TAHLEQUAH TIGERS
Coach: BRAD GILBERT
3-8
OFFENSE
After reaching the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season, the Tigers eagerly await the start of the 2024 campaign that not only includes a return to Class 5A football but also the playmaking talents of nine starters to the offensive unit. Beckett Robinson (6-2, 186, Sr.), a repeat VYPE Top 100 selection will be healthy and eager to make the most of his talents. Last year, Robinson grabbed 41 receptions totaling 722 yards and seven touchdowns even though he missed five games due to injury. “Beckett is a leader for our team, a true talent with the speed to take any catch to the house,” said head coach Brad Gilbert. “He has made 87 receptions over the last two seasons and has an opportunity to become the school’s all-time leading receiver.” JJ Antwine (6-2, 188, Sr.) will add to the Tigers’ ability to stretch the field at receiver as another sure handed option for quarterback Cash McAlvain (6-0, 164, Sr.), who returns to direct the Tigers offense after passing for 1,622 yards including 14 touchdowns while completing 62-percent of his attempts. “Cash was forced to learn on the go last season and delivered productive results,” Gilbert said with confidence on the Tigers’ second year starter. The 19-year Tahlequah coach also expects top level results from Jake Girty (5-11, 200, Jr.) as a bullish type running back as the “road graders” upfront boasts the return of “4-plus” starters including Brock Mascho (6-3, 286, Sr.), Kael Carey (5-11, 260, Jr.), Jaden Whitehead (5-10, 234, Jr.), Vernon Buckner (6-6, 352, Sr.) as well as Cash Jones (5-9, 230, Sr.) and Carter Kelly (6-1, 211, Sr.) dominate their opponents on the line of scrimmage.
“We have the ability to make explosive plays on the perimeter as well as move the chains running the football to create a balanced attack,” said Gilbert.
DEFENSE
Pursuit is once again the calling card for success in the Tigers defensive scheme and with six starters returning fans can expect another disciplined, fundamentally sound performance. After totaling 86 stops to lead the team in tackles last year, Xaxton Carshall (6-0, 172, Jr.) returns at strong safety while Caden Nix (6-1, 174, Sr.), Synjin Sampson (6-1, 176, Jr.) will lineup at free safety to allow Cutter Girdner (6-1, 165, Jr.) and JJ Antwine to make hard nosed plays at cornerback. Size, strength and mobility will be an advantage for Tahlequah’s ability to win the battles upfront solidified by the game changing efforts of Carter Kelly and Kingston Hall (6-3, 266, Jr.) at defensive end while Aiden Culver (6-3, 286, Jr.) returns at nose guard. The maturity of the linebacker unit will get a quick start as Traeven Morris (5-10, 176, Jr.), Tyger Jimerson (6-2, 221, Sr.) and Jake Girty create challenges for opponents inside to allow Chris Perry (5-9, 153, Jr.), Kordin Dietz (6-1, 179, Jr.) and Austin Marsh (5-10, 168, Jr.) to wreak havoc on the outside edge.
The 2024 campaign will give Tahlequah a home field advantage down the stretch with three of their final four district 5A-4 contests to be played at Doc Wadley Stadium/Gable Field.
8-30 – at East Central
9-6 – vs. Sapulpa
9-13 – at Wagoner
9-27 – at Claremore
10-4 – vs. Pryor
10-11 – at Collinsville
10-17 – vs. Tulsa Memorial
10-25 – at Del City
11-1 – vs. Will Rogers
11-8 – vs. Nathan Hale
