RANKINGS

Others: Burlingame, Chase County, Clifton-Clyde, Ell-Saline, Hill City, Hoxie, Little River, South Sumner

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery County Chronicle

It was a dominant state championship season for WICHITA COUNTY in 8-Man I a year ago. The Indians cruised to their first-ever state title, going a perfect 13-0 by scoring at least 54 points in every game along the way. That included a 54-36 victory over Little River in the final — a rematch of the 2020 championship game that Little River won. Although Wichita County lost players such as dual-threat quarterback Erhik Hermosillo on offense and leading tackler Cordell Brown on defense, the Indians still have plenty of experience back to be a serious threat again this season. Head coach Brant Douglas, who enters his sixth season with the program (47-9), welcomes back junior running back Khris Hermosillo and senior tight end Colton Harbin. Hermosillo rushed for 1,251 yards and 23 TDs, while Harbin was on the receiving end of 24 catches for 478 yards and nine scores. Defensively, the Indians return six of their top nine tacklers from a unit that held eight opponents to 12 points or less, including five shutouts.

To make another run to the championship game, LITTLE RIVER has some work to do after the loss of several players to graduation. Head coach Kevin Ayers, now in his sixth season at LRHS, has plenty of reason for optimism after posting a 43-7 record in his first five seasons in charge of the Redskins. Little River went 11-2 last season, finishing just short of its seventh state title in program history and second in three years. Three players are back in the lineup this season, including seniors Andrew Smith (TE/ QB) and Carter Stansbury (OL/DL), and junior Ruxton Birdsong (OL). Smith is the team’s top returning receiver with 19 catches for 433 yards and nine touchdowns, while also recording 54 tackles a year ago. If the pieces come together, the Redskins could make a run at a fourth consecutive state championship appearance. Six starters return for LYNDON following last year’s 8-3 campaign that included an appearance in the sectional round of the playoffs. The Tigers welcome back senior running back Jalen

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Massey, who had 991 yards and 16 touchdowns, while senior linebacker Casten Wirth leads the defensive unit after posting 130 tackles last season. LHS will also benefit from the addition of Inman transfer Tanner Heckel, an All-Class 1A QB/D-back who accounted for nearly 2,000 yards of offense a year ago. Capping off its fourth unbeaten regular season in program history, WEST ELK advanced to the postseason for the fourth straight the biggest upsets of 2022 with a Week 9 victory over District 5 champion Clifton-Clyde. Second-year head coach Cody Corwin has seven starters back from that squad, including all-league selections Lakin Getz, Dashiell Brown and Trace Kinderknecht.

After making a return to the 8-Man ranks for the first time in 30 years, ELL-SALINE posted a 6-3 mark a year ago. With head coach Joe Roche returning for his fourth season (14-15), the Cardinals will need to replace graduated QB Kade Wilson and running back Obed Ruiz. Six players are back in the lineup, including senior Ryder Dent, who was one of the state’s top tacklers with 109 last season at linebacker season before falling to Lyndon, 42-38, in the bi-district round of the playoffs. Following an 8-1 season, the Patriots have the pieces in place for another strong season. Seven starters are back for head coach Chris Haag — the all-time winningest coach at WEHS (113-96) as he enters his 23rd season on the sideline. Leading the way for the Patriots is junior Creyo Koop, who rushed for 1,129 yards and 24 TDs while posting 129 tackles at linebacker. Despite finishing 4-6 a year ago, QUINTER pulled off one of

BURLINGAME was just one win away from a trip to the championship game but dropped a 48-0 decision to eventual runner-up Little River in the sub-state round to cap off a 10-2 campaign. Jeff Slater (75-20) enters his 10th season with the Bearcats. Burlingame lost unanimous All-Lyon County League selections Colby Middleton, Matthew Heckman and Tyler Lockwod and will rely on the return of four staters to the lineup.

In Jeff Savage’s first season at CENTRAL OF BURDEN, the Raiders went 5-4 while and CHS has reason for optimism heading into 2023 with the return of eight starters, led by quarterback/free safety Jace Wunderlich. The senior passed for 1,700 yards and rushed for 625 while combining for 39 touchdowns. He was also a force on defense with 99 tackles and three interceptions.