Checotah Wildcats OK 2025 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 2025 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>Checotah Wildcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #10 In Class 3A</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Zac Ross - 6th Season - 27-29 Record At Checotah</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 RESULTS (8-5 Record - Lost In Class 3A Semifinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 30th - Beat Okmulgee 49-0<br>Sept. 6th - Lost To Seminole 60-49<br>Sept. 13th - Beat Dewey 53-13<br>Sept. 27th - Beat Locust Grove 68-42<br>Oct. 4th - Beat Muldrow 48-45<br>Oct. 11th - Beat Stigler 31-6<br>Oct. 17th - Lost To Holland Hall 33-32<br>Oct. 25th - Lost To Lincoln Christian 68-12<br>Nov. 1st - Lost To Idabel 38-23<br>Nov. 8th - Beat Eufaula 13-7<br>1st Round - Beat Cascia Hall 35-28<br>Quarterfinals - Beat Bristow 35-32<br>Semifinals - Lost To Sulphur 68-21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2024 Offensive Scoring Average: 36.1 Points Per Game<br>2024 Defensive Scoring Average: 33.8 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Checotah Wildcats had a lot of momentum coming into the 2024 football season. In 2022, they went 3-7. In 2023, they responded by nearly flipping their record. They would go 7-4, making it back to the playoffs. In 2024, they experienced a roller coaster of a season that saw them 6-4 by the end of the regular season, narrowly missing out on the postseason and then making a run to the 3A semifinals. The Wildcats started with a 5-1 record, with the only loss being a high-scoring affair to Seminole. But from there, they lost to Holland Hall, Lincoln Christian and Idabel in consecutive weeks. They bounced back with a week ten win over Eufaula and then the chaos truly started for the Wildcats. They were one of the only four seeds to go on the road and take down a district champion in the first round. They did that when they upset Cascia Hall. They followed that up by going back on the road and stunning Bristow in the quarterfinals with one of the more memorable finishes in the 2024 playoffs. They trailed 32-28 in the final minute and scored on a 75-yard touchdown. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, the playoff journey ended in the semifinals. It was their first semifinal appearance in 30 years but they lost to Sulphur. The season came to an end at 8-5 but when you consider where they were at the end of the regular season, it was a memorable one. Now, they turn the page and try to climb the ladder again in Class 3A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Checotah comes into the 2025 football season as a preseason top ten team as they round out the top ten at #10. The Wildcats bring half of their starters back from last year's team, including six starters on the offensive side of the ball. Checotah averaged 36 points per game in 2024 but it will be interesting to see how they look in 2025. They bring back the quarterback, the running back and several pieces in other areas but they have to replace a wide receiver that was the PRZ-Oklahoma Player Of The Year in 2024. That's not going to be easy for the Wildcats but this is also an offense that isn't starting from ground zero. Defensively, Checotah brings back five starters from last year's team. It will be almost the perfect mix of returning playmakers and inexperienced potential on both sides of the ball. The schedule is the same as last year as they will be challenged early on before entering a very competitive district. The two-time defending state champs are in Checotah's district so the road back to the playoffs is going to be a bumpy one. Checotah brings a lot of momentum and optimism into this season. They had a really strong offseason and while they do have to replace some significant pieces, the numbers on the roster are up, the chemistry is improving daily and the arrow is obviously pointed in the right direction.&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>Dylan Robinson - Linebacker<br>Elijah Thomas - Wide Receiver - Signed With Oklahoma - PRZ-Oklahoma Player Of The Year</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-68829eb345799"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1164571' first='Ashton' last='Newport'] is the first of two Checotah Wildcats that are 2028 prospects to watch. Newport was on our radar before his freshman season after he stood out at one of our middle school camps. The Checotah big man has a lot of size that you simply can't coach and while the overall skills are still raw in some areas, he has the potential to be really good by the end of his high school career. Newport measures in at 6'6 and 275 pounds and that gives the Wildcats a cornerstone on their offensive line for the next three seasons. As long as he continues to progress from a skill perspective, he's going to be a prospect coaches need to know. </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-68829eb34587d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Everyone knew about Elijah Thomas last season but it was freshman quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1522515' first='Cole' last='Rolland'] getting him the ball. The Wildcats trusted their freshman signal caller and he delivered, specifically in the playoffs. And because he had the best player in the state, Rolland produced at a high level in 2024. He threw for nearly 2,700 yards and 33 touchdowns. When it comes to quarterbacks going into this season, he's definitely one that we want to see because like we've mentioned, it's not easy to replace a guy like Thomas. Rolland will need to find chemistry with new playmakers. But we think that this year, he'll become more of a complete threat at the QB posiiton. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["756912"],"_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-68829eb34593c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last summer, [player_tooltip player_id='756912' first='Elijah' last='Muhammad'] moved from Muskogee to Checotah and he produced at a high level on the defensive side of the ball. Muhammad has been listed at a few different positions over the last few years. From tight end to defensive end to overall athlete, he brings a lot of versatility to the table. Last fall, Muhammad would finish the season with nearly 70 tackles, including nearly ten tackles for loss. This season, he's one of a handful of starters that are returning on the defensive side of the ball. We think that Muhammad could be a breakout star in Class 3A this season and he's someone who has the ability to set the tone on the line of scrimmage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1293008"],"_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-68829eb3459f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Similar to Rolland flying under the radar because of Thomas, running back [player_tooltip player_id='1293008' first='Jayden' last='Ellen'] was another player that flew under the radar last fall. Ellen put up some monster numbers and should get more credit for the season he had last fall. Ellen ran for more than 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns. He had nine games where he went for 100+ yards. But the unique part of his season was he could have done more damage in the touchdown department. All 17 touchdowns came in the first seven weeks of the season. He scored at least two touchdowns in each of their first six games. This season, Ellen will look to start and finish strong during his senior year. </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>Cale Thompson - 2026 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>Gabe Scarborough - 2028 Offensive Lineman<br>Jacob Patterson - 2029 Tight End/Linebacker<br>Jacob Stith - 2029 Running Back/Linebacker<br>Jayden Lake - 2027 Wide Receiver<br>Jaythan Verner - 2029 Running Back/Defensive Back<br>Landynn Thomason - 2027 Wide Receiver<br>Shooter Eagleberger - 2026 Defensive Back<br>Treagan Duvall - 2028 Kicker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 SCHEDULE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aug. 29th - Okmulgee</strong><br>- For the second straight year, Checotah will open up the regular season against Okmulgee. Last season, the Wildcats got off to an explosive start to the year, beating the Bulldogs 49-0. That would end up being their largest margin of victory in 2024. Last year was their first meeting since 2019.<br><strong>Sept. 5th - AT Seminole</strong><br>- Here's a game that we'll have circled to find out just how serious Checotah is in 2025. They go on the road to face Seminole in week one. They played a high-scoring, back and forth game a year ago with Seminole winning 60-49. If the Wildcats get a win here, it'll be time to take them seriously.<br><strong>Sept. 12th - Dewey&nbsp;</strong><br>- In week two, Checotah will wrap up their non-district slate with a home game against Dewey. The Wildcats beat the Bulldoggers 53-13 last season. It was the first meeting between these two teams since the 2008 playoffs. For Checotah, it's one last tune up before going into a competitive district slate.<br><strong>Sept. 26th - AT Locust Grove</strong><br>- The Wildcats go on the road to kick off district play against Locust Grove in week four. The Wildcats beat Locust Grove in a high-scoring affair that saw them win 68-42. It was the most points they scored in 2024 and it was also the fifth straight win over Locust Grove in the last five years.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 3rd - Muldrow</strong><br>- Checotah hosts Muldrow in week five and what a difference a year makes. The Wildcats have won the last two meetings and they were polar opposites. In 2023, Checotah won 7-6 as offense was optional. In 2024, they won 48-45 as defense became optional. We can't wait to see what 2025 holds.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 10th - AT Stigler</strong><br>- The second half of the regular season kicks off with a road game against Stigler. Last season, the Wildcats won 31-6 and it was their second straight win in this series. These two teams have been district opponents since 2018. Last year's win helped Checotah punch their ticket to the playoffs.<br><strong>Oct. 16th - Holland Hall</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night, Checotah will host Holland Hall and this is definitely a game that Checotah will have circled. The Wildcats lost a 33-32 heartbreaker to the Dutch last season. They also lost to Holland Hall in three straight playoff appearances in 2020, 2021 and 2023.<br><strong>Oct. 24th - AT Lincoln Christian</strong><br>- If you want to win the 3A state championship, you have to go through Lincoln Christian first. In week eight, Checotah travels to Tulsa to square off with Lincoln Christian. These two have met every year in district play since 2018 and Checotah is 0-7 in those meetings. They're desperate to turn things around in this series.<br><strong>Oct. 31st - Idabel</strong><br>- On a Halloween Friday night in week nine, Checotah will host Idabel. Last season, Checotah lost to the Warriors 38-23. It was their first meeting since 2019 and prior to last year, Checotah has won six straight in the series. The Warriors will have a first year head coach this season.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 7th - AT Eufaula</strong><br>- Whether it's been in district play or non-district play, Checotah and Eufaula have played every year for decades. This year, it's in the regular season finale as these two are district rivals after a decade of meeting in non-district play. Checotah won 13-7 and have won the last two in the series.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's not going to be easy to replace the best player in the state. And that's what wide receiver and Oklahoma signee Elijah Thomas was for the Wildcats last season. Thomas is now entering his freshman year at Oklahoma and all indications from the spring and summer has been Thomas could see the field this fall for the Sooners. Last season, he was out of this world good for Checotah, specifically during that memorable playoff run. Thomas finished the season with over 70 catches for more than 1,800 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also added over 400 yards and ten touchdowns on the ground. All in all, between offense, defense and special teams, Thomas accounted for 37 touchdowns in 2024. That's an insane amount of production from one player. It will be a committee of multiple players trying to replace what Thomas brought to the Checotah offense. When he was about to start his freshman year in 2021, head coach Zac Ross told us they had this kid named Thomas that was about to be special. He was right.&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>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<br>2020 - 5-6 - Lost In Class 3A 2nd 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 -->