DEWAR, Okla. – December 12, 2025 – The Dewar Dragons boys basketball team? Hold that thought—it’s actually the Dragons’ football squad that’s been lighting up the gridiron this fall, securing a thrilling back-to-back Class B-I state championship on December 4. With the holiday buzz still echoing from that epic win, Henryetta-area fans are riding high on the shared pride. Here’s the full breakdown of the victory that has the community roaring.

The Game: A Defensive Masterclass in the Snow

In a matchup befitting Oklahoma’s unpredictable December weather, the defending champions hosted the undefeated Laverne Tigers (11-1) at Dragons Stadium. Light snow flurries added drama to the Class B-I OSSAA State Championship, but it was Dewar’s gritty defense that stole the show.

• Final Score: Dewar Dragons 14, Laverne Tigers 6
• Key Moments:
  
  • The Dragons struck first in the opening quarter with a methodical 7-play, 65-yard drive capped by a 12-yard touchdown run from senior running back Jaxon Hayes, putting Dewar up 7-0.
  • Laverne answered late in the half with a gritty 4-yard TD plunge by their star fullback Tucker Smith, narrowing the gap to 7-6 after a missed extra point.
  • Dewar sealed the deal in the fourth quarter when junior linebacker Caleb Ross picked off a Tigers’ desperation pass and returned it 35 yards for a back-breaking touchdown, extending the lead to 14-6. The Dragons’ defense held firm on Laverne’s final two possessions, forcing punts and sealing the win with under a minute left.

The game was a low-scoring slugfest, with both teams combining for just 240 total yards. Dewar’s ground game dominated with 142 rushing yards on 38 carries, while their defense sacked Laverne’s quarterback three times and limited the Tigers to 2-of-11 on third-down conversions. Head coach Matt Ross called it “the gutsiest performance we’ve had,” crediting the seniors who went 3-0 in state title games during their careers.

Season Snapshot: From Playoffs to Perfection

The Dragons entered the championship with an 11-2 record, having avenged an early-season loss to Laverne in the regular season finale (a heartbreaking 20-14 defeat). Their playoff run was flawless:

• First Round: Dewar 42, Timber Lake 14
• Quarterfinals: Dewar 28, Kiefer 21 (OT thriller)
• Semifinals: Dewar 35, Pawnee 7

This marks Dewar’s third state football title in program history (previous wins: 2018, 2024), and their second straight—making them the first Class B-I team to repeat since 2015. The 2024-25 squad also swept additional hardware, including the OCA Powerlifting State Championship (their second in a row) and individual titles for athletes like Issac Powell (four-time champ in the 220-pound class).

Standout performers this season:

• Jaxon Hayes (Sr., RB): 1,248 rushing yards, 18 TDs
• Caleb Ross (Jr., LB/QB): 1,100 passing yards, 12 INTs on defense
• Team Stats: Allowed just 12.4 points per game; +18 turnover margin

Community Celebration: Rings, All-Stars, and Lasting Legacy

The victory parade might have been snow-dusted, but the festivities were anything but chilly. Over 2,000 fans braved the elements at Chad Richison Stadium (University of Central Oklahoma’s venue for semis, but the final was home), with watch parties spilling into Henryetta bars and Dewar High’s gym.

• Ring Ceremony: The team received their championship rings at the All-Sports Banquet on May 27, 2025—yes, a delayed but no less epic affair hosted by the Dragon Pride Booster Club. Seniors like Hayes and Ross were emotional, toasting a “once-in-a-lifetime run.”
• All-Star Honors: Four Dragons—Hayes, Ross, Powell, and OT Ethan Mills—earned spots in the 2025 OEMFCA All-Star Football Game on June 21 in Miami, Okla.
• Local Impact: This win caps a banner year for Dewar athletics, boosting enrollment and community spirit. As one fan posted on X: “Dragons hang on to defend their state championship and go back to back! #OKPreps”

Dragons Championship Celebration (Image: Dewar Dragons celebrating their back-to-back Class B-I state football championship victory over Laverne. Source: 1st And Goal: OK HS Football on X)

For highlights, check out this fan-shot recap: Dewar Dragons vs. Laverne Tigers Highlights. As the holidays roll in, the Dragons’ fire keeps burning—congrats to Coach Ross and the team on a season for the ages!

– TheHenryettan.com | Covering Okmulgee County sports | Part of the OklahomaNewsLeader.com network Got a tip or photo from the game? Email us at ne**@***********an.com. Follow for more #OKPreps updates!