Tahlequah wants to continue winning ways after moving up to Class 6AII

Deep receiving corps an asset for the Tigers, who are breaking in a new quarterback.

By Patrick Kays | Photo by Karen Schwartz 

Over the next few weeks, SBLive Oklahoma will break down high school football teams from the four largest classifications in the state in anticipation of the upcoming 2022 season. Here's our look at the Tahlequah Tigers. 

HEAD COACH

Brad Gilbert

RETURNING STARTERS

7 offense, 7 defense

2021 AT A GLANCE

Overall record: 7-4

District record: 5-2, 3rd in District 5A-4

Playoffs: Lost in first round of 5A playoffs to Coweta, 42-14

PLAYERS TO WATCH

WR Cale Matlock, 6-3, 188, Sr.

Matlock came off of a huge year, racking up a total of 13.7 yards per reception. His tall frame stands above the majority of defensive backs in the state, and will be a big target for their new quarterback.

WR Race Stopp, 5-10, 168, Jr.

Stopp was thrown at a ton in 2021. With 40 catches and averaging 11.6 yards per reception as a sophomore, he will only get bigger and faster for the Tahlequah Tigers.

QB Brody Younger, 6-1, 177, Jr.

Younger will take over for Tahlequah and gives them exactly what they need - a strong arm. In spring practice, Younger showed off significant arm strength and got the ball out quickly on slant routes. His pocket presence is one of a multi-year starter.

OL Tate Whittmore, 6-5, 307, Sr.

Whittmore will be tasked with keeping the pocket strong for Younger. Whittmore is a giant frame and moves well. He will not make it easy for opposing defensive linemen.

DB Dylan Leep, 6-2, 191, Sr.

Leep will be the leader of the Tigers' secondary, following an impressive 2021 campaign. With 24 tackles and six interceptions, he will be on the opposing teams' watch list every single game. So he is on our watch list as well.

OUTLOOK

The Tahlequah Tigers are back in a 6A classification since moving down to 5A after the 2007 season.

Under the leadership of coach Brad Gilbert, the Tigers are a program that is used to winning ball games. With winning seasons every year since 2015, Tahlequah steps up to bigger competition with some confidence and a lot of returning experience.

A very experienced wide receiver corps, with four of their top receivers back from last year, will be their biggest asset in 6AII.

Tahlequah has a very strange non-district schedule due to their promotion, as the Tigers face Wagoner and Sallisaw of 4A and Sapulpa of 5A - whom they open up the season against on Sept. 2.

District 6AII-1 play for Tahlequah starts on Sept. 23 at Putnam City West, and the Tigers return home the following week to take on Sand Springs before playing at Tulsa Booker T. Washington on Oct. 7.

COACH SAID

"While we're filling in key positions due to graduation, we believe we have the kids to get the job done to allow us to maintain a balanced attack. Like most years, the key for our offensive success will be our execution in the offensive front." - Brad Gilbert