MADDOX BRIDGES-EUFAULA
One of the big rivalries in Green Country athletics is the McIntosh County battle between Eufaula and Checotah and Eufaula senior Maddox Bridges has the unique perspective of having been a part of that rivalry from both sides.
“I grew up in Eufaula through seventh grade and then moved to Checotah until my junior year when I moved back to Eufaula and I have friends in both towns even though we’re rivals,” said Bridges.
The talented senior plays wide receiver and safety for the Ironhead football team, is a guard on the basketball team and runs on the 4X100 and the 4X200 relay teams which qualified for state last spring. Though he just started playing football last year, he’s already received several small college offers. As he grew up playing and watching basketball, he has had role models in both towns.
“Elijah Thomas was a huge influence for me in Checotah and here in Eufaula Jentry (James) and Keaton (Parish) have influenced my game a lot. I also watched Keaton’s brother Alex who was an All-State player here as I was growing up.”
Basketball coach Rob McKinzie is high on Bridges’ talents and what he means to the team.
“He has made all-conference all three of his high school years and I think he has the talent and ability to make All-State this year. He averaged 16 points a game last year which included some games where he scored over 30 and he should break the 1000-point career mark early this season. I think this year he’ll probably have to involve his teammates a little more because opponents will be paying a lot of attention to him.”
For Maddox, there are a couple of highlights in his high school career.
“My freshman year at Checotah was great and then last year I hit the game winning basket against Preston (a 54-51 victory) after being in a slump most of the game.”
For his senior season Maddox says he would like to make it to at least the area tournament for the first time.
Though he has football offers, Maddox says basketball is his first love but would enjoy playing either sport in college.
