After 37 years and six unsuccessful attempts, the Roughers will play once again for a football championship Friday as they face a rematch with defending state champ Stillwater at 1PM Friday at Richison Stadium on the University of Central Oklahoma campus in Edmond.

The Roughers’ last title came in 1986 against Booker T. Washington and has been followed by semifinal losses in 1994, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2016 and 2022.

Stillwater beat the Roughers 30-20 earlier this month in a game that saw Muskogee turn the ball over twice in the red zone, have a field goal blocked and couldn’t stop a strong Stillwater offense led by tailback Holden Thompson who had 156 yards rushing.

Both teams barely escaped with wins in their semifinal games. Muskogee had to fend off a two-point conversion attempt by Deer Creek inside the one-yard line in the closing seconds and came within inches of a turnover on a successful on-sides kick after it was ruled the Antlers touched the ball just before it traveled the required 10 yards. Stillwater also had a close call against Choctaw as the Yellowjackets drove to the Pioneer one-yard line with time running out for what would have been the winning score, but time ran out before they could get a final play off, and Stillwater escaped 33-29.

“I think it helps us that we’re familiar with Stillwater, so we know what to expect. For us to be successful we have to eliminate those turnovers we had in the first game and not let the moment get too big for us. As is usually the case in these games, the team that blocks, tackles and takes care of the ball best will probably come out on top,” said Rougher head coach Travis Hill.

For those unable to make the trip to Edmond, you can subscribe to a live stream at www.nfhs.com. Live audio of the game with local announcers Bill Huddleston and Nick Hampton can be heard at roughertv.com or on OKIE Country 101.7FM and the local live stream will be shown at 6PM on Sunday.