With three OU commitments, MWC Carl Albert remains the 5A superiority

Just as in the case of Bixby, it’s usually not wise to bet against a team that’s experiencing a dynasty — the Titans have won seven state titles in the last eight years — especially when it has numerous newcomers from major colleges, including OU freshmen Trystan Haynes, Trynae Washington and Marcus James — all playmakers on both sides of the ball. Coach Mike Dunn’s Titans are the biggest favorite across the state’s 12 classes. The Titans lost another OU freshman, QB Kevin Sperry, who moved back to Texas, in exchange for dual-threat QB Daniel Newton, who transferred from Edmond Santa Fe. Carl Albert signed two junior linemen, Thomas Welch and Nick Hill, who were McGuinness’s starters last season. One potential star to keep an eye on is sophomore Delijah Matthews, who is expected to make an impact at running back and cornerback. Last year was arguably Carl Albert’s best team ever, and this year’s team has similar potential. Carl Albert has a 99-8 record since 2016.

Coach Robert Jones’ Eagles were 13-1 and state runners-up in 2023, their best season since winning the Gold Ball in 1976. Ricklan Holmes will be the best running back and had 17 sacks last season. In addition to Holmes, Tay Johnson (14 sacks) and Charvis Kelley (12 sacks) are part of a strong defensive line.

The Cardinals have gone 18-5 since winning the 2021 state title, and this could be their best team since winning the gold ball. Junior Skyler Moorman threw for 1,941 yards and 23 TDs in his first season as a starter. Scott Rigby ran for 1,126 yards and 15 TDs. Ben Daniels is a playmaker at receiver and in the secondary.

Coach Darrell Hall’s Bombers are trying to rebound from a 6-5 season. They have a strong running back duo of Jaylan Woody and Jahhim Mahmoud, who combined for 1,609 rushing yards and 15 TDs last season. Josiah Johnson will make waves at receiver and defensive back. Linebacker Keiwon Landrum and lineman Humberto Ambrosio lead an experienced defense.

Ryan Stringer is the new head coach after the Irish averaged 36.6 points and 368 yards in his six seasons as offensive coordinator. Missouri baseball commit Damon Cochran returns as the Irish’s starting quarterback after passing for 2,000 yards and 20 TDs last season when McGuinness was 8-4. The Irish have lost in the semifinals the last two years and have not reached the title game since four runner-up finishes from 2016 to 2020.

The Bluejays, after finishing 10-2 last year, have perhaps the best chance to advance past the quarterfinals for the first time since winning the state title in 2013. That was the prediction last year, too, but the Bluejays were crushed by Del City in the quarterfinals. Guthrie returns six starters on offense and should again have a strong running attack led by Zane Thomas. Another player to watch is receiver Kyran Axtell, also a standout cornerback.

Coach JJ Tappana returns about half of his starters from last season’s 9-3 team. Carter Couch will be a force on both sides of the line. Josh Pickard has been a three-year starter at strong safety and will contribute at receiver. Gage Hall is Tappana’s “Swiss Army knife” – a “jack of all trades” on offense and a starting linebacker. Tappana said Gavin Nichols’ potential is “outstanding.” Nichols is a free safety and will be used on offense.

The Zebras entered last year with high hopes that it could be their best season since at least 1987, and it was, going 11-2 and reaching the semifinals. Claremore returns just two starters on offense and five on defense, but adds quarterback Brad Hoisington from Oologah and Ty McKnight from Verdigris, where he rushed for 1,000 yards and had 139 tackles. Jose Feliciano leads the defensive line.

The Hornets have a new coach, Dan Bitson, and new energy as they move down from 6AII after finishing 2-8, their worst season since 1997. BTW’s defense can be built around sophomore lineman Joseph Graves, who was offered by OU. Quarterback Levi Brooks, receiver Keynan Farley and running back Mykah Washington are players to watch on offense.

The Highlanders, who had an 8-3 record last season, have only reached the semifinals twice since winning the Golden Ball in 2014. Players to watch include quarterback Aivan Locklin and cornerback AJ Vaughn.

SEPTEMBER 6: No. 4 MIDWEST CITY AT No. 1 MWC CARL ALBERT

Carl Albert has won the last two meetings since Midwest City’s victory in 2021.

SEPTEMBER 27: No. 2 DEL CITY AT No. 3 COLLINSVILLE

This will be a blockbuster for the opening of the district.

17 OCT: No. 3 COLLINSVILLE AT No. 8 CLAREMORE

Collinsville is looking to avenge a 21-14 loss in last year’s final regular season game.

NOV 1: #2 DEL CITY AT #8 CLAREMORE

A repeat of Del City’s 34-14 victory in last year’s semifinals.

Collinsville | DE/TE | 6-2 | 245 | Sr.

The UCO player had 56 tackles and seven sacks last season. Along with Drake Devore, he provides the Cardinals’ defense with two strong ends.

: Claremore |

He has big shoes to fill as he succeeds All-State QB Braxton Etheridge, who comes from Oologah where he accounted for 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Bishop Kelley | RB | 6-2 | 210 | Sr.

He will have a stellar season on offense and will continue to play defense, where he can play linebacker or in the secondary. He had 45 tackles in nine games before suffering a season-ending foot injury.