Kansas.com: High Schools

Spartans roll into 3A final

BROOKS SEELEY — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:30 CST

NORTON — Wichita Collegiate's third quarter Saturday showed exactly why its offense has struck fear into opponents this season.

In that period alone, the Spartans ran six plays for 240 yards, and four of the plays went for touchdowns on the way to a 56-21 win over Norton in the Class 3A semifinals.

Brett LeMaster's 78-yard touchdown run may sum up the Spartans' offensive domination the best.

Quinter finishes storybook run

MATT BROWNING — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:30 CST

NEWTON — There were no words that could describe the way Quinter's Matt Bird felt.

Known for his offensive prowess as a wide receiver, Bird was asked by the Bulldogs' coaching staff to use his secure hands in a different way.

Clinging to a 28-26 lead and playing a soft zone defense Saturday in the 8-man Division I championship game, Quinter continued to watch Baileyville march down the field, moving closer to the endzone.

Hanover wins 8-man II title

MATT BROWNING — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:30 CST

NEWTON — For coaches that tried to develop a gameplan against the Hanover football team this season, it must have been a nightmare trying to figure out which of the Wildcats' running options to contain.

Whether it's Ethan Diederich on sweeps, Trevor Jueneman on runs up the middle or Jerod Diederich on the option, Hanover's running game comes at opponents in waves.

Saturday afternoon in the Eight Man Division II championship, Quivira Heights approach was to try and get in a shootout with Hanover.

Heights Falcons reach first championship game

JONATHAN LONG — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:05 CST

Hutch too much for Carroll

JOANNA CHADWICK — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:06 CST

HUTCHINSON — Bishop Carroll opened the second half of its Class 5A semifinal at Hutchinson just like it needed to, forcing Hutchinson to punt after three plays on two straight series.

It was a statement that Carroll's defense needed to make against Hutchinson's high-powered running game. Especially after the Eagles fell behind by two touchdowns in the first half and gave up two runs of 60-plus yards.

But following both those defensive stops, Carroll made crucial turnovers, and the game started to unravel.

In-game high school football scores and highlights (Nov. 20-21)

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:53 CST

Hayden passing game stops Buhler

JEFFREY LUTZ — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:03 CST

TOPEKA — Buhler football coach Steve Warner struggled to answer whether the Crusaders' 35-21 loss in the Class 4A semifinals would have had a different result Friday if injured star tailback Jordan Oden had played.

"It's really tough to say that," Warner said. "I thought (backup Tanner Fisher) played really well, he ran hard. With the leadership that Jordan brings, you can't look at it that way."

Even if Oden hadn't suffered a broken collarbone in last week's win over Rose Hill, he might not have made the impact Hayden receiver Sean Morrow made.

Carroll: All eyes on the big prize

JONATHAN LONG — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:34 CST

Almost everyone knows who's throwing the passes at Bishop Carroll. Far fewer know who is actually catching them.

After losing Joe Brown and Nick Johansen to graduation, the Eagles entered the season with an unproven group of wide receivers for quarterback Blake Bell, one of the nation's top recruits. And while no individual has emerged as the go-to- guy, the group has become successful. Carroll (11-0) travels to Hutchinson tonight for a matchup with the undefeated, top-ranked Salthawks in a Class 5A semifinal.

Carroll's Tyler Nance, Brandon Weber, Danny Crippen, Blake Rollins, John Mies, Tanner Gilmore and Shane Brittain have combined for all but eight of Carroll's 212 receptions this year. they have 2,458 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns.

Collegiate draws from 2000 champions

JOANNA CHADWICK — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:36 CST

The first time Wichita Collegiate football coach Bill Messamore mentioned the Spartans' undefeated Class 3A championship team from 2000, it was shortly after Spartans fan Jim Collins died last summer.

To let this year's team know how much Collins meant — he was a supporter and the parent of former player James Collins — Messamore showed a video.

"We showed a film of how the parents supported the 2000 team, and it was a funny video, a lot of fun," Messamore said. "After that, there was a little piece of footage, a highlight of 2000. I was starting to turn the recorder off, and they said, 'no, we want to see that.' "

Getting to know Timmy Chadd

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:36 CST

Timmy Chadd

Senior Bishop Carroll

Chadd, the leader of Carroll's defense, has been a key in the Eagles' undefeated season that includes a Class 5A-District 8 title and the City League title. Chadd has 75 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.

8-Man championship capsules

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:36 CST

Baileyville vs. Quinter

When: 11:00 a.m. Saturday

Where: Fischer Field, Newton

11-man football semifinals

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:36 CST

Derby at Heights
When: 7 tonight
Records: Derby 8-3, Heights 7-4

Heights prepares for a different Derby

JONATHAN LONG — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:51 CST

The Derby football coaches were looking for some music to play before practice last week.
Prior to picking a CD, coach Brandon Clark joked about not playing the disc they chose the week the Panthers played Heights.
The Falcons defeated Derby 27-0 in the final week of the regular season for a Class 6A district title.

Buhler copes with loss of star back

jeffrey LUTZ — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:52 CST

Shortly after Buhler's football game against Rose Hill on Friday, it might have been difficult to tell that Buhler was hours removed from a history-making win in the Class 4A quarterfinals.
The mood among players turned somber when they found out star running back Jordan Oden had a broken collarbone and wouldn't play again in the postseason.
The Crusaders are doing their best to put his injury behind them as they prepare to play at defending state champion Topeka Hayden on Friday in Buhler's first trip to the semifinals since 1990.

Collegiate fights off Scott City

BROOKS SEELEY — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:31 CST

During the first two rounds of the Class 3A playoffs, Wichita Collegiate's high-powered offense scored 99 points and, as had been the case all season, didn't need its defense to make a game-ending stop.
The Spartans would need both, and more, to beat Scott City on Saturday.
The offense did its part. Trailing 17-13 with 4:44 left, quarterback Blake Jablonski led the offense on an 11-play, 80-yard drive to get the lead back, 19-17.

Carroll stays undefeated by routing Emporia

JONATHAN LONG — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:20 CST

Blake Bell did his talking Friday night without moving his lips.
Bell responded to a newspaper comment made by an Emporia co-defensive coordinator by accounting for 317 yards of offense as the host Eagles won 42-6.
Carroll (11-0) will face Hutchinson (11-0) in the Class 5A semifinals next Friday in Hutchinson.

Kansas high school football playoff scores Nov. 13-14

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:21 CST

Class 6A
First Round
Olathe North 42, SM East 14

Heights knocks out unbeaten Manhattan

BRETT REGAN — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:20 CST

MANHATTAN — In his young career, Heights quarterback Matt Reed has not had many chances to use his arm.
He attempted one pass in Heights’ Class 6A first-round victory over South — the sophomore torched the Titans on the ground. But it was his arm that was the difference Friday in the quarterfinals as the Falcons stunned undefeated Manhattan 14-10 at Bishop Stadium.
The Falcons will play host to Derby next week in the semifinals.

Derby relies on defense, passing to advance

TAYLOR ELDRIDGE — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:20 CST

DERBY — Derby quarterback Tyler Harrison didn’t try to be spectacular Friday night, just steady. And he knew when to rely on the Panthers’ sure things — Devin
Hedgepeth and his defense — in Derby’s 19-7 Class 6A quarterfinal victory over Dodge City.
“I just got to give credit to our defense,” said Harrison, who passed for 218 yards and sealed the win with a touchdown run in the fourth quarter. “If it wasn’t for them, we probably wouldn’t be in this situation. It was definitely hard, but our team stepped up and we made the plays when we needed to.”

Hutchinson makes short work of Salina South

Jeffrey Lutz — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:20 CST

SALINA — Hutchinson may have aided in the future invention of two football statistics Friday — minutes of possession per touchdown and snap-to-touchdown ratio.
Of course, the Salthawks are also strong in old-fashioned measurements of success, like wins and championships. They improved to 11-0 by beating Salina South 42-10 in the Class 5A quarterfinals.
Hutchinson's win sets up an anticipated matchup with Bishop Carroll in next week's semifinals, which Hutchinson will host. The Salthawks are trying for their sixth consecutive state title.

Buhler wins big in quarterfinals

MATT BROWNING — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:20 CST

BUHLER — Much of the credit to Buhler's prolific rushing offense this season has been given to Jordan Oden and Jake Reffner, and rightly so, as the two have combined for more than 3,000 yards.
And while it was business as usual for those two Friday night against Rose Hill — they combined for 232 yards — it was a powerful offensive line, along with fullback Roman Davidson's four touchdowns, that stole much of the spotlight as the Crusaders rushed for 353 yards in a 64-28 Class 4A quarterfinal victory.
Buhler will play at Topeka Hayden next week in the semifinals, the team that stopped the Crusaders in the quarterfinals last season.

Turnovers sink Andale against Hayden

JOANNA CHADWICK — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:20 CST

ANDALE — The Andale football players were on one knee, huddled in a semi-circle around coach Gary O'Hair Friday night.
Most of the players had tear-stained faces as they listened to O'Hair talk following Topeka Hayden's 23-10 victory over unbeaten Andale in the Class 4A quarterfinal game.
Every so often, a cheer would erupt from the other end zone, and a handful of players took quick glances at Hayden's players.

Friday's Top Performers

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:20 CST

Rushing
Player, schoolYards
Skylar Hawkins, Paola 142

In-game high school football scores and highlights (Nov. 13-14)

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:00 CST

Derby up for a challenge

JOANNA CHADWICK — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:38 CST

When Brandon Clark was hired as Derby's football coach four years ago, he was disturbed by the contentment he found in the program.
"They were just happy to be here," he said. "They weren't too competitive."
That was unacceptable to Clark, who has always been a fiery competitor.

Heights conquers turnovers

JONATHAN LONG AND JOANNA CHADWICK — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:38 CST

Turnovers plagued the Heights football team early this season. The Falcons have rebounded by finding their offensive rhythm and holding on to the ball.
The Falcons started the season 1-3 with a minus-5 turnover ratio, but have won five of their last six games, including a current four-game win streak, and are plus-11 in turnovers since.
Heights hopes to continue that success tonight at Manhattan in a Class 6A quarterfinal.

Smith Center will lose? Prove it

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:38 CST

This is supposed to be the game. Yep, Smith Center is supposed to lose to visiting Meade in tonight's Class 2-1A quarterfinal game and see its 77-game winning streak end.
Commenters on discussion boards and on the Varsity Kansas blog have predicted it because Meade is undefeated! Meade has 315-pound lineman Trevin Pfannenstiel! Meade has outscored teams 505-104!
Smith Center isn't what it used to be! Smith Center will struggle to stop Meade's single-wing offense! Smith Center barely beat Norton, Phillipsburg and Ellis!

Getting to know

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:38 CST

Brady Foltz
Rose Hill lineman
The Rose Hill football team faces Buhler tonight for a spot in the Class 4A semifinals. A big reason that the Rockets have advanced this far is the 6-foot-4, 260-pound junior lineman.

All-Metro boys soccer

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:03 CST

This is the sixth year for All-Metro teams selected by The Eagle, recognizing the best high school athletes in team sports throughout Sedgwick, Butler and Harvey counties.
The selection process
In October, Eagle high school beat writers Joanna Chadwick and Jonathan Long sent nomination ballots to all boys soccer coaches at the 38 high schools in Sedgwick, Butler and Harvey counties.

All-league soccer teams

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:03 CST

City League
First Team
Player, SchoolPositionYr.

Goddard, Robben part ways

JOANNA CHADWICK — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:43 CST

Roger Robben didn't attempt to hide his disappointment at no longer being Goddard's football coach, a move that became official at Monday's school board meeting.
"We've done a lot of work in the program," said Robben, whose teams were 23-26 in six seasons. "We thought we'd gained some things. The schedule the last two years hasn't helped in letting us continue to build. It made it a great challenge."
Robben said Tuesday he was asked to resign, though superintendent Charlie Edmonds said Robben resigned on his own.

All-Metro Volleyball

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:02 CST

This is the sixth year for All-Metro teams selected by The Eagle, recognizing the best high school athletes in team sports throughout Sedgwick, Butler and Harvey counties.

The selection process

ALL-LEAGUE VOLLEYBALL TEAMS

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:43 CST

CITY LEAGUE
First teamPos. Yr.
Leah Grant, KapaunHSr.

high school football playoffs

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:04 CST

Class 6A
First Round
Olathe North 42, SM East 14

Andale stays perfect by beating Wellington

BROOKS SEELEY — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:17 CST

WELLINGTON — Andale took control of its second round matchup in the second half and defeated Wellington 35-17 Saturday night.
No. 1 Andale (11-0) advances to the Class 4A quarterfinals and will host Topeka Hayden on Friday. Wellington (7-4) is knocked out by Andale in the second round of the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
Scott Lester scored two second-half touchdowns for Andale's offense, while the defense held Wellington to just 94 yards in the second half.

saturday's Top Performers

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:17 CST

Rushing
Player, schoolYards
Caleb Brill, Conway Springs177

Rose Hill rallies around Rapp

JOANNA CHADWICK — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:17 CST

ROSE HILL — As Rose Hill coach Greg Slade wrapped up his postgame talk Saturday night following the Rockets' 24-8 victory over Abilene in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs, he turned his attention to senior Dillon Rapp.
A difficult week turned to sadness Friday when Rapp's grandfather, Ray Buchanan, died. It was a heavy emotional load to carry into the game.
"It's been hard," Rapp said. "He was my role model. To see him, the suffering.It's been pretty sad. I needed to come out and perform for him and get the win.... It was tough to focus, but I had to get it done for the team and the coaches, to stay focused on the game, not my grandpa.

Collegiate's pass offense keeps clicking

jeffrey LUTZ — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:17 CST

It's starting to appear as if the Collegiate football team is untouchable.
That's a literal description of Spartans quarterback Blake Jablonski, who operates from the shotgun formation and hasn't been sacked since....
"It's been quite a while," Jablonski said. "The (offensive) line is doing great. It's saying something if I can't even think of it."

Hayden clamps down on Andover

SCOTT PASKE — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:17 CST

TOPEKA — Andover running back Ben Croitoru walked toward the locker room Saturday, feeling the pain of a fourth-quarter charge that came up short.
"It finally clicked," Croitoru said. "I wish we could have done it the whole game."
Instead, the Trojans discovered that three days was a short time to adjust for the loss of a three-year leader at quarterback. With senior Aaron Hansen on the sidelines in a knee brace, Andover lost to defending Class 4A champion Topeka Hayden 14-7 in a second-round playoff game.

Miracle pass lifts Hutch Trinity by Conway

TAYLOR ELDRIDGE — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:17 CST

HUTCHINSON — Derek Racette never saw if his fourth-and-29 desperation heave connected with Michael Mesh.
When his high-arching pass finally did parachute down into the hands of Mesh, Racette's back was on the ground after being pummeled by a Conway Springs rusher.
No, he never saw Mesh's improbable catch or even more implausible run after for the game-winning touchdown with a minute remaining in Hutch Trinity's 33-28 upheaval of defending Class 3A champion Conway Springs.

High schools

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:07 CST

State Gymnastics Championships
at Newton
Team scores— Lawrence Free State 103.525, Newton 103.525 (tie), SM Northwest 102.95, SM South 99.975, SM North 97.125, SM East 96.15, Olathe North 93.55, Olathe South 91.8. Olathe East, Olathe Northwest.

high school football playoff scoreboard

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:17 CST

Class 6A
Friday's First Round
Olathe North 42, SM East 14

Loya lifts Lenexa St. James to state title

JONATHAN LONG — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:17 CST

TOWANDA — Right when the Berean Academy Warriors thought the game was theirs, Steve Loya of Lenexa St. James proved otherwise.
Loya, a junior, scored the game-winning goal with 3:42 remaining to give St. James a 3-2 victory and the Class 4-1A soccer state championship Saturday afternoon at the Circle Athletic Complex.
Loya, who also scored the winning goal on a penalty kick in the semifinals Friday night against Rose Hill, took a pass from Alec Bartlett and hammered a shot high past the outstretched arms of Berean keeper Karlin Wiebe.

Carroll thrives in second half

matt browning — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:14 CST

Time after time, Newton quarterback Evan Thomas picked apart Bishop Carroll's defense in the first half of the teams' first-round matchup Friday night in Wichita.
The Eagles put little pressure on Thomas, who threw for 161 yards and two touchdowns for a 21-21 tie at halftime.
At the break, Carroll coach Alan Schuckman and defensive coordinator Jim Nance talked about bringing more blitzes, wondering if Thomas could make plays fast enough to get away from five or six different players charging the backfield.

Kansas high school playoff football scores, schedule (Nov. 7)

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:00 CST

Panther pride: Derby regroups from loss

JOANNA CHADWICK — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:14 CST

After Derby played one of its worst football games in last week's regular-season finale, coach Brandon Clark pushed his team. Hard.
He had his defensive starters on the scout team against the offensive starters. He had his offensive starters on the scout team against the defensive starters.
"It became an emotional practice," Clark said. "We had some battles out there."

Manhattan shuts off Maize offense

LUKE THOMPSON — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:14 CST

MANHATTAN — As Maize coach Craig Broadbent followed his team off the field, he sought out one of his downcast players for the last time.
Senior linebacker Frank Hopkins finished with four tackles in his team's 35-6 loss to Manhattan in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs Friday night. But his 70 tackles for the season led an Eagles defense that held the Indians to seven points in the first half.
"You're trying to get some good kids," Broadbent said. "It's hard to see kids leave. They work so hard to play the game, but unfortunately it has to end sometime."

New-look Heights turns on its running game

LIONEL TIPTON — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:15 CST

Salina South halts Kapaun's season

jeffrey LUTZ — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:14 CST

In preparing to play Kapaun Mount Carmel in the Class 5A playoffs this week, Salina South coach Sam Sellers saw something familiar — a power running game.
"We saw them on film, and that's what we like to do, too," Sellers said. "We like that physical style of football."
The Cougars perfected it Friday, getting 100-yard rushing games from three players in their 31-14 first-round win at Cessna Stadium. Kapaun had no match for South's attack, as running back Dyllon Knox was held to 71 yards.

Rose Hill falls short

JONATHAN LONG — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:14 CST

TOWANDA — Missed opportunities plagued the Rose Hill soccer team Friday night.
The Rockets missed seven shots in regulation and overtime before falling 4-2 on penalty kicks to Lenexa St. James in the semifinals of the Class 4-1A tournament.
St. James (11-9) will face Berean Academy today at 2 p.m. for the state championship. Rose Hill plays DeSoto for third place at noon.