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Friday, August 1, 2008
South Central Kansas Football Preview 2008
Central Kansas, KS
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1. Derby Panthers (5-5)
Entering his third season at Derby, coach Brandon Clark took the program from winless in 2005 back to .500 last fall. Derby, once no stranger at state, will contend in the playoffs for the first time since Tom Young’s final season in 2003.
When Clark arrived at Derby, one player hand-cleaned over 300 pounds; this off-season, 12 cleaned over 300 and six over 320.
Three-year starters QB Jake Snodgrass (5-10, 155) and RB Aaron Wilson (5-11, 197), 30 pounds heavier than in 2007, lead the offense. Behind three returning starters on the line – state-medalist wrestler Kyle Westmoreland (5-11, 315), Jake Molhoek (5-9, 250) and Matthew Langworthy (5-10, 220) – Snodgrass will pass to three returning wideouts, including Tyler Dunham (6-3, 175) who grew five inches over the off-season. Six returners on defense include prospect, senior DE Marcus Woodside-Heit (6-4, 240).
2. Wichita Heights Falcons (5-4)
Seven starters return on defense, including four-year starter, senior DB Dorrian Roberts (5-10, 160). The Falcons have tons of speed in the secondary and on the line, including senior DL Ian Knight (6-3, 240), being recruited by the Big 12 and Big 10. Adrian Hall (5-9, 195) and Phillips Iheme (5-10, 240) will give opposing backfields fits. Senior LB Joey Barnes (5-10, 200) is a big hitter.
Senior QB Chris Boyd (5-10, 180) started the final six games of the 2007 season after Rick Holladay went down. Boyd gives Heights both running and passing options. Four returning lettermen on the offensive line will give Boyd and senior backs Richard Dixon (5-9, 185) and Dominique Hill (5-9, 175) room to work.
Coach Rick Wheeler enters his 10th season at Heights, where he has built a state-level program which previously had no tradition.
3. Wichita East Blue Aces (6-3)
After a dominant start to the 2007 season with wins over Heights and Carroll, Wichita East collapsed late and missed the playoffs, as Arthur Brown watched from the sideline with knee and ankle injuries.
Brown, now a freshman linebacker at Miami, leaves an incomplete prep legacy, though his brother Bryce (6-0, 215) could bring closure in 2008 by getting the brothers’ first playoff win. Bryce, one of the top prospects in the nation at running back, has committed to Miami.
Second-year coach Brian Byers has retained his entire staff from 2007, proving much-needed stability in the program. Senior QB Matt Byers (6-2, 190) will throw more in order to open up running lanes for Brown. With the losses of Arthur Brown and Demonte Hill (now at Butler), there are huge gaps at linebacker.
Senior L Rico Huggins (6-4, 260) and sophomore FB/DL Chaquil Reed (6-3, 250) are prospects.
4. Wichita Southeast Buffaloes (6-5)
While only six lettermen return from 2007, the sophomore class at Southeast is talent-rich. The entire offensive line graduated, but three of the city’s top skill players return in the backfield as juniors. Quick-cutting RB/DB Joseph Randle (6-0, 182) is good enough to play anywhere in the country, and FB/LB L.J. Tillman (5-8, 190) is as talented as his brother Trezz (just graduated) with a much bigger frame. Junior QB Jeremiah Plowden (5-10, 165) is a run threat with an arm.
The future is bright on the offensive line, with juniors Sean Blue (6-7, 245), Gaseata Falani (5-8, 235), Tyler Cooper (6-3, 241) and Drew White (5-8, 217) moving in to gain experience.
Coach Gary Guzman enters his fourth season at Southeast, coming off his first playoff win with the Buffs and the school’s first in over two decades.
District 7
1. Wichita Northwest Grizzlies (7-3)
Despite losing Oregon-signee Chris Harper at quarterback, Wichita Northwest will improve from last fall’s first-round exit from the state playoffs.
Middle school prodigy and college prospect, junior RB Demarcus Robinson (5-8, 192), returns behind a veteran offensive line, which returns four starters and a tight end, including seniors Colby Duranleau (6-6, 268), getting DI looks, and C Steven Buesch (6-1, 255) and junior Kyle Caylor (6-0, 220), a state champion wrestler. Senior FB Tyler Kohlman (6-0, 230) moves from tight end to lead block for Robinson. Junior QB Ethan Chadick (6-3, 290) replaces Harper and will fit into seventh-year coach Weston Schartz’ traditional run-first system.
Junior FB/NG Brock Heithaus (6-1, 275), also a state champion wrestler, plugs up the run, and returning linebackers junior James Rhone (5-11, 215) and senior Jeff Poe (5-11, 210) will fill the gaps.
2. Wichita South Titans (2-7)
South, winner of seven games over the past decade, were three second halfs from being a competitive football team in 2007. South trailed Northwest and East by a touchdown in the third quarter, and trailed Southeast by a field goal with seven minutes remaining.
Returning junior QB Zach Villarreal (5-10, 185) entered South’s district game against Southeast as a back-up and passed for 355 yards. Seniors all-league FB/LB Angel Martinez (6-0, 225) and OL Caton Scarry (6-1, 310) also return. Shawnee Mission North transfer, senior WR/LB Denzil Ward (6-2, 210), who has the ability to play high-level college ball, runs a 4.5 40. DeJaun West (6-2, 180) and Steven McGill (6-3, 190) will add outstanding height and athleticisim at wideout.
3. Campus Colts (0-9)
Former Carroll and Derby assistant Tom O’Connor enters his second season at Campus, coming off a winless debut.
Many promising sophomores and juniors return alongside senior RB/DB Blake Phillips (5-11, 180, 719 yards).
The offensive line and the ability to make defensive stops are the main concerns in 2008. Senior OL Preston Sutton (6-2, 220) and C Nate Lemmons (5-11, 240) will bring along two juniors, OL Ryan Bland (6-4, 220) and OL/LB Aaron McChesney (6-0, 190).
O’Connor expects breakout seasons from sophomore FB/LB Braden Eck (6-0, 205), who compiled 40 tackles in just six games as a freshman. Sophomore RB/LB Evan Oaks (5-11, 185) was injured in Week 3 last fall after a strong start. Sophomore WR/QB/DB Devran Cochran (6-0, 175) runs an 11.2 100-meter.
4. Wichita North Redskins (2-7)
Second-year coach Tom Beason invested heavily last fall in the junior class, setting up a senior-laden starting lineup at North in 2008.
Senior linebackers Kevin Johnson (5-10, 215) and Kevin Woodard (5-8, 190) and senior three-year starter SS Kyle Martinez lead the defense. Senior NG Antonio Markham (5-10, 310), brother of Hutch defensive line standout Albert, moved in from Hutchinson last year.
Junior QB Grail Brewster (6-0, 190), a cut-back runner, started three games last year and leads the spread offense. Junior OL Dominique Farines (6-3, 240) qualified for state in the discus and returns alongside senior OL Tony Turner (5-9, 230).
District 8
1. Goddard Lions (9-3)
Last fall, Goddard won its first playoff game since 1988 behind three-way player Logan Watkins, now playing baseball with the Chicago Cubs organization, as well as running back Ryan Smith and a gargantuan offensive line.
With all of them graduated, the question at Goddard is whether the system will outlast its players. The Lions’ demoralizing, nineteen-play drive in the second half against Dodge City last year in district play was the stuff great Kansas football teams are made of.
Fifth-year coach Roger Robben quit platooning in 2007 and continues with that philosophy in 2008. Senior RB Kyle Vineyard (6-1, 190) leads a deep backfield. Senior OL Chansler Petz (6-4, 280) started at the end of the season and is likened to Seth Beard, a 2008 Shrine Bowl player.
Three-year starter and college prospect, senior LB Justin Puthoff (6-3, 220), can deal out hits and chase down quarterbacks. Cerebral junior LB Tyler Hilton (6-1, 195) played varsity as a freshman and returns from injury.
2. Garden City Buffaloes (4-5)
After nine seasons at Valley Center, coach Mike Smith moved to Garden City, where he won his only league title in his first season there in 2002. Garden City, the only western team in 6A to win a state title (1999) between the years 1996-2003, has hovered around .500 since.
In the wake of Broderick Smith (signed with Minnesota), the Buffs look for offense from WR Logan Schultz (5-10, 145) and RB C.J. Covington (5-9, 150) running behind three-year starting C Lance Hagerman (6-0, 240). Eight starters return on defense, including four with over 30 tackles in 2007.
3. Maize Eagles (4-6)
A year after failing to gain 100 yards rushing in one game in 2007, Maize must find a new offensive line. Senior Chris Collins (5-9. 210) returns with minimal experience, while junior RB Terrance Jones (5-8, 185), possessing a quick, powerful first step, will contend for the starting job.
The story at Maize is the air tandem of seniors QB Garrett Gould (6-4, 200) and WR Brett Soft (6-4, 200, 81 receptions, 1,422 yards, 14 TD), who broke single-season state records for receptions and receiving yards in 2007. Soft, who could gain 30 to 40 pounds in college, is getting looks from several Big 12 programs. With the graduation of Jake Marasco, a new wideout will have to step up to take pressure off Soft.
Second-year coach and longtime assistant Craig Broadbent returns senior LB Ashton Reichmann (5-10, 210), who led the team in tackles in 2007. Maize returns to district play with Garden and Dodge, after a two-year hiatus.
4. Dodge City Red Demons (4-5)
A year after a heartbreaking season in which quarterback Kale Pick, now at KU, missed seven games with a broken thumb, Dodge City returns zero starters at their 2007 positions. Dodge has 20 of 22 spots to fill and lost 23 seniors, 15 of whom were starters.
Coach Justin Burke enters his fourth season. After ending a 22-game league losing streak in 2005 and 10 straight losing seasons at Dodge in 2006, Burke and the team were devastated by Pick’s injury last fall in what was supposed to be the program’s comeback year.
Title: 5A District Picks
Subtitle: District 6
1. Hutchinson Salthawks (13-0)
One offensive starter, senior OL Brad Lambertus (5-11, 225), returns from 2007 for eleventh-year coach Randy Dreiling, but members of the deep sophomore and junior classes should fill the gaps for the four-time 6A state champs.
Junior FB Josh Smith (5-9, 200) started six games in 2007 when Romero Cotton, who will wrestle at Nebraska this year, went down with an injury on the first series of the first game of the season against McPherson. Seeing limited time after Cotton returned, Smith still rushed for 943 yards. Smith and junior RB Deveon Dinwidde (5-8, 170), who compiled 194 total yards and three touchdowns in the 2007 state title game, will be two of the top backs in the state.
Senior QB/K/P Todd Schultz (6-1, 170) will coordinate the triple-option for Hutch. The five times per game Hutch actually throws the ball, he will be very capable. While the offensive line lacks experience, they’ve been drilled on their role since junior high.
Senior LB Nate Dreiling (6-2, 185, 145 tackles) set a school record for tackles in 2007, and leads a group which returns senior all-state DL Forrest Stucky (6-0, 225, 77 tackles, 5.5 sacks) and juniors DL Justin Goetz (6-1, 200, 61 tackles, 5 sacks) and LB Tyler Fee (5-11, 185). Seniors Treston Harris (5-7, 150) and Tyler Heeney (5-10, 165) return to the secondary.
2. McPherson Bullpups (9-2)
A nine-game winning streak after losing the season opener to Hutch in 2007 ended in the state quarterfinals against Salina Central, 28-14.
Replacing graduated quarterback Kolin Walk, signed at Army, and tight end Tanner Hawkinson, on scholarship at KU, in addition to 13 other starters, will be tough for third-year coach Tom Young, but the junior varsity and freshman teams had only one loss in 2007.
Senior RB/LB Nick Garcia (5-10, 195) gained 685 yards starting the final five games of 2007. He’ll work behind senior OL Zach Peterson (6-1, 215) and junior C/DL Parker Johnson (6-1, 220). Senior FB/LB Tyler Wolf (5-10, 180) started the final four games of 2007, leading the team in tackles.
3. Great Bend Panthers (8-3)
4. Hays Indians (2-7)
Rick Blosser, a former Great Bend assistant under Dave Webb, enters his second season at Hays, determined to pull the Indians out of their perennial mediocrity. It will be difficult in a district which has three of 5A’s top teams.
Senior QB Kelton Rule (5-11, 175) is a baseball prospect and leads a small senior class with LB Tommy Rohleder (6-0, 200) and DB Jay Sanders (5-8, 165). Junior LB Travis Pfannensteil (5-11, 185) started as a sophomore.
District 7
1. Kapaun Mount Carmel Crusaders (6-4)
Kapaun football made headlines last fall with their mid-season upset romping of undefeated Wichita East 28-6. But Salina Central, which caught a full head of steam at season’s end in 2007, ousted them from the first round of the playoffs, 28-15.
With one starter returning on offense and two on defense, Kapaun will look to shape up by season’s end. Many juniors enter the lineup, alongside returning senior QB Ben VinZant, junior RB/S Jonathan Truman, a state medalist wrestler, and RB/LB Brandon Esposito. Senior TE/DE Adam Sawyer, who returns from a back injury in 2007, and junior backs Dyllon Knox and Chris Hayes will step in.
Without experience or size on the defensive line, fourth-year coach Dan Adelhardt and Kapaun could start 1-5 in the city against a harrowing schedule.
2. Arkansas City Bulldogs (3-6)
Ark City must improve defensively after giving up nearly 40 points per game last season. Entering his third season at Ark City, Darrin Wegner has a shot at his first winning season with seven returning starters on both sides.
Seniors QB/FS John Miller (6-2, 175) and RB/DB Darrell Freeman (5-10, 180, former 5A 100-meter champ) team up in the backfield and secondary. Miller accounted for over 1,500 total yards last fall.
Juniors linemen Devin Metzinger (6-1, 220) and Ellsworth Lolar (6-0, 240) provide a solid front both ways.
3. Newton Railroaders (6-4)
Seniors OT/DE Evan Kaufman (6-4, 255) and OL/DL Jake Martin (5-10, 250) lead a strong offensive line, which is expected to pave the way for the ninth-year coach Brent Glann’s spread offense.
Senior QB/LB Nathaniel Martens (6-0, 204) led the team in rushing in 2007 (768 yards, 10 TDs). Junior RB/DB Miguel Johns (5-10, 170) and senior FB/LB Garrett Garcia (6-1, 190) complete the backfield. Glann hopes to improve the passing game, with senior TE/DE Jacob Reinhardt (6-6, 210) providing a target.
Five starters return on both offense and defense, eager to bounce back from a 47-6 first-round playoff loss to Bishop Carroll.
4. Winfield Vikings (2-7)
Winfield builds on 15 key returners from 2007, including RB/DB Joe Vargas (5-10, 170), L Buck Archer (6-2, 225), QB/DB Tanner Bailey (6-0, 185) and K Luke Pray (5-9, 120), a star on the soccer team.
Vargas, a senior, totalled 896 yards rushing and receiving and led the team with 80 tackles last fall, and Bailey gained 942 passing and rushing as a sophomore.
Coach Justin Price has gone 2-7 in each of his first two seasons as head coach.
District 8
1. Bishop Carroll Golden Eagles (11-2)
Despite perennially losing strong senior classes, Bishop Carroll consistently reloads, having won four straight district titles and six of the past 12 City League titles and returning to the 5A state title game last fall for the first time since 1978.
Though defensive stalwarts Bart Voegeli (KU walk-on), Brock Bell (Emporia State) and Mitch Arnold (Newman wrestling) have left the program, Carroll returns one of the state’s best defensive lines, with seniors Garrett Kraft (6-2, 220), Jake Cole (5-11, 220, 70 tackles, 30 TFL) and Miles Galaway (6-2, 220). Junior LB Timmy Chadd (5-11, 185, 57 tackles) stepped into Voegeli’s role in the state title game, and senior Chad Duling (6-0, 170) had two interceptions in the title game.
Vaunted prospect, junior QB Blake Bell (6-6, 200), moves behind the line from wideout. Cerebral, agile and loaded with an arm, Bell’s favorite target will be senior FB/TE Joe Brown (6-3, 215, 1,105 total yards), one of the best players in the state. Brown will return from a broken leg he suffered mid-summer at a KU camp. Cody Mills (6-2, 200) and Tony Marquez (6-2, 250) return on the offensive line.
2. Liberal Redskins (4-6)
3. Valley Center Hornets (3-6)
Valley Center returns five starters on both sides of the ball, including senior RB Stevon Kline (5-5, 195, 960 yards). Three offensive linemen graduated, leaving seniors Dylan Hess (6-3, 280) and Ryan Rubia (6-0, 247) to pick up the slack. Senior Ryan Fluker (5-8, 200) and sophomore Nate Williams (6-2, 170) will battle for quarterback.
Second-year coach John Black must improve a defense which allowed 32.5 points per game in 2007. Senior DL Jerred Douglass (5-11, 290) and junior DL Jesse Ingle (6-2, 230) will be key up front, but the Hornets require more overall speed.
4. Wichita West Pioneers (0-9)
After three seasons on staff under two coaches, Heath Henderson takes over the West High program. A prep player at Yates Center, Henderson played two seasons with the Wichita Aviators, a Wichita arena football team now defunct.
Senior RB Terrell Hardwell (5-7, 175) played five games in 2007, rushing for over 80 yards in four of them. He has 1,000-yard potential.
Junior FB/LB Jonny Bonner (5-9, 210) moved into the district from Hoover High (Ala.). Bonner bench pressed 365 pounds as a sophomore and is highly devoted to the game.
Six players, mostly juniors, return on the line. A year after a disastrous season, Henderson has infused the program with organization and hope.
District 5
Emporia Spartans (6-4)
After a 35-14 loss to Wichita Heights in district play last fall, Emporia upset Manhattan and Junction City, making the 6A playoffs for the first time under now fourth-year coach Bill Lowe.
Though 3,000-yard career rusher Ed Noonan graduated, seven offensive and five defensive starters return for Emporia, which moves down to 5A.
Salina Central Mustangs (8-4)
Three seasons after Marvin Diener left for Gardner-Edgerton, coach Michael Hall, an assistant at Central under Diener for four of his six state titles between the years 1993-2005, has the Mustangs back in contention, making it to 5A sub-state after a slow start in 2007.
Ten starters return, including senior RB/LB Taylor Counts (6-0, 213), who gained 910 yards in 2007 backing up Andrew Braxton. Counts, who will be one of the state’s best, returns with all-state seniors WR Seth Myers (6-1, 160) and OL Tim Link (6-1, 230).
Salina South Cougars (2-7)
Ken Stonebraker steps down from the program after 14 seasons as head coach. After winning state titles in 2000 and 2004, Stonebraker suffered his first losing season at South in 2007. He won 101 games at South, 16 more than the program had won in 24 seasons previous to his arrival.
Chip Sherman, a three-time Class 3 champ at Platte County (Mo.), will try to re-establish the South program. His 52-game win streak from 2000-2003 stands as Missouri’s second longest all-time.
Topeka West (0-9)
After going winless in 2007 with its closest game being 35-16, first-year coach Chris Perry takes over the program.
Title: 4A District Picks
Subtitle: District 10
1. Topeka Hayden Wildcats (10-2)
A year after Andale beat them on a last-second field goal in the state quarterfinals, Hayden will contend for the 4A state title once again, returning 12 starters.
Led by senior QB T.J. McGreevy (6-2 215), who threw a 60-yard TD pass against Andale, and senior S Blake Rothschild (6-0, 165), Hayden and second-year coach Bill Arnold look to return to state, where they won the title in 2004 over Rose Hill (also 2003 runner-up).
2. Hesston Swathers (10-1)
Hesston jumps from 3A to 4A this season after a 10-1 campaign in 2007. The Swathers tore through league and district competition last fall before losing to eventual state champion Garden Plain 42-0 at regionals.
Nine starters return for Hesston. Coach Nate Wollenberg, 27-7 in his first three seasons at Hesston, has spots to fill with the loss of 11 seniors. The Swathers need to build depth in the defensive secondary and at wideout. Seniors QB/DB Michael Janzen (6-2, 190), RB/DB Rob Moore (6-0, 170), and junior RB/DL Matt Ott (5-10, 205) will lead the wishbone offense. Senior OL/DE Riley Spencer (6-6, 267) has committed to KU.
3. Abilene Cowboys (6-4)
With six wins in 2007, coach Jeff Geist turned around a program which was 1-8 in 2006. Abilene has excellent speed, led by junior WR Curry Sexton (6-0, 160) and senior OL/LB Corey Ward (5-9, 250).
4. Chapman Fighting Irish (7-3)
District 11
1. Andover Trojans (5-4)
Andover loses 20 seniors, though 12 starters return. The run game could be an issue, as only one offensive lineman returns.
Coach Mike Lee enters his second season in charge of Andover football, after a previous four-year stint at Andover Central. Leading up to a competitive district, Andover will also face Andover Central and Mulvane in two consecutive weeks.
Leading Andover is junior QB Aaron Hansen (5-10, 160)), a 1,400-yard passer as a sophomore in 2007. Senior DB/KR Alex Croitoru (5-10, 165) was all-league last fall.
2. El Dorado Wildcats (3-7)
El Dorado coach Bruce Graber, who enters his 35th year of coaching, is excited about the rejuvenated football program at El Dorado. Winless in his first season in 2006, El Dorado won three games in 2007 and lost to Topeka Hayden 32-13 in the state playoffs.
Seniors WR Randy Johnson (6-2, 190) and C Tyler Banion (6-0, 175) will lead the offense while senior SS Garrett Bruce (5-8, 160) will pace the defense. A large group of sophomores who started in 2006 are now seniors. Junior QB/DB Christian Locke (5-10, 165) is the likely starter at quarterback.
3. Augusta Orioles (3-6)
Augusta opened the season with losses to eventual Missouri Class 3 state champion Harrisonville and two-time Kansas 4A state champion Andale and lost several close games in 2007.
Despite the record, coach Steve Pazzie, entering his 18th season at Augusta, was pleased with the team’s ability to compete.
August returns seven starters on both sides of the ball, though Augusta repeatedly gave up big plays on defense in 2007. Senior speedster Bubby Nixon (5-8, 185) and hard-nosed Jarod Todd (5-9, 185) lead the Oriole backfield.
4. Circle Thunderbirds (1-8)
After reaching the playoffs in 2006, Circle took a step back last fall with a one-win season in coach Lee LaMunyon’s first season.
Seniors Kendall Pierce (5-9, 225), Robert Kessler (6-6, 260) and Sam Patton (6-2, 190) will lead the Thunderbirds on the attack. After graduating first-year starters the last couple years, Circle is still searching for a quarterback. Sophomore TE/DL Jordan Phillips (6-4, 260) will compete to play both ways.
District 12
1. Andover Central Jaguars (8-2)
After a strong regular season in which Andover Central lost one game to eventual 4A state champ Andale 37-27, the Jaguars unexpectedly bowed out of the the state playoffs in the first round, losing to Wellington by two touchdowns.
Andover Central lacks a game-breaking player, but a core of five starters return. All-state candidate senior L Mike Starnes (6-4, 270) anchors the line, and all-league TE/LB Jeff Page (6-1, 200) is one of the stronger players 12th-year coach Tom Audley has had. Seniors C/DL Ben Fulghum (6-3, 255) and RB/DE Keaton LaBanca (5-11, 180) also return to the offense. In seven 2007 starts, LaBanca rushed for over 900 yards.
2. Mulvane Wildcats (11-1)
Coming off one of the best seasons in school history, Mulvane will have to find a new identity with the loss of senior RB/LB Huldon Tharp. Mulvane’s run in 2007 to regionals included a season total of 397 points scored, led by Tharp who rushed for 1,922 yards. Their undefeated season ended at Ulysses, 20-17.
Even without Tharp, coach Dave Fennewald, in his 17th season, returns a nucleus of 10 starters, including most skill players. Senior QB Jordan Gosch (5-11, 200) is very capable and will lead in place of Tharp. Seniors TE/DE Jacob Snider (6-3, 190), OT/DE Kyle Ericson (6-0, 235) add WR/DB Tyler Springer (5-11, 150) add experience and talent.
3. Rose Hill Rockets (4-6)
Last fall, Rose Hill suffered its first losing season since 1999. Eleventh-year coach Greg Slade, a former Tom Young assistant at Derby, intends to begin another string of eight consecutive winning seasons in 2008. Class 4A state runner-up in 2004, Rose Hill struggled to get stops in 2007, yielding 72 points to offensive juggernaut Mulvane in two meetings.
Despite many losses to graduation, seven starters return, including seniors RB/LB Myles Pinick (5-11, 200), OL/LB Jacob Sooter (6-0, 200), RB/DB Cody Knuth (5-9, 170) and FB/LB Luke Haider (5-9, 190). Pinick rushed for over 200 yards in three games last fall.
4. Trinity Academy Knights
After five seasons of club 8-man football, Trinity enters the most difficult district in 11-man Class 4A.
Second-year coach Mike Kriwiel says it will be a learning season for the now fully-sanctioned program. Sophomores RB Morgan Burns (5-11, 180) and RB/QB/LB Austin Kessinger (6-2, 190) will lay a foundation. John Matthews (5-11, 190) is the only returning senior starter. Junior Toby Kriwiel (5-11, 170) will gun for the quarterback position behind junior OL/LB Bobby Erickson (5-10, 185).
District 13
1. Wellington Crusaders (7-4)
After winning two 4A state titles in 2001 and 2002, the Wellington program has remained solid in recent years, continuing their state-record streak of 16 consecutive playoff appearances. An upset playoff win in 2007 over Andover Central in the first round was their first in three seasons.
Seniors WR/LB Sage Aguilar (5-11, 175), C/FB/LB Heath Carroll (6-0, 185) and TE/DE Seth Carroll (6-3, 200), Heath’s cousin, return as starters. Senior L Matt Kiker (5-10, 230) leads a small line, and senior WR/DB Dylan Woodbridge (6-1, 175) will be a playmaker.
Linn Hibbs, who nearly led Wellington High to a state title in 1981 as the quarterback, enters his 13th season as coach.
2. Cheney Cardinals (5-4)
Cheney moves up a class to become a small 4A school, but they should end the 2008 season with a better result than last fall in 3A. After suffering many injuries, including a season-ending one for then-junior QB Tanner Hageman (6-2, 170), Cheney faltered late, missing the playoffs.
Fourth-year coach Dustin McEwen returns eight starters on both sides of the ball. Accompanying the return of Hageman, a 4A state medalist in the hurdles last spring, and an experienced line are OL Caleb Wood (6-2, 280) and senior FB/DL Tim Brozek (5-7, 185).
3. Clearwater Indians (5-5)
Clearwater made the playoffs in 4A for the first time since since 1983, ending at .500 with its first winning regular season in 22 years. While Andale leaves their district, Clearwater gains two formidable opponents in Wellington and Cheney.
Fifth-year coach Bill Woodward is optimistic based on the team’s banner season in 2007. A host of lettermen return, including senior RB/DB Tyler Spencer (5-10, 175, 1,071 yards on 165 carries). Seniors L Jake Demott (5-11, 185) and L Jordan Lukert (6-1, 230) should pave the way for Spencer.
4. Chaparral Roadrunners (2-7)
After three consecutive 2-7 seasons in 3A under coach Joel Gerber, Chaparral moves up to 4A. If the Roadrunner program is to turn the corner, this is the year, returning 17 starters, including the offensive nucleus of seniors QB Trevor Stark (5-11, 165), WR Tyler Starcher (5-10, 165) and OL Derek McCaslin (5-9, 225).
Fourth-year coach Joel Gerber needs his team to put together offensive drives consistently and compete for four quarters.
District 14
1. Ulysses Tigers (11-2)
2. Pratt Greenbacks (4-5)
Pratt missed the playoffs in 2007 after three consective appearances in the state quarterfinals. Jeff Fuss in his seventh season expects a return with eight starters returning on both sides of the ball.
Five letterman return on the line, including Zach Pixler (6-2, 190), Cody Hullman (5-9, 160), Darnell Bortz (6-1, 195), Grant Gordon (6-2, 230) and Chase McCormick (6-1, 230), blocking for athletic junior QB Skylar Angood (6-2, 180).
3. Kingman Eagles (1-8)
Kingman yielded a season total 425 points to opponents last season, the most in the entire AV-CTL, as defensive woes overshadowed Kingman’s potent offense. Leading a group of ten returning starters is senior RB Drew Bornholdt (5-10, 195).
First-year coach Darby Jones replaces Layne Schroeder after one season at Kingman. Jones spent nine years as an assistant at Mineral Springs (Texas). The Eagles face the challenge of coaching turnover and a new system to be learned in two months. However, after Ulysses, the second playoff spot in this district is up for grabs.
4. Hugoton Eagles (1-8)
Third-year coach Clint Merritt had one returning starter in his first season, as Hugoton fell off the playoff map. The Eagles now return seven starters on offense and eight on defense, including seniors TE/DE Dalton Tompkins (6-4, 200) and LB Jeremy Hurtado (5-10, 180).
District 15
1. Andale Indians (14-0)
Andale will defend two consecutive 4A state titles and a 28-game winning streak after losing 19 of 22 starters from 2007.
Outstanding senior FB/LB Corey Harp (6-0, 185) is the lone remaining starter from both state champion squads in 2006 and 2007. Harp had 79 tackles and nine sacks last season, and still compiled 280 yards rushing and three touchdowns while blocking for Kyle Horsch and Levi Neely. Junior OL B.J. Finney (6-4, 250) returns to a line decimated by graduation.
Despite the losses, a program which attracted 110 players last year should rebuild quickly and smoothly. Coach Gary O’Hair, in his seventh season at Andale, looks for contributions from seniors RB/DL Jerod Weninger (5-8, 160), WR/DB Jake Jones (5-11, 165), and QB/DB Michael Eck (6-1, 170).
2. Buhler Crusaders (7-4)
A freakish overtime loss to Andover High, in which Buhler blew a 21-point lead in the final six minutes of the fourth quarter, a six-turnover 27-14 loss to Wellington and a fourth-quarter collapse against Andale at sectionals aside, Buhler had a solid year.
Third-year coach Steve Warner, nearing 150 wins for his career (135), has put a program in place at Buhler, from the grade school on up. The Crusaders have won seven games in his first two seasons after failing to win seven in the previous three seasons combined. Andale, which has ended Buhler’s season two consecutive years, enters their district in 2008.
Nine starters return, including seniors QB/S Josh Madden (6-0, 170), FB/LB Max Mitchell (5-8, 170), LB Lucas Ridgeway (5-10, 175) and OL Derek Dobson (6-3, 270).
3. Nickerson Panthers (4-6)
The Lions return 12 starters from a year ago beginning with leading rusher junior RB/LB Weston Cottrell (5-11, 175, 6.5 yards per carry). Sophomore RB/LB Hector Rodriguez (6-0, 170) will be a versatile option and OL Josh Dorhman (6-3, 280) will boost an offense which returns five starters.
The quarterback position and offensive line are questions marks for third-year coach Max Heinlein.
4. Haven Wildcats (0-9)
Second-year coach Shane Seeley continues to rebuild the psyche of the Haven program, which is in the midst of a 29-game losing streak dating back to 2004. Fifteen starters return to put an end to the streak, including seniors QB Byron Nienstedt (5-10, 165), a three-year starter, LB Jordan Drake (6-0, 195) and RB Nathan Pohl (5-9, 170).
Seeley, a former Derby assistant, is in need of a strong line to reach his goal of scoring 14 points per game and limiting opponents to 100 yards rushing.
Title: 3A District Picks
Subtitle: District 10
1. Halstead Dragons (2-7)
Halstead returns 20 starters and 12 additional lettermen from 2007 after missing the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. Second-year coach Marc Svaty, former defensive coordinator at Liberal, hopes experience translates into wins aftering a rebuilding year.
Senior RB/SP Tyler Armendariz (5-11, 185) averaged over 30 yards on both kickoff and punt returns last season. Senior QB/DB Tyler Ratzlaff (6-1, 185) joins a veteran backfield. The defense will be paced by seniors Luke McKee (5-8, 165, 85 tackles) and Spencer Soward (6-1, 185).
2. Sedgwick Cardinals (6-4)
Sedgwick made the playoffs in 2007, only to be defeated 48-13 in the first round by Hillsboro. Third-year coach Jeff Werner, a former Newton assistant, has seen steady growth, improving from four wins in 2006 to six last fall.
Though Sedgwick loses the entire defensive line to graduation, the Cardinals return 13 starters, including the 2007 backfield of senior QB Jake Napper (5-11, 195) and junior RB Wade Hansen (5-9, 170). Senior LB Tanner Giffin (5-10, 190) leads the defense.
3. Trinity Catholic Celtics (2-7)
After ten years as an assistant at Trinity, Shawn Racette replaces Ed Bambick as coach. After three solid seasons under Bambick, the Celtics won two games in 2007.
Inexperience led to turnovers at inopportune times in 2007. However, experience could solve that problem with fifteen starters returning for Racette. Seniors DE Jason Webb (6-3, 210), L Chris Bird (5-11, 200) and DE Tom Weninger (6-0, 185) will pressure the backfield and stop the run.
4. Remington Broncos (6-3)
Behind a prolific passing attacked led by Cole Cherryholmes, now at Butler, Remington began the 2007 season 6-0. When Cherryholmes went down with an injury before district play, Remington and fifth-year coach Chris Lawler also stumbled, ending 0-3.
Beyond the losses of Cherryholmes and two outstanding wideouts, six starters return on each side of the ball, including seniors OL Jake Coleman (5-10, 175), RB Greg Abel (5-9, 185) and QB Zach Glover (6-1, 175).
District 11
1. Wichita Collegiate Spartans (5-5)
Collegiate has a record of 34-33 over the past seven seasons, a change from the 1990s and early part of the decade when the Spartans competed for state titles. With seven starters back on both sides of the ball in 2008, fourth-year coach Bill Messamore expects improvement.
Messamore, in his 13th year with the program, will stick with Collegiate’s usual wide-open spread offense. The Spartans are athletic but were unable to stop the run on defense in 2007.
Seniors TE/DE Alex Schooler (6-5, 240), WR Craig Howell (6-2, 185) and RB/DB Andrew Hourani (5-10, 185) return with eight juniors who will start this season.
2. Independent Panthers (5-4)
First-year coach David Roberts takes over the program from Corey Lyon, who now coaches softball at Paris Junior College (Texas). Lyon built up the young program, garnering its first winning season last fall.
Do-it-all quarterback David Fleming is graduated, but Roberts should continue growing the program with a decade of experience at the high school and college level in Texas.
Six starters return on both sides, led by senior RB/DB Zach Villalpando (5-11, 165) who rushed for 431 yards, received 317 and returned kickoffs for 827, scoring 12 TDs in 2007. He also had 57 tackles and five interceptions. Senior DB Derek Soucie (5-11, 170) compiled 78 tackles, and junior QB/DB Zach Neville (6-2, 180) caught six interceptions.
3. Douglass Bulldogs (1-8)
Texas natives and brothers Brent and Chris Randolph take over the Douglass football program after two-year coach Jared McDaniel moved to Derby as an assistant.
Brent, the head coach, spent the past three seasons at the prep and college level, while Chris, the offensive coordinator, just graduated from Friends, where he was the starting quarterback in 2007.
4. Bluestem Lions (0-9)
Coach George Stewart takes over at Bluestem, facing a 67-game losing streak. Stewart, a coach for 38 years, including a long stint at Andover High, will focus on the fundamentals of blocking and tackling to end the Lions’ woes.
Eight starters return, including six seniors will lead the way: QB Wade McHone (5-10, 170), LB William Wedman (6-0, 190), DL Chris Hodges (6-1, 215), OL Alec Cooper (6-2, 235), DB Zach Muckenthaler (5-9, 150) and RB Austin Puetz (5-11, 165).
District 12
1. Conway Springs Cardinals (10-3)
Conway has twice as many losses (eight) in the past three seasons as the eight previous. But an unexpected run to sub-state last fall accompanied by the transfer of OU-signee, senior RB/LB Jaydan Bird (6-3, 230), from Andover Central make Conway a preseason favorite.
Junior QB/DB Caleb Brill (5-9, 170, 1,905 total yards), senior RB/LB Nathan Pauly (5-9, 205), senior L Trevor Tarrant (6-1, 250) and Corey Sones (5-8, 180) look to beat out Garden Plain, which defeated Conway 35-6 and 42-0 at sub-state last fall, for the district title.
2. Garden Plain Owls (14-0)
Garden Plain’s run to the 3A state title last fall was historic, as they out-scored their playoff opponents 241-21 and Logan Dold ended his career as the second-leading all-time career rusher in Kansas prep history.
The title was a seven-year project for Garden Plain coach Todd Puetz. Their 48-7 defeat of defending champ Silver Lake was eye-opening. This season will not be such a breeze, but the Owls will reload behind two outstanding returning starters, seniors RB/LB Daniel Capul (5-11, 205) and QB/DB Jake Puetz (6-2, 195).
The Owls are loaded with backs. Seth Klausmeyer (160) and Daniel Youngers (200) stepped up in the title game last year when Capul was injured. As in six of past seven seasons, it’s likely Garden Plain or Conway will represent the west at state in 2008.
3. Medicine Lodge Indians (4-6)
Fifteen seniors return, including seniors all-state RB Bryant Theis (5-9, 170) and all-league DB Cory Rausch (5-10, 160). Coach Max Ferguson will have to replace a three-year starting quarterback.
4. Belle Plaine Dragons (5-4)
Belle Plaine has not reached the state playoffs over the past decade, but third-year coach D.J. Basgall led the Dragons to a winning season in 2007. The playoffs will be a difficult goal to accomlish up against perennial powers Garden Plain and Conway Springs.
After the loss of a talented senior class, seniors DB Leon Golden (5-10, 150) and RB/LB Will Chance (6-1, 185) and junior OL/LB Dylan Hatch (5-11, 185) return as starters.
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Chuck - 11:33:56 PM on Aug 09, 2008
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report profanity/abuse
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you forgot Jeff Poe Sr. Northwest being recruited by several colleges .
Poe Will Be Busy
By Josh Harvey
BigPurpleNation.com Publisher
Posted Aug 8, 2008
After a great junior season, Kansas linebacker Jeff Poe’s stock is going up. With schools like Princeton, TCU, Boise State, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Colorado, Tulsa, and Tulane all showing interest, Poe will have a very busy senior year.
After a great junior season, Kansas linebacker Jeff Poe’s stock is going up. With schools like Princeton, TCU, Boise State, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Colorado, Tulsa, and Tulane all showing interest, Poe will have a very busy senior year.
A 6A All-State Honorable Mention last season for Northwest High School (Wichita, KS), Poe has yet to get any official offers, but feels there are a few schools that are getting very close.
“I think Boise State and Oklahoma State are pretty close to offering me,” said Poe to BigPurpleNation.com. “I also really kind of think TCU is as close but I don’t know.”
Even though he does not have any offers, Poe (6’0, 215 pounds) does have five top schools that he is currently intrested in.
"I have narrowed it down and my top five right now are Princeton, TCU , Tulsa, Oklahoma state, and Boise State."
Earlier this summer, the linebacker was able to visit a couple different schools, but did not get to spend much time at TCU.
“I went down to Tulsa and Oklahoma State and I drove threw the campus at TCU, I didn’t really get to stop at TCU because I was going down there for football team camp near Fort Worth…From what I know about it, it’s a great school (TCU). They have had a great program as of late. I used to work out with Blaize Foltz up here and he signed there last year and loves it.”
After a 112 tackle, 8 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 4-sack season, Poe is trying to get back to the basics this summer.
“I’m working on speed and strength. You can never have too much of those as far as I’m concerned.” Currently the 2009 recruiting is benching 320 pounds and squatting 480. If that is not impressive enough, the linebacker also runs a 4.66 forty.
Described as a playmaker on the field, Poe describes himself to Scout.com earlier this summer as a very versatile football player.
"Being a coaches son I have had to play several positions. As a freshman, I was strong safety, as sophomore I moved to outside linebacker. Last season as a junior I was middle backer and called plays as defensive captain. I contribute my quick lateral movement to years of wrestling."
With many returning starters from a team that went 7-3 last season, there are high expectations for Poe and Northwest High School this year.
“We were pretty young last year; most of the guys that were playing were either juniors or sophomores. This year we should be one of the big contenders in the state. Right now they have us ranked 5th in Class 6A. We should definitely be pretty good.”
If TCU does offer down the road, one member of the Poe household could be pushing Jeff to attend. “Because it’s a Christian school and I’m catholic my mom really likes it. I think she would like me to go there. I would have to say that I’m a pretty big church guy,” stated the linebacker.
Besides for excelling on the football field, the senior is a great student. One team that has told Poe they are interested in him next year is Princeton. Currently the Ivy League school does not give out athletic scholarships and is waiting for Poe’s grades to go through the academic process. He should have no trouble qualifying, the last two semesters he has had a 4.0 GPA, and currently holds a 3.9 cumulative.
“I’m looking for a school that can get me somewhere after college. I’m looking for a school that is pretty solid in academics. I can’t play football forever," stated the senior prospect.
At this moment, Poe has no timetable on when he would like to make a decision about the next level.
“I’m planning on going through the whole school year and trying to take as many officials as I can. I really want to make sure I make the right decision.”
Look for more Jeff Poe updates from BigPurpleNation.com throughout the season.
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A collection of this month's best action photos.
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Heath Carroll
Heath Carroll will do his best in 2008 to put Wellington back on top, right where his dad, Preston, and...
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