2023 Cherokee County






• THS placing emphasis on developing leaders, pg. 6
• Tigers senior linebacking core looks to lead defense, pg. 8
• RiverHawks look to build on summer training, pg. 12
• Riders clean the slate going into ‘23 season, pg. 14
• Cougars appreciating level of competition in camp, pg. 16
• Sequyoah has high goals heading into 2023 season, pg. 18
Last season was an up and down campaign for the Tahlequah Tigers.
During the 2022 season, the Tigers finished with a record of 3-8. The season swung up and down for the Tigers. While they won their three games handily, they also let others slip away –like the week one, four-point loss to Sapulpa, or the other fourpoint loss in week five to Charles Page. On the other hand, THS picked up a 70-0 win over Grant.
Despite the up-and-down season a year ago, the Tigers look like they are positioned to be a much-improved team, with more experience and leadership.
Since practices started during summer camps, THS Head Coach Brad Gilbert has been expressing that the Tigers are emphasizing finding a leader this season.
“Our leadership has been a focal point for us,” said Gilbert. “We have a lot of young men who embrace that role and understand the importance not only what they get from it, but what it does for the team. We are seeing that more and more, but we need to keep developing it.”
By the time fall camp has started, the Tigers have started to develop their attack for the 2023 season.
To Gilbert, a couple of units stand out. Throughout the off-season, Gilbert has touted
the Tigers’ linebacking and wide receiver rooms, and rightfully so. THS’ linebackers are led by four senior starters, while the wide receivers are in a similar situation.
But just one week into camp, Gilbert already saw another group start to shine through. Gilbert expects the Tigers’ secondary to be an important piece to an already well-rounded defense.
“The secondary is going to be good. We have four corners we think are going to be really good. We have to work on fundamentals and footwork,” said Gilbert.
That secondary group is led by three-year starter Lesean Johnson. The senior cornerback has been one of the most consistent cornerbacks for the Tigers since his sophomore year.
Outside of Johnson, THS’ secondary consists of J.J. Antwine, Race Stopp, and Beckett Robinson, amongst others.
“Our defense has gotten better, we looked really good in 7-on-7,” said senior linebacker Mason Watkins. “We just got used to the scheme; our coaches changed a lot of stuff and we
are getting better.”
Another group making progress for the Tigers is the running back room. Gilbert noted how the Tigers did not rush the ball well last season, but this year, it looks like they are making steps in the right direction.
During the orange vs. white game, Gilbert noticed the Tigers’ ground game was moving the chains well throughout. Senior Darren Sparh looks poised to be a leader. Bode Hall, Eli Gibson, and others will likely also be key contributors to the Tigers.
“We have to be more physical at the point of attack,” said Gilbert. “We are not there yet; we know that after yesterday’s practice. We have to continue to improve in that area and it starts up front. We believe we have the guys to do it with; we just have to get better.”
With the running game starting to gain some traction, another part of the offense opens up for the Tigers: the aerial attack. According to tight end Braydon Northington, the Tigers are looking to add a strong passing
Jake Sermersheim | Daily Pressattack this season.
“Last year, we used it a little bit, but we are going to use it more this year,” said Northington. “So it is kind of just seeing how it will work out. If I am open, I am open; if not, it will be someone else.”
Through the early stages of fall camp, Gilbert has seen a lot out of his team. While the Tigers have a solid crop of starters ready to take the step as first-stringers, Gilbert is impressed with the guys who are fighting for secondand third-string roles.
“So far, it was a really good thing to see – not only from our veteran guys, but the guys fighting for backup. We just want to see a lot of energy and excitement,” said Gilbert.
THS’ head man has also touted the progress junior quarterback Cash McAlvain has made since the end of last season, saying he made much improvement. The junior seems slotted to lead the Tigers this season, with sophomore Synjin Sampson serving as the backup.
The Tigers kick off the season at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1 against Sapulpa in a rematch of last season’s week one. During that matchup, the Tigers fell to the Chieftains 39-35.
Sept. 1, 7 p.m. @ Sapulpa
Sept. 8, 7 p.m. v. Wagoner
Sept. 15, 7 p.m. @ Sallisaw
Homecoming
Sept. 22, 7 p.m. @ Putnam City West
Sept. 29, 7 p.m. @ Sand Springs
Oct. 6, 7 p.m. v. Booker T. Washington
Oct. 19, 7 p.m. @ U.S. Grant
Oct. 27, 7 p.m. @ Stillwater
Senior Night
Nov. 3, 7 p.m. v. Barlesville
Throughout all the teams in Cherokee County, one position group stands out above others.
That group is the Tahlequah Tigers linebacking corps. The Tigers are in a unique position, with four seniors to lead arguably the most important part of the defense. Linebackers are responsible for flying around all
Alicia McDowell MoonDance PhotographyTahlequah’s linebacker corps, from left: Mason Watkins, Jayden Moore, Brayden Northington, and Jacob Morrison.
over the field – dropping back in coverage, rushing the quarterback, or just stopping the running back from making ground up field.
THS’ core is made up of Brayden Northington, Mason Watkins, Jacob Morrison, and Jayden Moore. THS Head Coach Brad Gilbert expects this group to have a big impact on THS.
“Those four seniors are a solid group; they are an exciting group,” said Gilbert. “They have a
high ceiling, as long as they embody what we ask them to do. It is more than what they do on the field; it is about the mental side of it.”
While it’s been strong in years past, Gilbert thinks this year’s unit will be even better. Last season, Morrison had to move away from his natural position of outside linebacker and move back to inside linebacker. While in similar positions, Morrison was still not completely comfortable
playing outside linebacker.
Now that Morrison is back in his natural position, when the Tigers hit the field, it should make for one of its strongest groups.
“I feel way more comfortable not being on the outside,” said Morrison.
Getting Morrison back to his natural position will only add to the comfort the four already feel on the field. The group has been playing together for as long as the four have been in Tahlequah, including seeing varsity time in each of the past two seasons.
“It is pretty cool we played together as sophomores, so we have played with everybody for so long,” said Moore. “It is easier to trust people on Friday nights, because we have played together so long and we know how to play together.”
Besides being a leader for the linebackers, Northing is a key member of the passing group for the Tigers. Northington plays on the other side of the ball as a tight end. Since he plays such an important role, Northington was named a team captain last season, and Gilbert expects him to once again be named captain by his teammates.
“He is a guy who does things the right way and he has been doing that for years,” said Gilbert. “He knows he still has room to improve and he is a valuable asset. He can play at the next level. Whenever you have a player like that, it will make you better as a team and a coach.”
When Northing was named captain last season, he was placed in rare company amongst all-time Tigers.
“Last year, it was the second time a junior was picked to be a captain by the team,” said Northington. “It was cool to know that is what the team thinks of you, and they know I can get the job done; it shows they trust me.”
Now that the season is gearing up, the unit has started to see some changes from last year. The biggest is that Gilbert was looking for a more mature team.
“I feel like we are more of a team this year. We were more individuals last year,” said Moore.
Overall, the Tigers’ group put up numbers last year. Moore led the way for THS, with 98 total tackles, equaling 8.9 per game to lead the defense. Moore added four quarterback hurries and a pair of fumble recoveries.
Out of all the linebackers, Northington had one of the most well-rounded seasons, with 61 tackles, an interception, two passes deflected, and a forced fumble. Morrison also added 57 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Jake Sermersheim | Daily PressLast season did not go as planned for the Northeastern State RiverHawks football team.
There were blowouts, missed opportunities, and a lack of finish from an NSU squad that went just 1-10 a season ago, and ended up in second-to-last place in the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Last season’s conclusion has stuck with head coach J.J. Eckert, leading to NSU’s motto for this season: finish.
“We had four games that were close games that we did not have the ability to finish; we did not know how to make plays,” said Eckert. “That was a big thing throughout January and the spring, and you can see that in our practices now. We are trying to make sure we understand what is it going to take for us to win. If we can play for 60 minutes, that increases your chance to be successful.”
A big reason for the RiverHawks’ struggle to finish was the arrival of a new defensive coordinator. Going into camp last year, Mike Lucas had just been hired by the RiverHawks, giving a learning curve to players and coaches alike.
Going into fall ‘22, the RiverHawks had to learn a completely new system. Now, after a season, spring practices and summer workouts, the RiverHawks’ defense is shaping up to improve vastly from giving up 33.64 points per game.
Defensive players stayed over the summer to improve on that facet without coaches.
“We are night and day from where we were a year ago,” said Eckert. “Last year, we were just trying to figure out names. We have had so many more opportunities to learn the scheme that goes with it. That
gives the defense the chance to play fast.”
Through the early stages of practice, that improvement is noticeable, as the defense has regularly competed at the same level or higher than the offense.
Even though the offense has been keeping up, that does not mean the offense has been struggling. Through the early stages of camp, the RiverHawks’ offense seems to be clicking for a team that averaged less than two touchdowns a game last season.
During MIAA Media Day, Eckert noted that the weapons around the quarterback zfd talented. Admittedly the RiverHawks will be without their top pass-catcher from last year after Malik Antwine’d departure. In fact, the RiverHawks do not have much in terms of experience in the wide receiver arena. Devin Blayney saw the most action last season out of any returner and still had just 14 catches for 123 yards.
Despite this Eckert is impressed with the improvements NSU’s wideouts have made.
“I think when you look at us, we don’t look very deep at that position,” said Eckert. “We don’t have that proven person who is coming back after a great season. But we have a lot of people out there who want to be successful, and they have made some headway stepping in, and it has been really pleasant surprise.”
One point of question remains for NSU: Who gets the lion’s share of snaps from the running back room? During MIAA Media Day, Eckert said NSU will use a committee of running backs this year to tackle the ground game.
“I think we’ve got five over there who can make an impact,” said Eckert of NSU’s running back room. “We won’t really know what that entails until we get further in the process. I think that is a plus if we find that opportunity to carry four or five of those guys, and if they can stay healthy, I think that helps a lot. You aren’t looking up at the end of the season with just two running backs.”
The solution for the RiverHawks will be a mix of transfers and returning players. Blake May comes over after an efficient 5.1 yards per game last season with Southern Arkansas.
As far as returning players go, Brayden Gilkey looks like he is the best bet to be a solid weapon. In limited snaps, Gilkey rushed 21 times for 86 yards over four games.
In the past, the start of the season has not always been rosy for the RiverHawks. According to Eckert, in the past, NSU players had not been quite ready for the first task of the season. He recently said past teams had played
top-level talent and they had not been able to keep up with their opponents.
“I want them to come out every day and get better – to get better at their craft, have a chance to grow as a family, and get better conditioning of what we need to have a chance early,” Eckert said. “If you are not well-conditioned early, it can eat you up. Getting adjusted to that and getting acclimated to that, we have done a really good job thus far.”
The season starts in earnest at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31 at Gable Field at Doc Wadley Stadium against Fort Hays State.
Hulbert’s new head coach, Chad Botts, knows that going into this season, it will be a reset for the Riders after a disappointing finish to 2022.
On paper, the Riders obviously have a big change, with a new head coach coming in. But outside of just a new man in charge, Botts is trying to teach a new culture for the Riders’ football program.
“It is a starting over for us. The process is the daily grind, focusing on one day at a time,” said Botts. “[It’s] not overwhelming them. Like anything else, we need to have a solid foundation before we build on anything.”
Going into the start of fall camp, the Riders are looking to get the key parts of the game down before focusing on anything too far outside of the box.
“Our fundamentals and what we are focusing on are tackling and blocking. No matter what scheme we are doing, if we can’t block or tackle well, it is irrelevant,” said Botts.
Leading up to the season, Botts will try and get a young Riders squad ready for the tough task ahead of them.
“But like I told them our job is to condition them for [this season],” said Botts. “We are going to push them each and every practice. We are going to keep pushing on that where each player we have is a physical player.”
Last season did not go as planned for the Riders, as they finished with an 0-10 record. While Botts was not with the Riders last season, he does know
some of their issues came from having a young team.
Despite still not having many veteran players, Botts is still impressed with how his team has started to progress.
“I would say the guys are more experienced but still young,” said Botts. “They were a young team last year, and we only have five or six seniors this year, but we are still a young team. I think our field experience is a lot different.”
There’s one way Botts thinks his team can combat the lack of experience or a deep roster: with physicality. Staying in the weight room, and competing at practice, will help condition his young team into fighting form.
“For us, being physical will be a big difference,” said Botts. “For some small schools, we are not always gifted with 20 big guys. If we can get our big guys to be physical up front, we have a chance against anybody. Even our receivers and running back in any aspect, the key focus is being physical.”
Going into the season, Botts is hoping his team takes that physical mindset and uses it in all aspects of the game.
“I will say that going into the season, we felt that our receivers and defensive backs were an impressive group,” said Botts. “Even our line, we have guys who are well-seasoned. Overall, I have been impressed with every group. They have really been absorbing what we are trying to teach.”
Early on in the summer, Botts was able to determine his leaders for the season. Juniors Dusty and Wyatt Tedder are a key part of the Riders’ attack. Dusty commands the line, and Wyatt patrols the field on the defensive side of the ball as a linebacker, while serving as a fullback on offense.
Junior Ethan Thompson and sophomore Ethan Ellis are also expected to be big contributors to the Riders.
“We have a lot of underclassmen who are really pushing the leadership roles,” said Botts. “It is
not just the seniors; my underclassmen are really biting into it and taking a hold of it.”
Despite none of the players Botts named as leaders being seniors, he is still confident in their ability to lead.
“For me, they’ve been proven
leaders; I know they have been to almost every workout and 7-on-7. They have a really good work ethic with us,” said Botts.
The Riders kick off the season at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25. at Kansas in a rematch from last season’s 52-0 week one loss.
Aug. 25, 7 p.m. v. Kansas
Sept. 9, 7 p.m. @ Porter
Sept. 14, 7 p.m. v. Nowata
Sept. 22, 7 p.m. v. Commerce
Sept. 29, 7 p.m. @ Fairland
Homecoming
Oct. 6, 7 p.m. v. Afton
Oct. 12, 7 p.m. @ Ketchum
Senior Night
Oct. 20, 7 p.m. v. Wyandotte
Oct. 27, 7 p.m. @ Colcord
Nov. 3, 7 p.m. @ Quapaw
One of head coaches’ favorite expressions is “iron sharpens iron.” For those who do not know the saying, it means competition will only make you better.
For Keys Cougars Head Coach Adam Haas, this statement rings true. Last season, the Cougars struggled with experience. At one point, the Cougars were forced to play eight freshmen at a time.
“The biggest difference is more experience,” said Haas. “This year, we got a good freshmen class, but our freshmen from last year are now more experienced. We also have a bigger senior class than last year.”
A big part of the problem for Haas was that the Cougars had just 30 players on the roster for the 2022 season. With 45 players on the roster this season, the Cougars are hoping they do not run into the same issues.
The expanded roster has already made a difference during the early stages of training camp.
“The biggest thing for us is we had 30 kids on our roster, and now we have 45,” said Haas. “Numbers alone have created competition. They competed in spring ball, 7-on-7, and now they are competing well in practice.”
The Cougars boast a large senior class, with 12 players leading
the charge this season. The older presence has allowed for a quick start in the early days of the Cougars’ season.
“We have had good practices all week long; I am excited for it,” said Haas on the first week of practice. “I expect physicality and toughness. We are going to spend time reteaching, making sure we all know how to go back to those fundamentals.”
As things stand right now, Haas is trying to pinpoint this season’s leaders. At the moment, there are a couple of key candidates. Garin Barnes, Boomer Robinson, Trevor Guthrie, and Stanley Adamson are all names Haas pointed out.
While Barnes and Adamson are senior leaders who have spent time with the Cougars’ program, Robinson, and Guthrie are much newer to the program and are going to be key contributors as just sophomores.
“We have a bunch of leaders right now, and that is a good problem to have,” said Haas.
Barnes and Guthrie are both members of the wide receiver room and the defensive back
room. Robinson will lead the way for the running backs, while also being a part of the defensive back group.
Robinson plays a key role in a team that relies more on the ground game than the air attack.
“I think just about any high school team is a run-first team –not that we can’t do anything we want,” said Haas. “We have the guys to throw the ball. That is us; we are a run-first team, though.”
Adamson is a key player for the defensive and offensive line.
This group has been key in instilling the culture Haas is looking to place within the Cougars.
“It is the same thing that we always talk about,” said Haas. “Our culture is effort, attitude, toughness. Good efforts, great attitude, and everybody is toughness.”
This culture is shown to anyone who goes to a KHS practice.
While most teams will be in practice jerseys with team schools and the players’ numbers, the Cougars are different. Cougar players can be seen wearing white shirts with a simple symbol on the front: a question mark.
Jake Sermersheim | Daily Press Keys quarterback Cash Trammel waits for the ball to be snapped by the center.While you may be asking yourself what that means, Haas is asking his players to figure out what the question mark means to them.
“That is for them to figure. If you look at the back, it says ‘tough people win.’ The question mark is what they have to figure out,” said Haas. “Are they tough
people and are they going to win?”
The motto is an important one to Haas, who is looking for his players to finish out games this season as they try to bounce back from a winless 0-10 season.
The Cougars’ season kicks off at 7 p.m. against Gore at 7 p.m. at home. Last season, Gore beat the Cougars 47-0.
Sept. 1, 7 p.m. v. Gore
Sept. 8, 7 p.m. @ Stillwell
Sept. 15, 7 p.m. @ Keifer
Homecoming
Sept. 22, 7 p.m. v. Roland
Sept. 29, 7 p.m. @ Prague
Oct. 6, 7 p.m. v. Sequoyah
Oct. 12, 7 p.m. @ Warner
Oct. 19, 7 p.m. @ Vian
Oct. 27, 7 p.m. v. Okemah
Senior Night
Nov. 3, 7 p.m. v. Henryetta
The 2023-’24 football season is all about taking it to the next level for the Sequoyah Indians.
Head Coach Chad Hendricks has nothing but high expectations for his squad. The Indians have made a good bounceback from the COVID-19 pandemic year; however, it has taken time to get all the pieces in place.
“We have some impact players with good leadership in our senior class that will bring game experience to the field this year,” Hendricks said.
The key to the Indians’ success on the field relies on a few factors. The Indians have the key personnel in the right places on the field that are older both physically and mentally, which is huge. Staying healthy will be a priority for the Indians squad, as injuries riddled this team early in the 2022 season.
The Indians’ offense starts with junior quarterback Jalen Handle, who was injured early during last season, causing the Indians to make some shifts in their offense. Keeping Handle healthy will be a priority this season, as he is the catalyst for the offense.
Coach Hendricks said Handle allows them to do whatever is needed, with no limitations.
“Jalen is a tremendous asset to the team,” Hendricks said.
Hendricks said he is excited about the depth the squad will have this year, compared to years past.
“We have some players coming over from basketball, as well as our returning players, who are going to help with depth,” said Hendricks. Another returning
player who is expected to make a big impact is Brody Young (6-1, 165, Sr.). Young, the Indians wide receiver, who is a VYPE top 100 nominee, can play multiple positions and will be seen on both sides of the ball. Hendricks describes Young as the hardest worker in the program and if he were to give him a nickname it would be the Energizer Bunny.
“He doesn’t get tired, and his leadership qualities improve daily,” said Hendricks. “The difference between great teams and average teams is leadership, and Brody is standing at the front.”
When asked about the upcoming year, Young had this to say: “I am ready for the atmosphere, the fans, and making one last run with the squad. Get your popcorn ready, it’s going to be a good one.”
The offensive line will be returning a trio of junior-class starters: Jayden Marquez, Dayson Pritchett, and Logan Rill.
“Jayden is developing into a beast on the offensive line and defensive line. He could be a twoway starter this season, and that is a direct reflection of his work ethic,” said Hendricks.
Jayden is becoming a leader and part of the anchor for this team.
“My favorite thing about football is being part of a team and working to achieve the same goal together,” said Marquez.
The Indians will be a little younger on the defensive side of the ball, but they have the potential to make a big statement. The Indians will return four starters, including junior Josiah Foreman, and senior Hayden Stewart.
“Josiah has a very high ceiling, meaning he can go as far as he wants with football. His athletic ability allows him to be a man amongst boys. He is one of the strongest in the weight room and fastest on the field,” said Hendricks.
Josiah said he expects success this season.
“We aren’t going to lay down for anyone. We are ready for the physicality of the game,” said Foreman.
Stewart will be a three-year starter, which is a statement that
should say it all.
“He doesn’t miss practice and works to the end. Hayden is a tremendous mentor for our younger athletes,” said Hendricks.
The Indians’ sidelines will see a couple of new faces in the coaching lineup this year, which brings a ton of knowledge to the team. Seasoned football vets are Rusty Harris, who will coach defensive backs and receivers, and
Rick Thompson, who will work with linebackers. Tight end coach Mason Fielden will round out the Indians’ coaching roster.
The Sequoyah Indians’ home field is under construction, which will have them playing their season opener against Muldrow at 7 p.m. on Sept. 1 at Doc Wadley Stadium, home of Northeastern State University Riverhawks. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
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