Sooners hand 73 on Arkansas State

Sports

September 7, 2023

By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR

The No. 20 ranked Oklahoma Sooners defeated Arkansas State 73-0 Saturday before 83,221, opening their final season in the Big 12 Conference with a runaway victory against an obvious outclassed opponent.

Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel was on target in his 2023 debut, throwing for 308 yards and two touchdowns on 19 of 22 passing. Gabriel also rushed five yards for a touchdown in the second quarter before giving way to freshman backup Jackson Arnold in the second half.

The Sooners running game was outstanding as running back Marcus Major scored from two yards out in the first while walk-on rusher Tawee Walker added 1-yard touchdowns in the second and third. Freshman running back Kalib Hicks added a 6-yard score in the fourth.

Receivers Drake Stoops and Gavin Freeman caught first quarter touchdown passes from Gabriel and Freeman returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown. Backup quarterback Jackson Arnold threw a touchdown pass to Jayden Gibson and rushed seven yards for a score in the third quarter.

Game Stats Total Yards-OU 642AS 208 Passing Yards-OU 422-AS 160 Rushing Yards-OU 220-AS 48 Yards Per Play-OU 7.8-AS 4.2

A: Main, News...

Checotah Schools savor the holidays

By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

November 27, 2025

All of Checotah Schools were a buzz as students, teachers and staff savored their last week of holiday events before Thanksgiving Break. Checotah School Choirs under Director Greg Spena performed thei...

A: Main, News...

ODOT’s $54M investment funding highway projects

By LYNN ADAMS SPECIAL TO THE MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT

November 27, 2025

Driving on McIntosh County highways should be smoother by 2035, according to plans by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to resurface about 39 miles of I-40, U.S. 69 and other highways. ODOT ex...

A: Main, News...

A ‘Golden Christmas’ to benefit residents

November 27, 2025

A “Golden Christmas” sponsored by the Checotah Art Guild will benefit residents at the Checotah Nursing and Rehabilitation Center again this year. Select an angel off the Golden Angel Tree located in ...

A: Main, News...

A Thanksgiving message to our community

By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER

November 27, 2025

As we head into Thanksgiving, we find ourselves reflecting on what makes our community so special. This isn’t just about where we live; it’s all the simple moments that remind us that smalltown life i...

A: Main, News...

Candidate filing begins for Board of Education

November 27, 2025

Candidate filing for the Board of Education begins Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, for McIntosh County school districts. Those who wish to file for a Board of Education office must submit a Declaration of Candi...

A: Main, News...

Mural dedication honors Watts’ legacy and leadership

By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER

November 27, 2025

Friends, family and officials attended a powerful moment of community pride on Monday as a new mural honoring former U.S. Congressman and Eufaula native J.C. Watts is officially dedicated at City Hall...

A: Main, News...

A hoe-lot is happening at The Happy Hoe Farm Market

By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

November 20, 2025

Who says you can’t be a Happy Hoe? The Checotah Chamber of Commerce just had a ribbon cutting for The Happy Hoe Farm Market and the talk around town is there’s a hoe-lot of good things to eat or get a...

A: Main, News...

Another successful Veterans Day Celebration

By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

November 20, 2025

Another successful Veterans Day Celebration was hosted by Checotah Public Schools and honored all who served in the military especially local veterans on Tuesday, November 11. The special day started ...

A: Main, Community Calendar...

Upcoming Holiday Events

By 3rd Annual Feed the Community

November 20, 2025

3rd Annual Feed the Community Tuesday, Nov. 24 Dinner served from 5 p.m. until the food runs out Checotah Community Center Everyone is welcome! By TNT Power Washing Services In Memory of their mother,...

A: Main, News...

Motorcyclist killed

November 20, 2025

A 36-year-old cyclist from McAlester was killed Friday when he lost control of his vehicle on U.S. 270 and Oil Well Road, rolled through a barbed wire fence and came to rest in a field. Zachary W. Pat...

A: Main, Community Calendar...

Ava Rose Johnson partners with businesses for Holiday Food Drive

November 20, 2025

Ava Rose Johnson is partnering with Community Counselors Group and True Value in a Holiday Food Drive that will help support families impacted by the recent government shutdown and cutbacks. “I am thr...