#8 Clinton vs #10 Bethany

For the second straight year these two will battle inside the Tornado Bowl in the first round of the playoffs. Clinton is the 4A-1 champ while Bethany finished 4th in 4A-2. A year ago the Red Tornadoes escaped with a 34-27 OT win over the Bronchos. Bethany is one of the very few teams in Oklahoma to have the overall series edge against Clinton. Bethany’s 3-2 in the series, 2-1 against Clinton in the playoffs. The Red Tornadoes own one of the most storied traditions in Oklahoma high school football. They’ve won 17 State Titles and finished as the runner-up another 10 times. Their overall playoff record is an astounding 129-40. Clinton’s last title came in 2021. Bethany’s won one State Title in 2003. They’ve been runner-up one other time. The Bronchos are a game over .500 in their playoff history, 29-28.

#9 Elk City vs #6 Newcastle

This one’s another first round playoff rematch from a year ago, a 28-21 Elk City win. The Elks finished second in district 1 while the Racers were the 3rd place finisher in district 2. The overall series record between these two couldn’t be closer. The Brown and White hold a 5-4 advantage. The teams are 4-4 against each other in the regular season with the overall series difference being last year’s only playoff meeting that went to the Elks. Newcastle’s won 1 State Championship with 2 other runner up finishes. The Racers are a game above .500 in their playoff history with a 31-30 record. Elk City’s hoisted the gold ball once in 4 tries. They have an overall losing record, 22-31, in their playoff history.

#5 Tuttle vs NR Weatherford

These two have a remarkable similar history on the football field. This season Tuttle finished as the runner up in district 2 while Weatherford was the 3rd place team out of district 1. The Tigers have won 3 State Championships and played for 3 others. Weatherford’s won 3 and played for 3 others. Weatherford holds a 6-4 overall series edge against the Tigers. The Eagles have won both playoff games, the last a 16-7 win in the 2019 Semifinals. Tuttle has a fantastic 59-42 overall record in the playoffs. Weatherford’s 5 above .500 at 47-42.

#3 Blanchard vs NR Cache

Blanchard was the team that found a way to come out of the rugged district 2 as the champion. Cache avenged last year’s season ending loss to Chickasha by defeating the Chicks 21-16 for the last playoff spot this season. The Lions hold a one game advantage in the overall series record at 6-5. They also won the only playoff game between the two, 21-11 in 2018. Blanchard has won 2 State Championships in their history with another runner up to their credit. The Bulldogs of Cache have never played in a State Championship game. Blanchard is a game above .500 in their playoff record at 34-33

4A-1 vs 4A-2 in the Regular Season

4A-2 held a 5-1 advantage in the crossover games this regular season between the two districts, although I think it can be argued only a couple games hold much significance. Of the 6 games between the two districts, only a pair were between two teams that qualified for the playoffs. 4A-2 won both. Tuttle defeated Cache 41-7 and Newcastle beat Weatherford 34-14 all the way back in Week 0.