RUSSELL BRONCOS

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer

Last season, Christian Ozores embarked on his first year as a head coach and led Russell to multiple milestones, the first winning record since 2003, the first playoff win since 1979, and the first league title for the Broncos in 17 seasons*.

“It was definitely a big deal to our team and community having a winning season for the first time in such a long time,” Ozores said.

After starting the season 3-3, Ozores and company reeled off three straight wins against Phillipsburg, Norton, and Cimarron, with the final game in the streak a first round playoff matchup the Broncos dominated 58-7. The second round saw the win streak and season come to an end with a hard fought 28-22 loss to Hoisington.

While the season ended earlier than they would’ve liked, a deep and talented group of returning starters are back for the Broncos, including All-State senior Roman Hernandez.

“Last year was our first winning season in 20 years and we need to learn how to act after wins,” Hernandez said. “There were some games we went into thinking we would go in and win easy; we lost those games.”

Hernandez lined up at D-end for a unit that was at times dominant, holding half of their opponents to a TD or less. His 64 tackles, 13 sacks, 18 tackles-for-loss, 3 forced fumbles, and two defensive TDs were enough to give opposing backfields almost constant anxiety.

“Roman has a tremendous impact on defense as people tend to game plan around him,” Ozores said. “His length, quickness and strength is what makes him a special player. He has a great first step to beat you off the ball and plays with great technique and oftentimes blows plays up or will have great backside pursuit to make a play on the football.”

Ozores’ D returns nine players with starting experience, including fellow D-linemen, Aiden McCartney (37 career tkls., Sr.) and junior Teagan Pfeifer (48 tkls., 3 TFLs, 2 sacks), while senior Seth Schneider (injured in 2022), juniors Brayden Suchy (69 tkls.) and Camden Backhus (13 tkls., INT) give the Broncos an experienced trio of backers in Russell’s hybrid 4-3.

Meanwhile, in the secondary, senior Peyton Pfannenstiel (37 tkls., 2 TFLs), junior Mason Rohr (19 tkls.), and sophomore Walker Middleton (12 tkls.) also return with varsity experience.

Offensively, the line returns four starters in McCartney and Pfeifer, as well as seniors Zach Martinez and Herbert Schumaker. Hernandez and Suchy rotated in at tight end and fullback respectively, while sophomore athlete Walker Middleton returns after recording 559 all-purpose yards with two TDs.

The Broncos will sadly be without junior offensive and defensive lineman Andrew Boetcher, who tragically passed away on May 21st after being involved in a car accident weeks prior. Boetcher was a passionate football fan and had started on offense, while rotating in defensively.

“He was a great football player for us and an even better teammate,” Ozores said. “He was a hard working kid that everyone enjoyed being around.”

*Norton beat Smith Center, Smith Center beat Russell, and Russell beat Norton in the 2022 regular season. According to Sports in Kansas writer Conor Nicholl, the Broncos clinched the Mid-Continent League title with winning percentage and head-to-head results as the criteria.