Football Game Preview: Checotah Wildcats vs. Eufaula Ironheads

Checotah and Eufaula are an even 5-5 against one another since September of 2015, but not for long. The Wildcats will head out to face off against the Ironheads at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Eufaula took a loss in their last contest and will be looking to turn the tables on Checotah, who comes in off a win.

On Friday, Checotah needed a bit of extra time to put away Idabel. They had just enough and edged out the Warriors 55-53. The high-scoring effort was just what the Wildcats needed considering they were shut out in their previous matchup.

Cole Rolland

Rushing Touchdowns

10/31/25 vs Idabel	3
10/16/25 vs Holland Hall	2
10/03/25 vs Muldrow	2
09/05/25 @ Seminole	3

Checotah can attribute much of their success to Jayden Ellen, who rushed for 203 yards and five scores while picking up 7.5 yards per carry, and Cole Rolland, who rushed for 207 yards and three TDs. That's the most rushing touchdowns Rolland has posted since back in September.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Checotah was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 410 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.

Meanwhile, Friday just wasn't the day for Eufaula's offense. They were beaten by Lincoln Christian 62-0 on Friday. The game marked the first time this year in which the Ironheads were not able to get on the board.

Checotah now has a winning record of 5-4. As for Eufaula, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 2-7.

Friday's contest will pit two of the most dominant backs against one another: Ellen and Peter Lee. Ellen just won't slow down this season and has run in 12 touchdowns while averaging 161.7 rushing yards per game. Lee has been a dominant force too and has averaged 125.1 rushing yards per game.

Checotah didn't have too much breathing room in their matchup against Eufaula in their previous meeting back in November of 2024, but they still walked away with a 13-7 win. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Lee, who rushed for 209 yards and one touchdown. Now that he's got a second chance to win this matchup, will the Wildcats still be able to contain Lee? There's only one way to find out.