CHOCTAW YELLOWJACKETS
Coach: JAKE CORBIN
11-2
OFFENSE
After runner-up appearances in 2020 and 2022, The G.O.L.D. standard claimed the gold ball in 2024. And the Yellowjackets may just be getting started. There is talent returning all over the field for head coach Jake Corbin. Landon Gaston (6-4, 220, Sr.) has split time at quarterback the past two years. The job is all his this fall. Gaston has added weight and shown improvement in all aspects of his game this off-season. He ran for a touchdown and threw for a touchdown in the 4th quarter of the 26-25 comeback win over Muskogee in the state finals. Titus Hawk (6-7, 230, Jr.) was on the receiving end of that touchdown pass. Hawk is an absolute weapon who saw his recruiting blow up over the summer. He has multiple power five offers. Romeo Parker (6-1, 185, Sr.) and Zaylin Matlock (5-9, 170, Sr.) are the outside receivers. Matlock comes over from McLoud and will also assume the return duties. He has big play ability as evidenced by a 300-yard rushing game last year at McLoud. Mayor Morgan (5-7, 175, Sr.) is another home run threat at running back. Morgan is shifty, loves the weight room and has clocked a 4.5 forty-yard dash. Will Hight (6-5, 305, Jr.) and Levi Shatswell (5-11, 250, Sr.) return as starters on the offensive line. Hight will be at center with Shatswell at guard. A trio of juniors are ready to make their presence felt up front. Hezekiah Gooch (6-4, 295, Jr.), Quaid Smith (6-4, 295, Jr.) and Aaron Hale (6-4, 295, Jr.) bring collegiate type size to the remaining positions. Gooch and Smith will likely line up at tackle with Hale at the guard opposite of Shatswell.
DEFENSE
There is more Division-I talent on this side of the football. Da’Jon Green (6-2, 205, Sr.) and Braylen Taylor (6-4, 200, Sr.) both picked up group of five offers during the summer. They return as the starting cornerbacks. Their size and length is extremely rare for that position at the high school level. Khalil Grant (6-0, 190, Sr.) is back at safety. Rocco Tartagloine (5-10, 175, Sr.) led the Yellowjackets in tackles in the state championship game, coming up with 10 stops and a tackle for loss. Tahrique Knighten (5-10, 175, Sr.) added seven tackles to the championship efforts as well. Add in Israel Hammons (6-4, 230, Jr.) and the Yellowjackets have a great combination of size and speed in the middle of the defense. Titus Hawk has the versatility to play anywhere on the front seven. He will be used situationally on defense and might end up on that side of the ball at the next level. Brentrell Smith (6-2, 260, Sr.), Jayce Watson (5-11, 245, Jr.) and Asa Bartlow (5-10, 250, Jr.) are the foundation of the defensive front. They do a great job of controlling the line of scrimmage, allowing the linebackers access to the football. Can Choctaw do it again? The answer is most certainly yes. The Jackets have all the tools; high end talent, experience and depth. You can expect more December football this year in Choctaw.
