Checotah Wildcats OK 2026 Team Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Get 25% Off Your Subscription By Entering Knight25 In The Coupon Code Area. Enjoy!</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the month of July and that means it's preview time! Throughout the month of July and even into August, we are publishing well over 100 of the most in-depth team previews that you'll find anywhere to get you completely ready for the 2026 football season. This is something that began for us at PRZ-Oklahoma in 2021 and it continues to get bigger and better every single year. We're looking forward to diving deep into the top teams across the state in every class. From defending champions, to the top contenders and plenty of dark horses and other teams to know, we'll have complete coverage every single day. There will be multiple previews dropping every single day! In this post, we take a look at the Checotah Wildcats!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RELATED</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://youtu.be/cTvDvUX-UDE" data-type="link" data-id="https://youtu.be/cTvDvUX-UDE">- Checotah Video Preview With HC Zac Ross</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Checotah Wildcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #7 In Class 2A-1</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Zac Ross - 7th Season - 33-34 Record At Checotah</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 RESULTS (6-5 Record - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 29th - Beat Okmulgee 62-28<br>Sept. 5th - Lost To Seminole 34-27<br>Sept. 12th - Beat Dewey 14-6<br>Sept. 26th - Beat Locust Grove 55-14<br>Oct. 3rd - Beat Muldrow 21-17<br>Oct. 10th - Lost To Stigler 35-14<br>Oct. 16th - Lost To Holland Hall 29-26<br>Oct. 24th - Lost To Lincoln Christian 56-0<br>Oct. 31st - Beat Idabel 55-53 (OT)<br>Nov. 7th - Beat Eufaula 21-14<br>1st Round - Lost To Inola 38-20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2025 Offensive Scoring Average: 28.6 Points Per Game<br>2025 Defensive Scoring Average: 29.4 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Checotah Wildcats came into the 2025 season with some momentum after a memorable 2024 campaign. They went from barely making it into the playoffs as a four-seed to making a run to the Class 3A semifinals. They started off strong in 2025. They started 4-1, with the only loss coming by a touchdown to Seminole in non-district play. They hit a rough patch halfway through the district slate that saw the Wildcats drop three straight games to Stigler, Holland Hall and Lincoln Christian. At that point, the Wildcats were in danger of missing out on the postseason altogether. But they rallied to beat Idabel in a high-scoring overtime game in week nine before beating Eufaula by a touchdown in the regular season finale. They finished third in the district and would go on the road to face Inola in the first round. They came up short, falling 38-20 and the season came to an end at 6-5. But when you look back at the 2025 season as a whole, one thing that really stands out is all of the close games they played in. Six games were decided by a single possession and Checotah's record was 4-2 in those one score games. The ball bounces one way or another and they could have been 6-0 or on the flip side, they could have had a worse record. Now, Checotah turns the page and begins focusing on the upcoming season. Things will look quite different for the Wildcats as they will be in a new class for the next two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Checotah finds themselves in Class 2A-1 this season and next after spending decades in Class 3A. And the number seven appears to be the magic number for the Wildcats heading into this fall. They come into this year as the number seven team in our 2A-1 preseason rankings. Head coach Zac Ross is entering his seventh season as head coach and they bring back seven starters on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Wildcats bring back seven starters and this is a group that is headlined by a three-year starter at the quarterback position, along with the majority of the offensive line. This was an offense that averaged nearly 30 points per game last season but they certainly have the potential to get over that mark this fall with all the production and firepower they bring back. Defensively, Checotah also brings back seven starters and this will be a unit that we also think can take a major step forward this season. Dropping down to 2A-1 and playing in a new district creates new opportunities for the Wildcats. But when you look at the district, it's headlined by a familiar name in Lincoln Christian, who is also dropping down to Class 2A-1. Checotah isn't that far removed from making a run to the 3A semifinals. They have plenty of players on this year's team that played key roles in that run two years ago. They look to be an instant impact team in Class 2A-1 and be one of the top teams in this class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KEY LOSSES TO GRADUATION</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elijah Muhammad - Defensive Lineman<br>Jayden Ellen - Running Back (2025 All State Honorable Mention)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1164571"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5e49b055168"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 offensive and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1164571' first='Ashton' last='Newport'] is a player that we are fired up to watch this season. Newport is a 2028 prospect that we first watched when he was still in middle school. With his size, there was a lot to be excited about moving forward. After getting a chance to watch the Wildcats in person this spring, it looks like Newport has taken the next step as an overall force on the offensive line. He will be the man in the middle of the offensive line at center. The Wildcats will work off Newport as he looks to be that dominant force on the line of scrimmage. Don't forget about the impact he can have on the other side with his play on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1522515"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5e49b05524a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 quarterback and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1522515' first='Cole' last='Rolland'] comes into this season as one of the more experienced quarterbacks in Class 2A-1 despite just being a junior. He'll be a three-year starter and we think he's primed for a monster season this fall. Rolland was very productive last season, throwing for more than 1,300 yards and adding nearly 900 yards on the ground. He accounted for nearly 30 touchdowns on the season and we think all of those numbers will go up this fall. Rolland looks like he has complete control of the offense and that will make him a complete difference maker for the Wildcats this fall. He'll also impact the defense after finishing with nearly 70 tackles last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(2025 All State Honorable Mention)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1836534"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5e49b0552fc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 wide receiver and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1836534' first='Landynn' last='Thomason'] is one of the top two-way players returning for the Wildcats this season. Last year, he emerged as one of the top targets in the passing game, finishing the season with over 600 yards receiving. He would turn around and be incredibly productive on the defensive side of the ball. He finished the year with seven interceptions at the safety position. This season, the Wildcats are expecting Thomason to be one of the top two-way players in 2A-1 football. Thomason also has a ton of momentum right now after a really strong offseason. He earned his first offer this summer and should get more attention this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2222471"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5e49b0553b5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If you're looking for a breakout star on this Checotah roster, look no further than 2028 wide receiver and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='2222471' first='Marcus' last='Lollis'] heading into this season. We got a chance to watch Checotah back in the spring and Lollis was a player that really stood out to us during their team camp. Lollis is a playmaking wide receiver that is going to really open things up for the Wildcats on the offensive side of the ball. Lollis was limited last season but he's going to have a major role in what they do on offense. With Thomason on one side and Lollis on the other, defenses are going to be stressed to the limits trying to slow them down. All signs point to a monster year from Lollis.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1830236"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5e49b055473"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1830236' first='Woodrow' last='Spears'] returns for another year in the middle of this Checotah defense. Last year, Spears was a tackling machine and there was no doubt who the leader of this defense was when it came to that category. Spears finished with over 100 tackles and he leads a linebacker group that has a lot of talent returning for the 2026 season. Spears will be joined by Rolland at linebacker and those two make a really solid 1-2 punch at the 2A-1 level. The Wildcats can trust Spears to get the job done this season when you consider the experience and overall production that he's had over the last two years. He'll look to elevate his play this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>MORE NAMES TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bryce Marshall - 2027 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1830235' first='Eli' last='Patterson'] - 2027 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Gabe Scarborough - 2029 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Hunter Madding - 2030 Running Back/Defensive Back<br>Owen Oleson - 2030 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Payden Miller - 2029 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Tommy Calico - 2028 Running Back</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sept. 4th - Beggs</strong><br>- The season opener comes in week one with a home game against Beggs. These two teams used to be district foes a decade ago. They met nearly every year from 2010-2017. This was a series that was not friendly to the Wildcats. They went 1-6 against Beggs during that time. The Golden Demons come into this year as a top ten team in 2A-2.<br><strong>Sept. 11th - Muldrow</strong><br>- The Wildcats host Muldrow in week two as this game goes from being a district affair to a non-district game with Checotah dropping down to 2A-1. These two teams met in district play in each of the last four years. The Wildcats went 3-1 against the Bulldogs during that stretch, winning the last three meetings by a combined eight points.<br><strong>Sept. 18th - AT Eufaula</strong><br>- The Wildcats wrap up non-district play with their annual game against Eufaula. These two teams have played every year for decades, regardless of being in the same district or not. The last two years, they were in the same district. This has also been a very competitive series during the last few decades. Checotah has won the last three meetings.<br><strong>Sept. 25th - Heavener</strong><br>- A new class and district brings new match-ups and that's what we have here as Checotah hosts Heavener in week four. These two teams haven't played since they were district opponents a little over a decade ago. They were district opponents in 2012 and 2013. The Wildcats dominated both of those meetings, winning each by 30 points or more.<br><strong>Oct. 2nd - AT Spiro</strong><br>- The Wildcats go back on the road in week five to face Spiro in district play. This is another match-up that is similar to the Heavener one. The Wildcats and Bulldogs haven't faced off since they were district opponents in 2012 and 2013. They would split that series with Spiro winning the 2012 meeting but the Wildcats winning the rematch in 2013.<br><strong>Oct. 9th - Tahlequah Sequoyah</strong><br>- Checotah returns home in week six to host Tahlequah Sequoyah. The Indians are somewhat familiar after they were recently in Class 3A but dropped down to 2A-1 a few years ago. These two were district opponents in 2020 and 2021 but the Indians did not play in 2020 due to Covid and Checotah won the 2021 meeting 54-28.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 15th - AT Victory Christian</strong><br>- Checotah heads to Tulsa on a Fall Break Thursday night in week seven to face Victory Christian. These two teams used to be district opponents a decade ago but they haven't played since 2015. They were last district opponents in 2014 and 2015 and they split that series. This will be a big game for playoff seeding.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 23rd - AT Lincoln Christian</strong><br>- The Wildcats head back to Tulsa for the second straight week to face familiar foe Lincoln Christian in week eight. These two have been district opponents since 2018. Despite both dropping down to Class 2A-1, they both landed in the same district. The Wildcats are hungry to turn things around in a series that has been one sided.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 30th - Roland</strong><br>- After two straight trips to Tulsa, Checotah returns home to host Roland in week nine. This used to be a match-up that we would see all the time in the last few decades but they haven't played since 2019. The Wildcats will go into this season with a four-game winning streak against the Rangers. They haven't lost to Roland since the 2014 playoffs.<br><strong>Nov. 6th - AT Hugo</strong><br>- The regular season comes to an end with a road trip to Hugo to face the Buffaloes in week ten. These two were consistent district opponents in the 2000's but this year will be the first district meeting since 2009. These two teams played in non-district play in 2020 and 2021 and each team won a match-up so we see the grudge match this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a new era for Checotah football as they drop down from Class 3A to Class 2A-1 this season. If you look at the history of Checotah football, they are embarking on a new challenge after competing in Class 3A for decades. Like we mentioned earlier in the preview, it will of course bring new challenges and match-ups. The most notable game on the schedule is that week eight clash with three-time defending champion Lincoln Christian but there's nothing new about that considering they've been district opponents for nearly a decade. Checotah is hopeful that a new class brings new success. They've had three straight winning seasons, highlighted by a run to the semifinals in 2024. The Wildcats come into this season as a top ten team and expect to be one of 2A-1's contenders. They've been a consistent playoff team for the last 15 years but they appear to be ready to take that next step and make a deep run into November.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LAST FIVE SEASONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 - 6-5 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round<br>2024 - 8-5 - Lost In Class 3A Semifinals<br>2023 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round<br>2022 - 3-7 - Missed Playoffs<br>2021 - 3-8 - Lost In Class 3A 1st Round</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>0 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->