DISTRICT A-4 PREVIEW

District A-4 coaches’ poll

1. Wynnewood (11-4)

2. Minco (11-2)

3. Oklahoma Christian Academy (5-6)

4. Wayne (9-3)

5. Crossings Christian (3-7)

6. Konawa (2-8)

7. Wellston (1-9)

*Last year’s record in parentheses

Defending champions: Minco Behind star Tucker Halstead, Minco rolled to a perfect district record with a 14-point victory over eventual state runner-up Wynnewood and narrow win over Wayne. But then it slipped in the quarterfinals to Afton in a 23-20 loss.

Returning stars

•Cole Burchfield, RB, Minco: Finally getting his chance, Burchfield has bulked up this offseason after rushing for 450 yards and five touchdowns as a junior.

•Tommy Imbu, RB/LB, Oklahoma Christian Academy: He’s not tall at just 5-6, but he’s strong at 210 pounds. That makes him a punishing runner. He’s coming off a season with 1,363 yards and 20 touchdowns.

•Brody Odom, LB/FB, Wynnewood: At 6-0, 210 pounds, Odom is a force on both sides of the ball. Last season, he had 149 tackles and rushed for seven touchdowns.

Key game: Minco at OCA, Oct. 27

It’s a Week 9 game and it possibly sets up for a battle to determine which team hosts a playoff game in at least the first round. OCA enters the season with eight returning starters on each side, while Minco is looking to replace some star power.