Schedule: 9-1 – at Sapulpa 9-8 – at Sand Springs 9-15 – vs. Putnam North 9-22 – vs. Putnam City 9-29 – at Enid 10-6 – vs. Midwest City 10-12 – at Stillwater 10-19 – at Lawton 10-27 – vs. Deer Creek 11- 3 – vs. Putnam Quick Hits: The Yellowjackets have won a combined 17 games the past three seasons. That’s the most combined wins over a three year period since the 1980-1982 teams produced 23 victories. Choctaw defeated Midwest Citiy 14-7 on October 7th. It was the Yellowjackets first victory in the series since 1998. Wide receiver Ethan Crews caught two long touchdown passes in the 3rd quarter of a 52-26 win over Lawton on October 20th. Last 5 Years: 2016 – 5-5 2015 – 5-6 2014 – 7-4 2013 – 3-7 2012 – 1-8 OFFENSE First year head coach Jake Corbin is excited to be moving east from Del City to Choctaw, a school he feels has potential to be the top dog in Class 6A-Division II. Corbin will be preaching G.O.L.D.: Gratitude, Ownership, Leadership and Discipline, as the standard at Choctaw. The ‘Jackets will be fast-paced on offense. Quarterback Hudson Woods (6-2, 195, Sr.) might see his role change into more of a passer this year. Woods will throw it in the direction of Collin Armstrong (6-2, 185, Sr.), who caught 25 passes for 330 yards and five touchdowns a year ago. Dakota Armstrong (6-10, 185, Sr.) stands out in any crowd and earned praise from Corbin who says Armstrong is improving every day. Ethan Crews (5-11, 185, Sr.) is the most accomplished of the receiving unit, bringing back 30 receptions for 502 yards and four touchdowns. Running back J.D. Kolb has transferred off the roster to Reno, Nevada, leaving Jaryn Curry (5-10, 175, Sr.) to handle the majority of the carries at running back. The offensive line is anchored by twin tackles Chad Mielke (6-3, 285, Sr.) and Cade Kelly (6-5, 295, Jr.). Their size and strength is key in protecting Woods on the edge. DEFENSE Choctaw was more than adequate on defense in 2016. The Yellowjackets held Midwest City to a single touchdown in a 14-7, hard-earned win over the Bombers. Corbin will align the Yellowjackets in a three-man front. Isaiah Sumlin (6-3, 230, Jr.) and Caulin Poole (5-11, 265, Sr.) will be asked to occupy positions in the front seven. Poole played in eight games a year ago and in addition to plugging up the middle was credited by 25 stops. Linebacker Christian Dix (5-9, 205, Jr.) recorded 30 tackles and a sack. Dix most likely will see action at one of the inside positions. Ball-hawking Tae Gibbs (6-0, 185, Sr.) intercepted three passes from his post in the secondary. He and Curtis Nealy (6-0, 180, Sr.) are standouts in the back end of the defense. Nealy is the top returning tackler from last season with 92 stops to go along with an interception and a fumble recovery. Choctaw has huge participation with more than 100 players out for football, so depth shouldn’t be an issue. The Yellowjackets were as close as a team can get to the playoffs, missing out by losing the season finale in double overtime. Count on them being competitive in 2017.