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The Oologah-Talala Mustangs’ 2024 football season came to a close Friday night with a 49–28 loss to the Wagner Bulldogs — a game that summed up much of their season: competitive early, gritty throughout, but unable to sustain momentum against a strong opponent. The Mustangs hung tight into the third quarter before things unraveled late, ending their playoff hopes and finalizing a 4–6 overall record and a 3–4 mark in district play.

Head Coach Sam Noble said the outcome wasn’t what they’d hoped for, but he’s proud of the effort his team showed from start to finish. The Mustangs entered the season with one of the youngest rosters in their district, relying heavily on freshmen and sophomores in key positions. That inexperience showed at times, but it also gave the program valuable growth opportunities. Noble noted that having a freshman quarterback, along with young players at linebacker and along the offensive line, will pay off down the road. Those players were forced to mature quickly, and by the end of the year, many had stepped up to meet the challenge.

Injuries added another layer of difficulty. Several key players went down throughout the season, forcing constant lineup adjustments and asking athletes to play out of position. Yet despite the setbacks, Noble said the team never lost its identity or effort. He emphasized the group’s grit — their ability to keep fighting even when things weren’t going their way. The Mustangs’ resilience became a hallmark of their season, as they battled through adversity without ever folding.

Noble also credited his senior class for laying a strong foundation. Many of those players had seen significant varsity action over multiple years, and their leadership helped the younger players stay focused and committed. Their impact, he said, goes far beyond wins and losses; they set a standard for what it means to play Mustang football — to show up, work hard, and compete for each other.

As the team looks ahead to the offseason, Noble’s message is centered on growth and preparation. The experience gained this year has created a foundation for the future, but the next step will be approaching winter workouts, spring ball, and summer training with purpose. He believes if the team continues to buy into the process and build on the lessons learned this season, Oologah will be in a strong position when the next fall rolls around.

While the 2024 season didn’t end with a playoff run, it did end with a program that grew tougher, more unified, and more confident in what lies ahead. For a young Oologah-Talala team, that’s a foundation worth building on.