(FREE) Choctaw Powers By Booker T Washington 29-20
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As the calendar turned to fall there was a chill in the air for the second half. And with that calendar turn, the focus on high school football also turned. To district play. In 6A-2, Booker T Washington visited district rivals Choctaw, with both squads harboring Gold Ball aspirations. The nerves and anticipation were high on both sides, which was apparent from the amount of yellow laundry that decorated the field all night.
The chippy tone was set early, as after a good run by Choctaw junior running back La’Trell Ray La’Trell Ray 5'9" | 165 lbs | RB Choctaw | 2023 State OK he was shoved after the whistle into his own sideline. Seconds later, seemingly all 11 Hornets were somehow all over the Choctaw sideline. Offsetting penalties is what came out that fracas. Which would be a theme all night. Hornet’s star Alvin Gentry was even ejected in the second quarter on a deadball penalty. Along with deadball fouls, there were poorly handled snaps and the teams often traded 5 yards back and forth with false starts and offsides.
In between the penalties and miscues, there was some good football played. Fittingly Steele Wasel Steele Wasel 6'4" | 210 lbs | QB Choctaw | 2023 State OK showed steely resolve against a speedy Booker T Washington pass rush. He was able to navigate traffic and still step into throws. He was efficient and mistake free all night long He opened the scoring late in the first quarter with a short touchdown pass to junior Jax Smith Jax Smith 6'1" | 195 lbs | WR Choctaw | 2023 State OK .
After that, it was actually Booker T Washington that scored the next two touchdowns of the game. Junior Issac Fain ran in a short score in the second quarter. And then an explosive two play drive from Booker T Washington to open the second ended with standout junior Micah Tease Micah Tease 6'1" | WR Booker T Washington | 2023 State OK scoring from 33 yards out. In between those two scores, was a spirited goalline stand from the Hornets that ended the first half.
From that point forward, it was about the physical Choctaw offensive line. They got back to opening lanes for Ray to run through. While providing time for Wasel to make pinpoint passes. In the third quarter, they helped cap two long drives with short runs by senior CJ Smith CJ Smith 6'4" | 195 lbs | ATH Choctaw | 2022 State OK .
With the lead restored, Choctaw’s physical playing style set the tone for the rest of the game. After running hard all night to set up redzone opportunities, Ray finally found the endzone himself in the fourth. And while Booker T Washington had one last scoring drive, the game never really felt in doubt after Choctaw’s physical third quarter performance.
Booker T Washington (3-1) 0 7 7 6 20
Choctaw (3-1) 8 0 14 7 29
TURNING POINT
After the quick strike of Booker T Washington had Choctaw trailing in the third quarter, the Yellowjackets showed aggressiveness on a 4th and 7 in their own territory. It paid off when Wasel was able to avoid pressure and find an open receiver to extend the drive. A few plays late, it was 4th and 4. With Wasel at the helm, they once again went for it. This time the pass was easier to Lamere’on Curry in the flat. That drive would lead to a touchdown and set the tone for the rest of the contest.
Player of the Game
La’Trell Ray La’Trell Ray 5'9" | 165 lbs | RB Choctaw | 2023 State OK – 2023 Running Back, Choctaw
Let’s give it to the man that ripped off chunk play after chunk play. He never fully busted the long homerun ball against the speedy Hornets’ DBs. But he consistently got to the second level and kept the chains moving. The quick junior was finally rewarded for his yard eating ways when he scored a short touchdown in the fourth quarter. Which gave Choctaw their first two score lead of the game.
WHAT’S NEXT
Booker T Washington vs Bartlesville
The Hornets will look to get back in the win column next week. They’ll have a good chance to do so, as they host a fellow Northeast Oklahoma squad in the Bartlesville Bruins. Last season, Booker T Washington won 34-7 against the Burins.
Choctaw at Ponca City
After their homecoming win to open district play, the Yellowjackets will hit the road. They’ll take I35 North all the way to Ponca City. Last year, it was narrow 20-14 for Choctaw. They’ll be hoping for a more comfortable win this season, as a date with last year’s State Championship game opponent Bixby looms in just two weeks.