Fort Gibson quarterback Taylor Richey knows his job is simple tonight when the Tigers clash with the Sallisaw Black Diamonds in District 4A-4 action at Sallisaw. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

Richey realizes he has to avoid turnovers and otherwise lead in an important game for both teams. Both are tied for fourth place in the district at 1-1 and a game behind leaders Wagoner, Broken Bow and Poteau.

Ranked No. 5 in the Associated Press 4A poll this week, the Black Diamonds are 4-1 overall after downing Muldrow 44-7 last Friday. Fort Gibson is 2-3 after losing 54-14 to Wagoner to snap a two-game winning streak.

“Sallisaw is a tough team. They’re just as good as anybody out there,” Richey said.

“For us to be successful, he has to make good decisions and reads,” Taylor said. “We’ve got to take care of the football. We can’t have five turnovers and expect to win. Three fumbles and two interceptions (which Fort Gibson had last week) is not good.”

Sallisaw coach Craig Benson is in his first season, but he’s coached at Stilwell. He’s familiar with the Tigers.

“They’re much improved,” he said. “Several of their players impress me and the quarterback also has improved. He’s grown up.”

Going into tonight’s game, Richey has thrown for 544 yards in completing 30 of 62 passes with five touchdowns. He also has seven interceptions.

“If we can cut down on the turnovers, we should be fine,” Richey said.

With Benson taking over for the retired Virgil Terry, the Black Diamonds are not the strictly power, straight-ahead running offense of the past. Matt Oberste quarterbacks Sallisaw.

“They get in the spread offense some and run the option. They’re more versatile,” Taylor said. “They have a good set of backs. Sallisaw has a good tradition and (Benson) has kept it going. They always play hard. It’s a good program.”

Taylor is confident his team will bounce back this week.

“The kids are still practicing hard,” he said. “We’re trying to get better from week to week. We’re hoping for a chance at the playoffs. All of that’s kind up in the air right now.”