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If you had a map of the great state of Oklahoma and took a look at the four district alignments in Class 5A it would have you scratching your head. However, it will provide for some great high school football, especially in 5A-2.
The Guthrie BlueJays won their first district title last season under current head coach Rafe Watkins. This accomplishment served as a precursor to the success of the Bluejays as they went on to capture their second gold ball under the direction of Watkins. It will be safe to say whoever wins the 5A-2 crown in the '08 campaign will have earned it.
Gone from District 5A-2 are Southeast, El Reno, John Marshall, Woodward and their combined record of 9-32 in 2007.
Entering 5A-2 are the likes of Shawnee, Ardmore, Durant, Capitol Hill and their combined record of 23-21. They join the incumbents of Guthrie, Carl Albert, Noble, and Harrah, who were an impressive 33-14 a season ago.
Ardmore? Durant? Why not have Western Heights, Deer Creek, El Reno, or Northwest Classen in the same district as Guthrie. After all diesel is four dollars a gallon and they are in our back yard. That certainly makes more sense geographically.
It makes more sense for Ardmore and Durant to stay in 5A-1 and play the usual suspects closer to home: Lawton Mac, Duncan, Chickasha, and Altus.
Re-alignment occurs every two seasons as teams move around each of those years with teams dropping or moving up in class. Sometimes teams move from the East side to the West.
So, what were some of the factors that determined this years re-alignment? Woodward is dropping down to 4A and Durant is making the move from the East to the West.
When all the teams are divided up from the East and West coaches then vote on their district alignments and the Guthrie coaches were out voted on what they thought the districts should have been. So, instead of Deer Creek driving over to Guthrie without looking at the gas tank, they will have to make sure they have enough gas to drive the two hours or so to get to Lawton and Duncan. Not to mention teams, coaches, and fans getting back in the early part of the next day after such road trips.
5A-1
Lawton MacArthur, once again, will claim the 5A-1 district title, but after that it becomes interesting with Duncan, Western Heights, Chickasha, El Reno, Altus, and Deer Creek.
Duncan appears to have the advantage for the second spot, but we’ll have to wait and see if Western Heights can keep it going for the third, or fourth spot. Those spots also will be fought out between Deer Creek and Chickasha, but Western Heights grabs the third spot.
Deer Creek bumps up to 5A this season and will be lead by, four year starter at quarterback, Dax Dilbeck and will land the fourth spot to reach the play-offs. El Reno will improve, but will miss out this season as well as Chickasha who will need to find a quarterback.
5A-2
Guthrie and Carl Albert, to no surprise, are predicted by many to compete for the district title and host first round play-off games. But, the last time the Shawnee Wolves were in the district they won it in 2005. No question, once again, 5A-2 is the most loaded district in 5A and perhaps in the state.
The winner of the Week 7 game between the BlueJays and Titans will decide the first two spots of the district. Sorry that prediction will come later.
Shawnee and Brett Davis will make a strong run at the 'Jays and Titans, but will finish third with sophomore quarterback Brayle Brown. Yes, head coach Billy Brown's son and younger brother of Tucker Brown.
Ardmore is a staple in the play-offs with their rich tradition and Durant is a program that has surfaced in recent years. Both teams made the play-offs in '07, but were out in the first round. Ardmore will have a new coach, Larry McBroom, and appears to be headed in the right direction.
The final spot comes down to Ardmore and Durant. I give Ardmore the notch simply because they host the Lions in Week 10. But, the best player on the field may be Max White, a standout who is making the move from receiver to quarterback.
Harrah will continue to improve and will come close to beating someone that they should not. The Panthers have doubled the amount of players in a two year time frame to come out. How about 30 players to finish the 2006 season, 53 in the '07 season, and now 68 players reported to spring practice.
Noble was a play-off team a year ago, but the re-alignment will push them back while Capitol Hill will try and find a win, or two all season.
5A-3
Yep! They're back! Booker T. Washington makes their way back into 5A and we all remember the last time they were in the same class as the Jays. Does 2002 ring a bell?
The Hornets graduated a ton of starters a year ago, but what is new? They claim the district title with Bixby in the second spot.
A host of teams will fight it out for the bottom two spots such as Bishop Kelley, Miami, and Skiatook.
5A-4
This district has proven to consistently be the weakest district of the four in the past few seasons. But, being consistent as well is East Central. The Cardinals will be a force and will win the district, but not as easy this year with McAlester, Coweta, and Ada moving posing threats. Tahlequah moves down from 6A and into the district, but are not ready to compete at a high level right now.
Guthrie Sports Page will begin a more in-depth series that will take a closer look at the Jays opponents this season soon.
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