QB1: Declan Battle LOUISBURG

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

Drew Harding started off his tenure as head coach with immediate success, taking Louisburg from back-to-back losing seasons during the prior two seasons, to a team that went 8-2 and lost one regular season game en route to an undefeated Frontier League title last fall.

Once in the playoffs Louisburg dominated their first round matchup with Bonner Springs 40-0, but were then knocked out in the second round by new 4A team St. Thomas Aquinas, who went on to the state semifinals.

A big part of Louisburg’s success was the play of dual-threat quarterback Declan Battle, who as a junior went 86 of 152 passing for 1,027 yards and eight touchdowns, to go with 79 carries for 709 yards and 10 TDs rushing.

“Declan is a true dual-threat quarterback,” coach Harding said. “He has really good speed and can break off long runs as well as make all the throws. He has started for two years and we are looking forward to seeing what kind of progression he can make for his senior season. As our quarterback he demonstrates the work ethic we would want out of our athletes. Whether it be in the weight room, the practice field, classroom or any competition, Declan is going to give it his all.”

Harding’s All-State quarterback was a focal point for the team last fall, but a big group of outgoing seniors has left the Wildcats thin in some areas, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines.

“Last year was a big year for our team,” Battle said. “A lot of athletes really got the varsity exposure and experience they needed for upcoming years. We lost a big senior class, but I think we have the players to fill their shoes. They are big shoes to fill, but I believe in them.”

Battle’s confidence in the members of the team stepping into varsity roles is important, as just three starters return offensively in all, with junior Ashton Moore (24 car, 159 yds, 4 TD) returning in the backfield and senior Jaymes Melton back on the offensive line, along with Battle.

The Wildcats return more starting experience defensively, but far from an excess. Seniors including Jackson Howard (injured) on the defensive line, Moore (114 tackles, 11 TFL, 1 FR) and Wyatt Holland (89 tackles, sack) at linebacker, as well as senior defensive backs Battle (14 tackles, 2 PD), Hunter Heinrich (12 tackles), and Caden Caplinger (25 tackles).

Moore, the younger brother of K-State linebacker Austin Moore, received All-State honors for his 114 tackles and 11 tackles-for-loss as a sophomore.

Junior Conlee Hovey, an athletic 6-5, 220 pound tight end/defensive end, and the younger brother of Kansas Shrine Bowler, and South Dakota signee, Jase Hovey, looks ready for a breakout season this fall as well.

“As a team, last year our goal was to go undefeated in league and win the league title,” Battle said. “We did that. I believe this year that will be our focus and then once we accomplish that, we will go week by week making our run.”

As for Harding, his expectation is for new players to emerge and continue the tradition of Wildcat football success.

“One key is to not get complacent,” Harding said. “Nothing is guaranteed this year based off of what happened last year. We lost 16 seniors, so we will need lots of guys to step up and fill roles. We are excited to get started and see what kind of development takes place over the summer and into the fall. That development will be huge for our team’s success.”

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

For all the talent of the Washburn Rural D, the Branton DeWeese-led WaRural offense is not to be understimated. The Junior Blues showed the capability of putting up big point totals all year long behind DeWeese’s 1,884 passing yards and 25 TDs on 61% passing, with another six TDs on the ground.

The All-State QB currently holds offers from Washburn and Pitt. State and enters his third season as the starter.

In 2022, Rural put up 31.5 points per game, with an average of 185 yards passing and 190 yards rushing en route to their 8-3 season that included a trip to the 6A state quarterfinals with blowout wins over Dodge City and Garden City in the playoffs first two rounds, before they were eventually knocked out by Derby.

“(We learned) we can beat any team as long as we play to our full potential,” DeWeese said. “Also with a big senior class we will have a lot of experience this upcoming season to help the team”

That big senior class, along with 30 lettermen total, are likely to be key for the Junior Blues, who return just four other offensive starters besides DeWeese, and lost a deep group that included multiple All-State selections.

Senior Titan Osburn is the lone skill position starter back after catching 32 passes for 668 yards and 12 TDs.

Along with that duo, senior guard Nate Miller (6-3, 270), as well as junior tackles Jacob Hawks (6-8, 290) and Caden Estrada (6-2, 270) provide size and experience on the O-line. Look for talented sophomore running back TJ Minikwu to enjoy a breakout season behind the big line.

“I think the expectations are very high this year, especially after how well we performed last year with the pass game and the run game,” DeWeese said. “We have some new guys that have really stepped up this summer and are going to be important in the offense this season. We also have a good amount of experienced seniors who now have two years of varsity play under our belts. The experience level is definitely higher, which I think will lead to an even more deadly offense.”

With the experience and offensive firepower in place, all that’s left for Deweese and company is putting in the work toward their goal.

“I think what it will take to play at a state championship level is being consistent every game, putting up great numbers passing the ball, as well as running the ball,” DeWeese said. “If we can do that, I think we have a great chance at playing in the state championship game.”

Willie Dorsey WELLSVILLE QB1:

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

Mike Berg’s Wellsville offense was humming to the tune of 40.4 point per game during their nine-game win streak to open last season with an All-State backfield combination of junior quarterback Willie Dorsey and senior running back Nash Money.

The Eagles eventually saw their streak and season end in the second round of the playoffs in a 22-19 loss to perennial state power Topeka Hayden on a rain-drenched field. Despite the season ending in their lowest scoring game of the year, Dorsey doesn’t like the idea of making excuses.

“We play through whatever weather comes at us. We could have done things to win that game even though the weather was bad.”

The graduation of Money, and a talented class of 2023, left Berg and company with some question marks, but with Dorsey returning after completing 61 percent of his passes for 1,838 yards and 25 TDs a season ago, with another 154 yards and 2 TD on 23 rushing attempts, there’s reason for optimism.

“Willie is a great leader for our team,” Berg said. “He leads by example and is one of our hardest workers. On the field Willie plays with confidence. He believes and trusts his teammates. He see the field so well and puts our offense in the right play to be successful.”

Seven starters are back offensively for the Eagles, and while much of the depth from last year’s well-distributed passing attack was lost to graduation, Dorsey returns his two favorite

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

Dylan Dunn BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST QB1:

targets in seniors Dezmond Winton (31 rec., 680 yds., 8 TDs) and Brody Lee (24 rec., 392 yds., 5 TDs).

The Wellsville aerial assault also has the benefit of an experienced O-line with senior Joe Stites, juniors Jack Hull and Carter Wilmarth, and sophomore Wyatt Brungardt all back. On the other side of the ball Berg has eight players back with starting experience. Winton (18 tkls., 2 INTs) and Lee (36 tkls., 2.5 TFLs, 6 INTs) return in the defensive backfield, Wilmarth (48 tkls.) and fellow junior Landon Geist (17 tkls.) at linebacker, as well as Stites (21 tkls., 2 sacks), Hull (5 tkls.), Brungardt (15 tkls.), and junior Jace Troutman (43 tkls., 2 FRs, 2 INTs) on the D-line.

The Eagles defense was every bit as dominant as the offense last season, allowing just 9.3 points per game with seven teams held to a touchdown or less.

We have high expectations for our team this Fall,” Berg said. “We want to defend our league championship, win our district and make a run in the playoffs.”

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Blue Valley Southwest’s offense was truly electric last season behind the arm of All-State quarterback Dylan Dunn as the Timberwolves grinded their way through a brutal regular season before advancing to the semifinals of the 5A playoffs before they were finally knocked out by Mill Valley.

Southwest finished the season 6-6, losing their first three games of the season against 6A league opponents Blue Valley and Blue Valley West, as well as 4A state champs Bishop Miege, while Dunn was dealing with an injury late in the summer.

Through those first three games of the year a banged-up Dunn was held to just 242 yards passing with one TD to two interceptions, but like his team, the junior QB was soon to find his stride.

Over the course of the next nine games Dunn exploded for 282.4 yards passing per contest and threw 25 TDs to seven interceptions with the magnum opus of his junior campaign coming in the state quarterfinals against De Soto, when he shredded the Wildcats on 24 of 32 passing for 601 yards and a state record eight TDs to just one interception.

Prior to that game De Soto had just one loss and had shut out their prior two playoff opponents, but Southwest erupted for a 69-35 victory.

“The key to get things rolling for me personally was being healthy after the first three games, because I was injured the last part of summer,” Dunn said. “But more importantly, as a team the brotherhood and chemistry of the team came together and things were able to start clicking.”

As the son of former K-State Wildcat QB Marc Dunn, and grandson of former BYU football player Richard Dunn, the senior QB’s is at least partially a product of genetics.

“Coming from a family full of football players is beneficial to me because they were able to teach me the game of football from a young age,” Dunn said. “The best part is the competition that is involved in everything that we do as a family and the competitiveness makes it fun.”

As the younger Dunn enters his senior season he’s far from being without help on the field, as eight starters return including four seniors who were among the top five receivers on the team last season.

Tate Everhard was the team’s leading receiver after snagging 39 balls for 639 yards and eight TDs, while Alex Parks (33 rec., 459 yds., 3 TDs), Gage Ilges (36 rec., 399 yds., 3 TDs), and Emmitt Peters (25 rec., 378 yds., 5 TDs) round out one of the most dangerous receiving corps in the state. The Timberwolves also return three O-linemen, with seniors Brent Gillis, Jason Strickland, and junior Will Morgan all back.

The defense returns nine experienced starters, led by AllState senior D-back Trey Thomas, leaving the Timberwolves uber-enthusiastic about what they’re bringing to the 2023 season.

“We look to continue with our recent playoff performances, four Regional Championships in a row and the first Sectional Championship in school history,” head coach Anthony Orrick said. “Expectations are high to take our program farther than it has ever gone.”

For Dunn, he sees an opportunity to lift the T-Wolves to even higher heights.

“I want to continue to try and build a culture that expects to win,” Dunn said. “We need to utilize the experience that we have returning on our roster.”

With 5,371 yards passing through two seasons as a QB, Dunn is looking to make his senior season a trifecta of leading the state in passing yards and also plans to continue his football career beyond high school with BYU, K-State, and Columbia among the numerous programs showing interest. “I want to compete for an EKL and go deeper than we did last year in the playoffs,” Dunn said. “I also want to improve myself and best previous records that I’ve set.”

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

Wichita Collegiate received a big boost for their offensive attack in 2023 with the addition of senior All-State quarterback Hudson Ferralez, who threw for 5,198 yards and 51 touchdowns in 21 games as a Hesston Swather the past three seasons.

In his junior season, Ferralez was 151 of 242 for 1,827 yards with 16 TDs to seven interceptions and helped Hesston to a 6-4 record, with one of those losses coming against Collegiate, 28-21. The Swathers ultimately ended their season in the second round of the 3A playoffs to Rock Creek.

Collegiate, meanwhile, went 8-2, with their lone regular season loss coming against powerhouse Andale, and the other a surprising shutout upset in the second round of the playoffs against a surging Clay Center team, 35-0.

The Spartans get back seven offensive starters from last year, with Ferralez filling the glaring hole left by the departure of standout Wesley Fair to K-State. Other key skill position returners include senior Jacob Chappell (8 car., 42 yds.) and uber-talented sophomore Jaden Parker (38 car., 316 yds., 6 TDs; 7 rec., 67 yds.) at running back, and senior three-year starter Brett Wetta (6 rec., 45 yds, TDs), senior James Shackelford (2 rec., 39 yds.), junior Cooper Arneson, and sophomore Sebastian Turner (4 rec., 72 yds.) as pass catchers.

“This year we’re going to be explosive and athletic,” Ferralez said. “We have a good chance to be a dominant team this year and we expect to win state.”

Ferralez also has the protection of two returning starters on the offensive line with senior Lucas Ranney-Brown and junior Tristan Sprole.

On the other side of the ball there are six experienced starters back, with coach Troy Black stressing mobility as a major key to their success.

“Defensively, we have to be better and use our team speed to our advantage,” Black said. “We will not be super big but we should be able to run to the ball. We have some great returners back for us at each position on defense.”

Three players return in the secondary with Parker (54 tkls., 3 INTs), Wetta (27 tkls., 3 TFLs, FR, INT) and Shackelford (16 tkls., INT), while Chappell (70 tkls., sack, 3 FFs) and Arneson (25 tkls., 2 TFLs, sack) return at linebacker, and Sprole (32 tkls., 2 sacks, 3 TFLs, FF, FR) returns on the defensive line. Ranney-Brown (3 tkls.) also saw time in the defensive line rotation.

While the Spartans did get a major boost with the transfer of Ferralez to an already strong group of returning starters, they do have some major holes to fill, including that left by All-State selection Fair in the defensive backfield – the spot where he’ll play as a Wildcat in the Big 12. Lucky for Collegiate, Black has a long list of guys he believes can effectively step into those spots backed by strong leadership.

“We graduated a big, athletic senior class,” Black said. “This year’s senior class’s strength will be their leadership. We have a very talented underclass group, and our skill group has the potential to be very special.”

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

Salina Central put together their best season in over a decade in 2022, going 8-3 with a five-game win streak during the latter half of the season that finally ended against Hays in the 5A quarterfinals.

Adding to the success, the Mustangs won an AVCTL II title and the Mayor’s Cup over crosstown rival Salina South for the second straight season, both goals of head coach Mark Sandbo, along with playing November football.

No member of that 2022 Central squad returns with more production than All-State senior quarterback Gunnar Gross, a dual-threat signal caller who passed for 1,735 yards and 14 touchdowns with just three interceptions and a 61% completion rate. He was similarly effective on the ground piling up 1,124 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns with 5.54 yards per

“Outside the obvious things, which you could probably look at stats and decipher, he is a great decision maker at the position and terrific leader within our program, both on the field and off,” Sandbo said. “We put a lot on our quarterback within our offense with all the pre- and postsnap decisions they have to make. His decision-making, and ability to process, is as good as I have coached, with maybe his leadership and competitiveness being even better. Pretty good recipe for a successful quarterback at

Gross has received attention from college programs ranging from JUCO to DI, for his play on the football field, and the baseball diamond, where he also has earned All-State honors, but the signal caller remains focused on this fall.

“We have the pieces to put together a good run this year and continue success in the program if we work hard this offseason,” Gross said earlier this spring. “Winning the league championship again, going farther into playoffs this year, and hopefully winning state are goals of ours.”

Other key players back on offense for the Mustangs include All-League senior receivers Hunter Mowery (42 rec., 638 yds., 8 TDs) and Dez Gibson (19 rec., 216 yds., 3 TDs), All-League junior lineman Gage Gibson, and highly regarded sophomore lineman Kaden Snyder. With the loss of explosive running back Kenyon McMillan the Mustangs are without a major weapon, but Sandbo sees potential in senior back Elijah Wilson (36 car., 223 yds., 2 TDs; 4 rec., 39 ydss) and senior transfer receiver Ryker Grossner (All-Frontier HM at Baldwin in 2022) to make up for lost production.

Defensively, Gibson (36 tkls.) returns at defensive back along with seniors Jameer Moore (39 tkls.) and Levi Losey (45 tkls., INT), while senior linebacker Donovan Johnson (67 tkls., 2 TFLs), junior linebacker Tyrus Young (57 tkls.), and junior defensive lineman James MacKinney (22 tkls.) are back to fortify D-coordinator Austin Kingsbury’s front seven.

“We lost 10 seniors from a team that accomplished a lot of goals within our program last fall,” Sandbo said.

“We are fortunate to return a number of players in key positions that had contributed to that success. I won’t put any limits on what I think we can do and accomplish, our goals will be very similar to that of years prior. It is usually all relative, and we know we will have to play really good football week in and week out with the types of teams and coaches we see, but I know our players are excited about the opportunities and challenges in front of them.”

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

had a sense of family, which helped our chemistry as a team even more. We had a lot of underclassmen step up and our O-line became probably one of the best in the state. Without them, none of us in the backfield would have had the success we did last year.”

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

South Barber started off the 2022 season on a tear, winning their first six games of the season with a dazzling offense led by All-State QB Briggs Jewell. Jewell and company averaged just under 45 points per game on the year.

It was in the final three games of the season that things began to take a turn, first with a 68-54 shootout loss to an undefeated Stafford team, and then against Hodgeman County in consecutive losses, first in the last regular season game of the year, and again in the first round of the playoffs.

South Barber finished the season 6-3, with one major factor in the season’s conclusion being injuries, including to then-junior running back Bryson Rathgeber.

“A big takeaway from last season is to get the proper rest and recovery we need,” Jewell said. “We had several minor and major injuries last year that ultimately cost us some games. Our starting running back broke his collarbone mid-season, so that was a big bump in the road for us. But we had some guys really step up and fill roles they had never been in before. Coming back healthier than ever, I think this team can really be something special this year.”

For head coach Matt Cantrell, the potential success South Barber is hoping for hinges on players stepping up.

“It comes down to leadership and desire,” Cantrell said. “Are we going to have the desire to do the things everyday that will make us a very good football team? It takes leadership to achieve this. Our expectations are high this year, just like every year at South Barber. We want to win our district title back and make a deep run in the playoffs.”

Jewell is coming off a junior campaign in which he was 122 of 210 passing for 1,685 yards and 28 TDs to eight interceptions, with another 146 carries for 576 yards and nine scores on the ground. His offensive numbers helped him to his second straight season with All-State attention from multiple outlets.

“What makes Briggs such an effective QB is not only his

Jackson King BISHOP CARROLL

arm strength and accuracy but also his intelligence,” head coach Matt Cantrell said. “He has the ability to read coverages and has the ability to move in the pocket to buy himself enough time to deliver the ball.”

Back alongside Jewell offensively, Rathgeber (288 rush yds.; 19 rec., 214 yds.) looks to bounce back in his senior season after his injury sat him out for four games, senior Lukas Dunham (352 rush yds.; 30 rec., 331 yds.), and junior Oakley Duvall are back at receiver, senior Xander Myers at tight end, and seniors Bryce Duvall and Camron Dorsey on the offensive line.

Jewell’s confidence in his team is only matched by his confidence in his own abilities, and subsequently, he expects everyone involved to thrive this fall.

“I’d like to overall improve my game and improve every positive statistic on both my offensive and defensive roles,” Jewell said. “Another goal this year is to just make everyone around me be able to play to the best of their ability. By allowing that to happen, and sharing the ball, I think we could have a couple receivers nearing that 1,000 yard mark this season.”

On defense, Jewell lines up at defensive back and managed to cancel out the eight interceptions he threw offensively with nine he picked off from opposing QBs, a number that put him among the state’s leaders and earned him consideration as a finalist for the SIK 8-Man II DPOY honor. He also recorded 33 tackles and six pass deflections. Dunham (25 tkls., 2 INTs) is back alongside Jewell at D-back, while Rathgeber (47 tkls., 11 TFLs, sack), Dorsey (60 tkls.), and Oakley Duvall (103 tkls., 12 TFLs) return at linebacker, and Bryce Duvall (50 tkls., 6 TFLs) and Myers (13 tkls.) are back on the D-line.

“My team goals for this upcoming year are just to improve. I want everyone on my team to be able to play to the best of their ability and thrive around one another,” Jewell said.

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

Bishop Carroll finished last season at 7-3 after an exit in the second round of the 5A playoffs, an admirable season under most circumstances.

However, the reality that all three Eagles losses came by just one TD to three of the top teams in the state – Derby, Junction City, and Hutch – shows just how capable this team was, and while the losses undoubtedly sting, they aren’t totally in vain

“Our varsity returners had the opportunity to play in some big games during the 2022 season, against high quality opponents,” Carroll coach Dusty Trail said. “Experiencing the type of preparation that it takes, week in and week out, to compete against championship level teams is a big benefit. We have had young men stepping up to become leaders this offseason and are learning how to hold each other accountable to the details.”

The Eagles returning starters on offense are nearly all skill position players, with the exception of senior O-lineman, and UNLV commit, Hank Purvis. Among that group of offensive weapons back are senior All-GWAL running back Thomas Gorges (102 car., 505 yds., 9 TDs), senior All-GWAL receiver Luke Holthusen (26 rec., 259 yds., 3 TDs), fellow senior receivers Van Haneberg (13 rec., 142 yds.) and Parker Flax (4 rec., 28 yds.), and junior tight end Ethan Schrandt.

The heart of the Carroll offense, however, is behind center.

“We have all the potential in the world, we just need to learn how to use it together and we can beat almost any team,” Purvis said. “We have Jackson King, who is a phenomenal playmaker and athletic QB who can turn a messed up play into a touchdown on his feet.”

King used his playmaking abilities to rush for 948 yards and 15 TDs on 159 carries and added another 1,280 yards and seven TDs on 84 of 165 passing as a junior, earning All-State honors for his efforts.

“My goal for this year is to be a good leader and to help my team be successful, “King said. “I try not to get caught up in the stats and accolades because they don’t tell the whole picture, but first team All-State would be pretty cool.”

Like Purvis, King is among the top prospects in the Kansas class of 2024 and had multiple DI and DII offers, but ultimately verbally committed to the Air Force Academy earlier this summer.

But King is first focused on ensuring success this fall. “Last season we had a good team but fell short because we weren’t consistent enough,” King said. “Consistency will be the key to success.”

The other side of the ball returns five seniors and a junior, giving them a solid core to build their defense around, but that unseasoned group stepping into bigger roles could take some time to get up to speed, especially against the Golden Eagles brutal schedule that includes games with Wichita Northwest, Derby, Junction City, Kapaun, and Wichita East.

“The major concern going into the 2023 football season is the lack of experience and developing depth on both sides of the football, but especially on the defensive side,” Trail said. “Young players will have to step up the intensity and challenge themselves to compete at a high level in practice to make themselves and the team better.”

The six returners with starting experience on defense include senior linebackers Cash Ungles (9 tkls.) and Carter Morris (63 tkls., 2 INTs), senior defensive lineman Sam Hampton (21 tkls., 1 sack), senior defensive backs Hayden Woolley (9 tkls.), Tyler Chrisman (16 tkls.), and junior D-back Hayden Hiebert (12 tkls.).

Despite the question marks, Carroll’s high top-end talent, and tradition that includes 20 straight playoff appearances, 27 straight winning seasons, and a 50-16 record under Trail, has the Eagles feeling confident about this fall.

“The goal for our team is a state championship,” King said. “There has always been a winning tradition at Bishop Carroll and that won’t change this year.”

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

Throughout the majority of the 2022 season head coach

Reigo Hahn’s Minneola team was a seemingly unstoppable force, winning their first seven games by double digits – minus a win by forfeit over Pike Valley – and averaged 47.6 points per game during that stretch.

It wasn’t until they faced a loaded Dighton squad in their final regular season matchup that the Wildcats were finally defeated, losing 46-0.

Minneola came back strong with a 68-50 win over Kinsley in the first round of the playoffs, but in the second round Hahn and company were outmatched by perennial power Victoria, 53-28.

While the loss hurt, the Wildcats’ opponents in their two losses last fall posted just two losses between them, making them as high quality as non-wins come, and what’s more for Hahn’s squad in 2023, they’ve got eight guys back from that group.

“I think this could be a very fun season for us,” Hahn said. “The kids are putting extra work in the offseason to A staple for Hahn’s best teams has been an experienced athletic ability and his competitive drive really makes him effective at the QB spot.”

The senior is far from without weapons to share the ball with including 5-11, 225 pound senior running back James Littlewood (80 car., 623 yds., 7 TDs), along with senior Caden Miller (6 rec., 46 yds.), junior Jesse Smith (29 rec., 476 yds., 6 TDs), and sophomore Tyson Klotz (43 rec., 703 yds., 5 TDs) back at receiver spots. Senior Sergio Granados and junior Cole Norton are also back along the offensive line.

For how good their offense was last season, Lang doesn’t mince words regarding needs on the other side of the ball.

“Offense is elite,” Lang said. “Defense needs to step it up, we have a couple key spots to fill.”

Despite the abrupt assessment, the Wildcats have a lot going for them with their 2023 defensive unit.

Lang (42 tkls., 2 INTs) and Smith both return in the defensive backfield after leading the team in interceptions a season ago, along with sophomore Levi Lang (17 tkls.) and Norton (74 tkls., INT) at linebacker spots, and Littlewood (87 tkls., 2.5 sacks) on the defensive line.

“I expect for us to have one of the toughest offenses in 8-Man,” Lang said. “Defensively, it’ll just take guys stepping up.” to eight interceptions, to go with 954 yards rushing and everyone’s assignment and

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

Despite not making it beyond the first round of the playoffs in 2022, head coach Jay Witt’s Hugoton squad was a tough matchup throughout the fall, finishing the year 6-3 with losses to opponents with a combined 23-7 record.

The 2022 season was Witt’s second with Hugoton out of what will be his 44th overall, with the best winning percentage and most wins for the Hugoton program since 2009, when they went 10-1 under now-Chapman High Activities Director Clint Merritt.

In their six wins on the season the Eagles were dominant offensively, with their flexbone attack averaging nearly 45 points per game behind the leadership of dual-threat QB Isaac Martin.

“That it was the best season Hugoton has had in the past several years, and that foundation has been set in our summer program,” Martin said of his key takeaways from last fall. “(This) year is looking more promising with many key players returning.”

The senior signal caller rushed 114 times for 625 yards and was 44 of 84 passing for 826 yards and, despite being the orchestrator of an offense not geared toward passing, has shown an incredible ability to throw the ball with a strong and accurate arm. Despite that touch, Martin is definitively blue-collar in style.

“He loves football,” Witt said. “I have said before football saved me, found out early that between the whistles you could punish the other guy and not get in trouble. Isaac is on that same level. You always think of the QB as the one who doesn’t like to get hit and runs away from the contact. Isaac is just the opposite.”

Witt also pointed to Martin’s leadership as key to his team’s success this fall.

“Isaac is the type of leader that every coach wants to have,” head coach Jay Witt said. “First in the weigh troom, last to leave, and he is that type of kid that is contagious when he is around. His tenacity in the weight room and on the field pumps everyone else up to his level. I have to stop sometimes and remember that he is still a high school player, he is a QB that really does command the field.”

Joining Martin from last season’s starting offensive unit are fellow returning senior starters Edel Moreno and Desean Lewis at receiver, Griffin Heger at running back, and Sebastian Gonzalez on the offensive line, alongside junior O-linemen Robert Williams and the incredibly strong Josephe Hernandez.

Kicker Christian Zizumbo provides another offensive weapon. The junior made 33 of 38 extra-point kicks last fall, and three of five field goal tries, with a long of 42 yards.

“Our team goals for (this) season are to win the GWAC outright and make a deep playoff run,” Martin said.

If Hugoton is to win the GWAC they’ll have to find a way to win games against Scott City and Holcomb late in the schedule. The Eagles lost to the Beavers 27-21 in overtime in Week 5 last fall while the Longhorns upended Martin and company 24-17 in Week 7.

Defensively, the Eagles return just five starters, but a majority of their line with Gonzales (56 tkls., 3 sacks) and Hernandez back at end positions, along with junior Grant Neheius in the interior.

Along with those three Martin (38 tkls., 2 INTs) provides a major obstacle for defenses at linebacker with his 6-2, 220 pound frame. Senior Blake Miller (28 tkls., 3 sacks, 1 punt block) also saw significant playing time at linebacker last season and is expected to make a bigger impact in 2023.

Heger (28 tkls., 4 INTs, sack) rounds out the returning starters at free safety.

“We expect great things from Issac on both sides of the ball, both at QB and at our Bandit (OLB) position,” Witt said. “There are many types of good QBs, but Hugoton has an Isaac Martin. Myself, and all the Eagles, say IGYB - I Got Your Back.”

QB1: Logan McCarty

QB1:

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

Cheyin was only defeated by one team last season, despite having two losses. Both came at the hands of state runner-up Ashland. The first in Week 3 of the regular season, the second in the state semifinals of the first ever KSHSAA sanctioned 6-Man championship postseason.

The Cougars finished the season 9-2, and against teams other than Ashland were powered by an offense few could match, with their lowest scoring output outside of their two losses, a 45-27 win over Cheyenne Wells, Colo., team in Week 1.

The heart of that high-powered Cougar offense, All-State quarterback Logan McCarty, is back for his senior year, along with six other players with starting experience.

McCarty already had a state title under his belt following his freshman season after taking over as QB late in the year and throwing for 320 yards and three touchdowns on 21 of 26 passing in the Wild West Bowl. The championship was won alongside his brother, Colton McCarty, who was among the top players in the state that season and is now playing football at Bethel.

During his junior season, Logan took a foothold in the conversation of top players in the state himself, going 80 of 134 for 1,474 passing yards and 23 TDs to just three interceptions, and adding another 115 attempts for 1,118 yards and 20 TDs on the ground.

“Logan’s best attributes are his arm strength, athleticism, and his intellect, by far,” head coach Chris Walden said. “He is an extremely smart young man, a 4.0 student, and that translates to the football field as well. He understands what we are typically looking for in our offense when going against opposing teams, which allows him to always be

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

After years of putting an 8-Man team on the field with thin numbers, head coach Lance McGuire and his Cunningham Wildcats were forced to call it quits in 2015 due to simply lacking the numbers necessary to field a team. It wasn’t until 2019, with the continued growth of 6-Man football in Kansas, that the Wildcats were again able to compete on the gridiron.

Year one started rough for Cunningham as they struggled to an 0-6 record, but their fortunes soon changed with the 2020 season when they posted a 7-2 mark. That success propelled them into a 9-1 2021 season, and then to punctuate the Wildcat resurgence, a 12-0 6-Man state title in 2022, the first ever KSHSAA sanctioned 6-Man championship.

“In one word: storybook,” McGuire said. “Every coach and every program sets season goals and program goals. Rarely does everything mesh the way we want it to. Last year’s seniors took a lot of beatdowns as freshmen. Three of them stuck it out and finished with a storybook ending. It was great for the community as they have been huge supporters of kids in all extracurricular activities. The parents and athletes really pooled their time and resources for us to get better and be better. I have talked with alumni that are just as proud as current players.“

While the graduation of impact players Lane Halderson and Trey DeWeese takes away significant production heading into 2023, the Wildcats bring back six starters in all from their championship squad, including one of the top offensive weapons in 6-Man, head coach’s son Luke McGuire. McGuire split time offensively at running back and quarterback last season, rushing for 572 yards and 13 TDs, along with 20 receptions for 153 yards and 3 TDs. As a passer he threw for 669 yards and 10 TDs with zero interceptions. The senior also returned two punts and an interception to the end zone, displaying to opponents that there is no side of the ball safe from McGuire’s impact.

“As a junior, he deferred when necessary and stepped up when needed,” coach McGuire said. “He’s an excellent utility player and never hesitates to fill a able to find an open receiver or to scramble for a nice gain. His arm strength is an added bonus, when coupled with his intelligence. He might be the only person on the field that sees a few inches of separation between our receivers and the defenders, but he has the strength and accuracy to thread the ball Into the tightest of windows.”

Back along with McCarty are senior running back Brady Ketzner (27 car., 537 yds., 8 TDs), senior receiver Pablo Bermudez (27 rec., 410 yds., 10 TDs; 57 car., 634 yds., 10 TDs), and junior receiver Harley McPherson (10 rec., 253 yds., 3 TDs).

On the offensive line, senior Connor McPherson, along with juniors John Paul Sabatka and Cooper Paugh are back as well.

Defensively, McCarty (85 tkls., 3 INTs) returns at linebacker along with Bermudez (95 tkls., 4 INTs), Ketzner (81 tkls., 4 INTs) is back at D-back, while Connor McPherson (45 tkls.), Sabatka (45 tkls.), and Paugh (13 tkls.) are all back along the D-line. Harley McPherson (30 tkls., 5 INTs) is also expected to continue his varsity impact.

“We return every single player from last year’s team, and have been taking the necessary steps and doing the extra work that is required for us to potentially take that final step again,” Walden said. “Similar to what happened in the 2019 and 2020 seasons with the older McCarty boy and his classmates, I expect some more minutes and better quality of minutes from some of our less experienced players that weren’t quite ready for the bright lights last year, and in my opinion that will be our biggest asset. Being able to have guys grow up and develop into more impact players and not just fill-in’s.” spot. We struggled with long snapping, so he learned to do it. That meant he didn’t come off the field, but it needed to be done so he did the job.”

The older McGuire also points to the younger’s role as the quarterback of the defense.

“On defense, we communicate a lot. Before the ball was snapped he and I communicated more with positioning and what we could expect from our opponents. I appreciate Luke off the field as much as on, especially in all the ‘off’ hours after the game and throughout entire weekends as we pore over stats and scout the next game. He sees things like a coach and has natural instincts that put him in the right place. I don’t take for granted that we get to do this together.”

While coach McGuire will rely on his son for production and leadership this fall, he’ll have five other experienced starters to lean on. Just one other senior, Jack Ruckle (19 car., 116 yards, 8 TDs), returns at running back, but a strong group of juniors includes Luke Albers (29 rec., 446 yards, 8 TDs) at end, Dagim Reed (19 rec., 200 yards, 5 TDs) at end and running back, Will Wegerer (8-12, 123 yards, 4 TDs) on the offensive line and at QB, and Trent Schnittker on the line.

Defensively, Ruckle (53 tkls., 10 TFLs, 7 sacks, 3 FRs) and Schnittker (29 tkls., 3 TFLs) return at the defensive end positions, while McGuire (44 tkls., 5 INTs, 1 FF) and Reed (35 tkls., 5 TFLs, 1 INT) are back with starting experience at linebacker and defensive back.

“My teammates are the best guys in the world and being on the field with them is such a blessing,” Luke McGuire said. “Our defense was fierce and our offense was deadly (last season). Although, there are still many areas to improve, our state run in the first KSHSAA sanctioned 6-Man games was special.”

Keegan McCullick is a full-time Staff Writer for Kansas Pregame and has nearly six years of experience covering high school and college sports across Kansas.

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

Maize South was far from having their best season in Brent Pfeifer’s 13-year tenure last fall, finishing just 4-5 with a first round playoff exit against Valley Center, to go with a

While South dealt with growing pains, their cross-town rival, Maize High, cruised to their second straight state title game appearance behind Avery Johnson and an explosive

Despite Johnson’s departure for Kansas State, and the loss of his talented stable of receivers, the town of Maize won’t be without an aerial show, it will be just a little further

The Mavericks return a wealth of talent from last season, including eight offensive and nine defensive starters, but where South is most dangerous is in it’s passing game led by junior QB Tate McNew, who in nine games threw for 2,420 yards and 19 TDs on 185 of 216 passing, setting school records for single season and single game (448)

“We got a lot of good experience last year, all to the benefit of this season,” McNew said. “We are only losing four starters, and only two on offense, neither of which were in McNew saw his first action on a varsity field as a freshman and since then has thrown for more yards than many QBs

“Tate McNew is an athletic and talented QB, but one thing that makes him so great is his desire to be more prepared than anyone else,” coach Pfeifer said. “He competes at preparation. Tate studies film more than anyone, critiques himself, studies other players, and is continually asking questions to be the most prepared he can be. A player like Tate who prepares so well, reacts fast, and makes quick decisions, puts us in a position to be successful every down.”

Adding fuel to the fire, McNew has a stable of the top receivers in the state back, including All-State senior Sammy Dresie, who had 69 receptions for 1,063 yards and nine TDs. Recruiting outlet 247Sports rates Dresie as a three-star receiver who current holds a DI offer from Air Force as well as FCS and DII offers. Senior Jeron Askren (34 rec., 542 yds., 6 TDs), a versatile outside threat who can play tight end and flex, is also a high-level prospect who committed to Missouri State in July. Landon Gatto (45 rec., 481 yds., 2 TDs) is a standout junior receiver, and mid-year move-in Darius Felton provides yet another high level receiver/tight end prospect. The 6-6 Felton holds offers from Ball State and Northern Iowa after excelling for Thunder Basin High School in Gillette, Wyo., last fall, where he caught 20 passes for 297 yards and four scores.

Senior running back Braxton Bigley (171 car., 729 yds., 12 TDs) returns as the team’s top threat out of the backfield, while the offensive line that paves the way for Bigley returns three starters in seniors Peyton Smith, Tristan Gronlie, and Derrick Junk.

With the added year of varsity experience, McNew feels confident enough going into his junior campaign to set his bar high.

“My personal and team goal is to lead our team to the state championship, we have a team built to do it, and it is what I am focused on.”

And while the offensive talent may grab the headlines, South’s defense returns nine starters and is likely to take a big step this year.

“We really showed our youth on defense last year,” coach Pfeifer said. “The players returning know that they have a lot to prove and their improvement is vital to our team’s success. If the defensive returners (were) as dedicated as our offensive players throughout the summer, then they will have a chance to be very good. Our defensive success will be determined by their desire to raise the daily expectation and put in additional time to being stronger, faster, and tougher. A team’s success in the postseason is often dictated by the defense. Our defense has the talent to be successful. They will need to match that talent with hard work.”

Senior Dawson Meese (52 tkls., 3 sacks, 1 INT), senior Xander Dossey (44 tkls.), and sophomore Hunter Higgins (39 tkls., 4 sacks) form the core of a strong defensive front, while senior linebackers Brady Rapp (75 tkls., 1 FF, 1 INT), Maddox Welch (28 tkls.), and Trent Luce (41 tkls., 2 FRs, 1 INT) provide further experience in the box.

Rounding out the returning defensive starters are senior D-backs Xander Brungardt (16 tkls.) and Easton Brown (22 tkls., 1 INT), with junior Christian McDonald (57 tkls., 1 INT). Keegan McCullick is a full-time Staff Writer for Kansas Pregame and has nearly six years of experience covering high school and college sports across Kansas.

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

De Soto suffered just two losses during their 2022 campaign, the first a tough 28-21 matchup with Washburn Rural, and the second during 5A Sectionals against a determined Blue Valley Southwest team.

Besides those setbacks the Wildcats were a well-oiled machine throughout the season, giving up no more than 21 points in any of their wins, shutting out four teams –including the first and second round of the playoffs – and averaging over 43 points per game behind the arms, legs, and leadership of All-State QB Carson Miller.

He had solid, but unremarkable numbers as a passer in Brian King’s run-heavy flexbone offense, going 28 of 59 for 473 yards and six touchdowns, but his massive impact on the ground – 129 carries for 1,152 yards and 16 TDs – helped his effectiveness in the passing game, where he averaged just shy of 17 yards per completion with more than 21 percent of those catches taken to the end zone.

A big reason for Miller’s success is on display in his second sport, indoor/outdoor track. He was on a state championship 4x100 as a freshman and made it to the state finals in the 100 and 200 meter dashes, as well as the 4x1, as a sophomore, before dealing with injuries during his junior season.

“Carson is an extremely intelligent quarterback who runs about a 10.7 100 meter dash,” King said. “This makes him a very effective option quarterback with his intelligence and speed. He has also been running the option since he was probably in fourth grade. He is also the younger brother of Jackson Miller.”

Jackson Miller was an All-State QB for the Wildcats in

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

Wichita East put together their fourth straight winning season in 2022 with a 7-2 mark and trip to the second round of the playoffs before they were knocked out by eventual state champs Manhattan.

The streak, which started in 2019 during head coach Ene Akpan’s second season with the team, was a much needed end to a stretch that saw East record just two winning seasons between 2008 and 2018.

According to Akpan, the long game is what has made his turnaround possible.

“When talent meets talent, talent is no longer enough,” Akpan said. “We have to love the process of winning.”

Over the course of the last three seasons, the Blue Aces have been particularly fortunate to have one of the top dual-threat QBs in the state in senior DaeOnte Mitchell, who has over 5,000 career yards in the air after throwing for 2,279 yards and 25 TDs on 157 of 204 passing as a junior. He added 862 yards and seven scores on the ground as well.

“What makes him special is he gets better every season,” Akpan said. “He was one of the best QBs in the state last season as a junior, so I look forward to what he will do this season. He has no choice but to lead as a four year starter.”

Mitchell appreciates his leadership role and the tremendous responsibility in helping turnaround a once struggling

2020 and is now a redshirt sophomore running back and slot receiver for DII powerhouse Northwest Missouri State University.

The younger Miller feels confident going into his final year at De Soto, with a mixture of experience and new faces willing to step into bigger roles.

“We learned so much as a team last year, and while we lost some valuable talent, our returning guys are going to be able to help the coaching staff get the young guys ready quickly,” Miller said. “A lot of us are able to think like the coaches think and make changes on the field, because we understand our flexbone offense. If they do this, we do that. It has become almost automatic.”

Alongside Miller, the Wildcats return senior running backs Bennet Hutchinson (143 car., 794 yds., 16TDs), Jayden Lang (45 car., 509 yds., 7 TDs; 4 rec., 87 yds., 2 TDs), Amarion Green (21 car., 109 yds., 2 TDs), and backfield-tight end hybrid Braden Griggs (14 car., 87 yds.; 14 rec., 216 yds., 2 TDs), while senior Jack Richards (36 pancakes, 2 SA) and 6-6, 355-pound junior monster Seth Goins (50 pancakes, 1 SA) return along the offensive line. Defensively, senior D-backs Davis Barr (37 tkls.), Cole Heitmann (38 tkls., 3 INTs), and Charlie Tadlock (48 tkls., FR, 3 INTs, DEF TD) return, along with senior linebackers Bayler Bell (24 tkls., 3 TFLs, INT, FF) and Sean Gibson (59 tkls., 4 TFLs, 3 sacks, FF, INT, DEF TD) and junior defensive lineman Charlie Woleben (44 tkls., 7 TFLs, 6 sacks, FF, Nebraska and KU offers).

“As far as our goals, we want to win the UKC again and we need to make a deep run in the playoffs,” King said. “We also need to get past the regional round this year.” program.

“What I enjoy most about playing QB at East is being able to lead the team and help change the culture,” Mitchell said. The Blue Aces are poised to have one of the very best offenses in 6A thanks to the return of 10 offensive starters in all. Other weapons complementing Mitchell this fall include senior running back Rayvelle Leak (1,507 yds., 26 TDs), senior receivers MJ White (897 yds., 8 TDs), Ashton White (608 yds., 5 TDs), and LT Robinson (615 yds., 7 TDs), and four experienced offensive linemen in Skylar Toppah, Austin Fulton, Zion McIntosh, and S’ron Hill.

“I feel with only losing one starter on offense we will pick up where we left off last season,” Akpan said. “With that being said, our team believes we should compete for a state championship this season. We are bigger, stronger and faster this season.”

While East’s explosive offense garners a majority of the attention, five returning starters back on defense want to put their own mark on the program. D-linemen Jaylon Lyons (19 tkls., 1 sack) and Porter Blanton (62 tkls., 4 sacks), linebacker Shyne Jones (48 tkls., 2 sacks), and senior defensive backs Dayontay Standifer (74 tkls.) and Cameron Davis (24 tkls., 2 PBU) will lead the way on D.

“This should be a good season and my only expectations are for everyone to play their role 110 percent and help each other out,” Mitchell said.

QB1: Stocton Timbrook ABILENE

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

Abilene finished with a 4-5 record in 2022, losing four out of their last five games of the year in what was a tough stretch of season-ending contests.

Ultimately, the Cowboys were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by Rose Hill, who had given head coach Brad Nicks and company a Week 5 loss as well.

Despite the middle of the road finish to the season it was still a significant improvement for the team that entered the year on a 25-game losing streak that dated back to the final game of the 2018 season, the last year under coach Steve Simpson.

Nicks took over a program in clear need of rebuilding and thanks to the return of one of the deepest groups of returning starters in the state, featuring nine on offense and 10 on defense, and a beautiful new football stadium, this could be the season that all the hard work of the previous four years pays significant dividends on that field..

Chief among the returning starters is senior All-State QB Stocton Timbrook, who threw for 1,753 yards and 14 TDs during his junior campaign.

“Our team goals for 2023 would be to host and win a home playoff game and to win the NCKL,” Timbrook said. “If we do all of these, I believe we will have had a great year.” continued on page 65