CLASS B FOOTBALL DISTRICT PREVIEW
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Joining the class: Velma-Alma will enter Class B this season after going undefeated last year as an independent school. Velma outscored its opponents last year by 320 points while also playing Class B schools such as Ryan, Empire, Bray-Doyle and Snyder. Their closest win over Class B schools was by a little more than two touchdowns.
New coach on the field: John Williamson will enter his first year as a head coach. As a BrayDoyle alum, Williamson will lead Cyril, which returns a big and experienced offensive line and its starting quarterback. With the Pirates fielding young athletes at the skill positions, how will Williamson fair in his first time running the show?
Stepping up: Pond Creek-Hunter went undefeated last year and dominated teams in its state championship season. But with only a few returning starters, the Panthers will rely on its strong winning tradition as they move up to Class B.
Players to watch
Tatton Anderson, RB/DB, Alex: Anderson has rushed for 6,306 career yards and 98 touchdowns. He's also recorded 2,163 career receiving yards and 34 touchdowns. This season, he will be chasing Hulbert's Jacob Bruce, Oklahoma's all-time career rushing leader. Anderson trails Bruce by a little over 2,200 yards.
Kole Carlson, QB/DB, Cyril: Standing at 5-foot-10, 150 pounds, the sophomore quarterback will likely improve on his impressive freshman season where he led the Pirates offense. Carlson threw for 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns last year.
John Theophilus, TE/LB, Pond Creek-Hunter: The 6-3, 225-pound athlete plays multiple positions for the Panthers at a high level. He's been responsible for 20 touchdowns in his career as a fullback and tight end. As a linebacker, Theophilus has recorded 161 tackles, 70 coming from last year in Pond Creek's 2019 Class C state championship season. He's being recruited by Northwestern Oklahoma State University and East Central University. With Pond Creek-Hunter moving up to Class B this year, he'll likely earn more attention.
Key games
Shattuck at Laverne, Week 10: These teams are two of the projected top schools in Class B. A win for either in the season finale matchup will set the tone for the 2020 playoffs.
Alex at Velma-Alma, Week 7: Alex has proven to be one of the top teams in Class B. With VelmaAlma joining the Class this year, this matchup will likely determine how well Velma-Alma will look in the playoffs.
Coaches' poll
B-1
1. Shattuck (14-0)
2. Laverne (9-3)
3. Turpin (4-7)
4. Seiling (6-5)
5. Balko-Forgan (3-6)
6. Canton (4-6)
B-2
1. Cherokee (12-2)
2. Pond Creek-Hunter (14-0)
3. Ringwood (7-4)
4. Okeene (2-8)
5. Waukomis (0-10)
6. Kremlin-Hillsdale (2-8)
B-3
1. Snyder (8-4)
2. Waurika (9-2)
3. Tipton (8-4)
4. Cyril (5-6)
5. Empire (4-7)
6. Central Marlow (4-6)
B-4
1. Velma-Alma (9-0)
2. Alex (10-3)
3. Southwest Covenant (9-1)
4. Strother (5-7)
5. Caddo (2-8)
6. Bray-Doyle (2-8)
*Last year's record in parentheses