For more than a century, few rivalries in Oklahoma high school football have carried the tradition, emotion, and community pride of the Eufaula Ironheads vs. Checotah Wildcats matchup. This is the longest un-interrupted high school football rivalry in the state of Oklahoma.
This Friday night marks the 110th meeting between the two McIntosh County powerhouses — a rivalry that transcends the gridiron and unites generations under the glow of Friday night-lights. On November 7 at Paul Bell Stadium the rivalry game will take place at 7 p.m.
The annual clash has been a defining fall tradition since the early 1900s. The game isn’t just about football; it’s about heritage, family bragging rights, and a fierce but respectful competition between two neighboring towns separated by just a few miles of Highway 69 — and decades of shared history. From hall of fame coaches Paul Bell (Eufaula) and Ray Grandstaff (Checotah) to the legendary Selmon brothers and J.C. Watts to Rusty Martin, Gregg Dixon and Drew Dan. This game has seen history in the making.
Both schools enter this year’s contest with plenty to prove. Eufaula, led by head coach Larry Newton, continues to rely on a gritty defense led by Blayden Neill and Luke Hodgins and the power running of senior standout Peter Lee, who’s been the heart of the Ironheads’ offense this season.
Checotah, guided by head coach Zac Ross, brings a balanced attack behind quarterback Cole Rolland and running back Jayden Ellen to playmakers, Jayden Lake and Elijah Muhammad, who have kept opposing defenses guessing all year.
“It doesn’t matter what the records are when Eufaula and Checotah meet,” said one longtime fan. “You can throw all that out the window — it’s about pride and history.”
“This is the Texas versus Oklahoma of high school football,” Porum and former Checotah head coach Brandon Turley said.
Over the decades, the rivalry has seen everything — overtime thrillers, defensive slugfests, and last-second heroics that have become legend around both towns. Checotah holds the overall series edge 55-53-1, but Eufaula has made the rivalry more competitive in recent years with a series of hard-fought wins and nearly pulling off a win last year falling just 1312.
For the players, it’s personal. Many of them grew up playing youth football together, sharing classrooms, or even being cousins on opposite sidelines. “You know everybody on the other team,” one senior said. “It’s bragging rights for 365 days.”
Friday night’s atmosphere promises to be electric. The stands will be packed, the bands will battle note-fornote, and both student sections will roar with pride. Fans from across McIntosh County will line up early, decked out in Ironhead maroon or Wildcat blue, ready to witness another chapter of this iconic Oklahoma rivalry and who will take home the McIntosh County Championship trophy.
As kickoff approaches for the 110th meeting, one thing is certain — when the Ironheads and Wildcats square off, it’s more than just a game. It’s history in motion, a living testament to small-town spirit, and a reminder that some traditions are simply timeless.
BREAKDOWN OF POSITIONS Quarterback
Checotah sophomore Cole Rolland (6’2”, 190 lbs) has a cannon for an arm and is not easily tackled. Both he and Eufaula’s quarterback Koltyn Lane are dual threat quarterbacks. Lane is tough as a $2.00 steak. He has played this season under 100% due to lower body injury but he continues to play hard and is effective.
Running Back
Both schools will face the best running backs in the district with Jayden Ellen leading the Wildcats and Peter Lee leading the Ironheads. Ellen runs like Barry Sanders and Lee runs like Eric Dickerson. Both will not go down after first contact and are extremely strong and fast.
Offensive and Defensive lines
This is an equal match-up. Checotah will be led by Bryce Marshall, Gabe Scarborough, Payden Miller and Ashten Newport.
Trevor Dodd, Simeon Hill, Brandon Bratton and Grayson McLaughlin will anchor the line for Eufaula.
Tight End
Eufaula – Logan Plant (6’4”, 210 lbs) has been the go-to receiver for Lane. He has great hands and can power his way for a first down.
Checotah – Elijah Mohammad (6’2”, 230 lbs) is fast and quick off the line and can go across the field without hesitation.
Wide Receiver Checotah – Jayden Lake, Landynn Thomason and Hudson Pollard will lead the way for the Wildcats. Each is very capable of breaking a big play.
Eufaula – Luke Hodgins (RB/WR/LB), Zayvion Price, Michael Smith and Clayton Plunkett have the ability to make high light receptions and can make plays after the catch.
Linebackers
This will be a position to watch as both schools are loaded. All of these athletes can unload bone-jarring hits and can break up pass attempts Eufaula – Peter Lee, Luke Hodgins, Asher Box, Beau Tarron and Jax Hickman.
Checotah – Woodrow Spears, Jacob Stith and Ace Wilhite.
Defensive End Eufaula – Blayden Neill (6’4”, 210 lbs) is a monster at this position. Neill is country boy strong, mean and tough and to cap it off he is fast, powerful and football smart.
Checotah – Elijah Mohammad-(6’2”, 230 lbs) is extremely quick, powerful and can power through opposing linemen.
Teams would be smart not to run where these two players lineup.
Secondary Checotah – Hudson Pollard, Jayden Lake, Landynn Thomason and Carter Sisson. These players are dangerous to receivers as each is fast and covers extremely well.
Eufaula – Zayvion Price, Michael Smith, Clayton Plunkett, Doltyn Lane and Cash French will see most of the action. Each is fast, covers well and is capable to intercept passes.
Kicker
Eufaula – Gavin Holman
Checotah – Traegan Duvall Both have strong legs and are great at PAT or kicking a longer field goal.
