DISTRICT A-3 PREVIEW

District A-3 coaches’ poll

1. Apache (9-2)

2. Ringling (6-5)

3. Healdton (5-6)

4. Rush Springs (4-7)

5. Elmore City-Pernell (3-7)

6. Velma-Alma (1-9)

*Last year’s record in parentheses

Defending champions: Ringling

After beginning the season with a 1-4 record, the Blue Devils got things on track in district play and eventually took home the A-3 championship. Ringling relied on a stout defense and impressive linebacker group to shutdown opponents.

Returning stars

• DeWyatt Cox, WR/DB, Ringling: Cox is one of seven returning defensive starters that held opponents to 15 points per game in the regular season. He is also the leading returning receiver for Ringling.

• Landon McCracken, QB/LB Apache: As a sophomore, McCracken helped lead the Warriors to the second round of the state playoffs. This season, they’ll look for even more from the dual-threat quarterback.

• Chase Sawyer, TE/DE, Elmore City: Pernell Sawyer is the anchor of Elmore City-Pernell’s defensive line and a crucial key as a blocker at tight end on offense.

Key game: Ringling at Apache, Sept. 22 An early season loss to Ringling ended up being the difference for the District title as both Apache and Ringling finished with a 5-1 record. The showdown between the two leading vote getters in the coaches’ poll could determine District A-3 again.