Class 5A District 5

District 5

1. Salina Central (5-5), which loses one of the state’s best players in Taylor Counts, returns 15 starters (8 on defense) a year after giving Bishop Carroll a scare in the first round of the 2008 playoffs (19-26). Senior Trey Dallas (6-2, 175), 1,500-yard passer, and junior Cale Sharp (6-1, 180), 1,000-yard rusher, return with three offensive line starters… 2. Salina South (8-3) looks to keep pace after the loss of their quarterback top wideout, top two running backs and coach Chip Sherman. After helping the Cougars rebound from a 2-7 2007 season, Sherman left for Shawnee Mission East, leaving assistant and longtime coach Dave Dunham in charge… 3. Emporia (5-4) can’t catch a scheduling break, though coach Bill Lowe has taken them from 1-8 in 2005 to three consecutive winning seasons. Four offensive linemen and the starting running back return… 4. Topeka West (1-8) is mired in losing after earning a state berth in 2002. –TW