CHECOTAH WILDCATS
ZAC ROSS
7-4
OFFENSE
After making it to the playoffs last year out of a very competitive district, the Checotah Wildcats find themselves with a few new district opponents this year as they try to maintain the momentum they established last season. Heading up the returning starters for the Wildcats will be OU-commit Elijah Thomas (6-2, 190, Sr.) at wide receiver. Thomas had nearly 1200 yards receiving last year and 20 touchdowns. Kaden Mitchell returns at the running back spot for the Wildcats where he reeled off 1083 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023. Look for additional help in the backfield from transfer Jaydin Ellen. They’ll be a couple of tried-and-true hands back in the line as well with the return of center Dylan Robinson (6-0, 220, Sr.) and Reighn Westbrook (6-0, 250, Sr.) where they’ll be joined by sophomore Bryce Marshall (6-1, 225). Rangy tight end Brian Love (6-5, 220, Sr.) also returns to lead the outside blocking. The big question for the Wildcats will be at quarterback with the graduation of Jacob Jones. Someone Ross will be watching as a possibility is incoming freshman Cole Rolland
DEFENSE
Seven players are back to run Ross’s four-man front defense led again by Thomas at safety where he had 89 tackles and two pick-sixes last season. Team leading tackler Dylan Robinson (6-0, 220, Sr.) who had 96 stops last year heads up the linebacking corps joined by Mitchell and Dallas Carter (5-9, 190, Sr.). Marshall and Westbrook who registered 85 tackles and three sacks will be the main stoppers on the D-line. As to the shakeup in the district this year, the Wildcats will not only have to continue contending with Lincoln Christian but also have Holland Hall who beat them in the playoffs last season, Idabel and McIntosh County rival Eufaula which moves up from 2A this year along with returning district foes Muldrow, Stigler, and Locust Grove.
8-30 – at Okmulgee
9-6 – vs. Seminole
9-13 – at Dewey
9-27 – vs. Locust Grove
10-4 – at Muldrow
10-11 – vs. Stigler
10-17 – at Holland Hall
10-25 – vs. Lincoln Christian
11-1 – at Idabel
11-8 – vs. Eufaula
