Expectations High For Oologah Football

Oologah vs. Collinsville is our game of the week. 

Few things have been more dependable than Oologah football over the last few years. Three consecutive state title game appearances put them squarely in the state's 4A elite.

"These kids have all played in some very big games, so we feel like we've got a good team coming back,” said head coach Brandon Craig.

The mustangs are a different looking team this year, with a lot of talent gone to graduation. But that doesn't mean they set their sights any lower; in fact, some say it's even better.

"Our kids realize the expectations,” said Craig. “They understand what our program's about and we practice at a high level. They understand when they come out here they have to have a purpose."

Running back and linebacker Gunter Pearson added,  "This is probably one of our better teams we've had, is everybody coming together, so I'm pretty confident about it."

Mention 'Oologah' and 'state championship' in the same sentence and all of a sudden there's a big elephant in the room. Maybe, actually, it's a bulldog. They've fallen to Wagoner the last three years in the state title game, but the Mustangs think this is the year they finally get over the hump and bring home the gold ball.

"It really fuels us because three years in a row, you know, it's always kind of in the back of your mind,” said Pearson. “But, we take it one game at a time. We really look toward getting to that point."

So, don't be surprised if come the end of the season Oologah is right there in the mix again.

"Well, I just think that they're a tough group,” said Craig. “I mean, it's a bunch of tough kids. They play hard. They love the game of football and just willing to give all their effort to do the best they can."