Class 5A District 7

District 7

1. Kapaun Mount Carmel Crusaders (4-6)

Kapaun started with four losses before winning four of five games to end the regular season and playing Carroll as tough as anyone in the City League.

Despite losses at quarterback and linebacker, seniors RB/LB Jonathan Truman (5-10, 190) and RB/DB Dyllon Knox (5-9, 170) provide talent and leadership on both sides of the ball. Senior L Dylan Matheny (6-1, 190) also returns.

Kapaun once again will battle a lack of size, but coach Dan Adelhardt enters his fifth season at Kapaun with an experienced group coming off a strong finish in 2008. –TW

2. Winfield Vikings (5-5)

Coach Justin Price led Winfield to the playoffs last season for the first time in his three seasons. Winfield ended the regular season with a winning record after going 4-14 in Price’s first two seasons.

Senior QB Tanner Bailey (6-2, 190) leads the offense after an all-state honorable mention junior season. First-team all-league senior WR Ceth Bannister (6-2,185) returns as Bailey’s top target.

Senior LB Garrett Mangrum (6-2, 235) leads a defense which hopes to improve behind increased physical maturity. –DP

3. Newton Railroaders (6-3)

Tenth-year coach Brent Glann says he may have to rebuild his entire team and game plan this season. The Railroaders return only four starters on both sides of the ball, a year after losing to Winfield to miss the playoffs.

First-team all-league senior RB/DB Miguel Johns (5-10, 175) will run the ball out of the spread offense. Senior QB Evan Thomas (6-0, 185), who also will play linebacker, replaces all-league selection, Nathaniel Martens. Senior OL/DE Chris Garcia (6-0, 205) returns on the line. –DP

4. Arkansas City Bulldogs (3-6)

Fourth-year coach Darrin Wegner will emphasize defense and special teams, as Ark City yielded an average of 36 points per game last season.

The offensive line will play a big role in moving the football, led by seniors Devin Metzinger (6-1, 240), Cody Larmer (6-3, 305), and Ellsworth Lolar (6-0, 250). Junior slot back Trevor Harris (5-9, 165) will gain yardage in both rushing and receiving categories and start at safety. –DP