THE OKLAHOMAN’S 2021 CLASS 2A FOOTBALL PRESEASON RANKINGS
1. Tulsa Metro Christian (12-2): Metro Christian has won the past two Class 2A state championships and it will not take a big step back this season. The Patriots return standout quarterback Kirk Francis and a talented receiver group to remain the favorites.
2. Jones (9-3): The Longhorns bring back seven starters on the defensive side of the ball along with eight on the offensive side — which includes starting quarterback and Iowa commit Carson May. With the talent Jones has returning, the knowledge and experience follows, and that could be enough this season.
3. Beggs (9-3): Oklahoma State commit CJ Brown and defensive end Maliek Bogard, lead an experienced group of Demons, who return all five of starting offensive linemen as well. Beggs is primed to make another deep postseason run.
4. Washington (12-2): Despite cycling through quarterbacks due to injuries, the Warriors advanced to the state championship. With key players leading the way, and hopefully some quarterback stability, the Warriors have a good opportunity to get over the hump and win their first state title since 1996.
5. Oklahoma Christian School (11-1): The Saints will have a new quarterback after putting together one of its best seasons. But with athlete Collin Matteson (16 touchdown catches, 10 interceptions and 110 tackles) leading the way, OCS has the chance to build on its 2020 season.
6. Marlow (11-1): Marlow returns seven starters on the defense and six on offense side, which includes three-year quarterback Jace Gilbert, who’s also a nationally recognized kicker. The experience should lead to another great season.
7. Eufaula (9-3): The Ironheads lost some key players but return wide receiver Khelil Deere, who caught 53 passes for 1,110 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Eufaula is expected to make another run after making the state semifinals last year.
8. Millwood (6-2): The Falcons put together a winning season last year and are looking to build on that success — but it will have to be with a near new group this season. Millwood will return four starters on each side of the ball, anchored by star quarterback slash running back Rickey Hunt Jr.
9. Adair (10-2): Adair should be exciting as it fields a skilled group with speed and athleticism. The Warriors leader returns in senior quarterback Nate Ratcliff, who threw for 2,051 yards and 24 touchdowns last year.
10. Vian (9-2): Vian advanced to the third round in last season’s state playoffs. The Wolverines are expected maintain their success, especially with running back and linebacker Xavin Lackey on the roster.
11. Tulsa Cascia Hall (8-2): Cascia Hall won the District 5 championship last year and advanced to the state playoffs for the 34th consecutive season. With an experienced defense nicknamed the “Blue Swarm,” Cascia Hall has high expectations this season.
12. Community Christian (9-3): Community Christian has its trio of stars in quarterback Boyce McIntosh, defensive end Bai Jobe and wide receiver Charlie Peterson, and that should help build on its impressive nine-win season.
13. Chandler (9-4): Chandler has to replace three graduated defensive linemen this season. With star running back Casmen Hill and quarterback Kaden Jones returning, the Lions dynamic offense shouldn’t lose much of what it had last year.
14. Frederick (9-4): Frederick graduated a big senior class but returns quarterback Adrian Gaytan, who threw for 1,748 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2020.
The Bombers’ success is expected to continue.
15. Antlers (7-5): The Antlers advanced to the second round of the playoff last season and are ready to build on that with key skill positions returning.
16. Sperry (6-4): An experienced group is coming off another winning season but will look to get back to winning 10 or more games, which it has done in the past three of four years.
Others: 17. Luther (6-5); 18. Bethel (6-4); 19. Tulsa Victory Christian (6-6);
20. Owasso Rejoice Christian (4-7); 21. Atoka (6-3); 22. Lindsay (5-6); 23. Spiro (8-2); 24. Purcell (5-6); 25. Prague (6-4); 26. Keys (Park Hill) (5-8); 27. Davis (7-4); 28. Idabel (6-3); 29. Sequoyah Claremore (7-2); 30. Kellyville (8-4); 31. Christian Heritage (7-5); 32. Crossings Chrsitian (2-8); 33. Meeker (5-5); 34. Perry (5-4); 35. Blackwell (5-5); 36. Roland (5-4); 37. Kiefer (5-6); 38. Hugo (4-6); 39. Okmulgee (4-6); 40.Wilburton (4-6); 41. Kansas (4-6); 42. Salina (4-7);
43. Chisholm (3-7); 44. Comanche (3-7);
45. Hennessey (3-6); 46. Star Spencer (3-4); 47. Morris (3-4); 48. Panama (3-7); 49. Valliant (3-5); 50. Dewey (3-7); 51. Crossings Christian (2-8); 52. Henryetta (2-7); 53. Heavener (2-8); 54. Holdenville (2-5); 55. Coalgate (2-7);
56. Alva (2-9); 57. Lexington (1-7); 58. Hartshorne (1-9); 59. Marietta (1-6); 60. Haskell (1-5); 61. Pocola (1-8); 62. Crooked Oak (0-4); 63. Tishomingo (0-8); 64. Newkirk (0-7); 65. Nowata (0-9);