Class 4A District 13 Preview

District 13

1. Wellington Crusaders (8-3)

Wellington’s streak of consistency continued in 2008, making the playoffs for the 17th consecutive season and tying the state record for playoff appearances, 28, shared by Pittsburg. Andale ousted them from the 2008 playoffs in the second round, 33-17.

In thirteen seasons as coach, Linn Hibbs holds a 107-43 record. Senior QB/DB Jordan Edwards (6-3, 170) and senior QB/FS Drake Koerner (5-9, 170) return, as does two-way starter, senior lineman Tyler Rayl (6-4, 240). –TW

2. Clearwater Indians (5-6)

After earning a playoff for the the first time since 1983 in 2007, Clearwater won a playoff game over Ulysses in 2008 and lost by just five, 35-30, to Buhler in the second round.

Former coach Bill Woodward returns to coach in his hometown, Kingman, and after one season as freshman coach, Dirk Ankerholz takes over the varsity.

Clearwater returns eight offensive starters, including seniors RB/LB Ryan Yost (175), RB/LB Grant Dunnegan (190), L Dillon Ward (215) and QB/DB Alex Baughman (175). Senior RB/LB Dylan Swalley (210), a transfer from Oklahoma who sat out due to state rules last season, is an excellent athlete. –TW

3. Cheney Cardinals (6-3)

Coach Dustin McEwen returns only two starters in his fifth season, second in Class 4A. Senior RB/DB Derek Hickey (6-0, 165) is a three-year starter on defense, and senior DT/OG Wade Hopper started a few games in 2008.

Cheney introduces a talented junior class with no starting experience. Two juniors will battle for the starting quarterback position with senior QB Brandon Kirkpatrick (5-7, 145), who started when Tanner Hageman was injured in 2008. The offensive line could turn out to be excellent. –TW

4. Chaparral Roadrunners (2-7)

After moving up to Class 4A and being competitive in their first two games of district play, Chaparral enters the 2009 season confident behind the return of 20 lettermen.

The passing game looked solid this summer; QB Justin Wilcox, RB John Siale, three wideouts and a tight end return to end Chaparral’s streak of four straight 2-7 seasons. –TW