The Checotah Wildcats started the football season with a dominant 62-28 victory over the Okmulgee Bulldogs. Checotah started the game with a touchdown reception by Landyn Thomason. The Wildcats sophomore quarterback Cole Rolland had a spectacular game throwing five touchdowns going 7 of 9 passing and ran for two touchdowns from nine and three yards out.

“I thought we did a great job on both sides of the football. Cole did an exceptional job tonight at the quarterback position. Our offensive line gave him plenty of time to make his reads. Landon had a big night receiving with three touchdowns. Our rushing game was solid and defensively we put a lot of pressure on them. I’m really proud of these guys,” Checotah head coach Zac Ross said.

Rolland extended the score to 14-0 followed by a touchdown run by Tommy Calico from 11 yards out to make it 20-0. Okmulgee scored on their next possession when the Wildcats broke containment, 20-6. Thomason recovered a fumble to set up the Wildcat’s next touchdown. Rolland threw a 47-yard pass for a touchdown but it was called back due to a helmet-to-helmet penalty. Checotah scored again when Thomason scored with 2:41 on the clock in the first quarter.

Senior defensive back Hudson Pollard intercepted an Okmulgee pass and ran all the way to the eight-yard line. The play set up another Cole Rolland touchdown to end the first quarter 34-6.

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The Checotah defense swarmed the Okmulgee Bulldogs throughout the game Friday as they only allowed one touchdown in the first half of their 62-28 victory.

RODNEY HALTOM | SPORTS EDITOR Logan Crawford caught the next touchdown pass with 9:43 in the second quarter to extend the Wildcats’ lead to 41-6. Elijah Mohammad sacked the Bulldogs’ quarterback for a 6-yard loss on the Bulldogs next possession. Bryce Marshal, Tommy Calico, Woodrow Spears, Hudson Pollard, Landyn Thomason and Ace Wilhite played great on defense with Wilhite making five solo tackles and Elijah Mohammad finished the game with four tackles, three being for a loss.

Freshman Jacob Stith scored from eight yards out to make it 48-6 with 6:52 remaining in the first half.

Checotah wasn’t done as Thomason scored again to extend the score 55-6 to end the first half.

Rolland’s favorite target was Thomason who was 3-for-3 in receptions with three touchdowns of 50, 47 and 29 yards. Calcio led the rushing attack with three carries for 20 yards and a touchdown.

Sophomore Traegan Duvall returned an interception 32 yards for a defensive touchdown.

Checotah will travel to Seminole next Friday with a 7 p.m. start.