CLASS C 2021 FOOTBALL DISTRICT PREVIEWS
Top storylines
Can Tyrone’s offense continue dominance? Tyrone graduated a center, guard and defensive end from last season but return many of its skill positions, including Kobe Williams who helped lead Tyrone to a Class C state championship. With the 10 seniors and everyone else returning, an offense that scored 51.4 points per game last season looks to still be nearly intact. Tyrone coach Josh Bell said he felt as if Tyrone was overlooked last year after early-season losses.
How will Maysville look with new defense? 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. Maysville does return starting quarterback Bo Green, who will offer some stability as the team tries to build on a 10-2 season.
Can Timberlake finish it all this season? Timberlake has seven offensive starters returning and six on the defensive side from last year’s state runnerup. Ethan Jenlink, who threw for nearly 3,000 yards, returns as the starting quarterback along with J.J. Pippin, a 1,000-yard rusher. Timberlake looks to have enough to battle for the crown again this season.
Players to watch
Rylan Belcher, QB, Mountain ViewGotebo: The 5-foot-9, 180-pound senior is a four-year starter and he’s been one of the best quarterbacks in the state for most of them. Belcher rushed for 1,643 yards and threw for 1,425 in an 11-1 season. He’s accumulated over 5,700 all-purpose yards and 104 touchdowns in his career.
Kade Harland, RB/LB, Buffalo: The junior played a big role in helping Buffalo to an 10-2 season, which included a state quarterfinal appearance. Harland carried the ball 81 times for 578 yards and nine touchdowns.
Gus Hull, OG/LB, Sasakwa: Hull returns as a senior after a great season, helping Sasakwa to an 9-3 postseason run. The 6-foot, 218-pound senior recorded 80 tackles and seven sacks.
Kobie Williams, QB, Tyrone: Williams threw for 1,300 yards and 27 touchdowns and ran for 401 yards and four rushing touchdowns to lead Tyrone to a state championship title. The dualthreat quarterback is primed to have a similar season.
Key games
Fox at Sasakwa, Week 2: The earlyseason matchup will be a big momentum boost for the team that wins. Both are coming off great seasons but are both returning a few players on each side of the ball. Fox returns just four starters from last year’s 8-4 team while Sasakwa returns three on offense and four on defense.
Waynoka at Buffalo, Week 8: Each team is coming off a state quarterfinal appearance and is looking to build on a successful season. With Buffalo running back Kade Harland and Waynoka’s Jace Dunn set to take the field, it’ll be a fun matchup.
Bluejacket at Timberlake, Week 9: This game could possibly decide the district championship and will likely be a close game with the talent returning for each team.
Coaches’ polls District 1
1. Tyrone (11-2)
2. Buffalo (11-2)
3. Waynoka (10-2)
4. Boise City (4-6)
5. Beaver (0-10)
6. Sharon-Mutual (5-6)
7. Corn Bible (1-9)
8. Geary (3-8)
District 2
1. Mt. View-Gotebo (11-1)
2. Maysville (8-3)
3. Fox (8-4)
4. Thackerville (3-7)
5. Temple (1-9)
6. Grandfield (2-7)
7. Ryan (1-10)
8. Paoli (2-5)
District 3
1. Timberlake (12-1)
2. Medford (9-3)
3. Bluejacket (6-4)
4. Bartlesville Wesleyan Christian (4-7)
5. Deer Creek-Lamont (3-5)
6. Copan (0-10)
7. Welch (1-10)
8. South Coffeyville (2-7)
District 4
1. Midway (10-1)
2. Sasakwa (9-3)
3. Maud (6-6)
4. Oaks (5-4)
5. Coyle (1-7)
6. Bowlegs (5-6)
7. Graham-Dustin (4-3)
8. Wilson (Henryetta) (1-6)
* Last year’s record in parenthesis