— Webster’s Dictionary defines leader as “a person who directs, guides or commands a group or activity.”

Friday against Spiro, Haskell quarterback Alex Wheeland was an example of that definition. The junior had a hand in all four touchdowns as the Haymakers came from behind to beat Spiro 24-14.

“Alex is doing a tremendous job maturing into a leader of the offense,” said Haskell coach Greg Wilson. “I use those words because he was put into that situation as a freshman and sometimes there can be too high of an expectation at an early age. He’s grown and matured as an athlete and learned to trust his teammates.”

Wheeland used his arm and his legs to earn the Week 3 Phoenix Prep Football Player of the Week. He had 19 carries for 119 yards and two touchdowns and completed 5 of 7 passes for 150 yards and two more scores.

“(Spiro) stopped the running game pretty well in the first half, so we passed a lot,” Wheeland said. “In the second half, we were able to open up some holes and run the ball better.”

For the year, Wheeland has carried the ball 58 times for 398 yards, a 6.86 yards per carry average, and has completed 53 percent of his passes, leading the Haymakers to a 3-0 start for the first time since 1998.

“Alex worked hard over the summer on his technique,” Wilson said. “He’s always had a good arm but there’s a difference in having a good arm and being a good passer. His running is a natural type deal.”

Wheeland knows, as any good quarterback knows, that he would be nowhere without his offensive line. The team is averaging 232 yards on the ground and 175 yards in the air.

“Our line was OK last year,” Wheeland said. “This year, it’s really good. They come to practice everyday and work hard. I’m really thankful.”

While Wilson is comfortable with the fact that he doesn’t have to look for a quarterback for another two seasons, he knows that the one he has can be called upon to fill any spot, offense or defense.

“He’s so versatile that if the need be, and we needed him in another position, he’d do it,” Wilson said. “We’re blessed to have not only Alex but everyone on the team, We have a young squad with four total seniors so we’re looking towards the future for more than one reason.”

And Wheeland knows the future is bright for football in Haskell.

“We’ve learned to overcome adversity,” he said. “The last couple of years when one play happened we got down on ourselves. Even Friday night, we were losing but we overcame. When we overcome things, it’s a better season.”



Week 3 honor roll

Alex Wheeland, Haskell — Completed five of seven passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns of 66 and 68 yards, while running for 119  yards on 19 carries and two TDs of 4 and 33 yards in the 24-14 win over Spiro.

Trevor Jiles, Muskogee — Completed 20 of 26 passes for 137 yards and had seven carries for 63 yards in the 55-14 loss to Fayetteville, Ark.

Anthony King, Muskogee — Caught 10 passes for 67 yards in the loss to Fayetteville.

Mason McMillan, Tahlequah — Rushed for 173 yards on 28 carries and an 80-yard TD run in the 38-20 loss to Sallisaw.

David Dick, Tahlequah — Completed 8 of 17 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Sallisaw.

Lawrence Evitt, Wagoner — Rushed for 230 yards on 11 carries and scored two touchdowns in the 51-14 win over Grove.

Decarius Clark, Wagoner — Completed eight of nine passes for 135 yards and a touchdown against Grove.

Kerwin Thomas, Wagoner — Had touchdown runs of 12 and 70 yards against Grove.

J.R. Singleton, Fort Gibson — Ran for 107 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns, while completing 3 of 8 passes for 86 yards in the 35-32 win against Catoosa.

Jake Gandara, Fort Gibson — Rushed for 98 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns in the win against Catoosa.

Brian Cervany, Fort Gibson —Returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown against Catoosa.

Jamaul Cullom, Hilldale —  Ran for 91 yards on three carries and scored two touchdowns on runs of 40 yards each and had 12 tackles with four a loss, one sack, forced three fumbles and blocked an extra point in the 28-12 win against Beggs.

Josh Giem, Hilldale — Made 14 tackles and forced one fumble against Beggs.

Justin Sanders, Hilldale — Had 12 tackles, a sack and forced a fumble against Beggs.

Chandler Puckett, Hilldale — Completed 6 of 17 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns on passes of 75 and 42 yards against Beggs.

Bradley Campbell, Hilldale — Caught two passes for 105 yards and a 75-yard TD against Beggs.

Vian’s offense — Racked up 331 yards in total offense including 254 on the ground in the 57-0 win against Muldrow.

Cody Holder-Cathy, Keys — Ran for 109 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown in the 19-13 win against Eufaula.

Brayden Scott, Sequoyah — Completed 18 of 26 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns in the 35-34 loss to Victory Christian.

Casey Pryor, Eufaula — Caught 10 passes for 50 yards in the loss to Keys.

Robert Clark, Gore — Completed 22 of 50 passes for 354 yards and three touchdowns on throws of 25, 54 and 15 yards in the 31-21 loss to Heavener.

Dakota Wright, Porum — Had 12 tackles in the 34-0 loss to Weleetka.