THE OKLAHOMAN’S 2021 CLASS C FOOTBALL PRESEASON RANKINGS

1. Mountain View-Gotebo (11-1): Mt. View-Gotebo advanced to the semifinals last season but with everyone that it has returning, including star quarterback Rylan Belcher, the Tigers are the favorites to win it all this season.

2. Tyrone (11-2): Tyrone graduated a center, guard and defensive end from last season but return many of its skill positions, including quarterback Kobie Williams, who helped lead Tyrone to the state championship title. With the 10 seniors and everyone else returning, the defending champs will have the chance to repeat.

3. Timberlake (12-1): Timberlake looks to have enough to battle for the crown again this season as it returns six on defense and seven on offense, including quarterback Ethan Jenlink and running back J.J. Pippin. The Tigers fell just one win shy of the title and are ready to take the next step.

4. Buffalo (11-1): Buffalo graduated some key players from its state quarterfinal team but are still expected to make some noise this season. Running back and linebacker Kade Harland returns to lead the way.

5. Waynoka (10-2): Waynoka advanced to the state quarterfinals and will bring back six starters from each side of the ball. Running back Jace Dunn will take the reigns as the leader after Waynoka graduated its quarterback.

6. Midway (9-1): Midway returns a dynamic offense, thanks to quarterback Geral Washington, tight end Jackson Miller and others that could lift them to better heights this season.

7. Fox (8-4): Fox returns just four players from last year’s 8-4 team and will lack size this season. But what it lacks in size, it’ll make up with athleticism.

8. Sharon-Mutual (5-6): Coming off back-to-back seasons with a 5-6 record, Sharon-Mutual is ready to put together a winning season with some key players returning.

9. Medford (8-3): The Cardinals advanced to the state quarterfinals last season but will now be a younger group. However, the newer guys could be up for the task.

10. Maysville (9-3): Maysville advanced to the second round of the playoffs last season thanks to its defense, which allowed just 16.3 points per game and had three shutouts. But Maysville needs to replace eight defensive starters if it wants to build on a 10-2 season.

11. Maud (6-6): Maud will be senior-led this season and returns star running back Dylan Armstrong and quarterback Bryce Bodkin. It could be enough to improve on the 6-6 season.

12. Boise City (4-6): The Wildcats finished the season winning four of its final six games. They will take that momentum into this season.

13. Sasakwa (8-3): Sasakwa won’t have the experience on its roster as it did last year but it has a few players ready to step up to build on a 9-3 season, including linebackers Gus Hull and Austin Choate.

14. Bartlesville Wesleyan Christian (4-7): The Mustangs are on an upward trend and could break through this year to advance to the state playoffs.

15. Thackerville (3-7): It’ll be a new era in football for Thackerville as coach Shane Wolfe brings in his own coaching staff.

16. Bluejacket (6-4): The Chieftans return speed on both sides of the ball and that could be enough to push them to the state playoffs.

Others: 17. Grandfield (2-7); 18. Oaks (4-4); 19. Deer Creek-Lamont (3-5); 20. Bowlegs (5-6); 21. Graham-Dustin (4-3); 22. Geary (3-8); 23. Paoli (2-5); 24. South Coffeyville (2-7); 25. Corn Bible (1-9); 26. Temple (1-9); 27. Ryan (1-10); 28. Wilson (Henryetta) (1-6); 29. Coyle (1-7); 30. Welch (1-10); 31. Copan (010); 32. Beaver (0-10)