For the first time this season, Claremore will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will head out to square off against the Tahlequah Tigers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Claremore will be looking to extend their current three-game winning streak.
Last Friday, even if it wasn't a dominant performance, Claremore beat Hilldale 39-33.
Cecil Garrett
| 09/19/25 @ Hilldale | 224 |
| 09/12/25 vs Oologah | 201 |
| 09/05/25 @ Bartlesville | 162 |
| 09/06/24 vs Bartlesville | 142 |
| 09/13/24 @ Oologah | 110 |
Cecil Garrett had an outrageously good game as he rushed for 224 yards and two scores while picking up 7.5 yards per carry. Those 224 rushing yards gave him a new career-high.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Claremore was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 226 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 217 rushing yards every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, Tahlequah hadn't done well against Wagoner recently (they were 0-5 in their previous five matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way two weeks ago. The Tigers walked away with a 38-31 victory over the Bulldogs.
Claremore better keep an eye on Ashton Morgan. He was instrumental in Tahlequah's win, picking up 92 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. Morgan really caught the secondary sleeping when he pulled down a catch that went for 74 yards. Jake Girty handled things on the ground, rushing for 80 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Claremore's record is now 3-0. As for Tahlequah, they now have a winning record of 2-1.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Claremore has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 225 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Tahlequah struggles in that department as they've been averaging 165.7 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Claremore was able to grind out a solid win over Tahlequah when the teams last played back in September of 2024, winning 28-21. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was the Tigers' Cash Mcalvain, who threw for 224 yards and two TDs, and also rushed for 60 yards on only six carries. Now that he won't be playing on Friday, will it be easier for the Zebras to walk away with another win? There's only one way to find out.
