Midwest City, Oklahoma, December 6, 2025
Delijah Matthews, a junior running back at Carl Albert High School, has earned the prestigious Gatorade Oklahoma Football Player of the Year award. This honor reflects his outstanding athletic skills, demonstrated by leading the Titans to a 13-0 season with 1,966 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns. Matthews also excels academically with a 3.52 GPA and actively contributes to his community by coaching youth athletes, making him a commendable role model in both sports and academics.
Midwest City Celebrates Delijah Matthews as Gatorade Player of the Year
Matthews Shines as MVP, Leading Carl Albert Titans to Victory
In a remarkable achievement, junior running back Delijah Matthews from Carl Albert High School has been honored as the Gatorade Oklahoma Football Player of the Year for the 2025-2026 season. This prestigious recognition is not only a testament to his athletic prowess on the football field but also highlights his commitment to academics and community engagement, reflecting the values that high school sports instill in young athletes.
Throughout the 2025 season, Matthews showcased his extraordinary talents, helping lead the Carl Albert Titans to an undefeated 13-0 record and a spot in the Class 5A state title game. His performance has not only garnered respect from opposing teams but has illuminated the impact of dedication and teamwork that high school sports represent in the Oklahoma community.
Exceptional Athletic Performance
Delijah Matthews distinguished himself on the field with a stellar season, accumulating 1,966 rushing yards and scoring 40 touchdowns. Averaging an impressive 8.8 yards per carry, he was instrumental in the Titans’ success, demonstrating both agility and speed. Matthews also showed versatility by contributing to the passing game with 177 receiving yards on 13 receptions, along with successfully completing 4-of-4 passes for 77 yards and three touchdowns.
Academic Excellence
Beyond his on-field achievements, Matthews has maintained a commendable academic standing with a 3.52 weighted GPA. This balance of academic integrity and athletic ability exemplifies the dedication required to be successful in both spheres, further enhancing his profile as a well-rounded athlete.
Community Engagement
Matthews’s commitment extends beyond the gridiron and classroom, as he actively engages with the community. He has volunteered as a coach for youth athletes in football, basketball, and track, highlighting his dedication to fostering sportsmanship and helping develop the skills of younger players. This involvement strengthens community ties and promotes a culture of teamwork and leadership.
Background on the Gatorade Player of the Year Award
The Gatorade Player of the Year awards have celebrated exceptional high school athletes since 1986, positioning them among the nation’s elite in various sports. The awards recognize athletes not only for their athletic skills but also for their academic achievements and exemplary character traits. Past winners include notable athletes such as Peyton Manning and Emmitt Smith in football, making this recognition a significant milestone in Matthews’s athletic career.
Recent Gatorade Oklahoma Football Player of the Year Recipients
Previous recipients of the Gatorade Oklahoma Football Player of the Year award include Andy Bass of Heritage Hall High School for the 2023-2024 season, and Jackson Jobe, also from Heritage Hall, for the 2022-2023 season. These distinguished athletes have demonstrated exceptional talent and leadership, reinforcing the rich tradition of high school football excellence in Oklahoma.
About Carl Albert High School
Nestled in Midwest City, Oklahoma, Carl Albert High School boasts a storied athletic legacy, primarily recognized for its football program. The Titans have a history of high-level competition in the state’s 5A classification, continually striving for excellence and consistently producing talented athletes such as Delijah Matthews.
Looking Ahead
As Matthews looks forward to his senior year, expectations remain high. His leadership and performance will be crucial as the Carl Albert Titans aim to continue building on their undefeated record and chase further championships in the upcoming season. With continued hard work and community support, Matthews’s future is bright.
FAQ
Who is Delijah Matthews?
Delijah Matthews is a junior running back at Carl Albert High School in Midwest City, Oklahoma, recognized as the Gatorade Oklahoma Football Player of the Year for the 2025-2026 season.
What are Matthews’ athletic achievements?
Matthews rushed for 1,966 yards and scored 40 touchdowns, averaging 8.8 yards per carry, leading the Carl Albert Titans to a 13-0 record and a Class 5A state title game appearance.
What is the Gatorade Player of the Year award?
The Gatorade Player of the Year awards honor outstanding high school athletes across various sports, recognizing excellence in athletics, academics, and character.
Who are some past recipients of the Gatorade Oklahoma Football Player of the Year?
Recent recipients include Andy Bass of Heritage Hall High School in 2023-2024 and Jackson Jobe of Heritage Hall High School in 2022-2023.
What is Carl Albert High School known for?
Carl Albert High School is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in football, with a history of success in Oklahoma’s 5A classification.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Athletic Performance | 1,966 rushing yards, 40 touchdowns, 8.8 yards per carry, 13-0 record, Class 5A state title game appearance |
| Academic Excellence | 3.52 weighted GPA |
| Community Engagement | Volunteer coach for youth athletes in football, basketball, and track |
| Award Background | Gatorade Player of the Year awards honor outstanding high school athletes since 1986 |
| Past Recipients | Andy Bass (2023-2024), Jackson Jobe (2022-2023) |
| School Background | Carl Albert High School known for strong athletic programs, particularly in football |
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