Community Honors Okmulgee Dunbar Football Players at Gridiron Celebration

Parent-organized event recognizes athletes' growth, effort and character off the field

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A community- and parent-driven Gridiron Celebration banquet was held on February 7th in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to honor the Dunbar Middle School football players. The event, organized by parent Crystal Hammon and volunteers, recognized the athletes' hard work, discipline and character both on and off the field. Current and former coaches were also acknowledged for their leadership and mentorship of the young players.

Why it matters

The Gridiron Celebration highlights the important role that community support and involvement can play in the lives of student-athletes. By recognizing the players' achievements and character development, the event underscores the value of extracurricular activities and the positive impact that mentors and role models can have on young people's lives.

The details

The Gridiron Celebration banquet featured individual player awards, including a Defensive MVP, an Offensive MVP, and a Most Improved Player award. Coaches and community leaders also delivered speeches emphasizing the importance of discipline, leadership, and staying focused both on and off the field. The event was not affiliated with the Dunbar Middle School or the Okmulgee Public Schools district, but rather was organized by parents and community advocates to show the players that their hard work and dedication are appreciated.

  • The Gridiron Celebration banquet was held on February 7, 2026.
  • The players have been competing alongside one another since elementary school, starting in YMCA and youth leagues.

The players

Elijah Dawson

Quarterback for the Dunbar Middle School football team.

JaCari Hammon

Running Back and Wide Receiver for the Dunbar Middle School football team.

Crystal Hammon

Parent and community advocate who organized the Gridiron Celebration banquet.

Roy Jordan

Current middle school coach for the Dunbar football team.

Zane Farris

Current middle school coach for the Dunbar football team.

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What they’re saying

“We always go head to head. Anytime we playing each other – basketball, football, whatever – we always want to win.”

— Elijah Dawson, Quarterback (Okmulgee Times)

“I'm staying in the weight room, keeping my head on my shoulders, and making good grades. Trying to keep God first and keep that chip on my shoulder.”

— JaCari Hammon, Running Back/Wide Receiver (Okmulgee Times)

“They turned us into a disciplined team. Before that, we were losing. After, we started winning.”

— Elijah Dawson, Quarterback (Okmulgee Times)

“You put your pride aside. If you really want to learn, you go get help.”

— JaCari Hammon, Running Back/Wide Receiver (Okmulgee Times)

“They the ones that inspired me to play football. They taught me everything I knew.”

— JaCari Hammon, Running Back/Wide Receiver (Okmulgee Times)

What’s next

The Dunbar Middle School football players will continue to prepare for the upcoming high school season, focusing on discipline, academics, and their faith as they take their game to the next level.

The takeaway

The Gridiron Celebration demonstrates the power of community support and mentorship in shaping the lives of student-athletes. By recognizing the players' hard work, character, and growth both on and off the field, the event underscores the importance of extracurricular activities and the positive impact that engaged adults can have on young people's development.