Kansas Pregame Football Preview 2016

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Eisenhower and Football In late-May 90 different high school football players from across Kansas made the trip to Abilene to take part in our new class feature shoot, and our traditional cover shoot, at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home. As you can see from the front this, of our 11th annual issue of Kansas Pregame, the cover focuses on the majestic statue of General Dwight D. Eisenhower located in the center of the campus, and the cover and class features inside were photographed at different locations on the grounds of this beautiful facility.

I’m ashamed to admit that my trip to the Eisenhower Presidential Library, May 21, was only my third time visiting this important Kansas attraction, the first coming in January when I met with officials from the library to propose a sponsorship of our 2016 cover feature, and the second earlier in May to scout the location prior to the shoot.

A brief tour of the campus in early May left me in awe. I was certainly familiar with Eisenhower, who was raised in Abilene and would go on to serve as the 34th President of the United States. I knew he was a bona fide war hero who served as the Commanding General of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in the European Theater during World War II, but it wasn’t until I toured the museum with communications director, Samantha Kenner, that I fully realized the importance of this beautiful research facility and historic treasure located in the heart of our state.

As we strolled through the museum looking for staging areas for group photographs of fully padded football players I was fascinated by the beautiful murals, the artifacts from WWII, and the retrospective of Ike’s lifelong connection to the city of Abilene. But it was one piece in particular that consumed my attention, and continues to still.

It was a nondescript dark wood antique table. One like you might find in your grandparents’ home.

“That,” Kenner said, “is the table where the D-Day Invasion was planned.”

I literally got goose-bumps. Immediately I imagined Eisenhower, in the spring of 1944, leaning over maps of German occupied France, with his eyes narrow and intense, finalizing the details of the invasion that would swing the momentum of the war in the Allies’ favor and eventually lead to the defeat of Nazi Germany. Thousands of Allied heroes would sacrifice their lives during the invasion, providing the catalyst that would soon after put an end to Hitler’s reign of terror.

But it isn’t just military prowess or Presidential leadership that are on display at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home, it’s also a look at Eisenhower’s youth in Abilene, including his connection to the sport of football, and his belief that it was more than just a game, but an essential part of his development.

Eisenhower would go on to play, and later coach, for the United States Military Academy at West Point, and, as Pam Sanfilippo, education specialist with the Eisenhower Presidential Library, told the dozens of high school football players visiting the museum in late May, Eisenhower believed “football, perhaps more than any other sport, tends to instill in men the feeling that victory comes through hard–almost slavish–work, team play, self-confidence, and an enthusiasm that amounts to dedication.”

We hope you’ll enjoy the 11th annual issue of Kansas Pregame, featuring our highly anticipated comprehensive look at high school football in Kansas, and highlighted by the most individual player features in magazine history.

And we hope you’ll find some time to visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home in Abilene, Kansas. It’s a must-see destination in the Sunflower State.

Sincerely,

John Baetz, Publisher, Kansas Pregame

TABLE OF CONTENTS Dwight D. Eisenhower kicks a football during his playing days at West Point.

(Courtesy Eisenhower Presidential Library)

Page 5: Preserving Eisenhower’s Legacy Through Football Page 7: Freeman’s Legacy Lives On Page 10: Hundreds Tested at Sharp Performance Combine Page 13: Weighting Game Page 25: Class 6A Page 39: Class 5A Page 54: Class 4A-I Page 65: Class 4A-II Page 75: Class 3A Page 91: Class 2-1A Page 105: Class 8-Man I Page 119: Class 8-Man II Page 130: Class 6-Man Page 133: College Preview Capsules

Kansas

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Prega m e W elcom e to K ansas Preg am e 2016! For the past 11 years K ansas Preg am e has provided the m ost com plete preview of hig h school football in the Su nflow er State. W e are prou d to provide this coverag e, and continu e to partner w ith K preps.com to provide com prehensive coverag e of K ansas hig h school football on the w eb.

Find dig ital editions of all ou r pu blications online at w w w .issu u .com /1660pu blishing or w w w .kansaspreg am e.com JO H N B A E T Z & B R E E M C R E Y N O L D S-B A E T Z P U B L ISH E R S C o-ow ners ofSixteen 60 Pu blishing C o., pu blishers ofthe L incoln Sentineland C hapm an N ew s-Tim es w eekly new spapers,and K ansas Preg am e FootballM ag azine.

L ayou t and D esig n:B ecky R athbu n,Sixteen 60 Pu blishing ;A d D esig n:K ayla K vacik,K vacik G raphics Sponsorship Sales:John B aetz,Tyler G ier B u siness M anag er:A bby G erlem an C ontribu ting W riters:Tyler G ier;B rad H allier, H u tchinson N ew s;Jennifer M cD aniel;B rent M aycock, Topeka C apital-Jou rnal;K yle M cC askey,H u tchinson N ew s;M elanie M cG ee;C onor N icholl;Jason Peake, Joplin G lobe;Shaw n R oney;M ark Schrem m er C ontribu ting Photog raphers:B ree M cR eynoldsB aetz;Joey B ahr,Joey B ahr Photog raphy, w w w.joeybahr.com ;Jason D rake,Jason D rake Photog raphy,w w w.jasondrakephotog raphy.com A cknow ledg m ents:W ith a project ofthis size and scope w e can’t possibly thank allthe people that have contribu ted,bu t a specialthanks g oes ou t to the school secretaries,athletic directors,coaches and parents w ho helped u s secu re team inform ation.T hank you to the advertisers w ho m ade this possible - w ithou t you r su pport this pu blication w ou ld not be a reality.To all those involved w ith the com pletion ofthis pu blication in any w ay,thank you !

M ail inqu iries to johnbaetz@ g m ail.com or K ansas Preg am e, P O B ox 186, L incoln, K S 67455 P u blication date: V olu m e 11, A u g u st 10, 2016 For a com plete list of free distribu tion locations visit w w w .kansaspreg am e.com K ansas Preg am e w as fou nded by John and B ree B aetz and Tim M cG onag le in 2005.

The 2016 K a n sa s Prega m e cover shoot w a s hosted by the Eisen how er Presiden tia lLibra ry,M u seu m ,a n d Boyhood H om e,in A bilen e,a n d fea tu res 13 of the sta te’s top pla yers a lon g w ith Ru ra lV ista coa ch Jeff H ostetter.The Eisen how er Presiden tia lLibra ry ca m pu s w a s a lso the site of the n ew cla ss fea tu re photo shoots highlightin g m ore tha n 70 of the sta te’s top pla yers from a lleight cla ssifica tion s.The cover a n d cla ss photo shoots a n d fea tu res w ere a lso m a de possible tha n ks to a pa rtn ership w ith Ea gle C om m u n ica tion s in H a ys.Ea gle’s focu s is on ra dio broa dca stin g,ca ble television ,In tern et service,a n d telephon e service.Ea gle ow n s a n d opera tes 28 ra dio sta tion s in K a n sa s,M issou ri a n d N ebra ska ;a n d 59 ca ble system s in K a n sa s,N ebra ska ,a n d C olora do.

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Preserving Eisenhower’s Legacy Through Football so they could compete with other area high schools. Dwight served as president.

Following graduation in 1909, Eisenhower worked at the local creamery for a few years to help pay for his older brother’s college education. As he waited for his turn to further his education, Eisenhower was appointed to West Point, where As a teenager, Dwight D. Eisenhower wasn’t the biggest player on his high he graduated in 1915. school football team. But what the Abilene, Kan., boy lacked in size, he made up Through the years, Dwight quickly worked his way through the ranks, and after for in passion for the game. assignments in the War Department, he accompanied Gen. Douglas MacArthur The baby-faced Eisenhower was all too familiar with being called “Little Ike,” to the Philippines as an assistant military adviser. living in the shadows of his older brother and standout athlete, Edgar, or “Big Following Pearl Harbor, Eisenhower was again called. This time, he was Ike,” as their classmates called him. placed in charge of plans for the Pacific War. Two months later, Marshall proEven after entering the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in 1911, the moted him to chief of the War Plans Division where he received his second gencadet was still considered “too light” for varsity play. But he didn’t let that stop eral’s star. him.

General Eisenhower, who served as Chief of Staff of the United States Army A year later, the athlete, who now stood at about 5-feet, 10-inches tall, gained from November 1945 until February 1948, later extra weight, tipping the scale at 174 pounds. resigned to serve as president of Columbia Eventually, he attracted the attention of varsity University. Two years later, at President Truman’s coaches. request, Eisenhower took a leave of absence from “Thereafter, in no game or practice session could Columbia to command the North Atlantic Treaty the coaches claim I lacked pugnacity and combatOrganization as the first Supreme Commander of iveness, assumed to offset my lack of weight,” he NATO. wrote years later in his 1967 book, “At Ease: In June 1952, Eisenhower returned to Abilene to Stories I Tell To Friends.” announce his candidacy for President of the United “Although I had put on almost 20 pounds since States. Eisenhower assumed the presidency in the previous season, I was still light for line plungJanuary 1953, making him the country’s 34th presiing and line backing. But my enthusiasm made up dent. He would serve two terms. somewhat for my lack of tonnage. In any event, I Following retirement, President Eisenhower and always played as hard as I knew how, trying to his wife, Mamie, retired to his small farm outside instill the fear of Eisenhower in every opponent.”

Gettysburg, Pa. In August 1965, Eisenhower sufAlthough a serious injury permanently ended his fered a serious heart attack and was repeatedly football career, he went on to coach at West Point hospitalized during the next three years. After havas well as for several Army teams. ing another heart attack during the summer of Not only had football fueled his determination, 1968, he spent his last few months in Walter Reed but three decades later in the midst of war, Army Hospital, where he died in March 1969.

Eisenhower realized the skills he developed on the After his death, Eisenhower returned to Abilene field were instrumental in making him a leader later for his final post. in life.

The funeral, which took place on the Eisenhower “…I noted with real satisfaction how well exPresidential Library and Museum grounds, began footballers seemed to have leadership qualificaon the steps of the library and concluded inside the tions and it wasn’t sentiment that made it seem so Place of Meditation, the chapel where Eisenhower — not with names that turned out to be Bradley, was buried.

Keyes, Patton, Simpson, Van Fleet, Harmon, The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum Hobbs, Jouett, Patch and Prichard. Among many Dwight D. Eisenhower during his playing days at the United States Military Academy at West Point. and Boyhood Home others, they measured up,” he wrote in “At Ease.”

The Eisenhower Presidential Library is one of 13 “I think this was more than coincidence. I believe (Courtesy Eisenhower Presidential Library) presidential libraries administered by the National that football, perhaps more than any other sport, Archives and Records Administration. Presidential tends to instill in men the feeling that victory comes Libraries promote understanding of the presidency and the American experience. through hard—almost slavish—work, team play, self-confidence, and an enthuThey preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and siasm that amounts to dedication.” create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire.

Players profiled in the cover and class features in this year’s edition of Kansas The extensive collection contains historical records, papers, photographs, Pregame gathered for a photo shoot in May at the Eisenhower Presidential original motion picture film and artifacts - consistently making it one of the mostLibrary, Museum and Boyhood Home in Abilene. During the visit, players were visited for researchers from around the world averaging about 800 researchers welcomed by staff member Pam Sanfilippo, an education specialist, and later per year with about 30 percent visiting from foreign countries, Sanfilippo said. toured the presidential library and museum to learn more about the extraordinary Plans for a museum to honor General Eisenhower and all World War II vetlife and legacy of the only five-star general, who became president of the United erans began soon after the end of WWII, she said. The site chosen for the States. museum was on property adjacent to Ike’s boyhood home where his mother, Ida, “So I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to say that he would love that all of lived until her death in 1946. you are here today, and he would congratulate each of you on your accomplishFollowing Ida’s death, the Eisenhower brothers donated the home to the ments so far,” Sanfilippo told the players. “In his experience, he found that athEisenhower Foundation in the family’s name. Subsequently, Sanfilippo said, the letes, and football players especially, developed leadership skills that lasted home was opened to the public, making it a tourist attraction years before throughout their careers both on and off the field.”

Eisenhower even considered running for president. The residence was later The life of a leader turned over to the National Archives and Records Administration - making it the The third of seven sons, Dwight was born in Texas, and returned to Abilene only presidential library to own and operate a boyhood home. when he was a little more than a year old. Eisenhower’s parents previously lived “From start to finish, the entire campus is a place to learn about Eisenhower, in Abilene, and moved to Texas before he was born. his life and times in an engaging and inspiring way,” she said. “We highly recGrowing up, Dwight was an average student, but excelled in sports, especially ommend visitors start with the introductory film that provides an overview of football and baseball. However, since there were no organized sports at the highschool level, Eisenhower and his friends formed the Abilene Athletic Association continued on page 21

BY JENNIFER McDANIEL For Kansas Pregame

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

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Freeman’s legacy lives on

BY JENNIFER McDANIEL For Kansas Pregame Like most little girls, Jennifer Freeman Nauertc viewed her father as her hero. There was nothing he couldn’t do. There was nothing he couldn’t overcome. For Jennifer, her dad was her biggest supporter, offering encouragement anytime she encountered one of life’s challenges.

So when her father, celebrated Kansas high school football coach Bill Freeman, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2012, Jennifer, now an adult, faced the debilitating disease head-on. This time, she would be Freeman’s biggest advocate, offering him hope and encouragement every step of the way.

Eventually, the disease proved too much for Freeman, who, at the age of 84, died just one week before Christmas, 2015.

But even in her grief, Jennifer dug deep, continuing to fight for her father, and soon, thousands of others afflicted by Alzheimer’s.

“I don’t think there’s anyone who hasn’t been affected by this disease,” she said.

As the state’s population ages, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are on the rise. According to statistics from the national Alzheimer’s Association, the disease currently affects 51,000 Kansans ages 65 and older. And if projections hold true, officials predict nearly an eight percent increase by 2020.

By 2025, an estimated 62,000 of the state’s elderly - a jump of nearly 22 percent - will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Courtesy Kansas Sports Hall of Fame

The disease remains the sixth-leading cause of death in Kansas, claiming 742 lives in 2013 alone.

“It’s a very cruel disease,” Nauertc said.

In Freeman’s case, the disease manifested itself in subtle ways. At first, she said, her father started forgetting things. But over time, the disease progressed.

Jennifer struggled with the diagnosis. Her father survived a quadruple bypass in 1995 and even beat prostate cancer. But this was different. There was no known cure.

Eventually, she said, her family had to make the difficult decision to admit him into a nursing care facility, Life Care Center of Burlington. Freeman, who was now wheelchairbound, needed constant care.

Freeman’s health began declining significantly last November around the Thanksgiving holiday. After spending a few days in a Topeka hospital, Freeman returned to Burlington. But because his health continued to deteriorate so quickly, Jennifer’s family opted for hospice care.

In the days before his death, Jennifer watched as her father would neither eat nor communicate, only sleeping most of the time. However, just hours before he died, Nauertc said her father was alert for a brief time.

“He knew us up until the end,” she said.

A legendary coach Freeman’s life started simply, growing up on a farm near the small, eastern Kansas town of Burlington.

After graduating from high school in 1949, Freeman went on to Emporia State University, where he played guard on the college’s football team. By 1953, the four-year letterman earned a bachelor’s degree in education. Years later, he earned a master’s degree from the University of Kansas.

Following graduation, Freeman started his coaching career at Baxter Springs High School in southeast Kansas. A year later, he was named head football and track coach at Parker Rural High School, where he stayed for three years.

Eventually, Freeman landed a job not far from home in LeRoy - the same town where he married his wife, Joan, in 1954.

During his career, Freeman not only coached, but also taught physical education at Baxter Springs, LeRoy, Osawatomie, Parker Rural and Lawrence.

But it was during his time at LeRoy that Freeman’s special brand of coaching began resulting in wins on the field. He claimed his first state football championship title there, before moving on to Osawatomie High School in 1965.

At OHS, he led the Trojans to two state titles in 1966 and 1973. Freeman also helped produce two players who would eventually go on to play in the NFL - Lynn Dickey and Derrick Jensen.

While Freeman’s impressive work was already gaining him notoriety, it wasn’t until he moved on to Lawrence High School in 1974 that the coach would achieve his legendary status.

Under his direction, Freeman revived the school’s struggling football program, returning it to greatness in just five years.

In his 16 years at LHS, the Lions went 134-38, and played in 10-consecutive Class 6A championship games from 1986-95 - the first four with Freeman at the helm. Freeman’s LHS football teams won titles in 1979, 1984, 1986, 1987 and 1989.

While at LHS, Freeman also coached track, and led his team to two state track championships in 1989 and 1990.

Freeman, who was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2014 and was a 2012 recipient of the Hall of Fame’s Pride of Kansas Award, was also admitted into the Emporia State Hall of Fame and the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame. He was also selected to the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame in 1996 and was a Kansas Shrine Bowl coach in 1973.

In June, Freeman was inducted into the Greater Kansas City Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame.

Once he retired, Freeman returned to Coffey County in 1990, where he owned the 1st National Bank of LeRoy, and took on a more active role in the community.

rly years Freeman in his ea omie. coaching at Osawat

Bill Freeman and daug hter, Jennifer Freeman Naue rtc, in 2015.

During this time, he also served as mayor - a position he held for more than two decades - and joined several local organizations.

One daughter’s journey Jennifer’s Facebook page is filled with pictures of her father.

For the past few years, she’s used the online networking service as a cyber-journal, chronicling her life through electronic photos and posts.

While her father was still alive, Nauertc posted frequent updates on his condition, documenting the ups and downs that go along with the disease. And as his health declined, Nauertc honestly opened up to friends, noting the painful details online.

Even in the days following her father’s death, Jennifer used the service as a platform for Alzheimer’s awareness, introducing an idea she hoped in some small way could make a difference in finding a cure.

Shortly before her father’s death, Nauertc spoke with State Rep. Peggy Mast, an Emporia Republican and Speaker Pro Tem in the Kansas House. After telling Mast about her father and his battle with Alzheimer’s, Jennifer asked the lawmaker if she would consider drafting a bill creating a special license plate supporting research and awareness for the disease.

“The idea just came out of the blue,” she said. “I wanted to do something to carry on his legacy. He’s my hero, and I wanted to create awareness for a disease that affects so many people.”

Mast immediately agreed to the proposal, Nauertc said, and encouraged her to contact as many media outlets as possible

continued on page 8

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to share her story. She also reached out to friends as well as several of her father’s former players and colleagues to write letters of support for the legislation.

“At that point, it really took on a life of its own,” she said. “I heard from so many people I didn’t even know who had been touched by Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Among the letters she received was one written by one of Freeman’s former players, Chris King, of Lawrence. King who now works as a captain in the City of Lawrence’s Fire Prevention Division, told how Freeman not only meant the world to him, but taught him lessons that he still carries with him today.

“I know we strive for excellence in our lives in whatever we are doing,” King wrote. “We learned the importance of working within a team. It didn’t matter what string we were. It was how everyone is as important as the next guy. The tenacity we all showed during those times allowed us to be successful then, and I’m sure it continues today for many of his players in their everyday life.”

By mid-January, House Bill 2473 was introduced and soon referred to the House Transportation Committee. But just as quickly as it picked up momentum, the bill languished because it didn’t have a sponsor. Nauertc became impatient, and grew discouraged. But that would all change during a forum in Kansas City.

In mid-February, Nauertc attended an Alzheimer’s forum with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran at the University of Kansas Clinical Research Center. During a question and answer session, Jennifer raised her hand and told her story to Moran, who knew her father.

Within 30 seconds, a man in the audience spoke up, assuring her she had a sponsor for her bill. “He told me, ‘We got you,’” she said. “I was speechless. I was in a funk and didn’t know how to proceed. I didn’t know I needed a sponsor, and he told me he would sponsor it. It was meant to be,” she said.

The bill unanimously passed in the House a few days later, and was introduced in the Senate in March. During her testimony before the Senate’s Transportation Committee, Jennifer described in her own words the disease’s devastating effects on her father.

“This disease robbed my dad’s memory for the past five years,” she said. ”He went from a dad, father, husband, friend and grandpa, enjoying everyday activities, to not remembering where he parked the car, to what time it was, to not remembering where we lived. For a man, who, for most of his life, was a teacher, football and track coach, farmer, banker, (and) environmentalist - this was very hard to not only accept, but to watch.”

Senators ultimately passed the bill by a unanimous vote. On May 11, it was signed by Gov. Sam Brownback.

Despite state lawmakers approving the new specialty license plate, the tags will not be produced until the Central and Western Kansas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association collects 500 applications. To pre-order a Kansas plate, interested residents must submit a form and a $30 royalty fee. Once the required number of applications are received, individuals who pre-ordered the tag will receive a receipt. After Jan. 1, 2017, those requesting the specialty tag can take their receipt to their local Division of Motor Vehicles office to complete the process. The application form can be found online at the chapter’s website: www.alz.org.

“Never in a million years did I think it would gain such momentum,” Nauertc said. “Hopefully, I can make a difference. Eventually, I would like to see something like this in all 50 states.”

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From Player to Professional

BY JENNIFER McDANIEL For Kansas Pregame As their high school and college football careers near an end, most student athletes find themselves planning their next move.

For a few extremely talented and hard working players like former Kansas State University and Smith Center standout Mark Simoneau, that next move involved moving on to a professional football career in the NFL. But for the majority of players who don’t make the cut, they’re forced to decide what they will do after football.

While some go to work for other employers, for some it’s an opportunity to marry their entrepreneurial ideas with the knowledge they learned on the field. Former players like Matt Sellers, Troy Horton, Jonathan Truman, Simoneau, Jake Sharp and Austin Barone have all done just that.

Though they no longer play the game, each has taken his passion for the sport and turned it into a viable business that still involves the game they loved to play.

Matt Sellers, Rack Performance Football is a big part of Matt Sellers’ life, but, then again, it always has been.

As a young boy, Sellers remembers how his father introduced him to the game by taking him, and his brothers, to watch Kansas State University and area high school football.

As he sat in the bleachers, Sellers was captivated by the explosive strength and power he saw in those student athletes on the field.

Little did he know the same game that fascinated him as a young boy would play an even bigger role in his adult life.

Today, Sellers is chief executive officer of Rack Performance, a company that builds applications to assist coaches in efficiently managing the weight room. He’s also coaches freshmen football players at Saint Thomas Aquinas, a private high school in Overland Park.

“We specialize in creating innovative solutions that increase communication efficiency between coach and athlete in the weight room, and data-tracking tools that make it easier for coaches to track the improvement of their athletes,” Sellers said.

The Gridiron Tech tackle ring is becoming more popular among Kansas coaches. (Courtesy Photo)

Sellers played tight end and defensive end at Salina South for Head Coach Ken Stonebraker, and was part of the high school’s 2000 state championship team. Following high school, he went on to play tight end for Ravens Head Coach Jeff Leiker at Coffeyville Community College and eventually walked on to play for K-State in 2003.

A few years later, he returned to CCC, but this time, Sellers coached under Leiker’s leadership for two seasons. He stayed on for two more seasons, coaching for Darian Dulin after Leiker accepted the college’s athletic director position.

Sellers said he was lucky to have es use been surrounded by good coaches hool student-athlet throughout his career. But it was one Leavenworth High Sc ement ag an m room coach in particular, Dan Smith, who Rack Performance’s weight ssion. se om ro t managed the Salina South High a recent weigh g rin du n tio ica pl School strength program, who ap Photo) sparked the notion to start the busi- (Courtesy ness.

“Dan’s attention to detail and obsession with having the impact my effort and confidence on the next play. I think that best strength program possible led him into developing a tre- translates well to both the product development and sales mendous way of managing his group,” Sellers said. “He was components of our operation.” using Powerpoint to move his athletes through their workNot only has football given Sellers the opportunity to meet outs, which took a great deal of time and was limited to the teammates and coaches who eventually became close capabilities of Powerpoint, which certainly isn’t designed to friends, but prepared him for life in the business world. run weight rooms. We began talking about creating a web“Being a part of any team, whether it is debate or football, based platform with many features that coaches and pro- is critical to learn how to work with other people,” he said. “It grams could benefit from, and in the process, create a com- teaches you to embrace your role and work with your team munity within that platform that will revolutionize the industry. to win. You also learn that adversity and losing are ineviOur discussions got deeper as we saw the potential impact table, and if you are going to be a good team, you work that it could have on the industry. We then got together with together to correct the mistakes and bounce back. In footDan and started mapping out the vision of what features ball, there are many specialized roles which allow for many would make his job and other coaches jobs easier.” different types of athletes to contribute. While all the roles By 2013, Rack Performance was born. are different, great teams understand that each of them perBesides Sellers, the company is staffed by a forming at a high level with confidence is critical. This is no core team of individuals, including Smith and different in the business world, (which) requires you to his brother, Matt’s brother Sam - all who understand the many roles that need to be carried out and have extensive backgrounds in playing the importance of having a group of people that understand and coaching football. that their job is critical to the success of the team.”

Staff members include: Grant A year ago, Rack Performance raised a quarter-million Dreiling, southeast territory man- dollars from local and private investors to help officials move ager, who played quarterback at forward with further developing its software. With the needed Hutchinson HIgh School for his funding, officials planned a product update with its new father, one of the most suc- investment capital. cessful coaches in Kansas While the majority of its clientele is located in Kansas and football history, and now, the Missouri, Rack Performance has expanded across the head coach at Saint Thomas nation to reach even more football programs.

Aquinas, Randy Dreiling; For more info visit rackperformance.com.

Sam Sellers, head coach at Troy Horton/Jonathan Truman, Gridiron Technologies Salina South; Smith, who Having personally experienced the symptoms of Chronic also played quarterback at Traumatic Encephalopathy, such as headaches and depresBethany College; Steve sion, nearly a decade after his football career ended, Troy Brittingham, midwest territory Horton wondered if there was a way he could blend his love manager, played defensive line of football with cutting-edge technology to somehow make at Louisburg High School, CCC football a safer game. and Pittsburg State University, Today, Horton heads up his company, Gridiron and also coached at PSU; and Technologies, which is on a mission to ensure today’s footDeveloper David Holthaus, who ball players are happier and healthier after their careers are played running back at Nemaha over.

Central High School.

Horton played football for 13 years - from his time growing “We all played different positions, we are up on a farm outside Burrton to his days at K-State and all very competitive and have a team-first atti- eventually, playing on one of the top semi-pro teams in the tude,” he said. “This carries over directly to what we United States before the days of arena football. For Horton, are doing at Rack. Those skills are developed and special- football has been a lifelong passion that taught him lessons ized within winning football teams. However, I would say that about friendship, perseverance, camaraderie and teamwork. the most important development that I gained from football is getting my butt kicked on a play and learning not to let it continued on page 131

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Hundreds tested at Sharp Performance Combine Athletes post top marks at May 14 testing combine in Salina

MVP S

Jovon Baldwin Junction City Overall MVP

Hunter Kaufman Pratt Top Senior

Elliot Ollenburger Hillsboro Top Junior

Lee Andrews Eudora Top Vertical Jump

Cameron Cothran Andale Top Broad Jump

Parker McCafferty Andover Fastest Pro Agility

Joshua Rivas Hutchinson Best Bench Press

STORY BY BEN MITCHUM PHOTOS BY JASON DRAKE JASONDRAKEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM On a beautiful Saturday morning, May 14, many of the state’s top high school football players came together on the campus of Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kan., to participate in the Sharp Performance Midwest High School Football Testing Combine. Testing took place at the new Graves Family Sports Complex.

The free combine was put together by the staff of Sharp Performance, in partnership with Kansas Pregame, and made possible by several sponsors. The results of the Sharp Performance Midwest High School Testing Combine were recorded using the following testing equipment in the described conditions: 40 Yard Dash - The 40 times were recorded outdoors on artificial turf. Athletes were given two attempts; one with the wind, and one into the wind. Testing equipment included Fusion Sport Timing and multiple handheld stop watches. Each attempt was triggered by hand, on athlete’s first movement. The Fusion system operated with an electronic beam finish. The official time is a composite mark of the multiple recordings taken during each 40 yard dash attempt.

Vertical Jump - The vertical jump was tested using a Probotics Vertical Jump Mat. Each athlete was given two attempts with the best mark recorded.

Bench Press Rep Max - Using conventional weight benches, each athlete was given a chance to bench press their choice of 135, 155, or 185 pounds to failure.

Standing Broad Jump - The standing broad jump was tested on artificial turf. Athletes were given two attempts, with their best mark being recorded.

Pro Agility Drill - The pro agility drill was recorded outdoors on artificial turf. Each attempt was recorded using multiple hand held stop watches. Athletes were given two attempts.

Participants and combine staff (consisting of Sharp Performance staff, a number of current/ past Kansas and Kansas State football players, and other volunteers) first met in the gymnasium where they listened to such presenters as event host, Jake Sharp, Kansas Pregame publisher, John Baetz, John Blazek, Dr. Brian Harvey of Salina Pediatric, and representatives from both the Kansas National Guard and Advocare.

Organization for the event began at the conclusion of the 2015 Combine which was held in midMarch of that year. Sharp Performance works throughout the year with their partners and sponsors to ensure the event is the largest in Kansas.

Sharp said he relies on sponsors to keep the event free to kids across Kansas.

“Without our sponsors in Salina Regional Health Center, the Kansas National Guard, JRI Management, Freddy’s [Frozen Custard], and

Mokas there is simply no way we could keep the event free to the athletes. There is a tremendous amount of volunteer work that goes into the event-day operations. Approximately 50 volunteers helped us run the event off this year. We had over 300 athletes. We hope to hold an ‘Unsigned Senior Combine’ concluding the 2016 season, and hope the spring combine can reach the 500-participant mark in 2017.”

Awards were handed out at the conclusion of the event to the combine’s Most Valuable Player, Top Senior, Top Junior, and top performer of each testing drill. Also, three schools were recognized for their large turn-out for the event, with their coaches taking home prizes.

The MVP of the event was Junction City’s Jovon Baldwin (2017) who had a tremendous day. Baldwin ran a blistering 4.34 40, had a 9.03 broad jump, a very good 4.28 pro agility, and definitely saw some air with his 33.5-inch vertical.

The Top Senior award went to Pratt’s Hunter Kaufman. Kaufman ran a 4.5 40 on the day and is one of the top slot receivers and kick returners in Kansas. He recorded a 40 yard dash in the 4.4s later in the summer and is also one of the top sprinters in Kansas during the spring outdoor track season.

The Top Junior award went to Hillsboro’s Elliot Ollenburger. Ollenburger may not have had the size or testing numbers of many of the other participants, but his effort, heart, and overall play throughout the event didn’t go unnoticed by the staff personnel. Several of the “celebrity” coaches commented on how well he ran pass routes during the skills portion of the event.

The top performers of each testing station were as followed: 40 Yard Dash - Jovon Baldwin (Junction City) ran an (official) 4.34 40.

Broad Jump - Cameron Cothran (Andale) had a jump of 10 feet.

Pro Agility - Parker McCafferty (Andover) ran an (official) 4.08.

Vertical Jump - Lee Andrews (Eudora) jumped 37.1 inches.

Bench Press - Joshua Rivas (Hutchinson) hoisted 185 pounds for 30 reps.

2016 Sharp Performance Midwest High School Football Contest Team Winners were as followed: McPherson High School and coach Jace Pavlovich was presented a $1,000 Sports Connection team gift certificate.

Gardner-Edgerton High School and coach Marvin Diener received the on-site Sharp Performance speed trap electronic team training session.

Chapman High School coach Dan Sell was awarded a future team speed clinic at Sharp Performance.

On the next page check out some of the top underslassmen who had big days at the Sharp Performance Combine.

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TOP “Non-Senior” Participants

J.J. Allen 5-7, 150-pound WR Junior, Bennington Class of 2018 Allen is a small-school athlete that had himself quite a day in Salina.

He ran a 4.78 40, posted a 9.07 broad jump, an impressive 4.31 pro agility, and had a 31.3 inch vertical.

This past season as a sophomore he had 17 receptions for 330 yards and 4 touchdowns as a receiver.

He also rushed for 70 yards on 5 carries for the Bulldogs.

After playing 11-Man football the last two seasons, Allen’s athleticism should translate well with Bennington’s move to 8-Man competition this coming fall.

Parker McCafferty 5-6, 135-pound ATH Junior, Andover Class of 2018 McCafferty appears to be an underrated prospect with his best football days ahead of him. He may be smaller in stature, but he makes up for his lack of size with his explosive athletic ability.

While participating at the combine, McCafferty posted a 4.52 40, 9.01 broad jump, a cat-quick 4.08 pro agility and a 34-inch vertical.

The Trojan speedster has the potential to be a dynamic return man and playmaker at either receiver or running back this coming fall in Andover’s new spread system.

This past track season he placed 7th in Class 5A in the 100m and had a season best time of 11.06. He also leapt 20-01 in the long jump.

Nick Channel 5-11, 180-pound ATH Junior, Kapaun Class of 2018 Channel was a dynamic athlete that received Honorable Mention All-State Class 5A (Topeka Capital) and 2nd Team All City League honors after last season. He was also a Sports in Kansas Honorable Mention All Non-Senior.

While at the combine, Channel recorded a 4.72 40, a 9.09 broad jump, a 4.35 pro agility, and posted a 32.8 inch vertical.

Last season he rushed for 244 yards on 30 carries and grabbed 29 receptions for 534 yards. He had 5 total touchdowns for the Crusaders last year.

Taylon Peters 5-7, 179-pound RB Sophomore, Salina Central Class of 2019 Taylon, the younger brother of Central’s All-State running back Dalton Peters, may be shorter in stature but, much like McCafferty, he is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands.

Peters was already a Sports In Kansas Honorable Mention All Non-Senior after last season. The sophomore is a well put-together kid and will only continue to grow.

Peters ran a 4.825 40, had an 8.09 broad jump, displayed an impressive 4.225 pro agility, and posted a 30.4 inch vertical jump.

This past season as a freshman, he rushed for 66 yards on 6 carries with 1 TD, but he’ll be expected to contribute more this fall, as Central graduated not only his brother, but three other ball carriers.

Jackson Heath 6-3, 196-pound TE/LB Junior, Blue Valley Northwest Class of 2018 Heath is an intriguing prospect out of Overland Park who has played wide receiver and safety early in his high school career but projects at TE or LB at the next level. As a sophomore he totaled 46 tackles and 3 passes broken up in just six games at safety. On offense, he hauled in 6 receptions for 67 receiving yards.

At the combine he ran a 4.71 40, posted a 9-foot broad jump, a 4.47 pro agility, a 27 inch vertical, and 14 reps on the bench at 155.

His father played basketball at Kansas State in the 1980s and two brothers played DI football in the 2000s.

Tyler Henry 5-9, 187-pound LB Junior, Gardner-Edgerton Class of 2018 Henry was an Honorable Mention All-State Class 6A (Wichita Eagle/Topeka Capital) and an All Eastern Kansas League 1st Team selection at linebacker as a sophomore. He was also 1st Team Sports In Kansas Defensive All Non-Senior.

While in Salina he ran a 4.82 40, had a 26.4 vertical jump, and lifted 17 reps on the bench press at 185.

He led coach Marvin Diener’s Trailblazers with 94 total tackles and had 11 tackles-for-loss from his inside linebacker position last fall.

Drew Labertew 6-1, 175-pound CB Junior, McPherson Class of 2018 Labertew looks to make a big jump this coming season after getting his feet wet last season for the Bullpups.

He posted quality numbers at the combine with a 9.04 broad jump, a very good 4.22 pro agility, and a 31-inch vertical.

Labertew, who had 15 total tackles, 1 interception, and 2 passes broken up this last fall, will team up with fellow junior Tyson Stites to form a quality defensive backfield for the next couple of years under coach Jace Pavlovich.

Tyjuan Lewis 6-0, 170-pound WR Junior, Olathe East Class of 2018 Lewis is a prospect that will be looked upon to take the next step this coming season after having himself a very good day in Salina.

The Olathe East sprinter ran a 4.52 40, had a 8.04 broad jump, and a 32-inch vertical.

Lewis put up good track numbers this past spring with personal bests in the 200m with a 24.53, a 400m time of 53.71, a long jump of 19-0.5, and a jump of 35-0 in the triple jump.

Even though East did not throw the ball much last season, Lewis could give the Hawks a big play threat on the outside for the next couple of years.

Jaylen Pickle 6-4, 281-pound OL/DE Junior, Cimarron Class of 2018 Pickle, the ever-imposing southwest Kansas prospect, was an All Hi-Plains League offensive line/defensive end last season. He was also a Sports In Kansas Honorable Mention All Non-Senior.

While at the combine he turned in a 5.265 40. He also showed off his strength with 15 reps on the bench at 185.

Pickle has a self-reported squat of 545 pounds and 325 pounds on the bench.

This past fall he was a defensive nightmare for opposing offenses where he had 96 total tackles, 9 sacks, 7 fumble recoveries, 5 forced fumbles, and batted down 8 passes from his defensive end position.

This coming fall, look for Pickle to also play a lot more fullback and tight end offensively.

Taegen Schoenfeld 5-10, 164-pound RB/DB Junior, St. Marys Class of 2018 Schoenfeld, an All Mid-East League running back last year as a sophomore, is one of the top sprinters in the state (he was the Mid-East League 100m champ) and showed it, running a 4.86 40 at the combine. He also showed his explosiveness with a 30.5-inch vertical.

In the 2015 season Schoenfeld rushed for 510 yards and also had 106 yards receiving on 13 catches. He finished with 6 touchdowns last season for the St. Marys Bears.

Defensively he racked up 65 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception during last season.

Wyatt Seidl 6-2, 210-pound DE Junior, McPherson Class of 2018 Seidl, an Honorable Mention All Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail III League selection at defensive end after last season, looks to take the next step in becoming one of the bigger names in class 4A-I this fall.

At the combine he displayed a 5.1 40, 8.06 broad jump, a 4.39 pro agility, and a 28-inch vertical. He also has a selfreported 300-pound clean and a 350-pound squat in the weight room.

Seidl also plays fullback but does most of his damage on the defensive side of the ball.

Last fall he accumulated some big defensive numbers with 32 total tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, 5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.

Seidl, much like Labertew, is a part of a very good junior class for the Bullpups.

Blake Sullivan 5-11, 191-pounds QB Junior, Goddard Class of 2018 Sullivan, a 2nd Team AllState Class 5A (Wichita Eagle) and 2nd Team All Ark ValleyChisholm Trail II League performer at quarterback for the Lions last season, had a very solid day in Salina.

At the combine he produced a 4.9 40, 8.05 broad jump, a 4.55 pro agility, and had a 26inch vertical.

Sullivan is dual-threat quarterback, and even though he lacks a bit in the height department, that doesn’t slow him down on the field.

He threw for 1,281 yards on 86 of 171 passing and had 15 touchdowns against 8 interceptions last season. He also rushed for 1,069 yards on 128 carries for an additional 15 touchdowns.

For complete combine results and more about what Sharp Performance has to offer visit www.sharp-performance.com!

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DETERMINATION WEIGHTING GAME WORK IN THE WEIGHT ROOM FUELS SUCCESS ON THE GRIDIRON INTRO BY JOHN BAETZ PHOTOS BY JOEY BAHR INDIVIDUAL ATHLETE FEATURES BY JENNIFER McDANIEL 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 routine 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 the modern “Weighting Game.”

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

In April, 19 athletes made the trip to the weight room at Valley Center High School for the fourth annual weight room photo shoot. The Valley Center 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 is the sponsor of the Weighting Game feature. For more information about Advanced Exercise Equipment, the top weight training facility designer in the Midwest, visit advancedexercise.com.

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WEIGHTING GAME Ashton Avery, Olathe Northwest • Riley Cain, Derby • Kevin Kim, Manhattan Ashton Avery: Avery, a 5-9, 200 pound senior fullback from Olathe Northwest is built like a tree stump, low to the ground and stout from shoulder to toe. While he won’t dazzle you with his junior year statistics (250 yards rushing on 30 carries) pull up his film on MaxPreps or Hudl and watch. Over the course of a four minute highlight film he’ll knock an opposing defender’s helmet off, drag bodies for dozens of yards after the carry, leave a linebacker on the ground with a wicked stiff arm, and deliver countless crushing blocks.

While Avery won’t be at the top of any preseason watch lists, largely because they are based on stats and previous honors, he will be the unquestioned leader of the Olathe Northwest weight room, so says assistant head coach Pat Butler.

“Ashton leads by example in the weight room,” Butler said earlier this summer. “He never misses a workout and always does more than is expected. Ashton started as a junior and will be a leader on and off the field as a senior.”

Even though Avery’s statistics may not be eye catching, his stats in the weight room are. Butler reports Avery has posted a 340 pound bench press, a 295 pound clean, and a 535 pound squat, while also running a 4.7 second 40 yard dash.

If the Ravens are to improve their win total for a fourth consecutive season under Missouri Coaching Hall of Famer, Chip Sherman, Avery will need to be a catalyst for the team’s offense.

Riley Cain: Watch just a few seconds of film of Riley Cain and you’ll see a high motor player with violent hands who can make up lots of ground laterally along the Derby defensive line. He’s versatile, playing both nose guard and defensive end for the defending 6A champions. While slightly undersized for an elite 6A defensive lineman at 6-1, 230 pounds, Cain makes up for it with his tremendous effort in the Panther weight room.

“I love lifting weights because I become stronger and stronger the more work I put into it, and I can see the results,” Cain said earlier this summer, adding “Lifting weights has taught me a lot about determination, because you don’t always make a lift or break your records, but you never give up.”

And Cain’s personal records in the weight room are impressive,

including a 455 pound deadlift, a 285 pound clean, a 355 pound bench press, and a 500 pound squat. Cain has also recorded 20 reps of 225 on bench and runs a 4.86 40 yard dash with a 30 inch vertical.

Cain, who posted 34 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three sacks last year, earned All-AVCTL I second team defensive line honors, and together with fellow returning all-league performers Peerlus Walker (DL), Tanner Igo (S), and Tommy Carter (LB), the Panthers have key pieces back from one of the state’s top defenses.

“What I truly love about football is the overall brotherhood that we share with one another,” Cain said. “Our team is a prime example of that brotherhood too, and you can see it when we play. We don’t play for stats or individual recognition, we play for each other and work as a unit in order to reach our goals.”

Cain said he hopes to have the opportunity to play football in college, but he doesn’t currently have a specific school in mind.

Kevin Kim: Kim broke a state record with his 350 pound clean in the heavyweight class at the 6A State Powerlifting Championships last spring. His video of the record breaking power lift nearly went viral with more than 40 retweets and 55 plus likes on Sports in Kansas on Twitter. Kim was the overall champion in the class with a three lift total (squat, bench, clean) of 1,140 pounds. Kim’s current bests in the weight room also include a 325 pound bench and 535 pound squat.

But Kim is not just a weight room monster, he’a also one of the top defenders for Manhattan and recorded 15 tackles for loss and six sacks in just seven games last season as a junior.

Indian coach Joe Schartz says Kim is one of the key components of the Indian defense.

“Kevin is hard working and trustworthy,” Schartz said in an e-mail earlier this summer. “We can count on him to do his job. Kevin has good size and strength and we are counting on him to anchor our defensive line.”

If Kim records another quality season as a senior he should have the opportunity to play at the next level, and the 6-1, 250 pounder says he has received interest from a number of schools including Texas State University, Wayne State, and Oberlin College, among others.

6A

Ashton Avery (left) Kevin Kim(middle) and Riley Cain (right) Photo by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com

Evan Irish, Salina South • Clay Lautt, St. James Academy • Sam Weldon, Valley Center

Sam Weldon (left) Evan Irish(middle) and Clay Lautt (right) Photo by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com

Evan Irish, Salina South: Evan Irish knows the time he spends preparing in the off-season gives him an edge on the playing field.

Standing at a little more than 6 feet tall, the 219-pound senior has racked up some impressive numbers in the weight room that not only helped him play a key role on the Cougars’ defense last season, but also won him a 5A State Powerlifting Championship this spring.

Irish was the winner in the 242-pound weight class with a 315pound clean, a 500-pound squat, and a 270 pound bench press. In the months since, he continues to build on those numbers increasing his squat to 535 and posting an impressive 525 pound deadlift.

“I like lifting weights because of how much it helps with not only football, but just daily activities,” he said. “It gives me an extra boost over those who don’t (lift), and gives me confidence in my body.”

With a relatively young team, coach Sam Sellers will rely on returning players like Irish - one of seven returning starters to help the team rebound from a disappointing 2015 season. Following three consecutive 10-win seasons, the Cougars fell to 5-5 last year, losing in the first round of the playoffs.

At middle linebacker, Irish had 85 tackles last season, averaging 9.4 tackles per game in his second year as a starter.

“I play for the big hits, physically and mentally demanding games and for my brothers (teammates),” he said. “I love my team because we have such a great coaching staff here (who knows) how to bring out the best in every player. We also all have good chemistry.”

Clay Lautt, St. James Academy: After winning its first playoff game in the school’s 11-year history, St. James Academy’s coach, Tom Radke, will be looking at seniors like Clay Lautt to build on last season’s success.

A 5-foot-8-inch, 185-pound senior, Lautt is one of the team’s 12 returning starters who will be tasked with improving on the team’s 9-2 record. Like last season, Radke says the team’s strength lies with defensive backs, like Lautt at free safety.

In his third-season as a starter, the senior hopes to improve on last year’s stats, including 79 tackles and five interceptions.

While he might be considered too short for the position, Lautt turns in impressive numbers in the weight room with a 315-pound bench and a 420-pound squat. He says the weight room is a vital part of his training that gives him a physical advantage over his competitors.

“It makes you more capable as a player,” he said.

The hard work is paying off. Last year, Lautt was named to the Sports in Kansas All Non-Senior Team, The Kansas City Star’s AllMetro defensive second team and earned all-state honorable-mention from the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle.

“Clay is a workout warrior,” Radke said. “He is one of those guys who just doesn’t take a day off. He is a two-time state champion wrestler, so if he is not getting a lift in, he is on the mat getting stronger.”

After high school, Lautt plans to wrestle for the University of North Carolina.

Sam Weldon: Valley Center linebacker Sam Weldon says the weight room is the secret to his success, and he credits his brother Lucas for his dedication to the weight room.

At first glance, the 5-foot,11-inch, 195-pound senior might be considered small for a 5A defensive standout. But don’t let him fool you. Weldon puts up big numbers in the weight room, including a 300pound bench, a 300-pound clean, a 350-pound squat and a 400pound deadlift, and has rep maxes of 31 pull-ups and 52 dips.

“Being stronger than your opponent is a big factor in success,” he said. “It gives me more power and speed off the ball. My brother has always pushed me to lift, and now it has become a habit.”

As a junior, Weldon tallied 60 tackles and harassed opposing quarterbacks to the tune of four sacks. As a sophomore he tallied 23 tackles and 1 total sack. He’s entering his third year as a starter.

Hornet coach Caleb Smith said Weldon is not only dedicated to improving himself, but inspires his teammates as well.

“Sam is a guy who never takes days off,” Smith said. “He attacks every workout and encourages his teammates to do the same.”

The Hornets have made strides under Smith, improving from 0-8 in 2013, to 3-6 two years ago, and 4-5 last fall.

“I love the atmosphere our coach has established, and the relationships I build with my teammates,” he said. “I want to see our football program continue to improve and get Valley Center back to being a strong contender year in and year out.”

When he isn’t playing football, Weldon represents his school as part of the Hornets’ wrestling team. At the 2016 5A state wrestling tournament, Weldon took third place at 182-pounds.

5A

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WEIGHTING GAME Aiden Camp, Andale • Hagen Henderson, Circle • Braden Rose, Buhler cleans an incredible 370 pounds and runs a 4.74 40 yard dash) to overcome opponents on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

Camp has also recorded a 280 pound bench, a 380 pound squat and a 27 inch vertical jump. He earned all-league honors as a junior, in his first full year as a starter.

Camp’s explosive power also translates well to the field events during the spring track season. This spring Aiden recorded a 46 foot toss in the shot put and nearly cracked 150 feet in the discus.

O’Hair calls the weight room an essential piece of Andale’s forumla for success.

“It’s what we hang our hat on,” he said, noting the team focused only on lifting in the month of June, and didn’t begin football specific activities until later in the summer, a departure from most offseason programs in the modern era.

Hagen Henderson, Circle: At 5-foot-10, 205 pounds, Circle’s Hagen Henderson put in the work this summer, conditioning and lifting weights, preparing for the upcoming season.

Henderson, a junior, is one of 22 returning starters coach Heath Henderson (Hagen’s dad) is counting on as he continues to rebuild the school’s football program. Last year, the Thunderbirds went 0-9.

As a starting running back last year as a sophomore Hagen gathered 227 carries for 946 rushing yards and five touchdowns. With those stats, it isn’t any surprise that Henderson is already being recruited by various colleges and universities hoping to beef up their own programs. He also earned honorable mention all-league honors in 2015.

Henderson isn’t just putting up impressive numbers on the field, but also in the weight room. Among those are a 265-pound bench, 270pound clean, 475-pound squat and an impressive 550-pound deadlift.

With all that time spent in the weight room, Henderson competed in powerlifting meets in Conway Springs in 2015 and this year in Emporia. In both contests, he took first place in the 220-pound weight division.

“The weight room is very important to our team,” Henderson said.

“In the past, we were young, and other teams would be stronger than us and beat us. This year, we will have a good group of older kids who have been working hard in the weight room. Our line is going to be way better and stronger.”

When Henderson is not playing football, he’s also a standout wrestler and a state-qualifier in the discus throw in track where he finished the state meet in 8th place with a throw of 153-feet-3-inches.

Braden Rose, Buhler: Buhler’s Braden Rose is hoping to make his mark on the high school’s varsity football program this fall.

The 6-foot, 210-pound junior hit the weight room in a big way this offseason and is gunning for a starting role for the Crusaders, a consistent playoff winner under coach Steve Waner. Last year Buhler posted another strong season, finishing 10-1. Another run to the state semi-finals ended when the Crusaders lost a heartbreaker, 17-14, to Topeka-Hayden in the second round of the playoffs.

Rose, who primarily played guard and defensive end last year is expected to start on both sides of the ball at those positions this fall.

“The weight room is important to my success because it helps me get bigger, faster and stronger,” Rose said. “Weight-lifting is something that comes easy to me. I can just do it and show people how hard I am working by the numbers I put up.”

A scholar-athlete, who maintains a 4.0 GPA and ranks in the top 10 percent of his class, Rose competed in the 4A State Powerlifting Championship this spring and was second in the 198 pound class with a 275-pound bench, a 300-pound clean and a 415-pound squat.

A few months later, he was already building on his personal records, and earned a spot in the school’s 1,000-pound club. His new personal bests include a 315-pound clean and a 455-pound squat.

And what he pays in sweat now, Rose said, will pay off later this fall on the football field.

“What I like most about football is that my team and brothers are all striving toward the same goal: another state championship,” he said.

Coach Warner said the school’s weight program has not only given athletes confidence, but has allowed the football program to make the gains necessary to be successful.

“Our athletes have really bought into our program,” Warner said. “I feel our program helps prevent injuries, and it helps our athletes recover faster if they do get injured.”

And just as his teammates have gained self-confidence, Warner said, Rose has also made significant strides.

“Braden works extremely hard in the weight room,” he said. “He has made a lot of gains, and this has helped him to have confidence in himself. Braden also pushes others around him because of his work ethic.”

Rose is also a member of the Crusader track team. This spring, he competed in the javelin at the Kansas State Track Championships, and threw in the 140s, but notes he recorded a throw of 168.1 at a meet earlier in the season.

4A-I

Aiden Camp (left) Hagen Henderson (middle) and Braden Rose (right) Photo by Joey Bahr Aiden Camp, Andale: Indian coach Gary O’Hair calls 5 foot-11 inch, 198 pound senior lineman Aiden Camp one of the toughest, hardest working players he’s coached, and that’s saying a lot at an ultra-successful program like Andale.

While likely a bit undersized for the interior lines of an elite 4A program like Andale, Camp is a chiseled block of muscle and uses his quickness and unequaled explosive strength (he

Ben Adler, Wichita Trinity • Hunter Kaufman, Pratt Ben Adler, Wichita Trinity: Trinity’s Ben Adler admits that he doesn’t only lift weights to get stronger, but because it has a few added benefits.

“I like lifting weights because it takes my mind off of things, and it’s relaxing,” Adler said.

The 6-foot-3-inch, 307-pound senior must be enjoying his time destressing in the weight room as his numbers prove he’s benefitted from his time spent pumping iron. Adler has not only recorded a 315pound bench, a 290-pound clean and a 545-pound squat, but gained the strength to develop into one of the state’s top linemen.

Adler, who plays offensive tackle and defensive end, received several honors last season, including all-league and all-state honors.

“The weight room is important to my success because you need to be strong to be down in the trenches,” he said.

Adler has seen recruiting interest from Oklahoma State, Missouri State, South Dakota and Northern Arizona, as well as Butler Community College, but in mid-summer he announced his verbal commitment to play football at Kansas State University after his graduation from high school.

When Adler isn’t playing football, he represents his school on the basketball and baseball teams. Adler has started the past two basketball seasons, and all three years In baseball. He also earned allleague honors as a first baseman and designated hitter.

Hunter Kaufman, Pratt: There’s just something about playing under the Friday night lights that captivates Pratt’s Hunter Kaufman.

For Kaufman, it’s an intoxicating mix of competition and the thrill of hearing the home fans cheering that makes football his favorite sport.

The explosive, 5-foot-10-inch, 160-pound senior’s talents don’t lie in just one area. Kaufman plays both sides of the ball - filling the slotback and wide-receiver positions, and splits time at the free safety and cornerback positions on defense for the Greenbacks. The Renaissance man also returns punts and kickoffs.

A four-year starter who consistently makes plays, Kaufman ended

the season with 1,069 all-purpose yards, including 431 receiving yards on 20 receptions. Kaufman averaged 21.6 yards per catch and had 13 touchdowns. On defense, Kaufman had 45 tackles for the Greenbacks as well as four interceptions.

The young team continues to rebuild under Head Coach Jamie Cruce, who is starting his fourth year. Last season, the Greenbacks were 4-5 overall and 0-3 in district play. As he looks ahead to a new season, Cruce said he’ll depend on players like Kaufman.

Kaufman picked up several post-season honors after last season, including all-league and all-state honors. And while some of Kaufman’s success comes from experience and raw talent, it’s the time in the weight room he credits the most.

“The weight room is important to my success because it makes me bigger, faster, stronger and more explosive,” he said. “And it’s a chance to compete against myself. My dad is a former bodybuilder, and he taught me how to set a goal and work hard (to) achieve it. I have literally grown up around weights.”

Kaufman’s numbers prove his dedication, including a 300-pound hang clean, a 340-pound squat and a 450-pound deadlift. Earlier this year, he competed in the 4A State Powerlifting Championship in the 156-pound weight class. Kaufman finished fourth overall, and took first in the hang clean for the second-straight year. As a sophomore, Kaufman set a 4A state record in the hang clean for his weight class.

Kaufman is also a standout on the track, competing in the 100-, 200- and the 400-meter dashes and relays. This year, Kaufman was state runner-up in the Class 4A 200-meter dash with a time of 22.48 seconds. He also finished in eighth place in the 100-meter dash in 11.24 seconds.

Kaufman plans on continuing his football career at the college level, and received his first offer in December from Hutchinson Community College. The senior is also receiving interest from Butler County Community College and universities, including New Mexico State, Northern Illinois, Kansas, Kansas State and Rutgers.

4A-II Hunter Kaufman (left) and Ben Adler (right) Photo by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com

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3A Weight Room Feature continued from page 19 160 pounds, he puts up great numbers in the weight room, including a 260 pound bench, a 270 pound clean, a 415 pound squat, and he scoots across 40 yards of turf in just 4.65 seconds. “He is very good in all lifts,� said Biehler. “He has tremendous balance and athleticism that benefits him in the technical lifts.�

As a sophomore last year, Terhune rushed for 641 yards and eight touchdowns, and also passed for 912 yards with 10 more scores. It’s that kind of experience Biehler needs as the team faces one of the toughest districts in the state. “Colton is a leader on the team,� Biehler said. “He has to demonstrate toughness, both mentally and physically. Every play counts no matter what, but when there is a big play that has to be made, Colton must be a leader and rally around his teammates to deliver.�

Last season, Conway Springs finished 6-4, the first time the Cardinals have tallied more than three losses in a season since at least 1996, but they improved their playoff streak to nine straight years, and have now earned a playoff trip in 17 of the last 19 seasons.

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K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

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WEIGHTING GAME

De’Shaun Clark, Larned • Izzy Johnson, Neodesha • Jordin Linn, Neodesha • Colton Terhune, Conway Springs

Jordin Linn (left) Izzy Johnson (middle) Colton Terhune (seated) and De’Shaun Clark (right) Photo by Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com De’Shaun Clark, Larned: Larned coach A.B. Stokes believes the foundation of the school’s football program, which has improved significantly under Stokes, is built on weight-training. “It is our belief that you cannot be successful at this game if you are not strong and fast, and building muscle is the key to getting stronger and faster,” Stokes said.

And for players like De’Shaun Clark, who often play both sides of the ball, the time spent in the weight room has been a key to success on the field.

“De’Shaun has developed into an extremely hard worker,” Stokes said. “His size, speed and strength are a close second to his work ethic. He is very physical both in practice and competition. He’s a great athlete with an improved work ethic.”

Clark, a 6-foot-4-inch, 330-pound senior, has dedicated himself to getting stronger, and rarely misses a workout, he said.

“Coach Tad Remy has done a great job getting kids to buy into our weight room philosophy, and De’Shaun is one athlete who’s bought in the most,” Stokes said. “De’Shaun has developed mental toughness, which allows him to go to exponential limits in the weight room.”

That hard work has helped Clark generate a 400 pound bench press, a 585 pound squat and a 345 pound clean, while also showing the ability to move his 330 pounds across 40 yards in 5.17 seconds, impressive for such a big athlete.

And Clark’s incredible numbers in the weight room helped him pile up 37 tackles, 12 TFLs, four sacks, and three forced fumbles last fall, good enough to earn him all-state recognition from the Wichita Eagle.

Clark was the heavyweight champion at the 3A State Powerlifting Championships earlier this year and tied a state record with a 375 pound bench press during the competition.

Izzy Johnson, Neodesha: As Neodesha Head Coach John Black looks ahead to the 2016 season, he’s relying on returning starters like Izzy Johnson to make the big plays on both sides of the ball.

Johnson, a 5-foot-11-inch, 195-pound senior, has started for the Bluestreaks at running back for the past three years.

“He’s the best overall athlete I’ve seen in a long time,” Black said.

Johnson attributes his success to consistently working hard, even when he isn’t playing football.

“The weight room is important because I’ve been working hard in the off-season and have gained 20 pounds and gotten a lot stronger,” he said. “I want to see what I am capable of in the weight room.”

Johnson logs big numbers in the weight room with a 290-pound bench, a 315-pound clean and a 410-pound squat.

Johnson said he loves the rush he gets from the game.

“I like the rush I get on Friday nights,” he said. “My team is fun, and I have a good time around them. I like scoring and my whole team running to congratulate me.”

Jordin Linn, Neodesha: If Neodesha coach John Black’s prediction holds true, senior Jordin Linn could be the best player in the TriValley League. At 6-foot-2-inches and 276 pounds, Linn will play a major role in the Bluestreaks’ success this year as the team tries to top last season’s 9-2 record.

Linn came to Neodesha his sophomore year after spending his freshman season at Blue Springs South, one of the top football programs in the KC Metro, and the state of Missouri. He enters his third season as a starting defensive end for the Blue Streaks this fall.

Last season, Linn had 87 tackles and 7.5 sacks - enough to earn him all-state, all-league and all-area honors.

And while Linn is successful on the field, he knows it only comes from the time he spends in the weight room building strength and endurance. Linn has a 315-pound hang clean, a 325-pound bench and a 445-pound squat, and has posted a 4.97 40 yard dash.

“Weight-lifting is important because it’s the key to improving yourself on a physical and mental standpoint, and seeing your improvements is exciting,” he said.

Linn said he enjoys football because it gives him the opportunity to mentor younger players.

“My favorite part about my team is that my teammates look up to me, and I get to be a leader and show them in the right direction,” he said. “My favorite part about my position is that it is very simple, but yet very important. I (also) like the contact, (and) at defensive end, there is a lot of contact.”

Linn said he plans to play college football, and is interested in Oklahoma State University’s program.

When he isn’t playing football, Linn plays basketball, baseball and is a member of the track team.

“Basketball would be my second-favorite sport because of the competition, and I can jump high and use my athleticism to get around the rim,” he said. “I am a very competitive person, so I take every sport I play very seriously.”

Colton Terhune, Conway Springs: Terhune won’t awe you with the massive size of Clark or Linn, but pound-for-pound, the Conway Springs QB is among the strongest players in 3A. While Terhune is just 5-feet-10.5-inches tall, and weighs in at just

3A

continued on page 18

Abel Alvarez, Sacred Heart • Riley Nyp, Plainville

Abel Alvarez Photo by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com

Riley Nyp Photo by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com

Abel Alvarez, Sacred Heart: If you ask Sacred Heart’s Abel Alvarez, he’ll tell you the weight room has been his source of strength. At 5-foot-7, 220-pounds, the returning senior is usually shorter than his competitors. But it’s the weight he’s gained that’s made him a solid fixture on the Knights’ defensive line and as the team’s bruising fullback.

“I would not be where I am today without the weight room,” he said. “I love lifting because it gets my mind off the everyday things that happen,” he said.

Last season, Alvarez racked up 54 tackles and a blocked punt at nose guard.

On the offensive side, the fullback rushed for 493 yards and seven touchdowns.

Alvarez, who enters his third year as a starter, was named to the Salina Journal’s Honorable Mention All-County team and received First Team AllLeague defensive lineman honors last season.

The team leader has also racked up some jaw-dropping numbers in the weight room, including a 335-pound bench, 275-pound clean and a 625-pound squat.

Alvarez also uses that strength to his advantage as a league-champion wrestler. Last season, he earned second place at Regionals, and finished 31-4 overall, including a 1-2 record at the 3-2-1A State Tournament where he lost a close decision to eventual third place finisher Chris Cox from Oakley, also one of the state’s strongest athletes.

Coach Bruce Graber said Alvarez is a standout in the weight room because of his work ethic.

“Abel equates being stronger with being able to play better and take on bigger people, which, at his size, he needs,” Graber said. “Other kids see how he works in the room, and what it has done for him, and it motivates many of them to work that hard.”

And Graber is counting on Alvarez to help lead the team back to the playoffs. Last season, the Knights finished 5-5 on the season.

One of the keys to the Knights’ football program, he said, has been turning on more players to the weight room.

“We have made huge strides since I have been here,” Graber said. “When I came here, there were only a few on the record board at over 400-pound squats on the Top-10 list. Now, if you don’t squat over 400, you are not on the board. We now have four over 500, and Abel at 600 pounds.

Now we have to translate that to a more physical style of play on the field.”

Riley Nyp, Plainville: The Plainville Cardinals got stronger during the off-season, not just in their weight room, but thanks to the transfer of Logan/Palco football standout Riley Nyp. Nyp, who also made a name for himself on the Palco track team, recently moved with his family to Plainville and could play a key role this season for the Cardinals. Last year, Plainville was 3-6 overall and 2-2 in district play.

The 6-foot, 215-pound senior played fullback, running

back, linebacker and safety for the Trojans and was a twoyear starter. Last season, Nyp rushed for 626 yards and recorded 46 tackles and all-league and all-district honors.

While his success can be partially attributed to natural talent, Nyp knows the time he’s spent in the weight room has been critical in his physical development.

“It has helped me to get bigger, stronger and faster and have the success I have had on the field, at powerlifting competitions and in track,” he said. “I like lifting because I know the harder I work at it in the off-season, that it will make me a better competitor during the season in all sports.”

And his numbers in the weight room prove he’s been hard at work. Nyp has a 315-pound bench, a 335-pound clean, 480-pound squat and a 505-pound deadlift.

Nyp says he’s considering playing football at the collegiate level. So far, he’s received letters of interest from North Dakota State University and eight different Division II and NAIA schools in the Midwest.

Nyp, who also competes in track, is receiving letters of interest from various colleges wanting him to be a part of their track team. Nyp has already heard from Pratt Community College and has received a letter from a Division III school in California. He was also invited to Junior Day at the University of Iowa to take a closer look at the track program.

Nyp was the state runner-up in the shot put at the Kansas 1A Track Championship, recording a 47-foot, 2.5-inch throw.

He also placed third in the discus with a distance of 132 feet, 11 inches, and took fifth place in the javelin with a throw of 162 feet.

Former Coach Ethan Kosjer said Nyp had been a standout in the weight room ever since he first lifted at Palco.

“His dedication to lifting weights and taking care of his body has been shown over the three years I’ve known him,” Kosjer said. “While his numbers continue to improve, his dedication improves that much more.”

2-1A

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

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WEIGHTING GAME Brad Lightfoot, Otis-Bison, Humberto Soto, Kinsley

Brad Lightfoot Photo by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com

Humberto Soto Photo by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com

Brad Lightfoot, Otis-Bison: Even though the 2016 football season hasn’t started, Otis-Bison coach Travis Starr says he and his Cougars already have their eyes on the playoffs.

Last season, the Cougars posted an 8-2 record overall and were 4-1 in district play. The Cougars ended the season on a two-game losing streak with losses to eventual state champion Victoria, and semi-finalist Wallace County.

This year, seniors like Brad Lightfoot are hoping to force a deeper run in the playoffs. Lightfoot, who enters his third season as a starter for the Cougars, plays running back and defensive back. Last season, Lightfoot rushed for 1,156 yards, averaging 8.6 yards per carry. He also had 22 touchdowns. On defense, he logged 28 solo tackles and 10 assists.

As a result, Lightfoot was unanimously selected First Team All-League Defensive Back and First Team All-League kickoff return specialist. Other accolades included First Team All-League Running Back, The Wichita Eagle/Varsity Kansas High School All-Class Honorable Mention team, the Topeka CapitalJournal 2015 All-State Honorable Mention Football Team, and Kpreps.com District 7 Offensive MVP honors, along with Kpreps.com All-District nods at run-

ning back and return specialist.

“I love our team because we all have one goal in mind, and we all believe that goal is achievable,” Lightfoot said.

“The position I play depends so much on my team’s line.

Because of their hard work and success, I have been able to fulfill my positional responsibilities with ease, making it very enjoyable. I sincerely thank all of those guys from past to present.”

But getting to the playoffs isn’t easy. That’s why Lightfoot has been devoted to lifting weights in an effort to become a more effective player for his team.

Despite being smaller than most of his competition - he stands just 5-feet-6-inches tall and weighs 150 pounds Lightfoot makes up for it with big numbers in the weight room, including a 240-pound bench, a 265-pound clean and 365 pound squat .

Lightfoot performed well at this spring’s 8-Man State Powerlifting Championship, taking first overall in the 148pound weight class. He also racked up first place honors in the squat and clean events and second place in the bench press competition.

“The weight room is extremely crucial because that is where you can allow yourself to become faster, stronger and prepared for the playing field,” Lightfoot said. “I like lifting weights because you can see results in your lifts if you put in the hard work. With hard work, you will see results in your maxes and athleticism.”

Starr says Lightfoot stands out among other players because he wants to constantly improve and serves as a role model to his teammates.

“His overall physical abilities have been a tremendous asset,” Starr said. “He has a great deal of strength and speed, which translates to him being a great athlete on the field. His leadership and hard-working attitude have been equally important to not only his development, but the development of our team.”

Humberto Soto, Kinsley: The 2015 season was a tough one for Kinsley High School’s Humberto Soto, who’s started every game since he was a freshman.

A hamstring injury kept him sidelined for the first four games of the season.

But thanks to his dedication in the weight room, the 5foot-9-inch senior is back - faster and stronger and ready to

lead his team, with goals of a winning season and playoff berth.

“What I love most about football is the bond you develop with your teammates, and the hard work your guys put in together,” Soto said. “Just knowing they have your back on game day, and you have theirs is a good feeling.”

Last season, the Coyotes went 2-7 on the year and 2-3 in district play. Soto, who plays running back, also handles linebacker duties on defense and is the team’s return specialist on special teams.

Soto was able to come back from the injury to start the last five games of last season, and generated 11 touchdowns - the most of any Coyote player for 2015. Despite his absence earlier in the season, he still managed to pick up several honors, including All-League Second Team running back, and Kpreps.com first team all-district running back and honorable mention linebacker.

With his final season of high school football staring him square in the face, Soto has been logging hours in the gym in preparation for what he hopes is the best season of his high-school career. His numbers in the weight room include a 315-pound bench, a 295-pound clean and a staggering 465-pound squat. But if those numbers weren’t impressive enough, Soto also holds the school’s deadlift record at 525 pounds.

“I think lifting weights is very important if you wanna succeed on the field,” he said. “It helps you stay ahead of the competition. I love lifting because it helps make things easier on game days.”

Soto’s former coach, Jeff Chambers, can’t say enough about his player’s dedication. “(He’s the) first one in the weight room, and the last one to leave, and strives to be the leader both in the weight room and on the field,” he said. “He works extra hard on building strength - strength transfers to speed.”

Soto plans to play college football, and has interest from several university and junior college football programs in Kansas.

When he isn’t playing football, Soto is a member of the school’s track team, competing in the 400-meter dash, the long jump, and on the 4x800-meter relay team, an event which earned Soto and his teammates a trip to the Kansas State Track and Field Championships this spring.

8 Man

Eisenhower/continued from page 5_______________________________________________________ Eisenhower’s life, connecting his Abilene roots with the strong values and patriotism he exemplified throughout his life.”

The film sets the stage for touring the boyhood home and museum, where visitors can explore both personal and public aspects of Eisenhower’s life.

“The Place of Meditation is a quiet space to reflect on Eisenhower’s many contributions to our nation’s history, and is the final resting place of Ike, his wife, Mamie, and their first-born son,” Sanfilippo said. “And the grounds, with the statue of General Eisenhower and the Pylons, add the element of tribute to the man who, from humble beginnings, became the nation’s first five-star general and 34th president.”

Last year, nearly 188,000 visitors toured the presidential library and campus to learn more about the life and accomplishments of the small-town boy, who would one day become president.

The library, she said, not only offers a closer look into Eisenhower’s life, but provides insight into the country’s history at that time.

“As a historian and educator, I believe that in order to be responsible citizens, it is imperative that we know about our nation’s past in order to understand our present and prepare for the future,” Sanfilippo said. “Visiting the places where those who helped to shape our history grew up, and seeing the documents and objects created and used by those individuals, informs and inspires. Whether you’re interested in military history, the presidency, or just enjoy looking at social and cultural artifacts from earlier times, the Eisenhower Presidential Library offers something for everyone to see and learn from. As a result, each of us can find relevance in our own lives that helps make us better citizens.”

Sanfilippo admits she has a passion for history. So asking her to name her favorite exhibit is difficult.

“I really enjoy more of the social and cultural aspects - how the times, places and people influenced Ike: from his family and friends in Abilene, his experiences and travels while in the Army, his wife, Mamie, to what was going on during his presidency,” she said. “These things tell me more about Eisenhower as a person, and why he was, and is, so respected and liked.”

After taking the job at the presidential library a few years ago, Sanfilippo began reading up on Eisenhower in preparation for her new role. It didn’t take her long to realize her earlier impressions of the late-president were all wrong.

“Like many people, my perceptions of Eisenhower were based mostly on high school and college textbooks, or through popular culture, especially movies,” she said. “While I knew of and admired his accomplishments during World War II, I held the common belief that he was not very

effective as president - he spent more time golfing than working. This misperception was quickly dispelled as I began reading in preparation for starting my work, and it became more evident once I arrived on the job. His accomplishments as president range from starting NASA to developing the interstate highway system; from keeping the Cold War ‘cold’ to initiating governmental policies designed to help America’s farmers, to name just a few.”

Sanfilippo said she was also surprised to learn how strongly Eisenhower supported civil rights and ensuring all students had a right to an education.

“His decision to send federal troops to protect the Little Rock Nine during the Central High School integration crisis in 1957, and ensure their right to education highlighted his strong commitment to equality under the law,” she said. “Reading and watching his nationally televised speech made me aware of his clear understanding of the Constitution, its separation of powers and states’ rights, and his responsibility as head of the executive branch of the government to ensure federal laws were enforced. No other president since Ulysses S. Grant, (who) left office in 1877, worked so diligently and successfully to defend the rights of all citizens, regardless of race.”

While the presidential library attracts thousands of visitors year-round to tour the campus, including nearly 7,000 students last school year alone, it also offers added activities and events most days of the year.

“We work with many partners throughout Abilene, and Kansas, to host events that range from book talks and town halls to concerts, receptions, performances and movies,” Sanfilippo said.

“Our most popular event is the Symphony at Sunset Annual D-Day Commemorative Concert held on the first Saturday of June. This event features a performance by the Salina Symphony at sunset. Prior to the free concert, kids can enjoy face-painting and sidewalk chalk art, food vendors offer a variety of meals, desserts and drinks, visitors can enjoy a Pop-Up Museum and the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard demonstration, and the 1st Infantry Division Band performs a variety of patriotic and popular music. The library is not simply a place for academics and scholarly research - there really is something for everyone.” *For more information, go to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home website at www.eisenhower.archives.gov, or find them on social media channels @IkeLibrary on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Jennifer McDaniel is a veteran journalist with more than 15 years experience covering a broad range of topics. She has worked as a reporter and editor for the Osawatomie Graphic, the Lincoln Sentinel-Republican, and the Chapman & Enterprise News-Times, as well as several other specialty publications.

Pa g e 25

Class 6A Overview

overview

BY KANSAS PREGAME STAFF The biggest story in large class football (6A, 5A) this fall is the move by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) away from the district system and to an all-in playoff system that uses what was the ninth regular season game as the first round of the playoffs, which, if seeded properly, could go a long way to providing a more equitable playoff format that allows the most deserving of teams to advance the deepest in the playoffs.

The KSHSAA football manual provides the seeding criteria for this new playoff format as follows: 1. Win-loss percentage in all games played from week #1 to week #8.

2. Head-to-head games if all teams tied for a seed played each other during the current 8 game schedule.

3. Twenty-One Point Tiebreaker Procedure: • A 21 point tiebreaker procedure will be used to determine seeds when there are two or more teams still tied after criteria #1 and #2 are not able to break the tie.

• The total margin of points each team had in all games prior to week #9 (8 regular season games is the maximum). Marginal points are the point differences in the final game score. No team will add or subtract more than 21 points in any game. No team will add or subtract more than one point in any game which was tied at the end of regulation time and the winning team was eventually determined in overtime.

• If more than two teams are tied in win-loss percentage and there was no common winner between those teams, then marginal points will be used to establish the first seed from those tied. The tiebreaker process will begin again with the remaining teams. This process will continue until all teams tied have been seeded onto the bracket.

4. Total number of wins against teams within their classification or higher.

5. Win-loss percentage against teams within their classification or higher.

6. Drawn by lot (The KSHSAA will draw, with at least one witness from the KSHSAA.) While we don’t yet know if a seeding system that doesn’t include a strength of schedule evaluation, which would be subjective and likely require media involvement, will produce the ultra-competitive playoff experience Kansas football fans are hoping for, we do know there are some experienced, and not so experienced, but tradition rich teams that will likely have an impact on the overall playoff picture in 6A. Names like Derby, Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission East, Lawrence Free State, Olathe North, Junction City and Wichita Northwest could again be part of the postseason conversation in mid-November, while programs like Garden City, Hutchinson, Manhattan, Topeka High, and Shawnee

Mission West could be just one or two key players away from making deep postseason runs of their own. And fans of schools like Blue Valley North, Olathe Northwest, Shawnee Mission North, and Wichita South wonder if their teams can continue the upward trend.

Brandon Clark solidified his reputation as one of the top coaches in Kansas by leading the Panthers to their second state title in three seasons and their fifth consecutive season with at least one playoff win. Clark, a former Valley Center and K-State wide receiver, is 80-33 in 10 seasons as the head coach of the Panthers.

Clark has a legacy established now, but with the Panthers’ meteoric rise into the dynasty conversation, he may have more titles to raise in the future – perhaps even this season.

As if one were not enough to cause migraines for opposing defensive coordinators, Derby will have two Division 1 recruits stretching the perimeter. Receivers Kai Lemons and Kenyon Tabor - a recent KU commit - are both capable of dismantling d-backs for chunks of yardage.

Derby’s offense punched out 605 points over its 13 games.

The defense pencils in several returning starters, led by lineman Peerlus Walker, the AVCTL-Division I Defensive MVP. Fellow lineman Riley Cain, linebacker Tommy Carter and backs Tanner Igo and Cooper Welch are also veterans who received all-league recognition.

“Staying healthy and continue to make strides in the weight room throughout the season,” Clark said of Derby’s goals.

Perhaps the most anticipated game in the state comes week five, when Derby travels to face 5A power Bishop Carroll. Carroll (11-2) was the 5A runner-up last year and has two titles in the past four seasons. Derby has four other opponents on tap that come off postseason appearances – Goddard Eisenhower, Goddard, Hutchinson and Salina South.

The Panthers are 43-6 over the past four years. Derby’s only loss this past season was a 27-20 defeat at the hands of Mill Valley, the 5A champion. Mill Valley is coached by Joel Applebee, one of Clark’s former assistants, and his cousin.

Derby’s opponent in the 6A title game last year, tradition rich Blue Valley, loses much of their defensive experience to graduation, so early in the season, the offense will lead the way as the Tigers reload a defense that slowed down some of the state’s highest scoring teams in the playoffs.

Putting up points was never a problem for Blue Valley in 2015, averaging just more than 36 points per game. But it wasn’t until the defense found its lock-down mode did the Tigers evolve from a solid 6A team into their usual title contending selves.

After giving up 27 points per game in their first six contests, the Tigers allowed just 80 points total over the next six games in a run that saw them shut down high-

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KPG PRESEASON RANKINGS 1. Shawnee Mission East 2. Derby 3. Blue Valley 4. Shawnee Mission West 5. Junction City Others: Free State, Garden City, Hutchinson, Olathe North, Wichita Northwest, Topeka powered offenses from Lawrence and Olathe North in the playoffs.

The defense that helped carry the Tigers late in the season took a major hit by graduation, which claimed nine starters. But the heart and soul of the unit is back in senior linebacker Michael Maffry, who led the team with 172 total tackles.

Senior corner Gus Gomez is the only other returner to the unit and he’s also one of six returning starters on offense after catching 43 passes for 699 yards and eight TDs last year from his WR spot. Senior Will Evans is back after rushing for 998 yards and 12 TDs and the Tigers have one of the best o-linemen in the state in senior Kirian Kirby.

The Tigers were in a similar situation experience wise in 2014, returning just two starters on offense and six on defense for a team that would go 9-2 and lose 27-14 to Olathe North in the second round of the playoffs.

While Shawnee Mission East “slipped” to 9-2 last season, the Lancers are loaded this season and gunning for a third title game in Dustin Delaney’s fourth season.

It is difficult to fathom, but East’s 9-2 record and 6A postseason quarterfinal appearance in 2015 was actually the lowest point in East’s three seasons under Delaney, which included a state runner-up finish in 2013 and an undefeated state title in 2014. Delaney is 33-4 at East.

The Lancers ought to gallop full speed ahead again this year. Nine offensive starters are back, and seven more on defense, from a team that won its nine games by at least three touchdowns and shut out three opponents. East’s 47.5 points per game were second to only Wichita Northwest in 6A. East’s two losses were grinders, too.

Lawrence Free State defeated the Lancers 32-20 in week four, while Olathe North dropped East in the quarters, 4430. Free State has handed Delaney two of his four losses and his only two regular season defeats at East. North was eliminated from the postseason by the Lancers two years in a row before they exacted a bit of revenge last season.

East can lean on four offensive linemen with starting experience, led by developing junior Justin Finnigan. That should create plenty of time and space for quarterback

continued on page 130

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 26

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JOSH RIVAS HUTCHINSON

BY CONOR NICHOLL

Photo by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com

For years, Ryan Cornelsen has emphasized lateral movement and quickness at his three head coaching stops: La Crosse, Hays High and Hutchinson. He enjoyed unprecedented success at the first two places in football and track and led the Salthawks to the Class 6A state football championship game in his first season.

The explosive lateral movement has produced collegians and two highmajor Division I recruits, La Crosse’s Marshall Musil (Oklahoma) and current Hutchinson senior lineman Josh Rivas.

Footage of the 6-foot-6, 335-pound Rivas consistently shows the lineman moving and pulling down the line, protecting the quarterback and delivering pancake blocks.

“I think it’s how well I can move for how big I am,” Rivas said of his strengths. “I am 300-plus, and he says I move good still for being so big.”

In June Rivas announced his verbal commitment to K-State. He also has offers from KU, Missouri, Arkansas, Memphis and Purdue. Rivals lists Rivas as a three-star recruit. He projects as a tackle or guard at the collegiate level. Rivas ranks as Kansas’ No. 1 guard by Scout.com.

Rivas and the Salthawks often run through a series of drills with Cornelsen, in his third season with Hutchinson. The drills include quick feet/short track movements, straight line karaoke, cone drills and work around the basketball lines on the gym floor.

Rivas went to a combine in San Antonio and Jake Sharp, owner of Sharp Performance in Salina, spoke with his father. Since midJanuary, Rivas has worked with Sharp every Saturday in Salina.

“He talked to my dad about me coming up there, so we gave it a try, and I liked it, so I just kept doing it,” Rivas said.

Rivas, one of the

biggest players in Kansas, said his size comes from his father’s side. Rivas’ father is from Wellton, Arizona, a town of about 3,000 people about 30 miles from Yuma. Rivas has an uncle in Las Vegas who is 6-foot-5 and has been told from family that his dad’s grandfather was in the 6-10/7-foot range. At least one family member always attends the various collegiate visits and Rivas’ grandparents, who live 20 miles away, are an important part of his life.

Rivas visits Arizona at least once a year to see family.

“Family is just a major key to me,” he said.

Rivas has helped Cornelsen continue success with the Hutchinson program. Randy Dreiling won seven state titles in 17 years before he moved to Aquinas. In his last season, Hutchinson went 5-4 and missed the playoffs.

In Cornelsen’s first year, Hutchinson opened 2-4 before the Salthawks won six straight contests.

Hutchinson rushed for 326 yards per game and Blaik Middleton set a Salthawk rushing record with 265 carries for 2,624 yards and 36 scores. Hutchinson averaged 33.6 points per contest. That included a 64-46 first round win against Topeka when Hutchinson tallied 611 rushing yards.

Last season, Rivas and lineman Austin Fletcher were the key returning offensive starters and were counted on to lead a young unit. Hutchinson heavily relied on its running game and generally passed the ball just once or twice a contest.

The Salthawks went 6-4 and earned a playoff spot from arguably Kansas’ most challenging district; Class 6A, District 8 that featured Wichita Northwest (10-1), Garden City (7-2) and Dodge City (5-4, 43 points per game).

In district play, Hutchinson lost, 14-2, to Garden City, but defeated Dodge City, 72-34, and fell 28-21 to Northwest. The Salthawks earned a playoff bid on the tiebreaker and then lost 5621 to Junction City in the first round.

The Dodge City contest featured 713 Salthawk yards, including 613 on the ground. Six of the touchdowns went for at least 23 yards.

Five players had at least 61 rushing yards and four tallied 91, including 280 on 27 carries from fullback Brody Smith. Even in the playoff loss, Hutchinson had 366 rushing yards.

With Rivas and Fletcher leading the way, Hutchinson averaged 33 points a contest, virtually identical to 2014’s experienced offense’s numbers.

This season, Rivas will again anchor the line as the Salthawks’ top returner – and again expect Hutchinson to produce big rushing numbers behind the fleet-footed, heavy-hitting lineman.

“I am smashmouth,” Rivas said. “I never take a play off even when we are winning by 20 or so. I just keep pounding away.”

Conor Nicholl is a sportswriter from western Kansas who has covered teams from across the state for the past 10 years.

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JAHLYL ROUNDS WICHITA NORTHWEST

BY CONOR NICHOLL Wichita Northwest running back Jahlyl Rounds was supposed to have a camp visit to Missouri State this summer.

Rounds, though, didn’t attend after his mentor, 30-year-old barber Devin Kindle, suddenly passed away from a breathing issue April 16.

“Out of nowhere,” Rounds said of Kindle’s death.

Rounds had known Kindle since sixth grade. Kindle was a youth coach for Rounds’ football team. The pair talked daily.

If Rounds’ father couldn’t come to a game, Kindle was there and helped Rounds with improvement and assisted with his growth on and off and the field. Kindle was a mentor for several other Grizzlies, including wide receiver Martese Mullins. Rounds’ Twitter profile reads: “S/O to Big Dev Rest Easy.”

“A big impact on my life,” Rounds said of Kindle. “He is like a father figure when my real dad was not around.”

Additionally, Rounds lost his grandfather, Jihad Rounds, several years ago, another major inspiration. Jihad was known for his help throughout

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz, For Kansas Pregame

the community.

“This season is definitely for him and my grandpa,” Rounds said.

Rounds, who rushed for 1,326 yards and 14 scores for 10-1, high-octane Northwest in 2015, is one of Kansas’ top running backs this fall.

“The thing that makes me a talented back is my vision,” Rounds said. “I have extreme vision, it’s like incredible, because when I am on the field, I see things that you wouldn’t see as a regular person ... Then, I have soft hands coming out of the backfield, and I am extremely hard to stop.”

Rounds has received interest from a wide variety of schools, including junior colleges, schools in the Ivy League, Division II, and FBS schools, such as Wyoming, Louisville, Army, KU, Iowa, Kansas State, Arkansas and Air Force, along with FCS schools South Dakota, South Dakota State, Northern Iowa and Missouri State. As of July 13, Rounds had yet to be offered by a Division I school.

“It means a lot to me from all the hard work that I put in,” Rounds said. “Between freshman year and now, I knew sometime soon that I was going to be that top guy, and I just keep working, because I know I can be better than the top running back in Kansas. I could be the top running back in the country, and that’s what I’m striving for.”

Last season, Northwest opened the year with a win over Carroll for the first time since 2005, went on to win its first City League crown since 2004, and eventually had its deepest postseason run since ‘08.

“That was a big thing at Northwest, and pretty much helped us come together more as a family,” Rounds said of the conference crown.

Northwest finished second in Class 6A at 48 points per game and averaged 72.4 snaps per contest. The fast-paced offense tallied 539 yards per game. In 2014, Rounds rushed for 516 yards and eight scores as the Grizzlies went 7-3 and averaged 39 points, 58.9 snaps and 435 yards per game.

The Grizzlies, outside of the top-5 in Class 6A to open the year, were No. 1 in some polls during the season. Northwest lost, 52-34, to Free State in the second round of the playoffs, its second straight playoff loss to the Firebirds.

Coach Steve Martin, entering his fifth year at Northwest, is 28-13 with the Grizzlies.

“Really fast paced,” Rounds said of Martin’s offense.

“In practice, coach is always telling us ‘tempo, tempo, tempo.’”

This fall, Northwest has to replace standout quarterback Kevin Folsom, along with backs Alex Bott and Antonio Joyner and multiple key defensive players.

Rounds and Mullins (45 catches, 11 scores, team-high 880 yards) return for a squad looking for a deeper playoff finish. Northwest opens with Carroll and Heights on the road.

Seniors Joey Gilbertson, a KU commit, and Luke Carter return up front; “guys like that make a great team,” Rounds said.

“It’s their hard work and dedication in the weight room,” Rounds said. “They are always pushing each other to get bigger and whatnot. Joey Gilbertson and Luke Carter, they are on different sides of the ball, they are always pushing each other to see who can get the most reps.”

Big things are also expected from defensive end Marcus Hicks, just a sophomore, who was offered a scholarship by Oklahoma State in July.

Rounds credited junior center Earon Garcia for helping the Grizzlies’ line move at a fast pace. Junior QB Austin Anderson will take over for Folsom under center and has delivered a solid summer.

“He is starting to lead this team,” Rounds said.

When Rounds entered high school, he looked up to Deron Thompson, who was one of Kansas’ fastest players and rushed for 988 yards and 17 scores as a senior before he went to Colorado State (Thompson transferred to KU this offseason). In practice, Thompson told Rounds to “keep the ball high and tight, run hard,” and pushed Rounds to be better each day.

“Ever since freshman year, I’ve always been eager to play varsity,” Rounds said. “When I got my chances, I always did the most I could do, because I wasn’t like the favorite running back, so I really had to go putting myself out there.”

As a sophomore, Rounds ran behind Keshaun McGaugh, who rushed for 1,268 yards and 18 scores.

Then, Rounds broke through last season and collected at least 79 yards in all but two games.

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CLASS 6A Photos by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com Features by Tyler Gier

The Eisenhower Presidential Library Library - The basic function of the Library building is to provide a place for scholars to come to work in the rich historical materials housed there. Because of the necessity to provide a quiet atmosphere in which researchers and staff can work there is no general admittance to the research areas of the building.

(Courtesy Eisenhower Presidential Library)

In May the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home in Abilene, was host to the Kansas Pregame Class Feature Shoot. Dozens of Kansas football players traveled from across the state to be part of this special feature photo shoot at one of the state’s most important historic landmarks. Their features, written by Tyler Gier, are on the following pages.

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

TYREKUS BIRCH

Pa g e 3 3

JAY DINEEN

PEYTON HILL

KIRRIAN KIRBY

PETER KLUG

Wichita South was on the verge of a breakout season last year starting the season 4-0, including a victory over City League power Wichita Heights. The Titans won just one more game, the season finale against Campus, to finish with five wins, their most since 2011.

If the Titans are to take the next step in 2016, Birch will be expected to produce another big year on the defensive side of the ball. The 6-4, 210 pound, senior defensive end recorded 16 sacks in nine games in ‘15 earning All-City League honors.

“He’s very quick off the ball,” Titan head coach Kevin Steiner said. “He disrupts offenses by getting in their backfield.”

Birch’s length is also a problem for opposing offenses. “With his length, he covers a lot of area,” added Steiner. “For a player his size, he has good speed.”

Birch excelled on the wrestling mat this past winter as well, qualifying for the 6A state wrestling tournament last February, where he finished fourth at 195 pounds.

The average sports fan may say they bleed their team’s colors, but for Jay Dineen, crimson and blue runs deep. With Jay’s oral commitment to play football at the University of Kansas after high school, he will become the fifth generation of his family to don a Jayhawks uniform.

Jay’s older brother Joe is currently in his junior season as a linebacker for the Jayhawks; Jay’s mother Jodi was a volleyball letterwinner from 1986-89; Jay’s grandfather, Ron Oelschlager, played running back for KU from 1962-64; and Jay’s greatgrandfather, J. Roy Holliday, played basketball for legendary coach Phog Allen from 1936-37.

The 6-2, 225 pound senior has made a name for himself on the football field after posting 91 tackles and eight tackles for loss last season, good enough for Sunflower League Second Team honors and Honorable Mention All-State.

“Jay has the football sense,” Free State head coach Robert Lisher said. “He can find the ball and make the play.”

Last season the Garden City Buffaloes started the season with a seven game win streak, but two district losses, including 21-20 to rival Dodge City, kept the Buffaloes sitting at home in November.

For 6-1, 220 pound senior H-Back/ Tailback, Peyton Hill, a successful senior season includes winning the WAC, and ultimately State, and avenging the loss to the Red Demons in the process.

Peyton’s hard nose style of play and versatility will play a key factor in the Buffaloes reaching those goals.

“Peyton brings a physical nature to our backfield,” Garden City head coach, and Peyton’s father, Brian Hill, said. “He is a physical blocker and a punishing runner.”

But Peyton is more than just a threat between the tackles. “He is also great out of the backfield catching the football,” coach Hill added.

Peyton has yet to receive a formal scholarship offer, but says DII powers NW Missouri State and Pitt.

State, along with Illinois State and K-State, have shown interest.

Blue Valley has played on the last weekend of the football season twice in the last three years including a 2726 State Championship over Salina South in 2013 and a State RunnerUp finish to Derby, 27-14, last fall.

If the Tigers are to make a return trip to the championship game, 6-3, 265 pound Kirrian Kirby will again be expected to anchor the o-line.

Kirby intends to be a mentor for his Blue Valley teammates, especially for a particular Tiger freshman. “(I want) to be a good leader and example to my teammates and mentor my younger brother Kaden Kirby in football.”

Kirby said he likes the “competitiveness” of football. “It is a literal team sport where every position and player is critical to the entire team’s success.”

After this fall Kirby intends to extend his playing career to the college ranks and he currently holds an offer from the Air Force Academy.

Other offers are expected for the Kpreps.com 6A All-State lineman who can play both tackle and guard.

Klug, a senior defensive end at Blue Valley North, wants to continue the newfound success of last year’s 8-2 team. The Mustangs finished the regular season 8-1, including a victory over powerhouse Blue Valley, and held a 28-21 halftime lead in the playoff opener against Olathe North, but couldn’t score in the second half, losing 35-28.

Klug burst onto the Kansas recruiting scene in the offseason, receiving offers from Air Force, Colgate, Tulane, Wyoming and Northern Illinois, and from FCS teams Northern Iowa, Illinois State, South Dakota and South Dakota State.

The 6-6, 250 pound Klug has posted impressive numbers in the weight room and is part of the Mustang 1,000 pound club. He’s tremendously athletic and has run a 4.89 sec. 40 and 4.38 pro agility drill.

Klug, who ranks third in BV North history with six sacks, will also get reps on the offensive line this year to help bolster a young offense that graduated some of the most productive players in program history.

MICHAEL MAFFRY

WILL SCHNEIDER

IAN TRAPP

PEERLUS WALKER

ISREAL WATSON

The Tigers have some unfinished business to tend to this season after a State Runner-Up finish in 2015 and a loss in the 2014 quarterfinals. Blue Valley won the title in 2013 defeating Salina South 27-26.

Maffry, a senior linebacker, is locked in on book-ending his high school career with another ring.

“As always our team goals are to win the State Championship,” Maffry said. “My only personal goal is to give everything I possibly can to the team in order to win a State Title.”

The 6-1, 218 pound Kpreps.com All-6A linebacker was a tackling machine in ‘15, recording 172 total stops, 7 tfls, 3 sacks, and an Int. Even though Maffry has received interest from several college football programs, he is still undecided if he will pursue a collegiate career.

“I’m focused on enjoying my last year of high school football and making a lot of memories with my teammates and the guys I grew up with.”

Butler Community College has offered Maffry a scholarship and a few FCS and Division II schools have also shown interest.

Schneider, a 6-4, 200 pound senior, saw steady improvement from his sophomore to his junior season.

He completed 52 percent of his passes in 2014 with 1,976 yards and 21 touchdowns. Last season, Schneider connected on 60.3 percent of his passes with 2,405 yards and completed 64 more throws than his sophomore campaign, while also adding 652 rushing yards and accounting for 29 total touchdowns.

“As a team, we have committed to achieving a winning season, and making another trip to the playoffs to win additional games,” said Schneider, who added he hopes to play college football after high school at a program where he will have “the best opportunity to contribute.”

Schneider also excelled on the basketball floor and helped the Indians to a 6A State Championship in March.

“I also play basketball and baseball at SMN because I really like being part of a team. It was particularly great to be a part of the State Championship basketball team this year,” he added.

After QB Ian Trapp transferred from Ellsworth to Manhattan before last season, Indian coach Joe Schartz came away impressed with his football skills.

“His ability to pick up the offense and earn the starting spot at quarterback was remarkable,” Schartz said. “He is a gifted athlete and a fine young man.”

The 6-3, 195 pound dual-threat senior rushed for 1,270 yards and 15 touchdowns last fall, and passed for 825 yards and eight more scores.

With another year to gel with the team Schartz sees Trapp improving on those numbers.

“With him being more comfortable with his teammates and our system, I look for him to have an outstanding senior season.”

Trapp said he likes “the atmosphere of the locker room following a win,” and has goals for the Indians to win a Centennial League title and a 6A State Championship.

Trapp is a multi-sport athlete who also plays basketball and runs track, where he placed fourth in the javelin at the State Track Meet this spring.

Derby won their second 6A State Championship in three years with a 27-14 victory over Blue Valley last November. The Panthers won the 2013 title 28-21 over Shawnee Mission East. If the developing Derby dynasty is to continue under coach Brandon Clark, Walker, and five other returning defensive starters, will lead the charge.

The 6-1, 260 pound Walker was named to the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail All-League First Team, the VarsityKansas.com/Wichita Eagle All-Metro Defense, and was the AVCTL Defensive MVP last year for his play along the defensive line.

Of course Walker’s team goals include a second consecutive State Championship but on a personal note Walker is aiming high.

“I want to have the most sacks in the state, and tackles, and another interception for a touchdown,” Walker said.

Walker said he enjoys the team aspect of the sport of football.

“What I like most about football is the brotherhood and being around your teammates,” Walker said.

The Shawnee Mission West Vikings were bounced in the first round of the 2015 playoffs, 37-14 to eventual State Runner-Up Blue Valley. Wide receiver Isreal Watson will be expected to have a big season this fall if the Vikings are to make their deepest playoff run since a 19-14 State Championship victory over Hutchinson in 2012.

The 6-3, 195 pound Watson earned All-League honors last season when he caught 33 passes for 812 yards and six touchdowns.

Coach Tim Callaghan says his work ethic is what separates him from other top receivers in 6A. Watson’s goal for the 2016 season is “to have the most productive season I can, while helping my team get on the road to state.”

Callaghan says K-State, KU, No. Illinois and Abilene Christian have shown interest in Watson.

Watson’s also plays basketball and runs track and qualified for the 6A State Meet in the long jump. His personal best jump on the season was 21 feet-.5 inches at the Sunflower League meet.

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 3 4

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DERBY

DODGE CITY

GARDEN CITY

GARDNER-EDGERTON

It is difficult to conceptualize in the moment, but Brandon Clark will one day leave Derby as the school’s most storied football coach. With state championships in 2013 and 2015, Clark has helped the Panthers hoist more hardware than any of his predecessors – Derby’s only other title came under Tom Young in 1994. Clark has a legacy established now, but with the Panthers’ meteoric rise into the dynasty conversation, he may have more titles to raise in the future – perhaps even this season.

As if one were not enough to cause migraines for opposing defensive coordinators, Derby will have two Division 1 recruits stretching the perimeter. Receivers Kai Lemons and Kenyon Tabor are both capable of dismantling defensive backs for chunks of yardage. Derby’s offense punched out 605 points over its 13 games. The defense pencils in several returning starters, led by lineman Peerlus Walker, the AVCTL-Division I Defensive MVP. Fellow lineman Riley Cain, linebacker Tommy Carter and backs Tanner Igo and Cooper Welch are also veterans who received all-league recognition.

“Staying healthy and continue to make strides in the weight room throughout the season,” Clark said of Derby’s goals.

Perhaps the most anticipated game in the state comes week five, when Derby travels to face 5A power Bishop Carroll. Carroll (11-2) was the 5A runner-up last year and has two titles in the past four seasons.

Dodge City had a wild 5-4 season that yielded an average score of 43-30. The Red Demons won the WAC with a 4-0 record, including a 21-20 Week 9 victory versus rival Garden City in the Hatchet Game. The win came down to a missed extra point, kept GC out of the postseason and gave DC the conference crown.

This season, the Red Demons have few starters back from its high-octane offense that averaged 474 yards per game. Justin Schowengerdt and Thomas Sanchez are returning linemen.

Payson Hatfield had varsity time at receiver, along with Tylor Garcia at running back. Junior Heriberto Real (6-3, 265) and senior Lucio Montiel (6-0, 245) will become starters on the line.

Dodge City has been known for its passing attack the last several years and will likely take a more run-oriented approach this season. Junior Dawson Williams is the early front-runner under center.

Defensively, linebacker is the top strength with senior Zach Rodriguez on the inside and Garcia at the outside. Hatfield will be at defensive back and senior Ansony Quezada at defensive end. “(An) area of strength will be the athleticism of the defense,” coach Dave Foster said. “This group will not be physically big but will get to the football in a hurry. This defensive group will be more of an aggressive attack based mode. A variety of blitz pressures combined with zone and man secondary concepts will be a new and unique style of defense.”

You just knew a winless season in 2014 wasn’t going to sit well with Gardner-Edgerton, which averaged eight-plus wins per season in Marvin Diener’s first eight years as coach.

Sure enough, the road to recovery began for the Trailblazers last year. Even though the 2-7 season wasn’t quite back up to their level of expectations, it was a step in the right direction.

The prospects of taking another step toward a winning record hinges greatly on the development of both the offensive and defensive lines.

Traditionally a strength for Diener-coached squads, both units will be extremely inexperienced this year.

Seniors Marshall Carpenter and Sam Stranathan are the only returning starters, both on the offensive side, and only three other letterwinners up front return, leaving the Trailblazers to lean heavily on its junior class.

If the unit can come of age and gel quickly, the Trailblazers could have enough firepower to improve an offense that averaged just 12.3 points per game and a defense that allowed 32.2 points a contest.

Defensively, Diener believes the Trailblazers could have their best unit in his time at Gardner after the strides made a year ago. Junior linebacker Tyler Henry led the team in tackles (86) and tackles for loss (11) as a sophomore and will be complemented by senior Jonas Pippitt, who ranked second with 79 tackles and moves up to d-end to help bolster the front. In all, the Trailblazers return their top-10 tacklers from a year ago.

12-1 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 6A Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division I Coach: Brandon Clark (11th year, 80-33) Assistants: Cade Armstrong, Mitch Pontious, Eric Hendrick, Shelby Wehrman, Kevin Davis, Chris Pinaire, Chris DeVore, Jarrod Foster, Devin Tarrant, Todd Olmstead Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 7 Defense Riley King, OL, 6-1, 285, Sr.; Kenyon Tabor, TE, 6-4, 200, Sr.; Kai Lemons, WR, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Lachlan Jones, WR, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Peerlus Walker, DL, 6-0, 270, Sr.; Riley Cain, DL, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Tanner Olmstead, DE, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Tommy Carter, LB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Tanner Igo, DB, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Cooper Welch, DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Evan Clark, OL, 6-3, 270, Jr.; Alex McGill, LB, 5-9, 175, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

5-4 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 6A Western Athletic Conference Coach: Dave Foster (6th year, 34-26; 106-89 overall) Assistants: Mark Sandbo, Kyle Culwell, Ty Thomas, Dustin Fergerson, Chris Whitson, Tucker O’Hair, Ben Hamilton, Nathan Gaswick, Marquis George Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 3 Defense Justin Schowengerdt, OL; Thomas Sanchez, OL; Zach Rodriguez, ILB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Payson Hatfield, DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Ansony Quezada, DE, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Tylor Garcia, OLB, 5-9, 170, Sr. Conor Nicholl

Garden City won its first seven games, the Buffs’ best start in 24 years, and had the best defense in coach Brian Hill’s first six years with the Buffs. However, Garden City didn’t make the playoffs outside of Class 6A, District 8, the state’s best district.

The Buffs opened with a 14-2 district win versus Hutchinson and then lost, 38-21, at Wichita Northwest and fell, 21-20, to rival Dodge City in the Hatchet Game. GC lost on a blocked extra point. It marked just the second one-point game in the rivalry history, the first since Dodge City defeated Garden City, 7-6, in 1923, according to GCHS’ Hatchet Game archives.

Coach Hill listed beating Dodge City as the team’s top goal, followed by winning the Western Athletic Conference title, and competing for a state title. Hill said the team’s keys are creating turnovers on defense and limiting turnovers on offense, while also staying healthy.

The Buffs, which have won four straight 6A wrestling crowns, have several standout wrestlers in key positions for football, namely quarterback Jesse Nunez and linebacker/kicker Zeke Herrera (team-high 92 tackles). Nunez led the team with 173 carries for 919 yards and 12 scores and passed for 888 yards with a 7/4 TD/INT ratio.

Jared Koster graduated after he broke the Buffs’ career rushing record. Senior fullback Peyton Hill (487 total yards, six TDs) returns.

Garden City had a total margin of 281-137 and a big improvement over a 4-5 season in ’14 when it tallied 250 points and allowed 273. The Buffs led the WAC with just 253.7 yards allowed per contest.

HAYSVILLE-CAMPUS For a program with no explicit tradition to clamor up self-confidence, success has to be measured in baby steps. No one will consider Campus’ 2-7 mark this past season as earthshattering movement in the rough-and-tumble AVCTL-I. But after one-win seasons the previous four years, it at least turned the progression line from stagnant to trending upward.

And 2-7 was only a few more points away from something special. Among Campus’ close calls were a one-point loss to playoff qualifier Wichita West, a 13-point loss to five-win Wichita South and a 10-point loss to Andover Central, the 4ADivision I state runner-up. Campus’ victories came against AVCTL-I opponents Newton and Maize.

Campus has a few key contributors back on Carryout or Delivery

620-662-7788 123 W. 4th

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Hutchinson

offense. Lineman Isaiah Gates was a secondteam all-league selection as a junior. Running back Alex Harbour is a veteran skill player and sophomore tackle provides size up front (6-3, 270). Junior Frederico Harvey, a starter at corner in ‘15, is the leading candidate to replace QB Colby Leeper.

But if the Colts truly intend to close the gap, it has to come with improved defense. Campus bent for 38.9 points per game against in 2015.

2-7 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 6A Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division I Coach: Greg Slade (4th year, 4-23; 19th overall, 100-85) Assistants: N/A Offense: Spread Defense: N/A Returning starters: 4 Offense, 8 Defense Alex Harbour, RB, 5-11,180, Sr.; Colton Miller, OL, 6-0, 270, Sr.; Isaiah Gates, OL, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Seth Falley, OL, 6-3, 270, So.; Matt Kimber, DE, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Abel Duran-Navarro, DT, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Zach Bowen, NG, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Evan Porter, SS, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Noah Childers, FS, 6-1, 165, Sr.; Frederico Harvey, DB, 6-1, 165, Jr.; Cole Martins, LB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Quinton Hicks, LB, 63, 210, So. Kyle McCaskey

2-7 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 6A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Marvin Diener (11th year, 69-38) Assistants: Kris Henry, David Diener, Joel Bergmann, Stan Watchous, Adrian Pearson, John 7-2 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 6A Bass, Jason Radel, John Yockey, Hayes Farwell, Western Athletic Conference Kyle Pacheco, Scott Peavey Coach: Brian Hill (7th year, 36-24) Assistants: Dominick Dingle, Justin Reich, Nathan Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 27 Smith, Derek Goble, Erik Base, Donald Raymer Returning starters: 7 Offense, 8 Defense Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-2-5 Kolbee Finnell, DB, 5-9, 161, Sr.; Ryan Frank, LB, Returning lettermen: 20 5-10, 170, Sr.; Michael Kittleson, DB, 6-1, 181, Sr.; Returning starters: 6 Offense, 4 Defense Jesse Nunez, QB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Peyton Hill, RB, Zach Bass, WR, 6-3, 211, Sr.; Marshall Carpenter, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Quinton LaPointe, WR, 5-9, 165, Jr.; OL, 6-2, 239, Sr.; Griffin Johns, QB, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Hunter Skeens, RB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Sam Stranathan, Lorenzo Ruiz-Hernandez, OL, 5-10, 235, Sr.; OL, 6-2, 259, Sr.; Jonas Pippitt, LB, 5-11, 207, Sr.; Mario Chairez, OL, 6-0, 270, Sr.; Osvaldo Jared Hillfill, DB, 6-1, 178, Sr.; Conner Boyt, DB, 5Martinez, OL, 6-5, 275, Sr.; Benny Hernandez, 11, 195, Sr.; Austin Bond, DB, 5-11, 178, Jr.; Tyler DL, 5-10, 250, Sr.; DeMarcus Elliott, DL, 6-4, 285, Henry, LB, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Keegan Michael, RB, 5-9, Jr.; Zeke Herrera, LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Cristhian Coreas, LB, 5-10, 195, Sr. Conor Nicholl 192, Jr.; Jace Sprague, WR, 6-0, 165, Jr. Maycock

HUTCHINSON The 2015 season saw Hutchinson open positively and build on its tremendous 2014 November, when the Salthawks proved they could compete for state championships with a different coach. The Salthawks, led by coach Ryan Cornelsen, had a six-game winning streak snapped in the 2014 Class 6A state championship game against Shawnee Mission East. The Salthawks followed that by winning their first three games in 2015.

The schedule, however, quickly got tougher, and the Salthawks lost four of their last seven games, but they did sneak into the playoffs, where they lost in the first round to Junction City.

Several key players are back from last year, and many of these players started, or played, in that state-championship loss to SM East.

Humungous offensive lineman Josh Rivas is Kansas State bound, while safety Peyton Pendergrass and linebacker Braden Archer will be in their third years as starters. Archer turned some heads during the summer, but he was already one of the Salthawks’ best tacklers.

Running back Brody Smith surpassed the 1,000-yard mark and had a couple huge games as a sophomore, while Canyon Maldonado has 12

starts at quarterback in his career.

Fans making the trek to Gowans Stadium won’t be disappointed by the caliber of teams coming in.

Olathe East opens the season, and Hutchinson will also welcome 6A state champ Derby, 5A semifinalist Goddard-Eisenhower – whose athletic director is former Hutchinson AD Eric Armstrong – and a Maize team that was young last season.

6-4 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 6A Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division I Coach: Ryan Cornselsen (3rd year, 14-9; 13th overall, 102-33) Assistants: Scott Yantes, Dave Armbrust, Jeremy Garcia, Gary Cornelsen, Adam Krol, Sean Harper, Joey Garcia Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Josh Rivas, OT, 6-6, 360, Sr.; Peyton Pendergrass, SS, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Canyon Maldonado, QB/LB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Braden Archer, LB, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Dylan Chesterman, DL, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Brody Smith, RB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Tracy Harris, RB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Dylan Jensen, DL, 5-10, 220, Jr.; Dominic McKinsey, DL, 5-11, 215, Sr. Brad Hallier

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

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JUNCTION CITY

KC-WYANDOTTE

LAWRENCE

LAWRENCE-FREE STATE

The Blue Jays’ only real test during the 2015 regular season was a 17-14 overtime win over Manhattan, which clinched the outright Centennial League title. It was one of four regular-season games where the defense allowed two scores - the unit pitched four shutouts, while JC outscored district foes 161-6.

Raye Wilson moved from DB to RB and rushed 1,823 yards and 29 TDs to lead an offense which averaged 46.1 points per game. Senior Jovon Baldwin looks to take on a bigger role after rushing for 736 yards last year and blazing a couple sub-4.4 40s at the Sharp Combine this spring.

Ryan Henington, now a senior, flourished in his first year as a full-time starting quarterback, topping 1,000 yards, and though he has a new cast of WRs, four of five linemen do return.

Eight starters are back from a stout defense.

Wyandotte wants the Kansas City-Atchison League (KCAL) title. A league title was one of two team goals Bulldogs coach Michael Lockett set for his team, the other was for Wyandotte to have a better-than-.500 record in late October.

The Bulldogs, who were ranked 31st out of Kansas’ 32 Class 6A teams in 2015 by www.preppowerindex.com, might get some help in the league standings (and power rankings) from their schedule. Their seven-game regular-season schedule includes four opponents with losing records in 2015. Those teams – J.C. Harmon, Washington, Sumner Academy and Turner – were a combined 9-26.

Experience also might help the Bulldogs in their quest to be a winning team. Wyandotte lists 14 returning starters, 12 of whom are upperclassmen.

The task at hand for the Lions is to try and reload after graduation claimed 18 starters, including AllState performers Amani Bledose (now at Oklahoma), Trey Georgie (Illinois State), Price Morgan (Air Force) and J.D. Woods (Missouri Western). Woods departs as Lawrence’s singleseason and career rushing leader, racking up 1,928 yards and 38 TDs last year and 3,861 yards in his career, while Bledsoe, Georgie, and Morgan were driving forces for the Lion defense.

So what’s back? Well, a whole lot of unknowns.

Senior back Trey Moore was a solid complement to Woods a year ago and appears ready to take on the feature back role. He’ll operate with a new signal caller as junior Dante Jackson — a rare sophomore starter — moves from defense to offense to replace Alan Clothier at QB. Both lines will be completely revamped, but the defensive unit will be anchored by senior tackle Mark Greene.

In order to duplicate or improve on last year’s success, Free State must plug some major holes.

Namely at QB, where All-State selection Bryce Torneden rushed for 1,119 yards and 13 TDs and threw for 1,323 yards and 12 more scores.

Torneden’s shoes could be filled from within by junior Gage Foster or sophomore Jordan Preston, or Free State could turn to newcomer Dallas Crittenden, a senior transfer from Hayden, where he threw for 1,386 yards and 13 TDs. Free State also has to replace leading rusher Sam Skwarlo (1,478 yards). But Zion Bowlin returns after rushing for 274 yards, Zack Sanders (27 catches, 424 yards) was Free State’s top WR last year and Chase Houk was the best lineman.

Skwarlo and Torneden were also the heart and soul of Free State’s defense, but senior linebacker Jay Dineen has committed to KU and finished second to Skwarlo in tackles.

10-1 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Dirk Wedd (18th year, 93-77) Assistants: Adam Green, Chris Johnson, Jamie Resseguie, Seth Homolka, Jeff Lyster, Matt Stiles, Jeff Colter, Chuck Holley Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 2 Defense Trey Moore, RB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Jacob Unruh, DE, 6-1, 245, Sr.; Mark Greene, DL, 6-0, 285, Sr.; Dante Jackson, DB, 5-8, 145, Jr.; Cole Brungardt, K, 6-5, 210, Sr. Brent Maycock

8-4 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Bob Lisher (20th year, 119-80) Asst.: Max Cordova, Brett Romme, Mike Gillman, Adam Barmann, Spencer Bonnor, Taylor Stuart Offense: Spread Gun Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 16 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Noah Kema, DT, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Jay Dineen, OL/ LB, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Zion Bowlin, RB/FS, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Zack Sanders, WR/SS, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Chase Houk, OL, 6-1, 260-, Sr.; Sam Hambleton, OL/DT, 6-1, 200, Sr. Brent Maycock

10-1 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 6A Centennial League Coach: Randall Zimmerman (23rd year) Assistants: John Davis, Aaron Cox, Edmund Cronn, Jimmy Goheen, Carl Laughlin, Ty Zimmerman, Nick Johnson, Mitch Whaley, Willie Snipes, Cortez Delaney Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 8 Defense Jovon Baldwin, RB, Sr.; Ryan Henington, QB, Sr.; Johnie Jones, WR, Sr.; Nathan Johnson, OL, Sr.; Zach Terry, OL, Sr.; Camron Strahley-Curry, OL, Sr.; Cody Magee, OL, Sr.; Xavier Cason, TE, Sr.; Chris Donald, WR, Sr.; Tim Bell, LB, Sr.; Walter Wadford, DB, Sr.; Aryus Jones, DB, Sr.; Seigh Norman, LB, Sr.; Jordan Stoutamire, DB, Sr.; Davante King, DB, Jr.; Bradley Breckenridge, DL, Sr.; Jawonnis Hinton, DL, Sr. Brent Maycock

1-8 in 2015 / 1-4 in district / 6A Kansas City-Atchison League Coach: Michael Lockett (3rd year, 3-15) Assistants: Isaac Templeton, Eugene Rodriquez, Darin Bowen, Kurt Parker, Bryan Nelson Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 42 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Marcus Jones, QB, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Alex Pena, DL/FB 5-9, 225, Sr.; Gerail Lucas, WR, 5-9, 160, Sr.; LaRon McGinnie, TE/DL, 6-4, 260, Jr.; Angelo Hill, RB, 5-8,160, Soph.; Bryan Guzman, OL/DL, 5-10, 225, Jr.; Steven Hoang, OL, 6-2, 250, Sr.; A.J. Ramirez, OL/DL, 6-2, 340, Sr.; D’Amontre Jonhson, DL, 5-11, 255, Sr.; Larry Jones, S/LB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Joe Garrett, LB, 5-11, 190, Soph.; Javier Contreras, S/WR, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Damieon Roark, DL, 6-3, 315, Jr.; Marcus Dotson, DB/RB, 5-10, 170, Jr. Roney

MANHATTAN

OLATHE-EAST

OLATHE-NORTH

Olathe North punched out 65 touchdowns on its A fixture in the playoffs during the first five years With little returning as far as offensive sparks, way to 37.2 points per game and a 10-2 record in of Joe Schartz’ tenure, Manhattan is coming off two Olathe East will rely heavily on its defense to try to 2015. Of those touchdowns, two return – running straight seasons missing the playoffs. Last year’s 5- climb the ladder of the Sunflower League standback Deion Poindexter and receiver Alex 4 mark was the worst for the program since going ings. The Hawks lost their quarterback, top two Schoenhals each procured one. The graduations of 4-5 in 2007. A small senior class and key injuries receivers and top five rushers to graduation. running back Vinnie Shabazz (1,963 yards, 25 were big factors a year ago, but the Indians could The defense was hit for 28.1 points per game in touchdowns), quarterback Matt Wright (eight passbe stronger for it this season.

‘15, a performance that should be improved on with ing and 12 rushing touchdowns) and two-way QB Ian Trapp, now a senior, flat-out carried the several evolving players back in the mix. Ben superstar and Clemson signee Isaiah Simmons Indian offense last year. He just missed out on rush- Waldron, Cameron Mitchell-Johnson, Ryan (994 receiving yards, 13 touchdowns) leave a ing and throwing for 1,000 yards each, but finished Brockschmidt and Parker Brewer all prowled their crater-sized hole of points to fill. with nearly 2,100 yards of total offense. terrain well, racking up over 30 tackles each.

Yet North, a program with eight state titles since Manhattan was respectable defensively last This marks the second year under coach Jesse 1996, will find a way to be competitive in the stout year, giving up just 16.2 points per game. Senior Owen. Owen replaced longtime coach Jeff Meyers Sunflower League regardless. The defense may linebacker Chance Andrade is the only returning this past season. Owen was an assistant at Olathe have to tackle more of the load while new playmakdefender that was second-team all-league.

North for 13 seasons and a head coach at Eudora ers on offense become adjusted. That is for one before coming to East. The Hawks were 3-6 Poindexter’s specialty. He was a second-team all5-4 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 6A in his first shot, the second such season in a row for league honoree in the secondary.

Centennial League East. East started 2015 with a 3-2 mark before endChris McCartney enters his second season as Coach: Joe Schartz (8th year, 56-16) ing the year on a four-game skid. the Eagles’ head coach. He replaced Gene Wier, Assistants: Jason Kazar, Jesse Woodard, Pat This season’s slate offers a good blend of chalwho exited to become the director of high school McKinney, Shane Sieben, Weston Moody, Nathan lenges and potential victories before the postsearelations for KU football. McCartney continued the Good, Eric Prockish, Alex Reinecke, Jim Webber, son begins in week nine. East starts with storied tradition of shipping the Eagles to the playRyan Small, Andrew Farmer Hutchinson and Olathe Northwest, two six-win pro- offs. North eliminated Blue Valley North and thenOffense: Flex-bone Defense: 4-2-5 grams. Next is a home game with Liberty, Mo., who defending champion Shawnee Mission East before Returning lettermen: 30 comes off a 3-7 year. Olathe South and Shawnee succumbing to Blue Valley in the semifinals, 43-19.

Returning starters: 9 Offense, 9 Defense Mission South were both 1-8, giving East an opporIan Trapp, QB, Sr.; Tariq Gerald, WR, Sr.; tunity for wins before a tough end-of-season cal10-2 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 6A Johnathan Taylor, WR, Sr.; Parker Beer, TE, Sr.; endar.

Sunflower League Dylan Newell, LT, Sr.; Brandon Cook, LG, Sr.; Wes Coach: Chris McCartney (2nd year, 10-2) Conrow, C, Sr.; Akira Alesna, RG, Sr.; Eldon Picou, 3-6 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 6A Assistants: John Hilton, Josh Carroll, Doug Catloth, RT, Sr.; Andrew Sorenson, DT, Jr.; Kevin Kim, DT, Sunflower League Ryne Huff, Moses Manga, Bryan McCall, Eniak Sr.; Chance Andrade, LB, Sr.; Nik Grubbs, LB, Jr.; Coach: Jesse Owen (2nd year, 3-6; 3rd overall, 8Mpwo, Joe Oxley, Cliff Pitts, Sean Richardson, Zeph Killham, LB, Sr.; Tanner Mann, SS, Sr.; Jalin 10) Assistants: N/A Phillip Simons, Jack Vassar, Spencer Webb Harper, FS, Jr.; John Haug, CB, Sr.; C.J. Lowery, Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A CB, Sr. Brent Maycock Returning starters: N/A Kyle McCaskey Returning starters: N/A Kyle McCaskey

OLATHE-SOUTH Some football coaches might not view taking over a program that was 1-8 the previous season as “a great opportunity.” But that’s how Craig Lewis views his latest job as Olathe South’s head coach.

And the Falcons’ history is a reason why. Lewis, who comes to South after stints in Missouri, inherits a program that won the 6A title in 2011, and was the runner-up in 1999, 2004 and 2007.

“They’ve had some … success,” Lewis said recently by phone. “And (it’s) definitely a great place to go.”

It’s key for Lewis and his staff to boost and maintain program numbers, he said. He estimated they had about 115 players in grades 9-12 participating – about 35 shy of the total he’d like.

“We’re trying to really get the kids involved and get the numbers up – and get them having a good time going after it,” Lewis said.

1-8 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Craig Lewis (1st year) Assistants: Todd Buttermore, Reed Howard, Nate Harrison, Mike Jasiczek, Adam Christopher, Graham Reece, Denis Grayless, Josh Perkins, Kenyon Thornburg, Codi Willard, Alex Warn, John Plankers, Alex Howard, Zach Epps Offense: The Angry Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 2 offense, 7 defense Isaac Degraffenreid, G, 5-7, 225, Sr.; Jacob Wilburn, G, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Garrett Lee, DE, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Luke Meenahan, LB, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Brady Nornburg, FS, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Jake Worely, DE, 6-2, 225, Jr.; Jamison Phelphs, C, 6-1, 150, Jr.; Nick Jouret, LB, 5-9, 185, Jr.; Peyton Wiggs, LB, 5-9, 180, So. Shawn Roney

OLATHE-NORTHWEST Olathe Northwest is looking to do more than secure its third straight winning season. The Ravens, who went 6-3 in 2015 and 5-4 in 2014, are aiming for the Sunflower League crown and to “win playoff games,” coach Chip Sherman said.

Some keys to Northwest’s success will be “controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball,” Sherman said, adding the need to “run the ball effectively” and “stop the run.”.

The Ravens’ offensive line will turn to four returning senior starters: Chase Hartquist, Blake Huginin, Conrad Kaminski and Nate Oswalt.

Huginin, Kaminiski and Oswalt also are candidates for helping the Ravens secure the defensive line. In addition, Olathe Northwest will consider Matt Vanderslice, a 6-foot-7, 240-pound senior tight end, for snaps on the D-line.

Ashton Avery, a 5-10, 210-pound senior, will run the ball, and block for QB Easton Crupper.

6-3 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Chip Sherman (4th year, 14-13; 28th overall) Assistants: Pat Butler, Jon Krug, Greg Morgan, Jordan Kuppersmith, Dee Bell, Barry Chambers, Lorne Clark, Eddie Crupper, Mike McLaughlin, Chris Burnett, Justin Slaven, Richie Blazevic Offense: Pro Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 2 Defense Easton Crupper, QB, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Ashton Avery, RB, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Chase Hartquist, OL/LB, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Blake Huginin, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Conrad Kaminiski, OL/DL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Nate Oswalt, OL/DL, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Matt Vanderslice, TE/ DL, 6-7, 240, Sr. Shawn Roney

OP-BLUE VALLEY NORTH In one monumental season, Blue Valley North won more games (8-2) than it had in its previous five seasons combined (6-39) and established itself as a potential player in the Eastern Kansas League.

In his second year, coach Andy Sims guided the Mustangs to their first winning record since 2006 and first playoff appearance since 2007.

The bad news? Not much returns from that effort – two starters on offense, five on defense – though a promising place to start the reload is with sensational pass rusher Peter Klug. Klug picked up 72 tackles and four sacks as a junior with his bulldozing power. His talent is simply too good to confine to just half the plays, so Klug will help threeyear starter Sam Gutierrez shore up the o-line.

The good news? The defense has some stability.

Along with Klug, linebacker Harrison Frazier returns after chasing down 93 tackles and two intercep-

tions, and Keilon Hunter is back after he swiped five interceptions as a junior.

8-2 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 6A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Andy Sims (3rd year, 10-9) Assistants: Bryce Attagi, Cory Cox, Casey Curran, Calvin Davenport, Bill Henkel, Scott McFarland, A.J. Sambol, J.D. Wood, Jerry Woodruff Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 5 Defense Peter Klug, DL, 6-5, 215, Sr.; Brian Nam, DL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Harrison Frazier, LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Keilon Hunter, DB/PR, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Raliegh Barthol, PK, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Zion Thompson, DL, 6-2, 275, Jr.; Sam Shortall, WR/KR, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Sam Gutierrez, OL, 6-0, 225, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

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OP-BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST Blue Valley Northwest can’t afford to get bitten by the injury-bug this season, according to longtime Huskies coach Mike Zegunis.

The Huskies lack depth this season, as Zegunis was reminded in June when they held their install camp at Northwest and then attended a full pad camp at Benedictine College. Between 60 and 65 sophomore-senior players attended the camps – down from the average of between 70 and 80 players that have attended in recent years.

“I don’t know if that’s a sign of things to come, if that’s kind of the trend,” Zegunis said during a recent phone interview. “I’m hoping that’s not the case, but it might be.”

Regardless of the reason for the decline, the Huskies must get the most from their roster because of the lower turnout. That means BV Northwest can’t use the platoon system that’s common at many large high schools. Only a few players

will be limited to one side of the ball, Zegunis said.

2-8 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 6A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Mike Zegunis (11th year, 53-54) Assistants: Tenney Dewey, John Reichart, Tobin Sample, Tim Serbousek, Darren Masten, Zack Orrick, Adam Bien, Adam Repass, Spencer Curran, Rex VanBuskirk, Ed Thomas, Jason Denton Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Daeron Robinson, RB, 6-2, 195, sr.; Riley Zerni, WR , 5-9, 160, Sr.; Garrett Tierney, LB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Hunter Rahto, K, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Chris Whitter, DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Jackson Heath, WR/S, 6-4, 200, Jr.; Seth Zegunis, OT/DT, 6-4, 280, Jr.; Garrett Parks, WR, 5-10, 170, Jr. Shawn Roney

OP-BLUE VALLEY

SM-EAST

Putting up points was never a problem for Blue Valley in 2015, averaging just more than 36 per game. But not until the defense found its lock-down mode did the Tigers evolve from a solid 6A team into their usual title contending selves.

After giving up 27 points per game in their first six contests, the Tigers allowed just 80 points total over the next six games in a run that saw them shut down high-powered offenses from Lawrence and Olathe North in the playoffs.

The defense that helped carry the Tigers late in the season took a major hit by graduation, which claimed nine starters. But the heart and soul of the unit is back in senior linebacker Michael Maffry, who led the team with 172 total tackles.

Senior corner Gus Gomez is the only other returner to the unit and he’s also one of six returning starters on offense after catching 43 passes for 699 yards and eight TDs last year from his WR spot. Senior Will Evans is back after rushing for 998 yards and 12 TDs and the Tigers have one of the best o-linemen in the state in senior Kirian Kirby.

It is difficult to fathom, but Shawnee Mission East’s 9-2 record and 6A postseason quarterfinal appearance in 2015 was actually the lowest point in East’s three seasons under Dustin Delaney. That demonstrates the masterpiece Delaney has painted, which included a state runner-up finish in 2013 and an undefeated state title in 2014.

The Lancers ought to gallop full speed ahead again this year. Nine offensive starters are back, and seven more on defense, from a team that won its nine games by at least three touchdowns and shut out three opponents.

East can lean on four offensive linemen with starting experience, led by developing junior Justin Finnigan. That should create plenty of time and space for quarterback Luke Kaiser to connect for massive chunks of yardage with running back Milton Braasch and wide receiver Sky Tate. Tate was a first-team all-Sunflower League pick, while Kaiser and Braasch were honorable mentions.

10-3 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 6A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Eric Driskell (7th year, 58-16) Assistants: Rick McNerlin, Lew Row, Paul Brown, Allen Terrell, Adam Kinzer, Mel Foxx, Jonathan Jost, Brandon Olney, Don Hanna, Dan Cromer, Lary Lindsay, Pat McRoberts, Matt Shipley, Conner Combes Offense: Pistol Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 45 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 2 Defense Will Evans, RB, 5-11, 202, Sr.; Michael Maffry, LB, 6-1, 219, Sr.; Kirian Kirby, OL, 6-4, 268, Sr.; Gus Gomez, WR/CB, 6-1, 170, Sr., Harrison VanDyne, WR, 6-4, 182, Sr.; Wil Watkins, OL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Grant Lahr, OL, 6-4, 242, Sr.; Ashkon, Saravi, LB, 6-0, 198, Sr. Brent Maycock

9-2 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Dustin Delaney (4th year, 33-4; 7th overall, 56-14) Assistants: Chip Ufford, Andy Walter, Brandon May, Courtney Porter, Gary Carl, Trey Hobson, Danny Long, Drew Steffen, Matt Jacobsen, Derrick Rider, Shawn Hair, Andrew Gagnon, John Haley Offense: Flexbone Spread Option Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 7 Defense Luke Kaiser, QB, Sr.; Carl Young, RB/DB, Sr.; Zac Medley, OL, Sr.; Parker Shiling, OL, Sr.; Peter Haynes, OL, Sr.; Sky Tate, WR, Sr.; Nigil Houston, RB, Sr.; Ryan Kahle, DL, Sr.; Calvin Ball, DL, Sr.; Simon Bradley, LB, Sr.; Eli McDonald, LB, Sr.; Jake Randa, DB, Sr.; Trevor Thompson, DB, Sr.; Milton Braasch, RB, Jr.; Justin Finnigan, OL, Jr. McCaskey

SM-SOUTH

SM-WEST

This offseason, Shawnee Mission South coach Brett Oberzan is seeing signs the Raiders could meet goals of being competitive and putting themselves “in a position to compete in the playoffs.”

One sign is the way the Raiders have performed during summer camps. As of a late June interview, SM South had attended some camps, including one at the University of Kansas.

“I’m seeing those guys competing (with) a little bit different perspective than what I saw last year,” Oberzan said recently by phone. “They’ve got a little more confidence in … (themselves).”

For SM South to carry offseason momentum into the season, the key is for the Raiders to keep doing what they’ve done this offseason, Oberzan said.

The stage is set for Shawnee Mission West to make noise once again in the Sunflower League.

The Vikings, 7-3 a year ago, return 15 starters.

“This is a hardworking group of players who want to continue the Viking football tradition. There is a talented group of seniors that will be helped out by some juniors and possibly a few sophomores,” said long-time West coach Tim Callaghan.

There are few unknowns in the Vikings’ defense, with three veteran linemen, three linebackers and two defensive backs. The pass rush will be ferocious. Terrion Brewer and Blake Britney combined for 10 sacks on the line, while linebackers Jay Hawkins and Cole Fletcher contributed eight more.

Hawkins and fellow linebacker Montel Madlock hunted down 92 and 80 tackles, respectively.

1-8 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Brett Oberzan (2nd year, 1-8) Assistants: Brad Page, Chris Kiblen, Chris Thompson, Tyrone Weaver, Tyler Rodden, Bob Ray Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 22 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Cam Union, DB/RB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Christian Murrell, 5-10, 145, Sr.; Ciaron Willis, S/WR, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Kamau Kimaru, 6-1, 230, OL/DL, Sr.; Bremen Scholz, 6-0, 210, OL/LB, Sr.; Quincie Fischer, 5-10, 210, OL/LB, Sr.; Jack Staulbaumer, 6-1, 235, OL, Sr.; Will Choate, 5-7, 130, WR or QB/DB, Sr.; Brock Minton, 6-6, 200, TE/DL, Sr.; Tony Thomas, 5-9, 290, DL, Jr.; Shawn Roney

7-3 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Tim Callaghan (14th year, 97-41) Offense: Pro I Defense: 3-5-3 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 8 Defense Siris Manning, RB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Isreal Watson, WR, 6-3, 195, Sr.; Zach Witters, QB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Korey Belcher, FB, 5-7, 185, Sr.; Jason Meeker, TB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Jahan Lamb, DL, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Blake Britney, DL, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Montel Madlock, LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Cole Fletcher, LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Jason Potter, DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Jay Hawkins, LB, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Byron Sherwin, OT, 6-2, 285, Jr.; Kirby Grigsby, RB/DB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Terrion Brewer, DL, 5-9, 250, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

OP-BLUE VALLEY WEST Blue Valley West undergoes a change of leadership, as Scott Wright vacated the head coaching role after 15 seasons and an 89-75 record. Josh Koerkenmeier, an eight-year assistant, takes over.

“We will focus on doing the little things right and playing together as one team,” Koerkenmeier said.

“Our goal is to improve these things every week.”

West hopes to reinvigorate the program. After back-to-back eight-win seasons in 2012 and 2013, the Jaguars dropped to 5-4 in 2014 and wrapped up 2015 with a 2-7 record.

Only two starters return on defense – lineman Alex Buffo and linebacker Adam Davis. Davis was a second-team all-EKL pick as a sophomore.

The offense should tilt toward the run game early as it restructures the passing game with newcomers. Jake Kidd, an EKL honorable mention selection, runs behind a line with four experienced block-

ers, including Wyatt Dorsh, also EKL hon. mention.

2-7 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 6A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Josh Koerkenmeier (1st year) Assistants: Ryan Copp, Danny Catanzaro, Kollin Ahern, Mike Besler, Bryan Salsgiver, Randy Lowe, John Stone, Andrew Addington, Derick Pitts, Kevin Bandy, Don Alpaugh, Pete Skakal Offense: Multiple Pistol Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 6 Offense, 2 Defense Wyatt Dorsh, OL, 6-0, 270, Sr.; Austin Downey, OL, 6-5, 270, Sr.; Jesse Hoffman, OL, 6-4, 320, Sr.; Alex Buffo, DL, 6-2, 240, Sr.; Dalton McCullum, OL, 510, 230, Jr.; Sam Pascuzzi, TE, 6-3, 220, Jr.; Jake Kidd, RB, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Adam Davis, LB, 6-3, 195, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

SM-NORTH

SM-NORTHWEST

Shawnee Mission North fans and opponents are probably expecting the Indians to have a passhappy offense, what with a highly sought college prospect at quarterback and the team operating out of the spread formation. Not so fast, according to Indians coach Ben Bartlett.

“We definitely are looking for balance – to (also) run the ball,” Bartlett said recently by phone.

One reason SM North plans to mix the run with the pass is because of senior running back Marcos Garcia. “Marcos has just been a beast in the weight room (this offseason) and just (been) working very hard,” Bartlett said. “The leg strength (he has) is incredible. So we’ll be looking for him to give us a steady diet of … (running) the ball.”

Another reason might be that North’s blue chip quarterback, senior Will Schneider (related story pg. 33), is working with a young receiving corps.

Shawnee Mission Northwest coach Bo Black believes he and his coaching staff are “making the right steps” in turning around a program that went 1-8 in 2015 – Black’s first season with the Cougars.

“We weren’t very good last year, but we played 19 seniors…. So it’s still a process of those kids coming up through the program and understanding that it’s a daily routine of being in the weight room and getting better and doing the little things right,” Black said in a phone interview earlier this summer.

Many of the players going through SM Northwest’s program are new to football, according to Black. As a result, he and his staff “want to make sure that we’re covering the fundamentals and developing kids physically in the weight room.” With that in mind, the Cougars opted to wait until midJuly before holding team camp and attending a padded camp, Black said.

Because of the emphasis on football basics, Black believes it’s too early to determine if SM Northwest will be stronger on offense or defense this season.

3-7 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Ben Bartlett (3rd year, 5-15) Assistants: Aaron Sawyer, Adam Pummill, Jeff Roudebush, Steve Lawrence, Patrick Gittemeier, Shad Cox, Mike Bechina, Conan McCormack, Andre Carnegie, Jon Durham Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 30 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Will Schneider, QB, 6-4 200, Sr.; Marcos Garcia, RB, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Reese Sila, RB, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Danny Presler, OL, 6-2, 290, Sr.; Talbot Ebberts, OL, 6-2, 230, Jr.; David Curtis OL, 6-1, 300, Sr.; Ta’Morese Morgan, DL, 6-0, 240, Sr.; Jamir Crawford, LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Gustavo Rocha, LB, 58, 170, Sr.; Avante Williams, S, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Billy Conaway, C, 6-0, 180, So. Shawn Roney

1-8 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 6A Sunflower League Coach: Bo Black (2nd year, 1-8; 91-58 overall) Assistants: Brian Vesta, Chris Walters, Jeff Adams, B.J. Dunbar, Alex Goodpastor, Dave Coopman, Brad Qualls, Jay Black, Billy Dent, Nathan Towns, Sedrick Cook Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 2 Defense Alex Goodpastor, WR, 6-3, 180, Jr.; Xavier Perry, RB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; B.J. Harvey, DB, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Noah Roberts, LB, 6-0 185, Sr. Shawn Roney

TOPEKA-WASHBURN RURAL

Last year, Rural rolled to a 4-0 start, picking off Emporia and Hayden to start the season and wound up posting a 5-1 record in Centennial High managed to win at least seven games for the League play. But after a mid-season loss to fourth straight season. The last three of those sea- Junction City, the Junior Blues faced a district which sons have ended with first-round playoff exits, leav- included powers Free State, Topeka High and ing the program still hungry despite the most sucManhattan and though they were competitive in all cessful stretch in its history. three games, the mountain was too big to climb.

Even with the loss of Okie State signee Teven A change in defensive philosophy paid big diviJenkins, the Trojans’ offensive strength will be up dends for the Junior Blues a year ago. Switching to front where three starters return with good size — a 3-4 formation, Rural gave up eight fewer points seniors Lee Jones (6-0, 305) and Billy Wagemaker per game and cut the opponents’ total offense in (6-1, 250) and junior Tanner Matthias (6-0, 260). half from 2014. Linebacker Will Jones was a monBeyond returning senior quarterback Corey ster in the middle, but has graduated leaving the Thomas, who had more than 1,900 yards of total biggest void on a unit that will return six starters. offense, the Trojans are relatively unproven offenRural will have to replace QB Mitch Schurig and sively at the skill positions. leading rusher Matthew Williams, but just about Improving the defense was a huge goal a year everyone else is back for an offense which averago and Topeka High made big strides, giving up aged 24.6 points and 286 yards per game. just 13.7 points per game — more than half of the season total in the two season-ending losses.

5-4 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 6A Leading tackler Jacob Anderson graduated along Centennial League with six other starters, leaving some big holes to fill. Coach: Steve Buhler (4th year, 12-15) Assistants: John Meyers, Alan Neil, Ryan Smith, 8-2 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 6A Duane Zlatnik, Colter Scott, Josh Lamb, TYler Centennial League Pfitzenmaier, Chris Ridley.

Coach: Walt Alexander (11th year, 57-40) Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Assistants: Luke Coffman, Blake Alexander, Tony Returning lettermen: 21 Canacari, Daniel Voth, Jason Nichol, Logan Returning starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense Clothier Offense: Spread Defense: Odd Front Danny Shields, OL, 6-3, 250, Sr.; Je’Shon Edwards, Returning lettermen: 17 OL, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Hunter Browning, RB, 5-10, 190, Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Sr.; Ben Harrison, RB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Caleb Locke, Corey Thomas, QB, 5-10, 192, Sr.; Tanner OL, 6-0, 260, Sr.; Colin Wilson, WR, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Matthias, OL, 6-0, 260, Jr.; Lee Jones, OL, 6-0, Jacob Martens, WR, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Nolan Brewer, 305, Sr.; Billy Wagemaker, OL, 6-1, 250, Sr.; LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Chandler Rogers, SS, 5-10, 175, Keaton Gage, WR, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Stephaun Carter, Sr.; Cody Ladson, FS, 6-1, 185, SR.; Patrick DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Jay’ Williams, LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Thompson, DL, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Braedon Ingold, LB, Bryce Cooper, DL, 5-6, 180, Sr. Brent Maycock 6-2, 180, Sr.; Luke McKenzie, LB, 6-3, 190, Sr. BM

TOPEKA

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 3 7

WICHITA-EAST

WICHITA-NORTH

WICHITA-NORTHWEST

WICHITA-SOUTH

It is a question that truthfully has no answer – how does a team replace a Xavier Kelly? Kelly, a 6-foot-5-inch, 255-pound defensive end and tight end, was a four-star recruit by several recruiting services coming out of Wichita East. He now resides in the ACC at Clemson.

More challenges await than finding Kelly’s substitute. East sputtered to a 1-8 record with a putrid offense that only generated 91 points, the secondworst number in 6A. The Blue Aces only scored in double digits three times. That gave the defense little margin for error, and it showed as East gave up 38 points per game. The Blue Aces lost their first eight games by more than two touchdowns each. East salvaged a win by silencing Southeast 8-0 in the season finale.

East’s schedule includes the typical hierarchy of the City League, but also brings two taxing adversaries from the Western Athletic Conference. The Blue Aces open at Garden City (7-2), and later host Great Bend (7-3) in week six. East was a state qualifier in 2014, and last was on the right side of .500 in a 5-4 season in 2012. East is home to two state titles, hoisting the trophy in back-toback seasons in 1982 and 1983.

Victories have been hard to come by at Wichita North, where the Redskins have a combined 12 wins over the past decade as the program searches for a foothold in the City League. North finished 1-9 a year ago, scoring a 22-5 win over Wichita East in week seven that catapulted North to the playoffs. Despite a dearth of victories, North made the best of the old district formula, capturing playoff berths in three of the past four years.

Though the defense breaks in seven new starters, the returners were essential parts of last season. Senior Alex Jimenez, a three-year starter, was a second-team City League selection at defensive tackle. Senior PJ Smith leads the linebacker unit. Joseph Figueroa slots back in in the secondary. Smith and Figueroa were honorable mention league picks.

North is setting out to have a positive turnover ratio, and that puts the focus on the offense to take care of the ball. Killian Russell and Jaylen Howard will run protection for quarterback Darius Russell and running back Karis Jackson. North’s offense only averaged 12 points per game, but also could take some pride in not being shut out.

The schedule allows opportunity to pick up a few competitive victories before the second half of the season beefs up. North opens with a rising Wichita South (5-4) program before dates with East (1-8), Wichita Southeast (1-8) and Liberal (27). The final four weeks of the regular season include Wichita Heights (7-4), Wichita West (5-5), Wichita Northwest (10-1) and Pittsburg (9-2).

There are a lot of numbers to marvel at from Wichita Northwest’s 2015 season – 10 wins, 12 players receiving first-team City League recognition, an offense that churned out an 11-man state record 538 yards per game and reached at least 28 points every game, and a 14th consecutive postseason berth. One thorny number remains, and it sticks out like offensive lineman Joey Gilbertson mauling an opposing rusher – zero state titles.

“With the best season in school history in the books, the Grizzlies look to reload and stay on top of the City League and continue to work toward that elusive state championship,” said Northwest coach Steve Martin.

Of those 12 first-team City League picks, nine are gone to graduation. Gilbertson is a great place to begin filling the voids, a massive lineman that verbally committed to KU this summer. He will chop down a trail for bruising senior running back Jahlyl Rounds, who provided 1,326 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns as well as 353 receiving yards in ‘15. Reliable wideout Martese Mullins ruined cornerbacks with a 45-880-11 line. Those three are paramount to helping Austin Anderson feel comfortable as the new quarterback. Safety Emilio San Roman (93 tackles) is the leader of five returning defensive starters.

“To repeat in the City League and make a step toward a state championship, the defense can’t rely on the offense to outscore their opponents,” Martin said. “The defense will have to grow up quick with a tough first six games. If the QB position can get the ball to their explosive playmakers, it could be another exciting year for Grizzly fans.”

Wichita South was dominant on the wrong part of its schedule – after beginning the season 4-0, South lost its next four on its way to a 5-4 record and on the outside of the postseason picture. That close encounter should be encouraging motivation for a program on the rise in the City League. It was a convincing leap forward for a squad that was 4-23 in the previous three years.

“We are a deep team with quality players at each position,” said South coach Kevin Steiner.

The Titans flaunt one of the scariest defensive fronts in the City League with linebacker Torion Neloms and linemen Tyrekus Birth and Kasdon Arehart. Birch tortured QBs with 16 sacks in ‘15.

Center Zach Grossnickle, guard Jaylen Wilkens and four-year starting tackle Brandon Enyart form a fortress on the left side of the offensive line, sure to be the favored route for running backs TreVaunte’ Hunt and Marco Parker. South also brings back its top receiver in 6-foot-5-inch Jariah Taylor, who nabbed 20 catches for 284 yards.

“We will have a senior-heavy team. Some of these seniors have been starters since they were freshmen,” Steiner said. “We return many offensive and defensive starters. The biggest question mark coming into the season will be at the QB position, as we have several guys fighting to win the position.”

1-8 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 6A Greater Wichita Athletic League Coach: Bill Coffman (2nd year 1-8; 14th overall, 45-77) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A 1-9 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 6A Kyle McCaskey Greater Wichita Athletic League Coach: Joe Belden (7th overall, 14-41) Assistants: Quentin Burgess, Mitch Kucera, Eli Copeland, Darius Warner, Lorne Williams, Jack Ewings, Albert Herrera Offense: Pistol Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 4 Defense Killian Russell; Simon Uhrig; Luis Ramirez; Darius Russell; Karis Jackson; JaCori Kindred; Axel Jimenez; Joseph Figueroa; PJ Smith; Jaylen Howard.

Kyle McCaskey

5-4 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 6A Greater Wichita Athletic League Coach: Kevin Steiner (5th year, 9-27) Assistants: N/A Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 8 Offense, 11 Defense Marco Parker, RB, 5-4, 170, Sr.; Jariah Taylor, 10-1 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 6A WR/LS, 6-5, 165, Sr.; Brandon Enyart, LT, 6-3, Greater Wichita Athletic League Coach: Steve Martin (5th year, 28-13; 9th overall, 270, Sr.; Jaylen Wilkens, LG, 5-10, 245, Sr.; Zack Grossnickle, C, 5-9, 260, Sr.; Austin Patterson, 59-24) Assistants: Beau Bedore, Cole RT, 6-1, 260, Sr.; Tyrekus Birch, DE, 6-4, 210, Sr.; Cherryholmes, MiKendrick Harper, Dan McKee, Chris Bell, S/OLB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Tynus Gulley, Jonathon Thompson, Dorrian Roberts, Brian OLB, 5-7, 185, Sr.; Keondre Alexander, LB, 5-10, Murph, Zack Westhoff 190, Sr.; Torion Neloms, LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 RayQuan Cunningham, DE, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Bradley Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Joey Gilbertson, OL, 6-4, 295, Sr.; Jahlyl Rounds, Richards, S, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Malcom Tate, S, 6-2, RB, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Martese Mullins, WR, 5-9, 165, 175, Sr.; AJ Hopper, CB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Jawaun Bell, WR, 6-1, 145, Jr.; Kasdon Arehart, DT/P, 5Sr.; Emilio San Roman, SS, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Luke Carter, DE, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Chima Okoro, DB, 5-11, 10, 220, Jr.; Philip Landrum, CB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; McCaskey 175, Sr. Kyle McCaskey TreVaunte’ Hunt, RB, 5-9, 205, So.

WICHITA-SOUTHEAST

WICHITA-WEST

Wichita Southeast continues to crave rejuvenation with its program coming off a 1-8 mark as the squad was mired in a seventh consecutive losing season. The Golden Buffaloes worked in a new coach this past season, as Mike Schartz tagged in for Chris Asmussen. Schartz was Asmussen’s defensive coordinator the two previous seasons, but Schartz had previous head coaching experience at Dodge City and Campus.

Graduation hit hard for Southeast. Top running back Ira Hines is gone, as are two pivotal linemen, Chris Vick and Tanner Schartz. The defense was not immune to departures, either, especially in the secondary where safeties DeAndre Franklin and Alenton Wilson are gone.

Senior Cameron Bond will be counted on to be a playmaker all over, as a receiver, cornerback and return specialist. Bond snagged 21 receptions for 344 yards and four touchdowns as a junior.

Quarterback Tarik Adkins will lean on him to be his safety valve. The defense will also be boosted by the returns of Israel Norwood (52 tackles) and Lamar Martin (37).

Southeast lost its first seven games, and none were particularly close – the Golden Buffaloes were defeated by at least 21 points each time.

There was some revival at the end of the season, as Southeast popped North for an 18-13 triumph and challenged East before falling 8-0.

Wichita West enjoyed a 5-5 campaign that included a third-straight visit to the postseason.

The Pioneers now have to face the ramifications of that success. West graduated 12 players that received all-City League recognition, depriving the roster of several of its most talented athletes.

If there is a coach with the guile to overcome those odds, Weston Schartz might be the one.

Schartz has more than 100 victories over two stints at West and is 22 shy of 200 for his career.

Schartz spent a decade at Wichita Northwest before returning to lead West in 2012.

Schartz has an impact player to count on for leadership on both sides of the ball. Offensive tackle Casey Glann was a second-team City League selection, while linebacker Chris Montoya earned honorable mention.

For a team jumbling together a starting unit, the schedule could have helped more if it were played in reverse. West has five straight opponents with winning records to open the season. The Pioneers begin with Dodge City and South before battles with playoff qualifiers Bishop Carroll, Northwest and Great Bend. The schedule lightens the final three weeks with one-win programs Continued on page 39 North, Southeast and East before the opening Photo by Dena Sorensen round of the playoffs in week nine.

1-8 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 6A Greater Wichita Athletic League Coach: Mike Schartz (2nd year, 1-8) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Kyle McCaskey

5-5 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 6A Greater Wichita Athletic League Coach: Weston Schartz (20th year, 103-79; 30th overall, 178-110) Assistants: N/A Offense: I-Formation Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Kyle McCaskey

November 26th 2016

Carnie Smith Stadium • Pittsburg, Kansas

Continued on page 39 Photo by Dena Sorensen

The Football Capital of Kansas

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VisitCrawfordCounty.com

Pa g e 3 9

Class 5A Overview

overview

BY KANSAS PREGAME STAFF The biggest story in large class football (6A, 5A) this fall is the move by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) away from the district system and to an all-in playoff system that uses what was the ninth regular season game as the first round of the playoffs, which, if seeded properly, could go a long way to providing a more equitable playoff format that allows the most deserving of teams to advance the deepest in the playoffs.

(See page 25 for KSHSAA seeding criteria.)

While we don’t yet know if a seeding system that doesn’t include a strength of schedule evaluation, which would be subjective and likely require media involvement, will produce the ultra-competitive playoff experience Kansas football fans are hoping for, we do know there are some experienced, and not so experienced, but tradition rich teams that will likely have an impact on the overall playoff picture in 5A, however, a noticeable lack of overall experience by traditional powers could make this fall’s 5A playoffs the most wide open in recent memory.

Names like Mill Valley, Bishop Carroll, St. Thomas Aquinas and Salina South should again be a factor, but rising programs in Goddard-Eisenhower, St. James Academy, and Goddard could make for new representatives in the title game this fall.

With only five returning starters, Mill Valley is a surprise favorite. But the Jaguars, the defending champions, should have converted any remaining non-believers. It would be foolhardy to count Mill Valley out before the final bell.

There is plenty of cushion if Mill Valley does come back down to Earth following a 12-1 season and its first state title.

The Jaguars’ 42.9 points per game were best in 5A, and its 13.6 points allowed were second to only Pittsburg.

“The Jaguars will return experience on the offensive line featuring returning starters Keegan Zars, Jack Cooley and Mitchell Grissom,” said Mill Valley coach Joel Applebee.

“Returning wide receiver Ben Hartman and talented quarterback Brody Flaming will lead a talented young core of skill players on offense.”

Safety Joel Donn protects the defense after piling up 74 tackles and three interceptions. The front line boasts strongman Blaine Boudreaux, who chipped in 44 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and five sacks, and DJ Graviette, who added on 32 tackles.

The Jaguars graduated 12 first-team Kaw Valley League selections, including Gatorade Player of the Year Christian Jegen, who is now at Northern Iowa. Mill Valley moves to the Eastern Kansas League this year. That offers a bone-chilling mid-season schedule, where the Jaguars will face 6A state runner-up Blue Valley, 5A semifinalist St. Thomas Aquinas and 4A-Division 1 champion Bishop Miege in consecutive weeks.

The last time Bishop Carroll had a losing season, Bill Clinton was the President of the United States, the first version of the PlayStation was released in America and Full House aired its final episode (or so everyone thought, until it was revived on Netflix this year). Yes, a 3-6 season in 1995 was a long time ago. The Golden Eagles carry 20 straight winning seasons into 2016, and this is unlikely to be the year that streak ends. Carroll comes off an 11-2 season that ended with a loss to Mill Valley in the 5A state title game.

Carroll won the championship in 2014.

“The game experience is only a small fraction of what they gained. The truth is, this equates to eight extra weeks of practice in the past two years,” said Carroll coach Alan Schuckman. “This practice time helped develop their skills and gets them ready for varsity football this year.”

So while Bishop Carroll only returns four starters on both sides of the ball, the Golden Eagles benefit from large numbers and reserves having seen varsity playing time – Carroll won its 11 games by an average of 31 points, often giving way for the starters to rest.

The Golden Eagles’ run game will fly behind Adam Theis and Gage Gotchschalk, who combined for over 1,500 yards

and 27 TDs. Their breakaway ability will benefit an entirely new o-line and new quarterback Braden Howell.

Carroll has star pairings on the defense, as well.

Linebackers Riggs Robben and Luke Evans provided 80 tackles and seven sacks a year ago. Linemen Robert Garcia and Martin Esquivel broke through for 13 sacks. Together, that quartet was responsible for 48 TFLs. Carroll has three losses in the past four seasons. Wichita Northwest and Salina South are responsible for two of them, and are Carroll’s first two opponents this year.

St. Thomas Aquinas likely had the finest 9-3 record in Kansas in 2015. The Saints’ three losses came to eventual state champions – a 38-20 loss to 5A champ Mill Valley in the season opener, a 41-21 defeat by 4A-Division I winner Bishop Miege in week four and a 5A semifinal loss to Mill Valley, 45-28, to put Aquinas’ season to a close.

If Aquinas intends to be back in the title quest – and that is the unspoken potential of any team coached by Randy Dreiling – the Saints’ defense needs to shoulder the pursuit.

Aquinas does not have a starter returning on offense from a unit that churned out 38.5 points per game and reached at least 20 points each week.

The defense gladly will accept that responsibility. Aquinas stonewalled opponents in 2015, preventing eight of them from even reaching 14 points. Free safety Jared Flood pursued 71 tackles and three interceptions, while fellow defensive back Nick Bulleigh ran down 63 tackles and two sacks. The linebackers will be sound, with juniors Dan Bollig (54 tackles, two sacks), Joseph Clune (60 tackles) and Ryan Jurzak (33 tackles, two fumbles forced) protecting the middle. The line will need to mix in new pass rushers and run stoppers, but Angel Dominguez, a 6-foot-4-inch, 270-pound freight train, and Iowa State commit, comes off of 42 tackles and five sacks as a junior.

Aquinas has been the state runner-up three times, including Dreiling’s first year in 2014, but has not captured a title. The Saints have pushed as deep as the semifinals 12 times, including 2015.

Goddard-Eisenhower’s first-ever trip to the 5A postseason was a memorable one that nearly took the Tigers to the top of the throne. Eisenhower, 7-5 in 2015, was a state semifinalist, an abrupt turnaround after two previous 2-7 seasons.

“We bring back a great core of leadership with a very experienced senior class, and the junior and sophomore groups feature very talented players,” said Eisenhower coach Marc Marinelli.

Two stalwart offensive linemen will hold the door open for the Tigers’ attack. Left tackle Parker Jones and center Cameron Bradley are each three-year starters. Jones is coming off a season where he received first-team all-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division II honors. They offer two stable protection pieces for returning quarterback Mason Madzey. “Offensively, we will be led by senior QB Mason Madzey, a three-year starter, who we consider to be one of the state’s best dual-threat QBs with over 1,800 yards of offense last year,” Marinelli said.

The linebacker unit is the heart of the Tigers’ defense.

Seniors Trey Trudo and Teyton Loveland return to their posts, while Justice Moore could become a star from the outside. Eisenhower’s defense depends on development north of the linebacker wall. Senior Tanner Orand will be tasked with being the steady hand for an inexperienced group in the secondary. Lineman Adam Brown was a first-team allAVCTL selection as a junior.

Eisenhower has a knack for

KPG PRESEASON RANKINGS 1. Bishop Carroll 2. Mill Valley 3. St. Thomas Aquinas 4. Goddard-Eisenhower 5. St. James Academy Others: Goddard, Great Bend, Pittsburg, Salina South, Wichita Heights being the last man standing in close matches. In the past two seasons, the Tigers are 6-2 in games decided by 10 points or less.

“Expectations are extremely high and this group has the potential to be optimistically dangerous,” Marinelli said.

Sometimes the Thunder can go unseen, stuck in the clouds with no evidence of its existence other than a rumble.

St. James Academy made sure to bring a little lightning for the audience in the 5A postseason in 2015, securing the program’s first-ever playoff victory with a 41-20 strike over Lansing.

Imprinting its mark on the playoffs was a start, but St. James would like to bring the whole storm. The program has become a tough out for opponents in Tom Radke’s previous five seasons. He followed a 4-5 campaign in 2011 with marks of 7-2, 6-4 and 6-3 before the 9-2 masterpiece of 2015. St. James won its first six battles this past season before a regular-season defeat at the hands of eventual 5A champion Mill Valley. The Thunder were ousted from the postseason by rival St. Thomas Aquinas.

A defense that was one of the Top 5 in the class should be the calling card. Dylan Streeter and the aptly-named Zac Storm form a pair of shutdown corners, combining for five interceptions. Streeter showed his versatility as a junior, stepping in at RB to fill a void left in the backfield by injury.

Clay Lautt, the defending state wrestling champion at 170 pounds, joins them at free safety.

“Zac was the surprise of the year,” Radke said. “He took the starting corner job week two, was a huge force for us.”

Senior inside linebacker Bryce Steffens returns after securing a team-high 72 tackles. Lineman Travis Pickert sniffed out 36 tackles and two sacks of the edge.

The Thunder are on the move to the Eastern Kansas League. St. James’ first league game is at Blue Valley Southwest in week two. Weeks five and six provide riveting EKL showdowns at Blue Valley and home to Aquinas. St. James opens with an early measuring stick game at home against Mill Valley.

Great Bend will try to improve on a 7-3 record behind senior QB Jacob Murray who completed 113 of 207 passes

continued on page 44

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TREVOR KENT PITTSBURG

BY CONOR NICHOLL

Photo by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com

Pittsburg senior tight end Trevor Kent knew little about Northwestern. Kent had seen the Wildcats on TV several times.

However, Northwestern messaged Kent over Twitter and had liked some film.

Soon, Kent talked with Wildcat coach Pat Fitzgerald, also a former AllAmerican Wildcat linebacker. Fitzgerald offered the 6-foot-5, 253-pound Kent, who is ranked as a three-star prospect.

He is the state’s No. 1 tight end and ranked No. 11 nationally, though could play defensive end in college.

“I was just astonished,” Kent said. “It was my first offer. I was speechless. I didn’t see it coming at all. A great feeling. They really liked my athleticism, and they think I have a really high ceiling for how to play the game. They love my motor. In my film, they liked how I go hard every play, and I finish out with an intensity on all my plays.”

Soon, a bevy of offers came. Iowa State was next. Michigan came, an offer that Kent labeled a “really big turning point.” Kent said he received around five offers in the next two weeks following the Wolverines. Oklahoma and Nebraska were among those who also offered.

Still, Kent eventually verbally committed to Northwestern on March 23, citing “world class academics, an outstanding football program and great people” in a Twitter post. Kent carries a 3.6 GPA and has helped the Purple Dragons post back-to-back 9-2 records, its first postseason trips since 2007. He is expected to major in business.

Kent was the sixth player in the Wildcats’ 2017 verbal commits to commit before March 24.

Of the 17 verbal commits as of June, five are from Ohio, five from Texas and two from Illinois. Kent is the lone Kansas player.

Northwestern was ranked No. 17 by Rivals.com in late June with its class off to a strong start. The Wildcats have ranked between No. 54 and 80 every year from 2005-16, according to the Rivals database.

Kent is just the fourth Kansan to commit/sign with Northwestern since 2002, joining Free State defensive tackle Fred Wyatt (’14), Aquinas tight end Drake Dunsmore (’07) and Newton tight end Mark Koehn (’03).

Dunsmore is the Wildcats’ all-time leader in career receiving yards by a tight end and was a Tampa Bay draft pick. Koehn played in 35 career games along the defensive line, while Wyatt is trying to come back from an ACL injury. Kent is currently tied for the second-highest recruiting ranking by a Wildcat in the last three years.

“Just talking to the coaches, they didn’t really bother me a lot like other coaches,” Kent said. “Whenever they talked to me, it was really genuine stuff, stuff that I needed to know, important stuff, and they really came off as genuine people.”

“Finally, when I got to go up there and met them and met all the players, they were just really the kind of people I want to be around, and they were really sincere about everything they had said, and they really put academics first, and it’s proven by their results in the classroom,” he added.

Last season, Kent helped Pittsburg post its second straight excellent season – and overcome some preseason doubters. In 2014, senior running back Alex Barnes, now at Kansas State, rushed for 2,361 yards and 38 scores, both SEK records as Pittsburg won a postseason game. The Purple Dragons had a total margin of 460-181 and had its best finish since 2004.

Last season, the Purple Dragons tallied 457 points and allowed just 145, the program’s best scoring defense since 2008.

“I think everybody kind of looked at them and said, ‘It’s going to be a down year, because they lost Alex,’” Kent said. “They thought they weren’t going to be good, so it really put a chip on their shoulder, and they worked super, super hard, and they bonded really close as a team. We played fast. Everybody played hard every rep. We weren’t the biggest team, but they all played hard, and so that allowed us to be good.”

This fall, Pittsburg’s schedule is likely to become significantly tougher. The Purple Dragons have ran through the SEK the last several years and haven’t lost a league game since a 41-20 loss to Fort Scott in Week 3 of the 2012 season, the only conference loss in the last six years. Last year, Pittsburg went 5-0 in league and outscored opponents 237-34.

Pittsburg will leave the SEK in football only and has a schedule that features Midwest powerhouse Webb City (Mo.), Carl Junction (Mo.) and several Kansas teams, including Fort Scott, Chanute and Bonner Springs.

Fort Scott and Chanute have historically had the best success of SEK squads versus Pittsburg. As well, the different schedule will likely better equip the Purple Dragons for the new 5A/6A playoff format this season that’s based on seeding rather than districts.

“I am looking forward to it, and I think a lot of our guys are looking forward to it, because we have outgrown that league,” Kent said. “And it wasn’t helping us when we got up to the playoffs, because it was a total change of pace, so now we are picking up Webb City, and a couple of other big 5A schools, and that’s just going to prepare us better.”

Like last season, Pittsburg has to replace significant losses, including quarterback Spencer Turnbull, all-state linebacker, and team leader, Will Mengarelli, fullback Dante Menghini and running back Sherrick Rogers. Kent, senior wide receiver/defensive back Elijah Harris and senior lineman Kayne Hutchinson form a solid core.

“You get that every year, and I think it’s going to be one of those things where you see this summer who is going to step up and take that spot,” Kent said. “A lot of those younger guys I am sure are going to work their butts off this summer – I am going to make sure that they work their butts off – and we have a lot of spots to fill, so I think it is going to be a good, competitive thing for the guys on our team on who is going to step up and take the job.”

Conor Nicholl is a sportswriter from western Kansas who has covered teams from across the state for the past 10 years.

Photo by Jeanie Rose

ANGEL DOMINGUEZ ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

BY CONOR NICHOLL

Photo by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com

Randy Dreiling won seven state titles in 17 years at Hutchinson before he took the St. Thomas Aquinas job prior to the 2014 season.

Aquinas, a traditional power with 26 state playoff appearances, but no state crowns, had just finished 3-7. One of Dreiling’s early contacts was to Angel Dominguez, who started as a freshman.

Dreiling asked what jersey number Dominguez wanted to wear – the defensive end chose No. 7, a jersey he still has – and a relationship started.

Several years later, Dominguez has helped turn the Saints’ program around.

Dreiling, not normally effusive in praise, paid high compliments of the 6-foot-4, 255-pound Dominguez, an Iowa State commit.

“A lot of coaches say a lot of things about players, but when you hear something like that, you know that it’s the real deal,” Dominguez said. “He is not going to be playing around. … When he says someone is good, they are solid.”

In Dreiling’s first season, Aquinas enjoyed a six-win improvement to 9-4 and lost to Bishop Carroll in the Class 5A state title game.

Last season, Aquinas opened the season No. 1 in 5A and went 9-3 with a pair of losses to eventual 5A champion Mill Valley, including in the semi-finals.

Dominguez finished with 42 tackles, including 11.5 tackles for loss and five sacks.

As a sophomore, Dominguez delivered 37 tackles, six TFLs and four

sacks.

Dominguez listed his key traits as play recognition, hard work and defensive adjustments. Most of his sacks have come from the outside, but some of the negative plays are off blitzes and ‘B’ gap penetration.

“I watch a lot of game film just like he tells me to,” Dominguez said.

This season, Dominguez will again start at defensive end and will likely see plenty of snaps at tight end for the first time in his career.

Aquinas returns significantly more players off a defense that allowed 17.8 points per contest, sixth-best in Class 5A. The offense, which averaged 346 rushing yards per game, has to replace quarterback Karter Odermann and its top-six running backs, including James Cosentino (970 yards).

“It’s going to be a whole entire new team,” Dominguez said. “We are going to have to prove ourselves our first couple games.”

Dominguez committed to the Cyclones, a program that has struggled for victories. Iowa State hasn’t had a winning season since a 7-6 mark in 2009, went 3-9 last fall and annually has one of the nation’s toughest schedules with Big 12 play and its non-conference game versus in-state rival Iowa.

Iowa State was Dominguez’s first offer. A three-star recruit, Dominguez picked the Cyclones over Oklahoma State, Kansas and Northern Illinois.

“They just really made me a top priority when they offered me, and they have stayed in contact with me every single day, and then what really pushed me over the edge with wanting to commit there is their DL coach, Coach (Eli) Rasheed,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez has been coached by his dad throughout his life. He went to the Iowa State spring game and noticed Rasheed “coaches exactly” like his father.

“The way he pushes his players is just like how my dad is, just real rowdy and fun,” Dominguez said.

The following Monday, Iowa State saw Dominguez work out. Later that afternoon, Dominguez called his father, told him he wanted to commit, and did.

Dominguez is excited about new Cyclone head coach Matt Campbell, formerly at Toledo. When Dominguez committed on April 25, he became the 10th Cyclone to commit for 2017. Iowa State was ranked No. 24 nationally and third in the Big 12.

In the final 2016 Rivals recruiting rankings, Iowa State stood No. 52 nationally and eighth in the Big 12.

“He is going to be a big impact,” Dominguez said of Campbell.

Dominguez has also benefited from Aquinas and the challenging Eastern Kansas League. Aquinas annually competes for state titles in virtually all sports and won crowns in boys’ golf, track, baseball and girls’ soccer this spring alone. The Colorado Rockies selected Saints pitcher Riley Pint with the No. 4 pick in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft this June.

“It’s a blue ribbon school,” Dominguez said. “Everyone is going to college, and just everyone is doing something.”

The EKL, arguably the state’s best football conference, had its top four squads all finish with at least eight victories.

“I feel like we are the No. 1 league in Kansas,” Dominguez said. “So many powerhouses. Each one of our schools has done something real big.”

Bishop Miege won Class 4A-I, while Blue Valley finished Class 6A runner-up. Last year, Dominguez went against offensive lineman A.J. Harris, a four-star recruit from Blue Valley who signed with Mizzou.

“Helps a ton playing against D1 athletes all the time,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez has taken on a leadership role with some of the Saints’ younger players expected to step up in key skill position roles, specifically sophomores Jayden Russell and Cameron Jackson.

Dominguez called the pair “a dynamic duo.”

“I have been pushing them,” he said.

The defense returns three of its top-four tacklers with junior Jared Flood, senior Nicholas Bulleigh and junior Joe Clune.

“Our defense is going to be pretty solid,” Dominguez said.

Conor Nicholl is a sportswriter from western Kansas who has covered teams from across the state for the past 10 years.

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 4 4

5A Overview continued from page 39 for 1,703 yards with a 14/4 TD/INT ratio. He also led the team with 205 carries for 772 yards and 17 scores. Senior Bryce Lytle is one of Kansas’ top targets with 57 catches for 1,049 yards and eight scores. Junior Andrew Morss played in six contests but had nine catches for 203 yards and two TDs, and senior Brayden Smith collected 20 grabs for 194 yards with four TDs. The Panthers were plus-7 in turnover margin on 21 turnovers forced but were remarkable with scoring off the plays. Linebacker Trent Mauler recorded a teamhigh 117 tackles and 12 TFLs. Goddard will try to improve on a 6-4 record behind experience in the trenches and a capable one-two punch of RB Kody Gonzalez (1,034 rush yards, six TDs) and QB Blake Sullivan (1,069 rush yards and 15 rushing TDs, as well as 1,281 and 15 through the air).

Pittsburg has key pieces back from a 9-2 team, including top recruit Trevor Kent. Coach Sam Sellers called 2015 “very disappointing,” and hopes the Salina South Cougars will rebound from a 5-5 record behind 21 returning lettermen. Valley Center improved to 3-6 in 2014, and then 4-5 this past season, and return 19 total starters for Caleb Smith, a former Derby assistant, who could have the Hornets ready to sting. Kapaun and Wichita Heights should also make some noise in class 5A. Kapaun will have to find a replacement for Brock Monty, while Heights has a strong defense with seven returning starters.

Simply Spectacular Smiles Bulleigh Orthodontics wishes all area football teams the best of luck this school year!

Shawnee Office 6804 Silverheel St. Shawnee, KS 66226

Overland Park Office 8600 West 95th St. Overland Park, KS 66212

Phone: 913-441-7321 www.bulleighortho.com

CLASS 5A Photos by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com Features by Tyler Gier

Photo by Matt Gilmore, Kpreps.com

Museum - Built by the Eisenhower Foundation, with funds raised through public gifts, the Eisenhower Presidential Museum is constructed of Kansas limestone. Originally dedicated on Veterans Day in 1954, the Museum was built to house the materials and objects related to Dwight D. Eisenhower’s life. It contains over 30,000-square feet of gallery space, with exhibits showing not only the fine art objects collected by and given to Eisenhower, but also the story of his careers as military leader and President of the United States.

The Museum is divided into five major galleries consisting of an introductory gallery, a changing exhibits gallery, a First Lady’s gallery, a military gallery, and a presidential gallery. Of special interest and importance is the changing exhibits gallery. A different exhibit is presented periodically so that repeat visitors can always experience something new.

(Courtesy Eisenhower Presidential Library)

In May the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home in Abilene, was host to the Kansas Pregame Class Feature Shoot. Dozens of Kansas football players traveled from across the state to be part of this special feature photo shoot at one of the state’s most important historic landmarks. Their features, written by Tyler Gier, are on the following pages.

Sports • Recreation • Events • Facilities

THE SCOOP Spectacular facilities, a convenient location, affordable accommodations and unmatched hospitality are why Crawford County continues to be the home to numerous championship caliber sporting events. As home to Pittsburg State University, we have the amenities and facilities of much larger cities. That’s why the NCAA, NJCAA, NAIA, Babe Photo by Matt Gilmore, Kpreps.com Ruth, the Kansas Shrine Bowl and more continue to choose Crawford County to host their championship events. You’ll always feel like a winner, when you compete in Crawford County.

VisitCrawfordCounty.com/sports

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

ADAM BROWN

Pa g e 4 7

DALTON COWAN

WYATT HUBERT

BRYCE LYTLE

QUINTON MCQUILLAN

“Freak of Nature!” That’s how Goddard-Eisenhower coach Marc Marinelli describes 6-4, 250 pound senior d-end, Adam Brown, adding, “Great intensity in all things, he’s the kid you want your son to be when he grows up.”

Brown helped lead Eisenhower to a 7-5 overall record and an appearance in the 5A semi-finals last fall in just the fourth season of football for the nearly new school. The Tigers finished 2-7 in 13’ and ‘14, 1-8 in ‘12.

Brown was named Ark Valley Chisholm Trail DII First Team D-Line and All-State Honorable Mention, but says he isn’t satisfied with a SubState Runner-Up finish, he’s looking to play in the final weekend this November, and “to be a better a student-athlete.”

Junior Colleges have shown the most interest in Brown with a couple of offers, with a variety of four-year schools showing some interest.

“Friday nights, crowd, playing under the lights, and the brotherhood,” are what Brown enjoys most about the game.

Highly successful Scott City coach Glenn O’Neil will begin a new era in 2016 at Topeka Seaman. O’Neil will attempt to provide a turnaround for the Vikings who went 2-7 in 2015.

QB Dalton Cowan, a 6-3, 190 pound senior, will be expected to lead the turnaround. In ‘15 Cowan completed 100 of 195 passes for 1,200 yards with a 12/5 touchdown/ interception ratio. Cowan also added 440 yards rushing and seven TDs. O’Neil is expecting a big season from Cowan, on and off the field.

“Dalton has stepped up and taken on more of a leadership role so far in my early stages at Seaman,” O’Neil said. “Obviously, he has the physical tools to be an outstanding player. As the offense becomes more clear to him, we will expect him to take it up another notch to make the correct checks at the line of scrimmage.”

Cowan sees football as the “ultimate team sport” and his leadership shows in his selflessness. “...I would give up all personal goals to achieve our team goal of winning the 5A State Championship.”

Hubert, a 6-3, 240 pound defensive end, is one of the state’s top recruits, and has already committed to play at K-State next fall, but this fall, he hopes to use his size and quickness to repeat as an AllCentennial League pick, and help Shawnee Heights make a run in the playoffs.

Hubert recorded 64 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and seven sacks in ‘15, and made a splash on the offensive side too with 29 receptions for 235 yards as a tight end.

T-Birds head coach Jason Swift said Hubert is “a tremendous talent that also is one of the hardest workers on the team.”

In the weight room Hubert benches 325 pounds, squats 420 and cleans 315. The hard work off the field shows between the hashmarks.

“On the field, (Hubert is) a physical player who is athletic enough to use speed, hands and quickness to make an impact on both sides of the ball,” Swift said.

Lytle, a 5-9, 155 pound senior wide receiver, will look to team up with Great Bend returning starting QB Jacob Murray to slice up defenses again in 2016.

Last season Lytle reeled in 57 receptions for 1,049 yards and eight touchdowns, while Murray produced 2,475 total yards and 31 total TDs. Former Panther coach Tony Crough, now at Andover, said Lytle is the best route runner he’s seen. “The kid is great, and can really play ball.”

New head man Erin Beck hopes to use the Murray-Lytle connection to advance the Panthers past the opening round in the playoffs. After sweeping the district in ‘15, Great Bend fell to Maize South, 26-14.

Lytle hopes to record over 1,000 yards receiving again, and improve on his eight receiving TDs of ‘15.

“What I like most about football is the fact that you have to come together as a team and essentially become a family,” Lytle said. “Selfish teams don’t succeed in football and it really shows on the field what kind of character you have as a person.”

McQuillan, an imposing 6-3, 230 pound running back, sets the tone for the Lansing Lions. “During the game Quinton will set the physical tone of our offense,” Lansing coach John McCall said. “(He raises) the rest of the team up to his level.”

McQuillan’s best asset may be his selflessness. “He’s a great team player, and knows that if teams focus on him the other running backs will be opened up for success, as well as play action passing,” McCall said.

But, McQuillan can take over a game if he needs to. “Late in games, his size and speed can dominate the fourth quarter as teams get worn down trying to slow him and his teammates,” added McCall.

McQuillan averaged 7.2 yards per carry, while rushing for 1,147 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2015. The senior was named Kaw Valley League First Team Running Back and Honorable Mention All-State.

The Lions are on a somewhat surprising six year playoff streak. Last year’s 6-4 finish was their first winning stint since an 8-2 season in ‘10.

KADE REMSBERG

BRYCE STEFFENS

KONNER SWENSON

SAMMY WHEELER

KEEGAN ZARS

Remsberg, a 5-11, 181 pound senior, can flat out fly. The Newton Railer RB has twice recorded official 40 yard dash times under 4.4 seconds, and, as a sophomore won the 5A State 100 and 200 meter dashes in times of 10.76 and 21.85 seconds.

In 2014 Remsberg placed second in both events. A hamstring injury kept him from State this spring.

His speed led to 1,212 rushing yards, a 7.4 yard average, with 11 TDs in ‘15. On defense Remsberg recorded 38 tackles and two interceptions, one he returned for a TD. “Kade is a tremendous athlete with great speed, vision, and ability to change direction,” said Tad Remsberg, Kade’s father, and the Newton track coach.

The 2015 USA Today All-State defensive back loves the “electricity and atmosphere (of football), and being with all my teammates on Friday nights.”

Remsberg, plans to play college football, and currently holds offers from Division I schools KU and Yale, and service academies Air Force and Army.

St. James Academy enjoyed a breakout season in 2015 finishing with a 9-2 overall record and Regional Runner-Up in the 5A State Playoffs.

Senior linebacker Bryce Steffens (6-1, 225), who tallied 72 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery last fall as a junior, and 43 tackles as sophomore with two more interceptions, is putting pressure on himself and his team to exceed last season’s results.

“My personal goals are to go out and play every down like it’s my last, play to my potential, and to lead my team to victory,” Steffens said. “Team goals are to play Thunder football and win a State Championship.”

Steffens likes “the team aspect of (football) and the “brotherhood and the life lessons that come from it.”

Missouri Southern has offered Steffens a football scholarship next fall, and Steffens reports interest from FCS schools Northern Iowa, North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Missouri State, Southern Illinois, and several other DII schools.

The Eagles have seen a steady decline in the win column since 2013 bottoming out with a 1-8 record in 2015. If Maize is to right the ship in 2016, big senior Konner Swenson (6-5, 250), will be in the trenches anchoring the line. The multi-season starter along the o-line for the Eagles, earned all-league and allstate honors as a sophomore and junior, and puts up big numbers in the weight room with a 325 pound bench, 460 pound deadlift, 280 pound clean, and 415 pound squat.

Swenson wants to stay injury free his senior season and wants to “win a league championship and go on into postseason.” Maize hasn’t played in the postseason since a 6059 five overtime first round loss to Manhattan in 2013.

Swenson is a team leader and likes the “camaraderie” of football. “I also like the aggressiveness that goes along with the sport.”

He is one of the best throwers in Kansas track and field, as was his sister, Keiryn, who plays basketball and throws javelin for the University of Arkansas.

St. James’ 2015 breakout season ended with a 42-7 loss to St. Thomas Aquinas in the quarterfinals of the 5A State Playoffs. Sammy Wheeler, the senior signal caller for the Thunder, who this summer verbally committed to play at Kansas State after high school, plans on being a big part of helping St. James advance further in 2016.

The 6-4, 193 pounder completed 21 of 37 passes for 328 yards and a 3/1 touchdown to interception ratio in a backup role last year. He was a starter at receiver for the Thunder.

“My goals for our team is to take the next step for our program and get a State Championship,” Wheeler said, adding his favorite part of the game of football “is the relationships and the brotherhood with teammates.”

“You go to battle with them and have each other’s backs,” Wheeler added.

Wheeler also excels in track and field, qualifying for the 5A State Meet the past two years in the high jump, and, Wheeler...has wheels, turning in a 4.67 40 yard dash.

Zars, a menacing 6-4, 295 pound senior, anchored a Mill Valley offensive line in 2015 that paved the way for 3,124 rushing yards and 2,580 passing yards and a 12-1 record.

The Jaguars won the 5A State Championship with their only loss coming out of state to Staley, Mo. Zars was named all-league and honorable mention all-state.

“Keegan is a very smart football player,” Mill Valley coach Joel Applebee said. “He is a tremendous athlete for his size. A true leader on our team.”

This season Zars is looking for similar results as 2015 with goals to “win the EKL and repeat as 5A State Champions.”

Zars is aiming to be named first team all-league and all-state, and a GKCFCA Scholar athlete.

The Air Force Academy (FBS) and Davidson (FCS) have offered Zars a football scholarship and K-State, KU, Wyoming, Northern Illinois, and several FCS schools have shown interest.

Zars likes the “competition and competitiveness” of football.

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 4 8

ANDOVER

ARKANSAS CITY

BONNER SPRINGS

EMPORIA

Andover shifts from the Mike Lee era to the new Tony Crough era. Lee’s tenure ended with a 1-8 record in 2015, but it was one that brought several outstanding seasons over nine years for the Trojans – Lee compiled a 51-37 mark with six winning seasons. Crough arrives from Great Bend, where he was 10-9 over two years, including a 5A playoff berth this past season.

Crough brings a spread offense as he looks to kickstart the Trojans’ drives. Andover was checked for 17.4 points per game last year and graduated QB Eli Renoux. The new signal caller on the field will have several weapons in the passing game, as Evan Bell, Ben Smith and Parker McCafferty return.

Senior RB Robert Bundy will run behind bulky linemen Will Valentas and Cooper Dreifort.

The Trojans bring back five starters on defense.

The bulk will come in the linebacking corps, which will benefit Andover as it morphs into a 3-5 scheme.

It takes a team to scrape together wins in the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League, but it was no coincidence Arkansas City’s season took a tailspin in 2015 after the loss of quarterback Brock Dowler.

Dowler dazzled in week one, throwing three TDs and scrambling for two more in a 42-25 victory over rival Winfield. He broke his collarbone in week two, and the Bulldogs suffered eight straight losses.

After scoring 42 points in week one, Ark City was held to 87 in the final eight weeks.

Dowler, now a senior, gets one last curtain call as he leads the Bulldogs into 2016. He is a veteran, starting as a sophomore when he threw for 800 yards and ran for 500 more.

The Bulldog defense was hammered for 34.4 points per game a year ago.

“We gave up way too many points last season, and our focus all off-season has been on getting our best athletes on that side of the ball,” said Ark City coach Braden Smith.

Bonner Springs may be the poster child for 5A and 6A converting to an all-inclusive week nine playoff system. The Braves rolled through their first seven games with a 32-point average margin of victory, including a week seven district victory over Kansas City Turner. But Bonner Springs stumbled in weeks eight and nine, falling to Mill Valley and St. James Academy – the 5A champion and a quarterfinalist – to finish 1-2 in district play and see its season close despite a magnificent 7-2 record.

Along with a new playoff formula comes a new coaching era. Lucas Aslin was a late departure this summer, bolting from Bonner Springs after five seasons, a 29-17 record and two postseason trips. His previous o-coordinator, LaDrew Murrell, takes over.

Replacing the production of QB Connor Byers will be Murrell’s first test. Byers, now at Ottawa University, threw for 1,664 yards and 20 TDs and added 1,048 and 13 on the run. RB Marcell Holmes, 683 yards and eight TDs, also departed.

If the offense can adjust, a well-oiled o-line will be the reason. Jacob Freese and Caleb Brungart are three-year starters, and Blaine Grimes enters his second year. Freese, a massive 6-foot-4-inch, 325pounder, was a first-team pick in the Kaw Valley League as a junior.

If the 5A postseason structure shuffle came one year earlier, Emporia would have been an unlucky draw for their potential first-round opponent. As it is, the Spartans spent November watching football from the stands. Emporia lost to Kapaun by six and Wichita Heights by two in district play before thumping Andover by 48. Emporia was simply a good team caught in a quality district and on the wrong side of the math equations. The season concluded with a 4-5 record and a third straight playoff miss.

The Spartans will not have to worry about that now, with week nine beginning the all-inclusive playoffs.

Seven starters are back on both sides. The offense can pound the rock with fullback Sawyer Slayden, who carried 95 times for 466 yards as a sophomore. If a new QB can be developed, the Spartans can air it out, too, with 200-yard receiver Bryce Crouch and 100-yarder Damon Good as reliable senior hands. Dependable tackle Evan Grayson is one of three returning Spartan linemen.

Crouch, a DB, and LB Troy Smith provide two ballhawks on defense, but there is a gaping hole in production to fill after the graduation of Centennial League Defensive Player of the Year Nick Kirmer.

1-8 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 5A Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division II Coach: Tony Crough (1st year; 3rd overall, 10-9) Assistants: Dustin Murray, Ernie Hager, Logan Singhisen, Shane Pope, Derek Base, Shawn Woods, Austin Bohanon Offense: Spread Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense Evan Bell, WR, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Will Valentas, OL, 6-4, 290, Sr.; Cooper Dreifort, OL, 6-3, 285, Sr.; Robert Bundy, RB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Connor Schillings, DE, 62, 205, Sr.; Chase Knackstedt, LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Ben Smith, WR, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Parker McCafferty, RB/WR, 5-7, 155, Jr.; Casey Mayes, LB, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Grant Staehr, LB/DB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Slade Swan, LB/DL, 5-11, 190, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

GODDARD

1-8 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 5A Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division II Coach: Braden Smith (4th year, 7-20) Assistants: Caleb Hartman, Curt Massey, Anthony Whetstone, Matt Koehn, Adam Dorsey, LK Giger, Wes Stammers Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Brock Dowler, QB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Logan Butler, OL, 6-5, 315, Sr.; Mason Flower, WR/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Jake Shaw, DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Dominique Marr, LB, 5-9, 200, Sr.; Malik Lolar, DB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Corbin Hockenbury, OLB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Andrew Brautman, WR, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Jacob Nelson, OL/ DL, 5-10, 265, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

GODDARD-EISENHOWER

Eisenhower’s first trip to the 5A playoffs was a memorable one. Eisenhower, 7-5 in 2015, was a The most glaring improvement in Goddard’s rise state semifinalist, an abrupt turnaround after two has been its play in the trenches. With experience previous 2-7 seasons. digging in all along both sides, Goddard will again “We bring back a great core of leadership with a build off its line play. very experienced senior class, and the junior and Goddard may have the best wrestling defensive line in the state. The Lions’ front returns senior Cale sophomore groups feature very talented players,” said Eisenhower coach Marc Marinelli.

Davidson, a 5A state wrestling champion at 182 Two stalwart o-linemen will hold the door open for pounds and three-time state qualifier, and junior Dayton Driskill, a two-time qualifier. Senior lineman the Tigers’ attack. Left tackle Parker Jones and Ethan Wright swapped from offense to defense this center Cameron Bradley are each three-year starters. Jones is coming off a season where he past season, and in turn scored himself secondreceived first-team all-AVCTL Division II honors. team all-AVCTL Division II honors.

They offer two stable protection pieces for returning The o-line plugs in four returners with the size to quarterback Mason Madzey. shove around defenders. AJ Vang, a 260-pound “Offensively, we will be led by senior QB Mason junior, is an anchor with a mean streak. He was a Madzey, a three-year starter, who we consider to be first-team all-league pick. Three-year starter Justin Dean (225 pounds) was an honorable mention as a one of the state’s best dual-threat QBs with over 1,800 yards of offense last year,” Marinelli said. junior. Senior Angel Garcia (250) and junior Chod The LB unit is the heart of the Tigers’ D. Seniors Morrow (225) round out the returners. That quartet Trey Trudo and Teyton Loveland return, while will pave the way for a one-two punch of RB Kody Gonzalez (1,034 rush yards, six TDs) and QB Blake Justice Moore could star from the outside. Lineman Adam Brown was first-team all-AVCTL as a junior.

Sullivan (1,069 rush yards and 15 rushing TDs, as well as 1,281 and 15 through the air).

7-5 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 5A Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division II 6-4 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 5A Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division II Coach: Marc Marinelli (4th year, 11-19; 7th overall, 32-29) Assistants: Shane Harden, Enrique Coach: Scott Vang (5th year, 14-25) Espinoza, Eli Schmidt, Graham Ratzlaff, Shane Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Paulus, Russ Wells, Corey Flax, Cary Dinkle, Colby Kody Gonzalez, RB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Justin Dean, White Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 OL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Angel Garcia, OL, 6-3, 250, Sr.; Ethan Wright, DE, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Cale Davidson, DE, Returning lettermen: 31 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense 6-2, 195, Sr.; Cole Caraway, OLB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Justin Amaro, LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Blake Sullivan, QB, Mason Madzey, QB, Sr.; Parker Jones, LT, Sr.; Cameron Bradley, Sr.; C; Adam Brown, DL, Sr.; 6-0, 180, Jr.; AJ Vang, OL, 6-2, 260, Jr.; Chod Tanner Orand, DB, Sr.; Teyton Loveland, LB, Sr.; Morrow, OL, 6-4, 225, Jr.; Dayton Driskill, DL, 6-0, Kyle McCaskey 210, Jr.; Kendall Gonzalez, CB, 5-10, 170, Jr. KM Trey Trudo, LB, Sr.

KC-JC HARMON Based on what J.C. Harmon coach Steven Jackson has seen from his players and coaching staff this offseason, the Hawks are committed to succeeding this season. Between 12 and 20 players have regularly attended Harmon’s offseason weight training sessions – up from between five and eight players who regularly attended in 2015, Jackson estimated during a recent phone interview. “(The) coaches (also) have shown they’re committed by not just showing up in August…. (They’re) putting in work now with the kids, getting the offensive schemes in, the defensive schemes in,” Jackson said.

In addition, the Hawks had an “active June” with their participation in seven-on-seven competitions, according to Jackson.

2-7 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 5A Kansas City-Atchison League Coach: Steven Jackson (5th year) Assistants: Taylor Counts, Jermaine Slay, Leon Washington, James Penrod, Marshal Grayson, Steven May Offense: I-Formation Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 10 Offense, 8 Defense Chris Young, QB, 6-1, 150, Jr.; Drevontae Tiller, RB/ LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Justin Porter, C, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Juan Lugo, OL/LB, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Tyis Gatlin, OL/DL, 6-2, 260, Jr.; Philip Cowans, TE/DE, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Rashawn Rawlings, WR/DB, 5-7, 165, Jr.; Braylan Johnson, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Josh Lichter, DE/WR, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Edgar Contreras, LB, 6-1, 185, Sr. Roney

7-2 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 5A Kaw Valley League Coach: LaDrew Murrell (1st year) Assistants: Jarrett Hernandez, Kyle Razak, Sheldon Farrell, Eric Kinney, Aaron McGhee, Monty Bechard, Preston Pyles, Josh Fahlgren Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 35 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Caleb Brungardt, OL, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Jacob Freese, OL, 6-4, 325, Sr.; Dustin Hopkins, LB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Charlie Gray, LB, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Sean Singleton, DL, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Caden Henley, WR, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Jamison Jackson, DB, 6-4, 185, Jr.; Blaine Grimes, OL, 5-10, 225, So. Kyle McCaskey

4-5 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 5A Centennial League Coach: Corby Milleson (3rd year, 7-11; 6th overall, 13-33) Assistants: Randy Wells, Jay Adkins, Phil Thornton, Jason Williams, Kody Thexton, Mike Sauer, Terry Taylor, Donovan Hamilton, Keaton Tuttle Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Bryce Crouch, WR/DB, 5-7, 140, Sr.; Troy Smith, LB, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Jonathan Juarez, DL, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Tommy Secord, RB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Kyle Ayer, OL, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Evan Grayson, OL, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Damon Good, WR, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Brent Hastert, DB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Jonathan Olsson, L, 6-5, 250, Jr.; Ruben Sotelo, DL, 5-9, 210, Jr.; Joey McKinsey, DL, 5-11, 230, Jr.; Sawyer Slayden, FB, 5-9, 180, Jr. KM

GREAT BEND The Panthers were one of the state’s biggest surprises last year when they jumped from 3-6 to 7-3 and a district title. In the offseason, Tony Crough left after two seasons as Panthers’ head coach to take the Andover job.

GB lost, 26-14, versus Maize South in the first round of the playoffs. The Panthers had its first playoff berth since 2010 and second since ’07. GB recorded seven defensive TDs, four off fumble recoveries. That broke the 11-man state mark of three fumble recoveries for TD set by Burlington in 1984, according to the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.

The Panthers graduate all-state lineman Alex Deist but do return plenty of talented skill players.

Senior quarterback Jacob Murray completed 113 of 207 passes for 1,703 yards with a 14/4 TD/INT ratio. He also led the team with 205 carries for 772 yards and 17 scores and was a strong punter with 38 yards per attempt with 14 of 40 inside the 20.

Senior Bryce Lytle is one of Kansas’ top targets with 57 catches for 1,049 yards and eight scores in nine games. Junior Andrew Morss played in six contests but had nine catches for 203 yards and two TDs, and senior Brayden Smith collected 20 grabs for 194 yards with four TDs. The Panthers were plus-7 in turnover margin on 21 turnovers

forced and were remarkable with defensive scores.

Linebacker Trent Mauler recorded a team-high 117 tackles and tied for Panther lead with 12 TFLs. New coach Erin Beck was previously an asst. at Great Bend and Truman, Missouri. Beck is married to Cindy Keeley, a former GB standout who helped Washburn win a DII women’s basketball title.

7-3 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 5A Western Athletic Conference Coach: Erin Beck (1st year) Assistants: Bill Maddy, Eric Steiner, Cody Carlson, Brandon Wells, Jeff Lutt, Dustin Klassen, Kelly Brack, Bryce Wells, Nathan Broeckelman, Tony Chesney Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: 22 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Bryce Lytle, WR, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Jacob Murray, QB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Payton Mauler, LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Cal Marshall, RB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Jensen Randall, LB, 511, 185, Sr.; Dominique Rideaux, NG, 5-7, 215, Sr.; Brayden Smith, WR, 6-4, 185, Sr.; Aaron Clark, OT, 6-6, 275, Jr.; Noah Presson, OT, 6-5, 270, Sr.; Nick Reed, CB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Mason Yellow Wolf, SS, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Braulio Vargas, FS, 5-9, 180, Sr. CN

KC-SUMMER ACADEMY Sumner Academy coach Andrew Wright is expecting some growing pains during his second year of leading the Sabers.

“Every time I study coaches and their second year, there’s always a struggle…. We want to avoid that, but we lost 13 seniors,” Wright said recently by phone. In addition, the Sabers are “young all the way around,” with just “three seniors that, really, (have) played significant time for us,” according to Wright.

“This year’s going to be a big experience year for a lot of our kids…. We have a lot of talent in our sophomore class,” he said. “We also have a lot of good freshmen, but … we’re not going to put our freshmen out there yet because I don’t think they’re ready for varsity high school football.”

4-5 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 5A Kansas City-Atchison League Coach: Andrew Wright (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: Jeremy Todd, Austin Bennett, Marcus

Nolan, Mason Denk, Steve Williams, Geoff Wright Offense: Pro-style Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: 6 offense, 3 defense Javen Betts, C, 5-10, 200, So.; Nahshon Houston, QB, 5-10, 160, So.; TaVaughn Sappington, WR/CB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Ricky Bowie, OT/LB, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Rian Neely, NT, 5-9, 300, Jr.; Jace Smith, OG/DT, 5-11, 285, Jr.; Josh Shultz, FS/TE, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Weah Landford, OT/DE, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Kylen Lindesay, S/RB, 5-10, 155, Sr. Shawn Roney

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Sometimes the Thunder can go unseen, stuck in the clouds with no evidence of its existence other than a rumble. St. James Academy made sure to bring a little lightning for the audience in the 5A postseason in 2015, securing the program’s firstever playoff victory, a 41-20 strike over Lansing.

Imprinting its mark on the playoffs was a start, but St. James would like to bring the whole storm.

The program has become a tough out for opponents in Tom Radke’s previous five seasons. He followed a 4-5 campaign in 2011 with marks of 72, 6-4 and 6-3 before the 9-2 masterpiece of 2015. St. James won its first six battles last season before a regular-season defeat at the hands of eventual 5A champion Mill Valley. The Thunder were ousted from the playoffs by rival Aquinas.

A ferocious defense that was one of the Top 5 in the class should again be the calling card. Dylan Streeter and the aptly-named Zac Storm form a pair of shutdown corners, combining for five interceptions. Streeter showed his versatility as a junior, stepping in at running back to fill a void left in 6-4 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 5A the backfield by injury. Clay Lautt, the defending Kaw Valley League state wrestling champion at 170 pounds, joins Coach: John McCall (3rd year, 10-10) them at free safety.

Assistants: Dylan Brown, Kraig Goerl, Byron “Zac was the surprise of the year,” Radke said.

Mays, Martez Wesley, Trent Schneider, Dave “He took the starting corner job week two, was a Parrish, Marcus Vaughn, Jeff Gourley huge force for us.”

Offense: Wing T Defense: 3-3 Senior inside linebacker Bryce Steffens returns after securing a team-high 72 tackles. Lineman Returning lettermen: 11 Travis Pickert was powerful off the edge, sniffing Returning starters: 3 Offense, 5 Defense out 36 tackles and two sacks.

Jalen Douglas, WR/DB, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Justin The Thunder are on the move to the Eastern Green, DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Henry Myrick, RB/DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Ryan McCarthy, OLB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Kansas League. St. James’ first league game is at Blue Valley Southwest in week two. Weeks five Quinton McQuillan, RB, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Josh and six provide riveting EKL showdowns at Blue Robinson, TE, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Dryden Dalbey, LB, Valley and home to Aquinas. St. James opens 6-0, 200, Sr. Kyle McCaskey with an early measuring stick game at home against Mill Valley.

MAIZE

1-8 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 5A Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division I Coach: Gary Guzman (6th year, 20-26; 25th overall, 120-113) Assistants: James Hammett, Rob Helm, Rocky Helm, Aaron Leichner, Victor Mercado, JJ Milanovich, Brett Soft, Wade Watkins Offense: Spread Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 22 Returning starters: 11 Offense, 5 Defense Jake McClure, OL/DL, Sr.; Jake Doerflinger, WR, Sr.; Destin Ellis, OL, Sr.; Tyson Love, WR, Sr.; Jake Shields, WR, Sr.; Garrett Stover, OL, Sr.; Konner Swenson, OL, Sr.; Jake Taylor, WR, Sr.; Chris White, OL, Sr.; Chandler Kelley, DB, Sr.; Austin Schaefer, LB, Sr.; Dawson Sramek, DB, Sr.; Dalyn Johnson, RB, Jr.; Brayden Payne, QB, Jr.; Antonio Espinoza, DL, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

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Lansing traded wins and losses its first six weeks before sweeping through its three district games by margins of 26-or-more each time. The Lions were a quick exit in the 5A postseason, however, ousted by St. James Academy 41-20.

Lansing has qualified for the playoffs 16 times, but holds a 2-16 all-time playoff record.

The Lions have a pride of running backs to exhaust defenses. Senior Quinton McQuillan, an all-Kaw Valley League first team honoree, has the biggest roar. He toted the rock 15.7 times a game on his way to 1,171 yards and 17 TDs. His senior counterpart, Henry Myrick, tacked on 369 rushing yards. Senior wideout Jalen Douglas offers a reliable target for the winner of the starting QB job.

Myrick, Douglas and Justin Green give the Lions a trio of defensive backs to contain the aerial attack. Those three combined to swipe five interceptions. Linebacker Dryden Dalbey checked in with 66 tackles and two sacks. Ryan McCarthy joins him to bolster the linebacking corps.

Longtime partners in the run game, junior Dalyn Johnson and senior Konner Swenson will take one more shot together at slicing and stomping defenses for Maize’s offense. Both have started since they were freshmen. Swenson is one of the best linemen in the state, a massive force tossing aside defenders to carve out a path for Johnson, a shifty running back.

The offense’s resurgence starts with that duo, but is buoyed by returning starters across the board. Junior QB Brayden Payne has four senior WRs to look to, and he should be provided plenty of time to peruse his options behind five senior linemen. The Eagles scored 18.9 points per game in a 1-8 season a year ago.

There are newcomers needing to get up to speed to replace defections on the defense.

Junior Antonio Espinoza returns at end after netting second-team AVCTL Division I honors. In the secondary, seniors Chandler Kelley and Dawson Sramek were honorable mentions.

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9-2 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 5A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Tom Radke (6th year, 32-16; 11th overall, 54-43) Assistants: Mike Consiglio, Matt Joshi, Larry Beashore, Jared Herzet, Jerome Tucker, Tanner Hageman, Chris Walters, Alex Keith, Cole Orrick, John Lanfranca, Tim Hebberger, Jake Heller Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 21 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Bryce Steffens, ILB, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Nick Kalny, LT, Sr.; Travis Pickert, DE, Sr.; Conor Mehrer, DL, Sr.; Sammy Wheeler, QB, 6-4, 204, Sr.; Dominic Stean, ILB, Sr.; Dylan Streeter, CB, Sr.; Clay Lautt, FS, Sr.; Connor Mayfield, LB, Sr.; Mason Dunsmore, WR, Jr.; Nick Farnsworth, DT, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

LEAVENWORTH Leavenworth has this goal for 2016: daily improvement. “We will have a very young football team,” Pioneers coach Mark Littrell stated recently via Leavenworth’s team questionnaire.

That “young football team,” however, includes five seniors who started during Leavenworth’s 2-8 2015 campaign: Jacob Bohnemann, Wade Jackson, Terrance Johnson, Arik Parker and Jonathon Sculley. Bohnemann and Johnson will be among the WRs the Pioneers will rely on in the spread offense. Jackson, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound RB, will likely get the call when the Pioneers run.

Parker and Sculley will help anchor the o-line, with Sculley at center and Parker at guard. In addition, the 6-2, 240-pound Sculley will help to anchor the defensive line.

Parker and Jackson will help provide leadership to Leavenworth’s linebacker corps. Bohnemann and Johnson will be among the defensive backs.

Leavenworth’s other returning starters are Truman Thomas and Anthony Gould. Thomas, a 6-2, 215-pound junior, is an offensive and defensive lineman. Gould, a 5-9, 155-pound sophomore, should play at RB and WR on offense, and help out in the secondary of the 3-4 defense.

2-8 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 5A Sunflower League Coach: Mark Littrell (4thyear, 12-19; 83-52 overall) Assistants: Kurt Bangle, Cole Cannon, Tim Dorian, Steve Hopkins, Chance Navarez, Sean Sachen, Gary Soske, Steve Taylor, Cole Williams Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 4 Defense Arik Parker, LB/G, 5-9, 210, Sr.; Jacob Bohnemann, WR/DB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Jonathon Sculley, C/DL, 6-2, 240, Sr.; Wade Jackson, RB/ LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Terrance Johnson WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Truman Thomas, OL/DL, 6-2, 215, Jr.; Anthony Gould, RB/WR/DB, 5-9, 155, So. Roney

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Liberal finished 2-3 at home and 0-4 on the road and tallied just 99 points while it allowed 326. The Redskins finished second to last in 32-team Class 5A in scoring offense. The Redskins tallied just 200 yards of offense per contest, including 130 on the ground.

Liberal achieved its usual early season victory against Guymon, Okla. (30-21 in Week 2) and then struggled in WAC play with 29-0, 69-0, 42-6 and 386 losses. In district play, the Redskins fell 56-15 to Goddard, 27-6 at Eisenhower and defeated Arkansas City, 17-6, to end the season.

Liberal dropped back from its 4-6 year in 2014 and missed the playoffs for the first time in three years. Liberal has not had a season above .500 since a 6-4 mark in 2005.

Graduated quarterback Jared Hasik completed 47 of 130 (36 percent) of his passes with a 5/8 TD/INT ratio. Tyler Martinez paced the Redskins with 295 rushing yards.

Alan Fraire led the WAC with 127 tackles for a 2015 team that returned eight offensive and seven defensive starters. Fraire paced the conference in tackles the last two seasons.

“Our team goals are to have a winning season and to be in the running for our conference championship,” coach Caleb Cline said. “Our keys to success will be decided upon by our preseason commitment and the dedication of our athletes throughout the summer.”

2-7 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 5A Western Athletic Conference Coach: Caleb Cline (3rd year, 6-13) Assistants: Mike Cline, Trace Haskell, Aaron Sullenger, Rob Wilson, Craig Maynard, Will Slasor, Andrew Potter, Kyle Potts Offense: Power I Defense: 3-5-3 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Alex Nguyen, OL, 5-9, 290, Sr.; Brian Martinez, OL, 6-2, 280, Jr.; Daniel Wehling, TE, 6-1, 225, Jr.; Juan Rodriguez, RB/FS, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Cade Hinkle, CB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Ty Johnson, CB, 6-0, 150, Sr.; Elwin Trejo, DE, 6-1, 235, Jr.; Derryck Symons, OLB, 510, 210, Sr. Conor Nicholl

NEWTON If a school is foraging for a new leader of its football program, plucking one from the Alan Schuckman coaching tree is the place to start.

Newton hopes to grow its own dynasty with new coach Chris Jaax, who spent a decade as an asst. under Schuckman at Bishop Carroll. Jaax was a RB at Carroll before continuing his football career at Pittsburg State. He later went back to Carroll to coach TEs and special teams for Schuckman.

Carroll won titles in ‘12 and ‘14.

Newton does not come with an established pedigree. Nate Wollenberg resigned as coach after three seasons and an 8-20 record with the Railers, which did include a 5-5 season and 5A playoff berth in 2013. Newton was 1-8 this past season. The Railers have not reached the state quarterfinals since 2002.

“Change the team culture,” Jaax said of keys.

“Create a championship-caliber environment for the student athletes of Newton to thrive.”

Jaax does get to experiment with some of the most dangerous playmakers in the state. Senior Kade Remsberg and his 4.3 40-yard dash time have drawn the interest of Division I programs. He fills roles at wide receiver and running back. His quarterback, Landon Moore, returns to distribute the ball and has run in the 4.5s himself. Lineman Aidan Mills, who earned all-league honors on both sides of the ball, verbally committed to K-State.

1-8 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 5A Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division II Coach: Chris Jaax (1st year) Assistants: Mike Moore, Jason Pfannenstiel, Robert Guest, Tyler Swalley, Max Switzer, Zach Reed, Fred Schmid Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 7 Defense Kade Remsberg, RB/WR, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Landon Moore, QB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Casey Burbrink, C, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Aidan Mills, DL, 6-6, 260, Sr.; Jackson Forest, DL, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Drew Goerzen, DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Conner Garcia, DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Brenden Powell, LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Mike Vela, LB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Nic Voth, LB, 6-1, 210, Sr. KM

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OP-BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST There is no statistic for quality losses in high school football, but if there were, Blue Valley Southwest may have reigned supreme. The Timberwolves were 3-6 against some of the best northeast Kansas had to offer. Defeats came from 4A-Division I champion Bishop Miege, 6A runner-up Blue Valley, 5A semifinalist St. Thomas Aquinas and playoff qualifiers Pittsburg and Blue Valley North.

The defensive front should shore up with two allEastern Kansas League picks. Lineman Brett Sabath and linebacker Logan Auch were honorable mentions. Still, the margin between the elite and Southwest was larger than the Timberwolves would have liked. For that to change, the offense must gel in better fashion after being held to 145 points. That may come naturally with another year in the schemes of coach Anthony Orrick “It is our goal this season to improve upon the momentum we gained at the end of last season.

Coming into my second year at the school, we know our kids better and they know the expectations of the coaching staff,” Orrick said. “We

expect big gains in improvement each and every week in a very tough Eastern Kansas League.”

3-6 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 5A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Anthony Orrick (2nd year, 3-6) Assistants: Brandon Hawks, Nick Foster, Rich Troxel, Ki’anie Brooks, Dustin Barnes, Ken Braden, Rick Sabath, Kareem High, Cody Parks, Cole Chapman, Jarard Milo Offense: Pro Split Back Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Daniel Foulon, WR, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Dylan Pandjaris, WR, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Dane Pedersen, RB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Jack Sailer, RB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Josh Neil, OL, 511, 215, Sr.; Justin Hill, OL, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Brett Sabath, DL, 6-0, 265, Sr.; Caleb Ash, DL, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Logan Auch, LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Carter Gehl, CB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Nick Allen, LB, 5-11, 200, Jr.; Chris Logan, SS, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Cameron Townsend, CB, 6-0, 170, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

PITTSBURG Pittsburg is no longer competing in the Southeast Kansas League, as the Purple Dragons will compete as an independent this season after outgrowing their longtime conference.

The Purple Dragons have enhanced their schedule, hoping that playing stronger competition will better prepare them for postseason success in Class 5A, replacing dates with much-smaller SEK schools with games against Bonner Springs and Missouri schools Webb City, Carl Junction and Harrisonville. The Purple Dragons will still play SEK League teams Fort Scott and Chanute.

Despite the changing schedule, Pittsburg coach Tom Nickelson said the goals are the same.

“We want to maximize our potential with every player on the team,” Nickelson said. “We want to help build better people, better students and better athletes. We want to improve every day and be playing our best football at the end of the season.”

In 2015, the Purple Dragons went 9-2 for the second-straight season, securing the SEK League title for a seventh-straight and time.

The Purple Dragons have the state’s top-rated recruit in Trevor Kent, a 6-5, 252-pound senior TE/ DE who has committed to play at Northwestern of the Big 10, and is a Kansas Pregame coverboy.

Other two-way returning starters for the Dragons

are linemen Drew White and Kayne Hutchison and WR/DB Elijah Harris. Also, Nathan Woods returns at tight end, while Keyth Waltrip is a returning starter at linebacker.

The Purple Dragons will have some new faces at the skill positions, but the expectations are high in Pittsburg, as 26 total letterwinners return.

As far as a key to success, Nickelson said staying healthy will be crucial if the Purple Dragons want to make a deep postseason run.

“Avoiding the major injury will be very important this season,” Nickelson said.

Joel Benson, CPA Mary Benson, CPA

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OP-ST. THOMAS AQUINAS St. Thomas Aquinas likely had the finest 9-3 record in Kansas in 2015. The Saints’ three losses came to eventual state champions – a 38-20 loss to 5A champ Mill Valley in the opener, a 41-21 defeat by 4A-I winner Bishop Miege in week four, and a semifinal loss to Mill Valley, 45-28 to end the year.

If Aquinas intends to be back in the title quest – and that is the unspoken potential of any team coached by Randy Dreiling – the Saints’ defense needs to shoulder the pursuit.

Aquinas does not have a starter returning on offense from a unit that churned out 38.5 points per game and reached at least 20 points each week.

The defense gladly will accept that responsibility.

Aquinas stonewalled opponents in 2015, preventing eight of them from even reaching 14 points. Free safety Jared Flood pursued 71 tackles and three interceptions, while fellow defensive back Nick Bulleigh ran down 63 tackles and two sacks. The linebackers will be sound, with juniors Dan Bollig (54 tackles, two sacks), Joseph Clune (60 tackles) and Ryan Jurzak (33 tackles, two fumbles forced) protecting the middle. The line will need to mix in

SALINA-CENTRAL

The Mustangs averaged 35 points and 418 yards per game last season but its defense also permitted 35 points a contest, and lost their fifth straight to rival South. This time, the Mustangs lost a 21-point lead in the final 10 minutes. SC had three turnovers in the final 10 minutes and didn’t recover an onside kick. South won the game on a 4-yard run with 15 seconds remaining.

Central averaged 375 rushing yards a game behind 284 carries and 2,078 yards with 24 rushing TDs for since-graduated Dalton Peters. It marked the most rushing yards for the Mustangs 9-2 in 2015/ 2-1 in district / 5A since ‘06 Independent Coach: Tom Nickelson (6th year, 35-14) Senior Dylan Wentzel, who enters his third year Assistants: Ben Bernhardt, Matt Butler, Leroy as a starter, played well in an injury plagued seaO’Bray, Kris Mengarelli, Trevor Elliott, Jeff Johnson, son with 25 carries for 287 yards and two scores.

Cody Murdock, Luke Lee Senior all-state defensive end Isaiah Veal Offense: Multiple I Formation Defense: 4-3 returns after he was second with 81 tackles and Returning lettermen: 26 led the Mustangs with 18 TFLs. Tristan Harder is Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense the lone offensive linemen returning. Central has Trevor Kent, TE/DE, 6-5, 252, Sr.; Drew White, OL/ two offensive and three defensive starters back.

DL, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Kayne Hutchison, OL/DT, 6-0, “The lack of varsity game experience would defi250, Sr.; Elijah Harris, WR/DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; nitely be an area of concern (offensively) for the Nathan Woods, TE, 6-3, 222, Sr.; Keyth Waltrip, LB, 5-9, 170, Sr. Jason Peake Mustangs,” coach Mike Hall said. “…The size of the linebackers and inexperience will be an area where the Mustangs will have to have several players ‘Friday night’ ready.”

Salina Central has six state titles and three Mill Valley moves to the Eastern Kansas League Will Mill Valley be the favorite in the pursuit for the runner-up finishes but is 1-4 in the playoffs since 5A state championship? With only five returning this year. That offers a bone-chilling mid-season a state semifinals season in ’07. starters, no, probably not the favorite. But the schedule, where the Jaguars will face 6A state defending champs should have converted any non- runner-up Blue Valley, 5A semifinalist St. Thomas believers. It would be foolish to count the Jags out. Aquinas and 4A-Division 1 champion Bishop Miege 4-5 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 5A Ark Valley-Chisolm Trail Division I There is plenty of cushion if Mill Valley does come in consecutive weeks.

Coach: Mike Hall (11th year, 55-46) back down to Earth following a 12-1 season and its Assistants: Travis Benoist, Rick O’Neill, Ernest first state title. The Jaguars’ 42.9 points per game 12-1 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 5A Ballenger, Mike Kilgore, Eric Clayton, Derryl Hill, were best in 5A, and its 13.6 points allowed were Eastern Kansas League second best to only Pittsburg. Mill Valley scored at Coach: Joel Applebee (7th year, 48-16) Richard Brake, Tim Cross, Alan Shuler least 21 points in every game, and hit at least 40 Assistants: T.J. O’Neill, Mike Strack, Drew Hudgins, Offense: I-formation Defense: 4-4 nine times. Derby, the 6A champion, was the only TJ Finan, Alex Houlton, Zach McFall, Ian Nichols, Returning lettermen: 16 Kansas opponent to lose to Mill Valley by single dig- Rick Pollard, Eric Thomas, Geoff White Returning starters: 2 Offense, 3 Defense its – Mill Valley’s lone defeat was a week five loss to Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2 Dylan Wentzel, RB/WR, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Tristan Staley, Mo., 28-21.

Returning lettermen: 37 Harder, 5-10, 235, OL, Sr.; Isaiah Veal, 6-1, 192, “The Jaguars will return experience on the offenReturning starters: 3 Offense, 2 Defense DL, Sr.; Bryce Franco, 6-0, 205, DL, Sr.; Sumjai sive line featuring returning starters Keegan Zars, Keegan Zars, OL, 6-4, 285, Sr.; Jack Cooley, OL, 6- Kounnavong, FS, 5-10, 160, Sr. Jack Cooley and Mitchell Grissom,” said Mill Valley 3, 265, Sr.; DJ Graviette, DL, 6-1, 250, Sr.; Joel Conor Nicholl coach Joel Applebee. “Returning wide receiver Ben Donn, S, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Mitchell Grissom, OL, 6-2, Hartman and talented quarterback Brody Flaming 260, Jr. Kyle McCaskey will lead a talented young core of skill players on Dine-in, Carryout & Delivery offense.”

Bradley C. 785-827-8500 Daily, M.D. Safety Joel Donn protects the defense after piling 2935 S. 9th St. Todd M. up 74 tackles and three interceptions. The front line Carryout or Delivery Herrenbruck, M.D. boasts strongman Blaine Boudreaux, who chipped 785-825-4422 Michael J. 1200 S. Santa Fe Johnson, M.D. in 44 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and five sacks, and Dine-in or Carryout Byron L. DJ Graviette, who added on 32 tackles.

Grauerholz, M.D. 785-823-5169 The Jaguars graduated 12 first-team Kaw Valley Lindsy A. 550 S. Ohio St. 520 S SANTA FE, SUITE 400 SALINA, KS 67401 Newton, PA-C League selections, including Gatorade Player of the (785)823-2215 ● www.salinaortho.com Salina, KS Year Christian Jegen, who is now at Northern Iowa.

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new pass rushers and run stoppers, but Angel Dominguez, a 6-foot-4-inch, 270-pound freight train, comes off of 42 tackles and five sacks as a junior.

Aquinas has been the state runner-up three times, including Dreiling’s first year in 2014, but has not captured a title. The Saints have pushed as deep as the semifinals 12 times, including 2015.

9-3 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 5A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Randy Dreiling (3rd year, 18-7; 27th overall, 203-83) Assistants: Chad McKinnis, Pete Flood, Travis Thurston, Grant Dreiling, Chip Ahern, Chris Johnson, Justin Gore, Dillen Jackle, Sean Thompson, Chris Perez, Matt Sellers, Nelson Young, Lorne Parks, Lee Lonegren, Kevin Garvey, Steven Cline Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 25 Returning starters: 0 Offense, 6 Defense Nick Bulleigh, DB, 6-0, 177, Sr.; Angel Dominguez, DE, 6-4, 270, Sr.; Jared Flood, FS, 5-10, 163, Jr.; Joseph Clune, LB, 6-2, 240, Jr.; Dan Bollig, LB, 511, 190, Jr.; Ryan Jurzac, OLB, 6-2, 195, Jr. KM

SALINA-SOUTH There wasn’t much statistical difference between the 2014 season that produced a 10-2 record and last year’s 5-5 mark for South, especially in offensive yards per game. The ’14 team outscored opponents by an average of 35-22 and averaged 376 yards per game. Last year, the squad averaged 377 yards on 67 snaps, six more per contest than 2014.

However, the average margin was 30-28.

In 2014, South averaged 6.2 yards per play, finished with 14 turnovers, plus-10 in turnover margin, had two defensive/special teams scores and were 3-0 in games within seven points. Last year, South dropped to 5.6 yards per play, finished with 12 turnovers, and plus-3 in turnover margin and had no defensive/special teams scores. South went 2-2 in games within seven points, including a 14-7 loss to McPherson and a 29-26 district loss to Great Bend.

The loss snapped a 12-game district win streak.

In the contest, South had 17 more snaps, 11 more first downs and a 484-299 yardage edge. Yet the Cougars had three turnovers, including a pick-six, and had another drive end inside the 5-yard line. A 38-yard field goal as time expired came up short.

The Cougars had heavy graduation losses, including all-state wide receiver Dylan Becker (788 yards, 10 TDs) and tight end Trace Kochevar, who signed with Kansas State.

“We will have to lean heavily on our juniors and sophomores who are talented but will have to grow up quickly,” Sellers said.

Junior Casey Lanoue will take over at quarterback. Defensively, the LBs are experienced including Justin Sullivan (team-high 109 stops), and Evan Irish (85 tackles) also returns at linebacker.

Sophomore Cai Calvert will mark the sixth straight year a Calvert brother will start at free safety.

5-5 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 5A Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail Division I Coach: Sam Sellers (7th year, 47-27, 16th overall at South) Assistants: Chris Barkley, Justin Ebert, Kanean Wandell Offense: Pro/Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 21 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 4 Defense Demaj Smith, FB, Sr.; Jacob Marrow, OL, Sr.; Isaac Copes, OL, Jr.; Justin Sullivan, LB, Sr.; Evan Irish, LB, Sr.; Devin Johnson, CB, Sr.; Jared Stolzenberg, DL, Sr. Conor Nicholl Dine-in, Carryout & Delivery

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K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 5 2

TECUMSEH-SHAWNEE HTS. TOPEKA-HIGHLAND PARK Graduating a large senior class which led the team to the 5A state semifinals in 2014, Shawnee Heights figured to experience some growing pains in 2015. The T-Birds stumbled out of the gate, dropping their first six games - all by at least 28 points.

It wasn’t a lost season, however, and Heights pulled things together in district play to secure its sixth straight district crown and 11th straight playoff berth. After thrilling wins over Highland Park (27-26) and Seaman (33-26 in overtime) in district play, the T-Birds were drubbed 49-0 by Pittsburg in the playoff opener, ending a 3-7 season.

Looking for a bounce-back season this year, Heights will lean heavily on strong senior and junior classes which boast a number of multi-sport standouts and served as the scout team for the 2014 semifinalist. Jason Swift, in his 14th year as coach, believes his team might be the deepest it’s been since his arrival.

While the T-Birds suffered big graduation losses on the line, they return one of the premier ends in the state in senior Wyatt Hubert. Coming off a big junior season where he had 21 tackles for loss and seven sacks, Hubert earned a scholarship offer from K-State and committed to the ‘Cats last spring.

QB Trey Brown finished the season 64 of 140 for 883 yards and seven TDs — five of which went to returning senior receiver Cole Emerson. Brown is the only returner to rush for more than 200 yards.

When Faron Kraft took over at Highland Park last year, he knew he was taking on a big challenge. He found out how big as the Scots went winless.

Despite the record, Kraft felt his squad made strides in his first year and Highland Park did have its share of near-misses. Three of the nine losses were by less than a TD, including a 30-28 loss to KC Harmon and 27-26 to Shawnee Heights.

After having four different head coaching jobs in the previous four years, Kraft has devoted himself to the Scot program and enters the 2016 season looking to build on what he started last year.

Highland Park has plenty of experience back with nine starters returning on both sides of the ball, but depth continues to be a concern with only 14 total lettermen back. The Scots started last season with just 42 players on the roster.

Senior Jerry Evans led the Scots with 701 rushing yards last year and will be counted on to carry the offense as the team looks to replace starting QB Alex Rodriguez. All five linemen do return and if that group can clear some holes, Evans could have an even bigger year and help the Scots improve their 11.8 points per game scoring average.

Defensively, the strength for the Scots is at LB where senior Jaime Fernandez (84 tackles) and junior Angelo Plakio (90 tackles) each had at least 40 solo stops. Hi-Park gave up 44.7 ppg a year ago and Kraft hopes to reduce that number significantly.

TOPEKA-SEAMAN

TOPEKA WEST

One of the state’s top football/basketball combo coaches, Glenn O’Neil takes over at Seaman after a stellar nine-year run at Scott City. During his tenure, the Beavers posted an impressive 97-14 record, winning the Class 3A state title in 2012 and finishing runner-up in 2014.

Throw in four state basketball titles in the past six years and Seaman is getting a true winner in O’Neil to replace outgoing coach Blake Pierce. The veteran coach guided the Vikings to the playoffs 10 times in his 12 years before resigning at the end of last season for health/family reasons.

The Vikings found their way into the playoffs last year despite winning just two games, both in district play. Injuries decimated Seaman early, losing two starting linemen early.

While the injuries hampered the Vikings a year ago, they could pay dividends this year as several young players were forced to grow up quickly and now return as experienced veterans. That’s good news for returning senior QB Dalton Cowan, a three-year starter who amassed 1,517 yards of total offense last year.

The 2015 season looked an awfully lot like the 2014 season for Topeka West. In fact, it was eerily similar. West went 2-7 each year, starting the season with a win over KC Wyandotte and finishing with a win over Highland Park. After scoring 124 points and giving up 427 in 2014, the Chargers upped their offensive production slightly to 151 points while giving up a touch more, allowing 436.

Now in his fifth year as coach, John Tetuan hopes West take another step toward the program’s first winning season since 2005.

To get there, the Chargers will need to find some complements for senior QB Zach Shima. In his first season as a starter last year, Shima shined, throwing for a league-best 1,764 yards and 17 TDs. Though leading receiver Jordan Newby is gone, junior Chris Ellis returns after catching 28 passes for 364 yards. Developing some kind of ground game to take some of the pressure off Shima is a big key as Shima’s 317 rushing yards were more than half of the team’s total of 559 for the season.

2-7 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 5A Centennial League 2-8 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 5A Coach: John Tetuan (5th year, 8-28) Centennial League Brent Maycock Coach: Glenn O’Neil (1st year, 0-0) Assistants: Mike Lincoln, Travis Brown, Scott Peterson, Jerrick Jordensen, Tim Hebert, Richard ENTER Rhinehart, Mike Ragsdale, Daniel Ruda, Steve VALLEY C 3-7 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 5A 0-9 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 5A Lincoln Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-4 Centennial League Centennial League Returning starters: 7 Offense, 8 Defense Coach: Jason Swift (14th year, 66-71) Coach: Faron Kraft (2nd year, 0-9) Assistants: Jeremy Wells, C, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Parker Davidson, Assistants: Brad Nicks, Doug Holmes, Michael Carlos Kelly, Sale Isaia, Josh Black, Lashad Buffett, OT, 6-1, 290, Sr.; Cale Beam, TE/DE, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Good Luck !

Werner, John Oshel, Richard Lady, Luke Rampy, Ozzie Orozco Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Nick Steiner, WR/FS, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Simeon Sykes, Hornets Williams Skaggs III Returning lettermen: 14 WR/CB/P, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Dalton Cowan, QB, 6-3, Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 9 Defense 190, Sr.; Janson Garman, WB/CB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Returning lettermen: 26 Jerry Evans, RB, Jr.; Angelo Plakio, LB, Jr.; Taveion Mitchell Miller, DE/TE, 6-3, 210, Jr.; Matt Returning starters: 7 Offense, 8 Defense Lamb, LB, Sr.; Lazura Osayande, WR/LB, Sr.; Phil Schlossman, DT, 5-10, 155, SR.; Kevin Moranz, Trey Brown, QB, Sr.; Wyatt Hubert, TE/DE, Sr.; White, DB/P, Sr.; Tyree Florence-Patton, DB, Jr.; OLB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Walker Bassett, K, 5-10, 155, Kapaun Mt. Carmel is 23-9 over the past three Keegan Lebahn, OL, Sr.; Cole Emerson, WR/DB, Will White, WR/DB, Jr.; Jaime Fernandez, TE/LB, Sr.; Devon Temmon, FB/ILB, 5-9, 210, Sr.; Mike seasons. This year’s seniors were part of the Sr.; Jackson Murray, OL, Sr.; Gentry Fulks, LB, Sr.; Sr., D’Andre Phillips, OL/DL, Sr.; Alex Long, OL, Sr.; Latendresse, RB/ILB, 5-9, 155, Sr. Brent Maycock groundwork for keeping Kapaun near the top of the Christian Clark, DB, Sr.; Cade Holmes, OL/DE, Jr.; Zion Meadows, OL, Sr.; Isaiah Johnson, OL, Sr.; City League. However, those seniors will be tested Tanner Buckley, TE/LB, Jr.; Michael Hoffer, FS, Jr. Ja’Onte Swopes, OL/DL, Sr. Brent Maycock to bridge the gap with few returning starters. The Brent Maycock Crusaders are counting on recent tradition and Coach Terry Harrison has started his own storied capable back-ups reinforcing a vast exodus of crititradition, keeping the Falcons among the City cal graduates.

The last time Bishop Carroll had a losing season, League’s elite. Harrison is 22-11 in his first three “The defense will be aggressive and run well,” Bill Clinton was the President of the United States, seasons, reaching the state quarterfinals each year. said Kapaun coach Dan Adelhardt. “A good number In 2013, a crowd of freshmen football players at Valley Center listened to Caleb Smith’s vision for the first version of the PlayStation was released in Heights, 7-4 in 2015, is seeking a league title this of offensive skill players return who have a lot of America and Full House aired its final episode (or the program. Those freshmen, now seniors, year, but will rely on new names on offense. varsity experience.” become the ambassadors for the Hornets, witso everyone thought, until it was revived this year).

“We will be really young and rely heavily on our Among the production missing for Kapaun – firstYes, a 3-6 season in 1995 was a long time ago. sophomore and junior classes,” Harrison said. nesses to the payoff that comes with commitment. team City League linebacker Nick Nece, 700-yard The Golden Eagles carry 20 straight winning seaFullback Dejuan Scott is the only starter returning receiver Colter Hullings and 2,100-yard passer Valley Center improved from 0-8 in year one, to 3-6 in the backfield, but Heights always keeps a stock- Brock Monty, who has since moved on to Kansas in 2014, and then 4-5 in ‘15 – the first four win sea- sons into 2016, and this is unlikely to be the year son since going 8-1 in 2001. that streak ends. Carroll comes off an 11-2 season pile of explosive athletes to slot into its run game.

State. If conditioning allows it, the Crusaders may Tight end Alton Guidry and lineman Camron Fisher deploy some two-way players this season to ease Quarterback Wyatt Lange threw for 848 yards and that ended with a loss to Mill Valley in the 5A state are a pair of 235-pound veterans in Heights’ block- the transition. four scores, and also added 210 yards and five title game. Carroll won the championship in 2014.

“The game experience is only a small fraction of ing schemes. The Falcons scored 32 points per touchdowns on the ground, as a sophomore. He Running back Nick Channel is a premier piece to returns four of his favorite targets – Thayer what they gained. The truth is, this equates to eight game this past year. reload with. He gobbled up 534 receiving and 244 Terwilliger, Keyon Saunders, Kadin Pearson and extra weeks of practice in the past two years,” said Rising linebacker Javeon Johnson is the heart of rushing yards on his way to five scores as a sophoDalton Cross each racked up at least 100 receiving Carroll coach Alan Schuckman. “This practice time the defense. The line can create a push with juniors more. His blockers will be young with the exception yards in 2015, led by Terwilliger’s 294. Lange can helped develop their skills and gets them ready for Dalen Williams and Austin McCartney, both City of senior Kaleb Rust, a trusty 250-pound mauler also breathe easy behind a familiar offensive line, varsity football this year.”

League honorable mention selections as sophowho was an all-league honorable mention recipient. including Dillon Cotner, a three-year starter.

So while Bishop Carroll only returns four starters mores. Heights has the majority of its starters On the defensive side, senior d-end Jordan Paul “We will still be undersized compared to our oppo- on both sides of the ball, the Golden Eagles benefit returning, and the Falcons are counting on that nents and will have to utilize our experience to be from large numbers and reserves having seen var- experience paying dividends for a defense that was will be leaned on to set the tone for underclassmen filling in around him. successful,” Smith said. “We feel like we can comsity playing time – Carroll won its 11 games by an hit for 29 points per game.

Perhaps the schedule allows some margin for pete with anyone, but will need to play our best to average of 31 points, often giving way to backups.

“The 2016 season will be a big change for 5A footerror early – but if the Crusaders do not have a beat teams.”

The Carroll run game is fueled by Adam Theis and ball with the new playoff system put in place by smooth operation by mid-season, it could spell trouThe defense must overcome the graduation of Gage Gotchschalk, who combined for over 1,500 KSHSAA for this cycle,” Harrison said. “We have ble. Kapaun starts with Wichita Southeast, Andover defensive back Chase Crawford, a Shrine Bowl yards and 27 TDs. Their breakaway ability will put together a very demanding schedule that will and Wichita East, three programs rebuilding off 1-8 selection who accounted for 264 the last two years. benefit a new o-line and new QB Braden Howell. feature a week one match-up with Olathe North, Carroll has star pairings on the defense, as well. whom we last played in the 2010 and 2011 6A state campaigns. That follows with a challenging game against Wichita South, 5-4 in 2015. Then comes the 4-5 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 5A Linebackers Riggs Robben and Luke Evans prochampionship games. Also, league champion murderer’s row – Wichita Northwest (10-1), Wichita Wichita Northwest is back on the schedule, which vided 80 tackles and seven sacks a year ago.

Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division II Heights (7-4), St. James Academy (9-2) and closing Linemen Robert Garcia and Martin Esquivel broke will make the first two games of the season an Coach: Caleb Smith (4th year, 7-19) the regular season with rival Bishop Carroll (11-2). excellent opportunity for our young team to accliAssistants: Tate Lowe, Nick Barnes, Joey Craig, through for 13 sacks. Together, that quartet of Kapaun finished the 2015 regular season with six Chad Baalman, Dallas Boone, Jeff Sells, Tyler returners was responsible for 48 tackles for loss. mate to varsity football.” consecutive wins. The Crusaders earned a home Dunham Offense: Multiple I Defense: 3-4 game in the first round of the 5A playoffs, but were Returning starters: 10 Offense, 9 Defense 11-2 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 5A 7-4 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 5A stunned by Goddard-Eisenhower, 20-14.

Keyon Saunders, WR/DB/RET, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Greater Wichita Athletic League Greater Wichita Athletic Conference Thayer Terwilliger, WR, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Brett Hamm, Coach: Alan Schuckman (22nd year, 186-43; 24th Coach: Terry Harrison (4th year, 22-11) OG, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Dillon Cotner, OG, 5-8, 220, Sr.; overall, 201-48) Assistants: Jim Nance, Dusty Trail, Assistants: Jamie Jeffries, Matt Kelly, Ryan Alliman, 7-3 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 5A Greater Wichita Athletic League Ethan Bauguess, OT, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Zach Williams, Jimmy Allen, Matt Bye, Phil Blanton, Dave Paul Kempf, Todd Sacquitne, Jeremy Moss, Malik Coach: Dan Adelhardt (12th year, 66-43; 19th overOT, 6-2, 280, Sr.; Collin Sharp, DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Armagost, Brad Carey, Drew Rhodes, Josh Mans, Jaradat Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 all, 113-66) Assistants: David Roberts, Ryan Burr, Don Boone, OLB, 5-8, 180, Sr.; Sam Weldon, OLB, John Linnebur, Joe Frangenberg Returning starters: 3 Offense, 7 Defense 5-10, 195, Sr.; Jay Shank, ILB, 6-4, 200, Sr.; Patrick Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Jonathan Zimmerman, LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Torian Luke Westerman, Trent Hungate, Brad Spicer, Kyle Gillen, DE, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Chase Holle, NG, 6-0, Jenkins, DB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Aaron Bechtel, DB, 5-11, Stevens, Tyler Cahn, Zach Williams Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense 220, Sr.; Zach Williams, P, 6-2, 280, Sr.; Wyatt 190, Sr.; Camron Fisher, OL, 5-11, 235, Sr.; Alton Adam Theis, RB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Anthony Gallardo, Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-5 Lange, QB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Kadin Pearson, WR, 5-10, TE, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Ethan Lopez, WR, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Guidry, TE, 6-3, 235, Sr.; Dalen Williams, DL, 6-3, Returning starters: 4 Offense, 2 Defense 160, Jr.; Payton Stoffel, C, 5-8, 220, Jr.; Caleb Gage Gotchschalk, RB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Robert 215, Jr.; Austin McCartney, DL, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Kaleb Rust, OL, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Connor Shank, WR, Reins, FB, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Dalton Cross, DB, 5-10, Garcia, DL, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Martin Esquivel, DL, 6-0, Javeon Johnson, LB, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Caleb 6-0, 175, Sr.; Jordan Paul, DE, 6-1, 210, Sr.; David 205, Sr.; Riggs Robben, LB, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Luke Washington, LB, 5-9, 195, Jr.; Dejuan Scott, RB, 5- Akao, LB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Nick Channel, RB, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Tyler Boone, ILB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Aaron Kyle McCaskey 11, 195, Jr. Kyle McCaskey 190, Jr.; Michael Tomblin, SLOT, 5-10, 170, Jr. KM Coash, K, 5-11, 200, Jr. Kyle McCaskey Evans, LB, 6-2, 175, Jr.

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K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 5 3

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Class 4A-I Overview

Pa g e 5 4

overview

BY BRENT MAYCOCK The old advertising slogan went, “There’s Hertz, and there’s not exactly.”

Until somebody proves otherwise, a modified version rings true when it comes to Class 4A, Division I. Coming off dominating runs to back-to-back state titles, Bishop Miege finds itself in the position of alpha dog in the class and it’s hard to imagine that changing this year.

Sure, the Stags have some major holes to fill. Standout tailback Dawson Downing graduated as the program’s career-leading rusher and the defense lost reigning Eastern Kansas League MVP Kaelin Key. But no team in the class returns as much talent as Miege, which has gone 25-1 and outscored its opponents a combined 1,337-375 the past two seasons, last year putting up a whopping 742 points (57.1 per game). The Stags averaged 61.5 points per game in last year’s postseason and demolished an Andover Central team fielding three Division I players on offense 68-12 in the championship game.

In Carter Putz and Jafar Armstrong, Miege arguably boasts the best pass-catch combo in the state. As a sophomore a year ago, Putz stepped in for departed AllStater Ryan Willis and threw for 3,187 yards and 36 touchdowns with Armstrong — a Missouri commitment — his top target with 1,262 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Five other starters return on offense, including standout lineman Colin Grunhard, and the defense returns six starters, led by linebacker Joe Watskey. That’s more than enough to keep Miege as the heavy favorite to pull off a three-peat.

The biggest question facing 4A Division I is who will challenge the top dog? There’s no clear-cut answer.

After making its first state championship game appearance last year, Andover Central will have to reload.

The Jaguars lost their terrific trio of Darraja Parnell, Jordan Birch and Peyton Huslig to graduation and will have to lean heavily on a defense led by senior defensive back Cole Taylor and junior linebacker Clark Schoonover as the offense searches for new weapons behind three returning starting linemen.

Eudora gave Miege its closest game in the postseason, falling 52-20, but also is in full rebuild mode with the graduation of do-everything quarterback Grant Elston and all but three starters total.

Hayden gave the Stags a run for their money in the 2014 championship game and made the semifinals last year, but has dropped to 4A Division II this year.

Each of the remaining challengers have just enough question marks to make picking a leader of the group anything more than a spin of the roulette wheel.

Abilene came within an eye-lash of derailing Andover Central’s trek to the title game a year ago, but must replace dual-threat, three-year starting quarterback Harley Hazlett.

Leading receiver Ryan Wilson gets the task of filling that void and has plenty of talent around him in guys like Parker Base, Parker O’Neal and Sam Burt.

The Cowboys enjoyed a breakout year last year, finally surviving the class’ toughest district that included the likes of McPherson, Buhler and Hays. The district won’t be any easier with McPherson and Hays remaining and fellow North Central Kansas League foe and playoff qualifier Wamego moving up from 4A Division II to join the mix.

The Red Raiders started slow a year ago, but hit their stride late under first-year coach Lee Weber. The chemistry should be there from the word go this year and with Dillon Blain back at quarterback and a potential impact transfer in

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KPG PRESEASON RANKINGS 1. Bishop Miege 2. McPherson 3. Buhler 4. Andale 5. Maize South Others: Abilene, Atchison, Augusta, Basehor-Linwood, DeSoto, Independence, KC-Piper, Louisburg, Mulvane, Ottawa, Paola, Ulysses, Wamego linebacker Wyatt Patterson, Wamego won’t be an easy out.

Neither will McPherson, which should be extremely hungry after missing the playoffs last year for the first time in several years. The Bullpups might be as experienced as any team in the class, including Miege, with eight starters back each way. Staying healthy will be a key, however, as McPherson’s schedule is simply loaded, starting with the opener against Buhler.

The Crusaders were the final unified 4A state champion in 2013 and were bumped from the playoffs by Hayden each of the past two seasons. The dynamic duo of Jace Williams and Dillon Engelland no longer patrol the backfield for the Crusaders, and though veteran coach Steve Warner always finds a way to plug the holes, the Crusaders — like McPherson — have a brutal schedule with six games against schools that made the playoffs a year ago.

That includes Maize South, which drops from Class 5A after reaching the state quarterfinals a year ago. The Mavericks have posted at least eight wins each of the past

continued on page 64

JAFAR ARMSTRONG COLIN GRUNHARD

BY CONOR NICHOLL

JAFAR ARMSTRONG Phots by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com

COLIN GRUNHARD

Bishop Miege has rolled to back-to-back Class 4A-I state football crowns behind two quarterbacks, Ryan Willis and Carter Putz. Willis started multiple games as a true freshman QB for the KU Jayhawks last fall, while Putz, a Notre Dame baseball commit, stepped in as a standout sophomore in 2015.

Both quarterbacks, though, benefited from a pair of important links: the same center (Colin Grunhard) and No. 1 wide receiver (Jafar Armstrong).

Grunhard is the son of former Chiefs offensive lineman Tim Grunhard, who previously served as Miege head coach, KU assistant coach, and is the current Stags’ offensive line coach.

Colin has started since his freshman year and his dad has been quoted as calling his son the smartest high school football player he’s ever known. The 6foot, 250-pound Colin Grunhard has relished leading the o-line and calling schemes.

“I am sort of like the quarterback of the o-line calling the plays,” Colin Grunhard said.

The 6-foot, 198-pound Armstrong caught 65 passes for 1,262 yards and 15 scores last year as a junior, and recorded 53 catches for 1,205 yards and nine TDs as a sophomore.

In 2015, Miege went 12-1 and outscored opponents 742-209, more than 200 points better than any other 4A-I squad.

“Carter, he was young when he came in, he threw the ball very well,” Armstrong said. “We got a lot of work in the past summer. He surprised everyone, but I knew that he can do it, and he was ready, and it was a great year.”

Putz threw for 3,187 yards with 36 scores against five interceptions in 2015. He and the Miege offense benefit from Stags assistant Justin Hoover, who has worked with Trent Dilfer and the Elite 11 program.

“He works with the best QBs in the nation,” Armstrong said. “He is one of the best QB coaches in the nation, so he is great at molding QBs and getting them to where they need to be, and also working with me, my routes and things I need to work on. He is just a great coach. He is great to have. Our offensive staff is one of the best in the city for sure, and we are just blessed to have that.”

In 2014, Miege finished 13-0 with a total margin of 595-166. That season, the first of the Class 4A split, Miege was the lone 4A-I team to not lose at least two games; the Stags paced the classification in scoring offense and defense.

This fall, Grunhard and Armstrong, Miege’s two most experienced players, look to lead the Stags to a third straight title.

Before 2014, Miege had captured one football crown since 1977, the 4A title in 2009, when Tim Grunhard was head coach.

While the 4A split has led to discussions about equity and the number of championship games, it’s also helped bring a dominance that the classifications have rarely seen.

Before the past two years, Class 4A had no repeat champions since Andale in 2006-07 and Wellington in 2001-02. This year, Andale bumps up to 4A-I. Andale captured the inaugural 4A-II crown in 2014 and lost in the semifinals to eventual state champion Holcomb last fall.

Class 4A-II retained traditional power Holton, while Topeka Hayden moved down a classification and

BISHOP MIEGE

Wichita Collegiate bumped up from 3A to 4A-II. “Just like buying into the summer workouts I would say, working a lot harder to get our goals,” Grunhard said of Miege’s rise. “A couple years ago, summer workouts would average 20 guys a day, and now we average 80, so that helps out a lot and get to know our offense a lot better and get a lot stronger and faster.”

Miege has benefited from the brutal Eastern Kansas League schedule once they get to the playoffs. They won the ’14 EKL crown and then delivered 63-0, 47-0 and 62-7 victories in the state playoffs before a 42-35 state finale victory against Hayden. Last fall, Miege lost 42-35 at Blue Valley in Week 3. An 8-1 regular season produced four straight playoff victories by at last 32 points.

“They are always really good, big schools, so we are ready for the 4A schools,” Grunhard said.

Grunhard and his siblings have surrounded themselves with sports throughout their lives. Tim won a national title at Notre Dame and started 164 of 169 NFL games in his career with the Chiefs.

“It’s awesome,” Colin said of his dad’s playing experience. “If I ever have a question about anything, he will probably answer it right away, and he is really good about teaching it and showing me what to do. … I really know the defenses, and I have seen a lot of schemes.”

The Grunhards have four children: C.J., twins Cailey and Colin; and Cassie, a junior.

C.J. was a former standout linebacker for the Stags and now attends Notre Dame. Cailey and Cassie are elite Miege swimmers.

Together, they swam on the 400-yard freestyle relay and 200 medley relay that won the 2016 Class 5-1A state championship.

Cailey, who verbally committed to swim for the Irish, captured the 100-yard butterfly state title in a time of 53.26, more than five seconds ahead of the field. She also won the 100 backstroke by more than three seconds in 55.15. The 200 medley relay, 100 fly and 100 backstroke all set state records.

Cassie finished second in the 100- (53.87) and 200-yard freestyles (1:55.73). In the team standings, Miege finished as state runner-up to BV Southwest.

“We are really close,” Colin said of his bond with his twin. “We’ve gone through athletics and that brings us together.”

Grunhard picked up his first Division I offer in the spring from the Air Force Academy. He called the offer “awesome” and “a big step for me.”

Colgate, South Dakota, and Northwest Missouri State have since offered as well.

Armstrong, the state champion in the 4A 200 meter dash, is one of the top wide receiver recruits in the Midwest, and a three star recruit by Rivals.com. He currently holds offers from Illinois, Kansas, New Mexico, Northern Illinois, South Dakota, Western Michigan, and Wyoming, but earlier this summer committed to the University of Missouri in the Southeast Conference.

In a mid-June verbal commitment announcement on his Twitter feed, Armstrong called Missouri one of his favorites schools growing up, and called the chance to play Division I football a “dream.”

But before he heads to Columbia to put on the black and gold, Armstrong will team up with Grunhard one more time in hopes of generating a third straight state championship for Bishop Miege.

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 5 6

Never Let Anyone Question Your Effort The Atchison High School Booster Club is proud to support Redmen football!

Commitment to Excellence • Redmen Pride

CLASS 4A-I Photos by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com Features by Tyler Gier

The Eisenhower Presidential Library The Pylons - Completed in 1956, the pylons were originally located in front of the Museum in a reflective pool; they were relocated to their current site in 1962. The pylons were a project of the Kansas Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in cooperation with the Soroptimists International clubs of Kansas (the Soroptimists raised funds for one of the five pylons).

(Courtesy Eisenhower Presidential Library)

In May the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home in Abilene, was host to the Kansas Pregame Class Feature Shoot. Dozens of Kansas football players traveled from across the state to be part of this special feature photo shoot at one of the state’s most important historic landmarks. Their features, written by Tyler Gier, are on the following pages.

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

SHANE BERENS The Indians took a step back in 2015 with a 2-7 record after a 7-2 season in 2014. Hays will look to Shane Berens to help right the ship from his tight end position on offense and as a defensive end on the opposite side of the ball.

Berens was an all-Western Athletic Conference performer for the Indians, and second year coach Randall Rath, on both sides of the ball last fall, and earned allconference recognition in basketball as well.

The 6-4, 230 pound senior runs a 4.83 second 40 yard dash and can squat over 400 pounds.

Berens also excels as a thrower on the track team and has received looks from Division I colleges for both football and track.

“Right now I’m kind of split on the decision of whether I want to play football or do track and field in college,” Berens said, but adds he likes the brotherhood of a football team.

“You create a bond with your teammates and they become like brothers to you,” he said.

Pa g e 5 8

DILLON BLAIN

DREW BONES

SAM BURT

JAMES CHANCELLOR

Last season Wamego entered district play with a 1-5 record, but coach Lee Weber credits QB Dillon Blain’s demeanor in lifting the Red Raiders to a district title and playoff win.

“His even keel and positive attitude in the face of adversity is one of the big reasons that our offense sparked up at the end of the season on our run into the playoff,” Weber said. The 6-3, 175 pound senior’s attitude also resonates with his teammates. “Dillon is our steady hand. His teammates respect his ability, leadership, and love him like a brother,” added Weber.

Blain completed 141 of 262 passes for 1,666 yards and 17 TDs in ‘15, good enough to earn honorable mention at both the league and state level. Blain earned all-state honors in basketball as well.

Blain wants another chance to advance through the playoffs in 2016. “My team goal this season is to get back to the playoffs and have a shot at the state title.”

Blain says he does want to be a college athlete, but would prefer to play college basketball.

Bones, a 6-5, 275 pound senior, started six games at offensive guard, and rotated on the defensive line, in 2014. Bones broke out in 2015 starting on both the offensive and defensive lines and earned all-league honors. All-State recognition came from Kpreps.com, the Wichita Eagle and the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Cyclone head coach Rob Hedrick lauded Bones’ attitude and leadership.

“He has the necessary attitude to excel at football,” Hedrick said.␣“He competes every play at practice and on game nights.␣He leads by example and leads from the front.”

Bones likes the teamwork that goes into the game of football.

“I love the fact of being part of a team that has to work together to be successful and that you are encouraged to be physical.”

FCS schools South Dakota, Illinois State, and Missouri State have offered the big lineman a football scholarship for next fall, along with Division II Emporia State, but Bones recently committed to Illinois State after camping there this summer.

The Abilene Cowboys won their first eight games of 2015 and advanced to the Regional round of the playoffs, losing a heartbreaker to eventual State Runner-Up, Andover Central, 35-34, to finish 9-2.

Sam Burt, a returning senior lineman, wants the Cowboys to bring home a State Championship in 2016.

“I want to be a part of the team that hangs the 2016 4A-Division I State Football Championship banner for our school and community.”

Burt, a 6-4, 230 pound all-league guard and d-end wants to lead continued Cowboy football success.

“When I first joined the AHS football team, the upperclassmen were strong leaders and mentors who managed to bond our team throughout the season,” Burt said. “I want to step up my senior year and be there to help my younger teammates.”

“I have enjoyed the physical challenge and strategic complexity of the sport since I began playing,” Burt said of his love for the game. “There is also a sense of camaraderie and community support surrounding my team that is extremely empowering.”

James Chancellor, a 6-3, 320 pound senior lineman for the Mulvane Wildcats, is ready to take another step forward in 2016 after steady improvement the past two seasons. In 2014 Chancellor was named All-League Honorable Mention defensive line and punter. In 2015 Chancellor brought home Second Team offensive line and punter recognition.

Mulvane head coach Dave Fennewald believes Chancellor’s “foot speed” sets him apart. “He moves extremely well for being 320 (pounds),” Fennewald said. “(His) first two steps are pretty explosive.”

Chancellor also plays for the Wildcat basketball team and Fennewald believes basketball has helped Chancellor’s football skills.

“I know (basketball) helped him keep his speed developing as he was growing.”

Chancellor’s goals for the fall include earning All-Metro honors and bringing home a State Title.

Chancellor would like to play college football and has received interest from junior colleges.

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K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 5 9

HARRISON CREED

DAI COYE HALEY

LEEROI JOHNSON

DALLIN MARINEE

ERIC SCOTT

Harrison Creed, a 6-6, 320 pound senior offensive lineman, committed to play football at Kansas State University after receiving an offer earlier this year. But before Creed steps on the field at Bill Synder Family Stadium, he has some goals to accomplish in his final season of high school football at Ulysses.

Creed wants “to be one the best offensive linemen in the state and be the most aggressive and dominating player on the field.”

Creed is aiming high for the Tigers even though they lost numerous lettermen, including Kansas Pregame coverboy, and K-State commit, Ian Rudzik, from last season’s 8-2 squad.

“We lost a lot of good players and a lot of leaders last season,” Creed said. “As a team we need to come together and leaders need to step up and we need to go win a state championship.”

Ulysses coach Jason Kenny believes Creed is one of those leaders. “Harrison is a good leader and role model to younger kids,” Kenny said.

The Atchison Redmen won their first eight games of the 2015 season, but a 38-21 loss to KC Piper in game nine left Atchison out of the playoffs due to the district points tiebreaker.

Dai Coye Haley, a bruising, 6-1, 285 pound, senior d-lineman for the Redmen, wants to take the next step and win the big games this fall.

“I’d like for us to have another great season and win the games that matter.”

Personally, Haley, who talled 64 tackles, with 21 for loss, and seven sacks last year, has some lofty goals for himself. “I want to be all-state,” Haley said. “I’ve been honorable mention for the past two years and I’m hungry for the real thing.”

Haley has caught the eye of several FBS and FCS schools along with a handful of junior colleges and has secured an offer from Columbia University of the Ivy League.

Wyoming, KU, and K-State have also expressed interest and Haley says he has heard from Missouri.

“I’m working every single day to secure those other offers,” added Haley.

LeeRoi Johnson, at 6-2, 230 pounds, is only entering his junior year at Tonganoxie, but he has already torn up the football field two years into his high school career.

Johnson was named to the KVL Second Team D-line and the SHUKC All-Defensive Team as a sophomore after recording 65 tackles, 15 TFLs, nine sacks and one forced fumble.

“LeeRoi is an asset to our team due to his athleticism, hard work and dedication to making himself and everyone around him better,” said Chieftain’s coach Al Troyer. “LeeRoi is a three sport athlete which allows him to be competing at a high level all year long.”

Johnson plays varsity basketball and has qualified for the 4A State discus the past two years, placing seventh in 2015 and fifth this spring.

Johnson is also focused in work off the field. “I want to dedicate my time in the weight room to improve my strength, speed, and agility,” Johnson said. “Work in the classroom also is going to be a priority this year, I need to continue to push myself in both areas.”

Dallin Marlnee, a 6-4, 210 pound senior linebacker, paced the Augusta defense in 2015 with 89 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

Augusta head coach Jason Filbeck says Marlnee’s greatest asset is his instincts.

“Dallin is a great player because he has tremendous instincts and doesn’t miss tackles. (He) has a great frame, good speed and he’s learning even more how to lead,” Filbeck said. “We think that he’s going to have a great senior year.”

Marlnee was named to All-League, All-Metro, and All-State teams last year, and has set goals to be there again this year.

“My personal goals are to be first team all-league and all-state like I was last year,” Marlnee said. “As well, I’d like to be All-Metro again and maybe be invited to play in the Shrine Bowl.”

Wyoming has offered Marlnee a football scholarship and K-State, KU, and Oklahoma State have shown interest as well.

Marlnee is also one of the state’s top pitchers during baseball season.

Eric Scott, a 6-2, 185 pound WR/ DB for Basehor-Linwood, is a versatile athlete that excels on both sides of the football and in numerous events in track and field.

On defense Scott recorded 48 tackles and four interceptions from his secondary position, and on offense Scott caught 14 passes for 223 yards and five TDs and added 66 rushing yards on 10 attempts.

Scott was the 4A Triple Jump Champ last spring with a 47’6.5” jump, the second best in the state.

Scott also placed second in the high jump with a mark of 6’6” and ran on the third place 400 meter relay team.

Along with his physical tools, Scott also has the clutch gene, according to Bobcats head coach Rod Stallbaumer. “Eric made many clutch plays for us in 2015, game tying touchdowns, game sealing interceptions,” Stallbaumer said. “(He) seems to have a knack for stepping up in the biggest moments.”

Scott has several football offers, including Illinois State, Northern Iowa, South Dakota, South Dakota State, Colgate, and NW Mo. State.

ADAM SMITH

PEYTON USHER-PEARSON

Atchison’s Adam Smith will make a position change this fall that may help the Redmen break through to the playoffs after missing out on the postseason in 2015.

The 5-9, 170 pound senior will take over under center after recording 17 receptions for 231 yards and nine touchdowns from his wide receiver position in 2015. Smith added 182 yards rushing on 15 carries. Smith will continue to roam the secondary from his safety position after recording 103 tackles, six TFLs and four interceptions in 2015.

Last season, Smith was named Kansas City-Atchison League Defensive Player of the Year and Honorable Mention All-State.

Even though Smith, whose father Jim is the head coach, is changing positions, he has set high expectations for himself setting a goal to throw and run over 1,000 yards.

Smith called “being out there in front of the fans on Friday nights and playing with my teammates” his favorite parts of the game.

Peyton Usher-Pearson, a 6-1, 250 pound lineman, missed the Bulldogs’ regular season finale and playoff game due to a torn ACL. However, Independence coach Carl Boldra says the senior will be back to contribute in 2016 and will be improved from his junior year.

“He is way ahead of schedule and will be better than ever this year.”

Boldra says Usher-Pearson is more than just a physical presence on the field. “(He’s a) great leader,” Boldra said. “(He) keeps everyone accountable as he works harder or just as hard as anyone.”

After recording 68 tackles, 14 TFLs and six sacks in ‘15, UsherPearson was all-SEK and all-state.

The senior thinks the Bulldogs can improve off their 7-3 record and first round playoff exit.

“I would love to see our team go undefeated and I believe we can,” Usher-Pearson said. “I hope we can go far in the playoffs.”

Usher-Pearson intends to play college football and reports he has interest from multiple FBS schools.

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K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 6 0

ANDALE

Jarad M. Waite, O.D.

As Andale moves up to 4A-I, it becomes the 1703 N. Buckeye smallest program by enrollment – 320 underclassmen when football classifications were determined – but the Indians’ reputation far precedes 785-263-7777 them. Coming off a 9-3 season, the Indians are Dine-in, Carryout, & Delivery 42-6 over the past four years. Andale is a staple of the state bracket, qualifiers in the past 14 seasons under coach Gary O’Hair with titles in 2006, 2007 and 2014.

“In general we return several skill players, but In Sean Price’s first season Labette Co. went 3-6 in 2015, a one win improvement from ‘14. Now, the will need to replace several guys up front on each side of the ball,” O’Hair said. “We have several Grizzlies hope to go a step further in 2016. good young players anxious to get their shot at The goals are high for Price’s second season in varsity football.”

Altamont. “We want to continue to build on what An offense that cobbled up 39.1 points per game was started last year,” Price said, noting players in 2015 should not miss a beat behind senior runare more comfortable running his schemes. ning back Zach Meyer, who bullied through Price expects to put a stronger team on the field, defenders for 1,500 yards on the ground with 8.2 too. “We will be much more physical after being in yards per carry. Senior quarterback Taylor Richter the weight room for a year now,” he said. is the counterpunch.

Price, who previously coached at Chetopa and Columbus, has 21 returning letterwinners, four “He is a dual threat QB that can run and throw returning starters on offense and five back on D. equally well,” O’Hair said. “Even though he had Senior Logan Dean returns at QB after passing for over a 1,000 yards rushing and 560 yards passing 2,054 yards with 21 TDs, averaging 228 passing last year, it’s his leadership ability and work ethic ypg, and earning all-league hon. mention. that make (Taylor) so valuable to the team.”

Speedy senior Isaiah McPherson earned firstAndale needs to find replacements at a few line team all-league honors at RB a season ago after positions, but has stability in Cameron Cothran, compiling 1,126 rushing yards and 11 TDs. Aiden Camp, Hunter Dixon, Grant Fairchild and Junior LB Tate Phillips earned hon. mention from Grayson Clevenger. the league after recording 63 tackles.

Price, who handles the play-calling duties, has 9-3 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I added Travis Burk, former head man at Oswego Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division IV and Humboldt, to the staff as his d-coordinator.

Coach: Gary O’Hair (15th year, 142-28; 26th overall, 212-61) Assistants: Tim Fairchild, Clay 3-6 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 4A-I Urbanek, Ted Easter, Travis Lies, Dylan Schmidt, Southeast Kansas League Derek Deegan, Mike Blasi, Jeff Geist Coach: Sean Price (2nd year, 3-6) Assistants: Travis Burk, Marcus Shearhart, Bradley Offense: Robust/Slot I Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Argabright, Doug Billingsly, David Brown Taylor Richter, QB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Davon Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Spexarth, RB/LB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Zach Meyer, RB/ Returning lettermen: 21 LB/RET, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Cameron Cothran, TE/DE, Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense 6-3, 210, Sr.; Aiden Camp, OL/DL, 5-11, 198, Sr.; Logan Dean, QB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Isaiah McPherson, RB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Skylar Gatewood, OL, 6-3, 260, Grayson Clevenger, OL, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Hunter Dixon, DL, 5-9, 200, Sr.; Jace Stuever, DB, 6-0, Jr.; Owyn Back, WR, 6-4, 170, Jr.; Quiency Jones, 165, Sr.; Tristen Dagenais, RB/DB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; DE, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Rogan Bruce, LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Braden Baker, LB, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Tate Phillips, LB, 5- Parker Bruce, WR, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Grant Fairchild, DE, 6-3, 190, Jr. Kyle McCaskey 8, 175, Jr.; Easton Dean, DB, 6-5, 210, So. Jason Peake

Abilene

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ABILENE Abilene wasn’t about to let history repeat itself in 2015, after starting the 2014 season 6-0, and then going 0-3 in district. Last year, the Cowboys were up to the challenge. Following another 6-0 start and second straight NCKL title, Abilene knocked off both McPherson and Hays before seeing an undefeated season end with a 21-7 loss to Buhler.

The postseason was filled with both ends of the thriller gamut, a 43-38 win over Ulysses to start the playoffs and a heartbreaking 35-34 loss to eventual state runner-up Andover Central in the quarterfinals, capping a 9-2 season.

A talented senior class led by the likes of Harley Hazlett and Trey Bender fueled the two-year run and will be sorely missed. Hazlett was an offensive whirlwind, rushing for 1,446 yards and 21 TDs and throwing for 1,101 yards and six scores, while Bender added 653 yards on the ground.

The offense will take on a slightly different look as leading receiver Ryan Wilson moves under center. Wilson had more than 500 yards receiving in ‘15, and spent limited time in the backup QB job, but has the athleticism to lead capably.

9-2 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I North Central Kansas League Coach: Steve Simpson (3rd year, 15-5) Assistants: Corey Casteel, Brad Hartman, Adam Gantenbein, Erik Graefe Offense: Multiple Spread/I-formation Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 7 Defense Sam Burt, OT/DE, 6-4, 230, Sr.; Parker Base, RB/ LB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Parker O’Neal, RB/LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Ryan Wilson, QB/FS, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Cooper Wyckoff, SS, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Ben Veach, WR, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Jaron Christiensen, DL, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Colton Rankin, DL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Donovan Anguiano, OL, 6-3, 260, Sr.; Michael Anguiano, WR/DB, 5-9, 170, Sr. Brent Maycock

ATCHISON Atchison only graduated six lettermen off last year’s 8-1 squad, giving veteran coach Jim Smith one of his most experienced teams as he enters his 19th season.

While the graduation losses are few, they are significant, particularly with the departure of QB Wykeen Gill, the KCAL offensive MVP the past two seasons.

The job of replacing Gill will fall to senior Adam Smith. His task will be aided with the return of the bulk of the pieces that went around Gill last year, namely second-leading rusher Parker Welch (378 yards, 10 TDs) and leading receiver Bryce Enzbrenner (790 yards, 10 TDs).

After giving up just 162 points last year, the Redmen could be stronger on D with nine starters back. Led by Smith, the top-four tacklers are back with Austin Bonnel (79 tackles) a three-year starter at LB and Dai Coye Haley (64 tackles, 21 tackles for loss) a DI prospect at defensive tackle.

8-1 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Kansas City-Atchison League Coach: Jim Smith (19th year, 94-76) Assistants: Charley Harris, Matt Hall, Josh Rebant Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 23 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 9 Defense Austin Bonnel, LB/FB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Dai Coye Haley, DT, 6-1, 285, Sr.; Dylan LeBlue, LB, 6-0, 185, SR.; Adam Smith, SS, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Parker Welch, RB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Bryce Enzbrenner, WR, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Jordan Henderson, DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; LaMarca’ Tolbert, DB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Nick Kuhan, C, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Leighton Cushinberry, OL, 6-2, 250, Jr.; Giovani Burke, DE, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Taye Helms, DT, 6-2, 210, Jr.; Cole Batemon, TE, 6-0, 170, Jr. Brent Maycock

ALTAMONT-LABETTE CO.

AUGUSTA Consider it the Filbeck Factor – in Jason Filbeck’s first two seasons running the show at Augusta, the Orioles were a combined 12-8 with two postseason berths. In the six years before his arrival, Augusta won six games total.

“We are looking to build on some measure of success from last year and start to develop a program and culture that will last,” Filbeck said. “We will be somewhat young this year, but we do return some valuable experience at the skill positions on offense and in our front on defense.”

The turnaround was spearheaded by a better defensive identity. Augusta’s 14.5 points per game against were second-best in 4A-I, behind only Buhler. That stingy defense should be no different this season behind prized senior LB Dallin Marlnee, an instinctive hunter who gathered 89 tackles, including 11 for loss, as a junior. The line gives Marlnee room to roam, with 6-foot-4-inch, 285pound tackle Kendall Davis and 6-foot-7-inch, 235pound end Jonny Clausing disrupting offensive lines with their wingspans. Clausing was first team all-league in basketball as a sophomore.

Luke Dockers is a balanced RB who flashed versatility with 618 yards rushing and 230 receiving.

7-3 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III Coach: Jason Filbeck (3rd year, 12-8) Assistants: Sean Hayden, Brad Gober, JD Hand, Brian Prentice, Steve Pazzie, Clint Robinson, Rhett Mallon Offense: Spread Bone Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Luke Dockers, RB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Trevor Jackson, SLOT, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Kenton Rocheford, SLOT, 510, 165, Sr.; Jayden Reynolds, WR, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Dallin Marlnee, LB, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Chance Whitehead, QB/RB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Jonny Clausing, DE, 6-7, 235, Jr.; Kendall Davis, DT, 6-4, 285, Jr.; Clay Wesbrooks, CB, 6-0, 155, Jr.; Ryan Rogers, NB, 5-10, 210, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

BASEHOR-LINWOOD

One only needed to look at Basehor-Linwood’s results against Eudora to see just how much the Bobcats progressed last year.

When the two met during the regular season, Eudora rolled to a 48-21 win which left Basehor sitting at 2-3. The Bobcats caught fire after that loss and rode the momentum into the second round of the playoffs where they dropped a 60-59 doubleovertime epic to Eudora in the 4A-I quarterfinals.

The 6-5 campain saw Basehor go 5-1 in Kaw Valley League play, the lone loss coming to Bonner Springs. The playoff win over Louisburg was just the fourth in program history and the Bobcats have now made the postseason in both of Rod Stallbaumer’s tenure as coach.

They’ve also qualified for the postseason in each of Justin Phillips’ two years as starting QB. Phillips threw for 1,568 yards and 21 touchdowns last year, completing 61 percent of his passes.

Phillips will miss leading receiver Nick Fisher and the services of do-it-all back Jahron McPherson, a four-year defensive starter. But fullback Chas Rollo finished as the Bobcats’ leading rusher (659 yards, 7 TDs) despite splitting time and three of five starting linemen are back as well.

The defense took a hit, graduating eight starters including McPherson and leadingtackler Ryan Potter. Senior defensive back Eric Scott had four picks last year and could be the best athlete KVL. 6-5 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Kaw Valley League Coach: Rod Stallbaumer (3rd year, 13-8) Assistants: Brian Lohafer, Ross Schwisow, Ron Barnes, DeAngelo Brooks, John McPherson, Tim Johnson Offense: Shotgun Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 3 Defense Justin Phillips, QB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Eric Scott, WR/ CB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Jackson Brimblecom, WR, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Luke Murphy, OL/DT, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Josh Emerson, OL/DT, 6-1, 255, Sr.; Jacob Markovich, OL/DL, 5-8, 220, Sr. Brent Maycock

ANDOVER -CENTRAL Andover Central made program history this past season, reaching the 4A-Division I title game.

Now comes the follow-up, where the offense has to replace more than 3,000 yards and 40 TDs. The Jaguars may have graduated the most explosive trio of skill players in the state. Start with receiver Darraja Parnell, who secured 1,392 yards and 22 TDs. A remarkably talented basketball player, as well, Parnell is set to hoop at Central Arkansas. Running back Jordan Birch rumbled for 1,874 yards and 19 TDs. With nearly 3,100 yards and 37 TDs the past two years, Birch is off to Illinois State. And then there is the gunslinging quarterback, Peyton Huslig, responsible for 2,180 yards and 31 scores through the air.

Huslig signed with Garden City Community College. Andover Central’s offense scored at least 28 points in every game minus the championship.

Truthfully, there is no immediate swap for that trifecta, but there are candidates to soothe the transition. Isaac Anthemides was a 600-yard receiver with seven scores. Clark Schoonover pitched in 134 rushing yards. Cole Taylor did a bit of everything – 470 yards and six touchdowns as a reserve quarterback, as well as 272 yards and four scores as a wideout.

Where Taylor and Schoonover may be more desperately needed is on the defensive end.

Taylor had a team-high four interceptions as he garnered first-team all-league honors at defensive back. Schoonover snagged three picks with 95 tackles. The Jaguars’ defense put the offense in too many shootouts – Andover Central was taken for 28-or-more points six times.

10-3 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III Coach: Tom Audley Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Kyle McCaskey

BUHLER Buhler continues to churn out high-caliber teams, high-caliber athletes and winning seasons. The Crusaders graduated a talented senior class, but Steve Warner has earned the benefit of the doubt as he continually reloads and has his teams playing well into November.

Warner has plenty to work with, as many juniors and seniors played last season. The offensive line will be manned Jake Burkhart and Lawson Schultz, and Tanner Lackey is a talented wide receiver.

But who will be the quarterback? Who replaces three-year starter Jace Williams, now a dual-sport athlete at Washburn?

“Ethan White is going to be a very dynamic quarterback. He will be fun to watch,” Warner said.

White is a returning starter at defensive back, and he was a starter for Buhler’s state championship baseball team.

The schedule is shaping up to be one of the state’s toughest, regardless of classification. Buhler opens at traditionally-strong McPherson, and then travels to 4A-II runner-up Andover Central. Buhler’s first home game is against 3A runner-up Wichita Collegiate (now in 4A-II), and the next week, welcomes 5A quarterfinalist Maize South. Buhler will also play 4A-I playoff team Augusta, and Andale – a 4A-II semifinalist – moves into Buhler’s district.

“Adding Maize South and Andover Central makes it difficult to pick a league winner,” Warner said. “I would say Buhler, McPherson, Augusta, Maize South and Andover Central will be real good.”

10-1 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III Coach: Steve Warner (11th year, 97-24; 219-85 overall) Assistants: Kevin Ruda, Willie Adkins, Brian Moler, John Neill, Garrett Hotmar, Jason Kohls, Mike Zeyen, Robby Gray Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Jake Burkhart, OL, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Jack Goertzen, LB/FB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Lawson Schultz, OL/DL, 510, 225, Jr.; Tanner Lackey, WR, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Jhet Burkhart, LB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Brendan Webb, DL, 64, 205, Jr. Brad Hallier

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CHANUTE

COFFEYVILLE-F. KINDLEY

The Chanute Blue Comets are coming off a down year. A program used to playing in the postseason, Chanute went 2-7 in 2015, as a young group had to implement new offensive and defensive schemes after a coaching change.

Entering his second season in charge of the program, Chris Shields hopes to get things turned around this fall.

The former head coach at Joplin, Missouri, Shields looked on the bright side in what was otherwise a disappointing season—the Blue Comets ended the year with a 32-20 victory over Labette Co. “It was nice to finish the season with a win,” Shields said. “Now we’re looking forward to building off that momentum.”

Chanute has nine returning letterwinners to build around, with six starters back on offense and seven returning on defense.

Chanute senior linebacker Gavin Harvey earned second team all-league recognition a year ago, while sophomore wide receiver Corbett Kimberlin started as a freshman and earned honorable mention all-SEK honors. Senior lineman Justice Catron also received honorable mention recognition.

The Blue Comets will have a new quarterback this season, as three-year starter and all-SEK pick Kenton Richards has graduated.

“We look forward to a strong competition for who will be our quarterback and leader,” Shields noted.

Coffeyville’s whirlwind state runner-up finish in 2013 almost feels like decades ago. Only two years removed, the once-fearsome Golden Tornado were little more than a gentle breeze in 2015, stalling out to a lackluster 0-9 record. Both the offense (80 points scored) and the defense (395 points against) rated in the bottom three of 4A-Division I. Coffeyville was held to one touchdown or less five times, was hammered for 40-plus points seven times and only once was within single digits of a win. Coffeyville enters 2016 on a pesky 12-game losing streak.

To reverse the trend, the Golden Tornado went out of state to swoop up Darrin Wegner. Wegner replaces Murray Zogg, who was 33-31 in six seasons as Coffeyville coach. Wegner spent the past five years leading Jay, Okla., where the program went 21-29 and qualified for the postseason three times. Prior to that he was the coach at Ark City.

“Our goal is to get the program headed in the right direction. We want to play hard every snap and develop a winning culture,” Wegner said. “We have some young talent and we believe a winning season is realistic. Qualifying for the playoffs is the rest of our team goals in this first season.”

0-9 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 4A-I Southeast Kansas League Coach: Darrin Wegner (1st year; 11th overall) Assistants: John Chambers, Mike O’Conner, Mark Andrews, Dave Harlin Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Kamaren Wilson, WR/DB, 6-4, 200, Sr.; Sean McIntosh, OL/DL, 6-2, 255, Sr.; Isiah Carter, OL/LB, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Hunter Mason, QB/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Jacob Jackson, RB/LB, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Jackson Stringer, OL/DL, 6-2, 240, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

2-7 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 4A-I Southeast Kansas League Coach: Chris Shields (2nd year, 2-7) Assistants: Clete Frazell, Rusty Emling, Brian Campbell, Luke Hall, Trevor Ewert Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Jacob Clines, OL/DL, 6-4, 265, Sr.; Corbett Kimberlin, WR/DB, 6-0, 160, So.; Matt Devoe, RB/ DB, 5-7, 155, Sr.; Matt Hernandez, WR/DB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Justice Catron, OL, 6-2, 280, Sr.; Todd How crucial was the senior class to Fort Scott’s Fritch, OL, 6-3, 285, Jr.; Gavin Harvey, LB, 6-0, success a season ago? Take this into account for 185, Sr.; Gage Leedy, LB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Jake the answer: Fort Scott had 10 different seniors earn Fiscus, DB, 5-9, 150, Jr. Jason Peake all-league recognition in 2015.

A senior-dominated group led Fort Scott to a 7-3 record, as the Tigers finished second in the SEK League to Pittsburg, were the runner-up in District 4 to Paola and advanced to first round of the Class For the first time in five years, Eudora won’t be 4A Division I playoffs, falling to Eudora 33-7. starting over. At least from a coaching standpoint, Simply put, the Class of ’15 will be tough to that is. After becoming the Cardinals’ fourth coach replace. “We had an outstanding group of seniors,” in a four-year span, Phil Katzenmeier is back for veteran Fort Scott coach Bob Campbell said. “They year two. His debut got off to a somewhat slow start, but ended with a run to the Class 4A-I semis. were not only excellent athletes, but quality young men with high character.”

An 0-3 start became an afterthought as the Cardinals won eight straight games, including a wild Campbell, who is entering his 21st season, noted several underclassmen did play key roles on last 60-59 double-overtime victory over Basehoryear’s success, as well.

Linwood in the state quarterfinals. The wild ride “We had some injuries early in the season to finally ended with a 52-20 loss to eventual Division I some key players, but we had some young kids state champion Miege — its closest game in the step up and perform well,” Campbell said. postseason.

The Tigers have just five total players with starting Katzenmeier’s coaching chops will get a serious experience back in 2016, but the team does have test this year, however, as the bulk of the players 16 returning lettermen to rely upon. responsible for the 8-4 season are now gone. The The Fort Scott offense will have new faces at the biggest of the graduation blows was the loss of skill positions, as the lone returning starters are standout quarterback Grant Elston, who was simply senior linemen Charlie Pytlowany and Jacob Hood. a one-man wrecking crew on offense.

Running back candidates include seniors Morgan Elston accountedng for nearly 2,500 yards of Stoughton and Chris Stell and juniors Zarek Fewell offense with 2,187 of it coming on the ground. and Derek Bollinger. A possible starter at QB is junTailback Austin Downing also topped 900 yards and ior Jesse Jones. combined with Elston for 48 TDs. Senior back Lee Andrews now steps into a lead7-3 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I ing role with newcomers filling spots around him.

Southeast Kansas League Coach: Bob Campbell (21st year, 168-51).

8-4 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I Assistants: Bo Graham, Josh Regan, Alvin Metcalf, Frontier League Jared Martin, Jacob Lattimer, Josh Messer.

Coach: Phil Katzenmeier (2nd year, 8-4) Offense: Split-Back Veer Defense: 4-3 Assistants: Jason Tharp, Mark Elston, Chris Durkin, Returning lettermen: 16 Drew Brown Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 3 Defense Returning lettermen: 8 Charlie Pytlowany, OL, 5-9, 215, Sr.; Jacob Hood, Returning starters: 3 Offense, 2 Defense OL, 6-1, 275, Sr.; Taylor Engstrom, LB, 6-2, 200, Lee Andrews, RB/DB, Sr.; Ryan Verbanic, TE/LB, Sr.; Zarek Fewell, LB, 5-8, 180, Jr.; Jessie Sr.; Ethan Leahew, L, Sr.; Austin Ormsby, DT, Jr.BM Lawrence, DB, 5-9, 165, Jr. Jason Peake

FORT SCOTT

EUDORA

EL DORADO

The Wildcats are coming off a 2-7 finish in Jason Nichols’ first go-around as the coach.

“Our main goal is to continue developing a positive culture around our program in every way – character development, being a good teammate, in the weight room, commitment to the off-season, Member NCUA etc.,” Nichols said. “Our secondary goal is to win more games than in 2015.”

El Dorado was not too far off in its pursuit for a winning season – three of its losses were by 16 points or less. The offense was often the culprit of Brian King’s formula for success as De Soto’s El Dorado’s woes. The Wildcats’ 11.2 points per head coach has created a three-win jump the past game were better than only three other teams in two years – from 0-9 in his first season to 3-6 in 4A-I. With seven starters back in the fold in the 2014 and 6-4 this past season. The six-win perspread, the Wildcats are determined to bolster that formance marked King’s first district victories and playoff appearance in the lead role. With more start- number. Veteran quarterback Cade Morrow has his entire line back for protection, with Cameron Hunt ers back than departed, the Wildcats are focusing (second team all-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League on another bump in the win total.

“As far as wins and losses, we are aiming to win a Division III) and Brock Harvey (honorable mention) among those guarding the backfield.

Frontier League championship, and will set out to The defense has a handful of newcomers to blend make a deep playoff run in 2016,” King said. in, but linebacker Ridge Towner and defensive back Senior running back Mason Clark may be on the Dacota Motter will assuage some concerns. verge of a breakout campaign. A mid-year high El Dorado likely has to come out with a road win ankle sprain put a halt to Clark’s junior season, but he racked up 446 yards and 11 touchdowns before over Circle (0-9) in week seven of districts to spark the flame of a potential playoff berth. Home dates he was shelved. With Caleb McQuality, Marshall with Buhler (10-1) and Andale (9-3) come next. El Kellner and Zach Titus creating space on the line, Dorado has eight playoffs appearances in its hisClark should have pastures to run through. tory, but no playoff victories.

“As is always the case in the Frontier League, physicality will be key to our offensive success,” King said. “We will work to control the line of scrim- 2-7 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 4A-I Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division IV mage and to wear out opposing defenses.”

Coach: Jason Nichols (2nd year, 2-7; 3rd overall, 6De Soto was a competitive team week-in, weekout in 2015. All four of the Wildcats’ losses were by 12) Assistants: Bob Hall, Ryan Hull, Burford Pringle, Brad Raine, Rob Vinson 17 points or less. De Soto’s defense held oppoOffense: Spread Defense: 3-3-5 nents to 19.3 points per game.

Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense 6-4 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Brock Harvey, OL/DL, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Colby Frontier League Johnson, LB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Tate Johnson, OL, 6-2, Coach: Brian King (4th year, 9-19) 220, Sr.; Nathan Jacobs, DB, 5-10, 172, Sr.; Cade Assistants: Joel Thaemert, Mark Gastelum, Bob Gadwood, Lynn Hoffman, Ben O’Dell, Zack Griffiths Morrow, QB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Dacota Motter, DB, 5-11, 178, Sr.; Ridge Towner, RB/LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Caleb Clites, OL, 5-9, 190, Jr.; Kaiden Clites, DB, 5Returning lettermen: 15 10, 158, Jr.; Blake Davis, OL, 6-1, 275, Jr.; Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Cameron Hunt, OL/DL, 5-11, 220, Jr. KM Mason Clark, RB/LB, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Caleb McQuality, L, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Noah Wilson, TE, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Max Barger, RB/DB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Daric Coffee, L, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Jake Griffiths, DB, 6-1, 165, Sr.; Chance Montgomery, DB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; The Independence Bulldogs put together a solid Lawson Marshall, L, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Marshall Kellner, season in 2015. After finishing 4-5 in 2014, OL, 6-2, 250, Jr.; Jack Barger, RB/LB, 5-11, 190, Independence moved in the right direction as the Jr.; Zach Titus, L, 6-4, 270, Jr.; Trevor Gress, LB, 5- Bulldogs went 7-3 overall and 4-2 in the Southeast 11, 225, Jr.; Trevor Watts, RB, 5-7, 145, Jr. KM Kansas League, good for third place.

Independence also captured the Class 4A Division I District 5 championship under coach Carl Boldra, who was named SEK Coach of the Year.

Independence has 25 returning lettermen on this After the 2014 season, Hays High graduated Alex year’s roster, with seven starters back on offense Delton, who signed to play QB at Kansas State, and eight returning on defense. and changed coaches from Bo Black to Randall And several Bulldogs return after earning allRath. It marked the third coach for the Indians in as league honors a year ago. Seniors Peyton Ushermany years.

Pearson and Seth Stroble both earned first team Delton delivered 2,921 offensive yards and 30 all-league honors on the defensive line a year ago TDs accounted for a 7-2 team in ‘14. Hays High and should play big roles on both sides of the ball dropped back to 2-7 last season, its worst record again this year. Senior Chicago Elias earned secsince 2007. ond team all-league recognition a year ago as a The Indians were solid defensively with shutout kick returner while also earning honorable mention road wins versus Liberal and Wichita South. HHS honors as a running back. allowed 28.1 points per contest and 337 yards per Senior LB Kyle Woods earned second team allgame in 2015. However, On offense, the Indians SEK honors last year, while classmate Will Schabel tallied just 16.1 points and 235 yards per game. was an honorable mention pick at RB. Two other In 2014, Hays High averaged 40 points and 438 seniors received honorable mention recognition, yards per contest. Its defense permitted 29 points with Levi Kemp at WR and Zac Shaffer as KR. and 327 yards a game.

Senior Colan Snodgrass is back at quarterback The Indians return senior standout Shane Berens, and linebacker, while senior wide receiver Evan who finished third with 61 tackles and led the Kleiber also returns. Junior defensive back Josh Indians with 11.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks. Junior Pralle is back with starting experience and senior Hunter Brown, the oldest son of Fort Hays coach linebacker Jackson Stafford also returns.

Chris Brown, is expected to take over full time at QB after he started the final two games. Brown 7-3 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I passed for 206 yards, and led the Indians with 541 Southeast Kansas League rushing yards and five scores.

Coach: Carl Boldra (12th year, 47-62) Assistants: Al Speicher, John Mangan, Jerry 2-7 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 4A-I Wilson, Marcus Lanning, Mark Hoffinies.

Western Athletic Conference Offense: Pro-I Defense: 4-4 Coach: Randall Rath (2nd year, 2-7, 19th year, Returning lettermen: 25 133-64) Assistants: Steve Sedbrook, Tucker Returning starters: 7 Offense, 8 Defense O’Hair, Brian Haynes, Art Schoenthaler, Jay Peyton Usher-Pearson, OL/DL, 6-1, 255, Sr.; Seth Sanders, Nathan Howard Stroble, OL/DL, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Colan Snodgrass, Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 QB/LB, 6-3, 170, Sr.; Levi Kemp, WR/DB, 6-0, 150, Returning starters: 2 Offense, 5 Defense Sr.; Kyle Woods, LB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Chicago Elias, DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Zac Shaffer, WR, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Shane Berens, DE, Sr.; Hunter Brown, QB/LB, Jr.; Palmer Hutchison, S, So.; Chantz Brungardt, G/LB, Evan Kleiber, WR, 6-3, 175, Sr.; Jackson Stafford, Sr.; Freddy Haines, DE, Sr. Conor Nicholl LB, 5-5, 140, Sr.; Will Schabel, RB, 6-0, 160, Sr. JP Hays 2720 Broadway 1.800.825.7661 gpcu.org

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INDEPENDENCE

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K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11 Dine-in or Carryout

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LOUISBURG

2215 E. Kansas

Louisburg may have taken a one-year hiatus, but Delivery or Carryout the Wildcats do not intend to take any vacations 620-241-7200 come playoff time again anytime soon. Louisburg 700 N. Main St. has qualified for the postseason in 13 of the past 14 McPherson, KS years, with the lone vacancy coming in 2014. The Wildcats reset that by churning out a 7-3 mark this past season, making the playoffs before being ousted at Basehor-Linwood, 41-34.

The run game should bear fruit with the return of While Piper didn’t quite continue its recent trend of second-team all-Frontier League back Thomas San Agustin. He will find daylight following a line that deep postseason runs, the Pirates did advance to the playoffs for the seventh straight year. Returning includes fellow second-teamer Dustyn Rizzo and honorable mentions T.J. Dover and Jared talent and impact transfers have sixth-year coach Koechner. The Wildcats broke free for 33.1 points Chris Brindle excited about 2016.

Perhaps the strength of the squad will be up front per game a year ago. Rizzo, Dover and Koechner give the squad an experienced, powerful d-line, as with the Pirates having the largest and deepest group of linemen in Brindle’s tenure, led by seniors well. Louisburg held five foes to 11 points or less.

Sneaking out of 4A-I’s District 3 will be a tricky Aaron Hawes and Micaiah Noel and sophomore proposition, as all four teams come off winning seaCooper Beebe. Hawes is a four-year starter and sons.

Louisburg gets two home games out of the Beebe started eight games as a freshman and is district slate, opening with Fort Scott (7-3) and younger brother to former All-Stater Colton Beebe.

Ottawa (5-4) before wrapping the regular season at The unit also gets a huge boost with the addition Paola (9-2). The non-district schedule offers a balof senior Brent Turner, a transfer from North anced diet of rebuilding foes and established Carolina where he was a three-year starter at his names. Louisburg will face fellow playoff qualifiers former high school. Piper also got move-in WRs KC Piper (4-6), De Soto (6-4) and Eudora (8-4).

Donald McKinney and DeHavin Watie.

No matter what phase of the game, the ball will 7-3 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I find the hands of senior J.J. Letcher, a hybrid back Frontier League who combined for 650 yards and 10 TDs rushing Coach: Kyle Littrell (4th year, 15-14) KM and receiving, threw a TD pass and scored on a punt return while picking off four passes on D.

KC-PIPER

4-6 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Kaw Valley League Coach: Chris Brindle (6th year, 38-21) Assistants: Brian Gray, Curtis Hamilton, Tim Cottrell, Justin Richmond, Shae Grosdidier Offense: Spread Pistol Defense: Multiple Front Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense J.J. Letcher, FS/RB, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Aaron Hawes, L, 6-3, 280, Sr.; Cooper Beebe, L, 6-3, 260, So.; Micaiah Noel, L, 6-3, 260, Sr.; Jacob Corral, FB/DE, 6-3, 230, Jr.; Dominic Dreger, OL/DE, 6-2, 216, Sr.; Jordan Goodpaster, QB/S, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Matthew Fisette, C/LB, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Ian Stewart, L, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Kalin Fergus, OG/LB, 5-11, 195, SR.; Khayree Barnes, WR/DB, 6-1, 160, Sr.; Kaj Crumby, WR/DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Dirk Beashore, L, 60, 170, Sr.; Nicolas Morris, L, 6-1, 221, Jr.; Corbin Fullerton, L, 6-3, 245, So. Brent Maycock

MULVANE It may not be quite as long as the one overseas, but the mobile-but-sturdy Great Wall of Mulvane should be a tourist attraction all its own. The Wildcats’ offensive line – center Brandon Keil, guards Marcus Chancellor and Tanner Wichman and tackles James Chancellor and Layne Becker – are returning senior starters. If opponents want to visit Mulvane quarterback Jayden Price, they first must move the 1,300 pounds of linemen.

That cohesive line was a major piece in Price’s sharp sophomore season, where he completed 56 percent of his passes for 1,506 yards and 17 touchdowns against six interceptions, and also added 846 yards on the ground with 11 scores. Running back Keeton Shoemaker also blazed his way to seven TDs behind that mighty line. Mulvane graduated wideout Ethan Evans, who registered more than 1,500 yards and 16 TDs over the past two years. Dalton Blaine is the successor in waiting.

5-5 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division IV Coach: Dave Fennewald (25th year, 130-107; 30th overall, 167-121) Assistants: Scott Swaney, Steve Nelson, Dustin Rhodes, Daniel Myears, Randy Fox, Taylor Zeka Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: 10 Offense, 6 Defense Brandon Keil, C, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Marcus Chancellor, OG, 5-8, 290, Sr.; Tanner Wichman, OG, 6-0, 250, Sr.; James Chancellor, OT, 6-3, 320, Sr.; Layne Becker, OT, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Dalton Blaine, WR, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Chase Myears, WR, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Dillon Callaway WR, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Keeton Shoemaker, RB, 5-5, 140, Sr.; Blake Dunlap, RB, 5-8, 225, Sr.; Dylan Jorns, DT, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Hank May, DT, 511, 240, Sr.; Bryce Parker, ILB, 5-6, 165, Sr.; Blake Nash, OLB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Zach Helbing, DB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Jacob Baker, DL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Jayden Price, QB, 6-1, 175, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

OTTAWA

Ottawa’s season wasn’t completely sunk before it began last year. But the Cyclones’ ship suddenly had a major hole to plug when returning starting quarterback Isaac McCullough injured his knee during summer basketball and was knocked out for the season.

That left Ottawa coach Rob Hedrick scrambling to modify the offense and though the Cyclones showed flashes, they never really hit a good stride.

Ottawa averaged just 18 points per game and rode a sound defense to a 5-4 season that fell just short of making the playoffs.

McCullough is back and so is just about everyone else, making the outlook for the 2016 season a pretty bright one. As a sophomore starter, McCullough threw for 1,400 yards and his presence under center again will be a welcome site for the Cyclones, as will a full season from running back Luke Snider, who was averaging 116 yards per game before being lost for the season in week five.

Cooper Diel stepped in as the feature back and finished with more than 600 rushing yards and Kaleb Shaffer, who started six games at quarterback, performed well. With all four returning and healthy, as well as Devion Bethea and Brock Reed, the Cyclones have their most potent and proven backfield in years.

There’s no bones about where the strength of the team lies. Ottawa has one of the state’s top offensive lineman prospects in senior Drew Bones, who at 6-5, 275, is generating plenty of major college attention. And he’s not even the biggest of the Cyclone linemen with three-year starter Brock Huddlestun (6-4, 330) and Lane Bristow (6-3, 330) checking in at over 300 pounds.

Ottawa made the playoffs in each of Hedrick’s first two years as coach, but getting back this year will be his team’s biggest challenge. All three district foes — Paola, Louisburg and Fort Scott — were playoff teams a year ago and are tradition-rich programs with state titles to their credit.

MAIZE-SOUTH

MCPHERSON

Much is changing at Maize South – from the classification to the opponents to the quarterback – but there are two notable constants for the Mavericks.

One is coach Brent Pfeifer, and the other is Pfeifer coaxing an extended playoff trip out of his roster.

“There will be a lot of experience to replace, so time, effort and unselfish decisions will be very important for us to continue our success,” Pfeifer said. “Players will need to improve in their time and dedication as we begin to learn and adapt to the players we have returning.”

Maize South dips from 5A to 4A-Division I and from Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division II to Division III. Coming with that is an almost entirely new slate of adversaries – among Maize South’s regular season games, Andover Central is the only foe the Mavs played in 2015.

Maize South (8-3 in ‘15) visits Andover Central (10-3) for its regular season and district finale. Also joining that pair in District 6 is Augusta (7-3) and Rose Hill (0-9). South hosts Augusta in week seven and travels to take on the Rockets in week eight.

Graduation plucked two of the best offensive talents from Maize South’s abbreviated program history. Quarterback Korie Frausto, a West Point signee, was the AVCTL Division 2 Most Valuable Player. Tackle Jeremy Luck, a first-team honoree, latched on with Washburn. While difficult to replace, the burden is lessened with eight other offensive starters returning. Among them are WR Brett Parke, TE Preston Seiler and RB Jacob Perez, a triad that will help break in a QB. Three linemen also are back, led by Dalton Smith.

McPherson coach Jace Pavlovich tallied a winning record in his first season at the helm, yet the 54 mark seemed unsatisfactory for Pavlovich. Given McPherson’s recent history, it was understandable.

The Bullpups were a playoff mainstay, qualifiers from 2006 through 2014. Pavlovich, who spent nine years as McPherson’s defensive coordinator, was used to playing into November.

“Last year was the first year in a decade that we had not made the playoffs,” Pavlovich said. “Our goal is simple. Get back to the postseason.”

McPherson’s defense stayed stingy in 2015. The Bullpups 18.9 points per game against even trimmed almost six points off their 2014 production.

With seven starters back in the fold, points will again be at a premium against McPherson. Alleverything senior Jack Reifschneider leads a battletested secondary. Reifschneider was a first-team Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III selection at defensive back and as a special teamer, and was an honorable mention wide receiver.

The offense lacked some pop this past season.

While McPherson’s 25.1 points per game average was fair, three of the Bullpups’ four lowest scoring outputs came in defeats. That will be shored up with another season from quarterback Casen Hoover, who quietly has developed into one of the premier signal-callers in the AVCTL. Dylan Baldwin highlights an offensive line with three returning seniors.

“We will rely heavily on our upperclassmen to lead the way,” Pavlovich said. “We feel really good about where we are at both defensively and offensively in skill positions. We lost some pretty talented guys up front.”

8-3 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-I Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III Coach: Brent Pfeifer (7th year, 45-26) Assistants: Steve Rasmussen, Kip Schultz, Tom O’Connor, Rick Craig, Layne Carter, Brent Randolph, Brandon Wolff, Tedd Gibson, Aaron Finck, Ryan Jones Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 8 Offense, 3 Defense Jordan Maxson, LB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Sam Kissane, DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Daniel Bliss, DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Brett Parke, WR, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Jacob Perez, RB, 58, 175, Sr.; Dalton Smith, OL, 5-10, 260, Sr.; Mike Storrer, OL, 6-4, 240, Sr.; Nick Glenn, OL, 5-9, 260, Sr.; Preston Seiler, TE, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Jim Sheehan, PK, 6-3, 195, Sr.; Brayden Wiens, WR, 5-9, 140, Jr.; Max Domnick, WR, 5-6, 150, Jr.; Andrew Bliss, PK, 5-8, 135, So. Kyle McCaskey

PAOLA

Paola had a fabulous year, but just so happened to run into one of the state’s best too early in the 4A-Division I playoffs. The Panthers avenged a regular-season loss by knocking off De Soto 38-21 in the opening round. But Paola was clocked by Bishop Miege 65-14 on Miege’s way to a secondstraight state title. Still, Paola’s 9-2 record highlighted a ninth-consecutive season with at least seven victories, and an 11th-straight postseason appearance.

The Panthers must work out any inefficiencies early, before week four where the Panthers will see six consecutive opponents coming off seasons with winning records. The onslaught begins at home with De Soto (6-4), at Eudora (8-4) and home to Bonner Springs (7-2). That leads into district play at Ottawa (5-4) and Fort Scott (7-3) before a home date with Louisburg (7-3) to round out the regular season. Paola defeated all three of this season’s district opponents this past season, though Ottawa and Louisburg were not in their district at the time.

5-4 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 4A-I Though Paola, like many programs, will have to Frontier League shuffle in new contributors, there are some familiar Coach: Rob Hedrick (4th year, 16-13) names. Talented skill players Dalton Rankin and Assistants: Pat Boeh, Evan Shaffer, Blake Lasley, Magnus Van Hoecke will ignite the offense while Jake Huddlestun, Cliff McCullough huge lineman Cam Seck, a South Dakota commit, Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-2-5 carves a path. The defense returns all-Frontier Returning lettermen: 25 League honorable mention linemen Blayne Rios Returning starters: 9 Offense, 9 Defense and Tanner Maola. Paola’s defense held five oppoDrew Bones, OL/DL, 6-5, 275, Sr.; Luke Snider, RB, nents to 10 points or less.

5-9, 155, Sr.; Cooper Diehl, RB/LB, 6-2, 175, SR.; Paola has 22 appearances in the state bracket, Brock Reed, Y/LB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Tyler Arndt, FS/ with two titles and two runner-up finishes. The WR, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Devion Bethea, RB/LB, 5-10, Panthers have also been a semifinalist on six other 170, Jr.; Driestin Aho, CB, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Drew Boeh, occasions, including four of the past seven years.

CB, 6-2, 165, Sr.; Blaine Ray, LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Lane Bristow, DL, 6-3, 330, Sr.; Jackson McCally, 9-2 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I OL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Brock Huddlestun, OL, 6-4, 330, Frontier League Sr.; Isaac McCullough, QB, 6-4, 205, Sr.; Kaleb Coach: Mike Dumpert (17th year, 155-47) Shaffer, QB/LB, 5-11, 184, Jr. Brent Maycock Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2 KM

5-4 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 4A-I Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III Coach: Jace Pavlovich (2nd year, 5-4) Assistants: Chet Harlin, Pat Corcoran, Eric Hoops, Dave Goerzen, Scott Davis, Treg Fawl, Matt Sandbo, Heath Gerstner, John Montgomery Offense: Multiple I Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 26 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Casen Hoover, QB, 5-10, 192, Sr.; Jared Ruth, OL, 6-4, 291, Sr.; Jeff Reed, WR, 6-2, 189, Sr.; Jack Reifschneider, WR/DB, 5-9, 182, Sr.; Mikey Saverino, WR, 5-10, 191, Sr.; Britton Bate, OL, 6-0, 211, Sr.; Dylan Baldwin, OL, 5-10, 209, Sr.; Luke Koehn, DB, 5-10, 186, Sr.; Wyatt Seidl, DE, 6-3, 215, Jr.; Jayse Alexander, LB, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Collin Goering, LB, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Drew Labertew, DB, 6-3, 187, Jr.; Tyson Stites, DB, 6-1, 181, Jr. KM

ROSE HILL Rose Hill may be the cautionary tale that, with rare exceptions, high school athletics are cyclical.

Four years removed from a state championship, Rose Hill staggered through a winless campaign.

Of course, the ravenous Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League is not a place that often carves an opportunistic path back to the top. This season’s schedule features opponents with a combined 57-38 record a season ago, and six teams coming off postseason appearances – including three in Rose Hill’s district alone. The Rockets begin district play on the road at 4A-Division I runner-up Andover Central (10-3), followed by another road test at Maize South (8-3) before winding down at home with Augusta (7-3).

There was not one particular fault of the Rockets as they broke in an inexperienced, undersized roster this past season. Rose Hill scored 65 points and gave up 409, both second-worst to only Circle in 4A-I. The Rockets were defeated by double digits eight times.

Chandler Flanagan, a junior linebacker and running back, will see all the work he can handle. He topped the team with 101 tackles and 15 tackles for loss while also chipping in 154 rush yards on offense. Quarterback Grant Moore (628 passing yards) and receiver Cody Wallis (103 yards) hope to spark the aerial attack.

The Rockets have prestige – they qualified for state nine times in 10 seasons ranging from 2004 to 2013.

0-9 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 4A-I Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division IV Coach: Ray Boese (4th year, 7-21) Assistants: Austin Wuthrich, Ryan Hill, Bill Wright, David Penner, Brandon Barnhart Kyle McCaskey

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 6 3

SM-BISHOP MIEGE The 4A-Division I classification feels like a story of also-rans. If Bishop Miege wins the state title, who finishes as the runner-up? Maybe that is a brash assumption, but until someone proves otherwise, it is a fair question.

The Stags bring back seven offensive starters. Six more on defense. The 4A-I king appears destined to extend its reign another year.

“Our goal each year is to win a state championship,” said Miege coach Jon Holmes. “We know that if we can compete in the EKL, we will be able to compete at a state level.”

Quarterback Carter Putz and wide receiver Jafar Armstrong give Miege arguably the best passing combo in the state. Putz zipped 36 touchdowns and five interceptions on his way to 3,187 yards and completing 69 percent of his passes. Armstrong was the target of 65 of Putz’ completions, taking 15 in for scores as he burned defenses for 1,262 yards – good for 97 receiving yards per game.

“We will rely on our big senior class to provide leadership.... We return a lot of experience from last year’s team,” Holmes said. “We need to develop depth up front on both sides of the ball.”

12-1 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I Eastern Kansas League Coach: Jon Holmes (5th year, 41-9) Assistants: Tim Grunhard, Justin Hoover, Jim Giokaris, Travis Grosdidier, Steve Koesterer, Nico Giokaris, Mike Galvin, Andy Gilmore, Kevin Mulvany, Joe Kobilarcsik Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 39 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense Jafar Armstrong, WR, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Tommy Winklhofer, WR, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Joseph Gleason, TE/ DE, 6-5, 220, Sr.; Colin Grunhard, OL, 6-1, 275, Sr.; Henry Danneberg, OL, 5-9, 205, Sr.; Jaden Johnson, CB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Landry Weber, DB, 510, 170, Sr.; Carter Putz, QB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Jack Burns, OL, 6-4, 250, Jr.; Joe Watskey, MLB, 5-11, 225, Jr.; Cameron Key, CB, 5-8, 155, Jr.; Dylan Downing, MLB, 5-11, 205, So. Kyle McCaskey

ULYSSES Ulysses will have a new era this fall after standout running back Ian Rudzik graduated following four outstanding seasons. Rudzik rushed 202 times for 1,929 yards and 24 scores and cleared 100 yards in eight of nine contests. Rudzik emphasized defense more as a senior and led his team with 103 stops, 20 tackles for loss and finished second with nine sacks. UIysses graduated three of its top-five tacklers but does return standout lineman Harrison Creed, who committed to Kansas State in early summer. Ulysses has routinely won its district and lost close first round playoff games in recent years.

Last season, the Tigers went 8-2, 4-0 on the road and 3-0 in district and fell 43-38 to Abilene in the first round. In 2014, Ulysses was 7-3, 3-2 on the road, 3-0 in districts and fell 49-37 to Buhler in the first round. In 2013, the Tigers went 5-0 on the road, 3-0 in districts, lost 14-7 to Buhler in the first round. In 2012, the Tigers took three home losses, were 3-1 on the road and had a perfect district before falling 28-7 to Buhler in the second round.

From 2006-15, Ulysses has not lost a district contest. The Tigers have made the playoffs every year since 2002, including a state runner-up appearance in 2005. Veteran coach Jason Kenny said the team goals are to compete for a GWAC and district championship and make a deep run in the playoffs.

“We have a nice nucleus of lineman type kids in our program, and we must develop more skill players. We want to be more balanced and throw the ball more this year,” Kenny said. “We must survive a brutal GWAC schedule, from top to bottom it will be the best it has ever been.”

8-2 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I Great West Activities Conference Coach: Jason Kenny (16th year, 130-46) Assistants: Jack Wolf, Kyle Shryock, Chance Rudzik, Matt Cox, Rick Cue Offense: Wing T Defense: 5-3 Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 7 Defense Harrison Creed, OT, 6-6, 320, Sr.; Abraham Romero, RB/DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Zach Zerr, DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Tre Pauda, OLB, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Juan Ponce, DT, 6-4, 280, Sr.; Jorge Morales, OG/DT, 60, 210, Sr.; Noel Sanchez, OG/DE, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Austin Ochoa, DT, 5-9, 245, Sr. Conor Nicholl

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SPRING HILL

TONGANOXIE

TOWANDA-CIRCLE

Take Spring Hill’s 2-7 record with a five-pound bag of salt – few teams faced a gauntlet quite like the Broncos. Combined, Spring Hill’s opponents were 60-33 in 2015, including seven teams that were .500 or better and six playoff qualifiers.

As the Broncos enter their second season under coach Jason Feeback, formerly of Chanute, he has ambitious aspirations to challenge for the Frontier League title, make the playoffs and make a deeper run than any Broncos squad ever has – Spring Hill was a state semifinalist in 1990. He has set those goals knowing the schedule did not lighten up – the only changes are Fort Scott (7-3) and Kansas CitySumner (4-5) swapping out for Tonganoxie (3-6) and Basehor-Linwood (6-6). The district lineup toughened as well with De Soto (6-4), Eudora (8-4) and defending champion Bishop Miege (12-1).

“We need to play fundamentally sound in the always tough Frontier League,” Feeback said. “We return an experienced group of offensive and defensive starters.”

In general, 2015 was a step in the right direction for the Chieftains – games were more competitive and Tonganoxie made a one-win improvement in the win column to 3-6. But what 2015 was in terms of setting the program back on the path to rehabilitation, 2016 should be the year that the Chieftains make a surge to close the gap with nine starters back on defense and eight more on offense.

The run game has a budding combo in Zac Morgan and Jordan Brown, who combined for nearly 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Quarterback Mason Beach threw for 431 yards and five touchdowns in four games. A 285-pound lineman, Samual Sigourney, has developed into Tonganoxie’s most trusted blocker.

Morgan is a sensational defender, as well, hunting down a team-high 84 tackles as a sophomore.

Linebacker Devan Graham registered 52 tackles.

Eventually, the circle rounds back around.

Unfortunately for the Thunderbirds, they have been stuck trying to circle back since their last postseason berths in 2010 and 2011.

The picture painted by the numbers in recent years was grim. Circle enters this season on a 35game losing streak. Circle’s 56 points scored and 445 points allowed were both worst among 4ADivision I programs, an unwanted scar the Thunderbirds have held the past two years. The schedule did no favors, pitting Circle against six eventual playoff qualifiers.

Circle again has a goal of rumbling with its run game. “To establish the line of scrimmage and finish drives,” said Circle coach Heath Henderson of the offense’s goals. “If we do that, we will be in a good place.”

Junior fullback Hagen Henderson was a pick-up truck, ridden for high mileage but performing in any conditions. He tallied 213 carries for more than 800 yards and five touchdowns. Senior running back Dylan Brown scrambled for 228 yards on the ground and 166 more in the passing game on his way to two touchdowns. Junior quarterback Lane Coulter racked up another 283 rushing yards.

3-6 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 4A-I Kaw Valley League Coach: Al Troyer (5th year, 19-21; 8th overall, 2151) Assistants: Preston Troyer, Matt Bond, 2-7 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 4A-I Brandon Markert, David Hillmon, Clayton Neas Frontier League Coach: Jason Feeback (2nd year, 2-7; 6th overall, Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 20 25-22) Assistants: Morgan Abel, Ben Gehring, Brian Hogan, Jerry Hunsaker, Nic Madelen, Darvin Returning starters: 8 Offense, 9 Defense Jordan Brown, RB/QB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Matt Willard, Alex Winkler, Tucker Woofter Johnson, OL/LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Keaton Rickard, Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 WR/DB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Conner Brown, RB/LB, 5-8, Returning lettermen: 22 185, Sr.; Lane Hecht, WR/DB, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Devan Returning starters: 8 Offense, 6 Defense Sam Arnold, OL/DL, 6-3, 245, Sr.; Sam Christy, OL/ Graham, FB/LB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Cody Parker, OL/DL, 6-1, 325, Sr.; Brett George, TE/DE, 6-1, 190, Sr.; DL, 5-8, 235, Sr.; Nick Sprauge, OL, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Ty Straw, RB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Trey Cygan, RB/DB, 5- Michael Mast, WR/DB, 6-3, 185, Sr.; LeeRoi 9, 165, Sr.; Joseph Briggs, LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Aaron Johnson, OL/DE, 6-2, 230, Jr.; Samual Sigourney, George, DL, 6-5, 245, Sr.; Justyn Kyner, LB, 5-11, OL/DT, 6-0, 285, Jr.; Lucas McCoy, OL/DE, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Jake VanDaele, DB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Jacob 190, Jr.; Mason Beach, QB, 5-10, 155, Jr.; Mac Letellier, P, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Nate Ewing, WR, 6-2, 165, Thompson, WR/DB, 6-2, 170, Jr.; Zac Morgan, RB/ Jr.; Jacob James, OL/LB, 6-0, 215, Jr.; Keegan DB, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Caden Searcy, WR/DB, 6-0, 180, Crotchett, OL, 5-10, 210, Jr. Kyle McCaskey Jr.; Eric Neas, WR/DB, 6-1, 180, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

0-9 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 4A-I Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III Coach: Heath Henderson (3rd year, 0-18; 5th overall, 6-30) Assistants: Les Zoch, Matt Ingrim, Steven Reed, Dan Rose, Greg Rose Offense: Pro I Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 43 Returning starters: 11 Offense, 11 Defense Dylan Brown, RB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Tyler Hutton, TE, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Ian Cross, LB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Matt Antone, DL, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Hagen Henderson, FB, 510, 230, Jr.; Lane Coulter, QB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Nate Kelly, OG, 5-11, 275, Jr.; Chris Clark, S, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Lucas Scott, OT, 6-3, 290, So. Kyle McCaskey

WAMEGO

WELLINGTON

WINFIELD

All things considered, a 5-6 mixed bag season was a solid debut for Lee Weber, who had helped turn around programs at Council Grove and Mission Valley before making the move to Wamego.

In order for Wamego to make a third straight playoff appearance, the Red Raiders will have to survived a new landscape. Not only does Wamego move up to Class 4A Division I this year, but into one of the toughest districts in the classification.

The Red Raiders open district play with defending North Central Kansas League champion and quarterfinalist Abilene before facing two of the largest schools in Division I — McPherson and Hays.

Experience will be on the Red Raiders’ side with graduation only claiming two starters on offense and three on defense. What Wamego did lose to graduation was significant, namely leading tackler Kasey Feyh, leading rusher Hunter Loewen and leading receiver Ethan Thomas.

Thomas’ void might be the easiest to fill as Wamego returns three other receivers who caught at least 13 passes a year ago. More importantly, the guy on the other end of those connections, senior quarterback Dillon Blain, returns after enjoying a huge first year as starter, throwing for 1,475 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Zane Aguilar’s name struck fear in Ark ValleyChisholm Trail League coaches in the early 2000s.

In what seems like a recurring nightmare for them now, Aguilar’s name has popped up once more as he takes over as head coach of his alma mater, Wellington.

Aguilar was a superb linebacker and quarterback for the Crusaders, a key piece in state championships in 2001 and 2002. After nine seasons as an assistant, he now steps into the lead role for Tyler Ryan, who resigned after four seasons and a 16-20 record. Wellington finished 4-5 this past season, but lost four of its final five games for the second straight year as it missed the playoffs. There is plenty of history to tout for Wellington, with seven title game appearances and four championships among their 30 state berths. The Crusaders, however, have not made the postseason since 2010, which ended a string of 19 consecutive trips to the playoffs.

The most immediate need for attention is Wellington’s offensive line, which was ravaged by graduation. The Crusaders must replace four AVCTL Division IV honorees, including first-teamer Connor Burnett. Two consistent running backs were lost, too, in Remington Gilkey and Connor Phelps.

Wellington will have an opportunity to ease into its schedule with a home date against Clearwater followed by two road games at El Dorado and Rose Hill, three programs under the .500 mark this past season. The to-do list immediately stiffens after that, though, with state powers Andale, Wichita Collegiate and Scott City to follow. The Crusaders are locked into District 5, which begins at home against Winfield (3-6) before road trips at playofftested Mulvane (5-5) and Ulysses (8-2).

October 14 will be a surreal day for Linn Hibbs.

He will ride into Wellington, a city where his name is synonymous with success and his legacy precedes him. He will watch as the Crusaders march onto the field, the alma mater that Hibbs guided to 15 playoffs berths and two state championships. He will shake the hand of Wellington coach Zane Aguilar, one of his former players who aided in bringing those two titles to town. Hibbs will do it all as head coach for the Winfield Vikings.

Hibbs now heads east – after a pit stop up north – to take over in Winfield, where he steps in for Justin Price, who went 38-56 over 10 seasons. After Wellington, Hibbs spent one season as an assistant at Andover Central and three years as head coach of Shawnee Mission Northwest.

Though coming off a 3-6 record for a second consecutive year, Winfield has enough talent in the tank to make an immediate stab at a postseason berth. After kicking off districts at Wellington (4-5), Winfield hosts Ulysses (8-2) and ends its regular season at Mulvane (5-5). Winfield’s most recent playoff qualifications came in back-to-back looks in 2012 and 2013.

Winfield’s offense was held to a touchdown or less four times this past season. That came despite a diversified offense that produced six rushers with at least 100 yards. Running backs Izzy Amezcua and Adam Keller become focal points after combing for 359 yards and six touchdowns. Receiver Kyle Sawyer comes off a 123-yard season. Three cornerstone linemen return in Ryan Clark, Gavin Pickering and Billy Wollard.

The defensive secondary will count on Sawyer (46 tackles) and Traiton Suttles (30 tackles, four interceptions) to thwart enemy passing games. Senior LB Rocky Landwehr returns after gobbling up 54 tackles.

5-6 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-I North Central Kansas League Coach: Lee Weber (2nd year, 5-6) Assistants: John Scoggins, Curtis Eckart, Shane Neel, Jordan Irsik, John Tyler Evans Offense: Spread No Huddle Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 21 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 8 Defense Dillon Blain, QB/DB, Sr.; Tyson Loewen, DB/RB, SR.; Jace Ward, WR/DB, Sr.; David Paczkowski, K, 4-5 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 4A-I Sr.; Caleb Ubel, LB/OL, Jr.; Dawson Delforge, DL/ Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division IV OL, Jr.; Sam Wohler, WR/CB, Sr.; Jackson Mackeprang, DL/OL, Sr.; Tylar Patrick, DL/OL, Jr.; Coach: Zane Aguilar (1st year) 3-6 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 4A-I Stetsyn Roberts, OL, Sr.; Alex Vontz, LB/RB, Jr.; Ty Kyle McCaskey Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III Cooper, CB/WR, So.; Jayson Ebert, WR/S, Jr. BM Coach: Linn Hibbs (1st year, 19th overall) KM

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 6 4

4A-I Overview continued from page 54 four years and have made the playoffs five straight years, quickly becoming a power under coach Brent Pfeifer in its brief existence. Do-everything quarterback Korie Frausto has graduated, leaving the offense in the hands of 1,000-yard rusher Jacob Perez and seven other returning starters.

Ulysses has been nothing but a playoff fixture for the past decade, having not lost a district game since 2005. What the Tigers did lose off last year’s team is Ian Rudzik, who finished his career at the state’s second all-time leading rusher with 7,164 yards. Ulysses has a massive lineman in Kansas State commitment Harrison Creed (6-6, 320) and returns seven defensive starters, but must get over its recent hump of early playoff exits — four straight first-round defeats.

The west does add Andale, moving up from Division II after making the semifinals last year, before falling to eventual champion Holcomb. The Indians have been one of the 4A’s top programs for the bulk of Gary O’Hair’s 14-year tenure, going 142-28 under his watch.

Andale captured the Division II title in 2014 with a 13-0 mark and if O’Hair can rebuild his offensive and defensive lines, he’s got the horses to make a run in Division I this year, led by senior 1,000-yard rusher Zach Meyer and a strong collection of skill players.

In the east, Basehor-Linwood came on strong at the end of the season and returns quarterback Justin Phillips to lead an experienced offense. Paola and Louisburg have as much tradition as anyone and though both suffered heavy graduation losses, both should be counted on being a factor come November.

The Frontier League could boast a number of contenders. DeSoto has made huge strides in recent years and returned to the playoffs last year, while Ottawa will get Isaac McCullough back to run the offense and has a top-notch lineman in senior Drew Bones.

Even with the loss of KCAL MVP Wykeen Gill, Atchison returns a number of key pieces from a team which went 8-1 a year ago, but missed the playoffs. The Redmen were upset in the season finale by KC Piper and sat home, which won’t sit well with returning league defensive MVP Adam Smith or standout lineman Dai Coye Haley.

Piper failed to reach the state semifinals last year for the first time in five years, but extended its string of consecutive playoff appearances to seven with the upset of Atchison.

Eight starters are back and a pair of transfers could give the Pirates enough to get through another tough district.

Augusta coach Jason Filbeck has turned the Orioles fortunes upright and the return of Division I linebacker prospect Dallin Marlnee gives them hope of continued improvement.

Mulvane returns a quality quarterback and a huge front line. In the past Wildcat coach Dave Fennewald has ridden that combination to playoff wins.

Brent Maycock is a sports writer with the Topeka Capital-Journal with over 20 years experience covering high schools in the Topeka area, and across Kansas.

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Pa g e 6 5

Class 4A-II Overview

overview

BY KANSAS PREGAME STAFF The road to a title in 4A-II likely got a bit tougher this year thanks to the addition of Topeka Hayden, Wichita Collegiate, and Scott City from other classes, but, most of the teams in the division are likely also happy to say farewell to power Andale, which makes the leap to 4A-I. Holcomb captured the first title in its initial state game appearance when it shutout Holton, 21-0, to win the Class 4A-II title in freezing, sleeting conditions last November. The Longhorns, ranked No. 1 to open the 2015 season, won their first two contests and then lost, 34-20, at Ulysses and 15-7 versus Scott City in a pair of GWAC rivalry games. Holcomb then won its next 10 games behind a defense that permitted 9.6 points per contest and an offense that tallied 32.7 points a game.

Coach Kent Teeter has to replace his son, Trey, a four-year starter at QB who completed 158 of 233 passes for 2,558 yards with a 35/6 TD/INT ratio. Holcomb returns its top-three rushers led by Dillon Williams, who paced the Longhorns with 128 carries for 899 yards and 14 scores. Williams, the reigning 4A-II Defensive Player of the Year, has led the Longhorns in tackles the last two seasons. He tallied 145 tackles (92 solo), including six for loss. Senior Brandon Stegman had 86 carries for 423 yards and six scores. He also caught 41 passes for 558 yards and seven TDs. Senior Conner Vancleave recorded 78 tackles, including team bests for TFLs (11) and sacks (seven). Vancleave had 30 catches for 270 yards and seven scores.

In the first two years of a split Class 4A, only Miege enjoyed more success at the Division I level than Hayden.

After finishing runner-up to the Stags for the 2014 title, Hayden came back last year and fell one win short of reaching a second straight championship game, falling to Andover Central in the state semifinals.

The 10-win season was the sixth for Bill Arnold in his nine years as Hayden coach and marked the eighth time the Wildcats have won at least two playoff games in his tenure.

A new landscape awaits Hayden in 2016 as the football program will follow the drop to Class 4A Division II that the rest of the Wildcat sports teams made last year. Hayden immediately jumps into a position of title contender, even facing arguably the toughest district in the class — one that includes 2014 runner-up and rival Holton as well as a Santa Fe Trail program on the rise.

To live up to the lofty expectations, Hayden has some bigtime holes to fill. While senior Jake Heit became a force on the defensive line with eight sacks and 105 total tackles, the unit will miss the steady presence of departed All-4A pick Brooks Peavler, who led the team in tackles.

The linebacking corps will still be a strength with AJ Shaw (111 tackles) and Brent Peavler (64 tackles) back, but only one starter returns in the secondary and Heit is the only returning starting lineman.

The question marks on offense are even bigger. Replacing

do-it-all back Connor Schumacher (955 rushing, 443 receiving) was going to be tough enough, but leading receiver Mason Dodd and second-leading rusher Daniel Gaito also graduated. The offense was expected to remain in the hands of returning quarterback Dallas Crittenden (1,386 yards, 13 TDs), but he transferred to Free State.

Peavler or senior Andrew Smith could step into Crittenden’s spot, but Hayden will lean heavily on returning backs Connor Hobart (498 yards, 6 TDs) and Tomas Stringer (316 yards, 7 TDs) at least early in the season.

The new faces will get an immediate test as Hayden opens the season with 6A toughie and Centennial League rival Topeka High, whom the Wildcats haven’t faced for two years.

Hayden won’t see fellow 6A league powers Junction City or Manhattan this year.

In the four seasons before Mark Smith took over as head coach, the Frontenac Raiders suffered through a 13-25 record. Since then, the son of legendary St. Mary’s-Colgan coach Chuck Smith has helped make the Raiders a contender again.

Frontenac is 28-14 and has advanced to the playoffs four consecutive years since Smith took the helm in 2012.

The Raiders are poised to have continued success in 2016 with six starters returning on each side of the ball from a team that finished 7-4 last season.

“We have a very experienced team coming back in 2016,” Smith said. “We have a lot to accomplish as a team starting with a league and district championship. We want to be playing our best football at the end of October and in November.”

Offensively, the Raiders will be led by senior quarterback Brandon Mlekus. The dual-threat quarterback, who earned a CNC honorable mention last year, passed for 1,830 yards and rushed for 797 yards. Offensive tackle A.J. Lusker returns to the line after receiving second-team all-league honors in 2015. Other returning starters include running back Cadin Bolinger, wide receiver Ryan Long, tight end Dylan Flora, guard Ryan Hemby and kicker Trey Harris.

The Frontenac defense will be led by senior free safety Isaac Bicknell, who was first-team all-CNC as a junior.

Bicknell posted 95 tackles, four interceptions and two punt returns for touchdowns. Linebacker Flora earned secondteam all-league after posting 105 tackles and one interception. Other returning starters on defense include defensive end Broc Ginavan, Long at strong safety, Lusker at defensive tackle and Mlekus at defensive back.

Longtime coach Glenn O’Neil, who served as Scott City’s successful football and boys’ basketball coach, took a job as Topeka Seaman’s head football coach in the spring. His longtime assistant/d-coordinator, Jim Turner, took over as head coach. Turner has coached the Beavers since 1995. He has served as head track coach since 1997 and head girls’ basketball coach from 2000-09. Turner has been the defensive coordinator the last nine years.

Scott City, a longtime 3A squad, moves up to Class 4A-II

KPG PRESEASON RANKINGS 1. Topeka Hayden 2. Holcomb 3. Holton 4. Frontenac 5. Wichita Collegiate Others: Hugoton, Scott City this year. SC is in District 7 with Colby, Goodland and Concordia. The Beavers have won double digit games eight straight seasons, a feat only matched by Silver Lake. Scott City is 90-9 in that span.

Turner has perennially had one of 3A’s top scoring defenses and Scott City permitted 97 points, No. 2 in 3A in 2015. Offensively, Scott City averaged 278 rushing yards a game and 115 passing. Senior quarterback Bo Hess completed 76 of 138 passes for 1,265 yards with a 14/10 TD/ INT ratio. Sophomore Wyatt Hayes had 40 carries for 354 yards with three scores. SC graduated Cooper Griffith, who signed with Fort Hays, and Wyatt Kropp.

“Same as always, try to help boys grow into responsible, trustworthy, team players,” Turner said of team goals. “Those things will have dictated how the football season goes.”

Thanks to injuries and a loaded early schedule, it took Holton a little longer than usual to look like its normal self last year. But once the Wildcats got healthy and found a groove, they were the Holton that’s established itself as one of the state’s top programs in any class, compiling a 202-36 mark in Brooks Barta’s 20 years as coach. Holton shook off a 2-3 start and won seven straight games to reach the Class 4A Division II state championship game where it fell 21-0 to Holcomb.

A healthy Brandon Lehnherr on the offensive line played a big key in Holton’s late-season surge and having him from week one will be a huge boost for the Wildcats’ Barta Bone to hit the ground running. He’s one of several returners up front who helped pave the way for a Wildcat ground game that cranked out 4,118 yards last year.

Four of the top-five ground gainers from a year ago are gone, including 1,000-yard fullback Mason Barta and quarterback Justin Rieschick. Senior Spencer Baum ranked second to Barta a year ago with 755 yards, but no other back had more than 200 yards.

Barta’s loss might be felt even more defensively, where he was Holton’s leading tackler for three straight years and now will follow in Brooks’ shoes at Kansas State. Junior Dylan Aeschliman did have 111 tackles a year ago to rank only behind Barta and Parker Zeller added 66.

The schedule is once again loaded and arguably even tougher than last year when the Wildcats faced five playoff

continued on page 76

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DILLON WILLIAMS HOLCOMB

BY CONOR NICHOLL tackles ranked sixth.

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz, For Kansas Pregams

Entering the 2015 Class 4A, Division II state championship game, Holton had not suffered a shutout during the last 11 years. In that span, the Wildcats, under veteran coach Brooks Barta, had set multiple state rushing records and won two state titles behind its wishbone offense. Its low point total came in a 103 Louisburg loss in the ’07 postseason.

In freezing and sleeting conditions, Holton ran 61 plays, 24 more than Holcomb. However, the Longhorns’ defense limited the Wildcats to 58 carries for 174 yards and just 187 total yards. Holton never had a play longer than 19 yards.

Dillon Williams capped a superb junior season with 16 tackles, 11 solo, both team-highs as the Longhorns won their first state football title with a 21-0 victory.

“That was definitely a big thing for Holcomb to go ahead and finally get the football state championship, and it was really good for the community,” Williams said.

The game encapsulated the season for Holcomb and Williams. While the Longhorns enjoyed a great offense with quarterback Trey Teeter and wide receiver Christian Merz, Holcomb’s underrated defense was key in the Longhorns’ nine-game winning streak to end the season.

Holcomb permitted just 134 points per game, or 10.1 per contest, best in 4A-II. (The offense ranked third at 458 points).

It marked the best scoring defense for Holcomb since 2008.

“We really pride ourselves on stopping people because that’s just what Holcomb has always been about is stopping people, and we had a strong defensive line, and we had some seniors that were really tough,” Williams said. In 2014, Holcomb allowed 17.6 points per game but struggled in a 57-13 sub-state loss to eventual champion Andale.

“When we finished the year last year, we were very excited about the year, but we were a little disappointed that we didn’t play Andale better,” coach Kent Teeter said. “We watched the next week when they played in the state championship, and they won that game pretty easily, and we were like, ‘Hey, Andale was just a class of their own last year.’ But I said, ‘What did it take to have that?’ Our kids, they went to work as soon as that game was over.”

Williams finished 2015 with 145 stops, including 92 solo. His tackles per game (11.2) ranked 38th among Kansas 11-man players, but his solo

As a sophomore, Williams had similar ratios with 128 tackles, 73 solo.

For his efforts, Williams earned Class 4A-II Defensive Player of the Year honors, an award he displayed in his Twitter bio.

“It’s really cool,” Williams said. “It just symbolizes all the hard work that I have been going through, and … it’s just a big honor to go ahead and get labeled as that.”

Holcomb, ranked preseason No. 1 by Kansas Pregame, opened with big victories versus Cimarron and Goodland and then lost a pair of GWAC games versus rivals Ulysses (34-20) and Scott City (15-7).

“It was actually a big eye-opener for us, and allowed us to get back into practice and focus up a lot more,” Williams said. “Even losing those – you don’t ever want to lose to two of your league opponents – but losing those two games really helped us toward the end of the year.”

Then, Holcomb started to roll, with wins against Colby, Lakin, Larned, Pratt and Hugoton to end the regular season. The Longhorns permitted just 44 total points, including a 27-12 victory at Hugoton where the Longhorns bottled up standout QB Valentino Degollado.

Holcomb held Delgollado to 7 of 15 passing for 99 yards and 12 carries for 48 yards. It marked his second-lowest total yardage of 2015.

Williams led Holcomb with 11 stops.

“We went against some good teams, and to hold some of the big teams that we did to the low scores was really impressive,” Williams said. “It was really just a testament of what we do.”

In the playoffs, Holcomb shutout Concordia, 48-0, held off red-hot Wamego, 55-14, and defeated Andale, 26-13.

“It was really nice to finally get revenge on the team that took us out the year before,” Williams said.

Williams received plenty of defensive help. Braden Showalter, since graduated, picked off eight passes for 137 return yards and recovered three fumbles. Returning senior Conner VanCleave, a three-sport standout and one of the Midwest’s top baseball players, led the team with seven sacks. He also picked off three passes with two fumble recoveries for a squad that finished plus-20 in turnover margin. Senior Brandon Stegman is back as a slot back/linebacker and returner; Stegman, Williams and VanCleave are returning captains.

Holcomb returns several defensive linemen that helped clog holes and give Williams tackling lanes, including senior Kyol Blackburn (6foot-4, 235 pounds). Blackburn had 40 tackles in ’15. Senior Dayton Quint (6-0, 235) is expected to be a key player.

Following the Andale victory, Holcomb moved into the state title versus Holton, winners of eight straight. The field at Salina Stadium was packed with ice on a frozen, sleeting day. Williams said the defensive goals were to “slow them down” and force Holton “off beat” and “off tempo.”

Holcomb, which felt its defense wasn’t as respected as its highoctane offense, allowed Holton just 3.1 yards per carry.

“They have some good kids down there,” Williams said. “And our defense, I think we just kind of wanted it more and we just came in playing in those conditions is definitely tough, slipping around and sliding like that – we came in and just kind of took it to them, and kind of shut them down from the get-go and they had a hard time coming back from that.”

CLASS 4A-II Photos by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com Features by Tyler Gier

The Eisenhower Presidential Library Eisenhower Statue - The bronze statue of Dwight D. Eisenhower by Robert L. Dean, Jr. was presented to the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum by the Harry and Edith Darby Foundation. The statue depicts Eisenhower in the familiar World War II “Eisenhower Jacket.” The Georgia granite base has quotations from Eisenhower’s illustrious careers as President of the United States, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, General of the Army, Supreme Allied Commander of Europe, and Chief of Staff of the Army.

(Courtesy Eisenhower Presidential Library)

In May the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home in Abilene, was host to the Kansas Pregame Class Feature Shoot. Dozens of Kansas football players traveled from across the state to be part of this special feature photo shoot at one of the state’s most important historic landmarks. Their features, written by Tyler Gier, are on the following pages.

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 6 8

VALENTINO DEGOLLADO

JAKE HASTINGS

BRANDON LEHNHERR

AJ LUSKER

BRANDON MLEKUS

Valentino “Tino” Degollado, a 6-1, 190 pound senior QB, will try to lead Hugoton back to the playoffs after a stellar junior season. Degollado completed 57 percent of passes for 1,963 yards and a 19/10 touchdown/ interception ration, and added 791 on the ground and 10 more scores.

Degollado’s stats earned him a spot on the Garden City Telegram Top 11 team, and honorable mention

by GWAC coaches.

According to Eagles head coach Todd Fulton, Degollado’s work ethic and competitiveness sets him apart.

“Tino is a hard worker and leader in the weight room and practice field,” Fulton said. “He strives to be the best and is a fierce competitor that expects to win.”

Degollado’s goal is to score more in 2016 and rack up some yards in the process.

“My personal goals for this season would be to throw for at least 30 passing touchdowns and rush for at least 15. I want to lead the state in total yards at the end of the season.”

Tino says he hopes to win the GWAC, and State, in the process.

When the Chargers find themselves in short yardage situations or need some yards on the ground, Santa Fe Trail head coach Jayson Duncan know’s which lineman he’s running behind. “(Hastings) is great in the run blocking game, and when Jake is at his best you can count on him to take care of his man to give our back a hole,” Duncan said. “Jake is a mauler. He is physical on the offensive line.”

Charger senior Jake Hastings, a 6-2, 295 pound senior lineman, is a two time Pioneer League First Team selection and two time First Team All State selection. Hastings is also a two time State placer in wrestling.

Hastings wants to make be AllState once again and start catching the eye of some bigger colleges. As for the team, which has shown marked improvement over the past two seasons, Hastings is shooting for another District championship and to make a deeper playoff run.

Hastings, whose older brother Cody will join the Pitt. State football team this fall, did 26 reps at 185 on bench at the Sharp Combine in May.

Holton began the 2015 season 2-3 and then reeled off seven straight wins before a 21-0 loss to Holcomb in the 4A-II Final. Brandon Lehnherr, a 6-3, 230 pound lineman, helped lead the turnaround after missing the first half of the season due to injury.

“Brandon made a real difference for us both offensively and defensively on the line of scrimmage in the playoffs,” Holton coach Brooks Barta said. “His combination of strength and quickness make him a tough match up. He is capable of playing anywhere on the line of scrimmage, from tight end to center.”

For Lehnherr the 2016 season started the minute the title game ended. “He has really dedicated himself to the weight room and summer training this year,” Barta said.

“Brandon accepted more of a leadership role with our football team.”

And Lehnherr, a senior, has embraced that leadership role.

“My personal goals are to develop my skills as a leader and player,” Lehnherr said. “I would love to be an anchor for my brothers both on and off the field.”

Frontenac coach Mark Smith called senior AJ Lusker the leader of both offensive and defensive lines for the Raiders.

“AJ has a huge personality and can really motivate his teammates,” Smith said. “AJ has a way to positively influence his teammates.”

At 6-2, 265 pounds, Lusker was a force for the Raiders last fall, carding 48 tackles, four TFLs, one sack and two forced fumbles. Lusker was named second team All-League and also honorable mention All-State.

Lusker’s ultimate team goal is to win the State Championship and he knows for the team to achieve that he must do his part, a play at a time.

“My personal goal is to be the best I can and beat the other guy on that line, play after play,” Lusker said, adding he loves the competition of the game. “I love the competition that football has provided for me.”

Lusker will partner with several other key Raider returners to try and continue the resurgence in Frontenac football under Smith, son of Pittsburg-Colgan coaching legend Chuck Smith.

Brandon Mlekus, a versatile, 5-11, 175 pound, QB and d-back will lead the Frontenac offense again in 2016.

Last season Mlekus completed 60.5 percent of his passes for 1,830 yards and 16 TDs. The senior also rushed for 797 yards on 123 attempts and 11 more scores. Defensively, the cornerback recorded 43 total tackles, including two for loss, one interception and two pass break ups.

“Brandon has a great work ethic and tremendous attitude,” coach Mark Smith said. “Brandon makes the players around him better.”

According to Smith, Mlekus’ biggest asset is his competitive fire.

“Brandon is the ultimate competitor on the field and the team really feeds off of his leadership and play-making ability on both sides of the ball.”

In 2015 Mlekus was named CNC honorable mention QB and an allstate d-back. He also qualified for the 4A State Wreslting tournament for the third straight year and finished with a 40-4 record and fourth place showing at 152 pounds at State. Mlekus is also a standout player on the Raider baseball team.

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K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

IAN NORDELL

JUSTIN PEINE

Even though Concordia head coach Austin Kingsbury has only coached senior Ian Nordell for one season, he is impressed with the senior’s work ethic.

“One of the biggest compliments that I can give someone, is to say they are a hard worker,” Kingsbury said. “Ian is one of the hardest working kids I have ever coached.”

Nordell, a 6-4, 220 pound tight end and outside linebacker/d-end for the Panthers, recorded 62 solo tackles, 28 assists, 19 TFLs, and two sacks in ‘15. Nordell also caught 12 passes for 176 yards and three TDs. This season, Nordell is shooting for 100 tackles on defense and 750 yards receiving on offense, along with All-League and All-State honors.

Last year Nordell was named to the Topeka Capitoal-Journal and Wichita Eagle All-State teams and the allleague team.

“I love everything about the game,” Nordell said of football. “My favorite (part), is the sense of togetherness, when a group of 40 or 50 guys come together kind of as a family with a common goal.”

According to Prairie View head coach Doug Whitcraft, big lineman Justin Peine brings his “old school farm chore” work ethic to the football field, allowing coaches to rely on him on Friday nights in the fall.

“Justin is everything a coach wants in a player,” Whitcraft said.

“He has an incredible work ethic, no nonsense focus, and excellent leadership qualities.”

The 6-6, 280 pound senior lineman recorded 50 tackles last year, including 14 solo stops and 30 assists, with six sacks.

For his on the field efforts Peine was named to the 2015 Pioneer League First Team offensive and defensive lines. The Topeka CapitalJournal gave Peine an Honorable Mention.

Peine excels in track and field where he qualified for State in the discus in 2015, and placed fifth in State in 2016. He also plays basketball and boasts a 400 pound bench.

Peine hopes to earn a high level football scholarship and was named one of Sports in Kansas 25 offensive linemen to watch for 2016.

PAYTON PICKERING

COOPER ROOT

Pa g e 6 9 offered more excitement as the 6-3, 220 pound senior TE/LB was named the Linebacker MVP at the Kansas City Rivals Camp. Root has college football offers from Colgate and the Air Force Academy, and has drawn interest from K-State, KU, Minnesota, Northern Iowa, North Dakota State, and So. Dakota along with MIAA schools and JUCOs. The Spartans jump up to 4A-II this fall, but the goal remains the same.

“Our goal for the 2016 season is to win the State Championship. After coming up one point short of perfection last season, we intend to finish the job,” Root said.

Root calls football the ultimate team sport. “Eleven guys doing whatever it takes every play to achieve an ultimate goal.”

Last season the Kingman Eagles The past year has been an excitstarted 3-0, but lost five of their next ing one for Wichita Collegiate’s six games, scoring more than 19 Cooper Root, as the Spartans were points in only one of those losses, one point from unseating the and missing the 3A playoffs. This fall Rossville Bulldawgs as football State the Eagles move up to 4A-II and will Champs in class 3A, basketball won rely on Payton Pickering to help a 4A-II State Championship, and the score points from the backfield, after baseball team qualified for the State he rushed for 1,406 yards and 14 Tournament. And the summer has TDs in 2015. He also tallied 55 We proudly support Justin Peine! tackles as a DB. While just 5-8, 190, Pickering is a weight room warrior who squats 400 and benches 245, and coach Curtis Albin calls him “dynamic” and the “best player Kaden Roush Trint Peine all-around I have “Breeding the Best Better” 816-654-3679 785-282-0740 had here.”

“Some of our team goals for this year is to win our district and make a run in the playoffs,” Pickering said.

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Pa g e 70

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BALDWIN Two weeks into the season, there wasn’t any indication 2015 would end up being what longtime Baldwin coach Mike Berg called “a trying year.”

The Bulldogs opened with a 21-19 win over Basehor-Linwood and then pulled out a 27-26 win in week two over KC Piper. Not only did both wins avenge losses from 2014, but both Basehor and Piper went on to qualify for the Class 4A Division I playoffs.

Baldwin, meanwhile, went into a tailspin and the end result was a 2-7 season that hardly fit the resume the Bulldogs have put together in Berg’s tenure. The losing season ended an eight-year playoff streak and after capturing two straight Frontier League titles, the Bulldogs went winless in league play.

Berg and the Bulldogs hope 2015 was merely an aberration and playing a slew of young players during the frustrating campaign could allow 2016 to become a bounce-back year with 26 lettermen back.

Among the holes to fill, none are bigger than those left by the Katzer brothers. Jake and Joel each finished with 978 yards rushing and combined for 13 touchdowns to lead the Baldwin offense. The linebacker duo also were the defensive leaders as well, combining for 179 tackles with Jake accounting for 101 of those.

The offensive burden could fall early on senior back Justin Howard, who also could be the defensive anchor from his linebacker spot. The Bulldogs will be solid up front each way, returning four starters across the offensive front with each checking in at 210 pounds or bigger. The unit has typically been a strength for Baldwin, producing Division I signees Dayton Valentine and Christian Gaylord in recent years.

Baldwin drops down to Class 4A Division II this year and into a district that will be wide open.

Bishop Ward is coming off a string of winless seasons, while Osawatomie and Prairie View each suffered significant graduation losses.

2-7 in 2015 / 0-2 in district / 4A-II Frontier League Coach: Mike Berg (19th year, 114-72) Assistants: Jay King, Marc Bergan, Jeff Melcher, Brian Turk, Bob Martin, Jesse Austin Offense: Pro I/Flexbone Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 26 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Justin Howard, RB/LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Garrett Borth, TE/DE, 6-3, 240, Jr.; Caleb Flory, C/DE, 60, 210, Sr.; Tristian Schweda, OG/NG, 6-1, 230, Jr.; Auggie Lange, WR/S, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Shelton Shively, OT, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Hunter Ramirez, CB, 59, 160, Jr.; Blake Adamson, K, 6-0, 205, Sr. BM

BURLINGTON

CHAPMAN

Five seniors return to lead Burlington as the Wildcats look to improve on last year’s 3-6 record.

Former Trego Community and Plainville coach John Petrie takes over a Wildcat program that also returns four juniors with starting experience.

Burlington’s single wing offense will be anchored by senior tailback Colby Johnson, senior receivers Connor Rychlec and Reid Williams, senior tight end Steven Fort and five experienced linemen.

Senior Vestson Hardeson is joined by juniors TJ Lang, Tate Petrie, Michael Tate and JT Truelove up front.

“Our goals are to improve every day as a person, student and player,” Petrie said. He added that keys to Burlington’s success will include “to come together as a family.” Hard work and dedication throughout the season will also be important to Petrie’s first Wildcat squad.

On defense, Burlington figures to lean on an experienced group in the trenches. Hardeson, Lang and Petrie have started at defensive tackle positions, and Johnson is a veteran outside linebacker. In the secondary, Rychlec and Williams are both returning to the starting lineup.

The Wildcats open their season Sept. 2 against Wellsville. That contest will be followed by backto-back road games at Santa Fe Trail and Prairie View before Burlington returns home to host Olpe on Sept. 23. The Wildcats’ final two tuneups for district action are set for Sept. 30 against Osawatomie and Oct. 7 at 3A power Rossville.

Burlington’s Class 4A-II district schedule starts with an Oct. 14 trip to Iola, and the Wildcats will also face Girard on Oct. 20 before finishing the season at home against Anderson Co. on Oct. 27.

Dan Sell’s debut as Chapman coach got off to a good enough start. The Fighting Irish won their first two games, including a big 14-8 win over Southeast-Saline.

But after a 40-20 loss to Clay Center in week three, Chapman’s offense did a disappearing act.

The Irish were shut out four times in the final six weeks and managed just 34 points the rest of the season to finish 4-5.

If the offense gets going this year, it will be with pretty much an entirley new cast. Gone are threeyear starting tailback Robert Steck, who just missed out on his second straight 1,000-yard season last year, as well as quarterback Chandler Sweet and standout lineman Jason Zook.

Senior Tanner Hettenbach will take over at quarterback after starring as the Irish’s defensive leader a year ago, making 68 tackles on his way to first-team All-North Central Kansas League honors. Senior Dakota Davis and Kevin Leister will tag team in the backfield to replace Steck and sophomore Brandon Colston could emerge as a playmaker in the passing game after coming on strong last year as a freshman.

Without Zook, the lines will anchor around senior Trevin Thurlow, a two-way starter, but Sell acknowledge there were big holes to fill by younger players.

Overshadowed by Chapman’s offensive woes was the fact that the Irish were pretty solid defensively, giving up just 21 points per game and only 31 of those coming in the four wins.

3-6 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Pioneer League Coach: John Petrie (1st year) Assistants: Dave Watkins, Tim Johnson, Dave Sloop Offense: Single Wing Defense: Multiple Returning starters: N/A Colby Johnson, TB/OLB, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Reid Williams, WR/DB, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Connor Rychlec, WR/DB, 5-9, 125, Sr.; Veston Hardeson, G/DT, 53, 215, Sr.; Michael Tate, C, 6-4, 275, Jr.; Steven Fort, TE, 6-0, 185 Sr.; TJ Lang, G/DT, 6-0, 259, Jr.; JT Truelove, G, 55-8, 185, Jr.; Tate Petrie, G/ DT, 6-0, 220, Jr. Melanie McGee

4-5 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II North Central Kansas League Coach: Dan Sell (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: Brian Sweet, DeShawn Fogle, Mike Miller, Pat Irvine, Ridge Foster Offense: Multiple/spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 30 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense Tanner Hettenbach, LB/QB, Sr.; Dakota Davis, DB/RB, Sr.; Isaac Johnson, DB/WR, Sr.; Trevin Thurlow, OL/DL, Sr.; Brandon Colston, WR, So.; Jaiden Jackson, LB, Jr.; Erik Lemon, OL/LB, Jr.; Kobey Stroud, OL/DL, So.; Austin Carter, DB, Jr.; Kevin Leister, RB/LB, Sr. Brent Maycock

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A change in district scenery will be a welcome site for Clay Center in 2016 after having to spend much of the past decade logging trips to Goodland and Colby. Instead, the new two-year cycle keeps the Tigers close to home with new district foes in Chapman, Rock Creek and Smoky Valley.

Clay Center not only faced two of them last year, but beat them both, taking a 27-17 win over Rock Creek and 40-20 win over Chapman in back-toback weeks. The Tigers only had two other victories, though tough losses to Marysville (6-3 OT) and Concordia (12-0) indicated they weren’t far away from a winning season.

Despite graduating a large senior class, Clay Center returns enough experience to climb back above .500 this season.

Eight starters return to a defense which allowed 23 points per game, though leading tackler and four-year starting linebacker Gabe Ware will be sorely missed along with three other players who garnered All-North Central Kansas League honors. Seniors Adam Ebert, Parker Folks and Hunter Mullin and junior Peyton Lane each had more than 45 tackles to form a solid nucleus to build upon.

Stepping up the offensive production could be the bigger key for the Tigers, who scored less than 20 points in half of their games last year.

Leading rusher Tyler Young must be replaced, but senior quarterback Kade Wallace was solid in his first year as a starter after missing his sophomore year and finished with 797 yards of total offense.

Ebert will likely become a bigger weapon in the running game after having just 326 yards last year.

For the second straight year, Clay Center will open the season with a returning state champion.

The Tigers lost to returning 3A champion Rossville in last year’s opener and this year will get last year’s 2-1A champion Phillipsburg right off the bat.

Clearwater is the embodiment of a team playing its best football in October. Clearwater became easy to overlook early in the past two seasons, floundering to 0-5 starts. Those same two seasons, the team roared through the second half of the schedule to fight its way into the postseason.

Clearwater’s offense was a tale of two halves of the season in 2015. In its first five games, it only chalked up 34 total points. In the final five, Clearwater awoke for 135 points. Despite wrapping up with a 3-7 record, Clearwater nearly kept its magic alive in the postseason. Wamego was able to squeak by and eliminate Clearwater, 2827, in the opening round. While the offense became a force, the defense never quite caught up, allowing eight of its 10 foes to reach at least 21 points.

The path to the playoffs does appear to have stiffened for Clearwater – though as stated, Clearwater has found a formula for sensational football in 4A-Divisoin II districts. District 5 will pit Clearwater against 3A runner-up Wichita Collegiate, who bumps up a classification, as well as a rising Nickerson program and a Wichita Trinity squad itching for its first playoff berth.

With back-to-back postseason appearances, Clearwater has played into November six times in the past decade. Clearwater has either finished with a winning record or made the postseason in all but one of coach Dirk Ankerholz’ first seven seasons.

Senior running back Collin Ellis will be the focal point of the offense. He returns a trustworthy lineman in senior Brady Helton. Ellis will help direct the defense from his linebacker position, and senior Konner Wells will contribute from the secondary.

4-5 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II North Central Kansas League Coach: Todd Rice (8th year, 35-33) Assistants: JD Lane, Marc Henry, Ben Last, Phil Kasper Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 22 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 8 Defense Zeb Bloom, DE, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Adam Ebert, RB/ LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Parker Folks, L, 5-11, 230, Sr.; McCade Mellies, L, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Hunter Mullin, LB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Kade Wallace, QB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Anthony Atkinson-Enneking, LB, 6-3, 175, Jr.; Garrett Craig, L, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Peyton Lane, DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Caleb Mendum, DB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Gavin Ware DL, 5-11, 190, Jr. Brent Maycock

3-7 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-II Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division IV Coach: Dirk Ankerholz (8th year, 32-36) Assistants: N/A Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Kyle McCaskey

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COLBY Colby continued its two trends in 2015: struggling to win games in the first half of the year yields a second half run and a playoff berth. In 2014, Colby opened 1-6 before winning its final two contests to earn a playoff berth. Last season, the split was even more pronounced. The Eagles opened 0-5 with just 48 points scored in the defeats. Then, Colby upset Norton 20-7 and swept its district with a 14-0 road win versus Concordia, a 42-31 victory versus Clay Center and a 47-6 win against Goodland. Colby narrowly fell, 20-14, to GWAC foe Hugoton in the first round of the playoffs.

Veteran coach Chris Gardner wants “to play consistent and have a quicker start to the season” and “to develop in the weight room this summer.”

Colby has a challenging schedule, especially with the difficult GWAC that should be one of Kansas’ stronger leagues from top to bottom.

Every GWAC team made the playoffs, save Colby’s rival Goodland, which should be much improved this year. The Eagles open with their customary game versus Oakley and then have three straight road games: La Crosse, Hugoton and Ulysses. Then, Colby gets Holcomb, Norton and Scott City at home before finishing at Concordia and Goodland. Colby has lost three straight to the Plainsmen and is 1-22 versus Holcomb, Scott City and Ulysses since 2004.

COLUMBUS

Sophomore Jordan Schippers was one of Kansas’ top freshmen with 70 carries for 538 yards and four TDs. He saw limited action in the pre-district before he had 33 carries for 406 yards and four rushing scores along with six catches for 119 yards and five receiving TDs in the district contests. He didn’t play in the playoff game.

4-6 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-II Great West Activities Conference Coach: Chris Gardner (10th year, 31-52; 15th overall) Assistants: Brad Wildeman, Matt Sims, Ed Schmitt, Travis Betz Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 6 Defense Ethan Jay, OL/DL, Sr.; Donte Whitfield, RB/LB, Sr.; Tate Carney, RB/CB, Sr.; Rex Barnum, CB, Sr.; Brooks Curry, TE/DE, Sr.; Zach Hart, CB, Jr.; Jordan Schippers, RB/LB, So. Conor Nicholl

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CONCORDIA

FRONTENAC

Austin Kingsbury, a former Larned assistant who helped rebuild the Indian program, led Concordia to the postseason in his first year as a head coach. Concordia played multiple contests with few points, notably a 6-0 overtime victory at Chapman in Week 4. Concordia outscored teams, 175-152, and finished second in Class 4A, Division II in fewest points allowed. Concordia lost, 48-0, at eventual state champion Holcomb in the first round of the playoffs. The Panthers led the NCKL with just 207 yards allowed per game.

The offense averaged 17.5 points per contest in ’15 after 27.6 in ‘14. Two falls ago, Drake Hake rushed for 2,034 yards and 25 scores as the Panthers averaged 6.1 yards per carry and 278 rushing yards a game. Concordia lost nine fumbles. Last year, Concordia averaged 189 rushing yards a contest and lost 19 fumbles, six more than any other NCKL team. The Panthers were minus-13 in turnover margin.

Since-graduated Logan Higbee led the Panthers with 682 rushing yards. Everyone who had at least 70 rushing yards has graduated. Senior Ian Nordell is the leading skill player with 12 catches for 176 yards and three scores. He also had 90 stops and 21 TFLs, easily the NCKL’s most.

“Really looking to build on what we accomplished last year,” Kingsbury said. “We want to get better as a unit and just maximize our potential as a group.”

In the four seasons before Mark Smith took over as head coach, the Frontenac Raiders suffered through a 13-25 record. Since then, the son of legendary St. Mary’s-Colgan coach Chuck Smith has helped make the Raiders a contender again.

Frontenac is 28-14 and has advanced to the playoffs four consecutive years since Smith took the helm in 2012.

The Raiders are poised to have continued success in 2016 with six starters returning on each side of the ball from a team that finished 7-4 last season. Frontenac will aim to be a contender in Class 4A Division II. “We have a very experienced team coming back in 2016,” Smith said. “We have a lot to accomplish as a team starting with a league and district championship. We want to be playing our best football at the end of October and in November.”

Offensively, the Raiders will be led by senior quarterback Brandon Mlekus. The dual-threat quarterback, who earned a CNC honorable mention last year, passed for 1,830 yards and rushed for 797 yards. Offensive tackle A.J. Lusker returns to the line after receiving second-team all-league honors in 2015. Other returning starters include running back Cadin Bolinger, wide receiver Ryan Long, tight end Dylan Flora, guard Ryan Hemby and kicker Trey Harris.

The Frontenac defense will be led by senior free safety Isaac Bicknell, who was first-team all-CNC as a junior. Bicknell posted 95 tackles, four interceptions and two punt returns for touchdowns.

Linebacker Flora earned second-team all-league after posting 105 tackles and one interception.

6-4 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-II North Central Kansas League Coach: Austin Kingsbury (2nd year, 6-4) Assistants: Ken Meyer, Scott Coppoc, Doug Thoman, John Hake, Jordan Aggson Offense: Pistol Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Ian Nordell, TE/LB, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Tracer Workman, OL/DE, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Jacob Palmquist, OL/DE, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Cole Larsen, QB/ CB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Matt James, WR/CB, 5-11, 155, Sr.; Billy Bechard, RB/LB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Brent Beaumont, OL/DL, 5-9, 225, Jr.; Austin Higbee, OL/DL, 6-1, 260, Jr.; Rope Dorman, RB/LB, 5-10, 170, Jr. Conor Nicholl

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7-4 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-II Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee League Coach: Mark Smith (5th season, 28-14) Assistants: John Palumbo, Bill Sullivan, Brady Hill, Troy Morris Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 33 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Brandon Mlekus, QB/CB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Cadin Bolinger, RB, 5-7, 170, Sr.; Ryan Long, WR/SS, 61, 185, Sr.; Dylan Flora, TE/LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; A.J. Lusker, OT/DT, 6-2, 260, Sr.; Ryan Hemby, OG, 511, 175, Sr.; Trey Harris, K/P, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Broc Ginavan, DE, 6-4, 220, Jr. Mark Schremmer

New faces will be in key roles at Columbus, as the Titans must replace a stellar group of departed seniors. In fact, Columbus coach Dan Grundy called the Class of 2015 the most talented group he’s ever had.

It’s not hard to see why. Led by its senior class, Columbus went 11-1 in ‘15, securing the CNC League championship and a district crown en route to an appearance in the semifinals of the Class 4A Division II playoffs, where the Titans fell to Holton 23-22. The Class of ‘15 also played a big role in the team’s state runner-up finish in ‘14.

The biggest loss to graduation is two-way standout Jace McDown, a first-team all-state running back who rushed for 2,667 yards and 38 touchdowns in 2015, averaging 11.7 yards per carry.

McDown, who recorded 125 tackles at linebacker and is headed to Emporia State, isn’t the only standout the Titans will have to replace, though, as Columbus graduated 11 seniors in all.

The Titans will also have to find a replacement for QB Trey Robinson, who passed for 1,537 yards with 17 touchdowns, along with top receiver Javohn Morrill, who recorded 957 receiving yards.

Columbus averaged 501 yards of offense per game in ‘15, 369 rushing and 132 passing.

Grundy said the main goal for the Titans in 2016 will be to compete for the CNC League title once again and to come together as a team. And what will be the key to accomplish those goals?

“Having athletes step up and fill key holes from last year’s team,” Grundy said. “Some younger players will have to have an impact early.”

Columbus has seven returning starters on defense and four on offense.

Seniors returning with starting experience are lineman Kody Robinson and defensive back

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Peyton Hale, along with junior defensive backs Cameron Mitchell, Keenan Stanley and Kale Smith, along with linemen Sam Eddington and Tucker Coble.

Stanley earned honorable mention all-state honors as an offensive end and all-CNC recognition at defensive back, while Eddington, Coble and Hale earned all-league honors.

Hale and Stanley are likely to take on bigger roles offensively this fall, as Hale ran for 363 yards and six TDs a season ago in a backup running back role, while Stanley caught six TD passes and ran for three more while compiling 625 yards of total offense.

Hale is the team’s returning leading tackler.

11-1 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-II Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee League Coach: Dan Grundy (9th season, 60-28) Assistants: Troy Haraughty, Blake Burns, Heath Perry, Matt Crain Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 7 Defense Peyton Hale, DB; 5-11, 160; Sr.; Kody Robinson, DE/T, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Cameron Mitchell, WR/DB, 510, 150, Jr.; Keenan Stanley, WR/DB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Kale Smith, DB, 6-3, 155, Jr.; Sam Eddington, DE/T, 6-1, 250, Jr.; Tucker Coble, DE/G, 5-11, 185, Jr. Jason Peake

GIRARD The Girard Trojans return a small, but solid core from a team that won a second-straight district championship in 2015. Girard went 6-4 overall a year ago, winning the Class 4A D-I District 3 championship along the way before falling in the first round of the playoffs.

Girard split its first six games of 2015 for a 3-3 start, but the Trojans then got on a roll, winning all three district contests. The Trojans were unable to keep that momentum going in the playoffs as they fell to Frontenac 38-6 in the first round.

Girard returns three seniors who earned allleague recognition in 2015. Austin Lallemand earned first-team all-CNC League honors as an offensive lineman, Jordan Hopson was a second team pick as a defensive lineman and Eric Wilson earned honorable mention recognition at QB. Wilson will start for a third straight season.

The Trojans also return four junior linebackers with starting experience in Matt Sabine, Josiah Thomason, Kyler Siebert and Cam McFarland.

Girard coach Leon Miller said experience at the quarterback, linebacker, lineman and running back positions should be a team strength.

The Trojans switched from the I-formation to a pistol offense last year and Miller hopes to use a balanced offensive attack this season.

Kreed Curran and Kolton Kirby are possibilities at running back, while Austin Noe, Mitch Murphy, Caden Anderson and Gage Chiartano are wide receiver candidates.

“We must improve in all areas as we get young in a hurry,” Miller said. “We need to develop our young players along with the older kids to develop depth.”

6-4 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-II Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee League Coach: Leon Miller (9th year, 38-38) Assistants: Craig Siebert, Jeremiah Hudson, Mark McFarland Offense: Pistol Defense: 5-2 Returning lettermen: 25 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Austin Lallemand, OG/DL, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Eric Wilson, QB/DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Jake Bennett, C, 60, 215, Sr.; Jordan Hopson, TE/DE, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Matt Sabine, LB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Josiah Thomason, LB, 6-1, 185; Jr.; Kyler Siebert, LB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Cam McFarland, LB, 5-8, 150, Jr. Jason Peake

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GOODLAND Coach Jeff Savage is known for turnarounds, and a pass-heavy offense he used for success at Quivira Hts., Burden-Central and Canton-Galva.

In his first year at Goodland, Savage had four offensive and five defensive starters returning.

Goodland finished 3-6, 0-3 in district for the second straight year. Goodland scored 184 points, its fewest in four years, and permitted 356, a 19point improvement from ’14.

Goodland struggled against top GWAC foes and in districts with big losses to Holcomb, Scott City, Clay Center, Concordia and Colby; no game was closer than 28 points.

Savage expects his 2016 team to be “much more physical” with 12 players back on defense and 10 on offense who started at some point.

Goodland has a returning playoff team in seven of nine games, including an opener at Norton.

“If we can stay healthy we will compete in every game, depth will be an issue,” Savage said. “Our passing game will be greatly improved and will be our strength on offense. We understand the importance of running the ball and need to

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improve our ground game. On defense we need to stop the run which we could not do last year.

Our front seven will be much better and we are optimistic about playing the run better.”

Goodland graduates all-state wide receiver Luke Avila (61 catches, 892 yards, five scores). Junior Levi Archer returns at quarterback after he completed 177 of 325 passes for 2,150 yards with a 16/16 TD/INT ratio. He led Goodland with 230 rushing yards; the Cowboys averaged 3.1 yards per rush. Senior Darian Kent returns after 25 catches for 463 yards and seven TDs. Goodland was plus-two in turnover margin.

Holcomb captured the first title in its initial state game appearance when it shutout Holton, 21-0, to win the Class 4A-II title in freezing, sleeting conditions last November. The Longhorns, ranked No. 1 to open the year, won their first two contests and then lost, 34-20, at Ulysses and 15-7 versus Scott City in a pair of GWAC rivalry games.

Holcomb then won its next 10 games behind a defense that permitted just 9.6 points per contest and an offense that tallied 32.7 points a game.

Third-year coach Kent Teeter listed goals as winning league, district and state, staying healthy and improve as the season progresses.

Coach Teeter has to replace his son, Trey, a 3-6 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II four-year starter at quarterback who completed Great West Activities Conference 158 of 233 passes for 2,558 yards with a 35/6 TD/ Coach: Jeff Savage (2nd year, 36th overall) INT ratio. Holcomb returns its top-three rushers Assistants: Jeremy Stefan, Chase Topliff, Dave with Dillon Williams, who paced the Longhorns with 128 carries for 899 yards and 14 scores.

Losey, Ronnie Wolf Williams, the reigning 4A-II Defensive Player of Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple the Year, has paced the Longhorns in tackles the Returning lettermen: N/A last two seasons. He tallied 145 tackles (92 solo), Returning starters: 10 Offense, 12 Defense Conor Nicholl including six for loss. Senior Brandon Stegman

had 86 carries for 423 yards and six scores. He also caught 41 passes for 558 yards and seven TDs. Senior Conner Vancleave recorded 78 tackles, including team bests for TFLs (11) and sacks (seven). Vancleave had 30 catches for 270 yards and seven scores.

12-2 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-II Great West Activities Conference Coach: Kent Teeter (3rd year, 23-4; 18th overall, 91-64) Assistants: Jerry Johnson, Brandon Hill, Lucas Sullivan, Jack Johnson, Carey McFann, Luke Harrington Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Brandon Stegman, WR/RB/FS, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Kaden Tichenor, RB/LB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Jonathan Prieto, LB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Dillon Williams, RB/LB, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Dayton Quint, OL/DL, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Conner VanCleave, TE/DE, 6-7, 220, Sr.; Kyol Blackburn, OL/DL, 6-4, 225, Sr.; Garett McGee, OL/DE, 6-2, 215, Sr. Conor Nicholl

HOLTON

HUGOTON

IOLA

KC-BISHOP WARD

Once the Wildcats got healthy last year and found a groove, they were the Holton that’s established itself as one of the state’s top programs, compiling a 202-36 mark in Brooks Barta’s 20 years as coach. Holton shook off a 2-3 start and won seven straight games to reach the Class 4AII title game where it fell 21-0 to Holcomb.

Even in its early losses, there were signs Holton would be a factor at the end. All three came to teams which finished with a combined 27-6 record. Two of the defeats — 23-22 in OT to Silver Lake and 20-13 to Maize South — were games Holton had a chance to win late.

A healthy Brandon Lehnherr on the o-line played a big key in Holton’s late-season surge and having him from week one will be a huge boost for the Wildcats’ Barta Bone to hit the ground running. He’s one of several returners up front who helped pave the way for a Wildcat ground game that cranked out 4,118 yards last year.

Four of the top-five ground gainers from a year ago are gone, including 1,000-yard fullback Mason Barta and QB Justin Rieschick. Senior Spencer Baum ranked second a year ago with 755 yards. No other back had more than 200.

Barta’s loss might be felt even more defensively, where he was Holton’s leading tackler for three straight years and now will follow in father Brooks’ shoes at K-State. Junior Dylan Aeschliman did have 111 tackles a year ago to rank second.

Hugoton accomplished school history in football and boys’ basketball last season. The Eagles’ football program won a playoff game and advanced to the quarterfinals, tying the longest advancement in school history. Hugoton had previously reached the quarterfinals three times (’77, ’83 and ’84). Then, boys’ basketball reached state for the first time since 1951.

This fall, Hugoton is in contention for a top-5 ranking in Class 4A-II and the GWAC title.

Senior Valentino Degollado completed 159 of 181 passes for 1,963 yards with a 19/10 TD/INT ratio and rushed 229 times for 791 yards and 10 scores. Hugoton averaged just 3.5 yards per rush, had 17 turnovers and finished plus-5 in margin.

Third-year coach Todd Fulton has set goals to get better each day, “represent Hugoton as best we can,” and “have each player take something from our program that will help them later in life.”

Team goals include a winning season.

“We must continue to build on (last year) and progress to the next level,” Fulton said. “We will strive to get better in offensive execution and continue to develop our tackling skills. Our kids have set high goals and will it take a ‘win the day’ attitude everyday from the start of the summer until the last game is played.”

The Mustangs will take aim at their third Pioneer League title with 24 returning lettermen leading the way for fourth year coach Doug Kerr.

However, Kerr said his team has another, more important goal.

“The main goal is to take the next step, win the district and make the state playoffs,” Kerr said.

“Our second goal is to win the Pioneer League title for the third time in five years.”

The Mustang defense brings back seven starters, including three linemen – senior Trea Williams, junior Evan Sigg and sophomore Matt Karr. Senior linebackers Chase Regehr and Ethan Scheibmeir are also back, along with senior defensive back Joey Zimmerman and junior defensive back Issac Vink.

On offense, six starters return for Iola. Senior Ben Cooper is back under center while Scheibmeir and sophomore Tayton Driskel also return to the backfield. Senior Colton Toney and junior Matt Miller will anchor the offensive line, and junior tight end Ethan Holloway is also back in the lineup.

A year ago, Iola went 3-6 overall and 1-2 in district games.

“The key will be to eliminate the bad quarter that plagued the team in the six losses last season,” Kerr said. “Staying healthy will also be a key factor in our overall success as a team.”

After serving as an assistant coach for Ward for the past three years, Kam Ridley becomes the next Cyclone coach to try and turn the program around, taking over for Tim Dorian who will remain on as an assistant coach.

Over the past six years, Ward has won just two games — both coming in district play in 2013 which got the Cyclones into the playoffs. Those wins ended a 33-game losing streak for Ward and Ridley inherits a team which enters the season having lost 20 straight games.

The Cyclones’ closest call last year was a 21-16 loss to KC Sumner to start the season. But Ward scored only 39 points the rest of the season and allowed more than 40 points in seven of its last eight games.

Ridley is familiar with the talent on hand and will have an experienced first squad with six starters back on offense and seven on defense. That will help as the Cyclones open with a tough Kaw Valley League stretch against returning playoff teams Basehor-Linwood and Lansing.

The Class 4A Division-II district, however, appears to be wide open with Baldwin coming off a down year and having to replace several key players and Prairie View and Osawatomie both suffering heavy graduation losses.

5-6 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-II Great West Activities Conference Coach: Todd Fulton (3rd year, 8-12) 9-4 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-II Assistants: Gentry Slocum, Tommy McClure, Big Seven League Ross Addison, Cris Nelson Coach: Brooks Barta (21st year, 202-36) Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Assistants: Joe Purcell, Mark Middlemist, Alex Returning lettermen: 17 Bartel, Brian Meerpohl, Matt Hundley, LD Fletcher Returning starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense Offense: Wishbone Defense: Odd Front Daniel Bustillos, WR, 5-6, 120, Sr.; Valentino Returning lettermen: 18 Degollado, QB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Zack Leininger, TE, Returning starters: 3 Offense, 4 Defense 6-5, 205, Sr.; Pedro Ordonez, OLB, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Brandon Lehnherr, OL/DL, 6-3, 245, Sr.; Tell Colby Korf, K, 6-4, 185, Sr.; Marcos Baeza, LB, 5Wittmer, OL/DL, 6-1, 235, Sr.; Aaron Bain, OL/LB, 8, 160, Jr.; Mitchell Hamlin, CB, 5-10, 145, Jr.; 6-1, 200, Sr.; Spencer Baum, RB/DB, 6-1, 175, Romano Burger, DE, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Elias Sr.; Bryson Patch, DB/RB, 6-2, 175, Sr.; AJ Mendoza, C, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Landan Hickey, OG/ Haussler, DB/RB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Parker Zeller, LB/ DT, 5-6, 235, Sr.; Bernabe Mendoza, OT, 5-11, RB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Dylan Aeschliman, LB/RB, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Brian Flores, DE, 5-11, 235, Sr. 180, Jr.; Tyler Price, DB/RB, 6-2, 175, Sr. BM Conor Nicholl

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3-6 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II Pioneer League Coach: Doug Kerr (4th year, 16-20; 10th overall, 40-56) Assistants: Cody Hager, Brad Carson, Dana Daugharthy, David Daugharthy, Nic Macanulty Offense: Single Wing Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 24 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Ben Cooper, QB, Sr.; Ethan Holloway, TE, Jr.; Matt Miller, OL, Jr.; Colton Toney, OL, Sr.; Ethan Scheibmeir, RB/LB, Sr.; Tayton Driskel, RB, So.; Issac Vink, DB, Jr.; Joey Zimmerman, DB, Sr.; Chase Regehr, LB, Sr.; Matt Karr, DL, So.; Evan Sigg, DL, Jr.; Trea Williams, DL, Sr. Melanie McGee

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0-9 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Kaw Valley League Coach: Kam Ridley (1st year) Assistants: Greg Duggins, Mike Beaven, Richard Williams, Ed Zukel, TJ Dorian Offense: I Formation Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Brent Maycock Supporting our area athletics!

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KINGMAN Kingman has followed an unusual trend the last couple of years. The Eagles started out strong, looked like a playoff team, but then missed the postseason.

In 2013, the Eagles followed the opposite plan.

They started an even 2-2 before rattling off five straight wins. Kingman won a district championship and a playoff game before the season ended with a 34-23 loss to Conway Springs.

In 2014, Kingman didn’t allow a point in racing to a 4-0 start. But Kingman lost three of its next five and missed the playoffs. Last year, the Eagles opened 3-0 before losing five of their last six games.

The goal for this season is simple.

“Be a much better version at the end of the year than at the beginning,” coach Curtis Albin said.

Kingman has some playmakers back, including fullback Payton Pickering, a workhorse in the backfield who never seems to tire. The main concerns will be finding a quarterback and replacing a solid, experienced offensive line.

The defensive backfield looks solid, with

Pickering, younger brother Gage Pickering, Tal Hartley and William Milford back. But, like on offense, the defensive line has been overhauled.

Kingman has moved up to 4A-II and will have state champion Holcomb in its district, as well as playoff team Hugoton, and Pratt.

4-5 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II Central Kansas League Coach: Curtis Albin (5th year, 22-24; 13th overall, 57-55) Assistants: Dusty Beam, Lance McGuire, Ross Bruggeman, Justin Reid, Danny Finder Offense: Wishbone Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Tal Hartley, QB/S, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Payton Pickering, FB/S, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Gage Pickering, RB/CB, 5-8, 145, Jr.; Jack Govert, C/DE, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Brant Harden, T/DE, 6-0, 185, Jr.; William Milford, RB/ CB, 5-9, 145, Jr.; Drew Krehbiel, G/LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Devin Williams, FB/DT, 6-0, 220, Jr.; Kyle Livingston, FB/DT, 5-8, 215, Jr. Brad Hallier

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LACYGNE-PRAIRIE VIEW A year ago, Prairie View started 3-0 and was among the early contenders for a Pioneer League title, and the Buffaloes are looking for a league title in 2016.

Doug Whitcraft’s squad also narrowly missed out on a trip to the Class 4A Division II playoffs, finishing third in the district, so bouncing back from that disappointment is also a goal for the upcoming season.

Seven seniors are back in the starting lineup to lead the Buffaloes, including one of Class 4A Divison II’s emerging linemen, Justin Peine.

Prairie View returns seven offensive starters and five members of the 2015 first-team defense.

Those starters include Peine, senior linemen Bryce Ackerson, Blake Miller and Jake Thomason; senior quarterback/free safety Trevor Hoover; and senior running back/linebackers Jesse Henry and Trey Isenhower.

“Win league and get into the playoffs,” are the main goals for the Buffaloes this year according to Whitcraft.

To achieve those goals, the seniors must step

5-4 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II Pioneer League Coach: Doug Whitcraft (6th year) Assistants: Will Shannon, Brian Batchelder, David Heidrick Offense: I-formation Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 5 Defense Bryce Ackerson, OL/DL, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Trey Isenhower, RB/OLB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Jesse Henry, RB/LB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Trevor Hoover, QB/FS, 511, 160, Sr.; Blake Miller, OL/DL, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Justin Peine, OL/DL, 6-6, 280, Sr.; Jake Thomason, OL/DL, 6-0, 215, Sr. Melanie McGee

OSAWATOMIE

LINDSBORG-SMOKY VAL.

MERIDEN-JEFF. WEST

NICKERSON

Smoky Valley is in strong position for a sizable improvement after a 2-7 season that featured a 04 home record and just 95 points scored. Smoky Valley returns 15 players who started at least one game in 2015. The Vikings lost several close games, including a 6-0 defeat versus Sterling in Week 2, an 18-14 loss to Wamego in Week 8 and a 20-0 road defeat to Chapman in Week 9.

Second-year coach Tim Lambert led turnarounds at St. Francis and Concordia.

“We should be much improved with everyone a year older and stronger than a year ago,” Lambert said. “Our depth will be much better with a solid sophomore class. Competition for starting spots will be better, which is always good.”

Smoky Valley, which was shutout three of its first four games in 2015, opens at Halstead and versus Larned in a pair of solid tests. District play features at Rock Creek, at Chapman and versus Clay Center. Smoky Valley’s lone playoff appearance since 2007 came in ’14. The Vikings return every player that had a rushing yard and caught a pass, including junior QB Brett Heitschmidt.

“If we stay committed to the weight room and stay healthy we should be much improved from a year ago,” Lambert said.

There were plenty of things about the 2015 for Jefferson West to look back upon and feel good about. The Tigers made the playoffs for the fourth time in five years and finished with a winning 5-4 record. All four losses came to teams that advanced to the second round of their respective playoffs, including a tight 21-20 loss to 3A quarterfinalist Sabetha and a 21-7 loss to Holton.

But it was how the season ended that left a little bit of a sour taste in the Tigers’ mouths all offseason. Leading Santa Fe Trail with just more than three minutes left in their 4A-II playoff opener, West endured a disastrous finish as the Chargers got a pick-six to take the lead and turned another interception into a clinching TD in a 35-22 victory.

Despite the tough ending, West’s season should be viewed as a success, particularly after dealing with more injuries than coach Steve Johnson could ever remember having in his career. The adversity hit early as returning 1,000-yard rusher Luke Herring was limited to mostly place-kicking duties after an early knee and foot injury.

Herring has graduated, as has Keishon Brown, who replaced him admirably as the workhorse in the backfield and ran for nearly 1,000 yards.

Quarterback Hunter Dean also emerged as a bigtime weapon, rushing for 302 yards in a district upset of Royal Valley and finishing the year with more than 1,300 yards of total offense.

Finding a complement to go with Dean will be a top priority for Johnson this year as no other player who returns had more than six carries or three receptions. An even bigger task, however, will be rebuilding a line that lost bookend tackles Michael Majors and Jared Ice and four starters overall. Center Chase Montgomery is the lone returning starter to the unit.

The Tiger defense that gave up just 17 points per game last year also will have a completely new look to it with just two starters back.

Mike Vernon continued to build on his growing reputation as someone who can quickly build a winning program. Although Nickerson had a losing record, the Panthers reached the postseason for the first time since 2007, and they gave Andale a battle in a 60-45 first-round loss. For Vernon, that season came two years after leaving Inman, where he led the Teutons to surprising back-toback 6-3 seasons. The former Hutchinson High offensive coordinator spent the one year between Inman and Nickerson as a Rose Hill assistant.

The secret is out on Vernon and Nickerson and they won’t sneak up on anyone, but that’s fine with Vernon. With 23 lettermen back, expectations have risen. “We have a core of very good football players returning,” Vernon said. “The guys got a lot of experience last year, competing against some quality competitions. We will be a much more athletic team this fall, and that is always a good thing.”

Nickerson’s line is experienced, with starters Garth Henke, Dakota Heim, Chance Gorges and Camron Stewart back. Last year, they helped the Panthers score 20 points or more seven times.

Also back are WR Braden Stewart, RB Austin O’Toole and fullback Peyton Kuhns.

“We will start a new quarterback, but the guys we have in the system are more than qualified to handle the job,” Vernon said. “The summer will be important building continuity and building trust.”

2-7 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Central Kansas League Coach: Tim Lambert (2nd year, 2-7; 23rd overall, 167-78) Assistants: James Henderson, Chris McClure, Ben Elliott, Cody Bowers, Allan Meier Offense: I-Formation Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 16 Returning starters: 10 Offense, 10 Defense Alan Wampler, OL/DB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Skyler DeMott, OL/DL, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Kaj Sjogren, RB/ DB, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Riley O’Dell, LB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Kyle Anderson, RB/LB, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Brett Heitschmidt, QB, 6-1, 200, Jr.; Zach Able, DB, 59, 165, Jr.; Alex Goodwin, OL, 6-0, 240, Sr.; Beck Elliott, OL/DL, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Bret Sauvage, DL, 510, 175, Sr.; Jacob Adams, TE/DE, 6-4, 185, Jr.; Austin Golden, DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Garrett Forsberg, DB, 6-4, 175, Sr.; Ross Schrag, WR, 60, 165, Sr.; Blake Heble, LB, 6-1, 180, So. CN

5-4 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-II Big Seven League Coach: Steve Johnson (10th year, N/A) Assistants: Doug Sidener, Dan Hypse, Jake Farrant, Chris Powers Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 2 Defense Hunter Dean, QB/DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Austin Ramey, RB/OLB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Justin Grahem, TE/LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Chase Montgomery, C/DE, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Jack Roenne, WR, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Caleb Middendorf, DB, 5-11, 180, Jr. Brent Maycock

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into leadership roles and some will need to gain confidence in new positions this year.

Prairie View’s 2016 schedule features back-toback road games to begin the season. Their home opener will be Sept. 16 against Burlington and it starts a three-game homestand. Following contests against Wellsville and Columbus, the Buffaloes are at Santa Fe Trail, host Osawatomie, then play at Bishop Ward before hosting Baldwin.

Independence from England elicits annual July 4th celebrations across the United States. Around Osawatomie, the notion is hardly one to cheer.

The graduation of standout back Riley England, leaves a monstrous hole for the Trojans to fill as it enters the 2016 season. Few backs in state history have been as productive as England was during his three years as a starter for Osawatomie.

All England did in his career was rush for 6,310 yards and 68 touchdowns, topping 2,000 yards twice — including a career-best 2,460 yards and 26 TDs last year. England finished his career ranked ninth on the state’s all-time rushing list.

His presence also carried Osawtomie to an unprecedented run of success. Last year’s 7-3 mark was the third straight winning season and second straight playoff appearance, coming on the heels of a three-year run from 2010-12 where the Trojans won just two games total.

Osawatomie’s offense also lost three-year starting quarterback Brody Russell. But pieces do return to help the Trojans go after a fourth straight winning season as seniors Chaseton Wylie and Gavin Badders combined to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a complementary role to England.

Wylie also was the Trojans’ leading receiver and could move to quarterback to replace Russell. He also was a playmaker on defense with three interceptions, second on the team to returning senior defensive back Will Thompson’s four. Leading tackler Cody Hazlett (83 tackles) also is back.

A district opener with Pioneer League rival 4-6 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-II Central Kansas League Prairie View could be the deciding game as to Coach: Mike Vernon (2nd year, 4-6; 16-12 overall) whether Osawatomie makes the playoffs for a third straight year. Baldwin also joins the district Assistants: Mike Nugent, Derek Racette, Dalton while former district and league rival Santa Fe Luce, Sean Bueford, Bill Foust Trail moves into the season-opener slot.

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2 Returning lettermen: 23 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 5 Defense 7-3 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 4A-II Garth Henke, LT, 6-3, 203, Sr.; Dakota Heim, LG, Pioneer League 6-2, 313, Sr.; Chance Gorges, C, 6-2, 188, C, Jr.; Coach: Rod Madden Camron Stewart, RT, 6-2, 213, Jr.; Braden Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Stewart, WR, 6-3, 176, Sr.; Austin O’Toole, RB, 6- Returning starters: Chaseton Wylie, RB/DB, Sr.; 0, 186, Sr.; Peyton Kuhns, FB, 6-0, 185, Jr. Gavin Badders, RB/LB, Sr.; Cody Hazlett, LB, Sr.; Brad Hallier Will Thompson, DB, Sr. Brent Maycock

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PARSONS

PRATT

SANTA FE TRAIL

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Travis Hurley is the new coach of the Parsons Vikings. Hurley, who spent three seasons as the head coach at Oswego, replaces Marc Svaty, who left to coach his alma mater at Fredonia.

Hurley was previously an assistant at both Parsons and Labette County, along with a head coaching gig at Erie.

Parsons went 3-6 in 2015. Along the way the Vikings ended a 29-game losing streak. The program suffered through three-straight winless seasons before it turned the corner a season ago, taking positive steps in the right direction.

Brett Houk, Tyler Gress, Tyler Metcalf and Cody Stephens are top returners for the Vikings.

Houk, a senior, earned second team all-SEK recognition at linebacker. Gress (senior lineman), Metcalf (senior linebacker) and Stephens (junior punter) all earned honorable mention all-league honors last season.

Other players to watch include junior running back T.J. Mayhue, junior running back Keshaun Anderson and sophomore wide receiver Davonte Yates.

The Vikings must overcome the losses of four seniors who earned all-league honors, and also lose Isaac McPherson, a senior this fall, who earned second team all-league honors at defensive line last season. McPherson was expected to transfer to Fredonia.

Hurley is a graduate of Labette County, the arch rival of the Parsons Vikings.

Pratt is poised to make a statement with eight starters back on both sides of the ball.

“We have a large senior class and will look to them for leadership,” said coach Jamie Cruce.

Senior Hunter Kaufman is the headliner after garnering first team all-Central Kansas League adoration as a receiver, defensive back and kick returner. Kaufman produced 636 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on offense, then chased down 45 tackles and four interceptions from the secondary. Quarterback Landen Studer returns under center after missing half his sophomore season with an injury. Sophomore Travis Theis, who did a commendable job filling in for Studer, is expected to shift back to fullback.

Studer and Theis combined for nearly 700 passing yards. Theis rushed for 470 yards and nine visits to the end zone.

A one-hit wonder or a program on the rise?

That was the question facing Santa Fe Trail in 2015 after enjoying a breakthrough in 2014. After winning just two games in the previous four years the Chargers rode a senior-dominated class to a 9-3 record and the Class 4A-II state semifinals.

With graduation claiming a number of three- and four-year starters, Trail faced the challenge of proving its staying power last year and answered it reasonably well. After a 2-0 start, the Chargers dropped four straight (three by a touchdown or less) before righting the ship late and winning four straight to make the playoffs for the second straight year.

Trail rallied to knock off Jefferson West in the playoff opener for the second straight year, but then fell 36-27 to Columbus in the quarterfinals — the second straight year the season ended with a loss to the Titans.

In the offseason, successful coach Glenn O’Neil, who served as Scott City’s football and boys’ basketball coach, took Topeka Seaman’s head football job. His longtime assistant, Jim Turner, takes over as head coach. Turner has coached the Beavers since 1995. He served as head track coach since 1997 and girls’ basketball coach from 2000-09, and the d-coordinator for nine years.

Turner has perennially had one of 3A’s top scoring defenses and Scott City permitted 97 points in 2015, No. 2 in 3A. Offensively, Scott City averaged 278 rushing yards a game and 115 passing.

QB Bo Hess, now a senior, completed 76 of 138 passes for 1,265 yards with a 14/10 TD/INT ratio.

Sophomore Wyatt Hayes had 40 carries for 354 yards with three scores.

“Same as always, try to help boys grow into responsible, trustworthy, team players,” Turner said of his team goals.

6-5 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-II Pioneer League Coach: Jayson Duncan (7th year, 17-42) Assistants: Bob Hug, Regan Erickson, Denver Ramsey, Don Herren Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Jake Hastings, OG, 6-2, 300, Sr.; Gage Greenfield, LB, 5-7, 185, Sr.; Peyton Newton, S/ RB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Dominic Schremp, C, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Dakota Kincaid, DE, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Jaden Bone, DE, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Josh Elley, OT, 6-3, 305, BM Sr.; Bryce Erickson, QB, 5-7, 165, Sr.

10-1 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-II Great Western Activities Conference Coach: Jim Turner (1st year) Assistants: Brian Gentry, Landen Frank, Todd Richardson, Alex Hutchins Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 24 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Bo Hess, QB, 6-3, 160, Sr.; Kevin Aguilera, HB, 57, 150, Sr.; Justin Faurot, SE/CB, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Jarret Jurgens, HB/OLB, 5-10, 150, Jr.; Nick Nowak, FS, 5-11, 155, Jr.; Kyle Cure, TE/OLB, 62, 180, Sr.; Tre Stewart, DE, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Mikennon Donovan, OT, 5-10, 260, Sr.; Eddie Tilton, OG/ILB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Daniel Nolasco, DT, 6-3, 295, Jr.; Garrett Osborn, DT, 6-3, 235, Sr. CN

3-6 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II Southeast Kansas League Coach: Travis Hurley (1st year)

Jason Peake

4-5 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Central Kansas League Coach: Jamie Cruce (4th year, 11-17) Assistants: Jason Gallagher, Tyler Strong, Steve Landry, Lance Fuller Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Traik Peltier, OL/DL, 6-6, 230, Sr.; Bryce Stegman, OL/DL, 6-4, 165, Sr.; Logan Baird, TE/ LB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Noah Myers, SLOT/DB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Hunter Kaufman, SLOT/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Brett Barnard, WR/DB, 5-11, 150, Sr.; Brayan Balderrama, SLOT, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Nick Lucas, LB, 5-11, 155, Sr.; Justin Lamatsch, OL/DL, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Landen Studer, QB, 5-11, 150, Jr.; Travis Theis, FB/DB, 5-9, 170, So. Kyle McCaskey

ST. GEORGE-ROCKCREEK

TOPEKA-HAYDEN

WICHITA-COLLEGIATE

WICHITA-TRINITY ACADEMY

As patterns go, Rock Creek’s was pretty easy to follow last year. Win, lose, lose. Win, lose, lose.

Win, lose, lose.

It added up to a disappointing 3-6 season for the Mustangs, who missed out on the playoffs for the fourth straight year after being a postseason fixture for the better part of the 2000s. Rock Creek won its district opener against St. Marys, finishing 2-3 in Mid-East League play, but couldn’t get past Nemaha Central or Centralia to end its drought.

Defensive woes plagued the Mustangs most of the year as Rock Creek gave up at least 27 points in all six of its losses. That doesn’t sit well with coach Mike Beam, who hopes five returning starters from the unit can shore things up.

Standout defensive end Carson Becker will be missed not only on the defensive front, but also in the backfield where he led the Mustangs in rushing after making the move from tight end. Senior back Avery Ebert is the lone returning skill player and the Mustangs will have to rebuild the line.

The strength of the Mustang defense will be in the linebacking corps where juniors Tucker Gehrt and Steven Tatum began to emerge last year.

The Mustang football program moves up to 4A-II this year. The last time Rock Creek played 4A football, in made the playoffs in 2008 and 2009, advancing to the quarterfinals in 2008.

A new landscape awaits Hayden in 2016 as the football program will follow the drop to Class 4A Division II that the rest of the Wildcat sports teams made last year. Hayden immediately jumps into a position of title contender, even facing arguably the toughest district in the class — one that includes 2014 runner-up and rival Holton as well as a Santa Fe Trail program on the rise.

To live up to the lofty expectations, Hayden has some big-time holes to fill. While senior Jake Heit became a force on the defensive line with eight sacks and 105 total tackles, the unit will miss the steady presence of departed All-4A pick Brooks Peavler, who led the team in tackles.

The linebacking corps will still be a strength with AJ Shaw (111 tackles) and Brent Peavler (64 tackles) back, but only one starter returns in the secondary and Heit is the only returning lineman.

The question marks on offense are even bigger.

Replacing do-it-all back Connor Schumacher (955 rushing, 443 receiving) was going to be tough enough, but leading receiver Mason Dodd and second-leading rusher Daniel Gaito also graduated. The offesne was expected to remain in the hands of returning quarterback Dallas Crittenden (1,386 yards, 13 TDs), but he transferred to Free State in the offseason.

Two measly points.

Two points separated Wichita Collegiate from the program’s fourth state title. Instead, Rossville rallied from down 19-7 for a 20-19 victory on an ice-coated field at Hutchinson’s Gowans Stadium in the 3A championship, leaving Collegiate out in the cold with a runner-up trophy. Some Collegiate players found redemption during the basketball season – the Spartans tore through 4A-Division II for the title – but others were left to relive what was almost theirs during the football campaign.

Collegiate’s painful title game loss was its only one of 2015. Collegiate, 13-1, ripped apart its opposition. Andale was the only team to come within 21 points of knocking off Collegiate through the Spartans’ 13 games prior to the championship. Collegiate’s 730 points on the year were second to only Rossville in 3A. The Spartans reached 35 points in their first 11 games, and surpassed 60 in seven of them. The defense shut out six opponents, and held nine to single digits.

The Spartans lose three first-team all-Ark ValleyChisholm Trail League Division IV players on defense and four on offense, including 38touchdown running back Nathan Burgoyne, the league’s most valuable player. The next crop of skill position stars is waiting and willing.

Receivers Cooper Root and Cody McNerney each hauled in four touchdowns. Running backs Juston Flowers and William DeVore chipped in 150 yards apiece.

Root was also the team’s leading tackler, while McNerney plucked four turnovers for the Spartan defense. Junior lineman Mac Copeland provided 38 tackles and two sacks.

As maddening of a stat as it may be, it is a glaring one that Wichita Trinity will have to account for if it wants to play in November – the Knights are 18-6 in their first six games of the season over the past four years, but a frigid 3-9 in district play in that same span. Trinity’s 2015 version, which wrapped up at 6-3, almost broke that barrier. The Knights fell to Andale but handily beat Haven before it entered a week nine showdown with Clearwater. Clearwater inched by, 33-31, to squeeze itself into the playoffs and push Trinity aside for the second consecutive season.

When Trinity needs those final inches of turf this season, the ball will be run behind behemoth offensive lineman Ben Adler. A 6-foot-5-inch, 300pound senior, Adler committed this summer to Kansas State. His number will be memorized by running back Sam Schroeder. Now two years removed from backing up Kansas State’s own Tyler Burns, Schroeder was a first-team allCentral Plains League runner as a junior. Adler and Schroeder will be counted on to rope in new starters on defense, as well.

While the Knights appear somewhat inexperienced, coach Jared McDaniel says his returning players have lots of game reps.

“Even though we don’t have a lot of starters back, each of those young men played at some point and started games last year, so there is a lot of returning experience,” McDaniel said.

3-6 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II Mid-East League Coach: Mike Beam (25th year, 135-104) Assistants: Butch Hayes, Joe Wilson, Garin Beam, Mark Oberkrom, Skyler Beam Offense: Double Wing Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 24 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 5 Defense Allan Castenada, DL, 5-9, 245, Jr.; Steven Tatum, LB, 5-11, 235, Jr.; Tucker Gehrt, LB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Cooper Schlochtermeier, DB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Skyler White, DB/RB, 5-8, 155, Jr.; Avery Ebert, RB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Zac Ziemet, OL, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Brad Johnson, OL, 5-10, 165, Jr. Brent Maycock

10-2 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-II Centennial League Coach: Bill Arnold (10th year, 85-27) Assistants: Wes Meier, Charles Thompson, Eddie Kidd, Howard Tush, Joe Leiker, Troy Slusser, John Hesse, Doug Roach, Scott Simons Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 30 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 5 Defense Jake Heit, DL, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Tomas Stringer, FB, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Keenan Flynn, OL, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Connor Hobart, RB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Scott Wilson, TE, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Brent Peavler, LB, 6-3, 210, Jr.; AJ Shaw, LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Andrew Smith, CB, 5-10, 160, Sr. Brent Maycock

6-3 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II Central Plains League Coach: Jared McDaniel (5th year, 21-15; 6th overall) Assistants: James Smith, James Jost, Todd Peterson Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 5 Defense 13-1 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 4A-II Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division IV Liam Ruesser, WR/LB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Ethan Coach: Mike Gehrer (20th year, 164-41) Bennett, WR/DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Zane Mack, TE, 6Assistants: N/A 4, 200, Sr.; Sam Schroeder, RB/LB, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Ben Adler, OL/DL, 6-5, 290, Sr.; Jack Pickert, OL, Returning starters: N/A 6-3, 280, Sr.; Ethan Adams, WR, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Kyle McCaskey Ben Ralston, LB, 6-3, 200, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

Pa g e 75

Class 3A Overview

overview

BY BRENT MAYCOCK The eyes of Class 3A were trained squarely on Rossville in 2015.

Could the Bulldawgs follow up the best season in school history and capture a second straight state title?

And could Tucker Horak, having lost a talented cast of skill players to graduation, come anywhere close to duplicating his monster 2014 season as a marked man leading the Rossville offense?

The answers were most certainly and you better believe it.

Horak enjoyed arguably the greatest season in Kansas high school history and Rossville set a number of state records on its way to a second straight 14-0 season, capped by a 20-19 come-from-behind win over Wichita Collegiate in the state championship game.

As the 2016 season begins, once again the spotlight will shine on Rossville. Is a three-peat in order and how in the world do the Bulldawgs fill the massive void left by the graduation of Horak?

All the Pittsburg State signee did as a senior was become the first player in state history to rush and pass for 2,000 yards in the same season, racking up 2,859 yards on the ground and 2,070 through the air. Horak accounted for 77 touchdowns as a senior and finished his career ranked No. 6 all-time in the NATION with 12,834 yards of total offense.

The monumental task of replacing him falls upon senior Jacob Bradshaw, who was one of the Bulldawgs’ top receivers a year ago and whose last-second interception clinched the state championship win over Collegiate. His transition will be eased with the return of senior receiver Cole Schumacher and running back

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Dawson Hammes, but the biggest key to Rossville’s success will be rebuilding an offensive line that was underrated and dominant but lost four of five starters.

The expectations will be high and the list of challengers to the throne long for Rossville this season.

Even with tradition-rich programs such as Wichita Collegiate and Scott City moving up to Class 4A Division II and Centralia and Colgan dropping back to Class 2-1A, the depth in Class 3A remains stronger than any other in the state.

Rossville’s recent run has included three wins over War on 24 rival Silver Lake and the two could very well butt heads again for supremacy in the eastern half of the state. After reaching the state semifinals 12 times in a 13-year stretch from 2002-2014, the Eagles were dumped in the second round of the playoffs last year by Sabetha.

But with quarterback Dalton Dultmeier coming off a breakout year as a starter and leading tackler Josh Boyd back to lead the defense, Silver Lake will be a major factor as it tries to deliver legendary coach C.J. Hamilton his 400th career win. Hamilton is 10 wins from becoming the first coach in state history to reach the hallowed mark, and yet is still 11 losses away from hitting 100 in his career.

Wellsville quietly has become a consistent contender in the east as well, reaching the state semifinals last year before falling to Rossville. The Eagles have won at least one playoff game each of the past six seasons and have gone 27-9 in Brad Burkdoll’s tenure as coach and return seven starters on offense, but must replace three of the top-five tacklers off last year’s stingy defense which allowed just 88 points in the first 12 games.

Had it not been for Rossville, Nemaha Central very easily could have found itself playing for a title. The Thunder rolled through the regular season, ending Holton’s 48-game Big Seven winning streak and will be favored to win a second straight league crown behind returning quarterback Ryan Hasenkamp.

The buzzsaw that typically is the western bracket remains as brutal as ever,

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KPG PRESEASON RANKINGS 1. Rossville 2. Silver Lake 3. Norton 4. Hoisington 5. Phillipsburg Others: Beloit, Chapparal, Cimarron, Conway Springs, Galena, Garden Plain, Halstead, Hesston, Marion, Marysville, Neodesha, Nemaha Central, Sabetha, Wellsville particularly with 2015 Class 2-1A champion Phillipsburg moving back up to 3A this season. The Panthers edged Troy 30-29 for the program’s first state title and make the return to 3A loaded to make another run.

The backfield combo of Mark and Kirk Coomes combined for more than 2,000 rushing yards and filling a couple holes on the offensive and defensive lines are the biggest question marks facing Phillipsburg this season.

The Panthers may not even be the best team in their league. Norton shared the Mid-Continent League crown a year ago and despite some key graduation losses will be looking to return to the championship game for the first time since 1989 and its third title overall. Senior lineman Jacob Green has been one of the state’s best since busting onto the scene as a sophomore and junior quarterback Jace Ruder already is attracting serious Division I attention.

Hoisington generated plenty of buzz last year, matching its deepest postseason advancement by reaching the quarterfinals and going 11-1. Senior back Hunter Hanzlick has rushed for at least 1,200 yards the past two seasons, narrowly missing out on a 2,000-yard season last year (1,949), and linebacker Landen Urban is among the best in the class.

Halstead ended Hoisington’s run a year ago, but will greatly miss a senior class that helped turn the program around, most notably the backfield duo of Blake Beckett and Eli McKee. The breakthrough candidate of 2016 could be Cimarron, which has posted consecutive 6-4 seasons, but returns 10 starters each way. Quarterback Nick Ast is generating plenty of MIAA interest, while junior lineman continued on page 76

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K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

3A Overview continued from page 75 Jaylen Pickle (6-5, 275) will be one of the state’s top recruits in 2017.

Conway Springs and Garden Plain both made early playoff exits last year with the Cardinals falling in the first round to eventual runner-up Wichita Collegiate and the Owls bowing out the next week, also at the hands of Collegiate. Both Central Plains powers will be hungry to return to their customary positions deep in the postseason this time around with Conway led by end Josh Dugan and Garden Plain by back Nate Pauly.

Marion returns to 3A after spending the past two years in 2-1A and returns starters at every position, including four all-Heart of America picks on offense and six on defense. Hesston’s set of skill players, led by quarterback Zach Esau and receiver Zach Vogt, rival anyone in 3A and the Swathers have won at least eight games five of the last six years.

After ending a three-year winless streak a year ago, Marysville could be poised to throw its hat in the ring as a playoff contender, returning eight starters. Neodesha could have the best player in the Tri-Valley League in lineman Jordan Linn and Galena has made the playoffs the past five years and is 70-28 under Beau Sarwinski.

Brent Maycock is a sports writer with the Topeka Capital-Journal.

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Pa g e 76

4A-II Overview continued from page 65 teams in the regular season. Holton opens with an experienced Atchison squad that went 8-1 last year and then gets Big Seven toughies Sabetha and Nemaha Central — the Thunder ended Holton’s 48-game league win streak last year.

The district is hands down the toughest in 4A Division II with Jefferson West and Santa Fe Trail coming off back-to-back playoff seasons and Hayden dropping down from 4A Division I after making the semifinals last year and the title game in 2014.

Hugoton accomplished school history in football and boys’ basketball last season. The Eagles’ football program won a playoff game and advanced to the quarterfinals, tying the longest advancement in school history. Then, boys’ basketball reached state for the first time since 1951 and lost to Wichita Collegiate in the championship game. This fall, Hugoton is in contention for a top-5 ranking in Class 4A, Division II and the GWAC title.

Senior Valentino Degollado completed 159 of 181 passes for 1,963 yards with a 19/10 TD/INT ratio and rushed 229 times for 791 yards and 10 scores. Hugoton averaged just 3.5 yards per rush, had 17 turnovers and finished plus-5 in turnover margin.

Two points separated Wichita Collegiate from the program’s fourth state title. Instead, Rossville rallied from down 19-7 for a 20-19 victory on an ice-coated field at Hutchinson’s Gowans Stadium in the 3A championship, leaving Collegiate out in the cold with a runnerup trophy. Some Collegiate players found redemption during the basketball season – the Spartans tore through 4A-Division II for the title – but others were left to relive what was almost theirs during the football campaign.

Collegiate’s painful title game loss was its only one of 2015. Collegiate, 13-1, ripped apart its opposition. Andale was the only team to come within 21 points of knocking off Collegiate through the Spartans’ 13 games prior to the championship. Collegiate’s 730 points on the year were second to only Rossville in 3A. The Spartans reached 35 points in their first 11 games, and surpassed 60 in seven of them. The defense shut out six opponents, and held nine to single digits.

The Spartans lose three first-team all-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division IV players on defense and four on offense, including 38-touchdown running back Nathan Burgoyne, the league’s most valuable player. The next crop of skill position stars is waiting and willing. Receivers Cooper Root and Cody McNerney each hauled in four touchdowns.

Running backs Juston Flowers and William DeVore chipped in 150 yards apiece. Root was also the team’s leading tackler, while McNerney plucked four turnovers for the Spartan defense. Junior lineman Mac Copeland provided 38 tackles and two sacks.

New faces will be in key roles at Columbus, as the Titans must replace a stellar group of departed seniors. In fact, Columbus coach Dan Grundy called the Class of 2015 the most talented group he’s ever had. The biggest loss to graduation is two-way standout Jace McDown, a first-team all-state running back who rushed for 2,667 yards and 38 touchdowns in 2015, averaging 11.7 yards per carry. McDown, who recorded 125 tackles at linebacker, is headed to Emporia State.

JACOB GREEN JACE RUDER

BY CONOR NICHOLL

JACOB GREEN Photos by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com

JACE RUDER

Norton senior lineman/linebacker Jacob Green and his teammate, junior quarterback Jace Ruder, sat on a bench adjacent to the statue of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower in early summer at Abilene.

Ruder and Green’s family stood several yards away.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Ruder is the second oldest of four children. His sister, Johnnye, is an Oklahoma State University student. The two are very close and Johnnye has returned to Norton to watch her brother play football, including a surprise trip to Oakley his freshman year. The two talk on a near-daily basis.

Younger brother Jonah is entering eighth grade.

During an interview, Jonah was putting on his older brother’s Norton gear. Younger sister Jenessa is a fifth grader. Jace’s dad, John, is a former Victoria and Fort Hays standout and sells sporting goods. His mom, Jennifer, is a longtime teacher.

Later that day, the parents and the three youngest children toured the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home.

“Those are the number one things in my life, my faith and my relationship with God, and my family,” Ruder said. “Without either one of them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My family supports me in everything that I do.”

Green (6-1, 225) has a similar bond with his family, including his parents, Rick and Kim. “It’s very special when you have someone to lean on,” Green said.

His brother, Josh, more than a decade older, lives with his own family. Jacob has a sister, Rickele, who is a couple years ahead of Jacob.

Two years ago, the Greens added two more to their family. The Greens had a relative who wasn’t capable of taking care of her kids. Five-year-old Weston and three-year-old Denton came to live with the Greens.

“He definitely looks up to me, which is very special and honoring,” Jacob said of Weston.

Denton has Kleefstra syndrome, a very rare disorder. Jacob, who calls Denton “very special in my life,” walked over to Denton’s stroller shortly after the interview ended. Jacob pulled him up and hugged him; Denton wore No. 53, Green’s number.

“Very close,” Green said of his relationship with Denton.

The close family environment has helped Ruder and Green become two of Kansas’ top football players.

Ruder, a starter since his freshman year, is a Division I prospect and now holds offers from Kansas State, Toledo, Tulsa, Ohio, and Bowling Green. For years, he has trained with coach Mansur Ivie at the National Football Academies in California.

He attended the Ohio State showcase camp in midJune where he ran 4.45 and 4.49 seconds in the 40yard dash. His Hudl highlights were on the MaxPreps’ home page in June.

“I do really enjoy going around and competing,” Ruder said.

Green collected his first scholarship offer from Hutchinson Community College on June 13 and attended Kansas State’s junior day earlier this winter.

This summer, Ruder and Green had planned to attend multiple camps, including KU, Kansas State and Oklahoma State.

Last season, Green finished with 145 tackles and a state-best 32 tackles for loss. In his career, Green has

NORTON 260 tackles, with 65 for loss. Norton coach Lucas Melvin labeled Green “the most athletic big kid I’ve ever had” in his 19 years of coaching the Bluejays, the last 10 as head coach.

Green was a third-place finisher as a freshman at 215 pounds at the Class 3-2-1A wrestling tournament.

A state favorite as a sophomore, Green suffered a season-ending knee injury several weeks before state.

Last year, Green tore his meniscus in a last-second victory versus Scott City, played in the following week’s loss to Wichita Collegiate and then missed wrestling. Green, who says he has lost 40 pounds since last fall, is expected to be healthy this season.

“I try not to brag too much, but I think I just have a fantastic football mentality,” Green said. “I could read the running back’s eyes, and if he is looking one direction, I know which way he is going, or just kind of read the body language of the linemen in front of me, or if I am at linebacker, just kind of look at their stances and if they have a little glitch or something. I think it’s just the mentality of the ‘Going to go get that tackle in the backfield.’”

Ruder completed 101 of 221 passes for 1,407 yards with 11 scores against eight interceptions as a sophomore. He started just four games as a freshman because of injury but completed 26 of 41 passes for 580 yards with a 7/2 TD/INT ratio.

Norton went 9-3 last season and Ruder engineered an 80-yard drive in the final minutes to win at Scott City, 28-24. Ruder threw the game-winning touchdown pass with 16 seconds left. Ruder still has goosebumps when he discusses the victory.

“That’s the most fun game that I’ve ever been a part of, and just the team chemistry that went on in that game, the atmosphere was insane,” Ruder said.

Norton graduated all-purpose threat Gavin Lively, who will walk-on for K-State this fall, but returns five linemen with starting experience for the first time under Melvin. The Bluejays’ lone football crowns have come in ’85-86, but Norton has 26 playoff appearances, two off the top-10 list in Kansas annals, according to preppowerindex.com.

“Our line is incredible and Jacob is out there leading them,” Ruder said.

As well, Ruder averaged 11.8 points and a teamhigh 8.3 rebounds a contest for a 20-4 basketball team that advanced to the Class 3A state tournament for the first time since 2003. Norton had lost by 14 and 26 to TMP during the regular season but won, 62-50, at home in the sub-state title game. Ruder finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

“I think anybody would overlook somebody if you beat them that bad before,” Ruder said. “I just don’t think they were ready for us, and we came out and played with all of our hearts.”

In track, Ruder helped Norton tie Scott City for the Class 3A state championship. The first state crown in boys track since ’82 and only the second ever along with a win in 1916.

“My family supports me in everything that I do,” Ruder said. “If I wanted to quit football now, they would totally support me, and just having a family that supports me that much is very uplifting, because through thick and thin, they are going to be there for me, and just knowing that God has got my back all the time and He has given me the ability to go out and play football and basketball and run track, it’s very encouraging.”

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 78

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CLASS 3A Photos by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com Features by Tyler Gier

(Courtesy Eisenhower Presidential Library)

The Eisenhower Presidential Library Place of Meditation - The Place of Meditation is the final resting place of Dwight David Eisenhower, October 14, 1890 - March 28, 1969; Mamie Geneva Doud Eisenhower, November 14, 1896 - November 1, 1979; and their first-born son, Doud Dwight Eisenhower, September 23, 1917 - January 2, 1921.

There is a meditation portion of the building where, according to General Eisenhower’s wishes, it was hoped that visitors would reflect upon the ideals that made this a great nation and pledge themselves again to continued loyalty to those ideals. The Place of Meditation was built with private funds under the auspices of the Eisenhower Presidential Library Commission.

In May the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home in Abilene, was host to the Kansas Pregame Class Feature Shoot. Dozens of Kansas football players traveled from across the state to be part of this special feature photo shoot at one of the state’s most important historic landmarks. Their features, written by Tyler Gier, are on the following pages.

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 80

NICK AST

KIRK COOMES

MARK COOMES

DAWSON HAMMES

HUNTER HANZLICK

Ast, a 6-6, 186 pound quarterback for Cimarron, has already set two school records (passing yards, total yards) but he is aiming at turning the Bluejay record book upside down his senior year. “(I want) to account for 2,500 yards, and break all the school records for my position,” Ast said.

Cimarron second year coach Jason Stithem says Ast’s intelligence and coachability has allowed Ast to succeed. “Nick is highly intelligent which helped him to pick up the offense quickly,” Stithem said. “He is very coachable and willing to learn.”

Ast completed 87 of 167 passes for 1,245 yards with 18 TDs with only five INTs in ‘15. He added 702 yards and 10 TDs on the ground, and also recorded 81 tackles and an interception from his defensive back position.

Pitt. State offered Ast a scholarship earlier this summer and he has interest from Northern Illinois, San Diego, Stetson, Air Force, Emporia State, and Central Missouri.

The All-Hi-Plains League QB/DB also excels on the track where he won the 3A 110 meter hurdles at State and was eighth in the 300s.

The Panthers capped off a magical season with a 30-29 victory over Troy in the 2-1A State Championship last November. Now, Phillipsburg teturns to 3A, and Kirk Coomes, a junior running back, will be relied on to help with the transition.

Coomes is aiming to break the 1,000 yard rushing barrier and, with a goal of playing after high school, he hopes to draw the interest of college football programs.

Coomes also participates in wrestling and track and field but his focus remains on football.

“I participate in these sports to help with my speed, strength, and balance for football,” Coomes said.

Coomes is also a frequent visitor to the Panther weight room. ”Weightlifting is a fun hobby for me, it relieves stress and helps me get stronger and be a better leader in the weight room helping the younger kids out.”

Coomes tallied 758 yards rushing with 17 TDs in ‘15, 243 of those coming on 26 carries in the championship game, where he accounted for four Panther scores.

Mark Coomes, Kirk’s older brother, hopes to end his high school football career just like his junior campaign, with a State Championship.

“As a team we hope to have as successful a season as last year and bring home a 3A trophy this year,” Coomes said.

The Panthers make the jump up to 3A after claiming the 2-1A title in 2015 over Troy, 30-29.

Coomes, who rushed for 1,247 yards and 11 scores last year, has received recruiting interest from colleges just not for his play on the football field.

“All of my recruiting interests come from wrestling rather than football,” Coomes said, who says he enjoys wrestling because of the individual responsibility. “All accountability lies in me, and I believe that correlates in a more realistic way to everyday life.”

However, Coomes likes the team aspect of football.

“I mostly enjoy the camaraderie implemented between us players throughout the season,” Coomes said. “New friendships are bred every season.”

Dawson Hammes, a 6-1, 200 pound Rossville senior has played in three straight 3A Sub-State championship games and has been a major contributor to the Bulldawgs back-to-back titles in 2014 and ‘15.

Rossville head coach Derrick Hammes, also Dawson’s father, believes Dawson’s playing time in those late November games will help the Bulldawgs in 2016.

“Dawson’s biggest asset for our team this year is his experience,” Derrick said. “He has big game playing experience and (has started) for two consecutive state champions.”

Dawson turned in quite the work load last season, rushing for 1,111 yards and 15 TDs, and recording 153 tackles on defense. For his efforts, Dawson was selected allleague and all-state on both sides of the ball.

Dawson intends to continue his career at the collegiate level and has interest from several schools, but his immediate goal is another title.

“I want to become our team leader and win our third straight football championship,” Dawson said.

When describing his senior running back/linebacker Cardinal head coach Zach Baird said Hunter Hanzlick can run over defenders or leave defenders tackling air. “(Hanzlick) is strong enough to run through tackles and elusive enough to make people miss,” Baird said. “Hunter has outstanding vision as a ball carrier.”

Hanzlick also makes plays on the defensive side of the ball too. “(Hanzlick) is a play maker defensively,” added Baird. “Hunter is a great all around football player.”

The 5-11, 195 pound senior rushed for 1,950 yards and 29 TDs last season, an improvement from his 1,381 yards and 21 TDs in 2014.

The Cardinals finished the regular season undefeated but were bounced in the quarterfinals by Halstead. Hoisington sports a 20-3 record the past two years.

Along with winning a State Championship in 2016, Hanzlick set a goal of rushing for 2,000 yards.

“In football, I like having fun with the team and winning games,” Hanzlick said.

JACOB JENKINS

BEN MURRAY

CLAY PHILLIPS

PJ SARWINSKI

LANDEN URBAN

Roadrunner coach Justin Burke plans to ask a lot from senior RB/DE Jacob Jenkins. “Jacob will need to be in tremendous shape,” Burke said. “We ask him to play both sides of the ball and special teams.”

Jenkins, a 6-4, 205 pounder, rushed for 1,604 yards and recorded 24.5 tackles for loss in 2015 for the rising 3A program.

“My personal goals for the 2016 season is to be the best I can be and improve from last year,” Jenkins said. “As a team our goals will be to make it to the playoffs and State.”

Jenkins would like to continue his playing career in college and reports that Wyoming has shown interest.

Jenkins is a state placer in both wrestling and track. He was the third place finisher at the 182 pound class in the 321A wrestling tourney in February, and ran on 400 and 1600 meter relay teams that finished in the top three at State Track.

“I enjoy these sports because they challenge you and require you to constantly train and take care of your body,” Jenkins said.

Whether it’s offense, defense or special teams, Murray, a 6-0, 185 pound slot back/free safety is going to be around the ball making a play.

“On offense we can line him up in many different positions and he is good at all of them,” said Southeast of Saline coach Mitch Gebhardt. “He is a big play defensive player and a threat every down on special teams.”

As a junior, Murray caught 53 passes for 780 yards and seven TDs, and rushed 72 times for 470 yards and eight TDs. Defensively, Murray recorded 63 tackles including 33 solo stops, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles.

Murray was named to the Kpreps.com 3A All-State team as a wide receiver.

“I like football because it allows me to do many of the things that I’m good at and also the strong bonds that you develop,” Murray said.

Murray, whose brother Aidan is part of the K-State team, is receiving interest from K-State, Wyoming, Colgate and Missouri State.

The line from Gene Hackman, “Winners always want the ball in their hand when the game is on the line,” from The Replacements, may describe Mission Valley’s Clay Phillips best. “(Phillips) is one of those guys who loves pressure,” Viking coach Cody Witte said. “His game is always at its best in the biggest moments. He expects himself to make the big play.”

Phillips, a 6-0, 175 pound quarterback, completed 45 percent of his passes for 738 yards with nine TDs and four INTs in ‘15, and rushed for 1,177 yards with 15 TDs. Phillips was named All-State Honorable Mention quarterback by the Topeka Capital Journal and Wichita Eagle, and Flint Hills League First Team QB and defensive back.

“My personal goals for (this) year would be to (increase) my rushing, passing, and touchdown numbers from last year,” Phillips said, but he says winning Mission Valley’s first playoff game in school history is his and his teammates biggest goal.

The Bulldogs bookended the 2015 season with match-ups against St. Mary’s Colgan. Galena won the season opener 7-0, but lost their second round playoff game, 28-14.

Sarwinski, a 6-1, 190 pound quarterback, will be called upon to help the Bulldogs advance further in his senior season. ”(PJ) works very hard, is persistent and will do whatever it takes for the team,” Galena head coach, and PJ’s father, Beau Sarwinski said.

PJ completed 68 of 136 passes for 976 yards with nine TDs and four INTs last year, while rushing for 279 yards and 8 TDs, while also tallying 35 tackles, one sack and one INT on defense. This was all good enough to earn him All-State Honorable Mention and All-League honors after last season. He was also tabbed CNC All-League First Team in basketball and baseball, and qualified for the State Track Meet.

Sarwinski enjoys football “because it is a team sport and you have to work with other players to achieve your goals.”

Cardinal head coach Zach Baird credits Landen Urban’s off field work ethic for making him the football player he is entering his senior season. He’s a beast in the weight room where he squats 525, cleans 340, and benches 335.

“Landen’s work ethic is excellent and he puts in a bunch of work in on his own time to be the player he is today,” Baird said.

The 6-1, 255 pound lineman/linebacker led the Cardinals in tackles and forced fumbles last season and earned All-Central Kansas League honors on both sides of the ball.

Urban’s hard work has paid off in other sports as well. Urban is a two time state qualifier in wrestling and a state qualifier in the shot put.

“I enjoy wrestling because a lot of wrestling and football translate into each other,” Urban said. “And I also enjoy track because it keeps me busy and gives me a chance to compete.”

Hutchinson and Coffeyville CCs offered Urban scholarships, and Pitt.

State and Fort Hays are in contact.

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 81

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Given that it is an even year, Chaparral is due for a postseason berth – the Roadrunners were qualifiers in 2014, 2012 and 2010, but missed in the odd years in between.

“Look for the ’16 version of Roadrunners to have a much improved defense and an offense that can run the ball,” said Chaparral coach Justin Burke.

Wrecking ball Jacob Jenkins is the top option in the run game coming off a 1,064-yard, 21-TD masterpiece in his junior year. Estin Overton is a complementary runner, who clawed to 517 rushing yards and five TDs. The Roadrunners return experience all across the o-line, with Sean Reeves and Chance Bergman the senior leaders.

The Chaparral QB factory has a surplus this year.

“The quarterback spot will return both Parker Patterson and Andrew Clark. Sophomore Jake Burke could join into the competition for the spot,” Burke said. “Look for one or two of these guys to move out to a receiver spot that was hit hard by graduation.”

Jenkins is an elite defensive end, too, slamming down 24-1/2 tackles for loss. Reeves was trustworthy in the next level as he thumped runners for 97 tackles. Should an opponent pierce into the secondary, Clark, a first-team all-Central Kansas League safety, and Burke, who pulled down three interceptions, wait as the last line of defense.

Phil Hobbs hopes more dedication in the summer pays off this fall for his Northeast Vikings.

Hobbs attributes a 3-6 season in 2015 to a poor summer.

“We struggled in 2015 due in a large part to what we did during the summer,” Hobbs said. “We suffered several injuries in 2015 and more work in the weight room will be the key to prevention.”

Entering his ninth season, Hobbs feels better effort in the offseason will translate into more success in 2016.

“We want to win the Three Rivers League and win our district,” Hobbs said. “To meet our goals we’ve dedicated ourselves in the weights and conditioning program.”

Northeast has 13 returning lettermen back, with five starters back on each side of the ball.

Four of the team’s five returning starters on offense are on the line, as Jake McDowell, Vinny Lopez, Luke Cole and Jared Napier return. Wide receiver Addison Edwards also returns.

On the other side of the ball, McDowell is a linebacker and Edwards is a defensive back. Lopez, Cole and Napier return on the defensive line.

Northeast will once again use a pistol spreadoption offense and a 4-2-5 defense. Hobbs said keys to success include effort and attitude.

“We have to have the proper mentality,” Hobbs said. “We have to push ourselves and each other.

Week to week during the season we have to improve and learn. We will have a bit of a youth movement this season, so we will ask many of our sophomores and maybe a couple of freshmen to step up into varsity play.”

After winning just six games in Jermaine Monroe’s first two years as coach, Maur Hill has now posted back-to-back seven-win seasons. The Ravens also made the 3A playoffs for the second straight year, but were matched up in the first round with powerhouse Rossville and fell 49-0.

For the Ravens to hit lucky No. 7 again this year, they will have to find a way to replace standout tailback Harry Trotter. The three-year starter had a monster year for the Ravens, rushing for 1,657 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging 184 yards per game.

His hole isn’t the only one in the backfield that needs filled. Graduation also claimed starting QB David Olberding and fullback Canyon Miller, leaving Monroe with just 133 of his 1,965 rushing yards back this year. Senior Nick Caudle accounted for most of that (81) and will likely have the task of filling Trotter’s shoes, though he could also factor into the quarterback competition with a handful of underclassmen, including freshman Jack Caudle.

While there might be some big question marks at the skill positions, Monroe know full well what he has to pave the way, with the line being the strength of the team for the first time in his tenure.

The Ravens have good size in returning starters Cole Harris (6-3, 275) and Rock Chen (6-3, 260).

Trotter was also the defensive leader, but Luke Ervin and Ronald Faulk-Tindal return after each had at least 45 tackles last year.

Belle Plaine’s senior class is a reminder that high school football transcends the wins and losses columns. Those seniors will enter this year having yet to win a game – Belle Plaine is winless over the past three seasons and carries with it a 28-game losing streak – but the coach remains upbeat.

“This will be the most talented team I have coached in my three years here at BPHS,” said Belle Plaine coach Jason Jinkens. “We have a chance to make some noise in district play if the work ethic continues.”

A postseason berth would snap a 20-year drought for the Dragons. Belle Plaine starts districts at Douglass (2-7) in week seven before hosting Bluestem (1-8) and Wichita Independent (4-7) to finish up the regular season. Douglass and Bluestem represent two of Belle Plaine’s closest bids for victory last season. Douglass defeated Belle Plaine 14-6, and Bluestem won 36-20.

Senior Gage Shook is a ballhawk linebacker, coming off a 136-tackle season. He is two years removed from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

“Gage Shook at MLB led the league in tackles last season and stated his goal this year is to lead the state in tackles,” Jinkens said.

Though only a junior, Caleb Stover is a longtenured quarterback for the Dragons. Belle Plaine has muscle on the line few others in 3A can boast, with three starters returning that check in at 255 pounds or larger. Nate Menhusen was an honorable mention lineman in the Central Plains League. Senior receiver Peyton Nolan gives Stover a 6-foot-1-inch bull’s-eye.

6-3 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 3A Central Plains League Coach: Justin Burke (7th year, 31-27; 20th overall, 92-61) Assistants: Britt Whealy, Jody Iams, Sheldon Patton, Josh Inslee, A.J. Ybarra, Chris Gerdes Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 24 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 11 Defense Jacob Jenkins, RB/DE, 6-4, 215, Sr.; Sean Reeves, OL/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Estin Overton, RB/ LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Chance Bergman, L, 6-5, 195, Sr.; Parker Patterson, QB/DB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Andrew Clark, QB/DB, 5-11, 165, Jr; Adrian Gerber, L, 5-11, 210, Jr.; Isaac Helms, L, 5-11, 235, So.; Miguel Gerber, L, 5-10, 185, So.; Drake Whealy, LB, 5-10, 170, So.; Jake Burke, DB, 6-0, 170, So.; Quinton Pfaff, DB, 6-0, 170, So. KM

BELOIT

TROJAN

3-6 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 3A Three Rivers League (11-Man) Coach: Phil Hobbs (9th year, 18-55) Assistants: Jason Clemensen, Jim Leonard, Scott Post Offense: Pistol Spread Option Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Jake McDowell, C/LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Vinny Lopez, OL/DL, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Luke Cole, OL/DL, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Addison Edwards, WR/DB, 6-3, 175, Sr.; Jared Napier, OL/DL, 6-2, 180, Jr. Melanie McGee

BELOIT Beloit had a devastating offseason when Noah Smith died in a single-car accident outside Beloit on April 16. Smith, from Jewell, was a multi-sport athlete for the Trojans. He was the seventh of 11 children, many of whom had starred in athletics in the Beloit area. Last year, Beloit’s ground game delivered 340 rushing yards a contest. Smith was the second leading rusher and led the squad in carries with 148 rushes for 764 yards and seven TDs. Also the primary returner, Smith led the team with 1,417 all-purpose yards with 12 total TDs. Greg Koenig listed keys as: becoming a cohesive unit, improving throughout the season, and creating great memories. Beloit lost 35-16 to Norton in district and 44-34 to Washington County in the first round of the postseason. The Trojans have made the playoffs every year since 2006 and posted a winning record every fall since ’04.

“We must replace two outstanding seniors from last year as well as overcome the loss of Noah Smith in the off-season,” Koenig said. “With a large number of returning starters on both sides of the ball, improved numbers on the roster, and

7-2 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 3A Northeast Kansas League Coach: Jermaine Monroe (5th year, 20-16) Assistants: Ruben Bulgen, Todd Caudle, Dave Geenens Offense: Power I Defense: 5-3 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Nick Caudle, RB/WR/DB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Cole Harris, OL/DL, 6-3, 275, Jr.; Arthur Rocha, TE/DE, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Ronald Faulk-Tindal, RB/DB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Rock Chen, OL/DL, 6-3, 260, Sr.; Luke Ervin, TE/DE, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Kevin Lykins, OL/DE, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Conner Wilson, RB/LB, 5-10, 170, So. Brent Maycock

CANEY VALLEY

competition for playing time, we should have qualFor a program used to success, 2015 was a bit ity depth at most positions.” of a down year for the Caney Valley Bullpups. The Senior Caydren Cox returns after he collected team went 5-5 a season ago, with a 5-3 mark in 108 carries for 1,034 yards and 18 TDs. the Tri-Valley League. The Bullpups went 2-1 in Class 3A’s District 7, earning the runner-up spot 7-3 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 3A to Neodesha.

North Central Activities Association Caney Valley suffered a first round loss to Coach: Greg Koenig (11th year, 87-28; 19th year, Galena, 41-21, in the playoffs to finish with an 113-76) Assistants: Kevin Harris, Matt Thierolf, even record.

Garry Lowry Tradition-rich Caney Valley isn’t used to going Offense: Double Wing Defense: Even Front .500 for a season. Just take a look at their recent Returning lettermen: 24 records. Caney Valley went 9-2 in 2014, 8-2 in Returning starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense ‘13, 10-2 in ‘12 and 11-1 in ’11.

Caydren Cox, RB/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Hunter Budke, The program’s recent dominance in the TriTE/DE, 6-3, 195, Sr.; Ryan Jackson, QB/DB, 6-1, Valley League ended last fall, as Humboldt 175, Sr.; Jared Mosher, OL/DL, 5-9, 190, Sr.; snapped Caney’s 41-game league winning streak Jarrett Arasmith, TE/LB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Blaine with a 22-20 victory on Sept. 18.

Burks, OL/LB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Braydon Conn, DL, Now, in 2016, the Bullpups will look to get back 6-0, 170, Jr.; Logan Kadel, OL, 5-10, 220, Jr.; on top of the TVL. Garrett Kimminau, OL, 5-10, 275, Jr.; Blayne The Bullpups had 17 juniors on last year’s rosHarris, DB, 5-9, 120, Jr.; Paxton Harris, DB, 5-10, ter. If all return, Caney Valley would have the larg130, Jr.; Zach Meier, RB, 5-9, 160, So.; River est senior class in the league.

Paul, DL, 5-9, 185, So. Conor Nicholl The team has two players back who earned all-

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0-9 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 3A Central Plains League Coach: Jason Jinkens (4th year, 0-27) Returning starters: 9 Offense, 8 Defense Gage Shook, RB/MLB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Peyton Nolan, WR/SS, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Cullen Reynolds, WR/OLB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Will Swecker, WR/CB, 511, 185, Sr.; Cody Thurman, OL/DT, 5-10, 255, Sr.; Caleb Stover, QB/K/P, 6-3, 190, Jr.; Nate Menhusen, OL/NT, 6-2, 285, Jr.; Tyler Pinkerton, OL, 6-2, 305, So.; Taylor Douglas, RB/OLB, 6-2, 170, So.; Dresden Ray, OLB, 6-2, 185, So. KM

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league recognition last season.

Senior Baylor Melchiori (5-9, 175) returns after earning all-league honors as a kicker and punter.

Melchiori is also an option at quarterback and wide receiver. Senior Matthew Adams (6-3, 260) earned honorable mention at defensive tackle.

The team’s strengths should be in its numbers and its depth.

Coach Criss Davis’ program recently captured six-straight Tri-Valley League titles and the Bullpups should contend again this year.

Caney Valley bolstered its schedule by adding non-league games with Independence and Olpe.

While Caney Valley must overcome the loss of a solid senior class, this year’s team could get a boost from a highly-regarded freshman class.

Either way, don’t be surprised if the Bullpups reclaim the top spot in their conference this fall.

5-5 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 3A Tri-Valley League Coach: Criss Davis Jason Peake

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

CHENEY The 2015 season was marked by progress, but also an abrupt ending that left the Cardinals shy of their stated goals.

The six years prior were one of continuity for Cheney – three years of 5-4 football mixed in with three years of 4-5. This past season, the Cardinals made a leap up to seven wins, their most since a 9-2 finish in 2006 that also coincided with their last playoff trip. Cheney swept its district on its way to the 3A playoffs in 2015, but the Cardinals were dispatched in the first round by Wichita Independent, 17-13. Cheney had defeated Independent by 22 points in the regular season.

“We made the playoffs last year and we came out flat, and didn’t reach our goal of winning a playoff game,” said Cheney coach Cory Brack.

“That game has a very bad taste in our mouth coming into the season.”

The defense was reliable for the Cardinals, only allowing two opponents to score more than 20 points. The offense was potent, averaging nearly 30 points per game, but Cheney was held to 13 or less in all three of its losses. The points should be steady this season behind the tandem of quarterback Micah Grover and running back Austin Ray. “Our leaders, if they are not willing to sacrifice and do the things leaders do, we will not be successful,” Brack said.

7-3 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 3A Central Plains League Coach: Cory Brack (5th year, 21-16; 10th overall, 40-52) Assistants: Justin Bearley, Lee Baldwin, Darrin San Romani, Michael Brewer Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: N/A Austin Ray, RB/DB, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Griffin Hedrick, OL/DL, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Devin Haas, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Dawson Hillman, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Riley Amsink, OL/LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Connor Lies, WR/DB, 6-1, 165, Sr.; Bryce Quick, RB/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Micah Grover, QB/LB, 6-1, 215, Jr.; Jacob Howell, TE/LB, 5-11, 210, Jr.; Tyler White, TE/LB, 6-0, 215, Jr.; Trent Scheer, WR/DB, 5-9, 145, Jr.; Lakin Petz, QB/RB/DB, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Landon Mason, RB/WR/LB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Hunter Adolph, WR/DB, 5-11, 150, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

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The Southeast Lancers hope better days are ahead, and after going 0-9 in 2015, the Lancers can only go up.

Southeast coach Jerrad Hansen said the main goal of the season is to be competitive in every single game. That’s something his squad was unable to do last season, as the Lancers were outscored 373-67, with the losses coming at an average of 34 points per game.

Hansen is optimistic, though, as he noted his team worked hard all summer with overall improvement in mind.

There’s more reason to feel good in Cherokee.

Southeast will rely on 15 returning lettermen, with six returning starters on offense and five on D. Senior Caleb Fenimore returns at quarterback and defensive back, while classmate Colton Trejo is back at running back. Trejo earned honorable mention all-CNC honors last year.

Junior running back and defensive back Austin Hunt returns on both sides of the ball. Seniors Aaron Sterling and Foster Martin return on both sides of the line, along with two-way lineman Noah Newcomb, a sophomore.

Southeast must replace two seniors who earned first team all-league recognition last season in LB Colton Paasch and punter Chandler Jackson.

After advancing to the Class 3A playoffs and securing a Tri-Valley League title in 2015, the Cherryvale Chargers will try to rebuild in 2016.

The Chargers don’t return much from a team that went 8-2, with only four players back with starting experience.

Cherryvale went 6-0 to start the 2015 campaign, earning a TVL title in the process. The Chargers suffered a 31-26 loss at Neodesha in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs.

Cherryvale has three returning starters on offense, all seniors, as Garret Vigil and Chance Main return at wide receiver and Jake Wagner is back on the offensive line. Defensively, the Chargers have just two returning starters, Trevor Raida at cornerback and Main at defensive end.

With that, the Chargers will be relying on several newcomers and coach Harry Hester is confident his younger athletes will get the job done as the team looks to repeat as conference champions.

“We have few players returning, but we feel we have the pieces to fill in, as our JV went 6-0 last fall,” Hester said.

Hester noted the returners he does have are showing good leadership.

“The upperclassmen are doing a great job leading our younger players,” Hester said.

Cimarron has posted back-to-back 6-4 seasons.

Last year, the Bluejays fell 76-19 at Hoisington in the first round of the playoffs. In 2015, Cimarron lost 48-6 at Hoisington to open the postseason.

Cimarron has four home games and a challenging first month, including playing host to defending 4A-II champion Holcomb in Week 1, at Scott City in Week 3 and home versus Meade in Week 4.

Since 2004, Cimarron is 0-10 versus Holcomb, 05 against Scott City and 2-10 versus Meade.

However, the Bluejays return 10 starters on both sides of the ball, including standout quarterback Nick Ast and running back Blake Neuschafer.

Second-year coach Jason Stithem wants the team to stay healthy and execute in all three phases. “Build off of the success we had last year and go deep into the playoffs,” Stithem said of team goals.

Cimarron will play in Class 3A, District 16 in a manageable quartet with Southwestern Heights, Lakin and Syracuse, which makes the jump from 2-1A. Cimarron is 5-15 all-time in the playoffs.

Before 2010, Cimarron hadn’t made the playoffs since 1998.

0-9 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 3A Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee League Coach: Jerrad Hansen (3rd year, 3-15) Assistants: Nick Cheney, David Dainty Offense: Spread Option Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense Caleb Fenimore, QB/DB, Sr.; Aaron Sterling, OL/ DL, Sr.; Foster Martin, OL/DL, Sr.; Noah Newcomb, OL/DL, So.; Colton Trejo, RB, Sr.; Austin Hunt, RB/DB, Jr. Jason Peake

6-4 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 3A Hi-Plains League Coach: Jason Stithem (2nd year, 6-4) 8-2 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 3A Assistants: Iric Mawhirter, Ashley Seabolt, Chuck Tri-Valley League Dirks Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-2-5 Coach: Harry Hester (9th year, 50-29) Returning lettermen: 20 Assistants: Casey Lickteig, David Smedley, Aaron Returning starters: 10 Offense, 10 Defense Rehmert, Chad Knight, Alex Mese Nick Ast, QB/DB, 6-6, 185, Sr.; Blake Neuschafer, Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5 RB/LB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Curt Frink, OL/DL, 6-1, 205, Returning lettermen: 10 Sr.; Wyatt Bell, WR/DL, 6-4, 195, Sr.; Nick Claar, Returning starters: 3 Offense, 2 Defense OL/DL, 5-9, 235, Sr.; Jayme Bourgeios, DL, 6-1, Garret Vigil, WR, Sr.; Jake Wagner, OL, Sr.; 296, Sr.; Josh Seabolt, FB/LB, 5-9, 198, Jr.; Chance Main, WR/DE, Sr.; Trevor Raida, CB, Jr. Jaylen Pickle, OL/DL, 6-5, 275, Jr.; Derek Bogner, Jason Peake OL/DL, 6-0, 210, Jr. Conor Nicholl

CONWAY SPRINGS

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Perhaps three teams with winning records was becoming too mundane for tradition-rich Conway Springs, so might as well up the ante and see if the Cardinals can survive a district with four of the best in south central Kansas. Conway Springs (6-4) brings Cheney (7-3) and Chaparral (6-3) with them into District 10, but Belle Plaine (0-9) exits. In its stead comes a Conway Springs nemesis, Garden Plain (9-2). The four teams were 29-12 in ‘15.

Yet Conway Springs somehow seems to navigate its way to the postseason regardless of the obstacles. The Cardinals enter 2016 with nine consecutive playoff appearances and bids in 17 of the past 19 seasons. Conway Springs displays seven state championships, including as recently as 2011.

“We return many experienced players for 2016.

We will need to develop depth early in the season to compete in one of the toughest districts in the state,” said Conway Springs coach Matt Biehler.

Senior Josh Dugan, one of the most talented twoway players in the CPL, starts at TE and LB, where he was an all-league selection at both. Junior lineman Matthew Lange was on the second-team.

Nathan Teichgraeber knew he was stepping into a pretty good situation when he took over at Council Grove last year. The Braves were a seniordominated team (13 total) coming off a 6-3 season.

Sure enough, Teichgraeber was right. The Braves posted their second straight 6-3 campaign — one that was eerily similar to 2014 with all three losses coming to the same three schools (Northern Heights, Southeast of Saline and Hesston).

With graduation taking its toll, Year Two of the Teichgraeber regime will be put to a test. While the Braves have an entirely new district, it certainly isn’t any easier with defending champ Rossville added.

Of all the holes the Braves have to fill, none may be bigger than the one left by departed quarterback Trey Langvardt, whose leadership was just as valuable as his production (1,200 yards total offense).

Senior back Braden Reddick had a solid junior season, rushing for 504 yards and five touchdowns, but junior Treyse King (182 yards) is the only other offensive returner with significant stats.

Juniors Jason Ziegenhirt and Ty Salas are goodsized linemen who meshed well with the seniors a year ago as sophomores. Now the 240-pounders will anchor the lines as the Braves develop.

Council Grove gave up just 19 points a game, but must replace its top-seven tacklers from a year ago.

Douglass looks to make big strides on its 2-7 record with nearly the entire starting lineup intact.

It will also be the players’ second season in the schemes of coach Kelley Sayahnejad.

“We have a lot of experience returning this season,” Sayahnejad said. “Our goal is to win the district to make the playoffs.”

The Bulldogs graduated top receiver Chase Banos, but the rest of the spread attack remains whole. Senior QB Hunter Chadic is back for a third year under center – his continuity will be paramount to Douglass’ potential. He can breathe easy in the pocket with five linemen returning to keep him upright.

“We don’t have a lot of depth, so health is always key,” Sayahnejad said. “We need to take care of the football and manage the game.”

A decision to expand the looks of its triple-option offense paid big dividends for Pleasant Ridge in 2015. Not only did the Rams nearly double their total production from the previous year, averaging close to 300 yards and 30 points per game, they rode it to an 8-2 record and league title.

The biggest question facing Pleasant Ridge for the 2016 season is how it replaces quarterback/ safety Nick Holmes. A starter both ways from his first game as a freshman, the departed all-leaguer set numerous school records in his career, accounting for more than 2,200 yards of total offense and 31 TDs last year.

The task falls to sophomores Eli Schwinn and Noah Blaski. Schwinn was the backup last year as a freshman, while Blaski could be an explosive weapon if he can adjust quickly.

As if replacing Holmes wasn’t enough, the Rams also graduated their top running backs and receivers, with Nic Bridges the top returner in both categories, having rushed for 145 yards and adding 132 receiving yards from his slot back spot. He’ll carry a bigger burden this year as the Rams develop a new backfield.

The strength of the team will be up front where seniors Will Douthitt and Nick Stiver were both allleague selections last year.

2-7 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 3A Central Plains League Coach: Kelley Sayahnejad (2nd year, 2-7; 5th overall, 4-33) Assistants: Phil Keys, Casey Dressler, Don Patterson, Jake Lovendahl 6-4 in 2015 / 2-1in district / 3A Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Central Plains League Returning lettermen: 17 Coach: Matt Biehler (8th year, 70-12) Returning starters: 10 Offense, 11 Defense Assistants: Fred Cottrell, Brent Martens, Gregg Peyton Henke, OL/DL 6-2, 235, Sr.; Donovan Hullinger, Ryan King, Darrin Seiwert, Brent Andra Green, OL/DL, 5-8, 215, Sr.; Garrett White, OL/ 6-3 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 3A Offense: Single Wing Defense: 4-4 DL, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Leonard Carr, OL/DL, 5-8, 190, Flint Hills League Returning lettermen: 20 Coach: Nathan Teichgraeber (2nd year, 6-3) Sr.; Mason Runyan, LB, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Dashon Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Assistants: Zach Dreher, Steve Casey, Derron Arnold, WR/DB, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Conner Porter, LB, Gunnar Denney, WR, 5-7, 155, Sr.; Josh Dugan, Reddick Offense: Flex T Defense: 4-3 5-8, 135, Sr.; Seth Fouts, TE/DL, 6-0, 190, Sr.; TE/LB, 6-4, 215, Sr.; Grant Mooneyham, L, 5-10, Returning lettermen: 14 Hunter Chadic, QB/LB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Spencer 185, Sr.; Jacob Winter, RB/DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Returning starters: 6 Offense, 4 Defense Nethercot, WR, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Caleb Eck, WR/DB, Justin Lange, L, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Colton Terhune, QB, Braden Reddick, RB/DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Brett Frye, 6-0, 150, Jr.; Devin Anderson, WR/DB, 6-0, 180, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Skyler Kunz, L, 5-11, 240, Jr.; TE/DE, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Treyse King, RB/DB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Calvin Swigart, OL, 5-10, 145, Jr.; Kaden Matthew Lange, OL/DE, 6-4, 215, Jr.; Trenton Sr.; Jacob Zigenhirt, L, 5-10, 240, Jr.; Ty Salas, L, Dunham, LB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Zachary Dressler, LB, Jones, RB/LB, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Riley Akiu, FB/LB, 56-1, 240, Jr.; Chandler White, WR/DB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; 5-10, 165, So.; Ryan Kiekal, WR/DB, 5-10, 140, 10, 200, Jr.; Christian Hedrick, TE/LB, 6-2, 215, Jr. Kyle McCaskey Carter Finch, FB/LB, 5-10, 185, Jr. Brent Maycock So.; Kolby Caster, DB, 5-8, 145, So. KM

8-2 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 3A Northeast Kansas League Coach: Pat McCollim (5th year, 22-18) Assistants: Steve Watkins, Jim Clay Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Elliott Clay, TE/DE, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Nic Bridges, RB/ OLB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Nick Stiver, OL/DL, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Will Douthitt, OL/DL, 5-9, 230, Sr.; Braden Bargary, WR/DB, 5-8, 145, Jr. Brent Maycock

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 83

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As the smallest school in the Big Seven League, getting a program turned around quickly is simply a humongous task. Trying to do so with limited numbers makes the challenge even bigger.

So when Atchison Co. improved by one win in Nick Fuemmeler’s second year, he saw it as a sign of progress. Given the fact the Tigers finished the season with just 19 total players in the program, and the step might have been even more significant than it seemed.

Numbers are up for the Tigers this year, but most of it will be young with 22 of the team’s 33 players either freshmen or sophomores. But what experience Atchison Co. does return is proven and could allow the Tigers to take another step.

There’s no argument where the strength of the team lies. Atchison Co. returns all four of its backs which helped the Tiger offense average 16 points per game last year. Seniors Lane Bowen and Hunter Ostertag are three-year starters at quarterback and slot back, respectively, with Ostertag arguably the team’s top big-play weapon.

Senior Ryder McAlexander has spent the summer recovering from a spiral fracture in his leg, but should be ready to go for the season. Though plenty of experience returns on the line, most of it is young with junior Luke Miller the most proven.

In games where Fuemmeler felt his team was evenly matched, Atchison Co. did well, posting wins over Hiawatha, West Franklin and McLouth, but in six losses they were outscored 324-74.

Senior Kaden Davis routinely exceeds the speed limit, and his pursuers have a hard time catching him. His position is limitless, as the part-time wideout, running back, defensive back, kicker and kick returner makes defenders wince wherever Davis lines up. Davis carried 31 times for 222 yards and four TDs as a junior, good for a 7.2 yards per carry average. Through the aerial assault, he demonstrated his explosive versatility with nine receptions for 247 yards – 27.4 yards per reception – and three scores. Davis is the defending 200-meter dash champion in 3A track, as well as state runner-up in the 100 and 400.

“I am excited to utilize him as a weapon,” said Ellsworth coach Brent Schneider.

Ellsworth needs more than Davis to do damage.

The Bearcats may have that in a veteran roster.

“We made a lot of positive growth last year and are looking to continue down that path,” Schneider said.

Senior RB Luke Oberle gashed defenses for 850 yards and seven TDs. David Koralek III added on 386 and four from his fullback post. QB Zac Schneider produced 322 yards on the ground, and added 583 passing yards and five TDs.

A year ago, the Red Devils achieved some success, finishing district runner-up and participating in the playoffs, and second-year coach Sterling “Doc” Hudson wants to continue the progress.

“We have nothing to do but improve,” he said.

“We tasted a little success last year, so hopefully we’ll become more adept at taking the next step.”

Five seniors return with starting experience for Hudson’s squad, which brings back nine total starters. Among those key returners, Erie has a trio of seniors with experience in the backfield – JJ Burch, Carlos Mata and Cam Rice. Senior Zack Thompson returns to lead the o-line with help from juniors Landyn Diediker and Jacob Stark, while senior end Colton Brown is also back.

Defensively, Stark and Thompson are the lone returners up front while Brown, Diediker and Rice have experience at the LB positions.

“Our kids seem to be excited for this year, but we, the coaches, remind them daily that they have to push,” Hudson said. “It may seem silly, but our kids actually had fun for the most part last fall, and we want it to be even more fun in 2016.”

After winning just eight games in Cody Witte’s first two years, the Vikings nearly matched that total in 2015, going 7-3. The only hiccup in Flint Hills League play was a 41-14 loss to Council Grove.

Mission Valley beat Lyndon 26-20 in the regular season, but couldn’t duplicate the effort in a playoff rematch as the Tigers ended the Vikings’ season with a 48-32 decision. Now they move up to 3A. A strong junior class keyed last year’s success and gives Mission Valley one of its most experienced teams ever, returning 16 total lettermen and eight starters on offense and seven on defense.

The defense will miss top tackler Patrick Shuler.

The offense is in good hands. Senior quarterback Clay Phillips had a breakout year as a junior, rushing for 1,178 yards and 15 TDs and passing or 768 yards and nine TDs. Junior Blake Roberts was a solid backfield complement, adding close to 1,000 yards on the ground.

3-6 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 3A Big Seven League Coach: Nick Fuemmeler (3rd year, 5-13) Assistants: John Flores, Dalton Minor, Pat Battle, Luke Lott, Will Mitchell Offense: Single Wing Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 9 Defense Lane Bowen, QB/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Chance Liggett, RB/LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Hunter Ostertag, RB/DB, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Hunter Evans, RB/LB, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Luke Miller, OL/DL, 6-4, 200, Jr.; Lane Scoggins, OL/DL, 5-10, 240, So.; Augie Scholz, OL/LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Ryder McAlexander, WR/ DB, 6-3, 175, Jr.; Dylan Birkinsha, TE/LB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Aaron Daniels, OL/DL, 5-0, 185, So.; Matt Oswalt, DB/RB, 6-0, 165, So. Brent Maycock

7-3 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 2-1A Flint Hills League Coach: Cody Witte (4th year, 15-14) Assistants: Justin Duncan, Josh Parker, Rick Horton, Jordan Hysten, John Bergin 3-7 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 3A Offense: Spread Run Defense: 3-4 Tri-Valley League Returning lettermen: 16 5-4 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 3A Coach: Sterling “Doc” Hudson (2nd year, 3-7; 28th Returning starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense North Central Activities Association overall, 131-119) Assistants: Sonny Mahurin, Ed Sam Gleason, WR/DB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Clay Phillips, Coach: Brent Schneider (4th year, 13-15) Ramsey, JT Thompson, Ray Leedy QB/DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Dalton Area, RB/LB, 5-9, 185, So.; Mateo Lisk, RB/LB, 5-9, 185, Jr.; Cohle Assistants: Grant Weigers, Jason McWilliams, Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Phillips, WR/DB, 5-9, 160, So.; Kolby Godfrey, WR/ Tanner Rippen Returning lettermen: 18 Returning lettermen: 16 DB, 6-0, 155, Jr.; Buck Hutton, WR, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Returning starters: 11 Offense, 11 Defense Returning starters: 7 Offense, 5 Defense Kaden Davis, WR/RB/DB/K/KR, Sr.; Jacob Kerby, Carlos Mata, B/DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Jaden Gard, B/ Trenton Marcotte, WR/DB, 5-10, 150, Jr.; Blake OL/DL, Sr.; Tevin Rice, OL/LB, Sr.; Sam Keener, DB, 6-3, 160, So.; Jordan Myers, B/DB, 6-3, 165, Roberts, RB/LB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Dan Richter, WR/ OL/LB, Sr.; Luke Oberle, RB/DL, Sr.; Pat Zarmzla, So.; Colton Brown, E/LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; JJ Burch, LB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Logan Whitlock, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Austin Masters, OL/DL, 5-10, 245, Sr.; Kyle WR/DB, Sr.; David Koralek III, FB/DL, Sr.; Colton B/DB, 5-6, 145, Sr.; Cam Rice, B/DB, 6-1, 2015, Hower, DB, Sr.; Braden Holecek, WR, Sr.; Zac Sr.; Zack Thompson, OL/DL, 6-2, 240, Sr.; Landyn Atwood, OL/DL, 6-0, 210, Jr.; Rob Phillips, OL/DL, 6-3, 345, Jr.; Wyatt Durkes, OL/LB, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Schneider, QB/LB, Jr.; Jordan Base, WR/DB, Jr.; Diediker, OL/LB, 5-9, 215, Jr.; Jacob Stark, OL/ BM Darrell Gustin, OL/DL, Jr. Kyle McCaskey DL, 6-2, 255, Jr. Melanie McGee Seth Rudeen, WR/DB, 5-11, 165, Sr.

FREDONIA/LONGTON-E.V.

GALENA

GARDEN PLAIN

Fredonia has a new head coach for 2016, but he needs no introduction to the community. Marc Svaty coached the past two seasons at Parsons, and now returns to his hometown to take over a Yellowjacket squad that went 5-4 in 2015.

Svaty inherits six returning lettermen and four returning starters on both sides of the ball.

“We are very excited about the football opportunities in Fredonia,” he said. “There is a lot of community expectations and support for this football program.”

One thing Svaty is especially excited about is Fredonia’s new emphasis on the youth and junior high programs.

“We are going to connect our youth, junior high, junior varsity and varsity programs and install a 312 grade scope and sequence this summer and fall,” he said. “It will be very important that we are successful at all levels.”

The high school team was one win short of the Class 3A playoffs in 2015, but competed well in the Tri-Valley League and finished 4-4 against TVL teams. Two of those TVL losses also came in district games to Neodesha and Caney Valley.

“I think we have a base talent level to compete in our league at the varsity level this fall,” Svaty said.

The Class 3A Galena Bulldogs have advanced to the playoffs in each of the past five seasons.

Getting back to the postseason will be the Bulldogs’ goal again this year.

“Our goals are the same every year,” Galena coach Beau Sarwinski said. “We want to compete for a league championship, get into the state playoffs and compete for a state championship.”

The Bulldogs return five starters on offense and four on defense from a team that finished 7-4 and advanced to the second round of the 3A playoffs.

Galena’s defense should be a strength with two first-team all-league defenders in junior lineman Trevor Little and senior d-back P.J. Sarwinski. The Bulldogs also bring back junior defensive backs Garrett Hall and Michael Helton.

Sarwinski returns to direct the Wing-T at QB. Hall and J.C. Shelton are targets at WR, and junior Austin Harshman and Little return to the line.

“We lost a good senior class,” Coach Sarwinski said. “We have a lot of kids who had a lot of experience last year, but they’re young. The outlook is really positive. They’re working hard, and I’m excited to see what the kids can do.”

All seems right with the world now that Garden Plain has once again visited the postseason. After a two-year hiatus, the Owls returned to the 3A playoffs, scoring an opening-round victory over Hesston in overtime before bowing out to eventual runner-up Wichita Collegiate. Still, it marked the 31st postseason berth for Garden Plain, one of the staples of Kansas football in November.

Garden Plain was 9-2, with its only other defeat coming in district play to state semifinalist Halstead by four points. The Owls knew how to polish off close games, posting a 5-1 record in games decided by 15 points or less.

The offensive structure seems pretty clear for Garden Plain this season – find ways to get the ball in the hands of senior Nate Pauly. Pauly made defenders wobbly no matter where he was given the ball, grabbing 21 receptions for 514 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 639 rushing yards and six more touchdowns. Senior Marty Landwehr gives the Owls a secondary weapon, coming off 413 rushing yards and five scores himself.

Pauly and Landwehr will lock down opposing passing attacks on defense. Combined, that duo snared seven interceptions. Senior Brady Frerichs, a second-team all-Central Plains League pick, will create the push up front on the defensive line.

District 10 will be a wild one. Garden Plain was paired with Chaparral (6-3), Cheney (7-3) and Conway Springs (6-4). Garden Plain could benefit from having a mental edge over its district adversaries, defeating all three a year ago.

7-4 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 3A Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee League Coach: Beau Sarwinski (9th year, 70-28) 5-4 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 3A Assistants: Derik Hunt, Jacoby Martin, JC Dawes, Tri-Valley League Dennis Outt, Ryan Byrd Coach: Marc Svaty (1st year; 9th overall, 37-47 Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-4 overall) Assistants: Mark Millar, John Boss, Tyler Returning lettermen: 9 Coots Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Returning lettermen: 6 JC Shelton, WR, 5-9, 170, So.; P.J. Sarwinski, Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense QB/DB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Garrett Hall, WR/DB, 6-3, Kaden Unruh, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Jacob Mrkwa, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Austin Harshman, OL, 5-10, 230, Jr.; 9-2 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 3A 200, Sr.; Carter Odell, 6-4, 170, Sr.; Devin Voth, 5- Trevor Little, OL/DL, 6-2, 230, Jr.; Michael Helton, Central Plains League 7, 155, Sr.; Merrick Millar, 5-10, 300, Sr. DB, 5-8, 160, Jr. Coach: Ken Dusenbury (2nd year, 9-2) Melanie McGee Mark Schremmer Kyle McCaskey

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

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Southeast of Saline went 4-0 at home and 3-3 on the road, and lost 46-7 at Halstead in the first round of the playoffs last year.

The Trojans went 7-3 each of the past three years. Southeast has lost in the first round of the playoffs six times since ‘08, and have not gone past the first round since ‘06.

Southeast of Saline returns five offensive and four defensive starters, many whom are highly decorated.

Wide receiver Ben Murray and quarterback Bryce Banks were both honorable mention allstate. Senior Jackson Montgomery was second team all-league defense with two interceptions.

The Trojans were balanced on offense last season, averaging 174 passing and 168 rushing yards per contest.

Banks completed 127 of 223 passes for 1,739 yards with a 15/10 TD/INT ratio. He rushed 126 times for 605 yards and seven scores; the first two numbers led the team. Murray finished with 72 carries for 470 yards and a team-high eight TDs. He led the Trojans with 53 catches for 780 yards and seven TDs. Murray also returned an interception and a punt for scores.

“As a team we must get better throughout the season,” Gebhardt said of the team’s key.

Halstead housed the stingiest defense in 11man football in ‘15, conceding a paltry 8.5 points per game. Garden Plain (32-28 Halstead win) and Wichita Collegiate (21-0 Collegiate win) were the only teams to score in double digits against the Dragons. Collegiate, who beat Halstead in the 3A semis, averaged 54.5 points in other games.

Halstead has only four returning starters for this year’s D. Theoretically, the Dragons shouldn’t be as fiery – but the JV allowed less than five ppg.

“There are plenty of very good skill kids who return. The key will be putting together a quality offensive and defensive line,” said Halstead coach Jason Grider. “If they can do that, expect the Dragons to be playing late in November again.”

The graduations of Blake Beckett and Eli McKee were more high profile, but Halstead will be pressed to replace the meat up the middle.

Linemen Tate Kaufman, Zach Wright, Taylor Armstrong and Garrett Dubois left large voids.

Gage Hardtarfer and Jacob Witt plug a guard and tackle post on the o-line, and junior tight end Dalton Kraus is versed in the blocking schemes, as well. Hardtarfer and Tony Morris begin the rebuild of the defensive front.

Senior Layke Heimerman produced a sensational season where he led the team in tackles at LB and chomped up 789 yards and 10 TDs at fullback. Chase VanSteenburg, who picked up seven TDs as a junior slotback, shifts to QB.

Mike Hill becomes Haven’s fourth coach since 2010, as the program continues to search for an identity. The Wildcats seemed like a program on the rise in 2012 when Haven reached the 3A playoffs and finished the season 5-5. But the Wildcats have won just five games total since. Enter Hill, a Haven alum who is a head coach for the first time.

“We want to have a smooth transition to a new head coach,” Hill said. “Secondly, we want to play solid football with no mental mistakes. Thirdly, we want to put ourselves in a position to win as many games as we can.”

The task seems daunting, but Haven has 10 offensive starters back from last season, as well as eight on defense. Junior Thane Unruh is a rising star after being invited to the Blue-Grey combine in Dallas. Running back Haxton Smith is also a talented runner.

Like Hill, most of the coaching staff is from Haven, which should aid the building process.

The coaches won’t have one eye on the next job, but rather focus on building a lasting program at their alma mater.

The schedule will be difficult, which is often the case for the Central Kansas League. The Wildcats open with rising Nickerson, a playoff team last year, before taking on Pratt. A move to 3A means a new district, which appears to be wide open with Sterling, Hutchinson Trinity and Halstead.

Jason Cauley was named Thomas More PrepMarian’s new football coach in early June after former coach John Montgomery left to take an assistant position at McPherson. Montgomery had spent six seasons on staff, the first two as defensive coordinator and the last four as head coach.

Cauley was formerly head coach at Moanalau High School near Honolulu. A collegiate quarterback, he played at Mississippi College before transferring to West Alabama. After Sept. 11, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.

He was an assistant coach at Murphy (Ala.) High under his brother and then moved to Hawaii in 2011. Cauley plans to install the spread offense for a program that has struggled for the last past decade, including a winless season in ‘14.

Cauley’s goals are a winning season, to make the playoffs and create a winning culture. He said the team’s keys are to eliminate turnovers, stay healthy and play fundamentally sound, physical football.

The Monarchs are 1-17 since moving to the MidContinent League with a 38-16 road victory Week 2 at Ellis as the lone win.

TMP also has a new athletic director in Troy Schulte, who replaces longtime football coach/AD Gene Flax. Flax joined TMP in 1996 and served as head football coach for 14 years.

12-1 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 3A Central Kansas League Coach: Jason Grider (3rd year, 22-4; 16th overall) Assistants: Shawn Seematter, Ryan Voran, Jesse Mueller, Chris Wilson Offense: Veer Option Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Layke Heimerman, RB/LB, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Chase VanSteenburg, QB/S, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Gage Hardtarfer, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Jacob Witt, OL, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Tony Morris, DE, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Dalton Kraus, TE, 6-0, 170, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

1-8 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 3A Central Kansas League Coach: Mike Hill (1st year) Assistants: Russell Coleman, Drew Thalmann, Brent Gehrer, Thomas Cooprider Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 10 Offense, 8 Defense Mark Carney, RB/DB, Sr.; Ruben Romero, RB/LB, Sr.; Jeff Hendrixson, WR/DB, Sr.; Cordell Waggoner, L, Sr.; Scott Schmidt, L, Sr.; Patrick Hartung, L, Sr.; Haxton Smith, RB/DB, Jr.; Thane Unruh, RB, Jr.; Devon Lastinger, RB, Jr.; Tanner Regier, RB, Jr.; Corby Nisly, OL, So. Brad Hallier

7-3 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 3A North Central Activities Association Coach: Mitch Gebhardt (7th year, 36-22; 15th overall) Assistants: Chance Ptacek, Trenton Douglas, Kent Jacobson, Todd Baird Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Ben Murray, WR/DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Bryce Banks, QB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Jackson Montgomery, E/DB, 60, 170, Sr.; Hunter Adams, G/DE, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Brooks Garretson, ILB, 6-0, 175, Sr. Conor Nicholl

HESSTON Few teams will sneak their way into Hesston’s secondary, but if they do, arguably the best pair of safeties – and inarguably the best duo of Zachs – in the Central Kansas League awaits. Free safety Zach Esau and strong safety Zach Vogt are sticky tacklers that can turn the field 180 degrees – they combined for seven interceptions as juniors.

Hesston’s defense firmly held foes to 8.6 points per game, second to only Halstead in 3A. The Swathers have a trio of linebackers with experience, spearheaded by first-team all-CKL pick Zach Anderson. If there is a defensive weakness on paper, it is shuffling in new starters across the line.

“Experience is a real issue. Every position is open to competition. Finding the right fit will be a big piece of the puzzle,” said Hesston coach Clint Rider. “On the defensive line, we graduated all four starters and may need to look to other positions to fill needs there.”

Though newcomers will be trusted with key roles, Hesston has never missed a beat under Rider. The one missing piece has been a sustained playoff run. Hesston has reached the postseason in six straight years and 12 of the past

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Hesston entered the 2015 playoffs on a sevengame winning streak, but was eliminated in an instant classic 22-21 overtime loss to Garden Plain to finish 8-2. Hesston immediately gets a rematch, opening this season at Garden Plain.

“Our focus will be in the process and let the outcome fall where it may,” Rider said. “What we do each day in preparation will determine our final destination.”

Alex Hostetler and Parker Roth lead a twoheaded monster out of the backfield, combining for 822 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Esau was a dual-threat quarterback, chucking 22 touchdown passes and galloping for seven more on the run. Vogt is Esau’s top returning target after hauling in 31 receptions for 559 yards and 10 scores.

8-2 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 3A Central Kansas League Coach: Clint Rider (4th year, 26-5; 6th overall, 3316) Assistants: Doug Broadfoot, Phil Unruh, Parker Broadfoot, Jamison Unruh Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 16 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Zach Esau, QB/FS, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Zach Vogt, WR/SS, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Alex Hostetler, RB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Tanner Bachman, WR, 5-8, 130, Sr.; Zack Ledford, C, 5-8, 201, Sr.; Zach Anderson, MLB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Jake Wingfield, OLB, 5-9, 195, Sr.; Kitt Regier, OLB, 5-7, 161, Sr.; Trevor Koehn, CB, 6-0, 145, Sr.; Jake Wingfield, G, 5-9, 195, Sr.; Parker Roth, RB, 5-9, 175, So. Kyle McCaskey

1-8 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 3A Mid-Continent League Coach: Jason Cauley (1st year; 3rd overall, 7-10) Assistants: Dakota Hayes Offense: Spread Defense: 3-5-3 Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 7 Defense Tucker Rhoades, WR/CB, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Luke Ruder, QB/DB, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Chase Werth, OLB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Gavin Schumacher, RB/LB, 5-8, 170, Jr.; Creighton Renz, MLB, 6-2, 193, Jr.; Joe Flax, DE, 6-3, 213, Sr.; Kaleb Hagans, OG/LB, 5-11, 215, So.; Chris Stecklein, OG/NG, 5-8, 220, Sr.; Alex Patel, OT/NG, 6-2, 280, Jr.; Nick Meis, OT/ DT, 6-0, 295, Sr.; Connor Staab, G/DT CN

HIAWATHA Ted Brown is still young, but he already has an established reputation for winning. Hiawatha is counting on it after a two-year slump. Brown becomes the head coach at Hiawatha, replacing Chris Diller. Brown spent the previous five years coaching Ingalls, where the Bulldogs had measured success each season. Ingalls, an 8-Man II program, had a winning season every year under Brown, including a 9-2 campaign last season.

Hiawatha, meanwhile, has fallen off after a 7-4 season in 2013. The Red Hawks were 0-9 the year after, and finished 2015 at 1-8. Hiawatha lost its first seven games before knocking off Horton 37-24 for its lone win. Both sides of the ball were at fault. The offense scored 71 points all season, the third-worst mark in the 64-team 3A field, and was shut out five times. The defense was hit for 454 points, the most in the classification.

Hiawatha played only two games within 25 points.

The upside for Brown comes from a veteran roster. The Red Hawks return nine starters on offense and nine on defense. They will count on senior Joseph Kunkel to produce. Kunkel will begin his second season at quarterback after previously playing wide receiver.

The path into and including District 1 play is ruthless. The Red Hawks battle 4A-Division II runner-up Holton in week six before their district slate. Hiawatha will have to contend with Riverside (4-6), Sabetha (7-5) and Nemaha Central (10-1) – three squads coming off playoff berths – to reach the postseason.

1-8 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 3A Big Seven Conference Coach: Ted Brown (1st year; 6th overall, 36-14) Assistants: Gordon Gunderson, Curtis Myers, Andrew Eckert Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 9 Defense Joseph Kunkel, QB, 6-3, 175, Sr.; Brennan Barnes, RB, 5-7, 190, Sr.; Keenan Hinton, OL, 60, 225, Sr.; Tyrese Cook, WR, 6-3, 200, Sr.; William Entrikin, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Tyler Boswell, OL/ DL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Colin Sample, LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Joey Simpson, OL/DL, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Andrew Woods, RB, 5-8, 145, So.; Dakota Whilhite, OL/ DL, 6-0, 215; Hunter Pavlish, DL, 6-2, 195, So.; Phoenix Barrand, DL, 6-1, 210, So.; Kaiser Issac, Kyle McCaskey RB, 5-10, 165, So.

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HILLSBORO

HOISINGTON

HOYT-ROYAL VALLEY

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Devin Metzinger finds himself at the bottom of the hill, but ready for the climb, at Hillsboro.

“It’s an opportunity that I have been looking forward to for years,” Metzinger said. “This truly is a dream come true to not only have this opportunity as a head coach, but to be an impact on studentathletes’ lives. My belief is that this game has so much to offer a student-athlete outside of the white lines. From the relationships you build to the lessons learned, I am just excited to be a part of that for the student-athletes we have in Hillsboro.”

Metzinger becomes the general of the Trojans as they refocus after a harsh 0-9 season. Former coach Lance Sawyer departed after four years.

The Trojans were 10-1 in his first season in 2012, but fell to 3-6 and then 2-7 before a winless 2015.

Metzinger is an Ark City graduate who played in college at Southwestern. Before Hillsboro, Metzinger spent two seasons at Bluestem.

The entirety of the roster returns with another year’s worth of experience to build from. Senior wideouts Carson Herbel and Braden Vogt were honorable mention picks in the CKL. Joe Knoll was honorable mention at d-back.

Hillsboro must swiftly make adjustments to become competitive. The offense was frigid, scoring in single digits four times and never providing more than 24 points. The defense, meanwhile, bent for at least 22 points in every game.

“Staying focused on what is at hand and not looking into the past or into the future,” Metzinger said of team keys to success.

Hoisington had arguably its best team in school history last year when it finished 11-1 and reached the Class 3A quarterfinals. The Cardinals tied the 1990 and ’07 seasons for deepest playoff run in Cardinal history. Coach Zach Baird has posted 92 and 11-1 records behind his run-heavy, flexbone offense in his first two seasons. Hoisington rushed for 336 yards per game and had a total score of 544-129 in ’15. Hoisington defeated Cimarron, 7619, and Washington County, 50-6, in the playoffs before falling 44-8 to Halstead.

Hoisington has back-to-back home games to open the season, against Kingman and then a marquee matchup versus defending 3A runner-up Collegiate, who moves up to 4A-II this season.

Hoisington plays in Class 3A, District 15 with Larned, Lyons and Ellsworth and enters the season as the heavy favorite. The Cardinals are 21-2 against the trio in the last decade with the only losses versus Ellsworth in 2010-11.

Senior Hunter Hanzlick finished with 189 carries for 1,949 yards with 28 scores. He rushed for 1,381 yards and 21 scores as a sophomore. The top three tacklers return with seniors Landen Urban (73) and Justin Bradley (44) and Sean Urban (41).

Royal Valley made a four-win improvement in Jake Lott’s second year as coach, but fell just short of getting into the postseason. Back-to-back losses to Jefferson West and Holton ended a sixgame winning streak and denied a playoff berth.

The Panthers drop to 3A, but following a difficult Big Seven League schedule, district play includes 3A newcomer and league rival Perry-Lecompton and perennial power Silver Lake.

Even with the graduation of two-way all-league lineman Jarrett Roy, the strength of the Panthers will be found in the trenches. Senior Jacob Box is a returning all-league performer and one of four two-way starters back on the line along with Blake Garrison, Doran Rupnicki and Kenny Aitkens.

What the Panthers have to go with its line corps is a mystery. Graduation claimed all but 353 yards of Valley’s 3,461, as three-year starters Zack Lux and Derrick Barger accounted for the bulk of that.

Senior back Noah Ensley (141 yards rushing, 70 receiving) is the lone returning player with any significant stats and will team with Garrett Rodewald to try to replace Barger’s production. Senior newcomer Ian Lee is also a potential impact player.

Kyle Stithem takes over for three-year starter Lux at QB after playing receiver last year.

11-1 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 3A Mid-Continent League Coach: Zach Baird (3rd year, 20-3) Assistants: Matt Koelsch, Kyle Haxton, Bob Brungardt Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense Landen Urban, ILB/OL, 6-1, 250, Sr.; Justin Bradley, ILB/OL, 5-8, 220, Sr.; Ben Schneider, OL/ DE, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Hunter Hanzlick, RB/OLB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Cameron Davis, RB/FS, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Tyler Specht, QB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Grant Dolechek, TE, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Brenner Donovan, WR, 6-2, 160, Sr.; Sean Urban, SS, 5-8, 170, Jr. CN

6-3 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II Big Seven League Coach: Jake Lott (3rd year, 8-10) Assistants: Dave Barta, Russell Hodison, Kyle Porter, David Boucher Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 16 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Jacob Box, OL/DL, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Garrett Rodewald, RB/LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Blake Garrison, OL/DL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Noah Ensley, RB/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Kyle Stithem, QB/WR/DB, 6-1, 150, Sr.; Kenny Aitkens, OL/LB, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Doran Rupnicki, OL/DL, 6-0, 230, Jr. Brent Maycock

In the program’s first season under the direction of Logan Wyrick, the Humboldt Cubs finished 4-5 in 2015. Entering his second season at the helm, Wyrick said his team’s goals are simple.

“We’ll try to win each and every game put in front of us,” Wyrick said. “If that’s not your main goal each time out, there’s not much use in playing the game. With that said, we will be a very young ball team. So we want to see improvement all the way through our final game of the season.”

Humboldt has 13 returning lettermen this season, but just three returning starters on offense and only five on D. Much of the returning experience is on the line. And to Wyrick, that’s not bad.

“I really believe that all success on the football field begins and ends with the young men up front on your lines,” Wyrick said.

The Cubs have three returning starters on their o-line and two others who started at times. The team’s d-line has four starters back and a couple more athletes who gained experience.

“I believe this experience bodes well for us in the possibility of success for the season,” Wyrick said.

Senior Colton Riebel, junior Noah Johnson and sophomore Tucker Hurst are returning starters on both sides of the line. Junior Hesston Murrow returns as a starting d-back and 275-pound senior Levi Habiger is back as a defensive tackle.

0-9 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 3A Central Kansas League Coach: Devin Metzinger (1st year, 0-0) Assistants: Scott O’Hare, Darrell Knoll, Rob Haude Ret. starters: 11 Offense, 11 Defense Braden Vogt, WR, Sr.; Carson Herbel, WR, Sr.; Joe Knoll, DB, So. Kyle McCaskey

4-5 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 3A Tri-Valley League Coach: Logan Wyrick (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: Dave Taylor, Jeremy Weilert, Tell Wyrick Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 5 Defense Colton Riebel, OL/DL, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Noah Johnson, OL/DL, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Tucker Hurst, OL/ DL, 6-0, 180, So.; Hesston Murrow, DB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Levi Habiger, DL, 5-11, 275, Sr. Jason Peake

HUTCH-TRINITY CATHOLIC

KISMET-SW HEIGHTS

LAKIN

LARNED

Hutchinson Trinity experienced a rebuilding season last year, as many young players, including some freshmen, saw plenty of game time. Only seven players graduated from last year’s 3-6 team, and with 15 starters back, the Celtics have the look of a team that should improve rapidly.

“We are excited about the returning players and how they have learned from last year’s experiences, and have grown as complete football players during the offseason,” Trinity coach Jordan Bell said.

QB Nolan Hughes looks to build on last season, when he threw for 325 yards and three TDs. Adam Sattler was an all-around threat, rushing for 385 yards, and he also caught seven passes for 107 yards. He scored four touchdowns.

Defensively, Aaron Guerrero is the top tackler returning, as he had 54 last season.

Trinity is just one year removed from a postseason berth and a season that started 8-0, and the Celtics have developed a solid tradition this century. Of the school’s 14 postseason berths, 11 have come since 2000.

Southwestern Heights finished 4-5 last year, its best record since 8-2, 4-5 and 4-5 from 2007-09. The Mustangs enjoyed a two-win improvement from 2014. SW Heights opened with a 54-12 win at Sublette and a 28-14 victory versus Elkhart, both road victories. After a 49-0 loss to Meade, SW Heights defeated Stanton County, 52-0.

Following four straight losses, the Mustangs defeated Lakin, 42-0. It ended a seven-game losing streak versus Lakin that stretched back to a 25-7 win on Oct. 25, 2007. Sixth-year coach Matt Scripsick said the team’s key is to “trust in one another.” Last year, SW Heights rushed for 261 yards with its topfive rushers between 239 and 602 yards.

The top-two rushers have graduated but everyone else returns. Senior Cheo Puentes rushed 73 times for 457 yards and six scores, senior Payton Lapoint rushed 86 times for 456 yards and a team-high eight scores, and sophomore Jaziel Martinez played in just five contests, but had 19 carries for 239 yards and two TDs. “Motivated players with some experience,” he said.

“We want to make the play-offs.”

Coach Chris Bamberger, who won a state title at Ness City, suffered the first losing season of his career in his first year with Lakin. The Broncs went 0-4 at home and 2-3 on the road.

“Our goal this fall is continually improve each game and play well enough through our district schedule to have a chance to play football in November,” Bamberger said. “We need to be playing our best football in October. Last season we played many underclassmen and it is our hope that this season that experience will start to show.”

Lakin has a challenging first two contests with a home game versus Hugoton and a road contest versus Meade. Bamberger has two assistants, Colt Rogers and Cody Bernbeck, who has standout high school careers for Smith Center and Garden City, respectively.

“The first key for our success will be our “team” participation in our summer schedule. It will be huge for our guys to put in a great summer of work in the weight room to increase our strength, speed and team unity,” Bamberger said.

Larned has played in multiple close games the last two seasons but has generally taken losses en route to back-to-back 4-5 years. In 2015, Larned opened with a 53-21 loss at Hoisington and then defeated La Crosse, 40-12, before a 1513 defeat to Kingman and a 26-25 loss to Nickerson; both games came on the road. In Week 8, Larned fell, 35-28, versus Hugoton and then defeated Pratt, 15-14, in overtime in Week 9.

In 2014, Larned opened 2-2 with a 21-20 double overtime victory versus Hoisington, lost 14-7 to La Crosse and 3-0 to Kingman and then defeated Nickerson, 33-25. Larned defeated Haven, 18-13, but fell, 14-6, to Hugoton and 21-19 to Pratt.

This year, Larned has Pratt at home in Week 1, followed by Smoky Valley in Week 4. The Indians lost Halstead in Week 4 and travel to defending 21A state champion Phillipsburg in Week 6. Larned went 7-3 in 2013 for the school’s first playoff appearance since 1985.

“To work hard, play together, play as fast as we can (while) limiting mistakes and get better each day,” coach A.B. Stokes said of the team’s keys.

2-7 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 3A Hi-Plains League Coach: Chris Bamberger (2nd year, 2-7; 7th overall, 42-24) Assistants: Chris Pollart, Colt Rogers, Cody Bernbeck Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Colby Gugelmeyer, QB/FS, Sr.; Dawson Shalberg, RB/OLB, Jr.; Hunter Kirby, QB/FS, Jr.; Khai Hernandez, WR/OLB, Jr.; Diego Davila, WR/ CB, Jr.; Clay Michels, RB/OLB, Jr.; Johnney Perez, RB/MLB, Jr.; Jefferson Gilleland, TE/DE, Sr.; Michael Aller, G/DT, Sr. Conor Nicholl

4-5 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 3A Central Kansas League Coach: A.B. Stokes (5th year, 18-19) Assistants: Tad Remy, Mike Hensley, Alex Nuss, Rustyn Kerbs Offense: Multiple I Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 22 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 6 Defense Kolby Keith, WR/DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Nate Williams, RB/LB, 6-2, 225, Sr.; De’Shaun Clark, OL/DL, 64, 330, Sr.; Jeremiah Slattery, OL, 5-11, 230, Jr.; Johnathan Herter, LB, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Brandon Bartz, LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Wes Davis, LB, 6-2, 195, Sr. Conor Nicholl

3-6 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 3A Heart of American League Coach: Jordan Bell (3rd year, 11-8) Assistants: Sean Racette, Mike Miller, Brad Hollinger, Jonathan Burkhart Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 32 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 8 Defense Greg Bird, RB/LB, Sr.; Jacob Harcrow, RB/LB, Sr.; Nolan Hughes, QB/DB, Sr.; Angel Martinez, RB/ DB, Sr.; Javier Mijares, OL/DL, Sr.; Daniel Morales, OL/DL, Sr.; Adam Sattler, RB/LB, Sr.; Connor Wolfe, OL/DL, Jr.; Aaron Guerrero, RB/ LB, So.; Alex Hammersmith, TE/DL, So. BH

4-5 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 3A Hi-Plains League Coach: Matt Scripsick (6th year, 13-41; 11th year, 4358) Assistants: John Baldwin, Mitch Burns, Kellan Hernandez, Matt Bell Offense: Double Wing Defense: 5-3 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense Payton LaPoint, RB/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Efren Mercado, QB, 5-9, 150, So.; Pepo Jiminez, OL/LB, 59, 210, Jr.; Cheo Puentes, RB/LB, 5-5, 130, Sr.; Erik Garcia, OL/DL, 6-2, 270, Jr.; Jake Venard, LB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Brandon Gonzales, CB, 5-8, 140, Sr. Conor Nicholl

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 86

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Perhaps change will be threefold with the Lions – new coach, new league and new wins.

Bluestem will tackle new competition as it departs the Central Plains League to join the Tri-Valley.

More important than the challengers will be building continuity at home. Bluestem will be on its third head coach in three seasons and fourth in the last seven as Jordan Echer takes over for Perry Warden, who was 1-8 in his one season heading the Lions.

“In 2016 we will look to establish a culture of brotherhood and respect,” Echer said. “We want to learn how to compete in everything we do from the classroom to the football field.”

Bluestem will see some old CPL foes in districts, as Wichita Independent, Belle Plaine and Douglass round off Bluestem’s regular season.

The Lions captured their lone win over Belle Plaine in week three this past season. Bluestem also played Douglass within eight points.

Tightening the margins elsewhere will be a priority – Bluestem’s seven other games were losses by more than 30 points each. The Lions were held to eight points or less seven times.

“Our biggest keys to success will be to learn to trust each other, and not put our heads down when things turn south,” Echer said. “We will look to speed things up offensively.”

Echer will install a unique 3-3-5 defense, which should take advantage of Weston Scott, a threeyear starter at safety.

Lyons got off to a rugged start in 2015, losing its first five games, with each loss being by at least 18 points. Things changed quickly, and the Lions rattled off three straight wins, including two in district play, to clinch a playoff spot.

The season ended with a 54-0 loss to Scott City, but Lyons earned valuable confidence and experience in making it to the postseason. That was Lyons’ first postseason game since 2009. Since then, Lyons has had just one winning season, coming in 2013 when the Lions went 5-4.

A new district assignment will prove tricky, with a strong Hoisington program in there, along with Ellsworth and Larned, a team that beat Lyons 3513 last season.

A sharp drop in numbers forced Immaculata to cancel its football season last year. Meanwhile, Maranatha fought its own shortage of bodies and went just 1-7, the lone win in the season finale against Onaga. Instead of fighting those battles this year, the two parochial schools decided to join forces and will play as a co-op this year, competing in Immaculata’s place in the Northeast Kansas League. The unification also places the co-op team into Class 3A and in a district that includes defending NEK champion Pleasant Ridge and runner-up Maur Hill.

Numbers and experience will still be an issue for the Raiders with between 25 and 30 players out.

Just four of those are returning starters and nearly half of the team will be freshmen.

Senior back Micah Webb had a solid year despite missing one game, finishing with 891 yards and 11 touchdowns. But the speedster (runner-up in the 2A 100 at the state track meet) is the only skill player to return and will miss running behind standout lineman Ben Kynion. Two linemen are back, but both are undersized seniors, Anthony Brigg (190) and Nick DePreist (160).

Greyson Wiley, a junior tight end/defensive end is the only other returning starter, but sophomore transfers Gabe Wood (Paola) and Cavan McBratney (Basehor-Linwood) could be nice additions.

The large freshman class will be called on to contribute right away with Nate Burdette the likely starter at quarterback.

Marion scoots up to 3A for the next two seasons, and draws a tough district assignment. Marion will be the favorite to get past a home game against a winless Hillsboro team in week eight. How it fares in its showdowns with two returning playoff squads – a home battle with Southeast of Saline (7-3) in week seven and a visit to Hesston (8-2) in week nine – will likely be the tipping point in Marion’s postseason hunt.

Outside of district opposition, a week three journey to Sedgwick (9-1) represents the only opponent Marion will see in the first six weeks that ended 2015 with a winning record.

The Warriors were one of the toughest outs during the 2015 season. Marion was 6-2 in games determined by 20 points or less. Those grind-itout victories, combined with a roster that provides some measure of starting experience at every position, gives the Warriors a head start entering the fall.

The skill positions on offense feature three allleague players in QB Jack Schneider, fullback Aaron Riggs and wideout Mason Pedersen.

“We will be a very experienced team in 2016,” said coach Grant Thierolf. “At every position we return someone who has started for us, and that is something we have never experienced before.”

3-7 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 3A Central Kansas League Coach: James Johnston

Brad Hallier

7-2 in 2015 / 3-1 in district / 3A Heart of America League Coach: Grant Thierolf (29th year, 170-98) Assistants: Jerry Smith, Shaun Craft, Simon McKee Offense: Option Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: 11 Offense, 11 Defense 1-7 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 3A Aaron Riggs, FB, 5-10, 198, Sr.; Peyton Northeast Kansas League Heidebrecht, SB/OLB, 5-8, 205, Sr.; Mason Coach: Bryan Burdette (4th year, 7-17) Pedersen, WR/CB, 6-0, 153, Sr.; Jeremy Hett, Assistants: Jack Kynion, Alferdo Biena OT/DE, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Cade Harms, OG/DT, 6-0, Offense: Wing T Defense: 3-5 243, Sr.; Nathan Baldwin, C, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Noah Returning lettermen: 6 Albin, OLB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Jack Schneider, QB/ Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Micah Webb, RB/LB, 5-6, 175, Sr.; Anthony Brigg, FS, 6-2, 181, Jr.; Corbin Wheeler, TB/SS, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Garrett Hoffner, TE/LB, 6-0, 186, Jr.; OL/LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Nick DePriest, OL/DL, 510, 160, Sr.; Greyson Wiley, TE/DE, 5-11, 195, Jr. Jarret McLinden, OT, 6-3, 275, Jr.; Tyler Palic, Brent Maycock OG/LB, 6-1, 206, Jr.; Jacob Vondenkamp, DE, 511, 170, Jr.; Bryce Schults, CB, 5-11, 155, Jr. KM

1-8 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 3A Tri-Valley League Coach: Jordan Echer (1st year) Assistants: Tim Walker, Wade McHone, Kelly Benton Offense: Pistol Spread Option Defense: 3-3-5 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Weston Scott, QB/WR/FS, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Jake Lanier, QB/WR/DB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Tray Asbil, WR/ DB, 5-8, 135, Sr.; Cadence McHaley, DE, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Jace Brewer, RB/LB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Jason Standfast, OL/DL, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Vincent Fulghum, OL/DL, 5-4, 200, Sr.; Daylan Fell, OL/DL, 6-0, 230, Jr.; Braedean Haworth, OL, 6-0, 340, Jr. KM

MARYSVILLE Talk about your breakthrough seasons.

When Marysville won its 2016 season opener 35-19 over St. Marys, it not only ended a string of three straight winless seasons for the Bulldogs, but also a streak of 32 straight losses.

The Bulldogs didn’t let the victory become a one-hit wonder, adding three more — two of which came in district play and propeled Marysville into the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Though the postseason appearance was a quick one with a 37-0 loss at Norton, the steps made in Dustin Heuer’s third year with the program were significant.

Marysville should be positioned to build upon that success and post its first winning season since 2010 as well. Eight starters are back on defense and seven return on offense, most of them three- or four-year starters.

Though the offense lost QB and leading rusher Tommy Brinegar to graduation, the Bulldogs still have plenty of weapons returning. Senior back Hunter Warnick ran for 785 yards and seven TDs and will carry the load early as the newcomers in the backfield develop around him.

Four of five linemen return, led by returning firstteam all-leaguer Greg Martin, and senior Jacob Mintzmyer, who may be undersized at 5-10, 195, but he’s a returning state wrestling champion.

Warnick ranked third in the North Central Kansas League with 95 tackles, while senior Adam Lindhorst added 85, giving the Bulldogs a top-notch linebacker tandem.

4-6 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 3A North Central Kansas League Coach: Dustin Heuer (4th year, 4-22) Assistants: Doug Minneman, Landon Wright, Mitchell Shepherd Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 24 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 8 Defense Hunter Warnick, RB/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr., Adam Lindhorst, TE/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Greg Martin, OL/ DL, 6-2, 300, Sr.; Caleb Vogelsberg, OL, 5-9, 205, Sr.; Jacob Mintzmyer, OL/DL, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Jayton Haggard, WR/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Gabe Pieschl, WR/DB, 6-1, 165, Jr.; Seth Mooradian, OL, 5-10, 210, Jr. Brent Maycock

MINNEAPOLIS Minneapolis was one of Kansas’ biggest surprises in 2014 when it finished 8-4 and reached the state semis with new coach Jhon Haehn. But the Lions were hit by graduation, though standout QB Eric Yoxall was back for his senior season.

In 2015, Minneapolis slipped to 0-9, averaged 18.1 points per contest and allowed 40.1 points. In 2014, the Lions averaged 26 points per contest and permitted 19.4 points per game. Minneapolis had a tougher schedule in 2014 – No. 24 in the 64-team 3A by preppowerindex.com – than ’15 (No. 50).

Minneapolis opened with a 33-7 road loss versus Republic County, then fell 30-0 versus Sacred Heart. The Lions lost, 24-14, to La Crosse and 3417 to Russell. The Lions then fell 32-25 to Ellsworth before four losses by bigger margins: 66-35 to Beloit, 45-28 to Marysville, 53-31 to Riley County and 44-6 to Washington County.

Yoxall, who lost his top three receivers to graduation, completed 77 of 214 passes (36 percent) for 1,241 yards with a 10/9 TD/INT ratio. Yoxall completed 155 of 325 passes (48 percent) for 1,994 yards with an 18/12 TD/INT as a junior.

Senior Canaan Smith has been a key player the last two years, including 105 carries for a team-high

509 yards and three rushing scores. He collected second team all-league honors. Smith also led the Lions in rushing with 88 carries for 524 yards and seven TDs in 2014. Senior lineman Jace McKinney and Smith will each be three-year starters and the team’s most experienced players.

Yoxall, who graduated in the spring, was second to Smith with 87 carries for 340 yards and nine TDs. Michael Baker (team-high 516 receiving yards) also graduated.

0-9 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 3A North Central Activities Association Coach: Jhon Haehn (3rd year, 8-13) Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Conor Nicholl

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OSKALOOSA Things started well enough for Oskaloosa in 2014. The Bears pulled out tight wins in their first three games and were still sitting 4-1 through five weeks. But the final month of the season proved to be a rough one. Stuck in a district with eventual state champion Rossville and perennial power Silver Lake, Oskaloosa went winless in October.

Breaking in freshman Jaxson Webb at QB, Oskaloosa leaned heavily on the RB tandem of Kyle Hopkins and Dillion Grother. The duo handled the burden well, combining for nearly 1,700 yards and 24 touchdowns on the ground.

This year, it will be Webb shouldering the offensive burden as both Grother and Hopkins have graduated along with two other backs who gained at least 200 yards on the ground. Webb is the lone returning skill player and should improve on his debut season that saw him throw for 228 yards and rush for 71 in a complementary role.

The good news for Webb is three of the guys who helped pave the way for a ground game that racked up 2,312 yards are back, led by seniors Cooper Thurston and Thad Willits. Jared Miller will move in from end to the backfield and is the leading returning tackler for the Bears, making 44 stops last year to rank fifth on the team.

The Bears will be young with Thurston and Willits the lone seniors. Oskaloosa opens with McLouth and Horton, which combined for just one win last year.

Though Rossville is no longer in the district, Silver Lake remains, and newcomers Royal Valley and Perry-Lecompton, are both down from 4A-II. 4-5 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 3A Northeast Kansas League Coach: Scott Whaley (11th year, 67-58) Assistants: Rod Stottlemire, Matt Johnson Offense: Double Wing Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Jared Miller, RB/LB, 5-6, 180, Jr.; Heath Knopp, OT/DT, 6-0, 205, Jr.; Thad Willits, OG/NG, 5-6, 205, Sr.; Cooper Thurston, OG/DL, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Jaxson Webb, QB/S, 6-3, 170, So. Brent Maycock

Pa g e 87

NEODESHA

NORTON COMMUNITY

OSAGE CITY

Expectations are high in Neodesha, and it’s not hard to see why. The Bluestreaks return an experienced and talented core from a team that went 9-2 and captured a district championship in 2015.

“I look for a fun year,” Black said. “We have a lot of returners, but not a lot of depth. Most of these kids know the system, which will be a big plus.”

In 2015, Neodesha finished second in the TVL for the fourth time in five years. Neodesha went 71 in Tri-Valley play a year ago, with the only loss coming at the hands of Cherryvale.

The Bluestreaks return seven starters on both sides of the ball and will be led an expereinced senior class. Senior lineman Jordin Linn earned all-state recognition in ‘15 and is a force up front.

“Jordan should be a big factor on both sides,” Black said, noting Linn could be considered the best two-way player in the league.

Senior quarterback Matthew Shinkle returns after earning all-league honors last season. Also back is senior RB Izzy Johnson, a player Black expects to put up big numbers this fall.

“He is the best overall athlete I have seen in a long time,” Black said of Johnson.

Running back Drew Stover and wide reciever Dalton Mitchell return as experienced seniors, along with classmates Cole Wooten and Hayden Wooten, both returning starters on the line.

Defensively, Linn and Cole Wooten anchor the line, while Hayden Wooten, Johnson and fellow senior Shayne McCane return at the LB spots.

Hayden Wooten was all-league a year ago.

Stover and Michael Shinkle return as d-backs.

Black also expects big things from sophomore lineman Blaze Grimes (6-2, 225).

Norton had an up-and-down regular season that ultimately culminated with a deep playoff run – and set the foundation for an extremely talented and experienced 2016 team. Norton lost senior all-purpose threat Gavin Lively near the end of the first half of Week 2 against Phillipsburg because of a knee injury. Norton won the game 7-6, but then lost twice before Lively returned in Week 7.

Then, Norton defeated Marysville, 36-0 and Scott City, 28-24, before it lost, 66-25, to Wichita Collegiate in the third round.

This season, the Bluejays return Kansas Pregame coverboys in junior QB Jace Ruder and senior OL/LB Jacob Green, along with all five linemen.

Ruder completed 101 of 221 passes for 1,407 yards with an 11/8 TD/INT ratio. Green led Norton with 145 tackles and has a Kansas-best 32 tackles for loss.

Norton, the four-time defending 3-2-1A wrestling champions, and the 3A track winners, has plenty of speed with junior Tevin Petrie (1,267 allpurpose yards, nine total TDs) and Tyus Henson (20 catches).

Norton had 18 turnovers in 2015, though finished plus-14 in turnover margin. Norton gets rivals Smith Center and Phillipsburg at home in Weeks 4 and 8, respectively. The Week 8 contest is likely for the district title.

“To get better as a team, take each game as the blessing it is to get to play, push each other and to be great teammates,” Melvin said of his keys and goals for 2016.

Not a whole lot separated Osage City from not only being in contention for the Flint Hills League title in 2015, but winning it outright. The Indians finished 3-3 in league play, but all three losses were by a TD to the three teams which ended up sharing the league title — Mission Valley (20-14), Council Grove (20-12) and Lyndon (34-28).

Overmatched in 3A district play by state powers Silver Lake and champion Rossville, Osage City finished the season on a winning note with a 2616 win over Oskaloosa, capping a 4-5 season.

How quickly the Indians can come of age in 2016 will determine their chances of improving on that mark. Even though Osage City returns six starters each way, they only have two other returning players who saw the field a year ago, leaving eighth-year coach Andrew Gantenbein with a relatively raw squad, which may have to lean heavily on a deep sophomore class which produced a pair of freshman starters last year.

Gantenbein likes the potential he sees from the skill positions even though most of it is unproven outside of senior back Brett Sage, who ran for 420 yards last year. No other returner had more than 100 yards rushing and there’s a huge void at QB where the Indians must replace Ryan Haskins (1,800-plus total yards), who came back strong from an injury that wiped out his junior season.

Junior Tucker Kimball is the only returner who took snaps and could move in from his end position where he caught three touchdown passes.

Jason Cooley could also shift from receiver to the backfield and had a combined 400 yards rushing and receiving last year.

The mainstay of Osage City’s lines, Travis Gustafson, also leaves a hole up front, but the D will build around Sage, whose 107 tackles were nearly 40 more than the next-closest Indian.

9-3 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 3A Mid-Continent League Coach: Lucas Melvin (10th year, 75-31) 9-2 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 3A Assistants: Tony Fiscus, Jeremy Hawks, Kevin Tri-Valley League Jilka, Ben Gordon Coach: John Black (7th year, 39-22) Assistants: Jeff Piatt, Nathan West, Kurt Sizemore Offense: Multiple I Defense: 5-2 Returning lettermen: 17 Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Jacob Green, OL/DL/LB, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Layton Jordan Linn, OL/DL, 6-1, 270, Sr.; Cole Wooten, OL/DL, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Izzy Johnson, RB/LB, 5-11, Miller, OL/DL, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Tyus Henson, WR/ DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Koby McEwen, WR/DE, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Matthew Shinkle, QB, 5-10, 145, Sr.; 170, Sr.; Trenton Wright, RB/LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Dalton Mitchell, WR, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Hayden Wooten, RB/LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Drew Stover, RB/ Maverick Engel, OL/DL, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Jace DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Shane McCane, LB, 5-10, 180, Ruder, QB/DB, 6-3, 195, Jr.; Collyn Auker, TE/LB, JP 6-2, 250, Jr.; Tevin Petrie, RB/DB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Sr.; Michael Shinkle, DB, 5-10, 165, Jr. Matt Vacura, OL/DL, 6-1, 255, Jr. Conor Nicholl

4-5 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 3A Flint Hills League Coach: Andrew Gantenbein (8th year, 31-35) Assistants: Ryan Panko, Jordan Tice, Bryan Sage Offense: Jet Sweep Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Jason Cooley, WR/RB, Sr.; Brett Sage, RB/ILB, Sr.; Connor Fagan, C/DT, Sr.; Derrik Cooley, TE/ OL, So.; Brant Dayhoff, OL, So.; Tucker Kimball, TE/WR, Jr.; Zach Irvin, OLB, Sr. Brent Maycock

PERRY-LECOMPTON

PHILLIPSBURG

POMONA-EAST FRANKLIN

When Mike Paramore has had large, experienced senior classes, Perry-Lecompton has enjoyed success. With 13 seniors who started or saw significant playing time back, the Kaws should improve.

A 4-5 season was almost much better last year, with two of the losses by six points or less, including a 39-38 overtime loss to Silver Lake, and none by more than 15 points.

Dual threat QBs have been a calling card for Paramore’s offenses with Mitchell Bond stepping in last year and carrying on the tradition laid before him by stars like Shane Gimzo and Seth Surface.

Next up is senior Jordan Spreer, who quarterbacked the JV. As he adapts to the role, the Kaws will rely on an established ground game. Senior Cole Kellum ran for 802 yards and nine TDs last year, and should have a healthier complement in fellow senior Michael Kellum, who played last year with one hand in a cast, and two games with both hands in casts.

The strength of the offense will be its line where three starters return — seniors Tristan Damme and TJ Turpin and junior Kyle Bonham.

Senior linebacker Nick Quinlan and defensive tackler Torin Van Nest were honorable mention AllBig Seven League picks last year and lead five returning starters on defense.

Phillipsburg won the first state football championship in school history with a 30-29 victory against Troy in the 2-1A title. It marked the first title game appearance for the Panthers, who reached the substate game for the first time in ’14 but fumbled at the goal line in the final seconds in a 22-21 loss to Ell-Saline. This season, the Panthers move back up to 3A and return most of their top players, including running back brothers Mark and Kirk Coomes. Mark rushed for 1,247 yards and 11 TDs, while Kirk added 758 yards and 17 TDs, including 26 times for 243 yards and four scores in the state game. Defensively, Mark had 47 tackles, while Kirk tallied 68.

Sophomore Trey Sides is back at QB after he contributed 851 total yards and 11 total scores.

Sides is believed to be the first freshman QB to win a title in state history. He picked off two passes on defense. Senior Seth Jacobs was first team allconference on the o-line, and second team d-line.

Senior Drew Stapel was first team d-line (88 tackles, seven sacks). Junior Trey Thompson was second team all-league at WR (321 receiving, four scores) and collected 28 tackles with three INTs on D. Junior John Gower was a first team all-league LB with 96 tackles.

“Our schedule will be a big challenge,” coach J.B. Covington said. “We feel like we have a great chance to compete with the best teams in this class if we stay healthy. Our young men had a tremendous off-season and summer.”

The Falcons struggled with injuries last year, but as a result, coach Kevin Coker now has a host of returners with varsity experience.

West Franklin brings back four starters from the offensive line – seniors Isaac Deer, David Rolland, and Alex Yelland along with sophomore Tanner Sink – and five players with backfield experience.

“Underclassmen Brady Altic and Brayden Singer were both spot starters for us in the backfield last year,” Coker said. “Clayton Noyons and Shane Renfro will return to the backfield after starting on the OL last year.”

Junior tight end Zach Stringer is back for his third year as a starter, while senior receiver Trenton Worley and senior tight end Dalton Lacey are also back in the lineup for the Falcons.

“We return a strong core of defensive linemen – Renfro, Noah Short, Yelland and Rolland,” Coker said. “Altic, Sink, Stringer and Lacey will all return at the linebacker positions for us and Noyons, Singer and Worley will return in the secondary.”

4-5 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 3A Big Seven League Coach: Mike Paramore (16th year, 73-71) Assistants: Caleb Denton, Jordan Allen, Mitch McPherson, Jared Swafford Offense: Spread Defense: Odd Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Tristan Damme, C/DL, Sr.; TJ Turpin, OG, Sr.; Kyle Bonham, OT, Jr.; Cole Kellum, RB/SS, Sr.; Torin Van Nest, DL, Sr.; Nick Quinlan, ILB, Sr.; Michael Kellum, ILB, Sr. Brent Maycock

11-2 in 2015 / 4-1 in district / 3A Mid-Continent League Coach: J.B. Covington (14th year, 107-39; 19th year, 150-62) Assistants: Joe Buresh, Cory Jacobs, Kendall Fiscus Offense: Pistol Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense CN

2-7 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 3A Flint Hills League Coach: Kevin Coker (2nd year, 4-14) Assistants: Lucas Humerickhouse, Ben Kerschner, Ethan Rodenburg, Zeke Rodriguez, Mike Voorhies Offense: Double Wing Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 9 Defense Trenton Worley, WR/DB, 5-11, 140, Sr.; Dalton Lacey, TE/LB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Shane Renfro, FB/DL, 5-11, 250, Sr.; Isaac Deer, OL/DL, 6-1, 240, Sr.; David Rolland, OL/DL, 5-9, 240, Sr.; Alex Yelland, OL/DL, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Zach Stringer, TE/LB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Brady Altic, RB/LB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Noah Short, OL/DL, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Brayden Singer, RB/ SS, 5-9, 165, So.; Clayton Noyons, QB/DB, 5-9, 160, So.; Tanner Sink, OL/LB, 6-1, 190, So. MM

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

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Pa g e 88

RILEY COUNTY

RIVERTON

ROSSVILLE

It’s a rare season when Riley County doesn’t make the playoffs, so one can be sure the Falcons will be hungry in 2015 after missing out on the postseason a year ago. A narrow 22-18 loss to undefeated Washington County in the district opener put Riley in a win-out situation and a 34-18 loss to Marysville denied the Falcons another playoff trip. It was a disappointing end to a season in which the Falcons’ only other losses came to 3A state champion Rossville and perennial power Silver Lake.

When it comes to skill players, no team in the Mid-East League may be as well stocked with proven talent as Riley County. Of six starters back on offense, five are at skill positions led by twotime all-league tailback Garrett Staten, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards each of the past two seasons.

The passing game will miss leading receiver Jackson Wagner, but returning quarterback Wes March still has Ty Nelson and Derek Barnes back and fullback Tyler Halstead will complement Staten in the ground game.

The unit will need to find a way to be more consistent, however. In the games Riley County won last year, the Falcons scored at least 28 points. In the four losses, the Falcons didn’t top 18.

H.T. Kinney may be new to the high school level, but he’s definitely not a rookie coach. After 24 years of coaching at the college level, Kinney is venturing into the prep level for the first time.

“I’m excited about it and I’m just thankful for the opportunity,” Kinney said.

Kinney, who had assistant stints at Missouri Southern State University, Wisconsin-Whitewater, Liberty, Nicholls State, Hofstra, Wagner and Monmouth College, said he expects the transition from coaching on Saturdays to coaching on Fridays will be a smooth one. “I just coached older high school kids in college,” he said.

Riverton, who went 2-7 in 2015 under Ryan McFarland, has 13 returning lettermen, with five players back with some starting experience on offense and just two back on defense.

Senior RB Jacob McCorkle and junior RB Jarret Ebner both return with starting experience in the backfield, along with junior TE Nick Huffman.

Senior Dakota Ferguson and junior Blythe Ipock are returners on the line.

Kinney said the type of offense he implements will depend on his team’s strengths.

“We’ll put the players in the best positions to be successful,” Kinney said. “I know I’ll definitely bring discipline and we’ll be fundamentally sound.”

Tucker Horak was the driving force behind the Bulldawg machine last season, becoming the first player in state history to rush and throw for more than 2,000 yards in the same year. His final numbers were staggering: 2,861 yards, 47 touchdowns rushing; 2,043 yards, 30 TDs passing, and he finished his career ranked in the top 10 nationally for career total yards.

Clearly, replacing Horak won’t be an easy task, but there are other holes that will need to be filled if the Bulldawgs are to make a run at a three-peat.

Four of five starters from a top-notch offensive line graduated as did the entire defensive line and standout receiver Christian Roduner.

The cupboard is far from bare, however. Senior Dawson Hammes ran for 1,111 yards and 10 touchdowns and was an even bigger force on defense where he had 159 tackles. Fellow senior Cole Schumacher led the Dawgs with 682 receiving yards and hauled in 11 TDs and senior Jackson Reeves will anchor the rebuilt line.

The job of taking over for Horak could fall to senior Jacob Bradshaw, who had a combined 932 yards rushing, receiving and passing last year, though junior Sheldon Hulbert could challenge for the job.

SENECA-NEMAHA CEN.

SILVER LAKE

When Nemaha Valley and Baileyville B&B consolidated two years ago, it was easy to envision the newly formed Nemaha Central becoming a powerhouse. That assumption was a pretty good one and after a solid debut season in 2014, the Thunder struck big in 2015.

Only a second-round playoff meeting with eventual champion Rossville slowed the Thunder’s roll.

Down 21-12 at halftime to the Bulldawgs, the Thunder couldn’t keep pace in the second half, ending a 10-1 season with a 61-20 loss.

The potential for a fifth straight playoff appearance and perhaps another league title rests heavily on how well the Thunder can fill the holes around returning all-league QB Ryan Hasenkamp.

The senior took over under center midway through his sophomore year and was dynamic as a junior, throwing for 1,545 yards and 15 TDs, while also adding 567 yards and 12 TDs rushing.

Hasenkamp will miss the services of all-league receiver Tristan Allen and an experienced line led

by Winston Meyer — the duo among significant graduation losses. Nemaha could start four juniors on the offensive line this year and rely more on a backfield that features state 100-meter champion Jacob Koelzer, who ran for 397 yards and six touchdowns.

The linebacking corps, led by leading returning tackler Chase Kramer (54 tackles), will be the strength of the D, which must replace its front line.

Seitz is closing in on his 100th win overall and 50th at Nemaha (12 wins away from each). The Thunder’s district opener is with rival Sabetha.

After spending the better part of the last 15 years as a fixture in final weekends of the playoffs, Silver Lake found itself in an unusual position in midNovember. Not playing. For the first time since 2009 and just the second time in 14 years, Silver Lake failed to reach the Class 3A state semfiinals. A 34-28 loss to Sabetha tripped up the Eagles in the second round, bringing an end to a 9-2 season, the Eagles’ fewest wins since 2001.

There were early indications it would be a different kind of year when Silver Lake pulled out a pair of one-point overtime victories over Holton (23-22) and Perry-Lecompton (39-38) to start the season.

Starting quarterback Cole Baird was injured during that stretch, opening the door for Dalton Dultmeier to step in and have a big year under center, throwing for 2,172 yards and 24 touchdowns while also rushing for 491 yards and eight scores.

Dultmeier will start from day one this year and returns two of his top-three receivers in Keenan Baird (35 catches, 667 yards, 8 TDs) and Ryan Wagner (26 catches, 372 yards, 4 TDs). While the passing game appears to be in good shape, as usual, the Eagles will have to rebuild its ground game with Dultmeier the lone returner to rush for more than 125 yards.

Aside from the overtime shootouts and a regularseason ending 56-35 loss to arch rival and eventual 3A champion Rossville, Silver Lake was stout defensively, giving up just 36 points in its other seven wins and pitching three shutouts.

Junior linebacker Josh Boyd was the Eagles’ leading tackler as a sophomore with 122 total tackles, while Baird ranked second with 79 stops.

10-1 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 3A Big Seven League Coach: Warren Seitz (6th year, 38-13) Assistants: Terry Stueve, Jason Hajek, Cory Bass, Mark Mayberry, Kelly Williams Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Ryan Hasenkamp, QB/FS, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Trenton Henry, RB/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Chase Kramer, SS, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Matt Feldkamp, OT, 5-10, 210, Jr.; David Delaney, OLB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Cory Nolte, C, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Mitchell Henry, CB, 5-10, 160, Jr. Brent Maycock

9-2 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 3A Mid-East League Coach: C.J. Hamilton (41st year, 390-89) Assistants: Warren Bledsoe, Mark Workman, Loren Ziegler, Mike VandeVelde Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Dalton Dultmeier, QB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Keenan Baird, SLOT/SS, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Ryan Wagner, SLOT, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Josh Dallman, OT, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Thad Madere, OG, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Tyler Griffin, OG, 5-10, 215, Jr.; Josh Boyd, LB, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Joey Clark, DE, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Timmy Williams, DT, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Trace Henderson, DE, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Mason Jones, S, 5-9, 165, Jr. Brent Maycock

5-4 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 3A Mid-East League Coach: Steve Wagner (33rd year, 220-106) Assistants: Erik Willimon, Danny Grater, Derek Winter, Jason Klein Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Garrett Staten, RB/DB, 165, Sr.; Ty Nelson, WR/ DB, 170, Jr.; Wes March, QB/DB, 165, Sr.; Tyler Halstead, FB/DB, 165, Jr.; Derek Barnes, WR/ OLB, 165, Sr.; Clay Reed, OT/DT, 225, Sr. BM

SABETHA

Six weeks into the 2015 season, Sabetha hardly looked like a team poised to make a deep postseason run. The Bluejays were 2-4 and a one-point win away from being 1-5 and mired in a four-game losing streak.

Russell finished 3-6 in 2015 and continued a Instead, Sabetha got healthy in district play and one-win improvement in each season under fourth-year coach Jeff Brull. The Broncos went 1-8 rode the momentum and chemistry gained during that run to a pair of postseason victories over in 2013, 2-7 in ’14 and 3-6 last season. The playoff stalwarts Centralia and Silver Lake. The Broncos tallied 214 points and allowed 289 (32 a game). It marked the most points since 2009 and 34-28 win over Silver Lake propelled the Bluejays into the state quarterfinals where the run ended easily the best defense since 2010. The Broncos with a 31-14 loss to Wellsville. finished 1-4 in NCAA play.

The early adversity forced Sabetha to shuffle a Brull wants to hold opponents to 18 points or less per contest and finish with a winning record in lot of players in and out and that could pay dividends this year as the Bluejays return as much league play. Brull said the team’s main goal is to depth as they’ve had in years, which coach reach the playoffs and win its Class 3A district.

Garrett Michael said should allow the team to “hit Russell has four playoff appearances in school the ground running.” A bulk of that experience will history with the last coming in 2006.

“Year to year, our program has a set of goals that be up front where seniors Eric Renyer, Greg remain constant,” Brull said. “These goals include Remmers and Brendon Rokey are three-year starters and head a group of seven which started each student to achieve academic excellence, participate in community activities, and continue to at some point last year. cultivate a family atmosphere within our program.”

While Michael believes there is depth in the Russell returns nine offensive and 10 defensive backfield as well, it isn’t nearly as proven as the starters but has to replace dual threat QB line. Sabetha graduated leading rusher Brock Reshean Holloway, who passed for 921 yards, Frey (1,455 yards, 12 TDs) and quarterback rushed for 1,058 and accounted for 23 TDs. Brandon Poe (726 passing, 209 rushing), leaving Seniors Seth Boxberger and Cameron Kilian (22 seniors Trae Snyder (809 yards) and Zach combined pancake blocks) return to lead the line; Edelman (486 yards, 10 TDs) to carry the load.

Boxberger forced three fumbles and recovered four on defense. Senior Grant Murphy had a 7-5 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 3A team-high 111 stops.

Big Seven League “The key to our team’s success this year will be Coach: Garrett Michael (8th year, 36-38) the ability to focus on the details,” Brull said.

Assistants: Nathan Bauman, Alex McAfee, Kaleb Moeller, Josh Wertenberger 3-6 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 3A Offense: Splitback Veer Defense: 6-1 North Central Activities Association Returning lettermen: 16 Coach: Jeff Brull (3rd year, 5-13) Assistants: Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Deonta Wade, Cade Albert, Bryan Kofford Eric Renyer, OL/DL, 6-5, 240, Sr.; Greg Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Remmers, OL/DL, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Brendon Rokey, Returning lettermen: 28 OL/DE, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Trae Snyder, RB/DB, 5-11, Returning starters: 9 Offense, 10 Defense 170, Sr.; Zach Edelman, RB/DB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Brooks Nichols, G/LB, Jr.; Seth Boxberger, C/DE, Blake Plattner, RB/DB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Christian Sr.; Cameron Kilian, G/NG, Sr.; Matt Buhrle, OT/ Meyer, QB/DB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Payton Strahm, OL/ DE, Sr.; Grant Murphy, HB/LB, Sr.; Kelton Suchy, DL, 6-1, 210, Sr. Elliott Strahm, OL/DL, 6-2, 240, TB/DE, Sr.; Tanner Brown, WR/CB, Sr.; Alex So.; Cole Oehm, OL/LB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Cauy Roey, Windholz, QB/OLB, Sr.; Isaac Guzman, TE/OLB, OL/LB, 6-0, 180, So. Jr.; Caleb Baldwin, WR/S, Sr.; Chris Pummell, Brent Maycock WR/TE/S. Jr.; Cody Dollison, OT/DE, Jr. CN

RUSSELL

14-0 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 3A Mid-East League 2-7 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 3A Coach: Derick Hammes (4th year, 40-1) Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee League Assistants: Dan Schneider, Jeremy Stephenson, Coach: H.T. Kinney (1st year) Assistants: Danny Todd Reaves, Eammon Bradley Weaver, Johnny Mallatt, Kip Whitley Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Returning starters: 5 Offense, 2 Defense Dakota Ferguson, OL/DL, 6-4, 285, Sr.; Blythe Dawson Hammes, RB/LB, Sr.; Cole Schumacher, Ipock, OL/DL, 5-10, 260, Jr.; Jacob McCorkle, RB, WR/DB, Sr.; Jackson Reeves, OL/DL, Sr.; Jacob 5-8, 165, Sr.; Jarret Ebner, RB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Bradshaw, QB/DB, Sr.; Trevor Balch, DB/RB, Sr.; Nick Huffman, TE, 5-10, 170, Jr. Jason Peake Wyatt Dyche, WR/DB, Sr. Brent Maycock

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 89

ST. MARYS

STERLING

SYRACUSE

WATHERA-RIVERSIDE

There was going to be an adjustment period for St. Marys and new coach Myron Flax and the 2015 season certainly qualifies as one. The Bears went just 1-8 while transitioning to Flax’s new offense, the lone win 14-6 over Wabaunsee.

Year two should see improvement, especially if the Bears can avoid the injury bug that kept a bulk of their skill players from being on the field together most of the season. Only Taegen Schoenfeld and Regan Steele played in all nine games in the St. Marys backfield.

Schoenfeld split time between tailback and quarterback last year, filling in under center when now graudated senior Jayson Failer was injured.

Junior Mitchel Flanagan, a starter on defense a year ago, should man the QB spot this year allowing Schoenfeld to remain at tailback, where he was a first-team All-Mid-East League selection and led the Bears in rushing with 510 yards while also adding 106 yards receiving and 69 passing.

Anthony King was the only other back who had more than 100 yards and Trevor Acker is the lone returner besides Schoenfeld with more than 100 receiving yards. An improved offense would be a welcome sight as the Bears scored more than 20 points once, in a 46-21 district loss to Rock Creek.

A defense which allowed nearly 40 points per game will also need to improve and losing leading tacklers Steele and Failer will hurt. But Schoenfeld (65), Acker (62) and Joe Gallegos (58) all had at least 55 tackles and the unit returns seven starters overall.

St. Marys won’t have to contend with the likes of Centralia and Nemaha Central in district play this year, but it didn’t get any easier as two-time defending champ Rossville joins the district slate along with Council Grove and Mission Valley, two teams who posted winning records last year.

Sterling is coming off a 4-5 season, which followed a winless campaign. Sterling hasn’t had a winning season since going 7-3 in 2011, but in 2012, the Black Bears shocked Smith Center in the first round of the 2-1A playoffs.

This year’s team appears to have everything in place to return to the postseason, as eight starters return on offense and nine on defense from a team that was six points away from a 6-3 record.

“Our goals are set with high expectations,” coach Tyson Bauerle said. “With the majority of returners on both offense and defense, we look to improve on our record from last year with an emphasis in finishing through district competition.

Starting out 4-2 last year but losing all three district games has not set well in the offseason.”

Brandon Frederick had a breakout junior year, garnering first-team all-league honors as an offensive lineman and linebacker.

“Brandon Frederick, anchoring the middle linebacker spot, is the type of player opposing offenses have to game plan for,” Bauerle said.

Sterling moves east for district play, but like last year, it should be tight and compact. Young, rising teams in Hutchinson Trinity and Haven will provide a challenge, as will new 3A power Halstead.

The Black Bears will also experience a new conference, going from the Central Kansas League to the Heart of America League.

Syracuse, a program that has struggled throughout the last decade, reached the playoffs last season for the first time since 2004 and the second occasion since 1999.

Coach John Guerrero, in his 13th year on the staff, and fourth as head coach, led the Bulldogs to a 4-6 record, 3-1 in district play.

From 2010-13, Syracuse tallied just one victory.

However, the Bulldogs have won seven games in the last two seasons.

This fall, Guerrero has set goals to make it back to the playoffs and move on and improve on the team’s record.

Last season, Syracuse opened with a 44-6 loss to Lakin and a 34-0 defeat versus Beaver (Okla.).

The Bulldogs moved to 0-5 following losses to Hooker, Okla., Ellis and Meade before the season turned in a 44-6 win versus Sublette. A 44-8 win against Elkhart, a 40-0 victory versus Stanton County and a 46-26 victory against Wichita County followed before Syracuse lost in the first round of the 2-1A playoffs, 45-6, to Oakley.

Guerrero said a big key is the new starters.

“How well my backups from last year step up into starting positions,” he said. “Replacing a lot of skilled positions.”

RB/LB Mike Owens returns after a solid junior year. At 6-3, 200 pounds, Owens could be a college prospect.

This year the ‘Cuse moves up to 3A and joins a district with Cimarron, SW Hts., and Lakin.

For the first time since the formation of Riverside in 2010, the Cyclones didn’t finish the season with a winning record, going just 4-6.

But after a string of seasons where they came up empty in district play, despite a strong regular season, the Cyclones managed to find their way back into the playoffs despite their sub-.500 record. Dominating romps of Hiawatha (55-0) and Horton (65-20) secured just the second playoff berth in the program’s brief history and a lateseason surge that saw Riverside win three of its final four regular-season games could serve as a big springboard for the 2016 season.

After riding the services of dual threat quarterback Andrae McGaughy for three years, Riverside got back to a physical style a bit more last year and could even take a few more steps that direction this year. Four starters from the offensive line return, three checking in at 210 or bigger led by seniors Cade Wendt and Jayden McCall.

But the biggest beast may be found in the backfield wher Gaige Olivero has emerged as a force.

The 230-pounder ran for 694 yards last year and led the team with 101 tackles on defense.

Cyclones graduated leading rusher Bryer Miller as well as all their slotbacks and receivers.

Andrew Miller is back at quarterback to serve as a complement to Olivero and performed well as a sophomore starter last year taking over for McGaughy. He finished the season with 906 yards passing, but had a 9/13 TD/interception ratio.

4-6 in 2015 / 3-1 in district / 3A Hi-Plains League Coach: John Guerrero (4th year, 7-20) Assistants: Casey Finlay, Brent Parks Offense: Double Wing Pistol Defense: 5-3 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 5 Defense Mike Owens, RB/LB, Sr.; Garrett Wilson, QB/S, Sr.; Hayden Bezona, OL/DL, Jr.; Christian Gonzalez, OL/DL, Sr.; Jake Mitchell, OL/DL, Jr.; Christopher Lozar, RB/LB, Jr.; Ty Vernon, RB/LB, Jr.; Jesse Gomez, TE/DE, Jr. Conor Nicholl

4-6 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 3A Big Seven League Coach: Scot Koranda (6th year, 32-16) Assistants: Bryce Pade, Dave Losey, Dustyn Holland Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Gaige Olivero, MLB/RB, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Andrew Miller, QB/FS, 6-4, 170, Jr.; Cade Wendt, C/NG, 5-8, 240, Sr.; Jayden McCall, OT/DE, 5-10, 210, OT; Da’Lon Goodwin, OG/LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Drew Trump, OG/TE/LB, 5-8, 220, Jr. BM

1-8 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 3A Mid-East League Coach: Myron Flax (2nd year, 1-8) Assistants: Troy Biladeau, Casey Flax, Mark O’Halloran, Kevin Vanderbilt Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Taegan Schoenfeld, RB/LB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Joe Gallegos, WR/DB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Trevor Acker, WR/LB, 5-9, 156, Jr.; Wathan Moylan, OG, 6-0, 172, Sr.; Eric Sack, OT/DT, 6-5, 212, Sr.; Mitchell Roche, OT/DE, 6-1, 236, Sr.; Chris Akin, NG/OG, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Mitchel Flanagan, CB/QB, 5-11, 167, Jr.; Austin Rieschick, K, 5-8, 158, Jr. BM

4-5 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 3A Heart of America League Coach: Tyson Bauerle (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: Derek Schneider, Wes Laudermilk, Eric Wenzel Offense: Split Back Veer Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 9 Defense Brandon Frederick, OL/LB, 6-1, 225; Sr.; Brett Oden, OL/DL, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Ethan Proffitt, TE/RB/ LB, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Joel White, RB/DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Edward Weiner, RB/LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Kyler Comley, WR, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Blake Richter, WR/DB, 6-1, 165, Jr.; Kenan Comley, QB/DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Hans Anderson, DB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Trent Jones, DL, 5-10, 210, Jr. Brad Hallier

WELLSVILLE When one thinks of powerhouse programs in Class 3A, certain names come to mind. Silver Lake. Rossville. Scott City. Conway Springs.

Somewhat quietly, however, Wellsville has become one of the most consistent programs in Class 3A. Not only have the Eagles reached the playoffs every year since 2010, they’ve won at least one game each of those six years. The run of success culminated with a trip to the semifinals last year where a 10-3 season ended with a 49-0 loss to Rossville.

Taking the next step and getting to the program’s first state title game since 1996 would only enhance Wellsville’s recent resume, which has seen the Eagles go 27-9 under fourth-year coach Brad Burkdoll.

A stingy defense has been a trademark of Burkdoll’s squads and last year was no different.

The Eagles allowed just 88 points in 12 games before Rossville’s rampage and in district play Wellsville outscored its opponents 193-0 during a string of four straight shutouts. Three of the Eagles’ top-five tacklers graduated with junior Anthony Geist (xx tackles) and senior Reece Williams (59 tackles) tops among returners.

The offense took just as big of a hit despite returning seven starters. Tailback Zach Strawn stepped into the void left by departed 1,000-yard rusher Brett Osbern and didn’t miss a beat, rushing for 1,192 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Quarterback Tony Dougan added more than 1,500 yards of total offense, giving the Eagles a 1-

2 punch that will be missed.

Next in line are seniors Daryon Winton, who ran for 543 yards and seven TDs in a supporting role to Strawn, and Trajen Smith, who was limited last year with an injury.

Williams will also likely see an expanded role on offense and the Eagles will be young up front with just one returning senior starter. Wellsville has shown the ability to simply reload and 2016 doesn’t figure to deviate from that pattern.

10-3 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 3A Pioneer League Coach: Brad Burkdoll (4th year, 27-9) Assistants: Duane McCarty, Mark Messer, Eric Sayler, Kip Rush Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 5 Defense Trajen Smith, QB/LB, Sr.; Wyatt Campbell, DL/ OL, Sr.; Reece Williams, RB/S, Sr.; Daryon Winton, RB/DE, Sr.; Dalton Purdam, RT/DE, So.; Aaron Mosher, C/DE, Jr.; Braden Crist, RB/S, Sr.; Alex Hosford, WR/CB, Sr.; Tyler Toman, LB/TE, Sr.; Anthony Geist, LB/FB, Jr. Brent Maycock

WICHITA–THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL Independent started 2015 with five losses before finishing the regular season 3-1. Independent qualified for the playoffs and was able to avenge a 22point week three loss to Cheney by knocking out the Cardinals 17-13 in the opening round. Halstead got the better of Independent in the regional round.

“Our team goals are to build off of the improvements we started last year,” said Independent coach Jeff Boone.

Quarterback Luke Boline threw for 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior, but he will have to find new targets. The sterling wide receiver combo of Chad Eikleberry and Shase Williams left 96 receptions, 1,064 yards and 14 touchdowns to fill.

Boline can lean on running back Aaron Brown while he jells with other skill players – Brown ran for 229 yards and six touchdowns and added 195 yards receiving as a sophomore.

“Like everyone else in the state, it will be in how we adjust to the seniors who graduated last year, especially on the offensive side,” Boone said.

Brown and Garnett Tate are the generals of a line-

backing unit that should be dependable for the Panthers. Independent also has three returners in the secondary.

Independent has reached the postseason in four of the past six seasons. The Panthers last winning season was a 6-4 campaign in 2012. Boone is entering his second season.

4-7 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 3A Central Plains League Coach: Jeff Boone (2nd year, 4-7) Assistants: James Todd, Eric Swenson, Richard Drakeford, Jason Catlin Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Luke Boline, QB, 6-2, 160, Sr.; Garnett Tate, RB/LB, 5-8, 180, Sr.; Harrison Level, OL/DL, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Clayton Barnett, WR/DB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Vincenzo Rudy, DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Dylan Vance, DB, 5-6, 140, Sr.; Gunnar Jensen, OL/DL, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Aaron Brown, RB/LB, 5-9, 150, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

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Class 2-1A Overview

overview

BY CONOR NICHOLL

A reshuffled Class 2-1A yields a familiar state favorite – Smith Center – followed by last year’s runner-up (Troy) and a host of traditional powers including Centralia and Colgan moving down from Class 3A. The top squads include Meade, Oakley, Olpe and Lyndon, teams that have consistently made deep playoff runs in recent seasons, including two crowns from Meade and one by Olpe.

Last season, Smith Center lost 14-7 to rival Phillipsburg in Week 9 and then fell, 40-6, to the Panthers in the sub-state title game. Phillipsburg went on to beat Troy, 30-29, in an exciting state championship game. The Panthers and Trojans each played in its first state title contest. Phillipsburg moved back up to 3A after a sub-state runner-up and State Crown in its two 2-1A years. Troy, which lost to, and then defeated, Olpe, in sub-state in the last two years, is currently enjoying the best run of boys’ athletics in school annals.

Smith Center last won a football title in 2008 and then lost to Centralia, 20-12 in overtime, in the 2-1A title game the following fall, a defeat that ended the Redmen’s state record 79-game winning streak. Smith Center has moved between 3A and 2-1A since, including 6-4, 8-3, 5-4 and 10-2 marks in 2-1A the last four seasons since it moved back down. This fall, fourth-year coach Darren Sasse returns nine starters on both sides of the ball, including Kaden Meitler (1,017 rushing yards, 104 total tackles) and quarterback Thayne Benoit. The Redmen do have to replace leading rusher Cale Rogers, along with Gavin Overmiller, one of keys leaders and defensive players.

Since the Redmen returned to 2-1A, they’ve faced the third, first, third and second-hardest strength of schedules in the classification, according to Prep Power Index. Smith Center will be challenged with its MidContinent League slate and a solid District 6 that features Republic County, Ell-Saline and Sacred Heart.

“We have experience at many positions this year,” Sasse said. “How we improve over the summer and during the season will decide how far we can go.”

Troy brings back quarterback Reid Greaser (25/3 TD/ INT) and all-purpose threat Cuttar Huss along with standout lineman Wil Smith. The Trojans used a key 3734 Week 2 victory against Centralia to propel themselves to a double-digit win season. Troy lost its season opener versus Washington County, defeated the Panthers and then didn’t fall again until Phillipsburg.

Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary

Troy had lost seven straight to Centralia (with just one game within 35 points) since 2008. It snapped a 28game league winning streak for the Panthers and marked the first time in 18 seasons Centralia didn’t win the Twin Valley League title.

Washington County also enjoyed the best season in school history with a 10-1 record and the first playoff win in school annals and moves down to 2-1A. Troy plays at Centralia in Week 3 and then hosts Washington County in a Week 7 non-district game.

Troy is the heavy District 1 favorite, while District 2 promises plenty of intrigue with Centralia, Washington County and Jackson Heights. At least one of those teams will not make the playoffs. Jackson Heights, with standout quarterback Wyatt Olberding, finished 8-2 with a district crown and playoff victory in 2015.

Centralia won 2-1A crowns in ’09, ’11 and ’13; the last one came with one of the most statistically dominant teams in classification history. As well, the Panthers finished runner-up to Meade in 2012. The last two seasons, Centralia cycled back up to 3A and went 9-2 and 5-5. Centralia had co-oped with Wetmore for football in recent seasons, but Wetmore has a team for the second year and will play in Eight-Man, Division II. Like Centralia, Colgan had played up in Class 3A. The last time Colgan played in 2-1A, it lost in the state finals to Meade in 2010 and then fell to Centralia in substate in 2011. Then, Colgan moved to 3A and made four straight quarterfinals with three losses to Rossville and one to Silver Lake. Colgan, with the second most playoff victories in state history, is 7-7 all-time in championship games. Colgan has not won a crown since four straight from 2000-03. They have been runners-up four times since. The Panthers return two offensive and four defensive starters.

Olpe, the 2014 titlists, reached sub-state last season.

The Eagles (9-3) and Lyndon (8-3) are likely contenders on the eastern side, too. Dexton Swinehart (1,643 offensive yards, 21 offensive TDs) and quarterback Rylan Burns (719 passing yards) lead Lyndon’s offense.

For the west, Smith Center leads the pack that includes Meade and all of District 7 with Oakley, La Crosse, Ellis and Plainville. All four teams matched up in district play last season and offered many competitive games, including three Ellis contests decided by a total of eight points. Ellis went 2-1 in those and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2011, while La Crosse missed the playoffs for the first time since 2003. All four teams return a strong quarterback with Ellis’ Easton Smith, La Crosse’s Clayton Herdman, Plainville’s

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KPG PRESEASON RANKINGS 1. Smith Center 2. Troy 3. St. Mary’s-Colgan 4. Meade 5. Lyndon Others: Centralia, Jackson Heights, Oakley, Olpe, Sacred Heart, Washington Co.

Hayden Friend and Oakley’s Kendrick Smith.

Oakley has four straight quarterfinal showings and is 13-9 with two playoff victories in coach Ty Pfannenstiel’s first two seasons. The Plainsmen are 7-1 in district play under Pfannenstiel and feature elite lineman Chris Cox. Oakley’s defense keeps them among the top teams.

Oakley allowed just 15.9 points per game, while Ellis (22.5), LaCrosse (27.6) and Plainville (36.0) were significantly worse. The Plainsmen, usually known for defense, had a better scoring defense than Troy (21.0) and close to Phillipsburg (14.2) and Smith Center (15.0).

“Each week will present a new challenge and give us an opportunity to be physically and mentally prepared for districts,” coach Ty Pfannenstiel said. “I believe our district will be one of the best and most competitive districts in 2-1A, so it is important for us to be playing our best football heading into week 7. We have the highest of expectations at Oakley and look forward to bringing a physical brand of football to the field each week.”

Meade, with its prolific single wing ground game, spent most of last season as the No. 1 team in the classification before it lost, 26-21, to Phillipsburg at home in the playoffs and finished 10-1. Buffs’ veteran quarterback Lawson Luetters is one of 2-1A’s top players. Meade has reached the playoffs every year since 2005 with titles in 2010 and ’12. The Buffs have just three home games, including road trips to Hooker (Okla.) in Week 1 and Whitewater-Remington in Week 6. However, Meade is 55-1 in district play since 2004 and will be a heavy favorite in district play.

“We hope to continue to grow as a team in terms of being physically and mentally strong,” coach Scott Moshier said. “We have a lot of holes to fill on both sides of the ball and we will have to have a great off season if we want to continue to be considered as one of the top teams in 2A out West.”

MIKEL COTTENMYRE BELLEVILLE-REPUBLIC COUNTY

BY CONOR NICHOLL

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz For Kansas Pregame

At a school historically known for basketball, Mikel Cottenmyre helped Republic County achieve breakthroughs in football and wrestling in the 2015-16 school year.

Last fall, the Buffs finished 4-5 after three straight winless seasons and a 1-8 record in 2014. In recent seasons, Republic County has had 29- and 33-game losing streaks.

From 2004-14 the Buffs won just seven contests.

In wrestling, Cottenmyre collected the 3-2-1A state championship at 285 pounds, besting a close field with multiple contenders. Cottenmyre became the first wrestling champion in 18 years for Belleville-Republic County.

“It was a tremendous feeling seeing all my hard work these past few years finally pay off in the weight room and then extra conditioning outside of school on my own time,” Cottenmyre said.

Last fall, Andy Gwennap, a former Smith Center standout and University of Nebraska lineman, took over the Buffs’ program and installed the wishbone, used for decades with the Redmen program. Republic County opened 2-0 and won its final two of the season.

Gwennap will not return this fall, but assistant Kevin Couture will take over as head coach and keep a similar system. Republic County will play in a Class 2-1A district with Ell-Saline, Sacred Heart and Smith Center.

“We definitely still have to keep working in the weight room, which I have seen a tremendous improvement in guys getting stronger and quicker and faster than we have in the past, which would equal out to us winning more games,” Cottenmyre said.

The basketball program has won three state crowns, two on the boys’ side and one by the girls. Belleville collected the 3A title in 1999, and Belleville-Republic County won the 2A title in 2013. The girls won the ‘06 2A title. The girls reached the state tournament each year from 2011-13, and last winter.

Growing up, Cottenmyre attended all the Buffs’ football games from fourth grade through junior high with his uncle, including road contests.

He looked up to the biggest strength for Republic County’s football team: the linemen, including Zach Brzon and Jarred Stindt, both whom signed with Fort Hays State University.

Stindt started all 11 games at center as a redshirt freshman and appeared in 14 games (four starts) during the next two seasons. He served as a volunteer assistant coach last fall as FHSU finished 8-4.

Brzon appeared on special teams throughout his tenure.

“I would just think, one day that will be me out there,” Cottenmyre said.

Cottenmyre, who stands almost 6-foot-3 and weighs between 290 and 300 pounds, has played guard and tackle on offense and defensive tackle. He lifts all year round.

“I do all the little things necessary,” he said.

As a freshman, the Buffs finished 0-9 and then improved to 1-8 in 2014 when it defeated Russell, 34-21, in Week 2. Overall, though, the

Buffs scored just 72 points and permitted 337.

Then, Gwennap came in and made significant adjustments.

“He definitely changed the weightlifting program,” Cottenmyre said.

“He made it more intense so that we would build muscle faster, and he changed our offense from the coach beforehand, and he put in the wishbone, which we had been needing to run, because we are more of a bigger team, so we could have more success running it up the middle.”

Last season, Republic County opened with a 33-7 victory against Minneapolis, a Class 3A semifinalist from the previous fall. Then, the Buffs defeated Russell, 30-23 for back-to-back wins.

“Those two games, we just went in and just pounded the ball down the middle, and we kind of stuck true to what we were, and we knew that we were bigger and faster and stronger than most teams we played,” Cottenmyre said.

Five straight losses ensued, though Republic County was competitive in 21-8 loss versus Ellsworth, a 40-22 defeat versus eventual 2-1A semifinalist Smith Center and a 32-26 road defeat versus Bennington.

The Buffs finished with a 26-21 win against Valley Heights and a 4828 victory at Ell-Saline. The Buffs scored 238 points and allowed 299.

“Finally winning a few games gives us a little momentum going into next year seeing how good we can be from where we were,” Cottonmyre said.

In wrestling, Cottenmyre finished third as a sophomore with a 37-6 record. Entering the 2016 state wrestling tournament, Cottenmyre was ranked first, followed by Norton sophomore Collyn Auker, Hoisington junior Landen Urban, Hoxie freshman Taye Washington, Phillipsburg senior Donovan Lumpkin and Plainville senior Jared Plante.

Cottenmyre had defeated Urban, 10-6, for the regional crown.

Cottonmyre won his first two matches, a 4-1 decision, and by fall in 1 minute, 40 seconds. In the second round/quarterfinals, Plante pinned Washington and West Elk’s Kolvin Berry upset Urban, 5-3. Auker defeated Lumpkin, 8-2.

“Coming out of regionals, I knew that I had a pretty good shot on my side of the bracket,” Cottenmyre said. “And then I saw Landen Urban lose in the second round, and I looked at my coach, and my coach looked at me, and he said, ‘That’s why you don’t look past anybody and wrestle each match like it’s your last.’”

In the semifinals, Cottenmyre beat Auker, 1-0, to move into the championship versus Plante.

The Plainville senior had bounced back from multiple knee surgeries and had pinned his way through the bracket en route to his first final.

Cottenmyre and Plante are good friends and talked before the match; Cottenmyre said there’s “mutual respect.” Cottenmyre controlled the match early and delivered a 10-0 victory. He finished the season with a 44-2 record.

“Going into the match, I knew would have to control the neutral position because I knew that’s where he’d been dominant throughout the state tournament,” Cottenmyre said. “And I thought that if I wrestled my match, I knew that I would be able to become victorious over Jared.”

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BY CONOR NICHOLL QB Tristan Speer transferred from Doniphan West to Troy after his freshman season. The choice reinvigorated Troy’s athletics, especially in football. Now a sophomore quarterback at Highland Comm. College, Speer’s impact still reverberates through the Trojan program.

“We appreciate Speer, and all he is doing for the program, and thank God he transferred from Doniphan West,” Troy senior Cuttar Huss said.

In Speer’s sophomore season, Troy finished 2-7. The last three years, Troy has posted records of 7-4, 10-2 and 10-2.

In 2013, the Trojans returned to the postseason for the first time since 2009 and tied the deepest run in school annals. In 2014, Troy reached the sub-state title game for the first time and lost to eventual state champion Olpe.

Last year, Reid Greaser, who had learned under Speer, took over at quarterback following Speer’s graduation. Troy, unranked in the preseason, though mentioned among other top contenders, kept the same offensive scheme but went from a pass-first to a run-heavy look and maintained similar offensive production.

“Just not showing fear really, just trying to be your best, act like you are the best and show everybody that you know what you are doing and know how to lead a team,” Greaser said of replacing Speer.

The Trojans defeated Olpe in sub-state, 30-21, and advanced to their first state title. Huss tallied a TD on a reverse and returned an interception 65 yards for a score as time expired in the first half.

“The senior class from last year, Speer and them, they were so proud of us,” Huss said. “They wanted that state championship more than anything, and more so, they wanted us to avenge their loss to Olpe their senior year.”

Underdogs versus a much larger Phillipsburg team, Troy battled and fell, 30-29. Troy had no player more than 215 pounds, while Phillipsburg’s line averaged around 260 pounds.

“Good thing to learn and build on, good thing we have one more year thankfully,” Huss, Troy’s all-purpose threat, said. “Just a great experience, good to be the first class to ever do it in Troy high school history, and with the community rallying behind you, it was just amazing. Just too bad that we couldn’t pull it off, but we’ve got one more year.”

Troy led for most of the contest before Phillipsburg took a 30-23 lead early in the fourth. With 3 minutes, 17 seconds left, Huss hauled in a 30-yard TD pass from Greaser to cut the deficit to one point.

Troy went for the two-point conversion. Coach Derek Jasper used Huss as a decoy. Greaser threw high to covered wide receiver Chris Winkel. After the game, Jasper was upset with his choice, calling the decision not “a very good play call.”

“I like using me as a decoy,” Huss said this summer. “If we would have converted that, my good friend Chris Winkel would have gotten the glory, and I would have loved that for him, but unfortunately we didn’t. I didn’t mind the decoy plan.”

As well, Speer went 111-14 in wrestling and won two state crowns.

He also played basketball and helped Troy start a stretch of three straight state baseball appearances.

In 2014, the Trojans took fourth. The following year, Troy was the

lone team in all classes to enter state undefeated but lost in the first round. This season, the Trojans went 20-3 and advanced to the semifinals (third place game was cancelled).

Many of the key football players are among the top baseball players, including lineman Wil Smith (.603 avg., eight HR), Greaser (.493 avg.) and Huss (.459).

In basketball, Troy has posted 9-11, 13-10, 19-5 and 19-4 marks the last four seasons. Huss averaged a teamhigh 20.4 points per contest, while Greaser was second at 11 points. Smith tallied 9.1 points and Troy-best 7.3 rebounds.

It’s arguably the best stretch for Troy in school annals.

The Trojans have just two state crowns in all sports: ’84 boys’ basketball and a boys’ cross country title two years later.

“I like how we can get it done in all sports,” Huss said.

Huss and Speer remain close and planned to work on pass routes this summer. “One of my good friends, and I love the kid to death,” Huss said. “He is just a great kid.”

In early summer, Jasper, a Troy alum, the longtime girls’ basketball coach and previously the junior high football coach, discussed expectations with his team.

The Trojans are among the favorites in a revamped Class 2-1A. Phillipsburg moves back up to Class 3A, while Centralia and Pittsburg/St. Mary’s-Colgan are back down to 2-1A. Smith Center, a sub-state team in 2015, has the talent and experience to make a run.

“Coach has been talking about it the past few weeks getting ready for football and what-not, about how we have targets on our backs and all,” Huss said. “He doesn’t know how we are going to respond, but I think we are going to respond just fine. We are just going to go out there with the same mindset, just win the game every Friday night.”

Troy’s offense tallied just 10 points a contest in 2012 followed by 22.4 in ’13 and 42 a game in 2014. That year, the Trojans were about 70 percent pass in Speer’s senior season.

Last fall, Troy finished at around 60 percent rush. Huss relishes being the team’s all-purpose threat and led the team in rushing (709) and receiving (625). The line features Smith, who Huss labeled “an animal” and “an athlete.”

Greaser, who ran Troy’s offense under Jasper in junior high, is considered another coach on the field. “(Speer) was pushing our current quarterback Reid Greaser, who was a sophomore during Speer’s senior season, he was pushing him during practice, just kind of jabbering a little bit, just getting in his head, trying to get him ready for the Friday nights and all,” Huss said. “It was all in good fun, and he really molded him into the QB that he is now.”

He completed 130 of 205 passes for 1,807 yards with a 25/3 TD/INT ratio. As well, he rushed for 468 yards and nine TDs. Troy averaged 42.1 points per contest.

“He is kind of like Tristan Speer actually,” Huss said. “Not the most athletic. He is just gifted. He is good at everything.”

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz For Kansas Pregame

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CLASS 2-1A Photos by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com Features by Conor Nicholl

The Eisenhower Presidential Library Visitors Center - The Visitors Center is located on the site of the former Lincoln School, where Eisenhower first enrolled in elementary school. The Visitors Center houses the gift shop and an auditorium where a brief film on Eisenhower is shown on a daily schedule.

(Courtesy Eisenhower Presidential Library)

In May the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home in Abilene, was host to the Kansas Pregame Class Feature Shoot. Dozens of Kansas football players traveled from across the state to be part of this special feature photo shoot at one of the state’s most important historic landmarks. Their features, written by Conor Nicholl, are on the following pages.

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

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HAYDEN FRIEND

REID GREASER

CLAYTON HERDMAN

HUNTER KIER

LAWSON LUETTERS

Friend, a 5-11, 165 pound senior enters his fourth year as a starter for the Cardinals - just his second at QB. Grandson of Hall of Fame coach Larry Friend, Hayden has made his own mark in Plainville history, earning league and all-state honors after a stellar 2015 season that included 1,760 passing yards with 10 scores, and 830 yards rushing with 21 more TDs, while also setting the school record in the 100 meter dash this spring with a time of 10.96 seconds.

Second year coach Grant Stephenson said Friend’s speed makes him a “threat on both sides of the ball.” Stephenson describe him as a “dual-threat” on offense and defensively as a great leader, and the “voice of the defense.”

Friend said he loves the “brotherhood” created through football.

“You have 10 other guys on the field with you that have your back, and knowing that they do is a great feeling.”

Friend said he doesn’t have many personal goals, but his goals for the team were simple. “I don’t want to lose,” Friend said.

Reid Greaser stepped in seamlessly as leader and QB for Troy after all-state signal caller Tristan Speer graduated. Greaser completed 63 percent of his passes for 1,807 yards with a 25/3 TD/INT ratio, and rushed for 468 yards with 9 TDs. Troy went 10-2, advanced to the first title game in school annals and lost, 30-29, to Phillipsburg. Troy averaged 42 points per game in ‘15.

“Reid is like having another coach on the field,” coach Derek Jasper said. “He was voted team captain as a junior by his teammates. His leadership and decision-making are keys to our success again in 2016.”

This season, Greaser has set team goals to win league and capture a state title.

Personally, Greaser wants to increase his passing and rushing yards, “be smarter,” and throw fewer interceptions.

“I just love being out on the field with all my teammates playing the sport we all love, but mainly I just love having fun out on the football field every Friday,” Greaser said.

La Crosse started 2015 with a 2212 victory over Olpe, the defending 2-1A champion, a squad that eventually played in the semis. Yet La Crosse finished 3-6 and missed the playoffs for the first time since ’03.

“It was a bad year, and we all came to face that,” senior QB/DB Clayton Herdman said.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Herdman is one of three four-year starters for the Leopards. A great athlete who has battled injury, Herdman earned three medals at 1A state track in the spring, including runner-up in javelin.

Last fall, he completed 44 of 127 passes for 815 yards with a 6/9 TD/ INT ratio. He carried the load in the backfield, too, with 165 carries for 926 yards and 10 scores.

“We have a really good offensive line,” Herdman said. “It seemed like we maybe struggled a little bit with skill guys the past couple of years, and this freshmen class has got some real good potential.”

Herdman’s focus is singular.

“We are going to be known as that team that finally brings a state title to La Crosse,” he said.

Washington Co. opened the 2014 season with a 30-0 loss to Troy. Last season, the Tigers started with a 3618 victory versus the Trojans. The win propelled them to a 10-1 season.

“We proved to ourselves what we can be and what we can accomplish,” RB/LB Hunter Kier, who led the team with 1,456 rushing yards and 100 tackles, said.

“It felt really great to have a burst out season,” Kier said. “We never had one before like this, and it was a new experience, and we want more.”

Kier “absolutely” wants to play college football, his “dream” since he was young. He has had interest from multiple schools, including Kansas and Colorado State.

Washington County graduated allstate QB/LB Konnor Penning from a team that had just 18 players listed on its online roster for ‘15. The Tigers enjoyed a 44-34 playoff win versus Beloit, the first postseason win in school history. This year, the Tigers move down to 2-1A. “(We played) as a team more than individuals, and I think that brought us together,” Kier said.

Lawson Luetters first started at quarterback in first grade when his family lived in Oklahoma. When Luetters moved to Meade in fifth grade, he continued the position.

The experience helped Luetters completed 62 percent of his passes in ‘15, for 1,281 yards with a 19/3 TD/INT ratio, along with 1,290 yards rushing and 18 scores for 10-1 Meade. He joined Greaser as Kpreps.com All-State QB. “It’s my favorite position,” Luetters said.

This summer, Luetters has relished stepping up as team leader for the Buffs, a 2-1A power. He has missed just one hour of weights during the school year/summer.

“Lawson has a burning desire to be the best he can possibly be and his effort, attention to detail and his leadership is always evident,” coach Scott Moshier said.

Meade’s single wing offense delivered 317 rushing yards per game in ‘15, on par with its usual numbers.

Meade has four football state titles, including ’10 and ’12 under Moshier, in his 11th year.

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K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 97

KADEN MEITLER

WYATT OLBERDING

EASTON SMITH

WIL SMITH

MITCHELL WERTZBERGER

Kaden Meitler loves to compete in any activity, whether it’s gym class dodgeball, weightlifting or Smith Center football, wrestling and track.

“I am a very competitive person,” Meitler said. “I do not care what it is I am doing. I want to win.”

Meitler has enjoyed great success in each season, including the 2A pole vault crown this spring, his third top-four finish. As a sophomore, Meitler and his older brother, L.T., helped SC win the track team title.

For football, he helped the Redmen go 10-2 last fall. Meitler was a team captain, tallied 1,017 rushing yards, 104 tackles, and two INTs. “Very humble and unselfish,” coach Darren Sasse said of Meitler.

“Kaden does whatever his team and coaches ask of him, in all sports.”

This year, Meitler has individual goals of 1,200 rushing yards, 75 tackles and improving his pass defense. But Meitler has one goal for tradition-laden SC, which hasn’t won a football crown since 2008.

“Win state,” Meitler said. “It is going to take a lot of work, but I think we have the potential to do it.”

Wyatt Olberding led Jackson Heights to a remarkable run in the 2A boys’ basketball tournament last March – and has helped the Cobras with a football turnaround, too.

No. 5 seed JH upset undefeated Sacred Heart, 64-55, in the final.

Olberding, who averaged 16 points a contest, enjoyed his best game of the season with 27 points and nine rebounds. Olberding, who intends to play college basketball, was the 2A runner-up in the triple jump in May. “It was kind of unreal, we didn’t expect it,” Olberding said. “Once we got that first game out of the way, all the jitters were gone, and anything could happen.”

In football, fifth-year coach Caleb Wick, has engineered a big turnaround. The Cobras had six wins from ’07-11 before 6-4, 7-2, 3-6 and 9-2 seasons the last four years. Wick labeled his senior quarterback “very unselfish,” and a great role model.

“It took a little while to get used to it and get all my steps down and everything, but once I got it, it was clicking every time,” Olberding said of Wick’s wishbone offense.

When Easton Smith was in seventh grade, he had a left knee injury that required surgery. The first surgeon said Smith might not be able to play sports again, or limited in what he played. Smith went to a different surgeon who repaired his knee and said he could continue sports. Smith, who called himself “very fortunate,” couldn’t play sports his eighth grade year and healed from the injury.

The recovery has allowed Smith to excel. Smith will be a three-year starting QB this fall. In basketball, he averaged 13.2 points per game as a junior. In baseball, Smith was the team’s ace with a 7-2 record and .500 average and led Ellis to state.

As a soph., the 6-foot-4, 190pound Smith threw for 1,599 yards on a 4-5 team. Last season, Ellis went to a ground game under coach Craig Amrein, a former assistant.

Smith threw for 644 yards but the team averaged 29 points a game, finished 6-4 and made the playoffs.

“It was awesome,” Smith said. “I don’t care about my stats. I just want to win. That’s what I did, I was just buying into the Amrein system.”

On the football field, basketball court and baseball diamond, Wil Smith excels in all areas for Troy.

Trojan standout all-purpose threat Cuttar Huss labeled lineman Wil Smith an “animal” and an “athlete.”

Coach Derek Jasper called Smith the Trojans’ best lineman. Troy finished 10-2, averaged 42 points and 374 yards per contest.

“He is equally good at run and pass blocking,” Jasper said.

Defensively, Smith tallied a teamhigh 82 tackles with 6.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and five blocked punts. The 6-2, 210 pounder earned all-league and all-state honors for his efforts, including Kpreps.com All-State Defense.

“At defensive end, he has the ability to shut down one entire side of the field,” coach Derek Jasper said.

“He could probably be a big time college prospect at tight end, but for us he has to play offensive line.”

Smith was also the top hitter for a Troy baseball team that has three straight state appearances. In basketball, he averaged 9.1 points and a team-high 7.3 rebounds.

Wertzberger and his teammates anticipated playing varsity early in their high school careers after losing a large senior class that went 5-5 in 2013. In ‘14, Wabaunsee went 0-9.

Last season, with just one senior who played in a very limited role, the Chargers bumped to 3-7 and returned to the postseason. The Chargers, who play in the tough MidEast Lg., have five playoff trips since ’09, and hope for another in ‘16.

“We just kind of bought into it as freshmen, I guess, that we were going to be part of the varsity squad, and we just became tougher,” Wertzberger said.

A-W returns all of their top players, including Wertzberger, who loves playing LB. He missed one contest last fall with a MCL strain and contributed 89 tackles, second highest.

Wertzberger is a two-time first team all-league pick. Because he’s one of the team’s biggest players at 6-1, 195 pounds, he moved from fullback to offensive guard. Now, tenthyear coach Brian Henry said Wertzberger could be the best lineman he has coached.

The Wabaunsee Booster Club wishes the Chargers the best this season!

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ALLEN-NORTHERN HEIGHTS A mere 16 points separated Northern Heights from a perfect regular season last year. Instead, the Wildcats dropped three tight games and ended up without a share of the Flint Hills League title or a district title.

Heights still made the playoffs for the third straight year, falling 35-6 to Olpe in the first round — the only loss by more than seven points the Wildcats suffered all year. In order to make it four straight postseason trips, coach Greg French will have to reload, with graduation taking its toll.

Gone is 1,000-yard rusher Trent Burd, who finished with 1,231 yards and nine TDs. Gone is QB Tucker Litke, who threw for 650 yards. Gone is leading receiver JD Johnson (511 yards) and a trio of all-league linemen.

So what’s left for French, who no longer has cohead coach Brian Hadley by his side? Well, his son, senior Mason French, did a little of everything for the offense a year ago, and likely will step in at quarterback.

Senior Sam Kehoe and junior Michael DeWeese

each earned all-league honors of some fashion a year ago with DeWeese ranking third on the team in tackles with 85 and Kehoe fourth with 73.

Despite its postseason presence the past three years, Heights actually posted its first winning record since 2010, finishing 6-4 overall. The Wildcats’ district will have a different look to it, but a rather familiar feel as league rival Lyndon and county rival Olpe join Heights and Chase County, each having ended Heights’ postseason in the first round the past two years.

6-4 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 2-1A Flint Hills League Coach: Greg French (19th year) Assistants: Darwin Sweetman, Jacob Lang, Brett Barnett Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Mason French, QB/DB, Sr.; Michael DeWeese, TE/DL, Jr.; Theron Row, RB/LB, Jr.; Sam Kehoe, OL/LB, Sr. Brent Maycock

BLUE RAPIDS-VALLEY HTS. BROOKVILLE-ELL SALINE Sure, the final record for Valley Heights in 2015 reads 2-7. But hidden in those numbers is jut how close the Mustangs were to posting a winning record. Three of the Mustangs seven losses came by five points or less.

Five of the seven losses also came to playoff teams. It all added up to a year that while frustrating, offered plenty of optimism for a program which continues to battle the numbers game.

Though graduation claimed seven seniors, only four starters will have to be replaced, though two of them — Keaton DeWalt and Micah Kenworthy — were the top-two tacklers a year ago.

DeWalt was also a fixture in the backfield for three years, but his departure there will be eased by the return of three-year starting quarterback Logan Woodyard, who ran for 522 yards and threw for 293, and leading rusher Hunter Stevenson, who racked up 809 yards.

Senior lineman Garrett Link is also a three-year starter and one of three starters back on the offensive line, giving the stable of skill players an experienced front to work behind. The Mustangs don’t have great size in the unit with only two players topping 200 pounds, but 12th-year coach Tony Trimble likes the group’s work ethic.

As tough as Heights’ schedule was last year, it might be even more difficult this year, starting with the opener against last year’s 2-1A runner-up, Troy, while the district is one of the toughest in 21A with four teams that made the playoffs a year ago — Centralia and Washington County in 3A and Jackson Heights and Wabaunsee in 2-1A. 2-7 in 2015 / 2-2 in district / 2-1A Twin Valley League Coach: Tony Trimble (12th year, 53-52) Assistants: Lew Whitson, Ron Lee, Eric Stoddard Offense: Triple Option Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Logan Woodyard, QB/DB, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Garrett Link, L, 6-1, 198, Sr.; Will Yungeberg, L, 5-7, 204, Sr.; Hunter Stevenson, RB/DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Harrison Blaske, TE/DE, 6-1, 165, Jr.; Jordan Yungeberg, LB, 5-7, 160, Jr.; Dalton Joseph, DL, 5-10, 215, Jr.; Brady Trimble, L, 6-0, 165, So. BM Joel Benson, CPA Mary Benson, CPA

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In 2014, Ell-Saline had a magical run through the 2-1A playoffs that finished in a state championship game appearance and 30-28 last-second loss to Olpe. Last year, the Cardinals slipped back to 3-6. The Cardinals tallied just 16 points per contest, a drop from 27.8 in its 8-4 season in ‘14.

Ell-Saline opened with a 41-21 victory at Inman and then defeated Moundridge, 28-12. However, the Cardinals scored just 29 points en route to four straight losses in the next month before an 18-8 victory versus Bennington. Ell-Saline finished its season with a 52-0 loss at eventual state titlist Phillipsburg and a 48-28 defeat by Republic Co. Veteran coach Terry King listed keys as staying healthy, especially at quarterback and coming together as a team with the players making a commitment to each other. Ell-Saline will play in Class 2-1A, District 6 with Republic County, Sacred Heart and Smith Center.

“We played a lot of young athletes last year in a lot of positions,” King said. “Our success will depend on how much these young men have physically grown during the year and how willing they are to commit to each other and accept coaching.”

“We have a tough schedule and we are in a very strong district and will need to be at our very best to survive,” King added.

3-6 in 2015 / 1-4 in district / 2-1A Heart of America Coach: Terry King (17th year, 25th overall) Assistants: Kevin Patrick, Joe Roche, John Ludes, Brandon Toll Offense: Pro Defense: 53 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Cody Clancy, RB/DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Mason Ferrell, C/DE, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Avery Bradley, OG/DL, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Kade Krebaum, DL, Sr.; Jake Funk, TE/DL, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Zaide Korb, RB/DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Murphy Seim, LB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Bryce Lange, DL, 5-9, Jr.; Jared Walsh, OL, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Nick Davenport, QB, 6-0, 195, So.; Hunter Hayes, TE/LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Nathan Parks, DL, 510, 170, Jr.; Konon Hays, WR/DB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Colton White, OG, 5-10, 180, Jr. Conor Nicholl

Waterville (785) 363-2521

BELLEVILLE-REPUBLIC COUNTY Republic County won just two games from 200814 before Andy Gwennap took over last year and led the Buffs to a 4-5 record. Republic County opened the season with a 33-7 victory against Minneapolis and a 30-23 win versus Russell.

After five losses, Republic County capped the year with a 26-21 victory versus Valley Heights and a 48-28 win against Ell-Saline.

Gwennap showed significant progress in one year and the Buffs are optimistic as Kevin Couture, a Belleville native and local pharmacist who served as an assistant last year, takes over as head coach.

Couture listed the team’s goals as winning league and district. Couture said he plans to keep the same run-heavy, wishbone offense. The Buffs will play in Class 2-1A, District 6 with Ell-Saline, Sacred Heart and Smith Center.

“Being able to control both sides of the line of

4-5 in 2015 / 1-3 in district / 2-1A North Central Activities Association Coach: Kevin Couture (1st year) Assistants: Nate Larkins, Brad Wilkinson Offense: Wishbone Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 9 Defense Mikel Cottenmyre, OL/DT, 6-3, 290, Sr.; Trevor Lowell, RB/S, 5-4, 150, Sr.; Brett Stindt, OL/DL, 58, 250, Sr.; Nick Allsman, RB/S, 5-10, 170, Jr.; De Dyke, WR/CB, 5-7, 130, Jr.; Justyn Stindt, WR/ CB, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Trey Kuhlman, QB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Mckenzie Cromwell, LB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Harlen Reed, OL/DL, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Ashton Holmes, OL/ DL, 185, Sr. Conor Nicholl

CENTRALIA

COTTON. FALLS-CHASE CO.

In many ways, the 2015 season was a typical one for Centralia. The Panthers reached the playoffs for the 20th straight year. But in more ways, it was a very atypical season for the Panthers. For the first time in 18 years, Centralia didn’t capture the Twin Valley League title, seeing a 28-game league streak snapped in week two by Troy.

And though the Panthers extended their streak of playoff appearances, a 42-7 loss to Sabetha sent them packing in the first round and brought an end to a 5-5 season, the first .500 or worse season in more than two decades.

The rebuilding season wasn’t totally unexpected after the Panthers graduated a big and talented senior class from its 2014 squad. Though 15 lettermen do return this year, the Panthers will still be fairly young at key spots and return only four starters on offense and five on defense.

The most glaring holes are in the backfield where workhorse back John Johnson (1,426 yards, 16 TDs) and QB Braden Deters have graduated. Junior Trenton Flentie could move in from his starting receiver spot to replace Deters or the job could fall to freshman Kamble Haverkamp, while seniors Bryson Johnson and Jason Gore will take on bigger roles in the run game.

John Johnson’s loss on defense is just as big as he led Centralia in tackles.

Centralia has averaged 10 wins per year under Larry Glatczak, who picked up career win No. 100 last year against a schedule that was stacked.

The Panthers’ four regular-season losses came to teams which combined to go 44-4, including 3A champion Rossville and 2A runner-up Troy.

After spending the past two years in Class 3A, Centralia returns to 2-1A this year after Wetmore ended its co-op with the Panthers and started its own program. Centralia captured three titles from 2009-13 in 2-1A, but just getting into the playoffs this year will be a test with the Panthers’ district loaded with the likes of fellow TVL rival and 3A dropee Washington County and returning 2-1A playoff qualifiers Wabaunsee and Jackson Hts.

Chase County is coming off a 2-7 season, but the Bulldogs bring back a host of experienced players and expect to be much improved in 2016.

Brody Vandegrift takes over as head coach, and his first squad has seven starters back to lead the defense. Senior free safety Colton Potts was second on the team with 87 tackles in 2015, and senior linebacker Joel Jirak tallied 49 tackles including three for loss a year ago. Chase County also brings back senior linebacker Eli Dorsey (45 tackles in 2015), senior defensive end Kraig Hatcher, junior defensive end Troy Conley, and senior defensive tackles Breck Schlup and Joseph Stout.

On offense, the Bulldogs bring back Hatcher who ran for 840 yards and nine touchdowns last season - Dorsey and Potts in the backfield.

“We have a solid returning core group of players that have developed well throughout the last year,” Vandegrift said. “We have gained a lot of chemistry on and off the field and are looking to improve our record and be competitive in our district as well as make the playoffs.”

Chase County opens the season with road games at Eureka and Osage City, then hosts Council Grove and Mission Valley in consecutive weeks. The Bulldogs also travel to Central Heights and host West Franklin before beginning district play Oct. 14 against Olpe. Chase County travels to Lyndon in week eight and concludes the regular season Oct. 27 against Northern Heights at Emporia State’s Welch Stadium.

“For our team to be successful, we will have to play as a team and execute,” Vandegrift said. “It is always a challenge when we play teams like we do. All the teams we play do many things well. We will need to block well and tackle well day in and day out.”

5-5 in 2015 / 2-1 in district / 2-1A Twin Valley League Coach: Larry Glatczak (11th year, 104-26) Assistants: Roger Holthaus, Him Kramer, Dusty Thompson Offense: Single wing Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Bryson Johnson, FB/LB, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Nate Steinlage, OT, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Collin Holthaus, OG/ DT, 5-10, 180, SR.; Trenton Flentie, QB/CB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Jason Gore, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Stephan LeBlanc, TE/DE, 6-1, 170, Sr. Brent Maycock

scrimmage,” Couture said of the team’s keys. “We need to be able to control the clock with our ground game.”

2-7 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 2-1A Flint Hills League Coach: Brody Vandegrift (1st year) Assistants: Jerrod Barrett, Derick Budke, Brady Stout, Cade Witte Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Joseph Stout, C/DT, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Colton Potts, QB/FS, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Breck Schlup, OG/DT, 6-1, 285, Sr.; Joel Jirak, TE/LB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Eli Dorsey, RB/OLB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Kraig Hatcher, RB/DE, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Troy Conley, OG/DE, 6-1, 255, Jr. Melanie McGee Dine-in, Carryout & Delivery

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K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

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ELLIS

Ellis had a successful season under first-year head coach Craig Amrein, an assistant for nine years, and a Railroader alum. The Railroaders fin620-697-4555 ished 6-4, a two-win improvement from 2014 and Ellis’ best season since a 9-3 mark in 2009. Ellis returned to the playoffs for the first time since ‘11.

Dine-in or Carryout The Railers opened with a 54-14 home loss to Norton and then, down several key players, fell 38-16 to TMP in Week 2. It marked TMP’s lone Elkhart took a three-win downturn from 7-3 to 4- victory in the last two seasons.

The Railroaders, a pass-heavy, spread team the 5 last season. Its best player, Tanner Burnett, last couple of seasons, trailed Maur Hill, 7-0, at transferred shortly before the season started to halftime.

At that point, Ellis had tallied 30 points in Wilburton, Okla. Elkhart opened 0-2 with a 33-6 10 quarters. Amrein decided to change tactics loss to Hooker, Okla. and a 28-14 defeat to Southwestern Heights. Then, the Wildcats reeled with an impassioned halftime speech. The Railers went back to his roots, the power run. Ellis ran for off three straight wins with a 15-14 victory at Lakin, a 33-6 win at Wichita County, and a 28-12 300 second half yards and pulled away for a 2614 victory; Amrein called it a “defining moment.” victory versus Sublette.

After a Week 4 victory against Syracuse, Ellis Elkhart lost 52-14 to Cimarron, 44-8 at Syracuse won a huge home game, 20-18, versus La and 56-0 versus Meade. Then, the Wildcats finCrosse, the Railers’ first victory versus the ished with a 9-0 home win against Stanton Leopards since 2003.

County. The Wildcats went 2-2 in districts; the Two weeks later, Ellis lost, 19-14, to Oakley at loss to Syracuse cost Elkhart a playoff berth. home when the Plainsmen picked off a pass at Elkhart tallied just 127 points and allowed 245.

Elkhart had eight offensive and seven defensive their own 18-yard line with 31 seconds left. In Week 9, Ellis won, 21-20, in the final seconds, at starters back, including 6-3, 200-pound Tyler Sklenar, a three-year starter at QB, and 6-0, 195- Plainville, to make the playoffs. The Railers lost, 42-14, at Meade, in the first round. pound Shon Villa, a returning all-league RB. Sklenar passed for 931 yards with a 10/5 TD/INT Ellis has a bevy of experienced skill players ratio as a sophomore but those numbers dropped back, led by senior QB Easton Smith, a three-year to 478 passing yards with a 3/9 TD/INT ratio. Villa starter and three-sport standout. Amrein called Smith a “a great decision maker and leader.” was the team’s top rusher with 662 yards and eight scores. Elkhart averaged 160 rushing yards Junior Joseph Eck rushed for 583 yards and accounted for 15 total TDs. He led the team with and 3.8 yards per carry.

75 tackles. Clay Feik had 1,074 all-purpose yards Chris Hattabaugh, who went 28-27 in six years and seven TFLs. Senior Dalton Hensley collected at Smoky Valley, is in his first year as Elkhart’s 58 tackles, and a team-high 619 rushing yards. coach. He is the Wildcats’ third coach in three years. “We’ve got some talented skill players and 6-4 in 2015 / 3-1 in district / 2-1A lots of depth there,” Hattabaugh said. “We also have a large number of starters returning. Gonna Mid-Continent League take some time to learn a new system/philosophy. Coach: Craig Amrein (2nd year, 6-4) Assistants: Jake Dreiling, Jacob Kinderknecht We also need to develop some linemen.”

Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense 4-5 in 2015 / 2-2 in district / 2-1A Easton Smith, QB/DB, Sr.; Dalton Hensley, RB/ Hi Plains League LB, Sr.; Joseph Eck, RB/FS, Jr.; Clay Feik, RB/ Coach: Chris Hattabaugh (1st year, 6th overall, 28-27) Assistants: Cliff Blackmore, Thane O’Hair LB, Sr.; Daniel Carbajal, L, Sr.; Josh Smith, L, Sr.; Austin Meis, L, Sr.; Bryce Keithley, L, Sr.; Brevin Offense: Pistol Option Defense: 4-3 Conor Nicholl Returning starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense CN Labarge, WR/DB, Sr.

Elkhart

ELKHART

HIGHLAND-DONIPHAN WEST

HORTON

The Mustangs will start 2016 with new faces in the starting lineup and on the sideline after graduating a large senior class and seeing their coach retire. Rob Randall inherits a group of young athletes eager for their chance, including several with extensive varsity experience.

Seniors Denny Anderson, Carson Lackey and Landon Parsons are joined by juniors Luke Blevins, Clayton Ridout and Levi Watts as returning starters for Doniphan West. Anderson was a key contributor on the offensive line a year ago, and will be expected to lead a fairly young group in the trenches. Lackey, who won three medals – including third in the 200 meter dash - at the 2016 state track meet, will provide speed in the backfield and at defensive end. Parsons and Ridout return at middle linebacker and Blevins has starting experience at receiver, but will have a new position this fall. Watts is entering his third year as the starting quarterback, and he’ll be joined by Lackey and Ridout in the backfield.

Doniphan West’s roster also includes newcomer Newt Smith, a former Wetmore athlete who could find playing time at guard, middle linebacker and d-end. Senior Jonathan Peters also brings some varsity experience to the Mustang defense. Senior Calvin Simmons ran a leg on the Mustang’s state runner-up 4X100 meter relay team and will be vying for time at receiver, tight end and cornerback while classmates Seth Baublit and Malachi Manis look to contribute in the trenches.

“Our offensive line has a lot of holes to fill since we graduated three of our five starters,” Randall said. “We also lost two starters on the defensive line and need to fill those holes. Our receiving core and the secondary are the other areas that took major hits. We are going to try and find a good balance between the run and pass, and play good fundamental aggressive defense.”

Nick Dowell knew his Horton team might be in for a tough challenge in 2015 after graduating a large senior class which helped the Chargers to the Northeast Kansas League title and 7-2 record in 2014.

Indeed, it was and breaking in new starters at virtually every position, the Chargers never found their footing in 2015. The result was a winless season in which they were outscored 388-95.

Horton may very well bounce back in a big way in 2016. Graduation this time around only claimed five seniors, leaving Dowell with another experienced bunch similar to the 2014 squad.

Senior Cameron Smith came on so strong as a junior he displaced returning starting quarterback Derek Richardson and finished the year throwing for 1,099 yards. Two of his top-four receivers return in Christian White (270 yards) and Jesse Rice (104 yards), while leading rusher Conner Dean (637 yards) also is back after a strong sophomore campaign, giving the Chargers a potent cast of skill players.

Three-year starter Michael Gabbard leads four returners on the offensive line and will also help anchor a defense which returns eight of its top-10 tacklers from last year, led by Dean’s 59 stops.

After making the Class 3A playoffs in 2014, Horton makes the drop to Class 2-1A. The road to the postseason doesn’t get any easier, however, as the Chargers’ district features Troy, which took second in 2-1A a year ago, as well as returning playoff qualifier Jefferson North.

4-5 in 2015 / 1-2 in district / 2-1A Twin Valley League Coach: Rob Randall (1st year) Assistants: Marty Allen, Aaron Limon Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Denny Anderson, OL/DL, Sr.; Carson Lackey, RB/ DE, Sr.; Landon Parsons, RB/MLB, Sr.; Luke Blevins, WR, Jr.; Clayton Ridout, FB/MLB, Jr.; Levi Watts, QB, Jr. Melanie McGee

INMAN

JACKSON HEIGHTS

JOHNSON-STANTON CO.

Inman had a brief rising from 2012-2013, when the Teutons had back-to-back 6-3 seasons. But, for the most part, since 2003, when Inman last made the playoffs, it’s been a struggle to win.

New coach Lance Sawyer takes over after Inman went 1-8 in ‘14 and ‘15. They did improve offensively from ‘14, scoring in double figures six times after doing that just twice the year before.

“We have a really good group of athletes returning that know how to compete,” Sawyer said. “I look forward to bringing in a few different schemes that I hope we help us play fast and loose.”

The district includes playoff regular Sedgwick, but none of the other teams in this district – Medicine Lodge, Inman, Moundridge and Remington – made the postseason last season, or any season since 2011.

Coming off an injury-ravaged 2014 season, Heights was anxious to return to its winning ways in 2015. A healthy Cobra team did that, and posted its best season in more than a decade, going 9-2.

The nine wins were the most since 2003 and the Class 2-1A district title also was the first since the same year. Heights only regular-season hiccup was a 21-2 loss to Maur Hill in week two, which denied the Cobras a share of the Northeast Kansas League title, but they bounced back to make the playoffs for the first time in nine years.

The only other loss was 26-6 to Olpe, in the second round of the playoffs, after Heights opened with a 24-14 round one win over Jefferson North. In six of their eight victories (the ninth a forfeit over Immaculata), Heights scored at least 40 points, displaying a prolific ground game that’s virtually intact.

Heights’ top-four rushers return, led by senior Mason Hamilton (970 yards, 10 TDs). Fellow backs Brady Holliday (701, 8 TDs) and Mason Thomas (675 yards, 7 TDs) were more than solid.

A huge lift for Heights’ offense a year ago was a breakthrough season by then junior Wyatt Olberding, who replaced Zane Richter at QB.

David Bowen will take over a Stanton County program that has struggled the last several years.

Previous coach Jon Schnable returned to Rolla after he coached the Trojans for two seasons.

In a 1-8 season, the Trojans tallied just 56 points, the lowest in Class 2-1A, and allowed 311, versus the third-easiest schedule in the 39-team classification, according to preppowerindex.com.

Stanton County was competitive in four games with a 16-12 Week 3 loss versus Wichita County, a 26-0 defeat versus Lakin two weeks later, a 380 win against Sublette in Week 7 and a 9-0 loss against Elkhart in Week 9. Stanton County was 09 in 2014 and 3-6 in 2013.

The Trojans must find some offense after being shut out six times and scoring more than 12 points only once.

Stanton County plays in Class 2-1A, District 8 with state contender Meade along with Elkhart and Sublette. The Trojans haven’t made the postseason since 2012 under longtime former coach Bret Kendrick.

Stanton County made the playoffs every year from 2000-12 save for ’04 and ’09.

1-8 in 2015 / 0-4 in district / 2-1A Heart of America League Coach: Lance Sawyer (1st year; 10th overall, 3052 Assistants: Dale Sprunger, Billy Garst, Tony Mark Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 2 Defense Keaton Case, QB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Jackson Buzzard, OL, 5-8, 190, Sr.; Lucas Barlow, TE/DL, 6-4, 195, Sr.; Wyatt Myer, OL/DL, 5-9, 260, So. Brad Hallier

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9-2 in 2015 / 4-0 in district / 2-1A Northeast Kansas League Coach: Caleb Wick (5th year, 25-14) Assistants: Tobias Cowdin Offense: Bone Defense: 4-3/4-4 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Wyatt Olberding, QB, 6-2, 155, Sr.; Mason Thomas, RB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Mason Hamilton, RB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Brady Holliday, RB, 5-8, 140, Jr.; Kaleb Keehn, L, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Braden Dohl, TE, 6-2, 200, Jr.; Jason Parker, TE/OL, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Tyler Wendorff, L, 5-8, 210, Jr.; Lane Holliday, TE, 6-0, 145, So.; Sebastian Butto, RB, 5-7, 140, Jr. Brent Maycock

1-8 in 2015 / 1-3 in district / 2-1A Hi-Plains League Coach: David Bowen (1st year)

0-9 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 2-1A Northeast Kansas League Coach: Nick Dowell (9th year, 22-41) Assistants: Mark Ross, Max Macunas Offense: Spread Defense: 4-Front Flex Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 8 Defense Cameron Smith, QB/DB, Sr.; Joe Winsea, WR/ DB, Sr.; Jesse Rice, WR/OLB, Sr.; Christian White, TE/DE, Sr.; Conner Dean, RB/LB, Jr.; Cole Gormley, OL/LB, Jr.; Rex Bruning, OL/LB, Sr.; Michael Gabbard, OL/DL, Sr.; Craig Wahwahsuck, OL/DL, Jr.; Tate Waser, OL/DL, Sr.; Jacob Stuart, WR/DB, Sr. Brent Maycock

LA CROSSE La Crosse slipped to 3-6 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2003 last fall. The Leopards opened the season with a 22-12 victory against defending state champion Olpe; the Eagles eventually played in the sub-state championship game.

However, the Leopards tallied just 17.8 points per contest and struggled with some injuries. In Week 5, La Crosse lost, 20-18, at Ellis in a game where the Leopards had statistical advantages in snaps, yards and turnover margin, but the Railers had several big special teams plays. The following week, La Crosse trailed Plainville, 22-20 after three quarters before Plainville scored twice in the fourth quarter.

“Our seniors must provide great leadership for our season to be successful,” coach Jon Webster said.

“On offense we must be better up front and be able to run the ball. Our defense must be able to control the line of scrimmage. Hopefully, the linemen returning can build from their experience last year.”

La Crosse has three four-year starters: Clayton Herdman, Jasey Woods and Justin Bond, all of whom started on the ’13 state runner-up team.

Herdman completed 44 of 127 passes for 815 yards with a 6/9 TD/INT ratio. He rushed 165 times for 926 yards and 10 scores. Woods has paced La Crosse in tackles the last two years including 93 tackles and five TFLs in ’15.

3-6 in 2015 / 1-3 in district / 2-1A Central Prairie League Conor Nicholl Coach: Jon Webster (8th year, 64-15) Assistants: Joe Simon Offense: Multiple Veer Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Clayton Herdman, QB, 6-4, 210, Sr.; Jasey Woods, FB/LB, 5-10, 202, Sr.; Kaleb Sherman, TE/LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Justin Bond, G/DT, 5-9, 225, Sr.; Jacob Serving the community for Showalter, G/DE, 5-10, 220, Jr.; Kadin Trower, T/ over 100 years.

DE, 6-3, 220, Jr.; Jordon Riedel, T, 6-3, 235, Sr.; Jackson Dinsmore, C/DT, 5-10, 232, Sr.; Brett Herrman, CB, 5-9, 151, Jr. Conor Nicholl

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If an 8-3 season classifies as a rebuilding season, the Lyndon program is in a really good spot.

After graduation claimed nearly every starter off the Tigers’ 2014 team which went 9-2, Lyndon figured to be a work in progress in ‘15 having relying on a talented soph. class. In a way, the Tigers were just that, pulling out tight wins over Herington (140), No. Heights (14-7) and Chase Co. (12-7) and falling to Mission Valley (26-20).

By the end of the season, however, Lyndon looked a lot like its old self. Following a 28-6 loss to Olpe, the Tigers rolled through Yates Center and Remington in district play to return to the playoffs and then avenged the regular-season loss to Mission Valley before falling 58-21 to Troy.

With the bulk of last year’s squad returning this year, Lyndon won’t have the same growing pains and should hit the ground running. Eight starters return on offense and seven on defense with Wyatt Fitch and Nick Ratzloff the key losses.

Do-everything back Dawson Swinehart keyed Lyndon’s success in 2014 and younger brother Dexton proved last year he’s capable of doing the same. Lining up at just about every skill spot on offense at some point, Swinehart amassed nearly 2,000 combined rushing, receiving and passing yards, leading the Tigers in rushing (1,248 yards, 17 TDs) and receiving (395 yards, 4 TDs).

An even bigger junior year could be in store for Swinehart, who also ranked second on the team in tackles with 109. He’ll get plenty of help offensively from returning QB Rylan Burns, who threw for 719 yards last year, and new fullback Mason Slusher, who combined for 339 yards rushing and receiving.

Slusher also led the team in tackles as a sophomore with 117. Four of five linemen also return, led by senior Trystan Pringle, who was a two-way allleague selection.

A rebuilding season was to be expected for McLouth in 2015 and a rebuilding season it was.

Transitioning to first-year coach Gary Freeman and having to replace a bulk of its starters, the Bulldogs went 1-8. The struggle was understandable as the the Bulldogs finished the season with just 13 players and none of the three seniors on the roster played in more than five games, forcing the young Bulldogs to grow up quickly.

The lone win came against winless Horton and the Bulldogs lost the last seven games, coming close to victory just once - a 24-20 loss to Atchison Co. A slight transition is in order again in 2016 as McLouth drops from Class 3A to 2-1A. Instead of opening with Jefferson North and Horton, the Bulldogs now see them in district play, along with 2-1A runner-up Troy and Doniphan West.

Numbers are back up this year and last year’s trials give McLouth plenty of experience to build upon. Seniors Brody Troupe and Ricky Morris are the only returning players to earn All-Northeast Kansas League honors a year ago, with Troupe a second-team selection on defense after leading the team in tackles a year ago with 48.

He’ll also team in the backfield with fellow senior Braden Antes, who despite playing in just five games, led the Bulldogs in rushing. He only amassed 246 yards, however, so Freeman will be looking for more production from his backfield, which also includes sophomore quarterback Jeremy Carlton, who started as a freshman.

Meade was No. 1 in Class 2-1A most of the season, though finished 10-1 and lost to eventual state champion Phillipsburg, 26-21, at home. The Buffs, always known for their great running game, averaged 317 rushing yards a contest and passed for 117 yards per game. Senior Lawson Luetters completed 61 of 98 passes for 1,281 yards with a 19/3 TD/INT ratio. He also led the team with 150 carries for 1,290 yards and 18 scores.

Senior Kale McCulloch rushed 53 times for 479 yards and six scores. Senior Logan Meyers was third for the Buffs in tackles and first among returners with 52 stops and 10.5 TFLs. Meade had just 10 turnovers and finished plus-9 in turnover margin. Meade has won at least eight games every year since 2006, including at least 10 wins in seven of the last eight years.

“Our goal is to always be a physical as possible, play great team defense and control the ball with a sound running attack and play action passing game,” coach Scott Moshier said. “We hope to continue to grow as a team in terms of being physically and mentally strong. We have a lot of holes to fill on both sides of the ball and we will have to have a great off season if we want to continue to be considered as one of the top teams in 2A out west.”

The Indians enter the 2016 season with high hopes for a winning record after going 4-5 in ‘15 “Going 4-5 last season was a big step for us,” coach Josh Ybarra said. “We plan on continuing that trend and we want to have an even better season this year.”

One of the keys to that will be replacing a big senior class with a new group of leaders.

“This year’s team will be quite a bit different than the team that we had last season. This year we have four seniors returning as opposed to 10,” Ybarra said. “They did a good job of leading in practice, and this year we are going to need the juniors and seniors to step up and fill that void.”

Medicine Lodge returns nine lettermen, including six starters from the offense. Five starters are back on defense. “Our offensive line returns four out of five starters from last year, so we will be leaning on them a lot this season,” Ybarra said.

Senior Deagan McGrath and juniors David Jones, Taylor Paxson and Blake Winter will lead the Indians up front, while running backs Troy Smith and Garrett Randels also return, along with tight end Luke Fisher and receiver Drew Honas.

“I believe that we have a great group of seniors and juniors coming back that should build a good foundation for what we are doing offensively and defensively,” Ybarra noted. “Ultimately, we want to come out and compete every game with every team we play.”

10-1 in 2015 / 4-0 in district / 2-1A Hi-Plains League Coach: Scott Moshier (11th year, 99-17; 150-104 overall) Assistants: Justin Powell, Greg McCulloch, Chad Rudzik, Jordan Moshier Offense: Single Wing Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Lawson Luetters, QB/DB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Logan Meyers, TE/DE, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Kale McCulloch, WB/DB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Caden Godfrey, BB, 5-10, 195, Jr.; Blake Keith, LB, 5-10, 180, Sr. Conor Nicholl

1-8 in 2015 / 0-3 in district / 2-1A Northeast Kansas League Coach: Gary Freeman (2nd year, 1-8) Assistants: Rodney Carlton, Tony Kuckleman Offense: Veer/Power Pistol/Spread Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 15 8-3 in 2015 / 3-1 in district / 2-1A Returning starters: 10 Offense, 10 Defense Flint Hills League Brody Troupe, RB/LB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Tanner Zink, Coach: Brent Hoelting (3rd year, 17-5) WR/LB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Mystikal Randel, OL/DL, 6Assistants: Toby Baker, Scott Jones 0, 190, Sr.; Dimitri Tullis, WR/DB, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3/4-4 Braden Antes, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Ricky Returning lettermen: 10 Morris, OL/DL, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Caleb Richardson, Returning starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense Mason Slusher, FB/LB, Jr.; Trystan Pringle, OG/DT, WR/DB, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Dayshaun Nino, OL/DL, 62, 320, Jr.; Zach McCowan, RB/LB, 5-10, 220, Jr.; Sr.; Colton Hutchcroft, OT, Sr.; Dexton Swinehart, Jeremy Carlton, QB/DB, 5-8, 140, So. WR/RB/FS, Jr.; Rylan Burns, QB/DE, Sr.; Kyle Brent Maycock Coach Ty Pfannenstiel has delivered two quarBaker, C, Sr.; Garrett McCoy, OT/DT, Jr.; Jaden terfinal runs in his first two years with the Hielscher, WR/LB, Jr.; Beau Brecheisen, DB, Sr. Plainsmen. Oakley has posted 6-5 and 7-4 Brent Maycock records with a district title last year. Oakley has four straight quarterfinal showings. Outside of 2010, the Plainsmen have made the playoffs every year since 2001.

Moundridge has made the playoffs 11 times this Moundridge in a season since the 2011 team Oakley had the No. 4 SOS in 2-1A last season century, but the Wildcats have been shut out of went 5-5. according to Prep Power Index, and No. 8 in the postseason since 2011. Moundridge was The offense was inconsistent. In their three 2014. close last season, having won its first two district wins, the Wildcats averaged more than 25 points.

“Each week will present a new challenge and games but lost its final two to Sedgwick and In their six losses, the Wildcats gave up 24 points give us an opportunity to be physically and menSalina-Sacred Heart. or more five times. tally prepared for districts,” Pfannenstiel said. “I The season was still a step in the right direction, The quest to return to the postseason is prombelieve our district will be one of the best and as the three wins equaled the most for ising, as the district appears to be open. Only most competitive districts in 2-1A, so it is imporSedgwick made the postseason last year. tant for us to be playing our best football heading into week seven. We have the highest of expec3-6 in 2015 / 2-2 in district / 2-1A tations at Oakley and look forward to bringing a Heart of America League physical brand of football to the field each week.”

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4-5 in 2015 / 1-4 in district / 2-1A Central Plains League Coach: Josh Ybarra (3rd year, 8-19) Assistants: Judd Dohrmann, Shane Hahn, Mike Stull Offense: Multiple Defense: 5-3 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense Luke Fisher, TE/LB, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Deagan McGrath, OL/DL, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Troy Smith, RB/ LB, 5-8, 200, Sr.; Drew Honas, WR/DB, 5-9, 130, Jr.; David Jones, OL/DL, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Taylor Paxson, OL/DL, 5-10, 225, Jr.; Garrett Randels, RB/LB, 5-8, 155, Jr.; Blake Winter, OL/DL, 5-8, 190, Jr. Melanie McGee

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“We have a good core group of kids returning this season,” Pfannenstiel said. “We lost some key players to graduation, so it will be extremely important for our younger kids to step up and play like varsity football players. We have another challenging schedule this year.”

7-4 in 2015 / 4-0 in district / 2-1A Mid-Continent League Coach: Ty Pfannenstiel (3rd year, 13-9) Assistants: Jeff Dennis, Drew Siruta, Mike Rains, Eric Overmiller Offense: Pro I Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Kendrick Smith, QB/DB, 5-11, 172, Sr.; Chris Cox, OL/DL, 6-0, 221, Jr.; Auston Holzmeister, DB, 511, 178, Sr.; Kameron Gabel, WR, 6-3, 165, Sr.; Wyatt Murphy, LB, 5-10, 166, Sr.; Cory Mead, LB, 5-9, 184, Sr.; Jace Ochs, TE, 6-4, 196, Sr.; Mark Hernandez, OL, 6-0, 215, Sr. Conor Nicholl

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The goals are simple at Olpe: win another district title and make a run in the Class 2-1A playoffs again.

This year’s Eagles will be looking for a second straight district championship with a solid group of returners on the offensive and defensive lines, but several new starters at the skill positions.

The Eagles, a perennial playoff power in Class 2-1A, and the 2014 champion, went 9-3 overall last season and nine lettermen are back from that squad, including five starters on both sides of the ball.

Seniors Garrett Gulick, Joel Miller and Kohl Prose return to anchor the offensive line. Senior running back Dylan Redeker and junior tight end Damon Schuldt are also back in the starting lineup.

On defense, the Eagles return Miller at tackle, Prose at defensive end, Redeker at nose guard, Schuldt in the secondary and senior linebacker Tagan Webb.

Coach Chris Schmidt, now in his 10th year as head coach at Olpe, said his team hopes to “improve throughout the season, win our district and advance in the playoffs.”

To accomplish those goals, Schmidt said the Eagles must do a few simple things. “We will need to do the basics, which are to block, tackle and execute,” he said. “If we do these things, we will be competitive.”

Justin Hurley is replacing Travis Hurley at Oswego. Yes, you read that correctly.

Older brother Justin is taking over at Oswego after his younger brother Travis relinquished the position. Justin Hurley spent the last two years as the head coach at Marmaton Valley, while Travis Hurley guided Oswego for three seasons before resigning in March to take the Parsons job.

“First we want to get more kids interested in the program and get our numbers up across the board,” Justin Hurley said. “We want to be more physical and tough and we want to have some swag when we play.”

Hurley expects a smooth transition from the Three Rivers League’s 8-Man division to the conference’s 11-Man division.

“Our biggest challenge will be how our players adjust and respond to a new coach and a new system,” Hurley said.

Hurley will implement a pistol offense and use either a 4-4 or a 4-2 defense.

Oswego has six returning starters. Seniors Devin Wilkerson and Bryan Sui are RBs, while classmates Ethan Garris and Elijah Elliott are receivers. Senior Cedric Tynon and junior Jake Walker return on the line. Wilkerson and Garris are d-backs, while Sui and Tynon are LBs and Eliott is a d-end. The Indians also picked up Chetopa transfer Cole Swanwick, a 6-2, 210pound senior who will contribute at RB and LB.

Plainville has posted back-to-back 3-6 seasons but each year has been significantly different. In 2014, under former coach Joe Simon, the Cardinals tallied 13.7 points per contest and allowed 25.4. Last season, first-year coach Grant Stephenson moved former running back Hayden Friend to quarterback. Plainville had the No. 3hardest schedule in 2-1A and tallied 32.2 points.

However, the Cardinals allowed 36 a contest.

Stephenson wants his team to take it one game at a time and get better each week with “discipline – physically and mentally.”

Plainville has a challenging Mid-Continent League schedule and then has a familiar Class 21A, District 7 with at Oakley, home versus Ellis and at La Crosse. Plainville lost at home on the game’s final play in bad weather, 21-20, to Ellis in a game that decided a playoff spot.

Friend completed 113 of 192 passes for 1,760 yards with a 10/11 TD/INT ratio. He also led the team with 163 carries for 830 yards and 21 TDs. His top receivers, Ryan Buresh (46 catches, 963 yards and six scores) and Justin Reif (33-419-2), are back for a team that has nine returning offensive starters, 10 defense. Junior Hayden Gillum had 90 tackles, 12.5 TFLs to lead the Cardinals.

Logan-Palco football/track standout Riley Nyp transferred from Palco to Plainville in early summer. He rushed 117 times for 626 yards and nine TDs, collected 74 tackles and 11 TFLs last fall.

9-3 in 2015 / 4-0 in district / 2-1A Lyon County League Coach: Chris Schmidt (10th year, 82-23) Assistants: Terry Smith, Stephen Jowers Offense: I-Backs Defense: 5-2 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Dylan Redeker, RB/NG, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Kohl Prose, OG/DE, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Joel Miller, OT/DT, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Damon Schuldt, TE/DB, 6-3, 170, Jr.; Garrett Gulick, OT, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Tagan Webb, LB, 6-0, 175, Sr. Melanie McGee

1-8 in 2015 / 0-4 in district / 2-1A Three Rivers League Coach: Justin Hurley (1st year) Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Devin Wilkerson, RB/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Ethan Garris, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Elijah Elliott, TE/ DE, 6-4, 180, Sr.; Bryan Sui, RB/LB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Jake Walker, OL/DL, 5-10, 240, Jr.; Cedric Tynon, OL/LB, 5-9, 160, Sr. Jason Peake

Coming off four consecutive seasons in which they advanced to the Class 3A quarterfinals, the St. Mary’s-Colgan Panthers will try to be a top contender at the 2-1A level.

Colgan, which won four consecutive 2-1A titles from 2000-2003, is returning to the classification for the first time since falling to eventual state champion Centralia during the 2011 semifinals.

The Panthers enter the season with four returning starters on defense and two on offense.

Defensively, the secondary should be a strength with cornerbacks Drew Beck and Garrett VanBecelaere back in the lineup. Joining them as returning starters will be linebacker Bryce Hutchins and defensive end Alex Brown.

The o-line will be led by returning starters Jacob Otter at center and Connor Smith at tackle.

Colgan will also have many new starters.

“We need to get stronger, and we need the guys who haven’t started before to step up this year,” St. Mary’s-Colgan coach Chuck Smith said.

The starting quarterback position will be competition between senior Billy Dickey and Hutchins, a junior. Both players have quarterback genes in their blood. Dickey is the younger brother of Zac Dickey, who led the Pittsburg State Gorillas to an NCAA Division II national championship in 2011.

Hutchins is the son of Brian Hutchins, who directed the Gorillas to a national title in 1991.

Colgan’s numbers are expected to be down this year as about 38 players are expected out.

Smith, in his 38th season as prep head coach and 37th at Colgan, enters with 338 victories.

SALINA-SACRED HEART Sacred Heart has made the playoffs six straight seasons and not had a losing season since 2010.

The Knights went through four quarterbacks in ’15 en route to a 5-5 year and a total margin of 279231.

Sacred Heart opened 1-4 with two losses by a combined 12 points. Then, the Knights defeated Inman (47-14), Medicine Lodge (49-14), Moundridge (47-15) and Oswego (34-8) before falling 38-13 at eventual 2-1A champion Phillipsburg in the first round of the playoffs.

The Knights had problems with the passing game: 48 of 136 passing for 778 yards with an 8/ 14 TD/INT ratio. Sophomore David Anderson played in four games under center and completed 17 of 46 passes for 276 yards with a 3/7 TD/INT ratio. Anderson, junior Caleb Jordan and senior Rayne Schmidtberger will compete for the starting QB. Veteran coach Bruce Graber said “we have to stay healthy. Must stabilize the QB position and improve our ability to stop the pass game.”

Junior Jacob Faerber rushed 179 times for 1,537 yards for 16 scores and set a school mark for rushing yards in a season. He also intercepted three passes. Senior Abel Alvarez is a solid all-

around player with 71 rushes for 493 yards with seven TDs along with 54 tackles, nine TFLs and a blocked punt. He’s also incredibly strong and can squat over 600 pounds.

Senior Connor Wetter collected 66 tackles (six TFLs), while junior Kyler Junk recorded 22 stops (five TFLs). Senior Tristan Slagle had 43 tackles, eight for loss, and was 30 of 35 on extra points with two field goals.

5-5 in 2015 / 3-1 in district / 2-1A North Central Activities Association Coach: Bruce Graber (7th year, 37-23; 27th year overall) Assistants: Bob Butts, Jordan Webb, John Webb, Steven Baker Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Jacob Faerber, RB/CB, 5-11, 155, Jr.; Freddy Leon, SE/CB, 5-7, 135, Sr.; Tristan Slagle, OG/ DE/LB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Christian Bonilla, OT/DT, 59, 245, Sr.; Abel Alvarez, FB/NG, 5-9, 215, Sr.; Connor Wetter, OG/LB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Chase Kaiser, C, 5-8, 170, Jr.; David Anderson, QB; Trace Lenners, SS/LB, 5-11, 160, So.; Kyler Junk, LB, 5-10, 150, Jr. Conor Nicholl Dine-in, Carryout & Delivery

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3-6 in 2015 / 2-2 in district / 2-1A Mid-Continent League Coach: Grant Stephenson (2nd year, 3-6) Assistants: Ryan Becker, Justin Casey 9-3 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 2-1A Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee League Returning lettermen: 12 Coach: Chuck Smith (37th year, 335-70; 38th Returning starters: 9 Offense, 10 Defense overall, 338-76) Assistants: Kyle Wolf, Brad Snow, Stu Jeck, Virgil Hayden Friend, QB/FS, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Ryan Buresh, WR/CB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Justin Reif, TE/ Winn Offense: I-formation Defense: 5-2 DE, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Hayden Gillum, OT/LB, 6-2, Returning lettermen: 24 210, Jr.; Jaron Rathbun, OT/DT, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Returning starters: 2 Offense, 4 Defense Chandler Cellmer, WR/CB, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Nolan Jacob Otter, C, 155, Sr.; Connor Smith, L, 200, Jones, OG, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Nate Normandin, WR, 5Sr.; Drew Beck, CB, 170, Sr.; Garrett 8, 150, Jr.; Noah Hansen, WR/OLB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; VanBecelaere, CB, 155, Sr.; Bryce Hutchins, LB, 180, Jr.; Alex Brown, DE, 180, Sr. MS Jared Copeland, OLB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Willie Wilkerson, OG/OT, 6-3, 240, Sr. Conor Nicholl

SEDGWICK Replace the top four receivers. Replace the top two rushers. Replace 15 starters. Replace a coach that averaged nearly 7-1/2 wins per season for a decade. Do all that, but do not replace the objectives.

“Expectations remain high at Sedgwick. The 2016 Cardinal defense will be battle-tested and ready to play at a high level,” said first-year Sedgwick coach Doug Mabry. “Offensively, new faces in several key positions will mean that the team has to learn and grow quickly in order to compete. The good news is that there is a lot of young talent that is capable of filling these roles.”

Mabry, a Halstead graduate, takes over for Jeff Werner. Werner resigned after 10 seasons and a 74-28 record. The Cardinals only had one losing season under Werner, and that was his first, a 4-5 mark in 2006. Aside from Werner’s departure, however, not much changes. Mabry spent a decade as Werner’s assistant, ascending to the defensive coordinator role. Fellow assistants Dwight Wilkes, Travis Francis and Tim Hendrickson remain on staff.

The heart of Sedgwick’s 2016 team is its linebacker corps. First-team All-Heart of America linebacker Cody Clinton and second-team pick Gabe Vanek return, as does up-and-comer Riley Bogunovich. That trifeca accounted for 152 tackles, while Clinton added three sacks and Bogunovich two interceptions. Senior lineman Marshall Rutschman is also back. His abilities will

best be displayed on the offensive side, where he will protect sophomore quarterback Hooper Schroeder.

“The offensive line will have the size and strength needed to compete at a high level,” Mabry said.

Despite the turnover in the program, Sedgwick will be a favorite to emerge with a sixth consecutive trip to the playoffs. In a district that includes Medicine Lodge, Moundridge, Remington and Inman, Sedgwick is the only squad coming off a winning record or postseason trip. The Cardinals scored wins over all four of those impending opponents in 2015, and all by at least 27 points.

Sedgwick was undefeated in the 2015 regular season before being ousted by Smith Center in the opening round.

9-1 in 2015 / 4-0 in district / 2-1A Heart of America League Coach: Doug Mabry (1st year) Assistants: Dwight Wilkes, Travis Francis, Tim Hendrickson Offense: Spread No Huddle Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 4 Defense Marshall Rutschman, OL/DL, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Cody Clinton, WR/LB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Gabe Vanek, OL/ LB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Ashton Park, OL, 6-2, 240, Sr.; Riley Bugonovich, LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Hooper Schroeder, QB, 5-10, 150, So. Kyle McCaskey

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Smith Center won the Mid-Continent League title with a 27-14 home win versus Norton and a 14-7 home district victory versus Phillipsburg. Three weeks later, the Panthers pulled away for a 40-6 semifinal victory in Smith Center.

The Redmen had its best season since a 12-1 record and championship game appearance in 2009 and will look to win its first title since 2008 this fall. Senior Cale Rogers, the team’s leading rusher with more than 1,527 yards, graduated, but nine starters return on both sides of the ball, including Kaden Meitler, who tallied 1,017 yards and 11 scores. Senior Chase Ryan is also back after he tallied 152 carries for 751 yards and 15 TDs. Senior QB Thayne Benoit passed for 667 yards, rushed for 331 and accounted for 11 scores against just three interceptions. Junior Colton Hutchinson was the team’s top receiver with 13 catches for 223 yards, while junior Brett Meyer was second with 10 catches for 202 yards and four scores in just seven contests.

Smith Center is in district with Belleville-Republic County, Sacred Heart and Ell-Saline.

“We have experience at many positions this year,” Sasse said. “How we improve over the summer and during the season will decide how far we can go.”

Sublette went 2-7 for the second straight season and had trouble staying competitive. The Larks had a 2015 summer coaching switch when Matt Fox, a former assistant in his sixth year with the school and the head wrestling coach, took over for Aaron Dardis, who took a middle school principal position in Wellsville.

The Larks tallied 111 points and allowed 440. In 2014, Sublette tallied 129 and just permitted 324.

Sublette won at Wichita County, 21-6, in Week 2, and then defeated Lakin, 13-12, three weeks later.

Sublette last made the playoffs in 2009 and last won a postseason game in 2004.

“The goal for this year’s team is to establish a strong run game that we have been lacking as of late,” Fox said. “This year we added good opponents to our schedule with Oakley and Lacrosse, and we hope to play them tough. In the last two seasons our young players received a lot of playing time. It is key that this experience transitions into success as many of those players will now be starters.”

10-2 in 2015 / 3-1 in district / 2-1A Mid-Continent League Coach: Darren Sasse (4th year, 23-9) Assistants: Mike Rogers, Brock Hutchinson, Shawn Stansbury, Jed Kingsbury, Matt Haack Offense: Wishbone Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 9 Defense Kaden Meitler, RB/LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Thayne Benoit, QB/DB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Keaton Bortz, OL/ DL, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Dalton Kuhn, OL/DE, 6-2, 225, Jr.; Avery Hawkins, TE/LB, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Ashton Hawkins, OL/LB, 6-4, 215, Sr.; Brett Meyer, SE, 64, 170, Jr.; Colton Hutchinson, SE/DB, 5-10, 155, Jr.; Chase Ryan, RB/DL, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Clay Winslow, DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; David Hileman, DB, 510, 150, Sr. Conor Nicholl

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Their emergence allowed Kameron Wurtz to thrive in the passing game as well and the senior completed 50 percent of his attempts for 622 yards and five scores.

Taking another step defensively this year will be a key for Wabaunsee, which gave up 31.9 points per game last year. Senior linebacker Mitchell Wertzberger is a two-time all-league selection having made 89 tackles last year.

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One play. Two points.

That’s all that separated Troy from the first state title in program history last year. Down 30-23 to Phillipsburg late in the fourth quarter of the 2-1A state title game, the Trojans scored on a touchdown pass from Reid Greaser to Cuttar Huss.

Coach Derek Jasper went for the win, but the conversion pass sailed high and Troy fell 30-29.

The finish hardly put a damper on the best season in program history — one that began with plenty of question marks after graduation claimed a strong senior class of seven two-way starters from the Trojans’ 2014 semifinal team. Troy finished 10-2 overall, the only other loss coming in the season opener to Washington County, which went undefeated in the regular season.

Graduation didn’t hit nearly as hard this time around and with the pieces Troy returns, the Trojans go into the 2016 as the favorite from the east. Seven starters are back each way with the biggest losses coming in the trenches where just two starters return, led by senior Wil Smith, who had 82 tackles and 6.5 sacks last year.

2-7 in 2015 / 0-4 in district / 2-1A Arguably no 2-1A team will have a better collecHi-Plains League tion of skill players than the Trojans. Huss was a Coach: Matt Fox (2nd year, 2-7) dynamo, lining up all over the field and producing Assistants: Andy Short, Derrick Ploutz, Troy wherever he went. He led the Trojans in rushing Briggs Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 (717 yards, 11 TDs) and receiving (55 catches, Returning lettermen: 10 751 yards, 10 TDs) and was virtually unstoppable, Returning starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense including defensively where he returned three of his nine interceptions for TDs. Jesse Garetson, OL/DL, 6-3, 250, Jr.; Jeremy Greaser had big shoes to fill replacing departed Ornelas, QB/DB, 5-10, 140, Sr.; Bradon Menzie, WR/DB, 5-10, 130, Sr.; Jamel Roberson, RB/DL, QB Tristan Speer and did so quite capably, throwing for 1,807 yards and 25 TDs while getting 5-11, 180, Jr.; Jaren Giesick, WR/DB, 5-8, 130, picked off just three times. He also ran for 468 So.; Quintonn Gonzalez, WR/LB, 5-10, 150, Sr. Conor Nicholl yards and nine scores and with Kortin Blevins (514 yards, 10 TDs) and Alex Martinez (578 yards, 7 TDs), the ground game has balance.

WABAUNSEE It was a pretty typical year for Wabaunsee in 2015. The Chargers struggled against its MidEast League competition, but got well during district play and qualified for the Class 2-1A playoffs with a losing record. Last year, wins over Onaga (41-14), Valley Heights (12-7) and Valley Falls (55-8) propelled the Chargers to the postseason where they fell to eventual runner-up Troy 67-20.

Wabaunsee may have its most experienced team in years, only graduating one senior off last year’s squad. The bulk of the Chargers are now second- or third-year starters and ready to show they can compete with the bulk of their schedule.

The biggest strides the Chargers made last year came offensively. After scoring just 60 total points in 2014 playing mostly freshmen and sophomores, Wabaunsee nearly tripled that total last year, finishing with 171 points.

Juniors Riley Tubbs, a state wrestling champ, and Kolby Droegemeier, a state wrestling runnerup, established a presence in the ground game, rushing for 591 and 684 yards, respectively.

Senior Cooper Imthurn added 433 yards. The trio combined for 12 TDs.

SUBLETTE, KS

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10-2 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 2-1A Twin Valley League Coach: Derek Jasper (4th year, 27-8) Assistants: Don Cash, Cody Israel Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Cuttar Huss, SB/FS, 6-0, 168, Sr.; Wil Smith, OL/ DE, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Reid Greaser, QB, 5-11, 178, Sr.; Wyatt Huss, OL/DL, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Alex Martinez, RB/LB, 5-8, 185, Sr.; Kortin Blevins, RB/ DL/LB, 5-8, 200, Sr.; Brody Winder, WR/DE, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Jarren Frump, RB/LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Connor McNorton, DB/RB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Tyler Franken, DB/WR, 5-7, 150, Sr. Brent Maycock

In more ways than one, the Uniontown football program is beginning a new era. Uniontown not only has a new coach in 2016, but the team will also be competing in a new classification this fall.

Chad Hays has moved from assistant to head coach. Hays knows all about Uniontown football, too, as he was a standout for the Eagles, graduating in 2007 before joining the football program at Pittsburg State. Hays, who was a key performer on the school’s 2006 team that won a district championship, spent the last four years as an assistant coach at his alma mater, the last three as defensive coordinator.

Next, Uniontown is moving back to 11-man football after a stint playing 8-Man. The Eagles will now compete in Class 2-1A and will transition to the league’s 11-Man division.

Uniontown had a stellar 2015, recording an undefeated regular season en route to the Three Rivers League’s 8-Man championship. The Eagles won the conference for the first time since 2011 and then secured a district title for the first time since 2005.

After starting the season with nine-straight wins, Uniontown suffered a first-round playoff loss to Central Burden.

The Eagles don’t have much back from last year’s squad though, as just two players return with starting experience on defense and just one starter is back on offense.

Senior Cale Coyan returns with starting experience on both sides of the ball. Coyan earned honorable mention all-league honors at offensive guard and also plays linebacker. Junior defensive end Gavin Fry is the only other Eagle returning with starting experience.

Despite the lack of returning starters, Hays is confident his team will have a solid season as it begins a new era.

“Our main goal is to see improvement every day,” Hays said. “We tell our kids to find something to get better at every day. If we’re successful in that goal, the wins will take care of themselves.”

9-1 in 2015 / 5-0 in district / 2-1A Three Rivers League Coach: Chad Hays (1st year) Assistants: Dustin Miller, Willie Hathaway Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: Unavailable Returning starters: 1 Offense, 2 Defense Cale Coyan, OL/LB, 5-8, 195, Sr.; Gavin Fry, DL, 6-0, 200, Jr. Jason Peake

WASHINGTON COUNTY

As head coaching debuts go, it doesn’t get much better than the one Doug Thompson enjoyed at 3-7 in 2015 / 3-1 in district / 2-1A Washington County last year.

Mid-East League All the Tigers did in Thompson’s first year was Coach: Brian Henry (8th year, 16-52) post an undefeated regular season, capture the Assistants: Jess Rutledge, Brad Starnes Twin Valley League title and advance to the secOffense: Double Dive Option Defense: 4-2-5 ond round of the 3A playoffs before falling 50-6 to Returning starters: 11 Offense, 11 Defense Hoisington. Washington outscored its foes 366Mitchell Wertzberger, OG/LB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Luke 101 before the playoff loss with its closest game a Swicegood, OG/DE, 6-0, 175; Heath Hier, C/DT, 10-point win over Beloit to start the playoffs.

5-10, 250; Ryan Rose, OT/DT, 5-10, 220; Chase A bulk of the success was accomplished with Nelson, TE/CB, 140; Chandler Polston, TE/LB, standout quarterback Konnor Penning sidelined 184; Kameron Wurtz, QB, 140; Cooper Imthurn, by an injury and Jerrod Hoover taking over under FB/LB, 175; Riley Tubbs, WR/CB, 145, Jr.; Kolby center. That will certainly help the transition to Droegemeier, RB/LB, 160, Jr.; Noah Mills, DE, Hoover as the full-time starter this year as the 160.

Brent Maycock Tigers went 5-1 in his starts.

That’s not to say the loss of Penning won’t be felt. Prior to getting hurt, Penning amassed more than 1,700 yards of total offense and had the ability. “Whenever we needed a play, you could count on him,” Thompson said.

Hoover won’t have the burden of carrying the offense as Washington County has a proven ground game led by senior Hunter Kier, who rushed for 1,450 yards and 19 touchdowns, and

an experienced offensive line which returns four starters. The passing game will miss standout end Cole Thompson (34 catches, 585 yards, 8 TDs), but senior Dawson Miller could fill that void after missing last year with an injury.

Kier (89 tackles) also leads a defense which returns seven starters after allowing just under 14 points per game last year.

After a short stint in Class 3A, Washington County drops back down to Class 2-1A this year and into a challenging district which also features fellow 3A dropee Centralia and returning 2A playoff qualifiers Jackson Heights and Wabaunsee.

10-1 in 2015 / 3-0 in district / 2-1A Twin Valley League Coach: Doug Thompson (2nd year, 10-1) Assistants: Scott Romeiser, Blake Erkenbrack Offense: Multiple␣ Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Jae Eaton, RB/LB, Sr.; Hunter Kier, RB/LB, Sr.; Dylan Nelson, OT/DT, Sr.; Riley Moore, C/LB, Jr.; Evan Jones, OT, Jr.; Levi Gauby, DE, Sr.; Jerrod BM Hoover, QB/S, Sr.; Jared Otott, OG/DT, Sr.

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WHITEWATER-REMINGTON A new coach is in charge, as Ben Wertenberger takes over for Chris Lawler.

Remington was actually close to being a playoff team last season. The Broncos’ only win came in district play, 45-12 against Oswego. But they also were in close games, falling 38-26 to Yates Center and 40-28 to Moundridge.

Remington was a playoff team or had a winning record every year from 2004-2010, except for 2008. Since the 2010 team went 7-3, the Broncos

WINCHESTER-JEFFERSON CO. NORTH

have won just 10 games and have not had a winning record in any season, not winning more than four games.

The district appears to be wide open. Sedgwick is a traditional power, but Inman, Medicine Lodge and Moundridge make up the rest of the district.

1-8 in 2015 / 1-3 in district / 2-1A Heart of America League Coach: Ben Wertenberger

Brad Hallier

YATES CENTER The 2016 season will see several new opponents on Yates Center’s schedule, and fourthyear coach Ben Wiehn said he hopes it will help the Wildcats be more competitive.

“Our goal is to be more competitive in the Three Rivers League than in past seasons in the TriValley League,” Wiehn said. “We want to continue to build off the momentum and success we had in a couple of wins and tough fought games towards the end of last season.”

Yates Center finished 2-7 in 2015, but went 2-2 in district games and returns six starters on both sides of the ball.

Three seniors are back to lead the way, and four juniors also return with starting experience. Mikey Bruner - a Kpreps.com All-State pick - and Logan Tidd are beginning their fourth year in the varsity lineup, while Gavin Dillow is back after missing his junior season with a collar bone injury. They provide experience at the skill positions, and the Wildcats also bring back junior running back Kobe Forsyth and junior receiver Jordan Smith.

Up front, Yates Center will lean on juniors Tyler Harris and Julius Hodges, both two-way starters on the line. Bruner, Forsyth and Smith also return to the secondary, while Dillow and Tidd have experience at the linebacker positions.

Wiehn said his team is short on upperclassmen with just three seniors and seven juniors, and will need to develop more linemen in a hurry.

“We want to improve every day and build numbers,” he noted. “We need to stay healthy and stay eligible.”

Yates Center opens the season Sept. 2 at Lyndon and travels to Northeast-Arma in week two before hosting Northern Heights and Jayhawk-Linn in back-to-back games. The Wildcats’ schedule also features trips to St. Marys, St. Marys-Colgan and Oswego, and home games against Olpe and Uniontown.

2-7 in 2015 / 2-2 in district / 2-1A Three Rivers League Coach: Ben Wiehn (4th year, 9-20) Assistant: Eric Busteed Offense: Gun-wing Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Mikey Bruner, QB/DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Logan Tidd, RB/LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Gavin Dillow, TE/LB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Kobe Forsyth, RB/DB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Jordan Smith, WR/DB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Julius Hodges, OL/DL, 5-10, 215, Jr.; Tyler Harris, OL/ DL, 6-2, 200, Jr. Melanie McGee

A successful baseball coach for years at Valley Falls, Jeff Schneider made a smooth transition to football coach at Jefferson North last year. In his first year as a varsity coach at his alma mater, he led the Chargers to a 6-4 record and back to the Class 2-1A playoffs, a four-win improvement for the program from the previous year.

Three of North’s four losses came to playoff teams, including a 21-14 loss to Jackson Heights in the first round of the playoffs. But riding a huge breakthrough season from quarterback Bryce Noll (2,122 total yards, 36 TDs), the Chargers racked up more than 3,100 yards of total offense and averaged nearly 30 points per game.

Noll has graduated, leaving a huge void under center. The duties could fall to junior Boston Lane, who served as the Chargers’ JV quarterback a year ago, or to junior Ridge Robertson, who rushed for 660 yards as the top tailback.

Whoever wins the job will have a go-to target already in place in junior Brayden Summers. As a sophomore last year, Summers had 703 yards and caught 11 of Noll’s 19 touchdown passes.

North was opportunistic defensively, forcing 26 turnovers with Robertson picking off five passes and returning two for touchdowns. Senior line-

backer Jacob Schrick led the Chargers in tackles and the unit returns six starters overall with senior lineman Gavin Polson a four-year starter.

With only a handful of seniors, North will be relatively young and has just 11 letterwinners back overall. But the junior class is a strong one and a big key to Schneider’s success on the diamond was the ability to plug holes and reload.

The Chargers’ district is tough with Troy returning most of its squad that finished runner-up in Class 2-1A last year, while Doniphan West has some key talent back and Horton is experienced and drops from 3A. 6-4 in 2015 / 3-1 in district / 2-1A Northeast Kansas League Coach: Jeff Schneider (2nd year, 6-4) Assistants: James Tweed, Brett Robertson Offense: Spread Option Defense: Multilpe Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense Braden Schneider, OL/DE, Sr.; Gavin Polson, OL/ DT, Sr.; Joel Abel, WR/TE/DE, Sr.; Ridge Robertson, RB/DB, Jr.; Jacob Schrick, OL/LB, Jr.; Anthony Cahill, RB/CB, Jr. Brayden Summers, WR/DB, JR.; Samuel Larson, RB/LB, Jr. BM

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Class 8-Man I Overview

overview

BY CONOR NICHOLL Second-year St. Francis coach Rodney Yates is clear in his directive for his Indian squad. St. Francis returns 30 players from a 10-1 team, including seven offensive and six defensive starters.

“Our main goal this year will be to improve performance on a weekly basis in hopes of competing for the school’s first ever state championship,” Yates said. “Our main goal will be to outperform our opponents week in and week out.”

St. Francis, like many northwest Kansas schools, had trouble fielding a competitive 11-man program in recent seasons. The Indians were once a Class 2-1A state power under Tim Lambert, who then left for Concordia following the 2008 season (he is now at Smoky Valley). St. Francis made 12 playoff appearances from 1996 to 2009 and reached six sub-state championship games, generally falling to powerhouses Claflin or Smith Center.

As well, because of St. Francis’ relative isolation to other 11-man schools, the Indians had great difficulty with filling a full nine-game schedule. Following a 7-4 season in 2009, St. Francis went 3-6, 2-7, 4-4, 3-4 and 5-4 before the switch to eight-man football. The difference was immediate.

The Indians outscored opponents 556-138 and included wins versus eventual playoff teams Triplains-Brewster (240) and Atwood (20-12). Then, St. Francis had a 72-24 firstround postseason victory versus Hodgeman County before falling 34-26 at Solomon in the second round.

St. Francis trailed 28-8 early but fought back and drove late in the game down by eight. However, Solomon picked off a pass at its 16-yard line with around two minutes left.

St. Francis returns a host of top players, including seven returning senior starters: quarterback Quinton Cravens, running backs Taylor Rogers, J.R. Landenberger and Joel Hill, end Brock Waters and linemen Jerry Neitzel and Ryan Grover. Junior Tate Busse is a talented defensive back.

Rogers earned Kpreps.com all-state honors at running back after he rushed for 1,498 yards and 29 TDs. Yates has set a goal to force more turnovers. Last season, St. Francis forced 25 turnovers and had just eight giveaways. St. Francis has a premier season-opening home game versus Wallace County. The Wildcats have not lost in the regular season since Sept. 23, 2011.

Yates previously coached multiple classifications in Colorado, including taking his most recent team to the state semifinals before coming to St. Francis just a few months before last year started.

“Our keys to success depend on our players’ ability to get better during the summer season and continue that growth throughout the football season,” Yates said. “Having a full summer under our belt as a team in year two will determine our ability to play faster.”

Spearville, the defending state champions, completed a 13-0 season and its first football crown with one of the more statistically dominant seasons in recent eight-man

football. The Lancers outscored teams 720-140 including a 62-16 state title victory versus Hanover.

Spearville graduated standout Nathan Stein, the team’s quarterback and linebacker.

Stein engineered the single wing offense to near perfection as the Lancers went 8-2, 10-1 and 13-0 the last three seasons and led offenses that averaged 51.8, 52.4 and 55.4 points per contest.

Still, Spearville returns two Kpreps.com all-state players with senior lineman Wyatt Strecker and senior running back Luke Heskamp (1,468 rushing yards, 32 offensive scores).

The Lancers are traditionally known for very few turnovers and had just one last season. Spearville is again expected to have a large roster with around 37 players.

Rural Vista and Burlingame will again play in the same district. Burlingame has defeated the Heat the last two seasons (40-34, 48-26) and went 11-1 en route to a substate championship game appearance, the program’s best showing since a 1972 state title.

The Bearcats graduate three all-state players in running back Robert Hutchins, end Harrison Summers and defensive lineman Paul Holt. Junior quarterback Dalton Sporing returns after he completed 108 of 187 passes for 1,833 yards with a 32/5 TD/INT ratio. He also rushed for 632 yards and 14 scores. Burlingame finished with 11 defensive/special teams scores, including four fumble returns for scores.

Rural Vista finished 7-3 in its second year of a cooperative agreement between Hope and White City. Coach Jeff Hostetter is likely in his final season and enters with 216 career victories after decades of first coaching his alma mater, Hope, and then RV. He returns six offensive and eight defensive starters, including his son, senior quarterback Trace. The Heat feature several standouts, including senior running back/linebacker Jaryth Barten, senior wide receiver Cade Stilwell, and junior fullback/ defensive lineman Eli Flemming.

“Our 2016 goals are to be a tough and physical team on defense and to be top contender in the state by the end of the year,” coach Hostetter said. “The keys to our teams success will be the returning players this year and the larger number of seniors than we have had in the past years. We will also need to work on our offensive line.”

Osborne went 4-5 in 2015 but returns all eight starters for veteran coach Cullen Riner. The Bulldogs won the 2013 Eight-Man, Division I crown after not making the playoffs in ’12. The ’13 squad set the eight-man scoring record with 760 points in a 13-0 season.

Last season, Osborne averaged 37.6 points but also permitted 37.6 points. A high-octane offensive season will likely see major contributions from Cullen Grabast (1,760 all-purpose yards, 22 TDs), Denton Schurr (1,066 allpurpose yards, 14 scores) and senior Justin Burch (12/2 TD/INT ratio).

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KPG PRESEASON RANKINGS 1. St. Francis 2. Spearville 3. Burlingame 4. Rural Vista 5. Osborne Others: Central Plains, Hoxie, Sedan, Solomon, Victoria, West Elk Central Plains won the 2014 title and finished No. 2 in the final Kpreps.com poll last season after a 9-2 record with losses to both eight-man state champions. The Oilers graduate three-year starting quarterback Braedan Crites and its top four running backs. Junior Alex Barton and senior Trey Schulte, who each played significant roles on the state title team, lead the Oilers. Barton recorded 78 tackles and seven total scores, while Schulte had 72 tackles and 11 TFLs. South Central has reached the first round of the playoffs the last three seasons and fell to Solomon, a sub-state participant, in the 2015 postseason. The T-Wolves return a pair of standouts with Kpreps all-state defensive lineman Kody Huck and Gerald Morehead, a three-year starter at quarterback. Huck recorded 25 TFLs and 13 sacks.

Morehead rushed for 1,384 yards, passed for 922 and accounted for 42 offensive TDs. Longtime coach Matt Smith went to Atwood and new coach Billy Nichols takes over.

Solomon graduated all-state quarterback Jake Tiernan, a four-year starter, and returns two offensive and three defensive starters for coach Steve Tiernan.

In addition to Osborne and Solomon, District 4 has eightman newcomer Bennington, Logan-Palco (7-2 in 2015) and Victoria, the two-time defending Eight-Man, Division II champions. L-P features junior David Thompson, who rushed for 1,319 yards and 18 scores, while the Knights have just two returning starters, including senior Bryant Karlin, their leading tackler.

“Get better each week,” Victoria coach Doug Oberle said of his team’s goals and keys. “Become better person, student, teammate. Maturation of team, leadership, have a great summer program, win each day.”

Argonia-Attica, the two-time defending Eight-Man, Division II runners-up, has moved up a classification.

Herington and Onaga could make an impact in its eightman debuts this season. Herington was winless in ’15, while Onaga had one victory. Sedan, after standout basketball and baseball seasons yielded state tournament trips last winter, looks for its first playoff football berth since 2009.

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HOSTETTER FAMILY RURAL VISTA

BY CONOR NICHOLL Jeff Hostetter was a 1980 graduate of Hope High School and played for longtime coach Joe Ross. Hope reached the playoffs each year from 1975-79 and collected a runner-up showing in ‘80. After he finished high school, Hostetter watched games from the sideline as Hope had a downturn.

“Hope really went in the dumps,” he said.

In 1989, Hostetter become head coach and helped Hope become one of eight-man football’s best programs in the last quarter century behind hallmarks of staff continuity, fundamentals and team chemistry.

“I used to always stand on the sideline and hear people say, ‘Well, I wished I would have worked harder,’” Hostetter said. “‘We could have been a lot better.’ That was my goal when I came in there - I said I don’t want kids to come back 10 years later and say they wished they would have did this or that. I sure hope most of them, we got the best out of them.”

His two children, sons Trevor and Trace, have grown up around the program and watched as the Lions have made 20 playoff appearances, collected four state runner-up showings and the 2003 state title. Rural Vista, the third season of the co-op between Hope and White City, made the postseason last year.

Hostetter, 216-72, is considered the winningest Rule 10 football coach in Kansas annals. Throughout the years, Hostetter has enjoyed when former players have returned and talked about their high school days.

“That’s what makes me feel good,” Hostetter said. “I said that these kids could come back and talk about back the way it used to be.”

This fall, Rural Vista has a bevy of experienced juniors and seniors from a 7-3 squad. Hostetter has said this is likely his final year of coaching; he will be 55.

“It is fun playing for him,” Trace, the starting quarterback and fouryear starter, said. “I know he is one of the best coaches around. His achievements surely show that. It’s real fun to be on a team with him. I would much rather be on his team than on the opposite side of the field.”

For years, Hostetter joked with Ross - now the veteran assistant that a coach “had to be around for a long time” to coach a father and son combination. Then, Hostetter realized his longevity in the last two years when he has coached Chance Jacobson. Chance’s dad, Mike, was a senior on Hostetter’s first team.

“When that hit there, that brought home quite a bit right there,” Hostetter said. “You know you’ve been around a long time. This town has always been so supportive and all the administration has been supportive of everything I’ve ever done here.”

Trace has enjoyed seeing the tradition throughout the years. Since kindergarten, he’d served as ball boy and watched film with his father and the assistant coaches. One memory he recalls from his father was the ‘03 pep rally. Coach Hostetter went into the gym to speak and the fieldhouse was filled with people spilling outside the doors. He saw how each class wanted to continue the success from the previous years and not let the alumni down. Since the Hope co-op with White City, Rural Vista has posted records of 5-4 and 7-3 and should be a state contender this year.

“He has just got that competitive drive that makes him want to win, and he tells the kids, ‘Yeah, you come to play this sport to have fun, but the sport is a lot more fun when you win,’” Trace said.

Rule 10 coaches, especially at the eight-man level, often have high turnover rate. Outside of Hostetter, and Victoria’s Doug Oberle, few have maintained success. Hostetter runs a business for the co-ops around the area and often works 100-plus hour weeks in the summer.

Both Hostetters heavily credited Ross, now retired from full-time work, for running the weight room in the summer and school year and helping with the players.

In his early years, Hostetter talked with longtime Little River coach Shane Cordell several times a week during the season to discuss offensive philosophy. In ‘96, Hostetter first met Cordell at the eight-man all-star game. Hostetter has always had an option-oriented team and liked the short passing game, though has changed the scheme based on personnel. The all-star game had long been predicated on double tight-end formations and lower scoring games. From 1988-95, the allstar game produced scores of 22-8, 18-6, 22-14, 14-8, 23-0, 27-0, 20-6 and 16-6. Hostetter opened up the offense. The East won, 52-20, behind 213 passing yards from then-Sylvan Grove standout

quarterback Ben Labertew, who went on to coach at Natoma and now at SylvanLucas.

“The biggest key to success is seeing what other people are doing and try to put that in there with the way that you want to do things,” Hostetter said. “A lot of it is getting along with the kids, and getting the most out of each one of the players is the biggest key.”

He has always told younger coaches, “coach what you know,” and has long stressed fundamentals and team chemistry with his program.

Current Solomon administrator and former Goessel, Baileyville B&B and Solomon head coach Justin Coup is a Hope graduate. Steve Tiernan, who won state titles at B&B and Osborne, changed his defense to a 3-3 after a 2007 playoff loss to Hope when the Lions continually ran the dive play.

Third-year Burlingame coach Jeff Slater has been impressed with Hostetter’s fundamentals in film study.

“The kids can pick up on that pretty fast if you are not sure what you are trying to do,” coach Hostetter said. “If you don’t know the straight fundamentals, you look at any good team in there, any good coach in there, they are very fundamentally sound, and that’s where you’ve got to start, and that’s where I always start early in the year. I said, ‘We’ve got to get the simple things done first and be able to do them well.’”

He has had long-time coaches and administration, including Ross and Steve Riedy, the longtime athletic director, girls’ basketball coach and junior high football coach. The continuity helped when Hope formed the co-op with White City, located about 30 miles away.

“We’ve come a long way from the beginning,” Hostetter said.

Trace and Jaryth Barten will enter their fourth years as starters, along with senior Cade Stilwell, who came over from White City. Stilwell started since his freshman year, too.

Last season, Trace completed 96 of 164 passes for 1,321 yards with a 19/6 TD/INT ratio; he missed one game due to injury and went through offseason shoulder surgery. Trace collected 87 carries for 645 yards and 19 TDs. Defensively, he recorded 104 tackles and four INTs. “I understand the game a lot better than most,” Trace said.

Stilwell was the leading receiver with 49 catches for 700 yards, while Barten recorded a team-high 130 tackles. Junior Eli Flemming has also started since his freshman year and is one of eight-man’s top nonseniors. He collected a team-high 650 rushing yards and 85 tackles as teams often ran away from him. The Heat returns six offensive and eight defensive starters for a unit that had an average score of 41-26.

The last eight eight-man teams that reached a state title had an average total of 53-15. Eight-Man, Division I’s last two champions, Central Plains and Spearville, made big improvements, especially defensively, en route to crowns.

Trace said the experienced defense “will be very solid” and could be the team’s strongest facet. Continued growth could put Rural Vista in Newton in late November - and continue the tradition for the Hostetters.

Photos by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com

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CLASS 8-Man I Photos by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com Features by Tyler Gier

The Eisenhower Presidential Library Boyhood Home - A typical 19th century home, the Eisenhower family occupied this house from 1898 until Mrs. Eisenhower’s death in 1946. Her sons gave the house, on its original site, to the Eisenhower Foundation which maintained it until it was given to the Federal Government in 1966. A tour guide provides information on the history of the Boyhood Home. Tours are given every 15 minutes.

(Courtesy Eisenhower Presidential Library)

In May the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home in Abilene, was host to the Kansas Pregame Class Feature Shoot. Dozens of Kansas football players traveled from across the state to be part of this special feature photo shoot at one of the state’s most important historic landmarks. Their features, written by Tyler Gier, are on the following pages.

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TATE BECKER

KOLVIN BERRY

QUINTON CRAVENS

CULLEN GRABAST

LUKE HESKAMP

The Herington Railers switch to 8Man football this fall, and the presence of 6-1, 215 pound senior linebacker Tate Becker should help make the transition easier. In the Railers final season in 11-Man, Becker recorded 150 total tackles including 72 solo stops.

Herington coach Tom Flax said Becker “leads by example and is a quiet leader.� Becker’s leadership was evident last offseason. “I remember looking out my classroom window getting ready for school last summer and seeing (Becker) doing sprints on the field,� said Flax. “I asked him what he was doing out in the heat of the day and his reply was that we are going to be practicing in the heat‚ and I want to get my body acclimated to the conditions.�

Individually, Becker’s goal is to tally over 100 tackles for the second consecutive season. However, Becker has loftier goals for a Herington program that has fallen on hard times. He and his teammates are aiming for a winning record for the first time since 2011. The Railers have just one win since.

West Elk was the talk of 8-Man football last season with lineman Isaiah Loudermilk receiving over a dozen FBS scholarship offers and committing to Wisconsin in January.

The 6-foot-6, 285 pound Badger commit left big shoes to fill, however, the Patriots still have size and experience up front with Kolvin Berry.

West Elk head coach Chris Haag is expecting “big things� from the 6foot-2, 280 pound senior lineman. “(Kolvin) has good footwork and utilizes that with his strength and power to give him a great advantage on the offensive and defensive line,� said Haag. Berry utilized these assets to finish sixth in the 321A State Wrestling Tournament in February.

Berry will look to build off a solid junior campaign where he earned Kpreps.com All-District recognition and helped Patriot football to a Regional Runner-Up finish. “We expect big things from Kolvin this season as a player and a leader for our football program,� said Haag. “I am very proud of the progress that he has made each year as a member of our program.�

St. Francis senior Quinton Cravens, at 6-3, 175 pounds, is a quarterback on both sides of the ball.

As the starting quarterback and safety, Cravens is an extension of the coaching staff between the hashmarks. “He knows where every single player is on the field and knows when they are not in the right position,� Indian head coach Rodney Yates said. “His ability to coach on the field and in the huddle is why our team excelled this past season.�

Cravens passed for 1,300 yards, recorded a 24/5 TD/INT ratio, and added 500 yards on the ground last fall. Defensively, Cravens recorded 70 tackles and six interceptions as the Indians finished 10-1 and Regional Runner-Up. “I look for him to continue to grow in our offense and take our team to great heights,� added Yates.

With seven starters on offense, six on defense, 12 total lettermen, and 30 total players all returning, those great heights could include the school’s first state championship game appearance.

Just two years removed from an undefeated state championship and two head coaching changes later, the Bulldogs are ready to take a step back toward playoff contention.

Cullen Grabast, a 6-1, 165 pound senior running back will help provide the offensive fireworks. The versatile Grabast rushed for 1,123 yards and 12 TDs last fall and tallied 425 yards receiving with 10 more scores, but Osborne missed the postseason with a 4-5 overall record.

Osborne coach Cullen Riner believes the talents that separates Grabast “are his intelligence, quickness and speed.� “(Grabast’s) work ethic, toughness, and the respect he shows to people are as good or better than anyone I’ve coached,� Riner added.

Grabast is also a standout in basketball, where he earned All-State honors after averaging 16.5 points per game last season, and the track, where he was state runner-up in the 1A boys 800 meter run, and the third place finisher in the 400 meter dash. “I enjoy watching us grow as a unit and getting better,� Grabast said.

Spearville’s single wing offense was unstoppable in 2015 en route to a dominate 13-0 championship season, defeating Hanover by the 45 point mercy rule, 62-16 in the title game. Luke Heskamp, a key component of the Lancer rushing attack, is back for one more go around.

Heskamp ran for 1,468 yards on 115 carries (a 12.8 yards per carry average) with 30 TDs in ‘15. The 5-7, 155 pound RB led the Lancers in rushing yards and rushing TDs. Even for a Lancer team that returns five starters on offense and three on defense, Heskamp wants “to become more of a true leader.�

Heskamp will be expected to do just that on defense as the only returning Lancer in the team’s top six tacklers from a year ago with 51.

In 2016 Heskamp wants to top his 2015 rushing total. Team goals include “setting high standards for each other, and reaching larger heights from last year.�

The Lancers will miss standout Nathan Stein, and five other graduated returning starters, but remain a favorite to repeat.

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501 Main St.

Atwood 785-626-3141 BRYANT KARLIN

HUNTER PADGETT

TAYLOR ROGERS

Karlin’s 5-10, 155 pound frame will be called upon to carry a big load for the reigning 8-Man II State Champs.

Victoria lost eight offensive starters and return just two defensive starters, including Karlin. Along with losing all the starting experience, the Knights will make the jump back up to 8-Man I. Knight coach Doug Oberle says Karlin is up to the task.

“As a teammate he is the most experienced senior and has stepped up this spring and summer as a leader.” noted Oberle. “He constantly works to get better every day and brings passion and effort to every workout.”

The senior linebacker paced the defense last season with 95 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery.

“As a player he is very technically sound on both offense and defense,” said Oberle. “He understands angles and leverage and has the speed and strength to finish the play.”

Karlin’s goals are “(to) get better every day,” adding that he likes football because “it teaches countless lessons, traits and responsibilities that can be applied to everyday life.”

Padgett has been an impact player for Sedan after his transfer from Rose Hill before the 2015 season. Even though the Blue Devils saw just a one win improvement from their 4-5 record in 2014 Padgett’s arrival helped the Blue Devils contend in their district.

Narrow losses to West Elk and Udall kept Sedan out of the postseason.

Padgett led the team with 92 total tackles last season and offensively coach Mick Holt calls him the “best fullback I’ve ever coached in my 20 years of coaching football.”

Padgett wants to garner First Team All-State linebacker honors this fall and hopes to join six other returning starters in helping the team to win at least seven games, make the playoffs and “make it as far as we can.”

Padgett, who hopes to play college football has received recruiting interest from several junior colleges and NAIA schools.

His Hudl profile lists him at 6 foot, 205 pounds, with a 4.87 second 40, a 415 pound squat, and an 11.78 second 100 meter dash.

St. Francis senior Taylor Rogers enjoyed an outstanding season in 2015, racking up 1,900 yards from scrimmage with 1,500 yards rushing and 400 yards receiving and 30 total TDs. The Kpreps.com 8-Man I District 8 Offensive MVP also had an impact on defense, recording 80 tackles and five INTs. The 5-11, 175 pound Rogers, is “great representation of family values and hard work,” according to St. Francis coach Rodney Yates. “(He) has a competitor’s mindset that trickles down to his teammates. He is always in the weight room, at skill development, and a true staple in our program.”

Rogers’ work also resonates with his team, Yates said. “He is respected by his coaches and teammates and his eagerness to get better every day puts him ahead of the pack.”

Rogers lists “the friendship you build with your teammates, the hard work and also the everlasting memories you make,” as his favorite parts of the game. His goals include to “not lose a regular season game and chase a state championship.”

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ATTICA/ARGONIA

ATWOOD-RAWLINS CO.

BENNINGTON

BURDEN-CENTRAL

Argonia-Attica, in its fourth-year of a co-op for football only, reached the 8-Man II title game each of the last two seasons, losing to Victoria twice.

However, A-A went from relative surprise that heavily relied on offense in 2014 to a dominant, veteran and balanced squad in 2015 that nearly defeated the Knights in a championship classic.

In 2014 the Titans went 12-1 and outscored teams, 759-364, just one point away from tying Osborne’s eight-man all-time scoring record. The Titans had multiple wild games in the playoffs with an 84-40 victory against Southern Coffey County, a 56-32 win versus Pike Valley and a 70-44 victory against Axtell before the 52-8 loss to Victoria.

Last season, A-A again finished 12-1 and outscored teams, 742-110 behind a revamped defense. In the postseason, the Titans shutout Hartford, 48-0, defeated Pike Valley, 74-24 and then shutout Axtell, 52-0. The Titans lost, 36-28, to Victoria in the state finals. A-A never led but tied the game at 28 on a three-yard pass on fourth down late in the game. A turnover and punt gave Victoria the ball at its own 15-yard line with 35 seconds left.

On the game’s final offensive play, Victoria QB Brady Dinkel rushed 56 yards on 4th-and-1 and dove into the end zone for the game-winning score.

Attica, with many of the key football players, did win the Class 1A, Division II state basketball championship against Hartford.

The Titans will miss graduated QB Alec McDaniel, a multi-year all-state selection, along with leading rusher Devon Newberry. The squad returns just two offensive and three defensive starters.

Coach Matt Smith had coached South Central the previous decade, including three straight playoff appearances from ’13-15, as well as postseason berths in ’07 and ’08. South Central went 8-2 in ‘13, 6-4 in ‘14 and 8-2 last season. Smith, a Protection native, takes over a Buff program that, like South Central, has multiple recent playoff appearances but hasn’t moved past the first round. Smith replaces Deone Horinek, a former Atwood standout who went 37-21 in six seasons.

Rawlins Co. finished district runner-up last season for its third straight playoff appearance. Atwood made the postseason each year from ’05-10 and then ’13-15 but lost in the first round each year.

Since moving to the eight-man ranks, Rawlins Co. is 7-2, 8-2, 6-4 and 7-3. The Buffs were relatively competitive in its two regular season losses with a 36-14 defeat versus Wallace County in Week 1 and a 20-12 district loss versus St. Francis in Week 5.

Atwood fell, 64-14, to eventual champion Spearville in the playoff opener.

Junior Maverick Green returns at quarterback after he completed 36 of 81 passes for 435 yards with an 11/4 TD/INT ratio. Senior Cole Sramek has delivered a standout career with 162 carries for 1,238 yards and 19 scores. All but 50 of the team’s 3,204 rushing yards came from non-seniors in ’15.

Sramek also led the Buffs with 131 tackles. For his career, Sramek has 2,965 rushing yards and 40 rushing TDs along with 291 tackles and 12 TFLs. Smith wants to “continue to get better everyday,” and “take care of the things we can control,” this season.

Bennington drops down to eight-man football after back-to-back 5-4 seasons. 2014 marked the Bulldogs first winning season since 2005.

Bennington will play in Eight-Man, Division I, District 4 with Lincoln, Solomon, Osborne, LoganPalco and two-time Division II state champion Victoria. All but Osborne (4-5) had a winning record in 2015.

“Number one goal is to get better week after week,” second-year coach David Gillett said. “If we improve every week, then we will give ourselves the best chance of getting the next goal of winning our district and making the playoffs.”

Bennington has to replace quarterback Justin Stanley (1,173 passing, 12/10 TD/INT) and its toptwo rushers. Junior J.J. Allen is the top returning skill player with 17 catches for 333 yards and three scores.

The Bulldogs’ top-seven tacklers graduated.

Bennington finished plus-2 in turnover margin and was plus-5 in 2014.

“We are changing from 11-man to 8-man; so one of our keys is getting adjusted to the 8-man game,” Gillett said. “If we can continue to improve off of the success we have had the last two seasons, I truly believe we can be a very good team. The amount of work and dedication over the summer will determine a lot of the success of our team in the fall.”

12-1 in 2015 / 5-0 in district / 8-Man I South Central Border League Coach: Luke Greenwood/Lance Vandeveer (4th year, 29-6; 7th overall, 46-25) Assistants: Monte Miller, Monte Haxton Offense: Pistol Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 6 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 3 Defense Seth Hemberger, RB/LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Brady Ricke, TE/DB, 6-3, 160, Sr.; Masen McDaniel, OL/ NG, 5-10, 220, So. Conor Nicholl

7-3 in 2015 / 5-1 in district / 8-Man I Northwest Kansas League Coach: Matt Smith (1st year, 15th overall) Assistants: Andrew Melia Offense: I-Formation Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense Maverick Green, QB, Jr.; Cole Sramek, RB/DB, Sr.; Will Ginther, OL/DL, Sr.; Jalen Kreup, LB, Jr.; Tyler Beckman, RB/LB, Sr.; Nick Withington, TE, Jr.; Will Crouse, DL, Jr.; Braden Leitner, DB, Jr. CN

After a couple lean years, Central-Burden witnessed a rebuild come to fruition with a five-win jump and a postseason run under second-year coach Anthony Blair. The Raiders won at least seven games from 2009 to 2012, but dropped off to 2-7 in 2013 and 3-6 in Blair’s first season in 2014.

Burden placed itself on the better side of the winloss ledger several times this past season, pounding its way to an 8-3 year. The Raiders captured a 70-50 playoff victory over Uniontown to open the 8Man Division I playoffs, but were knocked out in the next round by Burlingame, 74-54.

Burden was runner-up in District 2 to West Elk, but that will not happen this time around – West Elk and Sedan shifted to different district assignments.

If Burden can tab replacements for lineman Michael Delaney and quarterback Lucas McMichael – a big if, as McMichael was one of the best 8-Man signal callers in the state – then the Raiders should be looked upon as district favorites. Burden is the only returning playoff squad in District 2, while Udall and Peabody, both 5-4, were the only other teams above .500. Burden hosts both of those foes this year. Meanwhile, the Raiders have district road games at Cedar Vale/Dexter, Flinthills and Oxford, but those three opponents combined for only four wins in 2015. Burden did not play Peabody in 2015, but the Raiders captured wins by 46-or-more over its other district adversaries.

Senior tight end Cody Jimenez is the top returning option on an offense that stunned opponents with 53.6 points per game, the fourth-best number in Division 1 behind only Uniontown, Spearville and Hanover. Big two-way lineman Austin Branscum will offer protection for Burden’s new quarterback, and will team with Jimenez to chase down opposing runners in the backfield on the defensive line.

Cornerback Dustin Handlin also will give the defense a reliable presence in the secondary.

5-4 in 2015 / 1-3 in district / 8-Man I Heart of America Coach: David Gillett (2nd year, 5-4) Assistants: Bryan Shamburg, Kevin Turowski Offense: Power/Spread Defense: 3-4/3-3 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense J.J. Allen, RB, 5-8, 140, Jr.; Trey Wood, OL/DE, 510, 260, Sr.; Bryce Griffin, OL/DT, 5-10, 260, Sr.; Kade Carlson, OL/DE, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Ethan Schlachter, OL/DL, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Avery Kidd, WR/ LB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Ryan Stanley, WR/DB, 5-10, 145, Jr.; Teagan Keil, DL, 6-0, 300, Sr. Conor Nicholl

8-3 in 2015 / 4-1 in district / 8-Man I South Central Border League Coach: Anthony Blair (3rd year, 11-9; 7th overall 3623) Offense: Double Tight Defense: 5-1 KM

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CEDAR/VALE/DEXTER

BURLINGAME

CANTON-GALVA

It was a season for the ages for Burlingame in 2015, even if it didn’t end with the program’s first state title since 1972. The Bearcats entered the season with high expectations and then went out and exceeded them, going 11-1 and reaching the 8Man I semifinals before finally falling to Hanover.

The run was a remarkable one, producing the program’s first Lyon County League title, and playoff berth, since ‘04. A potent offense averaged 52.3 points per game while the defense pitched two shutouts and allowed just one TD in two others.

It was almost the perfect season. The opportunity certainly exists for another run at league, district and state titles. Though graduation claimed standout d-end Paul Holt, leading rusher Robert Hutchins and the top-three receivers, there are enough pieces back to keep Burlingame rolling.

Junior QB Dalton Sporing was spectacular last year, throwing for 1,833 yards and 32 TDs and rushing for 632 yards and 14 scores. He might have to carry more of the offensive load early on until the new weapons around him develop.

The playmakers could be senior Anthony Hovestadt and junior Colton Noonan, defensive allleaguers who combined for five special teams TD returns. Line play should be a strength behind returning all-leaguers Tristan Lee and Irish Masters.

While Canton-Galva is eager to boost its win count, the schedule maker did no favors in that pursuit, as the Eagles take on three playoffs squads and seven teams coming off winning records.

Canton-Galva was 1-8 in 2015, coach Dustin Patee’s first season at the helm. He previously spent two seasons at Logan-Palco.

While the Eagles enjoyed 5-4 records in 2013 and 2014, there has been a drought of postseason berths. Their most recent playoff experience came in ‘07, the final of four consecutive playoff trips.

“Our team goals are yet to be decided, but our coach’s goals for the season is to become a stronger team by forging bonds between players and becoming more disciplined as a team, on and off the field,” Patee said.

The offense’s first option will be junior running back Dylan Wood. He rushed for 297 yards and three touchdowns this past season while adding 343 yards and four more scores in the passing attack. Quarterback Reed Wiens is back under center. Wiens’ biggest contributions may come on defense, however, where he started at defensive back. He pulled down 43 tackles and scooped up five fumbles as a junior. His help in the secondary, Jonah Sargent, racked up 57 tackles.

Seniors Hunter Pearson and Marshall Reedy offer two sturdy linemen, with Pearson weighing in at 225 pounds and Reedy at 234.

11-1 in 2015 / 5-0 in district / 8-Man I Lyon County League Coach: Jeff Slater (3rd year, 17-4) Assistants: Nick Brungardt, Eric West Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Stack Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 6 Defense Dalton Sporing, QB/DB, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Tristan Lee, OL/DE, 5-10, 235, Jr.; Irish Masters, C, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Anthony Hovestadt, DB, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Colton Noonan, S, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Dyllan Brown, NG, 5-10, 225, Jr.; Jake Thompson, DE, 6-4, 200, Jr. Brent Maycock

CLYDE-CLIFTON CLYDE It was just three years ago when Clifton-Clyde was four minutes from playing for an Eight-Man Division I state championship. But since seeing eventual champion Osborne rally with two TDs for a 42-34 win in the 2013 semifinals, the Eagles have spent the past two seasons trying to regain its footing. A 1-8 season followed in ‘14 and last year, Clifton-Clyde picked up one more win, going 2-7.

The turnaround could begin this year led by a strong senior class which had to grow up quickly when pressed into action as sophomores in 2014.

Though only seven lettermen return, six of them are starters, giving the Eagles plenty of experience as they try to end their two-year playoff and winning season drought.

Anchored by seniors Eli Ohlde, Michael Cyr, Shawn Fahey and Justin Shutt, line play will be a strength for the Eagles with both Ohlde and Shutt bringing plenty of size to the unit. Cordell Cyr and Caleb Charbonneau both return in the backfield after leading the Eagles offensively a year ago.

Clifton-Clyde scored at least 28 points in all but three games last year, but the defense will need to make strides after giving up 36 or more points in all seven losses.

2-7 in 2015 / 1-5 in district / 8-Man I Twin Valley League Coach: Russ Steinbrock (15th year, 86-47) Assistants: Gary Carlson, Ryan Baxter Offense: Power Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Michael Cyr, OL/DL, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Cordell Cyr, RB/ DB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Shawn Fahey, OL/LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Justin Shutt, OL/DL, 6-3, 240, Sr.; Caleb Charbonneau, RB/DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Matt Barnes, WR/DB, 5-6, 135, Sr.; Eli Ohlde, OL/DL, 6-3, 243, Sr. Brent Maycock

1-8 in 2015 / 0-5 in district / 8-Man I Wheat State League Coach: Dustin Patee (2nd year, 1-8; 4th overall, 1017) Assistants: Dean Scott, Tyler O’Connor Offense: Option Defense: 4-1 Returning lettermen: 6 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Hunter Pearson, OL/DL, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Marshall Reedy, OL/DL, 6-0, 234, Sr.; Reed Wiens, QB/DB, 6-3, 183, Sr.; Dylan Wood, RB/LB, 5-9, 161, Jr.; Jonah Sargent, DB, 5-8, 151, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

Central Plains enjoyed an impressive three-year run with 9-2, 13-0 and 9-2 records. Two years ago, the Oilers won the 8-Man I state title. Last fall, CP lost to eventual state titlist Spearville, 58-28, in the playoffs, though finished No. 2 in the final EightMan, Division I rankings. This season, the Oilers graduate several multi-year starters, including three-year starting QB Braedan Crites, three-sport all-stater Michael Ryan and RB/LB Jacob Warnken.

The Oilers open at Victoria, versus Ness City and at Otis-Bison for a challenging first three games.

Coach Chris Steiner’s son, Bryce, the quarterback before Crites and a former Shrine Bowler, is in his first year as an assistant coach.

“We would like to win all our league games in a very competitive league that includes opening with Victoria, Otis Bison, and Ness City,” coach Steiner said. “We would like to win our district again and see if we can make another run in the playoffs.”

Junior Alex Barton, who also saw time on the state title team, and senior Bryce Miller are the leading returning skill players. Miller had 17 rushes for 120 yards and four scores and nine catches for 103 yards and two TDs. Barton collected 17 receptions for 246 yards and five scores. Barton, an explosive returner, had 678 all-purpose yards.

Senior lineman Trey Schulte enters his third season as a starter; he led the squad with six pancake blocks. Barton finished third with 78 tackles and recorded three INTs and seven passes defended, while Schulte was fifth with 72 stops with 11 TFLs. “First off with limited numbers we have to stay healthy to be successful,” Steiner said. “We want to 3-6 in 2015 / 1-4 in district / 8-Man I South Central Border League improve each week and win games on both sides of Coach: Richard Atherton/Dustin Murphy (2nd year, the football. We need our young kids and some kids that didn’t play very much last year to step up and 3-6) Kyle McCaskey fill spots and create depth that was depleted by a large graduating class.”

ELLINWOOD

Jason Duvall may be on the verge of singlehandedly reviving Ellinwood’s athletic programs.

This past spring, Duvall coached Eagles softball to a 20-4 record and a 2-1A state runner-up trophy. In his first season coaching Ellinwood football this past fall, the Eagles excelled on their way to a 6-3 record. That marked the first time Ellinwood was above .500 in a decade – the Eagles were a combined 14-76 in the 10 years before Duvall’s arrival.

With Duvall’s magic touch, the Eagles can begin to dream of more than just clawing out a couple victories a season. The postseason no longer has to be an exclusive list reserved only for others in the district. Ellinwood last made the playoffs in 2004, South Central coach Matt Smith left the program the tail end of five consecutive qualifications. after 10 seasons as head coach and went to Rawlins County. Veteran coach Billy D. Nichols (91- District 5 sends Ellinwood up against Canton-Galva (1-8), Central Plains (9-2), Goessel (3-6), Little 51 career record) takes over the program. Nichols said defensive stops – “take pride in keeping teams River (5-4) and St. John (0-9). Central Plains is the only returning playoff team of that quintet of oppoout of the end zone” – and toughness – “keeping nents. Ellinwood secured victories over all of them ourselves healthy” - as the keys for the season.

He will have two of eight-man football’s best play- except Central Plains in 2015.

“Key for us will be our QB Tyson Martinez. Tyson ers with senior quarterback Gerald Morehead and is returning for his third season as the starting QB,” lineman Kody Huck.

Duvall said. “He has the ability to be a great leader SC is 2-8 in the playoffs since Coldwater and Protection consolidated. The T-Wolves are 13-2 at for us. He showed some of those attributes many times last season and we are looking for him to home in the last three years, including a 46-44 continue that trend.” home playoff loss to Solomon in the first round.

Martinez is an astute passer. He tossed 19 touchMorehead enters his third year as the starting downs against nine interceptions on his way to quarterback. His numbers are nearly identical in both seasons. As a sophomore, he completed 45 of 1,151 yards. On the ground, he tacked on 302 yards and five touchdowns.

79 passes for 890 yards with a 15/5 TD/INT ratio.

Ellinwood must break in some new skill players He rushed 175 times for 1,048 yards and 21 around Martinez, but he does have a rapport with scores. As a junior, Morehead completed 49 of 77 receiver Tate Fisher, the beneficiary of three of passes for 922 yards with a 16/5 TD/INT ratio. He Martinez’ touchdown throws. also rushed 180 times for 1,384 yards with 26 But for all Martinez does on offense, he will be scores. Including spot time as a freshman, needed to orchestrate defensive assignments, as Morehead has 2,639 career rushing yards, 7.0 well.

Martinez registered 37 tackles from his free yards per carry and 53 career rushing TDs. Huck had 61 tackles, including a team-high 25 for safety post as a junior. He will get secondary help loss. He finished with 13 sacks and 32 quarterback from Eric Jones (23 tackles), while lineman Colby hurries. He recovered five fumbles, forced two fum- Prescott (25 tackles) makes a push in the trenches. bles and blocked a pair of punts.

6-3 in 2015 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man I Central Prairie League 8-2 in 2015 / 5-0 in district / 8-Man I Coach: Jason Duvall (2nd year, 6-3) Southern Plains Iroquois Assistants: Monte Doll, Alex Birney Coach: Billy D. Nichols (1st year, 14th overall, 91Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 51) Assistants: Gene Glenn, Jake Regier Returning lettermen: 16 Offense: Carnival Defense: 4-2 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 3 Defense Returning starters: 3 Offense, 3 Defense Tyson Martinez, QB/FS, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Tate Fisher, Gerald Morehead, QB/DE, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Kody WR, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Eric Jones, DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Huck, RB/NG, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Charles Barragan, Jacob Herman, OL, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Colby Prescott, WR/CB, 6-2, 177, Sr.; Cabe Lindsay, G/MLB, 6-0, Kyle McCaskey 190, Jr. Conor Nicholl DL, 5-10, 240, Jr.

COLDWATER-SO. CENTRAL

CLAFLIN-CENTRAL PLAINS

Wins and losses aside, Cedar Vale/Dexter simply would appreciate some stability in its coaching position. Richard Atherton and Dustin Murphy garnered co-head coaching duties this past season, marking four head coaches in four years for the cooperative that began in 2010. At times, the players have overcome that volatility with playoff trips in ‘10 and ‘14.

The Spartans were 3-6 this past season and on the outside looking in on the postseason. A defense ridden for 422 points rated in the bottom 20 percent of 8-Man Division I. Seven teams poured on 50plus on Cedar Vale/Dexter. After beginning the season with a promising 3-2 mark, the Spartans were routed in their last four district games.

District 2 saw some shuffle, now composed of the Spartans, Central Burden (8-3), Flinthills (0-9), Oxford (1-8), Udall (5-4) and Peabody (5-4). Cedar Vale/Dexter had mixed results against that crowd a year ago – wins over Flinthills and Oxford and losses to Udall and Burden while Peabody was not on the schedule.

The Spartans return a powerful running back in senior Demetrius Adkins. Senior linebacker Miles Juul will orchestrate the defense. Cedar Vale/Dexter will have to find some semblance of a replacement for sturdy lineman Ben Call, who graduated.

The two schools had some success on their own before the co-op. Cedar Vale was a 12-time playoff qualifier, while Dexter went nine times. Both schools reached as deep as the state semifinals twice on their own.

9-2 in 2015 / 5-0 in district / 8-Man I Central Prairie League Coach: Chris Steiner (6th year, 44-11; 7th year, 4519) Assistants: Dustin Robison, Bryce Steiner Offense: Multiple Formation Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 3 Defense James Radenberg, C, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Trey Schulte, OL/DL, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Bryce Miller, WR, 5-10, 140, Sr.; Alex Barton, WR/S, 6-3, 175, Jr.; Devin Ryan, CB, 5-11, 140, So. Conor Nicholl

GOESSEL Continued improvement is the main goal for Goessel this season, as the Bluebirds look to build on a 3-6 record from 2015.

“In the past year, we have improved greatly both on the field and off the field,” coach Garrett Hiebert said. “For us to continue to improve, we have to continue to build positive leadership and trust. We will not be successful if this does not happen.”

The Bluebirds return six starters on both sides of the ball, including senior QB Josh Schmidt and senior running backs Trevor Beisel and Miguel Guerrero. Senior lineman Kenny Hammond, junior tight end Jordan Griffin and sophomore tight end Drew Lindeman also return to the starting lineup.

“We have lots of experience returning including multiple two and three year starters, but we also have a few big holes to fill,” Hiebert said. “It will be important that we find some young players to step up and fill those spots.”

On defense, Goessel brings back Beisel, Guerrero and Schmidt in the secondary, Griffin and Hammond at d-end and junior Carson Sterk at LB. “We must redefine what effort, toughness and discipline mean for us as a team,” Hiebert said. “It will be critical that we get better in practice every day and play each play as if it is our last.”

3-6 in 2015 / 1-4 in district / 8-Man I Wheat State League Coach: Garrett Hiebert (4th year, 12-25) Assistant: Jacob Gouvion Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Josh Schmidt, QB/DB, 5-6, 140, Sr.; Miguel Guerrero, RB/DB, 5-7, 170, Sr.; Jordan Griffin, TE/ DE, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Trevor Beisel, RB/DB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Kenny Hammond, OL/DE, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Carson Sterk, LB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Drew Lindeman, TE, 6-3, 185, So. Melanie McGee

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

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HILL CITY

Kiowa County was considered a team that could make a leap in Eight-Man, Division I last season.

The Mavericks went 4-5 in 2014 and returned eight starters on both sides, including standout lineman Aaron Heft and back Dylan Jacks.

Kiowa County, though, finished 5-5 and lost 46-0 to Central Plains in the first round of the playoffs.

Coach Clint Young, the school’s only football coach, ended his six-year tenure with a 32-26 record. Kiowa County went 1-4 in league play and had a total margin of 336-310.

The Mavs lost 50-14 to Hodgeman County and then defeated Minneola, 44-14, a team that eventually won a playoff game. Kiowa County took a 74-28 road loss to Ashland in Week 3 and then fell, 50-0, to eventual Eight-Man, Division I champion Spearville in Week 4. Following a 44-14 loss at South Central in Week 5, Kiowa County ran off four straight blowout victories before the big playoff loss at Central Plains.

Kiowa County struggled with its passing game.

The team used two quarterbacks, including Jacks, and completed just 29 of 78 passes for 592 yards with a 9/8 TD/INT ratio. Jacks rushed 211 times for 1,281 yards with 19 scores, while Erik Torres contributed 34 carries for 306 yards and eight TDs. Graduated strongman Aaron Heft performed at a dominant level with 15.5 tackles for loss.

Kiowa County committed 18 turnovers and finished minus-7 in turnover margin. The top six and seven of the top eight tacklers were seniors.

Senior Franco Holguin, who paired with Heft and Torres to dominant at powerlifting meets in the spring, is the top returning defensive player with 25 tackles, 5.5 for loss, in nine contests.

Tye Remy previously served as the coach for two years at Centre-Lost Springs. Centre went 3-6 in his first season and 4-6 last year with the program’s first playoff berth in four years.

Outside of a 5-4 season in 2011, few 11-man teams have struggled more over the past decade than Herington. The Railers’ combined record from 2005-2015 was 11-78, including winless campaigns two of the past three years.

The battle in 11-man is over as Herington drops to 8-man football for the first time. The move also prompted the Railers’ departure from the Flint Hills League and arrival into the Wheat State League, which features all eight-man schools.

Even in going winless last year, Herington wasn’t completely overmatched. The Railers fell 14-0 in the season-opener to a Lyndon team that reached the second round of the 2-1A playoffs.

Two other early losses were by 20 or less, but as the season wore on, Herington wore down.

The transition to a new game will be helped by the return of eight players who started on offense and seven on defense, though only 11 total lettermen are back. Fourth-year coach Tom Flax believes there’s a strong core to build around with senior linebacker Tate Becker the biggest piece.

Last year, Becker led the Railers in tackles with 150 — 57 more than the next-leading tackler had — with 72 of those solo stops. Becker could become a bigger part of the offense as well, limited to just 22 carries at fullback while also seeing some time at quarterback as Herington rotated four different players under center.

Leading rusher/passer Justin Biehler graduated, but two backs who gained at least 200 yards return in Richard Hagerman and Ethan MoormanMeador. Five players who started at some point on the line give Flax plenty of options up front.

Hill City had trouble competing with teams that finished with winning records last year. They may also have set a record for playing the most teams with hyphenated names.

The Ringnecks lost 40-12 to Beloit/St. John’sTipton, 20-14 to WaKeeney-Trego Community, 48-0 to Atwood-Rawlins County, 50-0 to St. Francis and 46-18 to Logan-Palco, all squads that won at least six contests. In its other games, Hill City defeated winless Quinter, 48-0, beat CliftonClyde, 38-32 in overtime, and tallied a 34-14 win against Oberlin-Decatur Community in Week 9.

Hill City had some trouble in the passing game with 247 yards on 26 percent completion rate with a 3/7 TD/INT ratio. Senior Gabe Hamel rushed 102 times for 627 yards and six scores. Four of the top-five tacklers graduated. Hamel finished with 64 tackles and was second with eight TFLs. “We are looking to continue to build off of the end of last season, in that, due to injuries we have guys with varsity game experience,” second-year coach Greg Hamel said. “We are working to ‘tighten up’ offensively and defensively. Our key to success this fall will be ‘fine tuning’ the offense and really focusing on technique.”

HOWARD WEST-ELK

The contributions of West Elk’s Isaiahh Loudermilk and Armando Gomez will not disappear from memory anytime soon, but their graduations should not dismiss the Patriots from this season’s postseason conversations.

“Our goals will never change from year to year.

We want to continue to get better each and every day and be prepared to play on Friday nights,” said West Elk coach Chris Haag. “We have a strong nucleus of players returning and expect to build off of the success of last season.”

Loudermilk brought cameras to small town Kansas. Now competing under the bright lights at Wisconsin, Loudermilk was an impact player who chased down 97 tackles on defense and grabbed five touchdowns in his time at tight end. Gomez was a formidable weapon on the ground, juking to 37 touchdowns on 1,765 yards in ‘15.

The next version of the Patriots will have its own star power. Junior quarterback Cade Miller gashed defenses for 1,116 yards and 23 scores on the ground, and also added seven passing touchdowns. He was integral to the defense, as well, cutting down 76 tackles and plucking five interceptions. The defense has playmakers along with him, as LB Chase VanDegrift returns from a 3-6 in 2015 / 2-4 in district / 8-Man I 69-tackle campaign and linemen Chase Bunyard Mid-Continent League and Kolvin Berry combined for four sacks.

Coach: Greg Hamel (2nd year, 3-6) West Elk swept through the regular season with Assistants: Flint Allen, Travis Desbien, Vince only Central Burden and Sedan coming within 20 Walker Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 points of the Patriots. The first round of the postseason was a breeze, too, as the Patriots topReturning lettermen: 11 pled Marias des Cygnes Valley 62-14. But after 10 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense consecutive wins, West Elk’s dominance was Domineck Journigan, RB/E, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Gabe abruptly stopped in a heartbreaking 68-46 road Hamel, RB/LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Dajuen Campbell, 0-9 in 2015 / 0-4 in district / 8-Man I DT, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Ethan Hamel, QB/DB, 5-7, 140, loss to Hanover. Hanover would go on to finish as Wheat State League Jr.; Aaron McDowell, OE, 6-1, 170, So. CN the state runner-up.

The Patriots will again set their sights on the Coach: Tom Flax (4th year, 1-26) playoffs in a manageable district. West Elk will be Assistants: Marcus Hawkes, Kyle Barton the only program in the district lineup with expeReturning lettermen: 11 5-5 in 2015 / 4-1 in district / 8-Man I Returning starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense Former Kinsley star Kyle Burkhart arrives at his rience from the 2015 postseason. That may be Southern Plains Iroquois the difference for a roster breaking in new startMitch Black, OL/DE, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Richard alma mater to try turn around the Coyotes’ forCoach: Tye Remy (1st year, 3rd overall, 7-12) Hagerman, RB/DL, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Tate Becker, ers. tunes.

Assistants: Zach White, Thomas Dersetin “Our younger players will need to step up and FB/LB, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Nate Backhus, OL/DL, 6-3, Kinsley has not had a winning season since Conor Nicholl 250, Sr.; Jon Lollar, E/DB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Devonte prove that they are ready to compete at the vargoing 5-4 in 2010, and it has not been to the sity level,” Haag said.

McConnell, OL, 5-11, 160, Jr.; Justin Miller, OL, 6- postseason since going four straight years from 1, 215, Jr.; Ethan Moorman-Meador, RB/DE, 5-10, 1990-1993.

165, Jr.; Trendon Schneider, E/LB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; 10-1 in 2015 / 5-0 in district / 8-Man I Kinsley struggled in September last year, not Ben Barlow-McKenna, OL, 6-0, 175, Jr. South Central Border League BM scoring a point while giving up 218. Things improved after that, as Kinsley beat St. John and Coach: Chris Haag (16th year) Macksville in back-to-back weeks while scoring 98 Assistants: Kevin Weber, Jim Madison Offense: I-Formation Defense: 3-2 points. Defense was an issue, as the Coyotes gave at least 32 points in every game and at least Returning lettermen: 10 Hoxie had three straight playoff appearances Our goals are to be competitive every week,” Returning starters: 3 Offense, 5 Defense snapped mainly because of a 12-6 district loss to Baar said. “We have a talented district from top to 50 points six times.

Kolvin Berry, OL/DL, 6-2, 280, Sr.; William Young, The district does no favors for Kinsley, as it Triplains-Brewster in Week 7. The Indians also bottom. We have to win close games. This has OL, 6-2, 285, Sr.; Chase Bunyard, DE, 6-2, 245, took a 36-28 defeat to Oberlin in Week 1; the Red been a problem area for us, could have part to do includes reigning 8-Man I champ Spearville.

Sr.; Chase VanDegrift, LB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Cade Senior running back/linebacker Humberto Soto Devils finished 3-6. with our youth. We will still be a young team this Miller, QB/DB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; JD Helms, DL, 5-8, All five of Hoxie’s victories came by the 45-point season, however, I feel the experience they have is one of 8-Man’s top players.

225, Jr. margin. Junior Latham Schwarz led the team with gained over last season will help in this area.”

Kyle McCaskey 2-7 in 2015 / 2-3 in district / 8-Man I 104 carries for 631 yards and 12 scores. Junior Central Prairie League Troyal Burris averaged 10.5 yards per carry and 5-3 in 2015 / 4-2 in district / 8-Man I Coach: Kyle Burkhart Brad Hallier scored four times on 26 carries. Junior Luke Northwest Kansas League Schippers is back after he was second with 10 Coach: Lance Baar (7th year, 41-25) TFLs. None of the five returning starters are sen- Assistants: J.R. Kaiser, B.J. Bieker iors.

Offense: I Defense: 3-4 “Our success is going to depend on our team Returning lettermen: 8 health number one,” coach Lance Baar said.

Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense “Secondly, finding ways to win close games.

Latham Schwarz, RB/LB, 5-7, 166, Jr.; Troyal 14 N. Broadway, Herington, KS 67449 • (785) 258-2522 Lastly, we will have a new starting quarterback Burris, RB/DB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Luke Schippers, TE/ 501 E. Main St. Ste 505, Council Grove, KS 66846 • (620) 767-6139 and depending on how well he adapts to the LB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Colton Heskett, So.; Jarrod tracyjonesrealty.com • tracyjonesrealty@yahoo.com speed and physicality of the varsity level could Dible, TE/DE, 5-10, 195, So. Conor Nicholl Good Luck Coyotes!!! depend on much of our team’s success.”

Hoxie has enjoyed a rivalry with Sharon Springs the last several years in often a marquee game that’s earned state attention. The Indians have W. Hwy 24 lost five in a row to the Wildcats by the margins have been eight, 14, eight, eight and 30 points.

Inoculants • Sudan Grass • Sunflowers Custom Grass Blends • Wheat • Corn 785-421-3691 The teams will match up again Week 3 in Hoxie.

Soybean • Sorghum • Grasses • Oats • Alfalfa The Indians will compete in Eight-Man, Division I, District 8 with contenders St. Francis, WaKeeney656 N Rd 10W • Hoxie, KS Dine-in or Carryout (Located 1 mile west of Hoxie on Hwy 24) Trego and Atwood-Rawlins County.

KINSLEY

HOXIE

Hill City

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LeROY-SO. COFFEY CO.

116 South Fourth • P.O. Box 36 • Lincoln, Kansas 67455

Southern Coffey County faces a daunting schedPh (785) 524-4466 • Fax (785) 524-5191 ule, especially one of the more challenging open Email: metzlaw@nckcn.com slates. SCC opens at Burlingame, which finished 11-1 in 2015, followed by versus Waverly, and at Proud to support our 123 S. 4th • Lincoln, KS Hanover, the two-time defending Eight-Man, area sports teams!

785-524-4401 Division I runner-up. Then, the Titans conclude the first month with a home game versus Hartford, a playoff team in 2015.

SCC is 1-8 in its last nine meetings versus Waverly with the last victory a 36-14 win in 2008.

Fairfield opted for a co-op with Cunningham last Leoti, which hasn’t made the playoffs since season, but the newly-formed Griffons struggled 2001-02, moves down to 8-man football this sea- The Titans are 2-5 in the last decade versus Burlingame but no meetings since 2013. District 1 in a winless season. The two schools opted to go son after years of struggle at the 11-man ranks. play includes home contests versus West Elk and their own ways this season.

Leoti has four straight 1-8 records. The Indians’ Sedan.

The Griffons struggled offensively most of the last winning season was a 5-4 record in 2008.

Last season, the Titans scored 292 points and season, scoring just three touchdowns in their first “We are transitioning to 8-man this year so allowed 400 with a 0-5 record in league play. eight games and getting shut out six times. They hopefully our feeling out process goes fairly Korey Lankton, in his 11th year on staff, Coach did end the season with some promise during a quickly,” coach Cale Warden said. “We feel like 74-56 loss to Bucklin. this is the best move for our school and our play- has set goals to win league and district behind Fairfield, in its previous season, had some ers in that we should put a more competitive prod- four returning offensive starters, three defensively.

“The offensive line has to step up to give us a memorable games, especially with record-setting uct on the field. Our key to success lies within balanced attack and utilize our skill positions, but running back Cannon Burns. The Falcons scored each player and their will to give all they have the biggest factor is improving the defense,” 52 points or more eight times, including 102 when it is needed. Heart will determine the outLankton said. “We have to be more discipline on against Norwich. come of our season.”

Fairfield has reached the postseason just once, Wichita County opens with a home game versus angles/responsibilities, and finish plays.”

The Titans will have to find a replacement for which came in 1985. perennial eight-man power Hodgeman County.

Then, four of the next games are on the road with two-way Kpreps.com All-District lineman Tanner 0-9 in 2015 / 0-4 in district / 8-Man I the lone home contest versus Triplains-Brewster, Garretson this fall, after the 6-2, 185 pounder graduated in the spring. which went to the Eight-Man, Division II playoffs Heart of the Plains League last season. In 2015, Leoti’s lone victory was a Coach: Lee Odell 3-6 in 2015 / 2-2 in district / 8-Man I Brad Hallier 16-12 road win versus Stanton County.

Lyon County League Coach: Korey Lankton (6th year; 11th overall) 1-8 in 2015 / 0-5 in district / 8-Man I Assistants: Jason Harred Hi-Plains League Offense: Spread Shotgun Defense: 3-2 Coach: Cale Warden (3rd year, 2-16) Returning lettermen: 7 Assistants: Lonie Reed Returning starters: 4 Offense, 3 Defense Offense: I Defense: 4-2 Nick Spencer, QB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Luke Gillis, RB/ Returning lettermen: N/A LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Dawson Leimkuhler, WR/DE, 6Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Kolton Sheppard, RB/LB; Jorge Gallegos, QB/DB; 3, 215, So.; Bryce Isch, OL/LB, 5-10, 160, Sr. Conor Nicholl Juan Alvardo, WR/DB; Mike Tucke, RB/LB; Jesse Hermosillo, OL/DL; Rosbel Resendez, OL/DL Conor Nicholl

LINCOLN GROCERY LANGDON-FAIRFIELD

LEOTI-WICHITA CO.

LITTLE RIVER Paul Dold has done well in Little River, a school that had won five state championship. Since taking over in 2010, Dold has had just one losing season, and in 2014, he led Little River to the second round of the playoffs.

Last season started out well as Little River won four straight games after losing the opener, and five out of six, putting it in position to make the postseason. But losses at Ellinwood and to Solomon ended the season with a 5-4 record.

The offense was consistent from the second

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LINCOLN For the first time in eight years Garry Lowry is no longer on the sidelines at Lincoln High School.

Lowry, now the head coach of the Beloit girls basketball team, and an assistant football coach for the Trojans, served as defensive coordinator for four years under then head coach Mike Strack, and served the last four years as the head coach, and in that eight year span coached two of the just five seasons in the last 36 years of Lincoln football with six or more wins.

The Leopards welcome new coach Don Long, who is in his first head high school coaching gig after three decades as an assistant. Long served most recently as the head junior high coach at Solomon last fall. He is the father of former Fort Hays State and Hutch Community College AllAmerican linebacker Brock Long, a Southeast of Saline grad, who is now playing professionally for the Salina Liberty after wrapping up his college career last fall.

The Leopards also said goodbye to one of the best senior classes in recent memory including quarterback Zac Walter and lineman Matt Davied, two of the best 8-Man players in Kansas. Tyrece Simms, Gabe Gulledge, and Braden Luck were also impact seniors for the Leopards last year as they posted a 6-3 season and narrowly missed the playoffs.

Long, a self described “old school” coach said he plans to run the ball and play hard nosed defense. He’s expected to have just 15 players on the roster this fall, but does have a handful of experienced returners to count on.

Long said his goals are to be “competitive in every game and (help) all the players get better at playing and gain skills and knowledge that will help them in their lives.”

6-3 in 2015 / 3-3 in district / 8-Man I Northern Plains League Coach: Don Long (1st year) Assistants: Dalen Rathbun, Jason Curtis Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Sean Obermueller, OL/LB, Jr.; August Walter, OL/ DL, Sr.; Owen Krueger, RB/DL/DB, Jr.; Victor Vazquez, WR/DB, Jr.; Trent Hachmeister, DL, Sr. John Baetz

LOGAN/PALCO

game to the eighth, scoring at least 16 points each week and going over 30 in every win.

The quest to return to the playoffs will be daunting as Little River’s district includes perennial power Central Plains, and a rising Ellinwood team.

Logan-Palco has enjoyed three solid seasons of 5-4, 4-5 and 7-2 since it formed a cooperative agreement in football four years ago. The Trojans haven’t made the playoffs but have made big strides for two schools who had trouble winning games before the co-op. Last season, Mike Jenner took over the Trojans after previous stops 5-4 in 2015 / 2-3 in district / 8-Man I at Western Plains football and Hays Legion baseWheat State League ball.

Coach: Paul Dold Logan-Palco opened 6-0, including an 18-12 Brad Hallier overtime victory versus Stockton and a 22-20 win at Oberlin. In Week 7, the Trojans lost 40-6 at Rawlins County, the eventual district runner-up, and then defeated Hill City, 46-18, the following week. In Week 9, the Trojans lost, 58-12, versus district champion St. Francis. The squad finished 5-0 at home and 2-2 on the road and faced the easiest schedule in Eight-Man, Division I, according to preppowerindex.com. The Trojans had a total margin of 324-188 and were the only Division I team to win at least seven games and not make the playoffs.

Trojan running back Riley Nyp transferred from Logan-Palco to Plainville in early summer. He Hwy 36 rushed for 626 yards and nine scores, collected 74 tackles and led the Trojans with 11 TFLs. But the Trojans have plenty coming back. Junior 785-475-3638 David Thompson rushed 171 times for 1,319 yards and 18 scores and collected 102 tackles in ‘15, all team-highs. He also had four interceptions, Dine-in or Carryout

Oberlin

tying fellow junior Riley Allen for the team-best.

The Trojans blocked three punts and finished plus-20 in turnover margin. Senior quarterback Josh Van Laeys (548 passing, 6/1 TD/INT) enters his third year as the starter. Defensively, he has 200 tackles and 35 TFLs in the past two seasons.

Logan hasn’t made the playoffs since ‘02, while Palco hasn’t reached since ’06. The Trojans play in District 4 with Victoria, Solomon and Osborne.

“Our team goals are to improve on last years record and make the playoffs,” Jenner said. “Also to put ourselves in situations to win every game we are in. Our keys to success this year will be to stay healthy. Also we will need for a few of our underclassmen to step up and contribute.”

7-2 in 2015 / 4-2 in district / 8-Man I Western Kansas Liberty League Coach: Mike Jenner (2nd year, 7-2; 22nd overall) Assistants: Michael Delimont Offense: Power, Option Defense: 3-3 Stack Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Josh Van Laeys, QB/DE, 6-4, 197, Sr.; David Thompson, RB/LB, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Blake Bouchey, OL/LB, 6-0, 186, Jr.; Riley Allen, E/DB, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Lane Stapleton, OL, 170, Jr.; Colton Greving, DB, 6-2, 155, Jr.; Bodey LeRoux, OL/DL, 6-1, 176, So. Conor Nicholl

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K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 115

LOST SPRINGS-CENTRAL

MACKSVILLE

MADISON/HAMILTON

MONTEZUMA-SOUTH GRAY

Centre alum Matt Warta takes the helm with the goal of returning the Cougar program to state prominence, and he has seven starters back on both sides of the ball.

“Our goals as a team for this upcoming season are going to be very simple. We are going back to old school Cougar football like in the late 1980s and 1990s,” Warta said. “We are going to come together as one unit and never put our heads down. We want to be a balanced offense that mixes up the run and pass. On defense, we want to be able to allow very few rushing and passing yards. We want to be mentally and physically tough throughout the entire season.”

Centre’s offense will be led by senior quarterback Cole Methvin, junior halfback Max Svoboda, senior receiver Dylan Deines, senior lineman Brendon Bina, junior center Jacob Bittle, and junior tight end Cody Svoboda.

On defense, the Cougars return Bina at nose tackle, Cody Svoboda at defensive end, and Methvin at linebacker. In the secondary, Deines, Max Svoboda and sophomore safety Xavier Espinoza are back with starting experience.

“Plain and simple, hard work and total concentration before and during the season will be our keys to success,” Warta said. “As with all teams out there, one of the biggest keys to success is having the entire team come together as a family.”

Warta was a member of Centre’s 1997 state championship team, and had plans to continue his career at Butler Community College before leukemia sidelined him temporarily.

Macksville won a state championship in 2007 and was one of the top eight-man programs throughout the 2000s and early this decade but has fallen on hard times the last couple of years.

The Mustangs ended a 20-game losing streak with a 36-14 victory against St. John in Week 7 of last year. Third-year coach Chet Skinner’s goals are: team GPA 3.0 and above, increase offensive production, hold opponents to 20 points per game, explosive/dynamic plays (five or more) and win the turnover battle. Last year, Macksville scored 112 points and allowed 448.

Macksville will play in Eight-Man, Division I, District 6, a grouping that will encounter plenty of change. Argonia-Attica graduated virtually all of its starters from a unit that finished as back-to-back Eight-Man, Division II runners-up. South Central has a new coach and Fairfield’s a cooperative agreement with Cunningham ended.

“The Mustang’s keys to success in 2016 rely on the returning players,” Skinner said. “We have a solid core group of guys that have been starters for multiple years now. Our athleticism will look to stretch the field and give defenses trouble at defending both the run and pass. A strong summer weights and conditioning off-season will be vital for the Mustangs to improve on their 1-8 record.”

Alex McMillian brings three years of assistant coaching experience to Madison, where he inherits a team with six returning starters. McMillian coached offensive and defensive lines at Victoria from 2013-15, helping the Knights go 34-2 and win two state championships.

McMillian is a native of Pretty Prairie, where he was a two-way player all through high school.

“I played o-line and d-line under Coach CT Young for four years,” he said.

McMillian recently completed a master’s degree in sports administration at Fort Hays State University.

Junior quarterback Stephen Stutesman is one of five starters back on the Bulldog offense, which also returns senior running back Brett Stubbs.

Madison has two tight ends back with starting experience – senior Jacob Heineken and junior Colby Bankson – along with senior lineman Trey Cooper and junior lineman Eli Serrer.

On defense, the Bulldogs return three starters.

Up front, Madison expects to lean on Bankson, Cooper and Stubbs while the secondary is anchored by Heineken, Serrer and Stutesman.

“We want to get better each and every week, and compete for a playoff spot,” McMillian said.

“Adjusting to a new head coach, staying healthy, winning the turnover battle and playing mistakefree football will be key.”

Jesse Hodgson takes over a South Gray program that has fallen on some hard times. Last season, the Rebels played the No. 3 strength of schedule in the 50-team Eight-Man, Division I and tallied just 96 points, fourth-worst in the classification. The Rebels allowed 394 points. The Rebels’ lone victory was a 50-0 road win versus Fowler in Week 3. None of the losses were closer than 28 points. South Gray lost its last six contests. In 2014, the Rebels went 2-7 with a 46-26 victory versus Fowler and a 38-32 win against Dighton. South Gray finished 4-5 in 2013, the first of three seasons under Aaron Law. South Gray hasn’t made the playoffs since a surprise state title game berth in 2011, which is the lone playoff berth since ’06.

South Gray will play in Eight-Man, Division I, District 7. The district will likely be competitive for the runner-up spot behind heavy favorite Spearville, the defending state champion.

1-8 in 2015 / 1-4 in district / 8-Man I Central Prairie League Coach: Chet Skinner (3rd year, 1-17) Assistants: Kyle Bright Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: 10 4-6 in 2015 / 4-1 in district / 8-Man I Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Wheat State League Jesus Saavedra, RB/CB, 5-6, 160, Jr.; Luis Coach: Matt Warta (1st year) Saenz, RB/CB, 5-8, 180, Jr.; Taylor Rodriguez, Assistants: Kelly Steiner, Tim Vinduska OL/LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Kreed Parr, WR/CB, 5-9, Returning lettermen: 10 140, Jr.; Chris McMullen, RB/LB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Cole Methvin, QB/LB, Sr.; Max Svoboda, HB/CB, Nate Brandyberry, WR/CB, 5-7, 135, Jr.; Jr.; Dylan Deines, WR/DB, Sr.; Brendon Bina, RG/ Adalberto Miranda, OL/DL, 5-8, 185, Sr.; Clayton Cross, OL/DL, 6-0, 205, Jr.; Bryce Casper, RB/ NT, Sr.; Jacob Bittle, C, Jr.; Cody Svoboda, TE/ Conor Nicholl DE, Jr.; Xavier Espinoza, S, So. Melanie McGee CB, 6-1, 170, Sr.

1-8 in 2015 / 0-5 in district / 8-Man I Coach: Jesse Hodgson (1st year) Conor Nicholl

2-7 in 2015 / 1-4 in district / 8-Man I Lyon County League Coach: Alex McMillian (1st year) Assistant: Brett Dannels Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 6 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 3 Defense Eli Serrer, OL/DB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Stephen Stutesman, QB/DB, 6-4, 160, Jr.; Jacob Heineken, TE/DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Brett Stubbs, RB/DL, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Colby Bankson, TE/DL, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Trey Cooper, OL/DL, 5-10, 235, Sr. MM

MORAN-MARMATON VALLEY

NESS CITY

OBERLIN-DECATUR COMM.

ONAGA

Gavin Cole is excited about his first high school head coaching position, and the Marmaton Valley alum has high hopes for his first Wildcat team.

“My expectations for this season are high,” he said. “I want to compete for a league title, and a spot in the playoffs. I want to see overall improvement in all parts of the game and a team that consistently plays with everything they have.”

Marmaton Valley returns four starters on both sides of the ball, and seven others with varsity experience. Seniors Tony Jefferies and Jake Kale return to lead the o-line along with sophomore Isaac Heskett, while senior Brandon Allen and junior Will Holeman also look for playing time up front. Junior Justice Pugh, junior Trevor Wilson, senior Noah Pilcher and sophomore Caiden Elliott are among the frontrunners for playing time in the backfield while juniors Brock Hall and Korbin Smith are the leading returners at tight end.

Senior Preston Cornett, a starter at offensive guard and nose tackle in 2014, also returns to the lineup after missing last season due to injury.

“For us to be successful, we need to have guys step up and fill the holes left at the skill positions,” Cole said. “We return our front three and also get back another that started as a sophomore. We should be pretty good up front, and we return a very good running back in Trevor Wilson who should have a very good season if he stays healthy.”

Eliminating mistakes will also be key for the Wildcats. “We will need to take care of the ball better and eliminate costly penalties that hurt us last year,” Cole noted.

Marc Cowles, the longtime Weskan coach, had a solid start to his Ness City era with a 50-0 victory versus Kinsley and a 66-20 road win against Macksville. However, Ness City struggled the rest of the year with a 1-6 record and no close losses.

The lone win was a 48-0 victory against South Gray in Week 6. It marked the worst record for Ness City since it switched to eight-man football before the 2010 season. Ness City went 9-3 in 2014 with a sub-state showing and an undefeated season and Eight-Man, Division I crown in ’12.

“To be successful this season we need some playmakers to step forward, creating some efficiency and consistency on offense,” Cowles said.

“We were not able to control the ball and put drives together very well last year. We also need seniors to step forward and become leaders. As always we need to avoid injuries and we will need some talented young skill kids to step up and contribute. Offensive and Defensive Line play will also be crucial to this team’s success.”

Several of Ness City’s key playmakers, notably QB Dylan Hamilton and wide receiver Luis Rodriguez, have graduated. Seniors Devin Brown, Logan Schlegel, Kale Klitzke and Leviathan Kelly were among the top defensive players.

“Three new teams in our district will make it interesting but also wide open,” Cowles said.

“Spearville will, once again, be the class of our district with the rest of us playing for the second spot in the playoffs.”

Oberlin had a five-win decrease from an 8-2 season in 2014 and dropped to 3-6 in 2015. The Red Devils, in its second year of eight-man football, had its worst season since a 3-6 mark in 2010. Coach Joe Dreher, the longtime athletic director and wrestling coach, had made the playoffs in his first three seasons (4-6, 5-5, 8-2) before the drop off last season.

Dreher has built a solid program with defense, an area that slipped last year. In his first three seasons, Oberlin permitted 18.2, 18.6 and 19.2 points per contest. Last season, that number rose to 35.1 allowed. The Red Devils scored 27.6 points per contest after they averaged 15.8, 23.0 and 46.6 points per game the last three seasons.

Oberlin went 1-2 in games decided by a score, including a 36-28 season-opening victory against Hoxie, a 38-34 Week 3 loss to St. Francis and a 22-20 Week 5 defeat by Logan-Palco.

Offensively, the Red Devils had a dropoff with the passing game with returning QB Noah Nelson, who has since graduated. He completed 38 of 114 (33 percent) of his passes for 356 yards with a 1/6 TD/INT ratio. In 2014, he was 74 of 133 (56 percent) for 993 yards with a 14/9 TD/INT ratio.

The running game was similar both seasons.

Oberlin averaged 5.8 yards per carry with 1,037 yards and 21 scores by Bryson Wesley in 2014.

Last year, the Red Devils also averaged 5.8 yards per carry with 1,006 yards and 22 scores from Wesley in his senior year.

Oberlin had three all-district selections in 2015 with Wesley, defensive lineman Keagen Blau, senior linebacker Dayton Kempt and Wesley at defensive back. Kempt is the only returner.

Oberlin will play in challenging Eight-Man, Division I, District 8 with Atwood, Hill City, Hoxie, Quinter, St. Francis and Trego.

It’s a whole new look for Onaga in 2016.

For the first time in program history, the Buffaloes will drop down to eight-man football. A Class 2-1A playoff qualifier in 2014, Onaga has seen its numbers steadily drop and played only 13-14 players during last season’s 1-8 showing.

In addition, Onaga will have a new head coach as Travis Callaway takes over the program after serving as an assistant to Tim Kite last year. Callaway has a solid background in the eight-man game, playing at Mankato and also serving as an assistant at Ashland for three years.

There’s plenty of optimism about the new landscape ahead, though. With 10 lettermen and nine starters back each way, Onaga will have plenty of experience at its disposal.

Even losing quarterback Jace Fischer and two tailbacks, the Buffaloes will be loaded in the backfield as they transition to an I-Formation set. A full season from junior Tanner Marten will be a major plus after he missed the first four games on offense with an injury last year and still came back to rush for 500 yards in the final five games.

It will be Marten Mayhem for opponents with seniors Luke and Logan factoring into the backfield mix along with leading returning rusher Brendan Melvin.

While Tanner Marten missed time offensively, he was a rock for the Buffaloes defensively, finishing the year with 130 tackles. A whopping 30 of those came in a district loss to Jackson Heights.

Senior Quentin Lara is one of four returning lineman who started last year.

3-6 in 2015 / 1-4 in district / 8-Man I Central Prairie League Coach: Marc Cowles (2nd year, 3-6; 15th overall, 4-5 in 2015 / 1-4 in district / 8-Man I 66-64) Assistants: Shawn Starr Three Rivers League Offense: Option Defense: 3-2 Coach: Gavin Cole (1st year) Returning lettermen: 20 Assistant: Derek Scharff Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Leviathan Kelley, LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Logan Tony Jefferies, OL/LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Jake Kale, Schlegel, RB, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Brennan Chacon, OL/DL, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Trevor Wilson, RB/LB, 5-10, OL, 5-10, 205, Jr.; Devin Brown, OL, 6-3, 205, Sr.; 165, Jr.; Isaac Heskett, OL/DL, 5-10, 230, So. MM Trevor VanDegrift, OL, 6-4, 275, Jr. Conor Nicholl

3-6 in 2015 / 2-4 in district / 8-Man I Northwest Kansas League Coach: Joe Dreher (5th year, 20-15) Offense: Split Back Defense: 3-2 Conor Nicholl

1-8 in 2015 / 1-3 in district / 8-Man I Twin Valley League Coach: Travis Callaway (1st year) Assistants: Ramon Fisher Offense: I-Formation Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 9 Defense Brendan Melvin, RB/DB, 5-10, 187, Sr.; Luke Marten, TE/RB/DB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Logan Marten, RB/DB, 60, 166, Sr.; Quentin Lara, OL/DL, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Ben Kufahl, OL/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Mason Colson, OL/DL, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Trenton Henneberg, OL/DL, 6-0, 208, Sr.; Tanner Marten, RB/LB, 6-4, 210, Jr.; Brandon Merriman, TE/DB, 5-6, 150, Sr. Brent Maycock

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 116

918 N. Second

Osborne

785-346-5451 www.midwaycoop.com

OSBORNE

OXFORD

Coach Cullen Riner has been a constant at Osborne throughout the years and different classifications and coaching combinations. Riner first coached the program in the 11-man level with Osborne competed in the Mid-Continent League.

In 2009, the team went 3-6 but was competitive throughout the season in its last year of 11-man competition. In 2010, Osborne went 10-2 and advanced to the sub-state championship game.

The next year, coach Steve Tiernan came from Baileyville B&B and Riner transitioned to an assistant role as the Bulldogs went 10-2, 6-3, 13-0 with a state title and eight-man scoring record 760 points and 10-2 again.

Last year, Osborne had a very inexperienced group and slipped back to 4-5. John Scarbrough moved from Missouri and took the position late.

Riner remained as an assistant. This year, Riner is back as head coach and Scarbrough is an assistant for a squad that is one of the most experienced in Eight-Man, Division I. Riner listed “improve as a team” as the Bulldogs’ goal and “stay healthy” as the team’s key.

Eight starters are back on both sides for a team that has nine seniors. Senior Cullen Grabast had his second straight 1,000-yard season with 189 carries for 1,123 yards and 12 scores. Grabast also had 23 catches for 425 yards and 10 TDs Junior Denton Schurr recorded numbers similar to his sophomore year with 112 carries for 641 yards and nine TDs. Schurr also returned a pair of kicks for scores.

Guard and linebacker Derek Naegele (6-1, 220) could be a force on both sides of the ball adding three inches and more than 40 pounds since his sophomore year. He earned Kpreps.com AllDistrict Honorable Mention on both sides of the ball last year when he tallied 73 solo tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and an interception.

Senior QB Justin Burch returns after throwing for 590 yards with 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions.

1-8 in 2015 / 0-5 in district / 8-Man I South Central Border League 4-5 in 2015 / 3-3 in district / 8-Man I Coach: Shawn Burkes (10th year, 27-53) Northern Plains League Assistants: Kyle Green, Joe Chrisman Coach: Cullen Riner (5th year, 18-31) Offense: I/T Defense: 3-4 Assistants: John Scarbrough, Taylor Rippe Returning lettermen: 12 Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Returning lettermen: 14 Chevis Cowdin, OL/DL, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Tyler Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Vaughn, QB/OLB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Dalton Silhan, Roxton Brown, OL/LB, 6-1, 195, Jr.; Byron RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Cal Shimkus, QB/DB, 6-3, Roenne, DL, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Spencer Heise, DL, 6- 175, Jr.; Neil Terry, OL/LB, 5-9, 190, Jr.; Dylan 2, 160, Jr.; Denton Schurr, RB/DB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Hills, FB/LB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Greysen Williams, OL/ Quentin Morris, DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Justin Burch, DL, 6-2, 220, Jr. QB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Jarrett Earl, TE, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Kyle McCaskey Derek Naegele, OL/LB, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Logan Sprick, OL/DL, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Tanner Conway, TE, 6-3, 160, Sr.; Cullen Grabast, RB/DB, 6-1, 165, Sr. Conor Nicholl

QUINTER Little numbers and experience plus a challenging schedule yielded a winless season for Quinter in 2015. The Bulldogs played the No. 14-hardest strength of schedule in the 50-team Eight-Man, Division I, according to Prep Power Index.

Quinter tallied just 48 points, fewest in the class, and allowed 518. It easily marked the Bulldogs’ worst season since returning to the eight-man ranks before the 2008 season. Since then, Quinter has posted marks of 10-1, 12-1 (with the Eight-Man, Division I state title), 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 2-7, 4-5 and 0-9.

Jeff Ruckman, the longtime defensive coordinator, resigned in mid-summer after three seasons as head coach. Micah Roehl, the junior high assistant football coach and high school boys’ basketball assistant coach, takes over as head football coach.

Veteran assistant Brian Roesch has served on

PEABODY-BURNS

Peabody-Burns’ season came down to a game with Rural Vista, a game Rural Vista won 42-30, which helped give Rural Vista the district runner785-346-2006 up spot.

Peabody-Burns has been a steady program in Dine-in or Carryout recent years, having reached the playoffs and winning at least eight games in 2012, 2013 and 2014. The 2010 team also reached the postseason.

Last year started out well, as the Warriors won Inexperience blossoms into experience for four of their first six games. A season-ending 62Oxford this season as the Wildcats look to rebound off a 1-8 record. The Wildcats bring back 14 win against Lebo helped the Warriors go into the offseason on a positive note with a 5-4 record. seven starters.

The district appears to be open, with only “Last season was a struggle due to inexperience Burden-Central making the postseason out of the and injuries. We played a bunch of underclasssix teams. men that had to learn on the go,” said Oxford coach Shawn Burkes. “We are hoping that the 5-4 in 2015 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man I lumps we took last year will pay dividends this Wheat State League year.”

Brad Hallier The impetus will be laid on the defense to lessen Coach: David Pickens the burden placed on the offense. Oxford’s offense scratched out at least 22 points on five occasions, but the defense was hammered for 54.4 points per game, a number that ranked 47th among the 50 8-Man Division I schools in 2015. A week four, 62-14 victory over Flinthills was the only time Oxford held an opponent under 40.

Lineman Chevis Cowdin will be counted on to win the line of scrimmage for both sides of the ball. Several Wildcats have found homes at new positions in the offense. Quarterback Tyler Vaughn was once a tight end and fullback Dylan Hills began his high school career at tight end.

“Chevis Cowdin emerged as a leader for us last season, and I am looking for him and Tyler Vaughn to continue in that capacity,” Burkes said.

Oxford’s most recent playoff qualification came in 2006, the last in a run of five-straight postseason trips for the Wildcats. They have flirted with breakout seasons since, including three seasons ending with a winning record, but have not surpassed a 5-4 mark.

Udall, Peabody, Cedar Vale-Dexter, Flinthills and Central Burden comprise Oxford’s district this season. Peabody and Flinthills are newcomers to their assignment. The nine-game schedule for the Wildcats features few gimmes – outside of Flinthills (0-9), the other eight opponents all come off at least three-win seasons.

staff for many years and has also been the junior high head football coach.

Quinter had just two seniors in 2015 and very limited depth. Senior Jonah Ruckman, the coach’s son, delivered a solid junior season and collected all-district honors as an end/reciever. He led the basketball team with 13.1 points and 2.8 assists and collected a fourth-place finish in the Class 1A state track meet in the high jump with a 6-foot-2inch leap.

The Bulldogs will play in challenging Eight-Man, Division I, District 8 along with St. Francis, WaKeeney-Trego, Atwood and Hoxie.

0-9 in 2015 / 0-6 in district / 8-man I Northwest Kansas League Coach: Micah Roehl (1st year) Assistants: Brian Roesch Offense: Option Defense: 3-2-3 Conor Nicholl

PRATT-SYLINE Skyline returns nearly everyone, including six seniors with starting experience, from a team that went 3-6 in 2015, but the Thunderbirds will have a new head coach in Steve Novotny.

Seniors Trent Adams, Brayton Fletcher, Justin Hampel, Ty Montgomery, Rance Tucker and Andrew Withers are back to lead the charge in 2016, while junior Corbin Keeling also has starting experience.

The Thunderbirds finished strong, going 3-2 in district action a year ago, and 18 lettermen return from that squad.

Novotny said his team’s main goals are to post a winning record and be competitive for the district title. “Consistent execution of fundamentals” and “solid performances by our returning starters” are among the Thunderbirds’ keys to success.

On offense, Hampel returns under center. He is joined by Tucker and Withers in the backfield while Adams, Fletcher, Keeling and Montgomery will anchor the offensive line. Adams, Keeling and Montgomery return to lead Skyline’s defensive line, while Fletcher and Withers are back in the starting lineup as linebackers and the secondary will be anchored by Hampel and Tucker.

Montgomery and Withers were named to the AllDistrict first team offense in 2015, while Hampel earned All-District honorable mention at QB and d-back, and Montgomery was an honorable mention All-District defensive lineman.

The Thunderbirds begin their 2016 season with a trip to South Barber on Sept. 2, but their next two games will be at home against Central Christian and Pretty Prairie. Week four finds Skyline on the road to face Norwich, and September concludes with a home game against Attica/Argonia. That Sept. 30 contest is also the 8Man Division I District 6 opener.

In October, the Thunderbirds will play four straight district games to wrap up the regular season. They will travel to South Central before hosting Macksville and Fairfield in consecutive weeks.

Skyline’s regular season finale will involve a short drive west to Greensburg, where the Thunderbirds will face Heart of the Plains League and district rival Kiowa County on Oct. 27.

3-6 in 2015 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man I Heart of the Plains Coach: Steve Novotny (1st year) Assistants: Andrew Nation Offense: I-Tight Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Justin Hampel, QB/DB, Sr.; Andrew Withers, RB/ LB, Sr.; Trent Adams, OL/DL, Sr.; Ty Montgomery, OL/DL, Sr.; Rance Tucker, RB/DB, Sr.; Brayton Fletcher, OL/LB, Sr.; Corbin Keeling, OL/DL, Jr. Melanie McGee

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K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

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RURAL VISTA

SATANTA

SEDAN

SOLOMON

Jeff Hostetter, the all-time winningest Rule 10 coach in Kansas history, will likely coach his final season this fall. Hostetter, the longtime coach at Hope and a Lion alum, has led Rural Vista – the co-op between Hope and White City – to 5-4 and 7-3 marks the last two seasons. RV returns six starters on both sides of the ball, including coach’s youngest son, Trace, the starting QB. The Heat play host to Herington at home in Week 7 and at Burlingame in Week 8 in two key games. Herington is new to the eight-man ranks this season, while Burlingame and RV were district champion and runner-up, respectively, in 2015. The Heat fell 48-26 to Burlingame in 2015 and 40-34 in 2014. Rural Vista averaged 40.8 points per contest and allowed 25.6 in 2015. Two years ago, the Heat averaged 39.1 points and permitted 34.2.

Trace Hostetter and Cade Stillwell were alldistrict selections on offense, while linebacker Jaryth Barten and Hostetter at d-back were defensive picks. Junior fullback Eli Flemming is poised for a breakout season.

“Our 2016 goals are to be a tough and physical team on defense and to be top contender in the state by the end of the year,” coach Hostetter said. “The keys to our teams success will be the returning players this year and the larger number of seniors than we have had in the past years.”

Satanta moves from 8-Man, Division II to Division I this season. The Indians went 6-4 and reached the playoffs for the second straight year.

Satanta is 2-7, 4-5, 7-3 and 6-4 since moving to 8man football. It marked the first playoff appearances since 2004. In the postseason, Satanta lost 68-44 to Minneola last fall and 44-32 to Minneola in 2014. The school is 1-7 all-time in the playoffs.

In the last two years, Satanta has delivered big offensive numbers. In 2015, the Indians outscored opponents 452-299 but had trouble against the top teams on its schedule with losses to South Central (48-14), Hodgeman County (50-0), Ingalls (80-56) and in the playoffs. All four of those squads made the postseason.

In 2014, Satanta did earn a 36-24 victory versus South Central, an eventual playoff team, but lost 48-0 to Hodgeman County and Ingalls before the playoff loss to Minneola. That season, the Indians had a total margin of 390-233.

Before fourth-year coach Chip Ross, a 1996 alum, took over, Satanta had been 3-33 from 2009-12. Ross was a Satanta assistant for two years before he become head coach.

For 2016, the Indians will incur heavy losses after they graduated 10 seniors off a 27-man roster. However, Satanta used two quarterbacks with sophomore Gabriel Salas and junior Ty Blair for a combined 37 of 88 passing for 532 yards with a 12/6 TD/INT ratio.

Jesus Garcia graduated after he rushed 106 times for 1,041 yards and 19 scores. No other player had more than 378 rushing yards. He finished with 2,063 all-purpose yards, or 58 percent of the team’s total. Senior Jacob Miramontes led the team with 99 stops and finished second with 12.5 TFLs. He is the only one of the top-four tacklers returning. Satanta forced 13 turnovers and blocked two punts last season.

The Sedan Blue Devils posted a 5-4 record in 2015 to snap a streak of three consecutive losing seasons. Now, Sedan will try to take the next step and end a postseason skid.

The Blue Devils have the experience to make a run with seven starters returning on each side of the ball.

Sedan’s offense will be directed by senior quarterback Alex Burger. Joining him on the offense are senior fullback Hunter Padgett, senior tight end Jake Mills, senior offensive lineman Brandon Shaw and junior offensive linemen Isaac Campbell and Dakota Halderman, and junior tight end Kiefer Brewer.

The defensive line should be a strength for the Blue Devils with Shaw, Brewer, Campbell and Halderman all returning as starters. Returning starters at linebacker include Padgett, Burger and Mills. Halderman and Padgett earned Kpreps.com All-District defense honors.

Sedan coach Mick Holt, who has a 29-25 record in six seasons with the Blue Devils, said the team’s hard work in the offseason, staying healthy and the development of young players will be the keys to the team’s success.

Holt said the team’s goals are to go 4-0 in nondistrict games and to win the Class 8-Man Division I district.

Steve Tiernan, who won state titles at Baileyville B&B and Osborne, took over at Solomon last year. He took over for his longtime friend, Justin Coup, who coached many years at Goessel and then replaced Tiernan at Baileyville B&B before the school closed. Coup, now the Solomon superintendent, served one season as Solomon head coach before he became assistant. Solomon, which finished 0-9, 4-5, 4-5, 10-2 and 8-2 from 2009-13, finished 4-5 under Coup. Tiernan led a six-win improvement to 10-2 behind a bevy of senior offensive weapons, including his son, Jake, a four-year starter at quarterback (his first three at Osborne). Solomon went to the sub-state championship game and matched the 2012 season for the school’s best finish in the KSHSAA era.

Tiernan listed his goals to “get better everyday, make it one game farther,” adding the “must stay healthy, we won’t be as deep as last year.”

In 2015, Solomon finished as district runner-up after a Week 8 home loss, 46-14, to Central Plains. In the playoffs, the Gorillas won at South Central, 46-44, then defeated St. Francis, 34-26, before a 68-36 loss to Spearville in the semifinals.

The top rushers graduate, though senior Nathan Webb (52 carries, 307 yards, 4 TDs) does return with some experience. Juniors Kade Shirack (46 tackles) and Andrew Capsey (41 stops) were the third and fourth leading tacklers last year.

7-3 in 2015 / 4-1 in district / 8-Man I Wheat State League Coach: Jeff Hostetter (27th year, 216-72) Assistants: Joe Ross Offense: Option Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 8 Defense Trace Hostetter, QB/S, 5-9, 140, Sr.; Jaryth Barten, RB/LB, 5-6, 145, Sr.; Cade Stillwell, WR/ S, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Drew Riedy, OL/DL, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Eli Flemming, FB/DL, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Joey Carson, 6-4 in 2015 / 4-1 in district / 8-Man I OL/DL, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Mason Hinkle, DL, 6-0, Hi-Plains League 150, Sr.; Chase Krause, LB, 6-0, 175, Jr. CN Coach: Chip Ross (3rd year, 17-12) Conor Nicholl

SPEARVILLE Spearville advanced to its first state football game and won the Eight-Man, Division I championship in dominant fashion with a 62-16 victory versus Hanover.

The game was tied at 16 early before the Lancers tallied 46 straight points to end the game early because of the 45-point rule. The Lancers finished 13-0 and outscored teams 720-140.

Spearville tallied at least 46 points in every contest. Spearville is 8-2, 10-1 and 13-0 in the last three seasons and has scored at least 32 points in every contest, except one, a 38-14 loss to Hodgeman County on Oct. 4, 2013.

Coach Matt Fowler has several goals: play hardnosed, physical football, make the community proud by playing hard and with class, and improve everyday in and out of season. Fowler’s keys were to have a great summer in the weight room and for good leadership to emerge.

Fowler always emphasizes winning the turnover battle for a squad that had just one turnover in 2015 and just 14 in the last four years.

The Lancers graduated multiple key players, including all-state quarterback Nathan Stein.

Senior running back Luke Heskamp returns along

5-4 in 2015 / 2-3 in district / 8-Man I South Central Border League Coach: Mick Holt (7th year, 29-25; 12th overall, 55-46) Assistants: John Pray, Matt Phillips Offense: Spread Defense: 33 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Hunter Padgett, FB/LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Alex Burger, QB/LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Jake Mills, TE/LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Brandon Shaw, OL/DL, 6-3, 240, Sr.; Kiefer Brewer, TE/DE, 6-5, 205, Jr.; Isaac Campbell, OL/DL, 6-0, 250, Jr.; Dakota Halderman, OL/DL, 5-10, 235, Jr. Mark Schremmer

ST. FRANCIS

with his 115 carries for 1,468 yards and 30 TDs, the latter two team bests. Heskamp (51 stops) is the only one of the top-six tacklers back.

Senior lineman Wyatt Strecker, a Kpreps.com All District honoree, returns to pave the way for Heskamp. Jordan Knight, Kyler Stein, and Bailey Stites, all returning starters, earned honorable mention “We must have people step up and replace quality players on both sides of the ball,” Fowler said.

Spearville has a tough home Week 2 contest versus rival Hodgeman County.

13-0 in 2015 / 5-0 in district / 8-Man I Southern Plains Iroquois Coach: Matt Fowler (8th year, 40-30) Assistants: Chris Sohm, Andrew Kempke, Steve Strain, Josh Sigmund, Boyd Hutchinson Offense: Single Wing Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 3 Defense Luke Heskamp, RB/DB, 5-7, 155, Sr.; Wyatt Strecker, OL/DL, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Kyler Stein, TE, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Jordan Knight, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Bailey Sites, RB, 6-0, 170, Jr. Conor Nicholl

Coach Rodney Yates led a five-win improvement in his first season as coach, going from 5-4 to 101 and putting the Indians back in the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

This year, the Indians will contend for the school’s first berth in a title game. St. Francis returns 30 players from a squad that opened the season unranked but won 10 straight contests, including a 72-24 victory against Hodgeman County in the first round of the postseason. St. Francis lost at Solomon, 34-26, in the second round, but outscored opponents 556-138 and finished plus-17 in turnover margin while allowing only eight giveaways.

“Our main goal this year will be to improve performance on a weekly basis in hopes of competing for the school’s first ever state championship,” Yates said. “Our main goal will be to outperform our opponents week in and week out.”

St. Francis will play in Eight-Man, Division I, District 8 with WaKeeney-Trego, arch-rival Atwood-Rawlins Co., and Hoxie, all teams that finished with winning records a year ago. The Indians have two marquee matchups to open the year with a home game versus Wallace County in

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10-2 in 2015 / 4-1 in district / 8-Man I Wheat State League Coach: Steve Tiernan (2nd year, 10-2; 14th year, 149-25) Assistants: Justin Coup, Ted Long Offense: I Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 3 Defense Nathan Webb, RB/LB, 6-3, 165, Sr.; Kade Shirack, LB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Noah Swarts, LB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Andrew Capsey, DE, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Ethan Thompson, C, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Jobe Fowles, G, 6-2, 200, So. Conor Nicholl

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Senior quarterback Quinton Cravens and senior running back Taylor Rogers are among the key returners. Rogers was the Kpreps.com district offensive MVP, while Yates won district coach honors. Offensively, Cravens, Rogers and lineman Trayton Doyle and Jeremiah Neitzel were alldistrict, while Rogers was all-district on defense.

“Our keys to success depend on our players’ ability to get better during the summer season and continue that growth throughout the football season,” Yates said. “Having a full summer under our belt as a team in year two will determine our ability to play faster.”

10-1 in 2015 / 6-0 in district / 8-Man I Northwest Kansas League Coach: Rodney Yates (2nd year, 10-1; 3rd overall, 19-4) Assistants: Devin Dinkel, Nick O’Loughlin, Steve Kirkham Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense Quinton Cravens, QB/S, 6-4, 170, Sr.; Taylor Rogers, RB/DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Brock Waters, OE/ DE, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Joel Hill, RB/DB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Jeremiah Neitzel, OL/DE, 6-4, 235, Sr.; Ryan Grover, OL/DE, 5-11, 205, Sr.; J.R. Landenberger, RB/DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Trayton Doyle, OL/DL, 6-3, 230, Jr.; Dalton Straub, OE/DE, 6-2, 200, Jr.; Luke Lampe, RB/LB, 5-9, 190, Jr.; Tate Busse, OE/DB, 6-1, 150, Jr.; Luin Norris, OL/DE, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Jordan Raby, RB/LB, 5-10, 170, So. Conor Nicholl

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 118

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St. John’s first priority for the 2016 agenda is to put a halt to a pesky 11-game losing streak. It has been tough sledding for three years for the Tigers, who only have three victories in that span and come off a winless 2015.

The Tigers had a molasses offense that had trouble moving the ball. St. John was shut out four times and held to six points in two others. The Tigers’ 7.8 points per game was the fifth-worst average in 8-Man football. The defense failed to settle in, either, ridden for 44.3 points. Yet St. John nearly picked off a win and ended its losing streak in week five this past season, falling to Kinsley 38-32.

The 8-Man District 5 cluster will not provide St. John an easily accessible route to the postseason. Playoff qualifier Central Plains (9-2) is the headliner, but fellow tough outs Ellinwood (6-3) and Little River (5-4) also will be vying for the top rung. The district also includes Goessel (3-6) and Canton-Galva (1-8).

St. John has 11 postseason appearances in its program history. The Tigers are 3-11 when reaching the playoffs, with the furthest run coming in a quarterfinal showing in 1983. St. John made four postseason trips in succession from 2004 to 2007.

The most recent berth came in 2012 when the Tigers were 8-2, which also coincides with their last winning season.

Udall is trying to replace over 1,200 yards and 21 touchdowns through the air, 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground and 73 tackles – and that was just what Nolan Williams provided.

Williams is continuing his career at Southwestern College. Udall will miss his partner in crime, too, as running back Dalton Loos departed.

“We will be very young, as we will only have two or three seniors on the team, and two of them are coming off of major knee surgeries and their season is in doubt,” said Udall coach Wyatt Williams.

“We will have good size and speed, but need to get a lot more physical on defense.”

There is some comfort in the stability returning to the offensive line with junior Dylan Loos and sophomore Tristen Scurlock. Senior tight end Luke Wiley offers a safety valve in the passing game after securing 12 receptions for 214 yards and three touchdowns. Drake Lette and Loos will patrol from their linebacker posts, while Kermit Fielder holds down the secondary. Fielder registered 46 tackles as a sophomore.

“All positions are up for grabs, and we must have a great summer in the weight room to have a successful season,” Williams said. “The good news is that a lot of young kids had to play some last season after a season that was full of injuries.”

It will be a year of firsts at Valley Falls.

For the first time in program history, the Dragons will compete at the eight-man level, dropping from 11-man after fighting the numbers game for the past few years. And for the first time since 2000, it won’t be Rod Bunde running the program.

Nick Cummings takes over as coach of the Dragons and makes his first foray into eight-man football after spending the bulk of his career coaching at the 6A and 5A level. He served as head coach at Highland Park from 2011-14, leading the Scots to the Class 5A playoffs in 2011.

He inherits a Valley Falls program coming off its fifth straight losing season, going a disappointing 1-8 last year despite returning a veteran team.

The Dragons’ lone win was a 22-6 victory over Horton in week three and in a six-game skid to end the season the Dragons allowed more than 30 points in every game.

Cummings also gets a largely inexperienced roster with graduation claiming a big senior class accounted for the bulk of the team’s production over the past two seasons. Five starters are back on offense and four return on defense, but the skill positions will be overhauled with the loss of three-year starting quarterback Marty Gatzemeyer.

Valley Falls is one of three teams in its district making the drop from 11-man football, joined by Onaga and Herington. They’re joined by 2015 semifinalist Burlingame and playoff qualifier Rural Vista as well as Clifton-Clyde and Centre, making it one of the toughest in Division I.

0-9 in 2015 / 0-5 in district / 8-Man I Central Prairie League Coach: Nick Garcia (11th year, 49-47) Kyle McCaskey

VICTORIA Victoria had a memorable 2015 with its second straight Eight-Man, Division II championship. The Knights, with seven state titles, won back-to-back crowns for the first time in school annals. 2015 and 1988 are the lone undefeated seasons for Victoria.

The Knights had multiple major obstacles last fall. All-state quarterback Brady Dinkel delivered a standout performance in a Week 1 home win against Central Plains. Several hours after the game, he went to the emergency room and later to the ICU in Wichita because of significant internal issues. He was expected to not return.

However, by Week 9, Dinkel was back on the field.

In his absence, Joe Dortland, who had never played quarterback in high school, took over under center starting in Week 2 and delivered a superb year. He continued to play quarterback after Dinkel returned. Victoria used Dinkel in an all-purpose role. Then, Dortland broke his collarbone and left after the first two snaps of the substate title game versus Wallace County.

Dinkel returned to quarterback and led the team to back-to-back wins. In the state championship, Dinkel delivered a famous play when he rushed 56 yards on 4th-and-1 on the game’s final offensive snap. Victoria defeated Argonia-Attica, 36-28, for the title.

The Knights graduated all eight offensive start-

ers and return its starting linebackers, senior Bryant Karlin (team-high 93 tackles) and junior Cooper Pfanenstiel (43 stops). Karlin played some at guard, while Pfanenstiel saw time at fullback with 319 rushing yards and five scores.

Victoria has made the playoffs 14 straight years, the longest current run in eight-man football, and hasn’t lost a home game since Week 2 of the 2012 season.

The Knights will move up to Division I this season and will be in District 4 along with former 11man school Bennington, and Lincoln, Logan/ Palco, Osborne and Solomon. All except Osborne (4-5) posted winning records last season.

“Get better each week,” coach Doug Oberle said of his team’s goals and keys. “Become better a person, student, teammate. Maturation of team, leadership, have a great summer program, win each day.”

5-4 in 2015 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man I South Central Border League Coach: Wyatt Williams (10th year, 58-38) Assistants: Barney Rockey, Blake Wilkey, Ryan Ware Offense: I-Formation Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 3 Defense Luke Wiley, TE, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Dylan Loos, OL/LB, 5-10, 210, Jr.; Kermit Fielder, DB, 5-8, 135, Jr.; Tristen Scurlock, OL, 6-3, 310, So.; Drake Lette, LB, 5-11, 150, So. Kyle McCaskey

WAKEENEY-TREGO COMM.

After back-to-back 2-7 seasons, coach Pat Haxton led the Golden Eagles to a four-win improvement and a 6-3 mark. It marked the most victories for WaKeeney-Trego in a season since a 6-4 record in 2006.

Haxton’s staff includes his oldest son, Taylor, as the defensive coordinator. His youngest son, Alex, is a senior and returning starter on the line.

Coach Haxton said his number one goal for his team is “to get better everyday.”

“We lost a lot of talent and leadershop off last year’s team, so we have to work hard at getting 12-0 in 2015 / 5-0 in district / 8-Man I better and finding people who refuse to lose and Central Prairie League are willing to do what it takes to win,” he said.

Coach: Doug Oberle (11th year, 96-20) WaKeeney-Trego plays host to state power Assistants: Dan Rogers, Dylan Kuhn Wallace County in Week 4. The Golden Eagles Returning lettermen: 5 are in Eight-Man, Division I, District 8, which Returning starters: 0 offense, 2 defense include state contender St. Francis. Trego plays Bryant Karlin, LB, 5-10, 161, Sr.; Cooper host to St. Francis in Week 9.

Pfanenstiel, LB, 5-11, 165, Jr. Conor Nicholl The Golden Eagles graduated Cedric Flax, who earned all-district honors at running back and

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1-8 in 2015 / 0-4 in district / 8-Man I Northeast Kansas League Coach: Nick Cummings (1st year, 0-0) Assistants: Drew Kraxner Offense: Veer Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Brent Maycock

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defensive back. As well, Allen Goff (defensive line) and Corbin Schoenthaler (linebacker) graduated after all-district defensive seasons.

WaKeeney opened 2-0 and finished with two wins. However, the Golden Eagles struggled against the three toughest teams: Wallace County (60-14 loss), Hodgeman County (58-8) and Spearville (54-6), the eventual Eight-Man, Division I state champion.

6-3 in 2015 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man I Mid-Continent League Coach: Pat Haxton (4th year, 10-17; 18th overall, 83-85) Assistants: Taylor Haxton, Jason Draper Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 3 Defense Alex Haxton, OL/DL, 6-0, 245, Sr.; Tanner Lowery, OL/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr. Brady Mattke, TE, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Tate Pfannenstiel, WR, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Hunter Folsom, OLB, 5-11, 170, Jr. Conor Nicholl

Pa g e 119

Class 8-Man II Overview

overview

BY CONOR NICHOLL In the last 10 years, Hanover has followed a pattern. The Wildcats are 2-0 in Eight-Man, Division II state title games and 0-3 in Eight-Man, Division I championship contests.

Hanover took second in ’07 and again the last two seasons, falling to Central Plains and Spearville.

In 2008 and ’09, the Wildcats throttled Victoria, 46-14, and Quivira Heights, 66-36, for championships.

This fall, Hanover drops back down to Eight-Man, Division II and is one of the state contenders in a classification that has plenty of depth, including four top-10 squads in District 6 with Otis-Bison, Hodgeman County, Wallace County and Dighton.

The class will have a new titlist and runner-up as twotime defending champion Victoria and two-time defending runner-up Argonia-Attica bumped to Eight-Man, Division I. Hanover loses most of its skill players, including Matthew White, Devin Jueneman and Trey Lohse, but does return standout quarterback Will Bruna. Hanover, which had zero returning starters last fall, finished 12-1 and tallied 700 points behind a shift to a pass-heavy attack. Bruna completed 227 of 301 passes for 3,452 yards with a 56/4 TD/INT ratio. Bruna broke eight-man marks for passing yards and TDs. Hanover averaged 249 passing yards a contest compared to 165 a game in ‘14.

“This year’s team should once again be very competitive but we will have to stay healthy and we will also have to have some kids step up,” coach Matt Heuer said. “We return some experience but we seemed to have some positions hit hard with graduation. The kids have been working hard throughout the offseason but we still have a long ways to go to reach our team goals. Once again we will not be a real big team but we will look to capitalize on our strengths and the opportunities we get.”

As well, Adam Zarybnicky, who caught 46 passes for 591 yards and nine scores, is the defensive anchor. He missed the state title loss to Spearville because of injury but paced the team with 115 tackles and nine TFLs. Senior Adam Fritschi was the second-leading tackler with 105 stops, three for loss. In the last 10 years, Hanover has won double-digit games seven times and at least eight victories in nine seasons. The Wildcats haven’t lost outside of the Twin Valley League or the state title since a 22-6 defeat to Wallace County in Week 4 of the 2013 season in a neutral site contest.

Also on the east, Frankfort will play in District 3 with Hanover, while Hartford is in District 2. Frankfort (5-4) has standout quarterback Adam Kenworthy (15/3 TD/INT ratio), and Hartford has great signal caller Danen Kistner. Since ‘08, Frankfort has lost seven of its last eight to Hanover.

Hartford went 5-0 at home and reached the postseason for the first time since ’02 and the fifth occasion in school history. Kistner and running back Clayton Fowler each delivered 30 scores.

For the west, District 6 features a quartet of state contenders, including Wallace County. The Wildcats endured an incredibly difficult end to 2015 when Luke Schemm, a four-year starter and three-sport standout, collapsed on the field during its first-round playoff win against Otis-Bison. Schemm passed away shortly thereafter.

Wallace County managed to defeat Ingalls on the road in the second round before falling to Victoria, 40-6, in a home sub-state title game. Wallace County is 22-2 the last two seasons under third-year coach Jeff Hennick; new assistant Taylor Elder joins the staff this season.

Hennick and Elder were the all-state quarterback and running back from the Wildcats’ last state title squad, a 130 team in ’07. Wallace County, which finished runner-up in ’13, has made the playoffs every year since ’06. The Wildcats haven’t lost in the regular season since a 26-18 defeat to Cheylin in Week 4 of the 2011 season, the longest current streak in Kansas.

For the third time in three years, Wallace County opens with a very challenging slate - and for the second occasion in three seasons, the Wildcats have minimal starters returning. In 2014, the Wildcats had just two starters back yet still advanced to the sub-state title game. This season, the Wildcats have just two offensive and three defensive starters back and graduated standout quarterback Eric Gfeller, who passed for 1,414 yards, rushed for 1,228 yards and accounted for 49 offensive scores.

Senior Grady Hammer was the leading tackler with 114 stops for the No. 5 scoring defense in the classification.

Wallace County opens with three road games, including at St. Francis (No. 1 in Eight-Man, Division I) in Week 1.

Hodgeman County moves down from Eight-Man, Division I for the first time since the school was formed from Jetmore and Hanston. Hodgeman County has four postseason berths in six seasons, including an Eight-Man, Division I runner-up showing in ’13. The Longhorns arguably get the most favorable schedule in the district with home versus Wallace County, on the road to a relatively short trip to Dighton and then home versus Otis-Bison in its last three contests. Junior quarterback Jacob Salmans has enjoyed a great two-year career with a 65 percent completion rate with a 38/7 TD/INT ratio.

“Our offensive and defensive lines will have to work hard and play tough to replace spots left open due to graduation,” coach Matt Housman said. “They will have to win every week in a very tough district.”

Coach Travis Starr has rebuilt Otis-Bison for the second time in his 12-year career, all with the Cougars. Otis-Bison went 40-6 including a state runner-up from ’09-12 before falling to 3-6 and 4-5. Last season, O-B finished 8-2 and returns virtually its entire team. The defense allowed 20.7 points per contest last fall, a drastic change from 48 allowed in 2014. Quarterback Kade Urban and running back/return specialist Brad Lightfoot are four-year starters.

Dighton has an outstanding passing game with quarterback Tyler Lingg, a four-year starter, and wide receiver Dylan Foos. The Hornets, which co-oped with Healy the last two seasons, but won’t do so this fall, averaged 165 passing yards a contest with a 27/5 TD/INT ratio. Dighton went 5-4 averaged 40 points a game and permitted 29 as an Eight-Man, Division I squad last season.

“Staying healthy through a brutal district will be a huge key,” coach Ken Simon said. “Limiting turnovers and continuing to develop great fundamentals. Must have a few

KPG PRESEASON RANKINGS 1. Hanover 2. Sharon Springs-Wallace Co. 3. Pike Valley 4. Hodgeman Co. 5. Otis-Bison Others: Caldwell, Hartford, Minneola, St. John’s Beloit/Tipton, South Barber underclassmen develop and create some depth.”

Minneola has won a playoff game each of the last two seasons and returns another massive, talented offensive line with its run-heavy offense but has to replace Landon Walker, who cleared 1,400 rushing yards. Beloit/St. John’sTipton returns quarterback Davis Dubbert, one of the state’s best athletes for all classes. Dubbert threw for 1,393 yards and a 26/8 TD/INT ratio. However, the Blujays’ defense allowed 30, 52 and 46 points in losses to Pike Valley, Victoria and Otis-Bison and needs to improve its running game.

Defensive improvement is likely needed for South Barber and Caldwell to contend, too. Last season, the pair, along with A-A and Pretty Prairie, formed a quartet where each team went 3-2 or better in District 4. This season, Caldwell is in District 3 with Hartford, while South Barber is likely the District 7 favorite.

Caldwell went 5-6 in 2015 and scored 42 points a contest but allowed 43 a game. South Barber finished 6-3 with 33 points allowed; both squads played a top-6 schedule, according to preppowerindex.com. Caldwell has five playoff berths and four quarterfinals in the last seven seasons and brings back veteran senior quarterback Colten Ward. South Barber returns senior quarterback Grant Cantrell with 958 passing, 885 rushing and 27 TDs. Pike Valley, which has also advanced a round deep in the last two falls, has one of its more talented teams under longtime coach Don Melby, who has 195 career wins at the school. The Panthers return junior Lane Peters, who rushed for 1,594 yards and 25 scores.

Conor Nicholl is a sport writer from western Kansas with 10 years of experience covering teams from across the state.

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WILL BRUNA HANOVER

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The Bruna name is synonymous with Hanover athletic success. Current Wildcat quarterback Will Bruna is the second-youngest of 10 Bruna children who range from 34 to 15. The family has eight sons and two daughters. Will is the second straight Bruna brother to play quarterback for the Wildcats.

The Bruna family lives on the edge of Hanover with a basketball shed and a big backyard that often has held pickup games throughout the years. Every Sunday, the Brunas have a family dinner with all the nieces and nephews.

“It’s awesome,” Bruna said. “I love it.

Sports, from my very first siblings, have been a huge part of our family, so growing up we always looked up to them, and it was something we always did. It’s been a lot of fun, not just sports.”

Bruna has captured two state titles, both as a sophomore, in the Class 1A, Division I basketball tournament and Class 1A track. This spring, Hanover tied for third at state track and finished fourth in state basketball last winter.

However, the Wildcats have finished as state runner-up in Eight-Man, Division I the last two falls. In both years, Hanover had at least once significant injury either during or before the state title with losses to Central Plains and Spearville.

This season, Bruna said the team has already joked to hold some players back until November to keep them healthy.

Hanover last won football crowns in 2008-09, its second and third titles in school history, and first since 1979. Since then, the Wildcats have three trips to the semifinals and the two state runner-up finishes. Hanover drops down to Eight-Man, Division II where it will likely compete with Pike Valley, Otis-Bison and Hodgeman County for the title.

“Sports are a huge deal in Hanover, so as a kid, you look up to all the kids,” Bruna said. “I was fortunate enough to watch a couple of my older brothers win state championships back to back, and we

were just accustomed to winning, so as you get older, and it starts becoming your time to participate, you don’t want to be the ones to let the community down, especially when they care so much about it.”

Last fall, Bruna, in his first year as the starting quarterback, took over a young team and set multiple eight-man records including passing yards and TDs. “He is a great leader, first and foremost,” Hanover coach Matt Bruna, a Wildcat alum who played with some of Bruna’s siblings, said. “He is a competitor. He is also extremely smart. He makes the correct decisions. He makes the right reads. … He asks questions during practice. He asks questions during games, and what he should be looking for.”

Bruna completed 227 of 301 passes for 3,452 yards with 56 scores versus four interceptions as Hanover went from run-heavy to pass-first.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” Bruna said of state titles. “And it’s one that we wanted to have in football both of the last two years, but we came up short, so we are hoping to do it this year, but it’s the one time you feel satisfied in sports.

“Records are records and wins are wins, but until you reach your goal, which for us has been state championships, you don’t really feel satisfied,” he added.

In 2014, Hanover was considered the favorite against Central Plains and all-purpose standout Layne Bieberle. During the contest, senior Cody Rengstorf (knee) missed most of the game.

Bruna, who hadn’t played much defense, was at linebacker throughout the defeat.

“They were an incredible team, incredibly talented,” Bruna said.

“Not taking anything away from them. We definitely feel like we could have played better. Definitely was not a good game for us.

Had a couple of key injuries.”

Last season, Hanover faced Spearville and its single-wing offense. The Lancers have tallied under 32 points just once in the last three years.

“They have different tricks and different formations and motions and stuff to confuse you, but, for the most part, you know what is coming, and even when you know what is coming, they were so big and athletic and talented, it was nearly impossible to stop,” Bruna said.

The game was close early before Spearville exploded for 46 unanswered points in a 62-16 victory. Defensive leader and top tackler Adam Zarybnicky missed the contest with injury. Spearville rushed for 349 yards with its power running game. All season, Bruna said, Hanover’s “weakness was the power run.”

“Once again, it just seemed like we had everything working against us,” Bruna said. “It just wasn’t meant to be, but we are definitely going to use it as motivation for this year.”

This season, Hanover graduated standouts Devin Jueneman, Trey Lohse and Matthew White, three of Bruna’s top four receivers.

Yet, Bruna returns Zarybnicky and his youngest sibling, Carter Bruna, a sophomore. Junior Kevin Diederich and sophomore Daiken Stallbaumer are expected to play key roles for a program, team – and family – that expects to win again.

“Will has done an exceptional job of reading … and getting rid of the ball quickly, which really helps out, especially up front,” Heuer said. “We knew that he was a very heady ball player. That’s not just football-wise.

“But at the same time, I don’t want to take anything away from Will, but our receivers have done a great job of recognizing the coverage, understanding what they are trying to do defensively and finding the open area and Will does an extremely good job of finding them and being on the same page with our receivers.

“I think Will has done a really good job of implementing that knowledge into what we are trying to accomplish on the offensive side of the ball. He has done an exceptionally good job of knowing where the holes in the zone might be, knowing if it’s man coverage, and knowing what we want to do to exploit different things.”

CLASS 8-Man II Photos by Joey Bahr www.joeybahr.com Features by Tyler Gier

GRANT CANTRELL Cantrell, a 6-0, 195 pound senior has been a staple in South Barber’s starting line up since his freshman season. Cantrell started at linebacker when he was a freshman and at quarterback since his sophomore season. “(Grant’s) experience and leadership will be a great asset to our team this year,” Chieftain coach, and Grant’s father, Matt Cantrell, said.

Last fall Grant rushed for 885 yards and 14

touchdowns on 198 attempts; passed for 960 yards on 74 of 142 passing with a 14/5 touchdown/interception ration; and recorded 83 tackles on defense with an interception returned for a TD. Heart of the Plains League coaches named Grant All-League QB, LB and punter. Cantrell also earned All-District QB, LB and punter honors, and All-State recognition.

After a two year playoff drought, Grant is eager to return to the postseason. “My team goals are to make the playoffs and make a deep, deep run.”

“I like the brotherhood and the camaraderie with my teammates and how (football) is always teaching you valuable life lessons,” Cantrell said.

DAVIS DUBBERT Dubbert is an all around multi-sport athlete for St. John’s-Beloit/Tipton. The senior QB/LB was also one of the top basketball players in the state last winter and is a track standout as well. As a freshman Dubbert played in every game for the 1A D-II State Champion Blujays.

“Sports are my passion and I want to always be competing,” Dubbert said. “I’ve competed in

football, basketball, baseball, golf, and track throughout high school.”

After missing out on the playoffs in 2015, Dubbert and the Bluejays are looking to return by winning a district title and “making a deep playoff run.”

The football standout is looking to extend his sports career into college on the basketball floor. His older brother Trey plays basketball at Sterling College.

“I am looking to pick up recruiting interest this summer and next season.”

Concerning football, Dubbert enjoys everyone uniting under the Friday night lights.

“Seeing the whole community come together on game night is amazing.”

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DYLAN FOOS

GRADY HAMMER

DANEN KISTNER

MASON RUNFT

COLTEN WARD

When watching a Dighton Hornet football game, fans will see Dylan Foos catching passes, making tackles, returning kicks, long snapping, and more. Foos does it all.

The 6-0, 175 pound senior passed for 300 yards and eight TDs as a backup QB; rushed for 328 yards and two TDs on 35 carries; caught 57 passes for 845 yards and 17 TDs; returned two kickoffs for TDs; recorded 80 tackles, including 40 solo stops, with three tackles for loss, four interceptions and scooped up a fumble for a touchdown. Foos also returned punts and served as the Hornets long snapper.

Foos earned First Team Northwest Kansas All-League and All-District end, return specialist and honorable mention defensive back honors.

Even with all the awards and success Hornet head coach Ken Simon says Foos stays “humble and hungry.”

“Football is my favorite sport,” Foos said. “There is just something about the teamwork, camaraderie and goal setting that the other sports don’t have.”

Wallace County Wildcats head coach Jeff Hennick describes his senior fullback/defensive end as a student of the game.

“Grady is a very intelligent player who watches a lot of film,” Hennick said. “He sees the game and understands the game very well, he is a person who studies so much that he can just react on the field and not have to worry about thinking.”

Hammer, 6-0, 205 pounds rushed for 427 yards and five touchdowns on 73 carries, caught 27 passes for 335 yards, and averaged 9.5 tackles per game in 2015. The senior earned All-State, All-District and All-League honors at defensive end.

Hammer is no stranger to State Championship games. Hammer has been a part of the 2013 Football State Runner-Up, 2015 State Basketball Champions, and qualified for the 2016 State Track meet in the discus. And Hammer is determined to add another football appearance.

Hammer enjoys “strapping the chin strap up every Friday night before the big game and the physical aspects that (football) offers.”

Kistner, a 6-foot, 195 pound QB/ DB helped lead Hartford to a three win improvement and the playoffs in ‘15 after transferring from Waverly.

The senior was 91 of 175 passing for 1,157 yards and 20 touchdowns and five interceptions; rushed for 642 yards and 10 touchdowns on 119 attempts; recorded 64 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, two passes defended, two interceptions and a defensive touchdown.

Kistner was named All-State Honorable Mention, Lyon County League First Team QB and Second Team linebacker.

Kistner’s final season is all about winning a State ring. “I’ve never won a state title,” Kistner said. “That’s something I’ve dreamed about doing ever since I was a little boy throwing the football around in the yard with my dad and my little brother.”

Kistner has excelled on the basketball floor as well, helping the Jaguars to upset St. John’s-Beloit/ Tipton in the 1A D-II State Tournament and finishing RunnerUp. He traveled to Europe this summer with an all-star basketball team.

The Pike Valley Panthers have improved from 1-8 in 2013, to 5-6 in 2014, to 8-3 in 2015. Mason Runft, an o-lineman and d-end entering his fourth season as a starter, has steadily improved as well.

The senior recorded 65 total tackles, including 43 solo stops, 12 tackles for loss, six sacks and two passes defended in 2015.

“I thought (Runft’s) defensive stats were very good and they did not run his way very often,” legendary Panther head coach Don Melby said.

Runft was named first team Kpreps.com All-District in 2015, with honorable mention in 2014.

The past two playoffs Pike Valley has defeated Chase in Bi-Districts and fell to the eventual State Runner-Up Argonia-Attica in the Regional round.

Runft’s leadership will be a major key for the Panthers, who return several other top players, to take the next step toward a deep playoff run. “(Runft) will be our strongest leader this year and he will be a great athlete for us,” Melby said.

The quarterback position is considered the most important position on the field, and the reliance on the QB is intensified in the Blue Jay offense. “Our quarterback is asked to make reads on about 75 percent of our plays,” Caldwell head coach Sean Blosser said. Because of his work ethic, Colten Ward, a 5-11, 160 pound senior QB/DB makes these reads look easy.

“Colten excels at this because he is coachable, studies, and takes care of the little things to be successful,” Blosser said.

Last season Ward rushed for 1,504 yards and 37 TDs and passed for 1,013 yards and nine TDs. Defensively, Ward recorded 88 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 17 pass break ups. Ward also returned four touchdowns on special teams.

Ward earned All-District and Kpreps.com All-State All Purpose honors. He is also an All-State basketball player and placed seventh in the 400 meter dash at this spring’s State Track Meet.

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Northern Valley had just one returning starter last season, lineman Colten Bach. The Huskies finished 3-6 with just one close game, a 39-24 season-opening loss to Alma (Neb.). Then, Northern Valley defeated Golden Plains, 34-8, followed by three straight big losses. Northern Valley moved to 3-4 with a 52-20 victory versus Thunder Ridge and a 50-18 win against Wetmore. In its last two games, the Huskies fell, 52-6, to OtisBison and 56-24 to Beloit/St. John’s-Tipton.

Chuck Fessenden, in his 40th year, has goals to win the district and qualify for the playoffs. Last year marked the first losing season in four years after 6-3, 7-2, 5-4 and 6-3 records. Northern Valley hasn’t made the playoffs since 2005. The Huskies have three state titles and four runner-up finishes under Fessenden, all from ’82-90.

Northern Valley has been strong offensively the last several years but has allowed 37.2, 31 and 40.3 points per game in the last three years.

Northern Valley returns its top rushers with quarterback Caden Kinderknecht and running back Jarell Seals. Kinderknecht had 177 carries for 943 yards with 14 scores, last year, while Seals had 126 carries for 752 yards and eight scores.

Kinderknecht threw for 464 yards with a 6/0 TD/ INT ratio.

“We will need to find one more solid offensive lineman,” Fessenden said. “We have got to improve our play on the defensive side of the ball.”

Coach Jesse Stebens has experienced a usual eight-man progression with major highs and lows.

His career opened with 10-1 and 9-1 records when Ashland was a state title contender. Then, the Blue Jays took heavy graduation losses and dropped to 1-8 before 2-7, 4-5 and 6-3 records the past three years.

Ashland upset Ingalls in the regular season, 5642 in Week 4, and then lost to the Bulldogs in the first round of the playoffs, 74-28.

This year, Ashland takes some major graduation losses, especially Kole Konrade, who helped the Bluejays win the Class 1A track title in the spring, one point ahead of Beloit/St. John’s-Tipton.

Konrade tallied 24 total scores (including three defensive/special teams) and finished with 1,383 all-purpose yards last fall. He was the team’s leading receiver; five of the team’s top six receivers were seniors.

Sophomore Luke Reimer returns after he was third with 226 receiving yards and five scores (second to Konrade) on 12 catches. Reimer led the team with 89 tackles and tied for the team high with four TFLs. Five of the top tacklers were seniors.

Senior Reece Kay does return after he completed 86 of 177 passes for 1,446 yards with a 22/ 8 TD/INT ratio. Ashland did lose 10 fumbles and finished plus-4 in turnover margin.

Ashland is in Eight-Man, Division II, District 7 that covers a wide swath of territory and includes Bucklin, Chase, South Barber, Pretty Prairie and Stafford.

Returning the bulk of the team that reached the Eight-Man Division II semifinals in 2014, expectations were extremely high for Axtell in 2015.

Even with an mid-season injury to senior quarterback Colton Buessing, the Eagles pretty much delivered.

After a season-opening loss to eventual EightMan Division I runner-up Hanover, Axtell ripped off 10 straight wins before falling to Argonia-Attica in the Division II semifinals for the second straight year. A second straight 10-2 season saw Axtell average 43.8 points per game only have one win by fewer than 22 points.

So what are the expectations for 2016? Well, a rebuilding season appears to be in order as Axtell returns just two lettermen and only one starter — senior end/linebacker Burke Deters. The Eagles will be extremely young with Deters one of only two seniors on the team and just two juniors as well.

As a weapon to go with the departed Buessing (1,306 yards passing, 572 rushing, 30 total TDs), Deters was solid, rushing for 103 yards and adding 157 receiving yards with five combined touchdowns. He’ll likely stay at receiver, but could see some time at running back.

Arguably the biggest loss in the offseason was junior Kaleb Buessing, who would have taken over at quarterback but moved with his family to Montana. As a sophomore, he filled in for Colton at quarterback and completed 78 percent of his passes for 456 yards and four scores, while spending the rest of the season at running back and finishing with 504 yards and 16 touchdowns.

The quarterback duties will instead fall to sophomore Hunter Koch, who saw spot time in five games last year. He’ll be one of several sophomores who will be counted on heavily, as could a handful of freshmen.

With Hanover dropping to Division II this year and joining the Eagles’ district, the path to the postseason got a lot tougher for Eric Detweiler’s young squad. Clashes with Frankfort and Wakefield could decide their postseason fate.

BSJT delivered another solid season with veteran coach Keith Kresin. The Blujays opened 3-0 with three victories by at least 26 points. In Week 4, the Blujays lost, 30-18, versus Pike Valley. After a 36-6 victory, BSJT lost, 52-6, against Victoria and 46-36 versus Otis-Bison. BSJT finished its year with two blowout victories. BSJT finished 7-3 in 2014 after an 11-1 year in 2013 and an 8-2 season in 2012.

Senior Davis Dubbert, also one of Kansas’ best basketball players in all classes, completed 109 of 202 passes for 1,393 yards with a 26/8 TD/INT ratio. BSJT averaged 3.3 yards per carry, a drop off from 4.7 ypc in ’14 and 5.6 ypc in ’13.

The Blujays will need to find a running back after Parker Gates graduated. Tight end Adam Bates played some in the backfield when Gates was injured.

Senior Mason Eilert returns after he led the team with 42 catches for 477 yards and 12 TDs. The top five tacklers return, paced by 100 stops from senior Aaron Henke. Eilert led the team with seven sacks and recovered six fumbles. Kail Dubbert and Justin Brummer each saw time at dtackle, part of an experienced defense that allowed just 22 points per contest last season.

BSJT forced 27 turnovers and finished plus-15 in turnover margin. The Blujays will play in EightMan, Division II, District 4 and has a strong opportunity at the playoffs. Pike Valley is a top team this fall and Linn, Rock Hills, Southern Cloud and Tescott round out the district.

Of 10 returning players with starting experience, five earned Kpreps.com All-District honors, including first teamers Dubbert at QB, Eilert at WR, and Aaron Henke at LB, while Ty Brummer and Eddie Koenigsman earned honorable mention. Gates was the only returning starter a year ago to graduate this spring, making the Blujays one of the most experienced teams in all of 8-Man II.

3-6 in 2015 / 1-3 in district / 8-Man II Western Kansas Liberty League Coach: Chuck Fessenden (40th year, 271-125) Assistants: Brad Cox, Marvin Gebhard Offense: Midway Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense Jesus Saenz, DE, 6-0, 170, So.; Caden Kinderknecht, QB/S, 6-0, 157, Jr.; Jarell Seals, RB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Caden Bach, RB/DE, 6-0, 160, So.; Nick Stutsman, CB, 5-11, 143, So.; Ben Jones, G, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Cooper Mussman, C, 511, 240, Jr. Conor Nicholl

6-3 in 2015 / 3-1 in district / 8-Man II Southern Plains Iroquois Coach: Jesse Stebens (7th year, 34-25) Assistants: Jim Brown, Ben Fox Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Conor Nicholl

BUCKLIN Second-year coach Brad Estes has specific goals for a program that won two games in 2015, its best record since going 6-2 in ‘07. Bucklin tallied 27.2 points per contest and allowed 54.5 points per game in ‘15. Estes wants the following out of his team each game: average 45 points, limit teams to 30 points or less, pass for 200 yards, run for 150, allow just 200 yards in total offense, and finish the season plus-six in turnovers.

“Win the games that we feel we are supposed to win; be competitive in all others,” Estes said of the team’s goals. “If everything goes well, we feel like we can win 4-5 games.....We are still learning how to win.”

Bucklin, two years removed from ending its 54game losing streak, went 2-0 at home and 0-5 on the road. In Week 3, the Red Aces defeated Fowler, 37-14. In its final contest, Bucklin beat Fairfield/Cunningham, 74-56. The Red Aces took the field just six times because of two open dates and a forfeit loss to Minneola in Week 6.

“We must have leaders emerge from our young

team,” Estes said. “We absolutely must grow as a team by elevating our collective football IQ and confidence. If all goes as planned, we will have had a terrific summer strength and conditioning program resulting in bigger, stronger, faster, more instinctive players. We must be play smart, disciplined and opportunistic to compete with more athletic teams while being very careful to avoid making mistakes that beat ourselves - i.e penalties and turnovers.”

6-3 in 2015 / 2-2 in district / 8-Man II Northern Plains League Coach: Keith Kresin (7th year, 33-26; 104-57 overall) Assistants: Aren Coppoc Offense: Power I Defense: 3-5 10-2 in 2015 / 5-0 in district / 8-Man II Returning lettermen: 14 Twin Valley League Returning starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense Coach: Eric Detweiler (4th year, 25-8) Davis Dubbert, QB/LB, Sr.; Aaron Henke, FB/LB, Assistants: Dale Buessing, Craig Wiebe Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Sr.; Mason Eilert, WR/DE, Sr.; Ryan Gengler, G, Returning lettermen: 2 Sr.; Justin Brummer, C/DT, Sr.; Eddie Returning starters: 1 Offense, 1 Defense Koenigsman, G/DE, Sr.; Adam Bates, TE, Jr.; Kail Burke Deters, WR/LB, 6-0, 160, Sr. Dubbert, DT, So.; Ty Brummer, CB, Jr.; Ryan Brent Maycock Gengler, CB, Sr. Conor Nicholl

2-5 in 2015 / 1-3 in district / 8-Man II Southern Plains Iroquois Coach: Brad Estes (2nd year, 2-5; 6th overall) Assistants: Stephen Hokanson Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Daulton Warden, QB, 5-8, 155, So.; Hunter Hearne, OL, 6-0, 255, Jr.; Casey Stout, WR, 6-0, 160, Jr.; James Stout, OL, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Jared Scott, RB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Chris White, WR, 6-3, 170, So. Conor Nicholl

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BURRTON Burrton opened the 2015 season in style, beating Fairfield/Cunningham 41-12, which snapped a 32-game losing streak and gave the senior class its first high school win.

The Chargers even had chances for a couple more wins, losing the next week 28-12 to Stafford and 56-35 the week after to Canton-Galva. From there, the going got tough as the Chargers scored in double digits just one more time.

While Burrton has struggled in recent years, the school has a good football history. Burrton has a 13-12 postseason record all time and has reached the state semifinals five times, including as recent as 2003.

Burrton heads east for district play this year, where only Hartford had a winning record last season, although Caldwell advanced to the quarterfinals.

CALDWELL

Few teams could stop Caldwell in 2015 as the offense chirped along to 464 points over 11 games. Few teams had trouble quieting the Blue Jays, either, as the defense was taken for 469 points. Ultimately, that would prove Caldwell’s demise, as it was knocked out in the 8-Man-DII quarterfinals by Axtell, 62-14. The Blue Jays, 5-6, gave up more than 50 points in all of their defeats.

Though the ending was unwelcome, it is not to say 2015 was a letdown for Caldwell. On the contrary, the Blue Jays reached five wins for the fourth time under coach Sean Blosser, who begins his sixth season. Caldwell has reached the postseason three of the past four years.

“The goal for our team is to improve off of last year,” Blosser said. “We improved as a team last year and gained a lot of experience with young players stepping up because of injuries. Our team started playing really well into the playoffs and we 1-8 in 2015 / 0-5 in district / 8-Man II hope we can do the same thing.”

Heart of the Plains League The flight path back to the playoffs for the Blue Coach: Chris Jensen Jays may have cleared up. As Caldwell moves Brad Hallier from District 4 to 2, they leave behind state runner-up Argonia-Attica (12-1), Pretty Prairie (72) and South Barber (6-3). Caldwell does bring along former district-mates South Haven (3-6) and Norwich (2-7). Added in with Hartford (7-3) and Colony-Crest enjoyed a playoff trip this past sea- Hutchinson Central Christian – a former club team son, but only two starters – juniors Gage Adams in its first season of KSHSAA district play – the and Hayden Seabolt – return from that roster. district should be navigable for the Blue Jays.

“Stay healthy, limit turnovers on offense and be Much of the roster is intact from this past seaa better tackling team on defense that forces turn- sons. Quarterback Colten Ward is a three-year overs,” said coach Chuck Mahon of team goals. starter – he played running back as a sophomore The strength of schedule for this season may be before stepping in as signal caller as a junior. forgiving enough to allow the Lancers time to Returning Kpreps.com All-District honorees Dilyn regenerate its lineups. Marias des Cygnes Valley and Dakota Volavka also help.

(6-4) is the only opponent Crest will see that The Blue Jays return seven players with starting comes off a winning season and postseason experience and 12 total lettermen. berth.

“We are very excited about the possibilities with Crest starts District 1 play early, opening with a this group,” Blosser said. “We have a long way to road trip to Waverly in week three. A home game go, and if they buy in this summer, we will have an with Chetopa and a road game at Altoona follow opportunity to improve.” before a district reprieve – in week six, Crest hosts McAuley Catholic, a program from Joplin, 5-6 in 2015 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man II Mo. McAuley was 1-8 a season ago, but its lone South Central Border League victory came in a trip across the border to defeat Coach: Sean Blosser (6th year, 27-23) Flinthills. The Lancers return to district competiAssistants: David Teeter, Randy Sawyer, Jason tion in week seven when it brings in Marias des McVeigh Offense: Read Option Defense: 3-2 Cygnes. Week eight is a journey to Lebo. The Returning lettermen: 12 regular season wraps up at home with Returning starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense Pleasanton. Crest, an 8-Man Division II program, Colten Ward, DB/QB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Dilyn sees several newcomers drop into its district, as Volavka, LB/TE, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Dylan Weers, OL, Waverly, Marias des Cygnes, Lebo and 5-11, 210, Sr.; Dakota Volavka, RB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Pleasanton all descend from Division I to II this Justin Brown, WR/DB, 5-10, 140, Jr.; Jacob Dick, year.

OL/DL, 5-11, 210, Jr.; Jalen Risley, TE/DE, 6-0, Crest was a potent closer in 2015, with victories 185, So. Kyle McCaskey over Hartford and Chetopa coming by 10 points or less. The Lancers were one-and-done in the postseason, falling to Caldwell 72-44. There was even distribution for Crest on both sides of the ball, scoring 35.4 points per game and giving up 35.8 points.

The Lancers have 12 playoff showings in their history, including a state runner-up performance back in 1983. Crest has made the postseason four times in the past decade. The Lancers have improved by one-win increments the past three seasons – from 4-5 in 2013, to 5-4 in Mahon’s first year as coach in 2014, to this past season’s 6-4 campaign.

COLONY-CREST

6-4 in 2015 / 3-1 in district / 8-Man II Three Rivers League Coach: Chuck Mahon (3rd year, 11-8) Assistants: Craig Frazell, Zach Mason Offense: DTE-I Defense: 4-2-2 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 2 Defense Gage Adams, FB/ILB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Hayden Seabolt, TE/DE, 6-3, 175, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

220 W Main • Glen Elder, KS • 1.800.287.8495 www.cunninghamtelephoneandcable.com

900 Morgan Ave. • Downs, KS (785) 454-3323

CHASE

CHETOPA

Chase has become a playoff regular under coach John Wellman, having reached the postseason in three of Wellman’s first four years, and the two years before Wellman’s arrival. The Kats have also won two straight district titles, and they take an 18-game regular-season win streak into this season.

Chase appears to have much in place to have another strong season and try for that elusive postseason victory. Eight lettermen and five starters are back, high numbers for any eight-man team.

“We have five very experienced players that have had a ton of success,” Wellman said. “We need our new players to step in and perform at a high level. We must avoid turning the ball over and adapt our offense to fit our players’ strengths.”

Among the returning starters are running back/ linebacker Kebren Julian and fullback/linebacker Conner Hill. Wide receiver/defensive back Justin Oberle also is back, as are linemen Brandon Enfield and Dalton Rose.

Quarterback is an issue to sort out, as Brendon Clark, and his 47 touchdowns, has graduated.

The district appears to be wide open, as nobody in the district won a playoff game last season.

Chetopa’s numbers may be low, but that doesn’t mean Jaunc Bradshaw doesn’t have the expectations set high.

As he enters his second season as head coach, Bradshaw expects to have only 11 players out for football this fall. But Bradshaw looked on the bright side.

“Even though we have lower numbers I expect us to compete every time we step onto the football field,” Bradshaw said. “I expect us to compete at a high level and as hard as we can.”

With such low numbers, Chetopa will need contributions from the entire roster, Bradshaw added.

“Everyone should have an opportunity to show their skills and fight for a position,” Bradshaw said.

“Our biggest challenge will be staying healthy. We will be very young and will have to learn the game as each week goes by.”

The Green Hornets suffered growing pains a year ago, as a team full of untested newcomers finished 2-6 one year after the program went 10-1.

“We struggled at times, but the kids fought hard each game,” Bradshaw said.

Chetopa returns three starters on both sides of the ball. Senior Trey Riddle returns at running back and linebacker, while classmate Ryan Gainer returns at running back and d-back. Junior Lane Kabrey is back on the line.

9-1 in 2015 / 5-0 in district / 8-Man II Northern Plains League Coach: John Wellman (5th year, 34-14) Assistants: Mitch Light Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-3-2 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Kebren Julian, RB/LB, 5-5, 140, Sr.; Conner Hill, FB/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Brandon Enfield, G/DE, 511, 190, Sr.; Justin Oberle, WR/DB, 5-5, 150, Sr.; Dalton Rose, C/DE, 5-11, 205, Jr. Brad Hallier

2-6 in 2015 / 1-3 in district / 8-Man II Three Rivers League Coach: Jaunc Bradshaw (2nd year, 2-6) Assistant: Bryan Midgett Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 or 3-4 Returning lettermen: 5 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 3 Defense Trey Riddle, RB/LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Ryan Gainer, RB/DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Lane Kabrey, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Jr. Jason Peake

DIGHTON

DOWNS-LAKESIDE

After two years of co-oping with Healy and moving to 8-Man I, Dighton will go it alone. The Hornets went 7-2, 3-6 and 6-5 from 2011-13 before posting 3-6 and 5-4 marks the last two years. Dighton played in a district with Hodgeman Co., Spearville and Ness City the past two years.

For the next two years, the Hornets play in a challenging 8-Man, DII district that includes Hodgeman Co., Otis-Bison and Wallace Co. Senior Tyler Lingg returns for his fourth year as the starting QB. Last year, the 6-5, 215 pound signal caller completed 84 of 135 passes for 1,181 yards with 19 TDs and three INTs. He significantly improved from his sophomore year when he threw for 923 yards with a 6/7 TD/INT ratio.

Senior Dylan Foos is back after he caught 57 passes for 845 yards and 17 scores. The top-four tacklers are back, along with leaders Lake Lewis (87 stops) and Foos (80). Lingg led the team with 10 TFLs. Foos picked off four passes.

For Dighton to earn a playoff spot from the challenging district, it’s likely going to come with a defensive improvement. Dighton had an average score of 40-29.

“We want to improve throughout the season and be playing at our best during district and hopefully the playoffs,” Simon said.

Lakeside enters 2016 on a 15-game losing streak after an 0-9 season in 2015. The Knights struggled last fall with all nine losses by the 45point margin. This season, Lakeside returns six offensive and seven defensive starters. Last year, the Knights had three offensive and four defensive starters.

Lakeside has a challenging first three games with at Pike Valley, home versus Hoxie and home versus rival Osborne. Lakeside returns its second through six leading tacklers, including junior Drew Cunningham, who had 74 tackles, second-best, and a team-high 10 TFLs. Cunningham and end Austin Stroede (6-3, 180) earned Kpreps.com honorable mention all-district.

“Our team goals are to have a winning record and compete for the chance to win our district and make it to the playoffs,” third-year coach Drew Duskie said. “We have quite few guys coming back with experience from last year. Our key to success will be getting stronger during the summer and keeping everyone healthy and injury free during the season.”

0-9 in 2015 / 0-6 in district / 8-Man II Northern Plains League Coach: Drew Duskie (3rd year, 3-15) Assistants: Travis Eberle, Brandon Smith 5-4 in 2015 / 2-3 in district / 8-Man II Offense: I Defense: 3-4 Northwest Kansas League Returning lettermen: 13 Coach: Ken Simon (6th year, 24-23) Assistants: Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Chris Fullmer Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Austin Stroede, OE/DB, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Dawson Returning lettermen: 13 Johnson, QB, 5-10, 171, Sr.; Austin Cooper, LB, Returning starters: 7 Offense, 6 Defense 5-4, 138, Sr.; Tristian Brammer, G, 5-9, 233, Sr.; Dylan Foos, E/DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Tyler Lingg, QB/ Tearnen Wyman, C/DE, 5-11, 183, Sr.; Drake DE, 6-5, 215, Sr.; Lake Lewis, RB/LB, 5-10, 200, Debolt, DB, 5-9, 127, Jr.; Drew Cunningham, RB/ Sr.; Logan Lingg, L, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Isaac Torson, LB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Nicholas Schmitt, OE/DB, 5-7, OL/DE, 6-3, 170, Jr.; Max Cummins, OE/LB, 5-11, 162, Jr.; Caleb Hake, DB, 6-0, 156, So. 180, Jr.; Gunther Shull, C, 5-10, 200, Jr. CN Conor Nicholl

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FRANKFORT

HANOVER

HARTFORD

The smallest school in Kansas with its own football team (no cooperative), Fowler is looking to bounce back from a winless season.

Fowler not only is the smallest school to go alone in football (2016-2017 9th-11th enrollment of 27), but only three other schools in Kansas go alone with fewer than 40 students, including BuffaloAltoona Midway (38), Moscow (37) and Tescott (33). However, it wasn’t long ago when Fowler was making the playoffs, as the Goldbugs did in 2010, 2012 and 2013.

Fowler returns eight lettermen, all of whom started last year, which gives second-year coach Kraig Westhoff a solid building block.

“We know that we have the talent and the ability to do great things on the field,” Westhoff said. “This year, we are going to go out, compete and prove that the smallest 8-Man school can be a big threat.”

The team is still young with four junior starters back, including quarterback Brayden Watson and running backs Kamrin Jones and Diego Medina.

Numbers were so small last season that Fowler had to forfeit its final three games. That was unfortunate, as the Goldbugs scored 42 points their final game in a 28-point loss to Rolla.

The schedule will be tough, especially in district play, with Ingalls and Minneola in it, and both won a playoff game last season.

There may be a new look for Frankfort this season, but it should have a very familiar feel to it. Nick Anderson takes over as coach replacing Garry Kraushaar, but is hardly new to Frankfort football.

The 2000 Wildcat graduate played on two Frankfort teams that reached state championship games in the late 1990s, learning under legendary coach Larry Schroeder. For the past 10 years, he’s coached Frankfort’s JH team, going 19-9.

Frankfort was 5-4 for the second straight year, but missed out on the postseason for the fourth straight year. This year’s success will depend greatly on how well the returning Wildcats transition to the new style Anderson has installed.

There are certainly pieces for a successful year to fall into place. Frankfort will miss leading rusher Jase Suther, who ran for 1,504 yards and 25 TDs, but returning senior QB Adam Kenworthy was a solid running mate a year ago and should become the focal point of the offense this year.

Last year, Kenworthy completed 50 percent of his passes for 1,049 yards and 15 TDs while getting picked off just three times. With his top-two targets gone, Kenworthy will likely be asked to carry more of the load after adding 683 yards rushing and 12 TDs. Kenworthy is also the top returning tackler with 52 stops, while senior lineman Jedd Rose and senior linebacker Rylen Bailey were close behind with 47 and 46 tackles, respectively.

Hanover returned zero offensive and two defensive starters from its 2014 team that finished as state runner-up to Central Plains in a 42-30 loss.

The Wildcats, led by record-breaking quarterback Will Bruna, again advanced to the state title. This time, Hanover fell to Spearville, 62-16, in a game called by the 45-point margin in the third quarter.

Bruna is joined by fellow senior Adam Zarybnicky, who returns after he was the defensive leader with 115 tackles and nine for loss but missed the state game with injury. He was the fourth-leading receiver in ’15 and the top one returning this fall with 46 catches for 591 yards and nine TDs. Senior Adam Fritschi also returns following a 105-tackle year.

Coach Matt Heuer said he was “extremely pleased” with ’15 considering the lack of experience, and playing in a tough district.

“Every week, we stepped up our play and were able to improve each time we took the field and that helped us play at an elite level,” Heuer said.

Daiken Stallbaumer, who started the state title game, will likely see plenty of time at receiver, part of a deep group at end. Fritschi and Trevor Klipp are back among the interior line. Klipp is also a returning starter at defensive line, along with Carlos Emanuel, a force at 6-5, 280 pounds.

Zarybnicky, Bruna and Fritschi return as starting linebackers, though Bruna could make a switch to defensive back because of heavy graduation losses.

When Danen Kistner transferred in from Waverly before last season, Hartford coach Lewis Whitson knew he was getting a player. Sure enough, Kistner’s presence was immediate. The Jaguars bounced back from a week one loss to 8-Man I semifinalist Burlingame to win seven of its last eight, posting the first winning season since ‘09.

Hartford returned to the playoffs for the first time since ‘02, falling 48-0 in the first round to two-time state runner-up Argonia-Attica. But the 7-3 season was a major step forward for the Jags, doubling the win total from the previous two seasons combined.

Whatever slight adjustment period there was to Kistner stepping in at QB is a distant memory. The senior clicked immediately and threw for eight TDs in a win over Marais des Cygnes Valley and finished the year with 1,157 yards and 20 TDs passing and 642 yards and 10 TDs on the ground.

He was far from a one-man show last year and his top complementary weapons return. Senior Clayton Fowler, the Kpreps.com District 3 Offensive MVP in ‘15, is a four-year starter and in splitting time between tailback and receiver last year racked up 1,600 total yards and 30 TDs, topping 1,000 yards on the ground alone. Receivers Justice Kemmerer and Luke Ikerd also emerged in the passing game.

Landon Ledford, the 1A Discus Champ in the spring, returns on the offensive line and at middle linebacker.

0-9 in 2015 / 0-5 in district / 8-Man II Southern Plains Iroquois Coach: Kraig Westhoff (2nd year, 0-9) Assistants: Drew Glenn, Barry Jones Offense: Split Back Defense: 4-2 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Seth Cross, OL/DE, Jr.; Kamrin Jones, DE/RB/WR, Jr.; Diego Medina, LB/RB, Jr.; Brayden Watson, QB/DB, Jr.; Jurney Bird, DB, So.; Saul Medina, OL/ DL, So.; Angel Medrano, OL/DL, So. Brad Hallier

5-5 in 2015 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man II Twin Valley League Coach: Nick Anderson (1st year) Assistants: Brian Ebert, Jay Kennedy, Branton Smith Offense: Spinner Back Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 4 Defense Adam Kenworthy, QB/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Jedd Rose, OL/DL, 6-1, 250, Sr.; Rylen Bailey, E/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Josh Armstrong, DE, 6-1, 180, Sr. BM

HUTCH.-CEN. CHRISTIAN

INGALLS

Central Christian has spent most of the last decade as a club team. There was even a few years last decade the school didn’t have football. But now, Central Christian is moving back into the world of KSHSAA-sanctioned football. The Cougars will be in a district and be eligible to play for a state championship.

The Cougars made strides last year with a young team, and a powerful offense that scored 46 points or more five times. Two of those instances came in defeats to Stafford and St. John’s Military.

Nate Heneha and Dylan Willard give the Cougars dynamic options in the backfield and the chance to score on any play.

The district will feature some tough games. The district includes teams spread out over many districts last year, and South Haven and Caldwell reached the playoffs, with Caldwell advancing to the quarterfinals.

Ingalls has multiple major changes from its highpowered offense that went 9-2 and averaged 58.9 points per contest last season. In 2014, the Bulldogs were 10-1 and tallied 52.7 points a contest. Coach Ted Brown took the head position at Hiawatha. The offense, which tallied 300 rushing yards and 119 passing a contest, graduated multiple players.

Senior Branson Sandoval is gone after he rushed 143 times for 1,513 yards and 31 total scores, along with speedster Josh Irsik who had 1,434 allpurpose yards and 20 total scores in eight games.

First-year coach Vestal Teeter was an assistant the previous three seasons. He said the biggest key is the running backs, previously backups, will handle carrying the ball more frequently this season.

“We are looking to continue getting better and building on the last few years,” Teeter said.

Senior quarterback Colton Schmidt is back after he completed 40 of 70 passes for 1,299 yards with a 24/6 TD/INT ratio. He also rushed 25 times for 223 yards and three scores. Defensively, Ingalls graduated the top-four tacklers. Junior Mikel Osborne is the top returner with 36 stops.

4-5 in 2015 / club team in 2015 / 8-Man II Heart of the Plains League Coach: Lee Smith (3rd year, 5-12) Returning starters: N/A Nate Heneha, QB/CB, Jr.; JT Duree, C/DE, Jr.; Dylan Willard, QB, So.; Grant Boldt, OL/LB, Sr.; Logan Miller, RB/DL, Sr.; Corbin Gibson, OL/DE, So. Brad Hallier

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9-2 in 2015 / 5-0 in district / 8-Man II Southern Plains Iroquois Coach: Vestal Teeter (1st year) Assistants: Travis Leverett, Braden Pelischek Offense: Power I Defense: 3-3-2 Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Colton Schmidt, QB, 6-2, 165, Sr.; Austin Teeter, OL/DL, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Chris Wendel, OL/DL, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Zean Cox, RB/LB, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Zach Barrie, OL/DL, 5-10, 225, Jr.; Mikel Mader, RB/LB, 5-10, 165, Jr. Conor Nicholl

12-1 in 2015 / 6-0 in district / 8-Man II Twin Valley League Coach: Matt Heuer (12th year, 90-24) Assistants: Chris Beikmann, John Bruna Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Adam Zarybnicky, OL/LB, 6-3, 195, Sr.; Will Bruna, QB/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Adam Fritschi, G/LB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Trevor Klipp, C/DE, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Carlos Emanuel, NG, 6-5, 280, Jr. Conor Nicholl

7-3 in 2015 / 3-1 in district / 8-Man II Lyon County League Coach: Lewis E. Whitson (4th year, 13-15) Assistants: Colten Barrett, Justin Logan Offense: Spread/Double Wing Defense: Monster Stack Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Danen Kistner, QB/DB, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Clayton Fowler, RB/DB/LB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Luke Ikerd, TE/ DB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Drayden Butterfield, C, 5-10, 235, Sr.; Landon Ledford, OG/MLB, 5-10, 223, Sr.; Justice Kemmerer, WR/OLB, 5-9, 185, Jr.; Dalen Kistner, DE, 5-8, 160, So. Brent Maycock

JETMORE-HODGEMAN CO KENSINGTON-THUN. RIDGE Hodgeman County is one-third of 8-Man II, District 6, very likely the most challenging district in the classification. The Longhorns drop down a classification and join traditional powers Wallace County and Otis-Bison, which returns nearly everyone from an 8-2 season. Coach Matt Housman has led the Longhorns to 7-2 and 8-2 records the last two seasons after a state runner-up appearance in 2013.

Housman’s goals are to improve each week, compete for a district title/make playoffs, and play fast and physical on both sides of the ball.

“Our offensive and defensive lines will have to work hard and play tough to replace spots left open due to graduation,” Housman said. “They will have to win every week in a very tough district.”

Hodgeman County does have five road games but gets Sharon Springs and Otis-Bison at home in Weeks 7 and 9.

Junior Jacob Salmans returns for his third season as the starting quarterback. He completed 53 of 80 passes for 1,233 yards with 17 scores against two interceptions. Senior Carson Cahoon played in seven games with 68 carries for 423 yards and 11 scores and had 12 catches for 179 yards and three TDs. He collected 66 tackles and paced the team with 11 TFLs and tied for the lead with four sacks.

8-2 in 2015 / 4-1 in district / 8-Man II Southern Plains Iroquois Coach: Matt Housman (6th year, 49-13; 7th overall, 55-16) Assistant: Oliver Salmans Offense: Wing T Defense: 5-1 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Carson Cohoon, FB/LB, 6-0, 176, Sr.; Colton Lee, G/DL, 6-2, 188, Sr.; Bryce Harms, E/DL, 6-3, 207, Sr; Jacob Salmans, QB/S, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Trevor Morgan, E/CB, 6-0, 168, Jr. Conor Nicholl

Thunder Ridge, one of the pillars of 8-man football for the last decade, was expected to have a rebuilding season in 2015. Otis Hendryx, after stops with Claflin, Yates Center, Chase and Stockton, took over the program and the Longhorns finished 1-7.

Thunder Ridge was 6-3 in 2014 for its first nonplayoff season since 2009. The Longhorns were 5816 under previous coach Jerry Voorhees.

Thunder Ridge had a 24-player roster in 2015, including five seniors that featured Gavin Taylor and lineman Jordan Gering, two experienced players.

Taylor was the lone all-district pick for the Longhorns. Thunder Ridge finished the season with six straight losses and scored just 76 points. The Longhorns allowed 393. The lone victory was a 2820 Week 2 home win versus Stockton. All of the losses came by at least 32 points.

Thunder Ridge transitions from a challenging 8Man II district that featured Victoria, Otis-Bison and Beloit/St. John’s-Tipton to an easier one in District 5 that has Northern Valley, Lakeside, Stockton, Sylvan-Lucas and Wilson. Wilson was the only team that finished with a winning record last year.

1-7 in 2015 / 0-5 in district / 8-Man II Northern Plains League Coach: Otis Hendryx (2nd year, 1-7; 12th overall, 60-57) Conor Nicholl

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 126

KIOWA-SOUTH BARBER

LEBO

MANKATO-ROCK HILLS

South Barber averaged 32.2 points per game while going 6-3 last fall. Heading into 2016, both marks seem like a conservative floor for an offense that may explode behind senior QB Grant Cantrell.

A dual threat, Cantrell threw for 958 yards and 13 TDs, adding 885 yards and 14 TDs rushing in ‘15.

Cantrell is far from alone in a fiery offense that will burst behind seven returning starters. Sophomore running back Neal Gugelmeyer provided 409 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 61 carries.

Senior tight end Spencer Kimmell found the end zone on one-third of his receptions, grabbing eight touchdowns on his way to a 412-yard season.

Junior Trae Rathgeber was a reliable option on the ground or in the aerial attack, chomping up more than 500 yards from scrimmage.

To truly become a postseason contender, however, South Barber must extinguish a few more offenses. Kimmell returns as a menacing, triple-digit tackler who also swiped two interceptions from his LB post. Rathgeber pick-pocketed six interceptions.

Sophomore lineman Kolby Pavlu showed early signs as a capable pass rusher with 2-1/2 sacks.

“Coming to practice with an edge and working every day toward our goals,” said South Barber coach Matt Cantrell. “Having an underclassmendominated team should help with this.”

The Chieftains have 18 playoff appearances in school history, including a championship in 2005.

South Barber has not made the postseason since 2013.

A trio of Kpreps.com all-district players return to lead Lebo this fall and the Wolves will be looking to build on a 3-6 record from 2015.

Senior Drew Ott is coming off a solid season in which he earned All-District as an outside linebacker and earned honorable mention at quarterback.

He is joined by classmate Jeff Irvin, an honorable mention defensive lineman who also has experience at fullback and on the offensive line, and junior receiver/end Peyton Baldwin, another honorable mention all-district player.

Coach Troy McArthur’s squad graduated just two seniors last year, and looks to have a big senior class in 2016. Shae Crouch, Derek Davies, Hudson Doudna, Cameron Rich, Kohl Riley and Angel Trujillo will be expected to provide senior leadership for the Wolves.

“We are going to rely heavily on our seniors to work hard and to be quality leaders of our team,” McArthur said.

In 2015, Lebo went 2-3 in Lyon County League games, and this year’s schedule features four league contests, two of which are also district games.

Lebo opens the season by hosting perennial 8Man contender Hanover on Sept. 2, then plays the next two games on the road at Madison and Burlingame.

McArthur added former Northern Heights co-head coach Brian Hadley as an assistant this offseason.

6-3 in 2015 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man II Heart of the Plains League Coach: Matt Cantrell (2nd year, 6-3) Assistants: Roy Henson Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Grant Cantrell, QB/LB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Spencer Kimmell, TE/LB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Gavin Doherty, WR/ DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Trae Rathgeber, RB/DB, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Ruben Torres, L, 5-9, 200, Jr.; Kadin Banks, L, 6-1, 240, Jr.; Neal Gugelmeyer, RB/DB, 5-11, 185, So.; Kolby Pavlu, L, 5-9, 185, So. KM

3-6 in 2015 / 2-3 in district / 8-Man II Lyon County League Coach: Troy McArthur (6th year, 23-21) Assistants: Dennis Becker, Brian Hadley Offense: Pro Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Drew Ott, QB/LB, 5-11, 150, Sr.; Jeff Irvin, OL/NG, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Peyton Baldwin, TE/LB, Jr.; Shae Crouch, OL/LB, Sr.; Kohl Riley, OL/DE, Sr.; Derek Davies, WR/LB, Sr.; Angel Trujillo, RB, Sr.; Hudson Doudna, DE, Sr. Melanie McGee

Fourth-year coach Brock McMillan has led improvement each season from 4-5 to 5-4 to 7-3 and a district runner-up spot last year. The Grizzlies narrowly earned the second postseason slot from 8-Man I, District 7 with a 4-2 record in district play.

Rock Hills graduated Grant Davis, an all-district player. Overall, the Grizzlies graduated 11 seniors and return four offensive and five defensive starters, a “small but solid core,” McMillan said.

Rock Hills averaged 42 points a contest and returns speedy sophomore Zane Colson (944 allpurpose yards, seven scores).

“Will look to blend an experienced group of upper classmen with a talented group of sophomores and freshmen,” McMillan said. “Rock Hills will return a talented group of skill position players both in the backfield and at the receiver position, but the guys up front on the offensive line will have a different look. We have to be able to bring along and develop kids up front with a limited amount of size available.

“A key for this season will be having these under classmen from last year use their experiences from last year’s playoff berth to help them through some tough district competition. We have to be able to come together as a group and learn to trust each other and communicate during games,” he added.

“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.”

Rock Hills drops down to 8-Man, DII, District 4, a group that includes Pike Valley and Beloit/St. John’s-Tipton.

MELVERN-MdCV

MINNEOLA

MOSCOW

NORWICH

Marais des Cygnes Valley will begin the 2016 season with a new coach, Brandon Wise, and a host of new faces in the starting lineup, and making the drop to 8-Man II. In May, seven Trojans who earned KPreps.com All-District honors graduated, so Wise and assistant coaches Danny Rice and Brock Baxter will need to replace an All-District quarterback along with firstteam All-District players at tight end and guard.

The Trojans went 6-4 in 2015 and finished as district runner-up with a 4-1 record, losing only to Uniontown. They were bounced from the playoffs

by West Elk, who finished 10-1.

Marais des Cygnes Valley is coming off four straight playoff appearances and Wise also has postseason experience from his four years as an assistant at Central Plains.

“Coach Steiner has really taken me under his wing and taught me the 8-man game, as well as how to develop players in a small school who all play multiple sports,” Wise said.

Wise is a graduate of Derby High School and played college ball at Kansas Wesleyan.

“Our team goals are to be the hardest working team every game,” Wise said. “We will compete every play and every game and leave it all out on the field.”

Buying into the new system and new coach, summer weights, and coming ready to work hard every day will be keys to the Trojans’ success this fall.

The 2016 season begins Sept. 2 at Madison.

Marais des Cygnes Valley hosts Veritas Christian and Pleasanton in weeks two and three before playing back-to-back road games at Waverly and Chetopa. October begins with a home game against Altoona-Midway, and the Trojans will travel to Crest and Herington before closing out the regular season Oct. 27 against Lebo.

Minneola is 9-0 in district play the last two seasons with 9-2 and 7-3 overall records. The Wildcats defeated Satanta, 68-44, in the first round and then lost 46-0 to Victoria in the second round. In 2014, Minneola had similar results with a 44-32 first-round victory against Satanta and then lost, 64-12, to Victoria in the second round.

Minneola had an average score of 39-24 last season after an average score of 44-22 in 2014.

It’s marked the best two-year run for the program since 1994 when Minneola, then co-oping with Fowler, reached the final four. The Wildcats have made the playoffs in three of the past four years.

Minneola averaged 275 rushing yards a game and is expected to have another big line this season. The Wildcats will have to replace standout Landon Walker who rushed for more than 1,400 yards.

Minneola runs a double tight end offense that relies heavily on the running game. Senior Jesse Pinkerton, who was second with more than 660 rushing yards, will likely lead the offense. He was second in tackles and paced the squad with 5.5 sacks.

The Wildcats will need a new quarterback after three players combined for 46 percent for 278 yards with a 3/2 TD/INT ratio.

The Wildcats have to replace four seniors but return the majority of their key linemen. That includes seniors Ethan Schneweiss and Lee Schrader, Wyatt Williams and Chris Temaat, all whom weigh at least 200 pounds.

Minneola is the favorite in Eight-Man, Division II, District 8 that also includes Ingalls, Rolla, Moscow, Deerfield and Fowler.

After seasons of 3-6 and 3-5, Moscow went 5-4 last year, its first winning season since it posted 54, 8-2 and 5-4 records from ’10-12. The Wildcats scored 283 points but allowed 324. Moscow went 3-1 at home and 2-3 on the road.

Moscow had trouble competing against the top teams on its schedule with losses by at least 48 points to Hodgeman County, Dighton/Healy, Ingalls and Satanta. The Wildcats defeated Balko, Okla. (22-6), at Norwich (66-20), Deerfield (54-8), at Fowler (21-0) and versus Rolla (66-38).

Moscow rushed for 209 yards a game and returns its top six rushers. Senior Freddy Gonzalez led the team with 104 carries for 665 yards and 10 scores. Junior Jalen Shaddix collected 94 carries for 520 yards and seven TDs. Senior Jesse Stucky returns at quarterback after he completed 35 of 82 passes for 552 yards with eight scores against five interceptions.

Moscow finished plus-4 in turnover margin after it was minus-1 in 2014. The Wildcats play in Eight-Man, Division II, District 8 with Deerfield, Fowler, Ingalls and Rolla. Fowler, Deerfield and Rolla combined for three wins in ‘15, while Ingalls took heavy graduation losses after it finished 20-2 the last two years.

Moscow will also transition to a new coach this fall after C.J. Madison left to become running backs coach at Hutchinson Community College.

Assistant Rees McKinney now moves into the head role.

It makes for an awful starting hand in Texas hold ‘em, and Norwich is none too fond of it, either – the Eagles come off a 2-7 season for the fourth year.

Norwich last reached the postseason in 2008.

It is hard to tell if that same result is in the cards for Norwich this season. The Eagles welcome five newcomers to its schedule. That includes fresh district foes Hutchinson Central Christian, Burrton and Hartford, all home dates for Norwich. The Eagles also will take on Caldwell and South Haven in district road games. Caldwell and Hartford are the only opponents on the nine-game schedule coming off postseason appearances.

Neither side of the ball was particularly impressive in 2015. The Eagles scored 16.8 points per game, but that includes four times they were shutout. The defense was hit for 44.9 points per game. There should be a pay-off from those previous struggles, however, as nearly every starter returns for the Eagles. The defense in particular should be more resilient with another year of instruction on the 3-5 formation from second-year head coach Mike Wilmott, who was a defensive coordinator at his previous stop in Kingman.

“We have a lot of guys coming back that have seen significant playing time throughout their high school career,” Wilmott said. “We will be looking to our senior class to lead the way this summer and upcoming season.”

Wilmott wants a more aggressive but disciplined team this fall, with goals of leading the league in turnover ratio and fewest pre-snap penalties.

5-4 in 2015 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man II Santa Fe Trail League Coach: Rees McKinney (1st year) Assistants: N/A 7-3 in 2015 / 4-0 in district / 8-Man II Offense: Power I Defense: 5-2 Southern Plains Iroquois Returning lettermen: 11 6-4 in 2015 / 4-1 in district / 8-Man II Coach: Reigo Hahn (4th year, 18-12) Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Lyon County League Conor Nicholl Jesse Stuckey, QB/DL, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Freddy Coach: Brandon Wise (1st year) Gonzalez, RB/DB, 5-6, 135, Sr.; Bryan Garcia, Assistants: Danny Rice, Brock Baxter TE/DE, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Jalen Shaddix, FB/LB, 5-10, Melanie McGee 210, Jr.; Javier Marquez, DB, 5-7, 140, Jr. Conor Nicholl

2-7 in 2015 / 0-5 in district / 8-Man II Heart of the Plains League Coach: Mike Wilmott (2nd year, 2-7; 9th overall, 2646) Assistants: Don Hall Offense: I Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense Nick Kyle, QB/DB, 6-0, 181, Sr.; Jessy Kraus, RB/ DB, 5-5, 125, Sr.; Trent Poe, OL/DL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Logan Payne, OL/LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Alex McGlothlin, OL/DL, 6-2, 260, Sr.; Chad Allender, TE/DB, 5-8, 120, Sr.; Cody Bartel, TE/DB, 5-10, 150, Jr.; Carter Payne, RB/LB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Bailey Luck, OL/DL, 5-10, 280, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

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Ph. 785-378-3183 Fax 785-378-3809 7-3 in 2015 / 4-2 in district / 8-Man II Northern Plains League M a n k a t o P ro f e s s i o n a l Coach: Brock McMillan (4th year, 16-12) Assistants: Matt Railsback, Cody Miller Pharmacy Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 5 Defense Mankato, KS PO Box 266 Drew Beam, TE, Sr.; Luke Broeckelman, TE, Sr.; 66956 Tycen Higer, RB, Jr.; Zane Colson, RB, So. CN 125 N. Commercial

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K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 127

OTIS-BISON

PLEASANTON

PRETTY PRAIRIE

RANDOLPH-BLUE VALLEY

For the second time in his career, coach Travis Starr has built the Cougars back into a state contender. After a 12-24 record his first four seasons, Otis-Bison went 10-1, 11-1 with a state runner-up appearance, 10-2 and 9-3. In 2013, the Cougars slipped to 3-6 before 4-5 and 8-2 seasons the last two falls. O-B had a massive defensive improvement and won its first eight contests before falling to Victoria and Sharon Springs to close the year.

This season, the Cougars are a title contender and play in arguably the classification’s toughest district with Wallace Co. and Hodgeman Co. “Our main goal is to get into the playoffs, and to be playing our best football if we are fortunate enough to make it,” Starr said.

Senior QB Kade Urban has started under center since midway through his freshman year. He threw for 445 yards, rushed for 494 and accounted for 18 scores, 15 rushing. Urban led the team with 52 stops at linebacker. Senior Brad Lightfoot is one of the state’s fastest players. He had 1,383 total yards and 24 scores, including 1,156 rushing. Lightfoot has back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with 2,628 rushing yards and 50 rushing TDs in his career. O-B allowed just 20.7 points per game in ’15, improved from more than 40 per the prior two years.

“To meet our team’s main goals of playoffs, we are going to need a great summer and further develop as individual players and as a team,” Starr said.

“We need to build off this past season and learn from, and overcome, some of the mistakes that we made that ended our season.”

The 2015 season ended with a 1-8 record for Pleasanton, but the Blue Jays are a year older, more experienced and ready to challenge for the Three Rivers League title.

“We return players at the skill positions as well as on the line. Our younger kids all played plenty of minutes last season so we go into the season with a lot of experience,” said second-year coach Dustin Johnson. “With the young group we had, we learned to play together and play hard knowing we are building up our program.”

The Blue Jays return sophomore QB Kaden McKee, who passed for 1,000 yards and rushed for 390 more in ‘15. Senior receiver Ronnie Duncan is back after catching 33 passes for 603 yards, and junior running back Nate Miller, another returning starter, ran for 400 yards in ‘15. Pleasanton’s offense also returns junior tight end Tayler George and sophomore linemen Turner Dent and Jeb Ralle.

On defense, the Blue Jays bring back Dent and Ralle up front, George at defensive end, Duncan at linebacker and three members of the secondary – senior Hunter Secrest, McKee and Miller. Junior lineman Tyler Cunningham and sophomore receiver/linebacker Austin Ralle are also expected to contribute this season.

“We have to get better on defense and we also need to improve our overall team strength,” Johnson said. “We lost three seniors who played key roles, so there will be new faces stepping up and taking over.”

Pretty Prairie passed the eye test as a playoff team in 2015. Most of the facts and figures said the Bulldogs were, too. Except the only one that ended up making a difference – head-to-head records.

The Bulldogs were 7-2, buoyed by an offense that threw up a whopping 48.9 points per game, the fourth-best average among the 46 8-Man Division II schools. The defense was formidable, too, allowing only eight combined points in its first five games.

Pretty Prairie was tossed into District 4, however, which proved to be arguably the most competitive in the classification. Eventual state runner-up Argonia-Attica was the undisputed king of the district, but Pretty Prairie, South Barber and Caldwell all finished with winning records overall and were 32 in district play. South Barber did not have a stake for a playoff bid, though, when it came to points tiebreakers. Pretty Prairie and Caldwell did – both had 21. Caldwell had defeated Pretty Prairie 48-24 in week six, however. That was the difference-maker – Caldwell was the district runner-up and advanced to the postseason, while Pretty Prairie’s season came to an abrupt end.

Now in District 7, the Bulldogs could find themselves in a similar predicament if they do not take care of business. Chase (9-1), South Barber (6-3) and Ashland (6-3) proved to be tough outs a year ago, while Stafford (4-5) was competitive. Bucklin (2-5) rounds out the district. Pretty Prairie did not play Ashland, Bucklin or Chase last season.

Pretty Prairie saw several defections due to graduation, but among the returners is Denton Webster, a first-team all-Heart of the Plains selection at receiver and defensive back. First-team linebacker Gabriel Kruse also mixes back in, as does honorable mention quarterback Makiah Wade.

Pretty Prairie’s head count for football classifications was 57, making it one of the biggest schools in Kansas’ smallest classification.

Coming off a winless season in 2014, Blue Valley had much higher expectations for 2015 with every starter returning. And while a 2-7 record may not have matched expectations, it was a step forward.

To take another step this year, the Rams will have to overcome the loss of four senior starters who were fixtures on the field for virtually their entire four years. That includes QB/LB Chase Carey, who was the rock for the offense for three seasons.

Four-year starter Trevor Schwerdt could become that guy this year after leading the Rams in rushing.

He’ll also take over as the defensive leader at linebacker and is an impact player on special teams where he had four touchdown returns last year.

Experience on the line will be a plus, even with the graduation of Zeb Huston. Michael Wright is a three-year starter and will anchor the unit.

The task of replacing Carey at quarterback falls on sophomore Cole Montgomery, who played a variety of roles for the Rams as a freshman. Senior end Brad Young also enters his third year starting and will become a bigger target in the passing game after being a strong run blocker last year.

Numbers continue to improve for the Rams, who had just 10 players in 2014. Only one of the two teams Blue Valley beat last year is on the schedule this year and the district will be one of the toughest in Division II with 2015 Division I runner-up Hanover dropping down to join the Rams, along with Twin Valley League foes Frankfort, Axtell and Wetmore as well as Wakefield.

8-2 in 2015 / 4-1 in district / 8-Man II Central Prairie League Coach: Travis Starr (12th year, 67-43) Assistants: Curtis Little Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Kade Urban, QB/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Brad Lightfoot, RB/DB, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Bryce Maneth, OL/DL, 6-2, 250; Landon Hoopingarner, OL/DL, 5-10, 275; Luke Higgason, OL/DL, 6-1, 215, So. Conor Nicholl

1-8 in 2015 / 0-5 in district / 8-Man II Three Rivers League Coach: Dustin Johnson (2nd year, 1-8) Assistant: Rob Dent Offense: Wide Open Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense Kaden McKee, QB/DB, 5-9, 145, So.; Nate Miller, RB/DB, 5-10, 150, Jr.; Ronnie Duncan, WR/LB, 511, 160, Sr.; Tayler George, TE/DE, 6-3, 180, Jr.; Turner Dent, L, 6-0, 155, So.; Jeb Ralle, L, 5-9, 150, So.; Hunter Secrest, DB, 5-7, 135, Sr. MM

7-2 in 2015 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man II Heart of the Plains League Coach: C.T. Young (14th year, 101-43) Offense: Spread Defense: 3-5 Kyle McCaskey

2-7 in 2015 / 1-4 in district / 8-Man II Twin Valley League Coach: Matt Schreiber (10th year, 32-58) Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Trevor Schwerdt, RB/LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Brad Young, TE/DB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Michael Wright, OL/ DB, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Seth Carlson, OL/DL, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Josh Johns, TE/LB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Nathanial Martin, OL/DL, 5-11, 195, Jr.; Cole Montgomery, QB/LB, 6-1, 155, So. Brent Maycock

ROLLA

SCANDIA-PIKE VALLEY

SHAR. SPGS.-WALLACE CO.

SOUTH HAVEN

Coach Jon Schnable returns for his second stint at Rolla. Schnable led the Pirates to a big turnaround after 0-9, 1-8 and 0-9 seasons from 200911. Then, Schnable helped Rolla go 7-3 and 7-2 in 2012 and 2013. The 7-3 season marked Rolla’s first playoff berth since 1998. Next, Schnable went to Stanton County for two seasons where he finished 0-9 in 2014 and 1-8 in 2015.

Schnable takes over a Pirate squad that struggled with defense and having competitive games. Rolla opened the season with five straight losses, including 87-52 to Boise City (Okla.) and 76-40 to Deerfield. In Week 6, Rolla earned its lone victory, 70-42, against Fowler.

Rolla finished with three straight losses, including 66-38 in Week 9 at Moscow. In 2014, Rolla finished 0-8. Before the Fowler win, Rolla’s last victory was a 56-6 win versus Moscow in Week 9 of the 2013 season.

Schnable has often used a run-heavy scheme that’s relied on one back. In his two successful seasons at Rolla, he used Kyler Telford. In 2013, Telford rushed 165 times for 1,661 yards and 28 scores, which was 73 percent of the team’s rushing yards. In 2012, Telford threw 36 of his team’s 77 passes and rushed 172 times for 1,549 yards and 25 scores. He accounted for 74 percent of his team’s rushing yards.

Last season, Rolla allowed 535 points and scored 230. Schnable listed the team’s goals as to “get better every snap” and “limiting mistakes and turnovers.”

Pike Valley has made 14 playoff appearances since 1980, all with Don Melby on staff. The team’s best finishes are semifinals in 2002 and ’05. This year, Pike Valley is a state contender.

Pike Valley has won a postseason game each of the past two years, the first playoff wins since ’05.

The Panthers have made the postseason three of the past four seasons. Last season, Pike Valley had its first .500-plus season since a 5-4 mark in ’07.

Melby would like the team “to keep improving.”

“Would like to make a deeper run this year,” Melby said. “We will be a little older this year with a lot of seniors and juniors and a lot of experience. We need some to step up and provide quality depth for the season.”

Last season, Pike Valley had multiple quality wins, including a 30-18 victory versus Beloit/St. John’sTipton in Week 4. In the first round of the playoffs, PV won at Chase, 26-24, and then lost to ArgoniaAttica, 74-24, in the second round. In 2014, PV defeated Chase, 58-34, in the first round and also lost to A-A, 54-32.

Junior Davantae Hammer steadied the passing game with 768 yards and an 11/5 TD/INT ratio.

Junior Lane Peters rushed for 798 yards and 13 TDs as a freshman and 1,594 yards and 25 scores as a sophomore. He finished with 2,150 all-purpose yards and 30 total scores, including three kickoffs.

“We will need to stay healthy as we can and develop some depth with players like Isaiah Deneault, Ben Jensen, Anton Reeves, Max Rickard, Brody Carlgren, Ryne McCreight, and Kaiser Kussman stepping forward into significant playing time this year,” Melby said.

Sharon Springs had an incredibly difficult 2015 season. In a first round home playoff win versus Otis-Bison, senior Luke Schemm, a four-year starter and three-sport standout, collapsed.

Schemm was eventually transported to Denver where he died. Schemm, known as a hero and role model throughout his community, was honored across Kansas. Following Schemm’s passing, Sharon Springs defeated Ingalls, 74-58, on the road and then lost to Victoria, 40-8, in the sub-state championship for the second straight year.

Third-year coach Jeff Hennick retools this fall for a program that has made the playoffs every season since 2006. Sharon Springs hasn’t lost a regular season contest since a 26-18 defeat against Cheylin in Week 4 of the 2011 season.

Hennick, and first-year assistant Taylor Elder, were the all-state quarterback and running back on the ’07 state championship squad, the last Wallace County team to win a football state title. The Wildcats were runner-up in 2013. Wallace County graduated all-state quarterback Eric Gfeller and wide receiver Spencer Medina, among others.

Senior Grady Hammer has filled multiple roles during his time, including a move to starting fullback last year when he rushed 73 times for 427 yards and five scores. He led the team with 114 tackles and tied for the team high with four sacks. Hammer, Gabe Klinge, and Chisum Grund earned Kpreps.com all-district recognition last year.

“We would like to stress being one unit night in and night out, We hope to stay healthy throughout the whole season from top to bottom, and we hope to come out and compete at a high level and get better every week,” Hennick said.

South Haven put up a bunch of points in 2015, but gave them up just as generously on its way to a 3-6 campaign. Despite producing 34.4 points per game, the Cardinals also were dumped for 50.0 points – South Haven’s defensive average was one of the five worst in 8-Man Division II. Conjuring up that same offensive burst will require underclassmen to fill big roles. The Cardinals must replace their top passer, rusher and receiver. Senior Lane Browning has a chance to fill one – or more – of those voids himself. He was a versatile weapon as a junior, throwing for 271 yards and two touchdowns, running for 111 yards and three scores and receiving 292 and three. The defense will look to developing sophomore Ryan Ingram, who ran down 35 tackles as a freshman.

The schedule gives South Haven time to ease in newcomers. The Cardinals go on the road to challenge Oxford (1-8) and Flinthills (0-9) before home games with Udall (5-4) and Cedar Vale/Dexter (36). District competition includes playoff squads Hartford and Caldwell. Burrton and Norwich come off down seasons. Central Christian also joins the 8-Man II district after playing club football this past season.

South Haven strung together 10 consecutive playoff berths from 2004 to 2013, including a semifinal showing in 2011 and runner-up finish in 2007, but has missed the postseason the past two years. The Cardinals have five wins over the past two years after having combined for 18 the two seasons prior to that.

1-8 in 2015 / 1-4 in district / 8-Man II Santa Fe Trail League Coach: Jonathan Schnable (3rd year, 14-5; 5th overall, 15-22) Offense: Power I Defense: 4-4 Conor Nicholl

8-3 in 2015 / 4-1 in district / 8-Man II Northern Plains League Coach: Don Melby (35th year, 195-140) Assistants: Gary Loring, Mike Baumann Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense Mason Runft, G/DE, 6-4, 210, Sr.; Zeb Sjolander, G, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Blaze Payeur, FB/DB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Davantae Hammer, QB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Lane Peters, RB/DB, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Cole Strickler, TE/DB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Heath White, G/DE, 5-11, 180, Jr. CN

11-1 in 2015 / 6-0 in district / 8-Man II Northwest Kansas League Coach: Jeff Hennick (3rd year, 22-2) Assistants: Taylor Elder Offense: Option Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 3 Defense Grady Hammer, FB/DE, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Gabe Klinge, OL/DL, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Chisum Grund, TE/LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Carlin Springsteel, RB/DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Evin Bergquist, TE/DE, 5-11, 170, Jr. CN

3-6 in 2015 / 1-4 in district / 8-Man II South Central Border League Coach: Cody Wolf (2nd year, 3-6) Kyle McCaskeyl

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SOUTHERN CLOUD

STAFFORD

STOCKTON

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A year ago, a very young Southern Cloud squad struggled, but coach Tyler Williams returns five members of his starting offense as the Warriors look to bounce back.

Junior Dawson Cooper is back to direct the spread offense, which also returns junior receivers Joe Cool and Lane Martin, along with senior center Austin Melvin and sophomore tight end Caden Williams. Cooper threw for 391 yards while splitting time under center last season.

On defense, the Warriors return three starters – Melvin at tackle, Williams at defensive end and sophomore Carson Bellows in the secondary.

Bellows is the leading tackler returning for Southern Cloud, after he made 42 stops a year ago. Melvin finished with 28 tackles, including two for loss, in 2015.

Williams said his team will still be young in 2016, but improvement is the main goal. “We want to give up less big plays by being in position and getting off blocks,” he said.

Keys to success for Southern Cloud include “picking up the intensity and making it important.

When we get down, we have to show some pride and not stay down and let it finish us,” Williams noted.

Sept. 2, the Warriors will kick off their season at Sylvan-Lucas, and their home opener will be Sept. 12 against Axtell. Southern Cloud travels to Wilson for their week three game on Sept. 16, then hosts Blue Valley and Pike Valley in back-toback weeks. October’s schedule features a trip to Linn, then home games against St. John’s/Tipton and Rock Hills before the Warriors travel to Tescott for the regular season finale on Oct. 27.

Jeff Ford takes over for Jeff Lowther, who was known for high-octane offenses during his successful time with the Trojans. Justin Nusser, who is Stafford’s head cross country coach, serves as the assistant football coach.

Lowther, who coached for six years, took Stafford to the postseason in 2013-14, which ended a 23-year drought. Stafford is 0-5 all-time in the playoffs. In 2013, Stafford went 7-3 and averaged 48 points per contest.

In 2014, the Trojans opened 8-0 before they fell, 52-6, to Minneola in Week 9 and then 56-6 to Ingalls in the first round of the playoffs. Stafford averaged 40 points per contest. Stafford had eight seniors and all 19 boys in the school were out for football.

Last season, Stafford, with a younger squad, went 4-5 and tallied 236 points, while allowing 300. The Trojans had just four seniors but did graduate quarterback Logan Shocklee. He completed 36 percent of his passes for 372 yards with a 1/7 TD/INT ratio, though led the team with 91 carries for 683 yards and 11 scores.

Senior Josh Harter returns with 113 carries for 653 yards and eight scores. Sophomore Laithen Shocklee contributed nine catches for 186 yards and two TDs, all team-highs. Sophomore Caleb Hildebrand enjoyed a solid freshman season with 89 tackles, 34 more than any other player. He recovered a team-high three fumbles.

Stafford will play in Eight-Man, Division II, District 7 with Ashland, Bucklin, Chase, South Barber and Pretty Prairie. Chase has made the playoffs five times in the last six seasons, while Ashland is a returning playoff participant.

Stafford plays on Lou Brock Field, which will host games for the fourth straight year. Lou Brock, a 1936 Stafford graduate, played high school sports at Stafford, college football at Purdue and then played for the Green Bay Packers from 1940-45 and is in the Packers Hall of Fame.

Stockton hasn’t made the playoffs since 2002 and has three victories in the last three seasons.

However, second-year coach Phil Conyac, who has been at the school for seven years, led a twowin improvement from a 0-9 year in 2014.This season, Conyac wants the Tigers to contend for a state championship, increase points per game and decrease points allowed per contest.

“Become the best young men we can be on and off the field,” Conyac said.

Conyac listed staying healthy as a major key and looks for contributions from three upperclassmen that “missed last season for one reason or another.” As well, Conyac is interested in the contributions from 10 freshmen.

The Tigers’ quarterbacks had a 5/10 TD/INT ratio, finished with 15 team turnovers and were minus-5 in turnover margin. Stockton scored 25.3 points a contest but allowed 37.3.

Senior Kyle Hull was second on the team with 89 tackles and will be looked to for defensive leadership.

Stockton drops down to Eight-Man, Division II into a very manageable District 5. The Tigers’ district slate starts with at Sylvan-Lucas, home against Thunder Ridge, at Wilson, at Northern Valley and home versus Lakeside. Wilson (6-3) was the lone team with a winning record in ’15, and Lakeside and Thunder Ridge both went winless.

Sylvan-Lucas plays in very manageable District 5 with no teams that made the playoffs in 2015 with Northern Valley, Lakeside, Thunder Ridge, Stockton and Wilson. Coach Ben Labertew has set a goal to be one of the top two teams in the district. “In order to be successful we are going to have to be an extremely disciplined football team,” Labertew said. “We are also going to have to stay healthy due to low numbers and lack of depth.”

The Mustangs went 5-5 in 2014 to make the playoffs and last had a winning season with a 5-4 mark in 2010, the first year since Sylvan Grove and Lucas-Luray combined schools.

Sylvan-Lucas has had little trouble scoring points under Labertew, who has long been known for offense and quarterback play with Natoma and then Sylvan-Lucas. Since 2010, the Mustangs have averaged 33.1, 28.2, 33.8, 29.6, 34.7 and 32.9 points per contest. However, S-L has permitted between 31.4 and 43.7 points per contest in that span.

This season, the Mustangs return six starters on both sides of the ball, including junior quarterback R.J. Haberer. Senior linebacker Kaleb Garcia is the Mustangs’ lone returning all-district player.

0-9 in 2015 / 0-5 in district / 8-Man II Northern Plains League Coach: Tyler Williams (4th year, 7-21) Assistant: Jim Swink Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 3 Defense Dawson Cooper, QB, 6-1, 145, Jr.; Joe Cool, WR, 4-5 in 2015 / 2-2 in district / 8-Man II Heart of the Plains League 6-2, 145, Jr.; Lane Martin, WR, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Austin Melvin, C/DT, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Carson Coach: Jeff Ford (1st year) Conor Nicholl Bellows, DB, 5-9, 140, So.; Caden Williams, TE/ DE, 6-4, So. Melanie McGee

TESCOTT Tescott has improved its win total in each of the last five seasons from 0-8 to 1-8 to 3-6, 4-5 and 54 records. 2015 marked the best record since a 63 showing in 2008; the Trojans were 10-1 in ’07.

The Trojans have not made the playoffs since ‘07’08. Last year, Tescott went 1-3 at home and 4-1 on the road. In ’14, Tescott also had a better road mark with a 2-2 away record and 2-3 at home.

The Trojans tallied 297 points and allowed 303.

It opened with a 50-24 defeat to Lincoln before four straight wins at Natoma (57-7), versus Blue Valley-Randolph (32-30), at Southern Cloud (3622) and at Sylvan-Lucas (40-24).

Then, Tescott fell to Centre, 42-34, and defeated Burrton, 54-6. To close the year, Tescott lost at district champion Chase, 52-0, and versus Wilson, 70-20. The Trojans went 2-3 in district play and finished behind Chase, Centre and Wilson.

Tescott has generally played one of the easier schedules in Eight-Man, Division II, according to preppowerindex.com. Last season, the slate ranked No. 39 out of 46 teams.

2-7 in 2015 / 2-4 in district / 8-Man II Mid-Continent League Coach: Phil Conyac (2nd year, 2-7, 4th overall, 12-17) Assistants: Zach Muhrer, Justin Basart Offense: I Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Joel Green, QB/LB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Brayden Winters, RB/S, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Kyle Hull, G/DT, 511, 190, Sr.; Jacob Gore, TE/LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Trey Kuhlman, G/DE, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Dakota Odle, C/DT, 6-0, 210, Jr.; Jalen Basart, RB/LB, 5-10, 170, So. Conor Nicholl

3-6 in 2015 / 1-3 in district / 8-Man II Northern Plains League Coach: Ben Labertew (5th year, 15-22; 16th overall, 52-61) Assistants: Ryan Batchman, Eric Nitsch Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Kalieb Garcia, OL/DL. 5-10, 240, Sr.; Dylan Striet, OL/LB, 6-4, 180, Jr.; Dominick Montiel, DB, 5-8, 125, Jr.; Caiden Rivers, E/DB, 5-9, 135, Jr.; R.J. Haberer, QB/LB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Tyler Barrienties, RB/ LB, 5-10, 145, So.; Sam Princ, OL, 6-0, 185, So.; Cade Uhl, OL, 5-9, 220, So. Conor Nicholl

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Two seasons ago, Tescott had the secondeasiest slate in the 49-team classification and tallied 250 points, while allowing 266. In 2013, Tescott scored 260 points and allowed 387 against the No. 44 SOS in a 48-team classification.

However, this fall could present the toughest district in several years with District 4 that includes Beloit/St. John’s-Tipton, Rock Hills and Pike Valley.

Greeley County returns three of its four honorable mention Kpreps.com all-district players with senior running back/linebacker Levi Johnson, junior end/receiver Seth Johnson and senior Sean Lehman from a 4-5 squad that had no game closer than 22 points.

The Jackrabbits opened the season with a 50-0 victory against Rolla and then lost, 64-0, to St. Francis, 46-0 to Hoxie and 52-6 to Dighton. Then, Greeley County evened its record at 3-3 with a 66-18 win versus Golden Plains and 52-12 versus 5-4 in 2015 / 2-3 in district / 8-Man II Cheylin. Then, the Jackrabbits lost, 61-16, to Northern Plains League Triplains Brewster, beat Wheatland-Grinnell, 56Coach: Daymon Walker (11th year) 34, and lost to Wallace County, 63-14.

Assistants: G.A. Frederking Greeley County has made 10 playoff appearOffense: Multiple Defense: 3-3 ances, none since 2009. The Jackrabbits won the Returning lettermen: N/A crown in 1998 and finished as runner-up in 2000.

Returning starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense Greeley County went 6-3, 7-3 and 6-3 from 200810 and since has posted marks of 1-8, 0-9, 3-6, 4Cameron Kurtz, OL/DL, Sr.; Casey Brown, RB/ DB, Sr.; Logan Srna, FB/LB, Jr.; Danny Torres, E/ 5 and 4-5. The Jackrabbits will play in challenging Eight-Man, Division II, District 6 with state powers DB, So. Conor Nicholl Otis-Bison, Wallace County and Hodgeman

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“Become a much more physical team and continue to improve on fundamentals and being assignment proof,” second-year coach Kyle Finder said of his team’s goals. “Staying injury free and limiting mistakes on base assignments.”

4-5 in 2015 / 3-3 in district / 8-Man II Northwest Kansas League Coach: Kyle Finder (2nd year, 4-5) Assistant: Travis Peter Offense: Option Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Sean Lehman, OL/LB, Sr.; Dakota Boggess, OL/ DL, Sr.; Noah Leon, DE, Sr.; Nathan Miller, CB, Jr.; Axel Sanchez, HB/S, So.; Jose Chavez, FB/ LB, So.; Jaly Yanez, C, So.; Frank Mendoza, OL/ DL, So. Conor Nicholl

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K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 129

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WAKEFIELD

WAVERLY

For the second straight year, Wakefield finished with a somewhat bittersweet taste in its mouth.

After going 7-2 and missing the playoffs in 2014, the Bombers followed up with a 6-3 season last year and also sat at home during the postseason.

Three straight losses to Solomon, Hanover and Rock Hills denied the playoff berth, but Wakefield finished strong, ending the season on a five-game winning streak which included a wild 86-40 shootout win over Osborne.

The path to the postseason looks a little different this year with Wakefield moving down to Division II. But Hanover also made the move and remains in the Bombers’ district, which is a mini-tour of the Twin Valley League with Axtell, Frankfort, Blue Valley-Randolph and Wetmore rounding things out.

No matter the level, Wakefield has its hands full simply trying to fill its own holes. The biggest loss is senior back Zack Melius, who finished with 1,276 yards and 24 touchdowns in just six games a year ago.

Perhaps just as big is the vacancy left on the lines by standout James Williams, who led the Bombers in tackles.

Junior Justin Carver could take on Melius’ feature role, rushing for 257 yards last year.

A big “What if?” is only natural for Waverly in regards to the 2015 season. What if starting QB Danen Kistner hadn’t transferred to Lyon County League rival Hartford prior to the start of the season? His presence would have given the Bulldogs a complete package in the backfield and reasonable expectations to build on the 7-2 record of ‘14.

Instead, his departure forced veteran coach Mike Hevel to reconfigure his skill pieces and though the offense was explosive at times, they couldn’t quite deliver in the big games. Waverly lost four of five against eventual playoff teams.

There were some bright moments, and in fact, a record-setting night. Senior Garrett Myers set 8Man state records for TDs and points scored in a single game when he scored 12 touchdowns and finished with 73 points in an 83-44 shootout win over Pleasanton. Myers ran for 420 yards and 11 scores and also returned an interception for a score in his record-setting game and finished the season with 1,379 yards and 31 touchdowns.

His graduation leaves Waverly looking for a new workhorse and that could fall on QB Peyton Mitchell, who moved from receiver to QB last year to replace Kistner and was a solid complement to the departed duo of Myers and Blake McIntyre.

He’ll get plenty of help from fellow senior Kevin Miller, but the Bulldogs must replace their entire starting line. Myers’ presence on defense might 6-3 in 2015 / 4-2 in district / 8-Man II be missed as much if not more on offense as he Wheat State League led the Bulldogs in tackles the past three years.

Coach: Chris Freeman (9th year, 38-34) Assistants: Adam Keating, David Hughes For just the third time since dropping to eightOffense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 man play, Waverly failed to make the playoffs, and Brent Maycock the losing season was the first since 2010.

4-5 in 2015 / 2-3 in district / 8-Man II Lyon County League Coach: Mike Hevel (24th year, 169-63) Assistants: Ty Piper, Nick Fraenza Offense: Double Tight Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 3 Defense Peyton Mitchell, QB/DB, Sr.; Kevin Miller, TE/DE, Sr.; Jess Pope, NG/RB, Sr.; Jake Newton, LB, So.; Eric White, WR, So. Brent Maycock

WINONA TRIPLAINS-BREWSTER Triplains-Brewster posted back-to-back 6-3 seasons before the Titans broke through last year with a strong 7-3 season and a competitive first round playoff loss to two-time state champion Victoria. The Titans made its third postseason appearance, first since ’06-’07.

Triplains-Brewster’s three losses came against teams that finished with two just defeats. The Titans opened with a 24-0 loss to St. Francis and then fell 24-6 to Wallace County in district play.

The following week, the Titans defeated Hoxie, 12-6, in a game that essentially secured a playoff berth. The Titans lost, 52-6, at Victoria to open the postseason. The Knights led 30-6 at halftime, though the Titans ran more plays than Victoria in the first half.

Triplains-Brewster went 4-1 at home, 3-2 on the road and outscored opponents 405-224. In 2014, the Titans finished 2-2 at home, 4-1 on the road and had a 325-209 margin. In 2013, the 6-3 season yielded 4-0 at home, 2-3 on the road and a total score of 322-211.

Fifth-year coach Tony Stramel has done a nice job with turning around a program that went win-

less in 2010 and ’11 and has since posted a 2-7 record followed by the 19-9 mark the last three years.

However, the Titans will take significant graduation losses. Senior Ryan Gfeller, a three-year starter under center, led the team with 697 passing yards, 1,042 rushing yards and 31 scores accounted for. Senior Jaden Schmidt was the third-leading rusher and top returner with 30 carries for 224 yards and seven TDs. The Titans averaged 199 rushing yards per contest and 6.1 yards per carry.

The top-two receivers are back with senior Tad Holm (16 catches, 360 yards, five scores) and Schmidt (12-141-2). The top three and four of the top five tacklers graduate, including Coleton Rogge (19 TFLs) and Skylor Hansen (15 TFLs).

Junior Verlen Plummer tallied 41 tackles and 11 TFLs, third-most.

The Titans will play in challenging Eight-Man, Division II, District 6 that includes Otis-Bison, Wallace County, Hodgeman County and Dighton, all teams that should finish with a winning record.

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WETMORE

WILSON

After sending its players to Centralia for several years, Wetmore decided to start its own program last year for the first time since 1987. The original intent was to play a JV only schedule, but the Cardinals ended up filling open dates on a handful of opponents’ schedules and wound up playing four varsity contests.

Wetmore was more than competitive in two of the games, falling two points shy of beating Sylvan-Lucas in the season-opener (30-28), and finishing the year with a 38-24 loss to Southern Coffey County.

The limited experience will be helpful as the Cardinals tackle a full schedule in 2016, competing in Eight-Man Division II. The learning curve will be steep with the Twin Valley League chocked full of quality programs, including Hanover, which finished runner-up in Division I the past two years but now is in Division II and in the Cardinals’ district.

The bulk of Wetmore’s experience can be found in the backfield where seniors Alex Potter and Garret Evans and junior Ethan Osterhaus all return. The health of that group could dictate the Cardinals’ success as they lack overall size with Potter weighing just 110 pounds and Osterhaus 95.

There is size up front in seniors Trenton Rowland (6-4, 275) and Austin Large (5-10, 220).

Sophomore Joel Hutfles will handle the quarterbacking duties after starting on defense last year.

As might be expected for a new program, depth is a concern. But coach Rick Schnacker has enjoyed success at previous stops, including Bern, and brings a 146-113 record into the season.

Wilson enjoyed a four-win improvement from a 2-7 season in 2014 to a 6-2 mark in 2015 that included a bye because of Natoma dropping to six-man football. The Dragons opened with a 4814 victory versus Linn, then defeated Lakeside, 56-26, and St. John’s Military, 56-48.

After the bye, Wilson opened district play with a 56-6 loss to eventual district champion Chase.

Following a 52-6 victory versus Burrton and a 6622 win at Sylvan-Lucas, Wilson lost, 54-8, to Centre in a contest that was essentially for a playoff berth.

Wilson concluded the season with a 70-20 victory at Tescott.

The Dragons outscored teams 374-246. In 2014, Wilson scored 204 points and allowed 396.

Wilson finished with its first winning season since 2010 and its most victories since a 7-4 year in 2007.

Senior quarterback Trey Fink completed 20 of 38 passes for 446 yards with a 6/1 TD/INT ratio.

He rushed 82 times for 471 yards and 16 scores.

Wilson has to replace Jordyn Steinike, who led the team with 116 carries for 1,079 yards and 15 TDs. The Dragons forced 15 turnovers and finished plus-7 in turnover margin. Fink returns as the top tackler with 110 stops and also had eight TFLs. Junior Grant Weinhold collected 49 tackles and finished second with 11 TFLs. Wilson will have a solid opportunity to make the playoffs out of Eight-Man, Division II, District 5.

The Dragons have the best returning record in the district. Wilson is 4-9 all-time in the playoffs, including a sub-state showing in 1998 and last appearances in ’06, ’07 and ’09.

0-4 in 2015 / 0-0 in district / 8-Man II Twin Valley League Coach: Rick Schnacker (2nd year, 0-4) Assistants: Jesse Hutfles Offense: Splitback/Spread Defense: 3-5/3-2 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense Alex Potter, RB/DB, 5-9, 110, Sr.; Garret Evans, RB/LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Austin Large, OL/DL, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Trenton Rowland, OL/DL, 6-4, 275, Sr.; Joel Hutfles, QB/LB, 5-11, 145, So.; Ethan Osterhaus, RB/DB, 5-9, 95, Jr.; Kyler Vance, E/ LB, 5-10, 155, Jr. Brent Maycock

6-2 in 2015 / 3-2 in district / 8-Man II Northern Plains League Coach: Tony Brokes (18th year, 69-106) Assistant: Keith Staudinger Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Conor Nicholl

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Class 6-Man Overview

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overview football since. believe the new format is here to stay in Kansas, and will only “It should hopefully provide many teams (us included) an gain in popularity throughout the entire state in future cycles as Weskan coach Brett Clow, Rexford-Golden Plains coach Travis Smith and Wheatland-Grinnell coach Todd Flinn are opportunity to play competitive football on a weekly basis, and more schools begin weighing their options with 6-man football excited about the growth of six-man football in Kansas. This in turn, keep fan bases excited about their respective towns’ in mind.”

Golden Plains has nine lettermen back and five starters on season marks the third year since six-man football was re- football programs,” Flinn, in his third season, said. “With many introduced to the state and easily has the most teams and former 11-man teams dropping to 8-man in recent years, and both sides with sophomore running back/defensive back A.J. thus shuffling several schools around in DI and DII, a lot of Camacho, junior lineman Jeron Schutte, and three seniors: interest.

Six-man squads include Ransom-Western Plains, Weskan small schools are now finding it difficult to compete even in the quarterback/linebacker Dawson Spresser, running back/ and Natoma (squads that played six-man last fall), along with state’s lowest division due to factors such as low enrollment defensive back Jesus Aragon and tight end/defensive lineman Nick Brown. Two sophomores, lineman Caleb Korte and Wheatland-Grinnell, Golden Plains, Bird City-Cheylin and numbers and smaller pools of talent.

Wheatland-Grinnell returns multiple standouts, namely junior running back Dylan Spresser, will be key for team depth.

Rozel-Pawnee Heights.

Camacho collected all-district honorable mention last fall, As well, Colby-Heartland Christian, a non-KSHSAA quarterback Chandler Ostmeyer, the school record holder for sponsored school that has often faced KSHSAA eight-man single season and career passing yards, and seniors Cory while Spresser and Aragon are returning all-league picks. “(Camacho) will be a real threat in the six man game,” Smith teams in recent seasons, will play six-man football this fall. The Prewo, Jorge Esparza and A.J. Heier at running back, wide majority of schools participate in the Western Kansas Liberty receiver and line, respectively. Prewo and Ostmeyer return at said. “His shifty nature as a running back will make him one of defensive back, and Heier is a returning defensive lineman. the best running backs in six-man football. Seniors Dawson League and are among the state’s smallest enrollments.

Prewo, Esparza and Ostmeyer were all-district in at least Spresser and Jesus Aragon, returning all league selections, Six-man football was played in Kansas as early as 1935, will be key in the leadership of our team.” according to the Kansas Historical Society, and Herndon, one position in 2015.

Ostmeyer completed 40 of 86 passes for 635 yards with an Weskan went 5-2 in ‘15 and will run a spread offense and 3located in northwest Kansas, played a Nebraska schedule and was ranked nationally in six-man before it consolidated with 8/9 TD/INT ratio last fall. As a freshman, he completed 56 of 2 defense. The Coyotes will likely have 12 of 17 players as Atwood after 2003. Two years ago, Weskan, backed by then- 146 for 953 yards with an 11/12 TD/INT ratio. Defensively, he freshmen or sophomores and returns nine lettermen with three coach Marc Cowles (now at Ness City), helped re-start the has recorded 92 career tackles with seven interceptions. The returning starters: senior Greg Kuykendall along with senior classification. It is currently not KSHSAA sponsored. Teams will Thunderhawks are expected to run a spread offense and a Austin and junior Bailey McQuillan.

“We have some key players/leaders coming back from last play a seven-game regular season schedule with the top man defensive look.

Prewo collected 95 carries for 501 yards and 11 offensive year who have played a lot of football, but our success will teams advancing to the playoffs in Dodge City.

“We think it is great!,” Clow, in his second season with the scores, all team bests. The primary returner, he finished with a really depend on how our younger guys develop,” Clow said.

Natoma has played an abbreviated football schedule the last Coyotes, said. “Our kids have been doing it for two years now Thunderhawk-high 1,276 total yards and was second with 61 and they are obviously excited about the growth of six-man tackles. Esparza had 16 receptions for 341 yards and a team- two seasons and focused more on cross country. The Tigers and a chance to play in a post-season playoff. We hope it high five scores and recorded 11 touchbacks on 41 kicks as have won back-to-back 1A cross country crowns with many of continues to grow, even though our numbers are up now, it the team’s kicker. The offense averaged 30 points a contest, the runners key players for football. The veteran staff of head would be good in the long term for us and I am sure for some though the defense permitted 47 a game. The Thunderhawks coach Aaron Homburg and assistant Cody Dunlap returns for opened 3-1 but then lost their final five. the Tigers. The squad is expected to have around a dozen other schools who fight the numbers game as well.”

Even with several strong teams and all-state players, players.

The majority of these squads have had trouble competing or Natoma went 2-4 last season and returns three starters in even fielding squads in recent history. Golden Plains made the Wheatland-Grinnell could never break through and reach the postseason in ’08 and ’09, though is 0-5 all-time in postseason postseason since the schools consolidated for sports senior running back/linebacker Grady Dickerson, senior end/ history. The Bulldogs have posted six straight losing seasons eventually in the mid-2000s. Overall, the two schools have a 2- linebacker Tyler Lund and junior end/defensive back Ben 8 career postseason record with no appearances since Pongsuwan. and went 1-17 in the last two years.

Dennis Hengen left Cheylin after two years as head coach “With the move to six-man football this coming season, Grinnell in 2002.

“The 6-man format seems to be a natural fit for these and Chris Walden replaced him for the Cougars.

Golden Plains looks to be much more competitive than the last “Excited to see more teams in six man this year,” Homburg few seasons,” Smith, in his 17th season with the Bulldogs, struggling schools that do not want to eliminate their programs said. “Our goal will be to win our schools first playoff game and or cannot/will not co-op with other schools,” Flinn said. “I said. “I believe there will be more in two years.” make a trip to Dodge City for a chance to win a trophy!”

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Class 6A Overview/from page 25___________ Luke Kaiser to connect for massive chunks of yardage with running back Milton Braasch and wide receiver Sky Tate. Tate was a first-team all-Sunflower League pick, while Kaiser and Braasch were honorable mentions.

The back end of East’s 3-4 defense is sound. The Lancers have senior leadership at linebacker with Simon Bradley and Eli McDonald, and the same with its defensive backs in Carl Young and Trevor Thompson. Bradley and Young were firstteam all-league players.

The stage is set for Shawnee Mission West to make noise once again in the Sunflower League. The Vikings, 7-3 a year ago, return 15 starters. West boasts one of the best wide receivers in the state. Senior Isreal Watson, a 6-foot-4-inch, 195-pound burner, snared 33 receptions for 812 yards and five TDs. Not to be outdone, junior RB Kirby Grigsby has some explosive qualities, too, coming off 438 yards and 10 TDs. West conjured up 34.7 points per game in 2015. And there are few unknowns in the Vikings’ defense, with three veteran linemen, three linebackers and two defensive backs.

The Junction City Blue Jays’ only real test during the regular season last year was a 17-14 overtime win over Manhattan which clinched the outright Centennial League title. It was one of only four regular-season games where the defense allowed two scores and the unit wound up pitching four shutouts. Jovon Baldwin served as a strong complement to Shrine Bowl running back Raye Wilson, adding 736 yards rushing and 608 passing and the senior may be one of the top backs in the

state, already holding a Division I offer. Senior Ryan Henington flourished in his first year as a full-time starting QB, topping 1,000 yards and though he has almost an entirely new cast of receivers, four linemen do return led by tackle Zach Terry.

Though the defense graduated its top-three tacklers, eight starters return led by senior corner Aryus Jones and senior linebacker Tim Bell, who were both first-team all-league picks.

In order to duplicate or improve on last year’s success, Lawrence Free State must plug some major holes. Namely at QB, where All-State selection Bryce Torneden turned in a stellar senior season, rushing for 1,119 yards and 13 touchdowns and throwing for 1,323 yards and 12 touchdowns. While Torneden’s shoes could be filled from within by junior Gage Foster or sophomore Jordan Preston, Free State very well could turn to newcomer Dallas Crittenden, a senior who transferred in from Hayden. Last year, Crittenden helped Hayden to the Class 4A-I semis, throwing for 1,386 yards and 13 TDs. There are a lot of numbers to marvel at from Wichita Northwest’s 2015 season – 10 wins, 12 players receiving firstteam City League recognition, an offense that churned out an 11-man state record 538 yards per game and reached at least 28 points every game, and a 14th consecutive postseason berth. One thorny number remains, and it sticks out like offensive lineman Joey Gilbertson mauling an opposing rusher – zero state titles. Of those 12 first-team City League picks, nine are gone to graduation. Gilbertson is a great place to begin filling the voids, a massive lineman that verbally committed to KU

this summer. He will chop down a trail for bruising senior RB Jahlyl Rounds, who provided 1,326 rushing yards and 14 TDs as well as 353 receiving yards in ‘15. Reliable wideout Martese Mullins ruined cornerbacks with a 45-880-11 line.

Garden City won its first seven games, the Buffs’ best start in 24 years, and had the best defense in coach Brian Hill’s first six years with the Buffs, but didn’t make the playoffs outside of Class 6A, District 8, arguably the state’s best district.

The Buffs, which have won four straight 6A wrestling crowns, have several standout wrestlers in key positions for football, namely QB Jesse Nunez and linebacker/kicker Zeke Herrera (team-high 92 tackles). Nunez led the team with 173 carries for 919 yards and 12 scores and passed for 888 yards with a 7/4 TD/INT ratio. Jared Koster graduated after he broke the Buffs’ career rushing record.

Several key players are back for Hutchinson from last year, and many of these players started, or played, in that statechampionship loss to SM East two years ago. Humungous offensive lineman Josh Rivas is K-State bound, while safety Peyton Pendergrass and LB Braden Archer will be in their third years as starters. Archer turned some heads during the summer, but he was already one of the Salthawks’ best tacklers.

Running back Brody Smith surpassed the 1,000-yard mark and had a couple huge games as a sophomore, while Canyon Maldonado has 12 starts at quarterback in his career.

Olathe North will miss the loss of several tremendous athletes, but should be a factor in 6A. Manhattan could rebound behind Ian Trapp. Blue Valley North also suffered key losses making it difficult to repeat last year’s stellar season. Shawnee Mission North could be poised for a breakout year.

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 13 1

From Player to Professional/from page 9___________ A combination of life events and prayerful thought, Horton said, led him to decide about a year ago to open Gridiron Tech, a distributor offering products proven to be technologically superior in prevention of injury and impact detection.

“I had been doing research on how football safety could be improved for the current athletes,” he said. “The more I learned about technical advancements in equipment, head protection, teaching methodologies and electronic instructional tools, the more I realized that there was a need for someone to take a different approach to educating both coaches and parents alike. I began formulating and writing our plan in August of 2015 and, by December, had raised the necessary capital and hired our first employee, Jonathan Truman.”

Horton said the company exists solely to keep the brains of young athletes safer while they play a game that many like him are passionate about.

“We take a three-pronged approach to head safety that includes strengthening the neck and upper back of the athlete so that their head is as stable as possible during all impacts/ collisions, teaching safer blocking/tackling techniques that seek to eliminate head-first contact, and then finally, having the best possible head protection available, which studies have proven to be the XENITH brand helmets that we offer through our company.”

According to the Concussion Legacy Foundation, CTE is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain found in athletes, military veterans and anyone with a history of repetitive brain trauma. Some symptoms include memory loss, confusion, aggression and paranoia, which are experienced even decades after the trauma ended. Currently, CTE can only be diagnosed by brain tissue analysis once a patient dies.

Despite the sport’s rough and tumble reputation, Horton said football prepared him for the business world by teaching him goal-setting, leadership, strategizing and teamwork - all skills he was able to apply to his business.

“Football taught me to recognize opportunities as well as the strengths and weaknesses of my opponents,” he said.

“Through this, I saw an opportunity in the football space to help solve the problem of diminishing participation at every level of football from pee-wee through junior high and high school. We believe that by taking an educational approach to both safety and equipment, we can help to not only preserve the integrity of the game, but also to help prevent as many injuries as possible so that the youngsters that play and love the game as we do, won’t suffer any long term lingering effects from the game of football.”

Like Horton, Jonathan Truman started playing football at an early age. As a result, he has a great love and appreciation for the sport.

Out of high school, Truman walked on at Kansas State University. Following a year as a redshirt, he found himself starting on all special teams and, shortly after, earned a scholarship. Truman started as a linebacker during his last two seasons as a Wildcat, chalking up 250 career tackles. He was also named a player representative and team captain.

“Football has meant a lot to me throughout my life,” he said.

“The game of football teaches so many life lessons that can be taken and applied in other areas of life. Discipline, hard work, integrity, and handling adversity are just a few things that are instilled in people who play football, and it doesn’t just go away.

More than anything else, football has taught me to handle adversity. In football, and in life, things aren’t always going to go the way you want, adversity will hit, and you can’t always control that. What you can control is your response to that adversity.”

Truman said he and Horton were able to take the skills they learned on the field, and in the classroom, and apply them to Gridiron Technologies. Not only do they both have the knowledge and experience, but are passionate about football and safety. “…The foundation of this company is centered around preserving the integrity of the game of football, which we feel is being attacked right now by the media, regarding head injuries,” he said. “We understand that there are risks of injury in any competitive sport, but there many ways to help prevent and manage head injuries such as concussions. We are passionate about the game of football, and even more so about the people involved and their safety. The players, youth through professional, the parents, coaches, equipment managers and trainers. We want to be involved in making safety a

priority, without changing the game we love.”

For more information visit gridiron-tech.com.

Mark Simoneau, Simoneau Sports Performance While Mark Simoneau admits he had a natural ability for playing football, if it wasn’t for his training and diligence, the former NFL player says, there’s no way he could’ve competed for a decade at the professional level.

“As an athlete, I was talented, but, by far, not the mosttalented person at any level of sports that I played,” Simoneau said. “Consistency in training for 20-plus years allowed me the opportunity to compete at the highest level of the game for 10 years. Without training, that would not have been possible for me. That training also gave me a huge base of knowledge to start with. I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the very best in this field. Over the past six years of Simoneau Sports Performance, I have continued to grow as a coach with a desire to improve everyday.”

An All-American and the Wildcats’ third all-time leading tackler, Simoneau was selected in the third round of the NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons in 2000. After playing four years there, he moved on to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played for three seasons. Simoneau won a Super Bowl ring with the New Orleans Saints in 2009, but tore a muscle during the preseason and didn’t see any playing time.

During his NFL career, Simoneau played in seven playoff games, including a Super Bowl appearance as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2010, Simoneau played for the Kansas City Chiefs, but after one game, was sidelined with an injury. He retired the same year. In February 2011, he opened SSP. “Football has allowed me the opportunity to do things in my life I could have never imagined growing up in a small town,” he said. “Now that I am done playing, I miss almost everything about the game, but I definitely miss being around my teammates everyday.”

Today, Simoneau operates SSP, which trains athletes ages nine and older, specializing in enhancing an athlete’s performance in speed, strength and fitness training. The business also works with adult clients who want to improve their health and fitness levels.

While most of the work is done in a group setting, the business offers some personal training.

Located in Overland Park, SSP offers clients 9,000 square feet of space, including 60 yards of indoor turf, 4,200 square feet of weight room space and outside, 8,000 square feet of natural grass turf.

“I decided to go into business because improving performance through training is one of my true passions,” he said.

“Starting a business requires many of the same qualities that go into being a good player and team on the football field. SSP has allowed me to redirect my energy.”

Since opening the business five years ago, Simoneau said he and his staff are always looking at ways to better serve their clients.

“We are consistently working to improve our product with the desire to give each person we work with every opportunity to develop and live out their dreams,” he said.

For more information visit simoneausportsperformance.com.

Jake Sharp, Sharp Performance When Jake Sharp opened Sharp Performance five years ago, he did so with the idea of providing athletes a facility in Kansas with similar training opportunities found in other parts of the United States.

But he also wanted to help other individuals interested in improving their overall health.

“Sharp Performance is really a celebration of the active lifestyle,” he said. “Maybe we are working with an athlete who wants to make an NFL roster, (or) maybe earn a college scholarship, or maybe, it’s an executive who wants to be athletic enough to surf or longboard. It’s all about vision, passion and dedication.”

A standout player at Salina Central, Sharp rushed for a state record 63 touchdowns during his senior season, and led the Mustangs to a state championship. After high school, he went on to the University of Kansas, where he rushed for 2,239 career yards and racked up 23 touchdowns. He also helped the Jayhawks win the Orange Bowl in 2008.

After college, Sharp had the chance to play professionally with the Wichita Wild, a professional indoor football team, and also signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears. But Sharp

didn’t make the cut.

“Football taught me no matter how good things are going, or how good you think you are on one particular day, that the next day it could drastically change,” he said. “Also, that with vision, passion and dedication, you ultimately find a way to succeed.”

Based in Salina, Sharp Performance offers training for youth and elite athletes as well as fitness clients. The facility features 52,000 square feet of space, including indoor turf, a weight room and seating for parents and fans. In addition to speed and agility camps, the company hosts an annual High School Combine. This year, the event attracted more than 300 student athletes. (See related story on pages 10-11) With five years under his belt, Sharp said his business has established a solid reputation for helping clients achieve results. And today, he and his staff are using those success stories to reach out and help more people.

“There are many people who claim to be great trainers or ‘gurus’ in our industry, and many coaches are skeptical of their athletes working with outside trainers/coaches and rightfully so,” Sharp said. “…It has been our mission to prove our worthiness to the athletes and coaches of Kansas, and I believe with the success of our high school combine, and the athletes we have helped over the past five years, that our reputation is able to speak for itself.”

For more information visit sharp-performance.com.

Austin Barone, Just Play Solutions For Austin Barone, football has always been a passion.

An All-State kicker at St. Mary’s Colgan and former KU football player, who played for Charlie Weis from 2012-2015, Barone took that passion and used it to build the foundation for a new business.

Today, Barone and co-founder Andy Wachter provide digital coaching tools and an interactive player learning application to coaches and teams at all levels. The two, he said, built Just Play to address something they experienced first-hand, as former NCAA Division I athletes in football and basketball, and as Wachter encountered as a coach for a NCAA Division II basketball program. With Barone’s help, Wachter began developing a comprehensive, web-based system to help coaches and players become better prepared in less time.

“Our business was developed to address specific needs that we saw for players and coaches alike,” Barone said. “We interact with coaches on a daily basis, and they are an integral part of the ongoing evolution of our product. I feel very fortunate that I get to combine my love for football with entrepreneurial aspirations on a daily basis.”

Barone came up with the idea for Just Play during his time with the Jayhawks. During his last season, Barone spent time as a student-assistant, allowing him to fully understand a coach’s workflow. The experience gave him an understanding of the tools players and coaches needed to better connect.

The company launched its football system in January 2015 after more than a year spent developing and beta testing at the high school and college levels. In 2015, Barone and Wachter, with the help of one part-time sales representative, sold 36 football systems to clients in 10 states.

A year later, the company sold football systems to 82 new clients during the first six months of the year, including eight collegiate programs. Currently, Just Play has 118 active football clients in more than 30 states.

The company launched a similar basketball system in April which was developed with the help of the University of Kansas men’s basketball program. Barone said the system has been well-received, noting the company has 15 college basketball accounts, most of which are for NCAA Division I programs.

“We believe that football, and sports in general, teaches critical lessons and values that can be applied to business,” he said. “The same characteristics that make a football team successful work for businesses as well; specifically hard work, leadership and accountability, and striving to reach goals. We also try to run our business so that everyone knows they are part of a team. We push each other, step up and do whatever is needed, and work together to achieve success.”

For more info visit justplaysolutions.com.

Jennifer McDaniel is a veteran journalist with more than 15 years experience covering a broad range of topics. She has worked as a reporter and editor for the Osawatomie Graphic, the Lincoln Sentinel-Republican, and the Chapman & Enterprise NewsTimes, as well as several other specialty publications.

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K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

Pa g e 13 3

KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY WILDCATS A K-State team ravaged by injuries still managed to squeak out six wins and make a bowl for the the sixth straight year last fall, which likely leaves the Wildcats in a much better place this fall, with a number of spots filled by a two-deep of experienced players for 25th year head coach Bill Snyder.

Injuries to quarterbacks Jesse Ertz and Alex Delton (Hays), All Big 12 safety Dante Barnett, and the loss of dominant corner Danzel McDaniel left the Wildcats reeling in the heart of conference play last year. In spite of those injuries, the Wildcats were still competitive with many of the conference’s top teams losing by seven points or less to Oklahoma St., TCU, and Baylor.

Thanks to question marks surrounding the QB position and the departure of all but one starting olineman, most media outlets predict K-State to finish anywhere from sixth to eighth in the conference this fall, but at least one college football reporter, David Ubben, a contributor to FoxSports and Sports on Earth, said in a late July tweet the Wildcats would “flirt” with 10 wins this season.

The starting quarterback position will likely be occupied by Ertz, who is a junior captain, but took only two snaps last year and suffered a season ending injury. Delton, now in his second year in the program, will be in the mix, as will Cheney native Joe Hubener, who played admirably as the starter last year when one considers he had never started at the quarterback position at any level.

Rising sophomore fullback Winston Dimel, a Manhattan High grad, displayed surprising athleticism out of the backfield, and ultimately was the better player when compared head to head with then teammate Glenn Gronkowski - of the famous family name - who is now off to the NFL. Charles Jones and Justin Silmon also return in the backfield, along with diminutive speedster Dalvin Warmack, who has shown flashes of brilliance.

The receiver corps was depleted by the loss of Tyler Lockett and Abilene native Curry Sexton two years ago, and an unproven group was under productive last fall, but, given stabilization at the QB position this fall, and development of the o-line two big IFs - the receivers could post a breakout season. Manhattan native Deante Burton, a senior,

headlines the group, but spring game star Byron Pringle, a Butler CC transfer, is poised to explode on the scene, while sophomore Dominque Heath showed the makings of a standout return man for one of the country’s top special teams units. Punter Nick Walsh (Lyndon) and kicker Matthew McCrane are two of the Big 12’s best.

An experienced defense will be relied on to allow for offensive development. Topeka High grad Will Geary returns for his junior season as one of the top interior linemen in the Big 12. He’ll be joined by fellow juniors Jordan Willis and Tanner Wood - a Conway Springs native and former Kansas Pregame coverboy - at the end positions, and Horton native Trey Dishon could be a factor at DT. Junior linebacker Elijah Lee has the makings of one of the best in the country and Charmeachealle Moore recorded 37 tackles in the final three games.

Undersized Duke Shelley developed well at corner for being forced into action as a true freshman, and Barnett’s return will provide leadership and experience to a group that returns Donnie Starks, Kendall Adams, and Phillipsburg’s Sean Newlan with experience and added Cal graduate transfer Cedric Dozier in the offseason.

John Baetz 6-7 in 2015 / 3-6 in conference / FBS / Big 12 Coach: Bill Snyder (25th year, 193-101-1) Assistants: Sean Snyder, Dana Dimel, Tom Hayes, Del Miller, Andre Coleman, Mike Cox, Charlie Dickey, Mo Latimore, Blake Seiler, Chris Dawson Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 38 Returning starters: Jesse Ertz, QB, 6-3, 205, Jr.; Joe Hubener, QB, 6-5, 211, Sr.; Charles Jones, RB, 5-10, 206, Sr.; Winston Dimel, FB, 6-1, 235, So.; Dominique Heath, WR/PR, 5-9, 175, So.; Dayton Valentine, TE, 6-4, 262, So.; Dalton Risner, C, 6-5, 300, So.; Matthew McCrane, K, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Nick Walsh, P, 5-11, 212, Jr.; Jordan Willis, DE, 6-5, 250, Sr.; Will Geary, DT, 6-0, 297, Jr.; Elijah Lee, LB, 6-3, 218, Jr.; Will Davis, LB, 6-3, 218, Sr.; Charmeachealle Moore, LB, 6-0, 221, Sr.; Duke Shelley, CB, 5-9, 160, So.; Donnie Starks, CB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Dante Barnett, SS, 6-1, 213, Sr.; Kendall Adams, FS, 6-1, 213, So.; Sean Newlan, FS, 6-2, 204, Jr.; Cedric Dozier, CB, 5-10, 180, Sr. (Cal trans.)

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS JAYHAWKS Kansas had a three-win dropoff from 2014 under first-year coach David Beaty and has just 12 wins this decade, fewest among FBS programs. KU has not had a .500 season since an 8-5 mark in 2008.

However, several Kansas high school graduates look to lead the Jayhawks to more wins this season. Sophomore quarterback Ryan Willis, a Bishop Miege product, was the primary starter as a true freshman. He completed 52 percent of his passes for 1,719 yards with a 9/10 TD/INT ratio. BasehorLinwood’s Ben Johnson - a former Kansas Pregame coverboy - was an honorable mention allconference pick at tight end in 2015. Johnson was named to preseason watch list for the Mackey Award, which honors college football’s top tight end.

Junior linebacker Joe Dineen (Free State) had 86 tackles and three sacks last fall.

Hesston’s Ryan Schadler averaged 23 yards on kick returns last year, including a touchdown.

Schadler started his college career as a member of the track team at Wichita State, but decided to walk-on the football team at KU last summer and has turned into one of the Jayhawks most pleasant surprises.

KU’s best chance at a victory came with a 41-38 season-opening loss to South Dakota. The Jayhawks enter the season on a 15-game losing streak dating back to a 34-14 victory versus Iowa State.

Offensively, KU has shown signs of improvement and coach Beaty is expected to take over playcalling duties in the Air Raid offense.

KU has not bettered 18.3 points per game since 2011. However, the yards per game has improved from 295 to 324 to 332 and should improve again with eight returning offensive starters and a more experienced Willis.

KU stood last in FBS with 46 points and 561 yards permitted per game in ’15 but also look to be improved this fall.

Senior safety Fish Smithson is a second team allleague selection with 111 tackles and two interceptions last year.

KU should improve its field goal kicking with a 6 of 11 performance by two kickers last fall.

KU has an opening month with winnable games

including home contests versus Rhode Island and Ohio in the first two weeks. Then, the Jayhawks travel to Memphis (under a new coach) and then open Big 12 play at Texas Tech. KU lost 30-20 to the Red Raiders last season.

Conor Nicholl 0-12 in 2015 / 0-9 in league / FBS / Big 12 Coach: David Beaty (2nd year, 0-12) Assistants: Rob Likens, Clint Bowen, Kenny Perry, Joe DeForest, Todd Bradford, Tony Hull, Jason Phillips, Michael Slater, Zach Yenser Offense: Air Raid Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 49 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 8 Defense Ryan Willis, QB, 6-4, 211, So.; Ke’aun Kinner, RB, 509, 191, Sr.; Steven Sims, WR, 5-10, 176, So.; Tyler Patrick, WR, 6-0, 177, So.; Ben Johnson, TE, 6-5, 245, Jr.; Jayson Rhodes, RG, 6-4, 311, Jr.; D’Andre Banks, RT, 6-3, 310, Sr.; Jordan Shelley-Smith, LT, 65, 302, Sr.; Nick Bartolotta, K, 5-6, 189, Jr.; Dorance Armstrong, DE, 6-4, 241, So.; Daniel Wise, DT, 6-3, 290, So.; Joe Dineen, LB, 6-2, 225, Jr.; Marcquis Roberts, LB, 6-1, 223, Sr.; Tevin Shaw, NB, 5-11, 206, Sr.; Brandon Stewart, CB, 6-0, 178, Sr.; Tyrone Miller, S, 6-0, 182, So.; Fish Smithson, S, 5-11, 201, Sr.

Former Kansas Pregame coverboy Ben Johnson, a Basehor-Linwood grad, is one of the top returning tight ends in the Big 12 this fall.

(Jeff Jacobsen/KU Athletics)

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

DIVISION II

NAIA

JUNIOR COLLEGE

Pa g e 13 4

EMPORIA STATE

FORT HAYS STATE

PITTSBURG STATE

WASHBURN

The Hornets finished No. 8 in NCAA Division II and advanced to the national quarterfinals in 2015 behind All-American quarterback Brent Wilson.

Emporia State is 34-14 since 2013 with three postseason victories, all on the road.

Sophomore Braxton Marstall is expected to take over for Wilson under center. As a true freshman, Marstall, an Emporia High grad, played well when Wilson was injured for part of 2014 and then redshirted last fall. All-conference senior wide receiver Mitchell Foote finished with 79 catches for 877 yards and a conference-best 12 touchdown receptions last fall. Morris Williams, II, collected 118 receiving yards per game in the playoffs, including 10 catches for a season-high 191 yards versus Northwest Missouri in the regional final. Justin Brown tallied four receiving scores before he suffered a season-ending broken leg in the season’s third contest. Sophomore Landon Nault leads a deep backfield after 727 rushing yards in ‘15.

Three-time all-MIAA guard Jarrett Stastny anchors the line that includes returning starting center Jake Warehime.

ESU ranked fifth in scoring defense and sixth in total defense. The Hornets are one of four teams nationally with two players who had more than 100 stops with Josh Monteagudo (102) and Madison’s Kole Schankie (team-high 105 tackles, third team all-MIAA) a former Kansas Pregame coverboy.

Austin Morton is a returning All-American kicker who went 22 of 25 on field goals, including the game winner as time expired in a 51-49 win at Minnesota State-Mankato.

Coach Chris Brown, a native of Liberal, and recent MIAA Hall of Fame inductee for his play at Pitt. State in mid-90s, led the Tigers to its first playoff game in 20 years with a 30-22 Mineral Water Bowl loss to Minnesota-Duluth. The Tigers tied the school record for wins in a season. FHSU is 3-8, 47, 5-6, 6-5, 7-4 and 8-4 in the last six seasons, the last five under Brown.

Junior running back Shaquille Cooper is a returning All-Conference and All-American selection. He rushed for 1,441 yards and nine scores. Jacob Mezera is expected to take over at quarterback.

The Tigers have five other returning all-league players: offensive lineman Chico Feltenberger, defensive linemen Nathan Shepherd and Sie Doe, Jr., along with linebacker Alex Schmidtberger (Topeka Hayden grad, 85 tackles) and defensive back Doyin Jibowu (91 tackles).

FHSU led the MIAA in rushing offense at 251.1 yards a contest and finished fourth in scoring defense (23.9 points/game).

Senior linebacker Justin McPhail (Liberal) was a key player in his first three seasons before he took a medical redshirt in 2015.

Pittsburg State University returned 13 players who started at least four games in 2015, including eight players who had all-league honors, and finished 6-5.

Sophomore John Roderique, Jr. returns at quarterback this fall after he was an honorable mention all-league selection, passing for 1,264 yards with 18 total offensive scores. He had a season-ending foot injury in Week 6, one of many major injuries for the Gorillas. Three offensive linemen are back, including all-league center Bo Farrow. The Gorillas, long known for running the ball, finished second in the conference with 232 rushing yards a game.

Defensively, four players with all-conference honors return – senior defensive lineman Heath Wilson, senior linebacker Spencer Brown, sophomore Demetrius Bernard and senior safety Deron Washington. Wilson has 146 tackles and 28.5 TFLs in his career.

The Gorillas finished fifth in offense at 30.5 points per game and eighth defensively at 28.5 points per allowed. PSU opened 4-1 before back-to-back losses to top-20 teams Emporia State and Northwest Missouri. Coach Tim Beck is a Ness City native and the longtime Gorilla offensive coordinator before he took over as head coach.

Washburn, picked eighth in the preseason MIAA football polls, looks to regain its footing as one of the MIAA’s top programs. The Ichabods have backto-back losing seasons (4-7 in 2014) after 10 straight winning seasons. Washburn did significantly improve passing-wise with QB Derek McGinnis in 2015 with a 26/13 TD/INT ratio after 18 interceptions two years ago. McGinnis, a North Dakota State transfer, returns for his senior season.

Riley County senior Bryce Chavis returns at WR after he caught 51 passes for 759 yards and eight scores, team bests, good for second team allMIAA. The team finished seventh in scoring offense (25.3) and defense (28.3) in the MIAA in ‘15.

Baileyville’s Cody Heiman paced the team with 79 tackles, 5.5 for loss, to earn second team all-MIAA. Junior safety Peter Pfannenstiel (Silver Lake) was second in stops (72).

Senior offensive lineman Michael Miller (Lansing) returns up front after back-to-back second team allMIAA seasons. Senior defensive end Akhmad Abdul-Razzaq also earned second team with a team-high 11 TFLs. Senior defensive back Zach Franklin collected second team after a team-high 14 passes defended. Junior defensive lineman Trey Parker was honorable mention.

6-5 in 2015 / 6-5 in conference / NCAA DII Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association Coach: Tim Beck (7th year, 53-19) Assistants: David Wiemers, Steve Rampy, Lance Cullen, Ryan Hellwig, Matt Karleskint, John Pierce, Carl Roth, Steve Wells Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 34 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 5 Defense CN

5-6 in 2015 / 5-6 in conference / NCAA DII Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association Coach: Craig Schurig (15th year, 96-64) Assistants: Zach Watkins, Brock Luke, Jeff Schwinn, Eric Eisenbarth, Josh Osborn, LaRon Moore, Frank Crosson, Skyler Parker, Kyle Duncan, T.D. Hicks, David Trupp Offense: West Coast Pro Set Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense CN

11-3 in 2015 / 9-2 in conference / NCAA DII Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association Coach: Garin Higgins (9th year, 53-50; 14th overall, 104-59) Assistants: Mike LoPorto, Bryan Nardo, Nathan Linsey, Matt Nardo, Tony Koehling, Justin Wieser, Terrence Coleman, Daniel Goodman, Antwon Crutcher, Daniel Siehndel.

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 47 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense Conor Nicholl

8-4 in 2015 / 8-3 in conference / NCAA DII Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association Coach: Chris Brown (6th year, 30-26) Assistants: Al McCray, Jeff Bryant, Cooper Harris, Phillip Vigil, Ike Eguae, Steven Dudley, Mike Hepp, Jared Haferbier, Zach Burkhart Offense: Pro Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 39 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 9 Defense Shaquille Cooper, RB, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Mason Dickey, OL, 6-4, 285, Sr.; Chico Feltenberger, OL, 6-4, 320, Sr.; Isaiah Maxi, WR, 6-5, 190, Jr.; Tyler Bacon, WR, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Evan Jennings, WR, 6-4, 180, Sr.; Nathan Shepherd, DL, 6-4, 305, Jr.; Sie Doe, Jr., DL, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Luke Wright, DL, 6-4, 245, Jr.; Noah Debban, DL, 6-6, 235, Jr.; Alex Schmidtberger, LB, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Doyin Jibowu, DB, 6-1, 170, So.; DeAndre James, DB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Raheeme Dumas, DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Bobby Stinson, DB, 6-0, 165, So. Conor Nicholl

BAKER UNIVERSITY

BENEDICTINE COLLEGE

The Wildcats have a lofty goal for 2016: win the Heart of American Southern Division. Veteran coach Mike Grossner has 35 returning lettermen from last year’s 11-2 team, including five first-team All-Conference performers.

The Baker defense returns nine starters, seven who were honored by the HAAC Conference in 2015. Senior defensive lineman Josh Kock, senior linebacker Kharon Brown and senior defensive back Darrian Winston were all first-team AllConference selections last season while senior defensive end Adam Novak, junior linebacker Akim Francis and junior defensive back Hayden Jenkins were second-team All-Conference selections and senior defensive end Nick Becker received honorable mention.

On offense, junior lineman Kyle Wittman is coming off a first-team All-Conference season while senior receiver Damon Nolan and senior running back Adonis Powell earned second-team All-Conference honors and junior receiver Cornell Brown was named to the honorable mention list.

The 2016 season brings high expectations for Benedictine, which returns all but five starters from last year’s 7-4 squad. Veteran coach Larry Wilcox returns 26 total lettermen, including first-team AllConference receiver Christian Haack. The senior is coming off a season with 1,157 receiving yards and nine TDs. Senior running back Tyler Henness, who ran for 723 yards and six TDs in 2015, junior QB Jacob Koester (2,644 yards, 16 TDs) and AllConference lineman Roc Cyphert also return.

On defense, the Ravens return their second and third leading tacklers from 2015 – senior defensive back Shane Baumann (81 tackles) and junior linebacker Tyler Thrasher (68 tackles). Another key returner to the Benedictine defense is senior lineman Jarad Sheppard, who made 5.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and 42 total tackles last season.

The Ravens also bring back first-team AllConference punter Sebastian Harris.

Benedictine opens the 2016 season Aug. 27 at Evangel and the home opener is set for Sept. 3 against Avila. September also includes a trip to Missouri Valley, a home game against Mid-America Nazarene and a Sept. 24 game at Baker. The Ravens’ final non-conference game will be Oct. 1 against Central Methodist as part of family weekend. Benedictine also plays at Culver-Stockton and Graceland, hosts William Penn, travels to Grand View and closes out the regular season Nov. 12 against Peru State.

11-2 in 2015 / 5-0 in conference / NAIA Heart of America Athletic Conference Coach: Mike Grossner (12th year, 84-49; 18th year overall, 135-67) Assistants: Jason Thoren, Miguel Regalado, Jake Morse, Bruce Young, Jordan Robertson, Josh Saunders, Gerard Aligo, Caleb Blakesley, Mike Stevenson Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 35 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 9 Defense Returning starters: Ladai Boose, WR, 5-10, 190,; Cornell Brown, WR, 5-9, 185, Jr.; Clarence Clark, WR, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Damon Nolan, WR, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Adonis Powell, RB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Kyle Wittman, OL, 6-1, 290, Jr.; Akim Francis, LB, 6-2, 238, Sr.; Avery Parker, DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Kharon Brown, LB, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Nick Becker, DE, 6-3, 260, Sr.; Adam Novak, DE, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Josh Kock, DL, 6-0, 275, Sr.; Darrian Winston DB, 5-10, 208, Sr.; Hayden Jenkins, DB, 5-9, 173, Jr.; Nick Shondell, DL, 5-11, 250, Sr. Melanie McGee

7-4 in 2015 / 3-2 in conference Heart of America Athletic Conference Coach: Larry Wilcox (37th year, 261-139) Assistants: Charlie Gartenmayer, Dennis Murphy, George Papageorgiou, Jon Stammers, Fran Johnson, Ryan Kelly, Will Finley, Tyler Lueckenhoff Returning lettermen: 26 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 9 Defense Christian Haack, WR, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Tyler Henness, RB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Jacob Koester, QB, 6-4, 210, Jr.; Roc Cyphert, OL, 6-4, 300, Jr.; Tyler Thrasher, LB, 6-0, 210, Jr.; Shane Baumann, DB, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Jarad Sheppard, DL, 6-1, 250, Sr. MM

BETHANY COLLEGE The Swedes kicked off the first year of the Paul Hubbard era with a 3-8 record. They opened the 2015 season with four consecutive losses, including blowouts at the hands of Houston Baptist (51-7) and Ottawa (41-17) sandwiched around competitive contests with Langston (33-14) and Bethel (30-23).

Bethany kicked off October with their first win of the season, an 18-16 victory over Saint Mary and nearly made it two in a row with a narrow 37-34 loss to Sterling College. After consecutive losses to Southwestern and Kansas Wesleyan the Swedes

closed on a positive note, winning two of their final three contests, including the season finale versus McPherson, 48-21.

The 2016 schedule kicks off with a road trip to Hastings College in Nebraska, followed by a road trip to Langston University in Oklahoma, before starting conference play at home against Bethel.

3-8 in 2015 / 3-6 in conference / NAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Paul Hubbard (2nd year, 3-8) John Baetz

BETHEL COLLEGE Second-year Bethel coach Morris Lolar said his team has a “simple goal: to win every game,” and the Threshers have 17 returning starters to lead them that direction in 2016.

Bethel defense brings back nine starters, including sophomore linebacker Jordan Bell, the secondleading tackler last season. He made 71 stops, including 4.5 tackles for loss, in 2015. Junior defensive end Carlos Dickerson is also back after making 56 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and 3 sacks a year ago.

Other defensive starters who return are tackle Mark Martin, end Michael Bell, cornerback Ricky Rodriguez and safety Anthony Cotton.

Bethel’s offense has eight starters back, including the team’s two leading receivers, Gary Jolivet and Marquis Jackson. The Threshers also return senior running back Jaylen Sykes, who ran for 326 yards and three touchdowns in five games last year, and sophomore receiver Logan Price. The offensive line will be anchored by three returners – sophomore Henry Baxter, senior Ethan Birdwell and senior

Santiago Aragon. “We have to play as one and our young guys will need to mature quickly,” Lolar said.

3-7 in 2015 / 3-6 in conference / NAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Morris Lolar (2nd year, 3-7; 4th year overall, 31-18) Assistants: Kevin Griffin, Brian Byers, Matt Byers, Tyler Kohlman, James McCartney, Brandon Chinn, Mark Cotton Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 30 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 9 Defense Marquis Jackson, WR, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Jaylen Sykes, RB, 5-9, 205, Sr.; Gary Jolivet, WR, 6-0, 175, Jr.; James Purvin, FB, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Henry Baxter, OL, 6-0, 255, So.; Ethan Birdwell, OL, 5-11, 255, Sr.; Santiago Aragon, OL, 6-2, 305, Sr.; Logan Price, WR, 6-3, 220, So.; Carlos Dickerson, DE, 6-3, 215, Jr.; Ricky Rodriguez, CB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Anthony Cotton, S, 5-9, 190, Jr.; Mark Martin, DT, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Jordan Bell, LB, 6-1, 225, So.; Michael Bell, DE, 6-3, 245, Jr.; Jerome Puletapui, DL, 6-2, 220, Sr. MM

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY Friends is coming off a disappointing 3-8 season, but veteran coach Monty Lewis believes his team will bounce back in 2016.

“We must learn the lessons from last season. We were not a very good team in 2015,” he said.

“Talent was not the issue. We simply underachieved and that sits squarely on my shoulders.”

The Falcons return 60 lettermen and nine starters on both sides of the ball, including second-team AllAmerican Mitch Butterfield on the offensive line.

The junior is joined by senior Michael Gallagher up front, while Friends brings back senior QB Andrew Matthews and senior RB Jesse Rogers.

The Falcon defense brings back nine starters.

3-8 in 2015 / 3-6 in conference / NAIA

Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Monty Lewis (13th year, 88-47; 22nd year overall, 148-79) Assistants: Matt Welch, Bill Shaw, Jerry Taylor, Christian Trotter, Cody Butts, Marcus Carter, Neill Wheeler, Quentin Benning Offense: Pro/Multi Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 60 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 9 Defense Andrew Mathews,QB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Jesse Rogers, RB, 5-9, 201, Sr.; Sam Camp, WR, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Matt Melilo, TE, 6-3, 250, Jr.; Mitch Butterfield, OL, 6-2, 305, Jr.; Michael Gallagher, OL, 6-4, 310, Sr.; Dom Barba, DL, 6-2, 302, Sr.; Kelechi Chukwuka, DE, 6-4, 255, Jr.; Bryce Johnson, LB, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Josh Lewis, LB, 6-2, 220, Jr.; Jemonte Lewis, DB, 6-0, 190, So.; Marc Evans, DB, 5-9, 160, So. MM

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

DIVISION II KANSAS WESLEYAN UNIV. MCPHERSON COLLEGE

Kansas Wesleyan begins the 2016 season ranked No. 14 in NAIA, and the goals are simple for the Coyotes: Compete for the KCAC conference championship and a spot in the national playoffs.

Matt Drinkall enters his third year as head coach with 15 returning starters including four first-team All-Conference players.

Senior TE Mitch Kufahl is a two-time AllConference selection who caught 34 passes for 445 yards and six scores in 2015. Junior Kelly Cordova earned All-Conference first-team honors a year ago while serving as a utility player and backup QB, but he is the front-runner to take over the starting job under center this year. He completed 21 of 33 passes for 289 yards and two TDs, plus ran for 382 yards and four TDs in 2015.

The Coyotes also return senior fullback Colby Donohue, who caught four TD passes, and junior olineman Ayrius Brown, both first-team selections.

A pair of second-team All-Conference players are back for KW. Junior d-lineman Christian McQueen made 40 tackles, including 10.5 for loss, a year ago, while senior Londarius Thomas returned 20 kickoffs for 433 yards and a TD in 2015. Senior dback Mike Guerrero is also back after intercepting four passes, making 61 tackles and earning honorable mention All-Conference a year ago.

To be successful in 2016, the Coyotes must “be smart, physical, and handle adversity,” Drinkall said.

McPherson has nearly everyone back from the 2015 team, including the entire starting offense and eight defensive starters, and the Bulldogs will lean on that experience as they look to bounce back from an 0-10 record last year.

Paul Mierkiewicz enters his second year at McPherson with 23 returning lettermen, including two second-team All-Conference performers – junior defensive back Braden Bush and junior linebacker Dalton Whitfield. In 2015, Whitfield led the Bulldogs with 105 tackles, including 6.5 for loss, while Bush was third on the team with 90 tackles, plus he led McPherson with six interceptions.

Offensively, McPherson returns sophomore QB Chris Linnan, sophomore running back Ryan Lakso, sophomore fullback Tyler Depperschmidt, sophomore tight end Lakoda Smith and two receivers – senior Justin Fagan and sophomore Jackson Goodmiller. The Bulldog offensive line brings back five starters – Logan Anderson, Jaelon Barnes, Caoln Bibbs, David Deramee and Collin French.

“We need to continue to get better every day. We need to improve in every aspect of the game if we plan to get better as a team,” Mierkiewicz said.

10-2 in 2015 / 8-1 in conference / NAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Matt Drinkall (3rd year, 12-11) Assistants: Vince Fillipp, John Michaletti, Braxton Peck, Wes Fleming, Marcus Bradley, Rex Pippenger, Matt Myers Offense: Power Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense Kelly Cordova, QB, 5-10, 203, Jr.; Colby Donohue, FB, 5-11, 243, Sr.; Ayrius Brown, OL, 6-4, 291, Jr.; Mitch Kufahl, TE, 6-0, 193, Sr.; Londarius Thomas, ATH, 5-7, 173, Sr.; Jacob Tatge, WR, 5-10, 174, Sr.; Mario Soto, OL, 5-11, 300, Jr.; Dalton Soullas, OL, 5-10, 271, Jr.; Christian McQueen, DL, 5-11, 224, Jr.; Kre’tien Webb, DL, 5-11, 264, Jr.; Garett Walker, DL, 6-4, 247, Sr.; Josh Davis, DL, 5-11, 300, So.; Mike Guerrero, DB, 5-10, 187, Sr.; Eric Reed, DB, 58, 167, Sr.; Blake Harris, DB, 6-0, 184, Sr. MM

0-10 in 2015 / 0-9 in conference / NAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Paul Mierkiewicz (2nd year, 0-10; 14th year overall, 69-71 overall) Assistants: Justin Van Houten, EJ Peterson, Travis Kincheloe, Ronnie Reed, Jimmy Wilson, Travis Sears, Michael Ramos Offense: Pro I Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 23 Returning starters: 11 Offense, 8 Defense Jackson Goodmiller, WR, 6-1, 205, So.; Chris Linnan, QB, 6-4, 195, So.; Justin Fagan, WR, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Ryan Lakso, RB, 6-2, 220, So.; David Deramee, OL, 6-1, 240, So.; Logan Anderson, OL, 62, 245, So.; Jaelon Barnes, OL, 6-4, 275, Jr.; Collin French, OL, 6-3, 285, Jr.; Calon Bibbs, OL, 6-4, 300, Sr.; Tyler Depperschmidt, FB, 6-0, 220, So.; Lakoda Smith, TE, 6-3, 220, So.; Kavoderic McIntyre, DB, 60, 180, Sr.; Michael Rabara, DB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Braden Bush, DB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Dalton Whitfield, LB, 6-2, 220, Jr.; Alwin Crawford, DB, 5-10, 160, So.; Cole Calkins, DB, 5-11, 170, So.; Dominic DeLuca, LB, 6-0, 195, So.; Greg Elvin, LB, 6-1, 190, So. MM

SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE Moundbuilder coach Brad Griffin enters his second season with 40 lettermen and 11 starters back.

Two of the top returners are junior cornerback Marquis Hodge and junior defensive lineman Devin McLelland, both honorable mention AllConference selections in 2015. Hodge led the team with four interceptions, plus made 38 tackles while McLelland finished with 36 tackles including 8 for loss last year. Southwestern’s only other defensive starters coming back are junior cornerback Tomunci Whitfield and sophomore safety Ka’Darius McQueen. McQueen is the leading returning tackler after making 54 stops and two interceptions.

The Moundbuilders do return seven starters on offense, including senior quarterback Braden Langston, who threw for 522 yards and five touchdowns a year ago. Senior running back Brady Keith is also back after running for 316 yards and a score last season. Southwestern also returns sophomore tight end Jared Mora, junior receiver Jacob Sigmon and sophomore linemen Christian Gardner, Uly Cisneros and Kory Mora.

3-8 in 2015 / 3-6 in conference / NAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Brad Griffin (2nd year, 3-8) Assistants: Corey Gray, Adam Kirby, Ben Klinger, Jeff Kontz, Brandon Owen, Victor Redd, Justin Price, Blaize Foltz Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Stack Returning lettermen: 40 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 4 Defense Braden Langston, QB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Brady Keith, RB, 5-7, 155, Sr.; Jacob Sigmon, WR, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Christian Gardner, OL, 6-0, 260, So.; Jared Mora, TE, 6-4, 255 So.; Uly Cisneros, OL, 6-2, 270, So.; Kory Mora, OL, 6-2, 315, So.; Tomunci Whitfield, CB, 5-10, 170 Jr.; Marquis Hodge, CB, 6-1, 170 Jr.; Ka’Darius McQueen, S, 6-1, 215, So.; Devin McLelland, DL, 6-1, 231, Jr. MM

Pa g e 13 5 NAIA JUNIOR COLLEGE MIDAMERICA NAZARENE OTTAWA UNIVERISTY The Pioneers are gunning for a Heart of America Athletic Conference – South Division title this year after being picked to finish second in the preseason coaches’ poll. Mid-America Nazarene returns a solid core from a team that went 6-5 in 2015. Four of those losses came down to the final moments.

Among the leading returners is senior running back Javon Taylor, who rushed for 1,346 yards and 15 TDs a year ago. He was named HAAC Southern Division Offensive Player of the Year for a second straight year after leading the conference in rushing. He is joined in the backfield by junior Jakob Jordan, a possible QB for the Pioneers who ran for 538 yards and completed 44 of 80 passes last year.

Mid-America lists Trey Cooper as the leading candidate to start under center, but whoever wins the job will be operating behind an experienced o-line.

Seniors David Orellana, Kyle Wade, Shaquile Wallen and juniors Dallas Newlun and Adam Swearingin are all returning from 2015 and they should get help from Carlos Loaiza and Austin Rouselle this fall. Loaiza and Orellana are coming off second-team All-Conference performances.

The Pioneer offense also returns first-team AllConference tight end Gio Gonzales and secondteam All-Conference tight end Dylan Meyers.

Gonzales averaged 18.1 yards per catch while Meyers averaged 13.4 yards per catch in 2015.

On defense, Mid-America Nazarene can lean on first-team All-Conference defensive lineman JoJo Bones and several others who return with some experience. Bones tallied 39 tackles, including 9.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks and an interception in 2015.

Ottawa returns 23 seniors for the 2016 season, including All-American d-tackle Zach Lanning, and the Braves will be looking to bounce back from missing the playoffs a year ago.

The senior class already has a KCAC championship on its resume, and 2015 was the first time in six seasons that the Braves did not make the NAIA playoffs. That experience should send Ottawa into the 2016 season hungry for both a conference title and a spot in the postseason.

Veteran coach Kent Kessinger’s offense returns eight starters, including three linemen and senior QB Dayton Walter. Up front, the Braves can depend on senior tackles Trae Boese and Troy Porter along with junior guard Jake Jones, a trio of All-KCAC performers in 2015.

The Braves expect big things from newcomers Dalton Buehler and Ethan Paul-Davis at running back. Buehler comes to Ottawa from Butler Community College, where the Scott City graduate lettered twice. Paul-Davis is a Pittsburg native and transfer from Hutchinson Community College. He lettered once at Hutchinson, and was a Class 5A All-State performer in high school.

Defensively, Lanning is joined by All-KCAC honorees Vincent Wurst at tackle, Wyatt Ross at defensive end, and Levi Huneke at linebacker.

Cornerbacks Davon Dunn and Reggie Winfield are expected to be among the newcomers who make an impact. Winfield transferred to Ottawa from Northwestern Oklahoma State, and previously played on a pair of NJCAA playoff teams at Coffeyville Community College.

Ottawa will open the 2016 season Sept. 3 in Sioux City, Iowa, as they take on Morningside, the No. 3 team in NAIA’s preseason rankings.

6-5 in 2015 / 4-2 in conference / NAIA Heart of America Athletic Conference Coach: Brian Willmer Assistants: Bruce Pielstick, Trevor Love, Aric Henderson, Theotis Brown, Rick Fields, Scott Campbell, Kyle Kramer, Blake Walker, Corey Young, Ashford Collins, Connor Benado, Corey Sudhoff, James Crawford Returning starters: N/A Javon Taylor, RB, Sr.; Corey Tucker, DB, Sr.; Gio Gonzales, TE, Sr.; Carlos Loiaza, OL; David Orellana, OL, Sr.; Dominic Swillum, LB, Jr.; JoJo Bones, LB, Sr.; Jaron Reed, DL, Jr. Melanie McGee

6-4 in 2015 / 6-3 in conference Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Kent Kessinger (13th year, 81-49) Assistants: Neal Philpot, Thomas Pearson, Donald Anderson, Blake Mudd Returning lettermen: 31 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense Zach Lanning, DT, Sr.; Vincent Wurst, DT, Sr.; Wyatt Ross, DE, Sr.; Trae Boese, OT, Sr.; Troy Porter, OT, Sr.; Jake Jones, OG, Jr.; Levi Huneke, LB, Sr.; Dayton Walter, QB, Sr. Melanie McGee

UNIV. OF SAINT MARY

STERLING COLLEGE

TABOR COLLEGE

Saint Mary coach Jay Osborne enters his third season with 37 returning lettermen and only five holes to fill in the starting lineup, so hopes are high for the Spires to improve on last year’s 3-8 record.

“Our goal is to compete and win the KCAC every year,” he said. “We will field a team that holds character to the highest standard while doing so.”

Nine members of last year’s first team defense are back, including first-team All-Conference defensive back Kenny Nez, and second-team AllConference linebacker KyRandall Smith. Other returning starters include defensive linemen William Affognon, Andrew Kump and Yaw Osei-Baffour, linebackers Dwain Taylor and Seth Bowman and senior defensive back Cody Wenzel.

Offensively, Saint Mary brings back five second team All-KCAC performers. Sophomore Zach Douglas, sophomore Andrew Ramirez and junior Brennan Juhl will lead the offensive line, while sophomore QB Drew Cortez and sophomore TE Dominic DeFiore are coming off All-KCAC seasons.

Other offensive starters who return are junior running back Easton Ridley, junior lineman Matt Nila and senior lineman Ricky Rivera.

“Our leadership from returning starters will be the biggest key to our success,” Osborne said.

Sterling coach Chuck Lambert will find out quickly how good his team is, as the Warriors open the 2016 season with four nationally ranked opponents.

Lambert is beginning his first year as head coach, but is familiar with the program and the conference from many years as an assistant to his brother, and former Warrior head coach, Andy.

He inherits a team with 20 returning lettermen, and seven starters on both sides of the ball.

Sophomore quarterback Cedrick Phillips and four senior receivers – Chad Bennett, TJ Brown, Nathan Frame and Dentton Hudspeth – are back to lead the Warrior offense. The offensive line also has experience with juniors Tremayne Hutchins and Lars Lind returning to the starting lineup.

On defense, Sterling brings back senior linemen RJ Turner and Keith Lowry, junior LBs Greg Williams and Dez Howard, senior d-back Tyus Williams and junior d-backs Kenya Edner and Ray Winfield.

“We start off our season with four teams that should be ranked in the top 25,” he said. “It will be very important for us as a team to come out of the gates ready to play.”

The Bluejays return 36 lettermen from last year’s 11-2 team, but they must replace 23 seniors who graduated, including the KCAC’s Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.

Tabor begins the 2016 season ranked No. 8 in the NAIA preseason poll and six starters are back for the Bluejay offense, with four back on defense.

The Bluejays return senior running backs Cody Coleman, Joseph Donnell and Jonah McKee along with offensive linemen Spencer Baalman and Josh Davidson, and junior receiver Charles Beale.

Baalman and Beale were both second-team AllConference selections in 2015.

The Tabor defense returns senior Mike Andrews and Dimitri Bowie up front, senior Alex Neuschafer at linebacker and seniors Adrian Brown and Michael Griffin in the secondary.

Senior punter Trey Geiger and senior kicker Jared Slavens, a first-team All-Conference selection last season, are also back in the lineup.

Keys to success for Tabor will include “finding strong chemistry, not turning the ball over, being strong on defense on third downs, and being sound in the kicking game,” coach Mike Gardner said.

Gardner was named KCAC Coach of the Year in 2015 as the Bluejays went 9-0 in the conference.

3-8 in 2015 / 3-6 in conference / NAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Jay Osborne (3rd year, 7-15) Assistants: Fran Schwenk, Logan Fritz, Tim Brooks, Kyle Hofmann, Ryan Lopez Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 37 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 9 Defense Drew Cortez, QB, So.; Easton Ridley, RB, Jr.; Dominic DeFiore, TE, So.; Brennan Juhl, OL, Jr.; Andrew Ramirez, OL, So.; Matt Nila, OL, Jr.; Ricky Rivera, OL, Sr.; Zach Douglas, OL, So.; William Affognon, DL, Sr.; Andrew Kump, DL, Jr.; Yaw OseiBaffour, DL, Sr.; KyRandall Smith, LB, Sr.; Dwain Taylor, LB, Jr.; Seth Bowman, LB, Sr.; Kenny Nez, DB, Sr.; Cody Wenzel, DB, Sr. Melanie McGee

7-3 in 2015 / 7-2 in conference / NAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Chuck Lambert (1st year) Assistants: Chase Hansen, Gabe Eliserio, Joe Kenney, Stephen Wilson, Chance Clements, Jake Holland, Mike DeWitt Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense Chad Bennett, WR, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Nathan Frame, WR, 6-3, 185, Sr.; TJ Brown, WR, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Dentton Hudspeth, WR 6, 190, Sr.; Cedrick Phillips, QB, 5-10, 185, So.; Tremayne Hutchins, OL, 6-2 300, Jr.; Lars Lind, OL, 6-1, 265 Jr.; RJ Turner, DL, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Keith Lowry, DL, 5-9, 285, Sr.; Greg Williams, LB, 510, 190, Jr.; Dez Howard, LB, 5-10, 225, Jr.; Tyus Williams, DB 5-10, 180, Sr.; Kenya Edner, DB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Ray Winfield, DB, 6-1 195, Jr. MM

11-2 in 2015 / 9-0 in conference / NAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach: Mike Gardner (8th year, 63-27; 12th year overall, 88-45) Assistants: Billy Hickman, CJ Hill Offense: Multiple Option Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 36 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 4 Defense Mike Andrews, DL, 6-2, 335, Sr.; Spencer Baalman, OL, 6-4, 290, Jr.; Charles Beale, WR, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Dimitri Bowie, DL, 6-2, 265, Jr.; Adrian Brown, DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Cody Coleman, RB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Josh Davidson, OL, 6-4, 300, Jr.; Joseph Donnell, RB, 6-0, 222, Sr.; Trey Geiger, P, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Michael Griffin, DB, 6-0, 203, Sr.; Jonah McKee, RB, 5-5, 165, Sr.; Alex Neuschafer, LB, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Jared Slavens, K, 5-9, 150, Sr. Melanie McGee

K a n sa sPreg a m e,Volu m e 11

BUTLER COUNTY CC The Grizzlies are coming off yet another Jayhawk Conference championship, but nearly every starter from that 2015 team is gone and second-year coach Tim Schaffner will need to reload for 2016.

“Our goals are to get better every day, continue to improve and develop, and defend the tradition and legacy that has been created over the past 30 years,” he said.

Butler expected to return just one offensive starter – quarterback Colton Howell. The Bishop Carroll grad completed 76.8 percent of his pass attempts and threw for four touchdowns plus ran for two more in 2015, but late this summer Howell accepted a scholarship offer at Northern Iowa, leaving the Grizzly offense to completely rebuild.

Keys to success for Butler’s offense include ball security, efficiency, controlling the tempo and eliminating unforced errors.

The Grizzly defense will also be filled with new faces this fall as only two starters are back on that side of the ball. Linebacker Tony Jones was a first-team All-Conference selection after making 75 tackles – 14.5 for loss – and forcing three fumbles in 2015. Cornerback Octavious Morgan finished with 56 tackles and a team-high six interceptions while earning second-team AllConference honors last season.

Schaffner listed “no unforced errors, be great tacklers, force teams off schedule, create turnovers and no big plays” as the keys to defensive success. He added that the Grizzlies must “be fundamentally sound in the kicking game, create scoring opportunities and control field position.”

9-2 in 2015 / 6-1 in conference / NJCAA Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach: Tim Schaffner (2nd year, 9-2) Assistants: Steve Braet, Jordan Abbott, Kerrick Sanders, Kyle Woodall, Wade Weibert, Brice Vignery, Zach Rampy, Tanner Stenzel, Brady Folz Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 1 Offense, 2 Defense Octavious Morgan, CB, So.; Tony Jones, LB, So. MM

DIVISION II COFFEYVILLE CC The Red Ravens are used to success, and coach Aaron Flores expects the 2016 season to bring more of that, though Coffeyville returns just three starters from last year’s 8-3 team. Eight lettermen return to the Raven offense, and seven on defense.

Coffeyville was picked fourth in the KJCCC’s preseason poll despite a lack of experience. “We’re going to be young,” Flores said. “We’ve only got one guy with a lot of game experience.”

The most experienced Red Raven is receiver Malik Stanley, who caught 15 passes last season.

“He’s got a chance to be a very special player. I’m very excited about him,” Flores said.

Coffeyville also returns linebacker Eldridge Thompson and the very versatile Cole Murphy, who started a couple games at quarterback in 2015, but will be a receiver for the Red Ravens this season.

“It didn’t matter where we moved him, he gave us everything,” Flores said of Murphy. “We’re going to find ways to get him involved.”

Two transfers – quarterback Coleman Key and safety Darreon Jackson – are also expected to make immediate impacts. Key transferred to Coffeyville from Oklahoma State in the summer, and Jackson, a Derby graduate, comes to the Red Ravens from Boise State, where he was expected to play plenty of snaps in the secondary this fall.

“He’s going to give us some more depth and be a difference maker,” Flores said of Jackson.

Flores is excited about the upcoming season and the always-tough competition in the Jayhawk Conference. “There’s no doubt that from top to bottom, anybody can beat anybody on any given week. You’ve got to prepare every week for your opponent,” he said. “I feel like we’re going to be deeper at every position this year.”

8-3 in 2015 / 4-3 in conference / NJCAA Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach: Aaron Flores (4th year, 27-15) Assistants: Tony Haynes, Ruzell McCoy, Cody Oates, Tyler Uselton, Jared Smith, Kevin Bryson, Darian Wilson, Austin Minor Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 1 Defense Malik Stanley, WR, So.; Eldridge Thompson, LB, So.; Cole Murphy, QB/WR, So. Melanie McGee

NAIA DODGE CITY CC

Pa g e 13 6 JUNIOR COLLEGE FORT SCOTT CC

Dodge City will be young in 2016, and while that’s common for community colleges, coach Gary Thomas said his team will be even younger than most this fall.

“At the community college level, you always have somewhat of a young football team,” he said. “This year we will be extremely young. We graduated one of the best classes and football teams in the history of Dodge City Community College. We have high standards and high expectations, and our youth will not be an excuse for not winning, but merely a hurdle that we need to go over on the way to the finish line.”

The Conquistadors return five defensive starters but just two starters on offense. Among the top returners are linebackers Marquise Blair and Gary Johnson, defensive backs Quandreko Statham and Michael Young, defensive lineman Jermane Conyers, receiver Douglas Butts and fullback Kris Messer.

Thomas said his team’s keys to success are the same as always: protect the football on offense, play great defense, and be sound on special teams.

“We need to have some leaders emerge from this group as well, and we need to mature at a faster rate than normal to get through the growing pains from the youth of this group,” he added.

Dodge City opens the season at Highland on Aug. 27, followed by the Sept. 3 home opener against Iowa Central and a Sept. 11 contest with the KWU JV in Salina, before the hitting full conference play.

9-3 in 2015 / 6-1 in conference / NJCAA Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach: Gary Thomas (3rd year, 18-15; 5th year overall, 34-19) Assistants: Patrick Callahan, Michael Starkey, Anathan Gibson, Kurt Landgren, Gunnard Twyner, Brandon Venson, Van Kenton Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: 2 Offense, 5 Defense Kris Messer, FB, 5-10, 230, So.; Douglas Butts, WR, 5-10, 175, So.; Jermane Conyers, DL, 6-3, 330, So.; Gary Johnson, LB, 6-1, 220, So.; Marquise Blair, LB, 6-2, 205, So.; Quandreko Statham, DB, 6-0, 190, So.; Michael Young, DB, 511, 200, So. Melanie McGee

Curtis Horton enters his sixth season at Fort Scott with seven starters back for the offense, including three o-linemen. Alec DeHerrera, Jimmy Keutzer and Marlon McKeithen will anchor the front for the Greyhounds. In the backfield, Fort Scott returns RBs Donte Fils-Aime and Chris Rivers while Chris Claybrooks and Sirr Green are returning WRs. Fils-Aime averaged 3.7 yards per carry a year ago and was the Greyhounds’ second leading rusher.

On defense, Fort Scott returns two linemen – Jordan Robinson and Demarco Shoat, as well as linebacker Logan Edwards and defensive backs Ethan Savoy and Bernard Willingham.

Willingham is the leading tackler returning for the Greyhounds. He made 33 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, in 2015. Savoy made 15 tackles and broke up two passes last season while Robinson finished with 3.5 tackles for loss.

Fort Scott opens the 2016 season by hosting Butler on Aug. 27, then the Greyhounds travel to Independence in week two and host Iowa Western on Sept. 10. Fort Scott travels to Coffeyville Oct. 1, then heads north to Fort Dodge, Iowa, to face Iowa Central in a Sunday afternoon game Oct. 9. The Greyhound schedule also includes an Oct. 15 home game against Dodge City, a trip to Iowa City, Iowa, to face Ellsworth on Oct. 22, back-to-back home games against Highland and Hutchinson on Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, and a trip to Garden City Nov. 12.

2-8 in 2015 / 1-6 in conference / NJCAA Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach: Curtis Horton (6th year, 18-29) Assistants: Jeff Kelly, Richard Johnson, Kory Vaught, Jordan Gush, Craig Richardson, Kale Pick Offense: Pro I Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 5 Defense Sirr Green, WR, 5-9, 175, So.; Jimmy Keutzer, OL, 6-5, 300, So.; Marlon McKeithen, OL, 6-6, 305, So.; Chris Claybrooks, WR, 6-0, 175, So.; Alec DeHerrera, OL, 6-3, 300, So.; Donte Fils-Aime, RB, 5-10, 190, So.; Chris Rivers, RB, 5-11, 200, So.; Jordan Robinson, DL, 6-2, 255, So.; Bernard Willingham, DB, 6-0, 180, So.; Ethan Savoy, DB, 61, 190, So.; Demarco Shoat, DL, 6-0, 255, So.; Logan Edwards, LB, 6-2, 185, So. Melanie McGee

GARDEN CITY CC

HIGHLAND CC

HUTCHINSON CC

INDEPENDENCE CC

The Broncbusters will look to build on 2015’s 3-8 record as 38 lettermen return for second-year head coach Jeffrey Sims.

“It’s exciting to have a full team going into our second season where everyone on the roster knows and believes in our mission,” Sims said.

Garden City brings back seven starters on offense, including QB Jayru Campbell who threw for 10 TDs and ran for two more in 2015. Three offensive linemen – Arlington Hambright, Nathan Hale and Cody Jennings – also return along with a trio of WRs – Ben Phillips, Quincy Watts and Felton Hatcher. Phillips caught six TD passes in 2015 while Hatcher had three scoring strikes and Watts caught a pair of touchdowns.

On defense, the Broncbusters have five starters returning: Andrew Basham and Jeremy Faulk will anchor the defensive line while linebackers Alex Figeroua, Gabe Luyanda and Delshawn Phillips are also back in the lineup.

Faulk earned first-team All-Conference honors a year ago and was the Spaulding NJCAA Defensive Player of the Year after making 87 tackles including a team-high 18.5 for loss.

Having a young team is the norm for community college coaches, but with just four starters and 11 lettermen coming back, Aaron Arnold’s Highland Scotties will be extremely young in 2016.

“With only four returning starters this season we’ll be very young,” Arnold said. “We’ll need young guys to step up early and contribute on both sides of the ball.”

The Scotties do return quarterback Kahlil Render and three defensive starters. Phil Hoskins and Tyler Sims are d-ends while Sam Jallah are d-backs.

“I’m very excited about our returning QB Kahlil Render. I expect him to be one of the top QBs in our conference and in the country,” Arnold said.

“We will rely heavily on his experience and leadership.” Render completed 132 of 223 passes for 2,015 yards and 18 touchdowns a year ago, plus ran for 387 yards and five scores.

Sims is Highland’s top returning tackler after making 29 stops, including three for loss, in 2015.

Hoskins finished with 25 tackles and four sacks last year while Jallah made 18 tackles in eight games.

“Our goal for the 2015 season is to get better. We have finished in the top half of the conference for three straight seasons and we are looking forward to competing this season,” Arnold said. “The key for us this season is to eliminate turnovers and play smart football. We need to establish a strong run game to control the clock and help keep our young defense off the field.”

The Blue Dragons finished 5-6 in 2015, and that was a disappointment after winning the Jayhawk Conference in 2014. “After targeting what went wrong in 2015, our goal was to correct those issues before we get to fall camp,” coach Rion Rhoades said. “We felt like we were successful in doing so in spring practice. Despite not having a returning QB – not a rarity at our level – and having to replace nearly all of a very good 2015 defense, we are hopeful that we will once again contend for a Jayhawk Conference championship.”

The Blue Dragons return four o-linemen, two RBs and two WRs with starting experience. Trent Levell, Seth Owen, Zane Vickers and Grayson Work-Fields will anchor the line while Tre King and Treyvon Paulk return in the backfield and Gary Cross and Tyler Harris are back at the receiver positions.

“Our strengths will be in our running backs and offensive line,” Rhoades said. “Running the football will be a key as always, and we need to have better production from our receivers.”

On D, Hutch returns linemen Ronheen Bingham and JJ Holmes and d-back Asher Goldston.

“Our lack of returning experience at LB and the defensive secondary are concerns,” Rhoades said.

Speed and athleticism will be strengths for the Independence Pirates this season as Jason Brown takes over the program. Brown comes to Independence from Garden City, where he was the Offensive Coordinator last season, but he has previously coached at Compton Community College and Long Beach Cabrillo High School, both in California, and has sent more than 130 players to Division I programs in his career.

He inherits a Pirate team with just one returning starter – hometown o-lineman Evan Speicher. The Pirates will lean on a number of transfers – including quarterbacks Jonathan Banks from K-State and Alin Eduoard from Syracuse. At RB, transfers Eric Graham from Iowa and Jordan Stevenson from Nebraska are expected to carry the load. Transfers Leondre Jones and JoJo Robinson along with Bronson Hill and Calvin Jackson are among the projected starters at wide receiver.

Speicher will be joined on the offensive line by South Florida transfer Benjamin Knox and freshmen Hunter Shockley, Tramonda Moore and Timothy Hines.

On D, Independence will look to a group of newcomers. Up front, Emmit Gooden, Cole Greenwood and Stephon Starks are the leading candidates, while the Pirates look to Brandon Shook and Marcus Walker at LB. In the secondary, candidates for starting positions are Adrian Scroggins, Jaylon Lane and Independence native Marquise Johnson.

“We have a great group of young men, and our goal is to improve each and every day,” Brown said.

3-8 in 2015 / 3-7 in conference / NJCAA Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach: Jeffrey Sims (2nd year, 3-8; 8th year overall, 48-27 overall) Assistants: Steve Shimko, Luke Meadows, Daniel McKinney, Keiki Misipeka, Rico Cherico, Josh Hager, Caleb Young Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 38 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 5 Defense Jayru Campbell, QB, So.; Arlington Hambright, OL, So.; Nathan Hale, OL, So.; Cody Jennings, OL, So.; Ben Phillips, WR, So.; Quincy Watts, WR, So.; Felton Hatcher, WR, So.; Jeremy Faulk, DL, So.; Andrew Basham, DL, So.; Gabe Luyanda, LB, So.; Alex Figeroua, LB, So.; Delshawn Phillips, LB, So. Melanie McGee

5-5 in 2015 / 4-3 in conference / NJCAA Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach: Aaron Arnold (2nd year, 11-10) Assistants: Judd Remmers, Walter Vaughn, Maurice Gray, Jarrett Stanton, Kyler Reed Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 1 Offense, 3 Defense Kahlil Render, QB, 6-0, 200, So.; Phil Hoskins, DE, 6-5, 275, So.; Tyler Sims, DE, 6-3, 235, So.; Sam Jallah, DB, 6-0, 205, So. Melanie McGee

5-6 in 2015 / 3-4 in conference / NJCAA Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach: Rion Rhoades (10th year, 68-34; 11th year overall, 75-39) Assistants: Dion Meneley, Greg Laffere, Thad Brown, Matt Clark, Travis Makauskas, Cedric Douglas, Andrew Krause, CJ Madison, Rob Zimmerman Offense: Multiple Defense: 40-front Returning lettermen: 23 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 3 Defense Seth Owen, OL, 6-1, 291, So.; Trent Levell, OL, 6-4, 334, So.; Zane Vickers, OL, 6-2, 283, So.; Grayson Work-Fields, OL, 6-3, 326, So.; Tre King, RB, 6-0, 195, So.; Treyvon Paulk, RB, 5-8, 201, So.; Gary Cross, WR, 6-2, 180, So.; Tyler Harris, WR, 6-1, 178, So.; JJ Holmes, DL, 6-3, 319, So.; Ronheen Bingham, DL, 6-2, 234, So.; Asher Goldston, DB, 61, 183, So. Melanie McGee

2-8 in 2015 / 2-5 in conference / NJCAA Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach: Jason Brown (1st year) Assistants: Jason Martin, Donte Ellington, Keith Donerson, Sylvester Hatten, VanDyke Jones II, Cadron Davis, Amos Ealy, Jesse Ornelas, Kevin O’Donnell, Aaron Pobiak, Brandon Roberts Returning starters: 1 Offense, 0 Defense Evan Speicher, OL, 6-5, 290, So. Melanie McGee

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