Yahoo Sports Kansas high school football preview: Player rankings, predictions in CPL, CKL, HOA
The Kansas high school football season begins on Friday and The Eagle has gathered names of 75 players to watch this season for local teams in the Central Plains, Central Kansas and Heart of America League.
Below are also predictions for how teams will finish in CPL, CKL and HOA play followed by team previews.
List of 75 players to watch in CPL, CKL and HOA
Keastin Abernathy, Nickerson senior defensive lineman
Colby Arensdorf, Kingman senior offensive lineman
Ezekiel Baker, Smoky Valley senior running back
Gabe Baker, Smoky Valley senior defensive lineman
Brody Bell, Kingman senior defensive lineman
Cole Bergman, Chaparral senior offensive lineman
Jackson Bitonti, Marion defensive lineman
Brady Brack, Garden Plain senior quarterback
Ben Bradshaw, Kingman senior quarterback
Malachi Brunk, Inman sophomore quarterback
Josh Burdick, Cheney senior quarterback
Garren Campbell, Cheney senior offensive lineman
Ethan Coutre, Hesston junior offensive lineman
Braxton Creed, Halstead senior quarterback
Corey Crumrine, Sedgwick senior quarterback
Cory Culp, Sedgwick senior defensive lineman
Drew Dechant, Hutchinson Trinity junior quarterback
Braden DenHartog, Moundridge senior offensive lineman
Asher Deutschendorf, Hesston senior linebacker
Brayden Dibble, Cheney running back
Grady Ditgen, Cheney senior linebacker
Seth Driggers, Hillsboro senior wide receiver
Seth Dugan, Garden Plain senior running back
Boston Ekart, Sterling junior defensive back
Zane Farney, Sterling junior running back
Reed Friesen, Hesston senior quarterback
Cooper Garrison, Wichita Trinity Academy senior defensive lineman
Karter Gonzalez, Hesston senior running back
Jesiah Gooch, Hillsboro junior running back
Isaac Hammersmith, Hutchinson Trinity junior offensive lineman
Henry Hecox, Moundridge senior quarterback
Connor Herman, Halstead senior defensive lineman
Aiden Hoopes, Haven senior wide receiver
Eli Howard, Conway Springs senior defensive back
Cade Howell, Conway Springs senior linebacker
Colby Irey, South Sumner County senior running back
Kaeden Kasselman, Garden Plain senior offensive lineman
Kaizer Kanitz, Moundridge junior wide receiver
Tanner Kelly, South Sumner County senior offensive lineman
Kole Klaassen, Remington senior running back
Cooper Koster, Conway Springs senior offensive lineman
Dallas Lagree, Sedgwick senior wide receiver
Dylan Larson, Inman junior offensive lineman
Noah Little, Sedgwick junior wide receiver
Van Loop, Haven senior running back
Sebastian Martinez, Inman senior linebacker
Parker McClellan, Cheney senior wide receiver
Kaid McElgunn, Hutchinson Trinity senior defensive back
Joey Millspaugh, Halstead senior running back
Bear Moddelmog, Moundridge senior linebacker
Kalim Mouer, Eureka senior linebacker
Colten Neal, Bluestem senior linebacker
Wyatt Newberry, Sterling junior defensive back
Durham Nittler, Medicine Lodge senior linebacker
Brian Nguyen, Marion senior offensive lineman
Jace Pichler, Douglass senior running back
A.J. Quick, Cheney senior offensive lineman
Devin Rau, Garden Plain senior linebacker
Kolton Rohloff, Cheney senior offensive lineman
Ke’Veon Ruiz, Medicine Lodge senior quarterback
Connor Rusco, Conway Springs senior linebacker
Layton Schmidt, Moundridge junior offensive lineman
Collin Schreiner, Kingman junior offensive lineman
Jack Schreiner, Medicine Lodge junior linebacker
Alex Shore, South Sumner County senior wide receiver
Sawyer Stone, Medicine Lodge senior defensive lineman
Austin Thieme, Sedgwick senior defensive lineman
Jack Walker, Chaparral junior quarterback
Tristan Wasser, Belle Plaine senior quarterback
Luke Watkins, Marion senior offensive lineman
Anders Weisbeck, Hillsboro senior linebacker
Layne Whitney, Conway Springs senior linebacker
Lincoln Wichert, Hillsboro senior wide receiver
Isaac Winter, Conway Springs senior running back
Nash Wray, Haven senior quarterback
Kansas high school football predictions
Central Plains League
1. Cheney
2. Conway Springs
3. Garden Plain
4. Kingman
5. Medicine Lodge
6. Chaparral
7. Trinity Academy
8. Douglass
9. Belle Plaine
Central Kansas League
1. Hoisington
2. Hesston
3. Pratt
4. Hillsboro
5. Halstead
6. Haven
7. Larned
8. Smoky Valley
9. Nickerson
10. Lyons
Heart of America
1. Sedgwick
2. Marion
3. Moundridge
4. Sterling
5. Hutchinson Trinity
6. Inman
7. Remington
8. Bennington
Kansas high school football team season previews
Belle Plaine Dragons
Coach: Michael Fox, first season
2023: 2-7, did not qualify
League and district: Central Plains League, 2A-5
Schedule: Sept. 6, Medicine Lodge; Sept. 13, at Smoky Valley; Sept. 20, at Chaparral; Sept. 27, at Garden Plain; Oct. 4, Wichita Trinity; Oct. 11, Haven; Oct. 18, at Kingman; Oct. 25, Douglass.
Top players: Tristan Wasser, sr., 6-0, 140, QB-DB; Talan Hafley, jr., 5-7, 140, RB-DB; Aiden Stowell, sr., RB-DL; Tanner Bolster, sr., 5-10, 170, TE-LB; Ryder Main, sr., 6-0, 150, WR; Sawyer Erhart, so., 5-7, 140, WR; Gavin Bolster, sr., 5-10, 155, DB; Leo Ramirez, sr., 5-8, 220, OL-DL; Collin Shaeffer, sr., OL-DL; Tannen Bernd, sr., 5-10, 185, LB; Nick Pace, sr., 6-2, 200, OL-DL.
Bluestem Lions
Coach: Ethan Baker, third season, 1-17
2023: 1-8, did not qualify
League and district: Tri-Valley League, 2A-2
Schedule: Sept. 6, Uniontown; Sept. 13, Neodesha; Sept. 20, at Fredonia; Sept. 27, at Central Heights; Oct. 4, Eureka; Oct. 11, at Humboldt; Oct. 18, Cherryvale; Oct. 25, West Franklin.
Top players: Colten Neal, sr., 5-10, 200, RB-LB; Axton Vice, so., 5-6, 150, RB-DB; Brody Wiening, sr., 5-6, 160, RB-LB; Korbin Hebb, sr., 6-0, 175, WR-DB; Laythan Vice, sr., 5-6, 135, RB-DB; Noah Couey, jr., 6-0, 240, OL-DL; Dylan Bailey, jr., 6-0, 280, OL-DL; Kaden Keil, jr., 5-10, 165, OL-DL; Wyatt Brewer, jr., 6-2, 210, OL; Ayson Shepard, so., 5-6, 140, QB; Dalleyn Ashley-Moore, so., 6-0, 180, TE-LB; Evan Worrell, jr., 5-8, 150, DB.
Chaparral Roadrunners
Coach: J.C. Zahradnik, fourth season, 16-11
2023: 1-7, lost in 3A first round
League and district: Central Plains League, 3A-7
Schedule: Sept. 6, Kingman; Sept. 13, at Medicine Lodge; Sept. 20, Belle Plaine; Sept. 27, at Pratt; Oct. 4, Clearwater; Oct. 11, at Cheney; Oct. 18, Haven; Oct. 25, Collegiate.
Top players: Dalen Blair, sr., 5-10, 170, RB-LB; Cole Bergman, sr., 6-2, 205, OL-LB; Evan Jefferis, sr., 5-10, 280, OL-DL; Keaton Bollman, sr., 5-8, 145, RB-LB; Jack Walker, jr., 6-5, 175, QB-LB; Kale Greve, jr., 5-10, 170, WR-DB; Ty Hadsall, jr., 5-10, 150, WR-DB; Jesus Reyes, jr., 5-10, 190, OL-DL; Chase Struble, sr., 5-10, 170, WR-DB; Toby Peake, sr., 5-10, 160, WR-DB; Jay Cushenbery, jr., 5-10, 155, RB-LB; Daxton Hostetler, jr., 6-0, 200, OL-DL; Daniel Schmidt, so., 6-0, 145, QB-DB; Justin Ord, jr., 5-10, 150, WR-LB; Charlie Jacobs, jr., 5-10, 150, RB-LB.
Cheney Cardinals
Coach: Shelby Wherman, eighth season, 60-18
2023: 13-0, 3A state champions
League and district: Central Plains League, 3A-7
Schedule: Sept. 6, Holcomb; Sept. 13, at Kingman; Sept. 20, Garden Plain; Sept. 27, at Clearwater; Oct. 4, at Hoisington; Oct. 11, Chaparral; Oct. 18, at Collegiate; Oct. 25, Pratt.
Top players: Josh Burdick, sr., 6-0, 180, QB; Kolton Rohloff, sr., 5-11, 250, OL-DL; A.J. Quick, sr., 5-10, 240, OL-DL; Garren Campbell, sr., 6-4, 255, OL; Hunter McKinley, sr., 6-0, 180, LB; Grady Ditgen, sr., 5-11, 170, LB; Brayden Dibble, sr., 5-11, 170, RB-DB; Levi Self, sr., 5-11, 170, RB-LB; Grady Kuehn, sr., 5-8, 180, K; Wyatt Starns, jr., 5-8, 230, OL; Jase Robertson, sr., 6-1, 165, WR-DB; Cameron Eastman, sr., 5-10, 140, WR-DB; Carter Peintner, sr., 6-3, 180, WR-DB; Parker McClellan, sr., 5-9, 150, WR-DB; Tred Grusing, sr., 6-2, 175, WR-LB; Nolan Durr, jr., 6-3, 220, TE-DL; Maximus Miller, jr., 5-8, 150, RB-LB.
Conway Springs Cardinals
Coach: Matt Biehler, 16th season, 140-30
2023: 11-2, 1A state champions
League and district: Central Plains League, 1A-7
Schedule: Sept. 6, Nickerson; Sept. 13, at Garden Plain; Sept. 20, Douglass; Sept. 26 at Medicine Lodge; Oct. 4, Hutchinson Trinity; Oct. 11, at Sterling; Oct. 18, Ellinwood; Oct. 25, at South Sumner County.
Top players: Isaac Winter, sr., 5-11, 175, RB-LB; Cade Howell, sr., 5-9, 195, RB-LB; Layne Whitney, sr., 6-4, 170, LB; Cooper Koster, sr., 6-4, 255, OL-DL; Eli Howard, sr., 5-8, 150, DB; Connor Rusco, jr., 6-2, 190, LB; Grant Fisher, sr., 5-11, 150, RB-DB; Eli Benge, jr., 5-11, 150, K; Ashton Stull, jr., 5-10, 265, OL-DL.
Douglass Bulldogs
Coach: Drew Carder, first season
2023: 1-8, lost in 2A first round
League and district: Central Plains League, 2A-5
Schedule: Sept. 6, at Remington; Sept. 13, Marion; Sept. 20, at Conway Springs; Sept. 27, Haven; Oct. 4, at Kingman; Oct. 11, Reno County Homeschool; Oct. 18, Garden Plain; Oct. 25, at Belle Plaine.
Top players: Jace Pichler, sr., 6-0, 225, RB-LB; Gavin Bowman, sr., 5-10, 235, OL; Wyatt Laver, sr., 6-0, 185, OL-LB; Justin West, jr., 6-2, 170, WR-DB; Jaxon Brewer, jr., 6-3, 205, OL-LB; Kane Ast, so., 5-10, 180, QB-DB; Carter Green, so., 6-0, 200, RB-LB; Logan Spradling, so., 5-11, 250, OL-DL; Tanner Allen, so., 6-1, 185, OL-DL; Bronsyn Kinsley, so., 6-2, 185, WR.
Eureka Tornadoes
Coach: Jonah McKee, second season, 1-8
2023: 1-8, lost in 2A first round
League and district: Tri-Valley League, 2A-2
Schedule: Sept. 6, at Erie; Sept. 13, Fredonia; Sept. 20, at Cherryvale; Sept. 27, Humboldt; Oct. 4, at Bluestem; Oct. 11, West Franklin; Oct. 18, at Central Heights; Oct. 25, Reno County Homeschool.
Top players: Kalim Mouer, sr., 5-9, 180, RB-LB; Lake Valentine, sr., 5-7, 150, WR-DB; Peyton Hare, jr., 6-0, 185, QB-LB; Jace Hardenbrook, sr., 5-9, 225, OL-DL; Tanner Biering, sr., 5-9, 160, WR-DB; Dylan Hamilton, sr., 5-8, 165, OL-DL; T.J. Mills, jr., 5-8, 155, WR-DB; Gauge Lopez, jr., 5-5, 185, RB-DL; Cole Ptacek, jr,. 5-9, 150, WR-DB.
Garden Plain Owls
Coach: Todd Rice, third season, 12-7
2023: 8-2, lost in 2A second round
League and district: Central Plains League, 2A-5
Schedule: Sept. 6, Wichita Trinity; Sept. 13, Conway Springs; Sept. 20, at Cheney; Sept. 27, Belle Plaine; Oct. 4, at Haven; Oct. 11, Kingman; Oct. 18, at Douglass; Oct. 25, at Clearwater.
Top players: Kaeden Kasselman, sr., 6-3, 235, OL-DL; Seth Dugan, sr., 6-0, 165, RB-DB; Devin Rau, sr., 5-10, 170, OL-LB; Brady Brack, sr., 6-5, 205, QB-LB; Blake Butterfield, sr., 5-10, 160, WR-LB; Kaden Kerschen, sr., 6-3, 350, OL-DL; Hank Lilly, sr., 6-5, 270, OL-DL; Max McGregor, sr., 6-2, 185, WR-DB; Cooper Scheer, sr., 5-8, 150, RB-DB; Riley Simons, sr., 5-8, 145, RB-DB; Cooper Baker, jr., 5-11, 200, WR-DB; Eli Eck, jr., 5-10, 155, QB-DB; Hunter Hayden, jr., 6-1, 165, WR-DB; Emrick Hays, jr., 5-10, 170, RB-LB; Kyle Koester, jr., 5-10, 190, OL-LB; Pete McGregor, jr., 5-10, 180, RB-DB; Gabe Stuhlsatz, jr., 6-5, 175, OL-DL; Tucker Tomson, jr., 5-9, 175, OL-DL; Carter Tasset, so., 5-9, 175, OL-DL.
Halstead Dragons
Coach: Derek Racette, third season, 6-12
2023: 3-6, lost in 2A first round
League and district: Central Kansas League, 2A-6
Schedule: Sept. 6, Hesston; Sept. 13, Pratt; Sept. 20, at Nickerson; Sept. 27, at Hillsboro; Oct. 4, at Minneapolis; Oct. 11, Ellsworth; Oct. 18, at Southeast of Saline; Oct. 25, Lyons.
Top players: Connor Herman, sr., 6-3, 265, OL-DL; Braxton Creed, sr., 6-0, 180, QB-DB; Joey Millspaugh, sr., 6-0, 185, RB-LB; Cody Grube, jr., 5-10, 250, OL-DL; Gage Meyer, sr., 6-1, 235, OL-LB; Kurt Faudel, sr., 6-1, 280, OL; Kohen Corona, sr., 6-0, 175, WR-DB; Keegan Kraus, sr., 5-10, 180, RB-LB; Carlos Martinez, jr., 5-11, 160, K; Breeson Bigley, sr., 5-11, 160, DB.
Haven Wildcats
Coach: Drew Thalmann and Thomas Cooprider, sixth season, 25-23
2023: 5-4, lost in 2A first round
League and district: Central Kansas League, 2A-5
Schedule: Sept. 6, at Hillsboro; Sept. 13, Nickerson; Sept. 20, Smoky Valley; Sept. 27, at Douglass; Oct. 4, Garden Plain; Oct. 11, at Belle Plaine; Oct. 18, at Chaparral; Oct. 25, Kingman.
Top players: Van Loop, sr., 5-8, 170, RB-DB; Nash Wray, sr., 5-9, 150, QB-DB; Aiden Hoopes, sr., 5-7, 140, WR-DB; Blake Richey, sr., 6-3, 190, OL-DL; Grant Patry, jr., 5-11, 175, TE-LB; Chandler Ingold, sr., 6-4, 175, WR-DB.
Hesston Swathers
Coach: Tyson Bauerle, eighth season, 40-29
2023: 5-5, lost in 3A second round
League and district: Central Kansas League, 3A-6
Schedule: Sept. 6, at Halstead; Sept. 13, at Hoisington; Sept. 20, Hillsboro; Sept. 27, at Nickerson; Oct. 4, Smoky Valley; Oct. 11, at Wichita Trinity; Oct. 18, Riley County; Oct. 25, Andale.
Top players: Karter Gonzalez, sr., 5-10, 215, RB-LB; Reed Friesen, sr., 6-5, 190, QB-DB; Asher Deutschendorf, sr., 5-10, 210, TE-LB; Peter Machado, sr., 6-0, 235, OL-DL; Ethan Coutre, jr., 6-2, 220, OL-DL; Gunner Goalden, so., 5-11, 265, OL-DL; Blake Hansen, sr., 5-11, 175, WR-DB; Jack Gish, sr., 6-0, 200, TE-LB; Brody Martin, jr., 6-2, 190, OL-DL; Conner Graber, sr., 6-4, 190, TE-LB; Emmet O’Halloran, jr., 5-9, 200, OL-LB; Jacob Burkholder, sr., 6-1, 175, WR-DB; Eli Haug, so., 5-10, 140, WR-DB.
Hillsboro Trojans
Coach: Demetrius Cox, sixth season, 28-21
2023: 5-4, lost in 2A first round
League and district: Central Kansas League, 2A-6
Schedule: Sept. 6, Haven; Sept. 13, at Larned; Sept. 20, at Hesston; Sept. 27, Halstead; Oct. 4, at Ellsworth; Oct. 11, Southeast of Saline; Oct. 18, at Lyons; Oct. 25, Smoky Valley.
Top players: Lincoln Wichert, sr., 5-10, 150, WR-DB; Seth Driggers, sr., 6-1, 180, WR-DB; Jesiah Gooch, jr,. 6-1, 210, RB-DB; Anders Weisbeck, sr., 5-10, 215, RB-LB; Noah Beavers, sr., 6-5, 205, WR-DL; Nash Dickerson, sr., 6-2, 190, OL-DL; Evan Jones, jr., OL-DL; Logan Rogers, sr., OL-DL; Kai Defiesta, sr., 6-4, 310, OL; Anthony Lopez, jr., 6-0, 150, WR-DB; Aaron Hein, jr., 5-9, 160, RB-DB; Colton Jost, sr., 5-6, 200, OL; Collin Voss, sr., 6-0, 250, OL-DL.
Hutchinson Trinity Celtics
Coach: Jordan Bell, 11th season, 58-39
2023: 4-6, lost in 1A second round
League and district: Heart of America, 1A-7
Schedule: Sept. 6, at Inman; Sept. 13, Sedgwick; Sept. 20, Remington; Sept. 27, at South Sumner County; Oct. 4, at Conway Springs; Oct. 11, Ellinwood; Oct. 18, at Medicine Lodge; Oct. 25, Sterling.
Top players: Drew Dechant, jr., QB-DB; Isaac Hammersmith, jr., OL-DL; Adrian Baca, jr., OL-DL; Kaid McElgunn, jr., WR-DB; Jackson Dozier, sr., WR-DB; Lucas Griffith, so., RB-LB; Aiden Suter-Tan, sr., WR-LB; Matthew McConnaughy, sr., OL-LB; Bentyn Chastain, jr., WR-LB; Roberto Guerrero, jr., WR-DB; Gage Schroeder, jr., OL-DL; Sam Vogel, jr., WR-DB.
Inman Teutons
Coach: Lance Sawyer, 10th season, 50-36
2023: 3-6, did not qualify
League and district: Heart of America, 1A-6
Schedule: Sept. 6, Hutchinson Trinity; Sept. 13, at Wichita Trinity; Sept. 20, Sterling; Sept. 27, at Remington; Oct. 4, Marion; Oct. 11, at Sedgwick; Oct. 18, at Bennington; Oct. 25, Moundridge.
Top players: Dylan Larson, jr., 5-8, 185, OL; Malachi Brunk, so., 6-0, 165, QB-DB; Sebastian Martinez, sr., 5-10, 150, LB; Caleb Bigler, sr., 6-2, 165, RB-DB; Korbyn McClellan, so., 6-1, 160, DB; Cooper Wiens, jr., 6-4, 190, OL-DL; Evan Klameynski, sr., 5-10, 205, OL-DL; Eli Gillespie, sr., 6-2, 275, OL-DL; Gage Sisson, so., 6-0, 170, TE-DL; Carsten Seidl, so., 6-0, 180, OL-LB; Tyler Jerrick, so., 5-8, 155, WR-DB; Sam Brensing, jr., 6-2, 160, WR-DB; Braxton Malloy, fr., 5-10, 160, RB-LB; Kru Harris, fr., 5-11, 155, WR-DB; Jayden Mari, jr., 5-10, 165, RB-DB; Brayden Stutzman, jr., 6-1, 275, OL; Kash Schierling, so., 5-10, 195, OL-DL; Bo O’Neill, fr., 5-11, 175, OL-LB.
Kingman Eagles
Coach: Tanner Hageman, sixth season, 38-15
2023: 7-3, lost in 2A second round
League and district: Central Plains League, 2A-5
Schedule: Sept. 6, at Chaparral; Sept. 13, Cheney; Sept. 20, at Wichita Trinity; Sept. 27, Southeast of Saline; Oct. 4, Douglass; Oct. 11, at Garden Plain; Oct. 18, Belle Plaine; Oct. 25, at Haven.
Top players: Collin Schreiner, sr., 5-8, 210, OL-LB; Brody Bell, sr., 6-0, 230, OL-DL; Colby Arensdorf, sr., 5-9, 170, OL-DL; Ben Bradshaw, sr., QB-DB; Gabe Andersen, jr., 6-0, 190, RB; Isaac Mertens, sr., 6-0, 180, OL; Will McBeth, sr., 6-1, 230, OL; Kade Osborn, sr., 5-8, 160, LB; Garrett Gattis, jr., 6-0, 190, TE-LB; Braylon Price, jr., 6-1, 165, WR-DB; Jon Silba, jr., 6-1, 190, DL.
Marion Warriors
Coach: Shaun Craft, seventh season, 26-31
2023: 9-2, lost in 1A quarterfinals
League and district: Heart of America, 1A-6
Schedule: Sept. 6, at Herington; Sept. 13, at Douglass; Sept. 20, Bennington; Sept. 27, Sedgwick; Oct. 4, at Inman; Oct. 11, Moundridge; Oct. 18, at Remington; Oct. 25, Valley Heights.
Top players: Brian Nguyen, sr., 5-10, 215, OL-LB; Luke Watkins, sr., 6-2, 220, OL-DL; Kadon Mercer, jr., 6-2, 210, TE-DL; Jackson Bitonti, sr., 5-9, 265, OL-DL; Kellen Waner, sr., 5-9, 160, QB-DB; Jameson Looper, jr., 5-10, 170, RB-LB; Lane Smith, sr., 5-10, 160, RB-LB; Tripp Peterson, so., 5-7, 155, WR-DB; Isaac Wesner, so., 5-10, 155, WR; Hitch Soyez, so., 6-0, 170, OL-LB; Jackson Howard, so., 6-5, 190, OL.
Medicine Lodge Indians
Coach: Nick Schmidt, third season, 12-9
2023: 9-3, lost in 1A semifinals
League and district: Central Plains League, 1A-7
Schedule: Sept. 6, at Belle Plaine; Sept. 13, Chaparral; Sept. 20, at Moundridge; Sept. 26, Conway Springs; Oct. 4, Sterling; Oct. 11, at South Sumner County; Oct. 18, Hutchinson Trinity; Oct. 25, at Ellinwood.
Top players: Ke’Veon Ruiz, sr., 6-2, 195, QB-DB; Durham Nittler, sr., 6-0, 170, WR-LB; Sawyer Stone, sr., 6-0, 180, DL; Jack Schreiner, jr., 5-10, 160, WR-LB; Braxx Farr, jr., 6-1, 190, RB-LB; Gavin Gross, sr., 6-6, 275, OL; Colton Barnard, sr., 5-11, 260, OL; Callan Smith, jr., 6-0, 180, OL; Zayne Keller, jr., 6-0, 165, LB.
Moundridge Wildcats
Coach: Tyler O’Connor, second season, 9-1
2023: 9-1, lost in 8-man Div. 1 second round
League and district: Heart of America, 1A-6
Schedule: Sept. 6, at Bennington; Sept. 13, at Sterling; Sept. 20, Medicine Lodge; Sept. 27, Herington; Oct. 4, Remington; Oct. 11, at Marion; Oct. 18, Sedgwick; Oct. 25, at Inman.
Top players: Henry Hecox, sr., 6-2, 205, QB-LB; Bear Moddelmog, sr., 6-3, 190, TE-LB; Kaizer Kanitz, jr., 6-0, 170, WR-DB; Braden DenHartog, jr., 6-1, 225, OL-DL; Layton Schmidt, jr., 6-4, 175, OL-LB; Layton Weins, sr., 5-11, 230, OL-DL; Thomas Jenkins, jr., 6-2, 215, OL-DL; Fynn Burge, jr., 6-0, 170, WR-DB; Logan Wulf, so., 5-10, 260, OL-DL; Paul Grill, jr., 5-7, 165, RB-LB; Logan Greenwalt, so., 5-7, 150, RB-DB; Josh Koehn, so., 6-0, 160, RB-LB; Braden Elmore, jr., 5-10, 155, RB-DB; Heath Churchill, jr., 6-2, 160, WR-DB.
Nickerson Panthers
Coach: Taylor Bauman, third season, 2-16
2023: 1-8, did not qualify
League and district: Central Kansas League, 3A-6
Schedule: Sept. 6, at Conway Springs; Sept. 13, at Haven; Sept. 20, Halstead; Sept. 27, Hesston; Oct. 4, at Andale; Oct. 11, at Lyons; Oct. 18, Smoky Valley; Oct. 25, at Wichita Trinity.
Top players: Keastin Abernathy, sr., 6-4, 205, TE-DL; Addrick Nelson, sr., 5-6, 140, WR-DB; Riley Brawner, jr., 6-2, 200, TE-LB; Austin Peterson, jr., 6-3, 170, WR-DB; Landen Hays, sr., 6-1, 185, RB-DB; Kris Monroe, jr., 5-10, 170, QB; Rylan Morrell, so., 5-8, 170, RB-LB; Zein Rector, so., 6-0, 210, OL-DL; Jayden Belote, jr., 6-0, 200, OL-DL.
Remington Broncos
Coach: Matt Headley, first season
2023: 2-7, lost in 1A first round
League and district: Heart of America, 1A-6
Schedule: Sept. 6, Douglass; Sept. 13, Bennington; Sept. 20, at Hutchinson Trinity; Sept. 27, Inman; Oct. 4, at Moundridge; Oct. 11, at Republic County; Oct. 18, Marion; Oct. 25, at Sedgwick.
Top players: Kole Klaassen, sr., 6-2, 190, RB-LB; Isaac Jury, sr., 5-10, 170, QB-LB; Drew Klaassen, sr., 6-2, 175, WR-DB; Pedro Ordaz, jr., 6-1, 240, OL-DL; Judah Giles, jr., 6-0, 210, OL-DL; Kade Mersman, sr., 6-0, 260, OL-DL; Elliot Hochstetler, so., 6-3, 160, WR-DB.
Sedgwick Cardinals
Coach: Jeff Werner, 17th season, 131-46
2023: 8-2, lost in 1A second round
League and district: Heart of America, 1A-6
Schedule: Sept. 6, Sterling; Sept. 13, at Hutchinson Trinity; Sept. 20, at Herington; Sept. 27, at Marion; Oct. 4, Sacred Heart; Oct. 11, Inman; Oct. 18, at Moundridge; Oct. 25, Remington.
Top players: Corey Crumrine, sr., 5-9, 160, QB-DB; Dallas Lagree, sr., 5-10, 165, WR-DB; Cory Culp, sr., 6-3, 195, TE-DL; Cole McGinn, jr., 6-1, 195, OL-DL; Noah Little, jr., 5-9, 150, WR-DB; Austin Thieme, sr., 6-3, 185, OL-DL; Brandon Ferguson, sr., 6-2, 210, RB-LB; Doc Cochran, sr., 6-6, 260, OL-DL; Layton Benjamin, so., 6-2, 220, OL-DL; Owen Luper, so., 5-9, 150, WR-DB; Garrett Kasney, sr., 5-11, 180, OL-LB; Gage Harris, sr., 5-10, 160, WR-LB.
Smoky Valley Vikings
Coach: Tim Lambert, ninth season, 45-41
2023: 1-8, lost in 3A first round
League and district: Central Kansas League, 3A-6
Schedule: Sept. 6, Larned; Sept. 13, Belle Plaine; Sept. 20, at Haven; Sept. 27, Wichita Trinity; Oct. 4, at Hesston; Oct. 11, Andale; Oct. 18, at Nickerson; Oct. 25, at Hillsboro.
Top players: Ezekiel Baker, sr., 6-0, 205, RB-LB; Gabe Baker, sr., 6-3, 265, OL-DL; Gavin Stambaugh, sr., 6-0, 190, RB-DB; Brock Gengler, jr., 5-11, 205, OL-DL; Geo Luis, sr., 6-0, 195, OL-DL; Ty Heitschmidt, jr., 6-3, 225, QB; Toren Miller, jr., 6-0, 220, TE-LB; Conner Smith-Bolin, jr., 5-11, 210, OL; Kristian Ryan, jr., 6-4, 180, WR-DB; Jack Opat, jr., 6-0, 185, RB-DB; Cooper Whittaker, sr., 6-0, 205, LB; Takoda Hauck, sr., 6-1, 160, DB; Andrew Lochard, jr., 5-10, 145, DB; Auley Baughfman, so., 6-1, 180, LB; Crew Elliott, so., 5-11, 155, LB.
South Sumner County Outlaws
Coach: Sean Blosser, 13th season, 90-40
2023: 8-2, lost in 8-man Div. 1 second round
League and district: South Central Border League, 1A-7
Schedule: Sept. 6, at Pleasanton; Sept. 13, Olpe; Sept. 20, at Cherokee-Southeast; Sept. 27, Hutchinson Trinity; Oct. 4, at Ellinwood; Oct. 11, Medicine Lodge; Oct. 18, at Sterling; Oct. 25, Conway Springs.
Top players: Alex Shore, sr., 6-3, 170, WR-DB; Colby Irey, sr., 5-9, 155, RB-DB; Tanner Kelly, sr., 6-1, 245, OL; Brady Russell, jr., 6-2, 220, TE-DL; Mak Blosser, so., 5-10, 145, QB; Maddox Pond, so., 6-0, 150, DB.
Sterling Bears
Coach: Brent Schneider, sixth season, 17-29
2023: 6-4, lost in 1A second round
League and district: Heart of America, 1A-7
Schedule: Sept. 6, at Sedgwick; Sept. 13, Moundridge; Sept. 20, at Inman; Sept. 27, Ellinwood; Oct. 4, at Medicine Lodge; Oct. 11, Conway Springs; Oct. 18, South Sumner County; Oct. 25, at Hutchinson Trinity.
Top players: Zane Farney, jr., 6-0, 175, RB-LB; Boston Ekart, jr., 6-6, 180, WR-DB; Wyatt Newberry, jr., 5-11, 165, RB-DB; Logan Isaac, jr,. 6-0, 180, QB-LB; Teyton Savage, sr., 6-0, 195, OL-DL; Blake Smith, jr., 6-0, 180, LB.
Trinity Academy Knights
Coach: Trey Hall, third season, 6-12
2023: 4-5, did not qualify
League and district: CPL, 3A-6
Schedule: Sept. 6, at Garden Plain; Sept. 13, Inman; Sept. 20, Kingman; Sept. 27, at Smoky Valley; Oct. 4, at Belle Plaine; Oct. 11, Hesston; Oct. 18, at Andale; Oct. 25, Nickerson.
Top players: Cooper Garrison, sr., 6-5, 235, TE-DL; Will Saunders, sr., 6-1, 215, RB-DL; Braden Roberts, sr., 5-10, 165, WR-DB; Yamnoel Bernier-Oyolo, jr., 5-8, 155, WR-DB; Josiah Sems, sr., 5-8, 160, RB-DB; Joey Lawton, sr., 5-10, 220, OL-DL; Preston Sebits, sr., 6-0, 220, OL-DL; McCain Butcher, sr., 5-11, 205, WR-DB; Levi Williams, sr., 5-10, 220, OL-DL; Landon Rohr, sr., 6-0, 215, OL-DL; Logan Milleman, sr., 6-3, 250, OL-DL; Matthew Phillips, sr., 5-10, 160, WR-DB.
