Kansas Pregame 2014

Previews for EVERY Kansas high school football team!

Volume 9 • 2014

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KANSAS PREGAME

VOLUME 9

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fordcounty.com.

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MINER’S HALL MUSEUM

The 2014 Throwbacks feature, was hosted by the Miner’s Hall Museum in Franklin, Kan., and sponsored by the Crawford County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

Crawford County Kansas is known for its mining heritage and the settlement of many different ethnic groups who came to the United States in search of work in the coal fields.

Franklin began as a mining community in the early 1900s. It is located just off the Highway 69 Bypass, a major corridor between Kansas City and Pittsburg, Ks./Joplin, Mo. The Franklin Community Center and Miner’s Hall Museum was built shortly after the devastating tornado of 2003 which destroyed much of the community including the former Franklin Community Hall.

For more information visit www.minershallmuseum. com.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Coaching changes are the story in 2014

The 2014 offseason saw the most exciting series of coaching changes in recent memory.

It started with Randy Dreiling’s move to St. Thomas Aquinas after a successful run turning the previously downtrodden Hutch Salthawk program into the state’s benchmark for football success.

Prior to Dreiling’s arrival at Hutch, the Salthawks had lost 26 consecutive games. During Dreiling’s 17 season run the Salthawks went 160-38 and won seven state titles, including six straight from 2004-09.

Last year Hutch missed the playoffs for the first time since 1999 and Dreiling told the Kansas City Star he needed a new challenge.

“I had the best job in my mind in Hutchinson and I realized that we’ve got things going so well here, and maybe I’m not working as hard as I used to and I wanted another opportunity,” Dreiling told the Star in mid-December of 2013.

Dreiling’s move resulted in a three-team shakeup with Ryan Cornelsen moving from Hays High to Hutch, and Bo Black moving from Great Bend to Hays High.

Cornelsen built La Crosse, and then Hays, into consistent winners and Bo Black turned a long struggling Great Bend team into a state power, but the Panthers had fallen on hard times in recent seasons posting winning records in only two of the last six years.

Black’s move from Great Bend to Hays is doubly intriguing because the two teams are arch-rivals.

“We will miss Great Bend, and all of the friends and memories we have made here the past 13 years,” Black said in a February 18 story in the Hays Daily News.

Assistant coach Tony Crough takes over as the new head coach for the Panthers.

Cornelsen was 35-12 in five seasons at Hays High and went 53-13 at La Crosse the six seasons prior to taking the job at Hays.

Cornelsen’s dad, Gary, was one of the most successful football and track coaches in Kansas history at Liberal in the 90s and early 2000s, and after spending two seasons assisting his son at Hays, he’ll join him on the Salthawk staff.

But wait, there’s much, much more.

At the start of last season, long-time Oakley coach Randall Rath made news by submitting his resignation as football, girls basketball, and track coach, effective at the end of the 2013-14 school year, after a 125-53 record in 16 seasons as head football coach, along with a 22 year run as the girls basketball coach that included a state championship in 2007. Rath is the new head coach at Cimarron this fall, and former Gardner-Edgerton assistant, and Ness City native, Ty Pfannenstiel takes over at Oakley.

After one of the most successful runs in recent 8-Man coaching history, Kevin Ayers resigned to commit more time to his farm and family. Ayers, who leaves as one of the state’s all-time best coaches by winning percentage with a 152-27 record at Jetmore and Wallace County, told then Hays Daily News reporter Conor Nicholl he wanted to spend more time with his family.

“I have missed activities that my daughters have been in,” Ayers said. “I have known for awhile, even before resigning my teaching job and then going into the farming thing, it’s been something that’s been in the back of my mind. Football just consumes me.”

Ayers won championships with Jetmore in ‘01 and 03, with Wallace County in ‘07, and led the team to last fall’s 8-Man II title game where they lost to Baileyville B&B. His former quarterback, Jeff Hennick, who led the Wildcats to the 2007 state championship, takes over the program after serving last year as an assistant.

Speaking of B&B, after closing it’s doors to complete the consolidation with Nemaha Valley, which ended one of the most successful athletic programs in Kansas small school history, third year coach Justin Coup found himself searching for a job.

Coup, who took the reins from Steve Tiernan (who won the 8-Man I title at Osborne last fall) helped the Falcons to their sixth straight championship game appearance and won the team’s second consecutive title with a 42-19 victory over Wallace County.

This fall, Coup is the new head man at Solomon, a team that has enjoyed success in the past two seasons, going 18-4 and losing the sub-state championship to eventual champions Ness City in 2012.

Coup, who retains former head coach Tim Cross as an assistant, said he hopes to take the team to the “next level.”

“The next level is to qualify for the state playoffs on a regular basis, and then every once in awhile, get a little lucky and maybe make a deep run and play for a state championship,” Coup told Nicholl for his cover feature on page 92 of this edition of Kansas Pregame.

The coaching change intrigue continued late into the spring as Goodland’s Kent Teeter made the move to Holcomb and veteran Abilene coach Jeff Geist, along with his wife, Janelle, the Abilene girls basketball coach, resigned. Both moves were made in late May. Teeter, who previously served as head coach at Hays High, and as an assistant at Great Bend under Bo Black, takes over a Holcomb program that is a consistent winner, with 15 playoff appearances since 1992, including 10 of the last 11 seasons. The program has never gone deeper than a 1994 semifinal appearance.

Teeter brings along his son, Trey, a junior who started as quarterback the past two seasons for his father at Goodland. Trey passed for nearly 2,000 yards last year in his dad’s pass heavy offense.

Geist left Abilene after nine seasons with the Cowboys that included a 57-36 record and trips to the playoffs in every season but 2006.

Former Sublette coach Steve Simpson takes over for Geist in Abilene, while Kansas native Josh Stephenson returns from California to take the reins at Goodland.

Stephenson played at Bethany College and served as an assistant coach at McPherson College and Los Angeles Valley College, but had stepped away from coaching to focus on administration, and his family.

Stephenson told KKCI 102.5 radio’s “Voice of the Cowboys” Beau Tiongson that his kids have gotten older and “it’s time to get back on the field.”

And, in a surprising mid-summer move, Shawnee Mission North coach Don Simmons resigned his position in late June to take a job in Arkansas. Sunflowerfootball.com’s Eli Underwood reported that assistant, and alum, Ben Bartlett will replace Simmons on an interim basis.

Other noteworthy coaching changes include: • Ryan Held’s departure from Highland Community College after delivering the best season in program history. Held is the new coach at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) one of the top community college programs in the country.

• Rod Stallbaumer’s move from Lyndon to Basehor-Linwood. Stallbaumer had built the Lyndon program into one of 2-1A’s best.

• Former Wichita Northwest and West assistant Corby Milleson’s hire as the new head coach at Emporia.

• Long-time Olathe North assistant Jesse Owen’s hire as the new head coach at Eudora, a team that was runner-up in the 2011 and 2012 4A title games.

• Webb City, Mo., assistant Ryan McFarland’s hire as the new head coach at Riverton.

• Former Pitt. State football All-American Nate Dreiling, and Gorilla assistant coach Zach Rampy, sons to Kansas football coaching legends Randy Dreiling and Steve Rampy, joining the Humboldt staff as assistants.

• Nate Dreiling’s brother, Grant, leaving Shawnee Mission East, where he served one season under former Hutch assistant Dustin Delaney, and helped the team to a 6A runner-up finish, to join his father on the St. Thomas Aquinas staff.

In all, nearly 60 new high school head coaches were hired this offseason, which is less than each of the last two seasons, but, the previous two seasons don’t match 2014 on the excitement generated by coaching moves.

It will be interesting to watch how it plays out on the gridiron this fall.

Enjoy!

John Baetz, Publisher

Kansas

Page 1

PREGAME Welcome to Kansas Pregame 2014!

For the past nine years Kansas Pregame has provided the most complete preview of high school and college football in the Sunflower State. We are proud to provide this coverage of all levels of Kansas football and are excited to provide, for the first time ever, a preview for every high school team in Kansas. We continue to partner with Kpreps.com to provide comprehensive coverage of Kansas high school football on the web and you can find digital editions of all our previews online at www.kansaspregame.com.

John Baetz & Bree McReynolds-Baetz Publishers

Co-owners of Sixteen 60 Publishing Co., publishers of the Lincoln Sentinel and Chapman News-Times weekly newspapers, and sports preview magazines - Kansas Pregame, Kansas Mat Preview and Kansas Hardwood.

Layout and Design: Kayla Kvacik, Joe Wachter Sponsorship Sales: John Baetz, Tyler Gier, Amber Potter Contributing writers: Diane Gasper-O’Brien; Matt Gilmore, Kpreps.com; Chet Kuplen, Kansas-Sports. com; Brent Maycock, Topeka Capital-Journal; Melanie McGee, Yates Center News; Conor Nicholl; Mark Schremmer, Joplin Globe; Mike Strauss; Eli Underwood, SunflowerFootball.com Contributing photographers: Bree McReynolds-Baetz, Julie Kuhlmann, juliekuhlmannphotography.com; Everett Royer, ksportsimages.com Acknowledgments: With a project of this size and scope we can’t possibly thank all the people that have contributed, but a special thanks goes out to the school secretaries, athletic directors, coaches and parents who helped us secure team information. Thank you to the advertisers who made this possible - without your support this publication would not be a reality. To all those involved with the completion of this publication in any way, thank you.

Mail inquiries to johnbaetz@gmail.com or Kansas Pregame, PO Box 186, Lincoln, KS 67455 Publication date: Volume 9, August 2, 2014 For a complete list of free distribution locations visit kpreps.com/magazine.php.

Kansas Pregame Football Magazine was founded by John and Bree Baetz and Tim McGonagle in 2005.

ON THE COVER

The 2014 Kansas Pregame Cover Shoot was held at Sharp Performance Headquarters in Salina, Kansas. Located at the Salina Airport in a historic airplane hangar, Sharp Performance is the top sports performance training facility in central and western Kansas. A feature story on Jake Sharp’s transition from player to fitness guru starts on page 4. This year’s cover shoot features 11 of the best players and a top coach from across Kansas. Find their features at the beginning of each class section, starting with page 22.

Thank you to Sharp Performance and the Salina Chamber of Commerce for hosting Kansas Pregame’s 2014 Cover Shoot. For more information visit www.sharp-performance. com or www.visitsalina.org. Thank you to Julie Kuhlmann for the cover feature photography. For more on Julie Kuhlmann Photography visit www.juliekuhlmannphotography.com.

A WINNING ATTITUDE starts with a

WINNING ATMOSPHERE Jeff Paxton has worked with Kansas coaches for over 19 years to help design safe and functional weight rooms for athletics and general physical education.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 3

Table of Contents

Photo courtesy www.meierproductions.com

Page 4: Sharp Performance Page 5: Sharp Spotlights Page 6: Simoneau Sports Performance Page 8: Throwbacks Page 14: Iron Will Page 21: Class 6A Page 29: Class 5A Page 41: Class 4A-I Page 49: Class 4A-II Page 63: Class 3A Page 77: Class 2-1A Page 90: Class 8-Man I Page 104: Class 8-Man II Page 117: From Cowboys to Wildcats Page 119: College Capsules

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 4

Sharp Perform ance open in Salina

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN For Kansas Pregame

As it becomes increasingly competitive to secure spots on youth sports teams, much less high school squads, young athletes and their parents are finding it a must to stay sharp year round.

That’s the reason Hunter Kier makes the 180-mile trip from his home in Washington to Salina three times a week to work out at Sharp Performance.

Sharp Performance — which specializes in speed and agility camps, as well as camps for several other sports, and personal training — also has locations in Abilene, Junction City and Arkansas City.

“There’s a level of commitment to reach goals that they stress (at Sharp Performance),” said Travis Kier, Hunter’s dad and a former college athlete who competed at Fort Hays State University in the 1980s.

Kier is impressed that his son gets to work out with David Leonard, the strength and conditioning coach for the Salina Bombers professional indoor football team, who Sharp helped bring to Salina. Leonard is a graduate of the University of Wyoming, where he led the WAC in receiving in 2009. Leonard is a native of Shawnee Mission, Kan. “(Hunter) gets to work with the best of the receivers,” Kier said. “He knows how to isolate what you need to get done.

They all do their best to get you where you want to be, and know a lot about speed training and overall agility.”

Cheryl Murray, mother of two multi-sport athletes, feels the same way.

“Jake is a wealth of knowledge, and besides the conditioning, they get good mentoring with him,” said Murray, who lives near Salina, and sons Aidan, a senior, and Ben, a sophomore, attend school at nearby Southeast of Saline.

“We’re really lucky to have him,” Murray said. “He’s a great resource.”

Sharp says he would have given anything to have such a resource while growing up in Salina.

“I enjoyed the training aspect more than the football practices,” said Sharp, a 2006 graduate of Salina Central High School, who went on to a successful career at the University

of Kansas. “I worked tremendously hard. What drives me nuts, I didn’t necessarily do it the right way.”

Sharp’s work ethic carried him a long way. He rushed for a state record 63 touchdowns during his senior season at Salina Central and led the Mustangs to a state championship accounting for 380 total points scored in the process, another state record. At KU he rushed for 2,239 career yards, with 23 TDs, and caught 86 passes for another 758 yards and six more scores and helped the Jayhawks win the Orange Bowl in 2008. And he got a shot to play professionally with the Wichita Wild, another professional indoor team. He also signed a free agent contract with the NFL’s Chicago Bears but didn’t make the team.

While Sharp says his high school coaches helped him develop a solid based to work from, he always wondered if he had been able to train year round under someone who knew the ins and outs of the most advanced workout methods if he could have accomplished even more.

“I want to give kids in this area an opportunity I never had,” said Sharp, who graduated with a degree in sports management and a minor in business. “This area is starved for something like this, so I decided to start this business to offer a (solution) to a need.”

What started as an idea to give young athletes the chance to work out has developed into something much more.

Sharp Performance headquarters, in Salina, is one of a kind and features 52,000 square feet of space with indoor field turf, a complete weight room, and seating for parents and fans. Sharp says it’s the largest public indoor field space in Kansas.

Some of the state’s most elite players, like Tanner Hawkinson, also are impressed with Sharp Performance and his facility, located in an old airplane hangar at the Salina Airport.

Hawkinson grew up in nearby McPherson, was a teammate of Sharp’s at KU and now is an offensive tackle for the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals.

After completing his rookie year with the Bengals, Hawkinson came home to his parents house near McPherson during the offseason in part to train with Jake Sharp.

“I get as good of workout there as anywhere I’ve ever been,” the 6-4, 300-pound Hawkinson said. “Having them right here in my home state of Kansas is a real blessing.

They believe in hard work and working smart, that helps keep me healthy and

Jake Sharp looks on as Tanner Parrett works on cutting between cones on The Hangar’s indoor turf.

(Photo by Josh Hicks, JoshHicksphoto.com)

Jake Sharp works with a group of young athletes earlier this summer at The Hangar Indoor Sports Complex in Salina.

(Photo by Josh Hicks, JoshHicksphoto.com)

keeps me on the field.

Pittsburg State All-American Nate Dreiling also looked to Sharp Performance for help when preparing for the NFL Draft and the 2014 East-West Shrine Bowl All-Star game. Dreiling’s father, Randy, built Hutchinson High into a football powerhouse in Kansas before departing for St. Thomas Aquinas this year where Nate’s brother Grant joined the Saints coaching staff after spending a year helping the Shawnee Mission East Lancers to the 6A state finals as an assistant to Dustin Delaney. It’s fair to say football is in the Dreilings’ blood, but even an athlete as well equipped to succeed as Nate found some help from Sharp Performance.

“Sharp Performance helped me correct my imbalances to keep me healthy and on the field,” Dreiling said. “The knowledge Jake and the staff have of sports performance is pretty impressive. I had been training hard for years and begun to level off. I got with Jake, he designed a program for me and in just three months I added 70 pounds to my squat and was stronger than I had ever been.”

In addition to providing more instruction at camps at several locations around the state, Sharp Performance also sends out film, information and statistics to college coaches.

“The coaches trust us,” Sharp said, “so that’s a real plus.

As far as customer satisfaction, it’s been great.”

More information about Sharp Performance can be found on the web at sharp-performance.com.

Diane Gasper-O’Brien has nearly 40 years experience as a reporter, the majority of that at The Hays Daily News.

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S harp S potlights Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 5

* These five Player Spotlights are brought to you by Sharp Performance Photos by: Bree McReynolds-Baetz (Kansas Pregame)

Jaden Abernathy

Jayce Brack

Tanner Hoekman

Aidan Murray

Buhler

Great Bend

Abiliene

Southeast of Saline

Trent Rietzke Thunder-Ridge

Abernathy, a 6-2, 265 pound, junior, was part of a big, physical offensive line that paved the way for Kansas Pregame 2013 coverboy Riley Allen’s 1,932 yards last season as the Crusaders finished 13-1 and beat Coffeyville in the 4A title game. Abernathy’s play as a sophomore led to All-AVCTL III honors.

Abernathy’s leadership will be key this season as the Crusaders said good-bye to big center Jon Yates (6-4, 250), and tackle Greg Thompson (6-3, 260) along with veteran guard Nick Meitler (5-8, 215).

The Crusaders do welcome back senior lineman Davey Dukart (6-0, 210) and together, he and Abernathy will protect talented quarterback Jace Williams who will target first-team All AVCTL III tight end Chase Shantz in a passing game that could be utilized more this season.

Brack, a 6-3, 285 pound senior, may be one of the most versatile players in Kansas football. For a depleted Great Bend offense under first year head coach Tony Crough, Brack will shoulder the load at fullback, could play some offensive line, and will serve as the team’s run stopper from multiple spots on the defensive line.

The hulking multi-position standout is no lead-foot, posting a 4.92 in the 40 yard dash and showing explosiveness by heaving the shot put 60-02 and slinging the discus 170-02 at this spring’s state track meet, good for second and third place finishes in 5A respectively.

Brack has received some DI interest and attended the Iowa State prospect camp this summer, along with La Crosse standout Sheldon Schmidt.

The 6-1, 190 pound senior running back and linebacker for the Cowboys hasn’t got much press the last couple years, but is poised for a breakout season.

After earning significant playing time as a freshman in 2011, Hoekman’s playing time was limited in each of the last two seasons by injuries, but Hoekman emerged as one of the best players in the NCKL with several impressive performances.

Hoekman posted 913 yards and 14 touchdowns on 143 carries, but what that stat doesn’t tell you is most of those yards were earned in five late season games.

Hoekman rushed for 160 yards in a playoff win over Goodland, 180 yards in a district loss to McPherson, and 260 yards and five touchdowns in a key district win over Smoky Valley.

Murray, a 6-2, 247 pound senior at Southeast of Saline, has his sites set on Division I glory, and after performing well at the Nike Sparq Combine earlier this year, that may be an option. With a 320 pound bench press, a 490 pound squat, and a 36 foot Power Ball Toss (a Sparq Combine event), Murray looks the part.

Add in an excellent grade point average and what coach Mitch Gebhardt calls great leadership skills, and Murray may find some DI offers come February.

Murray is one of the top defensive linemen in Kansas and last year tallied 86 tackles with 13 sacks.

Murray attended camps at Northwestern, Kansas State, and Tulsa this offseason along with Ivy League schools Princeton and Yale. He currently has an offer from the University of South Dakota, an FCS school.

Rietzke is a 5-7, 170 pound senior running back and corner who was one of the top rushers in 8-Man II last season tallying over 1,000 yards. He comes from a long line of quality running backs as two uncles and his grandfather earned college football scholarships.

Rietzke is beyond explosive and can run a 4.53 40 yard dash with a 38 inch vertical. Rietzke qualified for the state track meet in the triple jump this spring and finished 11th with a 40-7 mark, but the week before, at regional, he tallied a jump of 41-9.25.

Rietzke is no slouch in the weight room either, squatting 415 pounds and benching 245 with his 170 pound frame.

The Longhorns play in one of the state’s toughest districts and will likely battle St. John’s Beloit/Tipton and Victoria for a district championship.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 6

Simoneau transitons to life after football

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN For Kansas Pregame He wasn’t sure what life after football had in store for him. But Mark Simoneau found the perfect fit fairly quickly after retiring from the NFL. As owner of Simoneau Sports Performance in Overland Park, the 10-year NFL veteran now can help others achieve their training and performance goals.

“People handle it different,” Simoneau said of the thought of another career other than football. “But this has been a good transition for me.”

At Simoneau Sports Performance, people of all ages and walks of life can work out on stateof-the-art strength equipment in the 4,200 square foot weight room that spans about half of the 9,000 square foot building. The facility also includes 60 yards of indoor field turf, and 20 foot ceilings. There also is an 8,000 square foot natural grass training area just outside the building located one block east of 125th and Antioch Streets in Overland Park.

In addition to owner/performance coach Simoneau, SSP also employs several other instructors and personal trainers at the facility that offers numerous classes and clinics.

“From my background in athletics, (this type of post-football career) was kind of a natural,” said Simoneau, who starred in football and track in Smith Center in north central Kansas, then went on to become an All-American linebacker at Kansas State.

“I had the opportunity to work with a lot of coaches and was able to ask questions, and (the idea of coaching others in their training) always intrigued me,” he added. “So the last few years (in the NFL), I thought that was the direction I wanted to go.”

Following a career as one of K-State’s best linebackers in school history, Simoneau was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2000 and played with that organization for four years before joining the Philadelphia Eagles for three years.

He won a Super Bowl ring, with the New Orleans Saints in 2009, but tore a triceps muscle in preseason and didn’t see the field that season. He did play in seven playoff games in his NFL career, including a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Mark Simoneau works with an athlete at the SSP facility in Overland Park.

(Courtesy photo) On looking back, Simoneau says the challenges of having to watch from the sidelines probably helped him ease into retirement.

“As far as competing at a high level, I was injured the last couple of years,” he said of his NFL career, “so I had a little time to get used to it.”

He got one last shot in the NFL with Kansas City in 2010 and played one game before getting injured again, then retired in November of that year. A few months later, he opened SSP. “This is something that’s always interested me, even from the time I was a kid growing up in Smith Center,” he said of training and sports performance. “Here, I still have the chance to be around athletes and have a part in their progress.”

Simoneau is the third all-time leading tackler in K-State history and is among the all-time greats in the Wildcat football Ring of Honor. He was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

Located one block east of 125th and Antioch in Overland Park, Kansas. SSP features a 9,000 Sq/Ft building that includes 20ft ceilings, 60 yards of indoor turf, a 4,200sq/ft state of the art weight room and a 8,000sq/ft natural grass training area located right outside the facility's door. Simoneau Sports Performance has everything you need to be your best. We use top-of-the-line strength equipment designed for maximum performance. At SSP we will make sure you reach your athletic potential.

Simoneau Sports Performance is committed to: - Maximizing the potential of the athletes we train - Achieving measurable results - Creating a competitive environment - Teaching proper technique - Coaching every detail - Being a positive influence in athletes lives

www.simoneausportsperformance.com Simoneau Sports Performance 8302 West 125th St. | Overland Park, KS 66213 | 913-239-0646

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Abilene Anthony Atwood Beloit Chanute Colby Concordia COUNCIL GROVE Dodge City Dodge City Dodge City Elkhart Ellsworth Emporia Fort Scott Garden City Garden City Garden City Girard Goodland Great Bend Great Bend Hays Hays Herington Hill City Hillsboro Hoisington Holton Hugoton Hutchinson Hutchinson Kansas City Kansas City Kansas City Kansas City Kansas City Kansas City Kingman Larned Lawrence Lawrence Leawood Lenexa Liberal Liberal Liberal

Page 7

1703 N Buckeye 320 South L and G Avenue 501 Main St 3001 US Hwy 24 1625 S Santa Fe 980 S Range Ave 2112 S Lincoln 15 N UNION STREET 110 West Frontview Street 1513 West Wyatt Earp Blvd 320 West Wyatt Earp Blvd 460 U.S. 56 512 Kunkle Dr 2920 W 18th Street 1810 S Main 1502 East Harding Avenue 1627 North Taylor Avenue 208 East Kansas Avenue 609 W St. John 1803 Cherry St 2006 N Main St. 4101 W 10th 1308 Vine Street 2102 Vine Street 555 US Hwy 77 721 N West St 903 East D St 56 W State Rd 4 730 Arizona Ave 600 East 11th Street 125 W 4th 930 East 30th Street 10940 Parallel Pkwy 1930 N 77th St 3600 State Ave 4200 Rainbow Blvd.

4601 Shawnee Dr. 4825 State Ave. 828 East D Avenue 126 West 14th Street 4651 W 6th St 600 W 23rd St 4328 W 119th St, #3C 13120 West 87th St. Pkwy 114 West 1st Street 160 East Pancake Blvd 4 Village Plz

Lincoln Lindsborg Lyons Marion Marysville McPherson McPherson Meade Medicine Lodge Minneapolis Mission Norton Oakley Oberlin Osborne Ottawa Overland Park Overland Park Overland Park Overland Park Overland Park Overland Park Parsons Phillipsburg Pittsburg Pittsburg Plainville Pratt Russell Sabetha Salina Salina Salina Scott City Shawnee Shawnee Smith Center St. Francis Stockton Topeka Topeka Topeka Topeka Topeka Topeka Ulysses Wakeeney

1026 N 6th 450 N Harrison St 1020 W Main 1503 Sandstone 1166 Pony Express Hwy 2215 E Kansas 700 N Main 809 W Carthase 281 U.S. 281 717 Laurel St 6500 Johnson Dr W Hwy 36 514 S Freeman Ave 101 W Frontier Pkwy 934 N Second 2314 S. Princeton Rd 11719 College Blvd 5697 W 95th St 7121 W 151st St 7300 West 129th St 7620 Metcalf Ave, Ste J 9100 Santa Fe Dr 3400 Main St 950 State St 201 S Broadway 102 E Quincy 611 S Washington 1228 East 1st Street South Hwy 281 1312 S Old 75 Hwy 1200 South Santa Fe Ave. 2935 South 9th Street 550 South Ohio Street 1304 South Main Street 11449 W 63rd St. 15327 W 67th Street 120 W Highway 36 700 W Highway 36 309 W Main St 1700 SW Wanamaker Rd 2007 SE 29th St 2119 SW Gage Blvd 2310 N Topeka Blvd 3406 SW Topeka Blvd 500 W 10th St / Downtown 813 W Oklahoma Ave 324 S 1st St

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Throwbacks

Page 8

4a-i & ii

By MARK SCHREMMER For Kansas Pregame

Christian Gaylord, Baldwin, Offensive Tackle Christian Gaylord couldn’t be more polite. He answers every question with a “Yes, sir or No, sir” approach. His calm tone of voice doesn’t match his 6-foot-7 and 275-pound frame.

But make no mistake, the Baldwin Bulldogs offensive and defensive lineman has a switch he turns on every time he drops into a three-point stance.

“You need to have a switch,” Gaylord said. “You always have to play like somebody is trying to embarrass you.”

Gaylord, along with Columbus running back and linebacker Taylor Watkins and Coffeyville linebacker Nick Wintjen, represent the state’s “throwback” players at the Class 4A level. They play multiple sports.

They are team players. They put in the extra work. And, above all, they don’t shy away from contact.

“I’ve always wanted to hit somebody,” Gaylord said. “You can get mad some days and just release all the stress on the field. You can just let it all out by hitting somebody.”

Gaylord returns to the Baldwin offensive and defensive lines after earning 2013 Kpreps.com Class 4A All-State honors as a junior. He also was named first-team Class 4A by The Topeka Capital-Journal and The Wichita Eagle.

The left tackle is listed as the No. 2 recruit in Kansas by Rivals.com and has already accepted a verbal offer to play football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Other offers were reportedly from such schools as Texas, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Ohio State, Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, Louisville, Minnesota and North Carolina State. ESPN.com lists Gaylord as a three-star recruit and gives him a scouting grade of 78.

He is considered the 59th best recruit in the nation at his position, the 108th best recruit in the region and No. 4 recruit in Kansas by ESPN. Despite all of the interest from some of the top college football programs in the nation, choosing the Cornhuskers wasn’t really a difficult decision for Gaylord as he has a lot of family in the Lincoln, Neb., area.

“It’s been a dream all my life,” Gaylord said. “We’ve been Husker fans since the beginning of time. Our whole family lives up there. It’s real close to my grandparents and all my cousins. It’s a great tradition. It will be great to play up there.”

Gaylord boasts a nice blend of strength and agility for his size. He can bench press more than 300 pounds, deadlift 425, squat 500 and hang clean 285. He also enjoys displaying his mobility on his favorite play, the 26 counter-trap.

“That’s when I pull around and get the linebacker,” Gaylord said. “That’s one of my favorite plays, because it works every time.”

Gaylord plays basketball in the winter to improve his footwork and coordination.

“Football has been my passion my whole life,” he said. “I just love it. Basketball is a thing to do in order to keep my feet up there. You need good feet to play basketball.”

Gaylord also competes in track and field and finished third in the discus at the Class 4A state meet with a distance of 163 feet, 1 inch.

But Gaylord still puts most of his stock into football where he’ll be working to help a Bulldogs team that finished 11-1 last season. Baldwin graduated All-State quarterback Chad Berg and All-State all-purpose player Cornell Brown.

“We’re losing a lot of people, but our expectations are pretty high,” Gaylord said. “We’re a hard working team. I think we can make a run for the playoffs this year.”

Gaylord also knows that he will enter each game with the opposition knowing that he’s the player who soon will be suiting up at Nebraska.

“I have high expectations, because I’ll be playing at one of the best teams in the nation,” Gaylord said.

“I know that I’ll be representing them this year.”

Taylor Watkins, Columbus, Running Back/Linebacker

Watkins’ philosophy on how to play football is pretty Nick Wintjen, Christian Gaylord, & Taylor Watkins simple.

“I just give my best * Photo by: Everett Royer every time, and I try to Ksportsimages.com knock someone’s head off on every play. That’s my main goal.”

The attitude has led to results for the Columbus Titans running back and linebacker. He’s earned Class 4A honorable mention All-State honors, and he was a unanimous first-team all-Crawford Neosho Cherokee League linebacker with a team-leading 92 tackles in 2013. He also rushed for 217 yards as a running back.

The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Watkins helped lead the Titans to an 8-2 record and a CNC championship in the program’s second season in the league.

“We should go pretty far, but the first thing we need to focus on is winning the CNC title again and keeping it in Columbus for a while,” Watkins said. “Then we can go on to the district title and just keep going from there.”

Entering the first season of Class 4A, Division II, following a split into two divisions in the offseason, Columbus automatically emerges as a state contender.

“Coach (Dan) Grundy brought it up the first day we had a meeting,” Watkins said. “We think we have a great opportunity to go pretty far and do some great things this year.”

Watkins also is a state champion wrestler, winning Class 4A at 160 pounds as a junior.

Nick Wintjen, Coffeyville, Linebacker Wintjen may not be Coffeyville’s biggest or most athletic linebacker, but he always produces.

The 5-foot-11 and 200-pound linebacker recorded 55 tackles as a freshman, 132 as a sophomore and 98 as a junior. He had two sacks as a sophomore and 1.5 as a junior. He received All-State honorable mention and was an all-Southeast Kansas League linebacker.

“A throwback player is someone you can count on to do a job and get it done and not put up with anything,” Wintjen said.

Wintjen has filled those requirements, helping Coffeyville earn a 12-2 record and finish as the 4A state runner-up in 2013. The Golden Tornado will play in 4A-I this fall.

A catcher in baseball, football has always been Wintjen’s first love.

“When I was little, I got a set of plastic pads and a helmet,” he said. “I’d just sit in the living room and watch the Green Bay Packers play. Ever since then, I’ve always wanted to see what I can do in the sport.”

A hard worker in the weight room, Wintjen can squat 500, power clean 305 and bench press 285.

He and NCAA Division I recruit Jamal Logan will lead a talented Coffeyville defense.

“We’re going to bring back a lot of guys on defense who can really step up and get the job done,” Wintjen said. “We can be a hard-nosed defense.”

That’s exactly what one would expect of a Throwback.

Mark Schremmer is a sports reporter for the Joplin (Mo.) Globe and has covered teams from eastern Kansas and western Missouri.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 9

Throwbacks

3a

By MARK SCHREMMER For Kansas Pregame

Nick Reesor, Rossville, Running Back/Linebacker Rossville senior running back and linebacker Nick Reesor suffered a partial tear in his knee midway through the 2013 football season. But that didn’t stop him from completing the season and rushing for 809 yards and 14 touchdowns or posting 91 tackles. He was an All-State and all-league performer.

You see, playing hurt is just what “throwback” players do.

And Reesor, along with Arma-Northeast running back/linebacker Antonio Slingluff, Cherokee-Southeast running back/linebacker Ryan Rakestraw and Centralia lineman Joey Ferron, have certainly earned the distinction of being recognized as Class 3A’s “throwback” players for 2014.

Reesor went on to wrestle and was ranked No. 1 in Class 3A at 152 pounds before the injury to his knee got worse.

“I completely shredded it,” Reesor said. “I couldn’t straighten my leg anymore, so I had to get surgery and get it repaired.”

By the time baseball season rolled around, Reesor was back on the field.

“I couldn’t play my normal position of catcher, but I played first base.”

Now, a healthy Reesor looks forward to his senior football season with the Bulldogs.

Rossville finished 12-1 in 2013, losing only to rival and eventual state champion Silver Lake in the Class 3A semifinals, a team they beat during the regular season.

“The expectations are definitely high,” Reesor said. “Potential is just a word, but we want to set pretty high expectations this year. We lost some good players, but we have most of our skill position players back. It should be a good year.”

Reesor isn’t a throwback player just because he plays with pain. The 5-foot-10 and 170-pound linebacker also is willing to mix it up with players much larger than him.

“I weigh 170 pounds, but I’ll strap it on and try to lay the wood to some of those bigger guys,” he said.

Antonio Slingluff, Northeast-Arma, Running Back/Linebacker The desire for contact also resides with Slingluff. The Vikings All-State and all-league linebacker had 126 tackles as a junior.

“I like to hit,” Slingluff said. “I learned that about myself once I started playing football in the eighth grade. I just like hitting people. It’s so much fun.”

The 5-11, 175-pound Slingluff also can run past defenders. He rushed for 1,312 yards and 15 touchdowns on 173 carries in 2013.

“When I start running the ball well, I start getting pumped on defense,” Slingluff said. “When I do well on defense, it feeds into offense.

“I’ll lower my shoulder if you’re in my way. I’ll run around you. I’ll do whatever it takes to get the touchdown or positive yards.”

Slingluff will move into a leadership role for a Northeast team that hopes to make the playoffs after finishing 4-5 last year.

“When our seniors left, our leadership left with it,” he said. “I’m one of the few juniors that actually played a lot of varsity time and know what it’s like to be out there. I can just guide those other kids to strive to be the best on and off the field.”

Antonio Slingluff, Joey Ferron, Ryan Rakestraw, & Nick Reesor * Photo by: Everett Royer Ksportsimages.com

“To me, it just means hard-hitting,” he said. “It’s guys who just get the job done.”

Rakestraw certainly has gotten the job done for the Lancers.

The Class 3A first-team All-State linebacker posted 88 tackles and eight sacks as a junior. He also rushed for 1,293 yards and 18 touchdowns. Between offense, defense and special teams, there aren’t many moments when Rakestraw isn’t on the field for Southeast.

“Yeah, I’m on the field all the time,” he said.

Southeast returns nine starters on each side of the ball for first-year head coach Jerrad Hansen.

“Our expectations are pretty high,” Rakestraw said. “We lost only two seniors. “We have a big class.

We’ve been playing together since second or third grade. I’m expecting a lot.”

Joey Ferron, Centralia, Offensive Tackle/Defensive End Ferron, a 6-4 and 275-pound offensive tackle and defensive end, brings an old-fashioned approach to the game.

“You have to have that kind heart and help someone up, but at the same time you have to be mean and you can’t give up until the play is over,” Ferron said. “You have to keep going back at it.

“Coach teaches us to hit hard, but at the same time to help them back up. He teaches us to have good sportsmanship.”

Ferron was named to the 2013 Kpreps.com Class 2-1A All-State team as an offensive lineman. He also posted 51 tackles and seven quarterback sacks from his defensive end position. He finished fifth in the shot put at the state track and field meet this past spring.

“I love the feel of the rush when you’re meeting the kid right across from you and then you hear that pop,” Ferron said.

Ferron said he hopes to play college football and that he’s already received an offer from the University of Wyoming.

“I’ve always wanted to go to the next level,” he said. “I watched kids play and go on to college and that’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”

Ferron’s Centralia football team will have to play at a higher level this season. Last year’s Class 2-1A state champions were bumped up to Class 3A for the next two years.

“We’re getting kicked up to 3A, but we still have our name out there and have a target on our back,” Ferron said. “It’s going to be different, but it will be fun.”

Ryan Rakestraw, Southeast-Cherokee, Running Back/Linebacker Rakestraw, a 6-3 and 185-pound running back and linebacker, has a simple definition of a “throwback” player.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 10

Throwbacks

2-1a

By MARK SCHREMMER For Kansas Pregame

Joe Redeker, Olpe, Offensive Lineman/Linebacker After four games, Olpe Eagles offensive lineman and linebacker Joe Redeker’s 2013 football season ended early when he suffered a broken ankle against McLouth.

But what makes Redeker’s story interesting is that when he went to the doctor, he discovered that he also had been playing with a broken wrist.

“When I got my ankle checked out, I found out that my wrist had been broken for months,” Redeker said. “I had sprained my wrist forever, but it just kept getting worse and worse. I found out it was broken. I played with a broken wrist for the first four games.”

Redeker’s tale is a perfect example of what it means to be a “throwback” player. Redeker, Troy offensive lineman and middle linebacker Jay Whetstine and Troy quarterback and defensive lineman Tristan Speer have been recognized as Class 2-1A’s “throwback” players for 2014.

Redeker prides himself on that type of toughness.

“I’d like to think of myself as pretty tough,” he said. “I work hard. I never give up. When push comes to shove, you’re going to see me out in the front lines doing the best I can for my team and my community.”

When healthy, Redeker has been a force for the Eagles. He received a variety of postseason accolades as a sophomore.

Playing for a small school, Redeker also rarely leaves the field.

“If you want to play football in Olpe, Kansas, you’re going to have to be a hard worker and you have to be tough, because you’re going to be playing about every down of the football game,” he said.

The 6-foot-4 and 200-pound Redeker is a versatile athlete, competing in football, basketball and track and field.

Redeker helped Olpe to a Class 2A third-place finish in basketball this past season and was named to the Kpreps.com 2A all-state tournament team after scoring 36 points in three games.

This past spring, Redeker earned a sixth-place state meet finish in the triple jump.

With Centralia moving up to Class 3A, a door may have opened for Olpe in 2014. Olpe’s season has ended by the hands of Centralia in each of the past two years. The Eagles return six starters on offense and eight on defense.

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“Of course, your expectation every season is that you’re going to go out there and win every single game that you play,” Redeker said. “We Tristan Speer, Joe Redeker, & Jay Whetstine have a good group coming back. We lost some good seniors, * Photo by: Everett Royer but we have some Ksportsimages.com kids who have the potential to step up and fill those shoes. We have the potential to have a great season this year and make a great impact.”

Jay Whetstine, Troy, Offensive Lineman/Linebacker Whetstine, a 5-10 and 200-pound right guard and middle linebacker, said he believes he fits the profile of a throwback player.

“A throwback is a hard-hitting player who loves contact,” he said. “That’s what I live for.”

Whetstine has had no problem initiating contact. He recorded 33 tackles as a freshman, 122 as a sophomore and 124 as a junior. He has earned All-State and all-league honors.

Whetstine said he developed his love for football as early as the second or third grade.

“My family loves football,” he said. “We all went to Troy, and we love it. My dad played here, a lot of my cousins. We all love it.”

Whetstine endures a heavy regimen of training for football season. In addition to standard weight lifting, he participates in Crossfit classes three times a week. He can bench press 300 pounds, while power cleaning 270 and squatting 350.

He also competes in basketball, but deep down Whetstine is a football guy.

2-1A THROWBACKS / Continued on page 127

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Throwbacks

Page 11

8-man

By MARK SCHREMMER For Kansas Pregame

The Merriam-Webster definitions of the word “throwback” are “a reversion to an earlier type or phase” and “one that is suggestive of or suited to an earlier time or style.”

But when it comes to explaining the term in regards to small school Kansas prep football, there may be no better way than to simply show a few minutes of game film on such players as Chetopa running back and linebacker Derrick Cassell and Oxford fullback and linebacker Colter Silhan.

The two share the distinction of being 8-Man football’s “throwback” players in this year’s Kansas Pregame Football Magazine.

Colter Silhan, Oxford, Running Back/Linebacker Silhan earned the right of being called a “throwback” after his first high school football practice.

It was at the same practice that Silhan determined that football was the sport for him.

“The best player on team was a senior,” Silhan said. “I was a little freshman. Everybody said, ‘someone go up there and hit him.’ Everybody was scared. But I went up there and took him down. Everybody started patting me on the shoulder. I was hooked.”

Now, Silhan is the big 6-foot and 185-pound senior for the Wildcats. He earned an All-State honorable mention as a junior.

Silhan rushed for 749 yards and eight touchdowns on 108 carries as a junior.

He can impact the game on offense, but Silhan loves playing on the defensive side of the ball. He had 92 tackles as a sophomore and 153, which included a mind-boggling 106 solo tackles, as a junior. Silhan also recorded two sacks, four interceptions, one pass deflection, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.

“I think I bring the hit stick every play,” Silhan said. “Coach always can count on me to get the quarterback.”

Silhan also competes in basketball and baseball. He averaged 6.1 points and 4.5 rebounds as a junior for the Oxford basketball team.

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Silhan said he lifts weights, runs about one mile every night and spends a lot of time shooting his bow.

Oxford hopes to take a big step Colter Silhan & Derrick Cassell forward and make the playoffs in 2014 * Photo by: Everett Royer after finishing 5-4 in Ksportsimages.com each of the past two seasons.

No matter what the Wildcats end up doing this season, they will take time to remember the life of 17-year-old student Jordan Hobson, who died during a rollover car accident in May. “When you go to a small school, it’s like family,” Silhan said. “When you lose somebody, it’s really tough. We lost Jordan Hobson this year in a car accident. It’s been like losing a family member. We want to dedicate this season to Jordan. It’s really tough to lose someone like that.”

Derrick Cassell, Chetopa, Running Back/Linebacker The 6-1 and 205-pound running back and linebacker Cassell gives brief and concise answers.

But what else would you expect from a “throwback” player?

“I come down hill with the ball,” Cassell said to describe his running style.

“I play for my team and not for myself,” he said to explain his views on being a leader and good teammate.

Cassell has provided an impact for the Green Hornets his entire career. He rushed for 414 yards and nine touchdowns on only 51 carries as a freshman. He ran for 1,226 yards and 17 touchdowns on 177 rushing attempts as a sophomore. As a junior, Cassell rushed for 1,514 yards and 31 touchdowns on only 152 carries for an average of almost 10 yards per carry. He has added 23 receptions for 242 yards and four touchdowns over the past three seasons.

His impact has been just as great on defense.

Cassell recorded 88 tackles as a freshman, 108 as a sophomore and 113 as a junior. He enters his senior year with two career interceptions, five fumble recoveries, five pass deflections and two forced fumbles.

He earned unanimous all-league honors as a junior.

Cassell also has competed in basketball, baseball and track and field during his high school career.

But Cassell said football season is his main priority. He hopes to help the Green Hornets improve on last year’s 7-3 season that finished with a loss in the playoffs.

Chetopa returns seven starters on offense and eight on defense. The Green Hornets also bring in some key newcomers.

And only when the question focuses more on the team than himself does Cassell give a more descriptive answer.

“I think we’re going to be better this year than last year,” Cassell said. “We got a few new players who came in. We’re going to be quick.”

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Iron Will

Page 14

Work in the weight room fuels success on the gridiron

With the birth of modern college football weight training at the University of Nebraska under strength coaching legend Boyd Epley in the early ‘70s the modern football offseason training regiment changed, not only for every college program in the country, but eventually at the high school level. Now, weight training and football (and for that matter most other sports) are synonymous. While in the early days of strength training coaches carried concerns that musclebound athletes would be slower and more susceptible to injury, years of improved performance as a result of work in the weight room has demonstrated that strength training programs are the key to speed and power development and injury prevention and may be the single most important factor in the success of a football program. In the following features Kansas Pregame will take a look at some of the state’s strongest and most athletic players who developed those traits thanks in large part to their “Iron Will” in the weight room.

The features are a look at not just the biggest and strongest players in the state, but players, that while they may be shorter or smaller, have achieved maximum results and are pound-for-pound among the strongest in Kansas. The features also examine the development of the players’ respective football programs and the impact the weight room has had on the overall success of not just the individual players, but the football program as a whole.

Certainly these are just a few of the literally hundreds of athletes in the state who have posted impressive numbers in the squat, clean, bench, 40 yard dash, or vertical jump, and Kansas Pregame would like to hear of other athletes with impressive weight room statistics.

Please e-mail suggestions for next year’s coverage to johnbaetz@gmail.com.

In early June, 18 athletes made the trip to the weight room at Lawrence Free State High School for the second ever Iron Will photo shoot. The LFS strength facility is one of the top weight training facilities in all of Kansas. Advanced Exercise Equipment was the equipment supplier of the facility and the sponsor of the Iron Will features. For more information about Advanced Exercise Equipment, the top weight training facility designer in the Midwest, visit advancedexercise.com.

Cl ass 6a

Kyle Ball, AJ Harris, Scott Frantz, & Alec Beatty (seated) Photo by: Bree McReynolds-Baetz Kansas Pregame

By MIKE STRAUSS

For Kansas Pregame

Kyle Ball, Shawnee Mission East, Defensive End Tackling people is something Kyle Ball has excelled at for a very long time. As a junior in 2013 the Shawnee Mission East defensive end was tabbed as the Sunflower League defensive player of the year after amassing 107 tackles, which included 28 for loss. The Topeka Capital Journal Class-6A selection was a coaches’ dream.

However, his early tackling career was frowned upon and got him into much trouble.

“When I was four, my dad taught me how to tackle and things

like that,” Ball said. “I would work on tackling with my dad, but little did he know I thought that was how you played as a four-year old.

When I went to preschool, I would tackle kids on the playground. I actually had to go to a few preschools because I got kicked out for that reason.”

Now a 6-2, 235-pound senior, Ball has evolved into one of the most talented players in the state. With a squat of 500 pounds, bench press of 320, hang clean of 330, a vertical jump of 32 inches and a 4.58 time in the 40-yard dash, Ball is a feared player in the Sunflower league. He credits a lot of his strength gains to current Lancers head coach Dustin Delaney.

Ball likes the attention and goals set up by his head coach, which encourages individually adjusting your weight and improving constantly.

“I have always been the strongest for my age, but once Coach Delaney came in with this regulated weight program, my maximum weights shot up like crazy,” Ball said. “I went from hang cleaning 200 to 330 pounds in just one year because of his program.”

“Kyle is incredibly strong and quick,” Delaney said. “He made a phenomenal play in our first game against Olathe North on a fourth and three towards the end of the game. He stood up a big lineman,

had the quickness to cross his face and reach out with a hand to stop the running back. We got the ball back and scored a couple of plays later to win the game.”

While his main goal is to help his team win a state championship this season, Ball is planning on continuing his playing career at the next level and this summer was considering Kansas State, Iowa State, South Dakota State and Wyoming.

Alec Beatty, Topeka High, Quarterback It was late in the season when Alec Beatty, just a 155-pound freshman starting on the Topeka High School junior varsity, received word that he would be starting at quarterback for the Topeka varsity after the regular quarterback suffered an injury.

“I was excited and incredibly nervous at the same time,” Beatty said. The nerves disappeared after the game started and he ended up producing both rushing and passing touchdowns in his debut. “The rest of the year, the nerves didn’t come back and it gave me a bunch of confidence.”

While he was anxious to play a varsity game as a ninth-grader, his

6A IRON WILL / Continued on page 124

Cl ass 5a

Photo by: Bree McReynolds-Baetz Kansas Pregame

By MIKE STRAUSS

For Kansas Pregame

Chance Sowers, Valley Center, Linebacker Chance Sowers takes working out seriously. Very seriously.

“I usually workout two or three times a day, Monday through Friday,” he said. “My workouts consist of weights in the morning, speed and agility around noon and then conditioning in the evening.”

This high-intensity program has helped turn a 5-9, 115-pound eighth-grader into a 5-10, 198-pound senior at Valley Center High School. A linebacker on the football field, Sowers also competes in

FOOTBALL 2014

TOPEKA HIGH

Chance Sowers

track and powerlifting. Last year he won the 198-pound state powerlifting championship and holds numerous school weight lifting records.

Sowers can bench 350 pounds, squat 405 and this past spring set a school record in the clean at 360 pounds. He also owns a 35-inch vertical leap and has been timed at 4.56 in the 40-yard dash.

“I decided to take weight lifting seriously about eighth grade because my coaches, and mostly my dad, who is a bodybuilder, started stressing that I wouldn’t make a Division I program at my size,” Sowers said.

5A IRON WILL / Continued on page 124

“Every Play” 2012-2013: 17-4 record {2012}

Centennial League Champions 6A Regional Champions Most single-season wins in THS history (9) First playoff win in THS history {2013}

Centennial League Champions 6A District 5 Champions 8-2 record

Kansas KansasPregame, Pregame,Volume Volume9 9

Page Page15 15

Iron Will: 4a-i

Ethin VanAnne & Dean Cochran

Photo by: Bree McReynolds-Baetz Kansas Pregame

By MIKE STRAUSS

For Kansas Pregame

Dean Cochran, Basehor-Linwood, Linebacker Dean Cochran wasn’t always the cut 170-pound muscle man he is today. The Basehor-Linwood linebacker can squat 415 pounds, bench press 265, and clean 320. Numbers that earned him a state championship in 4A state powerlifting. Not bad for a 170-pounder who also excels on the football field.

“I started getting serious about weightlifting when I was in seventh grade,” Cochran said. “I got into it because I wanted to change myself and no longer be a chunky little kid.”

His resolve to change himself and accomplish goals was not a surprise to his parents.

“Dean has been a strong person mentally and physically from a young age,” they said. “He has determination and focus beyond his years.”

He wanted to change his body. He has accomplished that. In the world of powerlifting he has shined with the state title his junior year, 30 total powerlifting meet medals, five state medals and two heavy weightlifter of the meet trophies. He is definitely one of the strongest 170-pounders you will come across.

“Our strength program at Basehor-Linwood High School is one of the more successful programs in the state under Coach Ross Schwisow,” Cochran said. “Our program is not only about strength, but it is more focused on building all-around athletes…I attribute constant training for my success.”

Cochran not only uses the sports he competes in – football, track and field and powerlifting – to stay strong, but his summer job working for a window installation company keeps him active as well. That and parents who like to utilize his strength at home.

“My parents enjoy having me around the house to move all the heavy stuff,” Cochran said. “I am pretty much the work horse around the house.”

And with his strength Cochran really enjoys all that comes with playing linebacker in the sport he loves.

“The best part of football for me is the contact that you cannot get in any other sport,” he said. “I like the collisions and hitting and I enjoy being under the Friday night lights for the home games, which is a big deal in Basehor.”

Ethin VanAnne, Chanute, Running Back/Linebacker Sports and physical fitness have always been a part of life for Chanute’s Ethin VanAnne. He started wrestling competitively as a four-year old. In addition to wrestling, he is involved in track and football, as well as working as a lifeguard.

His love of being active has led to his plan of majoring in

physical education or athletic training when he attends college.

And wherever he goes to college, you can expect VanAnne to be successful.

“Along with athletics, academics is a very important part of my school life,” he said. “I have a 3.9 grade point average and am a member of the National Honor Society.”

His work in the weight room has helped him reach very high levels for a 5-8, 185-pounder. He owns a 465-pound squat, 325-pound bench press and a 335-pound clean max. VanAnne also possess a 33-inch vertical leap and has been timed at 4.4 in the 40-yard dash.

But weights aren’t the only thing that makes VanAnne who he is physically.

“I have a sled that I pull during my own time,” he said. “Also I am a lifeguard and do drills and training for that.”

He is also called upon to move furniture for his mom and his sisters. To help keep the family home warm in the winter, VanAnne is relied upon to split wood and load up the truck.

Last year VanAnne scored touchdowns rushing, receiving and on a return, while earning honorable mention all-league punt return honors in each of the last two seasons. He has lofty individual goals, both offensively and defensively this year, but is mainly concerned with the improvement of his team.

“I think the best part of football is coming together as a team and as a family,” VanAnne said. “Also, working hard and making each other better.”

Mike Strauss worked in college athletic media relations for 24 years, including four years as the media relations director for the University of Kansas football team.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 16

Iron Will: 4a-ii

Hunter Knoblauch, Drake Hake, & Ricky Huse Photo by: Bree McReynolds-Baetz Kansas Pregame

By MIKE STRAUSS For Kansas Pregame

180-pound running back/defensive back can squat 330 pounds, bench 250 pounds, clean 300 pounds and run a 4.5 40-yard dash.

He has a 31-inch vertical leap.

“I got serious about weightlifting because I love to compete and I wanted to be the best and lift the most,” Knoblauch said. “I realized after eighth grade I needed to put size on and gain speed if I wanted to play at the varsity level.”

As a junior he ran for 1,752 yards, while averaging 10 yards per carry. “Hunter always seems to find the hole and make the right cut,” O’Hair said.

“I love the game of football and padding up with all of my friends and walking out on Friday night under the lights,” Knoblauch said. “Andale has a great community, which is involved in all sports, especially football. There is nothing like it.”

Drake Hake, Concordia, Running Back/Safety

Hunter Knoblauch, Andale, Running Back/Defensive Back It would seem an understatement to say that all of the state’s best football players have great athleticism. But what makes the best, stand out even more?

Andale head football coach Gary O’Hair knows what separates his running back, Hunter Knoblauch, from the rest of the players in the state.

“It is his intangibles – leadership, ability, competitiveness and great instincts, which separate him from the other great athletes in the state,” O’Hair said. “His competitive spirt and will to win is second to no other athlete I have ever coached. Every coach knows how important it is to have your best athlete be the guy that will never give up. This attitude will spread throughout the team and each individual becomes better because of it.”

Those traits, along with his strength, have helped Knoblauch earn all-state honors in football and basketball. The 6-0,

In eighth grade Drake Hake set a pretty lofty goal for himself.

He wanted to start on the Concordia varsity football team the following year as a freshman. The future running back/safety knew one area he needed to work on to make his dream come true.

“I started really getting serious about weightlifting in eighth grade, because I realized that my freshman year was coming up, so I knew in order to start on the varsity as a freshman, I had better start turning the corner,” he said. “I did end up starting varsity as a freshman.

At just 5-7 and 175 pounds, Hake is strong and explosive. He can squat 455 pounds, bench press 265 pounds, clean 300, has a vertical leap of 34 inches and owns a 4.45 time in the 40-yard dash. Despite his size, his strength has carried him to success on the football field.

As a sophomore he rushed for 1,000 yards and last season ran for 797 yards in just seven games due to a leg injury. He has earned all-league recognition in each of the last two years, as well as all-state honorable mention last season.

“I workout two times a day,” Hake said. “Once in the morning for school weights and once in the evening on my own. I have never had to work at it too much. I just enjoy lifting.”

“His greatest tools as a running back are his quickness and vision,” said Concordia Coach Tim Lambert. “He makes people miss, but he is not just a finesse back. He can get the tough yards, which comes from his strength.”

Ricky Huse, Clay Center, Running Back/Safety A self-described chubby kid, it was in seventh grade that Ricky Huse decided he needed to transform his body. He said he started to eat right, thinned out and then added some muscle to his frame.

During the process he established a goal for himself.

“I started lifting every day my freshman year because I wanted to get ripped and beat all the lifting records in our school,” Huse said.

By his junior year, the 5-10, 175-pound Huse set Clay Center records for the bench press (305 pounds), squat (410 pounds), and clean (295 pounds). In addition he covers the 40-yard dash in 4.53 and has a vertical leap of 35.5 inches.

“Ricky is an excellent team leader and a positive example for all of our athletes,” said Clay Center head coach Todd Rice.

“Ricky was named our 2013-14 lifter of the year based off of his year-round commitment to our program. He is an extremely hard worker.”

His strength is evident state-wide, as he is a two-year 4A state bench press champion and has earned second place overall at the state powerlifting championship each of the last two years in the 173-pound class.

On the football field last year, Huse earned first-team all-league honors on defense and honorable mention recognition on offense.

He is also a two-time first-team all-league shortstop on the baseball team.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Iron Will: 3a

Logan Creek & Jacob Carpenter Photo by: Bree McReynolds-Baetz Kansas Pregame

By MIKE STRAUSS

For Kansas Pregame

Jacob Carpenter, Humboldt, Running Back/Linebacker Martial art training, particularly Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), is a big part of Jacob Carpenter’s athletic training. The individual combat sports help the Humboldt running back prepare for life on the football field.

“The Jiu Jitsu and MMA training helps me with my flexibility and stamina,” Carpenter said. “The sparring that we do helps with endurance. You also need to have quick hands and feet to be successful, so that helps on the field as well.”

The 6-2, 215-pounder has combined that training with a serious weightlifting program to become a key football player for Humboldt. In the weight room, Carpenter has bench pressed 300 pounds, cleaned 315 pounds and squatted 425 pounds.

His dedication has impressed his football coach K.B. Criss.

“He works hard and puts his time into training year round in the weight room and working on his agility, speed and quickness,”

Criss said. “He leads others by his work ethic and commitment to playing hard every down.”

In addition to his work ethic, Carpenter’s leadership and team-first mentality help make him a leader.

“He is very coachable,” Criss said. “He is always willing to do whatever it takes to be successful and always puts the team first.”

“My first priority is to be a good teammate and leader,” Carpenter said. “Secondly, I would like to be one of the best linebackers in the state.”

Carpenter has twice earned all-league honors in baseball and also plays basketball at Humboldt.

And what is the best part of playing high school football?

“Friday nights and the excitement of playing with my teammates,” Carpenter said.

“But, not too many things feel better than a Saturday morning after a win.”

Page 17

labor around the house for his mom. His strength comes from many directions and has many purposes.

Last year Creek won the heavyweight title at the state powerlifting championship. He can bench press 340, clean 300 and squat 540 pounds.

However, Creek did not always have the strength he possesses heading into his senior year of high school football.

“I really had to work at it through my whole high school career,” Creek said. “I started out benching less than 200 pounds going into my freshman year. Lifting weights and pushing myself helped me

3A IRON WILL / Continued on page 124

Logan Creek, Conway Springs, Offensive Line Logan Creek is 6-3, 265 pounds. Big enough for his nephews to use him as a climbing tree according to his mother.

His nephews love to climb on Logan, hang from his arms and have him bench press them into the air.

When he is not messing around with his younger relatives, Creek is busy moving hay, building fences and other manual

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 18

Iron Will: 2-1a Michael Liby & Danny Burgess

Photo by: Bree McReynolds-Baetz Kansas Pregame

By MIKE STRAUSS

For Kansas Pregame

Mike Liby, Sedgwick, Linebacker Sedgwick linebacker Mike Liby has always had good strength. He uses it to succeed on the football field, in competitive powerlifting and more recently cheerleading and tumbling.

The second-team all-league linebacker earned a powerlifting state championship at 172 pounds. He can squat 425, bench 305, and clean 300 pounds, all at just 5-9, and around 180 pounds. He owns a 4.8 time in the 40-yard dash and a 30-inch vertical leap.

“I really only started lifting between my eighth grade and freshmen years,” he said. “I honestly didn’t have permission from my doctor to lift before this time. I was very serious about football and that is why I really wanted to start lifting.”

In addition to working out at the school, Liby does the Bigger, Faster, Stronger workouts.

“I have always been a little bit stronger than everybody else,”

Liby said. “He always likes to “show off” his muscles,” said his mother Elessa.

However, Liby didn’t always use his strength in a good way.

“More than one time in junior high he would walk up behind his older sister in the hallway at school, pick her up and carry her to the other end, further away from her classroom,” Elessa said. “He would hold her there until she was late.”

Maybe those days of picking up his sister, led to his new endeavor of cheerleading.

“My strength really helps me there,” Liby said. “Also just day-today, life-like work and things like that are easier due to lifting.”

When asked what was the best part of playing football, Liby had two honest answers.

“I would have to say either being able to support your team and help them,” he said. “Or being able to hit somebody without getting in trouble.”

As far as the 2014 season, Liby said his team goal is a state title, and his individual dream is to make all-state in his final prep season.

the school’s weight room it seems like he never goes home.

“I never take a day off,” Burgess said. “Training this hard does have its downside though, as I am constantly being kicked out of the weight room by the janitors and coaches, who tell me to go home and get some rest.”

Burgess’ commitment to the weight room has transformed him from a 135-pound freshman to a 200-pound senior. Burgess can squat 400 pounds, bench press 285 and clean 315 pounds. His combined total weight is tops on the Lyndon football team.

“I was always serious about weight training because I knew to

2-1A IRON WILL / Continued on page 124

20

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 19

Iron Will: 8-Man Owen Reed, Gavin Beyer, Ethan Fritschi, & Bryan Dome (seated)

Photo by: Bree McReynolds-Baetz Kansas Pregame

By MIKE STRAUSS

For Kansas Pregame

Owen Reed, Madison, Fullback/Linebacker

Madison tight end/linebacker Owen Reed is strong. And is constantly getting stronger. That spells trouble for Madison opponents who have to face the 6-1, 238-pounder who excels on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

“In more than 40 years of coaching football and throwing events in track, I have worked with a lot of strong athletes,” said his coach Fred McClain. “Owen builds strength faster than anybody I have worked with.”

Reed started lifting weights in fourth grade because he was already a “pretty big kid” he said. “I have always been pretty strong for my age, but the weight room really started to define me at a younger age,” Reed said.

Coach McClain says Reed can bench 315 pounds three times and

squat 465 pounds three times. He also runs a 4.9 40. His strength and size allowed Reed to rush for 1,605 yards and record a teamhigh eight pancake blocks offensively and register a team high seven sacks with three fumble recoveries defensively.

Reed enjoys the circuit workout program McClain has at Madison.

“We set up the weight room with 22 different stations and spend 30 seconds to one minute at each station doing as many reps with as much weight as we can handle,” he said.

After earning Topeka Capital Journal all-class honorable mention honors last season, Reed is looking for team goals this year.

“My goals for this football season are to win the league and district title and then bring another state title back to the town of Madison,” he said.

outstanding,” McClain said. “His sophomore and junior years, he has graded out at 78 percent from the tight end position.”

Defensively, Beyer has registered 163 tackles, 10 interceptions and four fumble recoveries.

“Gavin is one of those guys who has a tendency to make big plays on offense and defense when they are really needed,” McClain said. “A lot of his interceptions have come in very critical situations.”

After suffering an injury last year, Beyer hit the weight room even harder in preparation for his senior campaign.

“All I could do was get in the gym and lift and get better for this year,” Beyer said.

Beyer also plays basketball and runs track, but at the end of this fall, Beyer’s goal is to be playing in the state title game.

Gavin Beyer, Madison, Tight End/Defensive End

Ethan Fritschi, Hanover, Offensive Line/Defensive End

When Gavin Beyer got to high school, he took a look around at the school’s football players. What he saw were big, strong guys.

Bigger and stronger than he was and he realized if he wanted to be a part of this football team, he better make some strides in the strength department.

“I got really serious about lifting my freshman year when I saw how strong the older guys were,” Beyer said.

Over the years his strength has improved. Last year he bench pressed 305 pounds five times. The 6-3, 228-pounder can also cover the 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds and has a vertical leap of 31 inches. Despite his size, he has run the 200 in 24 seconds and the 400 in 54 seconds. Not bad according to his coach.

On the football field, Beyer has been a good two-way player for Madison. He has 636 career receiving yards and nine touchdown catches from his tight end position heading into his senior season.

More impressive according to coach Fred McClain, is his blocking, which has graded out very well.

“At Madison, we feel that blocking more than 75 percent is

Growing up on a farm and doing all the work that is required to maintain it can make you strong. It sure worked that way for Ethan Fritschi of Hanover.

The real-life heavy lifting, pushing and pulling of farm work helped establish his strength. His work in the weight room once he got to high school increased what he was cable of becoming.

“I wasn’t really good about lifting in junior high and my freshman year my coach told me that if I was in the weight room and would bust my butt, then I had a good chance to become something special,” Fritschi said.

Last season Fritschi earned first-team eight-man all-class honors by the Topeka Capital Journal. The 6-5, 235 pounder excelled on the offensive line for Hanover, which reached the state semifinals before losing to the eventual state champions.

With a squat of 425 pounds, bench press of 345 and a clean of 255 pounds, the 6-5, 235-pounder is looking forward to his senior

8-MAN IRON WILL / Continued on page 124

15 YEARS OF FOOTBALL EXCELLENCE 8-Man Record 2000-2013 1 7 2 8 5 5 2

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Class 6A Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

By Kansas Pregame staff The Derby Panthers took care of business and held up their Kpreps.com preseason number one ranking by winning the 6A state championship last November. They upended a surprising Shawnee Mission East team 28-21 in the title game.

The Panthers state title run was spearheaded by a number of the state’s top players, several who are playing collegiately this fall, including University of Florida tight end DeAndre Goolsby, Air Force Academy offensive lineman Cole Hansen, and South Dakota offensive lineman Tanner Anderson, along with eight junior college commits.

A repeat trip to the title game could take a tremendous effort by the Panthers, as only two returning starters are back from last year’s title winner.

The Panthers did pick up a couple of key transfers in the offseason. Safety Darreon Jackson, a move-in from Texas, is one of the state’s top college recruits, while speedy running back Curtis Whitten transferred from Wichita Heights.

While the Panthers may not be clear title contenders this fall, 6A does feature two teams with state championship expectations.

The afore mentioned 6A runner-up Shawnee Mission East Lancers return 16 starters from last year’s surprise season, but second year coach Dustin Delaney expects a seasoned, confident squad to be a title contender this fall. The Lancers welcome back the Sunflower League Defensive Player of the Year in senior defensive end Kyle Ball.

Before last season, the Lancers had won just four postseason contests in school history, but won three playoff games en route to the 6A title game.The Lancers defeated

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Page 21

Leavenworth (36-14), Olathe East (20-13) and Olathe North (37-27) before falling to Derby (28-21).

SM East’s best finishes before last year were semifinal showings in 1988 and 2001.

Olathe North returns 17 starters and veteran coach Gene Wier hopes to return the Eagles to the title game in his third season of his second stint as the head man at North.

In 1981, Olathe High School became Olathe North High School, and Wier took over as the head football coach, replacing Kansas City coaching icon Bud Wheeler.

From 1981 through 2002, Wier went 18836, winning state titles in 1996, ’97, ’98, ’00, ’01 and ’02. Wier’s teams were led by Kansas high school legends like Darren Sproles and Maurice Mack.

Wier left Olathe North following the 2002 season -- with a 38-game win streak intact -- to take the head coaching job at Richland High School, located in suburban Fort Worth, Texas. Eight of his nine years as the head football coach at Richland were spent competing as one of the smallest schools in Texas’ biggest classification, 5A. His best season was a 9-2 campaign in 2008.

“While we were in Texas we had the highest winning percentage of any staff from that school and the most playoff appearances, and that school has struggled since,” Wier said. “There are many great coaches that do the right things but might be a little shy in the talent pool.”

Talent at Olathe North, of course, is never shy. In Wier’s nine-year absence, the program appeared in four state titles, and won two, despite having three different head coaches. Wier inherited a young cupboard of talent in 2012, and went 3-7.

But his program showed encouraging signs of its old self last fall, and there’s no telling

overview

what the team’s capable PREGAME PRESEASON RANKINGS of in 2014.

After playing in three 1. Olathe North of the last four 5A title 2. Shawnee Mission East games (winning it all in 3. Blue Valley 2010 and 13) the Blue 4. Derby Valley Tigers move up 5. Topeka High to 6A where they’ll try to Others: Gardner-Edgerton, Lawrence Free State, Olathe East, Wichita continue their dominance.

Northwest, Wichita West Blue Valley features AJ Harris, possibly the best player in Kansas this Jordan Bell and Joe Stevens. year. At 6-4, 297 pounds, Harris obviously Weston Schartz has done a splendid job delivers power. But he also exhibits speed of rejuvenating the Wichita West prorgam – he runs a 4.9 40-yard dash, according to and he hopes to lead the Pioneers to a Rivals.com. Harris has verbally committed deep playoff run in 2014, and he might just to be a Tiger in college, too, as he will head have the personnel to do it. off to play SEC football next year at the Schartz has 15 returning starters but says University of Missouri. the emergence of young players will be the While Blue Valley will be a favorite to key to success. get out of districts again, a bump up to 6A “This should be an exciting year for us,” toughens the task. District 3 competition Schartz said. “Last year’s team set the includes Gardner-Edgerton and Blue Valley groundwork for what it takes to win. This Northwest, both respective 6A district year’s team has worked very hard in the champions in 2013. Rounding out the field offseason to build on last season. We are is a feisty Olathe South squad coming off excited to test ourselves against a difficult three straight winning seasons. schedule.”

Wichita Northwest coach Steve Martin Walt Alexander has orchestrated two of believes he has a team that can compete Topeka High’s most successful seasons in for a state title and with 15 starters back he program history the last two years and he’ll may be right. have talented quarterback Alec Beatty back He will need to replace super fast running to try for a third. back Deron Thompson who was the 6A Beatty threw for 1,839 yards and 15 champion in the 100 and 200 meter dashes touchdowns and rushed for another 1,089 at this spring’s state track meet. Thompson yards and 14 scores in leading a Trojan will play at Colorado State this fall. offense that averaged nearly 415 yards and Martin says even with the loss of Thomp37 points per game last fall. son the Grizzlies will have one of their He’ll miss backfield running mate Austin speediest team’s ever.

Tillman, who also was the heart and soul of The Grizzlies will be strong on the defenthe defense. sive line with Andres Ronquillo, Branden History would inidcate it’s never a good Ho, and Duall Watson, but they’ll need to idea to count out Olathe East when it find replacements for standout linebackers comes to deep playoff runs.

In addition to the Lookin’ Sharp, Throwback, Iron Will and Spotlight feature players, these are a few players to keep an eye on in Class 6A this fall.

Miles Alexander.............RB, 5-11, 175, Sr., Blue Valley NW Amani Bledsoe...............DL, 6-5, 265, Jr., Lawrence Sean Callahan................OL, 6-4, 252, Sr., Gardner-Edgerton Willie Edwards...............DB/WR/KR, 6-1, 180, Sr., Wichita East Carson Hobby.................DB, 5-10, 195, Sr., Gardner-Edgerton Darreon Jackson............S, 6-0, 179, Sr., Derby Jackson Maase...............TE/DE, 6-3, 243, Sr., Blue Valley Marcus Malcom..............WR/SS, 6-2, 185, Sr., Wichita West

Chris Martin....................RB, 6-1, 185, Sr., Manhattan Blaik Middleton.............RB, 5-11, 170, Sr., Hutchinson Seth Pesek......................LB, 6-3, 230, Sr., Gardner-Edgerton Blake Peterson...............QB, 6-3, 195, Sr., Washburn Rural Nalen Rincones..............LB, 6-0, 190, Jr., Garden City Andres Ronquillo...........DE, 6-1, 215, Sr., Wichita Northwest Tyrell Saunders..............RB/DL, 6-0, 240, Sr., Wichita West Jake Seurer.....................QB/DB, 5-10, 175, Sr., Olathe South

Isaiah Simmons.............DB, 6-3, 195, Jr., Olathe North Venus Triplett.................RB, 5-8, 185, Sr., Olathe North Colby Turner...................LB, 5-11, 185, Sr., Hutchinson Charley White.................FS/KR/WR, 6-0, 170, Sr., SM East Curtis Whitten................RB, 5-9, 190, Sr., Derby Marcel Williams.............DE, 6-0, 240, Sr., Olathe North Karol Williams................WR, 5-9, 175, Sr., Wichita Northwest James Wooldridge.........OL, 6-1, 210, Sr., SM East

Player Spotlight: Caleb Tramp Caleb Tramp is Garden City’s top returning player, and one of the top players in Kansas. He posted 55 catches with school records in single season receiving yards (1,102) and touchdowns (12) last season.

He caught the winning score against Wichita Northwest in the final minute of their state playoff game and helped the Buffaloes to the state semis where they lost to eventual champion Derby.

The 6-5, 210 pound senior runs a 4.78 40 and is also a standout basketball player generating 11.3 points, 6 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1 block per game during the 2013-14 season, earning All Western Athletic Conference honors in both football and basketball.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 22

Lookin’ Sharp Marcel Spears and Josh Moore

By ELI UNDERWOOD SunflowerFootball.com

Olathe North head coach Gene Wier could be fielding the best team he’s ever had this upcoming fall.

The Eagles return 17 starters from a group that went 8-4 and reached Sub-State a season ago. He has at least two bonafide FBS prospects on the roster, not to mention a preseason Simone Award favorite at running back, a quarterback who could be the program’s best in over a decade, and offensive and defensive lines that have the talent to rival some of the small colleges in the area.

But the Kansas coaching legend won’t tell you that. Instead he defers, and pulls out some of his favorite coach-speak lines.

“There are many factors that go into making a deep playoff run and the first is to stay healthy. It does not take long to make good teams average,” Wier said. “Last year we were very inconsistent especially on offense and even more so on special teams. Both of those areas need improvement.”

Despite the conservative narrative, there’s a twinkle in his eye that tells you he knows more than he’s letting on. His 2014 Olathe North team is going to be good. Really good. And it’s fine with Wier if the rest of the state doesn’t figure this out until September.

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Wier’s different now than he was during his first tenure as Olathe North’s head coach. He’s older, and he comes across as a sort of sage, elder statesman type. He speaks with a discrete southern drawl, sharpened from his time in Texas. His hair has faded from gray to white, and it plumes in the wind on the sidelines in a stoic way; similar to how Pai Mei, the practitioner master in Kill Bill Volume 2, furls his Fu Manchu mustache.

Wier’s become a wise-man in a league of veteran head coaches, but it hasn’t modified his ability to develop an outstanding football team.

A quick history lesson: in 1981, Olathe High School became Olathe North High School, and Wier took over as the head football coach, replacing Kansas City coaching icon Bud Wheeler. From 1981 through 2002, Wier went 188-36, winning state titles in 1996, ’97, ’98, ’00, ’01 and ’02. Wier’s teams were led by Kansas high school legends like Darren Sproles and Maurice Mack.

Wier left Olathe North following the 2002 season -- with a 38-game win streak intact -- to take the head coaching job at Richland High School, located in suburban Fort Worth, Texas. Eight of his nine years as the head football coach at Richland were spent competing as one of the smallest schools in Texas’ biggest classification, 5A. His best season was a 9-2 campaign in 2008.

“While we were in Texas we had the highest winning percentage of any staff from that school and the most playoff appearances, and that school has struggled since,” Wier said. “There are many great coaches that do the right things but might be a little shy in the talent pool.”

Photo by Julie Kuhlmann Talent at Olathe North, of course, is never shy.

In Wier’s nine-year absence, the program appeared JulieKuhlmannPhotography.com in four state titles, and won two, despite having three different head coaches. Wier inherited a young cupboard of talent in 2012, and went 3-7. But his program showed encouraging signs of its old self last fall, and there’s no telling what the team’s capable of in 2014.

The Olathe North player every college football coach and recruiting guru in the nation knows is tight end Josh Moore (who verbally committed to Ohio State in July). He stands 6-foot-5, and weighs 255 pounds. A couple weeks back he posted a Twitter picture of himself, alongside his mother, with Ohio State

LOOKIN’ SHARP - SPEARS & MOORE / Continued on page 125

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DERBY PANTHERS

DODGE CITY RED DEMONS

GARDEN CITY BUFFALOES

GARDNER-EDGERTON TRAILBLAZERS

If Derby is to be called back for an encore, it will do so with a band missing nearly all its original members.

For a few years now, Derby knew it had a squad that, year-in-year-out, could capture a 6A championship if the puzzle pieces came together just right. But when the crop of 2013 seniors were freshmen, it was quietly understood that that was the team of destiny. The prophecy held true, as the Panthers celebrated the state title at Yager Stadium in Topeka.

The spread offense certainly lived up to its name. Derby scored 615 points, a 47 points per game average, far-and-beyond the best rate in 6A. Maize was next closest at 40 ppg.

Paired with a suffocating defense that was also tops in the class – opponents squeaked out 13 ppg – the Panthers walloped foes on the way to the trophy.

Back to replicate and defend those numbers is an army of two – yes, two. Derby will go to war with almost an entirely new band of brothers.

No starters return on offense. On defense, only end Chase Branstetter and linebacker Dan Connor are veterans.

The cupboard is not bare – coach Brandon Clark just has to cook with a new recipe. Many underclassmen saw varsity time in reserve roles.

Running back Garrett Xanders will share carries with Curtis Whitten, a transfer from Wichita Heights. The defense also gets a boost from Darreon Jackson, a safety from Texas. Jackson is a highly-coveted recruit.

Derby has made seven consecutive visits to the playoffs, and has been a semifinalist or better five of those times.

Dodge City opened last season 2-0 and then lost six of its final seven contests and took a two-win decrease from 2012. It marked the first time in Dave Foster’s tenure Dodge City didn’t make the state playoffs.

Dodge City advanced to the Class 6A state semifinals in 2010 with an 11-1 record and then has posted 5-5, 5-6 and 3-6 seasons the last three years. In Week 3, the Red Demons lost 32-3 to Wichita Heights and then fell at home to Liberal, 40-27. It ended the Redskins’ 20-game conference losing streak.

After a 47-13 victory against Great Bend, Dodge City lost four in a row. It lost 35-28 to Hays at home, 35-0 at Hutchinson, then 17-14 at home to Maize and 41-20 at Garden City in the season-ending Hatchet Game rivalry.

“After losing several games that we could have won a year ago, we’ve got to get back to our winning ways,” Foster said. “Returning to the playoffs and making a run is essential.”

Dodge City graduated quarterback Kelan Newton, who threw for more than 1,100 yards.

Junior Kaden Walters, a dual threat at 6-2, 182 pounds, is expected to take over at quarterback.

“Our returning starters and new contributors will be a strength,” Foster said. “We played a lot of underclassmen a year ago that should be much improved a year later.”

The Red Demons may have taken a hit when running back Blaik Middleton, who collected 780 rushing yards last year as a junior, transferred to Hutch in the offseason.

Garden City advanced to the Class 6A semifinals last season, the program’s deepest playoff run since 2005. In the playoffs the Buffs posted a 40-36 victory against Wichita Northwest, a 35-28 win against Wichita Heights, and a 55-17 loss to eventual state champion Derby.

The Buffs graduated 26 seniors, 10 starters on defense and the Tempel twins: wide receiver Dusty and quarterback Greyson, a first-team allstate selection and WAC Player of the Year who is now at Pittsburg State University. Greyson Tempel was named Garden City Telegram Player of the Year, finishing with six single season records, including 26 passing scores and 19 rushing TDs. For his career, Tempel set school marks for completions (277), passing scores (39) and total scores (68). On the defensive side, Garden City also graduated Dozie Ekweariri, who finished with 96 tackles, 11 for loss and picked off three passes, including a pair of game-clinching interceptions. The Buffs also graduated lineman Montana Fuller, also an outstanding wrestler, and Dusty Tempel (58 catches, 973 yards).

“We will have to find those replacements through the summer and early fall camp,” coach Brian Hill said. “As always we need to stay healthy and the young players will have to grow up in a hurry.”

Caleb Tramp is the Buffs’ top returning player, and one of the top players in Kansas, with 55 catches for 1,102 yards and a school record 12 scores, already fourth in GCHS history.

He caught the winning score against Wichita Northwest.

Gardner-Edgerton graduated three-year starters at running back (Traevohn Wrench) and quarterback (Jared Hobby) off an 8-2 squad.

Wrench finished as Top 11 for all classes, and Hobby was first team all-league and honorable mention all-state quarterback.

Senior RB Jadson Pearson-Bruce and dual-threat QB Colton Mullin will replace those two players for a roster that’s expected to have 165 players and has won the EKL title two of the last four years.

The offensive strength comes on the line with returning starters Andrew Plank and Sean Callahan at guard and tackle, and two-year returning starter Josh Lang at tight end. Lang was an all-state tight end (18 catches, 424 yards, six scores) and Callahan was a first team all-league selection and honorable mention all-state.

Coach Marvin Diener said offensive keys are limiting turnovers and converting third downs.

“The Blazers truly believe they still have star power on this side of the ball but it is still very unproven,” Diener said. “This is a league and classification that if you can’t put a bunch of points on the board you have no chance to win.”

Defensively, all four returning starters come from the back seven. Linebacker Seth Pesek was first team all-league after 85 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 3 INTs last season. Trae Henderson and Carson Hobby return as safeties.

“Many of the starters are expected to be juniors but they each have good size and expectations are high for their production potential,” Diener said of the defensive line.

3-6 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 6A Western Athletic Conference Coach: Dave Foster (5th year, 24-18; 18th overall, 88-69) 12-1 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 6A Assistants: Shawn Steiner, Chris Whitson, Mark Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division I Sandbo, Kyle Culwell, Ben Hamilton, Nathan Gaswick, Coach: Brandon Clark (8th year, 64-35) Jason Scheck, Fred Sims, Steve Rankin Assistants: Cade Armstrong, Eric Hendrick, Mitch PonOffense: Spread Defense: Multiple tious, Shelby Wehrman, Kevin Davis, Todd Olmstead, Devin Terrant, Chris Devore, Jarrod Foster, Chris Pinaire Returning lettermen: 22 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 4 Defense Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Bernabe Rincon, OL, 6-2, 272, Sr.; Armando Sosa, OL, Returning lettermen: N/A 6-1, 236, Jr.; Kolby Sonday, OL, 6-0, 253, Sr.; Brennan Returning starters: 0 Offense, 2 Defense Tate, OL, 6-2, 263, Sr.; Bryce Unruh, WR, 6-3, 182, Jr.; Chase Branstetter, DE, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Dan Connor, OLB, Eric Reid, WR, 5-11, 167, Jr.; Tyler Trent, RB, 6-1, 172, 5-10, 180, Jr. Jr.; Steven Bartel, DB, 6-0, 174, Sr.; Jhett Ostrom, LB, Pregame Staff 6-1, 187, Sr.; Gideon Wells, LB, 5-10, 192, Jr.; Josh Stapleton, DB, 6-1, 171, Sr. Conor Nicholl

HUTCHINSON SALTHAWKS Randy Dreiling made the biggest offseason news when he left Hutchinson for St. Thomas Aquinas in mid-December. Hutchinson finished 160-38 with seven state titles in Dreiling’s 17 years. Then, shortly after the New Year, Ryan Cornelsen, who turned around Hays High and had a highly successful run at La Crosse, took the Hutchinson position.

Cornelsen went 35-12 in his five seasons at Hays and ranked sixth all-time in HHS for wins and first for winning percentage. Cornelsen led the Indians to three conference titles and playoff appearances in 2011 and ’12, the first for Hays High since 1995.

His new staff at Hutch includes his father, Gary, a longtime successful coach at Liberal who has coached with his son the last couple of years, Joey and Jeremy Garcia, standout quarterbacks at La Crosse for Cornelsen, and Tanner Hageman, a team captain and all-league wideout for Fort Hays last season.

Last year, Hutchinson finished 5-4, 2-1 in district, but had a plus-12 tiebreaker. Maize and

JUNCTION CITY BLUE JAYS

Garden City finished plus-17 and plus-16 to claim the top two spots.

Senior quarterback Turner Wintz and linebacker Colby Turner lead four offensive and five defensive returners.

“Win one game at a time,” Cornelsen said of his team’s goals for 2014. “We will have to execute on offense and play faster on defense.”

Despite going 2-1 in district play, Junction City missed the playoffs and finished 6-3 for the second straight year. A 16-10 win over arch rival Manhattan in the season finale wasn’t enough to get the Blue Jays back to the postseason and put a damper on a season that saw them lose three games by a total of 13 points, including an overtime loss to Seaman.

The Blue Jays struggled offensively at times, 5-4 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 6A scoring more than 28 points in just three Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division I games, but defensively were solid, allowing Coach: Ryan Cornelsen (1st year, 12th overall, 88-25) more than 21 just twice.

Assistants: Scott Yantes, Dave Armbrust, Mitch Bringle, Graduation hit hard, claiming All-6A tight Adam Krol, Bret Eckert, Joey Garcia, Jeremy Garcia, end Semaj Johnson and standout lineman Tre Tanner Hageman, Sean Harper, Gary Cornelsen Brown, but longtime coach Randall ZimmerOffense: I Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 20 man has a knack for filling the holes and keepReturning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense ing his squad in contention for a playoff spot.

Nathan Hale, DL, Sr.; Heath Davidson, DL, Sr.; Colby The Blue Jays have returning talent in senior Turner, LB, Sr.; Ryan Stoecklein, LB, Sr.; Turner Wintz, quarterback Tanner Lueker, senior defensive QB, Sr.; Jonathan Jenson, OL, Sr. Josh Patterson, WR, lineman Trevor Daily, and junior defensive Sr.; Jacob Hardenburger, RB, Sr.; Francisco Escamilla, backs Raye Wilson and Christian Ozores.

DL, Sr. Ozores was a first team All-Centennial League Conor Nicholl pick last year and Wilson, a second year starter,

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8-2 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 6A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Marvin Diener (9th year, 67-22; 30th overall, 247-80) Assistants: Kris Henry, David Diener, Joel Bergmann, Kyle Woodall, Stan Watchous, Aaron Stubblefield, Ryan Plankenhorn, Hayes Farwell, John Thomas, John Yockey, John Bass, Adrian Pearson Offense: Multiple I Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Seth Pesek, LB, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Nick Wolhford, LB, 5-9, 220, Sr.; Carson Hobby, DB, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Trae Henderson, DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Josh Lang, TE, 6-0, 212, Sr.; Andrew Plank, G, 6-3, 251, Sr.; Sean Callahan, OT, Conor Nicholl 6-4, 252, Sr.; Tanner Hughes, WR, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Jadon Pearson-Bruce, RB, 5-10, 190, Sr. Conor Nicholl

8-4 in 2013/ 2-1 in district / 6A Western Athletic Conference Coach: Brian Hill (5th year, 25-16) Assistants: Dominick Dingle, Drew Thon, Derek Goble, Alex Riemann, Erik Base, Matt Bayer, Jason Stithem Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 2 Defense Alex Ortiz, OL, 6-3, 290, Sr.; Humberto Perez, OL, 6-0, 245, Sr.; Andres Loza, OL, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Jared Koster, RB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Caleb Tramp, WR, 6-5, 210, Sr.; Alex Espinosa, DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Nalen Rincones, LB, 6-0, 190, Jr.

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earned honorable mention. The defense will also feature returning linebackers in senior Tyrik Carmikle and junior Trae McDaniel.

The road to the playoffs will have a significantly different path with the Blue Jays shifting out of one of the state’s toughest districts (with Manhattan, Topeka High and Washburn Rural) and into one with Wichita East, Wichita North and Wichita Southeast – teams that combined for just six wins last year.

6-3 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 6A Centennial League Coach: Randall Zimmerman (21st year, 28th overall) Assistants: John Davis, Jimmy Goheen, James Hartzfeld, Dan Sell, Edmund Cronn, Carl Laughlin, Aaron Cox, Mitch Whaley, Willie Snipes, Jody Odom, Brett Kramer Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning letterwinners: N/A Returning starters: N/A Brent Maycock

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 24

HOW ABOUT A PIZZA AND WINGS BEFORE OR AFTER THE BIG GAME? Kansas City, KS • Leawood • Lenexa Mission • Overland Park • Shawnee

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The Hawks make the jump to 6A in 2014 after limping through an 0-9 season last fall that saw them score just 58 total points while allowing 418, this against the third easiest schedule in class 5A, according to preppowerindex.com.

This is the second straight winless season for Harmon which scored only 44 total points and allowed 416 in 2012, again with the 30th ranked strength of schedule in class 5A. Harmon was 3-6 in 2011.

The Hawks could have some light at the end of the tunnel, sharing a district with a Shawnee Mission North team that went winless last year under then new head coach Don Simmons, who departed in June for a job in Arkansas.

The district also includes a KC Wyandotte team that was 4-5 last fall, but the clear favorite in the district is loaded 6A runner-up Shawnee Mission East.

The Hawks open the season with road games against De Soto and Highland Park, then host games with Sumner Academy and Atchison, before alternating road and home contests with Washington, Schlagle, Shawnee Mission East and North, and then going on the road against Wyandotte to close out the regular season.

De Soto and Highland Park are also coming off winless seasons.

Wyandotte was a strong team through the first six weeks of last season with a 3-3 mark, but three losses by a combined five points. The Bulldogs opened the season with a 49-48 loss to Van Horn (Mo.) and then defeated KC Harmon (48-6) and Sumner Academy (50-21) before a 51-48 loss to Atchison and a 29-0 win against Schlagle. After a 36-35 loss to KC Washington, the Bulldogs struggled mightily against Free State (55-14 loss) and Lawrence (81-42 loss) before a 38-28 victory against Leavenworth.

Wyandotte allowed 327 points, which ranked No. 27 out of 32 Class 6A squads.

This year, coach Michael Lockett takes over for Eddie Brown, who coached the last three years. Wyandotte is 1-2 all-time in the playoffs with a victory in ’87 and a first round loss in ’06. Wyandotte has 5-4 and 4-5 records the last two seasons after winning just six games from ’07 to ’11.

“Get better every play,” Lockett said of his team’s keys for success this season. “In order for us to be successful we must focus on the little, everyday tasks. In order to win or have success, you can’t just focus on the big goal. In order to achieve the goal, perfect ‘the process’ or the little things you do every day. We also need to be a team. No matter how the game goes we will fight together and face adverse situations by being relentless.”

Lawrence, the winningest program in Kansas history, will have a young squad this season with just three returning offensive starters and two on defense. But veteran coach Dirk Wedd said the Lions have a strong junior class and he expects the non-seniors to step up and help the team post a solid year.

The Lions haven’t won a state title since 1995 and last captured a league crown in back-toback undefeated seasons in ’92-93. Last year, in the the first season after all-state quarterback Brad Strauss graduated, the Lions had a five-win decrease from 8-3 to 3-6. Lawrence finished 1-2 in district play and minus-5 in point differential; Leavenworth collected the runner-up playoff berth in Class 6A, District 1 with a 1-2 mark, but was minus-4 in points.

The Lions’ staff is veteran-laden, including Chuck Holley, who has coached for more than 30 years. Mark Luedtke is one of Wedd’s good friends dating back to their playing days at Emporia State. Luedtke has coached at multiple places, most recently Wellsville, and will drive over from his home in Rossville each day.

Junior quarterback Alan Clothier is back after he rushed 48 times for 367 yards and two TDs last season.

Junior offensive tackle Amani Bledsoe has been offered by multiple Division I programs and has also had interest from Florida State and Alabama. Bledsoe, known as “Moose,” already has offers from Kansas, Kansa State and Oklahoma State, according to 247sports.com

Free State won the Sunflower League for the second time in school history with a 9-2 record, 6-1 in league play. Free State also won the league crown in 2006. Free State went 5-5 and 6-3 in 2010 and ’11, but has finished with 10-2 and 9-2 marks the last two seasons.

Quarterback Joe Dineen, a Kansas signee, graduated after he led the Sunflower League with 118 of 222 passing for 1,702 yards and 20 scores. He was also Free State’s leading rusher with 136 carries for 798 yards and 12 scores, but will play defensive back for the Jayhawks.

Leading receiver Khadre Lane was second in the league with 32 catches for 581 yards and six scores, but also graduated.

Senior lineman Scott Frantz has received more than nine FBS offers including Big 12 schools Iowa State, Kansas State and Missouri and has verbally committed to Kansas State as of mid-June.

Free State plays brutal Sunflower League and District schedules this year. The Firebirds play at Shawnee Mission West in Week 1, then play host to powerhouse Olathe North in Week 2, then go to rival Lawrence in Week 3. The Class 6A, District 5 schedule features a home contest with Washburn Rural, then road games with Manhattan and Topeka. Free State hasn’t faced Topeka or Rural since 2004 and has never played Manhattan.

Coach Bob Lisher said the team’s goals are to work to get better each day, and said wins and losses “will take care of themselves” if that occurs.

“Gaining experience quickly and learning from it,” Lisher said of the team’s keys. “We will have size and speed but not a lot of varsity experience. Need to learn fast.”

0-9 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 6A Kansas City-Atchison League Coach: Steven Jackson Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

4-5 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 6A Kansas City-Atchison League Coach: Michael Lockett (1st year) Assistants: James Patton, Colin McQuillan, Gersom Parades, Anthony Roulette, Eugene Rodriquez, Issac Templeton, Marc Moten, Kevin Parker John Baetz Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 5 Defense Jeffrice Wilson, WR/SS, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Cortez Johnson, C/DE, 5-10, 220, Jr.; Dallas Germany, G/NG, 6-0, 265, Jr.; Antonio Moore, RB/WR, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Steven Ford, WR/LB, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Keelon Vann, QB/FS, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Ladarius Eatmon, WR/FS, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Elgin Hood, RB/ LB, 6-0, 235, Jr.; Wilson Brown, WR/CB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Jaron Leeks, RB/DE, 6-1, 240, Jr.; Dynell Hunter, TE/ LB, 6-0, 185, Jr. Conor Nicholl

3-6 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Dirk Wedd (17th year, 83-77) Assistants: Adam Green, Chuck Holley, John Reed, Don Durkin, Chris Johnson, Brad Page, Kermit Aldridge, Jamie Resseguie, Jeff Melcher, Mark Luedtke Offense: Spread Defense: 5-2 Returning lettermen: 16 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 2 Defense Cole Greenwood, OG, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Amani Bledsoe, OT, 6-5, 270, Jr.; Alan Clothier, QB, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Price Morgan, LB, 6-3, 190, Jr.; J.D. Woods, CB, 5-8, 175, Jr.

9-2 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Bob Lisher (17th year, 103-72) Assistants: N/A Offense: Spread Defense: 3-5-3 Returning lettermen: 16 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 4 Defense Conor Nicholl Scott Frantz, OL, 6-4, 290, Sr.; Shane Hofer, OL/DE, 6-2, 260, Sr.; Coleman Houk, OL, 6-1, 265, Sr.; Carson Bowen, OLB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Josiah LeBrun, NG, 6-1, 250, Sr.; Bryce Torneden, DB, 5-8, 165, Jr. Conor Nicholl

MANHATTAN INDIANS Manhattan is tied for 11th all-time in Kansas history on the wins list with a 591-294-36 record. Manhattan is fifth all-time with 29 playoff appearances and has made the playoffs every year since 2007.

In the first round of the playoffs last season, Manhattan delivered a wild, five-overtime, 60-59, victory at Maize. Manhattan came back from 17 down in the fourth quarter and then used a rarely-seen swinging gate play for the game-winning two-point conversion.

Then, the Indians fell 55-20 to eventual state champion Derby in the second round.

Manhattan returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, but then Derby scored 48 straight points. This season, the Indians will have new district foe, Lawrence Free State, along with Topeka High and Washburn Rural, in Class 6A, District 5. It marks the first time in school history Free State has played Manhattan.

The Indians took a hit this offseason when senior receiver Mike Settembrino suffered a season ending knee injury.

“Our goal every year is to come together as a team,” coach Joe Schartz said. “If we can accomplish this, we will have a chance to make the playoffs and compete for a State Championship. We have a number of younger players competing for varsity playing time this year.

“It may take us some time to mature as a team,” he added. “As always, our seniors will need to provide leadership and persevere through adversity.”

OLATHE EAST HAWKS

A good rule of thumb is to never doubt Olathe East when it comes to success on the gridiron.

Time and again the Hawks have returned depleted rosters, only to claim a winning record and playoff berth.

This season shouldn’t be any different, although the Hawks probably return as little this fall as they ever have.

Olathe East’s top player will be running back Jalen Branson (5-11, 185) who rushed for 852 yards and 10 touchdowns a season ago. He’s 8-3 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 6A got afterburners, shows excellent vision, and Centennial League is practically a shoo-in for a 1,000 plus yard Coach: Joe Schartz (6th year, 44-10) rushing season.

Assistants: Greg Marn, Pat McKiney, Jesse Woodard, The Hawks top returning lineman is Brycen Shane Sieben, Nathan Good, Weston Moody, Alex Hinson (6-5, 300), a prototypical force to be Reinecke reckoned with in the program’s smash-mouth Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 10 attack, who will play both offense and defense.

Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Max McClellen (5-11, 170) will be a leader on Chris Martin, RB/DB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Mike Settembrino, defense from his cornerback position, a season WR/DB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Anthony Renteria, OG, 5-9, 210; after he recorded 39 tackles and an interception.

Colton Wagner, OT, 6-4, 265; Tanaivous Richardon, DB, He should also have a substantial impact as a 5-9, 155; Kaden Frasier, DB, 6-1, 175 Conor Nicholl receiver offensively.

In the special teams game, junior kicker Chris Diddle (6-0, 165) might be the league’s best.

7-4 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Jeff Meyers (23rd year, 160-68) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Eli Underwood

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 25

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OLATHE NORTH EAGLES

OLATHE NORTHWEST RAVENS

OLATHE SOUTH FALCONS

OP-BLUE VALLEY TIGERS

Olathe North enjoyed a five-win improvement from 3-7 to 8-4 and a Class 6A semifinal appearance after the rare down season in 2012. In the last 17 seasons, the 3-7 mark represented the worst record for a program that has won eight state championships between 1996 and 2009.

Olathe North and Shawnee Mission East, who defeated the Eagles in the semifinals are 6A’s top two teams.

“We are a very senior team with many players having started since their sophomore year,” coach Gene Wier said.

Running back Venus Triplett – “great vision and speed,” Weir said – rushed for 1,324 yards and 21 scores and earned second team allleague as a sophomore and first team as a junior.

Senior quarterback Cole Murphy completed 90 of 148 passes for 1,401 yards with 11 scores.

He also rushed 174 times for 808 yards and collected second team all-league. Tight end Josh Moore was first team all-league and committed to Ohio State in the offseason. Junior safety Isaiah Simmons, the younger brother of KU Jayhawk Victor Simmons, is already receiving Division I interest after 90 tackles and five interceptions.

Marcel Spears (Iowa State commit, 122 total tackles, 11 TFLs), Chaz Burgess (13 pass breakups, 5 INTs), Jesse Kendricks (113 tackles, 7 TFLs), Jayden McGaha (125 tackles), Marcel Williams (55 tackles) and Vinnie Shabbaz (six PBUs, 3 INTs) are key players on defense.

Wier said improvements need to occur on the offensive line and kicking game.

Despite what seemed like a pretty average 2013 season on the surface, the Ravens were a Hail Mary loss against Shawnee Mission East from going 4-5 in Sherman’s first year at the helm.

The 2014 season should be another step in the right direction, although a challenging district will make playoff qualification very difficult.

At quarterback the Ravens return junior Jack Hatzfeld (6-0, 170) who threw for 414 yards as the on-again-off-again starter in 2013. He should turn the corner as a junior. Receiver Manny Psihountas (6-0, 180) will hope to bounce back from a disappointing junior season after showing great potential as a sophomore.

Throwback athlete Adam Harter (6-3, 215) will be the Ravens most important player, and likely won’t leave the field even for special teams.

Up front, Mitch Holsinger (6-1, 260) will be one of the league’s best offensive lineman. He’ll also pair up with Harter on defense to create one of the more formidable linebacking duos in the league.

In the secondary, Ethan Wall (6-1, 175) returns a season after creating more turnovers (nine) than any player in the league. Zee Pinkerton (60, 170) will team up with Wall in the secondary to create a solid pass defense.

Outside of their own camp, the Falcons are flying under the radar. Quarterback/safety Jake Seurer (6-1, 185) is the one guy who will really control the tide of Olathe South’s season.

Coming off a year where he notched 136 tackles and two interceptions, and recorded over 1,000 yards of total offense as quarterback, he has the makings of a league MVP as a senior.

Coach Jeff Gourley called him the best safety in Kansas earlier this summer.

Aside from Seurer, the Falcons strength will really be up front. Coleman Clanton (6-5, 250) is an excellent blocking and catching tight end (he’ll push Josh Moore for top honors), and he’s also a stud at defensive end. At tackle, Chase Latscha (6-4, 280) has a chance to make a name for himself with the departure of Braden Smith to Auburn. Guard Nate Howard (6-1, 210) is a perfect fit as a pulling guard in the Falcon’s offense, and he also splits as an outside linebacker.

Middle linebacker Stephen Miller (6-1, 215) is a versatile athlete who recorded 90 tackles as a junior and will help Seurer lead the defense.

While the offense couldn’t get going last year, scoring only 147 points all season, the defense was no slouch, giving up just 188.

The Falcons are in a brutal district with defending 5A champion Blue Valley, and playoff qualifiers Gardner-Edgerton and Blue Valley Northwest.

Four of the five starting offensive linemen from Blue Valley’s 5A state championship squad are gone – but the one that remains has the size and skill to carry much of the load.

Blue Valley features AJ Harris, possibly the best player in Kansas this year. At 6-4, 287 pounds, Harris obviously delivers power. But he also exhibits speed – he runs a 4.9 40-yard dash, according to Rivals.com. Harris has verbally committed to be a Tiger in college, too, as he will head off to play SEC football next year at the University of Missouri.

But Harris alone cannot lift Blue Valley to another state title. Tight end Beau Bequeaith is the only other returning starter from an offense that averaged nearly 34 points per game in 2013.

The defense was less ravaged by graduation, returning six. Daniel Carroll and Jackson Maase lead the push on the line, with linebacker Dylan Smith filing in behind them. That defensive trio earned various Eastern Kansas League honors as juniors.

“The key will be for us to gain some experience early in the season, and have our seniors continue to be great leaders and mesh well with the underclassmen,” said Blue Valley coach Eric Driskell.

While Blue Valley will likely be a favorite to get out of districts again, a bump up to 6A toughens the task. District 3 competition includes Gardner-Edgerton and Blue Valley Northwest, both respective 6A district champions in 2013. Rounding out the field is a feisty Olathe South squad coming off three straight winning seasons.

8-4 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Gene Wier (24th year, 199-47; 241-97 overall) Assistants: Chris McCartney, Doug Catloth, Bryan McCall, Rob Thomas, Josh Carroll, Phillip Simons, Scott Calder, Eniak Mpwo, Sean Richardson Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 53 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 9 Defense Cole Murphy, QB, Sr.; Venus Triplett, RB, Sr.; Mauricio Chio, WR/CB, Sr.; Chaz Burgess, WR/CB, Sr.; Marcel Spears; WR/LB, Sr.; Josh Moore, TE/DL, Sr.; Tyler Bacon, OT, Sr.; Michael Chau, G, Sr.; Rigel Bales Woods, OT; Sr.; Isaiah Simmons, S, Jr.; Jesse Kendricks, Rover, Sr.; Vinnie Shabazz, CB, Jr.; Jadon McGaha, LB, Sr.; Chase Miller, DL, Sr.; Marcel Williams, DL, Sr.

3-6 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Chip Sherman (2nd year, 3-6, 27th overall, 237-53) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

5-4 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Jeff Gourley (7th year, 36-24) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Eli Underwood Returning starters: N/A

Conor Nicholl

OP-BLUE VALLEY NORTH MUSTANGS It is safe to assume new Blue Valley North coach Andy Sims does not mind a fixer-upper.

Sims, formerly the defensive coordinator at Leavenworth, takes over for John McCall.

McCall left Blue Valley North to take the head role at Lansing. During McCall’s tenure, Blue Valley North went 1-26. That lone win came in the 2012 season.

The numbers were bleak for the Mustangs in 2013. The defense was ravaged for 413 points over nine games, but was hung out to dry by a pop-gun offense. Blue Valley North scored 96 points this past season – the only team in 6A not to produce at least 100.

However, both sides of the ball bring back some productive experience. Wide receiver Alex Blake returns after contributing 545 receiving yards and five touchdowns, according to Eli Underwood of sunflowerfootball.com. A trio of linebackers will anchor in on defense – Cooper Lantefield (93 tackles) Carter Howes (87 tackles) and Angus Stoddart (48 tackles).

Jack Gordan (45 tackles) also returns to the

OP-BLUE VALLEY NW HUSKIES

secondary, according to Underwood.

While it still will require a quick turnaround job by Sims for the Mustangs to flirt with the playoffs, a new district alignment should boost late-season spirits. Blue Valley North is joined by three Shawnee Mission schools in 6A’s District 2 – Northwest, South and West. None of the three were able to crack the .500 mark this past year. Shawnee Mission Northwest was a playoff squad, despite a 3-7 record.

Blue Valley North has made the playoffs eight times in school history. The program’s most recent showings were back-to-back visits in 2006-07.

0-9 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 6A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Andy Sims Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Blue Valley Northwest has lost in the first round of the playoffs the last two years after advancing to the second round in 2008 and ’09. This year, the Huskies have to replace 27 seniors, but do return senior running back Miles Alexander, the only first team All-EKL returner.

Northwest will have to replace the entire offensive line.

Senior defensive lineman Jack Kutey is the lone second team All-EKL returner. Seniors Caleb Hughes and Spencer Adam collected honorable mention honors.

Coach Mike Zegunis said the key will be “filling the holes” left by the seniors and competing for the league, district and state championships.

Last year, BV Northwest defeated the other four Blue Valley schools, including eventual 5A state champion Blue Valley. After a 1-2 start, the Huskies beat Blue Valley West (28-21), Blue Valley (17-14), Blue Valley Southwest (37-26) and Shawnee Mission South (35-10) before the victories against Olathe East (31-21) and Blue Pregame Staff Valley North (41-17).

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10-3 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 6A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Eric Driskell (5th year, 39-11) Eli Underwood Assistants: Rick McNerlin, Paul Brown, Lew Rowe, Allen Terrell, Jonathan Jost, Brandon Olney, Dan Cromer, Don Hanna, Adam Kinzer, Mel Foxx, Pat McRoberts, Larry Lindsay, Geno Waters, Tony Scardino, Matt Shipley, Denny Brand Offense: Spread / Pistol Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 50 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 6 Defense AJ Harris, OT, 6-4, 287, Sr.; Beau Bequeaith, TE, 6-3, 218, Sr.; Daniel Carroll, DT, 6-2, 238, Sr.; Jackson Maase, DE, 6-3, 243, Sr.; Mazin Aql, DT, 6-3, 228, Sr.; Dylan Smith, LB, 6-1, 224, Sr.; Ryan Cyr, FS, 6-2, 192, Sr.; Drew Heffernon, S, 6-1, 178, Sr. Pregame Staff

Northwest won six straight and also defeated Shawnee Mission South and Olathe East en route to the district title. Northwest ended the season with a 14-3 first-round playoff loss to Olathe North.

Last year marked a two-win improvement from a 5-5 season in 2012. Against the No. 3-hardest schedule in Class 6A, Blue Valley Northwest outscored opponents 274-245.

7-3 in 2013 / 3-0 in district/ 6A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Mike Zegunis (9th year, 46-42) Assistants: John Reichart, Tenny Dewey, Tim Serbousek, Darren Masten, Tobin Sample, Zack Orrick, Steven Fee, Rich Troxel, Adam Bien, Chad Roberts, Spencer Curran Offense: Spread-Pistol Defense: 4-2-5 Returning Lettermen: 16 Returning Starters: 3 Offense, 4 Defense Miles Alexander, RB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Jack Kutey, TE/ DE, 6-3, 245, Sr.; Caleb Hughes, FB/ILB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Dalton Schoen, WR/S, 6-1, 175, Sr.; D.J. Robinson, OL/ DL, 6-4, 265, Sr.; Spencer Adam, ILB, 5-11, 185, Sr. Conor Nicholl

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 26

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SHAWNEE MISSION EAST LANCERS

SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH INDIANS

SHAWNEE MISSION NW COUGARS

SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH RAIDERS

Dustin Delaney did one of the more remarkable coaching jobs last season when he took over Shawnee Mission East after a strong run at Emporia. Delaney led the Lancers to a four-win improvement, continued the greatest five-year run in program annals and took the the team to the Class 6A state championship game.

Delaney, who previously served under Randy Dreiling at Hutchinson, took over for Chip Sherman, who went to Olathe Northwest.

Before last season, the Lancers had won just four postseason contests, but won three games last year. SM East’s best finishes before last year were semifinal showings in 1988 and 2001.

The Lancers defeated Leavenworth (36-14), Olathe East (20-13) and Olathe North (37-27) before falling to Derby (28-21).

The Lancers, who platoon with 22 different starters, return nine offensive and seven defensive starters, and have several top newcomers with junior running backs Wyatt Edmiston and Cal Jones, junior linemen Luke Heisdorffer and Will Kost, junior defensive back Charlie Jensen and junior running back/defensive back Jack Tyler.

“Team will be experienced and have more depth, have to replace several very important pieces from state runner-up team,” Delaney said.

SM East opens at power Gardner-Edgerton, who the Lancers didn’t play last year.

SM North looked improved in their first year under Don Simmons a season ago, but his late departure left the program with more questions than answers.

Simmons tendered his resignation in late June to take the head coaching job at Greene County Tech High School, located in Paragould, Ark. The move comes as a surprise to most in the Sunflower League. Simmons spent just one season with SM North, going 0-9.

Simmons had produced some salty Blue Valley North teams in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and a decade’s worth of playoff berths at Chanute High School in Class 4A following his time at Blue Valley North.

On the bright side, SM North did establish quite the foundation last fall, starting 17 non-seniors -- a move which will undoubtedly pay off. The Indians’ most important player will be sophomore quarterback Will Schneider (6-4, 195), who became one of the first freshman to start as a quarterback in Sunflower League history. He should improve on the 1,478 passing yards and 12 touchdowns he put up last season.

His top receivers will be Mason Perez (6-2, 170), Isaiah Shields (5-9, 150) and junior Tyler Burnett (6-1, 175).

Perez hauled in 45 catches for 843 yards and eight touchdowns a season ago and should be more lethal as a senior.

On defense, junior Greg Sloan (6-2, 200) tallied 67 tackles as a sophomore and has a very high ceiling as a linebacker. Perez will also be one of the league’s better defensive backs.

SM North has given assistant coach Ben Bartlett the interim head coach title.

Third year coach Linn Hibbs continues the building project. Hibbs enjoyed success in a long stint with a 4A Wellington program in south central Kansas prior to coming to Northwest, but without sugar-coating anything, he isn’t exactly returning the quality depth you need to do well in the league.

The lone returning player who received honorable mention accolades last fall is offensive and defensive lineman TJ Hutton (6-3, 295), who will anchor the Cougars up front. Junior Duron Lowe (5-11, 185) had a nice junior campaign, rushing for 543 yards and three touchdowns on just 66 carries (8.27 ypg). He will be the focal point of the Cougar’s offensive attack.

Beyond the solid foundation of those two, SM Northwest is faced with plenty of unknowns.

Expected to start at quarterback is Clay Drouillard (6-0, 185), a player who’s had minimal repetitions as a signal-caller at the varsity level. His top target might actually be a tight end, junior CJ Perez (6-3, 220), who had a solid sophomore campaign and could really be a threat this fall.

At the end of the day, Drouillard’s performance will probably be the best gauge for the quality of team SM Northwest is able to field.

That’s not to say a new crop of players can’t keep the tide moving in the right direction after last year’s playoff berth, but it’s going to be an uphill battle for the orange and black.

Stuck on the four-win plateau for the past two seasons, Shawnee Mission South will try to scoot over .500 this year, and in the process, hope to clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2007.

Despite falling short of that goal in 2013, the Raiders showed a scrappy resiliency against some of the best 6A had to offer. In week two, South scored a 10-7 victory over Olathe North, a team that later went all the way to the state semifinals. The Raiders also took Shawnee Mission East to overtime before falling 27-21. East was the 6A state runner-up. A playoff berth was on the line in the regular season finale against Olathe East, but South dropped a 31-21 decision. Olathe East went on to be a quarterfinalist.

For a team that appeared on the brink, sprinkling in two new district opponents could tilt the odds in the Raiders’ favor. Shawnee Mission South and Blue Valley North (0-9) move into District 2, where they will join Shawnee Mission Northwest (3-7) and Shawnee Mission West (4-5). With no teams in the bunch coming off a winning season, the district could be a free-for-all. The Raiders will get Blue Valley North and Shawnee Mission Northwest at home.

Only four starters return on offense and six on defense, so South will have to break in new blood. Coach Ryan Lonergan has praised the swagger of this year’s senior class, one he has been excited about since they were freshmen.

The Raiders sported one of the stingiest defenses in Kansas in 2013, giving up just 165 points.

11-2 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Dustin Delaney (2nd year, 11-2; 5th overall, 34-12) Assistants: Chip Ufford, Miles Martin, Andy Walter, John Haley, Andy Gagnon, Trey Hobson, Courtney Porter, Brandon May, Matt Jacobsen, Sam Jacobsen, Ben Sutherlin Offense: Flexbone Spread Option Defense: Multiple 3-4 Returning Starters: 9 Offense, 7 Defense Gunnar Englund, QB, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Sam Huffman, RB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Jackson Gossick, RB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Alec Dean, WR, 6-3, 195, Sr.; Jack Anderson, TE, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Devin Price, RH, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Will Kaiser, C, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Will Amrein, LG, 5-10, 225, Sr. James Wooldridge, LT, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Kyle Ball, DE, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Sam Williams, DE, 6-4, 225, Sr.; Calen Gilmore, DT, 5-9, 265, Jr.; Rider Terry, LB, 5-8, 175, Jr,; Sam Pottenger, LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Charley White, FS, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Will Oakley, CB, 5-11, 165, Sr. Conor Nicholl

0-9 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Ben Bartlett (Interim) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Eli Underwood

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4-5 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Ryan Lonergan (4th year, 10-17) Eli Underwood Assistants: Brad Qualls, Pat Lonergan, Pat St. Louis, Bryce McElroy, JJ DeMaria Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 6 Defense Dalton Lewallen, RB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Trent Flagler, OL, 6-0, 245, Sr.; Ned Bingaman, OL/DL, 6-4, 225, Sr.; Brendan Brooks, WR/DB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Ryan Donnelly, DL, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Matt Hollingsworth, LB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Joe Fales, LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Tyler Perdue, DB, 5-9, 170, Sr. Pregame Staff

SHAWNEE MISSION WEST VIKINGS The 2013 season included a rare scene in the 6A playoffs – it was missing Shawnee Mission West. Previously, the Vikings made five consecutive postseason appearances and eight of the past nine. It was just two years ago that West was hoisting the 6A state title.

There are not sustained drop-offs in the Tim Callaghan era. Even with 2013’s 4-5 mark weighing down the number, the Vikings are averaging 7.6 wins a season the past five.

Of what little returns to the starting lineup, West should find comfort in its offensive line.

Carter Pembridge, a 6-foot-3-inch, 250-pound offensive tackle and defensive end, was an all-league honorable mention as a junior. Senior counterparts Josh Masterson and Mike McCray join him on the o-line. That will liven up the running game, giving senior back Tarik Watson impact opportunities. Picking up the offense will be paramount, as West was held to 14 points or less on six occasions a year ago.

West nearly got into the playoffs in 2013. A week nine battle with Shawnee Mission North-

3-7 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Linn Hibbs (3rd year, 5-14; 17th overall, 121-92) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

west put a postseason berth up for grabs, but Northwest chomped out a 17-14 victory. Blue Valley North and Shawnee Mission South join those programs in District 2.

“They have high expectations and are ready for the challenge,” Viking coach Tim Callaghan said of his team. “They will be eager to prove themselves on every Friday night.”

TOPEKA HIGH TROJANS

Going into 2013 the Trojans needed to replace All-State lineman Will Geary and workhorse quarterback Raymond Solis, leaving questions as to how Topeka High would follow up one of the most successful seasons in school history, one that included the program’s first-ever playoff victory.

The Trojans answered it rather emphatically, sharing the Centennial League title with 4-5 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 6A Manhattan for the second straight year and Sunflower League losing just one game before getting knocked Coach: Tim Callaghan (12th year, 84-33) off by Wichita Heights in the first round of the Assistants: Tommie Davis, John Stonner, Steve Szczygiel, Scott Diebold, Todd Reed, Anthony Davis, Ken playoffs to finish an 8-2 campaign.

Alec Beatty moved in from receiver to fill Benson, Jake Bauer, Nick McGrain Solis’ shoes and did a masterful job, throwing Offense: Pro I Defense: 3-5-3 Returning lettermen: N/A for 1,839 yards and 15 touchdowns and rushing Returning starters: 4 Offense, 3 Defense for another 1,089 yards and 14 scores in leading Carter Pembridge, OT/DE, 6-3, 250, Sr.; John Masterson, a Trojan offense that averaged nearly 415 yards C, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Mike McCray, OL, 6-5, 260, Sr.; Tarik and 37 points per game. He’ll miss backfield Watson, RB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Isaiah Macklin, DB, 5-10, running mate Austin Tillman, who also was 170, Sr.; Asher Goldston, DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Michael the heart and soul of the defense. He’ll also Kinkelaar, P, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Tyler Thayer, K, 6-0, 205, Sr. miss the bulk of the offensive line that paved Pregame Staff his way.

But veteran coach Walt Alexander has steadily built the Trojans into a consistent winner who reloads more often than they rebuild. A soft early schedule will allow the newcomers an excellent opportunity to adjust to their new roles, but the back half of the slate is brutal, including one of the toughest districts in 6A with the addition of traditional power Free State to the mix along with customary rivals Washburn Rural and Manhattan.

8-2 in 2013 / 2-1 in districts / 6A Coach: Walt Alexander (9th year, 42-35, 25th overall) Assistants: Rod Hasenbank, Luke Coffman, Jason Nichol, Daniel Voth, Tony Canacari, Erich Singer, Ron Morehead, Willie Skaggs, Blake Alexander Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 7 Defense Alec Beatty, QB/FS, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Jake Regnier, C, 6-4, 315, Sr.; Khalil Austin, WR/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Dante Brooks, WR/SS, 6-3, 205, Jr.; Tavarous Givens, LB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Mike McCoy, LB, 6-3, 210, Jr.; Touree Thornton, DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Jeron Caraway, DE, 6-1, 200, Sr. Brent Maycock

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TOPEKA-WASHBURN RURAL JR. BLUES

WICHITA EAST BLUE ACES

WICHITA-HAYSVILLE CAMPUS COLTS

Steve Buhler’s first year at Washburn Rural after a successful stint at Rossville couldn’t have gotten off to a much better start. The Junior Blues followed a season-opening loss to 5A power Blue Valley West with five straight victories.

Injuries eventually took their toll, however, and Rural went winless in district play to finish 5-4.

Rural will have to replace a strong offensive line, including All-Class 6A selection and Brigham Young signee Earl Mariner, but there is talent in the skill positions, most notably returning quarterback Blake Peterson.

A strong-armed three-sport standout, Peterson has committed to Texas State after throwing for 775 yards and rushing for another 476 last year.

Kicker Perry Schmiedeler is a bonafide weapon and connected on 24 of 26 PATs last year.

Rural’s schedule is once again extremely difficult with seven games against playoff teams, the addition of Free State to an already loaded district only makes the Junior Blues’ trek back to the playoffs even tougher.

In an interesting twist, former Rural coach Derrick Hammes took over for Buhler at Rossville and led the Bulldogs to a 12-1 season with their only loss to eventual 3A champion Silver Lake in the semi-finals, a team they beat earlier in the season.

The Blue Aces fell to 3-6 last year from 5-4 in 2012 with the three wins coming against teams that combined for four total victories in 2013 (Wichita North, Wichita South, Wichita Southeast).

East was very competitive against some of the best the GWAL had to offer including a 20-16 loss to West, 16-8 to Northwest, 28-14 against Kapaun, and 20-0 versus Heights, teams that combined for 21 wins and all qualified for the playoffs last fall.

The Blue Aces did fall hard to Garden City (35-7) an eventual 6A semi-finalist and Derby (49-6) the eventual 6A state champion.

The Aces have posted only one winning record in the last five seasons, 5-4 in 2012, and last qualified for the playoffs in 2006, a year that started the best three year run for the Aces in the last decade (5-5 in ‘06, 6-3 in ‘07, 6-3 in ‘08).

The Blue Aces have a brutal early season schedule this fall starting with 2013 Class 5A semi-finalist Kapaun, a game at quarterfinalist and perennial powerhouse Bishop Carroll (back on the Blue Aces schedule for the first time in two seasons), and followed by a home game with a tough West squad that’s on the rise under Weston Schartz. East picks up a new district opponent this year as Junction City moves out of the Manhattan, Topeka High, Washburn Rural district for the first time in years. The Blue Jays will likely be the favorite in a district that also includes Wichita North and Southeast.

Greg Slade enters year two with the Campus Colts after leading Rose Hill to a Class 4A state championship in 2011 and enjoying a successful 15 year stint as the Rockets head coach posting a 96-62 record with frequent playoff trips.

Year one of the Colt Strong plan under Slade was a tough one as Campus went 1-8 for the third consecutive year allowing at least 34 points in each of the eight losses and scoring more than 16 points in a game only three times all season.

The Colts ended the year allowing an average of 47.2 points per game on defense and scoring an average of just 13.2 points on the offensive side of the ball.

The Colts’ 6A District 7 includes defending state champion Derby, emerging power Wichita West, and a Wichita South team that has struggled to 1-8 finishes in each of the last two seasons.

5-4 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 6A Centennial League Coach: Steve Buhler (2nd year, 5-4, 17th overall, 124-59) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: N/A Brent Maycock

3-6 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 6A Greater Wichita Athletic League Coach: Brian Byers Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: N/A

1-9 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 6A Greater Wichita Athletic League Coach: Joe Belden Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: N/A

John Baetz

WICHITANORTHWEST GRIZZLIES

WICHITA SOUTH TITANS

Wichita Northwest graduated running back Deron Thompson, a 6A track champion in the 100 and 200-meter dashes who will suit up for Colorado State this fall, yet Northwest coach Steve Martin says this may be his fastest team yet. The Grizzlies are deep, too. Northwest brings back 15 starters, and Martin believes the pool of athletes gives him justification for platooning the depth chart. Quarterback Kevin Folsom is one new starter. He gets protection from a well-oiled offensive line that returns the entire starting five, led by senior tackles Geoffrey Lodge and Nate Listerman.

“Unlike last year with no returning starters coming back, every starter will be back for the Grizzlies,” Martin said. “This is key because they are gonna have to limit hits on Folsom throughout the year.”

The Grizzly defensive line will be a handful.

Andres Ronquillo and Branden Ho bring a fiery rush from the ends, while Duall Watson eats up space in between.

Northwest’s schedule is bookended with challenges. The Grizzlies first two games come against 5A private-school powers Bishop Carroll and Kapaun, a combined 20-3 in 2013. The next five games are against squads that totaled a 13-34 record. Northwest wraps up the season with away games at Garden City and Hutchinson, a combined 13-8 a year ago.

Kevin Steiner knows about winning. His state championship ring is proof. He was on the field when Centre High School won a state championship in 1997 playing 8-man football.

So while Wichita South has put up consecutive 1-8 seasons in Steiner’s first two years as coach, he takes pride knowing he is setting the foundation.

There is mounting evidence that plan is working – South’s freshman team was undefeated in 2013. Those athletes will start to trickle further into the varsity lineup this year.

“Even with the good numbers of returning starters, we will still be very young,” Steiner said. “Our success will be determined on the growth of our O/D-line, and I’m pleased with the work that I’ve seen them put in in the weight room this offseason.”

South’s offense hobbled to 118 points in 2013, tied for the second-worst in 6A. To cure that, Allen Bishop will shift to offense to play quarterback. He has a steady target in Skylar Ryce, the team’s leader in touchdown receptions. Four running backs will alternate carries, including two juniors and two sophomores. The entire offensive line returns, led by senior Blake Willson.

WICHITA NORTH REDSKINS

With the KSHSAA’s district playoff formula, sometimes it pays to have a little luck. In that sense, Wichita North has shoeboxes full of rabbit’s feet and four-leaf clovers.

Each of the past two seasons, the Redskins finished off the regular season with a 1-8 mark. Each time, that one win over a district opponent was enough to catapult North into the postseason. Both times, a potential run through the bracket was thwarted in the opening round

by Derby.

That is not to slight North. Teams can simply play the district opponents they are dealt. Most recently, that included Wichita Northwest, Wichita South and Campus – the latter two of those being programs that struggle to find wins.

Fortune may have followed North as it changes district foes this year. The Redskins now face Junction City, Wichita East and Wichita Southeast.

Oddly, the Redskins will be the only team in 1-8 in 2014 / 1-2 in district / 6A their new district assignment with postseason Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division I experience. North’s three opponents have, Coach: Greg Slade (2nd year, 1-8, 17th overall, 97-70) among them, one playoff berth in the past six Assistants: N/A seasons (Junction City, 2010). But Junction Offense: N/A Defense: N/A City, recently in one of the state’s toughest Returning lettermen: N/A districts featuring Manhattan, Topeka High, and Returning starters: N/A Washburn Rural, are consistent winners and John Baetz won a title for veteran coach Randall Zimmerman in 2008. The Blue jays will be the heavy favorites in this new district.

North will have to replace its two steadiest defensive players, too, as Sean Bernard and Caleb Franklin graduated.

Pregame Staff

WICHITA SOUTHEAST GOLDEN BUFFALOES

WICHITA WEST PIONEERS

A historically proud program will see if fresh district competition can put an end to a rash of woeful seasons. Wichita Southeast is home to 21 postseason appearances and four state championships. Recently, the Golden Buffaloes were state qualifiers every year from 2000-07.

But after a 5-4 finish in 2008, Southeast has failed to assemble a winning season since. Over the past five years, the Buffaloes are 14-31. The 2013 chapter ended at 2-7.

Southeast was held to 14 points or less in seven contests this past season. Spark plug Tre Griffin, the team’s leading rusher, is gone to graduation. Junior wideout Nathan Hurley will be tasked with providing a big-play threat to ease the loss of Griffin. The defense was leaky in 2013, giving up 33 points per game.

Relief may come in a revamped District 6. Nearby rival Wichita East remains in the district, coming off a 3-6 season that included a 14-7 victory over Southeast. However, two of 6A’s recent stalwarts, Derby (moving to District 7) and Wichita Heights (dropping from 6A to 5A) ease the alleyway out of the district.

Wichita North, a playoff squad a year ago despite a 1-9 record, is one replacement. Junction City (6-3) also enters the fray, and will be the early favorite.

Coach Chris Asmussen, previously an assistant coach at Wichita Heights and Campus, begins his fourth year in charge of the Buffaloes. He is 8-19 in his previous three seasons.

Coach Weston Schartz continued a great turnaround in his second year of his second stint at Wichita West. The Pioneers went 1-8 in 2011, but finished 3-6 in 2012, Schartz’s first year with the program. Last year, West broke through with a 6-4 mark and made the playoffs for the first time in 11 years. The turnaround even surprised Schartz, who told the Wichita Eagle a winning season would take three years.

This season, Schartz wants to make a deeper playoff run. Schartz said the keys to success will be how quickly some of our inexperienced players turn into varsity players and developing quality depth, especially on the lines. West will play in Class 6A, District 7 with a home game against Wichita South, at Campus and at defending Class 6A champion Derby.

“This should be an exciting year for us,” Schartz said. “Last year’s team set the groundwork for what it takes to win. This year’s team has worked very hard in the offseason to build on last season. We are excited to test ourselves against a difficult schedule.”

6-4 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 6A Greater Wichita Athletic League Coach: Weston Schartz (18th year, 92-60; 28th overall, 1-8 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 6A 164-97) Greater Wichita Athletic League Assistants: Brent Glann, Dwight Goodman, Andy Coach: Kevin Steiner (3rd year, 2-16) Curtis, Idris Elias, Skip McCaulley, Kyle Sanders, Matt Assistants: John Randle, Bob Ray, Kirk Westmoreland, 5-5 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 6A Riddle, Adam Rosenstiel, Maurice Moore, Billy Means, Chris Weikal, Kyle Haught, Eric Smith, Sean McDonald, Greater Wichita Athletic League Chuck Poe Jimmy McDowell Coach: Steve Martin (3rd year, 11-9; 7th overall, 42-20) Offense: I, Spread Defense: 3-4 Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Assistants: N/A Returning Lettermen: 29 Returning lettermen: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense Returning starters: 9 Offense, 4 Defense 2-7 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 6A Returning lettermen: N/A Jalen Goodman, OL, 6-0, 255, Jr.; Mike Valentine, OL, Blake Willson, OL, 5-11, 255, Sr.; Kaden Griffin, FS, Greater Wichita Athletic League Returning starters: 7 Offense, 8 Defense 6-4, 240, Sr.; Kevin Hazen, OL, 5-10, 230, Jr.; Marcus 6-0, 160, Sr.; Traveon Wells, RB, 5-4, 135, Jr.; Jeremiah Coach: Chris Asmussen (4th year, 8-19) Karol Williams, WR, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Geoffrey Lodge, OT, Malcolm, WR/DB, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Andre Harris, OL, Hudspeth, RB, 5-4, 180, Jr.; Steven Percival, OL, 5-10, Assistants: N/A 6-5, 240, Sr.; Nate Listerman, OT, 6-4, 235, Sr.; Romello 6-3, 280, So.; Javon Reed, RB/DB, 5-6, 145, Jr.; Brett 210, Jr.; Jordan McPherson, OL, 5-11, 255, Jr.; Walter Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Cotman, WR/CB, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Andres Ronquillo, DE, Dennett, OL, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Austin Wolf, TE, 5-9, 170, Goudeau, CB, 5-6, 140, Jr.; Allen Bishop, SS, 5-11, 185, Returning lettermen: N/A 6-0, 205, Sr.; Dylan Brazell, FS, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Brendan Sr.; Tyrell Saunders, DL, 6-0, 255, Sr.; Saul Velasquez, Johnson, SS, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Duall Watson, DT, 6-1, 275, Jr.; Jaqwan Binkley, RB, 5-10, 150, So.; Zack Grossnick- Returning starters: N/A DL, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Dominick Jones, LB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; le, OL, 5-7, 180, So.; Brandon Enyart, OL, 6-2, 265, So.; Jr.; Branden Ho, DE, 6-0, 200, Jr. Jerome Love, LB, 5-8, 185, Jr.; Donaven Baughman, DB, Skylar Ryce, WR, 5-10, 145, So.; Torion Neloms, RB/LB, Pregame Staff 5-8, 155, Jr. Pregame Staff 5-11, 165, So. Conor Nicholl Pregame Staff

Class 5A Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

By Kansas Pregame staff Salina South was the preseason favorite to win it all in 2013 and in spite of some mid-season injuries the Cougars made a run to the title game where they lost a heartbreaker to traditional power Blue Valley, 27-26. Blue Valley moves up to 6A this fall and South returns just six starters from last year’s squad, potentially paving the way for two new title game particpants.

For the second time in three seasons, all signs point to Bishop Carroll being one of the two 5A title game representatives.

Bishop Carroll had its 23-game winning streak end with a 21-19 home loss to Salina South in the Class 5A quarterfinals last season. The Eagles still finished 10-1 and continued one of the great current runs in Kansas football.

The Eagles have produced 18 straight winning seasons, 11 consecutive playoff appearances, made at least the semifinals six out of the last eight years, have three trips to the title game (’07, ’10 and ’12) and a 2012 state championship.

Coach Alan Schuckman is entering his 20th season; the Eagles have finished first or second in the City League all 19 years and have just seven regular season losses in the last 10 years. The staff consistency – offensive coordinator Jim Nance and defensive coordinator Dusty Trail have been there every year – has built a program that should again contend for a Class 5A crown this season. Carroll is expected to have more than 100 players out, including 30 seniors.

All-purpose back Denzel Goolsby is one of Kansas’ top players with multiple Division I offers and a recent verbal commitment to K-State. Goolsby is a versatile athlete and tallied 68 carries for 505 yards rushing and 12 scores to go with 23 catches for 322 yards and three TDs. He is also

PLAYERS TO WATCH

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an explosive returner in the kicking game.

Colton Howell returns as an all-league quarterback after he completed 76 of 125 passes for 998 yards with a 15/3 TD/INT ratio. Howell performed well on the camp circuit in the offseason gathering multiple MVP awards from various exposure camps.

Schuckman expects his defensive line to be dominant. Six players return with at least eight TFLs. D-lineman Nick Nolting (32 TFLs, 11 sacks), linebacker Tommy Marquez (12 TFLs) and defensive back Mark Quaney (six INTs) each collected all-state honors. Schuckman called all-state o-lineman Noah Johnson one of the best in his tenure.

With nine starters back from a squad that went 8-4 in 2013, Blue Valley West hopes to be the other 2014 title game participant.

West advanced to the Class 5A semifinals last season before a 38-33 loss to Blue Valley. In Week 9, West won at Blue Valley, 18-17.

West graduated three exceptional talents in quarterback Ryan Ralston, offensive tackle Michael Fairchild and linebacker Cale McMakin. Fairchild signed with Missouri, McMakin collected all-state honors and signed with Western Illinois University.

Ralston was an all-state quarterback, but signed with Kansas to play baseball.

The Jags do return lineman Hunter Saulsbury, one of the best big men in Kansas.

A Carroll/West title game would be a rematch of the 2007 5A championship that West won 31-19.

But Carroll and West won’t have an easy track to the championship game. Several other Wichita area contenders look to take down the Eagles, including rival Kapaun, and new 5A opponents Maize and Wichita Heights.

Kapaun enjoyed one of Kansas’ biggest improvements from 3-6 to 10-2 last season and a run to the Class 5A semifinals where

overview

it lost to eventual state PREGAME PRESEASON RANKINGS runner-up Salina South, 34-24. The Crusaders 1. Bishop Carroll outscored opponents 2. Maize 371-256 and started the 3. Kapaun season 5-0 before a 424. Blue Valley West 10 loss to Carroll.

5. Wichita Heights Kapaun returns junior Others: Mill Valley, Pittsburg, Shawnee Heights, St. James Academy, quarterback Brock Monty, St.Thomas Aquinas one of the state’s top players and will play in Class 5A, District 5 with shot at the playoffs behind hulking offensive Emporia, Andover and Wichita Heights. Kalineman Evan Applegate. The bulldozing paun will also play host to Carroll in Week 3 senior measures in at 6-foot-7, 285 pounds. in a key non-district contest.

He will be joined on the line by junior Ben Maize returns quarterback Connor Hecht. They will pave the way for junior Lungwitz, one of Kansas’ top quarterbacks, quarterback Logan Koch, who rushed and will drop down from Class 6A to 5A for 849 yards and 13 touchdowns while this season. Maize finished No. 3 in Class adding five more scores with his arm as a 6A in offense last season with 400 points. sophomore.

In the 2012 season, the Eagles tailed just The Jaguars schedule is peppered with 281 points. early intrigue. Mill Valley opens the season Maize will play in Class 5A, District 7 with hosting St. Thomas Aquinas, becoming Carroll, Maize South and Valley Center. the first team to get a shot at Aquinas’ new Coach Gary Guzman said team strengths coach Randy Dreiling – who collected will be leadership from the senior class and seven state titles at Hutchinson. That game experience at the quarterback and wide is followed by Blue Valley Northwest, a 6A receiver positions. playoff qualifier in 2013. And the third game Heights compiled a 7-4 record in Terry on the docket may be the best storyline.

Harrison’s first go-round after replacing The Jaguars face Brandon Clark’s Derby coaching legend Rick Wheeler, advancing Panthers, the defending 6A state champito the second round of the 6A playoffs ons. Jaguar coach Joel Applebee served as before Garden City eliminated them, 35-28.

Clark’s defensive coordinator before taking A triumvirate of running backs will set the the lead role at Mill Valley. pace for Heights in the flexbone offense.

Getting over the hump of district play is Tre King, Armond McCray and Trenton the main focus for the Pittsburg Purple Autry present a nightmare scenario for Dragons in 2014. And with eight returning defensive coordinators. The trio will expect starters on each side of the ball, there’s big holes to burn through, too, as three reason to be optimistic. offensive linemen return.

Pittsburg has only one district victory in On the eastern edge of the state Mill the past three seasons and is 0-6 over the Valley, Pittsburg, and Shawnee Heights will past two. look to challenge Blue Valley West in their Shawnee Heights has 13 starters back bid for a title game trip. from a 4-6 playoff qualifier that seems on The Mill Valley Jaguars will vie for another the verge of something special.

In addition to the Lookin’ Sharp, Throwback, Iron Will and Spotlight feature players, these are a few players to keep an eye on in Class 5A this fall.

Anthony Jackson............DT, 6-0, 220, Sr., Andover Colton Howell.................QB, 6-2, 200, Sr., Bishop Carroll Denzel Goolsby...............RB/KR/WR, 5-11, 190, Sr., Carroll Mark Quaney..................DB, 6-0, 190, Sr., Bishop Carroll Nick Nolting....................DL, 6-3, 220, Sr., Bishop Carroll Tommy Marquez............LB, 6-2, 210, Sr., Bishop Carroll Johnny Dunlap...............RB, 5-11, 185, Sr., Blue Valley SW Seth Thomas...................DE, 6-6, 215, Sr., Blue Valley SW

Hunter Saulsbury..........OL, 6-3, 274, Sr., Blue Valley West Sam Daily........................WR/FS, 5-11, 176, Sr., Blue Valley West Brock Monty...................QB, 6-2, 180, Jr., Kapaun Isaiah Ross......................WR/RB/DB, 5-11, 180, Sr., Leavenworth Connor Lungwitz...........QB, 6-4, 205, Sr., Maize Elijah West......................DB, 5-9, 170, Sr., Maize Jared Luebbe..................OL, 6-5, 280, Sr., Maize Kendall Stewart.............WR, 5-10, 152, Sr., Maize

JaVon Burse....................DB, 6-0, 172, Sr., Salina Central Alex Parker.....................DT, 5-10, 225, Sr., Salina South Hunter Poort..................LB, 6-0, 225, Sr., Seaman Joe Reagan.....................RB/KR, 5-10, 160, Sr., Seaman DeJuan Gardenhire.......FS, 6-1, 185, Sr., Shawnee Heights Ben Ewing.......................DL, 6-1, 220, Sr., St. Thomas Aquinas Chris Ivy..........................OL, 6-5, 280, Sr., Wichita Heights Tre King...........................RB, 6-1, 190, Sr., Wichita Heights

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 30

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Lookin’ Sharp Alex Barnes

By Mark Schremmer For Kansas Pregame

Page 31

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In just three seasons, Alex Barnes has already earned his place among the likes of Kevin Verdugo, Brian Hutchins, Poncho Sales and the Meier brothers as some of the best football players to compete at Pittsburg High School.

However, the NCAA Division I recruit is more concerned about helping his Purple Dragons make the playoffs for the first time during his prep career.

“No matter what he does this year, I think he’s already reached that level to be one of the better ones to ever walk through these halls,” Pittsburg coach Tom Nickelson said. “The key now is He’s a very intelligent football player. He’s a complete player. doing it in the postseason.

That’s what I think a lot of people are seeing from him.”

“We don’t talk about individual goals. We

And as long as Pittsburg wins, Barnes doesn’t care if talk about getting out of districts. Because we he doesn’t get a lot of carries. know if we can get out, the last six years the

“He knows they’re going to key on him, and we know two teams that got out of our district met again that,” Nickelson said. “That kind of favors our offense, bein the semifinals to go to the state champicause we still run double and triple option. So if they’re going onship game. It’s all about competing at that to send two or three guys to pitch, we’ll take fullback dive level, getting out of the district and getting to for four yards. We’ll let the quarterback tuck it up and keep the playoffs. Anything can happen once you get it. If they’re going to focus on him, we have several other there, but we need to get there. That’s all he athletes that will make them pay. and the other seniors talk about. It’s not about “He’s not a selfish kid. He wants to win games. If he individual goals. It’s about making the playoffs knows that being a decoy will get us the win, he’s OK with and trying to make a run.” that.”

Rivals.com considers Barnes a two-star recruit

Barnes also has been a huge part of the Purple Dragon and the No. 9 recruit in the state of Kansas. defense the past three years. He started at linebacker as a Barnes, who reportedly ran the 40-yard dash in freshman and sophomore before switching to safety for his 4.40 seconds during a camp at the University junior season. of Arkansas this summer, has already received “We thought his best opportunity to make the biggest scholarship offers from Kansas State, Kansas, impact in the game was at safety, where he could go sideline Minnesota, Rutgers, and Tulsa. Rivals.com also to sideline with less people trying to get on him and block him,” reports that Barnes is gaining interest from such Nickelson said. “Let him use that size and speed back there. schools as Arkansas, Iowa State, Michigan, He’s got great ball skills.

Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, and South “And we thought his best shot at the next level was Carolina. Barnes also boasts a 3.9 grade-point-avsomewhere in the secondary. That was both for the team and erage, which is grabbing the attention of some Ivy to try and help the kid. It wasn’t because he wasn’t doing well at League schools. linebacker, because he led our team in tackles his freshman and However, Barnes seems more interested in sophomore years. But we thought that was a more natural fit for talking about his team’s chances of breaking him, and he could have a greater impact on the game from that through a difficult Class 5A district that includes position.”

Blue Valley Southwest, Blue Valley West and St. Most schools are recruiting Barnes as an athlete and will decide Thomas Aquinas. Over the past three seasons, later whether to use him as a running back or in the secondary.

Pittsburg is 16-2 during its first six games of

“Personally, I’d like to play running back in college, but each year but only 1-8 once it faces schools I’m not opposed to playing safety or corner or wherever they want from the Kansas City area during district me to play,” Barnes said. competition. This past season, Pittsburg was No matter where Barnes plays, Nickelson is confident he’ll 6-0 before dropping all three district games. succeed.

“Making the playoffs is our major goal,” “I think he can be an impact player no matter where he goes,” he Barnes said. “If we don’t make the playoffs, it’s said. “I think he can be a tremendous player. He can impact special going to be a failure from our standpoint.” teams, offense and defense. He can impact the game every time he Photo by Julie Kuhlmann Barnes ran for 1,348 yards and 23 touchdowns on touches the ball.”

JulieKuhlmannPhotography.com only 150 carries as a junior. He was named the Southeast Kansas League’s Offensive Player of the Year, and he Mark Schremmer is a sports reporter for the Joplin (Mo.) Globe and has was named to the 2013 Kpreps.com Class 5A All-State team as a covered teams from eastern Kansas and western Missouri. running back.

“He’s such a combination of size and power,” Nickelson said. “He’s patient.

When he hits a hole, he explodes through it. He’s a little over 6 feet tall. He’s right at 218 pounds. He’s running a mid-to-low-4.4. He’s a very powerful kid, but he’s got great vision. He’s got a lot of things you don’t teach. You can’t teach a kid to cut like he can cut or to see the hole or to feel it like he can feel it.”

His unique combination of strength and speed make him difficult to defend. In addition to running the 40 in the 4.4-range, Barnes also can bench press 350 pounds, squat 520 and has a 37-inch The Mill Valley Jaguars will vie for another shot at the playvertical leap. offs behind hulking offensive lineman Evan Applegate.

“If he needs to run you over to get a first down or touchdown, he’ll do it,” Nickelson said. “That’s The bulldozing senior measures in at 6-foot-7, 285 what puts so many people in a bind. Do you attack him? Because if you sit there, he’ll run over you. pounds and is one of the top recruits in the state.

But if you don’t break down and get your base under you, he’ll put a move on you and make you miss.

Applegate has nine DI offers, according to Rivals.

He puts a lot of defenders in a no-win situation.” com, and is the seventh ranked prospect in the Barnes has flourished in the spotlight. He helped lead the Purple Dragons to an undefeated run state. Applegate’s suitors include major division through the Southeast Kansas League by defeating Coffeyville 42-14 during a live statewide broadcast one programs Arkansas, Kansas State, Minnesota, on Kansas Cox 22. Barnes showcased his talent to the state, rushing for 323 yards and five touchNebraska, and Oklahoma State. downs on 32 carries.

Applegate is strong in the lower body and can squat over 500 “The Coffeyville game is the one that sticks out in my mind,” Barnes said. “We were able to win the pounds and he’s no slouch in the classroom where he boasts a SEK with an unbeaten record.”

3.86 GPA. Barnes also understands that playing running back entails more than just carrying the football.

Applegate will be joined on the Jaguar line by another big’un, 6-4, “He’s a ferocious blocker when he’s lead blocking for quarterbacks or other running backs,” Nickel260 pound junior Ben Hecht. Along with 32 other returning letterson said. “And he’s aggressive on passing. Alex can catch. He can block. He can do the whole thing. men the Jags will try to improve on last year’s 10-1 record.

Player Spotlight: Evan Applegate

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

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ANDOVER TROJANS

ARKANSAS CITY BULLDOGS

BONNER SPRINGS BRAVES

EMPORIA SPARTANS

The Trojans were a team coming off an 8-3 mark in 2012, suggesting 2013’s 9-1 season was just a continuation of dominance. Andover also qualified for the 5A playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2008-09.

However, there were strength of schedule questions. Andover did not face a team that ended with a winning record, and only one – Newton – ended .500. The combined winning percentage of the nine regular-season challengers was .301. So perhaps Andover was slammed back to reality in a 48-12 loss to Salina Central in the first round of the 5A playoffs.

Or maybe Andover just ran into a superb Salina Central roster whose 5-6 record reflects a brutal schedule.

The 2014 version of Andover football should be more definitive. The early slate is favorable for the Trojans, but a week five rendezvous with 5A state runner-up Salina South provides a telling litmus test. When districts come two weeks later, the Trojans will line up for back-to-back games with Wichita Heights and Kapaun, two teams coming off deep postseason runs.

The Trojan offense compiled 28-or-more points on seven occasions in 2013. Coen Rasmussen is back at quarterback. So are two running backs with knowledge of the system – Cole VanEpps and Jake Dusenbury. And of course, it would be remiss to omit elusive wingback Eli Renoux, a familiar name for making the Top Plays on ESPN’s Sportscenter.

The Trojans’ defense held its first five foes to 14 points or less this past season, including two shutouts. The line will be stout, featuring Anthony Jackson and Dante Butler.

Arkansas City coach Braden Smith expects big things from his team’s defense in 2014 as the Bulldogs seek a spot in the Class 5A state playoffs.

“Our defense is going to be the tone setter for our team this year with nearly every starter coming back,” Smith said. “We feel like our senior-laden team is ready to put us in position to make a strong run this season.”

Arkansas City has eight starters back on defense, including linemen Alex Breckenridge and Cameron Smith as well as linebackers Kendall Biddle, Blake Haley and Robbie Munn. The Bulldog secondary, led by Bret Grose, Evan Miller, Mitch Rowe and Tanner Spencer, will also have plenty of experience.

Offensively, Reed Barnthouse, Breckenridge, Haley and Smith will lead the charge up front.

Rowe, Spencer and Cody Gillette are the only returning starters in the backfield, but Mace Metcalf and Miller are back at receiver.

“We have to get a quarterback to step up and lead the offense with poise and toughness,” Smith said. “We feel like our running game has a chance to be really successful this year with a beefed up o-line and three or four guys who can really carry the load out of the backfield. If we can find consistency in the passing game, we will have a really good chance to be successful this season and make a push for the playoffs.”

Class 5A District 8 would appear to be up for grabs with Ark City, Goddard, and Eisenhower combining for seven wins last season and 5-5 Liberal losing most of their offensive firepower.

Coming off a 6-3 season in 2013, the Bonner Springs Braves would like to take the next step and make the playoffs this fall.

However, the Braves will have to do so at the Class 5A level after being bumped from 4A in the offseason.

Bonner Springs coach Lucas Aslin returns 17 lettermen, four starters on offense and six on defense.

Senior Jonah Freese returns at wide receiver after recording 18 catches for 528 yards and six touchdowns as a junior.

Junior wide receiver Michael Amayo had 11 catches for 276 yards and a touchdown.

Seniors Jacob Wylie and Aaron Jones return to start on the offensive line.

Darryl Terrell, who led the Braves with 84 tackles last season, returns at linebacker. He will be joined by linebacker Thaddeus Glenn.

Junior Josh Adams returns to the defensive line after posting two sacks as a sophomore.

Seniors Roman Glenn and Alex Povlitzki and junior Connor Byers return to the defensive backfield. Glenn had 36 tackles and two interceptions. Byers had 39 tackles and one interception, while Povlitzki had 19 tackles, three pass deflections and one fumble recovery.

The Braves opened the 2013 season with a 6-1 record but fell to St. James Academy and Spring Hill in the final two weeks and missed the playoffs.

“The Bonner Brave football team goals are to be the most physical team week to week and finish the season strong,” Aslin said. “The keys to success are staying healthy and the development our junior and senior class.”

Emporia will have its third head coach in as many years when Corby Milleson takes over for P.J. Marstall, a former assistant, who replaced Dustin Delaney. Delaney left for Shawnee Mission East late last spring. Milleson most recently served as an assistant to Weston Schartz at Wichita West.

Milleson spent eight years at Wichita South (five assistant, three head) and was offensive coordinator at Northwest from ‘07-’12 under Schartz before he was OC at West last year.

Emporia tumbled back from 9-2 in 2012 to 4-5 last season.

After a 3-1 start, the Spartans lost four in a row. Emporia opened with a 44-0 victory against Shawnee Heights, then lost 6-3 to Manhattan before big wins against Highland Park (60-13) and Seaman (38-7). Emporia lost to Hayden (36-19), Topeka High (21-17), Newton (49-42) and Andover (28-21) before finishing the season with a 56-16 victory at Valley Center.

Emporia will have a Class 5A district which includes home games with Kapaun and Heights and at Andover. Emporia starts the season at Washburn Rural and at Junction City before playing five of the next six at home.

“We are in a very difficult district and a very physical league,” Milleson said. “Our first goal is to win league, second districts, third state.”

Milleson listed quarterback/defensive back Tanner Taylor, running back/defensive end Cody Swanson, running back/linebacker Nick Kermer, wide receiver/defensive back Chase Henton, tight end/defensive end Johnny Rick and linemen Josh Pearson, Hayden Perry and Cody Orender as returning impact players.

“The key to success will be showing continual improvement, and leadership from our upperclassmen,” Milleson said. “We need to build depth and toughness for the future.”

3-6 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 5A Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division II Coach: Braden Smith (2nd year, 3-6) 9-1 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 5A Assistants: Caleb Hartman, Pete Skakal, Anthony Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division II Whetstone, Adam Dorsey, Curt Massey, Matt Koehn, LK Coach: Mike Lee (7th year, 43-27; 77-51 overall) Giger, Jon Haley Assistants: Ken Dusenbury, Ernie Hager, Ryan Herrs, Chris Weidert, Steve Sieburh, Dustin Murray, Daniel Mills Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 23 Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Returning lettermen: N/A Reed Barnthouse, OL, 6-1, 260, Sr.; Kendall Biddle, Returning starters: 9 Offense, 8 Defense Cole VanEpps, RB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Coen Rasmussen, QB, OLB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Alex Breckenridge, OL/DL, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Cody Gillette, FB, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Bret Grose, DB, 6-0, 185, Sr; Kenton Criser, WB/DB, 5-0, 160, Sr.; Jake 5-10, 160, Sr.; Blake Haley, OL/LB, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Mace Dusenbury, RB/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Garrett Farha, WB/ DB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Dante Butler, TE/DE, 6-3, Sr.; Anthony Metcalf, WR/TE, 6-5, 215, Sr.; Evan Miller, WR/DB, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Robbie Munn, LB, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Mitch Rowe, Jackson, OL/DL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Zach Seabrook, OL/DL, RB/DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Cameron Smith, OL/DL, 6-4, 225; 6-3, Sr.; Landon Lawson, LB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Eli Renoux, Tanner Spencer, HB/DB, 5-10, 160, Jr. WB/DB, 6-0, 175, Jr. Pregame Staff Pregame Staff

GODDARD LIONS

Goddard took a two-win decrease from a 4-6 squad in 2012, but return plenty of experience.

Third-year coach Scott Vang said the team’s strength is a defense that returns six starters and several sophomores who saw significant playing time.

Goddard returns two senior offensive linemen, plus many young players who had significant time as backups. Senior lineman Harper Rogers was second team all-league and wide receiver/ free safety Jesse Squires was an honorable mention selection. Senior lineman Carter Gragg was also a second team all-league selection.

Punter Jaron Palmer earned honorable mention all-league last season.

Goddard will play in Class 5A, District 8 and closes with home games against Andover, Liberal and Arkansas City in Weeks 6-8 before an away game at Eisenhower to finish the year.

Last year, Goddard defeated Valley Center 14-10 in Week 2 and then Eisenhower, 35-10, in Week 9.

Good luck to the Goddard Lions!

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6-3 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 5A Kaw Valley League Coach: Lucas Aslin (4th year, 15-13; 9th overall, 41-35) Assistants: LaDrew Murrell, Ryne Huff, Eric Kinney, Steve Cline, Jarrett Hernandez, Monty Bechard Offense: Pro Style Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 6 Defense Jonah Freese, WR, 6-3, 170, Sr.; Michael Amayo, WR, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Jacob Wylie, OL, 6-2, 275, Sr.; Aaron Jones, OL, 6-1, 265, Sr.; Connor Byers, DB, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Josh Adams, DL, 6-3, 215, Jr.; Darryl Terrell, LB, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Roman Glenn, DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Thaddeus Glenn, LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Alex Povlitzki, DB, 6-1, 160, Sr. Mark Schremmer

4-5 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 5A Centennial League Coach: Corby Milleson (1st year; 4th overall, 6-21) Assistants: Randy Wells, Jay Adkins, Kurt Webster, Kody Thexton, Travis Lee, Josh MaGuire, Jesse Green, Tegan Nusser, Mike Sauer, Terry Taylor Offense: Multiple I Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Conor Nicholl

GODDARD-EISENHOWER TIGERS

Marc Marinelli coached Eisenhower to a “Our weakness will be our inexperience and one-win boost in the school’s second year of many of our young players will have to grow up existence. This season, Marinelli has set goals quickly for us to be successful,” Vang said. to compete for a league championship, win district and have more than 95 players.

2-7 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 5A Marinelli said developing a young offensive Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division II line led by junior newcomer Jakob Thomas and Coach: Scott Vang (3rd year, 6-13) veteran senior guard Mitch Raleigh is key.

Assistants: Tom Beason, Darrin Fisher, Bobby Rehse, Marinelli also wants to settle on a quarterback, Travis Self, Travis Lies, Matt Busby which he envisions being a challenge because Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A of strong competition between senior Blake Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Ramey and junior Dalton Dinkel.

Harper Rogers, OL, 6-2, 290, Sr.; Ben Hall, OL, 6-1, 225, Senior slot receiver Bailey Strunk was honorSr.; Tate Vang, WR/DB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Jesse Squires, WR, able mention all-state last season, while junior 6-0, 165, Sr.; Jaron Palmer, RB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Carter free safety Brett Huelsman was all-league and Gragg, DL, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Jesse Squires, FS, 6-0, 165, senior linebacker Ty Klein honorable mention.

Sr.; Dakota Driskill, LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Cory Atkins, LB, 5-10, 215, Jr.; Luke Vang, LB/DE, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Kyle “We have the potential to be very explosive Young, S, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Daniel Weaver, K, 5-9, 145, Sr.; on offense with the athletes we have there,” Jaron Palmer, P, 5-11, 180, Sr. Marinelli said. “Defensively we have some Conor Nicholl very talented players returning with Josh Fatkin moving from safety to linebacker and Brett Huelsman and Michael Sooter in the secondary.”

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Marinelli is excited about the young players at defensive line with junior Jarin Hanika, Jake Daugherty and Michael Radford at d-end.

Sophomores Adam Brown and Addison Logan will play inside. Marinelli said the Tigers should have good team speed.

2-7 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 5A Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division II Coach: Marc Marinelli (2nd year, 2-7; 5th overall, 23-17) Assistants: Shane Harden, John Buckendorff, Enrique Espinoza, Eli Schmidt, Shane Paulus, Graham Ratzliff, Cary Dinkel Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Josh Fatkin, LB, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Ty Klein, LB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Michael Sooter, CB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Brett Huelsman, FS, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Adam Brown, DT, 6-2, 225, So.; Jarin Hanika, DE, 6-2, 205, Jr.; Landon Jones, LB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Bailey Strunk, ST, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Mitch Raleigh, OG, 6-0, 245, Sr.; Blake Ramey, QB, 5-7, 175, Sr.; Dalton Dinkel, QB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Sonny Brown, WR, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Drake Damon, FB/ST, 6-0, 170, Jr. Conor Nicholl

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 34

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KC-TURNER GOLDEN BEARS

KC-WASHINGTON WILDCATS

Tony Crough grew up in Garden City and played football at Fort Hays State University.

With the Tigers, Crough played for Jeff Leiker and Tim O’Connor where he earned all-RMAC honorable mention honors at linebacker in 2003.

In April, Crough, 33, took over as Great Bend head football coach for Bo Black, who left for Hays High after 13 years building the Panthers into a respected 5A program that had recently posted losing seasons in three of the last six years and no more than five wins since 2007.

Crough opened his career as a Rule 10 coach in Andover, then coached for seven years in Texas before he took over as defensive coordinator for Great Bend last season. The Croughs have twin boys under two and wanted to be closer to grandparents.

Crough didn’t expect Black to leave, but applied when Black resigned.

He takes over a squad that has lost seven straight district contests dating back to a 27-13 victory against Salina Central on Oct. 21, 2011.

For the last two cycles, Great Bend has been in the same district with Hays High, Salina South and Salina Central. The Panthers haven’t made the playoffs since 2010 and return three offensive and four defensive starters, including 6-3, 285-pound senior fullback/defensive lineman Jayce Brack.

Great Bend has played with Hays High in district play for decades, but the Indians dropped to Class 4A-I this year in the first year with split divisions in 4A. The Panthers are in a district with Newton, Salina South and Salina Central.

For the third time in four seasons, KC Schlagle will have a new head coach. Dwayne Williams replaces Martez Wesley, who coached Schlagle for two seasons. Williams was an assistant on the staff, and previously was the head coach at Highland Park. In college he was a running back at the University of Iowa.

Williams’ first test will be to clean up a sluggish offense. The Stallions were held to 108 points in 2013, the fourth-worst figure in 5A. On four occasions, Schlagle was shut out. For its part, the defense gave the team a chance, holding opponents to 199 points.

Schlagle catches a break in district reshuffling.

Lansing and KC Washington stick with the Stallions in districts, while 2013 district champion Mill Valley moves on. Leavenworth fills out the district as it transitions from 6A to 5A. Although two playoff teams from this past season fill out 5A’s District 1, the task for Schlagle is a bit deceiving. Leavenworth was a playoff squad in 6A, but did so with a 3-7 record. Lansing was a qualifier in 5A as a district runnerup, but did that with a 4-6 mark. Schlagle actually defeated Lansing 42-35 in the regular season. That win put Schlagle in position to find its way into the playoffs if it could have pulled off a victory over KC Washington in week nine, but the Stallions lost 16-0. In fact, of the four District 1 teams, only KC Washington comes off a winning season – 5-4. All four teams were 1-2 in district play in 2013.

Schlagle’s most recent playoff appearance came in 2009. However, that is the Stallions’ only berth in the past 15 years. Schlagle has six trips to the postseason under its belt in school history.

KC-Turner suffered a three-win decrease last season and missed making the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Turner’s lone victories came against Bishop Ward (49-12 in Week 4) and KC-Harmon (33-14 in Week 9).

Quarterback Paul Berry graduated after signing with Washburn University. He was a four-year starter, the last two at quarterback and accumulated 2,701 passing yards with 26 passing TDs, 1,882 rushing yards and 28 scores.

Last year, he passed for 1,455 yards and a 13/10 TD/INT ratio and also led the team with 137 carries for 502 yards and 11 scores.

Turner had 13 turnovers and finished even in turnover margin. In the 5-4 season of 2012, Turner finished plus-8 in turnover margin and had just 11 turnovers.

The top three tacklers return in seniors Ryan O’Neal, Kason Clark and Vincent John. They had 95, 88 and 58 tackles respectively, and Clark tied for the team-high with seven TFLs. The Golden Bears have eight postseason appearances in school history, all from ’00-09.

They will play in Class 5A, District 3 with Bonner Springs, St. James Academy and Mill Valley. Last year, Turner had to contend with Bishop Miege and St. Thomas Aquinas and took 49-0 and 63-6 losses respectively.

“Our goal is always just to get a little bit better every day,” third-year coach Jeremy Milne said. “(Goals are) staying healthy, and continuing the process of learning how to compete on a daily basis.

Washington has never made a playoff appearance, but finished 5-0 to win the Kansas City-Atchison League last season. The Wildcats had a two-win improvement over 2012 and won a district contest after losing nine straight from 2010-12. The Wildcats lost to Lansing 40-18 and Mill Valley 49-0 in district play before a 16-0 season-ending victory against Schlagle. It marked the team’s first winning record since a 5-4 season in 2007.

Washington opened the season with a 52-22 loss to Blue Valley Southwest, then a 27-15 loss to Topeka West. Then, Washington defeated Atchison (24-20), Harmon (38-6), Sumner (140) and Wyandotte (36-35) before district play.

Third-year head coach Bryan Salsgiver, in his fourth year on staff, has set goals to repeat as league champions, make the program’s first playoff appearance and win the program’s first playoff game. Salsgiver said the team’s keys to success are a great summer program, increased numbers in the program and being physical at the point of attack.

4-5 in 2013 / 0-3 in district/ 5A Western Athletic Conference Coach: Tony Crough (1st year) Assistants: Tyler Manwarren, Jay Black, Jeff Lutt, Kelly Brack, Bill Maddy, Brandon Wells, Tony Chesney Offense: 2 Back Gun Defense: 3-3 Stack Returning Lettermen: 13 Returning Starters: 3 Offense, 4 Defense Jayce Brack, FB/DL, 6-3, 285, Sr.; Trey Popp, C, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Josh Moran, T, 6-3, 270, Sr.; Jackson Randall, G, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Ty Yager, FS, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Branden Paden, LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Wyatt Bryant, LB, 6-2, 200, Sr.

4-5 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 5A Kansas City-Atchison League Coach: Dwayne Williams Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Conor Nicholl

2-7 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 5A Kaw Valley League Coach: Jeremy Milne (3rd year, 7-11) Assistants: Julian Parks, Andy Pinnell, Ryan Stephans, Justin Lake, Kip Vanhoose, Wade Church, Peter Neri, Alex Grogan Offense: Spread Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Darnell Miller, WR/DB, 6-1, 168, Sr.; Andre Jackson, WR, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Santino Bernal, ATH, 5-6, 133, Sr.; C.J. Schiemann, DL, 5-9, 194, Sr.; Jarod Rogers, WR, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Kason Clark, LB, 5-7, 158, Sr.; Ryan O’Neal, Pregame Staff RB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Mitchell Yurgel, LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Gabe Alvarez, OL, 5-11, 255, Jr.; Arnez Dowdy, DL, 5-9, 283, Jr.

5-4 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 5A Kansas City-Atchison League Coach: Bryan Salsgiver (3rd year, 8-10) Assistants: Aaron McGhee, Darwyn Thomlison, Josh Weakly Offense: Power Run Defense: 3-4 Returning Lettermen: 18 Returning Starters: 3 Offense, 4 Defense Kalem Harrison, QB/DB, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Javeon Williams, RB/LB, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Steven Peoples, OL/DL, 6-0, 260, Sr.; Damon Jackson, FS, 6-2, 180 Conor Nicholl

Conor Nicholl

LANSING LIONS Krystian Abbott is one of the top quarterbacks in Kansas and will lead the Lions under firstyear coach John McCall. Abbott, known for his elusive ability, finished third in Kansas in passing yards with 155 of 299 for 2,759 yards with a 24/13 TD/INT ratio. McCall will be just the third Lansing coach in 30 years. He served the previous three seasons at Blue Valley North, and delivered a 24-4 record at Olathe North in 2003-04. His Eagles won the ’03 Class 6A title and lost in OT in the ’04 championship. McCall was the longtime defensive coordinator for Olathe North, which went 78-4 from ’96-02, according to 810varsity.com. McCall had his first head coaching stint at Basehor-Linwood in 1997 and served as an assistant to former and current Olathe North coach Gene Wier in Richland, Texas, for six seasons before going to BV North. Before McCall, Bill Pekarek (13 years) and Rick Hodam (16 years) were the last two Lansing coaches. This will be the last season at Graham Field in 2014, before moving into a new HS and athletic facilities in ’15.

LEAVENWORTH PIONEERS

Since taking over, McCall has focused on installing and teaching offensive and defensive schemes, haveing competitive camps and trying to get as many kids into the program as possible. McCall said the season’s keys include improving each week, being coachable and sound, and develping a strong kicking game.

McCall wants the defense to be “aggressive and productive” and “attack and execute.”

Leavenworth will drop to Class 5A this season after being a longtime Class 6A school.

The Pioneers have routinely struggled in the Sunflower League, but will not have to play Sunflower teams in Class 5A, District 1 play with KC-Schlagle, KC-Washington and Lansing. Leavenworth has never captured a Sunflower League title, but has posted 4-5 and 3-7 records the last two years, including a 3-5 mark in league play a year ago.

4-6 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 5A Senior Isaiah Ross is one of the few four-year Kaw Valley League players in the Sunflower League, according to Coach: John McCall (1st year) sunflowerfootball.com. Ross had shared time Assistants: Dylan Brown, Graig Goehrl, Martez Wesley, with Jason Randall, also a four-year player, but Bryon Mays, Adam Venegas, Nick Brungardt, Zach Randall graduated after last season and wil play Craig, Matt Watson football for Missouri State.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 25 Ross lined up in multiple roles and finished Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense with 512 receiving yards, 287 rushing yards Scott Hattok, OT, Jr.; Krystian Abbott, QB/S, Sr.; Colin and a combined six scores. He also recorded McQuillan, HB/LB, Sr.; Quinton McQuillan, WR, So.; Dewaun Wilkes, RB, Jr.; Juwan Peace, DL, Jr.; Caleb Ward, 36 tackles and has nine career interceptions.

Landry Hodges also returns after he completed DE, Sr.; Juston Smith, DL, Sr.; Alex Diaz, LB, Sr. 61 of 120 passes for 847 yards and six TDs. Conor Nicholl Randall rushed for 1,285 yards and 13 TDs,

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third in the Sunflower League last season. Ross finished fourth in the league in receiving yards.

The Pioneers return starters Kris Messer and Alex Mendoza along the offensive line, and on defense middle linebacker Anthony Hunt returns along with Juwann Potts and Ross, to create a formidable trio. Also, kicker Jake Boyce is going to compete for top honors in the league.

3-7 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 5A Sunflower League Coach: Mark Littrell (2nd year, 3-7; 11th overall, 75-39) Assistants: Bob Ginavan, Sean Sachen, Steve Hopkins, Steve Short, Kyson Ginavan, Jordan Mellott, Mark Forman, Joe Allison, Nathan Troyer, Terry Jordan Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Landry Hodges, QB/S, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Juwan Potts, WR/ CB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Isaiah Ross, RB/S, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Jake Boyce, K/P, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Anthony Hunt, LB, 5-11, 210, Sr. Conor Nicholl/Eli Underwood

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 35

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St. James Academy, which opened in 2006 and is celebrating its 10th year this school year, reached the playoffs for the first time in school annals last fall.

This year, St. James Academy will move up to Class 5A for the first time and play in District 3 with Bonner Springs, KC Turner and Mill Valley.

St. James has a unique schedule with games against Pleasant Hill (Mo.) in Week 1, a Week 4 contest against Jefferson City (Mo.) Helias and an open date in Week 5. Week 6 brings a road contest against Coffeyville, the defending Class 4A state runner-up, before a Week 7 road contest with Mill Valley, a program that has emerged as one of the stronger Class 5A programs.

Coach Tom Radke said the goals at St. James are to improve everyday and finish every play. Radke said the team is excited about the different schedule, playing Missouri teams and bumping up to 5A. “The school has had great success, and the football program is right on the verge of breaking out,” Radke said.

St. James returns nine starters on defense, what Radke called the key to the season. But he must find a new QB and replace two o-linemen.

“Other than that we feel really good about our returning players,” Radke said. “We will have plenty of depth this year as our program numbers are above 90 athletes.”

Caleb Cline, a former Liberal assistant, takes over for Cliff Abbott, who delivered a three-win improvement last season and got the Redskins back to the playoffs.

Liberal graduated quarterback Britton Abbott and wide receiver Trenton Hammond, two of Kansas’ top statistical performers. Abbott signed as a premier walk-on to Oklahoma State; Cliff Abbott, Britton’s dad, was a former Tulsa standout and played NFL linebacker. Abbott had offers from Tulsa and Wyoming after he passed for 3,077 yards and rushed for 1,189 yards. Hammond, one of the best track athletes in Kansas, is going to Hutchinson Community College to play wide receiver for the Blue Dragons.

The Redskins had been 4-14 in Abbott’s first two years before the 5-5 year last spring.

Cline has set goals for a winning season and to make the playoffs.

Liberal played in some wild games last season, including a 56-41 Week 1 win at Ulysses, a 52-38 Week 3 loss to Hays, a 40-27 Week 4 win at Dodge City, a 43-26 Week 6 loss at Great Bend, a 64-46 Week 7 victory versus Goddard, a 36-31 Week 8 win at Goddard-Eisenhower and a 55-40 first round playoff loss to Kapaun Mt. Carmel. The Dodge City victory ended a 20-game conference losing streak.

Senior fullback Rex Heronemus is the top returner for the Redskins after a solid junior year with 104 carries for 539 yards and two scores and 26 catches for 284 yards.

Maize had a wild first season under coach Gary Guzman, but it culminated in a 7-3 record, a two-win improvement from 2012 and a fourwin increase from ’11.

In possibly the most exciting game of 2013, Maize lost 60-59 in five overtimes to Manhattan in the first round of the playoffs.

Maize returns quarterback Connor Lungwitz, one of Kansas’ top quarterbacks and will drop down from Class 6A to 5A this season. Maize finished No. 3 in Class 6A in offense last season with 400 points. In the 2012 season, the Eagles tailed just 281 points.

Maize, Garden City and Hutchinson all finished Class 6A, District 8 with 2-1 records, but the Eagles won the district with a plus-17 point total. Garden City finished at plus-16 and Hutchinson was plus-12. In the postseason, Maize lost a 17-point fourth quarter lead allowed an onside kick and then lost the game when Manhattan used a rarely seen swinging gate play for a two-point conversion.

Lungwitz finished with six passing scores and a rushing TD in the contest. Maize is now 4-10 all-time in the playoffs and has lost in the first round the last three trips (’07, ’09, ’13). Maize will play in Class 5A, District 7 with Carroll, Maize South and Valley Center.

Guzman said team strengths will be leadership from the senior class and experience at the quarterback and wide receiver positions.

Weaknesses include a lack of depth at most positions. Team goals are to make the playoffs and advance as far as possible.

“We have to execute and play fast and aggressive on both sides of the ball,” Guzman said.

Maize South produced another strong year in its fifth season of existence when it went 8-2 and lost 48-42 in overtime to Topeka Hayden in the first round of the state playoffs.

The Mavericks, which had upset Hayden 14-7 in the first round of the playoffs two years ago, have now gone 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 9-2 and 8-2 in the first five seasons in program history. The Mavericks went 4-1 in league play, finished 3-0 in district and still tied with Andale for the No. 1 scoring defense in Class 4A at 122 points allowed.

Maize South graduated many of its top players, but does return senior running back Lonnie Scifres, who averaged 6.1 yards per carry and finished second team all-league. Senior defensive back Kale Bullock and senior kicker Andy Galliher were each second team all-league selections.

“We have tremendous support from our parents and great work ethic from our players,” coach Brent Pfeifer said. “We will have a physical team that is dedicated to each other and will give their best effort for their teammates each day. Our goal is to make each season special for our senior class.”

Maize South is not allowed to accept new students into the school, which Pfeifer said “forces” the team to play “younger, less experienced players” and hurts team depth.

Maize is at Holton in Week 2, at Coweto, Okla., in Week 6, and has a Class 5A district at Valley Center, home against Bishop Carroll and home against Maize.

6-4 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 5A Independent Coach: Tom Radke (4th year, 17-11) Assistants: Mike Consiglio, Matt Joshi, Dick Tatro, Jared Herzet, Jerome Tucker, Tim Hebberger, Matt Woolley, Chris Walters, Alex Keith Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-2 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 9 Defense Zach Hensley, WR/CB, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Noah Zych, WR, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Joe Reynoldson, WR, 5-10, 172, Sr.; Mitchell Zubradt, TE/DE, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Jake Theis, LT, 6-2, 274, Sr.; David Arth, RG, 6-2, 212, Sr.; Robbie Caldwell, C, 5-11, 222, Sr.; Josh Lewis, DT, 6-1, 238, Sr.; Daniel DeKraii, DT, 6-4, 284, Jr.; Nick Dykmann, OLB, 6-1, 202, Sr.; Nick Pate, SLB, 5-9, 188, Jr.; Jake LeCluyse, MLB, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Braxton Lewis, CB, 6-2, 178, Sr.; Conner Moore, FS, 5-9, 178, Sr.

5-5 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 5A Western Athletic Conference Coach: Caleb Cline (1st year) Assistants: Chase Olsen, Mike Cline, Trace Haskell, Andrew Potter, Will Slasor, Rob Wilson, Craig Maynard, Al Forsythe, Eric Steiner Offense: Pro Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 25 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Clayton Benson, C, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Sergio Borjas, G, 6-2, 310, Sr.; Payton Grant, TE, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Jared Hasik, QB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Rex Heronemus, FB, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Alan Fraire, LB, 6-2, 215, Jr.; Blas Jiminez, DT, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Zach Maxwell, DE, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Arturo Ortega, DE, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Ever Ramirez, DT, 6-1, 260, Sr.; Edwin Sobalvarro, SS, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Mershek Wiltshire, CB, 6-0, 190, Sr.

Conor Nicholl

Conor Nicholl

NEWTON RAILERS Coach Nate Wollenberg led Newton to a two-win improvement and back to the playoffs for the first time since 2009 with a 5-5 record last year. Newton had been 2-7, 3-6 and 3-6 the previous three years.

The Railers opened with a 42-22 loss at Maize, then beat Salina Central 49-35. After a 48-7 victory against Haysville-Campus, Newton lost 56-32 to Hutchinson. Following a 28-7 victory against Eisenhower, Newton lost 40-14 to Salina South, then beat Emporia (49-42) and Valley Center (61-14) to qualify for the playoffs. Newton lost 36-34 to an unbeaten Andover team in Week 9. Newton led Andover by 12 points in the fourth quarter and lost in the final seconds.

Newton lost 70-13 in the first round of the playoffs to Bishop Carroll.

Wollenberg returns six offensive and five defensive starters, including quarterback Jack Kingsley and several linemen.

“Improve from week to week and be playing our best football at playoff time,” Wollenberg

8-2 in 2013/ 3-0 in district / 5A Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail Division II Coach: Brent Pfeifer (6th year, 27-21) 7-3 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 5A Assistants: Steve Rasmussen, Tom O’Connor, Kip Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division I Schultz, Rick Craig, Layne Carter, Luke Schuckman, Coach: Gary Guzman (4th year, 15-13; 23rd overall, Brandon Wolff, Tedd Gibson, Aaron Finck, Ryan Jones 115-100) Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-4 Assistants: Chris Fluter, Rob Helm, Rocky Helm, Victor Returning lettermen: N/A Mercado, JJ Milanovich, Fred Rosas, Brett Soft, Wade Returning starters: 4 Offense, 6 Defense Watkins Korie Frausto, QB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Lonnie Scifres, RB, 6-0, Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 175, Sr.; Evan Pierce, OT, 6-5, 270, Sr.; Tucker Lace, Returning lettermen: 22 OG, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Jeremiah Fettke, LB, 6-4, 215, Sr.; Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Connor Lungwitz, QB, Sr.; Jared Luebbe, OL, Sr.; Kend- Logan Mormando, LB, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Caleb Warner, LB, all Stewart, WR, Sr.; Konner Swenson, OL, So.; Corrigan 6-1, 190, Sr.; Kale Bullock, DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Dylan McDonald, DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Colton Amspacker, DB, 6-0, Bartlett, LB, Sr.; Clayton Hicks, DL, Sr.; Ryan Mangum, 175, Sr.; Andy Galliher, PK, 5-10, 170, Sr. DL, Sr.; Dalton Rupp, LB, Sr.; Elijah West, DB, Sr. Conor Nicholl Conor Nicholl

OP-BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST TIMBERWOLVES

said of his team’s keys. “This year we have a number of players with varsity experience returning on both sides of the ball, but will need to build our strength and depth at some positions.”

Blue Valley Southwest is in its fifth season of existence. After 3-7 and 6-6 seasons in the first two years, the T-Wolves have posted 5-4 and 4-5 marks the last two years. Coach Bill Lowe, who has taken six schools to the playoffs, three to a state championship game and won a title, 5-5 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 5A said a big key this season is the team must play Ark Valley Chisolm Trail Division I better defense.

Coach: Nate Wollenberg (2nd year, 5-5; 8th overall, “We have to stop people,” Lowe said.

57-25) Last season, BVSW finished second-to-last in Assistants: Pete Anderson. Tony Hein, Tad Remsberg, the EKL in points allowed in league play (245) Steve Webb, James Pfannenstiel, Greg Enns, Robert and overall (298). The T-Wolves permitted at Guest, Tyler Swalley Offense: Shotgun Wing T Defense: 4-3 least 31 points in the each of the last five games Returning Lettermen: 42 and six of the past seven contests.

Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense The difficult EKL had every team in the Jack Kingsley, QB/DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Colton Pfannenstiel, playoffs, save BVSW and Blue Valley North, OL/DL, 6-1, 252, Sr.; Jarod Cooper, OL, 6-5, 275, Sr.; which finished 0-9.

Bradley Million, RB/WR, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Josh Robinson, This fall, the T-Wolves have the largest senior DE, 6-4, 205, Sr.; Michael Estrada, OL, 6-3, 305, Sr.; Ty Voth, LB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Jared Langley, LB, 6-1, 215, Sr.; class in school history and Lowe said the Brendan Downey, DB, 6-4, 182, Sr.; Luke Porter, WR/ offensive and defensive lines are key. “We must LB, 6-2, 189, Jr. improve in those two areas,” Lowe said.

Lowe also said other keys include being able Conor Nicholl to consistently run the ball and getting turnovers

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on defense. BVSW will play in Class 5A, District 4 with Blue Valley West, St. Thomas Aquinas and Pittsburg. The T-Wolves are 1-3 against Blue Valley West, 1-1 versus Aquinas, and 2-0 against Pittsburg.

4-5 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 5A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Bill Lowe (5th year, 18-22; 34th overall, 188-127) Assistants: William Lowe, Derick Pitts, Kareem High, Chris Thompson, Randy Lowe, Shane Shippman, Chris Stoneburger, Ryan Freivogel, MJ Bland, Joel White Offense: Flexbone Triple Option Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 32 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 9 Defense Luke Wilmes, QB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Johnny Dunlap, RB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Ryan Peron, RB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Nathan Peron, DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Sam Randall, WR, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Jon Meyer, DL, 6-2, 200, Jr.; Seth Thomas, DL, 6-6, 215, Sr.; Nick Finley, OL, 5-10, 235, Sr.; Cody Demoss, DB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Beau Lawrence, OL, 6-3, 255, Sr.; Cole Kedney, LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Trevor Scheumann, FB/LB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Jeremy Snow, DL/LB, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Evan Walker, DL/LB, 5-11, 200, Sr. Conor Nicholl

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 36

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OP-BLUE VALLEY WEST JAGUARS

OP-ST. THOMAS AQUINAS SAINTS

PITTSBURG PURPLE DRAGONS

SALINA CENTRAL MUSTANGS

Blue Valley West advanced to the Class 5A semifinals last season before a 38-33 loss to Blue Valley. In Week 9, West won at Blue Valley, 18-17.

West graduated three exceptional talents in quarterback Ryan Ralston, offensive tackle Michael Fairchild and linebacker Cale McMakin. Fairchild signed with Missouri, McMakin collected all-state honors and signed with Western Illinois University. Ralston was an all-state quarterback, but signed with Kansas to play baseball.

Coach Scott Wright said the keys to a successful season are to “continue to improve and diversify on the defensive side of the ball, balance our attack offensively, and create and environment of competition and selflessness for the team.”

Two years ago, BV West went 8-3 and lost 38-37 to Miege in the playoffs, a big jump from a 3-6 season in 2011.

“Continue to take the next step in 5A,” Wright said. “We have been very close the last two years and we are committed to the very difficult task at hand of advancing to the 5A State Championship game. The EKL will continue to be one of the top football leagues in the state.

Each week is a tough test. We look forward to competing and improving with the opportunity to make our school, parents and community proud.”

The offseason had many high-profile coaching jobs come open, including Oakley, Abilene, Hays High and Great Bend. But none was bigger than when Randy Dreiling left Hutchinson for St. Thomas Aquinas in the winter. Dreiling went 160-38 with seven state titles in 17 years with the Salthawks.

The domino effect eventually brought Hays High’s Ryan Cornelsen to Hutchinson and Great Bend’s Bo Black to Hays.

Aquinas has made 24 playoff appearances, two off the top-10 list in Kansas history, according to preppowerindex.com. The Saints have never won a football championship, but did take second in ’85 and ’08 (to Hutchinson).

Aquinas has made the playoffs the last two seasons, including a 3-7 mark in ’13. The Saints played the No. 7 strength of schedule in 5A and outscored opponents 281-256 under former coach Mike Thomas, who was not retained after the season.

Aquinas started the season 0-4 including the first three losses by 13, seven and two points.

All four losses came against playoff teams. It marked a seven-win decrease from a 10-2 year in 2012.

Aquinas lost 38-6 to Mill Valley in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs.

Senior defensive lineman Ben Ewing returns after first team all-conference honors in ’13.

Junior offensive lineman Zach Pfeifer was an honorable mention selection. Defensively, senior lineman Kyle Raunig and sophomore Angel Dominguez (6-4, 240 as a freshman) were also honorable mention.

“Last year’s team was heavily senior dominated so it is hard for me to evaluate many of our returning players,” Dreiling told PrepsKC.com during the summer. “We are looking to develop more depth and numbers. Our off season strength program is progressing well.”

In recent years, it has been a tale of two seasons for the Pittsburg Purple Dragons. First, there’s the Southeast Kansas League portion of the season, where Pittsburg boasts a dominant 16-1 record over the past three seasons.

But it has been a different story when the Dragons move into Class 5A district competition. Pittsburg has only one district victory in the past three seasons and is 0-6 over the past two.

Getting over that hump is the main focus for the Dragons in 2014. And with eight returning starters on each side of the ball, there’s reason to be optimistic.

“We return almost 30 lettermen off last year’s team,” Pittsburg coach Tom Nickelson said.

“We return a lot of experience. Expectations are high – higher than they’ve been in a long time.”

In running back and safety Alex Barnes, the Dragons return one of the most highly-touted college football recruits in Kansas.

Barnes ran for 1,348 yards and 23 touchdowns on only 150 carries as a junior and runs a sub4.5 40 yard dash.

Seniors William Lackamp and Josh Jarvis return to the offensive line and junior Will Mengarelli returns at linebacker after earning first-team all-SEK honors last year. Other allleague performers returning include defensive linemen Jaden Patterson and Sage Mahnken and kicker Nick Powers.

Spencer Turnbull is slated to direct Pittsburg’s option offense at quarterback.

Salina Central stood just 2-5 entering a must-win Week 8 contest against Great Bend last season. A loss would mean the Mustangs would miss the playoffs for a third straight year, a rarity for one of Kansas’ historically powerful programs.

At that point, the Mustangs were 5-11 in their last 16 contests, and had just lost 55-27 to rival Salina South, its third straight defeat to the crosstown opponents and easily the worst defeat in the rivalry in the last 10 years.

But Central rolled off three big victories and was playing like one of 5A’s best teams by year’s end. The Mustangs won at Great Bend 41-14, then won at Hays High, 42-14, to earn a playoff berth. In the first round of the playoffs, the Mustangs rolled over previously undefeated Andover, 48-12, before a 44-42 loss to Kapaun/ Mt. Carmel.

The Mustangs delivered 416 rushing yards against Andover, and then rushed for 398 against Kapaun.

Central, which averaged 309 rushing yards per game for the season, graduated running back Malik Veal (1,433 rushing yards) and QB J.W. Maldaner (1,077 rushing yards). Veal rushed for 21 scores and Maldaner rushed for 11 TDs. All 1,440 receiving yards graduated as well. Senior Terrell Rodriguez (219 rush) is the leading skill player returning.

Defensively, Central is very experienced and returns its second through sixth leading tacklers. Senior JaVon Burse had 89 tackles, second-most, while senior Zane Heigele had 82 tackles and a team-high 16 TFLs. Central will play in Class 5A, District 6 with Great Bend, Newton and Salina South.

8-4 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 5A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Scott Wright (14th year, 82-64) Assistants: Trent Stern, Pat Fitzgerald, Don Alpaugh, Kevin Colwell, Josh Koerkenmeier, Ryan Copp, Mike Besler, John Stone, Aaron Anderson, Les Page, Kevin Bandy, Andrew Addington Offense: Multiple I Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 26 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense Hunter Saulsbury, OL/DL, 6-3, 274; Sam Davis, WR/ CB, 5-10, 170; Luke Curtis, WR, 5-10, 165; Sam Daily, WR/FS, 5-11, 176; John Scavuzzo, C/DE, 6-3, 224; Jon Reams, WB/LB, 5-7, 170; Mark Collins, WR/CB, 5-11, 170; Zach Overton, DL, 5-10, 248; Tyler Cox, RB, 5-11, 218

6-3 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 5A Southeast Kansas League Coach: Tom Nickelson (4th year, 17-10) Assistants: Ben Bernhardt, Merle Clark, John Kotzman, Jeremy Moss, Leroy O’Bray, Trevor Elliott, Kris Mengarelli, Matt Butler Offense: Multiple I Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 28 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Alex Barnes, RB/DB, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Ryan McNeely, RB, 3-7 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 5A 5-9, 175, Sr.; Austin Seivert, TE, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Sage Eastern Kansas League Mahnken, OL/DT, 6-3, 275, Sr.; William Lackamp, OL, Coach: Randy Dreiling (1st year, 185-77 overall) 6-0, 200, Sr.; Josh Jarvis, OL, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Christian Assistants: N/A Dalton, OL, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Dylan Untereker, DE, 6-3, 185, Offense: Flexbone Option Defense: 4-4 Jr.; Jaden Patterson, DE, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Will Mengarelli, Returning lettermen: N/A Conor Nicholl LB, 5-9, 190, Jr.; Joseph Salas, LB, 5-9, 205, Jr.; Adrian Returning starters: N/A Conor Nicholl Scroggins, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Elijah Harris, DB, 5-9, 150, So.

5-6 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 5A Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division I Coach: Mike Hall (9th year, 44-37) Assistants: Travis Benoist, Alan English, Rick O’Neill, Ernest Ballenger, Charles Black, Mike Kilgore, Alan Shuler, Derryl Hill, Zach Humphrey Offense: I-formation Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Conor Nicholl

Mark Schremmer

SALINA SOUTH COUGARS Salina South opened 2013 with a bang, beating Class 6A preseason No.1, and eventual state champion, Derby, 41-35 in the opener. The Cougars suffered several injuries in the contest, lost two in a row, and then won nine straight before suffering a last-second 27-26 loss to Blue Valley in the 5A title game.

It marked the Cougars’ second straight conference and district titles. The Cougars graduated five players to college programs, including quarterback Justin Stonebraker to Fort Hays, running back Mike Jones and wide receiver Zach Nachbar to Butler Community College and lineman Kole Smith to Kansas State.

Coach Sam Sellers said the line forms the team nucleus. South returns five offensive linemen with one career start, and two defensive linemen who collected all-league honors.

South outscored opponents 545-320 and ranked No. 1 in Class 5A in offense and No. 1 in strength of schedule last season, according to preppowerindex.com. The team returns just 11 percent of its offense and 26 percent of tackles.

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Quarterback Dalton Wassenberg and running back Eric McCullough will lead the new group.

Wassenberg engineered a game-winning drive against Derby when Stonebraker was hurt.

“Wassenberg and McCullough lead a group of kids that have bided their time behind a talented senior group,” Sellers said. “How fast that group adjusts to varsity football and how much depth we can put behind those players will decide whether or not we rebuild or reload.”

Through 10 games of the 2013 season, Mill Valley outscored its opponents 386-72. Needless to say, the Jaguars took an undefeated record into their second round game in the 5A playoffs.

But it was that 11th game that cost them. Mill Valley was routed by Blue Valley, 38-0. Blue Valley went on to take the 5A crown.

The Jaguars will vie for another shot at the playoffs behind hulking offensive lineman Evan Applegate. The bulldozing senior measures in 10-3 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 5A at 6-foot-7, 285 pounds. He will be joined on Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division I the line by junior Ben Hecht. They will pave Coach: Sam Sellers (5th year, 32-20) the way for junior quarterback Logan Koch, Assistants: Chris Barkley, Jason Hooper, Dan Smith, who rushed for 849 yards and 13 touchdowns Justin Ebert, Gary Seibel, Kanean Wendell, Daniel while adding five more scores with his arm as Colton, Jim Wittman a sophomore.

Offense: Pro-Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning Lettermen: 21 Christian Jegen will be sprinkled around the Returning Starters: 3 Offense, 3 Defense field. The wide receiver collected 327 receiving Seth Allen, G, Sr.; Trey Turner, C, Sr.; Ethan McCary, G, yards as a sophomore, as well as rushing for Sr.; Alex Parker, DT, Sr.; Braden Burlew, DE, Sr.; Treven 120. Combined, he accounted for nine touchSlayton, CB, Sr. Conor Nicholl downs. Shifty back Isaiah Young returns to the backfield, where he cobbled up 236 yards a

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10-1 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 5A Kaw Valley League Coach: Joel Applebee (5th year, 31-10) Assistants: TJ O’Neill, Andrew Hudgins, Rick Pollard, Mike Strack, Alex Houlton, Geoff White, Eric Thomas, Ian Nichols, Justin Pickens Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 34 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 3 Defense Evan Applegate, OL, 6-7, 285, Sr.; Zach Deverill, WR, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Isaiah Young, RB, 5-6, 160, Sr.; Logan Koch, QB, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Ben Hecht, OL, 6-4, 260, Jr.; Christian Jegen, WR/DB, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Conner Kaifes, LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Bryan Burnett, LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Sebastian Uriarte, DL, 5-9, 260, Sr.; Anthony Brown, DL, 6-1, 240, Jr.; Andrew Hicks, K, 6-1, 180, Jr. Pregame Staff

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

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Coach Jason Swift has taken the T-Birds program to its greatest heights with six district crowns and 10 playoff berths in the last 11 years, and, starting in 2009, the first playoff wins since 1973 but the T-Birds lost to Blue Valley in the first round last year and haven’t won a league title since 1994.

Senior Camden Wheatley (384 passing, 3/3 TD/INT ratio, 38 carries, 153 yards, 1 TD, 62 tackles, 3 FR) is expected to start at quarterback and possibly safety. Running back Tony Barksdale (710 rushing, 12 TDs) and wideout Austin Hubert (657 receiving, seven TDs) are big offensive threats.

“This is the most athletic, varsity experienced football team that has played for Shawnee Heights in a long time,” Swift said. “I feel like there is a chance for something special for the team. The numbers have been great in the off-season and there is solid depth at each position.”

Free safety DeJuan Gardenhire (126 tackles), linebacker Carter Hall (91 tackles, 4 TFLs), lineman Zach Holmes (57 tackles, 5 TFLs) and outside linebacker Justin Snyder (49 tackles) are among those back on defense. Hubert, Gardenhire and Holmes have started every game since their sophomore year.

Topeka West managed to start 2-0 and finished 3-6, but played in some lopsided contests and allowed 409 points. The Chargers scored just 182 points.

West opened the season with a 24-20 victory at KC Schlagle, then a 27-15 win at Washington. Schlagle eventually finished 4-5, while Washington went 5-4. Then, West lost big to Topeka High (69-16), Washburn Rural (48-7), Manhattan (76-0) and Junction City (58-21) before district play.

In districts, West fell 37-20 to Seaman and 7047 to Shawnee Heights before closing the year with a 20-16 victory against Highland Park.

This fall, third-year coach John Tetuan wants “to take another step forward in building a winning program” and get to the playoffs.

West will play in Class 5A, District 2, again with Shawnee Heights, Highland Park and Seaman. West hasn’t posted a winning season since a 5-4 mark in 2005. West hasn’t made the playoffs since a state runner-up showing in 2002.

“We will need a lot of young guys to step up and fill in spots,” Tetuan said.

Coming off a playoff berth in 2011, Highland Park hasn’t been able to sustain the momentum, following up a one-win 2012 campaign with a winless season last year.

The Scots were only close in one game, a 20-16 loss to Topeka West in the season-finale – the only game they won in 2012. The rest of the season was rough with the Scots losing by an average margin of 48.3 points per game.

Quarterback Kameron Clark did an admirable job trying to lead the Scot offense, but has graduated leaving fourth-year coach Nick Cummings with a huge hole to fill in the backfield for an offense that only managed 56 points all last season.

A Week Two game against KC Harmon (winless last year) could offer Highland Park a chance at much-needed early success, but the Centennial League slate is once again tough and the district remains the same with Seaman, Shawnee Heights and Topeka West battling it out for a playoff berth.

Even though Seaman hasn’t posted a winning record since 2009, the Vikings have still been playoff participants three of the last four years and have qualified for the postseason eight times in Blake Pierce’s 10 years. The Vikings are coming off a 3-7 season, falling in the first round of the playoffs to a loaded Blue Valley West squad.

Pierce missed part of last season after suffering a mild heart attack on the sideline during the Vikings’ season-opener, but the veteran coach is fully recovered and looking forward to getting the program back to its winning ways.

A healthy Joseph Reagan will help matters as the six-time Class 5A state sprint champion is a dangerous weapon when he’s on the field.

The senior will line up just about everywhere as the Vikings look to get him out in space. The question will be, who else will help shoulder the offensive load, as leading rusher Sam Mizell has graduated along with quarterback Ryder Chaffee.

The strength of the squad should be the defense, which returns 10 starters led by standout linebacker Hunter Poort and defensive end Wyatt Hendrix. However, the unit will have to improve after allowing 25.1 points and 319.4 yards per game a year ago.

4-6 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 5A Centennial League Coach: Jason Swift (12th year, 56-59) Assistants: Brad Nicks, Doug Holmes, Michael Werner, Ryan Smith, John Oshel, Richard Lady Offense: Spread Pistol Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 9 Offense, 6 Defense Austen Hubert, WR, Sr.; Tony Barksdale, RB, Sr.; Malik Stanley, WR/DB, Sr.; Derek Selk, OL, Sr.; Evan Haverkamp, OL, Sr.; Nikolai Tostado, OL/DL, Jr.; Jarod Cooper, OL/DL, Jr.; Carter Hall, LB, Sr.; Zach Holmes, OL/DL, Sr.; DeJuan Gardenhire, FS/LB, Sr.; Andrew Korbe, DB, Sr.; Justin Snyder, OLB, Sr.; Cole Deghand, OL, Sr. Conor Nicholl

3-6 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 5A Centennial League Coach: John Tetuan (3rd year, 5-13) Assistants: Jarod Tetuan, Tyrone Barret, Kenny Swart, Jimmy Collins, Chris Davis, Marco Hunter, Eric Lawrence Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Josh Reynolds, QB, Sr.; Michael Mariani, RB/LB, Sr.; Nick Cole, OL/DL, Sr.; David Montero, OL/DL, Jr.; Kyle Sommers, LB, Jr.; Kyler Cunningham, WR/DB, Jr.; Dante Banks, WR/DB, Jr.; Jaquan Alberty-Bridges, WR/DB Conor Nichol

0-9 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 5A Centennial League Coach: Nick Cummings (4th year, 4-24) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

3-7 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 5A Brent Maycock Coach: Blake Pierce (10th year, 48-55) Assistants: Mike Lincoln, Travis Brown, Tim Hebert, Jerrick Jorgensen, Mike Ragsdale, Steve Lincoln, T.J. Lorson.

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 10 Defense Joe Reagan, RB/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Brad Piel, DB, R E T N E C 5-11, 180, Sr.; Wyatt Steenson, DE, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Zach VALLEY Mumford, DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Hunter Poort, LB, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Nick DeVader, RB/LB, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Wyatt Hendrix, DE/TE, 6-5, 230, Sr.; Reid Fehr, RB/LB, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Adam Mentzer, LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Brett Lichter, OL/DL, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Garrett Streets, OL, 5-11, 245, Sr.; Nash Good Luck !

McKnight, WR, 6-1, 170, Sr. Hornets Brent Maycock

Sideliners

VALLEY CENTER HORNETS

WICHITA-BISHOPCARROLLEAGLES

WICHITA HEIGHTS FALCONS

WICHITA-KAPAUN MT. CARMEL CRUSADERS

Those who know Valley Center coach Caleb Smith know a man who preaches patience. He is a realist – while he may not have expected a winless season in his first year in Valley Center, he knew it would be bumpy.

The Hornets have not produced a winning season in a decade, and have four winless campaigns in that span.

But Smith has seen programs such as Derby rise up – he was a top assistant to Brandon Clark from 2008-12. Valley Center and Derby are uniquely intertwined – Clark was a phenomenal wide receiver for the Hornets in the 90s.

This year, Smith will ask the Hornets to compete and give themselves a chance to win each week.

Dylan Scheer returns at quarterback after accounting for more than 450 yards as a junior.

Four of his five linemen are back to protect him, as well.

Chance Sowers, featured in the Iron Will section on page 14 of this issue of Kansas Pregame, pairs with Scheer at linebacker to pilot the defense.

Coach Alan Schuckman is entering his 20th season and the Eagles have finished first or second in the City League all 19 years and have just seven regular season losses in the last 10 years.The Eagles should again contend for a Class 5A crown this season.

“Bishop Carroll’s staff has built tradition that can’t be beat by many other schools in the state,” Schuckman said.

All-purpose back Denzel Goolsby is one of Kansas’ top players with multiple Division I offers and a recent verbal commitment to K-State.

Goolsby is a versatile athlete and tallied 68 carries for 505 yards rushing and 12 scores to go with 23 catches for 322 yards and three TDs. Colton Howell returns as an all-league quarterback after he completed 76 of 125 passes for 998 yards with a 15/3 TD/INT.

School history is getting rewritten every year at Heights. Nine playoff teams in the past 12 years, including six consecutive. Three state title games. A championship trophy in 2010. It was a rise to prominence orchestrated by former coach Rick Wheeler, and one continued by Terry Harrison. Heights compiled a 7-4 record in Harrison’s first go-round, advancing to the second round of the 6A playoffs.

A triumvirate of running backs will set the pace for Heights in the flexbone offense. Tre King, Armond McCray and Trenton Autry present a nightmare scenario for defensive coordinators.

“While Heights will still rely heavily on the run game, we expect to be able to open up the playbook more with dual-threat QB Garrett Haskins taking the reins of the offense in his junior season,” Harrison said.

Six starters return on defense. Defensive tackle Carlos Taylor and safety Tyas Turner are among the top veterans.

Kapaun enjoyed arguably Kansas’ biggest improvement from 3-6 to 10-2 last season and a run to the Class 5A semifinals where it lost to eventual state runner-up Salina South, 34-24.

The Crusaders outscored opponents 371-256 and started the season 5-0 before a 42-10 loss to Bishop Carroll.

Kapaun has nine state championships, second-most in Kansas annals behind Lawrence’s 10, but last year’s semifinal run marked the deepest playoff run since a trip to the semis in 1990.

Kapaun, which returns junior quarterback Brock Monty, one of the state’s top players, will play in Class 5A, District 5 with Emporia, Andover and Wichita Heights. Kapaun will also play host to Carroll in Week 3 in a key non-district contest.

“The 2013 season caused great enthusiasm in the weight room before, during and after school hours,” coach Dan Adelhardt said. “A mix of positions return on offense and defense. Players will be called upon to play both sides of the football.”

0-8 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 5A Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division II Coach: Caleb Smith (2nd year, 0-8) Assistants: Dallas Boone, Jordan Echer, Nick Barnes, John Wetig, Tyler Dunham, Jeff Sells, Ben Niggemann Offense: I-Formation Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 25 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Dylan Scheer, QB/LB, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Alec Wetig, WR, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Zach White, RB, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Tyler Cotner, 5-10, 240, OL; Levi Maxson, OL, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Gavin Reeves, OL, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Myles Carter, OL, 5-8, 230, Sr.; Mason Orr, DL, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Chance Sowers, LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Evan Balthazor, LB, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Jed Elliott, DL, 5-8, 210, Sr.; Chase Crawford, LB, 5-10, 185, Jr. Pregame Staff

10-1 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 5A Greater Wichita Athletic League Coach: Alan Schuckman (20th year, 162-41; 22nd overall, 177-46) Assistants: Jim Nance, Dusty Trail, Jimmy Allen, Matt Bye, Phil Blanton, Chris Jaax, Dave Armagost, Brad Carey, Joe Brown, Drew Rhodes, Kyle Molina, Roger Robben Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning Lettermen: N/A Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Denzel Goolsby, RB/WR, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Colton Howell, QB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Blake Newell, WR, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Brett Bell, TE, 6-5, 220, Sr.; John Leland, WR, 6-4, 185, Sr.; Dan Garrison, OL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Noah Johnson, OL, 6-1, 260, Jr.; Mark Quaney, DB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Josh Hornback, DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Nick Nolting, DL, 6-3, 220, Jr.; Hank Honas, DE, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Jacob Morgan, LB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Tommy Marquez, LB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Jarrett Johnson, LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Brendan Hallacy, DL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Diego Lopez, K, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Brittain Cole, LS, 6-0, 150, Sr. Conor Nicholl

7-4 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 5A Greater Wichita Athletic League Coach: Terry Harrison (2nd year, 7-4) Assistants: Rajiv Foster, Matt Kelly, Ryan Alliman, Jeff Topping, Scott Kinderknecht, Malik Jaradat, Paul Kempf, Todd Sacquitne Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Tre King, RB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Armond McCray, RB, 5-11, 155, Sr.; Trenton Autry, RB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Kyle Oneth, OL, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Chris Ivy, OL, 6-5, 280, Sr.; Tyler Depperschmidt, OL, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Tyas Turner, DB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Garrison Freeman, LB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Carlos Taylor, DT, 5-11, 235, Sr.; Trayon Hayes, DE, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Deonte Spires, DE, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Creighton Sanders, DB, 6-0, 180, Jr. Pregame Staff

10-2 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 5A Greater Wichita Athletic League Coach: Dan Adelhardt (9th year, 57-36; 16th overall, 106-59) Assistants: David Roberts, Chris Bloomer, Shane Pope, Ryan Burr, Ross Puritty, Trent Hungate, Luke Westerman, Ben Burrus, Chris Thompson Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-5 Returning Lettermen: 22 Returning Starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Mickey Boulanger, OL, 6-3, 240, So.; Ben Powers, OL, 6-4, 265, Sr.; Brock Monty, QB, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Alexander Norris, RB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Colton Ocker, DL, 6-3, 275, Sr.; Michael Lickteig, DL, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Matt Roberts, LB, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Luke Singer, DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Colter Hullings, RS, 5-10, 170, Jr. Conor Nicho

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 39

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

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Class 4A-I Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

By Kansas Pregame staff In 2014 the landscape of Kansas high school football will change dramatically as class 4A will go from 64 teams in one classification to two 32 team divisions.

The proposal was approved by class 4A member schools in late spring of 2013 by a vote of 42-22. The proposal needed at least 33 votes to pass.

Division I will play their state championship game at Hummer Sports Complex in Topeka, while Division II will play at Salina District Stadium. For the first time ever, Kansas will have eight different football state champions.

After playing in class 5A the last four seasons, Bishop Miege is the favorite to make a run at the 4A, Division I title.

The Stags return 12 starters from a team that went 9-2 in the ultra-tough Eastern Kansas League and lost to Blue Valley

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Page 41

West in the second round of the playoffs.

Their only other loss came, 56-51, to Gardner-Edgerton. In 2012 the Stags finished as 5A runner-up to Bishop Carroll after starting the season 2-4. The Stags won the class 4A title in 2009.

The Stag offense is led by quarterback Ryan Willis, a 6-4, 205 pound senior who has verbally committed to play at KU in 2015. The majority of the offensive line is back to protect him, and five returning starters are back to lead the defense.

Bishop Miege has missed the playoffs only once in the last eight seasons.

Thanks to a drop to 4A, Division I after years in 5A, Hays High and new coach Bo Black emerge as one of the title contenders. Senior quarterback Alex Delton is considered one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the country and has verbally committed to play at K-State next year, but in 2014, he hopes to lead the Indians

In addition to the Lookin’ Sharp, Throwback, Iron Will and Spotlight feature players, these are a few players to keep an eye on in Class 4A-I this fall. (Kpreps.com and Kansas-Sports.com contributors)

Pete Smardo............................................................DL, 6-1, 220, Sr., Bishop Miege Ryan Willis...............................................................QB, 6-4, 200, Sr., Bishop Miege Chase Shantz...........................................................TE/DE, 6-2, 200, Sr., Buhler Derek Sharp.............................................................WR/DB, 6-2, 170, Sr., Chanute Alex Son...................................................................RB/LB, 5-10, 175, Sr., Chanute Jamal Logan............................................................LB, 6-1, 220, Sr., Coffeyville LaDarrius Johnson..................................................RB, 5-9, 173, Sr., Coffeyville Destin Downing......................................................RB/DB, 5-9, 177, Sr., Coffeyville Brandon Hardwick.................................................OL/DT, 6-3, 235, Sr., Hays Ethan Deterding.....................................................OL/LB, 6-1, 190, Sr., Hays Kyler Kinnamon......................................................QB, 6-1, 180, Sr., McPherson Ty Hart......................................................................TB/LB, 6-3, 215, Sr., McPherson Riley Rahe................................................................NG, 5-8, 200, Sr., Mulvane Derek Weaver..........................................................OL/DE, 6-1, 200, Sr., Paola Brett Bonar..............................................................QB/LB, 6-1, 180, Jr., Rose Hill Austin Grate............................................................LB, 6-2, 180, Sr., Spring Hill Derrick McGreevey..................................................LB, 6-2, 195, Sr., Topeka Hayden Marcus Meier...........................................................TE, 6-3, 240, Sr., Topeka Hayden Samson Sawyer......................................................OL/DE, 6-4, 220, Sr., Winfield Isaiah Amezcua.......................................................RB/LB, 5-5, 190, Sr., Winfield

Player Spotlight: Jace Williams Buhler’s 6-4, 196 pound junior quarterback could emerge as one of the state’s top dual-threat signal callers this fall after spending most of last season handing the ball to Riley Allen on the way to a 4A title win over Coffeyville, a game in which Williams hit tight end Chase Shantz for a key 57 yard touchdown pass.

As good as he is as a quarterback, he may be a better defensive back, posting several key interceptions last season.

Williams, also a standout basketball player, is a tremendous athlete and has posted a 35 inch vertical and a 4.7 40 yard dash. He averaged 9.6 points per game last year and earned All-Reno County second team honors from the Hutchinson News.

Williams is equally adept at baseball, earning second team All-AVCTL III honors for his play as a Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz shortsop this spring.

Kansas Pregame

overview

on a deep playoff run and PREGAME PRESEASON RANKINGS Black’s offense, which thrives with strong-armed 1. Bishop Miege quarterbacks, could help 2. Topeka Hayden take the Indians to the 3. Buhler next level.

4. Hays Last year’s 4A champion 5. KC Piper Buhler will miss the loss of star running back Riley Others: Baldwin, Chanute, Coffeyville, Fort Scott, McPherson, Ulysses, Winfield Allen, but welcomes the return of junior quarterback Jace Williams, KC Piper and Kansas Pregame coverboy senior tight end Chase Shantz, and junior Colton Beebe hope to make another deep lineman Jaden Abernathy, which give the playoff run, this time ending in the state title Crusaders a good core or returners that game. The Pirates welcome back 15 playwill try to lead Steve Warner’s team on yet ers with starting experience from a team another deep playoff run. that went 7-5 last year, but they will need Buhler plays in one of the toughest disto replace talented quarterback Tanner tricts in 4A, Division I, which also features Eikenbary, a Pitt. State commit.

McPherson, Hays, and Abilene. McPherson While 2013 4A runner-up Coffeyville is and Abilene were playoff qualifiers in 2013 without all-staters James Newton and and Hays is coming off a six win season.

Elijah Jones, lost to graduation, the Golden Speaking of McPherson, they return of Tornado does return seven players with one of the top quarterbacks in Kansas in starting experience including their top two senior Kyler Kinnamon. The Bullpup signal rushers and potential division I linebacker caller takes care of business with his arm Jamal Logan. and his legs and he’ll try to help long-time Of course no discussion of the state coach Tom Young make yet another playoff playoffs is complete without mention of run in a career that has spanned 40 years Topeka Hadyen. Annually one of the best at multiple schools. teams in the tough Centennial League, Ulysses and junior standout running back where they regularly compete with 5 and Ian Rudzik should also be a factor in 4A-I 6A schools, the Wildcats are always ready after posting an 8-2 record last season that come district time. With 11 returning players saw a first round playoff loss to eventual with starting experience including 6-2, 195 champion Buhler by just one touchdown, pound linebacker Derrick McGreevy, the 14-7. Six other starters are back to help the Wildcats should be a factor in the first ever Tigers make a deeper run in 2014.

4A, Division I playoff race.

Player Spotlight: Ian Rudzik Ian Rudzik is one of Kansas’ top players and a NCAA Division I prospect after he rushed 165 times for 1,187 yards and 13 scores as a freshman and 206 times for 1,987 yards and 26 TDs last year as a sophomore. Rudzik has received some interest from Arkansas State, Kansas State and Nebraska, according to 247sports. com, and has medium interest from Colorado, Colorado State, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State, according to Rivals.com.

At 6-3, 225 pounds, Rudzik appears more suited to defensive end, but don’t be fooled, the junior running back is quick, and has ran a 4.6 40 yard dash.

Rudzik is that rare combination of power and speed and has posted an 11.25 100 meter dash while also throwing the shot put over 50 feet.

Photo by Kansas-Sports.com

Player Spotlight: Alex Delton Hays High quarterback Alex Delton burst on to the scene during last summer’s offseason camp series and quickly emerged as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. The 6-1, 185 pound senior, who Rivals.com ranks as the 16th best dual-threat quarterback prospect in America, and the fourth best recruit in Kansas, will enter his third year as the Indians starting quarterback, and has already verbally committed to play for K-State next year.

Delton has a strong and accurate arm and is fast, running a 4.55 40. He can also reportedly bench 275 and squat 415.

The good news for Delton? He may be able to showcase his arm a bit more in new coach Bo Black’s pass friendly spread offense.

Photo by Kansas-Sports.com

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 42

Lookin’ Sharp Colton Beebe

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By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN For Kansas Pregame

Chris Brindle gets excited when talking about the future of Piper High School football.

There are four players with the last name of Beebe coming up through the Pirates system the next nine years.

But Brindle isn’t letting himself think past 2014, when Colton Beebe — the oldest of four sons of former college athletes Tom and Tamara Beebe — and 14 of his classmates hope to lead the Pirates to uncharted territory.

Colton Beebe is a 6-foot-2, 252-pound physical specimen who plays fullback on offense and lines up at middle linebacker on defense.

“For our level, he’s a great inside linebacker,” Brindle said. “He can really stuff the middle.”

Beebe also is the team’s punter, where he averages about 38 yards per boot.

He already has started 35 football games during his high school career.

“I try not to start a freshman,” Brindle said. “But he scored a touchdown in his first game and made a couple good plays on defense. We started him the next game, and he’s been starting ever since.”

Beebe has nearly 1,200 career rushing yards and 528 receiving yards to go along with with 362 tackles, including 159 his junior year, and three interceptions, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Those statistics, along with a lot of other intangibles, has Brindle looking forward to watching Beebe play on Saturdays the next few years, and maybe even on Sundays down the road.

“He’s a great young man, a great player, a great program guy,” Brindle said. “He never misses a weight workout. He’s going to have a lot of options.”

He already has.

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Several Division I schools have shown interest in Beebe, and he already has received offers from two of them — the Air Force Academy and the University of Minnesota. Other programs Beebe also is interested in, and vice versa, are the University of Iowa, Stanford and Kansas State, and he also has attended camps at the University of Arkansas and the Rivals.com recruiting camp in Chicago.

“And he hasn’t even gotten to play his senior year,” Brindle said of the attention given to his star athlete. “Your senior year should be your best year.”

That’s what Beebe, Brindle and Pirate fans are hoping for. Piper has advanced to the Class 4A state playoffs every year of Beebe’s career there, making it all the way to the semifinals his sophomore season.

And that large senior class has high expectations this year.

“Being our senior year, we want to get farther than we’ve ever been,” said Beebe, whose Pirates will be playing in Class 4A, Division I for the first time after 4A was split into two divisions in the offseason.

College programs are projecting Beebe to play either fullback or tight end on offense or defensive end, where Brindle says “his best assets are hitting people.”

The oldest Beebe sibling is a multi-sport athlete, also starting for both the Pirate basketball and baseball teams since his freshman year as well as participating in throwing events in track in the spring.

Brindle said Beebe is one of those talented athletes who not only participates, but also excels, in all his sports.

“He’s got great hands, has a 4.1 GPA, so he’s smart, watches film on his own; he’s just one of those rare talents,” said the veteran coach, who has been watching high school athletes develop for nearly 30 years.

“I’ll tell you what,” Brindle added. “I’d hate to have to play against him. I’m glad he’s on our team.”

Brindle could be saying that throughout 2022-23, when the youngest Beebe will be a senior at Piper. Middle bothers Collin and Cooper will be a junior and eighth-grader, respectively, this fall. By the time Camden, now a fourth-grader, is in high school, the Beebes might be watching their oldest brother play in the Photo by Julie Kuhlmann NFL. JulieKuhlmannPhotography.com “He’s already as big as some NFL players,” Brindle said, mentioning former Kansas City Chiefs player Christian Okoye, who played running back at 6-1, 260 pounds from 1987-92. “Colton is 6-2, 252…imagine when he gets to college.”

Right now, Beebe is hoping to enjoy his senior year of high school and enjoy all four sports while figuring out where he wants to continue his education and his athletic career. He plans to major in engineering in college.

First up for Beebe is the 2014 football season, where he and his classmates already have a goal set.

“This year,” he said, “we want to get to the state championship game.”

Brindle thinks this year’s team will bring a lot of excitement to Piper, one of four school districts in Wyandotte County in Kansas City, Kan. “There are so many entertainment options here; we have a lot to compete against,” he said. “But we’re kind of on a roll, have won six playoff games the past three years. We’re excited.”

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ABILENE COWBOYS

ALTAMONT-LABETTE CO. GRIZZLIES

ANDOVER CENTRAL INDIANS

ATCHISON REDMEN

In one of the biggest stories of late spring, longtime Abilene football coach Jeff Geist, and his wife, veteran Cowgirls’ basketball coach, Janelle Geist, resigned in late May. Geist coached for 17 years at Abilene and the last 10 as head coach. He went 57-36 at Abilene and made the playoffs every year except 2006.

The last two years, Abilene was district runner-up after winning league and district titles in 9-2, 10-1 and 10-1 seasons from 2009-11.

Last year the Cowboys went 4-1 in the NCKL and finished a game behind Wamego for the NCKL title.

Steve Simpson, the coach at Sublette, took over the program in early June.

Junior quarterback Harley Hazlett was allleague after helped Abilene score 30.6 points per contest. Defensively, Abilene allowed 32.6 points per contest and had 542 penalty yards, according to NCKL statistician Kevin Johnson.

Hazlett completed 90 of 174 passes for 1,524 yards with a 15/5 TD/INT ratio and also rushed 93 times for 473 yards and two scores.

Senior running back Tanner Hoekman was honorable mention all-league after he finished second in the NCKL with 143 carries for 913 yards and 14 rushing scores (21 total). Junior offensive lineman Andy Tope was also honorable mention.

Abilene will play in perhaps the toughest Class 4A, Division I district in District 8, joining Buhler, Hays High and McPherson.

The first goal of the Labette County Grizzlies is to be competitive in more games after finishing 3-6 last year. Labette County’s six losses came by an average of 42 points.

“We want to be competitive in each game,” Labette County coach Jesse Ybarra said. “The wins and losses will take care of themselves.”

Labette County earned a pair of one-point wins against Prairie View and Parsons, while earning a 28-12 district victory against Baxter Springs last season.

The Grizzlies return six starters on offense and seven on defense.

Drew Dwyer returns to the Labette County offense after playing wide receiver and quarterback last season. Parker Grant is back at running back.

Braden Anderson is back at wide receiver, and 6-foot-6 and 225-pound Zack Stewart returns at tight end after earning all-Southeast Kansas League honorable mention last year.

Wyatt Hammack returns as a starting offensive lineman, and Josh Gray is back as a starter on both sides of the line. Josh Wilson also returns on the defensive line.

Alex Smith, Michael Parker, Dominic Johnson and Eli Tallman give the Grizzlies an experienced group of linebackers. Colby Manley returns to the secondary.

Grant also was a first-team all-league punter last year.

One of Kansas’ most familiar names in the postseason jungle will work to start a new streak in 2014. After 11 consecutive playoff bids, the Andover Central Jaguars were tagged out this past season.

The 2013 campaign began strong, as Andover Central won two of its first three battles. But the Jaguars dropped five of their last six, including two in districts, on their way to a 3-6 season.

Andover Central has hovered around the middle for five straight years, settling anywhere between three and seven wins. And while four of those seasons ended with a playoff trip, none included a playoff victory.

Regardless if one takes a glass-half-empty or glass-half-full approach, both sides of the ball get equal credit – or blame – for the 2013 season. In nine games, the Jaguars’ offense scored 213 points, while the defense allowed 215. Offense will be a worry heading into this year, however. Andover Central lost many of its skill position players to graduation, including Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division II MVP quarterback Blake Meier.

Andover Central drops from 5A to 4A-Division I this fall. The new district assignment presents an enticing opportunity for the Jaguars to restart their playoff streak. Games with Circle (0-9 in 2013) and El Dorado (1-8) could give the Jaguars the victories needed to advance.

Perennial playoff qualifier Topeka Hayden (7-5) presents a firm assessment as it comes off a state quarterfinal showing.

The Jaguars’ schedule may provide time to break in new starters. Matches with Valley Center (0-8) and Goddard (2-7) sandwich a rivalry game with Andover in the first three weeks of the season. Hayden begins district play for the Jaguars on Oct. 17.

The Redmen must reload with just three returning starters, but veteran coach Jim Smith still expects his team to contend for the league and district championships.

Atchison went 4-5 in 2013, including a 1-2 mark in district contests. In the district losses to Piper and Bishop Ward, the Redmen were outscored by just 13 total points. They ended the season with a 20-18 win over Sumner and will look to build on that victory in 2014.

Senior tight end/defensive end Chase Grippen, senior offensive lineman Kevan Birkensha and junior slot/defensive back Wykeen Gill are the only starters returning for Smith’s squad, though 13 more lettermen are back on the roster.

Gill caught three touchdown passes, plus made seven tackles for loss and was third on the team with 57 total tackles last year while Grippen finished with 12 tackles for loss.

Atchison’s 2014 season kicks off at Pleasant Ridge and the Redmen will travel to Sumner in week two before hosting Washington for their home opener. A road trip to Harmon, home game against Schlagle and a trip to Wyandotte will comprise the final three tuneups for district competition.

In district action, Atchison travels to Tonganoxie then hosts Basehor-Linwood and Piper to complete the regular season.

3-6 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-I Southeast Kansas League 6-5 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Coach: Jesse Ybarra (9th year, 45-30) North Central Kansas League Assistants: Richard Pierce, Ed Raschen, Scott Carson, Coach: Steve Simpson Mike Hayward, Matt Shields, Mike Mills, Shelby Phillips Assistants: Brad Hartman, Nathan Howard, Adam Offense: Pro Set Defense: 4-4 Gantenbein, Erik Graefe, Corey Casteel Returning lettermen: 14 Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Returning lettermen: N/A Braden Anderson, WR, 6-0, 170; Drew Dwyer, WR/QB, Returning starters: N/A Conor Nicholl 6-0, 155; Colby Manley, DB, 5-11, 150; Michael Parker, LB, 5-6, 140; Parker Grant, RB, 5-10, 180; Dominic Johnson, LB, 5-9, 175; Eli Tallman, LB, 5-9, 200; Wyatt Hammack, OL, 6-1, 245; Josh Gray, OL/DL, 6-0, 225; Zack Stewart, TE, 6-6, 225

3-6 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-I Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division II Coach: Tom Audley Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Mark Schremmer Returning starters: N/A Pregame Staff

AUGUSTA ORIOLES Development has come in baby steps, not leaps, for Augusta. The Orioles’ new coach may have a few ideas to get Augusta jumping.

Jason Filbeck comes to Augusta from Shawnee Mission East. As an assistant coach for the Lancers in 2013, he helped lead East to the 6A title game where they were runner-up to Derby.

Filbeck faces a rough challenge as he tries to revive a downtrodden program. Augusta has registered just six total wins in the past five seasons. However, the Orioles’ heartbeat has strengthened. After a winless 2011 campaign, Augusta went 1-8 in 2012. This past season, the Orioles picked up road wins at Circle and Trinity Academy to improve to 2-7.

Filbeck is not preaching a patient approach toward improvement. He believes championships should and will come sooner rather than later.

He will have three returning offensive linemen and a handful of skill players as he implements a spread bone offense. On defense, Chaydon Carter and Connor Hurst will let Filbeck feel secure in gambling with blitz packages. Both defensive backs earned second-team league recognition in 2013.

The schedule is a doozy. There are five

defending district champions on the menu.

That does not include a Buhler team that was runner-up in its district, and then went on to capture the 4A state title. Nor did it include district runner-up and state qualifier Rose Hill.

Even Augusta’s season opener – a visit to Wellington – is a contest against a team that posted a winning record.

And of those five defending district champs, three are now in Augusta’s district thanks to reclassification – Coffeyville, Winfield and Independence.

4-5 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-I Kansas City-Atchison League Coach: Jim Smith (16th year, 79-74) Assistants: Charley Harris, Matt Hall, Bill Norris, Sam Funk Offense: Spread Gun Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 16 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 2 Defense Wykeen Gill, ST/DB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Chase Grippen, TE/ DE, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Kevan Birkensha, OL, 6-1, 210, Sr. Melanie McGee

BALDWIN BULLDOGS

The Baldwin Bulldogs will be without two major pieces from last year’s squad that finished 11-1 and advanced to the Class 4A quarterfinals before narrowly falling 35-27 to eventual state runner-up Coffeyville.

Kpreps.com All-State quarterback Chad Berg and All-State all-purpose player Cornell Brown were both lost to graduation.

However, the Bulldogs still return five starters on offense and seven on defense.

And it doesn’t hurt that one of those returners is one of the top college football prospects in the state of Kansas.

2-7 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-I The 6-foot-7, 285-pound Christian Gaylord Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division IV returns to the offensive and defensive lines after Coach: Jason Filbeck (1st year) earning Kpreps All-State honors as a junior.

Assistants: Sean Hayden, Brad Gober, Steve Pazzie, Gaylord is listed as the No. 2 recruit in Kansas JD Hand, Brian Prentice

by Rivals.com and has already verbally comOffense: Spread Bone Defense: 4-3/3-4 mitted to play football for the Nebraska CornReturning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 8 Offense, 10 Defense huskers. Other offers were from such schools as Chaydon Carter, WR/DB; Connor Hurst, WR/DB; Chase Texas, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Ohio State, Hull, RB/LB; Trae Goken, RB/LB; Dillon Thompson, OL/ Kansas and Kansas State.

LB; Austin Willis, OL; Ian O’Laughlin, OL; Cole Howerton, Gaylord will be joined by seniors Tyler WR; Logan Weakley, DB; Kaleb Fewin, DB; Raef Hilt, LB; Blake Watkins, DL; Caleb Faulconer, LB; Mason Hiser, K Davidson and Wyatt Parmley and junior Tanner Schneider as returning starters on the offensive Pregame Staff line. Senior Tiler Garcia will be back at nose

guard.

Junior tailback Jake Katzer and junior fullback Joel Katzer will be Baldwin’s only returning starters at the skill positions.

The Bulldogs will try to make it five consecutive winning seasons under head coach Mike Berg. “Our goals are to win league, win districts and win 4A state,” Berg said. “Our keys to success will be to dominate the line of scrimmage and to play great defense.”

Baldwin had one of the best defenses in 4A last season, allowing 18 points or fewer in every game except for the loss to Coffeyville.

11-1 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I Frontier League Coach: Mike Berg (17th year, 106-62) Assistants: Paul Musselman, Jay King, Brian Turk, Bob Martin, Marc Bergan, Austin Inzer Offense: Pro I Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 24 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 7 Defense Christian Gaylord, OT, 6-7, 285, Sr.; Tyler Davidson, G, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Tanner Schneider, C, 6-0, 210, Jr.; Joel Katzer, FB, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Jake Katzer, TB, 5-11, 210, Jr.; Tiler Garcia, NG, 6-2, 240, Sr.; Wyatt Parmley, T, 6-0, 250, Sr. Mark Schremmer

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BASEHOR-LINWOOD BOBCATS

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There is now a two-year gap in playoff berths for Basehor-Linwood. The Bobcats will call on Rod Stallbaumer to put a halt to that streak.

Stallbaumer takes the place of Steve Hopkins, and totes along an impressive pedigree. He spent the previous seven seasons at Lyndon.

There, he took his team to the playoffs six times and averaged seven wins a season.

Stallbaumer will count on Jahron McPherson to become the focal point of Basehor-Linwood’s offense. The do-everything junior, listed as a running back, can pick up yardage with his hands (212 receiving yards) or his legs (381 rushing yards). He churned out five touchdowns as a sophomore. Tight end Boston Henry adds a secondary threat, coming off a 17-reception season. Henry will also help pave the road on an offensive line that returns three starters.

Six starters return to the Bobcat defense.

Henry will be joined at linebacker by playmaking senior Tyler Kendrick, who recorded 43 tackles, three sacks and three tackles for loss as a junior. On the defensive line, Jared Hiss, Dean Cochran and Zach Carter form a firm first row after registering a combined 90 tackles.

“Staying healthy, especially on the offensive and defensive line, will be paramount,” Stallbaumer said.

Shuffling puts two defending district champs in the Bobcats’ way – KC Piper and Tonganoxie. The Bobcats lost to both in 2013, but did so with tight outcomes. Basehor-Linwood gets both opponents at home this year. The district rounds out with newcomer Atchison. BasehorLinwood was 3-6 a season ago.

As the page turns on Buhler’s first football state title, coach Steve Warner now has to figure out how the Crusaders can defend it. Step one: limit the effects of losing one of the most prolific backs in school history.

In his junior and senior seasons, Riley Allen galloped for more than 4,000 yards and 58 touchdowns. The speedy running back sizzled for 1,932 rushing yards as a senior despite missing portions of the season with a nagging injury.

A committee approach to the run game is possible, and Buhler will have time to sort it out with stars returning on offense. Junior quarterback Jace Williams has seen his stock rise on the recruiting trail thanks to ideal size and production to back it up. Tight end Chase Shantz was a first-team all-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III pick. He will help hold the line with quality hogmollies Jaden Abernathy and Davey Dukart.

Graduation gashed a defense that held 10 opponents under 20 points. Williams, first-team all-AVCTL at defensive back, will help Dillon Engelland blanket the opponent’s passing game.

Shantz will put pressure on opposing QBs from his spot on the line.

As the Crusaders take their first shot at the KSHSAA’s new 4A-Division I, they will find a district filled with potential pitfalls. McPherson and Abilene were playoff qualifiers in 2013, and Hays is coming off a six-win season. A beefy regular season schedule will put the Crusaders up against six returning postseason squads.

Buhler has won at least seven games in all seven of Warner’s seasons at Buhler. In four of the past five, the Crusaders have won 11 or more.

Jason Feeback returns to lead the Chanute Blue Comets after enjoying an 8-3 season and a trip to the 4A playoffs in his first year as coach.

Chanute’s only losses were to Class 5A Southeast Kansas League champion Pittsburg, as well as two losses to 4A state runner-up Coffeyville.

The Blue Comets return seven starters on offense and six on defense from a team that fell to Coffeyville in a second round playoff game.

Chanute returns first-team all-SEK linebacker Alex Son and first-team all-SEK defensive back Derek Sharp.

Son received all-state honorable mention.

Sharp earned second-team honors at wide receiver and all-state honorable mention. He had four INTs and 550 receiving yards in 2013.

Defensive lineman Jodie Murphy was a second-team all-league selection last year. Ethin VanAnne received all-league honorable mention as a return man last season.

Junior Kenton Richards and senior Colton Erikson could both be used at quarterback or wide receiver in Chanute’s spread offense.

Son, VanAnne and Dakota Gough will be the running backs. Seniors Gus Walker and Loren Dillman and junior Dylan Funk return to the offensive line. Senior Cutter Bone returns at tight end.

“We want to give our absolute best effort in every game,” Feeback said. “We are scheduled for only nine games right now, and we want to give everything we have for all nine of those games.”

Coffeyville graduated an abundance of talent from a team that finished 12-2 and finished as the Class 4A runner-up last season.

The losses include first-team all-staters James Newton and Elijah Jones. Last year’s seniors helped Coffevyille finish 20-5 over the past two seasons.

However, the Golden Tornado does return a solid nucleus with four starters on offense and five on defense.

“The Key to our success will be to develop leadership among our senior class and filling in the vacant spots with some talented underclassmen,” Coffeyville coach Murray Zogg said.

“The chemistry will be crucial for our team as we build upon the success we had over the last two years.”

Among Coffeyville’s returning starters are second-team all-Southeast Kansas League running backs LaDarrius Johnson and Destin Downing. Johnson rushed for 1,607 yards and 26 touchdowns on 189 carries. Downing rushed for 1,013 yards and 21 touchdowns on 105 carries.

Other returning all-SEK players include defensive linemen Demarco Shoat and Charles Mayfield and linebackers Jamal Logan and Nick Wintjen.

Shoat and Mayfield had 57 and 47 tackles, respectively. Wintjen had 98 tackles, while Logan had 81 and five sacks.

“Our team goals are to win the SEK and our district for the fifth year in a row,” Zogg said.

“We also have set our goals on returning to the state championship game and finishing the season with a win this time.”

3-6 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-I Kaw Valley League Coach: Rod Stallbaumer (1st year; 66-28 overall) Assistants: Brian Lohafer, Ross Schwisow, DeAngelo Brooks, Jon Booth, Travis Inlow, Tim Johnson Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense Zach Carter, RB/DL, 6-0, 224, Sr.; Jared Hiss, OL/ DL, 6-3, 243, Sr.; Nathan Kenton, OL/DL, 6-5, 253, Sr.; Boston Henry, TE/LB, 6-3, 203, Sr.; Chase Unruh, WR/ CB, 5-11, 152, Sr.; Caleb White, OL, 6-3, 223, Sr.; Tyler Kendrick, LB, 5-11, 172, Sr.; Dean Cochran, DE, 6-1, 189, Sr.; Jahron McPherson, RB/CB, 6-0, 171, Jr. Pregame Staff

13-1 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III Coach: Steve Warner (8th year, 79-20; 21st overall, 200-80) Assistants: N/A Offense: I-Formation Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 5 Offense, 3 Defense Davey Dukart, OL, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Chase Shantz, TE/ DE, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Connor Ridder, WR, 5-11, 165; Dillon Engelland, DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Jace Williams, QB/DB, 6-4, 205, Jr.; Jaden Abernathy, OL, 6-2, 265, Jr. Pregame Staff

DE SOTO WILDCATS Opponents outscored DeSoto 232-67, but the Wildcats were close to having a better record than 0-9. The Wildcats lost 27-7 to Holton in the season opener, then fell to Ottawa (13-10), Eudora (7-0) and Louisburg (14-0). After a 49-7 loss to Baldwin and a 49-13 defeat to Paola, DeSoto fell 16-15 at Bonner Springs, 17-3 to Spring Hill and 40-12 to St. James Academy.

DeSoto ranked No. 35 out of 64 teams in Class 4A in scoring defense, but ranked No. 63 out of 64 teams in scoring offense. DeSoto will play in Class 4A-I, District 3, this fall, with Baldwin, Eudora and Ottawa.

The Wildcats have had a declining win total in each of the last four years from 7-5 to 6-4 to 4-6 to 0-9.

DeSoto made the playoffs every year from 2008-12, but made it out of the first round just in 2010 when it reached the quarterfinals.

The Wildcats finished as state runner-up in 1977 and reached the sub-state championship game in 1989.

8-3 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I Southeast Kansas League Coach: Jason Feeback (2nd year, 8-3; 4th overall, 19-8) Assistants: Travis Burk, Kent Frazell, Clete Frazell, Doug Jackett, Mike Martin, Zack Murry Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense Derek Sharp, WR/DB, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Alex Son, RB/LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Ethin VanAnne, RB/LB, 5-8, 185, Sr.; Jodie Murphy, DL, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Dakota Gough, RB/ LB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Gus Walker, OL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Loren Dillman, OL, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Kenton Richards, QB/WR/ DB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Dylan Funk, OL, 5-11, 240, Jr.; Colton Erikson, QB/WR/DB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Cutter Boone, TE/DL, 5-11, 180, Sr. Mark Schremmer

12-2 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I Southeast Kansas League Coach: Murray Zogg (5th year, 30-15; 9th overall, 44-37) Assistants: Mark Andrews, Ford Hall, Jaryd McCullough, Mike O’Connor, Nate Teichgraeber, Austin Ryder Offense: Multiple-I Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Chuck Mayfield, OL/DL, 6-3, 310, Sr.; Grant Newton, OL, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Demarco Shoat, DL, 6-1, 250, Sr.; Jamal Logan, LB, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Nick Wintjen, LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Destin Downing, RB/DB, 5-9, 177, Sr.; LaDarrius Johnson, RB, 5-9, 173, Sr. Mark Schremmer

EL DORADO WILDCATS

0-9 in 2013 / 0-3 in district/ 4A-I Frontier League Coach: Brian King (2nd year, 0-9) Assistants: Joel Thaemert, Mark Gastelum, Ben O’Dell, Bob Gadwood, Lynn Hoffman, Dan Gillenwater Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-4 Returning Lettermen: 13 Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Chandler Carter, OL/DL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Brian Galindo, OL, 6-1, 250, Sr.; Devon Freeman, LB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Kendall Freeman, WR/DB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Hunter Miller, DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Josh Miller, RB/DL, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Jason Johnson, RB/FB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Justin Johnson, QB/LB, 5-11, 155, Sr.; Cameron Christopher, OL, 5-11, 250, Jr.; Sam Regneier, CB, 6-0, 150, Jr.

El Dorado’s 1-8 record a season ago is a black eye. It is a wound many teams would have worn with the Wildcats’ schedule.

Consider this – of the eight losses put on the Wildcats, seven came from teams that reached the 4A playoffs, and the eighth team was a 5-4 Clearwater squad. Combined, those eight teams put up a 57-29 record in 2013. There was no margin for error for El Dorado. Its lone victory came against a winless Circle team.

Even with a murderer’s row of opponents, there were times when El Dorado held its own.

Against Rose Hill, the Wildcats lost 29-22. El Dorado also kept pace with Hesston, falling Conor Nicholl 48-40. And in that triumph over Circle, the Wildcats took it to them with a 39-7 wallop.

The district itinerary swaps out two teams, Hesston and Maize South, and perhaps becomes more manageable for an El Dorado team on a five-year playoff drought.

Topeka Hayden, coming off a 7-5 season, comes in as the only team in the district that reached the playoffs in 2013 and will be the

clear favorite. But Andover Central (3-6) slots in, while Circle stays put.

El Dorado will get Circle in week seven. A win there, followed by home dates with Hayden and Andover Central, and, well … a scenario presents itself where the Wildcats could be on the brink of extending their season.

The first step for the Wildcats will be confidence. Over the past five seasons, El Dorado is 3-42.

1-8 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-I Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III Coach: Jared Anderson (2nd year, 1-8) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Pregame Staff

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

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After two straight appearances in the Class 4A state title game, hopes were high for the Cardinals to make it three in a row in 2013, despite the loss of several key standouts on the field and ultra-successful coach Gregg Webb on the sideline.

Former Aquinas coach Kevin Kopecky stepped in to replace Webb and with quarterback Andrew Ballock returning, the Cardinals felt the pieces were still in place to make another run. Instead, an injury to Ballock – who still amassed more than 900 total yards – derailed that bid as Eudora couldn’t ride the momentum and lost four of its last six games after a 3-0 start.

Ballock has graduated and younger brother Mitchell, a freshman receiver last year, likely won’t return to the gridiron as one of the state’s top basketball prospects.

Kopecky is also gone and Jesse Owen, an Olathe North and Pittsburg State grad, and a long-time Olathe North assistant, takes over the program.

The Cardinals were still stout defensively last year, allowing just 18.4 points per game, but the offense struggled and four of the five wins were by seven points or less, including two by a single point.

The Frontier League is no place to try and win during a rebuilding season and even with 4A now split, the Cardinals face a challenge with Baldwin, DeSoto and Ottawa standing in the way.

One huge key for the Fort Scott Tigers to have a successful season in 2014 is to stay healthy.

Numerous injuries contributed to a somewhat disappointing 5-5 record last season.

“2013 was a season of adversity for our program,” Fort Scott coach Bob Campbell said.

“We had very high expectations at the start of the season, but several injuries to key players were difficult to overcome. We had numerous injuries in the second week of the season to several of our key players who we lost for some or all of the 2013 season.”

Fort Scott lost in weeks two, three and four but rebounded to make the playoffs.

This fall, Fort Scott returns seven starters on offense and six on defense.

Senior quarterback Mason Knopp returns after completing 57 of 114 passes for 851 yards and seven touchdowns with five interceptions.

Senior Brendyn Quinney ran for 375 yards and six touchdowns on 62 carries. Carter Young rushed for 407 yards and two touchdowns.

Chase Brown rushed for 184 yards and three touchdowns.

Alex Fink returns at receiver after catching 20 passes for 348 yards and two touchdowns.

Seniors Jacob Cross and Lane Embry lead the offensive and defensive lines.

Brown and Young return at linebackers. Fink and Quinney return to the defensive backfield after earning all-Southeast Kansas League honors in 2013.

Fort Scott will be competing in a Class 4A Division I district with Labette County, Chanute and Paola.

Ryan Cornelsen built Hays High from an average 5A squad into one the classification’s top programs with records of 7-2, 7-2, 8-2, 7-3 and 6-3 in his five seasons, plus four Class 5A boys’ track titles and a third-place showing this spring. Cornelsen is gone to take over for Randy Dreiling at Hutchinson and Bo Black, who coached the last 13 seasons at Great Bend, takes over. The Indians move down to Class 4A, Division I, its first time below 5A in decades.

Black has set goals to win the WAC and win the state championship.

Hays High won three football league titles under Cornelsen. HHS has never won a state football title and is 2-7 all-time in the playoffs.

Quarterback Alex Delton enters his third year as a starter and has already committed to Kansas State University. Running back Preston Wiegel graduated after he earned Hays Daily News Offensive Player of the Year honors and was an Oklahoma State wrestling signee. Senior lineman Brandon Hardwick is a two-time all-league selection.

Black said creating depth, staying healthy and developing a family atmosphere are keys to success. HHS has long played rival Great Bend in Week 7 as the last conference/first district contest, but will play the Panthers in Week 2 this season. Hays High will travel heavily in the first month with a Week 1 trip at Olathe Northwest, at Great Bend, then home versus Liberal and then at Garden City. HHS is in possibly the toughest 4A, Division I district with at Buhler, home against Abilene and at McPherson.

In 2013, the Independence Bulldogs started playing well at the right time of year.

After starting the season with a 1-5 record, the Bulldogs won all three of their district games and then earned a 33-14 victory over the Columbus Titans in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs. The Bulldogs advanced to the second round of the playoffs after finishing just 1-8 in 2012.

Carl Boldra’s Bulldogs return five starters on offense and six on defense.

Junior quarterback and defensive back Kyle Rinck is back after earning all-Southeast Kansas League honorable mention recognition as a sophomore.

Seniors Marquise Johnson and Jordan Mead are back at running backs. Junior Dalson Hamlin will be a receiving target for Rinck.

Evan Speicher, a senior 6-foot-4, 265-pounder earned second-team offensive lineman and honorable mention defensive lineman last year.

Senior Shane Burchett also is back on the offensive and defensive lines. Sophomore Peyton Pearson is a returning starter on the defensive line. Mead and juniors Max Jones and Noah Stroble are back at linebacker. Johnson and Hamlin will join Rinck in the defensive backfield.

“We want to get better each day, have fun and make the game enjoyable,” Boldra said.

Independence’s Class 4A Division I district opponents include Class 4A runner-up Coffeyville, Winfield and Augusta.

Six of the Bulldogs’ 2014 opponents either had a winning record or advanced to the playoffs.

5-4 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-I Frontier League Coach: Jesse Owen (1st year) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

5-5 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Southeast Kansas League Coach: Bob Campbell (19th year, 154-48) Assistants: Bo Graham, Larry Lawrence, Josh Regan, Alvin Metcalf, David Brown, Dustin Wiley Offense: Splitback Veer Defense: 4-3 Brent Maycock Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense Mason Knopp, QB, 6-1, 165, Sr.; Alex Fink, WR/DB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Brendyn Quinney, RB/DB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Jacob Cross, OL/DL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Lane Embry, OL/DL, 6-1, 280, Sr.; Chase Brown, RB/LB, 5-8, 185, Sr.; Carter Young, RB/LB, 6-0, 200, Jr. Mark Schremmer

KC-PIPER PIRATES It is time to pay the Piper.

For the past five years, Kansas City-Piper has made the postseason. For the past four, the Pirates have won a playoff game. In 2012, they were state semifinalists. In 2013, quarterfinalists. Each year, Piper has been a challenger, but have always been just short on experience.

That will not be a concern this year. Piper has the talent to create waves in 4A-Division I, and the prior experience to make schools pay up for those recent postseason losses.

“We have some excellent players returning, including 14 seniors,” said Piper coach Chris Brindle. “We have all 11 starters returning on (defense), plus three others that started some or played a lot.”

The defense will be built around Division I recruit Colton Beebe, a 6-foot-3-inch, 252-pound nightmare. He has led the Pirates in tackles every year of his high school career, including 159 in 2013. A fearsome defensive line adds to the pressure on the opposition. Seniors Sean Pahls, Kilil Richard and Christian Spencer combined for 11 sacks last fall.

The offense will hum behind a three-headed

6-3 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-I Western Athletic Conference Coach: Bo Black (1st year, 14th overall, 83-47) Assistants: Chris Walters, Steve Sedbrook, Art Schoenthaler, Mitch Harris, Nathan Towns, Tucker O’Hare, Fred Winter Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning Lettermen: 20 Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Alex Delton, QB/DB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Hayden Kreutzer, WR/ FS, 6-1, Sr.; Adam Klaus, WR/CB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Brandon Hardwick, OT/DT, 6-3, 235, Sr.; Trenton Henningsen, OT/ DE, 6-2, 230; Craig Dreiling, OG/DT, 5-7, 215; Braydon Delzeit, OL, 6-1, 220; Brenden Ibarra, WR/DB, 5-8, 145; Ethan Deterding, OL/LB, 6-1, 190 Conor Nicholl

monster in the backfield. Travon Jones, Sterling Owens and Beebe combined for more than 1,400 yards on the ground. On the edges, five Sumner struggled to a 2-7 record against the receivers can spread out that saw significant 62nd ranked schedule in 4A last year, according playing time. Yes, Piper will have to break in a to www.preppowerindex.com. The Sabres new quarterback this season, but that player will scored only 182 points and gave up 257. have no shortage of weaponry at his disposal.

Sumner’s only two wins last fall came against winless Immaculata and Harmon teams. The 7-5 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I Sabres scored a combined 108 points in the Kaw Valley League two wins accounting for over half their point Coach: Chris Brindle (4th year, 24-12) production on the season.

Assistants: Larry Beashore, Tim Cottrell, Brian Gray, Sumner did play in four other closely contestCurtis Hamilton ed losses. In week four they lost to Schlagle Offense: Pistol Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A 14-7, in week five they were blanked by WashReturning starters: 7 Offense, 11 Defense ington 14-0, in week seven they opened district Colton Beebe, RB/TE/LB, 6-3, 252, Sr.; Travon Jones, play with a 26-14 loss to a two-win Bishop HB/S, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Sean Pahls, DE/TE, 6-2, 193, Sr.; Ward team and they closed out their season with Jake Jones, WR/S, 6-2, 178, Sr.; Nate Hays, WR/S, a heartbreaking 20-18 loss to Atchison.

5-9, 155, Sr.; Jaelon Johnson, G/LB, 5-11, 212, Sr.; Kilil Piper easily won the district title while Bishop Richard, DE, 6-1, 206, Sr.; Devon McIntosh, CB, 5-9, Ward earned the second spot in the playoffs by 164, Sr.; Ty Banes, LB, 5-9, 164, Sr.; Christian Spencer, NG, 5-11, 208, Sr.; Alex Bach, G/LB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; virtue of posting its only two wins of the year Sterling Owens, RB, 5-5, 168, Jr.; Wyatt Hays, CB, 5-10, in district play.

172, Jr.; Blaine Hedlund, DE, 6-1, 188, Jr.; Aaron Hawes, District play doesn’t get any easier this year as C, 6-3, 252, So. Pregame Staff the Sabres face 4A-I favorite Bishop Miege and quality teams in Louisburg and Spring Hill.

5-6 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I Southeast Kansas League Coach: Carl Boldra (10th year, 35-53) Assistants: John Mangan, Al Speicher, Luke Claar, Dave Harlin, Jerry Wilson Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 32 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense Kyle Rinck, QB/DB, 6-3, 175, Jr.; Evan Speicher, OL/DL, 6-4, 265, Sr.; Marquise Johnson, RB/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Shane Burchett, OL/DL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Jordan Mead, RB/ OLB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Max Jones, LB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Noah Stroble, LB, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Dalson Hamlin, WR/DB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Peyton Pearson, DL, 6-1, 225, So. Mark Schremmer

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2-7 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 4A-I Kansas City-Atchison League Coach: Todd Wassman (10th year, 43-47) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

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LOUISBURG WILDCATS

MCPHERSON BULLPUPS

MULVANE WILDCATS

OTTAWA CYCLONES

Learning to win the close games will be a focus for the Louisburg Wildcats in 2014.

Out of Louisburg’s five losses last season, two were by one point and another came in double overtime.

“The key to our success this year will heavily depend on whether we have grown up from last year,” Louisburg coach Kyle Littrell said. “We need to learn to depend on your teammates and know that the guy next to you is going to give everything he can to do his job. Our league is brutal every year, and you better be prepared to run the football and stop the run or it will be a long season. We ended up losing three games in the final minute, and we must learn how to finish.”

The Wildcats return two starters on offense and five on defense from a team that finished 5-5 and lost in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs. Louisburg will compete in 4A Division I this year.

Junior Austin Terry returns as Louisburg’s starting quarterback. Junior Anders Vance will be back at center.

The defense returns a lot of experience with senior defensive end Mesa Ribordy, linebackers Brenton Wrigley and Alex Dunn and defensive backs Cole Kramer and Sean Dennis.

“We need to be more disciplined and finish games that we put ourselves in position to win,” Littrell said. “We need to play each game to the best of our abilities and get better with each practice and game.”

Louisburg’s district schedule will include Bishop Miege, Sumner Academy and Spring Hill.

Behind one of the best quarterbacks in the state, and one of Kansas all-time winningest coaches, McPherson will try to make it to the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season.

Kyler Kinnamon returns under center for the Bullpups. Kinnamon is a terrific athlete, having helped lead the basketball team to a state championship. On the gridiron, he riddles teams with his arm and his legs. This past season, he ran for 1,662 yards, averaging better than 10 yards a carry. He added 1,154 yards through the air. That dual-threat firepower led a potent offense that eclipsed 40 points in five consecutive games.

McPherson’s defense features three of its top four tacklers from a year ago – Ty Hart, Nathan Nutter and Cole Hankin. Hankin also led the Bullpups in sacks. Hart, Nutter and Collin Baldwin return at linebacker, the heart of McPherson’s veteran defense. Hart was a firstteam all-league selection.

The roster is seasoned enough, but the Bullpups biggest obstacle will come from their new district assignment. McPherson first must travel to Abilene on Oct. 17, followed by a home date with Buhler, the 2013 4A state champions, and rounds out district play with Hays, which drops down from 5A to 4A-Division I. But McPherson has an ace up its sleeve – coach Tom Young, who, over 44 seasons at multiple schools, has racked up 336 victories.

Replacing All-State running back Michael Mason and offensive lineman Isaiah Evans are among the most pressing tasks for Mulvane and veteran coach Dave Fennewald.

The Wildcats are coming off a 6-5 season and Fennewald hopes they can improve each week and make a return trip to the postseason.

“We will have lots of new faces in critical areas, especially on offense,” he said. “We must find a replacement for All-State running back Michael Mason and key offensive lineman Isaiah Evans. A young core of skill kids will be fighting for these positions as well as for secondary positions.”

Mason, who emerged as one of the best running backs in the state last fall, rushing for 2,232 yards and 27 TDs, is now playing at Butler Community College and Evans, a 6-3, 260 pound offensive lineman who paved the way for Mason, is set to continue his career at Hutchinson Community College.

Mulvane does return six starters on defense, including noseguard Riley Rahe, defensive ends Brandon Doramus and Chase Pierce, linebackers Logan Elliot and Jace Price, and defensive back Tyce Miller.

The Wildcat offense has three returning starters – quarterback RJ Regier (60-99 passing, 887 yards, 9 TDs/4 INTs, 105 carries, 457 yards, 8 TDs) and linemen Brent Martin and Tyler Young.

Fennewald’s team – district runners-up last season – will host two of its district games with a trip to Ulysses the only road game in the final three weeks of the regular season.

The Braves made a playoff appearance in Rob Hedrick’s first year at the helm, and they’ll look to make more noise in the postseason this year.

Ottawa brings back 19 lettermen to help build on last year’s 5-5 record.

Hedrick listed competing for the league and district titles as two of his team’s goals.

“We want our boys to understand and embrace the process of winning and know how to be a good teammate,” he added.

The Braves return seven starters on offense, including four linemen – seniors Kley Bolivar, Cole Reed, Jace Roth, and Tanner Wright – and sophomore signal caller Isaac McCullough.

Also back are senior receiver Andre Lewis and senior tight end Trey Rich.

On defense, Ottawa has Reed and Wright back at linebacker while Lewis and sophomore Brock Reed return to the secondary and Rich is back at defensive end.

“Just like everyone else, we have to get faster and stronger in the offseason,” Hedrick said.

“We have to develop depth at all positions.

Once the season gets here, we have to play solid and mistake-free football.”

6-5 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III Coach: Tom Young (9th year, 65-22; 44th overall, 336-108) Assistants: Jace Pavlovich, Chris Allen, Chet Harlin, Eric Hoops, Matt Sandbo, David Goerzen, Travis Sears, 5-5 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Patrick Corcoran Frontier League Offense: I/Spread Defense: 4-4 Coach: Kyle Littrell (2nd year, 5-5; 4th overall, 18-10) Returning lettermen: 26 Assistants: Greg Darrington, Gary Griffin, Jeff Lohse, Returning starters: 6 Offense, 8 Defense Robert Ebenstien, Mike Russell Kyler Kinnamon, QB/CB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Jason Anderson, Offense: Pro-I Defense: 4-3 WR/CB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Collin Baldwin, FB/LB, 5-11, 190, Returning lettermen: 12 Sr.; Corbin Davis, G/DT, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Cole Hanken, FB/ Returning starters: 2 Offense, 5 Defense DE, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Ty Hart, TB/LB, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Michael Mesa Ribordy, DE, 6-4, 245, Sr.; Brenton Wrigley, LB, McKinney, T/DE, 6-0, 255, Sr.; Nathan Nutter, TB/LB, 6-1, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Cole Kramer, CB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Sean 203, Sr.; Ross Regier, G/DT, 6-1, 216, Sr.; Cody Starkel, Dennis, CB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Austin Terry, QB, 5-11, 175, TE/DE, 6-4, 205, Sr.; Luke Williams, WR/S, 5-11, 178, Jr.; Alex Dunn, LB, 5-9, 185, Jr.; Anders Vance, C, 6-0, Sr.; Luke Stucky, TE/DE, 6-2, 210, Jr.; Casey Cheek, 285, Jr. WR/S, 5-9, 168, Jr.; Spencer Wine, WR/CB, 6-2, 182, Jr. Mark Schremmer Pregame Staff

PAOLA PANTHERS When veteran Panther coach Mike Dumpert looked at his starting lineup before preseason practices, he saw question marks “everywhere,” but said that the potential for another good team is definitely there.

“We will be young, so staying healthy is key,” he said. “We replace 16 starters and only have six seniors, so there are question marks everywhere. If our young men will buy into the process, we feel that we could be salty by year’s end.”

Three of those seniors have starting experience on both sides of the ball, and they’ll need to quickly become team leaders.

Avery Boehm and Derek Weaver are returning starters on the offensive and defensive lines, while Jake Robison is back at running back and safety.

Paola does have 25 lettermen back from last year’s 11-2 team which won the district championship and made a deep playoff run. Another trip to the postseason is among Dumpert’s goals for his squad this year, and tradition would

indicate that’s a possibility as the Panters have made the playoffs for nine consecutive seasons and only three times in that span have they not won at least two playoff games.

The Panthers’ district schedule includes trips to Labette County and Chanute before a Halloween game against Fort Scott to wrap up the regular season.

6-5 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division IV Coach: Dave Fennewald (23rd year, 121-95; 27th overall, 162-109) Assistants: Scott Swaney, Steve Nelson, Dustin Rhodes, Randy Fox, Scott Young, Daniel Myears Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 3 Offense, 6 Defense Brent Martin, OL, 5-7, 260, Sr.; Tyler Young, OL, 5-7, 215; RJ Regier, QB, 5-9, 170; Riley Rahe, NG, 5-8, 200; Brandon Doramus, DE, 6-3, 225; Chase Pierce, DE, 6-1, 190; Logan Elliot, LB, 5-9, 180; Jace Price, LB, 6-3, 190; Tyce Miller, DB, 5-6, 140, Jr. Melanie McGee

5-5 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Frontier League Coach: Rob Hedrick (2nd year, 5-5) Assistants: Pat Boeh, Blake Lasley, Cliff McCullough, Evan Shaffer Offense: Pro Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 5 Defense Andre Lewis, WR/DB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Cole Reed, OT/LB, 5-9, 215, Sr.; Tanner Wright, OG/LB, 5-9, Sr.; Jace Roth, OT, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Kley Bolivar, OG, 5-10, Sr.; Trey Rich, TE/DE, 6-3, 195, Sr.; Isaac McCullough, QB, 6-3, 190, So.; Brock Reed, FS, 6-3, 180, So. Melanie McGee

ROSE HILL ROCKETS

Liftoff for the Rose Hill Rockets is ahead of schedule. The Rockets threw several underclassmen into starting roles in 2013, especially at skill positions. What Rose Hill coach Ray Boese found was a talented batch that gave his team the shove it needed to return to the postseason for the fifth consecutive season.

Success was sparked behind the rocket arm of quarterback Brett Bonar. Bonar has the strength 11-2 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I to hit a receiver with a deep ball, as well as Frontier League just enough elusiveness to shake off incoming Coach: Mike Dumpert (15th year, 132-41) defenders in the pocket. The junior quarterback Assistants: Mike Smith, Todd Weaver, Dave Kane will lose some of his most reliable targets to Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5 graduation, but brings back the dazzling Griffin Returning lettermen: 25 McBride. McBride made a quick impression on Returning starters: 3 Offense, 3 Defense Derek Weaver, OL/DL, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Avery Boehm, OL/ opponents in his freshman season, chomping off DL, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Jake Robison, RB/S, 6-1, 180, Sr. big yardage at wide receiver, running back and in the return game.

Melanie McGee The Rockets will need to stabilize a defense that coughed up 290 points. Senior Drew Rodman will lead the secondary. He was an Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III honorable mention pick.

Three new district opponents await Rose Hill, and all three are coming off winning seasons – Wellington, Ulysses and Mulvane. Conveniently, the Rockets face bitter rival Mulvane in the final game of the regular season.

Rose Hill will be battle tested before then.

Four other teams returning from winning records dot the non-district slate – Wichita Collegiate, Winfield, Buhler and McPherson.

Winfield knocked the Rockets out of the 4A postseason with a 14-12 victory a year ago.

The Rockets are not far removed from a championship. They hoisted the 4A state trophy in 2011.

4-6 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III Coach: Ray Boese Assistants: Bill Wright, Ryan Hill, Austin Wuthrich, Mike Vernon, David Penner, Brandon Barnhart Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Pregame Staff

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 47

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Ryan Willis is arguably the best quarterback prospect in Kansas. On Feb. 17, the University of Kansas offered him a scholarship. Five days later, Willis made his official visit. On May 2, with offers from Tulsa and Wyoming, Willis committed to KU, according to his 247sports. com timeline.

Willis is a returning first team All-Eastern Kansas League quarterback; he and senior offensive lineman Brandon Gonzalez are the Stags’ lone returning first team all-league players, part of a talented group who will likely contend for a Class 4A, Division I, state title.

Senior defensive lineman Pete Smardo was second team all-league. Honorable mention returners feature junior running back Dawson Downing, sophomore offensive lineman Colin Grunhard and junior offensive lineman Mark Golubski. Junior defensive lineman Kaelin Key, senior linebackers Mark Ogren and C.J. Grunhard and senior punter Matt Thorman also earned honorable mention.

“Our goal each season is to win a state championship. We feel playing in the EKL gets us ready to make a deep playoff run each season,” coach Jon Holmes said. “Offensively, we lose our top three WRs, so we need our young WRs to step up for us.”

The offensive line returns four starters and welcomes senior transfer Jackson Jenkins, from Rockhurst. Smardo and Key are the defensive leaders up front, and Wilson will be the secondary leader.

Springs Hill finished in second to last place at 1-5 in the difficult Frontier League, but finished 3-0 in district play with wins against St. James Academy (14-13), De Soto (17-3) and Bonner Springs (31-21). Then, the Broncos defeated Ottawa 33-15 and lost to a talented KC Piper team, 20-14 in the second round of the playoffs.

Coach Anthony Orrick, in his ninth year at the school and entering his fifth as head coach, led the team to its first playoff victory since 2000 and fourth in school annals. Spring Hill also made the playoffs in 2012, just the second time behind ’94-95 the program has made the postseason in back-to-back years. 2012 ended at 5-5, 3-0 district play with a 31-14 loss to Baldwin.

“We are looking forward to building on the late season success we have experienced the last two season,” Orrick said. “We look to continue competing in the state playoffs and are striving for a trip to a State Championship.”

Orrick said the Broncos, who opponents outscored 256-192, “must play solid” on defense and create turnovers.

“Our defense needs to create offense by setting us up with good field position,” Orrick said. “We will be young on the offensive line and need to improve each and every week, but hope that experience in our backfield will help to keep us consistent. Through graduation we lost several good leaders, we hope to see those shoes being filled by this year’s senior class.”

Tonganoxie continued its climb in its second year under coach Al Troyer. In 2012, the Chieftains won the district, collected a playoff victory for the first time since 2005 and finished 5-6. Last year, marked a four-win improvement, another district crown, a 52-6 first-round win against Bishop Ward and a season-ending 28-10 loss to Baldwin in the second round.

Troyer wants to “carry over the momentum” from 2013 and develop a young team that returns just three starters on both sides of the ball. Troyer listed “execution of plays and fundamentals” as the keys.

Tonganoxie graduated 18 seniors, and seniors Carl Hecht, Jared Sommers, Justyn Leslie, Ray Munoz, Greg DeVeau and Ben Clark have been named team captains for the 2014 season, according to the Tonganoxie Mirror.

The Chieftains tallied at least 28 points in every victory, but had just 17 points combined in the two losses. Tonganoxie outscored opponents 394-181, a big turnaround from 2012 when opponents outscored the Chieftains 320-150.

Tonganoxie graduated its top three rushers and top two receivers, but Sommers tied for the team high with 81 tackles and led the squad with four interceptions.

Tonganoxie will be in Class 4A, Division I, District 1, with Atchison, Basehor-Linwood and a quality KC-Piper program.

9-2 in 2013 / 3-0 in district/ 4A-I Eastern Kansas League Coach: Jon Holmes (3rd year, 16-8) Assistants: Justin Hoover, Jim Giokaris, Tim Grunhard, Travis Grosdidier, David Eller, Steve Koesterer, Derrick Rider, Mike Galvin, Bob Tavernaro, Kevin Mulvany, Joe Kobilarcsik Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning Lettermen: 34 Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 5 Defense Ryan Willis, QB, 6-4, 205, Sr.; Dawson Downing, RB, 5-11, 195, Jr.; Chris Ford, TE, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Mark Golubski, OL, 6-3, 230, Jr.; Brandon Gonzalez, OL, 6-0, 280, So.; Colin Grunhard, OL, 5-11, 235, So.; Ryan Welsh, OL, 5-10, 220, Jr.; Kaelin Key, DL, 6-0, 255, Jr.; Pete Smardo, DL, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Mark Ogren, LB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; C.J. Grunhard, LB, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Keegan Wilson, SS, 195, Sr.; Matt Thorman, P, 6-1, 215, Sr. Conor Nicholl

5-6 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I Frontier League Coach: Anthony Orrick (5th year, 19-29) Assistants: Nic Madelen, Darvin Willard, Brian Hogan, Jerry Hunsaker, Tucker Woofter, Alex Brack, Ken Braden, Dustin Barnes, Dave Ramirez Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Returning Lettermen: 18 Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Brandon Dofat, RB, 5-6, 150, Sr.; Conor Edwards, DL, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Charles Elam, WR, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Cristian Esparza, OL, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Garrett Getz, LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Austin Grate, LB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Tyus Heinrich, RB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Ryker Johnson, QB, 6-3, 170, Sr.; Michael Londene, DB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Zack Mayhan, LB, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Brad Smith, FB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Austin Storck, DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; John-Michael Weishaar, DL, 5-11, 225, Sr. Conor Nicholl

Hayden enjoyed a three-win improvement after a rare 4-6 mark in 2012, the first losing season since 1996. Hayden outscored opponents 350-261 and played the No. 10-hardest strength of schedule in Class 4A, according to preppowerindex.com.

PPI ranked Hayden as the sixth-best 4A team, and stronger than Paola (11-2), Tonganoxie (9-2) and Columbus (8-2). Hayden started 1-4 in 2012. Last year, in the second season of the two-year schedule cycle, the Wildcats went 2-3 against the same schedule. Hayden defeated class 5A Topeka Seaman (27-16), narrowly lost to 6A schools Topeka High (25-20), Washburn Rural (21-18) and Junction City (28-21) before defeating 5A Emporia (36-19), the first of three straight victories. Hayden lost to Holton (31-14) in district play, but then opened the playoffs with a win over Maize South 48-45 in overtime avenging their 2012 first-round 14-7 playoff loss to the Mavericks. After a 35-27 victory against Winfield, Hayden lost 27-18 at Buhler, the eventual 4A state champion.

Coach Bill Arnold said the keys to the season are staying away from the injury bug and “blending in our upperclassmen with our seniors.”

Quarterback Jacob Head returns after he completed 116 of 218 passes for 1,450 yards with 11 scores against 10 interceptions. Linebackers Brooks Peavler (team-high 135 tackles, 6 TFLs) and Derrick McGreevy (132 tackles, team-high 8 TFLs) return after big years.

“Looking forward to an exciting league race as well as getting into the playoffs,” Arnold said of the 2014 season.

9-2 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I Kaw Valley League Coach: Al Troyer (3rd year, 14-8) Assistants: Matt Bond, Preston Troyer, Jesse Leigh, David Hillmon, Kevin Wade Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 3 Defense Carl Hecht, QB/TE/DE, 6-5, 225, Sr.; Jared Sommers, QB/RB/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Justin Leslie, OL/DL, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Raymond Munoz, OL/LB, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Greg DeVeau, WR/DE, 6-4, 180

7-5 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Centennial League Coach: Bill Arnold (8th year, 64-23; 120-40) Assistants: Greg Nilgas, Toby Cowdin Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-4 Returning Lettermen: 35 Conor Nicholl Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Jacob Head, QB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Marcus Meier, TE, 6-3, 240, Sr.; Noah Huston, WR, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Shawn Thompson, RB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Alex Ziegler, RB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Connor Schumacher, RB, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Derrick McGreevy, LB, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Brooks Peavler, LB, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Ernie Mason, DL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Zach Roush, DB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Justin Watkins, DB, 6-1, 175, Sr. Conor Nicholl

TOWANDA-CIRCLE THUNDERBIRDS A grizzly 2013 season left the Circle Thunderbirds with a 0-9 record. While the bumps and bruises along the way surely hurt, they will make the rewards of rebuilding that much sweeter.

Neither side of the ball was able to hold up its end of the bargain. On offense, Circle scraped together 68 points all season, or 7.6 points per game. Three times, the Thunderbirds were shut out.

The defense had more glimmers of hope.

Circle held Clearwater and Winfield, two competent offenses, to 27 and 29 points, respectively. But those were the lowest marks. Five teams put at least 40 points on the scoreboard against Circle. Opponents averaged 43 ppg.

The Thunderbirds’ district features some changes. El Dorado remains, but Maize South and Hesston ship out. Filling their spots are Topeka Hayden and Andover Central. Hayden was in the 4A playoffs this past season and is consistently among the best teams in 4A. Andover Central is dropping down from the 5A class.

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There are players on the roster that actually have memories of the postseason – the Thunderbirds were a playoff squad as recently as 2011. However, Circle is on a 17-game losing streak, dating back to the 2012 season.

The schedule gives no obvious opportunities to snap that skid, as eight of the nine opponents return off at least three-win seasons, and six had winning records. El Dorado visits Circle in week seven. El Dorado has gone 1-8 the past two seasons, but both times, their lone triumphs came over Circle.

Heath Henderson takes over as coach of the Thunderbirds, replacing Bob Pool.

Ian Rudzik is one of Kansas’ top players and a NCAA Division I prospect after he rushed 165 times for 1,187 yards and 13 scores as a freshman and 206 times for 1,987 yards and 26 TDs last year as a sophomore. Rudzik has received some interest from Arkansas State, Kansas State and Nebraska, according to 247sports.com.

Senior Zach Romero was the team’s No. 2 rusher with 165 carries for 792 yards and nine TDs last year as a junior. However, veteran coach Jason Kenny would like to develop the passing game and not give up big plays. The Tigers went 21 of 46 passing for 353 yards with a 5/4 TD/INT ratio as a team last season.

Ulysses lost 56-41 to Liberal in a wild Week 1 0-9 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 4A-I contest, then won eight straight contests before Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division IV a 14-7 first round playoff loss to eventual state Coach: Heath Henderson champion Buhler. The winning streak included Assistants: N/A a 25-6 Week 4 victory against Scott City that Offense: N/A Defense: N/A gave the Tigers the GWAC title and halted Scott Returning letterman: N/A City’s 40-game regular season winning streak.

Returning starters: N/A Ulysses finished 3-2 at home, but 5-0 on the Pregame Staff road. In 2012, the Tigers were 4-3 at home, but

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3-1 on the road, and in ’11, Ulysses finished 4-1 at home, 5-0 on the road.

“We want to improve each week to give ourselves a chance to win both a GWAC and a District championship and make a deep run in the play-offs,” Kenny said. “We must get more physical on the offensive and defensive lines. We must not give up big plays. We must develop our passing game from last year.”

8-2 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I Greater West Activities Conference Coach: Jason Kenny (14th year, 115-41) Assistants: Jack Wolf, Kyle Shryock, Chance Rudzik, Robert Bledsoe Offense: Wing T Defense: 53 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Hector Torres, C/DT, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Andrew Perez, T, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Zach Romero, RB, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Ian Rudzik, RB/LB, 6-3, 225, Jr.; Tregg Rodriguez, DB, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Diego Maravilla, G/DE, 5-11, 205, Sr. Conor Nicholl

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 48

WELLINGTON CRUSADERS

WINFIELD VIKINGS

On paper, one might assume Wellington will have to fight to keep its head above water in 4A-Division I’s District 7.

First, Wellington has to deal with a rising Rose Hill program returning from a 4A state playoff appearance. The second game on the Crusaders’ district docket is one they know quite well – Mulvane tags along for the ride, fresh off its own postseason berth. The Wildcats toppled Wellington 30-14 in district play in 2013.

Lastly, Wellington wraps up district play with a journey out to Ulysses, a team coming off an 8-2 campaign that saw them edged out in the 4A bracket by state champion Buhler in a 14-7 slobberknocker.

Three district opponents, three returning playoff squads. On paper, it does not bode well for Wellington.

But to write off the Crusaders would be to forget about one of the most storied programs in Kansas. Wellington is home to 30 playoff appearances and four state titles. Few schools are as tradition-rich.

Wellington enters its third season under Tyler Ryan, a man familiar with the area after having previously coached at Trinity Academy. The Crusaders built off of 2012’s 2-7 record, bumping up to 5-4 this past season.

First priority will be filling in holes at the skill positions on offense after the graduations of three standouts.

The Crusaders will need to find their strengths in the first four weeks. Weeks five and six include showdowns with Andale and Wichita Collegiate. Those games, followed with their three district adversaries, mean Wellington rounds out the season with five 2013 playoff qualifiers.

Winfield will hope to use the momentum from a breakout season to create stability. After hovering just below .500 for four seasons, the Vikings showed guile in turning in a 7-4 mark this past season.

Regular season victories over McPherson and Mulvane impressed, and so did a revenge win over Rose Hill in the 4A playoffs – Rose Hill had beaten Winfield in week four. Three of Winfield’s four losses came by eight points or less, including a 35-27 loss to Topeka Hayden in the second round of the postseason.

The Vikings have two consecutive playoff appearances under their belt. To make it three, reserves and underclassmen from 2013 will have to step into the spotlight. Only four players return on offense and defense.

“We need to play with intensity while keeping our composure,” Winfield coach Justin Price said. “We must follow positive leadership and play for the team’s success.”

The backfield offers a Jekyll and Hyde look.

Quarterback Will Adler’s 6-foot-5, 185-pound frame gives him a scrawny demeanor, but he is a pure athlete with deceptive speed. He threw for 981 yards as a junior. Adler will hand the ball off to the short-but-sturdy Isaiah Amezcua.

Amezcua packs 190 pounds into his 5-foot-5inch body. A talented linebacker, he brought a smashmouth mentality to the backfield in change-of-pace carries a year ago.

The defense will be carried by Samson Sawyer, a first-team league selection.

7-4 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III Coach: Justin Price (9th year, 32-44) Assistants: Billy Tipps, Andrew Brenn, George Lowe, Tyler Lampert, Nick Flowers, Shawn Huffman, Joe 5-4 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-I Vargas, Kyle Westerman Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division IV Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Coach: Tyler Ryan Returning lettermen: 12 Assistants: N/A Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Isaiah Amezcua, RB/LB, 5-5, 190, Sr.; Garrett Suttles, Returning letterman: N/A TE/LB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Samson Sawyer, OL/DE, 6-4, 220, Returning starters: N/A Sr.; Will Adler, QB/DB, 6-5, 185, Sr.; Alex Murphy, WR/ Pregame Staff DB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Kerry Ransom, OL/DL, 5-8, 225, Sr. Pregame Staff

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Class 4A-II Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

By Kansas Pregame staff Because of the new classifications this year, Andale and Holton have instantly become the favorites in newly created Class 4A, Division II, but they also would have been among the teams expected to make deep playoff runs in 4A-I. Andale will play in District 5 with Clearwater, Haven and Wichita Trinity, teams Andale is a combined 16-1 against in the last 10 years.

Longtime Indian coach Gary O’Hair, which led Andale to an 11-1 season last fall, its first double-digit season since 2009 – has set goals to win league, districts and state.

Andale has plenty of talent returning, including senior Hunter Knoblauch and highly touted junior tight end Jeff Ast, and opens with a challenging three-game stretch.

The Indians have defending Class 4A champion Buhler in Week 1, a game that has developed into one of the state’s best rivalries, then McPherson and Wichita Collegiate in the next two weeks. Andale is 8-0 against Buhler in the last 10 years, but won a classic, 28-21, last year, and another thriller, 36-31 in 2012.

They are 2-2 in the last four meetings versus Collegiate, including a season-opening 30-28 victory last fall, and 1-1 against McPherson the last two years with both games coming in the playoffs. Andale’s season ended with a 24-14 loss to Holton last fall.

Andale has won a playoff game every year since 2002 with championships in ’06 and ’07. Andale outscored opponents 552122 in 2013, ranking No. 2 in offense and No. 1 in defense in 4A. “We return most of our skill people on each side of the ball, but lose most of our guys on the LOS,” O’Hair said.

Holton finished a two-year run of 27-1 and lost to eventual state champion Buhler, 28-14, in the semifinals. Holton has won

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Page 49

titles in 2003, ’05 and ’12 and finished as runner-up in ’98, ’99 and ’10. Holton graduated 23 seniors, returns just three starters and will move down to Class 4A, Division II this season. Holton opens at Silver Lake and then has Maize South at home in a tough two game stretch.

“It is a very tough way to start with an inexperienced team,” coach Brooks Barta said. “We hope our defense can keep us in games early until we can game some experience on offense.”

Holton will be with Royal Valley, Jefferson West and Perry-Lecompton in district play.

“We have one of the tougher districts in 4A Division II,” coach Barta said. “We will need to survive a tough opening schedule and improve as we move toward district play. Building experience and developing intelligence in our system will be keys to our ability to reach the playoffs.”

The Columbus Titans return nine starters on each side of the ball from a team that finished 8-2 and won the Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee League title in 2013.

It was the Titans’ first CNC championship since joining the league in 2012 and their first winning season since 2009.

But to repeat or improve on that success, Columbus coach Dan Grundy knows it will take a lot of work.

“They must continue to work hard and never be satisfied,” Grundy said. “Build that team mentality and play for each other.”

Columbus is loaded with returning players in key positions.

The Titans bring back two quarterbacks with experience in senior Nate Bole and junior Trey Robinson. A dual threat, Bole completed 44 of 85 passes for 780 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions, while rushing for 349 yards and five touchdowns on 68 attempts. Subbing for an injured Bole, Robinson completed 40 of 71 passes for 764 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.

In addition to the Lookin’ Sharp, Throwback, Iron Will and Spotlight feature players, these are a few players to keep an eye on in Class 4A-II this fall.

Jeff Ast.............................TE, 6-5, 260, Jr., Andale Luke Walstad..................DE, 6-3, 205, Sr., Andale Hank Eck..........................RB/LB, 5-10, 175, Sr., Andale Blake Atkinson...............OL/DL, 5-10, 255, Sr., Chapman Garrett Brittain..............OG/DE, 6-0, 185, Sr., Columbus Jace McDown..................RB/LB, 5-10, 195, Jr., Columbus Kendal Hale....................OL, 5-11, 175, Sr., Columbus

Keaton Bolinger.............TB/CB, 6-0, 190, Sr., Frontenac Blake Richmeier.............RB/LB, 6-2, 215, Sr., Holcomb Trey Teeter......................QB, 5-10, 160, Jr., Holcomb Cooper Allen...................OL, 5-10, 280, Sr., Holton Mason Barta...................LB, 6-2, 195, Jr., Holton Riley England.................RB, 5-11, 180, Jr. Osawatomie Darric Cashier.................LB, 5-11, 195, Sr., Santa Fe Trail 1803 Cherry St. Goodland 785-899-3661

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overview

Columbus also returns PREGAME PRESEASON RANKINGS its top three running backs in junior Jace Mc1. Andale Down and seniors Zane 2. Holton Roark and Taylor Watkins.

3. Columbus The three backs ran for 4. Holcomb 668, 616 and 217 yards, 5. Wamego respectively. McDown Others: Concordia, Frontenac, Wichita Trinity ran for eight touchdowns and more than 10 yards per carry.

Junior Javohn Morrill is and that’s cause for excitement as last the Titans’ leading returning receiver with year’s defense turned in four Friday night 22 catches for 408 yards. shutouts,” Burkholder said.

Linemen Kendal Hale and Garrett Britain Wamego has the furthest thing from return after earning all-league honors last a quarterback controversy as Alderson season. returns for a third year as the starter. “He Watkins was a unanimous first-team will be throwing it all over the field again this all-league linebacker with a team-leading year,” Burkholder said. “No less than eight 92 tackles. Fellow linebacker McDown had solid recievers will fight for starting spots.”

90 tackles.

Alderson was named the Flint Hills Player Brittain had 79 tackles and seven sacks of the Year by The Manhattan Mercury as a defensive lineman. and was a first-team All-League selection Columbus will look to make a run in the last year after throwing for 2,133 yards playoffs during the first year of Class 4A, and 23 touchdowns. He also ran for 11 Division II. The Titans’ only losses in 2013 touchdowns. were to Coffeyville and Independence, The addition of coach Kent Teeter, and which both will be Division I teams. his son, Trey, along with the return of Blake The Wamego roster is filled with veterans Richmeier make Holcomb a 4A-II team to and coach Dale Burkholder has high hopes watch and the Longhonrs could make a for his 2014 team. playoff run after moving up from 3A. “Our plan is to improve on last year’s 7-2 Tyler Burns will have much of the state’s record and advance to the state playoffs,” focus on Wichita’s Trinity Academy this he said. “Also the season plan is to make fall, and the return of several other starters a serious run at another NCKL championcould have the Knights poised for a deep ship.” playoff run.

The Red Raiders return all but one starter Concordia suffered an off year in 2013 on defense, including first-team All-League under veteran coach Tim Lambert, but the defensive end Shawn Burns. Dylan Bestreturn of 12 players with starting experihorn, Eli Miller and Michael Bryan are also ence, including Iron Will feature running returning starters up front while safeties Ky- back Drake Hake, should help the Panthers ler Alderson and Trey Cohorst and corners rebound.

James Starnes and Wyatt Totten are back Third year Frontenac coach Mark Smith, in the secondary. Linebacker Cody Wilson son of legendary Colgan coach Chuck also returns to the starting lineup.

Smith, has eight starters back from a 6-4 “The defense will return a solid 10 men team.

Dine-in, Carryout, & Delivery

Cole Norberg..................QB/FS, 6-3, 180, Sr., Smoky Valley Klyer Alderson................QB/S, 6-1, 185, Sr., Wamego Shawn Burns..................NG, 5-8, 210, Jr., Wamego Matt Jones......................QB/S, 6-3, 185, Jr., Wichita Trinity Josh Osborne..................WR/FS, 5-10, 185, Jr., Wichita Trinity

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Lookin’ Sharp Tyler Burns

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN For Kansas Pregame

His goal is to impact the lives of youngsters someday, “do something that has to do with teenagers,” but Tyler Burns is already impacting the lives of teenagers, and impressing Division I college football coaches along the way.

The 6-foot, 200-pound senior-to-be at Trinity Academy in Wichita has DI offers from Kansas State and the Air Force Academy, and other visits were planned for the summer.

When Burns announces his decision, he won’t be tweeting it. He doesn’t have a Twitter account. Heck, he doesn’t even own a cell phone.

Kansas State wouldn’t be a surprising choice. His older brother, Morgan, will be a junior this season, and is high on the depth chart in the defensive backfield after two seasons on special teams.

One of the speediest players in the state, Burns has 3,599 career rushing yards heading into his final season for the Knights.

Trinity is just in its seventh year of playing football, and the Knights have ridden the shoulders of a Burns brother on offense for each of those seasons.

The Knights started fast last year, winning five of their first six games before dropping their last three.

“We did some good things last year,” Trinity coach Jared McDaniel said. “Record-wise, it probably didn’t show.

But we beat some teams for the first time in the history of the school. That was a good building block for us.”

Trinity again will rely on the legs of a Burns - Tyler - to help them try to get to the playoffs for the first time in the short history of football at the school. Burns, who won the 100-meter dash and long jump and finished second in the 200 at last spring’s Class 4A state track and field meet, comes by his athletic abilities naturally.

His dad played football and baseball at Northwest Missouri State, and Burns admits he got his body build and strength from his dad. But Burns, the youngest of four siblings, says he got his speed from his mom, who “could have run track in college.”

“I remember her telling me she could beat some of the guys in her high school in the 100-yard dash,” Burns said. “Whenever I’d get in trouble growing up, I would try to run away from my mom, and there was no way. It took me until junior high before I could outrun her.”

Now, Brad and Greta Burns watch their youngest son outrun opponents on the football field, as well as on the track.

McDaniel admits being able to turn on the afterburners has been a plus for his star running back/ safety. But there is something even mightier than his

Page 51

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athletic ability that makes Burns a good catch, McDaniel says.

“He’s got a lot of speed; when he’s out in the open, I don’t think anybody is going to catch him,” McDaniel said. “But his biggest (attribute) is his character. He carries a big faith, and he’s not scared to share it with anybody.”

Burns said that if football, or any other sport, doesn’t work out, he knows exactly what path he plans to travel.

“I’ve always thought about doing something in education, like a teacher,” he said. “Depending on what (college) I end up at, I’m thinking bible ministry or a youth pastor.”

Sports don’t dominate Burns’ life, especially football.

“I played soccer up to high school; I love soccer,” Burns said. “If (soccer) had a different season, I would play it, too.”

As it is, however, high school soccer in Kansas shares the same fall season as football, and Burns chose football, where he hopes to help his team make school history.

A multi-sport athlete, Burns said he also “loves basketball.”

“That might be my favorite sport,” he said, quickly adding “but my best shot (of playing after high school) is definitely in football. It doesn’t matter what sport, I just like being competitive.”

He and his teammates will get plenty of chances to be competitive this season while playing in the Central Plains League, and the Knights’ opponents will see plenty of Burns.

“I think I’m a hard-nosed runner,” he said. “I’m not going to give up easily when I’m running the ball. I’m a competitive Photo by Julie Kuhlmann guy. That’s how my family is. I hate losing. That’s part of what drives me.”

JulieKuhlmannPhotography.com What ultimately drives Burns is his team-first attitude, wanting to help his teammates succeed.

“Our goal is for us to have fun playing together and to have brotherhood; we go by the Audience of One attitude,” he said. “Working hard and winning the most games we ever have is our number one goal.”

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 52

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ANDALE INDIANS

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Because of the new classifications this year, Andale and Holton have instantly become the favorites in newly created Class 4A, Division II, but they also would have been among the teams expected to make deep playoff runs in 4A-I. Andale will play in District 5 with Clearwater, Haven and Wichita Trinity, teams Andale is a combined 16-1 against in the last 10 years.

Longtime Indian coach Gary O’Hair led Andale to an 11-1 season last fall, its first double-digit season since 2009. He has set goals to win league, districts and state.

Andale has plenty of talent returning, including senior Hunter Knoblauch and highly touted junior tight end Jeff Ast, and opens with a challenging three-game stretch.

The Indians have defending Class 4A champion Buhler in Week 1, a game that has developed into one of the state’s best rivalries, then state powers McPherson and Wichita Collegiate in the next two weeks.

Andale has won a playoff game every year since 2002 with championships in ’06 and ’07.

Andale outscored opponents 552-122, ranking No. 2 in offense and No. 1 in defense in 4A. “We return most of our skill people on each side of the ball, but lose most of our guys on the LOS,” O’Hair said. “We try to play a physical style of ball, so finding players to replace some of our most physical players on the LOS will be our challenge.”

First-year head coach Tim Parrish is not faced with an easy task. The Baxter Springs Lions finished 1-8 last season and have won only two games over the past three years.

However, Parrish believes he has plenty of reason to be excited about the future.

“We have a dedicated group of seniors who have made a commitment to work hard and lead by example,” Parrish said. “Not only do they push each other, they push every member of their team to get better each and every day. I expect that we will have a team of disciplined hard workers who will compete to the best of their ability from the first play to the last play. I expect that we will improve each week and be playing our best football in weeks seven, eight and nine.”

Baxter Springs returns seven starters on offense and seven on defense.

Senior Cody Rowe returns at quarterback.

Sophomore Korben Frisbie is back at running back. Senior Lane Brown could be used at running back or the offensive line. Tyler Minor returns at tight end. Seniors Alex Turner and Shelby Dunn and sophomore Matt Miles return to the offensive line.

Turner, Minor, Dunn and Miles will lead the defensive line. Brown and Frisbie will be at linebacker, and Rowe will be in the secondary.

Baxter Springs has several other players who will be vying for starting spots and playing time. Gabino Garcia, Nate Miller, Adam Caruthers, Doug Dardenne, Noah Wilson and Jaret Dotson give the Lions lots of options at the skill positions. Jake Weaver and Sawyer Goodman provide depth on the offensive line.

Burlington is coming off a disappointing 2-7 season, but the Wildcats return a number of upperclassmen to lead them in 2014.

Senior quarterback/receiver Cooper Whitworth, senior quarterback Tate Swank, senior running back Kendall Jeffers, senior offensive lineman Landon Thacker, senior offensive lineman Antony Furse, junior receiver Trevor Glasgow and junior tight end Nathan Vander Linden are among the top returners on Burlington’s offense, which averaged 46.4 points per contest a year ago.

On the other side of the ball, the Wildcats return Furse and Vander Linden at defensive end, Thacker at either linebacker or on the line, Jeffers and Swank at linebacker, and Glasgow and Whitworth in the secondary.

In order to be more competitive this fall, the Wildcat defense must improve after allowing 37.2 points per game in 2013.

Burlington’s two wins in 2013 were both narrow victories – a 28-24 win over Anderson County in week one and a 26-19 defeat of Neodesha in week six. Both those teams are on the 2014 schedule as the Wildcats will travel to Neodesha in week six and host Anderson County in the regular season finale.

Burlington’s Class 4A Division II District 3 schedule also includes trips to Iola and Girard before the Thursday night home game against Anderson County to wrap up the year.

Heartbreaking losses were all too common last season for the Chargers, who are now looking for their first winning record since 2002. Santa Fe Trail went 1-8 in 2013, but fourth-year coach Jayson Duncan’s squad has nine starters back on offense and seven on defense.

“Can we find ways to win instead of finding ways to lose?” he said when asked about his team’s keys to success. “We lost multiple games late last season, and we lost multiple games by a touchdown or less.”

The Chargers lost by eight points or less to Perry-Lecompton, Jeff West, and Eudora last season.

The Charger offense will be experienced, with senior quarterback Weston Gloss and senior running backs Derric Cashier, Cody Vandervord and Chaz Wright operating behind a veteran line led by seniors Skylar Swaney and Joe Penrod along with sophomore Jake Hastings and junior Cody Hastings. Senior Justin Baker is also back at tight end.

On defense, Duncan’s team returns Baker and senior Zac Payne at defensive ends, though no interior linemen are back with starting experience. At linebacker, Santa Fe Trail returns Cashier, senior Conner Fannin, and junior Cal Lyle. The secondary will be led by Vandervord at corner and Wright at safety.

The pursuit of a winning season begins Sept.

5 against Iola, and the Chargers will host two of their three district games before ending the regular season at Osawatomie.

11-1 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 4A-II Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division IV Coach: Gary O’Hair (13th year, 120-25; 24th overall, 190-58) Assistants: Tim Fairchild, Clay Urbanek, Greg Smarsh, Ted Easter, Derek Deegan, Dylan Schmidt, Jordan Ungles, Steve Stanhope Offense: Robust Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 30 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Hunter Knoblauch, RB/FS, 5-11, 180, Sr. ; Anthony Capul, FB, 5-9, 200, So.; Bo Knoblauch, FB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Hank Eck, WR/LB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Jeff Ast, TE, 6-5, 260, Jr.; Jason Hermreck, SE, 6-3, 195, Sr.; Mark Hagaman, C, 5-11, 235, Jr.; Hayden Bugner, SS, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Lucas Riechenberger, CB, 5-9, 165, Sr; Sander Hanson, LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Luke Walstad, DE, 6-3, 205, Sr. Conor Nicholl

1-8 in 2013/ 0-3 in district / 4A-II Crawford Neosho Cherokee League Coach: Tim Parrish (1st year) Assistants: Charles Rector, Cord Baldwin, Tim Yeargain Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Alex Turner, OL/DL, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Tyler Minor, TE/DL, 6-1, 192, Sr.; Cody Rowe, QB/CB, 6-0, 156, Sr.; Lane Brown, RB/OL/LB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Shelby Dunn, OL/DL, 5-10, 201, Sr.; Matt Miles, OL/DL, 6-3, 216, So.; Korben Frisbie, RB/LB, 5-9, 160, So. Mark Schremmer

2-7 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Tri-Valley League Coach: Rusty Emling Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Melanie McGee

CHAPMAN FIGHTING IRISH Though just five players with starting experience return for a Chapman team that won only three games in 2013, coach Trevor Williams is optimistic about his team’s chances this fall.

“We feel real confident that we have a good group of core returners and are excited about our younger guys who will be stepping up,” he said. “The improvement of the next group of guys who will be playing varsity football for the first time this fall will be key for us.”

The Irish bring back just four offensive starters, but three of them are linemen Blake Atkinson, Mathew Tenpenny and Jason Zook.

Zook, just a junior, already is a two-time state placer as a heavyweight wrestler and is among the biggest players in the NCKL. Wide receiver Colton Rudolph also has starting experience for CHS and was a state placer in the class 4A 200 meter dash.

On defense, Chapman returns five starters – Atkinson and Zook on the line, Rudolph and Nathan Nelson in the secondary and linebacker Eion Jackson.

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1-8 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Pioneer League Coach: Jayson Duncan (4th year, 2-34) Assistants: Regan Erickson, Don Herron, Bob Hug, Denver Ramsey Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-4 Melanie McGee Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 9 Offense, 7 Defense Darric Cashier, FB/LB, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Skylar Swaney, OT, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Joe Penrod, C, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Jake Hastings, RG, 6-3, 255, So.; Cody Hastings, LG, 6-4, 220, Jr.; Justin Baker, TE/DE, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Zac Payne, DE, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Conner Fannin, LB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Cody Vandervord, RB/CB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Chaz Wright, RB/S, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Weston Gloss, QB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Cal Lyle, LB, 5-7, 145, Jr.

CLAY CENTER TIGERS

Williams says his team’s goals include winning the North Central Kansas League championship, winning a district title and making a trip to the state playoffs.

The Irish play their first two district games at home, hosting Wamego and Nickerson before traveling to Smoky Valley in the regular season finale.

Clay Center has consistently been solid in program history, but has struggled once it enters the playoffs. The Tigers are 7-20 all-time in the postseason and a semifinal showing in 1983 is the only trip past the quarterfinals in program annals.

Clay Center hasn’t made it to the round of 16 since 2000 and has lost in the first round six straight years and nine of the last 10.

3-6 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II Coach Todd Rice has set goals to compete for North Central Kansas League the North Central Kansas League title and win Coach: Trevor Williams (4th year, 7-20) the district. Despite Class 4A dividing into two Assistants: Tom Smith, Mark Mayberry, Brian Sweet, classes, Clay Center remained with Concordia, Mark Snyder, Nick Evans Colby and Goodland in 4A, District 7.

Offense: Split Back Defense: 3-5 In 2013, Clay Center lost to McPherson Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense 47-7 in the playoffs. The Tigers lost 34-17 to Blake Atkinson, OL/DL; Jason Zook, OL/DL; Colton McPherson in 2012, 49-25 to Abilene in 2011, Rudolph, WR/DB; Mathew Tenpenny, OL; Eion Jackson, 47-14 in Abilene in 2010, 21-0 to Hayden in LB; Nathan Nelson, DB. 2009 and 42-3 against Hayden in 2008.

“We have a lot of young inexperienced Melanie McGee players that will need to step into key roles on this year’s team,” Rice said. “We will need to develop depth on both sides of the ball.”

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The Tigers do welcome back 20 total lettermen and seven returning starters who will try to help Clay Center get over the playoff hump.

6-4 in 2013 / 2-1 in district/ 4A-II North Central Kansas League Coach: Todd Rice (5th year, 27-23; 21st overall, 108-89) Assistants: Marc Henry, Zac Malcolm, Ben Last, J.D. Lane, Tom DeBauche Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 6 Defense Baylee Easterberg, FB/LB, 5-9, 195, Sr.; Brady Hummel, RB/LB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Ricky Huse, RB/DB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Austin Last, DL, 6-3, 245, Sr.; Gabe Ware, LB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Parker Folks, OL, 5-10, 200, So. Conor Nicholl

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

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Consider a trip to Cloud County Imagine performing on stage as you get a behind the scenes look at the historic performing arts theatre, the Brown Grand Theatre. Decorated in French renaissance style, you’ll soon understand why the Brown Grand is called an “Exquisite Gem on the Kansas Prairie”.

Discover how one in 25 Americans is connected to an Orphan Train Rider at the National Orphan Train Museum. You’ll hear the amazing story of how an estimated 200,000 orphaned or abandoned children from New York found new homes with families across America.

Walk the grounds and tour buildings of the largest German POW camp in Kansas where over 4,000 German POWs were held during WWII. Additional artifacts can be seen at the

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Cloud County Museum where you can also enjoy taking a walk down memory lane. Have you ever wanted to know what goes on in a convent? The Sisters of St. Joseph open their doors every Monday through Friday afternoon for a sneak peek into their lives at their headquarters, the Nazareth Convent.

A trip to Concordia is not complete until you have played “I Spy” on the Whole Wall Mural, the longest sculpted brick mural in the U.S. This incredible piece of art is amazing and entertaining. Make sure you visit downtown Concordia where you’ll find unique dining, antiques, boutiques and an old-fashioned soda fountain.

Learn more at www.cloudcountytourism.com​.

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After receiving his master’s degree in music from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Braden Bruntzel came back home to Concordia to help others make beautiful music. Braden who has loved music from a young age, can play and teach a wide range of instruments, but his true love is the French horn.

Playing in a band is much like participating in sports, “it teachers patience and teamwork” says Bruntzel. “Music has so many benefits from changing attitudes to aiding in learning, especially languages”. “Music is a second language”, then laughingly adds, at least it’s mine”.

During his years playing on the Concordia High School band, Braden has collected a number of fun memories. His fondest are of traveling to San Diego to perform and playing at the Shrine Bowl a couple of times. While at Bethany College, Braden had the opportunity to study sound engineering and traveled with the Bethany Jazz Band as the “sound guy”.

In 2013, Braden was offered a full-time position as an instrument repair technician for B & J Repair, located at Tom’s Music House in Concordia, where he had worked parttime the past six summers. “Concordia is the perfect place to live as it’s in the middle” says Braden, who is a sound technician for a band in Nebraska, and plays every chance he gets in the Salina Orchestra.

Braden Bruntzel www.cloudcountytourism.com FOLLOW US

CLOUD COUNTY: Concordia’s power team on and off the court!

BY TAMMY BRITT With three boys all under the age of five, Garrett and Amber Farha laughingly admit the teamwork, time management and patience they learned playing high school sports is invaluable. The Concordia couple remember their high school and college days fondly and hope to pass on their love of sports and the values of hard work, determination and teamwork to their children.

Garrett was a popular Concordia High School Panther, lettering in cross country, track and basketball. He continued as a point guard for Cloud County Community College where a pretty blonde on the women’s team, Amber Hein, caught his eye. Two years later Garrett and Amber both went on to play basketball for Saint Francis University. At SFU Garrett led the NEC in 3-point shooting percentage and assists, finishing 9th in the nation in assists his junior year.

Amber knows how to handle a ball, having played volleyball, basketball, and soccer at Buhler High School before signing with the Cloud County Community College women’s basketball team. At Cloud County, Amber and Garrett were both honored as national Academic All-Americans their freshman and sophomore years. While playing for SFU, Amber led the NEC in 3-point shooting percentage her junior year and was an integral part of the 2005 NEC championship team that went on to lay in the NCAA tournament.

In 2007, when a career opportunity became available in the small north central Kansas town he was raised in, Garrett jumped at the chance. Amber followed in 2009 when she accepted the position of Finance Director for the City of Concordia. As Special Projects Manager at F & A Food Sales, Garrett is happy to be involved in his family’s business. In his spare time Garrett volunteers as an assistant coach for the Cloud County Community College men’s basketball team. When not chasing around their boys, Amber and Garrett remain active by running and competing on City league basketball teams.

Garrett & Amber Farha www.cloudcountytourism.com FOLLOW US

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The Indians are coming off a 5-4 season, though they will have plenty of new faces in the starting lineup as just five starters return on offense and the defense has only six starters coming back.

“The younger players will have to season quickly and the offense has to gel quickly,” said sixth-year coach Dirk Ankerholtz. “We need to avoid injuries. That has been a problem for us the past couple of years.”

Clearwater does return quarterback Hunter Hall and running back/defensive back Jake Wright, along with receivers Cody Layton and Dane Rausch. The Indians also bring back T.J. Layton to anchor the offensive line, while Caleb Bolan and Erech Wiens are back in the secondary. Landon Smith returns at linebacker along with Cody Layton and Rausch.

Ankerholtz listed “improve every week as a person, player and a team” and making the playoffs as his team’s main goals.

The Indians open their season with a long trip to Scott City before returning home to face Goddard in week two.

Class 4A-II District 5 will be a tough one with traditional power Andale appearing poised for a deep playoff run and Trinity Academy featuring one of the state’s fastest players in senior running back Tyler Burns.

The Indians have hovered around .500 posting 5-4 records last year and in 2010, and a 4-5 record in 2012. In 2011 the Indians posted one of their best seasons in school history, going 8-2.

Colby went winless for the first time since 2005 last year. After the ’05 season, Colby climbed back up before falling back down, going 1-8, 3-6, 6-4, 7-3, 4-5, 2-7 and 2-7. This year, coach Chris Gardner wants to improve and contend for a GWAC league title. Gardner said “hard work and team unity” are keys for the season.

Colby will have a very difficult first six weeks going at Oakley, versus Scott City and Hugoton, at Ulysses, versus Holcomb and at Norton.

In the last 10 years, Colby is 1-3 against Oakley, 0-6 versus Scott City, 4-2 against Hugoton (56-0 loss last year), 0-6 versus Ulysses, 1-3 against Holcomb and 0-2 against Norton. Those were the first six games last season, too, and Colby lost each contest by at least 15 points.

Opponents outscored Colby 334-82 last season and the Eagles were one of seven teams who went winless in Class 4A. Gardner will look to 10 total returning starters and 28 lettermen to help reverse their fortunes.

Colby will play in Class 4A Division II, District 7 in its usual grouping with Clay Center, Concordia and Goodland.

The Columbus Titans return nine starters on each side of the ball from a team that finished 8-2 and won the Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee League title in 2013.

It was the Titans’ first CNC championship since joining the league in 2012 and their first winning season since 2009.

Columbus is loaded with returning players in key positions.

The Titans bring back two quarterbacks with experience in senior Nate Bole and junior Trey Robinson. A dual threat, Bole completed 44 of 85 passes for 780 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions, while rushing for 349 yards and five touchdowns on 68 attempts. Subbing for an injured Bole, Robinson completed 40 of 71 passes for 764 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.

Columbus also returns its top three running backs in junior Jace McDown and seniors Zane Roark and Taylor Watkins. The three backs ran for 668, 616 and 217 yards, respectively.

McDown ran for eight touchdowns and more than 10 yards per carry.

Junior Javohn Morrill is the Titans’ leading returning receiver with 22 catches for 408 yards.

Linemen Kendal Hale and Garrett Britain return after earning all-league honors last season.

Watkins was a unanimous first-team all-league linebacker with a team-leading 92 tackles. Fellow linebacker McDown had 90 tackles.

Brittain had 79 tackles and seven sacks as a defensive lineman.

Columbus will look to make a run in the playoffs during the first year of Class 4A, Division II.

After three straight eight win seasons the Panthers slipped to 2-7 last fall, but fifth year Concordia head coach Tim Lambert hopes that 20 returning lettermen, including 13 returning starters, can get the Panthers back above .500 in 2014.

Lambert’s wishbone offense will be led by senior running back Drake Hake. The 5 foot 6, 170 pound Hake is pound-for-pound one of the strongest players in 4A-II and returns after rushing for almost 800 yards and six touchdowns in only seven games as a junior.

Hake will be joined on offense by QB Zach Kyle, also a senior, and the duo will be protected up front by four returning starters on the offensive line with both tight ends back as well. All six are seniors. Joining Hake and Kyle in the backfield will be returning starter Shea Crum who was limited to just five games last season as a junior.

If the Panthers are to improve on their 11 points per game offensive output of a year ago they’ll need to work on controlling the ball after giving away 14 fumbles and throwing seven interceptions in 2013.

Juniors Ethan Bechard and Colby Trost are back after holding down free safety and linebacker spots as sophomores, while sophomore Ian Nordell is back after starting as a freshman at defensive end a year ago. Together with seven other starters returning for their senior campaign the Panthers hope to be much improved on defense after allowing an average of 27 points per game last fall.

5-4 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / Class 4A Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division IV Coach: Dirk Ankerholtz (6th year, 25-22) Assistants: Tyler Hampton, Jim Frickey, Jeff Cornwell, Eric Shipman Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense Hunter Hall, QB; Jake Wright, RB/DB; Cody Layton, WR/ LB; Dane Rausch, WR/LB; T.J. Layton, OL/LB; Caleb Bolan, DB; Erech Wiens, DB; Landon Smith, LB.

0-9 in 2013/ 0-3 in district / 4A-II Greater West Activities Conference Coach: Chris Gardner (8th year, 24-39; 12th overall) Assistants: Matt Sims, Ed Schmitt, Travis Betz, Brad Wildeman Offense: Spread Defense: 5-2 Returning lettermen: 28 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Josh Matchell, QB/CB, Sr.; Jay Ziegelmeier, T, Sr.; Eric Schuette, LB, Sr.; Brady Holzmeister, WR/SS, Jr.; Bray Slinger, G/DT, Jr.; Casey Quagliano, C, Jr.; Bryce Arnberger, T/DE, Jr.; Ben Matchell, RB/LB, Jr.; Austin Hart, OT/DT, Jr.; Ethan Jay, NG, So.

Melanie McGee

FRONTENAC RAIDERS Frontenac coach Mark Smith returns six starters on offense and eight on defense from a team that finished 6-4 and advanced to the Class 4A playoffs.

“The team’s key to success is to be as balanced as possible on offense and to take care of the football,” Smith said. “We must learn from our mistakes last season and use our experience to our advantage. We must control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and we must win the turnover battle each week.”

Senior Austin Seward returns as the Raiders’ starting quarterback. Seward also was a firstteam all-Crawford Neosho Cherokee League punter.

Other key veterans for the Raiders include senior running back and defensive back Keaton Bolinger and senior lineman Nathan Hemby.

Bolinger was a first-team all-league defensive back, and Hemby was a second-team all-league defensive lineman.

Frontenac returns four of its five starting offensive lineman with Hemby and fellow seniors

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2-7 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II North Central Kansas League Coach: Tim Lambert (5th year, 28-22; 21st overall, 8-2 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 4A-II 157-68) Crawford Neosho Cherokee League Conor Nicholl Assistants: Ken Meyer, Scott Coppoc, Michael Roe, Coach: Dan Grundy (7th year, 38-25) Ryan Mortimer Assistants: Chris Endress, Troy Haraughty, Blake Offense: Wishbone Defense: 4-3 Burns, Heath Perry Returning lettermen: 20 Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2 Returning starters: 10 Offense, 9 Defense Returning lettermen: 19 Zach Kyle, QB/DB, 5-6, 155, Sr.; Drake Hake, RB/SS, Returning starters: 9 Offense, 9 Defense 5-6, 170, Sr.; Shea Crum, RB/LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Braden Javohn Morrill, WR/CB, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Nate Bole, QB/ CB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Trey Robinson, S, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Taylor Johnson, TE/DE, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Stafen Guevera, OL/DL, Watkins, HB/ILB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Zane Roark, RB/DE, 5-9, 6-3, 255, Sr.; Gage Canfield, C/DL, 5-6, 155, Sr.; Russell 200, Sr.; Jace McDown, ILB, 5-10, 195, Jr.; Nate Randle, Dethloff, OL, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Trey Workman, OL, 6-4, 300, OLB, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Garrett Brittain, OG/DE, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Sr.; Ethan Bechard, FS, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Jace Coppoc, CB, 6-0, 145, Sr.; Colby Trost, LB, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Ian Nordell, Kendal Hale, LT, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Dana Coerver, OG/DT, DE, 6-4, 195, Sr. 5-10, 185, Jr.; John Shallenberger, RT, 6-2, 260, Sr. John Baetz Mark Schremmer

Kyle Loy, Zak Sampo and Kylan Dixon.

The Raiders look to be a contender in the newly-created Class 4A Division II. “Our team goals for the 2014 season will be to win the CNC League championship, as well as the district championship,” Smith said. “We believe that we can make a run in the playoffs if we really focus on doing the little things right.”

6-4 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 4A-II Crawford Neosho Cherokee League Coach: Mark Smith (3rd year, 11-9) Assistants: John Palumbo, Bill Sullivan, Jason Lee, Brady Hill, Troy Morris Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 37 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 8 Defense Ryan Menghini, FB/LB, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Keaton Bolinger, TB/CB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Nathan Hemby, G/DE, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Kyle Loy, C/DT, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Zak Sampo, T/DT, 5-10, 245, Sr.; Tanner Edwards, DE/LB, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Tyler Nystrom, SS, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Kylan Dixon, OG/DE, 6-0, 205, Sr. Mark Schremmer

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GARNETT-ANDERSON COUNTY BULLDOGS Anderson County played the No. 49 SOS in 4A and opponents outscored the Bulldogs 321108, but the Bulldogs came close to winning several games.

Anderson County opened the season with a 28-24 loss to Burlington, then lost 32-14 to Prairie View in Week 2, and 27-12 to Central Heights in Week 4. In Week 6, Anderson County fell 35-34 to Osawatomie and 20-12 at Iola in Week 9. The Bulldogs had a three-win dropoff from 2013. Anderson County has lost 12 straight dating back to a 39-12 Week 6 victory versus Osawatomie in 2012.

Coach Don Hilliard had consistently kept Anderson County around the .500 mark in his tenure, but the Bulldogs have never won a playoff game in school history. He stepped aside after last season and this season, veteran Greg Welch takes over the Bulldog program.

Welch comes on after a successful stint with Seward (Neb.). He went 109-79 with 15 playoff

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appearances in 19 seasons with Seward, according to the Lincoln Journal-Star. Welch has been a head coach for 32 seasons; this is his sixth stop and second in Kansas (Medicine Lodge).

Welch started at Wayne State as an assistant in 1979. Seward went 2-9 last fall.

From 2004-12, Anderson County has won five games once, six games four times and a 7-2 record in 2009. As well, Anderson County went 2-7 in 2005 and has two three-win years. The Bulldogs are 0-4 all-time in the playoffs with appearances in ’96 and ’09-11.

Anderson County will play in Class 4A Division II, District 3 with Burlington, Girard and Iola.

0-9 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Pioneer League Coach: Greg Welch (1st year) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Conor Nicholl

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Girard finished only 3-6 in 2013, but coach Leon Miller believes his Trojans were closer to a winning record than it appears.

“We were very competitive,” Miller said. “We were in every game except against Independence. We played a lot of young kids, had some injuries to a few key players. We were a play or two away from being 6-3 instead of 3-6.”

Girard lost two games within six points and three within 12 points.

The Trojans return an abundance of players with at least some starting experience.

Senior Tucker Johnston returns as the starter at quarterback.

“He should be more confident and have a grasp of his role,” Miller said.

Tyler Green, Hunter Parker, Juan Ortiz, Ted Paoni and Drew Davied are back as receiving targets.

Evan Grantham, Kross Hamblin, Adam Biby and Brad McClendon provide experience to the offensive line.

Hamblin, Jayson Rogers and McClendon return to the defensive line. Seniors Kord Curran and Noe Guzman are back at linebacker. Ortiz, Paoni and Davied return with experience in the defensive backfield.

Curran will be the quarterback of the defense.

“He was voted our defensive player of the year, and he has the respect and trust of his teammates,” Miller said.

The Trojans will be competing in the newlyformed Class 4A Division II in a district with Iola, Burlington and Garnett-Anderson County.

A few days before state track meet, Goodland coach Kent Teeter, who led the Cowboys to the playoffs three of the last four seasons, took the head coaching position at Holcomb. Also heading to Holcomb, is Teeter’s son, Trey, a junior this season who started at quarterback for the Cowboys the past two years. Last year, he completed 123 of 244 passes for 1,981 yards with a 22/13 TD/INT ratio.

In addition, wide reciver Dax Ruhs graduated and signed with the Fort Hays State University track team. Ruhs led the team with 39 catches for 802 yards and 11 scores; running back Garret Taylor also graduated after 126 carries for 717 yards and eight TDs. Nearly a month after Teeter’s resignation, the Cowboys hired Josh Stephenson, who is originally from Kansas and played at Bethany College. Stephenson had served as an assistant coach for McPherson College and Los Angeles Valley College, though hadn’t coached since 2003.

Goodland hasn’t won a playoff game since reaching the Class 4A quarterfinals in 2004.

This season, Goodland will play in Class 4A Division II, District 7 with Clay Center, Concordia and Colby.

Last season, Goodland opened 3-0 with a 4324 victory against Hugoton, a 30-7 win versus Norton and a 46-21 victory against Wray, Colo.

After three straight losses, Goodland defeated Clay Center 8-7 and then shutout Concordia and Colby by a combined score of 78-0. Goodland lost in the final seconds, 27-26, to Abilene in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.

On a team that lost a large chunk of its starters, there is one known quantity across the board – Tim Hendrixson.

Hendrixson is coming off an excellent junior season where he was honored as first-team allCentral Kansas League – at three different positions. Hendrixson was a handful at quarterback, a shutdown cornerback and even a spot-on kicker. He enters his third season as the starting signal caller. Haven will ask Hendrixson to expand his role even more as the Wildcats return from a 2-7 season.

Jacob Newcomer gives Hendrixson a reliable target at receiver. Newcomer merges speed and agility. He was a first team all-league selection at receiver. In track, he took second in 3A state in the 110-meter hurdles and third in the 300 hurdles.

The Wildcats’ weakness on the front lines could be exposed.

“We graduated a lot of experience on the offensive and defensive lines. The same can be said of our linebacking corps,” said Haven coach Scott L’Ecuyer. “Our inexperienced and young players will need to season quickly in order for us to succeed.”

This fall, Haven jumps into a treacherous district as it transitions from 3A to 4A-Division II. The Wildcats’ three foes include Andale, Clearwater and Trinity Academy. All three finished above .500 a year ago.

During the last several years, Jerry Johnson wanted to curtail his head coaching duties, according to the Garden City Telegram.

Johnson had cut back middle school basketball and track, but still coached the Longhorn high school football team with his activities/athletics director position. In late May, Johnson decided to step aside with football after a successful run (56-25 in seven seasons, 7-4 in ’13). Johnson has five young children.

Kent Teeter, who had a solid run at Goodland, decided to take the Longhorn job. Teeter was the head coach at Hays High for nine years, then assisted at Great Bend for a season before he coached Goodland the last six years.

Johnson will stay on as an assistant to Teeter.

Teeter’s wife, Dixie, is a Garden City graduate and her brother, Todd, lives in Holcomb and is a Major League Baseball umpire.

Teeter’s son, Trey, is a junior and was the starting quarterback the last two years in Goodland’s spread offense. Teeter threw for 957 yards and a 9/12 TD/INT ratio as a freshman and improved to 1,981 yards and a 22/13 TD/INT ratio as a sophomore as Goodland went from 3-6 to 6-4.

The Longhorns will be without hyper-talented athlete Heath Tucker, lost to graduation, but senior running back Black Richmeier is back after earning all-area honors from the Garden City Telegram as a junior.

Holcomb has made the playoffs every season from 2003-’13, except 2010, but has only won more than one playoff game in a season three times in school annals (’92, ’94, ’97).

3-6 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II Crawford Neosho Cherokee League Coach: Leon Miller (7th year, 28-28; 26th overall) Assistants: Craig Siebert, Jeremiah Hudson, Mark McFarland, Brian Walrod Offense: Double Tight/Wishbone Defense: 50 front Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 10 Offense, 9 Defense Evan Grantham, C, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Kross Hamblin, OG/ DE, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Adam Biby, OT, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Tyler Green, TE, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Tucker Johnston, QB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Kord Curran, LB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Hunter Parker, TE, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Juan Ortiz, WR/DB/K/P, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Ted Paoni, WR/DB, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Drew Davied, WR/DB, 6-4, 160, Jr.; Trey Eaton, S, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Jayson Rogers, DT, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Noe Guzman, LB/NG/FB, 5-5, 160, Sr.; Brad McClendon, OG/DL, 5-10, 180, Sr. Mark Schremmer

6-4 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 4A-II Greater West Activities Conference Coach: Josh Stephenson (1st year) Assistants: Dev Mull, Donald Raymer, Joe Sramek, Jeremy Stefen, Chase Topliff, Jon Whisnant, Butch Werner Offense: Spread Defense: 10-1 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Ricky Milke, LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Gerell Miller, NG, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Kolt Trachsel, WR/DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Brandon Verlinden, OL/DL, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Austin Hernandez, RB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Nolan Deeds, WR, 5-8, 160, So. Conor Nicholl

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7-4 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 4A-II Greater West Activities Conference Coach: Kent Teeter (1st year, 16th overall, 69-60) Assistants: Jerry Johnson, Brandon Hill, Lucas Sullivan, Wes Wickwar, Carey McFann Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 35 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Aaron Hernandez, OL, 5-9, 240, Jr.; Tristan Dortch, OL, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Jacob Ramsey, OL, 5-9, 188, Sr.; Garrett Janda, OL, 5-10, 172, Sr.; Blake Richmeier, RB, 6-2, 215, Pregame Staf Sr.; Dillon Williams, RB, 5-10, 195, So.; Trey Sleep, WR, 6-4, 185, Sr.; Brandon Stegman, WR, 5-10, 156, So.; Calen Rupp, WR, 5-9, 171, Sr.; Dalton Gottschalk, WR, 6-3, 170, Sr.; Trey Teeter, QB, Jr. Conor Nicholl

HOLTON WILDCATS Holton finished a two-year run of 27-1 and lost to eventual state champion Buhler, 28-14, in the semifinals last fall. Holton has won titles in 2003, ’05 and ’12 and finished as runner-up in ’98, ’99 and ’10.

Holton graduated 23 seniors, returns just three starters and will move down to Class 4A, Division II this season. Holton opens at Silver Lake and then has Maize South at home in a tough two game stretch.

“It is a very tough way to start with an inexperienced team,” coach Brooks Barta said. “We hope our defense can keep us in games early until we can game some experience on offense.”

Senior Trey Tanking and junior Justin Rieschick should compete for playing time at quarterback. Nine linemen, including six seniors, will compete for four offensive line starting positions. That includes Mason Alford (6-1, 290) and Josh Myrick (6-2, 320). The only returning starter is Cooper Allen (5-10, 280).

Junior Mason Barta, a part-time starter in 2012, will be the starter at fullback. Seniors

2-7 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Central Kansas League Coach: Scott L’Ecuyer (2nd year, 2-7) Assistants: Darin Ashworth, Nate Bailey, David Corns, Cody Dick, Mitchell Kinast, Dustin Salmans, Drew Thalmann Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 4 Defense Rian Borntrager, WR/DB, Sr.; Tim Hendrixson, QB/DB, Sr.; Jacob Newcomer, WR/DB, Sr.; Zach Teter, WR/LB, Sr.; Just DeSantiago, OL/LB, Jr.; Kevin Nisly, OL/DL, Jr.; Eric Williams, WR/DB, Jr.; Mark Carney, WR/DB, So.

HOYT-ROYAL VALLEY PANTHERS

Louis Butto and Indie Allen will also be in the backfield. Coach Barta considers linebacker a strength with his son, Mason (team-high 72 tackles), and Allen (50 tackles, third-most, team-high four sacks) leading the way. Holton will be with Royal Valley, Jefferson West and Perry-Lecompton in district play.

“We have one of the tougher districts in 4A Division II,” coach Barta said. “We will need to survive a tough opening schedule and improve as we move toward district play.”

Jake Lott, a Topeka native and 2004 Seaman graduate, went to Emporia State University and graduated in 2009. He was an assistant football coach at Emporia and then Neodesha before he took over as head coach at Southeast-Cherokee last year. Cherokee finished 4-5, a two-win decrease from 2012, but still the program’s second-best record since 2008.

This season, Lott is back closer to home at Royal Valley, a program that finished winless and only allowed 281 points, but scored just 78, the fourth-fewest in Class 4A, according to 12-1 in 2013 / 3-0 in district/ 4A-II preppowerindex.com.

Big 7 “As a team we are looking to improve from Coach: Brooks Barta (19th year, 184-30) last season,” Lott said. “Everybody needs Assistants: Joe Purcell, Mark Middlemist, Alex Bartel, to push as a hard as they can to get back to Brian Meerpohl, Matt Hundley, Jon Dietrich, LD Fletcher winning ways.”

Offense: Wishbone Defense: Odd Front The Panthers have had a declining win total Returning Lettermen: N/A Returning Starters: 2 Offense, 4 Defense four straight years from 7-2 to 5-4 to 3-6 to 0-9.

Cooper Allen, OL, 5-10, 280, Sr.; Mason Barta, FB/LB, Royal Valley hasn’t made the playoffs since a 6-2, 195, Jr.; Luis Butto DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Trey Tanking, 6-4 record in 2006. Royal Valley will play in 6-1, 185, DB, Sr., Justin Rieshick, 5-9, 160, DB, Jr. Conor Nicholl the very tough 4A-II District 1 with state power Holton, and quality Big 7 opponents Jefferson

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“The key will be how quickly the kids adapt to the new offense and defense,” Lott added.

“Overall, there are a good core of seniors and underclassmen. If we can hit the ground running during Week 1 and have some success, that will be huge for this team.”

0-9 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Big 7 Coach: Jake Lott (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: Dave Barta, Russell Hodison, Will Mitchell, Kyle Porter Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning Lettermen: 14 Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Matthew Bailey, RB/LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Nehemiah Schuetz, FB/LB, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Zach Lux, QB/CB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Nick Erhart, RB/CB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Noah Hart, RB/CB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Garrett Shultz, FB/LB, 5-11, 195, Jr.; Jarrett Roy, OL/DL, 6-2, 220, Jr.; Chance Ogden, OL/DL, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Tristan Tessendorf, OL/DL, 6-3, 190; Derrick Barger, RB/S, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Dylan Wells, OL/DL, 5-11, 205, Sr. Conor Nicholl

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Youth abounds on the Hugoton roster, and coach Todd Fulton has just six returning starters to help ease his transition from assistant to head coach.

“Being the new old guy means we will do some things different, but on the other hand, I know our kids and the staff, which is very good, so our learning curve will not be as big as if I were completely new,” he said.

The Eagle offense will lean heavily on newcomers as senior running back Michael Baeza and junior offensive lineman Mark Persinger are the only returning starters. Just four starters return on defense with two of them – seniors Ulises Armendariz and Kellen Watkins - coming from the secondary.

Hugoton also returns junior defensive tackle Ulises Reyes and Baeza is a returning starter at linebacker.

“We will be a young team with two-thirds of our roster being underclassmen, which is very exciting,” Fulton said. “They have had success at the junior high level so they bring high expectations with them. I believe the more young men we can get on the field, the better we will be.”

The Eagles open their season by hosting Guymon, Okla., before traveling to Ulysses and Colby in back to back weeks.

Fulton replaces coach Clint Merritt who is the new athletic director at USD #473 in Chapman. Merritt compiled a 36-40 record in eight seasons with the Eagles, including a 10-1 record in 2009.

Iola coach Doug Kerr must find a way to replace 15 seniors but his squad returns 14 lettermen including seven with starting experience. The Mustangs went 5-4 last season and are looking to reach the state playoffs for the first time in Kerr’s tenure.

“This season will be a challenge as we replace 15 seniors that were part of back-to-back conference championships,” Kerr said. “The kids are working harder than ever to get Iola back into the state playoff system.”

The Mustang offense returns four starters – senior fullback Shane Walden, senior tight end Alex Bauer, junior lineman Ethan Sigg and senior lineman Colton Heffern.

“We bring back a stable of backs, each with their own skill set,” Kerr said. “It will definitely be the strength of the team. If the ground game gets rolling and we are able to control the ball, then all other parts of the team will feed off of it.”

Iola’s defense has four starters back. Walden, senior Kaden Macha and junior Keanen Badders return at linebacker along with junior defensive back Brice Aiello.

“Our goals are pretty simple this season – win the Pioneer League and get into the state playoffs,” Kerr said. “It will also be important to come out of the gate early to keep the confidence up of a much younger starting lineup than in the last couple of seasons.”

In the span of two weeks in late October, the outlook for Bishop Ward football switched from miserable to magical. Mired in a 33-game losing streak, the Cyclones broke the skid with a 26-14 triumph over Sumner Academy. A week later, Bishop Ward was sealing up its first postseason berth since 2008 with a five-point win over Atchison.

It was a much-needed shot of momentum for a team desperate for it. Having endured three consecutive winless chapters, Bishop Ward appeared destined for a fourth before peaking in districts.

To reach the 4A-Division II postseason, Bishop Ward will have to do so in unfamiliar terrain. None of the Cyclones 2013 district enemies are in District 2. The four-team field rounds out with Santa Fe Trail, Prairie View and Osawatomie. The quartet leaves a little to be desired – they were a combined 10-29 this past year. Bishop Ward will be the only one coming off a playoff trip, and Osawatomie (5-4) the only one with a winning season under its belt in 2013.

The Cyclones open at home with Sumner Academy before the schedule toughens up, with three of their next four games on the road. Bishop Ward starts district play by visiting Santa Fe Trail and Osawatomie, and then wraps up the regular season at home against Prairie View.

Bishop Ward will need to score, after only topping 14 points three times a year ago.

After going 2-7 with a young team in 2013, Prairie View coach Doug Whitcraft says his team should be able to turn the corner in 2014.

The Buffaloes went 0-3 in district games a year ago, but eight senior starters return to lead Prairie View this season.

Senior quarterback Shawn Ackerson, senior fullback Will Holland and senior tailback Cordell Dunlap will operate behind a line anchored by seniors Dylan Rice, Ted Chambers and Jacob Victor. The Buffalo offense also brings back senior receiver Blake Barnes and junior receiver Trent Phelps.

Ackerson threw for 765 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2013, while his two leading targets from last year – Barnes with 21 catches for 281 yards and a pair of scores, and Phelps with 16 catches for 323 yards and six touchdowns – are also back.

On defense, Prairie View returns eight starters, including three All-League performers – Holland, Dunlap and Phelps. Rice, Victor and senior defensive end Cody Scott are all back up front while Ackerson returns at free safety.

While the Buffs were 2-7 in 2013 four of those losses were by 20 points or less including a one-point heartbreaker to Labette County. Prior to last year, Whitcraft’s teams have always hovered around .500 going 5-4, 4-5, and 5-4, from 2010 to 2012.

5-4 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II Greater West Activities Conference Coach: Todd Fulton (1st year) Assistants: Lance Cornelson, Brian Campbell, Craig Szymczak, Mke Miller.

Offense: Multiple I Defense: 40 Multiple Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 4 Defense Michael Baeza, RB/LB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Ulises Armendariz, DB, 5-8, 130, Sr.; Kellen Watkins, DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Ulises Reyes, DT, 5-7, 185, Jr.; Mark Persinger, OL, 6-2, 215, Jr.

5-4 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II Pioneer League Coach: Doug Kerr (3rd year, 11-7; 9th overall, 30-49) Assistants: Brad Carson, Dana Daugherthy, David Daugherthy, Cody Hager Offense: Single Wing Defense: 33 Stack Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Kaden Macha, LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Shane Walden, FB/ LB, 5-9, 205, Sr.; Brice Aiello, DB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Keanen Badders, LB, 5-9, Jr.; Ethan Sigg, OL, 6-2, 235, Jr.; Alex Bauer, TE, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Colton Heffern, OL, 5-10, 215, Sr. Melanie McGee

Melanie McGee

2-8 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 4A-II Kaw Valley League Coach: Tim Dorian Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

2-7 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Pioneer League Coach: Doug Whitcraft (5th year, 16-20) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Shawn Ackerson, QB/FS, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Will Holland, FB/ MLB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Cordell Dunlap, TB/OLB, 5-11, 185, Pregame Staff Sr.; Blake Barnes, WR/OLB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Trent Phelps, WR/CB, 6-1, 165, Jr.; Dylan Rice, RG/NG, 5-8, 195, Sr.; Ted Chambers, C, 6-1, 265, Sr.; Jacob Victor, LT/DE, 6-5, 215, Sr.; Cody Scott, DE, 5-11, 185, Sr.

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LARNED/ROZEL PAWNEE HEIGHTS INDIANS In just two seasons as Larned coach A.B. Stokes has ended a 24 game losing streak (in 2012), delivered the team’s first winning season in 15 years, and the Indians’ first trip to the playoffs since 1985.

What will he and the Indians do for an encore? One thing is for sure, it will be without the services of 2013’s top offensive weapon, quarterback Easton Palmer, who accounted for over 1,700 total yards and 24 total touchdowns last fall. The Garden City Community College baseball commit also earned All-State honors for his play at strong safety.

In spite of the loss of Palmer to graduation, Stokes is optimistic for continued success and he’ll count on 25 returning lettermen and 10 returning starters to pave the way.

Stokes anticipates senior Trey Kraisinger to take over for Palmer at quarterback but said junior Evan Skelton will also get a shot.

Stokes hopes eight returning starters on defense will improve on it’s 22.5 points per game allowed average a year ago including opponent

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outbursts of 43 and 60 points in shutout losses to Ulysses and Andale in the final four weeks of the season.

LINDSBORG-SMOKY VALLEY VIKINGS

Smoky Valley has had some issues with injuries in the last year. Last season, talented quarterback Ethan Loder was hurt until Week 7. This summer, Jarod DeMott, the Vikings’ 7-3 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 4A-II standout running back/receiver tore his anterior Central Kansas League cruciate ligament and is out for the season.

Coach: A.B. Stokes (3rd year, 10-9) Assistants: Austin Kingsbury, Quinton Burgess, Tad Coach Chris Hattabaugh said DeMott had Remy, Matt Barton, Michael Hensley looks from a “number of high-profile schools.”

Offense: Multiple I Defense: 3-4 DeMott was all-league on both sides of the ball Returning lettermen: 25 last season and led the team with seven sacks, Returning starters: 6 Offense, 8 Defense Gage Stude, CB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Evan Skelton, S, 5-8, 160, 22 catches for 375 yards and six scores.

Smoky Valley finished 6-0 in the Central KanJr.; Trey Kraisinger, S, 6-2, 160, Sr.; Jeromy Bartz, LB/ sas League, but missed the playoffs with a 7-2 RB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Tyler Stelter, LB/TE, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Ty O’Neill, LB/OL, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Landon Erway, LB/RB, mark. The Vikings have five home games and 5-8, 170, Jr.; Nick Warrick, DL, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Jeramie a weaker Class 4A Division II, District 6 with Kramer, OL, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Skyler Hoch, FB, 5-9, 210, Sr. Nickerson, at Wamego and Chapman this fall.

Nickerson was 0-9 last season, Wamego was John Baetz 7-2 but missed the playoffs and Chapman finished 3-6.

Smoky Valley hasn’t made the playoffs since 2007. Last season, Smoky Valley had the best record in 4A, District 15, but lost to McPherson and Abilene – two 6-5 teams – in district play.

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Smoky Valley and Wamego were 4A’s lone seven-win teams to not make the playoffs.

Athletic Cole Norberg will play quarterback and was all-league on defense. The team returns three offensive linemen and two receivers as part of six returning offensive starters and seven on defense.

7-2 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II Central Kansas League Coach: Chris Hattabaugh (6th year, 21-23) Assistants: James Henderson, Bill Nelson, John Beliah, Fred VanRanken, Ben Elliott Offense: Spread Option Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Jarod DeMott, RB/LB, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Cole Norberg, QB/ FS, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Stephen Klaasen, OL/DL, 6-4, 270, Sr.; Greg Elvin, OL/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Nils Peterson, OL, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Brix Brickey, DL, 5-10, 275, Sr.; Kirk Barnes, LB, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Benton VanDerWege, CB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Aaron Taylor, WR, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Caden Byers, OL, 5-11, 210, Jr. Conor Nicholl

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OSAWATOMIE TROJANS

There is no shame in any of the three losses that marred Jefferson West’s 7-3 season. Defeats at the hands of Tonganoxie, Holton and KC Piper – a combined 28-8 – earned the Tigers respect. And with just a few more points here and there, the Tigers’ record could have been even more sterling. Jefferson West lost by one to Tonganoxie, and lost a 4A first round playoff game to KC Piper 28-24.

Jeff. West has been one of the more consistently competitive programs in Kansas over the past five years. In that time, the Tigers never dipped below four wins in a season and made the postseason three times. Jefferson West has earned back-to-back berths to the playoffs, but each time KC Piper handed them their final defeat.

As the Tigers – and 31 other schools – adapt to KSHSAA’s first year of 4A Division II football, they have a goliath waiting to greet them to open districts. Jeff. West travels to Holton in week seven. Holton won the 4A state title in 2012, and was a semifinalist in 2013. Royal Valley (0-9 in 2013) and Perry-Lecompton (3-6) round out district play.

But before worrying about trying to secure a playoff spot, the Tigers will need to settle on a new quarterback. Ian Mullins is gone after setting the school record for passing touchdowns in a season with 17. He was the catalyst for an offense that piled up 278 points.

The defense was not too shabby, either, holding opponents to 20.8 points per game.

Nickerson has lost 11 straight contests after a 6-1 start in 2012. The Panthers were competitive in a 12-8 Week 1 loss to Pratt and a 35-28 defeat to Hillsboro in Week 3, but lost the rest of the contests by at least 22 points. Opponents outscored Nickerson 382-98.

Nickerson is 2-5 all-time in playoff history and hasn’t made the postseason since ’07.

Coach Max Heinlein said the team’s goals are to sustain drives on offense, defensive pursuit, win league and win districts. Nickerson will play in Class 4A Division II, District 6 with Chapman, Smoky Valley and Wamego.

We gained some valuable experience last year with our young guys,” Heinlein said. “There can’t be any excuses this year. We have to come out and perform at a varsity level. We are excited to get the season underway and see how we match-up against opponents in our league and district.”

So much for a sophomore slump. With several sophomores playing key roles for Osawatomie a year ago, the Trojans’ 5-4 record has to be considered a big success.

The Trojans showed plenty of firepower, scoring at least 35 points in all five wins, but also had plenty of trouble slowing down their opponents, giving up 55 points to Louisburg and 73 to Paola in district play after riding a two-game win streak into the start of districts.

Riley England was a breakout star in the backfield, rushing for 2,005 yards and 23 touchdowns a year ago, averaging 7.8 yards per carry as a sophomore. He’s certainly capable of duplicating that feat as a junior, particularly with classmate Brody Russell back under center after throwing for 620 yards and 10 TDs last year.

Senior Andy Blanton was the team’s top tackler last year with 98 and if the Trojans can shore up the defense, they could take advantage of the split in Class 4A to end a lengthy playoff drought.

7-3 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 4A-II Big 7 Coach: Steve Johnson Assistants: Doug Sidener, Dan Hypse, Jake Farrant, Ryan Dercher Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Pregame Staff

0-9 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Central Kansas League Coach: Max Heinlein (8th year, 25-50) Assistants: Craig Engweiller, Brent Lane, John Close, Mike Hein Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 10 Defense Ethan Belden, WR/CB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Ben Berridge, RB/ CB, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Case Goble, RB/S, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Wyatt Henson, WR, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Jordan Lehman, RB, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Braden Stewart, QB, 6-3, 165, So.; Luke Hertel, C/DE, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Coleman Jordan, G/DE, 6-3, 210, Jr.; Cody Casey, S, 5-6, 140, Jr.; Bailey Daniels, LB, 5-7, 165, Jr.; Austin O’Toole, LB, 5-11, 160, So.; Jayden Harvey, NG, 5-8, 190, Jr.; Sam Berridge, LB, 6-0, 170, Sr.

5-4 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II Pioneer League Coach: Rod Madden Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

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In seven seasons as the head coach, Marc Svaty helped build the Halstead Dragons in to a consistent winner.

Svaty directed the Dragons to a .500 or better record in each of the past four seasons and finished his tenure 34-32.

Now, Svaty will try to begin the same rebuilding process with the Parsons Vikings.

He takes over a Parsons program, which finished 0-9 the past two seasons and is on a 19-game losing streak.

Svaty takes over for David Pitts, who helped the Vikings find success with a 7-3 record and a trip to the Class 4A playoffs in 2011 before struggling with young squads the past two seasons.

The former Halstead coach plans to implement the flexbone offense and the 4-3 defense.

Parsons based out of the double wing offense and the 4-4 defense under Pitts.

Svaty hopes the transition will be rapid.

“There is a lot of teaching and learning that must be accomplished throughout the summer and preseason,” Svaty said. “New systems, new coaches, new expectations. Transition and change is exciting. I think we have the ability to be competitive quickly. Overcoming the adversity and fighting through the peaks and valleys of the season will be paramount to our success. We must learn to stop losing before we Brent Maycock start winning.”

0-9 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Southeast Kansas League Coach: Marc Svaty (1st year; 8th year overall, 34-32) Assistants: Mark Pound, LaShaun Taylor, Barney Pontious, Neil Springer Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: NA Returning starters: NA

Conor Nicholl

Mark Schremmer

PERRY-LECOMPTON KAWS

PRATT GREENBACKS

WAMEGO RED RAIDERS

WICHITA-TRINITY ACADEMY KNIGHTS

Perry-Lecompton has posted back-to-back 3-6 seasons and coach Mike Paramore wants to rebound and play more consistently in 2014.

In 2008, Perry-Lecompton reached the state championship game with Shane Gimzo, an outstanding dual-threat quarterback who went on to have a strong career at Ottawa University.

In 2011, dual-threat quarterback Jeremy Immenschuh led them to a 7-3 record. This season, Seth Surface could be another strong dual-threat quarterback.

Surface has started under center since midway through his sophomore year. Last year, he missed the final four games because of an elbow injury, but completed 39 of 78 passes for 465 yards and three scores and rushed for 111 yards. He completed 92 of 175 for 1,133 yards and nine scores as a sophomore.

Junior Mitchell Bond played quarterback after Surface was injured, but will play split end and defensive back this fall. Four offensive linemen return who started at least two games.

“Top concerns are building depth and cohesiveness on the offensive and defensive lines, developing the linebacking group and improving our overall team defense with emphasis on getting stops and creating turnovers,” coach Mike Paramore said.

The Greenbacks are coming off a difficult 2-7 season, but second-year coach Jamie Cruce has eight returning starters on both sides of the ball, giving Pratt fans reason for optimism.

Senior Brandon Ruckle returns under center, and he’ll operate behind an experienced offensive line led by seniors Adam Bartel, Chance Henke and Matt Loomis and junior Jerod Theis.

The Greenbacks also have senior tight end Spencer Sullivan, senior receiver Derek Barnard and sophomore receiver Samson Kohman back in the lineup.

“Our keys to success will be developing our run game with toughness and making smart decisions with the football,” Cruce said.

“Defensively, we must communicate and play sound team defense.”

Pratt’s defense returns sophomore Traik Peltier, Theis and senior Josh Ash up front, along with Sullivan and senior Ethan Sharp at linebacker. In the secondary, Barnard, sophomore Hunter Kaufman and senior Tyler Skaggs are the veteran leaders.

Cruce said his squad’s goals include becoming more physical and playing up to its potential.

The Wamego roster is filled with veterans and coach Dale Burkholder has high hopes for his 2014 team.

“Our plan is to improve on last year’s 7-2 record and advance to the state playoffs,” he said.

The Red Raiders return all but one starter on defense, including first-team All-League defensive end Shawn Burns. Dylan Besthorn, Eli Miller and Michael Bryan are also returning starters up front while safeties Kyler Alderson and Trey Cohorst and corners James Starnes and Wyatt Totten are back in the secondary.

Linebacker Cody Wilson also returns to the starting lineup.

“The defense will return a solid 10 men and that’s cause for excitement as last year’s defense turned in four Friday night shutouts,” Burkholder said.

Wamego has the furthest thing from a quarterback controversy as Alderson returns for a third year as the starter. “He will be throwing it all over the field again this year,” Burkholder said.

Alderson was named the Flint Hills Player of the Year by The Manhattan Mercury and was a first-team All-League selection last year after throwing for 2,133 yards and 23 touchdowns.

He also ran for 11 touchdowns.

A gander into the history books to find Trinity Academy’s postseason trips comes up with a startling revelation – the page is blank. While the Knights do not have a storied tradition, the football team is not one known for poor seasons. Just this past year, they were 5-4.

In fact, over the past five years, Trinity is above the break-even mark at 23-22. But breaking down those numbers further shows a program that has not been able to find wins late in the season. In non-district play, the Knights are 20-10 over the past five years. Against district competition, only 3-12. After a promising 5-1 start to the 2013 season, Trinity seemed ready to punch its ticket, but instead ended the season with three district losses.

The majority of starters return for 2014, led by dynamic running back Tyler Burns. Senior quarterback Matt Jones is also back, and he has no shortage of experienced wideouts to fling the ball to.

“We will have a lot of returning experience with our skill positions,” said Trinity coach Jared McDaniel.

2-7 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Central Kansas League Coach: Jamie Cruce (2nd year, 2-7; 8th overall, 30-41) Assistants: Tyler Strong, Jason Gallagher, Steve Landry, 3-6 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Bob Smith, Lance Fuller, Levi Poindexter Big 7 Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Coach: Mike Paramore (14th year, 65-61) Returning lettermen: 18 Assistants: Mark Armstrong, Thomas Cooprider, Justin Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Smith, Jared Swafford Brandon Ruckle, QB, 6-2, 165, Sr.; Derek Barnard, WR/ Offense: Multiple I Defense: 3-4 DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Samson Kohman, WR, 6-3, 165, So.; Returning lettermen: 15 Spencer Sullivan, TE/LB, 6-2, 165, Sr.; Matt Loomis, OL, Returning starters: 4 Offense, 3 Defense 6-1, 175, Sr.; Jerod Theis, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Chance Seth Surface, QB/FS, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Jackson Dwyer, OT, Henke, OL, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Adam Bartel, OL, 6-3, 245, 5-11, 280, Sr.; Deek Hansen, OG/OLB, 5-8, 190, Sr.; Sr.; Hunter Kaufman, DB, 5-5, 135, So.; Tyler Skaggs, Caleb Daniels, SE, 5-11, 155, Sr.; Cody Williams, OLB, DB, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Ethan Sharp, LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Traik 6-1, 175, Sr. Conor Nicholl Peltier, DL, 6-4, 200, So.; Josh Ash, DL, 6-0, 165, Sr. Melanie McGee

7-2 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II North Central Kansas League Coach: Dale Burkholder (4th year) Assistants: John Scoggins, Curtis Eckart, Shane Neel, Nick Johnson, Travis Graber Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 10 Defense Kyler Alderson, QB/S, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Dylan Besthorn, OL/ DL, 5-10, 220; Colton Hitch, C, 6-3, 225; Sam Long, G, 5-10, 200; Trey Cohorst, RB/SS, 6-1, 180; Eli Miller, TE/ DL, 6-5, 230; Wyatt Totten, WR/CB, 5-9, 160; Kody Jackson, WR, 6-1, 185; James Starnes, CB, 6-0, 175; Kasey Feyh, DL, 6-1, 230; Michael Bryan, DL, 6-1, 210; Shawn Burns, DL, 5-8, 225; Cody Wilson, LB, 5-9, 200 Melanie McGee

5-4 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Central Plains League Coach: Jared McDaniel (3rd year, 9-9; 5th overall, 13-23) Assistants: Brad Burns, James Jost, Todd Peterson, James Smith Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 8 Offense, 9 Defense Terrance Floyd, WR/CB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Josh Osborne, WR/S, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Isaac Stevens, WR/LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Matt Jones, QB/S, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Jacob Johnson, WR/ CB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Caleb Hoyt, WR/LB, 5-11, 205, Jr.; Matt Harkness, WR/CB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Garrett Kuntz, WR/DL, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Tyler Burns, RB/S, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Jackson Troutman, OL/DL 5-11, 200, Jr.; Mitchell List, OL/DL, 6-3, 230, Jr.; Jacob Meyerhoff, OL/DL, 6-1, 255, Jr.; Christian Harvey, WR/DL, 6-3, 185, Sr. Pregame Staff

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 59

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MANHATTAN HIGH After going 10-1 in each of his first three seasons at MHS, sixth year head coach Joe Schartz’s Indians dipped to 6-4 in 2012 but rebounded with an 8-3 record and first-round playoff win last season. Schartz will look to 26 seniors, 10 returning lettermen, and six returning starters to continue the tradition of excellence at Manhattan High.

ROCK CREEK Veteran coach Mike Beam has enjoyed plenty of success in his two plus decades coaching the Mustangs including a trip to the state semi-finals in 2011, but after a 5-4 finish in 2012, Rock Creek, who competes in the ultra-tough Mid-East League, fell to 2-7 last year. Beam will count on the return of 31 lettermen, 10 starters, and 11 seniors to help the Mustangs back to the playoffs for the first time in three seasons.

RILEY COUNTY Riley County coach Steve Wagner is one of the most consistent in Kansas averaging seven wins a season over his three decades coaching the Eagles. He welcomes back 13 lettermen, eight players with starting experience, and 10 seniors who hope to help the Eagles back to the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season.

MVP

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 62

caseys.com

Class 3A Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

By CONOR NICHOLL For Kansas Pregame

Silver Lake won its eighth football crown last season and set two lasting legacies.

The first came in the state championship final score, 82-38, against Beloit. It easily broke the 11-man record for points in a state championship game of 66 set by Atwood in the 2-1A game in 1990. The all-time mark was 70 points set by Hanston in an eight-man contest in 1989. As well, the 120 combined points also broke a state record.

The second legacy is one Kansas high school football fans won’t forget for a long time. Silver Lake quarterback Dailin Kruger played with a torn ACL the final two months.

He passed for 317 yards, rushed for 92 more and accounted for eight touchdowns in the victory. Kruger collected Top 11 all-class honors and helped Silver Lake finish with a 13-1 record. Kruger completed

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Page 63

his senior season completing 157 of 277 passes for 2,468 yards with a 31/5 TD/ INT ratio.

Silver Lake has made the state championship game 11 of the last 12 years and C.J. Hamilton upped his all-time Kansas wins record to 370-85. The state championship, though, came from a 27-13 sub-state victory against War on 24 rival Rossville.

In Week 6 of the regular season, Rossville defeated Silver Lake, 27-21, the Bulldogs’ first victory against their rivals since 2003.

This season, the Class 3A nexus is again likely the War on 24 rivalry in the east, and perennial powers Scott City and Conway Springs in the west. Several talented 3A teams, including Sacred Heart, Marion, Phillipsburg and Sedgwick, dropped to Class 2-1A. Centralia/Wetmore, which completed one of the most dominant smallschool seasons in state history en route to a 2-1A title, has moved to 3A. All five teams

In addition to the Lookin’ Sharp, Throwback, Iron Will and Spotlight feature players, these are a few players to keep an eye on in Class 3A this fall. (Kpreps.com and Kansas-Sports.com contributors)

Elliot Kimminau......................................................OL/DL, 6-2, 290, Sr., Beloit Trevor Mars..............................................................FB/OLB, 6-0, 210, Sr., Centralia Shawn Nulik............................................................QB/DB, 5-9, 160, Sr., Chaparral Austin Commons.....................................................LB, 6-1, 185, Sr., Colgan Travis Wood.............................................................RB/LB, 6-3, 190, Sr., Conway Springs Luke Fisher..............................................................RB/LB, 5-11, 205, Sr., Conway Springs Trey Langvardt........................................................QB/FS, 6-2, 195, Jr., Council Grove Gabe Helton............................................................RB/LB, 6-1, 185, Sr., Galena Braden Weber.........................................................OL/DT, 5-10, 255, Sr., Hesston Nolan McCurry.........................................................RB/DB, 5-6, 160, Sr., Hoisington Seth Owen...............................................................G/NG, 6-2, 285, Sr., Hoisington Jack Courtney..........................................................QB/LB, 6-3, 175, Sr., McLouth Devin Henry.............................................................RB/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr., Nemaha Central Josh Brazzle.............................................................FB/LB, 5-11, 200, Sr., Riley County Andrae McGaughy..................................................QB/DB, 5-11, 165, Sr., Riverside Landon North..........................................................QB/WR/DB, 6-0, 160, Sr., Riverton Tucker Horak...........................................................QB/FS, Jr., Rossville Trey O’Neil................................................................QB/DB, 6-2, 180, Sr., Scott City Cooper Griffith........................................................FB/LB, 6-1, 210, Jr., Scott City Jace Freeman..........................................................WR, 6-1, 170, Sr., Silver Lake Jordan Proffitt........................................................TE/LB, 6-6, 220, Sr., Sterling Kyler Ehm.................................................................T/DE, 6-3, 255, Sr., Wichita Collegiate

Player Spotlight: AJ Cooper At 6-5, 205 pounds, Cimarron senior AJ Cooper is tall and thin. But don’t confuse skinny with weak, the 3-2-1A state wrestling runner-up at 195 pounds last February is the top returning player for a Blue Jay program that welcomes former Oakley coach Randall Rath this fall.

Cooper led the defense with 10 tackles for loss from his defensive end position and lined up at primarily wide receiver on offense last fall, but also started one game at QB. Rath expects to use Cooper as a running back.

Cooper is a multi-sport athlete who qualified for three events at the 2014 Kansas State Track & Field Championships. He has ran a 4.9 second 40 yard Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz dash and can squat 360 pounds.

Kansas Pregame

overview

that changed classes PREGAME PRESEASON RANKINGS finished 8-2 or better last season.

1. Silver Lake Silver Lake returns two 2. Rossville all-state players with 3. Scott City linebacker Zach Boyd 4. Conway Springs and defensive back Ryan 5. Galena Matzke, both seniors.

Others: Beloit, Caney Valley, Centralia, Colgan, Garden Plain, Norton, Matzke rushed 81 times Riverside, Wellsville, Wichita Collegiate for 686 yards and 13 TDs, recorded 90 tackles, sevcorps. Seniors Travis Wood and Luke en TFLs and picked off five passes. Boyd Fisher are returning starters at running back had 79 tackles, 15 for loss. Senior Jace and linebacker, while senior fullback J.J. Freeman returns after he led the Eagles Fisher is also a returning starter. with seven interceptions.

“We will need to develop depth in several Rossville finished 12-1 last season, and positions,” Conway Springs coach Matt Biehas advanced to the sub-state champihler said. “Early season varsity experience onship game the last two falls and eight will be important.” times since 2002. Only once has Rossville Scott City, which defeated Silver Lake reached the state title, a runner-up showing for the state championship two years ago, in 1992. finished 11-2 last season and defeated Rossville junior quarterback Tucker Horak Conway Springs in the playoffs. returns under center after he completed The Beavers have won double-digit 120 of 205 passes for 1,706 yards with a games the last six years. Senior quarter14/11 TD/INT ratio. The Bulldogs return its back Trey O’Neil, coach Glenn O’Neil’s top three rushers, including Horak, who son, completed 99 of 179 passes for 1,556 collected 205 carries for 1,807 yards and yards with a 17/9 TD/INT ratio, but has to 33 scores. Junior Christian Roduner also replace three of his top four receivers. returns after he intercepted three passes Junior Cooper Griffith (130 tackles, 11 for and forced two fumbles. loss), senior Brett Meyer (four intercepConway Springs, on a run of seven tions) and O’Neil (three interceptions) help straight playoff appearances, has won lead the defense. Scott City also finished seven state titles from 1998-2011. The just plus-4 in turnover margin last season Cardinals return seven offensive and six because of 29 turnovers. In the state defensive starters. Conway Springs brings back more than 2,000 rushing yards and 3A OVERVIEW / Continued on page 127 33 scores and an experienced linebacking

Player Spotlight: RJ Jackson RJ Jackson is an impressive physical specimen.

At 6-4, and 215 pounds of ripped mass, when Jackson walks into a room you know he’s there, and entering his third year as a starter for the Beloit Trojans he’ll continue to make an impression on Trojan opponents this fall.

Jackson is among the top college recruits in Kansas and has verbally committed to play at the Air Force Academy.

Jackson started at tight end is Greg Koenig’s double wing offense as sophomore and last year moved to the fullback picking up 357 yards on 57 carries with Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz four touchdowns while catching 13 passes for 242 Kansas Pregame yards and two more scores. He also collected 40.5 tackles and three sacks from his defensive end spot.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

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Lookin’ Sharp Levi Wyrick

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More than six months later, a 30-22 loss in the first round of the state playoffs still bothers Levi Wyrick. It also provides plenty of motivation for Wyrick and his teammates as they prepare for the 2014 season.

“We kinda sucked it up in the playoffs last year, so we want to make up for it this year,” the Caney Valley quarterback/ defensive end said. “We’ve been pretty good but we’ve got to keep working hard.”

Bullpup coach Criss Davis expects Wyrick to lead that effort both on and off the field as Caney Valley looks to make a deeper playoff run in 2014.

“He is one of the hardest working kids this summer, and he’s not about just himself,” Davis said. “He pushes his teammates to be the best they can be. He’s truly an amazing kid and the best thing you can say about him is he just wants to win and he does what it takes for his team to win.”

In his first three years as a Bullpup, Wyrick has seen action at numerous positions depending on the team’s needs.

“He’s very versatile in what he can do. It’s hard to find guys that are 6-4, 230 pounds and can run,” Davis said. “He started as a freshman at defensive tackle for me, and as a sophomore, I moved him to defensive end. Last year, I played him at defensive end, linebacker and safety.”

The Bullpups have counted on Wyrick to make big plays no matter where he lines up on the field, though his efforts aren’t always rewarded with glossy stats.

“He had a real good game defensively against Conway Springs last year,” Davis said. Wyrick made two tackles for loss in that September contest, plus completed six passes for 74 yards and a touchdown, then ran for 59 more yards.

His versatility extends to offense, where Wyrick started his high school career as a running back, then moved to quarterback when Davis needed to replace his starter after the 2012 season.

Photo by Julie Kuhlmann JulieKuhlmannPhotography.com

Quarterback quickly became Wyrick’s favorite position.

“I really enjoy the leadership aspect and having the ability to make plays at quarterback,” he said, adding that the Bullpup offense – known for running the ball most of the time – and therefore his assignment, varies with the game situation. “When we’re trying to grind out the clock, we run a lot of wishbone with me and one running back, but when we’re behind and trying to catch up, we’ll run a zone read where I read the d-end and decide whether to take it or give it,” he noted.

He led Caney Valley with 111 yards and two rushing touchdowns, plus 70 yards through the air, in a 42-0 win over Neodesha last year, and ran for two touchdowns and 102 yards in the Bullpups’ 21-0 shutout of Girard to start the season. He threw for 125 yards and a score plus ran for 61 yards and two more touchdowns to help Caney Valley beat Burlington later in the year.

Wyrick, a first-team All-League performer at both quarterback and defensive end earned several All-State honors as a defensive end in 2013, and he is regarded by some coaches as the best player in the Tri-Valley League.

Caney Valley is considered one of the toughest teams in the league as well, and the Bullpups have been a perennial playoff team in recent years. They have gone as far as to the state semifinals during Wyrick’s career and Davis hopes the 2014 squad can also make a deep postseason run.

“We hope to return to the playoffs and make a strong run this year,” Davis said. “That’s something we didn’t do last year.”

Wyrick is one of nine starters returning to the Bullpup offense while six starters from that 8-2 team are back on defense. Davis has six senior starters in that group, and he expects Wyrick and his classmates to provide solid senior leadership.

“The best thing he brings to the table is his leadership. He is a tremendous leader on and off the field,” Davis said of Wyrick.

“He’s a good, Christian young man who sets a terrific example by his work ethic.”

Midway through the summer, Wyrick was undecided on his college destination and major, though he said coaching might be in his future.

“I really don’t know where I’m going to go to college. It depends on

LOOKIN’ SHARP - WYRICK / Continued on page 125

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Despite a tough district schedule, Chaparral – which returns at least nine starters on both sides of the ball - is aiming for a trip to the playoffs.

“We will return almost everybody from last year’s squad and will look to keep the even year tradition of going to the playoffs,” coach Justin Burke said.

The Roadrunners have their entire defense back, including first-team All-Central Plains League selections Shawn Nulik at defensive back and Eric Hurt on the line and Adam Clark, the team’s leader in tackles, back at his linebacker position.

Other defensive starters coming back for Chaparral are linemen Jaden Helms, Austin Thomas, and Chance Bergman; linebackers Zakiah Reeves and Seth Williams; and defensive backs Weston Shroeder, Pierce Bringer and Ramon Valderas.

Offensively, the Roadrunners return Nulik under center as well as Bryce Duhon, Helms, Hurt and Reeves on the line. Burke’s squad also brings back Clark and Valderas at running back and senior Roger Clark at receiver.

“Chaparral has never beat Conway Springs or Garden Plain and we have struggled playing at Douglass and Cheney,” Burke said. “We will have to be mentally tougher than we have been in the past, but we are bigger, faster and stronger than last season after a great effort in the offseason.”

Consecutive 4-5 seasons may not sound like much for many programs, but it is a sign of great progress for the Northeast Vikings.

Head coach Phil Hobbs has directed the Vikings to eight wins over the past two seasons after finishing with a 1-35 record in his first four seasons at the helm.

Now, Hobbs is aiming to take the next step.

“We want to continue to improve,” Hobbs said. “We have made gains the last two seasons, and now we need to take the next steps.

Improving our record to over .500 in a season and making the playoffs are attainable if we continue to see the dedication to the offseason programs.”

The Vikings graduated all-state QB J.T. Richardson and all-state receiver Nick Younge and several experienced linemen, but they return seven starters on each side of the ball.

Leading the way is senior Antonio Slingluff.

The running back and linebacker rushed for 1,312 yards and 15 touchdowns on 173 carries, while leading the team in tackles with 126.

Junior Drew Mills will take over the quarterback duties after starting one game for an injured Richardson last season. Mills rushed for 256 yards and five touchdowns and caught 35 passes for 382 yards and a touchdown in various roles last season.

“Our keys to success will be developing leadership in our younger players and continuing to make gains in the weight room during the offseason,” Hobbs said. “We have to fill positions on our offensive line. I feel confident that we have the players who are ready to step in to those positions and that we have established a program that has allowed players to develop.”

Maur Hill opened last season with five straight losses. The Ravens lost 30-26 to Oskaloosa, 44-7 to Troy, 40-14 to Riverside, 48-8 to Jackson Heights and 28-21 to Doniphan West. After a 24-22 win against Horton, Maur Hill lost 3713 to Atchison County, defeated Pleasant Ridge, 21-20, and then lost to Silver Lake, 74-14. Maur Hill went 2-3 at home and 0-4 on the road.

The Ravens had a two-win decrease after 4-5 seasons in 2011 and ’12.

Maur Hill has won six league crowns and two state titles, but the last of both came in 1992.

Maur Hill will play in Class 3A, District 3 with Pleasant Ridge, Effingham-Atchinson County and McLouth. Maur Hill has lost eight in a row to EAC. The win against Pleasant Ridge last season ended a five-game losing streak from ’06-12.

“After looking back on our season we should have ended up with a (4-5) record,” coach Jermaine Monroe said. “Our problem was that we couldn’t sustain a drive or stop the other team when we need to. One of our goals each year is to improve with each game. Last year we didn’t improve. Which was a first for this group of seniors, (4-5, 4-5, 2-7). Although, the record was the same in 2011 and 2012, in 2012 the quality of the wins were better so in my eyes we improved.”

Maur Hill will have 27 players, but has six returning senior lettermen, one junior, one sophomore. Monroe said the young players need to step up and play for the team to have success.

Senior lineman Dillon Kramer (66 tackles, four sacks) is a three-year starter.

Step one in Belle Plaine: fix the defense.

For a squad coming off a 0-9 campaign, there are no shortage of numbers that need addressed in order to start a turnaround process. But none stick out quite like 454 – the number of points given up by Belle Plaine’s stronghold. No team in 3A gave up more than the Dragons. In all nine contests, the opposition scored at least 41 points.

Yet some blame, too, has to go to Belle Plaine’s offense. Any good defense needs its offense to keep the opponent’s attack off the field. The Dragons struggled to do that, scoring 96 points on the season.

There were signs that the offense began to click as the season wore on. After being shut out in the first two games, Belle Plaine broke into double digits in six of the next seven matchups.

Included in that run was a 28-point outburst against Haven.

Belle Plaine’s playoff drought is nearing two decades. The Dragons last saw the postseason in 1996. Ending it this year would require a valiant effort against a beefy schedule.

The Dragons open the slate hosting Medicine Lodge, a three-win team from a season ago.

After that, seven of the eight remaining games come against schools that registered four-ormore wins in 2013. The lone outlier, Bluestem, picked up its only victory this past season against Belle Plaine.

Douglass, a 3A playoff qualifier in 2013, moves out of Belle Plaine’s district, but its replacement hardly softens the task for the Dragons. Cheney drops down from 4A to 3A to fill the void. Belle Plaine dropped its season-opener to Cheney 43-0 a year ago. Conway Springs, an annual title contender, and a challenging Chaparral team round out the district.

4-5 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 3A Central Plains League Coach: Justin Burke (5th year, 16-22; 18th overall, 77-56) Assistants: Britt Whealy, Mike Reed, Sheldon Patton, Josh Inslee, Justin Wilcox, Austin Vornauf Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 11 Defense Shawn Nulik, QB/DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Eric Hurt, OL/DL, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Jaden Helms, OL/DL, 6-3, 270, Sr.; Adam Clark, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Roger Clark, WR/DB, 6-2, 165, Sr.; Austin Thomas, OL/DL, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Bryce Duhon, OL/ DL, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Zakiah Reeves, OL/LB, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Weston Shroeder, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Seth Williams, WR/LB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Pierce Bringer, QB/DB, 6-3, 180, Jr.; Ramon Valderas, RB/DB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Chance Bergman, OL/DL, 6-4, 180, So.

4-5 in 2013 / 2-2 in district / 3A Three Rivers League Coach: Phil Hobbs (7th year, 9-45) Assistants: Jason Clemensen, Jim Leonard, Scott Post Offense: Pistol-Spread Option Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 24 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Gage Moore, OL/DL, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Austin Baker, OL/DL, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Drew Mills, QB/DB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Antonio Slingluff, RB/LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Michael Balk, RB/DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Troy Howard, TE/LB, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Kegan Willard, RB/DB, 5-8, 170, Sr. Mark Schremmer Melanie McGee

BELOIT TROJANS

2-7 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 3A Northeast Kansas League Coach: Jermaine Monroe (3rd year, 6-12) Assistants: N/A Offense: Spread Defense: 5-3 Returning Lettermen: 8 Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense Dillon Kramer, OL/DL, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Jake Schmidt, TE/ DL, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Drew Harris, OL/DL, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Cole Siebenmorgen, OL/DL, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Josh Caudle, QB/ CB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Harry Trotter, RB/LB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Nick Caudle, RB/DB, 6-0, 155, So.; Tobin Kocour, WR/ LB, 6-4, 150, Sr. Conor Nicholl

Pregame Staff

CANEY VALLEY BULLPUPS

The Bullpups are a perennial playoff team in Beloit finished as state runner-up for the first “We will need to replace the production and Class 3A, and this year they’ll be led by one of time in school annals to go along with four leadership of an outstanding group of seniors the state’s best players. Senior Levi Wyrick has state titles, the last coming in 1996. The Trojans that graduated,” Koenig said. “Getting the right been labeled the best player in the Tri-Valley lost 82-38 to Silver Lake in the Class 3A state players on the field in the correct positions, League by an opposing coach, and he’s just championship game. Beloit allowed 13 more developing depth, and staying healthy while one of a dozen Bullpups returning with starting points than any defense in state championship striving for weekly improvement will be impor- experience. history, and the game also set the record for tant keys for us.”

Veteran coach Criss Davis will need to fill most points in a state title. Still, Beloit finished some holes on the offensive line, but his 13-1 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 3A No. 1 in 11-man offense at 731 points and squad has Wyrick back under center and three North Central Activities Association allowed 307 points on the season. receivers with starting experience in seniors Coach: Greg Koenig (9th year, 74-10; 16th overall, The Trojans graduated its four standouts in Wade Davis, Bryson Hawthorne and Jake Todd.

100-69) four-year starting quarterback Payton Vetter, Assistants: Kevin Harris, Andy Niemczyk, Matt Thierolf, Caney Valley also brings back senior tight end running backs Bowe Behymer and Tanner Jake Matthews, tackle Ethan Gustus, center Brad South, Jadon Adams Niemczyk and lineman Bryce Black, but returns Offense: Double Wing Defense: 10-1 Bryson Gulick and guards Wyatt Anderson and senior fullback/defensive end R.J. Jackson, one Returning Lettermen: 23 Jacen Clapp.

Returning Starters: 4 Offense, 7 Defense of Kansas’ top players.

“We have several others who rotated in R.J. Jackson, FB/DE, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Elliot Kimminau, OL/ Jackson rushed 57 times for 357 yards and depending on what formation we were in,” DL, 6-2, 290, Sr.; Dustin Reiter, TE, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Derrick four TDs, caught 13 passes for 242 yards and Davis said.

Koster, OL/DL, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Levi Robison, OL/LB, 5-11, two scores, and collected 40.5 tackles, with Defensively, the Bullpups have Gustus, Mat200, Sr.; Gavin Koch, DB, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Jace Adams, three sacks and a blocked kick. While the Trothews and sophomore Baylor Melchiori back at LB, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Carter Wessling, DL, 5-7, 155; Colson jan line won’t have the size of the past several Reames, DB, 5-9, 150 tackle while junior linebacker Austin Waltrip, seasons, Elliot Kimminau (6-2, 290) is among senior defensive back Colton Stalford and the Conor Nicholl very versatile Wyrick are also back. Wyrick the best blockers in 3A and is also a heavy hitter from his nose guard spot. split his time between defensive end, linebacker

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and safety in 2013.

“We’ve just got to fill some people into some positions,” Davis said. “We’re going to have some question marks on our offensive line so filling those positions will be key.”

Caney Valley is coming off an 8-2 season in which the only losses came to Conway Springs and St. Marys Colgan.

“We hope to return to the playoffs and make a strong run this year,” Davis said. “That’s something we didn’t do last year.”

8-2 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 3A Tri-Valley League Coach: Criss Davis Assistants: Jeff Wyrick, Kirk Duckers, Robert Osborn Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 9 offense, 6 defense Levi Wyrick, QB/DE/DB, Sr.; Jake Matthews, TE/DT, Sr.; Ethan Gustus, OT/DT, Sr.; Bryson Gulick, C, Jr.; Jake Todd, WR, Sr.; Bryson Hawthorne, WR, Sr.; Wade Davis, WR, Sr.; Baylor Melchiori, DT, So.; Jacen Clapp, OG, Jr.; Wyatt Anderson, OG, Jr.; Austin Waltrip, LB, Jr.; Colton Stalford, DB, Sr. Melanie McGee

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CENTRALIA/WETMORE PANTHERS

CHENEY CARDINALS

CHEROKEE-SOUTHEAST LANCERS

CHERRYVALE CHARGERS

A bump in enrollment means that if the Panthers are going to win another state championship this fall then they will have to do it at the Class 3A level.

Centralia returns only two starters on offense and three on defense, but it brings back 15 lettermen from last season’s 13-0 2-1A state title team.

The Panthers graduated several members of the 2013 Kpreps.com All-State Class 2-1A squad, including running back Sam Steinlage, defensive lineman Hunter Haufler, linebacker Brett Burdiek and defensive back J.T. Rosine.

Centralia does return Kpreps All-State offensive lineman Joey Ferron. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound senior also returns to defense after posting 51 tackles and seven quarterback sacks last season.

The Panthers also bring back senior fullback and outside linebacker Trevor Mars and senior defensive back Darrian Turner. Mars rushed for 591 yards and 12 touchdowns, while posting 36 tackles on defense. Turner had 34 tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery.

Centralia will be led by 2013 Kpreps.com Class 2-1A Coach of the Year Larry Glatczak.

The Panthers are 89-19 with three state championship in nine seasons with Glatczak as the head coach.

Even with Centralia’s step up to 3A, the team’s goals are the same.

“We want to play on Thanksgiving weekend,” Glatczak said. “We lost nine seniors who contributed both on offense and defense in 2013. Rebuilding and getting this bunch to play together and mold into a team is the key.”

Centralia’s Class 3A district opponents will be Nemaha Central, Rock Creek and St. Marys.

With several key individuals back on the roster in Cheney, coach Cory Brack is stressing meshing them into a cohesive unit.

“I put a lot of responsibility on them to become positive leaders. We will only be as good as our locker room,” Brack said. “Again our (offseason) focus will be on the weight room.

We will not be very successful if we don’t have great attendance and buy-in.”

Cheney’s offense will once again roll behind running back Tyler Trego, a first team allCentral Plains League selection in 2013. Also toting the rock will be Isaiah Grover, who himself received an honorable mention nod from the league.

The Cardinal defense will count on Dylan Heck at cornerback, a first team league honoree.

A strong core returns around him, as four defensive backs and three linebackers with extended varsity experience come back into the fold.

Cheney only has three playoffs appearances in school history, with the most recent coming in 2006. The Cardinals, competing in 4A the past two seasons, have been stuck in a district with powerhouses Andale and Buhler. Now, Cheney falls to 3A. The new district alignment still leaves a juggernaut – Conway Springs – but presents two more manageable challenges.

Cheney gets a Belle Plaine team coming off a winless season in the district finale week nine. That makes a week eight home date with Chaparral a potential swing game in the district.

Cheney defeated Chaparral 40-21 in 2013.

“Our goal is to make playoffs but we have a tough district, so we will have to be physically and mentally tough,” Brack said.

Southeast returns nine starters on each side of the ball from a team that finished 4-5 last season under Jacob Lott, who left to coach Royal Valley.

The Lancers will be led by Class 3A first-team all-state linebacker Ryan Rakestraw. The running back and linebacker rushed for 1,293 yards and 18 TDs, and posted 88 tackles and eight sacks. Rakestraw was a first-team all-Crawford Neosho Cherokee League selection.

Riley Ulery was named a second-team allCNC defensive end with 38 tackles and two sacks.

Fullback Colton Charlton and offensive lineman Bryce Blockburger return after earning all-CNC honorable mention.

The Lancers also return quarterback Caleb Biancarelli, linemen Preston Burger and Tanner Mosley, receiver Chandler Jackson and running back Jarod Watson.

Jerrad Hansen takes over as head coach. A 2004 Pierce City (Mo.) graduate, he served as the o-line coach this past fall at Marshfield. His coaching background also includes two years as the co-offensive coordinator and line coach at Diamond, two years as the line coach at Orrick and one season as the line coach at Pierce City.

He was an all-state defensive end at Pierce City and went on to play offensive line at William Jewell, graduating in 2008.

Hansen said he plans to implement a version of the wing-T offense out of multiple sets.

Southeast will be in a competitive 3A district with Riverton, Galena and Cherryvale.

“Our key to success will be to play as a team on both sides of the ball,” Hansen said. “We also want to play physical, aggressive and tough.”

After finishing only 3-6 in 2012, an 0-2 start to the 2013 season had to be a little worrisome for the Cherryvale Chargers. Cherryvale fell 21-7 to Iola in the first week, which was followed by a 42-16 loss to Commerce (Okla.). The Chargers bounced back by winning eight of their next nine games before falling 48-0 to Rossville in the Class 3A state quarterfinals.

The Chargers finished the season with an 8-4 record and earned playoff wins over Galena and Humboldt and with nine returning starters the Chargers hope for more wins in 2014.

Junior Lane Radia is back under center after starting the last 10 games at quarterback. He completed 32 of 95 passes for 539 yards and eight touchdowns with six interceptions.

Senior J.D. Gastineau will be a four-year starter at running back. Junior Brendan Menzer and senior Kaden Housel, who was injured in the first game last season, also return to the backfield.

Senior Jordan Ellis will be a four-year starter on the offensive line. Brady Snider also returns to the offensive line while Zach Torkelson and Dakota Trout will be receiving targets for Radia.

Gastineau and Menzer will be linebackers on defense. Gastineau recorded 45.5 tackles and four tackles for loss last season. Menzer had 24.5 tackles and four pass breakups.

Housel and Trenton Smedley return to the defensive line. Torkelson will be in the secondary.

Cherryvale coach Harry Hester has directed the Chargers to a 37-23 record in six seasons as head coach.

The Chargers will be in a difficult Class 3A district with Galena, Southeast and Riverton.

5-4 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 3A Central Plains League Coach: Cory Brack (3rd year, 10-10; 9th overall, 29-45) Assistants: Justin Bearley, Lee Baldwin, Darrin San Romani, Layton Nance Offense: Multipe Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 21 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Tyler Trego, RB/LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Dylan Heck, WR/DB, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Isaiah Grover, RB/LB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Wade McGuffey, RB/LB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Logan Mason, OL/DL, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Trace Quick, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Noah Schomacker, OL/DL, 6-4, 220, Jr.; Brandon Jones, WR/ Mark Schremmer DB, 6-0, 150, Jr.; Austin Wheelock, QB/DB, 5-10, 165, Jr. Pregame Staff

13-0 in 2013 / 4-0 in district / 3A Twin Valley League Coach: Larry Glatczak (10th year, 89-19) Assistants: Roger Holthaus, Jim Kramer, Dusty Thompson Offense: Single Wing Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 3 Defense Joey Ferron, OT/DE, 6-4, 275, Sr.; Trevor Mars, FB/OLB, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Darrian Turner, CB, 5-10, 170, Sr.

4-5 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 3A Crawford Neosho Cherokee Coach: Jerrad Hansen (1st year) Assistants: Frank Pittman, Nick Cheney, David Dainty Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 9 Defense Caleb Biancarelli, QB, Sr.; Bryce Blockburger, C, Sr.; Preston Burger, G, Sr.; Colton Charlton, FB, Sr.; Chandler Jackson, WR, Jr.; Tanner Mosley, OT, Sr.; Ryan Rakestraw, RB, Sr.; Riley Ulery, TE, Sr.; Jarod Watson, RB, Sr. Mark Schremmer

CIMARRON BLUEJAYS Coach Randall Rath has taken over the Bluejays after a 16-year run as the Oakley football coach that produced a 125-53 record. Oakley led Kansas in scoring defense last season, allowing just 39 points in an 8-2 season that ended with a last-second 12-7 loss to La Crosse in the second round of the playoffs.

Rath, who announced his resignation from Oakley at the start of last year, looked at multiple schools and Cimarron contacted him.

Cimarron is known for its strong girls’ sports, and Rath’s youngest of three daughters, Marlee, is a talented basketball player.

Rath has four upper classmen returning from a 4-5 team: Kaleb Neuschafer (team-high 73 tackles) A.J. Cooper (team-high 10 TFLs), Vidal and Jesus Mendoza. Rath said the team’s keys are to become “tough-nosed kids” and “play with passion every snap.” Cimarron reached the playoffs in ’10 and ’12, the first appearance since ’98.

“It is important for us to be committed to the weight room this summer, and develop into bet-

CONWAY SPRINGS CARDINALS

ter athletes,” Rath said. “Everyone is working hard and have great attitudes towards making themselves and our team better. I think we will improve every game as the season goes on. We are excited!”

Conway Springs has made the playoffs seven straight seasons and since 1999 has reached the postseason every year except 2006. The Cardinals have won seven state championships from 1998-2011.

Last season, Conway Springs lost 20-7 to 4-5 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 3A Scott City in the third round of the playoffs.

Hi-Plains League Conway Springs had averaged 44 points per Coach: Randall Rath (1st year, 17th overall, 125-53) game before Scott City’s defensive front held Assistants: N/A Conway Springs’ vaunted running attack to 52 Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 carries for 215 yards.

Returning lettermen: N/A Garden Plain play a key Week 3 contest at Returning starters: 3 Offense, 3 Defense Kaleb Neuschafer, OL/DL, Sr.; A.J. Cooper, WR/DB, Sr. Garden Plain this fall. The teams have split the last 16 meetings, including a 27-8 win for Conor Nicholl Conway Springs last year.

Conway Springs is the heavy favorite in a Class 3A district where it plays host to Cheney and then goes to Belle Plaine and Chapparal.

The Cardinals return seven offensive and six defensive starters. The rushing attack returns more than 2,000 yards and 33 TDs. “On Defense, we return an experienced

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8-4 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 3A Tri-Valley League Coach: Harry Hester (7th year, 37-23) Assistants: Casey Lickteig, David Smedley, James Renfro, Aaron Rehmert, Jared Han, Chad Knight, Josh Addis Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 4 Defense Kaden Housel, RB/DE, Sr.; Jordan Ellis, OL, Sr.; J.D. Gastineau, RB/LB, Sr.; Zach Torkelson, WR/CB, Sr.; Dakota Trout, WR, Sr.; Brady Snider, OL, Jr.; Brendan Menzer, RB/LB, Jr.; Lane Radia, QB, Jr.; Trenton Smedley DL, Jr. Mark Schremmer

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linebacker corps.,” coach Matt Biehler said.

“We will need to develop depth in several positions. Early season varsity experience will be important.”

11-1 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 3A Central Kansas League Coach: Matt Biehler (6th year, 56-6) Assistants: Fred Cottrell, Brent Martens, Gregg Hullinger, Ryan King, Darrian Stewart, Brent Andra Offense: Single Wing Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense Travis Wood, RB/LB, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Luke Fisher, RB/LB, 5-11, 205, Sr.; J.J. Fisher, FB/DE, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Drake Krefeis, TE/DT, 5-8, 215, Sr.; Sheldon Holland, OL, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Logan Creek, OG/DT, 6-5, 290, Sr.; Michael Ramirez, OG/DE, 6-0, 220, Sr. Conor Nicholl

Good luck to the Conway Springs Cardinals!

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

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Council Grove has struggled for many years and posted three straight three-win seasons after a 6-4 mark in 2009. The Braves, though, enjoyed a three-win improvement last year under first-year coach Lee Weber, a coaching veteran.

“We won six games, but never felt like our team played up to its full potential,” Weber said.

“Our goal in 2014 is to overachieve.”

Weber believes if the team “can perform” each week, then the Braves have a “great shot” to win the Flint Hills League and new Class 3A, District 12 with Southeast of Saline, Hesston and Hillsboro. Weber said the growth, development and leadership of Council Grove’s sophomore and junior classes is crucial to success. The Braves have just five seniors, but could potentially have 29 sophomores and juniors. Weber wants the defense to hold opponents under two scores a game and “tackle much better” than 2013. Weber believes strong special teams could provide Council Grove an advantage against opponents.

Weber also learned some tips on practice from longtime successful Madison coach Fred McClain “His advice should help us make huge strides in 2014,” Weber said.

Last year, the Braves went 6-1 in league with the lone defeat, 62-32, to Lyndon.

The Braves will be on the road Weeks 6-8, including district games at Southeast of Saline and Hesston before finishing with a home contest against Hillsboro. Council Grove is 0-5 all-time in the postseason with the last appearance in 2011.

Playoff appearances are becoming more common in Douglass. The Bulldogs have seen the postseason four of the past six years, including two of the past three. But Douglass is searching for more than just appearances. The Bulldogs would like to stay a while once they get there.

“We have a good nucleus of players returning,” said Douglass coach Jeff Ast. “But we have to get better every day if we’re going to compete.”

The Bulldogs went 5-5 this past season, and none of the outcomes were particularly close either way. The closest margin was a 12-point win over Christ Prep Academy.

Ast’s pistol offense brings back twin terrors in the backfield, Austin Titus and Rip Fraley.

The defensive line will be a bright spot with the returns of Austin Byers and Zach Strothers.

Ethan Savoy will guide the secondary while patrolling strong safety.

Douglass may catch a couple breaks with this year’s lineup of games. Conway Springs, which defeated the Bulldogs a year ago, moves out of the district. Sedgwick, the team that bumped Douglass out in the first round of the playoffs with a 36-14 win, moves down to 2A. A reshaped district will give Douglass a chance for another spot in the playoffs, but it will require a strong finish. Wichita Collegiate, a postseason player in 4A this past season, will be a stern road test for the Bulldogs to wrap up district play. The week before that, Douglass hosts Bluestem, a team it hammered 34-0 in 2013. That leaves the first game of district play – Oct. 17 at Wichita Independent – as a potential swing game. A win over Independent, itself a returning 3A playoff squad, might make the outcome of the Collegiate finale moot. A loss to Independent might make the Collegiate game a must-win.

The Rams have 18 lettermen back as they look to build on a 5-5 record last season. Four of those lettermen are two-way starters in the trenches, giving third-year coach Pat McCollim an experienced group of linemen on both sides of the ball.

Seniors Colton Doty, Dustin Graham, Will Gross and Kyle Jones will provide leadership up front, while senior Tristan Clark is also a returning starter on the defensive line and junior Jagar Haack is back at defensive end.

Others returning to the starting lineup include senior tight end/linebacker Robert McManigle, junior quarterback/defensive back Nick Holmes, running backs Jared Schmalstieg, Jacob Rush and Nick Hyde.

“Offensively, we must continue to minimize mistakes and get better at fundamentals as well as establish a passing threat,” McCollim said.

“Defensively, we must improve our tackling and knowledge of our schemes in order to play faster and more aggressively.”

Pleasant Ridge’s schedule features only three teams that won four or more games last year including their season opener with 4A-I Atchison (4-5), a week six match-up with Oskalossa (4-6), and the district opener with McLouth (7-3) which could be determine the class 3A, District 3 champion.

After a handful of coaching stops around northeast Kansas, Nick Fuemmeler is home. A graduate of Atchison County, Fuemmeler makes the move from his latest stop, Doniphan West, and takes over at his alma mater, hoping to provide some stability for the program.

Fuemmeler, who replaces Blake Alexander as coach, becomes the Tigers’ sixth coach in the last decade and hopes to restore numbers to a program that was 8-2 three years ago before slipping to five wins in 2012 and three in 2013.

“I’m excited to be back at my alma mater and take the reins at ACCHS,” Fuemmeler said. “I am excited about the opportunity to take this program to new heights and bring some stability to the program.”

The holes are numerous with leading rusher/ passer Lane Chew, leading receiver Chase Montgomery and leading tackler Scott Birkinsha among the graduation losses.

Senior receiver Jesse Noll (23 catches, 357 yards) is the only returning skill player from last year, while standout wrestler Logan Bowen is back at running back after missing all of last year.

The line should be a strength with four of five starters back, including All-Delaware Valley League picks Levi Baker (6-6, 295) and Jake Handke (6-2, 210).

Atchison County is no longer a member of the now-defunct DVL, returning to the Big Seven League where it was a long-time member before leaving in 2010.

6-3 in 2013/ 1-2 in district / 3A Flint Hills League Coach: Lee Weber (2nd year, 6-3; 14th overall, 58-62) Assistants: Casey Maransani, Nathan Morse, Andrew Gaylor, Zach Dreher Offense: Wishbone/Pistol Defense: 4-3 Returning Lettermen: 15 Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense Trey Langvardt, QB/FS, Jr.; Alex Wooden, WR/DB, Sr.; Dakota Crichton, OL/DL, Sr.; Mason Hinkle, Center, Sr.; Derrick Dakken, WR/DB, Sr.; Paul Lamberson, DE, Jr.; Keegan Honas, RB/LB, Jr.; Peyton Lerner, OL/DL, Jr.; John Smith, OL, Jr.; Braden Reddick, DE/RB, So.

5-5 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 3A Central Plains League Coach: Jeff Ast (5th year, 14-24) Assistant: Don Patterson Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 6 Defense Austin Titus, RB; Brody Caster, OL; Rip Fraley, RB; Conor Nicholl Ethan Savoy, SS; Austin Byers, DL; Zach Strothers, DL; Christian Strothers, LB Pregame Staff

ELLSWORTH BEARCATS Ellsworth ended a three-year postseason run when it fell back to a 3-6 season after a 5-5 year in 2012. Ellworth opened the fall with a 37-27 loss to Larned, one of several close defeats.

Then, the Bearcats won three straight against Russell, Republic County and TMP by 13, 38 and four points. Ellsworth finished the season with five straight losses. Ellsworth wasn’t competitive in Week 5 against Beloit (72-21) and Week 9 against Southeast of Saline (42-0), but its three losses in Week 6-8 came by two, seven and 17 points.

Ellsworth opens this season with three of the first four, including the first two, on the road.

The Bearcats start at Russell, at Beloit, home against Republic County and at Sacred Heart.

Ellsworth should compete in what appears to be an even 3A District 15 with Hoisington, Lyons and Sterling. Ellsworth’s only playoff wins in school history came in 1987.

Second-year coach Brent Schneider set goals to take care of the football, limit penalties and improve as the season goes. Ellsworth finished

A year ago, Erie’s season was largely derailed by injuries, so staying healthy is goal number one for the Red Devils and third-year coach Rick Horton.

“We need to stay healthy this year. Last season, we lost a number of starters due to injuries and had to play a lot of freshmen and sophomores,” Horton said. “This season we need to keep our players on the field.”

Because of those injuries, the Red Devils bring back a host of players with varsity experience, 3-6 in 2013/ 0-3 in district / 3A including eight starters on both sides of the ball North Central Activities Association and 19 total lettermen.

Coach: Brent Schneider (2nd year, 3-6) Senior quarterback Brett Thompson is back Assistants: Grant Weigers, Steve Bolton, Jason under center, and he’ll be joined by junior McWilliams running back Brant Beachner, receivers Payton Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Semrad, Riley Angleton and Wyatt Semrad.

Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: N/A Tight end Garek Peters and linemen Rowdy Takota Anderson, QB, Sr.; Ian Trapp, So.; Nick Flynn, Lahey, Matt Brungardt and Tre Colborn are also Jr.; Zach Martin, Sr.; Lucas Barta, Sr.; Zach Gustus, Sr.; back for Erie.

Jacob Kerby, So.; Ricard Roman, Sr.; Timmy Zamrzla, Sr. Defensively, the Red Devils have Brungardt, Colborn and Lahey returning up front, plus PeConor Nicholl ters at defensive end, Beachner and Thompson

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3-6 in 2013 / 1-2 in districts / 3A Big 7 Coach: Nick Fuemmeler (1st year) Returning starters: 7 Offense, 5 Defense Levi Baker, OT/DL, 6-6, 295, Sr.; Dillion Weaver, OT/DL, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Ryan Vollmer, OG/LB, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Colby Baker, C, 5-10, 235, Sr.; Logan Bowen, RB/DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Jesse Noll, WR/DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Jake Handke, TE/ DL, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Mike Regan, DL/RB, 5-10, 165, So. Brent Maycock

ERIE RED DEVILS

minus-8 in turnover margin last fall, including 12 interceptions.

Quarterback Takota Anderson returns after he rushed 122 times for 846 yards and 10 scores, and completed 73 of 190 passes for 994 yards with nine TDs against 11 interceptions. Anderson also led the team with 43 tackles and three interceptions.

“We have a lot of returning players who I am excited to work with this year,” Schneider said.

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5-5 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 3A Northeast Kansas League Coach: Pat McCollim (3rd year, 9-11) Assistants: Jim Clay, Steve Watkins Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense Will Gross, OL/DL, 6-3, 290, Sr.; Colton Doty, OL/DL, 5-9, 220, Sr.; Kyle Jones, OL/DL, 6-1, 250, Sr.; Dustin Graham, OL/DL, 5-9, 200, Jr.; Robert McManigle, TE/ LB, 6-5, 200, Sr.; Tristan Clark, DL, 5-8, 275, Sr.; Nick Holmes, QB/DB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Jagar Haack, RB/DE, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Jared Schmalstieg, RB/LB, 5-8, 175; Jacob Rush, RB/LB, 6-0, 195; Nick Hyde, RB/DB, 5-8, 170, Sr. Melanie McGee

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at linebacker, and Angleton, Payton Semrad and Wyatt Semrad in the secondary.

“We want to compete in every game and every play,” Horton said. “We feel like we have a lot of experience on our team. A lot of these kids have had to play before they were ready due to the number of injuries last season. We feel they are ready now and have had experience that a lot of kids don’t get at an early age.”

0-9 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 3A Tri-Valley League Coach: Rick Horton (3rd year, 1-17; 8th overall, 25-38) Assistants: Tim Endicott, Flint Allen, Bill Rubel Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Brett Thompson, QB/LB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Brant Beachner, RB/LB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Payton Semrad, WR/DB, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Riley Angleton, WR/DB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Wyatt Semrad, WR/DB, 5-8, 155, So.; Garek Peters, TE/DE, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Rowdy Lahey, OL/DL, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Matt Brungardt, OL/DL, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Tre Colborn, OL/DL, 5-10, 285, Sr. Melanie McGee

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EUREKA TORNADOES

FREDONIA YELLOWJACKETS

GALENA BULLDOGS

GARDEN PLAIN OWLS

The Eureka Tornadoes and head coach Mike Davison hope to take the momentum of the 2013 season in to 2014.

Davison directed Eureka to a 6-4 record and a trip to the Class 3A playoffs in his first season as head coach.

The Tornadoes finished 1-8 in the previous season under head coach Austin Wuthrich and hadn’t made the playoffs since 2010.

The Tornadoes outscored opponents 300-267 against what preppowerindex.com rated the 40th ranked schedule in the 64 team class 3A. The Tornadoes opened the 2013 season with four straight wins followed by three straight losses to playoff qualifiers Caney Valley, Cherryvale, and Humboldt. Eureka closed out the season with wins over Burlington and Fredonia to earn the playoff trip.

Their season ended at the hands of Wellsville, 32-12, in the first round of the playoffs.

Last year’s roster of 30 featured 12 seniors and only three juniors. If the Tornadoes are to recreate their winning season and post a second straight trip to the playoffs it will be with a considerably younger squad.

Eureka will compete in a 3A district with Caney Valley, Fredonia and Neodesha. Caney Valley stomped the Tornadoes 53-14 last year, but Eureka manhandled Neodesha (46-13), and Fredonia (36-12)

New head coach Ryan Panko looks to turn around the Yellow Jackets after they finished 2-7 in 2013.

Panko, a former assistant at La Crosse, takes over a Fredonia program that won just three games in three seasons under head coach Mike Casteel.

The Yellow Jackets fell 18-0 to traditional 8-Man power Waverly in the fifth week last season, in an 11-man game.

“Our goals for this season are to progressively improve from the beginning to the end of the season,” Panko said. “We want to be a fundamentally and mentally sound unit. Just like every program, our goal is to reach the state playoffs. It has been several years since Fredonia has made a playoff appearance. The boys are hungry and eager to make that happen this season.”

The good news for Panko and Yellow Jackets is that they return an abundance of experience.

Fredonia boasts 24 returning lettermen, eight starters on offense and five on defense.

Junior quarterback Isaac Ostrosky returns to direct the Fredonia offense. Caleb Couch, Tyler Stephens and Troy Miller return with experience at running back. Tyler Diehl gives Ostrosky a big receiving target at tight end.

The Yellow Jackets also have an experienced offensive line with Tre’ Preset, Jared Reed, Will Lane, Dakota Price and Lane Hawley.

“Senior leadership will be key,” Panko said. “I have a great group of seniors and juniors who have proven to be effective leaders.”

The Bulldogs return 10 starters on each side of the ball from a team that finished 8-2 and advanced to the Class 3A playoffs in 2013.

Kyle Wilkins returns to the offensive and defensive lines after earning Class 3A all-state first-team offensive honors last year and firstteam all-Crawford Neosho Cherokee League honors for offense and defense.

Running back Gabe Helton was a first-team all-league running back, rushing for 1,216 yards and 18 touchdowns on 136 carries. He also had 65 tackles at linebacker.

Second-team all-league linebacker Mason Qualls led the Bulldogs with 97 tackles. Logan Johnson, a second-team defensive back had 38 tackles and one interception. Johnson also rushed for 711 yards and 10 touchdowns on 109 carries. He had 22 receptions for 340 yards and two touchdowns.

Quarterback Kyler Cook earned all-CNC honorable mention after completing 62 of 102 passes for 1,337 yards with 12 touchdowns.

Targets for Cook include wide receivers Zach Bankson and P.J. Sarwinski. Sal Dicamillo and Kainon Roberts will join Qualls and Helton at linebacker. Seniors Chasson Ipock, Hunter Wilson and Mayson McCorkle and juniors Qualls and Roberts all return with experience on the offensive line. Senior Joey Sumners returns as a starter on the defensive line.

“Our expectations are high every year,” Sarwinski said. “Our goals are to compete for a league, district and state championship.”

Avoiding injuries and keeping a consistent lineup on the field are among the keys for Garden Plain, which will look to bounce back from a 4-5 record last season knocking the Owls out of the playoffs for the first time since 1998.

The Owls have eight starters back on offense, including two-year starters Gunnar Cornett and Jonah Nowak up front, and honorable mention All-League quarterback Alex Becker. A year ago, Becker had more than 70 rushing yards and 150 passing yards in three games, and he’ll look to improve on those numbers as a junior.

Coach Brad McCormick’s squad also returns senior receivers Jordan Joplin, Luke McGregor and Troy Puetz along with senior lineman Zach Drum and junior tight end Ryan Gudenkauf.

Defensively, Garden Plain brings back seven starters, including Nowak, an honorable mention All-State defensive lineman.

“We will have a good group of leaders in the junior and senior classes who have worked hard and want to prove themselves,” McCormick said. “We need to focus on the execution of our offense and defense, and make sure we do that as a unit on a consistent basis. We have a great schedule that will test us and better prepare us for the playoffs.”

6-4 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 3A Tri-Valley League Coach: Mike Davison (2nd year, 6-4) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

8-2 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 3A Crawford Neosho Cherokee League Coach: Beau Sarwinski (9th year, 57-19) Assistants: Derik Hunt, Brad Price, Martin Burke, Dennis Outt, J.C. Dawes Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 10 Offense, 10 Defense Gabe Helton, RB/LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Sal Dicamillo, LB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Zach Bankson, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; P.J. Sarwinski, WR, 5-11, 170, So.; Kyler Cook, QB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Logan Johnson, RB/LB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Kyle Wilkins, OL/DL, 6-3, 260, Sr.; Chasson Ipock, OL/DL, 5-10, 265, Sr.; Hunter Wilson, OL/DL, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Mason Qualls, OL/LB, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Mayson McCorkle, OL/DL, 6-1, 245, Sr.; Kainon Roberts, OL/LB, 5-11, 205, Jr.; Joey Mark Schremmer Sumners, DL, 5-9, 200, Sr. Mark Schremmer

2-7 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 3A Tri-Valley League Coach: Ryan Panko (1st year) Pregame Staff Assistants: Mark Millar, Kraig Westhoff, Gene Benefiel Offense: Equalizer Wing-T Defense: 5-2 Monster Returning lettermen: 24 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 5 Defense Caleb Couch, RB/LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Isaac Ostrosky, QB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Tyler Stephens, RB/DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Tre’ Preset, OL/DL, 5-10, 260, Sr.; Jared Reed, OL/DL, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Tyler Diehl, TE/DL, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Will Lane, OL/DL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Troy Miller, RB/LB, 5-9, 180, So.; Dakota Price, OL/DL, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Lane Hawley, OL/ DL, 5-9, 200, Jr.

GYPSUM-SOUTHEAST OF SALINE TROJANS Southeast of Saline enjoyed a three-win increase last season and returned to the state playoffs for the first time in two years. Two of the three losses last year came to Beloit by a combined score of 92-7, including a 50-7 loss in the first round of the playoffs.

The Trojans have lost in the first round its last four playoff trips and haven’t advanced since 2006. The Trojans averaged 35.4 points a contest and allowed just 14.7, after it tallied 23.1 and allowed 20 the previous year.

SE of Saline graduates 1,000-yard rusher Keith Short, but returns quarterback Cody Schlesener, who completed 59 of 116 passes for 916 yards with 13 scores against four interceptions. Kyler Sager is the top returning receiver with 12 catches for 217 yards and five scores.

Senior Aidan Murray, one of the top linemen in all of 3A, is back after he collected 86 tackles, 13 for loss, a team high.

Southeast of Saline is in Class 3A, District 12 with Council Grove, Hesston and Hillsboro.

“Our goal is to work to go 1-0 every week,”

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Halstead made the playoffs last season, and 20 lettermen are back from that squad, which is now coached by Jason Grider. He inherits a solid core with eight starters back on the offense along with seven defensive starters.

“They played a lot of young athletes, and those athletes are now juniors and seniors who look to put their experience to the test in 2014,” 7-3 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 3A Grider said. “How quickly they pick up the new North Central Activities Association systems will go a long way in determining how Coach: Mitch Gebhardt (5th year, 22-16; 12th overall, far the Dragons can go this season.”

49-52) Halstead will have a new signal caller this Assistants: Chance Ptacek, Trenton Douglas, Kent year, and as of late June, juniors Eli McKee and Jacobson, Brad Edwards Casey Kohr were still battling for the starting Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 12 position. Junior Blake Beckett will move from Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense quarterback to tailback while senior Joseph Cody Schlesener, QB, 5-10, 164, Sr.; Kyler Sager, E, Myers and junior Zack Wright are expected to 5-10, 145, Sr.; Kayden Besher, B/LB, 5-10, 191, Sr.; battle for playing time at fullback.

Easton Montgomery, DE, 6-3, 218, Jr.; Lucas Dockter, Tight end Tate Kaufman is back along with T, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Aidan Murray, C/DL, 6-3, 255, Sr.; Ben senior linemen Dakota Eash and David Loucks.

Murray, S, 6-0, 165, Soph.

Seniors Jeremy Walters and Keith Freeman and Conor Nicholl juniors Garrett Dubois and Taylor Armstrong are also in the mix for playing time on the line.

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coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “We want to compete on a high level every time we step out on the field. Our schedule is very tough this year.

We have some very good leaders coming back.

We need to replace some talented players but if the younger guys have a good off season we should be competitive.”

Good luck to all area athletes!

4-5 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 3A Central Plains League Coach: Brad McCormick (3rd year, 15-6) Assistants: Greg Gegen, Bob Smith, Eric Rockers, Kody Kasselman, William Bergkamp, John Niehus Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 24 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense Alex Becker, QB/DB, 175, Jr.; Jonah Nowak, OL/DL, 240, Jr.; Troy Puetz, WR/DB, 175, Sr.; Jordan Joplin, WR/ DB, 170, Sr.; Luke McGregor, WR, 180, Sr.; Zach Drum, OL/DL, 230, Sr.; Gunnar Cornett, OL/DL, 205, Sr.; Ryan Gudenkauf, TE/DB, 200, Jr.

Kaufman will anchor an experienced defensive line, while Stovall is expected to be the other defensive end. Grider said Loucks, Freeman, Walters, Eash, Dubois, junior Noah Davidson and Armstrong are in the mix as well.

Beckett, Myers and Wright are the most experienced linebackers while McKee is back at free safety.

5-5 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 3A Central Kansas League Coach: Jason Grider (1st year) Assistants: Shawn Seematter, Ryan Voran, Jesse Mueller, Chris Wilson.

Offense: N/A Defense N/A Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 8 offense, 7 defense Blake Beckett, RB/LB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Zack wright, RB/LB, 6-1, 215, Jr.; Joseph Myers, RB/LB, 5-10, 235, Sr.; Tate Kaufman, TE/DE, 6-5, 215, Jr.; Casey Kohr, CB, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Eli McKee, WR/FS, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Joseph Stovall, TE/SS, 6-2, 210, Jr.; David Loucks, OL, 6-3, 260, Sr.; Dakota Eash, OL, 6-3, 260, Sr. Melanie McGee

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HAYS-TMP-MARIAN MONARCHS

HESSTON SWATHERS

HIAWATHA REDHAWKS

Thomas More Prep-Marian has struggled to 2-7 marks under third-year coach Jon Montgomery, the defensive coordinator for two years before taking over as head coach. In both seasons, the Monarchs beat Russell and lost to Scott City in districts before falling in a winner-take-all Week 9 game against Hoisington. This year, the Monarchs will play its first MCL football schedule and a difficult one at that. TMP opens versus Phillipsburg and Ellis, then goes at Smith Center, versus Plainville, at Cimarron and Oakley, versus Beloit, at Russell and against Norton.

Phillipsburg, Smith Center, Plainville, Oakley and Beloit were all playoff teams last season.

Ellis and Norton are traditionally playoff teams.

Cameron Fouts, Nick Schmidt, Dan O’Connor and Justin Pfeifer are each entering at least their third year as starters. Senior quarterback Max Megaffin is back for his second year under center. Senior Parker Cox won a state powerlifting championship this spring. Pfeifer was a first team all-league selection last year, while Schmidt and Fouts were honorable mention picks.

It marks the first time playing Oakley since 2003 (a 38-0 loss), Smith Center since 2001 (a 38-29 Monarch victory) and Ellis since 1953 (a 24-6 win), according to Gerald F. Schmidt’s definitive history of Monarch football.

“We strive to improve each week,” Montgomery said. “In order to be successful in 2014 we need to have a great summer in the weight room; working to get stronger, faster, and more explosive.”

The Hesston offense has a couple miles – literally, more than two miles worth – of yardage to replace. The Swathers no longer can lean on Ryan Schadler, now a track athlete at Wichita State University. He rushed for more than 2,400 yards in 2013. Nor do they have quarterback Wyatt McKinney, who tacked on 1,100 combined through the air and on the ground.

Hesston coach Clint Rider will not ask their fill-ins to be the same players.

“They shouldn’t try to ‘fill’ anyone’s shoes, but use their own strengths to bring something new and unique to our team this season,” Rider said.

The entire offensive line returns, including first team all-Central Kansas League selections Devon Wenger and Braden Weber. The receiving corps is also ripe, led by all-CKL pick Justin Smith. On defense, eight starters return.

The 2013 season opened with a seven-game win streak before a district loss to Maize South.

Hesston still secured a berth in the 4A playoffs – its fourth consecutive trip – but was knocked out in the first round by Holton for the second straight year. As the Swathers transition down to 3A, neither of those teams are an issue. A new district that includes Council Grove, Southeast of Saline and Hillsboro will be demanding.

“Our first goal is to learn and live the definition of what it means to be a relentless competitor in practice, in the classroom and on the field,” Rider said. “Once we have full alignment in what we expect form ourselves and our teammates, we can focus on measurable goals.”

With Nebraska signee Peyton Newell - a 2013 Kansas Pregame coverboy - terrorizing opposing offenses for four years, there was plenty of attention on the Hiawatha program and the Red Hawks responded with a resurgence.

After a series of mediocre seasons, Hiawatha went 8-3 and 7-4 in 2012 and ‘13, recording the program’s first playoff wins in more than a decade. Newell, an All-State selection, has graduated and so have a bulk of other standouts that helped return Hiawatha’s winning tradition, including All-3A receiver Connor Bigham, who had 10 touchdowns.

The rebuilding process will begin around returning standout lineman Nick Reese and quarterback Ryker Smith, each of whom received All-Big Seven League honors.

Each of the last two playoff runs have ended with second-round losses to Silver Lake and Hiawatha’s other three losses last year were by a combined eight points, including a two-point defeat at the hands of 4A powerhouse Holton.

7-4 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 3A Big 7 Coach: Chrs Diller (7th year, 29-30) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

8-2 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 3A Central Kansas League Coach: Clint Rider (2nd year, 8-2; 4th overall, 15-13) Assistants: Doug Broadfoot, Phil Unruh, Parker Broadfoot, Patrick Gittemeier Offense: Pistol/Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Justin Smith, WR/DB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Tyler McCartney, WR/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Grant Raleigh, WR/DB, 6-1, 165, Sr.; Christian Graber, OL/LB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Braden Weber, OL/DT, 5-10, 255, Sr.; Brad Simpson, TE/DE, 6-6, 200, Sr.; Cole Rostetter, WR, 5-11, 150, Sr.; Devon Wenger, OL, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Chase Brown, OL, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Keith Wages, DT, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Alexis Ramirez, LB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Garrett Roth, OL, 5-11, 227, Jr. Pregame Staff Conor Nicholl

3-6 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 3A Central Kansas League Coach: Lance Sawyer (2nd year, 13-7; 7th overall, 28-36) Assistants: Scott O’Hare, Robert Haude, Darrell Knoll Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Justus Hilliard, RB/LB, 5-6, 190, Sr.; Jesse Meier, LG/ LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Cody Craney, RG/DT, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Graham Pankratz, C, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Josh Funk, OL, 6-0, 165, Sr.; David Dick, LB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Levi Mendoza, LT/DT, 5-8, 185, Jr.

2-7 in 2013 / 1-2 in district/ 3A Mid-Continent League Coach: Jon Montgomery (3rd year, 4-14) Assistants: James Harris, Colby McKinney, Dakota Hayes, Jason Dechant Offense: Pro I Defense: 4-2-5 Returning Lettermen: 15 Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense Cameron Fouts, TE/LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Max Megaffin, QB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Nick Schmidt, RB/OLB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Chase Romme, OLB, 6-1, 160, Jr.; T.J. Flax, RB, 5-10, 155, Jr.; Dan O’Connor, OL/DE, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Parker Cox, OL/DL, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Justin Pfeifer, TE/DE, 6-4, 180, Jr.

HOISINGTON CARDINALS A young Hoisington squad last season finished 4-5 and lost in the first round of the playoffs after a 5-5 team in 2012. Hoisington, now on its third head coach in five years, has former assistant Zach Baird in charge this year.

The Cardinals started 0-2 with losses at Great Bend and against La Crosse, then had an open date to open last season. Hoisington went WL-W-L for the next month before the final two games of district play. The Cardinals defeated Russell (53-14) and TMP (26-17) to reach the playoffs. Hoisington lost in the first round to Holcomb, 21-6. Hoisington also lost 28-7 to Holcomb in the first round of the 2012 playoffs.

The Cardinals will move to the Central Kansas League this season after going 12-0 (3-0 each year) and winning the MCAA football crown all four seasons of existence. Hoisington will play in Class 3A, District 15 with Ellsworth, Lyons and Sterling and three of the last four games are at home, including games with Ellsworth and Lyons.

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For many of Hillsboro’s opponents over the better part of this past decade, 2013 scratched a seven-year itch. For the first time since 2005, the KSHSAA playoffs were devoid of Hillsboro.

“Our goal is to get back to the playoffs. We have had a good offseason, and (we) have confidence that a district title is not out of reach,” said Hillsboro coach Lance Sawyer.

It is not out of reach, but to snag it, the Trojans will have to brawl through a revamped 3A District 12. Hillsboro’s new enemies include Council Grove, Southeast of Saline and Hesston what appears to be one of 3A’s most balanced districts. Those squads combined to go 21-8 last year, with Southeast of Saline making the 3A postseason and Hesston getting through in 4A. Sawyer will lean heavily on running back Justus Hilliard, making him the bell cow to ignite the offense. If all goes to plan, Hilliard will have big pastures to roam through. Sawyer gets the benefit of putting five veteran offensive linemen on the field – Levi Mendoza, Jesse Meier, Graham Pankratz, Cody Craney and Josh Funk.

“Our offense returns an experienced group of guys,” Sawyer said. “Our offensive line will build off a year of varsity experience to develop a well-needed running game to balance out our offense.”

Brent Maycock Craney and Mendoza will flip sides of the ball to form a stout front line on defense. Meier and Hilliard will be joined by David Dick to fill gaps at linebacker.

Pregame Staff

HORTON CHARGERS

limit negative plays, and win the time of possession,” Baird said.

Three of the Cardinals’ returning starters started as freshmen last season and senior Nolan McCurry (1,264 rushing yards, 16 TDs) is back after a big year. DBs Brandon Ball and Steffen Dolechek each had four interceptions and 12 passes defended. Big senior Seth Owen is a brute force in the middle of the defense.

When Nick Dowell claims his Chargers were a play a game away from being four wins better than their 3-6 mark a year ago, it isn’t just coach-speak. Horton lost two of its last four games by two points each and another by a touchdown, putting a six- or seven-win season and playoff berth well within reach.

Though graduation only claimed a handful of last year’s seniors, it hit hard in the backfield with the loss of running backs Josh Allen and 4-5 in 2013 / 2-1 in district/ 3A Jordan Mathias, who combined for 954 of the Central Kansas League Chargers’ 1,272 rushing yards and 10 of the 12 Coach: Zach Baird (1st year) rushing touchdowns.

Assistants: Matt Koelsch, Bob Brungardt, Kyle Haxton, The passing game remains in good hands with Kevin Hoff Derrick Stone, who threw for 1,288 yards and Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-4 13 touchdowns. Stone narrowly beat out Derek Returning Lettermen: 17 Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Richardson for the starting job last year and Seth Owen, G/NG, 6-2, 285, Sr.; K.C. Stephens, TE/ the two are battling for the job again this fall, LB, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Nolan McCurry, RB/CB, 5-6, 160, Sr.; though the loser will still end up starting in the Brandon Ball, WR/CB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Chris Wright, OT/ backfield to fill the hole at tailback.

DE, 6-3, 210, Jr.; Steffen Dolechek, WR/S, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Though leading receiver Dakota Bayles is Justin Bradley, G/LB, 5-7, 185, So.; Hunter Hanzlick, RB/ gone, tight end Trey Dishon (6-4, 280) is a LB, 5-8, 170, So.; Landen Urban, C/DE, 5-9, 210, So. Conor Nicholl big target and is a four-year starter both ways.

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The Chargers have tremendous size up from, particularly in the monstrous duo of Zach Earp (6-3, 340) and Brandon Dexter (6-3, 390).

While the district slate remains the same tough path with the likes of Sabetha, Hiawatha and Riverside, the Chargers’ remaining schedule gets a new look with the disbanding of the Delaware Valley League and formation of the Northeast Kansas League.

3-6 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 3A Northeast Kansas League Coach: Nick Dowell (7th year, 11-38, 10th overall, 28-56) Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Trey Dishon, DE/TE, 6-4, 280, Sr.; Derrick Stone, QB/DB, 5-10, 165, sr.; Kyle Becker, OL/LB, 6-2, 165, Sr.; Spencer DeLosSantos, WR/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Zach Earp, OL/DL, 6-3, 340, Sr.; Brandon Lewis, OL/DL, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Jake Pahmahmie, OL/DL, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Derek Richardson, QB/DB, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Cole Wolf, OL/LB, 5-11, 245, Jr.; Brandon Dexter, OL/DL, 6-3, 390, Jr. Brent Maycock

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In only two seasons as head coach of the Humboldt Cubs, K.B. Criss has already made an impact.

Humboldt has finished 8-3 and advanced to the Class 3A playoffs in each of the past two seasons. The Cubs won only six games in the previous three seasons combined.

With six starters returning on offense and eight on defense, the Cubs will aim to take another step in 2014.

“With a significant amount of returning letterwinners I feel we will be an exciting team that will play hard and be fun to watch,” Criss said.

Senior Kason Siemens returns at quarterback to direct Humboldt’s spread offense. Jacob Carpenter and Bryce Isaacs are back at running back. Robbie Sellman, Justin Meins, Jake Haviland, Corey Whitcomb and Tyler Korte provide Siemens an experienced group of receiving targets.

Ty Yowell, Robert Navarro, Marqiz Pulliam, Rhett Smith and Colton Riebel lead Humboldt’s offensive line.

The Cubs will have a pair of new coordinators this fall. Humboldt hired former Pittsburg State All-American linebacker Nate Dreiling as defensive coordinator and former Pittsburg State graduate assistant Zach Rampy as offensive coordinator during the offseason.

Dreiling is the son of St. Thomas Aquinas coach Randy Dreiling, who led Hutchinson to seven state titles. Rampy is the son of Pittsburg State offensive coordinator Steve Rampy, who directed Blue Valley to four state titles.

Hutchinson Trinity Catholic will have its third coach in four seasons as it attempts to rebound from its first losing season since 2007. The Celtics will be led by Jordan Bell, who replaces Brad Hollinger.

Despite a dip in wins – Hutchinson Trinity finished 4-6 – the season can be looked back upon as a success. The Celtics snapped a twoyear skid of missing the playoffs, returning for the sixth time in 10 years.

The Celtics’ offense could not quite keep it with its counterparts. The team averaged 17 points per game. Hutchinson Trinity was held to 10 points or less six times – all losses. That made it tricky for a defense that was fairly strong, but was left with little margin for error.

The Celtics gave up 183 points. Hutchinson Trinity’s losing record came despite the defense holding opponents under 20 points on seven occasions.

Defense should be an area for the Celtics to rely on early this year, as several Heart of America all-league players return. They will be led to battle by standout linebacker Joey Hale.

Hutchinson Trinity can avenge four of its six losses in a brutal three-game stretch to open the season. It starts with a home date with Sedgwick on Sept. 5. The next week, Hutchinson Trinity travels to Marion to face off with a team that topped them twice in 2013 – once in week six, and also in the first round of the postseason.

On Sept. 19, the Celtics host Inman. All told, the schedule includes seven teams that were .500 or better last season.

District challengers include Kingman and Halstead, both schools that are also coming off postseason berths. And the only team in the district that is not, Garden Plain, has been a qualifier eight of the past 10 years.

In one triumphant season, the Kingman Eagles produced more victories than they had in the previous five seasons combined. A 7-3 record in 2013 was highlighted by the school’s first playoff berth since 2005, where the Eagles knocked off Halstead and gave Conway Springs a valiant fight before succumbing to the Cardinals.

Whether Kingman was a one-hit wonder, or if it has quickly vaulted itself into a routine playoff contender, will be judged soon. The Eagles return little of its starting 11 on either side after graduating 15 seniors.

But not all the king’s men are gone. The offense brings back Adam Leroux on the line.

Payton Pickering, a sophomore, will see looks out of the backfield as Kingman coach Curtis Albin describes him as a “home run threat.”

But the key to finding the end zone will be back Cody New. He rushed for 432 yards and picked up 228 receiving on his way to seven touchdowns.

“Cody New is a dynamic player in space,” Albin said.

Senior defensive end Jordan Campbell will lead the push up front. He recorded three sacks as a junior. New will be part of a stout secondary for Kingman, as well. He was an all-Central Kansas League selection in 2013. He will partner up with senior safety Parker Maloney, who collected 68 tackles and five interceptions a year ago.

“He is a very good player and will certainly be our leader,” Albin said.

Kingman’s district includes Hutchinson Trinity, runner-up to the Eagles in district a year ago, Garden Plain, a traditional power who fell short of the playoffs, and Halstead, a playoff team – one that Kingman knocked out in 2013.

Southwestern Heights had a two-win improvement from 2012 and opened 3-2 last season before it lost its final four contests. The Mustangs defeated Sublette, 41-13, in Week 1, then lost 26-7 to Elkhart and 49-0 to Meade, two eventual Class 2-1A playoff teams. After a 20-0 victory versus Stanton County and a 24-13 win against Syracuse, the Mustangs lost their final four games by at least 41 points apiece.

Last season, the district was Holcomb, Cimarron and Lakin, but this season, the district features a home game with Scott City in Week 7, at Cimarron and at Lakin. The Scott City game completes a stretch of three straight home contests; the first two are Russell and Hugoton.

Three players, all whom return, saw significant time at quarterback and combined to complete 29 of 90 passes for 360 yards with a 4/14 TD/ INT ratio. Junior Efrain Chavez led the team with 211 carries for 743 yards and five scores.

Junior Jorge Dela Torre led the team with eight sacks. SW Heights had 26 turnovers and finished minus-10 in turnover margin.

“To become a team and have them hold each other accountable,” coach Matt Scripsick said of the team’s keys.

The Mustangs have lost seven straight district contests dating back to a 44-0 victory against Cimarron in Week 8 of the 2011 season. The Mustangs haven’t won more than three contests since a 4-5 season in 2009 and haven’t posted a winning record in the last decade. SW Heights’ last playoff berth came in 2007, and the Mustangs are 1-7 all-time in the playoffs with the lone victory in 2000.

8-3 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 3A Tri-Valley League Coach: K.B. Criss (3rd year, 16-6) Assistants: Zach Rampy, Nate Dreiling, Jay Carpenter, Sam Norris, Derek Wrestler, Dave Taylor, Jeremy Weilert Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 8 Defense Jacob Carpenter, RB/LB, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Robbie Sellman, WR/DE, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Kason Siemens, QB/S, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Ty Yowell, OL/DL, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Robert Navarro, OL/ DL, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Marqiz Pulliam, OL/DL, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Justin Meins, WR/DB, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Jake Haviland, WR/ DB, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Bryce Isaacs, RB/DB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Corey Whitcomb, WR/DB, 5-8, 155, Jr.; Rhett Smith, OL/ LB, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Tyler Korte, TE/DE, 6-2, 220, Jr.; Colton Riebel, OL/DL, 6-1, 230, So. Mark Schremmer

4-6 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 3A Heart of America League Coach: Jordan Bell Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

7-3 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 3A Central Kansas League Coach: Curtis Albin (3rd year, 11-17; 11th overall, 46-47) Assistants: N/A Offense: Wishbone Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 2 Offense, 3 Defense Parker Maloney, QB/S, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Cody New, RB/CB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Jordan Campbell, DE, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Adam Pregame Staff Leroux, OL, 5-10, 225, Jr.

Conor Nicholl

Pregame Staff

LAKIN BRONCS Lakin has five home games, but four challenging road games at Meade and Elkhart in weeks 2 and 3, at Holcomb in Week 6 and at Scott City in Week 8.

Last year, the Broncs fell 41-13 to Meade, and 47-35 to Elkhart in home games in Weeks 2 and 3, lost versus Holcomb 41-26 and then fell 43-0 at Scott City in the first round of the playoffs.

In the last 10 years, Lakin is 1-5 against Meade, 4-2 versus Elkhart, 3-7 versus Holcomb and 1-9 versus Scott City.

Lakin is 2-16 all-time in the playoffs with the lone wins coming in 1988 and ’99. Lakin has 10 playoff appearances since 2000.

Veteran coach Jeff Fuss said he wants to continue to make the program stronger, and he expects Lakin to be in the hunt for a league title and playoff berth. Senior Caleb Seeger is back for his third year under center after he completed 59 of 135 passes for 894 yards with nine scores against 11 interceptions.

For his career, Seeger has completed 113 of 251 passes for 1,758 yards with 13 scores

3-6 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 3A Hi-Plains League Coach: Matt Scripsick (5th year, 7-29; 9th overall, 37-46) Assistants: John Baldwin, Paul Grilliot, Jordan Moshier Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Richard Navarrete, LB, Sr.; Brandon Kisner, WR/S, Sr.; Cody Jennings, OL/DL, Sr.; Florencio Dela Torre, OL, Sr.; Ivan Rascon, OL/LB, Jr.; Jorge Dela Torre, TE/DL, Jr.; Kyle Coats, WR/CB, Jr.; Efrain Chavez, RB/LB, Jr.; Emilio Bernabe, WR/CB, Jr.

against 18 interceptions. Senior Gage McAtee graduates after a 1,388-yard rushing season, but senior Hunter Kennedy returns after he paced the team with 91 tackles, including three for loss. The Broncs passed for 85 yards and rushed for 239 yards a game.

LEON-BLUESTEM LIONS

Playoffs are the goal at Leon-Bluestem for fourth-year coach Kyle Wallis who will lean on 17 returning lettermen as his squad chases a playoff berth. The Lions posted only one win last season, but a six-point loss to Whitewater-Remington and a four-point loss to Wichita Independent kept them out of the playoffs.

5-5 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 3A Wallis said the main goal for his Lions is Hi-Plains League to “continue the overall improvement of the Coach: Jeff Fuss (8th year, 44-31; 24th overall, 130-103) program and return to the state playoffs after a Assistants: Blain White, Nathan Smith, Matt Shultz two-year absence.”

Returning Lettermen: 9 Leon-Bluestem returns eight defensive Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-2-5 starters, including four linemen – Clay Hokr, Returning Lettermen: 22 Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Michael Hurd, Stephen Muckenthaler and Caleb Seeger, QB/DB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Hunter Kennedy, Skyler Sooter. Cooper Minnick, Lane Moran OG/LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Jacob Koehn, OC/DL, 6-0, 215, Sr.; and Judd Simon are back at linebacker while Clayton Wooldridge, OT/DT, 6-1, 215. Sr.; Eric McKissick, defensive backs Josh Atkins and John Stiger OT/DT, 5-11, 210, St.; Wyatt Burnett, HB/OLB, 5-9, 160, return to the secondary.

Sr.; Matt Armstrong, WR/FS, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Luis Torres, On offense, the Lions have seven returning RB/DB, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Ty Zickefoose, TE/DE, 6-2, 195, Jr. starters – Minnick at quarterback, Hurd, Simon, Conor Nicholl Sooter and senior Justin Stevens up front, Moran at running back and Stiger at receiver.

Leon-Bluestem’s district schedule includes

home games against Wichita Collegiate and Wichita Independent sandwiched around a week eight trip to Douglass. While Collegiate will be the heavy favorite to earn a district championship, the second playoff spot out of the district is up for grabs.

1-8 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 3A Central Plains League Coach: Kyle Wallis (4th year, 5-23; 6th overall, 10-30) Assistants: Phil Keys, Robby Chandler, Matt Bruner, Kelley Sayahnejad, John Wise, Kelly Benton, Devin Metzinger Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 8 Defense Cooper Minnick, QB/RB/LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; John Stiger, WR/DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Michael Hurd, OL/DL, 6-4, 195, Sr.; Skyler Sooter, OL/DL, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Judd Simon, OL/LB, 6-3, 170, Sr.; Josh Atkins, DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Stephen Muckenthaler, DE, 6-1, 175; Clay Hokr, DL, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Justin Stevens, OL, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Lane Moran, RB/LB, 5-11, 165, Jr. Melanie McGee

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

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LYONS LIONS

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Lyons enters year three of the James Johnston era with a bigger roar than in the past. The Lions have improved or tied their previous year’s win total each season since 2010. That took a leap in 2013, as a 5-4 finish gave them their first winning season since 2009. That will be a rallying point for Lyons.

Lyons’ offense provided middle-of-the-pack production in 3A this past season, scoring 252 points, or 28 per game. Replicating that, however, will be difficult with the departure of quarterback Ryan McClure. Concerns also persist on defense, where the Lions gave up 297 points.

The schedule came with mixed results. Only a district victory over Ellsworth (40-33) stayed within single digits either way. All five of Lyons’ wins came against teams with losing records. All four losses were suffered at the hands of squads that ended the year .500 or better, including district adversaries Southeast of Saline and Sacred Heart.

But as the Lions shift to District 15, the road to the playoffs clears up. Ellsworth (3-6 in 2013) remains, while Southeast of Saline and Sacred Heart move along. Hoisington (4-5) and Sterling (4-6) take their place, leaving Lyons as the only team in its new district coming off a winning season. Sterling did make the playoffs a year ago, but the Lions earned a 40-28 victory over them in the regular season.

The Lions collected back-to-back postseason berths in 2008 and 2009.

Marysville continued a big dropoff from the Class 3A elite after a 10-2 season in 2008 and an 11-2 season in 2009. The Bulldogs went 5-5 in 2010 and started 3-1 in 2011 with three straight victories in Weeks 2-4. The Bulldogs defeated Clay Center, 38-7, in Week 4 of the 2011 season. Marysville hasn’t won since.

The Bulldogs will take a 23-game losing streak into this fall. Marysville was non-competitive in many games last season. In 2012, opponents outscored the Bulldogs 370-95. Last year, it was 318-61, the fewest points in the 64-team Class 3A. Marysville will play in Class 3A, District 13 with Minneapolis, Riley County and Washington County.

“Our goals are to get a win,” second-year coach Dustin Heuer said. “We want to start with one and see where it goes. Our kids have made a shift in their mindset and I believe that they are ready to take the next step in rebuilding Marysville’s football reputation. Ultimately, we want to make the most of each learning opportunity, get better every day at practice and each week on Fridays, and find a way to get into the playoffs.

“We have had a great offseason in the weight room,” Heuer said. “We aren’t where we want/ need to be yet, but we took steps in the right direction. We have lots of young kids competing for starting spots and that competition will make everyone better. I also anticipate our participation numbers to be up this season which increase our productivity at practice.”

Expectations are high at McLouth, which went 7-3 last season but will jump to Class 3A in 2014.

“Key players were lost from the 2013 season, but the returning players know what it takes to win,” said coach Chris Stewart. “Expectations are high coming off three consecutive winning seasons and league championships.”

McLouth returns six starters on offense - all seniors - including quarterback Jack Courtney, skill position players Jace Carlton and Kevin Gann, and linemen Nick Barber, Jacob Copeland and Dylan Stauch.

Bulldogs who may see increased roles this season are juniors Jack Arnett, Sergio Hernandez and Remington Courter at the running back/slot receiver spot, and linemen Mystikal Randel, Griffin Hayden and Wyatt Troupe.

On defense, the Bulldogs return Barber, Copeland, Hayden and Stauch on the line as well as Courtney at linebacker. Carlton and Gann will anchor the secondary, while d-backs Arnett and Hernandez could see more playing time.

“The defensive line should be solid with good experience,” Stewart said. “Jack Courtney is the only returning linebacker and he will be a key to anchor the defense. Possible contenders to fill the open position at linebacker include senior Wyatt Troupe and sophomores Dante Nelson and Ricky Morris.”

“This is a new season with young players that have waited their turn for playing time at the varsity level,” Stewart said. “Now it is time for them to continue building upon the past success.”

McLouth’s district schedule features a home game against Pleasant Ridge and trips to Atchison County and Maur Hill Mount Academy.

With heavy hearts, the Minneapolis football program moves in a new direction this season.

Jeff Giles, the long-time wrestling and football coach at Minneapolis, died after suffering a stroke at a wrestling tournament earlier this year. Jhon Haehn, a Hugoton native, will step into his first head coaching gig.

Haehn played college football at the University of Saint Mary, where he later coached in varying roles for six years.

The cupboard is not bare. The Lions bring back eight starters on offense and defense. That veteran crew will be vital as Haehn switches the playbooks to a spread offense and a 3-4 defense.

Senior Quentin Clark not only brings experience, but results. Clark was named first-team NCAA on both the offensive and defensive lines this past season. In the backfield, Gage Mortimer and Jake Fleming line up to give opponents two backs to try to contain.

With an aged roster, the Lions will be expected to improve on past results. The Lions finished the past three seasons 3-6, and were 2-7 the year before that streak started. An important first step will be tightening the game up – in their six losses in 2013, the average margin of defeat was nearly 47 points.

The district slate will include three new foes, as Marysville, Riley County and Washington County enter the fray. Of those, Washington County will be the only school familiar to the Lions – Minneapolis defeated Washington County 37-13 in week two of the 2013 schedule.

5-4 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 3A Central Kansas League Coach: James Johnston (3rd year, 7-11; 26th overall, 162-98) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

0-9 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 3A North Central Kansas League Coach: Dustin Heuer (2nd year, 0-9) Assistants: Ross Wright, Landon Wright, Tom Knott, Ben Schaefer, Rob Peschel, Bert Lord, Mike Melcher, James Campbell Offense: Multiple Defense: 5-0 Returning lettermen: 28 Pregame Staff Returning starters: 3 Offense, 3 Defense Tommy Brinegar, QB/DB, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Cody Svoboda, OL/DL, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Josh Nelson, RB/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.

7-3 in 2013 / 4-0 in district / 3A Northeast Kansas League Coach: Chris Stewart (7th year, 29-28) Assistants: Gary Freeman, Kevin Stewart Offense: Spread Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Conor Nicholl Jack Courtney, QB/LB, Sr.; Nick Barber, OL/DL, Sr.; Jacob Copeland, OL/DL, Sr.; Dylan Stauch, OL/DL, Sr.; Kevin Gann, WR/CB, Sr.; Jace Carlton, Slot/CB, Sr.; Griffin Hayden, DL, Sr.

3-6 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 3A North Central Activities Association Coach: Jhon Haehn (1st year) Assistants: Terry Moeckel, John Darrow, Alex Hutchins Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Colton Baker, RB/LB, 5-8, 136, Sr.; Josh Macy, QB/WR/ CB, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Gage Mortimer, RB/LB, 6-0, 161, Sr.; Jake Fleming, HB/LB, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Jeffery Austin, WR/ CB, 5-8, 128, Sr.; Quentin Clark, OL/DL, 5-8, 198, Sr.; Tanner Gremmel, OL/DL, 5-9, 276, Sr.; John Kelly, OL/ DL, 6-3, 183, Sr.; Eric Yoxall, QB/WR/LB, 6-3, 171, Jr.; Logan Robins, OL/DL, 6-0, 272, Jr.; Cannan Smith, RB/ LB, 6-0, 161, So. Pregame Staff

Melanie McGee

MOUND CITY-JAYHAWK LINN JAYHAWKS Second-year coach Spencer Brown has a host of starters back as his Jayhawks look to build on a 2-7 record in 2013.

Brown, who played his college ball at Tabor, lists winning the Three Rivers League and advancing into the Class 3A playoffs as team goals.

The former free safety has nine defensive starters back, including safeties Wes Leach and Cole McGrew.

Jayhawk-Linn also brings back cornerbacks Trevor Compton and Chase Walters, linebacker Bryce Nation, defensive ends Tommy Avery and Brandon Miller, and defensive tackles Ethan Jackson and Brett Nation.

Defense will be key for Brown’s team, which he said must eliminate big plays and control the tempo in order to be successful in 2014.

The Jayhawk offense has seven starters back, including Avery under center. McGrew also returns to the backfield while Compton and Walters are back at wide receiver.

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NEODESHA BLUE STREAKS

Up front, Jayhawk-Linn has three returning starters – Jackson and Brett and Bryce Nation.

A trip to the playoffs will require an increase in scoring output this fall after the Jayhawks scored more than 14 points in only two games and posted a touchdown or less in five contests in 2013.

The 2013 season was full of growing pains for Neodesha, but the Bluestreaks now have a host of starters back as they look to rebound from a 1-8 campaign.

Coach John Black’s squad returns 19 lettermen including seven starters on both sides of the ball.

“We did a lot of growing last year and took our 2-7 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / Class 3A lumps, but that should make us a much better Three Rivers League team this year,” he said.

Coach: Spencer Brown (2nd year, 2-7) The Bluestreak offense returns senior quarterAssistants: Ripp Harrison, Clint Johnson, Randy Leach back Cameron Cook and senior running back Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Mason Barryman. They will operate behind a Returning lettermen: 12 line anchored by seniors Colton Hearn and Fritz Returning starters: 7 Offense, 9 Defense Wes Leach, FS; Cole McGrew, RB/SS; Trevor Compton, Porter and junior Hunter Hutchinson. Junior WR/CB; Chase Walters, WR/CB; Bryce Nation, C/ receiver Kyle Savage and junior fullback McKLB; Tommy Avery, QB/DE; Ethan Jackson, T/DT; Brett adin Songer are also back as starters.

Nation, G/DT; Brandon Miller, DE. Defensively, Neodesha has three starting Melanie McGee linebackers returning – sophomores Hunter Bare, Izzy Johnson and Hayden Wooten. Barryman, Savage and sophomore Matthew Shinkle are back in the secondary, and Hearn returns to anchor the defensive line.

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1-8 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 3A Tri-Valley League Coach: John Black (4th year, 23-17) Assistants: Jeff Piatt, Nathan West Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Fritz Porter, OL, 5-9, 215, Sr.; Colton Hearn, OL/DL, 5-9, 230, Sr.; Cameron Cook, QB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Mason Barryman, RB/DB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Kyle Savage, WR/ DB, 5-9, 155, Jr.; McKadin Songer, FB, 5-10, 220, Jr.; Hunter Hutchinson, OL, 6-1, 235, Jr.; Hayden Wooten, LB, 5-10, 165, So.; Matthew Shinkle, DB, 5-9, 155, So.; Hunter Bare, LB, 5-10, 190, So.; Izzy Johnson, LB, 5-11, 185, So. Melanie McGee

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“We are looking to mature very quickly and if that happens, we will have a great year,” Black said.

The Blue Streaks lost three games last year by 11 points or less including three and seven points losses to league foes Fedonia and Burlington in consecutive weeks.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 73

NORTON BLUEJAYS

OSAGE CITY INDIANS

OSKALOOSA BEARS

PITT-ST. MARYS COLGAN PANTHERS

Traditional football power Norton fell from 7-3 in 2012 to 5-4 last fall, but the Bluejays narrowly missed the playoffs with a 20-16 loss to rival Phillipsburg in the final game of the season.

Norton opened the season with back-to-back losses to Smith Center and Goodland, but rebounded for five straight wins before closing out district play with losses to Beloit and Phillipsburg.

Ninth year coach Lucas Melvin says team goals for 2014 are to “win league and districts,” and with nine returning starters, 19 lettermen and what appears to be a manageable district schedule, the Bluejays could do just that.

The Bluejays return two linemen, a tight end, and their entire offensive backfield to run their I-formation offense and all of their defensive front seven from a year ago.

Norton will alternate road and home contests with five different league foes to open the season - including a home game with new league addition, and 2-1A power Oakley in week two - before hosting Colby to end their non-district portion of the season in week six.

The Bluejays face Russell, Beloit, and new MCL member TMP in district play and could play Beloit for the district championship in week eight.

“We want to prepare well and take each day as the blessing it is, and use it to get better,” coach Melvin said.

Osage City coach Andrew Gantenbein doesn’t expect his team to overwhelm its opponents with size, but he believes the Indians can use their speed to be competitive in the Flint Hills League.

“We will be undersized, but should have decent speed overall,” he said. “The league should be very competitive. I think there are several teams that are capable of winning it with Northern Heights, Lyndon and Council Grove leading the way. We hope to be in the conversation as well.”

The Indians return junior quarterback Ryan Haskins, an honorable mention all-league and all-state performer last season as well as senior receivers JT Lincoln and Blake Stromgren to lead the offense.

Lincoln was an honorable mention all-leaguer in 2013 after catching 10 touchdown passes while Stromgren hauled in five touchdowns.

Haskins threw for 19 touchdowns and ran for 792 yards and four more scores.

Osage City also returns junior Travis Gustafson to anchor the offensive line.

Defensively, the Indians will lean on sophomore linebacker/defensive back Jason Cooley, senior linebacker Hawk Goad and senior lineman Mason Cozad.

“We suffered some graduation losses on the offensive line and graduated two all-state players on defense,” Gantenbein said. “We return the majority of our skill players from last season, but depth is a concern, especially on the offensive line.”

Osage City also returns junior kicker Duncan Fort, an honorable mention all-leaguer, and senior punter JT Lincoln.

Despite having a relatively young team, Oskaloosa made the playoffs for the first time in three years last year, falling in the first round of the 2-1A postseason to eventual champion Centralia. The Bears return to Class 3A this year and land in one of the toughest districts in the state with returning 3A champion Silver Lake and semifinalist Rossville, getting the Mid-East League powers in back-to-back weeks to start district play. How well the Bears can build some momentum entering the tough closing stretch could depend largely on how well Luis Rodriguez transitions from running back to quarterback to lead the offense.

The senior has never taken a snap under center, but ran for 948 yards last year and has been a starter for four years. Fellow senior Justin Sharp will serve as a nice complement in the backfield after racking up more than 1,000 total rushing and receiving yards and the line should be improved with four returners who cut their teeth as sophomore starters last year.

There’s not a lot of size in the group with Austin Tavis (6-0, 230) the lone returning bigger than 180.

Oskaloosa has doubled its win total each of the last two years, improving from a winless campaign in 2011 to a four-win team last year.

In St. Mary’s-Colgan’s two seasons at the Class 3A level, the Panthers have advanced to the state quarterfinals both times. But both seasons ended with a loss to a Mid-East League team. Colgan fell 17-7 to Rossville in 2012, and lost 41-7 to eventual state champion Silver Lake during the quarterfinals last season.

The Panthers will try to break through that level with a fairly inexperienced team in 2014.

Colgan, which was one of the most successful Class 2-1A teams in the 2000s, returns only four starters on offense and three on defense.

The Panthers return no skill position players as starters on offense. However, offensive linemen Nate Brown, Freddie Elmer, Orion Battaglia and Brock Jameson will provide some experience up front.

Brown earned first-team all-Crawford Neosho Cherokee League honors as a junior last year.

Linebacker Austin Commons and defensive ends Ian Duncan and Garrett Normand return to a defensive unit that held opponents to eight points or fewer in seven games last season.

Colgan will look to replace such all-league performers as quarterback Luke Marquardt, running back Drew Dawson, lineman Nolan Higginbotham, linebacker Christian Cedeno, wide receiver Tucker Hoffman, defensive back Colton Gilbert and 2013 Kpreps.com All-State kicker Aaron Twarog.

However, reloading has never been anything new for Colgan. Entering his 35th season as head coach for the Panthers, Chuck Smith is one of the winningest coaches in state history with a 320-70 record. The perennial power hasn’t had a losing season since 1997.

5-4 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 3A Mid-Continent League Coach: Lucas Melvin (9th year, 56-27) Assistants: Tony Fiscus, Jeremy Hawks, Ben Gordon, Kevin Jilka Offense: I-formation Defense: 5-2 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 8 Defense Breven Sondergaard, OL/DL, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Mickey Hahn, TE/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Jared Tallent, RB/LB, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Kobie Unterserher, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Christian Boser, RB/LB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Stewart Whitney, DL, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Jordan Dole, QB/DE, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Gavin Lively, DB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Jacob Green, OL/DL, 5-11, 230, Jr.

4-5 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 3A Flint Hills League Coach: Andrew Gantenbein (6th year, 24-24) Assistants: Will Kerns, Chris Kirkpatrick, Derek Patterson Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Ryan Haskins, QB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; JT Lincoln, WR/P, 5-10, John Baetz 185, Sr.; Blake Stromgren, WR, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Travis Gustafson, OL, 6-4, 305, Jr.; Jason Cooley, LB/DB, 5-10, 170, So.; Hawk Goad, LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Mason Cozad, DL, 5-9,195, Sr.; Duncan Fort, K, 6-5, 200, Jr. Melanie McGee

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4-6 in 2013 / 3-1 in districts / 3A Northeast Kansas League Coach: Scott Whaley (9th year, 35-38, 12th overall, 57-47) Assistants: Will Kerns, Chris Kirkpatrick, Derek Patterson Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Luis Rodriguez, QB/DB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Justin Sharp, RB/DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Josh Lutze, FB/LB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Dusty Bammes, RB/DB, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Kyle Hopkins, OL/ LB, 6-4, 180, Jr.; Tommy Molder, OL/DE, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Austin Tavis, OL/DT, 6-0, 230, Jr.; Dillion Grother, TE/LB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Scott Coates, RB/LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Austin Fowler, OL/DL, 5-10, 165, Jr. Brent Maycock

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9-3 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 3A Crawford Neosho Cherokee League Coach: Chuck Smith (35th year, 317-64; 36th overall, 320-70) Assistants: Wayne Cichon, Kyle Wolf, Brad Snow, Dan Humble, Mike Watt, Virgil Winn Offense: I-formation Defense: 5-2 Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 3 Defense Nate Brown, G, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Austin Commons, LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Ian Duncan, DE, 6-4, 180, Sr.; Freddie Elmer, G, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Orion Battaglia, C, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Garrett Normand, DE, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Brock Jameson, OT, 6-0, 225, Jr. Mark Schremmer

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RILEY COUNTY FALCONS

RIVERTON RAMS

Change is in the air at West Franklin, where new coach Kevin Coker is installing new schemes.

“We are installing a new defensive scheme, offensive scheme and special teams scheme,” Coker said. “With a short summer and limited time, we have to be a mentally dedicated and tough team to be ready to play in the always tough Flint Hills League.”

The Falcons return eight starters on both sides of the ball, though they must replace their leading rusher, passer and tackler.

“Like every team, our underclassmen must step up and become the new faces of West Franklin football,” Coker said. “We have a talented group of young men but we will take pride in being the hardest-working team in our league.”

West Franklin’s returning starters include seniors Clay Altic, Colton Egger, Dylan Gates, Oleg Nelson, AJ Rucker, Tyler Rogers and Ty Vogh. Juniors Alex Barber, Tate Jackson, Cody Renfro and Nick Stretter and sophomores Shane Renfro and Trenton Worley also return with starting experience.

The Falcons will try to post their first winning season since a 5-4 record in 2008. West Franklin has gone 4-5, 3-6, 3-6, 4-5, and 0-9 in the last five seasons.

Last season could’ve been very different for Central Heights, who played in perhaps the most close losses of any team in Kansas. The Vikings won five games with relative ease by an average margin of 32-7, but four of their five losses were razor close with an average difference of 14-10 in favor of their opponent.

All four of those losses were by seven points or less including a first round playoff loss to Humboldt, 13-6.

While the Vikings were only 1-2 in district play they were able to advance to the playoffs thanks in part to those narrow losses. Wellsville won Class 3A District 5 by sweeping all three opponents while Central Heights broke a threeway tie with their 13 points on the plus side.

Fourth year coach Kent Schulte says those close losses provide the Vikings with a single crystal clear goal for this fall, “FINISH!” If the Vikings do that Schulte feels a winning season and deep run in the playoffs are possible.

Schulte will look to 18 returning lettermen and six returning starters to finish those close games this season and he says a good group of underclassmen will contribute as well.

“We need to find a quarterback, find a couple of offensive linemen, and stay healthy,” Schulte said. “Depth could be a big issue for us this year. We may have to count on some freshmen to provide depth and that concerns me. If we can stay healthy I think we can have a good year.”

Riley County has averaged just over seven wins a season in coach Steve Wagner’s first 29 years with the program, but last season the Falcons went 4-6, its fewest victories in the last 10 years.

The Falcons still made the playoffs for the seventh straight year and played the No. 2 hardest strength of schedule in the 64-team Class 3A according to preppowerindex.com.

The Falcons opened the season with a 14-12 loss to Clay Center, an eventual Class 4A playoff squad. Then, the Falcons lost to eventual 2-1A state champion Centralia (38-0), 3A state champions Silver Lake (41-0) and 3A semifinalist Rossville (53-18). At 0-4, the Falcons defeated Alma-Wabaunsee, an eventual 2-1A playoff team, 35-0, on Homecoming and beat St. Marys 44-40 after trailing 24-0 at halftime.

Riley County lost 20-12 to Nemaha Valley to open district play, but responded with a 55-6 victory against Marysville and a 35-12 win against Rock Creek to reach the playoffs. The Falcons fell 25-8 to Hiawatha in the first round of the playoffs.

Wagner said Riley County has “pretty good experience” at the offensive line, quarterback and flanker positions. Wagner said developing depth, avoiding injuries and defensive improvement are the main keys.

Senior Trace Nelson had 105 rushes for 835 yards and 14 TDs last season, while senior quarterback Brice Brummett passed for 584 yards and six TDs, and senior linebacker Josh Brazzle collected 86 tackles.

Ryan McFarland is well aware of the ingredients needed to build an outstanding football program.

The first-year head coach of the Riverton Rams learned as a player and assistant coach under legendary Webb City (Mo.) coach John Roderique for 14 seasons. During that time, he witnessed Roderique mold the Cardinals into a powerhouse that has won four consecutive Class 4 state championships in Missouri.

But McFarland plans to take it one step at a time with a team that finished 3-6 a year ago.

“The CNC conference is always tough and we will be tested early and often,” McFarland said.

“With this being my first year at this school, our main goal is to implement a new offense and defense and be the best team we can be by the time we go to districts.”

Riverton will run a multiple option offense and a 4-2-5 defense.

Senior Landon North, who set a state record with 326 receiving yards in a loss to Girard last season, and junior Dalton Weaver are expected to compete at quarterback.

North finished the 2013 season with 30 catches for 671 yards and seven touchdowns.

Weaver completed 44 of 105 passes for 513 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions in his time at quarterback last season.

The Riverton offense also returns running backs Jon Spiva and Logan Edwards, wide receiver Ryan Schultz, tight end Gavin Forbes and linemen Rayden Mestas and Austin Brown.

Grant North, who has starred in basketball and track and field for Riverton, is expected to make an impact at wide receiver and linebacker.

4-5 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 3A Flint Hills League Coach: Kevin Coker (1st year) Assistants: Zeke Rodriguez, Micah Temple Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 16 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Alex Barber, RB/DB, 5-9, 135, Jr.; Cody Renfro, QB/DB, 5-7, 145, Jr.; Trenton Worley, QB/DB, 5-10, 115, So.; Oleg Nelson, RB/LB, 5-6, 140, Sr.; Dylan Gates, WR/FS, 5-10, 140, Sr.; Nick Stretter, RB/DB, 5-9, 145, Jr.; Clay Altic, RB/LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; AJ Rucker, TE/DE, 6-4, 160, Sr.; Shane Renfro, OL/RB/LB, 5-9, 200, So.; Ty Vogh, OL/DL, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Tyler Rogers, OL/DL, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Tate Jackson, OL/LB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Colton Egger, OL/ DL, 6-2, 295, Sr.

5-5 in 2013 / 1-2 in district play / 3A Pioneer League Coach: Kent Schulte (4th year, 13-17) Assistants: Jeff Meyer, Josh Hevel, Trent Paige Offense: Multiple Defense: 5-2 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense Chance Schooler, OL/LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Jacob Anderson, OL/DL, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Gavin Holler, WR/DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Eli Davis, OL/DL, 6-2, 240, Sr.; Jacob Pryor, RB/LB, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Zele Smith, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.

Melanie McGee

ROSSVILLE BULLDOGS The transition to a new head coach wasn’t a difficult one for the Rossville Bulldogs in 2013.

With new coach Derick Hammes at the helm, Rossville won its first 12 games of the season before falling 27-13 to rival Silver Lake in the class 3A semifinals. Silver Lake went on to win the state championship.

Back for a second year, Hammes returns an abundance of talent on the Rossville roster.

Junior quarterback Tucker Horak returns after earning 2013 Kpreps.com Class 3A All-State honors as an all-purpose player.

As a sophomore, Horak set a new school record with 1,807 rushing yards. He also completed 120 of 205 passes for 1,706 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Senior Nick Reesor returns after rushing for 809 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Running backs Jack Steckle and Thatcher Horak also return. Thatcher Horak, Corbin Horak and Christian Roduner are the team’s leading returning receiving targets.

Zach Jenson, Terrence Sowers and Tyler Sage return to the offensive line.

Reesor is the Bulldogs’ leading returner in tackles with 91, as well as three sacks. Sowers returns at defensive end after posing 63 tackles Ru ssell 800.522.0172 N a tom a 888.483.4230

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4-6 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 3A Mid-East League Coach: Steve Wagner (30th year, 210-98) Assistants: Harold Oliver, Erik Willimon, Derek Winter, Jason Klein Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 5 Defense Brice Brummett, QB, 170, Sr.; Trace Nelson, FL, 165, Sr.; Matthew Bruckerhoff, OG, 180, Jr.; Dylan Moore, T/DL, John Baetz 205, Jr.; Zach Richard, C, 195. Jr.; Josh Brazzle, FB/LB, 200, Sr.; Josh Henderson, OT, 190, Sr.; Dillon Reichert, DL, 200, Jr.; Trace Nelson, CB, 165, Sr.; Tucker Cales, DL, 185, Jr.

last year. Junior defensive tackle Isaac Luellen had 27 tackles and three sacks as a sophomore.

Thatcher Horak, Roduner and Corbin Horak return to the secondary after each posted two interceptions last year.

Rossville will have a competitive schedule in 2014. The Bulldogs will face last year’s Class 2-1A state champs Centralia in week six and Silver Lake in week nine.

Scheduling the defending 2A state champion and then playing the 3A state champion in the back half of our regular season will give us a good idea of what we will need to do to take another step as a program,” Hammes said.

3-6 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 3A Crawford Neosho Cherokee League Coach: Ryan McFarland (1st year) Assistants: Brian Mitchell, Danny Weaver, Chris Swartz Offense: Multiple Option Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Landon North, QB/WR/DB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Jon Spiva, RB/ DB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Logan Edwards, RB/LB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Gavin Forbes, TE/LB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Ryan Schultz, WR/ DB, 6-3, 175, Sr.; Rayden Mestas, OL/LB, 6-1, 200, Jr.; Dalton Weaver, QB/FS, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Austin Brown, OL/ DL, 6-4, 235, Jr. Conor Nicholl Mark Schremmer

RUSSELL BRONCOS

Russell is on its third coach in as many years as former assistant Jeff Brull takes over the Broncos program. Dave King, who was an assistant last year, and Chuck Bisbee had piloted the program the previous two years. Russell went 1-8 for the second straight season with the lone victory a 26-12 win against Republic County in Week 4.

“The 2014 football season at Russell High School will be a challenging and exciting experience for our players, coaches, school, 12-1 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 3A and community,” Brull said. “From the top to Mid-East League the bottom, everything has changed for our Coach: Derick Hammes (2nd year, 12-1; 11th overall) program. The way we do things day-to-day, Assistants: N/A the way we carry ourselves as student athletes, Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2 and our relentless pursuit to better ourselves Returning lettermen: N/A as athletes, students, and people has changed Returning starters: 9 Offense, 7 Defense Tucker Horak, QB/FS, Jr.; Nick Reesor, RB/LB, Sr.; Jack dramatically.”

Steckle, RB, Sr.; Thatcher Horak, RB/SS, Sr.; Corbin Russell has produced 2-7, 1-8 and 1-8 marks Horak, WR/CB, Sr.; Christian Roduner, WR/CB, Jr.; Zack the last three years. It will play in Class 3A, Jenson, OL, Jr.; Terence Sowers, OL/DE, Sr.; Tyler Sage, District 14 with Beloit, TMP and Norton.

OL, Jr.; Isaac Luellen, DT, Jr. “We must be our biggest supporters, as well Mark Schremmer as our biggest critics and know that everything

we do is to better our TEAM,” Brull said. “No personal agendas, no jealous feelings, just team success. That is our goal. To become a family that regardless of the circumstance, has each other’s backs and relentlessly pursues success together.”

1-8 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 3A North Central Activities Association Coach: Jeff Brull (1st year) Assistants: Sean Spoonts, Eric Swanson Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 10 Defense Chase Prester, HB/S, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Kiefer Craig, HB/CB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Reshean Holloway, QB/OLB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Cameron Kilian, OL/DL, 5-11, 210, So.; Seth Boxberger, OL/DL, 5-11, 215, So.; Zach Boxberger, OL/DL, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Jarod Flax, OL/DL, 5-9, 200, Jr.; Grant Murphy, OL/DL, 5-8, 175, So.; Mathew Pfannenstiel, TE/DE, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Matt Burhle, OL/DL, 6-0, 205, Jr.; Travis Ochs, TE/DE, 6-2, 165, Sr.; Alex Windholz, TE/OLB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Kelton Suchy, FB/LB, 5-10, 170, So. Conor Nicholl

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Sabetha has made the playoffs the last six seasons, but has advanced past the round of 16 just once, in a 2008 quarterfinal appearance.

Last season, Sabetha lost to Nemaha Valley, 6-0, in the postseason. The Bluejays opened with three losses, 47-21 to Jeff. West, 25-6 to Perry-Lecompton and 63-6 at Holton. Then, a 32-12 victory against Royal Valley sparked four wins in five contests. The only loss was a 28-21 defeat at Nemaha Valley in Week 5.

“At the beginning of the year, we wanted to throw the ball, and that didn’t pan out as we had liked,” coach Garrett Michael, in his 18th year with the program and sixth as head coach, said. “The middle of the season, we focused on the running game and got our confidence back.

At the end of the year, we were a better team, because we were able to run the ball and throw the ball effectively when we needed to. Through all of the changes we went through, our seniors led us flawlessly.”

This season, Sabetha returns eight offensive and seven defensive starters and is expected to have strong depth at most positions. Michael said the seniors are “close-knit,” “serious” and “passionate” who have talked about this opportunity for four years.

“We have to capitalize on making the play when it is presented to us,” Michael said.

“We have to be disciplined and patient at each position.”

Scott City has won 10 or more games for six straight seasons and, despite returning just three offensive and four defensive starters from a 14-0 Class 3A title team in 2012, the Beavers still went 11-2 last season. In Week 4, Scott City lost to Ulysses and ended a 40-game regular season winning streak and halted a streak of 17 straight wins. The season ended with a 36-13 home loss to Beloit in the 3A sub-state championship game.

This season, coach Glenn O’Neil, in his 19th year with the program, said the keys to success will fall from tackle to tackle. Scott City needs to replace several starters on the offensive line and three of the four defensive line starters. His son, Trey, returns as the starting quarterback (99 of 179 for 1,556 yards and a 14/6 TD/INT in ‘13). Junior Cooper Griffith also returns after he led the team with 130 tackles and was second with 11 TFLs. Scott City had 33 turnovers forced, but finished just plus-4 in turnover margin because of 29 giveaways.

“If our skill players can stay healthy and receive the necessary help from the line we believe the offense will have the capability of putting some points on the board,” O’Neil said.

O’Neil’s top goal is to represent the community with class. On the field, he wants to challenge Ulysses for the GWAC title, win the district and advance as far as possible in the playoffs.

“We believe that with a good summer in the weight room we will become a competitive football team,” O’Neil said.

Seneca-Nemaha Valley and Baileyville B&B form Nemaha Central this season. Nemaha Valley went 9-2 last year, while B&B completed one of the great dynasties in eight-man football with its sixth straight appearance in the state championship and four titles, including the last two. B&B closed its doors after May. Jason Hejak and Brian Schmitz, former Falcon assistants, are now on staff with the Raiders.

Justin Coup, the B&B coach the last three years, took over at Solomon.

Nemaha Central coach Warren Seitz listed several goals: finish .500, beat rival Sabetha, win the small division of the Big 7, make it to the playoffs and win two playoff games. Seitz said Nemaha Valley lost “a lot of good, experienced players” and will need players that are going to work hard and “be ready to step up” when called upon.

“Anytime a school of our size can pick up 1015 additional players it has to help,” Seitz said of the influx of B&B talent. “It will definitely add depth and competition in practice, which should only make us better.”

Nemaha Central will play in difficult Class 3A District 2 with Centralia, the defending Class 2-1A champion, St. George-Rock Creek and St. Marys, two squads that routinely reach the playoffs.

Last year, Nemaha Valley tied for second in the loss column in the Big 7 at 4-1 with a 21-20 loss to Jefferson West; the Raiders didn’t have to play league champion Holton. Nemaha Valley hasn’t advanced past the Round of 16 in the playoffs since 1997; they’ve come up short four times since then, including the last two years.

Simply crazy.

How else can one describe the manner in which Silver Lake racked up state championship No. 8 last year, in the process pushing its playoff victory total to 88?

Facing an undefeated Beloit team that had demolished its previous 13 foes, Silver Lake lowered the boom in a big way with a recordsetting 83-28 rout in the Class 3A title game – the most points ever scored in a championship game.

Playing on a torn ACL, Dailin Kruger threw for five touchdowns and ran for three more, punctuating an All-State season. Kruger is gone, but the Eagles have a way of reloading, as evidenced by their appearance in 11 of the last 12 title games. Standout receiver Jace Freeman (56 catches, 1,100 yards, 14 TDs) will ease the transition to new quarterback Ryan Matzke, who started three games for Kruger a year ago.

Matzke is more of a runner and teamed with Cody Renfro and Zach Boyd to rush for just under 2,000 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Boyd and Matzke were all-league picks on defense and the strength of the unit is in the back seven where Freeman, Matzke and Renfro combined for 18 interceptions and linebackers Boyd, Caleb Kern and Tate Schenkel combined for 15 sacks.

The Eagle’s schedule got an overhaul with the addition of 4A power Holton in the season opener and dates with Perry-Lecompton and Winfield added to the always tough MEL slate.

The War on 24 showdown with Rossville should be among the top games in week nine.

4-6 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 3A Big 7 Coach: Garrett Michael (6th year, 20-31) Assistants: Nathan Bauman, Alex McAfee, Kertis Keehn, Josh Wertenberger Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 21 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense Kegan Schumann, RB/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Jacob Leuthold, OL/DL, 6-4, 260, Sr.; Taylor Meyer, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Treavor Schmelzle, TE/DE, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Alex Edelman, WR/CB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Ross Strathman, OL/ DE, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Brett Plattner, RB/DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Blake Popkess, WR/DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Kyler Krebs, TE/ DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Calder Keehn, TE/DL, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Brock Frey, QB/RB/DB, 6-2, 170, Jr.

11-2 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 3A Greater West Activities Conference Coach: Glenn O’Neil (8th year, 75-12) Assistants: Jim Turner, Landen Frank, Brian Gentry, Josh Burnett Offense: Multiple Wing T-Sets Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 25 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense Trey O’Neil, QB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Wyatt Kropp, RB/LB, 5-8, 170, Jr.; Cooper Griffith, FB/LB, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Wyatt Eitel, OG/DE, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Lane Hayes, OT/DT, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Chantz Yager, RB/DT, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Sloan Baker, TE/ OLB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Brett Meyer, WR/DB, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Tre Stuart, RB/DE/K, 6-0, 195, So.; Marshall Hutchins, Conor Nicholl RB/ILB/P, 5-8, 155, Sr. Conor Nicholl

ST. GEORGE-ROCK CREEK MUSTANGS The Mustangs posted their first losing season since 2009 mustering only two wins last fall and veteran coach Mike Beam enters 2014 looking to “get back on track and get back in the playoffs.”

Beam called 2013 a “tough year” and attributed the slip below .500 to a youth movement and the implementation of new schemes.

With 31 total lettermen and 10 total starters back Beam expects to contend for a playoff spot but says the district will be harder with the addition of defending 2-1A champion Centralia and traditional Mid-East league contender St. Marys.

Senior running back Jackson Goodmiller will lead the way offensively for the Mustangs after rushing for 624 yards and five touchdowns last fall. He’ll be joined by four returning offensive linemen back for their junior campaigns after starting as sophomores in 2013.

“We have to be better on offense and especially our guys up front,” Beam said. “Last year our youth hurt us on offense and defense, but

9-2 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 3A Big 7 Coach: Warren Seitz (4th year, 21-9; 20th overall) Assistants: Terry Stueve, Cory Bass, Jason Hejak, Brian Schmitz Offense: Shotgun Wing-T Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Devin Henry, RB/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Dalton Rottinghaus, SS, 5-6, 165, Sr.; Zach Bradley, WR, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Tim Nolte, OT, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Eric Enneking, C, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Matt Winkler, CB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Andrew Oller, LB/P, 5-8, 180, Sr. Conor Nicholl

13-1 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 3A Mid-East League Coach: C.J. Hamilton (40th year, 370-85 overall) Assistants: Warren Bledsoe, Mark Workman, Loren Ziegler, Mike Vandevelde.

Offense: Offset I, One-back Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 22 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 8 Defense Jace Freeman, WR/S, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Zach Boyd, RB/LB, 5-8, 180, Sr.; Cody Renfro, RB/CB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Kyler Womack, C, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Tate Schenkel, LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Caleb Kern, LB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Ryan Matzke, QB/S, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Kyle Byers, CB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Brennan Damman, DE, 6-4, 210, Sr. Brent Maycock

ST. MARYS BEARS

they all gained a valuable year of experience.”

The Mustangs must manage an always tough Mid-East League schedule, including games with 3A powers Rossville and Silver Lake in weeks three and six.

The Mustangs were just one-point from making the playoffs last year thanks to a heartbreaking week eight loss to Nemaha Valley.

2-7 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 3A Mid-East League Coach: Mike Beam (23rd year, 130-92, 28th overall, 153-103) Assistants: Joe Wilson, Mike Zabel, Mark Oberkrom, Brad Hammett, Garin Beam, Skyler Beam, Brandon Gober Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 31 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 5 Defense Jackson Goodmiller, RB/DB, Sr.; Alex Feldkamp, DB, Sr.; Nate Berard, WR/DB, Sr.; Carson Becker, LB, Jr.; Zac Nider, RB, Sr.; Chase Ridder, TE, Sr.; Trystan Buss, OL, Jr.; Jared Garcia, OL, Jr.; Nate Jilka, OL, Jr.; Layne Turnbull, OL, Jr. John Baetz

St. Marys will play in Class 3A for the third straight season after being in Class 2-1A for many years. The Bears have always had a tough schedule in the Mid-East League and played the No. 1 hardest strength of schedule last year in 3A, according to preppowerindex.com. The Bears also played the No. 1 SOS in 2012 and the No. 1 SOS in 2-1A in 2011. In 2010, St. Marys had the No. 2 SOS in 2-1A. Even with the schedule, the Bears have made the playoffs every year since 2001, but have lost in the first round the last two years. The Bears have three runner-up finishes in school annals in 1983, ’99 and ’06.

Last year, the Bears opened the season with a 16-0 loss to Centralia before three straight wins against Valley Heights (42-13), at Rock Creek (30-18) and at Wabaunsee (36-0). After a 33-22 loss to Silver Lake, the Bears blew a 24-0 halftime lead and lost 44-40 to Riley County. A 46-20 victory against Council Grove and a 37-0 win versus Mission Valley moved St. Marys into the playoffs.

The Bears lost 39-0 to Rossville in the final regular season contest and then fell 35-0 to Silver Lake in the first round of the playoffs.

The Bears’ Class 3A, District 2 will be a challenging one with Centralia/Wetmore, Nemaha Central and St. George-Rock Creek. Centralia won the 2-1A championship last year. Nemaha Central is a consolidation of two-time defending Eight-Man, Division II champion Baileyville B&B and Nemaha Valley, who went 9-2 in 3A. Rock Creek is traditionally a solid program.

5-5 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 3A Mid-East League Coach: Kevin Kinderknecht (12th year, 68-43) Assistants: Kevin Vanderbilt, Russell Medly, Mark O’Halloran, Trey Biledeau Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 2 Offense, 2 Defense Brian Hutley, C, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Kyle Schremmer, TE, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Brennan Moser, LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Cory Tyler, CB, 5-8, 150, Jr. Conor Nicholl

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STERLING BLACK BEARS

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WATHENA-RIVERSIDE CYCLONES

WELLSVILLE EAGLES

Sterling has made eight straight playoff appearances, but has posted only one playoff win with records of 5-5, 5-5, 2-8, 3-7, 6-4, 7-3, 4-7 and 4-6 in that span. For the second straight season, Sterling started 0-4, but posted a 3-1 district record with the lone defeat a 30-14 loss at La Crosse. The Black Bears lost 47-0 to Smith Center in the first round of the playoffs, a team they defeated in the first round in 2013.

Sterling heavily relied on the run last season and rushed for 242 yards per game and passed for 41 yards a contest. Sophomore Kyler Comley saw some time at quarterback last season and completed 6 of 11 passes for 161 yards with a 3/0 TD/INT ratio. Junior Shane Winters was third in rushing yards and leads returners with 43 carries for 239 yards and four scores. Senior Cody Salazar picked off four passes last year.

“The key to our season will be how well our younger players adjust to the varsity level,” coach Matt Hendricks said. “We have to practice and play with a lot of passion and do a better job of keeping our mistakes and missed assignments to a minimum.”

Sterling will bump up a class and compete in Class 3A, District 15 that features Ellsworth, Hoisington and Lyons. Sterling is 4-6 in its last 10 meetings against Lyons, including close losses in the last two years.

Sterling has won its last two meetings against Hoisington (14-8, 36-6) in 2010 and ’11, and won its last meeting against Ellsworth (22-0 in 2011).

“Our goal every year is to be a better team than we were the year before and to go farther than we did the previous year,” Hendricks said.

Daniel Vaughn led Washington County to a one-win improvement over 2013 in his first year as head coach. This fall, Washington County, with virtually the entire team back, moves up to Class 3A, and will have another tough schedule after facing the No. 7 slate in 2-1A last fall, according to preppowerindex.com. Of the 31 players on the roster last season, just three were seniors and all were linemen.

Washington County will play in Class 3A, District 13 with Minneapolis, Marysville and Riley County, traditionally a strong team.

Vaughn said the team’s keys are staying healthy, working hard in the offseason and controlling the attitude and effort.

The Tigers mixed the run and pass effectively, throwing for 156 yards and rushing for 149 per contest last season. Junior Konner Penning completed 95 of 166 passes for 1,325 yards with a 10/13 TD/INT ratio. All 1,344 rushing yards return, including senior Andrew Tiemeyer (team-high 751, 10 scores, 1,306 all-purpose).

All 1,404 receiving yards also return, led by 38 catches, 559 yards and five scores from junior Cole Thompson. The top six tacklers all return for team with 12 seniors.

In non-district play, Washington County will have some tough games including McLouth and Troy, both 2-1A playoff teams in ’13, and Centralia/Wetmore, the defending Class 2-1A state champion. McLouth and Centralia also moved up to 3A this season.

Washington County is 0-4 all-time in the playoffs with the four berths coming from 2007-10.

“We expect to build off of last year and decide our own fate in 2014,” Vaughn said.

Cyclone coach Scot Koranda hopes that a beefed-up schedule in 2014 will better prepare his team for Class 3A district competition.

“Moving to the Big 7 could be an eye opener.

Playing three 4A schools will be new for us,” he said. “We lost in districts to Sabetha and Hiawatha – both Big 7 schools – the last two seasons to keep us out of the playoffs. Hopefully playing in the league will prepare us for district play.”

Koranda’s Cyclones will be led by senior quarterback Andrae McGaughy, who is back for his third season as the starter.

“He should be a great leader,” Koranda said.

Riverside’s offense returns five other starters – tackles Garrett Booth and Phoenix Keller, center Alex Miller, and receivers Colton Munger and Quenton Munger. The biggest challenges will be replacing both guards and running back Drew Hoffman.

Defensively, the Cyclones have an experienced secondary with McGaughy at free safety as well as senior Mason McCall and junior Bryer Miller. Colton and Quenton Munger are back at linebacker while Booth returns at defensive end and Keller is a defensive tackle.

Riverside’s district includes Sabetha, Hiawatha and Horton.

Wellsville has been a strong Class 3A program in the last four years, but has not been able to break into the elite. After a 4-5 season in 2009, Wellsville went 10-2 in 2010 and lost to Silver Lake (28-7) in the quarterfinals. In the last three years, Wellsville has gone 10-1, 6-5 and 8-3 and lost in the second round each year. A new opponent has defeated the Eagles each season – Galena in 2011 (22-14), Caney Valley in 2012 (28-6) and Colgan last year (17-8).

Wellsville carries a streak of 13 straight district victories into this fall and has a Class 3A district against familiar foes with road games against Jayhawk Linn and Central Heights sandwiched around a home contest against West Franklin.

Since 2004, Wellsville is 8-0 against West Franklin, 7-4 versus Central Heights and 5-1 against Jayhawk Linn.

Wellsville graduated quarterback Shamus Kearney (51 of 101 for 824 yards), but returns senior running back Brett Osbern (152 carries, 1,246 yards, 15 TDs). Junior Bryce Smith collected 62 tackles and team-highs in TFLs (16), sacks (three) and hurries (three) for a team that ranked No. 12 in 64-team 3A with 160 points allowed.

“Staying healthy and developing a new quarterback,” second-year coach Brad Burkdoll said of the season’s keys. “We lost good senior leadership, but have excellent athletes returning this season. We have a tough schedule early, starting with six 4A teams, but that competition should help as we enter districts.”

4-6 in 2013 / 3-1 in district / 3A Central Kansas League Coach: Matt Hendricks (7th year, 24-27) Assistants: Derek Schneider, Wes Laudermilk, Tyson Bauerle Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Jordan Profitt, TE/LB, Sr.; Henry Weiner, OG/LB, Sr.; Collin Anderson, WR/CB, Sr.; Cody Salazar, S, Sr.; Edward Weiner, RB, So.; Brandon Fredrick, LB, So.

4-5 in 2013 / 2-3 in district / 3A Twin Valley League Coach: Daniel Vaughn (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: Scott Romesier, Blake Erkenbreck Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 10 Defense Konnor Penning, QB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Andrew Tiemeyer, TB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Matt Bekemeyer, FB, 6-1, 245, Sr.; Zach Otott, TE, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Cole Thompson, WR, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Kyle Edgar, WR, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Brett Herrs, OL, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Logan Keir, OL, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Ryley Meyer, Conor Nicholl OL, 6-3, 245, Sr. Conor Nicholl

7-2 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 3A Big 7 Coach: Scot Koranda (4th year, 23-6; 14th overall, 54-74) Assistant: Jonathan Winder Offense: Spread/Multiple Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Andrae McGaughy, QB/FS, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Phoenix Keller, RT/DT, 6-2, 275, Sr.; Garrett Booth, LT/DE, 5-11, 250, Sr.; Alex Miller, C, 6-4, 260, Sr.; Quenton Munger, WR/OLB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Colton Munger, Slot/OLB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Mason McCall, DB, 5-7, 145, Sr.; Bryer Miller, DB, 5-7, 175, Jr.

8-3 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 3A Pioneer League Coach: Brad Burkdoll (2nd year, 8-3; 4th overall, 18-13) Assistants: Duane McCarty, Kip Rush, Mark Messer, Eric Sayler Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense Bryce Smith, RG/DE, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Trevor Shalkoski, Melanie McGee LG/DT, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Trevor Heckman, TE/OLB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Brett Osbern, RB/S, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Jared Klamm, LT/DE, 6-5, 220, Sr.; Cole Silsby, WR/CB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Brandon Chrisp, DE, 6-1, 170, Sr. Conor Nicholl

WICHITA-COLLEGIATE SPARTANS There are several stars that will need replaced in the Wichita Collegiate offense – running back Seth Carder, receiver Austin Waddell, and lineman Mitch Copeland – but the root of the problem lies at quarterback.

Finding the next Landon Root, Collegiate’s former quarterback who signed with Northern Illinois, may not be possible. But the Spartans will have to find someone to do a good impression of him if the offense is to keep pace last season’s attack. Collegiate averaged 40 points per game.

The Spartans also have to find a killer instinct.

While Collegiate was superb in its victories – all six wins came by double digits – it stumbled in tight ballgames. Collegiate opened 2013 with a two-point loss to Andale. The next week, the Spartans fell to Buhler by seven. Maize South scored a 24-10 win over Collegiate. Still, it appeared the Spartans found another gear against Mulvane in the first round of the playoffs. Collegiate staked itself to an 18-point lead early in the fourth quarter, but gave it away as Mulvane pulled off a wild 47-45 comeback victory.

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WICHITA-INDEPENDENT PANTHERS

Collegiate may benefit from wiping the slate clean this year. The Spartans drop down from 4A to 3A. That will not reflect much in the schedule, as Collegiate’s entire six-game non-district agenda includes 4A schools from the AVCTL. But that will harden a young squad, giving it time to prepare for its 3A district. The Spartans visit Bluestem in week seven and Wichita Independent in week eight before a home-game finale against Douglass.

Collegiate, which has made 11 consecutive trips to the postseason, will be the District 10 favorite. The Spartans won a state title in 2009.

Collegiate has averaged nine wins the past five years.

The Panthers are coming off a playoff berth and looking for more in 2014. Coach Jarrod Hibler’s squad has won 10 games in the past two seasons but will need several young players to step up in order to compete in the ever-tough Central Plains League.

“Our team success will be centered around the maturation of our young players,” Hibler said. “We have a good offensive line that will be experienced, and we need the talented skill players to match their production.”

Independent does return its leading rusher and receiver from last season. Chad Eikelberry lead the team with 381 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, plus returned kicks and punts on his way to first-team All-League honors in 6-4 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 3A 2013. Running back Shase Williams is looking Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division IV to build on a 675-yard, seven touchdown perCoach: Mike Gehrer formance last year. He also led the team in kick Assistants: N/A return yards and caught two touchdown passes Offense: N/A Defense: N/A while earning honorable mention All-League Returning lettermen: N/A honors.

Returning starters: N/A “We will be looking for a quarterback to Pregame Staff complete the offense, and there are several

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young candidates,” Hibler said. “The team is looking to build on their 10 wins over the past two seasons and make themselves a standard of success in the CPL.” A year ago, the Panthers went 3-4 in league contests with wins over Medicine Lodge, Belle Plaine and Leon-Bluestem. The 2014 season will begin with a trip to Chaparral then the Panthers face the top three teams in the CPL a year ago – Trinity, Cheney and Conway Springs – in consecutive weeks.

Independent’s regular season schedule rounds out with a trip to Belle Plaine, home games against Douglass and Collegiate and a trip to Leon-Bluestem.

4-6 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 3A Central Plains League Coach: Jarrod Hibler (4th year) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 8 Offense, 6 Defense Shase Williams, RB/DB; Chad Eikleberry, WR/DB. Melanie McGee

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Class 2-1A Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

By CONOR NICHOLL For Kansas Pregame

Sedgwick coach Jeff Werner knows a little about the Class 2-1A ranks. The Cardinals, 30-5 in Class 3A the last three seasons, have faced some 2-1A teams in Heart of America action, including Ell-Saline, a regular playoff participant in recent seasons.

Werner knows the playoff structure is different in 2-1A, which plays all of its postseason games on Fridays like 5A and 6A. Eight-man, 3A and 4A plays the first two rounds on Tuesday and Saturday. Class 3A has 64 teams, while 2-1A has just 40.

“I don’t know a lot of the specific teams, other than the past history and the highly successful ones,” Werner said.

Sedgwick is one of several strong 3A squads that will drop down to 2-1A this season. Werner called 2-1A “no easy task” and labeled this season “interesting,” a line echoed by multiple coaches making the transition. Phillipsburg, 9-2 last season, will drop to 2-1A for the first time and will play Bennington, Sedgwick, Belleville-Republic County and Ell-Saline for the first time in school history.

“It will be exciting and challenging,” Phillipsburg coach J.B. Covington said.

Marion, also 9-2 last season, moves down to the 2-1A ranks, but returns just three offensive and one defensive starters.

“It will be an interesting year for us as we move into 2A,” Marion coach Grant Thierolf said.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Page 77

Sacred Heart, 8-2 in 3A, moves back to 2-1A, but graduated all-state quarterback and two-time state wrestling champion Nick Wuthnow. Overall, nine teams joined 2-1A in this cycle, including Kansas CityMaranatha Academy, the only new program in the state this season, and Yates Center, which reached the second round of the Eight-Man Division I state playoffs last fall.

Centralia/Wetmore, which was No. 1 from wire-to-wire in 2013 and rolled to a state title, bumped up to Class 3A. Class 2-1A will have a new champion – and it could be a team that’s either never won a state crown or had a long drought.

Phillipsburg and Sedgwick, for all its recent successes, has never made the state semifinals or finals. Marion’s best finish was runner-up in 1994. Sacred Heart hasn’t reached a final since a 1979 state title, but has made the playoffs in 12 of the last 15 seasons.

La Crosse, which finished as state runner-up last season, could win its first football crown in school annals. La Crosse’s best showings are state runner-ups in ’13 and ’11, but the Leopards have won at least 10 games in seven of the past eight years.

La Crosse brings back three standouts in quarterback Jack Garcia, end/fullback Sheldon Schmidt and all-state returner Andrew Jay. “It’s so awesome playing in this town, because we have a community that is behind us no matter what every football

overview

season,” Garcia said. “It’s PREGAME PRESEASON RANKINGS so special for me to play for La Crosse and this 1. La Crosse community.”

2. Olpe Sedgwick quarterback 3. Oakley Brylie Ware and Garcia 4. Phillipsburg finished second and 10th 5. Sedgwick respectively in Kansas for Others: Elkhart, Lyndon, Marion, Meade, Northern Heights, Troy, passing yards last season Sacred Heart with 2,915 and 2,077.

Jay led the state with 748 but has reached the playoffs in 11 of the return yards. last 12 seasons.

Smith Center went 8-3 last season, but reA traditionally strong Olpe program returns turns just two offensive and one defensive nine starters from a 7-4 team and looks to starters. The Redmen haven’t lost a district be the favorite to represent the eastern half contest since 2002; senior running back/ of the state. linebacker Nick Lehmkuhl returns after Olpe will look to take some momentum earning all-league honorable mention honfrom last season. The Eagles opened the ors on both sides of the ball last season.

2013 season with a 2-3 record before Meade and Oakley, two other traditional rattling off five consecutive victories. Olpe’s powers, went through big changes in the season ended with a 36-0 loss to eventual offseason. The Buffs return just one offen2-1A state champion Centralia in the secsive and two defensive starters. Oakley ond round of the playoffs. coach Randall Rath resigned after 16 years Troy returns a bulk of its talent after a as head coach and a 125-53 record. He 7-4 finish last year. Recent regular playoff took the job at Cimarron. participant Lyndon welcomes a new coach, The Plainsmen graduated many of their Brent Hoelting, and returns several key top players, but return senior nose guard pieces but will have to find replacements for Ryan Kuhn from Kansas’ No. 1 scoring Joe Walsh and Josh Owens, two of 2-1A’s defense. Kuhn recorded 22 sacks; no top players. one else in the state had more than 13, Elkhart and Northern Heights return according to MaxPreps. While Meade has athletic talent and could make some noise won two of the past four state crowns, come playoff time.

Oakley, like many of the contenders, has never reached a state championship game,

In addition to the Lookin’ Sharp, Throwback, Iron Will and Spotlight feature players, these are a few players to keep an eye on in Class 2-1A this fall.

Storm Johnson...............FB/LB, 5-8, 170, Sr., Alma-Wabaunsee

Kyle Palic.........................OL/LB, 6-2, 208, Sr., Marion

Stuart Lenneman..........KR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr., Phillipsburg

Justice Stuewe...............DL, 6-5, 255, Sr., Alma-Wabaunsee

Kash Larrabbee..............OL/LB, 6-2, 235, Jr., Meade

Luke Jacobs.....................DE, 6-6, 225, Sr., Phillipsburg

Tanner Burnett..............DL, 6-2, 245, Jr., Elkhart

Tanner Allen...................QB/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr., Mission Valley

Hayden Friend................RB/DB, 5-9, 160, So., Plainville

AJ McKinley....................LB, 6-1, 175, Sr., Elkhart

Mitchell Wecker.............QB/LB, 5-11, 200, Sr., Northern Heights

Alex Wahrman................OL/DL, 6-0, 240, Sr., Plainville

Luiz Arceo........................QB/DB, 5-11, 165, Sr., Ell-Saline

Donovan Read................RB/LB, 5-8, 190, Sr., Northern Heights

Drew Gormley................OL, 6-2, 245, Sr., Sacred Heart

Clayton Herdman...........SS, 6-3, 185, So., La Crosse

Dylan Gassman..............OL/DL, 5-11, 230, Sr., Oakley

Jerod Toogood................DE, 6-5, 235, Jr., Sacred Heart

Dawson Swinehart........WR/CB, 5-11, 145, Sr., Lyndon

Bo Krueger......................QB/SS, 6-2, 170, Sr., Olpe

Nick Lehmkuhl...............RB/LB, 5-11, 180, Sr., Smith Center

Gabe Leuszler.................G/DT, 6-1, 190, Sr., Lyndon

Colton Arndt...................OL/DE, 5-11, 205, Sr., Olpe

Alex Schmille..................RB/DB/LB, 6-0, 173, Sr., Troy

Hunter Anderson...........OL, 5-9, 200, Sr., Lyndon

Michael Bliss...................RB/LB, 5-11, 200, Sr., Onaga

Jake Ross.........................WR/DB, 5-9, 162, Sr., Troy

Jace Burdette.................QB/LB, 6-1, 195, Sr., Marantha Academy

Ian Chestnut...................TE/DE, 6-3, 215, Sr., Phillipsburg

Player Spotlight: Ryan Kuhn Ryan Kuhn had a strong first two seasons at nose guard for Oakley, including district Defensive MVP honors after his sophomore season.

But Kuhn believed he could become even better entering 2013. In the 2013 spring season, Kuhn decided to forgo track and focus on training for football. Kuhn ran and lifted weights. He sometimes ran a mile, ran stairs and did ladder drills and pylometrics. In the summer, Kuhn worked for the city and had another job mowing lawns.

“The kid just likes to work, and he is a really good kid,” former Oakley coach Randall Rath said.

The regimen produced an outstanding season for Kuhn last fall. He finished with 22 sacks and six forced fumbles and led Kansas’ No. 1 scoring defense. Oakley allowed just 39 points and finished 8-2 with a last-second 12-7 loss to La Crosse in the second round of the playoffs.

The 230-pound Kuhn lost 20 pounds, gained muscle, lost body fat and was able to play faster and longer than virtually every opposing linePhoto by Bree McReynolds-Baetz man. In the season’s final three games, Kuhn had 10 TFLs, including Kansas Pregame

By CONNOR NICHOLL four against La Crosse.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 78

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 79

Lookin’ Sharp Brylie Ware

By CONOR NICHOLL,

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Sedgwick High School football coach Jeff Werner, a Newton native and a Railer assistant coach for 12 years, came to the Cardinal program when Brylie Ware was in fourth grade. Werner’s son, Nate, is a year behind Ware, but the two grades combined to play peewee football together. Ware has long been a shotgun quarterback, and, even in elementary school, was playing elite travel baseball.

“He has always had a baseball future, but he has always enjoyed football,” Werner said.

Little has changed for Ware, now entering his senior year. Last season, Ware helped Sedgwick to its third straight 10-win season. He finished second in Kansas in passing yards in the Cardinals’ wide-open shotgun spread offense. Ware completed 162 of 273 passes for 2,915 yards with 29 scores against seven interceptions.

“I like having the ball in my hands every play,” Ware said. “With the offense that we run, it’s really fun.”

But as good as he is at football, Ware is a much better baseball player. In 19 games this spring, Ware, who has played since he was three, batted .706 with 23 extra base hits, including six homers, spread among 36 hits.

He drove in 32 runs and scored 41 runs. Ware nearly broke the state record for single season batting average of .710 set by Silver Lake’s Josh Workman in 2004. Ware, a shortstop/pitcher who carries a .621 career average, wasn’t aware he was close to the average record until the last four games.

“All of the practice and coaching that I’ve got over the years,” Ware credited to his success. “…I don’t really like looking at the numbers. I just like doing what I can for the team. If the team is doing good, then I am doing good.”

Workman later played for Wichita State and the Wichita Wingnuts. Ware has set goals to play baseball for WSU or a Big 12 school.

“There aren’t too many kids that will throw for 2,900 yards, and then their baseball season is a bigger deal,” Werner said. “I tease him about that all the time. I say you are the most under-the-radar football guy, because everybody knows you as a baseball player. He is a good football player. I think he does it for fun, so he really enjoys it. Baseball is business for him. We have known he is going to be quite a good baseball player for a long time.”

This fall, Ware has a chance to lead Sedgwick football to its best season in school annals. Werner has taken a school

Photo by Julie Kuhlmann JulieKuhlmannPhotography.com

traditionally known for basketball and made it into one of Kansas’ best programs.

Before Werner came, Sedgwick had just four playoff appearances, all from 1987-93.

In 2007, Sedgwick entered district play 3-3, but won three straight to capture the school’s first district title. Sedgwick again made the playoffs in ’09 before 10-1, 10-2 and 10-2 seasons the last three years.

“When I remember football kind of becoming big in Sedgwick was when Coach Werner started being the coach,” Ware said. “He was really pushing, and you could tell that he cared about the guys and that he wants to win and everything.”

The Cardinals are one of eight Kansas teams to win at least 10 contests each of the last three years, though Sedgwick and La Crosse (a two-time state runner-up) are the only ones of the eight to not win a state crown in that stretch. Sedgwick has never made it past the quarterfinals in school history, but hasn’t been favored in the playoff losses the last three falls. Last season, Sedgwick fell to Beloit, 66-41. In 2012, it was a 52-24 loss to the Trojans.

“Mr. Werner has done a great job,” Ware’s dad, Pat said. “…We have games where referees told us that we’ve had to slow down.”

In 2011, Conway Springs, whom Werner called probably one of the best high school teams he’d ever coached against, defeated Sedgwick, 55-13.

“What we have done the last couple of years has been good, but I definitely am going to try to push everybody hard this year and make it past where we got last year,” Ware said.

This fall, Sedgwick moves down to Class 2-1A, but so do several other talented 3A teams in Marion, Sacred Heart and Phillipsburg. La Crosse is expected to be strong, too. Werner has already looked at the playoff brackets. If Sedgwick makes the playoffs, the Cardinals would likely play Phillipsburg or Smith Center. Defending state champion Centralia/Wetmore moved up to 3A. “(Beloit) was absolutely loaded,” Werner said. “We had almost 600 yards of offense against them last year, and we couldn’t stop them. We have run into some tough teams. We would like to take that next step this year…. 2A is no easy task either. There is some elite teams in that level.”

Werner’s style is slightly different than many small schools. He first saw the shotgun spread, rarely used in Kansas, with Haysville-Campus in the early 2000s.

Campus had no playoff appearances in school history, but made the postseason

LOOKIN’ SHARP - WARE / Continued on page 125

Player Spotlight: Evan Morrical A 5-10, 250 pound senior, Morrical will again anchor both the offensive and defensive lines for the Cardinals. Morrical earned All-Heart of America League first team honors for his play on both the offensive and defensive lines last fall. Morrical also earned 2-1A All-State recognition from Kpreps. com for his work on the offensive line and was named Kpreps.com defensive player of the year for 2-1A District 6.

For a big guy, Morrical has a quick first step and enjoys spending his time in opposing backfields harassing quarterbacks and wreaking general havoc.

Morrical also demonstrates explosion as a track Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz athlete placing fourth at the state track meet in Kansas Pregame the shot put (48-7.5) and qualifying in the discus.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 80

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 81

La Crosse looking for elusive title

By CONOR NICHOLL, For Kansas Pregame From 2006-12, the La Crosse High School football records rank among Kansas’ elite: 11-1, 10-1, 11-1, 7-3, 10-1, 12-1, 11-1 and 12-1. That includes a No. 2 final ranking in 2-1A in 2008 and Class 2-1A state runner-up showings in ’11 and ’13.

Several common threads have helped the Leopards remain among the elite. First, the team has had three terrific coaches since Bill Keeley took over in ’97. Keeley, now the school’s superintendent, Ryan Cornelsen, now at Hutchinson after a successful stint at Hays High, and Jon Webster have turned the program into a state power. The town supports the program and administration; Webster, a Leopard alum who played for Keeley, has said he’s had virtually no problems in his last five years at the helm.

“He is a players’ coach,” quarterback Jack Garcia said. “ We love to play for him, and he knows what it takes to win.”

In a national magazine called Stack, Jake Reifschneider, a starting linemen the last several years, wrote about Coach Webster in a message that was displayed on the big window on the inside of the school.

“Our head coach Jon Webster must be the hardest-working coach in the state of Kansas,” Reifschneider wrote. “He cares about the team so much. He has turned me into a better player and a better person. He is constantly working around the clock to make sure that the Leopards are ready to go on Friday night.”

On the field, La Crosse has continually churned out Division I athletes at a remarkable rate for any Kansas program, especially the state’s smallest 11-man school. Plus, the Leopards have continually had playmakers on offense and several athletic specimens on the line or in the backfield. Many of the former players come back for playoff games.

“It’s special because we really are a family,” Webster said. “It’s like a bunch of brothers. They rag on each other and they give each other a hard time, but at the end of the day, they are going to fight for each other, too, which makes it really special.”

Finally, La Crosse, who has won 36 straight regular season contests, the state’s longest current streak, is the only 11-man school in the Central Prairie League. The Leopards have played a relatively nomadic schedule throughout the successful run, including games against Southern Valley (Neb.), neutral site contests and games against non-KSHSAA schools.

This season, the Leopards again have a schedule against wide-ranging opponents, and feature three key returning standouts in senior quarterback Jack Garcia, senior fullback/defensive end Sheldon Schmidt and senior all-purpose threat Andrew Jay. In Week 1, La Crosse plays Olpe - also a 2-1A title contender - in Newton, will play at Southeast of Saline in Week 4, and home against Smith Center in Week 7. The Leopards have never played Olpe or Southeast of Saline in the current run, and hasn’t played Smith Center since a memorable playoff loss in 2008. The annual rivalry against Plainville resumes with a Week 6 road contest.

Prep Power Index started to track strength of schedule in 2006. Since then, La Crosse has had strength of schedules of 34, 55, 27, 40, 30, 12, 9 and 5 in 2-1A. Even when the schedule has been weaker, though, the Leopards have beaten strong teams in the regular season and playoffs, including a 7-3 mark in the last 10 meetings against Meade and 3-2 against Oakley since 2004.

This year, the Leopards will possibly have to play some talented 3A schools that have moved down to 2-1A, including Sedgwick, Sacred Heart, Marion and Phillipsburg. La Crosse lost to Centralia in the ’11 and ’13 state games, but the Panthers have moved up to 3A this season.

Garcia is the youngest brother of Joey and Jeremy Garcia, two standout quarterbacks for La Crosse in the Cornelsen era. Joey and Jeremy played at Sterling College and are both on Cornelsen’s staff at Hutchinson this season. Jack Garcia was supposed to back up Clayton Basgall two years ago, but Basgall suffered a season-ending knee injury and Garcia moved into the starting role as a sophomore. Garcia has never felt pressure to live up to his brothers.

“I know I have teammates around me that are just as good as me,” Garcia said.

He passed for 1,397 yards with a 16/6 TD/INT ratio as a sophomore and threw for 2,077 yards with a 31/11 TD/INT ratio last season, including a last-second TD pass to beat Oakley, 12-7, in the playoffs. Garcia also rushed for 669 yards last season.

Schmidt, an athletic marvel who has qualified for state in the shot put, high jump and 400-meter relay in his career, has had trouble staying healthy. Schmidt has missed both Meade contests

La Crosse’s big three of Andrew Jay (left), Sheldon Schmidt (seated), and Jack Garcia (right) look to deliver La Crosse’s first football title in their final year with the program.

(Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz, Kansas Pregame)

in the playoffs the last two seasons. Last fall, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4 against Plainville. In 15 games in the last two years, Schmidt has 89 tackles, 12 for loss and 11 sacks.

“What Sheldon does a really good job of is using his length and his arms to get separation and to get offensive linemen off of him,” Webster said. “He has got long, long arms and that allows him to get rid of the blockers and find the football.”

Jay delivered one of the biggest improvements of any player last season. He had just 130 all-purpose yards as a sophomore, but finished with 1,986 all-purpose yards last season, including 780 receiving and 748 return yards and three non-offensive scores. Jay, known for his breakaway speed and evasive moves, is expected to be the running back this season, while Schmidt will transition to fullback.

“To be honest, I am more scared of getting tackled than anything,” Jay said. “I just try and avoid everybody. When it comes to it, I will be physical, but I try to do the Barry Sanders approach and avoid everybody.”

The talented trio has a strong supporting cast, including senior lineman Cole Kershner and three sophomores who started as freshmen in wide receiver/safety Clayton Herdman, lineman Justin Bond and tight end/linebacker Jasey Woods.

“Our freshmen and sophomores must step up for us and be ready to play,” Webster said.

The Leopards wll be favorites in a district that includes Ellis, Leoti-Wichita Co., Oakley, and Plainville, but perennial playoff qualifier Oakley and solid programs Ellis and Plainville will provide tests.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 82

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Nearly all the starters from 2013 are back for Northern Heights, and co-head coaches Greg French and Brian Hadley expect their squad to challenge for the Flint Hills League championship as well as a spot in the state playoffs.

Eight starters return to the Wildcat offense, including talented running back Mitchell Wecker, who will make the move to quarterback this season. Senior Brandon Campbell and junior Tucker Litke return as experienced backups.

Litke did the majority of the throwing for the Wildcats last season with 652 yards and 40 completions in 86 attempts with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Wecker is among the top players in 2-1A and will enter his third year as a starter. He has rushed for 1,614 yards and 14 TDs over the last two seasons and tallied another 416 total receiving yards with one more score.

Wecker has experience throwing the ball completing 17 of 31 passes for 359 yards with seven TDs over the last two seasons.

Senior running back Donovan Read also provides an offensive threat. He tallied 975 yards on the ground with 12 touchdowns in 2013.

On the front lines, Northern Heights returns seniors Neal Huffman, Justin Johnson, Aaron Larson and Colton Miller along with juniors Alex Croucher and Tyler Ross.

Read and Wecker are also the leading returning tacklers for the Wildcats with 98 and 76 stops respectively in 2013.

Coach Brian Henry engineered a three-win improvement, including a Mid-East League victory and a 4-0 district championship last year.

Senior offensive lineman Justice Stuewe (6-5, 255) was all-league and honorable mention all-state on defense, but the Chargers will need to replace graduated running back Ethan Miller who rushed for over 1,200 yards in each of the last two seasons totaling 2,880 yards with 24 TDs in his career.

“We graduated a lot of talent,” coach Brian Henry said. “We will have to have some younger players step up. Our first bunch will be pretty strong. The lack of depth could be a problem. Our O and D lines will be our strong point.

The skill positions will have to learn on the run.

Our sophomore class needs to be playing like juniors when we get to district play.”

On defense the Chargers welcome back two of their top three tacklers from last year in junior linebacker Storm Johnson (92 stops, 167 career) and Stuewe (79 stops, 175 career). Sophomore Mitchell Wertzberger finished with 2.5 sacks, tying for the team high, and rushed for 128 yards.

Alma-Wabaunsee opened 2013 with a 49-0 loss at Silver Lake before it beat Rock Creek 16-7 in Week 2. The Chargers eventually finished 1-4 in league and 4-0 in district play.

It marked the first league win since Henry took over as head coach.

The Chargers will play in Class 2-1A, District 2 with Valley Heights, Holton-Jackson Heights, Onaga and Valley Falls.

“The MEL is always tough with Silver Lake leading the way and Rossville right on their heels,” Henry said. “The middle of the pack will be Rock Creek, Riley Co. and St. Marys. I do not know where we fit in. It depends on the health of our starters.”

Republic County again struggled last season and carries a 32-game losing streak, longest in Kansas, into the fall. The Buffs are 2-61 in the last seven years.

Republic County, long known for its basketball tradition, was competitive in three games: Weeks 4-6 against Russell, Bennington and Washington County.

The Buffs lost 26-12 to Russell, 12-0 to Bennington and 38-18 to Washington County. The Buffs haven’t won since a 22-7 victory against Sacred Heart in Week 4 of the 2010 season.

“Our number one goal is to get back on the winning track,” second-year coach Travis Johnson said. “We do not just want to compete in games anymore, we want to be able to look up at the scoreboard and see that we won. All it takes is one, and I believe that this program will be able to turn itself around.”

Johnson said the key to success will be staying healthy. The Buffs were hit hard by injuries last year and weren’t very deep. Johnson expects some better numbers in 2014.

“I believe that if we can stay healthy throughout this year we will be something to watch,” Johnson said.

4-6 in 2013 / 2-2 in district / 2-1A Flint Hills League Co-Head Coahes: Greg French (17th year); Brian Hadley (1st year) Assistants: Rick Bush, Derek Jackson, Darwin Sweetman Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense JD Johnson, WR/DB, Jr.; Takoda Lunsford, RB/DB, Jr.; Tucker Litke, QB/WR/DB, Jr.; Trent Burd, WR/DB, Jr.; Michael Karr, WR/DB, Sr.; Donovan Read, RB/LB, Sr.; Peyton Heins, RB/OL/LB, Jr.; Mitchell Wecker, QB/LB, Sr.; Derek Korte, WR/OL/LB, Jr.; Alex Croucher, OL/DL, Jr.; Colton Miller, OL/DL, Sr.; Aaron Larson, OL/DL, Sr.; Tyler Ross, OL/DL, Jr.; Justin Johnson, OL/DL, Sr.; Neal Huffman, OL/DL, Sr.; Brandon Cambell, QB/WR/DB, Sr.

5-5 in 2013 / 4-0 in district / 2-1A Mid-East League Coach: Brian Henry (5th, 14-35) Assistants: Don Ginavan, Jeff Rutledge Offense: Power I Double Dive Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Storm Johnson, RB/LB, Sr.; Justice Stuewe, OL/DL, Sr.; Zach Heine, OL, Sr.; Cooper Imthurn, SS, So.; Mitchell Melanie McGee Wertzberger, LB, So. Conor Nicholl

BLUE RAPIDS-VALLEY HEIGHTS MUSTANGS From 2006-09, Valley Heights enjoyed its most fruitful football seasons, making the playoffs each year. But the Mustangs have failed to make it back since.

Through the past three seasons, Valley Heights has not been able to compose a winning record.

But of their 17 losses in that span, 35 percent have come by a touchdown or less.

With a veteran roster, coach Tony Trimble looks to have those close defeats turn into gritty victories. Nine starters return on defense, as well as eight on offense.

Trimble will rely heavily on senior Lane Jorgenson on both sides of the ball. The 5-foot-11, 225-pound Jorgenson earned first team all-Twin Valley League honors in 2013 for his work on the offensive line and at defensive end. He will be joined on the o-line by junior Micah Kenworthy, who was recognized with second-team league accolades a season ago. That pair will help buy time for quarterback Gage Woodyard, who enters his fourth year as a starter for the Mustangs. Junior running back Keaton DeWalt

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Coach Tim Dollof has posted 4-5 and 2-7 seasons in his first two years as head coach after spending 10 falls as an assistant. Bennington went 2-3 at home, but 0-4 on the road last season.

Bennington defeated Whitewater-Remington 60-20 in Week 1, and then beat Republic County 12-0 in Week 5. Bennington didn’t score in three contests and scored just six points in two others.

As a team, Bennington completed 45 of 99 passes with six touchdowns against 12 interceptions and averaged four yards a carry on the ground last year.

The Bulldogs return plenty of experienced skill players among six offensive starters, including all-purpose junior running back T.J. Ragnoni, who led the team with 817 all-purpose yards, including 385 rushing and 356 off special teams returns. Bennington had seven forced turnovers and finished minus-9 in turnover margin. Two years ago, Bennington was minus-2 in turnover margin with 15 forced turnovers.

“We would like to make it out of our district and win as many games as possible,” Dollof said. “I think our skill guys will be as good as anyone around. We are just going to have to 0-9 in 2013 / 0-5 in district / 2-1A develop some linemen.”

North Central Activities Association Bennington will play in Class 2-1A, District Coach: Travis Johnson (2nd year, 0-9; 4th overall, 13-15) 6 with Belleville-Republic County, Brookville/ Assistants: Kevin Couture, Nate Larkins Ell-Saline, Phillipsburg and Smith Center. The Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Bulldogs haven’t posted a winning season since Returning Lettermen: 9 a 6-4 mark in 2005 and have made the playoffs Returning Starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Tucker Allen, SB/S, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Tyler Polpelka, QB/ three times since 2000 (’05, ’06 and ’09) with OLB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Derek Vanous, FB/MLB, 5-10, 200, first-round losses each year.

Jr.; Lane Shoemaker, SB/OLB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Mikel Cottonmeyer, OL/DL, 6-3, 275, So.; Trevor Lowell, SB/S, 5-5, 135, So.; Kole Hoge, OL/DL, 5-8, 165, Sr.

2-7 in 2013 / 1-4 in district / 2-1A Heart of America Coach: Tim Dolloff (3rd year, 6-12) Conor Nicholl Assistants: Jerry Mick, Gregg Tanzer, David Gillette Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Returning Lettermen: 8 Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Kyle Kieborz, WR/OLB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Justin Zamecnik, QB/LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Dustin Stanley, WR/DB, 5-10, 140, Sr.; Bryan Weary, G/LB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Kyler Mick, RB/ LB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; T.J. Ragnoni, RB/DB, 5-8, 155, Jr.; Alberto Riviera, OG/NG, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Jacob Stanley, WR/DB, 5-10, 155, Jr. Conor Nichol

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also brings experience at running back, having contributed as a starter his first two seasons.

In 2013, Valley Heights took losses to eventual playoff squads Centralia and Troy. Valley Falls and Onaga replace them in district play, however, Jackson Heights remains, a team that hammered the Mustangs, 40-6.

For one more year, Ell-Saline opponents will scratch their heads as they try to figure out ways to slow down Evan Morrical.

The senior uses his 5-foot-10-inch, 250-pound frame to roadblock rushers on offense. On the other side of the ball, he brings enough power and speed to decompose opposing blocking schemes. Morrical earned first-team accolades 4-5 in 2013 / 1-3 in district / 2-1A in the Heart of America League in 2013.

Twin Valley League Zach Farrel and Koby Ingalsby join Morrical Coach: Tony Trimble (10th year, 46-40; 20th overall, on both lines. Luke Sheridan returns on the 114-71) offensive line to bring back four of the five Assistants: Lew Whitson, Ron Lee, Eric Stoddard starters. That should offer thick protection for Offense: Hybrid Wing/Option Defense: 4-3 senior quarterback Luiz Arceo. He will hand Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 9 Defense the ball off to a pair of senior workhorses, Cody Gage Woodyard, QB/DB, 6-3, 175, Sr.; Lane Jorgenson, Walters and Garrett Jacobson.

OL/LB, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Payton Manley, OL/DB, 5-10, 155, All told, seven starters return on offense and Sr.; Micah Kenworthy, OL/DE, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Keaton Dedefense, putting the pieces in place for Ell-SaWalt, RB/LB, 5-8, 175, Jr.; Jarrett Whitson, C, 5-9, 150, line to improve on a 5-4 mark. The focus turns Jr.; Davis Thomas, DL, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Anthony Edwards, to linebacker, where coach Terry King needs to TE, 6-3, 155, Jr.; Hunter Stevenson, DB/SB, 5-10, 155, So.; Logan Woodyard, RB/LB, 5-7, 145, So.; Garrett Link, temper the growing pains of finding a replaceOL, 5-11, 180, So. ment for the graduated Justin Schmutz.

Pregame Staff “We need a couple sophomores to grow up

and fill in where needed,” King said.

In the Cardinals’ five-team district, consistent winners Smith Center and Phillipsburg - the Panthers move down to 2-1A for the first time ever - likely pose the biggest obstacles to a playoff berth.

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5-4 in 2013 / 3-2 in district / 2-1A Heart of America League Coach: Terry King (16th year) Assistants: Kevin Patrick, Joe Roche, John Ludes, Brandon Toll Offense: Spread Defense: 5-2 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Luiz Arceo, QB/DB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Cody Walters, RB/ DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Garrett Jacobson, RB/LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Evan Morrical, OL/DL, 5-10, 250, Sr.; Zach Farrel, OL/DL, 6-1, Sr.; Koby Ingalsby, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Luke Sheridan, OL, 5-11, 195, Jr.; Dakota Came, DB, 5-9, 155, Jr. Pregame Staff

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For the second straight year, the Bulldogs posted a 2-7 record with the lone wins coming over Osage City in the season-opener and Herington a few weeks later.

A seven-point loss to Council Grove was Chase County’s only other close call and the Bulldogs gave up at least 25 points in all seven losses.

The offense will miss departed quarterback Troy Higgs, who threw for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns and ran for another 421 yards and three scores.

Brendan Watts caught 41 passes for 623 yards as Higgs’ favorite target last year, but is the only proven offensive threat returning and likely will replace Higgs at quarterback.

AJ Swift averaged 6.3 yards per carry as a sophomore backup last year and will also have a much bigger role in the offense.

The defense that was porous last year does return its top-two tacklers in junior Colton Haney (112 tackles) and Jake Wessel (77 tackles).

In addition to its Flint Hills League slate, Chase County re-unites with district newcomer Marion, a former Cottonwood Valley League rival of the Bulldogs that moves down from Class 3A this year.

Elkhart’s high-flying offense posted 7-2, 3-6 and 5-4 records in coach Khris Buckner’s first three seasons, but the Wildcats hadn’t earned a playoff berth. Last year, Elkhart broke through, suffered just a 28-6 loss to Meade in the regular season and then fell 42-7 to Oakley in the first round of the playoffs in a game much closer than the final score. Elkhart ran 76 plays and finished with 329 total yards against the Plainsmen’s No. 1 offense, but finished 0 of 3 on trips inside the red zone.

The Wildcats graduate all-state quarterback Alex Gomez, along with all-state wideout Juston Hurn and running back Austin Bond.

Gomez passed for 2,107 yards with 26 TDs against eight interceptions, and also led the team in rushing with 895 yards and 13 scores.

Bond rushed for 759 yards and six scores, while Hurn caught 46 passes for 1,261 yards and 16 TDs. Elkhart does return several top players, including A.J. McKinley, who had 74 tackles, second on the team, and caught 37 passes for 675 yards and nine scores. McKinley is expected to take over at quarterback. Junior Tanner Burnett led the team with 86 tackles (20.5 for loss), while seniors Marshal Witcher and Wes Higgins combined for 125 tackles, 27.5 for loss.

Buckner listed several keys to success: replace key positions lost to graduation, develop playmakers at wide receiver, have linemen use their experience, and have a great summer in the weight room.

After posting six consecutive playoff trips from 2006 through 2011 the Railers have missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons and posted just three wins last fall.

With 13 returning lettermen, including six returning starters, eighth year coach Butch Hayes is optimistic for improvement, but Hayes says senior leadership will be key.

“We will be counting on a number of underclassman to play this season and we will need our seniors to step up and be great leaders for us,” Hayes said.

Senior Brandon Groff is the lone returning allleague player after earning honorable mention on the offensive line last fall. Groff is also the leading returning tackler after posting 60 total stops and 4.5 sacks in 2013.

Defense could be an area of strength in 2014 as four of the team’s top five tacklers are back.

Quarterback Sean Lee returns for his senior season after accounting for over 800 total yards and eight total touchdowns. Lee will count on his tight ends in 6-3 senior Eli Lohrmeyer and 6-6 junior Brendon Brenner who combined for 22 catches and four TDs last fall.

While six starters are back on offense, the Railers do have to replace top rusher Landon Younger who tallied 699 yards on 144 carries as a senior.

Hayes says the goals for the Railers are the same as in the past, “win our district and advance in the playoffs.”

An unusual schedule that features two neutral site contests, Sept. 19 against Maur Hill Academy in Junction City, and Sept. 26 against Syracuse at Garden City Community College, will have the Railers on the road four consecutive weeks from Sept. 12 through Oct. 3.

Eight players return with starting experience for the Vikings, who went 3-6 last season and hope to challenge for a playoff berth this year.

Second-year coach Cody Witte’s squad brings back six starters on both sides of the ball, including senior quarterback Tanner Allen.

Senior Colton Conway, junior Jesse Hite and sophomore Austin Masters return to lead the offensive line.

Mission Valley also has senior receiver Cody Waler, junior receiver Cole Hodge and sophomore tight end Wyatt Butler back in the lineup.

Defensively, the Vikings return Conway and Hite up front and Allen at linebacker, plus Waler, Hodge and sophomore Clay Phillips in the secondary.

Witte said the key to his team’s success will be how well his young skill players transition into their roles on Friday nights.

Mission Valley opens the season at Osage City. The Vikings will play two of their district games at home as they host Wabaunsee and Marion - new to 2-1A after years as a consistent winner at the 3A level - with a trip to Northern Heights sandwiched in the middle.

2-7 in 2013 / 0-4 in districts / 2-1A Flint Hills League Coach: Derrick Budke Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/a Returning starters: N/A

8-2 in 2013 / 4-1 in district / 2-1A Brent Maycock Hi-Plains League Coach: Khris Buckner (5th year, 23-14) Assistants: Travis Johnson, Toby Henry Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Returning Lettermen: 22 Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense Wes Higgins, OL/DE, 6-3, 255, Sr.; Marshal Witcher, OL/ DE, 6-3, 230, Sr.; A.J. McKinley, QB/LB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Colton Boaldin, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Taylor Harn, FB/ OL/DL, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Preston Bashford, WR/LB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Bryton Coen, C, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Tanner Burnett, RB/DL, 6-2, 245, Jr.; Cord Whissennand, DB, 5-10, 140, Sr.; Sage Lutters, DL/LB, 6-2, 220, So.

3-6 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 2-1A Flint Hills League Coach: Cody Witte (2nd year, 3-6) Assistants: Drew Steffen, Justin Duncan, Shelby Steffen Offense: I-formation Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Tanner Allen, QB/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Colton Conway, OL/ DL, 6-0, 255, Sr.; Cody Waler, WR/DB, 6-1, 155, Sr.; Cole Hodge, WR/DB, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Jesse Hite, OL/DL, 6-2, 295, Jr.; Clay Phillips, DB, 5-11, 150, So.; Austin Masters, OL, 5-10, 210, So.; Wyatt Butler, TE, 5-10, 170, So. Melanie McGee

3-6 in 2013 / 2-2 in district / 2-1A Mid-Continent League Coach: Butch Hayes (8th year, 44-29) Assistants: Craig Amrein, Jake Dreiling Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Brandon Groff, OL/LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Jared Pfeifer, WR/ DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Sean Lee, QB/DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Eli Conor Nichol Lohrmeyer, TE/DE, 6-3, 205, Sr.; Dylan Haas, OL/LB, 5-11, 200, Jr.; Brendon Brenner, TE/DE, 6-6, 205, Jr.; Dalton Hensley, WR/DB, 5-8, 150, So. John Baetz

HERINGTON RAILERS Herington coach Tom Flax seems to be aware of what plagued his team in his first season. He identifies tackling as an area in dire need of improvement this season. The Railers gave up 458 points – more than any 11-man football team in the state – en route to a winless 2013.

“We must be much stronger up front. We were pushed around by almost everyone last year. We also have to develop some depth,” Flax said.

“Some younger guys will probably get shots at playing time because of depth issues.”

No, Flax did not inherit the best situation.

Herington was on a 13-game losing streak when he took the job, and that number now rests at 22. Losses were painful. A 25-point defeat to Onaga in the season finale was the closest margin Herington produced.

The Railers have a nucleus of players that could lift morale, as eight starters return on both sides of the ball.

The offensive line will be expected to become an area for the coaching staff to count on, as four linemen return. Their cohesion will be

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0-9 in 2013 / 0-4 in district / 2-1A Flint Hills League Coach: Tom Flax (2nd year, 0-9; 7th overall, 13-50) Assistants: Marcus Hawkes, Kyle Barton Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Trent Granzow, WR/DB, 5-9, 140, Sr.; Chayanne Morales, FB/DE, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Channing Davis, OL, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Cuyler Cowart, OL, 6-4, 290, Sr.; Mason Biehler, OL/DE, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Tanner Schneider, OL, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Tate Becker, TE/LB, 6-0, 190; Justin Biehler, WR/DB, 5-9, 145, Jr.; Chase Mayes, DB, 5-10, 145, Jr.; Richard Hagerman, LB, 5-10, 155, So.

HIGHLAND-DONIPHAN WEST MUSTANGS After going 9-2 in 2011, Doniphan West has slipped to just three wins in the past two seasons, suffering through a 1-8 mark last year.

The lone win was a 28-21 defeat of Maur Hill and the Mustangs only had one other game decided by fewer than 20 points, a 14-13 loss to Atchison County.

There will be plenty new for the program, which moves into the ultra-competitive Twin Valley League and has a new coach after the departure of Nick Fuemmeler, who left for his alma mater, Atchison County.

Tailback Garrett Dunlap could become a

workhorse after a breakthrough wrestling season that saw him finish as a state runner-up.

1-8 in 2013 / 0-4 in district / 2-1A Twin Valley League Coach: N/A Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Brent Maycock

Pregame Staff

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INMAN TEUTONS

HOLTON-JACKSON HTS. COBRAS

JOHNSON-STANTON CO. TROJANS

LA CROSSE LEOPARDS

Back-to-back 6-3 seasons have yet to yield Inman its first postseason berth since 2003. The Teutons have gone 2-2 in districts both times.

To break that cycle, Inman will have to ratchet up production.

In 2-1A’s District 5, only Inman and Medicine Lodge remain. The Teutons have claimed victories over Medicine Lodge the past two years.

But the district toughens up from there. Three teams that spent the previous seasons in 3A shuffle down. Sedgwick (10-2) and Salina-Sacred Heart (8-2) were district champions in the higher classification. Moundridge went 3-6 in 2013, but that did include opening the season with a 15-6 defeat to Inman.

Inman’s defense was one of the meanest in 2-1A this past season. Over nine games, opponents only found 172 points. It should be stingy again behind a dynamic senior class. Blake Drueker leads the secondary after snagging five interceptions as a junior. Defensive lineman Hank Thiessen and linebacker Ethan Counsell return to the front seven. Combined, they slapped 83 tackles on the opposition.

Offense could be a sour spot. In 2013, the Teutons failed to hit at least blackjack in points on six occasions. A sizable chunk of their 191 points came in two blowout wins over Herington (48) and Ellinwood (41). Compounding the problem is the graduation of running back Tyler Cottam, who accounted for 944 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Inman has six playoff appearances in school history. The Teutons furthest push came in 1991, when they reached the state semifinals.

Late in the summer the Inman district office announced the hire of former Jackson Heights coach Ed Ramsey.

Caleb Wick continued a big turnaround with Holton-Jackson Heights, but it didn’t produce a playoff berth last season. The 2011 season produced a 1-8 record and a Week 9 victory that ended a 19-game losing streak. In 2012, Wick’s first season, he led the Cobras to a 6-4 mark and the first playoff appearance since 2006. Last year, Jackson Heights upped its record to 7-2, but didn’t reach the playoffs. Jackson Heights lost to Troy (18-12 in overtime in Week 5) and eventual state champion Centralia (36-0 in Week 9) in district play and was 2-1A’s lone 7-2 squad to not make the playoffs.

This season, Jackson Heights plays three straight home games Weeks 4-6 and will play in Class 2-1A, District 2 with Valley Heights, Onaga, Valley Falls and Alma-Wabaunsee.

Wick said keys to success will be underclassmen stepping up and filling the void left by seniors. Wick said the program really needs the sophomore and junior classes to “commit themselves wholeheartedly” to the weight room.

“Continue getting better each and every practice and translate that to Friday nights,” Wick said. “Get back to the playoffs. After going 7-2 and not making it to the playoff the kids are hungry and eager to go out there and play football. Continue working on fundamentals and doing the little things right each and every play.

Coming together as a single unit and working as one for a common goal.”

Jonathan Schnable takes over for Stanton County after a big turnaround with Rolla in the last two seasons. Bret Kendrick coached Stanton Coutny for 20 falls, but he stepped down two years ago after his son, quarterback Quinn Kendrick, graduated. Scott Martin took over last season, but the Trojans fell from 8-2 (27-6 from ’10-12) to 3-6. Stanton County did go 3-0 at home against Kansas schools with the lone loss 19-0 to Beaver, Okla. in Week 1.

Schnable took a 0-9 Rolla team in 2011 and led the Pirates to a 7-3 mark in 2012 and 7-2 record last season. Rolla reached the playoffs for the first time since 1998. Schnable heavily rode running back Kyler Telford the last two seasons and could do the same this year with senior Jeremy Amrein. Last season, he had 173 carries for 689 yards and five rushing TDs. The rest of the team had 251 carries. Junior Zach Johnson also returns after he rushed 57 times for 333 yards.

Stanton County had trouble passing last season, but will have a new quarterback after Jacob Cron graduated (23 of 80 for 316, 1/5 TD/INT).

Opponents outscored Stanton County 278-121.

Over the last decade the Leopards are one of the most dominant 11-man programs in the state, but a state title has remained elusive.

La Crosse has posted at least 10 wins in seven of the last eight seasons and have not won less than seven games since 2003. The Leopards have played their way into two of the last three title games, leaving both as the 2-1A runner-up.

If the Leopards are to make a return trip to Hays this November it will be with mostly fresh faces, but sixth year coach Jon Webster will look to a trio of talented seniors to lead the way.

Quarterback Jack Garcia, wide receiver Andrew Jay, and defensive end Sheldon Schmidt are three of 2-1A’s best players.

Webster expects six different sophomores or freshmen to start this fall.

“This year’s team will be young,” Webster said. “Our freshmen and sophomores must step up for us and be ready to play.”

7-2 in 2013 / 2-2 in district / 2-1A Northeast Kansas League Coach: Caleb Wick (3rd year, 13-6) Assistants: Toby Cowdin, Greg Nilges, Mark Friess Offense: Wishbone Defense: 4-4

3-6 in 2013/ 2-2 in district/ 2-1A Hi-Plains League Coach: Jonathan Schnable (1st year) Assistant: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

12-1 in 2013 / 4-0 in district / 2-1A Central Prairie League Coach: Jon Webster (6th year, 52-7) Assistants: Chris Delimont, Andrew Schroter Offense: Multiple Veer Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense Jack Garcia, QB/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Andrew Jay, WR/RB/ CB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Sheldon Schmidt, OL/DE, 6-3, 235, Sr.; Cole Kershner, OL/DT, 5-11, 245, Sr.; Jasey Woods, OL, 5-11, 190, So.; Justin Bond, DT, 5-10, 195, So.; Clayton Herdman, SS, 6-3, 185, So. John Baetz Conor Nicholl

LYNDON TIGERS

The 2014 Tigers have a tough act to follow after last year’s seniors became the most sucReturning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 4 Defense cessful class in Lyndon football history, but new Korby Strube, QB/RB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Kendall Fox, G, 5-8, coach Brent Hoelting expects the 15 returning 6-3 in 2013 / 2-2 in district / 2-1A 190, Sr.; Adam Brey, RB/LB, 5-10, 195, Jr.; Zane Richter, lettermen to step up and fill those shoes.

Heart of America League QB/LB, 6-3, 175, Jr. Coach: Ed Ramsey “The seniors will need to step up and be great Assistants: N/A Conor Nicholl leaders, and our younger players will have to Offense: N/A Defense: N/A step into their new roles,” Hoelting said. “They Returning lettermen: N/A are replacing the most successful class in LynReturning starters: N/A Pregame Staff don history and they are eager to have their turn as leaders and players.”

The Tigers have six starters back on both sides Immaculata will turn to its alumni base as it Leoti-Wichita County has long struggled in of the ball, including two-way starters Dawson hopes to reconstruct a dilapidated program. football, and, as of mid-July, was still without Swinehart (WR/CB) and Gabe Leuszler (G/T).

Immaculata grad Fred Elliot takes over for for- a football coach for the 2014 season, according Offensively, Lyndon also returns senior Hunter mer coach Sean Sachen. Elliot has held various to kansasteachingjobs.com. Coach Faron Kraft, Anderson at center and junior Nick Ratzlof at assistant coaching positions in the Kansas City who has coached at Ness City-Dighton, Medireceiver. area, as well as former head roles at Brewster cine Lodge, and Leoti-Wichita County, since Seniors Shawn Black and Daniel Burgess reand Madison.

2008, left Leoti after one season for Sublette in turn at linebacker along with junior Wyatt Fitch A jolt of fresh energy may be what the Raiders late spring. Before Kraft left, he said the Indians and sophomore Trystan Pringle. Other returning need. Immaculata is coming off a 0-9 season, would have low numbers, be undersized and starters include senior linemen Wyatt Reno and its third in the past six years. In those six years, would need a great summer in the weight room Cory Wells and junior lineman David Oakley. the Raiders have only notched five wins. The and have younger players step up.

“We will strive to have great fundamentals and sputtering squad is on a 15-game losing streak The Indians haven’t made the playoffs since play with passion every time we take the field,” entering this year’s opener with Maur Hill.

2002, have posted back-to-back 1-8 records and Hoelting, a former Louisburg assistant, said.

This past season, Immaculata was beaten by 22 haven’t had a winning season since a 5-4 mark “We are focused on getting a little better every points or more on eight occasions. in 2008. The new coach will mark the Indians’ day. Our goals never deviate in that we want to For the Raiders to build the foundation of a fifth coach since 2007. win league, win our district and make a deep turnaround, Elliot will need to turn his attention In 2012, opponents outscored the Indians 449- run into the playoffs.” to the defense. In 2013, Immaculata fizzled 144. Last season, it was 367-112.

Holeting replaces Rod Stallbaumer who is trying to protect the goal line, giving up 420 Quarterback Jantz Budde graduated after the new coach at Basehor-Linwood. In seven points. That was the second-worst figure in he completed 42 of 134 passes for 577 yards seasons at Lyndon, Stallbaumer posted a 52-23 2-1A, ahead of only Herington’s 458. The Raid- with a 3/9 TD/INT ratio. The top rushers also record, with playoff appearances in six of those er offense was not too potent, either, averaging graduated. seasons, and back-to-back appearances in the 16 points per game. For its part, however, the Wichita County’s lone victory last season semi-finals. offense fought for four quarters – Immaculata was a 25-6 victory against Syracuse in Week 3; was never held scoreless.

Syracuse was also the lone win in 2012.

11-1 in 2013 / 4-0 in district / 2-1A Flint Hills League Immaculata has qualified for the postseason 13 Coach: Brent Hoelting (1st year) times in the past, including five trips in between 1-8 in 2013/ 0-4 in district / 2-1A Assistants: Toby Baker, Scott Jones, Ryan Martin Hi-Plains League 2001-07.

LEAVENWORTH-IMMACULATA RAIDERS

0-9 in 2013 / 0-4 in district / 2-1A Northeast Kansas League Coach: Fred Elliott Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

LEOTI-WICHITA COUNTY INDIANS

Coach: N/A Assistant: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Spencer Thurman, RB/DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Matt Huber, WR/DB, 6-2, 160, Sr.; Kolton Sheppard, RB/LB, 5-10, 160, So.; Abraham Padilla, OL/DL, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Bryson Bloedorn, OL/DL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Gabe Fletcher, OL/DL, Pregame Staff 6-2, 200, Jr. Conor Nicholl

Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Daniel Burgess, LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Hunter Anderson, C, 5-9, 200, Sr.; Shawn Black, LB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Cory Wells, T, 6-3, 300, Sr.; Wyatt Reno, G, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Gabe Leuszler, G/T, 6-1, 190. Sr.; Dawson Swinehart, WR/CB, 5-11, 145, Sr.; Trystan Pringle, LB, 6-1, 180, So.; Nick Ratzlof, WR, 6-1, 160, Jr.; Wyatt Fitch, LB, 6-9, 160, Jr.; David Oakley, G, 6-1, 185, Jr. Melanie McGee

MARION WARRIORS Just about every single thing will be different about Marion this season – the district, the classification, the roster, the experience. But one constant is coach Grant Thierolf, who enters his 27th season.

Behind a wealth of experience in his players, Thierolf has pulled two consecutive playoff trips out of the Warriors. But with only three starters returning on offense and one on defense, the state will soon find out if the program rebuilds or reloads.

“Obviously the key for the early part of the year is how fast we mature as a team and have the players ready to play at a varsity level,” Thierolf said.

That defense that brings back only one horse brings back a thoroughbred – senior linebacker Kyle Palic will make plays all over the field. On offense, he will switch over to offensive guard.

Tight end Jacob Baldwin also returns. Senior running back Adam Janzen will likely follow those two often as he searches for daylight. Janzen, who rushed for nearly 1,200 yards in 2013, will be ridden early and often as Marion breaks in a young quarterback. Seth Snelling will be counted on to spell Janzen in the backfield.

The Warriors wrapped up a 9-2 campaign in 2013, beating every opponent on the schedule not named Sedgwick. Marion dropped a 35-14 decision to Sedgwick in week two, and after knocking out Trinity Catholic in the first round of the 3A playoffs, the Warriors again fell to Sedgwick, 35-0.

This year, Marion finds itself dropping down a classification to 2-1A. That means a new crop of district opponents – Northern Heights, Chase County, Mission Valley and Herington. Marion did not face any of them this past season.

9-2 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 2-1A Heart of America League Coach: Grant Thierolf (27th year, 157-92) Assistants: Jerry Smith, Shaun Craft, Mark Meyer Offense: Option Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 1 Defense Adam Janzen, RB, 5-8, 184, Sr.; Jacob Baldwin, TE, 6-2, 192, Sr.; Kyle Palic, OG/LB, 6-2, 208, Sr. Pregame Staff

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Meade has been metronomically consistent after 8-3 seasons in 2006 and ’07. Since then, the Buffs have gone 10-2, 11-1, 12-1, 10-1, 12-1 and 10-2. Both of the 12-1 seasons yielded state championships.

Last year, Meade fell 38-24 to La Crosse in the sub-state championship game. La Crosse and Meade have developed into one of the best rivalries in western Kansas football.

The teams, which faced each other for years, have split the last four meetings. But Meade graduated 28 seniors in the last two seasons and has just one returning offensive starter and two on defense.

Coach Scott Moshier said the Buffaloes have to play “great team defense” and continue to control the ball with their unbalanced single wing ground game.

“Our goal is to continue to find out who is going to step up and fill the shoes that need to be filled,” Moshier said.

Meade will not play Holcomb in non-district play; the last two years, Holcomb beat Meade 21-20 and 28-27 in the season opener.

The Buffs finished third in 2-1A with 565 points, and sixth in defense at 166 points permitted. Meade will play in District 8 against Elkhart, Johnson-Stanton County, Sublette and Syracuse and will also play a home contest against Marion in Week 7. Marion has long been a strong class 3A program and drops down a classification this season.

Meade has lost three of the last four season openers; the Buffs play at Leoti-Wichita County in Week 1.

Medicine Lodge had a one-win improvement from a 2-7 mark in 2012, and will look for its first winning season since a 6-3 record in ’08 and first playoff berth since a 4-6 mark in ’07.

The Indians will play in Class 2-1A, District 5 with Moundridge, Sacred Heart, Sedgwick and Inman. Sacred Heart and Sedgwick have moved down from Class 3A after going 8-2 and 10-2, respectively, last season. Inman finished 6-3; the Indians lost 19-14 and 35-22 to Inman the last two seasons.

“Our main goal is to always move forward,” second-year coach Josh Ybarra said. “Keep improving on what we have accomplished in the past. Last season was a step forward, but it is time to take a bigger step. We want to compete with everyone we play and we want to win games.”

Medicine Lodge returns eight starters on both sides of the ball after bringing back just four on both sides for the 2013 season. The five-point defeat against Inman was Medicine Lodge’s closest defeat in 2013.

“Our schedule is going to be tough again this season and if we do not step up to the challenge and work hard this off-season, we will have a tough season,” Ybarra said. “All of what I am saying pertains to the players and the coaches.

We as coaches have to keep pushing and progressing as well. Nobody who is a part of this program can be complacent for one second or else we will start sliding backwards.”

Moundridge had a two-win improvement last season, but lost to Halstead (31-0) and Marion (27-0) in the season’s final two contests to miss the playoffs for the second straight season.

The Wildcats will have a young team this season after graduating 10 players, all starters.

The new starters will include a freshmen and sophomores.

“They are solid football players but will need to learn how to play at a different speed,” coach Courtney Moddelmog said. “We will have a small senior class that will need to step up and lead for us. We will also have to overcome a lack of depth due to our low numbers once again.”

Moddelmog wants to compete everyday in practice and on Friday and “learn that we belong.” He wants the Wildcats to control the line of scrimmage, limit mistakes and learn quickly.

Last year’s team scored 171 points and allowed 220, a big improvement over a 2012 squad that scored 145 and allowed 386.

“We improved defensively last year by becoming better tacklers, but need to continue to build a more aggressive attitude,” Moddelmog said.

Moundridge drops down a classification and will play in Class 2-1A, District 5 with Inman, Medicine Lodge, Salina-Sacred Heart and Sedgwick. The Wildcats haven’t been above .500 since a 7-4 record in 2008. Since 2004, Moundridge is 7-4 against chief rival Inman, hasn’t played Medicine Lodge, is 0-2 against Sacred Heart and 4-6 versus Sedgwick, though has lost five in a row.

One of the more successful coaching eras ended last year when Oakley coach Randall Rath resigned at the start of last season, but stayed on through 2013-14 to coach football, girls’ basketball and track.

Rath, who eventually took the Cimarron football coaching position, finished 125-53 in 16 years as Plainsmen head football coach.

He also coached girls’ basketball for 22 years.

Oakley lost 12-7 at home to La Crosse in a second-round playoff classic. Ty Pfannenstiel, formerly at Gardner-Edgerton, takes over the Plainsmen program that ranked No. 1 in Kansas with just 39 points allowed.

“Oakley has a long-standing tradition of success, and our goal is to continue to build upon the tradition that has been established,” Pfannenstiel said.

Oakley returns senior noseguard Ryan Kuhn, the reigning Hays Daily News Defensive Player of the Year. Kuhn finished with 22 sacks and six forced fumbles. Against La Crosse, Kuhn had four tackles for loss and three sacks. He had 10 TFLs in the final three games. Linebacker Dylan Gassmann, also a state wrestling champion, is back after a strong 2013.

Oakley does have to replace many positions, including graduated quarterback Darius Herl and running back Key Keller. The Plainsmen move to the Mid-Continent League this season after a long period in the Northwest Kansas League. In weeks 2-4 Oakley will get tested by Smith Center, Norton and Phillipsburg.

“We are excited about joining the MCL this year,” Pfannenstiel said. “Our schedule is going to demand our very best week in and week out, so if we can stay healthy then we should be well prepared heading into districts.”

3-6 in 2013 / 1-3 in district / 2-1A Central Plains League Coach: Josh Ybarra (2nd year, 3-6) Assistants: Michael Stull, Judd Dohrmann, Shane Hahn 10-2 in 2013 / 4-0 in district / 2-1A Offense: Wing-T/Pistol Wing-T Defense: 4-3 Hi-Plains League Returning lettermen: 14 Coach: Scott Moshier (9th year, 81-14; 23rd year, Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense 132-101) Erich Fischer, OL/DL, 6-6, 190, Sr.; Anthony Schmidt, OL/ Assistants: Greg McCulloch, Justin Powell, Chad DL, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Aaron Woodward, TE/LB, 6-0, 187, Rudzik, John Petrie Sr.; Gage Axline, RB/LB, 5-11, 182, Jr.; Thad Ehresman, Offense: Unbalanced Single Wing Defense: 4-4 OL/DL, 6-1, 245, Jr.; Ethan Hargett, WR/DB, 6-3, 157, Jr.; Returning Lettermen: 20 Darrek McGarth, OL/DL, 5-10, 221, Jr.; Sergio Marquez, Returning Starters: 1 Offense, 2 Defense OL/DL, 6-1, 252, Jr.; Nick Noland, WR/DB, 5-9, 152, Jr.; Kash Larrabbee, OL/LB, 6-2, 235, Jr.; Nick Finke, RB/ Micah Richert, WR/DB, 5-10, 157, Jr. DB, 6-0, 170, Sr. Conor Nicholl Conor Nichol

OLPE EAGLES Olpe graduated a pair of All-State players, but the Eagles have plenty of talent left in the cupboard, returning six starters on offense and eight on defense from a team that finished 7-4 a year ago.

Wide receiver Toby Smith and lineman Chance Stout, who were both named to the 2013 Kpreps.com Class 2-1A All-State team, will have to be replaced. However, Olpe brings back its starting quarterback, tailback and four offensive linemen.

Senior Bo Krueger returns at quarterback and strong safety. Junior Aaron Burenheide is back at tailback and linebacker. Returning linemen include seniors Joe Redeker, Caleb Coble, Drew Benton and Colton Arndt. Brady Scheidegger and Dugan Herrick will provide Krueger some targets in the passing game. Senior Wyatt Redeker returns to the secondary.

Olpe will look to take some momentum from last season. The Eagles opened the 2013 season with a 2-3 record before rattling off five consecutive victories. Olpe’s season ended with a 36-0 loss to eventual 2-1A state champion Centralia in the second round of the playoffs.

“Our main goal is to continue to improve

throughout the season and then make a run in the playoffs,” Olpe coach Chris Schmidt said.

“We will need to stay healthy. We will need to do the fundamentals well, and we will be OK.” Olpe looks to have another successful season under Schmidt, who is 61-19 in seven seasons as the Eagles’ head coach. The traditionally strong program has a winning record every year since 2004.

Olpe’s 2-1A district includes Lyndon, Oswego, Whitewater-Remington and Yates Center.

3-6 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 2-1A Coach: Courtney Moddelmog (6th year, 16-33) Heart of America Assistants: Bret Lange, Cory Ferralez Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-4 Returning Lettermen: 11 Returning Starters: 3 Offense, 4 Defense Caleb Frye, OT, 6-2, 250, So.; Deshawn Pfieff, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Kyle Stucky, QB/LB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Joel Holloway, DB, 5-8, 155, Jr.; Trenton Olson, DT, 5-10, 250, Jr.

8-2 in 2013 / 4-0 in district / 2-1A Mid-Continent League Coach: Ty Pfannenstiel (1st year) Assistants: Craig Wamsley, Mike Rains, Jeff Dennis, Drew Siruta Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 14 Conor Nicholl Returning starters: 4 Offense, 3 Defense Ryan Kuhn, OL/DL, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Dylan Gassmann, OL/DL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Colter Stoll, RB/LB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Taylor Murphy, RB, 6-0, 165, Sr. Conor Nicholl

ONAGA BUFFALOES

Onaga started slow under first-year coach Mike Wilhelm with just one win in its first six games – a stretch that saw the Buffaloes defense give up an average of nearly 49 points per game. But two wins in the final three games gave the program some momentum heading into the offseason and only a 10-point loss to Wabaunsee in week eight kept Onaga from the playoffs.

7-4 in 2013 / 3-1 in district / 2-1A Lyon County League Senior back Michael Bliss was one of two Coach: Chris Schmidt (8th year, 61-19) 1,000-yard rushers a year ago and will have Assistants: Terry Smith, Stephen Jowers four linemen returning to clear his path, includOffense: I Backs Defense: 5-2 ing three-year starter Dustin Blow.

Returning lettermen: 11 Bliss and fellow running back David Koelzer Returning starters: 6 Offense, 8 Defense will anchor a linebacking corps that could be Joe Redeker, OG/LB, 6-3, 195, Sr.; Bo Krueger, QB/SS, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Caleb Coble, C/DT, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Drew a strength.

Benton, OT/DT, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Coltin Arndt, OG/DE, 5-11, With the annual showdown against Twin 205, Sr.; Andrew Burenheide, TB/LB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Wyatt Valley League rival Centralia no longer a Redeker, CB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Brady Scheidegger, WR/FS, district contest, Onaga finds itself in a wide6-2, 160, Jr.; Dugan Herrick, WR/CB, 5-10, 160, Sr.

open battle for the playoffs with district foes Valley Heights, Valley Falls, Jackson Heights and Wabaunsee all suffering heavy graduation losses.

3-6 in 2013 / 2-2 in district / 2-1A Twin Valley League Coach: Mike Wilhelm (2nd year, 3-6 overall) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 16 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 8 Defense Kyle Ames, OL, Sr.; Dustin Blow, OL/DL, Sr.; Jarod Gronewoller, TE/DE, Sr.; David Koelzer, RB/LB, Jr.; Michael Bliss, RB/LB, Sr.; Wyatt Cordell, QB/DB, Sr.; Mitchell Duer, TE/LB, Sr.; Daniel Krohn, OL, Jr.; Eli Zidek, OL, Jr.; Jace Fischer, QB/DB, Jr.; Garret Ames, TE/DE, Jr. Brent Maycock

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PHILLIPSBURG PANTHERS

Oswego suffered through a 2-7 season in 2013.

But, as they say, a few bounces of the football could have made for a very different season.

The Indians lost three of its games within eight points and another within two touchdowns.

Oswego fell 27-20 to Humboldt, 50-42 to Cherokee-Southeast and 48-42 to Arma-Northeast. The Indians also dropped a 42-28 game against Eureka.

Their victories came 24-6 against Fredonia and 32-14 against Jayhawk-Linn.

Oswego will be without an extremely talented lineman in Ethan Elliott. The recently-graduated Elliott was named to the 2013 Kpreps.com Class 2-1A All-State squad.

The Indians seek their first winning season since 2010 when former head coach Andy Fewin directed them to a 6-3 record.

Oswego will compete in a Class 2-1A district against Lyndon, Olpe, Whitewater-Remington and Yates Center.

2-7 in 2013 / 1-3 in district / 2-1A Three Rivers League Coach: N/A Assistants: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Phillipsburg has enjoyed a great run of tremendous athletes the last several years and this fall should continue the trend. Coach J.B. Covington, in his 12th year with the Panthers, said offensive lineman/defensive end Luke Jacobs is the best linemen in his tenure. Jacobs went to Kansas State’s camp as a defensive lineman and the University of Minnesota is reportedly recruiting him hard, along with Fort Hays State.

Covington, called Jacobs, also a state runner-up wrestler and a strong golfer, “big, physical and fast.” Jacobs recorded 81 tackles, third-most for the 9-2 Panthers. He is the only one of the top nine tacklers returning. Jacobs, who collected all-league honors on both sides of the ball, also had four sacks and tied for the team lead with three forced fumbles.

“We are expecting a great year out of him,” Covington said.

The Panthers will drop to Class 2-1A for the first time in school annals and will play in District 6 with Belleville-Republic County, Bennington, Ell-Saline and rival Smith Center.

As well, Phillipsburg will play Sedgwick in non-district play; another strong 3A team down to 2-1A this year. Phillipsburg has never played Bennington, Sedgwick, Belleville, or Ell-Saline in school history.

“It will be exciting and challenging,” CovingMark Schremmer ton said.

Covington called team speed a strength.

Phillipsburg, led by all-league HM DB/RS Stuart Lennemann, one of Kansas’ fastest players, won the 3A track title this spring.

“Depth is a concern as we have two small classes going through our high school at this time so our team numbers are down a bit from previous years,” Covington said.

9-2 in 2013 / 2-1 in district / 2-1A Mid-Continent League Coach: J.B. Covington (12th year, 76-33; 18th year, 116-56) Assistants: Joe Buresh, Cory Jacobs, Kendall Fiscus Offense: Pistol/Flex Bone Defense: 4-3 Returning Lettermen: 15 Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 7 Defense Isaac Coomes, WR/LB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Ian Chestnut, TE/ DE, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Donovan Lumpkin, OL/DL, 5-11, 275, Jr.; Luke Jacobs, OL/DL, 6-6, 235, Sr.; Kian Stegmaier, OL/DL, 6-0, 255, Jr.; Stuart Lennemann, DB/RS, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Sam Sage, DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Jaron Kellerman, K, 6-1, 180, Sr.

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PLAINVILLE CARDINALS

SALINA-SACRED HEART KNIGHTS

Plainville has now made the playoffs in the last four odd-numbered years in 2007, ’09, ’11 and ’13, but didn’t make the playoffs in ’08, ’10 and ’12. The Cardinals have a chance to end that streak this fall behind six returning offensive starters and five returning defensive starters, including senior lineman Alex Wahrman, junior lineman Jared Plante and speedy sophomore running back Hayden Friend.

Friend, the grandson of former Plainville Hall of Fame coach Larry Friend, started all last fall and anchored the 400 relay to a state title.

Friend led the team with 625 rushing yards and ranked second with 75 carries and five rushing TDs. He also led the team with 1,049 all-purpose yards.

Hadley Gillum, a two-year starter at quarterback, graduated after he paced the team with 17 tackles for loss. Wahrman had 58 tackles, six for loss and four sacks; Plante had four TFLs. “We have a very young team this year,” Simon said. “We will need to develop our speed and strength during the summer and avoid injuries during the season. Some of our young kids will have to step up into key roles in order for us to be successful.”

With the district and league shakeups, Plainville will have a slightly different schedule this year. The Cardinals are in 2-1A, District 7 with Ellis, La Crosse, Wichita County and Oakley. As well, Plainville will play at Pratt in Week 2, and at TMP in Week 4. TMP joined the Mid-Continent League this season in football.

“We want to improve each week to put us in a position to make the playoffs,” Simon said.

Sacred Heart has posted four straight district championships, and moves back down to 2-1A this season after two years in class 3A. The Knights graduated 19 seniors, including standout quarterback Nick Wuthnow, also a two-time undefeated state wrestling champion, and return just one offensive and four defensive starters.

“We should be pretty solid up front, but it will be all new folks at the so-called skill positions,” coach Bruce Graber said. “A great deal of what we become on offense will depend on who emerges at the QB position.”

Sacred Heart’s schedule is very front loaded.

In Week 1, the Knights will play Southeast of Saline, a 7-3 squad from last season. In Week 3, Sacred Heart will play at league foe Beloit, the defending Class 3A runner-up. In Week 5, the Knights have a key district home game against Sedgwick, which went 30-5 in 3A the last three years but bumped down to 2-1A this fall. Sacred Heart will be done with district play after Week 8 and will play Kansas City Christ Prep in Week 9.

Linebacker Josh Dolan and safety Justin McCartney were the No. 3 and No. 4 tacklers last season at 35.5 and 35 tackles respectively, and McCartney picked off two passes with three breakups. Defensive end Jerod Toogood was third with six TFLs. “We will need to literally and figuratively grow up very quickly,” Graber said. “We will need some young kids to play with maturity they may not be ready for. We have had great experience the last couple of years from upperclassmen, We will need that even more this year! We will need some successes early so our youngsters don’t get discouraged.”

5-5 in 2013 / 4-1 in district / 2-1A Mid-Continent League Coach: Joe Simon (6th year, 24-26) Assistants: Ryan Becker, Justin Casey Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense Alex Wahrman, OT/DT, 6-0, 240, Sr.; Jared Plante, OT, 6-5, 285, Jr.; Caleb Crawford, FB/LB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Gabe Wilkens, G/LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Trevor Houser, RB/ CB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Hayden Friend, RB/S, 5-9, 160, So.; Ryan Buresh, FS, 5-9, 160, So.

8-2 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 2-1A North Central Activities Association Coach: Bruce Graber (5th year, 28-13; 24th overall) Assistants: Bob Butts, John Webb, Steven Baker, Jordan Webb Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 1 Offense, 4 Defense Justin McCartney, SS, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Josh Dolan, LB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Logan Smith, DT, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Drew Gormley, Conor Nicholl OT, 6-2, 245, Sr.; Jerod Toogood, DE, 6-5, 235, Jr. Conor Nicholl

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SEDGWICK CARDINALS

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Sedgwick is one of eight Kansas teams to win at least 10 games in each of the last three seasons. La Crosse, which has lost two state games in the last three years, and pass-happy Sedgwick are the only two squads to not win a state title among those eight teams. Sedgwick hasn’t made it past the quarterfinals in that span – or in school history.

This year Sedgwick drops down a classification. Sedgwick and Sacred Heart are likely the best of Class 2-1A, District 5 that also includes Inman, Moundridge, and Medicine Lodge.

The Cardinals have three quarterfinal appearances in 1987, 2012 and ’13 after it lost in the round of 16 in 2011, according to preppowerindex.com. Last year, Sedgwick lost 66-41 to eventual state runner-up Beloit. Sedgwick also lost 52-24 to Beloit in the quarterfinals in 2012, and fell 55-13 to eventual champion Conway Springs in 2011.

“We always have three goals for the season,” coach Jeff Werner said. “Have a winning season, win our league title, and qualify for the playoffs. We judge the success of our year on those main goals. Specific to this team we are looking to build off the past three seasons of 10 wins. We have gotten to the final eight the last few years and want to take that next step.”

Sedgwick finished third in 3A in scoring offense at 576 points last year, and graduated all-state running back Dalton Brandt, who set school marks for rushing yards and points scored. Werner wants improved play from a young group of wideouts for quarterback Brylie Ware (2,915 passing yards, 29/7 TD/INT ratio).

A year after finishing 1-1 at the varsity level and 5-0 in junior varsity games, Maranatha Christian enters its first season as a KSHSAA member school in football. Head coach Bryan Burdette said he is excited about his program taking the next step forward.

“We need to continue to gain confidence in our competition,” Burdette said. “This will be the first year that MCA will be a KSHSAA member school in football. We are very excited about the possibilities for this season.”

Maranatha does return a great deal of experience with eight starters on offense, nine on defense and 19 total lettermen.

The offense will be directed by starting quarterback Jace Burdette. His offensive weapons will include running backs Matt Stephens and Micah Webb, fullback Max Flint, wide receiver Brady West and tight end Matt Stephens.

Junior Ben Kynion and senior Parker Nash provide some size and experience on the offensive line.

Kynion and Nash also lead the defensive line.

Burdette, Flint, Stephens and junior Peyton Sneider return at linebackers. Webb will start at cornerback, and West will be a safety.

“As with any small school, avoiding injuries will be big for us,” Burdette said. “We are amping up our offseason program in an effort to increase our overall athleticism, movability and injury prevention. Our defense must limit the opponents’ opportunities for extended drive and big plays and our offense needs to control the tempo of the game.”

For the third time since 2008 and second time in three years, Smith Center graduated a large senior class and will start over with virtually no returning starters. This will be the youngest group of varsity players for the Redmen since the mid-2000s.

Last year, Sasse, a Smith Center graduate, longtime assistant coach and head junior high coach, took over for legendary coach Roger Barta, who was elected to the Kansas Hall of Fame after 323 wins and eight state titles.

Sasse, in his 15th year coaching at the school after playing for Barta in the late 80s, kept the same wishbone offense, but also passed more frequently than Barta did and used some multiple receiver sets.

Sasse wants to “improve each and every game” and “see how far that takes us in the playoffs.”

Senior Nick Lehmkuhl was an all-MCL honorable mention selection on offense and defense at running back and linebacker. Senior L.T. Meitler was an honorable mention pick at defensive back and is among the best small school pole vaulters in Kansas.

“We will have many new starters on both sides,” Sasse said. “How fast they can step into their new roles will decide what kind of success we have.”

Smith Center will have a new addition in district play as rival Phillipsburg steps down to 2-1A this season after decades in Class 3A. Smith Center has made the playoffs every year since 2002. Even with 12 losses in the last four years, Smith Center hasn’t lost a district contest since the 4-5 season in 2002.

Faron Kraft has coached multiple teams in recent years. He was the head coach at Ness City-Dighton and then went to Medicine Lodge for two seasons before he coached Leoti-Wichita County for one year. In June, he decided to go to Sublette, a program that has struggled the last two falls.

The Larks went 1-8 last season and are 5-14 all-time in the playoffs with five straight firstround playoff losses, the last time coming in 2009. Sublette will play host to Wichita County in Week 2.

Kraft replaces longtime Sublette coach Steve Simpson, who took over Abilene with the late May departure of Jeff Geist. Simpson put together some solid seasons going 7-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 5-5 and 6-4 from 2004-09. After a 2-7 season in ’10, Sublette has gone 5-4, 2-7 and 1-8 the last three years.

“Our main team goal this season is to get back to point were we are consistently competing with the teams we play,” Kraft said. “As well as improve on our numbers. There will be two keys to this year. What we accomplish in weight room this summer and how our seniors mature as leaders.”

10-2 in 2013 / 3-0 in district / 2-1A Heart of America Coach: Jeff Werner (9th year, 58-24) Assistants: Doug Mabry, Jeremy Liby, Travis Francis, Dwight Wilkes Offense: Shotgun Spread Defense: 3-5-3 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Brylie Ware, QB/FS, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Mike Liby, LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Morgan Gardner, OL, 6-3, 245, Sr.; Brice Horsley, WR/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Jeremy Burkholder, WR/ DB, 6-2, 160, Sr.; Montana Kane, LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Ben Murphy, OL, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Nate Werner, WR, 5-10, 150, Jr.; Jordan Scarlett, K, 5-10, 160, Jr. Conor Nicholl

6-1 / No District / 2-1A Crossroads Coach: Bryan Burdette (2nd year; 11th overall, 45-50) Assistants: Travis Webb, Alfredo Bahena II, Will Daffron Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 9 Defense Jace Burdette, QB/LB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Max Flint, FB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Ben Kynion, OL/DL, 5-11, 260, Jr.; Parker Nash, OL/DL, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Mikey Brown, TE/LB, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Matt Stephens, RB/LB, 5-9, 145, Jr.; Brady West, WR/S, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Peyton Sneider, LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Micah Webb, RB/CB, 5-7, 160, So. Mark Schremmer

8-3 in 2013 / 5-0 in district / 2-1A Mid-Continent League Coach: Darren Sasse (2nd year, 8-3) Assistants: Mike Rogers, Brock Hutchinson, Jed Kingsbury, Tim Wilson, Jon Weinman, Stuart Schmidt Offense: Wishbone Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 6 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 1 Defense Nick Lehmkuhl, FB/LB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; LT Meitler, C, 5-10, 170, Sr. Conor Nicholl

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TROY TROJANS

Knowing that the Troy Trojans return seven starters on offense and six on defense from a team that finished 7-4 and advanced to the second round of the Class 2-1A playoffs already we did as a team last season and during the off sounds good on the surface. season,” Guerrero said. “Last year, we we’re But when you dig a little deeper, the news gets a JV team playing a varsity schedule, but we even better for the Trojans. learned alot and gained a lot of knowledge from Troy returns its starting quarterback, three of playing a full schedule of JV. We are bigger and its top four leading rushers, the top receiver and stronger and hope to have a winning season!” the top two leaders in tackles.

Senior Tristan Speer returns at QB after com0-9 in 2013 / 0-4 in district / 2-1A pleting 60 of 112 passes for 660 yards with 7 Hi-Plains League touchdowns and 4 INTs in 7 games. He rushed Coach: John Guerrero (2nd year, 0-9) for 308 yards and 7 TDs on 67 attempts.

Assistants: Brent Parks, Casey Finlay Senior running back Derek Franken returns Offense: Broken I Defense: 5-2 Returning lettermen: 26 after rushing for 487 yards and six touchdowns Returning starters: 9 Offense, 9 Defense on 78 carries. Senior wide receiver Collin JasGabe Upson, OL/DL, 5-9, 220, Sr.; Cruz Garcia, OL/DL, per rushed for 241 yards and three touchdowns, 5-8, 215, Sr.; Spencer Durler, OL/DL, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Jake Phillips, OL/LB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Gerry Reyes, OL/DL, 5-10, while catching 13 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns.

165, Jr.; Dex English, RB/LB, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Luis Perea, Senior wide receiver Jake Ross is back after WB/DE, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Diego Leyva, WR/DE, 6-0, 165, Jr.; hauling in 31 catches for 342 yards and two Jason Ramos, RB/LB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Mike Owens, FB/ LB, 6-0, 180, So.; Ceasar Leyva, RB/DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; touchdowns.

Esau Moreno, B/DB, 5-8, 140, Jr. Seniors Jay Whetstine and Nathan Gaarder are the Trojans’ only returning starters on the Conor Nicholl offensive line.

SYRACUSE BULLDOGS Syracuse enters this season on a 22-game losing streak that dates back to a 34-14 victory against Satanta in Week 5 of the 2011 season.

This year, the first six contests feature just one home game. The Bulldogs open at Lakin, a perennial playoff contender, then face Beaver (Okla.), at home, Hooker (Okla.), on the road, and then play Ellis at Garden City Community College. After that, the Bulldogs travel to Meade and Elkhart in back-to-back weeks to open Class 2-1A district play.

After the travel, Syracuse will play Stanton County and Sublette at home, before closing with Wichita County in what has been a competitive match-up for the Bulldogs.

Second-year coach John Guerrero said the team must improve line play and not give up big plays on defense.

Syracuse graduated just five players and is expected to have a deep roster that is deep in all positions. Nine starters return on both sides of the ball.

“Play better each game and build on what

1-8 in 2013 / 1-4 in district / 2-1A Hi-Plains League Coach: Faron Kraft (1st year, 8th overall, 23-40) Assistants: Andy Short, Matt Fox Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

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“We need to fill holes and find depth on the offense and defensive lines,” Troy coach Derek Jasper said.

Whetstine is back at linebacker after leading the Trojans with 124 tackles in 10 games last season. Gaarder led Troy with two sacks, and Alex Schmille is back after picking off a teambest four passes in 2013.

Troy’s 2-1A district includes Doniphan West, Leavenworth-Immaculata, Maranatha Academy and Jefferson County North.

Jasper directed the Trojans to the playoffs in his first season as head coach after the team finished 2-7 under Ron Shelton in 2012.

7-4 in 2013 / 3-1 in district / 2-1A Twin Valley League Coach: Derek Jasper (2nd year, 7-4) Assistants: Don Cash, Todd Shifflett Offense: Multiple Defense: 5-3 Returning lettermen: 16 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense Collin Jasper, WR/DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Alex Schmille, RB/LB, 6-0, 173, Sr.; Jake Ross, WR/DB, 5-9, 162, Sr.; Tristan Speer, QB/DL, 6-0, 197, Sr.; Derek Franken, RB/ DB, 5-7, 167, Sr.; Jay Whetstine, OL/LB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Nathan Gaarder, OL/DE, 6-2, 185, Sr. Mark Schremmer

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 89

VALLEY FALLS DRAGONS

WHITEWATER-REMINGTON BRONCOS

WINCHESTER-JEFF. CO. NORTH CHARGERS

YATES CENTER WILDCATS

Experience abounds for the Dragons, giving veteran coach Rod Bunde plenty to be excited about in 2014. Nine starters are back on offense, and Valley Falls must replace just four defensive starters.

“Offensively, we return our entire interior line as well as our quarterback, halfback and slots,” Bunde said.

Seniors Dallas Brown, Reid Bunde, Ty Jobbins and Alex Reichart are joined by junior Blake Shipley in the trenches, while junior signal caller Marty Gatzemeyer is also back.

The Dragons also return senior tight end Grant Haag, senior receiver Christian Liewer, junior running backs Ty Gatzemeyer and Conner Gast.

On defense, seven starters are back, including Brown, Bunde, Jobbins, Reichart and Shipley on the line. Senior linebacker Drew Maltsberger is joined by the Gatzemeyers while senior Christopher Gast and junior Conner Gast return to lead the secondary and Haag is back at d-end.

“Defensively, we will play with resilience,” Bunde said. “The kids have a great attitude and they are excited about the upcoming season and look forward to the challenges that accompany a new season. We have challenged the team to increase the intensity and competitiveness in everything they do.”

The Dragons last made a trip to the playoffs in 2010, a 6-4 season that ended with a 35-6 loss to Olpe in the first round of the postseason.

A drop in classification could help Whitewater-Remington become more competitive, but the Broncos’ new district assignment will do them no favors late in the season.

Remington, competing in 3A, grinded through a moribund 2013 gauntlet. The Broncos lost their first six games in a 1-8 season. They found the win column with a 14-8 triumph over Bluestem in week seven, but were rocked in their final two games. Remington was simply overmatched, getting pummeled in each of the eight losses – the closest margin was a 28-point deficit. The defense gave up the second-most points in 3A. Restructuring to 2-1A may provide some relief for Remington. However, it may not come in districts. District 4 now has three teams coming off playoff appearances. Lyndon is the defending champion of the district, coming off a trip to the state semifinals where they suffered their only loss of the season, to eventual state champion Centralia/Wetmore. Olpe was runner-up in District 4. Yates Center played 8-Man football this past season, but the Wildcats are coming off a playoff berth, as well as they make the leap to 11-Man. Only Oswego (2-7) struggled last season.

The Broncos’ offense has a couple building blocks to remodel with. Junior offensive lineman Joey Laham earned second-team all-Heart of America honors for his previous work.

Senior tight end Wyatt Lear also returns.

Remington has five postseason appearances in school history. Three have come fairly recently – 2004, 2005 and 2010.

A year ago, the Chargers struggled to compete with a young lineup, but as the 2014 season approaches, veteran coach Mark McMillan expects his team to improve on last year’s 1-8 record.

“We were very young last year, but gained a lot of experience during the course of the season,” he said. “We have a solid number of returning skill players and offensive linemen this year, and we also have a number of returning perimeter players.”

Skill players who are back in the lineup include junior quarterback Bryce Noll, junior running back Kyle Noll, senior running back Casey Willard and senior end Austin Wolfe. North also returns senior Joe Kern, juniors Jeremy Larson and Elijah Meyer and sophomore Gavin Polson on the offensive line.

“We will have a few question marks at the start of the season, and we will be very young at some of the positions,” McMillan said.

Defensively, the Chargers have nine veterans back to lead the way. Up front, McMillan and his staff will lean on Kern and juniors Conner Norris and Cole Bryant. At linebacker, Larson, Meyer and Kyle Noll are returning with varsity experience, while the secondary includes seasoned corners Willard and Wolfe along with Bryce Noll at safety.

“We will need to focus on our summer weight lifting program and do our best to stay injury-free during the season to maintain and develop experience at key positions,” said McMillan.

A year ago, the Wildcats snapped a 30-year streak without a playoff win, and if they hope to make another postseason run, they’ll have to navigate a tough 11-man district.

Yates Center returns to 11-man football after four years in the eight-man ranks, and second-year coach Ben Wiehn – the Kpreps. com District Coach of the Year last season - will also need to replace a pair of 8-Man All-Stars in Caleb DeNoon and Robert Arnold.

Wiehn’s team does return speedy sophomore running back Mikey Bruner, junior linemen Drey Estes, Derrick Heslop and Charles Hess, junior linebacker Jason Wendland and senior Justin Rossillon, who is expected to move to quarterback after playing on the offensive line as a junior.

Bruner ran for 302 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman while Rossillon was third on the team with 88 tackles and Wendland was fifth with 65 stops.

Estes earned All-District offensive lineman honors from Kpreps.com last season, while Rossillon was an honorable mention All-District performer at defensive end.

The Wildcats only had 16 players on their 2013 roster, and six of them were seniors, including DeNoon, the District Offensive MVP, who signed with Southwestern College.

In 2014, Yates Center’s district schedule begins with a trip to Oswego. The Wildcats will host Lyndon in week eight before completing the regular season Oct. 31 at Olpe.

2-7 in 2013 / 2-2 in district / 2-1A Delaware Valley League Coach: Rod Bunde (20th year, 96-118) Assistants: James Grey, Cameron Hall Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 7 Defense Dallas Brown, OL/DL, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Reid Bunde, OL/ DL, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Ty Jobbins, OL/DL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Alex Reichart, OL/DL, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Drew Maltsbarger, LB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Christopher Gast, DB, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Grant Haag, TE/DE, 6-3, 170, Sr.; Christian Liewer, WR, 6-2, 165, Sr.; Marty Gatzemeyer, QB/LB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Ty Gatzemeyer, RB/LB, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Blake Shipley, OL/DL, 5-11, 265, Jr.; Conner Gast, RB/DB, 5-9, 155, Jr.

1-8 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 2-1A Heart of America League Coach: Chris Lawler Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning letterman: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Melanie McGee

1-8 in 2013 / 1-4 in district / 2-1A Northeast Kansas League Coach: Mark McMillan (20th year, 116-86; 22nd overall, 135-90) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 9 Defense Joe Kern, OL/DL, Sr.; Austin Wolfe, End/CB, Sr.; Casey Pregame Staff Willard, RB/CB, Sr.; Jeremy Larson, OL/LB, Jr.; Elijah Meyer, OL/LB, Jr.; Bryce Noll, QB/S, Jr.; Kyle Noll, RB/ LB, Jr.; Conner Norris, DL, Jr.; Cole Bryant, DE, Jr.; Gavin Polson, OL, So. Melanie McGee

7-4 in 2013 / 3-1 in district / 2-1A Tri-Valley League Coach: Ben Wiehn (2nd year, 7-4) Assistants: Eric Busteed, Tanner Davis Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Justin Rossillon, QB/L, Sr.; Mikey Bruner, RB, So.; Drey Estes, OL/DL, Jr.; Jason Wendland, LB, Jr. Melanie McGee

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 90

Class 8-Man I

By CONOR NICHOLL For Kansas Pregame

Last year, Osborne basically used just nine players on both sides of the ball. In 2012, the Bulldogs had little depth, suffered some injuries down the stretch and finished 6-3. Last season, Osborne, remarkably, stayed healthy all season and finished 13-0 with three close playoff wins in the first three rounds. Osborne set an eight-man state record with 760 points and sophomore quarterback Jake Tiernan broke state marks for team and individual completion percentage at 77.5 percent.

The Bulldogs became the first eight-man team since Midway-Denton in 2000 to miss the postseason one year and then win the state championship the next.

“If the wrong guys would get hurt, just one of them, we are scrambling then,” coach Steve Tiernan, now entering his fourth year at Osborne, said. “Everybody managed to stay healthy and suit up for every game.

That’s huge.”

In the playoffs, Osborne defeated Madison, 40-34, after Madison had dealt with some injuries earlier in the year. In the second round, the Bulldogs beat MdCV 6852. Both of those wins came at home.

After a wild sub-state win against CliftonClyde, 42-34, Osborne blew out Hodgeman County, a surprise team from the west, 56-8.

This season, Eight-Man Division I, a classification usually known for constant change and for at least one surprise team

PLAYERS TO WATCH

in the championship, could again see some different squads rise up.

Like Osborne in 2013, multiple contenders have playmakers and high-octane offenses, but factors like injuries and home games in key district contests and playoffs could prove the difference.

Madison in ’10 and ’11 and Coldwater in ’94 and ’95 are the lone back-to-back EightMan Division I champions since ’89. In 2012, Ness City won the title and Rock Hills was the runner-up. The squads combined for a 9-9 record in 2013 and neither team reached the playoffs.

District 4 is considered one of Kansas’ toughest districts for all classifications with powers Osborne, Clifton-Clyde, Hanover, along with Wakefield, Lincoln, Rock Hills and Downs-Lakeside. Hanover is a longtime power in Eight-Man, Division II that went 8-3 in 2013 before bumping up a classification.

Wakefield finished 5-4, but averaged 44.4 points per contest. Like Osborne, Wakefield could go from not reaching the playoffs to Newton. The Bombers return all of their top skill players, including senior Keenan Westerman (563 passing yards, 7/1 TD/ INT ratio and 357 rushing yards) and junior Zack Melius (1,205 rushing yards, 24 rushing TDs, 543 receiving yards, eight scores).

Osborne brings back junior quarterback Jake Tiernan, coach Tiernan’s son, for the third year under center. Senior Brandt Wolters is a three-sport standout who led the Bulldogs with 41 catches for 679 yards and 14 scores and paced Osborne with 125

overview

tackles, 11 for loss.

PREGAME PRESEASON RANKINGS In District 3, Madison, with 132 wins in the last 1. Madison 15 years, should again be 2. Hanover powerful. Senior running 3. Hodgeman County back Owen Reed had 190 4. Central Plains carries for 1,608 yards 5. Osborne and 22 scores. Senior Others: Oberlin-Decatur Comm., Solomon, Spearville, Udall, linebacker Gavin Beyer Uniontown, Wakefield, West Elk has 14 career takeaways (10 interceptions and four yards and rushed for 1,150 yards. fumble recoveries).

In District 5, Justin Coup, who led “Our team goals are to win the Lyon Baileyville B&B to back-to-back Eight-Man, County League Championship and return Division II crowns, takes over at Solomon, a to Newton to battle for a state title,” coach playoff team the last two years.

Fred McClain said. “Our seniors were in Central Plains, 9-2 in 2011 and ’13, has Newton as freshman and they are hungry the dynamic duo of junior quarterback to return.”

Braedan Crites (2,051 passing yards, 38 In District 3, Rural Vista, the co-op scores) and senior Layne Bieberle (1,048 between White City and Hope, will have its first high school football season after joining receiving yards, 10 INTs on defense). The together for other sports last year. In District Oilers, a consolidation between Claflin and Quivira Heights, has a different look than 7, Dighton, which won a playoff game in the traditional Claflin powers in the late ‘90s Eight-Man Division II last season, co-ops and early 2000s. with Healy and moves up a class.

Central Plains finished fifth in offense with In District 7, runner-up Hodgeman County 526 points last season with its pass-heavy graduated all-state quarterback Alex Kreger offense. Last year, Central Plains lost to and all-state lineman Zech Schiew, but Hodgeman County, 44-36, in a second brings back running back Kolt Washburn round playoff road game. who rushed for 941 yards and 10 scores.

“I come from the old days of Claflin where Spearville, also in District 7, returns eight offensive and seven defensive starters from it was three yards and a cloud of dust,” Central Plains coach Chris Steiner said. “I an 8-2 team. was a big part of the ground and pound. …

The Lancers have never made a state (Throwing) just seems to be what our kids championship game in school history, but can do best.” junior quarterback Nathan Stein leads a veteran group after he passed for 723

In addition to the Lookin’ Sharp, Throwback, Iron Will and Spotlight feature players, these are a few players to keep an eye on in 8-Man I this fall.

Rex Diederich.................OL/LB, Sr., Decatur Community Preston Jueneman........RB, 6-1, 180, Sr., Hanover Andrew Bruna................QB, 6-1, 170, Sr., Hanover Brennan Harms..............OL/DL, 6-0, 235, Sr., Hodgeman County Robbie Carter.................LB, 5-10, 160, Jr., Hodgeman County Will Crabill......................E/LB, Sr., Hodgeman County Erik Torres.......................DE, 5-11, 270, Jr., Kiowa County Aaron Heft......................DE, 5-11, 265, Jr., Kiowa County Amando Gomez..............RB, 5-8, 140, Jr., West Elk

Thane Barker..................DE, 6-2, 175, Sr., Lebo Matt Davied....................OL/DL, 6-3, 313, Jr., Lincoln Grant Cook......................DE, 6-4, 230, Sr., Linn Grant Harvey..................RB/DB, 5-10, 170, Sr., Little River Tylen Coe.........................RB/DB, 6-0, 170, Jr., Madison Marquise Mitchell..........OL/DL, 5-10, 235, Jr., Marais des Cygne Mitch Saffle....................OL/DL, 6-0, 220, Sr., Marais des Cygne Daelyn Haskins..............RB, 5-7, 160, Jr., Oxford

Braxton Kyle...................QB/DB, 6-0, 160, Sr., Peabody-Burns Dustin Weber.................RB, 6-1, 160, Sr., Pratt-Skyline Rhett Mizer.....................TE/LB, 5-9, 155, Sr., Rawlins County Colton Herd.....................DL, 5-8, 160, Sr., South Central Jake Peters.....................TE/DE, 6-3, 230, Sr., South Gray Kaden Stein....................E, 6-5, 215, Sr., Spearville Nathan Stein..................QB/LB, 6-0, 180, Jr., Spearville Hunter Kistler................LB, 5-10, 175, Sr., Udall

Isaiahh Loudermilk.......OL/DL, 6-3, 210, Jr., West Elk

Player Spotlight: Westerman & Melius The Bombers could be looking for a banner season behind the dynamic duo of quarterback Keenan Westerman and running back Zack Melius, if they can overcome possibly the state’s toughest district, all classes.

Westerman, a 6-0, 200 pound senior, enters his fourth year as a starting quarterback for the Bombers. Last year he threw for 563 yards with a 7/1 TD/INT ratio. He has an 18/4 TD/INT ratio in the last two seasons.

Melius, a junior, returns after he carried 133 times for 1,205 yards and 24 scores. He is among the fastest juniors in 8-Man running an 11.9 100 meter dash, 23.49 200 meter dash, and 51.98 400 meter dash at this year’s state track meet. Those sults were good enough to place sixth, fourth, and sixth, in class If the Bombers are to post a breakout season they’ll have to do district that includes a loaded Hanover team, defending champion Osborne, and semi-finalist Clifton-Clyde.

re2A. it in a

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz Kansas Pregame

Player Spotlight: Braedan Crites The 6-2, 185 pound junior quarterback is among the most prolific passers in all of Kansas High School football. Crites completed 108 of 196 passes for 2,051 yards with a 38/4 TD/INT ratio and also led the team with 114 carries for 628 yards and 13 scores last season.

Crites is also a key piece of the Oiler defense from his safety position and last year tallied 47 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 fumble recovery, five passes defensed, and three interceptions.

Crites earned Kpreps.com first team All District honors for his play last fall.

He’ll look to reconnect with top wideout, Layne Bieberle, a 2014 Kansas Pregame coverboy, and district Offensive MVP. Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz Crites is also a standout basketball player Kansas Pregame earning second team all-league in ‘13-’14.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 91

Lookin’ Sharp Layne Bieberle

By CONOR NICHOLL For Kansas Pregame

In Week 8 of last season, Central Plains traveled to Solomon in a key game that would decide the Eight-Man Division I, District 5 championship. Solomon entered with a 7-0 record, while Central Plains stood at 6-1.

Central Plains led 32-14 after the first quarter and delivered an 86-40 victory, one of Kansas’ highest scoring games.

“You don’t see very often where you put up that high a number and still 45 a team,” wide receiver Layne Bieberle said.

At times, Central Plains coach Chris Steiner scratched his head on the sidelines. Steiner wanted then-sophomore quarterback Braedan Crites to throw it to someone other than Bieberle. Sometimes, Bieberle would have triple coverage, but Crites would still throw the ball to him.

Bieberle and Crites shared team offensive player of the game honors. Crites finished 17 of 27 for 354 yards and seven scores against zero interceptions, and also rushed 12 times for 132 yards.

Bieberle hauled in 12 passes for 323 yards and six TDs, one off the eight-man state single game record, according to the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. Three players have caught seven receiving TDs in a contest, most recently Minneola’s Josh Beard in 2001.

“He catches it and goes and scores a touchdown,” Steiner said. “How can you get upset about that? They just had a great game. Layne made some tremendous moves after catching the ball. He had several touchdown receptions that probably should have been only 20 or 30 yard receptions. Instead, he shook somebody off and went and scored.”

In addition, Bieberle had a 46-yard punt return for a score, eight total tackles, an interception, four pass breakups and 54 total return yards.

“Crites was throwing lights out balls and I just went up and got them,” Bieberle said.

Bieberle’s playmaking skills and ability in all three phases has made him one of Kansas’ top all-around players entering 2014. Last season, he helped Central Plains finished 9-2, win its district and finished No. 5 in Eight-Man Division I in scoring offense with 526 points.

“Sometimes Braedan says that he will just throw it as far as he can, and he knows that Layne will go get it,” Steiner said. “He just has a desire. He just really does. He Photo by Julie Kuhlmann has done that since he was young.”

JulieKuhlmannPhotography.com Crites completed 108 of 196 passes for 2,051 yards with 38 scores against four interceptions and paced the Oilers with 628 rushing yards. Bieberle, entering his senior year, finished with 46 catches for 1,048 yards and 24 TDs, just five off the single season eight-man mark of 29 set by McCracken’s Kellye Irvin in 1979. He collected 1,740 all-purpose yards, 123 tackles and had 10 interceptions.

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Crites finished third among eight-man quarterbacks in passing yards. Bieberle was third in receiving yards and tied for first in receiving scores (24) with Chetopa senior Austen Sanders, according to maxpreps.com.

“To make the catch, I have got to make the catch first before I start running, so what I do is I watch the ball all the way in and before I even start running,” Bieberle said. “I catch the ball and then I take off, because some people, they will take off before they will even catch the ball, and that’s how they drop the ball a lot of times.”

Defensively, Bieberle’s 10 interceptions were two more than any eight-man player. He also collected three interceptions and 1,188 all-purpose yards as a sophomore and has 227 career tackles.

“I try to read what the quarterback is doing,” Bieberle said. “That’s really all there is to it. I just read the quarterback. My dad says to keep your eye on the quarterback. My coach says to keep your eye on the quarterback. They both tell me that. You read the quarterback, they are going to tell me where the ball is going.”

Bieberle credited his parents, Lee and Jamie and his coaches for his production. Lee and Jamie are from the same Claflin graduating class.

Lee played football, basketball and tennis at Claflin, while Jamie was a cheerleader and standout sprinter. He has two older brothers, including

LOOKIN’ SHARP - BIEBERLE / Continued on page 125

Jamie Bieberle

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Lookin’ Sharp Justin Coup and Blake Homman

By CONOR NICHOLL

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Justin Coup delivered one of the lasting memories of the 2013 Kansas high school football season.

Coup, in his third season at Baileyville B&B after a successful stint at Goessel, knew the Falcons were in their final year before the school closed its doors. B&B finished as state runner-up in 2011, and won the championship in 2012. The Falcons were the heavy favorites to repeat. In the school’s final football game, B&B defeated Wallace County, 42-19, to win the Eight-Man Division II state championship at Newton’s Fischer Field.

The temperature dipped below freezing, but B&B still doused Coup with water in celebration. After the game, the Falcons faithful kept its tradition, lined up along the sideline and congratulated every player and coach. Coup apologized to several media when players started to go through the line, ran over and went through the line. The moment was

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historic and memorable. After he went through the line, Coup choked up. Coup called the state title “the icing on the cake” and said the players would remember the back-to-back titles for the rest of their lives.

“A forever moment,” Coup said.

Coup was also the Falcons principal and was not retained by the school board at Nemaha Central, the name of the consolidated district with Nemaha Valley, a successful 3A program, and Baileyville B&B. But Coup eventually was offered four jobs in the same week and took the head football coaching and assistant principal position at Solomon, an Eight-Man Division I school at a crossroads that’s not had the same football tradition as Baileyville B&B. Solomon, 18-4 the last two seasons, is 5-7 all-time in the playoffs with no state championship appearances. B&B had eight runner-up appearances, second-most in Kansas history, and five state titles. In Coup’s first parent meeting at Solomon, he said he wanted the town to have spirit. Coup said Solomon will shake hands “win, lose or draw.”

Coup, though, does have experience with a program with a lesser football tradition in his Goessel tenure. He finished 54-28 with the Bluebirds and led them to five playoff appearances, including three victories. Before he came, Goessel had one victory and three appearances.

While there are some similarities between Solomon and Goessel, Coup said in his first year at Goessel it was a goal to not get beat by the 45-point margin. At Solomon, the goal is to return to the Photo by Julie Kuhlmann playoffs for the third straight year.

JulieKuhlmannPhotography.com “The next level is to qualify for the state playoffs on a regular basis, and then every once in awhile, get a little lucky and maybe make a deep run in the playoffs and play for a state championship,” Coup said.

LOOKIN’ SHARP - COUP & HOMMAN / Continued on page 126

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 93

By CONOR NICHOLL For Kansas Pregame

Hope and White City have long comprised the USD 481 Rural Vista School District. The schools are about 30 miles apart. As numbers have dwindled in recent years, the schools decided during the 2012-13 school year to co-op for volleyball, and boys’ and girls’ basketball starting in ’2013-14.

The junior high football squads have played together for the last several seasons. For this school year, Hope and White City will form the first Rural Vista high school football team. Hope and White City have very different football histories.

Longtime Hope coach Jeff Hostetter, and his veteran assistant Joe Ross, have helped the Lions reach 26 playoff appearances and finish as state runner-up five times, each the most in Kansas eight-man history, according to preppowerindex.com.

Hostetter, a Hope alum, has made the playoffs 19 of the last 21 seasons and won the 2003 state crown.

White City is 1-4 all-time in playoff annals.

“Numbers were the big deal of it, and both schools were going to be bubbling right around 10, 11 kids, and our junior high has been going together now for quite a few years,” Hostetter said. “Our numbers were getting so small. Once we decided to go with one sport, we decided to switch over to all of them.

“It’s kind of rough at first, to get some of the people to go along with it,” he added. “But as a coach, I am pretty much home-bred Hope all the way, but I see for the kids and the coaching here, it’s not very fun when you are down to nine kids out in practice. It’s just hard to compete that way.”

Rural Vista’s mascot is the Heat and it combined the orange of the Hope’s Lions and the red of White City’s Huskies. Rural Vista will alternate practice locales between Hope and White City. The schools will keep separate buildings and will only co-op together for fall and winter athletics. Hope and White City will remain separate teams in track.

The schedule has four home games. In Week 1, Little River will play Rural Vista in Hope. In Week 4, Centre-Lost Springs plays in White City. In Week 7, Peabody-Burns plays at Hope. In Week 9, Flinthills plays at White City.

“There are still going to be some people that are against the whole thing,” Hostetter said. “It does bring in a lot more work for people. You’ve got to travel, and it makes it a lot tougher. It’s tougher as a coach to try to get that chemistry when you are that far away, and when you try to get together and do stuff. If everybody works hard at it, I think it’s going to be the best. The main thing that it’s going to be the best for is to keep the school open for as long as possible.”

Hope and White City were both small Eight-Man Division II teams, but will bump up to Eight-Man Division I. Rural Vista had 68 students in grades 10-12 during the most recent football classifications, five more than the cutoff. Eight-Man Division I goes up to 98 students.

Last season, Hope was down to nine or 10 players after some injuries, and Hostetter said it was difficult to stay competitive. Still, Hope has posted 8-2, 8-2, 10-1, 5-4 and 8-2 records the last five seasons. White City went 7-2 in 2011, its lone winning season since 2004. Hostetter expects to have around 22 kids out,

Hope and White City, shown lining up against each other last fall, will join forces as Rural Vista in 2014. (Photo courtsey Jim Barten) but few upperclassmen. White City has no seniors and likely just one or two juniors. Hope has three juniors and one senior.

“We have got a good group of like 10 sophomores and some pretty good young kids coming, so I think that’s going to help us in the long run,” Hostetter said.

Several programs have benefitted from a co-operative agreement. Hostetter has talked to several other programs that have co-oped and learned the first year is usually the toughest to form chemistry and teach another group of kids to buy into the program. In his 25 years as Hope head coach, Hostetter hasn’t had an issue of players buying in.

“For the fairness of the kids in here, it’s better for the kids to have more competition,” Hostetter said. “It makes them better. It gets you to where you can have a JV program and kids don’t get thrown into the varsity so early, like as a freshman. I really believe it’s going to be for the best long term.”

Centralia/Wetmore has won three Class 2-1A titles since 2009. Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton is 19-3 in the last two years. Logan and Palco struggled to win games, but went 5-4 as a first-year co-op last season. Argonia-Attica also finished 5-4 last fall. The schools apart finished 4-28 combined the previous two seasons.

“It was going to be very difficult coming up here,” Hostetter said. “The last two years, we’ve really kept a pretty good record for no more kids than we’ve had, but I could just see it was going to be awful difficult to try to be competitive.”

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Rawlins County was receiving votes in the Eight-Man Division I preseason poll last season after it finished 7-2 with no seniors in 2012.

The Buffs rolled through their first eight games and won the first seven contests by the 45-point margin. In Week 9, Atwood lost the district title to Hoxie, 54-28, and then fell in a first-round road game, 34-32, to eventual state runner-up Hodgeman County.

The Buffs are now 15-4 since moving to the eight-man ranks but 0-2 in the playoffs in the four-year Deone Horinek era. This season, the Buffs will play in District 8 with Hill City, Logan/Palco, Oberlin, Quinter, St. Francis and Stockton. Oberlin and St. Francis, also Northwest Kansas schools, are in its first season of eight-man football. Hill City and Quinter were the lone district teams the Buffs also played last season.

“We have a very tough district, but our goal is to win the district,” Horinek said. “Also, a huge goal is to stay injury free. Winning the league championship is also a goal for 2014.”

Sophomore Cole Sramek rushed 141 times for 803 yards and 11 rushing scores as a freshman, and senior Macrae Migchelbrink hauled in 19 passes for 301 yards and six TDs, all second-best on the squad.

Senior Rhett Mizer (team-high 139 tackles, 24 TFLs), has 296 career tackles, eight forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries.

“We look to have our best eight players on the field but have no idea what positions they will be playing,” Horinek said. “If we can avoid injuries, 2014 should be very successful.”

Six two-way starters and lettermen return to lead the Raiders along with new coach Anthony Blair.

Central went 2-7 last year as the Raider offense struggled to score most nights. The Raiders won both games when they scored more than 14 points – a 34-12 victory over Flinthills and a 64-14 smacking of Cedar Vale/Dexter.

Quarterback Lucas McMichael, tailback Josh Koppelman, fullback Michael Delaney, tight end Tyson Lawson, center Tab Beavers and guards Garrett Branscum and Travis Venn are back to lead the offense.

Branscum, Delaney and Venn will lead the defensive line while Beavers is back at linebacker and the secondary returns Koppelman and McMichael.

Blair’s main goal for the season is to start building a program through hard work. He also wants to “get the guys working for a great season, be above .500 and 85 percent in the weight room.”

After spending the past two years as an assistant at Burlingame, Jeff Slater steps into the head coaching position to replace departed coach Doug Bingham.

He’ll have plenty of familiar faces to work with as the Bearcats return one of their most experienced teams in recent seasons, including the bulk of their offensive production.

Senior Jake Carlson enjoyed a solid season in his first year as starting quarterback, leading the team in both rushing and passing. While Carlson capably shouldered the bulk of the offensive load last year, getting more production from his supporting cast will be a key to the Bearcats’ success this season. Carlson and junior Austin Jones were the top-two tacklers, but the Bearcats will need to improve on a defense that allowed at least 20 points in all but one game and no fewer than 40 during a six-game losing skid following a 2-0 start.

The season-opener with Hartford could set the tone for the season as just four points separated the two last year with the tight loss coming during the slide. The remainder of the schedule is loaded, including five games against playoff teams, making a good start imperative.

“The key to the team’s success will be staying healthy and getting off to a good start our first four games,” Slater said. “The defense will be the backbone of our team. We want to be physical and more disciplined on both sides of the ball.”

Canton-Galva posted a winning record for the first time since 2008 and Jeff Savage is back for a third season to try and continue the Eagles’ improvement. The Eagles went 3-6 in 2012 in Savage’s first year on the job, and improved to 5-4 last fall. Savage has had an immediate impact wherever he’s coached including previous stints at Central-Burden and Quivira Heights in Kansas, after a long career as a head coach in Nebraska.

If Savage’s 2014 squad is to take another step forward in the win column it will do so behind the return of four starters and 15 total lettermen, but without the entire offensive line and quarterback Cody Savage, the coach’s son. Savage was among the top quarterbacks in 8-Man football, but battled injuries throughout his career and played only part of the past two seasons before graduating this spring.

Savage has always favored a wide-open passing attack and says he will design an offense around the “strength of our team, which may be an ongoing process.”

But for Savage the goal remains to have a winning a season and challenge for a playoff spot in what he calls a “tough district.” To do so he says the team must stay healthy.

“That is something we were not able to do last season and it hurt our opportunity to make the playoffs.”

2-7 in 2013 / 1-4 in district / 8-Man I South Central Border League Coach: Anthony Blair (1st year; 2nd overall, 2-7) Assistant: Greg Mettling Offense: I-formation Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 6 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Lucas McMichael, QB/CB, Jr.; Garrett Branscum, G/DT, Sr.; Josh Koppelman, TB/CB, Jr.; Michael Delaney, FB/ DE, Jr.; Tab Beavers, C/LB, So.; Tyson Lawson, TE/CB, Jr.; Travis Venn, G/DE, Jr.

Melanie McGee 3-6 in 2013 / 0-6 in district / 8-Man I Lyon County League Coach: Jeff Slater (1st year) Assistants: Rick Rineberg, Eric West Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2-3 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Jake Carlson, QB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Tristan McIntosh, DE, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Joe Lewis, OG, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Austin Jones, OG/LB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Paul Holt, DE, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Levi Hope, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Robert Hutchins, RB/DB, 5-8, 145, Jr.; Anthony Hovestadt, WR/DB, 5-8, 140, So. Brent Maycock

8-2 in 2013 / 4-1 in district / 8-Man I Northwest Kansas League Coach: Deone Horinek (4th year, 24-14) Assistants: Mike Lankas, Aaron Sramek, Andrew Melia Offense: I-formation Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 3 Defense Macre Migchelbrink, QB/DB, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Rhett Mizer, TE/LB, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Neil Portschy, RB/DB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Tyler Beckman, OL, 5-9, 165, So.; Cole Sramek, RB/DB, 5-9, 155, So.

5-4 in 2013 / 2-3 in district / 8-Man I Heart of America Coach: Jeff Savage (32nd season) Assistants: Dean Scott, Tyler O’Conner Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Eagle Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 3 Offense 3 Defense Travis Unruh, QB/DB, 180, Jr.; Tanner Kilngensmith, TE/ LB, 165, Sr.; Trey Moddelmog, RB, 150, Sr.; Clayton Sargent, DE, 150, Jr. John Baetz

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Conor Nicholl

Central Plains is 9-2, 4-5 and 9-2 in the last three seasons and is expected to contend for an Eight-Man, Division I state championship this Cedar Vale-Dexter will look to snap a skid of district champ West Elk. season. The Oilers return seven offensive and three consecutive losing seasons. During that A quick glance at the history books would be six defensive starters, including junior quarspan, the Spartans have only won four games. deceiving – Cedar Vale-Dexter only has one The 2013 numbers show a squad that strugplayoff appearance, in a 6-4 2010 season, since terback Braedan Crites and senior all-purpose threat Layne Bieberle. Crites completed 108 of gled mightily in a 1-8 campaign. The Spartans the football programs merged. But separately, 196 passes for 2,051 yards with a 38/4 TD/INT smashed Flinthills in a 30-6 week one victory, the schools were traditionally quite successful. ratio and also led the team with 114 carries for but then dropped the next eight contests. Cedar Cedar Vale qualified for the postseason 12 628 yards and 13 scores.

Vale-Dexter was shut out four times, including times, and Dexter extended its season nine Bieberle hauled in 46 catches for 1,048 yards the final three games of the season. times. Both schools have two semifinal appearand 24 TDs, had 1,740 all-purpose yards and The offense was unable to hit pay dirt with ances in their past. added 123 tackles and 10 interceptions from his consistency. Tallying 86 points all year, the This is Jason Strodtman’s second year in d-back spot.

Spartans were one of only three 8 Mancharge of the Spartans.

Central Plains did graduate its top two tacklers Division I teams not to hit triple-digit scoring.

1-8 in 2013 / 0-6 in district / 8 Man-I in Colton Zink (146 tacklers, also the team’s Consequently, the defense also labored, giving kicker and punter) and Evan Liebl (135 tackles, up 44.8 points per game. After the triumph over South Central Border League Coach: Justin Strodtman team-high seven TFLs). Junior Trustin Kreft Flinthills, Cedar Vale-Dexter coughed up at Assistants: N/A paced the Oilers with six sacks and junior Cody least 44 points to the opposition the rest of the Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Price had 123 tackles. season, including 50 or more four times.

Returning lettermen: N/A “Those two guys, we made the joke they District opponents remain mostly the same for Returning starters: N/A were like six kids,” Steiner said of Zink and the Spartans, with the exception of South Haven Pregame Staff Leibl. “They just did so much for us. Not just moving out. South Haven was the district offensive and defensive spots, but Colton did runner-up a season ago, leaving an opportunity so much on special teams for us. He was our for a new team to jump into a playoff spot. kicker and punter, and did a lot. Evan was just Cedar Vale-Dexter’s district slate includes away our leader on and off the field. We have got games at Oxford, Central Burden and Sedan. some guys that are going to have to step up The Spartans will host Udall and defending

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and do some things, there is no doubt. Overall, pretty comfortable going in.”

Central Plains’ two toughest opponents are likely Victoria in Week 1, and Solomon in Week 8. Both are at home. Since Central Plains consolidated Claflin and Quivira Heights four years ago, the Oilers are 13-3 at home, 9-6 on the road. Central Plains is 1-2 against Victoria in the last three years with a 66-28 loss last season. The Oilers are 3-0 against Solomon with a 56-52 upset two years ago and an 86-40 win in 2013. Last season ended with a 44-36 loss to eventual state runner-up Hodgeman County.

9-2 in 2013 / 5-0 in district / 8-Man I Central Plains League Coach: Chris Steiner (4th year, 22-9; 5th overall, 23-17) Assistants: Brandon Wise, Dustin Robison Offense: Multiple Formations Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense Layne Bieberle, WR/S/KR/PR, 6-1, 156, Sr.; Carson Kirmer, RB/CB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Michael Lamatsch, TE/ DE, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Braedan Crites, QB/CB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Michael Ryan, OL, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Cody Price, OL/LB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Hunter Ingham, WR, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Trustin Kreft, NG, 6-0, 190, Jr. Conor Nicholl

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 95

CLIFTON-CLYDE EAGLES

COLDWATER-SOUTH CENTRAL TIMBERWOLVES

Clifton-Clyde returned to the playoffs after a two-year absence, and advanced to the sub-state championship game where it lost to eventual state champion Osborne, 42-34.

Clifton-Clyde, which beat Peabody-Burns and Yates Center in the first two playoff rounds, had lost 80-32 to Osborne in district play but kept it much closer in the semifinal match-up.

This year, coach Russ Steinbrock has his four familiar goals: winning record, make playoffs, 10-win season, win state.

Clifton-Clyde graduated several talented players, including all-state back Caleb Gelino and wide receiver/defensive back Austin Biggerstaff.

The Eagles enjoyed their most wins since a 10-2 mark in 2009. In the eight-man era that started in 2004, Clifton-Clyde has posted nine straight winning seasons. Last year, the Eagles set eight-man program records for points (610) and first downs (149) and Gelino finished fourth in single season rushing with 1,500 yards.

Gelino rushed for 22 scores and had 46 rushing TDs in his career, and finished as the Eagles’ eight-man passing leader with 1,522 yards. Max Schwab also graduated with the Eagle records for single season (169) and career tackles (411).

“With a small group of upperclassmen, we need to stay healthy and we will also need our younger players to step up and give us quality playing time at the varsity level,” Steinbrock said.

Clifton-Clyde will compete in arguably the state’s toughest district with at Lincoln and versus Lakeside in Weeks 3 and 4, and then versus Osborne, at Wakefield, versus Hanover, and at Rock Hills in the season’s final month.

Coldwater enjoyed a four-win improvement, delivered a massive turnaround in Eight-Man, Division I district play and made the playoffs for the first time in five years.

South Central was 4-5 - 1-5 in district - in 2012 with five straight district losses. Last year, South Central, led by quarterback Stetsen Underwood and running back Coby Lindsay, started 3-0 again – and then played much better in district play.

South Central defeated Fairfield (30-26), lost to Kiowa County (32-18) and then beat St. John (54-6), Macksville (66-16), Kinsley (60-12) and ended the regular season with a 48-0 victory against Windsor Hills (Okla.) Baptist. South Central lost in the first round of the playoffs, 36-14, to Central Plains.

Ninth-year coach Matt Smith listed staying healthy and avoiding injuries as keys to the season and wants to “continue to get better each week.”

South Central went 5-0 at home last season and is 8-2 at home in the last two years, compared to 4-5 on the road. South Central had three straight 3-6 seasons, then 4-5 in 2012 before the breakthrough last year, the best mark since 8-2 in 2008.

Underwood graduated after a great career that produced 1,758 rushing yards, 612 passing yards and 38 total TDs. Lindsay also had a fine four years, including 84 carries for 780 yards and eight TDs. But senior Colton Herd and sophomore Gerald Morehead (76 carries, 541 rush yards, nine rush TDs combined) are part of a talented returning group.

8-2 in 2013/ 5-1 in district / 8-Man I Southern Plains Iroquois Coach: Matt Smith (9th year) 9-3 in 2013 / 5-1 in district / 8-Man I Assistants: Mark Lohrding, Matt Hanvey, Ryan Selzer Twin Valley League Offense: I Defense: 3-2 Coach: Russ Steinbrock (13th year, 86-47) Assistants: Gary Carlson, Larry Bloomfield, Ryan Baxter Returning Lettermen: 11 Returning Starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Offense: Single Wing Defense: 3-2 Colton Herd, DL, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Koy Alexander, OL/DB, Returning lettermen: 8 6-1, 150, Sr.; Cole Lohrding, OL/LB, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Gerald Returning starters: 2 Offense, 1 Defense Andrew Seifert, TE, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Michael Cyr, OL, 5-10, Morehead, LB, 6-0, 190, So.; Hayden Fletcher, OL, 5-10, 220, Jr.; Michael Colter, OL, 6-0, 230, Jr.; Alec Konrade, 170, So.; Cordell Cyr, DB, 6-0, 175, So. Conor Nicholl DB, 6-2, 170, Jr. Conor Nicholl

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DIGHTON/HEALY HORNETS

DOWNS-LAKESIDE KNIGHTS

ELLINWOOD EAGLES

GOESSEL BLUEBIRDS

Dighton and Healy will form a co-op agreement for the first time this fall. Dighton finished 6-5 and defeated Fowler in the first round of the playoffs, the school’s first playoff appearance since ’97 and second deepest playoff advancement behind a semifinal showing in 1995.

Healy, who has not played varsity football for several years, has co-oped with Utica and Ransom-Western Plains in recent years.

Fourth-year coach Ken Simon returns five starters on both sides of the ball. Sophomore quarterback Tyler Lingg played well as a freshman when he completed 63 of 125 passes for 914 yards with a 10/5 TD/INT ratio.

Defensively, Lingg had 49 tackles, 11 TFLs and 4.5 sacks.

Senior Wyatt Habiger, who Simon called the leader of the offensive line, is also a key on defense after he recorded 88 tackles (46 solo) from his linebacker spot last season. Junior Marcos Cruz rushed 65 times for 339 yards and also recorded 80 tackles. Sophomore Dylan Foss collected 54 tackles and four interceptions.

Dighton has to replace all-state running back Isaac Alinor (2,233 all-purpose yards) and big defensive end Ben Speer (6-3, 225), the Kpreps. com District 7 Defensive Player of the Year last season.

Dighton/Healy will move up to Eight-Man Division I, District 7 because of the agreement.

Even with the agreement, the team is expected to have low numbers. Simon said the team’s main goal is to return to the playoffs, and said other goals are improving everyday, reducing turnovers and the defense making big plays.

Even with the strong year, Dighton was minus-4 in turnover margin and had 22 turnovers.

After going a combined 23-7 in three seasons under veteran coach Curt Christians, including two playoff appearances and a semi-final runner-up finish in 2011, the Knights took a steep nose dive the past two years. Lakeside posted a 2-7 record in 2012 and went winless last fall allowing 53.3 points per game and scoring only 84 total.

Gone after two seasons is head coach Kody Tegtmeier. Assistant Drew Duskie takes the reins after serving on the staff the last two years.

While there is little positive to take from the winless season of a year ago, the return of 12 lettermen and eight players with starting experience is a good place to start.

Speedy senior quarterback Shayne Renken provides a proven commodity under center and the return of two offensive linemen - center Tyron Gruwell and guard Jaden Flower - give the Knights experience up front.

While the defense was among the statistically worst in all of 8-Man I last year, the return of eight starters should provide for improvement.

Duskie said the goals are to win the district and make the playoffs, but it won’t be easy as the Knights play in one of the toughest districts in all of high school football in 2014 which includes state powers Hanover, Osborne, and Clifton-Clyde.

Ellinwood follows a trend of western and central Kansas schools and drops down to eight-man football after mighty struggles at the 11-man level. The Eagles enter the fall on an 18-game losing streak dating back to a 32-22 victory against Inman in Week 9 of the 2011 season.

“It’s going to be a whole new experience for us and we are looking forward to this new challenge,” fourth-year coach Dustin Beam said.

Beam wants to be “competitive in everything that we do, including winning the battle everyday, whether it’s in the weight room, practice field or on the game field on Friday night.”

Beam listed summer prep as “always a key” for the season, and said upperclassmen leadership in the summer and fall is critical to success.

The Eagles return senior quarterback Marc Waite and have several big linemen, including 284-pound junior Josiah Caspers and 264-pound senior Keaton Goering.

Ellinwood will play in one of the stronger Eight-Man Division I districts in District 5 with Canton-Galva, powerhouse Central Plains, Goessel, Little River and Solomon, which welcomes former Baileyville B&B coach Justin Coup.

The Eagles will move from the now defunct MCAA to the Central Prairie League.

Third-year Goessel coach Garrett Hiebert has set two goals for his squad: to come together as a team, and return “to having fun playing football.”

Hiebert’s ultimate goal is to qualify for the state playoffs. Goessel made the playoffs in 2012 with a 6-4 mark and a first-round loss to eventual state champion Baileyville B&B. Goessel dropped back to 2-7 last season when it opened the year with three straight losses, then won two games by 18 and two points, before it lost four straight district contests to end the year.

Hiebert wants Goessel to play better defensively this fall.

“A family atmosphere will be critical for our success this year,” Hiebert said. “It will be important that we work hard and get better every day. We want to compete in each game and give ourselves a chance to win in the fourth quarter.

This can only be accomplished by working hard in the weight room, improving every day on the practice field, and playing together as a team.”

Junior quarterback Chase Flaming is back after he passed for 574 yards with four touchdowns against six interceptions, and sophomore Miguel Guerrero led Goessel with 624 yards rushing. Flaming also rushed for 385 yards and 10 scores.

6-5 in 2013 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man I Northwest Kansas League Coach: Ken Simon (4th year, 16-13) Assistants: Chris Fullmer, Marc Billinger Offense: Multiple Defense: 5-1 Returning lettermen: 6 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Wyatt Habiger, OL/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Marcos Cruz, TE/ RB/DB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Trevor Cantrell, OL/DL, 5-7, 180, Jr.; Tyler Lingg, QB/DE, 6-4, 190, So.; Dylan Foos, TE/ DB, 5-11, 160, So. Conor Nicholl

0-9 in 2013 / 0-6 in district / 8-Man I Northern Plains League Coach: Drew Duskie (1st year) Assistants: Travis Eberle, Brandon Smith Offense: N/A Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 8 Defense Shayne Renken, QB/DB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Tyron Gruwell, C/NG, 6-0, 210, Jr.; Lane Elmore, FB/LB, 6-1, 160, Sr.; Austin Gasper, E/DB, 6-1, 140, Sr.; Jaden Flower, G/DE, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Trystan Schlaefli, DB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Tristen Winkel, LB, 5-10, 145, Jr.; Jacob Long, DE, 6-0, 140, Jr.

0-9 in 2013 / 0-3 in district / 8-Man I Central Prairie League Coach: Dustin Beam (4th year, 2-25) Assistants: Andy Wesner, Kyle Kriegh, James Caspers Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Returning Lettermen: 14 Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense Marc Waite, QB/WR, 6-4, 165, Sr.; Gavin Vink, RB/ LB, 5-10, 167, Sr.; Kaleb Schartz, RB/LB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Josiah Caspers, OL/DL, 6-2, 284, Jr.; Keaton Goering, OL/DL, 6-2, 264, Sr.; Steven Cortez, OL/DL, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Chance Baker, RB/LB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Tyson Martinez, QB/ DB, 5-9, 154, So. John Baetz Conor Nicholl

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HANOVER WILDCATS

The expectations couldn’t be higher for Hanover, which returns 17 lettermen and nine players with starting experience from a team that went 8-3 last season with their only losses coming to Wallace County in week five and twice to rival Baileyville B&B. Wallace County would go on to lose the 8-Man II state title game to B&B who won its second straight title after starting the season No. 3. and fourth in six seasons, but closed its doors Kiowa County had a four-win improvement Last season, Kiowa County outscored oppothis spring and consolidated with Nemaha from 6-4 to 10-1 last season and graduated one nents 518-140. In 2012, it was 406-268.

Valley. of eight-man’s best players in Trever Powell, Junior Dylan Jacks returns after he averaged While B&B is gone from the schedule the who is playing at Fort Hays.

Powell rushed for 2,478 yards and 37 TDs last 8.9 yards per carry for 471 rushing yards and 10 Wildcats will play in one of the toughest scores. Junior Aaron Heft had 54 tackles with a districts in all of Kansas high school football season, tied for the team lead with 82 tackles as they make the move up to 8-Man I. The and picked off eight passes. For his career, Pow- team-high 17 TFLs. district includes defending 8-Man I champion ell rushed for 4,871 yards with 77 rushing TDs, 10-1 in 2013 / 5-0 in district / 8-Man I Osborne, returning semi-finalist Clifton-Clyde, recorded 6,058 all-purpose yards, 262 tackles Southern Plains Iroquois a Wakefield team that returns plenty of talent and 17 interceptions.

Coach: Clint Young (5th year, 23-16; 9th overall, 48-34) from a 5-4 finish in 2013 and Lincoln and Rock This season, coach Clint Young said the bigAssistant: Steve Heft, Peter Kern Hills team’s that feature two of the state’s best gest key will be playing “great defense.”

Offense: Double Wing Defense: 3-5 players in quarterback Zac Walter and running “Many newcomers out this year,” Young said. Returning lettermen: 9 back Joel Broeckelmann. The addition of “Many of them juniors. Had some kids move in Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Lakeside makes it one of only two seven team and need to get them involved. Big shoes gradu- Aaron Heft, TE/DE, 6-0, 270, Jr.; Erik Torres, TE/DE, 6-0, 260, Jr.; Nick Mull, OL/NG, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Poncho districts in 8-Man I. ated and we need to focus on defense more than Banman, RB/LB, 5-7, 155, Jr.; Dillon Jacks, RB/S, 5-10, The Wildcats return most of last year’s ofever with the loss of Powell.”

175, Jr. fensive production including senior quarterback Kiowa County, which has progressed from 3-6 to 6-4 to 10-1, defeated Solomon (50-14) Conor Nicholl Andrew Bruna, who passed for 1,195 yards with 18 TDs and eight interceptions. Bruna and then lost to Hoxie in the second round of also led the team with 816 yards rushing and the playoffs (38-8). It marked the first playoff 18 more scores. Senior running back Preston victory in the four-year school existence. The Jueneman added 717 yards and 12 more scores.

Mavericks were receiving votes in the final poll Serving the Ellinw ood a rea

2-7 in 2013/ 2-4 in district / 8-Man I Wheat State League Coach: Garrett Hiebert (3rd year, 8-11) Assistants: N/A Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Connor Davis, OL, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Kellen Froese, RB/LB, 5-9, 215, Sr.; Lucas Hiebert, DB, 5-11, 140, Sr.; Chase Flaming, QB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Miguel Guerrero, RB/LB, 5-7, 150, So.; Trevor Beisel, DB, 5-7, 140, So.

Leading receivers Evan Zabokrtsky, Austin Diederich, and Hunter Nicholson are all back for their senior seasons after combining for 39 receptions, 879 yards, and 12 scores.

Leading sack-man Ethan Fritschi is back after tallying seven of them last fall. The back end of the defense should be lock-down with Nicholson, Preston Jueneman, and Diederich combining for nine INTs in 2013.

The Wildcats did graduate their top two tacklers from a defense that allowed only 44 total points in their eight wins and pitched five shutouts.

Tenth year coach Matt Heuer looks for lineman Jaydan Bruna (6-2, 195, Sr.), lineman Paden Praelle (6-2, 185, Jr.), and sophomore end Adam Zarybnicky (6-2, 175) to fill spots vacated by graduation.

8-3 in 2013 / 4-1 in district / 8-Man I Twin Valley League Coach: Matt Heuer (10th year, 78-23) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Andrew Bruna, QB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Preston Jueneman, RB/LB, 6-1, 185; Cody Rengstorf, RB/G/LB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Hunter Nicholson, E/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Evan Zabokrtsky, E/DB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Austin Diederich, E/DE, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Ethan Fritschi, OL/DL, 6-5, 245, Sr.; Trey Lohse, DB, 5-10, 150, Jr.; Devin Jueneman, RB/DB, 5-10, 160, Jr. John Baetz

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Hill City went 0-8 in 2012 and then improved to 2-7 last season after it lost its first three contests. Hill City defeated Satanta 36-28 in Week 4, then lost three in a row before a 20-14 win against WaKeeney-Trego in Week 8.

Boyd Hutchinson takes over for Scott Schulz, who coached the last two seasons. Veteran Kyle Jilka, also a Ringneck graduate, again remained on staff as an assistant coach. Longtime assistant Vince Walker, also Hill City’s head coach in the late ‘90s,stepped aside.

Hill City returns eight starters on both sides of the ball, including several starters who have at least two years of experience. Ethan Gansel, Deric McKeever, Clay Money and Kade Tremblay are entering at least their third year of starting. Gansel and McKeever split time at quarterback last season, but Hill City collectively completed 33 of 90 passes for 462 yards and a 3/8 TD/INT ratio. McKeever led the team with 132 carries for 709 yards and eight scores, and also had 601 special teams yards. Money finished with 71 tackles (14 TFLs), while McKeever had 57 tackles (11 for loss).

Hill City will have a tough schedule with Atwood-Rawlins Co., Logan-Palco, Oberlin, Quinter, St. Francis and Stockton for Eight-Man Division I district play. But the Ringnecks will have non-district home games with eight-man powers Beloit/St. John’s-Tipton in Week 1 and Clifton-Clyde in Week 5.

Hodgeman County made a surprise run to the Eight-Man Division I state championship game in 2013. The Longhorns weren’t ranked in the preseason and didn’t enter the rankings until the state playoffs.

Hodgeman County led the classification in scoring defense most of the year and allowed just 158 points entering the championship, but suffered a big loss to Osborne in the state finale.

The Bulldogs, the highest-scoring offense in eight-man history, defeated Hodgeman County 56-8 in the state championship.

Coach Matt Housman has set several goals: strive to improve everyday, qualify for the state playoffs, improve standard of performance and “continue to do things that have made us successful in the past.”

All-state quarterback Alex Kreger and all-state defensive end Zech Shiew both graduated. Kreger accounted for 1,783 rushing yards, 2,034 all-purpose yards and 2,423 total yards.

“Replacing Alex Kreger on offense won’t be easy but we bring back enough experience around the quarterback position, (so) we shouldn’t have to lean on our quarterback so heavy,” Housman said. “If everyone else elevates their game, we have enough experience now we should be more balanced.”

Schiew led the team with 10 TFLs and seven sacks.

“Zech Shiew made a lot of plays for our defense the last three years,” Housman said. “Our 2-7 in 2013 / 1-5 in district / 8-Man I defensive line will have to work hard to fill the Mid-Continent League gap he will leave. We again need to work to Coach: Boyd Hutchinson (1st year) 9-1 in 2013 / 6-0 in district / 8-Man I eliminate big third and fourth down conversions Assistants: Kyle Jilka, Travis Desbian South Central Border League to help us close out games.”

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Coach: Chris Haag (14th year) The Longhorns are not without offensive Returning Lettermen: 12 Assistants: Kevin Weber, Jim Madison firepower as senior Kolt Washburn returns after Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Offense: Pro Set Defense: 3-2 Deric McKeever, QB/DE, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Ethan Gansel, rushing for nearly 1,000 yards with 10 TDs last Returning lettermen: N/A WR/S, 5-8, 140, So.; Kyle Pfeifer, OL/DL, 5-10, 185, Sr.; season and junior Robbie Carter added nearly Returning starters: 3 Offense, 4 Defense Chase Smith, TE/DL, 6-4, 200, Sr.; Clay Money, RB/LB, Tristen Wilson, QB/DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Armando Gomez, 500 yards and nine more scores.

6-0, 210, Jr.; Gage Hardiek, WR/S, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Kade RB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Isaiahh Loudermilk, OL/DL, 6-6, 240, Carter was also the team’s leading tackler with Tremblay, OL/DL, 6-2, 235, Jr.; Domineck Journigan, OL/ Jr.; Dominic DeFalco, LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Riccy Burris, 100 total stops last year. Washburn and fellow LB, 5-10, 200, So. DE, 6-1, 190, Sr. senior Will Crabill return to the defense after Conor Nicholl Melanie McGee combining to nab 11 interceptions last season.

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The Patriots put together a perfect regular season last year before being upset by Yates Center in the playoff opener, so coach Chris Haag’s squad will look to build on that 9-1 record in 2014, and they have a number of pieces in place to make that happen.

“Our goals are to build off last year’s season and to compete for a district championship,” Haag said. “Our success will depend on how well we stay healthy and how well our younger players respond to playing at the varsity level.”

West Elk returns five players with starting experience, and two of them are Kpreps.com 8-Man Division I All-State performers. Junior running back Armando Gomez and junior lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk are joined by senior quarterback/defensive back Tristen Wilson, senior linebacker Dominic DeFalco, and senior defensive end Riccy Burns.

Gomez ran for 1,632 yards and 27 touchdowns last season, while Wilson threw for 13 touchdowns with only one interception and Loudermilk was third on the team with 75 tackles.

Louddermilk, an imposing player at 6-6, 240 pounds, is a pass rushing beast and led the Patriots with 11 sacks last season. Burris will also harass opposing quarterbacks after tallying nine sacks last fall.

“We have a good group of young men coming back and will have a lot of competition for starting positions,” Haag said. “The development of those younger players will play a key role in how well we compete on Friday nights.”

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12-1 in 2013 / 5-0 in district / 8-Man I Southern Plains Iroquois Coach: Matt Housman (5th year, 34-9; 6th overall, 40-12) Assistants: Oliver Salmans, Mason Salmans Offense: Off-set Defense: 5-1 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Brennan Harms, G/DL, Sr.; Will Crabill, E/LB, Sr.; Kolt Washburn, RB/S, Sr.; David Nuss, E/DL, Sr.; Robbie Carter, RB/LB, Jr.; Trevor Briggs C/DL, Jr.; Kyle Hayes, E/DL, Jr,; Carson Cohoon, FB/LB, So. Conor Nicholl

KINSLEY COYOTES Coach Jeff Chambers wants the Coyotes “to get over the hump and turn the corner” this fall.

The Coyotes have been consistently around .500 under Chambers, but still hasn’t reached the postseason since 1993. Chambers has posted 4-4, 1-7, 5-4, 4-5, 5-4 and 3-6 seasons in his tenure; the winning seasons were the first for Kinsley in 17 years. Chambers said a goal is to “be competitive” in every game and said the keys are getting kids out and staying healthy.

Kinsley will play in Eight-Man Division I District 6, a fairly wide-open district where the top two teams from last season, Kiowa County and South Central, each graduated their all-state quarterback. Kinsley brings back six offensive and seven defensive starters from a team that was outscored 412-312.

Defense has been the biggest issue for Kinsley the last three seasons. Last year, the Coyotes allowed 45.8 points per game. In 2012, it was 36.4. In 2011, it was 36.9. In 2010, it was 25.8.

Senior Tyler Espinosa returns after he carried 127 times for 924 yards and 13 scores, while sophomore Humberto Soto had a nice freshman year with 97 carries for 585 yards and 10 rushing TDs. Senior Brad Newsom also returns after leading the team with 110 tackles and 15 TFLs. Conner Frame graduated after he completed 55 of 123 passes for 1,140 yards with a 13/13 TD/ INT ratio.

Last year, Kinsley had 23 turnovers and finished minus-5 in turnover margin. In 2012, the Coyotes had just 10 turnovers and finished plus-4 in turnover margin.

3-6 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 8-Man I Central Prairie League Coach: Jeff Chambers (7th year, 25-30; 17th year, 109-72) Assistant: Jamie Castaneda Offense: Split Backs/Gun Defense: 4-2 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Brad Newson, OL/DL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Tyler Ferguson, OL/ LB, 5-8, 190, So.; Zach Crockett, E/DE, 6-1, 150, Sr.; Ross Frame, E/CB, 6-1, 150, Sr.; Tyler Espinosa, RB/ CB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Humberto Soto, RB/LB, 6-0, 190, So.; Edwin Ramirez, DE, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Conor Nicholl

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Kolt Washburn returns after rushing for nearly 1,000 yards with 10 TDs last season in a somewhat surprising state runnerup finish for what appeared to be a depleted Longhorn squad heading into the season. The 5-8, 155 senior also caught 10 passes for 191 yards and averaged 23.2 yards on 11 punt returns last year as a junior.

Washburn is the leader of the Longhorn secondary pulling down seven interceptions last year and picking up a fumble recovery.

Junior Robbie Carter and senior Will Crabill both return to help Washburn provide a formidable back end of the defense. Carter led the Longhorns with 100 tackles last year while Crabill pulled down four interceptions and tallied three sacks.

If the Longhorns are to make another deep run they’ll have to replace quarterback Alex Kreger (2,423 total yards in ‘13) and lineman Zech Shiew (team leading seven sacks).

Photo courtesy Jennifer Shiew

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

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LEBO WOLVES

LINCOLN LEOPARDS

LITTLE RIVER REDSKINS

LOGAN/PALCO TROJANS

The Wolves won’t be the most experienced team in the Lyon County League this year, but coach Troy McArthur will have plenty of talent on his roster.

“We’re gonna be young, but we have talent,” he said. “We can lean on our offensive line.”

That group includes two returning starters in guard Walker Fears and center Bryan Gilmore.

Lebo’s offense also returns tight end Thane Barker and running back Oakley Baldwin.

Barker was a second-team All-League selection last year. He was third on the team in receiving with 11 catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Baldwin ran for 378 yards and six scores in 2013.

On defense, the Wolves have linebacker R.J. Britton, Baldwin at safety, Barker at defensive end and Gilmore at nose guard.

Barker was Lebo’s second-leading tackler a year ago with 83 tackles plus he led the team with 12 tackles for loss.

The Wolves have established a tradition as one of the top teams in the Lyon County League by posting a winning record each of the last five seasons, including three straight trips to the state playoffs in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

“We need to come out and be the hardesthitting and most disciplined team,” McArthur said. He added that senior leadership and early success will be key to his team’s success this year.

Lebo will compete in 8-Man Division I District 3 along with Lyon County League rivals Burlingame and Madison, Peabody-Burns, Flinthills and Rural Vista, a combination of White City and Hope High Schools.

The good news for Lincoln is the return quarterback Zac Walter and offensive lineman Matt Davied, two of the top players in the state.

The bad news is the loss of five talented seniors to graduation, a very small returning senior class, and a new schedule that places them in one of the toughest districts in Kansas.

Walter returns to his quarterback and linebacker position after accounting for 2,386 total yards of offense and 36 touchdowns along with his 140 total tackles on defense, both top marks for the Leopards last year. Davied, one of the biggest linemen in all of 8-Man I at 6-3, 313 pounds, led the offensive line from the center position and was the team’s second leading tackler with 67 stops. Both players are entering just their junior season.

Third year head coach Garry Lowry welcomes two new assistants in Dalen Rathbun and Jason Curtis and enters his seventh year overall as a member of the Lincoln football coaching staff.

The Leopards lost four very close games in 2013 including two on the final play, but they played their best game of the season in a week nine win over Canton-Galva.

“We hope to build on our final game from the previous season where we played very well,” Lowry said. “We also hope to learn from close losses in 2013 and turn those into wins this year.

We hope to continue to build a quality football program that will compete in the state’s best district and turn out quality young men.”

The Leopard’s district includes Hanover, Clifton-Clyde, Rock Hills and Osborne. All four teams have made at least a trip to the semi-finals in one of the last two seasons, with Osborne last year’s Eight Man I champion, and Rock Hills the runner-up in 2012.

From year to year, football statisticians have proven the two most fickle statistics are results of close games and turnover margin. These numbers can vary drastically from year to year and cause big fluctuations in records. Little River’s 2013 season is a perfect example.

In 2012, the Redskins went 7-2 with a 34-32 Week 2 victory against Peabody-Burns and a 38-34 win against Central Plains in Week 9.

Little River had just eight turnovers and finished plus-9 in turnover margin. Last year, the Redskins had a young team and committed 23 turnovers (nine interceptions, 14 lost fumbles) and finished minus-8 in turnover margin. Five players attempted a pass – all five return – and the Redskins completed 47 of 116 for 815 yards and an 11/9 TD/INT ratio.

Last year, Little River opened with a 52-14 loss at Wakefield; Little River defeated Wakefield 52-28 in 2012. Then, the Redskins fell 46-22 to Peabody-Burns. Little River finished the season with three straight losses, including 38-14 in Week 9 to Central Plains.

This year, coach Paul Dold wants the Redskins to earn a playoff spot and win league. 2011 is the lone playoff appearance since ‘05.

Senior Grant Harvey returns after he rushed 103 times for 778 yards and 13 scores. Harvey also led the team with 122 tackles for a team that had just two seniors.

“Disciplined execution on both sides of the ball,” Dold said of the team’s keys. “Building an ‘All-In’ team attitude and willingness to sacrifice.”

Logan-Palco chose to co-op several months before the 2013 season because of Palco’s low numbers. The teams were both Eight-Man Division II programs, but bumped to Eight-Man Division I when the schools combined. Because it was the second season of a two-year cycle, Logan-Palco couldn’t be placed in a new district and wasn’t able to qualify for the playoffs.

Still, the Trojans, led by eighth-man all-star quarterback Brett Pinkerton and junior fullback Richard Zeiters, delivered a solid season.

Logan-Palco outscored opponents 344-288, defeated rival Northern Valley 66-40 in Week 4, and also beat Natoma 50-34. Both Northern Valley and Natoma finished 5-4. The previous year, Logan and Palco had just two wins combined as separate schools. Logan ended a threegame losing streak against Northern Valley.

Pinkerton graduated after he threw for 882 yards with 15 scores against six interceptions and rushed for 745 yards and 10 TDs. But Zeiters returns after he rushed 140 times for 786 yards and 12 scores. Zeiters finished with 23 pancake blocks, second-most on the team. Kyle Pakkebier also graduated after he led the team with 144 tackles, 16 for loss.

Second-year coach Dustin Patee said the keys will be “filling the holes left by a great senior class,” and “not forgetting what made us good last year.”

“Our goals this season will guide us to improve on our 5-4 mark,” Patee said. “We want to continue upward, not to backtrack into a losing atmosphere.”

4-5 in 2013/ 2-3 in district / 8-Man I Wheat State League Coach: Paul Dold (5th year, 24-13; 10th overall, 50-31) Assistant: Chad Lafferty Offense: I Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Laramie Peters, LB/FB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Grant Harvey, TB/S, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Chord Zeller, C/DE, 6-5, 210, Sr.; Cordell Moore, QB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Zach Galyon, CB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Logan Hodgson, G, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Stan Wright, G, 5-10, 180, Jr. Conor Nicholl

5-4 in 2013 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man I Western Kansas Liberty League Coach: Dustin Patee (2nd year, 5-4) Assistants: Michael Delimont, Brent Orme Offense: Option Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 5 Defense Richard Zeiters, FB, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Riley Nyp, RB, 5-11, 175, Soph.; Regan Kats, TE/DE, 6-3, 195, Jr.; Josh Van Laeys, DE, 6-3, 185, Soph.; Dustin Hamel, LB, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Joseph Salinas, LB, 5-9, 200, Jr. Conor Nicholl

6-3 in 2013 / 4-2 in district / 8-Man I Lyon County League Coach: Troy McArthur (4th year, 19-7) Assistants: Dennis Becker, Terry Griffith Offense: I-formation Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 3 Defense Walker Fears, G; Bryan Gilmore, C/NG; Thane Barker, TE/DE; Oakley Baldwin, RB/S; R.J. Britton, LB.

4-5 in 2013 / 1-4 in district / 8-Man I Northern Plains League Coach: Garry Lowry (3rd year, 8-10) Assistants: Dalen Rathbun, Jason Curtis Offense: Option Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 6 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 3 Defense Zac Walter, QB/LB, 6-1, 195, Jr.; Matt Davied, OL/DL, Melanie McGee 6-3, 313, Jr.; August Walter, OL, 6-2, 212, So.; Kyle Cavalli, DB, 5-8, 165, Sr.

MADISON/HAMILTON BULLDOGS

John Baetz

Madison captured eight-man crowns in 2010 and ’11 before it lost to Mankato-Rock Hills in the sub-state championship game in 2012. In 2013, Madison opened with a 29-28 victory in Macksville is one of the state’s top eight-man Barber and Pratt Skyline. Chet Skinner takes a high-profile matchup at Baileyville B&B, the programs in the last 10 years, but has fallen on over for Jeff Kuckelman this season. eventual Eight-Man, Division II state champion. hard times the last two seasons, especially 2013. New coach Chet Skinner was a standout Then, Madison beat a strong MdCV squad 36Macksville won the Eight-Man Division I state football and basketball player in the mid and 22 en route to a 7-0 start. championship with a 13-0 mark in ’07, made late 2000s for Montezuma-South Gray. He’s But in Week 8, Madison lost 40-34 to Peathe semifinals in ’06 and ’08 and reached the without Tranbarger, who threw for 1,126 yards second round in ’05, ’09 and ’11. The Mustangs with an 11/3 TD/INT and also rushed for 1,108 body-Burns, a game that cost the Bulldogs the district championship. Madison had to travel also had playoff appearances in ’02, ’03 and yards and 20 scores. He also led the team by a to Osborne in the first round of the playoffs ’10. big margin with 126 tackles and five TFLs and and lost in a game for the ages, 40-34. Osborne Macksville had all-state quarterback and three interceptions. went on to win the state championship and standout all-around athlete Tanner Tranbarger Macksville forced just eight turnovers, a very set an eight-man record for points scored. The the last four years, but struggled to 4-5 and 1-8 low number, and finished minus-3 in turnover marks in ’12 and ’13. Macksville permitted 42.2 margin. The Mustangs had 13 forced turnovers district loss was the first since a 30-16 defeat to points per game in 2012 and allowed 526 points in the 4-5 season in ‘12 and 29 turnovers (plus- Lebo in Week 8 of the 2009 season.

Senior running back Owen Reed had 190 (58.4 per game) last season, worst in Eight-Man 20 margin) in the 10-1 mark in ‘11. carries for 1,608 yards and 22 scores as a junior.

Division I, according to preppowerindex.com.

Senior quarterback Dustin Stutesman completed The Mustangs played a difficult Central Prairie 1-8 in 2013 / 1-5 in district / 8-Man I Central Prairie League 42 of 64 passes for 10 scores. Senior linebacker League schedule and had the No. 6-hardest Coach: Chet Skinner (1st year) Gavin Beyer has 14 career takeways and more SOS. Assistant: N/A than 150 total tackles. Junior Tylen Coe had The Mustangs did score 308 points (34.2 per Offense: N/A Defense: N/A 82 carries for 825 yards and 16 TDs with five game), but its lone victory was a 58-36 Week Returning lettermen: N/A interceptions last year.

4 win against St. John. The schedule included Returning starters: N/A From 2000-13, Madison has won or shared a 58-30 loss to Victoria, a 50-48 defeat to Ness Conor Nicholl nine league titles, collected eight district City, 70-32 to Kiowa County, 64-28 to South

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championships, five regional titles, made five appearances in the sub-state title game and gone 2-0 in the state championship.

“Our team goals are to win the Lyon County League Championship and return to Newton to battle for a state title. Our seniors were in Newton as freshman and they are hungry to return,” coach Fred McClain said. “We have one of the physically strongest teams we’ve had at Madison and our key to success is that we show up in great running shape on day one of practice.”

8-2 in 2013 / 4-1 in district / 8-Man I Lyon County League Coach: Fred McClain (16th year, 152-36) Assistants: Tracy Griffin, Brett Dannels Offense: Wing T Defense: 3-2 Returning Lettermen: 12 Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense Owen Reed, RB/DE, 6-1, 231, Sr.; Gavin Beyer, TE/LB, 6-4, 227, Sr.; Justin Rayburn, NG/TE, 6-5, 238, Jr.; Dustin Stutesman, QB/CB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Blaine Platt, OG/LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Tylen Coe, RB/CB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Braden Livers, S, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Quentin Haas, CB, 5-9, 162, Sr. Conor Nicholl

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Rock Hills had a seven-win decrease after graduating all but two starters on each side of the ball and changing coaches from an 11-2 state runner-up squad in 2012. Rock Hills has made the playoffs in 2009, ’11 and ’12 and second-year coach Brock McMillan wants to return to the playoffs this season.

McMillan said a key for the season is a threeperson senior class taking “full leadership” of the team with a big junior class behind them.

Rock Hills opened 0-4 last season against a strong schedule of Thunder Ridge (60-30), Hanover (50-22), Linn (24-20) and Clifton-Clyde (44-20). But the Grizzles managed to win four in a row before a 52-6 Week 9 loss to eventual state champion Osborne.

Rock Hills outscored opponents 360-330.

Junior Joel Broeckelman played in just two games because of injury and finished with 174 rushing yards; he has 2,099 all-purpose yards for his career.

Rock Hills will play in the extremely difficult Eight-Man Division I, District 4 that includes Clifton-Clyde, Hanover and Osborne.

“We also have to stay healthy this season, as that was a major factor at the beginning of last year,” McMillan said. “Once again we will find ourselves in a very tough and competitive district. To have a successful season, we will have to rely on our ability to perform at a consistent level of high intensity and our stressed attention to detail in all phases of preparation and performance.

Marais des Cygnes Valley advanced to the playoffs in each of the first two seasons under head coach Butch Jones, but the Trojans will have to replace a load of talent and leadership in 2014.

“We need to regroup and find leadership,” said the longtime coach Jones, who enters his 28th season overall with a 198-82 record. “We really enjoy the challenges that every new season presents. With low numbers in the senior class, it will become very important for the underclassmen to take on leadership and accountability. This will become very important to our team’s execution and aggressiveness. It will be interesting to see how some of these young men grow and change. We have good interest, work ethic and team cohesiveness. We will need to continue this to have an opportunity to be successful. We will need to be a true team.”

The Trojans finished 9-2 in 2013. Their only two losses were 36-22 to traditional powerhouse Madison and 68-52 to eventual 8-Man Division I state champion Osborne in the second round of the playoffs.

Marais des Cygnes Valley graduated a pair of 2013 Kpreps.com 8-Man Division I All-State performers in running back Kaden Vanderpool and linebacker Matt Jones, who was also a Kansas Pregame coverboy in 2013.

The Trojans return three full-time starters on each side of the ball and two more part-time starters on offense and defense.

Senior Mitch Saffle and junior Marquise Mitchell return as multiple-year starters on the offensive and defensive lines. Junior Cody Patterson is back at tight end and middle linebacker. Josh Sowers and Eric Marshall return as running backs and defensive backs.

South Gray finished 4-5 for the second straight season and went 3-2 in a competitive district and finished third behind Hodgeman County and Spearville. In coach Aaron Law’s first year, the Rebels outscored opponents 308-276. Last year, opponents outscored South Gray 358-292.

The Rebels opened 0-2 with a 34-30 loss to Ingalls and then a 48-0 defeat against Kiowa County. After a 52-20 win versus struggling Bucklin, South Gray lost 38-6 to Rolla. Then, the Rebels beat Satanta (62-14), Minneola (64-44) and Deerfield (56-54) before losses to Spearville (56-22) and Hodgeman County (50-0).

“We are looking to play Rebel Football game in and game out,” Law said. “We started to show our style of play during district play putting ourselves into a position the last two weeks to make the playoffs. We want to continue to play with a relentless style of football that we showed at the end of last season.”

Law said team speed is still an area of weakness. The team returns its entire offensive line but senior Carson Skidmore, who would’ve returned for his third year at quarterback, decided not go out for football. Senior tight end Jake Peters is in his third year as a starter and is one of eight-man’s more talented players.

Finding a fullback and tailback is key after the Rebels graduated three seniors in the backfield rotation. South Gray’s final month of district play goes versus Ness City, at Hodgeman County, versus Dighton and at Spearville.

“We cannot allow teams we are playing to get into the second level of our defense so our defensive line and linebackers have to continue to play at a high level week in and week out,” Law said. “With our entire offensive line back we have great consistency and knowledge up front.”

Just two seasons ago, the Marmaton Valley Wildcats enjoyed a 10-1 season that ended in the second round of the 8-Man Division I playoffs.

But a lot has changed for the Wildcats since then. Kent Houk, who directed Marmaton Valley to two playoff appearances in three seasons as head coach, resigned a few days before the start of the 2013 season. With Dan Uhlrich, Kyle McAloon and Derek Scharff serving as co-head coaches, Marmaton Valley finished 1-8 this past fall. The Wildcats’ only victory came against winless Elk Valley.

Now, first-year head coach Justin Hurley, who has been an assistant at Labette County, Parsons and Independence, hopes to get the Marmaton Valley program back on track.

“One of our first goals is to increase our numbers to get our kids excited about the program,” Hurley said. “I feel our goals are just like any other teams in the state, and that’s to play hard, be tough, be competitive, to win league and district and to have a chance to advance in the state playoffs.”

Marmaton Valley will try to do so with 12 returning lettermen and five returning starters on each side of the ball.

Those returning starters include senior running back and linebacker Trent Johnson, junior running back and defensive back Michael Beggs, junior tight end and defensive back Keghan Boyd, junior tight end and defensive lineman Brady Newman and junior offensive and defensive lineman Gage Adams.

“Our senior and junior leadership will be our biggest key to success,” Hurley said. “Their ability to take this team and guide it through the summer workouts and this season will be huge for us. Several will have to step up and fill big roles on this team, as well as bringing along several underclassmen.”

4-5 in 2013 / 2-3 in district / 8-Man I Northern Plains League Coach: Brock McMillan (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: Matt Hesting, Sam Meyers Offense: Multiple Set Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 3 Defense Joel Broeckelman, HB/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Logan Schwerman, TE/DE, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Grant Davis, OL/DL, 5-9, 240, Jr.; Tucker Johanek, TE/DB, 6-2, 150, Jr.; Spencer Calloway, QB/RB/DB, 5-9, 150, Jr.

9-2 in 2013 / 5-0 in district / 8-Man I Lyon County League Coach: Butch Jones (3rd year, 15-6; 28th overall, 198-82) Assistants: Danny Rice, Brock Baxter Offense: Off-set I Defense: 3-2 Conor Nicholl Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Mitch Saffle, C/DL; 6-0, 230, Sr.; Cody Patterson, TE/ MLB, 6-2, 220, Jr.; Marquise Mitchell, OL/DL, 5-8, 250, Jr.; Josh Sowers, RB/DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Eric Marshall, RB/DB, 5-9, 150, Jr.

4-5 in 2013/ 3-2 in district / 8-Man I Southern Plains Iroquois Coach: Aaron Law (2nd year, 4-5) Assistant: Tony Luetters Offense: I-formation Defense: 3-2 Returning Lettermen: 17 Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Andrew McVey, TE/DE, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Jake Peters, TE/ DE, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Charlie Coleman, OL/LB, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Nicholas Powell, OL/DL, 5-9, 280, Sr.; Quinten Mast, RB/DB, 5-7, 130, Jr.; Richard Racy, QB/DB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Mark Schremmer David Enns, RB/DB, 5-8, 150, So.

1-8 in 2013 / 0-5 in district / 8-Man I Three Rivers League Coach: Justin Hurley (1st year) Assistants: Dan Uhlrich, Derek Scharff, Gavin Cole Offense: Option Defense: 3-3-2 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Trent Johnson, RB/LB, 5-9, 210, Sr.; Keghan Boyd, TE/ CB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Gage Adams, OL/DL, 6-1, 240, Jr.; Brady Newman, TE/DL, 6-4, 170, Jr.; Michael Beggs, RB/ CB, 5-8, 145, Jr.

Conor Nicholl

Mark Schremmer

www.csbanc.com Player Spotlight: Zac Walter Walter, a 6-0, 185 pound junior, was the offensive leader for the Leopards last year as a sophomore, accounting for 2,386 total yards and 36 touchdowns from his quarterback position. Walter passed for 841 yards with 12 TDs, but really tore things up on the ground rushing for 1,545 yards with 24 more scores.

But as explosive a player Walter is on offense, defense may be his strength.

As a freshman in 2012 he was the team leader with 102 tackles and he backed it up with 140 total tackles, including 85 solo, last fall. For his two season high school football career he has tallied 244 total tackles with four sacks, two tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery, and he still has two seasons left.

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz Kansas Pregame

Player Spotlight: Joel Broeckelman The diminutive Broeckelman who stands 5-8, 160 pounds, is one of the best running backs in 8-Man football.

He played in just two games because of injury last season and finished with 328 total yards.

He burst on the scene in 2012 as a sophomore with 2,099 all-purpose yards, including 1,343 yards rushing, 207 receiving, 353 yards in kick returns, and 196 in punt returns, with 32 rushing touchdowns.

If the Grizzlies are to return to the form that delivered a state title game bid in 2012, it will be on the shoulders of a healthy Broeckelman, but it won’t be easy, district opponents included a loaded Hanover squad, defending state champion Osborne, and semifinalist Clifton-Clyde.

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz The Grizz do return five other players with starting Kansas Pregame experience.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 100

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Ness City graduated nearly everyone after a 13-0 season, Eight-Man Division I state championship and one of the most dominant seasons in Kansas eight-man history in 2012.

In 2013 the Eagles posted a winning record – the fourth straight non-losing season under coach Chris Bamberger – and outscored opponents 290-250. The Eagles finished 2-1 in Central Prairie League play and went 3-2 in district play with losses to Hoxie and Rawlins County. Ness City opened the season with two victories and pushed its winning streak to 15 games before it lost to Victoria (42-14) and Jetmore-Hodgeman County (26-14), teams that went to the second round and to the state championship, respectively.

After a 40-22 victory versus Quinter, Ness City lost 44-26 at Hoxie, beat WaKeeney-Trego 26-6, lost to Atwood 42-22 and beat Hill City 52-6.

Bamberger wants to develop “key underclassmen” to fit roles needed to fill starting positions and set a goal to qualify for the playoffs “through an extremely competitive district.”

Bamberger wants to stay healthy through districts, establish offensive identity and be able to run the ball, and be able to stop the power run game defensively.

Senior quarterback Tanner McMillen passed for 752 yards (13/4 TD/INT) and collected 94 carries for 595 yards and 10 scores.

Ness City will play in Eight-Man Division I District 7 with Dighton-Healy, Hodgeman County, South Gray, Spearville and WaKeeney.

Dighton reached the second round of the playoffs last season, while Hodgeman County, Spearville and South Gray are expected to be solid. Ness City finishes with three straight home games against Dighton, WaKeeney and Hodgeman County. The Dighton contest is the first time the two teams have played since ending an 11-man co-operative agreement five years ago.

Longtime athletic director and wrestling coach Joe Dreher, in his 19th season with Oberlin, has improved the Red Devils’ football program since taking over two years ago. Oberlin has made the playoffs in both seasons of Class 2-1A play with 4-6 and 5-5 records, but will drop down to Eight-Man, Division I for the first time in school history this year.

Oberlin has more students in grades 9-11 (84) than some 2-1A schools, but scheduling was becoming a factor for the Red Devils. Virtually all schools of similar sizes around Oberlin were dropping to the eight-man ranks. Oberlin will play in District 8 with Atwood, Hill City, Logan/Palco, Quinter, St. Francis and Stockton.

Oberlin is 2-8 all-time in the playoffs with both wins coming in 1977.

Dreher fought injuries in his first season and some last fall, too. In addition, Oberlin played last year without a set quarterback. Four players threw a pass and combined to go 43 of 87 for 449 yards with a 4/6 TD/INT ratio.

Dreher’s son, Dayton, graduated after he led the team with 144 carries for 978 yards and 16 scores, 1,535 all-purpose yards, 114 tackles and two interceptions. Bryson Wesley (461 rush, 4 TDs) and Troy Juenemann (319 rush, two TDs, team-high 200 receiving yards) return in the backfield. Rex Diederich finished with 94 tackles and a team-high three TFLs in ’13; he already has 238 tackles and four fumble recoveries in his career.

Dreher said the team’s keys will be execution, fundamentals and limiting mistakes.

“Going to 8-man we will have some things to learn,” Dreher said. “We need to look to improve each week.”

Osborne set multiple state records en route to a seven-win improvement, a perfect season and the school’s second football title, the first since 1983.

In 2012, the Bulldogs started off 6-1, but injuries derailed the season, which ended 6-3 and out of the playoffs. Last year, Osborne had virtually no margin for error with injuries because of a small roster, but managed to stay healthy.

Osborne became the first eight-man team to win a state crown the year after not making the playoffs since Midway-Denton in 2000.

Osborne went through what coach Steve Tiernan called a “Murderer’s Row” lineup of Madison, MdCV and Clifton-Clyde in the playoffs to reach the state finale; all three games were within 16 points, two by a single touchdown. In the championship, Osborne defeated Hodgeman County 56-8 in a game called in the fourth quarter because of the 45-point rule.

Quarterback Jake Tiernan, the coach’s son, helped Osborne set eight-man records for single season points (760) and individual and team completion percentage (78 percent). Brandt Wolters returns after hauling in 36 catches for 676 yards and 14 catches, and finished with 125 tackles, 11 for loss, both team-highs.

Osborne will have a brutal schedule and possibly the state’s toughest district in EightMan Division I, District 4. Osborne plays at Thunder Ridge and Beloit/St. John’s-Tipton in non-district and at Hanover and Clifton-Clyde in district play. The latter three all made a substate game last season, while Thunder Ridge made back-to-back state game appearances in ‘11 and ‘12 with a title in ’12.

“Get better everyday,” Tiernan said of the team’s philosophy adding, “(We need to) stay healthy. Young guys are going to have to step up and play.”

Oxford Wildcats coach Shawn Burkes doesn’t have any long-winded or complex goals for his team in 2014.

It took Burkes only three words in his preseason questionnaire to describe the Wildcats’ mission.

“Make the playoffs,” Burkes simply stated.

The goal seems reasonable for an Oxford team that has posted a 5-4 record in each of the past two seasons.

The eight-man squad returns five starters on each side of the ball from a team that averaged 41.8 points per game last season.

Not only does Oxford return the majority of its starters, but the Wildcats also return some pretty good ones.

Senior fullback and linebacker Colter Silhan and senior running back and defensive back Daelyn Haskins each received all-state honorable mention last season.

The Wildcats also return senior center and defensive end Oggie Shimkus, senior tight end and nose guard Kody Keown and senior tight end and free safety Tim Catlin.

Oxford will need to improve its defense against top-tier teams. The Wildcats allowed opponents to score only 18 points per game during wins but gave up an average of 41.5 points over their four losses.

The schedule will be difficult out of the gates for the Wildcats. Oxford will face South Haven and South Barber in the first two games in 2014. Both opponents won eight games and advanced to the playoffs last season.

The Wildcats will compete in 8-Man Division I, District 2 against Burden-Central, Cedar Vale/ Dexter, Howard-West Elk, Sedan and Udall.

Oxford faces Udall twice this season with the Oct. 30 game counting for districts.

Durability will be key for an Oxford team that returns 11 lettermen from a year ago.

“We need to avoid injuries and develop some depth,” Burkes said.

5-4 in 2013 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man I Central Prairie League Coach: Chris Bamberger (5th year, 31-11) Assistants: Dave Kempke, Cade Scott Offense: Option Defense: 3-4 Returning Lettermen: 6 Returning Starters: 4 Offense, 3 Defense Kyle Harris, TE, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Pedro Flores, RB, 5-7, 158, Sr.; Jacob Hoss, RB, 5-6, 155, Sr.; Tanner McMillen, QB, 5-11, 155, Sr.; Devon McInnis, OL, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Dakota Stephen, OL, 6-3, 220, Sr. Conor Nichol

5-5 in 2013 / 3-1 in district / 8-Man I Northwest Kansas League Coach: Joe Dreher (3rd year, 9-11) Assistants: Caleb Howland, Brandon Gehring Offense: Split Backs, I Defense: 3-2 Returning Lettermen: 11 Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense Bryson Wesley, RB/DB, Jr.; Troy Juenemann, RB/DB, Sr.; Kelden Breth, QB/DB, Sr.; Noah Nelson, QB/LB, Jr.; Regent Erickson, OL/DL, Sr.; Tabor Erickson, RB/ DE, So.; Gabe Anderson, RB/LB, Sr.; Rex Diederich, OL/LB, Sr.

13-0 in 2013 / 6-0 in district / 8-Man I Northern Plains League Coach: Steve Tiernan (4th year, 29-5; 13th overall, 119-18) Assistant: Cullen Riner Offense: Pro Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 4 Defense Brandt Wolters, TE/LB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Parkes Wolters, DB, 6-0, 145, Sr.; Shane Hendrickson, C/LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Conor Nicholl Jake Tiernan, QB, 6-0, 195, Jr.

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5-4 in 2013 / 3-3 in district / 8-Man I South Central Border Coach: Shawn Burkes (8th year) Assistants: Kyle Green, Josh Wheeler Offense: I or T formations Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 5 offense, 5 defense Colter Silhan, FB/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Daelyn Haskins, RB/ DB, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Oggie Shimkus, C/DE, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Conor Nicholl Kody Keown, TE/NG, 5-7, 190, Sr.; Tim Catlin, TE/FS, 6-1, 160, Sr. Mark Schremmer

Player Spotlights: Wolters & Tiernan Much is gone from last year’s 8-Man I state title team, namely Kenton Ubelaker and Maverick LeRock, now walk-ons at Fort Hays State University.

But two key components are back for another run at a championship, junior quarterback Jake Tiernan, and senior tight end/linebacker Brandt Wolters.

Tiernan, coach Steve Tiernan’s son, helped Osborne set eight-man records for single season points (760) and individual and team completion percentage (78 percent). The 6-0, 195 pound Tiernan was one of the most efficient passers in Kansas last year, completing 100 of 129 attempts for 1,653 yards with 28 touchdowns and just five interceptions.

Wolters, 6-1, 200 pounds, returns after hauling in 36 catches for 676 yards and 14 TDs, and will be the leader of the defense after he finished with 125 tackles, 11 for loss, both team-highs on last year’s 8-Man I title team.

Tiernan is also a defensive key for the Bulldogs after posting 46 tackles and three interceptions in the secondary last year.

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz Kansas Pregame

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 101

PEABODY-BURNS WARRIORS

PLEASANTON BLU-JAYS

PRATT-SKYLINE THUNDERBIRDS

The Warriors pulled off a stunning comeback upset of top ranked Madison in week eight last year to lock-in a playoff berth and provide one of 2013’s most memorable moments.

Madison built a 28-0 lead early in the second quarter of the contest but the Warriors scored 32 unanswered points to take the lead and the two teams exchanged scores in the final period with Peabody-Burns clinching the thrilling district victory, 40-34, in the final 2:15 of the game.

Coming off an 8-2 season, Peabody-Burns will look to continue a trend of recent success. The Warriors were defeated in the playoffs 42-26

by Clifton-Clyde, an eventual 8-Man Division I semifinalist.

In the past 10 years, Peabody-Burns has found a spot in the postseason six times. Those trips, however, have been short-lived, as the Warriors have been unable to make a deep run. That is not to say they were not competitive.

Peabody-Burns’ district remains relatively stable despite the reclassifications across the state. The most notable change comes as the Warriors’ district drops from a seven-man field to six. Hartford and Centre-Lost Springs dropped down to 8-Man Division II. That won’t make the path easier for the Warriors. White City combines with regular playoff qualifier Hope to form Rural Vista and fill one deserted spot. While quality opponents Madison and Lebo will make things interesting. An experienced Burlingame squad and Flinthills rounds out the district slate.

Of the Warriors eight wins last season, seven came by 22 points or more. Only fellow playoff squad Madison (a six-point victory for Peabody-Burns) was able to keep the contest tight in defeat. Peabody-Burns’ defense stood tall, allowing 174 points over 10 games.

Among those leading the charge for PeabodyBurns this season are Braxton Kyle and Clayton Philpott.

The bad news for the Pleasanton Blu-Jays is that they finished 3-6 and failed to make the playoffs in 2013. The good news is that they won two out of their last four games.

Pleasanton hopes it can use that as momentum heading into the 2014 campaign.

The Blu-Jays displayed offensive power during their three victories. They defeated Colony-Crest 48-0, St. Paul 58-38 and Marmaton Valley 36-4.

Most of Pleasanton’s losses also were lopsided. Pleasanton fell 50-0 to North Andrew (Mo.), 64-18 to Chetopa, 38-8 to Yates Center, 56-18 to Uniontown and 51-0 to Marais des Cygnes Valley. The Blu-Jays’ only game that was decided within two touchdowns was a 28-22 loss to Southern Coffey Co. Pleasanton will compete in an 8-Man Division I district with Marais des Cygnes Valley, Marmaton Valley, St. Paul, Uniontown and Waverly.

Skyline coach Jon Novotny thinks this could be the year that his team snaps a 15-year playoff drought. The Thunderbirds return 11 senior lettermen and must replace only one starter from the 2013 team, which went 5-4.

“With 11 returning senior lettermen, the number one goal is to make the playoffs for the first time in 15 seasons,” he said. “A tough nondistrict schedule will help test us early.”

Skyline returns senior running backs Dan Hacker and Dustin Weber, senior tight ends Colin Little and Chanler Simar, senior linemen Layton Kenworthy, Blake Lee and Landon Lee, as well as junior lineman Brady McComb.

“Depth and experience along a big, physical offensive line that has been together for three years will set the tone for us,” Novotny said.

8-2 in 2013 / 5-1 in district / 8-Man I Wheat State League Coach: David Pickens Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning letterman: N/A Returning starters: N/A

QUINTER BULLDOGS

Quinter will be one of eight-man’s most experienced teams and will look to improve after back-to-back sub. 500 seasons. Second-year coach Jeff Ruckman, the longtime defensive coordinator and second year head coach, said the keys will be team workouts, team camp, team trust and team service.

“Play and train with all your might,” Ruckman, a former starting UCLA nose guard, said of the team’s keys. “Serve your teammates, be prepared to play every position.”

Senior Jason Werth is a four-year starter, senior Brett Crist has started since midway through his freshman year and senior Tyler Waggoner has started at quarterback most of the last two seasons. Werth played in just six contests last year because of injury, but had 66 tackles and tied for the team high with two 5-4 in 2013 / 3-3 in district / 8-Man I fumble recoveries. Werth has 252 career tackles Heart of the Plains League and has averaged 10.1 tackles per game in his Coach: Jon Novotny (9th year, 27-45) career. Crist has 949 total yards and 7.5 sacks in Assistant: Andrew Nation 3-6 in 2013 / 2-3 in district / 8-Man I his career and has played a variety of positions.

Offense: Power I Defense: 35 Three Rivers League Waggoner completed 41 of 102 for 662 yards Returning lettermen: 12 Coach: N/A with a 10/8 TD/INT and has thrown for 972 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 8 Defense Assistants: N/A Dustin Weber, RB/DB, 6-1, 160, Sr.; Dan Hacker, RB/ yards with a 17/12 TD/INT in his career.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A LB, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Layton Kenworthy, OL/DL, 6-3, 240, Quinter is 2-10 in its last 12 contests and is Returning lettermen: N/A Sr.; Landon Lee, OL/DL, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Blake Lee, OL/ likely to have just 11 non-freshmen players out Returning starters: N/A LB, 5-9, 230, Sr.; Chanler Simar, TE/LB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; with four seniors.

Mark Schremmer Colin Little, TE/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Brady McComb, OL/ The first three weeks will likely give a clear DL, 6-0, 190, Jr. picture of Quinter’s season with a road game Melanie McGee against Dighton and then home contests with Hoxie and Hill City before district play in Eight-Man Division I, District 8 with eight-man newcomers Oberlin and St. Francis. last year, but the year goes out like a lion as The Flinthills Mustangs are coming off a the Mustangs play in a brutal 8-Man I, District tough season where they scored only 86 points 2-7 in 2013 / 1-4 in district / 8-Man I 3 with games against powerhouse Madison and posted only one win.

Northwest Kansas League The defense was pourous allowing 392 points and strong teams in Lebo, Peabody-Burns and Coach: Jeff Ruckman (2nd year, 2-7) Rural Vista, the co-op of Hope and White City. Assistant: Brian Roesch against what was considered the 44th toughest A Burlingame team that returns plenty of talent Offense: Shot Gun Spread Defense: 3-2-3 schedule in 8-Man I last year, according to Returning lettermen: 10 and a first year coach also presents a challenge www.preppowerindex.com.

Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense The 1-8 season was a three win decrease from in district play.

Jason Werth, TE/ILB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Chad Mohler, FB/LB, a 4-5 season in 2012. The Mustangs were 2-7 5-9, 195, Sr.; Tyler Waggoner, QB/DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Brett 1-8 in 2013 / 1-5 in district / 8-Man I in 2011.

Crist, TE/DE, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Lane Keith, FB/CB, 5-5, 145, South Central Border League So.; Jonah Ruckman, WR/CB, 5-8, 135, So. Flinthills posted one district win and no wins Coach: Shane Thorton against South Central Border League teams Assistants: N/A Conor Nicholl last fall.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A The 2014 schedule opens like a relative lamb Returning letterman: N/A with games against Cedar Vale/Dexter, Central Returning starters: N/A Pregame Staff Pregame Staff Burden, and Elk Valley, all teams that struggled

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Rural Vista is a first-year co-op between Hope and White City, the schools that form the Rural Vista School District. The schools will remain open, but first came together for volleyball and boys’ and girls’ basketball last season.

Coach Jeff Hostetter and assistant Joe Ross, longtime coaches at Hope, will take over the program. The team is expected to be very young, but has around 22 players out.

“It will come down to how hard the boys want to work and their will to be successful,” Hostetter said. “It will depend on how fast we can learn the system and how fast we can build chemistry on how successful we will be.”

Hostetter is believed to be the all-time leader in football victories among Rule 10 coaches.

Hope has never been under .500 since his first season, and has made the playoffs 19 of the past 21 years.

Last season, Hope’s lone losses came in a Week 1, 36-34, defeat to Solomon and a 52-0 loss to Hanover in the playoffs. Hope defeated White City, 54-6, in Week 4, but the Huskies

won their last four games of the season.

Together, Rural Vista is just big enough to be an Eight-Man, Division I school this season.

“The big key is how fast we can build team chemistry,” Hostetter said. “We will be a very young team. I hope to improve every week.

We all need to know our job to help the team get better from week to week. We have good speed we need to work on defense to be more aggressive.”

8-2 (Hope); 4-5 (White City) in 2013 / 6-0 (Hope); 2-4 (White City) in district / 8-Man I Wheat State League Coach: Jeff Hostetter (24th year, 204-64) Assistant: Joe Ross Offense: Option Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Quenton Adkins, E, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Brantly Floyd, OL, 6-0, 204, Jr.; Loyd Worrel, E, 5-9, 160, Sr.; John Setgast, B, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Trace Hostetter, B, 5-9, 145, So.; Jareth Barten, B, 5-6, 140, So.; Bradly Jackson, DL, 6-0, 185, So. Conor Nicholl

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 102

Good luck to all area athletes!

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SEDAN BLUE DEVILS

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A year ago, Sedan’s offensive and defensive lines could be best described as young and undersized. With young linemen getting a taste of varsity football, the Blue Devils struggled to a 2-7 record, but coach Mick Holt expects that experience to pay off in 2014.

“We were undersized last year, starting three sophomores for most of the season,” he said.

“Hopefully our line will be much improved.”

Sedan has six starters back on both sides of the ball, including senior lineman Chester Cummings and junior linemen Geraland Bailey, Adam Clark (OL) and Michael Sims (DL).

Senior Tyler Holt is back under center and at linebacker while senior Mitchel Walter returns at running back and safety. The Blue Devils also have junior tight end/safety Jonathon Smilko back in the starting lineup.

Goals for Sedan this year include finishing with a winning record and making the playoffs, according to Holt.

The Blue Devils will open their season with trips to Elk Valley and South Haven before the home opener Sept. 19 against Marmaton Valley.

Sedan last made the playoffs in 2008, a 2-7 season in their last year of 11-Man which saw them qualify by posting one win in a three team district that included West Elk and Oswego.

The Blue Devils posted 7-2 and 8-1 records in 2010 and ‘11 but did not qualify for the playoffs losing once in district play and losing the tiebreaker by points.

Solomon opened last season ranked No. 2 in Eight-Man Division I, but eventually finished 8-2 and lost in the first round to Kiowa County, 50-14. The Gorillas tallied 518 points, but allowed 370. Solomon, which reached the substate game in 2012 for the school’s best season since 1940.

Solomon graduated standout quarterback Colton Shirack and running backs Mason Demars and Mark Aylward, all whom had at least 1,146 total yards.

“We really need to improve on a daily basis,” new Solomon coach Justin Coup said. “With a new offense and defense it will be key to understand the importance of daily routine and learning all aspects of the new program. It will be a tough district, but making it out of districts should be a goal for every team.”

Solomon, 18-4 in the last two years, went 4-1 in district play each season with both losses coming to Central Plains. This year, Solomon is again with Central Plains, expected to be one of the state’s top teams, in Eight-Man, Division I, District 5.

Sophomore Nathan Webb returns after he was second with 66 tackles last year. The Gorillas also return plenty of size of front in TE/DE Blake Homman (6-4, 225), G/DL Zach Neilson (6-1, 242), and C/DL Josh Cook (5-8, 225).

“How quickly we pick-up on the new terminology and how well we adapt to moving out of our comfort zones,” Coup said of the season’s keys. “They have been familiar with certain ways, but how quickly they decide to buy in to a new way will determine how far this group will go.”

While many will expect a step-back with the loss of so much talent at the skill positions, deep, talented junior varsity teams could keep the Gorillas a contender in Coup’s first season.

Coach Matt Fowler has built Spearville from the ground floor and has the Lancers among the top teams in Eight-Man Division I this season.

Spearville had posted marks of 5-5, 3-6, 1-8, 0-9 and 5-4 before an 8-2 record last fall. It marked the best record in the last 10 years for the program.

Spearville hasn’t won a playoff game since a 6-5 record in 2006. The Lancers are 7-14 all-time in the playoffs and advanced to the semifinals in ’78, ’96 and ’97.

This year, Fowler has an experienced group that returns eight offensive and seven defensive starters. Junior quarterback Nathan Stein completed 35 of 61 passes for 723 yards with a 13/2 TD/INT ratio last season. He also rushed 137 times for 1,150 yards and 21 scores. Sophomore running back Luke Heskamp had 71 carries for 717 yards with 11 TDs. Stein and Heskamp went 1-2 in tackles with 74 and 47.

The Lancers had just four turnovers last season and finished plus-8 in turnover margin. The lone losses came to Hodgeman County (38-14 in Week 5) and Hoxie (44-36 in playoffs).

Fowler has set goals to be a hard-nosed football tam that plays with enthusiasm, improving everyday and making the school and community proud by playing with class. He listed several keys: selfless attitude and being committed to the team, staying healthy, winning the turnover battle and being prepared week in and week out with an extremely tough schedule.

A huge shift has occurred in northwest Kansas in the last six years of teams dropping from 11-man to 8-man football. From a scheduling standpoint, perhaps no squad will benefit more than St. Francis, which will drop to eight-man for the first time this season. The Indians had just eight games in 2012 and had only seven scheduled last fall, fewest in Kansas when the season started.

“We are very well aware that it’s the right move for us,” third-year coach Kyle Buffington, a St. Francis graduate, said of the move to eight man last fall. “We need to be making that move.”

St. Francis has remained competitive despite being one of the smaller 11-man schools, playing many non-Kansas teams and having a rash of injuries. Two years ago, the Indians remained in the playoff hunt until Week 9.

Last season, the Indians started out 2-1, but the injuries caught up to St. Francis and they lost three straight shutouts and then narrowly defeated Wichita County 22-7 in its final game in Week 8.

The Indians bring back junior quarterback Clay Cassaw and senior lineman Shakota Blanka. He had a strong season, but suffered a cracked pelvis. Blanka battled back to qualify for the state wrestling meet at 285 pounds.

Junior Garrett Brunk was the team’s leading tackler before he suffered a concussion in Week 6.

St. Francis should have strong team speed after solid showings at the 1A regional and state track meets in the sprints the last two years.

“Eight-man is still football,” Buffington said.

“It’s still a great game. It’s just the way it is with numbers. I think it is going to be a good fit for us. We have great talent right now. If we get everybody healthy, I feel we can be fairly successful.”

2-7 in 2013 / 2-4 in district / 8-Man I South Central Border League Coach: Mick Holt (4th year, 21-15; 9th overall, 46-37) Assistant: John Pray Offense: Midway-Denton Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Tyler Holt, QB/LB, Sr.; Mitchel Walther, RB/S, Sr.; Chester Cummings, L, Sr.; Geraland Bailey, L, Jr.; Jonathon Smilko, TE/S, Jr.; Adam Clark, OL, Jr.; Michael Sims, DL, Jr.

8-2 in 2013/ 4-1 in district / 8-Man I Wheat State League Coach: Justin Coup (1st year, 12th overall, 91-30) Melanie McGee Assistants: Tim Cross, Ted Long Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Stack Returning Lettermen: 10 Returning Starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Blake Homman, TE/DL, 6-4, 225, Sr.; Nathan Martinez, G/DL, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Kord Hilbert, RB/DB, 5-10, 150, Jr.; Nathan Webb, TE/DB, 6-1, 165, So.; Zach Neilson, G/DL, 6-1, 242, Jr.; Josh Cook, C/DL, 5-8, 225, Jr. Conor Nicholl

ST. JOHN-HUDSON TIGERS St. John made plenty of news on the basketball court with their standout, Dean Wade, and eventual undefeated season and Class 2A state championship. In football, though, the Tigers fell back from an 8-2 record in 2012 to 2-7 season last season and Wade, a potential Divison I basketball player, will stay off the football field this fall to focus on his basketball future. Wade was a standout wide receiver for the Tigers as a sophomore in 2012.

St. John opened the 2013 season with a 64-44 victory against Otis-Bison, a team it lost to 2220 in ’12. Then, St. John suffered 54-8 losses to powers Victoria and Central Plains before a 56-20 victory at Kinsley. The lone close game in the final month was a 40-34 Week 7 loss to Pratt-Skyline.

St. John played the No. 4-hardest schedule in Eight-Man Division I, according to preppowerindex.com. In 2012, the Tigers played the No.

RE H A B ILITA TIO N & SPO RTS M E D IC IN E 5 11 N E 10th St•A bilen e,K S 785 -263-6664

M E M O RIA L H E A LTH SYSTE M

13 SOS. “Our team goals will be to play hard on Friday nights, win our district and make a deep run into the playoffs,” coach Nick Garcia said.

“Must be healthy and get better each day during our process of success. Expect victory every day and don’t let our teammates down. Self discipline and mental toughness will be a key factor in our success.

2-7 in 2013 / 1-5 in district / 8-Man I Central Prairie League Coach: Nick Garcia (9th year, 48-30) Assistants: Gates Hunley, Jordan Bauer, Kurt Fairchild Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Preston Nemec, TE/LB; Jorge Calleros, QB; Andrew Deveney, RB/LB; Juan Neri-Leon, RB/LB; Jacob Milton, OL/DL Conor Nicholl

8-2 in 2013 / 4-1 in district / 8-Man I Southern Plains Iroquois Coach: Matt Fowler (6th year, 17-29) Assistants: Chris Sohm, Stephen Hokanson, Steve Strain, Josh Sigmund Offense: Single Wing Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense Kaden Stein, TE/DL, 6-5, 215, Sr.; Hunter Stephenson, TE, 6-3, 160, Sr.; Reegan Kliessen, OL/DL, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Dakota Kreger, OL, 5-10, 155, Jr.; Nathan Stein, RB/ LB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Brandon Davis, RB/DB, 5-9, 145, Jr.; Wyatt Strecker, CB, 5-11, 215, So.; Elias Brownlee, DL, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Brady Sherraden, LB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Luke Heskamp, DB, 5-6, 140, So.

3-4 in 2013 / 1-3 in district / 8-Man I Northwest Kansas League Coach: Kyle Buffington (3rd year, 7-8) Assistants: N/A Offense: Wishbone Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: N/A Conor Nicholl Returning starters: N/A Conor Nicholl

ST. PAUL INDIANS Traditionally a strong program, the St. Paul Indians struggled in 2013.

The Indians finished 1-7, falling in their first seven games before finishing the season with a 38-6 victory against Marmaton Valley.

Now, Keith Wiatrak, who served as an assistant under longtime head coach Doug Tuck, will take over the head coaching duties. Wiatrak has been St. Paul’s head boys basketball coach the past two seasons.

Tuck coached 24 seasons and finished with a 183-69 record. Tuck directed St. Paul to state championship seasons in 2000 and 2002.

St. Paul will compete in an 8-Man Division I district with Marais des Cygnes Valley, Marmaton Valley, Pleasanton, Uniontown and Waverly.

1-7 in 2013 / 1-4 in district / 8-Man I Three Rivers League Coach: Keith Wiatrak (1st year) Assistants: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Mark Schremmer

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UDALL EAGLES

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After playing the last two seasons at EightMan Division II, Stockton will return to EightMan Division I this year. Last year, Stockton defeated Hill City, 30-24, in Week 1 and then dropped eight in a row, none closer than 26 points. The Tigers will not have two of the school’s athletes out for football in Jaden Williams and Justin Wiltfong, Williams confirmed in late spring. But Stockton had just two seniors on a 26-man roster last season and returns most of their top players, including sophomore end Kian Coffey, who was 6-foot-2 last season. Two quarterbacks split time, but they combined to go 3/12 in TD/INT ratio. Juniors Nolan Lowry (664 rush, 7 rush TDs) and Ethan Hamel (635 rush, 7 rush TDs) were 1-2 in rushing last season. Coffey led the team with 82 receiving yards and two receiving TDs. Turnovers were a huge issue for the Tigers, which had 29 miscues and finished minus-15 in turnover margin. Stockton hasn’t made the playoffs in 12 years.

Both Wiltfong and Williams (10 TDs and 728 yards on 41 offensive touches as a sophomore) have suffered torn anterior cruciate ligaments earlier in their careers and have chosen to focus on basketball and, in Williams’ case, track, too.

Williams missed all of last fall because of his ACL. Stockton’s basketball team lost to eventual state runner-up Hoxie in sub-state last season, but was a Final Four team two years ago when Wiltfong and Williams both started. Williams was second last spring in the 110 hurdles and fourth in the 300 meter hurdles at the 1A state meet; Coffey was second in the triple jump at 44-2.

The Eagles have just about everyone back from a 7-2 team and coach Wyatt Williams hopes that translates into another successful season.

“On paper, everything is in place for a successful season with talent and experience at every position,” Williams said. “However, this group of players has developed the reputation for falling short when the pressure is on. They are very good when things are going well, but fall apart when they face adversity. Quite simply, they must learn to overcome adversity to reach the expectations that we have for the upcoming season.”

Udall’s offense will be led by junior quarterback Nolan Williams, an all-state honorable mention receiver last season, as well as senior fullback Hunter Kistler and junior tailback Dalton Loos. Loos ran for more than 700 yards last season and earned the starting spot three games into the season. The Eagles also bring back senior tight end Kody Martin and senior offensive linemen Tanner Bonnell and Jay Johnson.

“The defense returns completely intact, led by senior linebacker Hunter Kistler. The team will also welcome senior transfer Brandon Scurlock, who at 6-4, 340 pounds, will give us some much needed size,” Williams said.

The Eagles will take a hit with the transfer of junior quarterback Alex Perez to Lakin. He passed for 805 yards with 11 TDs and only four interceptions last year as a sophomore and tallied three INTs from his d-back spot. Perez was also 2-1A co-pitcher of the year in baseball and earned honorable mention all-state honors in basketball after averaging 16 ppg.

The Uniontown Eagles opened the 2013 season with a 5-1 record but dropped two of their final three games and failed to make the playoffs.

With six returning starters on offense and five on defense, Uniontown hopes to make the postseason for the first time since 2009.

“We will strive to contend for a league championship and district championship,” Uniontown coach Chad Stroud said. “We hope to be in contention for a playoff spot and possibly make some noise in the postseason.”

The Eagles return starting quarterback Jacob Duffey, who completed 43 of 75 passes for 657 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior. Duffey also rushed for 356 yards and 10 touchdowns on 75 attempts.

Senior Cole Schafer returns as the Eagles’ leading rusher after gaining 793 yards and 20 touchdowns on 100 carries last season.

Junior running back John Reed is the leading returning receiver with 14 catches for 210 yards and three touchdowns.

Juniors Tyler Johns, Zach Schwalm and James Pearson return to the offensive line.

Linebacker Zach Davis, a junior, is Uniontown’s leading returning tackler with 52 stops last season. Junior defensive lineman Devonte Robinson had 36 tackles and three forced fumbles.

Uniontown’s early-season schedule includes perennial power Madison and last year’s league champion Chetopa. Uniontown finishes the season at Waverly, which finished 9-2 last season.

“We must have great commitment from our young men this summer,” Stroud said. “We must stay hungry and build upon last season and not be satisfied with the bit of success we had. A big key will also by staying healthy throughout a tough schedule, which is very challenging early on.”

WaKeeney-Trego took a three-win decrease last season in Pat Haxton’s first year as head coach.

Shortly before the year started, Clayton Riedel left for Hays High School and became one of the Indians’ better players in football, basketball and track. WaKeeney-Trego graduated all-state performer Devon Ghumm and return four starters on both sides of the ball. In three seasons of eight-man football, the Eagles have gone 2-7, 5-4 and 2-7.

The Eagles will transition back to the MidContinent League after spending two years in the Northwest Kansas League.

“Like always we want to work as hard as we can everyday so we can get better every week,” Haxton said. “We will be very young and lack a lot of experience, so we need to find a way to mature very fast and find some leaders that are going to find ways to get their teammates to prepare everyday like winners. I believe we have a group of very focused kids that are going to work extremely hard to find a way to have success.”

Haxton, a Norton native, enters his second season coaching the Golden Eaglers after he spent three seasons as the head coach at Valley Center. Prior to coaching the class 5A Hornets Haxton had a very successful run at Southeast of Saline where the Trojans won a 3A state championship in 2005 and narrowly lost in the semifinals in 2006, and made the playoffs in five of Haxton’s last six seasons as the coach.

7-2 in 2013 / 4-2 in district / 8-Man I South Central Border League Coach: Wyatt Williams (8th year, 43-33) Assistants: Barney Rockey, Ryan Ware.

Offense: I-formation Defense: 3-3-2 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 6 offense, 8 defense Nolan Williams, QB/DB, JR, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Hunter Kistler, FB/LB, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Dalton Loos, TB/LB, 5-7, 160, Jr.; Conor Nicholl Kody Martin, TE/DE, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Jay Johnson, OL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Tanner Bonnell, OL/NG, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Cody Waggoner, DE, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Billy Barnett, LB, 5-7, 160, Jr.; Austin Weber, DB, 6-2, 150, Sr. Melanie McGee

1-8 in 2013 / 0-4 in district / 8-Man I Mid-Continent League Coach: Otis Hendryx (2nd year, 1-8; 10th overall, 59-41) Assistants: N/A Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

WAKEFIELD BOMBERS Wakefield is one of the teams poised to improve this season in Eight-Man Division I, a classification known for constant change each year. Coach Chris Freeman, in his 12th year at the school and seventh as head coach, returns Keenan Westerman, entering his fourth year as the starting quarterback, and speedy running back Zack Melius.

Last season’s team battled injuries and sometimes had three to five starters out with injuries.

Freeman wants the team to have a physical mindset from the beginning of the season.

Melius, a junior, returns after he carried 133 times for 1,205 yards and 24 scores. Four players attempted at least one pass last season; they combined for a 13/3 TD/INT ratio. Westerman threw for 563 with a 7/1 TD/INT; he has an 18/4 TD/INT ratio in the last two seasons.

Wakefield opens the season with three home games, then a road contest against Mankato-Rock Hills. After a home game, Wakefield plays three of the last four on the road, including at defending state champion Osborne.

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“We are working to be a stronger defensive team,” Freeman said. “Offensively, we were able to score points, but we hope to do that with more explosiveness. We play in one of the toughest, if not the toughest, district in 8-man, and we are working hard to make sure we can compete well with the top teams. With a lot of returning starters, we have a lot of great leadership to lead us and push us to be a better football team.”

6-3 in 2013 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man I Three Rivers League Coach: Chad Stroud (6th year, 20-26) Assistants: Dustin Miller, Jim Mason, Chad Hays, Jeremy Neville Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-man front Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense Cole Schafer, RB/DB, 5-8, 138, Sr.; Jacob Duffey, QB, 6-1, 163, Sr.; John Reed, RB/LB, 5-10, 169, Jr.; Tyler Johns, OL/DL, 6-5, 250, Jr.; Zach Schwalm, OL, 6-4, 230, Jr.; James Pearson, OL, 5-9, 154, Jr.; Zach Davis, LB, 5-9, 148, Jr.; Devonte Robinson, DL, 6-3, 175, Jr.

2-7 in 2013 / 1-4 in district / 8-Man I Mid-Continent League Coach: Pat Haxton (2nd year, 2-7; 16th year, 75-75) Assistants: Ron Freeman, Taylor Haxton Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning Lettermen: 10 Returning Starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Isaiah Fabrizius, LB, 5-7, 155, Sr.; Caden Kemp, OL, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Cedric Flax, DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Corbin Schoenthaler, RB/LB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Aaron Satran, WR/ DE, 6-2, 180, Jr. Conor Nicholl

Mark Schremmer

WAVERLY BULLDOGS

Mike Hevel has consistently churned out winning teams during his long stint at Waverly and 2013 was no different. The Bulldogs fashioned an 8-1 regular season – the lone blemish a 50-0 loss to Marais des Cygnes Valley – and advanced to the second round of the playoffs 5-4 in 2013 / 3-3 in district / 8-Man I before being ousted by eventual champion Wheat State League Coach: Chris Freeman (7th year, 24-30) Baileyville B&B. Assistant: Adam Keating Along the way, the Bulldogs gave Hevel his Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-3 150th career football coaching win and also Returning lettermen: 12 stepped up to beat Fredonia in the program’s Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Keenan Westerman, QB/DB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Bryce Franks, first 11-man game in more than a decade.

Graduation hit hard, particularly at the skill RB/LB, 5-7, 170, Sr.; Trey Adams, TE/LB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; James Williams, C/NG, 6-0, 200. Jr.; Dylan Murphy, TE/ positions where leading rusher Austin Bailey DE, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Zack Melius, RB/DB, 5-8, 175, Jr.; (962 yards, 15 TDs) and steady quarterback Tre Dean Glovier, OL/DL, 6-0, 215, Jr. Tyson (600-plus total offense) are gone. The Conor Nicholl strength will be up front where all three starters

are back for the Bulldogs, led by seniors Justin Broyles and Andrew Larson and junior Garrett Myers, an All-Lyon County League pick. Myers also ranked second on the team in tackles with 67, helping the Bulldogs post three shutouts.

Waverly returns to Eight-Man Division I for the first time since 2007 and is working on a streak of six straight playoff appearances.

9-2 in 2013 / 4-0 in district / 8-Man I Lyon County League Coach: Mike Hevel (22nd year, 158-56) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Brent Maycock

Class 8-Man II Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

By CONOR NICHOLL For Kansas Pregame

For years, Eight-Man Division II has normally been dominated by Baileyville B&B and Hanover out east and Victoria, Thunder Ridge and Wallace County in the west. B&B, though, closed its doors after six consecutive trips to the state championship game and four state titles, including the last two.

Hanover bumped up to Eight-Man Division I. Wallace County’s longtime successful coach Kevin Ayers stepped aside to spend more time with his family after a state runner-up showing last year. Ayers’ assistant, Jeff Hennick, the quarterback on Wallace County’s state championship squad in 2007, has taken over as head coach.

Now, the balance of power will likely rest with two districts: District 4 and District 7.

District 7 features Victoria, Thunder Ridge and Beloit/St. John’s Tipton. Last season, BSJT, in two home games, handed Thunder Ridge a key district loss, 42-38, and then defeated Victoria in a great second-round playoff game, 22-16. Thunder Ridge’s only other loss came to Wallace County in the playoffs; Victoria finished 10-1.

All three teams have never been in the same district. All of District 7 finished with winning records last season, save Otis-Bison who went 3-6 in 2012 after going 40-6 combined the previous four seasons. With just two teams coming out of each district, at least one of Victoria, Thunder Ridge or BSJT will not reach the postseason.

The Blujays, which have not lost a home game the last two years, received a scheduling break and will have both Victoria and Thunder Ridge at home in Weeks 6 and 8, respectively. Victoria plays host to Thunder Ridge in Week 7.

Page 104

“One of the toughest districts in the state,” BSJT coach Kreith Kresin said.

Victoria carries a 12-year streak of reaching the playoffs, the longest current run in the eight-man ranks. Thunder Ridge has made the playoffs every year since 2009, went 7-2 last season after winning the state title in 2011 and finishing runner-up in ’12.

The Blujays are 19-3 the last two years.

Victoria brings back five offensive and six defensive starters, including running back Bryan Dome, a three-year starter. Junior Brady Dinkel threw for 387 yards after he took over for an injured Sam Ottley in Week 4. Thunder Ridge, known for its power running game, has 1,000-yard senior running back Trent Rietzke and three returning linemen at 200 or more pounds, and two at 250 or more in senior Logan Miller and junior Jordan Gering.

BSJT brings back four offensive and three defensive starters, including senior quarterback Trey Dubbert, who is one of eight-man’s best quarterbacks after he passed for 1,354 yards and 20 scores against four interceptions.

In District 4, Kiowa-South Barber, a longtime power, looks to break through and win its second state title in school annals, first since 2005. South Barber has won seven or eight games apiece the last five years, but has never gone past the second round of the playoffs. Senior quarterback Peyton Yandel (1,147 passing yards, 1,620 rushing yards) and senior running back Dylan Allison (1,486 rushing yards) each had big junior seasons and lead a squad with six returning starters on each side of the ball.

South Barber outscored teams 554-376 and finished fourth in Eight-Man Division II scoring offense.

“I am really excited about what I see coming back this next year,” South Barber

PLAYERS TO WATCH

overview

coach Tim Rector said.

PREGAME PRESEASON RANKINGS “…The kids we’ve got just really, really like football 1. Victoria and like to work hard and 2. St. John’s Beloit-Tipton just have bought into what 3. Thunder Ridge we are doing. I expect a 4. Chetopa lot of good things.”

5. Hoxie South Haven, which Others: Caldwell, Ingalls, South Barber, South Haven, Stafford, defeated South Barber Wallace County 72-48 in Week 2 last season, finished 8-2 and averaged 52 points a conthe team chemistry that these young men test in Eight-Man Division I. South Haven have with each other.” has made the playoffs every year since ’04, In the southeast, the reigning Three the second-longest streak behind Victoria.

Rivers League 8-Man champion is poised Out west, Wallace County and Hoxie are for another strong season as the Chetopa expected to be the top teams in District 8.

Green Hornets return seven starters on Some of the District 8 teams will play at offense and all eight on defense. least one six-man game in non-district play.

“Anything short of a long playoff run will Hoxie returns all-state running back Connor be a disappointment for these kids,” ChetoKatt and drops down after reaching the pa coach Sean Price said.

Eight-Man Division I sub-state championThe Green Hornets return many of the ship game last season. Wallace County components of an extremely balanced has just two starters back in senior running offense. back/linebacker Nate Klinge and junior Senior quarterback Philip Moses completrunning back/linebacker Luke Schemm. ed 155 of 243 passes for 2,093 yards with Wallace County has made the playoffs 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last eight straight seasons and is 22-2 the last season. two years.

Senior running back Derrick Cassell ran “With many seniors graduating, the for 1,514 yards and 31 touchdowns on only Wildcats are hoping many young men step 152 carries. up and take on the leadership roll that has Junior Trenton Scott and senior Leyton been present the last few years,” Hennick Carter are Chetopa’s top two returning said. “The key to this team’s success will be receivers.

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In addition to the Lookin’ Sharp, Throwback, Iron Will and Spotlight feature players, these are a few players to keep an eye on in 8-Man II this fall.

Alec McDaniel.................QB/LB, 5-7, 145, Jr., Attica/Argonia

Zeke Cox..........................QB, 6-0, 170, Sr., Ingalls

Collin Herold...................QB/LB, 6-1, 190, Sr., Sylvan-Lucas

Andrew Feldkamp.........OL/DL, 6-1, 235, Sr., Axtell

Alexis Manriquez...........RB/LB, 5-10, 205, Sr., Moscow

Laramie Boyle................FB/MLB, 5-11, 195, Sr., Thunder Ridge

Philip Moses...................QB, 5-8, 140, Sr., Chetopa

Vance Thompson...........DL, 6-2, 250, Jr., Moscow

Nolan Billings.................TE/OLB, 6-1, 200, Sr., Thunder Ridge

Dylan Gainer...................OL/DL, 5-11, 220, Sr., Chetopa

Phillip Bryant.................RB/DL, 5-7, 160, Sr., Northern Valley

Noah Dreiling.................E/LB, 6-1, 170, Sr., Victoria

Connor Katt....................RB/DB, 5-9, 155, Sr., Hoxie

Quenton Adkins.............DB, 5-9, 150, Sr., Rural Vista

Lane Kinser.....................FB, 5-11, 180, Jr., Victoria

Tanner Smith..................OL/DE, 6-5, 200, Sr., Hoxie

Walker Harred................RB/LB, 5-11, 225, Sr., So. Coffey Co.

Nate Klinge.....................RB, 5-10, 170, Sr., Wallace County

Josh Irsik.........................DB, 5-6, 150, Sr., Ingalls

Ethan Johnson...............RB/LB, Sr., Stafford

Luke Schemm.................FB/LB, 6-2, 180, Jr., Wallace County

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 105

Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton Looks for more

By CONOR NICHOLL For Kansas Pregame

When the current group of Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton seniors was in eighth grade, the Blujays had no juniors and seniors and finished 0-9. The following fall, St. John’s/Tipton improved to 2-7.

“It was pretty tough to suit up every night, go out on the field and honestly not stand much of a chance against most of the teams that we were playing out there, because we just didn’t have the size, the experience and the skill,” senior lineman Riley Gates said.

Coach Keith Kresin, the junior high and high school coach, kept pushing the athletes in the weight room.

“One day it is going to come,” Gates said.

After the 2-7 season, the Blujays knew they returned basically their entire team, many whom are brothers or cousins. In 2012, the Blujays, helped by a 32-28 road victory against a 7-2 Northern Valley team, had a six-win improvement and finished 8-2.

“Finally getting out there and seeing the hard work pay off, it’s just really rewarding,” Gates said.

Last fall, St. John’s/Tipton finished 11-1 and reached the sub-state championship game. The Blujays, helped by a blocked punt, defeated Thunder Ridge, 42-38, to win the district. In the second round of the playoffs, St. John’s/Tipton beat Victoria 22-16 before falling to Wallace County in the sub-state championship.

“Can’t be more proud of them,” Kresin said.

“When they were freshmen, that’s when we’ve just got to hang tough, hang together as a team.

Good things will come if you continue to work hard.

Again, they worked at it, and they wanted to com-

pete, and they wanted their Friday night dream.”

In the winter, the Blujays finished 25-1 and won the Class 1A, Division II state basketball championship with a thrilling 60-58 victory against Wallace County. Basketball has made a similar jump from 4-17 to 11-11 to 19-3 before the state crown.

Trey Dubbert led the team with 13.2 points per contest after an all-state season at quarterback.

The squad had 28 players, a high number for a Class 3A school, let alone a small 1A. “Such a tight-knit group of guys,” Dubbert, entering his senior year, said. “We are best buds all the time, and we all have the same goals, and we are all putting forth the effort and working hard.”

“A team of best friends is unstoppable,” Gates added. “You get the right group of guys together, anything is possible.”

This season, St. John’s/Tipton returns many of its top players from last season and is expected to compete for Eight-Man Division II state championship. Neither St John’s or Tipton has ever won a state football crown. Tipton was runner-up in ’84, while the St. John’s/Tipton finished as runner-up in 1996 to Rolla with the “Energized Eleven,” a roster of just 11 players.

The Bluejays will play in the difficult District 7 where every team except Otis-Bison had a winning record last season, though the Cougars are 43-12 in the last five years. Victoria, Thunder Ridge and St. John’s/Tipton are all expected to be title contenders; at least one will miss the playoffs with two teams from each district qualifying.

“Winning a state title is something that you dream of as a kid,” said junior Parker Gates, a starting running back

B-STJ / Continued on page 127

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz, Kansas Pregame Band of brothers: St. John’s Beloit’s Davis and Trey Dubbert (back row) and Parker and Riley Gates will led the Blujays this fall.

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Page 106

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Lookin’ Sharp Peyton Yandel and Dylan Allison

By CONOR NICHOLL For Kansas Pregame

When they were young, Peyton Yandel and Dylan Allison looked up to the South Barber high school players.

“Heroes,” Yandel said.

South Barber has a long tradition of success under former coach James Johnston with 18 playoff appearances, a state runner-up showing in 2002, and a state title in 2005. On the ’02 team, wide receiver Ryan Molz received first team all-state honors.

On the playground, Yandel pretended he was Molz. Allison looked to emulate the ’05 backfield combination of Garrett Cook and Dustin Gorden. He also respected Blake Waggenbach, an all-stater when Yandel and Allison were freshmen.

“They were unstoppable,” Allison said.

Now, Yandel, Allison and Molz are friends. Molz allows Yandel and Allison to work out with him and use his equipment.

Yandel also admired Cook, the running back on the 13-0 state title team. After Yandel broke his leg in the final game last season, Cook gave Yandel a gift card to bodybuilding.com.

“It’s just amazing having him think about you now,” Yandel said.

Years later, Yandel and Allison are trying to follow in the footsteps of Molz, Cook and other standouts.

This season, Yandel and Allison return as the Chieftains’ starting quarterback and running back after an 8-3 season last fall. South Barber is on the short list of contenders for an Eight-Man Division II championship.

“I want to have a great season for the whole town,” Yandel said. “The town is great. It’s amazing how many fans that come. Sometimes we will have even more fans there than the home team does.”

Last season, South Barber finished 8-3 and tallied 554 points, fourth best in Eight-Man Division II last season. The Chieftains have won seven or eight games each of the last five years. In basketball, South Barber was undefeated entering sub-state and the state favorite, but lost in an upset, 58-52, to Attica. “They don’t want anything to slip through their hands,” South Barber football coach Tim Rector, in his third year as head coach after coaching the junior high, said.

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The difference between South Barber and the elite teams comes on defense. The Chieftains allowed 376 points, easily the most of any playoff team. South Barber defeated Chetopa, 60-34, in the first round of the playoffs, but then lost to Hanover, 60-6, in the second round.

South Barber had a young defense, especially at linebackers – its second and fourth-leading tacklers were a sophomore and a freshman – and Rector will change the alignment this season. South Barber ran a 3-2 with a monster back last year, but will run more of a 3-4 this season where the cornerbacks are more outside linebackers.

Rector said the reads should be easier.

“We knew during the season, as it was going, that our defense was just kind of pieced together,” Rector said.

“We were not as solid in some spots as we wanted, and had some freshmen starting just based on the lack of people.”

Rector has stressed that if the Chieftains want to win a state championship, they need to improve defensively.

Last year, the four eight-man state finalists collectively allowed 14.4 points per contest. This season, two-time defending state champion Baileyville B&B has closed its doors and Hanover has moved up a classification. South Barber, Beloit/St. John’s-Tipton, Victoria and Thunder Ridge are among the state favorites.

“Our defense is what’s going to have to step up,” Rector said. “It’s been a mental shift that we are trying to get onto Photo by Julie Kuhlmann the kids that that’s the thing that’s going to get JulieKuhlmannPhotography.com us over the top.

The offense, though, has continually improved. The Chieftains, running Rector’s Pistol offense, scored 80 more points than they did in 2012 and 117 ahead of 2011.

“The scheme worked well with the guys that we had,” Rector said. “A lot of the people weren’t ready for the things that we were doing. Dylan and Peyton, when they run the ball, they are just naturals. We can’t teach what they do. They are blessed runners, and do a great job. Things

LOOKIN’ SHARP - YANDEL & ALLISON / Continued on page 126

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

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ATTICA/ARGONIA TITANS

AXTELL EAGLES

Northern Valley graduated just three starters, but they were the Huskies’ three top players in quarterback Hunter Chandler, running back Jordan Baird and lineman Ian Vincent.

Chandler and Baird were three-year starters in the backfield while Vincent is considered the lone four-year starter on the line in coach Chuck Fessenden’s 37 year career.

Vincent missed nearly all of last season with a knee injury. Northern Valley has posted 6-3, 7-2 and 5-4 records the last three seasons, but hasn’t made the playoffs since 2005. Northern Valley won state championships in ’86, ’87 and ’90 and finished as runner-ups in ’82, ’83, ’88 and ’89. Fessenden has set a goal to make the playoffs this season.

The Huskies finished No. 10 in the classification in scoring offense (430 points), but allowed 335 points, in the middle of the pack of the 48-team classification.

Senior Phillip Bryant collected 99 carries for 736 yards and 14 TDs and also paced the team with 79 tackles.

Northern Valley will play in Eight-Man Division II, District 7 with expected state powers Victoria, Thunder Ridge and Beloit/St. John’sTipton, along with Otis-Bison and Natoma.

“We must avoid injuries to key people,” Fessenden said. “We also need to improve our play on the defensive side of the ball.”

Ashland is looking to rise back up in the eight-man ranks. After 9-1 and 10-1 seasons, Ashland graduated every starter for the 2012 season and went 1-8. The Bluejays improved to 2-7 in 2013, but weren’t competitive in the season’s final three games, all 54-6 losses to Moscow, Ingalls and Fowler. Ashland did play Rolla, a 7-2 squad, to a 58-38 loss in Week 5.

The Bluejays defeated Bucklin, 62-12, in Week 5 and beat Minneola, 42-8, in Week 3. Ashland fought multiple injuries last season and finished 2-3 at home, but 0-4 on the road.

“Work hard and get better everyday,” coach Jesse Stebens said of his team’s keys. “Our o-line has to step up. We must stay healthy.

Young kids need to grow up quickly.”

Senior quarterback Corey McCann is the lone three-year letterwinner. McCann, Kole Konrade, Nathan Reimer and C.J. Bonilla will all enter their third year as starters. McCann played in just six games and finished 28 of 56 for 378 yards with a 6/3 TD/INT ratio. Konrade, Reimer and McCann were the three leading rushers with 398, 368 and 221 yards, respectively, and Konrade led the team with 305 receiving yards.

Ashland had 19 turnovers and finished minus-5 in turnover margin.

Argonia/Attica formed a co-op for the first time last season and wasn’t eligible for the playoffs because it came in the middle of a two-year cycle. Argonia and Attica went 4-32 combined as separate programs in 2011 and 2012 and finished 5-4 when it combined forces last season.

It opened the season with a 30-12 loss to Udall and then won three in a row against Cedar Vale-Dexter (44-14), Norwich (44-32) and Cunningham (42-20). After three losses – the last a 66-56 defeat to South Barber – Argonia/Attica finished with a 42-14 victory against Caldwell and a 64-20 win at Burrton. The Titans went 2-3 at home, but 3-1 on the road.

Junior quarterback Alec McDaniel returns after he completed 84 of 154 passes for 1,166 yards with a 22/3 TD/INT ratio. He also led the team with 183 carries for 678 yards and 10 scores. McDaniel also led the squad by a large margin with 137 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. The Titans had just eight turnovers as a team and finished plus-seven in turnover margin.

Argonia/Attica will play in one of the stronger Eight-Man, Division II districts in District 4 with Caldwell, South Barber, Norwich, Pretty Prairie and South Haven. Co- head coach Lance Greenwood said the team’s goals are to get better every game and be in contention for a district title. Greenwood said the main keys will be having some of the underclassmen step up and fill voids on the line.

Axtell, like nearly all of Eight-Man Division II, had trouble getting over the hump of Baileyville B&B and Hanover. Axtell posted a 5-4 record in 2012 and 6-3 last season - including an impressive early season win against eventual Eight-Man I semifinalist Clifton-Clyde - but missed the playoffs both times because of having to face B&B and Hanover in district play.

Axtell scored at least 42 points in all six wins, but had just 24 points combined in the losses. Axtell started 2-0, then lost 50-12 to Fall City-Sacred Heart (Neb.), before a 46-0 victory against St. John’s Military. The Eagles lost 5012 to B&B and 50-0 to Hanover, before it ended the season with three straight victories. Axtell is a combined 2-17 against Hanover and B&B in the last decade.

Second-year coach Eric Detweiler has set a goal to make the playoffs and to stay healthy.

The Eagles haven’t been in the playoffs since 2008 and never had a single game last fall when all eight starters were healthy. Axtell has a championship in 1993 and a runner-up showing in ’85 and reached sub-state in 2008.

The Eagles will not play in a top-heavy district this year. Axtell is in Eight-Man Division II, District 1 with Frankfort, Linn, Randolph-Blue Valley, Scandia-Pike Valley and Southern Cloud. Since 2004, Axtell is 4-2 against Frankfort, 5-1 against Linn, 7-1 against Blue Valley, 4-0 versus Pike Valley and hasn’t played Southern Cloud.

5-4 in 2013 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man II Western Kansas Liberty League Coach: Chuck Fessenden (38th year, 265-122) Assistants: Brad Cox, Marvin Gebhard Offense: Midway Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Matt Stutsman, E/CB, 5-11, 145, Sr.; Clint Cole, E/CB, 5-11, 142, Sr.; Brant Cox, G/LB, 5-8, 143, Sr.; Phillip Bryant, RB/NG, 5-7, 156, Sr.; Ame Baird, G/DE, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Carson Montgomery, C/NG, 5-8, 226, Sr.; Conor Nicholl

2-7 in 2013 / 1-5 in district / 8-Man II Southern Plains Iroquios Coach: Jesse Stebens (5th year, 22-17) Assistants: Travis Callaway, Jim Brown Offense: I-formation Defense: 3-2 Returning Lettermen: 8 Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Corey McCann, QB/DB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Kole Konrade, RB/ DB, 6-3, 175, Jr.; Nathan Reimer RB/DB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; C.J. Bonilla, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, Jr.; Josh Berryman, TE/ RB/DB, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Caleb Walker, TE/DB, 5-11, 160, Jr.; Reece Kay, QB/DB, 5-9, 130, So.; Kyle Hampton, LB, 5-11, 150, So.

5-4 in 2013 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man II South Central Border League Coach: Luke Greenwood/Lance Vandaveer (2nd year, 5-4) Assistants: Bob Almanza, Monte Miller Offense: Pistol Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 10 Conor Nicholl Returning starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense Austin Tracy, OL/DL, Sr.; Doss Grigsby, WR/LB, Sr.; Andrew Mages, DE, Sr.; Garrett Wells, RB/DB, Sr.; Alec McDaniel, QB/LB, Jr.; Devan Newberry, RB/DB, Jr.

6-3 in 2013 / 2-2 in district / 8-Man II Twin Valley League Coach: Eric Detweiler (2nd year, 6-3) Assistants: Craig Wiebe, Dale Buessing Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning Lettermen: 6 Returning Starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Andrew Feldkamp, OL/DL, 6-1, 235, Sr.; Tyler Jones, RB/ LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Shane Talbot, RB/DB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Colton Buessing, QB/DB, 5-11, 170, Jr. Conor Nicholl

Conor Nicholl

BELOIT-ST. JOHN’S/TIPTON-CATHOLIC BLUJAYS Beloit/St. John’s-Tipton moved from 0-9 to 2-7 to 8-2 to 11-1 in the last four years and returned to eight-man’s elite after not having an upperclassmen on the 0-9 squad.

Last year, the Blujays beat Weskan 48-0 in the playoffs, then defeated Victoria 22-16 in a game that came down to the final seconds before a 31-6 road loss at eventual state runner-up Wallace County.

Two years ago, the Blujays lost 56-6 to Wallace County in the first round of the playoffs.

The key win last season was a 42-38 Week 4 victory against Thunder Ridge that gave the Longhorns its first district loss since 2009 and paved the way for a district championship.

This season, coach Keith Kresin calls EightMan Division II, District 7 “one of the toughest districts in the state” with Victoria and Thunder Ridge. Kresin said the team goals are to become the “best team we can” after losing a good class last season, be competitive in all aspects of the game and continue into the playoffs.

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quarterbacks and completed 81 of 145 passes for 1,354 yards with a 20/4 TD/INT ratio.

“Staying healthy and filling in some key positions by younger kids who will have to grow up fast for us to become the best we can,” Kresin said of the team’s keys. “Develop depth.

Finding some play makers on both sides.”

Cheylin had consistency in the coaching staff for many years with Max Keltz, who served 25 years on staff, the last 14 as head coach.

In his last three seasons, the Cougars went a school-record 10-1 with a playoff victory against Victoria, 8-2 and 5-4. Last year, Keltz remained at the school to teach and coach girls’ basketball, but former assistant football coach 11-1 in 2013 / 4-0 in district / 8-Man II and boys’ basketball coach Anthony Blair took Northern Plains League over last season. But Blair moved onto CenCoach: Keith Kresin (5th year, 21-19; 92-50 overall) tral-Burden after a 2-7 record last season.

Assistants: Grant Stevenson Cheylin went 2-4 in district play and 2-2 in Offense: Multiple I Defense: 3-2 league play with the wins coming in Weeks 3 Returning lettermen: 6 (66-32 against Wheatland-Grinnell) and Week Returning starters: 4 Offense, 3 Defense Trey Dubbert, QB/LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Parker Gates, RB, 5 (30-22 against Golden Plains). Cheylin had 5-11, 165, Jr.; Riley Gates, C, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Andrew Eitrouble against every top team on its schedule, lert, G/DE, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Garrett Mishler, DB, 5-9, 175, Sr. including being shutout by Atwood, Wallace Conor Nicholl County, Thunder Ridge and Triplains-Brewster, all squads that won at least six games.

Cheylin is planning on playing at least one six-man contest this year when it faces Weskan in Week 5. Former junior high coach Dennis Hengen will take over the varsity team this fall.

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Hengen has coached some other Cougar sports in the past, including girls’ basketball and was a varsity assistant for the Cougars, including 2012. The Cougars had just 15 players last season, but graduated four seniors. Senior lineman Shawn Pochop has started the last two seasons and finished second on the squad with 78 tackles. Junior running back Devon Janicke returns after he led the team with 143 carries, 631 yards and seven rushing TDs. Cheylin finished plus-3 in turnover margin, but was 4/11 TD/INT with four players throwing a pass.

2-7 in 2013 / 2-4 in district / 8-Man II Western Kansas Liberty League Coach: Dennis Hengen (1st year) Assistant: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Conor Nicholl

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Bucklin hasn’t won a game since a 1-8 season in 2008 when it defeated Greensburg, 34-28, in Week 4. The Red Aces lost the last five games of ’08, finished 0-9 in 2009 and delivered 0-8 marks in 2010 and ’11. The Red Aces went 0-9 in each of the last two seasons and enter this fall with Kansas’ longest current long streak at 48 games. Last season, Bucklin lost 60-14 to Spearville in Week 1 and fell 28-0 to Minneola in Week 4, its closest contest before a 46-20 loss to Ingalls, a district runner-up, in Week 9. The Red Aces’ only postseason appearance since 1999 came in 2006. Bucklin will play in Eight-Man Division II, District 5 with Fairfield, Stafford, Minneola, Ashland and Cunningham. With the exception of Stafford (7-3) and Fairfield (7-2), all of the teams struggled last season.

Page 109

BUFFALO-ALTOONA MIDWAY

BURRTON CHARGERS

CALDWELL BLUE JAYS

The Altoona-Midway Jets did not field a varsity team for the last couple of seasons, but they return to the gridiron this season as a member of 8-Man, Division II and have a nine game schedule that includes home contests with Uniontown and Pleasanton followed by three straight road trips with St. Paul, Marmaton Valley, and Chetopa.

The Jets will round at the season with Elk Valley, Southern Coffey County, Hartford and Colony-Crest.

Burrton has lost 23 straight contests and hasn’t won a game since a 52-6 victory against Attica on Sept. 23, 2011. The Chargers have won just five games in the last six years and haven’t won more than two games in any of the last six years. Burrton hasn’t made the playoffs since semifinal appearances in 2002-03, part of five semifinal showings in school annals, the deepest advancement in program history.

“We want to get better each week,” third-year coach Aaron Glendening said. “Every facet of the game needs to improve for us as the year goes on. Consistency is a huge battle for us; we need to be consistent week in and week out.

We got new weight equipment this summer, so hopefully the off-season enthusiasm will carry over into the season.”

Burrton’s schedule alternates away-home the entire season and features five road games and four home games. Burrton will play in Eight-Man Division II District 2 with Chase, Centre-Lost Springs, Sylvan-Lucas and Tescott.

None of the five squads reached the playoffs last season.

“Leadership,” Glendening said of the team’s biggest key. “We are losing a couple great leaders from last year’s team, so we will need players to step up vocally, with their attitudes, and how they carry themselves. Ultimately, I will measure our success in 2014 if we are a better, more complete team when the season ends than when we started.”

Caldwell ended its streak of five straight winning seasons and took a three-win decrease last fall. The Blue Jays had a season full of injuries and lost five in a row after a 2-1 start that included two big victories and a 14-6 loss to Udall. Of the five losses, none were closer than 20 points. Fourth-year coach Sean Blosser wants Caldwell to bounce back this year and compete to make the playoffs.

Caldwell, with six returning starters on both sides of the ball, will compete in challenging Eight-Man, Division II District 4 with Attica/ Argonia, South Barber, Norwich, Pretty Prairie and South Haven.

South Barber, Pretty Prairie and South Haven are all annual state powers, though Pretty Prairie posted a rare losing season last fall.

Blosser said the keys to success will be the offensive and defensive lines. Caldwell returns four of its starting offensive linemen and all of the d-line.

“If they are able to control the trenches our athletes behind them will be able to make plays,” Blosser said. “We are coming off a year of multiple injuries and the return of these players will help us on the field and with the leadership they bring to our team.”

“The younger players that had to step up to fill those positions will offer great competition for playing time,” he added. “This competition at practice should allow us to challenge each other and reach our goals.”

0-9 in 2013 / 0-6 in district / 8-Man II Heart of the Plains Coach: Aaron Glendening (3rd year, 0-18) Assistant: John Liston Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: 46 Returning Lettermen: 9 Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Brandon Thomas, RB/DB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Brendan Dick, QB/LB, 6-1, 195, So.; Daniel Bingham, RB/DE, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Nathan Harper, OL/DL, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Oscar Canada, WR/K/P, 5-8, 140, Jr.; Dakota Roland, OL/DL, 5-8, 225, So.; Elijah Forth, OL/DL, 5-9, 140, Jr.

3-6 in 2013 / 2-4 in district / 8-Man II South Central Border League Coach: Sean Blosser (4th year, 14-15) Assistants: Randy Swayer, David Teeter Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2-3 Returning Lettermen: 13 Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Sam Wence, TE/DE, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Kyler Bruey, TE/ LB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Dilyn Lee, DB, 5-11, 145, So.; Colten Ward, QB/DB, 5-9, 140, So.; Kaden Halling, WR/DB, 5-11, 140, Sr.; Trent Kendrick, RB/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Ross Kuehnry, OL/LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Hunter Stuewe, OL/ DL, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Darin Ward, QB, 5-9, 140, Sr.

DNP in 2013 / DNP in district / 8-Man II Three Rivers League Coach: N/A Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Pregame Staff

CHETOPA GREEN HORNETS

Chetopa was 5-0 in the Three Rivers League, 7-3 overall and advanced to the 8-Man Division II playoffs. in 2013. Expectations are high with eight returning starters and 19 lettermen.

“Anything short of a long playoff run will be a disappointment for these kids,” Chetopa coach Sean Price said. “This is the best offseason we’ve had in the weight room, and they are hungry for more success.”

0-9 in 2013 / 0-5 in district / 8-man II The Green Hornets return many of the compoSouthern Plains Iroquois nents of an extremely balanced offense.

Coach: Bill Patterson (2nd year, 0-9) Senior quarterback Philip Moses completed Assistants: N/A 155 of 243 passes for 2,093 yards with 31 Offense: N/A Defense: N/A touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season.

Returning lettermen: N/A Senior running back Derrick Cassell ran for Returning starters: N/A Conor Nicholl 1,514 yards and 31 touchdowns on only 152 carries.

Good luck to the Junior Trenton Scott had 13 receptions for 160 yards and a TD, while senior Leyton Carter had Argonia Raiders and the eight catches for 105 yards.

Argonia-Attica Titans!

Chetopa averaged 55.8 points last season, but The best coverage of Argonia High sports! the Green Hornet defense also had four games where it allowed more than 50 points.

Conway Springs Star “We have good depth, but staying healthy and The Argonia Argosy is always a key,” Price said. “We also need to Subscribe today - call 316-540-0500 See us online at www.tsnews.com improve on the defensive side of the ball.”

Cassell, a linebacker, led the Green Hornets with 113 tackles. Scott had 108 tackles. Sophomore free safety Alex Carter had 97 tackles.

Chase reached, and lost, in the first round of the playoffs 2010-12 before it returned just 7-3 in 2013 / 3-1 in district / 8-Man II three starters, and just one senior starter, last Three Rivers League season. The Kats finished 3-2 at home, but 0-4 Coach: Sean Price (4th year, 23-15; 10th overall, 52-47) on the road. The season opened with a 62-42 Assistants: Jaunc Bradshaw, Bryan Midgett loss against Wilson, which turned out to be Offense: Spread Defense: 30 Front Returning lettermen: 19 the Dragons’ lone victory. The Kats defeated Downs-Lakeside 28-12 in Week 2, beat Burrton Returning starters: 7 Offense, 8 Defense Derrick Cassell, RB/LB, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Philip Moses, QB, 48-0 in Week 5 and defeated Goessel 44-28 in 5-10, 150, Sr.; Trenton Scott, WR/LB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Week 7.

Dylan Gainer, OG/NT, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Chisom Cloud, C/DT, This season, Chase is expected to have around 5-11, 230, Sr.; Leyton Carter, TE/DE, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Dylan 18 to 19 players out; coach John Wellman never Riddle, TE/LB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Alex Carter, FS, 5-8, 160, So. Mark Schremmer had more than 15 in his first three seasons.

Chase graduated just two seniors, has solid depth, and Wellman believes the Kats “have a In recent years, Crest has been one of the chance” to be pretty good the next two years. top teams in the Three Rivers League, and the Wellman has set a goal to win the district; Lancers will look to keep that tradition alive in Chase will play in Eight-Man Division II Dis2014 with new head coach Chuck Mahon. trict 2 that has no returning playoff teams.

The Lancers return a handful of starters to lead Wellman is excited by the Kats’ skill players, their offense this fall, and Mahon hopes that including senior running back/wide receiver group can lead their team back to the playoffs.

Mikey Brown and junior quarterback Brendon Senior running back Rene Rodriguez, senior Clark. The Kats have just three linemen, two fullback Austin Green, junior tight end Kellen who are freshmen and are expected to play Ramsey, junior quarterback Evan Godderz immediately. Multiple freshmen and a couple and junior split end Hunter Frazell are back to transfers are expected to contribute. anchor the offense.

“Last year we struggled with turning the ball Mahon said the keys to success for his squad over,” Wellman said. “Some of that was due will include having a “solid running game and a to youth at the skill positions and some of that defense that runs to the football.” was due to poor blocking. We can’t turn the ball He also said the Lancers must keep the turnover and expect to win. We were very small last year. I think six of our starters were 150 pounds over radio on the plus side.

Mahon has more than 20 years coaching expeor lighter. We have grown up a little. We are bigger and stronger than last year and hopefully rience, including stops at Billings, Mont., and a stint as defensive coordinator at Winfield. He will be a little more stout against the run.” is also the new superintendent and high school principal at Crest.

3-6 in 2013 / 2-4 in district / 8-Man II

CHASE KATS

COLONY-CREST LANCERS

Northern Plains League Coach: John Wellman (4th year, 18-11) Assistant: Mitch Light Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-3-2 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Riely Munoz, OG/NG, 6-1, 245, Jr.; Mikey Brown, RB/DE, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Brendon Clark, QB/LB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Conner Hill, E/LB, 5-8, 150, So.; Brandon Enfield, OG/LB, 5-10, 175, So.; Kebren Julian, RB/S, 5-4, 135, So.; Kyle Kizzar, E, 5-11, 150, Jr.; Justin Oberle, S, 5-4, 135, So. Conor Nicholl

4-5 in 2013 / 1-2 in district / 8-Man II Three Rivers League Coach: Chuck Mahon (1st year) Assistant: Craig Frazell Offense: I-formation/Split Backs Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Rene Rodriguez, RB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Kellen Ramsey, TE, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Austin Green, FB/QB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Evan Godderz, QB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Hunter Frazell, SE, 5-8, 150, Jr. Melanie McGee

Conor Nicholl

CUNNINGHAM WILDCATS After an 8-2 season in 2008, the Wildcats have not posted an above .500 season since, going 3-6, 4-4, 2-6, 4-5 and 0-8 last year. The 2013 roster had just 16 players, but five seniors and just one freshman. The team also had three juniors and was very sophomore-heavy with eight.

All of the top skill players, including junior running back Jacob Early, who had 152 rushing yards in a 63-36 loss to Pratt Skyline, return.

Cunningham opened last season with a 40-14 loss to Pretty Prairie and a 62-36 defeat to Skyline before a 53-8 loss to Caldwell. In Week 4, Cunningham fell 42-20 to Argonia-Attica and then lost the final four contests by the 45-point margin.

Cunningham will play in Eight-Man Division II District 5 this season with Ashland, Bucklin, Cunningham, Fairfield, Minneola and Stafford.

The Wildcats have lost 10 straight contests dating back to a 70-35 victory versus Attica in Week 7 of the 2012 season.

The 2008 playoff appearance is the school’s lone one since ’03 with the last playoff victory coming in ’92.

Veteran coach, Lance McGuire attended Sterling College and was an assistant for four years (RBs three, QBs one). He was an assistant at Goddard from 1999-2006 before taking over at Cunningham. McGuire is also the long-time Cunningham girls’ basketball coach.

0-8 in 2013 / 0-4 in district / 8-Man II Heart of the Plains League Coach: Lance McGuire (9th year, 26-45; 20th overall) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Conor Nicholl

DEERFIELD SPARTANS

Deerfield opened the year with a 40-12 victory versus Wichita Word of Life, a non-KSHSAA school. In Week 2, Deerfield lost just 24-12 at Rolla, a team that eventually won seven games.

The game was played in a steady rain most of the contest and Deerfield scored both times in the fourth quarter, while Rolla had a score in each quarter, according to the Garden City Telegram.

After a 52-6 victory at Moscow, Deerfield had put together a solid three weeks, but then lost its last six games. A 48-0 Fowler loss started a skid that included a 54-28 defeat against Minneola, a 60-12 loss to Spearville, a 56-54 defeat at South Gray, a 52-0 loss to eventual state runner-up Hodgeman County, and a 56-8 loss to Satanta to finish the season.

The South Gray contest was a wild game that the Rebels sealed late when they intercepted a pass. The game was tied at 22 after the first quarter, but South Gray outscored Deerfield 22-20 in the second quarter and finished the game with three safeties, including one in the second. Rene Rubio scored five times for the Spartans (four rush) and quarterback Mike Mata had three pass TDs and one rush; both players graduated after last season. The game had 1,030 yards of total offense, including 18 carries for 271 rushing yards by Rubio.

Deerfield has posted back-to-back 2-7 marks and is 1-9 in district play in that stretch. The Spartans also finished 2-7 in 2011 after a 5-4 record in ’10. Deerfield hasn’t made the playoffs since a 10-1 mark in 2008. Deerfield drops down to Eight-Man Division II and will play in District 6 with Fowler, Ingalls, Moscow, Rolla and Satanta.

2-7 in 2013 / 0-5 in district / 8-Man II Conor Nicholl Santa Fe Trail Coach: N/A Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Conor Nicholl

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Fowler has made three playoff appearances in the last four years, including the last two, but will have to replace plenty of talent off a 7-3 team, including all-state linebacker Ty Clark and all-state quarterback Taylin Bird.

Clark, who played in just eight games, finished with 109 tackles, 98 solo, picked off five passes and forced three fumbles, all team-highs.

Fowler recovered 24 turnovers and finished plus-16 in turnover margin. Clark completed 94 of 152 passes for 1,594 yards with a 33/6 TD/INT ratio.

Luke Huelskamp graduated after he collected 199 carries for 967 yards with 10 scores; Bird added 124 carries for 644 yards and nine TDs. Fowler, which finished 2-3 at home and 5-0 on the road last season, lost to Dighton in the first round of the playoffs. Two years ago, Fowler beat Victoria in the first round and then lost to Wallace County.

The Goldbugs have been 5-0 in district play the last two years and have won 11 straight district contests. Third-year coach Matt Bell has set goals to make the playoffs and win the district for the third straight year and continually improve on a day-to-day and week-to-week basis.

“In 2014 we will be extremely young,” Bell said. “In order for us to be successful our young guys must commit to working in the summer time. We must get bigger, faster, and stronger.

We must learn from our mistakes quickly and improve from game to game in order to be at our best by the end of the season.

Frankfort has had trouble competing in an Eight-Man Division II district the last cycle that included state powers Baileyville B&B and Hanover. Frankfort is 6-2 the last two years in non-district play, but 0-8 in district competition.

B&B and Hanover are no longer in the same district as Frankfort, but the Wildcats will play Hanover on the road Week 2 in non-district play. B&B closed its doors after six straight title game appearances and consolidated with Nemaha Valley to form Nemaha Central.

The Hanover contest is one of four road games to open the season. Frankfort will have just three home games this fall, starting with a key district contest against Axtell in Week 5.

“Things are never easy in the football world, but our schedule for next season does appear to be more favorable than it has in recent years,” coach Garry Kraushaar said. “We will no longer be in the same district with B&B and Hanover.

Someone new will make the playoffs out of our district, and we certainly have an opportunity to be one of those teams.”

Axtell and Frankfort are likely the top two teams in Eight-Man Division II, District 1, that also includes Linn, Randolph-Blue Valley, Pike Valley, and Southern Cloud. Frankfort hasn’t made the playoffs in three years.

Senior quarterback Jake Rose returns after he threw for 204 yards and led the team with 104 carries for 714 yards and 11 TDs. He is one of seven returning starters back for the Wildcats including four on offense and six on defense.

“We want to be a tougher, more physical team than we were last season,” Kraushaar said. “We want to make the playoffs and advance.”

Southern Cloud went from 0-9 to 5-4 and 6-4 the last two years in large part because of Ryan Perkins, one of eight-man’s best players. It’s believed to be the first time the Warriors had backto-back winning seasons in nearly 20 years.

Perkins completed 67 of 119 passes for 1,194 yards with a 23/1 TD/INT ratio. He also rushed 144 times for 799 yards and 15 scores. He led the Warriors with 175 tackles (101 solo), 58 more than any other player, and also picked off two passes and forced three fumbles. Southern Cloud finished plus-17 in turnover margin.

Perkins completed his career with 481 tackles, 11 forced fumbles, seven interceptions and five fumble recoveries.

In the last two seasons, Southern Cloud was actually a better road team (7-3) than at home (4-5). Second-year coach Tyler Williams has set a goal to have a third straight winning record.

Weeks 2-5 will likely tell the story of the season with home games with Chase and Beloit/St. John’s-Tipton before three straight road games, the last two in districts: Tescott, Linn and Axtell. Williams anticipates a 12 to 13 player roster with five freshmen and two seniors.

“We need our players to understand their roles, their assignments, and to stay on task,” Williams said. “Summer is going to being very important to our season, with installing schemes, fundamentals at every position, and summer weights. We are in a new district with some very competitive teams so we have a tough road ahead.”

Wheatland-Grinnell finished 0-9 last season and couldn’t finish the season due to lack of players. Longtime football and girls’ basketball coach Tyler Flavin left in late spring for Meade and Todd Flinn took over as head coach. Brendan Ptacek remained on staff as an assistant.

Before 2013 fall camp opened, Flavin believed the Thunderhawks could compete for the second playoff berth in Eight-Man Division II, District 6. But Craig Prewo, the team’s best offensive lineman, went down with a torn ACL in the first 10 practices and never played a down. End/DB Nathan Goetz suffered a head injury and can’t play football again. The Thunderhawks went quickly from 12 players to 10. Running back Corey Prewo started to play well, but then suffered a season-ending injury in Week 6 against Logan-Palco.

Midway through the Logan-Palco contest, the team had just seven players. The team eventually forfeited two of its final three games.

This season, the Thunderhawks open at Chase and then play host to Weskan in Week 2 in an expected 6-man contest.

“We will look to improve upon last season’s record by gaining some early momentum, and then carrying it into a tough stretch of away games,” Flinn said. “Everyone on the roster will see significant playing time, and hopefully will get the experience of competing for a playoff spot as the regular season winds down. “Our success in 2014 will be dependent upon staying healthy and the continuing development of our younger players,” Flinn added. “We will need to remain motivated and confident as the kids adjust to a coaching change and battle through all the adversity a football season presents.”

7-3 in 2013 / 5-0 in district / 8-Man II Southern Plains Iroquois Coach: Matt Bell (3rd year, 15-6) Assistants: N/A Offense: Spread Option Defense: 3-3/3-4 Returning Lettermen: 6 Returning Starters: 3 Offense, 2 Defense Miguel Cortes, OG/DE, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Ulises Granados, FB, 5-5, 160, Sr.; Taylor Cook, C, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Blake Keith, S, 5-8, 160, So.

2-6 in 2013/ 0-4 in district / 8-Man II Twin Valley League Coach: Garry Kraushaar (6th year, 24-22) Assistants: Brian Ebert, Jay Kennedy Offense: Split backs Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 6 Defense Derek Kraushaar, OL/DL, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Jake Rose, QB/ LB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; John Essman, OL/DL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Conor Nicholl Brody Roberts, TE/LB, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Jase Suther, RB/LB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Ryan Kraushaar, SE/DB, 5-10, 145, Jr.; Sheldon Parthemer, TE/LB, 5-9, 145, Jr.

6-4 in 2013 / 5-1 in district / 8-Man II Northern Plains League Coach: Tyler Williams (2nd year, 6-4) Assistants: Jim Swink, Roger Perkins Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Justin Pelkey, RB/LB, 5-6, 160, Sr.; Trey Bellows, E/ DB, 6-2, 160, Sr.; Austin Pelkey, RB/LB, 5-7, 160, Jr.; Eli Heller, OL, 6-0, 215, Jr.; Kyle Fowler, DL, 6-1, 195, Jr.

0-9 in 2013 / 0-6 in district / 8-Man II Western Kansas Liberty League Coach: Todd Flinn (1st year) Assistants: Brendan Ptacek Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 7 Conor Nicholl Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Dominic Zimmerman, WR/DB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Clay Schwarz, QB/LB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Kaleb Holaday, TE/DE, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Brady Hapke, WR/CB, 6-0, 140, Jr.; Corey Prewo, RB/CB, 5-10, 165, So.

Conor Nicholl

HARTFORD JAGUARS Lewis Whitson is looking for a few good men to do battle in the trenches for the 2014 Hartford Jaguars.

“Lombardi’s quote about football being just blocking and tackling sums up what our focus for team success will be this year,” he said.

“And we feel like blocking and tackling must start with our offensive and defensive linemen.

We will need four or five young men who are willing to battle for their team up front and get the job done so we can cash in on opportunities offensively.”

Hartford’s returning starters aren’t big, even by eight-man standards, so execution will be key.

“We have several different skill players who could be successful though we are definitely not going to outrun anyone,” Whitson said. “I think if we get some tough fellas on the line for us, it will give us opportunities for success.”

The Jaguars went 2-7 in Whitson’s first year at

HOXIE INDIANS

the helm, and 10 lettermen are back from that squad, including seniors Mason Esch, Devon Kinzle, Isaac Metcalf and Devan Andrews.

Finding a group of linemen will also be key for the Jaguar defense.

“We have a couple guys returning on the line who can execute our plans, but they will have to return hungry and competitive,” Whitson said.

“We will have to take care of responsibilities on the line to allow us to make tackles.”

Hoxie enjoyed its best finish in school history since state runner-up showings in 1978 and ’81.

This year, the Indians move down to Eight-Man Division II and are part of a strong western half of the state with Wallace County, Beloit/St. John’s-Tipton, Victoria and Thunder Ridge.

Hoxie will be open in Week 9, and outside of Wallace County, its district features teams that plan to play some six-man football this fall. The Week 4 road game against Wallace County is likely one of the best early season eight-man 2-7 in 2013 / 2-5 in district / 8-Man II games. The teams have met up the last four Lyon County League years; Hoxie is 1-3 in those games, but has lost Coach: Lewis Whitson (2nd year, 2-7) the last three 30-22, 20-6 and 36-28.

Assistant: Cass Stubbs The Indians graduated multiple standouts, Offense: N/A Defense: N/A including all-state quarterback Chase Kennedy Returning lettermen: 10 and all-state nose guard Mitchel Johnson, but do Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Clayton Fowler, 140, Fr.; Mason Esch, 155, Sr.; Devon return all-state running back Connor Katt, who Kinzle, 165, Sr.; Isaac Metcalfe, 165, Sr.; Landon was a Hays Daily News Super 11 selection.

Ledford, 200, Fr.; Devan Andrews, 160, Sr. Katt rushed 215 times for 1,666 yards and 29 Melanie McGee TDs and had 2,055 all-purpose yards.

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Senior Josh Heim also rushed for 531 yards and had 732 all-purpose yards. Senior Tanner Smith returns after 84 tackles and a team-high nine TFLs. Hoxie has no sophomores, so coach Lance Baar wants freshmen to step up for a roster that likely will have under 20 players.

Hoxie has continually improved since moving to eight-man six years ago from 1-8 to 2-7 to 6-3, 6-3, 7-3 and then 10-2.

“We have several holes to fill this season but we still have our goals set high because: 1.

We are hungry because of our playoff run last season; and 2. Because of the returning starters we do have coming back,” Baar said. “Our ultimate goal is a state championship along with a district championship, and league championship (in that order).”

10-2 in 2013 / 5-0 in district / 8-Man II Northwest Kansas League Coach: Lance Baar (6th year, 31-18) Assistant: J.R. Kaiser Offense: I-formation Defense: 3-4 Returning Lettermen: 9 Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Connor Katt, RB/DB, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Josh Heim, RB/LB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Tyler Ewers, TE/DE, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Tanner Smith, OL/DE, 6-5, 200, Sr.; Peyton Taylor, OL, 5-11, 195, Jr. Conor Nicholl

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INGALLS BULLDOGS Familiar faces can be found throughout the lineup at Ingalls, as seven starters return on both sides of the ball. Fourth-year coach Ted Brown has 13 total lettermen back from a team that went 7-3 in 2013.

Quarterback Zeke Cox returns for his senior season, and he’ll be joined in the backfield by juniors Branson Sandoval and Josh Irsik. Senior tight end Edgar Flores and junior receiver Dawson Sandoval also return, and the Bulldogs have an experienced offensive line anchored by three returning starters - junior Bryan Cox, senior Cole Hoskinson and sophomore Austin Teeter.

“Our goal is to be satisfied with our efforts come the end of November,” Brown said, adding that keys to his team’s success will include development throughout the season, a good turnover ratio and maturing throughout the offseason and preseason.

The Bulldog defense returns Bryan Cox, Hoskinson and Teeter up front, along with both Sandovals and Flores at linebacker. The secondary will be led by Zeke Cox and Irsik.

7-3 in 2013 / 4-1 in district / 8-Man II Southern Plains Iroquis Coach: Ted Brown (4th year, 17-11) Assistants: Curtis Myers, Vestal Teeter Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Zeke Cox, QB/DB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Branson Sandoval, RB/ LB, 5-8, 155, Jr.; Dawson Sandoval, WR/LB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Josh Irsik, RB/CB, 5-7, 145, Jr.; Austin Teeter, OL/ DL, 6-0, 195, So.; Edgar Flores, TE/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Bryan Cox, OL/DL, 5-7, 195, Jr.; Cole Hoskinson, OL/ DL, 6-4, 300, Sr.

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KENSINGTON-THUNDER RIDGE LONGHORNS KIOWA-SOUTH BARBER CHIEFTAINS This year, Thunder Ridge will play in difficult Eight-Man Division II, District 7 with Northern Valley, BJST, Natoma, Otis-Bison and Victoria.

Coach Jerry Voorhees wants to compete for a district championship and make a deep run in the playoffs. Voorhees called staying healthy a “must” for the Longhorns. Thunder Ridge, always known for great lines and a power running game, will look for its fifth straight playoff berth behind some big linemen and senior running back Trent Rietzke, a Hays Daily News Super 11 selection last fall.

“We must have great leadership from our seniors and stay healthy,” Voorhees said. “If we do that I think we have a chance to be pretty competitive.”

Three of Thunder Ridge’s four toughest games are on the road. The Longhorns, whose last three losses have come away from home, play host to Osborne in Week 1, then have Otis-Bison (Week 5), Victoria (Week 7) and BJST (Week 8) on the road.

7-2 in 2013 / 4-1 in district / 8-Man II Northern Plains League Coach: Jerry Voorhees (9th year, 69-17) Assistants: Brent Overmiller, Kirby Rust Offense: I-formation Defense: 3-3 Returning Lettermen: 10 Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 3 Defense Nolan Billings, TE/OLB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Logan Miller, C/ NG, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Jordan Gering, G/DE, 6-3, 253, Jr.; Trent Rietzke, RB/DB, 5-7, 170, Sr.; Dylan Bretton, QB/ DB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Zach Wallgreen, G/DL, 5-11, 193, Sr.; Laramie Boyle, FB/MLB, 5-11, 195, Sr.

South Barber returns plenty of talent from a squad that lost in the second round of the state playoffs to Hanover. South Barber’s only losses came to South Haven in Week 2 (72-48), Oklahoma power Shattuck in Week 3 (48-38) and then the 60-6 playoff defeat to Hanover.

South Barber has made the playoffs the last three years and four of the last five, but hasn’t won more than one playoff game in a year since the program’s lone championship in 2005.

Third-year coach Tim Rector has set several goals: undefeated in district, make playoffs, advance at least a round farther than last year. Rector said the season’s keys will be developing young players, defensive presence, good tackling, minimize injuries and control game flow.

“After that, keep winning and take state!,” Rector said.

South Barber outscored opponents 554-376 and ranked third in the classification in offense, but was Eight-Man Division II’s only team to allow more than 336 points.

The top five tacklers all return, including junior Tyler Martin (68 tackles, team-high 12.5 TFLs).

8-3 in 2013 / 4-0 district / 8-Man II Coach: Tim Rector (3rd year, 15-6) Assistants: Matt Cantrell, John Doherty Offense: Pistol Defense: 3-2 Monster Returning Lettermen: 9 Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Bryce Roberts, E/DE, 6-6, 155, Sr.; Dylan Allison, RB/ LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Grant Cantrell, G/LB, 5-11, 175, So.; Conor Nicholl Kolton Pavlu, G/NG, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Peyton Yandel, QB/ DB, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Tyler Martin, G/LB, 5-10, 185, Jr. Conor Nicholl

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Langdon-Fairfield will hope a change of scenery holds the elixir to a spot in the playoffs.

It is almost cruel that a team with a 7-2 mark watched the postseason from the outside last year. But Fairfield’s 4-2 record in a seven-team district left it up to simple math. Both losses came to the squads that extended their seasons by clinching berths in the state bracket – South Central and Kiowa County. The loss to Kiowa County was definitive (50-0), but it was the week four defeat at South Central that stings.

South Central won 30-26. Had that result flip-flopped, Fairfield would have been in the playoffs.

Instead, a long-standing postseason drought continues for the Falcons. Fairfield last qualified for the playoffs in 1995. It is the school’s only appearance, as well.

This year, Fairfield shuffles down from 8-Man’s Division I to Division II. Reclassifying might be just what the doctor ordered to cure the Falcons’ district woes.

Ashland, Bucklin, Cunningham and Minneola make up four of Fairfield’s five district combatants – and those four schools combined for only four notches in the win column in 2013.

With two teams qualifying out of the district, that leaves Stafford and Fairfield as the early favorites. Those two square off Oct. 17 at Stafford in a game that could determine the district champion.

But a winning season is no guarantee for Fairfield, as it lost several key contributors from this past year’s near miss. Defensively, there is room for error. The Falcons only gave up 140 points in 2013, tied with Kiowa County for the lowest mark in 8-Man Division I.

The Titans have struggled in recent years, but managed a 3-6 record in 2013 and will look to improve on that this fall.

Southern Coffey County coach Korey Lankton returns a pair of All-Lyon County League performers to lead his squad. Senior running back Walker Harred earned first-team All-League honors last season while senior receiver Josiah Witteman was a second-team selection. The Titan offense was able to score in 2013 as they averaged 41 points per game.

On defense, both Harred (defensive line) and Witteman (linebacker) were named to the LCL second team for their efforts. This fall, they’ll look to help SCC’s defense improve after giving up 58 points per game a year ago.

The 2013 Titans went 2-2 in district games with a 54-8 smashing of Elk Valley and a 62-38 victory over Crest as the highlights. SCC also defeated Pleasanton 28-22 in a non-league, non-district game.

In 2014, the Titans will compete in 8-Man Division II, District 3 along with AltoonaMidway, Chetopa, Colony-Crest, Hartford and Elk Valley.

7-2 in 2013 / 4-2 in district / 8-Man II Heart of the Plains League Coach: Lee Odell Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning letterman: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Pregame Staff

LOST SPRINGS-CENTRE COUGARS Lost Springs has improved its record three straight years from 3-6 to 5-4 to 6-3 last season after a 9-1 record in 2010. The Cougars started 1-2 and then won five in a row before a 46-0 loss to Madison in Week 9 ended the season.

Lost Springs fell to Wakefield 26-20 in Week 2 and 36-18 to Lebo in Week 3; the Lebo and Madison losses kept Lost Springs from a playoff berth in arguably Kansas’ toughest district.

In coach Stan Wiles’ first year – former head coach Kelly Steiner is now an assistant – Lost Springs, Madison, Peabody-Burns and Lebo all had a chance to win the district entering Week 9. Peabody-Burns and Madison went 5-1 in district play, while Lebo and Lost Springs each finished 4-2. Madison and Peabody-Burns each finished 8-2, while Lebo and Lost Springs went 6-3.

This year, the Cougars drop down to EightMan Division II District 2 into arguably the classification’s weakest district. None of the six teams - Lost Springs, Burrton, Chase, Sylvan/ Lucas, Tescott or Wilson – made the playoffs last year and only the Cougars finished with a winning record.

“We are excited about the new district and hope to be playing our best football at that time,” Wiles said.

6-3 in 2013 / 4-2 in district / 8-Man II Wheat State League Coach: Stan Wiles (2nd year, 6-3) Assistants: Kelly Steiner, Timothy Vinduska Offense: Balanced Defense: 3-5/3-2 Returning Lettermen: 5 Returning Starters: 3 Offense, 3 Defense Dakota Simpson, QB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Justin Bina, OL, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Connor Montgomery, HB, 5-7, 145, Sr. Conor Nicholl

3-6 in 2013 / 2-2 in district / 8-Man II Lyon County League Coach: Korey Lankton Assistant: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Walker Harred, RB/DL, Sr.; Josiah Witteman, WR/LB, Sr. Melanie McGee

LONGTON-ELK VALLEY LIONS The Lions posted an 0-7 record last year and coach Kyler Dowell hopes to play at least that many games this year as the 2014 schedule appears incomplete as of publication date.

Scheduled games include week one with Sedan, week three with Flinthills, and week four at Colony-Crest after what appear to be open dates in weeks two and four. Altoona-Midway, Hartford, Chetop, and Southern Coffey County, all district foes, along with Crest, round out the schedule.

MINNEOLA WILDCATS Minneola has posted some solid seasons, including a 7-3 mark in 2008, a 9-1 record in 2009 and an 8-2 mark in 2012. But the Wildcats dropped to 2-7 last season after graduating allstate quarterback Matt McClaren, who rushed for 2,172 yards with 39 rushing TDs in ‘12.

The Wildcats had a 20-player roster last season and struggled against a tough schedule.

Minneola opened the season with a 56-8 loss to Kiowa County, followed by a 50-24 defeat to Fowler, then a 42-8 loss to Ashland.

After a 28-0 victory versus Bucklin and a 54-0 win against Deerfield, Minneola lost 64-44 to South Gray, 64-0 to eventual Eight-Man Division I state runner-up Hodgeman County, 8-6 to Satanta and a 58-8 loss to Spearville.

Senior running back Joey Harrington rushed 225 times for 1,002 yards and 11 scores. The Wildcats had trouble passing the ball and finished with a 1/7 TD/INT ratio. Junior Landon Walker is back after he led the team with 73 tackles. Junior Cody Ragan paced the Wildcats with four sacks. The Wildcats finished plus-1 in turnover margin.

2-7 in 2013/ 1-4 in district/ 8-Man II Southern Plains Iroquois Coach: Reigo Hahn (2nd year) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

LINN BULLDOGS In two years under coach Jeremy Miller the Linn Bulldogs have enjoyed a rather significant turnaround. After going 0-9, and allowing 486 points, the most in 8-Man I, in 2012, Linn improved to 4-5 last season and increased their offensive scoring output from 158 in ‘12 to 324 last fall. The defense still had a few leaks, allowing 374 total points, but still a reduction of more than 100 points from 2012.

A less challenging 8-Man II schedule and the return of four starters has the Bulldogs and coach Miller hoping for more improvement this fall.

“Finish with a winning record, win our district, and go undefeated in league play,” Miller said for his goals this season.

But the Bulldogs’ young interior line will need to develop quickly, Miller said.

“If we can develop consistency on the line, I look for tremendous seasons out of 6-5 wide receiver Chad Gross and 6-4 tight end Grant Cook, and our running back, Micah Dieckmann,

who closed out last season averaging over six yards a carry,” Miller said.

While the Bulldogs picked up a tough neutral site game in Tescott with last year’s 8-Man I runner-up Hodgeman County in week three, gone are Hanover, Osborne, and a solid Wakefield team from last year’s schedule.

A week two match-up with an inexperienced, but traditionally strong, Clifton-Clyde team could set the tone for the season.

4-5 in 2013 / 3-3 in district / 8-Man II Twin Valley League Coach: Jeremy Miller (3rd year, 4-14) Assistant: Doug Thompson Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 4 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 4 Defense Chad Gross, DB/WR, 6-5, 170, Sr.; Micah Dieckmann, RB/LB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Grant Cook, TE/FB/LB, 6-4, 235, Sr.; Ted Hornbostel, NG, 6-0, 300, Sr. John Baetz

MOSCOW WILDCATS

NATOMA TIGERS

This year, C.J. Madison takes over as head coach as the third different coach in three seasons and fourth in five years. Madison played at Howard-West Elk and threw for 2,189 yards with an 18/18 TD/INT ratio during his junior and senior seasons. Madison attended Hutchinson Community College for two years, then went to Wichita State University. Just six hours short of his degree, Madison enrolled in the online program at FHSU while the running backs coach in 2013 at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa, according to the ECC website.

Last year’s team had just 17 players, but returns senior Alexis Manriquez, who will be a four-year starter. He had 183 carries for 1,204 yards and 17 scores and led the team by a big margin with 96 tackles. For his career, he has 2,178 rushing yards, 25 rushing TDs and 248 tackles (164 solo).

Moscow, known for its high-powered offense in recent years, dropped to 3-6 after a 5-4 mark in 2012 and an 8-2 mark in 2011. Last season, Moscow lost its first three games by big margins, then beat Greeley County (54-8) and lost to Ingalls (20-12). After a 76-26 victory against Bucklin and a 54-6 win versus Ashland, Moscow fell to Fowler (52-22) and Rolla (56-6).

Natoma opened 4-0 last season and finished 5-4 with its first winning season since a 6-3 mark in 2009.

Aaron Homburg took over as head coach after serving as the longtime defensive coordinator.

Homburg has been at Natoma for 10 years and is also the superintendent.

In addition, senior Jacob Chambray, junior Joey Raat and junior Dean Masters were the 1-2-4 runners for a cross country team that finished a surprising third in Class 1A. All three are returning starters, along with senior quarterback Triton Frye (45 of 104 for 818 yards, 17/9 TD/INT).

The Tigers graduated its three top players in all-purpose threat Jackson Meiers, running back Cale Hooper and linebacker Elijah Holmes.

Homburg wants to “build on last year’s success” against a very difficult district that includes ranked teams Thunder Ridge, St. John’s-Beloit and Victoria in three straight weeks.

“The teams that come out of our district will be playoff ready as they have already had a five-week playoff to reach the playoffs!”

Homburg said.

3-6 in 2013 / 2-3 in district / 8-Man II Santa Fe Trail League Coach: C.J. Madison (1st year) Assistant: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Conor Nicholl

5-4 in 2013 / 1-4 in district / 8-Man II Northern Plains League Coach: Aaron Homburg (2nd year, 5-4) Assistant: Cody Dunlap Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Jacob Chambray, E/DB, Sr.; Triton Frye, QB/DB, Sr.; Seth Hachmeister, C/LB, Sr.; August Homburg, OL/DL, Sr.; Dean Masters, RB/DE, Jr.; Joey Raat, RB/DE, Jr. Conor Nicholl

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NORWICH EAGLES

OTIS-BISON COUGARS Otis-Bison had went 40-6 in the previous four years and was expected to take a step back last year. The Cougars lost their first six games, but rebounded to win their final three and narrowly missed the playoffs.

Otis-Bison defeated Western Plains 72-26, Wilson 54-8 and Sylvan Lucas 32-30 – in a game Sylvan-Lucas needed to win to qualify for the postseason. Dighton, Sylvan-Lucas and Otis-Bison all tied with 3-2 district records, but Dighton earned the playoff runner-up bid on the points tiebreaker and eventually advanced to the second round.

Otis-Bison fought some injuries early and made a change at quarterback when Kade Urban, now a sophomore, took over for his brother, all-state safety Kole in the season’s final month. The Cougars are a much more experienced team this season, especially with senior lineman Kade Hagans, the lone threeyear starter. Tenth-year coach Travis Starr said the team’s No. 1 goal is to return to the playoffs.

Kole Urban rushed for 937 yards, while Kade Urban collected 44 carries for 225 yards, and speedy Brad Lightfoot, also a freshman, had 26 carries for 218 yards. Both Urban and Lightfoot had four rushing TDs apiece. Kade Urban collected 36 tackles, Lightfoot 26; they are the 1-2 returning tacklers.

“We must have a great summer in the weight room,” Starr said. “We need to develop leadership from all players. We must learn to play with greater mental/physical toughness and discipline.”

Otis-Bison is in brutal Eight-Man Division II District 7 with Northern Valley, Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton, Thunder Ridge, Natoma and Victoria.

3-6 in 2013 / 3-2 district / 8-Man II Central Prairie League Coach: Travis Starr (10th year, 55-36) Assistant: Curtis Little Offense: Multiple Defense: 5-1 Returning Lettermen: 12 Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense Pregame Staff Nick Higgason, OL, Jr.; Kade Urban, QB/LB, So.; Brad Lightfoot, DB, So.; Kade Hagans, OL/DL, Sr.; Preston Cheely, OL/DL, Jr.; Hayden Meier, TE/DE, Jr. Conor Nicholl

REXFORD-GOLDEN PLAINS BULLDOGS Golden Plains has generally been a solid team with a strong offense and athletic players, especially in the backfield, in coach Travis Smith’s era. But Golden Plains has posted 2-7 marks the last two years. Tragedy also struck last summer when Joseph Koerperich, expected to be a starting junior end, died in a car accident.

Golden Plains is expected to play a six-man game at home against Weskan in Week 6, and then will play host to Wallace County and Hoxie, expected to be the top two teams in Eight-Man Division II, District 8, in Weeks 7 and 8.

Smith has set a goal to be competitive with just three returning starters. Smith said some younger, inexperienced players will need to step up. Golden Plains returns one rushing yard of 1,436 and no receiving yards. However, senior Benny Martinez returns after leading the Bulldogs by big margins with 136 tackles and 17 TFLs. “Getting players to buy in,” Smith said of the team’s goals. “Our players need to realize

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Last year’s schedule told three different tales for Norwich. The Eagles dropped their first three games of the year, but proved to be a competitive bunch – they kept the final score within two possessions each time. After a week four loss to Pretty Prairie, Norwich put together back-to-back victories over Cunningham and Goessel to find some momentum. That bottomed out during the final three battles of the season, as the Eagles had their feathers plucked

by Stafford, Kiowa-South Barber and Caldwell to finish their season with a 2-7 mark.

Norwich will take another crack at clamping down an elusive winning season. The Eagles last finished above .500 in 2009. In the four seasons following, they have not been able to overcome the three-win plateau.

Argonia-Attica, Caldwell and Kiowa-South Barber remain in 8-Man Division II District 4 with Norwich. Realignment moves Stafford and Cunningham out, but that may not be good news for the Eagles. Those schools are replaced

by South Haven and Pretty Prairie, who each picked up wins over Norwich this past season.

That means the Eagles took a loss to every team in its 2014 district this past season.

For more than most schools, the middle of the season will be the make-or-break point for Norwich. Norwich travels to Fairfield on Sept.

19, the start of a spate of games that will send the Eagles on the road five times in six weeks, bookended by a trip to Argonia-Attica on Oct. 24. Norwich’s only stay-at-home date during that stretch is Oct. 10 against Kiowa-South Barber.

The Eagles most recent playoff appearance came in 2008.

2-7 in 2013 / 1-3 in district / 8-Man II Heart of the Plains League Coach: Lucas Schroeder Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning letterman: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Page 113

PRETTY PRAIRIE BULLDOGS RANDOLPH-BLUE VALLEY RAMS Pretty Prairie had made the playoffs eight of the last nine years, but took a five-win decrease last fall and missed the playoffs after four years of 11-1, 11-1, 8-2 and 8-3 marks. The Bulldogs opened the season with a 40-14 win against Cunningham and then lost to Fairfield (57-18) and B&B (50-0) before a 52-28 win against Norwich before district play.

But the Bulldogs struggled in district play with losses to Little River (46-14), Central Plains (56-6) and Canton-Galva (58-22) before a 28-20 win against Lincoln and a 44-28 season-ending loss to Solomon. Opponents outscored Pretty Prairie 373-208; the year before, the Bulldogs outscored opponents 406-258.

“The guys are still very disappointed in how last year went,” coach C.T. Young said. “They all have made it a goal to get back to the playoffs again this year. We will still be fairly young without a tremendous amount of size. We will need to stay healthy and try to use our speed to our advantage.”

This year, Pretty Prairie goes down a classification and will play in Eight-Man Division II, District 4 with Attica/Argonia, Caldwell, Kiowa-South Barber, Norwich and South Haven. Since 2004, Pretty Prairie is 10-0 against Norwich, 6-2 versus South Barber, 2-2 versus Caldwell (last meeting in ’07) and has never played South Haven or the recently co-oped Attica/Argonia.

3-6 in 2013 / 1-4 in district / 8-Man II Heart of the Plains League Coach: C.T. Young (12th year, 80-37) Assistants: Dennis Detter, Tyler Wilder Offense: Spread/Multiple Formation Defense: 3-5 Returning Lettermen: 19 Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense Michael Mains, QB/DB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Josh Webster, FB/ LB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Keifer George, TB/DB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Dylan Bair, TE/DB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Chase Nisly, OL, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Jake Loyd, DL, 6-0, 240, Jr.; Trevor Webster, DB, 5-8, 125, Jr. Conor Nicholl

5-4 in 2013 / 1-3 in district / 8-Man II Twin Valley League Coach: Matt Schreiber (8th year, 22-41) Assistant: Jason Drouillard Offense: Power Series, Spread. Defense: 3-2 Monster Returning lettermen: 4 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 2 Defense Chase Carey, QB/LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Haydn Budenbender, OL/DL, 6-3, 185, Jr.; Zeb Hutson, OL/DL, 6-4, 250, Jr.; Michael Olson, OL/DL, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Dalton Shaner, OL/DL, 6-2, 215, Jr.; Michael Wright, OL/DL, 5-11, 237, So.; Trevor Schwerdt, RB/DB, 5-10, 160, So.; Bradley Young, RB/DB, 5-10, 165, So.; Seth Carlson, TE/ LB, 5-10, 165, So. Brent Maycock

ROLLA PIRATES

they can be successful if they will put the time and effort into off season conditioning and practice.”

Rolla suffered through some tough years, going winless in 2004-06 and then going 1-8, 2-7, 0-9, 1-8 and 0-9 the last five years before breaking through with 7-3 and 7-2 seasons the 2-7 in 2013 / 1-5 in district / 8-Man II last two falls. After two successful seasons, Western Kansas Liberty League coach Jonathan Schnable has left to become the Coach: Travis Smith (15th year, 62-70) coach at Johnson-Stanton County.

Assistant: Heath Johnson Jeff Braun, also the school’s athletic director Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 and an assistant for the past three years, will Returning lettermen: 7 take over as head coach, in his first head coachReturning starters: 3 Offense, 3 Defense Benny Martinez, OL/LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Dominic Luna, ing position. Braun has set three team goals: OL/DL, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Cole Ziegelmeier, OL/LB, 5-11, post a winning record, win the Santa Fe Trail 155, Jr. League for the third straight year and finish top Conor Nicholl two in district play.

Braun said “improvement of underclassmen” is the team’s biggest key.

Running back Kyler Telford graduated after he rushed for 3,210 yards and 53 TDs combined the last two years.

Rolla will play in Eight-Man Division II, District 6 with Fowler, Deerfield, Ingalls, Moscow and Satanta.

The 2012 playoff berth marked the first post-

David Brow n e

The 2013 season was somewhat of a Jekyll and Hyde showing by the Rams. Blue Valley began the season 5-0, scoring 46 or more points in four of those contests while giving up a total of 38. The final four games, however, saw the Rams go 0-4 and surrender at least 50 points in every game, denying them a return to the playoffs.

A 32-point showing against eventual champion Bailevyille B&B in the season finale was a good sign, though Blue Valley must replace the bulk of its offensive production from a year ago, including leading rusher Marshall Carey (989 yards, 10 TDs) who was one of seven seniors who graduated.

Chase Carey was the Rams’ leading receiver last year as a sophomore and is a two-year starter, but shifts to quarterback this year.

Sophomore back Trevor Schwerdt is the only other returner who logged time at a skill position, getting only one carry.

More than likely, the 2014 season will be a rebuilding one for the Rams, who have no seniors out and less than 15 on the roster. The lines should have depth around returning starter Haydn Budenbender.

The schedule gets an overhaul with only three games against foes from a year ago and the district appears wide open with Baileyville closing its doors and Hanover moving up to Division I.

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season appearance since 1998; Rolla hasn’t won a playoff game since an undefeated state title team in 1996. Rolla was the lone Eight-Man, Division II squad to win seven contests and not make the playoffs last year; Rolla lost 42-36 to Fowler and 14-6 at Ingalls in Weeks 5 and 7. The Pirates have lost eight in a row against Fowler in the last 10 years.

7-2 in 2013/ 3-2 in district/ 8-Man II Santa Fe Trail League Coach: Jeff Braun (1st year) Assistant: Kent Milburn Offense: I-formation Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 2 Offense, 3 Defense Obie Telford, TE/LB, Sr.; Jordan Schwindt, FB/LB, Sr.; Coleman Kirby, WR/DT, Sr. Conor Nicholl

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 114

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SATANTA INDIANS

SCANDIA-PIKE VALLEY PANTHERS

In 2007, Pike Valley finished 5-4 with the No. 22-hardest schedule in Eight-Man Division I, according to preppowerindex.com. Since then, the Panthers’ SOS has gone: 16, 9, 4, 12, 11, and 8. The records have gone 4-5, 0-8, 1-8, 1-8, 4-6 and 1-8. Two years ago, Pike Valley was the lone eight-man team to make the playoffs with a losing record. That season, the Panthers finished 1-4 at home, but 3-2 on the road. Last season, Pike Valley was 1-3 at home, but 0-5 on the road. Pike Valley carries a streak of six straight road losses into 2014, but the Panthers will move to Eight-Man Division II under longtime coach Don Melby.

Since 1979, Pike Valley has 12 playoff appearances, including two trips to the semifinals in 2002 and ’05.

Junior quarterback Titus Vignery transferred after his dad took the Minneapolis superintendent job; he completed 42 of 94 passes for 418 yards with a 2/7 TD/INT ratio last year as a sophomore.

Melby hopes to improve on last season, but the team is expected to be young again and short on numbers. The Panthers should have at least six incoming freshmen, which is expected to improve team speed.

Melby said the team’s offense improved last season, but the defense allowed 501 points, second-most in the classification.

“We will have a really different schedule after moving to Division II this year,” Melby said.

“I don’t think our schedule can be any tougher than it has been the last couple of years. We will Pregame Staff definitely need to stay healthy with our numbers the way they are. Hopefully we will be a little faster as a team.”

The Indians seem to have a team on the upswing since joining the 8-Man ranks two seasons ago. Satanta won exactly one game in the three seasons of 11-man football prior to switching to the game of eight players in 2012, and has since posted records of 2-7 and 4-5.

And the improvement is even more measurable than the record shows. The Indians scored 158 total points in the 2-7 record of 2012, and increased to 240 points of output last fall. The 2012 defense gave up 436 points while last year’s D reduced the allowance to 280 points.

The Idians opened last season with big wins over Goodwell/Yarbrough (Okla.) and Moscow, then lost one touchdown games to Ingalls and Hill City before being blown out by South Gray, Hodgeman County, and Spearville.

The Indians then rebounded to close out the year with wins over Minneola (8-6) and Deerfield (56-8).

This year the Indians will look to continue the improvement in 8-Man, Division II, and against a wide open district that includes Fowler, Deerfield, Ingalls, Moscow, Rolla, and Satanta.

Fowler and Ingalls will likely be the favorites to come out of district play, but don’t write-off a Satanta team that appears to be on the rise.

4-5 in 2013 / 2-3 in district / 8-Man II Hi Plains League Coach: N/A Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

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SOUTH HAVEN CARDINALS

Coach Kevin Ayers resigned shortly after last fall ended with an Eight-Man Division II state runner-up showing to Baileyville B&B. Ayers, one of the most successful coaches in Kansas eight-man history, went 152-27 in 16 years, including 73-16 in eight years with the Wildcats. Ayers made the playoffs every season with Wallace County and won the 2007 state championship.

Ayers had considered stepping aside after ’13 during the previous year. First, he resigned his teaching position before the ‘13-14 school year and the district hired Jeff Hennick, the QB on the 2007 championship team, to fill the teaching role and be an assistant coach. Ayers farmed last season and coached. Then, he resigned the coaching and Hennick, also an assistant last fall, is now the head coach.

Hennick returns just two starters in senior running back Nate Klinge (team-high 935 rushing yards) and junior fullback/linebacker Luke Schemm (529 rush, team-high 8.1 yards per carry, team-high 80 tackles). But four players, including junior quarterback Eric Gfeller and junior lineman Hardin Perry, saw ample time last year in backup roles.

The first month of the season will be a test with games versus Atwood, at Oberlin, versus WaKeeney-Trego and Hoxie and at Triplains-Brewster. Atwood is 15-4 the last two years and Oberlin is in its first year of eightman. Hoxie (10-2 in ‘13) and the Titans (6-3) are district contests. Wallace County has won three straight against Hoxie, but the margins have been eight, 14 and eight points.

“With many seniors graduating, the Wildcats are hoping many young men step up and take on the leadership role that has been present the last few years,” Hennick said. “The key to this team’s success will be the team chemistry.”

Fans of offense will want to swing down to South Haven to see the Cardinals. In the past three regular seasons, the Cardinals worst offensive nights bottomed out at “only” 42 points.

Two times in 2013, they lit up the scoreboard for more than 70.

But the offense has slogged down in recent seasons during the playoffs. Marais des Cygnes Valley clipped the Cardinals in 2013 with a 48-18 victory. In 2012, South Haven fell 66-28 to Madison.

For a perennial playoff program – South Haven has made the postseason every year since 2004 – the task is not so much making the field, but taking care of business once it gets there.

The road back takes a turn in 2014. South Haven drops from 8-Man Division I down to Division II, changing the landscape. District opponents now include Norwich, Caldwell, Pretty Prairie, Argonia-Attica and Kiowa-South Barber. Not all are unfamiliar, though, as South Haven picked up victories just this past season in non-district contests with Norwich (54-38), Kiowa-South Barber (72-48) and Caldwell (6826). Kiowa-South Barber was a playoff team in Division II in 2013.

Success has been commonplace for the Cardinals under the long-standing tenure of coach David Hughes. He took a mostly inexperienced roster to the postseason a year ago. In the past five seasons, South Haven is a combined 43-10 under his tutelage.

12-1 in 2013/ 5-0 in district / 8-Man II Northwest Kansas League Coach: Jeff Hennick (1st year) Assistants: Dennis Gfeller, Matt Brown Offense: Option Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 2 Defense Nate Klinge, RB/LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Luke Schemm, LB/ RB, 6-2, 180, Jr. Conor Nicholl

STAFFORD TROJANS If the trend continues upward in the Jeff Lowther era at Stafford, this could be a banner year for the Trojans. Lowther took over in the 2011 season. From there, the win total has steadily increase – from 2-7 to 6-3 to 7-3 this past year. The three losses this past season came to Kiowa-South Barber, Central Plains and a thrilling 24-20 battle with Waverly in the first round of the postseason. Combined, those three schools went 26-7.

The 7-3 record in 2013 could go down as a defining moment for Stafford, if it does indeed turn into a common theme. It marked only the fourth time the program made the playoffs in school history, and the first one since 1990.

However, one milestone still eludes the school – a playoff victory in football.

The Trojans were adept at stringing together highlights on offense. In eight of their 10 contests, Stafford topped 40 points. In a true shootout in week nine, Stafford throttled the Sunrise Christian Academy defense in an 84-52 victory. The Trojans 480 points on the season were the sixth-most in 8-Man Division II.

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8-2 in 2013 / 5-1 in district / 8-Man II South Central Border League Coach: David Hughes Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

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Stafford’s six-team district has a favorable vibe for sending the Trojans to a second consecutive postseason voyage. Bucklin and Cunningham are coming off winless seasons.

Ashland and Minneola struggled, as well, both going 2-7. The biggest roadblock to a district crown is likely Langdon-Fairfield. Fairfield, dropping from 8-Man Division I to Division II, missed out on the playoffs a year ago despite a 7-2 finish.

Stafford will have time to gather its feet in front of a favorable crowd. Four of the Trojans first five games are at home. That includes the opener of district play, an Oct. 3 dance with Cunningham. Stafford also ends the regular season at home, hosting Minneola Oct. 30.

7-3 in 2013 / 3-1 in district / 8-Man II Heart of the Plains League Coach: Jeff Lowther Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning letterman: N/A Returning starters: N/A

The Mustangs started the 2013 season with a brutal schedule which included five teams that opened the season a combined 22-3 over the first five weeks of the year. It was too much for third year head coach Ben Labertew’s team that lacked depth. The Mustangs allowed an average of 50.6 points per game during that stretch and had trouble with turnovers.

But going into the season Labertew knew there was light at the end of the tunnel and the final four games of the year featured teams that were far less successful. After reeling off three straight victories, including a 48-42 upset of a talented Dighton team in week eight, the Mustangs appeared poised to make a trip to the playoffs, but the Otis-Bison Cougars would edge the Mustangs 32-30 in the final week and deliver a playoff trip for the Dighton Hornets.

Gone are several key players from last year’s team including big lineman - and heavyweight state champion wrestler - Fritz Berger, end Nick Lawson, and speedy running back Kelvin Lopez. Lopez would’ve been a senior on Pregame Staff this year’s squad, but moved to Texas in the

offseason.

The Mustangs do return eight lettermen and five total starters including quarterback/linebacker Collin Herold, a 6-1, 190 pound senior.

The 2014 season presents a more manageable schedule for the Mustangs including a district that includes only one team that posted a winning record a year ago.

“Some young kids are going to have to step up,” Labertew said of his teams keys to success.

“We are also going to have to stay healthy.”

3-6 in 2013 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man II Northern Plains League Coach: Ben Labertew (3rd year, 7-11; 14th overall, 44-50) Assistant: Ryan Batchman Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Tammer Kubick, LB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Collin Herold, QB/LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Colton Uhl, DL, 5-9, 230, Sr.; Tim Schulteis, FB/LB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Ty Heenan, TB/DB, 5-10, 135, Sr. John Baetz

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After opening the season with consecutive losses the Trojans erupted for 54 and 44 point outbursts against Burrton and Wilson, teams that combined for one win. A two-point loss to Goessel in week five is all that kept the Trojans from a four game winning streak as they posted a 60-24 win over Chase in week six. But the final three games of the season featured the toughest portion of their schedule as they would go winless allowing at least 50 points in each loss and scoring no more than 14 points in any of the final three contests.

If the Trojans are to improve on their three wins from a year ago they’ll need to find a replacement for Eight-Man All-Star Kyle Comstock after he tallied 1,462 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in 2013. He accounted for nearly 2,000 total yards for the Trojans and earned first team All-District running back and linebacker.

Eighth year head coach Daymon Walker does welcome back six starters including QB Joel McCosh and fullback Byron Peterson to compete in what could be the most wide open district in Kansas that includes Burrton, Chase, Centre, Sylvan-Lucas, and Wilson. Only Centre posted more than three wins last season, going 6-3 in Division I. “Our goal will be to use every day to improve,” Walker said. “We can’t afford to let any day go by where we didn’t do everything possible to get better.”

In spite of the loss of Comstock, Walker says the Trojans return good skill players, but need to find some linemen.

“We have some pretty good skill player,” Walker said. “We must develop some linemen quickly in order for us to have any success on either side of the ball.”

Greeley County ran its losing streak to 13 contests with season-opening 54-6 and 38-0 losses to Hoxie and Dighton, respectively, before a 66-24 victory against Golden Plains. After a 54-8 loss to Moscow, Greeley County beat Wheatland-Grinnell 42-6, then lost to Wallace County (58-0) and Triplains-Brewster (48-0) before a 40-30 victory against Cheylin and a 44-0 loss to Weskan.

This season, Greeley County will be a part of Kansas’ first six-man varsity game in many years when it travels to Weskan in Week 1; Weskan is expected to play six-man ball all year.

Second-year coach Nathan Broeckelman, a Norton graduate who also built the Jackrabbits’ wrestling program from scratch, said the keys to success will be finding younger players and new athletes to fill roles the seniors left. Junior quarterback/defensive back Ty Ibarra returns, one of six starters on both sides of the ball.

Three quarterbacks combined to complete 39 of 112 passes for 674 yards with a 6/10 TD/ INT ratio in ‘13. Senior Elijah Stone, who also played some quarterback, graduated after he rushed for 899 of the team’s 1,197 yards and 12 of the team’s 16 rushing touchdowns.

“Our goal is to improve from our previous year and get to the playoffs,” Broeckelman said. “We were one win short of punching our ticket, and we hope to get that ticket punched this year.”

Greeley County will play in Eight-Man Division II, District 8 with Cheylin, Wheatland-Grinnell, Hoxie, Golden Plains, Wallace County and Triplains-Brewster.

The Knights have reached the playoffs 12 straight seasons, the longest current streak in eight-man.

Two years ago, Victoria made the playoffs despite losing all-state running back Dalton Dreiling for nearly all fall. In 2013, Victoria had multiple injuries. Clayton Roth, a four-year starter at cornerback and a three-year starter at running back, went down the fourth play of the season with a season-ending collarbone injury. Quarterback Sam Ottley never played after a Week 4 knee injury. End Tanner Hobbs missed most of the fall with an appendix issue.

But Victoria finished 10-1 and lost, 22-16, in a great second round road playoff contest against Beloit/St. John’s-Tipton.

The Knights lose Roth, Ottley, Hobbs and all-state linemen Trenton Klaus and Nathan Kuhn, but return plenty of starters who stepped up last fall. Junior quarterback Brady Dinkel completed 27 of 41 passes for 387 yards and 12 scores after Ottley was hurt. In the final six games, running back Bryan Dome rushed 57 times for 522 yards, including 314 yards in the playoffs. Dome enters his third year as a starter.

Lane Kisner, expected to start at fullback, had at least 12 carries in four of the final six contests.

Coach Doug Oberle said his team’s keys are to “get better each and every week,” staying healthy and improving the lines.

Every team in the Knights’ new district had a winning record last season, except for OtisBison, who is 43-12 in the last five years.

Last fall, veteran Weskan football coach Marc Cowles knew the Coyotes would have low numbers after three straight solid seasons. Weskan finished 4-5 in 2011, 8-2 and a playoff berth in 2012, and 7-2 with another playoff berth last season. But Weskan graduated five seniors from a 14-player roster in the spring of 2014 and Cowles was looking at around nine to 11 kids out this fall, many of them underclassmen.

Last fall, nearby Wallace County voted down a co-operative agreement with Weskan and Cowles said the school wasn’t sure what it was going to do. Then, shortly before the scheduling meeting last October in Salina, Tribune-Greeley County called. Eight-Man, Division II, District 8 – which Weskan is normally a part of – has seven teams, so every squad has a bye week.

Greeley County was interested in playing Weskan in a six-man game. Several other District 8 teams soon had contact with Weskan.

By playing six-man, the Coyotes will not be eligible for the playoffs, and for the first time in recent state history, a team will play a full six-man schedule. Cowles believes in the next few years, more western Kansas schools will consider playing six-man. Cowles said having officials for the games was no problem and everything is “very encouraging.”

In Week 1, Weskan will play Greeley County.

In Week 2, the Coyotes will play against Wheatland-Grinnell. After two byes, Weskan plays Bird City-Cheylin in Week 5 and Golden Plains in Week 6. Byes in Weeks 7 and 9 are sandwiched around a Week 8 game with Triplains-Brewster.

The Coyotes will have three key pieces back for the six-man experiment. Junior Edgar Valenzuela returns after he led the team with 17 catches for 223 yards and three scores. Senior Grant Frasier tied for the team high with three interceptions.

3-6 in 2013 / 2-4 in district / 8-Man II Northern Plains League Coach: Daymon Walker (9th year) Assistant: GA Frederking Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 3 Defense Garrett Bowling, E, Sr.; Josh Luder, LB, Sr.; George Torres, OL, Sr.; Joel MCosh, QB, Sr.; Cole Perry, S, Jr.; Byron Peterson, FB/DE, Jr.

3-6 in 2013 / 3-3 in district / 8-Man II Northwest Kansas League Coach: Nathan Broeckelman (2nd year, 3-6) Assistants: N/A Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-2 Returning Lettermen: 10 Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Cody Harney, RB/DE, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Ty Ibarra, QB/DE, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Isaac Stone, TE/LB, 5-3, 135, Jr.; Dominic Tarango, OL/LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Damien Ibarra, OL/NG, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Sean Lehman, C/LB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Conor Nicholl

John Baetz

WILSON DRAGONS Wilson defeated Chase, 62-42, in Week 1 last season, in a game that was similar to many high-scoring contests in recent years for the program. But the Dragons dropped eight in a row and had to forfeit Week 9 against Victoria.

Other than a 60-54 loss to Western Plains in Week 5, Wilson wasn’t within 20 points in any contest.

The Dragons suffered a two-win decrease from 2012, finished 0-4 at home and 1-4 on the road. Wilson is now 3-6, 3-6 and 1-8 after a 5-4 season in 2010.

The Dragons have reached the playoffs five times and won district crowns in 1998 and 2006 under longtime coach Tony Brokes. In school annals, Wilson is 4-9 in playoff history.

This year, four of the first six contests are on the road, but the Dragons have a chance to compete for a district title out of Eight-Man Division II, District 2. Wilson’s schedule goes at Linn, at Downs-Lakeside, versus St. John’s Military, versus Natoma, at Chase, at Burrton, versus Sylvan-Lucas, at Centre-Lost Springs

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WINONA-TRIPLAINS/BREWSTER TITANS

and versus Tescott.

Only Natoma (5-4) finished with a winning record last season, but lost its two best players.

Wilson returns six offensive and six defensive starters, and sophomore back Uriah Steinike and freshman back Grant Weinhold are expected to step into key roles, too.

“The state has drawn up a new circle of teams for this year,” Brokes said. “Several new opponents for everyone in the district will make it very interesting.”

Tony Stramel delivered one of the more impressive turnarounds in Kansas last season at Triplains-Brewster. The Titans, who stayed under the radar most of the season because they were effectively eliminated for the playoffs after Week 5, went 4-0 at home and finished 6-3. It marked a four-win improvement from 2012 and a big difference from 0-8 marks in 2010 and ’11.

The success started in Week 1 with a 44-0 home win against Ransom-Western Plains at Winona-Triplains’ Homecoming, according 1-8 in 2013 / 0-5 in district / 8-Man II to the Colby Free Press. Then, the Titans fell Northern Plains League 56-22 to Northern Valley and 53-0 to eventual Coach: Tony Brokes (18th year, 61-97) state runner-up Wallace County. After a 44-12 Assistant: Keith Staudinger victory versus Wheatland-Grinnell, the Titans Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 fell 34-16 to Weskan.

Returning Lettermen: 8 The Wallace County and Weskan losses both Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Jonathan Steinike, C, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Trey Fink, B, 5-9, came in district play and cost the Titans a play150, So.; Jordyn Steinike, B, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Kyle Goldwaoff berth. But Triplains-Brewster finished with ter, E, 6-0, 160, So.; Gage Dietz, E, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Tanner four straight victories against Golden Plains Roenne, G, 5-10, 160, So. Conor Nicholl (48-22), Greeley County (48-0), Heartland Christian (54-34) and Cheylin (46-0). The Ti-

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6-3 in 2013 / 4-2 in district / 8-Man II Western Kanas Liberty League Coach: Tony Stramel (3rd year, 8-10) Assistant: Michael Collett Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Conor Nicholl

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

From Cowboys to Wildcats

Page 117

By Diane Gasper-O’Brien For Kansas Pregame

This is the tale of three young men, two of them brothers, who grew up on farms in central Kansas and excelled in several sports together in high school.

They dreamed of attending a nearby university, where their parents all went to college. And wouldn’t it be grand to wind up on the football team at their favorite Division I school just 45 miles from their hometown where fans could watch them continue their careers after high school.

This actually isn’t a tale. It’s a dream that Cody Whitehair and siblings Curry and Collin Sexton from Abilene are living as members of the Kansas State Wildcats in Manhattan.

Curry Sexton is a 5-11, 183-pound wide receiver who is looking forward to his senior season like no other.

He already has been part of three Bowl games, a big victory over Michigan in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl in December, and has made the first team academic All-Big 12 team for three consecutive years.

Whitehair is a 6-4, 309 pound junior offensive lineman who has started all but one of his 26 career games.

He was voted a player representative for the upcoming season and was named to the preseason Big 12 team by Phil Steele’s College Football Preview.

The 5-10, 181-pound Collin Sexton is doing what he has done his entire life, enjoying the ride while tagging along with older brother Curry and one of their best friends.

But make no mistake. Collin Sexton is a proven talent of his own. He just has to wait his turn.

Abilene native Cody Whitehair is among college football’s top returning linemen and was named to the Lombardi and Outland Trophy watch lists this offseason.

(Photo courtesy K-State Athletics)

Abilene native Curry Sexton is a captain for the Wildcats this year and is the second leading returning receiver behind All-American Tyler Lockett.

(Photo courtesy K-State Athletics) A walk-on, the younger Sexton hopes to impress coaches enough on special teams this year to maybe slip right into his brother’s spot after this season.

“If I produce this year, I could get a scholarship,” said Collin, who grew up attending Wildcat games with his family.

Collin had opportunities to play at several Division II schools and junior college programs, as well as a few D-I schools. And he knew it would be tough following in the footsteps of his older brother.

Still, when Kansas State came calling after his senior season, he couldn’t pass up the chance to play with Curry and buddy Whitehair once again.

“When the receivers coach told me he had a spot for me, all fingers pointed to here,” Collin said of Kansas State.

Curry faced a similar decision his senior year at Abilene when he turned down at appointment at Harvard to play football for the Wildcats.

“I can count on on one hand how many home (KSU) games I missed growing up,” Curry said. “I think in the back of my mind, it was always a dream to be able to actually play here.”

He has done more than just play but has turned in solid performances at receiver and special teams. He has played in 35 games during his career and last year finished second on the team with 39 receptions for 446 yards, catching at least one pass in all 13 games.

Whitehair’s credentials are even more impressive.

Like the older Sexton brother, he was voted a player representative for the 2014 season.

After garnering Freshman All-American honors by Phil Steele in 2012, Whitehair earned second team AllBig 12 honors his sophomore season before earning the preseason all-conference nod for this fall.

Of the three, Whitehair has the best shot at making a jump to the next level after college.

But he is preparing for life after football, whether that be in a few years or several.

“The NFL has always been my dream to get an opportunity to go to the next level,” he said. “But sometimes football doesn’t always work out like that.”

“To go home and take over the family farm is my ultimate goal,” said Whitehair, who is majoring in communication with a minor in leadership.

Those type of decisions are down the road, and the Abilene trio plans to take full advantage of what will be its final season together on the football field.

“It’s pretty surreal thinking you’re a part of something a lot of people don’t get to experience,” Curry Sexton said. “It’s a lot of hard work and commitment, but the friendships that you build makes it all worth it. I have friends from every walk of life. And to get to experience all that with your brother...it’s exciting to see him develop, to watch him grow.”

The feeling is mutual for younger brother Collin.

“My brother helps me on the sideline, and I try to soak it all up,” he said. “And to know your parents are in

the stands cheering for both of you on the same team is neat.”

Another K-State fan who got to see a lot of the Wildcats’ Abilene connection during high school is watching the Wildcat trio from afar.

“It’s neat to see all our players who go on to see them be successful,” said Jeff Geist, former Abilene coach whose squads went on a successful three-year run, winning 29 of 35 games, with the Sextons and Whitehair on the team.

“Those three stand out a little bit more because they’re on TV,” said Geist, who now lives in the Wichita area. “But kudos for those kids, working hard to get to that level. It’s neat for Kansas people to be able to connect with someone.”

Especially Abilene, Kansas folks.

“There are some people who weren’t even K-State fans necessarily, and they cheer for us on Saturday,” Curry Sexton said of his hometown. “All that support means a lot.”

The Abilene threesome hopes to give fans from all over something to cheer about this season.

“We talk about being 1-0 as a team, as a player, as a student,” Whitehair said. “And that all adds up to a lifetime of memories.”

“It doesn’t really seem real, three years already Serving Kansas since 1924 on the (Wildcat) team,” said Collin Sexton, who Gas - Diesel fuel - Farm and industrial lubricants - Wholesale and retail redshirted his first year in Manhattan and is Tankwagon and Transport Service entering his sophomore year eligibility-wise. “In 1302 Portland Avenue, Abilene, KS 67410 10 to 15 years, I’ll probably look back and really www.robsonoil.com appreciate this. It’s been fun.”

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 119

KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY WILDCATS

K-State fans no doubt expected a fall off from an 11-2 Big 12 Championship season in 2012, especially with the graduation of Heisman trophy finalist Collin Klein and All-American linebacker Arthur Brown, but a season opening loss to FCS school North Dakota State and three straight losses to open Big 12 play had many members of purple nation wondering if a winning season was possible in 2013.

But the Wildcats would rebound to win six of their last seven contests including a 31-14 victory over the Michigan Wolverines in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl.

The Wildcats gradually improved over the course of the season, thanks in large part to the development of first year quarterback Jake Waters, a junior college transfer who split time with Daniel Sams, but a closer look at the season shows the ‘Cats were very close to a much better record. K-State lost by 10 points apiece to Texas, Baylor, and Oklahoma, and dropped a hearbreaker by four points to Oklahoma State.

And the season opening loss to North Dakota State was a three-point defeat that the Bison - the winners of three straight FCS national championships - won in the final minutes.

The expectations for 2014 are much higher.

Back is the afore mentioned Waters, who is the clear starter following the departure of Sams in the spring. He’ll be joined by explosive wide receiver and kick returner Tyler Lockett.

The offensive line returns center BJ Finney, and guard Cody Whitehair, both preseason award candidates, and both Kansans, with Finney from Andale, and Whitehair from Abilene.

The defense will be led by an experienced defensive line that includes All Big 12 defensive end Ryan Mueller, a St. Thomas Aquinas graduate, also a preseason awards candidate.

Kapaun grad Jonathan Truman returns to lead the linebacking corps and is among the strongest players in the Big 12.

Kapaun’s Jack Cantele returns to handle the kicking duties and is a candidate for the Lou Groza award.

Lyndon’s Nick Walsh is battling for the starting punter job and Quinter’s Zach Nemecheck

will return in his role on multiple special teams and as the primary blocking fullback.

Running back looks to be the position with the most questions marks, but Wichita Northwest product Demarcus Robinson, a senior, is in the mix for the starting role.

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS JAYHAWKS

Charlie Weis used less colorful language to describe his team’s prospects at Big 12 media days this summer, but most members of the media do think the Jayhawks will struggle yet again this year having tabbed them for last place in the Big 12 preseason media poll.

The Jayhawks did show some signs of life last 8-5 in 2013 / 5-4 in conference season improving to 3-9 overall (from 1-11 in Big 12 2012) and winning their first Big 12 contest in Coach: Bill Snyder (23rd year, 178-90-1) 28 tries, a 31-19 victory over West Virginia on Assistants: Sean Snyder (Associate Head Coach/SpeNovember 16. cial Teams Coordinator/Director of Football Operations); If the Jayhawks are to add a couple more Dana Dimel (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs/ Tight Ends); Tom Hayes (Defensive Coordinator/Second- notches in the win column this fall it will be in ary); Del Miller (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks); large part becuase of a couple key Kansans.

Andre Coleman (Wide Receivers); Mike Cox (LineLinebacker Ben Heeney, a Hutchinson native backers); Charlie Dickey (Offensive Line); Mo Latimore who was a standout safety and running back for (Defensive Line); Blake Seiler (Defensive Ends); Chris Randy Dreiling’s vaunted Salthawk program, is Dawson (Strength and Conditioning Coach) a returning All Big 12 honoree and is on every Offense: Pro-set Defense: 4-2-5 defensive watch list imaginable.

Returning lettermen: N/A Heeney finished fourth in the conference last Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense B.J. Finney, OL, 6-4, 303, Sr.; Tyler Lockett, WR, 5-11, season with 8.7 tackles per game, according to 175, Sr.; Cody Whitehair, OL, 6-4, 309, Jr.; Randall the KU spring football guide. He led the team Evans, DB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Zach Trujillo, TE, 6-5, 256, with 88 total tackles, including 11.5 tackles for Sr.; Boston Stiverson, OL, 6-4, 312, Jr.; Curry Sexton, loss and grabbed three interceptions.

WR, 5-11, 183, Sr.; Glenn Gronkowski, FB, 6-3, 234, And, in an interesting marketing effort by the So.; Dante Barnett, DB, 6-1, 186, Jr.; Travis Britz, DT, university, CaptainHeeney.com was launched 6-4, 293, Jr.; Ryan Mueller, DE, 6-2, 245, Sr.; Jonathan Truman, LB, 5-11, 219, Sr.; Dylan Schellenberg, DB, 6-0, in June, with the goal of helping Heeney garner 189, Sr.; Marquel Bryant, DE, 6-3, 241, Jr. more buzz come awards season. Such promoJohn Baetz tional efforts are common for Heisman candidates, and the Jayhawk marketing department hopes promotion of Heeney, coupled with his outstanding play on the field, can help him to a Butkus award as the nation’s top linebacker.

In an unorthodox move for Weis, Bishop Miege product Montell Cozart was named the starter at the conclusion of spring ball. Cozart replaced Jake Heaps as the starter late in the season and quarterbacked the Jayhawks to the Big 12 win over WVU. Cozart appeared in seven games last year as a true freshman after Weis pulled the redshirt off. He completed only 37 percent of his passes in 2013, but showed explosiveness as a runner, picking up 193 yards on the ground in a series of four games in November.

B.J. FINNEY Other Kansans who will play key roles for the 6-4, 303, C, SR. Jayhawks this fall include offensive lineman Pat Photo courtesy K-State Athletics

Lewandowski (Blue Valley West), wide receiver Justin McCay (Bishop Miege), wide receiver and return man Tre’ Parmalee (Bishop Miege), linebacker/d-end Michael Reynolds (Kapaun) and linebacker Victor Simmons (Olathe North).

3-9 in 2012 / 1-8 in conference Big 12 Coach: Charlie Weis (3rd year, 4-20) Assistants: John Reagan (Offensive Coordinator-Offensive Line); Jeff Blasko (Tight Ends); Clint Bowen (Defensive Coordinator-Linebackers); Dave Campo (Assistant Head Coach-Defense/Defensive Backs); Eric Kiesau (Wide Receivers); Reggie Mitchell (Running Backs); Ron Powlus (Quarterbacks); Scott Vestal (Assistant Defensive Backs); Buddy Wyatt (Defensive Line); Scott Holsopple (Strength & Conditioning) Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4/4-3 Returning lettermen: 34 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 9 Defense Brandon Bourbon, RB, Sr.; Montell Cozart, QB, So.; Ngalu Fusimalohi, OL, Sr.; Pat Lewandowski, OL, Sr.; Justin McCay, WR, Sr.; Jimmay Mundine, TE, Sr.; Tony Pierson, WR, Sr.; Mike Smithburg, OL, Sr.; Ben Goodman, DL, Jr.; Ben Heeney, LB, Sr.; Isaiah Johnson, S, Jr.; Jake Love, LB, Jr.; Dexter McDonald, CB, Sr.; Cassisus Sendish, S, Sr.; JaCorey Shepherd, CB, Sr.; Victor Simmons, BUCK, Sr.; Keon Stowers, DL, Sr.; Ron Doherty, P/K, Sr.; Trevor Pardula, P, Sr.; John Wirtel, LS, So. John Baetz

BEN HEENEY 6-0, 227, LB, SR.

Photo courtesy KU Athletics

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

Page 120

EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY HORNETS

FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY TIGERS

PITT. STATE UNIVERSITY GORILLAS

WASHBURN UNIVERSITY ICHABODS

Coach Garin Higgins has experienced a big turnaround with Emporia State the last two seasons and led the Hornets to 10-2 and 9-2 marks in ’12 and ’13. Last season produced the second NCAA playoff appearance in school history, first since ’03, and ended in a 55-13 road loss to No. 5 Minnesota-Duluth.

Offensive lineman Jarrett Stastny and quarterback Brent Wilson have earned multiple preseason All-American honors. Wideout Austin Willis and OT Aaron Blount have also received preseason honors for a team that returns nine offensive starters from a squad that finished No. 15 nationally at 40.5 points per game.

Stastny was the lone freshman named first team All-MIAA last season. Wilson was second team all-league after he finished in the top-seven nationally in points accounted for per game, passing efficiency and TDs (school record 33).

He passed for 2,985 yards with a 33/6 TD/INT ratio, but missed the playoffs after suffering a broken collarbone in the regular season finale.

ESU has seven starters back on defense after it led the MIAA with 22 interceptions.

ESU was ranked No. 13 in the Lindy’s Preseason Top 25 and No. 22 in the Sporting News Preseason Top 25. ESU has just five home games this season, same as last year.

Last year, the Tigers had the MIAA’s youngest team in terms of returning starters, an unproven quarterback in then-sophomore Treveon Albert, but an easier schedule than most of their league brethren. Because of the MIAA’s unbalanced slate, FHSU had two non-conference games, plus bottom feeders Southwest Baptist University and Lincoln University.

Fort Hays started 0-4 against four teams ranked in the top-25, but finished 6-1. FHSU is now 3-8, 4-7, 5-6 and 6-5 the last four seasons, the last three under coach Chris Brown.

This year, the Tigers are very experienced, have a proven QB in Albert – but the schedule is much tougher. The MIAA is playing just conference games and Lincoln and SBU have left the league for football only.

Senior safety Micheal Jordan (170 career tackles) and senior defensive lineman Jesse Trent (90 career tackles) were named to the USA College Football’s NCAA Division II Preseason All-America Watch List. Albert finished with 2,845 yards of total offense and was responsible for 31 scores (24 passing), though Brown wants to see improvement against the top teams. Senior running back Edward Smith (1,303 career rush) is the lone player who has played in the pre-Brown era.

Pittsburg State, NCAA Division II’s all-time winningest program, finished 10-2 last season, but missed the playoffs. The Gorillas finished No. 19 in the final poll and defeated Southwest Minnesota State 90-28 in the Mineral Water Bowl. PSU graduated four first team all-MIAA players, including All-American linebacker Nate Dreiling and wide receiver/returner John Brown, a third round pick by the Arizona Cardinals.

Quarterback Anthony Abenoja was an honorable mention all-league selection as a junior and leads a 29-player senior class, the biggest under coach Tim Beck. He threw for 2,954 yards with a 30/5 TD/INT ratio. Running back Jeff Seybold collected first team honors as a sophomore after he collected 201 carries for 1,434 yards and 22 scores.

Senior linebacker Tyler Disney collected 101 tackles, 11 TFLs and 3.5 sacks. Pitt State’s lone losses came against rivals Northwest Missouri (24-15) and Missouri Southern in the regular season finale (35-21).

“We lost two of the premiere players in Division II in John Brown and Nate Dreiling,” Beck said. “They really are not replaceable, but with that said we have as much overall experience and talent entering a season as we’ve had.”

9-2 in 2013 / 9-1 in conference / NCAA Div. II Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association Coach: Garin Higgins Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning Lettermen: N/A Returning Starters: N/A Conor Nicholl

6-5 in 2013 / 4-5 in league / NCAA Div. II Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association Coach: Chris Brown (4th year, 15-18) Assistants: Al McCray, Justin Schreiber, Cooper Harris, Justin Iske, Ike Eguae, Steven Dudley, Grant Brown, Layton Hickel Offense: Pro Defense: 4-2-5 Returning Lettermen: N/A Returning Starters: 10 Offense, 9 Defense Edward Smith, RB, 5-10, 190, Sr; Ed Williams, WR, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Treveon Albert, QB, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Michael Terry, LB, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Nathan Lindsey, DB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Daniel Lindsey, DB, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Drew O’Brien, K/P, 6-0, 195, Jr.; DeAndre James, DB/RS, 5-10, 185, So.; Micheal Jordan, DB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Raheeme Dumas, DB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Justin McPhail, LB, 6-1, 225, Jr.; Jarred Stindt, OL, 6-2, 265, Jr.; Matt Erbert, OL, 6-3, 330, Jr.; Jesse Trent, DL, 6-3, 270, Sr.; Mason Dickey, OL, 6-4, 285, So.; Luke Edney, OL, 6-4, 270, Sr.; Bilal Silat, WR, 6-4, 180, Sr.; Zack Gaughan, TE, 6-5, 240, Jr.; Tomasi Molesi, DL, 6-1, 310, Sr.; Joita Te’i, DL, 6-4, 275, Sr. Conor Nicholl

10-2 in 2013 / 7-2 in conference / NCAA Div. II Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association Coach: Tim Beck (5th year, 36-12) Assistants: David Wiemers, Steve Rampy, Lance Cullen, Ryan Hellwig, Neil Philpot, John Pierce, Carl Roth, Steve Wells Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-2-5 Returning Lettermen: 54 Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 9 Defense Anthony Abenoja, QB, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Marquise Cushon, WR, 5-10, 156, Jr.; Austin Daniel, WR, 6-2, 201, Jr.; Boston Higgins, OL, 6-3, 269, Sr.; Gavin Lutman, QR, 6-4, 201, Sr.; Jeff Seybold, RB, 5-11, 208, Jr.; Tyler Smith, OL, 6-4, 291, Sr.; Ollie Venegas, OL, 6-3, 300, Sr.; Avery Adair, DE, 6-5, 228, Sr.; De’Vante Bausby, DB, 6-2, 180, Sr; Tyler Disney, LB, 6-1, 214, Sr.; Aries Herrion, DB, 5-10, 172, Sr.; Taye Irvin, DL, 6-1, 327, Jr.; Deaven Jensen, DL, 6-1, 237, Sr.; Jason Peete, DB, 6-3, 191, Sr.; Keeston Terry, DB, 6-3, 198, Sr.; Deron Washington, DB, 6-1, 191, Jr.

Washburn started the season 8-0, but then lost its final three contests against eventual national champion Northwest Missouri, perennial power Missouri Western and rival and playoff participant Emporia State. The Ichabods climbed as high as No. 8 and received votes in the final poll. Washburn has recoreded a school-best 10 straight winning seasons.

The Ichabods have averaged at least seven wins in each of the last seven seasons. In the winter, offensive coordinator Rob Robinson left to become head coach at Northeastern State.

Jeff Schwinn, formerly on Washburn’s defensive side, is the new OC. Former Washburn All-American LB Zach Watkins, formerly an assistant at Fort Hays, is back in Topeka as co-defensive coordinator.

The Ichabods have just four true road games and gets Missouri Western, Emporia State and Pittsburg State at home. Washburn will play Northwest Missouri in the regular season finale at Arrowhead Stadium.

Mitch Buhler and Joel Piper shared time at quarterback and they combined to throw for 3,074 yards and a 30/20 TD/INT ratio (2,261 yards, 23/12 for Buhler). Former B&B standout Cody Heiman led the team in rushing with 426 yards, though is expected to play inside linebacker this season. Vershon Moore, who came back to Washburn after some off-the-field issues, was second with 444 rushing yards and eight scores in seven games.

BENEDICTINE COLLEGE RAVENS

BETHANY COLLEGE SWEDES

BAKER UNIVERSITY WILDCATS Baker is coming off an 11-2 season and the fifth-ranked Wildcats return 37 lettermen, including 15 starters, from that squad. Coach Mike Grossner has eight starters back on offense, and one of the only open spots is quarterback. “The key to our overall success will be our trigger man. We have nice size, depth, and experience up front,” he said. “We like our personnel at running back as we return seniors Camren Torneden and Scott Meyer at the tailback position.”

Defensively, the Wildcats have seven starters back, including 2012 All-American defensive end Andre Jolly, the nation’s regular season sacks leader that year.

“We like the makeup of our defense this year.

We have great depth in our secondary and defensive line,” Grossner said.

The secondary is experienced as Duane Sims, Mike Stevenson, Gunnar McKenna, Preston Randolph and Preston Schenck all return.

Benedictine will start the 2014 season ranked 11th nationally after going 10-2 in 2013 and sharing the Heart of America Athletic Conference title.

Perhaps the most experienced unit at Benedictine will be the offensive line, where four All-Conference players are back in the lineup.

Seniors David Stochlin (first team), Dom Carroli (third team), Rory Mount (honorable mention) and Hayden Smith (honorable mention) will provide a veteran front line for the Ravens this fall.

The Ravens begin their season Aug. 30 against Briar Cliff in Vermillion, S.D. Their first home game is set for Sept. 13 against Ottawa.

8-3 in 2013 / 7-3 in conference / NCAA Div. II Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association Coach: Craig Schurig (13th year, 87-51) Assistants: Zach Watkins, Brock Luke, Jeff Schwinn, Eric Eisenbarth, Josh Osborn, LaRon Moore, David Trupp, Frank Crosson, Kaleb Koch, T.D. Hicks, Jake Cervantes, Kyle Duncan Offense: West Coast-Pro Set Defense: 4-2-5 Returning Lettermen: 56 Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Mitch Buhler, QB, 6-2, 205, Sr.; DaJuan Beard, WR, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Dylan Ready, LT, 6-4, 285, Sr.; John Clay, RG, 6-3, 320, So.; Michael Miller, RT, 6-5, 285, Soph.; Tyler Ewey, NG, 6-3, 255, Sr.; Mark Kolmer, ILB, 6-1, 225, Jr.; Jordan Nelson, RCB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Dwayne Joseph, LCB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Calvin Kenney, FS, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Justin Conor Nicholl Linn, PK, 6-1, 195, So.; Aaron Hummert, P, 6-2, 175, Sr. Conor Nicholl

Bethany struggled to a 2-9 record in 2013, but 28 lettermen and 12 starters are back to help the Swedes chase a better record this fall.

Three players return after earning All-Conference honors last season. Sophomore receiver Rodney Molette caught five touchdown passes and earned honorable mention All-KCAC while the Swede defense had a pair of honorable mention All-Conference players last fall.

Linebacker Steven Williams, now a senior, 11-2 in 2013 / 8-1 in conference / NAIA led Bethany with 72 tackles – 11.5 for loss – Heart of America Athletic Conference and three sacks while classmate Trevor Smith Coach: Mike Grossner (10th year, 65-44) made 26 tackles and two interceptions from his Assistants: Jason Thoren, Miguel Regalado, Bruce defensive back position.

Young, Jerry Aligo, Caleb Blakesley, Derek Doerfler, Jake The Bethany offense also returns junior Green, Ryan Pitts Offense: Pro Style Defense: 4-3 receiver Prestyn Atherton, sophomore receiver Returning lettermen: 37 10-2 in 2013 / 8-1 in conference / NAIA Kelton Evans, and offensive linemen Sterling Returning starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense Heart of America Athletic Conference Casey, Erik Soliz and Joe Carillo.

Clarence Clark, WR, 5-10, 180, So; Camren Torneden, Coach: Larry Wilcox (35th year, 246-132) On defense, Williams and Smith are joined by RB, 5-7, 190, Sr.; Scott Meyer, TB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Alex Assistants: N/A defensive back Tayler Stull and defensive lineStebbins, FB, 6-1, 240, Jr.; TJ Holtrop, TE, 6-2, 210, Jr.; Offense: N/A Defense: N/A men Trey Lyles, Dahari Gray and Skyler Jones.

Andrew Augsburger, TE, Sr.; Taylor Stuart, TE, 6-1, 223, Returning lettermen: 46 “The key to success for this upcoming season Sr.; Tucker Pauley, OLB, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Andre Jolly, DE, Returning starters: 6 Offense, 3 Defense 6-1, 245, Sr.; Adam Novak, DE, 6-2, 230, So.; Nick Beck- Hayden Smith, OL, Sr.; Rory Mount, OL, Sr.; Dom Caris to merge our newcomers and transfers with er, DE, 6-2, 230, So.; Gunnar McKenna, DB, 5-9, 180, roli, OL, Sr.; Christian Haack, WR, Jr.; Jerome Roehm, the core of returners into one cohesive unit that Sr.; Duane Sims, DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Mike Stevenson, TE, Jr.; David Stochlin, OL, Sr.; Alex Hibler, DE, Sr.; Josh plays together,” Matsakis said.

DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Preston Randolph, DB, 6-1, 193, Sr.; Scheuler, DL, Sr.; Josh Montgomery, LB, Sr. The Swedes will open their season Sept. 6 Preston Schenck, DB, 5-11, 190, Sr. Melanie McGee Melanie McGee by hosting Southwestern Assemblies of God University.

Bethel coach Marty Mathis and his team are Wilson (59 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss) and 2-9 in 2013 / 1-8 in conference / NAIA looking to improve on last year’s 2-9 record, sophomore defensive back Terrance Toney (57 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and seven experienced players return to lead tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss).

Coach: Manny Matsakis (2nd year, 2-9; 32-35 overall) that effort.

Assistants: Jarrod Wirt, Joe Gordon, Charlie Carpenter, 2-9 in 2013 / 1-8 in conference / NAIA Running back Stephen Scott, who ran for Michael Starkey, Mike Lawrence, Tyler Gadwood, Todd Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Robinett, Paul Mogenson 1,409 yards and eight touchdowns as a freshCoach: Marty Mathis (2nd year, 2-9) Offense: Triple Shoot Defense: Multiple D man is back. He earned second-team All-ConAssistants: Nicholas Garrett, Chris Koehn, Michael Returning Lettermen: 28 ference honors for that performance Johnson, Trey Rodgers, Josh Kauffman, Jerrell Williams, Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Senior quarterback DJ Bronson completed 17 Garrett Garcia Rodney Molette, WR, 6-1, 180, So.; Prestyn Atherton, of 44 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns Offense: N/A Defense: N/A WR, 5-10, 180, Jr..; Kelton Evans, WR, 5-8, 160, So.; Returning lettermen: N/A in four games last year, while senior receiver Sterling Casey, OL, 5-11, 260, So.; Erik Soliz, OL, 6-2, Returning starters: Raul Silva caught 30 passes for 385 yards and 250, Sr.; Joe Carillo, OL, 6-5, 320, Sr.; Brett Crome, P, Stephen Scott, RB, 5-8, 195, So.; DJ Bronson, QB, 5-11, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Trevor Smith, DB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Steven four touchdowns in 2013.

170, Sr.; Raul Silva, WR, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Stephan Wilson, Williams, LB, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Tayler Stull, DB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; On defense, the Threshers welcome back DL/DE, 6-3, 240, So.; Terrance Toney, DB, 6-0, 180, So.; Trey Lyles, DL, 6-1, 230, Jr.; Dahari Gray, DL, 6-3, 265, senior defensive lineman Leland Brown (57 Leland Brown, DL, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Maxwell Wren, K, 6-7, So.; Skyler Jones, DL, 6-0, 250, Sr. Melanie McGee tackles, 4 tackles for loss in 2013), sophomore 210, So. Melanie McGee defensive lineman/defensive end Stephan

BETHEL COLLEGE THRESHERS

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FALCONS To say Friends is a senior-laden team this year might be an understatement. The Falcons return six seniors who earned All-Conference honors in 2013, giving coach Monty Lewis a large group of veterans as his team looks to build on an 8-3 record.

“There are many keys to success, but depth on both sides of the ball is vital for 2014,” he said.

“We have to keep in mind that it will take all of us to succeed, so accountability is huge.”

The Falcon offense has Aaron Hansen back under center. The senior threw for 1,109 yards and seven touchdowns in 2013. He will be joined by senior fullback Cameron Brandon (second-team All-KCAC) and senior offensive linemen Jacob Allan (honorable mention All-KCAC) and DJ Crager (second-team AllKCAC).

On defense, senior free safety Derek Racette is coming off a first-team All-Conference nod, and he’ll be joined in the secondary by senior Carlos Cox (second-team) and junior Sequente Marks (first-team), both All-Conference selections.

Junior defensive lineman Mason Pauly is also a past All-KCAC performer.

8-3 in 2013 / 7-2 in conference / NAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Monty Lewis (12th year, 77-36; 19th year overall, 137-68) Assistants: Matt Welch, Billy Beard, Tylor Struckman, Jerry Taylor, Brent Randolph, Christian Trotter, Deon Vornes, Cody Butts Offense: Pro Set Defense: 4-3 Returning Lettermen: 37 Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Aaron Hansen, QB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Tyrie Allen, RB, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Cameron Brandon, FB, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Chris Allen, WR, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Josh Becker, WR, 6-1, 180, Jr.; DJ Crager, OL, 6-2, 290, Sr.; Jacob Allan, OL, 6-7, 315, Sr.; Josh Horn, OL, 6-0, 290, So.; Mason Pauly, DL, 6-0, 255, Jr.; Marquil Jones-Walker, DL, 6-5, 225, Jr.; Trevor Wessel, LB, 5-11, 215, Jr.; Hunter Lewis, LB, 5-11, 220, Jr.; Sequente Marks, DB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Derek Racette, DB/P, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Jamie Fields, DB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Carlos Cox, DB/PR/KR, 5-11, 180, Sr.;Ky Nixon, K, 5-10, 170, So. Melanie McGee

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KANSAS WESLEYAN UNIV. COYOTES

MCPHERSON COLLEGE BULLDOGS

MIDAMERICA NAZARENE PIONEERS

OTTAWA UNIVERSITY BRAVES

Matt Drinkall begins his first year as Kansas Wesleyan head coach with three All-Conference players returning to the starting lineup, but he is looking for big changes from the team.

“We will have a new coaching staff, many new players and a completely new identity,” he said.

“Our goal this season is for Coyote football to become synonymous with physical and intelligent football.”

The Coyotes went 4-7 in 2013 and led the KCAC in total offense with an average of 432.4 yards per game.

Senior running back Taylor Sachs was a big part of that offense last season. He ran for 1,588 yards and 15 touchdowns on his way to second-team All-Conference honors.

Kansas Weselyan also returns senior receiver Joe Vela, who finished with 648 yards and three receiving touchdowns last year and was named an honorable mention All-Conference selection, and junior offensive lineman Maverick Beissner.

The Coyote defense returns honorable mention All-Conference lineman senior Daniel Moss, who made 49 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and two sacks, as well as junior defensive back Kenny Diaz.

Drinkall’s team will open the season Sept. 6 against Hastings, Neb., then travel to Central Methodist in Fayette, Mo., before hosting Southwestern Sept. 20 in their first KCAC contest.

After two seasons as the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator, Steve Fox steps into the head coaching role at McPherson.

He inherits a team with three returning All-Conference players. Those three are all part of Fox’s defense, which will look to improve after allowing 347 yards of offense per game in 2013.

Sophomore defensive lineman Grant Narcisse was named to the second-team while junior outside linebacker Dominque Henderson and senior linebacker Trent Forrester were honorable mention All-Conference selections.

Henderson led McPherson with 90 tackles last season. He had 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks while Narcisse added 45 tackles – 7.5 for loss – and two sacks. Forrester finished with 71 tackles, two interceptions and four tackles for loss in 2013.

Senior Will Thacker is also back to anchor the Bulldogs’ offensive line.

Last year, McPherson averaged 348 yards of offense per game.

The Bulldogs will play their first three games on the road as trips to Bacone, Mid-America Nazarene and Bethel top the schedule. McPherson’s home opener is Sept. 27 against Kansas Wesleyan, and it is followed by a trip to Ottawa.

The Bulldogs finally get back-to-back home games in mid-October as they host Friends and Saint Mary.

After trips to Tabor and Sterling, McPherson ends the regular season with home games against Bethany and Southwestern.

The 2014 season will begin with a new coach at Mid-America Nazarene, but the Pioneers have a host of All-Conference players returning to ease the transition.

Brian Willmer spent the past 15 years at Azusa Pacific University in California, including eight years as defensive coordinator. He inherits a defense with four All-Conference players returning, including second-team lineman Mason Matthews, who made 37 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2013. Senior linebacker Justin Vargas was second on the team a year ago with 86 tackles, including seven for loss, as he earned third-team All-Conference honors.

Sophomore defensive linemen Jared Bader and Malcolm Majors are back after receiving honorable mention All-Conference nods last year. Bader finished with eight tackles for loss while Majors had 7.5 tackles for loss and four sacks in 2013.

The Pioneer offense returns five All-Conference players, including second-team offensive lineman Nate Livingston. He is joined up front by honorable mention All-Conference selections Hunter Gronenveld and Jose Carrilo-Ayala.

Junior quarterback Trent Hedlund, an honorable mention All-HAAC performer last year, is looking to build on an 1,886 yard, 17 touchdown season, while junior receiver Deron Kirkwood is also back after being named to the 2013 All-Conference team.

Ottawa coach Kent Kessinger will see plenty of familiar faces when his team opens the 2014 season next month, as 50 lettermen and 14 starters are back in the lineup.

The Braves will be led by eight returning All-Conference players, including the 2013 KCAC Defensive Player of the Year Deron Bruce. The senior defensive lineman led Ottawa with 101 tackles, 13 sacks and 28.5 tackles for loss last year.

Kessinger’s squad also returns first-team All-KCAC running back Luke Lundy (1,508 yards, 19 touchdowns), first-team All-KCAC kicker Jeff Stamp, who made 12 of 18 field goals last year, and second-team All-KCAC defensive back DeVontae Corbitt (79 tackles, 4 interceptions).

Ottawa also returns All-Conference quarterback Michael Behr, who threw for 1,925 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2013, and All-KCAC receiver Joshua Stangby, who earned second-team All-Conference honors as a kick returner.

Fullback Jorge Mendoza-Vargas, an AllKCAC performer last year, and defensive back Matt Sandgren, also an All-KCAC selection in 2013, are also returning to the lineup in 2014.

The Braves host Baker in the season opener, then travel to Benedictine in week two before hosting Bethany the following week.

4-7 in 2013 / 3-6 in conference / NAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Matt Drinkall (1st year) Assistants: Vince Fillipp, John Michaletti, Rex Pippenger, Joe Morrisey, Adam Schneck, Myers Hendrickson Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Returning Lettermen: N/A Returning Starters: 3 Offense, 2 Defense Taylor Sachs, RB, 5-8, 195, Sr.; Maverick Beissner, OL, 6-1, 295, Jr.; Joe Vela, WR, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Kenny Diaz, DB, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Daniel Moss, DL, 6-3, 260, Sr. Melanie McGee

5-5 in 2013 / 5-4 in conference / NAIA Heart of America Athletic Conference Coach: Brian Willmer (1st year) Assistants: Bruce Pielstick, Theotis Brown, Mario Felix, 5-6 in 2013 / 4-5 in conference / NAIA Rick Fields, Matt George, Joe Hall, Scott Campbell, Kyle Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Kramer, Frank Raines Coach: Steve Fox (1st year) Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Assistants: Justin VanHouten, EJ Peterson, Adam Returning Lettermen: N/A Dutcher, Jeremiah Meeks Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Nate Livingston, OL, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Mason Matthews, DL, Returning Lettermen: N/A 5-11, 272, Sr.; Justin Vargas, LB, 5-11, 236, Sr.; Deron Returning Starters: N/A Dominique Henderson, OLB, Jr.; Trent Forrester, LB, Sr.; Kirkwood, WR, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Jose Carrilo-Ayala, OL, 6-1, 245, Sr.; Hunter Gronenveld, OL, 6-4, 285, So.; Trent Grant Narcissse, DL, So.; Will Thacker, OL, Sr. Melanie McGee Hedlund, QB, 6-3, 223, Jr.; Malcolm Majors, DL, 6-1, 251, So.; Jared Bader, DL, 6-2, 220, So. Melanie McGee

8-4 in 2013 / 7-2 in conference / NAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Kent Kessinger (11th year, 66-42) Assistants: Josh Homolka, Ryan Majors, Michael Hepp, Paytton Hobbs, Donald Anderson, Shawn Walters Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Returning Lettermen: 50 Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 8 Defense Luke Lundy, RB, 6-0, 239, Sr.; Michael Behr, QB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; DeVontae Corbitt, DB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Joshua Stangby, WR, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Matt Sandgren, DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Kodee Wood, TE, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Jeff Stamp, K, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Deron Bruce, DL, 6-4, 215, Sr.; Jorge Mendoza-Vargas, FB, 6-0, 240, Sr. Melanie McGee

SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE MOUNDBUILDERS

UNIV. OF SAINT MARY SPIRES

STERLING COLLEGE WARRIORS

TABOR COLLEGE BLUEJAYS

The Moundbuilders are looking for a winning record in 2014, and they have three preseason All-Conference players back to lead that effort.

Senior Matt Thompson will anchor the offensive line again this year. He played in eight games last season and earned second-team All-Conference honors, plus was recently named to the 2014 Preseason All-KCAC list.

Southwestern also returns senior tight end CJ Marple, another preseason All-KCAC pick. He appeared in 10 games a year ago, and caught two touchdown passes on his way to honorable mention All-Conference honors.

Junior receiver Dalton Swindale and junior running back Spencer Pullen also return to the starting lineup. Swindale played in all 11 games last year as both a receiver and punt returner.

He averaged 12.5 yards per punt return and was named to the All-KCAC second team. Pullen ran for eight touchdowns and 846 yards on his way to honorable mention All-Conference honors in 2013.

The Moundbuilder defense returns senior linebacker Paul Mata, a preseason All-KCAC pick. He was a second-team All-Conference honoree in 2013 after making 104 tackles, 69 of which were unassisted. Mata made 22 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks plus forced four fumbles and recovered four fumbles.

Southwestern begins the season by hosting Oklahoma Baptist on Aug. 30. The Moundbuilders will have a week off before traveling to Evangel Sept. 13, and they open KCAC play Sept. 20 at Kansas Wesleyan.

Four All-Conference players are back in the lineup for new Saint Mary coach Jay Osborne, a Saint Mary alum who was the offensive coordinator the past four seasons.

The Spires are coming off a 4-7 season in which they went 3-6 against KCAC teams.

Second-team All-Conference receiver Alex Gomes is back for his senior year after catching four touchdown passes and piling up 750 receiving yards. He was also recognized as an honorable mention KCAC utility player after averaging 37.6 yards per punt.

The Spires also bring back senior running back Will Ryan. who rushed for 285 yards and a pair of TDs on his way to third-team All-Conference honors in 2013.

Saint Mary’s defense has three All-Conference players returning. Second-team selection Dwain Taylor is looking to improve on a stellar freshman season. The linebacker made 114 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss.

Defensive backs Bernard Bolden and Kenny Nez will anchor the secondary. Nez finished with 71 tackles, two interceptions and a spot on the third-team All-Conference list last year, while Bolden chipped in with 42 tackles and three picks, plus returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and averaged 27 yards per kick return. Those numbers earned him an honorable mention All-KCAC nod as the Spires’ kick returner.

Saint Mary opens the season Sept. 6 against Oklahoma Baptist University then travels to Culver-Stockton College in week two.

Six All-Conference performers return for Sterling, including KCAC Special Teams Player of the Year Antonio Bray. While helping the Warriors finish 14th in the nation, Bray returned three kickoffs for touchdowns and averaged 35.7 yards per kick return. He also earned AllKCAC honors as a running back after rushing for 881 yards and 12 scores in 2013.

Senior Reggie Langford, a second-team All-Conference honoree last year, is coming off a season in which he threw for 1,521 yards and 19 touchdowns plus ran for 1,144 yards and nine more scores.

Defensively, junior lineman Adam Guthmiller returns after making 31 tackles and earning second-team All-Conference honors last year.

He is one of nine Returning starters on the Warrior defense.

Sterling also returns kicker/punter Eddie Juarez, who made eight of 13 field goals and averaged 40 yards per punt in 2013.

A year ago, Tabor went 10-3 and finished the season ranked eighth in the national poll, and they’ll look to continue that success in 2014.

The Bluejays have four All-Conference performers back in the lineup, including firstteam offensive lineman Jess Croley. Sophomore running back Cody Coleman had an outstanding freshman season, rushing for 763 yards and seven touchdowns en route to an honorable mention All-KCAC nod.

Junior receiver Kaden Anderson also returns after an All-Conference season in 2013. He led the Bluejays in punt returns, averaging 10 yards per return.

Tabor’s defense has three All-Conference players back in the lineup, including second-team All-KCAC defensive end Dylan Delk, who made 57 tackles last year. Linebacker Ben Gardner is back for his junior year. He made 58 tackles and was named honorable mention All-Conference in 2013.

Defensive back Donnell Davis will anchor the Bluejay secondary in his senior season. He made 50 tackles and three interceptions, plus was an honorable mention All-KCAC player as a junior. Davis also returned kicks in 2013 and averaged 22.4 yards per return.

Tabor opens the season against Nebraska Wesleyan University on Sept. 6.

5-6 in 2013 / 4-5 in conference / NAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Ken Crandall (5th year) Assistants: Andy Bibb, Andy Krause, Mark Scott, Jimmie Tagg, Logan Wyrick, Jordan Barrett, Branden Davis, Nick Qualls Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning Lettermen: N/A Returning Starters: N/A Melanie McGee

4-7 in 2013 / 3-6 in conference / NAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Jay Osborne (1st year) Assistants: Fran Schwenk, Logan Fritz, Spencer Boner, Kaulen Pevan, Maj. Steve Mueller, Raymond Munger, Bob Bowen, Tim Brooks, Uri Piterberg Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning Starters: N/A Alex Gomes, WR, Sr.; Will Ryan, RB, Sr.; Bernard Bolden, DB/KR, Sr.; Dwain Taylor, LB, So.; Kenny Nez, DB, So. Melanie McGee

9-3 in 2013 / 8-1 in conference / NAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Andy Lambert (11th year, 58-45; 17th year overall, 88-88 overall) Assistants: Chuck Lambert, Chase Hansen, Brett Clow, Paul Kempf, Josh Johnson Offense: Multiple Shotgun Option Defense: 3-4 Returning Lettermen: 39 Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 9 Defense Joe Sherrell, DB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Antonio Bray, RB, 5-8, 170, So.; Isaac Amorin, WR, 5-8, 155, So.; Dentton Hudspeth, QB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Reggie Langford QB, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Mar E Whitson, LB, 5-8, 180, So.; Nathan Frame, QB, 6-2, 170, So.; Chris Williams, DB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Greg Williams, LB, 5-9, 210, So.; Tyus Williams, DB, 5-11, 90, So.; TJ Dunks, LB, 5-11, 208, So.; Kalei Amorin, RB, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Adam Guthmiller, DL, 6-0, 260, Jr.; Eddie Juarez, K/P, 5-8, 165, So.; Zach Beims, OL, 6-2, 290, Sr.; Kyle Croak, OL, 5-11, 245, Sr.; Deacon Dobbs, LB, 5-9, 205, Jr.; Mike Dewitt, DL, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Chase Jones, OL, 6-6, 300, Sr.; Keith Lowrey, LB, 5-10, 240, Jr.; Lance Terry, DL, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Nathan Terry, DL, 6-2, 205, Sr. Melanie McGee

10-3 in 2013 / 7-2 in conference / NAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Mike Gardner (7th year) Assistants: Billy Hickman, Steven Miller, Dale Woods, Derek Deardorff, Jared Cardarelle, Tim Rozzell, JoJo Galvez, Brad Prescott, Ben Brown Offense: Flex bone Defense: 4-3 Returning Lettermen: 34 Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 6 Defense Cody Coleman, RB, 5-8, 175, So.; Kaden Anderson, WR, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Donnell Davis, DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Simon McKee, QB, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Ben Bebermeyer, RB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Andre Watts, OL, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Brandon Rooker, OL, 5-11, 240, Jr.; Matt Buckman, OL, 6-4, 300, Sr.; Jess Croley, OL, 5-11, 275, Jr.; Dylan Delk, DE, 6-3, 210, Jr.; Ben Gardner, LB, 5-10, 205, Jr.; Jason Daughtry, DB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Wayde Snell, LB, 5-11, 195, Jr.; James Shephard, DL, 5-11, 275, Sr. Melanie McGee

Kansas Pregame, Volume 9

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BUTLER CC GRIZZLIES

COFFEYVILLE CC RED RAVENS

DODGE CITY CC CONQUISTADORS

FORT SCOTT CC GREYHOUNDS

Veteran coach Troy Morrell once again begins the season with many new faces in the lineup, but the Grizzlies have high expectations as always. Butler is coming off a 9-2 season and looking for a fifth straight Jayhawk Conference championship.

Gone are Butler’s starting quarterback and top six receivers, but running back Chris Carson and receiver Brady Moore will look to take advantage of larger roles in 2014. Carson ran for 611 yards and eight touchdowns last fall, while Moore, a Marysville product, is the top returning receiver after finishing with 166 yards a year ago. Tight end Trevor Crain also returns, and four players are in the mix for time at quarterback.

On defense, the Grizzlies return tackle Jamone Boyd, who made seven tackles for loss as a freshman, defensive end Ulric Jones, defensive backs Shedrick Williams and Antwan Hadley, and linebacker Phil Williamson.

Butler’s season begins Aug. 28 against Independence, and the Grizzlies will have a long road trip Sept. 6 to face Iowa Western in Clarinda, Iowa. That rematch of the 2012 National Championship Game is the first of five overnight road trips on Butler’s schedule.

“Not having a bye week will be a challenge, as will having all of our road games be overnight trips,” Morrell said. “We definitely have to be ready to play our best right out of the gate with the competition we are going to have. We will play two of the top five or 10 teams in the country in the first three weeks.”

The Red Ravens have just one All-Conference player back in the lineup for 2014, but coach Aaron Flores has several others with significant experience and he’ll look to those sophomores for leadership.

Linebacker Mike Shirk, a Salina South product, earned honorable mention All-Conference recognition after leading Coffeyville’s defense with 83 tackles in 2013.

Defensive backs Mikal Cromartie and Devontae Foster are also back with plenty of experience. Cromartie made 54 tackles, including three for loss, and broke up four passes in 2013 while Foster finished with 46 tackles and two pass break ups as a freshman.

Offensively, the Red Ravens return quarterback Brock Gilmore (Chanute) and wide receivers Akia Booker and Dijuan Ussery.

Gilmore played in seven games as a freshman and completed eight of 22 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown. Booker and Ussery were the Ravens’ top two receivers last year. Ussery finished with 204 yards and three touchdowns while Booker pulled in a touchdown pass and totaled 178 receiving yards.

Coffeyville opens the season by hosting Iowa Western and Ellsworth (IA) in back-to-back weeks. The Ravens then face conference opponents Fort Scott and Independence.

Their late season schedule features Hutchinson, the Bethel College junior varsity, Butler and Highland.

After leading Dodge City to a 6-4 record, Conquistador coach Gary Thomas was named Coach of the Year in the Jayhawk Conference last fall. His 2014 squad will be filled with new faces as just a handful of full-time players return to build on a 5-2 record against conference opponents.

The Conquistador offense will need to fill a big void after conference Offensive Player of the Year Tyreis Thomas graduated.

However, Thomas and the rest of the coaching staff had several newcomers who stepped up in the Purple and Gold spring game and will be looking for playing time on Saturday nights this fall.

Quarterback Deondre Ford, running back Keymonne Gabriel and receiver William French will anchor the offense with help from receivers Ricky Gutierrez and Christian Booker, who both played well in the spring game.

Ford is coming off a solid freshman season in which he threw for 1,692 yards and 10 touchdowns. He completed 134 of 266 attempts and also ran the ball for two touchdowns. French was one of his main targets in 2013, catching four touchdowns and picking up 456 yards through the air. Gabriel is the top returning running back after gaining 373 yards and a pair of touchdowns last fall.

Defensively, linebacker Jason Smith, Bobby Dexter and Mike Randle were among the top playmakers in the spring game.

4-5 in 2013 / 3-4 in conference / NJCAA Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach: Aaron Flores (3rd year, 10-9) Assistants: Mitchell Pate, James Colzie, William Peaylor, Angelo Mirando, Dickie Rolls, James Grinde, AJ Rachal, Mike Howard Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning Lettermen: N/A Returning Starters: N/A Brock Gilmore, QB, 6-5, 215, So.; Akia Booker, WR, 6-1, 210, So.; Dijuan Ussery, WR, 6-0, 170, So.; Mike Shirk, LB, 6-2, 210, So.; Devontae Foster, DB, 6-2, 195, So.; Mikal Cromartie, DB, 5-8, 175, So. Melanie McGee

6-4 in 2013 / 5-2 in conference / NJCAA Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach: Gary Thomas Assistants: Patrick Callahan, Tim Cummins, Jeffrey Eugene, Kurt Langdren, Tim O’Neil, John Ryan, Gunnard Twyner Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning Lettermen: N/A Returning Starters: N/A William French, WR, 5-9, 175, So.; Deondre Ford, QB, 6-1, 200, So.; Keymonne Gabriel, RB, 6-2, 220, So. Melanie McGee

Fourth-year Fort Scott coach Curtis Horton has established a tradition of running the ball well, and he’ll have several returners in the backfield looking to continue that trend in 2014.

Fullback Walker Evans and tailbacks Jo-Nathan Alford and Kyle Hammond (Colony-Crest) all return with significant experience, and they’ll be operating behind a veteran line anchored by center Byron Rich and tackles Ben Luper and Jordan Walker.

In 2013, Alford piled up 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground while Hammond added 481 yards and five scores. As a team, the Greyhounds averaged 213 rushing yards per game. Tight end Zach Gougler (Galena) is back after a medical redshirt year and will be looked at as a blocker and pass catcher coming off the line.

On defense, Fort Scott returns just three players with experience from last year – defensive back James Gray, linebacker Julien Cole and defensive back Terry McMillon. Gray tied a school record with seven interceptions in 2013, and he needs just four picks this year to break the Greyhounds’ career record.

Horton’s squad opens the season by hosting Iowa Central on Aug. 30. The Hounds will jump right into the always-tough Jayhawk Conference with a Sept. 6 trip to Hutchinson before hosting Coffeyville in week three. Fort Scott’s schedule also features trips to Butler and Highland in consecutive weeks, then home games against Dodge City and Ellsworth (IA), trips to Garden City and Independence and a Nov. 1 home game against Iowa Western.

9-2 in 2013 / 6-1 in conference / NJCAA Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach: Troy Morrell (15th year) Assistants: Steve Braet, Tim Schaffner, Tony Haynes, Cody Oates, Chris Jones, Jordan Abbott, Brice Vignery, Dale Vogel Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning Lettermen: 22 Returning Starters: 2 offense, 2 defense Chris Carson, RB, 6-2, 197, So.; Brady Moore, WR, 6-6, 226, So.; Antwan Hadley, DB, 6-4, 205, So.; Phil Williamson, LB, 6-2, 248, So. Melanie McGee

GARDEN CITY CC BRONCBUSTERS

HIGHLAND CC SCOTTIES

A year ago, Garden City featured a stingy defense but the Broncbuster offense struggled to take advantage in low-scoring games. Garden City allowed just 22.4 points and 249.6 yards of offense per contest, and four members of that defense are back to lead the 2014 squad.

First-team All-Conference linebacker Errol Clark returns after leading the Broncbusters with 82 tackles – 13.5 for loss – 2.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries last fall. Garden City’s defense also returns cornerback Tim Hill, who made 29 tackles and earned honorable mention All-Conference recognition.

The Broncbusters have a pair of All-Conference performers in the secondary. Safety Sam Green made 37 tackles and three interceptions while teammate MaKail Grace finished with 33 tackles, seven pass breakups and three interceptions a year ago.

Garden City’s defense allowed just 115.7 rushing yards and 133.9 yards on the ground last season.

In 2014, the Broncbusters will open their season by hosting Highland in late August. Garden City follows that home opener with games at Dodge City and Ellsworth, Iowa.

There will be many new faces this fall for the Scotties, as just three starters return and they have a new head coach. Aaron Arnold begins his head coaching career with 11 lettermen back off a team that went 6-4 last season, including a 5-2 record in Jayhawk Conference games.

Two of the Returning Starters are offensive linemen Brandon Glover and Andrew Nichols.

Wide receiver Austin Moses (37 receptions, 387 yards and 4 TD in 2013) is the other returning starter, and the Scottie defense will have a completely new starting lineup this fall.

Arnold spent the past three years as Highland’s offensive line coach and assistant head coach before replacing Ryan Held, who accepted the head coaching position at Northeastern Oklahoma.

In 2013, the Scottie offense led the KJCCC with 428 yards of offense per game and finished sixth nationally in passing offense with an average of 301 yards per game. That offense played a huge role in helping Highland earn its first-ever playoff appearance.

The Scotties must replace a pair of All-Conference offensive linemen and quarterback Brandon Bergeron, who broke nearly every school passing record a year ago.

Highland opens the season at Garden City, and the Scotties’ home opener is set for week three against Iowa Western.

The Blue Dragons have become perennial playoff contenders under Rion Rhoades, and 2014 is shaping up to be another successful year.

Hutchinson returns a pair of first-team All-Conference defensive ends in Jeremiah Ledbetter and Marquavius Lewis, plus several others with experience from last year.

“Defensively, I feel like our front seven, Marquavius Lewis, Jeremiah Ledbetter, and those guys, have really improved through the spring,” Rhoades said after the Blue Dragons’ spring game. “Darius Wright is another highly improved guy and Riley Hunsicker is always a stand-out for us in the back end.”

Ledbetter finished with 70 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks and an interception last fall while Lewis added 62 tackles and a team-leading 18.5 tackles for loss. Hunsicker, an Ellis product, broke up five passes and made 46 tackles in 2013.

Offensively, Rhoades feels particularly good about his backfield.

“I feel like with Bradan Smith and Alvin Kamara in our backfield we have two very good threats; they complement each other and are both very skilled,” he said.

The Blue Dragons will open their season Aug. 28 at home and they host Fort Scott in week two before traveling to Butler on Sept. 13.

6-4 in 2013 / 5-2 in conference / NJCAA Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach: Aaron Arnold (1st year) Assistants: Ruzell McCoy, Chance Farrell, Bob Majeski, Walter Vaughn, Mitchell Kleinschrodt, Payton Kirk, Marty Allen Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning Lettermen: 11 Returning Starters: 3 Offense, 0 Defense Austin Moses, WR, 6-0, 190, So.; Andrew Nichols, OL, 6-5, 305, So.; Brandon Glover, OL, So. Melanie McGee

8-4 in 2013 / 5-2 in conference / NJCAA Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach: Rion Rhoades Assistants: Josh Gooch, Dion Meneley, Phil Ockinga, Darrell Ballard, Thad Brown, Tyler Brock, Greg Cross Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning Lettermen:N/A Returning Starters:N/A Marquavius Lewis, DE, 6-4, 230, So.; Riley Hunsicker, Jeremiah Ledbetter, DE, 6-3, 281, So. Melanie McGee

2-8 in 2013 / 2-5 in conference / NJCAA Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach: Matt Miller Assistants: Oscar Rodriguez, Steven Vincent, Eric Hickson, Jerad Powers, Jordan Sanders Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning Lettermen: N/A Returning Starters: N/A Errol Clark, LB, 6-3, 240, So.; Tim Hill, CB, 5-11, 185, So.; Sam Green, S, 6-2, 210, So.; MaKail Grace, S, 6-3, 205, So. Melanie McGee

2-7 in 2013 / 1-6 in conference / NJCAA Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach: Curtis Horton (4th year) Assistants: Moses Harper, Matt Glades, Eric Gibson, Richard Johnson, John Stilwell, Kory Vaught Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning Lettermen: N/A Returning Starters: N/A Walker Evans, FB, 6-4, 230, So.; Jo-Nathan Alford, RB, 5-10, 210, So.; Byron Rich, C, 6-4, 315, So.; Ben Luper, OT, 6-5, 280, So.; Jordan Walker, OT, 6-5, 315, So.; Kyle Hammond, RB, 6-1, 205, So. Melanie McGee

HUTCH. CC BLUE DRAGONS INDEPENDENCE CC PIRATES The Pirates were very young and struggled on both sides of the ball in 2013, but coach Steve Carson has a solid core returning with hopes of improving on a 2-7 record this fall.

“We played a lot of freshmen on both sides of the ball,” Carson said. “Some of them started to gain confidence at the end of the year.”

Defensively, the Pirates will be led by honorable mention All-Conference cornerback Cody Brown, who broke up eight passes and made 40 tackles as a freshman. In addition to earning a spot on the All-Conference defense, Brown returned kicks for Independence and averaged 23.4 yards per return.

Independence also returns defensive back Cinwon Whitehead, linebacker Ben Waterhouse and defensive end Darien Williston, while offensive linemen Kylor McCartney and Kerry Washington are the leading returners on that side of the ball.

Punter Josh Muckenthaler also returns after earning honorable mention All-Conference recognition in 2013.

The Pirates will open their season Aug. 28 at perennial power Butler, then take a long road trip to Fort Dodge, Iowa, to face Iowa Central in week two. ICC ‘s home opener is set for Sept. 13 against Dodge City.

“We are playing three more quality schools from Iowa, and it will be a challenge for us each week,” Carson said. “Hopefully we are more competitive than we were last year.”

2-7 in 2013 / 1-6 in conference / NJCAA Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach: Steve Carson (5th year, 10-26) Assistants: Matt Lott, Van Jones, Morris Lolar, Chris Snyder, Adam Kirby Offense: 1 back or 2 back Defense: 4-3 Returning Lettermen: N/A Returning Starters: 2 Offense, 4 Defense Cody Brown, CB, 6-1, 191, So.; Josh Muckenthaler, P, 5-10, 175, So.; Cinwon Whitehead, DB, 5-10, 175, So.; Ben Waterhouse, LB, 6-1, 235, So.; Kylor McCartney, OL, 6-2, 265, So.; Kerry Washington, OL, 6-3, 290, So.; Darien Williston, DE, 6-4, 245, So. Melanie McGee

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IRON WILL FEATURES continued

6A IRON WILL / Continued from page 14

parents were more than nervous seeing their son thrown into 6A action.

“Centennial League football is pretty tough football,” said Bob Beatty. “Alec had been working hard in the weight room and he did well in his three games. After that, I think we all understood how important it was to be committed to the weight room, get strong and always be ready to play.”

Two years later as a junior Beatty earned Topeka city offensive player of the year honors, rushing for 1,089 yards, while completing 73 of 122 passes for 1,418 yards and 13 touchdowns. He didn’t rest when the Trojans were on defense, as he finished last year as the team’s second-leading tackler with 65 stops, while picking off four passes from his free safety position.

“Alec is truly what you would call a dual-threat quarterback in his ability to run the option and throw the ball equally well,” said head coach Walt Alexander.

Entering the 2013 season, Beatty is 6-0, 170, but according to Alexander, Alec is “pound for pound one of the best kids we have ever had in the weight room.” That is saying something as Topeka High School has won the Class 6A State Weight Lifting Championship each of the last four years.

Beatty credits his strength to playing a multitude of sports in middle school, where in addition to playing football, he competed in basketball, baseball and track. “Doing all four made me mentally and physically stronger,” he said. He still plays baseball, earning second-team all-league honors a year ago, while also playing basketball at Topeka High School.

Beatty said he got serious about weightlifting prior to entering Topeka High as a freshman.

“Coach Walt Alexander stresses lifting a lot at Topeka High,” Beatty said. “If you don’t lift hard, your chances of seeing the field are lowered.”

While squatting 360 pounds, benching 250, and cleaning 230 have helped him compete against bigger opponents and have great success, Beatty joked his strength does have a negative.

“If anything, it is a drawback when your grandma is constantly calling you to help move stuff around her house because that is why she thinks you lift weights, to help her,” he said.

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Last year Frantz earned first-team all-Sunflower League honors and honorable mention all-6A honors by the Topeka Capital Journal. His size, strength and ability, earned him scholarship offers from major programs, including Kansas State, Kansas, Missouri, and Miami among others.

“Scott is a very physical and intense lineman,” said his coach Bob Lisher. “He is aggressive and is determined to finish every block. His leadership has been outstanding in the weight room and at our camp.

He is doing everything right.”

Frantz realized the importance of the weight room right off the bat last season.

“The moment I felt all the hard work in the weight room pay off was the very first snap of my junior year against Shawnee Mission North when I pancaked the defensive end on the first play from scrimmage,” he said.

When asked what his favorite part of playing football is, Frantz responded “creating holes for your teammates so they can score touchdowns.”

His goal this year is to earn first-team all-state honors and not allow a sack.

Scott Frantz, Lawrence Free State, Offensive Lineman At 6-5, 285 pounds, lineman Scott Frantz is an imposing figure for the Lawrence Free State football team. And after a junior year, which garnered him major interest from division I football programs across the country, the senior-to-be and Kansas State commit, is looking to be even better his senior season.

Frantz, who could squat 505 pounds, bench press 335 and clean 275 pounds before summer workouts, should improve those numbers even more before the season starts. Frantz said he didn’t really get serious about weightlifting until the summer before his junior year.

“I was always near the top of my class weight-lifting wise, but it really took off once I started taking it seriously before my junior season,” Frantz said.

A.J. Harris, Blue Valley, Offensive Tackle Leading the way to a state championship for Blue Valley last year was one of the best and strongest players in the state of Kansas. The Tigers found running the football easy behind the efforts of 6-4, 297-pound offensive tackle A.J. Harris, averaging 265 yards per game on the ground en route to 33.9 points per contest.

Harris, a top-11 selection by the Topeka Capital Journal as a junior, had numerous Division I offers and committed to Missouri before his senior season.

Harris, who can squat 550 pounds, bench press 360 and hang clean 325, while running a sub-5.0 in the 40-yard dash, is a running back’s dream.

“A.J. is so physically dominant on the field,” said Blue Valley head coach Eric Driskell. “He is incredibly strong and extremely athletic. We tell our backs to stay in his wake. On several occasions he blocks more than one person, so not only is he a special athlete, but he plays with extreme effort.”

Harris said he got serious about working out in the eighth grade.

“I was always naturally strong, but I really had to work at it to try and become an elite player,” he said.

Not only does Harris excel on the football field, but he has earned all-state honors in track competing in the shot put and discus.

The future Missouri business major is a terrific leader according to his high school coach.

“He is a young man of the highest character and leads with wise words, as well as by example,” Driskell said of Harris. “He is one of the best leaders and most physically dominant players we have ever had at Blue Valley. He is a pleasure to coach. He is like having another coach on the field.”

5A IRON WILL / Continued from page 14

8-MAN IRON WILL / Continued from page 19

His dedication to improving himself does not surprise his father Terry.

“He always had a natural strength as a youth and showed a desire to excel above and beyond the normal child,” he said of Chance.

“He has an extraordinary work ethic which I would say triumphs over adult men. I also know he has the ability to learn quickly and use what he has learned to help him in achieving his goals and objectives.”

Sowers’ efforts are not lost on his football coach Caleb Smith.

“Chance is a guy that rarely misses a required workout or an optional workout,” Smith said. “He doesn’t just lift weights, he attacks his workouts and is constantly trying to make gains. Chance was a key player for us on defense last year and is part of the reason we have moved to a 3-4 scheme this season to take advantage of his rare combination of speed and strength. He has a passion for the weight room and a passion for football, which will make us a much better team this year.”

Sowers said he loves the competitiveness of football and “I also very much enjoy hitting people.” His goals are for his team to make the state playoffs for the first time in 12 years and “getting some all-state recognition would be nice” as well.

8-Man II

3A IRON WILL / Continued from page 17

become much stronger.”

What pushed him to get stronger as a freshman, was a look into his future and the desire to play college football.

“I knew I needed to get in gear and start thinking about what I wanted to do after high school,” Creek said. “I knew if I wanted to play football at the next level, I had to get bigger, faster and stronger to achieve that goal.” His competitiveness has also helped him achieve higher strength levels. “Weight competitions also make it a fun experience to be strong,” he said.

In addition to football and powerlifting, Creek competes on Conway Springs’ track and field team and qualified for the state championship in the discus. Creek’s goal is to continue to get stronger to achieve his goal of playing college football.

“Always keep a good head on your shoulders and never give up,” he said. “One day you will achieve that goal you want to accomplish through hard work and dedication.”

2-1A IRON WILL / Continued from page 18

be the best, you have to train like the best,” he said. “I always do extra, outside of normal weight training. I at least try to get in a sprint workout and lift extra on my own.”

Burgess was a state runner-up in the squat at the 2A powerlifting championship, and third overall in the 181 pound weight class, and has been part of a track 4x100 relay team which has won two regional titles and placed fourth in the state.

Burgess has a goal of playing college football and majoring in chemistry.

“I would like to go to any school that would help pay my way by playing the sport I love,” he said. “I want to major in chemistry and hopefully become a pharmacist and maybe even start to develop cures for diseases.”

This season Burgess hopes to lead Lyndon to a state title, earn all-state honors and produce great numbers both offensively and defensively.

In the meantime he will keep getting bigger and bigger, much to the detriment of his mother.

“My mother says the only thing she does not like about me lifting and gaining so much muscle is that my neck has gotten too big for any of my dress shirts,” Burgess said. “She says it is impossible to find a shirt that will fit my neck.”

football season. “Everything about Friday nights is fun,” he said. “Everybody comes out and watches the high school team. I like to go out there and knock people’s heads off. Then it’s fun just hanging out with your team afterwards.

“Obviously everybody’s goal is to win a state championship,” Fritschi added. “This is my goal as well, but also to become better as a team and work together to reach that goal of a state championship.”

Fritschi, who also plays basketball and competes on the school’s track and field team, would like to attend Kansas State and major in something involving agriculture.

Bryan Dome, Victoria, Running Back

Bryan Dome is not a large football player. In fact, the running back from Victoria is just 5-8, 155 pounds. That lack of size has not stopped him from becoming one of the best eight-man football players in the state. Last year Dome was an honorable mention all-class running back selection by the Topeka Capital Journal as he helped lead Victoria to a 10-1 record.

Dome may be small in stature, but he makes up for his lack of size with pretty remarkable strength.

“I have always been small, so I had to work hard at getting my strength up,” Dome said. “I started lifting weights when I started middle school football. I did this because to be as good as others, you have to put in the time.”

His efforts in the weight room have been worthwhile. Dome can squat 325 pounds, bench press 205 pounds and clean 275 pounds, incredible numbers for a 155 pounder.

Those numbers have helped Dome have success on the football field and his dedication to the weight room, equals his efforts on the field.

“I think the best part of football is getting to go out there and put everything you have got on the field,” Dome said. “My goal this year is to get a state championship trophy.”.

LOOKIN’ SHARP FEATURES continued

LOOKIN’ SHARP - SPEARS & MOORE / Continued from page 22

head coach Urban Meyer. According to Rivals.com, in addition to Oklahoma, Moore has offers from schools such as Auburn, Florida State and Ohio State. Moore downplays things when it comes to the Eagles’ projections for this season.

“Everyone hypes us up and we can’t let that give us a big head,” Moore said. “We have to stay hungry and grind it out. I actually hate the hype, I love that underdog role.”

The other Eagle senior steadily receiving calls from FBS programs is linebacker Marcel Spears (who verbally committed to Iowa State in July) -- who is notoriously introverted. Spears has offers from Missouri, Iowa State and Wyoming. According to SigningDayRecruit.com, he boasts a 36-inch vertical, and his forty has been timed in the 4.6 neighborhood. Spears doesn’t boast about Olathe North’s title prospects, but he’s not bearish on the team’s goals, either.

“We as a coaching staff and team have adapted to each other because we are all trying to get to the same place and that is a state championship,” Spears said.

Spears will be teaming up with two fellow returning linebackers, Jesse Kendricks and Jadon McGaha, to form what could be the state’s best linebacking corp. Last fall the trio combined for 362 tackles, five interceptions, four forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries.

The secondary will be led by junior free safety Isaiah Simmons, a potential blue-chip recruit in the class of 2016 who Wier calls the “quarterback of the defense.” Joining him will be Chaz Burgess, Vinnie Shabbaz and Jeighlon Cornell. Those four combined for 12 interceptions last fall.

The Eagles defensive line will feature Moore, alongside returning starters Marcel Williams and Chase Miller. The defensive front will average out at around 6-foot-2, 265-pounds.

Offensively the Eagles will also be loaded. Running back Venus Triplett is a returning two-year starter who’s rushed for 2,478 yards and 36 touchdowns in his career. When you factor in Olathe North’s proclivities toward running the football, and Triplett’s outstanding junior season, it makes sense he’s being mentioned as a preseason favorite to win the Simone Award, given annually to the top high school football player in the Kansas City area.

Quarterback Cole Murphy also has two years of varsity experience under his belt. A season ago he passed for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns and rushed for 808 yards and eight touchdowns. Truth be told, Murphy might be as vital to Olathe North’s efforts as anyone.

“Players that I think will make a big impact would have to start with Cole Murphy, our quarterback,” Wier said. “I think all teams count on that position to be productive and Cole has that ability.”

Up front, the Eagles return three starting offensive lineman, Tyler Bacon, Tad Davis, and Michael Chau, plus Moore at tight end. There won’t be a starter on the Eagles’ offensive front under 250 pounds.

Wier’s team is loaded, alright. But the Eagles will have to go through some challenging hurdles if they want to claim a ninth state title in program history. In week one they travel to Arkansas to take on Rogers-Heritage High School, and they’ll inevitably have to get past Shawnee Mission East, a program returning 16 starters who defeated Olathe North in Sub-State a season ago.

But with 241 career wins, six state titles, and 33 years of head coaching experience, Wier is as good as any coach in the state at getting his teams to play to their ceiling. And he knows how high his team’s ceiling stands. But he’s not showing too much excitement, publically, just yet.

“We are pretty solid in most areas. We just have to play to our potential and catch a break or two,” Wier said.

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LOOKIN’ SHARP - WYRICK / Continued from page 65

how the rest of the summer and the first few games go,” he said. “I’m pretty open minded and have been talking to a lot of people. I might major in physical education where I could coach.”

A political science major is also possible, though coaching could be in his blood. Caney Valley assistant coach Jeff Wyrick is Levi’s dad. Jeff is the Bullpups offensive and defensive line coach, their assistant basketball coach and head track coach.

“We do a lot of things together and he keeps me working hard,” Levi said.

Levi is a two-time state champion in the discus and earned a silver medal at state in the shot put. He also joined the Bullpup basketball team as a junior and helped them finish as sub-state-runner up.

No matter what the sport, Davis knows that any coach can count on Wyrick to be a positive influence on his teammates and an extremely hard worker.

“He’ll do whatever you ask him to do and never ask why,” Davis said. “He’s good for everyone. He’s a strong individual that truly cares about his teammates and leads by example.”

LOOKIN’ SHARP - WARE / Continued from page 79

in ’04 and ’05. Werner believed the offense, especially with a running quarterback, was tough to defend.

He visited Campus and studied the offense.

Now, he goes to guru Tony Franklin’s passing clinics in Dallas that’s allowed Sedgwick to develop its passing game. Werner tries to platoon as frequently as possible, a tactic few small schools use. Werner said Sedgwick has a lot of 5-foot-8, 155-pounders, so Sedgwick’s 3-5 defense allows the smaller, more athletic kids to see the field.

Plus, the Cardinals have bought into the system, and Werner’s offense. In 2012, Ware played the first four games, but then suffered a season-ending knee injury. But Logan Thompson stepped in, earned Shrine Bowl honors and now plays for Kansas State. Ware talked with his parents about stepping away from football but made the choice to keep playing.

“I was worried about that,” Werner said of Ware returning for his last two seasons. “He is a great kid, and he told me that he was going to play, but he has such a future, that I almost felt guilty wanting him to play, because when a kid has an injury in a sport that’s not his No. 1 sport, I felt bad for him. But he assured me that he wanted to do it.”

Last year, Ware and Dalton Brandt, the school’s all-time leading rusher and scorer, helped Sedgwick finish third in scoring offense with 575 points. Ware, who didn’t run as much last fall because of the knee injury, is expected to run the ball some this year. Sedgwick changes its summer schedule because of Ware’s baseball. The Cardinals just have a team camp and don’t go to other camps. Ware normally practices baseball three to four days a week and plays in a weekend tournament.

In late June, Ware was at a baseball showcase in Texas and delivered a three-run double to win one game. The football-baseball arrangement, though, has paid off for Ware – and Sedgwick.

LOOKIN’ SHARP - BIEBERLE / Continued from page 91

Taylor, who played collegiate tennis at University of Idaho. Bieberle played quarterback in junior high, but Central Plains had some great quarterbacks, including Steiner’s son, Bryce, an eventual Shrine Bowl selection, now at Ottawa University. As well, Bieberle played some catch with his dad and realized he had talent at receiver.

“I am proud of working hard to get better everyday, for sure I have my dad pushing me literally all the time, telling what I am doing wrong and what I am doing right with everything that I do,” Bieberle said. “I am just a competitive guy that loves the games and everything, every sport. No matter what sport it is, I love it. Even if I don’t play, I love watching it.”

Before Bieberle entered high school, Claflin consolidated with Quivira Heights. In 2009, Claflin was 5-4 and Quivira Heights finished 10-3 and finished as state runner-up. In 2010, Claflin was 1-8 and Quivira Heights finished 7-3. In 2011, the teams formed together and went 9-2 before posting 4-5 and 9-2 marks the last two seasons.

Now, the schools together have formed a team with plenty of depth - Steiner expects over 30 players – and an elite squad.

Central Plains graduated its top two tacklers in Colton Zink (146 stops) and Evan Liebl (135 tackles, team-high 12 sacks) but returns basically the rest of the team intact. Zink and Liebl started on both sides since they were both freshmen.

“Those two guys, we made the joke they were like six kids,” Steiner said. “They just did so much for us.

Not just offensive and defensive spots, but Colton did so much on special teams for us. He was our kicker and punter, and did a lot. Evan was just our leader on and off the field. We have got some guys that are going to have to step up and do some things, there is no doubt. Overall, pretty comfortable going in.”

Because of the team’s high numbers, Bieberle didn’t play much as a freshman, though Steiner said he wished he’d used Bieberle more, especially in the playoffs. As a sophomore, Bieberle and Bryce Steiner formed a great 1-2 punch. Bieberle’s top moment also came against Solomon in Week 8. Solomon again entered at 7-0 with every win by at least 46 points, while Central Plains was 3-4. Late in the game, Bieberle ran a go route and Bryce Steiner found him for the winning score in a 56-52 upset victory. Bieberle returned two punts for scores and had two receiving TDs in the victory.

“We weren’t supposed to win that game,” Bieberle said. “It was a great memory, it was fun.”

Last year, Crites and Bieberle created highlights again, especially in the big win against Solomon. This season, the duo hopes to produce a state championship.

LOOKIN’ SHARP FEATURES continued

LOOKIN’ SHARP - COUP & HOMMAN / Continued from page 92

Coup is close to his hometown of Hope and has ran the Gorilla weight room in the morning, and then driven to Hope the rest of the day to run the combine and help with harvest.

Solomon graduated many of its top players, but does return senior tight end and defensive lineman Blake Homman. Homman is the lone Gorilla who has more than one season of starting experience entering 2014, and is the only senior with varsity experience.

Former coach Tim Cross, who served as an assistant for 12 years and then was head coach the last five seasons, will remain on staff as an assistant and will continue to help with the weight room. Cross is also from Hope, along with Coup’s wife. Coup has known Cross since he was a kid.

Solomon posted a 10-2 record in 2012, the school’s best season since 1940 and advanced to the Eight-Man, Division I sub-state championship game, the deepest advancement in school history. The Gorillas fell to eventual state champion Ness City.

Last season, Solomon opened the season No. 2 in the preseason poll, but went 8-2 and lost 50-14 to Kiowa County in the first round.

“This last year, we sort of proved some people wrong,” Homman said. “Because the first year, we lost to Ness City, and they were a really good team. After that year, everybody thought we were going to be average or we weren’t going to be that good. Then, when we came out and we were 8-2, it sort of shocked everybody, because we weren’t 45ing everybody like we usually had, but we were winning games. Usually, we would win games by coming back.”

Solomon graduated its top four rushers, including running back Mason Demars (1,327 rushing yards) and quarterback Colton Shirack (976 rushing, 554 passing). The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Homman led the team with 13 catches for 298 yards and six scores. He also finished with seven tackles for loss and tied for the team-high with three forced fumbles. As a sophomore, Homman hauled in seven catches for 145 yards and two scores and also recorded 13 TFLs. In addition to Homman, Solomon has some returning talent from some strong junior varsity programs.

In 2012, Homman helped Solomon outscore opponents 548-252 and rank sixth in the classification in offense and No. 17 in defense. Last year, the Gorillas outscored teams 518-372, but finished No. 9 in offense. Just 15 teams allowed more points than Solomon.

The Gorillas forced 32 turnovers and finished plus-20 in turnover margin, numbers that usually lead to a strong defense, but Homman said the Gorillas had trouble on 1-on-1 tackling and allowing big plays.

“We are going to have to improve on tackling and guys just stepping up and wanting to play, I think,” Homman said. “We are losing both of our middle linebackers that we have had for the past three years, so we are going to have to have new guys step up.”

The Gorillas didn’t win the district title either year because of an upset 56-52 loss to a 4-5 Central Plains team in 2012.

Last season, Central Plains defeated Solomon, 86-40, in Week 8.

“When I watched them on film, the one thing that I noticed was that they are very talented skill-wise,” Coup said. “Toughness-wise, it’s one of the things that we are going to hope to be able to build. … That was one of the things that I learned with making the transition from Goessel to B&B was probably taking the next step as far as defense.”

This fall, Solomon will have a strong early test in a Week 2 road game at Wakefield, a squad that

Page 126

averaged 44.4 points per contest last season. Solomon will play at Central Plains in Week 8, an opponent that returns wide receiver Layne Bieberle and quarterback Braedan Crites from a squad that averaged 47.8 points per game.

Solomon will move from the I/T offense and a 3-2 defense to a spread offense and 3-3 stack defense.

Junior left-hander Cain Fowles, who Coup calls probably the hardest worker at summer weights, is 6-foot3, 175 pounds and is expected to take over at quarterback.

“For eight-man football, we are spreading it around, and we are moving and we are motioning, and then we are shifting,” Coup said. “We are doing all sorts of stuff, so you see that a little bit more than just lining up and running power football. Kids buy into it a little bit easier because it’s fun and it’s a little bit exciting and different.”

LOOKIN’ SHARP - YANDEL & ALLISON / Continued from page 107

went together well.”

Yandel completed 62 of 127 passes for 1,147 yards with a 17/6 TD/INT ratio. He also had 1,620 rushing yards with 32 touchdowns. Yandel broke his fibula and tore some ligaments in his ankle in the final game of the season. After a recent camp with Ottawa University, Yandel told Allison he is the best he has been since the injury.

“We are not all very big, but we are all fast and strong, and it starts in the weight room,” Allison said.

“Our coaches rep us everyday in practice. We work on it some during the summer, and then we just watch film all the time.”

Allison added 1,486 rushing yards and 20 scores. He also paced the Chieftains with 148 tackles, 80 more than any other teammate, and collected six tackles for loss. The 1-2 punch are now seniors and expected to be among eight-man’s top quarterback-running back duos.

“Our line was real good,” Yandel said. “We had two seniors and a sophomore line. Dylan and I, our duo is fantastic. I wouldn’t want to have any other person behind me blocking for me, handing the ball off.

Dylan is always going to put in 110 percent effort.”

Even in the younger ranks, Yandel and Allison have always been the quarterback/running back combination every year except their freshman year. Yandel is the team’s biggest returning starter at 5-foot-10, 195 pounds.

“I love it,” Yandel said of playing quarterback. “I love having the feeling that the team relies on me, and everything is put onto my shoulders. I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.”

The first test comes in Week 4 against a Stafford team that finished 7-3, but averaged 48 points per contest last season. In Week 5, South Barber plays host to South Haven in a game that could decide the District 4 championship. South Haven, a longtime powerhouse, defeated the Chieftains, 72-48, in a non-district contest. South Barber has lost five in a row to South Haven. The game will likely be a litmus test for the Chieftains’ new-look defense – and will show whether South Barber is merely a strong team, or one that can take its place among the all-time greats in school annals.

“They stomped us last year,” Yandel said. “They put their foot on the gas and did not let go the entire game. It was almost just like rubbing it in our face. It made us angry. Hopefully, we will get them back this year. I have yet to beat them.”

FEATURES/OVERVIEWS continued

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3A OVERVIEW / Continued from page 63 championship season, the Beavers had just 16 turnovers and finished plus-22 in turnover margin.

“We believe that with a good summer in the weight room we will become a competitive football team,” O’Neil said. “We have numerous skill players coming back and have both of the skill players in the special teams returning. Our challenge will be replacing numerous starters on the two lines, we are not blessed with a lot of size so we may be undersized but will compete to the best of our ability.”

Beloit graduated its terrific backfield of quarterback Peyton Vetter, a four-year starter, running backs Bowe Behymer and Tanner Niemczyk and lineman Bryce Black, but returns R.J. Jackson from Kansas’ No. 1 offense with 731 points.

Caney Valley (8-2) returns quarterback Levi Wyrick, a two-time all-state football player with Division I talent . Caney Valley has made the postseason four straight years, including quarterfinal trips in 201012. Pittsburg-Colgan, second all-time in state history with 75 career playoff wins, also has six state championships and seven runner-up showings. The Panthers have made the quarterfinals the last two years and reached the postseason every year since 2003. Galena is loaded with talent and hungry after an early exit from the playoffs at the hands of Cherryvale last Silver Lake will try to repeat as 3A champions after dominating Beloit in last year's title game. (Photo courtesy www.meierproductions.com) season.

B-STJ / Continued from page 105

and one of seven players to appear in every basketball game. “To see that dream come true is something you’ll just never forget. We’ve been saying all along that this was the year that we were going to do it. We saw our dream come true.”

“Most people would say that our goal is completed,” he added. “We don’t need to keep fighting anymore, but that just makes us more motivated to get one in football now.”

Trey Dubbert and sophomore quarterback/linebacker Davis Dubbert, who is expected to play tight end this season and was also a key player on the basketball team, are the oldest of four siblings. Riley and Parker Gates are siblings.

The team had four Eilerts last season: Connor and Luke who both graduated, senior linemen Andrew and sophomore end/linebacker Mason.

Luke and Mason are brothers. Connor and Andrew are cousins with Luke and Mason. In addition, many of the players have parents who went through St. John’s or Tipton. The Dubbert’s mother went to St. John’s, while their father went to Tipton. The grandparents have St. John’s and Tipton ties, too. The Gates’ mother is a St. John’s graduate.

Trey Dubbert said the team has taken pride in it and has focused on the common goals of working hard, supporting each other and winning games. Assistant coach Grant Stephenson always tells the team to give their “one-eighth” and know the rest of the team will do their role.

“We only get so many games in our life, because high school goes by so fast,” Trey Dubbert said. “To be able to do it with our family, just makes it that much more special.”

Trey Dubbert, whose father, an uncle and grandpa played quarterback, is especially known for his hard work. He has always loved having the ball in his hands, no matter the sport. Dubbert will throw passes with his teammates and brother and stay after practice to work with Kresin.

Last season, he passed for 1,354 yards and a 20/4 TD/INT ratio.

Riley Gates is 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, but is the starting center. He hit his growth spurt early and played end in junior high. Then Gates learned he wasn’t going to be a fast kid who ran the ball. He has always been one of the stronger guys in the weight room and became a lineman.

Gates is a tough and smart blocker who will often learn from watching college games, like Kansas State.

Instead of viewing the game, Gates will follow blocking schemes, see what guards pull, and analyze the play.

Parker Gates is 5-11, 165 pounds, and a hard runner who collected 665 yards and 11 scores, both second-best on the squad.

“Knowing where the defense is going to go and what you have to got to do, I think that really helps me a lot get an edge on the competition if they might be bigger or stronger than me,” Riley Gates said.

Kresin, 92-50 in his career, took over the Blujay varsity program after it finished 8-1 in 2008 and 11-1 before it graduated virtually everyone. His daughter, Vanessa, was an all-state athlete for St. John’s/Tipton and a standout basketball player at Kansas Wesleyan.

Trey Dubbert called Kresin a father figure with great football knowledge. Parker Gates labeled Kresin a “life coach.”

“He got that team to believe that when we were older, we could be something special,” Trey Dubbert said.

This season, the Blujays received a scheduling break. St. John’s/Tipton will play host to Victoria in Week 6 and Thunder Ridge in Week 8. Thunder Ridge has won its last seven home games and is 19-1 in the last 20 games in Kensington. Victoria has won its last 10 home contests.

“We know that we have to step up and work a little harder,” Davis Dubbert said. In the last two years, all three Blujay losses have come on the road.

St. John’s/Tipton is 12-0 at home, an environment different than many venues. First, there’s no track separating the field from fans. Secondly, the west side is a slight bowl where many people park their cars.

Fans can sit close to the field and the stands are more vertical than many stadiums. Before the Victoria game, Riley Gates stood on the hill at the top of the bowl and said the atmosphere felt like a college football game.

“Having them at home is just going to make a world of difference,” Riley Gates said. “I have never seen a crowd get into a game and be more supportive of our team than we had at Victoria. We had a really big crowd at the Thunder Ridge game.”

The Blujays will get a test against defending 8-Man I champ Osborne in week two, but this time the game is in Tipton.

2-1A THROWBACKS / Continued from page 10

“My friends do it, so I do it,” Whetstine said. “Basketball is not really my sport, but I’ve always played it with my friends.”

One of those friends is teammate Speer, who plays the unique combination of quarterback and defensive line.

Tristan Speer, Troy, Quarterback/Defensive End The 6-0 and 200-pound Speer plays quarterback with the mentality of a defensive lineman.

“You’re not scared of contact,” Speer said of what it means to be called a “throwback” player. “You don’t shy away from it. You don’t run out of bounds when a hard hit is coming up. Not many quarterbacks like to do that, but I like to try and run them over.”

Speer completed 60 of 112 passes for 660 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions over seven games last season. He also rushed for 308 yards and seven touchdowns on 67 attempts.

“I can do a little of both,” Speer said. “I’m not the fastest guy in the world, but we run the option some. I consider myself a dual threat.”

He also recorded 27 tackles and one interception as a junior.

After football season ends, Speer keeps himself plenty busy in the winter. He competes in basketball and wrestling for Troy.

“I’ve always been kind of good at both,” Speer said. “It takes a lot of work. You have to stay focused.

You can’t mess around at either practice.”

Speer won Troy’s first state wrestling championship by capturing the 195-pound division of the 3-2-1A state tournament in March. He finished the season with a 37-0 record.

Whetstine and Speer will try to help Troy take another step in 2014. The Trojans return seven starters on offense and six on defense from last year’s 7-4 team.

“We have high expectations,” Whetstine said.

Iron Will

3A

4A-I

2-1A

6A

4A-II

5A

8-MAN

The will to get the work done where it counts The weight room is as important to the success of a football team as the practice field and the film room. This issue’s Iron Will features will take a look at some of the state’s strongest players and their work ethic in the weight room. These players don’t just have the will to win, but the will to put in the work in the weight room, and their football program’s are seeing the results.

These 18 athletes are profiled in a series of features starting on page 14.

November 29th 2014

Carnie Smith Stadium • Pittsburg, Kansas

The Football Capital of Kansas

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