Oklahoma high school football: Here's why Stillwater remains a state title contender

STILLWATER – Qwontrel Walker is quiet.

He doesn't need to talk much, though. Just turn on his film and you'll see why he's the state's best running back. One play in last season's state title game will do the trick.

Walker took the hand off and headed left, breaking a couple tackles at the line of scrimmage before bursting through a gap and down the sideline. He then avoided three more tacklers before falling into the end zone to complete his 79-yard run, capping one of the best plays in state championship history.

He may never have another run as impressive as that, but Walker has plenty of carries in front of him this season. And that's something Stillwater coach Tucker Barnard looks forward to.

"Just give him the ball and get out of the way," Barnard said. "He's going to make something special happen. He puts in the work and it pays off."

Senior Caleb Allen takes over for Gunnar Gundy, The Oklahoman's All-State quarterback last season. Barnard said Allen, who is 6-foot-3, 180 pounds and has two college offers, is ready to take the reigns. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy's youngest son, sophomore Gage, will be Allen's backup. 

Allen and Walker make a formidable duo in the backfield. Senior wide receiver Steven Brown, who's returning from an anterior cruciate ligament tear, has gotten taller and quicker.

Stillwater's defense, which has to replace three starters in the secondary who all signed to play college football, has Baylor verbal commit Tevin Williams at corner with Luke McEndoo and Gabe Brown anchoring the front seven.

"We're still going to be good," Barnard said. "Our guys don't like how last year ended, so that has been motivation all spring and summer. We're ready to get started."