Kansas Pregame, Volume 10
Page 92
1228 E First
Pratt
620-672-7497
803 N. Main Pratt, KS 67124 620-672-9444
3400 Main St
Parsons
620-421-1313
Dine-in, Carryout, & Delivery www.homelumberpratt.com
MERIDEN-JEFFERSON WEST
It was a yes/but kind of season for Jefferson West a year ago. Yes, the Tigers won only three games. But, they did make the playoffs for the third time in four years as two of those wins came in district play against Royal Valley (24-6) and Perry-Lecompton (41-27). The Tigers then hung tough in the first round with semifinalist Santa Fe Trail before falling 24-12 to finish the season 3-6 — an open date in Week 3 leading to a one-game shortage. West really wasn’t that far off from posting another winning season, losing by 10 to Big Seven League rival Sabetha and four to fellow league foe Nemaha Central. But the Tigers couldn’t get over the hump in a 1-5 start before putting things together late. Replacing three-year starting quarterback Ian Mullins proved to be a big task and though Jacob Dickey had a decent year with 468 yards, he couldn’t match Mullins’ production. Dickey is now gone, too, leaving the bulk of the offense on the shoulders of tailback Luke Herring, who handled that load just fine a year ago, rushing for 1,060 yards and seven touchdowns. Keishon Brown added 651 yards and six scores and also is back, giving the Tigers a strong 1-2 backfield punch. The duo should find plenty of holes as West returns all-league lineman Michael Majors and honorable mention pick Jared Ice as bookend tackles among three reutrning starters. The biggest question mark facing the Tigers is defensively where threeyear starting linebacker and leading tackler Jacob Kahler has graduated. 3-6 in 2014 / 2-1 in district / 4A Division II Big Seven League Coach: Steve Johnson (9th year) Assistants: Dan Hypse, Jake Farrant, Doug Sidener Offense: Multiple Set I Defense: 4-4 Returning lettermen: 18 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 4 Defense Michael Majors, OT/DT, 6-0, 270, Sr.; Josh Massey, DT, 6-0, 245, Sr.; Luke Herring, RB/LB/K, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Jared Ice, OT, 6-4, 245, Sr.; Quentin Guerra, WR/DB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Keaton Young, C, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Keishon Brown, RB/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.
On the surface, it looks like a major hole for Perry-Lecompton to fill. In reality, it is. Losing standout quarterback Seth Surface to graduation is a big blow. The Emporia State signee ran the Kaws’ offense for the bulk of the past three seasons and was a stat-sheet stuffer a year ago, rushing for 846 yards and 16 touchdowns and throwing for 1,255 yards and eight scores. The task of replacing him will fall on junior Jordan Spreer, last year’s JV QB, or seniors Mitchell Bond and Aaron Chenhall, who were the Kaws’ second- and third-leading receivers last year, respectively. Making matters even tougher, Perry also graduated leading rusher Austin Kurtz (893 yards, 11 TDs). With 88 percent of last year’s offense gone, the question is where will the production come from. Cole Kellum (227 rushing yards) will step into feature roles behind a line that returns four starters. A tough schedule that included the likes of non-league foes Silver Lake and Baldwin as well as Big Seven League toughies Sabetha and Holton led to an up-and-down season a year ago, but the Kaws still had a shot at the playoffs heading into the season finale against Jefferson West. Perry lost a 41-27 shootout to miss out on the postseason and finish 4-5, scoring at least 40 points in all four victories, but allowing at least 40 points in all five losses. The trek won’t be any easier this year, particularly with the Kaws breaking in a host of young player to back a small senior class. The youth will get an early-season baptism with Silver Lake and Baldwin before a stretch against league foes looking to replace many key producers. 4-5 in 2014 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II Big Seven League Coach: Mike Paramore (15th year, 69-66) Assistants: Caleb Denton, Thomas Cooprider, Jared Swafford Offense: Multiple Defense: Odd Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 5 Defense Braden Johanning, C/DL, Sr.; TJ Turpin, OG, Sr.; Brett Koehler, OT, Sr.; Landon Jamison, TE/DL, SR.; Aaron Chenhall, WR/CB, Sr.; Nathan Bays, WR, Sr.; Mitchell Bond, WR, Sr.; Torin Van Nest, DE, Jr.; Spencer Roe, OLB, So.; Cole Kellum, CB, Jr.
Brent Maycock
Limited Delivery Area
NICKERSON
Nickerson looks to build a program under Mike Vernon. He was in a similar situation at Inman three years ago, and in two years, led the Teutons to 12 wins. Now, after a year at Rose Hill, Vernon will try to build up a program that historically has struggled in football. Nickerson has often been caught in a difficult conference, as the Central Kansas League is often unforgiving. Thus, even years Nickerson has been good – like in 2012 when the Panthers went 6-3 – it’s proven tough for the team to make the playoffs. Since starting that 2012 season 6-1, Nickerson has one win in 20 games. “This is the first year of building a program at Nickerson,” first-year coach Mike Vernon said. “Our team will have the goal of getting better every day. If we accomplish that, we could end up being a pretty good football team by the end of the season.” Vernon will install the flexbone offense that made Hutchinson a juggernaut under former coach Randy Dreiling. Vernon was an offensive coordinator under Dreiling before going to Inman in 2012. Inman, like Nickerson, struggled for years to win games. But in two years under Vernon, Inman won 12. A new coach and a new system could be what Nickerson needs to revive the program. Hutchinson, likewise, was dormant before Dreiling took over. If Nickerson improves, it will come against another rough schedule. The Panthers open at Nickerson before hosting Hoisington. Games with Larned, Pratt and Halstead loom after, and the district is balanced with Smoky Valley, Chapman and Wamego. 1-8 in 2014 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Central Kansas League Coach: Mike Vernon (1st year; 3rd overall, 12-6) Assistants: Mike Nugent, Sean Bueford, Mike Hein, Derek Racette Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2 Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A
Brent Maycock
PERRY-LECOMPTON
Dine-in, Carryout, & Delivery
Brad Hallier
PRATT
Jamie Cruce enters his third season at Pratt with a solid group of returners, including speedy junior Hunter Kaufman and three starters on both lines. The Greenbacks are coming off a 5-5 season and a first-round playoff exit, but 14 lettermen are back in the lineup. That group includes offensive linemen Jerod Theis, Traik Peltier and Seth Simmons, as well as Kaufman in the slot and senior Sean Noel at fullback. Defensively, the Greenbacks return Theis, Peltier and senior Hunter Doyle up front, Noel at linebacker and Kaufman in the secondary. Pratt will have to replace most starting skill positions, as well as the majority of linebackers and defensive backs, but Cruce said finding a new quarterback will be among the biggest challenges for his team. “Developing our quarterback position will be a major factor,” he said. “Staying healthy will also be important as our depth is not spectacular at this point. We will have some young kids needing to step up and provide competition and depth.” The Greenbacks open the season against Lyons, and they will also face Plainville, Hoisington, Kingman, Nickerson and Hesston before district play begins. Pratt’s district includes Hugoton, Holcomb and Larned. 5-5 in 2014 / 2-1 in district/ 4A-II Central Kansas League Coach: Jamie Cruce (3rd year, 7-12; 9th overall, 35-46) Assistants: Tyler Strong, Jason Gallagher, Steve Landry, Lance Fuller, Levi Poindexter Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense Jerod Theis, OL/DL, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Traik Peltier, OL/DL, 6-4, 210, Jr.; Seth Simmons, OL, 6-1, 270, Sr.; Hunter Doyle, DL, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Sean Noel, FB/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Hunter Kaufman, Slot/DB, 5-8, 150, Jr.
Melanie McGee
OSAWATOMIE
A 1-2 start to the season wasn’t exactly promising for Osawatomie, even though both losses came to teams that eventually made the playoffs (Frontenac, Wellsville). But the Trojans rebounded quite nicely, reeling off five straight wins to secure the program’s first playoff berth since 2005. A 3528 double-overtime win over Pioneer League rival Prairie View was the key victory in that stretch, coming in the district opener to all but lock up the postseason spot. Though Osawatomie was a one-and-done in the playoffs, falling in the first round to Holton, the taste of postseason should keep the Trojans hungry to not let another nine years pass before going back. And with nine starters returning each way, the chances of making it two straight appearances seem high. It’s no secret who the Trojans will hitch their wagon to in order to get there. Senior back Riley England followed up a 2,000-yard sophomore season with 1,845 yards and 19 touchdowns last year. He’s averaging 192.5 yards per game for his career and 7.4 yards per carry. But he’s far from the Trojans’ lone weapon. Senior quarterback Brody Russell proved to be a worthy complement last year, throwing for 1,013 yards and 13 touchdowns while getting picked off just twice. Leading receiver Chaseton Wylie is also back after having 21 catches for 415 yards and eight scores.
PARSONS
Second-year Parsons coach Marc Svaty wants his Vikings players to have a short memory. Parsons finished 0-9 in his first season at the helm, and the Viking seniors haven’t won a game at the varsity level. Parsons enters the 2015 season on a 28-game losing streak. The Vikings haven’t won a game since beating Independence 41-40 in the 2011 playoffs. “We must forget about our past,” Svaty said. “We are now a team with athletes who are prepared to compete. The faster that we get on a positive path toward success on Friday nights, the faster our belief in our abilities will take over. We are very excited for this season.” The Vikings do return 20 lettermen with seven starters on offense and 10 on defense. They boast several returning players at the skill positions with quarterback and wide receiver John Feess, running backs Donte Gress, Keennan Dodd, Isaac McPherson, Brett Houk and Tyler Metcalf and wide receiver Dakolby Johnson. Parsons is expected to change its base offensive and defensive formations this season. The Vikings will switch from the flexbone to the spread on offense and from the 4-3 to the 50 on defense. Bruce Polen is listed as the Vikings’ defensive coordinator this season. Polen served as NCAA Division II Pittsburg State’s head coach from 198283, posting a record of 13-6.
6-4 in 2014 / 2-1 in district / 4A-II Pioneer League Coach: Rod Madden Assistants: Nate Seidl, Chad Jones, Clint Bailey, Christian Beardall Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 23 Returning starters: 9 Offense, 9 Defense Riley England, RB/LB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Brody Russell, QB/S, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Noah Newcomb, WR/DB, 5-4, 135, Sr.; Peyton Fields, OL/DE, 6-4, 210, Sr.; Tanner Wilson, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Chaseton Wylie, TE/LB, 6-4, 190, Jr.; Joey Brightwell, WR/DB, 6-4, 190, Jr.; Gavin Badders, RB/LB, 5-10, 195, Jr.; Seth Kingsolver, OL/LB, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Tanner Wilson, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Ryly Joeckel, OL/DL, 6-5, 355, Sr.; Coley Wallace, OL/DL, 5-11, 210, Sr.
0-9 in 2014 / 0-3 in district / 4A-II Southeast Kansas League Coach: Marc Svaty (2nd year, 0-9; 9th overall, 34-41) Assistants: Bruce Polen, Don Barcus, Barney Pontious, Anthony Houk, Chris Misener Offense: Spread Defense: 50 Returning lettermen: 20 Returning starters: 7 Offense, 10 Defense Dylan Misener, C, 5-8, 185, sr.; John Feess, QB/WR/DB, 5-9, 155, sr.; Donte Gress, RB/LB, 5-10, 185, sr.; Sean Anderson, OL, 6-1, 305, sr.; Sydney Shaw, DL, 5-10, 215, sr.; Keenan Dodd, RB/LB, 5-10, 245, sr.; Dakolby Johnson, WR/DB, 5-9, 155, sr.; Isaac McPherson, RB/LB, 6-1, 185, jr.; Brett Houk, RB/LB, 6-1, 195, jr.; Jordan Redmond, OL, 5-9, 255, jr.; Tyler Metcalf, RB/LB, 5-9, 165, jr.; Taylor Gress,, DL, 6-1, 275, jr.; KeShaun Anderson, 5-10, 160, so.; T.J. Mayhue, 5-4, 170, so.
WAMEGO
WICHITA-TRINITY ACADEMY
Brent Maycock
Lee Weber could have been content to stay at Council Grove and coach what he deemed “the best team I would have ever coached.” Instead, he opted to take over at Wamego for retiring coach Dale Burkholder. His reason was simple: “I believe that Wamego holds the potential to be a powerhouse in 4A.” The Red Raiders certainly made moves in that direction under Burkholder, going 14-1 in the North Central Kansas League over the past three years and returning to the playoffs last year for the first time since 2006. With designs on making a deep run a year ago, Wamego was knocked off 14-7 in the first round by Clearwater, a loss that should serve as a huge motivator for the returning players. Wamego did graduate 16 seniors, including standout quarterback Kyler Alderson and lineman Eli Miller, but 16 lettermen return. Junior Dillon Blain served as Alderson’s backup a year ago, also playing receiver, and should take the reins of Weber’s hurry-up, no-huddle spread offense. He’ll have a top-notch target in senior Anthony Gamino, who ranked second on the team a year ago with 20 catches for 462 yards and seven touchdowns. Establishing a running game will be a key and also has been a staple for Weber-coached teams. Hunter Loewen is the only returner with more than 50 yards to his credit, rushing for 210. Senior linebacker Shawn Burns and lineman Kasey Feyh ranked 1-2 on the team in tackles last year with 90 and 89, respectively. The unit gave up just 129 points, allowing more than two touchdowns just twice. Wamego’s only other loss in last year’s 8-2 campaign was 25-14 to Abilene, which ended the Red Raiders’ two-year reign of league titles. 8-2 in 2014 / 3-0 in district / 4A-II North Central Kansas League Coach: Lee Weber (1st year; 15th overall, 64-65) Assistants: John Scoggins, Travis Graber, Curtis Eckart, Derron Reddick, Trent Callender, Jordan Irsik Offense: Spread No-huddle Defense: 4-2-5 Returning lettermen: 16 Returning starters: N/A Offense, N/A Defense Kasey Feyh, DT/OL, Sr.; Shawn Burns, LB/FB, Sr.; Anthony Gamino, WR/DB, Sr.; Hunter Loewen, LB/RB, Sr.; Taylor Wilson, DL/OL, Sr.; Dillon Blain, DB/QB, Jr.; Michael Bryan, OL/DE, Sr.; Jakob Katzenberg, CB/WR, Sr.; Ethan Thomas, LB/QB, Sr.; Ethan Simonsen, DL/OL, Sr. Brent Maycock
Mark Schremmer
The burning question for Wichita-Trinity Academy going into the 2015? Who can tote the rock into the end zone. The glaring loss for the Knights is the depature of all-world running back Tyler Burns. The Kansas State signee rushed for 26 touchdowns and caught three more out of the backfield as a senior. But to less fanfare, the absence of quarterback Matt Jones hinders Trinity, as well. Jones threw for 14 touchdowns and ran for six of his own. Combined, Burns and Jones were intrinsically involved in all but three of Trinity’s touchdowns this past season. There were quite a few trips to paydirt made by the Knights in 2014, too. Trinity was the third-highest scoring team on a points-per-game average in 4A-Division II, rattling off 40 a night – only Andale and Holton put up more. To fill the quarterback question mark, Trinity will hope robbing Peter to pay Paul pays off. Senior Josh Osborne, who led the Knights with 306 receiving yards as a junior wideout, will slip under center. Sam Schroeder, Burns’ top backup this past season, can fill the starting running back role after picking up 133 yards as a sophomore. Osborne and Schroeder have three lineman and a tight end back with experience to hold the fort. Six starters return on defense, led by tenacious senior linebacker Caleb Hoyt. Trinity was sufficient on defense a year ago, holding opponents to 20 points per game. The Knights shut out three opponents, but four teams scored 20-or-more – and three were in the final four weeks of the season. Under the direction of coach Jared McDaniel, Trinity has made a one-win improvement in each of the past two years. The Knights, coming off a 6-3 season, won their first five games in 2014, but went 1-2 in districts to miss the postseason. 6-3 in 2014 / 1-2 in district / 4A-II Central Plains League Coach: Jared McDaniel (4th year, 15-12; 6th overall, 19-26) Assistants: James Jost, Todd Peterson, Brad Burns, James Smith Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 14 Returning starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense Josh Osborne, QB/S, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Mitchell List, TE, 6-4, 240, Sr.; Connor Davis, OL, 6-3, 245, Sr.; Jacob Meyerhoff, OL, 6-0, 255, Sr.; Terrance Floyd, CB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Caleb Hoyt, LB, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Jack Pickert, OL, 6-2, 250, Jr.; Sam Schroeder, RB/LB, 6-1, 220, Jr. Kyle McCaskey