High school football fall camp preview: Tahlequah looks to get back to the playoffs

Tahlequah finished 6-4 last season, just missing the 5A playoffs. Now the Tigers are looking to get back into the postseason, and they are led by a defensive tackle headed to the Little Apple.

"It's been a motivating factor. It's something we had not experienced in 10 years," says head coach Brad Gilbert.

For the 22 seniors on this year's Tahlequah roster, missing the playoffs left a bitter taste in their mouths that's inspired them through spring and summer workouts.

"Hopefully, we can become who we believe we can be, which I believe we are on the trajectory to get that done. So that's a motivating factor," says Gilbert.

 The Tigers return six starters on offense this season, and they will play a key role early in the season.

"You've got to lean on those veteran football players. They've been out there on those Friday nights, and they know what it's about. We've got a good surrounding cast and they're doing a great job leading," says Gilbert.

The Tigers will play three quarterbacks this season, with each one bringing its own skillset.

"We know one of them is going to be a young man we'll use in situations because he runs the ball so well. The other two are very similar in what they bring to the table," says Gilbert.

The defense will be anchored by one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the state, Kingston Hall. The six-foot-four, 270-pound senior committed to Kansas State over the summer, 

"He's got an extremely high ceiling, and we know that. He's very strong, very quick, he's got the size, he's got everything that you want. And we're hoping he plays like a Division One player, and he did that at times last year. We just want him to be consistent," says Gilbert. "We believe he should be able to shut down that side of the line of scrimmage that he's on. Whether it be right or the left, weak or the strength, whatever you want to term that, he's a guy that can dominate. And we need him to be able to do that for us."

Facing another tough season in District 5A-4, the Tigers believe one key thing will get them back in the playoffs.

"We've got to take care of ourselves. Focus upon ourselves, not the opponent, and just know who we are. And let's go out and be who we are, and I think it should take care of itself," says Gilbert. 

The Tigers open the season on August 29 when they host East Central.