There is no "ORDER". There's certain appointments that the academy MUST OFFER. Those are the MOC's slate. They have no choice there. But it's not a "Priority" or "Order" thing, because the numbers don't add up anyway. What I mean is; let's assume that on average, EVERY MOC has 1 slot open. That's only 535 appointments. That's half the class. Even if you include another 100 for some MOC's having 2 slots. You still need another 400-500 appointments.
You have other slates too. Presidential, VP, ROTC, and other military slates/nominees. Athletes and Prep-school aren't a SEPARATE category. That athlete of prep school applicant has to get a nomination from their MOC just like you. Chances are, you're competing with each other.
Depending on the athlete or prep schooler, they may get their MOC's slot; but most usually get in from the National Pool. But remember; "Air Force Athletes" aren't like athletic scholarships at a traditional school. The overwhelming majority of air force recruited athletes are also STELLAR STUDENTS!!! Most of these athletes also had the 3.8-4.0gpa; high class ranking, etc... They aren't the 2.0gpa high school student like many civilian athletic scholarship recipients.
But MOC slates/slots must be filled first. That's the "LAW". Yes, there's actually a FEDERAL LAW that says how the appointments are done. It's not the academy CHOOSING how to do this. After the MOC slots are filled, then the academy will do what they need to, to fill the rest of the class. Some of those MOC slots are athletes. Some are from the Academy. Most are first time applicants.