VYPE Kansas Football Preview 2023

VYPE MAGAZINE IS SPONSORED AND DISTRIBUTED FREE TO KANSAS COMMUNITIES

SOUTH & NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

AVAILABLE AT ADVANCED PT, HOG WILD BBQ & ALL VYPE PARTNERS

Save your time and money!

WSU Tech o ers transferable general education courses that are guaranteed to transfer to public colleges and universities in Kansas.

No matter what you are wanting to study if it’s Business, Psychology, Education, Engineering, Communications, Computer Science or something else…

WSU Tech has the classes you need to get the degree and career you want!

National Center for Aviation Training

4004 N. Webb Road | 316.677.9400

City Center | 301 S. Grove | 316.677.9400

WSU South | 3821 E. Harry | 316.677.9400

National Institute for Culinary and Hospitality Education 124 S. Broadway | 316.677.9400

www.WSUTECH.edu

The home-field advantage starts here.

Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine is proud to be the sports medicine provider to area high schools and colleges.

We offer comprehensive care that includes education to prevent sports injuries, sports performance, and the healing and preservation of damaged joints through surgery and rehabilitation.

Our team of physicians includes Dr. Matthew Pyle, sports medicine physician, and orthopedic surgeons Drs. Travis Rump and Todd Reilly. They provide everything from treatment of sports injuries to ultrasound-guided joint injections, nutrition, concussion management and surgery. We also have an A-team of certified athletic trainers and physical therapists who work with athletes at every level.

At school, on the field or in our clinic, Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine has everything you need to get back in the game and stay in the game.

Kelsey Wilson, ATC McPherson College

Shelby Barrett, ATC Salina Central High School

Nicole Balderston, ATC Lead Athletic Trainer

Robert Harp, ATC Smoky Valley High School and Southeast of Saline High School

Evan Bowers, ATC Salina South High School

Matthew Pyle, D.O. Sports Medicine Physician

Preseason All-VYPE Teams

Wichita Large

QB – DaeOnte’ Mitchell, Wichita East

RB – Omari Elias, Kapaun Mount Carmel

RB – Daimont Mucker, Valley Center

WR – Sammy Dresie, Maize South

WR – Michael Lopez, Wichita Northwest

TE – Jake Jasnoski, Goddard

OL – Daylee Van Sickle, Hutchinson

OL – Dawson Rodd, Andover Central

OL – Joe Thomison, Ark City

OL – Derek Lowe, Wellington

OL – Hank Purvis, Bishop Carroll

DL – Trey Heitsman, Valley Center

DL – Travis Nicholson, Eisenhower

DL – Tre Birch, Wichita Northwest

DL – Kyle Newsom, Andover Central

LB – Cannon McCormack, Circle

LB – Lane Nelson, Goddard

LB – Nate Campbell, Wichita Heights

DB – Demariae Baker, Derby

DB – Terrell King, Hutchinson

DB – Jacob King, Wichita Northwest

DB – Omari Wishom, Wichita East

K – Sam Parks, Maize South

P – Chase Dupont, Kapaun Mount Carmel

RET- Lucas Diekman, Eisenhower

Wichita Small

QB – Hudson Ferralez, Wichita Collegiate

RB – Gage Prosser, Andale

RB – Brayden Kunz, Conway Springs

WR – Donald Collier, Wichita Trinity

WR – Jack Voth, Cheney

TE – Tristen Davidson, Kingman

OL – Gunner Williams, Conway Springs

OL – Henry Eck, Andale

OL – Aedan O’Halloran, Hesston

OL – Samuel Suter-Tan, Hutchinson Trinity

OL – Cole Theurer, South Sumner

DL – Jack Ruckle, Cunningham

DL – Tristan Sprole, Wichita Collegiate

DL – Kason Messenger, Cheney

DL – Miles Newell, South Sumner

LB – Aden Stuhlsatz, Garden Plain

LB – Karson Butts, Andale

LB – Koen Werner, Sedgwick

DB – Kolter McDaniel, Cheney

DB – Eric Armour, Hutchinson Trinity

DB – Jace Wunderlich, Central-Burden

DB – Carter Helm, Kingman

K – Grady Kuehn, Cheney

P – Beau Warden, Hesston

RET – Luke McGuire, Cunningham

QB – Gunnar Gross, Salina Central

RB – Carter Long, Clay Center

RB – Nathan Freisen, SE-Saline

WR – Hunter Mowery, Salina Central

WR – Jackson Henry, Clay Center

TE – Cole Webber, Ellsworth

OL – Gage Gibson, Salina Central

OL – Joe Nutt, McPherson

OL – Gabe Riffel, Sterling

OL – Brody Widrig, Beloit

OL – Keegun Biems, Concordia

DL – Jordan Rodriguez, Ellsworth

DL – Josiah Monday, SE-Saline

DL – Gentri Holub, Centre

DL – Victor Ruiz-Torres, Ell-Saline

LB – Teegan Haines, McPherson

LB – Jack Lanning, Marion

LB – Zach Martisko, Inman

DB – Brody Hayes, Clay Center

DB – Quinn Eilert, Beloit

DB – Jayse Schriner, McPherson

DB – Daniel Kejr, SE-Saline

K – Blaise Hoover, McPherson

P – Kellen Schrag, Inman

RET – Joaquin Huff, Moundridge

VYPE Kansas

WICHITA LARGE SCHOOL PRESEASON

POWER 10

1. Wichita Northwest

2. Hutchinson

3. Derby

4. Wichita East

5. Maize

6. Maize South

7. Valley Center

8. Bishop Carroll

9. Buhler

10. Kapaun Mount Carmel

DIVISION I

1. Hutchinson

2. Derby

3. Maize

4. Maize South

5. Newton

6. Salina South

7. Campus

CENTRAL KANSAS LEAGUE

1. Hoisington

2. Pratt

3. Halstead

4. Hesston

5. Haven

6. Larned

7. Lyons

8. Hillsboro

9. Smoky Valley

10. Nickerson

NORTH CENTRAL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION

1. Ellsworth

PRESEASON RANKINGS LEAGUE RANKINGS

WICHITA SMALL SCHOOL PRESEASON

POWER 10

1. Andale

2. Wichita Collegiate

3. Cheney

4. Conway Springs

5. Sedgwick

6. Hutchinson Trinity

7. Kingman

8. South Sumner

9. Halstead

10. Hesston

ARK VALLEY-CHISHOLM TRAIL

DIVISION II

1. Salina Central

2. Valley Center

3. Goddard

4. Eisenhower

5. Andover

6. Andover Central

7. Ark City

CENTRAL PLAINS LEAGUE

1. Cheney

2. Conway Springs

3. Kingman

4. Garden Plain

5. Wichita Trinity

6. Medicine Lodge

7. Chaparral

8. Douglass

9. Belle Plaine

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS LEAGUE

SALINA AREA PRESEASON

POWER 10

1. Salina Central

2. Ellsworth

3. Clay Center

4. McPherson

5. Ell-Saline

6. Clifton-Clyde

7. SE-Saline

8. Inman

9. Sterling

10. Beloit

DIVISION III

1. Buhler

2. McPherson

3. Circle

4. Winfield

5. Augusta

6. Mulvane

GREATER

1. Wichita Northwest

2. Wichita East

3. Bishop Carroll

4. Kapaun Mount Carmel

5. Wichita Heights

DIVISION IV

1. Andale

2. Wichita Collegiate

3. Wellington

4. Clearwater

5. Rose Hill

6. El Dorado

HEART OF AMERICA (11-MAN)

1. Sedgwick

2. Hutchinson Trinity

3. Inman

4. Sterling

5. Marion

6. Remington

HEART OF THE

SOUTH CENTRAL BORDER LEAGUE

HEART OF AMERICA (8-MAN)

1. Ell-Saline

2. Moundridge

3. Bennington

WHEAT STATE

1. Little River

2. Canton-Galva

3. Centre

4. Solomon

5. Goessel

6. Rural Vista

7. Herington

8. Wakefield

WICHITA ATHLETIC LEAGUE

2. SE-Saline

3. Beloit

4. Minneapolis

5. Salina Sacred Heart

6. Republic County

1. Clay Center

2. Wamego

3. Chapman

4. Abilene

5. Concordia

6. Marysville

1. South Sumner 2. West Elk 3. Central Burden

2023 6A TEAMS TO WATCH

Derby will once again be the team to watch in 6A with their strong group of returners. All eyes are on running back Derek Hubbard, after he split playtime with Dylan Edwards last season, but gets the field all to himself this year. Derby also returns quarterback Braxton Clark, as well as some other offensive weapons. The Panthers also bring back all-state defensive back Demariae Baker, who will be one of the best defensive players in the state. Derby will simply reload and be a factor in 6A.

After an 8-3 record, Wichita Northwest was one of the top teams in Class 6A last season, even with a young team. That could mean big things for the Grizzlies in 2023. On offense, Jayce Glasper, a first team all-league quarterback, Michael Lopez, a first team all-league wide receiver and Cencere Thompson, a second team all-league running back return. Senior defensive lineman Tre Birch and junior defensive back Jeremiah Harris - both first team

all-league selections - will anchor the defense. Northwest will be a factor in Class 6A.

Wichita East has a big number of seniors returning this year, especially on the offensive side. DaeOnte Mitchell leads at quarterback and wide receivers Ashton White, LT Robinson, and MJ White will be his top targets. East will be a high scoring team this year. On defense, the Blue Aces return two first team all-league defensive backs in Omari Wishom and Dayontay Standifor. East not only has the roster to win the City League, but to make a deep playoff run.

Led by over 20 seniors, Wichita Heights returns many valuable players. Defensively, Cale Milleson and Nate Campbell, both all-league selections, will be big playmakers on the field. Also, the offensive line and receiver core see many returning starters. The Falcons can be a team that causes problems for the top teams in the City League.

6A PLAYERS & GAMES TO WATCH

Demariae Baker, DB, Derby

Tre Birch, DL, Wichita Northwest

Nate Campbell, LB, Wichita Heights

Braxton Clark, QB, Derby

Jayce Glasper, QB, Wichita Northwest

Michael Lopez, WR, Wichita Northwest

DaeOnte Mitchell, QB, Wichita East

Cencere Thompson, RB, Wichita Northwest

M.J. White, WR, Wichita East

Omari Wishom, DB, Wichita East

Sep 1 - Derby at Manhattan

Sep 1 - Bishop Carroll at Wichita Northwest

Sep 8 - Wichita Northwest at Wichita Heights

Sep 15 - Bishop Carroll at Derby

Sep 22 - Derby at Hutchinson

Oct 6 - Derby at Maize

Oct 13 - Maize South at Derby

Oct 22 - Manhattan at Wichita Northwest

CAMPUS COLTS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division II

Head Coach: Jamie Cruce, 17th season

2023 Schedule: 9/1 - H Goddard 9/8 - At Maize South

- At Salina South 9/22 - H Valley Center 9/29 - At Derby

10/6 - H Hutchinson

10/13 - At Newton

10/20 - H Maize 10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Drake McPherson, sr., QB; Ryan Salomon, sr., OL; Andrue Klitzing, sr., OL; Andrue Klitzing,

Coach Cruce says:

“We are looking forward to the challenge of the 2023 season. We will need to have a successful summer session as we look to make improvements overall. We have many new starters, but we expect them to work hard and show dedication toward the process.”

DERBY PANTHERS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division I

Head Coach: Brandon Clark, 17th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Manhattan

9/8 - H Salina South

9/15 - H Bishop Carroll

9/22 - At Hutchinson

9/29 - H Campus

10/6 - At Maize

10/13 - H Maize South

10/20 - At Newton

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Derek Hubbard, sr., RB; Braxton Clark, sr., QB; Colton Reudy, sr., WR; Austin Ediger, sr., OL; Maxwell Robinson, so., OL; Da’saahn Brame, jr., TE

Coach Clark says:

“Super excited about our group of players. We have had a tremendous offseason with alot of growth. We might be a little undersized on the field, but most of our kids absolutely love the game of

football and are excited to play.”

WICHITA EAST BLUE ACES

League: Greater Wichita Athletic

Head Coach: Enefiok Akpan, 6th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Washburn Rural

9/8 - At Kapaun Mount

Carmel

9/15 - H Wichita

Southeast

9/22 - At Wichita

Northwest

9/29 - At Wichita West

GOOD LUCK DERBY

10/6 - H Emporia

10/13 - H Wichita North

10/20 - At Bishop Carroll

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: DaeOnte Mitchell, sr., QB; MJ White, sr., WR; Rayvelle Leak, sr., RB; LT Robinson, sr., WR; Ashton White, sr., WR

Coach Akpan says:

“Last season we fell short of our goal all based on the key components of the game. Turnovers, tackling, and being disciplined. One quarter away from sharing the city league title, it was good to get that slap in the face last season and now we know how it feels and we got to make sure we don’t feel that again.”

WICHITA HEIGHTS FALCONS

League: Greater Wichita Athletic

Head Coach: Dominick Dingle, 6th season

2023 Schedule: 9/1 - H Garden City

-

Carmel

Johnson, sr., WR; Jayven Martin, sr., OL; Alonzo Cabral, sr., OL; Isaiah Yehudah, sr., WR; Cale Milleson, sr., LB; Avante Scales, sr., DB; Nate Campbell, sr., LB; Ashmar Anderson, sr., DB; Dennis Carter, sr., DB; Malcolm Duckworth, sr., DL; Kieron Harrison Jones, sr., K/P

Coach Dingle says: “The 2023 Wichita Heights Falcons will be a very old and experienced group with many players taking valuable snaps over the last couple of seasons. The 2023 Falcons will be led by the 20+ seniors that are excited to leave their mark in their last season as Falcons.”

WICHITA NORTH REDHAWKS

League: Greater Wichita Athletic

Head Coach: Mitchell Kucera, 2nd season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Wichita Southeast

9/8 - At Garden City

9/15 - H Wichita Heights

9/22 - H Wichita South

9/29 - At Bishop Carroll

- H Wichita West

- At Wichita East

Key Returning Players: DJ Fowler, sr., QB; DeAnthony Jones, so., RB; Noe Alvarado, so., RB; Mason Classen, jr., OL; Sam Doell, jr., TE

Coach Kucera says:

“We will be vastly improved this year. These guys have worked hard in the offseason becoming better athletes overall. I see greater dedication to winning and building a program.”

WICHITA NORTHWEST GRIZZLIES

League: Greater Wichita Athletic

Head Coach: Steve Martin, 12th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Bishop Carroll 9/8 - At Wichita Heights 9/15 - At Kapaun 9/22 - H Wichita East 9/29 - At Topeka 10/6 - H Wichita South

10/14 - H Wichita West

10/20 - H Manhattan

10/27 - TBA

Coach Martin says:

“If 2022 had a theme, it was a youth movement. At points during the year the Grizzlies were starting five freshmen and three sophomores at a time. The offseason for Northwest has been grueling and Coach Martin is excited for this team’s potential.”

WICHITA SOUTH TITANS

League: Greater Wichita Athletic

Head Coach: Russ Wells, 4th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Kapaun Mount Carmel

9/8 - At Bishop Carroll

9/15 - H Dodge City

9/22 - H Wichita North

9/29 - H Wichita Heights

10/6 - At Wichita Northwest

10/13 - At Wichita Southeast

10/20 - H Wichita West

10/27 - TBA

- TBA

Key Returning Players: Tavion

- H Pittsburg

- TBA

Key Returning Players: Cencere Thompson, sr., RB; Jayce Glasper, sr., QB; Michael Lopez, sr., WR; Taccari Brown, sr., WR; Nathan Davis Jr., sr., OL; Tre Birch, jr., DL

Key Returning Players: Karlan Ransom, jr., QB; Kamren Wade, sr., WR; Andrew Deleon, sr., OL; Parker Hardgrave, jr., OL; Rashawn Johnson, so., RB/WR; Ivan Teal, jr., WR; Ross Robinson, sr., LB; Asa Berry, sr., DL; Jaylen-Fitzsimmons-Woods, sr., CB

Coach Wells says:

“We will return several starters and we expect them to take a step forward this year. On offense we will be led by Karlan Ransom at QB in his second season as a starter and wide receiver Kamren Wade in his third. Our offensive line returns four players with starting experience.”

WICHITASOUTHEAST BUFFALOES

League: Greater Wichita Athletic

Head Coach: Marcus Bagley, 3rd season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Wichita North

9/8 - H Wichita West

9/15 - At Wichita East

9/22 - At Great Bend

9/29 - H Kapaun Mount

Carmel

10/6 - H Wichita Heights

10/13 - H Wichita South

10/20 - At Dodge City

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Marcus Fiscus, jr., QB; Ronelle Slaughter, jr., RB; DJ Brown, jr., WR; Elliot Merten, sr., C; Jordan Mewborn, sr., LT; Torean Kincaid, so., LG; Quentin Webb, sr., DE; Khlaik Thomas, jr., DT; Leonel Sweet, jr., CB; Vernon Williams, so., S

Coach Bagley says:

“Our goals this season is to compete from snap to whistle, down in and down out, and

Wichita Heights’ Nate Campbell

By Blake Chadwick

When asking Wichita Heights middle linebacker Nate Campbell to describe himself, he said he’s aggressive and a student of the game.

Campbell was a first-team All-League selection and an honorable mention All-State player after totaling 100 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries.

“I spend a lot of time watching film each week to prepare for the upcoming game,” Campbell said. “This allows me to play more aggressively since I already know what plays they tend to run in certain situations.”

With his work ethic on and off the field, the senior has given himself a lot of chances for great opportunities. He focused on improving block destruction and open field tackling, which should help him reach his goals of becoming one of the top players in Class 6A It can’t just be Campbell, though, for Heights. The Falcons have a lot of work to do after a 4-5 season in 2002 to get back to the top of the City League again.

“Team workouts have been great so far; coach is always pushing us to be the best that we can be,” Campbell said. “I think this year’s team is special because we’re all very very competitive and have a close bond with each other because most of our team has played together since freshman year which has helped build a trust for each other on the field.”

to win more games than we did the previous season. We will emphasize accountability, discipline, execution, and an overall focus on the continued development of our athletes.”

WICHITA WEST PIONEERS

League: Greater Wichita Athletic

Head Coach: Jeremy Moss, 1st season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - Dodge City @ Friends University

9/8 - At Wichita Southeast

9/15 - At Garden City

9/22 - Wichita Heights @ Friends University

9/29 - H Wichita East

10/6 - At Wichita North

10/14 - At Wichita Northwest

10/20 - At Wichita South

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Anthony Steele, jr., QB; Mencali En, jr., LB; Romello Reynolds, so., WR

Coach Moss says: “We’re excited about the upcoming Pioneer football season, our kids have worked hard in preparation for it. We have a group of young men who are being led by an awesome coaching staff, we are all looking forward to the fall.”

Ark Valley Gun Club: “Call of the Wild”

By Matt Browning

A year ago, Ark Valley Gun President Monty Montgomery, as well as members Steve Rist and Randy Randall, set out to assemble the top shooters from the many schools that practice and compete at the Ark Valley Gun Club. Fast forward to this summer and the team that these gentlemen assembled won the Junior Team Championship.

“I knew right then this team was going to be something to talk about, and something for the Ark Valley Gun Club to be proud of,” Rist said. “I told my wife Susanna that night, now the work begins. And these team members and their parents have responded.”

Most of the 12 members on the team practice at least once a week at the impressive Ark Valley Gun Club facility, with lighting that allows anybody to practice as late as they want.

Members of the team by category are:

Junior Gold Category:

Morgan Runnion, Wichita State University

Gillian Struble, Oklahoma State

Junior Category:

Michaela Baalmann, Bishop Carroll

Evan McCartney, Valley Center

James Biehler, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Audrey Jones, Bishop Carroll

Cody Sherbon, Valley Center

Logan Milleman, Wichita Trinity

Martin Stika, Bishop Carroll

Will Esfeld, Bishop Carroll

Maxton Runnion, Valley Center

Sub Junior Category:

Mason Mans, Attica

Recently, the group returned from the AIM Grand Championship, which is the most important and decorated competition for shooters.

“Not everyone goes to it because this is where the best of the best from all over the United States, Canada, and the rest of the world come to compete,” Rist said. “At the AIM Grand this year there were 1662 shooters, and truth be told I had no idea what to expect. I knew if we shot to our ability we could be competitive.”

In Skeet they placed as follows: Junior 4th Place Team

Audrey Jones, Will Esfield, Michaela

Baalmann, and Martin Stika.

Junior 7th Place Team

Evan McCartney, Cody Sherbon, Maxton Runnion, and Logan Milleman.

In Trap they placed as follows:

Junior Class B Team 3 Place Team

Audrey Jones, Cody Sherbon, Maxton Runnion, Mason Mans, and Logan Milleman

Junior Class AA Team 6th Place Team

Michaela Baalmann, Martin Stika, Evan McCartney, James Biehler, and Will Esfeld.

Michalea Baalmann placed second in Junior Doubles, while Evan McCartney placed third in the .28 ga Challange, and second in the .22 cal Semi Auto Rifle.

Cencere Thompson Wichita Northwest

By Matt Browning

Wichita Northwest has a rich history in running backs, so when Cencere Thompson talks about a goal he has for the upcoming season, that speaks volumes.

“I want to become the leading rusher in history for Northwest and earn first team all-state honors,” Thompson said.

Last season, Thompson racked up nearly 1,500 allpurpose yards, while also reaching the endzone 18 times. He was named first team all-league and honorable mention all-state. As a sophomore, Thompson rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The sky is the limit for how gaudy Thompson’s numbers can be in 2023.

“This upcoming season I’m most excited about getting to play with my teammates that I’ve been playing with for half of my life,” Thompson said. “It’s our last season together and we definitely have a lot to show this year for everyone.

Having that extra gear was something Thompson worked on

over the offseason and he can already see a significant difference from a year ago.

“So far with the off-season I’ve been training with my trainer James Tabor almost every day in order for me to become stronger and faster than everyone else,” Thompson said. “In order for me to improve on it I’ve been working on explosive movements more in my workouts within school workouts and the ones with my trainer. It’s definitely gotten a whole lot better and I can’t wait to showcase it this season.”

Mencali En Wichita West

By Matt Browning Wichita West head football coach

Jeremy Moss has nothing but glowing remarks about his junior linebacker Mencali En.

“Mencali is a good football player but a better young man,” Moss said.

“He’s a 4.0 student and leader of our defense. He is looking to have a breakout junior campaign.”

Last season, En racked up 80 tackles with two sacks and an interception.

Football has been a seven day adventure for En this summer. Between camps and individual work, En is out to fulfill his coach’s expectation in 2023.

“This off season I’ve been going to summer conditioning, attended two Sharp Performance camps, one K-State camp and one Pitt State camp,” En said. “On the weekends I’d go to the field and work on some crafts including footwork, tackling, pass drops and reading keys.”

En is focused on reading and reacting this season and he looked at the highest level of football for insight.

“This year I want to improve on my key reads because they help you get to the ball faster,” En said. “Things I’ve been doing to improve is practicing with teammates and watching NFL film breaks downs.”

Basic goals are all En is focused on this season, not specific statistics or accolades.

“My individual goals this year are to show growth from my sophomore year,” En said. “My team goals would be to dominate the details and play as a team on offense, defense and special teams.”

Derby’s Demariae Baker

By Blake Chadwick

Those around the Wichita area are accustomed to Derby’s dominance on the football field. But with the loss of one of the best Panthers in history –running back Dylan Edwards, who is at Colorado – it raises some questions as to whether the Panthers’ success will continue.

Certainly Derby has plenty of talent returning, including senior Demariae Baker. He has been a key part of the Panthers’ defensive secondary since he was a sophomore, and now in his final season, he is ready to take his team back to Emporia in November.

The two-year starter is a long and rangy defensive back who was named to numerous all-class teams and was named first-team all-AVCTL I last season after an excellent regular season as one of the leaders of the Derby defense.

“What makes me most excited about this season is my comeback from my injury,” Baker said. Adversity hit Baker in the first week of the playoffs when his season ended after he tore his ACL and meniscus, while also spraining his MCL. The loss of Baker hurt the Panthers and their defense down the road, ultimately leading to a playoff loss to Manhattan, the eventual Class 6A state champion.

After an injury like Baker suffered, all he wants to do is to return to the high-level football he was playing at.

“In the offseason, I have been getting my knee ready and my head ready,” Baker said. “I have also been working out with my speed trainer so I can hopefully get all my speed back.” Baker has enjoyed the process as he continues to improve with some new and different techniques for his skill development.

The incoming senior knows that he wants to finish his Derby Panther career with a bang. “I want to have the most interceptions and pass breakups on the team, and I want to get back to state,” Baker said.

TOMMY LEACH’S SHELTER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Southeast’s Leonel Sweet

By Hayden Swope

Leonel Sweet of Wichita Southeast is coming off of an injury from last summer, but is completely healed and ready to get back out on the field.

“I’ve been focusing on regaining back my strength in my knee from dislocating it last summer,” Sweet said. “It was a minor setback but I’m healthier than ever and ready for the season.”

Preparing not only himself and his knee, Sweet has also worked with his team over the offseason to ready themselves for the season.

“I have attended many camps this summer,” Sweet said. “I have been training with my personal trainer Jack Tomlinson. I’ve noticed much improvement and will continue to keep working leading up to the season. I’m excited to showcase my talent and lead the city in interceptions.”

While working to improve his knee, Sweet also had other weaknesses he hoped to improve. With summer camps and training, that’s exactly what he did.

“One area I’m working on is my speed and hip mobility,” Sweet said. “I’ve been doing sprints and many different types of workouts to gain that quick twitch that has been helping me be faster coming out of my breaks.”

Sweet knows exactly what he wants to do after high school, and is excited to see where he’ll end up to achieve his goals.

“After high school I want to pursue my dream career, an Immigration Lawyer,” Sweet said. “I’m open to any colleges that have a good education for me.”

Photo Credit Jared Weinman

DaeOnte Mitchell Wichita East High School

By Matt Browning

It’s difficult to imagine Wichita East quarterback DaeOnte Mitchell having a much better season than the one he had in 2022, where he had 34 total touchdowns and more than 3,000 total yards.

But with all of the weapons the Blue Aces bring back this season and the marked improvement Mitchell is counting on; this season could be truly special for the senior.

Last season, East went 6-4 and defeated Lawrence Free State 34-0 in the playoffs, with victories over Kapaun Mount Carmel and close losses to Washburn Rural and Bishop Carroll along the way.

“I’m most excited about how our team is going to perform on Fridays,” Mitchell said.

“We mostly have a lot of players coming back and our chemistry gets better and better.” Mitchell is already East’s all-time passing yards leader at over 4,500 yards and he has bigger plans for records and team accomplishment this year.

“Individually, I want to lead my team to state and break records,” Mitchell said. “Teamwise I want us to play good against good and bad teams and be disciplined.”

The hard work in the offseason Mitchell is what he hopes leads to all of these goals being accomplished. To say the least, he has been grinding.

“I’ve been going to camps, team workouts, and film sessions already,” Mitchell said. “And then I train, mostly two-a-days.”

Marcus Johnson Wichita Southeast High School

By Matt Browning

Wichita Southeast sophomore punter Marcus Johnson earned honorable mention all-league honors last season and he is planning on that being just the beginning.

Johnson’s offseason was non-stop as he attended multiple camps and was on the field working on fundamentals.

“During the offseason I have attended a few camps - Sharp Performance Camp and Nicholls State University Camp,” Johnson said. “I also have been doing weight training and conditioning with my football team this summer, along with some extra workouts on my own. A few times a week I’ll head out to a nearby soccer field and work on my punts.”

Johnson is adding a new role this year and it is one that he is excited about.

“So not only will I punt, I will be trying out a new position as linebacker,” Johnson said. “Coach Bagley has done a great job preparing me for the new role.”

Distance on his punts was a focal point in Johnson’s offseason workouts. He hopes that by doing this, the accolades will continue to grow, too.

“While at the soccer fields I really tried to work on positioning myself, my follow throughs and making sure I’m kicking with my laces,” Johnson said. “I’ve been practicing my technique even off the field, just trying to keep up with the repetitiveness. That way, I’ll be even more comfortable this season. My freshman season was my first time punting.”

POLL WINNER SPOTLIGHT

Drake McPherson

By Hayden Swope

Campus’ Drake McPherson is preparing himself for his senior year in football, but the three sport athlete loves that Campus gives him many different opportunities to play the games he loves with his teammates.

McPherson is ready to take on his last season and help lead Campus to a few playoff games.

“What I’m most excited for this upcoming season is getting to play with my teammates one last time,”

McPherson said. “Most of my teammates I have been playing with since third grade junior Colt football. I also want to play a large role this season to help campus football become a solid program.”

The offseason included many camps and showings for McPherson, while also working with his coaches and teammates at Campus.

“Most of my Saturdays I work with Sharp Football Academy Quarterback coaches,” McPherson said. “I started this spring with invites from South Dakota State University and South Dakota University. This summer I have attended a total of nine camps including KU, K-State, Pitt State, Butler Community College, Missouri Southern State, and Emporia to name a few.

A few goals McPherson hopes to accomplish are expanding his leadership role while also growing in his abilities.

“I plan to keep building on my strong leadership skills,” McPherson said. “I also want to achieve first team all state quarterback and earn an invite to the Shrine Bowl. I also hope to receive some offers from colleges that have expressed interest in me over the summer.” McPherson plans to continue playing football at the next level, but is still undecided, as well as continue the love for the game later in life.

“I plan to play football in college at the next level where I plan to study the business side of sports and coaching,” McPherson said.

RACHEL JANES’S SHELTER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Campus’s Camden Schroeder

By Hunter Ferguson

In a recent interview with VYPE Campus football player Camden Schroeder spoke glowingly of “Coach Leeper” telling us “my favorite teacher would probably have to be Coach Leeper, just because he takes the time out of his day to check up on you to see how you’re doing. Coach Leeper always manages to find a way to connect to each and every student. He makes teaching more than just a job.”

A devotion mirrored by Schroeder through the acts of service he participates in across the community. Sharing that “I participate in community service with our Little League teams – showing support by helping out during camps and games. I’m also a part of Link Crew in which teachers select juniors and seniors to be leaders for the incoming freshman. To help them get prepared and to be a helpful source for those freshman.”

When asked who among his peers was most helpful in preparing him for what was to come Schroeder named “our running back from last year, Remey Buckles.” Recalling that “Remey always found a way to keep me motivated and kept me focused to push myself and work harder.”

A motivation that has fueled Schroeder during his Season preparations. Schroeder told VYPE “my favorite thing about being on this team is the team bond that gets created and how much trust gets built throughout the year.”

Wichita Northwest’s Michael Lopez

By Blake Chadwick

The Northwest Grizzlies have been so close to the pinnacle – a state championship – but just haven’t gotten over that hump. This year – again – the Grizzlies are an early favorite to win 5A and run through the City League.

Senior wide receiver Michael Lopez has been leading the way all offseason, on and off the field for the Grizzlies.

“The thing I’m most excited about this upcoming season is being able to show the growth of our team and how we’ve had a great offseason grinding together and pushing each other to be our best. We have guys who’ve stepped up in a big way,” Lopez said.

Coach Steve Martin, his assistants and their new strength program have set the Grizzlies apart with their rigorous workouts.

“(Strength) coach (Rashad) Daniels will make you rethink if you love the sport and will work you till you’re on the ground, not wanting to get up,” Lopez said. Lopez is coming off a year where he only played seven games but totaled 717 receiving yards, 34 receptions and 10 touchdowns, earning him first-team All-League and honorable mention All-State selections.

With hopes of becoming a 1,000-plus yard receiver and a first-team All-State selection, Lopez has been getting a lot of extra reps attending numerous camps, where he has been fine-tuning his hands, footwork and route running. And to top it all off, he has also added some weight to his frame, which has increased his athleticism as well as his stock for college coaches to keep an eye on.

Like all seniors, Lopez has a chip on his shoulder, but his is even bigger due to his size. He has always had his foot on the pedal, but now he plans on taking every one of his teammates with him.

2023 5A TEAMS TO WATCH

Last season, Hutchinson went 8-3 and defeated Bishop Carroll in the playoffs, before falling to Maize 21-14. While the Salthawks graduated all-state running back Noah Krohkar and all-state defensive end Brayden Rodriguez, they do bring back all-state offensive lineman Daylee Van Sickle, as well as first team all-league defensive selections Terrell King and Kevin Wilson. Hutchinson has the roster to be the West representative in the 5A title game.

Maize South went just 4-5 a year ago, but the Mavericks bring back first team all-league wide receiver, Sammy Dresie, and second team all-league tight end, Jeron Askren. Up and coming quarterback Tate McNew rounds out an explosive offensive trio for Maize South. A winning season and deep playoff run could be in the offering for the Mavericks.

Maize lost seven all-state players from last season’s 5A runner-up team, including now Kansas State quarterback, Avery Johnson. But don’t sleep on the Eagles, as they still return second team all-league defensive end, Christian Hansen, and second team all-league linebacker, Peyton Ritter. It might take a few weeks to get going, but Maize will again be a threat in 5A.

First team all-league quarterback Gunnar Gross is back for Salina Central,

which is coming off its best record since 2018. The Mustangs also bring back first team all-league wide receiver Hunter Mowery and first team all-league offensive lineman Gage Gibson. Salina Central will have one of the best offenses in Class 5A.

Valley Center returns two dominant all-league selections in running back Daimont Mucker and defensive lineman Trey Heitsman from last season’s 7-2 team. The Hornets also bring back second team all-league defensive back Rock Schomaker. Valley Center has the talent to have another winning season.

Bishop Carroll graduated four all-state selections from last season’s 6-3 team, but the Golden Eagles’ pedigree suggests they will simply reload. Second team all-league offensive lineman, Hank Purvis is back for Carroll, as well as honorable mention all-league quarterback Jackson King and honorable mention all-league wide receiver, Luke Holthusen.

The focal point of Kapaun Mount Carmel’s offense will be all-state running back, Omari Elias. The question becomes what else the Crusaders can get behind Elias? Second team all-league fullback Henry Chrisman and second team all-league offensive lineman Aydan Spiers also return for Kapaun.

5A PLAYERS & GAMES TO WATCH

Omari Elias, RB, Kapaun

Gage Gibson, OL, Salina Central

Gunnar Gross, QB, Salina Central

Christian Hansen, LB, Maize

Trey Heitsman, DL, Valley Center

Terrell King, DB, Hutchinson

Dai’Mont Mucker, RB, Valley Center

Lane Nelson, LB, Goddard

Travis Nicholson, DL, Eisenhower

Hank Purvis, OL, Bishop Carroll

Daylee Van Sickle, OL, Hutchinson

Sep 1 – Bishop Carroll at Wichita Northwest

Sep 15 – Hutchinson at Maize South

Sep 15 – Bishop Carroll at Derby

Sep 22 – Derby at Hutchinson

Sep 29 – Valley Center at Salina Central

Sep 29 – Maize South at Maize

Oct 6 – Kapaun Mount Carmel vs. Bishop Carroll (At Riverfront Stadium)

Oct 6 – Derby at Maize

Oct 13 – Maize at Hutchinson

Oct 13 – Andover vs. Andover Central (At Riverfront Stadium)

Oct 20 – Eisenhower at Goddard

ANDOVER TROJANS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division II

Head Coach: Ken Dusenberry, 4th season

Last Season’s Record: 3-6

Key Returning Players: Tristen Winfield, jr., OL; Ryan Kice, sr., TE; Kam Longacre, sr., QB/DB; Vaiden Law, sr., RB; Noah Noyes, jr., FB; Tanner Woolston, jr., RB/ DB; Trey Noonan, sr., WR; Will Baker, jr., LB; Logan Warkentine, jr., OL

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Maize South

Sep 8 – At Ark City

Sep 15 – At Goddard

Sep 22 – H Salina Central

Sep 29 – H Eisenhower

Oct 6 – At Valley Center

Oct 13 – V Andover Central (At Riverfront Stadium)

Oct 20 – H Hutchinson

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Dusenberry says:

“We will be a young team and an underdog most of the season. Many of our sophomores played last year due to injury and got valuable experience, which

will help us as the season progresses.”

BISHOP CARROLL GOLDEN EAGLES

League: Greater Wichita Athletic

Head Coach: Dusty Trail, 7th season

Last Season’s Record: 7-3

Key Returning Players: Thomas Gorges, sr., RB; Jackson King, sr., QB; Hank Purvis, sr., OL; Luke Holthusen, sr., WR/P; Carter Morris, sr., DB; Sam Hampton, sr., DL

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Northwest

Sep 8 – H South

Sep 15 – At Derby

Sep 22 – At Junction City

Sep 29 – H North

Oct 6 – V Kapaun (At Riverfront Stadium)

Oct 13 – H Heights

Oct 20 – H East

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Trail says:

“The upcoming year will prove to be an exciting year for Bishop Carroll football, as in year’s past, we will need unproven players to rise to the challenge and compete at a championship level.”

EISENHOWER TIGERS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division II

GOOD LUCK ANDOVER

Sammy Dresie, WR, Maize South

Mount Carmel

Salina Central’s Mark Sandbo: Coach of the Month

By Matt Browning

As the head football coach at Salina Central, Mark Sandbo understands the importance of culture. But the culture that has been built in the Mustangs’ program starts and ends with Sandbo, with so many people in between.

“Our culture is strong because of the investment we have from our staff not just with football but towards all students and their involvements across the board,” Sandbo said. “Hire great coaches, which we have, and let them have ownership in the program.”

From an X’s and O’s standpoint, the system Sandbo and his staff have put into place is one where it can be adapted no matter what the Mustangs’ roster looks like.

“We have a system in what we do but our system adapts to the personnel and strengths we have each year,” Sandbo said.

For six years, Sandbo has led Salina Central and as he said, there are too many special memories to point out, even though last season’s league title would be up there.

“Being league champions and regional champions from last season was pretty special for our kids and program but honestly there is too many to single out just one or two,” Sandbo said. “Every season has an impact on me whether its team or player successes.”

The Mustangs had some exceptional talent last season and plenty of those players return this season, which has Sandbo excited.

“We return a lot of guys with Friday night experience,” Sandbo said. “The goals are pretty

much the same year in and year out but this group is really driven to take another step forward in what we could accomplish.”

Move forward with us.

Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine is the leader in orthopedic and sports medicine care for north-central Kansas, with the extensive training and experience you need to keep you moving forward.

Education and collaboration with our patients are priorities because the more you know, the better your recovery. Like our virtual Joint Education class for patients considering or have scheduled a joint replacement surgery.

And after surgery, our team of physical therapists works closely with you to reduce pain and inflammation, offers easy-to-access homeexercise programs, and helps loosen restricted joints and tendons with progressive therapies to help regain balance and stability.

The orthopedic care you need to keep moving forward.

Todd Reilly, D.O. Orthopedic Surgeon Travis Rump, D.O. Orthopedic Surgeon

Matthew Pyle, D.O. Sports Medicine Physician

Head Coach: Darin Fisher, 5th season

Last Season’s Record: 3-6

Key Returning Players: Nate Hamm, sr., OL; Tycen Biering, sr., OL; Lucas Dickman, sr., RB; Carter Pabst, jr., WR; Makai Tagatac, jr., DL; Travis Nicholson, jr., DL; Max Brown, sr., LB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Hutchinson

Sep 8 – At Salina Central

Sep 15 – At Valley Center

Sep 22 – H Andover Central

Sep 29 – At Andover

Oct 6 – H Ark City

Oct 13 – H Salina South

Oct 20 – At Goddard

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Fisher says:

“We graduated a very strong senior class. We are returning many guys with varsity experience including a strong offensive line and running back.”

GODDARD LIONS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division II

Head Coach: Tom Beason, 6th season

Last Season’s Record: 5-4

Key Returning Players: Ashton Sell, sr., DB; Micah Johnson, sr., RB; Lane Nelson, sr., LB; Jake Jasnoski, sr., TE; Pablo Martinez, sr., DL; Matrix Eames, sr., DL; Tyson Wallace, sr., LB; Mason Healey, sr., RB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Campus

Sep 8 – H Valley Center

Sep 15 – H Andover

Sep 22 – At Ark City

Sep 29 – H Andover Central

Oct 6 – At Maize South

Oct 13 – At Salina Central

Oct 20 – H Eisenhower

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Beason says:

“The 2023 Goddard Lions are returning their largest senior class in over a decade and will

rely heavily on players that were key in their 2022 turnaround season.”

HUTCHINSON SALTHAWKS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division I

Head Coach: Mike Vernon, 6th season

Last Season’s Record: 8-3

Key Returning Players: Daylee Van Sickle, sr., OL; Kaleb Cope, jr., OL; Zion Burgess, sr., RB; Mason Jones, sr., DL; Kevin Wilson, jr., LB; Terrell King, jr., DB; Carter Morgan, jr., LB; Jax Heneha, sr., DB; Daniel Hernandez, sr., DB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Eisenhower

Sep 8 – H Newton

Sep 15 – At Maize South

Sep 22 – H Derby

Sep 29 – H Salina South

Oct 6 – At Campus

Oct 13 – H Maize

Oct 20 – At Andover

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Vernon says:

“We have to take the next step as a program this year though. This is something that is being preached in the weight room daily. I believe our staff and players understand this and look forward to the challenge.”

KAPAUN MOUNT CARMEL CRUSADERS

League: Greater Wichita Athletic

Head Coach: Weston Schartz, 4th season

Last Season’s Record: 5-5

Key Returning Players: Omari Elias, sr., RB; Aydan Spiers, sr., OL; Chase Dupont, sr., P; Henry Chrisman, jr., FB; John Knapp,

sr., OL; Henry Orth, sr., OL; Austin Howard, jr., LB; Nathan Thengvall, sr., DB; Jackson Daniel, jr., DB; Dylan Hamilton, sr., QB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H South

Sep 8 – At East

Sep 15 – H Northwest

Sep 22 – V Battle HS (at St. Pius

X, Kansas City, MO)

Sep 29 – H Southeast

Oct 6 – V Bishop Carroll (at Riverfront Stadium)

Oct 13 – At St. James Academy

Oct 20 – At Heights

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Schartz says:

“We return most of our recordsetting offense, led by All-State running back Omari Elias. Four offensive lineman return looking to lead the offense deep into the playoffs, with Henry Chrisman as a key component at fullback in the power run game.”

MAIZE EAGLES

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division I

Head Coach: Gary Guzman, 13th season

Last Season’s Record: 12-1

Key Returning Players: Cole Chalashtari, sr., OL; Jonathan Gould, jr., OL; Bryson Hayes, jr., WR; Jaeden Martin, jr., WR; David Coffey, sr., DL; C.J. Felder, sr., DB; Ayden Flores, sr., DB; Christian Hanson, sr., LB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Topeka

Sep 8 – H Andover Central

Sep 15 – At Newton

Sep 22 – At Salina South

Sep 29 – H Maize South

Oct 6 – H Derby

Oct 13 – At Hutchinson

Oct 20 – At Campus

Oct 27 – TBA

Coach Guzman says:

“We need to experience early success and build on it every week. We also have to execute, play fast, play smart, and be aggressive in all phases of the

game.”

MAIZE SOUTH MAVERICKS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division I

Head Coach: Brent Pfeifer, 14th season

Last Season’s Record: 4-5

Key Returning Players: Tate McNew, jr., QB; Braxton Bigley, sr., RB; Sammy Dresie, sr., WR; Payton Smith, sr., OL; Sam Parks, sr., K; Hunter Higgins, sr., DL; Brady Rapp, sr., LB; Christian McDonald, jr., DB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Andover

Sep 8 – H Campus

Sep 15 – H Hutchinson

Sep 22 – At Newton

Sep 29 – At Maize

Oct 6 – H Goddard

Oct 13 – At Derby

Oct 20 – H Salina South

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Pfifer says:

“With the return of some key players from last year’s team, we hope to build on that experience and improve our mental and physical toughness.”

NEWTON RAILERS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division I

Head Coach: Greg Slade, 2nd season

Last Season’s Record: 3-6

Key Returning Players: Nick Ruth, sr., OL; Jackson Marlar, sr., DL; Keon Edwards, sr., LB; Niko Ramos, jr., DB; Justin Zerger, sr., DB; Colby Gomez, sr., QB; Landon Pfannenstiel, sr., RB

Coach Slade says:

“Our seniors have been doing a great job of leading, with the underclassmen following their lead. As we move forward to the first day of practice, we’ve been working very hard to be prepared for the start of the season.”

SALINA CENTRAL MUSTANGS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division II

Head Coach: Mark Sandbo, 6th season

Last Season’s Record: 8-3

Key Returning Players: Gunnar Gross, sr., QB; Hunter Mowery, sr., WR; Gage Gibson, jr., OL; Dez Gibson, sr., WR; Jameer Moore, sr., DB; Levi Losey, sr., DB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Salina South

Sep 8 – H Eisenhower

Sep 15 – At Emporia

Sep 22 – At Andover

Sep 29 – H Valley Center

Oct 6 – At Andover Central

Oct 13 – H Goddard

Bishop Carroll’s Jackson King

By Matt Browning

Oct 20 – H Ark City

Coach Sandbo says:

“We graduated some guys who were high impact players who were very productive in what we did. We will have a better idea of who will fill some of those voids once those pads get on but our staff and players are excited for August.”

SALINA SOUTH COUGARS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division I

Head Coach: Sam Sellers, 14th season

Last Season’s Record: 0-9

Key Returning Players: Ethan Franco, jr., OL; Derrick Vargas, sr., OL; Carson Powers, sr., DB; Drew Emerson, sr., WR/DB; Damian Hightower, sr., DL

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Salina Central

Sep 8 – At Derby

Sep 15 – H Campus

Sep 22 – H Maize

Sep 29 – At Hutchinson

Oct 6 – H Newton

Oct 13 – At Eisenhower

Oct 20 – At Maize South

Oct 27 - TBA

Coach Sellers says:

Think Again!

“Last year’s injuries forced many young guys into the starting lineup, so we return a ton of experience. We feel like we are significantly better at every position compared to last year and if we go into the season healthy, we shouldn’t force anybody to start that isn’t ready to be playing.”

VALLEY CENTER HORNETS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division II

Head Coach: Scott L’Ecuyer, 6th season

Last Season’s Record: 7-3

Hutchinson’s Kevin Wilson

By Matt Browning

In Bishop Carroll’s 14-7 playoff loss to Hutchinson last year, starting quarterback Jackson King managed to complete only four passes on 13 attempts for 77 yards. King has not forgotten about that game and it lit a fire under him all offseason.

“I still have a bad taste in my mouth from last year’s playoff run and it’s nice to have another opportunity,” King said. “We play a really hard schedule this year, so it’s going to be necessary to want to compete every single week. We have the guys to win and it’s going to be a blast to play every week with them.”

The tradition-filled Golden Eagles have a deep playoff run in mind in 2023 and King is an important reason why.

The senior quarterback compiled over 2,200 total yards with 24 touchdowns in 2022 en route to being an honorable mention all-league and all-state selection.

While last season was certainly solid, King focused on being a more consistent thrower during his workouts.

“I want to improve my consistency throwing,” King said. “I need to be able to put the ball in the right spot every time. I’ve been working with Coach Hoover to clean up some of my mechanics to make me more consistent. The receivers and I have worked together throughout the summer to get our timing down and get on the same page. We have a veteran receiver group returning and I have gained a lot of confidence in my guys over the last couple months.”

Key Returning Players: Daimont Mucker, sr., RB; Rock Schomaker, sr., LB; Noah Chobad, jr., DL; Trey Heitsman, sr., DL; Hank Welu, sr., QB; Trace Emig, sr., LB; Drake Thornton, jr., DL

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Newton

Sep 8 – At Goddard

Sep 15 – H Eisenhower

Sep 22 – At Campus

Sep 29 – At Salina Central

Oct 6 – H Andover

Oct 13 – At Ark City

Oct 20 – H Andover Central

Oct 27 – TBA

Coach L’Ecuyer says:

“We are fortunate to return seven starters/key contributors on each side of the ball. We look to capitalize on that experience and build upon the success achieved last season.”

POLL WINNERS

In order to be the best, a team has to beat the best and Hutchinson’s Kevin Wilson has that mentality heading into the 2023 campaign.

The Salthawks’ three losses last season were to Derby and Maize twice and one of the things Wilson wants to accomplish this season is revenge. If Hutchinson takes cares of these things, then a significant fall could be in order.

“A goal I have for our team is to beat the two teams we lost to last year and make it to the state championship game,” Wilson said. Wilson racked up 100 tackles last season, 20 of which were unassisted. He also had six tackles for a loss and one forced fumble.

While his statistics led him to being selected to the AVCTL Division I first team, Wilson wants more.

“A goal I have for the season is to get more tackles than I did last year and one up my accomplishments,” Wilson said. “One area that I want to improve on this year is making sure that everyone is lined up correctly and I want to help with pass coverage.”

The summer has been busy for Wilson, not only individually, but as a team, too.

“During the off-season I went to a Sharp Performance top prospect camp in Salina,” Wilson said. “We also have weights four out of the five days during the week and we had installs which were short, one hour sessions going over coverages preparing for the season. We have also had two team camps this summer and went to two jamborees.”

Hutchinson’s Daylee Vansyckle

By Hayden Swope

Hutchinson had a season for the books last year, only losing three games. A big time player on that 2022 team was Daylee Vansyckle.

Hoping for another winning season, Vansyckle has been conditioning all offseason preparing for the year that is fastly approaching.

“The way I have been training in the off season is going to a couple camps, like the Kansas University camp and also just trying to gain weight and get as big as possible,” Vansyckle said.

With all the offseason work and training, Vansyckle is looking forward to putting the team’s skills to work on the field.

“One thing I’m most excited for is just having one more season to play with all my teammates and having a really good chance at the state championship,” Vansyckle said. The first team all-league and all-state offensive lineman is planning to continue on with his progress throughout the season, but has worked to improve his goals over the summer.

“One area I am wanting to improve is my strength because as a lineman the stronger you are the better you are,” Vansyckle said. “The goal I have for me personally is to not let up any sacks. I didn’t let up last year so I have to do it again.” Vansyckle hopes to continue playing the game he loves in college, all while furthering his education.

“My future plan is to play football in college to whatever is the right fit for me and get a degree in aviation,” Vansyckle said.

Maize South’s Sam Parks

By Hayden Swope

Maize South’s Sam Parks knew this year’s Maverick team would be a hard one to top. Many starters, including the first team all-state kicker, return this season.

“I’m really excited about how good our team is going to be this year,” Parks said. “We have a lot of great players returning and I’m looking forward to the run we make this year. Also, we have a game against our rivals, Maize, which will be an awesome experience.”

While the team has been preparing for the season in Maize, Parks took it a step further and traveled all around to better his game.

“One big thing I’ve been doing is going to college camps all across the country,” Parks said. “There is a lot of competition at these camps which in turn helps me improve. I’ve also gone to the football field many times this summer in order to get lots of practice in.”

The skills and talent on the field can only take you so far. Not only has Parks trained to strengthen his weaknesses, but also his mindset. While on the field and in the weight room, Parks also found himself learning to enjoy the game he loves.

“As a kicker, it is hard to set specific goals other than the obvious, make every kick,” Parks said. “Instead I want to focus on the mental side of the game. It’s never fun when you miss a kick, but the most important thing is being able to come back and fight the adversity.

Only a junior, Parks is still figuring out what his future holds, however he does hope to continue playing football after high school.

“I’m into anything involving engineering and working with my hands,” Parks said. “My goal is to play football in college while getting my degree.”

Daimont Mucker Valley Center HS

By Matt Browning

By rushing for nearly 1,900 yards and 18 touchdowns in 10 games last season, Valley Center running back Daimont Mucker never stopped running.

But he noticed that while he could produce impressive performances, he needed to be able to run even more, while also be stronger with the ball.

“One thing I want to improve from last year is my stamina after making a big run,” Mucker said. “I’m currently doing 60 yard sprints to help with that. This offseason I have been working on my speed and my ball security.”

Mucker averaged nearly 190 yards per game last season, which made him one of the best running backs in Class 5A. What he has in mind for the 2023 season would make him truly elite.

“Some of my personal goals for the upcoming season are to rush for 2,500 yards and have 25 touchdowns,” Mucker said.

From a team perspective, the Hornets defeated Maize South in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Hays. Mucker is hopeful that is just the beginning of what his team can accomplish in 2023.

“My team goal is to bringing a state title to the town of Valley Center,” Mucker said. What I’m most excited about is showing everyone we can have a better season than last year and advancing further in the post season.”

Valley Center’s Trey Heitsman

By Matt Browning Valley Center senior defensive lineman

Trey Heitsman was a unanimous first team all-league selection a year ago. He recorded 32 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks. What else can Heitsman accomplish in 2023?

“Individual goals for the season are to break the school record for most recorded sacks in a single game and season,” Heitsman said. “Honestly though, I’ve never been a stat guy. I just do my job and am aiming for that Defensive Player of the Year. Getting nominated for the Shrine Bowl would be the icing on the cake.”

Heitsman is undersized for a defensive tackle, so he has to put in extra work in order to have success.

“This off-season I’ve been attending summer weights and pushing myself at the gym too. I try to work out twice a day, at least on the weekdays,” Heitsman said. I also train my skills once to twice a week whether that be my stance, speed, or reaction time.”

While Heitsman said his strength is clearly important, there are some nuances to his skill-set that he tried to improve over the offseason.

“Off the snap I tend to bulldoze people out of my way and not look where I should be,” Heitsman said. “So this off-season I have been working hard during practices and camps to keep my hand working and moving, so that I can shed blocks faster but also to make my eyes lock onto where they should be for out calls.”

POLL WINNERS

Newton’s Niko Ramos

By Matt Browning

Considering Newton defensive back Niko Ramos was an honorable mention all-league selection last season, it is crazy to think that his main focus this offseason was to improve his tackling.

In 2023, Ramos had 55 total tackles, to go along with four interceptions and nine pass breakups.

“The one thing I would like to improve is my tackling,” Ramos said. “I’ve done a lot of drills and have worked on my form.”

Ramos has four goals that he has set for himself in 2023.

“I want to break our school record for single season interceptions, which is five,” Ramos said. “I also want to make first team all-state defensive back. Teamwise, I want to go above .500 and have homefield advantage in the playoffs.”

In order to not only achieve his individual goals, but also improve his tackling technique, Ramos was busy this offseason with training.

“My workouts have focused on a lot of speed, explosiveness and my man coverage technique,” Ramos said. “I’ve spent a ton of time outside so my body is acclimated to the heat. I’ve also gone on runs at least two times a week.”

All of the preparations have Ramos hoping it leads to individual and team success.

“This season I am most excited to be playing some great football,” Ramos said. “Competing with myself from last year and displaying how the work I’ve put in has translated to the field.”

Salina Central’s Gunnar Gross

By Hayden Swope

Salina Central’s 2022 season was one for the books, after only three losses. This year, Gunnar Gross is hoping to better that record, and take it all the way to the championship game.

“My goals for us as a team is to repeat as league champions, win the west side of the 5A bracket, and to make it to the state championship, and hopefully win,” Gross said. “Individually I would like to add more accolades but I am only focused on winning first.”

After an injury during spring baseball season, Gross has spent his time off rehabbing and preparing for the season ahead.

“I have been doing speed and agility workouts and weight training throughout the winter and offseason almost every day,” Gross said. “During baseball season I wasn’t able to train as much after I dislocated my shoulder, but it only slowed me down for a short period. I did our summer conditioning and weights program as well as other workouts in addition to conditioning myself.” While the training and workouts have been in gear all summer, the first game of the season is quickly approaching. For Gross, the most exciting contest happens that first week.

“I am most excited for our rivalry game week one against Salina South,” Gross said. “I am also really excited for some league rematches that we lost last year against Valley Center and Goddard Eisenhower. I’m hoping to get some wins for my last season.”

Gross is still deciding on what his future holds, but does hope to continue playing the game he loves.

“I hope after I graduate to play football in college, but I have no clue where that will be as of now,” Gross said. “For my career I probably will pursue something in the medical field but that may change also.”

Prep Performance of the Month

Omari Elias Kapaun Mt Carmel

That Kapaun Mount Carmel nished 5-5 in 2022 was rather disappointing after the Crusaders’ 2021 campaign, when they were 10-2. Running back Omari Elias led the way for the Crusaders as a sophomore, breaking the City League single-season rushing record previously held by Bryce Brown. Elias the set the record again after rushing for 2,552 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2022.

All o season, Elias has been about work. Whether it is with his personal trainers or with the team, the grind never stopped.

“After wrestling, I began outsourcing a little with di erent trainers like James Tabor and Jake Sharp, but as we get farther into the summer, I try to spend as much time with the team as possible,” Elias said. “Now that I've kind of put an end to the recruiting discussion, I haven't worried about getting to any camps or anything like that.”

In June, all of Elias’ hard work was rewarded as he o cially committed to the Air Force Academy. Despite describing his recruiting process as frustrating, he knew that Air Force was the place for him to be at.

“I felt like the body of work I left on the eld spoke for itself, but a lot of coaches were choosing to wait to see my combine numbers to decide how valuable I was,” Elias said. “Air Force, however, did not wait. They made it clear that I was a player that they were interested in, and it didn't take much time for me to reciprocate that energy. After spending a weekend in Colorado Springs, I knew that was where I wanted to continue my journey.”

Hog Wild Catering

Salina South’s Erik Franco

By Hayden Swope

As a sophomore last year, Salina South’s Erik Franco was not only a starter, but was also an All-AVCTL second team athlete. Ready to be back this year, Franco is excited to go out on the field with his team again this season.

“I would say the most exciting thing about this season is definitely getting the opportunity to play the game I love the most,” Franco said.

During the offseason, Franco wanted to reach every goal he had, and put in a ton of work in order to achieve them.

“I definitely wanted to improve how quick I was and how fast I react and with that I lost some weight in order to be able to do that,” Franco said. “During the offseason I have been working just about every day that I can.”

While working on his abilities on the field, Franco also worked on his mentality and leadership off the field to help his team succeed this season.

“As an individual, I just wanted to stay locked in mentally and physically throughout the season, and a team goal would definitely be to lead the team to a victory against Central,” Franco said.

With lots of time to decide, Franco is still considering playing college ball, as well as continuing his education.

“I don’t believe I’m going to play college football but if the chance comes around I might just take it,” Franco said. “But if not, after high school I plan to get my software engineering degree.”

Jim Barclay YMCA Yi-Belong Profile

By Matt Browning

Jim Barclay and his wife, Natalie, moved to Wichita from Massachusetts in 2015, and that ended a decadelong endeavor in coaching soccer for Barclay. While he interviewed for a few head high school soccer jobs around the Wichita area, nothing worked out. But Barclay and his wife looked into the YMCA’s extensive soccer program and were impressed with how much the YMCA invested. The rest is history, as they say.

“I immediately looked into signing up to be a volunteer coach and have been involved since then, with the exception of a couple of years when I got into officiating volleyball and softball,” Barclay said. “I’ve been coaching soccer at the Y the last five years without interruption.”

Barclay is now retired, which opens up his schedule to coach as much as he wants. He is usually involved six to nine months out of the year.

“I do my best to set up my practice times to better suit the parents’ ability to get their daughters to the field on time,” Barclay said. “I also have some church responsibilities so I also take those into consideration. My wife is a huge help in keeping me organized.”

Watching his players grow as athletes and people has been one of the most rewarding aspects of coaching at the YMCA for Barclay.

“I continually remind my players, who are in grades 4-6, that they need to attend to their studies first and then focus on improving their soccer skills,” Barclay said. “As they move into junior high school and high school, a lot of them will learn to appreciate the term ‘student-athlete.’ If I can instill that in them now, it will be easier for them later.”

YMCA Y i BELONG PROFILE

Andover Central’s Kyle Newsom

By Hayden Swope

Kyle Newsom of Andover Central was a first team all-league defensive end last season for the Jaguars, but he doesn’t plan to stop there this year.

“What I am most excited about is honestly just the whole season as this is going to be my senior year, and I’m ready to play my hardest with my other senior friends for the last time together,” Newsom said. Pushing to strengthen himself over the summer, Newsom spent most of the offseason in the gym.

“In the off season I’ve been training with our school’s weights and conditioning. I’ve also been going to the gym to further strengthen myself,” Newsom said. “One area I want to improve on this year is my size and overall strength as I’m very small for my position. I worked on this by pushing myself and weights class and not skipping reps and even going to the YMCA.”

Newsom’s biggest goal for the season is to be a better and stronger athlete out on the field, as well help the Jaguars to another winning season.

“My main goal for this year is to be better in every area than I was last year, such as more sacks or tackles for loss because I had a lot of missed tackles last year which I don’t want to happen again,” Newsom said. “As a team I hope that we come together because the only way we could get better is if we work together.”

While football is not in the cards for Newsom, he does plan to attend Kansas State University next year to continue his education.

“My future plans are to attend K-State as just a student,” Newsom said. “Football was a huge part of my life but I don’t want to continue in college. I plan on studying Engineering in my next years of life.”

Andover Central’s Dawson Rodd

By Hayden Swope

Andover Central’s Dawson Rodd built up his accolades last season on both sides of the ball. Rodd was a first team all-league offensive lineman and second team all-league defensive lineman. Rodd, a junior, is excited to return this year, with many challenges ahead.

“I am most excited to play our rivals, the Andover Trojans, at Riverfront Stadium,” Rodd said. “I’ve never played a football game on a baseball field, let alone at the Wind Surge stadium. I am excited that we get to practice at the stadium that Thursday before the game.”

Getting to grow as a person and a player was what Rodd was able to do over the offseason, spending endless hours at camps and showings for colleges.

“In the offseason, I have gone to a few camps and combines,” Rodd said. “I went to Benedictine’s camp and Andover Central’s team camp. I went to a Blue/Grey Combine and went to one of Sharp Performance’s Combine. These were great to be able to take in some valuable information to improve my skills.”

With all of the summer conditioning and training, Rodd is already starting to see the improvements made.

“I felt like I needed to improve upon my footwork and agility,” Rodd said.

“I bought a speed ladder in addition to doing agility most days in summer weights. Doing all these things helped me get under a five second 40-yard dash.” Rodd hopes to help lead the Jaguars all the way this season, as well as get to add on to his list of accomplishments.

“A team goal for me would have to be to improve on last year’s success and win a state title this year,” Rodd said. “As a goal for myself, first team all state and all league offensive and defensive line.”

SPOTLIGHTS

Andover’s Logan Warkentine

By Hayden Swope

Andover’s Logan Warkentine had a standout sophomore season, and the first team all-league linebacker returns for the Trojans. Warkentine is ready to get back out there, and is excited to see the team’s hard work pay off.

“I’m most excited about playing another year of varsity football with my best friends under Friday night lights,” Warkentine said. “I live for the pressure of those moments and I can’t wait for September 1.”

When football isn’t in season, Warkentine is working and training with other coaches and teammates in other sports, staying in shape all year.

“Besides football, I wrestle, run track, and play rugby,” Warkentine said. “All of these sports make me a better athlete and enhance my football skills during the summer. I lift and practice with my team. I also attended multiple football and wrestling camps.”

While staying busy with multiple sports and athletics, Warkentine still found time to make goals not only for himself, but for his team.

“This year I am wanting to improve my number of sacks,” Warkentine said. “This past offseason I’ve practiced on my hand fighting, getting off blocks, and edge rushing. Some goals that I have for the team is to finish the season with a better record than last year, and go deeper into the playoffs. One goal I have for myself is to be a better leader for my team.”

Only a junior and with two more seasons left, Warkentine is still figuring out what his future holds. However, he does hope to continue his athletic career at the next level.

“I’d like to play football at the next level but I’ll see what opportunities arise,” Warkentine said.

2023 4A TEAMS TO WATCH

Graduating 16 seniors, Andover Central will have their work cut out for them this year. Still, with a good amount of talent, including Kyle Newsom and Landon Kitterman, Andover Central will be a threat. Central kicks off their season with a tough game against Buhler.

After some injuries last season, Buhler is ready for a fresh start. Returning eight starters on both offense and defense, Buhler will be one to watch in 4A. Jace Henderson was a first team all-league defensive lineman, and will be back for the Crusaders. Circle had a strong season last year, and didn’t graduate many players. However, the Thunderbirds do have a change at quarterback. Conner Chadwell had a switch at positions, but will lead Circle at quarterback this year.

McPherson brings back a strong roster with multiple players fighting for a starting position. On defense, Teegan Haines and Jayse Schriner will need to step up for the line. Offensively, Joe Nutt and Alex Wheat return up front.

The 4-5 Abilene Cowboys made progress last season, but return 19 starters this year. All-league selections Stocton Timbrook and Weston Rock are back for the Cowboys, and will be just a small part of an explosive team that can easily eclipse their win total from a year ago.

Returning their entire defensive line, Wellington will be a hard team to score on. With experience on both sides of the ball from quarterback Kenny Redford and offensive and defensive lineman Derrick Lowe, Wellington will be one to keep an eye on.

4A PLAYERS & GAMES TO WATCH

Jace Henderson, DL, Buhler

Teegan Haines, LB, McPherson

Derek Lowe, OL, Wellington

Cannon McCormack, LB, Circle

Mitchell McDaniel, DB, Buhler

Kyle Newsom, DL, Andover Central

Joe Nutt, OL, McPherson

Dawson Rodd, OL, Andover Central

Jayse Schriner, DB, McPherson

Stocton Timbrook, ATH, Abilene

Sep 1 - Buhler at Andover Central

Sep 15 - Wellington at Collegiate

Sep 15 - Clay Center at Abilene

Sep 22 - McPherson at Circle

Oct 6 - Circle at Abilene

Oct 13 - Andover vs. Andover Central (At Riverfront Stadium)

Oct 13 - Wellington at Circle

Oct 20 - Buhler at McPherson

ABILENE COWBOYS

League: North Central Kansas

Head Coach: Brad Nicks, 4th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Maysville

9/8 - H Concordia

9/15 - H Clay Center

9/22 - At Chapman

9/29 - At Rose Hill

10/6 - H Circle

10/13 - At Augusta

10/20 - H Wamego

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players:

Sam Whitehair, sr., OL/ DL; Devin Alvarez, jr., OL; Stocton Timbrook, sr., QB; Zach Miller, sr., RB/LB; Keaton Hargrave, sr., RB/ DL; Brax Fisher, jr., WR; Tyler Holloway, jr., OL; Weston Rock, jr., WR/DL; Taygen Funston, so., WR; Judah Bowell, sr., WR

Coach Nicks says:

“I am excited to see what this team can do this year. We will rely on our leadership and culture that we have built the previous three years to help us be successful this season. This group has worked very hard in the offseason and are looking to make 2023 special.”

ANDOVER CENTRAL

JAGUARS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division II

Head Coach: Derek Tuttle, 5th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Buhler

9/8 - At Maize

9/15 - H Ark City

9/22 - At Eisenhower

9/29 - At Goddard

10/6 - H Salina Central

10/13 - H Andover

10/20 - At Valley Center

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Jace Adler, jr., LB; Collin Sheeran,

sr., RB/DB; Gaige Hurley, jr., DL; Dawson Rodd, jr., DL; Jayden Joy, sr., DL on the DL; Landon Kitterman, sr., WR/ DB; Kyle Newsom, sr., TE/DE; Andrew Bolan, sr., OL/DL; Grant Fuksa, jr., OL; Landon Preston, jr., DB; Brandt Stupka, jr., WR/DB

Coach Tuttle says:

“We are excited about these young men in our program. Several returning players developed well last fall in our JV and freshman programs and/or on Friday nights, and we are looking forward to their improvement this season.”

AUGUSTA ORIOLES

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division III

Head Coach: Jason Filbeck, 10th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Chanute

9/8 - H McPherson

9/15 - At Mulvane

9/22 - H El Dorado

9/29 - H Circle

10/6 - At Buhler

10/13 - H Abilene

10/20 - At Winfield

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Cooper Jay, sr., OL; Gavin Kiser, sr., QB; Caden Stillwell,

sr., RB; Wyatt Kerstetter, sr., OL; Isaiah Blackwell, sr., WR; Jeremiah Schaefer, sr., K/OL; Hunter West, so., DE/RB; Logan Pfiefer, sr., LB; Caleb Martin, sr., DL; Kurtis Smith, sr., DB

Coach Filbeck says:

“We are excited to get things going back in the right direction after a rough 2022. We played some young guys on varsity last year so we are hoping that pays dividends this season. We should be led by a strong senior class. As always, we have to stay healthy to have a good season.”

BUHLER CRUSADERS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division III

Head Coach: Steve Warner, 17th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Andover Central

9/8 - H Circle

9/15 - H Great Bend

9/22 - At Winfield

9/29 - H Mulvane

10/6 - H Augusta

10/13 - At Rose Hill

10/20 - At McPherson

10/27 – TBA

Key Returning Players: Bodey Redenbaugh, jr., OT/ DT; Jeffery Neill, sr., QB; Jace Henderson, sr., DT; Blake Hageman, sr., OT; Keaton Parsons, sr., OG; Ty Goans, sr., C; Brendan Scripsick, jr., TE; Brayden Gentry, sr., FB/LB; Mitchel McDaniel, jr., TB/DB; Jeremy Gentry, jr., DB; Tavian Gilliam, sr., DB

Coach Warner says: “We had our first losing season in 17 years at Buhler. I had my first losing season in 31 years. We only had nine seniors last year and were hit with a lot of injuries. We are planning to be successful next year with a lot of returning starters from last year.”

CIRCLE THUNDERBIRDS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division III

Head Coach: Logan Clothier, 7th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Labette County

9/8 - At Buhler

9/15 - H Winfield

9/22 - H McPherson

9/29 - At

Augusta

10/6 - At Abilene

10/13 - H

Wellington

10/20 - H Mulvane

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Conner Chadwell, sr., QB; Cannon McCormack, sr., RB; Westin Rose, jr., RB; Cole Glaves, sr., WR; Nick Ahles, sr., WR; Drew Berryman, sr., WR; Andrew Tien, sr., OL; Connor Freeman, sr., OL; Tony Berryman, sr., OL; Malakai Maier, sr., OL

Coach Clothier says: “Excited to see how our program & community handle success. We continue to prepare & play with a chip on our shoulder. Focus on being 1-0 and earning everything that we get. Do we stay connected & grow as a team? Last year is done and over with.”

EL DORADO WILDCATS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division III

Head Coach: Brandon Wise, 2nd season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Clearwater

9/8 - At Wichita Collegiate

9/15 - H Andale

9/22 - At Augusta

9/29 - At Wellington

10/6 - H Rose Hill

10/13 - At Winfield 10/20 - H Independence 10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Cole Rickard, sr., LB; Dylan Scott, sr., LB; Cole Eaton, sr., OL; Brendin Corter, sr., WR; Bronson Larimer, sr., OL

Coach Wise says: “We will be replacing a lot of three and four year starters from last season’s team, we will need some underclassmen to step up to fill big shoes from those who graduated. Our goal is to go get better every day in practice, and reach our

maximum potential as a team by the end of the season.”

MCPHERSON BULLPUPS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division III

Head Coach: Jace Palovich, 9th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Great Bend

9/8 - H Augusta

9/15 - H Junction City

9/22 - At Circle

9/29 - H Winfield

10/6 - H Wellington

10/13 - At Mulvane

10/20 - H Buhler 10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Teegan Haines, sr., LB; Javyn Alexander, sr., LB; Jayse Schriner, sr., DB; Joe Nutt, sr., OL; Alex Wheat, sr., OL; Cory Muehler, sr., WR; Gunnar Schumacher, sr., WR

Coach Palovich says: “We want to reach our potential. We have had a great summer thus far and need to continue to build on our character and team chemistry. If we do, we have a chance to be just as good if not better than we have in the past.”

MULVANE WILDCATS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division III

Head Coach: Daniel Myears, 6th season

Coach Myears says: “The Mulvane Wildcats look to bounce back from last season’s record with improved fundamental play across the board on both offense and defense. The Wildcats return RB Fisher Dye who had a breakout year last year as a sophomore along with WR Shannon Fuller who led the Cats in receiving touchdowns.”

ROSE HILL ROCKETS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division IV

Head Coach: Landon Wright, 1st season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Wichita Collegiate

9/8 - At Andale 9/15 - At Clearwater 9/22 - H Mulvane 9/29 - H Abilene

10/6 - At El Dorado

10/13 - H Buhler

10/20 - At Wellington

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Connor Wallis, sr., QB; Dawson McNaul, sr., OL; Jace Evans, sr., WR/LB; Kulton Richwine, sr., OL/DL; Keegan Taylor, sr., OL; Kallen Higdon, sr., OL/DL; Connor Jackson, sr., LB

Coach Wright says: “We have a strong senior class of good, hardworking young men. Senior quarterback Connor Wallis missed most of his junior year due to injury and he’s healthy and ready to lead this team.”

WELLINGTON CRUSADERS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division IV

Head Coach: Jeremiah Meeks, 2nd season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Andale

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Derrick Lowe, sr., OL/DL; Jamar Armstrong, jr., OL/ DL; Greer Buchanan, jr., C; Ethan Brungardt, so., OL; Andrew Helpingstine, sr., OL; Brody Weir, sr., TE/ DE; Carter Burnett, jr., DE; Skyler Branam, jr., WR; Grady Norris, jr., DB/WR; Dusty Bannister, jr., QB; Kenny Redford, sr., QB; Kayden Martin, sr., LB; Riley Nichols, sr., LB; Parker Thorton, jr., LB; Milo Elder, so., TE

Coach Meeks says: “Time spent in the weight room will be key for us, we will need to continue to build depth to help keep people fresh. We will have a lot of experience in our front seven on defense and upfront on offense.”

WINFIELD VIKINGS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division III

Head Coach: Monty Lewis, 2nd season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Ark City

9/8 - At Coffeyville

9/15 - At Circle

9/22 - H Buhler

9/29 - At McPherson

10/6 - At Mulvane

10/13 - H El Dorado

10/20 - H Augusta

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Cale Lindenman, sr., RB/ LB; Landen Dupras, sr., QB; Cole Wageman, sr., FB/LB; Hunter Reyes, sr., WR/TE; Drew Graham, sr., WR, Jayden Sutton, sr., OT; Andrew Vargas, sr., DL, Thomas Valenzuela, sr., DE; Jackson Davis, jr., DB; Christian Tovar, sr., DB

Coach Lewis says:

Key Returning Players: Fisher Dye, jr., RB; Lucas Sorenson, sr., QB; Shannon Fuller, sr., WR/DB; Kaiden Abasolo, sr., OL/DL; Tucker Hargrove, sr., OL; Noah West, sr., DL; Garrett Olson, sr., LB

9/8 - At Clearwater

9/15 - At Collegiate

9/22 - H Labette County

9/29 - H El Dorado

10/6 - At McPherson

10/13 - At Circle

10/20 - H Rose Hill

“I feel like we are still on schedule with the building process...we must find a way to win the close games this season.”

Kathy Richard-Koenigsman, State Farm Agent

Circle’s Cannon McCormack

By Matt Browning

From a statistical perspective, it’s difficult to imagine a better season than what Circle’s Cannon McCormack had last season.

The senior linebacker racked up 137 tackles, 27 of which were for a loss, seven sacks and four forced fumbles in 2022, en route to a first team all-league and first team all-state selection. But what McCormack wants to improve on has nothing to do with statistics or accolades.

“One area I’ve wanted to improve on is becoming a more vocal leader,” McCormack said. “I used to always be the guy who would lead by example and not say much, which there’s nothing wrong with that, but I’ve just wanted to communicate it more verbally.”

There are two goals, one as a team and the other as an individual, that McCormack wants accomplish this year.

“We fell short last year in the semifinals, so winning a ‘ship is definitely on the list,” McCormack said. “For personal goals, I want to make first team all-state again, and instead of being a Defensive Player of the Year finalist, I want to be the Defensive Player of the Year.”

McCormack has found the whole process that goes into being a high school football player to be enjoyable and that is what he wants to embrace over his final season as a Thunderbird.

“Everything that goes into this game like the amazing community that supports us, being able to play with my best friends, and even just the privilege to play this game,” McCormack said. “So I guess I’m most excited about having one last ride with my guys under the lights.”

Salina Central’s Dez Gibson

By Blake Chadwick

With so many speedsters around the state, Salina Central senior safety/wide receiver Dez Gibson believes he can make a case as one of the fastest in the state. Coming off an AVCTL II league championship in 2022, the expectations have been set. Gibson and the rest of his fellow seniors have taken matters into their own hands and decided that this is going to be their year.

“Before the summer even started, our seniors had talks about how committed we wanted to be this summer in the weight room and on the field so that when the season comes around, we would be more than prepared,” Gibson said. “We have stuck to that and guys have been in the weight room with high energy at 6 a.m., working and calling guys that aren’t up to make sure they get to the workouts.”

By holding everyone accountable, Gibson stayed consistent on and off the field with his own work, as well.

“Since last season ended I have been in the gym about five days a week trying to put on weight and become stronger and faster than I was last year,” Gibson said. “Consistency is the key to getting better, which is why I have been focused on getting in the gym during the offseason. I wanted to put on some muscle and get bigger so that I am a threat on both sides of the ball.”

POLL WINNERS

By Matt Browning Maize senior offensive lineman

Cole Chalashtari put in more work than just the usual summer weightlifting and camps this past offseason.

He sought out individual help for his technique and position change, in hopes that it will pay off in a big way for the 2023 season.

“I have been putting work in with Coach James Tabor (PIA Athletes) and with Brian Butler,” Chalashtari said. “As well as a lot of camps both padded and skill camps to stay ready even through the offseason. I was mostly focused on the transition for guard to tackle for the upcoming season.”

Last season, Chalashtari was an honorable mention all-league selection and he feels like the training and dedication since the end of the 2022 season will propel him and his team to higher accolades this season or at least that’s the plan.

Chalashtari did not allow a sack last season for the Eagles and was second on the team in pancake blocks.

“A few goals that I have for myself are first team all-league and all-state,” Chalashtari said. “As for the team, I would love to see us go undefeated through the regular season, which can be done if we come together as a team and get done what’s needed to get done.”

Winfield’s Cale Lindenman

By Matt Browning

Winfield graduated many seniors off last season’s team that upset Wellington in the opening round of the 4A playoffs. Most people would find that concerning, but not for the Vikings’ senior running back Cale Lindenman. He thinks it is an opportunity for growth for some of the younger and inexperienced players on Winfield’s roster.

“This upcoming season I am most excited to see how my team performs,” Lindenman said. “Last season we lost some key players to our team so I am excited to see who will step up as leaders heading into the upcoming season.” There were many layers to Lindenman’s offseason, which was busy to say the least.

“This offseason we have been preparing by training in the weight room, having our own team camp and attending the Southwestern team camp,” Lindenman said.

The one area where Lindenman wants to improve is being aware of the Vikings’ opponents, so that he knows their tendencies and weaknesses.

“I want to improve on preparing for our opponents better,” Lindenman said. “I am going to do this by making sure I am utilizing the film our coaches gather on our upcoming opponents.”

Lindenman rushed for over 806 yards and five touchdowns on 133 carries, while also scoring a touchdown on a reception. But he knows there are ways that he can continue to help out his team.

“A goal I have for myself is to take control of what is happening on the field and be able to slow the game down in order to help my teammates out,” Lindenman said.

Chapman’s Ian Suther

By Blake Chadwick

As young athletes, most kids dream of playing a key part in winning a state championship during their senior year in high school. For Chapman senior wide receiver/defensive back Ian Suther, it feels like it was just yesterday when he started playing tackle football in third grade.

Coming off a year where he made the honorable mention special team as a returner, the senior put up 321 receiving yards, 340 rushing yards, 44 tackles, three forced fumbles, 163 return yards, and seven touchdowns.

With his success in 2022, Suther had no chance of slowing down until adversity hit and he sustained a hip flexor injury during track in the spring. Since then, most of his workouts have been geared toward getting healthy for football season. Chapman finished the 2022 season with a 3-6 record, so in order to get back to their winning ways, the Irish have been locked in during offseason workouts.

“Team workouts are just as fast and hard as during the school year,” Suther said. “Our team doesn’t waste our summer; we get all our plays and defense installed.”

Suther, a three-year starter and the superintendent’s son, is Irish through and through. He has a part of all the highs and lows, and has no intention of being a part of any more lows.

“My expectations are a winning season, so I might as well leave it all out there,” Suther said.

Wellington’s Brody Weir

By Matt Browning

Wellington’s Brody Weir was one of the top two-way players in Class 4A last season, as he was a first team all-league tight end and defensive lineman. That has led Weir to thinking big in 2023.

“A personal goal for this season is to break my high single season sack record and have a good more receiving touchdowns this year,” Weir said. “As a team goal I want to help my team make it to the state championship game and win it.”

On offense, Weir racked up 152 receiving yards and three total touchdowns, while on defense, he recorded 49 tackles, 11.5 sacks, seven tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. While it will be difficult for Weir to top his impressive 2022 season, he worked on specific fundamentals for this season.

“One thing I’m wanting to improve this year is my speed,” Weir said. “I have been doing explosive workouts and running hills to get my speed up and get my legs stronger. “

Wellington had a solid regular season before being upset by Winfield in the first round of the playoffs. Weir said he is excited to get back on the field with so many guys he has been playing with for many years.

“The thing I’m most excited about this season is I get to play with all the kids I played with in little league,” Weir said. “We all have a good connection and should do good things together.”

McPherson’s Teegan Haines

By Blake Chadwick McPherson senior middle linebacker

Teegan Haines was one of the main catalysts for the Bullpups as they went 10-2 in 2022, losing to class 4A runnerup Wamego. Haines had a monster year, totaling 125 total tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks and two interceptions. With a lot of individual recognition after his junior year, Haines had no plans of slowing down.

“I have prepared for this upcoming season by showing up to work out with my team day in and day out,” Haines said. “I would also say I have prepared in a way to be a leader to my team as a returning starter this year. I have been working to improve my speed, strength and my weight this offseason. I have the motor and the brain; I just need to continue to get faster and stronger along with that to be the best football player I can be.”

Haines notes that he isn’t the only one bringing it every day.

“Summer workouts this summer have been great; our coaches are doing a great job pushing us to our limits and continuing to build team chemistry,” Haines said.

The senior wants his individual stats to improve but, more importantly, wants to go down as being a part of the group of players that got McPherson its first state championship.

“My expectations for the team this year are high,” Haines said. “I would say that we have a lot of people doubting us this year. I believe that my team and I are ready to prove those people doubting us wrong.”

Davis-Moore Chevrolet VYPE “One To Watch”

Rose Hill’s Connor Wallis

By Blake Chadwick

After losing almost his whole junior season due to a broken collarbone, Rose Hill senior quarterback Connor Wallis is on a mission to make up for lost time.

“After I broke my collarbone, the first few weeks were tough,” Wallis said. “This injury really taught me to play every down like it’s my last because you’ll never know when your last one comes.”

Wallis was able to recover in time for the playoffs, but the Rockets finished the season at 4-6 after a 35-8 loss to Wamego. Soon after, the coach Landon Wright era began for Rose Hill.

The offseason grind is always a long process for athletes as they fine tune their techniques and add to their skills. But when coming off an injury, the process is an even longer one. Wallis has been locked in on extensive workouts all summer, like speed and agility drills, strength training and throwing workouts as well.

“Team workouts have definitely been a lot tougher this year,” Wallis said. “Coach Wright, the new head coach, has pushed us with tougher workouts and helped us push our limits every time we step on the field.”

Wallis believes that the team has a lot of potential to be successful, and as QB1, he plans to lead them there. To finish his career as a Rose Hill, Wallis plans to throw for over 2,000 yards and run for over 1,000 yards while he leads his team into a deep playoff run.

Student of the Month

Joe Nutt – McPherson High School

By Blake Chadwick

The goal for 2023 is high for McPherson senior offensive lineman Joseph Nutt – he wants to be one of the premier linemen in all of Kansas. Nutt is a right guard who thrives because of his athleticism, aggressiveness and physicality on every down. He had 72 pancakes in 2022 and allowed three sacks. He also was an All-AVCTL III first team offensive lineman as well as being named All-State honorable mention in Class 4A. With a long offseason nearing the end, Nutt and the rest of his teammates recognized just how close they got through their struggles.

“I’ve prepared for this season by showing up to all of our summer workouts as well as working out on my own and bettering my skills as an offensive lineman,” Nutt said. “The team bond has been getting better and better because of what we do.”

Though the Bullpups have never won a state football championship, after going 10-2 in 2022, Nutt and the Bullpups got a little taste of where they want to be.

“My expectations for this year are high. I know every year people question what McPherson is going to do and every year we show them what we can do,” Nutt said.

With plans to play college football, Nutt has been a little disappointed with the process but has been keeping up his side of the work.

“I would love to play in college, (but) the process has been rough being a smaller O-lineman,” he said. “But I don’t doubt that I’ll be able to play.”

Amanda Noll, PT, DPT, CSCS

Favorite sports: I like to recreationally play pretty much any sport. Favorite sports to watch are football and basketballanything KU or Green Bay Packers.

Favorite sport to participate in: basketball

Sports in high school: cross country, basketball, track Specialties: general orthopedics, sports injuries/surgeries (my favorite is ACL rehab - I am a certified strength and conditioning specialist and have a sports manual therapy certification)

Best tip for high school athletes: learn proper lifting technique and stay strong! Being strong is the best injury prevention.

To locate one of our 21 convenient locations visit aptclinics.com or call 855.745.0278

2023 3A TEAMS TO WATCH

Andale has lost two games in Dylan Schmidt’s six seasons as head coach, which includes four straight state championships. While the Indians graduated seven all-state players from 2022, the cupboard is far from bare. Gage Prosser, a first team all-state running back last year, Cody Engelbrecht, a second team all-league offensive lineman and Karson Butts, a second team all-league linebacker, return. Andale’s junior varsity team went 7-0 last year. The beat will go on for the Indians.

Wesley Fair, who was a first team all-state defensive back and first team all-league quarterback for Wichita Collegiate, is off to Kansas State. But the Spartans received perhaps the most impactful transfer in Class 3A in former Hesston quarterback Hudson Ferralez, who was a first all-league selection last year. Collegiate also brings back first team all-league defensive lineman Tristan Sprole. The Spartans will be good, but can they beat Andale?

Clay Center reached the 3A semifinals last year and return a roster that can get back there again. The Tigers return six first team all-league players from a year ago: running backs Brody Hayes and Carter Long, wide receiver

Jackson Henry, offensive lineman Colton Spellman, defensive lineman Braylon Berry and linebacker Cole Pladson. Much like Collegiate, Clay Center is going to be good, but getting past Andale in the playoffs will be barometer.

Cheney brings back three first team all-league selections from last season’s 8-3 team: wide receiver Jack Voth, defensive lineman Kason Messenger and defensive back Colter McDaniel. The Cardinals will once again be the favorite in the Central Plains League, but can they be in the elite conversation with Andale and Wichita Collegiate?

Despite losing its quarterback, Hesston will still have a talented roster. The Swathers return first team all-league offensive lineman Aedan O’Halloran and second team all-league running back Karter Gonzalez. Hesston has the roster to match and eclipse last season’s six wins.

It will be difficult to find a more dynamic quarterback-wide receiver duo in Class 3A than Harvey Zimmerman and Donald Collier at Wichita Trinity. The question becomes can the Knights get more help? If so, they might be able to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

3A PLAYERS & GAMES TO WATCH

Keegun Biems, OL, Concordia

Donald Collier, WR, Wichita Trinity

Henry Eck, OL, Andale

Hudson Ferralez, QB, Wichita Collegiate

Brody Hayes, RB, Clay Center

Jackson Henry, WR, Clay Center

Aedan O’Halloran, OL, Hesston

Kason Messenger, DL, Cheney

Gage Prosser, RB, Andale

Tristan Sprole, DL, Wichita Collegiate

Jackson Voth, WR, Cheney

Harvey Zimmerman, QB, Wichita Trinity

Sep 1 – Cheney at Kingman

Sep 1 – Wamego at Clay Center

Sep 29 – SE-Saline at Clay Center

Sep 29 – Hesston at Kingman

Oct 6 – Andale at Wichita Collegiate

Oct 13 – Andale at Cheney

Oct 13 – Wichita Trinity at Wichita Collegiate

Oct 20 – Hesston at Wichita Collegiate

ANDALE INDIANS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division IV

Head Coach: Dylan Schmidt, 7th season

Last Season’s Record: 13-0

Key Returning Players: Gage Prosser, sr., RB/LB; Henry Eck, sr., OL/DL; Cody Engelbrecht, sr., OL/ DL; Ian Aouad, sr., OL/DL; Karson Butts, sr., TE/LB; Landon Harp, jr., RB/DB; Marlo Sullivan, sr., K

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Wellington

Sep 8 – H Rose Hill

Sep 15 – At El Dorado

Sep 22 – At Smoky Valley

Sep 29 – H Nickerson

Oct 6 – At Wichita Collegiate

Oct 13 – At Cheney

Oct 20 – H Pratt

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Schmidt says:

“We graduated the best senior class in school history (51-0 in the last 4 years), so we will need several people to step up and fill some roles, especially on the offensive line, most of our defensive unit, and offensive skill positions.”

CHAPMAN FIGHTING IRISH

League: North Central Kansas

Head Coach: Kurt Webster, 4th season

Last Season’s Record: 2-7

Key Returning Players: Weston Langvardt, sr., OL/DL; D.J. Messerly, sr., OL/DL; Ian Suther, sr., WR/DB; Aiden Whitley, sr., RB; Michael Shipman, sr., DL; Cooper Lewis, jr., WR/DB;

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Concordia

Sep 8 – H Clay Center

Sep 15 – At Marysville

Sep 22 – H Abilene

Sep 29 – At Wichita Collegiate

Oct 6 – H Wichita Trinity

Oct 13 – At Hesston

Oct 20 – H Clearwater

Coach Webster says: COACH DID NOT PROVIDE COMMENT

CHENEY CARDINALS

League: Central Plains

Head Coach: Shelby Wehrman, 7th season

Last Season’s Record: 8-3

Key Returning Players: Jack Voth, sr., WR/DB; Kason Messenger, sr., TE/DL; Drew Tolar, sr., WR/DB; Colter McDaniel, sr., WR/DB; Tre Black, sr., WR/DB; Taj Thomas, sr., OL/DL; Josh Burdick, jr., QB/LB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Kingman

Sep 8 – H Garden Plain

Sep 15 – At Douglass

Sep 22 – At Pratt

Sep 29 – H Smoky Valley

Oct 6 – At Nickerson

Oct 13 – H Andale

Oct 20 – H Halstead

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Wehrman says:

“We return 27 lettermen, including 14 starters, who have good work ethic. We have depth at the skill positions. My concerns are injuries and depth on the offensive line.”

CLAY CENTER TIGERS

League: North Central Kansas

Head Coach: Marc Henry, 19th season

Last Season’s Record: 8-4

Key Returning Players: Brody Hayes, sr., RB/DB; Jackson Henry,

sr., WR/DB; Braylon Berry, sr., OL/ DL; Carter Long, sr., RB; Colton Spellman, sr., OL; Cole Pladson, jr., QB/LB; Talyn Pfizenmaier, sr., DB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Wamego

Sep 8 – H Chapman

Sep 15 – At Abilene

Sep 22 – At Hiawatha

Sep 29 – H SE-Saline

Oct 6 – At Concordia

Oct 13 – H Rock Creek

Oct 20 – At Marysville

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Henry says:

“We bring back a good core of returners who are looking forward to competing for an NCKL championship and to make another run deep into the playoffs.”

CLEARWATER INDIANS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division IV

Head Coach: Justin Burke, 1st season

Last Season’s Record: 3-6

Key Returning Players: Brayden Bergkamp, sr. WR/DB; Weston Burford, sr., RB/LB; Rockey Hennes, sr., OL/DL; Aiden Snell, sr., OL/DL; Bryson Snell, sr., RB/DB; Aaron Schroeder, sr., QB/DB; Beau Robideaux, jr., QB/DB; Cooper Williams, jr., WR/DB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At El Dorado

Sep 8 – H Wellington

Sep 15 – H Rose Hill

Sep 22 – H Wichita Collegiate

Sep 29 – At Wichita Trinity

Oct 6 – H Hesston

Oct 13 – At Wamego

Oct 20 – At Chapman

Oct 27 – TBA

Coach Burke says:

“Look for several new names to emerge as there are 40 juniors and sophomores on this year’s Indian squad. Many of these guys will be earning their first opportunity to shine on Friday nights.”

CONCORDIA PANTHERS

League: North Central Kansas

Head Coach: Jordan Echer, 5th season

Last Season’s Record: 2-7

Key Returning Players: Keegun Biems, sr., OL/DL; Jace Tholstrup, sr., OL/DL; Kyle McFadden, jr., OL/DL; Dane Cleveland, jr., TE/ LB; Braeden Primeaux, jr., QB/LB; Dustin Sterrett, sr., RB/DB; Peyton Breese, sr., WR/DB; Caleb Hanson, sr., FB/DL

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Chapman

Sep 8 – At Abilene

Sep 15 – At Wamego

Sep 22 – H Marysville

Sep 29 – At Hiawatha

Oct 6 – H Clay Center

Oct 13 – H Beloit

Oct 20 – At Rock Creek

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Echer says:

“The ground game should be our strength with a strong offensive line, the legs of Primeaux and a group of backs that can carry the football.”

HESSTON SWATHERS

League: Central Kansas

Head Coach: Tyson Bauerle, 7th season

Last Season’s Record: 6-4

Key Returning Players: Aedan O’Halloran, sr., OL/DL; Karter Gonzalez, jr., FB/LB; Jackson Fry, sr., WR/DB; Josh Koehn, sr., OL; Ethan Coutre, so., OL; Beau Warden, sr., TE/DL; Blake Hansen, jr., DB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Hoisington

Sep 8 – H Pratt

Sep 15 – H Hillsboro

Sep 22 – H Wichita Trinity

Sep 29 – At Kingman

Oct 6 – At Clearwater

Oct 13 – H Chapman

Oct 20 – At Wichita Collegiate

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Bauerle says: “We return six starters on offense and five starters on defense but will also return a large number of players that earned letters in role positions last season.”

NICKERSON PANTHERS

League: Central Kansas

Head Coach: Taylor Bauman, 2nd season

Last Season’s Record: 1-8

Key Returning Players: Karson Engellend, sr., OL/DL; Michael Nolde, sr., OL/DL; Logan Rogers, sr., RB/DB; Cage Kelly, sr., TE/LB; Skyler Wakefield, sr., WR/DB; Ayla Ontjes, sr., K

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Lyons

Sep 8 – At Hillsboro

Sep 15 – At Haven

Sep 22 – H Larned

Sep 29 – At Andale

Oct 6 – H Cheney

Oct 13 – At Pratt

Oct 20 – H Smoky Valley

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Bauman says: “We expect great character and leadership from our returning players. They are a close-knit, passionate group and we expect them to spread these qualities throughout the team during the course of the year.”

SMOKY VALLEY VIKINGS

League: Central Kansas

Head Coach: Tim Lambert, 8th season

Last Season’s Record: 4-5

Key Returning Players: Ezekiel Baker, sr., OL/DL; Gavin Stambaugh, jr., RB; Gio Luis, jr., LB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Halstead

Sep 8 – H Haven

Sep 15 – At Larned

Sep 22 – H Andale

Sep 29 – At Cheney

Oct 6 – H Pratt

Oct 13 – H Hillsboro

Oct 20 – At Nickerson

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Lambert says: “We have young men that are hungry to play. Due to our large class of seniors last year not many of these guys have seen a lot of action which should motivate them to work hard.”

WICHITA COLLEGIATE SPARTANS

League: Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Division IV

Head Coach: Troy Black, 5th

season

Last Season’s Record: 8-2

Key Returning Players: Hudson Ferralez, sr., QB; Tristan Sprole, jr., OL/DL; Brett Wetta, sr., WR/ DB; Jaden Parker, so. RB/DB; Jacob Chappell, sr., RB/LB; Cooper Arneson, jr., WR/LB; Lucas Ranney-Brown, sr., OL/DL; James Shackelford, sr., WR/DB; Sebastian Hines-Turner, so., WR

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Rose Hill

Sep 8 – H El Dorado

Sep 15 – H Wellington

Sep 22 – At Clearwater

Sep 29 – H Chapman

Oct 6 – At Andale

Oct 13 – At Wichita Trinity

Oct 20 – H Hesston

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Black says:

“We are very excited about this group and if we can stay healthy and develop some linemen we feel we can have a very solid season and a very good football team.”

WICHITA TRINITY KNIGHTS

League: Central Plains

Head Coach: Trey Hall, 2nd season

Last Season’s Record: 2-7

Key Returning Players: Donald Collier, sr., WR; Harvey Zimmerman, sr., QB; Elijah Watson, so., OL; Braxton Morris, sr., LB; Gracen Fischer, sr., RB; Cooper Garrison, jr., OL/DL; Will Saunders, jr., WR; Joey Lawton, jr., OL

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Salina Sacred Heart

Sep 8 – H Chaparral

Sep 15 – H Kingman

Sep 22 – At Hesston

Sep 29 – H Clearwater

Oct 6 – At Chapman

Oct 13 – H Wichita Collegiate

Oct 20 – At Baxter Springs

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Hall says:

“We have had a great offseason in terms of strength and speed training. Our goal is to improve with every opportunity given. If that is accomplished, we feel like we can make the playoffs.”

Take your first step with us. We’ll help you find the next one.

Students come from all over to grow with us, saving money along the way. You provide the passion, we’ll provide the experiences.

Whether its caring and dedicated professors, connections to industry leaders, collegiate sports, fine arts events, or a fun and active campus life, we’ve got something for everyone.

Wichita Collegiate’s Hudson Ferralez

By Hayden Swope

Senior Hudson Ferralez is looking forward to a fresh start at Wichita Collegiate with a new, experienced team waiting for him to lead them into the season.

“What I’m most excited for about the upcoming season is the guys that I get to play with,” Ferralez said. “We’re a talented team and I’m excited to see what we can do on the field.”

Over the offseason, Ferralez put in the work on and off the field, to help prepare for the season-opener against Rose Hill.

“Some things I have been doing during the offseason is hitting some camps,” Ferralez said. “I attended Fort Hays, Pitt State, Kansas State, and UCA for camp. I workout with the team and I throw with the team daily. One area I wanted to improve in was my on the run throws. I wanted to be lethal even on the run, so we hit lots of out of pocket movements and throws during the week.”

With almost 2,000 passing yards, and being named a first team all-league quarterback after last season, Ferralez has high aspirations for this year.

“Some goals I have for the season are to hit 3,000 passing yards and 50 or more touchdowns for the year,” Ferralez said. “So team goals this year would be to win state and go undefeated.”

Ferralez hopes to continue playing football at a higher level after high school, and even aspires to be a coach later on.

“My future plans are to play college football, and for my career I want to coach and do weightlifting down the road,” Ferralez said.

Sports Card & Autograph Memorabilia

Andale’s Gage Prosser

By Blake Chadwick

After completing the four-peat this past season, the Andale Indians graduated their most accomplished senior class in school history. Gage Prosser, an All-AVCTL first-team running back, is one of six returning starters who is tasked with upholding the longest winning streak in America.

“With losing such a great senior class that had an exponential amount of talent, it is hard to make expectations for the team this early on,” Prosser said. “Of course, we want to go out and win another state championship, but we will only get there one game at a time.”

The 51-game win streak carries its own pressure, but for the Andale players, being a part of the historic program includes a high level of expectations on and off the field.

“When playing for a program with a history of success, there is an added pressure to continue that legacy,” Prosser said. “However, I think that adds additional fun since we’re always trying to better ourselves and match those standards.”

Andale isn’t reinventing the wheel. With summer workouts and over 90 athletes in attendance, Prosser and a handful of other seniors and returning lettermen have laid some of the groundwork for the younger guys and are ready to lead.

“We’re going to have to have some younger guys step up this year,” Prosser said. “That’s what’s great about Andale – there are always younger guys who are willing to do what they can to help the team wherever possible.”

Prosser has been spending a good part of the offseason rehabbing a Lisfranc tear, which has challenged him on and off the field.

“It’s been a rocky road with injuries, but they are part of playing the game,” Prosser said. “Trying to get back into everything has been difficult, and after being out of sports for a while, I feel like I’ve lost some of my competitiveness that was always there.”

Wichita Trinity’s Donald Collier

By Blake Chadwick

Wichita Trinity Academy senior Donald Collier is a workhorse and a kid who truly gets it when it comes to getting things done.

Clocking in with a 4.50 second 40-yard dash, Collier is one of the fastest kids in the state and uses his speed to his advantage while he flies around offensively and defensively.

Being a slot receiver and safety could be potentially grueling to play both ways game in and game out, but for Collier, it doesn’t matter. He thrives.

“I like to play smart and aggressive football,” he said. “I watch film to notice different alignments [defensively] and to know how to run routes in different coverages [offensively].”

In 2022, he had 103 receptions 1,710 yards receiving yards and 25 touchdowns. He also went off on the defensive side, as well, totaling 90 tackles, one forced fumble and one pick-six. On top of all that, he also was the kick returner.

Collier was able to garner first-team All-State and first-team AllLeague recognition, as well as being named a Class 3A player of the year finalist.

The senior has spent all offseason “perfecting his craft” and getting stronger to gain some more mass as he gets one step closer to achieving his dream of playing college football.

An even bigger dream Collier has, though, is to play at the Division I level, and with four Division II offers, and a preferred walk-on offer from the University of Kansas, Collier keeps on inching closer. With everything in focus, Collier has a couple things fully on his mind for the season.

“For the team I would love to win some games. Most people don’t think we are going to win, and for myself, I have a couple Kansas records I’d like to break this year,” Collier said.

We understand how important it is for athletes to stay in the game. That's why AOA Now Orthopedic Immediate Care o ers prompt and e icient care for sports-related injuries. Here's why you should choose us:

• Our team of orthopedic specialists has extensive experience in treating sports injuries.

• We o er flexible hours to accommodate your busy schedule, including evenings and weekends.

• Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

• We provide personalized care and treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.

• Our goal is to get you back to your sport as quickly and safely as possible.

Wichita, Ks 67226 (Located at K96 & Webb Rd)

Monday-Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am- Noon · Sunday: Noon- 4:00pm

We will get you back on the field, no matter what sport you play.

Cheney’s Jack Voth

By Hayden Swope

Cheney’s Jack Voth has made a huge impact on the program, including being named a first team all-league wide receiver last season. As a senior, Voth hopes to help lead his team to a winning season.

“I am most excited about the opportunity to play my last season for Cheney and having a great chance to make history,” Voth said.

Voth trains at any given moment, and has the drive to push himself as much as he can. On and off the field, and in the gym is where you’ll find Voth, working to perfect his craft.

“Our team lifts four days a week in the morning,” Voth said. “I do speed training four days a week in Wichita. My quarterback and I go to the field and throw almost every night we can. On the weekends I do wide receiver training.”

After a season full of dominant and stacked statistics during the 2022 season, Voth and the Cardinals plan to exceed those goals and expectations this year.

“The main goal this year is to go undefeated and win state,” Voth said. “My individual goal is that I want to have another season with over 1,000 receiving yards.”

This chapter isn’t coming to a close yet for Voth, as he is committed to continue playing football at the next level.

“My future plans are to attend and play football at New Mexico State as a wide receiver next year,” Voth said.

Clay Center’s Colton Spellman Athlete Spotlight

Presented by KansasLand Tire & Service

By Blake Chadwick

After an 8-4 season and a season-ending loss to Andale, the Class 3A champions, the Clay Center Tigers had vengeance on their mind in the offseason.

The Tigers have one of the more challenging schedules in the state, but players like senior center Colton Spellman know that they all have a role in getting to where they want to be.

Spellman took it upon himself to get back to the basics in the offseason, on and off the field.

“For this season in particular, I have focused on hitting the gym with proper technique to ensure a long and healthy season,” Spellman said.

As for the rest of the team, they have taken the same approach with their summer workouts day in and day out.

“This year’s summer workouts have been more prioritized towards building strength as quick as possible but also building the muscles most don’t think of that prevent injuries,” Spellman said.

Spellman is fresh off a season where he was named first-team All-District and All-League. But the center only has one thing on his mind at the end of the day, and that is going out his senior year as a state champion.

Hesston’s Jackson Fry

By Hayden Swope

Hesston’s Jackson Fry has been a standout athlete on both sides of the ball for Swathers. The two-way starter was an honorable mention all-league wide receiver last season.

“I am most excited for our team this season,” Fry said. “I believe our guys will fight for each other no matter what. We have a brotherhood that will be exciting to see this year.”

Think Again!

To prepare for the season, Fry spent hours on and off the field, working with different coaches, trainers, and teammates.

“This off season I’ve been working and going to football camps all over,” Fry said. “I’ve gone to camps in Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri. Our team has been working out all summer and we’ve been working together in the evenings. One ability I’ve been working on this summer is my footwork. I didn’t have the best footwork last season but working all summer on it, I believe my footwork will be better this year.”

While he does hope to continue on with his own successes, Fry has aspirations to help lead his team to some November football.

“Individual goals I have for myself this season would be to lead the CKL in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns,” Fry said. “For our team my goal for us is to make a deep run in the playoffs. We have a team capable of doing that. We just need to put the pieces together.”

Keeping his options for his future open, Fry does hope to continue playing and training after high school.

“My future plans for myself are to go play college football at a higher level,” Fry said. “I’m not set on what I want to do in college but I know college football is what I want to do.”

Collegiate’s Jacob Chappell

By Hayden Swope

Wichita Collegiate’s Jacob Chappell put everything on the line last season, and it showed when he was named a second team all-league linebacker. Chappell is ready for the season, including a game against a longtime rival.

“The thing I’m most excited about this season is going to be the Andale game,” Chappell said. “It has to be the biggest build-up out of every game of the season, and it’s always exciting to put our best 11 against their best 11.”

Chappell has been preparing for the first game in September all summer, and has been training with multiple coaches, trainers, and athletes to better his skills.

“As far as preparation in the offseason, I have been a part of every summer football training in the weight room and other activities along with personal training working on myself as an individual,” Chappell said.

While working and conditioning over the offseason, Chappell had one big improvement in mind.

“The biggest focus during the offseason has been getting faster and quicker because every second and tenth of a second matter,” Chappell said.

Chappell’s goals for season don’t only include adding onto his accolades, they also include helping the team make it far into the postseason.

“My team goal for us this year is to make it to game three in the playoffs,” Chappell said. “My individual goal is to lead the team in tackles for the second year in a row.”

After high school, Chappell plans to attend K-State to continue his education.

“As far as college I would like to continue my academic career at Kansas State University studying engineering,” Chappell said.

By Hayden Swope

Kason Messenger was a first team all-league defensive lineman for Cheney last season. This year, Messenger and the Cardinals plan to come back stronger than ever.

“I am most excited about the team chemistry we have built up over the offseason, we are coming back stronger at almost every single position with almost a whole returning roster with an eight and three record last year,” Messenger said.

With the Cardinal’s strong team chemistry, Messenger and the team have been putting in the work all offseason to show their strengths on the field.

“This offseason has been really big,” Messenger said. “Our team workouts have been really intense and we have a lot of energy every single morning getting better. I also have been training with a specific trainer to work on speed and strength along with D-line work as well. I have been to a lot of college camps this summer to put myself out there and to be the best I possibly can this year.” This being his senior year, Messenger wants this year to be as memorable as possible, with a big championship win to wrap it up.

“As a team we want to win state, no less,” Messenger said. “We have lots of guys with experience and the entire team is brought in and putting the work in. Individually I just want to purely dominate at what I do every down. Accolades and stats will come with it but I don’t have any specific numbers in mind.” While this may be his last season for the Cardinals, Messenger has hopes to continue playing football outside of Cheney, while also continuing his education.

“I most definitely want to play college football in the future,” Messenger said. “I plan on studying sports health of some sort while playing college football.”

Cheney’s Kason Messenger Andale’s Marlo Sullivan

By Hayden Swope

Andale’s Marlo Sullivan has proved not only to her coaches and teammates, but herself that she is a force to be reckoned with.

“I never thought I’d be saying I played football for four years, let alone for a team with the winning traditions that Andale has,” Sullivan said. “I am most excited about finishing my career with the guys that encouraged me to start kicking in the first place.”

While Sullivan gets to play her final year with her friends, a big piece of the puzzle is missing this season, and it is one that hit the town of Andale hard. “The picture included is of me and my best friend, Wyatt Sobba,” Sullivan said. “Wyatt supported me, was there to celebrate with me after games, and honestly kept me playing. Wyatt would have been a senior this year at Andale had he not tragically lost his life this February. Wyatt was not much of a football fan, but he was a great fan to me and the boys I play with. The decision to go out for football this year without him in the stands supporting me was very tough, but now what I am most excited about is to be able to dedicate every kick, win, and moment this season to him.”

Many football fans don’t think much about females playing the sport, but with Sullivan’s accolades, she is making herself known. This is something Sullivan hopes to make more common over the next year.

“As I’m approaching my final year of playing Andale football, a personal goal of mine that I have always hoped to reach is for my experience to open doors and encourage other girls to do things that are unusual or uncommon if that is what they are passionate about,” Sullivan said.

Tristan Sprole Wichita Collegiate

By Hayden Swope

Collegiate’s Tristan Sprole was a first team all-league defensive end last season. He returns bigger and more explosive this year for the Spartans. Sprole has spent the offseason training and working with his team on and off the field, expanding his leadership role.

“The offseason has been productive, for me and the entire team,” Sprole said. “I couldn’t ask for more of my teammates, they’ve shown up and worked relentlessly. I attend morning weights at Collegiate as well as the speed and agility training afterwards.”

Getting to compete with teammates that are now family every single day makes the fall season that much more enjoyable, and is one of Sprole’s favorite things about Collegiate.

“I’d say that the most exciting thing about this upcoming season and the team we have built over the summer,” Sprole said. “Being an upperclassman along with your closest friends helps, but the underclassmen have proved that they are capable of leading themselves and those below them well enough to keep progressing towards our biggest goal.”

Not only did Sprole set individual goals, but also objectives for his team to accomplish. The biggest goal for Sprole and the Spartans happens to be the most exciting game of the season for a team.

“The goal that I set for myself and, more importantly, the team is to win state,” Sprole said. “There is no reason why I should doubt my team. I see that our guys want it, and I believe that we’re capable.”

While athletics have been a big part of Sprole’s life, his education has also taken a big role.

“I’m hoping to attend an aerospace engineering program to become a part of the aviation industry,” Sprole said. “I’m looking at MIT, Yale, or the Air Force Academy. After earning my degree, I’d like to help build the next level of aerospace technology.”

POLL WINNERS

Ellsworth’s Jordan Rodriguez

By Blake Chadwick

The offseason grind for student-athletes is always a tough one, but it is extremely necessary when state championships are the goal. For Jordan Rodriguez of Ellsworth, he has it even tougher. The senior, like a lot of student-athletes, has to juggle his life outside of sports, which includes a job and going to his summer workouts.

“Unfortunately, I have not made as many as I would have liked to because of work, but I know the team has been putting in the work that needs to be put in,” Rodriguez said. The Ellsworth Bearcats are coming off an 8-2 season in which they lost to state runner-up Kingman.

“This offseason has been one of our biggest offseasons in school history,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez is a right guard and defensive tackle with a fundamental approach to the game that helps him capitalize on his innate quickness in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The senior has been putting in the work on the field but has also taken a step back to check his mental preparation.

“I have been preparing myself mentally for the pressure that’s going to be on us,” Rodriguez said. “One team goal I have is obviously winning a championship, but another team goal is to stay mentally focused. It’s important to not let the hype get you complacent.”

He wants to do everything in his power to get over the hump and get to the state championship, and in doing so, he also wants to show what kind of player he is.

“One of my personal goals is to continue to show why I can be the No. 1 offensive and defensive lineman in 2A,” Rodriguez said.

Halstead’s Joey Millspaugh

By Hayden Swope

Joey Millspaugh, a junior at Halstead, has been preparing all offseason for the upcoming football season. The all-league honorable mention defensive back is ready to see how far the Dragons will advance this year.

“I’m most excited to see how much we’ve improved this year as a team and as individuals,” Millspaugh said. “As a team we’ve worked super hard this summer.”

Preparation started early this year, with Millspaugh working on and off the field with multiple coaches and teammates, and attending camps to better his game. “This offseason I’ve been working out every day,” Millspaugh said. “I’ve gone to multiple camps and workouts trying to get better and prepare for this upcoming season.”

With two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries after the 2022 season, Millspaugh is hoping to increase those numbers this year with new, challenging exercises and training.

“One area I’m wanting to improve on is my vision to see the field,” Millspaugh said. “I’ve been doing some drills to try and improve it as best as I can.”

After Halstead’s 3-6 record from the previous season, Millspaugh and the Dragons are excited to get back out there and compete. With hopes of some November ball, Millspaugh also hopes to continue growing his stats.

“A team goal we have is to be better than last year and win some playoff games,” Millspaugh said. “As an individual, I want to be in the top three for tackles.”

Clay Center’s Brody Hayes

By Blake Chadwick

Class 3A powerhouse Andale ended the 2022 season for Brody Hayes and the Clay Center Tigers – a fact that Hayes hasn’t forgotten. Hayes, a senior running back and safety for the Tigers, is coming off a year where he had 105 tackles, eight pass breakups, 1,499 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns. His numbers helped him earn first team All-League and All-District selections as a safety and a running back. He was named All-State as a safety.

With the offseason grind ending and practices coming to the forefront, Hayes knows he has done his fair share of work with and without the team over the summer.

“I have prepared for the season by lifting weights and doing speed and agility sessions with Sharp

Performance in Salina,” Hayes said. “Team workouts have been very intense this summer. We know what we are capable of, so the coaches are hard on us to get the best out of us.”

Like all teams, the Tigers have state championship dreams. Hayes has plans to get them there.

“I have very high expectations for myself as a leader and a player this year,” he said. “In the past, I have led by example. This year, though, is different. I am going to have to become a vocal leader.” Hayes expects to ball out.

“I expect to lead this team to victory,” he said. “Winning games will really bring Clay Center together as a community.”

Think Again!

The Kansas Promise Scholarship pays for most tuition and fees not covered by other scholarships and grants, making college affordable for everyone.

Last year, 95 Salina Tech students earned more than $570,000 in scholarships from the Kansas Promise Scholarship fund!

The Kansas Promise Scholarship applies to all of these programs at Salina Tech:

• Associate Degree Nursing

• Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing

• Automotive Technology

• Commercial Truck Driving

• Computer-Aided Drafting

• Construction Technology

• Dental Assisting

• Dental Hygiene

• Diesel Technology

• Early Childhood Education

• Electrical Technology

• EMT: Basic

• Home Health Aide

• Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

• Machining and Manufacturing Technology

• Medication Aide (CMA)

• Nursing Aide (CNA)

• Practical Nursing

• Welding Technology

2023 2A TEAMS TO WATCH

Beloit returns a large group of upperclassmen, including first team all-league selection Brody Widrig on the line and first team all-state fullback JJ Sloan. On defense, all-state defensive back Quinn Eilert is back. With a solid core of starters, Beloit can be one that goes all the way this season.

Last season, Ellsworth won their first playoff game since the 1980’s. With so many players returning, winning just a playoff game would be considered a disappointment. With Will Cravens and Layton Leiker leading the offense and Jordan Rodriguez anchoring the defense, the Bearcats have a roster that can play deep into November..

With a big group of underclassmen, Garden Plain is ready to see how this young team progresses. Seth Dugan played on both sides of the ball, and even on special teams. Dugan

was a second team all-league running back last season, and is back for the Owls. Allleague linebacker Aden Stuhlsatz is also back.

Kingman graduated a good number of starters, so there will see many new faces stepping up. Tight end Tristen Davidson had ten touchdowns last season, and returns this year, as well as receivers Carter Helm and Bo Watkins. The Eagles might not have as much highend talent as a year ago, but will again be at threat in the Central Plains League.

Southeast of Saline had a stellar 2022 season, and coach Mitch Gebhardt is hoping to repeat that again this year. The Trojans bring back multiple first team all-league athletes, including Nathan Friesen, Daniel Kejr, Josiah Monday, and Nathan Weller. Another postseason run is in the offering for the Trojans.

2A PLAYERS & GAMES TO WATCH

Tristen Davidson, TE, Kingman

Seth Dugan, RB, Garden Plain

Quinn Eilert, DB, Beloit

Nathan Friesen, RB, SE-Saline

Carter Helm, DB, Kingman

Daniel Kejr, DB, SE-Saline

BELOIT TROJANS

League: North Central Activities Association

Head Coach: Brad Gober, 7th Year

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Ellsworth

9/8 - At Southeast of Saline

9/15 - At Republic County

9/22 - H Russell

9/29 - At Phillipsburg

10/6 - H Norton

10/13 - At Concordia

10/20 - H Thomas More Prep-Marian

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Brody Widrig, sr., OL/DL; Maddox Waters, sr., TE/LB; Quinn Eilert, sr., QB/DB; Parker Isbell, sr., OL/LB; Eli Johnson, jr., OL; Brodie Schroeder, sr., RB; Brodie Litton, so., TE; Colton Walters, jr., DL; Brodie Boudreaux, jr., DL; Jerek Rexroat, sr., LB; Christian Mears, sr., OL

Coach Gober says:

“We have a solid core of players returning from last year’s quarterfinals team. We return three starters on the OL and bring back multiple guys with experience on the OL who received playing time throughout the season. We are big and physical up front on offense but will need to break in multiple starters at RB this season.”

CHAPARRAL ROADRUNNERS

League: Central Plains

Head Coach: JC Zahradnik, 3rd season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Medicine Lodge

9/8 - H Wichita Trinity

9/15 - At Conway Springs

9/22 - H Garden Plain

9/29 - H Douglass

10/6 - At Kingman

10/13 - N/A

10/20 - H Haven 10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Kyler Smith, sr.,

Layton Leiker, DB, Ellsworth

Josiah Monday, LB, SE-Saline

Jordan Rodriguez, DL, Ellsworth

Loden West, LB, Ellsworth

Brody Widrig, DL, Beloit

WR/DB; Tyce Pfaff, sr., WR/LB; Anakyn Smith, sr., OL/DL; Cole Bergman, jr., OL/ DL

Coach Zahradnik says:

“We go into this season with a lot of opportunities for our players to step into new roles. The majority of last year’s graduating class were three or four year starters, which will leave plenty of unanswered questions heading into the season.”

DOUGLASS BULLDOGS

League: Central Plains

Head Coach: Blake Alexander, 2nd season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Belle Plaine

9/8 - H Ellinwood

9/15 - H Cheney

9/22 - H Kingman

9/29 - At Chaparral

10/6 - At Haven

10/13 - H Garden Plain

10/20 - H Bluestem

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Michael Kielhorn, sr., RB/DB; Jace Pichler, jr., OL/LB; Kyler Moore, jr., RB/DB; Wyatt Laver, jr., OL/ DL; Kylan Millington, so., OL/DL; Jaytin Cathey, jr., K

Coach Alexander says:

“We will have to replace a very productive senior class on both sides of the ball. With only a few seniors on the roster we will rely heavily on underclassmen this year. Our key to success will be to develop our young guys over the summer to have them ready for varsity football game one.”

ELLSWORTH BEARCATS

League: North Central Activities Association

Head Coach: Josh Homolka, 6th season

2023 Schedule:

Sep 1 - Ellsworth at Beloit

Sep 8 - Beloit at Southeast of Saline

Sep 15 - Chaparral at Conway Springs

Sep 15 - Ellsworth at Salina Sacred Heart

Sep 22 - Garden Plain at Chaparral

Oct 6 - Kingman at Chaparral

Oct 20 - Southeast of Saline at Ellsworth

Oct 20 - Chaparral at Haven

Oct 20 - Halstead at Cheney

last year’s team. We were a young team in 2022 and we gained valuable experience. We played a very challenging schedule and hope that will help us take a step forward this year.”

HALSTEADDRAGONS

League: Central Kansas

Head Coach: Derek Racette, 1st season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Smoky Valley

9/8 - H Hoisington

9/15 - At Pratt

9/22 - At Southeast of Saline

Key Returning Players: Cole Webber, sr., TE/LB; Loden West, sr., FB/LB; Wyatt Bohnen, sr., OL; Will Cravens, sr., QB; Layton Leiker, sr., WR/LB; Jordan Rodriguez, sr,. RG/DL; Josh Rodriguez, sr., DB; Brendan Anderson, sr., OL

Coach Homolka says: “We are really excited about the upcoming season. As a team we played well throughout the year. We were able to win the first playoff game since the 80’s. As a team we accomplished so much. We have to refocus ourselves on what leads us to that success.”

GARDEN PLAIN OWLS

League: Central Plains

Head Coach: Todd Rice, 2nd season

2023 Schedule:

9/29 - H Hillsboro

10/6 - At Lyons

10/13 - H Ellsworth

10/20 - At Cheney

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Tucker Divine, sr., OL; Owen Farmer, sr., RB; Aden Armstrong, sr., DL; Brayden Logan, sr., LB; Brady Hill, sr., DE/LB; Zantana Chavarin, sr., DT

Coach Racette says:

“This summer will be huge for our success this fall, just like any other team. We will have to continue to find great leadership in our upperclassmen and continue to become more of a family.”

HAVEN WILDCATS

League: Central Kansas

Head Coach: Drew Thalmann, 5th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Hillsboro

9/8 - At Smoky Valley

9/15 - H Nickerson

9/22 - At Lyons

9/29 - At Garden Plain

Key Returning Players: Seth Dugan, jr., RB; Gage Lee, sr., RB; Kaeden Kasselman, jr., DE; Cooper Scheer, jr., DB

Coach Rice says: “We return a strong core of starters off of

10/6 - H Douglass

10/13 - At Kingman

10/20 - H Chaparral

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Riley Loop, sr.,

OL/LB; Trey Pennington, sr., LB; Brody Boese, sr., OL/DL; Cooper Seidel, sr., OL/ DL; Nash Wray, jr., QB/DB; Van Loop, jr., RB/DB; Dustin Loughrie, sr., WR/DB; Preston Sander, sr., WR/DB; Grant Patry, so., RB/DB

Coach Thalmann says:

“While a lack of depth at OL is concerning, Coach Thalmann is hoping a couple of converted skill position players will be able to step up and return dividends for the Wildcats.”

HILLSBORO TROJANS

League: Central Kansas

Head Coach: Demetrius Cox, 5th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Haven

9/8 - H Nickerson

9/15 - At Hesston

9/22 - H Ellsworth

9/29 - At Halstead

10/6 - H Southeast of Saline

10/13 - At Smoky Valley

10/20 - At Lyons

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Dawson Boldt, sr., QB; Anders Weisbeck, jr., RB; Seth Driggers, jr., WR; Zander Haslett, sr., TE/ LB; Nash Dickson, jr., T; Wyatt Plenert, sr., SB; Levi Smith, sr., DL;

Coach Cox says:

“The 2023 overall outlook for the upcoming football season is extremely promising. With a talented roster of players and dedicated coaching staff, we are confident in our ability to achieve great success on the field.”

KINGMAN EAGLES

League: Central Plains League

Head Coach: Tanner Hageman, 5th season

2023 Schedule: 9/1 - H Cheney 9/8 - At Conway Springs 9/15 - At Wichita Trinity 9/22 - H Douglass 9/29 - H Hesston 10/6 - At Chaparral 10/13 - H Haven 10/20 - At Garden Plain 10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Tristen Davidson, sr., TE/DE; Carter Helm, sr., WR/DB; Bo Watkins, sr., WR/LB; Brody Bell, jr., OL/ DL; Collin Schreiner, jr., OL/LB; Chase Webster, sr., WR/LB

Coach Hageman says:

“I am excited about the new faces that will be playing for this upcoming season. We will have to have a lot of players step up that have been hungry for the opportunity to play/start varsity. Even with the graduation of some significant starters our expectations will stay the same.”

LYONS LIONS

League: Central Kansas League

Head Coach: Carl Nolan, 3rd season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Nickerson

9/8 - H Larned

9/15 - At Hoisington

9/22 - H Haven

9/29 - At Ellsworth

10/6 - H Halstead

10/13 - At Southeast of Saline

10/20 - H Hillsboro

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Deacon Showalter, jr., QB; Jorge Cereceres, jr., DL; Elijah Martinez, sr., OL; Seth Laymon, sr., OL/ DL; Danny Rivera, sr., OL/DL; Marcos Gonzales, sr., WR/DB; Les’sigh Braxton, jr., OL

Coach Nolan says: “With a new defensive scheme going into the season we will be looking to learn our new scheme and produce at a high level to begin the season. This year we are hoping to build around some returning starters.”

MINNEAPOLIS LIONS

League: North Central Activities Association

Head Coach: Tom Flax, 5th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Republic County

9/8 - H Salina Sacred Heart

9/15 - At Southeast of Saline

9/22 - H Sabetha

9/29 - At Horton

10/6 - H Nemaha Central

10/13 - H Remington 10/20 - At Riley County 10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Braylon Smith, sr., RB/LB; Ryan Parks, sr., QB/WR; Gus Johns, sr., OL/LB; Mason Smith, jr., RB/LB; Zach Nelson, jr., RB/DB; Chase Johnson, sr., WR/DB; Ethan Bohl, jr., TE/DB

Coach Flax says:

“The upcoming season will bring some change to the Lion Football program. We will be replacing the bulk of the offensive line while bringing back several key spots in the skill positions. We have had some success the last two years at the JV level and I think that we have several offensive lineman that have been waiting in the wings to step up and make a name for themselves.”

SOUTHEAST OF SALINE TROJANS

League: North Central Activities Association

Head Coach: Mitch Gebhardt, 14th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Rock Creek

9/8 - H Beloit

9/15 - H Minneapolis

9/22 - H Halstead

9/29 - At Clay Center

10/6 - At Hillsboro

10/13 - H Lyons

10/20 - At Ellsworth

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Daniel Kejr, sr., S; Nathan Friesen, sr., RB; Josiah Monday, sr., DL; Nathan Weller, sr., OL; Cameron Witte, sr., OL; Wyatt Boyd sr., OL/DL; Tucker Thaxton, jr., OL; Brody Chambers, so., OL/DL

Coach Gebhardt says:

“We have some players back from last year’s team. These players gained valuable experience. Our expectations are that we get better everyday and compete at a high level. We are excited to see what some of our younger guys can do.”

Prep Performance of the Month ! GO

Quinn Eilert Beloit

Growing up on the farm has set up Beloit senior Quinn Eilert with a work ethic that is second to none.

In 2022, Eilert felt the fruits of his labors as he was named rst-team All-League safety, an honorable mention safety by Sports in Kansas and a rst-team safety by the Wichita Eagle as Beloit went 8-3.

“I would describe my style of play as a I don’t really care what happens to me or the outcome of the game – I will play my hardest till the last snap,” Eilert said. For Eilert, having a mom as the school counselor and a dad as the head basketball coach has had its bene ts. But no matter what, he attributes his success and work to the farm.

“I believe that my family has been a key part of my success as an athlete. I’ve grown up on a farm, so I learned what hard work was from a very young age,” said Eilert, who plays quarterback and safety.

Because of his dual role on o ense and defense, he has taken on an even more signi cant part of the leadership.

“In our program, it is expected that we have a good playo -contending team every year,” Eilert said. “So we have to live up to those expectations, but we also want to exceed them and make our school and town proud with a deep playo run.”

Hog Wild Catering

Banquets, Booster activities

Team Profile

By Matt Browning

The Ellsworth football team won its first seven games last season, beating perennial powers Beloit and Hillsboro along the way. Then the Bearcats defeated Garden Plain in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Kingman a week later. The entire roster is back from that team, which has Ellsworth hungry to repeat last season’s success, plus add more games in November.

“I think last year helped prepare us for this year,” said Ellsworth head coach Josh Homolka. “We return everyone from last year’s roster. We were able to feel what playoff football really is. I think that is something they want to feel again.”

The Bearcats bring back the following first team allleague players: offensive and defensive lineman Jordan Rodriguez, tight end Cole Webber, linebacker Loden West

BROUGHT TO YOU BY VISIT WICHITA

and defensive back Layon Leiker. Also returning are the following second team all-league selections: quarterback Will Cravens, running back Wyatt Bohnen, and offensive and defensive lineman Brendan Anderson. The bottom line is Ellsworth is as talented as it has been in quite some time.

“On paper this team is hands down the most experienced team we have fielded in my time at Ellsworth,” Homolka said. “Keeping ourselves focused on the big picture and not living in snapshots day to day will be critical for us. Our goal is to make the playoffs, that has been the goal since 2017 (when Homolka took over). You make the playoffs you have a chance. You have to be invited to the party first. So we want to play physical football and be a team in the playoffs.”

Visit Wichita is proud to support sports in Wichita. Athletes, fans and events have a tremendous impact on our community, and we’re committed to helping bring more sports to our city. Learn more about how sports contribute to making Wichita a great place to live, work and play, head to VisitWichita.com/SportCity.

VisitWichita.com | 800.288.9424

Parents, coaches, principals, teachers and fans can nominate a deserving team by contacting Mike Cooper at 316.218.3579 or Mike.cooper@vype.com

WE TAKE OUR PLAYTIME SERIOUSLY.

Braylon Smith Minneapolis HS

By Hayden Swope

Going into his senior year, Braylon Smith of Minneapolis knew he wanted to make an impact on his team.

“Some goals that I have for this season are to personally get over 1,000 all-purpose yards,” Smith said. “Team-wise I’d like to see the young guys step up in a big way. We have guys that can do it, they just need to know that they can. Another goal for me this year as a senior is I want to be a bigger leader than I have been.”

After losing a few essential seniors from last season, Smith is excited to see how this year’s team bands together.

“I’m most excited to see what this team can do,” Smith said. “We had some key players for us last year that graduated and I want to see how our young guys step up.”

While the season is right around the corner, Smith has taken advantage of any and every offseason chance to progress with his team.

“This offseason has been like any other,” Smith said. “We have team football nights every Tuesday, we workout Monday through Thursday every week, and I also workout at night Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. We went to our seven-on-seven football camp and the University of Friends football camp, which are both held in Concordia.”

With many team goals and workouts that Smith attended, he also worked to improve his own strengths and weaknesses.

“There really wasn’t one area in particular in my game that I tried to improve, I really just tried to work on my strength and speed,” Smith said.

Next fall, Smith plans to continue his education at a higher level.

“As for the future, I plan on attending Kansas State University and eventually become an anesthesiologist,” Smith said.

VIA CHRISTI OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH BEHIND THE SCENES PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Garden Plain’s Jaxen Bollinger

By Matt Browning

Garden Plain head coach Todd Rice describes senior Jaxen Bollinger as an amazing vocal leader for the Owls and is great about uplifting others and making all team members feel important. Bollinger is the type of athlete, no matter the sport, that every program needs behind the scenes.

“I wanted to improve on being more of a vocal leader for my teammates,” Bollinger said. “Some of the ways I’ve done that is just trying to hype our guys up through the tough days and also try giving some inspirational speeches at the end of workout.”

Getting back on the field is something Bollinger is eagerly awaiting. He wants a chance at some redemption.

“Last season didn’t end the way I wanted it to and that’s been my drive to do better and more,” Bollinger said. “Also I only have one more season to play football with the guys that I’ve grown up playing with and if it wasn’t for them I probably wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in now. So I’m going to play every play for them.”

Garden Plain went 4-5 last season and three of those losses were close. Bollinger is focused on swinging those defeats to victories, which will hopefully mean a deep playoff run.

“We had a lot of close games last year that we couldn’t finish and as a team we plan on not even letting those games get close,” Bollinger said. “Another goal is to make a deep run in the playoffs and to give this town some playoff wins again.”

A healthier workforce means a healthier bottom

You want to protect the safety, health and welfare of your employees

Ascension Via Christi Occupational Health and its PRISM Occupational Health Network in Wichita provide full-service clinics designed to help you reduce costs associated with worker’s compensation injury and illness care, to help employees get back to work quickly.

viachristi.org/occupational-health

Two convenient locations 501 N. Maize Road 2535 E. Lincoln t 316-721-5000 t 316-687-9794

Kingman’s Carter Helm: Athlete Spotlight

By Blake Chadwick

After a magical season that resulted in a state championship berth for the first time in 50 years, the Kingman Eagles fell short in the Class 2A state championship game against Nemaha Central.

Kingman’s storybook run fell short, and while players like Carter Helm were incredibly disappointed, they knew this wasn’t the end. All offseason Helm and the rest of the Eagles have been at it, trying to replicate their season but with a different end result.

“We have been in the weight room four days a week and had one camp so far this summer,” Helm said in July. “I like to lift on my own at my house in the evenings for a little extra work, as well.”

The senior is coming off a successful season where he was named first-team All-League as a flex, second-team All-League at corner, first team All-State at corner and All-State honorable mention as a flex. The accolades have their own meaning and are awesome to get, but what Helm really wants is a state championship this time around.

“I expect us to be right back where we were last year,” he said. “As for myself, I expect to make plays when I get the ball and do everything I can to put my team in a position to win.”

Summer workouts were high in intensity and energy, which means the Eagles have the same feeling once again. “We are all pumped up and ready to redeem ourselves this season,” Helm said.

SE-Saline’s Nathan Weller

By Blake Chadwick

It’s no surprise that the Southeast of Saline Trojans have put in work during the offseason. But there has been a renewed focus after watching their undefeated season end against the Kingman Eagles, which finished second. Seniors like Nathan Weller know that their clocks are almost up and have been locked in all offseason to make it great.

“Our team workouts have been going good,” Weller said. “We have had a lot of guys make big jumps from the beginning to the end.”

In Week 6 Weller tore his ACL, took a couple of games off, and then played in the playoffs. After the season ended, he immediately had surgery. With everyone on the team focused on getting stronger and improving, Weller’s offseason was all about building up all the strength in his leg on top of gaining some more overall strength.

“To get myself prepared for this upcoming season, I have been attending physical therapy once a week and trying to just regain that strength back in my leg,” Weller said.

Coming off of a year where he only gave up four sacks and was a second-team All-League player, Weller and the rest of the Trojans have plans to keep on building.

“Our team’s goal is to go 1-0 every week and just keep getting better and better day in and day out,” he said.

Garden Plain’s Seth Dugan

By Hayden Swope

Seth Dugan, a junior at Garden Plain, was a second team all-league running back last season for the Owls. Dugan and the team spent the offseason advancing their abilities on offense and defense in preparation for the year.

“During the summer I have attended summer weights in the morning and during the week the team also went to a couple of camps, one of them including us going to Friends University which was a great experience for our program and it helped us make a huge jump,” Dugan said.

Hoping to improve and progress his strengths on the offensive side of the ball, Dugan worked with coaches and teammates to push his drive on the field.

“This year I am wanting to improve on my physicality,” Dugan said. “Most of my mornings throughout the summer were spent in the weight room and our coaches’ workouts prepare us to be physical on the football field.”

Dugan’s goals and aspirations for himself and the team are high, as he hopes to cross them all off of the list.

“As a team we want to be the most physically tough team that nobody wants to play,” Dugan said. “I see us finishing with a winning record and going deep into the playoffs. Individually I want to make first team at all my positions and be the most dangerous guy on the field.”

With the first game of the season quickly approaching, Dugan is excited to see all of the team’s hard work come together.

“I am most excited to see how much our offense has improved after running it for the first time last year,” Dugan said. “I can already see all the little improvements we have made in our offense that is going to make us a very dangerous team.”

GOOD LUCK TO ALL AREA TEAMS THIS YEAR FROM VYPE KANSAS!

Halstead’s Connor Herman

By Hayden Swope

After a change at the head coach position last season, Connor Herman of Halstead is ready to get back out on the field with a new and improved team.

“As a team we have made a lot of progress and improvement throughout the offseason,” Herman said. “With having a new coach last year, it was our first season in a new offense and defense, so as a team we are all becoming more comfortable and confident and we are excited for this coming season.”

While working on his skills and plays over the summer, Herman is ready to prove his strengths under the lights.

“One area that I have been focusing on this year is my pass protection,” Herman said. “With our new offense we are implementing more passing so that has been a big focus for me individually. I went to some camps and went up to the field after workouts with teammates and focused on improving pass blocking.”

Last season, Herman was named an all-league and Class 2A honorable mention defensive player, as well as an all-state honorable mention offensive lineman. This year, Herman hopes to continue his successes.

“Individually I want to grow overall as a player and build on last year’s accomplishments,” Herman said. “As a team the goal is to make it to the playoffs and make a run in the playoffs. I think this is doable because we have a lot of guys returning from last year.

With still two more years to compete, Herman does have aspirations to continue playing outside of high school.

“I hope to play football at the collegiate level while pursuing a business degree,” Herman said.

Student of the Month

Tristen Davidson – Kingman HS

By Blake Chadwick

Kingman’s magical season finished on the disappointing side as the Eagles lost to Nemaha Central 33-17 in the 2022 Class 2A state championship. The Kingman Eagles and senior Tristen Davidson took the loss on the chin, and have worked every day since.

Davidson is a 6-3, 210-pound tight end/defensive end who earned first-team honors in All-State, All-District and All-League. He’s selfless as a player and knows what it takes to win – and has been fully focused on doing so.

“My ultimate goal is to lead my team to a state championship win,” Davidson said. “I am a leader and I would sacrifice anything to see my team succeed.”

Though Davidson outmatches his opponents a lot of the time, he understands that the advantages he boasts comes from the hard work he puts in day in and day out.

“I have been in the weight room constantly as well as doing a lot of drills,” Davidson said. “The team workouts have been tough. They are difficult, but at the end you know that the coaches know what they’re doing and it’s all for the betterment of the team.”

Davidson made a big mark on both sides of the field last year as he led the team offensively with 41 receptions, 692 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns. He contributed defensively with 95 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 8 sacks.

Davidson received a lot of interest over the past few months from college coaches and schools giving him a taste of the stressful recruiting process. He admits that he isn’t getting the type of looks he knows he is capable of.

But with personal goals of getting named All-State, being selected to the Kansas Shrine Bowl and winning a state championship, he believes that this season will help his stock a lot more in the eyes of coaches.

Noll, PT, DPT, CSCS

Favorite sports: I like to recreationally play pretty much any sport. Favorite sports to watch are football and basketballanything KU or Green Bay Packers.

Favorite sport to participate in: basketball

Sports in high school: cross country, basketball, track Specialties: general orthopedics, sports injuries/surgeries (my favorite is ACL rehab - I am a certified strength and conditioning specialist and have a sports manual therapy certification)

Best tip for high school athletes: learn proper lifting technique and stay strong! Being strong is the best injury prevention.

2023 1A TEAMS TO WATCH

There was no better running back in the state over the season’s final few weeks than Brayden Kunz and the talented runner returns for Conway Springs. Also back for the Cardinals is first team all-league offensive lineman Gunner Williams and second team all-league defensive linemen Blake Pauly and Nathan Bernsten. With Kunz and a talented line, Conway Springs has the team to play for a state title.

Sedgwick started the 2022 season 1-4, before winning four of its last five games and many of those players return for the Cardinals this season. First team all-league receiver Dallas Lagree and first team all-league linebacker Koen Werner are back, as well as second team all-league receiver Jeff Nold and second team all-league defensive back Jackson Scarlett. Expect Sedgwick to be closer to the team that averaged more than eight wins per season from 2010-2020 than last year’s .500 team.

Hutchinson Trinity got off to a fast start, opening the season with four straight wins, including Sedgwick and Marion. But the Celtics closed the season 2-3, including an opening round playoff lost to Plainville. Some important pieces are back from that team, including Eric Armour, Samuel Suter-Tan and Isaiah Suter-Tan.

Inman lost many talented players from last season’s team that lost in the 1A title game to St. Mary’s. The cupboard is not completely bare for the Teutons, however, as first team all-league running back Kellan Schrag and first team allleague linebacker Zackary Martisko return. By the time the playoffs arrive, expect Inman to be dangerous.

Marion had its best season since 2017, going 6-4 and dropping a tough loss to Wabaunsee in the first round of the playoffs. Two first team all-league selections, Jack Lanning and Trevor Schafers return, as well as nine other starters. The Warriors are a sneaky team in the Heart of America and Class 1A.

With 12 starters coming back, Sterling has the opportunity to have its best season since 2017. The most notable returning players are first team all-league offensive and defensive lineman Gabe Riffel, first team all-league offensive lineman Carson Gray and first team all-league defensive back Jaiden Diasio. The Black Bears will be a weekly challenge for the other teams in the Heart of America.

Salina Sacred Heart had its best season since 2015 and the Knights bring back 17 starters this year, including first team all-league kicker Cam Yohe, first team all-league punter Evan Bogart and second team all-league defensive back Michael Matteucci.

1A PLAYERS & GAMES TO WATCH

Eric Armour, QB, Hutchinson Trinity

Kole Klaassen, RB, Remington

Brayden Kunz, RB, Conway Springs

Dallas Lagree, WR, Sedgwick

Jack Lanning, QB/LB, Marion

Zach Martisko, LB, Inman

Michael Matteucci, DB, Salina Sacred Heart

Gabe Riffel, OL/DL, Sterling

Trevor Schaefers, RB/DB, Marion

Kellen Schrag, RB/LB, Inman

Samuel Suter-Tan, OL/DL, Hutchinson

Trinity

Koen Werner, LB, Sedgwick

Gunner Williams, OL/DL, Conway Springs

Aug 31 – Sedgwick at Hutchinson Trinity

Sep 1 – Salina Sacred Heart at Wichita

Trinity

Sep 8 – Kingman at Conway Springs

Sep 22 – Sterling at Inman

Oct 6 – Sterling at Conway Springs

Oct 13 – Conway Springs at Inman

Oct 20 – Sedgwick at Marion

BELLE PLAINE DRAGONS

League: Central Plains

Head Coach: Blake Pontius, 1st season

Last Season’s Record: 1-8

Key Returning Players:

Levi Christy, sr., RB/LB;

Bruce Lee, sr., WR/DB;

Tristan Wasser, jr., QB;

Talan Hefley, so., RB/DB; Nick Pace, jr., OL; Gavin Bolster, jr., DB; Tanner Bolster, jr., LB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Douglass

Sep 8 – At Medicine Lodge

Sep 15 – H Pleasanton

Sep 22 – At Salina Sacred

Heart

Sep 29 – At Marion

Oct 6 – H Bluestem

Oct 13 – At Sedgwick

Oct 20 – H Remington

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Pontius says: “There is a unique opportunity for change, and I mean that in a good way. We have a lot of good athletes, and we are just trying to figure out how to best mesh all those guys together.”

BLUESTEM LIONS

League: Tri-Valley

Head Coach: Ethan Baker, 2nd season

Last Season’s Record: 0-9

Key Returning Players:

Tucker Gibb, sr., QB/LB;

Colten Neal, jr., RB; Malachi

Jiminez, sr., TE/DL; Brody

Mohr, sr., WR/DB; Brody

Wiening, sr., RB/LB; Noah

Couey, sr., OL; Korbin Hebb, sr., DB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Neodesha

Sep 8 – At Fredonia

Sep 15 – At Cherryvale

Sep 22 – H Sedgwick

Sep 29 – H Remington

Oct 6 – At Belle Plaine

Oct 13 – H Marion

Oct 20 – H Douglass

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Baker says: Coach did not provide comment

CONWAY SPRINGS CARDINALS

League: Central Plains

Head Coach: Matt Biehler, 15th season

Last Season’s Record: 8-4

Key Returning Players:

Brayden Kunz, sr., RB/LB; Nathan Bernsten, sr., FB/ DL; Gunner Williams, sr., OL; Jacob Osner, sr., OL; Taylor Wykes, sr., DB; Blake Pauly, sr., DL; Cade Howell, jr., RB/LB; Isaac Winter, jr., RB/LB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Garden Plain

Sep 8 – H Kingman

Sep 15 – At Chaparral

Sep 22 – H Medicine Lodge

Sep 29 – At Ellinwood

Oct 6 – H Sterling

Oct 13 – At Inman

Oct 20 – H Hutchinson

Trinity

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Biehler says: “The Cardinals are hungry to get the 2023 season underway. Our schedule

will test us right away, so the off-season is critical for developing depth. The Cardinal Wing offense will look to rely heavy on the rushing attack.”

HUTCHINSON TRINITY CELTICS

League: Heart of America

Head Coach: Jordan Bell, 10th season

Last Season’s Record: 6-3

Key Returning Players: Eric Armour, sr., QB/DB; Isaiah Suter-Tan, sr., OL/LB; Samuel Suter-Tan, sr., OL/ DL; Gavin Judy, sr., OL/DL; Esekiel Suter, sr., WR/DB; Gavin Wilson, sr., RB/LB

2023 Schedule

Aug 31 – H Sedgwick

Sep 8 – At Remington

Sep 15 – H Marion

Sep 22 – At Ellinwood

Sep 29 – H Inman

Oct 6 – At Medicine Lodge

Oct 13 – H Sterling

Oct 20 – At Conway Springs

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Bell says: “We are extremely excited about the upcoming 2023 season. Trinity Catholic will return seven starters on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.”

INMAN TEUTONS

League: Heart of America

Head Coach: Lance Sawyer, 8th season

Last Season’s Record: 11-2

Key Returning Players: Kellen Schrag, sr., RB/LB; Zachary Martisko, sr., TE/

LB; Talon Welch, sr., RB/ LB; Dawson McConnell, sr., RB/LB; Jesse Ballard, sr., OL/DL; Evan Klamcynski, jr., OL/DL; Eli Gillespie, jr., OL/DL; T.J. Froese, jr., TE/ DL; Caleb Bigler, jr., QB/DB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Marion

Sep 8 – At Sedgwick

Sep 15 – H Remington

Sep 22 – H Sterling

Sep 29 – At Hutchinson

Trinity

Oct 6 – H Ellinwood

Oct 13 – H Conway Springs

Oct 20 – At Medicine Lodge

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Sawyer says:

“We are excited to get back at it. After back-to-back state runner-up finishes, our guys continue to dedicate themselves to the weight room. Our growth has been outstanding and we are ready to see results again on the football field.”

MARION WARRIORS

League: Heart of America

Head Coach: Shaun Craft, 6th season

Last Season’s Record: 6-4

Key Returning Players: Jack Lanning, sr., QB/LB; Trevor Schafers, sr., RB/LB; Jonathan Frese, sr., WR/ DB; Cole Smith, sr., OL/DL; Brian Nguyen, sr., OL/LB; Caleb Darrow, sr., WR/DB; Luke Watkins, jr., OL/DL

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Inman

Sep 8 – At Sterling

Sep 15 – At Hutchinson

Trinity

Sep 22 – At Remington

Sep 29 – H Belle Plaine

Oct 6 – At Council Grove

Oct 13 – At Bluestem

Oct 20 – H Sedgwick

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Craft says:

“Most of our senior starters have been playing varsity for two years already, some since they were freshmen. We are excited to see their hard work over the last four years pay off and take that next step into the playoffs.”

REMINGTON BRONCOS

League: Heart of America

Head Coach: Matt Headley, 1st season

Last Season’s Record: 2-7

Key Returning Players:

Kole Klaassen, jr., RB/ DB; Eli Gerber, sr., WR/ DB; Isaac Jury, jr., QB;/DB

Drew Klaassen, jr. WR/DB; Carsen Jarvis, sr., WR/DB; Coby Smeeton, so., OL/DL

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Sterling

Sep 8 – H Hutchinson

Trinity

Sep 15 – At Marion

Sep 22 – H Inman

Sep 29 – At Bluestem

Oct 6 – H Sedgwick

Oct 13 – At Minneapolis

Oct 20 – At Belle Plaine

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Headley says: “We’re expecting to build on last year’s record

and lean heavily on our upperclassmen and make a push to get in the playoffs this year.”

REPUBLIC COUNTY BUFFALOES

League: North Central Activities Association

Head Coach: Jesse Hodgson, 3rd season

Last Season’s Record: 1-8

Key Returning Players: Carson Simmons, sr., OL/ LB; Alex Dyke, sr., RB/LB; Austin Scrivner, sr., WR/DB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Minneapolis

Sep 8 – At Ellsworth

Sep 15 – H Beloit

Sep 22 – At Valley Heights

Sep 29 – At Wabaunsee

Oct 6 – H Smith Center

Oct 13 – At Ellis

Oct 20 – At Salina Sacred Heart

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Hodgson says: “We are going into 2023 as a very young team. The coaching staff is very excited about the future of the program. We just need to get guys experience.”

SACRED HEART KNIGHTS

League: North Central Activities Association

Head Coach: Norman Jennings, 1st season

Last Season’s Record: 4-5

Key Returning Players: Cameron Yohe, sr., RB/ DB; Evan Bogart, sr., FB; Michael Matteucci, sr., QB/ DB; Andy Marshall, sr., OL/

DL; Cameron Cleveland, sr., LB; Eli Junk, sr., OL/DL; Jason Marrs, sr., OL/DL

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Wichita Trinity

Sep 8 – H Minneapolis

Sep 15 – H Ellsworth

Sep 22 – H Belle Plaine

Sep 29 – At Valley Heights

Oct 6 – H Wabaunsee

Oct 13 – At Smith Center

Oct 20 – H Republic County

Coach Jennings says: “We are very excited about the upcoming season. After the turn-around last season and a very talented group of returning starters, we look to continue the same dramatic levels of improvement.”

SEDGWICK CARDINALS

League: Heart of America

Head Coach: Jeff Werner, 17th season

Last Season’s Record: 5-5

Key Returning Players: Jeff Nold, sr., WR/LB; Sterling Lies, sr., WR/DB; Koen Werner, sr., OL/LB; Jackson Scarlett, sr., WR/DB; Corey Crumrine, jr., QB/DB; Dallas Lagree, jr., WR/DB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Hutchinson

Trinity

Sep 8 – H Inman

Sep 15 – At Sterling

Sep 22 – H Bluestem

Sep 29 – H Osage City

Oct 6 – At Remington

Oct 13 – H Belle Plaine

Oct 20 – At Marion

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Werner says: “There will be some growing pains with such big changes as there is every year but the goals stay the same as every year: have a winning season, win our district and win a playoff game. If we do those things the season will be a success.”

STERLING BLACK BEARS

League: Heart of America

Head Coach: Brent Schneider, 5th season

Last Season’s Record: 4-5

Key Returning Players: Zane Farner, so., RB/DB; Isaac Briar, sr., WR/DB; Gabe Riffel, sr., OL/DL; Carson Gray, sr., OL/DL; Adam Schweizer, sr., DL; Jaiden Diasio, sr., DB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Remington

Sep 8 – H Marion

Sep 15 – H Sedgwick

Sep 22 – At Inman

Sep 29 – H Medicine Lodge

Oct 6 – At Conway Springs

Oct 13 – At Hutchinson

Trinity

Oct 20 – H Ellinwood

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Schneider says: “We return all starting offensive players and 9 starting defensive players. Our off-season workouts have been great, and we are looking forward to building off our success from last year.”

Team Profile

By Matt Browning

To open the 2022 season, Conway Springs went 0-3 and averaged just five points per game in those losses. But then something clicked.

The Cardinals proceeded to win seven straight games, including playoff victories over Plainville and Wabaunsee. That momentum is something head coach Matt Biehler carries over to the 2023 season.

“Our expectations are the same every year,” Biehler said. “We prepare to be a disciplined team that is tough to beat in the playoffs. To survive a deep run in November you must have a deep roster. Last year we had a majority of our players get varsity experience that will be extremely beneficial to this season.”

Conway Springs brings back two unanimous all-league standouts in running back and linebacker Brayden Kunz and

BROUGHT TO YOU BY VISIT WICHITA

offensive lineman Gunner Williams.

Kunz was unstoppable during the closing stretch of the season, as he rushed for over 1,000 of his 2,266 yards over the final five games of 2022.

Also back for the Cardinals are second team all-league defensive linemen Blake Pauly and Nathan Bernsten, as well as defensive back Taylor Wykes.

The improvement that occurred between Week 1 and Week 9 of the season was pronounced for Biehler and he know that kind of improvement must happen again if the Cardinals want to fulfill their ultimate goal of a state title, which would be their first since 2011.

“Our players have goals to get to Hays for the championship game,” Biehler said. “To achieve that goal we will need to stay healthy and improve week by week.”

Visit Wichita is proud to support sports in Wichita. Athletes, fans and events have a tremendous impact on our community, and we’re committed to helping bring more sports to our city. Learn more about how sports contribute to making Wichita a great place to live, work and play, head to VisitWichita.com/SportCity.

VisitWichita.com | 800.288.9424

Parents, coaches, principals, teachers and fans can nominate a deserving team by contacting Mike Cooper at 316.218.3579 or Mike.cooper@vype.com

WE TAKE OUR PLAYTIME SERIOUSLY.

Belle Plaine’s Levi Christy

By Hayden Swope

Levi Christy, a senior at Belle Plaine High School, knows a thing or two about accomplishments. As a junior last year, Christy brought home multiple accolades for the Dragons.

“I had 834 rushing yards, was named a second team all-league running back and honorable mention all-league linebacker,” Christy said.

Christy has been practicing and exercising all offseason, in hopes of adding onto those 2022 stats and accolades.

“I am most excited about this upcoming season to hopefully get a first team allleague acknowledgement,” Christy said.

Christy spent countless hours on the field and in the weight room, and he knows as the season goes on, the work doesn’t stop there.

“I went to a couple football college camps, I’ve done weights at my high school, and I had a football camp with my high school team over the offseason,” Christy said. With all of the never-ending training and conditioning, Christy hopes to cross all of his goals off the list, starting with one individual stat and one team stat.

“I would like to get over a thousand yards rushing, and as a team I would like at least a district championship win,” Christy said.

After high school, Christy has aspirations to earn a degree at college, and open his own business in the future.

“I plan on going to college and getting a business degree, and then after college I want to start my own fabrication shop,” Christy said.

HELLAS FIELD OF THE MONTH

Great Bend High School was the most recent school in Kansas to utilize Hellas Construction for their football stadium and track. Installed at the stadium was new turf with Cushdrain technology, a new eight lane track and upgrades to the pole vault and long jump areas.

“We had a great relationship with Hellas,” said Great Bend Athletic Director Matt Westerhaus. “They were very easy to work with and responded to any concerns and items that need to be addressed asap.”

Westerhaus has worked with Hellas on multiple projects and has had the same experience each time.

“I have worked with Hellas on a few projects and they are great people to work with,” Westerhaus said. “They stand behind their outstanding product and customer service and are willing to go the extra mile and provide a top notch, quality product/facility.”

Being able to have top-notch facilities for the students, faculty and community is important to Westerhaus and Great Bend. Hence why they used Hellas.

“It is very important to provide a quality product for our entire community to use that they are proud of, is durable, safe, functional and playable,” Westerhaus said.

HELLAS BUILDS FOR SPORTS FROM START TO FINISH Hellas provides a complete scope of services for sports surfaces and amenities including manufacturing, design/build, construction, installation, service, and maintenance.

Michelle Kuhns, mkuhns@hellasconstruction.com hellasconstruction.com

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY ECK STADIUM - HOME OF TYLER FIELD

Moundridge’s Henry Hecox: Athlete Spotlight

By Blake Chadwick

As a quarterback, Moundridge junior Henry Hecox possesses the best of both worlds when it comes to throwing the ball and running it. He has been successful in picking defenses apart and knowing when to use his shoulder to get some extra yards.

The junior is coming off of a year where he threw for 11 touchdowns and only one interception, while also rushing for 631 yards and 11 more touchdowns.

On top of being the quarterback, Hecox was a defensive back who found some success in the secondary – he totaled 47.5 tackles, two sacks and four pass breakups.

But now as a junior, he will play linebacker for the Wildcats.

After a 6-3 season where Moundridge went the farthest in the playoffs then they had in the last 15 years, the junior wasn’t satisfied. He got right back to sharpening his skills in all aspects for both sides of the ball.

“This summer I improved on my accuracy, power and leadership,” Hecox said. “I am excited to work with my coaches on my game and make improvements wherever they see need.”

With his leadership at an all-time high, summer workouts have been a time for the quarterback to lead by example and pull everyone together.

“Coach [Tyler] O’Connor has brought an increased intensity to our summer workouts,” Hecox said. “We have had great turnout in the weight room and we are getting bigger and faster as a team.”

For Hecox, he has personal goals, but the team goals are more important. “I never want to be outworked on the field, so that as a team we can continue to work to make it deeper and deeper into the postseason,” he said.

2023 8M-DI TEAMS TO WATCH

After a tough loss in the first round of playoffs, Attica-Argonia is hoping to advance further this season. First team all-league running back and linebacker Dalton Morrison returns. Attica-Argonia plays a few challenging games, but should be in the mix as a playoff team.

Clifton-Clyde returns a few starters, but will be looking for players to step up on both sides of the ball. Senior Trent Long was a big playmaker for the Eagles last season, and returns to play multiple positions. Like usual, Clifton-Clyde will be one to look for heading into the postseason.

Even though a first round playoff loss occurred last year for Ell-Saline, they will be back and stronger than ever this season. The Cardinals return almost the entire 2022 team. Ryder Dent and Joe Hiechel played on both offense and defense, and return for Ell-Saline.

Wichita Independent graduated nine seniors, and will be on the younger side of things this season. With difficult games against South Sumner

and Moundridge, Independent will have to find some players to step up. Quarterback Tatum Stalnaker and running back Alvin Richard are two of few returners, and will be expected to help lead the team.

A state championship loss put a lot into perspective for Little River. With only two seniors, Carter Stansbury and Andrew Smith, to fill those leadership positions, the Redskins will need to find the playmakers out of their young athletes if they want to again be one of the top teams in 8-Man Division I. Moundridge hopes to add onto their six wins from last season, and first team all-league running back Joaquin Huff is going to help do just that. Moundridge opens with a tough game against Ell-Saline, but has the experience to win that plus many more.

After a successful first season of South Sumner football, coaches and players are ready to be back. Quarterback Alex Smith, receiving yards team leader Jackson Riley, and wide receiver Alex Shore return for South Sumner this year.

8M-DI PLAYERS & GAMES TO WATCH

Ryder Dent, LB, Ell-Saline

Henry Hecox, DB, Moundridge

Joe Hiechel, DB, Ell-Saline

Joaquin Huff, RB, Moundridge

Santiago Knepp, RB, Centre

Trent Long, QB, Clifton-Clyde

Dalton Morrison, RB, Argonia-Attica

Miles Newell, OL, South Sumner

Alvin Richard, RB, Wichita Independent

Jackson Risley, WR, South Sumner

Victor Ruiz-Torres, OL, Ell-Saline

Alex Smith, RB, South Sumner

Carter Stansbury, OL, Little River

ARGONIA-ATTICA TITANS

League: Heart of Plains

Head Coach: Luke

Greenwood, 11th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Norwich

9/8 - At Cedar Vale

Dexter

9/15 - At Pratt

9/22 - H Central

Burden

9/29 - At Wichita Independent

10/6 - H Udall

10/13 - H South Sumner

10/20 - At Oxford

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Dalton Morrison, sr., RB/ LB; CT Fahring, sr., OL/G; Thomas DeViney, sr., RB/ WR/DB; Carson Vineyard, so., RB/LB; Mac Harnden, jr., WR

Coach Greenwood says:

“Should have good team speed. Still lack team size. Will have to replace five graduating seniors. Our numbers will be down this year as our incoming freshmen classes are pretty small.”

BENNINGTON BULLDOGS

League: Heart of America Head Coach: Bryan

Sep 1 - Moundridge at Ell Saline

Sep 1 - Hanover at Clifton-Clyde

Sep 1 - Canton-Galva at Little River

Sep 15 - Moundridge at Wichita Independent

Sep 15 - Little River at Ell Saline

Sep 29 - Moundridge at Little River

Sep 29 - Attica-Argonia at Independent

Oct 6 - Independent at South Sumner

Oct 6 - Clifton-Clyde at Ell-Saline

Oct 13 - Attica-Argonia at South Sumner

Shamburg, 4th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Goessel

9/8 - At Moundridge

9/15 - At Sylvan-Lucas

9/22 - H Ell-Saline

9/29 - At Washington County

10/6 - H Rock Hills

10/13 - At Lincoln

10/20 - H Clifton-Clyde

10/27 – TBA

Key Returning Players: Jace Ohlson, sr., TE/S; Payge Rodenbeek, jr., RB/QB/S; Talan Pickering, sr., S; Kian Wilson, jr., QB/S; Cole Young, sr., LB; Logan Rook, sr., OL/DL; John Janssen sr., S; Gabe Davidson, sr., RB/ LB; Jonathan Golbek, sr., OL/DL

Coach Shamburg says: “We will have an experienced team this year with tons of talent. We will be looking for a lot of young men to fill a lot of spots on both sides of the ball and look forward to watching them grow into their roles. We have lots of speed on this team and look forward to getting them into space and watching them thrive.”

CENTRAL BURDEN RAIDERS

League: South Central Border

Head Coach: Jeff Savage, 44th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Sedan

9/8 - At Flinthills

9/15 - At West Elk

9/22 - At ArgoniaAttica

9/29 - At Udall

10/6 - H Oxford

10/13 - At Wichita Independent

10/20 - H South Sumner

10/27 – TBA

Key Returning Players: Jace Wunderlich, sr., QB/ FS; Kaden Miller Starter, sr., OL/DE; Boston Norris, sr., OL/LB; Xander Woods, sr., RB/LB; Hunter O’Neil, sr., OL/NG; Brandon Johnson, sr., RB; Ben Long, sr., WR/ DB; Miles Easley, sr., TE/DE

Coach Savage says: “2023 saw the Raiders play a very difficult schedule. Because of injuries we never once had our full team on the field. In two of

our three losses we played with four of the eight starters out. 2023 could be a special year if we get better luck in the injury department.”

CENTRE COUGARS

League: Wheat State Head Coach: Kelly Steiner, 17th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Burrton

9/8 - H Southern Coffey

9/15 - At Altoona Midway

9/22 - N/A

9/29 - N/A

10/6 - At Chetopa

10/13 - At Chase

10/20 - At PeabodyBurns

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Nick Erch, sr., RB; Santiago Knepp, sr., RB; Koltin Steiner, so., QB; Kolby Steiner, so., RB; Gentri Holub, sr., OL

Coach Steiner says: “Summer weights is going to be a big key for us. We have got to get bigger, faster and stronger. We will also need to have some seniors step up this year and provide leadership.”

sr., RB/WR/DB; Drayden Reed, sr., WR/TE/DE; Oliver Nobert, jr., OL/LB; Jack Skocny, jr., QB/DB; Brodin Koch, jr., OL/DB/LB; Trextin Koch, jr., RB/WR/ DB/LB

Coach Steinbrock says: “The team and coaches are excited for the 2023 season. Last year didn’t end the way anyone was expecting it. We lost in bracket play against a solid Quinter team but it was a game we really thought we should have won. We bring back a solid number of core players but will be looking to fill holes in the offensive and defensive line from graduation.”

CEDAR VALEDEXTER SPARTANS

League: Heart of America

Head Coach: Joe Roche, 4th season

2023 Schedule:

- H Moundridge

Coach Casteel says: “We project to break 30 athletes out this season. This is huge for our program. My first year as an assistant in 2014 we played 8-Man Division 1 with only eight athletes out. This year we will have 11 returning seniors and nine of the 11 are returning starters.”

GOESSEL BLUEBIRDS

League: Wheat State

Head Coach: Garrett Hiebert, 12th season

Key Returning Players: Ryder Dent, sr., OL; Joe Hiechel, sr., WR/CB; Victor Ruiz-Torres, jr., G; Kas Kramer, so., WR

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Bennington

9/8 - At Canton-Galva

RAILROADERS

League: Wheat State

Head Coach: Boyd Peterson, 2nd season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Wakefield

9/8 - At Lyndon

9/15 - H Rural Vista

9/22 - At Goessel

9/29 - At Pretty Prairie

10/6 - H Little River

10/13 - At Solomon

10/20 - H Moundridge

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Tyus Becker, sr., QB/DB; Cameron Svitak, jr., RB/DB; Mason Mortenson, jr., WR; Kwinton Barlow-McKenna, sr., DL/TE; Tristan Swarts, sr., TE/DL; Payton Taylor, sr., DL/OL

CLIFTON-CLYDE EAGLES

League: Twin Valley Head Coach: Russ Steinbrock, 23rd season

2023 Schedule: 9/1 - H Hanover

9/8 - At Blue Valley

9/15 - At Axtell

9/22 - H Washington County

9/29 - H Lincoln

10/6 - At Ell-Saline

10/13 - H Rock Hills

10/20 - At Bennington

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Trent Long, sr., WR/RB/ QB/LB; Payton Fahey,

League: South Central Border

Head Coach: Cody Kahrs, 1st season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H South Sumner

9/8 - H ArgoniaAttica

9/15 - @ Oxford

9/22 - Flinthills

9/29 - @ Yates Center

10/6 - West Elk

10/13 - @ Sedan

10/20 - Oswego

10/27 – TBA

Key Returning Players: Brayden Henderson, sr., QB; Royce Potter, sr., RB; Jaylen Harris, so., WR; Devonta Harris, sr., OL; Logan Becker, so., OL

Coach Kahrs says: “I’m super excited for this season. We were a very young team last year. We started four to five freshmen on both sides of the ball. We will still be young this year but the talent that we have coming up and the leadership of our older kids should make for a good season.”

ELL-SALINE CARDINALS

Coach Roche says: “We have high expectations for the 2023 season after returning a large majority of our 2022 team that lost in the first round of the playoffs. We have a wonderful group of seniors who have great attitudes, work hard all year, and are leaders for our younger players.”

FLINTHILLS MUSTANGS

League: South Central Border

Head Coach: Chase Casteel, 3rd season

2023 Schedule:

9/15 - H Chase County

9/22 - H Herington

9/29 - At Solomon

10/6 - H Pretty Prairie

10/13 - At Moundridge

8-MAN

10/20 - H Little River

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Kyle Valdois, sr., OL; Noah Schrag, sr., DB; Jake Flaming, sr., RB/DB; Eli Boden, sr., OL/LB; Klay Willis, sr., TE; Luke Stucky, jr., OL/DL; Adam Wonser, jr., DL

Coach Hiebert says:

Coach Peterson says: “Looking to build off of a playoff appearance. With a group of four seniors leading the way, we are looking to take the next step. Hopes are high for the team we have this year and there is potential for a return to the playoffs.”

LINCOLN LEOPARDS

League: Northern Plains

Head Coach: Colby Hamel, 1st season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Sylvan-Lucas

9/29 - At West Elk

10/6 - H Oswego

10/13 - At Yates Center

10/20 - H Sedan

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Cody Williams, sr., OL/ DL; Conner Sigg, sr., WR/ DB; Austin Liggett, sr., OL/ DL; Tate Leslie, sr., QB/WR; Wyatt Osborne, sr., RB/LB; Braiden Neeley, sr., OL/DL

“In the past couple of years, we have made significant strides in developing our program through increased participation numbers, increased depth, and a full JV schedule. Last year, we were bitten by the injury bug throughout the season and it impacted our ability to practice well, play JV games, and be cohesive from one Friday night to the next.”

9/8 - H Pike Valley

9/15 - At Beloit

9/22 - H Rock Hills

9/29 - At Clifton-Clyde

10/6 - H Washington Count

10/13 - H Bennington

10/20 - At Ell-Saline

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Logan Meier, sr., QB/DE; Branden Sinclair, RB/ LB; Deegan Walters, jr., TE; Austin Baird, sr., OL; Fallon Dyer, sr., OL/DL; Josh Davied, sr., OL/DL

Coach Hamel says:

“The 2023 Football team will have a good amount of returning starters or guys who have played a lot of snaps. There will be a solid group of younger talented kids coming up that will get to learn and see how things are done as well as contribute early on Friday nights.”

LITTLE RIVER REDSKINS

League: Wheat State

Head Coach: Kevin Ayers, 5th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Canton-Galva

9/8 - At Rural Vista

9/15 - At Ell-Saline

9/22 - At Solomon

9/29 - H Moundridge

10/6 - At Herington

10/13 - H Pretty Prairie

9/29 - At Little River 10/6 - H Solomon 10/13 - H Goessel

10/20 - At Herington 10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Joaquin Huff, sr., RB/LB; Barrett Moddelmog, jr., TE/ LB; Henry Hecox, jr., QB/ CB; Kaden Elmore, jr., RB/ CB; Layten Weins, jr., OL

Coach O’Connor says: “We will look to get better each and every week throughout the season. We will have some good numbers which means there will be competitive practices and kids fighting for playing time. Overall, we will rely on our leadership and experiences to get us through the long season.”

Head Coach: Blake Lee, 2nd season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At Central Christian

9/8 - H Kiowa-South Barber

9/15 - H Norwich

9/22 - At Moundridge

9/29 - H Herington

10/6 - At Goessel

10/13 - At Little River

10/20 - H Solomon

10/27 – TBA

Key Returning Players: Gage Bowers, sr., QB/LB; Blaine Rogers, sr., OL/DL; Christian Chandler, jr., OL/ LB; Brogan Stucky, sr., OL/ DL; Carter Stucky, so., RB/ DB; Matthew Rogers, jr., OL/DL

Coach Lee says:

looking to compete each and every day. We have some returning starters in key positions. Many of our players have bought in this summer and I am excited to see what this program can accomplish together.”

SOUTH SUMNER OUTLAWS

League: South Central Border

Head Coach: Sean Blosser, 2nd season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Cedar Vale-Dexter

9/8 - At Norwich

9/15 -At Sedan

9/22 - H Udall

9/29 - At Oxford

10/6 - H Wichita

Independent

10/13 - H Argonia-Attica

Independent

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Jenson Harness, sr., QB/ LB; Duane Ault, sr., RB/S; Brent Burley, sr., TE/DE; Jace Hopper, sr., WR/DB; Hayden Green, so., OL/DL

Coach Howell says:

“We are looking to be more disciplined and competitive as we prepare and go throughout our season. We have a tough schedule, but I see that as a positive. That will teach us to prepare for the best, which I know will build mental toughness, discipline, and staying focused on our overall goals.”

OXFORD WILDCATS

League: South Central Border

Head Coach: Shawn Burkes, 20th season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Flinthills

9/8 - At West Elk

10/20 - At Goessel

10/27 – TBA

Key Returning Players: Andrew Smith, sr., TE/DB; Carter Stansbury, sr., OL/ DL; Ruxton Birdsong, jr., OL

Coach Ayers says:

“The graduation of eight solid seniors leaves some big holes to fill. Finding players to fill those roles will be a challenge but we do have kids that are hungry for their turn.”

MOUNDRIDGE WILDCATS

League: Heart of America

Head Coach: Tyler O’Connor, 1st season

2023 Schedule: 9/1 - At Ell-Saline

9/8 - H Bennington

9/15 - At Wichita

Independent

9/22 - H Pretty Prairie

9/15 - H Cedar ValeDexter

9/22 - At Wichita Independent

9/29 - H South Sumner

10/6 - At Central Burden

10/13 - H Udall

10/20 - At Argonia-Attica

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Cordell Jordan, jr., RB/LB; Anthony Williams, sr., OL/ DE; Karter Hiten, sr., OL/ LB/DE; Wyatt Gaither, so., OL/LB; Sam Wheeler, jr., TE; Connor Commerford, jr., DB

Coach Burkes says: “Once we get our younger kids some experience we have a chance to have a solid team this year.”

PRETTY PRAIRIE BULLDOGS

League: Heart of the Plains

“We lost a lot of athletes from last year’s senior class including 8-Man All-Star Bryan Steadman, but we are looking to reload. After some off the field issues kept us out of the playoffs last year, we are looking forward to fighting back and putting a winning product on the field.”

10/20 - At Central Burden

10/27 – TBA

WICHITA INDEPENDENT PANTHERS

League: Central Plains

SOLOMON GORILLAS

League: Wheat State Head Coach: Andrew Capsey, 1st season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - H Rural Vista

9/8 - At Wakefield

9/15 - At Canton-Galva

9/22 - H Little River

9/29 - H Goessel

10/6 - At Moundridge

10/13 - H Herington 10/20 - At Pretty Prairie

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Spencer Coup, sr., ,QB/S; Spencer Krause, sr., WR/S; Porter Hynes, sr., RB/LB; Jake Sommer, sr., WR; Mac Collins, sr., TE; Hayden Zerbe, sr., LB

Coach Capsey says: “This season we are

Key Returning Players: Alex Smith, sr., QB; Colby Irey, jr., RB/DB; Miles Newell, sr., OL; Jackson Risley, sr., TE/ LB; Alex Shore, jr., WR/DB; Cole Thuerer, sr., OL/LB; Tanner Kelly, jr., OL/DL

Coach Blosser says: “We are excited to get to our second season of South Sumner Football. We had a good first year of our program but are looking to build off our success and improve on it. We return seven athletes that started for us last year on both sides of the ball at various points during the season.”

UDALL EAGLES

League: South Central Border

Head Coach: Caleb Howell, 1st season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - At West Elk

9/8 - H Sedan

9/15 - At Flinthills

9/22 - At Caldwell

9/29 - H Central Burden

10/6 - At Argonia/Attica

10/13 - At Oxford

10/20 - H Wichita

Head Coach: Leterius Ray, 3rd season

2023 Schedule:

9/1 - N/A

8-MAN

9/8 - At Fairfield

9/15 - H Moundridge

9/22 - H Oxford

9/29 - H Argonia-Attica

10/6 - At South Sumner

10/13 - H Central Burden

10/20 - H Udall

10/27 - TBA

Key Returning Players: Tatum Stalnaker, jr., QB; Alvin Richard, sr., RB/LB; Grayson Jensen, sr., TE/DL; Mason Lipsey, jr., RB/LB; Devin Surrell, jr., WR/CB; Sir-Ryan Dennis, sr., RB/LB

Coach Ray says:

“We graduated nine seniors. So, we are very young. The junior class is stepping it up in the leadership department. We will be looking for freshman contributions immediately, and they are seemingly capable. We need to use the early portion of our season to build cohesion.”

Clifton-Clyde’s Trent Long

By Hayden Swope

Trent Long, a first team all-league athlete from Clifton-Clyde, has been working all offseason for game one in September. Long is ready to get back on the field with the teammates he’s played with for years.

“I’m excited for Thursday night’s team supper before game day,” Long said. “Getting to hang with your teammates and relax and have some fun is good team bonding. I’m excited to go out this year and leave everything on the field.”

Being a senior this year, Long really had to step into the leadership role, which isn’t always easy.

“The most important thing I focused on improving was my leadership,” Long said. “Sometimes in the heat at practice while you are beating on your friends it’s easy to have an attitude. So I have been trying to focus on having the best attitude and leading my teammates in the right direction.”

After a winning record and successful 2022 season, Long hopes to continue that, and even add onto his accolades.

“One goal I have is to continue our streak of District Champions,” Long said. “The second part to that is making a deeper run in the playoffs, that’s the most important in my eyes. As far as individual goals I hope to achieve all league on both sides of the ball and get first all state.”

While still deciding on what to do after high school, Long knows he wants to continue his education, and may even consider advancing his athletics.

“As of now I’m not sure what I want to do after high school,” Long said. “I plan to continue my education and hopefully will continue athletics as well.”

Bennington’s Talan Pickering

By Blake Chadwick

Talan Pickering is a competitor who does not let his smaller stature hold him back. Bennington’s senior wide receiver is a big play waiting to happen. He is extremely shifty and is a sure-handed playmaker.

The Bennington Bulldogs are coming off an 0-8 season, so in order to get back to a winning record, Pickering and the rest of the team has taken their summer workouts incredibly seriously.

“It’s been a lot of hard work and time in the gym which will hopefully pay off this season,” Pickering said. “I have been in the gym lifting weights on my own time and working on my routes.”

The senior is coming off of a year where he had 252 receiving yards on 16 receptions. The numbers helped him earn a first-team All-League selection. For Pickering, the accolades were great, but he has his eyes set on more.

“My goal for this season is to make it past the first round of playoffs and to make first team All-League receiver,” he said.

With added muscle and quicker feet, Pickering has also had his mind open to playing at the next level.

“It would be an amazing opportunity to play football at the next level,” Pickering said. “I’m just starting the recruiting process and college search which has been an exciting adventure.”

GOOD LUCK TO ALL AREA TEAMS THIS YEAR FROM VYPE KANSAS!

Where the only thing missing is

Udall’s Jenson Harness

By Hayden Swope

Quarterback Jenson Harness returns for Udall this season, and is ready to lead the team with a new head coach supporting him. Harness is ready to show the new and improved team this year.

“I am most excited for our new coach Caleb Howell, and the commitment he has for improving the football program,” Harness said. “He has boosted summer weights’ attendance and made accountability a priority.”

Working with his coaches and teammates has been something Harness has been doing all offseason, as well as conditioning and training with other athletes from surrounding areas.

“I’ve been attending summer weights everyday, along with working on my speed, flexibility and paying more attention to my nutrition,” Harness said. “ In May I also attended the Top Prospect camp in Salina.”

With a strong team, new coach, and open mind, Harness and the Eagles are ready to start the season, with multiple goals and targets they are hoping to accomplish.

“One area I would like to improve on is my leadership skills,” Harness said. “I’ve tried to communicate more with my teammates and set a good example for the future of our program. One of the goals I have for the team is to be more competitive in our games. We have had multiple down years in a row and any improvement would be a step in the right direction.”

Moundridge’s Joaquin Huff

By Blake Chadwick

The goal this season for Moundridge senior running back/linebacker Joaquin Huff is to continue the Wildcats’ winning ways. Coming off of a 6-3 year, Moundridge got a taste of winning again, and players like Huff are salivating at the chance to win even more. Huff plays both sides of the ball at a fast and physical pace that helps set the tone for every single play. In 2022, he had 364 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 56 carries. Defensively, he contributed 59 total tackles and six tackles for loss. The offseason work sparked some early hope for the Wildcats.

“Workouts are amazing,” Huff said. “Everyone is getting to know each other and getting a feel for what it’s like to be on a team. Everyone puts in the work to get better every day.”

With his effort on the field getting all the attention, Huff has looked inside himself to become a leader and get some more offseason progress. “I’ve been trying to mostly improve my communication skills as a leader of the team and as a senior,” Huff said.

With no intention to play college football as of now, Huff feels his career slowly dwindling down and knows that he has to pull out all the stops to make that time go as slowly as possible.

Sylvan-Lucas’s Lane Homewood

By Blake Chadwick

After a 7-3 season, the Sylvan-Lucas Mustangs feel the championship aspirations getting closer. Senior quarterback/safety Lane Homewood has his own plans to make sure the Mustangs get there. After a first-team AllLeague season on defense and an honorable mention All-League performance on offense, Homewood has no plans on being content with 2022’s accolades. The team summer workouts go from 6:30-7:45 a.m. three mornings during the week. For Homewood though, he makes sure to get some extra work in.

“Summer workouts with the team before the season has always been a great way to get back into the groove of things,” Homewood said. “But extra time has been put in by me and a few of my buddies in the weight room and also on the field.”

The hype around Sylvan-Lucas is the simple fact of the Mustangs returning six of their eight starters from 2022.

“This year I want to go all the way,” Homewood said. “We got a special group this year of hard workers and we won’t take a single moment for granted.”

The senior has an offer from Bethel College, but with plans to play at the next level, he knows he has to take it up a notch to get some more opportunities.

“I have been trying to work on every aspect of my game as well as putting in work in the weight room,” Homewood said. “When senior season is over, I don’t want to look back and wish I could have done more to prepare myself for this season.”

Ell-Saline’s Joe Heichel

By Angela Brunk

Senior Joe Heichel from Ell-Saline has set big goals for this fall football season. A proud stat produced by Heichel during the 2022 season was over 50 tackles during the season. This year he has pushed the bar even higher with his goal set for at least 70 tackles. Not only has Heichel set big goals for himself, but he also has big goals for the team as well.

“I’m hoping to be able to go to state or at least make it deep into the playoffs,” said Heichel. With the senior leadership from Heichel, he is not afraid of some strong competition. “I’m looking forward to playing some bigger powerhouses this year and seeing how well we do against them, and hopefully get an idea for playoffs.”

Heichel plays both corner on defense and receiver on offense, and he has been using his time during the off season to improve his game and reach the big goals he set for himself and the team. Balance, handeye coordination, and agility were his three main areas of focus for improvement in his game.

After graduation this school year, Heichel plans to attend college and major in engineering. After football season is over, The Cardinals will continue to benefit from Heichel’s participation in basketball. In the spring, Heichel competes in track and field and also adds trap shooting into his busy mix of activities. Besides participating in a sport every season, Heichel is also a member of NHS at his high school.

South Haven’s Tanner Kelly South Haven’s Kelly Theurer

By Hayden Swope

Tanner Kelly, a student athlete at South Haven, knows a little about balancing a busy schedule. Kelly, preparing for the upcoming football season, is also in countless clubs. The SCCDAT club member doesn’t have a lot of time off, but finding the time to adjust to a crazy schedule is something he loves.

“It’s definitely tough being a student,” Kelly said. “With the pressure of getting your work done, being able to practice after school, giving the clubs an equal amount of time and effort, and then going home to your family and then having to repeat the next day can be tricky.”

With football season right around the corner, Kelly has been preparing as much as possible before the busy school year begins.

“This offseason I’ve been working hard and hitting the weights and getting quick footwork to help me stay in my ground to block boys bigger than me to help my team get to where we need to be this season,” Kelly said.

Kelly wanted to improve his decisions on the field, and spent the workouts and camps drilling exercises with coaches and teammates.

“I hoped to improve on my vision and alignment to lead blocks for my guys and help them understand the defensive set,” Kelly said. “I worked on that this off season with football camps the team has gone too.”

While still fully deciding on what is best for him, Kelly has aspirations to continue his education, and possibly even play football at the next level.

“My future plans are to attend a four year college and either become a businessman or a mechanic,” Kelly said. “Maybe in that time I will play more football. I just got to put a lot of work into these next two years and get recognized.”

By Hayden Swope

South Haven’s Kelly Theurer, a basketball and track athlete as well as a SCCDAT member, knows that staying involved will make a high school experience much more enjoyable. Theurer makes sure to expand her knowledge with others, so they can have the same experiences as her.

“I try to reflect on what SCCDAT stands for,” Theurer said. “I like to try and get more people involved in SCCDAT. There aren’t very many people from our school that are involved in SCCDAT. The important thing about being a student athlete is the student aspect. If you don’t act on the student part then there would be no athlete part. I always have to remind myself that being an involved student has more of an impact and can most likely change my life more than being an athlete.”

Theurer and the Cardinals spent the summer together, working on their team communication and abilities. Not only as a team, Theurer also felt that she grew as a person.

“This year we went to Pitt State basketball camp,” Theurer said. “I learned a lot and we played a lot of different teams. There were one or two that we had played before but I think it was a learning opportunity. We also did another month-long basketball team camp where we played each other one or two games every Tuesday night.”

Alcohol hurts more than their chances.

It also interrupts key processes of brain development. In fact, adolescent drinkers perform worse in school and have higher risk of social problems, depression, suicidal thoughts and violence. Think about it. No alcohol. No exceptions. It Matters.

The friendships made in school go outside of the classrooms, and onto the court as well. Theurer is ready to show how the offseason team bonding and team workouts will positively affect the team during the season.

“I am excited about seeing how different it will be from last year,” Theurer said. “This year’s basketball season will be a learning opportunity, as well as seeing how well incoming players play together.”

Drug Action Team SCCDAT.org

Sumner County Community

Dotted Line.... Salina Area Signings

Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine is the leader in orthopedic and sports medicine care for north-central Kansas, with the extensive training and experience you need to keep you moving forward.

Education and collaboration with our patients are priorities because the more you know, the better your recovery. Like our virtual Joint Education class for patients considering or have scheduled a joint replacement surgery.

And after surgery, our team of physical therapists works closely with you to reduce pain and inflammation, offers easy-to-access homeexercise programs, and helps loosen restricted joints and tendons with progressive therapies to help regain balance and stability.

Todd Reilly, D.O. Orthopedic Surgeon Travis Rump, D.O. Orthopedic Surgeon Matthew Pyle, D.O. Sports Medicine Physician

Flinthills’ Cody Williams

By Blake Chadwick

It has been over a decade since the Flinthills Mustangs have had a winning record. But there is hope for it to happen this year because the Mustangs are coming off a summer where they had their largest camp yet under coach Chase Casteel.

“Team workouts were quite successful, and I’m thoroughly impressed by the amount of younger classmen who showed up consistently and gave it their all to be better and fight for spots,” senior right guard Cody Williams said.

Williams is a tough, agile offensive lineman and film freak, who has spent all offseason learning the ins and outs of the Mustang offense. He will be important as the offense will run behind him and the leadership will run through him.

After not giving up a sack in 2022, Williams made sure he went straight back to work on and off the field in the offseason.

“I have been to weights and conditioning three times a week at the school, then have also been going to the local YMCA to work on footwork, agility and endurance,” Williams said. “Mentally, I have been looking over the play sheet and visualizing what I would do at all three offensive line positions on each given play.”

Williams has some opportunities to play at the next level but knows with a good season, he can have even more.

“I fully expect to have a season over .500 and to make a run into the playoffs,” Williams said. “I want to see the team

fight through falling behind in games and not give up. I want us to be mentally strong enough to finish the game and come back or just keep the pedal down.”

Maddi Gage

By Matt Browning

Maddi Gage is entering her second year as the Director of On-Campus Recruiting for Kansas State Football, but she believes she would not be where she is today if it had not been for her time at Hutchinson Community College.

“Heading to college, I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career – just that I wanted to major in business,” said Gage, who played volleyball for the Blue Dragons. “Because of the classes and opportunities that the school and athletic department provided me, I was able to find my place working in college athletics.”

An accurate description of Gage’s position is that she coordinates all official and unofficial visits to the campus, while collaborating with various departments within the K-State athletics, campus and community.

“I am in contact with the recruits and their guests to coordinate a plan that lets them see everything they need to consider us in their recruiting process,” Gage said. “In a typical recruiting cycle, we average 45 to 55 official visits and close to 2,000 unofficial visits.”

Gage said she is forever grateful for her time in Hutchinson and the connections she made. Putting herself out there and establishing relationships has allowed her to make substantial career progress.

“I found my path of working in college athletics because of my opportunities at Hutch CC as a student-athlete and I am so grateful to them,” Gage said. “My relationships with the people at Hutch are ones I hold dear to my heart. I can’t say enough great things about Hutchinson CC.”

2023 8M-DII TEAMS TO WATCH

Canton-Galva has won double-digit games the past four years and even with just seven returning starters, the Eagles will simply be in reloading mode. Honorable mention all-state running back, Lane McMannis, and honorable mention all-league defensive lineman, Wyatt Collins, return. On paper, CantonGalva looks like a team that will take a step back, but don’t bet on it.

From 2014 through 2020, Hanover won double digit games, but have won 11 combined over the past two seasons. Ten starters return from last season’s team that won a playoff game, but none were first or second team all-league. Defensive back Cameron Jueneman was an honorable mention all-league defensive back is back.

Stafford went undefeated in the regular season, before dropping a close game to Bucklin in the playoffs. The Trojans bring back several key players,

including second team all-league running back Cody Knoche, second team all-league offensive lineman Axel Ortiz and second team all-league defensive lineman Brody Kerschenske.

Beloit-St. John’s went 6-3 a year ago, but return just eight starters this season. Chance Jermark and Tyson Gates combined for over 1,400 yards last year and will be the focal points of the Blujays offense this year.

Lakeside has had four consecutive winning seasons, but have never advanced past the first round in the playoffs. With 14 returning starters, this might the year for the Knights to win a playoff game for the first time since 2011. Honorable mention all-state running back Ian Kresin will be the focal point on offense.

8M-DII PLAYERS & GAMES TO WATCH

Brody Batchman, LB, Sylvan-Lucas

Brigham Bruna, QB, Hanover

Wyatt Collins, OL/DL, Canton-Galva

Lane Homewood, QB, Sylvan-Lucas

Ry Koolman, RB, Hutchinson Central Christian

Ian Kresin, RB, Lakeside

Chance Jermark, RB/DB, Beloit St. John’s

Lane McMannis, RB, Canton-Galva

Taegan Thrasher, DB, Wilson

BELOIT-ST. JOHN’S BLUEJAYS

League: Northern Plains

Head Coach: Dean Gengler, 5th season

Last Season’s Record: 6-3

Key Returning Players: Daniel Eilert, sr., TE/ DL; Chance Jermark, sr., RB/LB; Tyson Gates, jr., QB/DB; Jacob Winkler, sr., OL; Ryder Allen, jr., TE/DL

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Rock Hills

Sep 8 – At Sylvan Lucas

Sep 15 – H Lincoln

Sep 22 – H Pike Valley

Sep 29 – At Osborne

Oct 6 – H Lakeside

Oct 13 – H Canton-Galva

Oct 20 – At Wakefield

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Gengler says: “We’ll be relying on young players in key spots this year to replace experience lost to graduation. Those players will have to come together with the returners we’ll have back and execute well.”

CANTON-GALVA EAGLES

League: Wheat State

Head Coach: Shelby

Hoppes, 6th season

Last Season’s Record: 11-1

Key Returning Players: Lane McMannis, sr., RB/ DB; Wyatt Collins, sr., OL/DL; Isom Martsom, sr., OL; Noah Collins, jr., OL; Jaden Ediger, sr., DB

Sep 1 – Canton-Galva at Little River

Sep 1 – Hanover at Clifton-Clyde

Sep 8 – Beloit St. Johns at Sylvan-Lucas

Sep 15 – Hutchinson Central Christian at Stafford

Sep 29 – Lakeside at Thunder Ridge

Oct 13 – Canton-Galva at Beloit St. John’s

Oct 20 – Hutchinson Central Christian at Norwich

FALCONS

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Little River

Sep 8 – H Goessel

Sep 15 – H Solomon

Sep 22 – H Norwich

Sep 29 – At Fairfield

Oct 6 – H Hutchinson

Central Christian

Oct 13 – At Beloit-St.

John’s

Oct 20 – At Rural Vista

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Hoppes says: “With having a large, experienced, talented senior class graduate last year, this year will be full of unknowns going into 2023. Kids will have to really compete this summer and into fall camp to earn starting spots on both sides of the ball.”

FAIRFIELD

League: Heart of Plains

Head Coach: Kyle Finder, 1st season

Last Season’s Record: 0-9

Key Returning Players: Garret Lanning, so., OL/ DL; Calen Wente, jr., OL/ DL; Connor Fowler, so., QB/DB; Rex Zongker, jr., RB/LB: Brodie Snodgrass, fr., RB; Chase Combs, fr., OL

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Stafford

Sep 8 – H Wichita Independent

Sep 15 – H South Barber

Sep 22 – At Hutchinson

Central Christian

Sep 29 – H Canton-Galva

Oct 6 – At Rural Vista

Oct 13 – H Norwich

Oct 20 – H Osborne

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Finder says: “Coming in as a new coach it has been refreshing and exciting to see how hungry this team is to be successful. We are going to be a very young team but all of the boys have gone above and beyond to get better this season.”

HANOVER WILDCATS

League: Tri-Valley

Head Coach: Matt Heuer, 19th season

Last Season’s Record: 5-5

Key Returning Players: Patrick Cook, sr., OL/DL; Levi Griffith, sr., OL/DL; Brigham Bruna, sr., QB/

DB; Braden Schwartz, jr., RB/DB; Camron

Jueneman, jr., WR/DB; Ricken Stallbaumer, jr., QB/DB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Clifton-Clyde

Sep 8 – H Ell-Saline

Sep 15 – At Osborne

Sep 22 – H Blue Valley

Sep 29 – At Doniphan

West

Oct 6 – H Axtell

Oct 13 – At Linn

Oct 20 – H Frankfort

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Heuer says: “Overall I feel like this team has the ability to have a very good season and it has me excited at the opportunity to coach them. However we must stay focused and also find ways to fill the holes left by last year’s seniors.”

HUTCHINSON CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COUGARS

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Barnett says: “We lost several key players from last year but are very excited about the young guys coming up.”

LAKESIDE KNIGHTS

League: Northern Plains

Head Coach: Drew Duskie, 10th season

Last Season’s Record: 5-4

Key Returning Players: Ian Kresin, sr., RB/LB; Jordan Schoen, sr., WR/ DB; Austin Rice, sr., WR/DB; Kaden McCoy, jr., QB/DB; Gabe Smith, jr., FB/LB; Gage Gradig, OL/DL

Plains

Head Coach: Trevor Kuhlman, 3rd season

Last Season’s Record: 3-6

Key Returning Players: Gavin Turk, sr., QB/LB; Dylan Ohlde, so, RB/LB; Connor Olhde, jr., WR/ DL; Jaxon Welch, jr., OL/ DL; Will Olson, sr., OL/ DL; Matt Kearn, jr., OL/ DL

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Lakeside

Sep 8 – H Palco

Sep 15 – At Washington

County

Sep 22 – H Axtell

Sep 29 – At Frankfort

Oct 6 – H Doniphan

County

Oct 13 – H Hanover

Oct 20 – At Blue Valley

Sep 15 – At Herington

Sep 22 – H Wakefield

Sep 29 – At Norwich

Oct 6 – H Fairfield

Oct 13 – At Hutchinson

Central Christian

Oct 19 – H Canton-Galva

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Henry says: “A lot of these players had to start last year as freshmen. They should be better their sophomore year. All of the major contributors on offense are back and most of them on defense.”

STAFFORD TROJANS

League: Heart of Plains

Head Coach: Mitch Engelken, 2nd season

to limit and learn from our mistakes while finding ways to play through our strengths.”

WAKEFIELD BOMBERS

League: Wheat State Head Coach: Chris Freeman, 14th season

Last Season’s Record: 2-7

Key Returning Players: Kylar Deville, jr., RB/LB; Kingsly Smith, so., RB/ DB; Brian Draper, sr., OL/DL; Eli Ponton, sr., RB/DB; Wyatt Deken, jr., TE/DB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Herington

Sep 8 – H Solomon

Sep 15 – H Blue Valley

League: Heart of the Plains

Head Coach: Matt Barnett, 3rd season

Last Season’s Record: 4-6

Key Returning Players: Ry Koolman, jr., RB/DB; Justus Huff, sr., TE/LB; Keaton Miller, jr., OL/ DL; Piercen Huff, so., WR/DB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Pretty Prairie

Sep 8 – At Sunrise

Sep 15 – At Stafford

Sep 22 – H Fairfield

Sep 29 – H Kinsley

Oct 6 – At Canton-Galva

Oct 13 – H Rural Vista

Oct 20 – At Norwich

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Linn

Sep 8 – H Reno County

Sep 15 – H Palco

Sep 22 – H Osborne

Sep 29 – At Thunder

Ridge

Oct 6 – At Beloit-St.

John’s

Oct 13 – H Wakefield

Oct 20 – At Pike Valley

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Duskie says: “We will need to try and control games with our running attack, a lot of that will rely on good blocking and Ian Kresin will be asked to carry the ball more than he did last year. Defensively we bring back speed and quickness from last year.”

LINN BULLDOGS

League: Northern

Randolph

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Kuhlman says: “The team has a chance to take a step forward, with the entire line returning as well as some key skill guys.”

RURAL VISTA HEAT

League: Wheat State

Head Coach: Brian Henry, 5th season

Last Season’s Record: 2-7

Key Returning Players: Cody Brown, sr., OL/ DL; Gavin Carson, jr., OL/DL; Koden Sanford, so., QB/DB; Grant Eskeldson, so., TE/ LB; Logan Tate, jr., RB; Trent Hoff, so. OL; Kole Reidy, so., RB/LB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – At Solomon

Sep 8 – H Little River

Last Season’s Record: 8-1

Key Returning Players: Jimi Oleson, sr., WR/DB; Axel Ortiz, sr., OL/DL; Alexis Garcia, sr., OL/ DL; Brody Kerschenske, sr., OL/DL; Corey Reese Jr., sr., FB/LB

2023 Schedule

Sep 1 – H Fairfield

Sep 8 – At Pratt Skyline

Sep 15 – H Hutchinson

Central Christian

Sep 22 – At South

Central

Sep 29 – H St. John’s

Oct 6 – At Norwich

Oct 13 – At South

Barber

Oct 20 – H Kinsley

Oct 27 – TBD

Coach Engelken says: “The season goal is to build off of last year and continue to raise the bar for Stafford Trojan Football. Overall we will do everything possible

Randolph

Sep 22 – At Rural Vista

Sep 29 – At Pike Valley

Oct 6 – H Osborne

Oct 13 – At Lakeside

Oct 20 – H Beloit St. John’s

Oct 27 – TBD

8-MAN

Coach Freeman says: “Our kids have been very dedicated to our off season and are working very hard to establish and maintain a great culture. A culture that expects to win. We have several goals that we have set before us but we are most focused on getting better every day with every rep that we take.”

By Hayden Swope

The first team all-league running back Luke McGuire of Cunningham was a core piece of the Wildcat offense last season. McGuire returns this year, and is ready to play under the lights.

“There are so many things that I am excited for this season,” McGuire said. “Feeling the electricity from our crowd, playing with the best teammates in the state and putting some pads on for the fun of it.”

Offseason training started early, and as soon as summer began, McGuire was disciplining himself with surrounding coaches and players.

“For the offseason preparation I have attended morning workouts, an individual camp, a team camp, and a showcase,” McGuire said. Hoping to improve his weaknesses, McGuire spent endless amounts of time working on the field.

I wanted to be better at making quicker decisions on both sides of the ball,” McGuire said. “I did this by going to camps and taking a lot of reps.”

After a winning 2022 season, McGuire and the Wildcats are hoping for another playoff run.

“As a team we want to have a repeat of last year, and defensively lead the state in points allowed,” McGuire said. “Individually I want to minimize my mistakes and make important plays.”

Kansas Surgery & Recovery Center: A national leader in hip and knee replacement.

Struggling with hip or knee pain? Joint replacement can transform your mobility so you can live a more active life with less pain.

Move faster. Walk smoother. Recover like a champion.