DISTRICT PREVIEWS: CLASS 4 A
Top storylines
Can Tuttle defend its title? The Tigers are considered one of the strongest teams, though they'll have to replace quarterback Carson Berryhill. Tuttle's district isn't easy, either, with state runner-up Bethany and Blanchard pushing to take the top spot. Even then, Tuttle returns running back Triston Truelove, who will help Tuttle's potent offense.
Is it Wagoner's turn again? The Bulldogs have been a perennial power throughout the last decade. Since 2010, Wagoner has captured four titles and fell in double overtime against Douglass in a fifth title game. Wagoner returns seven starters on each side of the ball, and it added Coweta move-in Isaac Smith on the defensive line. The Bulldogs are primed for another deep playoff run.
Returning stars
Sam Brandt, QB/DB,
Bethany: Want offense? Brandt accounted for 52 touchdowns last season. Want defense? Brandt was named to The Oklahoman's 2018 All-State football team after tallying seven interceptions and 76 tackles. Bethany will go as Brandt does. Ethan Downs, DL/RB, Weatherford: One of, if not, the top recruits in the state for the 2021 class, Downs is a talented defensive end at 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds. He holds offers from Oklahoma, LSU, Nebraska, Texas, Penn State and Texas A&M. Vakameialo Tufua, DL, Poteau: Tufua moved from Alaska last season, and he flourished for the Pirates. He's an impact player on one of the state's top defensive units. Bryce Madron, RB, Blanchard: Also a talented baseball star, Madron rushed for 1,743 yards with 32 touchdowns last season on only 178 carries. When Blanchard needs guaranteed yards, look for Madron to have the ball. Key games Bethany at Tuttle, Week 6: A rematch of last season's state championship game, Bethany has revenge on its mind while Tuttle is looking to keep its throne. The winner of this matchup could take the district crown. Poteau at Broken Bow, Week 8: Two of the state's top defensive teams are in the same class. Poteau was victorious last season and won the district, yet Broken Bow had six shutouts in 12 games last year. The winner positions itself for a better playoff seed. Weatherford at Clinton, Week 5: Clinton's speed on the new turf at the Tornado Bowl will be tested on whether it can stop Downs, who is likely going to be involved in each play in some form. The rivalry will be pivotal when it comes to playoff seeding.
Coaches' polls District 4A-1
1. Clinton (11-2)
2. Weatherford (7-4)
3. Cache (8-3)
4. Anadarko (6-5)
5. Chickasha (4-6)
6. Newcastle (3-7)
7. Elgin (1-9)
8. Elk City (0-10) District 4A-2
1. Tuttle (14-0)
2. Bethany (12-2)
3. Blanchard (9-3)
4. Cushing (4-7)
5. Tecumseh (5-5)
6. Madill (4-6)
7. Harrah (0-10)
8. McLoud (2-8) District 4A-3
1. Wagoner (10-2)
2. Bristow (9-2)
3. Oologah (5-6)
4. Grove (4-6)
5. Catoosa (8-3)
6. Cleveland (5-5)
7. Miami (3-7)
8. Tulsa McLain (2-8) District 4A-4
1. Poteau (12-1)
2. Broken Bow (9-3)
3. Sallisaw (3-7)
4. Fort Gibson (4-7)
5. Hilldale (9-3)
6. Muldrow (2-8)
7. Stilwell (0-10)
8. Tulsa Central (2-7) *Last year's record in parentheses