Black Diamonds fight Tigers tooth and nail, but fall

TAHLEQUAH – Sallisaw‚s theme for its game at Tahlequah Friday should be “improvement.” The Black Diamonds‚ running game and special teams had a banner night, despite losing 38-27 to the Class 6AII Tigers in Sallisaw‚s final n o n district contest.

Sallisaw head coach Mark Hutson‚s focus on measurable improvements in all three phases paid off during the road game against Tahlequah (1-2) when looking at all the numbers, not just the final score.

“The score didn‚t reflect the overall outcome of the game,” Hutson said. “As far as what we were able to do offensively, we had our best night of running the football. Ashton Foster and Cole Stephens did a nice job at the running back positions.”

The Black Diamonds‚ special teams, in particular, were productive over all four quarters, successfully completing trick plays, PATs, punts and multiple three-point attempts, all of which played their part to help Sallisaw stay in the game.

“I thought that Christian Taylor hitting a 42-yarder and a 35-yarder, but missing a 37-yarder, was really outstanding, and his onsides kicks were very good,” Hutson said. “The goalposts were college goalposts, so they were narrower, but that didn‚t bother him. He kicked the ball really well. That was quite a kick for him to hit that 42-yarder at the very first of the game.

“I thought Brock Oft competed both offensively and defensively, and in the special teams, he did great. He averaged almost 39 yards a punt, and pinned them deep, which helped us with field position. [Oft made] the big play for us on the fake punt where he was able to throw it to Parker Pratt. We picked up 29 yards on that play on fourth down. He really played well for us.”

The offense made strides in moving the ball on the ground during this outing.

“We were able to push the ball downfield. Cooper Cox made a big play for us. Sim Kilpatrick made a couple of receptions for us,” Hutson said. “It was just good to see the successes of the last three weeks come together for us.

Sallisaw quarterback Parker Jackson found success passing the football, connecting with a season-high seven receivers.

“We just want to keep improving. We had seven different receivers that caught a pass Friday night, and that was encouraging to get everyone involved to have them active,” Hutson said. “The offensive line started a couple different groups the last few weeks. Noah Flores started at right guard – he was really physical and played really well for us in the game. He played both ways, offensively at the right guard spot and then at the defensive end position. Noah really stepped up, and he played really well for us.”

On special teams Christian Taylor went 2 for 3 on field goal attempts making a 42 yard and 38 yard attempt. Broque Oft kicked three punts with an average distance of 38 yards and returned two punts for 17 yards and eight yards. Ashton Foster had a 38 and 19 yard kick off return with Sim Kilpatrick posting a 16 yard return. Oft successfully executed a fake punt, instead passing it to Parker Pratt for a 29 yard pass on a fourth and long play.

On special teams was Christian Taylor was 2 for 3 on field goals making a 42 and 38 yard Next up, the Black Diamonds (0-3) begin 4A-District 4 play by hosting the Ada Cougars (2-1) at Friday‚s Homecoming game.