The Jenks curse continued, however, as the Trojans handed Muskogee its 18th straight loss in the series and worst loss in Hennesy’s tenure, 34-6. Without the Broken Arrow win, the Roughers would have likely gone to Owasso in the first round for a rematch of the opener. BA instead beat Owasso, the 6A-4 runner-up, 32-0.

Every team Muskogee lost to plays this week, including the least likeliest of the bunch. But the absence of Bradley, who separated his throwing shoulder in the regular season finale, along with losses of linebacker Michael Stanford (knee) and running back/defensive back Brenton Bogar (shoulder), along with a missed extra point in regulation, proved too much to overcome.

“I was disappointed for our seniors who had to have it end this way. Those guys took it hard,” Hennesy said. “I can come back and get another shot but they won’t and I feel for them. They contributed greatly to what we accomplished. If Robert plays with the intensity he played Friday night next season, he’ll start at Arkansas. You hate for that kind of effort to go out like it did and leave a kid like that feeling so empty.”

With Thomas committed to the Razorbacks, Howell, who was coming off off-season shoulder surgery, should play at the next level on scholarship, as might running back Vernon Scott, who finished his season with 102 yards rushing against the Pioneers. Defensive end Matt Messer also comes to mind, as well as others.

Looking ahead, the Roughers face a huge challenge up front with four of the five offensive linemen to be replaced and four of the front seven on defense.

“The difference up front will be in the weight room this off-season,” Hennesy said. “That’s what’s going to produce the kids who will step up in those positions.”

The emergence of freshman Victor Williams as a starter in the secondary and his occasional play at wide receiver, along with the return of Brenton Bogar in the secondary and at running back and Chapman as a receiver, gives Muskogee a decent quantity of returning skill players.

Oh, and there’s Bradley, backed up by junior Mitch Stevenson, at the quarterback position. Rumors began circulating last summer that the starter might be headed to Union, where his mother took a job in the Union school system. Those may resurface, along with the possibility that Bradley, a standout pitcher who looms as a high baseball draft possibility two years from now, could limit himself to one sport.

Bradley admitted the thought of focusing on baseball came to mind when he found out the extent of the injury last week.

“But I found out Friday how much I love football and I’m sticking with it,” Bradley said. “I told our underclassmen after the game that this off-season is very vital to our success and to commit to Summer Pride and be there every day. If I have to drive them all to practice, I will.”