Football Tab1.qxd - The Hutchinson News

2 Thursday, September 3, 2009 2009 Football Preview 

The Hutchinson News 

Salthawks look to make history 

BY VANCE JANAK 


vjanak@hutchnews.com 

No team in Kansas high 

school history has won six 

consecutive state football 

championships. 

Hutchinson High, along 

with the Smith Center Redmen, 

enter the season with 

a potential spot in the 

record books on the line. 

The Salthawks, who have 

complied a 60-5 record during 

a championship run 

that started in 2004, look to 

add another record and cement 

their place as one of 

the most dominant dynasties 

in state history. 

“No one has ever won six 

consecutive,” senior linebacker 

Tyler Fee said. 

“We’ve all talked about it. 

It’d be an amazing deal to 

win six. It’s really a credit to 

all the guys who have come 

before us, the guys that 

built this program up. We’re 

so fortunate to be in this 

program and get the chance 

to win six. Coach (Randy) 

Dreiling has done a phenomenal 

job.” 

The Salthawks’ returning 

starters could be described 

as phenomenal. 

Hutchinson’s offense, 

coming off a record-setting 

season, returns four 

2 - Hutchinson 

3 - Hutch High team 

photo 

4 - Pretty Prairie 

5 - HCC team photo 

6 - Haven; Nickerson 

7 - McPherson team 

photo. 

8 - Trinity Catholic 

9 - Trinity team photo 

10 - Buhler 

11 - Buhler team photo 

12 - Preseason Top 11; 

Photos by Lindsay Bauman and Travis Morisse/The Hutchinson News 

After celebrating a fifth consecutive state championship last year in Emporia (top), the Hutchinson 

Salthawks of head coach Randy Dreiling (bottom right) will look to win a record sixth straight during 

the 2009 season. The Salthawks open their season Friday night at home against Rockhurst. 

starters on the offensive 

line and a pair of running 

backs - seniors Josh Smith 

and Deveon Dinwiddie - 

who combined for 3,228 

yards and 48 touchdowns. 

The returning linemen include 

first team AVCTL I 

senior right tackle Ross 

Lovett (6-foot-4, 260 pounds), 

second team AVCTL selec- 

INDEX 

Preseason Top 8. 

13 - Hesston team photo 

14 - Shane Cordell 

15 - Grant Thierolf 

16 - Class 6A, 5A capsules 

17 - Fairfield team photo 

18 - Fairfield; Class 4A 

capsules 

19 - Inman team photo 

20 - Class 3A capsules, 

Central Christian. 

tion in senior right guard 

Reed Woodworth (5-10, 225) 

and seniors Evan Wilder (6- 

2, 265) and left tackle Justin 

Pitzer (6-1, 185). 

Smith, a 5-10, 210-pound 

bruising fullback who has 

already set several season 

and career records in 

Hutchinson’s flexbone attack, 

ran for 1,961 yards and 

21 - Nickerson team 

photo. 

22 - Eight-Man I capsules, 

Districts. 

23 - Pretty Prairie team 

photo. 

24 - Class 2A capsules; 

Eight-Man II capsules. 

25 - Central Christian 

team photo 

26 - Team schedules 

27 - Haven team photo 

28 - Preseason rankings 

34 touchdowns a year ago. 

Dinwiddie (5-8, 171), his 

speedy counterpart who 

holds the record for longest 

TD run in school history (99 

yards), returns after amassing 

1,267 yards rushing and 

14 touchdowns. 

“We’ve just got to work 

hard,” Dinwiddie said about 

the offense that averaged 

45.6 points per game. “We 

can’t have any mental mistakes 

like fumbles and stuff 

like that. We just got to go 

out every game and play our 

hardest and give 100 and 

hopefully we’ll win.” 

A year ago, the Salthawks 

recorded school records for 

the most yards rushing (including 

playoffs) with 5,296 

See HUTCH / 4

2009 Football Preview 

The Hutchinson News Thursday, September 3, 2009 3


4 Thursday, September 3, 2009 The Hutchinson News 

Bulldogs look to erase ‘disappointment’ of 7-2 year 

■ Pretty Prairie missed 

playoffs despite winning 

seven games in 2008. 

BY BRAD HALLIER 


bhallier@hutchnews.com 

Few high school football 

teams are disappointed 

with seven wins. 

But when those seven 

wins can’t even get you into 

the postseason, it can be 

classified as a disappointment. 

That’s how Pretty Prairie 

viewed its 2008 season. The 

Bulldogs spent most of the 

year ranked in the top 10 in 

Eight-Man I, but were the 

odd team out in a brutal district. 

Goessel won the district 

by having a perfect regular 

season. Claflin also 

went 7-2 but beat Pretty 

Prairie on the last play of 

the game and earned the 

district’s second playoff 

spot. 

Both Claflin and Goessel 

made it to the quarterfinals. 

“It was rough,” Pretty 

Prairie coach C.T. Young 

said. “You look at the play- 

Hutch 

●Continued from Page 2 

yards and the most total 

yards (6,011). Hutchinson 

also set the record for yards 

in a regular season in both 

categories. Hutchinson will 

have a few newcomers in 

the backfield as senior 

Cooper Bell (5-8, 140) takes 

over the quarterback duties 

and junior running back 

Hunter Stucky (5-8, 173) will 

off picture, and there were 

teams that didn’t finish 

with a winning record, but 

that’s the way it’s set up. We 

had the same chance as anyone 

else.” 

This year won’t be any 

easier for Pretty Prairie or 

the rest of the teams in District 

4. 

Claflin and Goessel are 

expected to be just as 

strong if not better. Little 

River returns almost everyone, 

Canton-Galva will be 

in its second year of eightman, 

and Fairfield and 

Stafford are expected to be 

better. 

But, with the way last 

season ended, returning 

quarterback Hunter 

Pittman said he noticed a 

drive in the returning players. 

“It made us work harder 

in the weight room,” the 

junior said. “Everything 

has been harder, especially 

the practices.” 

Pretty Prairie has 22 

players and just two seniors. 

But the Bulldogs 

have four offensive and 

two defensive starters returning. 

see time. 

The Salthawks’ 4-4 defense 

is nothing to scoff at, 

either, as it returns seven 

starters after allowing 210.2 

yards and 12.8 points per 

game. 

Although Hutchinson 

graduated defensive lineman 

Forrest Stucky and 

linebacker Nate Dreiling - 

The News’ co-defensive 

players of the year - the 

Salthawks return senior defensive 

ends Justin Goetz 

and Geneo Grissom. Both 

Jake Kidd/The Hutchinson News 

Pretty Prairie football coach C.T. Young is expected to have another solid football team this season. 

The Bulldogs will be looking to advance to to the postseason after just missing the playoffs last year. 

“We have a lot of juniors 

who got experience as 

sophomores,” Young said. 

were first team AVCLT I selections 

a year ago and 

Grissom (6-4, 225) is a University 

of Kansas commitment, 

while Goetz (6-1, 208) 

recorded 80 tackles a year 

ago, the most of any returner. 

Fee (5-11, 200) is back after 

missing the last half of the 

season due to an ankle injury, 

while junior Matt Galliart 

(5-11, 176), who filled in 

for Fee, and Nate Thomas 

(5-10, 180), who also inherits 

the kicking duties, also re- 

“It’s a talented class, and 

they’re getting some competition, 

which is making 

turn. Defensive back Joel 

Schneider (6-1, 170), who set 

the single-game pass 

breakup record against 

McPherson in the 5A semifinals, 

and junior strong 

safety Ben Heeney (6-0, 190), 

are also back. 

“We have a lot of great 

leaders back on defense,” 

Fee said. “It’s up to us because 

you need a great defense 

to win a state 

championship. The best 

thing is the coaching staff 

on the defense side. Coach 

practices interesting. 

These guys know they 

have a chance to compete 

(Scott) Yantes does a great 

job. It’s good to have all 

those guys back. If we can 

stay healthy, we should be 

good.” 

Hutchinson comes into 

the season looking to 

avenge a pair of losses that 

ended two long winning 

streaks. The Salthawks lost 

a hard-fought 28-21 decision 

to Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst 

in the 2008 season 

opener to end their 36-game 

winning streak. 

The Sept. 25 game at Der- 

for a spot.” 

Pittman is a two-way 

starter, also playing defensive 

back. He threw for 876 

yards and ran for 471 while 

accounting for 23 touchdowns. 

Junior Danny Krehbiel 

also returns at running 

back and linebacker. He ran 

for 373 yards and 10 TDs last 

year. 

Junior Seth Hastings (6-1, 

194) and senior Cole Kirkbride 

(5-10, 210) return on 

the line. 

“Our offense is looking 

good,” Pittman said. “We 

haven’t been playing that 

long together, but we 

should be ready by the first 

game.” 

That would be against 

South Barber, another traditionally-strongeightman 

team. The next week, 

the Bulldogs take on Norwich 

before district play 

starts. 

The Bulldogs are expected 

to contend for the 

Heart of the Plains 

League championship as 

well after sharing the title 

with Cunningham last 

season. 

by is another big one. The 

Panthers stunned Hutchinson, 

30-27, at Gowans Stadium 

last year. The loss ended 

the Salthawks’ 38-game winning 

streak against Kansas 

teams. 

The quest for a sixth 

championship starts Friday 

with the much-anticipated 

game against 

Rockhurst. 

“We can’t wait,” Grissom 

said. “We’re all excited for 

the season and ready to 

play.”





Nickerson looks to rebound with young team 

BY GENE SCHINZEL 


gschinzel@hutchnews.com 

NICKERSON – Max Heinlein 

had goals for his Nickerson 

football team in the 

offseason, and he likes what 

the Panthers got accomplished. 

He likes that his players 

worked hard in the weight 

room and that older players 

are helping the young guys 

along – the Panthers have 

just five seniors on their 

roster. 

Now the Panthers look 

for success on Friday nights 

as they try to rebound from 

a 1-8 season. 

“We have more of a commitment 

in the weight room 

this year. They’re doing 

what they can to make a difference 

here,” Heinlein 

said. “They know it’s a long 

road, it’s not going to happen 

overnight. They’re posi- 

tive kids, they work hard. 

That’s really all we can ask 

of them right now.” 

Nickerson, which won 

four games during the 2007 

season, returns the nucleus 

of last season’s team as it 

has seven starters back on 

both sides of the ball. 

Offensively, Nickerson returns 

good experience and 

size on the line and its entire 

starting backfield. 

The featured back in the 

flex-bone offense will be 

senior Weston Cottrell, who 

has rushed for nearly 2,000 

yards the past two years. 

Cottrell had 930 yards as a 

sophomore and gained 1,032 

last season. 

“The good thing for Weston 

is that he’s complemented 

with good wingbacks. We 

can have three threats instead 

of one,” Heinlein said. 

Brandon Owen is back at 

quarterback, while running 

backs Hector Rodriguez and 

Keelan Jackson also return 

– all three are juniors. Jackson 

missed most of last season 

with a broken arm. 

They’ll run behind a line 

that includes returning 

starters Ben Proffitt (6-0, 

185), Antione Lehman (6-1, 

260), Micah Smith (6-0, 240) 

and Austin Schweizer (6-5, 

305). 

Heinlein said the Panthers 

will average 230 or 240 

pounds on the line. 

“Our offensive line will 

be stronger. This is the most 

committed unit I’ve seen in 

the offseason. As long as 

they stay healthy, they’re going 

to be a pretty good 

group,” Heinlein said. “And 

we have quickness on the 

line. Overall, we’re excited 

about our offense.” 

Many of the starters on Travis Morisse/The Hutchinson News 

See NICKERSON / 8 

Nickerson High School football coach Max Heinlein liked his team’s commitment in the weight room 

during the offseason. 

Seeley,Wildcats hungry for more victories 

Patrick Traylor/The Hutchinson News 

Haven High School football coach Shane Seeley talks with his team during practice last week. 




Shane Seeley is entering 

his third year at Haven, but 

has already been through a 

lot with the Wildcats. 

Seeley and the Wildcats 

suffered through a winless 

first season before ending a 

30-game losing streak last 

year in what turned out to 

be the Wildcats’ lone victory 

of the 2008 campaign. 

As the Wildcats get set to 

open the season Friday 

night against Smoky Valley, 

Seeley said this could be the 

year Haven strings together 

several wins. 

“These guys are hungry 

because they want to win 

more than one game for 

their high school career,” 

Seeley said. “They want it 

and they can taste it. I think 

we have a good chance if we 

can come out of the gates 

pretty strong to build on 

something.” 

Seeley, who has a 1-17 

record at Haven, said going 

through those struggles 

during the past two seasons 

should turn into victories 

in 2009 because of the continuity 

and continued improvement 

from both 

players and coaches. 

“The first year here, we 

didn’t have any games 

where we were competitive,” 

Seeley said. “Last 

year, we had five or six 

games where we were competitive.” 

Helping Haven be more 

competitive this season are 

14 returning lettermen and 

eight seniors. One of them 

is all-MCAA honorable 

mention selection Ridge 

Foster, a junior quarterback/defensive 

back. Senior 

running back/linebacker 

Tyler Heim and senior linemen 

Colby Harner, Heath 

See HAVEN / 8





Celtics try to follow up standout season 




Trinity Catholic tasted a lot of 

success last year. 

A Class 3A district championship, 

a first-round playoff win 

and an 8-3 record. 

Now Trinity wants more. After 

seeing the level Garden Plain was at 

during its 56-14 second-round playoff 

win against Trinity last year, the 

Celtics understood. They were pretty 

good. Just not good enough to 

beat a team like Garden Plain. 

“Getting to that level and seeing 

how it is makes us want it more,” 

senior offensive lineman Anthony 

Mendoza said. “The pace of the 

game is quicker, and it makes you 

want to play at that pace every 

game, even in practice.” 

It’s not clear how this year’s 

Trinity team will compete with 

the elite teams in 3A. What is clear 

is the Celtics should have another 

strong season. 

Returning from an offense that 

scored at least 24 points six times are 

senior running back Tanner Engweiler 

(1,074 yards rushing, 745 receiving); 

junior quarterback Derek 

Racette (1,625 passing yards, 16 TDs); 

senior running back Chase Clark 

(725 yards total offense); junior wide 

receiver and placekicker Michael 

Mesh (765 yards); and senior linemen 

Haven 


Ziegler and Sam Eberly also return. 

Junior linemen James Leiker 

and Josh Weve also return, while 

returning wide receivers and defensive 

backs include seniors 

Colby Sauer, Kyle-Lee Osborn, 

Jordan Perriman, Devin Callon 

and junior Kevin Borntrager. 

Seeley said Haven’s senior 

Jake Kidd/The Hutchinson News 

Trinity Catholic coach Sean Racette’s instructs his team during practice at the team’s football field last week. Racette 

and the Celtics reached the second round of the Class 3A playoffs last season. 

Mendoza and Chase Jones (6-6, 245). 

“We could be real exciting offensively,” 

Clark said. “We have every 

skill position back. Anybody at 

class is one of the team’s 

strengths. 

“We’ve got a pretty big group,” 

Seeley said. “Two years ago as 

sophomores, we had to play a lot 

of them. That didn’t help us two 

years ago and it might not have 

helped us last year. This year it’s 

going to help us because they’ve 

got those years behind them.” 

What concerns Seeley is 

Haven’s lack of depth. 

“We’ve got a big group of seniors 

and freshmen but we aren’t 

going to call on the freshmen a 

any time can score.” 

The Celtics did graduate the 

rest of their offensive line, which 

is one of second-year coach Sean 

whole lot if we don’t have to,” 

Seeley said. “We have the experience, 

but we just don’t have the 

No. 2s with experience.” 

But Seeley does have players 

who are putting the time into 

practice and want to end their 

careers on a positive note. 

“It’s more of how hard we 

work in practice,” Callon said. 

“All the seniors go out there and 

we have to practice like we want 

to play. We’re putting a lot into 

our practices and hopefully 

something will come out of it.” 

Racette’s primary concerns. 

“We graduated three seniors on 

the line, but we have a good junior 

class,” coach Racette said. “They’ve 

Nickerson 


offense also start on defense. So 

even though Nickerson’s roster 

numbers are up – they started the 

season with 39 players – depth still 

is a concern for Heinlein. 

“I don’t know if depth will be any 

better for us on the varsity level because 

most of our numbers are 

young kids and kids who aren’t 

quite ready for varsity,” Heinlein 

picked up the scheme really well, 

and they have a good understanding 

of what we need to do.” 

Most of the offensive returners 

also are back on defense. Engweiler 

had nine interceptions in the 

regular season, and Mesh and 

Racette also return in the secondary. 

Mendoza and Clark were 

starting linebackers, and senior 

Brennan Oberle (5-11, 205) returns 

on the defensive line. 

But like on offense, there will be 

newcomers all over the defensive 

line. 

“I think we could be better defensively 

than last year,” Jones said. “If 

we can eliminate the times we took 

plays off, I think we can be better.” 

Mesh also gives Trinity a special-teams 

advantage, boasting one 

of the strongest kicking legs in 3A. 

With all the returning players 

and a coach entering his second 

year after a playoff season, the 

Celtics seem to have what they 

need to think that they could do 

better than last season. 

“Going in with this group of 

kids, our expectations are higher,” 

coach Racette said. “We want to 

win the league title and get back to 

the playoffs, but we’ve got to continue 

to work hard. We’ve elevated 

expectations, not only the players’, 

but the coaches’ also, and hopefully, 

we can learn how to get there 

from teams like Garden Plain.” 

said. “We rely on not having a lot of 

injuries.” 

Heinlein said his seniors are 

showing good leadership, and that 

leadership will be needed against a 

rough schedule. 

Nickerson opens with Wichita Collegiate, 

which went undefeated in the 

2008 regular season, and Hoisington – 

7-3 last season – and closes with Buhler 

and Andale. Buhler and Andale combined 

for five playoff wins last year. 

“I like playing those games in our 

league because it gets you ready for 

districts,” Heinlein said.





Nine not enough, Crusaders want more 




By winning nine games 

last season, including a pair 

of playoff games, the Buhler 

football team keeps placing 

the bar a little higher. 

“Being 9-3 last season 

made everyone excited. They 

want more,” Buhler coach 

Steve Warner said. 

But even Warner is pleasantly 

surprised how Buhler’s 

program has progressed is 

his first three seasons as 

coach. 

When he took over in 2006, 

Warner – a 1979 Hutchinson 

High graduate who coached 

at Burlingame, Marysville 

and Liberal before coming to 

Buhler – was trying to turn 

around a team that went 2-8 

the previous year. 

In his first three seasons at 

Buhler, the Crusaders have 

won 23 games. They won a 

combined six games the 

three years before that. 

“I never dreamed we’d be 

at this point after three years. 

It’s all because the kids work 

hard and do what we ask,” 

Warner said. “It all started 

that first summer we were 

here. And it was huge to win 

seven games that first year. 

That was important to our 

building because everyone 

got excited again about Buhler 

football.” 

Senior tailback Jordan 

Oden, who has rushed for 

more than 2,000 yards the 

past two seasons, has happily 

been part of that turnaround. 

“I think coach Warner 

turned it around. He gave us 

more confidence,” Oden said. 

“He’s brought us together 

and told us that we can be 

Travis Morisse/The Hutchinson News 

Buhler coach Steve Warner gives instructions to his team during last Thursday’s scrimmage. 

successful with more effort.” 

And from what Warner has 

seen in the preseason, Buhler 

could keep improving. 

“Our kids have worked 

very hard in the offseason. 

We are bigger, faster, 

stronger than we have been 

since I’ve been here,” Warner 

said. “That’s a tribute to the 

kids working hard.” 

Buhler returns seven defensive 

and six offensive 

starters. Besides Oden, the 

Crusader offense brings back 

four starters on the offensive 

line. Taylor Morris and Matt 

Dobson were all-AVCTL III 

linemen last year. 

Behind that line, the Cru- 

saders hope to be a balanced 

offense once again. 

“It all starts up front,” 

Warner said. “(Dobson’s) becoming 

more aggressive and 

playing the game with the 

kind of attitude we like to see.” 

Buhler graduated an allarea 

quarterback in Josh 

Madden, who rushed for 705 

yards and passed for 1,400. 

Jake Reffner, who was a receiver 

last season, will take 

over at quarterback. 

“Jake Reffner’s going to 

step in and do a great job for 

us. He’s very athletic, throws 

the ball well and we’re expecting 

great things out of 

Jake,” said Warner of Reffn- 

er, who started both ways last 

year despite a shoulder injury. 

“He played through the 

pain, which shows how 

tough he is. He’s a fierce competitor.” 

And then there’s Oden, 

who rushed for 1,308 yards as 

a junior despite missing two 

games with a separated 

shoulder. 

“I want to try to rush for 

more than that, but I also 

want to take more of a leadership 

role this year,” Oden said. 

Buhler’s offense also will 

get a boost from a pair of senior 

transfers as Roman 

Davidson will play fullback 

and Brad Wimer will be a re- 


Jordan Oden rushes for yardage during Buhler’s preseason scrimmage 

last Thursday. Oden rushed for more than 1,300 yards as a 

junior despite missing two games with an injury. 

ceiver. Davidson, who went to 

Sterling last year, missed last 

season with a broken fibula, 

while Wimer transferred 

from Horton. 

Warner expects both of 

them to see plenty of time on 

defense – Davidson at linebacker 

and Wimer at cornerback. 

“Those kids will help us 

tremendously,” Warner said. 

“We’re coming back with 

more speed and strength (on 

defense). And you add Roman 

to that mix and Brad 

into that mix, our defense 

should play with a lot of confidence.” 

The defensive line has plenty 

of experience with the return 

of Dobson, Dylan Young, 

Brennan Daniel and Kyler 

Harms. Morris and Tanner 

Rayl are back at linebacker, 

while Dylan Partridge returns 

to the secondary. 

Buhler’s schedule will be 

tough as, in the first seven 

weeks, it faces six teams that 

made the 2008 playoffs. Three 

of those teams, Andale, Andover 

and Andover Central, 

won at least nine games. 

“Our schedule definitely 

prepares us for the postseason,” 

Warner said. “All the 

way through every week, you 

have to be ready to play.” 

Warner is eager to have 

his team ready. After all, the 

Crusaders want to keep 

their program heading in 

the right direction. 

“I’m elated how our program 

is going, from our 

third grade to our seniors,” 

said Warner, who added 

that Buhler’s seventh-, 

eighth- and ninth-grade 

teams all were undefeated 

last year. “I think our program 

is going to get better 

and better each year.”





Dodge City looks for balance from potent offense 




When Kale Pick was injured 

during the first game of the 2007 

season, Dodge City coach Justin 

Burke had to start switching his 

skill players to different positions. 

Mykael Thompson, who was a 

1,000-yard receiver in 2006, shifted 

over and spent time at quarterback 

to fill in for Pick, who currently 

is the No. 2 quarterback at 

the University of Kansas. 

That shuffling meant Landon 

Head got to see more time at receiver 

during his sophomore year. 

“That really allowed him to 

blossom as a junior,” Burke said. 

Head put up huge numbers during 

his junior year, catching 77 

passes for 1,050 yards as he was 

named a first-team all-state player. 

Burke said the 6-foot-3, 195pound 

Head has worked to improve 

himself during the summer. 

“He’s got a good frame and he’s 




Having one big-play receiver on 

an Eight-Man II team can cause 

problems for opposing coaches. 

Having two of those receivers 

make those headaches mount. 

That’s what Haviland’s opponents 

will face this season as the 

Dragons return seniors Tanner 

McFarland and Tanner Stevens. 

During their junior years, Mc- 

Farland caught 51 passes for 773 

yards and seven touchdowns, 

while Stevens had 31 catches for 

654 yards and nine touchdowns. 

Stevens caught a lot when he 

was on the defensive side of the 

ball – he intercepted 13 passes in 

nine games. 

“He has the best feet on the 

improved his speed in the 40 (meter 

dash). He’s run under 4.6 in the 40. 

That’s something D-I coaches want 

to see,” Burke said. “He got in the 

weight room this summer and gotten 

stronger and he’s much quicker.” 

Burke would like another 1,000yard 

season from Head, which 

would rise his stock the eyes of 

college coaches. But Burke’s hoping 

the Red Demons don’t have to 

depend on that. 

While Dodge City was primarily 

a passing team last year, Burke be- 

team, which might have something 

to do with it,” Haviland 

coach Greg Wyrick said. “He just 

has a nose for the ball. He’s in the 

right place at the right time. 

“But, both of those guys have 

great hands. We stress running good 

routes, and that’s what they do.” 

McFarland and Stevens spent 

most of last season catching 

throws from quarterback Lane 

Kendall, who threw for 1,775 yards 

PRESEASON ELITE 11 

Player, School Ht. Wt. Yr. Pos. 

Dylan Burrow, McPherson 6-0 180 Sr. RB-LB 

Jake Craig, Lyons 5-11 185 Sr. QB-DB-K 

Deveon Dinwiddie, Hutchinson 5-8 171 Sr. RB 

Laton Dowling, Dodge City 6-4 230 Sr. TE-LB 

Tanner Engweiler, Trinity Catholic 5-11 175 Sr. RB-DB 

B.J. Finney, Andale 6-4 250 Sr. OL-DL 

Jorden Funk, Scott City 6-4 215 Sr. TE-DE 

Geneo Grissom, Hutchinson 6-5 230 Sr. DE 

Landon Head, Dodge City 6-3 195 Sr. WR 

Jordan Oden, Buhler 5-9 190 Sr. TB 

Josh Smith, Hutchinson 5-10 215 Sr. RB 

PRESEASON ELITE 8 

lieves his team has enough talented 

skill position players to be 

more balanced this year. 

Quarterback Ty Thomas, who 

completed 60 percent of his passes 

for 2,284 yards, is back, and the 

running back should be bolstered 

by Jace Banner, a senior who 

transferred from Missouri. 

The Red Demons also have Laton 

Dowling, who plays tight end 

and linebacker and has committed 

to Kansas State. 

“We’ll be much better at run- 

and 25 touchdowns before an injury 

shortened his season. 

Kendall is playing for Dodge City 

Community College this fall. 

This season, Ross Binford will 

be the team’s quarterback as the 

Dragons look to stay healthy and 

improve on a 5-4 record. 

Haviland has four seniors, but 

all four will be impact players. Besides 

McFarland and Stevens, 

Ruben Perez caught 20 passes and 

ning back. With Landon, he can be 

more effective with less numbers,” 

Burke said. “He changes defensive 

schemes.” 

While Head is one of the best receivers 

in the area, one of the best 

lineman is Andale senior B.J. 

Finney. 

The 6-4, 250-pound Finney enters 

his third year as a starter, and 

Andale coach Gary O’Hair said 

he’s continually improved. 

“He’s firmed up since (he was a 

sophomore) and become a better 

athlete,” O’Hair said. “He’s strong 

and faster and become tougher 

mentally.” 

The success for Andale, a perennial 

state power which starts this 

season ranked second in Class 4A, 

always starts with its offensive 

and defensive lines. 

Andale returns just three offensive 

starters this season, but all 

three are keys to controlling the 

offensive scrimmage – Finney at 

tackle, guard Jake Steven and 

tight end Scott Hermreck. 

seven touchdowns last season and 

Garett Somerhalder was the 

team’s leading tackler. 

Another top receiver returning 

this season is Quivira Heights senior 

Jacob Ingham, who helped the 

high-scoring Thunderbirds win 

nine games last season. 

Ingham averaged about four 

catches a game and was one of the 

team’s leading tacklers. 

“We’re expecting big things out 

of him this year,” Quivira Heights 

coach John Phelan said. “He has 

excellent hands. You throw anything 

close and he catches it.” 

The past two seasons, Nathan 

White and Darren Siemsen have 

had big years from the quarterback 

spot for the Thunderbirds. 

This year, Ingham will be catching 

passes from junior Gunner Phelan. 

Ingham plays a slot receiver on 

“We have some other seniors on 

the line, so that’s a good foundation 

to start from,” O’Hair said. 

O’Hair said Finney has been offered 

a scholarship by Ohio and 

has been getting looks from 

NCAA Division I and II schools, 

but he’ll wait until later to decide 

on a college. 

Other top players back this season 

include Hutchinson’s Deveon 

Dinwiddie and Josh Smith. Smith 

rushed for 1,701 yards and 31 

touchdowns during the Salthawks’ 

2008 championship season. 

Buhler’s Jordan Oden rushed for 

more than 1,300 yards, even though 

he battled injuries, and Trinity 

Catholic’s Tanner Engweiler is a 

do-everything player as he rushed 

for more than 1,000 yards, caught 

seven touchdown passes, returned 

kicks and punts and intercepted 

nine passes as a defender. 

Lyons’ Jake Craig is a similar 

player to Engweiler. Last year, he 

passed for 1,600 yards, rushed for 

nearly 800 and is a strong kicker. 

Haviland receiver tandem will give secondaries, coaches fits 

Player, School Ht. Wt. Yr. Pos. 

Nolan Dreiling, Pawnee Heights 6-3 204 Sr. OE-LB 

Devin Hoffman, Claflin 5-10 165 Sr. QB 

Jacob Ingham, Quivira Heights 6-1 200 Sr. WR-S 

Evan Loomis, Macksville 6-3 200 Sr. OE-LB 

Tanner McFarland, Haviland 5-11 160 Sr. OE-DB 

Hunter Pittman, Pretty Prairie 6-0 140 Jr. QB-DB 

Tanner Stevens, Haviland 6-0 170 Sr. OE-DB 

Kirk Woodruff, Ashland 6-3 195 Sr. C-DE 

offense and free safety on defense. 

But, coach Phelan added “we probably 

could play him anywhere.” 

Other top players who will be 

ones to watch this fall include 

quarterbacks Devin Hoffman of 

Claflin and Pretty Prairie’s 

Hunter Pittman. 

Hoffman threw for 1,771 yards 

and 31 touchdowns for the Wildcats, 

while Pittman stepped into 

the starting role at Pretty Prairie 

and accounted for 23 touchdowns. 

Evan Loomis of Macksville had 

119 tackles from his linebacker 

spot and caught 28 passes as an 

end, while lineman Kirk Woodruff 

recorded 99 tackles, including 13 

sacks, as a junior for Ashland. 

Ashland also has a solid receiver 

returning as Ervin Swonger 

caught 54 passes and 19 touchdowns 

last season.





Little River without Cordell – unthinkable 

■ High school coach has 

been face of his hometown 

for nearly 30 years. 




LITTLE RIVER – Take a 

step into the Twilight Zone 

for a moment. 

Tomorrow, you wake up 

and realize that Shane 

Cordell is no longer the football 

coach in Little River. 

He’s no longer the girls basketball 

coach. He’s no 

longer a counselor at Little 

River High School. 

It’s as if he would have 

just dropped off the face of 

the earth. 

What would become of 

this small town in eastern 

Rice County? 

“There would be a void 

that would be hard to fill,” 

said Gunner Whorton, the 

branch manager and lender 

at Little River State Bank 

and a former football player 

for Cordell. “When people 

think of Little River, his 

name is one of the first 

things to come up.” 

Known as Mr. Cordell to a 

few and simply as “Coach” 

to most, Shane Cordell, in 

many ways, is Little River. 

He was raised in Little 

River. He was a part of 

Class 1A state football 

championship teams in 1970 

and 1971. Cordell has 

coached three state championship 

football teams in his 

29 years as Redskins coach, 

while four other teams have 

made it to the state finals. 

Players he coached early in 

his career are now watching 

Cordell coach their sons. 

Cordell has accomplished 

the rare feat of coaching an 

11-man champion (1981) and 

eight-man champion (1996, 

1999). 

And of course, there’s 

that juggernaut girls basketball 

Cordell has coached 

for nearly three decades. All 

that program has done is 

boast a 91-game winning 

streak in the late 1990s and 

win four 1A state championships. 

In this city of less than 

700 people, where high 

school sports usually have a 

direct effect on how people 

are doing, Cordell has been 

the face of Little River for 

nearly 30 years. 

“It’s interesting in that 

when you go to other 

schools or league meetings, 

you see young guys in their 

mid- to late-20s,” said Little 

River superintendent Milt 

Dougherty. “But they don’t 

always stay put for long. 

When you see Little River, 

you’ve seen the same face 

for a long time.” 

Little River’s success has 

been a big reason for 

Cordell’s staying put. In 

Cordell’s tenure, the Redskins 

are 200-89. 

The Redskins haven’t 

been quite as powerful in recent 

years. Last year, they 

were 3-6. 

Cordell has seen the 

Lindsey Bauman/The Hutchinson News 

Little River football coach Shane Cordell instructs his team on a play to run during practice last week. Now in his 29th year at his 

hometown high school, Cordell has led the Redskins to 200 victories and three state championships. 

“It’s interesting in that when you go to other schools or league meetings, you 

see young guys in their mid- to late ’20s. But, they don’t always stay put for long. 

When you see Little River, you’ve seen the same face for a long time.” 

worst of times mixed with 

the best. The losing isn’t always 

easy on the community, 

and Cordell knows there 

are some who question his 

decisions and coaching, but 

he has rebuilt the program 

before with outstanding results. 

“People have their opinions, 

and they are entitled 

to them,” Cordell said. “But 

in ‘94, we were 0-9 in football, 

and I doubt many people 

back then thought I 

knew what I was doing.” 

Two years later, Little 

River was a state champion. 

But there’s more to 

Cordell’s success than wins 

and trophies. 

“I think there’s no doubt 

that he gets the most out of 

his teams,” Whorton said. 

“He coaches them up and 

gets the most out of the kids 

who play for him, regardless 

of what their records 

are.” 

Whorton wouldn’t mind 

his three daughters playing 

basketball one day for 

Cordell, although his oldest 

is seven years from high 

school. If Cordell is still 

coaching then – Cordell of- 

Little River superintendent Milt Dougherty 

ten admits asking himself 

“How long?” – the Whorton 

family would continue a Little 

River tradition. 

Parents and kids both being 

coached by Cordell. 

Freshman running back 

and cornerback Ethan 

Wright heard stories for 

years from his dad – Wade 

Wright – about Cordell. The 

wins, the intensity, the way 

Cordell acted. 

“It’s pretty cool hearing 

those stories, hearing about 

how they won state and how 

Coach was back then,” 

Ethan Wright said. 

Now Wright and senior 

wide receiver and linebacker 

Jake Holler are playing 

for the coach they grew 

up hearing so much about. 

But to Holler – whose dad 

Brad Holler also played for 

Cordell – he isn’t just a 

coach. Being a counselor, 

Cordell is there to help solve 

problems, and goodness 

knows on Monday’s first 

day of school there were 

plenty. 

“Everyone looks up to 

him here,” Holler said. “But 

he’s also someone you can 

talk to about whatever. He’s 

not intimidating to talk to at 

all.” 

That’s probably in part 

due to Cordell having had a 

See CORDELL / 14

The Hutchinson News 2009 Football Preview 

Thursday, September 3, 2009 15 

Thierolf a positive, well-respected role model 

■ Marion coach has been 

an important part of the 

town for over 20 years. 




MARION – Like most 

towns across the country, 

Friday night high school 

football is a big deal in Marion. 

One of the main reasons 

for that, is the success the 

Warriors have had under 

coach Grant Thierolf. 

“Friday nights are pretty 

important. It’s amazing how 

many people support it,” 

Marion athletic director 

Tod Gordon said. “You really 

have to attribute a lot of 

that to Grant. The former 

players that come back all 

make sure they go see him. 

It’s amazing how the community 

gets excited for it.” 

Thierolf, who enters his 

23rd season at Marion, has 

had an impressive run with 

the Warriors, compiling a 

128-73 record. 

Early in his life, it became 

apparent to Thierolf that he 

wanted to coach football. 

While attending Beloit 

High School, Thierolf read 

the Scholastic Coach and 

Athletic Magazine. Once his 

playing days were over, 

which included four years 

as a center for the University 

of Kansas, Thierolf got 

his first shot at coaching in 

Garnett. 

Four years later, Thierolf 

began his tenure in Marion. 

“The desire to coach has 

probably been there since 

junior high,” Thierolf said. 

“By the time I got in college, 

I knew that’s really what I 

wanted to do. I had some 

great coaches in high school 

and junior high. When I got 

to college, I was fortunate 

enough to have some great 

coaches. It just seemed like 

a good thing to do.” 

While Thierolf has 

proven to be a pretty good 

coach, there’s more to him 

than X’s and O’s and winning 

games. 

He’s teaching his players 

at the Class 3A school how 

to work hard and achieve 

their goals. He’s showing 

them how to be leaders in 

their school and community. 

And he’s giving them a 

positive, well-respected role 

model to follow and guide 

them into their young lives. 

“He taught me that hard 

work will pay off in the 

end,” said Shaun Craft, an 

assistant coach who played 

for Thierolf from 1994-97. 

“You just have to work hard 

because it will pay off in the 

end. If you work hard 

enough and you strive for 

your goal, good things will 

happen. He kind of influenced 

me in going the direction 

I did as far as coaching. 

He gave me the opportunity 

in high school to be the best 

player that I could be.” 

Working hard is the most 

important thing that 

Thierolf said he tells his 

players. That hard work is 

reflected in the Warriors’ 

style of football: Run the 

ball on offense and play 

sound, physical defense. 

“Showing up to work 

every day, that’s one of the 

things we talk to the kids 

about,” Thierolf said. 

“You’re never going to go to 

a job and feel great everyday. 

Yet, you’ve got to show 

up. We try to outwork people.” 

The ‘work hard’ angle 

Photos by Patrick Traylor/The Hutchinson News 

Grant Thierolf grew up in Beloit, but has made the community of 

Marion his home for more than two deacdes. 

easily connects with players 

said senior offensive line 

Parker Ash, who was an All- 

MCAA selection a year ago, 

“When you get a job interview, 

you’ll know how to 

talk to them,” Ash said. “He 

teaches you how to work 

hard and finish everything 

you do.” 

Thierolf, who teaches social 

sciences, also puts his 

efforts into the community 

of just over 2,000 located 30 

miles east of McPherson in 

Marion County . 

While much of the fall 

months are consumed by 

football, assistant coach Jerry 

Smith said Thierolf continues 

to find time to be 

active outside of the school. 

“He’s a community 

leader,” said Smith, who has 

been part of Thierolf ’s 

coaching staff from the beginning. 

“He’s a leader 

within his church. He does 

a lot of things in the community. 

I can’t say what all 

he does, but he meets with a 

lot of people downtown 

with the chamber. 

“He always meets with 

Thierolf works on some pads in the locker room before Marion 

players head to the field for a team photo. Thierolf is starting his 

23rd year as the head coach of the Warriors. 

them every year and discusses 

football with them. 

He’s always supported any 

community activity there’s 

been. He’s been part of different 

charities and so on. If 

somebody asks him, he’ll 

pretty much do it. He makes 

it easy for the kids to follow, 

when he sets that example 

in the community.” 

Chris Sprowls, whose son 

Matt, a junior, is slated to 

start at quarterback, said 

he’s seen Thierolf ’s hand in 

a number of areas in the 

community. That includes 

running the swimming pool 

until the aquatic center 

opened. He’s also volunteered 

as a summer baseball 

coach and is in charge of 

the year-round weight-lifting 

program. 

“Grant is one of those 

people you want around 

kids,” Sprowls said. “He has 

good morals, he’s firm in 

what he believes and he gets 

110 percent out of them all 

the time. … From a dad’s 

standpoint, I couldn’t think 

of anyone better to be 

coaching my son. He pushes 

the kids. He’s always telling 

them when something isn’t 

acceptable during football 

because it’s not acceptable 

during a job. We expect 

more out of them. One of 

his catch phrases is, ‘You’re 

better than that.’ ” 

And, when things could 

be better in life, senior Nick 

Klenda said Thierolf is 

“there all the time.” 

“If you have a problem, 

you can talk with him,” said 

Klenda, an all-MCAA defensive 

end and tight end. 

See THIEROLF / 16



CAMPUS COLTS 

Coach: Mike Schartz (first year, 7-22 fourth overall) 

League: AVCTL II 

2008 record: 2-7 

Top returners: Ryan Bland (OL, 6-3, 240, sr.); Jake 

Bjostad (OL, 6-0, 235, sr.); Jack Charles (WR, 6-2, 190, sr.); 

Aaron McChesney (LB, 5-11, 195, sr.); Billy Falley (6-2, 210, 

sr.); 

Others to watch: Steve Harrison (DL, 6-1, 220, sr.); John 

Burba (LB, 5-11, 185, sr.); Davron Cochran (FS, 6-1, 185, 

jr.); Zach Chrisman (QB, 5-11, 165, jr.); Garrett Cantrel 

(RB, 5-11, 185, jr.) 

2009 outlook: Schartz brings a fresh outlook to a 

Campus program that hasn’t had a winning season since 

2006 and hasn’t been to the playoffs since ’05. The Colts 

should have plenty of numbers as Schartz said 100 players 

went out for football. 

DERBY PANTHERS 

Coach: Brandon Clark (fourth year, 16-15) 

League: AVCTL I 

2008 record: 10-2 

Top returners: Devin Hedgepeth (DB/WR, 6-0, 190, sr.); 

Travis Anderson (OL, 6-4, 310, sr.); Ian Whittit (LB, 5-9, 190, 

sr.); Cole Carpenter (DE, 6-0, 220, sr.); Tyson Liston (LB, 

6-0, 200, sr.); 

Others to watch: Meshach Kennedy (FS, sr.); Tyler 

Harrison (QB, 6-4, 200, jr.); Jameson Moore (RB, 5-10, 220, 

jr.); Bryce Fisher (DT, 6-3, 240, jr.) 

2009 outlook: Derby, coming off a monumental 10-2 sea- 

ARKANSAS CITY BULLDOGS 

Coach: Darrin Wegner (fourth year, 8-19) 


2008 record: 3-6 (0-3 district) 

Top returners: Devin Metzinger (OL/DT, 6-0, 230, sr.); 

Tayler Rack (RB, 6-3, 210, sr.); Codi Larmer (OL/DT, 6-3, 

290, sr.); Devin Avery (QB/DB, 5-10, 165, sr.) 

Others to watch: Trevor Harris (WR/DB, 5-11, 165, jr.); 

Keegan Murphy (WR/DB, 5-8, 175, so.); Justin Spencer 

(RB/LB, 6-1, 180, so.) 

2009 outlook: Having played several younger players 

last year, the Bulldogs look to have a more experienced 

team this fall as they return seven starters on each side 

of the ball. The Bulldogs will be inexperienced at quarterback 

and running back, but they have experience returning 

at every other position. Overall, Wegner feels he has 

a more experienced team. 

GREAT BEND PANTHERS 

Coach: Bo Black (ninth year, 61-24) 

League: Western Athletic Conference 

2008 record: 5-4 

Top returners: Matt Dobratz (RB, sr.); Alan Holt 

(FS/WR, sr.); Shane Towzly (DL/OL); Jacob Kuhlman 

(OL); Angel Gutierrez (DB/K, 5-8, 160, sr.) 

Others to watch: Greg Hilderbrand (QB, 6-1, 180, jr.); 

Alex Reed (DB/WR, 6-2, 170, jr.); Tyler Uselton (DT/OL, 6- 

3, 305, so.); O’Neal Lespierre (DL, 6-0, 210, sr.); Jacob 

Kuhlman (OL, 6-3, 250, sr.); 

2009 outlook: The Panthers will have good team speed 

and return Dobratz after he had major knee surgery last 

season. Black said he’s banking on a big senior class to 

lead the Panthers through a tough district. While Great 

Bend has experience on the defensive line, they don’t have 

much at linebacker. Reed will provide speed on both sides 

of the ball after he won the 400- and 200-meter state championships 

last spring. 

HAYS INDIANS 

Coach: Ryan Cornelsen (first season, 55-13 overall) 


2008 record: 4-5 

Top returners: Bryant Bombardier (QB, 6-1, 175, sr.); 

Travis Pfannenstiel (LB, 5-11, 185, sr.); Cody Huff (OL, 6- 

0, 260, sr.); Ryan Rounkles (TE, 6-3, 225, sr.); Jimmy Haws 

(OL, 5-10, 225, sr.); Brad Pruter (WR/QB, 5-11, 150, sr.) 

Others to watch: Logan Nelson (OL, 5-11, 215, sr.); Jay 

Wickham (LB, 5-10, 175, sr.); Casey Sedbrook (LB/RB, 

jr.); Tanner Willhoft (OL, 5-10, 230, sr.); Brad Desbian 

(RB, so.) 

2009 outlook: Cornelsen looks to use the tools that helped 

LaCrosse be one of the top teams in Class 2-1A in his six 

seasons. Cornelsen knows that Hays has plenty of work to 

do as they change the mind frame and work to install a 

winning mentality. Hays returns five starters on each side 

of the ball. The Indians also need to learn Cornelsen’s offset 

I-formations and shotgun formations on offense. 

Defensively, Hays will run the 4-3. To switch things up, 

Cornelsen changed the Indians’ uniforms. 

son that included a trip to the state semifinals and a stunning 

upset over five-time champion Hutchinson, will rely 

on its defense early in season thanks to a young offense. 

The Panthers have six starters back on defense, but just 

one on offense. Clark, who’s had steady improves in each 

of his three years at the helm, said his players are working 

hard and needs the players on offense to mature quickly in 

order to take pressure off the defense. 

DODGE CITY RED DEMONS 

Coach: Justin Burke (fifth year 18-19, 53-31 overall) 



Top returners: Landon Head (WR, 6-3, 195, sr.); Laton 

Dowling (LB/TE, 6-4, 230, sr.); Ty Thomas (QB, 5-10, 160, 

sr.); Bruce Campbell (DE, 6-2, 235, so.); Zach Harvey (DB, 

6-2, 180, sr.) 

Others to watch: Ernest Fernandez (DE, 6-0, 225, sr.); 

Steven Mills (RB, 5-8, 180); Mason Pooler (DL/OL, 5-9, 285, 

sr.); Trevor Otterstein (DB, 6-0, 190, sr.); Alec Schmitt 

(LB, 6-2, 185, jr.); Jesse Trent (OL, 6-4, 245, jr.); Colton 

Wilks (OL, 5-11, 235, sr.) 

2009 outlook: After making the playoffs for the first 

time since 1994, the Red Demons look posed to make a 

return trip as they return 13 starters. Offensively, 

Thomas returns after throwing for 2,214 yards while Head 

had 1,050 yards receiving, but Burke said the Red 

Demons need to improve on the offensive line. 

Defensively, Dowling returns at linebacker (73 tackles) 

HUTCHINSON SALTHAWKS 

Coach: Randy Dreiling (13th year, 111-27, 136-66 overall) 


2008 record: 11-2 

Top returners: Ross Lovett (OL, 6-4, 260, sr.); Reed 

Woodworth (OL, 5-10, 225, sr.); Evan Wilder (OL, 6-2, 265, 

sr.); Justin Pitzer (OL, 6-1, 185, sr.); Josh Smith (FB, 5-10, 

215, sr.); Deveon Dinwiddie (RB, 5-8, 171, sr.); Geneo 

Grissom (DL, 6-4, 225, sr.); Justin Goetz (DL, 6-1, 208, sr.); 

Tyler Fee (LB, 5-11, 200, sr.); Ben Heeney (S, 6-0, 195, jr.) 

Others to watch: Cooper Bell (QB, 5-8, 140, sr.); Matt 

Galliart (LB/RB, 5-11, 176, jr.); Nate Thomas (LB/K, 5-10, 

180, sr.); Joel Schneider (DB/WR, 6-1, 170, sr.); Devin 

Gagnebin (DL/TE, 6-1, 220, sr.); Austin Lee (OL, 6-0, 249, 

jr.); Gannon Veh (OL, 5-10, 244, sr.); Deji Ferraira 

(DL/OL, 6-1, 241, sr.); Sean Goodwin (DL, TE, 6-4, 205, jr.); 

Dametrick Morris (DL/FB, 5-9, 218, jr.); DeShawn 

Dinwiddie (LB/FB, 6-2, 195, jr.); Taylor Clifford (DB/RB, 

5-11, 173, jr.) 

2009 outlook: Hutchinson returns seven starters on 

defense and six on offense as the Salthawks look to win 

their sixth consecutive state championship. Dreiling said 

one of the Salthawks’ strengths will be depth along the 

offensive and defensive lines. Running behind the offensive 

line with will Dinwiddie and Smith, who was The 

News’ offensive player of the year. Although the 

Salthawks graduated Forrest Stucky and Nate Dreiling, 

who shared the honor as The News’ co-defensive players 

of the year, Hutchinson returns Goetz and Grissom, a 

University of Kansas commitment. 

LIBERAL REDSKINS 

Coach: Wade Standley (first year) 


2008 record: 5-5 

Top returners: Dustin Dailing (OL); Kevin Archer 

(OL); Carlos Rodriguez (DL, sr.); Tyson Deaton (WR, jr.); 

Lavondrick Martin (WR, 5-9, 170, sr.); Gilberto Areono 

(FS, sr.) 

Others to watch: Slader McVey (QB, 5-11, 170, jr.); 

Michael Cummins (RB, 6-2, 205, sr.); Justin McPhail (LB, 

so.); Blake Abbit (LB, sr.); Kyle Pott (LB) 

2009 outlook: Standley looks to take the Liberal program 

back to the success it experienced under Gary 

Cornelsen, who left in 2001. Standley brings 10 years of 

experience as a defensive coordinator at Tulsa Union. The 

Redskins will run the spread offense, with McVey at quarterback 

and Cummins at running back. The Redskins’ 

defense will be a 3-3 multi-stack formation. 

MCPHERSON BULLPUPS 

Coach: Tom Young (fourth year, 25-8, 296-94 overall) 


2008 record: 10-2 (2-1) 

Top returners: Joel Piper (QB, 6-5, 205 sr.); Dylan 

Barrow (LB/RB, 6-0, 180, sr.); Treg Fawl (WR, 6-1, 172, 

sr.); Tyler Davis (S, 5-8, 160, sr.); Nick Gawanda (WR, 6- 

0, 162, jr); Ben Clary (DB, 5-11, 160, sr.) 

CLASS 6A CAPSULES 


and Harvey (71 tackles, 2 INT) is back at safety. The 

front seven, Burke said, should be the strength of the 

defense. Burke said he’s about Dodge’s lack of depth. 

GARDEN CITY BUFFALOES 

Coach: Mike Smith (eighth year, 32-35, 96-57 overall) 


2008 record: 4-4 

Top returners: Ayden Kinney (LB/FB, 6-0, 205, sr.); 

Mitch Bean (DL/OL, 5-11, 210, sr.); Ryan Peterson (OL, 5- 

11, 190, sr.); Jace Larsen (OL, 5-9, 205, sr.); Tanner Parr 

(WR, 6-3, 180, sr.); Keith Currann (TE, 6-3, 200, jr.); Cody 

Bernbeck (QB, 6-0, 175, jr.); 

Others to watch: Jacob Vasquez (DB/WR, 5-9, 155, sr.); 

Andy Larkin (S, 6-0, 170); Dane Myers (DL, 6-0, 210); Raul 

Silva (WR, 5-11, 165, sr.); 

2009 outlook: The Buffaloes have eight starters back on 

offense and five on defense. Smith said Garden City will try 

to run the spread offensively with Bernbeck serving as 

quarterback. Defensively, the Buffaloes lost three of four 

players in the secondary to graduation. Smith said the 

biggest key to success is staying healthy and having newcomers 

come through at several skill spots on offense and 

defense. 

GODDARD LIONS 

Coach: Roger Robben (sixth season, 22-28, 28-49) 



Others to watch: Kenan Warren (S, 5-11, 161, jr.); 

Kenny Crowther (LB, 6-0, 182, sr.); Christian Ulsaker 

(WR, 6-6, 181, jr.); Seth Davenport (FB, 6-0, 212, jr.); 

Evan Clary (TE, 6-2, 191, sr.); Kevin O;Conner (RB, 5-9, 

178, jr.) 

2009 outlook: The Bullpups, whose only losses last year 

came to 5A champs Hutchinson, return seven starters on 

both sides of the ball, including Piper who threw for a 

school record 2,108 yards. Barrow also returns after rushing 

for 1,105 yards and leading the team with six sacks. 

Young expects the Bullpups to be strong at the skill positions 

offensively, but must replace three starters on the 

offensive and defensive lines. Depth on the line could be a 

problem for the Bullpups as Young said several one-way 

players may see time on both sides of the ball. 

NEWTON RAILERS 

Coach: Brent Glann (10th year, 40-47, 52-54 overall) 


2008 record: 6-3 

Top returners: Miguel Johns (DB/RB, 5-11, 175, sr.); 

Chris Garcia (DL, 5-10, 205, sr.); Kevin Ronen (DB/WR, 6- 

2, 180, sr.); Austin Burch (LB, 5-10, 180, sr.); Evan 

Thomas (DB, 5-10, 190, sr.); Nathan Briar (WR, 6-2, 180, 

sr.) 

Others to watch: Will Markus (OL, 5-10, 145, sr.); Jordy 

Bonczyk (DE/TE, 6-0, 190, sr.); Cody Opland (DB/QB, 5-9, 

160, sr.); Tyler Rambo (DE/TE, 6-0, 190, sr.); Craig 

Gihring (DL/OL, 6-3, 230, sr.) 

2009 outlook: The Railers will go through somewhat of 

a rebuilding year, but Glann said he’s excited to see how 

young players do in several key spots. Glann said Newton 

will go with several sophomores on defense, but do return 

Johns, who’s the top returning offensive player. 

SALINA CENTRAL MUSTANGS 

Coach: Michael Hall (fourth year, 19-14) 


2008 record: 5-5 

Top returners: Trey Dallas (QB, 6-2, 175, sr.); Cale 

Sharp (RB, 6-1, 180, jr.); Lucas Allen (TE, 6-2, 190, sr.); 

Rhett Enriquez (OL, 6-0, 230, sr.); Garrett Haney (OL, 6-1, 

245, sr.); Jared Robl (DL, 6-1, 200, sr.) 

Others to watch: Jesse Wassenberg (WR, 6-0, 160, sr.); 

Tyler Walker (OL, 6-2, 210, jr.); Aaron Davis (DL, 6-2, 195, 

jr.); Zach Prester (DB, 6-0, 170, sr.); Dylan Muilenburg 

(LB, 5-10, 160, sr.); Chandler Perez (DL, 5-10, 220, jr.); 

Shay Wooten (FS, 6-2, 195, jr.) 

2009 outlook: The Mustangs looked to be poised for an 

outstanding season as they return seven starters on 

offense and eight on defense. The Mustangs have a solid 

offensive line back, including all-stater Enriquez and allstate 

tight end Allen. Dallas is back at quarterback and 

Sharp at running back. Hall said the Mustangs will have 

good speed, but not size, on defense. The defensive line 

returns three starters and should be the Mustangs’ 

strength. 

SALINA SOUTH COUGARS 

Coach: Dave Dunham (first year, 13th year overall) 

Top returners: Cameron Fisher (DB/QB, 6-0, 174, sr.); 

Tyler Hilton (LB/TE, 6-2, 220, sr.); Shane Rasch (DB/TE, 6- 

1, 192, sr.); Josh Hicks (DE/RB, 6-2, 225, sr.); Dylan 

Jennings-Spies (LB/RB, 6-0, 187, sr.); 

Others to watch: Stephon Betts (DB, 5-10, 185, sr.); John 

Fatkin (DL/OL, 6-2, 230, sr.); Tory Stoffregen (DB/RB, 6-0, 

180, sr.); Dakota Spencer (LB, 6-2, 190, sr.); Andrew Pina 

(DB/RB, 5-10, 167, sr.). 

2009 outlook: The Lions, who started 0-6 last season, 

return 19 letter winners and13 starters. After starting 0-6 

last season in what Robben called a rebuilding season, he 

said his squad should be more experienced this season. 

MAIZE EAGLES 

Coach: Craig Broadbent (third year, 6-13) 



Top returners: Dillon Ayers (QB, 6-0, 185, sr.); Dylan 

Schellenberg (DB/WR, sr.); Miles Ukaoma (DB/WR, 6-1, 

180, sr.); Derek Lee (LB/WR, 6-3, 205, jr.); Terrance Jones 

(LB/RB, 5-8, 185, sr.); Ben Jensen (OL, 6-6, 215, sr.) 

Others to watch: Scott Hendricks (RB, 6-0, 185, jr.); 

Adam Scott (LB, RB, 5-10, 190, sr.); Aaron Crouse (DL/OL, 

6-1, 231, sr.); Tyler Bishop (K, 5-8, 140, jr.) 

2009 outlook: The Eagles have six defensive and three 

offensive starters returning. Offensively, Broadbent thinks 

the Eagles will be quick at running back and receiver, but 

rebuilding the offensive line after losing four starters is 

concerning. Broadbent said the Eagles must stay injuryfree. 


2008 record: 8-3 

Top returners: Daniel Johnson (OL, 225, sr.); Austin 

Jensen (OL, 225, sr.); JaBarie Cook (DL, 230, sr.); Xavier 

Lewis (DB, 180, sr.); Cody Williams (LB, 180, sr.); Tyler 

Haradine (DB, 160, sr.); Derek Harman (K, 185, sr.) 

Others to watch: Trent Forester (TE, 200, jr.); Brian 

Taylor (FB/LB, 215, sr.); Jason Seibel (DB, 170, sr.); 

Derek Krier (WR, 180, sr.); Travis Dolan (WR, 160, sr.); 

Kai Felix (OL, sr.) 

2009 outlook: Dunham, South’s defensive coordinator 

last season, returns to the sideline after Chip Sherman 

guided the Cougars into the second round of the playoffs 

last season, before falling to Hutchinson. Although he’s in 

his first year at South, Dunham won three state championships 

at Scott City. The Cougars have 27 returning letter 

winners and have experience returning in the skill 

positions and special teams. South will run an option 

attack with multiple formations. Defensively, South plans 

to with a 4-3 and 4-4 look. Dunham said the Cougars’ key 

to a successful season hinges on develop of the offensive 

and defensive lines. 

VALLEY CENTER HORNETS 

Coach: John Black (third year, 5-13) 


2008 record: 2-7 

Top returners: Taylor Johnson (RB/FS, 5-10, 175, sr.); 

Nate Williams (QB/DB, 6-3, 190, jr.); Evan Hamm (OL, 6- 

2, 210, sr.); Tanner Wilcox (DB, 6-2, 180, sr.); Joey Mies 

(DL, 6-3, 205, sr.); Warren Balthazor (DL, 5-9, 260, sr.); 

Jace Nibarger (LB, 6-2, 205, jr.) 

Others to watch: Aaron Lindstrom (LB/TE, 6-3, 205, 

sr.); Garrett Headley (DB/WR, 5-9, 145, sr.); Loi Tran 

(DB/WR, 6-0, 160, jr.); Austin Southards (LB/OL, 5-6, 155, 

jr.) 

2009 outlook: Black acknowledges that the Hornets have 

a lot of work to do. The Hornets’ strengths defensively are 

its defensive line and overall hustle. Offensively, Valley 

Center must improve on the offensive line. Williams, who 

played wide receiver last season, will move to quarterback 

while Johnson returns at running back. 

WINFIELD VIKINGS 

Coach: Justin Price (fourth year, 9-19) 



Top returners: Garrett Mangrum (OL/LB, 6-0, 230, sr.); 

Tanner Bailey (QB, 6-1, 185, sr.); Ceth Bannister (WR/DB, 

6-1, 175, sr.); Jaden Groene (WR/DB, 6-2, 175, sr.) 

Others to watch: Nathan Menne (LB, 6-0, 180, sr.); Sam 

Sawyer (WR/DB, 6-1, 155, sr.) 

2009 outlook: The Vikings return the majority of their 

skill positions and have five starters returning on offense 

and also five back on defense. Price said the keys to a successful 

season are controlling the ball offensively and 

scoring in the red zone, creating turnovers defensively 

and not allowing big plays while continuing to improve 

each week as a team. 

Cordell 


full house for most of the last 14 

years, as he and his wife Jacky have 

eight kids. The youngest girl, Callie, 

is a senior and of course plays basketball 

for her dad, like her sisters 

did. 

The youngest child is Chet, a freshman 

who, naturally, plays football for 

his dad like his brothers did. 

Coaching his kids has been one of 

the more challenging parts of 

Cordell’s job. But like almost everything 

else he’s done in Little River, 

it’s worked out fine. 

“I’m very fortunate to have done 

this where I grew up,” Cordell said. “I 

never planned on it. It’s just something 

that’s happened. I got the job 

and I wanted to do the best I could 

do.” 

He’s done quite well. 

Thierolf 


“He’ll help you with your life’s 

problems and with anything footballrelated. 

He’s a good guy and he 

knows a lot about football and he can 

teach anything he wants.” 

Although Thierolf acknowledges 

that parents do the majority of the 

work in shaping their children, he 

said he enjoys it when former players 

return to Marion. In fact, many of 

Thierolf ’s neighbors once played for 

him. 

“To maintain those good relations 

with them is fun,” Thierolf said. “My 

next door neighbor is a former player. 

That guy living behind me is a former 

player. … Seeing them grow up 

and to see their kids, their wives, 

that’s fun. That’s an enjoyable part of 

it.” 

It could be an enjoyable season for 

the Warriors as they have eight 

starters back on offense and nine on 

defense. 

And that means Friday night’s 

game against Lyons will probably be 

played in front of a packed house.





ANDALE INDIANS 

Coach: Gary O’Hair (seventh year, 75-13, 145-46 

overall) 

League: AVCTL IV 

2008 record: 11-2 

Top returners: BJ Finney (6-4, 250, sr., OL-DL); 

Craig Simon (6-1, 200, sr., LB); Jake Steven (6-0, 225, 

sr., OL/DL) 

Others to watch: Danny Lubbers (6-1, 250, sr., 

OL); James Tipton (5-7, 180, sr., RB); Benny 

Armstrong (5-11, 195, sr., RB-LB); Scott Lester (6-0, 

195, sr., RB-DE); Ryan Bergkamp (5-9, 180, sr., LB); 

Cody Neville (6-1, 210, jr., TE-DE); Allen Trent (6-2, 

210, jr., TE-DE); Jake Hattabaugh (5-9, 170, QB/DB) 

Outlook: The Indians suffered two rare losses last 

year but still advanced to the semifinals. They 

return a number of linemen, which should help the 

inexperienced players at the skill positions. A good 

start should help this team rack up plenty of wins. 

ANDOVER TROJANS 

Coach: Mike Lee (third year, 14-6, 48-30 overall 

League: AVCTL III 

2008 record: 9-2 (4-1 in AVCTL III) 

Top returners: Aaron Hansen (5-10, 165, sr., QB); 

Kevin Lytle (6-3, 200, sr., OL); Alex Goldberg (6-1, 

200, sr., TE-LB); Jordan Shaw (6-3, 240, sr., OL/DL); 

Kyle Ray (5-11, 175, sr., DB); Parker Smith (6-0, 230, 

jr., OL-DL); Luke Linder (6-1, 225, jr., OL-DL); 

Caleb Windholz (6-0, 175, jr., OL-DL) 

Outlook: A good-sized team is intact from last 

year’s district and conference winner, and Hansen is 

a capable quarterback. Should be another strong 

year for the Trojans. 

ANDOVER CENTRAL JAGUARS 

Coach: Tom Audley (eighth year, 58-17, 131-85 

overall) 


2008 record: 9-2 

Top returners: John Ford (6-4, 240, sr., OL-DL); 

Joe Washington (6-2, 225, jr., OL-DE); Boston 

Stiverson (6-5, 280, jr. OL-DL) 

Others to watch: Taylor Phillippi (5-9, 170, sr., 

RB-LB); Grant Trembly (6-0, 170, sr., WR-DB); 

Bobby Warchuck (6-2, 180, sr., TE-LB); Tanner 

Ochard (6-1, 175, sr., WR-DB); Andrea Brunner (5-9, 

200, sr. OL-LB); Wesley Duerr (5-10, 225, sr., OL- 

DL); Luke Rust (5-10, 235, sr., OL-DL); Jedd Russel 

(5-10, 160, sr., RB-LB); Zac Huffman (5-10, 165, sr., 

WR-LB); Brandyn Willard (6-0, 165, sr., WR-DB) 

Outlook: Andover Central lost in overtime in the 

second round of the playoffs to eventual champion 

Topeka Hayden, but that was a senior-dominated 

squad. Only three starters are back, so new players 

will need to quickly adjust to varsity roles. 

AUGUSTA ORIOLES 

Coach: Steve Pazzie (19th year, 67-103) 


2008 record: 0-9 (0-5 in AVCTL III) 

Top returners: Cody Burden (6-0, 185, sr., 

LB);Brandon Swa (5-11, 170, sr., DB); Shane Smith 

(6-2, 200, sr., RB-LB); Conner Carman (6-0, 165, jr., 

WR-DB); Matt Burk (6-0, 175, sr., LB); Dalton 

Dreifurst (5-9, 155, jr., RB-DB); Leonel Mestas (5-9, 

175, jr., RB-DB); Tanner Lee (5-11, 185, jr., LB); 

Luke Henning (6-0, 265, jr., OL). 

Outlook: Augusta has 11 players who started at least 

one game last year, and plenty of lettermen return. 

BUHLER CRUSADERS 

Coach: Steve Warner (fourth year, 23-11, 144-72 

overall) 


2008 record: 9-3 

Top returners: Jordan Oden (5-9, 190, sr., LB); 

Jake Reffner (5-11, 175, WR-LB); Matt Dobson (6-5, 

260, OT-DL); Taylor Morris (6-0, 200, OL-LB); Dylan 

Partridge (6-0, 180, TE-SS); Brennan Daniel (6-2, 200, 

OL-DL); Tanner Rayl (6-0, 175, LB); Dylan Young (6- 

0, 200, DL); Kyler Harms (6-1, 300, DL) 

Others to watch: Roman Davidson (6-0, 225, FB- 

LB); Brad Wimer (6-0, 195, WR-CB) 

Outlook: The building of another Reno County 

football power continues. Buhler is now a regular in 

the postseason, and the talent pool is getting deeper. 

Plenty of players return from a team that made it to 

the third round of the postseason, and this team 

should be just as good if not better. Oden rushed for 

1,300 yards, while they must replace quarterback 

Josh Madden. 

CHAPARRAL ROADRUNNERS 

Coach: Joel Gerber (sixth season, 11-32) 

League: Central Plains 

2008: 2-7 

Top returners: Jeff Cather (TE-DE); Justin 

Wilcox (QB-FS); Taylor Claflin (WR-LB); Caeden 

Hucker (WR-LB), JD Kiem (WR-CB); Conner Sona 

(OL-LB); Jordan Dretrich (OL-LB). 

Outlook: The Roadrunners have a good nucleus 

returning, which is a plus in the always-tough Central 

Plains League. Seven starters return on offense, and 

those same seven are back on defense. They will 

throw the ball, but Gerber said depth is a concern. 

CHENEY CARDINALS 

Coach: Dustin McEwen, fifth year (26-12, 80-40 

overall) 

League: Central Plains 

2008 record: 6-3 (6-1 in CPL) 

Top returners: Derek Hickey (5-10, 175, sr., DB); 

Taylor Beilman (6-0, 175, sr., WR); Wade Hopper (, 

6-3, 215, OL-DL) 

Others to watch: Michael Ludlum (5-8, 204, sr., 

OL); Brandon Kirkpatrick (5-7, 140, sr., QB); Luke 

Uts (6-0, 220, jr., OL); Brian Dewey (5-9, 170, jr., 

QB); Taylor Goldsmith (6-0, 225, jr., OL-DL); Drew 

Gehrer (5-9, 165, jr., QB); Clayton Hufford (6-1, 265, 

fr., OL-DL) 

Outlook: Cheney struggled after a 5-1 start, and 

this team is young. Most of the players are unknown, 

which could be a good thing as they are unfamiliar 

among opponents. Hickey’s a three-year starter in 

the secondary. 

CIRCLE THUNDERBIRDS 

Coach: Lee LaMunyon (third year, 2-7, 3-15 overall) 


2008: 2-7 

Top returners: Ty Lowmaster (5-11, 190, sr., LB); 

Michael Dubus (5-11, 210, sr., OL-LB); Brandon 

Wagner (5-11, 190, sr., OL-DL); Alex Gardinier (6-2, 

185, jr., FS-WR); Kanyon Kinder (5-10, 175, jr., TB- 

DB); Dylan Bilson (6-0, 200, jr., FB-LB); Richard 

Mould (5-10, 165, jr., WR-DB); Jordan Phillips (6-6, 

280, jr., TE-DL) 

Others to watch: Jacob Engels (5-9, 170, sr., RB- 

DB); Kristian Farner (5-11, 190, jr., OL-DL) 

Outlook: Circle is trying to build a successful program, 

and they return a solid nucleus to do that – 

seven offensive and five defensive starters return. 

CLEARWATER INDIANS 

Coach: Dirk Ankerholz (first season) 


2008: 5-6 

Top returners: Alex Baughman (6-0, 185, sr., QB- 

DB); Ryan Yost (5-9, 180, sr., RB-LB); Kent 

Dunnegan (6-1, 210, sr., RB-LB); Dillon Wood (6-0, 225, 

sr., OL-DE); Dylan Spencer (6-0, 170, sr., WR-DB) 

Others to watch: Dylan Swalley (6-0, 220, sr., RB- 

LB); Gage Dickerson (6-0, 180, sr., WR-DB) 

Outlook: Clearwater’s 4-5 record in the regular season 

was deceiving as it played a tough schedule. With 

eight returning on each side of the ball, all seniors, the 

Indians could be a team to keep an eye on especially 

after making it to the second round last year. 

EL DORADO BRONCOS 

Coach: Bruce Graber (fourth year, 7-22, 106-81 

overall) 


2008 record: 4-6 

Top returners: Christian Locke (sr., QB-DB); 

Taylor Clites (sr., WR); Dylan Walker (sr., OG-DL); 

Brady Conner (sr., OT); Ryan Gomez (jr., DT) 

Others to watch: Johnny Brown (sr., OL-DL); Jake 

Calhoun (sr., RB-LB); Ben Helferich (sr., RB-TE); 

Dale Nuckolls (jr., FS); Reid Bruce (jr., OG-DE); 

Michael Hysell (jr., RB); Levi Parker (jr., CB-WR) 

Outlook: Numbers are down and depth is an 

issue, but there are some good players returning. El 

Dorado has made steady improvement under 

Graber, going from zero to three to four wins and 

two playoff appearances. Injuries won’t be an option. 

HAVEN WILDCATS 

Coach: Shane Seeley (third season, 1-17) 

League: MCAA 

2008: 1-8 (1-4 in MCAA) 

Top returners: Tyler Heim (5-9, 150, sr., RB-LB); 

Preston Mumford (5-10, 225, sr., OL-DL); Colby 

Harner (5-11, 210, sr., OL-DL); Heath Ziegler (5-11, 

270, sr., OL-DL); Colby Sauer (6-0 175, sr. WR-DB); 

Kyle-Lee Osborn (6-4, 180, sr., WR-DB); Jordan 

Perriman (6-3, 175, sr., WR-DB); Eric Long (5-8, 160, 

sr., QB-LB); Sam Eberly (5-7, 190, sr., OL-DL); 

Ridge Foster (5-10, 175, jr., QB-DB); Kevin 

Borntrager (6-1, 170, jr., WR-DB); James Leiker (5- 

10, 230, jr., OL-DL); Josh Weve (5-9, 250, jr., OL-DL) 

Outlook: Haven snapped a long losing streak last 

year and competed well in other games. Almost 


every player is back, and many returners have been 

in Seeley’s system for two years. The Wildcats seem 

to be set when it comes to starters, but depth is thin. 

HESSTON SWATHERS 

Coach: Nate Wollenberg (fifth year, 33-10, 47-16 

overall) 

League: MCAA 

2008: 6-3 

Top returners: Chad Wollenberg (6-0, 228, sr., RB- 

LB); Parker Broadfoot (5-11, 264, sr., OL-DL); Clint 

Janzen (5-11, 182, sr., QB-LB); Joel Tieszen (6-1, 215, 

sr., OL-DL); Ryan Martin (6-0, 210, sr., OL-DL); 

Tucker Schmidt (5-11, 165, sr., SE-DB); Clint 

Heubert (5-9, 198, sr., OL-DL); Alex Wray (5-10, 183, 

sr., RB-DB); Matt Ott (5-10, 205, sr., RB-DL); Shawn 

Moffett (5-11, 173, sr., TE-DE); Garrett Spencer (6-1, 

215, jr., OL-DL) 

Others to watch: Bryce Barber (6-2, 215, sr., TE- 

DE); Chase Martin (6-1, 205, sr., OL-DL); Cole Jost 

(6-2, 218, sr., TE-DB); Lucas Petrocci (5-11, 171, jr., 

RB-DB); Brandon Harmony (6-0, 200, jr., RB-LB); 

Kyle Perry (5-8, 160, so., RB-LB); Eyan Roth (6-0, 

164, so., K-DB) 

Outlook: It was a rare non-playoff season for 

Hesston despite a 6-3 record. Its losses were to 

Wichita Collegiate, Topeka Hayden and Abilene. The 

Swathers return a good number of players, especially 

on the offensive line. That should help put the 

Swathers in position for another good season. 

HUGOTON EAGLES 

Coach: Clint Merritt (fourth season, 9-18, 21-34 

overall) 

League: Hi-Plains 

2008: 6-3 (3-1 in HPL) 

Top returners: Caleb Gifford (6-0, 200, sr., FB- 

LB); Bubba Beltz (5-9, 160, sr., RB-FS); Coltin 

Ghumm (5-10, 150, sr., WR-DB); Zach Dunlap (6-0, 

180, sr., QB-LB); Tate Reed (5-10, 180, sr., TE); 

Brian Skinner (5-10, 225, sr., OL); Armando Campos 

(6-0, 215, sr., OL); Keithan Martin (5-10, 180, sr., LB) 

Outlook: All of the Eagles skill players are back, 

but only two offensive linemen return. Depth is thin, 

and injuries have to be avoided for them to duplicate 

last year’s record when they went from one win 

in 2007 to six. Gifford is the school’s all-time leading 

tackler with 368. 

KINGMAN EAGLES 

Coach: Darby Jones (second year, 0-9) 


2008: 0-9 (0-6 in AVCTL IV) 

Top returners: Kyle Berschauer (6-0, 200, sr., OL- 

LB); Breck Knoblauch (6-0, 240, sr., OL-DL); Garth 

Graham (6-1, 200, sr., OL-DL); Danny Finder (6-1, 

190, sr., WR-DB); Stephen Gutierrez (5-10, 160, jr., 

RB-DB); Scott Osner (5-11, 180, jr., OL-LB) 

Outlook: Kingman brings back five starters on 

both sides of the ball, so Jones hopes the continuity 

will equate to some success this season. Graham 

was an all-league lineman last year, but Kingman’s 

defense must improve as it allowed 48.7 points per 

game last season. 

MULVANE WILDCATS 

Coach: Dave Fennewald (18th year, 86-76, 113-90 

overall) 


2008: 5-5 

Top returners: A.J. May (sr., RB-S); Charlie 

Hansen (sr., OT); Zach Burkharat (jr., C); Ethan 

Copeland (sr., OG-DT); Dylan Hagerman (sr., RB- 

LB); Corbin McGuire (sr., WR); Drew Shelinbarger 

(sr., DE); Mic Belden (SS) 

Others to watch: Nick Van Deest (sr., OT-DE); 

Gus Strunk (jr., QB-P) 

Outlook: Mulvane returns six offensive and five 

defensive starters, and Fennewald feels the offensive 

line will be the team’s strength. Mulvane graduated 

some good skill players. 

NICKERSON PANTHERS 

Coach: Max Heinlein (fourth year, 8-23) 

League: MCAA 

2008: 1-8 (1-6 in MCAA) 

Top returners: Weston Cottrell (5-10, 185, sr., RB- 

DL); Antione Lehman (6-1, 260, sr., OL-DL); Ben 

Proffitt (6-0, 185, sr., OL-LB);Brandon Owen (5-10, 

170, jr., QB-S); Hector Rodriguez (5-11, 180, jr., RB- 

CB); Keelan Jackson (6-0, 165, jr., RB-LB); Austin 

Schweizer (6-5, 305, jr., OL-DL); Micah Smith (6-0, 

240, jr., OL-LB) 

Others to watch: Kyle Cokely (6-0, 240, jr., OL- 

DL); Jordan Newton (5-9, 150, jr., RB-LB); Lupe 

Ramirez (5-8, 250, so., OL-DL) 

Outlook: Cottrell is a four-year starter and had a 

300-yard game against Haven last season. The rest of 

the backfield is intact, and those players are two-way 

starters. Not much depth won’t help, but the Panthers 

do return seven starters on both sides of the ball. 

PRATT GREENBACKS 

Coach: Jeff Fuss (eighth year, 38-33, 107-73 overall) 

League: Mid-State 

2008: 6-4 

Top returners: Chase Kreutzer (5-9, 193, sr., RB- 

LB); Skylar Angood (6-2, 180, sr., QB-DB); Gary 

Reed (6-4, 220, sr., OT-DE); Wes Seibel (5-10, 180, sr., 

OG-DL); Ryan Will (6-4, 250, sr., OT-DL); Justin 

Schneider (6-1, 205, sr., OG-LB). 

Others to watch: Jake Siroky (5-9, 175, jr., RB- 

LB); Steele Flemming (6-3, 200, jr., TE-DE); Lawson 

Short (5-11, 200, jr., OG-LB); Brady Seibel (5-10, 165, 

jr., WB-CB); Taylor Baird (5-11, 180, jr., RB-CB). 

Outlook: The Greenbacks have speed and experience 

on the offensive line. Kreutzer ran for 584 yards 

and 8 TDs while Angood threw for 10 scores and 965 

yards. Winning has become common in Pratt, and 

this year should be no different as it returns five 

offensive and four defensive starters. 

ROSE HILL ROCKETS 

Coach: Greg Slade (11th year, 62-50) 


2008: 5-4 

Top returners: Heath Train (6-3, 220, sr., TE-DE); 

Tyler Shirley (6-3, 180, sr., QB); Chris Paddock (6-3, 

240, sr., C-DT); Dillon Rapp (6-3, 180, sr., WR-CB); 

TJ Ryan (6-1, 245, sr., OT); Josh Yates (6-3, 180, sr., 

WR-CB); Stewart Firebaugh (6-0, 220, sr., OT); 

Corey Vaughan (5-8, 150, sr., WR-SS); Jordan Leabo 

(5-8, 155, sr., WR-CB); Taylor Mosley (6-0, 200, sr., 

OG-NG); Tyler Richards (6-2, 205, sr., TE-DE); 

Tyler Arnett (6-3, 195, sr., TE-LB); Jake Dunshee (5- 

8, 175, sr., FB-LB) 

Top newcomers: Brady Foltz (6-2, 260, jr., OG- 

DE); Brandon Walther (6-0, 240, jr., OT-DT); Cody 

Peabody (5-10, 180, jr., WR-FS); LaQua Mayes (5-8, 

170, jr., RB-CB) 

Outlook: After making the playoffs last season, 

Rose Hill looks to return to the postseason behind a 

senior-dominated team. Shirley was an all-state 

quarterback last season. 

SMOKY VALLEY VIKINGS 

Coach: Chris Hattabaugh (first season) 

League: MCAA 

2008: 4-5 (3-3 in MCAA) 

Top returners: Ben Eppenbach (5-10, 170, sr., RB- 

LB); Bryan McBride (6-2, 190, sr., WR-DE); Connor 

Denk (6-1, 195, sr., WR-LB); Ian Lackey (5-10, 175, 

sr., OL-LB); Josiah Turner (6-4, 270, sr., OL-DL); 

Dixon Olson (5-10, 170, sr., S); Jordan Meier (5-10, 

175, sr., LB); Weston VanRanken (5-11, 180, jr., OL- 

LB); Jake Johnson (6-0, 155, jr., WR-LB). 

Outlook: The Vikings return five offensive and 

six defensive starters for their new coach, a longtime 

Smoky Valley assistant. Most of the offensive 

starters are back, and the defensive line back. 

Eppenbach rushed for 553 yards and Lackey recorded 

114 tackles last season. 

ULYSSES TIGERS 

Coach: Jason Kenny (11th season, 78-24) 

League: Mid-State 

2008: 5-5 (3-1 in MSAA) 

Top returners: Chaun Pauda (5-11, 195, sr., LB); 

Brandon Seger (5-10, 180, sr., LB); Ryan Kautz (5-10, 

220, sr., C); Bryce Moral (5-10, 160, sr., QB); Addison 

Nichols (6-0, 182, jr., RB); Josh Sullivan (6-0, 170, sr., 

DB); Josh Rodriguez (5-10, 160, sr., DT); Jack 

Maxwell (6-5, 215, sr., DE) 

Outlook: Nobody can accuse Ulysses of going soft 

on the schedule – Garden City, Hays, Scott City and 

Holcomb, and that’s before district play. Ulysses 

struggled against the schedule last year but still won 

the district. Many of these Tigers went against this 

schedule last year, which will help, as they return 

six offensive and seven defensive starters. 

WELLINGTON CRUSADERS 

Coach: Linn Hibbs (14th season, 107-43) 


2008: 8-3 (4-1 in AVCTL IV) 

Top returners: Drake Kuerner (5-9, 175, sr., QB- 

FS); Jordan Edwards (6-3, 175, sr., QB-DB); Tyler 

Rayl (6-4, 240, sr., OL-DL); Markkel Bradley (5-8, 

175, sr., RB) 

Outlook: The Crusaders will try to keep a 17-year 

streak of making the postseason alive. They return 

31 lettermen, including four offensive and three 

defensive starters. Hobbs said he feels good about 

his young players. 


Chuck Bisbee is in his first year as the Fairfield head coach. 

The eight-man game 

new to Fairfield coach 




Chuck Bisbee has never 

coached eight-man high 

school football. 

The first-year Fairfield 

coach will get his first shot 

Friday night when his Falcons 

play host to Burrton. 

“I did the arena thing in 

Wichita, coaching the Warlords, 

but I’ve never 

coached it in high school,” 

Bisbee said. “In high 

school, the defense, among 

other things, is going to be 

a lot different.” 

Before coming to Fairfield, 

Bisbee had two successful 

years at Class 2-1A 

Solomon, where he compiled 

a 13-9 record and took 

teams to the second round 

of the playoffs each season. 

The Falcons, coming off 

back-to-back 6-3 seasons, 

will make a few changes on 

both sides of the ball. Bisbee 

said his team will run 

the Fly-T and some shotgun 

formations offensively, 

while the defense will feature 

a three-man front. 

Jordan Cooper, one of 

four seniors on the Falcons’ 

roster, said becoming familiar 

with Bisbee’s scheme 

has taken some time. 

“It’s more different on 

defense. Defensively, he’s 

really just teaching us 

more intricacies,” Cooper 

said. “He’s making it more 

challenging, but he’s explaining 

it to us in ways we 

can really pick it up and 

understand it.” 

Fairfield hopes to change 

their fortunes against district 

opponents Goessel, 

Pretty Prairie and Claflin, 

who defeated the Falcons 

by 46, 46 and 30 points, respectively, 

last season. Bisbee 

said his team needs to 

“get a lot stronger” in order 

to contend with the top-tier 

district teams. 

Still, he has high expectations 

for the Falcons. 

“We’re shooting for going 

to the playoffs,” Bisbee said. 

“But, I know that the whole 

district is really strong.”





BELLE PLAINE DRAGONS 

Coach: Brian Seba (1st year). 

League: Central Plains. 

2008 record: 0-9. 

Top returners: Adin Siemers (5-10, 150, Sr., 

DB); Cody Harris (5-8, 165, Sr., QB); Brandon 

Turney (6-0, 215, Jr., OL). 

Others to watch: Justin Hampton (6-0, 180, Jr., 

RB); Derek Balzer (6-1, 180, Jr.,OL). 

Outlook: The Dragons were winless last year 

and scored just four touchdowns all season, but 

do return 16 starters. 

BLUESTEM LIONS 

Coach: George Stewart (2nd year, 1-8). 


2008 record: 1-8. 

Top returners: Ethan Haworth (5-9, 215, Sr., 

L); Dakota Barnhart, 5-10, 175, Sr., RB-LB); 

Daniel Carter, 5-9, 160, WR; Cody Roberts (5-10, 

165, Sr., RB-DB); Alan Muckenthaler (6-3, 185, 

Jr., L). 

Outlook: The Lions ended the longest losing 

streak in Kansas prep history – 69 in a row – 

before defeating Belle Plaine during the third 

week of the season. BHS has five offense and 

four defensive starters returning. 

CIMARRON BLUEJAYS 

Coach: Doug Minneman (2nd year, 1-8). 

League: Hi-Plains. 

2008 record: 1-8. 

Top returners: Ryan Bryant (165, Sr., RB); 

Eric Flores (Sr., 175, RB); Tyler Siek (155, So., 

QB); John Shaughnessy (165, Sr., G); Matt 

Wehkamp (195, Sr., G); Tyler White, 225, Jr., T). 

Others to watch: Nate Baublitz, (185, Jr., 

RB); Charles Blattner (190, Sr., C-LB); Travis 

Sharp (235, Sr., T).. 

Outlook: The Bluejays will seek to improve 

on last year’s one-win season with 13 starters 

returning and .will look to use their quickiness to 

overcome a lack of size. 

CONWAY SPRINGS 

CARDINALS 

Coach: Matt Biehler (1st year). 

League:Central Plains. 

2008 record: 12-2. 

Top returners: Caleb Brill (5-9, 160, Sr., QB- 

DB); Austin Pauly (5-10, 150, Jr., WR-FS); Nick 

Pauly (5-10, 190, Jr., SE); Clint Vancuren (6-0, 

210, Jr., L); Mason Pauly (5-10, 210, Jr., OG-DT); 

Kayl Barkley (6-1, 215, Jr., TE); Konner Fitts (6- 

0, 175, Sr., LB); John Doffing (5-10, 170, Sr., LB). 

Others to watch: Dakota Davis (5-6, 140, Sr., 

RB-DB); Daniel George (5-9, 170, Sr., C-DE); 

Cody McCall (5-9, 175, Sr., OL-LB); Scott McCall 

(5-10, 220, Sr., OL-DL); Tim Mercer (5-6, 135, Sr., 

RB-DB); Adam Schneck (5-8, 150, Sr., SE-DB); 

Alec Worley (5-7, 160, Sr., RB-LB); Patrick 

Crowell (6-3, 215, Sr., OL-DE); Tyler Martin (5-9, 

140, Jr., QB-DB); Brian Doffing (5-11, 175, So., 

RB-LB); Matt Seiwert (6-1, 230, So., RBN-LB). 

Outlook: The Cardinals won their sixth state 

title in 11 years last season and return 11 starters 

from that 12-2 team. Biehler starts his first year 

as the program’s head coach. 

DOUGLASS BULLDOGS 

Coach:Brent Randolph (2nd year, 4-6). 


2008 record:4-6. 

Top returners: Ryan Troxler (5-9, 175, Sr., 

QB-CB); Mike Fox (5-6, 175, Sr., RB-DT); Blake 

Nachbor (6-4, 185, Sr., RB-FS); Blake Smith (6-2, 

185, Sr., RB-LB); Josh Foland (6-0, 180, Sr., WR- 

LB); Cody Huffman (6-2, 250, Sr., OL-DE); 

James Sherwood (6-0, 200, Sr., C-DE). 

Others to watch: Colt Castleberry (6-0, 190, 

So., OG-LB); Payton Fraley (5-11, 165, So., WR- 

CB). 

Outlook: Things are looking up for the 

Bulldogs, who return 16 starters from last year’s 

team that came on strong at the end of the season. 

The Bulldogs have experience and good 

speed, but need depth on the interior lines. 

ELLINWOOD EAGLES 

Coach:Troy Marseline (1st year). 

League: MCAA. 

2008 record: 2-7. 

Top returners: Not available. 

Outlook: Not available. 

ELLSWORTH BEARCATS 

Coach: Ken Windholz (10th year, 28-55). 

League:NCAA. 

2008 record: 4-5. 

Top returners: Ethan Choitz (200, Sr., OL- 

LB); Ethan Finke (200, Sr., TE-LB); Trent Miley 

(240, Sr., OL-DL); Jacob Froese, 195, So., RB- 

LB). 

Others to watch: Mark Hoffines (250, Sr., 

OL); Josh Hawks (150, Sr., DB); Clancy Smith 

(170, Sr., DB). 

Outlook: The Bearcats return 11 starters 

from last year’s 4-5 team and will be bolstered 

by a solid group of young and talented players. 

GARDEN PLAIN OWLS 

Coach:Todd Puetz (9th year, 90-13). 


2008 record:12-1. 

Top returners: Daniel Youngers (6-1, 220, Sr., 

RB-DL); Seth Klausmeyer (6-0, 140, Sr., WR- 

DB); Jake Becker (5-11, 170, Sr., WR-DB). 

Others to watch: Thomas Bugner (6-0, 185, 

Sr., QB-DB); Kurt Pauly (6-1, 190, RB-LB); Alex 

May (5-11, 190, Sr., OL-LB); Blake Withrow (6-3, 

190, Sr., WR-DB); Sage Thimmesch (5-10, 170, 

Sr., RB-DL); Josh Landreth (5-10, 250, Sr., OL- 

DL); Paul Hays (6-2, 245, Sr., OL-DL); Sage 

Berry (5-10, 215, Sr., OL-DL). 

Outlook: The Owls are expected to be one of 

the top teams in 3A once again as they return 14 

starters from a 12-1 team that reach the state 

semifinals. GPHS returns 14 additional lettermen 

and three all-league performers. 

HALSTEAD DRAGONS 

Coach: Marc Svaty (3rd year, 8-12). 

League: MCAA. 

2008 record: 6-5. 

Top returners: Simon McKee (6-0, 155, Jr., 

QB); Cody Ratcliffe (5-9, 155, Sr., WR-DB); 

Dakota Becker (5-10, 165, Jr., WR-DB); Ethan 

Rodenberg (5-9, 150, Jr., RB-LB). 

Others to watch: Garrison Gundy (6-1, 165, Jr., 

TE-DE); Peyton Wingert (5-7, 150, So., LB); 

Matt Stovall (6-2, 230, Sr., OL). 

Outlook: The Dragons will be looking to take 

the next step up the playoff ladder after reaching 

the second round of the 3A playoffs last season 

and posting a 6-5 record. Eight starters 

return and 14 total lettermen. 

HILLSBORO TROJANS 

Coach: Max Heinrichs (1st year). 

League:MCAA. 

2008 record:6-4. 

Top returners: Jacob Fish (6-2, 150, Sr., QB- 

DB); Jake Wiebe (5-9, 150, Jr., K-WR-DB); Ben 

Bebermeyer (5-10, 160, Jr., WR-DB); Neal Kaiser 

(6-5, 210, Sr., OL-DL); Taylor Hagen (6-1, 175, Sr., 

WR-LB). 

Others to watch: Chance Reece (5-11, 180, So., 

RB-LB); Chris Couts (5-7, 155, Sr., RB-LB); 

Daniel Dick (5-10, 140, Sr., WR-DB); Evan Just 

(5-10, 170, Sr., OL-DE); Jacob Edwards (6-0, 155, 

Sr., WR-DB); Jared King (6-0, 160, Sr., OL-DE); 

Sam Bookless (6-2, 215, Sr., OL-DL). 

Outlook: The Trojans will be looking for 

another trip to the playoffs this season. Fish 

threw for nine touchdowns last year, including 

three against Conway Springs in the playoffs. 

Hillsboro return six starters, three on each side 

of the ball. 

HOISINGTON CARDINALS 

Coach:Lonnie Irvin (14th year, 67-52). 

League:MCAA. 

2008 record:7-3. 

Top returners: Jacob Owen (6-3, 275, Sr., OL- 

DL); Kreyton Demel (6-1, 210, Sr., TE-DE); 

Corey Engstrom (5-9, 180, Sr., RB-LB); Zane 

Sanders (5-10, 175, Sr., TE-LB). 

Others to watch: Ryan Moore (6-0, 210, Sr., 

OL); Dustin Mater (6-1, 200, Sr., OL); Taylor 

Bullard (6-2, 200, Sr., OL); Zach Higgins (5-9, 175, 

Sr., QB); Jacob Basye (5-9, 215, Sr., DT); 

Michael Richards (5-10, 165, Sr., FS); Ryan 

Bieberle (5-8, 140, Jr., CB); Dustin Broeder (6-2, 

190, Jr., LB). 

Outlook: The Cardinals are expecting another 

solid year with 16 returning starters and an addition 

six letterman from a playoff team. The 

offensive line will be the strength of the team 

and could pave the way for a big year by the 

offense. 

HOLCOMB LONGHORNS 

Coach: Jerry Johnson (4th year, 24-6). 

League: H-Plains. 

2008 record:8-2. 

Top returners: Levi Koehn (6-0, 175, Sr., FB- 

LB); Nathan Gonzales (5-8, 185, Sr., MLB); Trey 

CLASS 3A CAPSULES Numbers game at 

Central Christian 

Delarosa (6-2, 200, Jr., WR); Leaton McClelland 

(6-3, 220, Sr., OL). 

Others to watch: Matt Pfeifer (5-9, 180, Sr., 

RB-CB); Logan Singhisen (6-2, 205, QB-FS); 

Isaac Gonzales, 5-8, 150, Sr.(WR-CB); Andrew 

Homer (6-1, 175, So., TE-DE); Dayton Crist (5-7, 

210, Jr., OL-DL); Dylan Hawkins, 6-1, 180, So. 

OL-DE); Jeff Perez (5-10, 200, OL-LB); Brian 

Green (6-3, 300, Sr., C-DL). 

Outlook: The Longhorns have good depth and 

good overall size, but lack varsity experience 

after losing 18 seniors from last year’s eight-win 

team that reached the playoffs. Gonzales was a 

stalwart on defense last year with 160 tackles 

from his middle linebacker position. 

LAKIN BRONCS 

Coach:Kenny Waechter (5th year (24-15). 

League:Hi-Plains. 

2008 record:5-4. 

Top returners: Zach Reed (6-1, 205, Sr., RB- 

LB); Dylan Shalberg (6-3, 165, Sr., QB-LB); 

Evan Holmes (5-8, 145, Sr.); Alex Saenez (5-10, 

170, Sr.). 

Outlook: This could be a transition year for 

the Broncs as the LHS coaching staff has made 

a number of position switches with players. 

Reed and Shalberg were two-way starters last 

year. 

LYONS LIONS 

Coach:Matt Sandbo (2nd year, 6-5). 

League:MCAA. 

2008 record:6-5. 

Top returners: Jake Craig (5-11, 185, Sr., QB- 

DB-K); Josh Voth (6-2, 215, Sr., OL-DL); Keith 

Tucker (6-1, 175, Sr., OL-DE); Colten Deutsch (6- 

1, 170, Sr., WR-DB). 

Others to watch: Nick Loesch (6-0, 170, Sr., 

TE-LB); Nick Minix (5-8, 165, Sr., RB-LB); 

Robert Biehler, 6-0, 165, Sr., RB-DE); James 

Weston (6-2, 215, Jr., OL-DL); Kinsly Kroetsch (5- 

11, 225, Jr., OL-DL); Michael Vincent (5-9, 150, 

Jr., WR-DB); Tyler Carlson (6-1, 265, Jr., OL- 

DL); Taylor Stonebraker (5-11, 150, Jr. WR-DB); 

Seth Bowles (5-11, 200, Jr., OL-DL). 

Outlook: Eleven starters return for the Lions, 

including Craig, who had 1,601 yards passing and 

777 yards rushing in 2008 while accounting for 26 

touchdowns. He is also an all-state kicker. Voth 

and Tucker also started on both sides of the ball 

and will anchor the offensive and defensive 

lines. Craig and Deutsch will anchor what is 

expected to be a solid secodary. 

MARION WARRIORS 

Coach: Grant Thierolf (23rd year, 128-73). 

League: MCAA. 

2008 record: 6-3. 

Top returners: Sheldon Boone (5-8, 175, Sr., 

RB-LB); Parker Ash (6-1, 224, Sr., OT-DT); Nick 

Klenda (6-3, 245, Sr., TE-DE); Drew Maddox (5- 

8, 154, Sr., SB-FS); Eric Vogel (6-1, 178, Sr., WR- 

DE); Tylor Neil (6-0, 176, Sr., OG-LB). 

Others to watch: Brian Fruechting (6-0, 212, 

Jr., OG); Sam Ehrlich (5-11, 212, Sr., C); Doug 

Schroeder (6-3, 277, Sr., DT); Randy Carlson (5- 

10, 155, Sr., CB); Mitch Cady (5-10, 145, Sr., CB); 

Connor Thierolf (6-3, 204, Jr., LB). 

Outlook: The Warriors have a golden opportunity 

to improve on last year’s 6-3 record with 

17 starters returning, including three players 

who were All-MCAA selections – Boone, Klenda 

and Ash. The strength of this team will be an 

experienced offensive line, which returns. The 

only question mark on defense is at the linebacker 

positions. 

MEDICINE LODGE INDIANS 

Coach:Peter Jelovic (1st year). 


2008 record:6-3. 

Top returners: Not available. 

Outlook: Not available. 

NESS CITY-DIGHTON 

Coach: Faron Kraft (2nd year, 1-8). 

League: Central Prairie. 

2008 record:1-8. 

Top returners: Joe Flax (6-1, 170, Sr., QB- 

DB); Guy Fullmer (5-10, 160, So. (HB-DB); Zac 

Birney (5-7, 140, Sr., WR-DB); Matt Jones (6-1, 

250, Sr., OT-DL); Evan Lane (6-0, 190, Jr., DE); 

Clayton Johnson (5-8, 220, Sr., OG-DL); Tyrel 

Hoffman (5-8, 165, Sr., FB-LB); C.J, Schaffer (5- 

7, 165, Jr., LB). 

Outlook: Look for the win total to get a boost 

as Ness City-Dighton returns 15 starters. Flax 

threw for nearly 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns 

last year. Birney had 40 tackles, three interceptions 

and two blocked kicks, while Jones blocked 

three kicks and had 60 tackles. 

RUSSELL BRONCOS 

Coach:David King (4th year, 11-17). 

League: NCAA. 

2008 record: 4-5. 

Top returners: Dalton Ginther (5-9, 165, Sr., 

RB-LB); Tyson Schmidtberger (5-7, 145, Sr., RB- 

DB); Nick Turner (6-1, 240, Sr., OL-DL); Brady 

Ruggels (6-0, 170, Jr., TE-DE); Danny Oste (5-7, 

150, Jr., QB-DB); Harlan Kuntzsch (6-0, 215, Jr., 

OL-DL); Ryan Zachman (5-8, 165, Jr., RB-LB). 

Outlook: The Broncos entered district play 

with a 4-2 record, but lost all three district games 

last year. They return 11 starters from the 4-5 

team. The Broncos will be anchored up front by 

240-pound senior Nick Turner. 

REMINGTON BRONCOS 

Coach: Chris Lawler (6th year, 32-17). 

League:Heart of America. 

2008 record:3-6. 

Top returners: Jake Green (6-3, 160, Jr., WR- 

DB); Cisco Soto (5-10, 230, Jr., OL-DL); Casey 

Schunn (6-2, 195, Sr., OL-DL); Adrian Nethercot 

(6-2, 170, Sr., WR-DB); Matt Jacobs (5-9, 150, Jr., 

WR-DB); Alex Freking (5-9, 155, Jr., OL-LB); 

Jerry Bennett (5-9, 135, Sr., RB-LB); Brandon 

Streif (5-10, 195, Sr., RB-LB). 

Outlook: The Broncos were a very young and 

inexperienced team a year ago and it showed 

with the 3-6 record. RHS still have plenty of 

young players in the program, but return 10 

starters. The Broncos want to improve their 

running game, but will still threw it a lot with 

sophomore quarterback Caleb Cherryholmes 

and 1,000-yard receiver Jake Green, 

SCOTT CITY BEAVERS 

Coach: Glenn O’Neil (3rd year, 17-7). 

League: Mid-State A.A. 

2008 record: 10-2. 

Top returners: Dillon Stucky (5-9, 175, Sr., 

QB-CB); Alex Swan (6-1, 175, Sr., RB-CB); 

Morgan Numrich (5-10, 160, Sr., OG-LB); Jorden 

Funk (6-4, 215, Sr., TE-DE); Juan Gardea (6-0, 

255, Sr., DT); Dillon Stucky (5-9, 175, Sr., CB); 

Calvin Erven (6-0, 220, Sr., LB).. 

Others to watch: Austin Davis (6-4, 210, Sr., 

OT); Marshall Anliker (5-10, 160, Sr., DT); 

Jordan Habiger (5-10, 195, Sr., DT-K); Dakota 

Hayes (6-0, 160, Sr., SS); 

Outlook: The first win of the season will be 

the 500th in school history. Expect many more 

for the Beavers, who return 15 starters, including 

nine on defense, from a 10-2 team that just 

missed reaching the semifinals of the 3A state 

playoffs. Stucky was an all-league quarterback 

last year after throwing for 1,202 yards and 10 

touchdowns. Funk was all-league on both sides 

of the ball and the Beavers have four others 

returning who made all-league as well. Erven 

had 96 tackles last year, including 10 for losses. 

SEDGWICK CARDINALS 

Coach: Jeff Werner (4th year, 15-13). 


2008 record:5-4. 

Top returners: Chase Cargile (5-10, 200, Sr., 

FB-LB); Wade Hansen (5-9, 185, Sr., RB-LB); 

Nathan Thompson (6-2, 235, Sr., OG-DE); Gage 

Chandler (6-1, 240, Sr., OG-DL); Tanner 

Mosiman (5-10, 195, Sr., C-LB); Jake Sperry (6-0, 

225, Sr., OT-DE); Ian Mattson (5-11, 170, Sr., P- 

LB). 

Outlook: The Cardinals expect to fly high 

once again with 12 starters returning from a 

five-win team. The returnees include Hansen, 

who rushed for 1,115 yards and 15 touchdowns 

last year and the school’s all-time leading tackler 

in Cargile, a linebacker. The offensive line 

returns three starters as well. 

SOUTHWESTERN HEIGHTS 

MUSTANGS 

Coach:Ken Schoenrock (6th year, 17-29) 


2008 record:4-5. 

Top returners: Jacob Flores (Sr., TE-DE); 

Cory Ryan (Sr., OL-DE); Oscar Sigala (Sr., RB- 

DB); Daniel Gutierrez (Sr., WR-DB); Tyrel 

Justice (Sr., FB-LB); Colby Lee (Sr., OL-NG); 

James Abla (Jr., OL-DT); Wade Winfrey (Sr., 

WR). 

Others to watch: Cesar Hernandez (Sr., WR- 

DB); Wes Winfrey (Sr., QB-LB); Taylor Collins 

(Jr., WR-LB); Edgar Martinez (Jr., RB-DB); 

Ruben Chavez (So., RB-LB); Monte Winkler 

(Sr., OL-LB); Mitch O’Toole (Sr., OL-DL). 

Outlook This could be a special year for the 

Mustangs, who have 13 seniors on their roster 

and return 17 starters. Heights is deep at the 

skill positions, which has boosted expectations 

even higher this season.. 

TMP-MARIAN MONARCHS 

Coach: Gene Flax (14th year). 

League: Mid-State A.A. 

2008 record: 3-6. 

Top returners: Preston Werth (OL-LB); 

Andrew Allen (RB-DE); Jesse Barnes (OL-DL); 

Jake VonLintel (WR-DB); Andrew Heimann 

(QB-DB). 

Outlook: After going 3-6 a season ago, depth 

will be an issue once again for a youthful 

Monarch squad. The Monarchs had 35 players 

last season, but that number dwindled when 

practice began three weeks ago. Senior lineman 

Preston Werth is a two-time all-MSAA selection 

and returns on both sides of the ball. Andrew 

Heimann looks to take the snaps this year and 

run Gene Flax’s toss and trap attack. This will 

be the Monarchs’ final season as a member of 

the MSAA, which will disband. 

TRINITY CATHOLIC CELTICS 

Coach:Sean Racette (2nd year, 8-3). 


2008 record:8-3. 

Top returners:Tanner Engwieler (5-11, 175, 

Sr., RB-DB); Anthony Mendoza (6-1, 245, Sr., 

OL-LB); Brennan Oberle (5-11, 205, Sr., DL); 

Chase Jones (6-6, 245, Sr., OL); Chase Clark 

(6-1, 200, Sr., RB-LB); Michael Mesh, 6-1, 175, 

Jr., WR-DB); Derek Racette (6-0, 175, Jr., QB- 

DB). 

Others to watch:Will Bothwell (5-10, 165, Jr., 

WR); Brandon Koenigsman (6-0, 180, Jr., RB- 

LB); Tyler Dyer (6-0, 185, Jr., FB-LB); Peter 

Calvillo (6-0, 240, Jr., OL); Efrain Gutierrez (6-0, 

265, Jr., OL); Joseph Schrock (6-3, 200, So., DL); 

Alec Mailloux (6-0, 180, So., RB-LB); Austin 

Flynn (6-2, 205, Jr., OL-DL). 

Outlook: This could be a big year for the 

Celtics with numerous starters returning from a 

team that reached the second of the state playoffs 

last year, but the team must rebuild the 

offensive and defensive lines. Engwieler rushed 

for 1,074 yards last year and had 745 receiving 

yards. Junior quarterback Derek Racette passed 

for 1,625 yards and 16 touchdowns. 

WICHITA COLLEGIATE 

SPARTANS 

Coach: Bill Messamore (5th year, 31-10). 

League: MCAA. 

2008 record: 9-1. 

Top returners: Tyler Coughenour (6-1, 200, Sr., 

RB-LB-K); Tre Bailey (6-6, 200, Sr., WR-DE); 

Bryce Cornejo (6-3, 160, Sr., WR-DB); Blake 

Jablonski (6-2, 185, Sr., QB-LB); Brett LeMaster (6- 

3, 200, Sr., WR-DB). 

Others to watch: Brandon Searle (6-0, 175, Sr., 

WR); Jace Schultz (6-2, 200, Sr., OL-DL); Raymond 

Taylor (5-11, 165, Jr., RB-LB); Myles Copeland (6- 

0, 200, So., OL-LB); Trace Clark (6-2, 190, So., OL- 

DE); Ryan McCoy (6-0, 190, Sr., OL-DL). 

Outlook: The Spartans will be strong again in 

this, their final season in the MCAA. They return 

18 starters from a 9-1 team whose only loss was 

to eventual state champion Conway Springs. 

Coughenour has been offered by the Air Force. 

Mike Gehrer, the school’s athletic director and 

former head coach, is back on the sidelines as an 

assistant coach. 

WICHITA INDEPENDENT 

PANTHERS 

Coach: Kyle Wallis (1st year). 


2008 record: 2-7. 

Top returners: Zach Neville (6-2, 185, Sr., QB- 

FS); Jacob Villapando (5-10, 185, Sr., OL-DL); 

Bryce Lob (5-10, 190, Sr., OL-LB); Chase 

Lewonski (6-0, 175, Sr., WR-FS); Logan Carter 

(5-9, 160, Sr., RB-LB); Cory Palmer (5-8, 150, Sr., 

WR-DB). 

Outlook: The Panthers have their third head 

coach in as many seasons. 




Central Christian coach Jay Walter 

has dealt with a lack of numbers before. 

Walter and the Cougars have quite a 

challenge this season. 

After fielding squads of 18 and 14 players 

the last two seasons, Central Christian 

enters Friday game at 

South Central with 

just 12 on its roster. 

So, what does Walter 

think of having 

12 players? 

“It’s more than what 

I expected,” Walter 

WALTER 

said. “During the summer 

months, I did some counting of possible 

numbers of players and I was 

thinking we were only going to have 10. 

So, 12 is obviously better. But we’ve got a 

big eighth grade class this year. If we can 

hold onto the program, we’ll be OK.” 

With the lack of players, Walter said 

the Cougars’ expectations are simple. Facing 

a schedule that includes three playoff 

teams and coming off a 1-8 season, Walter 

said his team will focus more on the little 

things rather than the overall record. 

“The expectations, the win-loss, 

doesn’t matter because we’re just 

looking to get better every practice 

and every game,” Walter said. “That’s 

going to show our success because it 

isn’t going to show with our win-loss, 

our yards per game or our points for 

or points against.” 

Walter said the Cougars have four 

players returning that have experience 

and they are the ones he’s looking 

for to be team leaders. 

With the limited number of players, 

Walter has had to continue to be creative, 

making sure the Cougars’ practices 

are beneficial. Until then, the hope 

is for a large freshman class next fall. 

“I’d like to get all 12 (eighth graders) 

out, but, even if we get six to eight 

guys, it would be great,” Walter said. 

“We don’t have junior high football so 

their freshman year is going to be the 

first of full contact football. They’re a 

very athletic group of boys.”





CANTON-GALVA EAGLES 

Coach: Zac Hoppes (sixth year, 29-22) 

League: Heart of America 

2008 record: 5-4 

Top returners: Bryant Baldwin (5-6, 165, sr., 

RB-LB); John Shearer (5-9, 180, sr., RB-DE); Brett 

Williams (5-9, 155, sr., WR-DB); Loren 

Kleinschmidt (6-0, 175, sr., LB); Marc Jowers (5-9, 

155, sr., DB) 

Others to watch: Nick Vogts (5-7, 150, so., RB- 

DB); Cody Peavy (5-10, 170, so., OL-LB); Kolby 

Moddelmog (5-9, 200, so., OL-DL); Chris 

Kleinschmidt (6-2, 210, so., OL-DL) 

Outlook: Canton-Galva won’t have much depth, 

but the Eagles do return a solid nucleus with three 

offensive and five defensive starters back. 

Baldwin rushed for 840 yards and 13 touchdowns 

last season and defensively intercepted five passes. 

CLAFLIN WILDCATS 

Coach: Dave Kempke (third year, 15-7) 

League: Central Prairie 

2008 record: 8-3 

Top returners: Devin Hoffman (5-10, 170, sr., 

QB-DB); Nolan Wirth (6-4, 195, sr., TE-DE); Karl 

Miller (6-2, 185, sr., OL-DB); Ryan Bierberle (6-1, 

205, sr., OL-DE); Adam Liebl (6-1, 225, sr., OL-LB); 

Matt Beran (5-11, 220, jr., OL-LB) 

Others to watch: Tanner Strube (200, sr., RB- 

DL); Christian Heitschmidt (150, jr., WR-DB); 

Dylan Prosser (195, so., RB-LB); Benn Kirmer 

(160, so., RB-DB); Kevin Klug (5-11, 160, so., QB- 

DB) 

Outlook: With seven starters back on both sides 

of the ball, Claflin is looking to put itself back in the 

title hunt. Hoffman threw for 1,771 yards and 31 

TDs last season, and Claflin’s size on its lines will 

cause problems for opponents. It’s only losses last 

year were to Quivira Heights, Goessel and eventual 

champion Baileyville B&B. 

DEERFIELD SPARTANS 

Coach: Randy Richter (fifth year, 30-9) 

League: Santa Fe Trail 

2008 record: 10-1 

Top returners: Cris Martinez (5-9, 145, sr., QB- 

SS); Drake Freburg (5-11, 190, sr., OG-DE) 

Others to watch: Alfredo DeSantiago (5-6, 160, 

sr., OG-LB); David Rocha (5-9, 200, sr., OG-DT); 

Ivan Robles (5-6, 140, jr., RB-CB); Drake 

McMillan (5-10, 175, RB-DT) 

Outlook: Deerfield had a memorable 2008 as it 

went undefeated before losing to Clifton-Clyde in 

the playoffs. Seniors dominated that team as the 

Spartans return no offensive and two defensive 

starters. Richter believes the team will have good 

CLASS 6A 

District 1: Shawnee Mission East, 

Shawnee Mission North, Shawnee Mission 

Northwest, Shawnee Mission West 

District 2: Olathe East, Blue Valley 

North, Blue Valley Northwest, Shawnee 

Mission South 

District 3: Olathe North, Olathe South, 

Blue Valley West, Blue Valley 

District 4: Leavenworth, Lawrence 

Free State, Olathe Northwest 

District 5: Junction City, Manhattan, 

Topeka, Washburn Rural 

District 6: Derby, Wichita East, Wichita 

Heights, Wichita Southeast 

District 7: Campus, Wichita North, 

Wichita Northwest, Wichita South 

District 8: Dodge City, Garden City, 

Goddard, Maize. 

CLASS 5A 

District 1: Kansas City Schlagle, Kansas 

City Washington, Lansing, Mill Valley 

District 2: Kansas City Harmon, Kansas 

City Sumner, Kansas City Turner, Kansas 

City Wyandotte 

District 3: Bonner Springs, Shawnee 

Heights, Highland Park, Topeka Seaman 

District 4: Gardner-Edgerton, Ottawa, 

St. Thomas Aquinas, Pittsburg 

speed, but he knows the team must develop quickly. 

FAIRFIELD FALCONS 

Coach: Chuck Bisbee (first year) 

League: Heart of the Plains 

2008 record: 6-3 

Top returners: Jordan Cooper (6-0, 185, sr., QB- 

LB); Jerred Inslee (6-0, 175, sr., RB-LB); Brice Wise 

(5-9, 155, sr., OE-DE); Tanner Cooper (5-8, 165, so., 

RB-S) 

Others to watch: Zach Robinson (6-2, 305, sr., G); 

P.J. Lewis (6-0, 155, so., OE-DE); Hunter Bayse (5-11, 

170, so., OE-DE); D.J. Serviss (6-0, 205, fr., OG-NG); 

Aaron Ewy (5-7, 210, fr., C-NG) 

Outlook: Fairfield enjoyed success with back-toback 

six-win seasons. They’ll try to keep that going 

while learning a new offense under Bisbee, who 

coached at Solomon last season. Most of Fairfield’s 

skill players return, but it must rebuild its lines. 

GOESSEL BLUEBIRDS 

Coach: Justin Coup (seventh year, 43-19) 


2008 record: 10-1 

Top returners: Weston Hiebert (6-2, 195, sr., OE- 

LB); Cameron Stultz (5-10, 165, sr., RB-DB); 

Bryant Miller (6-1, 215, sr., OL-DL); Austin Cooper 

(6-2, 175, sr., OL-DL); Johnathan Berkholz (5-10, 

160, jr., RB-DB); Alex Ross (5-11, 170, jr., OL-DL) 

Others to watch: Tyler Schmidt (6-1, 165, sr., 

QB-LB); Andrew DeFreese (6-0, 190, sr., OL-DL); 

Aaron Reimer (6-5, 245, sr., OL-NG); Jake 

Smucker (5-10, 155, jr., OE-LB); Neal Brubaker (5- 

11, 150, jr., QB-DB); Braden Unruh (5-10, 150, so., 

RB-DB) 

Outlook: Goessel graduated a talented senior 

class that helped the Bluebirds win 26 games the 

past three seasons. But Coup likes the core that 

returns – Goessel returns four offensive and five 

defensive starters. The Bluebirds should again 

have good speed, but they start the year with a 

question mark at quarterback. 

GREENSBURG RANGERS 

Coach: Clint Young (third year, 6-12, 19-13 overall) 

League: SPIAA 

2008 record: 3-6 

Top returners: Grant Sirois (6-0, 220, sr., RB-DL); 

Nathan Charlton (5-7, 184, sr., RB-LB); Billy 

Stansland (6-2, 250, sr., OG-DE); Andru Twiner (5-10, 

175, sr., C-LB); Ty Schaef (5-8, 165, jr., WR-CB); 

Shannon Webster (DL) 

Others to watch: Thomas Derstein (6-0, 175, sr., 

WR-CB); Cody Headrick (6-0, jr., QB-LB); Bryce 

Yohn (5-9, 175, jr., OG-DE); Lymon Morehead (6-3, 

318, so., DT) 

District 5: Emporia, Salina Central, 

Salina South, Topeka West 

District 6: Great Bend, Hays, 

Hutchinson, McPherson 

District 7: Arkansas City, Newton, 

Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Winfield 

District 8: Liberal, Valley Center, Bishop 

Carroll, Wichita West. 

CLASS 4A 

District 1: Atchison, Hiawatha, Holton, 

Jefferson West 

District 2: Basehor-Linwood, Kansas 

City Ward, Kansas City Piper, 

Tonganoxie 

District 3: DeSoto, St. James Academy, 

Bishop Miege, Spring Hill 

District 4: Baldwin, Santa Fe Trail, 

Eudora, Perry-Lecompton 

District 5: Prairie View, Louisburg, 

Osawatomie, Paola 

District 6: Chanute, Fort Scott, 

Anderson County, Iola 

District 7: Labette County, Columbus, 

Girard, Parsons 

District 8: Coffeyville, Fredonia, 

Independence, Neodesha 

District 9: Clay Center, Royal Valley, 

Rock Creek, Wamego 

District 10: Abilene, Chapman, 

Outlook: Greensburg graduated a solid senior 

class, but it returns five offensive and six defensive 

starters. With that veteran leadership, the Rangers 

look to turn around their record. 

INGALLS BULLDOGS 

Coach: Roger Thurlow (first year) 


2008 record: 0-9 

Top returners: Matt Snyder (5-11, sr., FB-LB); 

Dalton Brooks (5-6, jr., RB-DB); David Minet (5-9, 

jr., TE-DT); Landon Vanderree (5-9, so., QB-LB) 

Outlook: Thurlow takes over a program that 

hasn’t enjoyed much success in recent years. But 

he believes this year’s team will be productive in 

the offensive and defensive backfield with the key 

being how quickly the lines mature. 

JETMORE LONGHORNS 

Coach: Russell Durler (first year) 

League: SPIAA 

2008 record: 4-5 

Top returners: Josh Appel (5-8, 165, sr., TB); 

Clint Goebel (5-10, 175, sr., OL); Grant Stairrett (5- 

10, 185, sr., OL); Evan Kreger (5-10, 175, jr., RB); 

Isaiah Richardson (5-8, 165, jr., QB) 

Outlook: Jetmore is coming off a down season – 

it had won 21 games the previous two seasons. 

Now the Longhorns try to turn things around with 

a new coach and two returning starters on both 

sides of the ball. The team only has four seniors 

and not much size, but it has good quickness. 

LITTLE RIVER REDSKINS 

Coach: Shane Cordell (29th year, 200-89) 


2008 record: 3-6 

Top returners: Colten Viers (6-2, 230, sr., TE-NG); 

Greg Prescott (6-4, 180, sr., TE-DE); Wyatt Konen (6- 

2, 190, sr., OG-DE); Jake Haller (5-9, 160, sr., OE-DB); 

Gavin Miller (6-0, 195, sr., RB-LB); Matt Lamber (6- 

3, 285, sr., OL-DL); Caden Ackerman (6-0, 165, jr., QB- 

DB); Kyle Arbuckle (5-10, 160, jr., DB) 

Top newcomers: Skylar Hill (5-11, 175, jr., QB- 

DB); Cody Schafer (6-0, 165, so., RB-LB) 

Outlook: Behind a solid senior class, Little River 

looks to turn the corner this fall. The Redskins have 

better numbers on their roster and decent size. They 

return six starters on both sides of the ball. 

MACKSVILLE MUSTANGS 

Coach: Daniel Grizzell (11th year, 70-34) 


2008 record: 8-4 (2-2 in CPL) 

Top returners: Evan Loomis (6-3, 200, sr., OE- 

LB); Garrett Aves (6-4, 200, sr., QB); Marc Renfro 

(5-10, 155, sr., DB); Dakota Allison (6-1, 185, jr., FB- 

EIGHT-MAN I CAPSULES 

DE); Kyle Bunker (6-5, 200, jr., DE) 

Top newcomers: Justin Claussen (5-8, 163, sr., 

RB-LB); Richard Petty (6-0, 163, sr., OE-DB); 

Tyler Schultz (6-0, 170, sr., OE-DL); Derek Bevan 

(6-5, 181, jr., OL-DE); Hernan Llanas (5-7, 157, jr., 

OE-DB); Ben Wheaton (5-11, 283, jr., OL-DL); 

Adam Oak (5-11, 143, so., RB-DB); Seth Filbert (5- 

11, 155, so., QB-DB) 

Outlook: Macksville returns 19 lettermen from 

a team that reached the state semifinals and averaged 

47.8 points per game. Aves threw for 1,291 

yards and 18 TDs last year, while Loomis caught 

28 passes and recorded 109 tackles. Grizzell 

believes this team will be stronger and quicker 

than in past years. 

MINNEOLA WILDCATS 

Coach: Aaron Schilde (first year) 

League: SPIAA 

2008 record: 7-3 (4-1 in SPIAA) 

Top returners: Austin Lahman (6-0, 240, sr., OL- 

DL); Josh Stapleton (6-4, 220, sr., OL-DL); Ethan 

Ediger (6-1, 170, sr., QB-DB); Kameron Ptacek (5- 

10, 150, sr., RB-DB) 

Top newcomers: Jason McClaren (6-2, 180, sr., 

QB-DB); Tyson Alley (5-10, 210, sr., OL-DL); Alex 

Stewart (6-2, 180, sr., OE-DL); Austin Riley (5-9, 

165, jr., RB-LB); Aaron Horacek (5-9, 170, jr., OE- 

LB); Dalton Williams (6-3, 210, so., OL-DL); Matt 

Edwards (5-6, 145, so., RB-DB) 

Outlook: Ingalls graduated 10 seniors from last 

year’s playoff team, but the Wildcats return good 

depth and size. Lahman, Stapleton and Ediger 

were all-league players a year ago. The offensive 

and defensive lines will be the heart of this year’s 

team. 

PRETTY PRAIRIE BULLDOGS 

Coach: C.T. Young (eighth year) 


2008 record: 7-2 

Top returners: Cole Kirkbride (5-10, 211, sr., OL- 

DL); Ben Ketchem (5-11, 294, sr., OL-DL); Hunter 

Pittman (6-0, 140, jr., QB-DB); Daniel Krehbiel (6- 

3, 185, jr., RB-LB); Josh Kaufman (5-9, 178, jr., FB- 

LB); Tanner Hines (6-1, 175, jr., OE-DB); Seth 

Hastings (6-1, 1954, jr., OL-DL) 

Top newcomers: Jared McMillian (5-9, 165, jr., 

OL-LB); Brett Graham (5-10, 138, jr., RB-DB); 

Tyler Gehring (5-7, 150, so., OL-DL); Stetson Broce 

(6-3, 150, fr., E-DB); Brandon Keeler (6-1, 167, fr., 

OL-DL); Alex Mans (5-8, 131, fr., OE-DB) 

Outlook: The Bulldogs graduated a good senior 

class as they return four offensive and two defensive 

starters. Pittman threw for 876 yards and 

accounted for 23 touchdowns last season, while 

Krehbiel rushed for 373 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

DISTRICT ASSIGNMENTS 

Hesston, Topeka Hayden 

District 11: Andover, Augusta, El 

Dorado, Circle 

District 12: Andover Central, 

Mulvane, Rose Hill, Wichita Trinity 

District 13: Chaparral, Cheney, 

Clearwater, Wellington 

District 14: Hugoton, Kingman, Pratt, 

Ulysses 

District 15: Andale, Buhler, Haven, 

Nickerson 

District 16: Colby, Concordia, Larned, 

Smoky Valley 

CLASS 3A 

District 1: Baxter Springs, Caney 

Valley, Galena, Riverton 

District 2: Southeast-Cherokee, 

Cherryvale, Erie, Frontenac 

District 3: Burlington, Eureka, Jayhawk 

Linn, Central Heights 

District 4: Osage City, West Franklin, 

Silver Lake, Wellsville 

District 5: Northern Heights, Council 

Grove, Mission Valley, Rossville 

District 6: Pleasant Ridge, McLouth, 

Oskaloosa, Jefferson County North 

District 7: Maur Hill Prep, Atchison 

County, Horton, Sabetha 

District 8: Republic County, Marysville, 

Riley County, Nemaha Valley 

District 9: Southeast of Saline, 

Herington, Hillsboro, Marion 

District 10: Halstead, Trinity Catholic, 

Sedgwick, Remington 

District 11: Douglass, Bluestem, Wichita 

Collegiate, Wichita Independent 

District 12: Belle Plaine, Conway 

Springs, Garden Plain, Medicine Lodge 

District 13: Ellinwood, Ellsworth, 

Hoisington, Lyons 

District 14: TMP-Marian, Beloit, 

Phillipsburg, Russell 

District 15: Goodland, Ness City- 

Dighton, Norton, Scott City 

District 16: Cimarron, Holcomb, 

Southwestern Heights, Lakin. 

CLASS 2-1A 

District 1: Valley Heights, Solomon, 

Wabaunsee 

District 2: Jackson Heights, Onaga, St. 

Marys 

District 3: Centralia-Wetmore, 

Doniphan West, Troy, Wathena 

District 4: Immaculata, Lyndon, Valley 

Falls 

District 5: Chase County, Moundridge, 

Peabody-Burns 

District 6: Humboldt, Olpe, Yates 

Center 

Pretty Prairie’s only losses last season were to 

quality opponents in Goessel and Claflin. 

ST. JOHN TIGERS 

Coach: Nick Garcia (fifth year, 26-15) 


2008 record: 3-6 

Top returners: Aaron Spare (5-11, 155, sr., QB- 

DE); Matt Ward (5-10, 175, sr., OL-LB); Zach 

Minnis (5-10, 155, jr., WR-DB); Brandon Blakeslee 

(5-10, 160, jr., WR-DB) 

Outlook: St. John brings back plenty of skill 

players, but will be young on the offensive line. 

The Tigers have only three seniors, so they need to 

adjust to the varsity level quickly. St. John needs 

to be better defensively as it allowed more than 40 

points in all six losses last year. 

SKYLINE THUNDERBIRDS 

Coach: Jon Novotny (third year, 1-17) 


2008 record: 0-9 

Top returners: Trent Befort (6-2, 230, sr., RB- 

LB); Brian Moore (6-5, 225, sr., C-DE); Brandon 

Morrow (5-10, 240, sr., OL-LB); Devin Hacker (6-0, 

180, jr., FB-LB) 

Outlook: Injuries sidetracked Skyline’s season a 

year ago, but the Thunderbirds are hoping for a 

successful campaign as six starters return on both 

sides of the ball. Skyline needs to replace a twoyear 

starter at quarterback, but they have good 

size and strength up front and return an all-league 

player in Befort. 

SOUTH GRAY REBELS 

Coach: Jeff Blattner (first year) 

League: SPIAA 

2008 record: 5-4 

Top returners: Marshall Carter (6-0, 180, sr., 

OL-DL); Zach Hibbert (5-9, 185, sr., RB-LB); 

Garrison Hendricks (6-0, 160, jr., QB-DB); Tanner 

Dirks (6-0, 145, jr., OE-DL) 

Others to watch: Dustin Kirby (6-1, 170, sr., OE- 

DL); Dylan Neuschafer (5-8, 225, sr., OL-DL); 

Lane Hedlund (6-0, 245, jr., C-DL); Coulter Croft (5- 

8, 140, so., RB-DB); Storm Mosher (5-8, 170, so., 

OE-DB); Luis Gallegos (5-9, 170, so., RB-LB); Joey 

Carter (5-10, 215, so., OL-DL) 

Outlook: South Gray graduated a solid senior 

class, including quarterback Chet Skinner. But 

that’s not the only change as Blattner takes over 

as coach – he spent the past 22 years as Haviland’s 

head coach. South Gray returns five offensive and 

four defensive starters and should be an athletic 

team. The Rebels won’t have a lot of size. 

District 7: Northeast-Arma, Pittsburg 

Colgan, Pleasanton, Uniontown 

District 8: West Elk, Oswego, Sedan 

District 9: Osborne, Smith Center, 

Washington County 

District 10: Ellis, Plainville, WaKeeney 

District 11: Bennington, Minneapolis, 

Salina Sacred Heart 

District 12: Ell-Saline, Inman, Sterling 

District 13: Kinsley, La Crosse, Meade 

District 14: Elkhart, Stanton County, 

Satanta, Sublette 

District 15: Rawlings County, Leoti, St. 

Francis, Syracuse 

District 16: Hoxie, Oakley, Oberlin. 

EIGHT-MAN I 

District 1: Baileyville B&B, Burlingame, 

Elwood, Frankfort, Marais des Cygnes 

Valley, Wakefield 

District 2: Colony-Crest, Hartford, Lebo, 

Southern Coffey County, Madison-Hamilton, 

Marmaton Valley 

District 3: Altoona-Midway, Central- 

Burden, Chetopa, Oxford, Flinthills, Udall 

District 4: Canton-Galva, Claflin, 

Goessel, Fairfield, Little River, Pretty 

Prairie, Stafford 

District 5: Greensburg, Jetmore, 

Macksville, Pratt Skyline, Spearville, St. 

SPEARVILLE ROYAL LANCERS 

Coach: Matt Fowler (first year) 

League: SPIAA 


Top returners: Ryan King (5-11, 220, sr., FB- 

LB); Garrett Shafer (6-3, 240, sr., OG-DE); John 

Helfrich (6-1, 200, sr., OG-DT) 

Outlook: Spearville was a playoff team last 

year, but the Royal Lancers will need to rebuild 

with a lot of new starters. They return three 

starters on both sides of the ball and those starters 

will give Spearville solid play up front. The question 

mark will be in the backfield where there’s little 

experience returning. 

STAFFORD TROJANS 

Coach: Eric Overmiller (second year) 


2008 record: 36 

Top returners: Tanner Newell (6-0, 185, jr., TE- 

LB); Alex Setter (6-1, 175, jr., QB-CB); Ian Brau (5-10, 

180, jr., RB-CB); Jacob Morris (5-9, 184, jr., OT-DT) 

Top newcomers: Kayne Volker (6-0, 170, sr., OG- 

DE); Ross Harris (5-6, 135, jr., WR-FS); Matt Wald (5- 

8, 155, jr., C-DT); Chris Lowe (5-5, 145, so., RB-DE) 

Outlook: Stafford graduated some solid seniors 

from last year’s team, but it does return four offensive 

and three defensive starters. Depth is a concern 

for the Trojans. 

TRIBUNE JACKRABBITS 

Coach: Greg Brown (10th year, 69-32) 

League: Western Kansas Liberty 

2008 record: 6-3 

Top returners: Mace Bender (5-8, 170, sr., RB- 

LB); Jordan Nemechek (6-4, 185, sr., OE-DE); 

Jordan Harney (5-8, 160, sr., RB-DE); Jonathan 

Miller (6-0, 190, jr., QB-LB); Stephen Houston (6-0, 

160, jr., OE-S) 

Outlook: Tribune, which brings back four 

starters on both sides of the ball, returns plenty of 

experience as the skill positions as it looks to return 

to the playoffs. Brown also believes that his 

defense will be much improved. 

WESTERN PLAINS BOBCATS 

Coach: Rich Klitzke (fifth year, 11-25) 


2008 record: 5-4 

Top returners: No individual information made 

available. 

Outlook: Western Plains made strides last 

season, going from one win in 2007 to five a 

year ago. The Bobcats return three starters 

on both sides of the ball and 12 lettermen. 

Klitzke thinks the team will have good depth 

and speed. 

John 

District 6: Deerfield, Ingalls, Minneola, 

South Gray, Rolla, Tribune 

District 7: Healy-Western Plains, Hill 

City, Thunder Ridge, Quinter, Stockton, 

Triplains-Brewster 

District 8: Clifton-Clyde, Lakeside, 

Southern Cloud, Lincoln, Rock Hills, Pike 

Valley. 

EIGHT-MAN II 

District 1: Axtell, Bern, Hanover, Hope, 

Linn, Blue Valley 

District 2: Beloit-St. John’s, Jewell, 

Lucas-Luray, Sylvan Grove, Tescott, 

Wilson 

District 3: Elk Valley, Centre, Kansas 

School for the Deaf, St. Paul, Waverly, 

White City 

District 4: Argonia, Caldwell, Cedar 

Vale, Dexter, Norwich, South Haven 

District 5: Attica, Burrton, Quivira 

Heights, Chase, Cunningham, South Barber 

District 6: Ashland, Bucklin, South 

Central, Fowler, Haviland, Moscow 

District 7: Logan, Natoma, Otis-Bison, 

Palco, Pawnee Heights, Victoria 

District 8: Northern Valley, Cheylin, 

Golden Plains, Sharon Springs, Weskan, 

Wheatland-Grinnell





BENNINGTON BULLDOGS 

Coach:Matt Pickrell (4th year, 5-23). 

League: Heart of America. 

2008 record: 2-7. 

Top returners:Jeff Giacolleto (6-0, 175, Sr., QB- 

FS); Brian Gellinger (5-10, 170, Jr., TB-SS); Dakota 

Rohleder (5-11, 190, Sr., FB); Brandon Kirby (6-1, 

175, Sr., OL-LB); Zach Burrow (5-7, 210, Jr., OL-DL); 

Tyler Walden (5-11, 195, Jr., OL-DL); Chance Glavin 

(6-1, 160, Sr., WR-CB). 

Outlook: The Bulldogs must stay healy because of 

a lack of numbers. Giacolleto passed for 649 yards 

last year, while Gellinger had 914 all-purpose yards. 

ELKHART WILDCATS 

Coach: Rob Wilson (4th year, 3-24). 


2008 record: 3-6. 

Top returners: Marcus Irsik (5-10, 165, Jr., RB- 

FS); Jordan Simmons (6-1, 170, Jr., RB-WR-CB); 

Ulises Prieto (5-4, 125, Jr., QB-CB); Jonathan Owens 

(5-10, 155, Jr. (SE-LB); Yuset Pena (5-10, 205, Sr., OL- 

DL); Ivan Moreno (6-0, 175, Jr., OT-DE); Seth White 

(5-6, 165, Jr., OL-LB). 

Others to watch: Dylan Overpeck (6-2, 190, Sr., 

TE); Omar Levario (6-0, 155, Jr., LB); Travis 

Perkins (6-1, 180, Jr., DE); Junior Moreno (6-0, 175, 

So., LB). 

Outlook: The Wildcats made strides last year 

with three wins after ending a 31-game losing streak. 

More success is expected this season with 18 starters 

returning, including 10 on defense.,. 

ELL-SALINE CARDINALS 

Coach:Terry King (10th year). 


2008 record: 10-1. 

Top returners: Tate Omli (5-10, 185, Jr., QB-DB); 

Michael Haverfield (6-0, 180, Sr., RB-DB); Jake 

Werner (6-1, 225, Sr., OT-DE); J.P. Schneider (5-8, 

240, Jr., C-DT); Payte Johnson (6-1, 165, Sr., WR-CB); 

Tyler Schultz (6-1, 170, Sr., WR); Eric Nelson (OT- 

LB); Cody Rietcheck (OG-LB); 

Outlook: The Cardinals are loaded as they return 

16 starters from a 10-1 team that claimed the HOA 

championship. One of those is Omli, who had one of 

ASHLAND BLUEJAYS 

Coach: Matt Scripsick (fifth year, 21-16) 

League: SPIAA 


Top returners: Corey Stebens (sr., QB); Giles Fox 

(sr., OG-LB); Kirk Woodruff (sr., C-DE); James 

Callahan (sr., NG); Sean LaBelle (sr., DE); Clay 

Vigil (sr., LB); Ervin Swonger (jr., RB-S); Ben Fox 

(jr., RB-LB); Terrell Osborn (jr., RB-S); Cole 

Gardiner (jr., WR); Adrian Dominquez (jr., WR); 

Jay Luerman (so. QB) 

Others to watch: Ramon Gardiner (jr., WR) 

Outlook: Ashland has good size and speed up 

front and experience with its skill players. 

Offensively, Luerman threw for 1,094 yards, while 

Swonger had 54 catches for 571 yards and 19 TDs. 

Defensively, Woodruff and LaBelle each had doubledigit 

sacks. 

ATTICA BULLDOGS 

Coach: Lance Vandeveer (11th year, 55-42, 109-77 

overall) 


2008 record: 3-6 

Top returners: Mike Loreg (6-9, 195, sr., OE- 

DE); Anthony Summers (5-11, 160, jr., QB-LB); 

Jacob Summers (5-11, 210, jr., OL-DE); John Blick 

(6-1, 225, jr., RB-LB); Kody Struble (5-8, 150, jr., 

RB-LB) 

Outlook: Attica returns four starters on both 

sides of the ball, but depth is a definite concern as 

only 10 players are on the roster. The Bulldogs 

have one senior and four juniors with good varsity 

experience, so others will need to step into roles 

quickly. 

BUCKLIN RED ACES 

Coach: Stephen Hokanson (fifth year, 15-22) 

League: SPIAA 

2008 record: 1-8 

Top returners: No player information made 

available. 

Outlook: Bucklin tries to return to its winning 

ways after a down 2008. The Red Aces had won 

11 games in the previous two seasons, but 

rebuilt last year with a lot of new faces on the 

field. 

the best seasons of any high school quarterback in 

the state last year – 37 touchdown passes, 1,700 yards 

passing, 835 yards passing … and 11 interceptions on 

defense. 

INMAN TEUTONS 

Coach: Matt Harris (2nd year, 2-7). 


2008 record: 2-7. 

Top returners: Jake Friesen (5-10, 160, Sr., QB); 

Sam Martin (6-4, 175, Sr., WR-DB); Aaron 

Heidebrecht, 6-1, 190, Sr., OL-DL); Bryan Hostetler 

(6-1, 195, Sr., OL-DL); Chris Ryan (6-0, 170, Sr., LB); 

Mike Ryan (6-2, 210, Sr., RB-LB); Ryan Foster (6-1, 

185, Jr., OL-DL); Luke Ropp (6-0, 175, Jr., RB-LB); 

Trevor Grant (5-9, 200, Jr., RB-DL). 

Outlook:.Look for things to pick up for the 

Teutons, who return 16 starters – eight on offense and 

eight on defense. Ropp rushed for 892 yards, while 

Friesen passed for 871 yards and Martin had 44 

catches for 733 yards. IHS will count on a solid senior 

class for leadership and will relay on its speed. 

KINSLEY COYOTES 

Coach: Jeff Chambers (2nd year, 4-4). 

League: Central Prairie. 

2008 record: 4-4. 

Top returners: Reed Strate (5-7, 160, QB-SS); 

Tanner Riisoe (6-0, 170, Sr. RB-LB); Angel Gardea 

(5-7, 160, So., RB-FS); Weston Schuette (6-0, 175, Jr., 

WR-CB); Levi Hirsh (5-9, 160, So., WR-CB); William 

Stegman (6-0, 190, Jr., OT-DT); Austin Tiemann (6-0, 

190, So. OT-DT); Thomas Cunningham (5-10, 180, Jr., 

OG-LB); Josh Naber (6-3, 195, Jr., TE-DE). 

Others to watch: Austin Ditges (5-7, 160, So., RB); 

Cesar Hernandez (6-0, 180, Sr., WR); Hayden Petty 

(6-0, 240, So., OG); Michael Kennedy (5-10, 190, Sr., 

C); Jordan German (6-0, 250, So., C); Chase Young 

(6-0, 180, Jr., DE). 

Outlook: The Coyotes will have a very young 

team this season and will need to stay healthy to 

develop their depth. 

LA CROSSE LEOPARDS 

Coach:Jon Webster (1st year). 

League:Central Prairie. 

CHASE KATS 

Coach: Otis Hendryx (second year, 4-5, 32-13 

overall) 

League: Twin Lakes 

2008 record: 4-5 (3-1 in TLL) 

Top returners: Jake Kizzar (5-10, 203, sr., RB- 

LB); Scott Root (6-0, 215, jr., FB-LB); Billy Clark (5- 

8, 175, jr., OG-DE); Josh Ray (6-2, 190, jr., TE-DE); 

Zach Oberle (6-0, 180, so., QB-LB) 

Outlook: Chase got a taste of winning last season. 

Now the Kats hope to improve on that with 14 

lettermen back, including five starters on both 

sides of the ball. Chase has 18 on its roster, including 

four seniors. Kizzar was an all-league player 

last season. 

CUNNINGHAM WILDCATS 

Coach: Lance McGuire (fourth year, 13-15) 


2008 record: 8-2 

Top returners: Kyle Gridley (160, sr., RB-LB); 

Dusty Ziegler (160, sr., OL-LB); Zach Laws (180, sr., 

OL-DL); Andy Albers (135, sr., QB-DB); TJ Fischer 

(230, jr., OL-DL); Kyle Kerschen (160, jr., RB-DB); 

Cody Gridley (190, jr., OE-DL) 

Outlook: Cunningham built a winner last year, 

starting the season 7-0. The Wildcats had won one 

game in 2006 and four in 2007. With three starters 

back on both sides, Cunningham would like to keep 

its momentum going. Kerschen is a big-play threat 

as a running back, and it also return good experience 

up front. 

FOWLER GOLDBUGS 

Coach: Casey Dressler (third year, 4-14) 

League: SPIAA 


Top returners: Jesus Perez (6-1, 170, sr., RB-LB); 

Jeremiah Goodwin (6-4, 210, sr., TE-DT); Jeremy 

Milford (6-1, 160, jr., QB-SS); Cosme Estrada (5-11, 

205, jr., RB-LB); Abdiel Granados (5-8, 190, jr., C- 

LB) 

Others to watch: Cole Lethem (5-8, 145, sr., CB); 

Steven Cross (5-9, 165, jr., OG); Desmond Bergkamp 

(5-8, 145, jr., OG); Vicente Granados (6-1, 235, jr., 

DE); Jett Reese (6-0, 200, fr., DT) 

Outlook: Fowler looks for improvement with five 

CLASS 2-1A CAPSULES 

2008 record:11-1. 

Top returners: Marcus Moeder (5-11, 152, Jr., RB- 

DB); Colby Biernacki (5-10, 195, Sr., OL-DL); Ty 

Renz (5-11, 217, Sr., OL-DL); Chance Richardson (6- 

0, 210, Sr., OL-DL); Tommy Moeder (5-10, 187, Sr., 

OL-DL); 

Others to watch: Taylor Stull (6-0, 160, So., QB- 

DB); Austin Webs (5-11, 154, So., WB-DB); Matt 

Irvin (5-10, 164, Jr., RB-LB); Kelly Biernacki (5-11, 

150, Jr., WR-DB); Tanner Yohe (5-10, 202, So., TE- 

LB). 

Outlook: The Leopards had one of those dream 

seasons last year that ended in the third round of the 

2-1A playoffs to eventual champion Smith Center. 

LaCrosse losta number of talented players off that 

team, but still return 11 starters, including four on 

the offensive line who will block for junior running 

back Marcus Meoder. 

LEOTI INDIANS 

Coach:Gary Campas (2nd year, 5-4) 

League: Hi-Plains 

2008 record: 5-4 

Top returners: Watson McKinney (6-0, 170, sr., 

QB); Steven Harkness (6-1, 175, sr., WR); Trenton 

Weilert (6-0, 190, sr., C-DL); Breck Fletcher (6-0, 200, 

sr., C-DL); Alec Horton (6-2, 195, jr., RB-DB); Drew 

Smith (6-0, 185, jr., RB-DB) 

Others to watch: Mario Mancillas (5-7, 160, jr., 

DB); Gabe Martinez (5-9, 160, so., RB-DB) 

Outlook: Leoti had a solid season during Campas’ 

first year as coach and the Indians could be much 

better this season. They return nine starters on both 

sides of the ball, including McKinney, who threw for 

1,790 yards a year ago, and Harkness, who had 800 

receiving yards. 

MEADE BUFFALOES 

Coach: Scott Moshier (4th year, 26-8). 

League: SPIAA. 

2008 record: 10-2. 

Top returners: Jordan Moshier (6-0, 185, Sr., FB- 

LB); Dakota Benear (6-1, 185, Sr., QB-DB); Kellan 

Hernandez (5-11, 170, Jr., WB-DB); Jaden Friesen (5- 

starters back on both sides of the ball. Fifteen players 

are on the roster, led by six juniors. 

HAVILAND DRAGONS 

Coach: Greg Wyrick (first year) 

League: SPIAA 

2008 record: 5-4 (third in SPIAA) 

Top returners: Ruben Perez (sr., TB-LB); Tanner 

Stevens (sr., OE-S); Tanner McFarland (sr., FB-S); 

Garret Somerholder (sr., OG-LB) 

Others to watch: John Musquez (jr., OG-DL); 

Ross Binfield (so., QB-LB); Jordan Wyrick (so., C- 

DL); Colter Brown (so., OG-DL); Montana Ralstin 

(so., OE-S) 

Outlook: Haviland returns an athletic team, but 

the Dragons won’t have much depth. Wyrick takes 

over as coach for Jeff Blattner, who left for South 

Gray after 22 years at Haviland. 

MOSCOW WILDCATS 

Coach: Erik Willimon (second year, 10-2) 


2008 record: 10-2 

Top returners: Dalton Cross (5-9, 160, sr., OL- 

DL); Ismael Flores (6-1, 175, sr., RB-DB) 

Top newcomers: Ray Garcia (6-1, 165, jr.); 

Hamid Martinez (5-10, 248, jr.); Breck Roop (5-9, 

140, so.); Ty Herman (5-10, 155, so.); Jonathon 

Manriquez (5-10, 170, so.); Ozvaldo Granillo (5-11, 

170, so.); 

Outlook: Moscow made a big step forward last 

season, winning 10 games and reaching the state 

semifinals before losing to Victoria. Now the 

Wildcats start over after graduating the heart of 

that team – 10 seniors. Moscow has just two seniors 

this season and Willimon said he might use some 

freshmen to fill some spots. 

NORWICH EAGLES 

Coach: Tyler Dansel (first year) 


2008 record: 8-3 

Top returners: Cody Howard (5-9, 153, sr., QB- 

DB); Ty Turner (5-8, 237, sr., OL-DL); William 

Webb (5-10, 153, sr., RB-DB); Patrick Vulgamore 

(5-11, 163, sr., TE-DB); Alex Hull (6-0, 193, jr., RB- 

LB); Kirk Riepe (6-0, 191, jr., TE-LB); Dylan Berry 

EIGHT-MAN II CAPSULES 

11, 185, Jr., FB-OLB); Trevin Pfanenstiel (6-3, 310, 

Sr., OL-DL). 

Others to watch: Colton Little (5-8, 155, Jr., WB- 

DB); Albert Davis (5-10, 170, Jr., WR-DB); Adrian 

Pfanenstiel (5-11, 220, So., TE-LB); Tyler Reimer (6- 

0, 180, Sr., TE-OLB). 

Outlook: The Buffaloes are rebuilding after losing 

a talented 13-player senior class from a team that 

reached the state semifinals before losing to eventual 

champion Smith Center. The Buffaloes will be 

looking for leadership from their senior class again 

with just three starters returning from a 10-2 team. 

MOUNDRIDGE WILDCATS 

Coach: Courtney Moddelmog (1st year). 


2008 record: 7-4. 

Top returners: Caleb Critchfield (5-10, 170, Sr., 

RB-LB); Aaron Fast (6-2, 185, Sr. Ol-DL); Jared 

Kaufman (5-11, 225, Sr., OL-LB); Lance Loganbill (5- 

11, 155, Sr., RB-LB); Austin Neufeld (6-2, 245, Sr., 

OL-DL); Dalton Smith (5-10, 215, Sr., OL-DL). 

Others to watch: Reese Wedel (6-0, 185, Sr., OL- 

DL); Lane Barton (6-0, 200, Jr., OL-DL); Josh 

Schmidt (5-10, 160, Jr., TE-LB); Joel Sugars (6-0, 171, 

Jr., QB-LB); Trey Unrau (5-11, 165, So., RB-DB). 

Outlook: The Wildcats have a new coach and will 

have a lot of new starters after losing all their skills 

players from last year’s seven-win season. 

Moundridge does return 10 starters – four on offense 

and six on defense – including three players who are 

two-way starters – Kaufman, Loganbill and Neufeld. 

PEABODY-BURNS WARRIORS 

Coach: David Pickens (fifth year, 18-20) 


2008 record: 0-9 

Top returners: Derek Price (6-1, 185, jr., QB-DB); 

Storm Pickens (5-9, 155, jr., RB-DB); Trevor Foth 

(5-11, 190, jr., OL-DL); Clint Jones (6-1, 190, jr., OL- 

DL) 

Outlook: Peabody-Burns had run off seven 

straight winning seasons before a down year in 2008. 

Now the Warriors will try to bounce back behind a 

strong junior class. 

(6-1, 201, jr., OL-DL); Jeremiah Booth (6-0, 231, so., 

OL-DL) 

Outlook: Norwich graduated a solid senior class, 

but the Eagles return seven players who started at 

least one game on defense. Howard returns at quarterback. 

The Eagles, who have won 15 games the 

past two seasons, will have a new coach – Craig 

Rust had been head coach for the past 11 years. 

OTIS-BISON COUGARS 

Coach: Travis Starr (fifth year, 10-26) 


2008 record: 2-7 (0-4 in CPL) 

Top returners: Kevin Wissman (6-1, 180, sr., QB- 

DB); Matt Suppes (6-0, 205, sr., OL-DL); Dominic 

Trapp (6-1, 180, jr., TE-DL); Mike Hlavaty (5-9, 180, 

jr., RB-DB); Josh Krom (6-1, 240, jr., OL-DL); 

Robert Kolas (5-8, 235, jr., OL-DL); Jake Crotinger 

(5-11, 155, jr., WR-DB); Jackie Cornwell (5-11, 155, jr., 

WR-DB) 

Top newcomer: Matt Crotinger (5-10, 160, so., 

WR-DB) 

Outlook: Otis-Bison has won only three games the 

past two seasons, but the Cougars look to turn their 

fortunes. They return 10 players who started last 

year, six on offense and seven defensively. 

Wissman and Suppes – the team’s only seniors – were 

all-league players last year. 

PAWNEE HEIGHTS TIGERS 

Coach: Matt Housman (first year) 

League: SPIAA 

2008 record: 9-2 

Top returners: Nolan Dreiling (204, sr., OE-LB); 

Cameron Bauer (155, sr., QB-S); Tyler Bailey (200, 

sr., OL-DL); Sheldon Lee (175, sr., OL-DL); Cody 

Crook (297, jr., OL-DL) 

Outlook: The Tigers have won 18 games over the 

past two years, but now they must replace key skill 

position players. They do bring back a solid senior 

class as they try to make another return to the playoffs. 

Housman takes over as coach for Oliver 

Salmans. 

QUIVIRA HEIGHTS T’BIRDS 

Coach: John Phelan (first year) 


SATANTA INDIANS 

Coach: Jeremy Hazen (4th year, 8-19). 


2008 record: 3-6. 

Top returners: Kurtis Clawson (5-6, 160, Jr., RB- 

LB); Shaun Bauer (5-5, 125, Jr., WR-DB); Alan Caro 

(5-6, 140, So., WR-DB); Eli Stalker (6-1, 170, So., OL- 

DL). 

Outlook: If the Indians are to improve on last season’s 

three wins, they’ll have to do it with a young 

team that is lacking in size. 

STANTON COUNTY TROJANS 

Coach:Bret Kendrick (7th year, 38-21). 

League:H-Plains. 

2008 record: 4-5. 

Top returners: Joe McCleary (5-10, 175, So., RB- 

DB); Austin Naim (6-1, 175, Jr., RB-DB); Richard 

Seger (5-8, 160, Sr., RB-DB); Will Casswell (5-11, 205, 

Jr., OL-LB; David Logan (6-2, 190, Jr., TE-DE); 

Edgar Navarro (6-1, 190, Jr., OL-DL); Layton 

Grover (6-1, 210, Jr., OL-DL); Spencer Walker (5-10, 

190, Sr., C-DL). 

Outlook:The Trojans have better numbers this 

season after losing five players in the season opener 

last year, which cut the roster to 19 players. It was 

down to 15 by the time district play rolled around. 

Although not blessed with good size, the Trojans do 

have more quickness and speed and will look to 

peak during district play. 

STERLING BLACK BEARS 

Coach: Matt Hendricks (1st year). 

League: MCAA. 

2008 record:2-8. 

Top returners:Matt Foster (5-9, 160, Sr., RB-LB); 

Heath Hewitt (6-2, 225, Sr., OL-DL); Aryn Walton (6- 

2, 190, Jr., TE-LB); Trea Lott (5-11, 150, Jr., WR-DB). 

Others to watch: Dylan Flickenger (5-10, 190, Sr., 

OL-LB); Seth Humphries (5-10, 150, So., QB-DB); 

Guy Oden (6-3, 195, Jr., OL-DL); Bryant Patterson (6- 

1, 165, So., RB-LB); Alex Burgess (5-10, 150, So., RB- 

LB); Chad Bennett (6-0, 160, So., RB-LB); Taylor 

Fair (5-10, 170, So., OL-DL); Michael Dow (5-10, 180, 

2008 record: 9-2 

Top returners: Jacob Ingham (6-1, 200, sr., WR- 

S); Joe Kratzer (6-3, 200, sr., OL-DL); Tyler Riedel 

(6-0, 150, sr., WR); Matt Weber (5-11, 140, sr., DB); 

Taylor Siemsen (5-11, 185, jr., RB-LB); Brenton 

Turner (6-0, 215, jr., OL-LB) 

Top newcomers: Gunner Phelan (6-0, 175, jr., 

QB); Brent Jezek (6-2, 215, jr., OL-DL); Nick 

Shepmann (6-3, 195, so., RB-DE) 

Outlook: Gunner Phelan takes over at quarterback 

for Darren Siemsen, who passed for 2,140 yards 

and 41 TDs as a senior. The new quarterback will 

have plenty of weapons to pick from as the 

Thunderbirds will be deep at the skill positions. The 

T-birds must fill holes on defense early because they 

play a tough September schedule. 

SOUTH BARBER CHIEFTAINS 

Coach: James Johnston (22nd year, 133-78) 


2008 record: 5-4 

Top returners: Stewart Ott (6-3, 270, sr., OG-DL); 

Dallas Summers (6-0, 205, sr., OE-DL); Cayde 

Sterling (5-6, 175, sr., RB-LB); Kendall Clark (6-2, 

200, OL-DL, jr.); Christian Johnston (5-11, 160, jr., 

QB); Matthew Murry (5-9, 150, jr., WR-DB); Daniel 

Lamber (6-0, 250, jr., OL-DL); Luke Yearout (6-4, 

190, so., LB); Blake Wagenbach (5-6, 170, so., RB- 

DB) 

Top newcomer: Dylan Lewis (6-0, 150, LB) 

Outlook: South Barber hasn’t made the playoffs 

since 2005, but this could be the year to break that 

streak. The Chieftains return good size on the line, 

have four offensive, three defensive starters and 16 

letterman back. 

SOUTH CENTRAL 

TIMBERWOLVES 

Coach: Matt Smith (fourth year, 17-13) 

League: SPIAA 

2008 record: 8-2 

Top returners: Clayton Adams (6-0, 160, sr., FB- 

LB); Andrew Hess (6-2, 260, sr., NG); Josh Asbury (5- 

10, 230, jr., OL-LB); Clay Jarnagin (5-10, 150, so., DB) 

Top newcomers: AJ Cline (5-9, 160, sr., TB-LB); 

Juan Soto (5-10, 220, jr., OL-DL); Austin Mounts (5- 

Jr., OL-DL). 

Outlook: The Black Bears will have a young 

team with just four starters returning on each side 

of the ball. First-year coach Matt Hendricks will be 

looking to his sophomore class for step up and contribute. 

SUBLETTE LARKS 

Coach: Steve Simpson (6th year). 


2008 record:5-5. 

Top returners: Chris Villanueva (5-11, 260, Sr., 

OL-DL); Spur Robinett (6-3, 270, Sr., Ol-DL); Mason 

Hibbard (6-0, 175, Sr., WR-DB); Hayes Kellman (6-2, 

190, Ol-LB); Brandon Stokes (6-0, 165, Sr., QB-DB); 

Nathan Birney (5-10, 190, Sr., OL-LB); Danny 

Gonzalez (6-0, 180, Sr., RB-LB); Matt Lower (5-9, 155, 

Sr., WR-DB); Preston Sabata (5-11, 175, Sr., TE- 

DE); Royce Williams (5-10, 165, Jr., RB-DB); Max 

Patterson (5-11, 200, Jr., OL-DL); Parker Kelling (6- 

0, 200, Jr., OL-DL); Dustin Hessman (6-3, 190, Jr., 

RB-DE). 

Outlook: The outlook looks bright for the Larks, 

who return 16 starters from a 5-5 team. The team 

will build around a strong senior class and several 

juniors who started last year. 

SYRACUSE BULLDOGS 

Coach: Chris Pollart (9th year, 20-52 


2008 record: 2-7. 

Top returners:Tate Householter (6-3, 175, Sr., 

QB); Tate Lampe (6-0, 275, Sr., OL-DL); Darrn 

Simon (5-10, 175, Sr., C); Braeden Simon (5-10, 165, 

Jr., RB); Ben Stultz (6-2, 180, Sr., TE); Aric 

Eichhorn, 6-2, 290, Sr., L); Miguel Gonzales, 5-9, 170, 

Jr., L); Zach Seal (6-0, 290, Sr., OL). 

Others to watch:Andrew Brown (6-2, 185, Sr., 

WR); Casey DeVries, 6-3, 215, Jr., RB); Gary Parks 

(5-9, 155, So., WR); Jaime Garcia (5-10, 185, Jr., L); 

Brad Weilert (6-0, 165, Sr., RB). 

Outlook: This could be a big year for the 

Bulldogs, who return 12 starters and will have 

strong leadership for a solid senior class. Syracuse 

doesn’t have a lot of depth, so it must stay healthy 

to compete in the balanced Hi-Plains League. 

11, 150, so., TE-DE); Steve Westrup (6-0, 165, so., 

TE-DB) 

Outlook: South Central graduated a talented senior 

group that was led by quarterback Trae Beck, 

who amassed 3,737 all-purpose yards last year. This 

year’s team will be young and build around three 

starters on both sides of the ball. 

VICTORIA KNIGHTS 

Coach: Doug Oberle (fourth year, 33-4) 


2008 record: 12-1 

Top returners: Andrew Karlin (6-0, 176, sr., DE- 

TE); Garrett Dreling (6-5, 197, sr., DB); Brett Ottley 

(5-7, 143, sr., DB); Austin Roth (6-0, 169, sr., FB); 

Dylan Kuhn (5-7, 196, jr., G); Kamron Dinkel (6-0, 

173, jr., TE-DB) 

Others to watch: Curtis Gasper (6-0, 251, OG- 

NG); Quincy Robben (6-1, 225, TE-DE); Landon 

Cook (6-0, 167, TE-LB); Aaron Crawford (5-10, 143, 

RB-DB); Steven Hotaling (6-1, 165, C-DE); Cody 

Scheck (6-2, 164, QB-DB); Jordan Bleske (6-2, 173, 

TE-DB) 

Outlook: Victoria came through a tough West side 

of the bracket to each the state final last season 

before falling to Hanover. The Knights graduated 

Jordan Ottley, a 1,400-yard rusher last year whose 

now playing for Fort Hays state, but they return good 

experience and should have good size as they look to 

make the playoffs for the eighth straight season. 

WILSON DRAGONS 

Coach: Tony Brokes (13th year, 45-69) 

League: Twin Lakes 

2008 record: 1-7 (fifth in TLL) 

Top returners: Colby Dolezal (6-0, 170, sr., E); 

Kenny Steinle (6-0, 160, jr., QB); Cole Spears (5-11, 

180, jr., RB); Bryant Davis (5-9, 180, jr., C); Jake 

Stoppel (6-4, 170, so., E) 

Others to watch: Jacob Cox (6-2, 180, jr., G); 

Trenton Ptacek (6-0, 170, jr., RB); Matt Ball (5-10, 

190, jr., G) 

Outlook: Wilson, a playoff team in 2007, struggled 

through a one-win season in ’08. But expectations are 

up as the Dragons return five starters and have a 

solid junior class.


Thursday, September 3, 2009 25



ANDALE 

S 4 Clearwater 

S 11 Winfield 

S 18 at Circle 

S 25 Wellington 

O 2 at Rose Hill 

O 9 at Kingman 

O 16 Buhler 

O 23 at Haven 

O 29 Nickerson 

ANDOVER 

S 4 at Buhler 

S 11 at Clearwater 

S 18 Andover Central 

S 25 at Mulvane 

O 2 Parsons 

O 9 at Pittsburg 

O 16 El Dorado 

O 23 at Augusta 

O 29 Circle 

ANDOVER 

CENTRAL 

S 4 BV Northwest 

S 11 at Wellington 

S 18 at Andover 

S 25 Augusta 

O 2 at Buhler 

O 9 El Dorado 

O 16 at Mulvane 

O 23 Rose Hill 

O 29 at Wichita 

Trinity 

ARKANSAS CITY 

S 4 at Salina South 

S 11 El Dorado 

S 18 at Valley Center 

S 25 Campus 

O 2 at McPherson 

O 9 Augusta 

O 16 at Kapaun Mt. 

Carmel 

O 23 at Newton 

O 29 Winfield 

ASHLAND 

S 4 Hill City at 

Hanston 

S 11 Jetmore 

S 18 Greensburg at 

Mullinville 

S 25 Ingalls 

O 2 at Bucklin 

O 9 at Moscow 

O 16 Haviland 

O 23 at Fowler 

O 29 South Central 

ATTICA 

S 4 at Pratt Skyline 

S 11 Fairfield 

S 18 Stafford 

S 25 Pretty Prairie 

O 2 at Burrton 

O 9 at South Barber 

O 16 Cunningham 

O 23 at Chase 

O 29 Quivira Heights 

AUGUSTA 

S 4 Riley County 

S 11 Rose Hill 

S 18 at Buhler 

S 25 at Andover 

Central 

O 2 Mulvane 

O 9 at Arkansas City 

O 16 at Circle 

O 23 Andover 

O 29 El Dorado 

BELLE PLAINE 

S 4 Chaparral 

S 11 Wichita 

Independent 

S 18 at Bluestem 

S 25 at Douglass 

O 2 Wichita Trinity 

O 9 at Cheney 

O 16 Medicine Lodge 

O 23 Conway Springs 

O 29 at Garden Plain 

BENNINGTON 

S 4 at Trinity Catholic 

S 11 Remington 

S 18 Ell-Saline 

S 25 at Inman 

O 2 Moundridge 

O 9 at Peabody-Burns 

O 16 at Valley Heights 

O 23 Salina Sacred 

Heart 

O 29 at Minneapolis 

BLUESTEM 

S 4 at Wichita Trinity 

S 11 at Cheney 

S 18 Belle Plaine 

S 25 at Conway 

Springs 

O 2 Garden Plain 



Independent 


Collegiate 

O 29 Douglass 

BUCKLIN 

S 4 at Deerfield 

S 11 Minneola 

S 18 at Pawnee 

Heights 

S 25 Greensburg 

O 2 Ashland 

O 9 at Haviland 


O 23 at Moscow 

O 29 Fowler 

BUHLER 

S 4 Andover 

S 11 at Abilene 

S 18 Augusta 

S 25 at El Dorado 

O 2 Andover Central 


O 16 at Andale 

O 23 Nickerson 

O 29 Haven 

BURRTON 

S 4 at Fairfield 

S 11 at Stafford 

S 18 St. John 

S 25 at St. John’s 

Military 

O 2 Attica 

O 9 at Cunningham 



O 29 Chase 

CAMPUS 

S 4 Derby 

S 11 at McPherson 

S 18 Newton 

S 25 at Arkansas City 

O 2 Valley Center 

O 9 at Winfield 

O 16 at Wichita NW 

O 23 Wichita South 

O 30 at Wichita North 

CANTON-GALVA 

S 4 Hope 

S 11 at Centre 

S 18 at Pretty Prairie 

S 25 Fairfield 

O 2 at Claflin 

O 9 Stafford 

O 16 at Little River 

O 23 Goessel 

O 29 Sylvan Grove 

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN 

S 4 at South Central 

S 11 Sunrise Academy 

S 18 at Rock Hills 

S 25 Veritas Christian 


O 9 Fairfield 

O 16 Flinthills Christian 


O 29 St. John’s 

Military 

CHAPARRAL 

S 4 at Belle Plaine 

S 11 Garden Plain 

S 18 at Wichita 

Independent 

S 25 Medicine Lodge 

O 2 at Conway Springs 

O 9 Douglass 

O 16 Cheney 

O 23 at Clearwater 

O 29 Wellington 

CHASE 

S 4 at Wilson 

S 11 at Sylvan Grove 

S 18 at Tescott 

S 25 at Lucas-Luray 




O 23 Attica 

O 29 Burrton 

CHENEY 

S 4 at Conway Springs 

S 11 Bluestem 

S 18 at Medicine Lodge 

S 25 at Garden Plain 

O 2 Douglass 

O 9 Belle Plaine 

O 16 at Chaparral 

O 23 at Wellington 

O 29 Clearwater 

CIMARRON 

S 4 at Elkhart 

S 11 Satanta 

S 18 Sublette 

S 25 Stanton County 

O 2 at Hugoton 

O 9 at Meade 

O 16 Lakin 

O 23 at SW heights 

O 29 Holcomb 

CIRCLE 

S 4 at Rose Hill 

S 11 Prairie View 

S 18 Andale 

S 25 at Kingman 


O 9 Clearwater 

O 16 Augusta 

O 23 at El Dorado 

O 29 at Andover 

CLAFLIN 

S 4 at Quivira Heights 

S 11 Otis-Bison 

S 18 at Little River 

S 25 Goessel 

O 2 Canton-Galva 

O 9 at Pretty Prairie 

O 16 Fairfield 

O 23 Central Christian 

O 29 at Stafford 

CLEARWATER 

S 4 at Andale 

S 11 Andover 

S 18 Pratt 

S 25 at Rose Hill 

O 2 Kingman 

O 9 at Circle 

O 16 Wellington 

O 23 Chaparral 

O 29 at Cheney 

CONWAY SPRINGS 

S 4 Cheney 



Trinity 

S 25 Bluestem 

O 2 Chaparral 


Independent 


O 23 at Belle Plaine 


CUNNINGHAM 

S 4 Haviland 

S 11 Pratt Skyline 

S 18 at Norwich 

S 25 at Otis-Bison 

O 2 at Chase 

O 9 Burrton 

O 16 at Attica 

O 23 at Quivira 

Heights 

O 29 South Barber 

DEERFIELD 

S 4 Bucklin 

S 11 at Sharon 

Springs 

S 18 Argonia 

S 25 Moscow 

O 2 at Ingalls 

O 9 Minneola 

O 16 at Rolla 

O 23 South Gray 

O 29 at Tribune 

DERBY 

S 4 at Campus 

S 11 Salina Central 

S 18 at Goddard 

S 25 Hutchinson 

O 2 at Maize 

O 9 Salina South 

O 16 Wichita SE 

O 23 at Wichita East 

O 30 Wichita Heights 

DODGE CITY 


Southeast 

S 11 Wichita East 

S 18 at Wichita North 

S 25 Liberal 

O 2 at Great Bend 

O 9 Hays 

O 16 at Goddard 

O 23 Maize 

O 30 at Garden City 

DOUGLASS 

S 4 Medicine Lodge 

S 11 Conway Springs 

S 18 at Garden Plain 


O 2 at Cheney 


O 16 Wichita 

Collegiate 

O 23 Wichita 

Independent 

O 30 at Bluestem 

EL DORADO 

S 4 Clay Center 

S 11 at Arkansas City 

S 18 Mulvane 

S 25 Buhler 

O 2 Winfield 


Central 


O 23 Circle 


ELKHART 

S 4 Cimarron 

S 11 SW Heights 

S 18 at Clayton, 

Texas 

S 25 at Leoti 

O 2 Meade 

O 9 at Syracuse 

O 16 at Sublette 

O 23 at Satanta 

O 29 Stanton County 

ELL-SALINE 

S 4 Peabody-Burns 

S 11 at Moundridge 

S 18 at Bennington 

S 25 Sedgwick 

O 2 Trinity Catholic 

O 9 at Remington 

O 16 at Inman 

O 23 at Washington 

O 29 Sterling 

ELLINWOOD 

S 4 Sterling 

S 11 Halstead 

S 18 at Hillsboro 

S 25 at Haven 

O 2 at La Crosse 

O 9 Marion 

O 16 Lyons 

O 23 at Ellsworth 

O 29 at Hoisington 

ELLSWORTH 

S 4 Minneapolis 

S 11 Belleville 

S 18 at Sacred Heart 

S 25 Beloit 

O 2 at Russell 

O 9 SE-Saline 


O 23 Ellinwood 

O 29 at Lyons 

FAIRFIELD 

S 4 Burrton 

S 11 at Attica 

S 18 Goessel 

S 25 at Canton-Galva 

O 2 Pretty Prairie 

O 9 Open 


O 23 Stafford 


FOWLER 

S 4 Ingalls 

S 11 at Pawnee 

Heights 

S 18 at Minneola 

S 25 at South Gray 

O 2 Haviland 

O 9 at South Central 

O 16 Moscow 

O 23 Ashland 


GARDEN CITY 

S 4 Ulysses 

S 11 Maize South 

S 18 at Great Bend 

S 25 at Hays 

O 2 at Liberal 

O 9 Wichita 

Northwest 

O 16 at Maize 

O 23 Goddard 

O 30 Dodge City 

GARDEN PLAIN 


Independent 

S 11 at Chaparral 

S 18 Douglass 

S 25 Cheney 



O 16 at Conway 

Springs 

O 23 at Medicine 

Lodge 

O 29 Belle Plaine 

GODDARD 

S 4 McPherson 

S 11 at BV West 

S 18 Derby 

S 25 at Salina Central 

O 2 at Salina South 

O 9 Hutchinson 


O 23 at Garden City 

O 30 at Maize 

GOESSEL 

S 4 Centre 

S 11 at White City 

S 18 at Fairfield 

S 25 at Claflin 


O 9 Little River 

O 16 at St. John’s 

Military 

O 23 at Canton-Galva 


GREAT BEND 


S 11 at Clay Center 

S 18 Garden City 

S 25 at Wichita Heights 


O 9 Liberal 

O 16 at Hays 

O 23 McPherson 


GREENSBURG 

S 4 Pawnee Heights 

S 11 at Haviland 

S 18 Ashland 

S 25 at Bucklin 

O 2 Jetmore 

O 9 at St. John 

O 16 Spearville 

O 23 at Skyline 

O 29 Macksville 

HALSTEAD 

S 4 at Hesston 

S 11 at Ellinwood 

S 18 Smoky Valley 

S 25 at Hoisington 

O 2 Nickerson 

O 9 Wichita Collegiate 

O 16 Sedgwick 


O 29 at Trinity Catholic 

HAVEN 


S 11 at Sterling 

S 18 at Lyons 

S 25 Ellinwood 

O 2 at Collegiate 

O 9 Hesston 

O 16 at Nickerson 

O 23 Andale 

O 29 at Buhler 

HAVILAND 

S 4 at Cunningham 

S 11 Greensburg 

S 18 at Rolla 

S 25 Pawnee Heights 

O 2 at Fowler 

O 9 Bucklin 

O 16 at Ashland 

O 23 at South Central 

O 29 Moscow 

HAYS 

S 4 at Concordia 

S 11 Ulysses 

S 18 at Liberal 

S 25 Garden City 

O 2 at Wichita South 

O 9 at Dodge City 

O 16 Great Bend 

O 23 at Hutchinson 

O 30 McPherson 

HEALY-WESTERN 

PLAINS 

S 4 at Logan 

S 11 at Golden Plains 

S 18 Palco 

S 25 Weskan 

O 2 at Triplains- 

Brewster 

O 9 Hill City 

O 16 at Stockton 

O 23 at Thunder 

Ridge 

O 29 Quinter 

HESSTON 

S 4 Halstead 

S 11 at Lyons 

S 18 Wichita 

Collegiate 

S 25 at Nickerson 

O 2 Smoky Valley 

O 9 at Haven 

O 16 at Topeka 

Hayden 

O 23 Chapman 

O 29 at Abilene 

HILLSBORO 

S 4 Salina Sacred 

Heart 


S 18 Ellinwood 

S 25 Lyons 

O 2 at Sterling 


O 16 SE-Saline 

O 23 at Herington 

O 29 at Marion 

AREA SCHEDULES 

HOISINGTON 

S 4 at Holcomb 

S 11 Nickerson 

S 18 at Sterling 

S 25 Halstead 

O 2 at Marion 

O 9 Hillsboro 

O 16 Ellsworth 

O 23 at Lyons 

O 29 Ellinwood 

HOLCOMB 

S 4 Hoisington 

S 11 at Sublette 

S 18 at Kinsley 

S 25 Scott City 

O 2 Ulysses 


O 16 SW Heights 

O 23 at Lakin 

O 29 at Cimarron 

HUGOTON 

S 4 at Stanton County 

S 11 Lakin 

S 18 at Guymon, Okla. 

S 25 SW Heights 

O 2 Cimarron 

O 9 Holcomb 

O 16 at Pratt 

O 23 Kingman 

O 29 at Ulysses 

HUTCHINSON 

S 4 Rockhurst, Mo. 

S 11 at Salina South 

S 18 Maize 

S 25 at Derby 

O 2 Salina Central 

O 9 at Goddard 

O 16 at McPherson 

O 23 Hays 


INGALLS 

S 4 at Fowler 

S 11 Spearville 

S 18 Moscow 

S 25 at Ashland 

O 2 Deerfield 

O 9 Rolla 

O 16 at South Gray 

O 23 Tribune 

O 29 at Minneola 

INMAN 


S 11 at Peabody- 

Burns 

S 18 Trinity Catholic 

S 25 Bennington 

O 2 Remington 

O 9 at Sedgwick 

O 16 Ell-Saline 

O 23 at Sterling 

O 29 at Kinsley 

JETMORE 

S 4 Minneola 

S 11 at Ashland 

S 18 South Gray 

S 25 at South Central 

O 2 at Greensburg 

O 9 at Spearville 



O 29 Pratt Skyline 

KINGMAN 

S 4 at Wellington 


S 18 Rose Hill 

S 25 Circle 


O 9 Andale 

O 16 at Ulysses 


O 29 Pratt 

KINSLEY 

S 4 at TMP-Marian 

S 11 at Larned 

S 18 Holcomb 

S 25 Ness City- 

Dighton 

O 2 Open 


O 16 Meade 

O 23 at LaCrosse 

O 29 Inman 

LA CROSSE 

S 4 at Larned 

S 11 at Trinity 

Catholic 

S 18 Southern Valley, 

Neb. 

S 25 Solomon 

O 2 Ellinwood 

O 9 at Dighton 

O 16 Maize South 

O 23 Kinsley 

O 29 at Meade 

LAKIN 

S 4 at Scott City 

S 11 at Hugoton 

S 18 Syracuse 

S 25 at Sublette 

O 2 at Stanton County 

O 9 Beloit 

O 16 at Cimarron 

O 23 Holcomb 


LARNED 

S 4 La Crosse 

S 11 Kinsley 

S 18 at TMP-Marian 

S 25 Pratt 

O 2 at Scott City 

O 9 Ulysses 

O 16 Smoky Valley 

O 23 at Concordia 

O 29 at Colby 

LEOTI 

S 4 at Satanta 

S 11 at Meade 

S 18 at Stanton 

County 

S 25 Elkhart 

O 2 Ness City-Dighton 

O 9 Sublette 

O 16 at Atwood 

O 23 St. Francis 

O 29 Syracuse 

LIBERAL 

S 4 at Newton 

S 11 Guymon, Okla. 

S 18 Hays 

S 25 at Dodge City 

O 2 Garden City 


O 16 Valley Center 

O 23 at Wichita West 

O 30 Bishop Carroll 

LITTLE RIVER 

S 4 St. John’s Military 

S 11 at Lincoln 

S 18 Claflin 

S 25 at Stafford 

O 2 Central Christian 

O 9 at Goessel 

O 16 Canton-Galva 

O 23 at Pretty Prairie 

O 29 Fairfield 

LYONS 

S 4 at Marion 

S 11 Hesston 

S 18 Haven 


O 2 at SE-Saline 

O 9 Sterling 

O 16 at Ellinwood 

O 23 Hoisington 

O 29 Ellsworth 

MACKSVILLE 

S 4 at Victoria 

S 11 Quivira Heights 

S 18 Otis-Bison 

S 25 Sharon Springs 


O 9 Pratt Skyline 

O 16 at Jetmore 



MAIZE 

S 4 Valley Center 

S 11 at BV North 

S 18 at Hutchinson 

S 25 Salina South 

O 2 Derby 

O 9 at Salina Central 

O 16 Garden City 

O 23 at Dodge City 

O 30 Goddard 

MAIZE SOUTH 

S 4 Lighthouse 

Christian (Sedalia, 

Mo.) 

S 11 at Garden City 

S 18 Open 

S 25 at Meade 

O 2 at Lighthouse 

Christian (Sedalia, 

Mo.) 

O 9 Open 

O 16 at LaCrosse 

O 23 Meade 

O 29 at Smith Center 

MARION 

S 4 Lyons 


Collegiate 


S 25 Sterling 

O 2 Hoisington 

O 9 at Ellinwood 

O 16 Herington 

O 23 at SE-Saline 

O 29 Hillsboro 

MCPHERSON 

S 4 at Goddard 

S 11 Campus 

S 18 at Winfield 

S 25 Newton 

O 2 Arkansas City 

O 9 at Valley Center 



O 30 at Hays 

MEADE 

S 4 at Beaver, Okla. 

S 11 Leoti 

S 18 at SW Heights 

S 25 Maize South 

O 2 at Elkhart 

O 9 Cimarron 

O 16 at Kinsley 

O 23 at Maize South 

O 29 La Crosse 

MEDICINE LODGE 


S 11 Wichita Trinity 

S 18 at Cheney 

S 25 at Chaparral 

O 2 Wichita 

Independent 




O 29 at Conway 

Springs 

MINNEOLA 

S 4 at Jetmore 

S 11 at Bucklin 

S 18 Fowler 

S 25 at Spearville 


O 9 at Deerfield 

O 16 Tribune 

O 23 at Rolla 

O 29 Ingalls 

MOSCOW 

S 4 Balko, Okla. 

S 11 Rolla 

S 18 at Ingalls 

S 25 at Deerfield 


O 9 Ashland 

O 16 at Fowler 

O 23 Bucklin 

O 29 at Haviland 

MOUNDRIDGE 

S 4 Inman 

S 11 Ell-Saline 

S 18 at Sedgwick 

S 25 Remington 

O 2 at Bennington 


O 16 Sterling 

O 23 Peabody-Burns 

O 29 at Chase County 

MULVANE 

S 4 Great Bend 

S 11 Kingman 

S 18 at El Dorado 

S 25 Andover 


O 9 Buhler 




NESS CITY- 

DIGHTON 

S 4 Syracuse at 

Dighton 

S 11 TMP at Ness City 

S 18 at Satanta 

S 25 at Kinsley 

O 2 at Leoti 

O 9 La Crosse at 

Dighton 

O 16 at Norton 

O 23 Goodland at 

Ness City 

O 30 at Scott City 

NEWTON 

S 4 Liberal 


S 18 at Campus 

S 25 at McPhrson 

O 2 KC Wyandotte 

O 9 at Pratt 

O 16 at Winfield 

O 23 Arkansas City 

O 30 Kapaun Mt. 

Carmel 

NICKERSON 

S 4 Wichita Collegiate 

S 11 at Hoisington 

S 18 Marion 

S 25 Hesston 

O 2 at Halstead 

O 9 at Smoky Valley 

O 16 Haven 

O 23 at Buhler 

O 29 at Andale 

NORWICH 

S 4 Stafford 


S 18 Cunningham 

S 25 Pratt Skyline 

O 2 at Dexter 

O 9 Caldwell 

O 16 at Argonia 

O 23 at Cedar Vale 

O 29 South Haven 

OTIS-BISON 

S 4 St. John 

S 11 at Claflin 

S 18 at Macksville 

S 25 Cunningham 

O 2 at Palco 

O 9 at Natoma 

O 16 Pawnee Heights 

O 23 at Victoria 

O 29 Logan 

PAWNEE HEIGHTS 

S 4 at Greensburg 

S 11 Fowler 

S 18 Bucklin 

S 25 at Haviland 

O 2 at Victoria 

O 9 Logan 

O 16 at Otis-Bison 

O 23 Natoma 

O 29 Palco 

PEABODY-BURNS 

S 4 at Ell-Saline 

S 11 Inman 

S 18 at Remington 

S 25 Trinity Catholic 


O 9 Bennington 

O 16 at Chase County 

O 23 at Moundridge 

O 29 Open 

PRATT 

S 4 at Chapman 


S 18 at Clearwater 

S 25 at Larned 

O 2 at TMP-Marian 

O 9 Newton 

O 16 Hugoton 

O 23 Ulysses 

O 29 at Kingman 

PRETTY PRAIRIE 

S 4 South Barber 

S 11 Norwich 

S 18 Canton-Galva 


O 2 at Fairfield 

O 9 Claflin 


O 23 Little River 

O 29 at Goessel 

QUIVIRA HEIGHTS 

S 4 Claflin 

S 11 at Macksville 

S 18 Victoria 

S 25 at St. John 


O 9 Chase 

O 16 at Burrton 

O 23 Cunningham 

O 29 at Attica 

REMINGTON 

S 4 West Elk 

S 11 at Bennington 

S 18 Peabody-Burns 


O 2 at Inman 

O 9 Ell-Saline 


O 23 Halstead 

O 29 Sedgwick 

ROLLA 

S 4 Goodwell, Okla. 

S 11 at Moscow 

S 18 Haviland 

S 25 at Boise City, 

Okla. 

O 2 Tribune 

O 9 Ingalls 

O 16 Deerfield 

O 23 Minneola 

O 29 at South Gray 

ROSE HILL 

S 4 Circle 

S 11 at Augusta 

S 18 at Kingman 

S 25 Clearwater 

O 2 Andale 




Central 

O 29 Mulvane 

RUSSELL 

S 4 at Belleville 

S 11 SE-Saline 

S 18 at Solomon 

S 25 Minneapolis 

O 2 Ellsworth 

O 9 at Sacred Heart 

O 16 at Beloit 

O 23 at Phillipsburg 

O 29 TMP-Marian 

ST. JOHN 

S 4 at Otis-Bison 

S 11 Victoria 

S 18 at Burrton 

S 25 Quivira Heights 


O 9 Greensburg 

O 16 at Pratt Skyline 

O 23 Jetmore 

O 29 at Spearville 

SALINA CENTRAL 

S 4 at Winfield 

S 11 at Derby 

S 18 Blue Valley 

S 25 Goddard 

O 2 at Hutchinson 

O 9 Maize 

O 16 Salina South 

O 23 at Emporia 

O 30 at Topeka West 

SALINA SOUTH 

S 4 Arkansas City 

S 11 Hutchinson 

S 18 at BV Northwest 

S 25 at Maize 

O 2 Goddard 

O 9 at Derby 

O 16 at Salina Central 

O 23 Topeka West 

O 30 Emporia 

SATANTA 

S 4 Leoti 

S 11 at Cimarron 

S 18 Ness City-Dighton 

S 25 at Syracuse 


O 9 Kinsley-Lewis 


O 23 Elkhart 


SCOTT CITY 

S 4 Lakin 

S 11 at Pratt 

S 18 at Ulysses 

S 25 at Holcomb 

O 2 Larned 

O 9 at TMP-Marian 

O 16 at Goodland 

O 23 Norton 

O 30 Ness City-Dighton 

SEDGWICK 

S 4 Solomon 

S 11 at Sedan 

S 18 Moundridge 

S 25 at Ell-Saline 

O 2 Peabody-Burns 

O 9 Inman 


O 23 Trinity Catholic 


SKYLINE 

S 4 Attica 

S 11 at Cunningham 

S 18 South Barber 



O 9 at Macksville 

O 16 St. John 

O 23 Greensburg 

O 29 at Jetmore 

SMOKY VALLEY 

S 4 at Haven 


S 18 at Halstead 

S 25 Wichita Collegiate 

O 2 at Hesston 

O 9 Nickerson 

O 16 at Larned 

O 23 Colby 

O 29 Concordia 

SOUTH BARBER 


S 11 Argonia 

S 18 at Pratt Skyline 

S 25 South Haven 


O 9 Attica 

O 16 at Chase 

O 23 Burrton 


SOUTH CENTRAL 

S 4 Central Christian 


S 18 at Spearville 

S 25 Jetmore 

O 2 at Moscow 

O 9 Fowler 


O 23 Haviland 

O 29 at Ashland 

SOUTH GRAY 

S 4 Spearville 

S 11 South Central 

S 18 at Jetmore 

S 25 Fowler 


O 9 at Tribune 

O 16 Ingalls 


O 29 Rolla 

SW HEIGHTS 

S 4 Sublette 

S 11 at Elkhart 

S 18 Meade 

S 25 at Hugoton 



O 16 at Holcomb 

O 23 Cimarron 

O 29 at Lakin 

SPEARVILLE 


S 11 at Ingalls 

S 18 South Central 

S 25 Minneola 

O 2 at Pratt Skyline 

O 9 Jetmore 


O 23 at Macksville 

O 29 St. John 

STAFFORD 


S 11 Burrton 


S 25 Little River 

O 2 Goessel 

O 9 at Canton-Galva 


O 23 at Fairfield 

O 29 Claflin 

STANTON COUNTY 

S 4 Hugoton 

S 11 at Syracuse 

S 18 Leoti 

S 25 Cimarron 

O 2 Lakin 

O 9 at SW Heights 



O 29 at Elkhart 

STERLING 

S 4 at Ellinwood 

S 11 Haven 

S 18 Hoisington 

S 25 at Marion 

O 2 Hillsboro 

O 9 at Lyons 

O 16 at Moundridge 

O 23 Inman 

O 29 at Ell-Saline 

SUBLETTE 

S 4 at SW Heights 

S 11 Holcomb 

S 18 at Cimarron 

S 25 Lakin 

O 2 Syracuse 

O 9 at Leoti 

O 16 Elkhart 

O 23 at Stanton 

County 

O 29 Satanta 

SYRACUSE 

S 4 at Dighton 

S 11 Stanton County 

S 18 at Lakin 

S 25 Satanta 


O 9 Elkhart 

O 16 at St. Francis 

O 23 Atwood 

O 29 at Leoti 

TMP-MARIAN 

S 4 Kinsley 

S 11 at Ness City- 

Dighton 

S 18 Larned 

S 25 at Ulysses 

O 2 at Pratt 

O 9 Scott City 

O 16 at Phillipsburg 

O 23 Beloit 

O 29 at Russell 

TRIBUNE 

S 4 Sharon Springs 

S 11 Weskan 

S 18 at Wheatland- 

Grinnell 

S 25 at Cheylin 

O 2 at Rolla 



O 23 Ingalls 


TRINITY CATHOLIC 

S 4 Bennington 

S 11 La Crosse 

S 18 at Inman 

S 25 at Peabody-Burns 

O 2 at Ell-Saline 

O 9 Moundridge 

O 16 Remington 


O 29 Halstead 

ULYSSES 

S 4 at Garden City 

S 11 at Hays 


S 25 TMP-Marian 

O 2 at Holcomb 

O 9 at Larned 

O 16 Kingman 

O 23 at Pratt 

O 29 Hugoton 

VALLEY CENTER 

S 4 at Maize 

S 11 Newton 

S 18 Arkansas City 

S 25 Winfield 

O 2 at Campus 

O 9 McPherson 

O 16 at Liberal 

O 23 at Bishop Carroll 

O 30 Wichita West 

VICTORIA 

S 4 Macksville 

S 11 at St. John 

S 18 at Quivira Heights 

S 25 at Stockton 

O 2 Pawnee Heights 

O 9 Palco 

O 16 at Logan 

O 23 Otis-Bison 

O 29 at Natoma 

WELLINGTON 

S 4 Kingman 

S 11 Andover Central 

S 18 Gravette, Ark. 

S 25 at Andale 

O 2 Circle 

O 9 Rose Hill 


O 23 Cheney 


WICHITA 

COLLEGIATE 


S 11 Marion 

S 18 at Hesston 

S 25 at Smoky Valley 

O 2 Haven 


O 16 at Douglass 

O 23 Bluestem 

O 29 Wichita 

Independent 

WICHITA 

INDEPENDENT 

S 4 Garden Plain 


S 18 Open 

S 25 at Wichita Trinity 


O 9 Conway Springs 

O 16 Bluestem 

O 23 Douglass 

O 29 Open 

WICHITA TRINITY 

S 4 Bluestem 

S 11 at Medicine Lodge 

S 18 Conway Springs 

S 25 Wichita 

Independent 


O 9 at Garden Plain 




WILSON 

S 4 Chase 

S 11 at Natoma 

S 18 Stockton 

S 25 at Rock Hills 

O 2 Lucas-Luray 

O 9 Beloit-St. John’s 

O 16 at Sylvan Grove 

O 23 Open 

O 29 at Tescott 

WINFIELD 

S 4 Salina Central 

S 11 at Andale 

S 18 McPherson 


O 2 at El Dorado 

O 9 Campus 

O 16 Newton 

O 23 at Kapaun Mt. 

Carmel 

O 29 at Arkansas City


Thursday, September 3, 2009 27



Hutch, Redmen begin quest for No. 6 at No. 1 

■ Five teams that won 

state titles last year open 

season No. 1 in rankings. 




When it comes to football 

powerhouses in the state of 

Kansas, the two names at 

the top of the list are 

Hutchinson and Smith 

Center. 

Both programs enter September 

looking for their 

sixth consecutive state 

championships. 

No wonder the Salthawks 

and Redmen start the 2009 

season atop their respective 

classes in The Hutchinson 

News’ preseason football 

poll. 

Hutchinson won four 

straight Class 6A titles before 

taking the 5A title last 

November. The Salthawks, 

who return a strong senior 

class headed by offensive 

playmakers Josh Smith and 

Deveon Dinwiddie, start 

this season at No. 1 in Class 

5A. 

Gardner-Edgerton, led by 

former Salina Central 

coach Marvin Diener, is second, 

while Salina Central is 

third. St. Thomas Aquinas, 

which lost to Hutchinson in 

CLASS 6A 

1. Olathe North 

2. Blue Valley 

3. Wichita Heights 

4. Junction City 

5. Wichita Northwest 

Others to watch: Dodge City, Free 

State, Manhattan, Olathe East, SM 

West. 

CLASS 5A 

1. Hutchinson 

2. Gardner-Edgerton 

3. Salina Central 

4. McPherson 

5. St. Thomas Aquinas 

Others to watch: Great Bend, 

Emporia, Carroll, Seaman, Salina 

South. 


Conway Springs won the Class 3A state championship last year at Hutchinson’s Gowans Stadium. The Cardinals open the 2009 season 

ranked No. 1 in The Hutchinson News’ preseason poll. 

last year’s final, begins the 

year at No. 5. 

Smith Center has been 

the dominant team in Class 

2-1A – its 67-game winning 

streak is testimony to that 

fact. Coach Roger Barta, 

who has 289 career wins, returns 

five starters on both 

sides of the ball as the Redmen 

will be led by 12 seniors. 

Olpe, which was unbeat- 

CLASS 4A 

1. Topeka Hayden 

2. Andale 

3. Andover 

4. Paola 

5. Louisburg 

6. Buhler 

7. Bishop Miege 

8. Ulysses 

9. Holton 

10. Andover Central 

Others to watch: Abilene, 

Columbus, Mulvane, Perry- 

Lecompton, Wellington. 

en last year before losing to 

Smith Center in the state final, 

is No. 2 as it returns 

five starters on both sides of 

the ball. 

In Class 6A, Olathe North 

gets the preseason No. 1 

nod. The Eagles return senior 

running back James 

Franklin, who rushed for 

1,971 yards last season, and 

junior Kyle Swartz, who led 

the team in tackles as a 

sophomore. 

Class 4A once again will 

be one of the most balanced 

classes. Topeka Hayden, the 

defending state champion, 

returns five defensive 

starters, while Andale will 

have a strong, experienced 

line to anchor its team. 

Hayden beat Andale 20-12 in 

the state semifinals last 

year. 

Andover returns six 

THE HUTCHINSON NEWS’ PRESEASON RANKINGS 

CLASS 3A 

1. Conway Springs 

2. Garden Plain 

3. Silver Lake 

4. Wichita Collegiate 

5. Marysville 

6. Scott City 

7. Norton 

8. Beloit 

9. Riverton 

10. Trinity Catholic 

Others to watch: Galena, Lyons, 

Pleasant Ridge, Rossville, 

Sabetha. 

CLASS 2-1A 

1. Smith Center 

2. St. Marys 

3. Olpe 

4. Pittsburg Colgan 

5. Centralia 

6. Ell-Saline 

7. St. Francis 

8. Ellis 

9. La Crosse 

10. Oakley 

Others to watch: Meade, 

Minneapolis, Moundridge, Sacred 

Heart, Valley Falls. 

starters on both sides of the 

ball, while Paola and Louisburg 

both won eight games 

a year ago. 

Conway Springs graduated 

a Division I player in Jaydan 

Bird, but the Cardinals 

also return six offensive 

and five defensive starters. 

The Cardinals hope to add 

to their trophy case as they 

have won six state titles 

since 1998. 

EIGHT-MAN I 

1. Baileyville 

2. Clifton-Clyde 

3. Claflin 

4. Madison 

5. Macksville 

6. Goessel 

7. Quinter 

8. Thunder Ridge 

9. Pretty Prairie 

10. Minneola 

Others to watch: Colony-Crest, 

St. John, South Gray, Tribune, 

Udall. 

Two other perennial powers 

- Silver Lake and Garden 

Plain - are second and 

third, respectively. Garden 

Plain returns seven starters 

on both sides of the ball as 

the Owls’ only loss last year 

came in the semifinals to 

Conway Springs. 

Wichita Collegiate, which 

went unbeaten during the 

regular season, returns 

nine starters on both sides 

of the ball. 

Clifton-Clyde starts at 

No. 1 in Eight-Man I with 

five offensive starters 

back. Clifton-Clyde lost 24- 

16 in last year’s final to 

Baileyville, which graduated 

seven defensive 

starters. 

Madison (No. 3) and 

Macksville (No. 5) were 

semifinalists a year ago, 

while No. 4 Claflin returns 

seven starters on both sides 

of the ball. 

Hanover and Victoria 

start the season at the top in 

Eight-Man II – Hanover defeated 

the Knights in last 

year’s final. 

Sharon Springs, at No. 3, 

returns three all-league 

players, but must rebuild itsline. 

Ashland (No. 5) has 

plenty of experience returning 

on both sides of the 

ball. 

EIGHT-MAN II 

1. Hanover 

2. Victoria 

3. Sharon Springs 

4. Axtell 

5. Ashland 

6. Quivira Heights 

7. South Haven 

8. Haviland 

9. St. Paul 

10. St. John’s-Tipton 

Others to watch: Cunningham, 

Hope, Moscow, Norwich, Pawnee 

Heights.

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