Kansas Pregame Football Preview 2020

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

Preview in a Pandemic

Previewing the high school football season in a pandemic creates a unique set of challenges, chief among them is knowing whether there will be a football season at all. Navigating photo shoot location lockdowns and securing replacement sponsors for those lost in the economic downturn are just a couple of the many others.

But one challenge we never could have anticipated when work on the publication roared into full-swing this summer was the on-again, off-again start to the season - not on a statewide basis, but district-by-district.

As I write this, additional districts have put a pause on practices because of positive COVID-19 tests and the patrons of USD 259 in Wichita are protesting the cancellation of the fall sports JOHN BAETZ, PUBLISHER season in the district. Kansas City, Kan., public schools and several Johnson County high schools will also forgo fall sports and in-person learning, in hopes of limiting the community spread of the virus.

Virus-related delays pushed back our release date later than ever, and a 128-page magazine with previews for every football team in the state is nearly impossible to revise. Therefore, some of the information in this publication is not accurate.

Schools in Olathe have witnessed the transfer of players desperate to have a senior season before heading off to college, including Kansas Pregame coverboy Arland Bruce IV, now at Ankeny High School in Iowa. Teams with Wichita public schools on their schedule have scrambled to fill empty dates. Large classification state powers Derby and Mill Valley will face off in a marquee Week 1 contest following changes to both teams’ originally scheduled season openers.

All this is happening under the cloud of possible cancellation. The Kansas State High School Activities Association has reiterated its commitment to let decisions about the season be made at the local level, letting those choosing to play and being allowed to play by their local school boards and health departments, play. KSHSAA has also indicated that playing the season in the spring may be an option for some districts who have already cancelled.

So, given these considerations, know that much of this preview is still accurate and takes a look at the season which is scheduled to start Friday, September 4th - or at least as I type these words that remains the case.

For some teams, this preview will be a “what might have been” look at the season, and to those athletes, coaches and their families go our best wishes.

High school football is much more than a game to me. As a former player, coach and a long-time high school sports writer - and the much younger brother of a former state champion - football has been part of my life for nearly as long as I can remember. My heart breaks for those young people who lost their fall sports season, as well as the spring athletes from earlier this year, especially those seniors who lost their final year of organized high school sports.

Whatever is in store this season, hopefully, for you and your families, this publication will provide a fond memory of the joy of high school sports.

Thank You Sponsors!

If you’ve ever heard me speak to a group of young athletes or listened to one of my radio appearances you’ve probably heard me reference the importance of being thankful, or noticed my emphasis on crediting our sponsors. Our publication is free to the players, parents, coaches and fans because of the support of our sponsors. Yes, they get extremely valuable exposure for their products and services by advertising with us, but they also advertise because they know it supports coverage of youth activities across Kansas, and because it provides a valuable keepsake publication families can cherish and share for generations to come.

So, let me say just once more: “Thank You, Sponsors!” for making our publications possible.

More coverage at KansasPregame.com Look for additional coverage of high school sports this school year at KansasPregame.com. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more details and visit KansasPregame.com early and often.

As always, we want to hear your story suggestions, so message us on any of our social media platforms, email us at kansaspregame@gmail.com or text us at (785) 524-6019.

And remember: Let the players play, the coaches coach, the officials officiate, and be a positive fan of Kansas high school sports!

What’s Inside?

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Blue Dragon Football Sharp Showcase NTW Supporting Cast Welcome to the Wildside

Elliott Thrives in FBS Hometown Proud Impact Players Class 6A

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Class 5A Class 4A Class 3A Class 2A Class 1A 8-Man I 8-Man II 6-Man

Kansas

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Pregame Welcome to Kansas Pregame 2020!

For the past 15 years Kansas Pregame has provided the most complete preview of high school football in the Sunflower State.

Find expanded coverage of Kansas high school sports, digital editions of our magazines, and a list of free print distribution locations at www.kansaspregame.com.

Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

John Baetz & Bree McReynolds-Baetz, Publishers Co-owners of Sixteen 60 Publishing Co., publishers of Kansas Pregame Football Magazine and the new Kansas Pregame Winter and Spring Editions, along with other specialty publications.

Layout and Design: Becky Rathbun Advertising Support Services: Kayla Kvacik, Kvacik Graphics Advertising Sales: John Baetz Staff Writer: Gallagher Martin; Intern: Heidi Jones Contributing Writers: Harold Bechard; Brett Marshall; Brent Maycock, Topeka Capital-Journal; Conor Nicholl Contributing Photographers: Bree McReynolds-Baetz Photography; Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com; Derby Cover Photo: Jared Weinman, jaredweinmanphotography.com

Acknowledgments: With a project of this size and scope we can’t possibly thank all the contributors, but a special “Thank You!” goes out to the coaches, athletic directors, parents and athletes who helped us secure team information. Thank you to the advertisers - without your support this publication would not be a reality. To all those involved with the completion of this publication in any way,

Thank You!

Mail inquiries to kansaspregame@gmail.com or Kansas Pregame, PO Box 186, Lincoln, KS 67455 Publication Date: Volume 15, August 31, 2020 Kansas Pregame Football Magazine was founded by John and Bree Baetz and Tim McGonagle in 2005.

The 2020 Kansas Pregame cover features were

photographed by Bree McReynolds-Baetz at the beautiful Rolling Hills Zoo just west of Salina. For details about zoo and museum location, hours and the many great events hosted at this world-class attraction visit www.rollinghillszoo.org.

For all there is to see and do in the Salina area head to www. visitsalinaks.org.

Cover sponsorship provided by Rolling Hills Zoo and Wildlife Museum and Visit Salina:

LAYNE BIEBERLE

Fort Hays State University | Central Plains High School

After a brilliant high school career in which he piled up almost 5,000 all-purpose yards and over 2,500 receiving yards for 8-Man power Central Plains, Bieberle put together one of the best four-year receiving careers in Fort Hays State history. A multiple time All-MIAA selection and the FHSU career record holder for punt return yards (808) and punt returns (87), Bieberele also finished his time with the Tigers second in career receiving yards (2,625) and career receptions (168), third in career receiving TDs (21) and second in career 100-yard receiving games (9). Bieberele also posted a spectacular Pro Day performance in late March with a 40-inch vertical jump, a 10 foot, 3.5 inch standing long jump and a blazing 4.46 second 40-yard dash. Bieberle, a 2014 Kansas Pregame coverboy, is one of the best all-around athletes in Kansas history. After graduating and pursuing professional opportunities, Bieberle has started a career in construction management. (Photo: Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com)

JOSH RIVAS

Kansas State University | Hutchinson High School

A 2016 Kansas Pregame coverboy and two-time first-team all-state lineman at Hutchinson High School, the 6-foot-6, 335-pound Rivas enters the 2020 season as one of the top offensive linemen in the Big 12 Conference for the Kansas State Wildcats. Rivas earned second-team all-conference honors last year as a sophomore and Pro Football Focus listed him as the highest-graded Power 5 interior offensive lineman heading into this year. Rivas played in all 13 games during the 2019 season and saw time in 12 games and made two starts as a redshirt freshman in 2018. (Photo: K-State Athletics)

BIEBERLE

KADEN DAVIS

Northwest Missouri State University, Butler Community College

Ellsworth High School After a standout career at Ellsworth High which saw him become one of the top football/track athletes in the state, Davis played the last three seasons at two of most successful collegiate programs in the Midwest - Butler Community College and Northwest Missouri State University. Davis totaled 21 catches for 245 yards and a touchdown as a sophomore receiver at Butler and followed that up with 11 catches for 257 yards and one TD as a junior at Northwest. (Photo: Dylan Coldsmith, Northwest Missouri State Athletics)

HUNTER KAUFMAN

University of Kansas | Pratt High School

A former Greenback at Pratt High School, who was voted captain and helped lead his team to a Class 4A-II state title in 2016 as a senior, Kaufman is expected to get some playing time on special teams this year for the Kansas Jayhawks. After being redshirted his freshman season, he saw action on special teams during the 2018 season. Last year, Kaufman saw playing time in 10 of the Jayhawks’ 12 games. Kaufman holds the Pratt High career record for return yardage (1,131). (Photo: Kansas Athletics)

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ELITE TRAINED HUNTER KIER

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Abilene Christian University, Butler Community College

Following a stellar career at Washington County High School, Kier signed with Butler Washington County High School Community College before transferring to Abilene Christian University. At Butler, Kier earned All-KJCCC honorable mention honors as a linebacker, totaling 85 tackles - seven for losses - during his sophomore season. Last year, at Abilene Christian, he played in all 12 games for the Wildcats and finished with 12 tackles and two fumble recoveries. (Photo: Jeremy Enlow)

TAYLON PETERS

Washburn University | Salina Central High School

The 5-10, 200-pound Peters put together one of the top freshman seasons in the powerful MIAA last year for the Washburn Ichabods, rushing for 544 yards and seven touchdowns, and catching 26 passes for 283 yards and two more scores. He was named the team’s offensive skill player of the week three times. During his high school career at Salina Central, Peters ran for 3,819 yards, scored 36 touchdowns and was also one of Class 5A’s top wrestlers and was featured on the cover of the 2018 Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview. (Photo: Washburn Athletics Communications)

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Air Force Academy | Newton High School

One of the top track stars in Kansas during his prep career at Newton High School, Remsberg now ranks as one of the most explosive running backs in college football as he enters his senior season for the Air Force Academy Falcons. As a sophomore, he started nine of 12 games and rushed for 583 yards and scored three touchdowns. Last year, Remsberg started all 13 games and helped the Falcons to an 11-2 season. He ran for 1,050 yards and eight TDs. He set an AFA bowl record with 178 yards on 26 carries against Washington State in the Cactus Bowl. (Photo: Air Force Athletics)

BRENDAN WEBB

University of South Dakota | Buhler High School

One of the top all-around athletes in Class 4A during his prep career at Buhler High School, Webb looks to be an up and coming defensive star for South Dakota. After redshirting during the 2018 season, Webb played in 11 of 12 games last year for the Coyotes, finishing with 10 tackles and two quarterback sacks. At Buhler, Webb totaled 160 career tackles, including 27 for losses and 19 quarterback sacks. He also competes in track and field at the University of South Dakota. (Photo: Aaron Packard, USD) Player capsules by Harold Bechard

WEBB

Are you the next SP Elite Trained athlete? Learn more at www.sharp-performance.com Email us at info@sharpks.com | Call us at 785-404-1544 | Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

Page 5

KFBCA Membership has Many Benefits This is Justin Burke, President of the Kansas Football Coaches Association and an assistant football coach at Maize South High School. The KFBCA is proud to partner with Kansas Pregame Football Magazine to bring a comprehensive statewide preview to the state of Kansas. For the last 15 years Kansas Pregame has been the number one name in preseason high school football coverage in the Sunflower State.

Kansas Pregame has given us this opportunity to reach out to high school coaches across Kansas and highlight some of the important benefits of KFBCA membership: • Each February the KFBCA hosts a coaching clinic at the Hyatt Regency on the river in downtown Wichita. The two-day event features some of the top high school and college coaches from Kansas, and across the country, sharing ideas on schemes, player development and program building. This event is a great opportunity for head and assistant coaches to learn about the game and network with fellow coaches. Last year the association hosted another outstanding clinic that featured our first ever Hall of Fame induction. Kansas State head football coach Chris Klieman headlined our list of outstanding football coaches from the high school and collegiate ranks that talked football to an audience of over 300 coaches.

• The KFBCA hosts the All-State selection meeting the weekend following the state championships. Dozens of coaches from across Kansas gather to watch film and recognize the top players in Kansas. Coaches select classification All-State teams on Sunday evening and nominate top players from each classification to select an All-Class Top 11 on Monday morning. Membership in the association is required to nominate players and vote for the team.

Kansas college coaches (NAIA, Junior College, NCAA Division I and II) are encouraged to attend the event and watch film that high school coaches bring to evaluate and select the All-State teams. This is a great time for college coaches to see potential prospects and discuss players with the high school coaches in attendance.

This past year, Sunday was also used to nominate over 60 high school football coaches that walked the sidelines for a Kansas High School to be a part of the new KFBCA Hall of Fame.

On Monday KFBCA members selected the top seven to develop our first Hall of Fame class. These legends, who were inducted at our clinic in late January, included Roger Barta, Gary Cornelsen, Marvin Diener, the late Ed Kriwiel, Dick Purdy, Chuck Smith and Tom Young.

The coaches in attendance at the All-State selection meeting are also surveyed in an effort to develop points of emphasis to address with KSHSAA leadership.

From the All-State teams, to the Top 11, to the Hall of Fame selections, results are submitted to Kansas Pregame publisher John Baetz who facilitates distribution to a wide ranging audience.

• Prior to last year’s All-State selection meeting, KFBCA leadership hosted a meeting between strength and conditioning coaches and instructors and state powerlifting meet organizers to try and establish a set of uniform practices and standards in the sport of powerlifting in Kansas.

Last year, some classes were able to host their State Championships, while other classes missed out due the coronavirus shutdown.

Justin Burke • Association leadership has conducted surveys in the past to determine the biggest concerns at the largest number of high school football programs. Through these surveys the association is able to establish priorities and work with organizations such as the Kansas Coaches Association and the Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association to promote these priorities to the Kansas State High School Activities Association’s board of directors. It is through this process that the KFBCA was able to promote its position on important issues such as reclassification, the updated district format, the jamboree system, summer guidelines, and other issues aimed at improving the game of football in the state of Kansas. This past July, Mr. Mark Lentz, KSHSAA assistant executive director for football, met with the KFBCA Board of Executives in a Zoom meeting to discuss plans to address considerations for the 2020 football season amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr. Lentz discussed a well thought out plan and listened to KFBCA coaches regarding the implementation of safety measures this season.

• The association message board allows coaches to find and share information about job openings, camps, and other important news. To register and post visit http://kfbca. proboards.com/.

• This KFBCA is open to all football coaches, both head and assistant, and a staff membership is a great way to network with your fellow football coaches around the state and have a voice in the future development of the sport of football in Kansas.

If you, or your staff, are not currently members, please consider joining the association and further strengthening this valuable organization.

For more information, or to join, visit www.kfbca.com.

Consider a KFBCA Membership!

.COM

Coaching Clinic • All-State Selection • Message Board • Initiative Promotion

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

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Blue Dragons embrace Kansas roots

Jacob Isaacson Photography

By Harold Bechard, For Kansas Pregame When Hutchinson Community College went looking for a new football coach last December, it didn’t have to travel very far. Blue Dragon offensive coordinator Drew Dallas was named as the replacement for Rion Rhodes on Dec. 31, 2019. Dallas spent eight seasons at Angelo State University in Texas before returning to his home state last year to join the HCC coaching staff.

Dallas helped engineer an offense in 2019 that ranked No. 1 in the Jayhawk Conference and No. 3 in the NJCAA in scoring average (44.8 ppg.). The Blue Dragons were No. 2 in the conference and No. 4 in the NJCAA in rushing offense (244.5 ypg.) and No. 2 in the KJCCC and No. 10 in the NJCAA in total offense (419.6 ypg.).

Dallas, a Salina native, added a pair of fellow Kansans - Tate Omli and Kody Cook - to his coaching staff during the offseason and has vowed to make the Sunflower State a recruiting priority.

“I am honored to be a Kansas high school football alum and beyond excited to be back in the state of Kansas and coaching at a place as special as Hutchinson Community College,” Dallas said. “As a member of two state championship teams at Salina Central High School, I understand the proud

tradition and importance that football has in our schools and local communities.”

The 2019 Blue Dragons finished 10-2, tied for second in the KJCCC and won the Salt City Bowl.

Hutchinson’s final No. 3 national ranking was the highest final ranking in the program’s 89-year history.

Dallas comes from a football coaching family. His father, Dave, was a head coach in the KCAC at Ottawa University for eight seasons and Kansas Wesleyan University for 17 seasons.

“Here at Hutchinson Community College, we are prioritizing recruiting and attracting the absolute best football players across the state of Kansas and will afford them the opportunity to live out their dream,” Dallas said. “Our philosophical approach is to develop our athletes on and off the field with a structured and organized program that will deliver them with the opportunity to achieve their goal of playing football at the highest level possible.”

Before his time at Angelo State, Dallas was the quarterbacks/receivers coach at Kansas Wesleyan.

There, Dallas mentored seven all-KCAC receivers in 2009 and 2010. During his playing days as a QB, Dallas started his collegiate career at Fort Hays (2004-05) and finished his career at KWU (2006-07).

Omli, a native of Brookville, joined the HCC coaching staff this past spring as the Blue Dragons’ co-Defensive Coordinator. As a player, he started his collegiate journey in the KJCCC where he was a second-team NJCAA All-American in 2012. Omli then moved to the University of Northern Iowa.

Omli’s coaching journey has seen him coach in Texas (Angelo State), Michigan (Eastern Michigan), North Carolina (East Carolina) and Kentucky (Murray State) before returning to his home state.

“I am fired up to be back in Kansas leading the defense here at Hutchinson Community College,” Omli said. “My coaching journey has taken me a lot of places, but Kansas has always stayed close to my heart. As a small-town Kansas kid myself, I am passionate about giving Kansas players the opportunity and platform to chase their dreams. Kansas high school football players are tough, underrated, and will develop into some of the best players in the country.”

Omli lived that dream, playing at Ell-Saline High School in Brookville before playing Junior College football in the Jayhawk Conference in 2011 and 2012. He was a member of two Jayhawk Conference championship teams. Omli was also named a first-team All-KJCCC and a second-team NJCAA All-American in 2012 as a defensive back.

Cook, a native of Louisburg and a former HCC player, returns as the receivers coach. He was actually hired to serve as the Blue Dragon tight ends coach just before the 2017 season, but left before the 2018 season to become the quarterbacks coach at Mill Valley High School.

Patience and perseverance are two attributes which have put Cook in the position he is in today. He was a two-year receiver and punter during his freshman season at HCC, but his career took a most interesting and unexpected turn in his final game for the Blue Dragons on December 1, 2012.

When HCC’s career-leading quarterback, Luke Barnes, injured his throwing hand in the first half of Hutchinson’s 2012 Salt City Bowl game against Iowa Central, the coaching staff decided to insert Cook at quarterback. This despite Cook completing just one pass for seven yards in his Blue Dragon career.

All Cook did was complete 20 of 30 passes for 277 yards and five touchdowns in the second half and earn Offensive MVP honors as Hutchinson won a 41-21 decision.

Ironically, the same thing happened to Cook after transferring to Kansas State. During his senior season, he was called into emergency quarterback duty in Kansas State’s game against Oklahoma State.

He completed 16 of 22 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns as the Wildcats nearly rallied to defeat the nationally-ranked Cowboys, but came up short, 36-34. Cook had to come in again in the 2015 season finale against West Virginia, with KSU’s bowl eligibility at stake. Cook led another comeback effort, this time culminating in a 24-23 victory over the Mountaineers. He then started the Liberty Bowl against Arkansas where he completed 12 of 24 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown.

After completing his eligibility, Cook served as a student assistant for legendary coach Bill Snyder. That opened the door for him to do what he had all along planned to do – coach football.

“When I think about being a Kansas high school football alum and an alum to the Jayhawk Conference, I think about my humble beginnings and where they took me,” Cook said. “I think of the opportunity it gave me to grow and become not only a better football player but a better person as well.

“I take great pride in being an alum of Hutchinson Community College and take great pride in returning to coach in this conference and state.”

Hutchinson Community College is home to one of the top football venues in all of Kansas in Gowans Stadium. Recent improvements to the weight room and locker room give HCC some of the premier facilities in junior college football anywhere in the country. For more about Blue Dragon football visit www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/, or follow Blue Dragon Sports on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

1300 N Plum St, Hutchinson, KS 67501 • Phone: (620) 665-3500 • www.hutchcc.edu

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

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PROUD SPONSOR OF THE SHARP PERFORMANCE SHOWCASE .com

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

Page 9

Sharp Events

Showcase Kansas Prospects Left: Sharp Performance CEO Jake Sharp addresses the athletes last year’s SP Top Prospect Showcase.

The event welcomed nearly 200 of the state’s top football players to Kansas Wesleyan University’s beautiful new Graves Family Sports Complex in Salina. (Photo by Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com) The Sharp Performance Prospect Series provided exposure opportunities for hundreds of Kansas high school football players this summer. The July Sharp Performance Football Showcase welcomed over 400 football players to Kansas Wesleyan University’s newly renovated and expanded Gene Bissell Field at Graves Family Sports Complex and the August Last Chance Combine gave another 150 athletes the chance to improve marks and generate college interest immediately prior to the start of the season.

Together, the two events contribute to Sharp Performance’s mission of helping young athletes connect with athletic scholarships.

Sharp Performance trainers are the top experts in athlete development in Kansas. Recent expansions in two different locations in downtown Salina, their partnership with 316 Baseball Academy in Wichita, and their beautiful gym in downtown Concordia, gives SP clients access to state-of-the-art facilities.

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame

On June 29, Hays High football coach Tony Crough discussed his highly talented Indian squad. HHS junior linebacker Gavin Meyers has received multiple Power 5 offers in the last eight months including Colorado, Kansas State and Nebraska. Senior defensive end Gaven Haselhorst, with an elite first step and 22 tackles for loss last fall, has collected offers from Fort Hays and Washburn. Both players delivered 100-plus tackles in 2019 and are well-known across Kansas.

Crough, though, believes Hays High has multiple other standout players, notably junior wide receiver/slot back Jaren Kanak. Crough, who has coached high-level talent in Texas and at head coaching stops at Great Bend, Andover and Hays High, believed Kanak would have already had Division I offers in football if track season wasn’t cancelled.

“Kanak is an elite, elite athlete who has grown,” Crough said.

Crough thought Kanak would have posted 10.8 seconds in the 100-meter dash, possibly under 22 seconds in the 200, and long jumped 22 to 23 feet. Crough predicted Kanak might run 4.4 seconds, perhaps under 4.4, in the 40-yard dash. Last fall, Kanak had 1,057 all-purpose yards.

“He is a shade shorter than Meyers, and he is fast, fast, fast,” Crough said. “Just right now his position is yet to be determined for college, but the kid, he’s the one that I think is going to really blow up here.”

On Friday, July 10, Kanak proved Crough’s prediction true at the annual Sharp Performance Football Showcase held at Kansas Wesleyan. Generally, Sharp Performance and Kansas Pregame host a free combine in the spring in Salina which often serves as a major recruiting springboard for players in Kansas. The free combine was cancelled because of coronavirus so Sharp Performance CEO Jake Sharp opened the previously invite-only showcase event to all athletes. Mask wearing and six-foot social distancing was in effect throughout the workouts. While athletes normally attend several combines and camps each summer, Sharp’s showcase was one of just a few events this summer for Kansas football players because of coronavirus concerns.

Kanak, Haselhorst and HHS junior running back Roy Moroni all were among the leading performers as more than 400 athletes competed. Kanak measured 6-foot-1, 197 pounds. He posted 4.41 seconds in the 40, a 4.03 in 5-10-5 pro agility, a 37-inch vertical and benched 225 pounds 11 times. Kanak said he had never run pro agility before.

“That’s pretty good for me,” Kanak said of his 40 time. “It’s what I was hoping to run, somewhere around there.”

Kanak gave credit to his family, including his mom, Lisa and stepdad, Scott McGrath. Kanak has three younger sisters and an older brother.

“They are very impactful,” Kanak said. “I have got a bunch of great people that I look up to in my life, and they really motivate me and push me to do my best in everything I do.”

Haselhorst also had a strong family unit. He lives with his mother, Amy and his grandparents, Gary and Sandy.

“I am just really close to them all, and I feel like I always have someone to talk to,” Haselhorst said.

Crough believed Haselhorst “would have benefited so much” from going to combines/camps earlier this year, notably in the Dakota region.

Right: Coffeyville-Field Kindley senior Darell Jones emerged as one of the state’s top prospects after an exceptional day at mid-July’s Sharp Performance Showcase at KWU. The 5-11, 170 pound receiver and defensive back ran a pair of 4.3 second hand-timed 40s and recorded a 40-inch vertical jump. A relative unknown prior to the SP Showcase, Jones earned offers from Pittsburg State, Eastern Michigan and K-State in the two weeks following the event. Jones commited to K-State on July 28th, just five days after being offered by the Wildcats. (Photo by John Baetz)

“He would probably have a small Division I offer right now,” Crough said. “…because they would’ve seen how explosive and strong and how much room for growth he had, and I think Kanak would have a Division I offer.”

Like Kanak, Haselhorst saw his stock rise with after the showcase performance.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Haselhorst ran 4.56 in the 40, benched 225 pounds 21 times and posted 34 inches in the vertical. Haselhorst earned an offer from Hutchinson Community College co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Tate Omli, a former Ell-Saline standout, that day.

Haselhorst’s and Kanak’s recruitment skyrocketed from the event. Haselhorst quickly picked up a Kansas State offer and then committed to the Wildcats in late summer.

He is now listed as the No. 1 defensive end in Kansas by recruiting service 247 Sports. Kanak earned KU and K-State continued on page 11

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Moroni ran for more than 350 yards in 2019. Crough, entering his third year with the Indians, labeled Moroni “a very, very natural running back” and believes the junior will get an opportunity to play running back in college.

Crough called Moroni a workhorse. At the Sharp event, the 5-foot-9, 191.6-pound Moroni posted 4.55 in the 40, along with a 34-inch vertical and nine bench reps at 225 pounds.

“Now at what (college) level, we don’t know yet, but the kid is the most natural running back that we have seen here since we have been at Hays High,” Crough said.

Coffeyville’s Jones with huge day; eventually commits to K-State New Coffeyville-Field Kindley football coach Deonta Wade had previously served as the Parsons defensive coordinator. In 2019, he watched Coffeyville’s Darell Jones finish second in the 100 meter dash at the Class 4A state track meet.

Jones posted 11.06 and was the only non-junior/senior in the 16-competitor field.

Last season, Jones caught 45 passes for 845 yards and nine touchdowns as a Golden Tornado wide receiver. Wade knew “the speed was there.”

“I didn’t know how fast,” Wade said.

On June 11, Wade posted a video to Twitter of Jones’ blazing to 4.37 seconds in the 40.

Wade was told he was “a little biased” and the time was handheld.

Jones went to Wade and said he wanted to play college football. Wade, who was announced as CFK’s new coach in mid-May, told Jones he needed to gain exposure and attend combines. Before Sharp, Wade said Jones had zero offers.

“We are down in the SEK,” Wade said. “We don’t get a lot of attention.”

Then, Jones had one of the all-time best days in Sharp Conbine/Showcase history with a 4.31 second hand-timed 40, along with 4.15 in the pro agility. He posted sub 4.4 second times in both of his 40 attempts. Jones did not turn 17 until August.

“A day that he is used to,” Wade said. “He does this every day for us.”

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Jones jumped 40 inches in the vertical and tallied 11 reps of 225 in the bench press. Jones carries a 3.0 GPA and Wade called him an A-plus character kid.

“He bought in,” Wade said. “He busted his tail in the weight room, and he did better today than I have seen him do, so it was just about getting name out there.”

Shortly after video of his 40 was posted to Sports in Kansas, Wade received a call from an Eastern Michigan coach. EMU, a DI school, asked about Jones’ character and information.

“We all know how it is,” Wade said. “Once you get one (offer), it’s kind of a snowball effect, so I am willing to bet in the next few weeks, you are going to see a lot more Darell Jones.”

Jones, like Haselhorst, quickly picked up a Kansas State offer and committed to the Wildcats on July 28, just five days after receiving the offer.

Semrad, Shields, Cure perform well Goddard senior Kyler Semrad is one of the state’s most experienced returning quarterbacks. He has appeared in 26 career games thrown for 3,507 passing yards, completed 56 percent of his passes with a 40/18 TD/ INT ratio. Semrad filled in as a freshman, and then enjoyed a strong sophomore year when Goddard reached the 4A state title game.

Last season, Semrad played in five contests with 86 of 149 passing for 1,058 yards with 13 touchdowns against two interceptions.

“Honestly, the first couple weeks of the season were great,” Semrad said. “We were all really excited.”

Then, Semrad went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 5. He suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear and lateral meniscus tear.

Thankfully, his ACL remained fully intact.

Semrad required three surgeries and a “ton” of

and then went to Wayne State (Neb.).

Shields has earned a Wayne State offer.

As a sophomore, Shields completed 106 of 229 passes for 1,451 yards with a 12/3 TD/INT ratio. Last year, he delivered 1,281 passing yards. Maize South is 16-2 since Shields became the starter in early ’19.

Goodland’s Leyton Cure (6-3, 215) threw for 2,373 yards and rushed for 402 last season.

A 4.0 student, Cure picked up an offer from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Shields and Cure are among just a few Kansas quarterbacks that have a Division I or II offer.

Chapman’s Trevor Erickson and Bird CityCheylin’s Colton McCarty, both quarterbacks with Bethel College offers, were in attendance at the SP Showcase. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Erickson has a 3.8 GPA and posted a 4.55 in the 40. Erickson rushed for 873 yards, passed for 711 and accounted for 18 offensive scores last season. McCarty is the reigning 6-Man Offensive Player of the Year. He ran 4.7 at the event and bench pressed 185 21 times. He improved his time to 4.56 later in the summer

Canton-Galva junior Tyson Struber (left) and Wichita East senior Daylan Jones were two of the top receivers at July’s SP Football Showcase where they displayed great hands, route running and athleticism. (Photos by Jacob Isaacson) therapy work.

A strong baseball player, Semrad said he could have returned three or four weeks into the spring season. This summer, Semrad played a high volume of baseball games through the Wichita Sluggers Academy.

Semrad has enjoyed playing baseball, but wants to play football in college.

“I am hoping for football,” he said. “That’s my main goal.”

Semrad has talked with MIAA schools Missouri Western, Fort Hays, Emporia State and Washburn, along with FCS Drake. Semrad said he will play for “whoever gives me an opportunity.” The 6-1, 190-pound Semrad is also an excellent student, with a 4.235 GPA. “I have fought my way back, and I am feeling good now,” Semrad said. “We are ready to roll.”

Like Semrad, Maize South senior quarterback Colin Shields will enter his third year as a starter. Shields, listed at 6-1.5, 200 pounds with a 3.87 GPA and 28 ACT, has tried to reach as many combines/showcases as possible.

Shields earned attention at a recent showcase in Shawnee, Okla. After the Sharp Showcase, Shields and his dad drove 517 miles north to Chadron, Neb. and the Chadron State camp,

and also posted a 4.18 pro agility to improve on his 4.33 at the showcase event.

De Soto QB Jackson Miller posted handtimed 4.42 and 4.46 40-yard dashes and jumped 37.9 inches. Miller has picked up offers from Garden City CC, Highland CC and Hutchinson CC, among others.

Beardsley wans K-State goal for father Valley Heights senior QB Cameron Beardsley has started since his was a freshman. Like many, Beardsley enjoyed a rare chance to compete in front of a large group at the Sharp Performance Showcase.

“It’s a great experience,” Beardsley said.

“Throughout my high school, I didn’t get out to many of these camps, and this one is just a great experience being around these guys, getting friendships that you wouldn’t get.”

Beardsley has strong interest in K-State because of his family connections. He has run VH’s triple option attack and helped the team post 7-2, 6-4 and 7-3 marks the last three years under longtime coach Tony Trimble. His dad, Rickey Beardsley, Jr., passed away in 2006. His mom, Hallie, has battled cancer.

“Competing and trying to get my spot on a D1 school was where I am aiming for,” he said.

“It’s great. Growing up, I have always wanted

Page 11 to play at Kansas State. My family has loved that. That’s just what I want to work for. My dad passed away when I was three. He was a big K-State fan, so that’s just kind of what I want to achieve for him and my family. And my mom has been through cancer twice, so I just want to prove to them that I am going to do it for you guys.”

Beardsley called his mother the hardest working, most determined person he knows.

“She hasn’t given up,” he said. “She is not going to let us down, so it’s my driving force in every sport. If I am tired, if I am breathing heavy, I am not going to quit. I am going to do it for her.”

Beardsley’s family lived in Kansas City when his dad passed away. They moved to Iowa to live with his grandparents. They are from Blue Rapids and eventually moved back home.

Beardsley’s grandfather, Steve, has served as his father figure, and his grandmother, Joy, has been like a second mom. They live two blocks away. Beardsley will often stop by their house after practice.

Listed as a QB/CB on his Hudl, the 6-foot-1, 165-pound Beardsley has posted a 4.6 in the 40 and a 33-inch vertical. He has also averaged more than 17 points per game in basketball.

“My family is just perfect,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for a better one.”

Cimarron’s Renick switching positions; looking to gain speed Cimarron senior Hunter Renick collected an offer from Butler County Community College at Kansas Wesleyan after last year’s Sharp Top Prospect Showcase. Since then, Renick has earned a Coffeyville CC honor. The gregarious, outgoing Renick served as a fullback last fall for the 9-1 Bluejays. He rushed for 711 yards, along with 44 tackles, 7.5 for loss. Renick has posted 350 pounds in bench press, 420 in squat and 280 for clean.

Renick echoed many athletes when he simply enjoyed returning to football activities after no spring sports due to COVID-19.

“It’s beautiful,” Renick said. “It feels great. I have not been in a setting like this in awhile.”

Renick played around 259 pounds last season and has looked to drop weight. He went through shoulder surgery after a labrum injury in wrestling season and was cleared two weeks ago. Renick is planning to switch to tight end for 2020 and has dropped to about 254. Renick’s plan is to cut more pounds.

Renick works at a pool and has swum about 600 meters a day, generally 12 laps in an Olympic-sized pool. Adjacent to the north end zone, Cimarron has a steep hill with a flagpole at the top. Renick has run the hill many times.

“I am getting myself ready,” Renick said. “I am taking the steps that I need to, to get down, so I can be faster, and that’s the No. 1 goal because out in southwest Kansas, if you don’t have eye-popping speed, it’s kind of hard to get recruited, but I am thankful for the teams that have contacted me.” continued on page 64

K A N S A S W E S L E YA N U N I V E R S I T Y

ELI SMITH West Elk High School • Three-time All-KCAC performer • Academic All-American • Offensive Tackle

JAKE CURRAN Garden City High School • 2015 KCAC Player of the Year • Two-time All-KCAC performer • Quarterback

MITCH KUFAHL Onaga High School • Three-time 1st Team All-KCAC performer • Tight End

IT’S A GREAT TIME TO JOIN COYOTE FOOTBALL! Won NAIA Championships home games in 2018 and 2019 2018 NAIA Semifinalists Play in beautiful $8 million stadium, opened in 2015 Last lost a regular season home game in 2017 Seven All-American players in 2019 Back-to-back KCAC Champions Follow the Coyotes all season:

@KWUCoyotes

Find the home schedule and coaching staff contact information at:

www.kwucoyotes.com

THE MAMMOTH TEAM

Mammoth Sports Construction has gained a national reputation for quality. One reason for the company’s success lies in its team, which includes former players and coaches who are also highly trained and experienced in sports construction.

Among the impressive list of former athletes, administrators and coaches who’ve joined the Mammoth team are Tim Allen, Michael Bishop, Jake Sharp and Jeremy Capo. Both Bishop and Sharp serve as Mammoth Sports Ambassadors while Capo and Allen work as assistant vice presidents for the company.

“Each of these individuals has a true understanding of what these coaches and administrators are up against going into these projects,” said Brian Morris, Mammoth Sports Construc-

tion vice president of professional and collegiate operations. “Michael and Jake are great visible representatives of who we are, and Jeremy and Tim have decades of college athletics experience, which is extremely valuable.”

Tim Allen: After an illustrious 37year career at the highest level of NCAA athletics, Tim Allen has been hired as an assistant vice president at Mammoth Sports Construction. Allen will work closely with universities, school districts and municipalities to help secure and deliver the first-class facilities that have made Mammoth the leader in sports construction throughout the region.

“Having Tim join our team is an exciting step for Mammoth Sports Construction as we continue to strengthen our relationships and customer-first approach,” said Jake Farrant, owner

and president of Mammoth. “Tim’s values surrounding faith and family, as well as his unparalleled football experience, make him an immediate asset.”

Allen, a graduate of Nemaha Valley High School (now Nemaha Central) in Seneca, Kan., began his football career as a student-athlete at Bethel College in Newton, where he played wide receiver.

He most recently served as Mark Dantonio’s director of football operations/assistant athletic director at Michigan State University, a position he held for the past 12 years.

Prior to Michigan State, Allen was on the football staff at the University of Minnesota, where he additionally served as assistant athletic director and director of football operations for 10 years. Allen also spent 11 seasons as a coach and administrator at the

MICHAEL BISHOP

ers, lockers and a cutting-edge video scoreboard, among other features, is expected to be finished by the 2021 sports season. Abilene’s first scheduled game on the new field is set for Sept. 11 when the Cowboys host Concordia.

In August, the Leavenworth Board of Education selected Mammoth’s $3.19 million bid to build a baseball and softball complex for Leavenworth High School. The complex will feature individual synthetic-turf baseball and softball fields, individual natural fields, batting cages, fencing and lighting as well as a concession and bathroom facility.

Even city governments are making an investment in their communities by developing multifield, synthetic turf complexes. With COVID-19 restricting indoor sporting events, Morris has seen a move toward outdoor activities.

“Since COVID, we’ve seen a concerted effort of moving outside,” he said. “The focus has been shifting toward getting kids outdoors, and we’re really starting to see first-class facilities all throughout the region.”

Mammoth partners with FieldTurf, which offers two- and three-layer systems for field sports like football and lacrosse, as well as specialty turf designed specifically for baseball and softball fields.

High-quality fields are designed to keep players safer and reduce injuries thanks to shock absorption and level playing surfaces, officials said. Infill provides consistency throughout the field and helps turf bounce back after play.

While Mammoth is quickly becoming a leader in the field, there’s something else that sets the company apart from all the rest. It’s the little things, Morris said, like looking out for the custtomer.

“We have a commitment to integrity and transparency,” Morris said. “We (walk) alongside our

JEREMY CAPO

full conversion of Ottawa University’s baseball and softball fields to synthetic turf.

Another one of the company’s noteworthy projects this summer includes the turf replacement at Pittsburg State University’s Carnie Smith Stadium. The project, which started in June, replaced the existing surface, which was installed eight years ago and was nearing the end of its life.

“It becomes a safety issue for our student-athletes. One of the primary benefits of a synthetic surface is to help prevent concussions and other injuries at higher rates than what can occur on grass fields,” said Jim Johnson, director of Intercollegiate Athletics at PSU. “But that advantage degrades over time, so replacement is necessary to protect our student-athletes and others who use our field.”

While Mammoth works with clients at the collegiate level, the company is happy to help school officials interested in making the transition from grass fields to turf.

Some of Mammoth’s more recent projects include fully transformed turf fields in Rossville, St. Marys and Girard and new turf installation at Pittsburg High School.

“The installation of the football field turf has obviously been a great benefit for our football program,” Blaise Bauer, Girard-USD 248 superintendent, said. “But, more importantly, it has been a great benefit for our school and community. This field has helped build an even stronger sense of community pride in our schools and community as a whole.”

Some of Mammoth’s current projects taking shape this summer include an ambitious renovation of Abilene’s Cowboy Stadium, expected to top more than $4 million. The entire project, which includes a new turf field, press box, bleach-

continued on page 64 University of Kansas, helping to lead the Jayhawks to a pair of Aloha Bowls and two Top 25 rankings.

“I am very grateful to Jake Farrant and his entire family for giving me the opportunity to join the Mammoth Sports Construction team,” said Allen.

“It is such a blessing to have the opportunity to work for and with a family-owned business that places such an emphasis on giving back to the community and family values.”

Michael Bishop: Bishop joined the K-State Wildcats in 1997, and a year later, was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. He was drafted to the NFL in 1999 by the New England Patriots and later played in other professional leagues.

In his role with Mammoth Sports Construction, Bishop represents the continued on page 64

JAKE SHARP

By Jennifer McDaniel, For Kansas Pregame It’s late Thursday morning and Brian Morris is heading down the interstate.

Much of his day will be spent behind the wheel before finally pulling into the driveway of his own home, which is still two states away.

As Mammoth Sports Construction’s vice president of professional and collegiate operations, Morris is on the road a lot these days building relationships with the company’s growing clientele.

The Meriden, Kan.,-based company, formerly known as Kansas Turf, has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years, allowing for project opportunities extending beyond the Midwest region, and into other areas of the United States. The name change, Morris said, reflects the company’s expansion on a regional/national level.

“We will always be a Kansas-owned company, but our reputation has allowed us to grow, which really has happened over the last two years,” he said. “Much of that has really been organic, and our reputation for quality and integrity has really spread through word of mouth.”

“We really approach things a different way.

Obviously, we have the expertise, but there’s other things like putting down the product you say you’re going to, that you’re not going to cut corners.”

The company is not only well-known for installing synthetic turf playing fields, but also offers additional services, including track installation, lighting, bleachers, locker room and facility construction. Mammoth works with collegiate and professional sports organizations throughout the United States and does significant work for schools in the Big 12, SEC, the KCAC as well as other NAIA universities. Some of that work had included turf installation at Kansas State University’s Bill Snyder Family Stadium and the

TIM ALLEN

Mammoth Sports Construction continues growth

Pictured above: Mammoth’s team includes many former athletes, athletics administrators and coaches who understand the challenge of providing quality facilities to best serve athletes of all ages. Tim Allen, Michael Bishop, Jeremy Capo and Jake Sharp are four new additions to the Mammoth family committed to the company’s mission.

The home-field advantage starts here.

Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine is proud to be the sports medicine provider to area high schools and colleges.

We offer comprehensive care that includes education to prevent sports injuries, sports performance, and the healing and preservation of damaged joints through surgery and rehabilitation.

Timothy Hawkes, D.O. Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Hawkes specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ligament, cartilage and meniscus injuries, including the treatment of shoulder, hip and knee. Dr. Pyle specializes in non-operative sports medicine, including sports-related injuries, ultrasound-guided joint injections and dry needling, and other general sports medicine such as fatigue, nutrition and concussion management.

Together, they lead a team of certified athletic trainers and physical therapists to work with athletes at every level. At school, on the field or in our clinic, Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine has everything you need to get back in the game and keep you in the game.

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Matthew Pyle, D.O.

Sports Medicine Physician

Abe Noll, ATC

Cody Moon, ATC

Evan Bowers, ATC

Shelby Barrett, ATC

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

Page 15

uncle, it might be important to the coach’s family, and it might be important to your opponent’s family members as well. There’s something about a radio broadcast that is different than just seeing a stream.”

FALL SUPPORTING CAST Kansas Pregame & Nex-Tech Wireless are joining forces to recognize the individuals behind the scenes who help area school sports teams achieve success. Administrators, team managers, assistant coaches, booster club members & more.

Richard Brake

Richard Brake has held multiple roles in the Salina community. He is the retired postmaster, one-time school board president and current para at Salina Central High School. Brake has long served as a Salina Central assistant coach in football, wrestling and baseball and as an assistant coach for Salina American Legion baseball. Also, he has announced games during the Kansas Grand Slam tournament.

Last winter, Salina Central had a change in wrestling when Shannon Peters resigned as wrestling coach following the graduation of his youngest son, Taylon. Brake remained on as an assistant. In ’17, Brake was the assistant for longtime head baseball coach Dee Kolzow. SC finished 15-6 and set the school record for single season victories and longest winning streak.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone like coach Brake on our staff,” said Salina Central football coach Mark Sandbo. “He brings a wealth of life experience to both our building and program as a former postmaster, military veteran, and a former board of education member here in Salina. Coach has an energy that is infectious to players and staff alike, his attention to detail is really second to none.”

Bruce Buethe

Bruce Buethe handles many roles at Ness City. Known for his outgoing personality, Buethe is a 7-12 grade math teacher, helps with robotics, coaches high school golf, and has even driven one of the team’s buses to sporting events.

Cheryl Gleason

Chery Gleason is the KSHSAA administrator for the KAY Program; girls volleyball, girls gymnastics, boys and girls bowling, tennis; KSHSAA Hall of Fame; Area Supervisors program for volleyball; and KCA liaison. Gleason has served on numerous NFHS committees, most recently the NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee.

Buethe, from Elk Creek, Neb., with a background in agricultural economics and banking, is also well-known as the voice of Ness City sports.

A member of the Southwestern College Hall of Fame, Cheryl Gleason was one of the most versatile athletes ever to come out of Southwestern.

She played tennis for four years, and volleyball and basketball for three years. She was a leader on the 1975 KCAC championship volleyball team.

In 2015, Gleason was inducted into the Kansas Volleyball Association Hall of Fame.

“About a typical small-town teacher,” he said. “I get to help with a little bit of a lot.”

Fran Martin

Buethe, starting his fifth year broadcasting, is one of very few full-time teachers who announces. Buethe meets often with coaches and school administration to gather information and pronunciations, closely follows storylines and streaks, is knowledgeable about the Central Prairie League, and conducts frequent interviews with Ness City coaches.

In football, Buethe has called a cold weather playoff game versus Hoxie, along with big comebacks versus Satanta and Hodgeman County.

“It was so great to see because being a teacher, you see these kids everyday,” Buethe said.

Buethe has helped three high schoolers get on the air, including Ellinwood’s Alex Hammeke. Now at Barton County, Hammeke has called some BCCC basketball games.

“It’s an understanding of how important that event is to somebody, and if you treat it like that, I think you are going to do a good job,” he said. “It might be important to a grandma, it might be important to an

Fran Martin is the KSHSAA administrator for boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball; Area Supervisors program for basketball; supervision of officials; Coaching School; and KIAAA liaison. Martin is currently the chair of the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee, the first female in history to hold such a role.

Fran conducts summer basketball camps throughout the month of June for officials who are looking to grow in their craft or get started. She is in the Greater Wichita Officials Association Hall of Fame.

Gleason and Martin were nominated by Carol Swenson, who said the duo “are key to Kansas prep sports and always go unnoticed until something goes wrong or against an individual’s personal wishes. Unless a person has actually worked closely with them in preparing for an event or preparing for a KSHSAA board meeting, or committee work on behalf of the association or the NFHS, they have no idea the number of hours, phone calls (and) emails they go through to make state playoff events go off.”

About Nex-Tech Wireless Nex-Tech Wireless, owned by Nex-Tech Inc./Rural Telephone, Golden Belt Telephone and Tri-County Telephone is a premiere wireless provider offering hightech wireless solutions to residents in over 40 counties of central and western Kansas as well as local coverage to 4 counties in Colorado. Nex-Tech Wireless focuses on providing its customers cutting edge technology including data and mobile services, as well as the latest wireless equipment and competitive wireless plans that provide nationwide coverage. For more information, visit www. nex-techwireless.com

Kansas-based weight training software company expands nationwide

Rack Performance Utilizes Experience of Former Coaches, Athletes to Develop Training Applications

By Brett Marshall, For Kansas Pregame Who better to pair today’s rapidly evolving hand-held technology with the requirements of a modern weight training program than former coaches and athletes?

That’s what’s at the heart of the Rack Performance Company, founded in 2013 by Matt Sellers, Dan Smith and Sam Sellers. All recognized the importance of an effective and efficient weight program in developing successful teams and wanted to offer better weight training organization tools.

Seven years later, Rack Performance finds itself providing distinct software programs to more than 1,200 high school and college athletic departments across the United States.

The basic tenet of Rack Performance applications is to assist coaches in efficiently managing a weight room for individual and group workouts.

While Rack Performance has steadily grown its client base since its inception, the coronavirus pandemic has generated rapid growth. In an effort to meet the virus-related restrictions of social distancing, the company has created a mobile app and remote workout solutions.

“We’ve raised $2.25 million from primarily Kansas based investors to help support our mission and lay the foundation for growth,” Sellers said. “We have been fortunate to have brought on a lot of tech talent to help us build some cool solutions for coaches, led by director of engineering Michael Jones, another Salina product.”

The entire Rack Performance team has a background in athletics helping them relate to their customers and find effective solutions.

“We cut our teeth in the weight room and we feel it is the hub of any athletic department and a huge asset for learning environments in

general.” Sellers said. “We have been able to increase communication between coaches and athletes and we continue to see a big opportunity to highlight the abilities of coaches and athletes with innovative tech solutions.”

Prior to Rack Performance’s development of weight training organization applications coaches were using software programs such as Powerpoint and Excel to produce workout programs and to track performance.

“Without Rack, coaches were spending hours managing data and orchestrating their classroom time with a whistle and watch at the expense of being able to teach, motivate and build meaningful relationships,” Sellers said. “It was very time consuming, so we began looking at ways to streamline the process.”

Weight room enrollments are growing across the country, Sellers said. Back in the 1980s and 90s, a coach might have 80-100 kids come through the weight room any given day. That number is likely 400-500 in the same school today.

“We believe we have a program unsurpassed in the industry,” director of engineering Michael Jones said. “There are several key components that provide coaches with the speed and accuracy to monitor a large number of athletes.”

Those main features of the software include: • Data Display: In-room audio-visual timers that display time, sets, reps and weights all at the same time.

Data display automatically groups athletes and tracks who should be lifting with prescribed weights at all times. It displays individual groups with names of each athlete, designated color for workouts and the amount of weights. It is all paperless with the mobile app accessible for all coaches in the same room.

• Workout Management: It easily builds work-

outs and organizes and stores information for quick access anywhere, anytime. It ensures season-to-season programming and quickly distributes workouts to coaches and athletes.

• Data Management: This increases the athlete’s ownership of their progress with visual charts. It monitors programming effectiveness of groups and individuals and increases competition with live customized leaderboard updates.

Back-end information available to coaches allows them to build a coaching profile, including a coaching tree, publish workouts and displays personal certification.

In the past year, Rack Performance added MacKenzie Morris, a 2012 doubles tennis state champion at Salina Central, to their staff as the marketing manager and she has overseen the growth with the advent of the mobile app.

In the initial start-up, Sellers and his original group of investors used their local contacts to market the program to schools in Kansas and Missouri. From 2015 through 2019, they were able to expand into 32 other states. Today, they have coaches utilitzing their product in all 50 states.

“With COVID-19, the whole model for us has changed,” Morris said. “We had to tackle the problem across the board of coaches being worried about not being in contact with their athletes during the school shutdowns. We saw the need to help the coaches keep their kids motivated and to be able to communicate with them on a regular basis.”

The challenge, Morris said, was to build the program to hold kids accountable from remote.

“We knew there wasn’t much we could do for them last spring since it happened so quickly, but we also knew there would be another season and we wanted the coaches to be able to have their kids prepared,” Morris said. “Coaches

were devastated. Kids were devastated. When would they be going back to school? We wanted to make the coaches’ lives easier and to continue that mission we came up with the Weight Room Model, and then to transition that to the Mobile App.” Morris said that coaches can now share workouts with other coaches to see what works best, and they are available to use on the mobile app.

The company is offering a free trial through September because many schools and athletic departments are facing budget constraints.

“Now, we have moved the timers into the mobile app from just before being in the weight room,” Morris said. “By holding the athlete more accountable, the coach automatically is notified what the athlete has done with their workout.

Did they do a partial or full workout?”

And most importantly, the Rack team believes they have developed a product that saves time.

“Today, with many restrictions on how much time athletes can spend daily with the sport, we needed to find a way to streamline workouts for coaches,” Sellers said. “The data tracking allows them to do just that. We’re continuing to develop smaller adaptations and if we can do this, we feel like it works for schools of all sizes.”

Sellers said that by listening to other coaches, as well as utilizing their own experiences, Rack Performance can provide the efficiency and accuracy that coaches strive to achieve.

“We aim to optimize what coaches already do and help them improve,” Sellers said. “We give them the opportunity to control the tempo in the weight room. This frees them up to focus solely on coaching and building relationships with their students while the workouts are executed at maximum efficiency. The best part is the proof is in the data. Our customers routinely report improvements in performance, technique and general culture of their weight room.”

Sellers said that by saving time for coaches, it allows them to spend more time building relationships with their own athletes, teaching and motivating them to be better.

“The mobile app engages everyone and gives coaches and kids the reasons why,” Sellers said. “They can check in regularly and it’s a big benefit to everyone.”

For more information on Rack Performance, go online to www.rackperformance.com, or call Rack Performance at (913) 735-0090.

The corporate office is located at 10727 El Monte St., Leawood, KS, 66211.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

Welcome to the

By John Baetz, Publisher It’s hard to remember a year more WILD than this one. With conornavirus restrictions in place our annual cover shoot was later in the summer than ever. And while we were able to gather 19 of the state’s top players at Rolling Hills Zoo to photograph and interview each in uniform, with masking and social distancing in effect we did not arrange a group shot for the cover in an effort to keep the athletes safe. Only for individual photos, and when a safe distance from others at the shoot, did the athletes remove their masks.

The Rolling Hills Zoo made a WILD backdrop for the shoot with the new “Return of the Dinosaurs” exhibit providing a unique location.

Through animatronic technology “Return of the Dinosaurs” introduces guests to the infamous roar of the fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex, and the deep vocal calls of a hollow-crested, duckbilled Parasaurolophus. Nearby the leisurely Stegosaurus is in search of vegetation while the Ankylosaurus family is found munching on low-growing plants as the Triceratops and two of

WILD SIDE its young forage in the forests of North America.

The Rolling Hills Zoo is a WorldClass destination in the heart of Kansas and is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums to meet the highest standards in animal care. They are dedicated to wildlife conservation and educating the next generation on the importance of bio-diversity on the planet.

They are also a key sponsor of Kansas Pregame and make our coverage possible.

Visiting the Zoo allows you to Discover Your WILD SIDE. Of course nothing is quite as WILD as the impact the coronavirus has had on daily life in 2020, including the postponements and cancellations surrounding high school sports.

At press time it was unclear if Olathe, Wichita and Kansas City, Kan., public schools would get to play football at all this school year. As a result, one of the players featured on this year’s cover,

Olathe North running back and quarterback Arland Bruce IV, a University of Iowa commit, transferred to Ankeny High School to play his senior year. WILD! The cover features for our 15th annual edition includes players from nearly every corner of the state and from every size of school, including our first ever 6-Man player. This group of 19 athletes features a broad spectrum of position players, from some of the state’s top linemen and linebackers, to a few of the best players from the offensive backfield, and several who play multiple positions on both sides of the ball.

Even though this season of football could be a WILD one, we hope you’ll enjoy the 15th annual issue of Kansas Pregame and it will provide at least a few fond memories from a WILD year of high school sports!

Discover Your at

Rolling Hills Zoo

• Wildlife Museum • Special Events • Keeper Encounters • Tram Rides • Restaurant • Gift Shops • And So Much More!

Annual Corporate Sponsors:

Spend the Night & Explore Salina!

Page 17

rollinghillszoo.org

Open Daily! • 6 Mi. West of Salina, KS • (785) 827-9488

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame

Page 18

Bo Black has served as a head football coach for the last 19 seasons, including the past five at Shawnee Mission Northwest. Black and his wife, Stefanie, have two children: Hannah and Ty. Black elected to not coach his children in the younger ranks and wanted to simply watch his kids play. Black had the same mantra whenever he dropped his kids off for practice.

“Do your best and have fun,” Ty said.

“That was the saying he would always say – every time. So pretty cool.”

Ty picked up other traits and skills from his mother and sister. Stefanie Quayle played for Emporia State basketball from ’89-93. When she Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz graduated, Stefanie had

1,420 points and ranked top-six alltime in points, steals and assists. Ty developed “a lot of hand-eye coordination” from his mother.

Bo, from Texas, played football at Sam Houston State and Emporia State. Hannah was born in Texas, and Bo took the head coaching position at Great Bend in ’01. The year before, GB finished 3-6 and scored 185 points. The next year, Bo improved the team to 6-3 and 350 points. Long known as one of Kansas’ early adopters of the spread offense, Black coached 13 years at Great Bend and one season at Hays High. Ty served as a ball boy and still remembers “the speed” of his dad’s offenses.

Bo is 107-78 all-time and his squads have collectively averaged 28.6 points per game, according to the Kansas Football History database. He led GB to its only state championship appearance, a runner-up finish in ’06. In 2015, Bo took over SMNW, a perennially struggling program. He preached the offseason, accountability and teamwork.

After back-to-back 1-8 seasons, the Cougars are 4-5, 5-5 and 7-3 in the last three, the program’s most victo-

ries since ’08.

“We stuck out with it,” Ty said. “The first couple years were pretty rough really. He kind of had to set a culture down there. … It was tough. Tough for him, tough for the family. Built it.”

Ty competed with his older sister in “pretty much everything,” from shooting baskets in the driveway and other sports-related activities.

Ty labeled his sister “a natural leader on and off the court.”

A 5-foot-11 middle hitter, Hannah was a Math National Honor Society recipient and volleyball team captain as a senior. She collected 814 career kills. As a senior, Hannah led SMNW in kills, hitting percentage and blocks. She redshirted for Washburn volleyball last fall. The two stay in touch and talk often.

“It’s always been pretty competitive in the household,” Ty said. “But yeah, it’s awesome, because you get to see an athletic family just support one another in everything we do.”

In ’17, Ty noticed “a little turning point” for the SMNW program.

Several players, including linemen Travis Morrison and Dylan Brunner, stepped up as leaders. The follow-

ing year, Black became the starting quarterback and threw for 2,695 yards with a 24/10 TD/INT ratio.

The Cougars opened 3-0, including a key 27-21 overtime win versus Olathe South in Week 3.

Last fall, Black completed 66 percent of his passes for 2,655 yards with a 24/8 TD/INT ratio for a team that collected 37 points a game. He finished second in Kansas in passing yards and rushed for 700 yards with 15 TDs. Earlier this summer, Black committed to play football at the Air Force Academy. Black had “no intention” of joining the military when he was younger, but after he attended AFA’s Junior Day, it “just seemed like the right fit.” This fall, Black looks to continue his father’s longtime mantra.

“Just to have fun, be around my teammates,” he said. “Obviously win a state championship, but at the same time, have fun. Be around guys you love. Just have a family atmosphere.”

Conor Nicholl is a veteran sports writer from western Kansas who has covered high school, college and professional sports teams across the state for 15 years.

TY BLACK, SM NORTHWEST

7 STRONG

The SMNW Booster Club is proud to support Shawnee Mission Northwest football!

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame

St. Francis senior Shadryon Blanka played quarterback in middle school.

“They would get the ball to him, and he would run left, right, left, right until he found an opening,” Indian head high school coach Nick Fawcett said.

As a sophomore, Blanka finished with 38 carries for 302 yards and four touchdowns in the Indians’ single wing offense. SF quarterback Brady Dinkel and running back Jordan Raby each cleared 1,000 rushing yards for an 11-1 squad.

Last year, Fawcett believed Blanka could step in for the speedy Raby.

Fawcett wanted Blanka to change his running style.

“One cut and head north and south,” Fawcett said. “He started off the year a little bit slow.”

Blanka had solid production in the regular season and delivered several massive playoff performances. He rushed for four touchdowns in a 52-0 victory against Hill City in the Round of 16.

“He had a coming out party,” Fawcett said. “That was just a sign of things to come.”

In the quarterfinals, Blanka rushed

Page 19

18 times for 173 yards and four scores. He intercepted a pass and forced a fumble in a 50-0 victory versus Hodgeman County.

“Mainly toward the end of the year, our team, we started to play better together and form better connections, and it helped us,” Blanka said.

In the semifinals, Blanka delivered one of Kansas’ signature performances with seven total touchdowns, four rushing, two pick-sixes and a receiving score. St. Francis defeated Wichita County, 66-20.

“I just happened to be in the right spots a lot of the time,” Blanka said.

In the Eight-Man, Division I championship game, Blanka rushed for three touchdowns. St. Francis led 36-0 before Canton-Galva scored 66 unanswered points. SF finished 12-1 and set a school record for victories. Even after the game, SF discussed the potential for 2020.

The Indians, which have never won a state football title, return a bevy of elite players.

“Their whole team is pretty well loaded,” Logan-Palco coach Mike Jenner said. “They have got big linemen. They have got good running backs. They are well disciplined.”

SF graduated just two players from ’19. Blanka rushed 161 times for 1,694 yards and 24 touchdowns.

He recorded 98 tackles, 17 for loss and seven sacks, along with five interceptions and two forced fumbles.

Blanka delivered three pick-sixes.

He has collected two collegiate offers, from Highland Community College and NAIA Graceland University. In addition, the Indians have linemen Colton Neitzel, Jesse Baxter and Adam Krien.

“Even though we will be a little bit lower on numbers, we will be ready to go,” Blanka said.

Blanka will be a three-year starter at linebacker. SF switches down to Division II for this year and is considered the favorite to win the Division.

“When you have got guys like Neitzel and Jesse Baxter, I think they are the two-best linemen in the state,” Fawcett said. “…Shadyron, I think he is one of the best running backs in the state, best football players, too.”

St. Francis is 23-2 under Fawcett.

The Indians are known for their physicality. Assistant coach Scott “Hoagie” Carmichael has served in various roles with the school since

1982, including the current line coach. SF hits the blocking sled everyday, which Fawcett calls “kind of rare in this day and age.”

Similar to the University of Nebraska’s “Black Shirts” defense, St. Francis has the “Mean Green” defense. Mean Green jerseys are awarded for big hits, physicality and key plays.

“That’s just how I grew up,” Fawcett said. “I liked physical, smashmouth football, a n d these kids here, these kids are really tough farm kids.”

Conor Nicholl is a veteran sports writer from western Kansas who has covered high school, college and professional sports teams across the state for 15 years.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Noah Bolticoff first met Blaize Foltz when he was a freshman.

At that time, Bolticoff had played middle school ball at Wichita Sunrise Christian, an 8-Man football program wellknown for basketball. Bolticoff then went to Andover as a freshman and sophomore so he could play 11-man.

“I was not very good at football at the time,” Bolticoff said. “I didn’t know really anything about being a lineman. I had no technical expertise at all.”

Foltz and his brother, Brady, are two of the most successful Kansas offensive linemen in the last 15 years. Both started on the offensive line at TCU. Their dad, Roger, was a junior college AllAmerican at Coffeyville CC and played Division I. Roger emPhoto by barked on a long Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Page 20 career as a counselor/coach, most notably at Leon-Bluestem and Rose Hill.

Noah’s dad, Scott, played safety at Cal Lutheran. Scott served as a pastor. When Noah was in elementary school, the Bolticoffs did missionary work in Brazil for a year. Early on, Blaize noticed the similarities between Noah and himself. Noah set goals to eventually play professionally.

“I think we absolutely can make him a Division I player,” Blaize told Scott.

Bolticoff grew into his body and embraced the weight room. Blaize, known for his outgoing personality, helped Bolticoff become more sociable.

“I was really shy before then,” Bolticoff said. “I didn’t really know anything about football. I was an introvert more, and it was just really hard for me to talk to people.”

Roger Foltz was going to retire after the ’19-20 school year, and Blaize elected to coach with his father at RH. Noah transferred from Andover to Rose Hill, and Blaize again coached him.

“He is more like family,” Blaize said.

A relative unknown, Bolticoff’s work with Foltz helped him become a high-level recruit. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound Bolticoff is ranked as the No. 4 prospect in Kansas by industry leader 247 Sports.

Bolticoff originally committed to Kansas State, though flipped to TCU once the Horned Frogs offered him earlier this summer. TCU had always been Bolticoff’s top school.

Bolticoff broke his ankle the first game of his sophomore year at Andover. He came back at midseason and took a starting offensive line spot. It marked his first year starting.

Bolticoff said physically and mentally “started to click a lot more” the summer after his sophomore year. He and Foltz went down to a high-profile lineman camp in Texas. Bolticoff took on a highly recruited Texan and rode him to his back.

Bolticoff kept the same high performance throughout the day. Foltz realized Bolticoff was special. In the last year,

notably in the COVID-19 quarantine, Bolticoff has posted various lifting videos on social media. At first, Bolticoff didn’t want to post, though Foltz convinced him otherwise.

“People should see these things,” Foltz said.

Foltz said Bolticoff has “phenomenal” hips with excellent flexibility. Bolticoff can dunk a basketball and can squat and deadlift more than 500 pounds. He can clean and bench at least 335. Bolticoff did weekly truck pushes down a street and lifted heavy stones.

They normally lift three hours a day with workouts provided by Huck Huckabee, a well-known powerlifter and barber in the Wichita area. During quarantine, they lifted at a barn between Rose Hill and Andover off Thunder Road. Foltz and Bolticoff labeled the place the “Thunder Gym” and Bolticoff saw gains in all three major lifts.

“That’s the dream for me, is to be able to play professional,” Bolticoff said.

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By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame The rise of Arland Bruce IV ended the worst two-game stretch in more than 20 years for Olathe North. In 2016, ON tumbled to 3-6, tied for the fewest wins since the school started in ’81.

The following year, the tradition-laden Eagles opened 1-3 with three straight losses. In Weeks 3 and 4, ON fell to Blue Springs (Mo.) by 43 and took a 31-point loss to Shawnee Mission East. Both games featured a running clock.

“That’s never happened,” coach Chris McCartney said.

McCartney, currently in his sixth season as Olathe North’s head coach, has served on the Eagle staff since ’97.

The Eagles have won eight titles, all from ’96-09, tied for fifth in state annals. In the first month, Olathe North had thrown 80 times and rushed on 57 percent of snaps behind junior quarterback Zac Krause. ON, long known for its running backs, averaged just 3.2 yards per carry.

McCartney was concerned and asked the coaches and players: Where do we go? The team agreed to “stay the course” and make some offensive adjustments for a Week 5 contest versus Lawrence.

“Kind of a wakeup call,” McCartney said.

Instead of a fast-paced offense

that yielded quick three-and-outs, McCartney wanted to heavily return to the running game. ON primarily used Bruce IV as a Wildcat quarterback.

“Going into my freshman year I thought I was going to play running back,” Bruce said.

In Week 5, Olathe North defeated Lawrence, 33-28, behind 399 rushing yards – more ground yards than the Eagles had collectively in the first month.

Bruce, whose dad and cousin each enjoyed long professional careers, had 15 carries for 62 yards in the 1-3 start. The staff gave him a much bigger role versus Lawrence and he exploded for 17 carries for 191 yards and two scores.

The victory started a six-game winning streak and eventual 7-4 season.

In the 6-1 run, Olathe North ran the ball 86 percent of the time. Since ON controlled the clock more, the Eagles’ defense improved.

“We made some adjustments with our personnel, and we had some success on offense where we were struggling,” McCartney said. “Defense picked up the pace quite a bit.”

Bruce finished with 141 carries for 819 rushing yards and five scores.

Krause transferred to Olathe West, performed admirably and signed with Northwestern.

In ’18, Bruce served as the quarterback with 1,209 passing yards and a 16/3 TD/INT ratio as ON reached the state semifinals. He rushed 196 times for 1,379 yards and 19 scores.

Daymonn Sanchez delivered 2,413 yards and 29 rushing TDs. Last season, Bruce led Olathe North to a 10-3 record and 6A state runner-up finish to Derby. He recorded mammoth numbers: 371 carries for 2,479 yards and 43 scores, along with 404 passing yards and five touchdowns. Bruce captured the prestigious Simone Award as the Kansas City Metro’s top football player.

His dad, Arland Bruce III, earned the Simone at Olathe North in ’95 as a running back. Bruce III was on the Olathe North 400-meter relay team that still holds the school record of 41.6 seconds in ’96.

Bruce III played at Minnesota and professionally from ’00-13, mainly in the Canadian Football League.

Three-times he earned CFL All-Star honors and captured two Grey Cup (CFL’s championship) titles. Bruce’s cousin is Isaac Bruce, a recent NFL Hall of Fame inductee as a wide receiver.

The 5-foot-10, 192-pound Bruce IV is ranked as the No. 4 prospect in Kansas for the Class of 2021, according to 247 Sports.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to play college football,” Bruce IV said.

Bruce IV, an Iowa commit, has 4,677 rushing yards and 67 career touchdowns. He is in strong position to statistically finish as the best ON running back in school history.

Olathe North has multiple well-known NFLers, including Darren Sproles, Isaiah Simmons and Marcel Spears. Sproles ran for 5,230 yards and 79 touchdowns, both school marks when he graduated.

James Franklin set the school record with 5,916 rushing yards from ’07-09. Franklin also holds the team’s single season rushing record of 2,803 yards Sproles, Franklin, Jim Bouknight and Maurice Mack (2,089 rushing yards as a senior; K-State linebacker) all won the Simone. *Bruce IV transferred to Ankeny High School in Iowa in mid-August amid concerns Olathe North will not play football this fall due to coronavirus related gating restrictions.

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz McRey

ARLAND BRUCE IV, OLATHE NORTH

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Last season marked the final time Halstead coach Jason Grider was able to coach his sons, Scott and Doug, on the same team. The Griders relished the moments. Coach Grider’s Twitter features two photos, one of the entire Halstead team and an inset shot of his two boys in football uniforms.

“Every time I pull in my driveway after practice, I just sit and think, ‘That’s just one less day I’ve got with them,” coach Grider said. “And I am just very thankful. They are inseparable, and they are best friends. You don’t see one without the other, and that’s kind of the joke around school. When you see them, they are usually always together.”

Halstead finished 8-1 and improved to 48-17 in coach Grider’s six seasons. Doug helped Halstead’s runheavy attack churn out 317 rushing yards a game. Scott led with 159 carries for 1,083 yards and 22 scores in his last season. Doug paced the defense in tackles for the second straight fall with 120 stops, 12 for loss.

Page 21

“Incredible,” Doug said. “Nothing like it, to be honest. Great bonds.

Atmosphere is awesome. You are with your brother and dad all day. It’s the coolest thing ever.”

The 6-foot-2, 235-pound Doug, who had received limited collegiate interest as of mid-July, has run 4.79 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He has posted 355 in clean, 225 for snatch, 335 bench and 430 in squat. Doug called his blocking style “very physical” and understands the roles of each player on the offensive line. He started as a freshman at left guard and started at right guard the last two falls.

“We run a lot behind me,” he said. “I am supposed to be the leader of the offensive line, and we are supposed to just get after it.”

Last season, the right side of Halstead’s veer offense featured senior tight end Aric Propst, junior right tackle Kaden Lopez and Grider. All three players were middle school running backs. Coach Grider believed Propst and Lopez were two of the best tailbacks he’d ever seen in junior

high. Doug played fullback in middle school.

“It was crazy,” Doug said. “A lot of kids in our middle school are tailbacks or fullbacks, and then they get moved up to the line, because we have already got great athletes back there, so we just have to learn a different position, so we can see the field. Pretty cool.”

This season, Halstead returns four offensive line starters: Doug, Lopez, Kaden Hill and Cole Herman, all seniors. Herman missed all of ’18, though coach Grider said he had an “outstanding” season defensively and was a strong offensive guard opposite Doug.

Senior quarterback/safety Lakin Farmer is back. He was second to Scott with 98 carries for 734 yards and 11 scores and passed for four touchdowns. Farmer finished second with 72 tackles and picked off seven passes.

“Our right side of the line, they are big guys now, but former fullback, former tailback, former tailback,” coach Grider said. “We are pretty fortunate

that those guys are unselfish and willing to sacrifice to do that, and also it sure gives us a lot of athletic ability up front.”

Conor Nicholl is a veteran sports writer from western Kansas who has covered high school, college and professional sports teams across the state for 15 years.

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

DOUG GRIDER, HALSTEAD

Proud supporters of Halstead schools!

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Jeremy Hawks went to Norton from ’89-93 and played in the Shrine Bowl. In his freshman year, Norton finished as state runner-up. Hawks enjoyed an exceptional career at Fort Hays State and is in the Tigers’ Hall of Fame.

He was a six-time AllAmerican in track and field, four times in the shot put.

Hawks set a conference record in the shot put, and FHSU records in the shot put and hammer throw. In football, Hawks played on two Tiger teams that made the NCAA Division II playoffs.

A defensive lineman, Hawks started all four years and delivered 179 tackles, 20 for loss.

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Hawks has served as a longtime coach at Norton. Notably, Hawks and Tony Fiscus have led the Bluejay defense for veteran coach Lucas Melvin.

Every Sunday, Hawks and Fiscus meet at Pizza Hut to create a game plan for the week. Norton senior lineman Christien Hawks, Jeremy’s son, a starting lineman and Division I prospect, said the players are “so grateful” for the coaches’ work.

“They would take so much time out of their life just to do that,” he said.

Last year, Norton lost, 38-7, to Hoisington in district play. Hoisington running back Wyatt Pedigo, a North Dakota signee and Topeka CapitalJournal Top 11 all-classes player, rushed 20 times for 290 yards and four scores. The teams matched up again in the Class 2A semifinals after Norton held off Conway Springs, 3432, in the quarterfinals.

“Hard games were really the pinnacle of that whole year,” Hawks said.

During the week, Norton constantly practiced Hoisington’s option game. Christien continually worked on watching the opposing lineman.

Christien had different responsibilities depending on if the lineman stepped down or stepped out. Christien watched film for hours and studied the way the lineman was leaning or

looking.

As well, Norton kept contain with defensive ends Judson Wiltfong and Gavin Sproul. Kade Melvin and Jonah Ruder kept contain at outside linebacker.

“We pinched it more,” coach Melvin said. “We were going to clog up the middle and make him try to get outside of us.”

Norton limited Pedigo to 22 carries for 100 yards and a score. The Bluejays won a classic, 10-8, on a last-second field goal from Luke Wahlmeier. Norton had a euphoric celebration on the field. Coach Melvin, a church leader in the area, posted his hat twice to heaven.

Some people, including Melvin’s wife, Angela, had tears.

Coach Melvin’s grown daughter, Miah, yelled: “We are going to state, baby!” Wiltfong immediately went to Fiscus for a big hug. Norton reached state for the first time since ’89.

Hawks looked right at his dad.

“I’ve matched where my dad was, and that was a big thing, because

Page 22 he has always been my role model.

He has taught me everything I know about football,” Hawks said.

Norton lost, 19-0, to Nemaha Central in the Class 2A state championship and finished 9-4, a plus-five win improvement. Wiltfong and Kade Melvin signed with Fort Hays.

Christien, who finished with 75 tackles and 14 tackles for loss, and Ruder have collected multiple offers.

Ruder, the team’s top receiver with 40 catches for 653 yards, has offers from three Division II schools. The 6-foot-5, 262-pound Hawks has a 3.7 GPA and 6-8 wingspan. Hawks has double-digit offers, including from Air Force and his first Power 5 offer from Kansas on July 21 after coaches saw film of Hawks at the Sharp Performance Showcase in early July.

Christien announced his verbal commitment to the Jayhawks with an August 7 Twitter post.

“I am absolutely PUMPED to announce that I am committing to the UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS!” Hawks said in the tweet.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Jason Kenny first joined the Ulysses staff in 1994. He became the head football coach six years later. Kenny served 18 years and won 135 games. Kenny, who also became Ulysses athletic director in ’09-10, passed away suddenly on July 24, 2018. He was 47.

Kenny and his wife, Andrea, had three children: Kali, Koy and Cami. Koy first attended Ulysses football meetings around first or second grade. Jason took Koy to football film sessions, which allowed him to “pick-up a lot” about the game. Koy believes the tutelage has “kind of given me an edge.”

“Something that I definitely am grateful for,” Koy said.

Koy has continued to increase his knowledge and become a four-year starter at linebacker. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound senior recorded 101 tackles, 34 for loss for the 5-4 Tigers last fall. Kenny, with a 3.91 GPA, has earned a Garden City Community College offer.

“I watch more film than most of my team, and I just try to put myself in the best position I can,” he said.

Page 23 Kenny has noticed teams normally run six or seven different formations. He reads the guards and tackles to see which way they are pulling. Kenny also watches the running backs. The tight ends provide “a sense” of the strong side of the line.

Kenny has noticed that quarterbacks “a lot of times” will set feet differently if they drop into a pass. Notably, Ulysses earned wins versus Goodland’s Leyton Cure and Hugoton’s Sawyer Harper, quarterbacks who each threw for more than 1,400 yards.

“I kind of knew what they were going to run before they ran it,” Kenny said.

In 32-team Class 4A, Ulysses finished No. 16 in scoring defense at 23.4 points allowed a contest. It marked the team’s best record and scoring defense since ’15. Kenny said the Tigers “weren’t happy” after ’18, a 4-5 season where they allowed 27.4 points per game.

“We wanted to get better, so we got in the weight room,” he said. “We watched more film. We drilled two times as hard.

The hard work pays off.”

The family has exuded toughness, positivity and leadership. Koy is in his fourth

summer of working construction, often 12 to 14 hours a day. Then, he lifts at 7 p.m.

Normally lifting is 90 minutes followed by conditioning and agility work on the field.

Despite knee injuries, Kali earned seven all-conference honors for Ulysses volleyball and basketball. She played the ’18 volleyball season at Oklahoma Panhandle State.

Kali saw time in 40 sets before knee problems halted her career. Still, Kali won the team’s “Aggie Award,” given to one Panhandle player per sport who best represents OPSU in athletics and citizenship. She was one of three freshmen in the school’s 14 sports to have the honor.

“She’s definitely one of the hardest workers that I have ever met, and I feel like that’s something that she’s helped me out a lot with, pushing me,” Koy said.

Koy said his mother, a primary grade teacher, has handled the circumstances.

“Obviously, it’s tough on us, but I feel like we have come together as a family,” Koy said. “Not just my immediate family, but my extended

family, and Ulysses community. I know we have really had an outpouring of support. I feel like she’s handled it well and put us kids in the best position she could.”

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

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By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Mill Valley senior lineman Ethan Kremer labeled his parents as “pretty level-headed.” He carries a similar personality.

“He shows up everyday, and his highs aren’t too high, lows aren’t too low, and he’s just business as usual, and he might be hurt, he might be sick, he might be whatever, you would never know it,” Mill Valley wrestling coach Travis Keal said.

Last winter, Kremer fought a knee problem half the wrestling season.

Kremer finished 28-2 and won his second straight state championship.

At state, he pinned all four opponents, including Manhattan’s Damian Ilalio in the finals. Ilalio has earned a Kansas State football offer. Kremer, the only MV wrestler in school history to win two individual titles, helped Mill Valley capture its first-ever team crown.

“There’s no tougher individual I’ve ever met in my entire life who loves to compete,” Tyler Green, who served as Kremer’s wrestling partner and signed with Dartmouth football, said. “Ethan is obviously a great athlete, but he cares about his sport and he cares about his

teammates.”

Kremer’s calm and tough personality has yielded success in all areas. In football, Kremer started on the offensive line as a freshman. The last two years, Kremer has started on defense, and then played offense when needed.

Last fall, Kremer recorded 54 tackles, 17.5 for loss and a school record 11 sacks. Kremer’s wrestling is beneficial for football, especially with body control and getting lower than opponents.

“A lot easier especially on the defensive line being able to move in ways that other people can’t,” Kremer said.

Mill Valley opened 1-3, then won nine in a row for its third football title in five seasons.

Mill Valley finished seventh in 5A scoring defense at 17 points per game. MV’s opponents collectively averaged 33.4 points per contest when not facing the Jaguars. Tenth-year coach Joel Applebee believed MV’s defense carried the team. Kremer was nominated as the top big school lineman in the K.C. Metro.

“He is right up there with some of the best that I have ever coached on

the defensive line, and we have had some good ones come through here,” Applebee said.

As of late July, Kremer had bulked up to 6-foot, 265 pounds and was arguably the state’s best player without an FBS offer.

“Ethan has really learned lately how to be more vocal,” Applebee said.

“And that’s one thing that’s really fun to see him grow into that role as well, too. But yeah, not a lot rattles him at all. …He doesn’t show one way or another how he’s feeling. He just goes out there and gets the job done.”

Multiple high-academic schools, including Ivy League’s Cornell and Brown, have offered. Kremer has a 3.975 GPA with two Bs in calculus courses. Kremer really likes science/ math classes.

“The applicability of it is really interesting to me, because most of the time when you are going through math and things like that, it’s just ‘Oh, I can do this with X and Y, but it means nothing,” Kremer said. “But with calculus, you learn how to actually apply those things to where it actually means something in the real world.”

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

ETHAN KREMER, MILL VALLEY

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

Page 24

and

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Bethel College defensive coordinator Paul Kempf called Bird CityCheylin quarterback Colton McCarty in late June. The conversation was normal as Kempf asked McCarty what he was doing this summer and what sports activities he’d been able to have. Then, Kempf told McCarty that Bethel was going to offer him a scholarship. McCarty, known for his constant smile and outgoing personality, sat in his truck. McCarty posted the offer via Twitter on June 23.

“Oh man, this is awesome,” McCarty said. “Definitely very, very exciting to get that first offer.”

The scholarship represented a watershed moment since Kansas re-introduced 6-Man football in ’14. The classification remains unsanctioned though continues to grow in teams and membership. Six-Man has held full playoffs, along with the Wild West Bowl championship game and thirdplace contest each of the last four years in Dodge City. The annual allstar game started in the of summer 2019.

Six-Man has produced several standouts, notably Pawnee Heights running back Kade Scott, but McCarty

Page 25

is the first one to earn a college scholarship. McCarty has since picked up two more offers, from NAIA traditional power Benedictine and NAIA Dordt University in Iowa. He is the first 6-Man player to appear on the Kansas Pregame magazine cover in its 15 years, a milestone that brought McCarty happiness.

“Just blessed to get this opportunity,” McCarty said.

The 6-foot, 188-pound McCarty has a 4.0 GPA, along with a 4.56 in the 40-yard dash and a very quick 4.13 in the pro agility. He has also shown incredible strength on the summer combine circuit benching 185 for at least 20 reps on multiple occasions.

As a sophomore, he passed for 931 yards and 22 scores, and rushed for 1,514 yards and 29 TDs. Last season, McCarty increased to 1,152 yards with a 19/2 TD/INT ratio, along with 2,162 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns.

Cheylin put a greater emphasis on defense in ’19 and McCarty finished with 60 tackles, 10 for loss and two interceptions. Last year, coach Chris Walden brought on two assistants, including Colton’s dad, Mike. Cheylin forced seven turnovers in ’18, and 24

last season.

“Having my dad run the defense, he’d watch film forever,” Colton said.

Cheylin enjoyed a five-win improvement and went 9-1. The Cougars lost, 52-6, to Moscow in the Wild West Bowl championship. McCarty didn’t watch the championship game for months and was upset with his performance, especially passing.

“Tough, definitely a learning experience,” McCarty said.

Cheylin graduated just one player, Miguel Gonzalez, who played in three games. Senior Andrew Schields is back after 55 catches for 645 yards and 13 TDs, along with 17 tackles for loss, all team-highs. Senior Tyler Sabatka paced with 86 tackles.

“What makes us dangerous is you can take (Colton) away, and we can still beat you with the other guys that we have got,” Walden said. “Andrew, he is a big, strong physical kid.”

Cheylin’s second-place showing last fall is the best in program history. The Cougars reached state semifinals in ’69 and ’90, and won a school record 10 games in ’10. Neither basketball team has reached state since ’80 nor has made a state final. Cheylin did take state runner-up in sand greens

golf in ’16 and scholar’s bowl in ’17.

“I want to win a state championship, because I want to be like, ‘I was on that team, and we won that state championship. We brought that to Cheylin,’” McCarty said. “Definitely having that Wild West Bowl trophy would be really nice to have up around the school. Walk by that going to classes thinking ‘We did that.’”

Conor Nicholl is a veteran sports writer from western Kansas who has covered high school, college and professional sports teams across the state for 15 years.

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

COLTON MCCARTY, BIRD CITY-CHEYLIN

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Cedar Vale/Dexter’s Brogan Myers played running back through junior high. As a freshman, he was 5-foot-8, 200 pounds and moved to line. That year, the Spartans had sophomore Braiden Mattocks at running back.

Mattocks cleared 700 rushing yards and easily led CV/D in rushes, yards and rushing touchdowns.

Then, Mattocks elected to transfer just over 25 minutes away to Class 4A Ark City. Mattocks had an injury-plagued junior year, though was Ark City’s workhorse for a quarterfinal team in ’19. Myers stepped in as the starting tailback as a sophomore.

“I was excited to be

at the running back spot finally, and I had something to prove, so I knew I’d better do something,” Myers said.

Myers helped the Spartans improve from 4-5 to 5-4 and led Kansas in rushing for part of the year. Because of a foot injury, Myers played in just seven games, though delivered 109 carries for 1,235 yards and 26 rushing scores. He missed the Oswego and Coldwater-South Central contests, both losses.

Last season, Myers battled hamstring problems. However, he still finished with 73 carries for 1,125 yards and 21 rushing scores. Myers has incorporated a lot of hamstring workouts, including lunges and bent over rows, to gain flexibility. He stretches it hard before weights. Every day before football practice, Myers worked with the trainer on his hamstring.

“Working hard,” Myers said. “Just been trying my hardest to play at the next level. That’s like my main goal. I love going out, playing with my best friends everyday, every Friday night,

practicing everyday with them. Just been a roller coaster of fun.”

Quarterback Clayton Henderson, a multi-year starter, had a strong fall and signed with McPherson College.

Myers and Henderson are longtime great friends.

“I love it when I see Clayton throwing the ball, because he has a great arm,” Myers said. “I think he is underrated.”

The Spartans won Eight-Man, Division I, District 1 with a 7-2 record.

Both losses came against Caldwell. It marked the best record since Cedar Vale/Dexter formed a co-operative football agreement in ’10.

District 1 yielded multiple close games in the last two-year cycle, including three Spartan contests within 12 points or fewer. Last season, CV/D beat rival Sedan, 36-28, in a key district win. District 1 is similar this year with CV/D, Sedan, Oswego, and West Elk. “It’s so much fun,” Myers said. “It’s kind of like a rivalry game every

Page 26 game, because we are always so close. Sedan is always the big one.

When we beat Sedan – we are always butting heads, and it just feels so much better when we beat them.”

For either school, it was the best finish since Cedar Vale went 8-1 in ’02, according to the Kansas Football History database. Cedar Vale and Dexter, located 17 miles away, combine for 112 students, according to KSHSAA. Myers attends Cedar Vale and has family in CV, Ark City and nearby Sedan.

“It’s awesome. It was once a rivalry.

Now, we are all best friends, making friends that you will have forever – brothers more or less – in every sport,” Myers said of the co-op.

An avid fisherman, Myers traveled to Texas last summer to fish. He went to Florida and Texas when he was younger.

His goal is to be a marine biologist and work near the ocean.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame

Lawrence High School is the alltime winningest program in Kansas history. After 2017, Dirk Wedd retired with a 104-77 head coaching record and nearly 30 total seasons with the program. Wedd eventually took a position within the University of Kansas football program, and now serves as the high school relations director.

Steve Rampy took over. Rampy, recognized nationwide as one of the architects of the pistol offense with the run-pass option (RPO) game, coached 25 years at Blue Valley and then served as Pittsburg State’s offensive coordinator from ’10-17.

In ’18, the Lions finished 1-8. Since 1933, it tied the ’73 and ’09 squads for the fewest wins in a single season. Devin Neal “didn’t know much” about Rampy and looked into his offense. Neal had never run RPO before. Neal and Rampy began to talk every day, about football and life.

“He’s just one of those people who truly cares about his players like his own sons,” Neal said.

Neal called learning Rampy’s of-

Page 27

fense “difficult at times.” Neal needed to understand “how defenses work,” but also knew the RPO, which is popular in the collegiate ranks, would help in the future.

“Now, it just comes really easy to me,” Neal said.

Last season, Neal paced the Lions to a remarkable turnaround.

Lawrence finished 8-2 and increased its scoring average from 14 points per game to 37.7. The Lions had their second-best scoring offense since ’06, according to Prep Power Index archives.

Neal rushed for 1,687 yards and 20 scores and hauled in 30 catches for 523 yards and six TDs. Listed at 5-foot-11, 208 pounds, Neal is the state’s top recruit, according to industry leader 247 Sports. Neal has committed to KU for football and baseball.

Barton Simmons, the veteran 247 national scouting director, wrote Neal has “plus burst and long speed” and is an “easy accelerator” in a June 2020 scouting report.

“One of the top running back prospects in the 2021 cycle,” Simmons

wrote. “Early impact Power Five starter that will be a mid to early round NFL Draft pick.”

Neal has been vocal on social media about trying to bring other players to the KU program. Kansas, under second-year coach Les Miles, has improved its recruiting rankings from 2020. Last year, the Jayhawks ranked No. 57 nationally and tenth in the Big 12. This year, KU is up to No. 51 in the country and seventh in the conference, as of July 26. KU’s staff has jokingly called Neal “the recruiting coordinator.”

“That’s what’s really going to turn around KU’s program,” Neal said. “I am just excited to be a part of it, being a hometown guy and growing up in Lawrence all my life, it’s just awesome to be a part of that program.”

Neal is very close with J.D. Woods, a former standout running back at Lawrence, and three-time NAIA AllAmerican at Baker.

The two talk almost every day. Like Neal, Woods delivered a huge junior season with 1,667 rushing yards and 20 scores in ’14. The following year, Lawrence had a five-win improve-

ment, won the Sunflower League for the first time in 22 seasons and finished 10-1. Woods rushed for 1,933 yards.

Last year, Lawrence delivered a comeback to beat Gardner-Edgerton, 35-34, in Week 3.

The win eventually propelled the Lions to its first league crown since ’15. Lawrence trailed by two scores in the fourth quarter but Neal delivered an 82-yard touchdown catch-andrun and an 80-yard TD run for the win.

“I put myself on the map with that game,” Neal said.

Conor Nicholl is a veteran sports writer from western Kansas who has covered high school, college and professional sports teams across the state for 15 years.

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Even as a youngster, Leoti-Wichita County’s Kayde Rietzke was wellaware of the Indians’ high school football struggles. Rietzke remembered going to games and seeing the team lose by large margins. WC has never played for a state football title, and Rietzke wished to change that.

“We always had that mindset that we wanted to achieve something pretty special,” he said.

In ’17, WC ran the triple option.

Rietzke suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason Red and White scrimmage and missed the year. In ’18, Brant Douglas took over the program and switched to the spread offense with immediate results. Douglas went to high school in Cheyenne, Wyo., and played at Nebraska-Kearney. He coached in Texas and in Sidney, Neb., the headquarters for Cabela’s, the outdoors franchise. Brant’s wife, Haylie, worked for Cabela’s.

Bass Pro Shops bought out Cabela’s, and Haylie needed a job and wanted to move closer to fami-

Page 29

ly. She is from Tribune, just over 20 miles from Leoti.

The Indians opened 2-0 in ’18, the best start in at least 14 years.

Rietzke took over as quarterback and accounted for 34 touchdowns. He was injured in a road playoff loss to Victoria as WC finished 6-3.

Last season, the Indians returned more than 95 percent of their rushing yards and receptions. Leoti averaged 56.7 points per contest and went 10-2 with a state semifinal appearance.

Both losses came to St. Francis. It tied the ’90 squad for the best finish in school history. WC watches film at least twice a week in the mornings before school, and Rietze said Douglas has the team “like a very mature college program.”

“If you are not there, you hold people accountable,” Rietzke said. “He just treats it very professional. If you are not at weights, you are on that person, and it’s not laid back kind of casual thing. You are at workouts.”

In the offense, Rietzke has “at least two or three different scenarios” off any one play. Last fall, he completed

139 of 198 passes for 1,862 yards with a 32/3 TD/INT ratio and had 235 carries for 1,670 yards and 25 TDs. Notably, the Indians defeated Victoria, 88-66, in a wild playoff game where Rietzke accounted for nine touchdowns and 486 yards of total offense. Victoria led 60-46 at halftime.

At halftime, sophomore running back Tristen Porter delivered a speech, and Rietzke said the team bought in.

“We never had the mindset that we were going to lose,” Rietzke said.

“We knew we were going to come back.”

In the next round, WC beat CliftonClyde, 54-38, a team that entered undefeated. Rietzke accounted for seven TDs and 383 total yards.

“Rietzke is the best player I think we played all season,” Clifton-Clyde’s Aiden Rudolph said. “I mean, he’s quick and agile and really hard to tackle, and we really didn’t face anybody quite like that.”

Rietzke and WC running back Jesse Gardner (933 rushing) have played together since youth days. They are

captains for the second straight year. All the rushing yards came from non-seniors. Standout lineman A.C. Hermosillo and receiver Sheldon Whalen (1,063 yards) also return.

“This is our last chance,” Rietzke said. “But I think if we all keep working like we do and have a

good mentality going into the year, I definitely think we are a team that could win it all.”

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame In Week 5, Clifton-Clyde traveled to Victoria in a battle of undefeated teams that effectively decided the 8-Man, Division I, District 7 title. Clifton-Clyde had 4th-and-3 from midfield with 1 minute, 25 seconds left in the contest. C-C, up a score, decided to try for the first down. During the week, the Eagles had to put in an end around, a play it had not used for years with 19th year coach Russ Steinbrock.

Single wing quarterback Aiden Rudolph ran the play in sixth grade, and Steinbrock had the play often during his high school days at Clifton-Clyde.

The Eagles ran it twice earlier in the contest, both handoffs to freshman Kameron Knox. He scored on a 10-yard touchdown run and a two-point conversion. C-C’s coaches discussed what play to call during the timeout. Rudolph told them to fake the end around. The coaches looked at him, hesitated, and then decided to try it.

Rudolph came to the line and waited for Victoria to recognize that the speedy Knox was in the game. The Knights started call-

Page 31 ing out, “end around, end around.”

Rudolph took the snap in the Eagles’ power-run single wing attack. He faked to Knox and burst through the line. Victoria had several players tackle Knox. Rudolph needed to beat two defenders. He did and raced 40 yards for the final points in a 28-14 road win. Rudolph said assistant coach Ryan Baxter “never” smiles or shows emotion. After the touchdown, C-C has a picture of Baxter smiling.

“That was a grand time,” Rudolph said.

Rudolph’s touchdown punctuated 27 carries for 165 yards and three touchdowns. He has followed in a long line of outstanding single wing backs with Steinbrock, currently 122-73 at his alma mater.

Rudolph enjoyed all-state honors with 1,550 rushing yards and 26 rushing scores, along with 662 passing yards and 11 touchdowns through the air.

Rudolph has long worn No. 13 and even wears a chain with the number. In fifth/ sixth grade football, Rudolph wanted 22 or 25, which were his mom’s and dad’s numbers, respectively. The team just had 13. He asked his middle school coach and

Steinbrock to get 13.

Rudolph has started at quarterback since his freshman year and helped the Eagles post 7-2, 9-1 and 9-1 records. As a freshman, he accounted for 11 offensive scores. He cleared 600 rushing yards as a sophomore.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Rudolph has gleaned from each of the playoff losses, information that he hopes yields a deep playoff run in ‘20. C-C reached the state title in ’08 and semis in ’09 and ’13 for top recent showings. As a freshman, C-C fell to Osborne, 64-14, when Rudolph battled an ankle injury. Osborne outrushed the Eagles, 356-61. Rudolph learned to manage pain.

The next year, Hoxie earned a slight upset, 22-20, when the Eagles struggled with two-point conversions. By player’s choice, C-C elected to run after every missed conversion last season.

In ’19, the Eagles opened 9-0 with six shutouts and allowed just 56 total points.

In the Round of 16, C-C led Wichita County, 16-8, after the first quarter.

WC won 54-38. Rudolph said the team learned about staying mentally strong in

a back-and-forth game.

This year, the Eagles return Rudolph, all-state senior defensive end Jarik Weiche, along with senior linemen Dillon Provost, Mason Ferron and Douglas Koch.

“Our offensive line should be our golden spot right there – offensive and defensive line,” Rudolph said.

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By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Jefferson West was 3-15 combined in 2016-17.

In ’17, brothers Kauli and Pene Saili each earned first team all-Big Seven.

Pene, the only freshman named as either first team or honorable mention, picked up honors on the offensive line.

Kauli was first team defensive line.

In ’18, the Tigers started 3-0. At that point, Pene had recorded 32 tackles, one off the team-high, and a Tiger-best eight tackles for loss. Kauli delivered 31 stops. A third brother, Danny, then a freshman, had nine tackles. All three Saili brothers started on the defensive line.

In coach Steve Johnson’s eyes, Kauli faced double teams and flowed well up and down the line of scrimmage. Pene has shown great quickness and ability to get behind the line.

“I find it hard to believe there’s a whole lot of defensive linemen at our level that are as good as those two,” Johnson said.

Nearly two years later, Kauli and Pene established themselves as not only among the best in 3A – but among the state’s top for all classes. Pene can

claim a spot among Kansas’ elite at multiple positions. Jeff West finished 2018 with a 5-4 record and permitted 17.6 points per contest. Pene recorded a team-high 92 tackles.

Last year, Jeff West’s defense, known as the Black Hats, switched from a 4-4 to a 4-2-5. JW opened with four shutouts and eventually posted an 8-2 mark, the school’s top record since at least ’04. The Tigers shared the Big 7 crown with Sabetha, its first Big 7 conference title.

The Sailis moved from Las Vegas four years ago. Of Samoan descent, the Sailis are known for their politeness, hard work and physical play.

Their parents played volleyball. The family has nine children.

Las Vegas does not have junior high football, so football players play on travel club teams. The Sailis came to Meriden higher skilled than most.

“I wouldn’t be the person I was if it weren’t for my siblings,” Pene said.

Jeff West allowed 7.3 points per game, the top scoring defense in 3A. The 5-foot-11, 275-pound Kauli became JW’s third-ever Shrine Bowl player, first since 2000. He earned

Shrine Bowl captain. Kauli will play at Highland Community College.

“There’s some kids that kind of just have a knack to be explosive when they hit it and drive,” Johnson said after the 4-0 start. “It’s a whole different impact on kids. Kauli the oldest, has tremendous feet, he has a great motor.

He doesn’t stop.

“That’s a hard thing to teach kids, just to have that kind of drive,” he added.

“Hopefully we will get more kids kind of that direction. Pene does it some, and of course Danny has some tremendous ability.”

Pene was originally slated to move off the offensive line and play in the backfield in ’19. In the first game, Saili caught a 41-yard touchdown pass with 14 seconds left to beat rival Holton, 7-0. Pene later moved back to the line after injuries.

He collected first team all-league offensive line and at inside linebacker.

Kauli was also first team all-league on both lines, and Danny collected honorable mention all-league.

Another cousin, Spencer, was also on last year’s team as a starting sophomore defensive lineman. Pene

finished the season with 118 tackles, 20 for loss, along with six sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, a pair of blocked punts and a picksix.

“I can block, b e cause I am not afraid to hit, and I want to hit, a n d I can also run the ball and catch,” Pene said.

Conor Nicholl is a veteran sports writer from western Kansas who has covered high school, college and professional sports teams across the state for 15 years.

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

PENE SAILI, JEFFERSON WEST

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame The Kaws needed to replace dual-threat quarterback Dalton Kellum, along with its top-six receivers after 2018. As a senior, Kellum was responsible for 25 touchdowns, along with 1,416 rushing and 551 passing yards.

William Welch, then a sophomore, played well as the primary passer with 713 yards and an 8/5 TD/ INT ratio. Just two offensive and four defensive starters returned.

Perry-Lecompton split its first six games of 2019. The Kaws easily defeated Royal Valley and Wellsville, teams that combined for five total victories.

P-L struggled versus the more challenging teams on its schedule. The Kaws lost, 14Photo by 7, to Holton in Week 2, Bree McReynolds-Baetz

and 41-21 against Sabetha in Week 3.

In Week 5, the Kaws required a second half comeback to beat Santa Fe Trail, 33-21. The following week, P-L had just a first-quarter field goal and finished with 123 yards of total offense in an 8-3 loss to rival Jefferson West. JW, led by brothers Kauli and Pene Saili, eventually finished as Class 3A’s top scoring defense.

“The beginning of the year was really rough for us, and I think it just took time for us to gather as a group to come together,” Welch said of ‘19.

P-L faced Topeka Hayden in Week 7 in another key District 3 matchup.

The Kaws were 3-15 all-time versus the Wildcats, according to Hayden archives. P-L had not defeated Hayden since a 23-13 win in 1993.

“A team we weren’t supposed to beat,” Welch said.

The Kaws didn’t score in the first half and ran its streak to five straight quarters without points. However, P-L

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took a 7-0 lead after three quarters and won 21-20 in overtime. Hayden scored in OT and elected to try for the game-winning two-point conversion, but the Kaws stopped T.L. Thompson short of the goal line.

“That was definitely the turning point for us,” Welch said.

The win started a six-game winning streak for the Kaws. P-L defeated Bishop Ward to finish the regular season, and then upended Wamego, 38-21. The Kaws avenged its loss to Holton with a 35-21 win against the Wildcats.

After a 30-6 victory versus previously undefeated Prairie View, P-L again defeated Topeka Hayden, 35-27. The semifinal victory marked the 100th career victory for 19th-year coach Mike Paramore.

The Kaws finished 9-4 and lost to Andale in the 3A title game. P-L tied the ’08 runner-up team as the lone squads to move past the quarterfinals in school annals.

Page 32 “Our offense is pretty complex I’d say, so route running and stuff like that, just improving every week, and just getting more confident and learning how to fight through,” Welch said.

This season, P-L returns multiple elite players, including Welch, running back Thad Metcalfe and three Kaws who tallied at least 100 tackles last fall. Hayden Robb has a possibility for 500 career tackles.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Welch is among Kansas’ top-10 returning passers with 169 of 265 for 2,316 yards and a 27/6 TD/INT ratio last year. Metcalfe subbed at quarterback when Welch was hurt in the first Hayden game and finished the season with 1,364 rushing yards.

“We are definitely going to be pretty deadly in our pass game,” Welch said. “Last year, I think it was just a little glimpse. Sky is the limit for us right now. Just got to keep lifting and stuff, we’ll get there.”

DISCOVER THE WILD SIDE AT ROLLING HILLS ZOO

Return of the Dinosaurs: This special exhibit introduces guests to the infamous roar of the fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex, and the deep vocal calls of a hollow-crested, duck-billed Parasaurolophus. Nearby the leisurely Stegosaurus will be in search of vegetation while the Ankylosaurus family will be found munching on low-growing plants as the Triceratops and two of its young forage in the forests of North America. Located just north of Kid’s Country, this special exhibit is open through October 12, 2020.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Osage City senior defensive lineman Dane Whalen has delivered outstanding numbers and continually wreaked havoc in his first three seasons. As a freshman, he recorded 54 tackles, 8.5 for loss. Whalen jumped to 75 stops along with 29 TFLs his sophomore year. Last fall, Whalen posted 108 tackles and led Kansas with 30.5 TFLs, according to MaxPreps statewide lists. Whalen has also delivered 15.5 sacks and forced 10 fumbles in his career.

Whalen’s incredible production comes from his father, two older brothers, a wrestling background, and significant work on his strength and speed.

“A lot of speed work, and then just playing the game for so long,” Whalen said.

Whalen’s dad played and coached a year apiece at Fort Scott Community College. His older brothers are 14 and seven years older. Their parents grew up in Osage City, and their grandparents live in OC, too. Whalen learned from his father, especially with staying low and firing off the ball for his first step against an offensive lineman.

“Those first six inches,” Whalen said.

Whalen long set a goal to become the first Osage City state wrestling champion. In ’19, Whalen finished 32-6 and took fifth in Class 3-2-1A at 220 pounds in his second trip to state.

He was the first OC state medalist in more than 30 years, according to Kansas High School Wrestling database.

Last year, Whalen finished 35-4 and captured the 220 title. Unlike most 3-2-1A wrestling classes, 220 had no clear favorite with WaKeeneyTrego’s Dillon Dunn, Rossville’s Kody Davoren, Whalen and Norton’s Judson Wiltfong, a Fort Hays football signee. Whalen faced Davoren at the regional finals and was winning the whole match before a poor third period flipped the result.

At state, Davoren defeated topranked Dunn, 5-2, in the semifinals.

Whalen is six inches shorter than the 6-foot-5 Wiltfong, though collected a 5-1 win. Whalen earned a 6-5 victory against Davoren.

“I knew I could beat him,” Whalen said.

Whalen has always loved the weight

room since seventh grade. Listed at 5-foot-11, 250 pounds, he can bench 340, squat 500 and clean 295.

Whalen has school records for squat and bench. In July, Whalen benched 225 pounds 17 times at the Sharp Showcase in Salina. More than 450 athletes competed at the combine; top-5 in bench was 21 reps.

“In the summer, I just work a lot on speed and coming off the ball, and then just strength as well, too, so that also helps me,” he said.

Whalen’s impact has helped Osage City enjoy a sizable turnaround. From ’12-16, Osage City went a collective 21-26. OC averaged 21 points a game and permitted 30 in the fiveyear stretch. Since Whalen entered high school, the Indians are 22-8.

He has started on the lines since his freshman year. He has played tackle, guard and center on the offensive line and anywhere on the defensive front with a couple of reps at linebacker.

OC has scored 31 points a contest and allowed just 15.5. The last three year’s scoring defenses of 15, 14.3 and 17.3 points allowed per contest are the only times the school has allowed under 20 points a game since

Page 33

’07. Two years ago, the Indians shared the Flint Hills League title with Mission Valley, the first conference crown since before ’04.

This year, Whalen is one of 10 returning Osage City players with starting experience and 18 total returning lettermen. Eight of those players earned some type of postseason honors last fall.

“Those guys, combined with our other returners and team members, have us excited for the 2020 season,” OC coach Andrew Gantenbein said in his preseason questionnaire.

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame When he was six to seven years old, Tyron Young’s aunt noticed him running around the house.

“I was just like disruptive,” he said.

She nicknamed him Tank, a moniker that has stuck ever since.

“Everybody calls me Tank now,” he said.

Now, Tank Young is one of the state’s best and most wellknown football players.

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

TANK YOUNG, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

The St. Thomas Aquinas’ senior running back ranks as the No. 5 best recruit in the Class of 2021, according to 247 Sports. The 5-foot6, 185-pound Young has Iowa State and Missouri State offers and interest from K-State, KU, Iowa and others.

He carries a 34-inch vertical jump.

From inner-city Missouri, Young is the middle of eight siblings. He is the lone one who went to Aquinas and is currently in high school. Young “knew he was good enough” to play football and basketball at a quality high school.

In junior high, Young performed well at Football University (FBU) and went to a Florida showcase. He moved to Kansas City, Kan., and went to Aquinas. As a freshman, he rushed for 181 yards in a 47-14 victory versus Blue Valley West. Cameron Jackson led the Saints with 1,272 rushing yards and 16 scores as a junior.

In ’18, Jackson and Young both returned. Young improved his size and speed and believed he could be the starter.

“Cam just showed me the ropes, and he showed me how it was,” Young said. “And just him being there

like setting the standards made me just go out there and just do more.”

In the ’18 season opener, Aquinas faced longtime power Blue Valley, and Young rushed 26 times for 256 yards and two scores. He cleared 100 yards in every contest and finished with 214 carries for 2,075 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Notably in Week 7, Aquinas defeated rival Bishop Miege, 41-21, with 44 rushes for 312 yards and three TDs from Young. Miege, currently winners of six consecutive championships, had won five straight versus the Saints. Young didn’t want to lose to Miege. Young became the school’s single season leading rusher after the victory.

Aquinas had finished second four times in school history, including ’14 and ’17, with coach Randy Dreiling.

However, the Saints, led by 332 rushing yards from Young, defeated Wichita Northwest, 49-28, to finish 12-0 and win the first title in school annals.

“Basically, it was kill or be killed,” Young said. “We knew that we had never won state … everybody knew that this was the chance to make that possible.”

Page 34 Dreiling, with his run-heavy, flexbone offense, had won seven titles at Hutchinson.

“He pushes everybody to be their best,” Young said.

In ‘19, Young delivered 217 carries for 1,867 yards and 32 scores as the Saints advanced to the state semifinals. On Oct. 18, the Saints again defeated Miege, 45-32, behind a huge performance from Young: 52 carries for 303 yards and three rushing scores.

Young, who has garnered some comparisons to former Olathe North, Kansas State and NFL great Darren Sproles, has noticed he’s been passed over for recent Division I offers, especially from Kansas State.

Sproles ran for 5,230 high school yards and finished his pro career at 5-6, 190.

Young is the only Kansas top-10 prospect that is under 5-10. He is rated as the No. 62 RB nationally – and the shortest among the top-94 running backs. Last year, none of the top-100 national RBs were under 5-7.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Lew Whitson coached at multiple schools, including WheatlandGrinnell, Onaga and Valley Heights.

Whitson developed his triple option offense while at Onaga and served alongside VH coach Tony Trimble since 2010. On May 31, 2019, Whitson passed away in a car accident. Last fall, Valley Heights and Troy honored him before a game.

Valley Heights, which has never advanced past the Round of 16 in school history, wanted to win a state title for Whitson.

Whitson’s daughter, Haylee, graduated from Valley Heights in 2020. In her senior memories for the Valley Heights website, Haylee wrote about her father.

“I will never forget cheering for him and his boys under the Friday night lights, or staying up late to analyze film with him over the weekends,” she wrote.

Whitson’s offense has become a staple with the Mustangs. In the last four years, VH is 7-3, 7-2, 6-4 and 7-3. In those falls, VH has averaged 38, 39, 40 and 39 points per contest.

The Mustangs have consistently ranked in the top-5 in scoring offense in that span.

Page 35

“When you have a triple option and defenses try to figure out who has got the ball, they slow down quite a bit,” Trimble said in ’17. “They’ve got to play disciplined football, and then when you get them to start guessing, they create big gaps.”

In ’17, Cameron Beardsley stepped in as starting quarterback after Bryan Yungeberg suffered injury. As well, Cole Coggins exceeded 1,250 rushing yards each of the last three years.

Last fall, Jake Yungeberg, formerly a lineman, moved to the backfield for the first time. He started at fullback and served as the lead blocker for Coggins.

“He said that he likes to start off his fullbacks on the line, so they can kind of learn how to toughen up,” Yungeberg said of Trimble.

Yungeberg learned a lot – “stuff that I never would have known,” – from Coggins. Beardsley assisted Yungeberg with play recall.

“It was really fun, it was cool,” Yungeberg said. “It was definitely something that I had never been used to. There was definitely a time it was a learning curve, but after that it was fun.”

In a Week 9 bracket play game versus Jefferson County North,

Yungeberg delivered five touchdowns and 195 rushing yards in a 60-34 victory. In the Round of 16, Valley Heights lost, 6-0, in overtime, to Jackson Heights. Valley Heights is 22-9 the last three years, but 0-8 against Jackson Heights and Centralia.

This season, VH has an experienced senior class, led by Beardsley and Yungeberg. Beardsley accounted for 16 offensive touchdowns and 1,217 total yards, along with seven interceptions on defense. The 6-foot2, 220-pound Yungeberg, rushed for 860 yards with 10 TDs and tallied 59 tackles from his linebacker spot. He also recorded a sack, five tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries.

This summer he picked up an offer from Highland Community College.

He likely is a linebacker at the next level, but could also play defensive end.

“It’s unpredictable,” Beardsley said of the Valley Heights offense. “You can know what we are running, but with the reads and stuff with the ball, you can’t predict where the ball is going. You have to play super good defense every time.

“If you don’t, we are going to break one,” he added. “And it’s just like a

grind. We are going to get two yards every play, and then we will eventually break one for a touchdown.

I love playing under that offense. Getting to throw a little bit in there, sprinkle that in, it’s great.”

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Wheatland-Grinnell coach Jesse Vincent always has the same initial question from college coaches. They inquire whether Vincent, a former Sterling College quarterback, has anyone who can play at the next level.

Vincent names off several players, their size, weight and positions.

Vincent lists 6-foot-3, 240-pound senior middle linebacker Trevor Zarybnicky.

Vincent said col-

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

TREVOR ZARYBNICKY, WHEATLAND-GRINNELL

lege coaches “always go back” to Zarybnicky and his measurables.

“I have coached very few that I felt like had Division I talent,” Vincent said.

For the second straight season, Zarybnicky served as team captain and led the team in tackles. He paced the squad with 95 tackles, 6.5 for loss and six forced fumbles. Zarybnicky delivered 5.5 sacks and blocked two punts. He helped freshman Jett Vincent lead Kansas with 13 interceptions.

W-G won 8-Man, Division II, District 5 and finished 8-2, the best season since the schools consolidated. The Thunderhawks were a combined 49-84 from ’04-18. That included ’13 when W-G couldn’t finish the season because of lack of players.

As well, the Thunderhawks dropped down to 6-Man football in ’16 and ’17 before a bump back to 8-Man. W-G is the only team in recent history to change back from 6-Man to 8-Man. Vincent, previously the junior high coach, took over the team in ’18.

“A large part of it was the guys making that jump back out of 6-Man,” coach Vincent said. “They were there for two years, and we lost a

lot of basic football knowledge, technique-type of stuff.”

Vincent prides himself in recruiting the hallways. From ’13-17, W-G averaged 12.6 players per year. In the last two seasons, W-G has averaged 18.5 players, according to MaxPreps data.

The Thunderhawks have had nine seniors combined since Vincent took over; just two seniors in the two seasons before he came to high school.

“That was the biggest swing of why we went back to 8-Man was we got more guys out,” coach Vincent said.

Last season, W-G had a seven-win improvement. The Thunderhawks were 1-8 and allowed 421 points in ’18 and just 168 last year. W-G went from minus-5 in turnover margin to plus-19.

“Defensively, he’s real good at flowing with the … play, and going to the ball,” Logan-Palco coach Mike Jenner said of Zarybnicky. “He doesn’t always make the tackles, but he will be in the area to force the plays a lot of times.”

Zarybnicky called himself “a really chunky kid” in middle school but eventually grew into his body. Then, he took the weight room “seriously” starting his freshman year. He started

Page 36 to lift in the mornings before school, and then during the school day. He is up to 315 in the bench, 405 in the squat and 260 with clean.

Zarybnicky has had interest from his longtime favorite school Nebraska, along with Kansas State, South Dakota and St. Thomas, a Minnesota school transitioning to Division I. Zarybnicky ran 4.75 in the 40-yard dash and benched 225 pounds eight times at the Sharp Combine in Salina in mid-July. This season, W-G returns all of its receptions, 96 percent of its rushing yards, its top-six tacklers and quarterback Trey Vincent (806 passing, 14/3 TD/INT ratio).

“The continuous growth of sticking with the weight room, I think this year I have seen the most results out of it,” Zarybnicky said. “I’d would say I have probably put on close to 15 pounds of muscle, probably in the last year.”

With eight returning starters from a year ago the Thunderhawks are poised for another great season, but the home season opener with last year’s 8-Man II state runner-up Axtell, and a Week 7 district game with last year’s 8-Man I runner-up St. Francis, will let W-G know where they stand in the classficiation pecking order.

Elliott thriving in the Big 10

Stars finally align for Demarcus Elliott in journey to play major college football

previously coached there.”

Elliott also was grateful to the help of his high school coach, Brian Hill, who had sent out a myriad of game film of his standout lineman, but to no avail with those high-powered Power 5 recruiters.

“He did as much as he could for me and I thank him for that,” Elliott said of Hill.

By Brett Marshall, For Kansas Pregame Elliott said Sims told him he should take For most of his young life, the dream had al- the D-I offer he finally received from K-State, ways been the same. Year after year. Season although it came very late in the recruiting proafter season. Playing NCAA Division I football cess. on Saturday’s was always the ultimate goal.

“Once I talked to him I couldn’t quite unWhen Demarcus Elliott stepped on the turf at derstand a coach who was recruiting against Indiana University’s Memorial Stadium on Aug. himself,” Elliott said of Sims. “I knew he had 31, 2019, as the Hoosiers took on Ball State gotten a lot of players to the D-I and profesin the season opener, the dream had finally sional level, so there was a lot of trust in what come true. he was saying.”

It would be easy to dismiss the fact that in So rather than wait for any other D-I schools the 2019 NCAA college football season that to come calling, Elliott committed to the Busters Demarcus Elliott would be making a significant for his freshman season, and it was one that impact on an up-and-coming program in the paid off handsomely in the final analysis.

Big 10 Conference at Indiana.

“From the first day of summer practice with His arrival in Bloomington was far from as- coach Sims, I could see the dramatic difference sured early in the recruiting process, since from how hard you have to work at the college he already had played his freshman season level,” Elliott recalled of those early workouts. of college football at Garden City Community He became a starter at nose guard in the College. Elliott received little FBS recruiting in- Busters’ 3-4 defensive scheme and he helped terest at Garden City High School, though he anchor one of the top defenses in the NJCAA, had made every all-state team and was named as his team made its way to the NJCAA chamoneTofEKansas’ TopI11 CHN Cplayers A L byE The D UTopeka C ATpionship I O Ngame against East Mississippi, only to Capital-Journal and voted the Sports in Kansas come up short in a 10-9 loss. The title game 6A Defensive Player of the Year. was played on national TV and gave Elliott Recruiters from the FBS level weren’t calling. added exposure.

They weren’t sending text messages. Hardly a “You learn all the little things that become big program expressed any interest early on de- things to make you a better player,” Elliott said spite the fact Elliott (6-3, 300) had been a terror of that 2018 freshman season with the Busters. on the defensive side his final two seasons “You’re practicing and then playing against D-I when his Buffaloes team went 9-1 and 8-3, recruits, so you know the level of skill that these reaching the second and quarterfinal rounds guys bring.” of the playoffs.

In the months following that title game, still the “I was really lost at first,” said Elliott in a recent recruiters were few and far between at the D-I telephone interview on the day he found out the level. Then, in January of 2019, Indiana made 2020 Big 10 season had been postponed due its initial contact and changed everything for to the COVID-19 outbreak. “There were times Elliott. when I asked ‘Would I ever get a chance to play “KU showed a lot of interest in the early part D-I football?’ Honestly, a few times I questioned of 2019 and K-State did, too,” Elliott said of the what was going on. It was just so confusing.” two D-I schools in Kansas. “But I think their lack Elliott said he credited two individuals for of early interest left a bad taste in my mouth keeping his dream alive through all the turmoil and I wanted to go somewhere else and prove of recruiting, or lack thereof. First, his father, them wrong.”

James, who was a standout running back at Once Indiana had Elliott on its radar, the reGarden City Community College in the ear- cruiting activity picked up – calls came in from ly 1990s, and the then GCCC head football Texas Tech, Iowa State, West Virginia, to name coach, Jeff Sims, who convinced him that a a few. year playing for the Broncbusters may well “Coach (Mark) Hagan (then IU defensive line open up doors previously closed. coach) was the main recruiter I talked to and “My dad helped a lot, and it was him that men- everything just felt really comfortable with him,” tioned the junior college,” Demarcus said. “He Elliott said. “IU never let up. They texted or told me he knew that I could play at the highest called me every day and I could really feel they level and it would have been 10 times more un- cared for me as a person.” bearable without him. Coach Sims was great In mid-spring, Elliott was invited for an official in talking about the process and he eventually on-campus visit to Bloomington, and it turned had some contacts with Indiana since he had out that it was a match made in football heaven.

Former Garden City High School/Community College standout Demarcus Elliot (94) pressures the Michigan State quarterback in a game last year.

(Photo courtesy of Indiana University Athletics) “I liked it right away,” Elliott said of the campus of IU. “There were some great places to eat and the atmosphere with their sports teams was amazing. The coaches welcomed me with open arms and I felt a real connection.”

Elliott signed his national letter-of-intent with the Hoosiers in May, and by late June of 2019, he was on his way to Bloomington for summer workouts.

“Things were kinda crazy when I got there,” Elliott said of his arrival. “I got with their strength coach and we knew I was behind some of the other guys, but they didn’t kill me right away trying to catch up. I learned the ropes and I really thought things might be much worse.”

Working out daily with the other linemen, Elliott saw first-hand what the competition would be like if he were to earn playing time

and a possible starting berth with the Hoosiers defensive unit. His main battle came against Juan Harris, a transfer from Independence Community College, one of the opponents in the Jayhawk Conference.

“I knew him and he’s a cool guy, but I also believed I had a chance to be a starter,” Elliott said. “We fought for the position. He started the first game and then I got to start the next week. We were doing a walk-through practice in Week 2 and coach came up to me and said ‘Congrats!’ He told me I was starting and I was in shock. That built my confidence up and after some pre-game jitters I just told myself that I can do this and I felt like I belonged.”

Some of the biggest changes for Elliott came in the scope of the facilities at IU.

Garden City Community College Athletics

Adam Shrimplin Photography

continued on page 64

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Lincoln senior Landon O’Hare, a 6-foot-4, 175-pound tight end/defensive end, has enjoyed 100 percent weight room attendance the last three summers. He has significantly upped his maxes entering this fall.

O’Hare is at 335 squat, 185 bench and 235 clean. O’Hare, who worked for a local farmer in the summer, has posted a 31-inch vertical. Football-wise, O’Hare is a three-year starter. He has caught 45 passes for 529 yards and three scores in the last two falls. O’Hare has seven pancake blocks, along with 115 tackles, including 22 for loss and four sacks.

O’Hare is the team’s top basketball player and a three-year starter on the hardwood. In track, O’Hare ran on the 400 meter relay team that finished in fifth place at state in ’19 and broke the school record. This fall, O’Hare, a National Honor Society member, looks to help bump up Lincoln’s win total. The Leopards have six victories in the last four years and back-to-back 2-7 seasons. The Leopards return at least 94 percent of its rushing and passing yards, and 67 percent of its receiving. O’Hare led Lincoln with 11 TFLs last fall – 94 percent of the team’s TFLs are back.

O’Hare and fellow seniors Dillon Baxter, Dalton Cooper, Tyler Good and Kenton Myers are shooting for a winning record this fall under third year coach Dustin Patee.

Southern Cloud’s MaxPreps roster lists 13 players, including zero seniors. The co-operative agreement between Miltonvale and Glasco features 5-foot-11, 185-pound junior Gabe Rice for new coach Julian Aramendi, formerly a SC assistant.

In his career, Rice has 60 tackles, 28 assists, three tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and a pair of sacks. Aramendi said Rice has “made large strides” on the field and has a 3.5 GPA. SC was unable to finish the season last year but Rice is a consistent presence for a team searching for improvement.

“An excellent example from which his teammates can draw inspiration,” Aramendi said. “I am excited to see what Gabe does as he enters his junior year.”

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Ellsworth enjoyed a three-win improvement from 2-7 to 5-4 last fall.

Linebacker Avery Haxton, a senior this year, easily paced the Bearcats with 78 tackles and tied for first with a pair of fumble recoveries. Haxton helped Ellsworth force 23 turnovers as the Bearcats delivered seven defensive/special teams touchdowns.

Ellsworth allowed 24.1 points per game. Two years ago, Haxton played in five games and had 11 tackles for a squad that created just a pair of turnovers. The Bearcats permitted 28 points a game.

Avery’s father is Kevin Haxton, who is from Claflin, and played basketball and tennis at Sterling College. Kevin has coached basketball for more than 14 seasons and is the twin of current Hoisington football assistant and boys’ basketball coach Kyle Haxton.

Avery, who is 6-4, has one sibling, a younger sister, Elyse. For 2020, Haxton noticed Ellsworth would be thin at the offensive line and offered to move from tight end. Avery is an honor student and will be a senior leader for the Bearcats this fall.

“Avery Haxton is one of the most selfless players I have coached either at the college level or now high school,” coach Josh Homolka said.

“He is willing to do what is best for the team even if it means that he may have to sacrifice accolades.”

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Minneapolis coach Tom Flax noted senior tight end/defensive end Spencer Davidson “wants to perform at a high level in everything he does.” The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder delivered 18 receptions for 202 yards, along with 12 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack last fall.

In baseball, the pitcher/first baseman went 6-1 on the mound with a .478 average and two homers. In the classroom, Davidson carries a 31 ACT and 4.0 GPA. Davidson is a National Honor Society member and has been a three-year math relay medalist.

Additionally, Davidson has been in show choir for four years and reached the all-academic team in the Adolph Rupp basketball tournament.

Minneapolis went 4-5 and permitted 19.3 points per game last season, No. 19 in 48-team Class 2A. The Lions will look for its first winning season this fall since ’14 against a tough schedule.

“In the classroom, he pushes himself like he does on the playing field,” Flax said. “He is a great example of a student athlete is supposed to be. One of Spencer’s best attributes is he is very humble. He takes nothing for granted and works to be the best in all he does. His drive is evident in both the classroom and athletic field.”

Despite an injury that cost him four games, Wilson’s Cooper Weinhold delivered 72 carries for 491 yards and seven touchdowns last fall. He caught six passes for 177 yards and three scores. Weinhold collected 49 tackles, three tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. Weinhold also recorded 10 kick returns for 109 yards.

Weinhold is an honor roll student for longtime coach Tony Brokes, and will team up with fellow seniors Donavan Lyne, Garrett Theilen, Dylan Crawford and Camryn Eberhart to try and post Wilson’s first winning season since a 5-4 mark in ’16.

“Cooper has established himself as a very versatile player in the past two seasons,” Brokes said. “I look for him to play various positions on defense and be a dual threat on the offensive side. Most importantly, his leadership presence will contribute to the development of young players for this season and the future as well. His mindset to improve on a daily basis separates him from the norm on the field and in the classroom.”

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IMPACTplayers Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

Page 39

By John Baetz, Publisher Boom - Pow - Smash!

Football is a physical sport and is often decided by the team that is most comfortable with contact.

Most coaches believe most contests in the sport of football will result in the team that plays the hardest, hits the hardest and worked the hardest in the offseason, coming out on top on the scoreboard.

Certainly the mental aspect of the game is also important with turnovers and penalties frequently a factor in the final outcome as well.

Becky Rathbun

But more often than not it’s the team with the largest number of mentally tough and gritty players that finds themselvs in the win column.

Coaches call these individuals IMPACT players, and in most cases they are the go-to for their team in critical situations.

Kansas Pregame gathered just a few of the state’s IMPACT players at the SP Performance Center in north Salina earlier this summer for a photo session and interviews.

Masks were utilized to help

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prevent the spread of coronavirus and the players enjoyed the opportunity to check out the newest location in Sharp Performance’s ever expanding stable of state-of-the-art facilities.

Check out these IMPACT player profiles by Conor Nicholl, and photos by Bree McReynoldsBaetz, on the pages that follw, and for more about Sharp Performance, find them online at www.sharp-performance.com.

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ETHAN ABELL OAKLEY

NIC ALLEN

RILEY COUNTY

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Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz All IMPACT player features by Conor Nicholl

Oakley coach Jeff Hennick wrote three goals on the white board when he first took over the Plainsmen program. One of them – win at October game – is now gone. Last season, the Plainsmen fell, 22-14, in the district opener against Ellis on Oct. 11. At that point, the Plainsmen were 0-6 in the Hennick era in games decided by 13 points or fewer. Five of the losses had come by a combined 20 points.

“Really close on a couple,” senior Ethan Abell said.

The next week, Oakley defeated La Crosse, 47-34, in a district upset. La Crosse entered 5-1. He finished with 17 carries for 115 yards and three scores.

“We knew we could do it, and everybody just locked in, and finally everything clicked,” Abell said.

“A big credit to the O-line. They did everything good, and I just ran the ball.”

Overall, Abell, who has ran 4.43 in the 40, finished with 104 carries for 824 yards and 10 scores last season, all easily team-highs for the 3-6 Plainsmen. He caught 22 passes for 282 yards and five TDs, all numbers that finished second. This year, Oakley returns senior QB Eric Cain, 85 percent of its rushing yards and 60 percent of its receptions. Three of the top-four tacklers, led by 85 stops from junior Christian Koch, return. Oakley is projected to make a marked improvement in Class 1A. “We are going to have basically the same team,” Cain said.

This year, Oakley looks to accomplish another key goal and win a Mid-Continent League contest.

The Plainsmen open at conference foe TMP, the team’s first meeting since ’17.

Minneapolis senior Keyon Baccus has seen time all over the O-line for the Lions. As a freshman, Baccus mostly played right guard. Sophomore season, Baccus was mainly at right guard and center with some snaps at left guard. Last year, Baccus anchored at right guard and center. This fall, Baccus is expected to be just at center. Also a defensive end, Baccus could play “all over” the front line.

Last season, Baccus stood 5-foot-11, 210 pounds and often faced much bigger linemen. Baccus called his blocking style “unique” and honed through Blaize Foltz, a well-known former Rose Hill and TCU lineman. Foltz has developed many top Kansas linemen, including Rose Hill senior Noah Bolticoff, a TCU commit. Baccus said he worked with Foltz for more than a year during eighth grade.

“It’s very different,” Baccus said. “I am a very technical guy.”

Baccus has earned attention from Kansas Wesleyan and Butler County Community College after he picked up second team all-conference honors at offensive and defensive line last fall.

“Probably my speed and my agility to outmaneuver against other bigger offensive linemen,” Baccus said of his strengths.

Minneapolis went 4-5 in the first season under Tom Flax, formerly at Herington. The Lions’ defense made a big improvement from 28.6 points allowed in ’18 to 19.3 last fall – No. 16 in the 48-team class. Baccus finished second with 61 tackles and tied for first with nine TFLs. The offense rushed for 172 yards a contest. Minneapolis improved its scoring defense for the fifth straight year.

Riley County met rival Silver Lake in the 2018 Class 2A quarterfinals. SL had defeated Riley County, 31-12, in Week 3. RC had not beaten the Eagles since 1996. Before the quarters, then-sophomore Nic Allen had 15 carries for 79 yards and no touchdowns, along with three catches for 86 yards and a score.

Against SL, Allen delivered a 10-yard rush, along with two catches for 80 yards, both scores. Riley County trailed, 34-21, with two minutes left. The Falcons threw a touchdown pass. RC recovered an onside kick, and the Falcons tied the game on a 65-yard receiving score from Allen.

“Everybody was kind of a little down and everything, so I knew I had to do something to get them going,” Allen said.

Riley County won, 40-34, in overtime and eventually finished as Class 2A runner-up. The Falcons reached the final for the first time in 25 years. Last fall, Allen delivered seven rushes for 98 yards and a score, caught two passes for 36 yards and collected eight tackles in a 41-34 season-opening win versus Rock Creek.

The next week, Allen suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury when he dislocated foot bones and tore ligaments. RC went 9-3.

“It was pretty discouraging, but doing good now and everything, so I am excited for this year,” Allen said.

Allen has ran 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash, cleaned 255 and squatted 385. This fall, Allen expects to continue in a multi-purpose role, including running back, slot and Wildcat quarterback.

Sylvan-Lucas Unified senior lineman Tra Barrientes grew up with two older brothers: Paul and Tyler. In 2013, Paul collected the Class 1A discus title. At the time, it marked the first state track champion for Sylvan/Lucas-Luray since ’99. Then, Tyler earned an invite to the 8-Man All-Star game.

“I have two older brothers that always picked on me a lot,” Tra said. “We always played tackle football with each other when I was younger, so I have always loved hitting.”

The 5-foot-8, 240-pound Tra has carved out his own impressive career. As a sophomore, Barrientes qualified for 3-2-1A state wrestling and finished 29-15 at 220 pounds. He went 1-2 at state, including a loss by fall in 45 seconds to Beloit’s Creighton Johnson.

“Really rough,” Barrientes said of the loss to Johnson.

Last winter, Tra improved and gained key wins versus Johnson. Tra said he “caught on” to Johnson’s wrestling style, a trait he also used against Republic Co.’s Eyann Zimmerman, the 2019 state runner-up. He defeated Zimmerman at regionals and Johnson at the Phillipsburg tourney and state.

He finished 39-1 and won the state title at 285 pounds with an 11-4 finals win versus Zimmerman.

Tra joined 285-pounder Fritz Berger (’14) as the lone state wrestling champions for SLUHS, which co-ops with Lincoln.

“I have always had good stamina, just for a bigger guy, just moved very well for my size,” he said.

In football, Barrientes started one game his freshman season. 2020 marks his third full fall starting.

S-L returns all of its starting linemen from a 6-4 squad that averaged 36.4 points per game.

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

KEYON BACCUS MINNEAPOLIS

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TRA BARRIENTES SYLVAN-LUCAS

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BRYANT BANKS SE OF SALINE

CAMERON BEARDSLEY VALLEY HEIGHTS

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Photo by Kim Rayas, courtesy Salina Ortho

Southeast of Saline has only made it past the quarterfinals once in school history, a state championship run in 2005. The following year, SES went 10-1. The Trojans have been a consistent winner under Mitch Gebhardt, but have not won more than eight games in any year, including 8-2 last fall.

This year, the Trojans return a bevy of top players, including senior running back Bryant Banks.

He was first team all-league running back as a sophomore and junior. A captain, Banks rushed 174 times for 969 yards and 21 scores. As a sophomore, Banks dealt with injuries and played in eight games, though rushed 138 times for 561 yards and 10 scores. Banks was also second team allleague linebacker last fall after 35 tackles, one sack, 12 TFLs and an interception for a TD. Banks was first team all-league basketball last winter after 13.1 points, five rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. He shot 50 percent from the field and 35 percent from 3-point range.

For ’20 football, SES returns Jaxson Gebhardt, a three-year starter at quarterback, and Mitch’s oldest son. He had 21 TDs accounted for and picked off seven passes on defense. SES returns 95 percent of its rushing yards and its top-eight tacklers for ’20. Senior Sterling Harp was first team all-league offensive and defensive lines. The Trojans, which bump to 3A for ’20, were eighth in 2A in scoring offense last season at 35.2 points per game.

Matthew Rodriguez earned first team all-league linebacker, and junior Dawson Adams collected second team all-conference offensive line. Rodriguez, a junior, led with 94 tackles, 20 for loss. Rodriguez and Harp went a combined 68-9 and finished as state runners-up at 160 and 195, respectively, in Class 3-2-1A wrestling.

In October 2017, longtime Valley Heights coach Tony Trimble addressed Cameron Beardsley starting as a freshman quarterback in the triple option. Beardsley was pressed into duty after an injury to the starter in early season.

“Freshman quarterback is never an exciting thing to think about, but Cameron has done a very adequate job for us up to this point, and the thing that I really like about Cameron is he is very, very coachable,” Trimble said. “He seems to be picking things up quicker than most freshmen do in our system. He is getting better every game, and that’s all you can ask for.”

Beardsley has kept Valley Heights’ offense churning out big numbers – and now enters 2020 as one of the state’s most experienced signal callers. VH has averaged 38, 39, 40 and 39 points per contest the last four seasons, a stretch where the Mustangs are a combined 27-12. In his ’18 preseason notes, Trimble added more praise for Beardsley.

“Performed above expectations,” Trimble said. “Hopefully his experience will allow us to grow as an offense.”

Last season, Beardsley posted 1,217 total yards and accounted for 16 total scores and picked off seven passes on defense. Beardsley’s dad passed away in ’06, and his mother has battled cancer.

Beardsley is very close with his grandparents, who live two blocks away. The 6-foot-1, 165-pound Beardsley would like to play at Kansas State to honor his father, a big Wildcat fan. He has posted 4.6 seconds in the 40 and has averaged more than 17 points per game in basketball.

“My family is just perfect,” he said.

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JACKSON BRADLEY CAMPUS

CADEN BRINEGAR MARYSVILLE

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From 2007-16, Haysville-Campus posted a cumulative 15-76 record with zero winning seasons.

In ’17, Campus senior Federico Harvey helped the Colts to a 5-5 mark. In ’18, Cameron Harvey and Quinton Hicks were seniors as Campus bumped to 6-4, the team’s first winning season since ’05.

Under coach Greg Slade, Campus won the first two playoff games in school history.

Federico earned a Shrine Bowl honor in ’18, the first Colt honored in seven years. In ’19, offensive lineman Seth Falley picked up a Shrine Bowl berth after standout blocking. Hicks registered 105 tackles, 20 for loss, as a Campus senior. At South Dakota State, Hicks collected Phil Steele FCS Freshman Second Team All-American. Falley is now the nation’s top-ranked junior college center at Butler County Community College.

Senior Jackson Bradley, a 6-foot, 225-pound FB/DE/LB, would like to continue Campus’ success.

In ‘19, the Colts dropped to 1-8 with new coach Jamie Cruce, who won a pair of titles at Pratt.

“They set the tone very highly,” Bradley said of the classes before him. “…They were ready to do everything possible to win, so being around that, that really changed the culture for me and a lot of my teammates that are in my class.”

Campus lost two games by a combined 15 points last season.

Cruce said Bradley, who recently posted a video of himself benching 225 for 13 reps, will be a “top-notch player” this fall and called him the team’s “most dedicated player in the weight room.”

Bradley has picked up an offer from Bethel.

“He should be a physical player this season on both sides of the ball,” Cruce added.

Marysville senior wide receiver/returner Caden Brinegar has learned from the Bulldogs’ last three senior classes, groups which included quarterback Jack Blumer and wide receiver Gabe Pieschl.

“How good of leaders they were, and they set great examples,” Brinegar said.

Coach Dustin Heuer turned around a program mired in a 32-game losing streak entering 2015.

Marysville is 7-3, 12-2 with a state runner-up appearance, 8-3 and 7-2 in the last four years.

“It’s great,” Brinegar said. “He’s always pushing us to get better, and always pushing us to be better people and better leaders.”

Brinegar played running back as a freshman and then moved to wide receiver as a sophomore.

“I knew that was the best spot for me,” Brinegar said.

Last season, Brinegar delivered 19 catches for 226 yards, both second-most on a senior-laden offensive unit. He delivered 131 special teams yards and 25 tackles. Marysville finished fourth in 3A at 36.4 points per game.

This season, Brinegar looks to continue to success from the past classes as the lone returning senior skill player. Marysville graduated its quarterback and its top-five tacklers. Only 18 percent of its rushing yards and 23 percent of its receptions return. Junior running back Patrick Smith is back after 33 carries for 308 yards and five TDs. This season, Brinegar looks to have a multi-purpose role and enjoy a big year.

“It would be fun being able to have the defense try and guess where you are going to be at and what you are going to do,” Brinegar said.

Goddard finished 11-2 as state runner-up in ’16, and then posted an 11-1 season and state semifinal showing the following year. After ’17, the Lions graduated dual-threat quarterback Blake Sullivan, along with 55 percent of rushing yards and 75 percent of receptions. Goddard lost six of its top-eight tacklers. The Lions had a new coach when assistant coach Tommy Beason took over for Scott Vang.

In ’18, Kyler Semrad won the starting QB job after he threw for 486 yards with a 9/4 TD/INT ratio as a freshman. Goddard dropped down from 5A to Class 4A. As a sophomore, Semrad completed 166 of 307 passes for 1,963 yards with 18 touchdowns. Ben Bannister churned out 1,167 rushing yards and 13 scores behind a line which included left tackle Rhett Brown. In two road matchups, the Lions defeated Wellington (28-14) and McPherson (15-14) in the quarterfinals and semifinals. The Lions lost to Bishop Miege, finished 10-3 and Beason won consensus coach of the year honors.

“That year was so good,” Brown said. “We had a great group of seniors, and there was just a lot of good leadership on the team, and of course Semrad was healthy, so that helps everything out.”

Last year, Semrad played in just five contests with 1,058 passing yards and a 13/2 TD/INT ratio before a season-ending knee injury. Goddard dropped to 4-6 and averaged 19.5 points per game, though still won a playoff contest for the sixth straight fall. This season, the 6-foot-3, 288-pound Brown will start at left tackle for the third straight year. He is the only returning offensive line starter.

Fourth-year Oakley coach Jeff Hennick is known for his constant energy and excitement. A former state champion quarterback, assistant coach and head coach at his alma-mater Wallace County-Sharon Springs, Hennick has looked to build back Oakley’s program. Hennick, who went 30-6 with three state semifinal showings with WC, is 1-8, 3-6 and 3-6 in three years with the Plainsmen.

“Every practice, every game, tempo is up,” quarterback Eric Cain said. “He just wants that energy. … He’s a good coach. He’s a good guy.”

Last year, Oakley accomplished one of its top goals when it won an October game. The Plainsmen had lost 10 straight district contests before a 47-34 home victory versus La Crosse in Week 7. Cain completed 6 of 11 passes for 102 yards and a score, and delivered a season-best four tackles.

The performance was part of a strong turnaround junior season. As a sophomore, Cain completed 27 of 75 passes for 373 yards with a 3/7 TD/INT ratio. Last year, Cain had an 8/7 TD/INT ratio through the first seven games. But he posted a 4/1 ratio in the last three contests, starting with the La Crosse victory. Overall, he completed 83 of 169 passes for 1,339 yards with a 12/8 TD/INT ratio.

Eric was a 3-2-1A state runner-up wrestler with a 33-11 mark at 138, and his sister, Mikyah, went 27-6 and finished fifth in the inaugural girls’ state wrestling championships with a 27-6 mark.

“If she sticks to it, she will be the state champion two times at least, but yeah, we are pretty close, especially when it comes to wrestling,” Eric said.

RHETT BROWN GODDARD

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ERIC CAIN OAKLEY

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All IMPACT player features by Conor Nicholl

CHAS CARLGREN CONCORDIA

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TANNER CASH CLEARWATER

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Concordia senior linebacker Chas Carlgren is 6-foot-2, 235 pounds, and senior linebacker Hunter Schroeder stands 5-10, 195. The two partner well together. Last season, the Panthers had a two-win improvement to 5-5. Carlgren led with 109 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss. Schroeder ranked second with 63 tackles, 10 TFLs. “He’s a big guy,” Schroeder said. “They run outside, and bounce it back and he’s always right there ready to smack the guys, so we can work really well, because I can get to the edge pretty fast.”

Carlgren has worked with Jake Sharp and his Sharp Performance training since he was a sophomore. Since football ended, Carlgren worked with Sharp every Saturday. Once COVID-19 limited his ability to train at SP, Carlgren started with his own weight set downstairs and gained 50-plus pounds on his maxes. Once quarantine ended, Carlgren returned to Sharp.

“I can’t thank him enough for that,” Carlgren said.

Carlgren started since his freshman year in basketball and baseball. He collected honorable mention all-state in basketball and first team all-state baseball. Carlgren batted .517 his sophomore year.

Carlgren has heard from several baseball coaches, including Cloud County, KU and Kansas State.

This year, Concordia returns eight offensive and seven defensive starters, including Schroeder and senior quarterback Wyatt Trost (15 offensive touchdowns).

Carlgren has enjoyed playing for Concordia. The Panthers’ only trip past the quarterfinals in school history is a ’99 state title, though last fall brought the first playoff win in five seasons.

“Everybody knows everybody,” Carlgren said. “Very excited football town to play in.” *Unfortunately, Carlgren was lost for the season to an injury sustained at team camp in August.

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Coach Jeremy Scheufler came to Clearwater before the ’18 season. Clearwater’s offense used to be straight up the middle, and Scheufler changed to the spread and threw more frequently. Scheufler helped quarterback Tanner Cash improve his game through daily offseason work on the field and fundamentals.

In ’18, Clearwater had a three-win improvement to 4-5. Cash set the school records for single season touchdowns, single season rushing yards and delivered more than 2,000 yards of total offense.

Last year, the Indians posted a jump to 7-3 and averaged 26.1 points per game. Clearwater had its first winning record since ’13 and best scoring offense since before ’06. Cash set a pair of school records and went over 2,000 yards of total offense despite missing several weeks with a knee injury.

“It’s given me a lot more opportunities to play my style of game where I can read the defense and make a decision on where to throw or if I need to run it,” Cash said of Scheufler’s offense.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Cash has posted 4.6 in the 40-yard dash and projects as either a quarterback or safety in college. He has Washburn and Hutchinson CC offers. Clearwater has seen big recent turnarounds in boys’ basketball (7-13 to 15-7 last year) and girls’ basketball (2-19 to 12-9).

“We act like we are a family and just the leadership that we’ve had now has really taken over and just really changed the outlook at school,” Cash said. “Just walking around people are proud that they are on a sports team and that we are winning, and I think football really sets the tone for the rest of the year.”

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BRAYDEN COLLINS CANTON-GALVA

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Canton-Galva finished 13-0 and captured the 8-Man, Division I state championship with a 66-36 comeback win versus St. Francis. Brayden Collins finished with 18 carries for 99 yards and two touchdowns in the win to close out his junior year in style.

Collins, known for his downhill running style, rushed for 1,338 yards, and posted 42 tackles, 5.5 for loss, on defense. However, Collins was overshadowed by his surrounding talent.

Senior quarterback Landon Everett, sophomore wide receiver Tyson Struber, senior lineman Nick Pearson and junior linebacker Brandon Huff were all first team all-state by the Wichita Eagle. Collins did not pick up honorable mention.

In early summer, C-G coach Shelby Hoppes noted on Twitter that Collins was underrated. On July 9, the day before the annual Sharp Combine, Collins agreed.

“My name is not really out there very much and that’s OK, just kind of puts a fire under me, makes me want to work harder, get recognized, so that’s kind of what these camps are for,” Collins said.

The next day, Collins ran 4.57 seconds in the 40-yard dash and lifted 225 pounds 14 times on bench press. Collins posted a variety of powerlifting videos throughout the summer and has moved into the spotlight more. Collins earned his first offer, from Hutchinson CC, in mid-August.

This spring, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Collins put on around 60 to 70 pounds to each core lift and benefited from a home gym during COVID-19 quarantine. Collins borrowed equipment from family and friends, and his dad cleaned out a spot in the garage. He had a bench/squat rack, mats, weights and dumbbells. Collins normally lifted 2.5 to three hours on Monday-Wednesday-Friday and worked on stretching and mobility on Tuesday-Thursday.

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Lansing junior Caden Crawford said he and his sister, Caroline, are “very, very close.” Caroline was the 2019 Kansas Volleyball Association 5A Player of the Year, first team All-American and ranked as the No. 22 senior nationally in volleyball. The 6-foot-3 middle blocker signed with Kansas and was named the Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year in late June. Caden and Caroline have similar demeanors and communicate daily. Their father, Lynn, competed for the KU track team, and their mother played basketball at University of the Pacific.

The family has a weight rack and platform at their home garage. During coronavirus quarantine, the pair often lifted in the morning, including bench, squat and clean. Then, they went to a field for agilities, sprints and hills. Caden is incredibly strong, posting videos of a 505 pound squat, 330 pound bench and 300 pound power clean earlier this summer on Twitter.

Caden played quarterback his freshman year at Liberty (Mo.) before the family moved 34 miles west across the border to Lansing. As a sophomore, Caden recorded 36 tackles at LB. He was not expecting “much attention” from his colleges until his junior or senior season.

However, Nebraska recruiting coordinator Ryan Held - a Kansas native and Blue Valley North grad - called Caden on May 18 “out of the blue.” The Cornhuskers offered and the scholarship offers kept coming for the 6-4, 230-pounder. Crawford also has K-State and Oklahoma State offers.

He is ranked as Kansas’ No. 3 player in the Class of 2022 by recruiting service 247. Caden said the Nebraska offer made him “very grateful and excited” that his work “has paid off so soon.” Crawford has posted 13 reps at 225 in bench and ran a 4.7 in the 40. He will play QB and LB in ’20 as an experienced Lansing team moves down to 4A and hopes for a breakout season.

“It really motivated me to even work harder,” Caden said of the recruiting interest.

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LEYTON CURE GOODLAND

ZAC DAHER

WICHITA NORTHWEST

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Goodland senior Leyton Cure has posted impressive numbers in all categories: statistics, measurables, and weight room numbers. It’s helped the 6-foot-3, 214-pound Cure earn four football scholarship offers: Garden City, Dodge City and Hutchinson Community Colleges, along with NCAA Division II Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Last season, Cure earned first team all-GWAC at quarterback and running back for a team that won just one game. He passed for 1,425 yards and rushed for 384 yards with 14 offensive touchdowns. That included 439 passing yards in a 42-34 loss to Concordia in Week 6.

“We are kind of like a spread offense,” Cure said. “We like to toss the ball around a lot, and we used the running back a lot with the swing passes and stuff like that, because we have got some good athletes out there.”

Defensively, Cure recorded 128 tackles. Cure has posted a 4.78 in the 40-yard dash, along with a 35-plus inch vertical and a 375-pound squat. In early August, Goodland coach Chase Topliff said Cure was one of four Cowboys to have 100 percent weight room attendance this summer.

Cure learned from quarterback Levi Archer, his predecessor at Goodland. Archer, now a linebacker who played in two games at K-State before injury in ’19, accounted for more than 6,100 yards of offense with Goodland.

“He just taught me that the weight room is really important and just to work hard everyday,” Cure said. “He is one of those workers, and he’s pretty athletic.”

Goodland has posted six straight years of three wins or fewer, but the Cowboys look to have an improved running game this season.

Wichita Northwest senior Zac Daher lives five houses away from Josh and Nathan Carter. Josh started at middle linebacker for the Grizzlies from ’16-18 and recorded 410 tackles. Known for his great work ethic and physical strength, Josh is now playing at Southwestern College and saw time as a true freshman. Zac and Nathan have been best friends since elementary school.

“We see where it has got him, and how hard he works, and how good he made himself, and we want to do the same thing, so it’s just something that we have definitely learned from Josh,” Daher said.

Daher has always had a Division I goal, and since sophomore year has consistently been to the gym everyday. Normally, the Grizzlies lift at 6:30 a.m., and then Daher, Nathan and others will head to YMCA. Last year, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Daher became a starter for the first time. In the season opener, Northwest defeated rival Bishop Carroll, 21-17. Daher played well with seven tackles. He finished with 50 stops, 12.5 for loss. Nathan recorded 21 tackles, seven TFLs as a sophomore. WNW was 5A state runner-up for the second straight year and had its best scoring defense since ’05.

Daher has posted 4.7 in the 40, a 530 squat and a 3.6 GPA with AP courses. He has 19 Division I offers and named Army West Point, Air Force, Yale, Brown and Colgate as his top five.

“It’s going to set me up for my career outside of football, because football doesn’t last forever, so I am trying to make the best out of college in that way,” Daher said. *At press time, plans for fall sports in Wichita Public Schools were on hold amid concerns related to the coronavirus and it was unclear if Daher would continue at Northwest for his senior year.

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KOBE DAVIS

BO DILLINER

RIVERSIDE

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ANDERSON COUNTY

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Wathena-Riverside had lost the last three years to Maur Hill, each time by at least 13 points. In Week 4, Riverside was 2-1, and Maur Hill opened 3-0 with four-year starting quarterback Jack Caudle. Maur Hill led 27-21 in the final 10 seconds.

Riverside ran five wide receivers with deep corner and post routes. Sophomore Quarterback Kobe Davis said the line “broke down a little bit,” so he had to scramble out. He saw junior Conner Hayes on one of the corner routes.

Davis tossed a 37-yard touchdown pass to Hayes. Senior Yegor Dittemore kicked the game-winning extra point for a 28-27 victory in Class 2A, District 3. The signature win propelled the Cyclones to 6-3, its first winning record since ’14 and most wins since ’13.

“Nothing else better, might as well throw it up to him, and got it in the end zone,” Davis said.

Riverside, the consolidation of Wathena and Elwood schools, took second in the district behind eventual 2A champion Nemaha Central and improved from 2-7 in ’18.

Entering the season, senior Bradley Libel was the returning quarterback for first-year coach Bryce Paden. Libel eventually moved to wide receiver and cornerback. Davis exceeded 1,350 passing yards. Webb and Libel were the top targets. Riverside averaged 30.7 points per game, No. 13 in the 48-team Class 2A. the Cyclones finished No. 19 with 22.7 points allowed. The year prior, the Cyclones had 19.7 points per game and 32.3 permitted a contest.

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A 2007 Silver Lake graduate, Logan Pegram earned Top 11 All-State honors. He was a part of four state games and won a title. In college, Pegram played in 35 games with 22 starts at Northern Illinois. At first, AC quarterback Bo Dilliner, an Osawatomie transfer, didn’t know who Pegram was.

“We ended up getting along really well,” Dilliner said.

Last season, Pegram, formerly the AC offensive line coach, took over the struggling Anderson County program and immediately changed the culture. The team worked harder in the summer, including 100-yard conditioning sprints. Dilliner was used as an all-purpose threat and played some quarterback as a sophomore.

Pegram had wanted Dilliner to serve as the starter. Once Pegram took over, he asked if Dilliner was ready. Dilliner exploded with more than 1,600 yards of total offense and 20-plus touchdowns accounted for.

Anderson County doubled its win total to 4-5, its most victories since ’15 and highest scoring offense since ’10. The 5-foot-7, 155-pound Dilliner enjoyed a massive Week 2 performance against Parsons when he rushed 28 times for 353 and four scores.

Dilliner has impressive measurables with a 405 squat, 385 deadlift, 265 bench, 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash, 4.39 pro agility and 32-plus vertical. Anderson County is 0-7 all-time in the playoffs; Dilliner wants to get the Bulldogs, who return key players, their first postseason victory this year.

“I am not afraid to get hit,” Dilliner said. “I am not afraid to hit people, and I don’t care if you are bigger than me, I am still going to run you over. That’s my mentality.”

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HUNTER ENGLE MADISON

TREVOR ERICKSON CHAPMAN

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Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Madison coach Alex McMillian - “Coach Mac” - was a Victoria assistant coach in ’14-15 when the Knights won back-to-back titles. In ’16, he took his first head coaching job at Madison, a traditional power that came off a rare 2-7 season. Since then, the Bulldogs have improved their record every year going 3-6, 5-4, 9-1 and 11-1. Senior FB/DE Hunter Engle has anchored the turnaround.

“It really dropped off, but since coach came, it’s been huge, and every year we just climb and climb, so our weight room has really, really skyrocketed since he got here,” Engle said.

Engle delivered 78 tackles as a freshman and is back-to-back all-state honorable mention by the Wichita Eagle. As a sophomore, Engle delivered 46 tackles and five sacks. Last year, Engle finished with 45 tackles, seven sacks and five pass breakups.

This year, Madison is well positioned for its first state title since undefeated seasons in ’10-11 with coach Fred McClain. The 5-foot-11, 197-pound Engle has hang cleaned 315 and benched 250. Madison also welcomes back senior QB Ryan Wolgram (4.6 40 at SP Last Chance Combine, 31 TDs last year), senior end Chase Harrison and junior LB Drew Stustesman (70.5 tkls., 7 INTs).

“This is our best chance (at state) since I have been in high school,” Engle said.

McMillian has brought in the community with its weekly pride runs on Thursday. The team meets downtown with townspeople, and the team hands out pride stickers.

“You can’t find that anywhere else in the state, just to see the whole community surround you and support you every week and go out, just clap you up and make you feel good, it’s pretty special,” Engle said.

Proud to support all Madison Bulldog students and athletes!

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Craig Erickson served many overseas tours. He went multiple times to Afghanistan, and traveled to Iraq, Kuwait and Africa. On June 10, 2014, Erickson and his battalion, known as the “Vanguards,” transferred authority on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti and returned to his home station at Fort Riley, according to a public military report.

Trevor Erickson, Craig’s son, went to school in Kansas, and then the family moved to Georgia.

Trevor played his first two years of high school football at Chattahoochee County, located just eight miles from Fort Benning, where his dad worked.

Trevor saw minimal time as a freshman, though ample snaps as a sophomore and accounted for 10 offensive scores. Erickson delivered a pair of top-seven finishes at the Georgia state track meet in pole vault.

The family moved back to Kansas, where Erickson became Chapman’s starting quarterback last fall. He passed for 711 yards and rushed for 873. He accounted for 18 scores and was second on the team with 60 tackles.

This summer, the 6-2, 185-pound Erickson has earned a Bethel College offer and ran 4.55 seconds in the 40 at the Sharp Performance Showcase. Two seasons ago, Chapman finished 7-3, its best mark since ’07. The Irish dropped to 2-7 last fall with six losses by 14 points or fewer. Chapman returns its top-two rushers and 67 percent of receptions.

“This year, we will come back with bigger, faster, stronger young guys, and we are all going to have that experience to take it to the next level,” Erickson said.

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players

RILEY EVELAND WAMEGO

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Wamego senior Riley Eveland has played middle linebacker since pee-wee football. In high school, the 6-foot, 210-pound Eveland will enter his third year as the starting middle linebacker this fall. Last year, Eveland helped Wamego improve from 5-4 to 6-3, the program’s most victories since ’14. Eveland is also a good student wiht a 3.8 GPA. “It’s like the leader of the defense,” Eveland said of his role as middle linebacker. “I call the plays, and I just like having control sideline-to-sideline. That’s my job.”

Eveland, who can also play fullback, has accounted for 325 tackles in his career and has an offer from Highland Community College. In ’19, he was part of a talented Wamego squad that included running back Isiah Childs, all-purpose threat Taybor Vetter and quarterback Brad Sackrider.

Childs went to Akron, and Vetter and Sackrider signed with Washburn. Wamego averaged 30.2 points per game, also its highest scoring output since ’14. This year, Wamego coach Weston Moody will look to sophomore Hayden Oviatt at QB. Additionally, 6-2, 290-pound lineman Titus Tuiasosopo returns and has picked up offers from Highland and Butler. Senior OLB/DB Ryan Erickson will be a three-year starter as well.

He has such a great feel for the game,” Moody said of Eveland. “He anticipates and makes great reads and when he shows up at the point of attack he is really physical.”

Eveland labeled the Wamego coaching staff “phenomenal,” a group that includes third-year head coach Moody and assistants Nathan Good and Kaden Vanderpool.

“They are awesome,” Eveland said. “They keep us accountable. They always push us to be the best, and our players are hungry. All of us want to make tackles.”

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KENNY FEHRMAN WELLINGTON

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

In 2016, Wellington, a program with four state championships and three state runner-up finishes, had its first winless season in school history. Coach Zane Aguilar, though, has quickly pivoted the Crusaders, notably on the defensive side.

In ’17, Wellington improved to 5-5 and allowed just 21.8 points per contest, down from 36.1 the year prior. Still, lineman Kenny Fehrman noticed practices were just “really lax.”

In ’18, Wellington opened with a 34-6 win versus Wichita Collegiate, the only time the Crusaders have beaten the Spartans in nine tries, according to the Kansas Football History database.

Fehrman said the victory helped the Crusaders realize “they were going to be a good team.”

Wellington finished 8-3 and permitted 15.5 points per contest. It marked the Crusaders’ best year since ’08.

“Then my sophomore year when we were actually pretty good, it was way harder practice and better atmosphere in practice, like people actually cared,” Fehrman said.

Last fall, Wellington, especially hurt by a lack of depth, dropped to 2-7, although allowed just 22.8 points a game, No. 15 out of 32 teams in Class 4A. This year, Fehrman enters his third season as a starter after he moved to Wellington in eighth grade when his mom accepted a teaching job.

Fehrman has collected back-to-back third-place showings at state wrestling, including a 42-4 mark last winter. He set the school single season pin record as a junior.

Fehrman is one of Kansas’ strongest players. At the mid-summer Sharp Showcase, Fehrman tied for first in the bench press with 26 reps at 225 pounds. The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder has a 3.8 GPA with a 500 pound squat and has run five flat in the 40 yard dash.

IMPACT

Page 50

players JESSE GARDNER WICHITA COUNTY

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JAXSON GEBHARDT

SOUTHEAST OF SALINE

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Leoti-Wichita County’s current senior class includes quarterback Kayde Rietzke, running back Jesse Gardner, lineman A.C. Hermosillo and end Sheldon Whalen. When the group came to high school, WC had not won more than five games since before ’04. Leoti finished 3-6 in ’17.

“We wanted to change,” Gardner said. Brant Douglas took over for Cale Warden and Gardner said the team “bought into the weight room.”

“You want to be good, you have got to hit the weights,” Gardner said. “He preached that really hard.”

In ’18, the Indians bumped to 6-3. In Week 4, WC traveled to Hoxie, then-ranked No. 1 and the defending state champion. The Indians lost, 36-20.

“We played really good that game, and that game is what turned to where everyone knew we could be good,” Gardner said.

Wichita County eventually finished 6-3 and lost in the final minutes, 34-28, at Victoria in a Week 9 bracket play game. Gardner finished with 76 carries for 656 yards and a team-best 14 rushing scores. The Indians returned all but one offensive skill player last year and improved to 10-2, tying the ’90 team for the best team finish in school history. WC defeated Victoria, 88-66, in a Week 9 rematch. Gardner recorded 117 carries for 933 yards and 19 TDs, and caught 29 passes for 323 yards and five scores.

Gardner is a two-time 3-2-1A state wrestling qualifier and finished fourth at 160 last winter.

“We went from having five guys in the weight room in the summer to almost our whole team’s there every single day,” Gardner said. “And we really grew as a brotherhood.”

Southeast of Saline finished 4-5 in ’17, a rare losing season for the Trojans. In ’18, SES had several sophomores in key roles. Jaxson Gebhardt started at quarterback and accounted for 15 offensive scores. Bryant Banks and Gebhardt were the team’s top-two rushers. Tyler Breeding finished second in receptions and yards. Eli Harris and Breeding finished in the top-seven in tackles, and Harris had a strong year as the punter. SES doubled its wins to 8-2.

“We saw our potential, and we wanted to work on that,” Gebhardt said last summer. “We worked on it, we pushed forward, and I think we saw what we could do even with losing the seniors that we lost.”

Last year, the Trojans finished 7-3 behind another strong year from the core group. Gebhardt earned first team all-state Class 2A defensive back honors from the Wichita Eagle. He passed for 1,238 yards with an 8/7 TD/INT ratio.

He rushed for 955 yards and 13 touchdowns, along with seven interceptions on defense. Banks and Gebhardt were again the top-two rushers, Breeding was the No. 3 receiver and No. 2 tackler.

Harris was fifth in tackles and was again the punter.

This season, SES returns its top-eight tacklers for coach Mitch Gebhardt, Jaxson’s father. Jaxson’s twin brothers, Luke and Jake, will be sophomores. Coach Gebhardt is 89-71 in 18 years as a head coach. He stands 62-35 after 10 years with SES. “A really good relationship with me and my dad,” Jaxson said.

With all the experience returning the Trojans were likely preseason top five in Class 2A. The move up to 3A leaves SES in a much deeper classification, but the Trojans should still be one of the contenders for the title.

Nemaha Central was one of Kansas’ surprises in 2019. The Thunder went from 5-4 to 11-2 and captured the 2A state title under ninth-year coach Warren Seitz. NC made several schematic adjustments. The defense switched to a three-man front, because Seitz believed the team “had a lot of linebacker types.” After Week 1, NC changed the offense to primarily three-receiver sets.

The differences yielded notable improvements on both sides, especially with pass defense. In ’18, NC allowed 21.9 points a contest and created 20 turnovers, including 14 interceptions. Last year, the Thunder permitted 14.6 points per game, sixth-best in 2A, and forced 36 turnovers – including 28 interceptions, by far the best in Kansas, according to MaxPreps statistical lists.

NC accomplished this against a bevy of top quarterbacks, including Maur Hill’s Jack Caudle, Rossville’s Torrey Horak, Humboldt’s Conor Haviland, and lastly Norton’s Kade Melvin in a 19-0 victory for the 2A title. Caudle and Haviland were the two first team all-state 2A QBs by the Wichita Eagle, while Melvin and Horak were HM all-state.

In the last seven games NC held teams to 64 of 128 passing for 774 yards and a 9/22 TD/INT ratio.

Senior safety Tyler Gerety, a KU baseball commit, earned first team all-state 2A defensive back after 30 tackles and three interceptions. Offensively, Gerety recorded a team-high 558 receiving yards and tallied eight offensive scores after zero receptions as a sophomore.

“Our philosophy is always get the best 11 on the field, and so that’s where it came from,” Seitz said last year. “And we knew that Tyler was one of the best 11.”

Hays High junior Jaren Kanak and senior defensive end Gaven Haselhorst are long time close friends. HHS junior inside linebacker Gavin Meyers had picked up three regional Power 5 offers after ’19. Haselhorst had earned two Division II offers.

Like many athletes, Haselhorst was hurt by a lack of camps and combines this offseason because of the coronavirus. On July 9, the night before the annual Sharp Performance Combine at Kansas Wesleyan in Salina, Kanak made a prediction about his friend.

“He’s a really fun guy to watch,” Kanak said. “He is also really, really underrated, like he’s right up there with Gavin Meyers. It’s almost the same amount of tackles as him. He’s really fast on the field.

He is a hard hitter. He’s a really tough guy, and he just works real hard, so it’s really fun to watch those guys on the defense. I think he’s definitely going to explode with recruiting.”

The next day, Kanak and Haselhorst both shined in one of the state’s best attended and most well covered events of the summer. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Haselhorst bench pressed 225 pounds 21 times, which tied for second best on the day. He also posted 4.56 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

Haselhorst quickly earned a K-State offer, and then committed to the Wildcats.

Last fall, Haselhorst recorded 113 tackles, along with a WAC-best 22 TFLs. Hays coach Tony Crough was on staff when current Broncos Pro Bowler Von Miller played high school in Texas.

“His get off, his first couple steps is as fast and explosive as I have seen,” Crough said of Haselhorst.

Photo by Fran Reitz

TYLER GERETY

NEMAHA CENTRAL

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GAVEN HASELHORST HAYS HIGH

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Page 51

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MASON HAXTON HOISINGTON

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Jackie Stiles is the most well-known Kansas female athlete ever. Stiles, from Claflin, enjoyed a litany of accomplishments, and is still the state’s all-time leading basketball scorer. She went to then-Southwest Missouri State and became the top scorer in NCAA history.

Stiles is currently an assistant women’s basketball coach at the University of Oklahoma. Growing up, Stiles frequently played basketball with twins Kyle and Kevin Haxton, both who played college basketball and became high school coaches. The two, taller than Stiles, helped hone her shot, according to multiple media reports.

Kyle, the longtime Hoisington assistant football and head boys’ basketball coach, has four sons in a blended family. His son, Mason, is the second-oldest. Mason is aware of his dad’s friendship with Stiles and drew parallels between the past and present Haxtons.

“Exactly, it’s the same way,” Haxton said. “Me and my brother, we play basketball, we throw around the football, we do everything they would do when they were little, too. We just love playing sports.”

The 6-foot, 170-pound Haxton helped Hoisington to back-to-back 2A state semifinal showings, tied for the best finishes in school history. Haxton passed for 521 yards, rushed for 652 and accounted for 18 offensive TDs last fall. He’ll carry a larger load this season due to the graduation of Wyatt Pedigo.

The Cardinals had an average score of 42-13 and finished in the top-4 in 2A in scoring offense and defense. In basketball last season, Hoisington went 17-5 as Haxton delivered 13.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists a contest. Haxton has received a Bethel College offer and is up for playing football or basketball after high school.

“Any would be awesome,” he said.

TYLER HOLMES

CENTRAL PLAINS

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Toby Holmes served as Deerfield’s counselor from 1992-01, and then joined the Claflin school district. He was the counselor until ’08, and then became the Claflin-Central Plains’ principal. Holmes was in various coaching roles, including as Claflin girls’ basketball coach where he won 216 games and Class 1A crowns in ’05-06. Holmes has four children, three daughters and his youngest, Tyler.

“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard, that’s his favorite quote,” Tyler said.

From ’13-18, Central Plains finished 63-7 with a pair of undefeated state championship teams in ’14 and ’18. Last year, CP still opened top-five by several publications. In Week 1, Ness City defeated the Oilers, 36-30 on a touchdown pass with three seconds left. NC eventually finished 8-2.

However, the Oilers suffered massive injury losses. CP tumbled to a 2-7 record, the first losing mark since ’12. Senior running backs Lawson Oeser and Jerred Bieberle, expected to be key players, combined for just five games and 359 rushing yards. Sophomore quarterback Cole Lamatsch played in just three contests, and freshman Michael Laymon took the majority of the snaps. Senior J.J. Heredia played just two games.

Holmes said six starters on both sides of the ball got hurt. Holmes, one of few Oilers to be in all nine games, led with 74 tackles, seven for loss. He earned a Sterling College offer, which Holmes called “very awesome” and “shocked” him.

The 5-foot-11, 260-pounder is one of the strongest players in the 8-Man ranks and can squat 485, clean 325. He carries a 3.83 GPA.

Saluting the Class of 2020!

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DAYLAN JONES

JAREN KANAK

WICHITA EAST

HAYS HIGH

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Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Helped by a litany of transfers and a choice from senior wide receiver Daylan Jones, Wichita East is positioned to make a jump in Class 6A. Last season, Jones elected to return to football after he had previously focused on basketball in his first two high school years. The Blue Aces went 5-4, the program’s first winning record since 2012. Three losses came by 14 points or fewer. East’s offense jumped from 13.8 to 22.8 points per contest.

Jones has received eight offers, including Missouri State, South Dakota and Northern Colorado at the FCS level. He posted 4.6 in the 40-yard dash and 4.15 in the pro agility at the Sharp Combine in mid-July at Kansas Wesleyan in Salina. East has junior wide receiver, Caquoy Patterson, also a Division I talent, running back Dayontay Standifer and tight end Kamerion Hart. As well, wide receiver/free safety A.J. King, linebacker/fullback Royal Johnson, and linebacker Darius Cooper have transferred in from other Wichita City League schools.

“We have all been friends for a long time,” Jones said.

Standout freshman quarterback Daeonte Mitchell is expected to step up, too.

Last winter, Jones was still a key player and leader for East basketball with 9.2 points and 5.1 rebounds.

“His body control is pretty incredible,” then-East coach Joe Jackson said last winter. *At press time, it was unclear if Wichita Public School teams would play football this school year.

Jones, and other GWAL football players, were considering options for attendance at other schools.

Hays High junior Jaren Kanak has long wanted to be a Division I athlete, but lost several key opportunities to showcase his skills. Kanak has still never competed in a high school track meet because of injury as a freshman and the coronavirus crisis this spring. Hays High coach Tony Crough believes Kanak could run 10.8 seconds in the 100.

“I have always been working hard for it,” Kanak said of his Division I dream.

Kanak had limited work at summer combines/camps in ’19 because of injury. In the ’19 season, Kanak delivered more than 1,000 all-purpose yards. In July, Kanak finally earned his opportunity at the Sharp Performance Showcase at Kansas Wesleyan in Salina.

Kanak quickly garnered the state’s attention when he ran 4.41 seconds in the 40-yard dash, second-best out of more than 400 athletes. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Kanak posted 4.2 seconds in the pro agility and jumped 37 inches in the vertical. Within a week, Kanak went from zero interest to K-State and KU offers. Kanak will again be a receiver/returner and might play on defense some, too.

Together with fellow junior Gavin Meyers and senior Gaven Haselhorst the Indians have multiple FBS prospects. Junior QB Dylan Dreiling is also a University of Tennessee baseball commit.

And several other college prospects could emerge. Junior Roy Moroni offers a nice mix of speed and power from the backfield. Senior defensive end Trey Adams (6-6, 250) delivered four sacks last fall. Safety Tucker Veach led the team with six interceptions.

With 15 returning starters and 19 total lettermen back from last fall there is much buzz surrounding the Hays High program and expectations are higher than ever.

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95 2009 CHEVY SILVERADO CREW W 4X2 CHARCOAL ��������������$1 NE������������������ PATHFIND 2014 FORD FWD RED ������������������ ������������������ 2014 CHRYSLERTACOMA SR5 ACCESS CAB CHEVY TRAVERSE CAB 4X4 3,995 2005 SUBARU LEGACY ER SE 4X4 CHARCOAL ������������������ $7,995 95 4X4 PLATINUM ��� $26,995 2014 TOYOTAESCAPE SE FWD BLUE������������������ ������������������ $17,995 TOWN & COUNTRY LT FWD WHITE BLUE����������������������$13 ������������������ 2009 GMC ACADIA 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE CAMRY ���������������������������������$ ,995 2006 FORD EXPLORER OUTBACK I AWD FERN ������������������ �����$7,995 TRG-L CHARCOAL ���� $25,995 2016 SLT1 AWD LIMITED KIA OPTIMA XLE WHITE������������������ ������������������������$17,995 2010 TOYOTA 2014 TOYOTA ������� $25,995 ������$7,995 AVALON LIMITEDMAROON���������������������������������$ 13,995 2001 ACURA TL 4DR XLT 4X4 MAROON ������������������ LX WHITE ������������������ ��������������������������$17,9 VENZA XLE V6 4X4 PLATINUM ������������������ 2016 NISSAN PEARL ������������������ 2015 GMC SAVANA ��������������$7 BLACK FWD PLATINUM 13,995 2001 CHEVY SUBURBAN ALTIMA ���������������������������������$ 95 2012 CHEVY CAPTIVA �� ����������������������������������� ,995 SPORT LTZ AWD ����������������������������������$ ���������������������� $25,995 2007 GMC YUKON 2�5 S WHITE ������������������ 2017 KIA SEDONA G3500 12 FT BOX 2500 LT 4X4 17,995 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA $25,995 WHITE ������������������ 13,995 2003 FORD RANGER XL SLT 4X4 BLACK $6,995 WHITE �����������������������$17,995 2014 CHEVY GLS CHARCOAL EXTENDED CAB LIGHT PEWTER ���������� 2017 KIA SORENTOLX CHARCOAL������������������ ������������������������ $25,995 2008 CHEVY SILVERADO ����$13,995 2003 ������������������������������������ GMC CRUZE $6,995 ������������������ 4X2 CHAMPAG 2017 KIA SORENTO LX AWD RED ������������������ ������������������������� $25,995 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 LT X-CAB 4X2 PLATINUM �$16,995 2014 CHEVY IMPALALT RED ������������������������������������ 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BLUE������������������ ����������������������������������������$12,995 1997 BUICK �������������������$16,9955 2014 FORD FOCUS SE WHITE SPORT PREMIUM 2014 TOYOTA SLT-1 AWD WHITE ��������������������������� 2015 FORD EXPLORER ������������������������������������ NISSAN VERSA �$12,995 2001 FORD SKYLARK CUSTOM BRIGHT ���������������������������� ��������������������������������� $23,995 2015 CHEVY CAMRY SE WHITE ������������������ PLATINUM ���������$16,9 $4,995 XLT 4X4 MIDNIGHT F150 CHAMPAG WHITE MALIBU LT BLUE 95 2011 CHEVY EQUINOXSV NOTE PLATINUM ��������������������������������$12,995 2005 ������������������ NE���������������������������������������������������� $4,295 BLUE ����������������� $23,995 2015 CHEVY ������������������������������������ ����������$16,995 2007 LINCOLN LTZ AWD �����������$12,995 2003 CHEVY IMPALA MAROON MALIBU $23,995 2015 ������������������ MKX AWD PEARL CHARCOAL ������������������ �������������$16,995 2008 CHEVY MALIBU LT CHAMPAGNE������������������ 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PROTECTING MOMENTS LIKE THIS From the field to the court and beyond, you’ve worked hard to make your dream a reality. And we’re behind you cheering you on as you set your sights on the next big goal.

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Holton finished 3-6 in ’18, the program’s first losing season since 1996, coach Brooks Barta’s first year with the Wildcats. Last year, Holton played the toughest schedule in 3A, according to Prep Power Index. The Wildcats’ run-heavy double-tight offense had seven new offensive line starters.

Holton played in the brutal Class 3A, District 4 with Marysville, Sabetha and Wamego. Holton opened with a 7-0 loss to Jefferson County West on a last-second touchdown. Then, the Wildcats won four in a row, including against Perry-Lecompton and Nemaha Central, the eventual 3A state runner-up and 2A state champion, respectively.

In Week 6, Holton lost, 35-13, to Sabetha, but then manhandled Marysville (30-8) and Wamego (41-14) to win the district. The Wildcats eventually finished 7-3 and lost, 35-21, to P-L in the playoffs.

Holton finished No. 10 in 3A with 16.1 points allowed per game, an improvement from 25.2 two years ago. As a junior last fall, running back Canon Karn had 93 carries for 716 yards with eight touchdowns in his first year as a starter. He led the defense with 75 tackles.

Karn posted a 4.75 40, a 4.28 pro agility and 30 inch vertical at July’s Sharp Performance Showcase. He’ll team up with Konnor Tannahill to provide a potent backfield duo and a pair of defensive leaders. Five O-linemen return to help Barta’s run-heavy wishbone offense - known as the “Barta Bone” for both he and his Hall of Fame father Roger - continue to pile up rushing yards and TDs Holton will again play in Class 3A, District 4 with Big 7 rivals Jefferson West and Sabetha.

“Nobody really expected us to go very far, and that helped us a lot, because we like being the underdogs,” Karn said. “When we played Marysville, when we played Wamego, we prepared really well, and we tried really hard, just got the job done.”

Brad Noller, Agent 102 W 5th St Holton, KS 66436 Bus: (785) 364-3302 BradJNoller.com

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IMPACT

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GRIFFIN KUGLER SMITH CENTER

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Smith Center coach Darren Sasse is 68-15 with two state championships and a runner-up at his alma mater. Sasse, a longtime assistant and junior high coach under Hall of Fame coach Roger Barta, has continued the success since Barta retired.

Smith Center is still a run-heavy team with excellent defenses. The one noticeable change is the Redmen pass more frequently with Sasse. From 2007-11, Smith Center threw on 5.2 percent of snaps. In the last five seasons, the Redmen have passed 12.9 percent of snaps.

That’s led to big seasons from Brett Meyer, who signed with Baker University after the ’17 year.

Meyer delivered 44 catches for 870 yards and 12 scores in his last two seasons.

Now, Griffin Kugler has emerged as statistically the top receiver in Redmen history. Last year, Kugler had 44 catches for 684 yards and 12 scores. He set the school mark for receiving touchdowns in a season. His 16 career receiving TDs is tied for the school mark.

“It’s different,” Kugler said. “It’s kind of cool to see, changing up our play style, so we can always keep defenses on their toes, lull them to sleep a little bit with the run, and then it’s always nice to throw the ball a little bit, so they can’t just load the box.”

Kugler called his brother, Jared Mocaby, his role model. Mocaby was the tight end on the ’07 Redmen team that outscored opponents, 844-20, and set several state marks. Kugler wears No. 2 to honor Mocaby.

Heading into the season, Kugler was also being considered as a possible replacement for graduated QB Trenton Colby, but Sasse said junior Nathan Jaeger was “coming along” and Kugler could continue in his role as one of the top receivers and defensive backs in 1A.

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K.C. Washington senior quarterback Cory Macon has attended three Kansas City-Kansas high schools. His family was displaced by a summer ’18 fire. The Macons have lived with grandparents since. Macon received interest/camp invites from multiple high-profile schools, including Yale, Princeton and Navy, though a high number of camps were cancelled because of coronavirus concerns.

In Spring ’20, Macon was named one of Kansas’ top-two overlooked prospects in the Class of 2021, according to a massive MaxPreps coaches’ survey.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Macon gained interest after the Sharp Combine held in early July at Kansas Wesleyan in Salina. Macon posted 4.8 in the 40 and 4.49 in pro agility, both within range in the quarterback group at the SP event.

He then earned an offer from NAIA Benedictine College. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound left-handed Macon helped Washington post a 6-3 record, the most single season victories in 15 years. Under Washington alum and first-year coach Cam Smith, Macon threw for 993 yards, rushed for 282 and accounted for 15 offensive TDs. Macon’s dad, Cernyn, is Washington’s co-offensive coordinator.

Macon is a Wichita State Honors Scholar and part of National Honor Society with a 3.8 GPA. This season, Macon would like to see better teamwork.

“It just felt great to be out there and just to get a better feel of the game, and to be able to showcase my talent and my team as a whole,” Macon said. *Unfortunately, Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools cancelled the fall sports season and may leave Macon without an opportunity to play his senior season of football.

Larned posted a 2-34 record from ’08-11 with coach Al Troyer, who has since enjoyed great success at Tonganoxie. Troyer finished 0-9 in his last two seasons. Then, A.B. Stokes took over and led a three-win improvement in ’12 followed by a 7-3 showing in ‘13. Stokes went 27-32 in six years and led Larned to its best playoff showings since ’85. Stokes became the offensive coordinator at Bethel College and former assistant Tye Remy took over after seven years with the program.

In ’18, Larned tumbled back to 0-9 with four losses by 16 points or fewer. The Indians had just 10 seniors. Lineman Taylor Martin, then a sophomore, had struggled with knee problems, and a player rolled onto the backside of his knee. Martin learned right before the season he would miss the year.

Last year, the Indians had 14 seniors, led by Mason Perez, Brock Skelton, and Chance Sanger.

Martin returned at center. From the first day of summer weights, Martin noticed “a different feel.”

Larned opened the year with a 32-16 victory versus Smoky Valley and opened 3-2.

“Got some really good momentum rolling,” Martin said.

In Week 6, the Indians led Nickerson, 21-0, before Perez suffered a season-ending injury. Larned won the game to move to 3-2. Perez had 868 offensive yards and 48 tackles in five-plus games.

Skelton was the team’s leading receiver. However, Larned went 0-3 and had 24 total points after Perez was injured.

This year, the 6-foot-5, 290-pound Martin shifts to left tackle, a move he’s “very excited about.” He has the strength and frame of a Division I offensive lineman and hopes a good season will lead to an FBS offer. Additionally, Larned has senior wide receiver/cornerback Samajay Alboyd. He went 27-4 and won Larned’s first wrestling title since ’81 last winter. Returning QB Dillan Smith is expected to have a big year after adding two inches and 20 pounds in the offseason.

Tad Tranbarger: 620-352-0156 Macksville Office: 620-348-2685 Fertilizer Plant: 620-348-3263

TAYLOR MARTIN LARNED

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IMPACT

Page 56

players

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HEVER MERCADO

TODRIC MCGEE

SW HEIGHTS

WICHITA NORTHWEST

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One of the top 2019 storylines came with Wichita Northwest defensive coordinator Marc Marinelli, the former Goddard-Eisenhower head coach. Marinelli took over as NW’s defensive coordinator, a program known for high-octane, speedy offenses. In ’18, the Grizzlies earned 5A state runner-up with an average score of 56-29.

Last season, Northwest again went 12-1 and finished second in 5A, though had an average score of 52-13. The Grizzlies posted its top scoring defense since ’05. Senior strong safety Todric McGee said Marinelli “switched up everything,” and brought a “new attitude.”

Marinelli, known for quantifying effort, making practice fun and his social media presence, helped the Grizzlies force 34 turnovers and pick off 19 passes. In the previous four years, Northwest’s defense averaged 23 turnovers and 12 interceptions.

“It’s fun, I have a lot of freedom,” McGee said.

Northwest’s offense has averaged at least 48 points and 56 snaps a game in the last five years.

McGee said NW’s defense, which is on the field frequently because of the offense’s tempo, looks at tackles for loss as a measuring stick. Last year, NW had 120 TFLs. “They are discombobulated, and they have to change what they have to do,” McGee said of TFLs. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound McGee finished second with 88 tackles, along with 5.5 tackles for loss and four interceptions. McGee has posted 4.57 laser time in the 40-yard dash. He has 10 offers, including Army West Point. *At press time, it was unclear if Wichita Public School teams would play football this school year.

Jones, and other GWAL football players, were considering options for attendance at other schools.

Hayne, Kan., is an unincorporated community in Seward County, located roughly 20 minutes from Liberal on US-54. Hayne is so tiny that an official population is not listed online. Hayne is part of the Southwestern Heights school district that includes Kismet (population 459) and Plains (pop. 1,146).

Hayne, though, is home for the Mercado family and the last two QBs for SW Heights: Efren and Hever. In ’18, Efren rushed 172 times for 1,068 yards and nine TDs, including 353 rushing yards in a key district victory vs. Ellinwood. Hever caught seven passes for 90 yards and returned kicks.

“Someone that really helped me out,” Hever said of his brother.

Last year, the Mustangs doubled their win total from 2-7 to 4-5. For his junior season, Hever completed 35 of 81 for 353 yards with a 4/2 TD/INT ratio. He was second with 144 carries for 703 yards and seven TDs. Defensively, he delivered 34 tackles and defended three passes. He has also played cornerback his whole career.

Mercado liked watching former NFL quarterback Michael Vick, known for his passing and running.

“I want to be like that,” Hever said.

This year, Mercado’s top goal is to post a winning season.

SW Heights has not been above .500 since 8-2 in ’07 under former coach Ken Schoenrock, according to the Kansas Football History database. Schoenrock is a current science teacher and the father of current Victoria junior standout QB Grant Schoenrock. Mercado, though, said it’s hard to form chemistry at SWH, because of the distance between Hayne, Kismet and Plains.

“Just having my whole teammates get involved in things, like the weight room and just having them be there and be as competitive as I am,” Mercado said.

De Soto senior QB Jackson Miller has a solid base of coaches and a former Wildcat signal caller, Bryce Mohl, who have helped in teaching the team’s triple option attack. As well, Miller has excellent natural talent, especially in the 40-yard dash. The combination led to a 10-1 record and Class 5A honorable mention all-state season from Miller in 2019. He completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,097 yards and rushed for 606 yards. Miller accounted for 23 offensive scores.

Coach Brian King and offensive coordinator Mark Gastelum have changed De Soto’s program.

Gastelum graduated from Baldwin and played four seasons at Baker, including two as a starting offensive lineman. He has served on De Soto’s staff since ’08. King went 0-9 in his first year in ’13 and then improved the record four straight years. In the last three falls, De Soto is 10-2, 8-3 and 10-1.

“Coach King is all about accountability,” Miller said. “He is always about be there on time, don’t miss unless you check in before, just work hard. That’s his go-to.”

Mohl taught Miller about the triple option and being a leader.

“Our line needs to be quick, and they need to be able to release and get backers, and our backs need to be fast,” Miller said. “It takes a lot of skill to run the triple option, but at the same time, if you get good at it, it’s really effective.”

This summer, Miller has posted terrific numbers at the two Sharp Combines, twice running 40-yard dashes in the low 4.4s and posting a 38 inch vertical.

De Soto returns several key offensive weapons to complement Miller including running back Tyson Priddy and wide receiver Austin Rosetta, a South Dakota commit.

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JACKSON MILLER DE SOTO

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All it takes is all you got!

IMPACT

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players EWAN MILLS

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ASHTON NGO

TOPEKA SEAMAN

ANDOVER

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Topeka Seaman’s Ewan Mills played left guard as a freshman and left tackle the last two falls. In January, Seaman coach Glenn O’Neil, with more than 100 career wins with stops at Seaman and Scott City, texted Mills and asked him to move to center.

“Coach needed me at center, and I said I’d do anything for him,” Mills said.

The 6-foot-2, 286-pound Mills called center “the right spot for me” since he is a little shorter than most left tackle prospects. O’Neil liked Mills’ physicality.

“Could fire off the ball and smack someone in the mouth immediately,” Mills said.

Since before COVID-19 quarantine, Mills has worked with Chris Gomez in the Kansas City area.

Gomez started multiple years at Central Missouri and was a finalist for Division II’s top lineman award. Mills followed him on Twitter and eventually got in contact. They met every Monday-Wednesday-Friday.

“They were really, really hard-working sessions, and he worked out me out really, really well,” Mills said.

Mills has performed well on the summer circuit and has posted a 540-pound squat. As of Aug. 16, Mills had three offers: Washburn, and NAIAs Dordt and Graceland. Mills was especially interested in South Dakota State and has talked with SDSU offensive coordinator/OL coach Jason Eck, the reigning FCS assistant coach of the year.

Mills’ dad, Jason, played college football at Tulsa and is a member of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Department/SWAT team. Mills’ older sister is Lauren Mills, who has started 37 games in two years for Wichita State softball. Mills was a two-time Kansas powerlifting champion and earned Gatorade softball player of the year as a sophomore.

Bishop Carroll opened the 2018 season 2-2 and QB John Honas broke his hand. In Week 5, Cade Becker suffered an injury midway through the first quarter in a game at Great Bend. Then-sophomore QB Aiden Niedens helped give Carroll the lead, but GB eventually took a 33-21 advantage.

Niedens rushed and passed for a score. BC scored the final points with 2:11 left and won 36-33.

The next week, Carroll played rival Kapaun in the “Holy War” and trailed 14-7. The Eagles again came back and won. Niedens helped set up a big hook-and-ladder play and tossed a pair of TDs in the comeback. Carroll went 8-3 as Niedens exceeded 1,700 passing yards and threw for 17 scores.

BC lost to rival Wichita Northwest, 84-67, the highest scoring 5A playoff game in state history.

“If you would have told me I would be playing half the season starting, I wouldn’t have believed you, but it was a lot of fun,” Niedens said. “Those guys that were hurt, they helped me.”

Last year, Carroll again finished 8-3 with virtually the same results: a very close Week 1 loss to Northwest, a competitive defeat to eventual 6A champion Derby, and a 17-point playoff defeat to NW, which again took 5A runner-up. He threw for 1,400 yards and earned Wichita Eagle HM allstate. BC and NW are again among 5A’s elite and meet Week 1.

“Those games are always intense,” Niedens said. “The crowd is crazy. …Always back and forth or a super high-scoring game, but hopefully this year we will get them.” *At press time, the Week 1 match-up with NW was in jeopardy because of a possible coronavirus related cancellation of fall sports by the USD #259 BOE. The two private schools in the GWAL, Carroll and Kapaun, expressed their intent to play this season even if the public schools did not.

AIDEN NIEDENS

BISHOP CARROLL

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Andover had a highly unusual 2019. The Trojans returned junior quarterback Eli Fahnestock, a three-year starter, and running back Peyton Henry, who signed with Emporia State. The Trojans featured kicker David Kemp and defensive back Isaiah Maikori, both Division I prospects. Linebacker Ashton Ngo returned after 88 tackles in 2018, 18 for loss.

Andover ran spread and averaged 12 points per game, No. 28 in 32-team Class 5A. The Trojans finished fifth in 5A scoring defense at 15.3 points allowed per contest. Andover lost five games by a combined 24 points, including the season opener when Great Bend completed a Hail Mary to send the contest to overtime. Andover was 1-5 in games decided by a score.

“The personnel didn’t really fit the offense,” Ngo said.

In the offseason, head coach Cade Armstrong resigned after he led the program for three years.

After back-to-back football seasons that ended in ACL injuries, Fahnestock elected to focus on baseball. Kemp transferred out of state and has committed to Memphis. In March, former Garden Plain coach Ken Dusenbury took over at Andover. GP, with the Wing-T, was second in 2A with 48.7 points per game last year. Dusenbury went 42-11 in five years with the Owls.

“Everyone likes the coach, he’s a good guy,” Ngo said.

Ngo is one of the state’s more versatile players. In addition to linebacker, Ngo played quarterback and is among Kansas’ top long snappers. A three-sport athlete, the 6-foot, 208-pound Ngo has posted 14 reps at 225 pounds on the bench press and ran 4.27 in the pro agility. He has three offers, including Monmouth (Ill.). Maikori recently picked up an offer from D1 St. Thomas (Minn.).

Garden City senior Trey Nuzum has “always looked up to” former Buff standout lineman Demarcus Elliott. During Nuzum’s freshman year, Elliott recorded 18.5 tackles for loss as a senior and helped Garden City post a perfect regular season. Elliott played one year at Garden City CC and then was honorable mention all-Big 10 at the University of Indiana last fall. The Hoosiers went 8-5, the program’s most wins since ’93.

“He was just the best athlete on our team,” Nuzum said.

The 6-2, 290 pound Nuzum started at left tackle as a sophomore next to guard Refujio Chairez, a four-year GC starter. Chairez, known for squatting more than 750 pounds and his outgoing personality, had a Missouri Southern offer, though elected to play for Garden City CC football.

“His aggressiveness, and just learning how to play offensive line,” Nuzum said of Chairez. “So I have learned a lot from them and what it takes, because they were both very hard workers.”

Nuzum earned the top offensive lineman award at the Blue-Grey combine in late June. He posted five seconds in the 40-yard dash and lifted 185 pounds 27 times. He has picked up more than six offers, including FCS Akron and Division II’s Pittsburg State. Nuzum is raised by his grandmother, Leigh Kepley. She has run a family-owned clothing store, Little Britches/Moodz, in Garden City. The business has been open more than 34 years.

“A lot of impact,” Nuzum said. “She has always been there taking me to camps and whatnot and always gotten me what I needed and always helped me, so big impact definitely.”

TREY NUZUM

GARDEN CITY

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IMPACT

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EMILIO PEREZ

JAYVON PRUITT

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SOUTH BARBER

The roots of Kiowa-South Barber’s prolific offense started in the mountains. Coach Matt Cantrell is entering his 25th season on staff at his alma mater, sixth as head coach. Cantrell has served in multiple roles, including stints as both offensive and defensive coordinators. He was offensive coordinator for three years before he took over as head coach.

In the early 2010s, Cantrell took a trip to Colorado for a week to a place with extremely limited internet and cell phone service. Cantrell developed the spread offense and spends as much time working on passing as running.

“Like a writer getting away, because he has got writer’s block and then all of a sudden, he’s like, ‘Hey, let’s do this, let’s do this,” Cantrell said in the fall of ‘18. “…It’s just evolved from there. Things have gotten better.”

Cantrell posted a 6-3 season in his first year as head coach. SB has won nine games each of the last four years and had a collective 22-0 district record. The Chieftains have averaged 46.5, 44.2, 53.1 and 43.7 points per contest in those years. As a sophomore, Emilio Perez recorded 24 catches for 466 yards and nine scores. Last season, he rushed 28 times for 505 yards and five scores, along with 22 catches for 311 yards and six TDs. “He really studies the game,” Perez said of Cantrell. “He will look at Big 12 teams, and all college teams and watch 11-Man and try to incorporate that into our 8-Man.” This year, Perez plans to again have a multi-purpose role, and Gatlin Jewell is expected to take over at quarterback. Last year, SB threw for 1,235 yards, tenth-best in eight-man.

Rossville needed a new quarterback for 2018 and engaged in a three-way battle between Garrett Carver, Torrey Horak and Bo Reeves. Carver, a senior, won out and accounted for more than 2,500 yards of total offense and 27 offensive scores. Reeves delivered 24 catches for 381 yards and four TDs as the main receiving threat. Horak had 51 tackles as a freshman for an 8-3 squad.

Last year, Rossville finished 7-3 with an average score of 38-15 and was top-eight in Class 2A in scoring offense and defense. Horak took over as quarterback and delivered 1,007 passing yards with a 17/9 TD/INT ratio, along with 1,214 rushing yards and 16 scores. Reeves was easily the team’s top receiver with 26 catches for 512 yards and eight TDs. All the rushing yards and 81 percent of the receptions came from non-seniors. Defensively, Reeves had seven passes defended and intercepted a pair of passes. Reeves believes Rossville, which won titles in ’14-16, has a “good shot” this year. The Bulldawgs have 11 seniors and lost just two starters from last year’s squad.

“Good chemistry,” Reeves said. “We are all seniors this year. We are mature.”

The 6-foot-5, 210-pound Reeves and Horak should form one of the stronger 1-2 combinations in Kansas. Reeves’ dad, Todd, played at Northwestern University and graduated in ’90.

“He’s fast, and he can throw the ball much farther than he could last year,” Reeves said of Horak.

“He is getting stronger. He is working on his game. He is really good at reading defenses now. He’s put in a lot of work in that, but I think he is going to be good for us this year.”

BO REEVES ROSSVILLE

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VICTORIA

Last season, lineman Kirk Huser and running back Jayvon Pruitt were the lone returning starters for the tradition-laden Victoria Knights. Huser eventually signed with Garden City CC and Pruitt delivered 1,071 total yards and 22 offensive touchdowns, along with 36 tackles at linebacker. Victoria went 6-3. Both players were Wichita Eagle honorable mention all-state.

In the several months, especially during the COVID-19 quarantine, Pruitt has posted new weight room marks on social media. He was listed at 5-foot-8, 175 pounds entering his junior season and is now up to 190. On May 18, Pruitt posted 13 reps at 225 pounds on the bench press.

Pruitt has attended combines and ran 4.59 laser timed in the 40-yard dash, 4.28 in pro agility and posted 32.8 inches in his vertical leap. He said he’s made a “huge improvement” on squat with a gain of 70-plus pounds. Pruitt set school records for the 40 and pro agility, and recently picked up his first offer from Bethel College.

“I have surprised myself a lot and a lot of people on how strong I have actually gotten this offseason,” Pruitt said. “I have been working really hard to get to where I am.”

This year, Victoria drops down to 8-Man, Division II. Victoria has four state titles, a runner-up and a semifinal showing since ’04. All but one of those finishes have come in Division II. “My class has not won a state championship in high school, so this year we are really hoping it could be the year to put a banner on the wall,” Pruitt said.

IMPACT

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HUNTER RENICK CIMARRON

ISAAC SALMANS

HODGEMAN COUNTY Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Last season, Cimarron played host to rival Lakin in Week 6. The teams were both undefeated and the game essentially decided the Hi-Plains League and Class 2A, District 7 titles. Cimarron won, 17-14, in a wild finish. Sophomore Emanuel Aguilar, who had never kicked a field goal in a game before, booted the game-winning 32-yard field goal with 1 minute, 51 seconds left. Lakin narrowly missed a field goal at the end of regulation.

Cimarron fullback Hunter Renick and his teammates celebrated on the field and sang with the fanbase. Afterward, Renick, the team’s vocal leader known for his loquaciousness and charisma, called the game “the best show on natural grass.”

“This is running the ball,” Renick said. “This is nose to the grindstone, and this is everything you could ask for.”

Renick made a pivotal play in the third quarter when Cimarron faced 4th-and-1 from its own 29yard line. The Bluejays went for the first down, and Renick gained 10 yards off the left side.

“I felt the whole city right on my back,” Renick said. “And I would never want to disappoint anybody in the stands, so I told myself, ‘You have got to get one yard, one yard.’ So I just said, ‘Just run, run like you never had before.”

Renick helped Cimarron to a 9-1 season, its most victories since before ’04. He rushed for 711 yards, along with 44 tackles, 7.5 for loss. Former Cimarron assistant Cade Albert believes he is one of the best fullbacks in the state. Renick looks to move to tight end this fall. He has offers from Butler, Garden and Dodge City CC.

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Oliver Salmans had one of the more memorable football careers in Kansas history. He cleared 5,000 career rushing yards at Hanston, played at Kansas State, and has since served in various coaching roles. He is currently the longtime Hodgeman County assistant coach with Matt Housman, also a former Hanston player.

Jacob Salmans served as a four-year starting quarterback for Hodgeman County from 2014-17.

He exceeded 7,000 total yards and accounted for 108 touchdowns. His brother, Eli Salmans, played from 2016-19. He rushed for 5,324 yards, tallied 87 offensive TDs and 327 tackles.

Isaac Salmans, the youngest of the three, played with at least one brother each season. HC earned state runner-up in ’17 and back-to-back 9-2 records. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Isaac took over for Jacob at quarterback.

He has passed for 2,641 yards on 61 percent completion with a 35/5 TD/INT ratio. As well, Isaac has rushed 1,736 yards and 42 touchdowns. Defensively, Isaac has 280 tackles and 11 sacks.

“You can always trust them,” Isaac said of his brothers. “You always know where they are going to be at. … That’s not going to be very fun not to have out there, but we will make it work.”

Isaac is expected to stay at quarterback, though might have to move to cornerback from defensive end as HC is expected to switch to a 5-1 defense. Offensively, the Longhorns should count on junior Drew Dansel and senior Dalton Lee at running back. Lee saw limited time, though Dansel recorded 48 carries for 344 yards and nine TDs in ’19.

“I would like to win state,” Isaac said. “That would be good. Good for coach Housman, because he won it when he was in high school, but he hasn’t won it coaching yet, and I would like to do that for him.”

Sabetha coach Garrett Michael is 77-45 in 11 years, including state championships in ’17 and 18.

Michael is well-known for his motto of faith, family, football. Michael has dealt with tragedy, including family members from his teams twice dying after playoff games, and has guided the program with excellent leadership.

The Bluejays have a run-heavy offense that has produced several of the state’s top players for all classes in recent years, including back Gabe Garber and lineman Elliott Strahm, who went to KU and K-State football, respectively. Senior Drew Schmelzle is the next Bluejay to receive DI interest.

“He is going to ask you about everything that is going on in your life,” Schmelzle said. “He gets 14-year-old freshmen and he turns them into men when they are walking out of high school.

“I mean, he gives you the skills you need to succeed in life, and he always bases everything off of faith, family, football in that order, and it’s great being with him and our other coaches,” he added.

“You have got guys on your side that are going to fight for you.”

Last season, Sabetha finished 6-3 and eighth in 3A at 32.8 points per game. Schmelzle, a multi-purpose player who lists wide receiver, tight end, defensive end and linebacker as his positions, will be a three-year starter this fall.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Schmelzle picked-up major recruiting interest this summer. He has posted 4.56 in the 40-yard dash and jumped 34.5 inches in the vertical. Schmelzle gained nearly 25 pounds in the last year. He was Sabetha’s top receiver with 21 catches for 316 yards and four scores and second with 66 tackles. Schmelzle currently holds FBS offers from Tulane and Akron.

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IMPACT

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HUNTER SCHROEDER

ANDREW SCHWINN

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MAUR HILL

CONCORDIA

Last year, Jordan Echer, on his third team in three years, took over as Concordia’s coach. Previously at Russell and Leon-Bluestem, Echer, very outgoing and visible on social media, helped Concordia to a two-win improvement to 5-5. The Panthers averaged 22.1 points per contest, the school’s best since ’14. The running game especially improved from 4.4 yards per carry and 166 rushing yards a contest to 5.7 yards per rush and 242 rushing yards per game.

Hunter Schroeder had a sizable jump from 662 yards and 10 rushing scores as a sophomore, to 1,103 rushing yards and six rushing TDs last year. Schroeder paced the Panthers with 74 tackles as a sophomore, and delivered 63 stops and 10 TFLs, in ‘19, both second on the squad.

The 5-foot-10, 195-pound Schroeder recently picked up a Bethel College offer. Schroeder is a three-time state wrestling qualifier with fourth and second place finishes the past two winters.

“It’s awesome,” Schroeder said about Echer. “He’s probably, out of all the coaches I have played for, cares about the kids the most. He is just a great guy. Always in his office, watching film, going over plays. He will call us in, and we will just watch film sometimes for hours. He will come in anytime if you want to lift after we already do summer weights. He is completely dedicated.”

Heading into the season, Concordia was expected to return all of its passing and receiving yards and all but two carries from a year ago.

A season-ending injury to Chas Carlgren in August camp, however, took a chunk of those receiving yards and the team’s leading tackler, but several other starters, including running back Keyan Miller and lineman Dalton Owen, are back to help improve on the five wins of a year ago.

On April 29, Kari Semrad, mother of Goddard standout two-sport athlete Kyler Semrad, posted some good news on Facebook. Kari said her son “was cleared” after “six intense months” from surgeries and therapy sessions. Kari thanked MidAmerica Orthopedics for helping Kyler recover from a major knee injury that occurred during the ’19 football season.

“His knee is stronger than ever before,” Kari wrote.

Semrad, who has started games in each of his first three years at Goddard, is 20-6 when he plays in a game. He has 3,507 yards and 40 career touchdowns. Last season, Semrad played in five contests and was 86 of 149 passing for 1,058 yards with a 13/2 TD/INT ratio. He went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 5 when he suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear and lateral meniscus tear.

Semrad, also a standout baseball player, played a full summer season on the diamond. He has looked to play college football. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Semrad carries a 4.2 GPA. Two years ago, Semrad helped Goddard to a surprising state runner-up appearance.

Last year, Goddard finished 4-6 and struggled offensively without Semrad. The Lions scored just 71 points in the last six games after 123 in the first month when Semrad was healthy. Semrad participated in the mid-July Sharp Performance Showcase at Kansas Wesleyan in Salina.

“I have fought my way back, and I am feeling good now,” Semrad said at the event. “We are ready to roll.”

Maur Hill senior linebacker Andrew Schwinn lives in Lansing and had went to Leavenworth-Immaculata through eighth grade. Immaculata, which won 10 total games in its last 10 years of football, closed after the ’16-17 season. Schwinn elected to attend Maur Hill in Atchison, a 62-mile round trip.

Several students carpool from Lansing.

“Maur Hill was just the closest option of kind of what we were used to, and so we looked at it, and we decided to go there,” Schwinn said.

Schwinn has enjoyed the school and helped the Ravens enjoy a stretch of six consecutive winning seasons after one record over .500 from ’93-13. Last year, Maur Hill finished 6-3 and permit just 13.8 points per contest, fifth-best in Class 2A. The Ravens had its top scoring defense since ’93, according to the Kansas Football History database. MH was seventh in 2A offense at 36.3 points a contest.

“It’s just a good group of people, good smaller size,” Schwinn said. “You know everyone, good homey feeling.”

MH significantly improved its strength of schedule, according to Prep Power Index. In the last five years, the Ravens ranked in the bottom eight for easiest SOS. Last fall, MH was No. 22 of 48 Class 2A squads. Schwinn led with 102 carries for 699 yards and 11 scores behind four-year starting quarterback Jack Caudle. He displayed tremendous strength and speed at this summer’s SP Showcase.

He and since graduated Abe Siebenmorgen paced the Ravens with 114 and 113 tackles, respectively. Schwinn called Caudle a “great leader” and that Siebenmorgen “showed me a lot of the ropes.”

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

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IMPACT players

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COLIN SHIELDS MAIZE SOUTH

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Maize South senior quarterback Colin Shields faced the same quandary as many high-profile Kansas football players this summer. Shields, 16-2 as Maize South’s starter with more than 2,680 career passing yards and a 3.9 GPA, was invited to various camps and combines. But most were cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Shields, though, took full advantage of the limited opportunities that arose in July. Shields impressed at a July 8 combine at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Okla. in front of a contingent of Division II coaches. The trip was 410 miles round trip down I-35 South.

Then, Shields went to Salina for Sharp Performance Showcase at Kansas Wesleyan on July 10.

After a solid showing, Shields and his father drove 517 miles to Chadron, NE to the Chadron State camp. Next, the pair went nearly across Nebraska to Wayne, a trip of 341 miles on US-20 East.

The work helped.

The 6-foot, 1.5-inch, 200-pound Shields picked up an offer from Wayne State College, a Division II school, and separated himself from a deep crop of 2021 Kansas quarterbacks that features few players with Division I/II offers.

Many signal callers, including Chapman’s Trevor Erickson, Cheylin’s Colton McCarty, Hoisington’s Mason Haxton, KC Washington’s Cory Macon, among others, have NAIA offers.

Last season, Maize South went 10-1 in 32-team Class 5A. The Mavericks finished No. 12 in scoring offense (25.7/game) and second in defense (12.1).

In the last eight years, the Mavericks are 68-19 with Brent Pfeifer, the only coach in program history.

TYSON STRUBER CANTON-GALVA

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Canton-Galva senior running back Brayden Collins and junior wide receiver Tyson Struber each remembered the halftime speech from the 8-Man, Division I state championship game. St. Francis scored the contest’s first 36 points, and then Canton-Galva tallied two touchdowns late in the first half.

“Really would probably be that halftime flip-around,” Collins said. “Coach talked to us in the locker room, just pretty much telling us, You know what’s on the line.’”

Collins said the Eagles “didn’t even think about the first half” and quickly pivoted the contest. C-G scored 52 unanswered points in the second half and won 66-36. Kansas historian Brett Marshall confirmed it marked the biggest title game comeback in Sunflower State football history. Struber finished with eight catches for 188 yards and three scores. He set the Division I state title record for receiving yards.

C-G, in a finale for the first time in 28 years, won the first state football title in school annals.

“The halftime, our coach just telling us we worked too hard to be in this position and just to remember who we were,” Struber said. “And because I definitely feel like we came into the game a little bit jittery, and just we have never been in that position before, and it was really eye-opening.”

Struber tallied 21 offensive scores and 1,094 offensive yards as a sophomore. A first team all-state player, Struber picked up KU and K-State offers this summer.

“Big blessing, especially coming from 8-Man is harder to get your name out there, but just very thankful that people have taken the time to evaluate me as a player and as a person,” Struber said.

IMPACT

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KONNOR TANNAHILL HOLTON

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Holton assistant Joe Purcell handles the running backs in the Wildcat system that has won 226 games in 24 years with head coach Brooks Barta and his vaunted “Barta Bone”. Holton ran the ball 496 of 516 snaps last year. At the start of the season, Barta said Holton will run plays with “whoever is in there.” By season’s end, Holton becomes more selective.

Last year, five players had between 67 and 157 carries. Four Wildcats recorded at least one 100yard rushing game. Then-junior Konnor Tannahill led the team with 157 carries for 799 yards and 11 scores. In the first five contests, Tannahill delivered 60 carries for 346 yards and four TDs. In the second half of the season, Tannahill recorded 97 carries for 453 yards and seven scores.

Holton enjoyed a four-win improvement, went 7-3 and won a tough Class 3A, District 4.

“That’s another reason it probably takes us some time to come along offensively is just getting them enough carries and enough reps to develop,” Barta said last fall. “But on the flip side of that, it keeps them healthy and it helps you in the playoffs, and it helps you wear teams down a little bit, so the long term is, we think it’s a real benefit.”

Tannahill and Canon Karn both return for their senior season. Karn was second with 716 rushing yards. Defensively, Karn led with 75 tackles and Tannahill was second with 71. Tannahill, who was also last winter’s 195 pound 4A wrestling champion, said Holton “really clicked” once the new Wildcat offensive line “clicked.” In addition to carrying the ball, the fullback blocks and carries out fakes.

“I am going through a hole, and my job is to blow it up, and it’s just great when I hit somebody as hard as I can, and then he’s gone,” Tannahill said.

West Franklin High School, located in Pomona in eastern Kansas, is the consolidation of Pomona and Williamsburg. The Falcons formed in 2007 and have not posted a winning season, though did qualify for a Week 9 bracket game in ’18 with a 4-5 record. That season marks the best mark since West Franklin was created. Before then, Williamsburg’s last winning season was a 5-4 record in ’05, and Pomona went 6-4 in ’04, according to the Kansas Football History database.

Senior Cameron Wise gave significant credit to the eight seniors on the ’18 squad, a group that included four multi-year starters. Last year, Wise stepped up in a multi-purpose role.

“Really take the role of leadership,” Wise said.

He started at running back, D-end, kick returner and kicker. The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder has offers from Coffeyville and Bethel and WF coach Nate Teichgraeber believes his ceiling is even higher.

“You have got to condition, that is the main thing,” Wise said. “And then you have got to make sure that you are mentally tough, because it definitely gets tough out there, especially when you are the main guy who is running the ball.”

The Falcons went 1-8 in ‘19 and Wise rushed for 511 yards and 4 TDs and caught seven passes with four going for TDs, all in just five games due to injury. He also recorded two sacks and six TFLs. “Having to make sure that I do the right things on the field, and act like a role model for any of the underclassmen,” Wise said of his emphasis for his senior season.

TAYLOR WAMEGO

JACKSON HEIGHTS

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Jackson Heights senior lineman Taylor Wamego’s family are longtime members of the Prairie Band of the Potawatomi Tribe, located in northeast Kansas.

His father, Michael, was killed in March 2003 in an automobile accident. Michael, a lifelong resident of the Potawatomi Reservation, was 34.

According to his obituary, Michael had three sons and three daughters. Taylor’s mother, Rachel, was married to Michael less than a year before he passed. She has raised the children. Taylor is the youngest. Taylor, a very rare standout football player from the Tribe, said his mother is his No. 1 supporter.

“I am just trying to make my family proud … trying to repay back my mom for the stuff she’s done for me, so that’s why I try my hardest every game,” Wamego said.

Wamego used to watch his brother play Madden and has loved the sport since. In fourth grade, Wamego played in the nearby Royal Valley YMCA league. Wamego likes the physicality of football.

“It just really gets me excited,” Wamego said.

Wamego and Colby Doyle first started as freshmen on the offensive line in Jackson Heights’ runheavy attack under Caleb Wick. Both players earned Class 1A honorable mention all-state defensive line honors. Wamego became a starter on the defensive line as a sophomore.

Last year, they helped JH post a 9-3 mark and advance to the state semifinals, the team’s best showing since ’83. Wick has completely turned around the Cobras with a 57-24 record in eight years.

The 5-foot-11, 275-pound Wamego has a goal to play collegiately and has interest from Bethel, McPherson, Butler CC and Highland CC. Jackson Heights graduated several top players from a year ago, but with Wamego’s leadership and some talented young athletes the Cobras should again be among 1A’s top teams.

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Sharp Prospect Series/from pg. 11

Elliott thrives in Big 10/from pg. 37

Russell’s Whitmer switches eyewear Russell junior Jesse Whitmer is a rare player who has already started for two years. Listed at 5-11, 180, Whitmer started at linebacker as a freshman. He led Russell with 79 tackles and posted 31 carries for 256 yards with a score for a 3-6 team.

Last season, Whitmer started at running back and linebacker. He easily paced Russell in carries (94) and rushing yards (444) and was second with three rushing touchdowns as the Broncos finished 1-8. Whitmer again led Russell with 84 tackles, 29 more than any other teammate. Whitmer said the keys for the tackles have come from watching film, focusing, paying attention and communicating.

Whitmer, though, has produced with a variety of eyewear choices. He tried out contacts in the past, though they would fall out. At times, Whitmer didn’t have any eyewear, but that proved kind of difficult.

Whitmer competed at the Sharp Performance Showcase with glasses. The 100 meter state qualifier ran 4.6 in the 40, posted a 28-inch vertical and benched 185 for 11 reps. He plans to wear goggles in the fall and would like to play college football.

“I felt like the goggles definitely helped me determine where the ball is better, so I can see the field better,” he said.

Last Chance Sharp Performance combine event provides another opportunity The Aug. 15 event at Salina Stadium welcomed 150 football players from across Kansas trying to improve their marks or increase college interest immediately prior to the start of the high school football season.

Mandatory masking, social distancing and regular hand-sanitizing were in effect.

Perry-Lecompton shows off speed Perry-Lecompton is loaded for a repeat trip

“They are just so big and there’s plenty of room for everybody to workout,” Elliott said. “Since I came in as a sophomore I didn’t have to live in the dorms, so I’ve got my own apartment. I can eat all the food and use WIFI anytime I want. It’s pretty cool.”

Having made the transition and impacting the Hoosiers’ defense during the 2019 campaign, Elliott and his teammates were anticipating the 2020 season with excitement. In the early spring, the Hoosiers had begun their spring practices but on their fifth day of working out, COVID-19 became the issue of the day and practices halted.

Summer practices were reinstated in June and once again the Hoosiers were looking ahead to the upcoming season, only to have it all short-circuited on Tuesday, Aug. 12, when the Big 10 Conference decided to postpone the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Coaches texted us and we had a team meeting at 3 p.m. and there was just complete silence,” Elliott said of the sad news. “The coaches were not themselves and you could feel the devastation. We wanted to play this season and we felt we had a chance to do something special. We were really confident because it seemed like it (the virus) had slowed down and we had no problems with any positive tests. We felt the season was a go. I think from all we saw ahead of that day we kinda knew this might happen.”

Elliott said he talks to his dad regularly, and it has helped him remain grounded and focused.

“He’s my hardest critic besides me,” Elliott said of his father. “He’s been to many of the games and he shares the experiences he had when he played college football.

He really helps me with the mental side of the game. The weight of all this sometimes seems overwhelming so it’s all I could ask for to have him in my corner.”

There is a lot of uncertainty for the immediate future of college football, but Elliott hopes there is a chance to have a spring 2021 football season in some fashion.

“Maybe we could have an abbreviated season or something,” he said. “We want to play and hope we can at some point, but obviously we all want to be safe. It’s just been really tough.”

to the 3A title game with quarterback William Welch, running back Thad Metcalfe, receiver Dawson Williams, lineman Sean Urban and linebacker/lineman Hayden Robb just a few of the top players back from last year’s state runner-up squad, but it was two relative unknowns that made a name for themselves at the Last Chance Combine.

Tight end/defensive back Hunter Hess ran the fastest 40-yard dashes of the day with two sub-4.4 hand times to record a 4.36 official, and defensive back Caidon Quinlan recorded a pair of sub-4.5 hand times for a 4.46 official on the day.

Salina South D-backs look sharp Seniors Que Hill and AJ Johnson performed well at the event. Hill showed off 4.4 speed and great quickness, while Johnson was not as fast (4.8) but showed off good skill in drills to go along with his 6-2, 185 pound frame.

Hill was not a varsity player a year ago, but coach Sam Sellers said he is really starting to understand the game better this year and should be a good addition to the Cougar defensive backfield. Johnson is one of the top returning players in 5A and could transition to outside linebacker at the collegiate level.

Other top performers Other notables included Lawrence’s Cole Mondi, a Lion senior safety/linebacker who ran 4.6 and broad jumped nearly 10 feet; Salina Central junior quarterback Parker Kavanagh, who has added weight but still ran 4.69 in the 40 and threw the ball well; Eudora’s Devon White, a transfer from Arkansas who is a fullback/linebacker type, ran 4.6 and posted a 35-inch vertical and looked good in drill work; Wichita East safety Tobi Osunsanmi displayed blazing 4.4 speed and a big frame; Wichita West defensive back Rian Green showed off 4.4 speed and good coverage skills.

Mammoth Sports Construction/from pg. 13

partners to develop something that will impact the community. We do things like sponsor football camps and runs and have a relationship long after we partner with schools. We go about things differently, and I think people appreciate that our word means something; that we care about the customer.” “...When we’re asked back, that means a lot to us. It means we’ve built that relationship, and they want us to come back.”

As Mammoth continues to expand, Morris said the company hasn’t forgotten where it came from.

“Even though our reach is growing, Kansas communities are our passion,” he said. “Even as we grow, our No.-1 focus is to continue to serve our communities.

Those are the projects that impact those communities. A new field changes participation levels and gives a community pride. Our No.-1 focus is impacting lives.

“I’ve seen communities where kids were losing interest in the local football program, but once the community made an investment, participation increased 50-75 percent. Now, you have elementary and junior-high kids, maybe for the first time, envisioning themselves running on the field under those Friday night lights. That’s one of the coolest aspects in my opinion.”

And while synthetic-turf football fields are mostly used for what they were intended, their usefulness doesn’t end there, he said.

“It’s not just sports,” Morris said. “It’s band. It’s cheer. It’s PE classes. The turf field becomes the largest classroom in the district. It can be used by the community. It’s made to be used, and used a lot. I don’t think a lot of people realize that until it’s in place, and there’s so many ways it can be used by the community.”

Some of the information in this story was provided by Pittsburg State University, the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle, the Leavenworth Times and Mammoth Sports Construction.

Brett Marshall was the sports editor at The Garden City Telegram, where he covered high school sports for 10 years before retiring in the fall of 2018. He previously had worked as a sports writer in Fort Scott, Dodge City, Hutchinson and Salina and his career spanned 20 years. His career started in 1974 and finished in 2018. He co-authored and compiled the 2019 book, “Under the Lights: 50 Years of KSHSAA Football Playoffs.”

Mammoth team/from pg. 13

company at various events throughout the region, including the 2020 Shrine Bowl, and helps promote the company’s sports operations.

“I have gotten to know (president) Jake (Farrant) and Brian over the past year, and really appreciate the way they and Mammoth Sports operate and their passion for impacting communities through sports,” Bishop said. “In fact, the first time I met Jake was in 2016 at a project he was working on down in my hometown in Willis, Texas. I have seen first-hand the quality of their work on the game field at (Bill Snyder Family Stadium) and with the K-State Baseball Indoor (facility). The way that Mammoth operates with integrity and class makes it a very easy decision to join the Mammoth Sports team and help tell their story.”

Jeremy Capo: Capo, the 2019 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Athletic Director of the Year, serves as a key part of Mammoth’s team by focusing on current and potential partnerships in the areas of synthetic turf projects, sports construction and facility enhancement.

Capo previously spent four years as athletics director at Iowa Western Community College, two years at New Mexico Junior College and 10 years in Colorado, where he held many roles, including working as associate director of athletics for development at Colorado State-Pueblo.

“I couldn’t be more humbled and excited to be a part of the Mammoth family,” the Grinnell, Kan., native said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to build and expand the Mammoth brand.”

Jake Sharp: A standout player at Salina Central, Sharp rushed for a state record 63 TDs 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 TDs. He also helped the Jayhawks win the Orange Bowl in 2008.

After college, Sharp played for the Wichita Wild, a professional indoor football team, and also signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears.

Sharp later opened Sharp Performance in 2011 with the idea of providing high-school, college and professional athletes specialized training opportunities in the heart of Kansas.

But he also wanted to help other individuals interested in improving their overall health.

Sharp Performance and Mammoth partnered to provide scholarships for athletes in need to attend a summer recruiting showcase at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. Hundreds of athletes attended the showcase and several earned major Division I college scholarship offers after performing well at the event.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

Page 65

Class 6A

Alden Knedler

Tyler Bowden [Free State *Transferred to Tonganoxie] 5-9, 180, RB, Sr., 197 car., 1,859 yards, 26 TDs9 Jackson Dooley [Lawrence] 6-1, 191, QB, Sr.; 2,125 yds. passing, 14 TDs Theo Grabill [Blue Valley North] 6-2, 200, WR, Sr.; 79 rec., 648 yds., 12 TDs Damian Ilalio [Manhattan] 6-2, 265, DT, Sr., 5.5 sacks, K-State Commit Joshua Janas [Garden City] 5-9, 180, Sr., 1,057 yds. rushing, 12 TDs in 2019

year’s losses were by seven points or less, including 21-20 to rival Blue Valley in the state quarterfinals.

Junior quarterback Henry Martin thrived in his first year as full-time starter replacing All-Stater Graham Mertz, throwing for 2,071 yards and 25 TDs. He’s got a pair of top targets in senior receivers Theo Grabill and Ian Loftus and seven offensive starters return overall as the Mustangs seek their third title game in four years.

Olathe North took Blue Valley North’s place as Derby’s foil in last year’s state championship game and figured to be in the hunt again this year with the return of arguably the top offensive player in the state in senior Arland Bruce IV. An All-State selection and the Simone Award winner as the top player in the Kansas City metro area, Bruce ran for 2,479 yards and 43 touchdowns while also throwing for 404 yards.

However, in mid-August Bruce announced he was transferring to Iowa for his final season, leaving the Eagles with a monster hole in the offense. The Eagles return six starters each way from last year’s 10-3 team with junior Noah Palmer (118 tackles) and senior linebacker Abram Phillips (80 tackles) leading the defense.

Blue Valley was a 28-7 loss to Olathe North away from playing in the state title game last year and could take that next step this year and get back to its first title game since 2016. Seven starters are back on offense led by the 1-2-3 punch of Jake Wolff, Chase Jans and Dorian Stephens, a K-State football commit.

Wolff threw for 2,118 yards and 15 touchdowns, six going to Stephens who had 667 yards on 36 catches. The Tigers return their top-three receivers overall to go with a strong ground game led by Jans, who ran for 1,064 yards and 10 TDs last year.

Lawrence started the season 7-0, including a 35-10 rout of Olathe North, but then lost two of its next three to finish 8-2. The Lions return virtually everyone, including the state’s No. 1 recruit, tailback

Devin Neal.

Neal ran for 1,671 yards and 26 TDs and was a threat in the passing game with 510 yards and six TDs. Jackson Dooley returns at quarterback after throwing for 2,125 yards and 14 TDs. Gardner-Edgerton also went 8-2 with each of its losses by a single point, including 42-41 to Blue Valley North in the playoffs. The Trailblazers graduated standout quarterback Teven McKelvey and All-6A offensive lineman Talor Warner (Kansas State), but return a defensive standout in Davonte Pritchard (K-State commit) and welcome Division I prospect Austin Weiner.

Olathe West moves up to Class 6A for the first time this year and has one of the top defensive players in Trey Krause (143 tackles), one of eight defensive starters back for the Owls. West returns plenty of offensive firepower too as junior tailback Anthony Favrow ran for 1,324 yards and 16 TDs and senior quarterback Alex Birge threw for 1,279 yards and 12 scores.

Manhattan returns one of the state’s top defensive linemen in senior Damian Ilalio, while seven starters are back offensively, including three-year starting quarterback Dayne Aschenbrenner, who had more than 2,000 yards of total offense last year.

Junction City and Shawnee Mission Northwest each have bigtime producers returning at quarterback but will have to find complements to make deep postseason runs. Ty Black had nearly 3,600 yards of total offense for Northwest, throwing for 2,708 yards and 24 TDs, while Andrew Khoury threw for 2,342 yards and 28 TDs for Junction City.

Free State is always a contender and went 8-2 for first-year head coach Kevin Stewart last year. Tailback Tyler Bowden* ran for 1,859 yards and 26 TDs last year and is joined by eight other returning starters and 24 returning lettermen, but the Firebirds lost All-State lineman Turner Corcoran to the University of Nebraska.

Others: Gardner-Edgerton, Junction City, Lawrence Free State, Manhattan

When Brandon Clark took over as head coach at Derby in 2006, the Panther program was in a state of flux.

He was the Panthers’ fourth head coach in four years and Derby was coming off a winless 2005 season. But the Valley Center product was well aware of the program’s rich history and knew he was taking over a sleeping giant.

Clark was dead-on. Under his guidance Derby has become arguably THE powerhouse program in the state. The Panthers have won four of the last five Class 6A state championships and have five state titles since 2013.

The argument could be made that last year’s 13-0 Panther edition was its most dominant. Derby didn’t have a game closer than 21 points, its offense averaged 42 points in the first half alone and the first-team defense allowed just seven touchdowns all season.

The one thing missing from Derby’s impressive resume under Clark — who is 130-35 in 15 seasons — is a triple crown. Blue Valley North denied Derby a three-peat in 2017, the only hiccup keeping the Panthers from entering the 2020 season on a run of five straight titles and 52 straight wins.

As it is, Derby starts the 2020 season with a 26-game winning streak in search of a third straight crown. Graduation claimed all but seven starters total, but the pieces are certainly in place for the Panthers to defend their throne.

Despite not taking over as the Panthers’ starting quarterback until late in the season, Lem Wash emerged as one of the best playmakers in the state, finishing the season with 1,211 yards and 27 TDs rushing and 848 yards and 14 TDs passing. He’s back, but the offense must replace virtually every other skill player as well as three starters on the line, which will still be a major strength and is one of the biggest in Clark’s tenure led by juniors Jonas Vickers (6-3, 290) and Alex Key (6-4, 265).

Replacing All-Stater Tyler Dorsey and the entire defensive line will be a tall task, but the senior linebacking trio of Jack Hileman, Luke Stewart and Coleson Syring is the best in the state with Hileman second on the team last year in tackles with 88.

Blue Valley North has served as Derby’s top challenger for the past several years, but slipped to a 5-6 record last year. Four of last

Here are 12 players to watch in Class 6A this fall:

Andrew Khoury [Junction City] 6-0, 185, QB, Sr.; 119-212, 2,342 yds., 28 TDs Alden Knedler [Dodge City] 6-2, 215, RB/LB, Sr.; 733 yds., 14 TDs, 81 tkls., 4 INT Trey Krause [Olathe West] 6-1, 185, DB, Sr.; 143 tackles, 3 INTs Dasan McCullough [Blue Valley North] 6-5, 220, S, Jr.; Ohio State Commit Dorian Stephens [Blue Valley] 6-3, 190, WR, Sr.; 36 rec., 667 yds., 6 TDs Lem Wash [Derby] 5-11, 210, QB, Sr., 2,000 total yds., 41 TDs in 2019 Russell Wilkey [Junction City] 5-10, 170, RB, Sr.; 1,300 total yds., 17 TDs

1. Derby 2. Blue Valley 3. Lawrence 4. Olathe North 5. Blue Valley North

By Brent Maycock, Topeka Capital-Journal

Andrew Khoury

Tyler Bowden*

KANSAS PREGAME CLASS 6A PRESEASON RANKINGS*

*Publisher’s Note: At press time, expectations for the 6A season were impacted significantly by coronavirus related cancellations, postponements and transfers.

Derby’s schedule now features a season opening game with 5A power Mill Valley. Olathe North standouts Arland Bruce IV and Dale Stout transferred to schools in Iowa. Free State standout RB Tyler Bowden transferred to Tonganoxie, as first reported by Kpreps.

Many other transfers were expected.

Numerous large class football seasons are in jeopardy and KSHSAA was considering a spring option for those teams.

As a result, the overview below, and the rankings above, are based on information that, in many cases, is no longer accurate.

Instead, this coverage serves as a “what might have been” look at the 2020 football season.

12 PLAYERS TO WATCH Lawrence Journal-World

Joanne Pere

Everett Royer

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

Page 66 Full Service Financial Institution

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GARDEN CITY

GARDNER-EDGERTON

2019 Record: 13-0 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. I

2019 Record: 9-1 / Western Athletic Conference

2019 Record: 2-7 / Western Athletic Conference

2019 Record: 8-2 / Sunflower League

Head Coach: Brandon Clark (15th year, 130-36) Assistants: Jarrod Foster, Todd Olmstead, Chris Devore, Chris Pinaire, Eric Hendrick, Derek Goble, Kevin Davis, Zach Haynes, Austin Wuthrich, Taylor Zeka, David Tullis

Head Coach: Dave Foster (11th year, 57-41; 24th overall, 129-104) Assistants: Kyle Culwell, Ty Thomas, Tate Lowe, Marcos Gutierres, Dustin Fergerson, Daniel Voth, John Johnson, Jeff Brull, Tucker O’Hair

Head Coach: Brian Hill (11th year, 57-41) Assistants: Justin Reich, Chet Skinner, Asa Gottsponer, Nate Bailey, Erik Base, Jacy Holloway, Devin Limberg, Cody Bernbeck, Mitch Moore

Head Coach: Ryan Cornelsen (3rd year, 18-3; 18th overall, 134-43) Assistants: Chris Walters, Mark Simoneau, Drew Brown, Joel Bergmann, Tanner Rainbolt, Ryan Dieckgrafe, Kyle Rush, Jason Radel, Ryan Plankenhorn, Hayes Farwell

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Lem Wash, QB, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Dylan Edwards, RB, 5-7, 155, So.; Jack Hileman, LB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Luke Stewart, LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Coleson Syring, LB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Reid Liston, WR, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Tanner Knox, Safety, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Amare Ramirez, Safety, 5-9, 180, Sr.

Offense: Spread Defense 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Matt Friess, WR, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Carlos Teran, OL, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Alden Knedler, LB/ RB, 6-2, 215, Sr.; D’Andre Vontress, WR, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Santonio Turner, DL, 6-0, 235, Jr.; Josh Taylor, DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Alden Knedler, 129 car., 733 yds., 14 TDs Rushing: Lem Wash, 98 car., 1,211 yds., 27 TDs Passing: Alden Knedler, 2-2, 40 yds., 1 TD Passing: Lem Wash, 41-70, 848 yds., 14 TDs, 1 INT Receiving: Matt Friess, 21 rec., 631 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: Reid Liston, 19 rec., 436 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Alden Knedler, 81 tackles Tackles: Jack Hileman, 88 tackles Sacks: Santonio Turner, 2 sacks Sacks: Luke Stewart, 7 sacks Interceptions: Alden Turner, 4 INTs Interceptions: Tanner Knox, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The cupHead coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our board appears to be emptied with only five returning coaches are very excited about this year. Offensively starters, but those five were key components of our we are coming off one of the best years Derby has offense a year ago. The key will be up front on the ever had. We averaged 42 points in the first two offensive line in filling in the four vacant spots due to quarters last year, 47 points in the first two quarters graduation. The QB battle will be tight with Tucker of our playoff games, including the state champion- Smith (junior) and potentially moving Alden Knedler ship. Our offensive line is one of the biggest offensive back to QB at times with the departure of the WAC lines we have had here at Derby. Our backfield with offensive player of the year Beau Foster. Receiver Lem Wash, Dylan Edwards and Zac Bryant will be will be an area of strength with several lettermen very good. We have a bunch of new wide receivers returning to compete for open spots. led by veteran Reid Liston.

“Key experience will return at each level (of the “Defensively we return three of our starting four defense) however it is only one returning starter at linebackers, led by Jack Hileman, Luke Stewart, each level. This group has progressed this summer and Coleson Syring, all were All-State selections and we expect this group to be strong again. Last last year. We will have three new defensive linemen year we relied on a strong run defense forcing teams including Tyler Dorsey’s little ‘big’ brother Quentin to throw the ball around and we expect a similar Dorsey. In the backfield we will have All-State approach this season. We will rely heavily on new selection Tanner Knox and Amare Ramirez returning faces to fill gaps.” with a few new faces including Corey Akins. Last year our first team defense only allowed seven total Notes: Team goals are to “keep the hatchet in touchdowns as a unit in 13 games.”

Dodge” and defend the WAC championship.

HAYSVILLE-CAMPUS

JUNCTION CITY

Offense: Pistol Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 24 Returning starters: Trey Nuzum, OL/DL, 6-4, 285, Sr.; Ronaldo Ramos, OL, 5-10, 265, Sr.; Kelvin Rico, OL, 5-9, 260, Jr.; Kaden Whitehurst, OL, 6-1, 235, Jr.; Joshua Janas, RB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Zane Burns, QB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Caleb Wiese, QB, 6-3, 190, So.; Terrell Elliott, DL, 6-1, 275, Jr.; Xavier Soriano, DL, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Saul Perez, DL, 5-10, 250, Jr.; Sergio Garcia, LB, 5-8, 180, Jr.; Joel Bellows, LB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Ashton Huber, FS, 6-3, 185, Jr.; Micah Perez, DB, 5-8, 170, Jr.; Christian Reyes, DB, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Micah Dvorak, P, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Issac Rivera, K, 5-9, 150, So.; Will Jarmer, LS/SS, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Erik Dominguez, KR, 5-8, 165, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Joshua Janas, 1,057 yds., 12 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Ashton Huber, 69 tackles Sacks: Terrell Elliot, 3 sacks Interceptions: Micah Perez, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Take care of the ball better on offense. We were -10 in turnovers last year. We must be able to stop the run and give up fewer points. More consistency in the kicking game. Stay healthy.”

Notes: The Buffs graduated Kansas Pregame coverboy Refujio Chairez but return four other starting offensive lineman - two who were WAC Honorable Mention - who will open holes for returning 1,000 yard rusher Josh Janas.

Offense: Offset I Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Adam Callahan, LB, Sr.; Drew Cassida, DB, Sr.; Davonte Pritchard, DB/LB, Sr.; Gus Davis, OL, Sr.; Ethan Reynolds, DB, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Tyler Butash, 78 car., 456 yds., 7 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Drew Cassida, 2 rec., 11 yds.

Tackles: Adam Callahan, 46 tackles Sacks: Adam Callahan, 2 sacks Interceptions: Ethan Reynolds, 2 INTs Notes: After ending a 10-game losing streak with an unbeaten regular season in 2018, and following it up with an eight-win season last fall, Ryan Cornelsen could be in for a rebuilding year. It’s not anything new to the son of legendary former Liberal head coach Gary Cornelsen after he previously built winning teams at La Crosse and Hays High.

The bulk of the Blazers returners are on the defensive side of the ball, including K-State commit Davonte Pritchard, which should be helpful as Cornelsen tries to find a replacement for quarterback Teven McKelvey. Now with the University of South Dakota, where he will likely play in the defensive backfield, McKelvey generated over 2,700 total yards and had a hand in more than 50 touchdowns over the last two seasons.

The Blazers also graduated the bulk of a talented offensive line highlighted by K-State commit and Kansas Pregame coverboy Talor Warner. Cornelsen Nine returning starters on defense will pace the Buffs should have a capable replacement up front in as the offense picks between one of two returning K-State prospect Austin Weiner, a senior TE/OL/ starting QBs who took over after Carlos Acosta DE transfer from the state of Georgia and the son of suffered a season ending injury in Week 4. former Wildcat and NFL O-lineman Todd Weiner.

KC-JC HARMON

KC-WYANDOTTE

2019 Record: 1-8 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. I

2019 Record: 8-3 / Centennial League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Kansas City-Atchison League

Head Coach: Jamie Cruce (2nd year, 1-8; 8th overall, 43-29) Assistants: Greg Enns, Ray Boese, Ken Walters, Bobby Hughes, Chris Jensen, Colby Leeper, Darren Robinson, Colton Flax

Head Coach: Randall Zimmerman (27th year, 15996; 191-129 overall) Assistants: Jimmy Goheen, Carl Laughlin, Dane Jenner, DeShawn Fogle, Mitch Whaley, Aaron Craig, Jeffery Childs

Head Coach: Steven Jackson (10th year, 7-70) Head Coach: RJ Premis (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: James Penrod, Jeremy Spears, Malcolm Assistants: Greg Forshey, Trai Forshey, Martez Birnel, Steven May, Derian Lockett Wesley, Marcus Vaughn, Eugene Rodriguez

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Barrett Roads, OL/LB, Jr.; Leyton Brown, OL/DE, Sr.; Avonte Dixon, OL/DE, Sr.; Curtis Zimmerman, OL, Sr.; Jackson Bradley, TE/RB/DE/ LB, Sr.; Jakob Dorton, Slot, Sr.; Braelyn Jay, QB/DB, Jr.; Tate Rico, WR, Sr.; Corbin Williams, RB/Slot, Sr.; Alex Klitzing, LB, Sr.; Garrett Denning, CB, Sr.; Nate Bowen, S, Sr.; Christian Sicard, LB/S, So.

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning letterman: N/A Returning starters: Anson Jacobsen, OG, Sr.; TJ Osa, OG, Jr.; Setu Toala, OT, Sr.; Andrew Khoury, QB, Sr.; DJ Giddens, RB, Sr.; Russell Wilkey, RB, Sr.; Marcello Bussey, WR; Sadiki Smith, LB, Sr.; Javon George, DB, Sr., Onterius Hill, DB, Sr.; Jordan Irby, DB, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: Michael Reed Tackles: Angel Gallardo Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Devonte Locke

Offense: Pro Style Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: Maurice Brown, WR, Sr.; Malike Calhoun, WR/DB, Sr.; Keenan Anderson, OL, Sr.; Keyon Anderson, OL, So.; Ku’yuan Ward, OL, Sr.; Daniel Vargas, TE/LB, Sr.; Kenny Jackson, DL, Sr.; Kevonte Jackson, DB, So.; Cameron Moorehouse, S, Sr.; Kevon Robinson, CB, Sr.; Marte Wade, LB, Sr.; Victor Limas, OL, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Kevonte Jackson, 55 tackles Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “(We Sacks: Kenny Jackson want to) compete for the KCAL title and advance past Interceptions: Kevonte Jackson, 6 INTs the first round of Kansas playoffs. (We will do that by) being consistent and outworking our opponents.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We feel Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “I am lost to league rival Washington 26-18 for the league we have made a lot of improvement over the past very much looking forward to getting it started. We Notes: The Hawks ended a 30-game losing streak title. We forced seven turnovers in that game and 12 months. Having a year of experience within our have some very solid returners. We have been hit in the 2019 season opener. Harmon’s two wins still managed to lose to an athletic offensive Wildcat schemes, and the team becoming more familiar with with quite a few transfers but are looking forward to came outside of league play, 35-0 in Week 1 against team. I think we are the first team ever to force seven one another, has led to an excitement for the 2020 the new students who do enter our district. We must Turner and 48-25 over KC Northeast of Missouri in turnovers and lose! Wyandotte was 1-7 the past four season. A very difficult schedule will be a major chal- get started quickly and gain some early confidence.” Week 3. The Hawks nearly pulled off a Week 5 upset seasons and our goal has been to keep that chapter lenge. Staying healthy and continued improvement of Schlagle taking the Stallions to two overtimes of Wyandotte closed for good. We have established will be key factors for success.”

Notes: Randall Zimmerman returns one of the top before falling 12-6. The Hawks scored more than ourselves as a disciplined football program and are QBs in KS. Andrew Khoury’s numbers were off the 12 points just three times last season, the two wins, excited (about) what the future has to offer. 2019 Notes: Leading defender Nate Bowen also spent charts last year and he has an experienced line and and a Week 9 51-30 loss to Wyandotte. The Harmon brought a playoff win to our program for the first most of the season as the Colts’ starting QB before pair of potent running backs in Wilkey and Giddens offense was shut out three times, scored six points time since 1987. We want to get back to that second yielding to Braelyn Jay who should continue as to carry the team as the D develops. Top receivers once, and 12 points twice. round game and be better prepared to compete Cruce’s signal caller this season.

Ethan Alcorn and Qua’vez Humphreys graduated. against a high level opponent.”

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Corbin Williams, 133 car., 532 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Nate Bowen, 31-77, 605 yds., 4 TDs, 8 INTs Receiving: Tate Rico, 18 catches, 598 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Nate Bowen, 52 tackles Sacks: Avonte Dixon, 2 sacks Interceptions: Garrett Denning, 4 INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Russell Wilkey, 144 car., 669 yds., 10 TDs Passing: Andrew Khoury, 119-212, 2,342 yds., 28 TDs, 7 INTs Receiving: Russell Wilkey, 35 rec., 631 yds. 7 TDs Tackles: Sadiki Smith, 63 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Javon George, 1 INT

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 6 Returning starters: Devonte Locke, QB/S, 6-1, 160 Sr.; Eugene Burks, RB/DL, 5-10, 220 Sr.; Michael Reed, WR/S, 5-10, 170 Sr.; Angel Gallardo, LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Julian Pacheco, 5-9, 200, Jr.

2019 Record: 4-5 / Kansas City-Atchison League

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Head Coach: Kevin Stewart (2nd year, 8-2) Head Coach: Steve Rampy (3rd year, 9-10; 28th 2019 Record: 8-2 / Sunflower League

overall, 185-94) Assistants: Jeff Lyster, Adam Green, Assistants: Mike Gillman, Tayler Stuart, Nolan Jamie Resseguie, Jeff Colter, Ben Ehret, Ron Mann, Henderson, Dan Hissong, Spencer Bonner, Chad Aberle, Chris Stewart, Devin McAnderson, Andrew Greg Farley, Eugene Miles, Camren Torneden Booth Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-2-5 Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning lettermen: 25 Returning starters: Jackson Dooley, QB, 6-1, 191, Returning starters: Tyler Bowden, RB/S, 5-9, 180, Sr.; DevinDownload Neal, RB, 6-0, 210,the Sr.; Ben King, WR, Pizza Hut app Sr.; Joey Wood, K, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Jet Dineen, QB/S, 5-10, 172, Sr.; Tre’ Jackson, WR, 5-11, 165, Sr.; toHough, findFB,deals, and 180, Jr.; MJ Issa, OL/DL, 6-2, 245, Sr.; Tyler Graham 5-10, 195, earn Sr.; Noahrewards Smith, OL, 5-10, 6-4, 300, Jr.; Acen Villegas, OL, 6-2, 276, Jr.; Porter Gourley, OL/DL, 6-1, 275, Jr.; Tai Newhouse, OL/ order your favorite Pizza, Pasta, Dannevik, C, 6-3, 252, Sr.; Lane Luna, OL, 6-0, 231, DL, 6-2, 300, Jr.; Gage Callaghan, LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Jacobee Williams, DB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Ben Stallard, Sr.; Drew Meyer, OL, 6-2, 234, Sr.; Teagan Flynn, Desserts!

Breadsticks, Wings and DE, 6-3, 221, Sr.; Dylan Gillepspie, NG, 6-0 228, Sr.; DB/WR, 5-11, 185, Sr. Cole Mondi, LB, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Karson Green, LB, Returning Statistical Leaders 5-10, 213, Sr.; Corban Oberzan, FS, 6-0, 182, Sr.; Rushing: Tyler Bowden, 197 car., 1,859 yds., 26 TDs Kallun Chitama, FS, 5-11, 177, Sr. Passing: Jet Dineen, 9-18, 217 yards, 1 TD Receiving: Tyler Bowden, 7 rec., 125 yds.

Returning Statistical Leaders Tackles: Tai Newhouse, 41 tackles Rushing: Devin Neal, 213 car., 1,671 yds., 26 TDs Sacks: Tai Newhouse, 1.5 sacks Passing: Jackson Dooley, 143-254, 2,125 yds., 14 TDs; Receiving: Tre’ Jackson, 15 rec., 275 yds., 5 TD Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The 2020 football schedule change presents possibly Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We the strongest strength of schedule in the state are very excited about this season. Many of these including new opponents Olathe North, Mill Valley, players have started for the Lions for three years.

Gardner-Edgerton and Shawnee Mission Northwest.

Devin Neal is one of the most exciting players in The City Showdown against Lawrence High looks Kansas and our offensive line has a chance to be very good. We need to replace some key starters on to be another great battle. In all, the 2020 team will defense, but we feel good about the candidates to do be battle tested by the end of the season. I would expect the level of opponents to prepare us greatly so. Virus go away!” for the (playoffs). In order to be successful this team Notes: In just two years legendary former Blue Valley will have to work hard, establish new players at key coach Steve Rampy took the Chesty Lions from one positions, overcome adversity and improve each win to eight and with every offensive starter back and week. Tyler Bowden is one of the fastest players in the state (and) Joey Wood was named 1st team several key pieces on the defense Lawrence looks like one of the favorites in the Sunflower League, and All-State by the Wichita Eagle and returns for his 6A, this fall. A tough last half of the season includes senior year. Joey handles kicking and punting duties games at home against Mill Valley, Shawnee Mission and is a great weapon to have in the field position Northwest and Olathe North before the season finale game. Joey had a long of 48 yards in 2019. Junior Tai Newhouse is one of the state’s top interior against rival Free State.

D-lineman, Tyler Gourley started all 10 games as a sophomore at center. Both players will bring great ability to our line.”

2019 Record: 10-2 / Sunflower League

OLATHE NORTH

Head Coach: Chris McCartney (6th year, 39-18) Assistants: Bryan McCall, Pete Flood, Josh Carroll, Luke Rampy, Greg Berg, Leon Washington, Sean Richardson, Jeremiah Baer, Zach Johnson, Israel Marshall, Chris Scruggs

OLATHE NORTHWEST

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OLATHE EAST

2019 Record: 9-2 / Centennial League

2019 Record: 7-3 / Sunflower League

Head Coach: Joe Schartz (12th year, 92-23) Assistants: Keaton Barriger, Pat McKinney, Adam O’Neill, Jim Webber, Steven Aschenbrenner, Danny Grater, Alex Reinecke, Philip Thraemer, Chad Wolfe, Darian Taylor

Head Coach: Courtney Porter (1st year) Assistants: Todd Buttermoore, Jason Peete, Travis Greer, Nick Ash, Jake Carroll, Brandon May, Chris Burnett, Kenny Stokes, Lance Larson, KeKe Blackmon, Chad Brown

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Dayne Aschenbrenner, QB, Sr.; Lorenzo Wilhoite, RB, Sr.; Mason Reid, RB, Sr.; Grant Snowden, K, Sr.; Jaden Magana, OL, Sr.; Cade Wilson, OL, Sr.; Dawson Alesna, OL, Sr.; Tate Brown, WR, Jr.; Joe Hall, WR, Jr.; Ty’Zhaun Jackson, DB, Sr.; Joey Meyer, LB, Sr.; Jeramiah Eustaquio LB, Sr.; Damian Ilalio, DL, Sr.; DaShawn Edwards, OLB, Jr.; Darius O’Connell, DL, Sr.

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: N/A

Notes: League champs 10 of the last 11 years.

2019 Record: 6-4 / Sunflower League

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Marrell Fountain, 1,250 yds., 17 TDs

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We return 17 lettermen that saw ample playing time in 2019. At the skill positions we return quarterback Austin Berggren (Jr.), both running backs Marrell Returning Statistical Leaders: Fountain (Sr.) and Malique Washington (Sr.) and Rushing: Dayne Aschenbrenner, 154 car., 1,041 wide receiver Darius Bibbs (Sr.). We also bring yds., 17 TDs back four offensive linemen Jesse Brumley (Sr.), Passing: Dayne Aschenbrenner, 49-105, 965 yds., Taran Thomas (Sr.), Nick Slade (Sr.), and Brandon 7 TDs, 6 INTs Luce (Sr.). On the defensive side of the ball we Receiving: Mason Reid, 8 rec., 172 yds. return defensive backs Joey Grooms (Sr.), Zaden Tackles: Joey Meyer, 87 tackles Marroquin (Sr.), and Kam Byers (Sr.). We bring back Sacks: Damian Ilalio, DaShawn Edwards, 5.5 sacks four linebackers Jaxon Avena (Sr.), Noah Amundson each; Interceptions: Ty’Zhaun Jackson, 1 INT (Jr.), Ryan Schier (Sr.) and Joe Zinn (Jr.) who saw playing time and up front on the defensive linemen Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Will Marcos Flores (Sr.) and Armando De La Torre (Sr.). (have) a three-year starter at quarterback in Dayne Transfers D’Muari Franklin (Sr.) and Justin Fountain Aschenbrenner. Damian Ilalio has committed to (Sr.) should contribute at the (athlete) position and Kansas State University and will be a force on John Kutney (Sr.) on the offensive line. Potential defense. Six returning starters on offense and five on impact could also come from underclassmen Nick defense will provide for a lot experience on the field. Elliot (Jr.) at WR/DB, and offensive lineman Slade Other strengths will be returning starters at RB in Helton (Jr.).

Mason Reid and Lorenzo Wilhoite Notes: First-year head coach Courtney Porter “Weakness (include) underclassmen at TE and OT inherits a pretty full cupboard from Jesse Owen. ... . We have to replace a lot of experience in the The Hawks could field one of the more formidable secondary as Ty’Zhaun Jackson is the only returning backfield duos in 6A in fullback Malique Washington starter in the secondary. and running back Marell Fountain. Returning junior quarterback Austin Berggren has a strong arm “This season will be unique, players will be asked to witnessed by his 87 mph fastball recorded last winter. learn multiple positions to provide depth for COVID.”

OLATHE SOUTH

2019 Record: 1-8 / Sunflower League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Sunflower League

Head Coach: Aaron Hafner (3rd year, 2-16; 7th overall, 27-42) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Craig Lewis (5th year, 15-24) Assistants: N/A

OLATHE WEST

Head Coach: TJ O’Neill (3rd year, 11-11) Assistants: Kraig Goerl, Greg Morgan, Mike Zegunis, Eric Kinney, Mike McLaughlin, Tyler Rodden, Sam Palm, Dee Bell, RJ Nill, Evan Gray, Chris Fields

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 15 Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-5 Returning starters: Alex Birge, QB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Returning lettermen: N/A Anthony Favrow, RB, 5-10, 195, Jr.; Luke Bishop, Returning starters: N/A WR, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Luke Zegunis, L, 5-11, 245, Sr.; Dane Hutchins, L, 6-1, 215, Jr.; Josh Turner, L, 5-10, Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A 215, Sr.; Josh Clark, L, 6-0, 275, Sr.; Trey Krause, FS, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Will Krzykowski, SS, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Sam Butler, LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Mike Anderson, LB, 190, Jr.; Dawud Hakim, CB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Kobe Notes: The Ravens won just one game for the Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “I have a Poindexter, DL, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Trevor Vinzant, DL, second straight season last fall with a 26-20 overtime great group of seniors that deserve a season. I am 5-10, Jr.; Israel Barraza, DL, 5-6, 200, Jr. victory at Shawnee Mission South in Week 7 to end still hopeful that things will work out. My quarterback a nine game losing streak that dated back to Week 6 Reed Smith is a great leader and we have one of the Returning Statistical Leaders of 2018. Northwest nearly broke the losing streak in best 6A running backs in Andrew Nehrbass. It will be Rushing: Anthony Favrow, 179 car., 1,324 yds., 16 Returning Statistical Leaders Week 2 last fall but suffered a one-point 20-19 loss a crime if they and their teammates get canceled.

Rushing: Arland Bruce IV, 371 car., 2,487 yds., 43 TDs; Passing: Alex Birge, 85-147, 1,279 yds., 12 Sports and high school football is a sign that America TDs, 3 INTs; Receiving: Luke Bishop, 9 rec., 111 TDs; Passing: Arland Bruce IV, 24-47, 404 yds., 5 TD to Olathe South. is going to survive this virus. Let’s fight through this yds., 1 TD; Tackles: Trey Krause, 143 tackles Receiving: Dale Stout, 30 rec., 591 yds., 9TDs The Ravens offense ranked 30th of the 32 teams in and not hide in our homes and hope it disappears.

Tackles: Noah Palmer, 73 tackles Sacks: Kobe Poindexter, 3 sacks 6A with 134 points scored on the season, just ahead These kids deserve it.”

Interceptions: Abrahm Phillips, 4 INTs Interceptions: Trey Krause, 3 INTs of the afore-mentioned Shawnee Mission South (123, 2-7) and Shawnee Mission North (108, 0-9).

Notes: After records of 4-6, 4-6 and 5-5 Olathe South Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We look Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our slipped to 2-7 last year. The Falcons played in a goals are to come into the season knowing what to continue to build momentum entering year three The Northwest defense also found themselves near number of close games last year including 20-19 it takes and what it feels like. We hope to use that of our program. We expect 130-plus out for our team the bottom of 6A allowing 366 points to finish 29th in and 16-10 wins over Olathe Northwest and Shawnee this season. Our strength in the weight room has to motivate us daily. Keys to success are finding scoring defense in the 32 team class. The Ravens Mission South respectively, and 14-point (or less) replacements for the players that were lost to continued to improve each year, (and) as a result, graduation. Staying healthy. Building team character.” finished ahead of Blue Valley Northwest (383, 2-7), losses to Lawrence (31-21, Week 1), Shawnee our success on the field has steadily improved. We Shawnee Mission North (428) and Wichita North Mission Northwest (42-28, Week 3), Olathe West finished with a record of 6-4 in 2019, including a (476, 0-9).

(14-7, Week 7) and back-to-back season ending Notes: North’s hopes for a return trip to the 6A title six-game winning streak in the second half of the losses to Olathe East (32-21, Week 8; 31-20, Week season. We return 15 starters on both sides of the game may have taken a hit with the announcement Northwest’s schedule was ranked the sixth toughest 9). from Arland Bruce IV that he is moving to Iowa to ball, most of which will be in their third year of starting play his senior season. The University of Iowa com- in 6A by Prep Power Index. experience. We hope that experience and our midmit is concerned that Olathe schools will not play this to-late season success last year will help us battle fall because of COVID-19 related restrictions. through a tough Sunflower League schedule.”

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 30 Returning starters: Arland Bruce IV QB/RB 5-10, 190, Sr.; Dale Stout, WR, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Jacob Parrish, RB, 5-10, 170 Jr.; Mario Sanchez, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Parker Lane, OL, 6-2, 260 Jr.; Zach Price, TE, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Zach Willoughby-Neal, WR/K, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Jonathan Mendoza, DE, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Carter Lahmeyer, DE, 6-4, 220 Sr.; Abrahm Phillips, LB, 5-10, 185 Sr.; Nolan Gray, LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Noah Palmer, DB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Laython Patillo, DB, 5-7, 150, Sr.; AJ Long, DL, 6-0, 260, Sr.

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-1 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Dawson Harrington, OL, 6-6, 280, Sr.; Andrew Nehrbass, RB, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Reed Smith, QB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Tim Wilburn, TE, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Adam Young, K, 5-10, 165, Sr.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

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2019 Record: 8-4 / Eastern Kansas League

2019 Record: 5-6 / Eastern Kansas League

Head Coach: Allen Terrell (4th year, 20-13; 10th overall, 51-30) Assistants: Lew Rowe, Paul Brown, Johnathan Jost, Adam Bien, Brandon Olney, Adam Kinzer, Mel Foxx, Tad Kersting, Don Hanna, Demetrius Bernard, Larry Lindsay, Trevor Burgess, Nate Schmidt, Matt Shipley

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2019 Record: 7-4 / Eastern Kansas Leagues

Head Coach: Josh Koerkenmeier (5th year, 13-25) Assistants: Ryan Copp, Danny Catanzaro, Eric Fritch, Randy Lowe, Scott Wright, Mike Besler, Kevin Bandy, Travis Holehan, Derek Howard, Joe Allison, Luke Farnsworth, Tyler Dickerson

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: Mikey Pauley, QB, 6-4, 195, Jr.; Returning starter: Wanya Crofton, 6-0, 235,Hut Jr.; app Gabe Peterson, OL/DL, 6-2, 240, Jr.; Cade Murphey, Download the OL, Pizza Jake Marzullo, OL, 6-0, 237, Sr.; David Sjoberg, OL, 6-3, 280, Jr.; Steven Whitter, WR, 5-10, 155, to240, find deals, earnOL,rewards and OL, 6-4, Sr.; Jaxson Townsend, 6-0, 250, Jr.; Josh Cusick, WR, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Leo Clennan, Sr.; Theo Grabill, WR, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Ian Loftus, WR, DL, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Blane Deppe, LB, 6-1, 215, Sr.; order your favorite Pizza, Pasta, 6-4, 185, Sr.; Henry Martin, QB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Omar Isaiah Smith, DB, 6-3, 175, Sr.; Isaiah Walker, DB, Eldakak, DL 6-1, 225, Sr.; Nikko Taylor, LB 6-5, Desserts!

5-9, 165, Sr. Breadsticks, Wings and 215, Sr.; William Douglas, CB, 5-10, 170 Sr.; Daeh McCullough, CB 6-1, 180, So.; Dasan McCullough, Returning Statistical Leaders: S, 6-5, 220, Jr.; Spencer Sprenger, K, 5-11 185, Sr. Rushing: Mikey Pauley, 138 car., 532 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Mikey Pauley, 146-295, 1,861 yds., 15 TDs Returning Statistical Leaders Receiving: Josh Cusick, 21 rec., 170 yds., 1 TD Passing: Henry Martin, 195-335, 2,071 yds., 25 TDs Tackles: Blane Deppe, 57 tackles Returning Statistical Leaders Receiving: Theo Grabill, 79 rec., 648 yds., 12 TDs Sacks: Leo Clennan, 7 sacks Rushing: Chase Jans, 1,064 yds.

Tackles: Dasan McCullough, 55 tackles Interceptions: Blane Deppe, 2 INTs Passing: Jake Wolff, 152-282, 2,118 yds., 15 TDs Sacks: Omar Eldakak, 2 sacks Receiving: Dorian Stephens, 36 rec., 667 yds.

Interceptions: Dasan McCullough, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Getting Tackles: Michael Allen, 72 tackles our program on the right track has taken great efforts Sacks: Sterling Smithson, 5 sacks Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The from many people. In 2018, the program won just five Interceptions: Michael Allen, 3 INTs Mustangs have proved to have one of the most games between all levels. Last year, each level won dynamic offenses in the Metro over the past six more games than the previous year with a total of 15 Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our games won. We have a number of junior defensive goals are to become 6A State Champions. Our keys seasons. This year seven starters return from the 2019 squad. The defense returns 10 letterwinners players with high ceilings who have been waiting to success are to play with unity and stay healthy.” and five starters from last year’s squad that helped their turn. Although the senior class is not large in keep the Mustangs in contention all season long. The numbers, we have four Seniors who will be two or Notes: The receiving tandem of Dorian Stephens and Sterling Lockett gives Jake Wolff two of the top Mustangs’ kicking game, also known as the ‘Special three year starters coming back. There will be high Forces,’ will be led by Spencer Sprenger. The kicker/ levels of competition within our squad at many posipass catchers in the state. Stephens is a K-State commit and Lockett, the younger brother of Seattle punter already ranks fifth all-time in points scored in tions which will elevate the intensity and preparation of our practices. Quarterback, Mikey Pauley, returns Sehawk receiver Tyler Lockett, recently received an school history, is third all-time in career field goals offer to play for the Wildcats upon completion of his with 10, and is first all-time in extra points made in a for his second year leading the offense. He has a senior year in 2022. As most know, Lockett’s father season. Sprenger also took over the punting duties big arm and put up big numbers as the season went along. He has developed in his understanding of the (Kevin), uncle (Aaron) and the afore-mentioned Tyler for the Mustangs last season and finished with an average over 34 yards. His kicking and punting offense and his decision-making process. We have a all starred at receiver and on special teams for the duties earned him All-State a year ago and has him chance to develop our big, but young, offensive line Wildcats. As usual, expectations are high for the on many college’s radar.” who will all be back for 2021.”

Tigers, a perennial EKL and 5A/6A power.

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Andrew Bradley, RB/DB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Scott Riddle, WR, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Rocco Hicks, OL/DL, 6-5, 230, Sr.; Jared Patterson, OL, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Jaden Mayfield, DL, 5-10, 270, Jr.

2019 Record: 2-7 / Sunflower League

2019 Record: 0-9 / Sunflower League

2019 Record: 7-3 / Sunflower League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Sunflower League

Head Coach: Justin Hoover (3rd year, 10-10) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Andy Walter (1st year) Assistants: Dennis Grayless, Robert Latona, Danny Long, Matt Jacobsen, Ryan Durand, Jeremy Milne, Shane McBride, Julius Dunn, Julian Parks, Jake Seuer, Jacob Carpenter.

Head Coach: Bo Black (6th year, 18-29; 19th overall, 108-78) Assistants: Brian Vesta, Michael Lockett, Sedrick Cook, Seth Homolka, Dave Coopman, Jay Black, Dominic Mussat, Zach Rampy, Billy Dent, Brad Qualls, Eric Williams

Head Coach: Brett Oberzan (6th year, 13-33) Assistants: N/A

Offense: Spread Pistol Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 26 Returning starters: Nick Herzog, OT, 6-4, 260, Jr.; Dorian Stephens, WR, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Tate Gillen, WR, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Sterling Lockett, WR, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Jake Wolff, QB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Chase Jans, RB, 5-10, 190 Sr.; Greyson Holbert, RB/WR, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Clayton Power, DT, 6-2, 300, Sr.; Sterling Smithson, DT, 6-3, 300, Sr.; Avion Jones, DE, 6-1, 235, Sr.; Hayden Essex, DB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Michael Allen, DB, 5-9, 170, Jr.

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST

Offense: Spread Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Lee Marshall, DE, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Preston Reynolds, WR, 6-4, 185, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Notes: After going 8-3 in the first year under former Bishop Miege quarterback guru Justin Hoover the Lancers slipped to 2-7 in year two with victories over Olathe Northwest and Shawnee Mission South.

While the offense performed near the middle of 6A scoring more total points than 13 other schools in the classification, the defense did not hold up it’s end of the bargain ranking 28th in total points allowed.

Senior D-end Lee Marshall is one of the top players in the Sunflower League. The three-year starter is a multiple time all-league honoree. Senior wide receiver Preston Reynolds earned second team all-league recognition last year and was also an honorable mention all-league basketball player. At 6-4, 185 pounds, Reynolds provides much needed height, Senior defensive back Cade Eldred earned second team all-league honors last year and junior offensive lineman Jack Muller earned honorable mention.

SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST

Offense: Spread Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Ty Black, QB, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Easton Dubbert, OL, 6-4, 240, Sr.; Kael Farkes, Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A C, 6-3, 240, Jr.; Duke Henke, WR, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Donovan Gannapini, WR, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Jack Meylan, Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: WR, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Justin Mitchell, RB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; “Shawnee Mission North returns a large group of Alvin Horner, NG, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Kaydon Pennewell, players who played varsity football last season.

LB, 5-11, 200. Jr.; Lucas Ihde, LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Juniors Isaiah Beck and Cotter Knowles will compete Phillip Vesta, FS, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Phillip Adams, CB, for the starting QB job. We will utilize a running back 5-11, 165, Sr.; Chris Starks, CB, 6-1, 185, Sr. by committee, with several promising backs performing well throughout the summer. The offensive line Returning Statistical Leaders will be replacing most of the snaps from 2019, but Rushing: Ty Black, 115 car., 874 yds., 16 TDs we have a promising core of upperclassmen who are Passing: Ty Black, 213-331, 2,708 yds., 24 TDs competing for playing time.

Receiving: Duke Henke, 47 rec., 446 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Phillip Vesta, 91 tackles “The defensive line will be anchored by junior Logan Sacks: Phillip Adams, 1 sack Oberle, a multi-sport athlete who has had a terrific Interceptions: Phillip Adams, Kaydon Pennewell, 1 summer. The linebacking group will be anchored by INT each junior Jake Schneider and senior Justus Hulse. The secondary has experience at the safety sports, led by Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The Cotter Knowles, senior Juan Jones and juniors Eric offensive line will be better, as will the offense as Duarte and Angelo Battrez. Junior Michael Brown a whole from a group that averaged 37 points per returns at corner. One of the biggest position battles game. Ty Lindenman, who is now playing at Illinois, in our fall camp will be at the other cornerback spot.” will be missed. The defense should be improved and better than it has been in a long time. There are still Notes: North graduated all but one player that earned some questions in the secondary. All skill kids are all-league honors including first team lineman Rylan back in the kicking game and we feel we have a solid Miller, honorable mention defensive back Kameron squad that will compete week in and out.”

Coleman and honorable mention wide receiver Varenzo Henderson.

Notes: Ty Black has 427 career completions and is on pace to break Graham Mertz’s record (526).

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Andrew Bradley, 44 car., 350 yds., 13 TDs Passing: Gage Roach, 17-33, 160 yds., 1 TD, 0 INT Receiving: Scott Riddle, 28 rec., 263 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Andrew Bradley, 28 tackles Sacks: Jaden Mayfield, 1 sack Interceptions: Andrew Bradley, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We lose 33 seniors, so experience will not be one of our strengths. Fortunately, we return the two most talented players from our 2019 season in Andrew Bradley and Rocco Hicks. We typically platoon, but Andrew and Rocco are too talented not to play as much as possible. With their length and athleticism, they are two of the best players in the state of Kansas. While we may not have a lot of experience we will have a talented and deep roster that should be able to compete with our EKL schedule.”

Notes: Koerkenmeier’s Jaguars enjoyed a breakout season last year after three or less wins in each of the previous three falls. The Jag defense was ransacked by graduation with the top eight tacklers, top five pass rushers and seven of the top eight pass defenders all gone. The offense will also be without the services of 1,600 yard passer Greg Riddle, 1,100 yard rusher Riley Cummings and 1,000 yard receiver David Brown, all lost to graduation.

SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH

Offense: Spread Option Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A Notes: After a breakthrough season in 2018 the Raiders entered 2019 with high expectations thanks to the return of 17 starters from the year prior. After three weeks South sat at 2-1 with a surprise loss to Shawnee Mission West in Week 2. A four game stretch of heartbreaking losses would leave the Raiders reeling. From Weeks 4 through 7 South lost four games by 19 points or less, three of those by six points or less, including a 26-20 Week 7 loss to Olathe Northwest 26-20 in overtime. A once highly anticipated season ended on a low note with consecutive shutout losses to Shawnee Mission Northwest (21-0) and Blue Valley North (40-0).

The Raiders graduated 11 multi-year starters, including virtually the entire offensive line and AllState tight end Will Huggins, a University of Kansas football commit. Coach Oberzan listed five returning junior starters entering last season, so there are some pieces left to help the Raiders returning to the winning ways of two years ago.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

SHAWNEE MISSION WEST

TOPEKA HIGH

TOPEKA-WASHBURN RURAL

WICHITA EAST

Page 69

2019 Record: 2-7 / Sunflower League

2019 Record: 10-2 / Centennial League

2019 Record: 3-6 / Centennial League

2019 Record: 5-4 / Greater Wichita Athletic League

Head Coach: Tim Callaghan (18th year, 105-70) Assistants: N/A

Head coach: Carlos A. Kelly (1st year) Assistans: Tony Canacari, Brandon Mitchell, Tobian Thomas, Tyler Kelly, Jermaine Smith, Sara Burgess, Lashad Hill

Head Coach: Steve Buhler (8th year, 33-33; 22nd overall, 153-85) Assistants: Duane Zlatnik, Ryan Smith, Jerry Cavitte, Josh Lamb, Colter Scott, Steve Lincoln, David Richard, Tyler Riedel, Chris Ridley, Sam Austin

Head Coach: Ene Akpan (3rd year, 8-10) Assistants: Chaq Reed, Bryce Brown, Henry, Robinson, Shane Pope, Doug Biggs, Odell Bell, Cedrick Payne

Offense: Pro Style Defense: 3-3 Stack Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Ben Moore, OLB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Jonah Dolphino, OLB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Drew Lippold, DB, 6-0, 181, Jr.; Ed Storey, LB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Dakota Catorie, LB, 5-10, 205, Jr.; Hayden Berndt, DE/TE, 6-3, 285, Jr.; Chris Coggs, DE, 5-11, 265, Sr.; Earl McDowell, WR, 6-4, 180, Sr.; Andrew Kinney, RB, 5-8, 185, Jr.; Weston Moore, QB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Brayde Huff, L, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Logan Hill, L, 5-11, 220, Jr.

Offense: Pro Style Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Jeff Moore, C, 6-0, 265, Sr.; Myles Wright, LT, 6-1, 285, Sr.; Tru James, RT, 6-0, 275, Sr.; Geivonni Williams, WR/FS, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Tylan Alejos, SS, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have some big shoes to fill with the vacancy left

by Ky Thomas, DaVonshai Harden and a host of other graduating seniors. The most important, and probably the biggest shoes to fill, will be the vacancy left by retiring head coach Walt Alexander. Trying to replicate anything coach Alexander has done in the last 14 years at Topeka High will be difficult, so our ultimate team goals for the 2020 season are to deHead coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “This is a fend the Centennial League title, learn and grow as a hardworking group of players who want to continue team with hard work (and) dedication (and) be great the Viking football tradition. There is a tough and tal- leaders and great young people with commitment to ented group of seniors/juniors that will be helped out the team.” by quite a few sophomores. The team is committed to each other and has worked hard in the offseason Notes: Coach Walt Alexander leaves Topeka High to increase their chances of success. The offseason after 14 seasons developing the Trojans into a 6A weight room dedication should pay off for some of state power. Alexander inherited a team that had the younger talent. They have a great work ethic and posted 11 straight losing seasons and led the Trojans will do their job to get ready in these difficult times to winning season in each of the last eight years.

Alexander’s 89 wins at Topeka High surpassed the “The line will be small but quick with some expericombined victory totals of the seven coaches prior to ence on offense and will be the key on both sides of his arrival, according to the Topeka Capital-Journal’s the ball. This team will have more depth and speed. Rick Peterson.

High expectations are always here and this team will be ready for the challenge. These guys know how to Ky Thomas, one of last year’s Kansas Pregame compete. They understand improvement needs to coverboys, capped his stellar high school career as come from beginning to end of the season. They will the second all-time leading rusher in Kansas high be eager to prove themselves on every Friday night. school history. Now, Thomas waits to get his college They are ready to take control of the Viking Ship.” career started at the University of Minnesota.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Andrew Kinney, 128 car., 521 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Weston Moore, 37-82, 562 yds., 5 TDs, 5 INTs; Receiving: Earl McDowell, 4 rec., 52 yds.

Tackles: Chris Coggs, 21 tackles Sacks: Hayden Berndt, 1 sack Interceptions: None

WICHITA NORTH

2019 Record: 0-9 / Greater Wichita Athletic League

WICHITA SOUTH

2019 Record: 3-6 / Greater Wichita Athletic League

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 22 Returning starters: Uriel Soria, OT, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Cooper Carlgren, QB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Eric Schnur, DT, Sr.; Kian Beasley, MLB, Sr.; Hunter Koelling, MLB, Sr.; Ty Weber, OLB, So.; Connor Conklin, Jr.; David Dean, Sr.; Robby Bolin, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Austin Fager Passing: Cooper Carlgren Receiving: Landon MacEwan, Adrian Tibbets, Josh Williams Tackles: Ty Weber Sacks: Conner Conklin Interceptions: Robby Bolin

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Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: Goals for the season are (to be) City League Champions. Key to success will be discipline.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “On offense we return two from last season and will need those two guys to step up and be leaders on that side of the ball to help the guys with less experience, especially up front. Kids like Justin Vandervort have had a good summer and look to impact the game in the trenches. Quarterback Cooper Carlgren distributes the ball around the field. Defensively, we rely upon the seven returners to play a big part in the success of the team. The defense being able to hold teams to a lower score will be pivotal to the overall success of the team.”

Notes: The Blue Aces could be poised for a breakout season with a number of talented playmakers returning from a 5-4 team a year ago. Caquoy Patterson earned second team All-GWAL honors and was among the leaders in receiving yards in the City League. Daylon Jones was a first team All-GWAL receiver and has numerous FCS level scholarship offers. Komorian Hart earned honorable mention GWAL as a receiver. Receiver AJ King transfers over from Wichita Southeast after earning second team honors and gives the new starting quarterback a number of playmakers in the passing game.

Jomorian Nelson was an honorable mention selection with 800 yards rushing for West last season.

Notes: The Junior Blues slipped from 7-3 in 2018 to 3-6 last fall thanks largely to the graduation of do-everything multi-year starting quarterback Jordan White. Cooper Carlgren took the reins as a junior and returns to lead the offense this fall. Veteran coach Steve Buhler will miss the running of graduated back Jaylen Carter. Rural remained solidly competitive in all but one of the six losses, losing by no more than 20 points in those five defeats.

In addition to transfers King and Nelson the Blue Aces also pick up former Wichita Northwest linebacker Darius Cooper. The big senior is expected to be a run stopper in the middle of the East defense.

Safety Tobi Osunsanmi is coming off an eye-opening performance at the Sharp Performance Last Chance Combine where he ran a 4.46 hand-timed 40-yard dash, posted a 34 inch vertical and a 9 foot-10 inch standing broad jump.

WICHITA SOUTHEAST

2019 Record: 3-6 / Greater Wichita Athletic League Head Coach: Russ Wells (2nd year, 3-6) Assistants: Ted Tafoya, Sean McDonald, Kirk Westmoreland, Kaale McCulloch, Will Davis, Dominic Head Coach: Taylor Counts (2nd year, 3-6) Assistants: Joshua Sims, James Todd, William Webb, Daniel Alonso, Arthur Maxwell Shelden, Jameson Moore, Trezz Tillman, Christopher Hughes, David Channel Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning lettermen: 5 Returning starters: Thomas Browning, OT, 6-3, 220, Returning starters: Adam Shipp, OLB, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-2-5 Caden Morris, TE/P, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Jordan Huggins, Returning lettermen: 13 Jr.; Owen West, ILB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Teon Hicks, DE, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Dominic Simmons, WR, 6-2, 185, RB, 5-9, 195, Sr.; Nazzir Breeden, DE/TE, 6-3, 215, Returning starters: Sahntaj Murphy, DB/WR, 5-11, Sr.; Dylan Davis, OL, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Brendan Vlach, 180, Sr.; De’Andre Hudson, DL/OL, 6-3, 340, Sr.; Sr.; Angelo Castor-Inscho, CB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Noe Jakobi Livingston, DL/TE, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Liae Hunter, OL, 6-1, 325, Sr.; Carlos Sosa, C, 6-0, 285, Jr.; TJ Rocha, K, 6-0. 200, Sr. Neal, QB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; RJ Powell, LB, 5-8, 165, Jr.; DL/OL, 6’3, 225, Sr.; Jacob Condit, DL/OL, 5-8, 210, Sr.; Pedro Lopez, LB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Joel Dialo Watson, OLB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Damion Beaver, Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Underwood, LB/RB, 5-9, 192, Jr.; Simon Nottingham, RB/WR, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Asher Wagner, WR/DB, 6-0, DB/WR, 6-1, 160, Jr.; Marquez Peakes, DL/OL, 6-0, Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “In 2020 150, Jr. 210, Jr.; Amir Marks, LB/OL, 5-11, 195, Jr.; Zavion we will be focused on competing regardless of Evans, DB/RB, 5-9, 145, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders circumstance and maintain an emphasis on being great teammates. Good energy and discipline in the Tackles: Adam Shipp, 88 tackles Returning Statistical Leaders details. We believe that doing the little things right Rushing: Joel Underwood, 496 yards, 4 TDs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The day after day will make the difference for us in the Passing: N/A 2020 Titans will be reloading on offense as our long run.”

Receiving: Sahntaj Murphy, 144 yards main offensive weapon from the 2019 season, QB Tackles: Joel Underwood, 38 tackles Notes: After three years as the head coach at North Jashun Grant, moves on to Dodge City JUCO. He Interceptions: N/A former highly successful Meade coach Scott Moshier is joined there by our top receiving threat and OLB Daylon Harris. The Titans will be replacing all of our Sacks: N/A moves into college administration at Friends and paves the way for assistant Quinton Burgess to take senior receivers from the previous season but we are Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We confident in TE Caden Morris and Slot Damion the reins. North has struggled for many years and Beaver. Several players will contend for the outside have a great group of leaders with many starters after winning two games in 2018 the high school that once produced Barry Sanders went winless last WR spots. Jordan Huggins returns at tailback and is and upperclassmen returning with impressive lower expected to be a feature in the offense this season. classmen numbers ready for their opportunity. The fall, the third time in the last four years. Burgess, kids are buying in to what we are doing here at Junior QB TJ Neal gained experience starting the who also serves as North’s head wrestling coach, last two games of the season last year and he will be Southeast and we’re excited to see what we can do will need to find a replacement in the backfield relied upon to open up the offense’s passing game. this upcoming season. for Kansas Shrine Bowl selection Joe Williams III, The OL returns four players with starting experience but big junior offensive lineman Thomas Browning “Going into this year we want to be the most disciand is led by junior Carlos Sosa who is one of the provides experience up front. plined and physical team on the field. With almost all strongest players in the GWAL. of our linemen returning on both sides of the ball, led by seniors Condit, Hudson, Hunter and Livingston, “The defense returns six starters including second we believe they will be key for us to win the battle team All GWAL DE Adam Shipp who registered 23 TFLs last season. Defensive starters Nazzir Breed- of the trenches every single week. Being that the en, RJ Powell and Dialo Watson return on what will majority of skill positions are new guys, we will need be an athletic and fast defense. We will need to lean Livingston, Murphy and Underwood to step up to on our defense early as our offense learns to gel with provide the big plays and lead our offensive attack. one another in what will appear to be a challenging On the other side, we return the majority of our entire defense and are eager to see them come back even schedule.” stronger this year.”

Head Coach: Quinton Burgess (1st year) Assistants: Jason Selmon, Tyler Ashburn, Eli Copeland, Gage Smoots, Jack Ewings, Paul Lopez, Robert Reynolds, Billy Bledsoe

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Caquoy Patterson, WR, Jr.; Daylon Jones, WR, Sr.; Kamerion Hart, WR, Sr.; AJ King, WR, Sr. (Wichita Southeast transfer); Jomarian Nelson, RB, Jr. (Wichita West transfer); Luke Clayton, C; Travor Hunter, OL, Jr.; Kolby Tibbets, OL, Juan Naverette, DL, Sr.; Breaden Barley, DE, Sr.; Adams Faye, SS; Tobi Osunsanmi, FS, Jr.

WICHITA WEST

2019 Record: 6-4 / Greater Wichita Athletic League Head Coach: Adam Rosenstiel (1st year) Assistants: Chris Poe, Marcus Bagley, Jamarae Finnie, Chaz Mack, Lewis Winfield, Jason Gamble, Matt Riddle, Shawn Jay Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Quentin Saunders, RB/LB, 6-0, 195, Jr.; J’Qwon Johnson, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Esau Kates-Murguia, OL/DL, 6-3, 305, Jr.; Doug Morris, OL/DL, 6-1, 310, Jr.; Leon Dixon, TE/DL, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Jaheim Richbow, FB/LB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Samuel Rushin, DL, 6-0, 175, Sr.; AJ McCullough, TE/LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Rian Green, DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Malachi Rogers, RB/DB, 5-10, 175, So.; Tykeem Hopson, TE/DE, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Jerome Ragin, FB/LB, 5-10, 215, Jr.; Derrick Coleman, OL/DL, 5-10, 300 Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Quentin Saunders, 115 car., 718 yds., 6 TDs; Passing: N/A Receiving: AJ McCullough, 7 rec., 143 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Jerome Ragin, 43.5 tackles Sacks: Leon Dixon, 2 sacks Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We return three starters on the O-line and two on the D-line. We have a lot of depth in the trenches and are looking to fill the spots with hungry athletes. With plenty of guys that started or rotated in the game at the skilled positions, we have some good experience.

Defensively we return seven starters. The renewed energy has many other athletes in the program working hard to compete for the starting spots.”

Notes: Long-tenured City League coach Weston Schartz heads to Kapaun and Adam Rosenstiel takes over. Quentin Saunders is one of the GWAL’s top running backs and wrestlers and returns for his junior season. Rian Green gives the Pioneers a lockdown defender on the back end of the defense.

The Pioneers did lose a pair of talented transfers in the offseason. Junior quarterback Geremiah Moore is now at Northwest and junior running back Jomarion Nelson is at East.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

Page 71

Class 5A

Others: Hays, Maize, Maize South

By Brent Maycock, Topeka Capital-Journal In its four years as an official member of the Eastern Kansas League, Mill Valley never captured a league championship. In fact, the Jaguars never posted a league finish higher than fourth.

But to classify Mill Valley’s venture out of the Kaw Valley League to tougher pastures as a failed gamble is simply wrong. While the Jaguars may not have league trophies to hoist, they’ve got something better: state championship trophies.

Since dumping its KVL schedule in 2014 for ramped up competition, Mill Valley has undoubtedly reaped the benefits. The Jaguars have won three 5A state titles since 2015, adding the third crown last year. Edging No. 1, undefeated and defending state champion Aquinas 34-31 in OT in the semifinals, Mill Valley capped a 10-3 season with a 40-31 shootout win over Wichita NW in the title game.

A new landscape is on the horizon this year as Mill Valley takes up residency in the Sunflower League for the 2020 season.

Eight starters return to an offense that set a school record with

Lori Wood Habiger

Lori Wood Habiger

Julius Bolden [Wichita Northwest] 5-11, 195, RB, Sr., 1,567 yds., 29 TDs Brandt Cox [Salina South] 6-1, 195, RB, Jr.; 141 car., 561 yds., 7 TDs Chandler Goodnight [Andover] 5-11, 200, LB, Jr.; 66 tkls., 8 sacks Cody Hawks [Goddard-Eisenhower] 6-1, 210, LB, Jr., 84 tkls.

Jack Hawver [Hutchinson] 6-0, 198, LB, Sr., First Team All-AVCTL, Div. I

1. Mill Valley 2. Wichita Northwest 3. St. Thomas Aquinas 4. Bishop Carroll 5. De Soto

*Publisher’s Note: At press time, expectations for the 5A season were impacted significantly by coronavirus related cancellations, postponements and transfers.

Wichita Public Schools originally cancelled fall sports in mid-August, but the final decision was pending a coronavirus committee recommendation to the USD #259 BOE expected in late August/ early September.

Numerous large class football seasons are in jeopardy and KSHSAA was considering a spring option for those teams.

Wichita Northwest coach Steve Martin and other City League coaches expected numerous transfers to private schools in the league, or suburban schools still planning to play football this fall.

As a result, the overview below, and the rankings above, are based on information that, in many cases, is no longer accurate.

Instead, this coverage serves as a “what might have been” look at the 2020 football season.

Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Zach Willis

KANSAS PREGAME CLASS 5A PRESEASON RANKINGS*

Cooper Marsh

Jack Hawver

12 PLAYERS TO WATCH

3,358 rushing yards. While one of those is not 1,300-yard back Tyler Green, QB Cooper Marsh is back after 2,020 yards passing and 20 TDs and 925 yards rushing and 10 TDs and has a solid complement in Quin Wittenauer (832 yds. rushing, 9 TDs) and three linemen.

All-State lineman Ethan Kremer anchors six returning starters on defense, which also returns leading tackler Kolten Jegen. The Jaguars also have a bonafide weapon in the kicking game in senior Chris Tennant (48 of 49 PATs, 14 of 17 FGs).

Wichita Northwest finished 12-1 in each of the past two seasons, both losses coming in the state championship. Last year it was a 40-31 loss to Mill Valley that denied the program its first state title.

The Grizzlies remained one of the most explosive teams in the state, averaging 51.5 points per game last year, but also took big strides defensively, allowing 18 points less per game than in 2018.

That defense returns nine starters. Defensive end Zac Daher and defensive backs Todric McGee and Wetu Kolomo each have multiple DI offers. The offense will miss All-State QB Reagan Jones, but Julius Bolden, who ran for 1,600-plus yards, returns.

Aquinas missed out on a second straight championship and third straight title-game appearance last year when it was knocked off 34-31 in OT by eventual champion Mill Valley.

Senior back Tank Young returns after two straight All-State seasons in which he’s run for a combined 3,942 yards and 58 TDs. Senior QB Blake Anderson returns after a 1,300-yard season, while seven starters are back defensively led by linemen Jalen Marshall, Caden Reeves and Sa’o Saivi’i.

Two of the three losses suffered by Bishop Carroll last year came to Wichita NW, both by 10 points or less. The Golden Eagles finished 8-3 overall with their other loss coming to Derby.

Carroll has made the state semifinals nine of the last 14 years and reached six title games in that span. Carroll must fill the void of seven lost starters defensively. Senior back Hunter Trail was an All-5A selection after running for 1,127 yards and 19 TDs and is one of six starters back offensively.

MILL VALLEY JAGUAR FOOTBALL Kansas Class 5A State Champions 2015 • 2016 • 2019

Sub-State Champs: 2015, 2016, 2019 Sectional Champs: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 Regional Champs: 2008, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 District Champs: 2002, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 Conference Champs: 2002, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 Visit www.mvjaguar.com for Summer Camp sign-up and the Jaguars on the Green golf tournament.

Here are 12 players to watch in Class 5A this fall:

Cooper Marsh [Mill Valley] 5-11, 185, QB, Sr.; 3,000 total yds., 30 total TDs Jalen Marshall [St. Thomas Aquinas] 6-5, 270, DL, Jr.; KU, K-State, Ark., Missouri, Neb. offers Hunter Niemann [Maize South] 5-11, 175, RB, Sr.; 174 car., 856 yds., 11 TDs Kendall Norrod [Maize] 5-11, 195, LB, Sr.; 96 tkls.

Charles Snyder [Emporia] 6-5, 200, TE/DE, Sr.; 6 sacks Hunter Trail [Bishop Carroll] 5-8, 175, RB, Sr.; 1,127 yds. rushing, 19 TDs Zach Willis [De Soto] 5-11, 165, DB, Sr.; 53 tkls., 2 sacks

DeSoto has sustained its recent rise to power, even moving up to Class 5A after challenging Miege in Class 4A. The Wildcats were 10-1 last year with the lone loss coming to eventual champion Mill Valley, 18-7 in the state quarterfinals.

Despite graduating 12 players who earned All-Conference honors of some kind, the Wildcats have plenty of pieces to keep things going this season. Senior QB Jackson Miller was the UKC offensive MVP, throwing for 1,097 yards and 17 TDs and rushing for 606 yards and 6 TDs. Tyson Priddy amassed nearly 1,000 combined rushing and receiving yards and accounted for 19 TDs. Goddard returns to 5A after a two-year stint in 4A and is coming off a surprise losing season, going 4-6 last year after finishing runner-up in 4A in 2018. The Lions were a combined 22-3 in their last two 5A seasons, reaching the 2016 state championship game.

Injuries played a key in last year’s woes with starting QB Kyler Semrad among four players who suffered season-ending injuries.

Semrad threw for 1,058 yards and 13 TDs before blowing out his knee and has thrown for 3,500 yards and 40 TDs in his career.

With a handful of DI recruits on the roster, Hays has received plenty of attention this offseason. Coming off the program’s first playoff win since 1995, the Indians will try to prove the spotlight is deserved.

Senior D-end Gaven Haselhorst had 114 tackles and is one of nine starters back on defense. He pairs with junior LB Gavin Meyers (121 tackles) to give the Indians serious firepower defensively, both have major college offers with Haselhorst a verbal commit to K-State.

Seven starters also return offensively led by QB Dylan Dreiling (1,500 total yards, Tennesee baseball commit) and rising talent Jaren Kanak at receiver (K-State, KU offers).

A stout defense that allowed just over 12 points per game last year carried Maize South to a 10-1 record — the lone loss coming to cross-town rival Maize in the state quarterfinals. Graduation claimed All-5A picks Trevion Mitchell and Cody Fayette, but seven starters return offensively led by the 1-2 punch of quarterback Colin Shields and tailback Hunter Niemann.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

ANDOVER

DE SOTO

EMPORIA

GODDARD

Page 72

2019 Record: 3-7 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. II

2019 Record: 10-1 / United Kansas Conference

2019 Record: 6-4 / Centennial League

2019 Record: 4-6 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. II

Head Coach: Ken Dusenbury Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Brian King (12th year, 44-28) Assistants: Joel Thaemert, Mark Gastelum, Tod Hessong, Lynn Hoffman, Justin Pickens, Dale Hurt, Erik Bell, Tom Byers, Andrew Pinnell

Head Coach: Corby Milleson (7th year, 26-31; 10th overall, 32-52) Assistants: Randy Wells, Jay Adkins, Terry Taylor, Patrick Wilhite, Keaton Tuttle, Mike Sauer, Bryce Crouch, Zac Dreher

Head Coach: Tommy Beason (3rd year, 14-9) Assistants: Curtis Albin, Cody Kohler, Bobby Rehse, John Burkhart, Joel Condray, Blake Myers, Michael Brewer

Offense: Flexbone Triple Option Defense: 3-3-5 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: Jackson Miller, QB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Garrett Kellner, RB, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Russell Coy, RB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Tyson Priddy, RB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Hayden Henderson, WR, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Austin Tabor, TE, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Blaine Church, OL, 5-11, 235, Sr.; Carson Zitlow, OL, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Zach Switzer, DB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Austin Rosetta, WR/DB, 6-4, 200, Sr.; Zach Willis, DB, 5-11, 165, Sr.

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: Camden Kirmer, WR/FS, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Charles Snyder, TE/DE, 6-5, 200, Sr.; Bobby Trujillio, FB/LB, 6-0, 210, So.

Offense: Pistol Spread Defense: Hybrid 3-4 Returning lettermen: 43 Returning starters: Kyler Semrad, QB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Rhett Brown, OL, 6-2, 285 Sr.; Jake Shope, WR, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Soren Carr, WR, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Tyler Haskell, TE, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Easton Shaner-Palmer, OL, 5-11, 265, Sr.; Bo Bantz, WR, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Dylan Reese, RB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Dalton Caraway, DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Hunter Schrader, DL, 6-3, 195, Sr.; Logan Davidson, LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Maverick Hilger, LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Christian Palmer, LB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Reese Beason, DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Braydon Wickliffe, DL, 5-11, 255, Jr.; Lake Hamilton, DB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Ruben Ortiz, DL, 6-0, 245, Jr.

Offense: Power Gun Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Max Smith, WR; Ethan Richardson, WR, Sr.; Isiah Maikori, WR/DB, Sr.; Ashton Ngo, QB/LB, Sr.; Avery Fahnestock, OL; Maddox Bogner, OL; AJ Piper, OL; Nick Parker, OL; Dillon Schobourgh, DE, Sr.; Tayton Klein, DB; Chandler Goodnight, LB, Jr.; Josh Sparks, DL Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Ashton Ngo, 32 car., 124 yds., 2 TDs Passing: Ashton Ngo, 5-30, 40 yds., 1 TD, 4 INTs Receiving: Ethan Richardson, 27 rec., 151 yds.

Tackles: Chandler Goodnight, 66 tackles Sacks: Chandler Goodnight, 8 sacks Interceptions: Isiah Maikori, 2 INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jackson Miller, 102 car., 606 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Jackson Miller, 64-109, 1,097 yds., 17 TDs, 2 INTs Notes: Dusenbury returns to Andover as head coach Receiving: Tyson Priddy, 20 rec., 505 yds., 11TDs Tackles: Zach Willis, 53 tackles after five years leading the Garden Plain Owls.

Sacks: Zach Willis, 2 sacks Dusenbury was an assistant at Andover for nine Interceptions: Austin Rosetta, 3 INTs years prior to taking the GP job. He is excited about the job, but says it was tough to make the move. “It Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We was the most difficult professional decision I have graduated a very good senior class, which included 12 had to make. The relationships we developed with all-conference players, two of which were selected for the players, coaches, families and community made the Metro All-Star Game, with another being selected the job special and very hard to leave. Garden Plain for the Shrine Bowl. We return seven offensive gave a 20-year assistant coach an opportunity to be starters, which account for 77 percent of our receiving a head coach and I will always be grateful for that op- yards and almost 90 percent of our rushing yards. portunity. We are very excited about the opportunity We return three starters on defense, with two of those at Andover High. We have a connection with Andover earning all-conference honors last year. With all that High on several different levels. Our three boys grad- said, we return a lot of talent and experience on both uated from Andover High, we have a great relation- sides of the ball. We bring back nine all-conference ship and respect for athletic director Brent Riedy and selections and 13 total starters. We are excited to are excited about joining the championship culture he defend our conference championship and are hopeful is building there, and much of our program’s football to make a deep playoff run this season.” coaching philosophy and foundation comes from our time with coach Mike Lee.” Notes: Jackson Miller is one of the state’s top QBs and has blazing speed with multiple 4.4 40s posted The defense, which returns AVCTL-II top defenders this summer. Zach Willis will lead a defense that Ashton Ngo, Isiah Maikori, Josh Sparks, Dillon graduated key pieces, including LB Luke Barger.

Schobourgh and Chandler Goodnight, will lead the way as an inexperienced offense develops.

2019 Record: 4-6 / Western Athletic Conference

GODDARD-EISENHOWER

2019 Record: 5-4 / Ark Valley Chisholm-Trail, Div. II Head Coach: Darrin Fisher (2nd year, 6-4) Assistants: Matt Busby, Jimmy McDowell, Lance Francis, Enrique Espinoza, Kris Houseberg, Josh Blanding, Mike Burns Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Stack Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: Ethan Rink, OL, Sr.; Derek Yuza, OL, Sr.; Parker Steven, OL, Sr.; Mason Turney, WR, Sr.; David Brogan, WR, Sr.; Cade Friend, WR, Jr.; Ryan George, DL, Sr.; Seth Voker, LB., Sr.; Brent Ho, LB, Sr.; Cody Hawks, LB, Jr.; Brandon Le, DB, Sr.; Cody Houser, DB, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Passing: Blake Coyne, 29-59, 264 yds., 2 TDs, 6 INTs; Receiving: Mason Turney, 30 catches, 420 yards, 4 TDs; Tackles: Cody Hawks, 84 tackles Sacks: Ryan George, 9.5 sacks Interceptions: Brandon Le, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We graduated a very strong senior class. This senior class led Eisenhower to (its) first regular season winning record in school history. We are returning many guys with varsity experience, including QB Nick Hogan. Hogan led Eisenhower to a victory over Andover prior to a season-ending injury. The offense will rely heavily on its seasoned offensive line and wide-receiver core led by first-team, all-conference senior Mason Turney. The defense returns the entire linebacking core led by second-team, all-conference junior Cody Hawks. Defensive line returns (include) league-leading sack leader Ryan George. In the secondary, Cody House and Brandon Le will bring much added experience in the passing game.”

Notes: Eisenhower must replace versatile athlete Chance Omli who is now at Butler Community College after recording eight interceptions and 46 tackles from the defensive backfield along with 621 total yards in multiple roles on offense.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Keegan Lee, 138 yards Passing: N/A Receiving: Camden Kirmer, 137 yards Tackles: Bobby Trujillo, 50 tackles Sacks: Charles Snyder, 6 sacks Interceptions: N/A Notes: Coach Corby Milleson enters his seventh year with the Spartans with one of the more inexperienced teams he has fielded. He says “steady improvement, especially with a group of untested youngsters,” and “rapid growth and maturation of a very young team” are keys.

“Losing 19 starters to graduation greatly depleted our roster. We will be relying on underclassmen to fill major holes all across the board,” Milleson added.

The Spartans graduated two of the best big men in Kansas in Iowa State OL commit Hayden Pauls and Kansas Shrine Bowl DL Riley Wagner, but do return an excellent anchor piece on both sides of the line of scrimmage in 6-5 tight end and defensive end Charles Snyder. A three-year starter and also one of the state’s top basketball players, Snyder led the defense with six sacks last year.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jake Shope, 711 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Kyler Semrad, 86-149, 1,058 yds., 13 TDs, 2 INTs; Receiving: Jake Shope, 42 rec., 434 yds., 4 TDs; Tackles: Braydon Wickliffe, 63 tackles Sacks: Braydon Wickliffe, 4 sacks Interceptions: Dalton Caraway, Lake Hamilton, 3 INTs each Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “This year, the Goddard Lions will be led by a large, deep senior class. This will be the largest senior class since the Eisenhower split in 2012. Included in this group defensively will be Hunter Schrader heading up the defensive line with AVCTL-II all-leaguer Braydon Wickliffe and newcomer Ruben Ortiz. At linebacker, Maverick Hilger and Logan Davidson will both be back from their shortened seasons. In the secondary, the Lions will be turning to seniors Reese Beason and Fenton Brozek to fill in at cornerbacks, alongside returning safeties Lake Hamilton and all-leaguer Dalton Caraway.”

The Spartans have made incremental improvement in the win column under Milleson with records of 3-6, 4-5, 4-6, 4-5, 5-5 and 6-4 during his tenure. In that span the Spartans are one of the most competitive teams in the Centennial League with seven losses by Notes: The Lions get QB Kyler Semrad back for his seven points or less. third year as a starter after he missed five games due to injury but bid farewell to top receivers Carter Morrow and Kaeden Hofer, who took over for Semrad after the injury. Goddard will have to replace last sea2019 Record: 2-7 / Ark Valley Chisholm-Trail, Div. I son’s leading tackler Dhimani Butler (85 total tackles) Head Coach: Tony Crough, (3rd year, 7-12; 6th Head Coach: Mike Vernon (3rd year, 4-14; 8th over- and top sack man Zeke Howell (8 sacks), two of the overall, 23-25) Assistants: Layton Hickel, Cole all, 33-33) Assistants: Scott Yates, David Armbrust, Metro’s top defenders and multi-year starters.

Cherryholmes, Mitch Harris, Alex Hutchins, Kyle Hadley, Trey O’Neil, Peyton Harris, Hayden Kreutzer Dalton Luce, Jeremy Garcia, Derek Racette, Dylan Graves, Travis Thurston, Adam Krol, Sean Harper, 2019 Record: 5-4 / Kansas City-Atchison League Dustin Woodward, Grant Wray, Dylan Graves Offense: Spread Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 19 Head Coach: Taylor Wallace Jr. (2nd year, 5-4) Returning starters: Gaven Haselhorst, DE, 6-1, 230, Offense: Flexbone Defense: N/A Assistants: Anthony Williams,Reggie Jones,Brandon Returning lettermen: 15 Sr.; Gavin Nutting, OL/DT, 6-0, 250, Jr.; Carson Morgan Returning starters: Jack Hawver, LB, 6-0, 198, Sr.; Spray, DT, 5-11, 265, So.; Trey Adams, DE, 6-6, 250, Sr.; Gavin Meyers, LB, 6-3, 220, Jr.; Bill Scott, David Waymire, DL, 6-1, 234, Sr.; Jon Fan, OL, 5-11, 302, Sr.; Tajan James, OL, 5-11, 234, Sr.; Chase ke- Offense: I-Formation Defense: 4-3 LB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Hunter Harris, SS, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Tucker Veach, FS, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Dawson VonFeldt, pler, OL, 5-10, 248, Jr.; Alec McCuan, RB, 5-9, 182, Returning lettermen: 17 Jalen Barlow, RB, 5-10, 193, Sr.; Isaiah Phillips, DL, Returning starters: Emonta Hicks, WR/DB,6-3,180, CB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Remington Cox, OL, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Kahliek Rainey, QB, 6-0, 172, So.; Anthony Sr.; Karson Russell, OL, 6-2, 260, Jr.; Jaren Kanak, 6-2, 212, Sr.; Kinser Newquist, WR, 5-10, 168, Jr.; WR, 6-2, 195, Jr.; Carson Kieffer, WR, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Maddix Heneha, DB, 6-0, 172, Sr.; Devon Hackney, Franco, OL/DL, 5-9, 258, Jr.; Demarcus Wheeler, Roy Moroni, RB, 5-11, 195, Jr.; Dylan Dreiling, QB, DB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Emilio Martinez, DB, 6-0, 182, Sr. DB, 5-10,165, Sr.; Alonzo Ware, OL/DL, 5-9 ,275, Jr.; Elija Taylor, WR, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Shea Rainey, RB/ 5-11, 185, Jr. LB, 6-0, 195, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Alec McCuan, 134 car., 874 yds., 8 TDs Returning Statistical Leaders Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Dylan Dreiling, 568 yds., 3 TDs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “I really Receiving: Emonta Hicks, 31 rec., 875 yds.

Passing: Dylan Dreiling, 987 yds., 9 TDs like our squad this year. We have a large portion Receiving: Jaren Kanak, 34 rec., 504 yds, 5 TDs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our of the roster that has gotten varsity experience. I Tackles: Gavin Meyers, 121 tackles goals are to win league, regionals, and state. Keys to feel that the kids are a tighter group that are more Sacks: Trey Adams, 4 sacks success will be staying healthy, everybody all in and prepared for the rigors of winning football games.

Interceptions: Tucker Veach, 6 INTs They are competitive and ready to write their chapter doing their job.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Should in Salthawk Football history. be a much-improved team with many returning Full Service Financial Institution starters coming of age. A bunch of juniors have been “In the end, this team is going to have to fight for every inch out on the field. We will have to get off on the field two years already, and a few seniors the field on third down on defense and hold onto have been on the field for three, with the others on the ball on offense. I believe there is enough talent the field for at least one or two years. We may rely again on some sophomores as there are still a bunch and key components to win quite a few games.

It will have to be a very workmanlike effort with a of question marks in some positions, specifically blue collar mentality. It will be interesting to see our offensive line and defensive backs. It will either be progression over the year. Personally, I think we’ll be program juniors and seniors filling open spots or Hays • 2720 Broadway • 785.628.1007 • gpcu.org Federally insured by NCUA pretty good going into November.” bigger, more-talented sophomores. This team will Member NCUA lean on a strong, experienced defense to make plays throughout the season. An improved offense with Pizza Hut of Hays talented playmakers is expected to emerge as the 1308 Vine Street season progresses.”

HAYS

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Notes: Jaren Kanak and Gaven Haselhorst picked up Big 12 scholarship offers this offseason after strong performances at the mid-summer Sharp Performance Showcase. Together with Gavin Meyers the Indians have a trio of FBS prospects.

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2019 Record: 3-6 / Kansas City-Atchison League

2019 Record: 0-9 / United Kansas Conference

2019 Record: 6-3 / Kansas City-Atchison League

2019 Record: 3-6 / United Kansas Conference

Head Coach: Andrew Wright (6th year, 17-28) Assistants: Austin Bennett, Steve Williams, Geoff Wright, Jourdaine Smallwood, Steve Williams Jr., Paul Gilmore

Head Coach: Stephen Franklin (1st year) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Camron Smith (2nd year, 6-3) Assistants: Paul Gilmore, Derrion Brooks, Cernyn Macon, Nick McGrain, William Collins

Head Coach: Sean Sachen (2nd year, 3-6; 10th overall, 17-55) Assistants: Steve Short, Justin Bode, Gary Soske, Pat McCollim, Kyle Gurss, Jeff George, Jesse Smallwood, Ronald Suttles, Tom Resovich

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3-5 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Returning starters: Kyun Jackson, WR/FS, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Rickey Brown, SS/WR, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Prince Orji, CB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Tolulope Adejo, OL/ Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A DL, 6-4, 235, Sr.; Joey Sanchez, LB, 5-11, 175, Jr. Notes: Stephen Franklin takes over as head coach at Kansas City-Turner, replacing Julian Parks. Parks Returning Statistical Leaders enjoyed a solid debut season in 2017, going 4-6 and Rushing: Antonio Harrison, 156 yds., 2 TDs winning a playoff game, but Turner went just 1-17 the Passing: N/A past two seasons, including 0-9 last year.

Receiving: Kyun Jackson, 45 rec., 796 yds., 7 TDs Tackles: N/A Entering the 2020 season on a 17-game losing Sacks: N/A streak, Franklin will look to turn things back around or Interceptions: Kyun Jackson, 3 INTs at least make the program more competitive.

Offense: Pro Style Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: Cory Macon, QB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Anderson Jones III, OL, 6-1, 315, Sr.; Kyren Angelo, RB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Marlon Carter, DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; James Powell, TE, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Jalen Spencer, LB, 5-9, 176, Sr.; Koby Bernard, LB, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Jason Black, RB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Jayden Flores, OL, 6-4, 320, So.; Willie Jasper, DE/LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Daniel Brown, DE, 6-2, 230, Jr.; Javon Roach, WR, 5-9, 184, Jr.

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 30 Returning starters: Santiago McLaughlin, CB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Willie George, CB, 5-6, 140, Jr.; Nathan Waugh, FS, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Trenton Harper, LB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Ross Brown, OLB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Keenan Brown, RB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Justin Pettis, OL, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Luke Wagner, OL, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Alijandro Griese, OL, 6-1, 250 Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jason Black, 400 yards Passing: Cory Macon, 993 yards, 11 TDs Receiving: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “As we The Golden Bears didn’t have a game closer than 26 Tackles: N/A enter the 2020 campaign we are always looking to points last season and they were outscored 472-67 Sacks: Willie Jasper, Daniel Brown, 9 sacks each improve. Our goals for this season are to continue on the year, getting shut out four times and scoring Interceptions: N/A to develop our younger talent. We have a number more than one touchdown in just three games. of sophomores and juniors that will need to develop All three Turner All-United Kansas Conference selec- Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: and establish themselves as varsity players. tions graduated and the Bears only have a handful of “Team goals are to win the first playoff game in Getting experience this season will help move our seniors out this season.

Washington High School football history. Key to our program in the future.” success is consistency.”

LIBERAL

MAIZE

2019 Record: 10-2 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. I

2019 Record: 10-1 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. I

Head Coach: Jason Dunlap (4th year, 9-18) Assistants: Nick Zimmerman, Garret Walker, Rob Wilson, Rustin Watt, Eric Olmsted, Trace Haskell, Andrew Potter, Tommy McClure

Head Coach: Gary Guzman (10th year, 56-35; 29th overall, 156-122) Assistants: James Hammett, Rob Helm, Rocky Helm, Victor Mercado, JJ Milanovich, Fred Rosas, Brett Soft, Spencer Baalman, Colton Helm, Hayden Hudson, Wayde Watkins

Head Coach: Brent Pfeifer (12th year, 80-35) Assistants: Tom O’Conner, Justin Burke, Rick Craig, Brent Randolph, Shane Harden, Layne Carter, Alan Collier, Ben Hamilton, Aaron Finck, Mitch Butterfield

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Easton Zapien, 203 yds.

Passing: N/A Receiving: Malcolm Wiltshire, 280 yds.

Tackles: Malcolm Wiltshire, 30 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Malcolm Wiltshire, 3 INTs

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 24 Returning starters: Mitchael Casement, OL, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Nate Harding, OL, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Mason Miranda, OL, 6-1, 251, Sr.; Todd Stover, OL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Cole Segraves, K, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Scott Adams, DB, 5-9, 200, Sr.; Jaxson Guillroy, DL, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Kyle Haas, LB, 6-1, 218, Sr.; Ricky Nichols, DL, 6-0, 202, Sr.; Kendall Norrod, LB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Drew Otero, DB, 6-0, 189, Jr.; Colby Pivarnik, DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Passing: Avery Johnson, 45-64, 645 yds., 7 TDs, 0 INTs; Receiving: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have Tackles: Kendall Norrod, 96 tackles a good class of freshman, We hope we don’t have to play them early!”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We return seven starters on the defensive side of the ball.

Notes: The once powerhouse Liberal program posted We will be young at the offensive positions. Our goal just three wins in the past two seasons after a 6-3 is to advance as far as possible in the playoffs. We start to the Jason Dunlap era in 2017. After opening have to execute and play fast, smart, and aggressive with consecutive wins last fall Liberal dropped three in all phases of the game.” straight close games before losing the final four contests of the season by an average score of 48-13. Notes: An experienced defense will lead the way for a Maize team that just wrapped up the most successWhile LHS returns six players with starting expeful four year run in school history. Gary Guzman rience Dunlap will have to replace do-everything has guided the Eagles to 36 wins over the past four quarterback Syris, his son, the second all-time seasons with semifinal losses to Wichita Northwest leader in yards from scrimmage in Liberal history. the last two years. Linebackers Kyle Haas and The younger Dunlap, now a wide receiver at Fort Kendall Norrod are two of 5A’s best and are joined by Hays State University, where he’ll play for Liberal five other returning starters on D. alum Chris Brown, accounted for 5,454 yards from scrimmage, including 3,639 rushing yards, 1,815 Guzman has a rebuilding project on offense with passing yards and 55 combined rushing and passing second team all-league quarterback Camden TDs in his career.

Jurgensen, first team all-league running back Caden Cox and the top three receivers (Preven Christon, Dunlap will have significant work to do up front on Tanner Carter, KJ Hampton) all graduated. both sides of the ball as all but one of the starters along both the offensive and defensive lines has The Eagles do get Heights transfer Joshua Sanders graduated.

(1,300 yards rushing, 17 TDs) for his senior season and he’ll have an experienced offensive line to run behind that includes all-leaguer Nate Harding. AllAVCTL kicker Cole Segraves is back as well.

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Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “(Our goals are to) finish with a better record than 2019 and compete for a league championship. Our key will be replacing our entire defensive line and all our receivers and quarterbacks. We have two sophomore quarterbacks battling for the starting job and have some receivers that need to step up.

Also had a few kids move to the defensive line to help our depth.”

MAIZE SOUTH

2019 Record: 2-7 / Western Athletic Conference

Offense: Pro-I Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: Malcolm Wiltshire, WR/CB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Alex Esparza, MLB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Jose Beltran, S, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Aldo Avalos, LG/NT, 5-10, 239, Jr.; Shay Kerr, WR/QB, 6-3, 165, Jr.; Kwami Williams, CB, 5-10, 160, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Keenan Brown, 750 yards Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Nathan Waugh, 81 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A

NEWTON

2019 Record: 3-6 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. I

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Colin Shields, QB; Hunter Niemann, RB; Jake Johnson, WR; Byron Fitchparick, WR; Logan Bolinger, OL; Alex Bonilla, OL; Beau Grant, OL; Brandon Bowles, LB; Peyton Wiechmann, DL; Harper Kennedy, LB; Ladislao Jaimes III, S

Head Coach: Chris Jaax (5th year, 10-26) Assistants: James Pfannestiel, Dylan Delk, Fred Schmidt, Max Switzer, Patrick Watson, Jon Adkins, Evan Gilbert, Adrian Lujano

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: Aiden Kendall, OL, 6-1, 285, Sr.; Returning Statistical Leaders Ben Schmidt, QB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Kenyon Forest, RB/ Rushing: Hunter Niemann, 174 car., 856 yds., 11 TDs DL, 5-7, 185, Jr.; Peyton Maxwell, WR, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Passing: Colin Shields, 120-237, 1,333 yds., 10 TDs Dehann Nelson, LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Davis Mick, DL, Receiving: Jake Johnson, 31 rec., 308 yds., 2 TDs 5-10, 205, Sr.; Ricky Parga, DL, 5-9, 215, So.; Luke Tackles: Brandon Bowles, 76 tackles Boston, LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Nick Antonowich, LB, Sacks: N/A 5-10, 190, Sr.; Sam Claassen, OL, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Interceptions: Harper Kennedy, 3 INTs Braiden Botterweck, TE, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Max Ruth, TE, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Kody Diringer, OL, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Jody Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our Perry, DL, 6-2, 200, Sr. program’s core value of ‘Dedication’ will be put to test this season, as we lose experience in key positions. Returning Statistical Leaders There will be a lot of positions open for competition, Rushing: Kenyon Forest, 131 car., 422 yds., 2 TDs so time, effort, and unselfish decisions will be very Passing: Ben Schmidt, 1,881 yds., 12 TDs, 8 INTs important for us to continue our success. Young Receiving: Peyton Maxwell, 824 yards, 9 TDs players will be expected to put in time and be preTackles: Nick Antonowich, 57 tackles pared to fill positions and provide strength and depth to our team. As long as we work unselfishly for our Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We are teammates and remain positive in our approach to returning our QB, RB, one WR, two TEs, and three practice, we can continue to be successful in building O-linemen. Aiden Kendall and Sam Claassen will be strong respectable young men.” three year starters on the offensive line. Ben Schmidt threw for 1,881 yards in seven and a half games last Notes: Maize South graduated seven starters off 5A’s year. He could have a huge year with a season under second ranked scoring defense, including Shrine his belt. Kenyon Forest stepped into RB as a sophBowl defensive back Trevion Mitchell, now at Fort omore after a preseason injury to a starter and has Hays State. The Mavericks do return top tackler grown a lot as a RB. Peyton Maxwell led AVCTL-I in Brandon Bowles but the offense will need to carry the receiving yards and receptions last year. team while new defensive leaders emerge.

“We are returning four D-linemen and three linebackSouth welcomes back three O-linemen to protect ers as starters from last year’s team. Kenyon Forest third year starting quarterback Colin Shields, (DL) played both ways the second half of the season but gone is All-State tackle Cody Fayette, who and made a big impact on defense when he became graduated and accepted an offer to play football at a starter. Davis Mick (DL) and Nick Antonowich (LB) the University of South Dakota. Shields has thrown will be three-year starters. Dehann Nelson has a for 2,700 yards and 22 touchdowns over his two natural instinct as a linebacker and should have a big seasons as the starter, though his interception year for us. We have a lot of returning starters and numbers jumped from three in 2018 to 10 last fall. the best summer participation we have had. We have Shields has received an offer from NCAA DII Wayne the toughest schedule in the area. Four of our first State College and has interest from Southwestern five games were a combined 46-5 last year with a Oklahoma State and Missouri Western State. state championship, runner-up and semifinalist.”

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2019 Record: 3-8 / Eastern Kansas League

2019 Record: 10-1 / Eastern Kansas League

2019 Record: 4-5 / Independent

2019 Record: 5-4 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. II

Head Coach: Anthony Orrick (6th year, 14-38) Assistants: Brandon Hawks, Collin Gallery, Justin Barlett, Mike Moss, Dustin Barnes, Ken Braden, Ki’anie Brooks, Rich Troxel, Jack Reynolds, Mike Pangborn, Collin Carter

Head Coach: Randy Dreiling (7th year, 59-14; 31st overall, 244-90) Assistants: Kevon McGrew, Chad McKinnis, Manuia Savea, Dillen Jackle, Ray Williams, Tony Raboin, Pat Lonergan, Richard Davila, Brock Howard, Nelson Young, Bo Meisenheimer, Dennis O’Brien, Justin Kerscher, Ryan Majors, Chris Johnson

Head Coach: Tom Nickelson (10th year, 60-28) Assistants: Leroy O’Bray, Matt Butler, Matt Vaughn, Trevor Elliott, Andrew Brennon, Jose Speer, AJ Terry, Garrett Wilson, Kip Whiteley

Head Coach: Mark Sandbo (3rd year, 12-7) Assistants: Rick O’Neil, Derryl Hill, Josh Anguiano, Eric Clayton, Brian Kavangh, Tony Chesney, Adam Schneck, Richard Brake, Austin Kingsbury

Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Matt Cicero, OL, 6-0, 240, Sr.; Logan Kunkler, OL, 6-2, 245, Sr.; Blake Harrison, OL, 6-0, 260, Sr.; Cooper Hayden, QB, 6-1, 175, Jr.; L.J. Butcher, WR/DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Haiden McCoy, WR, 6-5, 165, Sr.; Matt Smith, DB, 5-7, 165, Jr.; Grant Roelfs, LB, 5-10, 200, Jr.

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: Jake Eisenhauer, OL, 6-1, 280, Sr.; Matt Glenn, OL, 6-5, 305, Sr.; Dakota Hogan, WR/DB, 5-9, 174, Sr.; Jaxon Kolzow, WR/DB, 5-11, 178, Jr.; Ezavyar Jackson, WR, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Brooks Burgoon, LB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Rafael Serrano, DE, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Andin Price, DB, 5-10, 168, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Caiden Barber, 35 car., 356 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Cooper Hayden, 820 yds., 4 TDs Receiving: L.J. Butcher, 11 rec., 115 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Grant Roelfs, 30 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Matt Smith, 2 INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Keyon McMillan, 5 carries, 13 yards Passing: Parker Kavanagh, 33-76, 406 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs Receiving: Ezavyar Jackson, 12 rec., 158 yards, 3 TDs Tackles: Dakota Hogan, 46 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Dakota Hogan, 1 INT

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Stack Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: Tanner Curry, QB, Sr.; Hayden Porter, OL, Sr.; Reece Klusman, OL, Sr.; Chase Brungardt, OL, Jr.; Austin Black, OL, Sr.; Tristen Everard, WR, Sr.; Zach Atkins, WR, Jr.; Caden Hacker, WR, Jr.; Ian Keylon, LB, Sr.; Jake Laurie, LB, Jr.; Aidan Morgan, LB, Jr.; Lance Teague, DB, Sr.; Mason Rozell, DB, Sr.; Cal Kilgore, DB, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Tanner Curry, 4 TDs Passing: Tanner Curry, 188-305, 1,883 yds., 16 TDs, 13 INTs Receiving: Tristen Everard, 59 rec., 640 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Ian Keylon, 86 tackles Sacks: Ian Keylon, 6 sacks Interceptions: Mason Rozell, 5 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We plan to build off of a late season playoff run in 2019.

Finished in the top eight of 5A last year and cary a lot of enthusiasm and confidence going into 2020.

Several returning starters on both sides of the ball.

Leadership has been excellent during this crazy summer we have had.”

Notes: The Timberwolves look to an experienced offensive line and dual-threat quarterback Tanner Curry to improve scoring for a team that averaged just over 10 points per game against the six best opponents in the Eastern Kansas League, including losses to Aquinas in Week 2 and the quarterfinals of the 5A playoffs after BVSW dispatched a pair of KCAL foes in the first two rounds. Curry welcomes back leading receiver Tristen Everard and the defense returns leading tackler and pass rusher Ian Keylon.

SALINA SOUTH

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 25 Returning starters: Tank Young, RB, 5-7, 175, Sr.; Blake Anderson, QB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Danny Carroll, OL, 6-2, 260, Sr.; Michael Luchtefeld, OL, 6-0, 218, Jr.; Sa’o Siavi’i, DE, 6-1, 230, So.; Dajni Brooks, DB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Will Gavin, DB, 6-1, 165, Jr.; Jalen Marshall, DL, 6-5, 275, Jr.; Caden Reeves, DL, 6-3, 260, Sr.; Cameron Penny, DE, 6-0, 211, Sr.; Carson Elias, DB, 6-0, 180, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Tank Young, 1,867 yards Passing: Blake Anderson, 1,293 yards, 18 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Caden Reeves, 68 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Dajni Brooks, 2 INTs Head coach’s goals and keys for a successful 2020 season: “We probably have the toughest schedule in the history of Kansas high school football. Miege could argue the same. We will have to grind and stay healthy while improving every week. O-line will have to find a way to get the job done.”

Notes: Randy Dreiling welcomes back one of the state’s top running backs in Tank Young. The senior enters his third year as a starter with over 4,000 career rushing yards and more than 60 TDs. But the strength of the Saints is a loaded D-line that includes seniors Caden Reeves and Cameron Penny, junior Jalen Marshall and super sophomore Sa’o Siavi’i, a MaxPreps Second Team Freshman All-American who made 56 tackles with 8.5 sacks last season.

SHAWNEE-MILL VALLEY

2019 Record: 2-7 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. I

2019 Record: 10-3 / Sunflower League

Head Coach: Sam Sellers (11th year, 54-57) Assts: Chris Barkley, Daniel Colton, Ernest Ballenger, Tyler Smith, Charlie Lynn, Justin Stonebraker, Chance Clatterbuck

Head Coach: Joel Applebee (11th year, 81-32) Assistants: Drew Hudgins, Kurt Bangle, Josh Barnes, Aaron Cox, TJ Finan, Nick Foster, Terrale Johnson, Zach McFall, Ian Nichols, Greg Oder, Mike Strack, Geoff White

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: *Terran Galloway, QB, 5-11, 168, Sr.; Brandt Cox, RB, 6-1, 195, Jr.; Shae Lefort, OL, 6-2, 290, Jr.; Collin Schreiber, WR, 6-4, 180, Sr.; Gio McCall, OL, 5-10, 236, Sr.; Chris Williams, OL, 5-10, 280, Sr.; AJ Johnson, DB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Kayson Dietz, DL, 5-11, 305, Jr.; Owen Bulleigh, DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Carter Kirby, LB, 5-10, 176, Sr.; Nico Arias, DL, 6-0, 261, Sr.; Jarrett Pittenger, LB, 5-8, 162, Jr.

Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 33 Returning starters: Cole Clauder, DB, Sr.; Robbie Dervin, OL, Sr.; Jacob Hartman, WR, Sr.; Sam Hecht, OL, Sr.; Kolten Jegen, LB, Sr.; Kendrick Jones, TE, Jr.; Cole Knappen, DL, Sr.; Ethan Kremer, OL/DL, Sr.; Cooper Marsh, QB, Sr.; Jared Napoli, TE, Jr.; Ty Reishus, WR, Sr.; Chris Tennant, K, Sr.; Quin Wittenauer, RB, Sr.; Trey Worcester, DB, Sr.;

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Brandt Cox, 141 car., 561 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Terran Galloway, 112-191, 1,312 yds., 11 TDs, 12 INTs (*Injured and will miss 2020) Receiving: Collin Schreiber, 7 rec., 155 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Owen Bulleigh, 87 tackles Sacks: Carter Kirby, 1 sack Interceptions: AJ Johnson, 3 INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Cooper Marsh, 168 car., 925 yds., 10 TDs Passing: Cooper Marsh, 121-233, 2,020 yds., 20 TDs, 13 INTs Receiving: Ty Reishus, 21 rec., 494 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Kolten Jegen, 88 tackles Sacks: Ethan Kremer, 11.5 sacks; Interceptions: Cole Clauder; Troy Worcester, 2 INTs each

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The positive is that our numbers are going way back up. We’ve put in a ton of work the last three years to improve our youth and middle school programs and we are getting close to seeing the fruits of that labor. Our senior group is small (13) but every class down through fourth grade has great numbers. While we are still one year away from what I would consider to be really good numbers for a 5A program, we will still have to rely on a handful of sophomores helping us this year.

Luckily we have some star power to hopefully take some load off of those kids. Offensively, we return a three year starter in Brandt Cox who will make his case for being the best RB in Kansas.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Offensively, QB Cooper Marsh and RB Quin Wittenauer return in the backfield and look to replicate the success they had last year leading the way to a new school single season rushing record. Up front the offensive line will be anchored by returning starters Sam Hech and Robbie Dervin. A receiving core of Ty Reishus, Jacob Hartman, Kendrick Jones, and Jared Napoli will return after combining for 87 receptions, 1,696 yards, and 14 TDs. Defensively the Jaguars will be led up front on the defensive line by Ethan Kremer, Cole Knappen and Aiden Shaffer. Kolten Jegen returns to linebacker after leading the Jaguars in tackles in 2019.”

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Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We will always look to our seniors for leadership on and off the field. They are all our tone setters in the weight room, film room and practice field. Whether they are a multi-year starter, special team player or a back-up, everyone looks to seniors for effort and attitude.

“We return three starting offensive linemen and six starters overall on offense. We hope to be much improved and faster on offense. We have an experienced quarterback back and a very explosive running back in the backfield.

“We graduated a dominant defensive line from last season. Replacing those players up front will be a challenge. We have capable athletes that have been waiting for their opportunity now it is up to them to make the most of it.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The AVCTL D-II for 2020 returns a lot of solid football with experience from the top down. It will be a different experience for us in the Division II side compared to that of Division I because there isn’t that Derby type of team that stands head and shoulders above other teams. From what I have seen and anticipate any team could go get any team. That means you will need to be at your best week in and week out.

“I think the state outlook for 5A looks very similar to 2019. I think many of those same teams that finished strong in 2019 are the teams to beat for 2020.”

Notes: The Mustangs return a pair of quality offensive linemen in Jake Eisenhauer and Matt Glenn to block for quarterback Parker Kavanagh, “Our goals are to improve everyday, to represent our who takes the reins from older brother Jackson, now school and community with class, and to have fun.” at Washburn. The Mustangs will miss graduated TE/ HB/DE Quinton Stewart, one of last year’s Kansas Pregame coverboys, now playing at Oklahoma State.

SPRING HILL

TECUMSEH-SHAWNEE HEIGHTS

2019 Record: 5-5 / Frontier League

2019 Record: 5-5 / United Kansas Conference

Head Coach: Jason Feeback (6th year, 18-28; 41-43 overall) Assistants: Morgan Abel, Dax Barker, Brian Hogan, Ben Gehring, Jordan Kupersmith, Nic Madelen, Curtis Myers, Alex Winkler

Head Coach: Jason Swift (18th year, 82-91) Assistants: Michael Werner, William Skaggs III, Steven Block, Matt Dunkin, Braden Werner, Brit Dewey, Luke Coffman

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: Denver Gardner, OL, 6-2, 275, Sr.; Clay Flaming, OL, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Anthony Lakin, DB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Braden Larson, DB, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Evan Letellier, WR, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Cody Powell, DB, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Tanner Thompson, OL, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Chase Wilm, LB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Cameron Crotchett, TE, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Zach Knowlton, WR/DB, 5-6, 155, Jr.; Dylan Lazenby, RB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Daniel Mitchell, WR, 5-11, 170, Jr.

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 32 Returning starters: Hunter Wohler, QB, Sr.; Brayden Zirkle, WR, Sr.; Carter Olson, TE, Jr.; Orrin Busenitz, OL, Jr.; Ziwaun White, DE, Sr.; Caleb Appel, NG, Sr.; Jacob Myers, FS, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Dylan Lazenby, 58 car., 269 yds., 2 TDs Passing: Evan Letellier, 22-50, 200 yds.

Receiving: Zach Knowlton, 34 rec., 464 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Cody Powell, 81 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Zach Knowlton, 5 INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Hunter Wohler, 92 car., 395 yds., 9 TDs Passing: Hunter Wohler, 98-184, 1,246 yds., 9 TDs Receiving: Brayden Zirkle, 37 rec., 720 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Jacob Myers, 53 tackles Sacks: Ziwaun White, 2 sacks Interceptions: Jacob Myers, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Hard work, not talent will be the key for us. Great kids that love to compete, but just need to do it together.

Offensively, this will be our second year running a spread offense. Our job as coaches is to do a better job teaching it. Defensively, we will be young, but the junior class is solid and should help our three returning seniors who had a great fall last year. The UKC, in its third year, has created solid rivalries that get us excited for the season. One of our goals is to win the UKC and it starts Week 1 vs. Leavenworth.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We are excited about the great things happening at Spring Hill. Our guys had a great summer and showed up to work and get better. We know we will have our hands full in the always tough Frontier League, but we love to compete against the best of the best.

We will replace eight players on defense, but return some of our best players on offense in Knowlton and Notes: If a retooled O-line can develop, Hunter Lazenby. Letellier will move back to QB after a solid Wohler could emerge as one of the top dual-threat junior season as a wide receiver.”

QBs in Topeka and the UKC. Long-time Heights assistant Brad Nicks is the new head coach at Abilene.

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Page 75

2019 Record: 0-9 / Centennial League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Centennial League

2019 Record: 1-8 / Centennial League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. II

Head Coach: Mike Foristiere (3rd year, 0-18) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Glenn O’Neil (5th year, 19-20; 14th year, 116-34 overall) Assistants: Mike Lincoln, Scott Peterson, Rick Rineberg, Michael Ragsdale, Daniel Ruda, Jeff Schuh, Jason Nicol, Jayce Brack, Jerrick Jorgensen.

Head Coach: Ryan Kelly (4th year, 3-24) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Scott L’Ecuyer (3rd year, 5-11; 10-35 overall) Assistants: Chad Wilmott, Blake Pearson, Joey Craig, Jared Ensey, Evan Hamm, John Johnson, Trent Preheim, Matt Willis

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: N/A Notes: Highland Park enters the 2020 season riding the state’s longest losing streak. The Scots have lost 52 straight games dating back to their last victory — a 60-26 rout of Kansas City-Harmon in Week 2 of the 2014 season. There haven’t been a whole lot of close calls during that stretch, but last year the Scots darn near got the gorilla off their backs in Week 2 against Kansas City-Sumner. Tre Prosper’s 10-yard touchdown run gave Highland Park a 22-20 lead.

But the Scots couldn’t hold on. Sumner scored three plays later to take the lead and Highland Park came up empty inside the red zone in the game’s final two minutes in a 26-24 loss.

Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Ewan Mills, C/DT, 6-2, 285, Sr.; Kobe Jordan, G, 5-6, 225, Jr.; Tony Wadkins, T, 6-1, 270, Jr.; Reid Cowan, QB, 6-3, 205, Sr.; Jordan Zahn, WR, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Cason Stallbaumer, WB/ LB, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Peyton Murray, WB/LB, 5-6, 135, Sr.; Nathan Zeferjahn, FB/LB/P, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Sean Hoffmans, CB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Aiden Polter, CB, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Camden Barta, FS, 6-3, 180, Jr.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning lettermen: Malachi Berg, QB, So.; Xavier Alexander, RB, So.; Chris Howell, RB, Jr.; Mikael Glenn, WR/DB, Jr.; Jamal Shahid, OL, Jr.; Elliott Cooper, OL, Jr.; Wyatt Miller, OL, Jr.; Julien Mehrens, TE, Sr.; Marque Wilkerson, WR/DB, Sr.; Dontrey Jones-Washington, RB/LB, Jr.; Robbie Malcom, DL, Sr.; Jon Sanders, DL, Sr.; Martin Gray, LB, Sr.; Kyantae Parker, LB, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We’re young with some, but little, experience. We’re talented, but depth will be a concern. Limited size but Returning Statistical Leaders good speed.”

Rushing: Camryn Kaufman, 138 yds Passing: Kaleb Harden, 1,049 yds, 8 TDs Notes: West continues to find themselves near the Receiving: Gabe Phillips, 342 yds, 3 TDs bottom of the Centennial League, just ahead of Tackles: Hunter Sharp, 110 tackles downtrodden Highland Park. The Chargers scored Sacks: N/A more than one touhdown in a game just twice all Interceptions: Multiple returners with 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Seaman season, a Week 8 loss to Topeka High (60-13) and a returns a number of starters and part time starters Week 4 victory over the afore-mentioned Scots (52- Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We after playing through an injury ridden 2019 season. 16). The Chargers offense was shut out three times return a good number of seniors to the starting line Our young players were forced into varsity playing and scored just 40 total points in the eight losses. up but will depend on juniors and sophomores to fill time before they were ready and received playing The Charger defense had troubles of their own, voids left by the graduation. Our 2-7 record belies experience. The growing pains were difficult but we allowing at least 41 points in every loss. how competitive and gritty our boys were a year believe they will help our players this year.” ago. Four of our seven losses in 2019 came in one In spite of returning 14 starters the Chargers are still possession games. In order to make a climb in the Notes: With three offensive lineman back to protect relatively young with eight sophomores and juniors AVCTL II and 5A standings it is imperative we finish him, senior quarterback Reid Cowan could be ready among that group, including returning sophomore tight contests this season.” for a big season this fall. If quality D-linemen emerge quarterback Malachi Berg. the Vikings should improve on 2019’s two wins.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Nathan Zeferjahn, 60 car., 338 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Reid Cowan, 64-119, 734 yds., 2 TDs No other Scot game was closer than 40 points and Receiving: Jordan Zahn, 19 rec., 251 yds., 2 TDs the Scots were on the ugly end of a 98-16 loss to Tackles: Nathan Zeferjahn, 51 tackles Emporia. Highland Park wound up getting outscored Sacks: N/A 563-82 on the season.

Interceptions: Aiden Plter, 2 INTs But third-year coach Mike Foristiere should have some optimism that things will turn around soon. He kept a strong sophomore class intact at the sub-varsity level and experienced a great deal of success in that setting. Prosper returns at quarterback and has his best receiver, Jeremy Kendrick, also returning as wll as top linemen Chance Gragg and Morgan Dean.

Highland Park begins its final two-year run in the Centennial League, joining the Kansas City-Atchison League beginning in the 2022 season.

WICHITA-BISHOP CARROLL

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Austin Coash, OL, 5-10, 265, Sr.; Kaleb Harden, QB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Camryn Kaufman, LB/DB, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Gabe Phillips, WR/TE, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Hunter Stacy, WR, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Ben Warner, FB, 5-5, 210, Sr.; Jarrett Bergman, LB/ DB, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Jalen Hoddy, DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Weston Jennings, DL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Caleb Peach, DB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Hunter Sharp, DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Tate Schurle, LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Kade Wilson, DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.

WICHITA HEIGHTS

WICHITA-KAPAUN MT. CARMEL

WICHITA NORTHWEST

2019 Record: 8-3 / Greater Wichita Athletic League

2019 Record: 3-6 / Greater Wichita Athletic League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Greater Wichita Athletic League

2019 Record: 12-1 / Greater Wichita Athletic League

Head Coach: Dusty Trail (4th year, 28-7) Assistants: Jim Nance, Josh Mans, Matt Bye, Sr., Brad Carey, Phil Blanton, Aaron Havlovic, Make Gann, Jonathan Dravis, Michael Laubhan, Dave Armagost, Steve Harshberger, Trent Arion, Austin Theis, Tyler Skilling

Head Coach: Dominick Dingle (3rd year, 7-11) Assistants: Malik Jaradat, Brennyn Pankratz, Matt Reed, Bret Eckert, Jeremy Moss, Todd Sacquitne, Jarron Ogles, Rajiv Foster

Head Coach: Weston Schartz (1st year; 37th overall) Assistants: Luke Westerman, Chris Bloomer, Pat Gimino, Trent Hungate, Kyle Stevens, Aaron Geddis, Darrell Garner, Ryan Burr, Brad Spicer, Zac Poague, Craig Schmidt, Cedrick Jay

Head Coach: Steve Martin (9th year, 68-21; 99-32 overall) Assistants: Rontez Grayson, Marcus James, Michael Johnson, Michael Lopez, Marc Marinelli, Skip McCaulley, Ike Onwugbufor, Jonathon Thompson, Zack Westhoff

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Johnny Jabara, OL; Noah Redcorn, OL; Jacob Werne, OL; Alex Rocha, OL; Tiger Jones, E/DB; Cale Curtis, E; Andrew Gimino, QB; Doug Bates, LB; Brandon Burr, S; Jaxon Powers, LB; Sam Nichols, DL; Braxton Powers, DL; George Traglia, DL; Ethan Stuhlsatz, S; Will Doolittle, DB

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Zac Daher, DE, 6-4, 245, Sr.; Todric McGee, SS, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Wetu Kalomo, DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Julius Bolden, RB, 5-11, 195, RB, Sr.; Davin Simms, WR, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Mason Ross, QB/ TE, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Kevyan Stallings, OL, 6-3, 275, Jr.; Nathan Carter, DL, 6-2, 240, Jr.; Michael Anthony, LB/SS, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Nathan Hale, DE, 6-4, 245, Sr.; Jacob Younkman, LB, 5-11, 200, Jr.; Jaeden Wheeler, H, 5-9, 210, Sr.

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 14 Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Returning starters: George Hervey, OL, 5-10, Returning lettermen: 22 215, Jr.; Dylan Depperschmidt, OL, 6-0, 205, OL, Returning starters: Noah Ferguson, WR, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Adrian Patterson, RB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Kaden Sr.; Hunter Trail, RB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Aiden Niedens, Claassen, K/P/WR, 5-10, 170, Jr.; John Randle Jr., QB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Ben Purvis, OL, 6-0, 240, Sr.; RB, 5-11, 175, So.; Rolando Reed, WR, 6-1, 160, Sr.; Gabe Havlovic, OL, 6-4, 245, Sr.; Oscar Gallardo, Davion Ware, DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Jaeden Hamilton, WR, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Matthew Morell, DL, 6-1, 185, Sr.; DB, 5-7, 155, Jr.; Maliq Little, LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Cade Gatschet, DB/KR, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Ryan Birch, Jy’Vaughn Martin, DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Amarion DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Jack Ryan, DL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Noah Wilkins, DL, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Jaylin Hanks, DB, 5-10, Maul, LS, 6-1, 170, Jr. 175, Sr.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our outlook for the season is to be competitive in City League play. Our biggest challenge will be to have a Returning Statistical Leaders Returning Statistical Leaders winning season.”

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Hunter Trail, 1,127 yards, 19 TDs Rushing: John Randle, 67 car., 708 yds., 10 TDs Rushing: Julius Bolden, 163 car., 1,567 yds., 29 TDs Passing: Aiden Niedens, 1,345 yards, 11 TDs Passing: N/A Notes: Weston Schartz makes the move to Kapaun Passing: N/A Receiving: Oscar Gallardo, 334 yards, 4 TDs Receiving: John Randle, 5 rec., 98 yards as the longest tenured active coach in the City Receiving: Mason Ross, 11 rec., 181 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Cade Gatschet, 76 tackles Tackles: Jy’Vaughn Martin, 65 tackles League. Schartz is entering his 37th year as a head Tackles: Todric McGee, 88 tackles Sacks: Jack Ryan, 2 sacks Sacks: Davion Ware, 1 sack coach in Wichita after 26 years at Wichita West, split Sacks: Zac Daher, 7 sacks Interceptions: Ryan Birch, 1 INT Interceptions: Jaeden Hamilton, 2 INTs up over two different stints, separated by 10 years at Interceptions: Wetu Kalomo, 8 INTs Wichita Northwest.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “(Our) Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “2019 tough schedule awaits the Eagles from start to team goals for the 2020 season are to win the Former Kapaun coach Dan Adelhardt takes over the Grizzly Football was another exciting season, finish, opening with the defending City League Greater Wichita Athletic League while trying to Garden Plain program following the return of Ken matching the best season in school history at 12-1. champions and 5A state runner-up Northwest. The compete for a state championship. The Falcons will Dusenbury to Andover where he previously served The story of 2019 was the resurgence of the Grizzly tough road continues with top GWAL, AVCTL, and compete daily on and off the field in an effort to be as an assistant. Adelhardt led the Crusaders for 15 Defense to go with the high powered scoring offense.

WAC contenders throughout the season. This team the best. Keys to Heights’ team success will be the years and won 81 games.

The defense improved (by) 18 points less given understands the challenges that lay ahead and continual improvement of all players. Heights will up per game. Gone is QB Reagan Jones, but the the legacy that has been entrusted to them. The have several talented veterans that have gained Schartz welcomes back a number of key pieces Grizzlies return nine on a defense that was stingy commitment and hard work put in this offseason has valuable experience over the last few seasons to go on defense but has numerous question marks on against the run and will rely on that defense as the shown that understanding. The challenge of working along with a young group of talented Falcons that are offense. Ethan Stuhlsatz is a big defensive back that Grizzlies break in a new QB!” through the COVID-19 pandemic and being there ready to show they are ready to compete and play at had a great offseason this summer showing off 4.55 for each other has been difficult, but the team has the varsity level.” speed in the 40-yard dash at 6-4, 205 pounds and Notes: The Grizzlies again feature a number of the worked and sacrificed through it to be better once earned numerous junior college and DII scholarship state’s top recruits including D-backs Todric McGee the threat has passed. The Golden Eagles return six Notes: All-League RB Joshua Sanders is now at offers. Stuhlsatz can play safety or outside linebacker and Wetu Kalomo and defensive end Zac Daher. offensive starters off of an 8-3 team, but only return Maize, but sophomore RB John Randle Jr. is one and gives the Crusaders a great defender against Wichita West transfer Geremiah Moore and returning four starters on defense. of the state’s top prospects in the class of 2023 and the pass or in run support. Doug Bates (DL/LB) was tight end Mason Ross will battle to replace Jones at already holds scholarship offers from K-State, Iowa, honorable mention all-league and D-end George QB, but regardless of who wins the job, the other will “The biggest strength for the Eagles this upcoming Nebraska, Oklahoma State, KU and TCU. Traglia is a rangy 6-5, 230 pounder on the edge. be a key part of the offense in other roles. season is the experience returning on offense at key positions. They anchor an offense that will have to step up and perform early to help a young defense develop.

“The major concern going into the 2020 football season is the lack of experience returning on defense.

Who is willing to put themselves out there and be the leaders and playmakers to make a championship run. The other concern would be developing depth.”

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

Page 77

Class 4A

1. Bishop Miege 2. Paola 3. McPherson 4. St. James Academy 5. Andover Central Others: Basehor-Linwood, Buhler, KC-Piper, Lansing, Tonganoxie *Publisher’s Note: At press time, there were questions surrounding the 4A season, specifically whether teams in Wyandotte County would be allowed to play. An initial order allowing teams like KC-Piper and Bonner Springs to play all road games could be impacted by possible limitations under consideration by local government officials.

As a result, the overview below, and the rankings above, are based on information that, in some cases, may no longer be accurate. Instead, this coverage may serve as a “what might have been” look at the 2020 football season.

By Brent Maycock, Topeka Capital-Journal A couple of regular-season losses were a bit out of the ordinary for Miege, opening discussion to whether or not the Stags were a bit vulnerable in 2019.

Miege answered that question emphatically, rolling to its sixth straight Class 4A state championship. The Stags outscored their playoff foes by a combined 296-52, including a 68-7 beatdown of Andover Central in the state championship game.

Miege became the second program in state history to win six straight state championships, joining Hutchinson, which won six straight from 2004-09 spanning 6A and 5A. With another title this year, Miege can stand alone in the record books.

And who’s to argue the Stags won’t get it done? They’ve ruled 4A like no team has ruled its class since the inception of the state playoff system. And though the holes are numerous, ninth-year coach Jon Holmes always has the pieces on hand to plug the gaps and keep it rolling.

Having an All-State caliber quarterback is a good block to build around and Miege has that in Timothy Dorsey, who threw for 3,026 yards and 45 touchdowns last year while getting picked off just six times. He’ll be working with an entirely new supporting cast however as graduation claimed leading rusher Brison Cobbins and All-State receiver Daniel Jackson and second-leading receiver Phillippe Wesley transferred to California.

Five starters are back on defense, including second-leading tackler Jack Kincaid (83 tackles).

Miege’s schedule remains one of the toughest in the state, especially with the addition of Missouri state champion Lutheran North from St. Louis. But until somebody proves otherwise, the Stags remain the heavy favorite in 4A. Paola gave Miege its closest game in the playoffs, dropping a 48-14 decision in the state semifinals. That was the Panthers’ lone loss in an 11-1 season that saw them win the tough Frontier League.

Two-way starter Garrett Williams ran for 850 yards and threw

Photo by John Baetz

Branden Martin

Photo by Kenny Daniel

Darell Jones

Timothy Dorsey

KANSAS PREGAME CLASS 4A PRESEASON RANKINGS*

12 PLAYERS TO WATCH Brian Turrel, WyandotteDaily.com

Gavin Bell [El Dorado] 6-4, 265, OL/DL, Jr.; All-AVCTL DL Malik Benson [Lansing] 6-1, 175, WR, Sr.; 27 rec., 368 yds., 27.1 KR Avg., 3 KOR TDs Timothy Dorsey [Bishop Miege] 5-11, 190, Sr.; 170-275, 3,026 yds., 45 TDs, Illinois St. Commit Brayden Dillow [Chanute] 6-0, 192, OL/DL, Sr.; All-SEK, All-State Sam Elliott [Buhler] 5-7, 150, RB, Jr.; 918 yds. rushing, WR State Champion

Here are 12 players to watch in Class 4A this fall:

Mason Ellis [Mulvane] 6-2, 175, Jr.; 950 total yds., 17 total TDs, 4.4 40 Silas Etter [Eudora] 6-3, 200, WR, Jr.; 363 yds. receiving, 3 TDs Ethan Huber [Basehor-Linwood] 6-0, 195, WR, Sr.; 53 rec., 701 yds., 5 TDs Darell Jones [Coffeyville-Field Kindley] 5-11, 170, WR/DB, Sr.; K-State Commit, 4.35 40 Brycen Labertew [McPherson] 5-11, 195, LB, Sr.; 82 tkls., 3 INTs, 6 TFLs, 2 FFs, 4 FRs Branden Martin [KC Piper] 6-1, 195, LB, Sr.; Statewide tkl. leader 2018-19 Ely Wilcox [Augusta] 6-5, 210, S, Sr.; 75 tkls., 3 INTs

for 600 yards while also making 50 tackles. Fletcher Aude MVP Xavier Bell, Co-Defensive MVP Trey DeGarmo and added 750 yards and will help offset the loss of Connor Hasz. standout quarterback Shomari Parnell. Bell, Parnell and deThe lines took a big hit with the loss of All-4A pick Clay Essex, parted receiver Matthew Macy accounted for 28 of Central’s 44 TDs and 2,100 yards of the team’s 3,870 total yards. but Carter Stanchfield will be an anchor to build around.

Poised to play for a state championship each of the past DeGarmo had a hand in 20% of the team’s tackles.

Six starters do return each way, including five of the front three seasons, McPherson has seen the state semifinals become a sticking point. In 2017, it was Andale that denied the seven on a defense that allowed just 10.8 points per game going into the championship game.

Bullpups 20-13. IN 2018, Goddard upset them 15-14.

Buhler bounced back from a 5-5 mark in 2018 to go 8-3 last Last year, it was a 7-0 loss to Andover Central that kept McPherson from its first state championship game appear- year and reach the 4A quarterfinals before falling to Andover ance in program history. McPherson finished 11-1 but grad- Central. The Crusaders have won at least seven games in uated the most successful class in school history in terms of seven of the last eight seasons, but only return four starters on offense an two on defense this year. Four of the five returning wins.

Led by linebacker Brycen Labertew, five starters return to a starters were sophomore starters last year, including two-way defense that allowed just 8.3 points per game last year. The end Bo Van Bruggen.

With a total of 18 starters back, KC Piper will look to turn unit will miss All-4A end Cody Stufflebean and leading tackler things back around after slipping to 4-6 last season. The Mason Thrash, but has experience at every level.

Offensively, the Bullpups will have to find a new cast of play- Pirates return their entire starting offensive line in front of makers as the bulk of last year’s offensive production was lost returning back LaJames White, who ran for 1,241 yards and to graduation. Six starters return, including three on the offen- 9 TDs and finished with 19 TDs overall. The defense is led by linebacker Branden Martin, an All-Class 4A selection who sive line where size and depth are strengths.

A new wrinkle in the 4A mix could be the addition of St. led the state in tackles last year with 169 and also added five James Academy, which drops down from Class 5A after going sacks.

Lansing drops down from Class 5A and returns eight starters 5-5 last year. The highlight of the Thunder’s season was a 2827 upset of Miege, and three of the five losses were decided defensively from a team that went just 4-5 last year. Dylan Ward leads the group after making 93 tackles and the Lions late in the fourth quarter.

Graduation hit hard, claiming Eastern Kansas League de- will look to get the ball to explosive playmaker Malik Beson fensive MVP Cade Lautt and the bulk of last year’s offensive on offense.

Brent Maycock is a sports writer for the Topeka Capitalplaymakers. Junior receiver Tyler Claiborn was the leading receiver with 522 yards and is one of five offensive starters Journal and has covered high schools in Topeka, and back, three on the offensive line. Only two starters return de- across Kansas, for over 25 years. fensively.

Setting 16 school records, ORDER ONLINE AT Andover Central made it to the championship game last year before getting blown out

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

ABILENE

ALTAMONT-LABETTE COUNTY

ANDOVER CENTRAL

2019 Record: 0-9 / North Central Kansas League

2019 Record: 3-6 / Southeast Kansas League

Head Coach: Brad Nicks (1st year) Assistants: Brad Hartman, Steve Casey, Joe Ross, Darren Whiteley, Alan Randles, Dan Rheingans

Head Coach: Sean Price (6th year, 24-24; 17th over- Head Coach: Derek Tuttle (2nd year, 11-2) Assistants: Aaron Frey, Fred Sims, Dean Taylor, Ben all, 85-69) Assistants: Bradley Argabright, Jeremy Branch, Davie Brown, Broc Wolfe, Joe Royer, Mike Page, Ernie Hager, Aren Coppoc, Jared McDaniel Hayward, Richard Pierce, Joe Paige, TJ Mayhue Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 19 Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Landon Coy, OL/DL, 6-2, 260, Sr.; Returning lettermen: 25 Returning starters: Kooper Peak, QB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Kyle Kohman, WR/DE, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Kyren Parrott, Derek Jones, WR, 5-11, 145, Jr.; Noah Yeoman, WR, LB/KR/PR, 5-6, 160, Sr.; Jacob Rees, RB/LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Kamden Wilson, TE/DE, 5-11, 160, Jr.; Drew 5-11, 150, Sr.; Andon Seales, OLB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Trent Brock, RB/SS, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Andrew Jameson, Daniels, OL/DL, 6-2, 235, Jr. LB, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Evan Flatt, CB, 5-10, 140, Sr.; Returning Statistical Leaders Russell McCarty, CB, 6-1, 160, Jr.; Mitchell House, Rushing: Jacob Rees, 84 car., 401 yds., 4 TDs OL, 5-11, 210, Jr.; Chandler Moore, OL, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Noah Simmons, OL, 6-1, 265, Sr.; Joel Mathes, Passing: Chase White, 100 yds., 2 TDs OL, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Robert Tobel, DE, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Receiving: Kyle Kohman, 208 yds.

Tackles: Jacob Rees, 78 tackles Noah Grady, TE, 6-2, 180, Sr. Sacks: Kamden Wilson, 3 sacks Interceptions: Noah Garcia, Jacob Rees, 1 INT each Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Trent Brock, 127 car., 657 yds., 7 TDs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We are Passing: Kooper Peak, 78-151, 951 yds., 5 TDs, 9 looking forward to seeing how our new leaders take INTs; Receiving: Derek Jones, 14 car., 156 yds. ownership of this team. We have some exciting, Tackles: Andon Searles, Andrew Jameson, 55 young playmakers on both sides of the ball returning tackles each from 2019, and we have several new players coming Sacks: Andrew Jameson, 1 sack out in every grade level. We are looking forward to Interceptions: Andon Searless, 1 INT seeing what this group can accomplish.

Offense: Multiple Spread/I-Formation Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: Karsen Loader, OL/DL, Sr.; Brandon Parker, OL, Sr.; Robbie Keener, LB, Sr.; Kaleb Becker, SS, Jr.; Devan Fouliard, OLB, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Robbie Keener, 9 car., 27 yds.

Passing: Kaleb Becker, 5-13, 81 yds., 1 TD, 2 INTs Receiving: Camden Meeks, 4 rec., 64 yards, 1 TD Tackles: Karsen Loader, 66 tackles Sacks: Brandon Parker, 3 sacks Interceptions: Camden Meeks, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have a hard-working group of men this year, and I am excited to watch them grow and get better each week. We have some new faces this year so we will rely on our large group of returning athletes for our leadership and growth.”

Notes: Former Shawnee Heights assistant football coach and head track coach Brad Nicks enters his first year at Abilene after 20 years with the Thunderbirds. He replaces Steve Simpson who retired after a lengthy coaching career that included the last six seasons at Abilene. The Cowboys welcome a new stadium this fall that features a new turf playing surface and a state-of-the-art high definition video board along with new LED lighting and track and bleacher renovations. Mammoth Sports Construction, a Meriden, Kansas, based business known for their work at numerous schools, parks and colleges in the state and region, continued work on the new field surface into late August in hopes of getting the project completed in time for Abilene’s first home game with Concordia on September 11.

ATCHISON

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Making a run in the playoffs will be our goal, developing our younger kids for depth will be keys to success.”

Notes: The Grizzlies return their starting quarterback, their leading rusher, four offensive linemen and the top two tacklers and are poised to improve upon last year’s 3-6 finish. LC was competitive in most of their losses last year with four of the six decided by 21 points or less. But the wins were nailbiters, including 36-31 over Independence, 27-19 over Field Kindley and 26-20 over Fort Scott in overtime. The Grzzlies opened with a 40-0 loss to Pittsburg and closed with a 67-13 loss to six-time state champion Bishop Miege. The schedule is similar to the last two years with a 2-7 El Dorado team replacing a Ulysses team that finished 5-4.

AUGUSTA

Head Coach: Jim Smith (23rd year, 111-96) Assistants: Charley Harris, Steve Watkins, Josh Rebant, Cheyne Swanson, Lucas Lanning

Head Coach: Jason Filbeck (7th year, 31-27) Assistants: JD Hand, Rick Neubauer, Dawson Elliott, Brad Raine, Josh Ybarra, Cody Hager, Chris Husselman

Head Coach: Rod Stallbaumer (7th year, 46-18; 16th overall, 112-46) Assistants: Brian Lohafer, Ron Barnes, Zach Livingston

Offense: Spread Option Defense: 3-4 Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Aidan Ingram, LB, 6-3, 220, Jr.; Returning starters: Ely Wilcox, LB/S, 6-5, 210, Sr.; Zach Sisemore, RB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Jordan Brown, Ryan Andrews, FB, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Duke Lichlyter, WR, 6-4, 180, Jr.; Ethan Huber, WR, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Slot/DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Nate Volkman, OG, 6-5, 290, Levi Cooley, OL, 6-4, 290, So.; Adam Peterson, SS, Sr.; Tyler McConathy, SS/Slot, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Hunter 6-4, 200, Sr.; Dalton Harris, DE, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Sam Anderson, QB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Holt Williams, LB, 5-11, Hicks, LB, 5-11, 220, Jr.; Anthony Onstott, LB, 5-10, 220, Jr.; Zack Timberlake, OT, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Jett 195, Sr.; Sawyer Delana, OL, 5-11, 265, Sr. Hand, WR, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Kaden McDaniel, FS, 6-4, Returning Statistical Leaders 170, So. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Patrick Denton, 83 car., 485 yds., 4 TDs; Rushing: Zach Sisemore, 88 car., 453 yds., 5 TDs Xavier Cushinberry, 82 car., 628 yds., 3 TDs Returning Statistical Leaders Passing: N/A Passing: N/A Rushing: Hunter Anderson, 147 car., 698 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: Ethan Huber, 53 rec., 701 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: N/A Passing: Hunter Anderson, 42-81, 374 yds.

Tackles: Aidan Ingram, 74 tackles Tackles: Alondre McGowan, 60 tackles Receiving: Ryan Andrews, 11 rec., 224 yds.

Sacks: N/A Tackles: Holt Williams, 76 tackles Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We Interceptions: Xavier Hernandez, 1 INT Sacks: Cash Money, 4 sacks were inexperienced last season but hope to build on Interceptions: Ely Wilcox, 3 INTs last season where a lot of underclassmen had an Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our opportunity to play and develop. This group appears goals are to win our league and make a run in the Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have focused, unselfish and working towards the same playoffs.” been building a little momentum from last year’s goals, that goes a long way.” playoff win. Our first one since 2005. This summer Editor’s Note: Veteran Atchison coach Jim Smith is has been great amid all the turmoil. Our kids have Notes: After starting the season 1-2 and allowing at entering a season like no other as the cancellation really done a great job of taking ownership of their least 28 points in all three contests, BLHS went 4-2 of fall sports by the Kansas City Kansas Public season ahead. I pray all the time that these kids get to close out the season. Narrow losses to a great School system leaves the Redmen with numerous to have a season because they have worked really 5A De Soto squad and a good KC Piper team left holes in a schedule that featured primarily Kansas hard for it. We feel like we are as experienced and the Bobcats hungry for this season. Now, with 10 City-Atchison League opponents. At press time talented as we’ve been in my time here.” starters and 19 lettermen back and Maize transfer Atchison was working to fill those openings with other QB Isaac Stanton the likely signal caller coach Rod opponents.

Notes: Augusta will have height to spare with four Stallbaumer looks to be among the top teams in 4A returning starters 6-3 or taller. again this season. If he can find depth along the front lines the Bobcats skill players shoud thrive.

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Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Taviahn Mack, DL, 6-1, 290, Jr.; Max Shannon, DL/OL, 6-0, 280, Sr.; Jarrett Brooks, OL, 6-0, 270, Sr.; Haden O’Toole, WR/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Owen Bucher, DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Devon Watkins, DB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Gabe Welch, QB, 5-11, 180, So.; Lance Blubaugh, LB/TE, 5-11, 205, Jr.; Rhett Lathers, LB/FB, 6-0, 180, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Passing: Gabe Welch, 1,300 yards Receiving: Owen Bucher, 19 rec., 168 yds.

Tackles: Owen Bucher, 48 tackles Sacks: Taviahn Mack, 4 sacks Interceptions: Devon Watkins, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “One of our goals is to be competitive in our league. We have fared decently when we get into the 4A playoffs but feel like we can be more competitive in our league. It is a tough league and we have closed the gap over the last couple of years but need to win a few more games.”

BONNER SPRINGS

BASEHOR-LINWOOD

2019 Record: 5-4 / United Kansas Conference

JARAD M. WAITE, O.D.

Head Coach: Jon Wiemers (5th year, 19-23) Assistants: Evan Burke, Eric Burrow, LK Giger, Adam Dorsey, Justin Spencer, Anthony Whetstone, Matt Koehn, Curt Massey

Notes: Wiemers is entering his fifth year at Ark City, with his tenure split over two different stints. The first in 2011 and 2012 and the second over the last two seasons. The Bulldogs are coming off back-to-back 4-7 records, but that hardly tells the whole story. AC dropped six losses by 10 points or less over the past two seasons including a 21-13 loss to eventual 4A runner-up Andover Central in Week 8. The Bulldogs again open with arch-rival Winfield. The last five with Notes: Derek Tuttle led the Jags to the title game in the Vikings were decided by 10 points or less, includyear one as head coach and returns six starters but ing two games last season - 20-18 loss in the season graduates a number of key players. Gone are QB opener and 13-3 win in the playoffs - giving Ark City a Shomari Parnell, receivers Xavier Bell and Matt Macy, 3-2 advantage in that span. linebacker Trey DeGarmo and safety Jake Taylor. All earned multiple postseason honors.

2019 Record: 7-3 / Frontier League

2019 Record: 5-5 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. III

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2019 Record: 4-7 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. II

“We face a challenging schedule, but that has been the case for several seasons as our AVCTL D2 is very competitive. I told our upcoming seniors in our late-winter meeting that we don’t need to worry about winning any sort of championship right now; we just need to compete and improve one day at a time. We will continue to strive for playing fast and aggressive in all phases of the game. Most importantly, we have some critical areas to improve, especially with regard to our special teams and our overall discipline.”

2019 Record: 3-6 / Kansas City-Atchison League

Offense: Option/Power Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Patrick Denton, QB/LB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Xavier Cusinberry, RB/DE, 6-3, 240, Sr.; Cayden Pennington, OL/DL, 6-2, 275, Sr.; Nate Blakley, OL/DL, 5-9, 260, Sr.; Ryan Noll, TE/DE, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Xavier Hernandez, LB/TE, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Jake Rebant, S/QB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Alondre McGowan, RB/ LB, 5-8, 170, Jr.

ARKANSAS CITY

2019 Record: 11-2 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. II

Page 78

Head Coach: David Blazevic (1st year) Assistants: Greg Lee, DeMario Bennett, Deron Dangerfield, Kyle Razack, Bennett Ratzloff, Richard Blazevic, Prentice Watson and Cameron Trowbridge Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: Brandin Andrews, QB/CB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Cortland Hervey, WR, 6-6, 175, Sr.; Carter Wylie, WR, 160, 5-11, Sr.; Brandon Sanders, TE/OLB, 6-1, 195,Sr.; Alex Amayo, WR, 5-11, 160, Jr.; Zane Clark, G/DT, 5-10, 290, Jr.; Antonio Caballero, T/DE, 6-3, 290, Jr.; Peyton Parks, FB/MLB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Jaden Robinson, CB, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Jayce Smith, SS, 5-11, 160, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jaden Robinson, 18 car., 101 yds., 2 TDs Receiving: Carter Wylie, 5 rec., 26 yds.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “(We have a) strong junior class. Senior class has big returning starters (who) will help lead our team. (We) have a lot of young guys (who) have to step up this year, but they have been working hard in the off-season and are up to the challenge.”

Notes: First year head coach David Blazevic quarterbacked the Olathe North Eagles to a state tite in 2009 and spent one season as an assistant there in 2016 after graduating from Wichita State University.

He spent the past three seasons as an assistant at Bonner Springs coaching running backs and serving as the offensive coordinator.

The Braves lose almost 4,000 yards of total offense in graduated QB Johnny Tapia (1,419 passing, 360 passing) and running back Bryce Krone (2,452 yards, 31 TDs). The top three receivers also graduated.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

BUHLER

CHANUTE

COFFEYVILLE-FIELD KINDLEY

EL DORADO

Page 79

2019 Record: 8-3 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. III

2019 Record: 9-2 / Southeast Kansas League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Southeast Kansas League

Head Coach: Steve Warner (14 years, 128-37; 33rd overall, 245-98) Assistants: Jason Kohls, Kevin Rudd, Robby Gray, Garret Hotmar, John Neill, Willie Adkins, Brett Eckert, Max Heinlen

Head Coach: Clete Frazell (2nd year, 9-2) Assistants: Kent Frazell, Rusty Emling, Luke Hall, Kurt Sizemore. Bradley Campbell, Kip Keeley

Head coach: Deonta Wade (1st year) Head Coach: Wes Bell (2nd year, 2-7) Assistants: Mark Andrews, Cory Turner, Mario Grant, Assistants: Brandon Wise, Cade Armstrong, Dylan Matt Washburn, Jeremy Neuenschwander, Mike Richardson, Dustin Avery, Chuck Bisbee O’Connor, Dave Harlin, Doug Billingsly Offense: Option Run Defense: Multiple Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3-5 Returning lettermen: 30 Returning lettermen: 23 Returning starters: Zach Wittenberg, RB/OLB, 6-2, Returning starters: Ethan Camp, LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; 212, Sr.; Gannon White, QB, 5-8,175, So.; Brady White, OL, 5-11 285, Sr.; Darell Jones, WR/ Dravin Fowler, RB/DB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Gavin Bell, CB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Aaron Rutherford, QB, 5-11, 165, OL/DL, 6-4, 265, Jr.; Dez Stitt, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Jacobi Sharpe, SB/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Jaden Sr.; Michael Riddle, OL/ILB, 5-10, 195, So.; Connor Erne, RB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; James O’Connor, RB, 5-9, Clausing, WR/OLB, 6-4, 215, Jr. 165, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Zach Wittenberg, 126 car., 502 yds., 5 TDs Rushing: Rutherford 370 yds., 5 TDs Passing: Gannon White, 3-12, 35 yds.

Passing: Aaron Rutherford, 1,370 yds., 9 TDs Receiving: Zach Wittenberg, 2 rec., 25 yds.

Receiving: Darrell Jones, 45 rec., 815 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Connor Clausing, 24 tackles Sacks: Connor Clausing, 3 sacks Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “(Our Interceptions: None goal is to) be better than we were yesterday. Of course everyone wants to win, but most do not know Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We are how to go about winning. We want to get better at returning 18 of our 22 starters. Last year, we had what it takes to win. a lot of very young players at some vital positions.

Those young players learned a lot last season and “Our veterans will be the keys to success. Anytime have really worked hard physically and mentally someone new is coming in there has to be a to get ready for this upcoming season. Our team standard established. How well the standard holds football IQ is significantly higher, and our kids have up is determined (by) how well the seniors commit to gotten much bigger and faster this off season. We it. Our young men have played a ton of football, and have also added some very key assistant coaches know what does not work and what does. When they that will make an immediate impact in our program.” see someone not doing what is asked, will they step up and say ‘That is not how we do things here?’ If Notes: Former University of Central Missouri and when this becomes the norm and there is less of defensive coordinator Wes Bell has a number of doing it my way instead of coaches’ way, we will see experienced players back to help with the rebuilding this thing start to turn.” project at El Dorado.

Offense: I-Formation Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Bradley Neill, QB, 5-11, 155, Jr.; Sam Elliott, RB, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Bo Van Bruggen, TE/ DE, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Trevor Cooper, OT, 6-3, 300, Jr.; James Blick, DT, 5-10, 175, Sr.

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning letterman: N/A Returning starters: Garrin Golay, OL/DL, Sr.; Brayden Dillow, OL/DL, Sr.; Garrett Almond, WR/DE, Sr.; Kam Koester, WR, Jr.; Tyson Lucas, K, Sr.; Ryker Donovan, RB/LB, Sr.; Curtis Harris, DB, Sr.; Kolten LaCrone, DL, Sr.; Tuker Davis, OL/DL, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Sam Elliott, 198 car., 918 yd., 13 TDs Passing: Bradley Neill, 78-156, 1,143 yds., 13 TDs, 11 INTs; Receiving: Sam Elliott, 6 rec., 88 yds.; Bo Van Bruggen, 6 rec., 77 yds.

Tackles: Bo Van Bruggen, 78 tackles Sacks: Bo Van Bruggen, 7 sacks Interceptions: N/A

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Ryker Donovan, 25 car., 106 yds.

Passing: N/A Receiving: Garrett Almond, 22 rec., 248 yds., 5 TDs

Notes: Veteran Buhler coach Steve Warner has developed one of 4A’s most consistent winners and has averaged just under 10 wins a season at Buhler.

Entering his 14th season with the Crusaders and his 33rd year as a head coach overall, Warner is just five wins from 250 in his career.

Three returning starters along the offensive line, led

by Dillow, who also earned All-SEK honors for his efforts there, will give the new quarterback some safety while he learns on the job and Frazell develops a new corps of skill players.

2019 Record: 3-6 / Frontier League

2019 Record: 1-8 / Southeastern Kansas

Head Coach: Sean Hayden (3rd year, 4-14) Assistants: Dain Hammerschmidt, Drew Steffen, Tyler Mann, LoGun Saiz, Tyler Cleveland

Head Coach: Bo Graham (2nd year, 1-8) Assistants: Alvin Metcalf Jr., Adam Clements, Josh Messer, Matt Head Coach: Erin Beck (5th year, 28-14) Glades, Dame Cummings, Jared Martin Assistants: Cody Carlson, Dustin Klassen, Brandon Wells, Randy Beck, Jeff Luyy, Kelly Brack, Bryce Offense: Splitback Veer Defense: Multiple 4-3 Wells, Bill Maddy, Alex Birney Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Greyson Quick, OL/DL, 6-1, Offense: Power Spread Defense: Stack/Multiple 260, Sr.; Syllvin Roark, OL/DL, 6-4, 260, Sr.; Kaden Returning lettermen: 8 Connor, OL/DL, 6-1, 260, So.; Miles Bowman, Returning starters: Jason Scott, C, 5-10, 220, Jr.; TE/DL, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Will Wunderly, QB/DB, 6-2, Elias Moreno, DL, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Paco Hernandez, 170, Sr.; Trey Brown, WR/DB, 6-4, 190, Sr.; Nick WR, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Matt Neiman, DL, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Emerson, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Donald Harper, Greg Sommers, DL, 5-8, 230, Sr. WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Jamar Franks, RB/DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Jacob Stinnett, RB/LB, 5-8, 150, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Tackles: Elias Moreno, 50 tackles Returning Statistical Leaders Tackles: Jacob Stinnett, 65 tackles Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We graduated 97 percent of our total offensive production Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our from 2019. Twenty-two seniors graduated with 18 of team’s strength this year will be experience and them being starters. It will be open season for several having a lot of upperclassmen back. We gained a positions. Our defensive line returns the most experiton of experience from a season ago. We will need ence with Elias Moreno (Sr.), Matt Neiman (Sr.), and to have a good summer, work hard and be a physical Greg Sommers (Sr.) who all saw significant time last football team. We will get back to the fundamentals year and will anchor our defense. Offensively, center of football, blocking and tackling. We will play hard Jason Scott is the lone returner on the offensive and play the right way. We want to give ourselves line. Paco Hernandez will be one of the few skill a chance to win every single game we play in. Our positions returning with varsity experience. Running goals never change; we want to win a league title backs Jade Poe (Jr.), Toby West (Jr.), and Gavin and a state title. That was the standard 20 years ago Haberman (Jr.) will look to carry the load vacated when I was a player, and it’s the same now!”

by All Conference Running Back Gage Fritz. Senior Broc Reed will play key roles on both offensive Notes: The Tigers opened the Bo Graham era in and defensive sides of the ball. Evan Wedel (Jr.) promising fashion last fall with a 40-14 win over Field returns with experience at linebacker for the Panther Kindley in the opener, but it would be the only victory Defense. We also drop down to 4A which will create of the season as Fort Scott dropped its final eight a new playoff landscape for 2020.” contests of the season, three of those losses by nine points or less, including 26-20 in OT vs. Labette Co.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The 2020 Chanute football team will be a nice blend of good veteran players and new exciting talent. This group has the potential to be very good, it’s just Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: I feel we going to come down to leadership and how this team could have a very successful season. We will be comes together as a family. It has been a challenging competitive for sure. Our strength is going to be our spring and summer with the pandemic and I am team speed. Diante Campbell, Cameron Campbell confident we have a good number of motivated kids and Graham Fluck all ran 4.4 40s. Sam Elliott is that have been working to get better from home. With going to be a junior and he rushed for 918 yards last some veteran physical players returning up front and year. Bradley Neill is going to be a junior also and a stable of athletic skill players, this team should be a he threw for 1,143 yards and completed 50% of his contender to win the SEK and have another chance passes. Trevor Cooper and Bo Van Bruggen are at making another nice run come playoff time.” returning starters as juniors and we are expecting a lot out of them. James Blick had a great year last Notes: First year head coach Clete Frazell led the year as a defensive tackle. He will be a senior.

Blue Comets to a fantastic 9-2 record. Chanute graduated standout quarterback Ty Bowman, now The biggest obstacle for all of us is going to be Covid. I just hope we get the season in. We open at K-State, and explosive offensive weapon Briley with Goddard and I feel they will be one of the best Peavy, but do return all-league defensive lineman teams we see on our regular season schedule.”

Brayden Dillow, one of the state’s top wrestlers.

EUDORA

Offense: Option Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 25 Returning starters: Travis Bohnenblust, OL, 5-11, 240, Sr.; Trevor Bohnenblust, OL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Zak VanDiest, OL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Darrell Higgins, OL/DL, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Cael Lynch, RB/LB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Zeke Reazin, QB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Matthew Evans, WR/ DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Nate Criqui, DL, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Will Shreiner, DL, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Silas Etter, WR/DB, 6-3, 200, Jr.; Brayden Beerbower, RB/LB, 6-3, 185, Jr.; Octavius Lyles, RB, 5-9, 160, So.; Jaden Hamm, DL, 6-5, 200, So. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Cael Lynch, 576 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Zeke Raezin, 713 yds., 6 TDs Receiving: Silas Etter, 363 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Cael Lynch, 92 tackles Sacks: Darrell Higgins, 4 sacks Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We expect to compete for the league title in the Frontier League. We are no longer the youngest team in the league and we bring back a lot of experience. We have a senior class with several three-year starters and a junior class with several experienced players.

We started two freshmen last year as well who gained valuable experience. We may start 11 seniors or more this year compared to only 3-4 last year.”

Notes: Eudora welcomes in transfer Devon White who showed off tremendous athleticism at the Sharp Performance Last Chance Combine in mid-August displaying 4.6 speed in the 40, a 35 inch vertical jump and tremendous athleticism in drill work. The linebacker and fullback comes to Eudora from the Arkansas 4A state champs to play his senior season.

Hayden also has high expectations for junior wide receiver Silas Etter. The 6-3, 200 pounder has shown excellent route running and ball skills in offseason 7-on-7 work and has run 4.6 in the 40.

FORT SCOTT

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2019 Record: 2-7 / Ark Valley Chisholm Trail, Div. III

Notes: Parsons assistant Deonta Wade takes over the Field Kindley program and welcomes back a number of explosive offensive weapons including QB Aaron Rutherford and wide receiver Darell Jones, a K-State commit who ran multiple sub-4.4 40s this offseason. Three of the Golden Tornado’s losses last year were by eight points or less including a 14-13 loss to Chanute and 29-26 OT loss to Augusta.

Senior Zach Wittenberg is an emerging prospect at running back and linebacker who Bell says added 20 pounds in the offseason, but also picked up speed.

Bell’s son, Gavin, a junior, could become a force along the line of scrimmage after adding 40 pounds in the offseason and is “moving very well with the added mass,” according to the elder Bell. Junior linebacker Connor Clausing is back to lead the defense.

2019 Record: 5-5 / Western Athletic Conference

2019 Record: 2-7 / Southeastern Kansas League

GREAT BEND

INDEPENDENCE

Head Coach: John Black (2nd year, 2-7; 22nd overall) Assistants: Michael Rose, Lance Fabrizius, Derek Pearson, Tyler Elison Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Travareus Wilson, RB, Sr.; Jaxon Jarnigan, OL/DE, Sr.; Evan Knight, OL, Sr.; Sir Grant, OL, Jr.; Ian Oliver, OL/B, Sr.; Zach Moses, RB/DB, Sr.; Ian Pralle, DB, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Zach Moses, 39 car., 237 yds.

Passing: Easton Ewing, 6-20, 161 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Travareus Wilson, 3 rec., 58 yds.

Tackles: Ian Pralle, 32 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Zach Moses, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “This team is a lot more focused this year than last year.

We will build on effort and continue to improve everyday.”

Notes: John Black returns for his second year with the Bulldogs after stints at Neodesha, Valley Center and Wamego. While the Bulldogs could muster just two wins last fall, the Week 3 20-18 win over Fort Scott ended a 15-game losing streak spanning to Week 6 of the 2017 season. The Bulldogs were competitive early in 2019, with narrow losses to El Dorado (18-16), Labette County (36-31) and Chanute (21-14) in the first five weeks of the season, but Indy allowed at least 34 points in each of their three losses in their final four games.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

KC-PIPER

LANSING

LENEXA-ST. JAMES ACADEMY

LOUISBURG

Page 80

2019 Record: 4-6 / Frontier League

2019 Record: 4-5 / United Kansas Conference

2019 Record: 5-5 / Eastern Kansas League

2019 Record: 6-4 / Frontier League

Head Coach: Rick Pollard (3rd year, 9-11) Assistants: Kevin Coker, Tim Cottrell, Chris Brindle, Shae Grosdidier, Kyle Moore, Matt Storrer

Head coach: Dylan Brown (3rd year, 9-9) Assistants: Byron Mays, Brad Gourley, Sonny Gnuthake, Mason Beach, George Shannon, Larry Brown, Hector Porter, Tevin Strack

Head Coach: Tom Radke (10th year, 53-37; 15th overall, 75-64) Assistants: Matt Joshi, Jason Denton, Larry Beashore, Jerome Tucker, Sam Bruning, Jeff Adams, Brian Gray, Justin Snell, Christian Buckner

Head Coach: Robert Ebenstein (4th season, 22-8) Assistants: Drew Harding, Ty Pfannensteil, Pete Skakal, Alex Gentges, Joel McGhee, Kade Larson, Jake Hinson, Rich Lane

Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: Malik Benson, WR, 6-1, 165, Sr.; Drew French, OT, 6-1, 265, Sr.; Andru Gnuthake, C/ DT, 5-10, 250, Sr.; Logan Buffo, G/DE, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Jake Jackson, CB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Bryson Raymond, CB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Richie Patrick, S, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Ethan Cunning, S, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Caden Crawford, OLB, 6-4, 225, Jr.; Dylan Ward, MLB, 6-3, 215, Sr.

Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: Tyler Claiborne, WR, Jr.; Dakota Burritt, QB, Sr.; Brendon Lee, ILB, Sr.; Sam Schmidt, DE, Sr.; Caleb Pelts, OL, Sr.; Hays Manning, WR, Sr.; Harry Spencer, OL, Sr.; Jack Gossman, FS, Sr.

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 16 Returning starters: Andy Hupp, RB/DE, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Ben Weidenmann, RB/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Justin Collins, RB/DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Weston Guetterman, WR/QB/DB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Konnor Vohs, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Jay Scollin, OL/LB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Brandon Doles, FB/TE/LB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Kolby Kattau, RB/LB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Domonic Owens, OL/DL, 6-3, 210, Jr.; JR Rooney, OL/DL, 5-11, 220, So.

Offense: Spread Option Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: LaJames White, RB/LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Branden Martin, H/LB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Anthony Ferguson, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Brandon Snell, WR/DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Andrew Jarvis, OL/DL, 6-5, 275, Sr.; Darius McNeal, RB/LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Tony Cobb, OL/DL, 6-1, 255, Sr.; Ethan Walker, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Camden Beebe, OL/DL, 6-4, 290, So.; Cameron Rogers, OL/DL, 6-1, 265, So.; Camero Scott, WR, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Logan Ladish, QB, 6-2, 175, So.; Blake Porter, WR/DB, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Lance Bassett, TE/DL, 6-4, 245, So.; Brandon Ahart, DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jack Steinlage, 16 car., 103 yds.

Passing: Dakota Burritt, 10-18, 100 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Tyler Claiborne, 31 rec., 522 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Jack Gossman, 25 tackles Sacks: Brendon Lee, 2 sacks Interceptions: Jack Gossman, 3 INT

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Shawn Patton, 16 car., 98 yds.

Passing: Caden Crawford, 2-2, 26 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Malik Benson, 27 rec., 368 yds., 3TDs Returning Statistical Leaders Tackles: Dylan Ward, 93 tackles Rushing: LaJames White, 202 car., 1,241 yds., 9 TDs Sacks: Caden Crawford, 3.5 sacks Passing: Logan Ladish, 17-45, 212 yds., 3 TDs, 3 Interceptions: Richie Patrick, 3 INTs INTs; Receiving: LaJames White, 14 rec., 256 yds., 6 TDs; Camero Scott, 14 rec., 254 yds., 1 TD Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Keys to Tackles: Branden Martin, 169 tackles our success are staying healthy.”

Sacks: Braden Martin, 5 sacks Interceptions: Brandon Ahart Notes: Lansing makes the move down to 4A and returns a pair of the state’s top linebackers in Caden Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The Crawford and Dylan Ward. Ward, a senior, led the Frontier League teams all return a lot, with Paola Lions with 93 tackles from his middle linebacker and Louisburg as perennial front-runners. Although spot last season, while Crawford is one of the state’s we feel like this is the year Piper makes a move to top recruits in the class of 2022. He holds offers the top of the league. The eastern side of the state from K-State, Oklahoma State and Nebraska and looks like it could turn into a very tough bracket, with is incredibly strong with a 330 pound bench press, several teams that return a lot from last season, 305 pound clean and a 505 pound squat. At 6-4, and it looks to be a very deep field of contenders 225, Crawford has ran in the 4.7 range in the 40. this year.”

Ward is no slouch in the weight room either carrying a 290 pound bench press, a 420 pound squat and a Notes: If the Pirates get to play this fall, they are load- 265 pound clean at 6-3, 215. He can also scoot for ed for a playoff run. RB LaJames White, while a bit his size with a 40 in the 4.7s. Wide receiver Malik undersized, is a powerful and explosive powerlfiting Benson gives the Lions an explosive threat in the champion. LB Branden Martin is one of the state’s passing game and has ran 10.6 in the 100 meters all-time great tacklers. Soph. Camden Beebe is the and jumped 23-7 in the long jump. He has over 400 next in a family of FBS players. Soph. QB Logan career receiving yards and earned All-UKC honors Ladish delivered a Week 9 win at Basehor-Linwood. last season.

MCPHERSON

“The St. James’ football team always focuses on ‘improving everyday and finishing every play.’ Our season goal is to win a state championship, and The Louisburg schedule is manageable, but a Week along the way win our district to secure a home game 4 game with Piper and a Week 8 game with Paola in the first round of playoffs.” appear to be marquee match-ups.

PAOLA

Notes: The Thunder delivered an impressive win over Bishop Miege 28-27 in Week 4 last year and suffered narrow losses to BV North, BV West and Aquinas in 2019 Record: 11-1 / Frontier League the regular season. The Thunder will miss graduated linebacker Cade Lautt (No. Carolina wrestling) and Head coach: Mike Dumpert (20th year, 172-53) Assistants: Mike Smith, Todd Weaver, David Kane, offensive lineman Max Kalny (Stanford football).

Steve Gorsuch, Darvin Willard

MULVANE

OTTAWA

Offense: Spread I Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 41 Returning starters: Trey Buckbee, WR, 6-3, 175, Jr.; Aaron Powell, WR, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Gus Ruddle, WR, 5-11, 160, Jr.; Blade Anderson, OL, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Jonah Scott, OL, 6-2, 268, Sr.; Dakota Istas, OL, 6-2, 280, Sr. Jayton Alexander, DB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Brycen Labertew, LB, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Jayden Dukes,DB, 6-0, 175 Jr.; Drew Hanken, DL, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Curtis Landrum, DE, 6-1, 195, Jr.

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Mason Ellis, WR/DB, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Hunter Seier, QB/DB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Tanner Claar, RB/LB, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Hunter Scott, OL, 5-10, 285, Sr.; Canon Smith, OL/LB, 6-3, 215, Sr.

Head Coach: Rob Hedrick (8th year, 27-41) Assistants: Pat Boeh, Evan Shaffer, Blake Lasley, Jake Huddlestun, Kendall Thompkins

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Tanner Claar, 426 yards, 4 TDs Passing: Mason Ellis, 531 yds.

Receiving: Hunter Seier, 153 yds.

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McPherson

Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: Michael Johnson, C, Sr.; Addison Hedges, G, Sr.; Trey Bones, G, Sr.; Calvin Wilson, T, 6-4, 270, Sr.; Adam Doran, T, 6-3, 170, Sr.; Jose Richards, WR/DB, 6-3, 170, Sr.; Aaron Clevenger, TE, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Collin Creach, HB/DB, Jr.; Ethan Janssen, DE, 6-3, 223, Sr.; Chase Hempel, DT, Sr.; Charles Caffey, DT, Sr.; Aaron Quillen, DB, Jr.; Kael Lane, LB, Sr.; Reese Fogle, P/K, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Garrett Williams, 850 yards Passing: Garrett Williams, 600 yards Receiving: Bo Robison, 200 yards Tackles: Jackson Earlywine, 65 tackles Sacks: Jake Karr, 5 sacks Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: Our goal is to improve each week and be playing late into the season. Watching the progress of our seniors and helping the newcomers adapted to help the team on Friday nights will be our keys to success.”

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Head outlook for the 2020 season: “Our motto is ‘Names change but expectations don’t.’ We lose 18 players from last year and have a lot of holes to fill for this upcoming season. We lose six offensive starters and seven defensive starters so we will be inexperienced as we begin the 2020 campaign. Those are all excuses as we expect to pick up and continue on Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We want with our Wildcat tradition.” to get to a state championship. We have had three Notes: While the Wildcats graduate a number of key chances in three years - it’s time to get there. We have some great depth up front on both sides of the pieces from 2019, third year Mulvane head coach ball. If we can find some younger skill players to step Daniel Myears welcomes back a trio of talented up and compete, we have a chance to take the next offensive playmakers. Mason Ellis, Hunter Seier and Tanner Claar combined for nearly 2,000 all-purpose step for our program.” yards a year ago and 26 total TDs. Ellis and Seier Notes: Three straight heartbreaking semifinal losses are just juniors and will look to lead the Wildcats to wins over the next two seasons. have the Bullpups hungry for a title game berth.

Receivers Aaron Powell and Trey Buckbee give Mac a pair of capable pass catchers for whoever replaces graduated 1,600 yard passer Kaleb Hoppes. The duo Order online at pizzahut.com held the top two in receptions and yards a year ago Dine-in or Carryout with Powell grabbing 49 receptions for 694 yards with 620-241-5588 6 TDs and Buckbee pulling in 29 receptions for 366 2215 E. Kansas yards and 2 scores.

Delivery or Carryout

Offense: Flexbone Defense: Even Front Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: Garrett Williams, QB/FS, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Carter Stanchfield, OT, 6-4, 245, Sr.; Fletcher Aude, FB, 5-8, 195, Sr.; Bo Robison, WR, 6-4, 175, Sr.; Jackson Earlywine, LB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Allen Peuser, OT, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Jake Karr, DE, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Brock Pitzer, SB/DB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Demarius Bassett, NT, 6-2, 225, Sr.

2019 Record: 1-8 / Frontier League

Head Coach: Daniel Myears (3rd year, 11-8) Assistants: Steve Nelson, David Dieker, Kolby Fennewald, Randy Fox, Taylor Hageman, Jason Whisler

620-241-7200

Notes: The Wildcats have several glaring holes to fill on offense including a replacement for graduated quarterback Madden Rutherford. Also gone are standout offensive linemen Brayden White and Garret Harding. Coach Robert Ebenstein does welcome back a pair of three-year starters in senior running back Ben Weidenmann and senior wide receiver Weston Guetterman, who is expected to take the reins as the signal caller.

“The 2020 Thunder football team looks to build off their successful play in recent years in arguably the hardest league in the state. With over 100 football players on the squad this year, Coach Radke is confident they have the athletes to compete for a deep run in the playoffs in 2020 after dropping down to 4A.

Head Coach: Jace Pavlovich (6th year, 45-11) Assistants: Chet Harlin, Pat Corcoran, John Montgomery, Dave Goerzen, Brandon Labertew, Heath Gerstner, Matt Sandbo, Scott Davis

The Bullpups do bid farewell to Kansas Pregame coverboy Cody Stufflebean, now at K-State. The standout TE/DE tied for the team lead with 4 sacks and was the team leader with 7 TFLs.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our goals are to win the Frontier League, host a playoff game in Week 9 and win a state championship. Keys to success are staying healthy, trusting each other, unity, and hard work.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “After a year that saw the Thunder have some big wins and three last second losses, the Thunder found their groove at the end of the 2019 season winning a playoff game and look to use that momentum.

2019 Record: 11-1 / Ark Valley Chisholm Trail, Div. III 2019 Record: 5-5 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. IV

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Aiden Hoover, 17 car., 126 yds., 5 TDs Passing: Dylan Rinker, 12-22, 145 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: Aaron Powell, 49 rec., 694 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Brycen Labertew, 74 tackles Sacks: Curtis Landrum, 2 sacks Interceptions: Brycen Labertew, 3INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Ben Wiedemann, 875 yards

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We currently have 81 kids on our roster going into summer, which is up over 30 from last season.

Having an athlete like Noah McCullough join us is another reason for excitement. We are also adding turf for the upcoming season, which has added a lot of excitement. Bringing back so many kids from last season is obviously a great beginning point as well. Experience should be beneficial to our success. ...We should be able to take a big step forward this season in the win column, but honestly right now, every positive thing that happens within our program is a big step. As a staff and program, we will continue to build on each and every positive thing that we are able to.”

Notes: One of the most consistent programs in Kansas, the Panthers have averaged a little over nine wins a season under veteran coach Mike Dumpert and were likley the second best team in 4A last year behind six-time champion Miege. The Panthers have all the key pieces to make another deep run, including their leading rusher and passer in senior QB Garrett Williams, a 6-4 receiver in Bo Robison and 750 yard rusher Fletcher Aude.

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The O-line will be anchored by 6-4, 245 pound senior Carter Stanchfield and the D-line returns a pair of 6-2 linemen in seniors Jake Karr and Demarius Bassett.

The schedule appears the toughest at the end of the year with Piper and Louisburg in Weeks 6 and 8.

Benson Accounting jmbensoncpa@yahoo.com

1911 S. Ohio Salina, KS 67401

Joel Benson, CPA Mary Benson, CPA

Office: (785)827-3157 Fax: (785)827-3159

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

ROSE HILL

SM-BISHOP MIEGE

2019 Record: 3-6 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. IV

2019 Record: 11-2 / Eastern Kansas League

Head Coach: Lee Weber (3rd year, 4-14; 20th year, 82-95 overall) Assistants: Ryan Hill, David Penner, Jim Madison, Blaize Foltz, Kelly Cordova, Jaylen Jenkins

Head Coach: Jon Holmes (9th year, 88-14) Assistants: Travis Grosdidier, Jim Giokaris, Tyus Jackson, Steve Koesterer, Mike Galvin, John Darrow, Kevin Mulvany, Matt Eshelbrenner, Tyler Wendland, Chris Gomez

Offense: Spread No Huddle Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: Noah Bolticoff, OL, 6-5, 285, Sr.; Colton McGrew, OL/DE, 6-3, 235, Sr.; Dalton Dockers, OL, 6-2, 260, Sr.; Gary Tran, OL, 5-10, 210, Jr.; Tristan Calef, OL, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Bryson Evans, QB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Spencer Nolan, WR, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Trevor Kiser, WR, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Bryce Bischler, LB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Noah Paredes, LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Brandon Kelly, LB, 6-0, 175, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: Bryson Evans, 66-137, 959 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: Spencer Nolan, 29 rec., 429 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Bryce Bischler, 52 tackles Sacks: Bryce Bischler, 4 sacks Interceptions: Bryce Bischler, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We grew up quite a bit over the course of 2019. We competed much better and really had several opportunities to win a couple more games than we did win last year, but we are still in the process of learning how to win.”

Notes: The Rockets will feature a freakishly big O-line led by TCU commit Noah Bolticoff who is joined by returning starters Colton McGrew, Dalton Dockers, Gary Tran and Tristan Calef. Only Tran is shorter than 6-2 and weighs less than 215 pounds.

The other four each stand at least 6-2 and weigh-in at 235 pounds or more. That experienced group will be expected to protect returning quarterback Bryson Evans who nearly threw for 1,000 yards last year as a sophomore. Senior receiver Spencer Nolan gives Evans a proven pass catcher who caught 29 passes for 429 yards last season.

The defense is led by 6-2 senior linebacker Bryce Bischler, the top returning tackler and pass rusher.

ULYSSES

TONGANOXIE

2019 Record: 10-1 / Frontier League

TOWANDA-CIRCLE

Page 81

2019 Record: 1-8 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. IV

Head Coach: Al Troyer (9th year, 50-30) Head Coach: Logan Clothier (4th year, 3-24) Assistants: Preston Troyer, Matt Bond, Matt Thierolf, Assistants: N/A John Morgan, Josh Fahlgren Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Offense: Spread Defense: Even Returning lettermen: N/A Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: N/A Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple 3-4, 4-3 Returning starters: Dallas Bond, WR/DE, 6-4, Returning lettermen: 30 210, Sr.; Blake Poje, QB/DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Heston Returning statistical leaders: N/A Returning starters: Collin Keeney, LT, 6-2, 250, Jr.; Robbins, WR/DB, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Jerrod Lowe, OL/ Jackson Hoshor, LG, 6-0, 265, Jr.; Hayden Thilges, DL, 6-2, 245, Sr.; Jacob Maxwell, WR/DB, 6-0, 175. Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A C, 6-1, 255, Sr.; Khol Saint-Louis, RG, 6-2, 255, Sr.; Sr.; Tucker Isaacs, TE/DE, 6-0, 190. Sr.; Andrew Nathan Smith, RT, 6-3, 255, Sr.; Timothy Dorsey, Colvert, RB/LB, 5-9, 190, Jr.; Sam Kleidosty, WR/DB, Notes: The T-Birds were offensively challenged last QB, 5-11,190, Sr.; Josh Conklin, RB, 6-0,190, Sr.; 5-10, 170 Jr. year. They were shut out four times, scored 3, 6 and Jaylen Burch, RB, 5-8,175, Jr.; Bartholomew Ausler 7 points in three other games and allowed nearly 38 III, WR, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Logan Shull, WR/P/SS, 5-11, Returning Statistical Leaders points a game on defense.

175, Sr.; Rohan Putz, WR, 5-7,150, So.; Mack Rushing: N/A Moeller, TE, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Collin Williams, DE, 6-4, Passing: Blake Poje, 1,743 yards, 18 TDs Since going 5-5 in 2010, Circle has won just seven 240, Jr.; Angel Franco, N, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Max Heller, Receiving: Dallas Bond, 660 yards, 6 TDs games over the last nine season. The T-Birds hope DE, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Jack Valdivia, LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Tackles: N/A to turn that around this fall, but it won’t be easy. Six Jonathan Pedrotti, LB, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Jack Kincaid, Sacks: Dallas Bond, 8 sacks of the eight opponents on their schedule were 5-5 or LB, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Jake Welsh, LB, 5-11, 195, Jr.; Interceptions: N/A better last year, including McPherson (11-1), Chanute Jaden Stevenson, CB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Joseph Lopez, (9-2) and Buhler (8-3).

FS, 5-11, 175 Sr., Stephen Neenan, K, 5-9, 150, So. Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our goals are to continue to be competitive week in and Circle opens the season with a road game at Returning Statistical Leaders week out. Replacing some of the quality seniors that Chanute and home game against McPherson.

Rushing: Josh Conklin, 47 car., 339 yds., 2 TDs graduated last year will be keys to success.”

Passing: Timothy Dorsey, 170-275, 3,026 yds., 45 TDs, 6 INTs Notes: After back-to-back 10 win seasons the Receiving: Mack Moeller, 35 rec., 535 yds., 6 TDs Chieftains must replace a trio of standout players.

Tackles: Jack Kincaid, 83 Tackles Cole Sample, a Kansas Pregame coverboy last year, Sacks: N/A graduated after earning KFBCA Top 11 honors and is Interceptions: N/A now at Pittsburg State playing football and throwing the shot put. Tight end/linebacker Conner Searcy Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our signed with Washburn after an all-state season and goal as a program is to win a state championship. also won his second straight state wrestling champiWeek in and week out we get our opponent’s best onship in February. Cooper Cunningham rushed for Full Service Financial Institution shot and game plan. This helps prepare us for the over 2,100 yards - breaking the school record - and playoffs as we need to be our best each week to scored 26 rushing TDs. advance to the next round. We need to stay healthy and develop some depth with our young players. We The cupboard is not bare though. Tongie returns had a successful season last year, but lost a couple 1,700 yard passer Blake Poje and top receiver and Eastern Kansas League games that we needed to pass rusher Dallas Bond to a team that should again win. We were able to get over those losses to St. be a factor in the Frontier League race.

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WAMEGO

2019 Record: 5-4 / Great West Activities Conference 2019 Record: 6-3 / North Central Kansas League

WELLINGTON

2019 Record: 2-7 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. IV

WINFIELD

2019 Record: 6-4 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. III

Head Coach: Rick Cue Assistants: Josh Johnson, Justin Anderson, Dwight Green, Chase Rietcheck

Head Coach: Weston Moody (3rd year, 11-7) Assistants: Nathan Good, Brad Koehn, Jeff Suther, Kevin Bergstrom, Jake Lattimer, Kaden Vanderpool

Head Coach: Zane Aguilar (5th year, 15-24) Head Coach: Linn Hibbs (5th year, 12-25; 23rd Assistants: Ryan Elder, Ross Foley, Nick Wellington, overall 135-101) Assistants: TD Buck, Lelin George, Ryan Jenkins, Tim Lira, CJ Carey, Zach Cooper Zach McDowell, Andrew Brenn, Joe Vargas

Offense: Multiple Wing Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Dawson Hudson, T/DE, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Yahir Alvarado, TE/DE, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Dom Eddie, WR/C, 5-6, 145, Sr.; Oscar Martinez, WR, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Moises Rodrigue, G/DL, 5-9, 200, Sr.; Adolfo “Fito” Mendoza, T, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Koy Kenny, ILB, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Oscar Martinez, C, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Jessie Rosales, OLB, 5-8, 180, Sr.; Brennan Vagher, OLB, 5-7, 180, Jr.

Offense: Spread Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Titus Tuiasosopo, OL; Ethan Holle, OL; Colyer Brummett, TE; Grant Warren, FB; Jacob Johnson, WR; Ledjor Rowden, WR; Hayden Oviatt, QB; Ryan Erickson, S; Riley Eveland, LB; Taylor Beck, LB; Alex Stutzman, DL; Lincoln Koehn, DL; Byron Ziegler, S; Brady Henderson, S; Aaron Matthew, CB

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Kenny Fehrman, OL/DL, 6-3, 250, Sr.; Hagen Wright, OL, 6-2, 265, Jr.; Trace Rusk, RB/ LB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Berkley Wright, QB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Mehki Haskin-Ybarra, WR/S, 5-10, 160, So.; Dustyn Schettler, RB/S, 6-2, 180, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Oscar Martinez, 207 yards Receiving: Oscar Martinez, 151 yards Tackles: Koy Kenny, 101 tackles Interceptions: Koy Kenny, 1 INT

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Hayden Oviatt, 5 car., 25 yds.

Passing: Hayden Oviatt, 3-7, 49 yds.

Receiving: 6 rec., 30 yds.

Tackles: Riley Eveland, 143 tackles

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “This summer will be extremely important to piece together all the key components for this fall.This year’s senior class must lead the way for the underclassmen in order for us to be successful.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “This being our fifth year, our kids have a better understanding of our expectations and how hard you have to prepare and play to be successful. We feel good about the progress we have made. We feel our team Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have Notes: After entering the 2019 season with high ex- leadership will be much improved. We are looking great numbers for our underclassmen coming up and pectations thanks to the return of 11 starters from an forward to an outstanding season.” have a wealth of experience returning in our senior 8-3 team in 2018, the Wellington Crusaders dropped class. It will be exciting and new bumping back up to the first five contests of the year and could muster Notes: The Viking rebuilding project under long-ten4A. Our schedule will be mostly new teams.” more than seven points only once in that span. The ured Kansas high school football coach Linn Hibbs Crusaders pulled together a pair of wins over Labette took a nice step forward last year with Winfield Notes: The Red Raiders will need to find replaceCounty and Winfield to end the streak but dropped improving to 6-4. It was the fourth straight year of ments for two of the most explosive athletes in the final two contests to Mulvane and Buhler. increased wins under Hibbs who has posted records the state in graduated all-staters Isiah Childs (now of 1-8, 2-7, 3-6 and now 6-4 at WHS. The Vikings at Akron) and Taybor Vetter (now at Washburn).

The offense struggled all season scoring more than were extremely competitive in all of the losses but Hayden Oviatt will look to fill the shoes of talented 14 points just once and never topping 21 points on one, a 47-0 Week 2 loss to McPherson.

QB Brad Sackrider and he’ll have talented - and big the year. The Crusaders averaged just over nine - offensive lineman Titus Tuiasosopo to protect him. points a game and only four teams scored less in 4A. The Vikings again look to be competitive with most Riley Eveland is back after leading the Red Raiders of their schedule with back-to-back games against in tackles a year ago.

Six returning starters are back to get fifth year coach Buhler and McPherson in Weeks 2 and 3 the toughZane Aguilar’s rebuilding project back on track. est part of the year.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Offensively, we will replace our top two rushers, our QB, and our center. We will return our top four receivers. We certainly will have some options.

“Defensively, I expect us to be physical. We will be improved. Some young kids will have an opportunity to step up and break through. We will need to find a safety, and an ILB to go with Koy, but we return some tough kids. With Koy Kenny calling the defensive adjustments, we return one of the top ILB’s in the state.

I fully expect us to fly around the field pretty well. We are never very big. It’s just who we are.

“Koy Kenny returns with 101 tackles last fall, 38 for loss, and an interception return for a TD. He is the smartest defensive player that I have ever coached.

His film prep is exemplary. I truly expect him to be named to every all state-team in Kansas.

“Oscar Martinez will bring the most returning production offensively, with 151 receiving yards and 207 rushing. He has the ability to have all-state production on either side of the ball.”

Returning Statical Leaders: N/A

Offense: Power Spread Defense: Multiple 50 Returning lettermen: 22 Returning starters: Braden Ledford, WR/DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Trent Beckwith, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Audrik Parker, OLB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Trevin Biddle, RB, 5-8, 180, Sr.; Gabe Heger, DL, 5-9, 200, Sr.; Jackson Angle, OL/DL, 6-1, 240, Jr.; Austin Bryant, K, 5-10, 235, So. Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

Page 83

Class 3A

1. Andale 2. Perry-Lecompton 3. Topeka Hayden 4. Holton 5. Southeast of Saline Others: Clearwater, Columbus, Frontenac, Galena, Halstead, Hesston, Holcomb, Jeff West, Marysville, Riley County, Rock Creek, Sabetha, Scott City, Wichita Collegiate

*Publisher’s Note: At press time, it was not clear how coronavirus cancellations and postponements might fully impact football in the smaller classifications. A number of teams reported the enrollment of transfers from larger districts and several schools were reporting delays to practice following positive tests or outbreaks.

The information below, and in the pages that follow, may serve as a “what might have been” look at a 2020 season that remains in jeopardy in many parts of the state.

By Brent Maycock, Topeka Capital-Journal Andale’s offense was downright explosive in 2019, averaging 49.6 points per game. But make no mistake, the driving force behind the Indians run to the Class 3A state title and an undefeated 13-0 season was its defense.

Led by AVCTL Division IV MVP Mac Brand and leading tackler Scotti Easter, the Indian defense allowed just 7.3 points per game.

Only two teams managed more than a touchdown on the Indians — Cheney (twice) and Clearwater.

Andale capped its first championship season since 2014 with a dominating 35-7 victory over Perry-Lecompton in the title game, completely shutting down a Kaws team that averaged 31.1 points per game.

Brand and Easter are gone, but defense will once again be a calling card for the Indians in 2020. Six starters return on that side of the ball, led by All-3A lineman Cayden Winter, linebacker Caden Parthemer and defensive back Eli Rowland.

Rowland was an even bigger force offensively, leading Andale in rushing with 1,273 yards and 22 TDs. He’ll carry the load as Noah Meyer makes the transition to full-time starter at quarterback after seeing spot duty there last year and the Indians find playmakers to replace Easton Hunter and Easter.

Having to replace the bulk of its starters from 2018, PerryLecompton entered the 2019 with somewhat low expectations outside the program. The Kaws then started 1-2 and were just 3-3 after Week Six. But a 21-20 overtime win over undefeated Hayden jump-started Perry. The Kaws got hot and stayed hot, knocking off Hayden again in the state semifinals to reach the 3A state championship game. The season ended with a 35-7 loss to Andale in the championship game, but hardly dampened the somewhat surprising 9-4 finish.

This year, expectations are the highest for the Kaws, who return all but three starters and have their full stable of offensive weapons back. Senior quarterback William Welch had a breakout season in his first as full-time starter, throwing for 2,316 yards and 27 touchdowns. Senior back Thad Metcalfe ran for 1,364 yards and 14 TDs and also had 342 receiving yards and 5 TDs and receivers Parker Stone and Dawson Williams each had at least 35 catches and 630 receiving yards, combining for 11 TD grabs.

Senior Hayden Robb is one of three starters on the line and led

Erick Mitchell, Iola Register

Courtesy Photo

Desmond Purnell

Logan Brown

KANSAS PREGAME CLASS 3A PRESEASON RANKINGS*

Gabe Martin

12 PLAYERS TO WATCH Topeka Capital-Journal

Logan Brown [Iola] 6-1, 260, DL, Sr.; 57 tkls., 10.5 TFL, All-Pioneer League Landon Dean [Frontenac] 6-4, 230, DE/TE, Jr.; Iowa St., K-State, Okie St. Offers Trey Harmison [Riley County] 6-0, 160, WR/DB, Jr.; 1,000 total yds., 10 total TDs, All-MEL Gabe Martin [Columbus] 5-10, 165, RB/LB, Jr.; 522 yds. rushing, 81 tkls.

Riggs Martin [Hugoton] 6-0, 205, LB/TE, Sr.; 107 tkls., 3 INTs

the team in tackles with 155 while Metcalfe and Ryley Besler each had at least 118 tackles.

Hayden suffered just two losses in 2019, both coming to PerryLecompton including a 35-27 defeat in the state semifinals after an overtime loss in the regular season. Those two could be on a collision course in the east again as Hayden returns seven starters on both sides of the ball.

Senior linebacker Will DeVader anchored a stout defense and is flanked by twins Jayden and Jordan Rainer. DeVader is also a brute at fullback, complementing speedy Desmond Purnell in the Wildcat backfield.

Coming off a rare losing season 2018, Holton returned to form in 2019, going 7-3. The season ended with a 35-27 playoff loss to eventual runner-up Perry-Lecompton, a team the Wildcats beat during the regular season.

Senior Konnor Tannahill led the Wildcats in rushing from his fullback spot last year with 799 yards and 11 TDs and also anchored the defense with 70-plus tackles from his defensive tackle position.

Had Southeast-Saline stayed in Class 2A, the Trojans might have been the odds-on favorite to win the state title. Moving up to Class 3A, the Trojans won’t be the favorite, but will be a team capable of challenging for the crown.

Almost everyone from last year’s 7-3 team is back, including 10 starters on offense and nine on defense. Senior quarterback Jackson Gebhardt accounted for nearly 2,200 yards of total offense and 21 touchdowns and also shined defensively with seven interceptions. He’s got a solid backfield complement in Bryant Banks, who ran for just under 1,000 yards and 21 TDs and all five starting linemen back clearing the way led by Sterling Harp.

Junior linebacker Matthew Rodriguez had 94 tackles and 20 tackles for loss.

One of the top playmakers in 3A led Clearwater to a 7-3 record last year and could carry the Indians even further this season.

Senior quarterback Tanner Cash only played in six and a half games last year because of an injury, but in that time was a oneman wrecking crew.

Cash ran for 895 yards and threw for 1,190 yards, averaging nearly 300 yards of total offense per game. He’s one of eight returning starters on offense and the Indians also return seven starters on defense.

A strong sophomore class complemented a solid senior class last yeasr and propelled Frontenac to a 10-1 record. The season ended with a tough 14-6 loss to Hayden in the state quarterfinals.

Those sophomores now will be called on to lead the team as juniors and should be able to fill the holes left by graduation, which include the bulk of last year’s skill players. The Raiders’ strength will be up front where junior defensive end Landon Dean was an All-3A pick and is garnering Division I attention and two-way lineman Cruz Blair also earned All-3A honors.

Here are 12 players to watch in Class 3A this fall:

Oz Perez [Holcomb] 6-2, 295, OL/DT, Sr.; 77 tkls., All-GWAC, Valpo Offer Desmond Purnell [Topeka Hayden] 6-0, 205, RB/OLB, Sr.; 102 car., 731 yds., 10 TDs Hayden Robb [Perry-Lecompton] 5-10, 225, OL/LB, Sr., 91 tkls., 11 TFLs, All-State Eli Rowland [Andale] 5-10, 180, RB/DB, Sr.; 1,273 yds., 22 TDs Dillan Smith [Larned] 6-3, 188, QB, Sr.; 86-115, 1,352 yds., 17 TDs Brooks Whaley [Rock Creek] 5-10, 160, WR/RB, Sr.; 55 rec., 668 yds., 7 TDs Cayden Winter [Andale] 6-0, 240, OL/DL, Sr.; Two-Time All-League OL/DL

After posting back-to-back 11-1 seasons, Galena slid back to a 6-4 mark — its lowest win total since 2014. Two of the losses came to CNC rival Frontenac. Brett Sarwinski stepped in as a sophomore starter at quarterback and flourished. He’ll miss throwing to older brother, Nick, but has skill players returning to complement him and three linemen back who started as freshmen last year.

It was a stunning and sudden end to the 2019 season for Halstead, which won its first eight games — seven by at least 22 points — before getting upset 35-14 by Wichita Collegiate in the first round of the playoffs. The premature end should have the Dragon breathing fire coming into the 2020 season.

Senior Doug Grider led the team in tackles with 127 on his way to All-3A honors and also is one of three returning offensive line starters, though he could move to fullback with the depth the Dragons have up front. That could help ease the loss of leading rushers Scott Grider and Kaden Kraus and complement returning quarterback Lakin Farmer, who amassed nearly 1,000 total yards and also had seven interceptions from his safety position.

Jefferson West’s defense was about as good as it got in 3A last year, posting four straight shutouts to start the season and allowing just 7.3 points per game overall. That propelled the Tigers to an 8-2 season with both losses coming to Hayden.

Losing the bulk of last year’s offensive production won’t help offensive woes that plagued the Tigers at times, nor will losing All-3A lineman Kauli Saili. But All-3A linebacker Pene Saili is one of the state’s beset and is one of five returning starters on that side of the ball.

Marysville will have an entirely different look to it from a year ago, returning just four players who started last year. Injuries derailed a potential state championship season with several key players going down for the year during a 7-2 campaign that ended in the first round of the playoffs.

Riley County moves up to Class 3A after reaching the 2A state semifinals last year and the title game in 2018. The Falcons must replace all-time leading passer Garrett Harmison and 1,000-yard rusher Deon Barnes, among others but return enough pieces to make the step up in class a successful one.

Winners of two straight 3A championships going into the season, Sabetha saw its reign ended quickly with a first-round playoff loss to Hayden. The Bluejays finished 6-3 overall and has some reloading to do this year. The most notable loss is four-year starter Gabe Garber, who was the heart and soul of both the offense and defense a year ago. Senior Drew Schmelzle has made noise on the recruiting trail this summer and will lead the defense this season.

Winless in 2018, Rock Creek improved to 3-6 last year and returns three-year starting quarterback Charlie Killingsworth and school-record setting receiver Brooks Whaley.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

ANDALE

BALDWIN

BAXTER SPRINGS

BURLINGTON

Page 84

2019 Record: 13-0 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. IV 2019 Record: 0-9 / Frontier League

2019 Record: 0-9 / Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee

2019 Record: 5-4 / Pioneer League

Head Coach: Dylan Schmidt (4th year, 36-2) Assistants: Tim Fairchild, Ted Easter, Jeff Geist, Derek Deegan, Mike Blasi, Tyler Ryan, Chris Joly, Jordan Ungles, William Bergkamp

Head Coach: David Bowen (2nd year, 0-9; 5th overall, 8-28) Assistants: Jeff Melcher, John Bass, Daniel Flick, Steve Jatala, Danny Peacock

Head Coach: Matt Mims (1st year) Assistants: Cord Baldwin, Russell Burr, Chase Johnston, Jeff McCoy, Austin Williams

Head Coach: John Petrie (5th year, 22-16; 15th overall) Assistants: Tim Johnson, Justin Logan, Blake Higgins, Brad Griffin

Offense: Read Option Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Teagan Troute, QB, Sr.; Shane Doty, RB/SS, Sr.; Gavin Lang, FB/MLB, Sr.; Kivryen Heck, WR/FS, Jr.; Cole Mahaffey, WR/CB, Jr.; Brayden Heck, WR/CB, So.; Jalin Flory, LT/OLB, Sr.; Jake Berg, LG/MLB, Jr.; John Wren, C, So.; Toby Thomas, RG/LE/DT, Sr.; Kolton Scott, RT/RE, Jr.; Sam Darnell, OLB, So.; Zayne Novak, LE, Jr.

Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: Kain McCully, TE/LB, 6-4, 225 Sr.; Braden Barnard, OL/DL, 6-1, 245, Sr.; Dasan Deringer, WR/DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Henry Riley, K/P, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Peyton Herrenbruck, OL/DL, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Braden Rector, RB/LB, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Garrett Paxson, RB/DB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Jack Deringer, QB, 6-2, 185, So.; Logan Gess, RB/LB 5-11, 200, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Shane Doty Passing: Teagan Troute Receiving: Gavin Lang

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Offense: Single-Wing Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: Braden Sloyer, LB/RB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Gavin Price, LB/RB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Eric Pabon, WR/SB, 5-8, 120, Jr.; Brady Rand, DB/RB, 5-7, 155, Sr.; Caedon Berkenmeier DL/TE, 5-11, 155, Sr.; Max Kuhlmann, SB/FB, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Gavin Finnery, DL/ OL, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Karson Allen, DL/OL, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Jaren Garland, DL/TE, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Sam Griffin, DT/T, 6-2, 265, Sr.

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 16 Returning starters: Noah Meyer, QB/DB, 175, Sr.; Caden Parthemer, TE/LB, 190, Sr.; Cayden Winter, OL/DL, 240, Sr.; Eli Rowland, RB/DB/KR/P, 180, Sr.; Jake Engelbrecht, LB, 200, Sr.; Eli Aouad, DL, 190, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Eli Rowland, 1,273 yards, 22 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Eli Aouad, 31 Tackles Sacks: Eli Aouad, 4 Sacks Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We graduated a great senior class and will need several people to step up and fill some roles. On offense, we return four out of 11 players. We return Noah Meyer (QB) (who) started some games last year, Eli Rowland (RB), Cayden Parthemer (TE) and Cayden Winter (OL). On the defensive side of the ball, we return six out of 11 players. On the defensive line, Eli Aouad and Cayden Winter, Caden Parthemer and Jake Engelbrecht at linebacker, and in the secondary, Noah Meyer and Eli Rowland return. (On) special teams, we bring back Eli Rowland.”

Notes: Dylan Schmidt led the Indians to a dominant state championship victory over Perry-Lecompton last November delivering his first state title in just his third season as head coach. His career record now stands at a glossy 36-2. While the Indians graduated all-state players Mac Brand, Scotti Easter, Carson Fair and Easton Hunter don’t expect much of a drop off for this perennial state power. Leading rusher Eli Rowland is back to shoulder the load offensively and Cayden Winter returns as one of the state’s top linemen on either side of the ball.

CANEY VALLEY

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “I am starting my second year at Baldwin High and we have made big improvements through the off-season and summer to build the program up this season.

We have a great group of kids that are staying committed to the process and show up ready to work hard and get better every day. We are not returning a lot of starters, but they are starters in important roles. We have good senior leadership, and several young returning starters that played as freshman and sophomores last year. I’m looking forward to the 2020 season–our program is going to grow through this year, on and off the field.”

CHAPMAN

A group of returning starters that features a mix of seniors and underclassmen will try to end Baldwin’s 2019 Record: 2-7 / North Central Kansas League 14 game losing streak which dates back to Week 5 of the 2018 season.

Head Coach: Kurt Webster (4th year, 10-18) Assistants: Brian Sweet, Wade Chamberlin, Clint Merritt, Wyatt Rutherford, Joseph Raat

CARBONDALE-SANTA FE TRAIL

2019 Record: 4-5 / Pioneer League

Head Coach: Criss Davis Assistants: N/A

Head coach: Jayson Duncan (11th year, 39-56) Assistants: Bob Hug, Denver Ramsey, Nick Baker, Don Herren

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A Notes: The Caney Valley Bullpups began last year with three straight wins, outscoring opponents by a 113-12 margin in that span. The Bullpups then lost three straight games, including a double-overtime thriller to Galena, 38-30. At 3-3, Caney Valley won back-to-back games against Parsons and Baxter Springs, but the Bullpups ended their season with a 34-7 loss to Prairie View.

A typically consistent winner under long-time coach Criss Davis, Caney Valley opens its 2020 season with road games against Fredonia and Neodesha, and will play at home for the first time on Sept. 18 in Week 3 against Erie.

Offense: Wing T Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: McClain Weekley, RB/LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Zack Baker, RB/S, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Tyler Duncan, WR/RB/CB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Brody Smith, WR/ CB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Maddox Decker, WR/CB, 5-11, 145, Sr.; Caden Garcia, TE/DE, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Nick Noriega, OT/DT, 5-9, 245, Jr.; Blake Buessing, S, 5-6, 150, Jr.; Mason Shore, LB, 5-8, 165, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: McClain Weekley, 75 car., 624 yds., 8 TDs Passing: Andrew Langley, 10-20, 124 yds., 2 TDs, 2 INTs; Receiving: Zack Baker, 30 rec., 479 yards, 5 TDs; Tyler Duncan, 30 rec., 233 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: McClain Weekley, 74 tackles Sacks: Seth Carrow, 2 sacks Interceptions: Zack Baker, 3 INTs

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We want to win the league, make the playoffs in the toughest district, win more games than we lose. We should be explosive with the ball. However, we replace everyone up front and have had some kids get in trouble, move away, or are undersized in the trenches. It will be a different looking SFT than in the past few years.

I look forward to the challenge and want to continue this roll we have been on. The past six years we have been on a good run, 37- 21. The previous six 407 W 6th • Concordia, KS • 785-234-4068 we were 2-52. McClain, Zack, Blake were all-league picks last year. Tyler and Nick should be this year.” www.cunninghamtelephoneandcable.com Order online at pizzahut.com

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Notes: Matt Mims takes over as head coach of the winless Lions after serving as an assistant coach in his home state of Alabama, at Independence Community College and most recently at Oklahoma.

Mims welcomes back nine players with starting experience and 20 total lettermen to try and end the losing streak. To do that, the Lions will need to improve their scoring after exceeding 14 points just once a year ago and scoring seven points or less in six games.

Fortunately, Mims served as an offensive coordinator in his previous high school coaching jobs.

Notes: Baldwin went winless last year in their first season under coach David Bowen, who came over Mims said he opened fall practice Monday, August after one season at TMP and two seasons at Stanton 17, with 38 players out.

County prior to that. Baldwin will play in 3A this year and is the largest school by enrollment in the 48 team classification.

2019 Record: 5-4 / Tri-Valley League

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters:

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Making the playoffs is a huge goal of ours. We have to be able to fight through adversity. We have to tackle everything that comes our way good or bad and fight through it.”

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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Braden Sloyer, 147 car., 736 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Brady Rand, 5-8, 108 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Gavin Price, 13 rec., 259 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Max Kuhlmann, 69 tackles Sacks: Shalonn Wright, 2 sacks Interceptions: Gavin Price, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our team goals are to improve from a 5-4 record last year, and play a home play-off game. Summer workouts and how the team comes together will be our keys to success.”

Notes: Burlington went 5-4 for the second consecutive year under John Petrie and have to replace their leading rusher and passer in graduated quarterback and standout wrestler Cael Johnson, also the team’s second leading tackler. But plenty of experience returns to help the Wildcats get over the five win mark including second leading rusher Braden Sloyer, second leading receiver Gavin Price and seven of the top 10 tacklers from a year ago.

Junior Max Kuhlmann is back after leading the team with 69 tackles last fall and should be looked to for more production on offense. Gavin Price is back after recording four INTs a year ago and together with Kuhlmann provides a pair of playmakers on defense.

CHENEY

2019 Record: 9-3 / Central Plains League

Offense: Option Run Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: N/A Head Coach: Shelby Wehrman (4th year, 20-13) Returning starters: Trevor Erickson, FS/QB, 6-2, 185, Assistants: Bill Block, Kevin Schultz, Dustin Hague, Sr.; David Schoby, CB/WR, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Lawrence Richard Oliver Smith, DB/LB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Colt Sell, DL/OL, 6-1, 265, Jr.; Tate Milton, LB, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Mason Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Barnum, LB, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Camden Liebau, CB/ Returning lettermen: 25 WR, 6-2, 165, Jr.; Eli Reigel, LB/DB/FB, 5-9, 185, Jr.; Returning starters: Logan Bartlett, WR/DB/K, 5-7, David Morgan, DL, 5-10, 205, Jr.; Brayden Lexow, 135, Sr.; Luke Grace, WR/DB, 6-3, 165, Jr.; Harrison DL, 5-6, 210, Soph.; Keegan Craig, OL, 5-9, 185, Jr.; Voth, QB/DB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Quincy Thomas, RB/DB, Torin Cavanaugh, TE, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Trevor Mead, RB, 6-1, 160, Jr.; Brody Hillman, RB/LB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; 5-10, 155, Jr.; Troy Body, OL, 6-3, 270, Soph.

Marcus Peintner, WR/DB, 6-1, 155, Sr.; Peyton Hays, OL/DL, 6-0, 260, Jr.; Davontae Black, OL/DL, 5-6, Returning Statistical Leaders 205, Sr.; Braden Black, OL/DL, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Landen Rushing: Trevor Erickson, 142 car., 873 yds., 9 TDs Ayers, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Ethan Cokely, WR/DB, Passing: Tervor Erickson, 41-81, 711 yds., 9 TDs, 5 6-1, 150, Sr. INTs; Receiving: David Schoby, 16 rec., 275 yds., 5 TDs.; Tackles: Trevor Erickson, 60 tackles Returning Statistical Leaders Sacks: Eli Reigel, .5 sack Rushing: Harrison Voth, 86 car., 686 yds., 6 TDs Interceptions: David Schoby, 3 INTs Passing: Harrison Voth, 28-67, 859 yds., 4 TDs Receiving: Harrison Voth, 27 rec., 544 yds., 6 TDs; Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We are Luke Grace, 19 rec., 531 yds., 6 TDs very excited about our team this year. We have a Tackles: N/A very talented QB in Trevor Erickson and we played Sacks: Brody Hillman, 4.5 sacks 14 sophomores and three freshmen last year. They Interceptions: Logan Bartlett, 2 INTs are all returning and will be much better. We love the challenge of playing Sabetha and Holton to start. If Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our we play well to start the year we will put ourselves in strengths include a large senior class, a strong junior a good position come district play.” class, returning strong numbers on the offensive and defensive lines, and good players at the skill posiNotes: The Irish slipped to 2-7 last season but return tions. Our concerns will be leadership development, their top two rushers, their top passer, top receiver, a new schedule, and potential injuries.” their second leading tackler and four players who combined to make six interceptions for the CHS Notes: The Cardinals graduated versatile athlete defense. Trevor Erickson returns as the top rusher, Riley Petz, a Kansas Shrine Bowl selection and passer and second leading tackler and is one of the K-State football walk-on who was a threat to score in best players in the North Central Kansas League. every phase of the game.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

CHERRYVALE

CLAY CENTER COMMUNITY

CLEARWATER

2019 Record: 5-4 / Tri-Valley League

2019 Record: 3-6 / North Central Kansas League

Head coach: Travis Young (1st year) Assistants: Drew Charles, Alex Mese, Brett Moulin, Kyle Groff

Head Coach: Marc Henry (1st year) Head Coach: Jeremy Scheufler (3rd year, 11-8) Assistants: JD Lane, Ben Last, Phil Kasper, Christian Assistants: Tyler Hampton, Jim Frickey, Chuck Johnston, Dalton Haist Schrader, Dustin Little, Kylan Ward

Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Chet Linn, WR/DB, 6-1, 155, Sr.; Kolbyn Hooper, OL/DL, 6-1, 187, Sr.; Jacob Bone, OL/DL, 5-11, 236, Jr.; Bryce Sallee, OL/DL, 6-2, 242, Sr.; Gage Vigil, WR/LB, 5-10, 141, Sr.; Jesse Booe, WR/LB, 6-0, 153, Sr.; Ian Escoto, DL/TE, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Briggs Adkison, WR/DB, 6-0, 153, Jr.; Devin Sawyer, DB/RB, 6-0, 140, Sr.; Bradley Morris, OL/ DL, 5-10, 163, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: Briggs Adkison, 16 rec., 345 yds.

Tackles: Bryce Sailee, 23.5 tackles Sacks: Bryce Sailee, 5 sacks Interceptions: Chet Linn, Briggs Adkison, 2 INTs each

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: Kale Hauserman, OL/DL, Sr.; Tillman Hartner, OL/DL, Sr.; Morgan Siebold, OL/ DL, Sr.; Ethan Albuist, OL/DL, Sr.; Cincere Sanders, TE/DL, Sr.; Tanner Demars, WR/DB, Sr.; Logan Mullin, RB/DL, Sr.; Blake Frederick, QB/LB, Sr.; Lane Mussleman, RB/DB, Sr.; Keegan McDonald, RB/ LB, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Logan Mullin, 907 yds.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have won five games in the last two years. We want to win a minimum of five games this year, win the NCKL, qualify for the state playoffs and improve our defense and special teams.”

2019 Record: 7-3 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. IV

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: Tanner Cash, QB/DB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Sean Harris, LT/NG, 6-3, 250, Sr.; Jack Rausch, TE/LB, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Lane Pierce, WR/DB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Austin Carlson, C/LB/DL, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Brock Demel, RG/DL, 6-2, 320, Sr.; Dalen Ankerholz, WR/ DB, 6-1, 155, Sr.; Brock Toothaker, SB/DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Brett Noland, SB/WR/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Aidan Brockman, SB/DB, 6-1, 155, Jr.; Conner Walcher, K, 5-8, 165, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Tanner Cash, 895 yds Passing: Tanner Cash, 1,190 yds Receiving: Lane Pierce, 32 rec., 432, 4 TDs Tackles: Jack Rausch, 60 tackles Sacks: Nick Warren, Brett Gibbs 2 sacks each Interceptions: Dalen Ankerholz, 3 INTs

COLBY

Page 85

2019 Record: 9-1 / Great West Activities Conference Head Coach: Rees McKinney (4th year, 23-7; 5th overall, 28-11) Assistants: N/A Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Ian Rosales, C/DT, Jr.; Nick Rehmer, OL, Jr.; Jaren Rush, WR, Sr.; Hagan Booi, FB/LB, Sr.; Ryan Myers, QB/DB, Sr., Landon Rinehart, LB, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Hagan Booi, 111 car., 598 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Ryan Myers, 51-86, 578 yds., 5 TDs, 5 INTs Receiving: Hagan Booi, 8 rec., 54 yds.

Tackles: Landon Rinehart, 22 tkls.

Sacks: Zach Castigliano, 2 sacks Interceptions: Jaren Rush, Hagan Booi, 1 INT each Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A

Young inherits 10 returning starters from a team that went 5-4 last season including senior defensive lineman Bryce Sailee who recorded five sacks last season. The pass rush as a whole could be a strength as five players return that recorded at least two sacks last fall.

Notes: Rees McKinney has led the Eagles to one of the best three-year runs in Colby school history. Prior to McKinney’s arrival the Eagles had not won more Notes: Marc Henry, a long-time assistant coach and than five games in a season since 2009. And other Clay Center native, takes over for Ted Brown who Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have than a 5-5 finish in 2016, between 2010 and 2015 went 5-13 in two seasons with the Tigers. Henry a very good junior and senior class that gained a CHS posted losing records. inherits a team that returns a number of two year lot of varsity experience last season. (Our) offense starters. He plans to focus on the ground game by returns starting QB Tanner Cash. Tanner rushed for McKinney has led CHS to steady improvement, installing the Flexbone offense.

895 yards and threw for almost 1,200 in just six and going 6-4 in his first season in 2017, 8-2 in 2018 and a half games. The offense will be headed by a line 9-1 last fall. Included among those nine wins was a The Tigers were 3-6 in 2019 but were competitive that returns three starters, led by honorable mention thrilling overtime victory over western Kansas power in most losses, especially on offense where they all-conference center Austin Carlson. Defensively, the Scott City, the first for the Eagles since 1999, ending tallied more points than 23 of the 48 teams in 3A Indians return five players who have played signifi- a 15-game losing streak to the Beavers. and averaged a little over 25 points per game. The cant time in the secondary, including Dalen Ankerholz defense, however, was another story. The Tiger D who was honorable mention all-league and let the Now, McKinney faces his toughest challenge after allowed 339 points on the season, better than just team in interceptions with three last year. graduating one of the most successful classes in eight teams in 3A. Take away the Week 1 shutout of school history. Gone are standouts Calvin Stapp winless Abilene and Clay Center gave up an average “Clearwater will try to contend with the powers of (RB/DB) and Aaron Kurth (OL/DE) and many other of almost 43 points a contest in the final eight games class 3A and the Ark Valley, Division 4 elites. One of starters. But Colby does return quarterback/defenof the season. the big reasons that this team could be so good is sive back Ryan Myers and fullback/linebacker Hagan the number of returning starters.”

Booi, both seniors, and key pieces of the recent run.

2019 Record: 8-2 / Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee

2019 Record: 5-5 / North Central Kansas League

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We will be a tough, hard working football team that will be ready to compete against everyone. Our biggest goals are to develop a Championship Culture that will prepare young men for lifetime achievement through spiritual, social, academic, and athletic achievement.”

Notes: Caney Valley High School and Pittsburg State alum Travis Young takes over for long-time Cherryvale head coach Harry Hester, who led the Chargers for 17 seasons and went 89-75 in that span.

COLUMBUS

CONCORDIA

COUNCIL GROVE

2019 Record: 2-7 / Flint Hills League

Head Coach: Jordan Echer (2nd year, 5-5; 5th over- Head Coach: Butch Hayes (2nd year, 2-7; 10th Head Coach: Blake Burns (2nd year, 8-2) Assistants: Matt Crain, Troy Haraughty, Heath Perry, all, 13-24) Assistants: Scott Coppoc, Rowe Hinkle, overall, 50-41) Assistants: Derron Reddick, Broc Josh Pounds, John Hake, Doug Thoman Finch, Jay Simecka Cody Murdock, Taylor Spear Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Gabe Martin, RB/LB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Jaxson Haraughty, QB/WR/DB, 5-10, 140, Jr.; Kody Schalk, OL/DL, 6-3, 245, Jr.; Trent Smith, RB/ LB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Sylas Stone, LB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Lynn Shallenburger, WR/DB, 5-11, 150, Sr.; Cole Minor, LS/WR/LB, 6-0, 150, So. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Gabe Martin, 89 car., 552 yds., 4 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Lynn Shallenburger, 204 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Gabe Martin, 81 tackles Sacks: Kody Schalk, Sylas Stone, 3 sacks each Interceptions: Lynn Shallenburger, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We return starters in several key positions and have a number of players with varsity experience. Our senior group works hard as a whole and we have a solid group of younger players that will push for playing time. We will win or lose with the way our offensive and defensive lines perform. They will set the tone for us on both sides of the ball. We have to be able to limit turnovers offensively and create turnovers on defense.

Offense: Pro Style Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 37 Returning starters: Wyatt Trost, QB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Hunter Schroeder, RB/OLB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Keyan Miller, RB/Slot, 5-8, 180, Jr.; Dylan Thoman, WR, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Aidan Poore, WR, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Chas Carlgren, TE/MLB, 6-3, 235, Sr.; Shelby Giersch, C, 5-11, 245, Jr.; Dalton Owen, T/DE, 6-3, 280, Jr.; Dylan Sulanka, OLB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Cav Carlgren, CB, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Stryker Hake, FS, 5-8, 175, So. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Hunter Schroeder, 1,103 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Wyatt Trost, 364 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: Chas Carlgren, 258 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Chas Carlgren, 109 tackles Sacks: Chas Carlgren, 2 sacks Interceptions: Stryker Hake, Hunter Schoeder 3 INTs each

FRONTENAC

2019 Record: 10-1 / CNC

Head Coach: Mark Smith (9th year, 63-24) Assistants: John Palumbo, Bill Sullivan, Brady Hill, Jesse Wall

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: Hayden Bieling, QB/DB, 185, Sr.; Ethan Craig, WR, 180 Sr.; Jesus Solis, WR/OLB, 180, Sr.; Corbyn Miller, WR/DB, 150, Sr.; Ben Bolen, OL, 190, Sr.; Koen Hula, OL/DL, 245, Jr.; Jaxson Buchman, OL, 250, So.; Chase Bacon, DB, 150, Sr.; Tom Vanvalkenburg, DB, 140, Sr.

Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Cruz Blair, OL/DL, 6-1, 240, Jr.; Alex Storey, TE, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Landon Dean, DE, 6-4, 230, Jr.; Collin McCartney, DE, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Lane Franklin, DT, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Ty Gates, CB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Trentyn Harris, OL/DL, 5-11, 200, Jr.; Dylan Bollinger, 5-10, 205, Jr.; Brady Stanley, RB/SS, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Chris Stewart, OL/DE, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Returning Statistical Leaders Dawson Lapping, QB/WR/SS, 5-10, 155, Jr.; Justice Rushing: Hayden Bieling, 101 car., 448 yds., 8 TDs Compton, RB/LB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Kaston Fields, WR/ Passing: Hayden Bieling, 65-141, 1,088 yds., 8 TDs, DB, 5-8, 140, Jr.; Parker Beckmann, WR/DB, 6-0, 11 INTs 155, Jr.; Peyton Wilderman, WR/SS, 5-10, 150, Jr. Receiving: Corbyn Miller, 12 rec., 182 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Koen Hula, 31 tackles Returning Statistical Leaders Sacks: Jesus Solis, 2 sacks Tackles: Collin McCartney, 49 tackles Interceptions: Chase Bacon, Hayden Bieling, W. Sacks: Landon Dean, 3 sacks Johnson, Ben Bolen, 1 INT each Interceptions: Ty Gates, 4 INTs

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: We bring back 7-8 guys that have a lot of experience and playing time last year on defense. We expect to have a very strong defense, especially with our entire DL returning as juniors this season. I believe that we will have solid depth at a majority of positions. We will have a lot of competition for some starting spots on both sides of the ball, which should bring out the best Notes: In year two of the Butch Hayes era at Council in our kids and help our team in the long run. We Grove senior quarterback Hayden Bieling could must be able to control the line of scrimmage on both Notes: Blake Burns engineered one of the biggest emerge as one of the top dual-threat signal callers in sides and we must be able to take care of the football turnarounds in Kansas last year taking a Columbus the Flint Hills League. Hayes developed a reputation on offense, and stop the run on defense.” team that went 1-8 in 2018 and opened the season for producing succesful dual-threat quarterbacks in with an eight game win streak before dropping two his time as the head coach at Ellis where he led the Notes: The Raiders feature a stout D-line led by of the final three contests to finish 8-2. Burns, now Notes: The Panthers suffered a big hit when standout Railers to some of the most successful seasons in junior D-end Landon Dean. One of the top prospects in his second season, welcomes a number of key program history. in the Class of 2022, Dean holds offers from K-State, players back to prove 2019 was no fluke, namely RB/ tight end and linebacker Chas Carlgren suffered a season ending injury in camp.

Iowa State, Oklahoma State and Eastern Michigan.

LB Gabe Martin and lineman Kody Schalk.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have a hungry group of kids returning with us only losing seven seniors from the 2019 team. At our 2019 postseason meeting, we had a brief discussion with the team about all of our 2020 opponents, with the final picture being of Gowans Stadium home of the 3A State Championship. In order to play our last game there, we will need to continue to grow mentally and physically. We began to develop a physical mentality as the season progressed in 2019, and now we need to carry that momentum into 2020. We will also lean on our upperclassmen to lead by example.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “After having a year of experience, I expect us to take a step forward offensively by limiting our turnovers and executing more efficiently. Defensively, we need to create turnovers and play with attitude. It will be important for us to start the season well and head into a tough district with some confidence and momentum.”

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

GALENA

GARNETT-ANDERSON COUNTY

GIRARD

GOODLAND

Page 86

2019 Record: 6-4 / Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee

2019 Record: 4-5 / Frontier League

2019 Record: 4-5 / Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee

2019 record: 1-8 / Great West Activities Conference

Head Coach: Beau Sarwinski (14th year, 106-37) Assistants: Derik Hunt, JC Dawes, Jacoby Martin, Zach Shockey

Head Coach: Logan Pegram (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: Luke Catloth, Matt Stevenson, AC Russell, Steven Lamer

Head Coach: Neal Philpot (4th year, 13-15) Assistants: Jeremiah Hudson, Ben Niggemann, Jacob Towery, Jeff Leslie, Chris Beard

Head Coach: Chase Topliff (4th year, 4-23) Assistants: Grant Wiegers, Jeremy Stefan, Bryan Kofford, Kolt Trachsel

Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: AJ Holmes, RB/LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Deacon Henson, RB/LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Brett Sarwinski, QB/FS, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Randy Cockerell, WR/DB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Tyler Little, OL/DL, 6-5, 220, So.; Koby Myers, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, So.; Isaiah Dunaway, OL/DL, 6-0, 220, So.

Offense: Spread Power Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 23 Returning starters: Bo Dilliner, QB/FS, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Fisher Galey, RB/LB, 6-0, 210, Jr.; Justin Stifter, OT/ DE, 6-4, 205, Sr.; Dalton Kellerman, OT/DE, 6-3, 215, Jr.; Chaylin Peine, OG/DT, 6-5, 250, Jr.; Josh Stifter, OG/DT, 6-4, 210, Sr.; Colton Palmer, C/LB, 5-9, 210, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Bo Dilliner, 947 yards, 12 TDs Passing: Bo Dilliner, 644 yards, 9 TDs Tackles: Dalton Kellermen, 69 tackles Sacks: Dalton Kellermen, 5 sacks Interceptions: Bo Dilliner, 1 INT

Offense: Flexbone Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: 16 Returning starters: Caden Lallemand, QB/LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Kden Harrison, TE/LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Dee Wideman, OL/DL, 6-3, 250, Sr.; Eli Tucker, OL/ DL, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Zack Shendo, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Gabe Shireman, OL/DL, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Logan Thomas, WR/S, 6-4, 180, Sr.; Mason Hubener, RB/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Zach Davis, RB/CB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Brecken Troike, TE/LB, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Josh Boone, OL/DL, 5-9, 210, So.; Ethan Merrell, RB/ LB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Adam Shireman, RB/DL, 6-1, 185, So.; Alex Coester, RB/FS, 6-1, 170, So.; Luke Niggemann, QB/FS, 6-2, 165, So.; Conner Olivera, RB/SS, 5-10, 160, Sr.

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3-5 Returning lettermen: 21 Returning starters: Leyton Cure, QB/SS, 6-4, 215, Sr.; Mason Murray, TE/LB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Jackson Daise, DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Ryan Berls, OL, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Caden Thomas, OL, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Trevor Daise, DL, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Blake Livengood, RB/LB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Joshua Seudass, DL, 6-4, 250, Jr.; DJ Knox, WR/ DB, 5-7, 130, Jr.; Dexter Dautel, OL/DL, 6-4, 200, Jr.; Mason Hernandez, RB/WR, 5-10, 160, So.; Kyan Ensign, LB, 5-10, 155, So.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our goals are the same every year, we want to compete for a league, district and state championships.

However, this has changed a little bit. We will no longer have a league championship. We want to compete for a district championship, playoff berth and a chance to compete for a state championship.

We are going to have to grow up quick and improve.

Our kids understand it’s a process of hard work and playing for each other. It’s about our community, school and team. Our biggest challenge last season was we had a lot of youth that was unknown. This year we will have some of the same. It is time for our seniors and juniors to step up and compete for the Bulldogs.”

Notes: Under veteran coach Beau Sarwinski, Galena is one of the most consistent small class 11-Man programs in Kansas. In Sarwinski’s 13 years at the helm the Bulldogs average just over eight wins a season, but last year slipped to 6-4 after a pair of 11-1 finishes the two seasons prior. Last year the Bulldogs fielded a young team as Sarwinski welcomed only four returning senior starters to open the year. This year the Bulldogs are still relatively young, with three sophomores and two juniors back that started a year ago, but have more experience as a whole with seven total returning starters.

GYPSUM-SE OF SALINE

2019 Record: 7-3 / North Central Activities Assoc.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We return four of our key starters on the O-line, bring Bo (Dilliner) back at quarterback, and have some talented young kids at the skill positions. Like most coaches would say we need to get faster and stronger across the board, but we have some kids that have played key snaps for us from last year. I look forward to having our kids in year two in the system.

The one issue we currently are fighting is depth.

Trying to change the culture throughout our building and getting kids out has been one of our biggest focuses. Overall, the kids we have out have bought in and have driven to change the image of our football program from where it has been over the last couple years. I love being able to see them compete to do things that haven’t been done around here for awhile.

Our biggest goal is going to be getting the first playoff win in school history.”

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Bryant Banks, 969 yds., 21 TDs; Jaxson Gebhardt, 955 yds., 13 TDs Passing: Jaxson Gebhardt, 1,238 yds., 8 TDs Tackles: Matthew Rodriguez, 94 tackles Sacks: Matthew Rodriquez, 5 sacks Interceptions: Jaxson Gebhardt, 7 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have many returning players with experience from the last two seasons. Our goals are to get better at everything we do. We must get better during the summer and continue to get better as the season progresses. If we can improve, the season should be fun. Leadership will be a key to our success.

We play a tough schedule and if we can have good leadership to get us through the tough times we will be successful.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have a large group of seniors (who) have all played a significant role in our program. We need them all to be leaders. We lost just a few seniors from last year, but those seniors led by example with their practice work ethic and we need some of these guys to (not only) carry it on, (but) add to it. (One of the biggest changes this year is) some kids may be playing different positions than they did a year ago. They need to see how they can be successful in that position, and how they can (best) help the team.”

“We are determined to run the ball more efficiently on offense. We will be more aggressive in our defensive scheme to help us stop the run more consistently.

Staying healthy is going to be important for us this season.”

2019 Record: 8-1 / Central Kansas League

2019 Record: 7-2 / Central Kansas League

2019 Record: 1-8 / Big 7

Head Coach: Tyson Bauerle (4th year, 21-10; 6th overall, 31-19) Assistants: Doug Broadfoot, Phil Unruh, Parker Broadfoot, Garrett Roth

Head Coach: Michael Downard (2nd year, 1-8 Assistants: Gordon Gunderson, Jim Cox, Carl Parman

Offense: Veer Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: Doug Grider, LB/FB, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Cole Herman, DL/G, 6-4, 275, Sr.; Kaden Lopez, DL/RB, 5-8, 195, Sr.; Lakin Farmer, S/QB 6-0, 175, Sr.; Carter Hiebert, S/Slot, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Cameron Kohr, Corner, 5-10, 140, Sr.; Nathan Darbe, OT, 6-0, 220, Sr.

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: Owen O’Halloran, OL/DL, 5-9, 210, Sr.; Cody Wohlgemuth, OL/P/K, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Dalton Carey, OL, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Ben Bollinger, WR/ DB, 6-4, 185 Sr.; Brady Cox, WR/LB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Braden Esau, TE/LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Jadyn Medina, DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Ryan Eilert, LB/P, 6-0, 185, Jr.

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Joel Bryan, WR/DB, 6-2, 170, Jr Tyler Davis, WR/LB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Avery Miesenheimer, OL/DL, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Nelson King, TE/ LB, 5-11, 160, Jr.; Cody Nevels, RB/LB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Alex Rockey, QB/DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Trent Kolb, WR/ DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Lakin Farmer, 98 car., 734 yds., 11 TDs Passing: Lakin Farmer, 15-36, 244 yds., 4 TDs Receiving: Carter Hiebert, 9 rec., 134 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Doug Grider 120 tackles Sacks: Doug Grider 4.5 sacks Interceptions: Lakin Farmer, 7 INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Nick Arnold, 168 yds., 2 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Ben Bollinger, 448 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Owen O’Halloran, 40 tackles Sacks: Braden Esau, 2 sacks

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Cody Nevels, 31 yds.

Passing: N/A Receiving: Trent Colb, 32 yds.

Tackles: Fred Razor, 14 tackles Sacks: Cody Nevels, 1 sack Interceptions: Trent Kolb, 2 INTs

HALSTEAD

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The Dragons return a lot of experience from a team that made a lot of noise in 2019. The offensive should be explosive and the defense should have the size and speed necessary for a deep run in 2020.”

Notes: The Dragons rolled through the regular season last fall, but a tough playoff opening game with Collegiate ended the year with a thud. Gone to graduation is unanimous all-state player Scott Grider, but back are seven returning starters to help the Dragons navigate a brutal schedule that includes a five-game stretch against Hoisington, Andale, Clearwater, Hesston and Collegiate starting in Week 2. Scott’s younger brother Doug is back to lead the Notes: A loaded Trojan squad moves up to 3A and is Dragon defense and quarterback Lakin Farmer is back to guide Jason Grider’s Veer Option offense. poised for a playoff run against stiff competition.

HESSTON

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Like most seasons, expectations are high to uphold the tradition of Hesston football. Last season, the senior class set a new standard of commitment throughout the offseason and that led to a very strong regular season. This season, we’ll need many individuals to step up to collectively move in that same direction.

The potential pieces could be there for another very strong season.

“We will return a number of very good, multi sport athletes that have gained varsity experience throughout the years in a number of sports. Many of those multi sport players started last season. We return six seniors that started on offense and five seniors that started on defense last season. A total of 17 letter winners will return which will increase competition for reps and also start fall camp off on a quick note.”

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Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our team goals are to continue to improve every single day. We are striving to play a more physical style of football to compete in our league and district. Our guys are extremely focused on doing whatever is required to improve our win-loss record and make the playoffs. We want to come together as a family and continue to develop our young men, not only as athletes, but as human beings.

Notes: Former Pittsburg State and Ottawa University assistant Neal Philpot enters his fourth season as the head coach at Girard with the first three seasons resulting in records around the .500 mark. Perhaps this will be the year Philpot’s Trojans turn the corner Notes: Second year coach Logan Pegram is back to thanks to a load of returning experience. Success will take the next step and welcomes a big offensive line depend on defensive improvement after the Trojans to protect returning QB Bo Dilliner. The defense must allowed at least 34 points in each of the five losses improve after allowing an average of over 28 ppg. a year ago.

Head Coach: Mitch Gebhardt (11th year, 62-35; 19th Head Coach: Jason Grider (7th year, 48-17; 15th overall, 90-71) Assistants: Chance Ptacek, Trenton overall, 80-57) Assistants: Ryan Voran, Jesse Mueller, Adam Glendening, Alex Queen Douglas, Kent Jacobson, Todd Baird Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Jaxson Gebhardt, QB/DB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Bryant Banks, RB/LB, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Sterling Harp, C/DL, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Tyler Breeding, E/LB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Eli Harris, SB/LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Eddie McVay, SB/DB, 5-7, 130, Sr.; Logan Sanders, DL/ OL, 5-11, 275, Sr.; Matthew Rodriguez, SB/LB, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Braxton Blake, OL/DL, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Dalton Bunch, OL/DL, 6-3, 170, Jr.; Dawson Adams, OL/DL, 6-3, 285, Jr.; Jasper McDowell, OL/DL, 6-4, 300, Jr.; Chase Poague, SB/DB, 6-0, 155, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Leyton Cure, 394 yards, 4 TDs Passing: Leyton Cure, 1,425 yards, 10 TDs Receiving: Mason Hernandez, 284 yards Tackles: Mason Murray, 87 tackles Sacks: Trevor Daise, 1.5 sacks Interceptions: DJ Knox, 2 INTs

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Notes: Goodland’s first two games were cancelled when Colorado moved football to the spring. At press time Week 2 was rescheduled with Bridgeport, Neb.

HIAWATHA

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Keys to success are having success running the football and becoming better defensively.”

Notes: The Redhawks have won more than two games in a season just once since 2013.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

HOLCOMB

HOLTON

HOYT-ROYAL VALLEY

HUGOTON

Page 87

2019 Record: 4-5 / Great West Activities Conference

2019 Record: 7-3 / Big 7

2019 Record: 1-8 / Big 7 Conference

2019 Record: 4-5 / Great West Activities Conference

Head Coach: Kent Teeter (7th year, 52-17; 21st overall, 114-83) Assistants: Jerry Johnson, Lance Cornelson, Andrew Homer, Trey Teeter

Head Coach: Brooks Barta (24th year, 226-54) Assistants: Joe Purcell, Cameron Karn, Alex Bartel, Brian Meerpohl, Matt Hundley, LD Fletcher

Head Coach: Jake Lott (7th year, 20-35) Assistants: David Boucher, Josh Jackson, Dawson DeShazo, Kenny Swart

Head Coach: Nick O’Loughlin (3rd year, 8-10) Assts.: Jose Licon, Tanner Rindles, Simon Root, Jay Witt

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: Oz Perez, OL/DT, 6-2, 285, Sr.; Kai Johnson, OL/DE, 6-4, 240, Sr.; Gavin Ramirez, OL/DT, 5-10, 220, Jr.; Kolby Johnson, RB/LB, 5-8, 175, Jr.; Kaden Johnson, QB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Edgar Ramirez, WR/DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Levi Knoll, WR/DB, 5-11, 175, Jr.

Offense: Wishbone Defense: Odd Front Returning lettermen: N/A Logan Dieckmann, OL, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Jordan Huntington, OL, 6-1, 270, Sr.; Carter Watkins, OL, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Kaden Cattrell, OL, 6-2, 270, Jr.; Andrew Williams, OL, 6-2, 245, Jr.; Addison Hundley, WR/LB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Connor Gilliland WR/LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Marcus Pruett, WR/LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Reese Holiday, WR/LB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Richard Leiker, WR, 6-3, 215, Jr.; Kale Purcell, QB/CB 6-3, 175, Sr.; Konnor Tannahill, RB/DL, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Canon Karn, RB/LB, 5-10, 210, Sr.

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Cole Dressman, QB/DB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Colin Everts, WR/DB, 6-1, 150, Sr.; Kenny Bell, WR/DB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Noah Schnacker, OL/DE, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Levi Parrett, TE/LB, 6-3, 205, Jr.; Will Kralicek, OL/LB, 6-2, 245, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Kolby Johnson, 415 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Kaden Johnson, 857 yds., 9 TDs Receiving: Levi Knoll, 26 rec., 330 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Oz Perez, 77 tackles Sacks: Oz Perez, 5 sacks Interceptions: N/A

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Konnor Tannahill, 157 car., 799 yds., 11 TDs; Canon Karn, 93 car., 716 yds., 8 TDs Passing: Kale Purcell, 10-18, 127 yds.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Goal is to Tackles: Canon Karn, 75 tackles; Konnor Tannahill, 71 have a winning season, finish top-two in district, and tackles; Addison Hundley, 68 tackles win a playoff game. Staying healthy and Improving as the year progresses will be our keys to success.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We expect to continue to make progress this season. We Notes: After back-to-back 4-5 seasons the Longhorns have experience returning in the backfield and on the look to get back to the winning ways that saw them LOS. We also have some young players who should record at least 10 victories a season from 2014-2017, compete for playing time. We should be a much veteran coach Kent Teeter’s first four years at the deeper football team this year.” helm. To do that, Teeter welcomes back someone very familiar with that successful stretch, his son Trey, Notes: After suffering through just the second losing who quarterbacked HHS to a state championship as a season in 23 years under coach Brooks Barta in senior in 2015. Trey, who threw the javelin in college, 2018, the Wildcats rebounded to win seven games spent time as an asst. coach at Halstead while still in last fall and return a load of talent and experience to school and last fall was the OC at Ellis. make a deed playoff push in 2020. The offensive line welcomes back the signature size so common for The defense welcomes back a formidable D-line trio Wildcat teams of the past and a dynamic duo in the in DT, and leading tackler, Oz Perez, DE Kai Johnson, backfield - seniors Konnor Tannahill and Canon Karn and DT Gavin Ramirez. On offense, junior QB Kaden will look to improve on their combined 1,500 rushing Johnson looks poised for a breakout season. yards and 19 TDs of a year ago.

IOLA

KC-BISHOP WARD

Returning Statistical Leaders: Tackles: Cole Dressman, 46 tackles Sacks: Noah Schnacker, Levi Parrett, 2 sacks each Interceptions: Kenny Bell, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “It is always tough preparing for a challenging league and district schedule. There will be a lot of competition early for starting positions. There will be some new faces carrying the football and stepping up as offensive weapons this year, how quick that happens is imperative for early season success. Defense is looking to improve against some of the best teams in 3A, younger kids will be asked to step up and help provide depth. Overall the success of the season comes down to the leadership of the senior class, how committed the team is to improving, and embracing the challenge of a demanding schedule.”

Notes: The Panthers return key pieces to help improve on the 1-8 record of a year ago, but another tough schedule includes just two contests with teams that won less than six games a year ago, Hiawatha (1-8) and Rock Creek (3-6), in the final two weeks of the season. Hiawatha was the lone team the Panthers beat last year, 53-20 in Week 7. While the offense enjoyed some late season success, scoring at least 21 points in each of the final four games of the year, the defense allowed at least 36 points in all eight losses.

LACYGNE-PRAIRIE VIEW

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: Jonathan Roa, OL, 6-1, 285, Sr.; Abraham Garcia, OL/DL, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Gerardo Rubio, OL, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Jeison Coreno, OL, 5-10, 275, Sr.; Sawyer Harper, QB/LB/DB, 6- 1, 170, Sr.; Ashton Burrows, DB/WR/RB, 5-8, 150 Jr.; Haden DaHarsh, WR/LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Riggs Martin, 6-0, 200, TE/LB, Sr.; Cade Mecklenburg, DE/WR, 6-3, 190, Jr.; Ross Grewell, DL, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Santiago Macias, DB, 5-9, 160, So.; Adam Mendoza, 5- 10, 155, OLB, So.; Joseph Sanchez, DE, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Wyatt Angel, WR, 6-2, 165, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Sawyer Harper, 375 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Sawyer Harper, 1,807 yds., 18 TDs, 6 INTs Receiving: Haden Daharsh, 575 yds., 7 TDs Tackles: Riggs Martin, 105 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Ashton Burrows, Haden Daharsh, 3 INTs each Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “(Our goals are) to contend for a district championship, (and make a) playoff run. (Our keys to success are) developing better team depth, improving special teams, and having a great summer of football skills and strength training.”

Notes: The Eagles return several key pieces from a 4-5 team, with four losses by 14 points or less. With 10 starters back, including top tackler Riggs Martin, from a unit that allowed 16 points or less in seven of nine games, the Eagle defense could be very good.

The offense will look for consistency in the second year with Sawyer Harper at QB (1,807 passing yds., 18 TDs). He’ll target top receiver Haden Daharsh.

LARNED

2019 Record: 2-7 / Pioneer League

2019 Record: 0-9 / Crossroads League

2019 Record: 10-1 / Pioneer League

Head Coach: David Daugharthy (4th year, 8-19) Assistants: Dana Daugharthy, Ben Wiehn, Jarrett Roy, Lake Johnson

Head Coach: Greg Duggins (9th year, 37-40) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Kyle Littrell (4th year, 22-9; 10th Head Coach: Tad Remy (3rd year, 4-14) overall, 59-32) Assistants: Will Shannon, Aaron Law, Assistants: Mike Hensley, Tim Coles, Cody Coleman, Joe Cullor, Jared Drew Charles MacNeil, Carl Nolan

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Logan Brown, DL, 6-1, 260, Sr.; Isaac Badders, RB/DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Landon Carson, QB/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Aidan Jones, OL/LB, 5-8, 190, Sr.; Tyler Boeken, OL/LB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Gage Turner, OL, 5-11, 240, Sr.; Drake Sellman, WR/ DE, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Kole Rogers, DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Austin Rowe, WR, 6-2, 180, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Isaac Badders, 100 car., 557 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Isaac Badders, 99 tackles; Logan Brown, 57 tackles; Tyler Boeken, 48 tackles Sacks: Logan Brown, 1.5 sacks Interceptions: Isaac Badders, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have a lot of good talent and a lot of depth. We will be able to be creative in how we can use these weapons this year.”

Notes: The Mustangs slipped from 3-6 to 2-7 last fall but return nine starters to help flipt the script. The offense scored 69 points in the first two games, a five overtime 54-48 loss to Parsons in Week 1 and a 33-21 loss to Wellsville in Week 2, but scored just 94 total points in the final seven games, with 70 of that coming in a 32-15 win over Osawatomie in Week 5 and a 38-28 rematch win over Parsons in Week 9.

Iola welcomes back defensive lineman Logan Brown, one of the best defenders - and wrestlers - in Kansas. Brown runs a 4.8 40 at 6-1, 260 pounds and is a disruptive force that has to be accounted for by opposing offenses.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Christian Stein, QB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Eli Menifee, RB, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Christopher Galloway Jr., WR/DB, 6-3, 180, Jr.; Corey Stewart, WR/RB, 5-10, 170, So.; Will Verbeck, C/DT, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Antoine Gillom Jr., OL/DL, 6-4, 260, Jr.; Emilio Ramirez Jr., OL/DL, 6-1, 245, Jr.; Antonio Gillom, OL, 6-1, 190, Soph.; Daniel Torres, LB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Jaylen Pickens, DB, 6-1, 170, So. Returning Statistical Leaders Receiving: Christopher Galloway Jr., 24 rec., 450 yds., 4 TDs, Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We are a young team. (We) lost 11 seniors last year, so our focus will be on sound fundamental football. We will strive to get better each day and be competitive. I do like the returning lettermen and starters that we have returning, along with several freshmen (who) had to play at the varsity level last year. Senior leadership will once again be key. This team (has) a good chemistry, and I know they will work hard for themselves and each other. The coaches (who’ve) come on board the past two seasons have many years of experience, and they get their hands dirty. We are trying to build a strong foundation of hard work, dedication and teamwork.”

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Offense: Multiple-I Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: Otis Jacobs, RB/LB. Sr.; Noah Nordgren, OL/DL, Sr.; Andrew Reynolds, OL/DE, Jr.; Colton McCammon, OL/DL, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Otis Jacobs, 96 car., 686 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Damien Kline, 1-1, 42 yds.

Receiving: Joey Gray, 2 rec., 26 yds.

Tackles: Colton McCammon, 49 tackles Sacks: Otis Jacobs, Kyle Waterman, 2 sacks each Interceptons: 4 players with 1 INT each Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “(Our goals are) to get better everyday and to play tough disciplined football.”

Notes: Kyle Littrell led the Buffs to the second best season in school history with a 10-1 finish and that ended with a quarterfinal loss to eventual state runner-up Perry-Lecompton. The Buffs are 18-3 in the last two seasons and 22-9 under Littrell, but he may find it hard to reproduce last year’s success thanks to the graduation of all-state players Hunter Boone, Chase Bloodgood and Dilan Schweer. The Buffs also need to replace QB Justin Scott (721 yds., 10 TDs, 2 INTs) and four of the top five tacklers.

2019 Record: 4-5 / Central Kansas League

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Dillan Smith, QB, 6-3, 188, Sr.; Jace Snyder, RB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Taylor Martin, OL, 6-4, 285, Sr.; Josh Kramer, OL, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Luke Wilson, WR, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Trevor Bartz, LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Carlos Ibarra, LB, 6-2, 200, Jr.; Logan Erway, RB/LB, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Gunnar Cline, S, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Creighton Haney, S, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Kade Pontius, DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Fernando Herrera, K/KR, 5-10, 160, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jace Snyder, 71 car., 290 yds., 1 TD Passing: Dillan Smith, 86-115, 1,352 yds., 17 TDs Receiving: Luke Wilson, 8 rec., 77 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Logan Erway, 58 tackles Sacks: Trevor Bartz, 2 sacks Interceptions: Logan Erway, 2 INTs

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Defensively we will lose our entire starting defensive line, but return a good group of linebackers. Finding solid guys to play along the defensive line will be one of the main areas to address this off season.

Offensively, we return 2nd Team All CKL quarterback Dillan Smith and HM all CKL running back Jace Snyder along with tackle Taylor Martin. We have a good group of receivers that all possess adequate or Otis Jacobs is back for his third year as a starter after better speed so we have the opportunity to be a good rushing for nearly 700 yards and tallying 31 tackles offense as long as we find capable replacements for and two sacks. Junior Damien Kline is back after our three departed starters along the offensive line.” rushing for a third-best on the team 542 yards and 5 TDs. Second-leading tackler Colton McCammon Notes: Dilan Smith is poised for a big year after is also a junior and tallied 49 stops a year ago and adding two inches and 20 pounds this offseason. He Kline added 24 tackles and an interception. threw for 1,352 yards in just seven-and-a-half games.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

LINDSBORG-SMOKY VALLEY

2019 Record: 3-6 / Central Kansas League

MARYSVILLE

2019 record: 7-2 / North Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Tim Lambert (5th year, 32-19; 27th Head Coach: Dustin Heuer (8th year, 38-34) overall, 197-90) Assistants: James Henderson, Chris Assistants: Mitch Shepherd, Ben Wertenberger, McClure, Ben Elliott, Chuck Peters, Allan Meier Doug Minneman, Landon Wright, Christ Butler, Bert Lord Offense: I-Formation Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 15 Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Jake Lucas, QB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Returning lettermen: 15 Brandt Heble, CB/WR, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Kort Sjogren, Returning starters: Caden Brinegar, WR/S, 5-11, 170, OL/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Skyler Hopkins, OL/DL, 6-0, Sr.; Jon Haggard , NG, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Gavin Pieschl, 205, Sr.; Haven Lysell-Stewart, TE/LB, 6-4, 200, Jr.; WR/S, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Jackson Rader, TE/LB, 5-10, Brandon Malm, OL, 6-1, 260, Sr.; Tanner Luttig, OL/ 170, Sr.; Patrick Smith, LB, 5-10, 200, Jr. DL, 5-8, 205, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Patrick Smith, 308 yds., 5 TDs Rushing: Kort Sjogren, 42 car., 192 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Caden Brinegar, 19 rec., 226 yds.

Passing: Jake Lucas, 35-78, 443 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Jon Haggard, 40 tackles Receiving: Brandt Heble, 5 rec., 103 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Haven Lysell-Stewart, 66 tackles Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We want Sacks: Tanner Luttig, Haven Lyell-Stewart, 1 sack to make the most of the process of developing a new each nucleus of players. Our goals are consistently to imInterceptions: Brandt Heble, 1 INT prove from day to day and game to game. We want to be our best during district and postseason play.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We We expect to have a very competitive league and have some young men that have quality varsity district and our guys are excited for the opportunity experience and should be bigger, faster and stronger to step forward and take over the leadership roles than a year ago. We will need a significant number previously held by our kids who graduated. of young players to step up early in the season. Keys to a winning season will be getting stronger in the “We have to stay healthy and develop continuity. weight room and injuries throughout the season.

We will have a lot of new pieces, but I think our guys We will have to play very hard. Our determination to are hungry and ready for their turn for more snaps. prove ourselves will play a big role in our success.

We really need to emphasize our development from Getting off to a good start to the season could play a the mental side and need our players to use their big role in how we end up. We have a good blend of increased opportunities to develop confidence and experience and youth.” consistency.”

Notes: After graduating a load of experience and talent from a 10-1 squad in 2018 the Vikings were destined to take a step back last fall, and that’s just what they did, falling to 3-6. But with seven starters and 15 lettermen returning this fall veteran coach Tim Lambert will look to right the ship.

Notes: The Bulldogs cupboard was stocked with experience and talent entering last fall, but a one score loss to Jeff West ended their season early.

Now, coach Dustin Heuer has to rebuild his squad.

With just five returning starters he’ll look to new faces to continue the winning ways of the last four seasons.

2019 Record: 2-7 / Pioneer League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Independent

Head Coach: Rod Madden (9th year, 24-51) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Jeff Schibi (1st year) Assistants: Jaran Dixon, Rob Barcus, Anthony Houk, Raheeme Dumas, LaKaito Barr-Miller

OSAWATOMIE

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: N/A

PARSONS

Offense: Multiple Defense: 5-2 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Ethan Houk, QB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Ricky Ellis, OL/DL, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Tanner Barcus, WR/DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Joey Goldsmith, OL/DE, Coming off a rough 2018 season that saw 6-2, 220, Sr.; Cooper Woolworth, OL/DL/LB, 5-11, the Trojans go 0-9 and get outscored 369-63, Osawatomie saw a little bit of a bounce back in 2019. 225, Sr.; Julius Smith-Reece, WR/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Yusef Kindrick, RB, 5-9, 205, Sr.; Matt Ray, DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Gavin Salyers, DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Landon The Trojans finished with a 2-7 mark, beating Collins, LB, 5-8, 225, Sr.; Parsons 42-20 in Week 3 and capping the season with a 26-14 win over Baxter Springs in the finale.

Returning Statistical Leaders An improved offense was a big key to the strides Rushing: Yusef Kindrick, 423 yds., 7 TDs; Ethan Osawtomie made. The Trojans nearly tripled their Houk, 358 yds., 4 TDs scoring output from 63 points to 181 points. They were held to a touchdown or less just once, in a 55-7 Passing: Ethan Houk, 1,754 yds., 20 TDs Receiving: Tanner Barcus, 24 rec., 196 yds., 2 TDs; loss to Olpe in the opener.

Julius Smith-Reece, 18 rec., 191 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Ricky Ellis, 69 tackles In order to continue that momentum, Osawatomie will have to find new weapons as graduation claimed Sacks: Ricky Ellis, 2 sacks the bulk of last year’s production. Gone are running Interceptions: Tanner Barcus, Julius Smith-Reece, back Braden Bradshaw, who had 950 yards rushing 2 INTs each and seven touchdowns, as well as quarterback Boyd Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “I have Cole, who had nearly 1,000 combined rushing and high expectations for our guys. We’ve seen successpassing yards. ful programs in the past beat us with experienced seniors and that is exactly what we have. Contrary Junior Albert Lopez is the top returning rusher and to last season, senior leadership will be one of our had 174 yards and three touchdowns in just three team’s biggest strengths. We are expecting north of games.

15 seniors and each one has made an impact on the field the last two years. In addition, we have several The defense does return leading tackler Kaden returning starters and part time starters. Typically a Fields, who had 93 stops and also led the team first year coach would try to just be competitive and in sacks (3.5) and interceptions (2). He earned win a few games, but not me. I want our guys to first-team All-Pioneer League honors defensively and also was a second-team all-league pick on the play with confidence. In order for us to do that, their coaching staff has to be positive and confident as offensive line. well as that rubs off on the players.”

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Page 88

2019 Record: 8-2 / Big 7

2019 Record: 4-5 / Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Steve Johnson (14th year, 70-63) Assistants: Dan Hypse, Justin Schwinn, Kevin Vanderbilt

Head Coach: John Wellman (2nd year, 6-12; 9th overall, 46-31) Assistants: Reggie Langford, Braden Schultz, Jarred Westmoreland, Shaheem Sanders, Swain Williams

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 16 Returning starters: Danny Saili, OL/DL, 6-3, 340, Jr.; Pene Saili, FB/LB, 6-1, 245, Sr.; Brayden Abrams, RB/DE, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Josh Broxterman, WR/DB, 6-3, 205, Sr.; Carson Brading, WR/DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Kaden Stones, WR/DB, 5-10, 155, Jr.; Spencer Saili, OL/DL, 6-0, 315, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Tackles: Pene Saili, 106 tackles Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We return a very talented and experienced group of kids for 2019 that includes 17 seniors. Quarterback responsibilities will be up for grabs with junior Kaden Stones the frontrunner headed into the season.

Stones is a very good athlete that will provide another excellent dual-threat QB for the Tigers. With the return of key linemen and great size up front Jeff West will look to the run game to provide much of their offense. (We) really feel that our kids have responded well during the off-season and are hungry to make another strong run in 2020.”

Notes: The Tigers graduated a pair of talented skill players in quaterback Quinn Neuenswander and running back Bryce Clements, but the defense returns Pene and Danny Saili, two of 3A’s top defenders, to help keep opponents off the scoreboard while new offensive weapons are developed.

Offense: N/A Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: Matt Monroe, LT, 6-0, 190, So.; Sam Logan, LG/DE, 5-10, 210, Jr.; Eric Malecki, C/ LB, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Conner Damato, RB/SS, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Xavior White, DT, 6-1, 285, Sr.; Alex Yott, LB, 5-9, 210, Sr.; Brayden Miller, WS, 6-4, 170, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Tackles: Alex Yott, 70 tackles Sacks: Alex Yott, 6.5 sacks Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We will be better at every position on offense except for wide receiver. Our offensive line will be greatly improved this year. We return three starters and they are all good and experienced players. We have moved Alex Yott from fullback to right guard. He is the strongest player on our team and will be quick and explosive at the guard position. At right tackle we will have Michael Schnieder back. Michael missed his junior season with a torn ACL. As a sophomore he was the best lineman on our team. We lost three starters in our backfield but their three replacements are probably more athletic and much faster overall.

“We have also added Phillipe Manga as a transfer.

Phillipe has never played football before, but he is the fastest player on our team and will be very good in space. A big key for the offense will be staying healthy at the fullback and quarterback positions as we are not deep there.

The meat of the Jeff West schedule is very manageable, but a season opening test with a loaded Perry-Lecompton squad and a pair of Big 7 games “We have switched to the 4-2-5 this year because it against powers Sabetha and Holton to close the year allows us to get a lot of speed on the field. We have will tell the Tigers where they stand in 3A. moved two starting defensive linemen from last year to linebackers in Alex Yott and Eric Malecki. We expect to be physical with our defensive front and inside backers. Our safeties and corners can all run.

2019 Record: 9-4 / Big 7 The big key for us will be safeties that can run the alley and tackle in space.”

Head Coach: Mike Paramore (20th year, 100-88) Assistants: Caleb Denton, Jordan Allen, Mitch McPherson, Mike Kelley, Jared Swafford 2019 Record: 2-7 / Central Kansas League Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Head Coach: Brent Hoelting (2nd year, 2-7; 7th overReturning lettermen: 16 all, 39-22) Assistants: Anthony Brown, Tyler Strong, Returning starters: Hayden Robb, G/LB, Sr.; Sean Urban, T/DL, Sr.; Thad Metcalfe, RB/SS, Sr.; William Jason Gallagher, Larry Eisenhauer, Lance Sorensen Welch, QB, Sr.; Parker Stone, WR/P, Sr.; Dawson Williams, WR/FS, Sr.; Hunter Hess, TE, Sr.; Wesley Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 10 Monaghan, G/DL, Jr.; Ryley Besler, LB, Sr.; Brad Returning starters: Jake Deda, OL, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Robb, CB, Sr.; Caidon Quinlan, CB, Sr. Jesus Ornelas, DT, 5-11, 255, Jr.; Trevor Stimatze, DT, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Jesus Acosta, DB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Returning Statistical Leaders Bryce Winsor, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Easton Rector, Rushing: Thad Metcalfe, 1,364 yds., 14 TDs OL/LB, 5-8, 210, So.; Eli Staats, OL, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Passing: William Welch, 2,316 yds., 27 TDs Devon Weber, QB/LB, 5-7, 140 Sr.; Blake Coss, QB, Receiving: Dawson Williams, 41 rec., 682 yds., 6 5-7, 130, Jr. TDs; Parker Stone 36 rec., 637 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Hayden Robb, 91 tackles Returning Statistical Leaders Sacks: Ryley Besler, 4.5 sacks Rushing: Devon Weber, 104 car., 583 yds., 8 TDs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “With a Passing: Blake Coss, 45-112, 586 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Bryce Winsor, 62 tackles large amount of returning players who are hungry Sacks: Trevor Stimatze, 2 sacks and wanting to build on last year’s run to the state championship game, we are looking forward to the Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We had challenge of the 2020 football season. Believe we have good depth in skill positions on both sides of the quite a few underclassmen get to experience Friday ball, but will need to have some younger guys step night football last year due to injuries and earned playing time. This should help us hit the ground runup to provide help on both offensive and defensive lines. Our guys understand they will be wearing the ning, especially being in year two of a new system.

The CKL is one of the best leagues in the state, bullseye this year and will need to be ready to take and this year will be no different. We will focus on everyone’s best shot. Last year we flew under the radar, but people will be gunning for us so it is imper- getting better every day and putting the best possible product on the field that we can on Friday nights.” ative we prepare and execute at a high level.”

PERRY-LECOMPTON

PRATT

Notes: This team is absolutely loaded with speedy playmakers and quarterback William Welch has the opportunity for another outstanding season. Hayden Robb is one of 3A’s top defenders. The Kaws are the favorite to return to the title game from the East.

Notes: The Greenbacks were bound to take a step back last year following graduation of a talented senior class led by Travis Theis, but nine starters return, along with Skyline transfer Enoch Walton, to improve on last season’s two wins.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

RILEY COUNTY

RUSSELL

SABETHA

SCOTT CITY

2109 Record: 6-3 / Big 7

Page 89

2019 Record: 9-3 / Mid-East League

2019 Record: 1-8 / Mid Continent League

2019 Record: 8-3 / Great West Activities Conference

Head Coach: Steve Wagner (37th year, 260-124) Assistants: Erik Willimon, Derek Winter, Jason Klein, Ian Peters

Head Coach: Otis Hendryx (2nd year, 1-8; 21st over- Head Coach: Garrett Michael (12th year) all, 63-81) Assistants: Mike Wilhelm, Luke Keller, Assistants: Nathan Bauman, Alex McAfee, Kaleb Christen Ozorez, Sean Tuttle Moeller, Josh Wertenberger

Head Coach: Jim Turner (5th year, 36-8) Assistants: Brian Gentry, Landon Frank, Todd Richardson, Michael McEachern, Dakota Hayes

Offense: Shotgun Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 23 Returning starters: Avery Holle, SE/TE/OLB, 185, Sr.; Nic Allen, WR/RB/DB, 180, Sr.; Trey Harmison, WR/DB, 160, Jr.; Kobe Stadel, T, 240, Sr.; Konner Stadel, G, 190, Jr.; Jack White, T/DL, 210, Sr.; Ethan Bohnenblust, C, 250, Sr; Connor Holle, OLB, 185, Sr.; Korin Koenig, DB, 170, Jr.; Bryan Hopper, LB, 185, Sr.; Derrick Duncan, DL, 270, Sr.; Taylor Schroeder, LB, 190, Sr.

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-5-3 Returning lettermen: 22 Returning starters: Jesse Whitmer, RB/S, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Jacob Windholtz, RB/OLB, 5-7, 155 Jr.; Tyler Moresco, OL/MLB, 5-10 190, Jr.; Larius Windzerling, FB/OLB, 6-0, 205 Jr.; Andew Roth, QB/CB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Logan Keller, OL/LB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Brayden Gibson, E/CB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Brayden Ford, OL/DL, 6-0, 260, Sr.; Blake Hoss, OL/DL, 6-2, 250, Jr.; Josh Sohm, E/OLB, 6-3, 180, Jr.

Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: Harrison King, QB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Loren Faurot, HB/LB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Blaine Culp, SE/ FS, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Kevin Serrano, CB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Colten Cupp, OT, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Gabe Bowers, OG/ DT, 5-10, 265, Sr.; Sawyer Stevens, FB/DE, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Dutch Turner, C, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Jeffery Nix, G/LB, 5-8, 190, Sr.; Isaac Tarango, CB/SE, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Taylor Heili, T, 5-11, 250, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Trey Harmison, 47 car., 354 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Connor Holle, 3-4, 39 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Trey Harmison, 44 rec., 716 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Bryan Hopper, 70 tackles Sacks: Bryan Hopper, 1 sack Interceptions: Trey Harmison, Taylor Schroeder, 3 INTs each

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing:Jesse Whitmer, 444 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Andrew Roth, 6 yds.

Receiving: Jesse Whitmer, 118 yds.

Tackles: Jesse Whitmer, 84 tackles Sacks: Jacob Windholtz, 4 sacks Interceptions: 3 returners with 1 INT each

Notes: Veteran head coach Steve Wagner enters his 37th season at Riley County after a 9-3 finish last fall. Wagner welcomes back 12 players with starting experience, including his leading tackler and receiver, but must replace school record-breaking QB Garrett Harmison (3,300 career passing yards, 39 career passing TDs), leading rusher Deon Barnes (1,163 yards rushing) and standout DB/WR Avery Brokenicky (7 INTs, 32 rec., 596 yards, 10 TDs). RC is just two years removed from a state runner-up finish to Phillipsburg in 2018. The Falcons have posted at least seven wins in each of the last three seasons and haven’t finished below .500 since a 4-6 finish in 2013.

Notes: Bronco coach Otis Hendryx welcomes back plenty of experience to help improve on last year’s lone victory, most notably junior running back/ linebacker Jesse Whitmer. One of the fastest players in class 3A, Whitmer backed up his 79 tackles as a freshman with 84 tackles last fall to again lead the team. He also improved his rushing numbers from 256 yards and one touchdown as a freshman to 444 yards and three scores last fall. Senior wide receiver/ defensive back Brayden Gibson also returns after earning postseason honors in football and basketball.

The junior class is a strength with eight starters back.

Offense: Splitback Veer Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: Drew Schmelzle, TE/LB, 6-4, 210, Sr.; Brycen Hartley, OL/DL, 6-4, 230, Sr.; Kaden Dillon, QB/DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Michael Gugelman, RB/DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Kaleb Evans, OL/DL, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Noah Nonnast, WR/DB, 6-1, 185, Thadd Menold, RB/LB, 6-0, 210, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Michael Gugelman, 64 car., 335 yds., 4 TDs; Receiving: Drew Schmelzle, 21 rec., 316 yds., 4 Returning Statistical Leaders TDs; Tackles: Drew Schmelzle, 66 tackles Rushing: Loren Faurot, 11 car., 76 yds.; Jace Thomas, 5 car., 31 yds., 1 TD Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: Passing: Harrison King, 36-77, 482 yds., 1 TD “Everything stays the same: faith, family and football, Receiving: Loren Faurot, 2 rec., 72 yds., 1 TD get better every weight room rep, every practice Tackles: Gabe Bowers, 68 tackles; Blaine Cup, 53 rep, every game rep and the next game is the most tackles; Loren Faurot, 44 tackles important because it is our next game. If we can Sacks: Gabe Bowers, 5 sacks do those things, this season will be a success. Our Interceptions: Isaac Trango, Kevin Serrano, 2 INTs summer weight program has been outstanding and each the upperclassmen are leading the charge.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Team Notes: Sabetha dropped a 35-0 contest to Hayden to goals are to develop leadership and grow as a team.” close out the year 6-3 and miss posting at least one playoff victory for the first time since 2013. Gone is Notes: Scott City lost to Colby for the first time in 15 versatile multi-year standout Gabe Garber, now at contests in a double overtime thriller in Week 7 last KU, but back is DI prospect Drew Schmelzle and six fall, but still posted a playoff win and went 8-3. Coach other starters. The Bluejays schedule now includes Jim Turner welcomes back 11 players with starting Chapman in place of Marysville and Rock Creek in experience and the Beavers should join Southeast of place of Wamego.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

ST. GEORGE-ROCK CREEK

TOPEKA-HAYDEN

2019 Record: 3-6 / Mid-East League

2019 Record: 10-2 / Centennial League

Head Coach: Shane Sieben (2nd year, 3-6) Assistants: Garin Beam, Monte Spiller, Patrick Bramhall, Justin Smith, Jason Lierz

Head Coach: Bill Arnold (14th year, 118-42; 21st overall, 174-59) Assistants: Wes Meier, Chuck Thompson, Eddie Kidd, Raymond Gragg, Howard Tush, Jordan Mullin

WICHITA COLLEGIATE

2019 Record: 6-4 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. IV

Page 90

WICHITA-TRINITY ACADEMY

2019 Record: 0-9 / Central Plains League

Head Coach: Troy Black (2nd year, 6-4; 6th overall, Head Coach: Wes Miller (3rd year, 1-17) 33-17) Assistants: Bill Messamore, Jeff Boone, Cam Assistants: Lewis Redmond, Joe Dvorak, Phil Broz Clark, Jason Ramsey, Brandon Russell Offense: Pro Style Defense: 3-4 Offense: Spread Power Defense: 4-3/3-4 Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 27 Returning starters: David Spencer, WR/DB, 5-10, Returning starters: Charlie Killingsworth, QB, Sr.; Returning lettermen: 30 Returning starters: Drew Charbonneau, FB/LB, 162, Sr.; Jack Adams, RB/LB, 5-10, 162, Sr.; Brooks Whaley, WR/RB, Sr.; Dawson Zenger, WR, Returning starters: Desmond Purnell, RB/FS, 6-1, 5-11, 185, So.; Kobe Turner, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Fontaine Dixon (Wichita Southeast transfer), RB/ Sr.; Tyler Bailey, OL, Sr.; Dayton Trent, RB, Sr.; Cody 210, Sr.; Trey Pivarnik, TE/WR/DE, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Charlie Goree, WR/DB, 6-3, 165, Jr.; Jacob Chugg, LB, 5-9, 205, Sr.; Trent Wills, OL/DL, 5-9, 195, Sr.; Louquet, OL, Sr.; Caden Vinduska, DE, Sr.; Ben Will DeVader, FB/LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; T.C. Thompson, WR/DB, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Nate Voegeli, WR/DB, 5-10, Keshawn Martin, WR/DB, 5-11, 155, Jr.; Elliott Wick, DE, Sr.; Ro Blount, DE, Sr.; Connor Richards, RB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Jack Konrade, RB, 5-10, 165, 175, Jr.; Jack Duarte, K, 6-2, 165, So.; Nick Herrman, Cozine, TE/LB, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Jed Buckert, OL, 5-11, LB, Sr.; Drew Burenheide, LB, Sr.; Yanci Spiller, DB, Sr.; Clayton Stephenson, OL, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Aidan OL/DL, 6-0, 230, Jr.; Clay Gagnon, OL/DL/K, 5-7, 165, Jr. So.; Brandon Geyer, DB, Sr. Colter, OL, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Skyler Specht, FS, 5-11, 220, Jr.; Jack Herrman, OL/DL, 6-4, 285, Jr.; George 150, Sr.; Jayden Rainer, DE, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Jordan Bunting, TE/OLB, 6-2, 185, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Returning Statistical Leaders Rainer, LB, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Tim Wells, DT, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Rushing: N/A Rushing: Charlie Killingsworth, 113 car., 485 yds., 7 Johnny Holloway, QB, 5-10, 165, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Passing: N/A TDs; Passing: Charlie Killingsworth, 108-202, 1,462 Rushing: Jacob Chugg Receiving: N/A yds., 10 TDs Returning Statistical Leaders Passing: *Nate Voegeli, 24-65, 349 yds., 5 TDs, 6 Tackles: Fontaine Dixon, 76 tackles; David Spencer, Receiving: Brooks Whaley, 55 rec., 668 yds., 7 TDs Rushing: Desmond Purnell, 102 car., 731 yds., 10 INTs; Receiving: Wesley Fair, 14 rec., 271 yds., 4 44 tackles; Elliott Cozine, 35 tackles Tackles: Connor Richards, 100 tackles TDs; Will DeVader, 85 car., 498 yds., 10 TDs; Jack TDs; Tackles: Drew Charbonneau, 64 tackles Sacks: N/A Konrade, 82 car., 638 yds., 10 TDs Sacks: George Bunting, 3 sacks Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Lots Passing: Johnny Holloway, 70-95, 820 yds., 12 TDs Interceptions: *Nate Voegeli, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “This of talent and returners. Vinduska, Richards, and Receiving: Trey Pivarnik, 239 yds., 4 TDs; Desmond year’s Trinity team will be a younger team. We have Burenheide will anchor the defense - all great lead- Purnell, 268 yds., 4 TDs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “With the six starters returning on offense and six returning ers! Offensively, Killingsworth is back for third year at Tackles: Jordan Rainer, 90 tackles; Jayden Rainer, returners we have coming back, we feel we should starters on defense. Our team speed will be good quarterback and has great weapons.”

51 tackles; Desmond Purnell, 48 tackles make a push into the playoffs. We have good depth across the board, but we are not a very heavy team Sacks: Jayden Rainer, 11 sacks and some good young kids that will fill in the spots up front on the offensive and defensive line. As a Notes: The Mustangs appear poised for improvement Interceptions: Desmond Purnell, 3 INTs we need filled. Our district is going to be very tough, team we will look to control the tempo on offense and with 12 senior starters returning. Three-year starting but it was last year as well. That experience should keep our defense off the field.” quarterback Charlie Killingsworth should be one Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Very help us out. We have to pass the ball better and of the best in the Mid-East League and he’ll look excited to see how much progress we have made defend the pass better. We need to do these things Notes: Trinity has won just one game in the past two to throw to Brooks Whaley early and often. The with the number of younger players that saw varsity better if we are going to get to where we want to go.” seasons.

Wichita Southeast transfer Fontaine Dixon locations in Dodge City, Mustangs play a daunting schedule that starts with action a year ago. With a seasoned group returning will be expected to carry the bulk of the load offenMEL powers Silver Lake and Rossville then jumps we are excited to see this group exercise their Notes: At press time it was reported that Nate Voegeli sively and on defense for theand Knights Liberal! after starting for Garden City into a district led by Sabetha, Jeff West and Holton. leadership early on.” would not play football this fall. the 6A Buffaloes last fall.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

Page 91

Others: Cimarron, Hillsboro, Hoisington, Norton, Pittsburg-St. Mary’s Colgan

By Brent Maycock, Topeka Capital-Journal Three weeks into the 2019 season, not one single person in the state would have predicted Nemaha Central and Norton would meet for the Class 2A state championship.

Both teams were 1-2 — Norton starting the season 0-2 with losses to 1A powers Plainville and Smith Center and Nemaha Central dropping games to 3A playoff qualifiers Sabetha and Holton.

But it’s not how you start, but how you finish, and both teams came on strong. Norton avenged a 38-7 district loss to undefeated and No. 1 Hoisington with a 10-8 upset in the state semifinals to reach the title game, while Nemaha Central ripped off 10 straight wins after its slow start, the last of those a 19-0 shutout of Norton in the title game to capture the first championship in program history.

While each return key pieces from their title game teams, 2A looks as wide open as ever this year with no clear-cut favorite. The 2A championship game has seen four different teams in its two-year existence and odds are two new teams will get there this year.

The last team to show staying power atop the class could very well be the team to beat. Rossville won three straight 3A titles from 2014-16 and was a 29-21 overtime loss to Nemaha Central in the second round from potentially making a deep run again.

The Bulldawgs finished 7-3 overall and despite losing All-2A lineman Kody Davoren return almost everyone else, including the bulk of their skill players. Sophomore quarterback Torrey Horak, younger brother of two-time All-Stater Tucker Horak, had a breakout season

Photo by Fran Reitz

Photo by Everett Royer

Jared Baxa [Republic County] 5-10, 180, RB/LB, Sr.; 1,332 yds., 19 TDs Domenic Bevilacqua [Pittsburg-St. Mary’s Colgan] 5-10, 230, FB/DL, Sr.; 77 car., 535 yds., 9 TDs Nathan Deters [Nemaha Central] 6-3, 240, Sr.; HM All-Big 7 OL/DL, 4 sacks Anthony Hays [Garden Plain] 5-11, 200, OL/LB, Sr.; 68 tkls., 2 INTs Torrey Horak [Rossville] 5-10, 165, QB/CB, Jr.; 2,200 total yds., 33 total TDs

1. Rossville 2. Nemaha Central 3. Garden Plain 4. Silver Lake 5. Beloit

*Publisher’s Note: At press time, it was not clear how coronavirus cancellations and postponements might fully impact football in the smaller classifications. A number of teams reported the enrollment of transfers from larger districts and several schools were reporting delays to practice following positive tests or outbreaks.

The information below, and in the pages that follow, may serve as a “what might have been” look at a 2020 season that remains in jeopardy in many parts of the state.

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Tate Seabolt

KANSAS PREGAME CLASS 2A PRESEASON RANKINGS*

12 PLAYERS TO WATCH Nathan Deters

Domenic Bevilacqua

Class 2A

in his first year starting, throwing for 1,007 yards and 17 TDs and rushing for 1,214 yards and 16 TDs. He’s got strong complements in Woodrow Rezac (828 yards, 10 TDs rushing), Tyree Sowers (636 yards, 7 TDs rushing) and Bo Reeves (512 yards, 8 TDs receiving).

Nemaha Central had been knocking on the door for years, running into Rossville twice during its title runs. Now that the Thunder have reached the top, the task is staying there.

Gone are All-3A linebacker Bryce Uphaus and lineman Brad Schmitz as well as starting quarterback Dylan Schultejans and leading rusher Gavin Duryea. Tyler Gerety was a defensive leader for a team that picked off 28 passes last year and could move from receiver to fill the void at quarterback.

Even with a change at the top, don’t expect much to change for Garden Plain, which consistently is among the top challengers for the state title. Last year was no different as the Owls went 10-1, the lone loss coming to No. 1 Hoisington in the quarterfinals.

Veteran coach Dan Adelhardt takes over the program, replacing Ken Dusenbury who left for Andover. Adelhardt enters his 23rd year overall and most recently was at Kapaun.

He inherits a team that early on will lean heavily on a defense that returns eight starters led by All-2A linebacker Anthony Hays. He’s also a standout on the offensive line, but the Owls only return two other starters on that side of the ball and lost do-it-all quarterback Matt Pauly, who accounted for nearly 2,000 yards of total offense and 37 TDs. Dan’s son Reed, an honorable mention GWAL player a year ago for Kapaun, will play running back/linebacker for the Owls.

A fixture in the state championship for nearly a decade in the early 2000s, Silver Lake hasn’t played for a title since winning it all in 2013. The Eagles have only lost two games in the past two years, each playoff quarterfinal losses to a Riley County team they beat during the regular season.

A stingy defense that allowed just 6.9 points per game and posted five straight shutouts keyed last year’s success and returns five starters led by linebacker Trent Reamer. Eight starters return offen-

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Here are 12 players to watch in Class 2A this fall:

Matthew Potucek [Hillsboro] 5-11, 175, QB/LB, Jr.; 2,500 total yds., 34 total TDs Braden Rucker [Eureka] 6-4, 240, OL/DL, Sr.; All Grasslands, All-District Jonah Ruder [Norton] 6-1, 190, WR/DB, Sr.; 40 rec., 653 yds., 3 TDs, 1 INT Tate Seabolt [Cimarron] 5-10, 205, RB/LB, Sr.; 2,700 career rush yds., 34 TDs Will Shawver [Riverton] 5-10, 183, RB/LB, Sr.; 1,200 yds. rushing Ty Sides [Phillipsburg] 5-10, 160, QB/DB, Sr.; 1,500 total yds., 19 TDs Brennan Walker [Beloit] 6-2, 190, TE/DE, Jr.; 39 tkls., 6 TFLs, 4 sacks

sively, including four on the line, but the Eagles must replace 1,800yard passer Cody Hay. Beloit moves down from Class 3A after going 7-4 and reaching the state quarterfinals last year. Graduation claimed All-3A lineman Creighton Johnson and leading tackler and rusher Carson Cox, but seven starters are back led by all-league linemen Grady Seyfert and Braden Burks and emerging playmaker Brennan Walker.

Belle Plaine had a breakthrough season last year, going 8-2 with its lone losses coming to Eureka and Garden Plain. The Dragons will look to back it up this year and return defensive standouts in Gerardo Rathburn (100 tackles) and Eli Wiseman (4 INTs).

Cimarron won its first nine games last year before a 34-6 loss to Norton in the second round of the playoffs ended the Bluejays’ run. Cimarron will miss leading rusher/receiver Payton Marshall, but return two-way standout Tate Seabolt who led the team in tackles with 100 and also ran for 828 yards and 15 TDs. A perennial power in Class 2-1A and then 1A, Colgan jumps up to 2A this season. The Panthers reached the 1A quarterfinals last year, finishing the season 7-4 after getting off to a 1-3 start. A senior class that saw significant time as sophomores should make the transition to 2A a successful one. Senior linebacker Kannon Keller led the team in tackles last year, while the duo of Domenic Bevilacqua and Blaise Dawson combined for nearly 1,300 rushing yards.

Hoisington had the look of a team ready to win its first-ever state championship last year, rolling through the regular season without a game closer than 24 points. But after reeling off 11 straight wins, including a 48-22 rout of undefeated Garden Plain, the Cardinals were stunned in the state semifinals by Norton.

The Cardinals must reload for a similar run this year and have a massive hole on both sides of the ball with the graduation of AllStater Wyatt Pedigo, who ran for more than 2,300 yards and 37 TDs last year and more than 5,100 yards in his career. Seven starters return defensively, giving the Cardinals plenty of experience to build upon.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

ANTHONY/HARPER-CHAPARRAL ATCHISON-MAUR HILL MT. ACAD.

2019 Record: 4-5 / Central Plains League

2019 Record: 6-3 / Northeast Kansas League

BELLE PLAINE

2019 Record: 8-2 / Central Plains League

Head Coach: Jordan Moshier (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: Jody Iams, Joel Gerber, JC Zahradnik, Tyler Clubine, Clay Wilcox

Head Coach: Brandon Wilkes (4th year, 12-15; 10th Head Coach: Colton Koenigs (1st year, 8-2) overall, 38-44) Assistants: David Polei, Todd Caudle, Assistants: Storm Scott, Blake Pontius, Chase Martin Michael Galley, Josh Pound, Matthew Rich Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: 4-3 Offense: Shotgun Wing-T Defense: 3-4 Offense: Spread Defense: 5-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning lettermen: 10 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: Eli Wiseman, DB, Sr.; Austin Returning starters: Jack Francis, RB/DB, 5-9, 155, Returning starters: Andrew Schwinn, RB/LB. 5-10, Hilton, WR, Sr.; Tim Bible, DB, Sr.; Caleb Steele, So.; Alec Pfaff, TE/LB, 6-3, 175, Jr.; Kaden Harding, 185, Sr.; Drew Caudle, WR/CB, 6-1, 160,. Jr.; RB, Sr.; Jaxson Carriker, DL, Sr.; Nolan Reynolds, TE/LB, 6-3, 175, Jr.; Austin Clark, RB, 5-10, 155, Shane Sachse, OL/DE/TE, 6-3, 195, Sr.; Samuel OL/DL, Jr.; Colby Barton, Jr.; Enrique Montano, Sr.; So.; Dallton Blair, LB,6-0, 185, Jr.; Aaron Hartson, Underwood, OL/DL, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Willie Kesinger, Brecken McGinnis, Jr.; Brycent Ashley, Sr. DL, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Harley Acord, OL, 5-11, 240, Sr.; OL/DL, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Grant Kocour, WR/S. 6-1, Carson Gates, OL/DL, 5-11, 250, So.; Eli Gates, OL/ 160, Sr.; Brady Pound, OL/DL, 6-0, 215, Jr.; Brody Returning Statistical Leaders DL, 6-2, 230, So. Mispagel, DB/WR. 5-8, 150, Sr.; Jake Peltzer, OL/LB, Rushing: Eli Wiseman, 492 yards, 10 TDs 5-10, 165, Sr. Passing: Colby Barton, 119 yards, 0 TDs Returning Statistical Leaders Receiving: Austin Hilton, 253 yards, 3 TDs Rushing: Jack Francis, 92 car., 441 yds., 6 TDs Returning Statistical Leaders Sacks: Caleb Steele, 8 sacks Receiving: Kaden Harding, 7 rec., 192 yds.

Rushing: Andrew Schwinn, 102 car., 699 yds., 11 Interceptions: Tim Bible, 4 INTs Tackles: Jack Francis, 60 tackles TDs; Receiving: Grant Kocour, 26 rec., 528 yds., 7 Interceptions: Jack Francis, 3 INTs TDs; Tackles: Andrew Schwinn, 113 tackles Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We Sacks: Willie Kesinger, 2 sacks expect to continue the success of last season and Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Many Interceptions: Drew Caudle, 2 INTs continue to build a program to consistently compete players are returning with a significant amount of each season. We are returning nine defensive and varsity level experience. We return the majority of Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Team ten offensive starters. We will continue to build our offensive and defensive linemen. We will still be goals are to win the district championship, make confidence and toughness to establish the belief we a very young team, starting mostly sophomores and a playoff run, and defend the league title. Keys to can play football at a high level. As long as the kids juniors on both sides of the ball.” success are taking better care of the football, winning come eager to learn and work hard, that’s all we can close games, establishing the run and stopping the ask for.”

Notes: Jordan Moshier enters his second year with run on defense.” the Roadrunners and welcomes back nine starters, Notes: The Dragons return several key pieces from with just one of those seniors. If Moshier, the son of Notes: The Ravens must replace two of the a breakout season last fall. The eight wins were the former state champion Meade coach Scott Moshier, program’s all-time great players in QB Jack Caudle most since a 5-4 record in 2011 and in that span the can continue to develop his young offensive line, and LB Abe Siebenmorgen. Caudle passed for over Dragons won more than two games in a year just Chappy could find a couple more wins this fall.

7,000 yards as a four-year starter with 90 TDs and 28 once, a 4-5 finish in 2018.

INTs. Siebenmorgen recorded more than 110 tackles in each of the last two seasons and 335 in his career “Never expected to have that kind of success as a with 42.5 career tackles for loss. But the Ravens first year head coach,” Koenigs said. “All I was trying 2019 Record: 7-4 / North Central Activities Assoc. do have some returning pieces, most notably RB/ to do was establish a consistent culture and get the Head Coach: Brad Gober (4th year, 19-11) LB Andrew Schwinn who recorded 113 tackles and kids to believe that they could play football at a high Assistants: Kevin Harris, Garry Lowry, Brock McMillan, almost 700 yards rushing. Jack’s younger brother level. That program had not seen success in several Casey Seyfert Drew Caudle, a junor, and sophomore Mark Harris years so building confidence and toughness was a will battle for the quarterback spot. key point in our success last year.”

Offense: Pro Gun Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Grady Seyfert, OL/DL, 6-2, 255, 2019 Record: 9-1 / Great West Activities Conference 2019 Record: 7-3 / Three Rivers League So.; Cameron Konkel, OL/DL, 5-9, 215, Jr.; Jackson Rexroat, LB/RB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Brycn Corbett, WR, Head Coach: Mike Schartz (2nd year, 9-1) Head Coach: Nick Cheney (1st year) 6-0, 200, Sr.; Owen Eilert, DB, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Braden Assistants: Ashley Seabolt, Casey Flax, Austin Assistants: Ryan Wydick Burks, OL/LB, 5-9, 205, Jr.; Brennan Walker, DL/TE, Stebens, Jonah McKee 6-2, 190, Jr. Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Offense: Shotgun Wing T Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning Statistical Leaders Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Zaden Hendricks, RB/LB, 6-0, Rushing: Tate Kadel, 3 car., 8 yds.

Returning starters: Braxton Harrison, QB/CB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Micah Uber, OL/DL, 6-1, 285, Sr.; Passing: N/A Hunter Newcomb, OL/DL, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Ty Cummins, 180, Jr.; Tate Seabolt, RB/LB, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Receiving: Brenna Walker, 6 rec., 106 yds., 3 TDs OL/DL, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Kyan Applegate, WR/DB, 5-8, Seth Ridenour, WR/LB, 6-1,185, Sr.; Andrew Tackles: Braden Burks, 51 tackles Ridenour, WR/S, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Hunter Renick, HB/DL, 169, Sr.; Kaden Fox, WR/DB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Cullen Sacks: Brennan Walker, 4 sacks Mutz, RB/LB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Cooper Hamblin, RB/LB, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Clay Frink, OL/LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Charles Interceptions: Caylen Chancellor, Owen Eilert, 1 INT 6-1, 180, Jr.; Nate Jacobs, QB/LB, 5-10, 168, Jr.; Salyer, WR/CB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; each Damion Woods, OL/LB, 5-10, 218, Jr.; Ryan Wilkins, J.J. Bogner, OL/DE, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Tanner Bailey, OL/ OL/DL, 6-2, 235, Jr.; Brandon Favazzi, OL/DL, 5-10, DL, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Michael Feltman, LB, 6-2, 200, Jr. Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We will be a young team this upcoming fall with the loss of 12 185, Jr.; Cash Windsor, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders seniors off our sectional runner-up team. However, Rushing: Tate Seabolt, 828 yds. we played a lot of sophomores last year and we have Returning Statistical Leaders Passing: Braxton Harrison, 465 yds.

Rushing: Zaden Hendricks, 1,311 total yds. a very talented group of kids who will be sophomores Receiving: Charles Salyer, 107 yds.

Tackles: Micah Uber, 55 tackles this fall. We will have a good size up front and good Tackles: Tate Seabolt, 100 tackles quickness in the backfield. I expect our young kids to Sacks: Michael Feltman, 4 sacks grow this year and I expect them to improve each and Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: Interceptions: Clay Frink, 1 INT “I think last year we learned how to play as a team every week. We have a talented thrower at QB (Owen – believing in your brothers on the left and right Eilert) with three WRs who played for us last fall.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We – we are growing and learning as a team. Players have quite a few returning starters on both sides of know that each practice is important and each Notes: The Trojans graduated the only QB who the ball. We are joining the (GWAC) this year, so our game is important. Younger players are learning the schedule early on will tell us a lot about ourselves and completed a pass last year (Hudson Gray), the only importance of belonging to something bigger and three ball carriers who rushed for more than 12 yards where improvement needs to happen. Our goal for and the only three receivers who caught more than six better than yourself.” the team is to have a successful season to where we passes. The defense returns plenty of quality young can extend our season past Week 10. That week has players, however, and those athletes will also become Notes: Nick Cheney takes over for Jerrad Hansen been a stumbling block for us.” who led the Lancers to the same amount of wins last the primary producers on offense. Beloit also picked up a talented senior transfer in St. John’s Beloit/Tipton fall (seven) as he did in the previous five seasons Notes: Except for a 17-14 victory over Lakin that back Anthony Henke who will provide athleticism and combined. Cheney inherits a roster with 13 returning delivered a Hi-Plains League title in the Bluejays final starters and looks to lead the Lancers to similar game experience. season in the league, Cimarron was mostly untested success as a year ago. The offense could be potent in the regular season. A promising season came to with running back Zaden Hendricks running behind The Trojans may also benefit from the classificaa screeching halt with a 34-0 playoff loss to eventual an experienced offensive line. Defensive lineman tion change to 2A. While they play in one of the 2A runner-up Norton. The trio of Tate Seabolt, Hunter tougher districts in the classification with Norton and Micah Uber returns to lead the defense after tallying Renick and Braxton Harrison gives the Bluejays one Hoisington 2A is not nearly as deep as 3A and could 55 tackles a season ago. of the top backfields in 2A, and they’ll need it as they put the Trojans in position to make a playoff run. open with Holcomb, Colby and Scott City.

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Page 93

BELLEVILLE-REPUBLIC COUNTY

2019 Record: 2-8 / North Central Activities Assoc.

Head Coach: Faron Kraft (3rd year, 2-17) Assistants: John Burke, Dakota Breuer, Chris Zach Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: Cody Dahl, QB/LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Kaleb Talkington, RB/DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Jared Baxa, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Tyler Stindt, TE/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Quintin Beeson, OL/DL, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Nevan Benyshek, RB/LB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Brody Boyer, QB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Blake Aurand, WR/LB, 6-3, 200, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jared Baxa, 1,332 yds., 19 TDs; Kaleb Talkington, 539 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Brody Boyer, 450 yds., 4 TDs Receiving: Blake Aurand, 150 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Tyler Stindt, 66 tackles; Nevan Benyshek, 63 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our main goal in 2020 is to improve on last year by being able to finish games. We lost too many close games last year in the fourth quarter. We are returning all of our skill players and in our opinion one of the best backfields in 2A, but have to replace most of our offensive line. Defensively we lose a couple of big keys but return most of the defense.”

Notes: The Buffs were competitive in all losses except the two to Smith Center. The final record could have been very different with one-point losses to Ellsworth, La Crosse and Ell-Saline and a 12-point loss to Plainville. With top running backs Jared Baxa and Kaleb Talkington back to carry the ball and top linebackers Tyler Stindt and Nevan Benyshek back to carry the defense RC should be competitive in a 2A district that looks wide open outside of defending 2A state champion Nemaha Central.

DOUGLASS

2019 Record: 3-6 / Central Plains League Head Coach: Kelley Sayahnejad (6th year, 18-29) Assistants: Phil Keys, Don Patterson, Darby Jones, Devin Metzinger Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 25 Returning starters: Cole Martin, WR/LB/P, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Dylan Lockwood, WR/OLB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; David Arevalo, WR/DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Dalton Hilyard, RB/ LB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Matthew Reynolds, WR/LB, 5-9, 145, Jr.; Hunter Glaves, RB/LB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Clayton Elliott, OL/DL, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Joe Martin, OL/ DL, 5-11, 220, Jr.; Justin Martin, OL, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Brady Roberts, DB/K, 5-10, 145, Jr.; Wade Morgan, DL, 5-11, 175, Soph.; Mason Megli, OL, 6-0, 180, Soph.; Chris Titus, OL/DL, 6-4, 220, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Cole Martin, 156 car., 356 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Cole Martin, 38-107, 503 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Cole Martin, 80 tackles Interceptions: Cole Martin, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have a lot of experience returning this season. We hope to build off of the growing pains of last season. The bulk of our offensive production returns. Defensively, we return 11 players with starting experience.

Three of our top four tacklers return. We must find a replacement on the DL for Sam Headrick. Sam had an Honorable Mention All-State season and was our second leading tackler. We must also find a replacement for our long snapper and kicker. Developing depth is always a key for our success. Last season we were hit with injuries.”

Notes: The Bulldogs should be in position to be very competitive against their schedule, but must find offensive production after scoring 16 points or less in five games.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

EASTON-PLEASANT RIDGE

2019 Record: 3-6 / Northeast Kansas League

Head coach: Logan Fritz (1st year) Assistants: Cole Cannon, Trey Espy; Jake Collins Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Jake Heckman, RB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Conner Gibson, QB, 6-1, 160 Sr.; Devin Stutz, WR, 5-9, 165, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jake Heckman, 719 yards, 4 TDs Passing: Conner Gibson, 764 yards, 10 TDs Receiving: Keaton Comer, 213 yards, 2 TDs Tackles: Jake Heckman, 60 tackles Sacks: Aiden Williams, 1 sack Interceptions: Devin Stutz, 2 INTs

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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Dawson Lehman, 113 car., 733 yds., 14 TDs; Tyler Pasquarelli, 87 car., 472 yds., 5 TDs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We graduated four starters from last year’s team.

With those that graduated, we lost our size on the offensive and defensive lines. We are returning eight starters on the offensive side of the ball. We are returning seven starters on the defensive side of the ball. We will have a very good core of returners for this season. On the offensive side, we are going to have to rely on our speed and athleticism. We have a challenging schedule this year, so we are going to have to be ready to play every week. We are looking forward to the task.”

2019 Record: 4-5 / Mid-Continent League

2019 Record: 5-4 / North Central Activities Assoc.

Head Coach: Ty Cass (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: Chance Sowers, Blake Wilson

Head Coach: Josh Hormolka (4th year, 13-14) Assistants: Tanner Rippen, Marshall Musil, Jason McWilliams

Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: Kieran Courter, QB/FS, 6-0, 155, Jr.; Gunnar Koontz, OL/DE, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Bailey Wilson, OL/DL, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Tanner Brull, TE/DE, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Bricen Lee, RB/CB, 6-0, 165, So.; Colby Smith, OL/DL, 5-10, 165, Jr.

ESKRIDGE-MISSION VALLEY

2019 Record: 3-6 / Flint Hills League

Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Nolan Parker, C/DL; Ben Rudeen, G/DT; Cadin Roberts, G/DL; Ashton McGinley, RB/ DB; Justice Dunbar, RB/LB; Carter Phillips, RB/LB; Jon Grame, TE; Chris Cain, OL; Dawson Logan, DB; Joel Deters, DB Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Justice Dunbar, 94 car., 366 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Carter Phillips, 16-37, 331 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: Carter Phillips, 10 rec., 174 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Cadin Roberts, 36 tackles Sacks: Nolan Parker, Cadin Roberts, 1 sack each Interceptions: Dawson Logan, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We will do as well as our offensive and defensive lines take us this year. Carter Phillips (QB), Ashton McGinley (RB) and Justice Dunbar (FB) will give us some good weapons to work with.”

Notes: Mission Valley returns several key skill players but needs performance out of the offensive and defensive lines. Thankfully for third year coach Justin Duncan the Vikings have tremendous size and potential in that area with Nolan Parker (6-2, 295, Sr.), Ben Rudeen (6-3, 265, Sr.) and Chris Cain (6-5, 225, Jr.). Parker was a state and wrestling placer last season Attorneys Counselors and Duncan calls Rudeen a “smart kid” with “a great at Law motor.” Cain could be an under-the-radar gem in the 221 N. Douglas Notes: Erie returns 12 starters for second year coach Class of 2022 with a huge frame, long arms, and Ellsworth, Eddie Kearns, including leading rushers Dawson surprising speed for his size. KS 67439 Lehman and Tyler Pasquarelli, but must find a re785.472.3155 placement for Shrine Bowl lineman Caype Johnston. www.petersonkasper.com

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Head Coach: Corey Thomas (4th year, 5-22) Assistants: Paul Courter, Mitch Oswald, Alex Thornburgh

Head Coach: Eddie Kearns (2nd year, 3-6) Head Coach: Justin Duncan (3rd year, 8-10) Assistants: Jamie Carlisle, Dan Wilson, Rick Schafer Assistants: Skyler Beam, Josh Parker, Matt Bisnett Offense: Spread Option Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Dawson Lehman, QB/DB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Tyler Pasquarelli, RB/LB, 6-3, 187, Sr.; Tyler Duling, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Garrett Ruark, WR/ DB, 6-1, 178, Jr.; Caden Eads, RB/LB, 6-2, 186, Jr.; Quinten Heady, WR/DB, 5-6, 154, Jr.; Aaren Babcock, OL/DL, 5-8, 200, Sr.; Eric Dillinger, OL/ DL, 6-6, 195, Jr.; Grant Taylor, WR/LB, 5-8, 180, Jr.; Brett Tromsness, OL/LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Tanner Smith, OL/DL, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Cacye Welch, WR/LB, 5-11, 165, So.

ELLSWORTH

2019 Record: 3-6 / Northeast Kansas League

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Kieran Courter, 4 car., 32 yds., 2 TDs Passing: Kieran Courter, 11-23, 134 yds., 2 TDs, 4 INTs Receiving: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: Tackles: Gunnar Koontz, 36 tackles “Obviously to have a better record then last year Sacks: Gunnar Koontz, 1 sack and win a playoff game, but bigger than that it’s to Interceptions: Kieran Courter, Bricen Lee, Ty get excitement back for Pleasant Ridge football. The Crossland, 1 INT each talent is here in the school, always has been, we as coaches have to do a better job of making football Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We will enjoyable and utilize our strengths. Rapid growth and be young this year, and there will be some kinks to maturation of a very young team. Losing 19 starters work out at the beginning, but I feel if the kids work to graduation greatly depleted our roster. We will hard we have a chance to be successful.” be relying on underclassmen to fill major holes all across the board.”

Notes: While the Tigers return six players with starting experience, the graduation of Tucker Smith Notes: First year head coach Logan Fritz welcomes (1,432 yards rushing, 16 TDs, 53 tackles, Bethel back just three starters from last year’s 3-6 team, but College), Trystan Myers (760 yards rushing, 8 two of them are running back Jake Heckman and TDs, 73 tackles, Nebraska Wesleyan) and Marcus quarterback Conner Gibson, both seniors. Heckman Hetherington (234 yards rushing, 1 TD, 27 tackles) rushed for 719 yards last year and scored four touch- leaves ACCHS without virtually all of their offensive downs while also making 60 tackles on defense. and defensive production from a year ago. If the Givson passed for 764 years with 10 touchdowns.

Tigers are to improve on last year’s three wins a new Together the duo gives a pair of proven offensive group of leaders will need to step-up. Junior quarterweapons to build on and much needed senior back and defensive back Kieran Courter, while a bit leadership. Junior defensive back Devin Stutz also undersized at just 155 pounds is a hard-nosed player gives the Rams a proven pass defender on the back with a great work ethic. Gunnar Koontz gives the end of the defense after recording two interceptions Tigers some defensive firepower in the senior class a year ago. after tallying 36 tackles and a sack from his defensive end spot last fall.

2019 Record: 3-6 / Tri Valley League

ELLIS

Offense: Multiple Defense 3-4 Returning lettermen: 29 Returning starters: Daniel Eck, WR/FS, Sr.; Tyson Jimenez, WR/CB, Jr.; Sam Honas, WR/OLB, Jr.; Toby Woodworth, T/DE, Sr.; Austin McGuire, G, Sr.; Colten Lewis, G, Sr.; Trace Patee, C, Sr.; Tegan Cain, QB, Sr.; Konnor Pfeifer, RB/MLB, Sr.; Zach Schiel, CB, Sr.; George Crawford, SS, Jr.; Mason Gottschalk, LB, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Konnor Pfeifer, 868 yds., 10 TDs Passing: Tegan Cain, 1,150 yds., 6 TDs Receiving: Tyson Jimenez, 321 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Konnor Pfeifer, 150 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Tyson Jimenez, 2 INTs

Offense: Power Spread Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Avery Haxton, Sr.; Luke Sharp, Sr.; Trey Anderson, Sr.; Brad Vopat, Jr.; Eryk Andalon, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Luke Sharp, 110 car., 579 yds., 5 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Luke Sharp, 13 rec., 198 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Avery Haxton, 78 tackles Sacks: Luke Sharp, 1 sack Interceptions: Dayton Davis, 2 INTs

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We look to continue to progress. We lost a bulk of our starting roster to graduation. This provides a great Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our opportunity for those who have been waiting in the goal is to improve each week and ultimately win our wings. We will be young on the offensive line. If we district and go deep into the playoffs. Obviously, (we have steady improvement and can adjust with both need to) avoid injuries. We have several seniors the pandemic situation and the football situation we playing key roles, so they need to provide leadership will be competitive.” throughout the year on and off the field. As a team we need to improve each week and peak at the end Notes: The Bearcat offensive line was decimiated by of the season.” graduation, but fourth year coach Josh Homolka - a former long-time college assistant - does welcome Notes: Ellis returns a number of talented skill players back some speed in the form of Luke Sharp and Trey from a year ago starting with senior quarterback Anderson. Sharp provides some offensive firepower Tegan Cain. Also one of the top baseball players for the Bearcats after rushing for nearly 600 yards in 2-1A, Cain passed for almost 1,200 yards last and five touchdowns a year ago and Anderson is a season and is joined in the backfield by fellow senior rangy defender who recently showed off 4.6 speed Konnor Pfeifer, who rushed for nearly 900 yards last in the 40. Homolka also welcomes back his leading season with 10 TDs. Junior Mason Gottschalk also tackler in 6-4 senior linebacker Avery Haxton. A provides great speed in the backfield and will look proven leader, Homolka calls Haxton “one of the to improve on his 374 yards rushing from last fall. most selfless players I have coached...”

Junior wide receiver Tyson Jimenez gives the Railers a proven pass catching threat and together he’ll team Ellsworth’s 2020 schedule appears somewhat manup with Pfeifer and Gottschalk to lead the way on ageable early and late, but a four-game stretch in defense as well. the middle of the season features top-tier opponents Southeast of Saline, Beloit, Norton and Hoisington.

EUREKA

FREDONIA

2019 Record: 6-4 / Tri-Valley League

2019 Record: 4-5 / Tri-Valley League

Head Coach: Jason Nichols (3rd year, 9-10; 6th overall, 18-28) Assistants: Brendan Ptacek, Scott Miller, Gary Frederking

Head Coach: Marc Svaty (4th year, 19-18; 14th overall, 56-65) Assistants: Charl Hill, Brian Back, Tod Dutton

Offense: Spread Option Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: Brennan Lowe, RB/LB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Brent Escareno, RB/LB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Hayden Mead, QB/DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Garrison Spoonts, WR/ DB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Braden Rucker, OL/DL, 6-4, 240, Sr.; Kaman Johnson, OL, 6-3, 240, Jr.; Cole Strickler, OL/DL, 6-3, 220, Jr.

Offense: Multiple Defense: Odd Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: John Dutton, QB/CB, 5-6, 135, Sr.; Colton Appelhans, OL, 5-9, 225, Sr.; Andy Jamis, DL, 6-2, 290, Sr.; Kyler Starbuck, OL, 6-2, 285, Sr.; Grant Hebb, OL, 5-7, 260, Sr.; Buddy Claibourn, RB/ LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Colton Payne, DL, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Layne Mayeske, WR/CB, 6-1, 160, Sr.; John Milligan, WR/K, 5-9, 135, Sr.; Kellen Tindle, OL, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Colten Dinkel, RB/FS, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Taron Ward, RB/ LB, 5-5, 170, Jr.; Mason Harvey, LB, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Gavin Ratzlaff, DL, 5-8, 225, So.; Wyatt Miller, LB, 5-7, 150, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Brennan Lowe, 797 yds., 7 TDs; Brent Escareno, 743 yds., 12 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Brennan Lowe, 65 tackles; Brent Escareno 61 tackles Sacks: Brennan Lowe, 3 sacks Interceptions: Brennan Lowe, 2 INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Buddy Calibourn, 135 car., 647 yds., 5 TDs Passing: John Dutton, 69-133, 1,096 yds., 13 TDs Receiving: Layne Mayeske, 28 rec., 571 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Buddy Calibourn, 37 tackles Sacks: Buddy Calibourn, 1 sack Interceptions: Layne Mayeske, 5 INTs

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Teams goals this season are to take the next step as a program and be better overall than we were last year.

Keys to success will be finding the right pieces on the Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Some of offensive line and replacing our quarterback.” our young kids really started to play well toward the end of the season lsat year. We return a nice mix of Notes: While the Tornadoes don’t welcome back skill kids and lineman on offense. Defensively, we will quite as much experience as a year ago, they do need to improve our 2019 performance. We ran into have some pieces to continue the progress made. situations where we were out-athleted by the best Brennan Lowe and Brent Escareno will likely provide teams that we competed against. I like my kids, I like the bulk of the offensive production on the ground my staff, we look forward to 2020.” as third year coach Jason Nichols breaks in a new QB. Big senior Braden Rucker (6-3, 240) will anchor both lines.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

GARDEN PLAIN

HAVEN

HAYS-TMP-MARIAN

HILLSBORO

Page 95

2019 Record: 10-1 / Central Plains League

2019 Record: 4-5 / Central Kansas League

2019 Record: 3-6 / Mid-Continent League

2019 Record: 6-4 / Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Dan Adelhardt (1st year; 23rd overall, 141-81) Assistants: Cory Brock, Eric Rockers, Bob Smith, Tyler Cahn, Andrew Bergkamp

Head Coaches: Drew Thalmann/Thomas Cooprider (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: Cody Dick, Greg Thompson, Nick Schneider, Wade Spencer, Jarred Hett

Head Coach: Jay Harris (2nd year, 3-6) Assistants: TJ Gottschalk, Josh Allen, Chris Corsair, Joe Dintino

Head Coach: Demetrius Cox (2nd year, 6-4) Assistants: Scott O’Hare, Robert Haude, Dennis Boldt

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: Kade Harris, QB/RB/FS, 5-11, 170, So.; Bryce Seib, RB/QB/LB, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Jace Wentling, WR/SS, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Lance Lang, RB/C, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Garrett Pfeifer, OL/DL, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Mark Rack, WR/C, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Michael Hale, LB, 5-11, 180, So.; Matt Hess, DL, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Jace Lang, LB, 6-2, 200, Sr.

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Dillon Boldt, WR/DB, Sr.; Austin Rempel, C/DE, Sr.; Cole Kaufman, OT/TE/DE, Sr.; Jared Janzen, OT/DL, Sr.; Matthew Potucek, QB/LB/ DB, Jr.; Jamari Harris, RB/LB, Jr.; Tristan Rathbone, OG/LB, Jr.; Frank Wichert, WR/DB, Jr.; Jaxxon Hanschu, Slot Back/DB, Jr.; Lane Rogers, OG/DL, So.; Nick Smith, DL, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Kade Harris, 622 yds., 10 TDs Passing: Kade Harris, 695 yds., 6 TDs Receiver: Jace Wentling, 333 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Kade Harris, 69 tackles Sacks: Garrett Pfeifer, 3 sacks Interceptions: Jace Wentling, 3 INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Matthew Potucek, 144 car., 902 yds., 9 TDs Passing: Matthew Potucek, 80-145, 1,582 yds., 25 TDs, 6 INTs Receiving: Dillon Boldt, 13 rec., 218 yds., 4 TDs

Offense: Pro Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: Tranden Daerr, RB/LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Anthony Hays, OL/LB, 5-11, 200 Sr.; Jeb Nowak, WR/DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Andrew Bugner, DL, 6-1, 200, Jr.; Timmy Gallagher, DL, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Colby Haukup, DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Jack Haukup, DL, 6-3, 205, Sr.; Zack Miranowski, DB, 5-10, 155, Sr.

Offense: Spread Option Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 22 Returning starters: Hunter Barlow, OL/DL, 6-3, 295, Sr.; Gage Dewlen, OL/DL, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Parker Barlow, OL, 6-4, 235, Sr.; Keaton Loop, OL/LB, 6-2, 245, Jr.; Treyton Yoder, OL/DE, 6-0, 225, Jr.; Darby Roper, QB/DB, 5-11, 160, Sr,; Skylar Shingleton, WR/LB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Nathan Schmimdt, RB, 5-8, Returning Statistical Leaders 155, Sr.; Karter Cooprider, DB, 5-8, 135, Jr.; Aaron Rushing: Tranden Daerr, 56 car., 453 yds., 6 TDs DeChane, LB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Hunter Galloway, WR, Passing: Kade Rockers, 4-5, 106 yds., 2 TDs, 0 INTs 5-9, 140, Sr. Receiving: Francis Stuhlsatz, 2 rec., 71 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Anthony Hays, 68 tackles Returning Statistical Leaders Sacks: Timmy Gallagher, 2 sacks Rushing: Darby Roper, 110 car., 614 yds., 4TDs Interceptions: Tranden Daerr, Zack Miranowski, Jeb Passing: Darby Roper, 62-129, 697 yds., 7 TDs Nowak, Anthony Hays, 2 INTs each Receiving: Skylar Shingleton, 35 rec., 344 yds, 3 TDs; Nathan Schmimdt, 7 rec., 123 yds., 1 TD Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “(Our Tackles: Darby Roper 54 tackles, Keaton Loop 43 keys to success will be) adjusting to anything new tackles (with) a different head coach. The defense, with eight Sacks: Treyton Yoder/Gage Dewlen, 2.5 returning starters, will need to be ready to help the Interceptions: N/A offense who is looking to replace a talented senior class.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Haven High School recorded its second-best win Notes: After five years leading the Owls, Ken total since 2004 with four. (The Wildcats) look to gain Dusenbury returns to Andover to take over as head momentum on a strong finish with a large Haven coach for a program where he was previously an High senior class. On offense, Haven improved from assistant. Kapaun head coach Dan Adelhardt takes the previous year in every statistical category, gaining over for the Owls after a 15-year run as head coach more yards rushing and passing, as well as scoring for the Crusaders that included an 81-64 overall 9.5 more points per game. Darby Roper and Skylar record and 10 seasons of six or more wins. Adelhardt Shingleton look to lead a passing game that averneeds to replace dual-threat QB Matt Pauly who aged nearly 100 yards per game, while Roper along rushed for 942 yards and passed for 1,013 account- with Nathan Schmidt and Aaron DeChane hope to ing for 37 TDs. The Owls also said farewell to their improve on a rushing attack that averaged 160 yards top three rushers and top two receivers, but do return per game. A very strong and seasoned offensive line the team’s top tackler in senior linebacker Anthony only lost one starter. Defensively, the improvement in Hays. Adelhardt brings with him his junior son Reed, 2019 was evident in 13 more forced turnovers as well an honorable mention All-League pick at Kapaun last as allowing 7.5 less points per game. Keaton Loop fall, he will continue to play linebacker and running will continue to be a force at inside linebacker. As a back for the Owls. sophomore he recorded 43 Tackles in only 7 games.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We will definitely miss last year’s seniors, they were a big part of our team. We have a good group of seniors coming in to replace them, though. We also have a strong group of underclassmen to work with. We are moving to a new district and looking forward to that. One of our keys will be to use our speed on offense and defense. One weakness would be that we are not very big.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “After a 2019 season in which the Trojan football program played with a heavy heart and behind a first year head coach, the coaching staff and players were able to develop a relationship to have a successful season. Now, however, our staff has had the opportunity to put in place the infrastructure we want, spend a full year together as a staff and with a wonderful core group of guys coming back to lead the way. We’re really looking forward to this season. It’s going to be an exciting year of Trojan football.”

Notes: Sophomore Kade Harris made an immediate impact for the Monarchs last fall. As a freshman he started in all nine games. On defense he was TMP’s second leading tackler with 69 tackles, 2 INTs, 2 forced fumbles and was second team All-MCL D-back. He also earned honorable mention kick and punt returner. On offense he started the first three games at running back and then took over at quarterback after the starter was injured. He finished the season with 695 passing yards and 6 TDs and 622 rushing yards with 10 TDs. Senior fullback/outside linebacker Jace Lang is also an athletic weapon for the Monarchs who will be counted on to make plays.

Notes: New Trojan coach Demetrius Cox endured tradgedy when his son, Demarius, a sophomore at Hillsboro, suffered a pulmonary embolism and passed away in early June, 2019, at a Colorado church camp. Cox was able to coach the whole year “with the support from family, community, school, coaches and players” and led the Trojans to six wins. In year two Cox welcomes back a number of key players off that team, most notably QB Matthew Potuceck who accounted for 2,500 yards combined passing and rushing and 34 total touchdowns. Top receiver Dillon Boldt and top lineman Austin Rempel also return as Hillsboro moves up to 2A.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

HOISINGTON

HUMBOLDT

HUTCHINSON-TRINITY

KINGMAN

Page 96

2019 Record: 11-1 / Central Kansas League

2019 Record: 10-1 / Tri-Valley League

2019 Record: 4-5 / Heart of America League

2019 Record: 3-6 / Central Plains League

Head Coach: Zach Baird (7th year, 59-12) Assistants: Matt Koelsch, Kyle Haxton, Robert England, Ross Coomes

Head Coach: Logan Wyrick (6th year, 36-16) Assistants: Dave Taylor, Jason Weilert, Jeremy Weilert

Head Coach: Jordan Bell (7th year, 36-23) Assistants: Sean Racette, Mike Miller, Jonathan Burkhart

Head Coach: Tanner Hageman (2nd year, 3-6) Assistants: Dusty Beam, Kyle Kriegh, Justin Reid, Robert Hall

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: Mason Haxton, QB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Hunter Morris, RB/DB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Cole Steinert RB/LB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Cade Mason, RB/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Nolan WIlborn, OL/DE, 5-9, 195, Sr.; Josh Ball, TE/DE, 5-10, 185 Sr.; Cole Gilliland, DL, 6-0, 225, So.

Offense: Power Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 6 Returning starters: Drake Harrington, WR/CB, 6-0, 150, Sr.; Blake Walker, OL/DE, 5-11, 235, Sr.; Gavin Page, DB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Maddox Johnson, OL, 5-10, 230, So.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: Abraham Baca, OL/DL; Angel Faudoa, OL; Miles Friday, OL/LB; Landon Gray, WR/ DB; Walt Gray, RB/LB; Lucas Hammeke, QB/DB, Sr.; Keaton Pedigo, OL/DL; Evan Remar, TE/LB, Sr.; Isaac Sulter, WR/DB

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Stack Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Austin Bell, OL/DL, Sr.; Colby Schreiner, OL/LB, Jr.; Aaron Seimans, OL, Jr.; Seth Krehbiel, TE/LB, Sr.; Dalton Freund, WR/DL, Sr.; Geoff Holloway, LB, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Mason Haxton, 657 yds.

Passing: Mason Haxton, 521 yds.

Receiving: Cade Mason, 60 yds.

Tackles: Josh Ball, 71 tackles Sacks: Josh Ball, 4 sacks Interceptions: 6 players return with 1 INT each Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our seniors set our team goals for the season. Getting a young offensive line up to speed and having everyone on the team buy into doing every little thing right to the best of their ability will be our keys to success.”

Notes: The Cardinals graduate one of the all-time great football players and wrestlers in Kansas history in Wyatt Pedigo from a team that suffered one of the more shocking upsets of 2019 at the hands of Norton in the semifinals of the 2A playoffs. But several key pieces are back for seventh year coach Zach Baird, including starting quarterback Mason Haxton and one of 2A’s top defensive players in Josh Ball, who racked up 71 tackles and four sacks a year ago.

Several young players are waiting in the wings to stamp their names in the Hoisington Cardinal history book and get coach Baird back to the late rounds of the playoffs.

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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Gavin Page, 23 car., 132 yds., 1 TD Passing: Gavin Page, 163 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: Trey Sommer, 2 rec., 50 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Gavin Page, 66 tackles Sacks: Blake Walker, 2 sacks Interceptions: Drake Harrington, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our goals and expectations never change, regardless of what the expectations others may have for us as a team. We want to win each week, one game at a time. Our overall goal each and every year is to win our district and to win a state championship.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Walt Gray, 114 car., 640 yds., 9 TDs Passing: Lucas Hammeke, 10-23, 151 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: Landon Gray, 11 rec., 191 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Miles Friday, 54 tackles Sacks: Keaton Pedigo, 2 sacks Interceptions: Lucas Hammeke, Ben Neal, 1 INT each

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The Trinity Catholic Football Team did a tremendous job with offseason workouts held virtually during the end of the school year and have shown great numbers this summer in the weight room on offseason activities.

The coaching staff is extremely excited with the returning letterman and the incoming freshman class.

“We return two starters on our offensive line, but Overall numbers on the football team are back on the this will definitely be the area where we need to find rise. Continued development of underclassmen will multiple athletes to step up into major starting roles; it remain a priority to sustain the success of the football begins and ends up front. We have a few young skill program in future years.” players that I believe are ready to step up into major roles, but they will need to improve and grow as play- Notes: The Celtics were ravaged by injury in 2019 with ers very quickly for us to have success. We return top players Andrew Bergmeier, Lucas Hammeke and only three starters on each side of the ball and only Evan Remar all missing big chunks of the season. All six total lettermen from a year ago, there are a lot of three are seniors this season, and, if healthy, could big shoes that need to be filled very quickly for us have Trinity poised to improve on last year’s 4-5 to be successful in 2020. We do return two All-State record. Bergmeier suffered a season ending injury in Honorable Mention selections in Blake Walker (OL) the Celtics August jamboree last year but as of early and Gavin Page (DB) who we will lean on heavily; August this year said he is recovered and ready to along with players like Drake Harrington and Maddox play after eight months of rehabilitation. This was the Johnson who played major roles for us last season. second consecutive season of injuries for Bergmeier We also look for transfer Drew Counsil (Neodesha) who rushed for 700 yards as a freshman in 2017. and senior Trenton Heisler to step up into major Together with Hammeke and Walt Gray, and with contributing roles for us this season.” three offensive line starters back, the Celtics could have a potent offense this fall.

Notes: Graduation took a class that won 21 games over the last two seasons including Kansas Pregame coverboy Josh Hull from the offensive and defensive line and back Conor Haviland who rushed for 4,000 yards and 72 TDs total the past two falls.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Dalton Freund, 4 car., 28 yds., 1 TD Passing: N/A Receiving: Seth Krehbiel, 8 rec., 167 yds., 2 TDs; Dalton Freund, 11 rec., 120 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Colby Schreiner, 72 tackles Sacks: Aaron Seimans, 5 sacks; Dalton Freund, 4 sacks; Austin Bell, 3 sacks; Colby Schreiner, 3 sacks Interceptions: Seth Krehbiel, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Excited for this upcoming season as we are in year two of a new offensive system. We have highly motivated seniors that really want to prove they are capable of competing at a high level each and every week. We dropped down to 2A and are really looking forward to the challenges we will face.”

Notes: The Eagles could muster just three wins in the first year under new coach Tanner Hageman last fall, but that may not tell the whole story as KHS was competitive in all but one of the six losses. Hageman must find some offensive production this fall after the Eagles scored more than 21 points just once last fall and were shutout three times.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

KISMET-SOUTHWESTERN HTS.

2019 Record: 4-5 / Hi-Plains League

LAKIN

2019 Record: 8-2 / Hi-Plains League

LEON-BLUESTEM

LYONS

2019 Record: 1-8 / Tri-Valley League

Page 97

2019 Record: 1-8 / Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Matt Bell (3rd year, 6-12; 6th overall, Head Coach: Chris Bamberger (6th year, 30-18; 11th Head Coach: Ethan Haworth (2nd year, 1-8) 24-24) Assistants: Mitchell Burns, Tayler Stull, Chris overall) Assistants: Chris Pollart, Travis Johnson, Assistants: Joe Burgardt, Jesse Hodgson, Jacob Bortz, Lane Hendricks Wyatt Jiru, Bryce Simon Hernandez, Nash Burtin

Head coach: Andy Gwennap (2nd year, 1-8; 3rd year overall, 5-13) Assistants: Dakota Nave, Tim Slupski, Cody Bowers

Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3, 4-4 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: Hever Mercado, QB/DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Sergio Puentes, TE/OLB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Izak Castro, MLB, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Efren Natividad, OT/ DT, 6-1, 280, Sr.; Walter Ramirez, WR/DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Memo Flores, FB/MLB, 5-7, 200, Jr.; Junior Gonzalez, OG, 5-10, 215, Jr.

Offense: Belly Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: Israel Rios, TE, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Giovany Pando, L, 6-5, 200, Jr.; Hayden Laymon, L, 5-10, 250, Jr.; Wyatt Showalter, L, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Luis Barroteran, L, 5-9, 230, Jr.; Embeck Martinez, L, 5-9, 240, Jr.; Troy Reazin, L, 6-2, 240, Jr.; Carl Clark, B, 5-9, 140, Jr.; Treyton Troyer, B, 5-9, 140, Jr.; Bryson Enfield, B, 6-0, 165, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Hever Mercado, 144 car., 703 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Hever Mercado, 35-81, 353 yds., 4 TDs, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We graduated a total of eight players from the 2019 team. Five offensive starters and five defensive starters. We lost another defensive starter to transfer, so we return six starters on offense and five starters on defense. Losing four-year starter at LB in Demetrio Flores will be our biggest concern, those positions will be fought out between several younger players throughout our summer and early practices.

Being in year three of our system we look for much better understanding from our players and believe that will lead to increased production and efficiency.

We should have a nice mix of experience and youth this season which should make it an exciting year.

Offensively we will look to be more balanced in regards to running and throwing the ball. Look for Hever Mercado (second team all-league QB) to have a big year running and throwing the ball and we expect to have multiple receiving options with Sergio Peuntes and Walter Ramirez leading the way in that department. Our offensive line will be key in all aspects of the game; we return two of our five starters there and look for healthy competition among the group in order to continue to improve. This group looks to be led by Efren Natividad (first team all-league OL) and Junior Gonzalez. Defensively we look to continue to implement our 4-4 scheme, bringing back three LBs from last season.”

Offense: Flexbone Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: Dawson Aller, OL, 5-8, 220, Sr.; Kade Lovelady, RB/LB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Hunter Davis, RB/LB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Connor Hudson, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Servando Gonzalez, QB/DB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Tanner Hattabaugh, OL/DL, 6-4, 235, Sr.; Omar Gonzalez, OL, 5-10, 215, Jr.; Domanick Miller, OL/ DL, 6-0, 230, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Rushing: Servando Gonzalez, 32-55, 430 yds., 7 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Hunter Davis, 46 tackles Sacks: Hunter Davis, Domanick Miller, 1 sack each Interceptions: Servando Gonzalez, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We graduated a very good senior class that was responsible for a large percent of our offensive and defensive production. We have some major holes to fill on both sides of the ball. It will be key for us to develop some young guys to be prepared to contribute/start on both offense and defense.”

Notes: The loss of Kansas Pregame coverboy Hadley Panzer to the K-State offensive line and the loss of fellow Class of 2020 running back Kayden Christiansen to Bethel will most certainly leave the Broncs with some work to do, but the return of three offensive lineman, including the super strong Dawson Aller, will give talented backs Kade Lovelady and Hunter Davis a chance to hit the ground running.

The addition of Elkhart lineman Tanner Hattabaugh following his father Chris accepting a principal job in the district further solidifies the Broncs in the trenches. Bamberger has delivered a winning tradition back to the Broncs sideline posting records of 5-5, 7-3, 8-2 and 8-2 after going just 2-7 in his first year at LHS following a successful run at Ness City.

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Lyons

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: Tucker Garrison, QB/RB/LB, 6-0, 170 Jr.; Christian Solis WR/DB, 5-8, 130 So.; Kendall Keeton, RB/S, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Landen Wilson, QB/ RB/DB, 5-9, 130 Jr.; Logan Walden ,WR/DB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Kolby Hebb, OL/DL, 6-2, 215, So.; Michael Harrison, OL/DE, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Gavin Worrell, OL/ DL, 5-9, 230, So.; Bob Fiebiger, WR/DB/LB, 5-10, 150, Jr.; Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Kendall Keeton Tackles: Landen Wilson Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “This year we will be really young. We lost a large senior class full of leadership and talent. However, most of the sophomores that will be playing this year earned a lot of playing time and starting positions as freshmen. So their experience should put us in some good positions come game time. We will continue to build our program from the bottom up, starting with our young guys. We are fortunate enough to work closely with the middle school coaches in order to make sure we are all on the same page and teaching the same X’s and O’s, technique and fundamentals, expectations and standards across the board. Making sure our guys are fundamentally and mentally sound will continue to be a focus for us.

We’ve also seen a great buy-in from our athletes in regards to our changing of the culture surrounding athletics at Bluestem. They have really started committing themselves to our blue-collar work ethic, taking pride in doing the little things right, holding each other accountable and playing like family. So I definitely think we are on the right track to getting this thing turned around. Our schedule this year should prove to be a good challenge for us, as we play multiple great teams/coaches in our league games as well as districts.”

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We must get stronger and improve our work ethic to be competitive in the league and district. We must desire to work hard and get better each week. Offensive and defensive stat leaders were seniors last year.

We have big holes to fill with young players.”

Notes: The building project at Lyons continues under former Smith Center and University of Nebraska offensive lineman Andy Gwennap who welcomes back a load of experience up front but will need to develop new ball carriers for his Belly Series offense.

The defense will be in a similar situation with plenty of returners along the defensive line, but a need for new linebackers and defensive backs to man the back half of that side of the ball. After multiple stops as an assistant, Gwennap previously spent one year as the head coach at Republic County, leading the Buffs to one of their best seasons in years.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

MARION

MCLOUTH

Page 98

MINNEAPOLIS

MOUND CITY-JAYHAWK LINN

2019 Record: 2-7 / Heart of America League

2019 Record: 1-85 / Northeast Kansas League

2019 Record: 4-5 / North Central Activities Assoc.

Head Coach: Shaun Craft (3rd year, 4-14) Assistants: Jordan Metro, Tyler McMichael

Head Coach: Gary Freeman (6th year, 11-35) Assistants: N/A

Offense: Veer Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Seth Lanning, QB/FS, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Braedon Mercer, WR/LB, 6-1, 160, Sr.; Will Alleven, WR/CB, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Todd Pallic, G/LB, 6-2, 220, Sr.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Head Coach: Tom Flax (2nd year, 4-5; 8th overall, Head Coach: Randy Leach (6th year, 33-15).

18-45) Assistants: Travis Shaft, Lyle, Davidson, Matt Assistants: Jason Cashner, Clint Johnson, Joe Pickrell Wunderly

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The Warriors have solid core of returning players that saw some action last season with four returners on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. We will also have several more guys on the roster this season, to field a junior varsity team to give our younger guys some game experience. So far, we have been very pleased the time and work all the guys have put in.

We have had nearly perfect attendance all summer long in the weight room and expect that to pay off this season.”

Notes: The Warriors posted the second straight 2-7 season under second year coach Shaun Craft and welcome back just four players with starting experience to try and improve upon that win total.

Fortunately, that group includes returning All-Heart of American offensive guard and linebacker Todd Palic who comes from a line of successful football players from Marion. Senior wide receiver Braedon Mercer also earned all-league honors last season.

Offense: I Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 19 Returning starters: Trent Moeckel, FS, 5-10, 175, Notes: Coming off a 5-5 season and first playoff Sr.; Daniel Watson, RB/LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Gannon victory in six years in 2018, McLouth had some pretty Cleveland, FB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Colton Bradford, SS, big holes to fill going into 2019. Namely, where would 6-1, 190, Sr.; John Nelson, WR/C, 5-11, 160, Sr.; the Bulldogs find offense with the graduation of four- Chasyn Vogan, G/DT, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Keyon Baccus, year starting quarterback Jeremy Carlton.

C/DE, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Brody Vance, OT/DT, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Bryce Worlock, OT, 6-3, 265, Jr.; Spencer McLouth never really found an answer to that Davidson, TE/DE, 6-3, 220, Sr. question as the offense sputtered. The Bulldogs only scored three touchdowns in the first five weeks of Returning Statistical Leaders the year and only twice all season did they manage Rushing: Daniel Watson, 139 car., 980 yds., 9 TDs more than one score, getting shutout four times.

Passing: N/A The end result was a 1-8 record with the lone win Receiving: Spencer Davidson, 202 yds. coming in the season finale, a 22-18 victory over Tackles: Keyon Baccus, 61 tackles Northeast-Arma.

Sacks: Keyon Baccus, 6 sacks; Chasyn Vogan, 5 sacks McLouth doesn’t have near the amount of questions for 2020. Nine starters return on offense and 10 are Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We back defensively as the Bulldogs look to bounce bring back a solid group from last year’s squad. We back from the disappointing 2019 campaign. hope to make strides this season and build off of Matt Kuglin switched to quarterback to replace the momentum that was built in 2019. We will have Carlton a year ago and should be more comfortable a lot of depth coming back on the offensive and in the job this year. He’s flanked by honorable defensive line. We will have several players looking mention All-NEKL back Hunter Plake and has all five to replace Derek Freel at QB. Daniel Watson will starting linemen back as well, including four-year anchor the backfield after a successful junior year. starter Landon Drinkard, who was all-league both Keyon Baccus, Brody Vance and Spencer Davidson ways, including a first-team defensive line selection. will pave the way up front on the line and at tight end.

Baccus and Colton Bradford look to keep the deThe Bulldogs weren’t all that bad defensively a year fense stout. Seniors John Nelson and Trent Moeckel ago. Sure they gave up just under 40 points per will add versatility on both sides of the ball. game, but given the offensive woes led to extended time on the field for the unit the numbers weren’t “We have a very tough schedule from top to bottom. grotesque with only three teams topping 40.

Several teams that we play have made deep runs in the playoffs and are perennial powers. We will have The front seven of the unit return intact with Kuglin to come out the gate strong because we open up and sophomore Dayton Flint both earning all-league with two teams that are very solid programs.” honors at linebacker.

NEODESHA

2019 Record: 1-8 / Tri-Valley

2019 Record: 5-4 / Three Rivers League

Offense: Veer Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Top returnees: Trace Compton, RB/DB, 5-9, 145, Jr.; Cade Kellstadt, RB/MLB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Kaden Nation, WR, 5-9, 140, Sr.; Garrett Seely, RB/DB, 5-10, 155, So.; Cameron Johanning, K, Sr.; Garrett Scott, DL, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A Notes: The Jayhawks got off to a 3-0 start last season and were 5-2 heading into the final two games of the year, but significant injuries caught up with them as they ended with a 5-4 mark.

One of those victories was a 20-14 triple-overtime decision over Pleasanton.

It was the fourth consecutive winning season under head coach Randy Leach, whose team averaged 24.6 points per game, while allowing 28.3.

The Jayhawks return talent at the skill positions and will count on the leadership of 6-1, 210-pound senior Cade Kellstadt, but will need to rebuild the offensive and defensive lines. Anthony Bush, a 6-2, 240 pound junior, could help in that department.

The Jayhawks 2020 schedule features four teams that finished with winning records a year ago, including an October 9 match-up against last year’s 10-1 Humboldt Cubs.

NORTON COMMUNITY

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Or

to be more productive on offense in order to keep our 2019 Record: 9-4 / Mid Continent League defense off the field. On defense we must reduce the Head Coach: David Gillett (3rd year, 3-11, 5th overall, amount of big plays by our opponents.

Head Coach: Lucas Melvin (14th year, 102-47) 15-21) Assistants: Chris Hinshaw, Jake Carpenter, Assistants: Tony Fiscus, Jeremy Hawks, Billy Hunter Keith “Our goals and expectations are to improve Broeckelman everyday! We are trying to build young men who Offense: Power Spread Defense: 4-3 have accountability, have discipline, have desire, and Offense: I-formation, 1-Back Defense: 5-2 Returning lettermen: 11 expect to win! As a program we still have ways to go Returning lettermen: 17 Returning starters: Phoenix Carpenter, FB/LB, 5-11, but built a pretty good foundation for the future.”

Returning starters: Christien Hawks, OL/DL, 6-5, 235, Sr.; Seth Strange, RB/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Gage 265, Sr.; Gavin Sproul, RB/DE, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Jonah Bell, OL/DL, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Cameron Grogan, OL/DL, Notes: The Bluestreaks won just one game last Ruder, WR/DB, 6-1, 190, Sr. 6-1, 245, Jr.; Andrew Harrall, RB/DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; season thanks in part to a number of injuries to key Jesse Mahaffey, DB, 5-9, 140, Jr.; Garrett Davis, DB, players, but young athletes forced into early playing Returning Statistical Leaders 6-0, 165, Jr.; Jacksen Adams, WR, 5-10, 165, Jr.; time leaves third year coach David Gillett with more Rushing: Gavin Sproul, 28 car., 112 yds., 1 TD Chad Babcock, DL, 5-10, 200, So.; Mattix Cole, DB, experience and depth entering this season.

Passing: Sean Anderson, 2-5, 21 yds.

5-9, 155, So.; Andrew Heck, OL/DL, 6-0, 180, So.; Receiving: Jonah Ruder, 653 yds., 3 TDs Jeff White, WR, 5-9, 150, So. Gillet has a pair of backs poised for breakout Tackles: Gavin Sproul, 79 tackles; Christien Hawks, seasons in Phoenix Carpenter (395 yards, 3 TDs 75 tackles Returning Statistical Leaders in 2019) and Seth Strange (407 yards, 4 TDs). The Sacks: Gavin Sproul, 6.5 sacks Rushing: Phoenix Carpenter, 84 car., 395 yds., 3 duo will also lead the defense from their linebacker Interceptions: Jonah Ruder, 1 INT TDs; Seth Strange, 90 car., 407 yds., 4 TDs spots where Carpenter earned honorable mention Passing: N/A all-district and all-state recognition after carding 72 Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We Receiving: Phoenix Carpenter, 123 yds.; Seth tackles. The tandem will have three returning linemen return a small number of starters. We will need Strange, 51 yds. to run behind. several young players to step up, and we need our Tackles: Phoenix Carpenter, 72 tackles; Seth seniors to lead in a mighty way. We will have to rely Strange, 31 tackles Gillet did lose running back Drew Counsil, who is on Christien Hawks (OL/DL), Jonah Ruder (WR/DB), Sacks: N/A expected to be a contributor for Humboldt this fall, Gavin Sproul (RB/DE), Ryan Schrum (WR/DB) and Interceptions: N/A but he expects freshman Wyatt Songer (QB/DB, Aiden Wicker (OL/DL) to get all the younger players 6-1, 150) and Mason Springer (TE/DE, 6-1, 220) to on the same page and going in the right direction.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have contribute immediately.

The summer weight room will be vital to get the

younger players physically and mentally ready to step into starting roles this fall. Finding pieces to plug in on the offensive line will be a priority and finding defenders to fill in on defense.”

Notes: The Bluejays pulled off one of the more shocking upsets in recent memory with a last second defeate of then unbeaten Hoisington to make it to the state title game. While Norton would lose the title game to Nemaha Central, the 9-4 finish made for a special year. The upset of Hoisington was especially satisfying because the Cardinals had beaten the Bluejays 38-7 in the Week 8 game that would end up crowning the Cardinals as district champs. But after the Bluejays edged perennial state power Conway Springs in the quarterfinals veteran coach Lucas Melvin and his staff installed a game plan to slow down the Cardinals and standout back Wyatt Pedigo.

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Gone from that squad are all-state players, and Kansas Shrine Bowl selections, Judson Wiltfong (OL/ DE) and Kade Melvin (QB) but Norton does welcome back all-staters Jona Ruder (WR/DB) and Christien Hawks (OL/DL, KU Commit) to help orchestrate another winning season and deep playoff run. Ruder, the younger brother of former Norton and current North Carolina QB Jace Ruder, will compete with sophomore Sean Anderson to replace Kade Melvin under center and Gavin Sproul gives the Bluejays a quality rushing threat and talented defensive player.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

OSAGE CITY

2019 Record: 5-4 / Flint Hills League

OSKALOOSA

2019 Record: 3-6 / Northeast Kansas League

Page 99

PHILLIPSBURG

PITTSBURG-ST. MARY’S COLGAN

2019 record: 3-6 / Mid-Continent League

2019 Record: 7-4 / Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee

Head Coach: Andrew Gantenbein (12th year, 58-50) Head Coach: Matt Johnson (3rd year, 3-15) Assistants: Jordan Tice, Mitch Foote, Derek Assistants: N/A Patterson Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-5/4-2 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: Eli King, RB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Justin Returning starters: Dane Whalen, OL/DT, 5-10, 235, Miller, OL/DL, 6-1, 285, Jr.; Kyan Blaufielder, OL/DL, Sr.; Wyatt Littrell, OL, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Noah Smith, OL, 6-0, 225, Jr.; Cord Perry, QB/DB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Nick 5-9, 170, Sr.; Landon Boss, QB, 6-1, 195, So.; Brody Henry, RB/LB, 5-7, 160, Jr.; Brayden Hast, TE/DE, Littrell, RB/ILB, 5-7, 175, Jr.; Luke Neary, WR/DB, 6-3, 170, Jr. 5-11, 170, Sr.; Nick Bailey, OLB, 6-0, 176, Sr.; Brian Bailey, OLB, 6-0, 162, Jr.; Garrett Fager, DB, 5-10, Returning Statistical Leaders 140, Sr.; Reid Crawford, DB, 5-11, 140, Sr. Rushing: Eli King, 406 yds.; Nick Henry, 330 yds.

Passing: Cord Perry, 45-96, 619 yds., 9 TDs Returning Statistical Leaders Receiving: Brayden Hast, 9 rec., 203 yds., 2 TDs Rushing: Brody Littrell, 62 car., 336 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: N/A Passing: Landon Boss, 383 yds., 3 TDs Sackes: N/A Receiving: Tyler Sage, 196 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Dane Whalen, 108 tackles Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A Sacks: Dane Whalen, 9 sacks Interceptions: Garrett Fager, 4 INTs Notes: The Bears ended a 16-game losing streak in fine fashion with a five overtime 48-42 marathon Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We victory over Central Heights in Week 4 last season. were pretty young and inexperienced in 2019. We Oskie nearly followed it up with an upset of Osage had a small senior class (four), and we had some City the next week, losing just 23-14, but did add injury trouble as well. For example, our probable consecutive wins in Weeks 6 and 7 to give coach starting quarterback, Gunnar Fort, missed the entire Matt Johnson his first three victories in his second season due to a stress fracture. His replacement, season at the helm. The addition of Jackson Heights Landon Boss, missed a couple of games himself and and Rossville strengthens the Bears’ schedule a little was only fully healthy for a game or two. Despite all from a year ago, but six starters are back to try to of that, we overcame an 0-2 start to post our third continue developing the program. straight winning season. We also made our fourth straight trip to the playoffs, losing a first-round heart- The Bears will still be relatively young as only one of breaker to Southeast-Cherokee 12-6, in (double) OT. those returning starters is a senior, returning leading That loss was tough, but it’s also been motivational rusher Eli King, a 5-11, 200 pound running back and for our guys. linebacker. Also back is starting quaterback Cord Perry, a junior who threw for over 600 yards and “We should look different in 2020. We return ten nine touchdowns last season. Fellow junior Brayden starters on offense, nine on defense, and 18 total Hast gives Perry a long target at 6-3, 170 pounds, letter winners. Of those guys, eight return that earned and he’ll try to improve on his nine receptions for postseason honors in 2019.

203 yards and two touchdowns of a year ago. Junior linemen Justin Miller and Kyan Blaufielder provide good size up front.

Head Coach: Kendall Fiscus (1st year) Assistants: Joe Buresh, Blake Gerhing, Jon Weinman

Head Coach: Shawn Seematter (4th year, 26-10) Assistants: Wayne Cichon, Nick Dellasega, Joey Caskey

Offense: Flex Defense: 5-2 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: Brock Buresh, OL/DL, 6-0, 240, Jr.; Jeremy Ford, OL/DL, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Clint Gower, FB/LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Nathanial Huntley, WR, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Kagan Keeten, WR/DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Jack Molzahn, DL, 6-4, 230, Sr.; Ty Sides, QB/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Zadok Taylor, OL/DL, 5-10, 215, Sr.

Offense: Option Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: Kannon Keller, TE/LB, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Domenic Bevilacqua, RB/DL, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Gianni Piccini, QB/DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Blaise Dawson, S/RB, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Taylor Torrance, OL, 6-2, 260, Sr.; Jalen VanBecelaere, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Will Glover, LB, 5-9, 170, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Ty Sides, 78 car., 514 yds., 8 TDs Passing: Ty Sides, 74-135, 1,004 yds., 11 TDs, 4 INTs Receiving: Kagan Keeten, 41 rec., 701 yds., 10 TDs Tackles: Kagan Keeten, 64 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Kagan Keeten, Ty Sides, 1 INT each

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Blaise Dawson, 89 car., 761 yds., 9 TDs; Domenic Bevilacqua, 77 car., 535 yds., 9 TDs Passing: Gianni Piccini, 507 yds., 7 TDs Receiving: Kannon Keller, 9 rec., 147 yds., 2 TDs; Jalen VanBecelaere, 9 rec., 216 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Kannon Keller, 80 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Will Glover, 2 INTs

2019 Record: 1-8 / Flint Hills League

for us. Staying healthy will also be a key.

2019 Record: 6-4 / Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee

Head coach: Nate Teichgraeber (2nd year, 1-8; 7th overall, 27-27) Assistants: Troy McArthur, Karl Rogers, Kyle Peine

Notes: Teichgraeber is expecting big things this sea- Head Coach: Johnny Mallatt (4th year, 9-19) son from senior Cameron Wise, a 6-5, 230 pounder Assistants: Blake Arehart, Adam Babcock, Danny who plays multiple positions for the Falcons.

Weaver

Offense: Flexbone Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: Cameron Wise, WR/TE/RB/OLB, 6-5, 230, Sr.; Caleb McKenzie, Wing/CB, 5-7, 140, Sr.; Ethan Hatfield, TE/OLB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Jesse James Martinez, OL/DL, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Tristan Streeter, OL, 6-0, 295, Sr.; Colton Hoyt, OL/DL, 6-2, 305, Jr.

“One of the best returning players not only our league, but in the state, in my opinion,” Teichgraeber said this offseason. “He missed four games last year due to injury, and thus his returning stats don’t stand out. But this kid has the measurables and has the potential to play at the next level. Has received a lot of attention from D2 schools at this point.”

POMONA-WEST FRANKLIN

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our goal is to come together as a team and compete within the MCL and our division. Our success will lie within how we develop as a team. If we are able to come together to build a team of great young men with character and work ethic, we will be successful.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “A large senior class that has been around for a lot of wins, but also seen the growing pains and the adversity of a football season will be our team’s strength. They know what to expect, but more importantly, they know how to overcome rough patches in a season Notes: After graduating the most successful and in a game. A lot of them are involved with track class in Phillipsburg football history, winning state and baseball in the spring, which obviously didn’t championships in 2015 and 2018, and rolling up 47 happen last year. I think these seniors are hungry wins in four seasons, the Panthers slipped to 3-6 last to get back to competition since they weren’t able to fall. Long-time coach JB Covington retired at the end compete last spring.” of the season and Kendall Fiscus takes over. The Panthers were competitive in all losses last season, Notes: Colgan makes the move to 2A this fall and especially a 21-14 loss to 1A semifinalist Plainville in should be the heavy favorite in a district that includes Week 2 and a 14-13 loss to Ellsworth in Week 6. The Erie, Fredonia, Neodesha, Riverton and Southeastgood news is QB Ty Sides returns after taking over Cherokee. With seven starters returning the Panthers for older brother Trey - now a Division I basketball should challenge Nemaha Central, Rossville and player - last fall. The bad news is the schedule does Silver Lake for the top spot on the eastern half of the no favors with games with Plainville, Smith Center, state in 2A. Hoisington and Beloit in four of the first five weeks.

RIVERTON

Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: Returning starters: Will Shawver, RB/LB, 5-10, 183, Sr.; Kaylb Allen, RB/DB, Sr.; Jayden Faircloth, WR/ DL, Sr.; Walker Mallatt, WR/DB, Sr.; Domanick Rooks, QB/DE, Sr.; Tim Grieshaber, OL/DL, Sr.; Josh Lynn, OL/DL, Sr.; Austin Anderson, OL/DL, Sr.; Hunter Crowder, RB/LB, Jr.; Garin Gilmore, OL/ DL, Jr.; Derek Larson, RB/LB, Jr.; Zayne Shireman, OL/DL, Jr.

The Falcons may benefit from playing in what looks like a balanced Class 2A, District 2. While Osage City, Eureka and Humboldt appear to be favorites there is no one team in the district that stands clearly Returning Statistical Leaders: head and shoulders above the rest entering the Rushing: Will Shawver, 1,200 yds. season.

Passing: N/A Receiving: Will Shawver Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have Interceptions: N/A 12 seniors, and we need great leadership to bring along our young guys in order for us to be successHead coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We ful. Newcomers are going to have to establish roles expect our senior class to set the tone for the rest of the team just like our seniors did last year. You must have senior leadership if you expect to be successful. Our leaders must lead by example for Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Cameron Wise, 511 yds., 4 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Cameron Wise, 112 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Ethan Hatfield, 48 tackles Sacks: Colton Hoyt, 3 sacks Interceptions: N/A

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the team to follow them. We return some very experienced players on both sides of the ball. We also will have more depth at every position especially in our offensive backfield. We will be more balanced on offense, throwing and running the ball. Defensively we will be very physical and run to the ball well. The teams that can run the football and stop the run are usually the teams that have good seasons. We will also play teams with much more confidence which will make us better.”

Notes: The Riverton Rams posted one of the best seasons in years last fall and return significant experience off that squad. Coach Johnny Mallat will have to replace Kansas Shrine Bowl selection Ethan Shawver in the backfield and lineman Trevor Parsons, both now playing football at Mid-America Nazarene University, but return every other key piece off last year’s squad.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

ROSSVILLE

2019 Record: 7-3 / Mid East League

SENECA-NEMAHA CENTRAL

2019 Record: 11-2 / Big 7 League

SILVER LAKE

2019 Record: 10-1 / Mid East League

ST. MARYS

Page 100

2019 Record: 2-7 / Mid-East League

Head Coach: Derick Hammes (8th year, 70-15; 16th Head Coach: Warren Seitz (10th year, 76-21) overall, 99-70) Assistants: Dan Schneider, Jeremey Assistants: Terry Stueve, Mark Mayberry, Kelly Stephenson, Blake Alexander, Jake Iverson, Taylor Williams, Cory Bass, Jason Hajek Smith Offense: 1-Back Defense: 3-3 Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 32 Returning lettermen: 21 Returning starters: Nathan Deters, OL/DL, 6-3, 240, Returning starters: Woodrow Rezac, WR, Sr.; Torrey Sr.; Tyler Gerety, WR/FS, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Gage Palic, Horak, QB/CB, Jr.; Joe McGath, OL, Sr.; Jacob RB/SS, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Zac Kramer, LB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Carver, OL, So.; Kris Brown, OL, Sr.; Tyree Sowers, Evan Schmitz, OL, 6-5, 200, Sr.; Kaleb Reitz, OL, RB, Sr.; Kaiden Brown, RB/LB, Sr.; Bo Reeves, WR/ 5-10, 225, Jr. CB, Sr.; Corey Catron, LB, Jr.; Brody Lietz, DL, Jr.; Bryson Balch, DE, Sr.; Austin Klesath, DB, Sr.; Layne Returning Statistical Leaders Hurla, DB, Sr.; Mshewe Hale, DL, Jr. Rushing: Gage Palic, 55 car., 338 yds., 8 TDs Passing: Zac Kramer, 3-6, 40 yds., 1 TD Returning Statistical Leaders Receiving: Tyler Gerety, 28 rec., 558 yds., 6 TDs Rushing: Torrey Horak, 155 car., 1,214 yds., 16 TDs; Tackles: Zac Kramer, 60 tackles Woodrow Reza, 85 car., 828 yds., 10 TDs; Tyree Sacks: Nathan Deters, 4 sacks Sowers, 115 car., 636 yds., 7 TDs Interceptions: Tyler Gerety, 3 INTs Passing: Torrey Horak, 67-116, 1,007 yds., 17 TDs Receiving: Bo Reeves, 26 rec., 512 yds., 8 TDs; Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: Tyree Sowers, 13 rec., 111 yds., 4 TDs “Obviously we lost a lot of very good players. A Tackles: Layne Hurla, 90 tackles; Kaiden Brown, 77 number of this year’s team have varsity playing expetackles; Corey Catron, 71 tackles rience in big games. We also have some younger Sacks: Tyree Sowers, 3 sacks; Kaiden Brown, 2 players that will see action this year that will be very sacks good players in the future.”

Interceptions: 3 players with 2 INTs each Notes: Warren Seitz lead Nemaha Central to the Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “For the program’s first state title last fall with a 19-0 victory past two seasons the Dawgs have played young over Norton. The Thunder graduated a number of players and now have seasoned upperclassmen. I key players off that team including all-state lineman would like nothing more than to see improvement Brad Schmitz, all-state linebacker Bryce Uphaus from our young players from last season. If these and all-state receiver Andrew Leonard, but the kids challenge and compete for playing time it will pantry shelves are not entirely empty for Seitz, who make us all better. Rossville will always have high welcomes back talented receiver and defensive back expectations as it enters a new season. This year will Tyler Gerety, a solid rushing threat in Gage Palic and be no exception.” a potential all-state player in the trenches in Nathan Deters. Two other returning linemen (Even Schmitz, Notes: Torrey Horak, brother of Pittsburg State run- Kaleb Reitz) give the Thunder the protection to help ning back and former Dawg QB Tucker, returns to the new offensive playmakers emerge. Linebacker Zac quarterback position and will try to lead the Dawgs Kramer returns for the defense after tallying 60 tackdeeper in the playoffs this fall. He’ll have a big target les last fall. Tough early season tests with Big 7 rivals to throw to in receiver Bo Reeves, a college prospect Holton and Sabetha will prepare the Thunder for a 2A with interest from numerous DII programs.

District 4 in which they will be the favorite.

Head Coach: C.J. Hamilton (45th year, 432-93 over- Head Coach: Kyle Schenk (1st year) all) Assistants: Warren Bledsoe, Travis Hamilton, Assistants: Troy Biladeau, Mark O’Halloran, Paul Trevor Hamilton, Mike VandeVelde Mussleman

2019 Record: 4-5 / Heart of America

2019 Record: 1-7 / Hi-Plains

2019 Record: 6-3 / Big 7

2019 Record: 4-5 / Pioneer League

Head Coach: Brent Schneider (2nd year, 4-5; 6th overall, 19-27) Assistants: Derek Schneider, Jaret Wohler

Head Coach: Jordan Irsik (1st year) Assts.: Jordan Wahlmeier, Casey Finlay, John Le, Dalton Soullas

Head Coach: Bryce Paden (2nd year, 6-3) Assistants: Alec Miller, Ross Libel, Matt McFarland

Offense: Pistol Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: 23 Returning starters: Ruendy Portillo, SLOT/Corner, 5-8, 160, So.; Uriel Diaz, WR, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Jaden Grilliot, WR, 6-0, 144, Jr.; Trevor Grubbs, LT/LB, 6-0, 215, Jr.; Brandon Pinto, LG/DT, 5-8, 235, Sr.; Gunnar Upson, C, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Saul Diaz, DE/LT, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Enrique Gamboa, DE, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Junior Diaz, Strong Safety, 5-10, 180, So.;

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: Returning starters: Kaedin Juhl, G/DL, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Xavier Stillman, T/DL, 6-4, 276, Sr.; Kobe Davis, QB/DB, 5-11, 160, Jr.; Conner Hayes, WR/OLB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Braden Chalfant, WR/DB, 5-10, 155, Sr.

Head Coach: Mike Berg (2nd year, 4-5; 21st year, 123-85 overall) Assistants: Duane McCarty, Bill Oshel, Jerry Hunsaker, Mark Messer, Eric Sayler

STERLING

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: Alan Anderson, RB/DE, Sr.; Cody Royer, RB/DE, Sr.; Caden Webb, OL/DL, Sr.; Reece Bressler, OL/DL, Jr.; Kaz Comley, OB/LB, Jr.; Jonas Gunther, OL/DL, Jr.; Donivin Hopewell, RB/DB, Jr.; Trevan Jones, OL/ LB, Jr.; Trevor Ochs, OL/DE, Jr.; Cody Oden, WR/DB, Jr.; Zach Surface, WR/DB, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Alan Anderson, 142 car., 702 yds., 7 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Cody Oden, 96 yds., 1 TD; Donivin Hopewell, 73 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Caden Webb, 45 tackles; Alan Anderson, 36 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A

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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Brogan Renfro, 43 car., 438 yds., 9 TDs Passing: Carson Johnson, 2-4, 22 yds.

Receiving: Nathan Boyden, 18 rec., 406 yds., 7 TDs; Trey Koelzer, 15 rec., 387 yds., 7 TDs Tackles: Trent Reamer, 75 tackles Sacks: Preston Gillen, Colton Winsor, 2 sacks each Interceptions: Brogan Renfro, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A Notes: The state’s all-time winningest coach enters his 45th season with the Eagles looking to increase the already enormous number 432 standing in the win column. He welcomes back 12 players with starting experience who will try to get Silver Lake back to a state title game for the first time since 2013.

While the lack of state championship appearances represents a bit of a drought for the Eagles it’s not as though they haven’t been close, winning at least 10 games in all but one of those years - a 9-2 finish in 2015. Whoever replaces graduated quarterback Cody Hay (1,800 yds. passing, 27 TDs) will have the pleasure of standing behind four returning offensive linemen. The defense bid farewell to graduated all-state linebacker Gideon Remer but Trent Reamer returns.

WATHENA-RIVERSIDE

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Kobe Davis, 210 yds., 3 TDs; Jase Wendt, 132 yds., 2 TDs; Charlie Grable, 109 yds., 2 TDs Returning Statistical Leaders Passing: Kobe Davis, 105-200, 1,543 yds., 21 TDs Rushing: Kolbey Brummett, 72 car., 403 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: Braden Chalfant, 105 yds.; Conner Passing: Enrique Gamboa, 6-18, 146 yds.

Hayes, 213 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Joe Mitchell, 46 tackles; Luis Perez, 22 Tackles: Conner Hayes, 25 tackles; Kaedin Juhl, 33 tackles; Sacks: Luis Perez, 4 sacks tackles; Xavier Stillman, 18 tackles Interceptions: Joe Mitchell, 1 INT Interceptions: Conner Hayes, 2 INT

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We are returning 21 players who started in varsity games.

We will be running entirely new offensive and Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The defensive schemes that should put the kids in better majority of the kids have bought into the strength and positions to be successful. We have some young talconditioning program and have been putting in a lot ent coming up that will only continue to improve. Our of hard work. They are understanding the importance starting QB, Jay Gould, will be a freshman, but he that the S&C program has on injury prevention and is very talented. Kolbey Brummett, Ruendy Portillo, performance and are ready to start seeing some of Joe Mitchell, and Alex Barraza were multi-purpose those gains pay off.” threats last year on the offensive side of the ball and will all return. Defensively, we return Uriel Diaz, who Notes: The Black Bears went 4-5 with a young team led the team in tackles through the first five games, last fall, and while second year Sterling head coch after coming back from injury.”

Brent Schneider graduated some key pieces, he returns a sizable junior class to help take the next step Notes: Ingalls native and former Ottawa Univ. player this fall. Senior Alan Anderson is back on offense Jordan Irsik takes over the Syracuse program after after rushing for over 700 yards last fall. time as an assistant at Wamego and Garden City.

Benson Accounting

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: Caige Cromer, T, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Mason Maldonado, T, 5-10, 235, Sr.; Nathan Boyden, WR, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Trey Koelzer, WR, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Gannon Remer, RB, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Brogan Renfro, RB, 5-9, 140, Jr.; Connor Pruyser, C/DE, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Jacob Wegner, G, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Kai Allen, CB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Trent Reamer, LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Jake Wegner, DT, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Carson Johnson, S, 5-11, 195, Jr.

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Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We graduated nine seniors last year who all contributed significantly in different ways. However, we have a group of guys following behind to fill the gaps.

Bradley Libel and Isaac Webb combined for 49 receptions last season. Filling their shoes will be Conner Hayes (Sr.), Braden Chalfant (Sr.), Nehemiah Byrd (Jr.), and transfer Bray Davies (Sr.). Charlie Grable (Sr.) will also be in the mix as a running back and linebacker. Kobe Davies (Jr.) returns as the quarterback. We have a few changes to our schedule adding St. Mary’s and Belleville-Republic County to the district mix. We have the pieces in place to have another good year and hope to take the next step and win the district and continue on in the playoffs.”

Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Jacob Fox, RB/LB, Sr.; Jacob Lett, OL/DL, Sr.; Isiah Holz, RB/DB, Sr.; Danny Moylan, WR/DB, Sr.; Daniel Ewing, OL/DL, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “(Our goals are to play) fast, physical, and efficient.”

Notes: Former long-time college coach Kyle Schenk, a Smith Center native, moves down to the high school ranks after spending nearly 20 years at several NAIA programs. After playing collegiately at Trinity International in Chicago for former Sterling College and Southern Nazarene head coach Andy Lambert, Schenk spent time on the defensive staffs of Greenville (Ill.) College, Taylor (Ind.) University and Trinity International. Schenk later coached linebackers at Malone in Canton, Ohio, and Sterling College in Kansas, before returning to Malone to become defensive coordinator. In 2017 Schenk joined Andy Lambert’s staff at Southern Nazarene where he served three seasons as defensive coordinator.

A former Kansas Shrine Bowl selection, Schenk finished his playing career at Trinity International as the all-time leading tackler in program history, and still occupies the second spot on that list.

Schenk will begin his high school coaching journey on a new Mammoth Sports Construction playing surface at St. Marys, one of two new turf fields installed in the USD #321 school district by the Meriden based sports construction company, the other at Rossville.

WELLSVILLE

Offense: Pro-I Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 25 Returning starters: Colby Stephens, OL/DL, 6-3, 280, Sr.; Eddie Lopez, OL/DL, 6-4, 300, Jr.; Cruz Farley, OL, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Kaleb Green, OL/DL, 6-0, 200, So.; Kaden O’Neil, OL, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Benito Delgado, TE/ LB, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Nash Money, RB, 5-8, 170, So.; Dylan Schnoor, LB, 6-2, 200, Jr.; Ayden Kearney, WR/SS, 5-10, Sr.; Jacob Lee, WR/C, 6-0, 190, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Nash Money, 140 yds., 3 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Jacob Lee, 85 yds.

Tackles: Dylan Schnoor, 52 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Ayden Kearney, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Keeping our team healthy and improving each week are our keys to success.”

Notes: Wellsville went 4-5 for the second consecutive year, but this season takes a step down to 2A and moves into a district that appears to be wide open with Osage City, Eureka and Humboldt the favorites.

Wellsville is one of the state’s most consistent winners and prior to the last two seasons of 4-5 had not posted a losing record since 2009. The final 2019 record could have been very different as the Eagles suffered three losses by six points or less to quality opponents Burlington, Santa Fe Trail and Jeff West.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

Page 101

Class 1A

1. Centralia 2. Smith Center 3. Conway Springs 4. Valley Heights 5. Inman Others: Jackson Heights, Lyndon, Olpe, Plainville, Sedgwick *Publisher’s Note: At press time, it was not clear how coronavirus cancellations and postponements might fully impact football in the smaller classifications. A number of teams reported the enrollment of transfers from larger districts and several schools were reporting delays to practice following positive tests or outbreaks.

The information below, and in the pages that follow, may serve as a “what might have been” look at a 2020 season that remains in jeopardy in many parts of the state.

By Brent Maycock, Topeka Capital-Journal Whether it was the old Class 2-1A or the new-look Class 1A, the smallest 11-man classification in the state has been dominated by two programs — Centralia and Smith Center.

The two have combined for 11 titles since 2004 with SC accounting for seven of those and Centralia the other four. Last year, the two met in the championship game with Centralia pulling out an 18-14 victory on Kamble Haverkamp’s TD run in the final minute.

So going into the 2020 season, it’s no surprise they remain the favorites to meet for the title again. Both have holes to fill, however.

Haverkamp enjoyed an All-State season in leading Centralia to its fourth championship since 2009. The speedy QB ran for 2,385 yards and 35 TDs and also threw for 471 yards and six scores. His departure leaves a big hole in the Panther backfield, likely to be filled by junior Ethan McNally.

McNally will have the luxury of stepping into an offense that returns enough proven talent to make the transition a smooth one. Devon Feldkamp complemented Haverkamp quite nicely in last year’s backfield, rushing for 1,114 yards and 12 TDs while also leading team in receiving. Four of five starting offensive linemen return as does defensive front seven, led by leading tackler Austin Holthaus.

The Panther D was stout all year, allowing just 13 points per game.

Centralia ripped off 12 straight wins after a Week 1 loss to Rossville.

Smith Center was a minute away from a third straight state championship before Haverkamp and Centralia snatched it away. The

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Devon Feldkamp

12 PLAYERS TO WATCH

Lance Hoffsommer [Sedgwick] 6-2, 170, QB, Sr.; 162-258, 2,754 yds., 33 TDs Austin Holthaus [Centralia] Photo by Julie Perry, Photo by Kelly DeGraffenreid Photo by Thomas Phillips Marysville Advocate 6-0, 260, OL/LB, Sr.; 91 tkls., Kpreps All-State OL Beau Baker [Lyndon] Peyton Rathbun [Plainville] 6-0, 225, OL/DL, Sr.; 47 tkls., 7 TFLs, 3.5 sacks 5-7, 160, OL/DE, Sr.; 94 tkls., 15 TFLs, 7 sacks Carter Brown [Inman] Damon Redeker [Olpe] 6-0, 180, RB/LB, Sr.; 112 tkls., 455 yds. rushing, 3TDs 5-11, 160, WR/S, Jr.; 6 INTs Henry Burns [Sedgwick] Jonah Smith [Plainville] 5-10, 155, WR/DB, Sr.; 25 rec., 543 yds., 5 TDs, 119 tkls., 3 INTs 6-2, 265, OL/DL/LB, Sr., All-MCL, 52 tkls., 8 TFLs Luke Detwiler [Lyndon] Charlie Timmons [Smith Center] 5-10, 160, RB, Sr.; 26 rec., 403 yds., 4 TDs, 36 car., 345 yds., 2 TDs 6-1, 220, OL/DL, Sr.; Four-year Starter, Inj. 2019 Devon Feldkamp [Centralia] Jonathan Wright [Conway Springs] 6-0, 170, RB/LB, Sr.; 1,114 yds., rushing, 12 TDs 6-2, 180, RB/LB, Sr.; 318 yds. receiving 6 TDs, 63.5 tkl.

Redmen finished 12-1 and are 36-3 the past three seasons.

Despite graduating 12 seniors who played a huge part in that success, including first-team All-1A picks Joel Montgomery and Jaden Atwood, Smith Center has plenty of experience back to make another deep run with seven starters back on offense and six on defense.

Senior Griffin Kugler was a dynamic receiver with 14 touchdown grabs and also starred in the secondary.

A long-time power in Class 3A/2A, Conway Springs drops to Class 1A this year and immediately becomes a serious threat to Smith Center in the west. The Cardinals have seven state titles since 1998, matching Smith Center’s haul, and the program is a collective 238-33 since 1997, including 105-19 under Matt Biehler’s watch.

Only four starters return each way so a new cast of Cardinals will have to step up. Linebacker play should be a strength led by seniors Jonathan Wright (98 tackles) and Heath Hilger.

All three of Valley Heights’ losses came to teams that reached the final four in 1A — two to semifinalist Jackson Heights and the other to eventual champion Centralia. The Mustangs are looking to breakthrough this season and lost just three seniors off last year’s 7-3 squad, though one of them is tailback Cole Coggins, who led the team in rushing each of the past three seasons.

Cameron Beardsley is a four-year starter at QB and ran for 758 yards and 9 TDs last year. He’ll team with fullback Jake Yungeberg (860 yards, 10 TDs) to give Heights a strong backfield punch behind four returning starters on the line. Beardsley and Yungeberg also lead the team defensively with Beardsley picking off seven passes.

State champion in 2014 and runner-up in 2018, Olpe saw its bid to return to the title game for the second straight year end with a 22-20 quarterfinal loss to eventual champion Centralia. It was the only loss for the Eagles, who gave up just 8.4 points per game.

That stout defense lost linebacker Colby Hoelting, but returns leading tackler Ted Skalsky (90 tackles) and defensive back Damon Redeker (7 INTS). Redeker will take on a bigger role in the offense this year, moving to QB to replace Hoelting, and the Eagles return

tailback Kynden Robert, who ran for 825 yards and 21 TDs. Inman returns nine starters on offense and eight on defense from a team that went 6-5 and reached the state quarterfinals before falling to Plainville. The Teutons will miss 1,000-yard rusher Kolby Blank and the ground game may fall on th shoulders of senior back Carter Brown, who led the team defensively with 112 tackles.

Jackson Heights enjoyed one of the best seasons in school history, going 9-3 and reaching the semifinals before falling to eventual champion Centralia. The Cobras saw their string of three straight league titles end with a regular-season 18-14 loss to Maur Hill.

Line play has been a strength for Heights during its recent run of success and should be again this year despite the loss of three-time All-1A pick Carson Williams. Taylor Wamego and Colby Doyle are three-year starters up front while Hudson Roles is a two-year starter.

The backfield also took a hit with the graduation of leading rusher Cooper Williams and the defense loses leading tackler Riley Watkins. But Jason Bosley topped 1,000 yards last year as a sophomore and Dylan Thompson added more than 800 from at fullback.

It’s reload time for Plainville after graduation claim two cornerstones for the program for the past four years. Quarterback/defensive back Jordan Finnesy and running back/linebacker Jared Casey were four-year starters both ways who carried the Cardinals to four straight trips to at least the 1A semifinals.

The duo accounted for more than 3,500 yards of total offense and 52 TDs last year, leaving major holes in Plainville’s offense for 2020.

Sedgwick returns one of the most prolific small-school passers in the state from a year ago in junior QB Lance Hoffsommer. Last year as a sophomore, Hoffsommer led 1A with 2,738 yards and 34 TDs. His array of weapons around him has been somewhat depleted with the graduation of Kale Schroeder, who is Sedgwick’s all-time leader in total yards, and receiver Qayden Shepard (815 yards, 14 TDs). The defense lost top tackler Gannon Resnick (162 tackles).

Junior kicker Connor Tillman is one of the state’s best, hitting 6 of 10 field goals last year with a long of 45 yards.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

ALLEN-NORTHERN HEIGHTS

ARMA-NORTHEAST

BLUE RAPIDS-VALLEY HEIGHTS

Page 103

BROOKVILLE-ELL SALINE

2019 Record: 6-4 / Flint Hills League

2019 Record: 1-8 / Three Rivers

2019 Record: 7-3 / Twin Valley League

2019 Record: 7-3 / Heart of America League

Head Coach: Darwin Sweetman (3rd year, 11-17) Assistants: Lanny Massey, Cody Lindquist, Joe Buchanan, Greg French

Head Coach: David Pitts (2nd year, 1-8) Assistants: Randy Adams, Anthony Scholes, Tanner Pitts

Head Coach: Tony Trimble (16th year, 80-64) Assistants: Ron Lee, Cody Trimble, Wendell Smith

Head Coach: Joe Roche (1st year) Assistants: John Ludes, Kevin Patrick, Brandon Toll

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Cole Richard, QB/LB, 5-11, 145, Sr.; Karter Dugan, RB/FS, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Zach Cronister, T/NG, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Garrett Walker, RB, 5-4, 125, Sr.; Eric Smith, RB/LB, 5-6, 135, Jr.; Dominick Neary, RB/LB, 5-6, 150, Jr.; Braden Broyles, RB/C, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Ethan Neary, RB/T, 5-6, 145, Jr.; Brandon Sigmon, TE/LB, 5-8, 156, So.; Jevon Allen, QB/C, 6-0, 175, So.; Gage Cronister, C, 5-8, 250, Sr.; Noah Hammers, RB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Allen Adelman, TE, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Braydon Bolton, G, 5-9, 235, So.; Damien Willard, G, 5-5, 150, So.; Brendan Alters, TE, 5-9, 166, So.; Seth Boley, TE, 5-9, 185, So.; Brock Nunn, C 5-5, 148, So.; DJ Dohle, T, 5-10, 220, Jr.; LaBraden Clemens, TE, 5-6, 140, So.

Offense: Triple Offense Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: Cameron Beardsley, QB/DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Jackson O’Toole, DB/WR, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Bryson Kenwothy, OL/DL, 6-5, 250, Sr.; Jake Yungeberg, FB/LB, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Evan Haines, TE/ LB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Colton Crook, OL/DL, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Cade Zidek, OL/DL, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Cesar Aguirre, OL/DL, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Trenton L’Ecuyer, DB, 5-11, 165, Jr.

Offense: Spread Defense: 50 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Eli Hopkins, OL/DE, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Jesus Calzada, OL/DL, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Carter Underwood, 5-9, 200, OL/DL; Keenan Drees, RB/ DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; TJ Morrical, QB/DB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Johnathon Calzada, OL/DL, 6-2, 230, Jr.; Kayden Goddard, OL/LB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Gabe Roche, PK, 5-8, 155, Jr.; Noah Carrazco, PK, Jr.; 5-9, 165, Jr.; Taegan Bradley, WR/DB, 5-10, 145, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jake Yungeberg, 113 car., 860 yds., 10 TDs; Cameron Beardsley, 87 car., 758 yds., 9 TDs Passing: Cameron Beardsley, 26-59, 459 yds., 7 TDs Receiving: Jackson O’Toole, 8 rec., 123 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Jake Yungeberg, 84 tackles Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our Sacks: Evan Haines, 3 sacks Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “There biggest challenge last season was overcoming small Interceptions: Cameron Beardsley, 7 INTs is a lot of turnover on our team this year. Coach numbers. We averaged 15 eligible kids a game. This French, our head coach of 22 years, is taking a step year, they know what it takes to do better and expec- Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We back to be an assistant and we graduated a big, tations for success will be higher. The team will need return a lot of multi-year starters this season. We prolific senior class. Our goal for this season is to to be able to pass the ball, cut down on turnovers, have a large season class that has several players improve from week to week. We have talent, but we and play more disciplined defense. The biggest who have a lot of experience. This group is a special don’t have a whole lot of experience, so we have to change will be being more disciplined and cutting one, and we have been excited for a few years about focus on getting better and finding out what works for down on penalties. I expect them to keep improving what they could accomplish before they graduate. who we have.” from week to week and have a positive attitude in the As a triple offensive team, we believe in developing classroom as well as on the field.” an offensive line that takes pride in being able to line Notes: After posting one of the best seasons in years up and run the ball right at people. A large part of our the Wildcats must replace many of the key pieces success rushing the ball the last few years has been that made that season possible, namely TE/LB Tee because of our offensive line. We should also have a Preisner and QB Cameron Heiman. Preisner, a little more depth on the line this year as well.” four-year starter, will go down as one of the great players in Northern Heights history with nearly 300 Notes: Is this the year? The year that Valley Heights career tackles from his linebacker spot and 81 finally gets over the Centralia/Jackson Heights hump. career catches for 1,420 yard and 14 TDs from his The Mustangs have just nine losses in the past tight end spot. Heiman earned all-state honors after three seasons, but eight of them are to Centralia passing for 1,200 yards, rushing for 1,200 yards and and Jackson Heights. Coach Tony Trimble believes combining for 27 touchdowns. Third year head coach a wealth of experience and talent could get VH past Darwin Sweetman goes solo in the role after serving the Panthers and Cobras this fall, and if it does, it as co-head coach with Greg French for two seasons. very well could result in a trip to the 1A title game.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: TJ Morrical, 76 car., 535 yds., 8 TDs; Keenan Drees, 45 car., 304 yds., 4 TDs Passing: TJ Morrical, 31/69, 403 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: Keenan Drees, 4 rec., 95 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Eli Hopkins, 33 tackles; Carter Underwood, 24 tackles Interceptions: Keenan Drees, 2 INTs Sacks: Eli Hopkins, 3 sacks

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Braden Heins, RB/WR/DB, 6-2, 150, Jr.; Colton Tiffany, RB/DB/LB, 5-10, 140, Sr.; Cody Medlen, FB/OL/LB, 5-5, 160, Sr.; Hunter Plankinton, WR/DB, 5-8, 140, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Colton Tiffany, 47 yds Receiving: Colton Tiffany, 348 yds Tackles: Colton Tiffany, 62 tackles; Cody Medlen, 60 tackles Sacks: Cody Medlen, Braden Heins, Wyatt Anderson, 1 sack Interceptions: Cody Medlen, Colton Tiffany, Braden Heins, 1 INT each

CENTRALIA

CONWAY SPRINGS

ELKHART

Comments on upcoming 2020 season: “Coach Terry King left some big shoes to fill upon his retirement.

I had been one of coach King’s assistant coaches since he started in 1999. He always instilled basic principles into our football program, like hard work, discipline, teamwork, and toughness. I look forward to carry on that tradition. I believe those types of principles have to be the foundation of any good football program and all translate to life in general. I have been teaching and coaching at Ell-Saline since 1996.

I feel as though I know the kids and the community.

We always have high expectations for football at Ell-Saline, and this season is no different.”

Notes: Terry King retired after 21 years as the head coach for the Cardinals and assistant Joe Roche takes over. He’ll miss graduated all-state players Sawyer Kramer and Luke Parks, but welcomes back 10 players with starting experience including quarterback TJ Morrical.

ELLINWOOD

2019 Record: 12-1 / Twin Valley League

2019 Record: 8-3 / Central Plains League

2019 Record: 7-2 / Hi Plains League

Head Coach: Larry Glatczak (15th year, 133-41) Assistants: Roger Holthaus, Dusty Thompson, Jim Kramer, Tyler Glatczak

Head Coach: Matt Biehler (12th year, 105-19) Assistants: Brent Martens, Gregg Hullinger, Ryan King, Darrin Seiwert

Head Coach: Jhon Haehn (2nd year, 7-2; 7th overall, Head Coach: Alex Nuss (1st year) 22-28) Assistants: Kirby Abney, Sean Livengood Assistants: Darwin Bouray

Offense: Single Wing Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Colton Hasenkamp, OT/DT, 6-0, 270, Sr.; Austin Holthaus, OG/LB/K, 6-0, 260, Sr.; Kade Olberding, OG, 6-1, 275, Sr.; Treydon Talley, OT/DE, 5-11, 275, Jr.; Tyler Heinen, TE/DE, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Devon Feldkamp, RB/LB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Ian Haverkamp, RB/LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Isaac Flood, DT, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Marshall Tanking, CB, 5-9, 155, Sr.

Offense: Single Wing Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: Jonathan Wright, RB/BB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Cole Schulte, ATH, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Heath Hilger, QB/LB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Zach Osner, OL/DE, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Logan Warren, FB/DT, 5-11, 180, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Heath Hilger, 63 car., 536 yds., 10 TDs Returning Statistical Leaders Passing: Heath Hilger, 187 yds., 2 TDs Rushing: Devon Feldkamp, 1,114 yds., 12 TDs Receiving: Jonathan Wright, 318 yds., 6 TDs Passing: N/A Tackles: Jonathan Wright, 63.5 tackles Receiving: Devon Feldkamp, 11 rec., 196 yds., 3 TDs Sacks: Jonathan Wright, 1 sack Tackles: Austin Holthaus, 91 tackles Interceptions: Cole Shulte, 4 INTs Sacks: Tyler Heinen, 4 sacks Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The Cardinals will once again look to make a playoff run.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “(We) This team has experience and a lot of athleticism. have some decent kids returning. (They) have some We will need to develop offensive and defensive lines big shoes to fill in (Kamble) Haverkamp (graduating). to compete in the upper level of 1A. The Cardinal (We) must come together to have a chance at the Wing offense will look to rely heavily on the rushing playoffs.” attack and utilize the passing ability of Hilger. He will have many athletic weapons to work with. The Notes: The Panthers are now the only team to beat Red Rage defense will be led by the linebackers and long-time power Smith Center twice in state title secondary. They must continue to tackle well.” games, following up the 2009 win with an 18-14 win last November, ending the Redmen’s quest for three Notes: After a two-point loss to Norton ended the straight. Gone is Kamble Haverkamp, one of the all- Cardinals run in the quarterfinals of the playoffs last time great players in program history who accounted year Matt Biehler’s Conway Springs team slides for almost 3,000 combined rushing and passing yards down to 1A where they are likely to continue their and 41 TDs last fall. But back are nine other starters, including 1,000 yard rusher Devon Feldkamp and LB lengthy run as a state power. Biehler needs new lineman to emerge and protect quality skill players Austin Holthaus (91 tackles), with goals to repeat.

Jonathan Wright and Heath Hilger.

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Offense: Gun Pro Defense: 3-3 stack Returning lettermen: 6 Returning starters: Cameron Stevenson, T/DT, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Eli Hernandez, RB/LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Aiden Ricker, RB/LB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Lane Klepper, WR/LB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Gage Hosman, WR/DE, 6-3, 195, Sr.; Ayden Brammer, T/DT, 5-11, 240, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Sacks: Lance Addington, Tyler Reeves, 1 sack each Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Eli Hernandez, 100 car., 476 yds., 2 TD Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We will Passing: N/A be very young and inexperienced at most of our Receiving: Lane Klepper, 18 rec., 127 yds. positions. We lost a lot to graduation and kids who Tackles: Aiden Ricker, 67 tackles have moved. However, we have good size up front Sacks: N/A and our skill kids are young but have some ability.

Interceptions: N/A Our season is going to hinge on how fast we can develop our sophomores and their ability to step Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “(We up and play at a varsity level. I am expecting great want to) change the culture of Ellinwood football, and things from Emmitt Espinoza who we moved to our begin to build something to be proud of. (Our key is wing position. Our quarterback, Kage Ralstin is a to) play fundamentally sound football.” sophomore but is very talented and confident so his development is key. Overall, we must grow as a team Notes: Alex Nuss takes over the Ellinwood program and develop chemistry.” as the Eagles move down to 1A. Nuss inherits a team that won just one game a season ago and the Notes: The Wildcats have enjoyed a great four-year classification change does no favors for the Eagles’ run posting 30 wins. In Jhon Haehn’s first year on the as the first four games are against Olpe, an experijob last fall the Wildcats opened with a 38-13 loss to enced Inman team, and powers Smith Center and Cimarron and closed with a 43-13 loss to Inman but Conway Springs, four teams with records of 10-1, sandwiched in-between were seven straight wins 6-5, 12-1 and 8-3 a year ago. In Week 5 the Eagles with the offense erupting for at least 34 points in each face a Sacred Heart team that was winless in 2019 contest. The Wildcats graduated some exceptional before wrapping up the regular season with games skill players from the last two seasons and big senior against an improved Oakley squad and quality lineman Tanner Hattabaugh moved to Lakin. Three Plainville and Ell-Saline teams. Six returning starters experienced linemen return to protect young skills. will try to help Nuss ease the transition.

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Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Daven Luera, OL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Lance Addington, DE, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Emmitt Espinoza, WR, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Miguel Gabino, OL/DL, 5-9, 220, Sr.; Tyler Reeves, OL/DL, 6-1, 290, Sr.

2019 Record: 1-8 / Central Prairie League

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

HOLTON-JACKSON HEIGHTS

HORTON

INMAN

Page 104

JOHNSON-STANTON COUNTY

2019 Record: 9-3 / Northeast Kansas League

2019 Record: 0-9 / Northeast Kansas League

2019 Record: 6-5 / Heart of America League

2019 Record: 1-8 / Hi-Plains League

Head Coach: Caleb Wick (9th year, 57-24) Assistants: Tobias Cowdin, Greg Nilges Jr.

Head Coach: David Losey (1st year) Assts: N/A

Head Coach: Lance Sawyer (5th year, 15-24) Assistants: Bill Garst, Greg Froese, Wyatt Meier

Head Coach: Aaron Sperber (1st year) Assistants: Clent Floyd, KC Higley

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Jace Doerksen, QB/DB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Carter Brown, RB/LB/K, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Dairien Dawes, OL/DL, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Derick Johnson, WR/ DB/P, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Kyler Konrade, DB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Nate Shober, LB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Cole Hase, OL/ DL, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Kendyn Blank, RB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Mason Carter, TE, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Christian Winsky, OL, 5-10, 250, Jr.; Grant Thimmesch, OL/DL, 6-0, 175, Jr.

Offense: Double Wing Defense: 5-3 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: Aidan Waldron, TE/DE, 6-1,, 170, Sr.; Alex Meier, T/DT, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Bryan Torres, RB/ DT, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Cole Scott, QB/DE, 6-5, 190, Sr.; Edwin Rivas, C/DT, 6-1, 215 Sr.; Roger Martinez, G/ DE, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Sam Canny, RB/DB, 6-3, 170, Jr.; Sam Davidson, RB/DB, 5-10, 160, Jr.

Offense: Wishbone Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: Taylor Wamego, T, 6-1, 290, Sr.; Colby Doyle, G, 5-10, 275, Sr.; Silas Holliday, CB, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Jude Williams, CB, 5-10, 150, So.; Ryan Schumann, G, 5-9, 240, Jr.; Alex Browning, RB, 5-9, 160, So.; Julian Butto, LB, 5-8, 190, So.; Dylan Thompson, RB, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Jason Bosley, RB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Grant Amon, RB, 6-2, 170, Jr.; Jason White, C, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Brantley Dohl, LB, 5-9, 210, Jr.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Emory Negansott, OL/DL, Sr.; Dutch Keo, OL/DL, Sr.; Noah Matthias, OL/DL, Sr.; Trey Lockwood, RB/LB, Jr.; Jack Allen, WR/DB, So.; Tre Greene, RB/LB, Jr.; Jon Boller, OL, Jr.; Tabias Bellman, LB, So.; Alex Henke, DB, So.; Ethan Miller, DB, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Several starters return and we will be looking for their Returning Statistical Leaders experience and leadership to help us compete.

Rushing: Jason Bosley, 127 car., 1,083 yds.

We’ve had very good attendance throughout the Receiving: Jason Bosley, 3 rec., 95 yds. summer which will put us ahead...implementing a Tackles: Tayler Wamego, 85 tackles different system. We will be looking for our seniors and juniors to be leaders for the younger players.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “2019 We have been pleasantly surprised with several was a great year for our young men! We were not players this summer and look to have the numbers able to win another league championship, but many to have competitiveness at all positions. There is an goals were reached during the course of the season. optimism in the air and we are hoping this translates We were also able to make a deep run in the playoffs into opportunities to compete and grab some wins eventually losing to the state champion Centralia throughout the season.”

Panthers. Our campaign did not end the way we would like, but there were so many positives to the season. We are losing a great senior class that might go down as one of the best in Jackson Heights history. We will need some underclassmen to step up and we want to make a deep run in the playoffs again this coming year.”

Notes: The Cobras graduated some key pieces that served as starters since early in their high school career at JH. Linemen Carson Williams and Riley Watkins and back Cooper Williams not only drove Caleb Wick’s Wishbone offense, but also were the top three tacklers on defense. Fortunately for Wick four-year starter Taylor Wamego returns on the line and 1,000 yard back Jason Bosley returns in the backfield. The duo were also the fourth and fifth leading tacklers in the Cobra defense.

LYNDON

2019 Record: 7-2 / Flint Hills League

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Carter Brown, 91 car., 455 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Jace Doerksen, 58-108, 762 yds., 10 TDs Receiving: Derick Johnson, 25 rec., 311 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Carter Brown, 112 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Jace Doerksen, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We are excited to get back at it. After a great season in 2020, our guys have continued to dedicate themselves to the weight room. Our growth has been outstanding and we are ready to see results again on the football field. Our goals are continually changing. Two years ago our goal was to win a game, last year to make a run in the playoffs, this year we have the team that will be able to compete for a district and state title.”

Notes: An experienced Inman team returns two of the top three rushers, the top passer, three of the top four receivers and three of the top four tacklers from a team that went 6-5 last season with three of the four losses by 14 points or less. The Teutons could be poised to make a deep playoff run but a tough schedule includes challenging games with Ell-Saline, an improved Oakley squad, Plainville and Smith Center.

OAKLEY

2019 Record: 3-6 / Mid Continent League

Head Coach: Scott Jones (2nd year, 7-2) Assistants: Head Coach: Jeff Hennick (4th year, 7-20; 7th Toby Baker, Todd Griffen, Micheal Massey overall, 37-26) Assistants: Drew Siruta, Jeff Dennis, Mike Rains Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Miles Kitselman, OL; Tyrell Returning lettermen: 15 Steinbach, OL/DL; Beau Baker, OL/DL; Micah Returning starters: Jackson Pfiefer, WR, 5-11, 175, Hardman, OL; Darian Massey, QB/CB; Luke Jr.; Brayden Cunningham, DL, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Ethan Detwiler, RB; Ethan Edington, RB; Toby Miller, TE; Abell, RB/DL, 5-9, 170, Sr.; John Stoecker, OL/LB, Nick Booker, DL; Jackson Fitch, DL; Dustin Tobler, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Eric Annis, OL/DL, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Jenson LB; Trey Bazil, CB Schoenfeld, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Cody Zimmerman, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Eric Cain, QB/DB, 5-10, 150, Returning Statistical Leaders Sr.; Corbin Bockwinkel, DE, 5-10, 150, Jr.; Christian Rushing: Ethan Edington, 37 car., 366 yds., 1 TD; Koch, OL/LB, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Jonathan Temaat, TE/LB, Luke Detwiler, 36 car., 345 yds., 2 TDs 5-11, 195, Jr. Passing: Darian Massey, 63-128, 1,054 yds., 11 TDs Receiving: Luke Detwiler, 26 rec., 403 yds., 4 TDs; Returning Statistical Leaders Ethan Edington, 12 rec., 292 yds., 2 TDs Rushing: Ethan Abell, 104 car., 843 yds., 10 TDs Tackles: Dustin Tobler, 49 tackles Passing: Eric Cain, 83-169, 1,344 yds., 12 TDs Sacks: Nick Booker, 7.5 sacks Tackles: Christian Koch, 85 tackles Interceptions: Trey Bazil, Luke Detwiler, 3 INTs each Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We gradHead coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We uated one of our main players from the past couple are optimistic in the leadership that the returning of years in Ellis Slack. He played huge roles on both upperclassmen can provide for us this season. This offense and defense, as well as special teams, where will be their second year in the system and should he was our kicker and punter. We will need someone make them more comfortable in game situations. We to step in where he played and fill those roles, but return a large number of starters on both sides of the we have some promising young men stepping up football and also have a solid group of young guys to the plate where they have been patiently waiting that have worked hard to develop themselves in the their turn. We have our leading rusher (Ethan Abell), weight room in the offseason. This added depth will passer (Eric Cain), and tacklers (Christian Koch and benefit us as the season progresses.”

Jonathan Temaat) back to continue building in the foundation that has been set. We hope to keep them Notes: The Tigers got back to their winning ways healthy and maintain these steady roles. (Transfer) in the first season under Scott Jones and welcome Hunter Scheck has put on good weight and will look back significant experience ready to make a push in to step in and be a steady part in both the offense the playoffs. and defense this year. We also return 15 lettermen.”

OLPE

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our goal is to be the best version of Stanton Country football we can be. Keys to success are to limit turnovers and negative plays on offense. On defense we must be gap sound and rally to the football.”

Notes: Former Oakley standout Aaron Sperber takes over a program that has not won more than three games in a season since 2012.

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PLAINVILLE

2019 Record: 10-1 / Lyon County League

2019 Record: 9-2 / Mid-Continent League

Head coach: Chris Schmidt (14th year, 118-33) Assistants: Terry Smith, Todd Robert

Head Coach: Grant Stephenson (6th year, 40-17) Assistants: Ryan Becker, Justin Casey

Offense: I-Backs Defense: 5-2 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: Kynden Robert, RB/DB, 5-8 , 160, Sr.; Jordan Barnard, TE/DB, 6-0, 200, Sr; Max Blaufuss, OG/DT, 5-8, 220, Sr.; Damon Redeker, WR/S, 5-11, 160, Jr.; Derek Hoelting, FS, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Brayden Weiss, DT, 5-8, 225, Jr.; Ted Skalsky, OT/LB, 6-0, 205, Jr.

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: Jonah Smith, OG/DT, Sr.; Peyton Rathbun, OT/DE, Sr.; Draxtin Hovis, OC/DE, Jr.; Brandon Brin, WR/LB, Jr.; Dakota Yost, OG/DT, Jr.; Ben Hansen, WR/LB, Jr.; Ethan Hamilton, DB/QB, Jr.; Anders Dewey, WR/DB, Jr.; Kyle Werner, RB/LB, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Kynden Robert, 900 yds.

Passing: N/A Receiving: Jordan Barnard, 300 yds.

Tackles: Ted Skalsky, 95 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Damon Redeker, 6 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We hope to improve throughout the season by focusing on the fundamentals - blocking, tackling, and execution.

We hope to make a run in the playoffs. Hopefully we get to play a full season, stay healthy and trust each other to do their responsibilities.”

Notes: Veteran Olpe coach Chris Schmidt has averaged over nine wins a season in his tenure with the Eagles and he returns several key pieces that should allow that winning tradition to continue. The graduation of Kansas Shrine Bowl selection Colby Hoelting leaves Schmidt in search of a new signal caller buy Kynden Robert can should the offensive load from the backfield and Damon Redeker gives the Eagles a lockdown defender in the secondary. Leading tackler Ted Skalsky returns at linebacker as well.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Kyle Werner, 394 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Ethan Hamilton, 21 yds.

Receiving: Kyle Werner, 263 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Ben Hansen, 108 tackles Sacks: Peyton Rathbun, 7 sacks Interceptions: Ethan Hamilton, Anders Dewey, 2 INTs each Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Chemistry is key. Everyone has to understand their role and take full responsibility for taking care of their job at that position.”

Notes: The Cardinals ended the season with a heartbreaking one-point semifinal loss to Smith Center and graduated two of the all-time great players in program history in Jared Casey and Jordan Finnesy, now playing football at KU and Washburn respectively.

But coach Grant Stephenson has established a culture of success at Plainville and several key players are back to try and continue the tradition. Jonah Smith and Peyton Rathbun give the Cardinals two of the top linemen in 1A, while linebacker Ben Hansen returns after tallying 108 tackles. Sophomore Kyle Werner could be the next great offensive weapon at PHS.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

PLEASANTON

RICHMOND-CENTRAL HEIGHTS

SALINA-SACRED HEART

SEDGWICK

Page 105

2019 Record: 3-6 / Three Rivers League

2019 record: 2-7 / Flint Hills League

2019 Record: 0-9 / North Central Activities Assoc.

Head Coach: Caleb Hendricks (1st year) Assistants: Seth Gabbert, Jason Toms

Head coach: Bob Risch (3rd year, 5-13) Assistants: Kyle Baker, Kaden Shaffer, Beau Brecheisen

Head Coach: Shane Richards (1st year) Head Coach: Jeff Werner (14th year, 99-36) Assistants: John Zamora, Ryan Krajicek, Pete Timoti Assistants: Doug Mabry, Tim Hendrickson, Travis Francis, Logan Thompson Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Offense: Spread No Huddle Defense: 3-3 Returning starters: Mason Richards, RB/DL, Sr.; Returning lettermen: 17 Gustavo Campa, OL/DL, Sr.; Jared McCartney, RB/ Returning starters: Nolan Crumrine, WR/LB, 5-9, LB, Sr.; Adrian Panuco, OL/DL, So. 160, Sr.; Coleman Kizser, OL/DL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Lance Hoffsommer, QB/DB, 6-2 ,170, Jr.; Sam Culp, Returning Statistical Leaders OL/DE, 6-4, 210, Jr.; Henry Burns, WR/DB, 5-10, Rushing: Jared McCartney, 271 yds.

155, Sr.; Connor Tillman, K, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Ryan Passing: N/A Stucky, WR/LB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Remington Nold, WR/ Receiving: Landon Johnson, 44 yds.

OLB, 5-9, 155, Sr. Tackles: Jared McCartney, 48 tackles Sacks: Mason Richards, Gus Campa, 1 sack each Returning Statistical Leaders Interception: Jarrett McMillian, 1 INT Rushing: Lance Hoffsommer, 55 car., 244 yds., 4 TDs; Passing: Lance Hoffsommer, 162-258, 2,754 Head coach’s goals and keys for a successful 2020 yds., 33 TDs season: “Everyone doing their job and buying in on Receiving: Henry Burns, 25 rec., 543 yds., 5 TDs; the team concept and playing together and staying Ryan Stucky, 25 rec., 350 yds., 7 TDs healthy will be keys to success.”

Tackles: Henry Burns, 119 tackles Interceptions: Henry Burns, 3 INTs Notes: Coach Garrett Galanski is out after three seasons that culimnated with a rare winless record Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “This will last fall. Salina firefighter and former Sacred Heart be the smallest team in numbers in the last 14 years assistant Shane Richards takes over and welcomes at Sedgwick. More players will have to play both back just four starters from that squad. Richards also ways. That is something we have tried to avoid in the welcomes a whole new group of assistants. past. It looks to be an exciting season with playing some new teams in district play. Lance Hoffsommer The Knights took a hit in the offseason when starting looks to continue to lead the Sedgwick offense as the quarterback Mac Hemmer made the move to Sacred QB. We think our junior class could be really good Heart where he is expected to contribute in the and look forward to seeing what they can do. The Mustang secondary. Hemmer passed for nearly 600 defense will have very good speed and will play an yards last season. attacking style. The defense will slant and stunt on every play. The key is to play downhill and run to the ball. There will be some growing pains with such big changes, as there is every year, but the goals stay 611 S. Washington the same as every year: Have a winning season, win our district and win a playoff game.”

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Cam Oberlechner, OL/LB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Aden Dumcum, OL/DL, 6-0, 260, Sr.; Uriah Cain, OL/DL, 6-4. 265, Sr.; Tim Anderson, RB/LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Caleb Secrest, WR/DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Judah Skipper, WR/DB, 6-0, 150, Jr.; Dale Gillespie, QB/DB, 5-10, 150, So.; Karsten McKee, RB/LB, 5-9, 230, So. Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our No. 1 goal is to make the playoffs. We’ve got a lot of young guys that are going to have the chance to step up this year and be contributors from Day 1. We also have some tough games on our schedule to start the year, so we will have a chance to see what kind of team we are right out of the gate. We need to learn how to compete against solid teams as we work on building the program with a new culture and new system. Our biggest key to success will be buying into the new culture. Anytime you have a coaching change there is going to be growing pains, but if we can find a way to get everyone bought in and committed then I think we have the chance to surprise some people.

“Another key for us will be developing our young guys.

We will have to have some guys step up if we are going to become the team we want to be, so getting them comfortable playing at the varsity level will be very important.”

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Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: Brady Burson, QB/LB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Cass Burroughs, WR/CC, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Hunter Bones, WR/FS, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Cauy Newell, RB/LB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Aiden Welch, OL, 6-1, 190, So.; Brylon Oullette, OL/LB, 5-9, 205, Sr.; Tony Detwiler, RB/SS, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Dominic Lopez, OL/LB, 5-10, 210, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Tony Detwiler, 98 car., 664 yds., 2 TDs Passing: Brady Burson, 327 yds., 4 TDs Receiving: Tony Detwiler, 23 rec., 300 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Brady Burson, Tony Detwiler, 66 tackles each Sacks: Brady Burson, 2.5 sacks Interceptions: Hunter Bones, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our goal is to continue to build off our growth in the last two seasons. We made the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons last year. A big key to our team’s success will be focusing on current goals week-in and week-out. We must compete in the present.”

Notes: The Vikings return key pieces from a year ago, but must find offense after scoring more than eight points just once in seven losses. That one time was a memorable one though as the Vikings dropped a five overtime marathon to Oskaloosa, 48-42.

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2019 Record: 10-1 / Heart of America League

Notes: Veteran coach Jeff Werner continues as one of the most consistent in Kansas and should get his 100th win this season. He has averaged over seven-and-a-half wins a season in his 13 years at Sedgwick.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

SMITH CENTER

SUBLETTE

TROY

UNIONTOWN

Page 106

2019 Record: 12-1 / Mid-Continent League

2019 Record: 1-8 / Hi-Plains League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Twin Valley League

2019 Record: 4-6 / Three Rivers League

Head Coach: Darren Sasse (8th year, 68-15) Assistants: Mike Rogers, Brock Hutchinson, Shawn Stansbury, Matt Haack, John Lambert, Travis Elliot

Head Coach: Lance Carter (3rd year, 1-26) Assistants: Lyle Befort, Kason Siemens

Head Coach: Derek Jasper (8th year, 52-24) Assistants: Don Cash, Heath Whetstine

Head Coach: Jonathan Stark (2nd year, 4-6) Assistants: Dustin Miller, Chad Hays, Tim Endicott

Offense: Spread Option Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 6 Returning starters: Brice Williamson, QB/S, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Bryan Hernandez, WR/CB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Brecken Webber, OL/DL, 5-11, 280, Sr.; Alexis Trejo, OL/LB, 5-11, 230, Jr.; Miguel Hernandez, QB/LB, 5-10, 180, So.

Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: Blaine Shellenberger, WR/DB, 5-11, 151, Sr.; Griffin Weber, WR/DB, 5-8, 148, Jr.; Rhett Pierce, OL, 5-7, 222, Sr.; Isaac Houghton, DL, 6-0, 245, Sr.

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Drew Perry, QB/DB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Jake Harvey, WR/LB, 6-1, 150, Sr.; Hunter Schaaf, FB/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Zach Franklin, OL/DL, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Treden Buckman, RB/LB, 5-7, 165, So.; Korbin Miller, OL/DL, 6-1, 240, Jr.; Mark Blythe, OL, 5-9, 275, Jr.; Logan Geiger, DL, 6-1, 150, Sr.; Cade Goodridge, WR, 6-1, 135, Sr.; Rylan Lee, OL, 5-11, 175, So.; Zach Snyder, OL, 5-9, 195, Jr.

Offense: Wishbone/Belly Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: Charlie Timmons, OL/DE, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Griffin Kugler, E/DB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Nate Hendrich, B/LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Colton Haresnape, OL/DL, 6-1, 215, Jr.; Jake Kirchoff, B/LB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Nolan Lehmann, E, 6-4, 180, Jr.; Jake Sasse, B/ LB, 6-1, 215, So. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Nate Hendrich, 158 car., 696 yds., 10 TDs Receiving: Griffin Kugler, 44 rec., 684 yds., 12 TDs Tackles: Jake Sasse, 87 tackles Sacks: Jake Kirchoff, 2 sacks Interceptions: Griffin Kugler, 3 INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders Passing: Miguel Hernandez, 92-216, 1,188 yds., 11 TDs

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We lost quite a bit from last year, due to graduation and transfers. We will have very little experience returning and our depth will be young and untested. We have some decent athletes within our underclassmen that Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Summer like to run and hit. If our freshmen can step in and will be more important than ever for our team to do make an impact, I believe we can see our success all they can to physically and mentally be prepared grow. Last season we broke a 35-game losing streak, for what could be an unusual season. We will need our hope is built off of that moving forward.” many players to step up and fill holes left by great seniors.”

Notes: For most teams a single win might not be something to write home about, but for the Sublette Notes: The Redmen rallied late in the semifinal Larks last year’s 15-14 Week 4 win over Syracuse match-up against Plainville following a season-end- ended a 35 game losing streak dating back to late ing injury to standout senior Jaden Atwood. The September of 2015. The Larks nearly turned it into a injury may have cost Smith Center their third straight winning streak, but couldn’t quite seal the deal in a state title, though, as Centralia proved to again have 22-20 loss to Stanton County the next week.

SC’s number after ending the Redmen’s state record winning streak 10 years earlier. Smith Center graduated all-state players Trenton Colby (QB/S), Joel Montgomery (C/LB) and Atwood, but several pieces are back for the perennial state power to make yet another run at the 1A title. Charlie Timmons returns along the line of scrimmage for his fourth year as a SUBLETTE, KS starter after a season ending injury took most of his junior year. Griffin Kugler is one of the top athletes Hwy 56 WestHwy | Toll 56 Free: West800-464-2691 | 620-675-2691 | 620-675-2691 in 1A and gives the Redmen a threat from multiple positions. Jake Sasse is back at middle linebacker Good Luck Larks! after leading the team in tackles as a freshman.

WABAUNSEE

WHITEWATER-REMINGTON

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Gavin Fuemmeler, 9 car., 73 yds.

Passing: Camden Anderson, 9-18, 53 yds.

Receiving: Blaine Shellenberger, 29 rec., 433 yds., 5 Returning Statistical Leaders TDs; Tackles: Isaac Houghton, 25 tackles Rushing: Drew Perry, 41 car., 319 yds., 5 TDs; Interceptions: Griffin Weber, 2 INTs Treden Buckman, 57 car., 315 yds., 1 TD Passing: Jake Harvey, 18-45, 187 yds.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Very Receiving: Hunter Schaaf, 5 rec., 150 yds. few players returning with Friday night experience.

Tackles: Hunter Schaaf, 74 tackles Expecting 27 players to participate in football this Sacks: Korbin Miller, 4 sacks; Logan Geiger, 3 sacks fall. O-Line and D-Line are major concerns and that Interceptions: Treden Buckman, 3 INTs doesn’t bode well against the run-heavy good teams on our schedule. I think we have a strength with our Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “I will look receiving corps and defensive secondary and some to our seniors to provide on-field leadership. Drew pretty good speed at those spots. So we will throw it Perry, Hunter Schaaf, and Zach Franklin really set around quite a bit!” the tone for the Senior class and for our entire team.

Those guys lead by example and are intentional Notes: After starting the year 2-1 the Trojans lost about leading the team in a positive way.” the final eight games of the year against a brutal schedule. Coach Derek Jasper welcomes back Notes: Olpe and Lyndon present the biggest just four starters and nine lettermen against a more challenges on the schedule, but the Eagles returning manageable schedule, but still faces games with experience leaves them ready to complete with the Centralia, Valley Heights and Jackson Heights. majority of the teams they’ll face this season.

T h e T roy Booster C lu b prou dly su pports T rojan Football

WICHITA-INDEPENDENT

WINCHESTER-JEFF CO. NORTH

2019 Record: 1-8 / Mid-East League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Heart of American League

2019 Record: 0-9 / Central Prairie League

2019 Record: 5-4 / Northeast Kansas League

Head Coach: Jess Rutledge (3rd year, 2-16) Assistants: Kolby Harris, Garrett Eck

Head Coach: Simon McKee (3rd year) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Jeff Schneider (5th year, 31-18) Assistants: James Tweed, Cory Noll

Offense: Pistol Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Cade Oliver, QB, 6-1, 173, Jr.; Jace Reves, RB/DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Aiden Boeckman, RB, 5-5, 160, Jr.; Derek Wallin, RB, 5-10, 179, Sr.; Dawson Schultz, WR/DB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Brayden Meseke, WR, 5-10, 154, Jr.; Adam Miller, OT/DL, 5-11, 323, Sr.; Jacob Meseke, C, 6-0, 260, So.; Maverick Havenstein, OG/DL, 5-7, 192, So.; Logan Clark, DB, 5-9, 129, So.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Head Coach: Eric Swenson (4th year) Assistants: Pops Deshazer, Cedric Payne, Austin Sherman, Zac Villalpando, Charles Wise.

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Offensively, we return Cade Oliver at QB for his third year as our starter. He has grown tremendously the past two years and we expect him to continue getting better. That will be amplified by the outstanding targets he has around him. Dawson Schultz was arguably the best all-around player for the team in 2019 and is a danger every time he touches the ball, as displayed by his 576 all-purpose yards. Brayden Meseke returns for his third year as a starter on offense, but was hampered by reoccurring injuries last season. The real wildcard is Tyler Lohmeyer, who has not played in high school, but is an incredible athlete with a mismatch for size at 6-3. He was the leading rebounder on the basketball team last year.

Up front, Adam Miller will anchor the O-line for the fourth year in a row. We also return Jacob Meseke and Maverick Havenstein who started multiple games as freshmen last season.

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A Notes: The Broncos faced one of the toughest schedules in the state last year, scoring just 48 points and losing its first seven games of the season. But, they exploded offensively during two late-season victories, scoring 105 points in victories over Wichita Independent and Neodesha.

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A Notes: The Panthers, who will carry a 19-game losing streak into the season opener, struggled in all areas last year against a very difficult schedule, scoring just 54 total points and allowing 55.7 points per game. They had a near miss in the final game of the season, losing a 16-12 decision to Douglass.

Remington will be looking for its first winning season since 2010 and will face a schedule that features Independent features a far-reaching schedule in Sedgwick (9-1), Conway Springs (8-3) and Elkhart 2020, with three games against teams from far (7-2). southwest Kansas (Elkhart, Sublette and Stanton County) and one from north central Kansas (Sacred However, the Broncos will also play three teams that Heart). Four teams on the Panthers schedule had were either 1-8 or 0-9 last fall. winning records last year, including Sedgwick (9-1), Belle Plaine (8-2), Elkhart (7-2) and Conway Springs (8-3).

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“Defensively, we are missing a lot of starters from last season but we also have a lot of hungry young guys ready to make their mark. Miller will also be a four-year starter on the D-line, followed by three-year starter Derek Wallin.

“The obvious strength of the team is that we have a good number of players that have started multiple years for us, and have made great progress in the offseason to improve their crafts.”

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

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Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5, 5-3 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: Caleb McAfee, OL/DL, Sr.; Landon Gutschenritter, RB/LB, Sr.; Haden Drury, OL/LB, Sr.; Trenton Filbert, OL/DL, Sr.; Ryan Feldkamp, TE/DE, Jr.; Karson Worthington, RB/LB, Jr.; Caleb Worthington, WR/CB, Jr.; Anthony Larson, OL/DL, Jr.; Kaden Lutz, OL/DT, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Landon Gutschenritter, 300 yds.

Receiving: Landon Gutschenritter, 200 yds.; Caleb Worthington, 155 yds.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A Notes: The Chargers rebounded from a 2-7 season in 2018 to improve to 5-4 last fall. Gone is all-state player Logan Budy, now at Baker University, but back are nine starters who will try to build on last year’s win total. Three of those returners earned all-league honors last season. Lineman Caleb McAfee, a senior, earned first team All-NEK honors on the offensive line, second team on the defensive line, and honorable mention all-state. Fellow senior Landon Gutschenritter earned first team All-NEK as a wide receiver and second team as a defensive specialist. He scored nine total touchdowns on offense. Junior Ryan Feldkamp is the third returning All-NEK player with second team honors as a tight end and second team honors as a kicker and punter. Five offensive line starters are back to help ease the transition to a new quarterback following the graduation of Boyd Tweed. Gutschenritter and sophomore Blake Fowler will compete for the job.

Garen L. Kuhlmann

CPA, CHTD.

120 E. Court, PO Box 265 Smith Center, KS • 785-282-6867 www.garenlkuhlmanncpachtd.com

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

Page 107

8-Man I

1. Canton-Galva 2. Wichita County 3. Clifton-Clyde 4. Little River 5. Madison Others: Hill City, Hodgeman County, Hoxie, La Crosse, Meade, Ness City, Oswego

*Publisher’s Note: At press time, it was not clear how coronavirus cancellations and postponements might fully impact football in the smaller classifications. A number of teams reported the enrollment of transfers from larger districts and several schools were reporting delays to practice following positive tests or outbreaks.

The information below, and in the pages that follow, may serve as a “what might have been” look at a 2020 season that remains in jeopardy in many parts of the state.

By Brent Maycock, Topeka Capital-Journal Things looked bleak for Canton-Galva in last year’s 8-Man I title game. Coming in as the favorite after completely dominating their first 12 opponents, the Eagles suddenly found themselves on the brink, down 36-0 in the first half to St. Francis.

Instead of getting mercy-ruled, Canton-Galva showed no mercy. In one of the most surreal turnarounds in state history, the Eagles completely flipped the script on St. Francis, scoring 66 unanswered points to take a 66-36 victory and capture the program’s first state championship.

“We still believed,” Canton-Galva QB Landon Everett said after the comeback. “I think we were a little nervous at the beginning. We haven’t been here in a while. None of our class has ever been here. I think we got it figured out in the second half.”

In order to show some staying power in 2020, Canton-Galva will have to find a way to replace Everett, a two-time first-team All-8-Man I selection.

Last year, he ran for 1,253 yards and threw for

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Korben Clawson [Meade] 6-0, 170, RB/LB, Jr., 754 yds., 113 tkls.

Jayden Garrison [Little River] 6-2, 175, QB/DB, Sr.; 2,000 total yds., 39 TDs, 66 tkls., 4 INTs Tyler Good [Lincoln] 6-0, 190, RB/LB, Sr.; 1,300 total yds., 18 TDs, 117 tkls.

Blake Goodman [Argonia/Attica] 5-10, 155, LB, Sr.; 175 tkls.

Brandon Huff [Canton-Galva] 6-0, 210, LB, Sr.; 90.5 tkls., 12 TFLs

1,378 yards, accounting for 56 total TDs. He’s not the only loss as the Eagles also must replace All8-Man lineman Nick Pearson, starting lineman Jay Nightengale and receiver Kinser Colgin (12 TDs).

The good news for the Eagles is that more than enough returns to defend the crown. Junior receiver/defensive back Tyson Struber has Big 12 offers and last year had 780 yards and 16 TDs receiving and seven INTs defensively. Leading tackler Brandon Huff, 1,200-yard rusher Brayden Collins and all-league linemen Keaton Littrell and Connor Koehn also are back, providing a stellar nucleus.

If not for St. Francis, Leoti would have played for the program’s first state title and been on the verge of an undefeated season. The only two losses the Indians suffered in a 10-2 season came to St. Francis, including a 66-20 defeat in the semifinals.

With St. Francis now in DII, Leoti very well could be the team to beat in the west. The Indians only graduated two seniors and return one of 8-Man’s top playmakers in senior Kayde Rietzke. Last year, Rietzke threw for 1,862 yards and 32 TDs and also ran for 1,670 yards and 25 more scores.

He’s got a solid running mate in fellow senior Jesse Gardner, who ran for 933 yards and 19 TDs, as well as his top receiver, Sheldon Whalen (1,063 yards, 17 TDs).

Clifton-Clyde went 9-1 for the second straight season, the lone loss coming 54-38 to Leoti in second round of playoffs. Graduation claimed lineman Eric Peterson, but almost everyone else returns.

Senior back Aiden Rudolph is four-year starter who ran for 1,550 yards and 26 touchdowns last

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KANSAS PREGAME 8-MAN I PRESEASON RANKINGS*

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Harlan Obioha [Hoxie] 6-11.5, 300, OL/DL, Sr.; Big 12, Big 10, SEC Offers Colby Stull [La Crosse] 5-8, 145, RB/S, Jr.; 1,450 total yds., 18 TDs Drew Stutesman [Madison] 6-2, 180, E/LB, Jr.; 70.5 tkls., 7 INTs, 228 rec. yds.

Lucas Webster [La Crosse] 6-5, 240, DE, Sr.; 51 tkls., 4 TFLs, 1 sack Jarik Weiche [Clifton-Clyde] 6-1, 215, DE, Sr.; 2 sacks, Kpreps All-State DE Sheldon Whalen [Wichita County] 6-1, 165, WR/DB, Sr.; 61 rec., 1,063 yds., 17 TDs, 75 tkls.

Ryan Wolgram [Madison] 5-8, 160, QB/DB, Sr.; 1,350 total yds., 20 TDs

year and also threw for 662 yards and 11 TDs. Kevin Ayers has been a winner wherever he coaches so it was no surprise when Little River went 9-2 last year in his first year at the helm. The Redskins’ only losses came to eventual champion Canton-Galva in the season-opener and Leoti in the state quarterfinals. In between, Little River ran off nine straight wins, six of them shutouts.

That success came despite an injury to QB Graham Stephens, who managed 395 yards passing and 682 yards rushing in limited time. But Jayden Garrison enjoyed a huge year, rushing for 1,234 yards and 26 touchdowns while also leading the Redskins in passing (444 yards) and receiving (346 yards) on his way to All-8-Man I honors.

The duo might split time at QB this year and are two of five starters back on offense and six on defense. The defense did lose three of its top-four tacklers and the offense returns only one lineman.

Madison suffered its only loss in an 11-1 season to Canton-Galva in the semifinals, falling 46-6. In its first 11 games, the Bulldogs gave up just 122 points, 58 of that coming in a shootout win over Maranatha.

The bulk of the Bulldog roster is back as Madison tries to supplant Canton-Galva in the east. Hunter Engle was an All-8-Man I selection at defensive end, making 65 tackles with seven sacks, while Drew Stutesman led team in tackles as sophomore with 104 and also collected seven interceptions.

The Bulldogs were balanced offensively in averaging 55.8 points per game and returning quarterback Ryan Wolgram threw for 708 yards and 12 TDs and ran for 659 yards and 14 TDs.

Riding the law firm of Salmans and Salmans, Hodgeman County rolled to a 9-2 record with its losses coming to South Central and St. Francis, the latter in the quarterfinals. Eli Salmans was an All-8Man I first-teamer after rushing for 1,610 yards and 24 TDs, while younger brother Isaac added nearly 1,600 total yards and 29 touchdowns.

Eli has graduated, leaving the fortunes for the Longhorns resting on Isaac. Junior Drew Dansel should step in Eli’s spot after rushing for 344 yards and 9 TDs last year. Isaac Salmans and senior Conner Ruff were the top tacklers last year.

For the longest time, La Crosse held out as the smallest school playing 11-Man, more seasons than not with great success. But with numbers continuing to decline, the Leopards make the move to 8-Man If the nuances of the game can be adapted to quickly, La Crosse should continue its successful ways. Junior back Colby Stull ran for 1,322 yards and 16 TDs last year and will be leaned on as the Leopards replace QB Hunter Morgan and lineman Michael Showalter. But returning linemen Lucas Webster and CJ Patterson were all-league.

Meade also makes the move from 11-Man to 8-man and may also be equipped to enter as an immediate contender with 10 players back that started at some point last year. The Buffaloes were just 3-7 last year, but won their playoff opener and have been a playoff participant 14 straight years.

Junior RB/LB Korben Clawson led the team in tackles with 113 and also rushing with 754 yards.

Cullen Lumry was a first-team all-league lineman and is one of five starting linemen who return.

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

ATTICA/ARGONIA

ATWOOD-RAWLINS COUNTY

2019 Record: 5-5 / Independent

Head Coach: Luke Greenwood/Carey McFann Assistants: Monte Miller, Tyler Lampert Offense: Pistol Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Noah Phillips, TE/DE, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Blake Goodman, LB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Kaden Dickerson, LB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Judd Griffith, DE, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Xander Newberry, QB/DB, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Adam Blanchat, LB, 5-9, 150, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Xander Newberry, 488 yds., 9TDs Passing: Xander Newberry, 919 yds.

Receiving: N/A Tackles: Blake Goodman, 175 tackles Sacks: Adam Bianchat, Noah Phillips, 3 sacks Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Team goals are to get better each week and be in a position to compete in our district for a playoff spot.

Replacing our graduating seniors with players from last year’s junior varsity will be keys to success. We will have a new offensive and defensive philosophy so the quicker we master it, the better we will be.”

Northwest Kansas League 2019 record: 3-6

Head coach: Matt Smith (5th year, 19-16; 19th overall) Assistants: Matt Green, Jeff Samson Offense: Pistol Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: Travis Chvatal, QB//DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Cyrus Green, RB/LB, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Kendrick Woody, RB/TE/DE, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Omar Sanchez, OL, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Brandon Chvatal, TE/ DB, 6-0, 150, So.; Drew Withington, QB/TE/S, 6-1, 135, So.; Jayden Reed, DB, 5-5, 130, So.; Brady Beckman, LB, 5-10, 165, So. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Cyrus Green, 130 car., 900 yds., 10 TDs Passing: Travis Chvatal, 310 yds., 2TDs Tackles: Cyrus Green, 10 tackles per game Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We want to make the playoffs. We have to take care of the little things in order for this to happen. We must stay healthy and continue to get better as a team each week.

Notes: Blake Goodman is one of the top linebackers in 8-Man football and Xander Newberry could emerge as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks this fall giving the Titans a pair or centerpieces on each side of the ball. Should other pieces develop around them A/A could have a chance to be a very good team this fall.

“Injuries are key. We must stay injury free and allow our youth to continue to grow. We lost two starters by game six last season. We had six freshmen get quality time last season and they will have to step up and play larger roles this season. We have three good leaders in our returning senior starters that should help to develop our younger athletes.”

2019 Record: 5-4 / Lyon County League

and Colby Middleton. Middleton was a freshman last year, so I look for him to take a big step forward being a year older. Ledom has put together our most impressive offseason here in the weight room at Burlingame, increasing his maxes in all lifts preparing for a senior season. We will rely on these two a lot.

BURLINGAME

Head Coach: Jeff Slater (7th year, 52-12) Assistants: Eric West, Nick Brungardt Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Austin Tyson, WR/S, 5-9, 158, Sr.; Wyatt Ledom, RB/LB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Colby Middleton, RB/LB, 5-10, 210, So.; Garrett Robison, WR/DB, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Kris Hovestadt, DB, 5-7, 130, Jr.; Gavin Williams, OL/NG, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Trever Quaney, OL/ DE, 6-6, 215, Jr.; Lance Noonan, DE, 6-3, 175, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Wyatt Ledom, 486 yds., 8 TDs Receiving: Garrett Robison, 287 yds., 7 TDs Tackles: Kris Hovestadt, 56 tackles Interceptions: Austin Tyson, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Expectations are high in Bearcat Country as we return 11 seniors, and seven juniors to give us great numbers with our upperclassmen. We return seven on offense and seven on defense. Last year we had a lot of players step into an increased role and there was a big learning curve involved. We also finished the season with nine injuries to key players, which allowed more playing time for upcoming players. The last three games of the season we played with all underclassmen on the field. We hope this experience will pay off.

BENNINGTON

BURDEN-CENTRAL

Page 108

2019 Record: 6-3 / Heart of America League

2019 Record: 2-7 / South Central Border League

Head Coach: Bryan Shamburg (1st year) Assistants: Jacob Ryan, Tracy Piepho

Head Coach: Anthony Blair (7th year, 27-31) Assistants: Leland Hill

Offense: Split Back Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: Tryston Young, OL/DL, 6-0, 223, Sr.; Ryker Greene, QB/S, 6-0, 158, Jr.; Brody Murk, RB/LB, 5-8, 172, Jr.; Kasyn Dunn, OL/DL, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Terren Andrews, OL/DL, 6-0, 209, Jr.; Cayden Bauer, E/LB, 6-4, 150, Jr.

Offense: Double Tight Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 6 Returning starters: Zarek Wilson, RB/LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Cody Delaney, OL/DL, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Alex Hood, OL/DL, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Tony Brogan, FB/LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Garrett Toon, QB/DB, 6-3, 175, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Brody Murk, 16 car., 92 yds.

Passing: N/A Receiving: Ryker Greene, 10 rec., 173 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Terren Andrews, 41 tackles; Cayden Bauer, 31 tackles Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Expect to see Ryker Green starting at QB this fall. Also we will lean heavily on our junior class to fill in the backfield positions. The offensive line returns allleague Tryston Young and Terren Andrews to set the foundation, and we are looking for a starting center to emerge.

“At running back, look for a healthy Brody Murk and Jawuan Allen both juniors to have a great year.

Defensively we bring back all-league DL Terren Andrews and NG Kasyn Dunn , honorable mention LB Brody Murk and honorable mention all-league safety Cayden Bauer. We will be looking to our underclassmen to fill the outside linebacker spots and the other safety.”

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Zarek Wilson, 1,022 yds., 8 TDs Passing: Garrett Toon, 255 yds.

Receiving: N/A Tackles: Tony Brogan, 73 tackles Sacks: Tony Brogan, 2 sacks Interceptions: Garrett Toon, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We look to build off of last year’s season. We won a couple games last year and made the playoffs in a rebuilding year. Our kids are hungry and want to improve our record and make it back to the playoffs.

“Staying healthy is always our #1 key to success.

Also we have 11 freshmen coming in this year and we will need these young men to step up in big roles.”

Notes: Zarek Wilson’s 1,000 yards rushing and Tony Brogan’s 73 tackles in 2019 give the Raiders optimism that more than two wins are in store this fall. Garrett Toon returns at QB and provides a quality defender in the secondary as well.

CANTON-GALVA

2019 Record: 13-0 / Wheat State League

Head Coach: Shelby Hoppes (4th year, 27-7) Assistants: Tyler O’Connor, Ted Regher

a lot of experience playing at a high level against top competition which should set us up this year for another deep run. This year’s team returns lots of size and athleticism at multiple positions which will make us competitive in all three facets of the game.

One of the challenges this year within the team will be overall depth after graduating a large senior class.

We will need young players to step in and fill those roles that the 2019 seniors left.”

Offense: Pro Style Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: N/A “Austin Tyson, who played three games last year, Returning starters: Keaton Littrell, OL, 5-10, 240, missed the remainder of the season due to a knee Sr.; Tyler Rummel, OL, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Brayden injury and will be our overall top player returning.

Collins, RB/LB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Conner Koehn, OL/DE, I look for him to have a big season. He has great 6-4, 210, Sr.; Tyson Struber, WR/DB, 6-3, 190, Jr.; Notes: Canton-Galva rolled through the first 12 speed and flies to the football as one of our top tack- Brandon Huff, LB, 6-0, 210, Sr. games of the season and appeared to be the favorite lers. Garrett Robison who finished fourth in the LCL heading into the state championship game, but in the 100 meter dash as a sophomore has great Returning Statistical Leaders turnovers and mistakes gave St. Francis a big early athleticism and finished the season versus Peabody Rushing: Brayden Collins, 1,219 yds., 18 TDs lead in the title game match-up. Down 36 and on with eight catches, 141 yards, and two touchdowns. Passing: N/A the verge of a mercy-rule 45-point loss the Eagles We hope to see that carry over to this season right Receiving: Tyson Struber, 780 yds., 16 TDs would mount a historic comeback late in the second out the gate. Evan Young will lead us at quarterback, Tackles: Brandon Huff, 90.5 tackles quarter and score the final 66 points of the game we need him to take care of the football, and find Sacks: Brayden Collins, 1 sack delivering a 66-36 victory for the school’s first state ways to get the ball to our athletes.

Interceptions: Tyson Struber, 7 INTs championship. “(On the) offensive line we return all three up front, Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “With senior Gavin Williams (second team All-Lyon County making playoff runs the last two years, we return League/second team All-District) will lead us up front. I really feel for us to be successful this fall it will be with our defense. I think we can be really good defensively with seven returning starters. It will 501 Main St. be key for our two defensive ends Trever Quaney and Lance Noonan to set the tone up front. We also return second team all-league defensive back Kris 785-626-3141 Hovestadt.”

“We return our running back duo of Wyatt Ledom

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Gone to graduation are standout quarterback Landon Everett and linemen Nick Pearson and Jay Nightingale. All three were 8-Man All-Star selections.

But fourth year coach Shelby Hoppes still has the necessary pieces to make another playoff run, namely Big 12 prospect Tyson Struber, one of the top receivers and defensive backs in all classes in Kansas, and physical running back/linebacker Brayden Collins, who also has the potential to emerge as a top recruit. Three experienced linemen return to protect the new signal caller and allow Collins and Struber to light up the scoreboard. Brandon Huff brings back 90 tackles at his LB spot.

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Page 109

2019 Record: 9-1 / Twin Valley League

2019 Record: 4-5 / Flint Hills League

2019 Record: 7-2 / South Central Border League

Head Coach: Russ Steinbrock (20th year, 122-73) Assistants: Ryan Baxter, Rocky Fahey

Head Coach: Brody VanDegrift (5th year, 12-24) Assistants: Derek Budke, Alex Weiss, Jarod Barett, Cade Witte

Head Coach: K.B. Criss (3rd year, 12-6; 14th overall, Head Coach: Garrett Hiebert (9th year, 28-45) 92-44) Assistants: Drew Carder, Luke Wachter Assistants: N/A

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Aiden Rudolph, QB/RB/DB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Dillon Provost, OL/DL, 5-8, 205, Sr.; Mason Ferron, OL/DL, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Douglas Koch, OL/LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Dawson Girard, WR/DB, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Tee Koch, RB/DB, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Jett Skocny, WR/DB, 6-1, 150, Jr.; Jarik Weiche, Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Aiden Rudolph, 186 car., 1,550 yds., 26 TDs; Passing: Aiden Rudolph, 41-69, 662 yds., 11 TDs, 1 INT; Receiving: James Nobert, 10 rec., 195 yds., 4 TDs; Jett Skoncy, 10 rec., 174 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Douglas Koch, 64 tackles Sacks: Jarik Weiche, 2 sacks Interceptions: Dawson Girard, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We had a great season last year finishing 9-1 and we have won back-to-back district championships. We return seven offensive starters and seven defensive starters. We have had one of our best offseasons in the weight room in my 20-year tenure. We have some talent in our up and coming sophomore class and we have added some new players that may be able to contribute to our success this season.”

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: Mitch Budke, QB/LB, So.; Trint Rodgers, RB/S, Sr.; Blaise Holloway, WR/CB, Sr.; Corey Owen, OL/DL, Sr.; Owen Eidman, TE/DE, Sr.; Tyulon Yabarra, WR/CB, Sr.

Offense: Multiple, Spread Option Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Brogan Myers, RB/LB, 5-8, 190, Sr.; Cole Criss, QB/DE, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Si Killman, TE/ LB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Parker Rock, OL/LB, 6-0, 165, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Brogan Myers, 79 car., 1,153 yds., 21 TDs Passing: N//A Receiving: Cole Criss Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our Tackles: Si Killman, 64 tackles goals are to compete every day in our new district, Sacks: Si Killman, 5 sacks; Cole Criss, Brogan and compete and earn a spot in the playoffs. Keys to Myers, 3 sacks each success are to play to the whistle, do the little things, Interceptions: Si Killman, Brogan Myers, 1 INT each and play a complete game every game.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We lost Notes: Five returning senior starters and talented a fairly significant portion of last years squad (five sophomore quarterback Mitch Budke will look to starters). We do have four starters returning and lead the Bulldogs to a winning season this fall. Now some other guys that have been in the program for entering their third-year in the 8-Man game, fifth a couple of years. If we can be fortunate enough to year coach Brody VanDegrift hopes the players are stay healthy and away from any major injuries I think well-versed on the schemes and coverages he and we can be very competitive.” his coaches have installed.

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Notes: The Eagles posted a second straight 9-1 season and return the majority of their offensive and defensive production. The schedule poses few obstacles but a Week 2 game with Little River should be one of the marquee match-ups in the state.

GREENSBURG-KIOWA COUNTY

Offense: Tight I Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 6 Returning starters: Luke Ballard, QB/LB; James Brack, RB/DE; Nathaniel Enfield, OL; Bo West, OL; Caydon Pore, S. Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Expectations for this season are to have fun and play the greatest sport.”

Notes: First year coach Stephen Hokanson led the Mavericks to a one-win improvement from 4-5 in 2018 to 5-4 last fall. He returns five total starters from a year ago, but just six total lettermen.

Good Luck to the Herington Railers in the Upcoming Season!

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In Week 2 the Mavericks travel to Bucklin where Hokanson will face new Red Aces’ coach Trever Powell, a Kiowa County alum and the son of current Kiowa County principal and track coach Travis Powell. The younger Powell was a standout for the Mavericks from 2011-13 and rushed for almost 5,000 yards with 88 total TDs. Week 1 vs. Minneola, Week 3 vs. South Central, Week 7 vs. Macksville and Week 8 at La Crosse appear to be the toughest contests on this year’s schedule but Bucklin and Skyline were improved a season ago and Kinsley returns significant experience and appears poised for improvement.

2019 Record: 0-9 / Wheat State League

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: Luke Wiens, QB/LB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Kale Funk, RB/DB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Eddie Gaeddert, OL/DL, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Nate Zogleman, TE/DB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Caiden Duerksen, OL/DL, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Logan Sterk, OL, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Dylan Riley, DL, 5-9, 160, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Kale Funk, 90 car., 589 yds., 9 TDs Passing: Luke Wiens, 207 yds., 3 TDs, 6 INTs Receiving: Nate Zogleman, 15 rec., 159 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Luke Wiens, 79 tackles Sacks: Caiden Duerksen, 3 sacks Interceptions: Kale Funk Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “In the past couple of years, we have had many young players gain important (game) experience. We have gotten to the point where we have 10 plus kids returning who have already been on the field for meaningful varsity snaps. It will be important for our junior and senior classes to provide leadership and maturity to mentor our large group of freshmen and newcomers. We will continue to build an atmosphere where each player is invested in the success of each of their teammates just as much as they are invested in their own success. A challenge that we are looking forward to is competing with the best teams on our schedule. I am excited for us as a team and individuals to break through barriers and get better every day as we work towards our goals.”

HERINGTON

Head Coach: Cade Albert (1st year) Assistants: Matt Warta, Jacob Kehres Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: Matt Anschutz, HB/CB, 5-8, 155, Sr,; Nick Bachicha, CB, 5-7, 135, Jr.; Nathan Vinduska, TE/LB, 6-1, 180, So.; Damion Woods, C/ DT, 6-2, 285, So.; Easton Idleman, LB/FB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Kevin Gehrke, G/DE 5-11, 190, Sr.; Ayden Lawrenz, QB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Tanner Foust, WR, 5-10, 150, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Matt Anschutz, 96 car., 409 yds., 5 TDs Passing: Nick Bachicha, 332 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: Matt Anschutz, 14 rec., 143 yds.

Tackles: Matt Anschutz, 53 tackles Sacks: Matt Anschutz, 3 sacks

Interceptions: Nick Bachicha, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We want to have a winning record and put ourselves in position to have a chance to advance in the playoffs. Establish depth with our skill players. Keys to success are how quickly we will be able to learn a new system in all phases of the game. We will strive to build toughness in our team both mentally and physically. If we can do this, we will be successful.”

Former Cimarron assistant and Hays High grad Cade Albert takes over a Herington program that went winless last fall, but welcomes back significant experience including a number of talented sophomores and juniors who already have varsity game experience. Albert says sophomore lineman Damion Woods is a player to watch with the potential to emerge as a top lineman in the Wheat State League and a college prospect.

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Head Coach: Stephen Hokanson (2nd year, 5-4) Assistants: Darris Servis, Michael Scott

Hokanson spent five years as the head coach at Bucklin from 2005-2010 and served as an assistant coach before taking the Kiowa County job last fall.

GOOD LUCK

2019 Record: 5-4 / Southern Plains Iroquois

2019 Record: 5-4 / Wheat State League

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

HIGHLAND-DONIPHAN WEST

HILL CITY

HOWARD-WEST ELK

HOXIE

Page 110

2019 Record: 4-5 / Twin Valley League

2019 Record: 6-4 / Mid-Continent League

2019 Record: 4-5 / South Central Border League

2019 Record: 4-5 / Northwest Kansas League

Head Coach: Perry Smith (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: N/A Offense: Wing T Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: Trent Spiker, QB/DB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Riley Schuneman, G/DE, 6-1, 215, Jr.; Cooper Clark, C/DE, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Kole Franken, FB/MLB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Hunter Smith, HB/DB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Kaleb Ridout, G/DT, 5-9, 200, Sr.

Head Coach: Travis Desbien (4th year, 16-12) Assistants: Vince Walker, Craig Amrein

Head Coach: Chris Haag (20th year) Assistants: Kevin Weber, Rico Cherico

Head Coach: Lance Baar (11th year, 72-36) Assistants: JR Kaiser, Chase Kennedy

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: Jayce Hamel, RB/LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Cody Presley, G/DE, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Ayden Nickelson, FB/DE, 5-9, 190, Jr.; Brody McDowell, WR/LB, 6-2, 160, Sr.; Justice Clark, DB, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Will Penrod, TE/DL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Conner Dinkel, G/ LB, 5-9, 180, Soph.; Kaleb Atkins, DB, 5-7, 140, So.; Derek Keith, QB, 6-2, 180, Jr.

Offense: I-formation Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Devin Loudermilk, QB/DB; Wesley Young, OL/DE; Dylan Treloggen, OL/DL; Rocky Hanks, TE/DB/LB; Koleton Branch, RB/DL/LB

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 6 Returning starters: Caden White, TE/LB, 6-3, 175, Sr.; Harlan Obioha, OL/DL, 6-10, 300, Sr.; Ashton Dowel, QB, 6-2, 170, Jr.; Donovan Balluch, OL/DE, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Gavin Tremblay, DB/WR, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Aidan Baalman, DB, 5-11, 165, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Trent Spiker, 107 car., 815 yds., 18 TDs Passing: Trent Spiker, 39-92, 506 yds., 9 TDs Receiving: Hunter Smith, 11 rec., 89 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Kole Franken, 31 tackles Sacks: Kaleb Ridout, Riley Schuneman, 2 sacks Interceptions: Hunter Smith, Trent Spiker, 1 INT each Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We missed out on the playoffs last season with the loss to Onaga. It was a huge disappointment to our young football team. We feel like we played everyone on our schedule pretty tough. Close losses to Washington County, Frankfort, Onaga and were down 12-6 to Hanover at halftime. We will be a year older and look to make a big jump this season. We hope to have about 16 boys out, so staying injury-free will be a big key for us. We hope that we show great signs of progression, but also know that going (8-Man) Division I will prove more difficult as well.

Big early season match-ups with Bishop Leblond out of Missouri and Johnson-Brock out of Nebraska will be good tests for our team. Our district will be really tough with Clifton-Clyde, Washington County and Maranatha all making the Division-I playoffs a year ago.”

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: Derek Keith, 25-55, 436 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: Brody McDowell, 13 rec., 325 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Ayden Nickelson, 85 tackles Sacks: Ayden Nickelson, 5.5 sacks Interceptions: Justice Clark, 6 INTs

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We graduated a small senior class last year, However, Dalen Journigan accounted for 61 percent of our rushing yards. We do, however, return fouryear starter Jayce Hamel, who would have led our backfield had he not torn ankle ligaments (in) Week 3 against Thunder Ridge. Jayce was one of the state’s leading rushers at that point in the season when he was lost for the remainder of 2019. Expect Jayce to lead the backfield in 2020. At quarterback, we expect junior Derek Keith to battle incoming freshman Aiden Amrein for the starting job. At receiver, senior Brody McDowell returns after a shortened season where he was lost due to torn knee ligaments in Week 4. Our offensive line will be anchored by third-year starter Cody Presley, a junior, and sophomore Conner Dinkel, an all-league selection as a freshman in Notes: The Mustangs lost just three letterwinners 2019. Defensively, we return seven starters and 82 from a season ago and all six returning starters have percent of our tackles from a year ago. Junior Ayden started for multiple seasons. DW could be poised Nickelson led the team in sacks in 2019 with 5.5 and for a solid two-year run with all but two returning was second on the team in tackles with 85 from his letterwinners underclassmen. defensive end position.”

JETMORE-HODGEMAN COUNTY

KINSLEY

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Devin Loudermilk, 93 car., 767 yds., 12 TDs Passing: Devin Loudermilk, 11-32, 4 TDs Receiving: Rocky Hanks, 2 rec., 32 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Devin Loudermilk, 30 tackles Sacks: Wesley Young, 4 sacks Interceptions: Devin Loudermilk, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We are very excited about the upcoming season. We lost some great players to graduation but have a lot of players returning that received a lot of playing time last season. We have a lot of kids returning who saw playing time last season and we will need to stay healthy if we want to compete for a district championship and a shot at the playoffs.”

Notes: The West Elk Patriots went 29-4 from 20152017. In fact, before 2018’s 1-8 finish, the Patriots hadn’t finished worse than 6-3 since going 4-5 in 2012. West Elk to a step back toward those winning ways last season improving to 4-5. Now, veteran coach Chris Haag enters his 20th season with a chance to get back above .500, and possibly more.

Haag returns five starters, most notably senior Devin Loudermilk, the younger brother of former Kansas Pregame coverboy, and current University of Wisconsin defensive lineman, Isaiahh Loudermilk.

The younger Loudermilk is making his own name none on the football field - and the basketball court - after rushing for 767 yards with 12 TDs last fall and recording three INTs as a defensive back.

LA CROSSE

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: Ashton Dowell, 1,244 yds.

Receiving: N/A Tackles: Caden White, 61 tackles Sacks: Donovan Balluch, 5 sacks Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: Our goals are to win district and be set up for a favorable postseason. Always staying healthy is key, growing in all aspects week in and week out. We have to get better throughout the season and peak at the end.

Making sure our focus is in the details, technique, and working to be better each practice, game, and film session.”

Notes: Coach Lance Baar enters his 11th season as the head coach of the Indians with several key players back including 1,200 yard passer Ashton Dowell and 6-10 monster lineman Harlan Obioha who carries football offers from Ole’ Miss, Indiana and Akron and basketball offers from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Grambling.

Two early season tests will give the Indians a great gauge of the effectiveness of their preseason prep as trips to Leoti and La Crosse could be the two toughest games of the year. Leoti returns significant experience from last year’s 10-2 squad and La Crosse appears ready to impact 8-Man in year one.

LANGDON-FAIRFIELD

2019 Record: 9-2 / SPIAA

2019 Record: 2-7 / Central Prairie League

2019 record: 5-4 / Central Prairie League

2019 Record: 1-8 / Heart of the Plains League

Head Coach: Matt Housman (11th year, 83-24; 12th year, 89-27 overall) Assistants: Oliver Salmans

Head Coach: Corey Dunlap (2nd year, 2-7) Assistants: Kyle Burkhart

Head Coach: Heath Hewitt (5th year, 3-33) Assistants: N/A

Offense: I Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Isaac Salmans, QB/LB, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Drew Dansel, RB/CB, 6-0, 178, Jr.; Conner Ruff, E/DL, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Ethan Burns, E/LB, 6-3, 172, Sr.; Jacob Poteet, G, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Braydon Patterson, C/ DL, 5-11, 192, Sr.; Efren Chavez, DL, 6-1, 205, Sr.

Offense: I-formation Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: Alan Newsom, OL/DL, 6-2, 225,, Sr.; Isaac Bowman, QB/DB, 5-11, 150, Sr.; Konner Habiger, OL/DL, 5-8, 200, Sr.; Levi Taylor, WR/DB, 6-3, 165, Jr.; Alex Garcia, RB/LB, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Tysen Schmitt, OL/DL, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Anthony Kraft, OL/DL, 5-10, 190, Jr.;

Head Coach: Jon Webster (12th year, 83-35) Assistants: Chris Delimont, Dalton Kraus, Gabe Dierksen, Derek Crouch, James Courtney Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: Colby Stull, RB/FS, 5-8, 145, Jr.; Cooper Barriger, TE/LB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Lucas Webster, DE/OL, 6-5, 240, Sr.; CJ Patterson, DE/OL, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Haden Sherman, CB, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Chet Irvin, DT/OL, 5-8, 180, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Isaac Salmans, 113 car., 526 yds.

Passing: Isaac Salmans, 56-93, 1,134 yds., 17 TDs Receiving: Dalton Lee, 11 rec., 230 yds.; Ethan Burns, 9 rec., 262 rec.; Conner Ruff, 7 rec., 126 yds.

Tackles: Isaac Salmans, 9 tackles per game Sacks: Conner Ruff, 3 sacks Interceptions: Ethan Burns, Isaac Salmans, 4 INTs each Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Hodgeman County will bring back nine Seniors off of last year’s team that went 9-2. Defensively we have switched between three and four man fronts the last couple of years. Sometimes it depends on who we are playing that week. While it is unsure which front we’ll choose or if we continue to have a mixture.

The players have become pretty flexible.”

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Alex Garcia, 653 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Isaac Bowman, 655 yds., 8 TDs Receiver: Levi Taylor, 285 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Isaac Bowman, 53 tackles Sacks: Alan Newsom, 4 sacks Interceptions: Isaac Bowman, Levi Taylor, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have everyone back from last year’s team except one and a very strong group of freshmen coming up, so our goal remains the same as it always is: compete at a high level and put ourselves in the position to make it out of our district and into the postseason.

“As I mentioned earlier, we only had one player graduate from last year’s team and many players last year were in roles that they had never been in before.

Notes: The Longhorns couldn’t keep up with South We gained a ton of experience in 2019, even though Central and St. Francis - their only two losses last our record may not have shown it. Along with a good year - but return nearly everyone from last year’s group of returning players, we will have around 10 squad for a deep playoff push. Gone is 1,600 yard incoming freshmen and another 4-5 upperclassmen back Eli Salmans, a Kansas Pregame coverboy, but who are joining for the first time, many of whom will younger brother Isaac returns for his senior year as compete right away for playing time. Just gaining one of the top QBs in Kansas. The Longhorns will be some depth at every position will add competition favored against the majority of their schedule, but a within our squad and will elevate our level of play.”

Week 4 game with Leoti is a marquee match-up.

H A N S TO N I N S U R A N C E A G E N C Y, I N C

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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Colby Stull, 1,322 yds., 16 TDs Receiving: Colby Stull, 136 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Cooper Barriger, 75 tackles Sacks: Lucas Webster, Devyn Braun, 1 sack each Interceptions: Devyn Braun, 1 INT

W. Hwy 24

Dine-in or Carryout

Notes: The 2019 season was a rough one for the Fairfield Falcons. Fairfield went 1-8, but did pick up a 56-12 win over Burrton in Week 3. It was the second year in a row that Burrton was the only win for the Falcons. In 2017, Burrton won the match-up 66-40 for their only win of the season as Fairfield went 0-9.

In 2016 Fairfield beat Burrton 40-30 and went 1-8.

Fairfield is 3-1 against Burrton under coach Heath Hewitt which represents the only three wins of his Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our goal tenure. This year, Burrton has made the move down is to get off to a good start in a tough non-district to 6-Man. schedule, win our district and make a run in the playoffs (and) improve every week. We need a QB to After a 66-20 loss to Pretty Prairie in Week 4 last step up and take the reins. We must quickly learn the year, Fairfield failed to score the rest of the season. subtle differences between 11-Man and 8-Man.” Fairfield had to forfeit its season finale against Satanta.

Notes: After years of success as the 11-Man school with the smallest enrollment in Kansas, the Fairfield will begin its season at home against La Crosse Leopards finally make the move to 8-Man. Stafford. The Falcons will compete in 8-Man Division Six returning starters and 14 total lettermen could I, District 5, which includes Argonia-Attica, Goessel, give the Leopards a chance to make an immediate Medicine Lodge, Moundridge and Pretty Prairie. impact in 8-Man, Division I. Colby Stull is poised to have a fantastic season after recording over 1,300 The last time Fairfield posted a winning record was yards rushing and 16 TDs a year ago. Big lineman 2014 when the Falcons went 5-4. In 2015 Fairfield Lucas Webster (6-7, 240) will be a disruptive force co-oped with Cunningham and the team went for the defense from his end position. The Leopards winless. will get an idea where they stand early with Victoria, Hoxie and Ness City the first three contests on the 2020 schedule.

Hill City

785-421-3691

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Kendra Salyers-Barnes Phone: 785-675-3661

Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

LEOTI-WICHITA COUNTY

LINCOLN

LITTLE RIVER

2019 Record: 10-2 / Hi-Plains League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Northern Plains League

Head Coach: Brant Douglas (3rd year, 16-5) Assistants: Haydon Parks, Bryce Nickelson

Head Coach: Dustin Patee (3rd year, 4-14; 7th over- Head Coach: Kevin Ayers (2nd year, 9-2; 21st overll, Head Coach: Kyle Bright (1st year) all, 16-38) Assts: Dayton Walter, Blake Lee, Eric Tate 167-41) Assistants: Chad Lafferty, Scott Ellwood Assistants: N/A

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 26 Returning starters: Kayde Rietzke, QB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Jesse Gardner, RB/LB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Sheldon Whalen, WR/DB, 6-1, 165, Sr.; Teagen Bishop, WR, LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Tristen Porter, WR/LB, 5-8, 155, Jr.; AC Hermosillo, 5-9, 265, G/DL, Sr.; Xavier Hernandez, 5-8, 220, C/DL, Jr.;Juan Mancillas, 5’8, 225, G, DL, Sr.; Kendrix Loy, 6-0, 215, DL, Sr.

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: Tyler Good, RB/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Landon O’Hare, TE/DE, 6-4, 186, Sr.; Dillon Baxter, WR/DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Dalton Cooper, TE/LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Kenton Myers, OL/DL, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Brayson Young, DL, 5-9, 135, Jr.; Ethan Suelter, OL, 6-2, 205, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders Passing: Kayde Rietzke, 1,862, yds., 32 TDs Rushing: Kayde Rietzke, 1,672 yds., 25 TDs; Jesse Gardner, 933 yds., 19 TDs Receiving: Sheldon Whalen, 1,063 yds., 17 TDs Tackles: Sheldon Whalen, 75 tackles Sacks: Tristen Porter Interceptions: Sheldon Whalen, 6 INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Tyler Good, 122 car., 633 yds., 14 TDs Passing: Tyler Good, 60-120, 687 yds., 4 TDs Receiving: Landon O’Hare, 20 rec., 200 yds.

Tackles: Tyler Good, 117 tackles Sacks: Landon O’Hare, 3 sacks

2019 Record: 9-2 / Wheat State League

MACKSVILLE

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Cade Young, DB, 5-6, 150, Sr.; Jayden Garrison, QB/WR/DB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Trey Rolfs, WR, 6-1, 135, Sr.; Graham Stephens, QB/ RB/DB, 5-9, 205, Sr.; Keaton Richardson, DB/WR, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Kaden Shafer, OL, 6-0, 230, Jr.; Carter Holloway, C, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Braxton Lafferty, LB/TE, 5-11, 170, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jayden Garrison, 130 car., 1,234 yds., 26 TDs; Graham Stephens, 80 car., 682 yds., 19 TDs Passing: Jayden Garrison, 41-68, 444 yds., 8 TDs; Graham Stephens, 14-24, 395 yds., 6 TDs Receiving: Jayden Garrison, 10 rec., 346 yds., 5 Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Looking TDs; Keaton Richardson, 14 rec., 206 yds., 4 TDs; at the 2020 season, we as a staff thought this was Braxton Lafferty, 15 rec., 191 yds., 3 TDs going to be our breakout year. We have 10 players Tackles: Jayden Garrison, 66 tackles; Graham Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: Our goals who have played in the system for three years Stephens, 51 tackles are to win a district championship, a deep playoff run, and 19 total returners. Plus, we are getting a very Sacks: Graham Stephens, 1 sack and a state championship. Keys to success are oftalented and driven freshman class. Tyler Good has Interceptions: Jayden Garrison, 4 INTs fensive and defensive development, and to continue had 224 tackles and 25 TDs in two seasons, and a strong commitment to the summer program by all will more than likely move back to running back, Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Building student-athletes.” after having to play QB because of injuries for most culture and chemistry is priority No. 1. We have of 2019. Dillon Baxter and Landon O’Hare will be had a great summer and return a good nucleus of Notes: The Indians return an embarrassment of three-year starters at WR, and are poised for great players. We lose three of our top four tacklers on the riches this fall with one of 8-Man’s top quarterbacks senior campaigns as well. We will be super talented, defensive side of the ball so filling in those holes will (Kayde Rietzke), running backs (Jesse Gardner), but there are two huge questions. How hard did be a must. We have to play a more physical style of receivers (Sheldon Whalen) and lineman (AC we push to stay “in shape”, during this pandemic, football if we want to compete at the highest level.

Hermosillo). Whalen will lead the defense and nine to avoid injuries? Will anyone, outside of Kenton Kids are hungry and we hope to put an improved total returning starters will help the Indians try to Myers, a three-year starting center, buy into playing team on the field each and every week.” get to a state championship game. The Indians the offensive line? If we can take care of those two face a tough schedule that includes Hoxie, Hill City, things, it should be a fun season!”

Little River State Bank Hodgeman County and Ness City in four of the first five weeks. Brant Douglas enters his third season as Notes: An experienced Leopard team faces a more head coach with just five losses the past two years. manageable schedule, but do trade Victoria and w w w. l yo n s s t a t e b a n k . c o m Clifton-Clyde for Canton-Galva and Little River.

Wee w W wish i s h aall l l aarea r e a aathletes t h l e t e s a ssafe afe a n d successful and s u c c e s s f u l sseason! eason!

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LINCOLN GROCERY

2019 Record: 4-5 / Central Prairie League

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Michael Seward, RB/DB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Cleven Huggins, WR/DB, 6-5, 180, Sr.; Ryan Kuckelman, QB/DB, 6-5, 175, So.; Isaiah Rose, TE/DE, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Alex Rodriguez, OL/DL, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Johnny Threlkeld, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Michael Seward, 138 car., 1,004 yds., 16 TDs Passing: Ryan Kuckelman, 52-91, 758 yds., 9 TDs Receiving: Cleven Huggins, 22 rec., 438 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Michael Seward, 38 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Ryan Kuckelman, Cleven Huggins 2 INTs each Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The Mustang’s key to success in 2020 will be to utilize our experience in skill positions. We have a lot of returning players on both sides of the ball and if we can fill in a few of the missing pieces with some of the new guys then we will give ourselves a chance to be successful. But, we must strive to play mistake free, fast, and physical football.”

Notes: The Mustangs return significant height and athleticism from a team that went 4-5 last season.

New coach Kyle Bright must find more offense though, as the Mustangs could muster just eight total points in losses to the four best teams they played.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

MADISON/HAMILTON

MEADE

MEDICINE LODGE

Page 112

MONTEZUMA-SOUTH GRAY

2019 Record: 11-1 / Lyon County League

2019 Record: 3-7 / Hi-Plains League

2019 Record: 5-5 / Central Plains League

2019 Record: 5-4 / Southern Plains Iroquois

Head Coach: Alex McMillian (5th year, 27-12) Assistants: Brett Dannels, Dustin Stutesman

Head Coach: Justin Powell (4th year, 12-18) Assistants: Chad Rudzik, Bryan Luetters

Head Coach: Grant J. Salmans (N/A) Assistants: Jeff Blattner, Ty Clark

Offense: Multiple/Option Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 21 Returning starters: Ryan Wolgram, QB/S, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Hunter Engle, RB/DE, 5-10, 190,, Sr.; Isaac Miser, G/LB, 5-8, 190,, Sr.; Chase Harrison, TE/ DE, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Joseph Stubbs, C/NG, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Drew Stutesman, TE/LB, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Brome Rayburn, RB/DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.

Offense: Single Wing Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: Dakota Paul, OL/DL 6-6, 175, Sr.; Wyatt Kramer, TE/DL, 6-0, 172, Sr.; Torren Haynes, RB/DB, 5-11, 138, Jr.; Korben Clawson, RB/ LB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Zachary Volden, OL/DL, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Carson Godfrey, OL, 6-0. 175, Jr.; Cullen Lumry, OL/DL, 6-2, 227, Jr.; Brayden Norris, LB, 5-7, 160, So.; Grayden Stapleton, DB, 5-10, 140, So.; Brady Papay, OL, 6-2, 250, So.

Head Coach: Jake Bjostad (1st year) Assistants: Shane Hahn, Nick Schmidt, James Manning

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Ryan Wolgram, 659 yds.; Hunter Engle, 490 yds., 11 TDs Passing: Ryan Wolgram, 708 yds.

Receiving: Drew Stutesman, 228 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Drew Stutesman, 70.5 tackles Sacks: Hunter Engle, 7 sacks Interceptions: Drew Stutesman, 7 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Team goals are to win the league, district and compete for a state championship. Keys to success are staying healthy, playing mistake free and taking care of the football. We will also be looking for players to step up and fill in the shoes of All-State players Colton Fife, Nassun Wasson and Sebastian Bolinger.”

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Korben Clawson, 754 yds.

Passing: Torren Haynes, 469 yds.

Receiving: N/A Tackles: Korben Clawson, 113 Tackles Sacks: Korben Clawson, Zach Volden, Wyatt Kramer, 2 sacks each Interceptions: Grayden Stapleton, Korben Clawson, 1 INT each

Offense: Pistol Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 6 Returning starters: Cauy Scripsick, QB/LB/WR, 6-0, 174, So.; Theron Wedel, WR/DB, 6-2, 175 Jr.; Dylan Holloway, OL/DL, 6-2, 172, Jr.; Chance Winter, TE/ DL/OL, 6-0, 175, Jr. Ayden Edwards, RB/LB - 5-8, 163, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “(We) lost 84 percent of our rushing game and our starting QB. We return our top two receivers, but one will be going to QB. On defense, we are only returning two of our top 10 tacklers from 2019, but we are returning a starter at each level of the defense. Our goal is a Regional Championship - lost in 2019 regionals 3028 on a missed two-point (attempt) with 30 seconds left in the game. We have zero returning seniors and lost 12 players from our 2019 team - maturity and leadership will be our key to success.”

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Aaron Skidmore, QB/DE, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Ethan Salmans, E/S, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Ethan Reed, G/DE, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Carter Riley, C, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Ander Briscoe, G, 5-8, 175, Jr.; Kimble Martin, E/CB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Ian Davis, FB/LB, 5-9, 175 Jr.; Brady Deges, CB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Kameron Penner, NG, 5-9, 216, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Aaron Skidmore, 115 car., 817 yds., 10 TDs Passing: Aaron Skidmore, 21-41, 279 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: Kimble Martin, 18 rec., 210 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Brady Deges, 70 tackles Sacks: Aaron Skidmore, 4 sacks Interceptions: Brady Deges, 4 interceptions

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have a great deal of returning experience. I expect our team to be very competitive but will be playing Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: a very tough schedule. We have several teams in “Strengths: Returning several starters from a year our district that are successful programs that will all ago. Strong offensive line. Multiple threats out of the Notes: Jake Bjostad takes over for Josh Ybarra who be fighting for playoff spots. We want our players to backfield. Weaknesses: Learning a new offensive moved to Augusta to teach and serve as an assistant concentrate on improving each week and execute and defensive system. Must replace leading football coach for the Orioles after seven seasons. our game plans.”

Notes: The Bulldogs rolled through the regular receivers on the team. Need to improve on causing Bjostad welcomes a young team that graduated a season scoring at least 50 points in 11 straight wins more turnovers.” big chunk of their offensive and defensive production Notes: Long-time South Gray basketball assistant before meeting the buzzsaw that was eventual state from last year’s 5-5 squad. He does wlecome back a Grant Salmans returns to the sidelines for his second champ Canton-Galva in the semifinals of the 8-Man Notes: After posting a rare losing season for the pair of talented players in Cauy Scripsick and Theron stint as head coach for the Rebels. He welcomes I East bracket. Fifth year coach Alex McMillian loses second year in a row the Buffs make the move down Wedel, a sophomore and junior respectively, but he’ll back nine players with starting experience for a team three 8-Man All-Star selections to graduation in to 8-Man I and should be competitive with most need a number of players to grow up quickly with that went 5-4 last fall including talented senior Aaron Colton Fife, Nassun Wasson and Sebastian Bolinger teams in the classification. Justin Powell welcomes zero returning seniors.

Skidmore. but welcomes back a load of experience and talent back nine starters for his fourth season as the head for another deep run in the playoffs. Seniors Ryan coach and the team is still relatively young with Wolgram and Hunter Engle give the Bulldogs a just two of those starters seniors. Four juniors and pair of weapons in the offensive backfield while three sophomores dot the list of returners as well. junior Drew Stutesman returns to lead the defense The early part of the season appears somewhat after tallying 70.5 tackles and seven interceptions manageable, though Week 1 features a contest with MONTEZUMA, ULYSSES, KS KS Kingman, St. John last year. Engle will continue to terrorize opposing consistent winner South Central, but a three game 2718 West Oklahoma 501 E. TEXCOCO Ave. | Toll STREET Free: |800-356-3460 (620) 322-5010| 620-356-3460 quarterbacks after recording seven sacks this fall. A strecth to end the year will be brutal with contests vs.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

MORAN-MARMATON VALLEY

MOUNDRIDGE

Page 113

NESS CITY

OBERLIN-DECATUR COMMUNITY

2019 Record: 2-7 / Three Rivers League

2019 Record: 4-5 / Heart of America

2019 Record: 8-2 / Central Prairie League

2019 Record: 5-4 / Northwest Kansas League

Head Coach: Garret Ericson (2nd year, 2-7) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Jeremiah Meeks (5th year, 12-25) Assistants: Courtney Moddelmog, Bret Lange

Head Coach: Marc Cowles (5th year, 25-14) Assistants: Shawn Starr, Brandt Rogers

Head Coach: Trevor Williams (2nd year, 5-4) Assistants: N/A

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Offense: I-Formation Defense: 5-1 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Kobin Wedel, WR, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Corbin Unruh, QB/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Anthony Everhart, DB/RB, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Garret Dougherty, DB/RB, 5-8, 140, Jr.; Braden Schmidt, FB/DL, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Wyatt Falco, TE/DL, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Dalton Vogts, DL/OL, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Jon Schlosser, TE/LB, 6-2, 185, Sr.

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Edwin Rodriguez, RB/DB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Matthew Delaney, RB/LB, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Ethan Schlegel, OL/DL, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Jose Guzman, QB/DB, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Taylor Cable, TE/DE, 6-3, 190, Jr.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Gavin Uehlin, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Notes: Marmaton Valley opened the 2019 season with three straight losses in which the Wildcats did not score a touchdown. The Wildcats responded in Week 4 with a 48-24 win over Southern Coffey County. While the Wildcats did lose three straight after their first win, they were not shutout the rest of the season. In Week 8, the Wildcats defeated Chetopa, 58-8.

Marmaton Valley played in 8-Man Division II last season and will play in Division I this year. The Wildcats will compete in District 1 where they will face Cedar Vale/Dexter, Oswego, Sedan, West Elk, and Yates Center.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Corbin Unruh, 450 yds., 10 TDs Passing: Corbin Unruh, 875 yds., 11 TDs Receiving: Jon Scholsser, 420 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Jon Schlosser, 66 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Corbin Unruh, 5 INTs

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Team goals are to continue to grow as a team and make the playoffs. We will have senior leadership at a Games with Altoona-Midway in Week 1 and Chetopa lot of our skill positions. We will need to grow as a in Week 3 appear to be opportunities for early defense and offensive line, as long as they continue season wins that could build confidence. Chetopa to improve and get better we will be in great shape was one of the Wildcats’ two wins a year ago and by the end of the year.”

Altoona-Midway slipped past MV 36-20 a year ago for one of their two wins on the season.

Notes: The Wildcats return eight starters, including six seniors, who are anxious to take the next step in the third season of 8-Man football. Corbin Unruh returns as an experienced starter at quarterback for fifth year coach Jeremiah Meeks and after combining for over 1,300 yards rushing and passing last year he hopes a big season will deliver a playoff push.

2019 Record: 6-3 / Three Rivers League

OSWEGO

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “(We want to) play hard-nosed, physical football, make our Head Coach: Matt Fowler (3rd year, 12-6; 12th overall, community proud by playing hard with class (and) 74-38) Assistants: Steve McBrien, JD Walker, Jeff improve every day in-season and out of season. (We Schreppel, Nate Collins must) grow in the aspects of mental toughness and the desire to compete (and) we must do our best to Offense: Single Wing Defense: 3-2 manage factors that we control.”

Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: Lance Teal, RB/DB, 6-2, 160, Sr.; Notes: Third year head coach Matt Fowler continues Isaac Elliot, RB/LB, 6-4, 195, Sr.; Mayson Mills, OL/ the building project at Oswego after coming over DL, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Tristan Gray, OL/DL, 5-9, 230, Sr.; following a successful decade long run at Spearville.

Isac Elkins, TE/LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Jace Landes, RB/ Gone is explosive playmaker Jace Wilson, a 1,000 DB, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Jesse Blumer, TE, 6-2, 165, Jr. yard rusher and the team’s leading tackler last year, but back are six starters including big 6-4, 195 pound Returning Statistical Leadersj running back Isaac Elliott who will take over as the Rushing: Isaac Elliott, 119 car., 626 yds. 11 TDs team’s leader on offense and defense. He’ll be joined Passing: Isaac Elliott, 10-33, 188 yds., 2 TDs, 4 INTs by talented athlete Lance Teal, who returns after Receiving: Lance Teal, 9 rec., 143 yds. leading the team in receiving and recording five interTackles: Isaac Eliott, 67 tackles ceptions as a defensive back last fall. The schedule is Sacks: Isaac Eliott, 2 sacks backloaded as games at Sedan and West Elk and vs.

Interceptions: Lance Teal, 5 INTs Cedar Vale/Dexter in three of the final four weeks will be the toughest on the schedule.

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Returning Statical Leaders Rushing: Jose Guzman, 528 yds., 9 TDs Passing: 499 yds., 13 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Matthew Delaney, 97 tackles Sacks: Taylor Cable, 3 sacks interceptions: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “To be successful this season we need new playmakers to step forward, creating efficiency and consistency on offense. We need to be able to run the ball so that we can move the chains and control the clock. We also need seniors to step forward and become leaders.

As always we need to avoid injuries and we will need some inexperienced but talented young skill players to step up and contribute. Offensive and Defensive line play will also be crucial to this team’s success.”

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Oberlin did struggle against St. Francis (48-2 loss) and Leoti-Wichita County (58-26), the Division I West semifinal representatives.

OXFORD

2019 Record: 3-6 / South Central Border League Head Coach: Shawn Burkes (14th year, 42-74) Assistants: Kyle Westerman, Gavin Pickering

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: Josh Smith, FB/LB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Colin Whitson, TE/FS, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Michael Lawlis, TE/C, 5-8, 145, So.; Peyton Rush, RB/LB, 5-10, 170, So.; Daniel Williams, G/DE, 6-1, 220, So.; Kyan Morris, RB/LB, 5-11, 175, So.; Caleb Smith, G/DL, 5-8, 230, So.; Cristian Bain, C/DL, 5-8, 160, So.; Colby Hammond, TE/DB, 5-7, 130, So.; Hayden Ruyle, QB/DB, 5-9, 130, So.; Caden Mapel, DB, 5-8, 135, So.

of experience last year. If we can stay healthy and continue to improve, we could improve on last year’s record.”

Notes: Eleven returning starters leaves the Wildcats optimistic heading into the 2020 season, but with only two seniors and nine sophomores in that group Oxford is still extremely young. Certainly the hard knocks on those freshman last fall are bound to leave them with a better understanding of the game, but an early season trio of Caldwell, West Elk and ArgoniaAttica presents this still young team a formidable challenge.

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Fullbacker/linebacker Josh Smith and tight end/free safety Colin Whitson are the two returning senior starters. Both are just 5-7 and weigh 165 and 150 respectively.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We will still be a young team this year, but several got a lot

Sophomore guard/defensive end Daniel Williams is the biggest returning starter at 6-1, 220.

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Notes: Oberlin opened 3-0 and finished 5-4 with first-year head coach Trevor Williams, a longtime Red Devil coach with various teams. Oberlin had its first winning record since an 8-2 mark in ’14. The Red Devils delivered four shutouts.

Oberlin graduated all but 44 rushing yards. The Red Devils forced 21 turnovers and return senior Gavin Uehlin, who led with 10 tackles for loss, picked off a Notes: The Eagles return five starters from last year’s team-high four passes and tied for the squad best 8-2 squad, but will need to find replacements for with a pair of fumble recoveries.

8-Man All-Star selections Hector Rodriguez and Nate Gable, key offensive skill players the past two seaOberlin was plus-11 in turnover margin in ’19 after sons. The Eagles have posted at least seven wins in minus-6 two years ago. three of Marc Cowles four seasons as head coach.

Oberlin Office: (785)827-3157 Fax: (785)827-3159

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Gavin Uehlin, 71 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Gavin Uehlin, 4 INTs

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

PRATT-SKYLINE

PRETTY PRAIRIE

ROSALIA-FLINTHILLS

SEDAN

Page 114

2019 Record: 7-2 / Heart of the Plains

2019 Record: 3-6 / Heart of the Plains League

2019 Record: 1-8 / South Central Border League

2019 Record: 5-4 / South Central Border League

Head Coach: Andrew Nation (4th year, 12-15) Assistant: Hagen Turner

Head Coach: Dennis Detter (2nd year, 3-6) Assistants: Matt Goering, Joe Schrock

Head Coach: Daniel Scribner (4th year, 3-24) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Mick Holt (10th year, 56-34; 15th overall, 82-54) Assistants: John Pray, Shawn Grove

Offense: I-Formation Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: Braden Tyler, QB/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Hunter Berens, LG, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Jesus Casas, RB/DB, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Aden Temanson, LB, 6-2, 180, Sr.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: Kaleb Kruse, RB/LB, Sr.; Logan Detter, NG/C, Sr.; Lucas Ketter, QB, Sr.; Cody Schuldt, E, Sr.; Trenton Rogers, E, Sr.; Aaron Brewer, OL/DL, Sr.; Adrian Payne, RB/DL, Sr.; Landon Weide, S, Jr.; Brock Steadman, RB/LB, Jr.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Offense: Spread Option Defense: 3-3 Returning letterman: 9 Returning starters: Eli Campbell, RB/LB, Sr.; Dameion Hatten, TE/WR/DB, Jr.; Eathan Long, OL/ DL, Jr.; Jared Roggow-Harter, OL/DE, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Notes: Flinthills had a rough start to the 2019 season.

The Mustangs began the year with six straight losses, the closest game came in Week 3 in a 46-34 loss at Oxford. Flinthills picked up its first win in Week Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “With 7 with a 40-28 victory against West Elk. In order to a group of seven seniors returning that have been have an improved season in 2020, Flinthills will need starting for three years we look for our experience to to improve on both sides of the ball. The Mustangs help push us to the playoffs. Coming off all-league failed to score more than 21 points in seven of nine and all-district performances we look for Kaleb Kruse games, and allowed over 40 points in seven of nine Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A and Logan Detter to anchor our defense.” games. The Mustangs will participate in 8-Man Division I, District 2 against Central Burden, Chase Notes: The Thunderbirds enjoyed a breakout season County, Madison, Oxford and Udall. last year behind the return of six senior starters and while Skyline won’t be nearly as experienced this year they do still have some pieces to help put a solid squad on the field. Gone to graduation are 8-Man AllStar selections Colton Gatton along the line and Eli Temanson in the backfield, as well as junior running back/linebacker Enoch Walton, who transferred from Skyline to Pratt High School.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Braden Tyler, 115 car., 889 yds., 12 TDs Passing: Braden Tyler, 320 yds., 4 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Braden Tyler, 53 tackles Sacks: Braden Tyler, 1 sack Interceptions: Braden Tyler, 1 INT

Back for his senior year, though, is 6-foot, 190 pound quarterback Braden Tyler who rushed for almost 900 yards and 12 touchdowns last year and threw for another 320 yards and four more scores. Tyler also recording 53 tackles, one sack and one interception on defense. Junior Jesus Casas will join Tyler in the backfield and they welcome back senior Hunter Berens on the line. Aden Temanson (6-2, 180) gives the Thunderbirds some returning size at the linebacker position.

SHAWNEE-MARANATHA ACAD.

2019 Record: 7-3 / Crossroads Conference

Head Coach: Bryan Burdette (8th year, 20-37; 18th overall) Assistants: Alfredo Bahena II, Brian Chiles, Myron Thomas Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Austin Chiles, RB/S, 5-9, 155; Isaac Brown, OL/DL, 6-1, 240; Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Austin Chiles, 105 total yds.

Passing: N/A Receiving: Jonathan Dighton, 149 total yds.

Tackles: Austin Chiles, 74 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s goals and keys for a successful 2020 season: “We will have many inexperienced players.

We will need to minimize mistakes. I am very excited for our kids this year. There are tremendous opportunities for kids to step up. I am looking forward to them gaining experience and confidence.”

Notes: Maranatha graduated significant experience and talent from last season’s 7-3 squad most notably quarterback Nate Burdette and receiver Brock West.

The pair of 8-Man All-Stars were a talented passing combo. Also gone is standout junior lineman Jayden Oquendo who has transferred. The 6-2, 290 pounder was expected to be one of 8-Man’s top players.

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

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SPEARVILLE

2019 Record: 0-9 / Central Prairie League

Head Coach: Travis Callaway (3rd year, 12-8; 5th overall, 15-23) Assistants: Chris Sohm, Andrew Kempke

Head Coach: Justin Nusser (1st year) Assistant: Danton Hilton

Offense: Single Wing Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Trace Tassett, RB/DB; Kenny Zimmerman, OL/LB; Kolten Bennett, RB/DB; Logan Hubbell, E/DL; Mason Dean, OL/DL; Tanner Miller, OL/DL

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Interceptions: Alex Herbel, 2 INTs

Tackles: Mason Dean, 70 tackles Sacks: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our goal Interceptions: Kolten Bennett, 1 INT is to become one team. Keys to success to be sound in our assignments.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We return a good group of experienced players with six Notes: The Gorillas welcome new coach Mike Kilgore starters on offense and defense back. Experience as David Strait leaves after one year to join former on the line with four of five starters returning should Gorilla coach Steve Tiernan in Osborne. Kilgore, a be a strength on offense. This will allow the backfield Solomon assistant last year, will continue to teach at time to come along as we will have to replace a Salina Central where he has served as an assistant workhorse back in Carson Rich. We have several coach. He welcomes back seven returning starters options within our Single Wing offense. Offensively including a number of still young players who gained we need to be better at passing the ball to get teams experience as underclassmen a year ago. out of the box to open up our running game.”

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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Eli Campbell, 67 car., 437 yds.

Passing: N/A Receiving: Dameion Hatten, 12 rec., 205 yds.

Tackles: Dameion Hatten, 71 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Dameion Hatten, 1 sack

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Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Coming off a winless season this group of young men are looking to improve and compete. We will be a very young team this year with the majority of our roster comprising freshmen and sophomores. This year we need to establish consistency and set the program on a track for success. Three returning sophomores will make large contributions on both sides of the ball - Caden McCandless, Angel Ibarra, and Marco Ibarra.”

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Page 115

VALLEY FALLS

WAKEENEY-TREGO COMMUNITY

2019 Record: 2-7 / Mid-Continent League

2019 Record: 4-5 / South Central Border League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Independent

2019 Record: 5-4 / Mid-Continent League

Head Coach: Phil Conyac (6th year, 12-34) Assistants: Justin Basart

Head Coach: Wyatt Williams (15th year, 76-58) Assistants: Barney Rockey, Blake Wilkey

Head Coach: Sawyer Havenstein (2nd year, 2-7) Assistant: Wyatt Hofstra

Offense: Single Back, Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Troy Rogers, RB/DE, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Leighton Colburn, WR/LB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Jace Hull, RB/LB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Logan Hemphill, G/DT, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Rylan Basart, FB/LB, 6-0, 190, Jr.

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: Dylan Bishop, RB/LB, 5-9, 210, Sr.; Trent Whiteman, QB/DB, 6-2, 155, Jr.; Isaac Jirak, TE/LB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Henry Faye, G, 6-4, 230, Jr.; David Otis, RB/DB, 5-9, 170, So.; Jayce Rieth, DB, 5-8, 155, Jr.

Offense: Double Wing Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: Gage Burdiek, TE, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Cade Norris, RB/LB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Denten Elias, G, 6-1, 205, Jr.; Trenton Kraxner, TE/DE, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Dennis Patterson, N, 6-0, 230, Jr.; Samuel Drinkard, LB, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Dylan Cervantez: QB/C, 5-8, 155, So.

Head Coach: Pat Haxton (8th year, 26-36; 22nd overall, 102-109) Assistants: Taylor Haxton, Jason Draper

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Troy Rogers, 85 car., 436 yds., 5 TDs; Rylan Basart, 38 car., 231 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Troy Rogers, 1-5, 42 yds., 1 TD, 1 INT Receiving: Leighton Colburn, 18 rec., 218 yds., 4 TDs; Jace Hull, 11 rec., 169 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Jace Hull, 80 tackles; Rylan Basart, 66 tackles; Leighton Colburn, 62 tackles Sacks: Rylan Basart, Leighton Colburn, 1 sack each Interceptions: Rylan Basart, Leighton Colburn, Jace Hall, 1 INT each

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Dylan Bishop, 355 yds.

Passing: Trent Whiteman, 198 yds.

Rushing: David Otis, 98 yds.

Tackles: Isaac Jirak, 75 tackles Sacks: Dylan Bishop, 4 sacks Interceptions: Isaac Jirak, 1

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We underachieved last year. We could only put one good half together during each game, which was frustratHead coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Team ing. Our effort was very poor at times last season, goals are to play hard, have fun, work to be in and we have to get more consistent. We have the the postseason mix. How the young men come talent to make the playoffs, but we have to learn to together to take on different roles than in the previous play an entire game. Our offense struggled until we seasons will be our keys to success.” inserted Trent Whiteman in at quarterback the last two games. Dylan Bishop hopes to return to his form Notes: Outside of graduated quarterback and before he tore his ACL his sophomore year. Jirak, linebacker Trevor Miller the Tigers return the majority Bishop, Whiteman, Rieth, Faye, and Otis all played a of their offensive and defensive production from a lot of football, so we feel good about them. year ago. Seniors Troy Rogers, Leighton Colburn and Jace Hull provide plenty of leadership and “Consistency will be our key. We have to learn to play experience and junior Rylan Basart is poised for a an entire game.” breakout season and could emerge as one of the top players in 8-Man.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

2019 Record: 4-5 / Tri-Valley League

Head Coach: Doug Thompson (6th year, 26-24) Assistants: Robert Smith, Tommy Tryon Offense: I-Formation Defense: 3-2-3 Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: Drew Burhman, QB, Sr.; Nate Tice, TE, Jr.; Trever Grace, RB, Sr.; Jasien Zimmer, FB, Sr.; Peyton LeDuc, OG; Trenton Zenger, RB Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Drew Buhrman, 700 yds., 12 TDs; Trever Grace, 489 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Drew Buhrman, 250 yds., 6 TDs Receiving: Nathaniel Tice, 120 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Nathaniel Tice, 24 tackles Sacks: Nathaniel Tice, 6 sacks Interceptions: Drew Buhrman, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlooks for the 2020 season: “(We

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Cade Norris, 58 car., 325 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Dylan Cervantez: 73 yds., 2 TDs Receiving: Cade Norris, 21 rec., 224 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Cade Norris, 55 tackles Sacks: Trenton Kraxner, 2 Sacks Interceptions: Dylan Cervantez, 4 INTs

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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Kobi Shubert, 373 yds.

Passing: Kobi Shubert, 102-194, 1,257 yds., 13 TDs Receiving: Charlie Russell, 3 rec., 31, 1TD Tackles: Owen Day, 74 tackles Sacks: Owen Day, 2 sacks Interceptions: Kobi Shubert, 2 INTs

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We are going to be very young at most positions and overall.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “(We We do have experience and great leadership at must) focus on perfect execution of our positional our QB position with Kobi Shubert. The key to our assignments on offense and defense, play tough and success is going to be our attitude and our work be competitive. ethic. Our depth isn’t very deep so we also must find a way to stay healthy. This group has three or four “Keys to success will be senior leadership led by RB/ really good leaders in it and they seem to be hungry LB Cade Norris, who we expect to have a breakout to have success. If the younger guys will prepare season this year after being out three weeks due to daily to get better than I think this can be a very good injury last year to start the season, but finished strong football team.” leading the team in tackles and was a top rusher and receiver for us. We will be looking to our sophomore Notes: The Golden Eagles went 5-4 and were comand junior class to step in and fill new roles on the petitive in all but one loss. Back are quarterback Kobi offensive line and defensive secondary but return Shubert and linebacker Owen Day to help improve a strong LB group. We have an experienced team on those five wins. Veteran coach Pat Haxton will this year with multiple juniors and sophomores who lead Trego against a tough schedule that includes played varsity minutes last year.” quality teams in Leoti, Victoria, Hoxie and Hill City.

YATES CENTER

want to) have a winning record, and make the 2019 Record: 0-9 / Three Rivers League playoffs. Staying healthy and working hard will be our keys to success.”

Head Coach: Ryan Panko (3rd year, 2-16; 5th overall, 15-21) Assistants: Jeremy Neville Notes: QB Drew Buhrman is back for his senior year after combining for almost 1,000 yards of offense Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2-3 and 18 total touchdowns. Together with running back Returning lettermen: 12 Trever Grace (489 yards rushing, 6 TDs) the offense Returning starters: Sean Hurst, QB/DB, 6-3, 175, Jr.; will try to roll up points in a district the features clear Preston Hurst, TE/DE, 6-2, 160, So.; Shane Weber, favorite Clifton-Clyde and a Burlingame squad look- RB/LB, 5-7, 140, So.; Cash Cummings, WR/DB, ing to get back to their usual district dominance.

5-9, 145, So.; Mark Bacca, OL/LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Jayston Rice, OL/DL, 5-11, 220, So.; Blake Audiss, OL/DL, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Carter Burton, WR/DB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Canon Cavender, OL/DB, 5-10, 165, So.

Kier’s

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: Kobi Shubert, QB/DB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Isaac Brungardt, OL, 5-8, 240, Jr.; Owen Day, LB, 5-11, 185, So.; Charlie Russell, DL, 6-3, 210, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: Sean Hurst, 677 yds.

Receiving: Preston Hurst, 315 yds.

Tackles: Shane Weber, 34 tackles Sacks: Preston Hurst, 2 sacks

Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We are hoping to steadily improve each week in order to compete at the highest level in district play. It has been a tough couple years here in Yates Center in regards to wins and losses, and we are hoping to right that ship this year. Our team is extremely young, like last year, but they have worked hard through the offseason and are anxious to get back at it come fall.”

Notes: It’s a good news, bad news situation for the Wildcats. The good news? The Wildcats return a lot of experience from last year’s winless 11-Man team and should immediately be more competitive moving back to the 8-Man ranks. The bad news? District 1 features a solid slate of teams including Cedar Vale/ Dexter, Oswego, Sedan and a West Elk team that looks destined for improvement this fall. The good news? Nine starters return. The bad news? Only one is a senior. But, should those young players develop the Wildcats could be poised for a solid two-year run.

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8-Man II

Others: Central Plains, Caldwell, Frankfort, Hutch-Central Christian, Osborne, South Central, St. Paul, Sylvan-Lucas, Wheatland-Grinnell *Publisher’s Note: At press time, it was not clear how coronavirus cancellations and postponements might fully impact football in the smaller classifications. The information below, and in the pages that follow, may serve as a “what might have been” look at a 2020 season that remains in jeopardy in many parts of the state.

By Brent Maycock, Topeka Capital-Journal There was a changing of the guard in 8-Man Division II last year. Hanover, which captured three straight state championships from 2016-18, saw its run of titles end when the Wildcats were knocked off in the semifinals by Twin Valley League rival Axtell.

Axtell also ended Hanover’s 8-Man state record 43-game win streak during the regular season. The Eagles couldn’t fully fill Hanover’s shoes, dropping a 34-26 decision to Osborne in the championship game, capping a 13-0 season for the Bulldogs and giving the program its second title in four years.

All three — Hanover, Axtell and Osborne — figure to be in the mix again this year, but the favorite for the Division II crown is a newcomer to the division.

St. Francis, which finished runner-up in Division I last year, drops down to Division II and is both loaded and hungry to finish the job this year.

The Indians were in golden position to capture last year’s Division I title, bolting to a 36-0 first-half lead over No. 1 Canton-Galva. But once the game flipped, it flipped hard on the Indians as CantonGalva scored 66 unanswered points to roll to a 6636 victory and deny the Indians their first state title.

In moving to Division II, St. Francis will miss standout back Brady Dinkel, who ran for 1,789 yards and 31 TDs. But Shadryon Blanka was nearly as produc-

Photo by Cheri Ricke

Kolby Talbot

1. St. Francis 2. Hanover 3. Axtell 4. Lebo 5. Victoria

Trey Strnad

KANSAS PREGAME 8-MAN II PRESEASON RANKINGS*

12 PLAYERS TO WATCH Photo by Justin Hall Photography

Jesse Baxter [St. Francis] 6-3, 210, OL/DL, Sr.; Kpreps All-State OL Gavin Cornelison [Frankfort] 6-0, 150, QB/DB, Sr.; 1,700 total yds., 25 TDs, 2 INTs on D Colin Jueneman [Hanover] 6-1, 180, RB/LB, Sr.; 1,300 total yds., 17 TDs, 89 tkls., 5 KOR TDs Jacob Jueneman [Hanover] 6-3, 170, QB, Sr.; 2,050 total yds., 34 TDs Adam Krien [St. Francis] 6-0, 195, DL, Sr.; 81 tkls., 26 TFLs, 15.5 sacks

tive with 1,694 yards and 24 TDs and the Indians may have the best front lines in 8-Man with All-8Man I picks Jesse Baxter and Adam Krien and fellow seniors Colton Nietzel and Tyson Poling returning.

Baxter had 17 sacks and Krien added 15.5 sacks, while Blanka also had 97.5 tackles.

After seeing its reign come to an end, Hanover is hungry to return to its place atop Division II. What’s more, the Wildcats may be well-equipped to do that.

Hanover only returned one full-time starter from its 2018 championship team last year, All-8-Man lineman Jonah Weber, but has almost everyone back off last year’s 10-2 team.

Weber has graduated, leaving a big hole on the line, but the skill positions boast big-time playmakers ready to lead Hanover back to the top. Colin Jueneman was dynamic offensive weapon, accumulating 1,945 all-purpose yards, including team-high 791 receiving and may factor more in the running game this year with graduation of leading rusher Taegan Schwartz. Quarterback Jacob Jueneman threw for 1,521 yards and 22 TDs and also ran for 542 yards and 12 TDs. Riding the arm and legs of four-year starting QB Quinn Buessing, Axtell finally cleared the semifinal hurdle and unseated Hanover, reaching the state championship game for the first time since 1993.

Though the title quest fell just short, the breakthrough was one the program has sought for years.

Buessing is now gone after throwing for nearly 8,000 yards and 134 TDs in his career while setting a state record for career completion percentage.

Taking over is sophomore Isaac Detweiler, who filled in for two games when Buessing was injured and directed the regular-season upset of Hanover.

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Here are twelve players to watch in 8-Man II this fall:

Devan McEwen [Lebo] 6-2, 185, QB/S, Sr.; 2,250 total yds., 36 TDs Jonny Robles [South Central] 5-10, 160, WR/DB, Sr.; 800 total yds., 17 TDs, 47 tkl., 6 INT

Mason Schurr [Osborne] 5-9, 140, RB/LB, Jr.; 1,000 total yds., 17 TDs, 80 tkls.

Ian Sparks [Logan/Palco] 6-0, 205, FB/LB, Sr.; 99 tkls., 6 sacks Trey Strnad [Caldwell] 6-1, 190, TE/DE, Sr.; 15 TD rec., 86 tkls., 8 sacks Kolby Talbot [Axtell] 6-0, 225, OL/DL, Sr.; 133 tkls., 4.5 sacks Jett Vincent [Wheatland-Grinnell] 6-0, 150, FS, So.; 13 INTs

Detweiler racked up a combined 1,366 rushing, receiving, passing and return yards last year as a freshman starter and had 20 total touchdowns.

The Eagles have plenty around him, starting with All-8-Man lineman Kolby Talbot, a four-year starter, and playmaker Mitchell Buessing, who split time between back and receiver last year and had 922 total yards and 11 TDs. Lebo also makes the move from DI to Division II and is coming off an 7-3 season and trip to the second round of the playoffs. Graduation claimed only a few seniors off last year’s team and bulk of returning players are three and four-year starters.

Senior quarterback Devan McEwen was a firstteam All-8-Man I pick at D-back after having six INTs and also was the Wolves’ offensive leader at QB, throwing for 1,719 yards and 24 TDs and rushing for 534 yards and 12 scores. His top receivers return with Kyle Reese catching 38 passes for 596 yards and 5 TDs and Jerome Ferguson adding 28 catches for 409 yards and 4 TDs. A perennial contender in whatever division it’s in, Victoria moves back down to Division II after going 6-3 in Division I last year. The Knights lost an 88-66 playoff shootout with Leoti to end the season and return junior QB Grant Schoenrock, who had 978 yards rushing and 603 passing and also led the team in tackles with 105. Senior Jayvon Pruitt added 841 yards on the ground but the lines will miss departed senior Kirk Huser.

Thunder Ridge rode Reece Struckhoff to a 9-2 mark last year with both losses by six or fewer points to Osborne (40-34) and Hutch-Central Christian (6460). Struckhoff is now gone as are his nearly 3,000 yards of offense and 56 of the team’s 81 TDs from a year ago, not to mention 166 tackles.

The Longhorns do return five starters on offense and six on defense, including five sophomores who saw significant time as freshmen a year ago. Senior lineman Mark Ferguson will anchor the fronts as the Longhorns break in new playmakers in the offense.

Caldwell reached the DI quarters last year, going 7-4, and moves down to DII this year. The Blue Jays return six starters, including end Trey Strnad (15 TD catches) and 900-yard rusher Jude Stow.

After turning in one of the most dominating seasons in 8-Man state history in winning the 2018 DI

title, Central Plains stumbled from start to finish in 2019 and finished 2-7. The Oilers hope to bounce back in a strong way in moving to DII in 2020 and return virtually every starter from a year ago.

Frankfort posted its best record since going to 8-Man, going 8-2 with its only losses coming to Hanover. Graduation claimed All-8-Man II LB and leading rusher Garret Dalinghaus, three-time all-league lineman Brian Joseph and playmaker Branden Bussmann, but senior quarterback Gavin Cornelison topped 800 yards both passing and rushing last year and has more than 1,500 yards passing, 1,000 rushing and 39 TDs as a starter.

Last year’s state champion Osborne will need to reload after losing a stellar senior class that included All-8-Man II back Darrien Holloway and Steele Wolters and lineman Connor Goheen. That leaves veteran coach Steve Tiernan with a young team.

Junior Mason Schurr is one of three returning starters and ran for 817 yards and 13 TDs last year. He also ranked third on the team with 89 tackles.

Another newcomer to Division II, South Central went 10-1 in Division I last year with its lone loss coming to eventual champion Canton-Galva — the Eagles’ closest game of the season in their title run.

The Timberwolves will have an entirely different look after coach Billy Nichols stepped down and graduation claimed a strong senior class that incluced Gage Girk and Chayde Snyder.

St. Paul boasted one of the state’s most productive players in Adam Albertini, who amassed more than 5,100 total yards and 104 total TDs as a junior and senior. His graduation leaves a serious hole to fill for the Indians, who went 10-1.

Sylvan-Lucas was 6-4 last year and will have to replace standout Beau Batchman, who had 1,571 yards and 28 TDs rushing and also 75 tackles. But the Mustangs return one of the top linemen in 8-man football in Tra Barrientes, who was a state champion wrestler last February.

Wheatland-Grinnell went 8-2 last year and has a rising star in sophomore Jett Vincent, who led the state in interceptions last year as a freshman with 13. A healthy return of older brother Trey at quarterback will be key with Trey accounting for 806 yards and 14 TDs in just five games last year. Senior end Trevor Zarybnicky is getting Division I looks.

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BUFFALO-ALTOONA MIDWAY

2019 Record: 11-2 / Twin Valley League

2019 Record: 7-3 / Northern Plains League

2019 Record: 4-5 / Southern Plains Iroquois

2019 Record: 2-7 / Three Rivers League

Head Coach: Eric Detweiler (8th year, 56-18) Assistants: Dale Buessing, Craig Wiebe

Head Coach: Dean Gengler (2nd year, 7-3) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Trever Powell (1st year) Assistant: Tyler Kirk

Head Coach: Chad Raida Assistants: N/A

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Kolby Talbot, OL/DL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Mitchell Buessing, RB/WR/DB, 6-1, 150, Sr.; George Volle, RB/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Justin Ronnebaum, OL/ DL, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Isaac Detweiler, QB/DB, 5-10, 160, So.; Braden Jones, OL/DL, 5-11, 240, Sr.; Owen Strathman, OL/DL, 6-4, 215, So.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Brayden Perez, RB/WR/DB/LB; Blake Perez, RB/WR/DB; Dalton Schmitt, OL, DL; Hayden Griffin, OL/DL; Jaret Eitzmann, QB; Cooper Jermark, LB; Timmy Greenwood, DL/LB

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: Josh Stout, RB/QB/LB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Kevin Vasquez, TE/DE, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Scott Price, RB/LB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Nathan Bowman, QB/DB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Gunnar Hearne, C/NG, 6-1, 240, Jr.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Brayden Perez, 124 car., 829 yds., 25 TDs; Blake Perez, 75 car., 537 yds., 12 TDs Passing: Jaret Eitzmann, 18-48, 342 yds., 2 TDs Receiving: Blake Perez, 7 rec., 181 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Brayden Perez, 107 tackles; Blake Perez, 95 tackles Interceptions: Brayden Perez, 2 INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Scott Price, 953 yds., 13 TDs; Josh Stout, 600 yds., 11 TDs Passing: Josh Stout, 168 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: Josh Stout, 2 TDs Tackles: Scott Price, 69 tackles Interceptions: Scott Price, 4 INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Isaac Detweiler, 104 car., 511 yds., 8 TDs Passing: Isaac Detweiler, 33-49, 321 yds., 7 TDs, 0 INTs; Receiving: Mitchell Buessing, 49 rec., 599 yds., 8 TDs; Tackles: Kolby Talbot, 133 tackles Sacks: Kolby Talbot, 4.5 sacks Interceptions: Isaac Detweiler, 7 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We look to build on last year’s great season which included ending Hanover’s 43-game win streak and making it to the state title game for the third time in school history. It was definitely a team effort for us with only having 14 players on the roster, with several of the games having three starters out with injuries. This year looks to be no different, graduating four seniors, and gaining four freshman. We have a good core group returning and if we can get some younger players to step up and play big time minutes, we hope to have another successful season.”

Notes: Sophomore quarterback Isaac Detweiler is likely to emerge as one of the state’s top players after playing exceptionally well in filling in for injured Kansas Shrine Bowl selection and Kansas Pregame coverboy Quinn Buessing. Kolby Talbot is one of the state’s top lineman and a terror on defense. If the Eagles can stay healthy, a return trip to the 8-Man II title game could be in store.

CALDWELL

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have good team speed and experience at skill positions and some size on the line. We play a difficult schedule again, facing three of the preseason top-10 teams in the first three weeks. We should have a pretty good idea where we are at as a team early on.

We are anticipating a good season if we can avoid injury, and, like everyone else, illness.”

Notes: Brayden and Blake Perez return after leading the Blujays in virtually every statistical category.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our teams keys to success include our team speed, athleticism, and depth. We have more athletes on the team this year than we have had in awhile, and we have a bunch of athletically gifted guys. We won’t surprise anyone with our size, but what we lack in size we make up for with speed. We have a great group of upperclassman leaders, and we have talented underclassmen that will feed off of them and will contribute in a big way. If we keep everyone healthy and keep the right mindset throughout the season, I have no doubt our team will see great success.”

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A Notes: The Buffalo-Altoona-Midway Jets started the 2019 season with an 0-3 record and were held without a touchdown in each of their losses. The Jets unleashed their offensive frustration in Week 4 with a 48-0 win against Chetopa.

The offense picked it up and scored at least 14 points for three consecutive weeks, going 1-2 in that span with a 36-20 win over Marmaton Valley. The Jets ended the season with back-to-back losses in which they were shutout.

The Jets will compete in 8-Man Division II, District 1 which also features Chetopa, Colony-Crest, Southern Coffey County, St. Paul, and Waverly.

Altoona-Midway opens the season at home against Marmaton Valley.

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2019 Record: 7-4 / South Central Border League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Northern Plains League

Head Coach: Sean Blosser (10th year, 56-34) Assistants: Jason McVeigh, Darin Ward

Head Coach: Chad Shook Assistants: N/A

Offense: Spread Option Defense: 3-2-3 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: Trey Strnad, TE/DE, 6-2, 190 Sr.; Jude Stow, RB/LB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Jadon Brown, OL, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Dru Volavka, WR/DB, 5-11, 155, Sr.; Dawson Bristor, WR, 5-9, 145, Jr. Brody Boone, DB, 5-9, 155, Jr.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jude Stow Passing: N/A Receiving: Trey Strnad Tackles: Jude Stow

Notes: The Kats went 2-7 for the third consecutive season and with the third different head coach in that span. The 2-7 record is a bit deceiving though as the Kats beat Burrton 40-28 in Week 8 and then Burrton forfeited the rematch in the following week’s non-bracket game.

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A

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Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Continue to change a culture, rebuild a winning program, develop winning athletes, close out games will be Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We are our keys to success. We did not have any seniors excited to build off the success we found late in the The Kats allowed at least 54 points in all seven loss- last year. Depth, being one of the smallest programs season last year. We were able to put together two es and scored more than eight points just one time in in Kansas, we had to play games with six to seven that span, the Week 5 62-12 loss to Satanta. wins in the playoffs and it showed our young men guys due to injury, however, this year, we had 16 what they can accomplish. We are excited to return show up to the initial meeting. Coach experience, Kpreps reported the new coach for Chase as Chad last year was my first year in 8-Man and had a huge our skill positions on offense and one lineman. We will have shoes to fill with a new QB and two offen- Shook. The Kats 2020 schedule is loaded with learning curve.”

Victoria, Sylvan-Lucas and Central Plains in a three sive lineman. But, we are confident that we can fill those holes. We are excited to get back to work with game streatch following the opener with Trego, and Notes: Coach Rick Aldridge went 1-8 in his first year our young men to prepare for the upcoming season. Otis-Bison and Caldwell to close out the regular with the Green Hornets and expects improvement season. Games with Wilson and Tescott in Weeks in year two.

5 and 6 appear to be the best opportunity for a “The keys to our success offensively will be to replace two offensive lineman. We had a solid group competitive match-up. last year and we will need to piece together a new starting group. Several players have experience to fill these holes. We will have to replace our QB this year K-14 & U.S. Hwy 24 as well. We have the athletes to replace this position but they have not been game tested at the varsity level. Defensively we will need to replace three out of 785-738-5706 five positions of our front five. We will be undersized High HearSchool every StFootball Johns Tipton GameBlujay of thegame Week at these positions, but believe we can find hardFriday Friday nights at @ 6:40pm 6:40pm Delivery available 5pm-close nosed kids to fill these holes.” on KVSV on KVSV AM 1190 FM105.5 & FM 105.5

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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: William Laymon, 358 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Michael Laymon, 362 yds., 4 TDs Receiving: William Laymon, 169 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Tyler Holmes, 46 tackles; William Laymon, 44 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: 4 players with 1 INT each Head outlook for the 2020 season: “We would like to get things going back in the right direction after a year of injuries last year and only the second losing season in school history. We would like to finish strong in our district and get back to the playoffs and try to make a run.”

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COLDWATER-SOUTH CENTRAL

COLONY-CREST

DIGHTON

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Page 119

2019 Record: 10-1 / Southern Plains Iroquois

2019 Record: 6-4 / Three Rivers League

2019 Record: 1-8 / Northwest Kansas League

2019 Record: 5-4 / Northern Plains League

Head Coach: Charlie Austin, Gene Glenn (1st year) Assistants: Hayden Fletcher

Head Coach: Nick McAunlty Assistants:

Head Coach: Ken Simon (10th year, 53-37) Assistants: Dustin Hoffman, Ben Wilkens

Head Coach: Drew Duskie (7th year, 16-39) Assistants: Travis Eberele

Offense: Carnival Defense: 4-Diamond Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: Jonny Robles, RB/CB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Landon Uhl QB/DE, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Cale Lindsay, C/NG, 5-9, 232, Sr.; Owen Herd, FB/MLB, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Kayden Bond, G/DE, 5-10, 200, Jr.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: Ariel Arevalo, OL/DL, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Eli Rupp, OL/DL, 5-9, 260, Sr.; Jaden Coleman, RB/DB, 5-10, 150 Jr.; Koda King, E/LB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Max Neeley, QB/DB, 5-10, 150, So.; Eli Wilkinson, OL/DL, 5-11, 205, So.

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Wyatt Eberle, RB/LB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Kylan Cunningham, QB, 5-11, 150, Jr.; Tyler Schoen, E/LB, 5-9, 135, Jr.; Jace Schoen, E/LB/DE, 6-3, 163, Jr.; Peyton Ellis, Guard/DB, 5-9, 132, Jr.; Chevy Kohl, Guard/DL, 5-11, 140, Jr.; Eli Hahn, C/ DL, 5-11, 285, So.; Cooper Duskie, RB/E/LB/DB, 5-11, 135, So.; Cooper Brown, DB, 5-9, 130, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jonny Robles, 346 yds.

Passing: N/A Receiving: Jonny Robles, 468 yds.

Tackles: Owen Herd, 89 tackles Interceptions: Jonny Robles, 6 INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A

Notes: After an 0-9 season in 2018, the Colony-Crest Returning Statistical Leaders Lancers responded with a 6-4 season in 2019.

Rushing: Max Neeley, 218 yds.

Passing: Max Neeley, 308 yds.

A six-win improvement began in Week 1 with a Receiving: Jaden Coleman, 145 yds.

52-42 win over Hartford. However, the Lancers Tackles: Max Neeley, 45 tackles went winless over the next three weeks to start the Sacks: Eli Rupp, Eli Wilkinson, 1 sack Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “(We year 1-3. Colony-Crest responded with five straight Interceptions: Jaden Coleman, Hector Wilkison, 1 want to) build a championship caliber team with an wins, including a 52-12 playoff-win over Marais des INT each emphasis on brotherhood and a family atmosphere Cygnes Valley. are our team goals. Staying healthy will be our keys Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our to success as our depth will be challenged with only The Lancers had their season ended by Centre-Lost goals are to improve in all aspects of the game 19 players on roster.”

Springs in the second round of the playoffs, but it especially blocking and tackling. To be competitive was a successful season for Colony-Crest consider- each and everytime we hit the field. We will need Notes: The Timberwolves welcome co-head coaches ing where they were a year before. to develop some playmakers offensively. We must Charlie Austin and Gene Glenn after bidding farewell tackle better as a team to be able to compete. to highly successful four-year coach Billy Nichols.

Colony-Crest will compete in 8-Man Division II, Limiting mistakes and being disciplined on both sides Also gone are four-year standouts Chayde Snyder District 1 with Altoona-Midway, Chetopa, Southern will be key. Continue to develop our underclassmen and Gage Girk. But the cupboard is not bare for the Coffey County, St. Paul and Waverly. and with 12 players we must stay healthy and eligible new coaches. Back is talented senior Jonny Robles, to play.” an explosive playmaker from the backfield, and junior fullback and middle linebacker Owen Herd who piled Notes: The numbers game finally caught up with up 89 tackles last season. Robles is also a great Dighton. After three straight outstanding seasons pass defender who accounted for 6 INTs last fall. with just enough numbers to field a team the Hornets Two returning linemen will also ease the transition. fell to 1-8. The sideline will again be nearly empty this fall so health and eligibility are always key at Dighton.

2019 Record: 8-2 / Twin Valley League

FRANKFORT

Head Coach: Nick Anderson (5th year, 24-14) Assistants: Jay Kennedy, Branton Smith, Jonathan Keating Offense: Wing Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: Gavin Cornelison, QB/DB, 6-0, 150, Sr.; Aiden Gerstner, E/LB, 6-0, 150, Sr.; Bryce Stowell, E, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Zavier Brandt, C, 6-0, 225, Jr.; Samuel Gros, DE, 6-3, 160, Jr.; Ethan Armstrong, LB, 5-11, 150, Jr.; Caden Dalinghaus, DB, 5-8, 145, Jr.; Austin Wichman, OG/LB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Peyton Gerstner, OG/DE, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Grant Steffes, E/ LB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Corbin Jones, OL/DL, 6-0, 250, Jr.; Xander Hull, OL/DL, 6-3, 260, So.

Tackles: Samuel Gros, 50 tackles Sacks: Samuel Gros, 3 sacks Interceptions: Ethan Armstrong, Gavin Cornelison, Caden Dalinghaus, 2 INTs each Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “I am very excited about this upcoming season. I know we have some big holes to fill and some unknowns, but I like the group of kids that we have. I am confident that (these) kids will rise to the occasion and produce. Our program has been on the rise the past couple of years. My expectation is for this group to continue that.”

Notes: The Wildcats had a memorable season last year with a thrilling victory over Axtell and a pair of close losses to Hanover, the second a 36-32 loss in the 8-Man II playoffs. Gone are All-Stars Garret DalReturning Statistical Leaders inghaus and Brian Joseph, but back are a number of Rushing: Gavin Cornelison, 107 car., 815 yds., 11 experienced players led by returning starting quarterTDs; Passing: Gavin Cornelison, 51-85, 875 yds., 14 back Gavin Cornelison, a senior who compiled 1,700 TDs, 8 INTs; Receiving: Aiden Gerstner, 231 yds., yards last fall, and junior defensive end Samuel Gros, 3 TDs who made 50 tackles and three sacks.

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Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We had a good season last year with a young team. We only graduated one senior in Carter Brown. We should be able to bring in underclassmen to fill that void and be highly competitive in our district. We are looking to improve on our 5-4 record from last year. With most positions returning from last year, our goal is to be in the top two of our district standings, return to the playoffs, and build off of the success from last year and move deeper into the postseason.”

Notes: The Knights must find a way to score points against the best teams on their schedule. Last fall they were shutout in three of the four losses.

Fortunately, Wyatt Eberle, Kylan Cunningham and Jace Schoen provide talented offensive weapons that could have the Knights poised to breakout.

GRAINFIELD-WHEATLAND/GRINNELL

2019 Record: 8-2 / Western Kansas Liberty League Head Coach: Jesse Vincent (3rd year, 9-10) Assistants: N/A

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Trey Vincent, QB, 5-10, 145, Jr.; Isaac Mendez, RB/DB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Tyrell Chapin, RB/DE, 6-0, 150, Jr.; Ryan Heier, WR/DB, 5-9, 145, Jr.; Wendell Mong, DE, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Elliot Godek, C, 6-4, 260, Sr.; Trevor Zarbynicky, TE/LB, 6-3, 240, Sr.; Jett Vincent, FS, 6-0, 150, So. Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Isaac Mendez, 129 car., 659 yds., 10 TDs; Tyrell Chapin, 101 car., 524 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Trey Vincent, 806 yds., 14 TDs Receiving: Ryan Heier, 299 yds., 6 TDs; Johnny Phillips, 272 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Trevor Zarbynicky, 95 tackles

Sacks: Tyrell Chapin, 7.5 sacks Interceptions: Jett Vincent, 13 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The 2020 season is looking really good for Thunderhawk football. Our senior class has a lot of size and our juniors and sophomores are loaded with speed and talent. Our strength will most definitely be our speed as well as a phenomenal year in the weight room. Our challenge is in building a football culture in a basketball school. We have a tough schedule with two teams that were State Runner-Ups in 2019 (Axtell and Saint Francis). We will be battle tested for sure coming out of district play.”

Notes: There is tremendous excitement surrounding the Thunderhawk program after third year coach Jesse Vincent flipped the script from a 1-8 record in 2018 to 8-2 last fall. Back are eight experienced starters that will try and catapult the program to new heights against a tougher schedule.

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Returning Statistical Leaders Passing: Kylan Cunningham, 954 yds., 13 TDs Receiving: Jace Schoen, 26 rec., 677 yds., 8 TDs Tackles: Wyatt Eberle, 88 tackles Sacks: Wyatt Eberle, 4 sacks

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2019 Record: 10-2 / Twin Valley League

2019 Record: 3-6 / Lyon County League

2019 Record: 10-2 / Heart of the Plains

2019 Record: 4-5 / Southern Plains Iroquois

Head Coach: Matt Heuer (16th year, 150-27) Assistants: Chris Beikmann, John Bruna

Head Coach: Colten Barrett (4th year, 8-19) Assistant: Ben Dandrea

Head Coach: Tony Urwiller (1st year) Assistants: Mark Barnett

Head Coach: Vestal Teeter (5th year, 21-16) Assistants: Braden Pelischek, Mike Hill

Offense: Option Run Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: 16 Returning starters: Colin Jueneman, RB/LB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Jacob Jueneman, QB/DB, 6-3, 170, Sr.; Jacob Klipp, OL/LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Blake Hynek, OL DL, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Emmitt Jueneman, E/DB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Philip Doebele, OL/DL, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Tyler Bonser, RB/DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Andrew Gugenhan, E DB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Braelen Stallbaumer, E/DB, 6-1, 160, Jr.; Keagen Dimler, OL/DL, 6-1, 160, Jr.

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: Shayden Sull, RB/S, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Ali Smith, QB, 5-7, 150, So.; Andrew McDiffett, WR/ CB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Aiden Goodman, OL/DE, 6-1, 280, Jr.; Kristian Trujillo, OL/DT, 6-0, 295, Sr.; AJ Navarro, WR/CB, 5-8, 160 Jr.; Tyler Stuck, LB, 6-0, 225, Jr.; Devon Smith, WR/LB, 5-7, 195, Jr.; Damion Pohl, DE, 5-9, 225 So.

Offense: Single Wing Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Dawson Urwiller, QB/LB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Adre Ibarra, WR/S, 6-2, 160, Sr.; Cory Embers, OL/DL, 5-11, 170, Sr.; David Weis, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Carson Hamby, RB/LB, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Josh Miller, OL/DL, 6-1, 200, So.

Offense: Wing -T Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 4 Returning starters: Tate Davis RB/LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Weston Millershaski WR/DB 5-6, 110 Sr.; Tyson Bleumer OL/DL 6-4, 240 Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jacob Jueneman, 97 car., 542 yds., 12 TDs Passing: Jacob Jueneman, 76-133, 1,521 yds., 22 TDs, 11 INTs; Receiving: Colin Jueneman, 31 rec., 791 yds., 11 TDs; Tackles: Jacob Klipp, 139 tackles Sacks: Jacob Klipp, Colin Jueneman, 2 sacks each Interceptions: Emmit Jueneman, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “I think this year’s team has a chance to be competitive, but we will have to stay healthy and we will also have to have some kids step up on the field and become leaders.

We return experience, and we look to build off of what they were able to do last year.This year, we will have very little size and lower numbers than we have seen in a long while, but as always we will look to capitalize on our strengths and the opportunities we get.”

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Shayden Sull, 1,302 yds., 19 TDs Passing: Ali Smith, 968 yds., 16 TDs Receiving: Andrew McDiffett, 6 TDs Tackles: Shayden Sull, 112 tackles Sacks: Tyler Stuck, 2 sacks Interceptions: Shayden Sull, Andrew McDiffett, 2 INTs each Head coach’s goals and keys for a successful 2020 season: “Improving defensively from a year ago and limiting turnovers and taking the ball away from our opponents will be keys to success.”

Returning Statistical Leaders Tackles: Dawson Urwiller Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We want to compete and get better every day. I want to instill in the guys that it’s okay to make a mistake, but learn from it and move on, you can’t get that play back anyway. Dawson Urwiller and Carson Hamby will be the leaders on defense. Both of these guys have a nose for the ball and love to play smash mouth football. Adre Ibarra will also be leading the secondary and is more than ready to be on the field and lead with his work ethic and knowledge of the game. Dawson, Hamby, Adre Ibarra, Cory Embers and David Weis will be keys to the success of the offense. Dawson will move to QB and Hamby will move to RB, both are ready for breakout years at their respective positions. Dawson loves contact and will look to run the ball, and Hamby has made huge gains in the weight room and will carry the major load with carries. Adre will be a tall athletic receiver that is ready to make a huge contribution to the offense. David will be a three-year starter at the center position and does a tremendous job handling this tough position. Cory is a two-year starter and the lone senior on the O-line.”

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Tate Davis, 1,200 yds., 31 total TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Tate Davis, 200 yards Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We will need some young kids to step up and fill in holes left by a big senior class.”

Notes: Ingalls made a one win improvement from 3-6 in 2018 to 4-5 last fall and welcome back just three starters and four total letteremen. Tate Davis is back after rushing for 1,200 yards and scoring 31 total touchdowns to lead the offense and big junior Tyson Bleumer gives the Bulldogs a huge presence along the front lines.

Notes: Though Axtell beat Hanover twice last year, first to end the Wildcats’ 8-Man record 43-game win streak and second to deny HHS the sixth straight trip to the title game, the Wildcats still won at least 10 games for the sixth straight season and finished in at least the semifinal game for the eighth straight year.

Plenty of experience returns for Hanover to continue their success led by QB Jacob Jueneman and versatile athlete Colin Jueneman.

Notes: With nine returning starters, including 1,300 yard rusher Shayden Sull, expectations are higher than the three wins of a year ago. Sull scored 19 TDs as just a sophomore last fall and with another year of size and experience could be poised for even more production. He’ll also have a big O-line to run behind with a pair of near 300 pounders in Aiden Goodman and Kristian Trujillo. Sull also led the team with 112 tackles and tied Andrew McDiffet with the lead in interceptions on the defens with two. Quarterback Ali Smith is also back after throwing for 16 TDs. The Jag defense must improve after allowing at least 32 Notes: Assistant Tony Urwiller takes over as head points in every game but one. coach after 41 wins in six seasons under Lee Smith.

2019 Record: 9-2 / Northern Plains League

2019 Record: 9-2 / Heart of the Plains

2019 Record: 7-3 / Lyon County League

2019 Record: 4-5 / Western Kansas Liberty League

Head Coach: Joel Struckhoff (3rd year, 14-6) Assistants: Dillon Coomes, Brayton Gillen

Head Coach: Matt Cantrell (6th year, 42-10-1) Assistants: Berton Walz

Head Coach: Brian Hadley (3rd year, 11-8) Assistants: Dennis Becker, Max Mickunas

Head Coach: Mike Jenner (6th year, 27-18) Assistants: Michael Delimont, Ivan Hartung

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Dylan Bice, QB/S, 6-1, 185, So.; Dalton Bice, RB/LB, 6-1, 190, So.; Kaleb Wagenblast, DE/TE, 6-2, 200, So.; Daxton Dunlap, TE/CB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Mark Ferguson, OL/DL, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Jacob Barnes, RB/WR, 5-9, 175, Sr.

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: Emilio Perez, WR/DB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Gatlin Jewell, QB/LB, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Antonio Vasquez, OL/DL, 6-0, 215, Jr.; Cadan Rathgeber, WR/DB, 5-6, 140, Jr.

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Devan McEwen, QB/S, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Andrew Bailey, RB/LB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Caleb Fehr, C/DL, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Joseph Linzer, OL/DL, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Jerome Ferguson, TE/DE, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Kyle Reese, RB/WR/OLB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Luke Davies, WR/OLB, 6-0, 155, So.

Offense: Power I Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: Ian Sparks, FB/LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Colton Whitney, C/NG, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Micah Thompson, RB/DB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Kaden Shellito, DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Dylan Van Laeys, QB/DE, 6-4, 190, Jr.; Josh Uhland, RB/LB, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Jadin Newell, G, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Connor Knipp, G/DE, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Austin Stohs, DB, 5-10, 175, So.

KENSINGTON-THUNDER RIDGE

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jacob Barnes, 34 car., 234 yds.

Passing: Dylan Bice, 342 yds.

Receiving: Dylan Bice, 13 rec., 289 Yds. Tackles: Dalton Bice, 113 Tackles Sacks: Kaleb Wagenblast, 8 sacks Interceptions: Daxton Dunlap, Dalton Bice, Jacob Barnes, Dylan Bice, 2 INTs each Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Goals for the 2020 season are to win a loaded district and make a playoff run.

KIOWA-SOUTH BARBER

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Emilo Perez, 205 yds.

Passing: N/A Receiving: Caden Rathgeber, 220 yds.

Tackles: Antonio Vasquez, 68 tackles Sacks: Antonio Vasquez, 7 sacks Interceptions: Caden Rathgeber, 6 INTs Head coach’s outlooks for the 2020 season: “Keys to success are filling the holes of a departed great senior class: Rooks, Cantrell, Lyons, Duncan.

Those returning players taking over those positions need to lead the team and show the work ethic and determination it takes at South Barber. Will also have some younger guys stepping into starting roles for the first time.”

“The keys to success this year will be discipline, playing fast, and staying on blocks. Having not one, but several kids step up offensively to fill the void that Notes: Gatlin Jewell will get the call to take over for Reece Struckhoff left. Defensively, getting all eight hats to the ball, open field tackling, and staying true one of 8-Man’s all-time great QBs in 2020 graduate Trevor Rooks. All he did was rush and pass for a to responsibilities.” combined 6,600 yards and 128 TDs in his career.

Good luck to the South Barber Chieftains!

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LEBO

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Devan McEwen, 88 car., 534 yds., 12 TDs Passing: Devan McEwen, 123-196, 1,719 yds., 24 TDs; Receiving: Kyle Reese, 596 yards, 5 TDs Tackles: Andrew Bailey, 90 tackles Sacks: Jerome Ferguson, Austin Bailey, 1 sack each Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The Lebo Wolves have high expectations in 2020, returning seven starters on each side of the ball. We look to build off a 7-3 season in which we lost in the second round of the playoffs to the eventual state champ Canton-Galva. We will look to our six senior leaders led by All-State Honorable Mention quarterback Devan McEwen to lead us deep in the playoffs.

“Another strength for 2020 is that we return the bulk of our line with seniors Caleb Fehr, Jerome Ferguson, and Joseph Linzer. Senior Jerome Ferguson returns as a first and second team tight end the last two seasons. He is not only our best blocker but is a huge threat in the passing game (28 rec., 409 yds., 4 TDs).

“As excited as our coaching staff is about our seniors, some of our biggest weapons are underclassmen The coaches’ and players’ expectations are through the roof for 2020 and these guys are all in and can’t wait to get on the field this fall.”

LOGAN/PALCO

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Josh Uhland, 722 yds., 10 TDs Passing: Dylan Van Laeys, 521 yds., 10 TDs Tackles: Ian Sparks, 99 tackles Sacks: Ian Sparks, 6 sacks Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Team goals are to stay healthy and put ourselves in position to win every game we play.”

Notes: Coach Mike Jenner believes he has a number of players ready for top performances this season including linebacker Ian Sparks (99 tackles, 6 sacks in 2019), junior quarterback Dylan Van Laeys (6-4, 722 yds. passing) and junior back Josh Uhland (bigger and stronger this year, 722 yds. rushing). Senior Micah Thompson, younger brother to former Kansas Pregame coverboy David, could also emerge. �1�

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2019 Record: 8-3 / Wheat State League

2019 Record: 6-3 / Northern Kansas League

2019 Record: 3-6 / Lyon County League

2019 Record: 0-9 / Northern Plains League

Head Coach: Kelly Steiner (11th year, 54-40) Assistants: Tim Vinduska

Head Coach: Colby Hamel (2nd year, 6-3) Assistants: Stuart Vance, Wyatt Flinn

Head Coach: Lewis Whitson (4th year, 5-22; 8th overall, 29-39) Assistants: Dirk Canon, Danny Rice

Head Coach: Julian Aramendi (1st year) Assistant: Ryon King

Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Luke Hudson, E, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Lane Methvin, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Quinten Bina, OL/DE, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Kyle Peterson, OL, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Elias Jirak, DT, 6-0, 250, Sr.

Offense: Single Wing Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: Mason Higer, RB/LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Caden Slate, OL/DL, 6-1, 275, Sr.; Buck Luedke, OL/DE, 6-0, 220, Jr.; Jerrod Gillett, QB/DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Kenny Sterling, OL/DL, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Kole Vance, TE/DE, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Grant Meyers, RB/LB, 5-9, 160, So.

Offense: Split Wing Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: Cole Lacey, QB/DB, 6-2, 160, Jr.; Wyatt Lingenfelter, TE/DB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Chisolm Woodson, OL/DL, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Jake McGowin, OL, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Braden Reed, WR/DB, 6-1, 130, Jr.; Kyler Anschutz, OL/DL, 5-9, 170, So.; Ryan Baker, RB/LB, 5-8, 160, So.;

Offense: Single Wing Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: Evan Custer, OL/DL, 6-0, 230, Jr.; Gabe Rice, OL/DL, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Dusty Mason, QB/DB, 5-8, 135, Jr.; Matt Paillet, OL, 5-10, 270, Jr.; Cody MacLean, RB/DB, 5-7, 135, So.; Bryson Schmidt, RB/DL, 5-11, 180, So.; Levi Cool, DB, 5-9, 135, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Mason Higer, 69 car., 612 yds., 7 TDs; Jerrod Gillett, 41 car., 546 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Jerrod Gillett, 25-38, 433 yds., 7 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Mason Higer, 51 tackles Sacks: Mason Higer, 3 sacks Interceptions: Mason Higer, 3 INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Cole Lacey Passing: Cole Lacey, 1,000 yds.

Receiving: Wyatt Lingenfelter, 350 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Kyler Anschutz, 65 tackles Sacks: Kyler Anschutz, 3 sacks

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Dusty Mason, 180 yds.

Passing: Dusty Mason 226 yds., 2 TDs Receiving: Bryson Schmidt, 45 yds.

Tackles: Gabe Rice 51 tackles Sacks: Gabe Rice, 2 sacks Interceptions: Cody MacLean, 2 INTs

Notes: Centre graduated three outstanding seniors in Jensen Riffel (FB/LB), Braxton Smith (QB/DE) and Dalton Stika (OL/DL/K). All were 8-Man All-Star selections. Their graduation will make it difficult to repeat last year’s success. Senior Lane Methvin will be looked upon to carry the load on offense.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We graduated some talented seniors, but bring back a big senior group that will step up and fill some roles.

Expect Jerrod Gillett, Mason Higer and Grant Meyers to be our workhorses handling the football a lot. We will lean heavily on a large senior class to lead this team this year.”

Notes: RH graduated just three multi-year starters.

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Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-3 Offense: Double Tight Pro Gun Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning lettermen: 12 Returning starters: Bradey McIntire, RB/DE, 6-1, Returning starters: Nathan Esplund, OL/DL, 6-3, 270, 190, Sr.; Kash Liddeke, OL/DL, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Judson Sr.; Nathan Renner, OL/DL, 5-10, 245, Sr.; Colton Hibbs, OL/DL, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Chance Hilger, TE/DL, Download Hut app Hahn, OL/DE, 5-10, 190, Jr.; the BraytonPizza Dewell, RB/DE, 6-3, 180, Jr.; Dax Rosenhagen, RB/De, 5-6, 135, So.; 5-9, 215, Jr.; Blake Boyd, TE/DB, 6-2, 160, Jr.; Sergio Jace Gosch, TE/DE, 6-3, 180, So. to find deals, earn rewards and Quienoes, TE, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Mason Pfaff, RB/LB, 5-11, 140, So. Returning Statistical Leaders order your favorite Pizza, Pasta, Rushing: Bradey McIntire, 81 car., 326 yds., 7 TDs Returning Statistical LeadersWings and Desserts!

Passing: N/A Breadsticks, Rushing: Brayton Dewell, 635 yds., 7 TDs, Mason Receiving: Chance Hilger, 11 rec., 198 yds., 2 TDs; Pfaff, 500 yds., 7TDs Jace Gosch, 12 rec., 150 yds., 2 TDs Passing: N/A Tackles: Chance Hilger, 68 tackles Receiving: N/A Sacks: Judson Hibbs, 3 sacks Tackles: Brayton Dewell, 60 tackles Interceptions: Bradey McIntire, Jace Gosch, 4 INTs Sacks: Brayton Dewell, 3.5 sacks each Interceptions: Brayton Dewell, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have Coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our team several guys returning that saw significant playing goals for the upcoming season is to improve each time last year. However, we will be a young team that week and to be playing football coming November. will need to mature quickly and avoid injuries. We A key to our success this year will be up front on our are looking forward to seeing how the team comes line on both sides of the ball, Our entire line is either together, and we are excited about our opportunity to a three-year starter or a four-year starter. They have compete against some of the best teams in the area.” really taken it upon themselves to hold the rest of the team accountable and are looking for another big season this season.”

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Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Centre will look to rebuild this season after losing four seniors. We will be looking for younger players to step up and take key leadership roles.”

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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Luke Hudson, 11 car., 119 yds., 2 TDs; Lane Methvin, 26 car., 68 yds., 2 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Luke Hudson, 8 rec., 155 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Lane Methvin, 68 tackles Sacks: Dakota Gardner, Lane Methvin, 2 sacks each Interceptions: Luke Hudson, 2 INTs

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2019 Record: 5-4 / Twin Valley League

2019 Record: 13-0 / Northern Plains League

Head Coach: Ben Kolterman (3rd year, 9-10) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Steve Tiernan (6th year, 54-7; 19th overall, 174-34) Assistants: David Strait

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Mason Schurr, RB; Dayton Lantz, G; Lance Kaser, C/DE

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A Notes: The Onaga Buffaloes had their first winning season since 2014 last year. Onaga finished 5-4 and ended the season by winning three of their last four games. Onaga defeated Valley Falls, 56-20, to open the season, then lost back-to-back games to Frankfort and Axtell. Perhaps the highlight of the season came in Week 4 when the Buffaloes defeated Doniphan West in triple overtime, 42-36. After a 56-6 loss to Hanover the following week, Onaga won three straight and scored at least 54 points in all three wins. Onaga ended its season with a 50-0 loss to Beloit St. Johns-Tipton in the first round of the Class 8-Man Division II Playoffs.

Onaga will compete in District 3 which includes Axtell, Blue Valley Randolph, Frankfort, Hanover, Linn, and Wetmore. The first three games of the season feature top teams Clifton-Clyde, Hanover and Frankfort.

The Rock Hills Booster Club is proud to support Rock Hills athletics!

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Mason Schurr, 114 car., 817 yds., 13 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Mason Schurr, 23 rec., 262 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Mason Schurr, 80 tackles Sacks: Lance Kaser, 6 sacks Interceptions: Mason Schurr, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We’re going to be young with not much experience. We must stay healthy and improve daily.”

Notes: Graduation decimated the defending state champions with 8-Man All-Star selections Darrien Holloway, Steele Wolters and Connor Goheen graduated, along with key contributors like Vaughn Stull. Junior running back Mason Schurr is a speed merchant who returns with two years of starting experience and Lance Kaser gives the Bulldogs a quality lineman and defender, but several new players will need to be developed if Steve Tiernan is able to string together another successful season as one of the all-time best coaches in the 8-Man ranks.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

OTIS-BISON

PEABODY-BURNS

QUINTER

Page 122

RANDOLPH-BLUE VALLEY

2019 Record: 5-4 / Central Prairie League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Wheat State League

2019 Record: 3-6 / Northwest Kansas League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Twin Valley League

Head coach: Travis Starr (16th year, 95-55-1) Assistant: Curtis Little

Head Coach: Kody Tegtmeier (3rd year, 5-13; 11th overall, 22-37) Assistants: Bob Kyle, Eric Dutton

Head Coach: Jeff Savage (N/A) Assistants: Brian Roesch, Cody Corwin

Head Coach: Matt Schreiber (N/A) Assistants: Brian Turner, Zeb Hutson

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: Nathan Roth, LB, 5-9, 160 Sr.; Kaden Foust, QB/DB, 6-1, 170 Jr.; Dalton Regan, WR/DB, 6-1, 155 Jr.

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2 Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: Jasper Talkington OL/DL, 5-10, 180, Sr. Danny Hammon, RB/LB, 5-6, 165, Sr.; Philip Young, QB/CB, 5-11, 155, Jr.; Noal Reynolds, RB/ LB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Jake Partridge, E/CB, 5-11, 155, Jr.; Thomas Smith, ATH/CB, 5-9, 160, Jr.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Tucker Gillespie, RB/LB, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Dusty Pister, RB/DE, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Kyler Johnson, WR/DB, 5-6, 150, Jr.; Carson Selensky, OL/DL, 5-11, 240, Sr.; Tanner Charles, OL/DL, 5-5, Returning Statistical Leaders 195, Sr.; Jaden Boone, QB/DE, 6-3, 212, Jr.; Collin Rushing: Kaden Foust, 645 yds.

Blackwill, QB/DB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Trenton Clubb, OL/ Passing: Kaden Foust, 563 yds.

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A DL, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Braden Polfika, OL/DL, 5-11, 221, Receiving: Dalton Regan, 259 yds.

So.; Zayne Beckner, WR/DB, 5-7, 130, So.; Fabian Tackles: Kaden Foust, 53 tackles Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “After a Mungaray, ATH, 5-8, 215, So.; Bradley Riedel, WR/ Sacks: Nathan Roth, 2 sacks couple of tough seasons in a very tough district, we DB, 6-3, 160, Jr.; Preston Havlas, QB/DB, 5-9, 140, Interceptions: Dalton Regan, 5 INTs drop down to Division II. We are looking for a positive So.; Brady Albin, OL/DL, 6-4, 260, Jr.; Trent Reidel, winning season, and a trip back to the playoffs after WR/DB, 5-9, 130, So.; Trevor Kaiser, RB/LB, 5-9, Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our missing out last season! We will look to execute our 155, So.; Reiley Gillespie, WR/DB, 6-0, 170, So. team goals are to compete hard and hopefully earn plays perfectly on the offensive side of the ball. Limit a chance to be in the playoffs. Keys to success are mistakes, and control the ball and pace of the game. Returning Statistical Leaders staying healthy, our young kids are going to have to Defensively we have to gang tackle. We need to be Rushing: Tucker Gillespie, 172 car., 797 yds., 12 TDs develop and be ready to contribute early.” assignment sound, and take advantage of our speed Passing: Collin Blackwill, 19-47, 233 yds., 2 TDs and fly to the football.”

Receiving: Jaden Boone, 10 rec., 137 yds., 2 TDs Notes: Otis-Bison graduated a pair of 8-Man All-Star Tackles: Tucker Gillespie, 72 tackles selections in Bevan Gradig and Seth Hoopingarner Sacks: Jaden Boone, 4 sacks but welcome back junior starting quarterback Kade Foust who accounted for 1,200 yards of total offense Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “For us to last season. He is also the leading returning tackler find success we must develop our fundamentals and with 53. Junior defensive back Dalton Regan made learn to play as physically as we can because of our five interceptions last fall. lack of speed. With a commitment from the kids we should be competitive in several games this fall. The program has just two wins in the last five years, so this year we hope to find success.”

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Notes: Veteran journeyman coach Jeff Savage takes over a Quinter program that has find it difficult to win.

Two of last year’s three wins were forfeits. Savage is known for his wide open passing offense and quarterback development, so things could look different on the football field in Quinter this fall.

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SATANTA

SCANDIA-PIKE VALLEY

2019 Record: 2-7 / Southern Plains Iroquois

2019 Record: 3-6 / Northern Plains League

Head Coach: Kelly Anthony (1st year) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A Notes: The Satanta Indians will be hoping for more success in 2020 after a rough 2019. Satanta began the year 0-4 before picking up a big 62-12 win over Chase in Week 5. That was as much success as the Indians would have, although Satanta was credited with a win in Week 9 over Fairfield in a forfeit.

Satanta will be led by first-year head coach Kelly Anthony, who takes over for Justin Helton.

SHARON SPRINGS-WALLACE CO.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: Skyler Zoeller, RB/DB, 5-9, 125, So.; Jeremiah Duncan, TE/DB, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Jacob Rowe, OL/DL, 6-1, 160, So.; Brock Burgman, RB/ DB, 5-10, 150, So.; Phllip Desbien, OL/DL, 5-9, 150, So.; Bryce Hoeltzel, OL/DL, 5-10, 175; Clayton Budenbender, OL/DL, 6-3, 255, Jr.; AJ Cassel, OL/ DL, 5-10, 215, So.; Logan Schanks, OL/DL, 5-11, 165, So. Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Numbers are bouncing back for the Rams. Two years ago, we only had nine players out and now we hope to have 16-17. The guys have done a great job in the weight room during this strange offseason. Guys are anxious to get back on the field and play. Great to see the smiles on their faces in the weight room.

Very young this season. We only have one senior and one junior. We will have 14 freshmen and sophomores playing this season. We return four to five players on each side of the ball and that experience will be needed right off the bat with TVL opponents Doniphan West, Axtell, Hanover and Frankfort to open the season with. Underclassmen will need to grow up quickly with some of them getting their first taste of the Friday Night Lights and TVL Football.”

Notes: A young Rams squad will try to weather the storm of a brutal early season schedule that features Twin Valley League powers Axtell, Hanover and Frankfort. All had excellent seasons last year and all return key players. Jeremiah Duncan is the lone senior for the Rams and junior Clayton Budenbender provides good size along the offensive line.

SOUTH HAVEN

2019 Record: 2-7 / Northwest Kansas League

2019 Record: 3-6 / South Central Border League

Head Coach: Jeremy Miller (3rd year, 7-11) Assistants: Gary Loring, Mike Baumann

Head Coach: Brad Willems (2nd year, 2-7) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Reese Blaylock Assistants: N/A

Offense: I-Formation Defense: 3-2-3 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: Ethan Benne, C/NG. 6-0, 270, Sr.; Brennan Flavin, OG/DE, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Daltyn Garman, WR/DB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Keaton Reeves, QB/DB, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Clancy Sjolander, WR/LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Noah Hoard, RB/DB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Jacob Jackson, RB/LB, 5-9, 180, So.

Offense: N/A Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: Landon Johnson, QB/S, Sr.; Dave Korbe, RB/LB, Sr.; Samuel Rodriguez, C, Sr.; Jake Willems, OL/DE, Jr.; Ethan Korbe, E/S, Jr.; Cade Johnson, E/S, So.; Trevor Korbe, NG, So.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Keaton Reeves, 642 yards, 9 TDs Passing: Keaton Reeves, 420 yards, 5 TDs Receiving: Daltyn Garman, 158 yards, 2 TDs Tackles: Clancy Sjolander, 38 tackles Sacks: Ethan Benne, 5 sacks Interceptions: Keaton Reeves, 3 INTs

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have some key returners but we will be a young team with nine incoming freshmen. We will work hard and play hard, but we have to be more disciplined. The biggest key to the year is staying healthy.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “This year The Indians will miss three-year starting quarterback we lost only two returners. We gain a tremendous Houston Friend, who was an 8-Man All-Star amount of speed at the linebacker position. After selection. suffering through injuries last year, staying healthy will be key for us this year. Daltyn Garman, Keaton Satanta will compete in District 7 with Bucklin, Reeves, Ethan Benne, and Brennan Flavin are threeDighton, Ingalls, Minneola, and South Central. year starters. Getting off to a good start will be key to gaining momentum this season.”

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Notes: Sharon Springs lost the first five games last season, all by shutout and by a combined score of 254-0 and then erupted for a 46-0 victory over Dighton. The following week the Wildcats lost to Tribune-Greeley County 68-20, but had to forfeit four of their first five 8-Man games due to lack of players and as a result forfeited all district games for the season. Sharon Springs closed the season in similar fashion as it started losing to Triplains-Brewster and Osborne 42-0 and 58-6. Seven returning starters are back to try and put a bigger number in the win column this year.

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A Notes: It was a rough start for South Haven in 2019, but the Cardinals finished strong.

South Haven started the year 0-4 and lost each game by at least 24 points. The Cardinals responded with three straight wins over Burrton, Pretty Prairie, and Fairfield.

The Cardinals ended the season with back-to-back losses to Central Christian and Minneola to conclude the season with a 3-6 record.

South Haven will compete in District 6 with Caldwell, Central Christian, Norwich, Peabody-Burns, South Barber, and Stafford.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

ST. FRANCIS

ST. PAUL

STAFFORD

SYLVAN-LUCAS

Page 123

2019 Record: 12-1 / Northwest Kansas League

2019 Record: 10-1 / Three Rivers League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Heart of the Plains

2019 Record: 6-4 / Northern Plains League

Head Coach: Nick Fawcett (3rd year, 23-2) Assistants: Scott Carmichael, Davin Dinkel

Head Coach: Keith Wiatrak (7th year, 49-16) Assistants: Keaton McCracken

Head Coach: Taylor Bauman (4th year, 13-15) Assistants: Jimmy Borzek, Mark Soria

Offense: Single Wing Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: Shadryon Blanka, Halfback/ LB, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Jesse Baxter, OL/DE, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Adam Krien, Halfback/DE, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Colton Nietzel, OL/LB, 6-3, 235, Sr.; Kobe Tice, TE/DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Tyson Poling, OL/DL, 6-0, 180, Sr.

Offense: Shotgun Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: Wilson Smith, OL/DL, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Ethan Stoneking, C/DL, 6-3, 253, Sr.; Ivan Murillo, OL/DL, 6-3, 230, Sr.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Kleyton Schreiber, TE/DE, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Tai Hildebrand, RB/DB, 5-6, 160, Jr.; Dylan Gantz, QB/LB, 5-8, 170, So.; Ashton Harter, OL/DL, 5-8, 220, So.; Shawn Sheets, OL/DL, 6-0, 210, Jr.; Josh Hildebrand, TE/DE, 6-4, 180, So.

Head Coach: Ben Labertew (8th year, 41-35; 19th overall) Assistants: Craig Batchman, Ryan Batchman, Eric Nitsch

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Shadryon Blanka, 161 car., 1,694 yds., 28 TDs; Tackles: Shadryon Blanka, 97.5 tackles Sacks: Jesse Baxter, 17 sacks; Adam Krien 15.5 sacks; Interceptions: Shadryon Blanka, 5 INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Kiser Wiatrak, 380 yds., 5 TDs

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have three seniors who will start and be the strength of our offensive and defensive line. After graduating a large senior class, everyone is going to have a leadership role. Ethan Stoneking, Wilson Smith and Ivan Murillo Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “With are our only returning starters and they are my losing only three seniors (two starters) and replacing senior leaders. All three received league awards last them with seven freshmen, we expect to be a season. Austin O’Hara, a junior, had to step in and deeper, larger, and more experienced team in 2020. play when one of my seniors was gone and he did Five starters return who were first team all-league, a nice job. I look for him to anchor our linebacker while four starters return who received All-State crew, because he will be the only one with returning recognition.” experience.”

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “On offense we want to be simple enough that we can play without thinking and complex enough that the defense doesn’t know what we are doing. We have a lot of speed returning but not a lot of size. We need to take advantage of that and make defenses cover the whole width of the field.

“We have several starters or players that have Friday night experience, so that is where we have to start with. We have to be tough, disciplined and patient.

Our defense has to work on making the play when it Notes: Sainty is loaded for a return trip to state, this Notes: St. Paul graduated a quality class of seniors, is presented to them and play their position and not time at the Division II level, where they will be heavily including 8-Man All-Stars Adam Albertini and Easton try to play someone else’s position. favored all year. In addition to standout Shadryon Dent, that were part of 39 wins and four straight Blanka, seniors Jesse Baxter and Colton Nietzel are district championships. There are pieces returning, “This team is presented with the challenge of replactwin blocks of granite for the Indians. but a lack of depth could derail another playoff run. ing key players lost to graduation.”

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Returning Statistical Leaders Tackles: Marshall Hurlbut, 76 tackles; Tra Barrientes, 65 tackles; Interceptions: Alex Hernandez, 4 INTs; William Rhudolph, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Our goal is always to be one of the top teams in our district and compete in the state playoffs. Staying healthy and having some kids step up and fill the void lost by a couple of very productive seniors off of last years team will be keys to success.”

Notes: Finding a replacement for all-state back and linebacker Beau Batchman will be difficult, but Tra Barrientes and Logan Buttenhoff will provide quality play on the lines and Marshall Hurlbut and Dayton Couse could emege as two of the top backfield players in the classification this fall.

The season opens with three tough tests in the first four weeks including the first two games on the road at Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton and Otis-Bison before a home game with Chase followed by another road contest at perennial power Victoria.

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Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: Tra Barrientes, OL/DL, 5-8, 240, Sr.; Logan Buttenhoff, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Marshall Hurlbut, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Dawson Rhudolph,TE/DB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Dillyn Brummer, DL, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Dayton Couse, RB/DL, 6-0, 230, Jr.; Ray Decker, DL, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Jaxson Heenan, QB, 5-8, 175, Jr.; Alex Hernandez, DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; William Rhudolph, TE/DB, 5-9, 150, Jr.

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Page 124

2019 Record: 1-8 / Northern Plains League

2019 Record: 6-3 / Central Prairie League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Wheat State League

2019 Record: 6-4 / Lyon County League

Head Coach: Daymon Walker (14th year) Assistant: N/A

Head Coach: Doug Oberle (15th year, 121-33) Assistants: Danny Rogers, Parker Gates

Head Coach: Chris Freeman (13th year, 56-53) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Nick Fraenza (2nd year, 6-4) Assistants: N/A

Offense: Midway Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: Braydon Peterson, E/S, Sr.; Michael Challans, RB/LB, Jr.; Garrett Phelps, G/E, Jr.; Rhett Robins, RB/LB, So.; Blake Green, E/LB, So.; Nate Ehlers, E, So.

Offense: Double Tight I Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: Lucas Klein, TE/CB, 5-7, 145, Sr.; Jayvon Pruitt, RB/LB, 5-7, 180, Sr.; Trenton Engel, G/ DE, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Drayden Karlin, TE/LB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Grant Schoenrock, QB/S, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Nate Windholz, TB/C, 5-6

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Alec Vann, QB/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Colten Drake, C/DL, 6-1, 265, Sr.; Konner Murphy, DE/TE, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Trevor Uken, RB/LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Shaun Hoofard, DB/RB, 5-9, 140, Jr.

Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Damian Foster, LB/QB, Jr.; Zach Skillman, G/NG/DT, Sr.; Michael Lehmann, FB/LB, Sr.; Blake Wilson, HB/LB/S, Jr.; Josh Rodriguez, C/ DE/DT, Sr.; Lane Bartley, S/LB, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Trevor Uken, 79 car., 388 yds., 5 TDs; Alec Vann, 77 car., 308 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Alec Vann, 42-103, 517 yds., 8 TDs Receiving: Trevor Uken, 9 rec., 61 yds.

Tackles: Trevor Uken, 61 tackles Sacks: Konner Murphy, 1.5 sacks Interceptions: Alec Vann, 2 INTs

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Damian Foster, 913 yds., 16 TDs; Michael Lehmann, 622 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Damian Foster, 747 yds., 13 TDs Receiving: Michael Lehmann, 10 rec., 176 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Damian Foster, 87 tackles; Zach Skillman, 58 Sacks: Josh Rodriguez, 4.5 sacks; Zach Skillman, 3 sacks Interceptions: Damian Foster, 4 INTs; Blake Wilson, Lane Bartley, 3 INTs each

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Returning Statistical Leaders Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We will Rushing: Grant Schoenrock, 978 yds., 16 TDs; be young with one senior on the roster. It could be a Jayvon Pruitt, 841 yds., 19 TDs good year of growth for our talented young kids if we Passing: Grant Schoenrock, 603 yds., 10 TDs get through the season.”

Receiving: Nate Windholz, 301 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Trenton Engel, 60 tackles Notes: The Trojans have a number of key returning Sacks: Trenton Engle, 4 sacks players, but as always overall numbers will be very Interceptions: Nate Windholz, 4 INTs small. Coach Daymon Walker welcomes back likely his best athlete in running back/linebacker Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Team Alex Hunley who missed the season due to injury goals are to get better each week, grow as hard last year. Hunley showed tremendous promise as working young men, develop a team first attitude a freshman and gives the Trojans a quality rushing (and) empower those around us to do great things. threat and aggressive defender. In addition to the six Keys to success are to develop good leadership, returning starters listed above Walker welcomes back tackle and block better.” five other returning lettermen.

Notes: Veteran coach Doug Oberle will field one of the shortest teams he’s ever had with only two of six returning starters taller than 5-10.

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Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “This will be a challenging year with our numbers. We were able to get two wins last year with eight of our nine games played with multiple starters on the sideline for each game because of various injuries.

We will have fewer young men out this year so it will be absolutely crucial to remain healthy throughout the season. Now with the worry of Covid, our task becomes even more daunting. That being said, I am confident we will put a solid eight on the field that can compete each night.”

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have a lot of the key players back off last season’s team.

Our numbers are down. We can’t afford to have many kids get hurt. We have some very good young men that have worked hard to improve. With that we should be able to have a good season.”

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2019 Record: 2-7 / Twin Valley

2019 Record: 1-8 / Wheat State League

2019 Record: 2-7 / Northern Plains League

Head Coach: Rick Schnacker (6th year, 7-29) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Brian Henry (2nd year, 1-8; 11th overall, 22-73) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Tony Brokes (21st year, 87-133) Assistant: Ted Long

Head Coach: Brett Gfeller (5th year) Assistants: N/A

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 8 Returning starters: Donavan Lyne, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Garrett Theilen, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Dylan Crawford, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Cooper Weinhold, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Camryn Eberhart, 5-10, 135, Sr.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Offense: I-formation/Option Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Dylan Worrell, RB/LB; Cameron Campuzano, RB/LB; Angelo Thomas, TE/CB; Aiden Hower, TE/CB; Matt Floyd, OL; Austin Ryker, OL/DL

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Camryn Eberhart, 86 car., 322 yds., 4 TD; Cooper Weinhold, 81 car., 563 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Camryn Eberhart, 3-9, 15 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Cooper Weinhold, 6 rec., 201 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Camryn Eberhart, Cooper Weinhold, 38 tackles each Sacks: Dylan Crawford, 1 sack

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A Notes: The Triplains-Brewster Titans opened the 2019 season with a loss, followed by a win, followed by a loss. At 1-2, the Titans won three straight games over Quinter, Dighton, and Tribune-Greeley County.

A double-overtime loss to Wheatland-Grinnell snapped the winning streak, but the Titans responded with a 42-0 win over Sharon Spring-Wallace Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The County. The Titans had their season come to an Dragons will look for leadership from five returning end in the first round of the playoffs with a 52-8 loss seniors to bring young players around to varsity level. against Sylvan-Lucas.

Offensive production will need to find consistency in early games. Defensively the team must unite, This year, the Titans only have seven games on the create stops, and get the offense back on the field.” schedule, including traditional powers Hoxie and St. Francis in back-to-back weeks.

Notes: Cooper Weinhold returns as one of the better players in 8-Man Division II. With five senior starters Triplains-Brewster is in District 8 with Logan-Palco, returning the schedule presents several winnable Quinter, Wallace County, St. Francis, and Wheatlandcontests for a team that often struggles to get above Grinnell. .500.

GOOD LUCK

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Dylan Worrell, 161 car., 940 yds., 11 TDs Passing: Dylan Worrell, 5-18, 79 yds., 1 TD Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Receiver: Cameron Campuzano, 3 rec., 75 yds., 1 TD Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We will Tackles: Cameron Campuzano, 42 tackles have experience returning, but we will be young and Interceptions: Aiden Hower, 2 INTs depth will continue to be a major concern. We need to build on last season and continue to improve, Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We especially on the offensive and defensive line with have a lot of returning pieces and a tough schedule. the loss of John Lamberson and Mason Gibson. We Leaders need to lead and not be the problem.” will need to get stronger and play more physically.

We hope to build on last season and continue to Notes: Brian Henry welcomes back six starters move the program forward.” from a 1-8 team including leading rusher Dylan Worrell who nearly eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark last season. He also provided 79 yards passing on five completions and accounted for 12 combined passing and rushing touchdowns (11 rush, 1 pass). Cameron Campuzano is back as a starter after making 42 tackles as is top pass defender Aiden Hower who recorded two interceptions.

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Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 9 Returning starters: Kael McQueen, RB/LB, 5-11, 150, Sr.; Ross Shumaker, OL/DL, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Storm Hackler, QB/DB, 5-10, 150, Jr.; Eric Bloom, RB/ DB, 5-10, 155, Jr.; Braden Henry, E/LB, 5-10, 150, So.; Dierk Hanzlicek, RB/DB, 5-9, 125, So.; Kyler Wommack, OL/DL, 5-8, 160, So.; Jacob Carls, E/DB, 5-11, 160, So.; Skylar Murrow, OL/DL, 6-0, 175, So.

2019 Record: 5-4 / Western Kansas Liberty League

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

6-Man

Page 125

6-MAN CLASS OVERVIEW

*Publisher’s Note: At press time, it was not clear how coronavirus cancellations and postponements might fully impact football in the smaller classifications. The information below, and in the pages that follow, may serve as a “what might have been” look at a 2020 season that remains in jeopardy in many parts of the state.

By Brent Maycock, Topeka Capital-Journal Last year’s Wild West Bowl — A.K.A. the 6-Man state championship game – didn’t entirely live up to its name.

Undefetead Cheylin and Moscow battled for the title with Moscow claiming a somewhat surprisingly lopsided 52-6 victory to cap a 10-0 season. The Wildcats jumped to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and then got three second-quarter touchdowns from Austin Snyder to lead 39-6 at halftime en route to the title.

The 6-Man ranks grew by three this year as Burrton, Northern Valley and Tribune all make the drop from 8-Man, bringing the total nubmer of 6-Man programs to 15.

Though Cheylin saw its bid for an undefeated season fall one game short a year ago, the Cougars are more than well-equipped to finish the job this year. Last year’s run to the title game came without a senior on the roster and Cheylin boasts the best player in the classification in Colton McCarty.

Last year’s 6-Man player of the year, McCarty had downright gaudy statistics. The quarterback ran for 2,162 yards and 38 touchdowns and threw for 1,152 yards and 19 touchdowns in nine games.

Three other backs had more than 200 rushing yards and two had more than 400 receiving yards. The Cougar defense was led by Ty Sabatka, who had 86 tackles.

Moscow went from 4-5 in 2018 to state champions last year, riding Snyder who wound up being the 6-Man defensive player of the year. Snyder is gone and the Wildcats will lean on seniors Adan Granillo and Gerardo Garcia, who are the leading returning passer and tackler, respectively.

Prior to its loss to Moscow, Cheylin’s toughest games came against Golden Plains — 7161 and 52-36 victories, the latter coming in the playoff semifinals. Golden Plains finished 7-4

overall, beating Weskan 90-52 in the third-place game.

The Bulldogs graduated 1,700-yard rusher Harley Weese, but have a solid core trio of Wade Rush and brothers Rojelio and Roberto Loya and return five starters overall. The Loyas combined for 1,400 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns offensively and 201 tackles defensively.

Rush was an anchor on the offensive line, but likely will fill Weese’s spot in the backfield.

The move to 6-Man was a blessing for Natoma and the Tigers posted their first winning record in many years last season, going 5-3. Though 1,000-yard back Shayne Engling has graduated, Natoma returns leading taackler Derek George and 1,000-yard back Kayden Martinez, both juniors.

Weskan went 6-5 and placed third in 6-Man last year. The Coyotes must replace threeyear starting quarterback Jace Mackley, who topped 6,500 yards and 115 TDs in his career.

Younger brother Dalton Mackley could fill the void at times after starring at receiver where he had a combined 1,700 yards receiving and rushing and 22 touchdowns as a sophomore and 900 yards and 20 TDs as a freshman. Five starters return overall.

Pawnee Heights placed fourth in 2018 before going 5-4 last year. Heights graduated five seniors, but return the bulk of last year’s playmakers including 1,300-yard passer Fabian Flores, leading rusher/receiver Braden Colglazier and second-leading tackler Adam Hands.

Ashland was 6-3 last year and returns two of its top-three rushers including Gage Branson, who had a combined 1,600 yards the past two seasons.

Northern Valley makes the move to 6-Man this year after being a perennial eight-man contender for years. The Huskies return leading rusher Brendon Sammons (544 yards), who also was the leading tackler.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

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CHEYLIN6-Man HIGH SCHOOL Football 2019 Wild West Bowl Runner-up, 9-1 Record

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

ALMENA-NORTHERN VALLEY

ASHLAND

BIRD CITY-CHEYLIN

BURRTON

2019 Record: 2-7 / 6-Man North

2019 Record: 6-3 / 6-Man South

2019 Record: 9-1 / 6-Man North

2019 Record: 0-9 / 6-Man South

Head Coach: Marvin Gebhard (2nd year, 2-7) Assistant: Josh Hansen

Head Coach: Ben Fox (4th year, 14-4) Assistants: Giles Fox

Head coach: Chris Walden Assistants: Mike McCarty, Brad Porusbky

Head Coach: C.T. Young (2nd year, 0-9) Assistant: N/A

Offense: Midway Defense: 2-3-1 Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: Brendon Sammons, Sr.; Clay Preston, Sr.; Kai Cox, So.; Bailey Sides, Jr.; Colton Bailey, So.

Offense: Run Heavy, RPO Defense: 3-3, 4-2 Returning lettermen: 7 Returning starters: Kash McPhail, FB/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Braton Kay, QB/WR/DE, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Nathan Lynn, DT, 5-10, 160, So.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Kash McPhail, 500 yards Passing: Braton Kay, 493 yards Receiving: N/A Tackles: Kash McPhail, 80 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Kash McPhail, 2 interceptions

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2-1 Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Colton McCarty, QB/DB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Andrew Schields, FB/DE, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Tyler Sabatka, WR/DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Joe Melton, RB/ NT, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Alex Dart, TE/DE, 5-9, 220, Sr.; John Serrano, C, 6-1, 160, So. Tucker Burr, S, 5-9, 140, So.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have to learn and adapt to a different style of football.

Once we do that then we can focus on being competitive and we will have to see where that takes us.

Staying healthy is always a key as well.”

Notes: Once an 8-Man power with multiple state championships in the 1980s and numerous playoff trips and winning seasons throughout Chuck Fessenden’s more than 40 years walking the sideline, dwindling numbers finally forced the Huskies to make the move down to the 6-Man ranks.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “The 2020 team will be a revamped one. With the loss of four starters to graduation, we will be looking to fill a lot of cleats. The situation is not dire in our eyes though, we were able to get many young guys significant playing time last season. Another added benefit will be a very athletic freshman class. They had a With five experienced starters and seven total letter- great junior high football season last year and have men returning second year coach Marvin Gebhard dominated the league in basketball. A handful of the could immediately get the Huskies competitive if the freshmen have earned significant roles with their players are able to adapt to a different style of play. off-season dedication and performance at summer camp. Our goal is to qualify for the playoffs, then have fun and see what happens from there.”

CUNNINGHAM

DEERFIELD

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Colton McCarty, 2,162 yds., 38 TDs Passing: Colton McCarty, 1,152 yds., 19 TDs Receiving: Andrew Schields, 645 yds., 13 TDs Tackles: Tyler Sabatka, 86 tackles Interceptions: Andrew Schields, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “After the amazing season we had last year that ended with a tremendous heartbreak in Dodge City, the boys and myself only have one thing on our mind and that is to make it to the state championship again with hopes of winning it all this season. We bring every single person back from a 9-1 team in 2019, with the addition of some very athletic and dangerous freshmen that will challenge for starting time from Day 1. We are going to be able to do some different things this year on offense and defense that should make us much more dangerous on both sides of the ball.”

FOWLER

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Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A Notes: After an 0-9 season that included two losses by forfeit the long-struggling Burrton Chargers make the move from 8-Man down to the 6-Man game.

Former long-time successful Pretty Prairie coach C.T. Young enters his second season with the program and will try to end a 26-game losing streak that spans back to Week 1 of the 2017 season.

The Chargers have not won more than one game in a season since 2011 and in that span went winless six times.

The Chargers have seven 6-Man games on the schedule starting with a pair of home games against Ashland and Fowler. Burrton then makes three consecutive road trips to Moscow, Cunningham and Deerfield before closing out the regular season with two games at home against Pawnee Heights and Rolla.

MOSCOW

2019 Record: 1-7 / 6-Man South

2019 Record: 4-5 / 6-Man South

2019 Record: 1-8 / 6-Man South

2019 Record: 10-0 / 6-Man South

Head Coach: Lance McGuire (15th year; 26th overall) Assistant: Eric Kerlchen

Head Coach: Robert Cox (1st year) Assistant: Adam Leroux

Head Coach: Boyd Peterson (2nd year, 1-8) Assistants: N/A

Head Coach: Brett Harp (3rd year, 14-5; 12th year overall) Assistant: Shawn Anderson

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 10 Returning starters: Daylen Schnittker, RB/LB, Sr.; Nathan Lohrke, E/E, Sr.; Evan Paris, RB/DB, Sr.; Trey DeWese, RB/DB, So.; Lane Halderson, E/E, So.

Offense: Power Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning lettermen: 2 Returning starters: Brandon Baier, 6-3, 180, Jr.; Jesus Amaro, 5-7, 160, So.

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Offense: T-tight Defense: 3-2-1 Returning lettermen: 5 Returning starters: Gerardo Garcia, RB/DE, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Adan Granillo, RB/DB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Trenton Kennedy, TE/DE, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Edwin Rojo, C/NG, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Ryan Penrod, S/TE, 5-10, 160, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Daylen Schnittker Passing: Trey DeWeese Receiving: Lane Halderson Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We have to continue to grow as a family, keep making Notes: The Fowler Goldbugs could muster just one progress in the weight room, and continue to play for win last year in 6-Man play, that a 49-19 victory over each other and have pride in doing so.”

Western Plains in Week 3. Fowler forfeited a Week 5 match-up with Pawnee Heights, but were very Notes: Former Pike Valley standout running back and competitive in five of the eight losses. linebacker Robert Cox makes his head coaching deHead coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Playing but with southwest Kansas 6-Man program Deerfield. The offense got going in the final four games of the the second year of 6-Man and the first official playoff Cox played and coached collegiately with stints at year as the Goldbugs scored at least 33 points in eligible season in school history. The team will be Butler Community College in El Dorado and Kansas each contest, but the defense couldn’t hold up its young football wise. Only four players have had more Weselyan University in Salina. end of the bargain, allowing at least 72 points in each than two years of high school football experience. We contest in that stretch. hope to be much improved and more consistent.”

NATOMA

PAWNEE HEIGHTS

RANSOM-WESTERN PLAINS

2019 Record: 5-3 / 6-Man North

2019 Record: 5-4 / 6-Man South

2019 Record: 0-7 / 6-Man North

Head Coach: Brian Patterson (1st year) Assistant: N/A

Head Coach: Keenan Rasmussen (1st year) Assistant: N/A

Head Coach: Joe Spangler Assistant: N/A

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Jayson Engling, RB/WR/CB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Jayce Dickerson, RB/WR/S, 6-0, 150, Sr.; Kayden Martinez, RB/MLB, 5-10, 215, Jr.; Derek George, FB/G/DE, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Tracen Frye, QB/ CB/S, 5-11, 150, Jr.; Rickey Mayberry, C, 6-1, 180, So.

Offense: N/A Spread Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Offense: N/A Spread Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A

Notes: The Tigers went 5-4 with one forfeit win last season under coach Jeff Chambers. The offense was on point in the victories scoring at least 47 points four times. But the Tigers could get nothing going in three of the four losses, twice being shutout and the other time scoring just once.

Notes: The Bobcats went winless last year including a forfeit loss in Week 4. The offense never scored more than 19 points in any one game and were twice shutout while the defense allowed at least 46 points in each of the six played losses.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Kayden Martinez, 75 car., 480 yds., 9 TDs Passing: Tracen Frye, 53-107, 850 yds., 14 TDs Receiving: Kayden Martinez, 14 rec., 332 yds., 5TDs; Jayson Engling, 11 rec., 187 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Derek George, 80 tackles Sacks: Derek George, 3 sacks Interceptions: Jayce Dickerson, Jayson Engling, Tracen Frye, 1 INT each Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We had our first winning season last year in many years and we are hoping to build on that success and make a playoff run this season.”

Notes: Natoma did quite well last season under coach Cody Dunlap and new coach Brian Patterson welcomes back many of the players that made that succes possible. The Tigers are experienced with five returning starters who are either juniors or seniors.

The Bobcats are currently in the midst of a 22-game Kpreps reported that the Tigers would welcome new losing streak. coach Keenan Rasmussen this fall after four straight winning season under Chambers.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: Adan Granillo, 450 yards Receiving: N/A Tackles: Gerardo Garcia, 70 tackles Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We’d like to repeat as state champions. We want to work as a machine in running, blocking, play execution and defensive movements.”

Notes: The Wildcats rolled over previously unbeaten Cheylin in the Wild West Bowl championship last year 52-6. A couple key pieces from that team are gone to graduation, most notably 6-Man Defensive Player of the Year Austin Snyder, but third year coach Brett Harp believes Moscow’s five returning starters could make for a return trip to the WWB.

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Kansas Pregame, Volume 15

REXFORD-GOLDEN PLAINS

ROLLA

TRIBUNE-GREELEY COUNTY

WESKAN

2019 Record: 7-4 / 6-Man North

2019 Record: 1-7 / 6-Man South

2019 Record: 0-9 / 6-Man North

2019 Record: 6-5 / 6-Man North

Head Coach: Travis Smith Assistant: N/A

Head Coach: Jon Schnable Assistant: N/A

Head Coach: Kyle Finder (6th year, 15-30) Assistant: Drew Zerr

Head Coach: Brett Clow (6th year, 35-12) Assistant: Josh Schattel

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: Wade Rush, OL/DL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Rojelio Loya, Back/LB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Roberto Loya, Back/LB, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Jiovanny Infante, DE/WR, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Toby Korte, OL/DL, 6-0, 210, Sr.

Offense: N/A Spread Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A

Returning lettermen: 5 Returning starters: Jacob Miller, WR/DB, Sr.; Bobby Rayas, OL/DL, So.; Jesus Martinez, RB/LB, Jr.; Rey Chavez, RB/LB, Jr. Titus Sherer, QB/DB, So.

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Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning lettermen: 5 Returning starters: Zach Schemm, RB/QB/LB, 6-1, 165, Sr.; Mac Purvis, WR/DE, 6-4, 180, Sr.; Dalton Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Mackley, WR/DB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Lane Purvis, E/DL, Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “We want 6-1, 180, Jr.; Strid Loudon, C, 6-0, 170, So. Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: N/A to remain competitive in all of our games and look Returning Statistical Leaders to grow closer as a team. Learning the 6-Man game Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: “Will Rushing: Roberto Loya, 77 car., 808 yds., 11 TDs; Notes: Rolla went 1-7 with the lone victory 62-17 in and how to utilize each position to our advantage will have to replace a huge hole at quarterback, losing Rojelio Loya, 57 car., 602 yds., 15 TDs Week 4. But the Pirates were competitive in all but be the most important thing for us. Along with that two-time All State quarterback in Jace Mackley. (He) Passing: N/A two losses scoring at least 20 points in five of those we want to instill a willingness to compete regardless finished his career passing for 6,500 yards and 115 Receiving: Wade Rush, 359 yards, 7 TDs contests and losing close games to Deerfield (33-27) of the score/situation. I think we have the kind of touchdowns in three years as the starter.

Tackles: Rojelio Loya, 133 tackles; Wade Rush, 92 and Moscow (39-20) in back-to-back weeks. guys that can really excel in the 6-man game.” tackles “Dalton Mackley has become one of the more versaInterceptions: Wade Rush, Rojelio Loya, 1 INT each The defense did allow at least 47 points in five Notes: The Jackrabbits played last year in 8-Man II tile players we have ever had. As a sophomore, he games, with three of those games leading to the but could not field enough players and had to forfeit had around 1,300 yards receiving, 22 touchdowns, Head coach’s outlook for the 2020 season: opposing offense scoring 72 points or more. most games. Tribune lost a Week 3 8-Man game over 400 yards rushing and another 8 touchdowns.

“Wade Rush, Rojelio and Roberto Loya will be to Rawlins Co. 44-0 and forfeited a Week 5 game He will also play some QB this year as well. He had looked upon to be the offensive leaders this The Pirates open the season with home games with Wheatland-Grinnell but still played a 6-Man around 900 total yards and 20 TD as a freshman. upcoming season. All three have the capability to do against Cunningham and Moscow followed by a road game that week with Cheylin and lost 68-20. The so. Ball control will be key as there will be several trip to Pawnee Heights. Rolla then returns home Jackrabbits beat outscored Wallace Co. in a Week 6 “Zach Schemm had 350 yards rushing, 200 receivhigh scoring offenses in 6-Man football this coming against Deerfield, travels to Fowler, hosts Ashland 8-Man game, but had to forfeit all district games for ing, and 8 total touchdowns before getting hurt in our season. The ability to run the ball effectively will and travels to Burrton to close out the season. the year because of an earlier district forfeit. seventh game and missing the rest of the season. He help this out tremendously. Will need to look to find will move to quarterback this season replacing Jace a center, as Wade Rush will move to the backfield.

Mackley. Mac Purvis was an all-state WR in 2018.

Toby Korte/Tyler Koerperich/Ashton Schiltz (not out He finished last year with 65 catches, 1,050 yards in 19) will be looked upon to fill O-line roles. Jiovanny and 14 touchdowns.

Infante and Fabian Cepeda will be keys in the overall passing game this year. Their speed will help in that “With lower numbers this year, we will need to stay aspect of the offense. Ethan Shea will be looked healthy as a whole. We have some skilled offensive upon to help add depth in the backfield and as a WR. players, but really need to develop with those same The big three of Rush and the Loya brothers, with players on the defensive side.” the addition of Infante will be key to our defensive success. Improvements in pass defense will be key this season as many teams will look to air it out.”

Notes: GP returns several key pieces, but does lose explosive quarterback Harley Weese who graduated after earning first team All-State as a utility player.

Weese tallied almost 2,200 yards of offense and 41 total touchdowns last season. He also made 135 tackles and eight interceptions.

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