Kansas Pregame, Volume 10
Page 75
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NEWTON
The 2014 season saw Newton stumble backward from its 2013 success, but with key parts back on offense (four starters) and defense (six), the Railers might be able to get back on the tracks soon. “This year we have a number of players with varsity experience returning on both sides of the ball, but will need to build our strength and depth at some positions,” said Newton coach Nate Wollenberg. “We will have a tough schedule, and success will depend on preparation, dedication and how we come together as a team.” The tough schedule is no overstatement – after opening the year at home against Campus, Newton will be on the road for four of its next five games. That string of tough luck turns by the time districts hit, however. Newton begins district play at home with Great Bend and finishes it in its friendly confines against Salina Central. Those games sandwich a road test at Salina South. In 2014, “We need to be physical on the offensive and defensive lines,” Wollenberg said. “We need to be disciplined with how we execute, and use the strengths of our players to their best potential.” With more than half the defensive starters back, Newton should be able to allow its playmakers the opportunity to shine – primary among them being defensive lineman Aiden Mills and linebacker Luke Porter. Offensively, the Railers will look for ways to get Kade Remsberg more touches in open spaces. Remsberg, a junior, won the 100 and 200-meter dashes at 5A state track this past year. 2-7 in 2014 / 0-3 in district / 5A Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division I Coach: Nate Wollenberg (3rd year, 7-12; 10th overall, 59-32) Assistants: Tony Hein, Tad Remsberg, James Pfannenstiel, Bob Guest, Tyler Swalley, Jeremy Gooch, Ted Jantz, Wade Chamberlain Offense: I-Pro Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 21 Returning starters: 4 Offense, 6 Defense Luke Porter, RB/LB, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Nic Parga, OL/DL, 5-10, 235, Sr.; Josh Fulmer, TE/DE, 6-4, 215, Sr.; Nolan Brill, LB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Dustyn Ediger, DL, 6-4, 255, Sr.; Cole Koerner, QB/DB, 5-9, 168, Sr.; Kade Remsberg, RB, DB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Aiden Mills, OL/DL, 6-5, 258, Jr. Kyle McCaskey
PITTSBURG
The Pittsburg Purple Dragons are coming off their best season in recent history, finishing 9-2 and advancing to the Class 5A quarterfinals. However, the Dragons graduated an abundance of talent from their 2014 campaign, including Alex Barnes, one of the most heralded athletes in school history. Barnes, a 2014 Kansas Pregame coverboy, finished his career with 4,835 yards and 83 touchdowns. He rushed for 2,361 yards and 28 TDs as a senior alone. However, the Dragons do not lack in returning talent. Pittsburg brings back three starters on offense and six on defense. In quarterback Spencer Turnbull, wide receiver and defensive back Elijah Harris and linebackers Will Mengarelli and Adrian Scroggins, the Dragons have four players who were all-SEK performers last year. Pittsburg also has three transfers who are expected to make an immediate impact. Running back Sherrick Rogers, who was a backup to Barnes at tailback as a sophomore at PHS and earned allstate honors as a wide receiver at Chetopa in 2014, is expected to be the Dragons’ starting tailback. Wide receiver and defensive back Zack Roark and offensive lineman and linebacker Dana Coerver transferred from Columbus. “We feel good, particularly on the defensive side,” Pittsburg coach Tom Nickelson said. “We have a lot of guys on that side of the ball who have started one or two years. I also feel good about our team speed. We are probably faster than we were last year as a team overall.” 9-2 in 2014 / 2-1 in district / 5A Southeast Kansas League Coach: Tom Nickelson (5th year, 26-12) Assistants: Ben Bernhardt, Merle Clark, Leroy O’Bray, Matt Butler, Trevor Elliot, Kris Mengarelli, Cody Murdock, Jeff Johnson Offense: Multiple I Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 21 Returning starters: 3 Offense, 6 Defense Spencer Turnbull, QB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Dante Menghini, FB, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Elijah Harris, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Kayne Hutchinson, DT, 6-0, 225, Jr.; Trevor Kent, DE, 6-5, 250, Jr.; Dylan Untereker, DE, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Will Mengarelli, LB, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Adrian Scroggins, LB, 6-0, 175, Sr. Mark Schremmer
OP-BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST
Blue Valley Southwest will undergo a leadership change, as Anthony Orrick steps in to call the plays for the Timberwolves. Orrick takes the head coaching position after spending the past five seasons in the same role at Spring Hill. He guided Spring Hill to postseason berths in each of the past three seasons. Orrick played high school ball at Blue Valley. Orrick replaces Bill Lowe, who stepped down in the offseason. Blue Valley Southwest’s two postseason appearances came under the direction of Lowe in 2010 and 2011. The Timberwolves were a state quarterfinalist in 2011, going 6-6. Since that season, however, Blue Valley Southwest had suffered a onewin decrease each year, culminating in a 3-6 showing in 2014. After scoring victories in their first three games of the season, the Timberwolves ended the year mired in a six-game losing streak. The offense brings back its signal caller, as quarterback Collin Gallery earned honorable mention Eastern Kansas League status as a junior. He threw for over 800 yards for the Timberwolves. Also back to protect him is lineman Jon Meyer, also an all-EKL pick. Blue Valley Southwest did lose its top running back and wideout to graduation, though, leaving the offense searching for replacements that can rack up yardage. Scoring the ball was not so much the issue for the Timberwolves a year ago – the attack clicked for a respectable 193 points over nine games. It was a lethargic defense that caused headaches. Blue Valley Southwest gave up 37.1 points per game, third-worst among 5A schools. All nine foes put up at least 19 points on the Timberwolves, and five clocked them for 40-or-more. District 4 features state runner-up St. Thomas Aquinas, an early favorite to make another run at the state title game. Pittsburg (9-2) and Blue Valley West (5-4) bring their own share of challenges after productive 2014 seasons. 3-6 in 2014 / 0-3 in district / 5A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Anthony Orrick (1st year, 0-0; 6th year, 23-35) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A
Kyle McCaskey
SALINA CENTRAL
Salina Central reached the playoffs for the second straight season after an 0-2 start. The Mustangs opened with a 49-3 loss to Lawton (Okla.) and then fell 35-14 to Derby. Central earned its first victory with a 29-28 win against Maize and then won three more, all by at least 15 points, to move to 4-2. Maize came back from 14 down in the fourth quarter and missed a two-point conversion that would have won the game. Central lost to rival South, 14-7, to open district play and then easily defeated Great Bend (41-15) and Newton (56-7) to capture the runner-up spot. Central is now 4-8 in its last 12 meetings with South, including four straight losses, though three of those have come by one score. In the first round of the playoffs, Central fell at Wichita Heights, 10-7. Heights defensive back D’Aunte McPhaul delivered two late interceptions in Falcon territory to secure the victory. The second one came with 20 seconds remaining at the Heights’ 10-yard line. Heights led 10-0 midway through the second quarter before Central scored with 1:57 left in the first half. Neither team completed a pass in the first half and no one scored after intermission. Central did have a goal line stand on Heights in the second half. The Mustangs finished 5-1 at home and 1-3 on the road. Central outscored opponents 270-185. Senior running back Dalton Peters returns after he collected all-state honors at running back with 1,653 rushing yards and 20 scores. JaVon Burse graduated after an all-state year at defensive back with 66.5 tackles, 11 pass breakups, five interceptions and two TFLs. 6-4 in 2014 / 2-1 in district / 5A Ark Valley Chisolm Trail Division I Coach: Mike Hall (10th year, 50-41) Assistants: Travis Benoist, Rick O’Neill, Ernest Ballenger, Mike Kilgore, Alan Shuler, Derryl Hill, Zach Humphrey, Eric Clayton Offense: I-formation Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Dalton Peters, RB, Sr.; Michael McMullen, FB/TE, Sr.; Dylan Wentzel, WR/QB, Jr.; Travis Bigler, WR, Sr.; Cort Enriquez, OL, Sr.; Ethan Baders, OL, Jr.; Hunter Griffitts, TE/OL, Sr.; Orion Welch, DE, Sr.; Adrian Castelli, LB, Sr.; Kyle True, LB, Sr.; Jackson Helvey, OL, Sr.
Conor Nicholl
OP-BLUE VALLEY WEST
The Blue Valley West Jaguars, two years removed from a district championship and eight since their run to the 5A state title in 2007, are hoping 11 returning starters and 24 returning lettermen are enough to find more postseason glory in 2015. Scott Wright is entering his 15th year as the head coach at Blue Valley West, where he has gone 8768 overall (.561). Wright is hoping that in 2015, his team can continue to improve in the 5A level. “(We want to) continue to take the next step in 5A. The (Eastern Kansas League) will continue to be one of the top football leagues in the state. Each week is a tough test. We look forward to competing and improving with the opportunity to make our school, parents and community proud,” Wright said. The Jaguars have quarterback Nathan Wiles, a University of Oklahoma baseball commit, who stands at a massive 6-foot-4 and 222 pounds, set to be among the six returning offensive starters. He’ll be accompanied by three returning offensive linemen in Jesse Hoffman, Michael Varhola and Wyatt Dorsh. Defensively, cornberback Mark Collins, Jr. - the son of former NFL defensive back Mark Collins, Sr. - and linebackers Chris Morris and Jack Walton will be among the leaders. Collins is among the top recruits in Kansas with offers from North Dakota, Northern Iowa, South Dakota, and South Dakota State and interest from Wyoming and Nebraska, where he camped earlier this year. 5-4 in 2014 / 2-1 in district / 5A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Scott Wright (15th year, 87-68 overall) Assistants: Don Alpaugh, Josh Koerkenmeier, Ryan Copp, Mike Besler, John Stone, Kevin Bandy, Andrew Addington, Danny Cantenzaro, Kollin Ahern, Dereck Pitts, Pete Skakl, Randy Lowe Offense: Multiple 1 Back Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 24 Returning starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense Mark Collins, CB, 5-11, 170; Chris Morris, LB/RB, 5-9, 172; Jesse Hoffman, OL, 6-4, 278; Austin Brunk, DL, 6-3, 242; Lee Griggs, DL, 5-9, 254; Nathan Wiles, QB, 6-4, 222; Jack Walton, ILB, 5-11, 178; Cole Ritchenburg,IR, 6-0, 173; Wyatt Dorsh, OL, 6-0, 279; Michael Varhola, C, 6-4, 248; Jake Lansford, WR, 5-10, 170
SALINA SOUTH
Sean Frye
Sam Sellers, entering his sixth year as head coach and 15th with the program, has continually kept Salina South among the Class 5A elite. South returned just six starters from its Class 5A runner-up showing in 2013 and posted a 10-2 record. In each of the last three years, South has made the semifinals and won at least 10 contests. South’s offense will have its third quarterback in as many seasons. Sellers said the team has an “incredible WR pool” and 6-3, 190 pound quarterback Jacob Yarochowicz will take over under center. Sellers says the QB has a great understanding and feel for the game. He received postseason honors in basketball and baseball last year. “The Cougars have been hungry this offseason,” Sellers said. “The big question marks is that while there are some nice pieces returning on the O and D lines, a few starting roles and backups need to step up. From a skill standpoint it may be the fastest team we’ve had at South. The defensive back seven will all possess very good speed and athleticism.” Senior free safety Cole Calvert was honorable mention all-state and first team all-league. Senior wide receiver Jacob Marcotte and senior tight end Trace Kochevar (recruited by KU, K-State, several Division Is) were both honorable mention all-state and second team all-league. Senior Dylan Becker was a first team all-state KPreps.com selection after he caught 46 passes for 1,042 yards and 16 scores. 10-2 in 2014 / 3-0 in district / 5A Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division I Coach: Sam Sellers (6th year, 42-22) Assistants: Chris Barkley, Jason Hooper, Dan Smith, Justin Ebert, Gary Seibel, Kanean Wendell, Daniel Colton, Jim Wittman Offense: Pro-Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning Lettermen: 26 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Dylan Becker, WR, Sr.; Jacob Marcotte, WR, Sr.; Cole Calvert, FS, Sr.; Logan Coble, OLB, Sr.; Trace Kochevar, TE, Sr.; D.J. Weir, OLB, Sr.; Brandon Magazine, OL, Sr.; Steven Slayton, CB, Sr.; Aaron Chapman, OL/DL, Sr.
Conor Nicholl
OP-ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
For a one-year turnaround, an improvement from 3-7 to 9-4 and 5A state runner-up was startling. If one were arguing the most outstanding coaching jobs in Kansas, this had to be in the conversation. But the name attached to it, Randy Dreiling, almost makes it seem commonplace. Dreiling was the mastermind behind the resurgence of the previously woebegone Hutchinson program – in 17 seasons with the Salthawks, he produced seven state titles. In his first try at St. Thomas Aquinas, the Saints found themselves in the title game. The Saints even led Bishop Carroll at the half before faltering after intermission. Fourteen starters are back from that squad. “I feel we have a chance to be very good this year, and possibly play for a championship,” Dreiling said. Quarterback Karter Odermann, who ran for 1,000 yards and threw for nearly 800 more, coordinates the assault. Top rusher James Cosentino (1,296 yards, 14 touchdowns) adds another potent element. Four veteran linemen return to protect them. Transfer tight end CJ Perez (SM Northwest) is a balanced athlete, capable on routes or blocking. The d-line is a handful. Angel Dominguez and Christian Chalabi both ripped off four sacks this past year, and the addition of another transfer, Kyle Walker (Hutchinson), adds to the threat. Safety Christopher Schilling nabbed five INTs. as a junior. 9-4 in 2014 / 2-1 in district / 5A Eastern Kansas League Coach: Randy Dreiling (2nd year, 9-4; 25th overall, 194-80) Assistants: Travis Thurston, Grant Dreiling, Justin Gore, Dylan Jackle, Chris Perez, Chad McKinnis, Pete Flood, Chris Johnson, Chip Ahern, Scott Thompson, Matt Sellers, Lorne Parks, Steve Garvey, Lee Lonegran, Jason Flood Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 40 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 6 Defense Jake Barr, C, 5-8, 215, Sr.; Sean Benson, CB, 6-0, 181, Sr.; Christian Chalabi, DE, 5-9, 218, Sr.; James Cosentino, RB, 5-8, 166, Sr.; Andrew Gilroy, LG, 5-9, 231, Sr.; Tom Killilea, RT, 6-4, 278, Sr.; Jacob Leikam, WR, 5-6, 181, Sr.; Karter Odermann, QB, 6-1, 192, Sr.; Zach Pfeifer, RG, 6-3, 294, Sr.; CJ Perez, TE, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Christopher Schilling, FS, 5-9, 194, Sr.; Parker Swanson, LB, 5-9, 193, Sr.; Kyle Walker, DL, 5-9, 206, Sr.; Nick Bulleigh, CB, 5-9, 166, Jr.; Angel Dominguez, DE, 6-3, 241, Jr. Kyle McCaskey
SHAWNEE MILL VALLEY
The Mill Valley Jaguars earned their seventh-straight playoff berth last year, going 3-0 in district play and falling to Pittsburg in the first round. But with 17 returning starters and 37 returning lettermen in 2015, the Jaguars could see their ceiling raised this fall. Sixth-year head coach Joel Applebee will have to deal with the loss of offensive lineman Evan Applegate, linebacker Conner Kaifes and running back Isaiah Young, who are now playing at Kansas State, Coffeyville Community College and Avila, respectively. Applebee does have the luxury of his signal-caller, Logan Koch, returning to the squad. Koch tossed for 1,042 yards and nine touchdowns in 2014, while he added 1,167 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. Koch will also have two of his favorite targets, Christian Jegen and Lucas Krull, back as well. The two wideouts combined for 942 yards and seven touchdowns receiving a year ago. Ben Hecht, a North Dakota State commit, will bolster the offensive line. Defensively, the Jags are led by Grant Warford, who racked up 82 tackles, including seven for a loss, last season. On the frontline, Mill Valley is centered around Hersimran Auijla, who had six of his 34 tackles behind the line of scrimmage including a sack. The Jaguars open the season with top ranked St. Thomas Aquinas. 5-5 in 2014 / 3-0 in district / 5A Kaw Valley League Coach: Joel Applebee (6th year, 36-15) Assistants: TJ O’Neill, Mike Strack, Drew Hudgins, Alex Houlton, Ian Nichols, Rick Pollard, Geoff White, Eric Thomas, TJ Finan Offense: Spread Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: 37 Returning starters: 8 Offense, 9 Defense Logan Koch, QB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Christian Jegen, WR/DB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Ben Hecht, OL, 6-5, 250, Sr.; Spencer Clayborn, DB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Lucas Krull, WR, 6-6, 200, Sr.; Grant Warford, LB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Anthony Brown, DL, 6-1, 275, Sr.; Tyler Shurley, OL, 5-10, 200. Sr.; Cole Morris, LB, 6-4, 195, Sr.; Tanner Jenkins, OL, 6-7, 265, Sr.; Hersimran Auijla, DL, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Chase Midyett, WR, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Jack Nielson, LB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; DJ Graviette, DL, 6-1, 250, Jr.; Andrew Hicks, K, 6-1, 180, Sr. Sean Frye