Football Recap: Nakona Johnson's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Henryetta over Antlers

Henryetta was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They lost to the Antlers Bearcats at home by a 40-26 margin. The Knights were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Bearcats apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in October of 2024.

Nakona Johnson

Passing Touchdowns

10/23/25 vs Antlers	4
09/05/25 vs Okemah	3
08/29/25 @ Kellyville	3
10/03/25 vs Wilburton	2
09/26/25 @ Morris	2
+ 2 more games

Henryetta lost despite a true team effort on offense. The best among them was Nakona Johnson, who threw for 304 yards and four TDs while picking up 11.3 yards per attempt, and also rushed for 66 yards. He is becoming a predictor of Henryetta's success: when he posts at least three passing touchdowns the team is 2-1 (and 2-3 when he doesn't). The Knights' leading receiver Gavin Williams was Johnson's top target yet again, picking up 170 receiving yards and a pair of scores.

Antlers' victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Ben Copeland, who rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns, and also caught one TD. Kyzer Mullins was another key receiver, picking up 145 receiving yards and one score.

Henryetta's defeat dropped their record down to 4-4. As for Antlers, their win bumped their record up to 3-5.

Looking ahead, Henryetta is taking a road trip to challenge Spiro at 7:00 p.m. on the 31st. The Knights will be up against the Bulldogs' rather soft defense (which has allowed 49.57 points per matchup), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance. As for Antlers, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Atoka at 7:00 p.m. on the 31st.