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ABILENE ALTAMONT-LABETTE COUNTY ANDOVER CENTRAL ARKANSAS CITY

2022 Record: 4-5 / North Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Brad Nicks (4th year, 4-20) Assistants: Brad Hartman, Joe Ross, Steve Casey, Alan Randles, Dan Rheingans, Michael Broome

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5

Returning starters: Sam Whitehair, OL/DL, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Devin Alvarez, OL, 5-10, 220, Jr.; Stocton Timbrook, QB, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Zach Miller, RB/LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Keaton Hargrave, RB/HB/FS, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Brax Fisher, WR/FS, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Tyler Holloway, OL, 6-3, 215, Jr.; Weston Rock, WR/CB, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Taygen Funston, WR, 6-1, 160, So.; Judah Bowell, WR/CB, 6-5, 175, Sr.; Landon Taplin, LB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Kayden Timm, DL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Heath Hoekman, DL, 6-0, 190, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Zach Miller, 464 yds. Passing: Stocton Timbrook, 1,753 yds., 14 TDs Receiving: Weston Rock, 41 rec., 506 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Landon Taplin, 90 tkls. Sacks: N/A Ints.: Judah Bowell, Weston Rock, 2 INTs ea.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “I am excited to see what this team can do this year. We will rely on our leadership and culture built the previous three years to help us be successful this season. This group has worked very hard in the offseason and are looking to make 2023 special.”

Notes: Abilene snapped a 25-game losing streak with a Week 1 win over Marysville last fall and followed that with a win over Concordia. The Cowboys also got wins over Chapman and Augusta, but did suffer a pair of close-losses to Rose Hill in Weeks 5 and 9. Blowout losses to Clay Center, Circle, and Wamego left the Cowboys at 4-5, but fourth-year coach Brad Nicks has plenty back to continue the improvement. QB Stocton Timbrook returns as one of the top passers in 4A and a healthy Brax Fisher joins Zach Miller, Weston Rock, and Taygen Funston as explosive offensive weapons.

2022 Record: 9-1 / Meadowlark Conference

Head Coach: Jim Smith (26th year, 130-106)

Assistants: Steve Watkins, Taylor Funk, Craig Handke, Jeff Wallace, Pat Battle

Offense: Spread Up-tempo Defense: 3-4

Returning starters: Trey Carter, QB/DB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Jeter Purdy, WR/DB, 6-4, 195, Sr.; Lavonte’ McGowan, DT, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Xiomar Hernandez, DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Jaden Carter, LB, 6-0, 225, Jr.; Eric Smith, DT, 6-3, 220, Jr.; Landon Bell, OL, 6-1, 240, Jr.; Deacon Stout, OLB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Carter Gilmore, OL, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Broady Barnes, OL, 6-3, 280, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Trey Carter, 83 car., 438 yds., 5 TDs

Passing: 64-112, 1,302 yds., 14 TDs Receiving: Jeter

Purdy, 15 rec., 400 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Jaden Carter

56 Sacks: Eric Smith, 2 Ints.: Jeter Purdy, 4

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “It’s exciting to have so many players returning from last year’s team. So many of the players are really working hard in the weight room and are getting faster and stronger. Staying healthy will be a key to our success advancing in the playoffs.”

Notes: The Phoenix face life after the graduation of running back Jesse Greenly, a 2022 Kansas Pregame coverboy, but plenty of pieces are back to build upon 2022’s 9-1 season. Dual-threat QB Trey Carter returns to lead the offense after accounting for nearly 1,800 combined rush and pass yards and 19 TDs and he gets three experienced offensive linemen back to work behind. The back half of the defense looks especially stout thanks to the return of two linebackers and a pair of defensive backs. Senior Jeter Purdy is one of the top all-around athletes in Kansas and a potential All-State selection at DB and WR. Jaden Carter is a force at LB and Lavonte’ McGowan and Eric Smith are an O-line’s nightmare.

2022 Record: 2-7 / Southeast Kansas League

Head Coach: Sean Price (9th year, 28-47; 20th overall, 89-90) Assts.: Bradley Argabright, Davey Brown, Mike Hayward, Tanner Russell, Richard Pierce

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5

Returning starters: Kendall Holtzman, QB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Zavier Phillips, Wr, 6-4, 170, Sr.; Lane Simmons, OL, 6-1, 260, Sr.; Nolan Haraughty, WR, 5-10, 160, Sr.; John Broadwell, OL, 6-0, 220, Jr.; Roper Bradfield, TE, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Jamaal Jackson, RB, 5-10, 170, So.; Chris Stephens, DL, 6-3, 300, Jr.; Lawrence Holt, DB, 5-10, 150, Jr.; Roper Whittley, LB, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Tayton Claibourn, LB, 5-9, 170, So.; Keegan Bates, FS, 5-7, 140, So.; Barrett Hestand, SS, 5-10, 160, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jamaal Jackson, 75 car., 306 yds., 2 TDs Passing: Kendall Holtzman, 139-222, 2,166 yds., 21 TDs Receiving: Zavier Phillips, 6 rec., 178 yds. 1 TD Tackles: Roper Whittley, 33 Sacks: Tayton Claibourn, 1 Ints.: Keegan Bates, Barrett Hestand, 1 INT ea.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “Developing our young kids (is key). We started five freshmen last year and will be young again, but we aren’t going to let that be an excuse. We hope to compete for a SEK title and host a playoff game.”

Notes: The Grizzlies started 2022 with a four-game losing streak before a Week 5 win over Fort Scott snapped a 15-game winless streak dating back to Week 7 of the 2020 season, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. In the nine losses prior to the Week 5 win, five were by 18-points or less. Coach Sean Price enters his ninth season as head coach and may have the pieces to help win those close games this fall. QB Kendall Holtzman returns for his third season under center with over 3,500 career passing yards and could lead an explosive offense that scored at least 20 points in seven games last fall, but the D has to be better after allowing at least 32 in six losses.

2022 Record: 2-7 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. III

Head Coach: Jason Filbeck (10th year, 43-44)

Assistants: JD Hand, Dawson Elliott, Brad Raine, Cody Hager, Rhett Mallon, Ryan Hull, Brett Robert

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5

Returning starters: Gavin Kiser, QB, 6-4, 210, Sr.; Isaiah Blackwell, WR, 6-0, 150, Sr.; Cooper Jay, C, 6-2, 300, Sr.; Caleb Martin, DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Caden Stillwell, RB, Sr.; Wyatt Kerstetter, OL, 6-3, 300, Sr.; Jeremiah Schaefer, K/OL, Sr.; Hunter West, RB/DE, So.; Logan Pfeifer, LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Kurtis Smith, DB, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders

Rushing: Isaiah Blackwell Passing: Gavin Kiser

Receiving: Isaiah Blackwell Tackles: Caleb Martin, Logan Pfeifer Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We are excited to get things going back in the right direction after a rough 2022. We played some young guys on varsity last year so we are hoping that pays dividends this season. We should be led by a strong senior class. As always, we have to stay healthy to have a good season.”

Notes: The Orioles slipped to 2-7 last fall after a 6-4 finish in 2021. Ten returning starters will try to reverse those fortunes this fall. The offense could be potent behind three-year starting quarterback Gavin Kiser, also one of the top baseball players in Kansas. He has a big and experienced offensive line to work behind headlined by second team All-AVCTL IV selection Cooper Jay. Speedy and explosive wide receiver Isaiah Blackwell is back for his senior season after earning honorable mention all-league recognition last fall and finishing runner-up in the 4A high jump at state track this spring. The defense will be in search of a few new faces, but linebacker Logan Pfeifer and safety Caleb Martin do return.

2022 Record: 7-4 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. II

Head Coach: Derek Tuttle (4th, 36-10) Assistants: Ernie Hager, Dean Taylor, Jared McDaniel, Nate Alvarez, Aren Coppoc, Fred Sims, Levi Wyrick

Offense: Power Spread Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Landon Kitterman, WR/DB, Sr.; Kyle Newsom, TE/DE, Sr.; Colin Sheeran, RB/DB, Sr.; Jayden Joy, DL, Sr.; Jace Adler, DB/WR, Jr.; Andrew Bolan, OL/DL, Jr.; Grant Fuksa, OL, Jr.; Gaige Hurley, DL, Jr.; Dawson Rodd, DL/OL, Jr.; Landon Preston, DB/FB, Jr.; Brandt Stupka, WR/DB, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Maddox Archibald, 18 car., 20 yds. Passing: Jace Jefferson, 10-19, 57 yds. Receiving: Brandt Stupka, 6 rec., 68 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Jace Adler, 80 tkls. Sacks: Jayden Joy, Kyle Newsom, 3 ea. Ints.: Jace Adler, Landon Kitterman, 3 INTs ea.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We are excited about these young men in our program. Several returning players developed well last fall in our JV and freshmen programs and/or on Friday nights, and we are looking forward to their improvement this season.”

Notes: Graduation hits the offensive skill positions hard, but an experienced, yet still relatively young group of offensive linemen return to protect the new playmakers, with Jace Jefferson the leading contender to replace Braden Barscewski at quarterback. The defense will likely carry the team early as several experienced players return at all three levels. Seniors Kyle Newsom (All-AVCTL II) and Jayden Joy, and juniors Dawson Rodd (AllAVCTL II OL/DL) and Gaige Hurley return to bolster the defensive line after combining for 151 tackles a season ago. The secondary should be especially strong thanks to the return of five experienced defensive backs, including junior Jace Adler, who led the Jags with 80 tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception retun for a score.

2022 Record: 6-3 / United Kansas Conference

Head Coach: Rod Stallbaumer (10th year, 68-26; 19th overall, 134-54) Assistants: Brian Lohafer, Ron Barnes, Zach Livingston, Harrison Taylor, Connor Thierolf, Chris Kerschen, Ryan Heffley, Craig Brown, Mark Petersen, Tom Brown, Jeff Bromley

Offense: Spread Option Defense: 3-4

Returning starters: Sam Lough, OL, 6-3, 295, Sr.; Kaleb Scott, DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Brady VanDonge, QB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Mile Hinkle, WR, 6-3, 170, Sr.; Nash McCarty, TE, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Issac Neil, WR, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Trevor Carmitchel, DL, 5-11, 235, Sr.; Brody Torkleson, CB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Caden Swartz, LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Austin Burnett, DB, 6-0, 150, Sr.; Garrett Pierce, LB, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Caden Gedney, DL, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Nate Martin, DB, 5-11, 165, So.; Austin Adair, WR, 6-0, 175, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Brady VanDonge, 45 car., 190 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Brady VanDonge, 114-235, 1,604 yds., 15 TDs Receiving: Mile Hinkle, 26 rec., 295 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Garrett Pierce, 66 tkls. Sacks: Caden Swartz, 1.5 Ints.: Garrett Pierce, 3

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We return most of our skill players and a large group of defensive starters off of last year’s team. Last season’s finish was disappointing after a 6-1 start, but we had a large group of players gain experience and hope that experience can translate to maturity, focus and discipline this season to help us contend in a highly competitive UKC and 4A playoffs.”

Notes: If veteran coach Rod Stallbaumer can rebuild the offensive line the Bobcats should be among 4A’s contenders. Brady VanDonge is one of the state’s top passers, and he welcomes a plethora of receiving targets. An experienced D should be better after allowing at least 26 points in seven games last fall.

2022 Record: 3-7 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. II

Head Coach: Chet Pobolish (1st year) Assts.: Adam Dorsey, Tanner Spencer, Nate Spencer, Matt Kohne, Matt McGrew, Aaron Hollins, Trent Crask

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4

Returning starters: Joe Thompson, OL/DL, 6-1, 265, Sr.; Eli Clark, OL, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Hayden Lucas, TE/OLB, 6-5, 215, Sr.; Jordey Pierce, QB, 6-3, 180, So.; David Metzinger, DL, 6-2, 240, Sr.; Blake Bucher, S, 5-10, 160, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Passing: Jordey Pierce, 101-177 1,163 yds 10

TDs Receiving: Hayden Lucas, 9 rec., 135 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Joe Thompson 43 tkls. Ints.: Hayden Lucas, 1

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “Jon (Wiemers) and I have known each other for 20 years and our approach is very similar. Jon did a good job developing these kids – not just physically, but as football players. It’s a culture-based program and that’s what Jon’s done and what I want to do. Camp was good and we’re ready to get started.”

Notes: A couple seasons removed from a Class 4A state title game appearance, former Ark City HC Jon Wiemers accepted a job offer from 6A Olathe West in March. Chet Pobolish takes over the Bulldog program. He and Wiemers served together on two different college coaching staffs. Pobolish comes to AC from Waleska, Ga., where he was offensive coordinator at Reinhardt University. Ark City graduated a lot of production from last fall including Cadon Clark, Trevor Pierce, and Wyatt Bahm. Last season, then-freshman Jordy Pierce took over the QB spot after a season-ending injury to senior starter Gabe Welch early in the year. Pierce didn’t look like a freshman a couple games later when he helped lead the Bulldogs to a 22-21 comeback win over Eisenhower. The Bulldogs won their opening playoff game at Buhler before falling at McPherson.

Springs

2022 Record: 2-7 / Frontier League

Head Coach: Byron Mays (2nd year, 2-7) Assts.: Cal Harris, Prentice Watson, Kyle Razak, Jacob Markovich, Greg Lee, Deron Dangerfield, Bennett Ratzloff

Offense: Wing T Defense: 5-2

Returning starters: Nate Gandy, OL, Sr.; Kalen Streit, WR, Sr.; Sam Harrigan-Hernandez, OL, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: N/A

Passing: Dainan Whetstone, 4-15, 124 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Kalen Streit, 10 rec., 309 yds., 3 TDs Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “Our biggest goal that we hope to accomplish is to improve our fundamentals, with improving that it will help put us into the right direction.”

Notes: The Braves improved to 2-7 last fall after a 1-8 finish in 2021, with the lone wins against Schlagle and Washington of the Meadowlark Conference. The only Frontier League schools Bonner was competitive against were two-win Ottawa and threewin Paola. In five matchups against the top teams in the league, including two games with Louisburg, the Braves scored more than seven points just once and allowed at least 46 points in each of those five losses. Coach Byron Mays is focused on fundamentals to help get the Braves back on track.

785-263-7777

2022 Record: 4-5 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, DIII

Head Coach: Steve Warner (18th year, 147-48; 36th overall, 268-108) Assistants: Jason Kohls, Garret Hotmar, Kevin Ruda, Robby Gray, Willie Adkins, Mike Zeyen, John Neill, Caleb Brill, Cole Cruz

Offense: I Multiple Set Defense: 4-3

Returning starters: Brodey Redenbaugh, OT/ DT, 6-4, 280, Jr.; Jeffery Neill, QB/P/K, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Blake Hageman, OT, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Keaton Parsons, OG, 5-6, 205, Sr.; Ty Goans, C, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Brendan Scripsick, TE, 6-3, 200, Jr.; Brayden Gentry, FB/LB, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Mitchel McDaniel, TB/ DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Jeremy Gentry, DB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Tavian Gilliam, DB, 6-4, 175, Sr.; Cash Carson, DT, 5-7, 130, Jr.; Chase Gentry, DT, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Will Hanen, LB, 5-11, 175, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Mitchel McDaniel, 192 yds., 1 TD Passing: Jeffery Neill, 97-203, 1,257 yds. 9 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Will Hansen, 103, Brayden Gentry, 87 Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We only had nine seniors last year and were hit with a lot of injuries. We are planning to be successful this year with a lot of returning starters from last year. McPherson is going to be good and that will be a big game for us. Our goal every year is to win a state championship. We have to stay healthy to have a chance to obtain that goal.”

Notes: The Crusaders graduated a load of talent from the 2021 squad and it resulted in the 2022 team suffering their first season below .500 in Steve Warner’s 17 years as BHS head coach, and just his second losing season in the last 31 years as a head coach overall. An experienced squad returns to atone for that sub-par result. The defense will carry the team early thanks to the return of nine starters.

2022 Record: 9-1 / Southeast Kansas League

Head Coach: Clete Frazell (5th year, 29-9) Assts.: Rusty Emling, Kurt Sizemore, Ethin VanAnne, Jaden Costin, Nolan Werner, Dalton Misener

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3

Returning starters: Kaiden Seamster, WR/DB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Augustus Thuston, OT/DT, 6-5, 285, Sr.; Hunter Anderson, OT/DE, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Jase Tarter, CB/WR, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Jordan Duncan, WR/DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Kash Fitzmaurice, LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Peyton Hurst, DT, 6-0, 290, Sr.; Talan Haynes, WR/ DB, 5-11, 182, Sr.; Garrett Love, OL/DL, 6-0, 250, Jr.; Cade Small, DE/RB, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Quentin Harding, RB/LB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Canton Fitzmaurice, DE/OT, 6-0, 215, Jr.; Landen Bilby, RB/LB, 6-0, 185, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Quentin Harding, 35 car., 336 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Kaiden Seamster, 167 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Kaiden Seamster, 42 rec., 715 yds., 8 TDs Tackles: Quentin Harding, 89 tkls. Sacks: Cade Small, Jase Tarter 1 ea. Ints.: Kaiden Seamster, 2

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “(We) need to fill the shoes of some very talented skill players that graduated. There is plenty of potential and it depends how we come together as a team. A new batch of leaders will need to emerge and take charge of this team. This will be a physical team that should be very strong up front on the lines and be in position to be a hard team to beat.”

Notes: A great group of five seniors graduated from a team that lost just three games in the last two seasons and compiled a 29-9 record in Clete Frazell’s first four years at the helm. Plenty of experience returns to continue that success including what should be one of the top O-lines in 4A, and the defensive front won’t be too far behind. Kaiden Seamster is one of 4A’s top all-around athletes.