Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified the Gridiron Celebration banquet as school-affiliated. The event was community- and parent-driven and not affiliated with Okmulgee Dunbar Middle School or Okmulgee Public Schools, though they are students of the district. The article on the Okmulgee Times website at www.yourokmulgee.com has been updated to clarify that distinction. We at the Times apologize for the error.

— Original Interview: Voices From the Field In a recent roundtable conversation, several Dunbar Middle School football players sat together and talked openly about competition, discipline, faith, academics and growing up together through sports.

Those interviewed included:

• Elijah Dawson – Quarterback

• JaCari Hammon – Running Back/ Wide Receiver

• Allan Wright – Running Back / Linebacker

• Raymond Kelly – Tight End/Multi-Sport Athlete

• Robert McIntire – Wide Receiver/ Multi-Sport Athlete

• AnTaivous Young – Lineman

• Antonio Young – Football, Basketball & Track Many of the players said they have been competing alongside one another since elementary school, starting in YMCA and youth leagues.

“We always go head to head,” Dawson said. “Anytime we playing each other – basketball, football, whatever – we always want to win.”

Several spoke about preparing for high school and understanding that the next level will demand more discipline.

“I’m just trying to be ready for high school,” Dawson said. “Knowing it’s another level, another competition.”

JaCari Hammon said staying focused off the field matters just as much.

“I’m staying in the weight room, keeping my head on my shoulders, and making good grades,” he said. “Trying to keep God first and keep that chip on my shoulder.”

Faith came up repeatedly throughout the discussion.

“If the person didn’t know God, I would introduce them to Jesus Christ,” Hammon said. “Pray for them. Be there.”

Dawson referenced scripture directly.

“Philippians 4:13,” he said. “I can do all things through Christ.”

Players also spoke about discipline and accountability, crediting coaches who pushed them to take the game seriously.

“They turned us into a disciplined team,” Dawson said. “Before that, we were losing. After, we started winning.”

Several players talked about academics, admitting struggles but also growth.

“I try to pick the hardest subject and make it my favorite,” Dawson said.

Others said learning to ask for help was part of maturing.

“You put your pride aside,” Hammon said. “If you really want to learn, you go get help.”

— Community-led Gridiron Celebration held Feb. 7

Following the interviews, a community- and parent-organized banquet titled Gridiron Celebration was held Feb. 7 at the Rowe Family Center.

The event was organized by parent and community advocate Crystal Hammon, along with volunteers and former coaches, to recognize the athletes’ growth, effort and character. The banquet was not affiliated with Dunbar Middle School or the school district.

“They put in hard work on and off the field,” Hammon said. “We wanted to show them that we see them and that we’re proud of them.”

Current middle school coaches Roy Jordan and Zane Farris were acknowledged for their leadership during the season.

Players and families also honored Oklahoma Junior Football Association (OJFA) coaches who mentored the young men from second through sixth grade, including Ronnie Jones Sr., Ronnie Jones Jr. and Collis “Cookie” Jones.

“They the ones that inspired me to play football,” JaCari Hammon said. “They taught me everything I knew.”

Several individual awards were presented during the evening.

One coach introduced the defensive award by saying, “Defense wins championships. He doesn’t whine, gripe, or complain. When it was time to do it, he just did it.”

The Defensive MVP was awarded to Trevor, recognized for consistency and earning his first interception of the season.

During offensive recognitions, Elijah Dawson was acknowledged for his role on the offensive line.

“Without him, we don’t get the ball snapped,” the coach said.

The Most Improved Player Award was presented to Antonio Young.

“It took me two weeks to come to this decision,” the coach said. “He knew how to stand, but he couldn’t tell his left from his right when the play started.”

Antonio’s award included a lunch provided by his coach.

Certificates and dog tags were distributed to team members, with additional certificates to be delivered to players who were absent.

— Words of Charge

During the Gridiron Celebration, speakers included Okmulgee Alumni Marvin Manns and long time Coach Scott Patton. Coach Ronnie Jones Jr. delivered a direct message to the players about leadership, consistency and staying rooted.

“You need to take it upon yourself to say, I’m the one that’s going to make a change,” Jones said. “I’m the one that’s going to go to workouts on time. I’m the one that’s not going to be bad in school.”

He urged the athletes not to run from competition or chase shortcuts.

“Don’t run away from competition,” he said. “You still gonna have to compete wherever you go.”

Jones reminded the players that effort shows – both when it’s there and when it’s not – and that showing up matters.

“Show up where you supposed to be at. Give effort. Lead,” he said. “Putting in the work is gonna show.”

He closed by encouraging the group to think long-term while staying disciplined in the present. “You got people looking up to you all the time,” Jones said. “So you gotta move like that.”

— A Community Statement

Hammon said the goal of the Gridiron Celebration was simple.

“Just to let them know we care,” she said. “When the community shows up, kids rise.”