Every Friday night, for eleven weeks, 90 players will suit up to play football at Gable Field or the opponent’s stadium. With the first three games completed; everyone is talking about what the new season will bring for Tiger football.

“Every game we’re getting prepared and pumped up for, we act like it’s the Jenks Trojans we’re playing. But if we come together as a team, we know we will succeed. I get pumped up just watching my teammates get pumped up. If we keep doing what we’re doing we will play a few more games after [the]season, if you know what I mean!” said Jesse Morrison, 12.

From practicing in the early mornings to late afternoons, the team is getting in as much training as possible. Different tasks are performed to help better the players’ performance. With the old saying “practice makes perfect” holding true, the coaches push the players to the best of their ability.

“We watch film of our opponents each week. We talk to the players throughout the week about our goals as a team. That will allow us to win on Friday night. We stress to them in practice about the little things that will help accomplish our goals. We also have them lift every morning and discuss our opponent’s tendencies,” said Coach Brad Gilbert.

With all of their combined efforts, the players come together to create not just a football team, but a family. Long practices, pre and post-game meals, working out together and watching film; these players are with each other many hours of the week, creating a friendship that they have both on and off the field.

“We all spend a lot of time together. We get a close bond with each other. Each week we all go as a team to different places that want to feed us, sometimes restaurants and other times church’s.” said Cole Elliott, 12.

With the recent switch to 5A division, there are many more opportunities to compete with athletes at the same level. The opponents for this season are Claremore, Sallisaw, Stillwell, Tulsa Central, Coweta, Tulsa Edison, Ada and Tulsa East Central.

“I think [the players] understand that it has leveled the playing field for us. Each week we have a good chance of beating anyone on our schedule,” said Coach Brad Matlock.

Both coaches and players alike are excited about this recent change.

“The team is really excited about moving to 5A, [it is] not as tough competition but still some really good teams. Also we have as many players and as much talent as the competition in 5A compared to 6A. We were little but now we are finally the big dogs!!!!” said Dusten Knight, 12.

The community plays an important role in helping promote Tiger football, such as sponsoring the fall sports calendars, participating in Kickoff Club, and hosting local pep rallies.

“[The community pep rally] gave the people a chance to meet the players and help people get involved and support the football program. Support helps us play hard, knowing people are behind us all the way.” said Jack Howard, 12.

“‘It’s Time’ was chosen [as our motto] because we have run out of excuses for not being successful. We are now in class 5A and we are one of the largest schools in the class. ‘It’s Time’ represents many things; school spirit is pride, being proud of yourself and your school. The students make the school, not the building. Home football games are the place to be in Tahlequah. What other event in town brings out several thousand people? Our players play so hard and put so much time into football. It is uncommon for teenagers to put so much into anything,” said Coach Tuffy Thornton.

The players anticipate this year to be one of the best. They plan on restoring the proud name of “Tahlequah Football.” With twice as many players as last year, the team is well on their way.

“This football season will be one to remember. Having dropped to 5A, we now have a great chance of making the playoffs and potentially a state championship. We’ve all put in a lot of hard work and “It’s Time” that it paid off. For this reason, the students should come support what we’re trying to do. It really does help us on the field when we see how much people care. We proved in our season opener against Catoosa that we’ll be a fun team to watch. So come support us, and help us restore the roar in Tahlequah!” said Seth French, 11.