Tigers
and more of a possession guy where a lot of times the system will get him open ,” Gilbert said . “ We know what we get with him .”
Stopp ’ s breakout performances came over the final two games of the season . He had eight receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns against Collinsville in the regular season finale and followed that with a six-catch , 74- yard performance against Coweta in the Class 5A Playoffs .
“ Race was our leading receiver last year , and as the season got going he became more and more confident because he understood ,” Gilbert said . “ He was gaining an understanding every week .”
Morrison had three catches for 40 yards and two scores against Tulsa Memorial , and a season-best 73 yards on four grabs against Sapulpa .
“ Jacob had a good year for us , and he ’ s more of an inside type of guy for us where we can move Race where we want ,” Gilbert said . “ Jacob , like Race , just got better and better .
“ Those two guys , as sophomores , were so lost at the beginning of the year , and they ’ d tell you that . By week six , week seven , they just got better and better and more confident . They didn ’ t have to think as much , and when you eliminate the thinking and just go play , it makes a big difference .”
Robinson had four receptions for 61 yards with a touchdown against Glenpool .
“ Beckett ’ s another guy , when we got him back from injury , he had close to 200 yards receiving ,” Gilbert said . “ We can use him in different places because of our flexibility .”
Junior Bodee Jimerson and Dylan
Continued from page 11
Leep are also expected to see time at receiver . Leep ’ s primary role is on defense at cornerback where he had six interceptions last year as a junior . His only reception was on a 21-yard touchdown . Jimerson also handles the kicking duties .
Braxton Rooster , Kale Shankle , Tate Whittmore and Dylan Stopp will give Tahlequah some experience at the offensive line position .
Each of the four have starting experience , and three of the four — Rooster , Whittmoore and Stopp — are seniors .
The Tigers will have quality depth , but will lack experience as a whole .
“ Collectively , we have a lot of bodies ,” Gilbert said . “ Not a lot of experienced bodies , but we ’ ve got a lot of bodies . We like the group . We like
See TIGERS , page 13
12 • Fall 2022
Gridiron Preview