Choctaw (Oklahoma) football team returns to field after shooting incident, gets emotional win

Yellowjackets defeat Westmoore in first game back after tragic shooting incident

MOORE, Oklahoma - Because of a tragic incident that took place at Choctaw’s first football game of the season, they hadn’t played a game in almost two weeks when they stepped on the field Thursday against Westmoore. 

Even with a little rust around the edges, the 2022 6AII runners-up pulled away from the Jaguars late to earn a 29-10 victory at Moore Stadium.

Choctaw was led by quarterback Cash Williams, who accounted for three touchdowns and 356 total yards. He did this despite rotating with Landon Gatson throughout the night.

After the shooting that took the life of a 16-year-old at Choctaw’s home game two weeks ago, Moore Public School officials took extra precautions. That included having 12 members of the Moore Police Department and its Tactical Unit on hand.

Fans were not allowed to purchase tickets at the game. They had to be bought at the schools during the week.

Despite these changes, it didn’t keep Choctaw from opening the game on fire. On the second play of the game, Williams sprinted down the field for an 80-yard touchdown run.

On their very next series, it was Mayor Morgan’s turn to reel off a long touchdown run to put Choctaw up, 12-0.

Conversely, Westmoore’s start to the night was the exact opposite. The Jaguars fumbled the ball on two of their first three snaps. That led to senior Will Smith picking up a sack on quarterback Michael Graham Jr.

It looked like the Jags were going to get run off the field. But their defense shut down the Yellowjackets the rest of the half as Choctaw maintained a 12-0 lead.

The Jaguars jumped on the scoreboard to start the third when Graham broke free down the sideline for a touchdown. They added a field goal on their next possession to cut Choctaw’s lead down to two, 12-10.

However, the Yellowjackets offense exploded once again. Williams threw a quick pass into the flats to JuJu Smith, who broke free for a 70-yard touchdown catch.

Williams then tacked on a touchdown run to restore order and pull Choctaw ahead 26-10 early in the fourth quarter.

Choctaw (1-0) will be at Putnam City North Sept. 22. Westmoore (1-2) will face crosstown rival Moore, also on Sept. 22.