District 2A-6 preview

Coaches’ poll

1. Valliant (6-6)

2. Hartshorne (5-5)

3. Eufaula (6-5)

4. Antlers (8-4)

5. Hugo (2-8)

6. Wilburton (3-7)

7. Heavener (0-10)

8. Atoka (1-9)

District favorite: Valliant The Bulldogs return some key starters, including the majority of its offense that averaged 33 points per game. Valliant will look to push its opponents around and control the clock, averaging more than 300 yards per game on the ground in district play last season.

Returning stars William King III, RB, Hugo: King returns after racking up more than 1,200 yards of total offense and scoring 16 touchdowns. Look for the 6-foot-2, 185pound junior to lead the way again.

Keegan Lininger, QB, Valliant: Lininger made Valliant go last year. The quarterback rolled up more than 1,800 yards rushing to go along with 700 passing yards and 35 total touchdowns.

Josh Rentie, DT, Hartshorne: The big man in the middle of the defense, Rentie is a run-stopping force in Class 2A. The 6-3, 275-pound tackle is known for getting into the backfield and shutting down plays before they can start.

Key matchup: Hartshorne at Valliant, Week 6

In the meeting between the two schools last year, Hartshorne came out on top in a 26-20 slugfest. This season, Valliant will look to return the favor as both schools battle it out for the top spot in the district.