District 4A-1 season preview

Coaches’ poll

1. Weatherford (8-3)

2. Clinton (3-7)

3. Elgin (5-6)

(tie) Anadarko (8-3) (tie) Cache (5-5)

6. Elk City (6-5)

7. Newcastle (3-7)

8. Chickasha (0-10) *-Last year’s records in parentheses.

District favorite: Weatherford

Weatherford comes out on top of the coaches’ poll to start the year after an impressive 8-3 debut under coach Reagan Roof last season. Weatherford returns the majority of its starting unit from last year, including sophomore running back and defensive end Ethan Downs.

Returning stars

Ethan Downs, RB/DE, Weatherford: Standing at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Downs is an impressive specimen as a sophomore. Though Downs did not put up any eye-popping numbers last season, Weatherford coaches are expecting a breakout year.

Ryan Pollard, OL/DL, Anadarko: The three-year starter is the Warriors’ only returning offensive lineman. The 6-2, 255-pound guard is drawing interest from Division II schools.

Cade Thompson, WR, Newcastle: The younger brother of Texas quarterback Casey Thompson and the son of former OU star Charles Thompson, Cade quietly had a great junior season. Splitting time between receiver and tight end, he racked up 50 catches for more than 600 yards and eight scores.

Big question: Can Higbee return Clinton to power?

John Higbee returns to Clinton, where he was an assistant coach for five seasons. Clinton missed the playoffs for the first time in 28 years, but Higbee is coming off leading Purcell back to the playoffs. Can he turn Clinton around, too?