40 years later, Beggs football got another shot at state title Friday night in Stillwater.
Beggs lost to John Marshall High School 14-7 at Stillwater’s stadium.
1975 is the last time the team won their championship.
1977, the last time they played in the title game.
40 years later, and the message for these young players remains the same…
“Here at Beggs we just talked all year—it’s more than just about self. It’s more than just about us. It’s about our community,” said Lee Blankenship, Beggs Head Coach.
Getting back to the big game tonight in Stillwater is a big deal for those who know Beggs and rural Okmulgee County.
George Tiger remembers calling that 1975 game from the broadcast booth.
“From a small school you can do anything. I mean Rodney Tate is an example. These kids have heard that—that are playing for a state championship and I think they’ll be leaving a legacy of their own,” said Tiger.
There are some players from that 1977 team, that’s the last time Beggs was in a state championship.
They’re now coaches on the Beggs team making sure the players have the keys to success.
Coaches Ivan Doakes and Rodney Tate went on to play college ball.
Tate even got a chance to play in the pros.
“It’s great. I mean to be all these years to be back at this—it’s special. it’s special,” said Doakes.
“It was a wonderful feeling we did compete, now to mentor to these guys, now we can talk to these guys and tell them what it takes to win tonight. It's hard work have each other’s back, teamwork and self-control so important,” said Tate.
Regardless of how the game ends, Coach Tate wants these kids to appreciate what these players accomplished in a season.
“There’s not that many teams that make it this far. we started out with 32 teams in the playoffs and now there’s only two left, so this is quite an honor to get to the state finals,” said Tate.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
