Football Tab1.qxd - The Hutchinson News

2009 Football Preview
16 Thursday, September 3, 2009 The Hutchinson News
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)
League: AVCTL II
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)
League: Western Athletic Conference
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)
League: Western Athletic Conference
2008 record: 4-6 (2-1 district)
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)
League: AVCTL I
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)
League: Western Athletic Conference
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)
League: AVCTL II
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
CLASS 5A 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)
League: Western Athletic Conference
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)
League: AVCTL I
2008 record: 3-7 (3-0 district)
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)
League: AVCTL II
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)
League: AVCTL I
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)
League: AVCTL I
2008 record: 2-7 (0-3 district)
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.
League: AVCTL I
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)
League: AVCTL II
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)
League: AVCTL II
2008 record: 5-5 (2-1 district)
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
●Continued from Page 14
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
●Continued from Page 15
“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.