District 4A-4 preview

Coaches’ poll

1. Poteau (7-4)

2. Hilldale (10-2)

3. Broken Bow (10-2)

4. Fort Gibson (6-5)

5. Muldrow (7-4)

6. Tulsa Central (2-8)

7. Sallisaw (1-9)

8. Stilwell (5-5) *-Last year’s records in parentheses.

Defending champion: Hilldale

The Hornets began 2-1 before district play, but the 34-12 loss to Beggs helped spark an undefeated run through district play and into the postseason. A 27-24 overtime victory at Fort Gibson was crucial to Hilldale capturing the 4A-4 district title.

Returning stars

Quintin Owens, ATH, Broken Bow: The do-it-all playmaker for the Savages was a constant problem for opponents in 2017. He had 18 rushing touchdowns on 68 attempts while running for 550 yards.

He also caught 19 passes for 400 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, he made 70 tackles and had three interceptions. He also completed all three of his pass attempts. Owens is a key cog if Broken Bow wants to dethrone Hilldale.

Gunnar Thompson, DE, Poteau: Thompson has made an impact on both sides of the ball since he was a freshman.

Going into his senior season, Thompson has racked up 185 tackles and 14 sacks to go along with 252 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

His presence could help Poteau during its quest to win a district title.

Hunter Lawson, DE, Fort Gibson: Lawson starred in his sophomore season, though he didn’t produce the same numbers last year.

The senior defensive lineman is a force in the Tigers front seven.

He has 14 sacks during his two seasons, so a lot of Fort Gibson’s defense will rely on his abilities to get to the quarterback and infiltrate the backfield.

Big question: Can Poteau finish stronger than last season?

The Pirates were rolling. Poteau was 7-1 heading to Broken Bow for a Week 9 showdown, one it lost 42-0. District champion Hilldale clinched its title with a 48-28 victory the next week, and Poteau lost in overtime during the first round of the playoffs to Wagoner, the three-time defending 4A champion that hadn’t lost a game since 2014. Poteau led 28-20 entering the fourth quarter. If the Pirates can finish stronger and stay healthy this season, they could make a run for a district title and in the playoffs.