JUNCTION CITY BLUEJAYS

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

Junction City head coach Randall Zimmerman is entering his 30th year as head coach of the Blue Jays after a 7-3 campaign that ended in the second round of the playoffs at the hands of Wichita Northwest.

The other two losses for Zimmerman and company came against Hays in Week 1 and to eventual 6A state champs – and arch-rival – Manhattan in Week 6, but the Jays managed big wins against quality opponents in McPherson, Bishop Carroll, and Washburn Rural in consecutive weeks.

Back from that team are six defensive and five offensive starters, key among them being All-State senior defensive back/linebacker Michael Boganowski.

Defensively, Boganowski recorded 123 tackles, four interceptions, and two fumble recoveries and is rated as the second best player in Kansas, as well as top defensive prospect, for the class of 2024.

“Michael is a very fine young man of high integrity,” Zimmerman said. “His strongest attributes are his humility and ability to lead others. Michael obviously has a great impact on the field but as important is how he handles himself in the locker room, in meetings, in the classroom, and on the practice field.”

The senior projects as a hybrid linebacker/safety at the next level with a skillset similar to former Olathe North and Clemson standout, and current Arizona Cardinal, Isaiah Simmons. He holds offers from a number of Power 5 football programs and has shown significant interest in K-State, KU, Oklahoma, and Florida State.

“This whole recruiting process has been crazy,” Boganoswki said. “But I’ve enjoyed the whole thing.”

The senior is focused on making his final season in the high school ranks a memorable one, saying his primary focus is “to win state!” To remedy the mistakes made in their three losses last season, Boganowski sees one quick way to improve.

“I think that it is important that we communicate a little better as a team.”

Back alongside Boganowski are senior linebacker Cooper Bogenhagen (65 tkls., 2 FFs), junior linebacker Larkin Turner (57 tkls., 3 sacks), senior lineman Hayden Puryear (49 tkls., 5 sacks, 8 TFLs), junior defensive back Jalen Morgan, and sophomore D-back Lavell Autry.

Offensively, Boganowski saw less usage as backup QB due to his importance on defense, but still rushed for 267 yards on 15 carries for two TDs and added another TD on his lone pass completion of the season.

Former starting linebacker Maliki Daniels is moving from defense to offense after a highly productive 96 tackle season, and will line up at running back. Senior QB Brock Bazan is likely to be his backfield counterpart after throwing for 476 yards with five TDs to one INT, while Boganowski will be used at times on offense in a variety of roles because his athleticism is just too much to keep on the sidelines.

Opening holes for the backfield are three returning linemen in juniors Petren Bartolorne, Tymar Jones, and senior Ryan McCreath.