Is this a Top 10 or a Top 15? I seriously think after about the top 5 or 6 that there are just a bunch of teams that can beat each other depending on the day and I do think there are a few teams in the 6 to 20 range that could knock off a top team or 2 depending on the day. There are some schedules to take into account and also this is the grade where you typically see the most growth from the start of camp to the last game. With that being said this is my top 10 for now. Any of the top 3 I list could be in the #1 spot. Everyone will get the chance to change this in a couple of weeks. I will say that there are some that are way higher on certain teams than what I have seen and that makes me laugh but, to each their own I guess.
1. BA White - 0 ties and in terms of depth these guys seem to be the most complete team from top to bottom. They may not have what I would consider to be a top 5 player in the grade but, they have about 6 or so that would make a top 30 list. Well coached and definitely do their homework for this grade. They can be beat but, it will take a top 5 team in the league to do it. Skiatook and Tyaa Blue are the 2 that would give them the toughest run if all teams were to play their best ball. I am curious to see this Tyaa Red matchup. Red has a chance to jump up high if they knock them off. When we played the tho, they did what a top team is supposed to do. Put up 20+ and blanked us on the scoreboard. Made it hard to move the football. I just don't see a ton of teams doing that week in and week out.
2. Tyaa Blue - I hear a lot about #7. In this grade one kid can win you multiple games. Sometimes 1 kid can win you a championship. Everything I hear from anyone I trust is telling me that Tyaa Blue is the best Tyaa team. Having matched up against Red if that is true then Tyaa deserves to be here. I just haven't got the chance to see enough of them just yet.
3. Skiatook - #85 & #5 may be just enough to get these guys a championship. Great coaching and #85 is definitely a game changer. Makes kids not want to run the ball if he hits em just right. They can beat anyone ahead of them and vice versa.
4. Lincoln Christian - Being 7-0 gets you here. Glenpool Blue is peaking at the right time so maybe they took a little starch out of them but, for now these guys go here. Tyaa Red may be the more deserving team but, really hard to say.
5. Tyaa Red - These guys are a tough group. They do have some playmaker's on both sides of the ball but, defense is where they are best. They can make a huge jump based on what happens this weekend against BA White.
6. Bixby Blue - Mainly because of #21. I watched their game with Glenpool Blue and Blue gave them all they wanted and more. It will be interesting to see what happens in the tournament.
7. Muskogee White - These guys are right there. Have just the right size and just enough skill players to be a really good team if they get it all together. Give me 3 kids off of this team and we are undefeated. No doubt about it. When it clicks, watch out is all I am saying.
8. Choctaw Gold - Strictly because of their record. I know nothing about them.
9. Muskogee Green - #7. He is a ballplayer! I would gladly take him on my squad. Definitely the type to change a game but this team has a few other kids that are coming along nicely. Most definitely a scary matchup come postseason.
10. Sand Springs - The coaching staff has done a nice job with these boys considering how many they got. I think it is a bit unfair that they found out how to clone so many of them but, kudos to them. I would like to have our week 1 matchup back but, these guys are definitely a good team.
I will add this. I knew coming into the year how our year was going to be given our youth and we have some that are just not there maturity wise which makes it tough. We are just a decent team. I don't even know how good we are or are not. Depends on how well our top 4 or 5 players are really playing but, with that being said I see people wanting to talk about how tough their schedule is and it makes me laugh. If you really want to talk about tough then why not talk about how that in most everyone's Top 10 or 15 that there are 4 - 5 teams on our schedule. If this top teams list were to hold true then by the end of the season Hilldale will have played BA White, Tyaa Red, Muskogee White, Muskogee Green, & Sand Springs. Now I personally don't care because I have had a team be voted at the top of this thing for 3/4 of a season and lose in the 2nd or 3rd round of the tournament so, I know what can happen. I just figured since I was bored I would take the time to throw out some fodder. Best of luck to everyone as the season comes to a close.