Muskogee 2025 quarterback Jamarian Ficklin puts team on his back with 4-TD performance
EDMOND, OKLAHOMA - Junior quarterback Jamarian Ficklin knew everything was at stake Friday afternoon in the Class 6AII state title game.
He accounted for all the scoring plays as Muskogee beat Stillwater, 28-26, claiming its 11th title and its first since 1986.
Ficklin threw for 127 yards, and a touchdown pass. He scored three rushing touchdowns, tallied 86 rushing yards and threw for 149 yards.
“We all worked hard for this and we knew we had a shot if we scored early,” Ficklin said. “We had lots of pressure on us, but our coach (Travis Hill) told us it is just another game.
"We bought into that and it helped us relax. I credit my teammates and we all came up clutch.”
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A big play which ended the game was when Kayden McGee recovered the onside kick, after the tough Rougher defense stopped a two-point conversion attempt. McGee said their defense came up clutch, along with the defensive line.
“I did not see the ball at first, but then it popped up towards me,” McGee said. “I knew we had to get the ball and I was able to grab it.
"I am speechless and have to give props to all my teammates, especially our defensive line. They never disappoint and make so many tackles for us.”
The entire town of Muskogee filled the stands and cheered on their team. Since it is the first title since 1986, Rougher coach Travis Hill remarked this was only possible because both sides of the ball made plays.
“I wanted a ring and we got it,” he said. “There is really good football in this class and it is nice to finally finish the deal. We made it happen on both sides of the ball and we all fed off of one another.”
Muskogee forced a three-and-out twice. On Muskogee’s second possession, Ficklin scored a touchdown on a quarterback sneak. The Roughers went seven plays and 48 yards on this drive.
Muskogee got a stop and answered when Ficklin found Ondraye Beasley open for a 25-yard slant route for a touchdown, making the score 14-7 with a little more than one minute to play in the first half.
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In the first half, Ficklin threw for 75 yards and completed 5-of-6 passes.
“I will always have a chip on my shoulder,” Ficklin said, “I am happy we made plays and credit our wide receivers, because they are the ones who make me look good when they catch the ball.”
To begin the second half, Muskogee marched down the field and finished their six-play, 64-yard drive with a Ficklin touchdown. Stillwater answered right back as the Pioneers did all game when Talon Kendrick scored on a 1-yard rushing play, but Stillwater missed the extra point, keeping Muskogee (11-2) in front by a point.
Then, Ficklin scored on a 2-yard touchdown in eight plays, 65 yards, to make the score 28-20.
Muskogee quarterback Jamarian Ficklin (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the Roughers' 28-26 win against Stillwater in the Class 6AII championship game Dec. 1, 2023. (Photo by Michael Kinney)
After a huge stop, Fickin stayed calm and composed, but Muskogee could not put the game out of reach. The Roughers had a fumble with 3:41 to play that gave Stillwater new life 77 yards away.
Stillwater executed and scored a touchdown with 20 seconds to play. But the Muskogee defense held its own on the two-point conversion attempt, which resulted in Muskogee beating Stillwater, which had not happened since 2016.
“We knew Stillwater would make plays, but man, it feels great to beat them,” Ficklin said. “It never was going to be easy and our defense made great plays the rest of the way.
"I love how we responded to their responses.”
Muskogee quarterback Jamarian Ficklin photo by Michael Kinney
-- Josh Jennings | @SBLiveOK
