Team-by-team KCAC football preview: Kansas Wesleyan again a national title contender
Last season was a historic one for the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, as Kansas Wesleyan became the first conference team to advance to the national semifinals.
It was the most dominant season the KCAC has ever seen, as Wesleyan won all 10 of its conference games en route to an undefeated conference title and the Coyotes finished the season with a 13-1 record — one game short of playing for a national title.
Wesleyan coach Matt Drinkall has since left to become the offensive coordinator at Army, but first-year coach Myers Hendrickson has plenty of firepower returning — 15 starters, including All-Americans in running back Demarco Prewitt and defensive end Shaq Bradford — for the Coyotes to make another run at a national championship.
With the majority of KCAC teams opening the season next Saturday, here’s how the Eagle sees the conference race playing out this season.
1. Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes
2018 record: 13-1 (10-0, 1st KCAC). Head coach: Myers Hendrickson, first season. Offense: Power Spread. Defense: Multiple. Returning starters: 15 (9 offense, 6 defense). 2019 polling: 1st (media), 1st (coaches).
| Pos. | Name | Ht. | Wt. | Year | 2018 Stats |
| RB | Demarco Prewitt | 5-10 | 213 | Sr. | 429 rushes, 2,371 yards (5.5 average), 38 TDs; 34 catches, 417 yards, 3 TDs |
| DE | Shaq Bradford | 5-10 | 223 | Sr. | 56 tackles, 35 TFLs, 22 sacks, Second-team NAIA All-American |
| QB | Johnny Feauto | 6-0 | 186 | Sr. | 208-332 passing (63%), 3,273 yards, 41 TDs, 6 INTs; 129 rushes, 466 yards, 6 TDs |
| TE | Charlie Simmons | 6-1 | 200 | Jr. | 57 catches, 1,037 yards (18.2 average), 13 TDs |
| WR | Trenton Poe-Evans | 6-2 | 203 | Sr. | 59 catches, 955 yards (16.2 average), 14 TDs |
| LT | Eli Smith | 6-7 | 306 | Sr. | First-team all-KCAC pick |
| LB | Jasper Chavez | 5-10 | 225 | Sr. | 71 tackles, 2 TFL |
| LG | Darrius Brown | 5-11 | 319 | Jr. | First-team all-KCAC pick |
| DB | Rashaan Broomfield | 5-11 | 181 | Sr. | 32 tackles, 2 INTs |
| LB | Warren Singletary | 5-10 | 230 | Sr. | 101 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 1 sack |
| DB | Scott Helsper | 5-10 | 184 | Jr. | 41 tackles, 5 INTs |
Schedule: Sept. 7, Tabor, 6 p.m.; Sept. 14, at Friends, 7 p.m.; Sept. 21, Bethany, 2 p.m.; Sept. 28, at Ottawa, 6 p.m.; Oct. 12, Saint Mary, 2 p.m.; Oct. 19, at Southwestern, 1 p.m.; Oct. 26, at Avila, 1 p.m.; Nov. 2, McPherson, 1 p.m.; Nov. 9, at Sterling, 1 p.m.; Nov. 16, Bethel, 1:30 p.m.
2. Ottawa Braves
2018 record: 8-2 (8-2, 2nd KCAC). Head coach: Kent Kessinger, 16th season, 96-66. Offense: Multiple. Defense: Multiple. Returning starters: 11 (6 offense, 5 defense). 2019 polling: 2nd (media), 2nd (coaches).
| Pos. | Name | Ht. | Wt. | Year | 2018 Stats |
| DL | Jacob Garcia | 6-0 | Jr. | 56 tackles, 15 TFLs, 8 sacks | |
| QB | Connor Kaegi | 6-7 | Sr. | 162-269 passing (60%), 1,956 yards, 25 TDs, 9 INTs; 95 rushes, 295 yards, 8 TDs | |
| LB | Colby Johnson | 5-10 | Jr. | 90 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks | |
| RB | James Reeder | 6-0 | Jr. | 153 rushes, 601 yards, 3 TDs | |
| WR | Dylan Foos | 6-1 | Jr. | 36 catches, 516 yards (14.3 average), 6 TDs | |
| DL | Isaiah Veal | 6-1 | Jr. | 46 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 3 sacks |
Schedule: Sept. 7, at Southwestern, 6 p.m.; Sept. 21, at Sterling, 6 p.m.; Sept. 28, Kansas Wesleyan, 6 p.m.; Oct. 5, at Tabor, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 12, Avila, 1 p.m.; Oct. 19, at McPherson, TBA; Oct. 26, Bethel, 1:30 p.m.; Nov. 2, Saint Mary, 1 p.m.; Nov. 9, Friends, 1 p.m.; Nov. 16, at Bethany, 1:30 p.m.
3. Sterling Warriors
2018 record: 4-6 (4-6, t-6th KCAC). Head coach: Chase Hansen, second season, 4-6. Offense: Power Spread. Defense: 3-4. Returning starters: 15 (8 offense, 7 defense). 2019 polling: 5th (media); 5th (coaches).
| Pos. | Name | Ht. | Wt. | Year | 2018 Stats |
| QB | Cedrick Phillips | 6-0 | 200 | Sr. | 2016 NAIA second-team All-American QB who sat out last season |
| FS | Kwame Sexton | 6-0 | 185 | Jr. | 101 tackles, 4 TFLs, 6 INTs |
| OL | Layne Becker | 6-2 | 225 | Jr. | Second-team all-KCAC pick |
| WR | Eric Butler | 5-9 | 185 | Sr. | 90-163 passing (55%), 1,264 yards, 12 TDs, 4 INTs; 117 rushes, 704 yards, 8 TDs |
| RB | Cevon Mitchell-Ford | 5-9 | 190 | Sr. | 92 rushes, 565 yards (6.1 average), 4 TDs |
| CB | Twon Collymore | 5-8 | 150 | So. | 53 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 3 INTs |
| LB | Brayden Lock | 6-0 | 215 | So. | 52 tackles, 7 TFLs, 3 sacks, 1 INT |
| TE | Janson Robeson | 6-1 | 215 | Jr. | 7 catches, 131 yards (18.7 average) |
| LB | Nick McGrew | 5-9 | 180 | Sr. | 61 tackles, 7 TFLs, 5 sacks |
Schedule: Sept. 7, Avila, 6 p.m.; Sept. 14, at McPherson, 7 p.m.; Sept. 21, Ottawa, 6 p.m.; Sept. 28, at Bethel, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 5, at Saint Mary, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 12, Friends, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 19, at Bethany, 1:30 p.m.; Nov. 2, Southwestern, 1 p.m.; Nov. 9, Kansas Wesleyan, 1 p.m.; Nov. 16, at Tabor, 1:30 p.m.
4. Avila Eagles
2018 record: 7-3 (7-3, 3rd KCAC). Head coach: Marc Benavidez, second season, 7-3. Offense: Spread. Defense: Multiple. Returning starters: 12 (6 offense, 6 defense). 2019 polling: 3rd (media), 3rd (coaches).
| Pos. | Name | Ht. | Wt. | Year | 2018 Stats |
| DB | Ryon Holmes | 6-2 | 190 | Sr. | 53 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 4 INTs |
| QB | John Jacobs III | 6-1 | 215 | So. | 84-164 passing (51%), 1,310 yards, 16 TDs, 5 INT; 85 rushes, 454 yards, 11 TDs |
| OL | Chijioke Eguzo | 6-2 | 260 | Sr. | Second-team all-KCAC pick |
| WR | Christian Hopkins | 5-11 | 180 | Jr. | 27 catches, 291 yards, 5 TDs |
| OL | Brandon Harper | 6-5 | 305 | Jr. | Honorable mention all-KCAC pick |
| WR | Naeem Moore | 6-0 | 216 | Sr. | 14 catches, 300 yards (21.4 average), 1 TD |
| DL | Joshjuan West | 6-0 | 265 | Sr. | 21 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 4 sacks |
| LB | Steven Ford | 6-0 | 195 | Sr. | 56 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 3 sacks |
Schedule: Sept. 7, at Sterling, 6 p.m.; Sept. 21, at Saint Mary, 6 p.m.; Sept. 28, Friends, 1 p.m.; Oct. 5, Bethany, 1 p.m.; Oct. 12, at Ottawa, 1 p.m.; Oct. 26, Kansas Wesleyan, 1 p.m.; Nov. 2, at Tabor, 1:30 p.m.; Nov. 9, at Southwestern, 1 p.m.; Nov. 16, McPherson, 12 p.m.
5. Tabor Blue Jays
2018 record: 6-4 (6-4, 4th KCAC). Head coach: Mike Gardner, 12th season, 85-36. Offense: Spread. Defense: 4-2-5. Returning starters: 11 (8 offense, 3 defense). 2019 polling: 4th (media), 4th (coaches).
| Pos. | Name | Ht. | Wt. | Year | 2018 Stats |
| DL | Josh Lauese | 6-0 | 245 | Sr. | 24 tackles, 9 TFLs, 2.5 sacks |
| FS | Caleb Devine | 6-2 | 185 | Jr. | 43 tackles, 5 INTs |
| RB | Josh Johnson | 6-0 | 190 | Sr. | 169 rushes, 681 yards, 8 TDs; 16 catches, 138 yards, 1 TD |
| QB | Trey McGee | 6-1 | 185 | So. | 75-137 passing (55%), 862 yards, 4 TDs, 6 INTs; 70 rushes, 291 yards, 1 TD |
| WR | Derrick Harper | 6-0 | 170 | Jr. | 24 catches, 254 yards (10.6 average) |
| WR | DeJuan Jones | 6-3 | 190 | Fr. | Freshman from Forth Worth, Texas |
| CB | Raymond Perrault | 5-8 | 165 | So. | 23 tackles, 2 INTs |
Schedule: Sept. 7, at Kansas Wesleyan, 6 p.m.; Sept. 14, Southwestern, 7 p.m.; Sept. 21, at Friends, 7 p.m.; Sept. 28, at McPherson, 7 p.m.; Oct. 5, Ottawa, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 12, at Bethel, 6 p.m.; Oct. 19, Saint Mary, 2 p.m.; Oct. 26, at Bethany, 1:30 p.m.; Nov. 2, Avila, 1:30 p.m.; Nov. 16, Sterling, 1:30 p.m.
6. Bethel Threshers
2018 record: 3-7 (3-7, t-8th KCAC). Head coach: Terry Harrison, second season, 3-7. Offense: Flexbone. Defense: 4-3. Returning starters: 16 (8 offense, 8 defense). 2019 polling: 7th (media), 7th (coaches).
| Pos. | Name | Ht. | Wt. | Year | 2018 Stats |
| RB | Camryn Harrison | 5-9 | 170 | Jr. | 65 touches, 644 yards (9.9 average), 4 TDs |
| QB | Zach Esau | 6-0 | 195 | Sr. | 55-113 passing (49%), 1,136 yards, 10 TDs, 5 INTs; 197 rushes, 808 yards, 8 TDs |
| FB | Braedon Starlin-Driver | 5-9 | 175 | Sr. | 97 rushes, 472 yards, 7 TDs |
| LB | Josh Seabolt | 5-9 | 210 | So. | 93 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 2 sacks |
| WR | Tanner Galliart | 6-3 | 210 | Sr. | 27 catches, 535 yards (19.8 average), 6 TDs |
| DL | Joseph Winfield | 5-11 | 270 | Sr. | 52 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks |
| OL | Robert Graham | 6-2 | 260 | Jr. | Second-team all-KCAC pick |
| LB | Blake Neuschafer | 6-1 | 210 | So. | Transfer from Independence CC |
Schedule: Sept. 7, Bethany, 6 p.m.; Sept. 21, McPherson, 6 p.m.; Sept. 28, Sterling, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 5, at Southwestern, 1 p.m.; Oct. 12, Tabor, 6 p.m.; Oct. 19, at Friends, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 26, at Ottawa, 1:30 p.m.; Nov. 2, at Texas College, 2 p.m.; Nov. 9, Saint Mary, 1 p.m.; Nov. 16, at Kansas Wesleyan, 1:30 p.m.
7. Southwestern Moundbuilders
2018 record: 6-5 (5-5, 5th KCAC). Head coach: Brad Griffin, fifth season, 16-27. Offense: N/A. Defense: N/A. Returning starters: 19 (9 offense, 10 defense). 2019 polling: 6th (media), 6th (coaches).
| Pos. | Name | Ht. | Wt. | Year | 2018 Stats |
| OL | Dustin Rivera | 6-0 | 270 | Jr. | First-team NAIA All-American |
| RB | Keyshawn Wyatt | 5-5 | 165 | Jr. | 195 rushes, 1,313 yards (6.7 average), 14 TDs |
| LB | Grant Torgerson | 5-10 | 220 | Jr. | 111 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, 1 INT |
| WR | Edrick Gonzales | 5-7 | 165 | Sr. | 43 catches, 709 yards (16.5 average), 9 TDs |
| DL | Cortney Cravin | 5-10 | 270 | Jr. | 32 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks |
| DB | Micah Jackson | 5-10 | 180 | So. | 56 tackles, 1 TFL |
| LB | Clayton Downum | 5-10 | 215 | Jr. | 55 tackles, 7 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 INT |
| WR | Tanner Spencer | 5-10 | 175 | Sr. | 37 catches, 468 yards (12.6 average), 6 TDs |
| LB | Israel Harper | 5-10 | 215 | Jr. | 63 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 INT |
Schedule: Sept. 7, Ottawa, 6 p.m.; Sept. 14, at Tabor, 7 p.m.; Sept. 28, at Bethany, 7 p.m.; Oct. 5, Bethel, 1 p.m.; Oct. 12, at McPherson, 1 p.m.; Oct. 19, Kansas Wesleyan, 1 p.m.; Oct. 26, Friends, 1:30 p.m.; Nov. 2, at Sterling, 1 p.m.; Nov. 9, Avila, 1 p.m.; Nov. 16, at Saint Mary, 1:30 p.m.
8. Saint Mary Spires
2018 record: 4-6 (4-6, t-6th KCAC). Head coach: Jay Osborne, sixth season, 23-31. Offense: Pro Style. Defense: 4-3. Returning starters: 11 (6 offense, 5 defense). 2019 polling: 8th (media), 8th (coaches).
| Pos. | Name | Ht. | Wt. | Year | 2018 Stats |
| DB | Nicholas Holmes | 5-11 | 207 | Jr. | 61 tackles, 11 INTs |
| RB | Demontrel Wilson | 5-10 | 250 | So. | 145 rushes, 632 yards (4.4 average), 13 TDs |
| DB | Trey Espy | 6-2 | 183 | Sr. | 66 tackles, 9 TFLs, 1 INT |
| LB | David Burton | 6-1 | 202 | Sr. | 76 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks |
| WR | Bryan Barnhart | 5-9 | 188 | Sr. | 46 catches, 642 yards (14.0 average), 6 TDs |
| DB | Elijah Creighton | 5-10 | 172 | Sr. | 34 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT |
Schedule: Sept. 7, Friends, 6 p.m.; Sept. 14, at Bethany, 7 p.m.; Sept. 21, Avila, 6 p.m.; Oct. 5, Sterling, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 12, at Kansas Wesleyan, 2 p.m.; Oct. 19, at Tabor, 2 p.m.; Oct. 26, McPherson, 1:30 p.m.; Nov. 2, at Ottawa, 1 p.m.; Nov. 9, at Bethel, 1 p.m.; Nov. 16, Southwestern, 1:30 p.m.
9. Friends Falcons
2018 record: 3-8 (3-7, t-8th KCAC). Head coach: Dion Meneley, third season, 7-15. Offense: Pro spread. Defense: 4-3. Returning starters: 12 (5 offense, 7 defense). 2019 polling: 9th (media), 8th (coaches).
| Pos. | Name | Ht. | Wt. | Year | 2018 Stats |
| DL | Jeremiah Pharms | 6-3 | 245 | Sr. | 35 tackles, 8 TFLs, 2 sacks |
| DL | Robby Garcia | 5-11 | 210 | Jr. | 50 tackles, 14 TFLs, 3 sacks |
| DL | Adam Brown | 6-2 | 245 | So. | 51 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 2 INTs |
| LB | Sonny Brown | 6-0 | 210 | Jr. | 46 tackles, 8 TFLs, 2 sacks, 2 INTs |
| RB | Marshall McShan | 5-10 | 208 | Jr. | 44 rushes, 114 yards |
| RB | Quincy Brown | 6-0 | 208 | Sr. | 73 rushes, 212 yards, 4 TDs |
| LB | David Akao | 6-0 | 205 | So. | Transfer from Coffeyville CC |
| WR | Tyson Love | 6-2 | 205 | Jr. | Transfer from Independence CC |
| WR | Cade Nagy | 6-3 | 190 | So. | 38 catches, 636 yards (16.7 average), 6 TDs |
Schedule: Sept. 7, at Saint Mary, 6 p.m.; Sept. 14, Kansas Wesleyan, 7 p.m.; Sept. 21, Tabor, 7 p.m.; Sept. 28, at Avila, 1 p.m.; Oct. 5, McPherson, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 12, at Sterling, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 19, Bethel, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 26, at Southwestern, 1:30 p.m.; Nov. 2, Bethany, 1:30 p.m.; Nov. 9, at Ottawa, 1 p.m.
10. McPherson Bulldogs
2018 record: 3-7 (3-7, t-8th KCAC). Head coach: Jeremiah Fiscus, first season. Offense: Multiple. Defense: Multiple. Returning starters: 10 (4 offense, 6 defense). 2019 polling: 10th (media), 10th (coaches).
| Pos. | Name | Ht. | Wt. | Year | 2018 Stats |
| QB | Ed Crouch | 6-3 | 206 | Sr. | 163-289 passing (56%), 2,122 yards, 16 TDs, 8 INTs; 120 rushes, 567 yards, 10 TDs |
| MLB | Kollin Goering | 6-1 | 211 | So. | 66 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 1 sack |
| WR | Ben Nikkel | 6-1 | 185 | So. | 21 catches, 447 yards (21.3 average), 4 TDs |
| RB | Corey Davis | 5-9 | 195 | Jr. | 69 rushes, 372 yards (5.4 average), 6 TDs |
| DL | Joey Hale | 6-0 | 256 | Sr. | 58 tackles, 9 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 INT |
| DL | Oluwaseyi Johnson | 5-9 | 265 | Jr. | 30 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, 2 INTs |
| CB | Brett Sykes | 5-7 | 151 | Sr. | 43 tackles, 3 INTs |
Schedule: Sept. 14, Sterling, 7 p.m.; Sept. 21, at Bethel, 6 p.m.; Sept. 28, Tabor, 7 p.m.; Oct. 5, at Friends, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 12, Southwestern, 1 p.m.; Oct. 19, Ottawa, TBA; Oct. 26, at Saint Mary, 1:30 p.m.; Nov. 2, at Kansas Wesleyan, 1 p.m.; Nov. 9, Bethany, 1 p.m.; Nov. 16, at Avila, 12 p.m.
11. Bethany Swedes
2018 record: 2-9 (2-8, 11th KCAC). Head coach: Curran White, first season. Offense: Multiple. Defense: Multiple. Returning starters: 10 (7 offense, 3 defense). 2019 polling: 11th (media), 11th (coaches).
| Pos. | Name | Ht. | Wt. | Year | 2018 Stats |
| DB | Deauntre Roberts | 5-9 | 175 | Sr. | 22 tackles, 4 INTs |
| DL | Dahari Gray | 6-4 | 265 | Sr. | 37 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 3 sacks |
| OL | Hunter Coronel | 6-4 | 300 | Jr. | Honorable mention all-KCAC pick |
| QB | Austin Denson | 6-1 | 200 | Sr. | 25-62 passing (40%), 391 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs |
| OL | Cooper Burkhart | 6-3 | 280 | Sr. |
Schedule: Sept. 7, at Bethel, 6 p.m.; Sept. 14, Saint Mary, 7 p.m.; Sept. 21, at Kansas Wesleyan, 2 p.m.; Sept. 28, Southwestern, 7 p.m.; Oct. 5, at Avila, 1 p.m.; Oct. 19, Sterling, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 26, Tabor, 1:30 p.m.; Nov. 2, at Friends, 1:30 p.m.; Nov. 9, at McPherson, 1 p.m.; Nov. 16, Ottawa, 1:30 p.m.
This story was originally published August 30, 2019 at 3:10 PM.