Top storylines for upcoming season

As high school football practice opens across the state Monday, check out the main storylines heading into the 2018 season.

Coaches’ poll

1. Tulsa Kelley (8-3)

2. Coweta (8-3)

3. McAlester (3-7)

4. Tulsa Edison (4-6)

5. Ada (10-4)

6. Glenpool (3-8)

7. Durant (2-8)

8. Tulsa Hale (1-9) *-Last year’s records in parentheses.

Defending champion: Coweta. The Tigers started 1-2 before rattling off seven straight victories to close the regular season. This season’s team returns quarterback JD Geneva along with most of its skill position players. Coweta looks to replace most of its linemen on both sides of the ball.

Returning stars

*JD Geneva, QB, Coweta: One of the state’s best quarterbacks for the upcoming season, Geneva has Division I potential. He is looking to lead the Tigers to another district title after throwing for 1,410 yards and 15 touchdowns in an injury-riddled 2017 season. If he can stay healthy, his name will continue to rise on recruiting boards and he should continue to produce on Friday nights.

*Landon Tubbs, LB, Durant:

A three-year starter for the Lions, Tubbs is one of the state’s most talented linebackers. With his big hits and ability to find the ball, he will anchor Durant’s defensive unit. Tubbs recorded 93 tackles and 12 tackles for loss last season.

*Trey Briggs, LT, McAlester: Briggs is 6-foot-7, 315 pounds and making the move to left tackle this season. His size and frame have potential at the next level if his development continues and transition to tackle from guard goes smoothly.

Key game: Coweta at Tulsa Bishop Kelley, Week 9 Coweta is trying to defend its district title while Tulsa Kelley wants to defend its home field and have a potential opportunity to clinch a district title of its own late in the season. This matchup could be pivotal as playoff seeding comes into play.