22 football by Craig Nienaber

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

F O O T B A L L 2 01 3 | T H E C H I E F S A N D T H E N F L

Quarterbacks are poised to light it up this fall. Alex Smith takes over for the Chiefs, K-State must replace a Heisman finalist, Mizzou’s main man has much to prove and Kansas has nowhere to go but up. INSIDE | 46 PAGES OF FIERY FOOTBALL PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN SLEEZER AND NEIL NAKAHODO | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

ABOUT THIS SPECIAL SECTION Kansas City’s aggravating historical narrative of bad quarterback play may be changing. One can hope, anyway. Andy Reid is the Chiefs’ new head coach in large part because of his record in working with quarterbacks, and the success of Reid and new general manager John Dorsey will be largely tied to how well their trade for Alex Smith turns out. That’s what makes the upcoming season so QB-centric around here. You could probably make the case in most years, and most places, that the fates of the local football teams depend on their quarterbacks. After all, it’s widely regarded as the most important position in sports. But there is a particular interest in the position right here, right now. And not just with the Chiefs. We’ve designed this special section to inform, entertain and enlighten you to all that the quarterback position has been, is today and might soon become.

Section H: The Chiefs and NFL If you want to meet the true face of the Chiefs franchise in 2013, look no further than Alex Smith. Cast aside in San Francisco when he went down because of a concussion, this former No. 1 overall draft pick arrives in Kansas City with a serious chip on his shoulder pad. But when has having something to prove been a bad thing? Along with introducing you to what makes Smith tick, this section will acquaint you with this year’s top overall selection, tackle Eric Fisher, break down the Chiefs’ 2013 schedule, and take you on Randy Covitz’s annual tour through the rest of the league. Oh — and you’ll also go one-on-one with living legends Lenny Dawson, Joe Namath and Joe Montana.

Section I: K-State, KU and the Big 12 At Kansas State, Bill Snyder must determine an heir to Heisman Trophy finalist Collin Klein. The Wildcats have two very different quarterback options in transfer Jake Waters and Daniel Sams, who backed up Klein last season. In Lawrence, the stage is set for Charlie Weis’ second year at Kansas. The quarterback guru’s reputation took a hit with a 1-11 season in which his hand-picked transfer, Dayne Crist, threw more than twice as many interceptions as touchdowns. Weis’ next shot comes with Jake Heaps, another touted transfer. This section also investigates the true origin of the forward pass (hint: it’s not Irish) and tells you everything you need to know about the Big 12 in 2013.

Section J: Mizzou, the SEC and area colleges At Missouri, Gary Pinkel is coming off his first season without a bowl since 2004. His Tigers’ ability to compete in their second year in the Southeastern Conference will be directly dependent upon James Franklin’s ability to stay healthy and play more like the quarterback he was in 2011 than the one he was in 2012. This section also tracks the jet-setting of young Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M, breaks down the SEC from top to bottom and takes a spin through the campuses of our numerous area colleges. A farewell to the BCS, which next season gives way to a long-awaited playoff system, completes Section J.

Section K: High schools Win and you’re the hero. Lose and the blame falls squarely upon your shoulders. Fair or not, that’s the life of a high school quarterback. But these big men on campus are up to the challenge. The final section in this year’s four-part football preview checks in with the major conferences in our 100-plus-team coverage area, delivers you schedules for each, and takes a walk down memory lane with a look at all of our past All-Metro quarterbacks.

TODD FEEBACK | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

Chiefs general manager Tom Dorsey (left), who acquired quarterback Alex Smith in a trade, admits it is more difficult to evaluate quarterbacks than any other position.

A GOOD QUARTERBACK IS HARD TO FIND College football’s move to a spread option has made it tough for the NFL to evaluate signal-callers.

ohn Dorsey wants to see quarterbacks in person. Has to, really. The Chiefs general manager can watch an offensive lineman or a running back or a defensive tackle on film and have a pretty good idea what he’s looking at. But quarterbacks are different. Quarterbacks are harder. Evaluating quarterbacks requires a little more attention. Dorsey wants to see the quarterback’s reaction to a bad play. He wants to see how he comes off the sideline, how (or whether) his teammates embrace him. Can the quarterback lead his team at the end of the game? What’s his relationship like with his teammates? These are the things you can’t see on video. Unfortunately, in person there can be mistakes. “It is harder to evaluate quarterbacks now,” he says. “The way college football is played with the spread option, with limited reads, limited progressions. That makes it tougher to evaluate, because you had the traditional model of what quarterbacks do and now things are different.” Dorsey, of course, comes from Green Bay, which is known mostly for snow and terrific quarterbacks. The Packers traded a mid firstround pick for Brett Favre in 1992, and then drafted Aaron Rodgers 24th overall in 2005. But outside of Green Bay, finding good quarterbacks has been a struggle for nearly everyone in the NFL. Increasingly, this is how good franchises and teams separate from bad. Quarterbacks have never been more important. Rules protecting quarterbacks and the passing game have only amplified the trend. The problem is, as quarterbacks have become more important, teams generally haven’t become any better at evaluating them. In last year’s NFL Draft, Brandon Weeden and Brock Osweiler were picked ahead of Russell Wilson. The year before, Blaine Gabbert, Christian Ponder and Jake Locker went before Andy Dalton and Colin Kaepernick. Three years ago, the Broncos took Tim Tebow in the first round — and traded up to do it.

SAM MELLINGER

COMMENTARY

“You’d think that in the past 30, 40, 50 years, the evolution of scouting would’ve learned a lesson on how to evaluate the position,” says Shawn Zobel, who runs draftheadquarters.com. “But it’s still an old-fashioned way of scouting, where they’re dragging their feet. There’s no excuse for Russell Wilson falling out of the first round.” The problems with quarterback evaluations are many. Different systems require different talents, so a quarterback who may thrive in one place could struggle in another. No position in football is dictated more by intangibles and less by tangibles (compare the physical gifts of Wilson and former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell, for instance). Also, the requirements of the position are changing so rapidly that it’s sometimes hard to project how certain strengths and weaknesses will apply in the NFL. Dorsey’s point about college quarterbacks generally being asked to read defenses less and go through shorter progressions is just one

| THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Russell Wilson had a breakout season last year, but he wasn’t a first-round draft choice.

example. Quarterback evaluations may actually be made tougher by the position’s importance, too. Multiple NFL personnel men, in conversations this preseason, mentioned that one of the main ways teams make themselves vulnerable to faulty evaluations of quarterbacks is when they’re forced to draft one. If you feel pressured, the thinking goes, you’re more likely to miss faults you’d see in a more reasoned state. Look at the teams that’ve missed badly on quarterbacks the last two years. With the exception of the Broncos (who drafted Osweiler after they signed Peyton Manning), each was desperate for a quarterback. Now look at the teams that found value later in the draft. The Seahawks had just signed Matt Flynn to a big free-agent contract and figured Wilson would be the backup. And the 49ers had Alex Smith, who struggled the year before but would throw 17 touchdowns with five interceptions and help San Francisco reach the NFC championship game the next season. There are no obvious, easy fixes, of course. Only attempts by NFL teams to get better. One is that teams are paying more attention to statistics. A league executive, in talking about why he didn’t like Locker in the draft two years ago, mentioned that he completed only 55 percent of his passes as a senior at Washington. Another evolution is that teams, generally, are less likely to fall in love with physical tools than they were in the past. The Chiefs have an example of their own here, with Tyler Bray — a first-day-of-thedraft talent who went unpicked through the entire draft because of concerns about his maturity and leadership skills. In that way, the 2014 draft is setting up as something of a test. Among the top quarterback prospects are Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater and Alabama’s A.J. McCarron. Bridgewater is, by far, the more talented player. But McCarron’s leadership ability is often cited in Alabama’s back-to-back national titles, and he threw just three interceptions all of last season. Which would you prefer? NFL teams are still trying to figure it out themselves.

FOOTBALL 2013 STAFF EDITORS ❚ Jeff Rosen, assistant managing editor/sports ❚ Chris Fickett, deputy sports editor ❚ Tom Ibarra, assistant sports editor ❚ Greg Branson, assistant managing editor/presentation COPY EDITORS ❚ Pete Grathoff, Chris Carter DESIGNERS ❚ Tom Smith, Domenica Bongiovanni

PHOTOGRAPHERS ❚ David Eulitt, Shane Keyser, Joe Ledford, John Sleezer, Jill Toyoshiba GRAPHIC ARTISTS ❚ Covers by Neil Nakahodo ❚ Graphics by Dave Eames WRITERS ❚ Randy Covitz, Rustin Dodd, Vahe Gregorian, Blair Kerkhoff, Sam McDowell, Sam Mellinger, Tod Palmer, Terez A. Paylor, Kellis Robinett, Adam Teicher

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

GRACE UNDER FIRE Quarterback Alex Smith has heard it all: the cheers, the catcalls and worst of all, the indifference. Today, he’s just glad to be with a franchise that believes in him. BY SAM MELLINGER | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

lex Smith never expected this life. NFL quarterback? Yeah, right. He grew up smart, skinny and uncoordinated. When he was 14, his dad tried to talk him into quitting football. You look more like a distance runner, he said. His friends thought he’d be a professor. Here he is anyway, the new hope of the once-proud Chiefs, talking about a wild career over barbecue on the Plaza. In a few minutes, a boy from the next table over who has been eyeing Smith all night will come over to say hello and good luck. Smith will smile, tell the boy thank you, and then go back to his burnt ends and his story. It will take the better part of two hours. There is a lot to tell. Smith is only 29 but he has already seen so much. He has worked through the guilt and anger and depression of his best friend’s suicide. He’s been the NFL’s No. 1 overall draft pick, and he’s been benched. He is a model philanthropist. He’s been booed, cheered, paid, left out and traded.

He is a husband. A father. Smart enough to earn an economics degree in 21⁄2 years. Just 20 when a directionless San Francisco 49ers organization drafted him, Smith last year suffered a concussion just as his career got going. He watched his 49ers teammates play in the Super Bowl from the sideline, in a baseball hat, his dream falling 5 yards short on someone else’s shoulders. Maybe he’ll get over that someday. “Is part of me still pissed?” Smith says. “I guess. I don’t know. Yeah, because you’re pissed how you got treated, how it all went down. But I felt like I made my peace.” He’s asked if he thinks the 49ers would’ve won the Super Bowl with him at quarterback. “No doubt in my mind,” he says. ❚ ❚ ❚ Before Smith became a pro football player, he was a skinny pain in the neck for his parents as the third of four children in San Diego. “The worst child we had, by far,” says his father Doug, a retired high school principal and football coach. “He was the most obstinate, threw the most tantrums. He lived his whole early life in the corner.” Doug and his wife, Pam, tried everything. Reasoning. Explaining. Spanking. They settled on the timeout corner. Maybe it helped, maybe it didn’t, but Doug and Pam needed those breaks as much as Alex. Eventually, they found that Alex’s stubborn streak could be helpful in sports. The same hardheaded attitude he showed when his dad asked him to mow the lawn came through in persevering through the struggles of being a 5-foot-nothing, 130-pound freshman quarterback whose father wanted him to quit and join the cross country team. Alex stuck with football, though, even if nobody looked his way. Helix Charter High had this running back, Reggie Bush, who was one of the best players the state ever saw. So Alex played his last two years in front of coaches from every major college in the country, mostly handing the ball off to Bush, graduating at about 170 pounds with just two scholarship offers. “And one of those was from my uncle,” he says of then-Louisville

coach John L. Smith. “So I’m not sure if that counts.” Ivy League schools wanted Alex, but he hated the idea of not having a bowl game to work toward. So he went to Utah, and if college coaches didn’t think much of him, he didn’t disagree. Alex just hoped to play, someday, and then worry about getting a real job after graduation. Maybe he’d go to law school. “Being a professional athlete was just not something any of us really ever thought about,” says Josh, Alex’s older brother. “We weren’t brought up in a family of anyone who played in the NFL, where you’re pushing them and DAVID EULITT | THE KANSAS CITY STAR know all the secrets.” Alex’s goals were always small Alex Smith says a pivotal moment for him came in 2009 when he decided to quit worrying and achievable. Friends and about the fans and focus solely on being a better quarterback and teammate. coaches call him humble. He prefers “realistic.” But by the time he ever good news. in me and my shoulder and all tain events stick in the memory. was a junior, he had grown into It was 2008, five years ago this this stuff and you can’t help but For Smith, one of those events his body, added strength and month. Smith’s fourth NFL train- think, ‘What if I’d paid a little was a 2009 game against Andy speed, and that brain the Ivy ing camp. Friends say they’d nev- more attention? What could I Reid’s Eagles in Philadelphia. The League coveted was making the er seen him this focused before. have done?’ I had no idea he was 49ers fell behind and Smith startmost out of Urban Meyer’s Smith’s pro career, to that point, hurting like that. I just had no ed pressing. He threw three interspread offense. ceptions and heard a fan base had been terrible — eight more idea.” Utah was a perfect 12-0 during losses than wins, 13 more interFootball offered no escape. blame him for the loss that folAlex’s junior year. He ranked sec- ceptions than touchdowns. The First, Smith lost the starting quar- lowed. ond in the nation in passer rating sport that had been so good to terback competition to J.T. O’SulThat blowback was his turning and was a Heisman Trophy final- Smith — made him rich — seem- livan. Then, he learned why his point. Smith had spent five years ist — joined by Bush, his old high ingly turned on him. shoulder was still hurting when, a trying to live up to his billing as school teammate. His shoulder had required sur- few weeks into the season, it gave the No. 1 pick. And for what? Was Alex seems to have been the gery, and the pain, ominously, out on a deep pass in practice. it helping? last one to know how good he hadn’t yet gone away. The fight The first surgery left a wire in his No more. was. He swears he only played for the 49ers’ starting quarter- shoulder, which cut through the “That was a big moment for one college game — the 2005 back job consumed him. bone. He missed the entire sea- me,” he says. “I’m not going to Fiesta Bowl his last year at Utah play like that anymore. I’m going Then came the phone call. His son. More rehab. — knowing he’d be in the NFL. best friend, a man he grew up He had never dealt with prob- to play for me and not play for And that was only because his with named David Edwards, was lems like this. Smith had lived a anyone else, except my teambrother had talked to some dead. Suicide. Smith had talked to charmed life even before his foot- mates and the guys that matter. I scouts. Edwards the day before, but he ball career. Two loving parents, a was happier, and I played a lot “I’m being 100 percent honest hadn’t returned a follow-up call. strong middle-class family that better football.” about that,” Alex says. That attitude would see him Smith’s heart sank. His mind neighbors saw as close-knit. Alex graduated, his coach took drifted. But at some point, Smith began through his toughest moment as the Florida job, and the NFL was “Hands down, the best friend to develop some clarity. Hearing a player. offering lifetimes of wealth. He I’ve ever had,” he says. “Not close, that your best friend killed him❚ ❚ ❚ had no reason to come back to at that point. I have my brother, self forces you to realize the insigThey kept waiting to see if Utah — but also had no way of but he (Edwards) was literally nificance of being booed. Smith would crack. If he would being ready for the NFL. like my brother. He was so close “He wants to please everyone, blow up. Cuss someone out. Or, He became the No. 1 pick be- to everyone in my family. like, ‘I have to do everything right maybe he would become defore his 21st birthday. “But at the time, I’m caught up to be who I want to tached. Laze through a practice. More reporters and be,’ ” says Doug Zone out during meetings. photographers covWould’ve been understandable, Smith, Alex’s father. MORE FIZZLE THAN SIZZLE ered his first day of “What it helped him of course. Smith was leading the workouts with the realize is, ‘A lot of NFL in passer rating last year 49ers than any but his Alex Smith isn’t the first Chiefs quarterback to not be what you’re doing to when he suffered a concussion in drafted by the team. In fact, of 32 quarterbacks drafted by last game at Utah. yourself is (baloney). week 10. You know the rest of the As it turned out, the Chiefs, only seven have started a game in red and yellow. And don’t do it. story. His backup, Colin KaeperYear (round) Starts W-L-T football would be the Player There are bigger nick, played well enough that Eddie Wilson 1962 (3) 1 0-0-1 least of Alex Smith’s Pete Beathard things in life. Focus 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh kept 1964 (1) 2 1-1-0 worries. on that. Focus on the Smith on the bench, even when Mike Livingston 1968 (2) 74 30-43-1 big things — what he regained his health. Kaeper❚ ❚ ❚ Steve Fuller 1979 (1) 31 13-18 nick turned into a phenomenon, a you can control.’ ” The news came late Todd Blackledge 1983 (1) 24 13-11 1987 (7) 1 0-1-0 Nothing happens at night. And late- Doug Hudson 2006 (3) 10 0-10-0 overnight, but cerSEE SMITH | H7 night news is hardly Brodie Croyle

Smith’s foundation hot stuff for foster kids New Chiefs QB makes real-time difference by enabling less fortunate to attend college. By SAM MELLINGER The Kansas City Star

Alex Smith is gone from California now, of course, but he’s still doing good back home. Within the first year or so of his NFL career, he started the Alex Smith Foundation, which provides mentoring and support for foster kids to go to college. The program has been held up as a model not just for other athletes, but for philanthropists in general

for both efficiency and efficacy. Generally, experts say a nonprofit should put at least twothirds of its proceeds toward its cause. A study by the Boston Globe found that Smith’s foundation spent 91 percent of its funds on its mission over a three-year period. “I’ve been to so many deals with so many of my peers,” Smith says. “I hate to say it, but you go and it’s some tournament or big party or dinner, and you don’t even know what you’re raising money for. It’s like, ‘Oh, it’s for the kids.’ Thanks. But what are you doing?”

So far, Smith’s foundation has helped 23 foster children graduate from college — a success rate of around 80 percent, when generally fewer than 5 percent of all foster kids graduate college. In part based on the foundation’s success and Smith’s advocacy, California extended its support of foster kids from 18 to 23 years of age. Smith and his foundation have recently focused on helping San Diego State initiate a similar program. It’s an interesting cause for Smith, who describes himself as “the total antithesis of a foster

kid.” He grew up middle class and happy, with two loving parents who drove him to college and sent money when he needed it and generally taught him the right things. The cause grew close to his heart when his mother, Pam, now retired from a career in health and human services, took him to visit a high school of foster kids about to graduate out of the system. Smith says he’s able to keep the foundation lean by limiting overhead costs and funding much of the work himself. The staff is basically his family — his mother

runs the program — and when it’s your own money being spent, you make extra sure it’s not wasted. He has the kids in the program at his house, and they know his family by name. “Instead of being so general, taking on so much, like ‘poverty and youth,’ it was sort of like, ‘OK, let’s narrow the focus,’ ” Smith says. “Let’s make it foster youth, and foster youth aging out of the system, and we’re going to be in San Diego or the Bay Area. Maybe if we can narrow the focus, we can change these kids’ trajectories and make a real difference.”

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

First in line, Chiefs draft big Top pick Eric Fisher didn’t play in a major conference, but his Senior Bowl showing proved he could hang with the best. BY ADAM TEICHER | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

he moment of truth for Eric Fisher came the minute he stepped onto the practice field last January at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. Sure, Fisher had been a great offensive lineman at Central Michigan, where he dominated players from schools such as Bowling Green and Eastern Michigan. Now, he would have to block pass rushers from the big schools, players who would get drafted and play in the NFL. And nothing changed. Fisher was again dominant, and in doing so answered the last remaining questions about his ability. That’s when Fisher, in a draft short on stars at quarterback, pass rusher and other glamour positions, established himself as a serious contender to be the No. 1 overall pick.

“There was a huge buzz about him heading into the Senior Bowl because everybody has seen him do it against one level of competition and everybody wanted to see whether he could do it against another,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. “The Senior Bowl erased all of that with Fisher. He came in and he dominated that whole week and he did it in the one-on-one drills where weaknesses get exposed and he did it in team and he did it against all the big helmets: guys from LSU and Texas and Alabama and all those other helmets he came up against. “It was hard for me to find a hole in this kid’s game. Once he eliminated the quality-of-competition question with the way he played in the Senior Bowl, there was no reason to think he wouldn’t be a perennial All-Pro.” The Chiefs held that No. 1 overall pick and eventually drafted Fisher instead of, among others, Texas A&M tackle Luke Joeckel. Joeckel played against major-college competition, first in the Big 12 and then in his final season in the SEC. That might have given Joeckel the edge in the minds of coach An-

dy Reid and the Chiefs had Fisher not excelled at the Senior Bowl. Joeckel was drafted by Jacksonville with the second overall pick. “We went and visited him, watched all his workouts,” Reid said. “We watched their games. Eric got the opportunity to play against Iowa and Michigan State, which are large schools. I don’t want to slight the MAC conference. They have a good conference, too, that they play in, Division I football. I can tell you that and he has a Senior Bowl in there. “Whatever he was presented with, he played against. So we went off of that, our evaluation as of him as a person, and we thought he was the best for this football team.” Fisher might have approached the Senior Bowl with some apprehension. He was a small-time recruit who had no scholarship offer from any school in a major Division I conference. But he played well when the Chippewas went up against those schools, so he never looked at the Senior Bowl as a major obstacle. “I don’t ever have doubt in my mind,” he said. “No matter who I’m going against, I’m going to com-

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY NEIL NAKAHODO AND DAVID EULITT | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

pete with them. At the Senior Bowl, you get the best college athletes down there, and I thought I did very well. I went there with the idea of taking care of business. I had the next level of competitor against me and I adjusted to that level. “I think I’ve always known what type of player I am, what kind of competitor I am.”

Fisher has had an uneven start to his NFL career. He played well in the Chiefs’ preseason opener against New Orleans and then struggled the next week against San Francisco. He missed some practice time because of thumb and shoulder injuries. It was predictable that Fisher, from a smaller college, would need some time to make a successful

transition to the NFL. “There’s a learning curve,” said right guard Jon Asamoah, who plays next to Fisher. “I’m there every day. I tell him when we run a play, ‘OK, Eric. In a game, this is how it’s going to unfold and this is the way we need to approach this.’ “Every day we learn something about each other. We learn to communicate a little better. … He’s going to learn just like every rookie does.” Had this been most typical years for the draft, Fisher might be playing for some team other than the Chiefs. The Chiefs entered the offseason looking for a starting quarterback, and traded for Alex Smith only after determining that none worthy of the first overall pick would be available in the draft. In most years, that quarterback is available in the draft. “You’d always like to have a quarterback with that first pick,” former Cowboys personnel director Gil Brandt said. “There’s no doubt about that. “But Fisher was a solid choice for the Chiefs. They won’t have to look to replace him for a long time. There’s no question about him. They couldn’t have gone wrong with either of those guys, Fisher or Joeckel. But if the choice was mine, I’d have picked Fisher. I’m happy with either one of them. The thing that separates Fisher a little bit is that he has more room to grow. Joeckel is probably as good as he’s going to get.” Mayock compared Fisher to Browns tackle Joe Thomas. “Thomas has been to a few consecutive Pro Bowls for a bad team,” Mayock said. “Fisher is just like him. He’s long. He’s got good feet. He can bend and drive in the run game. It’s rare to get all of that in one player. “Ten years from now, I’d be really disappointed if Eric Fisher didn’t play in six or seven Pro Bowls. He needs to be a dominant tackle — I don’t think it’s as important whether it’s left tackle or right tackle like it was in the old days — and I think he will be.”

SHAWNEE MISSION FINAL DAYS!! SATURDAY & MONDAY ONLY LOWEST PRICES AND LARGEST SELECTION IN TOWN!!

2012 FOCUS 201

The Hunt Midwest Family of Communities

MODELS OPEN DAILY Tuesday 1- 6 pm • Wednesday - Sunday 12-6 pm • Monday by appointment

NEW HOMES UNDER CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUC

SE & SEL MODELS

STARTING AT STK# R28059

12,987!!

AVAILABLE!!

HuntMidwestKC.com

2012 FUSION SE & SEL MODELS

STARTING AT STK# R28076

13,987! 13,987!!

AVAILABLE!!

ANNOUNCING There IS now Help to Reduce the Symptoms of Menopause • • • • •

2012 ESCAPE LIMITED!!

STARTING AT STK# 27995

18,987!!

Call Today FREE 1-800-864-4092 816-415-9995

AVAILABLE!!

CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR DEEPLY DISCOUNTED INVENTORY SATURDAY – MONDAY ONLY, TOO MANY TO LIST

913-631-0000 4 Lights West Of I-35 On Shawnee Mission Parkway WWW.SHAWNEEMISSIONFORD.COM

**All prices are with approved credit, does not include $399 administrative fee, tax, title & license are not included. See dealer for details. Photos are for illustration only.

Hot Flashes Sleep Disturbance Moodiness Vaginal Dryness Decreased Libido

Our Bio-Identical Hormone Compounds ThisMention Ad and Get Can Bring 10% Off You Relief!

www.AnRPharmacy.com

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

SMITH: Quarterback aims high FROM H4

record-breaking, long-striding, strong-armed problem for defenses, kissing his biceps after touchdowns. Smith, meanwhile, held a clipboard. Wore a baseball hat. Waited. And, by all accounts, remained a good teammate. “I had two choices, right?” he says. “I can sit and bitch and be miserable and hate life or, you know, I can stick with it. I didn’t know what was going to happen. Didn’t know when I could play. It could’ve been the next game, or the middle of the Super Bowl. And I knew if I was going to have that chance, I might be playing for my next team. “So I wasn’t going to let it derail me. I felt like I was on a good path, and I didn’t want that to knock me off.” Josh, the older brother, says no one in the family handled the challenge as well as Alex. Andre Dabbaghian, one of Alex’s closest friends, remembers saying in November that the Chiefs were probably going to be looking for a new quarterback. But Smith reminded him that he would still be under contract with San Francisco. Smith had so many good friends on the 49ers. Teammates with whom he’d been through so much. Those guys went from a 10-loss season under Mike Singletary to 13 wins the next season with Harbaugh in 2011 — within a special-teams fumble of the Super Bowl with Smith playing quarterback. He knew this was the best team he’d ever played on, and he wasn’t going to be the guy to make a stink and distract from the greater good. “I made myself felt in the building,” he says. “But it’s hard. We’re winning games, making a run. I had a new role. I didn’t like it, but I was going to take it on. I knew there would be another day, and to me, that’s the thinking.

JOHN SLEEZER | THE STAR

Alex Smith did his best to support Colin Kaepernick (right) with the 49ers.

“Was I pissed at coach Harbaugh? Yeah, absolutely. To say the least. But it’s a team game, and there’s something special about that. The locker room is a special place … I wasn’t going to put myself above a team in the middle of a season.” So Smith became the league’s most overqualified backup quarterback. He was engaged in the quarterback meetings, helped Kaepernick where he could, helped other teammates during the week. At the Super Bowl, he insisted to everyone who asked that he wasn’t thinking about anything beyond what everyone figured would be his last game with San Francisco. Then, he watched from the sideline as Kaepernick’s fourth-down pass fell incomplete in the end zone with fewer than 2 minutes left. Smith hugged some teammates. Said some goodbyes. And, soon, he was reminded what his friend said back in November about the Chiefs needing a quarterback. ❚ ❚ ❚ Alex Smith is smiling more. Friends notice that. It makes them smile, too. None of them expected this life for Alex, and even if they did they could not have expected this career twist. He is a lifelong West Coaster making a new life in Kansas City because of a remarkable string of successes and failures, of achievements and disappointments. Those friends are proud of how he’s come through it all.

“He’s the same as he’s always been, honestly,” says Dabbaghian, his close friend. “That’s pretty refreshing, when I think about it.” Maybe the ups and the downs of the last five years have helped. In Kansas City, Smith gets the chance that he feels was robbed from him in San Francisco. He’s the Chiefs’ starting quarterback. This is his team. This town is where his wife will live and, if everything goes according to plan, where his kids will go to school. He gets going when he talks about Kansas City. He’s only been here a short time, but he knows enough to compliment the barbecue and the people. He and Reid have a unique simpatico that extends beyond their shared roots in Utah (Reid played at BYU). Both men are hypercompetitive and grateful for a fresh start in a new place. Smith and Reid have a longstanding mutual admiration. That’s part of why they’re both so happy to be here. Smith says the thing he’s most proud of in his football career “is doing it differently.” He was an overlooked recruit who became the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, and was labeled a bust before going 19-5 with a 95.1 passer rating the last two seasons. The only team he’d played for as a pro said he wasn’t good enough. So he’ll have to do it differently, again. “You get a taste of playing in the playoffs and what that’s like, and it’s a completely different world,” Smith says. “You get a taste in those meaningful games, you get that taste and you can’t get it out. You want more. That’s what I want.” Smith’s focus is clear. He is convinced that a Super Bowl championship was taken from him through a coaching decision. This will be in his heart and on his mind until he works his way back. “Yeah,” he says. “Without a doubt.”

SCORE BIG WITH

CHIEFS CHECKING powered by

Checknology

• Exclusive Chiefs Debit MasterCard® • 10% Discount on Chiefs Apparel • Free 24/7 Online & Mobile Banking* • Free Mobile Check Deposit*

METCALFBANK.COM l 816.525.5300 l MEMBER FDIC *Mobile carrier data and text rates may apply.

2013 NISSAN

FRONTIER KC 4X4

ALTIMA

SALE PRICE 18 874

MSRP $ , 22,680 STK N13583. VIN 288466. MODEL 13013. ONE OR MORE AT THIS PRICE. $

10,000

OFF

MSRP 33,950

2013 NISSAN

PATHFINDER 4X4

MAXIMA

SALE PRICE $23,981

STK N13222. VIN 820322. MODEL 16113. ONE OR MORE AT THIS PRICE.

2010 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 SL

17,982

STK# F1227, LEATHER, BACK-UP CAM, 22K MILES ...$

2010 NISSAN ROGUE KROM

17,982

STK# F1266, 35K MI, BLACK ..................................$

2012 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.55

17,982

STK# N13305B, ONE OWNER, MOONROOF, 16K MI ...$

2009 KIA SPECTRA

STK# N14013A, 67K MILES, CRUISE CONTROL ............$

2009 NISSAN VERSA

STK N13099B, 58K, HB, GAS SAVER............................$

2010 NISSAN SENTRA

SALE PRICE $22,981

STK N13706. VIN 741198. MODEL 31413. ONE OR MORE AT THIS PRICE.

2013 NISSAN

UP TO

MSRP 27,430

STK# F1262, 71K MILES, PWR LOCK * WINDOWS .......$

8,981 9,981 9,981

SALE PRICE 25 981

MSRP $ , 31,645 STK N13517. VIN 670789. MODEL 25013. ONE OR MORE AT THIS PRICE. $

2010 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 SR

STK# F1235A, ONE OWNER, LEATHER, BACK-UP CAM$

2011 NISSAN JUKE SL AWD

STK# N13618B, LEATHER, NAV, 42K MILES ..............$

2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER SV

STK# N13747A, ONE OWNER, 7500 MILES, CPO .......$

19,982

20,782 28,942

2011 KIA RIO

STK# F1233, 58K MILES, 1.6 LITER, FUEL SAVER .........$

9,981

2005 MITSUBISHI ENDEAVOR XLS STK N13421A, 88K MILES, AWD .................................$

2010 CHEVROLET COBALT LT

STK F1279, 47K, COUPE, LEATHER, CHROME WHLS ..$

9,981

10,981

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

Analyzing the Chiefs’ schedule PREDICTIONS BY ADAM TEICHER | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

Sept. 8 at Jacksonville

Nov. 3 at Buffalo

noon Channel 5 W (1-0) Chiefs are in some trouble if they can’t beat the woeful Jaguars

noon Channel 5 W (6-3) Chiefs break through in a city where they haven’t won in a long time

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

H o e m m e To o c l e W Spring Hill, Kansas Southern Johnson County’s Premier New Home Community

Phase Three NOW OPEN Sept. 15 vs. Dallas

Nov. 17 at Denver

noon Channel 4 L (1-1) Cowboys will be better this season than a lot of people believe

3:05 p.m. Channel 5 L (6-4) It’s too much to expect the Chiefs to win this showdown for first place

Sept. 19 at Philadelphia

Nov. 24 vs. San Diego

7:25 p.m. NFL Network W (2-1) Chiefs will overcome a prime-time crowd jacked up for Andy Reid’s return

noon Channel 5 W (7-4) In the midst of a tough stretch of schedule, Chiefs grab a must-win

Sept. 29 vs. New York Giants

Dec. 1 vs. Denver

noon Channel 4 W (3-1) Chiefs have enough at home to overcome the aging Giants

noon Channel 5 L (7-5) Broncos will win the rematch at Arrowhead, too

Community Pool & Playground Complete!

Many plans to choose from: Davenport, Bristol, Landry, Rockwood, Windsor, Dunnwood, Rosewood and Savannah. Priced from $285,000 to $350,000 2200 SF to 2700 SF. Amazing Close-In Community.

Rockwood Oct. 6 at Tennessee

Dec. 8 at Washington

noon Channel 5 L (3-2) You didn’t expect Chiefs to win all of their road games, right?

noon Channel 5 L (7-6) Bob Sutton’s blitzing defense will find RGIII too hard to handle

Oct. 13 vs. Oakland

Dec. 15 at Oakland

noon Channel 5 W (4-2) Chiefs will break their long home losing streak against Raiders

3:05 p.m. Channel 5 W (8-6) Anything less than a sweep of Raiders is a huge disappointment this season

Oct. 20 vs. Houston

Dec. 22 vs. Indianapolis

noon Channel 5 L (4-3) Texans might be the best opponent the Chiefs face this season

noon Channel 5 W (9-6) Colts won’t be as good as they were last season

Oct. 27 vs. Cleveland

Dec. 29 at San Diego

noon Channel 5 W (5-3) Pesky Browns won’t go without a fight in this game

3:25 p.m. Channel 5 L (9-7) Question is, will this loss keep Chiefs out of the playoffs?

FISHING, HUNTING & OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL LAND FOR SALE & FOR LEASE LAND FOR SALE

NEW Wolf Creek Elementary School Now Open

“Award Winning Rosewood”

Furnished Model Open Tues. – Sunday, Noon – 5 pm 194th Street & Ridgeview Road, Spring Hill, Kansas

913-592-3633 www.EstatesofWolfCreek.com

Our Head Coach is Undefeated!

209.2 Acres, Holt County, Missouri Here’s a larger wooded tract including amenities that’s truly turnkey! It has a heated Morton building, & nearly new very nice camper. Priced at $624,900

180 Acres, Nodaway County, Missouri Here’s another good Nodaway County farm with great hunting potential. Its good income producer through the cash rent and there has been a good hunting lease in place for the last two years. It has a good cash rent contract for 2013 with a solid farmer and the hunting rights are available for lease. Value Priced at $783,000

79 acres WRP, Ray County, Missouri Close to Orrick, this tract is in the heart of a very strong waterfowl hunting area and offers quarters and underground pipe & blinds. Ready to hunt and absolutely abundant with wetland/ aquatic plants for the upcoming hunting season. Priced to sell at ONLY $237,000

Randy Reed, "head coach" Randy Reed Automotive

FREE il Lifetime O s e g n a h C

Randy Reed has an "unblemished" record when it comes to professional football! Here's hoping a guy with a "similar name" can do the same!

HUNTING AREAS FOR LEASE

FEATURED HUNTING AREA 307 Acres just west of Bonner Springs, Kansas South of I-70 about halfway in between Kansas City, Missouri and Lawrence, Kansas

Annual Hunting lease $4,250 This one has room for several friends to hunt. If you take care of this property while you are on it you can hunt here year after year! Should you renew lease prior to it’s ending date, you stay in place.

120 Acres, Holt County Missouri Blind feats available at $1650 each. (and no pumping costs!). Great location with easy access and perfect for duck hunting! Don’t hesitate as there are only 6 seats remaining!

2013 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax 4x4

$14,000 OFF

For additional hunting areas for lease visit www.barnesrealty.com and click on the hunting tracts for lease button on the left hand side of the page or scan the QR code to the right.

I-29 and Tiffany Springs Parkway

(816) 436-6300 www.randyreedbuickgmc.com

Fine Print Disclaimer: Randy Reed has never coached a professional football game. :) Stock # Stock #G130207 includes 99 or newer trade and 99 or newer GM Truck LoyaltyE. Christopher 2013

H10

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

Football is a game of brawn, but quarterbacks use their brains to process a wealth of information, from the other team’s alignment to their own audibles, in the 40-second span before each snap.

BY VAHE GREGORIAN | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

laying quarterback in the NFL isn’t rocket science or neurosurgery, or like a chess match or solving a Rubik’s cube. But it is its own uniquely challenging mind-game, laden with infinite split-second decisions and a language all its own. “Only a handful of people in the world can really, truly say they understand it,” said Chase Daniel, the Chiefs’ No. 2 quarterback. It’s almost incalculable how much the mental aspect means to an NFL quarterback, who within a span of seconds is absorbing and interpreting massive and shifting data and is adjusting all the while with gridiron gridlock not an option. “If while you’re walking up to the line you’re paralyzed, that’s not good stuff,” said Daniel, in his first year with the Chiefs after spending 2009-12 backing up Drew Brees in New Orleans. The job, he added, repeatedly snapping his fingers for emphasis, “is built on people who can react.”

While restricted from referring to specific plays, or even how many there are in Andy Reid’s West Coast offense and such details as how frequently he can audible, Daniel talked through the scope of what a quarterback has to scan for and process in precious seconds. Nothing can happen at the line of scrimmage or in the huddle, of course, without proper preparation. “The game is all about situations, and if you practice (properly) to make it second nature to you in games, you won’t be stressed out,” said Daniel, a self-described “film rat” who recalled being drawn to quarterbacking because of the element of “mentally being able to defeat the other team before we even

played the game.” By game time, his goal is to have memorized “every single formation that goes with the play and vice versa,” said Daniel, thus referring to dozens of potential combinations. “So if you give me a play, I can give you a formation; if you give me a formation, I can give you a play. And some formations, there are obviously two or three plays out of it.” Geometric combinations are ingrained in him by the time he steps on the field, where every word and every second counts. “The clock is always first and foremost,” he said. “The clock is always, always on my mind.” A glance at a generic scenario with an approximation of the clock ticking down:

A few feet from the huddle, Daniel will stand by himself to gather his thoughts and be ready to lock in solely on the next play. He’ll look to the bench for potential direct exchanges with coaches and glance to the huddle as he waits for the call on his headset. “I’m looking into the huddle for personnel: what personnel do we have on the field, so I get a better feel for what Coach is thinking before he calls the play,” he said. Once the play call is transmitted, he’ll head into the circular huddle as he listens for confirmation. It takes about two seconds, he said, to get the play properly in his mind and be ready to relay it.

:40

:33

In the huddle, he’ll twice call the formation, protection scheme and play.

Quarterback Chase Daniel has a lot to consider from the time he joins the huddle to when the ball is snapped. PHOTOS BY DAVID EULITT | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

At the line, Daniel first will peer across for a crude initial assessment of what the offense is up against. “The first thing that comes to mind for me is the defensive front: are they in base defense, or are they in nickel defense? How are they playing us?” he said. “Big picture, do they have a front seven or do they have six in front with a nickel back? That’s the very first thing, because that changes a lot with the play and with protection. … “Based on their front, I can probably `X’ out 50 percent of what they can possibly do. So that sort of helps with what I would think that they’re going to be doing. Now, some teams are all sorts of fronts and things like that, but most teams there are four or five fronts that they could possibly run.”

:25

In the first two or three steps toward the line after breaking the huddle, Daniel will glimpse at the clock and look left and right to make sure all are lined up correctly. That takes less than a second, he said, unless there is something misaligned. Best-case scenario, he’ll be at the line with 20-25 seconds left on the play clock.

:28

Now Daniel studies the alignment of the linebackers, and in quarterback-ese says, “Are they bossed (scooted) over one side? Are they bossed over on another? Are they equal depending on our formation strength?” It’s good data, but not necessarily anything that in and of itself would make for a counter-move as dramatic as changing the play. “They might be giving away a certain pressure or a certain blitz,” he said, “but I wouldn’t say you’d change anything just based on that.”

:20

Then his eyes turn to the secondary as he tries to get a sense of the coverage, which, of course, defenses seek to disguise. Then he has a complete picture, or at least as complete as he can get to that point, as he prepares for final computations. “Once you look at all three of the groups, you look at the defense as a whole and see how they’re aligned and see if it’s something that you studied or if it’s something that’s new,” he said. Daniel begins calling signals, hoping that the offensive formation or motions and shifts “gets the defense to show (its) hand sooner, so we can get a better feel for what we’re doing pre-snap,” he said, broadly rhetorically asking, “ ‘Is this good against this coverage?’ … “They’re paid very well, too, over on that side of the football, so they’re going to make plays, but we have to be able to react to something that we might not have thought would happen pre-snap. Or postsnap, for that matter.” Timing of the snap, of course, can vary. “Some plays we’ll get up and go, some plays there will be audibles we’ll check to, some plays there won’t be, some plays there … all sorts of different stuff,” he said, cutting himself off over apparent concern about saying too much. Naturally, defenses try to change up late in his cadence, hoping to maximize the element of surprise after any option to audible has passed. “They can do this and, then, now this,” Daniel said.

:18

:14

:10

Now comes a whole new set of decisions to be made, particularly in the passing game. “Obviously, every play has ‘if they do this, then we have to do that,’ even from a protection standpoint with the offensive line,” he said. “There’s some plays they’re going to blitz us, and we’re not going to have a protection for them and we’re going to have to get the ball out fast.” The passing game, of course, hinges not only on Daniel’s ability to read defenses but also that his receivers are equally adept at it since their patterns can be predicated on that. “Receivers these days, especially at the pro level, are expected to read defenses just as well as the quarterbacks are,” said Daniel, who declined to go into any detail on specific progressions in the passing game. In the end, it all comes down to a misleadingly simple-sounding notion: “I just take what the defense gives me,” he said. And then? “You immediately drop that play: if it’s a good play, bad play, no matter what,” he said. “I’m immediately looking at that coach, and I’m looking at personnel for us and waiting for the play. “And it restarts.”

H11

H12

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

BELIEVE IT OR NOT … Who was the shortest quarterback in the NFL? The tallest? Fastest? Slowest? Here are the answers, plus some other wild and wacky facts about pro signal-callers. BY JEFF ROSEN | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

Youngest

Slinging southpaw

Fastest

Elmer Angsman, Chicago Cardinals, 1946 (age 20).

Former Bengal Boomer Esiason holds the record for most NFL victories by a left-handed quarterback (173).

We'll go with Philadelphia Eagles signal-caller Michael Vick, who was once clocked at 4.33 seconds in the 40-yard-dash.

Biggest bust He's still around, working out for semi-interested teams, but this one is all JaMarcus Russell. From 2007 Sugar Bowl MVP with LSU, to number one overall draft pick of the Oakland Raiders, to out of the game and in jail on drug charges three years later ... who does that?

Most playoff wins Tom Brady, Patriots, 17 (2001-present).

Most career wins Brett Favre, Packers, Jets, Vikings, 186 (1991-2010).

Most sacked During his 16-year pro career, Denver's John Elway was sacked a cranium-rattling 559 times. (Most Chiefs fans would say that was a time or two too few.)

Tall tale Dan McGwire, the younger brother of former MLB slugger Mark, stood a towering 6-8 during his playing career as a backup in Seattle and Oakland from 1991-95.

Biggest threat Upon being drafted number one overall by the Baltimore Colts in 1983, Elway demanded to be traded ... or he'd play baseball instead. The Broncos obliged and acquired him via a franchisealtering deal.

Best-dressed We still give our regards to "Broadway" Joe Namath.

Shining Starr Who was the first QB to win a Super Bowl MVP? Some old-school KC fans might remember Bart Starr, who laid a 35-10 whupping on the Chiefs in Super Bowl I.

Any Joe'll do While in Washington, coach Joe Gibbs won three Super Bowls with three different starting QBs: Joe Theismann, Mark Rypien and Doug Williams.

Short story Diminutive Doug Flutie bucked the odds in the NFL. The former Boston College star stood tall in the pocket despite being just 5-10, enjoying a two-decade career as a pro.

Oldest George Blanda, Oakland Raiders, 1975 (age 48).

First black QB Technically, the first black QB to play in an NFL game was Willie Thrower, who debuted in 1953 with the Chicago Bears. But that one game was his only action as a pro. The NFL's first black full-time starting QB was Marlin Briscoe, who played for Denver and five other teams through 1978.

Dumb and, uh ... Biggest loser Archie Manning's career record of 35-101-3 remains the lowest winning percentage of any QB in NFL history (minimum 50 games started). His kids have done all right, though.

The NFL annually administers the 50-question Wonderlic Test to top incoming rookies as a means of assessing their intelligence, then guards those results with utmost care. Occasionally, however, scores slip out. The highest reported Wonderlic score went to Harvard grad Ryan Fitzpatrick, who earned a 48 in 2005. The lowest was Vince Young's 6 in 2006. DAVE EAMES | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

IT’S WORTH HARLEY-DAVIDSON’S

TRUCKLOAD EVENT! They are at it again, Worth went around the country in search of new 2012 Harley-Davidsons and ended up with a truckload of them. New 2012’s with 2-year factory warranties still. BUT HURRY, THESE WILL GO FAST. JUST IN TIME FOR 2014’S TO START COMING IN.

Come to Worth on August 30th and 31st for Demo Days. See the new 2014’s, Feel the new 2014’s, Ride the new 2014’s.

Plus, Get Blowout pricing on all pre-owned certified Harley-Davidson motorcycles. LOCATED JUST 3 MILES SOUTH OF THE AIRPORT ON I-29 BEST FINANCE TEAM IN THE CITY! WE’LL GET YOU APPROVED COME IN AND SEE US TODAY!

Truckload event going on now and Demo Days at the end of the month! It’s your time at Worth Harley-Davidson, I-29 North Exit, Tiffany Springs Parkway (It’s Your Time)

WORTH HARLEY-DAVIDSON NORTH 9400 Prairie View Rd, KCMO • 816-420-9000

worthharley-davidson.com *Amount of guaranteed financing based on credit approval. A Down Payment may be required.

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

H13

Ranking the QBs Unitas tops Randy Covitz’s list of all-time NFL greats

Montana

Elway

Graham

Brady

Manning

Favre

Baugh

Staubach

Bradshaw

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Johnny Unitas led the Colts to an overtime win in the 1958 NFL title game that many have called the greatest game in league history. 1. John Unitas (Baltimore Colts, 1956-72; San Diego Chargers, 1973): Unitas, in his crewcut and high-topped cleats, defined quarterback as the most important position in sports. He threw at least one TD pass in 47 consecutive games. 2. Joe Montana (San Francisco 49ers, 1979-92; Chiefs, 1993-94): Montana was known as Joe Cool for his unflappable countenance in leading the 49ers to four Super Bowl titles. 3. John Elway (Denver Broncos, 1983-98): Elway was the best pure athlete to play the position. He could beat you with his bazooka arm, his mobility and his competitive spirit. 4. Otto Graham (Cleveland Browns, 1946-55): If quarterbacks are measured by winning, few could match Graham. He led the Browns to 10 title games in 10 years, winning seven championships. 5. Tom Brady (New England Patriots, 2000-present): Brady was a scrawny, sixthround draft pick who led the Patriots to three Super Bowl championships in his first four seasons as a starter. 6. Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts, 1998-2011; Denver Broncos 2012-present): The only fourtime MVP in NFL history, Manning ranks second all-time in career completions (5,082), TDs (436) and wins (154).

Starr

Marino

7. Brett Favre (Atlanta Falcons, 1991; Green Bay Packers, 1992-07; N.Y. Jets, 2008; Minnesota Vikings, 2009-10): Favre stands alone in almost every statistical category for a QB, and made 299 consecutive starts — most by any player. 8. Sammy Baugh (Washington, 1937-52): “Slingin’ Sammy” ushered in the modern passing game. When he retired in 1952, he was the all-time leader in most passing categories. 9. Roger Staubach (Dallas Cowboys, 1969-79): The Cowboys waited five years for Staubach, the 1963 Heisman Trophy winner at Navy, to fulfill his military commitment, and he rewarded them with two Super Bowl titles. 10. Terry Bradshaw (Pittsburgh Steelers, 1970-83): Bradshaw became the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to lead a team to four championships. 11. Bart Starr (Green Bay Packers, 1956-71): Starr, a lowly 17th-round draft choice, directed the Packers to six Western Division titles, five NFL championships and two Super Bowl titles. 12. Dan Marino (Miami Dolphins, 1983-99): The only thing lacking on Marino’s resume compared to the others on this list is an NFL championship. That doesn’t diminish the fact Marino was one of the most brilliant passers of all time. | Randy Covitz, rcovitz@kcstar.com

TAILGATING ENCOURAGED

Sell Your House... “As Is”, at a Fair Price On the Date of Your Choice Is your house vacant? Estate Sale? Just want to move? Owe liens? Relocating? Divorce? Bad tenants? Are you facing foreclosure or bankruptcy? Behind on Payments?

Do you own an unwanted house and need to sell quickly? These are common problems that can happen to anyone! We BUY houses from people in situations just like these in any condition or price range. We can pay all cash, with no contingencies, and close in a few days. We handle all the paperwork. We are real estate investors who buy several houses every month. You’ll get a quick sale without hassles, and your worries will be behind you! Call Now!!

free parking.

coolers welcome. Experience the power, the pageantry, the party at Kansas Speedway. New for 2013: redesigned cars and a thrilling new track. Parking is free. And a cooler full of your favorite food and beverage is welcome in the stands.

Tickets for $99 or less.

Real Estate Solutions

(800) 309-0753

MEMBER

www.7DaysCash.com

Tickets for $99 or less. Call 866-460-RACE (7223) or visit isit kansasspeedway.com.

OCTOBER 6

The Sierra Group, LLC

#KANSAS

• WE use private funds so we can close fast. • YOU don’t have to do any repairs. • MOVE when you want. • LEAVE any or all of your stuff. • NO Commissions or Fees. • We pay Closing Costs.

H14

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

FACES OF THE FRANCHISES Picking the most iconic quarterback for each of the NFL’s 32 teams doesn’t always mean choosing the best. Here’s who we thought best represented the position for each club.

BY PETE GRATHOFF The Kansas City Star

AFC NORTH

AFC SOUTH

AFC EAST

Chiefs

Steelers

Colts

Dolphins

■ Len Dawson ■ Trent Green ■ Joe Montana

■ Terry Bradshaw ■ Ben Roethlisberger ■ Neil O’Donnell

■ Peyton Manning ■ Johnny Unitas ■ Jeff George

■ Dan Marino ■ Bob Griese ■ Jay Fiedler

The edge goes to Manning, because he is synonymous with the Indianapolis Colts; Johnny U is Mr. Baltimore.

The lack of a Super Bowl ring aside, the Dolphins never needed a running game with Marino.

AFC WEST

He’s started more games at quarterback than anyone in Chiefs history, won a Super Bowl and is a Hall of Famer. 'Nuff said.

Four Super Bowl rings and a 14-5 record as a starting quarterback in the playoffs is really impressive.

Chargers

Bills Jaguars

Browns

■ Dan Fouts ■ Philip Rivers ■ John Hadl

■ Otto Graham ■ Brian Sipe ■ Bernie Kosar

The Hall of Famer played his entire 15-year career with the Chargers and threw for more than 43,000 yards.

Graham led the league in passing yards in five seasons and was 57-13-1 as a starter.

Nearly took Jacksonville to the Super Bowl in his second season and had a 63-54 record as a starter.

■ Joe Flacco ■ Trent Dilfer ■ Kyle Boller

■ John Elway ■ Craig Morton ■ Jake Plummer

Not a long history here, but Flacco has been sensational, especially in the postseason.

Led the league in passing yards just once, but he was lethal in the fourth quarter and helped team to five Super Bowls.

The Bills’ greatest era doesn’t include a championship, but he still won 110 games as a starter and is in the Hall of Fame.

Jets Texans

■ Joe Namath ■ Ken O’Brien ■ Richard Todd

■ Matt Schaub ■ David Carr ■ Sage Rosenfels

Ravens

Broncos

■ Jim Kelly ■ Joe Ferguson ■ Jack Kemp

■ Mark Brunell ■ Byron Leftwich ■ David Garrard

Houston’s most successful quarterback, but that’s not necessarily because he’s been that great.

Even non-sports fans can name at least one Jets quarterback and that’s Namath. Broadway Joe is an apt nickname.

Patriots Titans

Bengals ■ Ken Anderson ■ Boomer Esiason ■ Jon Kitna

Raiders ■ Kenny Stabler ■ Daryle Lamonica ■ Jim Plunkett

Anderson helped the Bengals to a Super Bowl, had a 91-81 record as a starter and led the league in completion percentage three times.

He is synonymous with the Raiders’ glory years in the 1970s when they ruled the AFC West.

■ Tom Brady ■ Steve Grogan ■ Drew Bledsoe

■ Warren Moon ■ Steve McNair ■ Dan Pastorini When you think of the Houston Oilers, don’t you see Warren Moon with that oil well on his helmet zipping passes all around?

With three Super Bowl titles, the most TD passes in a single season and a 16-0 regular season under his belt, he’s one of the best ever.

NFC NORTH

NFC SOUTH

NFC EAST

49ers

Packers

Saints

Eagles

■ Joe Montana ■ Steve Young ■ Y.A. Tittle

■ Brett Favre ■ Bart Starr ■ Aaron Rodgers

■ Drew Brees ■ Archie Manning ■ Aaron Brooks

■ Donovan McNabb ■ Randall Cunningham ■ Ron Jaworski

Embraced New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, won a Super Bowl and has averaged nearly 4,800 passing yards in each of his seven seasons.

Just a guess, but McNabb’s tenure in Philadelphia is going to be seen as the golden days of Eagles football. He started in five NFC championship games.

NFC WEST

He threw for more than 61,000 yards and had 442 touchdown passes in 16 seasons in Green Bay and won a Super Bowl. Oh, and he never missed a game.

Four Super Bowl rings and two of the most iconic comeback wins make this a remarkably easy choice for a franchise full of stars.

Cowboys Buccaneers

Seahawks

Lions

■ Jim Zorn ■ Matt Hasselbeck ■ Dave Krieg

■ Bobby Layne ■ Matthew Stafford ■ Greg Landry

Zorn threw for more than 21,000 yards and he likely would have won many more games if he hadn’t been with an expansion team at the start of his career.

The Hall of Famer helped the Lions compile a 24-5-1 record over three seasons. Yep, the Lions.

Vikings Rams

■ Fran Tarkenton ■ Daunte Culpepper ■ Tommy Kramer

■ Kurt Warner ■ Norm Van Brocklin ■ Roman Gabriel The Greatest Show on Turf was a blast to watch and the former Arena Bowl star posted some big numbers and won a Super Bowl.

■ Vinny Testaverde ■ Doug Williams ■ Trent Dilfer He threw for nearly 15,000 yards, but had a terrible record as a starter (24-48), and failure is a big part of the Bucs’ history.

Giants

■ Jake Delhomme ■ Kerry Collins ■ Steve Beuerlein

■ Eli Manning ■ Phil Simms ■ Fran Tarkenton

Helped Carolina to its one Super Bowl appearance and was the starter in five playoff wins for a franchise that has won six postseason games.

Bears

Falcons

■ Sid Luckman ■ Jim McMahon ■ Jim Harbaugh

■ Steve Bartkowksi ■ Matt Ryan ■ Michael Vick

A Hall of Famer, Luckman helped the Bears to four championships and was the first to thrive in the T-Formation.

Our Services!!! The Right Solution!!! Foundation Piering • Wall Straightening • Wall Restraints • Crack Repairs Waterproofing • Concrete Slab Underpinning • Mud Jacking • Permanent Repair • Strongest, Deepest Pier In The Industry • Highest Safety Load Factor • Lifetime Transferable Warranty On Piers • Structural Engineering Report

Atlanta’s career leader in passing yards, touchdowns and completions, Bartkowski played 11 seasons for the Falcons.

1. What year did the NFL go to a 16 game schedule? 2. What current NFL running back is nicknamed “The Law Firm”?

Per Garment

(Minor Exceptions Apply)

Laundered Shirts

1992 draft to select running back Tony Smith from Southern Mississippi. They acquired this pick by trading what player? 4. Who is the only person in history to win both a Super Bowl and a Rose Bowl as a head coach? 5. Who has the most career 100-yard rushing games for the Kansas City Chiefs?

With This Coupon • Expires 9/30/13

14841 Metcalf OP, KS

SUPER CENTER 913-814-0909

13900 W. 135th St. Olathe, KS

913-768-8223

1. 1978 2. BenJarvis Green-Ellis 3. Brett Favre (also from Southern Mississippi) 4. Dick Vermeil 5. Larry Johnson (30)

DRY CLEAN

2 $ 39 1

$ 29

Won a Super Bowl, an MVP award and a franchise-best 77 games as a starter. He is Washington’s leader in passing yards as well.

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation

913-660-5172 816-761-7664 3. The Atlanta Falcons used the 19th pick in the www.foundationking.com

■ Joe Theismann ■ Sammy Baugh ■ Sonny Jurgensen

Wilshire at Lakewood Care Center 600 NE Meadowview Drive Lee’s Summit, MO 64064

816.554.9866

1. What Chiefs quarterback has the most career 300 yard passing games? 2. What NFL legend and Hall of Fame inductee was an outfielder for the 1919 NY Yankees? 3. One of the ten retired Kansas City Chiefs jerseys, # 33, belonged to a player that never played a regular season game. What was his name? 1. Trent Green (24) 2. George Halas 3. Stone Johnson

This franchise hasn’t tasted a lot of success, but Hart was a four-time Pro Bowl selection in his 18 seasons in St. Louis.

• Fast & Friendly • Same Day Service When in by 9 am • Drive Thru Window

Two Super Bowl rings are huge, but he has more TD passes and completions than any other Giants quarterback.

Washington

■ Jim Hart ■ Jake Plummer ■ Neil Lomax

QUALITY DRY CLEANING!

It’s a close call, but Staubach gets the nod because Dallas ascended to become the so-called America’s Team under him.

Panthers

One of the iconic images from the 1970s is a scrambling Tarkenton, who helped the Vikings to three Super Bowls.

Cardinals

LOW PRICE

■ Roger Staubach ■ Troy Aikman ■ Danny White

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

Kansas City

Long broadcasting career makes Hall of Fame quarterback celebrity off the field. By RANDY COVITZ The Kansas City Star

The days of sitting on the bench in Pittsburgh and Cleveland as a young quarterback taught Len Dawson a valuable lesson. Football would not last forever. When Dawson, who revived his career with the Dallas Texans and led them to the 1962 AFL championship, accompanied the franchise to Kansas City in 1963, he, like most of his teammates, looked for offseason employment or second jobs during the season that could lead to post-playing careers. Linebacker Bobby Bell worked at the GM plant. Emmitt Thomas taught school. Dawson tried his hand at selling insurance. “I was not very good at it,” Dawson says now, 50 years after arriving in Kansas City. But in 1966, Dawson’s fourth season in Kansas City, he found a career in broadcasting that eventually made him as big a celebrity off the field as he was as a Hall of Fame passer and Super Bowl champion. Dawson was approached by KMBC radio about doing a weekly radio show, and about the same time, KMBC’s television partner, Channel 9, was looking to boost its flagging ratings. A broadcasting legend was born. “In those days, there were just three TV stations,” Dawson said, “and at night, ‘The Tonight Show’ was so strong, the other two stations tried to start (15 minutes) early to hold the audience with a movie. “Since Channel 9 was last (in the ratings), they thought they’d try something new and go to a 30-minute newscast. They needed somebody to do sports, and since I was talking to the radio side, they asked if I’d be interested in that.” Dawson certainly was game, and the Chiefs, looking for all the exposure they could get, signed off on it. “I just happened to come as the right man at the right time,” Dawson recalled. “I was the only guy actually playing who was on TV at the time. Many organizations wouldn’t have stood for it. A guy like (former Browns and Bengals coach) Paul Brown? No way. “The Chiefs actually recommended me. They felt if they had one of their people

FILE PHOTO

More people now might recognize Len Dawson as a broadcaster instead of a former Chiefs quarterback.

on the sports at 10, there primary occupation.’ ” would be one station not Dawson’s work on televiripping the football team.” sion did not detract from his Dawson would still be in performance on the field. In pads interviewing team- fact, he led the Chiefs to the mates after practice, then 1966 AFL championship and hustle to the TV station and Super Bowl I, where they anchor the sportscast. Thus lost to Green Bay. Three began a nearly 50-year ca- years later, Dawson was reer with Channel 9, though MVP in the Chiefs’ 23-7 upit was interrupted during a set of Minnesota in Super seven-year period in which Bowl IV. he served as an NFL game His teammates harbored analyst for NBC. no resentment regarding “I not only asked the Dawson’s taking the spotplayers to interview them, light on and off the field. but I’d tell them the ques“We didn’t give it any tions and give them the an- thought,” guard Ed Budde swers,” Dawson once joked. said. “He was that talented … “The only experience I had that was his job. He was a was being interviewed.” leader. There was no jealouSure enough, Channel 9’s sy. Lenny had a lot of class.” “We started calling him ratings zoomed from last to first place. And by doing the The Governor,” cornerback 6 and 10 o’clock sportscasts, Dawson became the Chiefs’ most familiar face. “Until Channel 9, I was rarely recognized,” he said. “They could see what I looked like. With the helmet on, they don’t know what you looked like.” Just as he did as a quarterback, Dawson made the job look easier than it was, though there were some growing pains. “I started very shaky. I was so nervous I wanted to get it over with,” he said. “If it was 31⁄2 minutes of sports, I tried to do it in 2. Something could go wrong, and I’d say, ‘Well, after all, football is my

NOTHING PRESERVES YOUR CAR’S BEAUTY & VALUE LIKE THE “MING MIRROR FINISH”

Emmitt Thomas said. “To this day, I call him Governor. He was the guy here in Kansas City.” Dawson was so successful on Channel 9 that he landed the NBC job following his retirement in 1975, and he also joined HBO’s groundbreaking “Inside the NFL” as studio host in its second season in 1978, when cable television was still in its infancy. At the time he began working for HBO, Dawson once said, he didn’t get to see the show at home because he didn’t have cable ... yet he spent 24 years as a fixture on cable television’s longestrunning television series. Shortly after Dawson left NBC, he became the analyst for Chiefs radio broadcasts in 1984, a position he still holds, and returned to fulltime duty at Channel 9 in 1985. Though Dawson, 78, has retired from anchoring the sports on Channel 9, he still contributes to Chiefs coverage and occasionally pinch-hits on the news desk. Just last year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame presented Dawson with the Pete Rozelle Radio Television Award, which recognizes “long-time exceptional contributions to radio and television in professional football.” Dawson, inducted into the Hall in 1987, joined Frank Gifford and Dan Dierdorf as the only men to be enshrined as both players and broadcasters. And that newcomer to Kansas City who struggled as an insurance salesman? Dawson became a popular pitchman in Kansas City as well as serving as a spokesman for the American Cancer Society following his successful bout with prostate cancer in 1991. “When you get an opportunity, take advantage of it,” Dawson said of his broadcasting career. “If you don’t like it, if you’re not good at it, try something else.”

ALL HOME GAMES

Dawson hits on screen CHIEFS

NOW SELLING

CHIEFS VS. COWBOYS SEPTEMBER 15TH • 12PM

CHIEFS VS. GIANTS SEPTEMBER 29TH • 12PM

CHIEFS VS. RAIDERS OCTOBER 13TH • 12PM LOCATED AT OAK PARK MALL

ACE SPORTS & TICKETS Mon. – Sat. 9am – 9pm • Sunday 11am – 6pm

913.541.8100 • WWW.NATIONWIDETICKETS.COM

KiCK Off A WiNNiNG SEASON! AUGUST 26 – JANUARY 17 WiN YOUR ShARE Of $5,500 EACh WEEK! Just pick the winner of the two pro games and guess their combined score for lots of cash! Make your picks weekly at our kiosks between Tuesday at 1pm and Sunday at 11am.

Shine & Protect Your Car

DENT & BUMPER REPAIR Call Dr. Dent!

Every week you play Pigskin Payoff, you’ll earn one entry into each of our four friday Unclaimed Cash Drawings and our Grand Prize Drawing on January 17, 2014, where one lucky Marquee Rewards® member will win $20,000 cash and $5,000 in SlotPlay® . unclaimed cash dRaWinG FRidaY, octobeR 11 H 8Pm

30 OFF when you buy bu a Ming Mirror Finish Fin Must present coupon

MING AUTO BEAUTY CENTER 7305 N. Oak Traffic Way | 816-436-0776 Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-5:30pm

www.mingautofinish.com

H15

Must be 21. Weekly winners will be posted on Tuesdays by 1pm on the TVs located at Player Services. Weekly winners must claim their prize at Player Services no later than 1pm the Tuesday after the winners have been posted. Must be present to win. Unclaimed Cash Drawing and entries must be activated by inserting Marquee Rewards card into any slot machine anytime between 5:00pm and 7:45 pm on October 11, 2013 to be eligible to win. Limit one prize per person per giveaway date. All games owned and operated by the Kansas Lottery. Persons enrolled in the Voluntary Exclusion program in Kansas and the Disassociated Persons program in Missouri may not enter the casino.

H16

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

Fantastic flings

KC’S RECLINING HEADQUARTERS

A Super Bowl grab, a record catch-and-run and other memorable pass receptions in Chiefs history. ❚ Otis Taylor against Minnesota, Super Bowl IV, Jan. 11, 1970. Perhaps the most iconic play in team history. Taylor caught a short pass, broke a tackle attempt and ran to the end zone to complete the 46-yard play that clinched the club’s only Super Bowl victory.

Brown’s Furniture is KC’s Reclining Headquarters. Top brand names like LA-Z-BOY, LANE, BEST, KLAUSSNER, LACROSSE, CATNAPPER and others, with over 75 different styles in stock! Find Rocker Recliners starting at only $299! All Leather and Fabric Reclining Sofas, all Power Recliners, all Reclining Sectionals, all Lift Recliners are now on Sale! Plus, now through 9/9/13, save the sales tax1 and Get FREE local delivery!2 Get Comfortable Kansas city at Brown’s Furniture in Blue Springs!

❚ Willie Davis against Denver, Oct. 17, 1994. The Chiefs broke a long losing streak against the Broncos in Denver and won the Joe Montana-John Elway showdown when Davis caught a 5-yard touchdown pass with 8 seconds remaining. The Chiefs won the Monday night game 31-28. ❚ Keith Cash against Houston, second round of AFC playoffs, Jan. 16, 1994. Cash’s 7-yard touchdown catch from Montana was a big play in the 28-20 victory that sent the Chiefs to the AFC Championship Game. But Cash made the play even more memorable by spiking the ball off a poster of Houston defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan. ❚ Andre Rison against Oakland, Sept. 8, 1997. The Chiefs completed a frantic comeback in a Monday night game on Rison’s 32-yard touchdown catch from Elvis Grbac with 3 seconds remaining that beat the Raiders 28-27. The Raiders inexplicably let Rison get behind their coverage.

CAMO RECLINER

JOHN SLEEZER | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

Marc Boerigter was off and running as he hauled in a 99-yard TD catch against San Diego.

❚ Marc Boerigter against San Diego, Dec. 22, 2002. Boerigter completed the longest play from scrimmage in team history by taking a Trent Green pass 99 yards for a touchdown. The Chiefs needed the play to beat the Chargers 24-22 and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Includes Heat & Massage

LA-Z-BOY RECLINERS ❚ Tim Barnett against Pittsburgh, first round of AFC playoffs, Jan. 8, 1994. Barnett’s 7-yard touchdown catch from Montana with 1:43 remaining tied the game at 24-24 and sent it to overtime. There, the Chiefs won on a Nick Lowery field goal.

| THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Elvis Grbac (left) and receiver Andre Rison broke the hearts of Raiders fans on a Monday night.

BRING THIS COUPON IN AND RECEIVE

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY With Min. $299 Purchase

NO SALES TAX

Offer valid through 9/9/2013

Excludes Serta iComfort mattress. Offer valid through 9/9/2013

❚ Tony Gonzalez against Cincinnati, Dec. 28, 2008. The last pass Gonzalez caught for the Chiefs was a 5-yard touchdown from Tyler Thigpen. It didn’t prevent the woeful Chiefs from losing to the Bengals 16-6.

• Limited Quantities

| Adam Teicher, ateicher@kcstar.com

• See Store For Details

Football Is Back! Catch All the Gridiron Action at Argosy Join us at Crazy Olives to watch every game on our big screens, plus enjoy delicious handmade pizzas, original sandwiches, juicy burgers and many other entrée options along with one of our signature cocktails. This is the best place to cheer on your home team!

299

Starting at

USE THIS TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF $1000 OR MORE!

EXCLUDES I-COMFORT BEDS AND CLEARANCE ITEMS.

825 W. 40 Hwy., Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-229-3155

• Doesn’t Apply to Previous Purchases • Interest Free Financing O.A.C.

shopbrownsfurniture.com

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 10-6 Thurs 10-7• Sat 10-5 • Sun 12-5

S S E N T I F E S A C W O SH SALE!

Y R A S R E V I N H T AN 28

SALE ENDS SEPTEMBER 30TH

WE’VE MOVED!!

Friends, we’ve been helping Kansas Citians with better health through precision exercise equipment for 28 years! Our vision was to be the standard of excellence through treating people special, doing more than what’s expected and having the utmost integrity. Come visit us at our new location in Overland Park, KS and let us “Equip You For Life”! Thank you Kansas City, Rick Vemmer President. www.fitness-showcase.com

Inspire FT-1 Functional Trainer

Life Fitness T5 w/Track Screen

Vision X20 w/Elegant Cross Trainer

Save $500.00! Save $660.00! Save $509.00! FREE Abdominal Bar w/Home Gym Purchase $100 Value!

Premier Model with Enhanced Personalization!

SPRINT 8 - The 20 Minute Perfect Fitness Solution!

LIFE FITNESS • INSPIRE • VISION • CYBEX • WATER ROWER • Treadmills $569 & up! • Ellipticals $664 & up!

• Exercise Bikes $435 & up! • Home Gyms $899 & up!

Save $

Save $500 - $2,500! Save $800 - $1,600! On Life Fitness Treadmills

On Inspire Home Gyms Mon. - Fri. 10am - 7pm Sat. 10am - 5pm

7517 W. 119 St., Overland Park, KS th

(2 Lights West of Metcalf - Next to Beauty Brands)

777 N.W. Argosy Casino Parkway • Riverside, MO • ArgosyKansasCity.com • 816-746-3100 Mus t be 21. G a m b l i n g P r o b l e m ? C a l l 1. 8 8 8 . B E T S . O F F o r V i s i t 88 8 b e t s o f f . o r g .

913-766-3590 www.fitness-showcase.com

Sun. Noon - 5pm

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

H17

ONE COOL CHIEF The franchise had never had a player with the star quality of former 49ers QB Joe Montana. BY RANDY COVITZ | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

wenty years later, it still gnaws at Joe Montana. It was just one game in a Hall of Fame career that saw Montana lead the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl titles, receive three Super Bowl MVP awards, two league MVP awards and become arguably the greatest quarterback to play the game. But that dank, bone-chilling January day in Buffalo still haunts Montana whenever he’s asked about the two magical seasons he spent with the Chiefs. “We had an opportunity and blew it,” he said matter-of-factly, referring to the Chiefs’ 30-13 loss at Buffalo in the 1993 AFC championship game. “We actually blew it twice … the (second-to-) last regular-season game made us have to go to Buffalo instead of playing at home. That probably hurt us more than anything.”

The indelible image of that day is Montana, face down on the hard turf of Ralph Wilson Stadium, forced to leave the game because of a concussion suffered when he was sacked early in the second half. Playing in the Chiefs’ first AFC Championship Game since the 1970 merger was little consolation to someone accustomed to reaching Super Bowls. “I’m not sure how satisfying it is when you almost make it,” Montana said. “It hurts more when you almost make it than when you go home early. You know you’re out of it then. But when you almost get there … “We had already beaten Buffalo once that year, but to have to go up there and play in those conditions. I think it was 50 degrees and sunny that day in Kansas City. We would have had a lot better shot.” The Chiefs haven’t come that close since. In fact, they haven’t won a playoff game since after the 1993 season, when Montana, aided by a Derrick Thomas-led defense, beat Pittsburgh in overtime at home and ripped the Houston Oilers in the Astrodome, setting up the visit to Buffalo. “Had he stayed healthy, we would have definitely won,” former Chiefs president/ general manager Carl Peterson said of the game at Buffalo. “But like anything, you have to keep the quarterback upright.” ❚ ❚ ❚ Ten months earlier, in April 1993, Peterson swung the trade that caused traffic to stop on the Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars to come to a screeching halt in San Francisco. The Chiefs, coming off a disheartening 17-0 playoff loss at San Diego, were abandoning Marty Schottenheimer’s smash-mouth game for the West Coast offense and needed an upgrade at quarterback. They hired former 49ers quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett as offensive coordinator, and he had worked with Montana for three seasons. Meanwhile, the 49ers were

embroiled in a quarterback controversy. Montana, 36 at the time, had been bothered by problems in his right elbow that required major surgery in August 1991, sidelining him for two years. In his stead, backup Steve Young blossomed as the NFL’s MVP in 1992 and led the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game. Montana insisted he was healthy for 1993 and should be reinstated as the starter. San Francisco coach George Seifert and general manager Carmen Policy were not convinced. Chiefs vice president for personnel Lynn Stiles, a former 49ers assistant under Bill Walsh, was a college roommate and close friend of Seifert’s, and in their conversations, Stiles learned that while San Francisco had two future Hall of Famers at quarterback, they couldn’t keep both. “They weren’t going to give up Steve Young,” Peterson said. “Lynn said we can get Montana, even if he plays two years for us … and we started talking about Joe. Marty asked Paul Hackett, ‘What do you think about Joe Montana?’ and he got very excited.” So Peterson offered a firstround draft pick to the 49ers for Montana and safety David Whitmore. That was the easy part. Then, Peterson had to convince Montana and his wife, Jennifer, to move their family from the Bay Area to the Midwest and agree to a new, three-year contract that would pay him $10 million. Montana had other options. The Arizona Cardinals played host for a visit. But once he came to Kansas City, the Chiefs put on a full-court press, wining and dining the couple in the Country Club Plaza and showing Jennifer Montana the Johnson County neighborhoods where her children would attend school. “They had a pretty good team already and really good organization,” Montana said. “Then you add Paul Hackett being there, and that made the transition a lot easier.

FILE PHOTO BY JOE LEDFORD | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

The first time the Chiefs acquired a quarterback from San Francisco turned out all right for KC. In fact, Joe Montana (right) gave the team an immediate shot in the arm after coming to Arrowhead in an April 1993 trade.

The offense was pretty much what I had done for most of my career, so it was an easy learning process.” Montana’s decision led to another future Hall of Famer, running back Marcus Allen, signing with the Chiefs in the first year of unrestricted free agency. “We made the trade for Joe,” Peterson said, “and I got a call from Marcus, and he said, ‘That clinches it for me, I’m going to sign with you for two reasons.’ One was he always wanted to play with Joe … and two, he wanted to play against (Raiders owner) Al Davis twice a year.” The arrival of two former Super Bowl MVPs turned Chiefs games into a national phenomenon. The Chiefs had made the playoffs in each of the previous three seasons and were already playing to packed houses at Arrowhead Stadium. But with Montana and Allen, the demand for tickets and the waiting list for season tickets mushroomed, and merchandise sales — in one of the smallest markets in the NFL — vaulted near the top of the league alongside teams such as Dallas, Pittsburgh and Green Bay. National publications and television networks, even in the pre-Internet age, swarmed Chiefs practices. Montana, on a team with big personalities such as Thomas, Neil Smith, Kevin Ross, Albert Lewis, Tim Grunhard and Allen, was the rock star. The others sang backup. Even a can’t-miss billboard leading into River Falls, Wis., where the Chiefs conducted training camp, proclaimed: “Welcome Joe Montana and the Kansas City Chiefs.” Montana had a weakness for Steve’s Pizza in River Falls, and fans would hang out around the hole-in-thewall restaurant hoping to filch one of Montana’s empty beer cans as a souvenir. “It was like being with the

Beatles,” said kicker Nick Lowery, who had been with the Chiefs for 13 years before Montana arrived. “There was a lot of effort to have extra security around him, but it was sort of exciting because we never had that before. “There was something about Joe. What he brought to the team could not be equaled in terms of track record and swagger. It wasn’t cowboy swagger, but it was the confident, quiet Joe Montana swagger … a guy who was so comfortable within himself. He brought the glue to the whole team. Looking down the sideline and seeing a guy who had been to Super Bowls, it changes your team confidence when you’ve had years of mediocrity.” ❚ ❚ ❚ It didn’t take long for Montana to prove to himself, to the Chiefs and to the rest of the league that he was healthy and recovered from the elbow surgery. In the 1993 regular-season opener at Tampa Bay, he completed his first nine passes and finished 14 of 21 for 246 yards and three touchdowns in a 27-3 victory. He would be voted AFC offensive player of the week after his first game as a Chief. Though Montana banged up his wrist in that game and would miss the following week’s 30-0 loss at Houston, both he and Kansas City would be ready for his Arrowhead debut in week three. A crowd of 78,453 packed the stadium for “Monday Night Football” against John Elway and the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs won 15-7 on five field goals by Lowery, and even Joe Cool was a bit overwhelmed with what he saw. “The fans there were a lot crazier than I ever remembered,” Montana said. “The first time I heard the whole stadium at the end of the national anthem go ‘Chiefs!’ (it)

JOE LEDFORD | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

It wasn’t all champagne and roses for Joe Montana in Kansas City, as this sack by Buffalo’s Bruce Smith attests. But his memories here are mostly positive.

sent a chill through you. 1-yard, tackle-eligible flip to Marty tried to tell me about Joe Valerio, in a 24-17 victory it, but it really didn’t capture in front of 79,907, still the what it felt like the first second-largest crowd ever at time.” Arrowhead. With Montana at quarter“It was like playing your back, the Chiefs finished 11-5 brother or your best friend,” and won their first AFC title Montana said, not hiding his since 1971. He completed feelings that are bitter to this 60.7 percent of his passes, day, “and you always want to and was a maestro conduct- beat them worse than anying the West Coast offense body.” even though he did not have Montana also engineered an elite receiver. It didn’t the Monday Night Miracle at matter when Montana had Denver, when he one-upped the ball in his hands. Schottenheimer nemesis “Sitting next to him on the John Elway. Elway had just plane,” Lowery said, “Joe given the Broncos a 28-24 said something I had never lead with a 4-yard touchheard before or since. He down run with 1:29 to play, said, ‘At this time in my ca- apparently dooming Schotreer, when I get to the line of tenheimer to his eighth scrimmage, it’s so natural for straight loss at Denver and me to read the defense. I the Chiefs to a third-straight know before I even snap the loss that season. ball where I’m going to go But Montana, first overwith it,’ which is almost im- coming a holding penalty, possible for most quarter- drove the Chiefs 75 yards in backs to do. nine plays, capped by an out“I don’t remember seeing stretched grab for 5 yards at a bad pass in practice. And the pylon by Willie Davis he took that into the games … with 8 seconds left for a 31-28 every pass was on target.” win, prompting “Monday Montana was even better Night Football” analyst Dan in the playoffs. In the 1993 Dierdorf to exclaim: “Lord, I first-round game against can die and go to heaven bePittsburgh, the Chiefs faced cause now I’ve seen everythfourth-and-goal from the ing!” Steelers 7 with 1:48 to play in The Chiefs had to go on regulation when Montana, the road for their 1994 eluding the rush by Bill playoff opener, and Montana Cowher’s defense, found completed 26 of 37 passes for wide receiver Tim Barnett in 314 yards and two touchthe back of the end zone, downs against another westsending the game into over- ern Pennsylvania quartertime. The Chiefs won 27-24 back, Miami’s Dan Marino. on Lowery’s 32-yard field But Montana threw an ungoal. characteristic interception “Tim was probably the in the end zone late in the third or fourth read,” Peter- game, and the Chiefs lost son said, “but Joe always had 27-17. that ability to slide a couple Though he had one year steps to his right or to his left on his contract, it was left. He had a great clock in pretty well accepted that his head about when the Montana’s time as a Chief pocket was collapsing, and was over following the 1994 he’d buy himself another half season. second and get the ball “Joe said, ‘I think I can play away.” another year, but I think I In the game at Houston the want to play with my kids,’ ” following week, Montana Peterson recalled. “I said, threw for 299 yards and ‘Joe, you’ve retired in your three touchdowns, including mind. Thank you, thank you, one to tight end Keith Cash, thank you for your two who punctuated the 28-20 years.’ ” victory by spiking the ball In those two years, Montaagainst a poster of the Oilers’ na invested in the communibombastic defensive coordi- ty. He formed a beer distribnator, Buddy Ryan. utorship, Big Sky Distribu“It was always a tough tors, and he returned to town place to play against one of on business several times a his defenses,” Montana said year before divesting the of Ryan. “They like to come company. after you and beat you up And he still feels an attachand hit you late … you have ment and a gratitude to Kanto hang in there. We started sas City and the Chiefs. to get some chances and eve- Montana was 17-8 as a startrything fell into place.” er, still the best winning percentage by a Chiefs quarter❚ ❚ ❚ Despite the disappoint- back. “When things aren’t going ment in the 1993 AFC Championship Game, Montana re- well and someone gives you turned for a second season an opportunity, it’s always a and led the Chiefs to a 9-7 special place, and it always record and wild-card berth. will be,” he said of Kansas Before missing December City. “I love getting back losses against Denver and there on occasion, seeing Miami because of a foot inju- how different it is and visitry, Montana turned in two of ing the old neighborhood. “It was a lot of fun, being his most memorable games able to go out and prove to as a Chief. In week two, Montana anyone who thought it was faced his former 49ers team- time for me to go that I could mates and protégé, Young, in still play.” And yet … a showdown at Arrowhead “I still think we deserved Stadium. Montana completed 19 of 31 passes for two to get to the Super Bowl that touchdowns, including a year.”

H18

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

Backup quarterbacks are always on call Chiefs may not need their second-stringer this fall, but he should be ready just in case. By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star

Chase Daniel has the job everyone else wishes he had. As the backup quarterback for the Chiefs, he makes good money, is one of the most popular people in Kansas City and doesn’t have to risk life and limb every Sunday like starter Alex Smith does. Except Rich Gannon once had the same job — and it’s not always what it seems to be. “It’s like any other job,” said Gannon, who left the Chiefs in 1999 to become the starter for the Oakland Raiders. “There are all sorts of ways to look at it. There are good things about it and

there are bad things. It can be a tough job if you have the passion to be the starter, but there are two different types of backup quarterbacks. “Some guys are very content, very comfortable, being the backup. There are guys chomping at the bit who want to compete and will scratch and claw to be the starter. It can be frustrating at times if you’re that kind of guy and you don’t get to play.” Daniel, a former college star at Missouri, knows the drill. He spent the last four seasons as the understudy to the indestructible Drew Brees in New Orleans. Brees never missed a start, leaving little room for Daniel in the Saints’ lineup. In New Orleans, Daniel threw a total of nine passes in the regular season, all af-

Daniel

Gannon

ter the result of the games had long been decided. Yet he still found a way to be the model backup quarterback and attract the attention of the Chiefs — and several other teams — when he became a free agent in March. “We’re very lucky to have him with us,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I know Drew Brees, and Drew would tell you that Chase pushed him every day that he was there and presented competition every day that he was there. That allowed Drew to be even better than he would be without him

The Chiefs went with Grbac as their starter once he returned in time for the playoff game against the Broncos, which the Chiefs wound up losing. But the week of the game, Gannon stood up for Grbac in the locker room, telling his teammates the decision had been made and the Chiefs needed to support their starting quarterback, even if it wasn’t him. “A lot of the people in the locker room knew it was the wrong decision,” Gannon said. “Everybody knew the kind of guy I was and the kind of guy he was and they responded to me differently and probably in a better way.” Being ready at a moment’s notice is part of the job description as a backup quarterback. Gannon replaced the faltering Steve Bono in

there. … “That’s his nature. He’s a competitive guy and he wants to be the best he can possibly be and make his football team the best they can possibly be.” That can be a fine line for Daniel. He wants to play and needs to compete with Smith but also understand that he needs to be supportive because the job is not his. “You have to understand your role,” Gannon said. “But I always prided myself on working harder than the guy in front of me. If you can outwork the guy who’s starting, you’re on the right path.” One of the most difficult times in Gannon’s career occurred in 1997, when he played well and had the Chiefs rolling into the playoffs in place of the injured Elvis Grbac.

the fourth quarter of a 1995 playoff game against Indianapolis on a day when the temperature in Kansas City didn’t get much — if any — above 10 degrees. “I sat there on that sideline in that cold for 57 minutes,” Gannon said. “I was as stiff as a board. There was no way to warm up or stay loose. But I went in the game, drove us down the field and we missed a field goal. It was just crazy, but you have to be ready at any time ... and the only way to do that is to prepare during the week. “You can never have the attitude you’re not going to play in the game that week. You’ve got to believe the opposite, that you are going to play. That’s the only way I know of to keep yourself sharp. You’ve got to really study the game plan.”

Kick Back... When was the last time you played hooky? You know, as in making time for yourself and your best buddy to enjoy the fruits of all your hard work. If you’re like most of us, I’ll bet it’s been a while. Come take a much deserved break from the constant demands of everyday life and visit historic downtown Lee’s Summit. A place where you can shop, dine or just relax and be yourself. We think you’ll also make some lasting memories along the way.

Yours Truly,

YoursTrulyLS.com

PRIME

Bluestem

D E V E L O P M E N T

Prairie Brook Villas Estate Size Lots 60 Acres Green Space

Superior Location

Wooded Lots

Pool, Walking Trails, Lake

Cul-de-sacs

Maintenance Provided

Lake, Trails

Lake Views

Luxury Villas

Walk to Award-Winning Schools

Pool Complex

New Pool &

From the mid $200’s

Greenbelt & Walkout Lots

1/4 Mi W of K7 on College Blvd, Olathe

From the low $300’s

Greenbelt Views

Blue Valley Schools Award-Winning Builders Homes from the $400’s

Homes from the $300’s to $500’s and up

1/4 mile East of K7 & North on Lone Elm

PrairieBrookHomes.com 151st & Quivira Overland Park

K-10 & Cedar Creek Pkwy and Canyon Creek Blvd.

BluestemKS.com

913-441-8998

913-685-4010 Six Furnished Models

CANYON CREEK BLVD

Lenexa

Canyon Creek

EQUAL HOUSING OP P OR TU NI T Y

Prime Development Land Company

164th & Quivira PoloFieldsKS.com

913-523-5513 Treed Lots Available

Overland Park 135TH

151ST

Bluestem NOT TO SCALE

Homes from the mid $400's

COLLEGE BLVD.

QUIVIRA

Olathe

Prairie Point

1.5, Reverse 1.5, 2-Story Plans

NALL

Prairie Brook

SWITZER

Phase II Now Open

New Models Now Open

PrairiePointKs.com

Furnished Models

LONE ELM RD

913-851-5800

913-397-0281

Wide Open Spaces Enjoy Serenity, Privacy Amazing Views 70-Acre Nature Preserve Large Pool & Cabana New Blue Valley Schools

Polo Fields

164TH

Tallgrass 167TH

PrimeKC.com

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

H19

Flair to go with flare pass Hall of Famer Joe Namath brought glamour to the quarterback position and became vital to the success of the AFL. BY RANDY COVITZ | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

oe Namath had been knocked down plenty of times in his career as a New York Jets quarterback when playing in Kansas City. But his most embarrassing spill wasn’t at old Municipal Stadium or in gleaming new Arrowhead. It wasn’t trying to elude the Chiefs’ Buck Buchanan or Bobby Bell. Namath, three years after his retirement as the NFL’s transcendent quarterback, was appearing in the title role of “Li’l Abner” in August 1980 at Starlight Theatre when he fell flat on his … well, let’s let him tell it. “Kansas City is where I literally fell on my butt on stage,” Namath laughed into the phone from his home in Tequesta, Fla.

“It’s the scene where Pappy goes after Earthquake … he dives in front of me, and I catch him … but my weight was too far back on my heels, and in slow motion, I started tipping, tipping, and fell right back on my rear with Pappy in my arms. “The audience got a big kick out of it, and I did, too. The whole company broke up. It was one of my best memories to this date of anything I’ve done.” Only someone with Namath’s charisma and charm could handle a pratfall with such grace. He was the first of his kind, a football player feeling as comfortable on stage and in movies as he was in a stadium or on a sound stage making commercials for everything from popcorn poppers to panty hose. Namath changed the role of quarterback from the game’s most important position to its most glamorous. Before Namath burst onto the scene in 1965, most quarterbacks of the era — except for Detroit’s funloving Bobby Layne — were of the same mold. Johnny Unitas sported a crew cut, Y.A. Tittle wore black high-topped shoes and Bart Starr was clean-cut and straight-laced. Namath was a non-conformist who donned white shoes, grew shaggy hair and smiled behind a Fu Manchu mustache. He wore mink coats with a babe on each arm while prowling the New York City night life, showing a side of pro athletes the public had seldom seen. The man who would soon be known as Broadway Joe became an anti-hero to the establishment and the savior of the rebellious American Football League to others, especially after backing up his guarantee the Jets would beat the heavily favored Baltimore Colts and their old-school quarterbacks, Unitas and flat-topped Earl Morrall, in Super Bowl III. “It was the timing of my arrival in New York,” said Namath, now 70. “My career started out at a time … there was a lot going on with Vietnam … displeasure with the government …” Namath’s star power was recognized by Sonny Werblin, a Hollywood television producer who bought the old New York Titans in 1963, renamed them the Jets, and sought a face for the franchise. The Jets traded with Houston for the rights to the first overal pick of the 1965 AFL Draft and selected Namath, a gimpy-kneed passer with a laser arm from Alabama. Namath was also taken in the first round of the NFL Draft by the penny-pinching St. Louis Cardinals, who balked at Namath’s request for a Lincoln Continental to be part of his rookie contract and could not come close to the unprecedented $427,000 contract Werblin gave Namath. Werblin also orchestrated the AFL’s five-year, $36 million television contract with NBC in 1964, putting the fledgling league on competitive footing with the NFL and leading to the 1966 merger between the leagues that would take effect in 1970. The television con-

tract enabled the Jets to sign Namath, the league’s brightest star. “It gave us an identity,” said Len Dawson, the Chiefs’ Hall of Fame quarterback. “All of a sudden, we weren’t the stepchild of professional football. We have the top star coming out of college football into the American Football League. That was a terrific boost. Look at all the publicity he received.” “He really saved the whole AFL,” said Chiefs Hall of Fame cornerback Emmitt Thomas. “If Namath had gone to the NFL, I don’t think it would have blossomed or grown the way it did.” 1968 PHOTO BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS To Namath, it was a matter of beFootball players just didn’t get fitted for fur coats before Joe Namath came along at quarterback. ing in the right place at the right time. “I was lucky to be at a time when High School team that won the NFL championship game, were math said, “they won the next Super Bowl, and the AFL won the last there was a battle between the state championship, seven of the 18-point favorites over the Jets. But a few nights before the game, two Super Bowls between the leagues,” Namath said. “I crossed eight players have black shoe laces. at a dinner honoring Namath as leagues.” paths with a guy who believed in Namath has white laces. “Whenever anybody mentions the AFL’s Most Valuable Player, he the star system. Sonny Werblin ❚ ❚ ❚ came from show business, and he white shoes to me,” he said, “my was asked if the Jets could win, and Though he underwent knee surbelieved fans wanted to see stars. first response to them is, ‘Aren’t his response is now part of football gery seven months before his rooHe created stuff around me, and they lighter than black ones?’ They lore: “We’re going to win the kie season and had several offseagame,” he said. “I guarantee it.” introduced me to the media, and just feel lighter. son knee surgeries early in his caNamath wasn’t boasting. He sim- reer, Namath took pride in the fact took me out to different spots to be “And, I’ve got to admit, I liked ply believed the Jets were better. the eye of New York City both on the white look.” he missed just one game as a roo“After looking at the films of the kie and started all 56 games during and off the field. ❚ ❚ ❚ “He was savvy and believed in Joe Willie Namath’s style was Colts for maybe 10 days or so, I felt 1966-69. the star system. Back then, you made for the wide-open AFL. He our team as an offense was capable The Jets had just one more winnever dreamt of a star system in threw the ball often, and he threw of dealing with the great defense of ning season — 10-4 in 1969, when football. You had Bronko Nagurski it deep to Hall of Fame receiver the Colts,” Namath said. “A lot of they lost a home playoff game to and players like that. … Here was Don Maynard and George Sauer Jr. people didn’t understand how the Super Bowl-bound Chiefs — in an owner who was trying to create In his third season, Namath smart our offensive line was and Namath’s career, and some have stars. Coming from the music and threw for 4,007 yards and became how few mistakes our offensive wondered what Namath may have motion-picture industry, he en- the first quarterback in pro-foot- team made, and how few penalties accomplished had he not come incouraged communication with the ball history to break the 4,000-yard we got that last half of the season. to the league with a bum knee. “Our defense was the best-kept media and the fans. He knew stars barrier, a record that stood until Namath has reconciled with that sold tickets. the NFL season expanded from 14 secret going into that game. Sure question. enough, they played a hell of a “The bottom line was I could to 16 games in 1979. “Yes, yes, yes, I thought about it play. Had I not been a good player, The 1967 Jets went 8-5-1, the first game against the Colts. I had been and I arrived at a peaceful undernone of it would have worked.” winning season in the eight-year on three Jets teams prior to that, standing,” he said. “I would have and I wasn’t guaranteeing anything been in Vietnam like so many of history of the franchise. ❚ ❚ ❚ “His skills were exquisite … the on those three teams. I wasn’t as the other guys. I had taken three Those white shoes that Namath wore? Actually, they were black best I had seen,” said Chiefs Hall of good as I was performing in the physicals with the military and shoes that Namath would wrap Fame middle linebacker Willie La- first three years as I did in my failed all three of them because of white tape around as the cleats be- nier. “You could hit him hard, get fourth year, and my team didn’t ei- my knee. If I did not injure my him down, and his offensive line- ther. But we were performing, and knee in college, I would have been gan to wear out. in Vietnam, and that could have Some of his teammates feared men would pick him up like a little we had confidence.” irascible Alabama coach Bear rag doll, and five seconds later, he Namath completed 17 of 28 pas- been the end of the story right Bryant would make Namath peel was standing there trying to beat ses for 206 yards in New York’s 16-7 there. That could have been the off the tape, but he never said a your rear.” win, and the Jets, behind Matt end of my life, like so many other Namath led the Jets to an 11-3 Snell’s 121 yards rushing, were so young guys.” word to him. Not as long as Namath At one point, there was such an record and AFL Eastern Division dominant in taking a 16-0 lead that led the Crimson Tide to victories. But in the fourth game of the title in 1968, and a 27-23 win over Namath did not attempt a pass in outcry among those asking how a season, Namath didn’t tape his Oakland for the AFL title, setting the fourth quarter. He remains the professional athlete could be unfit shoes, and in the first quarter, run- the stage for Super Bowl III against only quarterback voted MVP of a for the military the U.S. Army cirning around right end, planted, cut Baltimore. The Colts went 13-1 in Super Bowl who did not throw a culated a statement to Congress substantiating that his injury left and tore ligaments in his right the established NFL, and after TD pass in the game. “You do what you needed to do would make him unable to serve. knee, an injury that dogged him for pummeling Cleveland 34-0 in the “I was all right for sports, beto win,” Namath said. the rest of his career. “You would never cause there were doctors and “Well, I’m not suthrow the ball if the trainers around and no one’s life perstitious,” Namath other team couldn’t was depending on my perforsaid, “but after that I stop the run. I trusted mance,” Namath said. taped my shoes every Namath suffered a more devasour defense and our day. After being with running game to run tating knee injury in a 1971 preseathe Jets about three the clock as much as son game against Detroit. He weeks, I walked into played six more years for the Jets possible.” the training camp After the game, before finishing his career in 1977 locker room, and when the Jets got off with the Los Angeles Rams. By there was a brandthe team bus at their then, his legacy was cemented, and new pair of white, hotel, they recognized Namath was inducted into the Pro leather shoes. three figures waiting Football Hall of Fame in 1985. “For my first four “It was and still is exciting to refor them: the Chiefs’ years, at least, they Lanier, Thomas and live those times,” Namath said. “I were the only white Buchanan. After los- was part of a time. I measured up, shoes running around ing in Super Bowl I, but if I never tore my right knee, football fields.” the three made a pact there wouldn’t have been a Joe NaBut then, Namath they would attend ev- math the football player. It was always dared to be an 1969 PHOTO BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ery Super Bowl until timing, Lady Luck, the good Lord. individualist. Gazing “Was it meant to be? Probably, if the AFL won. at the team picture of Jets quarterback Joe Namath had style, but he also “As fate has it,” Na- we want to believe that.” his Beaver Falls (Pa.) had enough substance to make the Hall of Fame.

H20

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

NFL SCHEDULES AFC WEST

AFC NORTH

BRONCOS

Date Sept. 5 Sept. 15 Sept. 23 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 12 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Time Baltimore 7:30 at N.Y. Giants 3:25 Oakland 7:40 Philadelphia 3:25 at Dallas 3:25 Jacksonville 3:05 at Indianapolis 7:30 Washington 3:25 Bye at San Diego 3:25 Kansas City 3:05 at New England 7:30 at Kansas City noon Tennessee 3:05 San Diego 7:25 at Houston noon at Oakland 3:25

CHARGERS

Date Sept. 9 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 14 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 12 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Houston at Philadelphia at Tennessee Dallas at Oakland Indianapolis at Jacksonville Bye at Washington Denver at Miami at Kansas City Cincinnati N.Y. Giants at Denver Oakland Kansas City

Time 9:20 noon noon 3:25 3:25 7:40 noon noon 3:25 noon noon 3:25 3:25 7:25 3:25 3:25

CHIEFS

Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 19 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent at Jacksonville Dallas at Philadelphia N.Y. Giants at Tennessee Oakland Houston Cleveland at Buffalo Bye at Denver San Diego Denver at Washington at Oakland Indianapolis at San Diego

RAIDERS Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 23 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Nov. 28 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent at Indianapolis Jacksonville at Denver Washington San Diego at Kansas City Bye Pittsburgh Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants at Houston Tennessee at Dallas at N.Y. Jets Kansas City at San Diego Denver

Time noon noon 7:25 noon noon noon noon noon noon 3:05 noon noon noon 3:05 noon 3:25

Time noon 3:25 7:40 3:25 3:25 noon 3:05 3:05 noon noon 3:05 3:30 noon 3:05 3:25 3:25

NFC WEST 49ERS

Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 26 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 25 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 23 Dec. 29

Opponent Time Green Bay 3:25 at Seattle 7:30 Indianapolis 3:25 at St. Louis 7:25 Houston 7:30 Arizona 3:25 at Tennessee 3:05 at Jacksonville** noon Bye Carolina 3:05 at New Orleans 3:25 at Washington 7:40 St. Louis 3:05 Seattle 3:25 at Tampa Bay noon Atlanta 7:40 at Arizona 3:25

CARDINALS Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 17 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Time at St. Louis 3:25 Detroit 3:05 at New Orleans noon at Tampa Bay noon Carolina 3:05 at San Francisco 3:25 Seattle 7:25 Atlanta 3:25 Bye Houston 3:25 at Jacksonville noon Indianapolis 3:05 at Philadelphia noon St. Louis 3:25 at Tennessee noon at Seattle 3:05 San Francisco 3:25

BENGALS Date Sept. 8 Sept. 16 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Oct. 31 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent at Chicago Pittsburgh Green Bay at Cleveland New England at Buffalo at Detroit N.Y. Jets at Miami at Baltimore Cleveland Bye at San Diego Indianapolis at Pittsburgh Minnesota Baltimore

Time noon 7:40 noon noon noon noon noon 3:05 7:25 noon noon 3:25 noon 7:30 noon noon

BROWNS Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 3 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Time Miami noon at Baltimore noon at Minnesota noon Cincinnati noon Buffalo 7:25 Detroit noon at Green Bay 3:25 at Kansas City noon Baltimore 3:25 Bye at Cincinnati noon Pittsburgh noon Jacksonville noon at New England noon Chicago noon at N.Y. Jets noon at Pittsburgh noon

Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 26 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 28 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Time Arizona 3:25 at Atlanta noon at Dallas noon San Francisco 7:25 Jacksonville noon at Houston noon at Carolina noon Seattle 7:40 Tennessee noon at Indianapolis noon Bye Chicago noon at San Francisco 3:05 at Arizona 3:25 New Orleans noon Tampa Bay noon at Seattle 3:25

SEAHAWKS

Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 17 Oct. 28 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 2 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Time at Carolina noon San Francisco 7:30 Jacksonville 3:25 at Houston noon at Indianapolis noon Tennessee 3:05 at Arizona 7:25 at St. Louis 7:40 Tampa Bay 3:05 at Atlanta noon Minnesota 3:25 Bye New Orleans 7:40 at San Francisco 3:25 at N.Y. Giants noon Arizona 3:05 St. Louis 3:25

BEARS Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 10 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 4 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 9 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Cincinnati Minnesota at Pittsburgh at Detroit New Orleans N.Y. Giants at Washington Bye at Green Bay Detroit Baltimore at St. Louis at Minnesota Dallas at Cleveland at Philadelphia Green Bay

LIONS Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Nov. 28 Dec. 8 Dec. 16 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Minnesota at Arizona at Washington Chicago at Green Bay at Cleveland Cincinnati Dallas Bye at Chicago at Pittsburgh Tampa Bay Green Bay at Philadelphia Baltimore N.Y. Giants at Minnesota

Time noon noon 7:30 noon noon 7:25 noon 7:40 noon noon noon noon 7:40 noon noon noon

Time noon 3:05 noon noon noon noon noon noon noon noon noon 11:30* noon 7:40 3:05 noon

*times p.,m. unless noted with an asterisk **in London

AFC SOUTH RAVENS

Date Sept. 5 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Nov. 28 Dec. 8 Dec. 16 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent at Denver Cleveland Houston at Buffalo at Miami Green Bay at Pittsburgh Bye at Cleveland Cincinnati at Chicago N.Y. Jets Pittsburgh Minnesota at Detroit New England at Cincinnati

Time 7:30 noon noon noon noon noon 3:25 3:25 noon noon noon 7:30 noon 7:40 7:30 noon

Opponent Time Tennessee noon at Cincinnati 7:40 Chicago 7:30 at Minn. ** noon Bye at N.Y. Jets noon Baltimore 3:25 at Oakland 3:00 at New England 3:25 Buffalo noon Detroit noon at Cleveland noon at Baltimore 7:30 Miami noon Cincinnati 7:30 at Green Bay 3:25 Cleveland noon

Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 5 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

STEELERS Date Sept. 8 Sept. 16 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Nov. 28 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Time Oakland noon Miami noon at San Francisco 3:25 at Jacksonville noon Seattle noon at San Diego 7:40 Denver 7:30 Bye at Houston 7:30 St. Louis noon at Tennessee 7:25 at Arizona 3:05 Tennessee noon at Cincinnati noon Houston noon at Kansas City noon Jacksonville noon

JAGUARS

Opponent Kansas City at Oakland at Seattle Indianapolis at St. Louis at Denver San Diego San Francisco** Bye at Tennessee Arizona at Houston at Cleveland Houston Buffalo Tennessee at Indianapolis

Time noon 3:25 3:25 noon noon 3:05 noon noon noon noon noon noon 7:25 noon noon noon

TEXANS

Date Sept. 9 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 5 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Time at San Diego 9:20 Tennessee noon at Baltimore noon Seattle noon at San Francisco 7:30 St. Louis noon at Kansas City noon Bye Indianapolis 7:30 at Arizona 3:25 Oakland noon Jacksonville noon New England 3:25 at Jacksonville 7:25 at Indianapolis noon Denver noon at Tennessee noon

TITANS

Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 14 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent at Pittsburgh at Houston San Diego N.Y. Jets Kansas City at Seattle San Francisco Bye at St. Louis Jacksonville Indianapolis at Oakland at Indianapolis at Denver Arizona at Jacksonville Houston

Time noon noon noon 3:05 noon 3:05 3:05 noon noon 7:25 3:05 noon 3:05 noon noon noon

NFC SOUTH PACKERS

Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 4 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Nov. 28 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Time at San Francisco 3:25 Washington noon at Cincinnati noon Bye Detroit noon at Baltimore noon Cleveland 3:25 at Minnesota 7:30 Chicago 7:40 Philadelphia noon at N.Y. Giants 7:30 Minnesota noon at Detroit 11:30* Atlanta 7:30 at Dallas 3:25 Pittsburgh 3:25 at Chicago noon

VIKINGS

Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 21 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 7 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent at Detroit at Chicago Cleveland Pittsburgh ** Bye Carolina at N.Y. Giants Green Bay at Dallas Washington at Seattle at Green Bay Chicago at Baltimore Philadelphia at Cincinnati Detroit

Time noon noon noon noon noon 7:40 7:30 noon 7:25 3:25 noon noon noon noon noon noon

BUCCANEERS Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 24 Nov. 3 Nov. 11 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Time at N.Y. Jets noon New Orleans 3:05 at New England noon Arizona noon Bye Philadelphia noon at Atlanta noon Carolina 7:25 at Seattle 3:05 Miami 7:40 Atlanta noon at Detroit noon at Carolina noon Buffalo noon San Francisco noon at St. Louis noon at New Orleans noon

FALCONS Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 7 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 21 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 23 Dec. 29

***in Toronto

AFC EAST

COLTS Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 14 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 14 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

NFC NORTH RAMS

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

Opponent Time at New Orleans noon St. Louis noon at Miami 3:05 New England 7:30 N.Y. Jets 7:40 Bye Tampa Bay noon at Arizona 3:25 at Carolina noon Seattle noon at Tampa Bay noon New Orleans 7:25 at Buff. *** 3:05 at Green Bay 7:30 Washington noon at San Francisco 7:40 Carolina noon

BILLS Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 3 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Time New England noon Carolina noon at N.Y. Jets 3:25 Baltimore noon at Cleveland 7:25 Cincinnati noon at Miami noon at New Orleans noon Kansas City noon at Pittsburgh noon N.Y. Jets noon Bye Atlanta *** 3:05 at Tampa Bay noon at Jacksonville noon Miami noon at New England noon

DOLPHINS

Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 30 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Oct. 31 Nov. 11 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Time at Cleveland noon at Indianapolis noon Atlanta 3:05 at New Orleans 7:40 Baltimore noon Bye Buffalo noon at New England noon Cincinnati 7:25 at Tampa Bay 7:40 San Diego noon Carolina noon at N.Y. Jets noon at Pittsburgh noon New England noon at Buffalo noon N.Y. Jets noon

JETS

Date Sept. 8 Sept. 12 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 7 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Time Tampa Bay noon at New England 7:25 Buffalo 3:25 at Tennessee 3:05 at Atlanta 7:40 Pittsburgh noon New England noon at Cincinnati 3:05 New Orleans noon Bye at Buffalo noon at Baltimore noon Miami noon Oakland noon at Carolina 3:05 Cleveland noon at Miami noon

PATRIOTS

Date Sept. 8 Sept. 12 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 18 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent at Buffalo N.Y. Jets Tampa Bay at Atlanta at Cincinnati New Orleans at N.Y. Jets Miami Pittsburgh Bye at Carolina Denver at Houston Cleveland at Miami at Baltimore Buffalo

Time noon 7:25 noon 7:30 noon 3:25 noon noon 3:25 7:40 7:30 3:25 noon noon 7:30 noon

NFC EAST PANTHERS Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 24 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 18 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Time Seattle noon at Buffalo noon N.Y. Giants noon Bye at Arizona 3:05 at Minnesota noon St. Louis noon at Tampa Bay 7:25 Atlanta noon at San Francisco 3:05 New England 7:40 at Miami noon Tampa Bay noon at New Orleans noon N.Y. Jets 3:05 New Orleans noon at Atlanta noon

SAINTS Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 30 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 21 Dec. 2 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Time Atlanta noon at Tampa Bay 3:05 Arizona noon Miami 7:40 at Chicago noon at New England 3:25 Bye Buffalo noon at N.Y. Jets noon Dallas 7:30 San Francisco 3:25 at Atlanta 7:25 at Seattle 7:40 Carolina noon at St. Louis noon at Carolina noon Tampa Bay noon

COWBOYS

Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Nov. 28 Dec. 9 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent N.Y. Giants at Kansas City St. Louis at San Diego Denver Washington at Philadelphia at Detroit Minnesota at New Orleans Bye at N.Y. Giants Oakland at Chicago Green Bay at Washington Philadelphia

EAGLES

Date Sept. 9 Sept. 15 Sept. 19 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent at Washington San Diego Kansas City at Denver at N.Y. Giants at Tampa Bay Dallas N.Y. Giants at Oakland at Green Bay Washington Bye Arizona Detroit at Minnesota Chicago at Dallas

Time 7:30 noon noon 3:25 3:25 7:30 noon noon noon 7:30 3:25 3:30 7:40 3:25 noon noon

Time 6:10 noon 7:25 3:25 noon noon noon noon 3:05 noon noon noon noon noon noon noon

GIANTS

Date Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 10 Oct. 21 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent at Dallas Denver at Carolina at Kansas City Philadelphia at Chicago Minnesota at Philadelphia Bye Oakland Green Bay Dallas at Washington at San Diego Seattle at Detroit Washington

Time 7:30 3:25 noon noon noon 7:25 7:40 noon noon 7:30 3:25 7:30 3:25 noon 3:05 noon

WASHINGTON

Date Sept. 9 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 7 Nov. 17 Nov. 25 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29

Opponent Philadelphia at Green Bay Detroit at Oakland Bye at Dallas Chicago at Denver San Diego at Minnesota at Philadelphia San Francisco N.Y. Giants Kansas City at Atlanta Dallas at N.Y. Giants

Time 6:10 noon noon 3:25 7:30 noon 3:25 noon 7:25 noon 7:40 7:30 noon noon noon noon

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM FIVE MVP CANDIDATES ❚ QB Tom Brady, Patriots: Brady’s a two-time MVP, and there may be no team more dependent on any one player than the Patriots. Brady, 36, threw for more than 4,000 yards and directed the NFL’s top-ranked offense to 12 wins in 2012, but this year, he’ll have to perform with a new set of receivers since five targets who combined for 338 of his 401 completions a year ago are gone — Welker (118 receptions) left for Denver; WR Brandon Lloyd (74) was not re-signed; TE Rob Gronkowski (55) has undergone several surgeries; TE Aaron Hernandez (51) went to jail on a murder charge; and RB Danny Woodhead (40) went to San Diego. If anyone can overcome this turnover in talent, though, it’s Brady.

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

NFL blitz package

❚ QB EJ Manuel, Bills: Manuel, the 16th overall pick in the draft out of Florida State and the only quarterback taken in the first round, suffered a knee injury in the second preseason game and required surgery but could be in the lineup when the Chiefs visit Buffalo on Nov. 3. Manuel completed 16 of 21 passes for 171 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in his first preseason appearance against Indianapolis, and though it was against backup Manuel players, he made good decisions, delivered the ball quickly and ran only when necessary, including a 24-yard scramble in the 2-minute drill that set up a field goal. ❚ CB D.J. Hayden, Raiders: The Raiders took Hayden with 12th pick of the draft and were adamant he would have been their choice at No. 3 had they not traded down. But Hayden needed surgery to remove scar tissue in his abdomen related to a torn inferior vena cava in November that nearly cost him his life while playing at the University of Houston. It would be a great story to see him play in the NFL, but may be a while. While waiting to be cleared for contact, Hayden suffered a slight hamstring strain in training camp. ❚ WR DeAndre Hopkins, Texans: Hopkins was taken in the first round out of Clemson to be a starter alongside veteran Andre Johnson, and he hasn’t disappointed. Hopkins, 6-2, 214, is strong with long arms and set an ACC record with 18 touchdown catches last year. He has huge hands and wears red gloves, which make his hands look even bigger. He has a nasty attitude when the ball is in the air, and so far in camp has caught nearly everything thrown his way. ❚ RB Eddie Lacy, Packers: The Packers spent a second-round pick on Lacy and a fourth-rounder on UCLA’s Johnathan Franklin in an effort to shore up a running attack that has gone 50 straight games, including postseason, without a player eclipsing 100 yards. The Packers did not retain veterans Cedric Benson and Ryan Grant in the hope that Lacy, who ran for 1,322 yards and 17 TDs for Alabama’s national champions last year, will provide them with some offensive balance.

❚ OT Jake Long, Rams: Long, the first overall pick in the 2008 draft, made four consecutive Pro Bowls and started all 48 games in his first three seasons at Miami before running into some injury issues. He missed the last four games of the 2012 season because of a triceps injury, and the Dolphins declined to sign him to a new deal. Long signed a four-year, $34 million package with the Rams. If he’s healthy — and Long says he’s felt as good as he has in years — the Rams found some needed protection for quarterback Sam Bradford, who was sacked 35 times last season.

❚ QB Alex Smith, Chiefs: Smith’s pride was hurt at San Francisco, which dumped him in favor of Colin Kaepernick late last year despite the fact that Smith led the 49ers within a fumbled punt of the Super Bowl in 2011 and a 6-2-1 start last year before missing one game because of a concussion. Smith is the most accomplished quarterback the Chiefs have begun a season with since Joe Montana in 1993, and he should master Andy Reid’s high-percentage, low-risk West Coast offense. ❚ RB Chris Ivory, Jets: Shonn Greene’s signing with Tennessee left the Jets without a featured running back, so they acquired Ivory from New Orleans, where he was behind Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles in the Saints’ stable of running backs despite averaging 5.1 yards in 256 carries in three seasons. The Jets paid a hefty price for Ivory, first sending a fourth-round pick to the Saints and then signing Ivory to a three-year, $6 million contract extension with the belief Ivory will be effective as a full-time starter.

❚ OLB J.J. Watt, Texans: Only two defensive players have earned MVP honors since the award was established in 1957 — tackle Alan Page in 1971 and linebacker Lawrence Taylor in 1986 — but Watt is a game-changing presence like no player since Taylor. Watt, 24, a force against the run and pass, hopes to be the first player voted defensive player of the year in consecutive seasons, and to become the NFL’s first 20-20-20 defensive player. He came close a year ago with a league-leading 201⁄2 sacks, 231⁄2 tackles for loss and 16 batted passes.

❚ S Tyrann Mathieu, Cardinals: Mathieu, the ball-hawking, kick-returning dynamo at LSU, was dismissed from the team in 2012 after repeated violations of the school’s substance-abuse policy, but he was worth the gamble of a third-round draft pick. Mathieu, the SEC defensive player of the year and a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2011, may be small, at 5 feet 9 and 180 pounds, but he has a knack for forcing fumbles and being around the ball. The Cardinals hope former LSU teammate Patrick Peterson will be a steadying influence on Mathieu, who is playing in the team’s nickel and dime defenses, where he can come up with turnovers.

FIVE VETERANS WHO WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

❚ S Michael Huff, Ravens: Huff, as the replacement for former NFL defensive player of the year Ed Reed, doesn’t have Reed’s 61 interceptions, the most by any NFL active player. But at 30, he is younger and faster and the Ravens are hoping Huff’s versatility will be worth the three-year, $8 million contract they gave him after the Raiders cut him for salary-cap purposes. A once-heralded first-round pick, Huff has not emerged as a dominant player but he has lined up at free safety, strong safety (the position vacated by Bernard Pollard) and even cornerback as he transitions to the Ravens’ scheme.

❚ RB Adrian Peterson, Vikings: Peterson last year became the first non-quarterback to win MVP honors since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006 after rushing for a league-leading 2,097 yards — 8 shy of Eric Dickerson’s NFL single-season record — less than a year after undergoing major knee surgery. Peterson, 28, vows to obliterate Dickerson’s mark with 2,500 yards this season, and that may be the best way for the Vikings, who went 10-6 and earned a playoff berth, to return to the postseason considering the spotty play of quarterback Christian Ponder.

FIVE ROOKIES TO WATCH

H21

❚ OLB Connor Barwin, Eagles: The Eagles, under new coach Chip Kelly, are going to a 3-4 defense, and to make it work, rush linebackers are essential. Barwin was a rising star in Houston, where he had 111⁄2 sacks in 2011. He had just three sacks a year ago, but that was still enough to earn him a six-year, $36 million deal with Philadelphia, which had Barwin just 30 sacks total in 2012.

❚ QB Aaron Rodgers, Packers: Rodgers, the 2011 league MVP, was the most efficient passer in the NFL last season — 108.0 rating, 4,295 yards, 39 touchdowns, eight interceptions — and imagine how much better those numbers would have been had he not been sacked a league-high 56 times last year. The Packers averaged just 106.4 rushing yards per game and didn’t have a back Rodgers reach 500 yards last season, which put the burden of moving the ball almost totally on the shoulders of Rodgers, 29, who signed a five-year, $110 million contract extension in April.

❚ QB Colin Kaepernick, 49ers: OK, we saw what Kaepernick could do in half a season when he came off the bench for Alex Smith and dazzled the league with a cannon arm and spectacular running ability. But that came against defenses that didn’t have much time to prepare for him and the 49ers’ changes to the read-option and Pistol formation installed so late in the season. San Francisco took a huge leap in faith in Kaepernick by jettisoning Smith, who was 19-5-1 in his last two years as a starter. Kaepernick, 25, has started seven regular-season games in two seasons, but if he continues to play like he did against Green Bay and Atlanta in the postseason, he can lead the 49ers back to the Super Bowl.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

PHELAN M. EBENHACK | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Dwight Freeney has made things tough on Jacksonville’s Blaine Gabbert and other quarterbacks during his career in Indianapolis. Now he is with San Diego.

Impact players on the move By RANDY COVITZ The Kansas City Star

Lamar Hunt’s idea of putting players’ names on the backs of jerseys when forming the American Football League in 1960 never looked smarter than it does now. The confluence of unrestricted free agency, salary-cap issues and eight headcoaching changes created a frenzy, an unprecedented number of marquee players changing uniforms for the 2013 season. One of the biggest trades of the offseason involved the Chiefs, who acquired quarterback Alex Smith from San Francisco. Other prominent names who were traded included quarterback Carson Palmer, who went from Oakland to Arizona; wide receivers Anquan Boldin, from Baltimore to San Francisco, and Percy Harvin, from Minnesota to Seattle; and cornerback Darrelle Revis, from the Jets to Tampa Bay. Free agency saw star wide receivers Wes Welker (Denver), Mike Wallace (Miami) and Greg Jennings (Minnesota); running backs Steven Jackson (Atlanta) and Reggie Bush (Detroit); safeties Ed Reed (Houston) and Bernard Pollard (Tennessee); offensive tackle Jake Long (St. Louis); and linebacker James Harrison (Cincinnati) move to new teams. But perhaps no position underwent as much dramatic upheaval as the pass

rushers. Four of the NFL’s most dominant pass rushers of the past 13 years — Dwight Freeney, John Abraham, Osi Umenyiora and Elvis Dumervil — all changed teams during the offseason, as did Paul Kruger, whose nine sacks led the Super Bowlchampion Baltimore Ravens last season. Freeney, 33, led the NFL in sacks with 16 in 2004, and his 1071⁄2 career sacks rank 21st all-time. But his age and price tag forced the Indianapolis Colts to let him walk, just as they let Peyton Manning leave a year ago. Freeney resurfaced with San Diego, which gave him a two-year deal for $8.75 million. Denver lost Dumervil, 29, after a fax-machine snafu prevented the Broncos from successfully renegotiating a pay cut. So Dumervil, who had 11 sacks in 2012 and was the NFL’s sack leader with 17 in 2009, was cut and agreed to a five-year, $26 million contract with Baltimore, where he’ll replace Kruger, who signed a five-year, $40.5 million package with Cleveland. Abraham, 35, led the Falcons with 10 sacks in 2012 and is 13th all-time with 122 career sacks. But he went to Arizona after the Falcons signed Umenyiora, 31, a twotime Super Bowl champion with the Giants, to a three-year, $8.5 million deal after he posted six sacks a year ago.

FIVE COACHES TO WATCH ❚ Marc Trestman, Bears: spending 14 years anywhere in Trestman, 57, has waited a long this league is a long, long time, time and paid his dues for a and he clearly needed a change chance to be a head coach in of scenery. Reid has reached five the NFL. He’s making the move NFC championship games and from the Canadian Football one Super Bowl, and he and his League, where he led Montreal staff are still hungry to win it all. to Grey Cup championships in ❚ Chip Kelly, Eagles: Kelly, who 2009-10. It’s not often an NFL replaced Reid in Philadelphia, team turns to the CFL for a and Doug Marrone in Buffalo are head coach, though Bud Grant the latest coaches to make the THE AP and Marv Levy proved to be move from college football to successful in both leagues. Bears coach the NFL. Much of the attention Trestman has 17 years of Marc Trestman has been on Kelly, 49, who went experience as an NFL offensive 46-7 in four years at Oregon and coordinator and quarterbacks had the high-powered Ducks in coach, and harnessing the skills of Jay national-title contention. Kelly has no pro Cutler will be his personal project. experience, either as a player or as a ❚ Sean Payton, Saints: Payton, 49, received a hero’s welcome when he returned to the New Orleans sideline for the preseason opener against the Chiefs after serving a one-year suspension for his role in the bounty scandal. Payton’s absence was acutely felt last year when the Saints stumbled to an 0-4 start and finished 7-9. Payton, who led the Saints to a Super Bowl championship in 2009, signed a five-year contract extension in January, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the league at $8 million a year. Owner Tom Benson is going to want to see a return on that investment. ❚ Andy Reid, Chiefs: A lot has been made of Reid’s rebirth as the Chiefs’ new coach, and his move to Kansas City seems to have invigorated him. Reid, 55, was a proven winner in Philadelphia, but

coach, so the question will be whether his hurry-up offense and other philosophies will succeed in the NFL. Will he succeed like Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll or flop like Nick Saban? ❚ Chuck Pagano, Colts: Pagano’s first season as a head coach last year was one of the most inspirational stories in the NFL. Pagano, 52, took a leave of absence three games into the season after he was diagnosed with leukemia. The Colts’ youthful roster rallied behind interim head coach Bruce Arians (now at Arizona) and went 9-3 in Pagano’s absence. The Colts, 2-14 in 2011, finished 11-5 last year and qualified for the playoffs. Now that Pagano has returned and has a clean bill of health, the Colts and second-year QB Andrew Luck want to prove last year was no fluke.

FIVE VETERANS WHO ARE BIG GAMBLES ❚ CB Darrelle Revis, Buccanneers: The Buccaneers ranked first last season in rushing defense and dead last in pass defense — teams didn’t bother running when passing was so easy — so they turned to Revis Island for some help. They traded a first-round draft pick to the Jets for Revis, who once was the game’s best cover corner. But Revis, 28, is getting up in age and coming off ACL surgery. He’s confident he’ll be ready for the start of the season, but how effective will he be? ❚ WR Percy Harvin, Seahawks: The Seahawks traded a first-round pick for Harvin, a talented but enigmatic performer at Minnesota. Harvin was out because of an ankle injury when the Vikings made their playoff push by winning their last four games, and he was troubled by migraines during his four seasons in Minnesota. Harvin recently had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip Harvin and is now on the team’s physically unable to perform list. The Seahawks have earmarked their Monday night contest on Dec. 2 against New Orleans as a potential return date. ❚ S Ed Reed, Texans: Houston can point to shoddy secondary play as a reason they haven’t been able to advance deep into the playoffs, so they signed Reed, a former NFL defensive player of the year and Super Bowl champion with the Ravens to a three-year, $15 million deal. But Reed, who turns 35 in September, has lost a step, and he’s on the PUP list recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his hip. He plans to be ready for the opener at San Diego. ❚ DT Glenn Dorsey, 49ers: Dorsey, who missed 12 games last season with the Chiefs because of some mysterious calf injuries in both legs, sure landed on his feet, signing a two-year deal with San Francisco, including a $2.2 million signing bonus. Drafted in the first round as a defensive tackle for a 4-3 front by the Chiefs in 2008, Dorsey was miscast as an end in the Chiefs’ 3-4 during the last four seasons. The 49ers are looking at him as a nose tackle in their 3-4. ❚ WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, Colts: Bey is another example of first-round busts drafted by the Oakland Raiders during the last years of Al Davis’ regime, as he valued speed over anything else. Heyward-Bey, the seventh overall pick in the 2009 draft, could run, but he couldn’t catch. After two unproductive seasons, Heyward-Bey caught 64 passes in 2011 but had just 41 receptions and five touchdowns in 2012. He signed with Indianapolis for $3 million, with $1.5 million guaranteed, but at least the Colts were smart enough to make it a one-year deal.

PREDICTIONS ❚ AFC East: New England ❚ AFC North: Cincinnati ❚ AFC South: Houston ❚ AFC West: Denver ❚ AFC wild cards: Baltimore, Chiefs ❚ NFC East: Washington ❚ NFC North: Green Bay ❚ NFC South: Atlanta ❚ NFC West: Seattle ❚ NFC wild cards: San Francisco, New Orleans ❚ Super Bowl champion: Seattle over Houston

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

F O O T B A L L 2 01 3 | K A N S A S , K - S TAT E A N D T H E B I G 1 2

Daniel Sams (left) and Jake Waters are ready to take over for a Heisman Trophy finalist in Manhattan, where K-State’s legendary coach has shown a magic touch with his quarterbacks. PHOTO BY BO RADER | THE WICHITA EAGLE ILLUSTRATION BY NEIL NAKAHODO | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

TRAVIS HEYING | THE WICHITA EAGLE

Motivation won’t be a problem for new Kansas State quarterback Jake Waters: “I have always had that chip on my shoulder, that maybe I’m not good enough.”

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS With Collin Klein gone, K-State will play two QBs: One known for his arm, the other for speed. BY KELLIS ROBINETT | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

ANHATTAN, Kan. | If ever there was an

appropriate time for Kansas State to say goodbye to one of the greatest quarterbacks in school history, it might be now. Look at what the Wildcats return on offense: veteran running back John Hubert, proven receivers Tyler Lockett and Tramaine Thompson and all five starters on the offensive line. K-State should be able to move the ball with either Jake Waters or Daniel Sams at quarterback. Still, Collin Klein was Collin Klein. You always knew what you were going to get from the Heisman Trophy finalist, who led the Wildcats to 21 victories, two major bowls and a Big 12 championship as a full-time starter. He played through injuries and was a model student-athlete. Moving on without him, even with two capable replacements and a loaded offense returning, is a scary thought.

“I’m a nervous wreck about starting a new quarterback,” said K-State co-offensive coordinator Dana Dimel. “That is always a concern for me, because that is such a critical position and we had a guy there last year who did such a remarkable job.” “You are not going to have another Collin Klein,” added K-State co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Del Miller. Instead, K-State will move on with Waters or Sams. They have been in a dead heat for the job since spring football began, with coach Bill Snyder using a coin toss to choose the starting quarterback for the spring game, but they both played equal time and put up huge numbers. A winner will be chosen this week, during final preparations for the season opener against North Dakota State, but the competition may continue. No matter who starts the first game, Dimel has said both quarterbacks will play. “I don’t think they have stopped improving,” Snyder said of Waters and Sams. “I appreciate the competitiveness of it and also the fact that they are providing quality leadership. They are helping each other and showing a tremendous amount of unselfishness.” Whoever Snyder picks will be seen as a quality replacement, and he will be asked to do big things right away. But he won’t be asked to run things the same way Klein did. Waters and Sams will bring new styles. With Waters, the offense

could open up in the air. The junior-college transfer has a stronger arm than Klein and has already proven himself capable of hitting receivers in stride, even when faced with solid coverage. K-State receivers rave about his ability to complete passes in tight windows, and spread the field in ways Klein could not. “Unlike anyone we have seen, he puts the ball in different spots,” junior receiver Curry Sexton said. “If there is a tight window in a certain route where a guy looks like he is covered, somehow he fits it in there. He has that ‘wow’ factor.” Waters completed difficult passes in the spring game that haven’t been seen

We won’t know for sure enough,” Waters said. “No at K-State since the days of current Tampa Bay Bucca- until he takes the field, but coach has ever really wanted neers quarterback Josh Free- he outplayed Sams by a slim me. Once I got here I knew I man. Not that Waters is try- margin in the spring game made it. But I made a new ing to live up to the standard and by a more noticeable goal. I’ve got to keep going. of any former K-State quar- margin at K-State’s lone Now it starts over. I’ve got to open practice last week. So make it to the point where I terbacks. “I will have higher expec- far, he seems to be handling can become the starter. tations for myself than the spotlight just fine. He That’s my goal, to become anyone on the outside will,” hasn’t lost a step from his the best that I can.” Sams shares that mind-set. Waters said. “I can’t think of fantastic sophomore season If he wins the job, the ofit as replacing Collin Klein at Iowa Western, where he or trying to do what he did. threw for 3,501 yards and 39 fense could open up on the Collin was a one-of-a-kind touchdowns and led his ground. Sams is one of the quarterback. No one is going team to an undefeated sea- fastest players on K-State’s to be able to come in and do son and a national cham- roster. The sophomore rushed for 235 yards and pionship. what he did. three touch“I’ve just got to downs in relief go and use the of Klein last seaguys that are son. He should back to help me, be able to keep use that line to K-State’s quarmy advantage, terback-based use those receivrunning game ers and use John going strong. He Hubert to my admight even add vantage to make some elements things easy on to it with his me and make me ability to make look better.” plays in the open Waters is also field. That, coman underrated bined with his runner. Though experience, he doesn’t poscould help him sess breakaway BO RADER | THE WICHITA EAGLE become the speed or the size starter. to run consis- Daniel Sams, a sophomore, got some But his arm is tently between experience at the end of games last season. unproven. the tackles, he is Dimel often allowed Klein When it was over, he had mobile. He can extend plays by scrambling or keep the all sorts of big-time coaches to call his own plays last seaball on designed running calling. He ended up choos- son, but he was reluctant to ing K-State over Penn State allow Sams to pass. Sams plays. Still, this is new ground for and several other suitors. completed six of eight pasWaters. He came to K-State The day he arrived on cam- ses for 55 yards, and didn’t via Iowa Western Commun- pus for his first class felt like attempt a single deep ball. ity College, and he has been a victory. This is what he had Some of that is due to the fighting to prove himself for been working and waiting fact that Sams played mostly years. Waters didn’t receive for. Then he had to tell him- at the end of blowouts, when a single major-college schol- self to chase a new dream. running was the priority. He doesn’t have a beautiarship offer in high school Sure, it was nice to be at Kthrowing motion, and ended up playing for the State, but he didn’t come this ful local junior college. He has far to watch from the side- though. He is also still learnalso never experienced a line. Now he wants to be the ing how to read defenses and fighting the urge to try neck-and-neck competition starting quarterback. “I have always had that for big gains all the time. for a starting job. Is he ready “I am finally learning that to make the transition to the chip on my shoulder, that maybe I’m not good on second-and-long, we are Big 12?

K-State Projected record >> 9-3, 6-3 ❚ 2012 record: 11-2 overall, 8-1 Big 12 (first) ❚ Projected 2013 record: 9-3 overall, 6-3 Big 12 (third) ❚ Key starters lost: LB Arthur Brown, QB Collin Klein, WR Chris Harper, DE Meshak Williams. ❚ Key starters returning: C B.J. Finney, LT Cornelius Lucas, RB John Hubert, S Ty Zimmerman, WR Tyler Lockett, WR Tramaine Thompson. ❚ Leader in the huddle: Senior safety Ty Zimmerman is entering his fourth straight year as a starter, but this will be his first season as K-State’s unquestioned leader on defense. He played behind Arthur Brown and a strong defensive line last year. Now Zimmerman, a preseason All-American candidate, is one of only three returning defensive starters. He is up for the challenge, though. His football knowledge and speed make him one of the top defensive backs in the nation. ❚ Here’s the catch: Replacing Collin Klein at quarterback will be hard. Replacing Arthur Brown at linebacker will be even harder. Brown was the focal point of K-State’s defense the past two seasons. He patrolled the middle of the field, stopping the run with punishing hits and defending the pass with timely interceptions. His speed and confidence made life easier for everyone on K-State’s defense. The Wildcats don’t

2013 SCHEDULE Date Aug. 30 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

Opponent Time Projection* North Dakota State 7:30 p.m. W Louisiana-Lafayette 5:30 p.m. W Massachusetts 6 p.m. W at Texas TBA L at Oklahoma State TBA L Baylor TBA W West Virginia TBA W Iowa State TBA W at Texas Tech TBA W TCU TBA W Oklahoma TBA L at Kansas TBA W

| Projections by The Star’s Blair Kerkhoff have anyone like that this season. ❚ End result: The Wildcats may not have the returning talent to match their success from last season, but that doesn’t mean they are in for a down year. The offense is loaded with playmakers. New quarterbacks Jake Waters and Daniel Sams should be able to move the ball effectively. As long as the defense shows improvement throughout the season, K-State should be able to take advantage of a schedule that features eight home games. | Kellis Robinett, krobinett@kcstar.com

Chase the Wildcats @The Star’s Kellis Robinett has K-State covered this season. Read the latest news and features about the Wildcats at KansasCity.com/k-state

and check out Kellis’ posts on our Campus Corner blog. You can follow him on Twitter @KellisRobinett.

trying to get half back,” Sams said. “I am that guy who says, ‘It’s second-and-long, let’s go get the first.’ I am still learning how to be more conservative and just not take those chances, but at the same time Coach Snyder doesn’t jump on me too much, because he knows I am trying to make a play.” Avoiding mistakes is something that made Klein an exceptional quarterback. He threw nine interceptions last season, and always made smart, methodical decisions. He was also a role model to younger players. That combination made him special. “What I loved about Collin is he wasn’t hypocritical,” Sams said. “He was a very spiritual guy and he talked about the Bible a lot, but he really did live that in his everyday life. The hardest thing about following in Collin’s footsteps is doing things right off the field. Not just talking, but also walking.” Sams thinks he is making progress in those areas. For now, that’s all he’s focused on. “I try not to really think back and sit on what I need to do to be a starter, I just try to do what is expected of me plus more,” Sams said. “That is what a quarterback is supposed to do. Whether that is watching extra film or working on routes with receivers, if I just do that everything will fall into place.” As uneasy as K-State coaches are to move on from Klein, they couldn’t ask for more out of Waters and Sams. The offense should remain in good hands. “Quarterbacks do so much on their own that I always see a big step from them when we start practices,” Dimel said. “But I’ve seen an even bigger step than usual from them. I have been really pleased with where they are. We threw it all at them — wham! — and they handled it perfectly.”

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

Big 12 blitz PROJECTED FINISH

BIG 12 SCHEDULES By BLAIR KERKHOFF The Kansas City Star

BAYLOR Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 21 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 7 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7

AWARD WINNERS

1. Oklahoma State 8-1, 11-1 If not best team, best schedule in Big 12 and could be in national title hunt. 2. Oklahoma 7-2, 9-3 Key is improved defense, which in ’12, was dreadful by Bob Stoops’ standards. 3. Kansas State 6-3, 9-3 So many new faces on defensive side could make it tough to defend Big 12 title. 4. TCU 6-3, 8-4 Perhaps best defense in Big 12, and QB Casey Pachall is back. 5. Texas 5-4, 8-4 Horns have improved each year since bottoming out in 2010. 6. Baylor, 5-4, 8-4 New QB in Bryce Petty, and offense should be nation’s best. 7. Iowa State 3-6, 6-6 Only Cyclones and Ohio State have beaten ranked foe on road each of last three years. 8. Texas Tech 2-7, 5-7 Kliff Kingsbury returns home seeking to reverse Raiders’ conference fortunes. 9. West Virginia 2-7, 4-8 Reality set in after fast start in ’12. Now Mountaineers continue without big playmakers. 10. Kansas 1-8, 4-8 Ending the 21-game conference losing streak is the first step in road to recovery.

OKLAHOMA STATE

Wofford Buffalo Louisiana-Monroe West Virginia at Kansas St. Iowa St. at Kansas Oklahoma Texas Tech at Oklahoma St. at TCU Texas

6:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 6:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA

IOWA STATE

LENNY IGNELZI | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

❚ Offensive player of the year: Lache Seastrunk, Baylor (with ball). The Oregon transfer averaged 138.5 rushing yards over final six games.

Aug. 31 Sept. 14 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

7 p.m. 5 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

RON JENKINS | MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE

❚ Defensive player of the year: Devonte Fields, TCU (left): Yes, he’s suspended for the first two games, but Frogs will look for him to come back strong.

6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

❚ Fiesta: Oklahoma State ❚ Cotton: Oklahoma ❚ Alamo: TCU ❚ Buffalo Wild Wings: Kansas State ❚ Holiday: Texas ❚ Texas: Baylor ❚ Pinstripe: Iowa State

❚ Aug. 31, TCU vs. LSU (at Arlington, Texas): Frogs will be without Devonte Fields, but it’s a statement opportunity for Big 12 vs. SEC.

❚ Oct. 12, Oklahoma vs. Texas (at Cotton Bowl, Dallas): Pressure is on Longhorns’ Mack Brown, who has lost three straight in series, last two by 118-38 score.

❚ Dec. 7, Oklahoma at Oklahoma State: Winner of Bedlam, not Red River Rivalry, has produced at least a share of last three Big 12 winners.

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 7 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Dec. 7

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Oct. 3 Oct. 12 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 28 Dec. 7

New Mexico St. at BYU Mississippi Kansas St. at Iowa St. at Oklahoma at TCU Kansas at West Virginia Oklahoma St. Texas Tech at Baylor

7 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA 6:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 6:30 p.m. TBA

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 12 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 30

LSU SE Louisiana at Texas Tech SMU at Oklahoma Kansas at Oklahoma St. Texas West Virginia at Iowa St. at Kansas St. Baylor

8 p.m. 11 a.m. 6 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

TEXAS TECH

N. Dakota St. Louisiana-Lafayette UMass at Texas at Oklahoma St. Baylor West Virginia Iowa St. at Texas Tech TCU Oklahoma at Kansas

7:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

OKLAHOMA

THREE CAN’T-MISS GAMES

Mississippi State 2:30 at Texas-San Antonio11 a.m. Lamar 6:30 at West Virginia TBA Kansas State TBA TCU TBA at Iowa State TBA at Texas Tech TBA Kansas TBA at Texas TBA Baylor TBA Oklahoma TBA

TCU

South Dakota at Rice Louisiana Tech Texas Tech at TCU Oklahoma Baylor at Texas at Oklahoma St. West Virginia at Iowa St. Kansas St.

KANSAS STATE Aug. 30 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Dec. 7

TEXAS

N. Iowa Iowa at Tulsa Texas at Texas Tech at Baylor Oklahoma St. at Kansas St. TCU at Oklahoma Kansas at West Virginia

KANSAS Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

BOWL TEAMS

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

Aug. 30 Sept. 7 Sept. 12 Sept. 21 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 28

at SMU Stephen F. Austin TCU Texas St. at Kansas Iowa St. at West Virginia at Oklahoma Oklahoma St. Kansas St. at Baylor at Texas

7 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 6:30 p.m.

WEST VIRGINIA

Louisiana-Monroe West Virginia Tulsa at Notre Dame TCU vs. Texas* at Kansas Texas Tech at Baylor Iowa State at Kansas State at Oklahoma State

6 6 11 a.m. 2:30 TBA TBA TBA TBA 6:30 TBA TBA TBA

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 30

William & Mary at Oklahoma Georgia St. at Maryland Oklahoma St. at Baylor Texas Tech at Kansas St. at TCU Texas at Kansas Iowa St.

11 a.m. 6 p.m. 11 a.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

BLAIR KERKHOFF’S COLLEGE FOOTBALL PROJECTIONS

Heisman finalists

BCS matchups

Conference champions

Major award winners

❚ AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama: Bidding for his fourth national title ring. ❚ Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State: The leader of a team favored to play for national title. ❚ Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville: Also an early favorite to be top pick in 2014 NFL Draft. ❚ Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina: Big hit in bowl game, and early big games could give Clowney momentum. ❚ Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M: If eligible, looks to become second two-time winner. ❚ Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia: Needs to improve numbers against top competition.

❚ BCS title game: Alabama vs. Ohio St. ❚ Fiesta Bowl: Okla. State vs. Oregon ❚ Rose Bowl: Nebraska vs. Stanford ❚ Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Notre Dame ❚ Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. Louisville

❚ Southeastern: Alabama over Georgia ❚ Big 12: Oklahoma State ❚ Big Ten: Ohio State over Nebraska ❚ Pac-12: Stanford over UCLA ❚ ACC: Clemson over Miami, Fla. ❚ American: Louisville ❚ Mountain West: Fresno State over Boise State ❚ Conference USA: Marshall over Rice ❚ Mid-American: Northern Illinois over Ohio ❚ Sun Belt: Arkansas State

❚ Heisman/Maxwell/Camp (top player): Aaron Murray, Georgia ❚ Davey O’Brien (quarterback): Murray ❚ Doak Walker (running back): De’Anthony Thomas, Oregon ❚ Butkus (linebacker): C.J. Mosley, Alabama ❚ Nagurski/Bednarik (defensive player): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina ❚ Outland/Lombardi (lineman): Clowney ❚ Biletnikoff (wide receiver): Sammy Watkins, Clemson

Attention Pain Sufferers!

St today. LOVE your Rodrock Development community Af i l l te S r t 35 r Ye o n ar g s! !

New Advancements in Topical Pain Management

Mention This Ad and Get

Are You Tired Of Taking

Oral Medication?

❚ Jim Thorpe (defensive back): Jason Verrett, TCU ❚ Ted Hendricks (defensive end): Clowney ❚ Rimington (center): B.J. Finney, Kansas State ❚ John Mackey (tight end): Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington ❚ Lou Groza (kicker): Chris Boswell, Rice ❚ Ray Guy (punter): Kirby Van Der Kamp, Iowa State | Blair Kerkhoff, bkerkhoff@kcstar.com

10% Off Years from now, you’ll APPRECIATE it even more.

Did You Know There Is An

ALTERNATIVE? To Find Out More Call Free 1-800-864-4092 or 816-415-9995 And Speak With One of Our Pharmacists.

We provide FREE Home Delivery!

More than an address – It’s your new HOME.

Via USPS Priority Mail

Let Them Explain to You Our Revolutionary TRANSDERMAL SKIN CREAM THAT GIVES YOU PAIN RELIEF YOU CAN FEEL! WITH LESS SIDE EFFECTS! YOU GIVE US THE PAIN AND WE CAN GIVE YOU THE RELIEF! COVERED BY MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES. ** PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED BY YOUR PHYSICIAN

Furnished MODELS! SeeMore Why More Than Come SeeCome Why Than

www.AnRPharmacy.com

Wellness

30,000 PEOPLE 25,000 PEOPLE Come Home to a RODROCK COMMUNITY Come Home to a w w w . r o dCOMMUNITY r o c k . c o m RODROCK PIC K YOUR PRICE RANGE! 60 New Home Communities ...And Growing! 80

is how we roll.

C O M M U N I T I E S

Cedar Ridge Park ! 913-829-5813 165th & Ridgeview Rd. From the upper $200,000s to upper $300,000s ––––––––––––––––––------------------------------------–––––-–– Forest View ! 913-254-1000 West of 119th St. & HWY-7 From the $300,000s to $600,000s+ ––––––––––––––––––------------------------------------–––––-–– Grey Oaks ! 913-441-4111 E. of K-7on Johnson Dr., S. on Woodsonia From the $300,000s to $600,000s ––––––––––––––––––------------------------------------–––––-–– Grayson Place ! 913-254-7144 East of HWY-7 on 119th St. From the $260,000s to low $300,000s

MODEL!

Furnished MODEL!

trumed.org

Furnished MODEL!

In some areas of Kansas City’s urban core, a fresh tomato or an ear of corn can be hard to come by. That’s why Truman Medical Centers created two innovative ways to offer fresh produce at affordable prices: the Healthy Harvest Produce Market, which happens weekly spring through fall at TMC’s downtown campus, and the Healthy Harvest Mobile Market, a produce market on wheels, which makes scheduled stops in neighborhoods where healthy foods are less accessible. Visit trumed.org.

Marketed Exclusively by:

Furnished MODEL!

O P E N

D A I L Y !

Greens of Chapel Creek! 913-422-2001 W. on Shawnee Mission Pkwy, S. on Gleason From the $300,000s to $600,000s ––––––––––––––––––------------------------------------–––––-–– Heritage Manor! 913-764-1667 South on Mur-Len Rd, East on 165th St. From the upper $200,000s to upper $300,000s ––––––––––––––––––------------------------------------–––––-–– Fairfield at Heritage Park! 913-768-4800 165th & Blackbob Road From the upper $300,000s to $400,000s ––––––––––––––––––------------------------------------–––––-–– Southwick on the Lake ! 913-378-2500 NE Corner of 199th St. & Mission Road From the upper $400,000s to $1,000,000s+

MODEL! MODEL!

Acreage-Estate LOTS!

w w w . r o d r o c k . c o m © 2013 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes. AN INDEPENTENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED FRANCHISE. Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC and used with permission. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

THE FORWARD PASS IS BORN … Until 1906, the forward pass was an illegal play in college football. But one way to reduce the sport’s danger of mass-attack plays such as the flying wedge was to open the offense by allowing the ball to be thrown. Football entered a new, modern era and never looked back.

Throwing a blimp Making passing legal didn’t make it prevalent. One reason for that was the shape of the ball, which remained watermelon-esque like its rugby ancestor. The shape of the balls varied because they were made from pig bladders, and no two pigs were the same.

An Irish awakening Before 1913, Notre Dame was just another university. But the Irish’s 35-13 walloping of Army at West Point, accomplished with deft passing by Gus Dorais and skilled receiving by Knute Rockne, wowed the Eastern press. Obscure Notre Dame was seen in a THE ASSOCIATED PRESS new national light thanks to its passing game, which allowed a smaller Irish team to beat the larger Cadets.

Football gets a grip In 1934, the circumference of the football was reduced and standardized. Before, it had been between 22 1⁄2-23 inches. Now, it would be 21 1⁄4-21 1⁄2. Today’s NFL football is 20 3⁄4-21 1⁄4 inches and weighs 14 to 15 ounces.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sammy Baugh, pictured in 1940, was a star at TCU before he entered the NFL.

Sammy and Davey Professional football was developing in the 1920s and 1930s, and Green Bay Packers coach Curly Lambeau became an early advocate of passing at that level. But college football remained more popular, and two of its stars in the 1930s were teammates for TCU who took passing to another level. “Slingin’ ” Sammy Baugh was chosen All-American in 1935 and 1936. Later, he gained NFL fame with Washington and also on film, throwing footballs through tires that were swinging from a tree. He is considered the NFL’s first great quarterback. Davey O’Brien followed Baugh and was even more productive at the position. In 1938, O’Brien won the Heisman, Maxwell and Walter Camp awards as the nation’s top player ... and today’s trophy honoring college football’s top quarterback bears O’Brien’s name.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Johnny Unitas quarterbacked the Colts to NFL championships in 1958 and 1959.

Johnny U. Through the years of the single-wing, double-wing, the Notre Dame box and T-formation, football wasn’t a quarterback’s game. But then came Johnny Unitas, who led the Baltimore Colts to successive NFL championships in 1958 and 1959. Still, through the 1960s, even with the likes of Y.A. Tittle in New York and Bart Starr in Green Bay, the NFL remained a power running league.

… AND THE GAME EVOLVES

FIRST IN FLIGHT

While Notre Dame might have made the forward pass famous, the play’s origins can be traced to Missouri and Kansas. COURTESY OF SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Chargers coach Sid Gillman aired it out with quarterbacks like John Hadl.

Fun football The American Football League debuted in 1960 and almost immediately offered an offensive alternative to the stodgy NFL. San Diego got the jump on AFL teams with coach Sid Gilman, the father of the modern passing game, who had quarterbacks such as John Hadl throwing not only vertically but horizontally, using the entire field. Among Gilman’s disciples: Chuck Noll, Bill Walsh and Dick Vermeil.

BY VAHE GREGORIAN | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

resumably between shifts as lifeguards at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, Notre Dame’s Gus Dorais and Knute Rockne 100 summers back took to the sand to toil at the quirky new aerodynamic element of football known as “the forward pass.” “Spectators on the beach were not used to seeing a football thrown in the air,” biographer Ray Robinson wrote in his 1999 book, “Rockne of Notre Dame,” adding, “They marveled at the insanity of these two young fellows exhausting themselves under a broiling sun.” The more memorable marveling came Nov. 1 at West Point, N.Y., when the duo bewildered Army as Dorais completed 14 of 17 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-13 romp. “The yellow leather egg was in the air half the time, with the Notre Dame team spread out in all directions over the field waiting for it,” The New York Times wrote from the game. “The Army players were hopelessly confused and chagrined before Notre Dame’s great playing, and their style of old-fashioned, close line-smashing play was no match for the spectacular and highly perfected attack ...” The high-profile nature of the are to aviation and Thomas Edison game (Army was then a national is to the electric light,” Dave Nelpowerhouse located near the son, the former secretary-editor of media hub of the nation) combined the NCAA Football Rules Commitwith the fancy passing ensured that tee, wrote in his 1994 book, “The Anatomy of a Game: Football, the it would be no passing fancy. The moment was pivotal in re- Rules and the Men Who Made the versing skepticism about the po- Game.” Likely obscured by playing in the tential of the newfangled concept that initially had been dismissed by remote Midwest at a school that many as gimmickry or a fad that dropped football in 1949, Cochems would dilute the manliness of the and Robinson never received their due in terms of Hall of Fame recoggame. But contrary to myth-making en- nition. Cochems’ 1906 team largely was hanced by the popular 1940 movie, “Knute Rockne: All-American” and made up of future doctors, includthe short-attention span shorthand ing Robinson, who also became a politician, but of history, the Cochems’ caforward pass reer seemed to hardly was first sputter amid reput to use or inported accusavented by Dotions he later rais and Rockne. was recruiting In fact, its professionals. sanctioned oriBelow the gins were years popular radar as before in Kansas each might be, (employed by some still conWichita State sider them the and Washburn fathers of the in a 1905 exhibiforward pass. tion game) and Dorais and Missouri, where Rockne didn’t Saint Louis Unidispute it. versity became “As with most the first to make revolutionary bold use of it afCOURTESY OF SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY movements in ter it was legal- In the summer of 1906, Saint established ized in 1906. Louis football coach Eddie practice, the forToward the Cochems had his players ward pass came cause in the practice throwing footballs in quietly, alsummer of ’06, during a retreat in Wisconsin. most obscurely,” SLU coach Eddie Cochems whisked his team Rockne wrote in a 1930 article for away to a Jesuit sanctuary in Lake Colliers magazine, quoted in AlliBeulah, Wis., to work with the bal- son Danzig’s 1971 book, “Oh, How loon-like ball, then commonly They Played the Game,” adding known as a blimp, to adapt its use that Cochems “enrolled a few boys for what he called “the overhead with hands like steam shovels who could toss a football just as easily projectile spiral pass.” It paid off in ways that ultimately and almost as far as they could would transform the game starting throw a baseball. … “One would have thought that so Sept. 5, 1906, when Bradbury Robinson threw for a 20-yard touch- effective a play would be instantly down to Jack Schneider in a 22-0 copied and become the vogue. The win over Carroll College to open a East, however, had not learned season in which the Billikens went much or cared much about Mid11-0 and outscored opponents West and Western football; indeed the East hardly knew that football 407-11. Others threw that year, and the existed beyond the Alleghenies.” Billikens owe some of their firsts to ❚ ❚ ❚ simply being scheduled to play earFor all we still don’t know and lier than most, but no one is known should worry about concerning the to have taken more prolific or in- long-term ramifications of head instant advantage of the rule than juries in football, the game still was SLU. seen as savage in 1905, when the “E.B. Cochems is to forward Chicago Tribune reported 18 colpassing what the Wright brothers lege and high school deaths and 159

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Broadway Joe Quarterback became football’s glamour position with one figure, Joe Namath. The celebrated $400,000 signing coup of the Jets in 1965, Namath was the right personality on the right team at the right time to bring a public fascination and lure to the position. Backing his Super Bowl III “guarantee” victory over the favored Colts and Unitas wasn’t only a triumph of the fledgling AFL over established NFL, it gushed with symbolism. Flamboyant Namath, who would wear panty hose for a commercial and was surrounded by stars in public appearances, toppled Unitas and the crew-cut generation.

1THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The 49ers’ Joe Montana (left) and Dolphins’ Dan Marino in 1988.

Next level WSU LIBRARIES, SPECIAL COLLECTION

Saint Louis’ Bradbury Robinson (top photo) is believed to be the first college football player to throw a legal forward pass, a 20-yard touchdown to Jack Schneider in 1906. A year earlier, the Wichita State football team (above), then known as Fairmount, played an exhibition against Washburn in which passes were thrown.

serious injuries under a headline, “Football Year’s Death Harvest.” Or as Shailer Mathews, dean of the University of Chicago Divinity school, put it at the time, “There arises a general protest against this boy-killing, manmutilating, moneymaking, education-prostituting gladiatorial sport,” and a number of influential schools, including Columbia, Northwestern and Stanford, were dropping the sport. The Tribune article was written to the attention of President Teddy Roosevelt, who either paid heed or was otherwise persuaded and that October summoned leaders from Harvard, Princeton and Yale to talk about profound changes in the game. “I demand that football change its rules or be abolished,” he has

been widely quoted by sports historians as saying, though the original reference is elusive. “Brutality and foul play should receive the same summary punishment given to a man who cheats at cards! Change the game or forsake it.” In December 1905, some 62 schools convened in New York to begin implementing ways to change the game. By the time the group that was the precursor to the NCAA held its last meeting in April, major changes had been instituted: yardage for a first down was changed from 5 yards to 10; a neutral zone was established; fewer momentum/mass formations were allowed; unnecessary roughness was banned (philosophically, anyway) … and there was an allowance for the forward pass. Not that it hadn’t already been tried.

In the 1876 Yale-Princeton game, Yale’s Walter Camp, later to become instrumental in the shaping of football’s rules, threw a football forward to a teammate as he was being tackled, which led to a touchdown. The referee hadn’t seen it and responded to the protest with a coin toss that allowed the TD to stand. There were other similar episodes, including in the 1895 North Carolina-Georgia game. But then there was Dec. 25, 1905, in Wichita, in an exhibition game between Fairmount (now Wichita State) and Washburn of uncertain origins. An historic account by The Wichita Eagle refers to a 1956 article written by Bliss Isely, one of the Fairmount College players in 1905, for “This Week: The National Sunday Magazine.” Per Isely, the game came about because Roosevelt himself had wanted an exhibition demonstrating the new rules as they were being tinkered with. “When no big-league teams accepted the challenge,” Isely wrote, Fairmount team manager and left guard Roy Kirk booked a game with Washburn and wired Roosevelt about it. It’s unclear who completed the first apparently legal, yet unofficial, as an exhibition, pass. Perhaps it

was Fairmount’s Bill Davis to Art Solter, the Eagle wrote; perhaps it was Washburn’s Hugh Hope to Glenn Millice. But Isley described Davis’ throw to Solter as the first completion, albeit one of modest technique as he ran right to avoid a tackle and lobbed a two-hand underhand pass to Solter. ❚ ❚ ❚ Part of the hesitance to embrace the new concept in 1906 was that it came with deterrents such as the fact that an incomplete pass was a 15-yard penalty, there was no such thing as pass interference and a pass that hit the ground without being touched awarded possession to the opponent. “Well-executed they are undoubtedly highly spectacular, but the risk of dropping the ball is so great as to make the practice extremely hazardous and its desir-

ability doubtful,” The New York Times wrote from the VillanovaCarlisle game of Sept. 26, 1906. Even so, Carlisle would soon advance a cause that Cochems committed to and took advantage of first in ways few else would for years until after the rules and the ball began to be streamlined more favorably for its use. After the season, he wrote a 10-page article on “The Forward Pass and On-Side Kick” for the Camp-edited 1907 edition of Spalding’s “How to Play Foot Ball,” extolling the endless possibilities of the pass. “Should I begin to explain the endless ways in which the pass … could figure,” he wrote, “I would invite myself to an endless task.” He could never have known how right he was, as Notre Dame began to more broadly showcase in 1913.

Don Coryell, a direct descendant of the Gillman coaching tree, elevated the passing game with San Diego, and he had just the strong-armed quarterback to make it happen. Dan Fouts set an NFL record in 1979 for most pass attempts in a season, and he broke the record in each of the next two years. In 1984, a second-year quarterback put up phenomenal numbers. Miami’s Dan Marino set NFL records for yards (5,084) and touchdowns (48). That year, Marino’s Dolphins were toppled in the Super Bowl by the 49ers and Joe Montana, who engineered Walsh’s West Coast offense to four championships.

Colleges catch up While the NFL was slinging and flinging, top college programs were wishbone-ing. Texas won 30 straight games with it. Alabama and Oklahoma embraced the concept. Nebraska had its own version of a run-based offense, the “I,” that annually produced the nation’s top rushing attack under coach Tom Osborne. But by the 1990s, four- and five-wide receiver sets spread the college fields. Early variations were known as the “Run and Shoot.” Later came Mike Leach’s “Air Raid” at Texas Tech. Huddling became unnecessary as plays were called at the line of scrimmage. Offshoots of the spread are run today in college and the pros, such as Oregon’s spread option and the pistol, popularized by Nevada and its former coach Chris Ault, now a consultant with the Chiefs. | Blair Kerkhoff, bkerkhoff@kcstar.com

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

Ranking the QBs

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

Rausch Coleman Homes Everywhere you want to be! SUMMER

MOVE-IN READY HOMES AVAILABLE Limited Lifetime Warranty Included With Every Home!

913.884.4467

816.888.9861

816.863.4906 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Oklahoma State’s Clint Chelf (left) and J.W. Walsh have both had success in the past for the Cowboys. They combined to pass for 28 touchdowns last season.

Oklahoma State’s duo helps Cowboys grab top spot, but the Big 12 is full of great signal-callers. ❚ 1. Oklahoma State: Not one, but two proven talents in J.W. Walsh and Clint Chelf. ❚ 2. TCU: Casey Pachall returns, but playmaking Trevone Boykin served well last season. ❚ 3. Texas: David Ash needs to become more consistent. ❚ 4. Oklahoma: Blake Bell, “The Belldozer” is well-versed inside the 20. Outside? ❚ 5. Kansas State: Jake Waters or Daniel Sams? Either way, the Wildcats should be in good shape. ❚ 6. Baylor: Plenty of buzz about new

starter Bryce Petty. Has good offense around him. ❚ 7. Texas Tech: High hopes for newcomer Michael Brewer, but back injury means missing opener is likely. ❚ 8. Iowa State: Sam Richardson had eight touchdown passes, one interception in three games as regular. ❚ 9. Kansas: Jake Heaps made 16 starts at Brigham Young. ❚ 10. West Virginia: Florida State transfer Clint Trickett could emerge from three candidates. | Blair Kerkhoff, bkerkhoff@kcstar.com

Rausch Coleman Homes Improving Lives One Home at a Time.

OLYMPUS S 2121 with Combination carpet/smooth floor tool Standard Features • Impressive 29.5-foot operating radius • FilterBagTM change indicator alerts you to replace the hygienic bag • Quiet operation • Filter grill • Safety shut-off on overheating • Space-saving storage bracket on side of vaccum • Exceptionally lightweight • XXL handle • 7-year Motor Warranty & 7-year casing Warranty

Come home. Cottonwood Canyon,

ONLY

299

LIST PRICE $329

AirClean SystemTM Our exclusive AirCleanTM uses the very best raw materials and together with the revolutionary, electrostaticallycharged HyCleanTM filtering dustbag and a selection of high-quality filter cartridges, including a certified HEPA filter. (standard on the S 2180 Titan). Miele S2 vacuums provide the essential formula necessary to safeguard your indoor air quality.

6980 W. 135th Street Overland Park, Kansas

913.498.3033

To locate the store closest to you, please visit

www.oreckstore.com

Voted “Best New Community” by Kansas City Homes and Gardens Magazine is only one reason why you live at Cottonwood Canyon. Your schedule allows you to take advantage of the inclusive property maintenance both in the summer and winter. And your lifestyle fits perfectly on the beautifully-designed Golf Club of Kansas.

Call 913.492.4444 to reserve your lot or visit cottonwoodcanyon.info to learn more.

Cottonwood Canyon Lenexa, Kansas Prairie Star Parkway at Ridgeview 913.492.4444 cottonwoodcanyon.info

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

JOE LEDFORD | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

Quarterback Jake Heaps had a stellar season at BYU as a true freshman, but he eventually lost his starting job and is ready for a fresh start after transfering to Kansas.

A NEW BEGINNING Jake Heaps is eager to prove that he made the right move by transferring from BYU to Kansas. BY RUSTIN DODD | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

he quarterback pushed the car east, into the endless space of Middle America. As Jake Heaps drove, the road stretched for miles, empty sky above, opening into the great divide. His wife sat passenger, and his life was packed in the back, and somewhere in the distance was the University of Kansas, Jake and Brooke Heaps’ new home. On a winter day in 2011, they hit the road, leaving behind a life that was supposed to be theirs. Jake was a quarterback prodigy who seemed destined to start at Brigham Young. Brooke was the daughter of a BYU football player and cheerleader, a legacy at a school that takes pride in such things. In many ways, it felt like a movie. The top high school quarterback in the country, a Mormon, rides into Provo, Utah, marries his girl, leads BYU to a few conference titles, then heads off for NFL glory. But here was Jake Heaps, leaving the peaks of the Wasatch Mountains behind, plowing toward the Kansas border. This was never the plan. When the Heapses left Provo, the newspaper clippings told a story of a quarterback that was backing down from a fight. In 2010, he had arrived at BYU as the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the nation. But after two seasons, he had lost his job. And now he was taking the easy way out. “If Jake Heaps isn’t embarrassed about transferring from BYU to a school to be named later,” one local columnist wrote, “then he ought to be.” The Internet chatter from fans was nearly as bad. Heaps was coddled, or cocky, or a bust, or perhaps all of that. As he pressed the pedal and pushed toward Kansas, the scrutiny had left scars, some still bubbling beneath the surface. “I think he was a broken individual,” says Taylor Barton, a long-time friend and quarterback coach. It was a lot for a college sophomore to take in. If Jake Heaps really was taking the easy way out, why was he picking Kansas, of all places, a school where football dreams often go to waste? Wasn’t he taking on the biggest challenge imaginable? Through the car window, the wheat fields of western Kansas looked pretty lonely. So Jake turned to Brooke for a moment of reassurance. “This isn’t what it’s like,” Heaps told Brooke. “I promise. When we get to Lawrence, it’ll be a lot better.” ❚ ❚ ❚ There’s a story about Jake Heaps, one that still lives on in the Skyline High School football program in Sammamish, Wash. Skyline coach Mat Taylor tells it often. It begins with Heaps, trembling and scared, stepping onto a locker-room bench and looking his senior

teammates in the eye. It was the fall of 2007, and Heaps, in his first start, had just beaten Bellevue High, a powerful program across the shores of Lake Sammamish. As the euphoria of the upset set in, word spread through the Skyline locker room that a large collection of football players were headed to a post-game party, one where alcohol would be plentiful. All these years later, Heaps is still shocked about what happened next. Maybe he was just worried about his teammates getting suspended for breaking the school’s honor code. Heaps had dreamed of a state championship, and he wasn’t about to risk it. So in the middle of the locker room, the baby-faced sophomore spoke up. “Nobody is drinking tonight,” Heaps would say.

“We can enjoy this. But we set goals for this season. Not a single one of us is gonna drink the whole rest of the season.” When Heaps stopped talking, the locker room fell silent. Finally, Nathaniel Willingham, a senior captain and the son of former Washington coach Ty Willingham, spoke up. “That’s why he’s our quarterback,” Willingham said. Back in the corner of the locker room, the Skyline coaching staff had heard the whole speech, pretending not to eavesdrop. “That was when a bunch of us coaches looked around,” says Taylor, then an assistant, “and we’re just like: Holy smokes.” Jake Heaps had been groomed to lead. In the sixth grade, Jake’s father, Steve, drove him to Portland, Ore., to work out with quarterback guru Greg Barton, who had taught some of the best quarterbacks on the West Coast. After one workout, Barton had seen enough. Jake became a mainstay in the Barton program, working out with Greg and his son Taylor. Every weekend, the family, including older sister Brittany, would pile into the car and drive nearly three hours to Portland. On the way back home, Steve and Kelly Heaps would quiz Jake. Sometimes it was about zone coverages; other times, they would set up a mock interview, preparing him to handle questions from reporters. Jake was talented enough to switch-hit in baseball, and start on Skyline’s varsity basketball team as a freshman, but quarterback was his love. “I knew what I wanted to do,” he says. Sometimes, Steve Heaps worried about his son. He wanted to give Jake every opportunity to be successful, but he also wanted him to have fun.

Kansas Projected record >> 4-8, 1-8

❚ 2012 record: 1-11 overall, 0-9 Big 12 (10th) ❚ Projected 2013 record: 4-8 overall, 1-8 Big 12 (10th) ❚ Key starters lost: LT Tanner Hawkinson, C Trevor Marrongelli, S Bradley McDougald, LB Toben Opurum. ❚ Key starters returning: RB James Sims, RB Tony Pierson, LB Ben Heeney, TE Jimmay Mundine. ❚ Leader in the huddle: Senior running back James Sims. While transfer quarterback Jake Heaps will get plenty of early attention, KU’s most dependable offensive weapon is Sims, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in just nine games last season. Yes, the Jayhawks will need to field a competent passing attack to make progress in the Big 12, but Sims is the kind of talent that could lead the Big 12 in rushing and climb the career rushing yards list at Kansas. (He’s currently eighth with 2,482 yards.) ❚ Here’s the catch: Right now, the Jayhawks’ defense is something like an abstract idea. Last year, it improved from 120th and dead last in Division I to 113th. Defensive coordinator Dave Campo lost his entire secondary, and many holes have been filed by junior-college players. Two transfers, defensive end Marquel Combs and nickel back Cassius Sendish, are expected to play major roles, and the Jayhawks are banking on the promise of a bunch of unproven players. From

television throughout the week passed, Heaps rerestaurant. And Heaps ceived a phone call from brought along two fellow Weis, who had been hired at recruits, who also an- Kansas on Dec. 8. “Jake,” Weis said. “Do you nounced they were attendwant me to drive to Utah ing BYU. “I think that’s one thing,” and pick you up?” The Star’s For Heaps, a campus visit Taylor Barton says, “if he Rustin had the chance to do over, would be good enough. And Dodd he would have done differ- when he saw Lawrence for has KU himself, he knew had to get ently.” covered During his true freshman to a phone and call Brooke, this season at BYU, Heaps threw his newlywed wife. season. Read the latest “Hey,” Heaps said. “I think for 2,316 yards and completnews and features ed 57.2 percent of his passes. this is where we’re gonna about the Jayhawks at KansasCity.com/KU and He set nearly every BYU live.” check out Rustin’s freshman passing record. ❚ ❚ ❚ posts on our Campus And after throwing four On most nights, you may Corner blog. You can touchdowns against UTEP be able to find Jake Heaps at follow him on Twitter in the New Mexico Bowl, he home, subsisting on a televi@rustindodd. was selected the game’s sion diet that includes “The MVP. Bachelor,” “Dancing With The next year, when it all The Stars,” and a number of When Steve Heaps was 7, began to crumble, it hap- other reality shows one his father died. He grew up pened quickly. After strug- might consider, well, a little using sports as a way to sup- gling through a tough sched- syrupy. press the pain. He’d played ule, Heaps was benched in Heaps has a fine excuse, of baseball at BYU, gone on his favor of backup Riley Nel- course. On most nights, he’s Mormon mission, and son. The team rallied, and probably watching televidreamed of a professional the Cougars won nine of sion with Brooke, and she’s baseball career. But an ill- their last 10 games. Whatev- controlling the remote. timed knee injury and the er folks in Utah thought “I’m comfortable,” Heaps demands of a young family about Heaps, the narrative says. “You gotta take one for got in the way. He didn’t was already set. Nelson was the team, you gotta be a want Jake to have any of the the hard-working sparkplug; team player.” same regrets. Heaps was the kid who’d It is a Monday morning in “I was a quiet kid,” Steve hired a publicist before he’d August, and Heaps sits inHeaps says. “I was shy. I ever taken a snap. side the Anderson Family didn’t have anybody to push “I know it ate at Jake,” Tay- Football Complex after an me. … And I didn’t want Jake lor Barton says. early practice. For the past to be like me.” Maybe Heaps could have 12 months, he has been stuck it out at BYU and won mostly out of the limelight. ❚ ❚ ❚ On the day he announced his job back. But more than a That will change in a few his college decision, Jake year later, Steve Heaps be- weeks, when Heaps finally Heaps dressed in a tan suit. lieves the athletic culture at takes the reins of a Kansas It was June 2009, the sum- BYU, where many students program coming off a 1-11 mer before Heaps’ senior take years off for Mormon season. And after sitting out year of high school, and missions, was difficult ter- last year, the season opener nearly every top program in rain for a young quarter- against South Dakota on Sept. 7 can’t come soon the country was interested. back. “As a quarterback, you’re enough. Charlie Weis, then the head “It was excruciating,” coach of Notre Dame, had supposed to be leading traveled to Skyline. Georgia some kids that are 23 or 24 Heaps says. “I’m a big-time extended a scholarship. So years old,” Steve Heaps says. competitor, and that was the did schools such as Tennes- “So there’s a lot of pressure first time I’ve sat out since … see, Florida State and UCLA. on him, and he’s 18 years old. ever.” “He may have been 23 But if the time off was But BYU had always felt like the best fit. When Jake years old on the field, but he torture, it was also therapeutic. Heaps was no longwas ready to commit, the was still 18 years old.” In December 2011, a few er Jake Heaps: BYU Chosen Heaps family held a news conference at Iggy’s Sports days after BYU’s last regu- One; he was just another Grill in Salt Lake City. A lar-season game, Heaps an- grunt on the scout team, publicist handed out statis- nounced he would transfer. bonding with fellow transfer tics to reporters. Heaps’ high He wasn’t sure where he Justin McCay, and building a school highlights played on was going, but after nearly a new home with Brooke. Earlier this summer, Jake and Brooke returned home to Washington to visit fam2013 SCHEDULE ily, and Jake stopped in to Date Opponent Time Projection* Sept. 7 South Dakota 6 p.m. W catch up with Greg Barton, Sept. 14 at Rice 6:30 p.m. W his old quarterback coach. Sept. 21 Louisiana Tech TBA W Jake looked different, but Oct. 5 Texas Tech TBA L also the same — more like Oct. 12 at TCU TBA L the ninth-grader who used Oct. 19 Oklahoma TBA L to finish every rep like his Oct. 26 Baylor TBA L name depended on it. Nov. 2 at Texas 2:30 p.m. L “He has that spark back in Nov. 9 at Oklahoma State TBA L his eye,” his sister Brittany Nov. 16 West Virginia TBA W says. Nov. 23 at Iowa State TBA L When Heaps talks about Nov. 30 Kansas State TBA L Kansas, Barton says, the pre| Projections by The Star’s Blair Kerkhoff cocious kid returns. He talks about proving people a schematic standpoint, the Jayhawks will play a base dewrong, and changing a culfense with five defensive backs and attempt to counter the ture, and the opportunity to Big 12’s spread-out, tempo-driven offenses. work with Weis, a coach ❚ End result: Charlie Weis is hoping for a major improvement Heaps calls “One of the best at quarterback (Heaps over Dayne Crist), another year of quarterback, offensiveproduction from Sims, and a standout campaign from junior minded people in the historunning back Tony Pierson, who will factor heavily in the ry of the game.” passing game. Can KU take a major step forward and snap a “It’s about going and prov21-game conference losing streak? The Jayhawks’ first road game could be pivotal. A first road victory since 2009 could ing people wrong,” Heaps springboard KU into the Big 12 season, while a loss could says. “It’s just you guys, and leave KU fans looking at the schedule to find wins. when you make that happen, | Rustin Dodd, rdodd@kcstar.com and start winning games, you become even closer.”

View the Jayhawks @

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

F O O T B A L L 2 01 3 | M I S S O U R I A N D T H E S E C

James Franklin felt the heat from opposing defenses, his fans and even his own coach in his SEC debut. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolved as ever to put last year behind him and make his senior season count.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SHANE KEYSER AND NEIL NAKAHODO | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

HIS REDEEM SEASON Mizzou QB Franklin is working hard in effort to get the bad taste of last season out of his mouth. BY TEREZ A. PAYLOR | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

ore than a decade later, James Franklin still can’t get the taste of salami out of his mouth. In the fourth or fifth grade, future Missouri quarterback Franklin was shopping with his parents. He remembers stopping at a store, where the family tasted some free samples. “Ugh, that’s sick!” James’ reaction earned him an early trip back to the car and a spanking from his father. “He said, ‘Son, when someone gives you something, you don’t disrespect them and say it’s disgusting,’ ” Franklin recalled. It was a lesson Franklin never forgot last season when Missouri limped to a 5-7 record and missed a bowl game for the first time since 2004. He was criticized and booed. Even his coach, Gary Pinkel, appeared to question Franklin’s toughness, telling a sideline reporter that Franklin “didn’t want to play” after refusing to take a painkilling shot before a game. But while Franklin struggled on the field and missed three games because of injuries, his personality never wavered. He didn’t get mad at his coach. He even responded to angry Twitter messages from fans out of courtesy. “That was the most important thing, showing respect to others,” Franklin said of what his father taught him, “even if it’s disgusting or you don’t like it.” So in hopes of finding his 2011 form — when he emerged as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation — Franklin began a three-pronged attack to improve before his senior season. He vowed to become stronger, both physically and fundamentally, and lead a bit differently, too. “You can see he has his drive back, he has his ambition,” MU quarterbacks coach Andy Hill said. “He just wants to prove to himself, ‘Hey man, I’ve still got it. I’m still James Franklin.’ ” ❚ ❚ ❚ Tight end Eric Waters could hear the fans talking about his teammate and knew they were wrong. “It was just difficult,” Waters said. “It was tough seeing all the stuff and all the abuse … instead of the support they should have been giving to him, instead of trying to pick him up and lift him up.” What they didn’t see was the punishment Franklin took in 2011, when he threw for 2,865 yards and 21 touchdowns and rushed for 981 yards and 15 touchdowns. Franklin didn’t miss a game that year despite playing with injuries ranging from broken fingers to aching ribs to a swollen knee. “It was bad,” Waters said. “All the stuff I’ve seen — the grimaces on his face, barely being able to walk the next day — that guy, he’s one of the toughest people I’ve ever met.” But that display of toughness didn’t keep the man nicknamed “Tank” from being questioned last season. Franklin, who’s 6 feet 2 and 230 pounds, tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder in the spring, and while he returned in time for preseason camp, he was not the same player after Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones smashed into him during the second half of a 41-20 loss on Sept. 8. Franklin sat out the next week’s game against Arizona State because of an inflamed bursa sac in his shoulder. Pinkel told an ESPN sideline reporter his quarterback refused a shot of Toradol, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that treats pain and inflammation. “(Our) medical people make those decisions and

I’m honest about things,” said Pinkel, when asked recently if he regretted saying Franklin didn’t want to play. “I just say what I say, you know?” Franklin later said he decided against the shot due to a personal choice, one similar to his refusal to curse or drink. While he worried about what his teammates thought at the time, in retrospect, he doesn’t regret the decision. “Oh, no sir, I’m never gonna want to get anything to help me perform,” Franklin said recently. “If I can’t go, I can’t go. It’s not that I don’t want to play out there or anything. I just … I don’t want to take anything.” While there were a few high points — like Missouri’s 51-48 four-overtime win at Tennessee — Franklin threw for only 1,562 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for just 122 yards and no TDs. “Whenever bad plays would happen, I would kind of get down on myself,” Franklin said. “Like the Florida game … overthrow after overthrow, interception after interception, I just kept getting down on myself and not really moving on from that.” But what hurt Franklin more was that two of Missouri’s most disappointing losses — at home against Vanderbilt and Syracuse — happened when he was forced to leave because of a knee injury and a concussion. Win either one of those games, and MU qualified for a bowl and, perhaps, finished with a winning record. So this offseason, he decided to put in the work necessary to take his fate in his own hands. “To miss three games when we only play 12 or 13 a year, that’s a big chunk of the season,” Franklin said. “It was tough to just sit out those games. I definitely don’t want to do that again because I want to be there for my teammates.” ❚ ❚ ❚ Franklin’s plan started with his health. The offseason supplied plenty time to heal, but he resolved to be smarter about running out of bounds and sliding in

SHANE KEYSER | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

Missouri quarterback James Franklin struggled on the field and missed time because of injuries as the Tigers fell to a 5-7 record last season. He will be trying to recapture his 2011 form in his senior season.

2013. He also put an emphasis on building up his body in areas where he often takes punishment. “I’ve seen him working more on his upper-body strength this year, and I think it’s going to help,” strength coach Pat Ivey said. “None of that helps with throwing the ball, but what it does help is protecting your joints in collisions.” As a result, Ivey recently said Franklin is healthy coming into the camp for the first time since 2011. “I’m really happy with him,” Ivey said. “His desire to be the best he can be is inspiring and impressive … I see him in here working extra on days he’s not even supposed to be in here.” Franklin has long been superb at jumping rope, which helps with his footwork. But injuries affected his mechanics last season, sometimes hurting his accuracy. So this offseason, he spent some time in California with noted quarterback guru George Whitfield, Jr., and also worked as a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy, where he hung with several top college quarterbacks and NFL stars Peyton and Eli Manning. Franklin said both experiences reminded him of the importance of fundamentals, his second primary focus this offseason. “Just having the right foot-

Mizzou Projected record >> 8-4, 4-4

❚ 2012 record: 5-7 overall, 2-6 SEC (fifth in East Division) ❚ Projected 2013 record: 8-4 overall, 4-4 SEC (fourth in East Division) ❚ Key starters lost: DT Sheldon Richardson, RB Kendial Lawrence, LB Zaviar Gooden, WR T.J. Moe, LT Elvis Fisher, SS Kenronte Walker, CB Kip Edwards, LB Will Ebner, G Jack Meiners. ❚ Key starters returning: CB E.J. Gaines, LB Andrew Wilson, QB James Franklin, DE Kony Ealy, LT Justin Britt, DT Matt Hoch, WR L’Damian Washington, C Evan Boehm. ❚ Leader in the huddle: Senior quarterback James Franklin is looking for a bounce-back season after a disastrous 2012. Missouri has the speed, size and experience at the skill positions to make its spread offense work, but if the quarterback fails to get them the ball — something that happened far too often last season — even a stronger, healthier offensive line won’t be enough to get the Tigers to a bowl game. ❚ Here’s the catch: The secondary. Despite the loss of tackle Sheldon Richardson, Missouri returns three starters on the defensive line and a thumper in the middle in linebacker Andrew Wilson. But aside from preseason all-SEC cornerback E.J. Gaines, the secondary is a question mark. Neither junior Braylon Webb nor senior Matt White, the projected

Track the Tigers @

The Star’s Terez A. Paylor has Mizzou covered this season. Read the latest news and features about the Tigers at KansasCity.com/MU and check out Terez’s posts on our Campus Corner blog. You can follow him on Twitter @TerezPaylor.

work, following through with the arm, keeping a wide base, things like that … even though they seem so small, it really affects (you),” Franklin said. Hill thinks the experience at the Manning camp left an impression of Franklin. “Those guys, they’re a shining example of how to lead teams and what kind of standard you want to set,” Hill said. “I think he got some good information that just kind of reinforces what we’re saying, but also how he’s thinking. They’re pros, Super Bowl winners, the gold standard. What you take away from that camp, he can incorporate at Mizzou.” Like the need to be more

vocal, for instance. Hill said Franklin has a “great” church family in Columbia that he spent a lot of time with earlier in his career, but he has been doing a better job of bonding with all his teammates — his third major point of emphasis this offseason. For instance, Franklin said he’s bonded with several teammates with the help of a popular video game called “Just Dance 4” on the Xbox 360. “I’ve been having more guys over, playing that,” Franklin said. “Before, maybe I’d go eat with guys, but now we get a big group of them to come over. I got that game after Christmas break and we came back and a lot of the guys like playing it.” Teammates say Franklin has been more vocal after plays, often relaying words of encouragement. Even Pinkel has noticed a difference in Franklin, adding that the struggles he had last year toughened him up some. “He’s a different guy right now than he was a year ago,” Pinkel said. Still, there are signs that Franklin remains the same loose, fun-loving person he’s always been. ❚ ❚ ❚ Sometime after the spring game in April, Franklin was driving around Columbia with a couple of buddies

2013 SCHEDULE Date Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

Opponent Time Murray State 6 p.m. Toledo 2:30 p.m. at Indiana 7 p.m. Arkansas State TBA at Vanderbilt TBA at Georgia TBA Florida TBA South Carolina TBA Tennessee TBA at Kentucky TBA at Mississippi TBA Texas A&M TBA

Projection* W W W W W L W L W W L L

| Projections by The Star’s Blair Kerkhoff starters at safety, had an interception last season, and every corner aside from Gaines must show more consistency. ❚ End result: With 15 returning starters and an easier schedule, there’s no excuse not to win at least six games and go to a bowl. In fact, it would be a disappointment if the Tigers, who have a higher ceiling than that if Franklin fully recaptures his sophomore-year form, aren’t sitting at 4-0 entering their Oct. 5 game at Vanderbilt. After a difficult first season in the Southeastern Conference, it’s imperative for coach Gary Pinkel to finish with a winning record and keep the momentum of the program moving forward. | Terez A. Paylor, tpaylor@kcstar.com

from Texas when one of them came up with a crazy idea. “He was like, ‘You should definitely drive around on a golf cart and give people rides home to classes,’ and stuff like that,” Franklin said with a laugh. “I said, ‘That’s kind of a good idea.’ ” So a few weeks later, Franklin said, he and Alex Demczak, a former walk-on quarterback, got up the nerve to do it. They got hold of a university golf cart, and for a few nights, they gave students rides from downtown to the dorms. Franklin said it gave him a chance to interact with fans and students and get to know them a little bit better. “After we dropped some people off, they were like, ‘I think that was our quarterback that just gave us a ride,’” Franklin said. “People started tagging me on Twitter and stuff. That was probably the funniest thing that happened.” Sophomore guard Connor McGovern said Franklin’s personality is a big reason players may rally behind him. “We don’t need the angry motivator,” McGovern said. “Quarterbacks don’t all need to be like that. But I’ve seen him get on guys. I’ve seen that fire that people don’t think is there.” Any doubt about Franklin’s standing with his teammates cooled when he was voted one of four team captains on Aug. 1, two weeks before Pinkel officially chose him as the starter. “It means we believe in him,” senior guard Max Copeland said. “It means we think he can be a good leader for our offense and our team.” Now, it’s up to Franklin to prove them right. Though he outplayed redshirt freshman Maty Mauk throughout the spring and preseason, Pinkel said Mauk is positioned to earn a planned series or two every game. The calls for Mauk to play, not to mention the vitriol, will only grow louder if Franklin struggles again. “You just really (try) not to pay too much attention to it, just have fun with it and enjoy it because it doesn’t really matter what they say, it’s not going to change the truth,” Franklin said. “And the truth is going to play out as the season goes on.”

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

SEC blitz PROJECTED FINISH SEC East 1. Georgia 8-0, 11-2: Perhaps game’s best backfield, but enough defense to win league? 2. South Carolina 7-1, 11-1: Maybe Clowney can play quarterback, too. 3. Florida 5-3, 9-3: Gators overachieved last year, defense keeps them close this season. 4. Missouri, 4-4, 8-4: Injuries wrecked last season. Tigers poised for comeback. 5. Tennessee 3-5, 6-6: Butch Jones takes over, breaks in new quarterback. 6. Vanderbilt 2-6, 6-6: Drop from nine victories but should make it to third straight bowl. 7. Kentucky 0-8, 3-9: Mark Stoops gets chance to pull Wildcats from doldrums. SEC West 1. Alabama 8-0, 13-0: Crimson Tide rolling toward third straight national championship. 2. LSU 6-2, 10-2: Experienced QB Zach Mettenberger gives Tigers shot at division. 3. Mississippi 4-4, 7-5: Rebels trending up, and plenty of offense returns. 4. Texas A&M 4-4, 8-4: Even with Johnny Manziel, SEC defenses catch up. 5. Auburn 2-6, 6-6: Gus Malzahn returns to coach many players he recruited. 6. Mississippi State 2-6, 5-7: Tougher schedule puts three-year bowl streak in peril. 7. Arkansas 1-7, 4-8: The Bret Bielema era begins. Give it time.

ALABAMA Aug. 31 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

AWARD WINNERS

MISSISSIPPI

Virginia Tech at Texas A&M Colorado State Mississippi Georgia State at Kentucky Arkansas Tennessee LSU at Mississippi State Chattanooga at Auburn

Aug. 29 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 28

4:30 2:30 TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 23 Nov. 29

Louisiana-Lafayette Samford Southern Miss at Rutgers Texas A&M at Florida South Carolina at Alabama Auburn at Mississippi Mississippi State at LSU

3 6 11:21 a.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 1:30

Washington State Arkansas State Mississippi State at LSU Mississippi Western Carolina at Texas A&M Florida Atlantic at Arkansas at Tennessee Georgia Alabama

Aug 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

❚ Offensive player of the year: Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia. Determined to play better against the best in the league. As NFL prospect, the Drew Brees argument applies.

11:21 a.m. 11 a.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 2:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA

BOB LEVERONE | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

❚ Defensive player of the year: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina (left). Clowney was a stud before the crunching hit in the Outback Bowl. Now, he’s a top Heisman hopeful.

7 p.m. 3:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 2:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA

THREE CAN’T-MISS GAMES

❚ Sept. 14, Alabama at Texas A&M: Only if Johnny Manziel plays. Tide looks to avenge last year’s lone loss.

❚ Nov. 9, LSU at Alabama: Tigers won last time they played in Tuscaloosa (2011).

6 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. TBA TBA TBA 6:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

at TCU UAB Kent St. Auburn at Georgia at Mississippi St. Florida at Mississippi Furman at Alabama Texas A&M Arkansas

8 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 1:30 p.m.

6 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

Aug. 29 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

North Carolina at Georgia Vanderbilt at UCF Kentucky at Arkansas at Tennessee at Missouri Mississippi St. Florida Coastal Carolina Clemson

5 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

Austin Peay W. Kentucky at Oregon at Florida South Alabama Georgia South Carolina at Alabama at Missouri Auburn Vanderbilt at Kentucky

5 p.m. 11:21 a.m. 2:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

Rice Sam Houston St. Alabama SMU at Arkansas at Mississippi Auburn Vanderbilt UTEP Mississippi St. at LSU at Missouri

noon 6 p.m. 2:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

VANDERBILT

Summer Savings

Event!

Select Treed, Valley, Golf Course & Lake View Lots on Sale Through Spring Parade of Homes Tour!!!

COMING SOON!

Homes From Mid $300’s-Low $400’s

Murray St. Toledo at Indiana Arkansas St. at Vanderbilt at Georgia Florida South Carolina Tennessee at Kentucky at Mississippi Texas A&M

TEXAS A&M

W. Kentucky Miami (Ohio) Louisville Florida at South Carolina Alabama at Mississippi St. Alabama St. Missouri at Vanderbilt at Georgia Tennessee

LSU Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 9 Nov. 23 Nov. 29

2:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 6 p.m. TBA TBA TBA 6:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA 6:30 p.m.

TENNESSEE

at Clemson South Carolina North Texas LSU at Tennessee Missouri at Vanderbilt Florida Appalachian St. at Auburn Kentucky at Georgia Tech

KENTUCKY Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 24 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

at Oklahoma St. Alcorn St. at Auburn Troy LSU Bowling Green Kentucky at South Carolina at Texas A&M Alabama at Arkansas Mississippi

SOUTH CAROLINA

Toledo at Miami Tennessee at Kentucky Arkansas at LSU at Missouri at Georgia Vanderbilt at South Carolina Georgia Southern Florida St.

GEORGIA Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 24 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 28

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

6 6:30 6 TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

FLORIDA DAVID GOLDMAN | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

8:15 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 6:30 p.m.

MISSOURI

AUBURN Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 30

at Vanderbilt SE Missouri at Texas at Alabama at Auburn Texas A&M LSU Idaho Arkansas Troy Missouri at Mississippi St.

MISSISSIPPI STATE

ARKANSAS

❚ Sept. 7, South Carolina at Georgia: One or the other has been division champ since 2010. Gamecocks have won three straight.

SEC SCHEDULES By BLAIR KERKHOFF The Kansas City Star

BOWL TEAMS ❚ BCS championship game: Alabama ❚ Sugar: Georgia ❚ Capital One: South Carolina ❚ Cotton: LSU ❚ Outback: Florida ❚ Chick-fil-A: Mississippi ❚ Gator: Texas A&M ❚ Music City: Missouri ❚ Liberty: Vanderbilt ❚ BVAA Compass: Auburn ❚ Independence: Tennessee

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

Aug. 29 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

Mississippi Austin Peay at South Carolina at UMass UAB Missouri Georgia at Texas A&M at Florida Kentucky at Tennessee Wake Forest

New Homes Coming From Builders: Roeser Homes Keystone Building Co. LDH Construction Highland Park Builders Tabernacle Homes Don Julian Builders B.L. Rieke & Assoc. KC Building Co. Tom French Construction

COMING SOON!

www.cedarcreek-kc.com (913) 829 -6500

6:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 11 a.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

Homes From Mid $300’s-Low $400’s

Located at K-10 Hwy and The Cedar Creek Parkway Exit Exit. For more information or a personal consultation contact: Ken Rosberg, Jeff Sheppard oor Linda Cahow-Stanton

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

PRICE OF SUCCESS BY BLAIR KERKHOFF | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

rom a pure capitalist standpoint, Stanford defensive end Ben Gardner wants to know why there’s such a fuss about Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel. Not because of his jet-setting lifestyle, from throwing out first pitches at Major League Baseball games to attending the NBA Finals and Mardi Gras. Not the social-media posts that got Manziel in trouble with his coach, Kevin Sumlin, nor his early exit from the Manning family’s passing camp. Manziel’s alleged for-profit autograph sessions are what opened Gardner’s eyes, and as the news rumbled across college football, Gardner took to Twitter to ask, in the spirit of free enterprise, what’s the problem? “People are willing to pay money for Johnny Football’s autograph,” Gardner typed. “Doesn’t American capitalism suggest that he should be able to take advantage? “College athlete or not, who knows whether he will have the same type of pro career that will offer those opportunities … Excuse Johnny Manziel for striking while the iron’s hot.”

Manziel’s iron is blazing. In less than a year, he slayed No. 1 Alabama, won the Heisman Trophy and became the nationwide sensation known as Johnny Football. To extend Gardner’s premise, what if this moment in time marks Manziel’s peak earnings potential and value as a football player and personality? “It’s possible that he’s at the career point of highest economic value, but that is a statement in the face of large uncertainty,” said Rodney Fort, a University of Michigan professor of Sport Management. The uncertainty is Manziel’s professional prospects. A contract for hundreds of thousands or millions, whenever Manziel’s NCAA eligibility has concluded, makes the point moot. But say for whatever reason Manziel doesn’t cash in as a professional football player. Further, for the sake of argument, what if the NCAA rules that prevent Manziel from cashing in on the alleged sale of his signature didn’t exist? How much would Johnny Manziel be worth today?

❚ ❚ ❚ Before trying to answer that question, know that the market value of most college athletes is nonexistent. “The reality is 99 percent of college athletes do not have the type of value you’re speaking of,” said Jason Belzer, a sports attorney and founder of Global Athlete Management Enterprises, a marketing agency working with college coaches and sports properties. As the commercials depicting college athletes say, “There are over 400,000 NCAA student-athletes, and most of us will go pro in something other than sports.” But there’s only one Johnny Football, who after becoming the first freshman to win the Heisman (Manziel was a redshirt freshman) has pushed his celebrity status — and marketability — perhaps further than any college athlete in history. Manziel news first spilled from the sports to the celebrity pages on the night the Aggies routed Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl. “Johnny Manziel Popping Dom After Big Bowl Win,” screamed TMZ’s website, compete with cigar-chomping,

WHAT’S JOHNNY WORTH? Some figures related to Texas A&M football star Johnny Manziel.

$37 million

Estimated value by Texas A&M of media exposure generated by Manziel after he won the Heisman Trophy and led the Aggies to an 11-2 finish, including a Cotton Bowl win and victory over No. 1 Alabama.

$59,690

Texas A&M’s reported income from jersey sales, many of which were replicas of Manziel’s No. 2, for the fiscal year ending June 30.

$20,000

Cost of a seat at a banquet table with Manziel and A&M’s other Heisman winner, John David Crow.

$2,000

The top asking price on eBay recently for a Manziel-autographed full-sized helmet. A framed and signed photo and pass ticket to the Heisman ceremony was offered at $1,499.99, the same price for a Manziel-signed Cotton Bowl football.

Dom Perignon-clutching photos of Manziel in full celebration mode. A personality was born, and the action never stopped. Manziel left a Twitter trail throughout the spring and summer, relaxing by day (golf at Pebble Beach), and partying the evening away (spring break in Cabo). Nobody was having more fun, and as former Star reporter Wright Thompson revealed in a profile for ESPN Magazine, Manziel could afford the lifestyle with his family money from oil and real estate. The joy ride hit its first bumps when Manziel, serving as a camp counselor at the Manning Passing Academy, showed up late for assignments one morning, touching off a gusher of rumors about his whereabouts. Fun suddenly became recast as irresponsible behavior. But the fallout from that episode quickly faded when it was learned the NCAA had opened an investigation into whether Manziel accepted money for signing photos and memorabilia at autograph sessions. Texas A&M’s opener is Aug. 31 against Rice in College Station,

ic Hyman said in letter written to school boosters, Manziel and the school are in uncharted waters. “There is simply no blueprint for handling what Johnny and his family have gone through since December,” Hyman wrote. ❚ ❚ ❚ No matter the outcome of the NCAA investigation, a related discussion is occurring on a parallel track. Who should own the autograph or the likeness of Johnny Manziel or any other college athlete? “I do think attitudes are shifting, and the general public believes athletes should receive something,” Belzer said. As Belzer says — or most college administrators would tell you — compensating athletes reverses the amateurism ideal that is the foundation of college sports. But something feels wrong to Wisconsin linebacker Chris Borland. “I will say that there’s absolutely a disconnect when administrators and people are making a lot of money,” Borland said at Big Ten football media days in July, “and players’ parents can’t (afford to)

Texas, and as of late last week, Manziel’s status remained a mystery. There was still no reported proof of money changing hands, and Manziel’s case figures to be helped by autograph dealers saying they don’t plan to cooperate with the NCAA, which cannot compel them to talk. Manziel and Texas A&M must cooperate, including turning over bank records, but Manziel’s personal assistant, Nate Fitch, who is alleged to have set up the signings, doesn’t need to speak with the NCAA. The risk for A&M, if the case isn’t settled by the opener, is playing Manziel. If Manziel plays and is later found to have violated rules, the Aggies likely would have to forfeit games and be subjected to further penalties. There is precedent. Former Georgia receiver A.J. Green sold his Independence Bowl jersey for $1,000 — and served a four-game suspension. Several Ohio State players were suspended five games for selling memorabilia or exchanging it for tattoos. But as A&M athletic director Er-

After a whirlwind year, Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel may have hit his peak earnings potential, even though NCAA rules won’t let him cash in just yet.

come to the game.” ziel’s signature — are up for bids by Manziel — the Commissioners of the major on the online auction site. season, the records, conferences used media days last In fairness, athletes don’t always the Heisman — was month to express the need for know what becomes of their signa- worth $37 million. The reNCAA reform, suggesting the tures. Manziel repeatedly has told port measured impresschools that generate the bulk of the story of being asked to sign hel- sions and exposures from revenue should have the ability to met decals for troops overseas, on- the regular-season victooversee their financial matters. ly to notice them show up on eBay. ry over Alabama that The larger conferences want to Other college stars’ autographs made Manziel the Heisgive money to athletes, as much as are also available, even those who man favorite through $2,000 to $4,000 annually, to ac- haven’t played a game. Basketballs the Aggies’ bowl tricount for the full cost of atten- and photos signed by Kansas’ umph. dance. The conferences that have freshman hoops prodigy Andrew A seat at a banquet signed multi-billion-dollar televi- Wiggins are up for bids. table with Manziel sion contracts in recent years can And because of the burgeoning and A&M’s other afford it but have been voted down online memorabilia market, Heisman winner, by conferences that cannot. schools are starting to restrict what John David Crow, While this is happening, the Ed athletes can sign. At Kansas foot- went for $20,000. O’Bannon lawsuit, with former and ball’s Fan Appreciation Day last Public or corpocurrent athletes suing the NCAA week, any item a fan brought from rate appearances, over use of their likenesses in vid- home was to be personalized, mak- speeches and golf outings would be eo games, makes its way through a ing the autograph less valuable as a other income opportunities. federal court in California. Manziel can’t cash in on any of collectible. With athletes beginning to ask, Florida was ahead of this game, that, and it remains to be seen where’s mine? Manziel may not instituting a school policy in the what, if anything, he brought in for have waited for an answer while he 1990s that limited its football autographs. signed autographs. But if cleared, he gets to keep beplayers’ autographs to school-issued team posters. No helmets or ing Johnny Football, make plenty of ❚ ❚ ❚ So, what is Johnny Football jerseys. money for Texas A&M and, at least worth? Ironically, if Manziel is suspend- until he signs a professional conPlenty of dollar figures have ed for the autographs, their value tract, live the way he chooses. been tossed around related to Man- likely would drop. “I don’t feel like I’ve done anyziel, the most recent the amount he “It would be a unique situation, thing that’s catastrophic,” Manziel allegedly received for signing auto- being that the thing that has so said before the autograph revelagraphs. much value now would be what tion. He hasn’t commented publiESPN reported Manziel was paid leads to that downfall,” said Chris cly since. “a flat five-figure salary” at one au- Ivy, director of sports collectibles “Of course, I made my mistakes, tograph session and $7,500 at an- for Heritage Auctions, a Dallas- but I’ve just continued to grow other, with six sessions alleged. based company that assesses and up. You’re going to hit bumps in Signatures, especially on hel- auctions collectibles. “I would the road. It’s just a part of life. mets, jerseys or photographs, carry think their value would take a hit.” “At the end of the day, I value, and there is a jackpot for forAnd the signature is the true val- hope people will see that mer Heisman winners. The 1989 ue, more than the jersey. Texas I’m a 20-year-old kid in winner, Andre Ware, who had a A&M reported $59,690 in income college and I’m just try14-game NFL career after playing from jersey sales for the fiscal year ing to enjoy life. at Houston, reportedly charges $44 ending June 30. The school didn’t Hopefully that per autograph and does a couple of break sales down by replica jersey doesn’t upset too shows a year. Former Colorado number or even by sport, and Tex- many people.” running back Rashaan Salaam, the as A&M receives only 10 percent of 1994 winner, can earn up to $50,000 the wholesale price under its annually from autograph sessions agreement with Adidas. and appearances. Autographs and signed memoraOn eBay last week, the top asking bilia would be one stream of reveprice for a Manziel-autographed nue based on Manziel’s value, perfull-sized helmet was $2,000. A haps the most direct one. What framed and signed photo and pass about a stake in the money he’s ticket to the Heisman ceremony meant to Texas A&M? was offered at $1,499.99, the same Not long after the Aggies put DAVE EINSEL | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS price for a Manziel-signed Cotton the finishing touches on a In his debut season, Johnny Manziel led Texas Bowl football. 11-2 season, the university A&M to an 11-2 record, including an upset of Jerseys, photos, trading cards, announced media exNo. 1 Alabama on the road, and became the even a baseball — all with Man- posure generated first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy.

Showing off his Heisman Trophy in New York.

HERE’S JOHNNY! Last August, Johnny Manziel hadn't yet been chosen Texas A&M's starting quarterback, let alone become a national sensation. In the months since, Manziel not only skyrocketed to the top of college football, winning last year's Heisman Trophy, but has jet-setted across the continent.

First pitch time at Petco Park in San Diego. Toronto, Ontario, Canada

June 2012: Mug shot

Award s seas on for Manzie l.

10 5

Pebble Beach

Arlington, Tex. Los Angeles

Austin

College Station, Tex.

14 7 1 2

3 Tuscaloosa, Ala. New Orleans

Meeti ng SEC M the media edia D at ay.

San Diego

6 Compiled by BLAIR KERKHOFF | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

DAVE EAMES | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

Manziel celebrates Mardi Gras in New Orleans and poses for photos with Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel.

April 2013: First pitch 1

May 2013: First pitch 2 Tosses out first pitch at a San Diego Padres game, only this time with flair as he reenacts a scramble, fumble and touchdown pass against Alabama before throwing the ball.

May 2013: Fore!

June 2013: Heat is on Takes in Game 2 of the NBA Finals in Miami. He tweets: “Nothing against the spurs I’m just a Lebron fan…SORRY.”

July 2013: More media Flies from SEC Media Days in Birmingham, Ala., to Los Angeles and the ESPYs, where he wins Best Male College Athlete.

While in Cali, Manziel gets in a round at Pebble Beach, shooting a 79 and bringing out the Twitter critics, like “@JManziel2 seems like your putting a lot of work into football these days… .”

July 2013: Summer camp Manziel attends the Peyton Manning camp in Louisiana, but he doesn’t finish the task. He doesn’t show up for activities on Saturday, the final day. A few days later, at SEC Media Days, Manziel is asked if he was hung over and overslept. “Absolutely not,” he says.

Tosses out first pitch at a Texas Rangers game.

Feb. 2013: Beads

March 2013: Tex-Mex

March 2013: Take off, eh?

June 2013: Tweet this Manziel takes to Twitter to express his general displeasure. “Bull(spit) like tonight is a reason why I can’t wait to leave college station…whenever it may be.” What sparked the blast? A parking ticket. Later, Manziel explains his emotion in another tweet: “Don’t ever forget that I love A&M with all of my heart, but please please walk a day in my shoes.”

In Toronto for a Drake concert.

Jan. 2013: Sooners not OK

For a while it appeared Texas A&M would meet rival Texas in the Cotton Bowl, but the Aggies wind up facing Oklahoma and demolishing their old Big 12 rival 41-13 as Manziel accounts for 516 total yards.

More party pics: Manziel at Cabo during spring break.

Dec. 2012: Joining the fraternity

Manziel, after a remarkable redshirt freshman season in which he sets a slew of NCAA freshmen, SEC and school records, becomes the first player to win the Heisman Trophy in his first year of college competition.

at gels e An

Dallas

Nov. 2012: Rolling the Tide Manziel and the Aggies pull off the stunner of the college football season, beating top-ranked Alabama in Tuscaloosa, 29-24.

March 2013: He said, he said During a spring practice, Manziel shoves a graduate assistant who gets up in the quarterback’s grille during practice. Manziel later says the coach pushed him first while celebrating an interception.

Oct. 2012: Ruh roh Manziel shows up at a Halloween party in a Scooby Doo costume.

New York City

of th out ton. r T rling Mike ting ark in A e e M p Ball The

A misdemeanor charge for getting in an altercation at a College Station bar and supplying fake ID gives Manziel a mug shot. He pleaded guilty in July 2013.

July 2013: Hook ‘em Manziel, wearing a Jets’ Tim Tebow jersey, attends a fraternity party at — where else? — A&M rival Texas. But an unwelcome Manziel is kicked out, heckled as he leaves and nearly gets konked by a flying beer can.

Aug, 2013: Johnny Hancock In two reports, ESPN says Manziel engaged in six autograph sessions for compensation. The NCAA has opened an investigation. If it’s proven he signed for cash, Manziel could be suspended.

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

Ranking the QBs

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

Reason #31

it turns out you can put a price on luxury.

A very good price.

Why One Park Place? The reasons are many. Homes starting in the $200s, tax breaks until 2016, and amenities to rival most resorts, such as an indoor saltwater pool, outdoor resort-style pool, golf simulator, state-of-the-art fitness center...the list goes on.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

AJ McCarron hopes to help Alabama win its third straight national championship.

Texas A&M appears solid with Johnny Manziel at QB, but the Aggies may suffer in the SEC if he can’t play. ❚ 1. Texas A&M: Big asterisk here. Aggies fall to near bottom if Johnny Manziel is ineligible. ❚ 2. Georgia: Aaron Murray looking to prove he can win the big game. ❚ 3. Alabama: AJ McCarron can go where no QB has gone: three straight titles. ❚ 4. South Carolina: Conner Shaw will start, and Steve Spurrier will find ways to get Dylan Thompson in game. ❚ 5. Mississippi: Bo Wallace passed for nearly 3,000 yards last season. Should be even better this year. ❚ 6. Florida: Jeff Driskel emerged from battle last year to turn in solid season. ❚ 7. Mississippi State: Tyler Russell, a fifthyear senior, set several school records in 2012. ❚ 8. Missouri: James Franklin, injured much

STK#13214

of last year, looks to regain his sophomore form. ❚ 9. LSU: Zach Mettenberger, the Georgia transfer, gets a shot at the Bulldogs on Sept. 28. ❚ 10. Arkansas: Good things expected from homegrown talent Brandon Allen. ❚ 11. Auburn: Nick Marshall becomes seventh different starting quarterback in seven years at Auburn. ❚ 12. Vanderbilt: Wyoming transfer Austyn Carta-Samuels started once last season. Now he’s the guy. ❚ 13. Tennessee: New coach Butch Jones didn’t name a starter among three candidates well into fall camp. ❚ 14. Kentucky: Three vie for the job in Mark Stoops’ first season. | Blair Kerkhoff, bkerkhoff@kcstar.com

New 2013

oneparkplacekc.com 700 West 31st Street 816-756-2221 756-2221

Continued developer investments, including current garage gar enhancement project, add value and long-term peace-of-m peace-of-mind.

T DODGE CHALLENGER SX

ALLOY, PW, PL

* 8 21,99

SLER New 2013 CHRY STK#13220

300

PW, PL LEATHER, V6,

24,998

New 2013 DODGE

STK#13253

JOURNEY SE

AT, BLUETOOTH AUTO, THIRD SE

19,699

RAM QUAD 4X4

New 2013

STK#13261

3.6, AUTO, PW, PL

26,788

2014

STK#14014

ALLOY WHEELS

1 8 ,8 7 3

2014 JEEP GRAND

* View more Resident Testimonials at 909Walnut.com

CHEROKEE LAREDO

4X4, AUTO, PW, PL

29,985

N 64th Ter N 65th St

College Pkwy

State Ave

6640 STATE AVE, KANSAS CITY, KS

* 635

Parallel Pkwy 435

913-334-2700

“BeaUTIFUl…Phenomenal.”

T JEEP COMPASS SPOR

AUTO, AC, PW, PL

STK#14029

Just 5 min. East of the Legends

BobHossDodge.com *All prices for new vehicles after factory rebates including military, See dealer for details. Must surrender some rebates for subsidized interest rates. May require competitive trade and/or trade. See dealer for details, In stock units only, pictures for illustration only. May reguire Chrysler Capital Financing. Offer expires end of business 08/19/2013.

Financing Available for Qualified Buyers n Tallest Condo Building in the Tristate 16,000 SqFt Private Rooftop Garden n Fitness Center & Yoga Studio Attached Garage n Pet Friendly n Private Patio Options One & Two Bedrooms For Sale n Breathtaking Views 1,500 SqFt Historic Fidelity Lounge Contact Matt Zammar to schedule a private tour 816.278.3099 info@909walnut.com

lUxURy CondomInIUms aVaIlaBle FoR ImmedIaTe ClosIng

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

AREA COLLEGE PREVIEW

Big things expected from Missouri Western By BLAIR KERKHOFF The Kansas City Star

MIAA coaches’ poll 1. (tie) Missouri Western 1. (tie) Northwest Missouri State 3. Pittsburg State 4. Central Missouri 5. Lindenwood 6. Washburn 7. Emporia State 8. Fort Hays State 9. Missouri Southern 10. Central Oklahoma 11. Northeastern State 12. Nebraska-Kearney 13. Southwest Baptist 14. Lincoln

Great Lakes Valley poll 1. Indianapolis 2. Missouri S&T 3. Truman State 4. Saint Joseph’s 5. McKendree 6. Quincy 7. William Jewell 8. Kentucky Wesleyan

Heart of America coaches’ poll 1. Missouri Valley 2. MidAmerica Nazarene 3. Baker 4. Evangel 5. Benedictine 6. Peru State 7. Graceland 8. Avila 9. Central Methodist 10. Culver-Stockton

KCAC coaches’ poll 1. Tabor 2. Ottawa 3. Friends 4. Kansas Wesleyan 5. Saint Mary 6. McPherson 7. Sterling 8. Bethany 9. Southwestern 10. Bethel

An odd thing happened during the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association football championship race last season. Northwest Missouri State or Pittsburg State didn’t finish first. The defending champion is Missouri Western. The Griffons captured their first MIAA crown in 2012 and won two games in the NCAA Division II playoffs. As a co-favorite this season with Northwest Missouri, the Griffons bring a league-wide expectation into a season for the first time. “We’ve gotten two firstplace votes in the last 15 years,” Missouri Western coach Jerry Partridge said. For the Griffons to return to the top, an offenJ. Partridge sive line breaking in five new starters will have to come together. Missouri Western has the advantage of a returning starting quarterback who is mobile. Travis Partridge, the coach’s son, threw for 30 Dorrel touchdowns and rushed for 18. The MIAA figures to be top heavy again this season. “There are a lot of teams that have a legitimate shot at winning the league,” Northwest Missouri coach Adam Dorrel said. The Bearcats are among them. So is Pittsburg State, the 2011 NCAA Division II champion. Last season, Emporia State was a surprise contender and matched a school record with 10 victories. In the second year of the Great Lakes Valley Conference, William Jewell looks to improve on its 2-9 overall record. The league welcomes Truman State from the MIAA this season. Missouri Valley was picked to repeat as Heart of America Athletic Conference champion, and Tabor got a slight nod over Ottawa as the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference favorite.

AREA COLLEGE SCHEDULES

AVILA Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

6 4 1 6 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

BAKER Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

Ottawa at Saint Mary at Benedictine Avila MidAmerican Naz. at Culver-Stockton Central Methodist at Missouri Valley Evangel at Graceland Peru State (Neb.)

Briar Cliff (Iowa) at Friends Baker Peru State (Neb.) Graceland at Avila MidAmerica naz. at Culver-Stockton Central Methodist at Missouri Valley at Evangel

Missouri Western at Northwest Mo. Lindenwood at Truman State at Mo. Southern Pittsburg State at Central Oklahoma Oct. 26 NE State (Okla.) Nov. 2 at Neb.-Kearney Nov. 9 Fort Hays State

7 6 1:30 7 6 1:30 1 1:30 TBA 1:30

EMPORIA STATE Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

at Fort Hays State Nebraska-Kearney at Central Okla. Northeastern State at Lincoln Southwest Baptist at Lindenwood at Missouri Western Northwest Missoui Washburn

at Bethel Avila at Maryville St. (N.D.) SW Assemb. of God at Bacone (Okla.) Presentation at Trin. Bible (N.D.) Cole at Lin.-Belleville (Ill.)

7 6 1 1 6 1 12 1 1

LINCOLN Sept. 5 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

at Lindenwood Grambling (in K.C.) at Missouri Southern Pittsburg State Emporia State at Washburn at Nebraska-Kearney Fort Hays State at Central Oklahoma Northeastern State Southwest Baptist

7 4:30 2:37 2 2 1 1 2:30 2 2 2

MIDAMERICA NAZ. Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

at Tabor at Missouri Valley at Evangel at Baker Peru State at Benedictine at Avila Graceland Culver-Stockton Central Methodist

Sept. 5 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

Aug. 29 Sep. 7 Sep. 14 Sep. 21 Sep. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

NW State (La.) at Iowa at Murray State Central Arkansas Illinois State at South Dakota at North Dakota State South Dakota State at Western Illinois Indiana State at Southern Illinois Northern Iowa

6 11* 6 6 1 2 1 1 6 1 2 1

at Ottawa MidAmerica Naz. at Culver-Stockton Central Methodist at Graceland Evangel Baker at Peru State Benedictine at Avila

7 6 6 2 2 1 1 1 1 1

Sept. 5 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

at Central Missouri Missouri S&T at Nebraska-Kearney Fort Hays State at Central Oklahoma Northeastern State at Missouri Southern Pittsburg State Emporia State at Washburn Northwest Missouri

6 6 1 1:30 2 2 1:30 2 1:30 1

7 6 3 6 6 1:30 6 1:30 1:30 1 1:30

NEBRASKA Aug. 31 Sep. 7 Sep. 14 Sep. 21 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 29 *a.m.

Wyoming Southern Miss. UCLA South Dakota State Illinois at Purdue at Minnesota Northwestern at Michigan Michigan State at Penn State Iowa

at Baker Missouri Valley at Bethany Bethel at McPherson Saint Mary at Sterling Southwestern Kansas Wesleyan at Friends Tabor

6 6 7 6 1:30 6 1:30 1:30 1:30 1:30 1:30

Sept. 7 NE State (Okla.) Sept. 14 at Central Oklahoma Sept. 21 Southwest Baptist Sept. 28 at Lincoln Oct. 5 Abilene Christian Oct. 12 at Central Missouri Oct. 19 vs. Northwest Mo.** Oct. 26 at Missouri Western Nov. 2 NW Oklahoma Nov. 9 at Lindenwood Nov. 16 Missouri Southern *at Arrowhead Stadium

7 6 7 2 2 1:30 3 1:30 2 2:37 2

SAINT MARY Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

at Oklahoma Baptist Baker at Tabor Bethany at Bethel at Ottawa McPherson Sterling at Southwestern at Kansas Wesleyan Friends

2 1:30 7 1:30 7 6 1:30 1:30 1:30 1:30 1:30

SOUTHWEST BAPTIST

MISSOURI VALLEY Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

PITTSBURG STATE

Central Oklahoma 6 at Northeastern State 2:37 Lincoln 2:37 at Southwest Baptist 6 Central Missouri 6 at South Dakota Mines 2 Missouri Western 6 at Northwest Missouri 2 Linenwood 2 Lindenwood-Belleville 2 at Pittsburg Sttae 2

MISSOURI WESTERN 7 6 6 1 2 2:30 1:30 1:30 1 1

HASKELL Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 12 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 16

Chadron State (Neb.) 6:30 at Missouri Western 6 Wis.-LaCrosse 1 at Lindenwood 6 at Indianapolis 6 at Kentucky Wesleyan 3 St. Joseph’s (Ind.) 1 at Truman State 1 at William Jewell 1 McKendree 1 Quincy 1

MISSOURI STATE 1 6 1 6 1 1 1 1 1 1:30 1:30

CENTRAL MISSOURI Sept. 5 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19

Sept. 5 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

MISSOURI SOUTHERN 6 1:30 1 6 2 2 2 1:30 1 2 1

BENEDICTINE Aug. 31 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

OTTAWA

MISSOURI S&T at Haskell at Bethany Evangel at Baker at Peru State (Neb.) Benedictine at Graceland MidAmerica Naz. at Culver-Stockton at Central Meth. Missouri Valley

7 5 11* TBA 11* TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 11*

NORTHWEST MISSOURI Sept. 5 Sag. Valley St. (Mich.) 6:30 Sept. 14 Central Missouri 6 Sept. 21 at Fort Hays State 7 Sept. 28 Nebraska-Kearney 1 Oct. 5 at NE State (Okla.) 2 Oct. 12 Central Oklahoma 1 Oct. 19 vs. Pittsburg State** 3 Oct. 26 Missouri Southern 2 Nov. 2 Washburn 2:30 Nov. 9 at Emporia State 1 Nov. 16 at Missouri Western 1:30 **at Arrowhead Stadium

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

at Truman State Lindenwood at Pittsburg State Missouri Southern Washburn at Emporia State at Fort Hays State Nebraska-Kearney at NE State (Okla.) Central Oklahoma at Lincoln

7 6 7 6 2 2 2 1 2 1 2

TRUMAN STATE Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

Southwest Baptist at Gr. Valley St. (Mich.) William Penn (Iowa) Central Missouri at Quincy (Ill.) at William Jewell McKendree (Ill.) Missouri S&T at Kentucky Wesleyan Saint Joseph’s (Ind.) at Indianapolis

7 6 7 7 1 1 2 1 1 1 3

WASHBURN Sept. 5 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 17 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

at Nebraska-Kearney 6 Fort Hays State 6 at NE State (Okla.) 6 Central Oklahoma 2:37 at Southwest Baptist 2 Lincoln 1 Fort Valley State (Ga.) 6 Lindenwood 1 at Northwest Mo. 2:37 Missouri Western 1 at Emporia State 1

WILLIAM JEWELL Sept. 5 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

Concordia (Neb.) at Valparaiso (Ind.) McKendree (Ill.) S.D. School of Mines at Fort Hays State Truman State Indianapolis at Quincy (Ill.) Missouri S&T at Ky. Wesleyan at St. Joseph’s (Ind.)

7 1 6 1 7 1 1 1 1 1 noon

@Go to KansasCity.com for the latest college news in the Campus Corner blog.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

This pose should look familiar: Alabama head coach Nick Saban has won three of the last four BCS national championship games.

BCS TO VANISH, STRIFE WON’T Series had its flaws, but playoff will have critics, too.

fter 16 seasons of impression that AP constant controcondones or otherwise versy that featured participates in the BCS a Justice Department system,” a 2004 ceaseinquiry, saber-rattling of and-desist letter said, as lawsuits, mass contempt reported by for a selection system CBSSports.com. “Fursome found bewildering thermore, to the extent and others unfair, and that the public does not COMMENTARY even a book, “Death To fully understand the The BCS,” dedicated to its demise, the relationship between BCS and AP, any BCS will be laid to rest after the college animosity toward BCS may get transfootball national-title game on Jan. 6, ferred to AP.” 2014, at the Rose Bowl. In a subsequent statement, the AP No one will mourn the passing of a added, “To preserve its reputation for system whose name, Bowl Championhonesty and integrity, the AP is asking ship Series, was a misnomer and that the BCS to discontinue its unauthorized even the likes of President Obama and use of the AP poll as a component of other prominent politicians advocated BCS rankings.” against and that evoked accusations it Harsh stuff. was in violation of antitrust laws. But despite the disavowal, the penultiLegally, anyway, that notion never stuck. mate AP and BCS 1-2s have tracked the But “antitrust” might be the right word same ever since, even with the Harris for how many people came to feel about Interactive poll replacing the AP to go the elusive enterprise, which was hamalong with the coaches’ poll and the strung from the start by its confusing computer component that many found metrics and awkward ambitions to have so troubling. a hand in four (and then later five) elite In fact, there were many flaws and bowl matchups instead of just the one many tweaks needed to the computer that mattered most. element along the way … although one And that’s all too bad. of the complaints about it always seemed circularly flawed: Because detest the BCS if you must, but its most substantial goal of aligning No. Computers were introduced to the 1 vs. No. 2 in the national-title game in formula in part to offset, or at least itself was a quantum leap in the evolusupplement, human bias. But when the tion of a game that had no meaningful computers differed from the human postseason structure until 1992 as well assessment, outrage typically ensued as an imperative link to the impending over how misguided and inadequate the four-team playoff. computers were. Most clearly, it meant this: But that’s all behind us after this goround. From the inception of The Associated Press poll in 1936 through the formation A four-team playoff begins next year, of the BCS-forerunning Bowl Coalition and it will appease and thrill many … in 1992, AP Nos. 1 vs. 2 had been until about the time the new selection matched in conference-formatted and/ committee picks the final four, a team or prematurely set up season-ending or two is left out with an argument to bowl games eight times in 56 years. be in and the playoff no longer is a panacea but seen as an inadequate Since then, the AP 1-2s have met 15 number that must be expanded to eight times in season finales, including in 12 and then 16. of the 15 BCS championship games. That all might take a few years — the To be sure, there were ugly exceptions four-team version is contracted through that exposed flaws in the system. 2025 — but don’t doubt that inflation is In 2001, Nebraska failed to even reach on the way in response to popular dethe Big 12 title game after being pulvermand. ized by Colorado in the last regularWhether it’s actually a more fair and season game but went to the title game equitable way to determine a champion, against Miami. who’s to say? In 2003, Oklahoma was jackhammered Expansive playoffs are the coin of the 35-7 by K-State in the Big 12 title game realm and generate incredible excitebut nevertheless given the chance to ment, not to mention revenue, even as play LSU for the national championthey reward mediocrity and dilute the ship. meaning of achievement during a regAll of which led to the AP feeling comular season. pelled to disassociate from the BCS in So the bigger they expand, the more late 2004, a year after its top-ranked team, USC, had been left out of the BCS they could threaten the meaning of regular-season games in college foottitle game to set the stage for a split ball. national championship that was supposed to be a thing of the past in the Any consequences remain to be seen, BCS era. though, and for now there is nothing “By stating that the AP poll is one of the but anticipation and excitement about a change that may not have come to pass three components used by BCS to eswithout the transition phase of the BCS. tablish its rankings, BCS conveys the

VAHE GREGORIAN

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

F O O T B A L L 2 01 3 | H I G H S C H O O L S

Big man on campus? Job descriptions don’t get much better, or complicated, than quarterback of a high school football team. Just ask Ryan Ralston, the rock-star signal caller of the Blue Valley West Jaguars. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SHANE KEYSER AND NEIL NAKAHODO | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

Conference previews SUNFLOWER LEAGUE

SUBURBAN CONFERENCE GOLD

1. SM WEST The Vikings won the Shawnee Mission School District’s first state championship in 27 years last season, but replacing running back Brett Sterbach’s production won’t be easy. Still, led by quarterback A.J. Verdini and wide receiver Andre Maloney, a Kansas commit, there is plenty of returning talent at the skill positions. Of course, the Vikings’ true strength is its blockers, led by two-way returning starters Austin Chambers, Lee Spight, Rashawn Owens and Marquan Osbey. Linebackers Cooper Arner and Mitch Wade are also strengths.

2. LAWRENCE FREE STATE The Firebirds lost some very good football players, but coach Bob Lisher is convinced that enough size and speed remains for his squad to compete with anyone in the state. It starts with senior free safety Joe Dineen, who also takes over at quarterback and has committed to Kansas. Free State returns three blockers — linemen Reid Buckingham and Tyler Sampson with tight end Zach Bickling — on offense along with a trio of linebackers — seniors Blake Winslow, Keith Loneker and Stan Skwarlo.

3. OLATHE NORTH Running back Venus Triplett returns after rushing for 981 yards as a sophomore last year. He’s poised to become a star for the Eagles, who reached the playoffs in Gene Wier’s first season back at the helm despite a 1-5 record entering district play last season. Quarterback Cole Murphy was playing well before a mid-season injury. He’s back to lead the offense, while linebacker Jimmie Swain, who committed to TCU, is ready for his own breakout season as the leader on defense.

4. OLATHE EAST Tight end Connor Alexander is the only blocker returning for the Hawks, but what Olathe East lacks in experience on the offensive line, it makes up for with speed to burn at the skill spots. Running backs Brandon Trinkle, Jalen Branson and Jordan Brown return along with wide receiver Nathan Guthrie. Seven Hawks return on defense, including Alexander (DE), Trinkle (LB), Guthrie (LB) and Branson (CB). Cornerback Braxton Love and linebackers Trenton Clark and Parker Evans are back as well.

5. OLATHE SOUTH The Falcons don’t return many starters, but senior two-way lineman Braden Smith is a nice piece to build around. He’ll anchor the offensive line along with Chase Latscha. Wide receivers James Hart and Dominic Barbosa also return, while Smith and cornerback Thomas McCue are the lone returning starters on defense. Jake Seurer is expected to step in as quarterback, replacing his older brother, Frankie Seurer Jr. Finding replacements for linebackers Remington Whitley and Chase Hanson will be tougher.

6. SM EAST Dustin Delaney’s flexbone offense shredded defenses in the Centennial League, but it remains to be seen how the run-heavy attack will fare now that he’s joined the Lancers from Emporia. It’ll be a big change offensively, which is fine considering that SM East doesn’t return any starters on that side of the ball. Defensive linemen Dominique Atkinson and Kyle Ball return on defense, along with linebacker Ryan Carter and defensive back Mitchell Tyler.

7. OLATHE NORTHWEST Chip Sherman orchestrated a football renaissance during the last four years at SM East, but now he brings his passion (and potent offense) to the Ravens. He’ll have a few weapons by his side, including senior running back Cody Sestrich and four wide receivers who return with varsity experience. Still, a big and experienced defensive line, including senior Randal Byers and juniors Mitch Holsinger and Dean McCollum, might be Olathe Northwest’s strength.

8. SM SOUTH The Raiders continue a slow creep from the dregs of the Sunflower League back to respectability and could be this year’s surprise overachiever. Coach Ryan Lonergan has experience back in the trenches, led by two-way starters Dametrius Berry and Nick Oliver. Meanwhile, defensive back Ra’Keim Abdul, who also takes over at running back, is among the league’s top talents. Stephen Erickson, Marcus Neal and Terry Adams return to the Raiders’ offensive line.

Teams are in projected order of finish.

1. BLUE SPRINGS

Offensive player to watch WR Andre Maloney, SM West. Maloney enjoyed a breakout season last year in helping the Vikings win the Kansas Class 6A state championship. He should be primed for an even bigger season, especially as quarterback A.J. Verdini grows in confidence and ability. Maloney, who has committed to Kansas, caught 24 passes for 518 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also returned a kickoff for another score and recorded 42 tackles with four interceptions as a safety.

Defensive player to watch LB Jimmie Swain, Olathe North. Eagles coach Gene Wier believes Swain can emerge as one of the great linebackers in recent years in the Sunflower League. He spurned the likes of Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon and Stanford and verbally committed to TCU earlier in the month. Swain started for Olathe North as a sophomore, but transferred to Lee’s Summit last year. Now, he’s back and ready to help the Eagles soar.

Prediction SM South running back Ra’Keim Abdul will be one of the top three rushers in the Sunflower League. Olathe North’s Venus Triplett and Leavenworth’s Jason Randall will be right there with Abdul, but the Raiders senior is poised for a great season. He’s got varsity experience as a safety and will benefit from a seasoned, strong offensive line. If Abdul stays healthy, topping 1,500 yards isn’t out of the question, and that might be on the low end.

The defending Missouri Class 6 state champion appears primed for another run at the title. A year after totaling 47 touchdowns, senior tailback Dalvin Warmack is back to lead an offense that also includes transfer quarterback Ian Brown and top wide receiver Darrius Shepherd. Blue Springs' biggest task will be replacing four offensive linemen. The defense includes two seniors who have committed to K-State in outside linebacker Elijah Lee and safety Kaleb Prewett.

2. LIBERTY Slowly but surely, Liberty has been creeping back into the mix for the Suburban Gold Conference crown. If the Blue Jays are to complete the leap, this might be the season. Eight starters return on both offense and defense. Liberty appears to possess another strong rushing attack with all five linemen back, including Division I recruit Jacob Francis and tailback David Graves.

3. BLUE SPRINGS SOUTH An annual powerhouse, the Jaguars felt disappointed with their five-win season in 2012. Now, coach Greg Oder said there is a renewed sense of energy in the preseason camp. South looks particularly strong on defense, led by defensive end Kendall Blanton and senior cornerbacks Brandon Dandridge and Austin Cobb. Blanton, a senior, will also be a weapon on offense. He has committed to Missouri to play tight end.

JILL TOYOSHIBA | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

Blue Springs running back Dalvin Warmack (middle) is trying to become the first player to win the Simone Award twice.

Offensive player to watch After leading Blue Springs to the Missouri Class 6 state championship in 2012, Dalvin Warmack became only the second junior to win the Thomas A. Simone Award. A Kansas State commit, Warmack gained 2,475 yards and scored 41 rushing TDs last season. No player has ever won the Simone Award twice, but with a healthy dose of offensive talent returning around him, Warmack could become the first.

Defensive player to watch The conference's co-defensive player of the year in 2012, Liberty linebacker Devin Houston is one of eight starters returning for the Blue Jays' defense. Houston is a Division I talent with a knack for making big plays. He forced seven fumbles and recorded six sacks last season to go along with 77 tackles.

4. LEE'S SUMMIT The combination of junior quarterback Drew Lock and senior tailback Casey Slaughter offers Lee's Summit two of the league's most talented players. In that case, what the Tigers are able to do up front might decide the direction of their season. Lee's Summit returns a handful of linemen, including seniors Tim Speaks and Blake Johnson.

5. RAYMORE-PECULIAR A run-first offense has the luxury of welcoming back Steve Brown, who led Raymore-Peculiar with 22 touchdowns a year ago. The Panthers offset their rushing attack with

Prediction Lee’s Summit figures to be the most improved team in the conference. The Tigers won only three games last season, but they have 14 starters back, led by quarterback Drew Lock and running back Casey Slaughter. Lock already has an offer to play at Missouri, and with a year of experience under his belt, he says he feels more comfortable in the spotlight.

play-action passes where they look for tight end Scott Schaffner, an Iowa State commit, to emerge as the go-to target. Juniors C.J. Donaldson and Ben Sinclair anchor the offensive and defensive lines.

9. LAWRENCE Brad Strauss has moved on to Northwest Missouri State, and he seems to have taken the Chesty Lions’ hopes for league and state titles with him. Lawrence doesn’t return much experience, but center Kyle Wittman and tackle Alex Jones provide a solid foundation for the offensive line. Linebacker Drew Green and safeties Kieran Severa and Tucker Sutter are back on defense. Alan Clothier steps into Strauss’ shoes as the quarterback in the Lions’ pistol spread attack.

10. LEAVENWORTH After returning the Pioneers to respectability, coach Kevin Kopecky left for Eudora. With former Olathe South coach Mark Littrell taking the reins, Leavenworth should be just fine. Led by speedy running back Jason Randall, who topped 1,000 yards last season, the Pioneers could be the league’s surprise team. Junior Isaiah Ross is another supremely talented and fast player. Look for Landry Hodges to take over at quarterback, while twin linebackers Jarred and Jordan Donnelson lead the defense.

11. SM NORTHWEST The Cougars ought to be solid on defense with Ariska Savior returning on the defensive line, Jake Horner back at linebacker and two talented defensive backs — Khalil Hattley and Jake Hoskins — returning as well. SM Northwest returns less experience on offense, where part-time running backs Devin Shockley and Jacob Gilliam lead the way. Coach Linn Hibbs and the Cougars have their work cut out for them entering his second season at the program’s helm.

6. LEE'S SUMMIT NORTH A roster of 30 seniors includes QB Matt Brumfield and running back Josh Caldwell, who was 14 yards short of 1,000 a year ago. | Sam McDowell, smcdowell@kcstar.com

SUBURBAN CONFERENCE RED 1. LEE’S SUMMIT WEST Last season’s disappointing finish apparently has motivated the Titans, who will try for an undefeated regular season for the second straight fall. There is no shortage of skill players, led by senior wide receiver Monte Harrison, junior running back Ryan Williams and senior quarterback Thomas Ganaden. This is the same offensive nucleus that topped 30 points in 10 consecutive games last year.

Offensive player to watch One of the area's most underrated quarterbacks is Park Hill South junior Shaefer Schuetz. He is not noted for spectacular plays, but he rarely makes a bad one either. Schuetz passed for 18 touchdowns and suffered only three interceptions as a sophomore.

Defensive player to watch Lee's Summit West cornerback Logan Cheadle has speed to burn. Cheadle, who has committed to Missouri, is a playmaker even though quarterbacks avoid passing his way. He intercepted four passes last season. Cheadle might see his role increase as a kick returner.

2. PARK HILL SOUTH

Prediction

The numbers of returning starters for the Panthers are not imposing, but the seven who return on defense and five on offense have a wealth of experience. Six of the seven returning on defense have started for two seasons, including seniors Bryan Robinson, Robert Lane and Austin Miller. Back leading the offense is junior quarterback Shaefer Schuetz, who has been starting since he was a freshman.

Lee's Summit West will have no trouble running the table in league play once again. Beyond that, look for the Titans to make some serious noise in the Missouri Class 5 playoffs in November.

3. ST. JOSEPH CENTRAL The Indians have a lot to replace, but senior quarterback Jacob Kaiser is talented enough to offset much of the inexperience. Seemingly, he can single-handedly keep St. Joseph Central competitive. Although only 5 feet 10, Kaiser makes up for his lack of size with his speed and a quick release of passes. As a dual threat, he provides headaches for the opposing team’s defensive coordinators.

4. PARK HILL New coach Josh Hood has been impressed with his team’s speed, which is a perfect fit for his pistol offense. Preseason practices have featured a battle for quarterback, but the rest of the offensive picture is more clear. The Trojans’ offensive plan is to get plenty of touches for two juniors: wide receiver Ariyan Trawick and running back Kenyatte Harris.

5. TRUMAN The road ahead appears to be a long one for Truman, but first-year coach Gregg Webb says he is ready for the drive. He plans a run-heavy offense with sophomore Dean Cle-

mons in line to play quarterback, but the key to the Patriots will be the ability of playing physical up front. Alex Fogliani leads the offensive line.

6. RUSKIN Saddled with a 16-game losing streak, the Eagles have a new coach for the fourth time in five years. Damon Fishback says he hopes to attain consistency with a team that hasn’t had it recently. Senior nose guard Jordan Ragsdale, who has drawn Division I interest, headlines a group of six returning starters on defense. | Sam McDowell, smcdowell@kcstar.com

SUBURBAN CONFERENCE WHITE

12. SM NORTH SM North has won 13 games in the last eight seasons, and is coming off an 0-9 campaign. Enter first-year coach Don Simmons, who has had success everywhere he’s been — Riverton, Independence, BV North and, most recently, Chanute. Look for returning two-way starters Jesse Patterson and Nick Perez to flourish in Simmons’ spread attack. Maceo Mitchell, Darrell Jackson and Alec Turnbull return on the offensive line, while nose tackle Blaze Nelson and linebackers Dakota Boyd and Jonathan Presler return on defense. | Tod Palmer, tpalmer@kcstar.com

1. FORT OSAGE The Indians fell one win short of bringing home the school's first Missouri Class 5 state championship last season, and they are armed with the personnel to give it another go. All five offensive linemen return, as does running back Ezra Vaoifi, which should allow sophomore quarterback Skylar Thompson to settle into the position. The defense posted seven shutouts a year ago, and coach Ryan Schartz says he doesn't expect a drop off from that group this fall.

2. STALEY

Shawnee Mission West junior wide receiver Andre Maloney is coming off a season in which he caught 10 touchdown passes.

A year after leading Staley in catches, senior wide receiver Ryan Pierce is likely to see his responsibility increase now that junior Jordan Robben is taking over quarterback duties. Pierce caught 40 passes in only nine games last season.

Defensive player to watch Fort Osage expects to line up one of the area's best defensive units for the second connsecutive year. Tauai Tuala is a primary reason. He had 77 tackles and five sacks for the Indians in 2012.

Prediction The two-horse race for the conference crown will be decided when Fort Osage visits Staley on Oct. 4. Staley won the regular-season game last year, but Fort Osage prevailed in the postseason.

The Falcons have won 23 games over the last two seasons, and there's little reason to predict they might slow down. Quarterback Trent Hosick has graduated, but two-thirds of Staley's starters return. On the scene again are all four defensive linemen, led by Bailey Sutko. The new quarterback is Jordan Robben, with brothers Kahluna and Faizol Bouchard serving as the backfield playmakers.

nets' confidence is at an all-time high, despite losing talented runner Marcus Jones. The defensive line appears poised to be the strength of the team with Jordan Williams and Mohamed Jamal.

3. RAYTOWN

5. WILLIAM CHRISMAN

The Bluejays have won five games in back-to-back seasons after having not reached that mark for the previous 23 years. Junior quarterback Joe Straws is set to lead the offense again with juniors Markel Robinson and Josh Drake handling the bulk of the carries in the pro-style offense.

When the Bears halted their 17-game losing streak in midseason last year, they ignited a burst of three victories in four games. If Chrisman is to take another step forward under coach John Crutcher , look for a physical offensive line to lead the way. Seniors Alex Ball and Brett Wolf will be counted on to make plays for the offense and also be leaders on defense.

4. NORTH KANSAS CITY DAVID EULITT | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

Offensive player to watch

North Kansas City won four of its first five games last season after totaling only two victories in 2011. Coach Leon Douglas says the Hor-

6. BELTON First-year coach Todd Vaughn is

putting in a spread offense, which appears to be a good fit for a talented group of wide receivers that includes junior Daren Johnson and senior Nathan Dotson. Johnson, however, is has been locked in a battle with senior Tucker Perkins for the quarterback job.

7. OAK PARK Although the Northmen ended a 22-game losing streak last season, coach Chris Holt said the program still has a long way to go. Only four starters return on both offense and defense. Linebacker Drew Abbott is the top name to watch on defense, and senior quarterback Malquan Scott leads the wing-T offense. | Sam McDowell, smcdowell@kcstar.com

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUBURBAN CONFERENCE BLUE Offensive player to watch

1. WINNETONKA It's time for Winnetonka to make the jump to the No. 1 spot in the Suburban Blue Conference. Senior Aaron Mends, junior Marquise Doherty and junior Chase Williams form a dangerous three-man running threat for the Griffins. The defense returns six starters from the team that started 5-1 last season before stumbling down the stretch.

The league is filled with talented runners, but Kearney senior tailback Brock Broughton stands out. One of the fastest players in the conference, he rushed for 1,595 yards and scored 20 touchdowns last season. He has committed to Western Illinois.

2. RAYTOWN SOUTH The Cardinals plan to start seniors in all but three positions on opening night. That group is led by tailback Glenn Pargo. Dezmin Rucker has moved to inside linebacker and will form a formidable duo with Malcolm Bowden.

Defensive player to watch Winnetonka senior Aaron Mends is an awfully good running back. But it's his second-best position. At 6 feet and 200 pounds, he's also a hard-hitting linebacker who has committed to Iowa for his defense. He had 94 tackles and 71⁄2 sacks last season and was an all-state selection for the second straight season.

3. KEARNEY Nine starters are back on defense for the Bulldogs, headlined by linebackers Max Filbeck and Alec Ivey. Kearney has some size to catch the ball. Tight end Dray Starzl is 6-7, and wide receivers Zack Davis and Coalten Klenda are 6-5 each.

4. PLATTE COUNTY Platte County won 10 games last season, an output that even surprised coach Bill Utz. Linebacker Jesse Eggers is part of a hard-hitting defense, but the Pirates they have some developing to do on offense. Wide receiver Aliek Reed is one of only four starters back.

Prediction The six teams in the Suburban Blue Conference will total more non-conference victories than any of the other three suburban conferences. Why is that significant? This conference contains the smallest schools among the four.

5. LIBERTY NORTH With only one exception, every player who caught a pass or carried the ball for the Eagles last season is back. The exception is Antwynn Beavers, who had 5,500 career rushing yards. The cupboard isn't bare, especially with quarterback Brian Sharp at the helm. Allconference linebacker Nick Hess is one of seven starters back on defense.

6. GRANDVIEW Grandview coach Andy Leech says he has switched from

being an offensive-minded coach to a defensive-minded one. The bulk of the Bulldogs' talent is on defense, including Kansas commit Apa Visinia and Nebraska commit Freedom Akinmoladun. | Sam McDowell, smcdowell@kcstar.com

EAST KANSAS LEAGUE 1. BLUE VALLEY WEST The Jaguars, 8-3 last season, are among the favorites in Kansas Class 5A for good reason. It starts with quarterback Ryan Ralston and a punishing offensive line. Other weapons are tight end Cale McMakin, deep threat Luke Curtis and chain-mover Spencer Johannesman. Grant Garcia steps in for Conley Wilkins as the primary ball carrier.

2. GARDNER EDGERTON Senior running back Traevohn Wrench is coming off back-toback 2,000-yard seasons. Quarterback Jared Hobby returns as a rare three-year starter, along with two top targets: tight end Josh Lang and wide receiver Jaylon Radel. Defensive lineman Emilio Fowler and linebacker Dustin Williams, two wrestling standouts, headline the retooled defense.

3. BLUE VALLEY Quarterback Logan Brettell returns for an experienced squad along with running back Chance Nelson, wide receivers Tristan Perkins and Mikey Henson, guard Blake Freeman and offensive tackle A.J. Harris. The real strength might be the defense. Linebackers Henry McGrew and Joe Forlenza return along with defensive end Jalen Cooks and nose guard Caleb Kjergaard on the defensive line.

4. BISHOP MIEGE After a rocky start, the Stags reached the Kansas 5A championship game, but the aim for 2013 is consistency. Quarterback Ryan Willis, an Olathe East transfer, already has an offer from K-State. Miege’s returning players, including wide receiver/cornerback McKinley Johnson and linebacker Brad Ivey, provide a strong nucleus.

5. ST. THOMAS AQUINAS The Saints were picked to finish seventh in the EKL last year but wound up winning it. Returning one of the league’s top quarterbacks, senior Danten Cosentino, Aquinas won’t be surprising anyone again. Also back are wide receiver Ryan McNellis, running back Joel Edwards and linebackers Joe Maxwell and Cole Pickert.

6. BV NORTHWEST First, the good news: The entire Huskies offensive line returns. The bad news: The only returning playmaker from a 5-5 team is senior wide receiver Jaquwan Stone. Fullback/linebacker Kyle Pottinger leads the defense.

7. BV SOUTHWEST The Timberwolves remain the smallest of the Blue Valley schools and won’t have much depth. That could be tough, especially for an offensive line that returns only one starter — junior Austin Lawrence. Drake Herrman will replace Aaron Ramsey at quarterback.

Offensive player to watch RB Traevohn Wrench, Gardner Edgerton. It’s possible — maybe even likely — that Wrench will become the all-time leading rusher in Trailblazers history on his first carry of the season. Wrench, who has made a commitment to Kansas, ought to obliterate Bubba Starling’s record. He needs only 24 yards to pass Starling, who finished with 4,849 career rushing yards. Wrench sits at 4,826 and already owns the program’s career record with 63 rushing touchdowns.

Defensive player to watch LB Brad Ivey, Bishop Miege. During the last two years, Ivey has racked up 287 tackles, 45 tackles for a loss, nine sacks and forced five fumbles. “The Waterboy” also has an interception and three blocked field goals. Now, Ivey is a senior and more motivated than ever to help the Stags take care of some unfinished business after losing in the Kansas Class 6A state championship game last season.

AFRICAN CENTERED

ODESSA

The first year of varsity football didn't treat African Centered too kindly. The Knights finished 0-10 and were shut out seven times for the season. A new coach, Steven Trumble, and a higher turnout of players allows the Knights to expect an improved effort. As the newest team in the Interscholastic League, African Centered will welcome several players from Derrick Thomas Academy, which closed.

Coach Mark Thomas lays it on the line: “We are very, very young, with two seniors in the program. We’ve got our work cut out for us.” Odessa is the smallest school in the MRVC West. Thomas comes to Odessa after spending the last two seasons as head coach at Belton. It’s his second stint at Odessa. He was there from 1985-88.

O’HARA

BASEHOR-LINWOOD Four games into last season, coach Steve Hopkins moved Cory McCleary to middle linebacker and the Bobcats got a whole lot better. Basehor-Linwood finished 4-5 and missed the playoffs by one score. McCleary, a senior, returns as the team’s leading tackler. Hopkins calls McCleary the heart and soul in what the team does on defense. Hopkins is also counting on senior Jake Phillips, linebacker and defensive end.

BISHOP WARD Coach Tim Dorian sees close to 20 seniors on his roster and just knows this group should help the Cyclones win some games. A year ago he only had eight seniors and just three of them played. “We have a lot of experience and hopefully we are going to get back into the win cycle,” Dorian said. “The guys have been working really hard all summer, lifting and running. We are in pretty good shape.” Dorian is counting on senior RB-LB Connor Burns and senior Xavier Tucker, a WR/ safety.

BONNER SPRINGS A couple of players to watch are senior quarterback Jordan Jackson and senior defensive tackle Kyle Dumler. Aslin said Jackson, a threeyear starter, has a great throwing arm and is very athletic. Dumler has the opportunity to dominate at defensive tackle. Another senior to watch is defensive back Anthony Kubas. “We have a very positive outlook for the season,” Bonner Springs coach Lucas Aslin said. “We have a lot of returners on both sides of the ball, six on each side.”

CENTER The Yellowjackets enjoyed a historic season last year, but they said goodbye to 15 seniors after reaching the Missouri Class 3 quarterfinals. That will put more weight on the shoulders of senior slot back Gabe King and quarterback Raheem Muhammad. With the numbers down this year at Center, linemen Gary Starr, Robert Jones and John Teague will be asked to play both ways.

CENTRAL A year after winning five games, only three starters return for Central, which is left with an inexperienced and undersized bunch. An exception to that, however, would be junior Sam Smith, a 285-pound tackle ready to lead the offensive line into battle. Senior Ollie Todd will be the feature back running behind him. On the defensive side, look for junior defensive end James Tucker to be the playmaker.

DE SOTO The Wildcats have a new coach in Brian King, who was an assistant last year, and they return just five starters from the 2012 team that finished with a 5-5 record and a trip to the Class 4A state playoffs, losing to Eudora 13-0 in the first round. They return junior halfback Jason Johnson, who started as a sophomore.

EAST

Blue Valley West will win the Kansas Class 5A state title. The Jaguars boast a big, physical and at times downright mean offensive line. Last season, it allowed quarterback Ryan Ralston and running back Conley Wilkins, who graduated, to carve up opposing defenses. Don’t be surprised if Grant Garcia surpasses Wilkins’ lofty totals of 1,747 yards and 17 touchdowns from last season. Still, it’s that nasty offensive line — led by senior Michael Fairchild (6-5, 274), who has committed to Mizzou — that will make the difference.

The Bears are coming off a season in which they finished with six victories for the first time since 1997. Their key tailback, senior Kevin Coulter, is back from that team after topping the 1,000-yard mark. Coulter is a three-year starter. He'll be joined in the backfield by fullbacks Ramon Turner and Shawn Simmons, who will double as the linebackers to lead the defense.

EUDORA New coach Kevin Kopecky has inherited a solid group of players to make an impact in the Frontier League. Kopecky comes to Eudora after three seasons at Leavenworth. He replaces Gregg Webb, who left to become head coach at Truman. Prior to his stint at Leavenworth, Kopecky spent 12 seasons as head coach at St. Thomas Aquinas.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS The cupboard isn’t completely bare on offense with Ben Brock, Dante Hicks and Anthony Loftus, but the Mustangs need more pieces to go with John Puetz and Connor Kagy on the offensive line. Kagy and Caleb Edwards also return to the defensive line. | Tod Palmer, tpalmer@kcstar.com

OTHER SCHOOLS

Prediction

8. BV NORTH

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

Coach Josh Buford hopes the Tigers can repeat or improve on last year’s 7-3 record. He has a good returning group of seniors and talented sophomores. Two players to watch: Returning all-state wide receiver Nick Masoner, a workhorse who will get the ball a lot, and last year’s leading tackler Austin Creason.

ALLISON LONG | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

Rockhurst will have a new look on offense this season, as Ahmad Tyler, who played quarterback last year, makes the switch to running back and wide receiver.

We’re all new on the Web!

ORRICK

@Get the latest high school news from The Star’s Sam McDowell and Tod Palmer at our newly redesigned, user-friendly site. You’ll also find football schedules for all area teams and regular updates from Sam and Tod on our Varsity Zone blog. Log on today at KansasCity.com/highschools

GRAIN VALLEY A small senior class is likely to have the Eagles suffering through growing pains a second straight season. Grain Valley has 112 kids on its roster, but only eight are seniors. Two of those eight — running back Bryce Quinn and wide receiver Hunter Ramirez — will be counted on to move the ball in the spread offense. Ramirez had 780 yards receiving a year ago. The leading tackler in 2012, junior linebacker Brenton Leighow, is back on defense.

HARMON Third-year coach Steven Jackson already sees the seed of a team that will grow from an 0-9 season a year ago. “We have great attitudes and a good work ethic,” Jackson said. Jackson is counting on senior quarterback Dedric Bradley (6-1, 180), a starter last season. Another player to watch is senior Gage Peterson, who will play running back and middle linebacker.

HARRISONVILLE The Wildcats enjoyed another typical Harrisonville season in 2012, winning 10 games for the fifth straight season and reaching the Missouri Class 4 semifinals. Quarterback Zach Davidson is ready to make it six straight. He accounted for nearly 2,500 yards of offense a year ago and scored 28 touchdowns. He's one of eight starters returning on offense.

HOGAN PREP There's plenty of speed to go around at Hogan Prep, perhaps nowhere more noticeably than the combination in the backfield of the spread formation. Kewaun Riley is set to see most of the carries at tailback, while senior quarterback Isaiah Baylis is a dualthreat option who likes to run the football. The defense expects to fly to the football with Ryan Franks, Martinez Lewis, John Wilson and Horace McAlester returning.

IMMACULATA Much of Immaculata’s nucleus started as freshmen last year, including quarterback Drew Sachen, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards. Paul Lednicky returns to anchor the offensive and defensive lines. Two newcomers, running back Michael Valencia and lineman Bruce Stanley, will be keys this year as the Raiders look to improve upon their 2-7 record last season.

LANSING A poor start doomed Lansing last year, and the Lions aim to start this season on a different note. Krystian Abbott took over at quarterback midway through last season, and is the front runner this season. His main target will be wide receiver Khalil Bailey, and the main running back is Colin McQuillan. Lansing is hoping a year of experience helped a young team grow.

LAWSON The Cardinals graduated 12 starters and have just two starters back on each side of ball. Fortunately, coach Todd Dunn says he has a big junior class to fill the ranks. He said the kids’ attitudes are good and they want to prove people wrong. Lack of experience will be his main challenge, especially on the line.

LINCOLN PREP A year after its roster featured only 20 players, Lincoln Prep expects to have nearly 40 this season. And many of those

“Offense is our strength,” coach Jim DeMarea says. “We have number of returnees and we’re hoping to have good things happen.” Defensively, the Celtics will try to patch something together. DeMarea says he’s looking for aggressive players. Veterans on the offensive line will play a key role.

Palmer

First-year coach Nick Chapman will stress the run. “We’re a pretty young team, with juniors, sophomores and freshmen starting. The kids put in work during the summer.” Tyler Crow, a junior defensive lineman, is a threeyear starter.

OSAWATOMIE Coach Rod Madden will lead his Osawatomie Trojans squad into its season opener on Sept. 6 at Neodesha.

OSKALOOSA McDowell

played key roles last year. First-year coach Henry Newell has gone to the wing-T offense, inserting Justin Dixson as his top running back. Dixson will also play defense, but Newell calls Joshua Van Dunk the leader of that group. Van Dunk, a junior, is an all-conference defensive tackle who also plays right guard.

LONE JACK Coach Jason Fenstermaker says his team looks good and has a lot of returnees. He’s implementing a new offense, defense and special teams approach. Up-tempo practices make him optimistic. Players to watch include sophomore QB Joey Brandon, Nick Kirk, who is moving from QB to RB/WR, and all-state DE Jake Hopper.

LOUISBURG The football season has begun on a somber note as quarterback Auston McLellan died Aug. 18 after a car crash. A candlelight vigil was held last weekend at Louisburg High School Stadium. The Wildcats open their season Sept. 6 at home against Spring Hill.

McLOUTH The Bulldogs went 9-2 last season, but only have five starters returning from that squad. Jack Courtney, a junior, will take over the quarterbacking duties, where he will be joined by the experienced Nick McAferty and Drew Cerny in the backfield. The young parts will need to come together for McLouth to repeat last season’s success.

MIDWAY The Vikings have a good number of returning starters and all skill positions are back. RB Bobby Zielinski could set the school career scoring record for touchdowns. QB Petyon Semsch returns. He’s also an all-state punter. One other key will be third-year starting LB and OL Joey Beller. “We have a chance to be pretty good,” coach Larry Burchett said.

MILL VALLEY The Jaguars won the Kaw Valley League title last year with a 6-0 record, but lost 58-37 to Bishop Miege in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs. Fourth-year coach Joel Applebee returns 37 lettermen from the 2012 team, including five offensive and seven defensive starters.

NORTHEAST The Vikings won the Interscholastic League championship last year for the first time since 1952. Repeating the task may prove even more challenging. The team graduated 13 seniors, forcing many from this year's bunch to play both ways. Jordan Beamon, who picked off nine passes last year as a cornerback, will also play wide receiver. Kevon Graves and Brandon Nu will lead the defensive line.

OAK GROVE It's been a long nine months for the Panthers, who saw their undefeated season end rather abruptly with a loss to Center last November. The good news is that most of that team is back. Oak Grove sees eight starters return on both offense and defense. Junior Aaron Graham rushed for 1,837 yards and 23 touchdowns and has drawn interest from several Division I programs. He'll run behind an experienced line, paced by Skyler Hulse. The defense expects to see a breakout season from Ethan Fugitt.

The Bears have some pieces to work with after a rough 2012 season where the team finished 2-7. Running back Justin Sharp anchors the backfield and has four returning offensive linemen in front of him. There is plenty of returning experience on defense, highlighted by the linebackers.

PAOLA Quarterback Drew Henn was lost to injury in Week 7 last year, and could only watch as the Panthers suffered a painful loss in the first round of the 4A playoffs. He’s back, along with four starting offensive linemen, running back Mitchell Sloan and wide receiver Luke Wilson. Paola finished last season strong and looks to start the 2013 season the same way.

PEMBROKE HILL Coming off a nine-win season, coach Sam Knopik said there is some added excitement around his program. Part of that is based on the personnel the Raiders welcome back, starting with running back Charlie Mueller. Tristan Threatt will take over under center after starting at receiver the past two seasons. The defense is led by senior linebacker Max Montague, a three-year starter.

PIPER Piper was 10-3 last season and finished second in the Kaw Valley League with a 5-1 record. Three-year starting quarterback Tanner Eikenbary threw for more than 2,700 yards and 31 touchdowns last season. Junior linebacker Colton Beebe, who is entering his third year as a starter, led the team in tackles as a freshman and was second last season.

PLEASANT HILL The Roosters feature quite a few seniors this season who played key roles on varsity last year. It’s a good base to start from, coach Kyle Roach said. Seniors will have to assert their leadership skills, Roach added. Three of four linebackers also return. Players to watch: OL-DL Johnny Berry, QB Josh Shewmaker and OL-DL Delainey Taala.

PLEASANT RIDGE Nick Holmes returns at quarterback after rushing for 800 yards as a freshman in coach Pat McCollim’s option offense. The Rams finished 4-6 last year, and lost only four players to graduation. Blake Graham returns after topping the 800-yard mark as a running back. The defensive backs are the strength of the defense, and the unit has improved in the offseason.

RICHMOND Coach Rob Bowers: “We have 79 kids outs. I’m excited about the numbers. They’ve had a really good offseason, worked hard in the weight room and conditioning.” The downside, Bowers added, is he has just three starters back on each side of ball. Three returnees are back on offense: QB Kuinton Maxwell, OL Brock Bowers and RB Brock Stokes.

ROCKHURST For the second straight year, the Hawklets are an inexperienced group. But that's not to say they're not talented. Coach Tony Severino says he has plenty of depth, even on the offensive line, where he must replace all five starters. Athlete Ahmad Tyler, last year's starter at quarterback, will shift between running back and wide receiver while also playing cornerback. Tight ends Luke Arbanas and Jayke Simsheuser are also reliable two-way players.

| More previews, K6

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

ALL-METRO QUARTERBACKS

QB&A

In 1964, The Kansas City Star began selecting an All-Metro football team, spotlighting the top high school football players in the Kansas City area. Through the 1971 season, four players were designated as “backs” and specific positions were not labeled. Beginning with the 1972 squad, the first team included a quarterback. Here is a list of All-Metro firstteam quarterbacks since 1972, with a reminder of six who were game-changers and dazzled fans on Friday nights.

Questions and answers with area quarterbacks

Let’s go inside the head of a high school quarterback. Better yet, let’s let them speak for themselves. The Star posed a few questions to some Kansas City area kids who are poised to play quarterback — the most scrutinized position in high school sports — this fall. Here are our participants: Lee’s Summit West senior Thomas Ganaden; Gardner Edgerton senior Jared Hobby; Lee’s Summit junior Drew Lock; Wyandotte senior Dimonic McKinzy; Blue Valley West senior Ryan Ralston; Liberty North junior Brian Sharp; Fort Osage sophomore Skylar Thompson; SM West senior A.J. Verdini; and Bishop Miege junior Ryan Willis.

❚ 2012: Brad Strauss, Lawrence ❚ 2011: Trent Hosick, Staley

Is quarterback football’s most important position? Jared Hobby: “Some of my teammates might not agree, but I think so. You have the ball in your hands every single play and the decisions you make are crucial every play.” A.J. Verdini: “It’s one of the most important, but when it comes down to it, I’d say the offensive line is the most important. Everything starts there.” Ryan Willis: “It is and it isn’t. We are made to put the ball into other people’s hands so they can make a play. We’re the leaders of the team and show our teammates what to do and how to do it. The main part is convincing them that we can do it.”

JOHN SLEEZER | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

❚ 2010: Bubba Starling, Gardner Edgerton (above) The Trailblazers' all-time leading rusher, he ran for 2,417 yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior. Starling, who now plays center field in the Royals' farm system, was famous for jaw-dropping long gallops that flashed his uncommon strength and speed. If he hadn't been drafted No. 5 overall in baseball's 2011 First-Year Player Draft, Starling would be poised to emerge as a dual-threat quarterback at Nebraska. ❚ 2009: Koby Chadick, Blue Valley Northwest

Does the quarterback get too much of the credit or blame? Drew Lock: “I do think that sometimes. But that’s a good problem to have. I like that being on me.” Brian Sharp: “It depends. Sometimes you’re the guy who deserves the credit for a win or the blame for a loss.” Skylar Thompson: “Yes. Even if it’s not your fault, it’s still going to be blamed on you. And I do feel like when we win, we get a lot of the credit, even if a wide receiver makes a great catch or the offensive line makes great blocks.”

❚ 2008: Nathan Scheelhaase, Rockhurst He became the first junior to win the Thomas A. Simone Award in 2007, an honor reserved for the most outstanding football player in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Scheelhaase was a dual-threat quarterback with speed to burn — he passed for 3,587 yards and rushed for 1,781 more over his junior and senior seasons, totaling 67 touchdowns. Rockhurst won the state title in 2007. Scheelhaase will be a senior at Illinois this fall, where he produced 49 touchdowns over the previous three seasons. ❚ 2007: Sean Ransburg, Harrisonville ❚ 2006: Zach Rampy, Blue Valley

What’s the most important talent for a quarterback?

SHANE KEYSER | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

Blue Valley West’s Ryan Ralston has won a state championship in baseball, but the three-sport star who plays quarterback says that “I would rather win a football state championship than a baseball state championship.”

A ROCK STAR IN CLEATS SHANE KEYSER | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

❚ 2005: Josh Freeman, Grandview (above) A pocket passer in his high school days, Freeman threw for 2,622 yards and 33 touchdowns during his senior season before being selected the Simone Award winner. As a senior, Freeman was ranked by Rivals as the fourth-best pro-style quarterback in the country. After originally committing to Nebraska, Freeman went on to play college football at Kansas State. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Freeman with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. He has thrown 78 career touchdowns in the NFL. ❚ 2004: Dustin Moomau, Olathe North ❚ 2003: Stinson Dean, Blue Springs ❚ 2002: Scott Carroll, Liberty ❚ 2001: Justin Whitworth, Blue Springs ❚ 2000: Brandon Gutshall, Platte County ❚ 1999: Travis Jackson: Olathe South ❚ 1998: T.J. Mandl, Rockhurst ❚ 1997: Josh Brewer, Olathe North ❚ 1996: Kyle Sharp, Oak Park ❚ 1995: Sam Scott, Blue Valley ❚ 1994: Jon Luetkemeyer, Blue Springs South ❚ 1993: Matt Ament, Oak Park ❚ 1991-1992: Nate Minnis, Blue Springs After Blue Springs quarterbacks Jeff Handy and Jeff Moreland were selected to the The Star's All-Metro first team in 1989 and 1990, respectively, Minnis received the honor the next two seasons. He remains the last player to be selected to the first team in back-to-back years. Minnis led Blue Springs to the first state championship in school history in 1992, when he set a championship-game record with 353 passing yards in a 39-35 win over Parkway Central. He threw for 3,026 yards and rushed for 520 in his senior year. ❚ 1990: Jeff Moreland, Blue Springs ❚ 1989: Jeff Handy, Blue Springs ❚ 1988: Derrick Hart, Schlagle ❚ 1987: Jim Doriac, Rockhurst ❚ 1986: Paul Watson, Park Hill Noted for his consistency, Watson threw for more than 5,000 yards and tallied 52 touchdowns over his high school career. He later enjoyed a four-year career with Kansas State from 1988-91. He led the Big Eight Conference in passing in 1991, when he threw for 2,312 yards. Bill Snyder took over as the Kansas State coach in 1989, with Watson serving as his first quarterback. The Wildcats were winless during Watson's freshman season and won seven games in his senior year. ❚ 1985: Craig Phillips, Lee's Summit ❚ 1984: Shawn Long, Grandview ❚ 1983: Jeff Kelso, Park Hill ❚ 1982: Brad White, Lee's Summit ❚ 1981: Brian Knorr, SM Northwest ❚ 1980: Chris Erickson, Park Hill ❚ 1979: Joe Heeney, SM West ❚ 1978: Chuck Miller, Truman ❚ 1977: Greg Dolence, Raytown ❚ 1976: Jay Jeffrey, SM West ❚ 1974-1975: Mark McIntosh, Raytown South A two-time all-state selection, McIntosh is scheduled to be inducted into the Raytown South High School Hall of Fame in October. He signed a letter of intent in February 1976 to play football and baseball at Missouri, but his career abruptly ended a few weeks later when he suffered head and upper-body injuries during a high school basketball game. McIntosh never played competitive sports again. He currently has a sports talk radio show based out of Denver. ❚ 1973: Mark Capra, St. Pius X ❚ 1972: Russ Brownrigg, William Chrisman | Sam McDowell, smcdowell@kcstar.com

Ryan Ralston is a three-sport athlete at Blue Valley West, but he is the big man on campus thanks to his role as the Jaguars’ starting QB. BY TOD PALMER | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

yan Ralston can’t walk through the halls at Blue Valley West without drawing attention. At 6 feet 4 and 220 pounds, he’s a big kid for starters. He’s also an excellent student and a three-sport star for the Jaguars. Ralston made a game-saving diving stop at third base during the state quarterfinals, then started the championship game on the mound last spring as BV West won the Kansas 6A baseball title. SHANE KEYSER (ABOVE) AND KEITH MYERS (RIGHT) | THE KANSAS CITY STAR Before that, he hit a game-winning buzzer-beater during sub-state, Teammates piled on Ryan Ralston (above) after his sub-state buzzer-beater. which helped propel the Jags to the state championship game in bas- Ralston (far right) also led Blue Valley West to the 6A baseball title. ketball. kid — as friendly to the scrawniest when you’re in the limelight about what from my dad and from my coaches,” Of course, football still generates the most notoriety for Ralston. freshman as he is to BV West tackle Mi- everybody is saying about you, but he’s Ryan said. “Some people look up to me

“I don’t think anything matches football in high school, because it’s the premier avenue for the sport,” said Ryan’s father, Chad. “We don’t have AAU football or summer league football. There’s seven-on-seven and those things, but the one place you can compete in football is during the school season. That makes the spotlight brighter.” Baseball might be America’s pastime, but football is the country’s most popular sport from high school on up to the NFL. “As far as high school sports, I don’t think there’s anything like playing Friday night under the lights,” Ryan said. “There’s nothing that can compare to it honestly.” For Ryan, the baseball state championship game was great and playing for a basketball state title was fun. It just wasn’t football, with its packed stadiums

and weeklong buildup to every game. “I can’t even imagine what a state championship football game would be like,” Ryan said. “I would rather win a football state championship than a baseball state championship. I don’t mean for that to sound bad, but it’s just different.” That is especially true for quarterbacks, who are as close to rock stars as anyone in high school. And certainly, that’s part of the appeal for football’s — and perhaps all sports’ — most demanding position. “Football is probably the most fun for (Ryan) because there is that spotlight,” Chad said. “Some kids just gravitate toward that and want to be in that spotlight. That’s always been him. He’s always wanted to have that responsibility on his shoulders.” Ryan works hard to remain a humble

chael Fairchild, a 6-foot-6 and 283-pound Mizzou commit. “It really is amazing, but he values our third quarterback as much as he does his best receiver,” Jags coach Scott Wright said. Still, try as he might to avoid it, Ryan can’t escape being the Big Man on Campus. Teachers single him out to wish him luck and other kids treat him with more deference. “He’s so friendly with everybody, there’s not as much of that as you would think,” Wright said. “A lot of that can be precipitated by your personality, so he doesn’t let that happen. But anytime you’ve had the kind of success he’s had, kids think it’s pretty cool.” It can be a tough balancing act. “To a certain degree, I’m sure some of it reaches him, but he does a good job not letting too much of it in,” Chad said. “It’s only natural that you are anxious

surrounded himself with a core group of people that he can really trust and really care about him. That includes those coaches. That’s his secret to success.” Still, Ryan constantly has to be aware of that spotlight. “I’m always trying to do the right thing and I’m always aware that there’s somebody watching,” he said. “I try to lead by example. I’m not really a vocal guy, but I’m always trying to do the right thing. That’s a responsibility that comes with being the quarterback.” On the field, the Jags take their cues from Ryan, who has the ball on every offensive snap and calls the plays, but it definitely carries over away from the field as well. Leadership goes hand in hand with the quarterback position, but that leadership doesn’t end at the sideline. “My words carry extra weight sometimes, which is something I’ve learned

and listen to me, so in the weight room or even walking around school, I have to be a role model.” Everything comes with a price. While Ryan can crack jokes in the locker room before a game without being sneered at by a menacing linebacker, he also suffers more when the team fails. “Quarterbacks get the credit when things go well and take all the blame when things don’t go well,” Chad said. “Whether that’s justified or not, that’s just the way it works in football. With the accolades sometimes comes the backlash, too.” Ryan enjoyed a breakout campaign as a junior, racking up more than 2,800 total yards and 37 touchdowns running and passing, but the memory that lingered throughout the offseason was of him lying in the end zone Nov. 9 at Bishop Miege, stunned and distraught. Seconds earlier, Ryan had been

stopped an inch from the goal line on a two-point conversion try in double overtime during the Kansas Class 5A state quarterfinals — a thrilling 38-37 win for Miege. Suffice to say Ryan wasn’t thrilled. “That was the worst feeling,” he said. Nobody had the gall to blame Ryan (at least not to his face), but the loss stuck with him. “That was maybe the most disappointed I’ve seen him, because I think he feels like he let people down,” Chad said. While Ryan may never forget lying in that end zone, he refuses to let BV West, which went 8-3 last season and is among the top 5A teams in the state once again, dwell on it. “I started out this summer and one of our deals was ‘One inch,’ ” Wright said. “After about a week, Ryan came up to me and said, ‘Coach, we’re done with one inch.’ ” Ryan wanted a fresh start — for himself and his team. “Don’t get me wrong, I’ve thought about it probably hundreds of times,” Ryan said. “I’ve replayed it over and over in my head, but that’s in the past now.” Ryan would rather do everything he can to make sure the Jags take full advantage of a new season and a new opportunity to chase state glory. “Now that I’m a senior, I feel a little more swagger,” Ryan said. “Obviously, you’re not supposed to walk around with your chest puffed out, but I do feel nice knowing I’m the quarterback and the leader of the team. It does make it sweeter. As much as it shouldn’t, it does. Being the quarterback is awesome. You’re that guy. There’s only one quarterback usually, so it makes it a lot of fun.”

NINE OTHER QUARTERBACKS TO WATCH ❚ Zach Davidson, Harrisonville, senior (6-5, 205): There isn’t much Davidson doesn’t do well. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in both passing and rushing last season while totaling 28 touchdowns. He’s entering his third year as a starter.

THE KANSAS CITY STAR

❚ Thomas Ganaden (left), Lee’s Summit West, senior (6-5, 220): Lee’s Summit West is loaded with skill players who get plenty of notoriety — and deservedly so — but Ganaden is the quiet leader of the offense. He passed for 17 touchdowns a year ago.

❚ Jared Hobby, Gardner Edgerton, senior (6-0, 202): Set to start his third season as the Trailblazers’ quarterback, Hobby, who has thrown for more than 2,500 yards in his career, bumped up his completion percentage, yards and touchdowns as a junior. Of course, the main goal is to reach a state final as his career closes.

❚ Drew Lock, Lee’s Summit, junior (6-4, 195): Colleges have been hot on Lock since he was a sophomore, and what’s not to like? He has the size and a laser arm to go along with it. Missouri has already made offers to Lock — in football and basketball.

❚ Dimonic McKinzy, Wyandotte, senior (6-0, 210): Arguably the most physically gifted athlete playing the position in metropolitan Kansas City, McKinzy has committed to Minnesota. He has speed (4.57 40-yard dash), strength (300-pound bench press) and a cannon for an arm.

❚ Brian Sharp, Liberty North, junior (6-2, 185): Nobody’s firstyear learning curve took a more drastic turn than Sharp’s last year. He was a turnover machine for the first half of 2012 before settling in nicely to lead the Eagles to four wins in five games.

❚ Skylar Thompson, Fort Osage, sophomore (6-2, 175): Before he has even started a varsity game, Thompson has already received college interest. He faces a tough task this season in replacing three-year starter Steven McBee, who led the Indians to the Missouri Class 5 state title game last year.

❚ Ryan Willis, Bishop Miege, junior (6-4, 195): Willis, a transfer from Olathe East, is the successor to Montell Cozart (now at Kansas), so he has some notable shoes to fill. Of course, even before he has played a varsity game, Willis has received an offer from Kansas State, where his father played.

❚ A.J. Verdini, Shawnee Mission West, senior (6-5, 185): Overcoming earlyseason growing pains as a junior, Verdini quarterbacked the Vikings to the Kansas Class 6A state title last season. Now confident and seasoned, he is poised to take on more of a starring role.

Thomas Ganaden: “Leadership and the ability to read defenses. If you have both of those at the high school level, that's something they expect at the next level, so you're ahead of the game in a sense.” Ryan Ralston: “You’ve got to stay humble. You’ve got to be able to think fast and forget quickly. You’ve got to be able to overcome mistakes and overcome adversity.”

What personality traits best suit a quarterback? Skylar Thompson: “I’d probably say you have to be a competitor. You have to do anything to win. I don’t care how it’s done, as long as I carry my team to victory.” Ryan Willis: “You need a focused person who can lead others in the right direction on and off the field. You have to set the right example — being a hard worker, being the most disciplined, being someone who wants to do good things.”

How does your previous experience help you as a quarterback? Thomas Ganaden: “Experience helps a lot. My first start was against Staley on ESPN last year, and that was pretty nerve-racking. I feel like if I had that chance again, I would play a lot better, knowing what I know now.” A.J. Verdini: “I have a lot more confidence going into this year than I did last year. Last year, I had no idea what to expect going into a varsity game. Now, I’m a lot more confident.”

What’s the best feeling as a quarterback? Dimonic McKinzy: “Coming into a program and helping build it is the best feeling I’ve ever had.” Skylar Thompson: “I would say the best feeling as a quarterback is winning the big game. Those are the games when the spotlight is on you. It’s your chance to prove to everyone you can win the big games.”

What’s the worst feeling as a quarterback? Drew Lock: “The worst feeling is when you throw a pick and you have to go to the sideline knowing you messed up that play.” Ryan Ralston: “Losing is the worst feeling. Throwing an interception has to be one of the worst feelings, but the worst feeling was probably when I got stopped at the goal line in the quarterfinals last year against Miege. We were going to play Aquinas next and we really wanted a shot at them again after losing to them in overtime earlier in the season.”

What’s the biggest challenge as a quarterback?

What are you focusing on when you watch film?

Dimonic McKinzy: “Keeping everybody on the same page is a really hard thing to do. Everybody has their own personality with what they want to do and how they want to go about things. That’s a big challenge.” A.J. Verdini: “It’s hard to realize what plays need to be made. I had an issue last year where I always wanted the home-run ball. … I had to learn to take what I could get and not always try to get the touchdown.”

Thomas Ganaden: “On my own, I probably watch 45 minutes of film each night before I do my homework. I’m looking at plays that we’ve run against teams that play similar defenses. It helps me (prepare) for what that next team might do.” Brian Sharp: “A quarterback looks at everybody. He looks at himself first and sees what he’s doing wrong so he can correct it. He looks at the wide receiver to see if he’s running the right routes. He looks at the defense to figure out what they're doing. It’s everything.”

Can you share a big misconception about playing quarterback?

DAVID EULITT | THE STAR

A.J. Verdini returns as quarterback this season at SM West.

Jared Hobby: “I walked into a pretty big spotlight after Bubba (Starling), so I knew there would be a lot of pressure. I wasn’t expecting as many people coming around still and being on TV as much as we were. Our season opener has been on TV the last two years, so I’m getting used to it, but I definitely wasn’t expecting that.” Ryan Ralston: “I didn’t realize how information you had to know, how much studying you had to do and how fast the game really is.”

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

OTHER SCHOOLS ST. JAMES ACADEMY

SPRING HILL

The Thunder had a record of 7-2 last year, but didn’t make the Class 4A state playoffs. Third-year coach Tom Radke returns five starters on offense and three on defense with senior quarterback Alex King leading the way for the Thunder.

The Broncos won five games in 2012 and made the Class 4A state playoffs for the first time since 2006 and their first district championship since 2000. Fifth-year coach Anthony Orrick returns his quarterback, fullback and halfback from that squad.

ST. PIUS X

SUMNER ACADEMY

The Warriors are hoping momentum can carry over from last season, when they won five of their final six games after an 0-6 start. The defense, in particular, played well down the stretch. That unit is led by senior Joe McCoy, who will be joined at linebacker by Nicholas Kelliher and Gabe Akalugwu. Meanwhile, offensive lineman Jacob Kelliher and wide receiver Bennie Palmentere are the top returners on offense.

The Sabres are coming off a 2-7 season. They plan to win more in a KCK League that has improved in the last four years. Sumner Academy will rely on its defense. Sumner returns seven on defense and four players on offense.

SCHLAGLE Three players that coach Martez Wesley is counting on are senior tight end Joshua Bruce, senior safety Terry Hunter and senior defensive end Derrick Gibbs. “We lost a lot, but we also gained a lot,” Wesley said. “I think our freshman and sophomore class are by far the type of players we are looking for. We do have some seniors who have seen significant playing time. I think they are going to be a great senior class for us.”

SMITHVILLE The most successful runner and the top tackler in school history have graduated, but there's still a bevy of experience returning for the Warriors. Nolan Gromacki will move to running back, replacing Zach Parmenter, who totaled the most yards in school history. Gromacki will also be part of a linebacker corps that includes Scott Olson and Bailey Wilson. Those three will look to replace Joe Dominiak, the leading tackler in school history.

feet as much as his arm — spent the summer fine-tuning his timing within the option system.

WASHINGTON The Wildcats have a fairly small senior class, said coach Bryan Salsgiver. He expects seniors Kalem Harrison, Marvin Bowens and Shakair Love to provide leadership and positive influence for a large contingent of junior class

players. “Our expectations are very high,” Salsgiver said. “Last year we competed in a lot of close games in league. We missed out barely from tying for a league championship.”

WEST PLATTE First-year coach Nate Danneman spent the last two years as head coach at Drexel. He said he has a

good group of kids, a strong senior class and good leadership. He’s still implementing offensive and defensive schemes, feauring an optionbased offense and 4-4 defense. Seniors Colton Goodlety (FB-LB) and QB Jack Callahan will play key roles.

WYANDOTTE The Bulldogs are the defending Kansas City Kansas League champions and are

TONGANOXIE There won’t be much deception when Tonganoxie has the ball. Cole Holloway ran for 1,200 yards and got nearly 30 carries per game last year, and he figures to be a staple for the Chieftains. Shane Levy piled up more than 1,000-all purpose yards and led the team in tackles as a defensive back. The offensive line is anchored by 6-7, 270-pound tackle Cody Schneider.

JOHN HENSLEY

Evaluation Specialist We are dedicated to providing you with the Best Service & the Best Structural Repair in the industry. At Foundation King we value you as a customer.

TURNER The Golden Bears will try to improve on a 5-4 season, but will have to do it with a new nucleus. Two starters return on offense and four on defense. Two of the key starters are senior quarterback Paul Berry and wide receiver Sirr Thadeus Green. Second-year coach Jeremy Milne likes all the things Berry brings to the table. “We feel he can play anywhere on the field,” he said.

Call us Today! Ask How You Can Qualify For a

UNIVERSITY ACADEMY

SOUTHWEST ECC While Southwest remains a young team, most of a 17-player sophomore class saw regular action last season. The sophomore class is headlined by running back Howard Rice. Joining Rice in the backfield will be fullback Larahn Walker. Both players are physical runners, which is well suited for the team's between-the-tackles playcalling.

the favorites to repeat. Part of their success will be the beef up front. Seniors Marlon McKeithen and Jesus Guzman and junior Lester Hall all weigh over 250 pounds and have the muscle to push opponents around. Another player to watch is senior Dimonic McKinzy, a 6-1, 213-pound quarterback that many are calling a Division I prospect.

Lack of participation may prove to be the Gryphons' tallest hurdle this season. Only 24 players will be on the roster. Second-year coach Dan Stanley, however, likes the players he has. The offensive line, which includes Dominic Richardson, Malik Abdullah and John Bigby, is the strength of the team, Stanley said.

VAN HORN In an attempt to become more diverse offensively, the Falcons plan to implement the option into their playbook. Coach Jeff Tolbert says he has the personnel to run it. For starters, Van Horn returns four of its five offensive linemen from a year ago. Add to that, senior quarterback Anthony Winningham — known for his

Our Services!!! The Right Solution!!!

$500 Discount Offer Expires 9/30/13

• Foundation Piering

• Mud Jacking • Permanent Repair • Wall Straightening • Strongest, Deepest Pier In • Wall Restraints The Industry • Highest Safety Load Factor • Crack Repairs • Lifetime Transferable Warranty • Waterproofing On Piers • Concrete Slab Underpinning • Structural Engineering Report

Foundation King

913-660-5172 816-761-7664

www.foundationking.com

“The Verano strikes an excellent balance between comfort and composure.”

GMC Sierra is rated the #1 full-size pickup truck in owner satisfaction. -Consumer Report

-Edmunds.com

At this price, it also strikes an excellent balance

No Wonder!

between indulgence and intelligence...

At this price it hauls a big payload without costing a big paycheck.

2013 Buick Verano

2013 GMC SIERRA

Just $26,500

Just $19,900

3107 South Noland Road Independence, MO 64055 www.cabledahmer.com 866-407-2012

*Stock# 1661

*Stock# 2030

FOOTBALL 2013 | THE KANSAS CITY STAR.

WWW.KANSASCITY.COM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

KANSAS CITY-AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULES AFRICAN CENTERED EDUCATION Aug. 30 at St. Joseph LeBlond Sept. 7 at Central Sept. 13 Northeast Sept. 21 at Lincoln College Prep Sept. 28 Van Horn Oct. 3 at East Oct. 11 Southwest Oct. 26 Hogan Prep

PARK HILL SOUTH Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

7 p.m. noon 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

at Bishop Ward at Piper Mill Valley Lansing at Turner Bonner Springs Jefferson West at Perry at Tonganoxie

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 19 Oct. 25

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Oct. 31

Raymore-Peculiar at Nixa Oak Park at North Kansas City Staley William Chrisman Grandview at Raytown at Fort Osage

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

BISHOP WARD Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Oct. 31

Basehor-Linwood St. James Academy Bonner Springs at Turner Tonganoxie at Lansing at Sumner Academy Atchison Piper

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

BLUE SPRINGS Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20

St. Joseph Central at Park Hill South Rockhurst at Lee’s Summit West Sept. 27 Liberty Oct. 4 at Lee’s Summit North Oct. 11 Blue Springs South Oct. 18 at Raymore-Peculiar Oct. 25 Lee’s Summit

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

BLUE SPRINGS SOUTH Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 24

at Truman Fort Osage at Raymore-Peculiar Staley at Rockhurst Lee’s Summit at Blue Springs Lee’s Summit North at Liberty

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

BLUE VALLEY Sept. 6 Sept. 12 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

Gardner Edgerton Bishop Miege at Salina at Blue Valley North Blue Valley Northwest St. Thomas Aquinas at Blue Valley Southwest at Pittsburg Blue Valley West

7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

BLUE VALLEY NORTH Sept. 6 at Bishop Miege Sept. 12 Blue Valley Southwest Sept. 20 at Blue Valley West Sept. 27 Blue Valley Oct. 4 St. Thomas Aquinas Oct. 11 at Gardner Edgerton Oct. 17 Olathe East Oct. 25 SM South Nov. 1 at Blue Valley Northwest

7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 17 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

St. Thomas Aquinas at Gardner Edgerton Bishop Miege at Blue Valley West at Blue Valley Blue Valley Southwest at SM South at Olathe East Blue Valley North

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST Sept. 6 Sept. 12 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

Washington at Blue Valley North Gardner Edgerton St. Thomas Aquinas at Bishop Miege at Blue Valley Northwest Blue Valley Blue Valley West at Pittsburg

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

BLUE VALLEY WEST Sept. 6 at Washburn Sept. 13 at St. Thomas Aquinas Sept. 20 Blue Valley North Sept. 26 Blue Valley Northwest Oct. 4 Gardner Edgerton Oct. 11 Bishop Miege Oct. 18 Pittsburg Oct. 25 at Blue Valley Southwest Nov. 1 Blue Valley

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

BONNER SPRINGS Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

Turner Lansing at Bishop Ward Piper at Mill Valley at Basehor-Linwood De Soto at St. James Academy at Spring Hill

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

CENTER Aug. 30 at University Academy Sept. 6 Smithville Sept. 13 at Hogan Prep Sept. 20 at Arkansas City (Kan.) Sept. 27 at St. Pius X Oct. 4 Warrensburg Oct. 11 at O’Hara Oct. 18 Smith-Cotton Oct. 25 at Clinton

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 20 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 18 Oct. 26

Southwest African Centered East at Richmond Missouri Military Academy at Northeast at Van Horn at Lincoln Prep

noon noon 2:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m.

Holton at Ottawa Eudora at Louisburg at Baldwin Paola at Bonner Springs Spring Hill St. James Academy

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

LAWSON

EUDORA Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 10 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Oct. 31

at Piper Louisburg at De Soto Paola Spring Hill at St. James Academy Santa Fe Ottawa at Baldwin

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

at Warrensburg Cameron at Richmond Springfield Central at Harrisonville at Odessa Grain Valley at Pleasant Hill Oak Grove

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

at Savannah Benton at Warrensburg Smith-Cotton at Pleasant Hill Harrisonville at Excelsior Springs at Oak Grove Odessa

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Oak Park at William Chrisman Winnetonka at Platte County at Park Hill South Raytown South at Belton at Kearney Liberty North

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

at Hogan Prep Wyandotte Schlagle at Washington at Atchison Sumner Academy St. Thomas Aquinas at Bishop Miege at Turner

at Helias Savannah Bolivar at Warrensburg Excelsior Springs at Grain Valley at Oak Grove Odessa Pleasant Hill

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26

Maysville Harmon Center O’Hara at University Academy at Soldan I.S. Van Horn at Southwest at African C.E.

1 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m.

IMMACULATA Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

at Sumner at Onaga Jayhawk-Linn Pleasant Ridge Jefferson County North at Oskaloosa at Valley Falls at Troy McLouth

North Kansas City at Lee’s Summit at Raytown South at Liberty North Platte County Park Hill at Staley Grandview Winnetonka

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

at Tonganoxie at Bonner Springs Turner at Basehor-Linwood at Piper Bishop Ward at Washington Schlagle Mill Valley

at Battle at Bishop LeBlond at Central at Carrollton Southwest African Centered at Lincoln Prep Northeast at Pembroke Hill

Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

at Raytown Kearney at Park Hill Liberty Raymore-Peculiar at Blue Springs South Lee’s Summit North Raytown South at Blue Springs

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

at Hickman Ruskin at Liberty Winnetonka at Lee’s Summit West Blue Springs at Lee’s Summit at Blue Springs South Raymore-Peculiar

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

at Staley Park Hill at St. Joseph Central Blue Springs Lee’s Summit North at Park Hill South Raymore-Peculiar Ruskin at Truman

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 24

at Winnetonka at Raymore-Peculiar Lee’s Summit North at Lee’s Summit at Blue Springs Rockhurst at Park Hill Rock Bridge Blue Springs South

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 26 Oct. 4 Oct. 10 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

Ruskin Truman at Fort Osage Kearney Raytown South Winnetonka Platte County at Park Hill South at Grandview

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 12 Sept. 21 Sept. 26 Oct. 5 Oct. 10 Oct. 19 Oct. 26

at West Platte at O’Hara at Southwest African Centered Northeast Trenton East Pembroke Hill Central

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m.

LONE JACK Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

Wellington-Napoleon at King City Crest Ridge at Santa Fe St. Paul Lutheran Orrick at Concordia at Sweet Springs at Drexel

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

LOUISBURG 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Oct. 31

KEARNEY Aug. 30 Sept. 5 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

Aug. 30 Sept. 5 Sept. 13 Sept. 19 Sept. 27 Oct. 4

LINCOLN PREP 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

HOGAN PREP Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Sept. 28

Sept. 5 Sept. 13 Sept. 19 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

at Olathe South SM East at SM West Olathe Northwest at SM Northwest Olathe North at Leavenworth Wyandotte at Lawrence Free State

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 3 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

SM North at SM Northwest Olathe East SM West at Olathe North at SM East at Wyandotte Leavenworth Lawrence

at Plattsburg Wentworth at African Centered Pembroke Hill at Lincoln Prep at Nevada at Central at East Southwest

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m.

Eudora Basehor-Linwood at Tonganoxie at Bonner Springs Lansing Mill Valley at Atchison Sumner Academy at Bishop Ward

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Aug. 31 Sept. 6 Sept. 12 Sept. 21 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 19 Oct. 25

at Central at Odessa Lincoln Prep University Academy at East Pembroke Hill at African Centered Hogan Prep at Northeast

noon 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m.

SPRING HILL

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

at Lexington Holden Nevada at St. Pius X Odessa at Pleasant Hill Harrisonville Grain Valley at Excelsior Springs

Spring Hill at Eudora Ottawa De Soto at St. James Academy at Baldwin at Prairie View Osawatomie Paola

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

McLOUTH 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

at Nemaha Valley Doniphan West at Christ Prep Olpe at Pleasant Ridge at Jeff County North Oskaloosa Valley Falls at Immaculata

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

MIDWAY 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

at Osceola at Archie Adrian at Appleton City Drexel at Christ Prep Rich Hill at Butler Sherwood

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Manhattan at Turner at Basehor-Linwood Tonganoxie Bonner Springs at Piper Schlagle at Washington at Lansing

at Grandview North Kansas City at Belton Fort Osage Winnetonka at Raytown at Ruskin Staley William Chrisman

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

St. Pius X Southwest Carrollton at Holden at Oak Grove Excelsior Springs Pleasant Hill at Harrisonville at Grain Valley

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 17 Oct. 25 Oct. 31

at Louisburg Sumner Academy at Paola Baldwin at Eudora at Ottawa St. James Academy at De Soto Bonner Springs

Richmond at Lincoln Prep Knob Noster at Hogan Prep at Clinton at Smith-Cotton Center at St. Pius X Warrensburg

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Olathe East SM South at SM North SM East Lawrence Free State at Lawrence at Olathe Northwest at Gardner Edgerton Olathe South

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 28 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

at Kearney at Oak Park Raytown Belton at William Chrisman at Platte County at Winnetonka Fort Osage Staley

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Atchison Sept. 13 Jefferson County North Sept. 20 at Oskaloosa Sept. 27 at Immaculata Oct. 4 McLouth Oct. 11 at Valley Falls Oct. 18 Silver Lake Oct. 25 at Maur Hill Oct. 31 Atchison County

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

at Belton Liberty Blue Springs South at Rock Bridge at Lee’s Summit St. Joseph Central at Lee’s Summit West Blue Springs at Lee’s Summit North

ST. JAMES ACADEMY

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

ST. PIUS X

7 p.m. 7 p.m.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 24

Lee’s Summit Staley at North Kansas City at William Chrisman Fort Osage Oak Park at Raytown South Belton at Van Horn

RICHMOND

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

RAYTOWN

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 26 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

at Park Hill at Winnetonka Kearney St. Joseph Central at Liberty North at Grandview Raytown at Lee’s Summit Platte County

at O’Hara at Lawson Excelsior Springs Central Lafayette County at Carrollton at Holden Knob Noster Lexington

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

SM Northwest at Olathe East at SM East at Lawrence SM North at SM West Olathe North at Olathe South Gardner Edgerton

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

OLATHE SOUTH Sept. 5 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

Lawrence at SM West at Leavenworth SM South at Olathe East SM Northwest Gardner Edgerton Olathe Northwest at Olathe North

at Mid-Buchanan at Concordia at St. Paul Lutheran Crest Ridge Sweet Springs at Lone Jack at Santa Fe Wellington-Napoleon Wentworth Military

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

at Neodesha at Iola Central Heights Wellsville Burlington at Anderson County at Paola at Louisburg Prairie View

Sept. 6 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

OSKALOOSA Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Oct. 31

at Maur Hill at Jackson Heights Pleasant Ridge Christ Prep Valley Falls Immaculata at McLouth Jefferson County North at Valley Heights

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

at Shawnee Heights at Harmon at Sumner Academy Wyandotte at Atchison at Mill Valley at Lansing Washington

Aug. 30 Raytown South Sept. 6 at Lee’s Summit West Sept. 13 Lee’s Summit Sept. 20 Truman Sept. 27 at Ruskin Oct. 4 at Kearney Oct. 11 Liberty Oct. 18 at St. Joseph Central Oct. 25 at Park Hill South

at Leavenworth at Lawrence Olathe Northwest at Olathe North at SM South Lawrence Free State SM Northwest SM West at SM North

at Lawrence Free State at Leavenworth Olathe North Olathe East at Olathe Northwest SM South SM West at SM Northwest SM East

at Olathe Northwest Lawrence Free State at SM South Leavenworth Lawrence at Olathe South at SM East SM North at SM West

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Lee’s Summit West at Raytown William Chrisman at Blue Springs South Sept. 27 at Belton Oct. 4 Fort Osage Oct. 11 Kearney Oct. 18 at Oak Park Oct. 25 at North Kansas City

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Oct. 31

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

Immaculata at Spring Hill at Wyandotte Schlagle Washington at Harmon Bishop Ward at Piper Atchison

Lansing at Atchison Piper at Mill Valley at Bishop Ward Turner Perry-Lecompton at Jefferson West at Basehor-Linwood

Blue Springs South at Liberty North Park Hill South at Park Hill at St. Joseph Central Ruskin Marshall at William Chrisman Lee’s Summit West

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 pm. 7 p.m.

TURNER Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

at Bonner Springs Mill Valley at Lansing Bishop Ward Basehor-Linwood at Tonganoxie Bishop Miege at St. Thomas Aquinas Harmon

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

UNIVERSITY ACADEMY Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 19 Oct. 25

Center at North Platte at Summit Christian at Southwest Hogan Prep Sacred Heart at Pembroke Hill Strafford at Sante Fe

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 12 p.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m.

VAN HORN 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 26 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 18 Oct. 24

Polo Wyandotte at Sherwood at Butler at African C.E. Summit Christian at Hogan Prep Central Raytown

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

WASHINGTON Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

at Blue Valley Southwest at Topeka West Atchison Harmon at Sumner Academy at Wyandotte Lansing Mill Valley Schlagle

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

WEST PLATTE Aug. 30 Lincoln Prep Sept. 6 at WellingtonNapoleon Sept. 13 East Buchanan Sept. 20 Lathrop Sept. 27 at North Platte Oct. 4 Penney Oct. 11 Mid-Buchanan Oct. 18 at Plattsburg Oct. 25 at Lawson

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

WILLIAM CHRISMAN Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 28 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

at Platte County Grandview at Staley Raytown North Kansas City at Belton at Fort Osage Truman at Oak Park

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH

PAOLA at St. James Academy Sept. 13 at Baldwin Sept. 20 Spring Hill Sept. 27 at Eudora Oct. 4 Ottawa Oct. 11 at De Soto Oct. 18 Osawatomie Oct. 25 Prairie View Oct. 31 at Louisburg

Sept. 13 Sept. 19 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 10 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20

Nov. 1 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

STALEY

TRUMAN

SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH

OSAWATOMIE Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Oct. 31

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

at Blue Valley Northwest Sept. 13 Blue Valley West Sept. 20 Salina Central Sept. 27 Blue Valley Southwest Oct. 4 at Blue Valley North Oct. 11 Blue Valley Oct. 18 at Harmon Oct. 25 Turner Nov. 1 Bishop Miege

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST

ORRICK Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

Sept. 6

TONGANOXIE

at East. St. Louis (Ill.) 7 p.m. Bentonville (Ark.) 7:30 p.m. at Blue Springs 7 p.m. Hutchinson (Kan.) 7:30 p.m. Blue Springs South 7:30 p.m. at Liberty 7 p.m. Rock Bridge 7:30 p.m. at Jeff City 7 p.m. at Columbia Hickman7 p.m.

Aug. 30 at Liberty North Sept. 6 at Lee’s Summit North Sept. 13 Platte County Sept. 20 Park Hill South Sept. 27 Park Hill Oct. 4 at Truman Oct. 11 Oak Park Oct. 18 at Lee’s Summit West Oct. 25 St. Joseph Central

at Odessa Maryville at Pembroke Hill Oak Grove Center Clinton at Warrensburg O’Hara at Smith-Cotton

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

SCHLAGLE 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

Paola at Bishop Ward at Baldwin at Ottawa Louisburg Eudora at Spring Hill Bonner Springs at De Soto

SUMNER ACADEMY

RUSKIN OLATHE NORTHWEST

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

ROCKHURST 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 25 Oct. 31

SM West at Olathe North SM Northwest at Olathe South SM East at SM North Blue Valley Northwest at Blue Valley North Olathe East

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

WINNETONKA Aug. 30 Sept. 5 Sept. 13 Sept. 20

Liberty Raytown South at Grandview at Lee’s Summit North Sept. 27 at Oak Park Oct. 3 at Liberty North Oct. 11 North Kansas City Oct. 18 at Platte County Oct. 25 at Kearney

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

SHAWNEE MISSION WEST

PARK HILL NORTH KANSAS CITY

at Smithville Warrensburg Mt. Vernon at Nevada Grain Valley Oak Grove at Odessa Excelsior Springs at Harrisonville

RAYTOWN SOUTH

OLATHE NORTH Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 19 Sept. 27 Oct. 3 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

OLATHE EAST Sept. 6 at Olathe North Sept. 13 Olathe Northwest Sept. 20 at Lawrence Free State Sept. 27 at SM North Oct. 4 Olathe South Oct. 11 Leavenworth Oct. 17 at Blue Valley North Oct. 25 Blue Valley Northwest Oct. 31 at SM South

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

RAYMORE-PECULIAR 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

O’HARA Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

William Chrisman at St. Joseph Central at Ruskin Grandview at Kearney North Kansas City at Liberty North Winnetonka at Raytown South

PLEASANT RIDGE 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

ODESSA

Sept. 6

MILL VALLEY Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

PLEASANT HILL 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

LIBERTY NORTH

HARRISONVILLE Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

Aug. 30 Sept. 7 Sept. 13 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 4 Oct. 12 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

OAK GROVE 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

LIBERTY 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

HARMON Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

Nov. 1

SM East SM North Olathe South at SM Northwest at SM West at Olathe East Lawrence at Lawrence Free State at Wyandotte

LEE’S SUMMIT WEST

GRANDVIEW Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 24

Sept. 6 Sept. 12 Sept. 20 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

LEE’S SUMMIT NORTH 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

GRAIN VALLEY Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

NORTHEAST 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

LEE’S SUMMIT 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

GARDNER EDGERTON Sept. 6 at Blue Valley Sept. 13 Blue Valley Northwest Sept. 20 at Blue Valley Southwest Sept. 27 Bishop Miege Oct. 4 at Blue Valley West Oct. 11 Blue Valley North Oct. 18 at Olathe South Oct. 25 Olathe North Nov. 1 at Olathe Northwest

at Maryville Richmond at Plattsburg at North Platte Lathrop at East Buchanan Penney at Mid-Buchanan West Platte

OAK PARK

FORT OSAGE Aug. 30 Park Hill South Sept. 6 at Blue Springs South Sept. 13 Liberty North Sept. 20 at Oak Park Sept. 27 at Raytown Oct. 4 at Staley Oct. 11 William Chrisman Oct. 18 at North Kansas City Oct. 25 Belton

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

LEAVENWORTH

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS

LAWRENCE FREE STATE

EAST Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 14 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 18 Oct. 24

Gardner Edgerton running back Traevohn Wrench (above) needs just 24 yards to pass Bubba Starling for the top spot on the school’s all-time rushing list.

LAWRENCE

DE SOTO Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Oct. 31

JOHN SLEEZER | THE KANSAS CITY STAR

LANSING

CENTRAL

Pleasant Hill at Center at Savannah Benton Lafayette at Bishop LeBlond Maryville Chillicothe Cameron

PLATTE COUNTY

BISHOP MIEGE Sept. 6 Blue Valley North Sept. 12 at Blue Valley Sept. 19 at Blue Valley Northwest Sept. 27 at Gardner Edgerton Oct. 4 Blue Valley Southwest Oct. 11 Blue Valley West Oct. 18 at Turner Oct. 25 Harmon Nov. 1 at St. Thomas Aquinas

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

SOUTHWEST ECC

at Cameron Clinton St. Pius X at Northeast Trenton at Southwest University Academy at Lincoln Prep East

PIPER

BELTON Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

SMITHVILLE 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

PEMBROKE HILL

BASEHOR-LINWOOD Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Oct. 31

at Fort Osage Blue Springs at Truman at Ruskin Grandview Lee’s Summit West at St. Joseph Central Liberty North Park Hill

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 19 Sept. 27 Oct. 3 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

at SM South Olathe South Lawrence at Lawrence Free State Leavenworth Olathe Northwest at SM North at SM East SM Northwest

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

WYANDOTTE Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

at Van Horn at Harmon Sumner Academy at Atchison at Schlagle Washington Lawrence Free State at Lawrence Leavenworth

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.