KANSAS PREGAME CLASS 3A PRESEASON RANKINGS

By Charles Chaney, Butler County Times-Gazette

The nation’s longest active winning streak resides in ANDALE

They’re bound to lose some day but will that day happen this season? Who knows! But what we do know about the Indians is they’ll have to replace a senior class that never lost a game and coach Dylan Schmidt welcomes back likely the least experienced team in his tenure with five seniors returning.

Andale’s offense was prolific, and despite sitting most of their starters in the second half of games, they were still posted one of the best scoring offenses and defenses in the state. The top returner is linebacker Karson Butts, who had 90 tackles last season. Cody Engelbrecht had three interceptions in the defensive secondary. Senior Gage Prosser will run double duty at running back and linebacker after he ran for 692 yards last season. He’ll most likely carry a brunt of the backfield work with Trent Eck. Look for junor Cooper Marx to step into a larger role this season.

CHENEY returns all five linemen and their starting quarterback heading into a new season that should be filled with expectations as a heavy favorite to win the Central Plains League, but Shelby Wehrman’s squad has state championship aspirations on their minds. The Cardinals will return 14 starters including junior QB Josh Burdick after a stellar sophomore season, throwing for 2,226 yards and 23 TDs last season. He’ll have his top target, Jackson Voth (New Mexico St. commit) back after a huge season (83 rec., 1,044 yds., 12 TDs), along with all five starting linemen. Voth was a huge defensive presence as well, leading the Cardinals with 118 tackles. Kason Messenger had three sacks along the defensive front last season to go with his 61 tackles and 10 TFLs. Colter McDaniel returns after intercepting five passes, posting 74 tackles, and adding four pass break-ups and three TFLs last season, too.

TOPEKA HAYDEN has some holes to fill but they return more than enough to make some noise in Class 3A this season. Replacing Joe Otting and Ben Evans will be no easy task but with junior QB Jett Wahlmeier back (84-133, 1381 yds., 16 TDs), the transition may not be nearly as painful. He’ll have senior Finn Dunshee back and he’s bringing his 100 meter state championship with him. The senior ran for 1,150 yards and 12 TDs last season. Jensen Schrickel caught 686 yards on 35 receptions for 10 TDs last season and is another burner who recorded 4.5 second 40 times this summer. Three offensive linemen return this season to soften the departure of Otting to Notre Dame.

Schrickel also had three INTs last year on defense. Linebacker Jude Konrade, a finalist for many 3A defensive player of the year awards, had 80 tackles last season and two sacks, helping Hayden’s defense.

WICHITA COLLEGIATE was supposed to have a QB battle but that isn’t happening as Hesston’s Hudson Ferralez transferred in the offseason. He provides a quality passing threat for Troy Black’s offense that relied heavily on now K-State’s Wesley Fair last fall. This season, it could be the Ferralez show. Last season at Hesston, Ferralez threw for 1,190 yards and 10 TDs. He also ran for another 100 yards.

Pair him with super sophomore Jaden Parker and the Spartans return some firepower. He had 316 yards and 6 TDs in a limited role. Defensively, at 6-foot-3, he’s a monster and had three INTs.

Coach Black says the defense must be able to use their team speed to their advantage. There aren’t going to be many teams out running them. They return Jacob Chappell, their leading tackler from last season, and junior Tristan Sprole, who led the team

“We graduated the best senior class in school history (51-0 in the last four years). We will need several people to step up and fill some roles, especially on the offensive line, most of our defensive unit, and offensive skill positions.”

ANDALE COACH, DYLAN SCHMIDT

with 10 TFLs and was honorable all-state as a sophomore last year.

After surprising some teams in the 3A playoffs last year, CLAY CENTER is back and they bring a lot of experience from a state semifinalist. Carter Long (844 yds., 8 TDs) and Brody Hayes (836 yds., 14 TDs) return in the always tough to defend flexbone offense. The Tigers were one of the most prolific ground games in 3A, averaging 252 yards per game on the ground. They were seventh overall in 3A.

They’ll have a real shot at winning the North Central Kansas League this season as Cole Pladson will most likely step in at QB to replace Mark Hoffman who accounted for over 1,400 yards of total offense. Owen Craig will be used in the flex as well. He had 643 yards and 5 TDs last season.

Defensively, coach Marc Henry has a bunch of starters back, including their top five tacklers. They’ll be led by Hayes (105 tkls.) and Talyn Pfizenmaier (81). Replacing all-state D-lineman Brett Loader will be a task but by committee, but Braylon Berry should lead the way up front for Clay Center. Returning defensive back Jackson Henry had four interceptions and Carter Long had six fumble recoveries, with three forced, as the defense forced 22 turnovers in 12 games last year.

BISHOP WARD returns a handful of starters of a seven-win team from last season. They’ll return their starting quarterback in Aiden Milliren, along with nine seniors that will help the Cyclones continue the progress in the second stint under Greg Duggins.

Milliren returns after throwing for 1,393 yards and 11 TDs last season. He’ll return Dinero Jones (15 rec., 293 yds., 1 TD) at wide out and Jayvion Braden (34 car., 208 yds., 3 TDs) at running back to help.

The climb out of the cellar has been a work in progress as they eclipsed their previous two seasons’ wins in just last season, going 7-3. They’ll have to find a way to replace Brice Johnson, who accounted for almost 40 percent of their offense last season. They do return their top three tacklers from last season, including senior Kam Yarbrough (81 tkls.).

HESSTON will replace their quarterback but they’ll still be dangerous in the CKL. Having Jackson Fry on the wing will help the QB. He caught 453 yards and 5 TDs for the Swathers last season.

Junior Reed Friesen should be the signal caller this season but the real strength for Hesston will be their defense. Replacing Jake Proctor will be tough but in the past, the Swathers have shown to be able to develop weapons.

Defensively, they return two of their top tacklers from last year in Karter Gonzalez (33) and Fry (34). Gonzalez had 4.5 TFLs last season.

PRATT Has Max Younie back at quarterback as the rebuild of the once dominant Greenbacks continues. They won seven games last season and behind Younie, they’ll have an explosive player at their disposal. He accounted for 45 percent of their entire offense last season (888 rushing, 527 passing, 110 receiving) and 24 of their 51 TDs. Not surprisingly, Younie is also the top returning tackler for the Greenbacks. Though, you shouldn’t forget about Brock Bourgeois and Hudson Rector, who both recorded sacks last season.

After a disappointing loss in the playoffs last season, ROCK CREEK is hoping to go a step deeper this season. They won nine games last season that ended in a loss to Andale. They’ll have to replace Dalton Whitworth and Jaydon Winans offensively but they will have Payton McCarn back on defense as he had 95 tackles and three sacks last season. The Mustangs will turn to Mack Lee at QB. They’re excited to see the junior in their spread offense this season.

SCOTT CITY returns eight starters off an eight-win team last that only lost one game in the state of Kansas, a tough playoff loss to Cheney. WELLSVILLE returns Willie Dorsey, a QB who threw for over 1,800 yards and 25 TDs last season. Their lone loss came in the playoffs in a three-point loss to Hayden. Dezmond Winton returns after catching Dorsey passes totalling 680 yards and eight TDs. HUGOTON will see Sebastien Gonzalez command a defense who only allowed 14.3 points per game last season. Isaac Martin accounted for almost 1,500 yards of offense and is one of the top quarterbacks in the state. HOLCOMB will welcome back speedster Damon Mesa, the 1,000-yard back for head coach Trey Teeter’s first season. They have 11 returning starters from last year’s seven-win season.

Andale Baldwin Baxter Springs Burlington

2022 Record: 13-0 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. IV

Head Coach: Dylan Schmidt (7th year, 74-2; 8th overall, 77-8) Assistants: Tim Fairchild, Derek Deegan, Mike Blasi, Tyler Ryan, Chris Joly, Jordan Ungles, Andrew Bergkamp, Tucker O’Hair

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4

Returning starters: Gage Prosser, RB/LB, 185, Sr.; Henry Eck, OL/DL, 220, Sr.; Cody Engelbrecht, OL/ DL, 200, Sr.; Ian Aouad, OL/DL, 195, Sr.; Karson Butts, TE/LB, 220, Sr.; Landon Harp, RB/DB, 195, Jr.; Marlo Sullivan, K, 160, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Gage Prosser, 95 car., 692 yds. Passing: N/A Receiving: Gage Prosser, 3 catch., 23 yds. Tackles: Karson Butts, 90 tkls. Sacks: Cody Engelbrecht, 3 Ints.: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We graduated the best senior class in school history (51-0 in the last four years). We will need several people to step up and fill some roles, especially on the offensive line, most of our defensive unit, and offensive skill positions.”

Notes: The Indians enter the season with perhaps the most question marks in the incredibly successful seven-year tenure of coach Dylan Schmidt. Andale has lost just TWO games in Schmidt’s first six seasons and enter 2023 on a 51-game win streak that includes the last four 3A titles. But with just six players returning with starting experience could this be the year the streak comes to an end? Don’t count on it! AHS consistenly gets tons of players out for football and new faces are sure to emerge and continue the tradition of Andale football. Schmidt will count on the leadership of five experienced seniors to guide the new varsity recruits, none more important than linebackers Karson Butts and Gage Prosser, the top returners from a D that pitched seven shutouts and allowed just 5.2 points per game in 2022.

2022 Record: 3-6 / Frontier League

Head Coach: Bob Lisher (3rd year, 4-13; 28th overall, 166-112) Assistants: Spencer Bonner, Chad Berger, Grant BaChura, Chase Houk, Gage Foster

Offense: Spread Defense: N/A

Returning starters: Jack Harvey, QB/S, 6-1, 190, Sr..; Jake Van Horn, OT/DL, 6-4, 235, Jr.; Brett Davidson, OT/DL, 6-3, 225, Jr.; Cody Buck, RB, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders

Rushing: Jack Harvey, 75 car., 800 yds., 12 TDs

Passing: Jack Harvey, 66-120, 851 yds., 11 TDs

Receiving: N/A Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Ints.: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We need to stay healthy and develop depth quickly in order to improve on last year.”

Notes: Coach Bob Lisher made great strides in his second year on the job last fall, improving from one win to three for a team that ended 2021 with just 20 athletes out for football. The Bulldogs took their lumps early, allowing at least 41 points in each game of a three-game losing streak to start the season, but an offensive eruption helped BHS to a three-game midseason win streak that saw Lisher’s squad put up at least 41 points in each of the three wins. The Bulldogs carry significant momentum into this fall thanks to the return of a number of talented players and in spite of closing 2022 on a three-game losing streak. Dual-threat QB Jack Harvey returns after compiling a combined 1,651 rush/pass yards and 23 TDs. The state wrestling champion is also a leader on defense where he earned All-Frontier League honors for his play at safety. A pair of big juniors will anchor the offensive and defensive fronts. Jake Van Horn and Brett Davidson both earned all-league in 2022. Top receiver Sam Darnell graduated, and the Bulldogs lost honorable mention all-league receiver Ryker Grossner to Salina Central, but all-league honorable mention RB Cody Buck does return.

2022 Record: 3-6 / Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee

Head Coach: Jeff McCoy (1st year) Assts.: Tim Parrish, Kyler Cook, Austin Williams

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3-5

Returning starters: Javen Alexander, RB/LB, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Payton Gaines, QB/DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Gage Maggard, OL/LB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Carson Mazzocco, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Caleb Pujols, OL/NG, 6-1, 245, Jr.; Jacob Grant, WR, 6-4, 175, Jr.; Sam Weaver, RB/ LB, 5-8, 190, So.; Nolan Duncan, RB/DE, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Javen Alexander, 53 car., 258 yds., 7 TDs; Sam Weaver, 61 car., 209 yds., 5 TDs Passing: Payton Gaines, 83-181, 1,447 yds., 12 TDs

Receiving: Jacob Grant, 36 rec., 956 yds., 9 TDs

Tackles: Gage Maggard Sacks: Javen Alexander

Ints.: Jacob Grant

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: N/A

Notes: Baxter Springs erased the memory of a 25-game losing streak by opening last season on a three-game win streak. The Lions blanked CherokeeSoutheast 42-0 in the opener and followed up with a 51-27 win over Uniontown. The Lions then survived Afton (Okla.) 12-6 in overtime before losing the final six games of the season. New coach Jeff McCoy, an assistant last year, inherits a team with some momentum in spite of the losing streak. Last year’s Lions were incredibly competitive in the final three weeks of the season dropping ultra-close contests to Columbus (33-26) and Wichita Trinity (41-36) before closing the season with a 35-21 loss to Prairie View. The Lions were effective on offense last season, scoring at least 21 points in five games, and at least 36 points in three of those contests. Quarterback Payton Gaines, top receiver Jacob Grant, and versatile weapon Javen Alexander are all back to help the offense continue to click this fall. Linebacker Gage Maggard returns to lead the defense.

2022 Record: 5-4 / Pioneer League

Head Coach: Cody Carlson (1st) Assistants: Cole Swanick, Justin Logan

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4

Returning starters: Cam Stadel, RB/LB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Hunter Reiling, QB/OLB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Karson Bangs, LB/FB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Brody Anderson, WR/S, 5-9, 145, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Cam Stadel, 118 car., 666 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Hunter Reiling, 60-92, 854 yds., 11 TDs Receiving: Brody Anderson, 21 rec., 270 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Karson Bangs, 82 tkls. Sacks: N/A Ints.: Karson Bangs, 1

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We have a large group of seniors that have done a great job leading so far this summer. Our level of success this year will depend on how we play up front on both sides of the ball. Our main focus is to come ready to work and get better each and every day so we can play our best football at the end of the year. Depth is one of our biggest strengths at the moment, as we have competition at multiple spots on both lines. A good problem to have right now is trying to find a way to spread the ball around to the plethora of skill players on offense. If we can stay healthy and come together as a team, I’m excited to see what we can accomplish.”

Notes: Cody Carlson takes over for John Petrie who compiled a 39-27 mark in seven seasons leading the Wildcats. Carlson will have a bit of a building project on his hands with just four experienced starters returning. He does welcome back some production thought after Cam Stadel rushed for nearly 700 yards and four scores a season ago and Hunter Reiling passed for nearly 900 yards with 11 touchdowns. The biggest project will be the development of new faces up front, where no starters return on offense or D.

Chapman Cheney Clay Center Community Clearwater

2022 Record: 3-6 / North Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Kurt Webster (7th year, 24-30) Assts.: Brian Sweet, Wade Chamberlin, Tim Coles, Sawyer Havenstein, Nick Woobury

Offense: Option Run Defense: 4-3 Multiple

Returning starters: Weston Langvardt, OL/DL, 6-4, 280, Sr.; DJ Messerly, OL/DL, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Ian Suther, WR/DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Michael Shipman, DL, 5-6, 200, Sr.; Ben Griffis, LB/DL, 6-4, 200, Sr.; Ondres Miles, DB, 5-10, 140, Sr.; Ryan Clark, LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Kendan Blacketer, LB/DL, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Cade Hanney, LB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Cooper Lewis, WR/DB, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Aiden Whitley, RB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Dakota Curtis, WR, 5-8, 150, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Aiden Whitley, 249 car., 1,487 yds., 15

TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Ian Suther, 7 rec., 321 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Cade Hanney, 60 tkls. Sacks: Weston Langvardt, DJ Messerly, 1 ea. Ints.: Ondres Miles, 3

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We will look to return to form in 2023, welcoming back most of our skill players on both sides of the ball. We will have to replace our quarterback and the interior of our lines, but should be very competitive in the NCKL. We return our top three rushers and our top receiver and two all-league defensive players.”

Notes: The Irish had to replace their top three rushers ahead of last season and in spite of a mostly intact offensive front Kurt Webster’s squad struggled to score points to start the season. When the offense picked up in the final four weeks of 2022 the defense didn’t hold up. Now Webster welcomes back the majority of his skills with a nice mix of returning big men. Seniors Weston Langvardt and DJ Messerly will clear the way for 1,500-yard rusher Aiden Whitely while Langvardt and Messerly will anchor the D-line with llinebacker Cade Hanney to back them up.

2022 Record: 8-3 / Central Plains League

Head Coach: Shelby Wehrman (7th, 47-18) Assts.: Bill Block, Kevin Schultz, Dustin Hague, Richard Oliver

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3

Returning starters: Jackson Voth, WR/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Kason Messenger, TE/DE, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Taj Thomas, OL/DL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Tre Black, WR/DB, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Josh Burdick, QB/LB, 6-0, 176, Jr.; Garren

Campbell, OL/DL, 6-3, 274, Jr.; Jack Gregory, OL/ DL, 5-10, 230, Jr.; Ethan Hall, OL/DL, 5-10, 230, Jr.; Weston Hill, DB/WR, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Grady Kuehn, K, 5-8, 180, Jr.; Colter McDaniel, WR/DB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; AJ Quick, OL/DL, 5-10, 230, Jr.; Kolton Rohloff, OL/ DL, 5-10, 236, Jr.; Drew Tolar, WR/DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Brayden Dibble, 80 car., 369 yds., 3 TDs

Passing: Josh Burdick, 188-296, 2,226 yds., 23 TDs Receiving: Jackson Voth, 83 rec., 1,044 yds., 12 TDs Tackles: Jackson Voth, 118 tkls. Sacks: Kason Messenger, 3 Ints.: Colter McDaniel, 5

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We return 27 lettermen, including 14 of them as returning starters. This group is very talented and has a lot of depth at skill positions, with their hard work ethic it should carry them deep into the postseason.”

Notes: Cheney returned just three experienced seniors in 2022, but the Cardinals continued the trend of success under Shelby Wehrman, going 8-3 with a 3A quarterfinal berth. Heading into 2023 the Cardinals will field one of the most experienced and talented teams in 3A and will try to increase the streak of seasons with at least eight wins to five straight. QB Josh Burdick will throw to Jack Voth early and often and he’ll have an experienced O-line to work behind. Voth also returns to lead the D from one LB spot while Kason Messenger will harass opposing QBs from the D-Line and Colter McDaniel will blanket opposing receivers in the secondary.

2022 Record: 8-4 / North Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Marc Henry (4th, 16-14) Assts.: JD Lane, Ben Last, Dalton Haist, Patrick Hayes, David Roberts

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3

Returning starters: Brody Hayes, RB/DB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Jackson Henry, WR/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Owen Craig, RB/DB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Talyn Pfizenmaier, RB/ DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Weston Hammond, TE/LB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Carter Long, RB/LB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Colton Spellman, OL/DL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Braylon Berry, OL/ LB, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Tucker Jackson, OL/LB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Paxton Ryals, OL/DL, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Cole Pladson, QB/LB, 5-10, 185, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Carter Long, 163 car., 844 yds., 8 TDs; Brody Hayes, 104 car., 836 yds., 14 TDs Passing: Jackson Henry, 3-8, 48 yds. Receiving: Jackson Henry, 26 rec., 423 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Brody Hayes, 105 tkls. Sacks: Braylon Berry, 3 Ints.: Jackson Henry, 4

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “(Our goals are to) build on the great season we had last year, compete for a chance to win the NCKL, and make a run in the postseason.”

Notes: After consecutive 4-5 marks and a Week 1 dismantling at the hands of Wamego the Tigers didn’t look like a 3A contender to start 2022. Blowout wins over Chapman, Abilene, Hiawatha, and Concordia sandwiched around a close loss to SE of Saline opened eyes, but a Week 7 loss to Rock Creek left those outside the Tiger locker room with doubts. The loss proved to be a turning point for Marc Henry’s squad as they ripped off four straight wins and earned a berth in the 3A semis, trouncing Wichita Collegiate and Cheney in playoff victories the two weeks prior. But CC won’t sneak up on anyone this season. The return of 11 players with starting experience has expectations the highest in years.

2022 Record: 3-6 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. IV

Head Coach: Justin Burke (1st year) Assts.: Tyler Hampton, Chuck Schrader, Jim Frickey, Jake Bjostad, Jeff Cornwell, Kylan Ward

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Stack

Returning starters: Brayden Bergkamp, WR/DB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Weston Burford, RB/LB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Rocky Hennes, OL/DL, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Aiden Snell, OL/LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Bryson Snell, RB/LB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Aaron Schroeder, QB/DB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Beau Roubideaux, QB/DB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Cooper Williams, WR/DB, 6-3, 180, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Aiden Snell, 94 car., 356 yds., 2 TDs Passing: Brayden Bergkamp, 1-1, 38 yds. Receiving: Cooper Williams, 46 rec., 820 yds., 7 TDs Tackles: Aiden Snell, 56 tkls. Sacks: Bryson Snell, 2 Ints.: Beau Roubideaux, 2

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “There is some optimism in Clearwater with just over 60 Indians showing up for summer workouts. Look for Beau Roubideaux to win the QB spot and should have some weapons to throw to in Cooper Williams and Brayden Bergkamp, with tough runners returning to the backfield in Weston Burford and Bryson Snell. The question still lingers who will join Rocky Hennes and Aiden Snell up front. Clearwater brings back some key pieces to the 3-3 Stack defense led by DC Tyler Hampton. There is optimism that this defense could become pretty stout. Kale Edwards returns for kicking duties. Look for several new names to emerge as there are 40 juniors and sophomores on this year’s Indian squad. Many of these guys will earn their first opportunity to shine on Friday nights.”

Notes: Veteran coach Justin Burke, with head coaching stints at Lincoln, Quivira Heights, Dodge City, and Chaparral, and most recently as OC at Maize South, takes over a team coming off back-to-back 3-6 finishes.

Colby Columbus Concordia Frontenac

2022 Record: 3-6 / Great West Activities Conference

Head Coach: Ryan Mosier (1st) Assistants: Tommy Cline, Tucker Branum, Derick Bacon, Paul Shrick

Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple

Returning starters: Zane Betz, RB/LB, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Tucker Wark, RB/LB, 5-7, 145, Sr.; Taden Fiken, K, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Kasey Giesenhagen, WR/DB, 6-3, 190, Jr.; Cai Lanning, OL/DL, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Guy Tubbs, TE/LB, 6-3, 205, Jr.; Brayden Foss, WR/DB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Cameron Lilly, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Casen Caroll, QB/DB, 6-1, 165, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Zane Betz, 750 yds. Passing: N/A

Receiving: Kasey Giesenhagen Tackles: Guy Tubbs, 45 tkls.; Brayden Foss, 35 tkls. Ints.: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We want to be known for how physical we play, grow skills and our culture weekly. We also look to be competitive past Week 9. (Our keys include) winning the turnover battle, winning field position, limiting missed tackles, belief that big things can happen here, and complete buy-in from school, players, and community.”

Notes: After 4-5 and 3-6 finishes the last two years Ryan Mosier takes over for six-year head coach Rees McKinney. In the first four seasons under McKinney the Eagles went 6-3, 9-1, 8-2, and 6-4 for one of the most successful four-year stretches in Colby football history. Mosier is a native of Sargent, Neb., and his wife coaches volleyball at Colby. He welcomes back some athletic pieces to build around starting with senior running back/linebacker Zane Betz, an all-league selection a season. A strong junior class features height and talent in the form of Kasey Giesenhagen and Guy Tubbs. The duo provides pass catching ability and playmaking ability on defense. Junior Cameron Lilly gives Mosier some size to work with on the front lines.

2022 Record: 5-6 / Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee

Head Coach: Blake Burns (5th year, 25-14) Assts.: Matt Crain, Taylor Spear, Heath Perry, Caleb Linn, Kale Smith Offense: Spread Defense: Odd Front Returning starters: Luke Gray, WR/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Carter Henry, OL/DL, 6-0, 250, Jr.; Syler Schuberger, RB/LB, 5-8, 165, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Syler Schuberger, 14 car., 21 yds. Passing: Jack Vilela 2-4, 28 yds. Receiving: Luke Gray, 10 rec., 126 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Carter Henry, 38 tkls. Sacks: Syler Schuberger, 1 Ints.: Syler Schuberger, 1 Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “(Our goals are) to compete and improve each day and be playing our best football at the end of the season. We will go as our offensive and defensive lines go. If we can control the line of scrimmage that will give us a great opportunity to succeed.”

Notes: The Titans entered 2022 with high expectations thanks to the return of a loaded and highly experienced senior class, but after piling up five losses in the first six games coach Blake Burns’ squad appeared to be on the verge of a disappointing season. That’s when the Titans turned things around. A close win over Baxter Springs in Week 7 gave the Titans some momentum and led to dominant wins over Parsons and Burlington in Weeks 8 and 9. Then Columbus completed the turnaround with an upset of a seven-win Galena team, 21-14, avenging a Week 2 36-22 loss to the Bulldogs. A 10-win Hayden team was too much for the Titans in the 3A quarterfinals, but the late season win streak helped CHS end the year on a high note. Now Burns enters 2023 with loads of question marks and only three players returning with starting experience, including just one senior. Burns and the Titans will try to answer those questions in a Week 1 game at Girard, a 10-win team a year ago that also was hit hard by graduation.

2022 Record: 2-7 / North Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Jordan Echer (5th year, 20-19; 8th overall, 28-40) Assistants: Brad Wildeman, Trey Kuhlman, Thane Wildeman, Dan Hyman, Kyler Haskett

Offense: Wing-T/Gun T Defense: 4-4

Returning starters: Keegun Beims, G/DE, 6-2, 290, Sr.; Jace Tholstrup, T/DT, 6-2, 260, Sr.; Kyle McFadden, C/DT, 5-10, 255, Jr.; Dustin Sterrett, RB/ DB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Payton Breese, WR/DB, 6-1, 160, Sr.; Braeden Primeaux, QB/LB, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Dane Cleveland, TE/LB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Caleb Hanson, FB/DE, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Tracer Murdock, T/DE, 6-2, 225, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Rushing: Braeden Primeaux, 84 car., 307 yds., 6 TDs

Passing: Braeden Primeaux, 56-108, 774 yds., 3 TDs

Receiving: Payton Breese, 23 rec., 252 yds. Tackles: Dane Cleveland, 57 tkls. Sacks: Caleb Hanson, 4.5

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “In 2023 we will look to rebound from a down year where we finished 2-7. There will be an opportunity for many new faces to see the field as we gain several new players to our roster, and replace multiple starters on both sides of the ball.”

Notes: The Panthers slipped to 2-7 last fall after an 8-3 finish in 2021. Coach Jordan Echer enters his fifth season leading Concordia with designs on getting back above .500 and he welcomes back nine players with starting experience to help make that happen. Four returning starters are back along the O-line to block for senior QB Braeden Primeaux, who welcomes back senior receiver Payton Breese and junior tight end Dane Cleveland as top targets. Cleveland will lead the way on D from his linebacker spot and D-end Caleb Hanson will terrorize opposing QBs after tallying four-and-a-half sacks last fall. Echer also expects contributions up front from sophomore Lane Hansen and junior JJ Riley.

2022 Record: 6-4 / Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee

Head Coach: Mark Smith (12th year, 85-36)

Assistants: John Palumbo, Bill Sullivan, Brady Hill, Jesse Wall, Garrett Wilson

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-3

Returning starters: Kal Terlip, QB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Trey Cramer, WR/CB, 5-11, 155, Sr.; Alonzo Burke, OT, 6-3, 200, Jr.; Jacob Holt, OG/NG, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Aidan Hill, C, 5-9, 210, Sr.; Jack Capehart, OG, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Tyler Antle, P/OL, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Jayden Houghton, DE, 6-4, 200, Jr.; Peyton McDonald, LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Dalton Bollinger, LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Gavyn Witthuhn, SS, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Korbin Niegsch, WS, 6-1, 190, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Gavyn Witthuhn, 9 car., 86 yds. Passing: Kal Terlip, 1,223 yds., 13 TDs Receiving: Trey Cramer, 15 rec., 185 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Korbin Niegsch, 71 tkls. Sacks: Jayden Houghton, 4 Ints.: Wyatt Frazier, Korbin Niegsch, 2

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We bring back a lot of returning players in 2023. We were very inexperienced and young last year. We faced a lot of challenges and adversity last season, but we continued to improve and get better. We must be prepared and play fast and confident. We must develop and find our team identity this season, and play disciplined football and to our strengths.”

Notes: The 2021 3A state runner-up, Frontenac suffered big losses to graduation but still posted six wins last fall with two other losses by a combined three points. The Raiders had no answer for Girard, however, dropping a regular season contest to the Trojans and a playoff matchup by a combined 71-0. With 12 experienced starters back for 2023 the Raiders will expect to finish the season deep in the playoffs. Coach Mark Smith does need to find a replacment for Pitt. State signee Mario Menghini.

GALENA GARNETT-ANDERSON CO. GIRARD GOODLAND

2022 Record: 7-3 / Cherokee-Neosho-Crawford

Head Coach: Jacoby Martin (1st year) Assistants:

JC Dawes, Zach Shockey, Cory Perry, Randy Brooks, Josh Geisel

Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-4

Returning starters: Zane Turner, QB, Sr.; KC Hopkins, 5-11, 177, G/DT, Sr.; Devan Heady, C/MLB, 5-11, 220, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Rushing: Zane Turner, 168 car., 1,063 yds., 17

TDs Passing: Zane Turner, 42-88, 512 yds., 4

TDs Receiving: Hayden Qualls, 2 rec., 22 yds., 1

TD Tackles: Devan Heady, 47 tkls. Sacks: Devan Heady, 2 Ints.: Jack Perry, 2

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We want to play together, and to play physically! We also need to get better each week and take it one game at a time.”

Notes: After 17 seasons and 127 wins – an average of nearly eight wins a season – coach Beau Sarwinski opted to step away from his role as the head coach of the Bulldogs and assistant Jacoby Martin was promoted to the top spot. Martin will have a virtually clean slate to work with as only three fulltime starters return to help continue the tradition of winning Bulldog football. Fortunately, those three are seniors, and perhaps even better, the trio serves a variety of roles. Dual-threat QB Zane Turner is back under center after rushing for over 1,000 yards and passing for over 500 with 21 combined touchdowns. Also back is the quarterback of the defense, middle linebacker Devan Heady. One of the top returning tacklers in each of the last two seasons, and a three-year starter, Heady will surely be counted on for leadership. Finally, interior lineman KC Hopkins provides an experienced anchor up front. Fortunately for Galena, CNC rivals Girard and Columbus also took significant graduation losses.

2022 Record: 3-6 / Pioneer League

Head Coach: Luke Catloth (3rd year, 5-13)

Assistants: Matt Stevenson, AC Russell, Steven Lamer, Ross Nolan

Offense: N/A

Defense: N/A

Returning starters: Noah Wheeler, OL/DL, Sr.; Trey Clark, RB/LB, Sr.; AJ Schaffer, DB, Sr.; Porter Foltz, OL/LB, Sr.; Preston Kueser, QB, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: N/A

Notes: Anderson County made a one win improvement from 2-7 in 2021 to 3-6 last fall. Gone from that team are graduated All-Pioneer League selections Dallas Kueser at wide receiver, Garrison Martin at punter, and Payton Markham along the offensive line. Non-senior All-Pioneer League selections a year ago were Noah Wheeler along the defensive line and Porter Foltz at linebacker. Current senior Preston Kueser was one of the Bulldogs top offensive weapons a season ago and is also an all-league baseball player. Kueser scored multiple touchdowns rushing and passing a season ago, including multiple touchdown runs of more than 50 yards. Anderson County has found it difficult to finish above .500 over the years. The last time the Bulldogs won more than four games in a season was 2015 when they finished 5-5. ACHS also went 5-5 in 2011.

2022 Record: 10-1 / Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee

Head Coach: Neal Philpot (7th year, 37-23) Assts.: Jeremiah Hudson, Jacob Towery, Justin Zornes, Evan Troike, Nate Woodz

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-3

Returning starters: Caleb Combs, LG, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Drake Kotzman, DL, 6-6, 340, Sr., Sr.; Anthony Pike, LB, Sr.; Scott Moore, TE/LB, 6-5, 235, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Anthony Pike Sacks: N/A Ints.: N/A

Notes: The Trojans went 10-1 for the second straight season and now face life after graduating 10 players that earned some level of All-CNC recognition including first team QB Luke Niggeman, unanimous first team running back Alex Coester, first team O-lineman Justin Ferguson, unanimous first team D-lineman Adam Shireman and first team kicker Garrett Humble along with second team O-linemen Ryan Jarboe and Arrick Williams, and second team D-lineman Juan Pizaaro. Versatile offensive weapon Ethan Davidson (HM All-CNC) and D-lineman Cordell Searan (HM All-CNC) also graduated. While the holes left in the offensive skill positions are significant, the Trojans do welcome back some size and experience up front, including unanimous first team All-CNC O-lineman Caleb Combs and first team All-CNC D-lineman Dreak Kotzman. All-CNC linebacker Anthony Pike will be key on D as well.

2022 Record: 2-7 / Great West Activities Conference

Head Coach: Jordan Moshier (3rd year, 4-14; 4th overall, 10-25) Assistants: Eric Conner, James Goode, Mike Nachtigall, Marty Lehman

Offense: Single Wing Defense: 3-4

Returning starters: Manny Gonzalez, RB/S, 5-8, 160, Sr.; L.J. Purvis, WR/OLB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Rhett Ihrig, OL/DE, 6-4, 215, Jr.; Linkon Cure, TE, 6-6, 210, Jr.; Blair Linin, OL, 6-5, 190, Jr.; German Herrera, DT, 5-10, 225, Jr.; Anthony Rubial, CB, 5-7, 130, Jr.; Luke Thomas, OL, 6-1, 155, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Manny Gonzalez, 70 car., 230 yds., 1 TD Passing: N/A Receiving: Manny Gonzalez, 9 rec., 99 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Manny Gonzalez, 25 tkls. Sacks: N/A Ints.: Linkon Cure, Anthony Rubial, 1 ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We are excited for this upcoming season, as we have multiple two and three-year starters returning, our weight room numbers have also improved significantly over the past two years. It will be tough for us to replace our five seniors that started on both sides of the ball.”

Notes: Year three of the Jordan Moshier tenure begins after back-to-back 2-7 finishes, but significant excitement surrounds the program entering the season thanks to the return of eight players with starting experience. Versatile athlete Manny Gonzalez is one of two returning senior starters. He rushed for 230 yards and one score a season ago, caught nine passes for 99 yards and another score, and tallied 25 tackles, three-and-a-half tackles for loss, and six pass breakups in his role as a safety. The Cowboys will field one of the tallest teams in the GWAC with three returning starters standing at least 6-4, including junior tight end Linkon Cure, who is a top college prospect with multiple P5 offers this summer including K-State, Iowa State and Missouri.

Hesston Hiawatha Holcomb Holton

2022 Record: 6-4 / Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Tyson Bauerle (7th year, 35-24; 9th overall, 45-33) Assistants: Dough Broadfoot, Phil Unruh, Chris Koehn, Dylan Warden, Taylor Hageman

Offense: Gun T RPO Defense: Even Front

Returning starters: Aedan O’Halloran, G/DT, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Josh Koehn, C, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Ethan Coutre, G, 6-1, 210, So.; Beau Warden, TE/DE/P, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Karter Gonzalez, FB/LB, 5-10, 205, Jr.; Jackson Fry, WR/DT, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Owen Pankoke, T/DE, 6-1, 202, Jr.; Peter Machado, G/DT, 6-0, 215, Jr.; Eli Miller, G, 6-0, 188, Sr.; Asher Deutschendorf, FB/ LB, 5-11, 195, Jr.; Blake Hansen, WR, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Reed Friesen, WR/DB, 6-5, 185, Jr.; Jackson Gish, DE, 6-1, 178, Jr.; Conner Graber, LB, 6-4, 180, Jr.; Jacob Burkholder, DB, 5-10, 155, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Karter Gonzalez, 75 car., 391 yds., 6 TDs

Passing: Reed Friesen, 2-3, 11 yds. Receiving: Jackson Fry, 28 rec., 453 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Jackson Fry, 37 tkls. Sacks: Beau Warden, 2 Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We return key players while a large junior class steps into larger roles on varsity. We return six starters on offense and five starters on defense but will also return a large number of players that earned letters in role positions last season.”

Notes: The Swather offense may have taken a hit this offseason when veteran starting QB Hudson Ferralez transferred to Wichita Collegiate for his senior season, but junior QB Reed Friesen gets an experienced offensive line to work behind and proven weapons Karter Gonzalez and Jackson Fry to distribute the ball to for a scheme coach Tyson Bauerle anticipates being much more balanced. Fry and Gonzalez are also the top two returning tacklers for a defense that returns five starters including senior defensive end Beau Warden who tallied two sacks and five-and-a-half tackles for loss last fall.

2022 Record: 2-7 / Big 7 League

Head Coach: Michael Downard (5th year, 10-26)

Assistants: Frank Newell, Dalton Witt, Nick Haedt

Offense: Pistol Defense: 3-4

Returning starters: Tyler Willich, DB/QB/RB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Kaden Morten, WR/DB, 6-4, 175, Jr.; Bradyn Newell, WR/DB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Connor Kettler, WR/ DB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Josh Monaghan, LB/RB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Beckett Potter, OL/DL, 6-4, 285, Sr.; Mavrik Shaffer, OL/DL, 5-11, 285, Sr.; Jose Valencia, RG/ DL, 6-2, 280, Jr.; Kameron Winder, TE, 6-1, 250, Jr.; Lane Kessler, OL/DL, 6-3, 245, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Rushing: Josh Monaghan, 66 car., 230 yds. Passing: Tyler Willich, 10-15, 77 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Connor Kettler, 7 rec., 103 yds. Tackles: Josh Monaghan, 31 tkls. Sacks: N/A Ints.: Bradyn Newell, 3

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We return eight starters with 17 total lettermen. Losing Brandt Barnhill, Ashton Rockey, and Josh Smith to graduation will hurt, those guys had a lot of stats on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Keys to our success this year will be up front. With four returning lineman we should be physical and control the line of scrimmage, if we can do that we should have some success. We will have good experience returning at pretty much all positions.”

Notes: The Redhawks were 1-8, 3-6, and 4-5 in Michael Downard’s first three seasons at the helm and entered last season expecting to continue that upward trend thanks to the return of nine starters. The season started as planned with wins over Royal Valley and Jeff West, but a Week 3 49-7 loss to Holton was the first of seven straight, including just one that was closer than 30 points. For 2023 Downard welcomes back eight experienced starters including a large junior class. If those younger players can grow up quickly the Redhawks should help Downard get the rebuild back on track.

2022 Record: 7-2 / Great West Activities Conference

Head Coach: Trey Teeter (1st year) Assistants: Kent Teeter, Jerry Johnson, Andrew Homer, Scott Tucker

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5

Returning starters: Damon Mesa, QB/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Manuel Reyes, RB/LB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Dom Orosco, WR/DB, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Braydon Bastin, WR/ DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Kooper Tichenor, OL/DL, 6-2, 285, Sr.; JP Lares, OL, 5-11, 250, Sr.; Drayton Knoll, OL/ DL, 6-4, 290, Jr.; Ahmed Corral, OL, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Ethan Kennis, WR, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Keegan Johnson, QB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Korbin Johnson, LB, 5-10, 175, So.; Greg Martinez, DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Damon Mesa, 114 car., 1,017 yds., 13

TDs Passing: Keegan Johnson, 30-57, 378 yds., 3 TDs; Damon Mesa, 25-52, 343 yds., 7 TDs

Receiving: Manuel Reyes, 6 rec., 142 yds., 2 TDs; Ethan Kennis, 6 rec., 86 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Korbin Johnson, 56 tkls. Sacks: Manuel Reyes, 2 Ints.: Damon Mesa, 2

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We have a number of returning players on both sides of the ball, but we did lose a great group of seniors.”

Notes: After eight years as the top dog at Holcomb, and 23 years as a head coach overall, along with several more seasons as an assistant, Kent Teeter goes back to that role and paves the way for his son, Trey, to take on his first head coaching job at the school he quarterbacked to a 3A championship in 2015. The younger Teeter inherits an experienced group with 11 returning starters including nine seniors. Senior Damon Mesa is one of the most explosive players in the GWAC and the versatile athlete will be looked to for leadership, while Keegan Johnson will also get reps at QB. Big lineman Kooper Tichenor is back to anchor both interior lines and sophomore linebacker Korbin Johnson returns on D after leading the team in tackles as a freshman.

2022 Record: 11-2 / Big 7 League

Head Coach: Brooks Barta (27th year, 257-59)

Assistants: Assistants: Joe Purcell, Alex Bartel, Brian Meerpohl, Matt Hundley, Beau Gadwood

Offense: Wishbone Defense: Odd Front

Returning starters: Trevor Barnett, OL/LB, 5-10, 260, Sr.; Jackson Bear, TE/DL, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Eli Hallauer, QB/DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Rylan Amon, OL/LB, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Dalton Roush, OL/DL, 5-10, 255, Sr.; Abbott Hundley, TE/OL/LB, 6-0, 220, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Rushing: Kyler Jackson, 18 car., 78 yds., 1 TD Passing: N/A Receiving: Jackson Bear, 4 rec., 66 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Dalton Roush, 65 tkls. Sacks: Dalton Roush, 3 Ints.: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “(We) return a lot of experience on the offensive and defensive fronts, however, there is almost zero experience in the offensive and defensive backfields. It may be a struggle to achieve consistency early in the season, but the groups should mesh together well by the end of the season.”

Notes: Brooks Barta used an experienced group of skill position players to lead the Wildcats to their eighth state championship berth in his 26 seasons as head coach. There the Wildcats ran into the Andale buzzsaw and fell 28-0. The only other loss on the season was in Week 1, 35-28, to eventual 2A champion Nemaha Central. Barta’s squad heads into 2023 with no returning backfield production for a team that almost exclusively runs the ball. The good news is he welcomes plenty of offensive line experience to help the new ball carriers find success. All-State defensive lineman Dalton Roush – also the anchor of the offensive line – will lead an experienced defensive front, but similar to the offensive side of the football the Wildcats will have a significant lack of experience in the back half of the defense and could expect growing pains early.

HOYT-ROYAL VALLEY HUGOTON IOLA KC-BISHOP WARD

2022 Record: 2-7 / Big 7 League

Head Coach: David Boucher (3rd year, 3-15)

Assistants: Dawson DeShazo, Cody Wilson, Jarrett Roy, Zack Lux

Offense: Inside-Outside Belly Series Defense: 4-2-5

Returning starters: Jackson King, TE/LB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Mason Ashley, OL/DL, 6-2, 275, Sr.; Cody Wassinger, OL/DE, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Tyson Parks, FB/ LB/PK, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Oscar Ayala, FB/LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Aiden McKinsey, QB/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Eli Torres, OL/DL, 6-4, 300, Sr.; Robert Griffith, OL/DL, 6-0, 260, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jaxson Stevens, 37 car., 194 yds., 3 TDs

Passing: Aiden McKinsey, 36-72, 529 yds., 6 TDs

Receiving: Jaxson Stevens, 3 rec., 35 yds. Tackles: Aiden McKinsey, 53 tkls. Sacks: Paxton Henery, 1 Ints.: Aiden McKinsey, 3

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We have experience in key spots coming back for the 2023 season. The key for this team is to grow through the summer and compete everyday in weights and practice and create a culture that will help us become elite versions of ourselves. We have potential to be better and make our RV community proud. They have made gains with their attitudes and belief in themselves. We are excited as coaches to watch them compete.”

Notes: The Panthers improved from 1-8 to 2-7 in year two under David Boucher but the stats tell us more. In 2021 the Panthers went scoreless five times and scored more than 16 points just once. Last fall RV scored at least 14 points in six games and were shutout just once. The D saw similar improvements reducing their points allowed per game average by almost 10. Eight starters, including seven seniors, return to continue the progress.

2022 Record: 6-3 / Great West Activities Conference

Head Coach: Jay Witt (3rd year, 10-8) Assistants: Jose Licon, Trey O’Neil

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-4

Returning starters: Robert Williams, OL, Sr.; Sebastien Gonazalez, OL/DE, 5-10, 215 Sr.; Josephe Hernandez, OL/DL, 5-8, 215, Jr.; Isaac Martin, QB/LB, 6-3, 205, Sr.; Griffin Heger, RB/FS, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Edel Moreno, WR, Sr.; Dasean Lewis, WR, 5-10, Sr.; Grant Niehues, DE, Jr.; Christian Zizumbo, K, Sr.; Blake Miller, DL/LB, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Isaac Martin, 114 car., 625 yds. Passing: Isaac Martin, 44-84, 826 yds. Receiving: N/A

Tackles: Sebastien Gonzalez, 56 tkls. Sacks: Sebastien Gonzalez, 3 Ints.: Griffin Heger, 4

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “(Our goals include) staying healthy and being successful early to build confidence. We want to continue the culture and build off of the success we had last year.”

Notes: The Eagles put together six wins and were very close to a couple more with one score losses to Scott City (in overtime) and Holcomb. Jay Witt enters his third season leading Hugoton and hopes to build off the momentum off last football season and an Eagle 4A state basketball title in March. His squad graduated some key pieces but an experienced trio of offensive linemen return to block for one of the GWAC’s best quarterbacks in 6-3 senior Isaac Martin. He’ll have powerful running back Griffin Heger to hand the ball to and speedy receiver Dasean Lewis to target through the air. Martin also return to his linebacker spot as a key cog in the Eagle D and Heger and Lewis are back in the secondary. Witt will also have senior kicker Christian Zizumbo back after he converted 33 of 38 PAT kicks and made field goals of 35, 37, and 42.

2022 Record: 2-7 / Pioneer League

Head Coach: David Daugharthy (7th year, 15-37)

Assts.: Doug Kerr, Ben Wiehn, John taylor, Tre Howard, Tristan Carson

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3

Returning starters: Landon Weide, QB, Sr.; Dradyon Reiter, TB/LB, Sr.; Ben Kerr, LB, Sr.; Danny Boeken, OL/DL, Sr.; Kolton Greathouse, OL/DL, Sr.; Korbin Cloud, WR/CB, Sr.; Korbyn Fountain, OL, Sr.; Jaydon Morrsion, OL, Sr.; Grady Doughetry, OL, Jr.; Briggs Michael, LB, Sr.; Cortland Carson, LB, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Draydon Reiter, 49 car., 289 yds., 2 TDs Passing: Landon Weide, 49-88, 596 yds., 8 TDs

Receiving: 11 rec., 179 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Briggs Michael, 49 tkls. Sacks: Kolton Greathouse, 2 Ints.: Korbin Cloud, 2

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We will need to be able to execute more effectively than we have in the past. We have gotten a lot stronger in the weight room recently and we have become more confident. It is time to put it together as a team and send a unified front out every Friday evening and execute. Our goal is to win the Pioneer League, to win our district, and to win a playoff game.”

Notes: It was the second straight 2-7 finish last fall, but seventh-year coach David Daugharthy is optimistic this is the year his Iola squad can turn things around thanks to the return of 11 experienced starters. Landon Weide enters his third season as starter QB for the Mustangs and he’ll look to find more production this fall behind an offensive line that returns all five starters, including first team All-Pioneer League selection Danny Boeken, who also earned second team honors on the D-line. Linebackers Ben Kerr and Draydon Reiter and D-back Korbin Cloud also earned all-league honors.

2022 Record: 7-3 / Independent

Head Coach: Greg Duggins (10th year, 49-56)

Assistants: Mike Beaven, Josh Burgoon, Ed Zukel, Louis Oropeza, Ray Reed, Steve Lawrence, Deon Whitten, Alex Pacheco, Rob Podrebarac, Noah Alexander, Jaime Carpenter, Kendon McClaine

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4

Returning starters: Jayvion Braden, RB/LB, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Christian Galloway, FB/HB/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Raul Gonzalez, OL/DL, 5-10, 260, Sr.; Ezekial Hernandez, WR/DB/K/P, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Jashaun Holliday, WR/DB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Jaah Jarrett, OL/ DE, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Dinero Jones, WR/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Aaron Smith, RB/LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Kameron Yarbough, RB/DE, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Aiden Milliren, QB, 6-0, 170, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Rushing: Jayvion Braden, 34 car., 208 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Aiden Milliren, 88-160, 1,393, 11 TDs Receiving: Dinero Jones, 15 rec., 293 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Kam Yarbrough, 81 Sacks: N/A Ints.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “Our focus will be on fundamental football while becoming more competitive and focused. We will strive to get better each day, and with our growing numbers, we should be very competitive. I am excited with the returning lettermen we are getting back and the number of starters that we have in key positions.”

Notes: Five years into his second stint at BW coach Greg Duggins has the rebuild project on track with records of 0-9, 2-5, 4-5, and culminating with a 7-3 mark last fall. Two of the three losses were by 17 points to Wellsville and three points to Frontenac. The graduation of Brice Johnson leaves a hole on offense, but the return of junior QB Aiden Milliren, nine experienced seniors, and senior transfers Vincent Carter II and Steven Mills will help.

LACYGNE-PRAIRIE VIEW LINDSBORG-SMOKY VALLEY MARYSVILLE

2022 Record: 4-5 / Pioneer League

Head Coach: Kyle Littrell (7th year, 40-19; 13th overall, 85-43) Assistants: Jason Spradling, Aaron Law, Will Shannon, Chad Jones, Luke Page

Offense: Multiple I Defense: 4-3

Returning starters: Gabe Murillo, QB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Parker Schwarz, RB, 6-0, 200, So.; Eli Williams, RB, 5-7, 185, Jr.; Stevie McGuire, RB, 6-1, 180, Jr.;

Jacob Law, C, 5-11, 240, Jr.; Josh Godwin, RB, 5-10, 210, So.; John Godwin, OL, 5-10, 245, Sr.; Carsen Welch, OL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Gage Belcher, WR, 6-0, 170, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Rushing: Parker Schwarz, 171 car., 1,197 yds.,

14 TDs Passing: Gabe Murillo, 29-59, 339 yds., 5

TDs Receiving: Josh Godwin, 6 rec., 90 yds., 1 TD

Tackles: Parker Schwarz, 63 tkls. Sacks: Jacob Law, 2 Ints.: Gabe Belcher, 1

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “In order to have success we will need to stay healthy, focus on becoming better tacklers, protecting the football, and trusting others.”

Notes: An inexperienced 2022 PVHS team won less than six games for the first time since a 4-6 finish in coach Kyle Littrell’s first season as head coach in 2017. A more experienced, but still relatively young team will look to get back above .500 this year.

2022 Record: 4-5 / Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Tim Lambert (8th year, 44-33; 30th overall, 209-105) Assistants: Chris McClure, Allen Meier, Ben Elliott, Courtney Strauss, James Henderson

Offense: I-formation Defense: 4-3

Returning starters: Ezekiel Baker, C/DE, 6-0, 205, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Gavin Stambaugh, 8 car., 33 yds.

Receiving: N/A Tackles: Ezekiel Baker, 9 tkls. Sacks: Ezekiel Baker, 1 Ints.: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We have young men that are hungry to play. Due to our large class of seniors last year not many of these guys have seen a lot of action which should motivate them to work hard.”

Notes: An experienced Vikings team entered last season with high expectations but close losses to Halstead (42-40), Cheney (27-14), and Pratt (47-30) left Smoky Valley just below .500 at 4-5. In the offseason veteran coach Tim Lambert decided to retire from coaching, but the administration was able to convince him to return for another season and he’ll be back leading the Vikings, but he’ll have a massive rebuild ahead of him with just one starter back in junior Ezekiel Baker.

P. O. Box 468 Marysville, KS 66508

Phone Number: (785) 562-2375

2022 Record: 3-6 / North Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Tony Trimble (2nd year, 3-6; 18th overall) Assts.: Ben Wertenberger, Bert Lord, Ben Schaefer, Tommy Brinegar, Landon Wright, Tyler Bisnette, Brandon Schroedl

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2

Returning starters: Will Otott, QB/DB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Blake Spicer, RB/LB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Braden Dwerlkotte, OL/DL, 5-9, 250, Sr.; Ashton Schaefer, OL/DL, 5-11, 230, Jr.; Kemper Eickmann, OL/DL, 5-11, 255, Sr.; Tremont Hornbeak, RB/LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Dakota Slupianek, FB/LB, 6-1, 235, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Will Otott, 49 car., 275 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Will Otott, 1-1, 26 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Will Otott, 8 rec., 26 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Will Otott, 62 tkls. Sacks: Blake Spicer, 1 Ints.: Will Otott, 1 Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We will need to develop depth this season. Right now we should be able to put together a competitive first team, but need depth to compete at a high level.”

Notes: MHS got the Tony Trimble era started with a three-game losing streak last fall, but two of those losses were by seven and 13 points to Abilene and Chapman, sandwiched around a 34-7 loss to eventual 4A state runner-up Wamego. Trimble got his first win with the Bulldogs in a 30-6 Week 4 victory over Concordia followed by a blowout loss to Rock Creek, 56-21, before posting a two-game winning streak with big wins over Valley Heights and Hiawatha. MHS closed the season with competitive losses to good Clay Center and Hesston teams. Trimble welcomes back seven starters to help the Bulldogs improve this fall, but he will need to replace top grads Rhett and Rook Williams, Juandre Walton, and Peyton Smith. Senior linebacker Blake Spicer earned honorable mention All-NCKL recognition last fall as a junior while classmate Will Otott is the top returning tackler with 62 stops a year ago.

MERIDEN-JEFFERSON WEST

2022 Record: 1-8 / Big 7 League

Head Coach: David Bowen (3rd year, 3-14; 8th overall, 14-48) Assistants: Steve Jatala, Alex Thornbough, Jarred Bahr, Michell Boucher

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4

Returning starters: Brodie Boyer, TE/OLB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Caleb Morse, LG/OLB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Drew Beilman, WR, 5-6, 165, Jr.; Tucker Holthaus, QB/CB, 6-2, 170, Jr.; Tristen Strawn, MLB/OL, 5-9, 225, Jr.; Osiris Unruh, MLB/OL, 5-9, 225, So.; Brody Thelen, QB/RB/SS, 5-10, 180, So.; Crayton Holman, RB/FS, 6-0, 175, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Brody Thelen, 46 car., 144 yds. Passing: Brody Thelen, 57-113, 513 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: Brodie Boyer, 15 rec., 219 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Osiris Unruh, 59 tkls. Sacks: Brodie Broyer, 1 Ints.: Crayton Holman, 3

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We want to improve as individuals and as a team and play to our potential.”

Notes: After a pair of competitive losses to Riverside and Hiawatha to open the season the Tigers ran an absolute gaunlet that included state powers Sabetha, Topeka-Hayden, Nemaha Central, PerryLecompton, and Holton, along with an improved Royal Valley team. David Bowen’s squad struggled in those contests, allowing at least 46 points in every game and scoring more than seven points just once. Bowen and Co. were able to rally in Week 9 to beat Osawatomie 35-20. The Tigers head into 2023 with nine returning starters and a renewed sense of optimism. Bowen welcomes back a pair of experienced quarterbacks in junior Tucker Holthaus and sophomore Brody Thelen. Whoever earns the full-time job under center has big tight end Brodie Boyer to throw to, who, together with linebacker Osiris Unruh and DB Crayton Holman gives JW a trio of quality defenders.

Nickerson Osawatomie

2022 Record: 1-8 / Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Taylor Bauman (2nd year, 1-8; 7th overall, 23-32) Assistants: Xavier Hoover, Parker Bruce, Sparky Kreutzer, Kyle Vedder, Caleb Lambert

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5

1128 Pony Express Hwy Marysville, KS (785) 562-5304

SIX LOCATIONS brunaimplementco.com www.bankoftescott.com

Returning starters: Karson Engelland, OL/DL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Michael Nolde, OL/DLm 6-0, 215, Sr.; Logan Rogers, RB/LB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Cage Kelly, TE/ LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Skyler Wakefield, WR/DB, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Ayla Ontjes, K, 5-6, 125, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders

Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: Skyler Wakefield, 2 rec., 7 yds. Tackles: Addrick Nelson, 27 tkls. Sacks: Riley Brawner, 0.5 Ints.: Addrick Nelson, 2

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 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. (On defense), we have several starters or players that have Friday night experience, so that is where we have to start. We have to be tough, disciplined and patient. Our defense has to work on making the play when it is presented to them and play their position and not try to play someone else’s position.”

Notes: As the third head coach in three seasons for the Panthers, Taylor Bauman was aware of the rebuild required in Nickerson. While NHS got off to a good start last fall with a 28-0 win over Lyons, Bauman’s squad would close the season on an eightgame losing streak and finish 1-8 for the second year in a row. Bauman heads into year two with six returning starters and goals to be “tough, disciplined, and patient.” The third item on the list is key.

2023 Record: 0-9 / Pioneer League

Head Coach: Jordan Kupersmith (1st year)

Assistants: N/A

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A

Returning starters: N/A

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: N/A

Notes: The Trojans enter 2023 on a 10-game losing streak dating back to a Week 8 win over Baldwin in 2021. After the winless 2022, Osawatomie High School football has won two games or less every season since 2015, when they finished 7-3 overall, with a 4-2 mark in the Pioneer League as a 4A, Division II program. Since then, the Trojans have won just eight total games with their closest 2022 matchup against Jeff West, 35-20, in a battle of winless teams at the time, in the final game of last season. After two seasons under head coach Beau Gadwood the Trojans have hired former Prairie View assistant Jordan Kupersmith to lead the rebuilding project. The new head coach inherits a schedule of mostly Pioneer League teams tha,t quite frankly, provide some opportunities for competitive matchups. Wellsville and Prairie View – two teams that outscored the Trojans a combined 71-0 last season – are the likely favorites in the league, and an improved Baldwin squad is also a potential factor.

PARSONS PERRY-LECOMPTON PRATT SANTA FE TRAIL

2022 Record: 5-4 / Independent

Head Coach: Jeff Schibi (4th year, 15-13) Assts.: Raheeme Dumas, Kaito Barr-Miller, Jamario

Kendrick, Devin Martinez, Ivory Kelly, Doug Billingsly

Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-4

Returning starters: Tra Mack, QB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; JJ

Kendrick, WR, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Jahmarion Washington, RB, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Cade Brown, TE/LB, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Brody Boss, OL, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Landon Wheat, WR, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Sam Brewer, DT, 6-5, 290, Sr.; Kaden Blake, OL, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Jayce Quirn, K/P, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Demonta Kendrick, DT, 5-10, 230, Jr.; Makai Baugh, DB, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Jason Smart, DB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Korbyn Harris, LB, 5-8, 220, Jr.; Jed Jones, OL, 6-0, 225, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders

Rushing: Jahmarion Washington, 125 car., 879 yds., 11 TDs Passing: Tra Mack, 74-130, 1,375 yds., 20

TDs Receiving: JJ Kendrick, 26 rec., 482 yds., 6

TDs Tackles: Demonta Kendrick, 51 tkls. Sacks: Demonta Kendrick, 2 Ints.: Jason Smart, 1

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “One of our offseason goals was to become more of a player led team. We feel our kids have taken on that role and are excelling at this currently. Like any other team, we want to take each opponent game by game and week by week. Our number one goal is to win week 1 at Prairie View. Certainly a long term goal is to win districts and make a deep playoff run.”

Notes: Parsons started 2022 on fire, winning five straight to open the season, but a pair of heartbreaking losses to Galena (14-13) and Frontenac (27-21) left the Vikings reeling as they ended the season on a four-game losing streak. Significant experience returns this fall including the top rusher, passer, and top two receivers of the last two seasons, three experienced offensive linemen, and six veteran starters on defense.

2022 Record: 3-6 / Big 7 League

Head Coach: Mike Paramore (23rd year, 120-100)

Assistants: Caleb Denton, Jordan Allen, Jason White, Terry Stueve

Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Odd

Returning starters: Tyler Reed, WR/CB, Sr.; Tristan Gorden, RB/S, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Logan Fisher, G, Jr.; Cameron Powell, T, Jr.; Eli Dean, S, 5-11, 170, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders

Rushing: Tristan Gorden, 113 car., 675 yds., 5

TDs Passing: Tristan Gorden, 16-35 210 yds., 3

TDs Receiving: Tristan Gorden, 19 rec., 346 yds., 4

TDs Tackles: Tristan Gorden, 59 tkls. Sacks: Logan Fisher, 1 Ints.: Tristan Gorden, 2

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “With all the inexperience we will hope to come together and grow up quickly. Regardless of previous success or disappointments, the standard and expectations for our football team will remain the same. The focus will be on improving every day at practice, becoming fundamentally better and competing extremely hard.”

Notes: The Kaws head into 2023 with just five returning starters, and four of those are juniors. Junior Tristan Gorden is the top returner on both offense and defense after rushing for 675 yards and five TDs on 113 carries, completing 16 of 35 passes for 210 yards and three scores, catching 19 passes for 346 yards and four TDs to go with 59 tackles and two INTs on defense. Senior WR/DB Tyler Reed will likely be looked to for leadership while junior linemen Logan Fisher and Cameron Powell will anchor the Kaws’ interior fronts. Junior safety Eli Dean will join Gorden and Reed in the secondary. The first half of the schedule will again test the Kaws with state powers Sabetha, Nemaha Central, Holton, and Topeka Hayden in four of the first five weeks. Coach Mike Paramore enters his 23rd season as the PLHS head coach with a 120-100 record.

SCOTT COMMUNITY ST. GEORGE-ROCK CREEK

2022 Record: 8-2 / Great West Activities Conference

Head Coach: Jim Turner (8th year, 54-19) Assts.: Brian Gentry, Todd Richardson, Michael McEachern, Derek Brau, Colborn Couchman, Drew Kite

Offense: Pistol Wing T Defense: 4-4

Returning starters: Avry Noll, SE/FS, 6-2 190, Sr.; Collin McDaniel, RB/OLB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Tanner Gooden, OT/DT, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Tracer Chapman, RB/ OLB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Camden Vulgamore, CB, 6-0,170, Jr.; Alex Tarango, SE/CB, 5-10,160, Jr.; Jackson Rumford, TE, 6-5, 225, Jr.; Oscar Mendez, DT, 5-10, 210, Jr.; Emilio Contreras, OG/DT, 5-10,190, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders

Rushing: Griffin Edwards, 12 car., 70 yds. Passing: N/A Receiving: Jackson Rumford, 13 rec., 343 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Avry Noll, 56 tkls. Sacks: Tanner Gooden, 2 Ints.: Collin McDaniel, 4

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We want to build off the success that we had last year. It will be important for us to keep playing physically. QB position progression and physical play (are keys).”

Notes: The Beavers rebounded from their 4-5 finish in 2021, the first losing season for Scott City since 1986, by going 8-2 last fall. Jim Turner’s team nearly went a round farther in the postseason as well, but fell to Cheney in a 28-27 heartbreaker in regional play. The only other loss on the season was a 30-20 defeat at the hands of Millwood, Okla., the eventual 2A state runner-up in Oklahoma. The most notable graduation loss for the Beavers is standout running back and D-back Jace Thomas, but nine players with starting experience return to help Turner continue Scott City’s tradition of success. Avry Noll, Collin McDaniel, and Tracer Chapman return to give the Beavers an experienced linebacker corps on defense, but the squad did take a hit when top returning rusher and tackler Brady Welker opted not to go out for football this fall to focus on baseball.

2022 Record: 9-2 / Mid-East League

Head Coach: Shane Sieben (5th year, 24-15)

Assistants: Monte Spiller, Justin Smith, Garin Beam, Patrick Bramhall, Darwin Sweetman

Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple

Returning starters: Daegen Vinduska, WR/DB, Sr.; Brandon Krainbill, WR, Sr.; Malachi Bell, C, Sr.; Mason Faith, LT/DT, Jr.; Tristan Meyer, OG, Jr.; Payton McCarn, LB, Sr.; Kade Welfringer, DE/OLB, Sr.; Hunter Prockish, CB, Sr.; Trevor Christensen, DB/OLB, Sr.; Ezra Spiller, DE, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Trevor Christensen, 14 car., 105 yds., 1 TD Passing: N/A Receiving: Daegen Vinduska, 290 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Payton McCarn, 95 tkls. Sacks: Payton McCarn, 3 Ints.: Daegen Vinduska, 6 Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “Skill players will be a strength of the team with Vinduska and Krainbill both back as starters and Eli Bell as a big time talent. Speed will be a strength again as Krainbill, Hunter Prockish, and Bell can all move. Mason Faith and Malachi Bell are two-year starters up front and look to lead a solid line. Depth could be an issue and we break in a new QB with junior Mack Lee at the helm. (He is a) very talented kid that looks to put up big numbers. Defense will be led by returning all-league LB Payton McCarn who was the leading tackler in 2022.”

Notes: The Mustangs graduation a very talented group of athletes, including multi-season QB standout Dalton Whitworth, from a team that handily beat the 1A champs (St. Marys) and a 3A semifinalist (Clay Center) last fall, with the only losses to 2A semifinalist Southeast of Saline, and current 3A superpower Andale. Ten experienced players will try to continue the current streak of three straight winning seasons. Defense will carry this team early with seven starters back.

2022 Record: 7-3 / Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Brent Hoelting (5th year, 18-19; 10th overall, 55-34) Assts.: Anthony Brown, Tyler Strong, Jason Gallagher, Larry Eisenhauer, Parker Titus

Offense: Single Wing Defense: 4-2-5

Returning starters: Brock Bourgeois, OT/DE, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Max Younie, RB/LB, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Grayson Mandl, WR/CB, 6-2, 165, Sr.; Noah Riley, WR/CB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Hudson Rector, OL/DL, 5-9, 270, Jr.; Kollyn Strong, OL/DL, 6-2, 220, Jr.; Taye Wilson, RB/ LB, 5-11, 165, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders

Rushing: Max Younie, 130 car., 888 yds., 12 TDs

Passing: Max Younie, 27-43, 527 yds., 10 TDs

Receiving: Max Younie, 7 rec., 110 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Max Younie, 49 tkls. Sacks: Brock Bourgeois, Max Younie, Hudson Rector, 1 ea. Ints.: Noah Riley, 4

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We have four starters returning on offense and three on defense. We will have to develop some pieces very quickly. Our senior class is on the smaller side, so we will be looking at underclassmen to perform in several roles. Our league and district will both be very tough with many well coached teams.”

Notes: Another year, another step forward for Brent Hoelting’s Pratt Greenbacks who are now 2-7, 3-6, 6-3, and 7-3 in his four seasons at the helm. Hoelting may find it hard to take another step this season thanks to the graduation of significant production on both sides of the ball. Gone are two of the top three passers, the top four receivers, and eight of the top 11 tacklers, but the cupboard is not bare. Max Younie is one of the top returning players in 3A and is the top returner in virtually every statistical category for PHS. Brock Bourgeois and Hudson Rector return to lead the interior lines while Noah Riley is back in the secondary where he recorded four INTs last fall.

2022 Record: 2-7 / Pioneer League

Head Coach: Regan Erickson (1st year) Assts.: Garret Staten, Tyler Gonzales, Andrew Wade, Stetsyn Roberts, Mike Foristierre

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4

Returning starters: Luke Edwards, QB, Sr.; Colton Warthen RB/LB, Sr.; Trent Sleichter, RB/DB, Sr.; Kyle Strother, WR/DB, Sr.; Alex Strother, C, So.; Cole Flory, OL/DL, Sr.; Cody Harmon, OL, Sr.; Krain Tantaros, RB, So.; Cody Slavin, DB, Sr.; Logan Amborski, DB, Sr.; Luke Greenfield, LB, Sr.; Chayse Jeanneret, LB, Sr.; Jeremy Shreve, DL, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We have a good group of seniors that have a lot of varsity playing time. Several started varsity games as freshmen. We will lean on their experience to lead and motivate our team through the good and the bad. Like most 3A schools, staying healthy will help our chances of winning football games.”

Notes: After 12 years as head coach Jayson Duncan stepped down after the 2021 season and former St. Francis coach Nick Fawcett took over after spending one season at Ulysses. Following a 2-7 finish last fall Fawcett moves on and long-time wrestling coach Regan Erickson becomes the third head coach for the Chargers in three seasons. Duncan won just two games in his first four seasons at Trail before leading the team to the semifinals and nine wins in 2014, launching a streak of five straight winning seasons. Now, the Chargers are just 6-21 the last three falls. Erickson welcomes in 13 players with starting experience to try and reverse the trend, including All-Pioneer receiver Kyle Strother and All-Pioneer linebacker Luke Greenfield. Erickson will have experience at every position group, but will have to develop some new contributors along the O-line.

TOPEKA-HAYDEN

2022 Record: 10-2 / Independent

Head Coach: Bill Arnold (17th year, 141-46; 24th overall, 199-65) Assistants: Chuck Thompson, Scott Simons, Christain Rabe, Howard Tush, Eddie Kidd, Shayne Russell, Grant Arnold

Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-4

Returning starters: Jett Wahlmeier, QB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Jensen Schrickel, WR/DB, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Drew Crady, FB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Carter Charvat, C, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Jude Konrade, LB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Josiah Todwong, OT, 6-1, 260, Sr.; Doug Peterson, OG, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Finn Dunshee, HB/LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Treyton Tetuan, TE, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Brady Holloway, DE, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Dom Ridley, LB, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Rushing: Finn Dunshee, 96 car., 1,150 yds., 12 TDs Passing: Jett Wahlmeier, 84-133, 1,381 yds., 16 TDs Receiving: Jensen Schrickel, 35 rec., 686 yds., 10 TDs Tackles: Jude Konrade, 80 tkls. Sacks: Jude Konrade, Carter Charvat, 2 ea.; Ints.: Jensen Schrickel, 3

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “With the growth we had this past year in experience, especially on the offensive side of the ball, we are very excited about making a run at the state title this year.”

Notes: Bill Arnold is just one win shy of 200 for his career as a head coach and a nine-win season would get him to 150 career victories at Hayden. While he’ll miss graduated standout linemen Joe Otting and Ben Evans and the production of fellow class of 2023 grad JC Cummings at running back and linebacker, Arnold has several pieces back to help him reach the milestones mentioned above and make yet another deep postseason run. The offense shouldn’t miss a beat thanks to the return of speedy All-State running back Finn Dunshee and efficient quarterback Jett

Wellsville

2022 Record: 9-1 / Pioneer League

Head Coach: Mike Berg (5th year, 27-12; 24th overall, 144-95) Assistants: Duane McCarthy, Bill Oshel, Rob Hedrick, Jerry Hunsaker, Chad Berg

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4

Returning starters: Willie Dorsey, QB, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Dezmond Winton, WR/CB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Brody Lee, WR/FS, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Jack Hull, OL/DL, 6-0, 210, Jr.; Joe Stites, OL/DE, 5-8, 180, Sr.; Carter Wilmarth, OL/LB, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Wyatt Brungardt, OL/DE, 6-4, 220, So.; Landon Geist, LB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Jace Troutman, DE, 6-10, 180, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Willie Dorsey, 23 car., 154 yds., TDs

Passing: Willie Dorsey, 106-173, 1,838 yds., 25 TDs

Receiving: Dezmond Winton, 31 rec., 680 yds., 8 TDs Tackles: Carter Wilmarth, 48 tkls. Sacks: Joe Stites, 2 Ints.: Dez Winton, 6 INTs

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “(Our goals are) to win the Pioneer League, win our district, and make some noise in the state playoffs. (Our keys to success are) our offensive and defensive lines.”

Notes: Wellsville returned to 3A last fall and ripped through their first nine games in dominant fashion with the average score 40-8, but the Eagles got a brutal draw in the playoffs hosting District 4 runner-up Topeka-Hayden. Mike Berg’s team gave the Wildcats all they could handle in the match-up but fell in a heartbreaker, 22-19. The Eagles are now 19-2 in the past two seasons with both losses by six-points or less, both to perpetual state powers – Hayden last fall; Silver Lake, 33-27, in 2021). Berg bids farewell to RB Nash Money, a walking TD in his three years as a full-time starter, but nine players return to help WHS try to take the next step. Four experienced offensive linemen return to block for talented QB Willie Dorsey and he’ll have a pair of top receiving targets to throw

WICHITA COLLEGIATE WICHITA-TRINITY ACADEMY

2022 Record: 8-2 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. IV

Head Coach: Troy Black (5th year, 32-10; 9th overall, 59-23) Assts.: Mike Gehrer, Mark Cotton, Brandon Russell, Jason Ramsey, Phil Keys

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4

Returning starters: Hudson Ferralez, QB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Jacob Chappell, RB/LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Brett Wetta, WR/DB, 6-3, 170, Sr.; Jaden Parker, RB/DB, 6-3, 210, So.; Cooper Anreson, TE/LB, 6-1, 200, Jr.; Tristan Sprole, OL/DL, 6-3, 225, Jr.; Lucas RanneyBrown, OL/DL, 6-1, 300, Sr.; James Shackelford, WR/DB, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Sebastian Hines-Turner, WR, 6-5, 175, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jaden Parker, 316 yds., 6 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Sebastian Hines-Turner Tackles: Jacob Chappell, 70 tkls. Sacks: Tristan Sprole Ints.: Jaden Parker, 3

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We graduated a big, athletic senior class. This year’s seniors’ strength will be their leadership. We have a very talented underclass group, and our skill group has the potential to be very special. Our skill group has many returning starters or guys that got major minutes coming back. Defensively, we have to be better and use our team speed to our advantage. We will not be super big but we should be able to to run to the ball. We have some great returners back for us at each position on D. We are very excited about this group and if we can stay healthy we feel we can have a very good football team.”

Notes: Troy Black’s biggest question from 2022 was left by the graduation of standout quarterback, and K-State defensive back commit, Wesley Fair, but that was answered when Hesston All-Stater Hudson Ferralez made the decision to transfer to Collegiate in the offseason. With the quarterback position filled, and four returning receivers that stand at least 6-1, along with exciting sophomore running back Jaden Parker back to carry the ball, the Collegiate offense should be as explosive as ever. The defense is in good hands with lineman Tristan Sprole (15 TFLs), linebacker Jacob Chappell (70 tkls., 3 FFs), and defensive backs Brett Wetta (All-State honorable mention) and Parker (54 tkls., 3 INTs).

2022 Record: 2-7 / Central Plains League

Head Coach: Trey Hall (2nd year, 2-7) Assistants: Assistants: Brandon Redic, Kyle Waters, Brandon Eck, Elliott Langhofer

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5

Returning starters: Donald Collier, WR, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Harvey Zimmerman, QB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Elijah Watson, OL, So.; Braxton Morris, LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Gracen Fischer, RB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Cooper Garrison, OL/DL, 6-5, 215, Jr.; Will Saunders, WR, Jr.; Yamnoel Oyola-Bernier, WR, So.; Joey Lawton, OL, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Rushing: Harvey Zimmerman, 68 car., 417 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Harvey Zimmerman, 188-312, 2,595 yds., 28 TDs Receiving: Donald Collier, 103 rec., 1,710 yds., 25 TDs Tackles: N/A Ints.: Donald Collier, 1

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We have had a great offseason in terms of strength and speed training. Our goal is to improve with every opportunity given. If that is accomplished, we feel like we can make the playoffs. Being that we will have less than 40 players, staying healthy will be the utmost concern!”

Notes: Trey Hall made an immediate impact for the Knights last fall taking a team that scored more than 20 points just one time in 2021, including five games with one TD or less, to a 2022 team that scored 19 points or more seven times and 36 or more in five games. The key cogs of that offense return in the form of 2,600-yard passer Harvey Zimmerman and 1,700-yard receiver Donald Collier who are back after connecting on 25 TD passes last fall. Hall needs to find depth on the O-line, and get better play out of a D that allowed at least 49 points six times last fall. TREY

Kansas Pregame Class 2a Preseason Rankings

Others: Council Grove, Beloit, Hoisington, Humboldt, Rossville, Russell, SE of Saline

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery County Chronicle

For the second time in program history, NEMAHA CENTRAL captured a state championship in football. The Thunder took down Kingman 33-17 in the championship game to capture the 2022 Class 2A title. NCHS other title came in 2019. By claiming the championship, Nemaha Central capped off a perfect 13-0 campaign. Now the Thunder, under third-year coach Michael Glatczak (20-3) will be seeking their third crown in the past five years. Six starters return this season, led by sophomore Carter Hajek on offense. Hajek, a running back, had 54 carries for 451 yards and five touchdowns a year ago. Defensively, the Thunder will be led by senior Holden Bass on the line. Bass is the top returning tackler with 66 stops last season, including five sacks. The Thunder have won 17 of their last 18 games overall heading into the 2023 season and should once again be a factor in the 2A title hunt.

Last year’s runner-up, KINGMAN, went 12-1 last season, suffering its only loss in the championship game against Nemaha Central. The Eagles have posted back-to-back double-digit win totals and have won 22 of their last 24 games overall heading into the new season. Tanner Hageman returns for his fifth season as head coach, compiling a 31-12 record to date. Kingman has seven starters back in the lineup this season, including seniors Tristen Davidson (TE/DE), Carter Helm (WR/DB), Chase Webster (WR/ DB), Dalton Barber (DL) and Bo Watkins (WR/LB). Helm had 324 yards rushing on offense and also recorded a team-high 10 interceptions on defense. Davidson and junior Brody Bell combined for 16 sacks on defense. The Eagles will face a tough early-season schedule that includes a week-one matchup against Class 3A quarterfinalist Cheney and 1A semifinalist Conway Springs.

SABETHA reached the sub-state round of the playoffs before falling to eventual champion Nemaha Central (31-14). The Bluejays, members of the Big 7 League, wrapped up the season at 9-3 overall. Under the direction of head coach Garrett Michael, who enters his 15th season, SHS has a solid group of players returning, including 12 players with starting experience. Senior running back Colin Menold is the top returning rusher with 860 yards and five touchdowns. Senior Marcus Bauman is back at wide receiver after catching 14 passes for 264 yards and three scores. Defensively, the Bluejays are led by senior end Christian McAfee, who had 86 tackles a year ago.

Advancing to the state semifinals, SOUTHEAST OF SALINE closed out last season with an 11-1 record following a heartbreaking 28-22 double-overtime loss to Kingman in the sub-state round. The Trojans are once again led by Mitch Gebhardt, who enters his 14th season as head coach (93-38). Eight starters return this year, led by 1,000-yard rusher Nathan Friesen. The senior running back accounted for 17 touchdowns. Defensively, the top returning player is senior safety Daniel Kejr, who finished with 64 tackles and two interceptions.

Logan Pegram returns for his second season in charge at his alma mater, SILVER LAKE. The Eagles — members of the soon to be disbanded Mid-East League — wrapped up last season with a 6-3 record that included a hard-fought week-nine loss to Riley County (23-21). Pegram had big shoes to fill replacing legendary coach CJ Hamilton, who finished as the state’s all-time winningest coach (447-98) following a 47-year career. This year’s Silver Lake squad has 11 players back with starting experience, including seniors Tanner Martin (QB), Blake Redmond (RB/LB), Eli Barnes (WR/S), Jack Seele (OL) and Chase Root (OL/LB). Martin is the top returning rusher with 542 yards and eight touchdowns. Barnes finished with 670 receiving yards and five scores. Defensively, Root finished with 65 tackles a year ago.

After back-to-back losing seasons, ELLSWORTH enjoyed a historically successful 8-2 record last fall. Josh Homolka’s squad advanced to the regional round of the playoffs before suffering a 33-6 loss to eventual state runner-up Kingman. Homolka, a former college defensive coordinator, returns for his seventh season with the Bearcats (25-29). Will Cravens returns this season after completing 75 of 133 passes for 1,068 yards and 15 touchdowns. Other key returnees on offense include Wyatt Bohnen (89 car., 532 yds.) on the ground and Cole Webber (29 rec., 541 yds.) receiving. On defense, leading the way will be linebacker Loden West, who had 62 tackles.

BELOIT concluded the 2023 season with a second straight winning record, finishing at 8-3 overall. That included a trip to the sectional round of the playoffs, where the Trojans suffered a 35-6 loss to eventual state runner-up Kingman. Brad Gober returns for his seventh season in the program (41-25) and has a solid group of returning players back in the lineup. Overall, Gober welcomes back a total of 12 players with starting experience, including seniors Brody Wildrig (OL/DL), Maddox Waters (TE/LB), Quinn

Eilert (QB/DB), Parker Isbell (OL/LB), Brodie Schroeder (RB) and Christian Mears (OLB). Eilert will lead the defensive unit after recording 81 tackles and two interceptions last season.

Despite the losses of two-time All-State selections Trey Sommer and Maddox Johnson, HUMBOLDT is looking for another big season with the return of seven players with starting experience. Under the direction of ninth-year head coach Logan Wyrick (5427), the Cubs are coming off an 8-3 campaign a year ago that included a trip to the sectional round of the playoffs. Humboldt suffered a 44-20 loss to eventual state champion Nemaha Central. Junior Cole Mathes is a top returning player on both sides of the ball, finishing with 554 rushing yards and 57 tackles. Senior wide receiver Sam Hull also returns after recording 564 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

After back-to-back state championships in 2020 and 2021, ROSSVILLE had a bumpy season a year ago, closing things out at 5-5 overall. Despite those struggles, the Bulldawgs were able to win a postseason game before falling to eventual state champion Nemaha Central (36-13) in the regional round of the playoffs. Derick Hammes enters his 11th season as Rossville’s head coach and will have six players back this season with starting experience. Camden Horak, a senior quarterback, completed 91 of 164 passes for 1,260 yards and 14 touchdowns last season while also rushing for 844 yards and 10 more scores.

Zach Baird returns for his 10th season at HOISINGTON. During his tenure in the program, the Cardinals have compiled an overall record of 87-18, including last year’s 8-3 mark. Hoisington reached the sectional round in the postseason but suffered a 4420 loss to Southeast of Saline. Eight players return this season for the Cardinals, led by Tony Moore. The senior racked up more than 1,600 yards of offense last season (992 rushing, 656 passing) with 23 combined touchdowns.

Returning a total of 12 players with starting experience, RUSSELL is looking to build off last year’s 6-4 mark that included a loss to Hoisington in the regional round of the playoffs. Back for his second season as head coach is Christien Ozores. The Cardinals won five straight games after opening the season 2-3 overall. Russell doesn’t have much offensive production back but should be able to fill in some key holes. Defensively, the top returners are junior Brayden Suchy with 68 tackles and senior Roman Hernandez with 12 sacks.

Dropping down to 2A a year ago, CANEY VALLEY continued its winning tradition by winning the District 1 championship and reaching the postseason for a 13th consecutive season. COUNCIL GROVE returns several key pieces from a surprise 7-3 squad for Butch Hayes, though graduated speed merchant Ethan Burton leaves a glaring hole. OSAGE CITY has the tall task of replacing graduated All-State quarterback and linebacker Landon Boss from a team that finished 8-2. HALSTEAD returns an experienced team for second-year coach Derek Racette and could be ready to make some noise behind senior Owen Farmer.

2022 Record: 7-2 / Central Plains League

Head Coach: JC Zahradnik (3rd year, 15-4)

Assistants: Jody Iams, Joel Gerber, Tyler Clubine, Jeff Green, Braden Francis

Offense: Air Raid Defense: 3-3

Returning starters: Kyler Smith, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Tyce Pfaff, WR/LB, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Anakyn Smith, OL/DL, 6-3, 240, Sr.; Cole Bergman, OL/DL, 6-2, 185, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Rushing: Jack Walker, 2 car., 7 yds. Passing: Chase Struble, 4-5, 26 yds. Receiving: Tyce Pfaff, 23 rec., 235 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Tyce Pfaff, 40 tkls. Sacks: Tyce Pfaff, 1 Ints.: Kyler Smith, 1

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We go into this season with a lot of opportunities for our players to step into new roles. The majority of last year’s graduating class were three or four-year starters, which will leave plenty of unanswered questions heading into the season. Despite our lack of experience we are excited about our new crop of Runner Nation football players. We will also have a group of players who will be going into their third year of our offense which will allow us to continue to expand on it. Our QB battle will be a good one coming into this year and will give us, for the first time, a starting QB who isn’t in his first year of playing QB. We have been blessed with good size the past two seasons, but we will be missing that this year. Due to our overall lack of size, but plethora of smaller, quicker players we will be moving to a 3-3 style defense this year. This will give us the best opportunity to get as many playmakers on the field as we can.”

Notes: Third-year coach JC Zahradnik led the Roadrunners to a second consecutive two-loss season but may have his biggest project to date with only four experienced starters returning.

ATCHISON-MAUR HILL

2022 Record: 3-6 / Northeast Kansas League

Head Coach: Zack Fredrickson (2nd year, 3-6)

Assistants: Tyler Shepard, Connor Haynes, Jordan Malcom

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4

Returning starters: Joe Beien, OL/DL, 6-0, 290, Sr.; Carl Sargent, RB/WR/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Cooper Pound, WR/DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Zach Sanford, K/WR, 5-7, 140, Sr.; Luke Siebert, QB/WR/DB, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Noah Raplinger, OL/DL, 6-0, 210, Jr.; James Peltzer, LB/RB, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Andrew Schramp, OL, 5-8, 175, Jr.; Jaxson Vice, WR/DB, 5-6, 130, So.; Jack Moore, LB, 5-10, 145, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: James Peltzer, 31 car., 54 yds. Passing: N/A Receiving: Luke Siebert, 31 rec., 475 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Luke Siebert, 21 tkls. Sacks: James Peltzer, 1 Ints.: Jaxson Vice, 1

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “Keys to success are stopping the run and limiting big plays, execution on offense and limiting turnovers, and managing the clock. We are coming into the year with a lot of varsity experience and guys that have grown physically and mentally with football.”

Notes: The Ravens won just three games last fall, and one of those was a forfeit by McLouth. They also fell to Pleasant Ridge, 36-31, but were largely blown out in the remainder of their losses. Now coach Zack Fredrickson heads into his second year leading Maur Hill with significant graduation losses, including college football signees Mark Harris (Benedictine), Adam Caudle (Grand View), Johnken NgWaba (Benedictine), and Sam Joyce (Grand View). Senior Luke Seibert will likely make the move from receiver to QB to replace Harris and three offensive lineman and four experienced offensive skill players are back to help ease the transition. The Ravens will still be young with six of 10 returning starters non-seniors.

2022 Record: 8-3 / North Central Activities Assoc.

Head Coach: Brad Gober (7th year, 41-25)

Assistants: Garry Lowry, Brock McMillan, Tate Petrie, Marshall Musil

Offense: Power T Defense: Multiple

Returning starters: Brody Widrig, OL/DL, 5-10, 270, Sr.; Maddox Waters, TE/LB, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Quinn Eilert, QB/DB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Parker Isbell, OL/LB, 5-8, 200, Sr.; Eli Johnson, OL, 6-4, 220, Jr.; JJ Sloan, FB/OL, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Brodie Schroeder, RB, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Brody Litton, TE, 6-5, 250, So.; Colton Walters, DL, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Brodie Boudreaux, DL, 5-10, 220, Jr.; Jerek Rexroat, LB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Christian Mears, OLB, 5-9, 180, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Brodie Schroeder, 38 car., 174 yds. Passing: Quinn Eilert, 11-31, 363 yds., 6 TDs Receiving: Maddox Waters, 7 rec., 188 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Quinn Eilert, 81 tkls. Sacks: Colton Walters, 2 Ints.: Quinn Eilert, 2

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We have a solid core of players returning from last year’s quarterfinals team. We are big and physical up front on offense but will need to break in multiple starters at running back this season. On defense, we return quite a few players who played a lot of football for us last year. As always, leadership will be important.”

Notes: Brad Gober enters year seven as head coach at Beloit with his most glaring hole in the form of standout offensive and defensive lineman Grady Seyfert, a Preferred Walk-On at KU, but the majority of the offensive and defensive front return along with senior quarterback Quinn Eilert, also an All-State defensive back. New running backs will need to step up to carry the rock out of Gober’s Power T, but the tremendous size of players like Maddox Waters, Eli Johnson, and Brody Litton will leave BHS bigger than most of the teams they play.

2022 Record: 8-3 / Tri-Valley League

Head Coach: Criss Davis (21st year) Assistants: Jeff Wyrick, Nick Dupuis, Tell Wyrick, Travis Young

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A

Returning starters: Jackson Griffin, RB/LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Ben Matthews, DE, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Garrett Watson, QB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Tucker Garton, LB/FB, 5-8, 170, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Rushing: Jackson Griffin, 189 car., 1,168 yds., 15

TDs Passing: Garrett Watson, 22-55, 294 yds., 2 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Jackson Griffin, 54 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: N/A

Notes: Caney Valley under Criss Davis is a consistent winner. The Bullpups’ record has not fallen below .500 since a 2-7 season in 2003. In 2022, Caney Valley advanced to the postseason for a 13th consecutive season and the 17th time in the past 19 seasons overall. The team’s three losses all came to opponents that advanced to the sectional round of their classification, which included regular-season setbacks to 2A Humboldt and two-time defending 1A champion Olpe. It wasn’t the first time the Bullpups advanced to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs — previously doing so in Class 3A from 2010 to 2012 and also in 2016. CVHS is still seeking their first-ever state semifinal appearance. The Bullpups graduated a sizable group of All-Tri-Valley League selections from a year ago including running back Astin King, tight end Gavin Stimpson, offensive linemen Wyatt West and Drake Stapleton, and D-lineman Sam Hedges. Stapleton and King also earned first team honors at D-end and defensive back respectively, while graduated D-back Tyler Cunningham earned honorable mention. Jackson Griffin earned All-TVL for his play at linebacker last season as a junior and he also rushed for 1,100 yards at running back.

Cherryvale Cimarron Council Grove Douglass

2022 Record: 5-4 / Tri-Valley League

Head Coach: Daniel Vaughn (2nd year, 5-4; 4th overall, 15-12) Assts.: Alex Mese, Moises Rivera, Cade Addis

Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5

Returning starters: Stetson Schafer, WR/DB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Cooper Smith, DL/OL, 6-3, 225, So.; Mason Bruggman, OL/DL, 6-1, 216, Jr.; Carsen Ellis, RB/LB, 5-11, 192, Jr.; Bricen Raida, WR/DB, 6-1, 180, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Rushing: Carsen Ellis, 71 car., 368 yds., 1 TD

Passing: Caleb Slane, 7-16, 83 yds., 2 TDs

Receiving: Stetson Schafer, 46 rec., 942 yds., 15 TDs Tackles: Cooper Smith, 62 tkls. Sacks: Cooper Smith, 1.5 Ints.: Stetson Schafer, 11

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “(Our goals are) to build men of character that will become leaders in their chosen field.”

Notes: Former Washington County head coach Daniel Vaughn led the Chargers to a 5-4 finish in his first season at Cherryvale last fall, but CHS lost to just three teams, thanks to a pair of matchups with Humboldt in the final three weeks of the season. The key in the losses was the play of the defense. In three of the four the offense scored 13 points or more, but in all four the defense allowed at least 42 points. Vaughn bids farewell to graduated All-TriValley League selections Trevin Elam at running back, Danny Vigil along the line of scrimmage, Jackson Knight at quarterback and Ethan Shierlman at linebacker, but does get back one of the top players in class 2A in senior Stetson Schafer, a first team All-TVL selection at both receiver and defensive back after he tallied nearly 1,000 yards receiving with 15 TDS on offense last fall, and added an incredible 11 interceptions in the defensive secondary. Four other experienced starters – all non-seniors – join Schafer this fall.

2022 Record: 2-7 / Great West Activities Conference

Head Coach: Casey Flax (2nd year, 2-7) Assistants: Jack McEnaney, Edgar Roman, Austin Stebens, John Le

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5

Returning starters: Andrew Bogner, OL/DL, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Aidan Crow, OL/DL, 5-9, 205, Jr.; Holden Kite, RB/LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Trace Kopper, QB/SS, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Payton Dye, WR/LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Logan Seifried, RB/LB, 5-8,165, Jr.; Jaxson Nation, OL/LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; David Mendez, WR/CB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Wyatt Nation, K, 5-8, 150, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Trace Kopper, 787 yds. Passing: Trace Kopper, 439 yds. Receiving: N/A Tackles: Payton Dye, 50 tkls. Sacks: Andrew Bogner, 2 Ints.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “Our team goals this year are to be more competitive in every game that we play. We are looking to capitalize on our improvement throughout the season last year and build on that for this coming year.”

Notes: Casey Flax’s first year as head coach at Cimarron got off to a rough start with lopsided losses to Scott City (42-0), Holcomb (54-6), and Colby (40-9), but the Bluejays were more competitive in the middle of their season, starting with a heartbreaking loss to Lakin by a safety, 2-0. The defensive battle inlcuded a fourth quarter missed field goal from the Bluejays that bounced off the left upright. Cimarron would follow with a 23-15 win over Larned and after a 30-6 loss to Hugoton the Bluejays erupted for a 51-22 win over Southwestern Heights. CHS closed the season with blowout losses to Hoisington and Russell, but the progress was evident, and Flax enters year two with optimism, thanks to the return of nine experienced starters. Dual-threat QB Trace Kopper, while undersized, will look to increase his 1,200 combined rush and pass yards of a year ago.

2022 Record: 7-3 / Flint Hills League

Head Coach:Butch Hayes (5th year, 12-25; 13th overall, 60-59) Assts.: Broc Finch, Derron Reddick, Jay Simecka

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-Pistol

Returning starters: Ace Monihen, QB, 6-0, 205, Jr.; Cade Goodell, RB/LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Kolby Rose, WR, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Jayden Moseley-Cannon, G, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Holden Ziegler, T/DT, 6-3, 260, Jr.; Dax Myers, T, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Hayden Buttrey, LB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Braun Frye, C, 170, Jr.; Keagan Brown, C, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Landon Dody, OLB, 5-10, 165, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Cade Goodell, 319 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Ace Monihen, 1,105 yds., 14 TDs Receiving: Kolby Rose, 7 rec., 123 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Hayden Buttrey, 51 tkls. Sacks: Holden Ziegler, 6 Ints.: Keagan Brown, 5

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We took a big step last season and our team and individual expectations have only increased. Our guys have been working hard in the offseason preparing themselves to take another step in 2023. We’re going to have plenty of competition for spots as our numbers continue to grow. We lost some good seniors on both sides of the ball but we have a talented group of individuals ready to fill those spots.”

Notes: Butch Hayes engineered one of the biggest turnarounds in Kansas last fall leading his Braves to a 7-3 finish a season from a 1-8 mark. While the graduation of speed merchant Ethan Burton leaves a glaring hole on both sides of the ball plenty of experience returns to continue the progress. Ten returning starters will be led by a strong junior class that includes talented quarterback Ace Monihen and big lineman Holden Ziegler. Monihen has already posted consecutive 1,000-yard plus passing seasons while Ziegler was a SIK All-State D-lineman last fall.

2022 Record: 4-5 / Central Plains League

Head Coach: Blake Alexander (2nd year, 4-5; 5th overall, 20-17) Assistants: Drew Carder, Chance

Whitehead

Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Brock Stiner, RB/WR/DB, Sr.; Michael Kielhorn, RB/LB, Sr.; Jace Pichler, OL/LB, Jr.; Kuler Moore, RB/DB, Jr.; Wyatt Laver, OL/DL, Jr.; Kylan Millington, OL/DL, So.; Jaytin Cathey, K, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Brock Stiner, 38 car., 173 yds., 1 TD Passing: N/A Receiving: Brock Stiner, 26 rec., 354 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Jace Pichler, 71 tkls. Sacks: Michael Kielhorn, 1 Ints.: Brock Stiner, 2 INT

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We will be young at many spots this year. Our key to success will be having a great summer leading up to the season to develop our young players. We lose our leading passer, rusher, and receiver, so it will be key for us to have guys step up, be leaders, and fill those roles.”

Notes: Douglass won their first two games last season and their last two games last season sandwiched around a five-game losing streak. Second-year coach Blake Alexander bids farewell to some important pieces from that team in graduated seniors Jordan Stoffel (QB/DB/P), Wade Morgan (RB/LB), and Konner Kielhorn (WR/DB), but returning seniors Brock Stiner (RB/WR/DB) and Michael Kielhorn (RB/LB) do give Alexander key pieces to build around. Stiner earned honorable mention all-league for his pass catching ability last fall while current junior linebacker Jace Pichler earned second team All-CPL for his work on defense. If the Bulldogs are to take a step forward it will depend largely on the ability to develop depth on the interior lines where young players Wyatt Laver and Kylan Millington will be looked to for leadership and improvement.

EASTON-PLEASANT RIDGE EFFINGHAM-ATCHISON CO. COMM. ELLSWORTH EUREKA

2022 Record: 2-7 / Northeast Kansas League

Head Coach: Spencer Foster (1st year) Assistants: N/A

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A

Returning starters: Lucas Beying, RB/LB, 6-0 185, Jr.; Cooper Beying, QB/DB, 5-10, 170, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Rushing: Cooper Beying, 122 car., 951 yds., 9 TDs

Passing: Cooper Beying, 82-205, 1,110 yds., 8 TDs

Receiving: N/A Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Ints.: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: N/A

Notes: After spending seven years as a college coach, most recently as the offensive coordinator at the University of Saint Mary, Logan Fritz is out after three seasons as head coach at Pleasant Ridge following a pair of two-win seasons sandwiched around a 5-4 finish in 2021. Spencer Foster now takes over. The new coach inherits a team that graduated a large group of senior starters including All-Northeast Kansas League selections Evan Slapper at receiver and Andrew Jacobs along the offensive line and honorable mention selections Camden Metzger at receiver and Wyatt Schwinn in the defensive secondary. Cooper and Lucas Beying – both All-Northeast Kansas League second team selections a season ago – were a talented duo in the offensive and defensive backfields and are seniors this fall. The new head coach will have a near total rebuild along the offensive and defensive front thanks to the graduation of Tucker Heim, Seth DeMaranville, and the previously mentioned Andrew Jacobs. Foster will try to help PRHS improve on a 2-7 2022 season that included a brutal stretch of games against Atchison County, Silver Lake, Rossville, Centralia, and Nemaha Central. Prior to that stretch the Rams were sitting at 2-2 with wins over Oskaloosa and Maur Hill.

2022 Record: 6-3 / Northeast Kansas League

Head Coach: Kody Tegtmeier (1st year) Assts.: N/A

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A

Returning starters: Tyler McRae, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Vincent Webb, OL/DL, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Jeston Vessar, WR/OLB, 5-10, 160, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Ints.: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: N/A

Notes: Alex Thornburgh led the Tigers to back-toback 6-3 seasons for the best two-year run since 8-2 and 5-4 finished in 2011 and 2012, but he moves on to a job at Jeff West as a teacher and assistant coach. Gone to graduation is a load of talent including All-Northeast Kansas League quarterback/ defensive back Bricen Lee, running back/defensive end Coltin Myers, and receiver/linebacker Trenton Kimmi. Jeston Vessar was a non-senior honorable mention All-NEKL selection last fall. Former Peabody-Burns and Lakeside coach Kody Tegtmeier takes over the program and makes the move from 6-Man to 11-Man in the process. The Tigers play in 2A District 3 with state powers Rossville and Silver Lake and league foes Maur Hill and Pleasant Ridge. The Tigers won close games over top league rivals Jefferson County North (14-6) and Jackson Heights (18-6) a year ago and were competitive with Silver Lake in a Week 8 loss (41-30), but struggled to score points against Rossville in Week 4 (49-8) and Sabetha in Week 9 (35-6). Jeff County North and Silver Lake return especially experienced teams again this fall and will provide the two toughest tests in the first eight weeks. Prior to the 6-3 marks of the past two seasons the Tigers had not posted a winning record since a 5-4 finish in 2012 and didn’t win more than three games in any one season between 2013 and 2020.

2022 Record: 8-2 / North Central Activities Assoc.

Head Coach: Josh Homolka (7th year, 25-29)

Assistants: Kenny Cravens, Craig Batchman, Jason McWilliams

Offense: Power Spread Defense: 4-4

Returning starters: Will Cravens, QB/CB, 6-3, 175, Sr..; Wyatt Bohnen, RB/LB, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Loden West, FB/LB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Jordan Rodriguez, OL/ DT, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Trent Hays, OL/DE, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Cole Webber, HB/LB, 6-3, 205, Sr.; Brendan Anderson, OL/NG, 6-3, 250, Sr.; Josh Rodriguez, CB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Layton Leiker, WR/LB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Riley Stone, TE/DE, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Tyler Conley, OL, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Micah Galvin, OL, 6-0, 180, So.; Daxton Leiker, S, 5-9, 170, So.; Wyatt Pelzel, CB, 5-11, 170, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Wyatt Bohnen, 89 car., 532 yds., 3 TDs. Passing: Will Cravens, 75-133, 1,068 yds., 15 TDs Receiving: Cole Webber, 29 rec., 541 yds., 13 TDs Tackles: Loden West, 62 tkls. Sacks: Jordan Rodriguez, 3.5 Ints.: Cole Webber, 3

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We return everyone from last season’s team. We graduated one senior. We are hoping to build upon last season’s successes. The key every year for everyone in 2A football is to stay healthy. We also need to be the most physical team on a weekly basis. That is our weekly goal.”

Notes: Ellsworth enters 2023 with high expectations thanks to the return of 14 starters and the transfer of Salina South RB Ian Andalon-Silva. EHS graduated just one senior from an 8-2 team in 2022. The Bearcat D was outstanding in the eight wins, allowing more than seven points just twice with four shutouts, but has to be better in big games after struggling in losses to eventual 2A runner-up Kingman (33-6) and semifinalist Southeast of Saline (46-7).

2022 Record: 3-6 / Tri-Valley League

Head Coach: Jonah McKee (1st year) Assistants: Scott Miller, Brendan Ptacek, Thomas Lowe

Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple

Returning starters: Wylee Boulanger, RB/CB, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Cole Adkins, WR, 5-10, 135, Sr.; Laken Valentine, WR/S, 5-6, 140, Jr.; Peyton Hare, OLB, 6-0, 145.; Kalim Mouer, RB/LB, 5-8, 175, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Wylee Bouglanger, 96 car., 476 yds., 2 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Laken Valentine, 7 rec., 59 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Laken Valentine, 39 tkls. Sacks: N/A Ints.: Laken Valentine, 3

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “The ability to continue pushing through adversity, that we stick together and fight to improve every day (is key). We want to build a culture that competes and is disciplined.”

Notes: Jonah McKee was elevated from assistant to head coach of the Tornadoes this offseason to take over after two seasons under Bruce Munden. McKee inherits a team that graduated a large group of senior starters, including three All-Tri Valley League selections, and took another hit when All-Tri Valley League quarterback/linebacker Carson Spoonts moved to Valley Heights in the offseason when his father took the superintendent position. McKee does welcome back five players with starting experience, including second team All-TVL running back Wylee Boulanger and honorable mention defensive back Laken Valentine. The Tornadoes play in 2A District 2 with an Osage City team that lost significant experience to graduation, and experienced Council Grove and Humboldt teams that are the likely district favorites. McKee will need to find improvement on the defensive side after the Tornadoes allowed at least 42 points in five of the six losses, but did pitch a shutout in a 12-0 win over Neodesha in Week 2.

FREDONIA GARDEN PLAIN GYPSUM-SE OF SALINE HALSTEAD

2022 Record: 4-5 / Tri Valley League

Head Coach: Marc Svaty (7th year, 32-31; 16th overall, 69-78) Assts.: Charl Hill, Cody Hickox, Jason Wheeler

Offense: Multiple Defense: Odd

Returning starters: Noah Jantz, WR/DB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Evan Pagacz, WR/DB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Brayden Oleary, QB/LB, 6-1, 185, So.; Emmet Couch, WR/ DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Hayden Lakin, RB/LB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Kolin Unruh, RB/LB, 6-1, 165, Jr.; Nate Lewis, TE/DL, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Sebastian Evanson, OL/DL, 6-2, 215, Jr.; Jake George, OL/DL, 5-9, 190, Jr.; Jay Evans, OL/DL, 6-3, 210, So.; Dameon Kisel, OL/DL, 6-3, 260, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: Evan Pagacz, 25 rec., 447 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Hayden Lakin, 80 tkls. Sacks: Kollin Unruh, 5 Ints.: N/A

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We lose most of our offensive yards from the 2022 season. We threw the ball a ton with a really good QB along with some dynamic receivers. This year’s team will look a little different. We do have some good talent coming back. We will be a little more conservative on offense. Most of the offensive line is returning from last year and we will rely on several new skill players to move the football. Hayden Lakin, Kolin Unruh, Brayden O’Leary, and Noah Jantz have all had good summers and will be good players. Defensively, we lose a couple of longtime defenders to graduation, yet have a quality defender returning at each position. We could be pretty good on that side of the ball this coming fall.”

Notes: Fredonia has now finished either 4-5 or 5-4 in each of the last five seasons and 11 experienced starters return this fall to try and help the Yellow Jackets win more than five games in a season for the first time since a 7-3 finish in 2016.

2022 Record: 4-5 / Central Plains League

Head Coach: Todd Rice (2nd year, 4-5; 30th overall, 147-136) Assistants: Cory Brack, Tyler Cahn, Brent Vancuren, James Todd Brent Randolph, Joel Taylor, Travis Daerr, Steve Byers

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5

Returning starters: Jaxen Bolinger, OL/DL, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Mason Hoheisel, OL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Gage Lee, RB/LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Aden Stuhlsatz, WR/LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Brady Brack, QB, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Seth Dugan, DB, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Kaeden Kasselman, OL/ DL, 6-3, 210, Jr.; Hank Lilly, OL/DL, 6-5, 280 Jr.; Devin Rau, LB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Cooper Scheer, DB, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Cooper Baker, DB, 5-11, 185, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Rushing: Gage Lee, 46 car., 251 yds., 2 TDs

Passing: Brady Brack, 12-32, 361 yds., 5 TDs

Receiving: Cooper Scheer, 2 rec., 40 yds. Sacks: Aden Stuhlsatz, 0.5 Ints.: Cooper Scheer, 2 Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We are excited about this upcoming season, we return a handful of kids, but are anxious to see our progress throughout the season.”

Notes: Former Clay Center coach Todd Rice went 4-5 in his first season leading the Owls but the return of 11 players with starting experience leaves GP fans with high expectations for a program that was once a state power. The offense will be in good hands behind junior QB Brady Brack and senior running back Gage Lee and an O-line that returns nearly intact. The Owls scored at least 42 points in three of their four wins, but posted 13 points or less in all five losses. A defense that pitched two shutouts and held five opponents to 18 points or less returns nine of 11 positions. Rice’s team will be relatively young, with just four of the 11 experienced players in the senior class. Things will get popping for the Owls right away in their season opener with rival Conway Springs.

2022 Record: 11-1 / North Central Activities Assoc.

Head Coach: Mitch Gebhardt (14th year, 93-38; 22nd overall, 121-74) Assistants: Chance Ptacek, Trenton Douglas, Kent Jacobson, Todd Baird

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4

Returning starters: Daniel Kejr, S, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Nathan Friesen, RB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Josiah Monday, DL, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Nathan Weller, C, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Cameron Witte, OLB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Wyatt Bond, E/ DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Tucker Thaxton, E, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Brody Chambers, OL/DL, 6-0, 265, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders

Rushing: Nathan Friesen, 160 car., 1,002 yds., 17 TDs Passing: Daniel Kejr, 6-10, 61 yds. Receiving: Tucker Thaxton, 18 car., 195 yds. Tackles: Daniel Kejr, 64 tkls. Sacks: Josiah Monday, 4 Ints.: Daniel Kejr, 2

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We have some players back from last year’s team. These players gained valuable experience. Our expectations are that we get better everyday and compete at a high level. We are excited to see what some of our younger guys can do.”

Notes: The Trojans plowed through the first 11 games of the season scoring at least 26 points in each contest, and 38 or more in 10 of them, with only Rock Creek (38-26), Clay Center (26-14), and a quarterfinal playoff matchup with Hoisington (44-21) closer than 23 points, but a double overtime semifinal loss to Kingman kept SES from the 2A title game. The 2023 senior class lost just six games over the past four seasons, including just one loss in each the last three falls. While 14th-year coach Mitch Gebhardt will miss that talent and experience he does return eight players with starting experience including 1,000-yard rusher Nathan Friesen and a pair of first team All-NCAA defenders in lineman Josiah Monday and safety Daniel Kejr.

2022 Record: 3-6 / Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Derek Racette (2nd year, 3-6)

Assistants: Sean Racette, Jonathan Burkhart, Ryan Voran, Alex Queen

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5

Returning starters: Braxton Creed, ATH/DB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Tucker Divine, ATH, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Connor Herman, C/DL, 6-2, 225, Jr.; Gage Meyer, G/LB/DE, 6-1, 235, Jr.; Owen Farmer, RB/DB, 5-6, 150, Sr.; Kurt Faduell, G, 6-1, 280, Jr.; Joey Millspaugh, RB/ DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Aden Armstrong, T/DL/DE, 6-2, 222, Sr.; Kohen Corona, WR, 6-0, 175, Jr. Brayden Logan, LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Keegan Kraus, LB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Brady Hill, DE/LB, 6-2, 180, Sr. Zantana Chavarin, DT, 6-1, 265, Sr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Owen Farmer, 55 car., 457 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Tucker Divine, 56-118, 707 yds., 4 TDs Receiving: Owen Farmer, 20 catch, 207 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Zantana Chavarin, 67 tkls. Sacks: Zantana Chavarin, 3 Ints.: Joey Millspaugh, 3

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We will have to continue to find great leadership in our upperclassmen and continue to become more of a family. Last year we set a great foundation for this program and this year we will have to continue to build on those stones laid. I could not be more excited for this season to get started in a few weeks.”

Notes: Halstead’s first year under Derek Racette started with a thrilling 42-40 victory over Smoky Valley followed by a three-game losing streak, a two-game winning streak, and two losses to close the season. Racette enters year two with high expectations thanks to the return of 13 players with starting experience including second team All-CKL RB Owen Farmer, second team O-lineman Connor Herman, and second team D-back Braxton Creek, along with three honorable mention selections.

Haven

2022 Record: 4-5 / Central Kansas League

Co-Head Coaches: Drew Thalmann/Thomas Cooprider (5th year, 19-19) Assistants: Cody Dick, Jorden Oden, Grant Wray, Wade Spencer, Jarred Hett, Noah Krol

Offense: Spread Option Defense: 4-4

Returning starters: Riley Loop, OL/LB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Trey Pennington, LB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Brody Boese, OL/DL, 6-3, 260, Sr.; Cooper Siedel, OL/DL, 6-3, 260, Sr.; Nash Wray, QB/DB, 5-9, 130, Jr.; Van Loop, RB/DB, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Dustin Loughrie, WR/DB, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Preston Sander, WR/DB, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Grant Patry, RB/DB, 6-0, 155, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Rushing: Van Loop, 171 car., 718 yds., 5 TDs

Passing: N/A Receiving: Van Loop, 10 rec., 109 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Trey Pennington, 48 tkls. Sacks: Riley Loop, 3.5 Ints.: N/A

Outlook for the 2023 season: “Experience and leadership will be key to our success this year. We’re losing key pieces that have really helped grow our brand, our program, that will be missed though,” said co-head coach Thomas Cooprider.

Notes: Haven improved to 4-5 last fall after a 3-6 finish in 2021, but the Wildcats were blown out in all five losses and lost four of the final five games to finish the season on a bit of down note. What’s the bad news for HHS heading into 2023? The Wildcats must replace honorable mention All-CKL quarterback and defensive end Brandt Sipe. The good news?

Co-head coaches Drew Thalmann and Thomas Cooprider return for their fifth year leading the program and welcome back nine players with starting experience, including second team All-CKL running back Van Loop and honorable mention linebacker Trey Pennington. The schedule may also be a bit more forgiving this season thanks to significant graduation losses at Smoky Valley, Kingman, Chaparral, and Southeast of Saline. The latter three teams on that list posted records of 12-1, 7-2, and 11-1 last fall.

HAYS-TMP-MARIAN

2022 Record: 4-5 / Mid-Continent League

Head Coach: Grant Stephenson (1st year; 9th overall, 56-32) Assistants: Joe Dintino, TJ Gottschalk

Offense: N/A Defense: N/A

Returning starters: Evan Balthazor, OL/DL, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Kolten Hagans, OL/DL, 6-3, 250, Sr.; Griffin Schumacher, RB/LB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Peyton Schwartz, RB/DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Kendall Walker, OL/DL, 5-10, 245, Sr.; Henry Speno, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Griffin Schumacher, 29 car., 344 yds., 4 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Peyton Schwartz, 1 rec., 17 yds. Tackles: Kendall Walker, 38 tkls. Sacks: Evan Balthazor, 2.5 Ints.: Henry Speno, Kendall Walker, Peyton Schwartz, 1 INT ea.

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: N/A

Notes: TMP finished 4-5 last fall after seasons of 8-3, 7-2 and 3-6 in four years under Jay Harris. After four seasons coach Harris steps away from coaching the Monarchs and former Plainville coach Grant Stephenson takes over. Class of 2023 grads Kade Harris, Landon Rozean, and Michael Hale were the top three tackles for the Monarchs last season with 85, 84, and 59 tackles respectively and Harris was the leading rusher with 864 yards on 174 carries. Rozean added 221 yards on 53 rushes. Current senior Kendall Walker was the fourth leading tackler with 38 stops and he added a sack and interception. Big senior offensive lineman Kolten Hagans provides a building block along the offensive front, along with his classmate, Kendall Walker, who earned first team All-MCL for his play on the offensive line and second team on the D-line. Current senior Peyton Schwartz also earned honorable mention for his play in the secondary. Stephenson did an impressive job in eight years leading Plainville. The Cardinals were 3-6 in his first year in 2015, but never won less than five games in a season between 2016 and 2021, before a 4-6 finish last fall. In 2016 Stephenson led PHS to the 2-1A title game where they narrowly lost to Troy. From 2017 to 2019 the Cardinals finished the season in the state semifinals.

Hillsboro Hoisington

2022 Record: 2-7 / Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Demetrius Cox (5th year, 23-17)

Assts.: Scott O’Hare, Dennis Boldt, Jeff Haslett

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3

Returning starters: Dawson Boldt, QB, Sr.; Zander Haslett, TE/LB, Sr.; Anders Weisback, RB/LB, Jr.; Nash Dickinson, OL/DE, Jr.; Levi Smith, SS, Sr.; Lincoln Wichert, FS, Jr.; Wyatt Plenert, WR/CB, Sr.; Seth Driggers, WR/CB, Jr.; Sutton Redger, LB, So.; Noah Beavers, TE/DE, Jr.; Collin Voss, OL/DT, Jr.; Jesiah Gooch, RB/LB, So.

Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Wyatt Plenert, Anders Weisbeck Passing: Dawson Boldt Receiving: Wyatt Plenert, Anders Weisbeck Tackles: Levi Smith Sacks: N/A Ints.: Lincoln Wichert, Seth Driggers

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “The overall outlook for the upcoming football season is extremely promising. With a talented roster of players and dedicated coaching staff, we are confident in our ability to achieve great success on the field. Our team has been working tirelessly during the offseason to improve their skills and strategies, and we have high expectations for their performance. We are excited about the potential for growth and achievement that this season holds, and we are looking forward to seeing our hard work pay off in exciting games and memorable victories. Together, we will make this an unforgettable football season.”

Notes: As expected, graduation took its toll on the Trojans last fall as they slipped to 2-7 from a 9-2 finish in 2021. Hillsboro will enter the 2023 season with higher expectations thanks to the return of 12 players with starting experience. The offense welcomes back key skill position players at quarterback (Dawson Boldt), receiver (Wyatt Plenert, Seth Driggers), and running back (Anders Weisback), but the offensive line will need to find some additional pieces to join returners Nash Dickinson and Collin Voss up front. The defense will have a solid linebacking corps with the return of Zander Haslett, Weisbeck, and Sutton Redger. While coach Demetrius Cox’s team will be more experienced than a year ago, his squad will still be pretty young with only four of the returning starters in the senior class. Six juniors and two sophomores return with some starting experience under their belt.

2022 Record: 8-3 / Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Zach Baird (10th year, 87-18) Assts.: Matt Koelsch, Kyle Haxton, Robert England

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-4

Returning starters: Tony Moore, QB/OLB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Caiden Hoffman, OL/DL, 6-3, 330, Sr.; Ian Smith, ILB, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Caleb Birzer, OL/DL, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Mason Alderice, WR/DB, 5-5, 140, Sr.; Gage Britt, TE/OLB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Jason Robinson, RB/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Teron Kraft, RB/LB, 5-7, 170, Jr.

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Rushing: Tony Moore, 89 car., 992 yds., 12 TDs

Passing: Tony Moore, 37-61, 656 yds., 11 TDs

Receiving: Mason Alderice, 7 rec., 109 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Teron Kraft, 66 tkls. Sacks: N/A Ints.: Tony Moore, 2

Head coach’s outlook for the 2023 season: “We have been in the process of improving our team speed, and developing more mental toughness. Our main goal for the year is to win a state championship.”

Notes: Losses to Hesston (21-14) in Week 1 and Pratt (37-13) in Week 5 left Hoisington as likely the third best team in the Central Kansas League last fall, though it’s hard to say for sure because district play keeps league teams from scheduling all the other teams in the league. A 4-0 record in district play delivered the Cardinals the championship of 2A District 7, then Hoisington edged an improved Russell team, 28-22, in the opening round of the playoffs before falling to Southeast of Saline in the 2A quarterfinals, 44-21. Coach Zach Baird bids farewell to two key pieces along the offensive and defensive interior in graduated linemen Cole Gilliland and Logan Philbern, as well as a trio of athletes from the back half of the defense, but eight returning starters should keep the Cardinals the favorites in district play. Senior Caiden Hoffman returns as one of the best interior linemen in Kansas and classmate Tony Moore provides a versatile weapon that can do a bit of everything on offense and is joined by Ian Smith, Gage Britt, and Teron Kraft to provide a quartet of quality linebackers. Senior Caleb Birzer will join Hoffman as an experienced member of both the offensive and defensive lines. Baird enters his 10th season leading the Cardinals just 13 wins away from 100 for his career.