District 3A-3 season preview

Coaches’ poll

1. Idabel (8-5)

2. Lincoln Christian (5-7) (tie) Seminole (8-4) 4. Stigler (7-4) 5. Checotah (5-6) (tie) Roland (3-6) 7. Okmulgee (4-6) 8. Tulsa Webster (3-7) *-Last year’s records in parentheses.

Defending champion: Idabel is a defending district champion but this is a new district. The eight teams in District 3A-3 were members of five different districts last year. Only Stigler and Roland were district opponents for Idabel last season.

Returning stars

Donte Reece, DT, Idabel: The 6-foot-4, 285 pound senior is a three-year starter and a strong force on the Idabel Warriors’ defensive line.

Brendyn Harris, RB, Lincoln Christian: Harris won the starting job late last season and averaged 6.5 yards a carry. The 5-9, 170-pound senior has in-state college offers from East Central, Northeastern and Southwestern.

Chase Ricke, QB, Lincoln Christian: The 6-1, 170-pound junior signal caller threw for 3,055 yards and 25 touchdowns last season.

Big question: Can Idabel protect its home field?

Idabel is the slight favorite in the district but Lincoln Christian and Seminole are both capable of winning the title. However, the Warriors have the favorable schedule among the three contenders. Both Lincoln Christian and Seminole must make the long drive to Idabel for what will be key district games.