That run defense will be sorely tested by one of the best rushing attacks in the state. Wagoner’s offense is led by Lawrence Evitt, who ran for 2,980 yards and 35 touchdowns in leading the Bulldogs to the 4A semifinals last season. In last year’s 51-14 win over Grove, Evitt ran for 234 yards.

After being held to just 69 yards in a season opening win against Coweta, Evitt broke loose for 291 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s 35-13 win over Pryor.

Wagoner will also have senior running back Devin Hawkins, who has returned this season after missing time with two major knee injuries.

The Bulldogs will use a variety of formations and unbalanced lines in getting the ball to a variety of backs. But so far this season Wagoner has not been able to settle on a quarterback. Wagoner managed just 15 yards through the air against Coweta and have used three different quarterbacks so far this season. Five Bulldogs took snaps against Pryor, with Evitt lining up at quarterback in a Wildcat formation.

The Ridgerunners will be looking to improve their offensive execution after last week’s loss. Grove was held to 33 yards in the first half by Jay and finished with 186 for the game, one week after racking up 479 yards and six touchdowns in a week one win over Miami.

“Poor execution on our part,” Grove head coach Dennis Millican said after the game. “Throwing it, catching it, blocking, tackling. Offensively, we just misfired. It puts the defense in a bind.”

Jay needed just 43 yards on their game-winning drive in Friday’s contest after the Ridgerunners went three-and-out on a possession that started on their own nine. The Bulldogs covered the distance in six plays, scoring the winning touchdown with a minute left in the game.

Friday’s game will be the final non-district contest for both squads. Grove will open play in District 5A-4 at home against Tahlequah in week four before travelling to Collinsville the next week then returning home for a homecoming contest against Pryor on Oct. 11