On Oct. 24, the community of Beggs will come together to celebrate one of the most cherished moments in its athletic history – the 50th anniversary of the Beggs High School Demons’ 1975 Class A State Championship. That unforgettable season brought Beggs its first-ever state title in any sport, and nearly five decades later, it remains the school’s only football championship.
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Honoring the Champions The 1975 Beggs Demon football team began its journey with 34 players, each a vital part of the program’s storied success. Over the years, six members have passed away, along with Assistant Coach Bill Wylie, who died in 2009. Of the remaining 28 players, 22 have confirmed they’ll return to Beggs to take part in the golden anniversary celebration, joined by Head Coach Raymond Jordan.
The daylong celebration begins at 11 a.m. in the Beggs Event Center, continuing through the night’s football game at 7 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend and take part in every portion of the festivities, beginning with a pep rally at 1:30 p.m., where the 1975 and 2025 Demon teams will come together in a spirited show of school pride.
Afterward, members of the 1975 squad will be treated to a scavenger hunt through downtown Beggs from 2:30-4 p.m. – a chance for the community to meet, shop, and reminisce alongside the championship team. First Baptist Church South will then host the players and guests for one of its famous BBQ dinners at 4:30 p.m.
That evening, the champions of ’75 will once again take the field – this time as honored guests – when the current Beggs Demons face Coalgate at 7 p.m. The recognition ceremony for the championship team will take place at 6:30 p.m., just before kickoff, so fans are encouraged to arrive early and give these athletes the standing ovation they deserve.
— Community Support & Sponsorship
The event has been coordinated by the Championship Celebration Club for Beggs Public Schools (BPS), which has worked tirelessly to make the 50th-anniversary celebration a reality. Along with First Baptist Church South, numerous local businesses and individuals have stepped up to sponsor player memberships, including Enerquip Thermal Solutions, Mills Cattle Company, American Heritage Bank, Beggs General Store, Abba & Son Heating & Air, Allen’s Electric & Construction, DT Welding & Metal Art, Cherokee Twist Art, Lolli G’s Wreaths & Things, All American Car Wash, The Foraging Kitz, MishMash Decor, Kanokie Coffeehouse, Main Street Salon, YeeHaw Sisters, Arnold Brothers Cabinets and ClubHouse Leathers.
Additional sponsorship has come from countless family members, friends and classmates who have never forgotten the pride that 1975 team brought to Beggs. And it’s not too late to join them – anyone interested in sponsoring a player can visit the Beggs High School 50th Anniversary 1975 Football State Champs Facebook page or email 3C4BPS@gmail. com for details.
— The Road to Glory
Earlier parts of this series have revisited the remarkable journey that led to the 1975 championship, culminating now in the thrilling postseason. Heading into the semi-finals, four teams remained – Pawnee, Beggs, Cordell and Oklahoma City Millwood.
Millwood entered the bracket as the heavy favorite. Having lost the 1974 title to Stroud, the Falcons spent the entire 1975 season determined to claim redemption. They were ranked No. 1 most of the year and remained undefeated going into the playoffs. The semi-final matchups pitted Millwood against Cordell, while Beggs faced Pawnee.
Pawnee’s strength lay in the speed of the Green family – two brothers and a cousin – each of whom had rushed for over 1,000 yards that season, with one surpassing 1,600. But when they met Beggs’ swarming defense, their dominance evaporated. The trio combined for barely 100 yards as the Demons pitched a 20-0 shutout on a blustery Dec. 5 night.
Fans who arrived at the stadium in short sleeves found themselves bundled in blankets by game’s end, as icy gusts made passing and kicking nearly impossible. Yet, despite the miserable weather, the Demons’ performance left no doubt about their heart and grit.
Okmulgee Daily Times sports editor Joel E. Griffith, who had covered the team throughout its playoff run, summed it up best: “To say the least, Beggs earned every inch, every point, and every bit of the glory that they experienced Friday night…”
— A Dominant Force
With the win, Beggs advanced to face Oklahoma City Millwood in the Class A state finals. While analysts pointed to Beggs’ lightning-fast backfield – a trio of talented sophomores alongside senior John Austin, who had rushed for over 1,500 yards – it was the Demons’ defense that turned heads statewide.
In their four playoff games, Beggs allowed only two touchdowns. One came late in a blowout win over Prague. The other wasn’t even offensive Stroud scored only after blocking a punt and recovering the ball inside the 10-yard line. Roland and Pawnee never managed to reach the end zone at all.
As the Tulsa World noted, “Even with all that firepower, Beggs has gotten to the semi-finals because of a swarming defense that reminds one of the great Arkansas teams.”
— Championship Night
By the time Dec. 12 rolled around, anticipation was at its peak. The final against Millwood took place at S.E. Williams Stadium at Tulsa Washington High School, under a biting winter sky. The outcome was sealed almost instantly.
Millwood kicked off to Beggs. Quarterback Bobby Grayson caught the ball and – with flawless blocking and a burst of speed – raced the entire length of the field to score. It took just 14 seconds for Beggs to take the lead, and Millwood never recovered.
Throughout the first half, Millwood never crossed midfield. Beggs scored three times before halftime, entering the locker room with a 21-0 advantage. Neither team scored in the second half, but the damage was done. Millwood finished with just 39 rushing yards and completed only 3 of 18 pass attempts.
The Demons’ defense had once again imposed its will. When the final whistle blew, Beggs stood alone atop Class A football – a small-town powerhouse that had shocked the state with its combination of speed, discipline and unity.
Local papers credited their “togetherness” as the defining difference, while the Tulsa World praised the “blending of improbable ingredients.”
— Half a Century Later
Fifty years later, the 1975 Demons remain a source of immense pride for the Beggs community – a reminder of what can be achieved through teamwork, perseverance and heart. As the town prepares to welcome these champions home once again, one thing is certain: Their legacy hasn’t faded. It’s grown stronger with time.
Join Beggs in celebrating the 1975 State Champions on Friday, Oct. 24, and relive a season to remember.
