THE OKLAHOMAN’S 2021 CLASS 5A FOOTBALL PRESEASON RANKINGS
1. Carl Albert (11-1): Carl Albert won its fifth consecutive state championship last season, becoming just the fifth team to do so in state history. Even though there are changes at head coach and quarterback, the Titans remain the favorite.
2. Collinsville (11-1): Star quarterback Andrew Carney, who recorded over 3,000 total yards and 50 touchdowns last season, leads an experienced and dynamic offense looking to make another deep playoff run.
3. McAlester (9-3): McAlester is dominant at the two skill positions of quarterback and running back. Running back Erik McCarty who rushed for 32 touchdowns, a school record, last season and two-year starting quarterback Trent Boatright, who passed for 1,982 yards and 11 touchdowns, will lead the talented group.
4. McGuinness (10-3): McGuinness graduated The Oklahoman’s All-State quarterback last season, Luke Tarman, but the Fighting Irish doesn’t seem to be falling anytime soon. There’ll be a new quarterback, but McGuinness will remain in the title hunt.
5. Coweta (10-2): After one of its best seasons in school history, the Tigers are reloaded headed into the 2021 season. Coweta returns one of the most experienced teams in Class 5A with nine returning on the offensive side and seven returning on the defensive side.
6. Tulsa Kelley (9-2): The seniors have been to the semifinals twice and the third round last season. Tulsa Kelley’s postseason experience should fare well as it returns half its offense and defense.
7. Tahlequah (6-5): Tahlequah lost a lot from the line of scrimmage but return skill positions such as linebacker Eli McWilliams, who will lead a stout defensive group. Quarterback Tyler Joice, who threw for 1,373 yards and 14 touchdowns, leads the offense.
8. Ardmore (4-4): Ardmore led the District 1 coaches’ poll and it has much to do with its returning starters, including quarterback Cal Swanson, who recorded 2,300 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. The Tigers are expected to have a good season.
9. Piedmont (5-4): Piedmont is trending upward due to its returning talent. D-lineman James Maguire and linebacker Brogan Hardy lead a tough Piedmont defense that should give other offenses struggles.
10. Lawton MacArthur (6-3): After gaining confidence over the past couple of winning seasons, MacArthur expects to be competitive with anybody on its schedule. The experience returning will serve the Highlanders well.
11. Pryor (8-3): Pryor is looking to build on a playoff win last season behind its excellent wide receiver and defensive back Bobby Belew and an experienced roster.
12. Guthrie (6-3): Guthrie advanced to the state quarterfinals last season and it returns running back Isiah Hammons and an experienced offense.
13. Sapulpa (5-5): Sapulpa played its first season in Class 5A last season after dropping from Class 6A-II. Now, Sapulpa can build on its familiarity with its opponents.
14. Noble (4-6): The Bears fielded a young team last season and now will reap the benefits, returning an experienced group, including eight on the offensive side of the ball.
15. Shawnee (5-5): The Wolves won their first playoff game since 2014 and look to take the next step with running back Jaylon Orange leading the way.
16. El Reno (8-3): It was a great season for El Reno, which returns four starting offensive linemen from 2020. Behind them will be standout running back Mikey Devereaux.
Others: 17. Duncan (5-4); 18. Claremore (6-4); 19. Tulsa East Central (4-7); 20. Southeast (4-6); 21. Lawton Eisenhower (2-6); 22. Glenpool (3-6); 23. Tulsa Edison (3-7); 24. Woodward (2-8); 25. Durant (2-7); 26. Tulsa Memorial (1-8);
27. Tulsa Rogers (1-10); 28. Altus (0-8);
29. Tulsa Hale (0-7); 30. Guymon (0-8);
31. Western Heights (0-0); 32. Capitol Hill (0-3)