Uneven Competition

There are many interesting story lines to follow in area 4A football this fall. Really, there is never a lack at this level, as there are so many quality 4A teams around Wichita. Mulvane tops the list. Stud running back and linebacker Huldon Tharp is a Division I prospect returning with several outstanding classmates looking to extend their 2007 run. Mulvane surprised everyone but themselves last season with an undefeated run to regionals. Tharp, who has over 400 tackles for his three-year varsity career so far and surpassed 1,000 yards rushing in each of the past two seasons, and quarterback Jordan Gosch and wideout Tyler Springer should tear it up once again. The Mulvane coaching staff truly has this team well-schooled in a wide-open offense. But if they don't show up once or twice in district play, they'll risk missing the playoffs. Traditionally strong programs Andover Central and Rose Hill will contend with Mulvane for the two spots in the playoffs. After a down year, Greg Slade will have Rose Hill back in the race this fall, and Andover Central never lacks athletes. Even with Jaydan Bird, who has transferred to Conway Springs, out after three games last year, Central was one of the top 4A teams in the area. When only two teams make it out this district and two teams from a couple of the other weaker ones make it, coaches will be unhappy. The other story line out Mulvane's district is entirely different. Trinity Academy, a school which built a state-title basketball program over the past decade, begins its first season of state-sanctioned 11-man football. Trinity will play in the most difficult 4A district in the area. They will receive a rude welcome. Andale, the two-time defending champs, will gladly stay out of the 4A districts east of Wichita and remain in a weaker 4A district out west. In addition to Buhler, which contended with Andale through three quarters in sectionals last year, Nickerson and Haven, one of the worst programs in the area right now, join them. Hesston, a strong team in 3A last year only to get thumped by Garden Plain in regionals, moves up to 4A. Hesston will be able to compete with Abilene and Chapman, both first-round losers in the 4A state playoffs last year, but Topeka Hayden rounds out the district. Hayden let their game with Andale in the regionals slip away last year and were a very formidable team. The MCAA will not ready Hesston well for the 4A playoffs. In terms of how last season proceeded, District 11 and 13 appear weak, but expect a few of these teams to improve on last season. Augusta will be strong out of their district with Andover, Circle and El Dorado. Wellington should come out on top up against Chaparral, which moves up from 3A, Clearwater and Cheney, which also moves up from 3A and should improve after a bit of a down year.