After posting an 8-0 record for the first time since 1980, the Muskogee Roughers return home to face the Bartlesville Bruins on “Little Rougher Night” at Rougher Village.
The number-3 ranked Roughers, who have limited their opponents to just 12.8 points per contest this season will look to shut down the Bruins ground game paced by the efforts of sophomore running back PJ Wallace who has totaled 1,042 yards in 2023. Defensive ends Anthony Watson, who recorded eight tackles including three sacks in last week’s 30-6 win over Booker T. Washington and Teyonn Brewer continue to bring high energy results while linebackers Brandon Tolbert, who charted 11 stops last week along with Treyveon Houston and Deshawn Smith empower Muskogee’s ability to limit opponents’ yards on the ground. The Roughers secondary including last week’s hero Deyonn Bowler, who had two interceptions against Tulsa Washington must clamp down against the Bruins passing game where sophomore signal caller Nate Neal will look to connect to a trio of receivers including Kaden Brown, Damien Niko and speedster Noah Darnell, whose kickoff return for a touchdown sparked the Bruins 22-0 second half rally to force overtime against Sand Springs. The Roughers have totaled 14 pass interceptions and 23 quarterback sacks through the first eight weeks of play.
The Muskogee offense that averages 427 yards per game will challenge the young but sound Bartlesville defense as the Roughers continue to be successful with the ground game where Tolbert and LaTavion Johnson share touches while Jamarian Ficklin, who has completed 108-160 pass attempts for 1928 yards and 30 touchdowns will target sophomore Ondraye Beasley continues to make big plays along with Kayden McGee who leads the Roughers with 11 touchdown receptions as the Roughers average 42.7 points per contest.
Muskogee, 5-0 in District 6AII-II play can keep their goals in place to play for the district championship next week with the win over Bartlesville. Game time is set for 7pm. The game will be broadcast via livestream on YouTube.com/RougherTV and can be heard on radio on KTFX 101.7fm.
