4 Thursday, September 1, <strong>2011</strong> <strong>2011</strong> Football <strong>Preview</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>Hutchinson</strong> <strong>News</strong> State power Buhler wants shot at Class 4A title BY BRAD HALLIER <strong>The</strong> <strong>Hutchinson</strong> <strong>News</strong> bhallier@hutchnews.com Buhler football is no longer a team on the rise, a possible future state power. <strong>The</strong> Crusaders can now consider themselves one of the elite programs in Class 4A. Since coach Steve Warner took over prior to the 2006 season, Buhler has steadily climbed the ranks in arguably the deepest football class in Kansas. From back-to-back 7-4 seasons in 2006 and 2007 to back-to-back state semifinal appearances the last two seasons – including a 12-1 mark last year – Buhler is now at the point where conference and district titles are expected. So are deep playoff runs. “Without a doubt, that’s exactly what our goals are,” the Buhler coach said. “We’ve made it to the semifinals the last two years, but the kids expect these things to happen now.” Buhler returns 13 starters – seven on offense, six on defense – from a team that scored 42 points or more in seven games last year and gave up less than 10 points nine times. Many of the top playmakers return from that juggernaut offense. Junior quarterback Chandler Shantz threw for 1,281 yards and 15 touchdowns to just three interceptions. Senior wide receiver J.P. Lohrentz snagged 36 passes for 934 yards and 11 touchdowns. And of course, senior running back Tanner Fisher is back after collecting 2,360 yards and 40 touchdowns. “We’re real excited for this year,” Shantz said. “Our running back is back, we have one of the best receivers around with J.P., and we have other guys back who can go out and make a play.” Defensively, Buhler has just as many standouts returning. Lohrentz had 11 interceptions, and senior linebacker Jaydn Garcia was in on 152 tackles. Defensive backs Levi Boman, Jake Kern and Adam Massey also return, as does defensive lineman Josh Long. “Most of our defensive players are returning starters, so I think we’re looking pretty good,” Garcia said. “We hope to be one of the top defenses in the state. We have a lot of strength on the line, we have good linebackers, and there’s a lot of speed in the secondary.” Lindsey Bauman/<strong>The</strong> <strong>Hutchinson</strong> <strong>News</strong> Buhler’s JP Lohrentz hauls in a catch past Rose Hill’s Cody Peabody during their game last season. Lohrentz had 934 receiving yards and also intercepted 11 passes during his junior year. Notice the one area that hasn’t been mentioned yet? <strong>The</strong> all-important offensive line. Gone are mainstays Matt Dobson, Bryce Worley and Brett Vaughan, not to mention fullback Jordan Stiles. Josh Long and Mason Engel return. “A lot of those guys are coming along,” Shantz said. “<strong>The</strong>y started off a little slow, but every year, it doesn’t click right away. <strong>The</strong>re’s a lot of competition this year, and everyone’s coming along. We’ll be good up there. We’ll have a good line.” Some of the new linemen include Blake Redenbaugh, Brandon Deller, Quent Gould and Jess Neufeld. Inexperienced or not, the Crusaders will get one of their sternest tests right away on Friday when they travel to Rose Hill. But the Crusaders all seem to agree they would rather play Rose Hill immediately instead of a few weeks into the season. “It keeps the kids focused through the summer,” Warner said. “<strong>The</strong>y know they can’t take a day off. <strong>The</strong>y’ve been able to focus on Rose Hill. That’s a quality opponent and a very good team.” BUILDING A WINNER Since taking over as coach in 2006, Buhler has become a perennial state playoff team and championship contender. Here’s how the Crusaders have finished the past five seasons: 2006 - 7-4 and reached the second round of the 4A playoffs. 2007 - 7-4 and reached the second round of the 4A playoffs. 2008 - 9-3 and reached the third round of the 4A playoffs 2009 - 11-2 and reached the 4A semifinals before losing to Topeka Hayden. 2010 - 12-1 and reached the 4A semifinals before losing to Holton
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