OKLAHOMA CITY – Putnam City West’s return to Class 5A football was short-lived.

The Patriots were slated to move to Class 5A in the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association’s classifications, but the plans were shelved after five Oklahoma City area private schools sued, protesting the association’s rules on success factor. The lawsuit resulted in a preliminary injunction prohibiting the OSSAA from implementing some of the rules, necessitating the re-classification.

District assignments have not been announced.

In the average daily membership numbers from October 2023, Putnam City is the second largest school in Class 6A-II followed by Putnam City West at third. Putnam City North sits as the tenth largest school.

All three Putnam City schools have been in Class 6A since the class was created in 1992. North won a Class 5A state title in 1991. West owns a Class 4A title in 1981 and Putnam City has three 4A championships (1974, 1975 and 1977).

In other 6A-II news, Southmoore dropped from 6A-I to 6A-II and Deer Creek moved up to 6A-I. The Antlers had been in District 4 of Class 6A-II with Putnam City and Putnam City North.

Tahlequah, dropped from 6A-II to 5A. The Tigers were in District 3 of 6A-II last season along with Putnam City West. Tahlequah was also Putnam City’s first-round playoff opponent last season.

Western Heights remains in Class 5A. The Jets played an independent schedule in 2023 while trying to revive the football program. Head coach JD Runnels left for Mount Saint Mary earlier this year. The Jets are the 29th largest school in the 32-team class.

Bethany remains in Class 4A. The Bronchos are the 24th largest program in the class. Bethany has grown from a 2A school over the last 25-30 years. The Bronchos moved to Class 4A in 2016, having won a Class 3A state championship in 2003.