THE OKLAHOMAN’S 2021 CLASS 3A FOOTBALL PRESEASON RANKINGS
1. Tulsa Holland Hall (12-0): The defending state champions return plenty of stars, including wide receivers and defensive backs NuNu Campbell and Ethan Roush. The Dutch again will be talented enough to make a deep run.
2. Tulsa Lincoln Christian (12-1): Central Michigan commit Max Brown returns at quarterback, and he gives the Bulldogs an excellent chance to make it to the Class 3A state championship game for the third straight season.
3. Heritage Hall (10-2): The Chargers return plenty of talent at the skill positions, including star Gavin Freeman and linebacker Brigham Evans. If Heritage Hall can find continuity up front, it will be a force down the stretch.
4. Verdigris (9-2): The Cardinals only losses last season came against Holland Hall and Heritage Hall. Junior linebacker Reese Roller returns after a 22-sack sophomore season and will lead a strong defensive unit.
5. Plainview (5-7): Junior wide receiver Morgan Pearson is well known as a budding star, but he’s hoping to get an experienced Plainview squad back into the state championship game.
6. Anadarko (8-4): Quarterback Karsen Williams returns after throwing for more than 2,200 yards last season, hoping to lead Anadarko on a deep playoff run in coach Kent Jackson’s second year since his return.
7. Kingfisher (8-4): Junior Jax Sternberger has one year of experience under his belt at quarterback, which will help. The Yellowjackets’ speed and strength will help it in many games, but depth could be an issue.
8. Stigler (11-2): Former Stigler standout Cade Shearwood returns as head coach and takes over a roster with only two returning starters on offense and four on defense from a team that reached the semifinals last season.
9. Checotah (5-6): Senior running back Dontierre Fisher is one of the top running backs in the state and will carry the load, coming off a season in which he had 1,645 yards and 23 touchdowns.
10. Sulphur (7-4): Jim Dixon returns for his 47th season as head coach. With eight returning starters on offense and seven on defense, the Bulldogs are expecting a big season but must avoid injuries, as depth is an issue.
11. Vinita (7-3): Senior Kyron Downing is one of the best athletes in the state and a big reason why Vinita has potential to make a deep playoff run.
12. Kingston (11-1): Senior running back Brandon Watson returns after rushing for nearly 1,500 yards last season. Kingston will look to repeat its success.
13. Seminole (5-4): Mike Snyder, the state’s all-time wins leader with 370, is back for his 42nd season and could have a team capable of a strong season with eight returning starters on both sides of the ball.
14. Berryhill (3-5): Offensive linemen Davis Dotson will anchor the unit up front and look to guide Berryhill back to a winning season and into the playoffs.
15. Lone Grove (8-4): A surprise team to many last season, Lone Grove has continued to get better in a tough southern district each season. With numerous starters returning, the Longhorns are hoping for even more growth this fall.
16. Perkins-Tryon (6-5): Dawayne Hudson takes over as head coach while Gunnar Thrash will move into the starting quarterback spot. Sophomore running back Tre Stevenson will look to improve off an impressive freshman campaign.
Others: 17. McLoud (5-5); 18. Pauls Valley (5-6); 19. Madill (3-7); 20. Inola (5-6); 21. Tulsa Central (4-7); 22. Sequoyah Tahlequah (didn’t play); 23. Mount St. Mary (4-4); 24. Bridge Creek (2-6); 25. Dickson (1-10); 26. Locust Grove (2-8); 27. Westville (3-8); 28. Mannford (1-7); 29. Jay (1-5); 30. Little Axe (0-9); 31. Douglass (0-6).