior for the Donkeys will be a three-year starter in Bladyn Harris, who has played quarterback and wide receiver and will now focus on playing running back and wide receiver. Whatley wants him to play a more dynamic role.

In the sophomore class, the Donkeys will rely on Zan Prater, who will be on the line and inside linebacker, and will be a force on the

Sept. 4 Fox

Sept. 12 at Central

Sept. 19 Strother

Sept. 26 at Tipton

Oct. 3 Grandfield

Oct. 10 at Corn Bible

Oct. 16 at Geary

Oct. 24 at Ryan

Oct. 30 Temple

Nov. 6 at Mt. View-Gotebo

FIVE YEARS

2024: 0-9

2023: 0-10

2022: 0-9

2021: 1-9

2020: 2-6

AT A GLANCE

2024 Record: 0-9

2024 District Record: 0-5

Head Coach: Wade Whatley – 3rd season at Bray-Doyle. Record at Bray-Doyle: 0-19. Overall Record (4th Season): 3-26. Assistant Coach: Cody Whatley - Defensive Coordinator

Offensive Returning Starters: Bladyn Harris

-Junior three year starter who will play at Running Back/ Wide Receiver and some at quarterback; Zan Prater - Starting Guard; Junior Alvarez - Starting Center, earned Offensive Player of the Year at BrayDoyle; and Gavin PeltonTight End for the Donkeys

Defensive Returning Starters: Bladyn Harris

-Defensive Back; Zan Prater - Inside Linebacker; Junior Alvarez - Nose Tackle and Defensive End; and Gavin PeltonDefensive End.

They Said It: “The buy-in that we’re going to have is just something that we’ve been working on for three years to try to improve the things,” head coach Wade Whatley said. “We want to improve the game day ability for these kids and make game day feel important and to make everything around the football game more important.”

Fast Fun Facts: Bray-Doyle will have zero seniors on the team for 2025 and will feature the youngest team on the field in Stephens County.

A LOOK BACK: THE DONKEYS’

2018-B

1 : SNYDER OVER BRAYDOYLE 62-12

2004-B

1 : PIONEER OVER BRAYDOYLE 40-6

1999-B

1 : RINGWOOD OVER BRAYDOYLE 20-14

1997-B

1 : GARBER OVER BRAYDOYLE 38-12

1996-B

1 : BRAY-DOYLE OVER GARBER 24-21

Q : MOUNTAIN VIEWGOTEBO OVER BRAY-DOYLE 44-8

1995-B

1 : WAYNOKA OVER BRAYDOYLE 26-8

Junior Alvarez is another offensive lineman who will serve as the center on offense and defensive end, and was named the Offensive Player of the Year for the Donkeys in 2024.

The third sophomore, Gavin Pelton, will play as the tight end for the Donkeys. As one of the stronger players, if he puts in the mental work, Whatley said he will be a tough person to deal with.

The Donkeys will have four first-year students: Ryder Pass, Lane Harris, Hunter Smith and Shane Barnes. Pass and Harris will factor in some time on offense, with Pass getting a chance at the quarterback position.

“I wanted a guy who is a football guy, and Ryder is the first guy that is a football guy, and we will allow him to learn to play quarterback, and we will succeed and falter with the things he does during the football game,” Whatley said. “If he can play quarterback, he will make it a lot easier on us to put some pressure on the defensive side that we play.”

The goal on defense and the primary focus will be to ensure that the opposing offense stays behind the line of scrimmage, as Whatley believes this will help achieve their team’s goals of securing a victory.

“Some goals that we have: to make more solo tackles than we’ve made before. Our defensive coordinator talks about that all the time,” Whatley said. “In each game, we are going to set a goal on a defensive player having a certain amount of things that they’ve got done. We stayed on the field for long defensive drives, so we want to be aggressive and play on their side.”

The 2025 campaign begins at 7 p.m. Sept. 4, as the Donkeys host Fox. Whatley hopes everyone at the school will enjoy knowing that the future is bright for the football program at Bray-Doyle.

“At the end of the game, it is not the Xs and Os that win, it is the Jimmys and Joes and the effort they put in, and they have to realize that that’s where we are at,” Whatley said. “At this point, it is just seeing how the kids are willing to respond and what they’re willing to do to make the time on the football field a better experience for them.”

MEET THE DONKEYS’ SPIRIT TEAM

THE 2025-26 BRAY-DOYLE CHEERLEADERS CONSIST OF: SENIORS, SARA FRANKLIN, EMERY GRIFFIN; JUNIORS, JAMEY ABNEY, ASHLEY BARNES, TARYN WILLIAMS, OLIVIA BURNS; AND SOPHOMORES, MADDISON PIEPLOW AND ABIGAIL PAREZ.

Bray-Doyle Cheerleaders value success in teamwork

The Bray-Doyle Cheerleaders are ready to take on the new year when it comes promoting school spirit and achieving new goals.

Cheer Coach Bayli Lucas said this year’s cheerleading squad is committed to team unity with a desire to foster a positive environment with one another.

With seven cheerleaders returning and one new

squad member, Lucas said the team looks forward to working on individual goals.

This year, the squad looks to focus on regularly assessing and developing their cheer motions, dances, jumps, tumbling and stunting techniques, Lucas said.

In her second year of coaching, Lucas said she’s learned from some great mentors who have helped

her over the past year with the cheerleading squad.

Through practicing and determination, Lucas said she hopes the cheer team will have the confidence and be ready to compete this year.

She said the team’s main focus is to aim for consistent improvement to their routines.

The squad will make this school year memorable

by celebrating each of the squad members, as well as creating a bond within their team.

Lucas said she’s proud of each one of the girls on the cheer team.

“I am thankful for your dedication and spirit to this team,” she said. “Please remember that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. I’m blessed to be your coach.”

STORY BY TAMARA GREGOR