MUSKOGEE ROUGHERS
Head Coach: Travis Hill
2020 Record: 0-7
OFFENSE
“Season of Change” perhaps describes the 2021 outlook for the Roughers. The obvious change before any game is played includes a new leader for the Muskogee football program as Travis Hill takes over as head coach along with a staff that has already instilled a sense of energy and high expectations seeking to wash away the taste of last year’s 0-7 record, the first winless season in the school’s history. “Without question, we’re a young team but we are a team with some excellent talent,” said Hill. Muskogee returns six starters to the offensive lineup that is being redesigned to match the speed on this year’s roster as new offensive coordinator Chris Risenhoover, who was the head coach at Stigler for the past 12 seasons, brings his high-octane offense to the Roughers camp. It’s up front that counts for Muskogee where Vernon Pepiakatah (6-1, 285, So.) proved to have the size and strength to play on the front line along with James Moore (6-1, 285, Sr.) provide experience in a starter’s role bolstered by the efforts of Jase Garrett (5-11, 250, Jr.), Keenan Adams (5-11, 245, Sr.) and Tate Hebb (5-9, 200, Sr.). VYPE Top 100 standout Isaiah Givens (6-1, 190, Sr.) will once again be the workhorse in Muskogee’s ground attack along with Brandon Tolbert (5-8, 205, Sr.) while Jayden Bell (5-7,160, Jr.) brings quickness and sure-handed skills to the receiver unit along with brother duo of Kayden (5-10, 155, So.) and Kennedy McGee (5-10, 175, Sr.) plus the strength and agility of Anthony Watson (5-11, 190, So.) gives an added playmaker at tight end as well as Blade Todd (6-1, 185, Sr.). Walker Newton (5-10, 150, Jr.), who started six games at quarterback in 2020, has the experience factor on his side amidst a battle for the starter’s role this year with Jacob Jones (6-1, 170, So.) and Jamarion Ficklin (6-0, 165, Fr.). “Walker has experience on Friday nights while the other two know how to win,” said Hill referencing the success of Jones and Ficklin in the junior highs the past two years. “We’ll see how things play out by the start of the season.” With the depth of three placekickers Skylar Onebear (5-9, 160, Sr.), Carter Stewart (5-9, 145, Jr.) and Braxton Fields (5-10, 180, Sr.), the Roughers expect to add to the point parade.
