Jackets rough up Muskogee
CHS moves to 3-1 in District 6A-II-2
By Ryan Horton
Managing Editor
Last year when Choctaw faced Muskogee, the Yelowjackets ended the Rougher’s season on their own field to kick off the Class 6A-II playoffs.
The eight-point state quarterfinal victory advanced the Jackets to the state semifinals for the first time since 1965.
This year’s matchup had a lot less pressure, but the Jackets soundly handled the new district opponents when they visited Bill Jensen Field, Oct. 15.
Choctaw claimed a 26-10 victory, but they wanted more.
Choctaw’s Spencer Boles finds some running room against Muskogee.
(PHOTO BY LINDSAY TESIO)
“I tell our guys to never apologize for a win, but obviously we played a little sloppy tonight. In a big game that’ll catch up to us,” said head coach Jake Corbin. “We’re really young on offense, and that continues to show. We’d like to be able to go and execute like we think we can.”
The winless Roughers were desperate for a victory, but Choctaw’s hard-hitting defense kept them to their lowest score of the season other than an early shutout they suffered from Bentonville, Arkansas.
The Jackets were hoping to hang half a hundred on the Roughers, as Bartlesville managed to do a week earlier, but CHS settled for a 16-point district win.
Choctaw put in a total of 546 yards good for four touchdowns and a 2-point conversion on Muskogee.
Sophomore quarterback Steel Wasel led the charge with 341 yards passing for three TDs and another four yards rushing including a TD of his own.
La’Trell Ray had some big plays producing 221 yards of offense for the Jackets. Ray put in 51 yards receiving and 170 yards rushing.
Terrill Davis had a solid night putting in 158 yards receiving good for a TD. He also had another 10 yards rushing.
Daymon Jackson had 21 yards rushing and another 19 receiving.
Jax Burchett had 17 yards receiving including a TD and a 2-point play.
Wes Ziegler had 12 yards receiving for CHS.
Choctaw’s defense once again proved they’re one of the best in the state.
The Jackets repeatedly killed Rougher drives, and also made big plays such as University of Oklahoma commit Jordan Mukes’ interception in the Muskogee end zone that he ran out to setup the
CHS offense at their own 42-yard line.
Daymon Jackson puts in some yards for Choctaw.
(PHOTO BY LINDSAY TESIO)
“Defense continues to play lights out and they’ve been the lifeblood of the team. Offense is coming around. You saw it sometimes, but then also we had some missed executions,” said Corbin.
The Roughers fell to 0-6, and with Bixby, Booker T. Washington and Ponca City left on the stacked district slate they’ll be fortunate to take a win before it’s all over.
Despite Muskogee’s dismal record, the program has been a regular power in the eastside conference of 6A-II-2 which Choctaw moved to this season.
Muskogee is now 0-2 vs. the Jackets.
With the win, Choctaw moved to 4-3 overall and 3-1 in District 6A-II-2 play.
Corbin hopes to have things worked out this week as CHS hosts Sand Springs (4-3, 2-2) Friday.
The Lady Yellowjackets cheer Choctaw to another win. (PHOTO BY LINDSAY TESIO)
“Should be a really big game. We’re playing Sand Springs at home for a home playoff berth,” said Corbin. “So, we need to clean up some stuff, get healthy and get ready to roll.”
Choctaw’s only district loss came from No. 1-ranked Bixby, while their other losses were to top Arkansas challengers in No. 1-ranked and undefeated Greenwood and a season-opening stumble against Springdale.
Kickoff against Sand Springs is set for 7 p.m., Oct. 23.
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