The Checotah Wildcats bounced back from last season and had one of the most exciting and successful seasons. The Wildcats ended the season 7-4 overall and earned a spot in the playoffs. Checotah head coach Zac Ross put together a fantastic coaching staff including former Wildcat and division I football player Drew Dan. Checotah was led by a group of seniors who led by example and put forth great effort on and off the gridiron Like Lane Elliott, Jaxton Jones, Jacob Jones, Keith McGuire, Jaydin Bray and Kamden Miller just to mention a few.
And the future is bright for the Wildcats as they return Oklahoma commit Elijah Thomas, running back Kaden Mitchell, Brian Love, Dallas Carter, Reighn Westbrook and Dylan Robinson. The Wildcats were explosive on offense, special teams and had one of the best defensive fronts in Class 3A that was anchored down by players like Alex Moffit, Jonah Marshall, Miller, Westbrook, Jaxton Jones, Hayden Reynolds and other teammates.
It is with great honor that the McIntosh County Democrat (MCD) names the 2023 Checotah Football Players of the Year.
The MCD Checotah Most Valuable Player is Elijah Thomas. The Junior receiver, return man and defensive back had an exceptional season. Defensively Thomas had 89 tackles (55 solo), four tackles for a loss, forced fumble, 2 interceptions and 8 pass breakups. On offense Thomas had 55 receptions for 1197 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also had 19 carries for 124 yards and 5 touchdowns and he passed the ball for 57 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Thomas also had 14 kick returns for 329 yards and 3 touchdowns and 2 punt returns for 110 yards and a touchdown.
The MCD Co-Offensive Player of the Year is Jacob Jones and Kaden Mitchell. Jones led the offense like a general from the quarterback position. He was 152–of-232 passing for 2317 yards with an impressive 31 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Jones also ran the ball 49 times for 132 yards and a touchdown.
The MCD Co-Offensive Player of the Year is Kaden Mitchell. Mitchell was as exciting as any running back could be. He has great power and speed and toughness and is a great receiver out of the backfield. He had 123 carries for 1082 yards with 9 touchdowns and caught 19 receptions for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The MCD Offensive Linemen of the Year is Kamden Miller. Miller used his sheer size 6’6”, 230 lbs, to blow defensive linemen off the line of scrimmage creating lanes for Mitchell to run through or pass blocked for Jones. Miller has the size and skill set to play at the next level.
The MCD Defensive Player of the Year is Reighn Westbrook. Westbrook was devastating for opposing offenses. He had 85 total tackles with 33 solo, led the team in tackles for a loss with 16 and made 4 QB sacks and a pair of fumble recoveries.
The MCD Defensive Linemen of the Year is Dylan Robinson. Robinson led the team with 96 tackles, eight for a loss, a QB sack and a forced fumble. His power and strength was overpowering. He has great vision of the field and can play multiple positions on the front.
The MCD Special Teams Player of the Year is Jaxton Jones. Jones was dominating opposing kicking teams with the speed of his pass rushing as he recorded a pair of blocked punts, with one in the Stigler game that gave the football to Checotah inside the 20-yard line. Jones has great senior leadership and the skill set that made him a factor on special teams.
