Previewing Class 5A's districts
Top storylines
Can Carl Albert make it four straight titles and break the win-streak record?
The Titans have won three straight state championships — including two straight undefeated seasons — and show no signs of slowing down entering the year with a 36-game win streak. They are 12 victories behind Wagoner's 11-man record and have the talent behind quarterback Ben Harris and Co. to make history.
Which running back steals the show?
Three of the state's premier running backs reside in Class 5A — McGuinness' Dominic Richardson, Tulsa Edison's Sevion Morrison
and Carl Albert's Javion Hunt. Two years ago, Richardson, a TCU commit, captivated the state before suffering a broken leg in Week 10. Last season, Morrison was the star. Hunt, a junior who picked up several Division I offers, is set up to be next.
Returning stars
Reise Collier, Sr., Carl Albert: The Titans are loaded with stars — Harris, Hunt, Alphonse Joseph and Rico Windham, to name a few — but the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Collier is coming off a breakout season at linebacker with 175 tackles, five sacks and two interceptions. Zach Middleton, Sr., Tulsa Kelley: Middleton, an Oklahoma State commit at defensive back, is a twoway star for the Comets at running back and safety. With his speed, he can overwhelm opponents. He's expected to lead a team many view as a title contender.
Dorian Plumley, Jr., El Reno: The talented dualthreat quarterback once accounted for eight touchdowns in a game last season as he led the Indians back to the postseason. Expect him to continue his growth with even bigger numbers.
Brynden Walker, Sr., McGuinness: An Oklahoma commitment at linebacker, Walker is blossoming into perhaps the best prospect in 2020 class with his size, strength and speed. Last
season, he had 10 sacks. This season, he wants to at least double that.
Key games
McGuinness at Carl Albert, Week 10
A district championship is likely on the line in the final week of the season, which means it doesn't get more dramatic than that. The matchups are dynamic with stars everywhere on the field. Also, this could be a state championship preview like it was two of the past three years.
Tulsa Kelley at Tulsa Edison, Week 5
Speed against speed with Middleton and Morrison facing off. Last season, this was the game before Morrison exploded in the final half of the regular season to push Tulsa Edison to the playoffs. If he gets going against arguably Class 5A's top defense, watch out.
Coaches' polls
District 5A-1
1. Lawton MacArthur (4-6)
2. Ardmore (13-1)
3. Altus (8-3)
4. El Reno (6-5)
5. Duncan (9-2)
6. Noble (4-6)
7. Southeast (2-8)
(tie) Western Heights (4-6)
District 5A-2
1. Carl Albert (14-0)
2. McGuinness (9-3)
3. Guthrie (9-3)
4. Piedmont (5-6)
5. Woodward (4-6)
6. Lawton Eisenhower (2-8)
7. Guymon (1-9)
8. Northwest Classen (0-10)
District 5A-3
1. Tulsa Kelley (10-3)
2. Tulsa Edison (6-5)
3. Ada (5-6)
4. McAlester (4-6)
5. Coweta (5-7)
6. Glenpool (2-8)
7. Durant (1-9)
8. Tulsa Hale (1-9)
District 5A-4
1. Collinsville (12-1)
2. Claremore (7-5) (tie) Tahlequah (9-2)
4. Skiatook (7-4)
5. Pryor (3-7)
6. Tulsa East Central (4-6)
7. Tulsa Memorial (4-6)
8. Tulsa Rogers (0-10) *Last year's record in parentheses