The Checotah Wildcats saw their 2025 football season come to an end, but not before leaving a mark built on resilience, growth, and undeniable pride in the blue and white. Though the final scoreboard didn’t fall their way in the postseason, this year’s Wildcats battled through adversity, showcased emerging talent, and strengthened the foundation for future success.
The McIntosh County Democrat (MCD) is proud to have covered the Wildcats and is extremely happy to announce the 2025 MCD Checotah Football Players of the Year.
Checotah’s season was filled with highs, heartbreaks, and defining moments that revealed the program’s toughness. The Wildcats pushed through injuries, lineup changes, and one of the most competitive 3A schedules in the state as they made the post-season playoffs and ended with a 6-5 record. They delivered rivalry-game magic with a thrilling 21-14 win over Eufaula in the 110th meeting of the storied Ironheads-Wildcats series, a victory that reminded everyone of the potential packed inside this roster with athletes like Tommy Calico, Jayden Lake, Traegan Duvall, Woodrow Spears, Eli Patterson, Carter Sisson, Ace Wilhite and others.
Offensively, Checotah showed flashes of explosiveness. With big-play threats on the perimeter, steady quarterback leadership by Cole Rolland, and a ground attack that powered key drives throughout the season; the Wildcats were always one snap away from changing a game. Defensively, Checotah had moments of dominance—timely stops, strong linebacker play, and a secondary capable of creating turnovers kept them in the thick of several tight contests with players like Gabe Scarborough, Bryce Marshall, Cale Thompson, Hudson Pollard, Jayden Lake, Landynn Thomason, Cole Rolland, Woodrow Spears and Eliajh Mohammad.
But perhaps the biggest storyline of the season was the Wildcats’ perseverance. Even as injuries and late-season attrition reshaped the roster, younger players stepped up, veterans dug in, and the team continued to compete with heart until the final whistle. The Wildcats refused to fold, showing character that coach- es say will define Checotah football moving forward.
As the season ends, so does the high school career of a memorable senior class. Their leadership— on long practice days, in lockerroom moments no one sees, and under Friday night-lights—laid the groundwork for the next generation. They leave behind a legacy of determination and Wildcat pride that will echo through the weight room and practice fields long after graduation.
It is with great pleasure to name the following athletes as MCD Checotah Football Players of the Year.
The MCD 2025 Checotah Most Valuable Player of the Year is Cole Rolland.
The junior quarterback was 92 of 175 for 1,304 yards with 12 touchdowns and only sixinterceptions. He also ran the football 173 times for 856 yards and 15 touchdowns for 2,167 total yards. Defensively Rolland made 68 tackles including 17 solo tackles and five tackles for a loss.
The MCD 2025 Checotah Defensive Player of the Year is Woodrow Spears.
The junior linebacker led the team in total tackles with 105 including 35 solo tackles. Spears also had 13 tackles for a loss. His physicality, power and strength overwhelmed opponents in addition to his durability. Spears also played fullback on offense for the Wildcats.
The MCD 2025 Checotah Offensive Player’s of the Year is Landynn Thomason and Jayden Lake.
Both junior receivers combined for 1,116 yards and six touchdowns. Checotah head coach Zac Ross should be ecstatic to have both these receivers back next season. Both are sure handed, fast off the snap and have the ability to make highlight receptions to move the chains. Both are huge targets for Rolland and have the speed to outrun defenders.
The MCD 2025 Checotah Defensive Lineman of the Year is Elijah Mohammad.
The senior defensive end led the team in quarterback sacks with six, 69 total tackles including 27 solo tackles and led the team in tackles for loss with 19. At 6’2”, 230 lb, Mohammad should get an opportunity to play at the next level.
The MCD 2025 Checotah Offensive Lineman of the Year is Bryce Marshall.
The junior played left tackle and left guard at times throughout the season. His versatility allowed him to play multiple positions. At 6’2”, 230 lbs, Marshall was a bulldozer on the offensive line. His ability to get under the shoulder pads of his opponents and the explosiveness of his strength and power aided the Wildcats’ running attack.
