#VK17FB: A preview of Class 5A West
ANDOVER
Coach: Cade Armstrong, first season
League: AV-CTL II
Last season: 6-4, lost in 5A second round
Returning starters: 8
Offense: Spread
Defense: 3-3-5
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Salina Central; Sept. 8, at Kapaun (at WSU); Sept. 14, Goddard; Sept. 22, Andover Central; Sept. 29, at Campus; Oct. 6, Newton; Oct. 13, Eisenhower; Oct. 20, at Valley Center.
Projected record: 3-5
Top returning players
Player | Ht. | Wt. | Yr | Pos. |
Casey Mayes | 6-0 | 210 | Sr. | LB |
Ben Smith | 6-1 | 190 | Sr. | TE |
Kale Rishel | 5-10 | 165 | Sr. | DB |
Grant Staehr | 6-0 | 185 | Sr. | LB |
Alex Jones | 5-11 | 180 | Jr. | DB |
Brent Alfaro | 5-9 | 150 | Sr. | DB |
Michael VanArsdale | 6-0 | 260 | Sr. | DL |
Peyton Henry | 5-11 | 165 | So. | RB |
Chase Gummeringer | 5-9 | 180 | Sr. | RB |
Eli Fahnestock | 6-0 | 180 | Fr. | QB |
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ARKANSAS CITY
Coach: Braden Smith, fifth season, 10-26
League: AV-CTL II
Last season: 3-6
Returning starters: 13
Offense: Spread
Defense: 3-4
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Campus; Sept. 8, Salina Central; Sept. 15, at Valley Center; Sept. 22, at Winfield; Sept. 29, at Maize; Oct. 6, Goddard; Oct. 13, at Newton; Oct. 20, Eisenhower.
Projected record: 3-5
Top returning players
Player | Ht. | Wt. | Yr | Pos. |
Andrew Brautman | 6-2 | 180 | Sr. | WR |
Johnny Nickum | 6-3 | 225 | Sr. | DL |
Jacob Nelson | 5-10 | 265 | Sr. | OL-DL |
Tyree Watkins | 5-11 | 170 | Jr. | RB |
Montez Robinson | 5-9 | 160 | Jr. | WR |
Nate Spencer | 6-0 | 170 | Sr. | WR |
Brice Nittler | 5-11 | 185 | Jr. | LB |
Blake Watkins | 5-10 | 190 | Sr. | LB |
Cevin Clark | 5-11 | 175 | Jr. | DB |
Hunter O’Toole | 6-2 | 175 | Sr. | DB |
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BISHOP CARROLL
Coach: Dusty Trail, first season
League: City League
Last season: 7-3, lost in 5A second round
Returning starters: 14
Offense: Spread
Defense: 4-3
Schedule: Aug. 31, at Northwest; Sept. 8, at Salina South; Sept. 15, West; Sept. 21, at East (at South); Sept. 29, at Derby; Oct. 6, South; Oct. 13, at Heights; Oct. 20, Kapaun.
Projected record: 6-2
Top returning players
Player | Ht. | Wt. | Yr | Pos. |
Isaiah Carter | 6-2 | 220 | Sr. | DE |
Clay Cundiff | 6-4 | 220 | Jr. | TE |
Riggs Robben | 6-2 | 230 | Sr. | LB |
Luke Evans | 6-1 | 175 | Sr. | DB |
Braden Howell | 6-2 | 185 | Sr. | QB |
Thomas Helten | 6-4 | 190 | Sr. | WR |
Wade Hull | 6-0 | 275 | Sr. | OL |
Jacob Buchanan | 6-0 | 170 | Sr. | DB |
Jackson Nichols | 5-10 | 165 | Jr. | RB |
Brady Bockover | 6-0 | 185 | Jr. | LB |
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EISENHOWER
Coach: Marc Marinelli, fifth season, 14-25
League: AV-CTL II
Last season: 3-6
Returning starters: 15
Offense: Flexbone
Defense: 3-4
Schedule: Sept. 1, Derby; Sept. 8, at Maize; Sept. 15, Newton; Sept. 22, at Goddard; Sept. 29, Hutchinson; Oct. 6, Valley Center; Oct. 13, at Andover; Oct. 20, at Arkansas City.
Projected record: 4-4
Top returning players
Player | Ht. | Wt. | Yr | Pos. |
Tanner King | 6-3 | 180 | Sr. | WR-LB |
Jackson Brunow | 6-2 | 250 | Sr. | OL |
Parker Wenzel | 5-7 | 180 | So. | RB |
Justice Moore | 6-0 | 200 | Sr. | RB |
Kaden Roy | 5-9 | 175 | Jr. | DB |
Matt Cook | 6-5 | 330 | Sr. | OL |
Colton MacKinnon | 5-8 | 180 | Jr. | RB |
Jordyn Legrande | 5-10 | 205 | Sr. | TE |
Keaton Pfaff | 6-0 | 210 | Sr. | LB |
Evan Ellingson | 6-1 | 170 | Sr. | DB |
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EMPORIA
Coach: Corby Milleson, fourth season, 11-17
League: Centennial League
Last season: 4-6, lost in 5A second round
Returning starters: 14
Offense: Spread
Defense: 4-2-5
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Junction City; Sept. 8, at Topeka Hayden; Sept. 15, at Topeka; Sept. 22, Highland Park; Sept. 29, at Topeka West; Oct. 6, Topeka Seaman; Oct. 13, Manhattan; Oct. 20, at Shawnee Heights.
Projected record: 4-4
Top returning players
Player | Ht. | Wt. | Yr | Pos. |
Jonathan Olsson | 6-5 | 250 | Sr. | OL-DL |
Austin Hibler | 6-1 | 210 | Sr. | LB |
Beau Baumgardner | 6-0 | 170 | So. | LB |
Myles Livingston | 6-1 | 295 | Jr. | OL |
Anthony Delgado | 5-10 | 175 | Jr. | RB |
Jace Stewart | 6-2 | 170 | Jr. | QB |
Sawyer Slayden | 5-9 | 170 | Sr. | RB |
Hayden Baumwart | 5-10 | 160 | Jr. | WR-DB |
Brent Hastert | 6-1 | 170 | Sr. | DB |
Isaac McBroom | 6-3 | 190 | Sr. | DL |
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GODDARD
Coach: Scott Vang, sixth season, 24-28
League: AV-CTL II
Last season: 11-2, lost in 5A championship
Returning starters: 9
Offense: Pistol Spread
Defense: 3-3-5
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Olathe Northwest; Spet. 8, Derby; Sept. 14, at Andover; Sept. 22, Eisenhower; Sept. 29, at Salina South; Oct. 6, at Arkansas City; Oct. 13, Valley Center; Oct. 20, Newton.
Projected record: 7-1
Top returning players
Player | Ht. | Wt. | Yr | Pos. |
A.J. Vang | 6-2 | 280 | Sr. | OL-DL |
Blake Sullivan | 6-0 | 185 | Sr. | QB |
Ian McSwain | 5-10 | 170 | Sr. | DB |
Justin Amaro | 5-11 | 200 | Sr. | LB |
Aaron Valentine | 6-2 | 225 | Sr. | OL |
Cole Caraway | 5-8 | 170 | Sr. | DB |
Owen Beason | 6-2 | 190 | Sr. | TE |
Jacob Mondragon | 5-11 | 265 | Sr. | DL |
Chod Morrow | 6-5 | 255 | Sr. | OL |
Darius Russell | 5-10 | 185 | Sr. | RB-DB |
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GREAT BEND
Coach: Erin Beck, second season, 10-2
League: Western Athletic Conference
Last season: 10-2, lost in 5A semifinals
Returning starters: 11
Offense: Spread
Defense: 3-3-5
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Coffeyville; Sept. 8, at Hays; Sept. 15, Northwest; Sept. 22, at Dodge City; Sept. 29, West; Oct. 6, East; Oct. 13, Liberal; Oct. 20, at Garden City.
Projected record: 6-2
Top returning players
Player | Ht. | Wt. | Yr | Pos. |
Aaron Clark | 6-7 | 305 | Sr. | OL |
Koy Brack | 6-2 | 175 | Jr. | QB |
Payton Doll | 5-11 | 205 | Jr. | OL |
Pablo Martinez | 6-0 | 190 | Jr. | DL |
Dalton Miller | 5-10 | 165 | So. | RB-DB |
Ty Esfield | 6-1 | 175 | Sr. | WR |
Blake Penka | 5-11 | 195 | Jr. | LB |
Eric Vasquez | 5-11 | 235 | Jr. | DL |
Brock Blessing | 6-0 | 185 | Jr. | LB |
Max Jerke | 5-8 | 145 | Sr. | LB |
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HEIGHTS
Coach: Terry Harrison, fifth season, 31-13
League: City League
Last season: 9-2, lost in 5A quarterfinals
Returning starters: 13
Offense: Flexbone
Defense: 4-3
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Olathe North; Sept. 8, at Northwest; Sept. 15, Dodge City; Sept. 21, Southeast; Sept. 29, North; Oct. 6, at Kapaun; Oct. 13, Carroll; Oct. 19, at South.
Projected record: 7-1
Top returning players
Player | Ht. | Wt. | Yr | Pos. |
Ja’Veon Johnson | 6-1 | 190 | Sr. | LB |
Dalen Williams | 6-3 | 215 | Sr. | DL |
K’Vonte Baker | 5-9 | 180 | Jr. | QB |
Austin McCartney | 6-0 | 185 | Sr. | DL |
Keshawn Howell | 6-1 | 175 | Sr. | DB |
Dejuan Scott | 5-11 | 195 | Sr. | RB |
Terry Jenkins | 5-7 | 185 | Sr. | OL |
Ryan Depperschmidt | 6-1 | 235 | Jr. | OL |
Aevodric Gilkey | 5-9 | 160 | Sr. | LB |
Caleb Washington | 5-9 | 195 | Sr. | LB |
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KAPAUN MT. CARMEL
Coach: Dan Adelhardt, 13th season, 68-50
League: City League
Last season: 2-7
Returning starters: 14
Offense: Flexbone
Defense: 3-3-5
Schedule: Aug. 31, at Southeast (at South); Sept. 8, Andover; Sept. 15, East; Sept. 22, at South; Sept. 29, Northwest; Oct. 6, Heights; Oct. 13, at St. James (at Mill Valley; Oct. 20, at Carroll.
Projected record: 4-4
Top returning players
Player | Ht. | Wt. | Yr | Pos. |
Nick Channel | 6-1 | 195 | Sr. | RB-LB |
Nick Lowe | 6-3 | 260 | Sr. | OL |
Kevin Mills | 6-0 | 190 | Sr. | LB |
Brayden Wells | 6-1 | 245 | Sr. | OL |
Travis Phelps | 5-9 | 220 | Sr. | DL |
Jacob Roberts | 6-2 | 185 | Sr. | LB |
Michael Tomblin | 6-0 | 160 | Sr. | WR-DB |
Scott Valentas | 6-3 | 190 | Jr. | QB-DB |
Dylan Baxter | 6-0 | 260 | Sr. | OL |
Jon Schoelwer | 6-1 | 190 | Sr. | RB |
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LIBERAL
Coach: Jason Dunlap, first season
League: Western Athletic Conference
Last season: 4-5
Returning starters: ?
Offense: ?
Defense: ?
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Ulysses; Sept. 8, Guymon, Okla.; Sept. 15, Hays; Sept. 22, at North (at Heights); Sept. 29, Garden City; Oct. 6, Southeast; Oct. 13, at Great Bend; Oct. 20, at Dodge City.
Projected record: 2-6
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MAIZE
Coach: Gary Guzman, seventh season, 27-29
League: AV-CTL I
Last season: 7-3
Returning starters: 10
Offense: Spread
Defense: 3-4
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Newton; Sept. 8, Eisenhower; Sept. 15, at Derby; Sept. 22, Salina South; Sept. 29, Arkansas City; Oct. 6, Campus; Oct. 13, at Salina Central; Oct. 20, Hutchinson.
Projected record: 5-3
Top returning players
Player | Ht. | Wt. | Yr | Pos. |
Dalyn Johnson | 5-7 | 195 | Sr. | RB |
Antonio Espinoza | 6-3 | 205 | Sr. | DL |
Jalen Johnson | 5-10 | 175 | Sr. | DB |
Colton Lumpkins | 5-9 | 170 | Sr. | DB |
Ethan Farney | 5-11 | 205 | Sr. | LB |
Brayden Payne | 6-0 | 175 | Sr. | WR |
Jacob Quiggle | 5-9 | 220 | Jr. | DL |
Cameron Grimes | 5-8 | 145 | Jr. | DB |
Noah Stanton | 6-0 | 190 | Jr. | DL |
Caleb Grill | 6-2 | 170 | Jr. | QB |
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NEWTON
Coach: Chris Jaax, second season, 1-8
League: AV-CTL II
Last season: 1-8
Returning starters: 12
Offense: Spread
Defense: 4-3
Schedule: Sept. 1, Maize; Sept. 8, Hutchinson; Sept. 15, at Eisenhower; Sept. 22, Valley Center; Sept. 29, Salina Central; Oct. 6, at Andover; Oct. 13, Arkansas City; Oct. 20, at Goddard.
Projected record: 1-7
Top returning players
Player | Ht. | Wt. | Yr | Pos. |
Warren Dietz | 6-2 | 180 | Sr. | DB |
Cailen Valdez | 5-10 | 150 | Sr. | DB |
Sid Simmons | 5-8 | 170 | Sr. | LB |
Jerik Ochoa | 5-10 | 180 | Jr. | DB |
Garret Pfannestiel | 5-8 | 170 | Sr. | RB |
Cyle Gautschi | 5-10 | 220 | Sr. | DL |
Ryan Watkins | 5-10 | 200 | Sr. | LB |
Brett Ashcraft | 5-10 | 220 | Jr. | OL |
Ethan Entz | 6-4 | 220 | Jr. | OL |
Damarius Peterson | 6-5 | 220 | Jr. | WR |
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SALINA CENTRAL
Coach: Michael Hall, 13th season, 54-55
League: AV-CTL I
Last season: 0-9
Returning starters: 17
Offense: I-Formation
Defense: 4-4
Schedule: Sept. 1, Andover; Sept. 8, at Arkansas City; Sept. 15, at Hutchinson; Sept. 22, Campus; Sept. 29, at Newton; Oct. 6, Derby; Oct. 13, Maize; Oct. 20, at Salina South.
Projected record: 2-6
Top returning players
Player | Ht. | Wt. | Yr | Pos. |
Taylon Peters | 5-8 | 190 | Jr. | RB |
Brogen Richardson | 6-0 | 170 | Jr. | QB |
Drew Burgoon | 5-8 | 140 | Jr. | LB |
Kedric Liggins | 6-0 | 170 | Sr. | WR |
Dawson Maring | 5-8 | 175 | Sr. | LB |
Luis Sotelo | 6-0 | 265 | Sr. | OL |
James Morrow | 6-5 | 280 | Sr. | OL |
Jordan McMullen | 5-8 | 160 | Sr. | RB |
Ben Driver | 6-1 | 175 | Jr. | DB |
Cade Goertzen | 5-10 | 165 | Sr. | WR |
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SALINA SOUTH
Coach: Sam Sellers, eight season, 48-35
League: AV-CTL I
Last season: 1-8
Returning starters: 15
Offense: Pro Spread
Defense: 4-2-5
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Valley Center; Sept. 8, Carroll; Sept. 15, Campus; Sept. 22, at Maize; Sept. 29, Goddard; Oct. 6, at Hutchinson; Oct. 13, at Derby; Oct. 20, Salina Central.
Projected record: 2-6
Top returning players
Player | Ht. | Wt. | Yr | Pos. |
Casey Lanoue | 6-0 | 175 | Sr. | QB |
Payton Webb | 6-0 | 205 | Sr. | LB |
Kyle Quill | 6-0 | 160 | Jr. | WR |
Isaac Mitchell | 6-4 | 225 | Jr. | DL |
Jayden Miller | 5-11 | 270 | Jr. | DL |
Tanner Parrett | 5-8 | 180 | Sr. | RB |
Ethan Resley | 6-3 | 200 | Sr. | DL |
Layne Haddock | 5-10 | 155 | Sr. | DB |
Michael Mathews | 6-4 | 225 | Sr. | TE |
Garrett Krebs | 6-1 | 215 | Sr. | OL |
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TOPEKA WEST
Coach: Ryan Kelly, first season
League: Centennial League
Last season: 1-8
Returning starters: 13
Offense: Multiple
Defense: 3-4
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Topeka Seaman; Sept. 8, at Shawnee Heights; Sept. 15, Junction City; Sept. 22, at Topeka Hayden; Sept. 29, Emporia; Oct. 6, Highland Park; Oct. 13, at Topeka; Oct. 20, Washburn Rural.
Projected record: 0-8
Top returning players
Player | Ht. | Wt. | Yr | Pos. |
Chris Ellis | 5-11 | 170 | Sr. | WR |
Kendall Sutton | 6-3 | 180 | Sr. | DB |
Elliot Mehrens | 6-3 | 185 | Sr. | WR |
Willie Tucker | 5-10 | 190 | Jr. | LB |
Kaleb Ayers | 5-11 | 295 | Sr. | OL |
Jacob Blindt | 5-10 | 175 | Jr. | DB |
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VALLEY CENTER
Coach: Caleb Smith, fifth season, 16-21
League: AV-CTL II
Last season: 9-2, lost in 5A quarterfinals
Returning starters: 7
Offense: Multiple
Defense: 3-4
Schedule: Sept. 1, Salina South; Sept. 8, at Campus; Sept. 15, Arkansas City; Sept. 22, at Newton; Sept. 29, Hays; Oct. 6, at Eisenhower; Oct. 13, at Goddard; Oct. 20, Andover.
Projected record: 3-5
Top returning players
Player | Ht. | Wt. | Yr | Pos. |
Wyatt Lange | 6-1 | 175 | Sr. | QB |
Dalton Cross | 5-11 | 175 | Sr. | WR-DB |
Tyler Boone | 6-0 | 170 | Sr. | DB |
Patrick Gillen | 6-2 | 190 | Sr. | DL |
Caleb Rains | 5-10 | 180 | Sr. | RB |
Kadin Pearson | 5-11 | 160 | Sr. | DB |
Zach Williams | 6-4 | 185 | Jr. | WR-DB |
Aaron Coash | 5-10 | 195 | Sr. | LB |
Larry Russell | 5-6 | 155 | Jr. | RB-DB |
Zach Gillig | 6-3 | 200 | Sr. | TE |
This story was originally published August 23, 2017 at 5:45 PM with the headline "#VK17FB: A preview of Class 5A West."