Class C district previews
Top storylines
Can SW Covenant recreate its deep postseason run? Quarterback Ben Webb returns along with star junior running back Tyler Kelly, as the Patriot duo looks to make another deep postseason run. SW Covenant returns five starters on each side of the ball, so experience should be a major factor. The Patriots have a road-heavy schedule during the back half of the season, which will be a good test before the playoffs.
Who can dethrone Tipton?
SW Covenant is the choice here to return to the title game, but Pond CreekHunter is also looking to make its way back to the top. Graham-Dustin and Paoli will battle in District B-4, but both teams might challenge the three-time state champions.
Returning stars
Tyler Kelly, Jr., SW Covenant: Kelly starred as a sophomore. He ran for 859 yards with 15 touchdowns while catching seven more passes for scores.
Dalton Fleeson, Sr., Covington-Douglas: Fleeson collected nearly 1,100 yards of total offense.
Fisher Muegge, Sr., Pond Creek-Hunter: The talented linebacker racked up 77 tackles and nabbed three interceptions while catching four touchdowns on offense.
Kekoa White, Sr., Graham-Dustin: White was a dominant tight end, collecting 1,067 total yards with 23 touchdowns. On defense, he had 94 tackles while growing in his leadership role.
Key games
Covington-Douglas at Coyle, Week 8: The winner of this contest positions itself well for home-field advantage in the playoffs. For Coyle, it could spark another deep run in the playoffs while CovingtonDouglas is working to improve after last season's first-round exit. Graham-Dustin at Paoli, Week 10: In a game that could be for a district title, Graham-Dustin and Paoli will be fighting for playoff positioning. The winner gets the upper hand in the playoffs, as if there could be any more pressure.
Coaches' polls
District C-1
1. Pond Creek-Hunter (11-2)
2. Sharon-Mutual (5-6) 3. Buffalo (12-1)
4. Tyrone (8-3)
5. Waynoka (5-5)
6. Boise City (4-6)
7. Timberlake (2-8)
8. Balko-Forgan (0-9)
District C-2
1. Tipton (12-2)
2. Mt. View-Gotebo (7-4)
3. Fox (7-4)
4. Maysville (4-7)
5. Grandfield (2-8)
6. Corn Bible (3-7)
7. Thackerville (1-9)
8. Temple (0-10)
District C-3
1. SW Covenant (12-1)
2. Covington-Douglas (6-5)
3. Coyle (8-3)
4. Medford (6-5)
5. Deer Creek-Lamont (1-8)
6. Bluejacket (5-5)
7. Welch (0-9)
District C-4
1. Midway (7-4)
(tie) Sasakwa (5-6)
3. Graham-Dustin (9-2)
4. Paoli (10-2)
5. Bowlegs (2-8)
6. Webbers Falls (2-7)
7. Wilson (Henryetta) (1-9) *Last year's record in parentheses