High school football: Taking a look at the incumbents and the challengers

There won't be any attack ads or distortions of record or any of the other craziness that comes along with politics.

There will be no waiting for the results to be tabulated after the polling station in Stillwater closes in early December, as the winners will be inaugurated right there on the field at Boone Pickens Stadium (for the six 11-man classes, at least).

Here's a quick look at the most intriguing races.

Class 6A

Incumbent: Tulsa Union

The Redskins have a full-term record to fall back on, having won four consecutive state titles. Last year's team didn't have an overwhelming star but battled through, winning three consecutive one-point games in the playoffs to take the championship.

This year's team appears to be loaded. Union has a chance to join Jenks (1996-2001) and Carl Albert (1997-2001) as 11-man teams that have won five or more consecutive titles.

Challengers: Broken Arrow, Jenks

The Tigers appear to be the favorites to come out of the 6A-2 primary as the main challenger, though it's hard to write off Jenks. That question is likely to be answered when BA and Jenks face off Oct. 5 at Broken Arrow.

Class 5A

Incumbent: Guthrie

Coming off a state title, Bluejays coach Rafe Watkins isn't exactly tearing up the campaign trail promoting his team.

“We've got a chance to be OK,” Watkins said, perhaps underselling his team, which has quite a few key pieces back from last year's title team.