McIntosh County had a lot to be proud of last week as three area football players signed their letters of intent to play college football. Blayden Neill, Luke Hodgins and Elijah Mohammad took their first step in a new chapter of their lives with family and friends in attendance.

Eufaula senior defensive standout Blayden Neill signed with Southern Nazarene University. Neill was the defensive player that offensive coordinators had to design plays to go to the opposite of the field. At 6’4”, 220 lbs, he was explosive at the defensive end position. Neill finished with 90 tackles, 11 for a loss, led the team in quarterback sacks with four, three forced fumbles and a pass batted down. Neill was also the Co-MVP for the Ironheads.

Eufaula senior Luke Hodgins came into the season playing multiple positions, quarterback, running back, receiver, linebacker and punter. Hodgins (6’2”, 220 lbs) was devastating on defense as he finished with 99 tackles, three tackles for a loss and two quarterback sacks. Both Hickman and Hodgins have great speed and strength that allows them to cover from sideline to sideline. Hodgins has received multiple college offers and was offered by Oklahoma Baptist University to play running back for the Bison, which he committed to.

Checotah senior Elijah Mohammad played 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.

Mohammad was the McIntosh County Democrat Defensive Lineman of the Year. Mohammad committed to Northwestern Oklahoma State University.