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Elmwood Chargers Dominate Eatonville Zebras 54–24 to Claim 2025 Veterans Bowl Title
12 days ago - 10/19/2025 3:26 AM GMT-3
By Dan Dayson, Sports Correspondent
October 19, 2025 — Elmwood, OK
The Elmwood Chargers left no doubt about who the best team on the field was Saturday night, overpowering the Eatonville Zebras 54–24 to capture the 2025 Veterans Bowl championship in front of a roaring crowd at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
From the opening kickoff, Elmwood’s high-powered offense set the tone. Senior quarterback Tyler Grant led the charge, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for another as the Chargers built an early 28–7 lead by halftime. Behind a dominant offensive line, Elmwood’s ground game chewed up clock and yardage, with running back Marcus “Tank” Hayes adding 142 rushing yards and two scores.
“Our guys came to play tonight,” said Elmwood head coach Rick Donovan, hoisting the Veterans Bowl trophy amid a sea of celebrating players. “They’ve worked all season for this moment. The energy, the effort—everything clicked when it mattered most.”
The Chargers’ defense was equally relentless, forcing four turnovers—including a pick-six by linebacker Derrick Fowler in the third quarter that effectively sealed the game. Eatonville’s star quarterback, Jaylen Moore, showed flashes of brilliance, tossing two touchdown passes, but the Zebras couldn’t overcome Elmwood’s speed and physicality on both sides of the ball.
By the time the final whistle blew, the Chargers’ sideline had erupted into celebration—players dousing coaches with water and hoisting their helmets high as confetti fell.
“This means everything,” said senior captain Eli Ramirez. “We’ve been dreaming of this since freshman year. To bring the Veterans Bowl trophy home—it’s unreal.”
The victory marks Elmwood’s first Veterans Bowl championship since 2017, capping off a remarkable season defined by teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
With the title secured, the Elmwood Chargers will carry the pride of their town into the playoffs as undisputed 2025 Veterans Bowl Champions.
October 19, 2025 — Elmwood, OK
The Elmwood Chargers left no doubt about who the best team on the field was Saturday night, overpowering the Eatonville Zebras 54–24 to capture the 2025 Veterans Bowl championship in front of a roaring crowd at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
From the opening kickoff, Elmwood’s high-powered offense set the tone. Senior quarterback Tyler Grant led the charge, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for another as the Chargers built an early 28–7 lead by halftime. Behind a dominant offensive line, Elmwood’s ground game chewed up clock and yardage, with running back Marcus “Tank” Hayes adding 142 rushing yards and two scores.
“Our guys came to play tonight,” said Elmwood head coach Rick Donovan, hoisting the Veterans Bowl trophy amid a sea of celebrating players. “They’ve worked all season for this moment. The energy, the effort—everything clicked when it mattered most.”
The Chargers’ defense was equally relentless, forcing four turnovers—including a pick-six by linebacker Derrick Fowler in the third quarter that effectively sealed the game. Eatonville’s star quarterback, Jaylen Moore, showed flashes of brilliance, tossing two touchdown passes, but the Zebras couldn’t overcome Elmwood’s speed and physicality on both sides of the ball.
By the time the final whistle blew, the Chargers’ sideline had erupted into celebration—players dousing coaches with water and hoisting their helmets high as confetti fell.
“This means everything,” said senior captain Eli Ramirez. “We’ve been dreaming of this since freshman year. To bring the Veterans Bowl trophy home—it’s unreal.”
The victory marks Elmwood’s first Veterans Bowl championship since 2017, capping off a remarkable season defined by teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
With the title secured, the Elmwood Chargers will carry the pride of their town into the playoffs as undisputed 2025 Veterans Bowl Champions.
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