District 4A-2 season preview

Coaches’ poll

1. Bethany (10-3) (tie) Blanchard (11-2) (tie) Tuttle (6-5)

4. Tecumseh (4-6)

5. Cushing (6-5)

6. McLoud (4-6)

7. Harrah (2-8)

8. Madill (3-7)

*Last year’s record in parentheses

District favorite: Blanchard

Coaches are clearly split among Bethany, Blanchard and Tuttle, but the Lions are coming off a year in which they ended Wagoner’s record-setting win streak to make the state semifinals. They also return Jamie Nance — the district’s best player — and several talented skill players.

Returning stars

Damien Dye, RB, McLoud: A 5-foot-9, 160-pound senior who has started four years, Dye is coming off a year in which he scored eight touchdowns and totaled nearly 1,100 yards. He also has a chance to set the school's career rushing record, which would pass coach Rusty Hall's total of more than 3,500 yards.

Jamie Nance, WR/DB, Blanchard: A Nebraska commit, Nance broke onto the scene following the year after his speed caught recruiters’ attention. He averaged 19.2 yards per catch with six TDs last season and also had the decisive interception against Wagoner.

Lawson Stout, DB/WR, Bethany: At just 5-10 and 175 pounds, it could be easy to overlook Stout, but he was Bethany’s leading tackler as a junior. He had 124 tackles at safety. He also totaled 183 yards as a receiver for talented quarterback Sam Brandt, a junior.

Key game: Tuttle at Blanchard, Week 8

At this point, the district race will have taken shape, and this game could be the final deciding factor for which team takes the top spot. It’s also a bit of a rivalry game that pits two big and physical teams against each other with a lot on the line.

JACOB UNRUH, STAFF WRITER