The stands were packed, the lights were bright, and the air was thick with anticipation as Okmulgee hosted county rival Beggs in the first game at its newly renovated football stadium Friday night. But once the whistle blew, it was all Demons, all night.

Beggs (2-1) stormed into Bulldog territory and delivered a punishing 55-8 win over Okmulgee (1-2), putting on a clinic in all three phases of the game. The Demons forced four turnovers, held the Bulldogs to just 3 yards of offense in the first half, and put up six touchdowns before halftime – leaving no doubt as to who currently rules the county.

“We wanted to start fast tonight and execute at a high level,” said Beggs head coach David Shannon.

“We were able to do that and also get a lot of kids in the game. We still have a lot to get better at as we head into district play, but I’m excited about the direction our team is headed.”

What makes the win even more impressive is the adversity Beggs faced heading in. With both the starting and backup quarterbacks sidelined with injuries – including Boston Bookout, who was injured late in last week’s win at Henryetta and Ethan Davison who suffered an injury in their first game of the season – the Demons turned to senior Bobby Baker, who usually lines up at wide receiver.

If there were any nerves, Baker certainly didn’t show them.

He completed 9-of-13 passes for 157 yards and four touchdowns and added a short touchdown run. His poise and athleticism provided stability for the Beggs offense, which looked polished from the opening snap.

Baker’s rise began last week when he came off the bench in the fourth quarter to lead Beggs to a come-from-behind win over Henryetta. With Davison and Bookout unavailable this week, Baker took full control of the offense – and the Bulldogs never recovered.

While the offense was rolling, it was the Demon defense that truly set the tone for the night.

Beggs forced seven three-and-outs and held Okmulgee to just 3 total yards in the first half. They also forced four turnovers – two interceptions and two fumbles. One of those takeaways was a first-quarter pick-six by Trey Ross, who jumped a route and returned the interception 29 yards to the end zone, making it 21-0 and effectively silencing the home crowd.

Aiden Taylor also made his presence felt, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Peyton Kelly to halt an Okmulgee drive in the second quarter. By the time halftime arrived, Beggs had built a 42-0 lead, and the result was no longer in doubt.

Baker’s touchdown passes went to three different receivers – Jordan Wesley hauled in two scores in the first half, while Ross and Jason Nethon each added one. Nethon also found the end zone on the ground in the first quarter and made a 52-yard touchdown grab in the second.

Sophomore receiver Josiah Hughes led all receivers with 116 yards on 6 catches, consistently creating separation and helping move the chains.

Kevin Montique capped off the scoring for Beggs in the fourth quarter with a 44-yard touchdown run, showcasing the team’s depth at the skill positions.

Despite the lopsided score, Okmulgee had a few bright spots. In the third quarter, quarterback #9 connected with #19 for a 20-yard touchdown pass, getting the Bulldogs on the board. The defense also added a safety late in the game after pinning Beggs deep in their own territory.

Still, the Bulldogs struggled to get into rhythm offensively, finishing with just 119 total yards against a relentless Demon front.

The win improves Beggs to 2–0 against county opponents this season after last week’s dramatic victory over Henryetta. More importantly, it gives the team momentum as they prepare for district play and their long-awaited home debut.

After weeks on the road, the Beggs Demons are finally coming home. On Friday, September 26, Beggs will return to the familiar turf of Tate Field for their first home game of the season, hosting Community Christian in a highly anticipated Homecoming showdown. The night promises to be more than just football – it’s a celebration of school spirit, community pride, and the resilience of a team eager to defend its house.

The Okmulgee Bulldogs are set to host Roland in a pivotal home conference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled under the lights at 7 p.m. This game marks a crucial moment in the Bulldogs’ season, as they look to defend their turf and climb the conference standings. With a strong home crowd expected to pack the stands, Okmulgee hopes to turn that support into momentum on the field.

— Scoring Summary 1st Quarter

• Beggs: Baker 22-yard pass to Wesley (Copeland kick)

• Beggs: Nethon 1-yard run (Copeland kick)

• Beggs: Ross 29-yard INT return (Copeland kick) 2nd Quarter

• Beggs: Baker 16-yard pass to Wesley (Copeland kick)

• Beggs: Baker 10-yard pass to Ross (Copeland kick)

• Beggs: Baker 52-yard pass to Nethon (Copeland kick) 3rd Quarter

• Beggs: Baker 1-yard run (Copeland kick)

• Okmulgee: #9 20-yard pass to #19 (conversion failed) 4th Quarter

• Okmulgee: Safety

• Beggs: Montique 44-yard run (conversion failed) — Beggs Stats Team Totals

• Total Yards: 331

• Rushing: 23 carries, 143 yards, 2 TDs, 1 fumble lost

• Passing: 16-of-24, 227 yards, 4 TDs

• First Downs: 12 Individual Rushing

• Trey Ross: 5 carries, 43 yards

• Jason Nethon: 4 carries, 25 yards, 1 TD

• Bobby Baker: 1 carry, 1 yard, 1 TD

• Kevin Montique: 3 carries, 44 yards, 1 TD Individual Passing

• Bobby Baker: 9-of-13, 157 yards, 4 TDs

• Baker Copeland: 5-of-7, 61 yards Individual Receiving

• Josiah Hughes: 6 catches, 116 yards

• Jordan Wesley: 3 catches, 47 yards, 2 TDs

• Jason Nethon: 2 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD

• Trey Ross: 1 catch, 11 yards, 1 TD

• Dagen Speer: 1 catch, 2 yards

• Sterling Jordan: 1 catch, 8 yards — Okmulgee Stats • Total Yards: 119