Coaches envision a tight battle for the championship in District 4A-2, with one point splitting Douglass and Ada in the preseason poll.
The Trojans return starters at 13 positions overall, and everyone already knows about the defensive end duo of Deondre Clark and D.J. Ward, regarded as two of the best players in the state.
But some others on the defense are primed to make a big impact as well.
Terry Harris is an experienced defensive back who is talented in pass coverage and also comes down and makes plays at the line of scrimmage.
Johnny Jones has been a pleasant surprise at linebacker, alongside Timothy Harle and Chris High.
Jones was slated to start at defensive end before Ward moved in from Lawton in late July.
“He probably looks better at linebacker than he did at defensive end, and we thought he looked pretty good at defensive end,” coach Willis Alexander said. “It's not about him. He wants to play and wants to win.
“It's gonna make us more physical on defense.”
HARRAH BUILDING PROGRAM
Coming off back-to-back playoff appearances, Harrah is looking to keep the momentum going in coach Greg Willis' sixth season.
Over the last couple of seasons, Willis has seen his team learn how to handle the spotlight of the big games against powerhouse opponents, which should be a benefit in a district with a few of those programs.
Numbers are up as well, adding much-needed depth for the Panthers, who return 13 total starters. The run game will be important early as they break in a new quarterback.
District 4A-2 coaches' poll
1. Douglass (8-3)
2. Ada (6-5)
3. Glenpool (7-5)
4. Harrah (8-3)
5. Tecumseh (4-6)
6. McLoud (0-10)
7. Mannford (0-10)
8. Santa Fe South (3-7)
*-Last year's records in parentheses
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