Kansas high school football season preview: Players to watch in CPL, CKL and HOA leagues
The Kansas high school football season begins this week and The Eagle has previews for all local 11-man teams in the Central Plains, Central Kansas and Heart of American League.
Note: * designates a district opponent.
Belle Plaine Dragons
Coach: Blake Pontius, first season
2022 record: 1-8, lost in first round
League and district: CPL, 1A-6
Schedule: Sept. 1, Douglass; Sept. 8, at Medicine Lodge; Sept. 15, Pleasanton; Sept. 22, at Sacred Heart; Sept. 29, at Marion*; Oct. 6, Bluestem*; Oct. 13, at Sedgwick*; Oct. 20, Remington*
Top players: Levi Christy, sr., 6-0, 185, RB-LB; Bruce Lee, sr., 6-1, 190, WR-LB; Keadyn Hedrick, sr., 5-6, 145, RB-LB; Nick Pace, jr., 6-1, 200, OL-DL; JB Cooper, sr., 5-11, 210, OL-DL; Leo Ramirez, jr., 5-8, 180, OL-DL; Talan Hefley, so., 5-7, 145, RB-DB; Tristan Wasser, jr., 6-0, 150, QB-DB; Ryder Main, jr., 6-0, 150, WR-DB; Sawyer Ehrhart, fr., 5-8, 140, WR-DB; Aiden Stowell, jr., 5-8, 145, WR-DB; Damion Nicholson, fr., 5-9, 145, RB-LB.
Bluestem Lions
Coach: Ethan Baker, second season, 0-9
2022 record: 0-9, did not qualify
League and district: TVL, 1A-6
Schedule: Sept. 1, Neodesha; Sept. 8, at Fredonia; Sept. 15, at Cherryvale; Sept. 22, at Sedgwick*; Sept. 29, Remington*; Oct. 6, at Belle Plaine*; Oct. 13, Marion*; Oct. 20, Douglass
Top players: Tucker Gibb, sr., 5-10, 160, QB-LB; Colten Neal, jr., 5-10, 200, RB-LB; Brody Wiening, jr., 5-5, 150, RB-LB; Laythan Vice, jr., 5-4, 130, RB-DB; Korbin Hebb, jr., 5-11, 170, WR-DB; Malachi Jimenez, sr., 6-5, 200, TE-DL; Harley Lindahl, sr., 6-1, 350, OL-DL; Noah Couey, so., 5-10, 210, OL-DL; Dylan Bailey, so., 5-10, 260, OL-DL; Kaden Keil, so., 5-9, 170, OL-DL; Axton Vice, fr., 5-5, 130, WR-DB.
Chaparral Roadrunners
Coach: JC Zahradnik, third season, 15-4
2022 record: 7-2, lost in second round
League and district: CPL, 2A-6
Schedule: Sept. 1, Medicine Lodge; Sept. 8, at Wichita Trinity; Sept. 15, Conway Springs; Sept. 22, at Garden Plain*; Sept. 29, at Douglass*; Oct. 6, Kingman*; Oct. 13, Open; Oct. 20, at Haven*
Top players: Tyce Pfaff, sr., 6-3, 185, WR-LB; Kyler Smith, sr., 5-10, 160, WR-DB; Anakyn Smith, sr., 6-3, 240, OL-DL; Cole Bergman, jr., 6-2, 185, OL-DL; Chase Struble, jr., 5-10, 150, QB-DB; Dalen Blair, jr., 5-10, 150, RB-LB; Jack Walker, so., 6-4, 150, QB-LB; Kale Greve, so., 5-10, 150, WR-DB.
Cheney Cardinals
Coach: Shelby Wehrman, seventh season, 47-18
2022 record: 8-3, lost in quarterfinals
League and district: CPL, 3A-7
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Kingman; Sept. 8, Garden Plain; Sept. 15, at Douglass; Sept. 22, at Pratt*; Sept. 29, Smoky Valley*; Oct. 6, at Nickerson*; Oct. 13, Andale*; Oct. 20, Halstead
Top players: Jack Voth, sr., 5-10, 170, WR-LB; Kason Messenger, sr., 6-3, 220, TE-DL; Josh Burdick, jr., 6-0, 175, QB-LB; Colter McDaniel, sr., 6-1, 165, WR-DB; Jack Gregory, sr., 5-10, 200, OL-DL; Taj Thomas, sr., 6-1, 210, OL-DL; Tre Black, sr., 5-8, 145, WR-DB; Garren Campbell, jr., 6-3, 275, OL-DL; Ethan Hall, jr., 5-10, 230, OL-DL; Weston Hill, sr., 6-0, 160, DB-WR; Grady Kuehn, jr., 5-8, 180, K; AJ Quick, jr., 5-10, 230, OL-DL; Kolton Rohloff, jr., 5-10, 235, OL-DL; Drew Tolar, sr., 5-11, 160, WR-DB.
Conway Springs Cardinals
Coach: Matt Biehler, 15th season, 129-28
2022 record: 8-4, lost in semifinals
League and district: CPL, 1A-7
Schedule: Aug. 31, at Garden Plain; Sept. 8, Kingman; Sept. 15, at Chaparral; Sept. 22, Medicine Lodge*; Sept. 29, at Ellinwood*; Oct. 6, Sterling*; Oct. 13, at Inman*; Oct. 20, Hutchinson Trinity*
Top players: Brayden Kunz, sr., 6-2, 205, RB-LB; Gunner Williams, sr., 6-0, 260, OL-DL; Nathan Berntsen, sr., 6-0, 210, RB-DL; Blake Pauly, sr., 5-8, 200, OL-DL; Jacob Osner, sr., 6-0, 290, OL-DL; Cade Howell, jr., 5-9, 195, RB-LB; Taylor Wykes, sr., 6-3, 170, DB; Isaac Winter, jr., 5-10, 175, RB-LB; Layne Whitney, jr., 6-4, 170, LB; Connor Rusco, jr., 6-2, 190, LB; Eli Howard, jr., 5-8, 150, DB; Cooper Koster, jr., 6-4, 255, OL-DL; Grant Fisher, jr., 5-11, 150, RB-DB; Eli Benge, so., 5-11, 150, K; Ashton Stull, so., 5-9, 275, OL-DL.
Douglass Bulldogs
Coach: Blake Alexander, second season, 4-5
2022 record: 4-5, lost in first round
League and district: CPL, 2A-6
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Belle Plaine; Sept. 8, Ellinwood; Sept. 15, Cheney; Sept. 22, at Kingman*; Sept. 29, Chaparral*; Oct. 6, at Haven*; Oct. 13, Garden Plain*; Oct. 20, at Bluestem
Top players: Jace Pichler, jr., 6-0, 225, RB-LB; Michael Kielhorn, sr., 6-1, 170, WR-LB; Wyatt Laver, jr., 5-10, 170, OL-DL; Kylan Millington, so., 6-1, 275, OL-DL; Kyler Moore, jr., RB-DB; Jaytin Cathey, jr., K; Carder Green, fr., 5-11, 185, RB-LB; Justin West, so., 6-1, 160, WR-DB; Charlie Kielhorn, so., 6-0, 160, WR-DB; Jaxon Brewer, so., 6-2, 170, OL-LB; Alex Williams, jr., 5-11, 185, OL-DL.
Eureka Tornadoes
Coach: Jonah McKee, first season
2022 record: 3-6, lost in first round
League and district: TVL, 2A-2
Schedule: Sept. 1, Cherryvale; Sept. 8, Neodesha; Sept. 15, at Caney Valley; Sept. 22, at Osage City*; Sept. 29, Humboldt*; Oct. 6, at West Franklin*; Oct. 13, Council Grove*; Oct. 20, at Fredonia
Top players: Laken Valentine, jr., 5-8, 140, WR-DB; Wylee Boulanger, sr., 5-7, 150, RB-DB; Cole Adkins, sr., 5-10, 150, WR-DB; Kalim Mouer, jr., 5-10, 175, RB-LB; Peyton Hare, jr., 6-0, 145, OL-LB.
Garden Plain Owls
Coach: Todd Rice, second season, 4-5
2022 record: 4-5, lost in first round
League and district: CPL, 2A-6
Schedule: Aug. 31, Conway Springs; Sept. 8, at Cheney; Sept. 15, at Medicine Lodge; Sept. 22, Chaparral*; Sept. 29, Haven*; Oct. 6, at Centralia; Oct. 13, at Douglass*; Oct. 20, Kingman*
Top players: Aden Stuhlsatz, sr., 5-11, 200, WR-LB; Seth Dugan, jr., 5-11, 170, RB-DB; Kaeden Kasselman, jr., 6-3, 210, OL-DL; Brady Brack, jr., 6-2, 175, QB-LB; Gage Lee, sr., 5-10, 175, RB-LB; Jaxen Bolinger, sr., 5-11, 210, OL-DL; Mason Hoheisel, sr., 5-11, 230, OL-DL; Ty Scheer, sr., 5-9, 165, WR-DB; Blake Butterfield, jr., 5-10, 160, WR-LB; Kaden Kerschen, jr., 6-2, 330, OL-DL; Hank Lilly, jr., 6-5, 280, OL-DL; Devin Rau, jr., 5-10, 160, OL-LB; Cooper Scheer, jr., 5-8, 150, RB-DB; Cooper Baker, so., 5-11, 185, QB-DB.
Halstead Dragons
Coach: Derek Racette, first season
League and district: CKL, 2A-5
Schedule: Sept. 1, Smoky Valley; Sept. 8, Hoisington; Sept. 15, at Pratt; Sept. 22, at Southeast of Saline*; Sept. 29, Hillsboro*; Oct. 6, at Lyons*; Oct. 13, Ellsworth*; Oct. 20, at Cheney
Top players: Owen Farmer, sr., 5-6, 150, RB-DB; Connor Herman, jr., 6-2, 225, OL-DL; Braxton Creed, jr., 5-11, 180, QB-DB; Tucker Divine, sr., 6-0, 170, QB-DB; Brayden Logan, sr., 5-10, 185, LB; Gage Meyer, jr., 6-1, 235, OL-DL; Kurt Faduell, jr., 6-1, 280, OL-DL; Joey Millspaugh, jr., 6-0, 175, RB-DB; Aden Armstrong, sr., 6-2, 220, OL-DL; Kohen Corona, jr., 6-0, 175, WR-DB; Keegan Kraus, jr., 5-10, 185, LB; Brady Hill, sr., 6-2, 180, LB; Zantana Chavarin, sr., 6-1, 265, OL-DL; Brylee Willis, sr., 5-10, 200, OL-DL; Aaron Caldwell, sr., 6-1, 175, RB-DB.
Haven Wildcats
Coach: Drew Thalmann and Thomas Cooprider, fifth season, 20-19
2022 record: 4-5, lost in first round
League and district: CKL, 2A-6
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Hillsboro; Sept. 8, at Smoky Valley; Sept. 15, Nickerson; Sept. 22, at Lyons; Sept. 29, at Garden Plain*; Oct. 6, Douglass*; Oct. 13, at Kingman*; Oct. 20, Chaparral*
Top players: Van Loop, jr., 5-8, 150, RB-DB; Trey Pennington, sr., 5-11, 165, LB; Riley Loop, sr., 5-10, 160, OL-LB; Brody Boese, sr., 6-3, 260, OL-DL; Cooper Seidel, sr., 5-10, 220, OL-DL; Nash Wray, jr., 5-9, 130, QB-DB; Preston Sander, sr., 6-0, 155, WR-DB; Grant Patry, so., 6-0, 155, RB-DB.
Hesston Swathers
Coach: Tyson Bauerle, seventh season, 35-24
2022 record: 6-4, lost in second round
League and district: CKL, 3A-6
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Hoisington; Sept. 8, Pratt; Sept. 15, Hillsboro; Sept. 22, Wichita Trinity*; Sept. 29, at Kingman; Oct. 6, at Clearwater*; Oct. 13, Chapman*; Oct. 20, at Collegiate*
Top players: Aedan O’Halloran, sr., 5-11, 220, OL-DL; Beau Warden, sr., 6-0, 220, TE-DL; Jackson Fry, sr., 6-1, 180, WR-DB; Karter Gonzalez, jr., 5-10, 205, RB-LB; Reed Friesen, jr., QB-DB; Ethan Coutre, so., 6-1, 210, OL-DL; Josh Koehn, sr., 6-1, 225, OL-DL; Blake Hansen, jr., 5-11, 165, WR-DB; Asher Duetschendorf, jr., RB-LB; Conner Graber, jr., 6-4, 180, LB.
Hillsboro Trojans
Coach: Demetrius Cox, fifth season, 22-17
League and district: CKL, 2A-5
Schedule: Sept. 1, Haven; Sept. 8, Nickerson; Sept. 15, at Hesston; Sept. 22, Ellsworth*; Sept. 29, at Halstead*; Oct. 6, Southeast of Saline*; Oct. 13, at Smoky Valley; Oct. 20, at Lyons*
Top players: Dawson Boldt, sr., 5-8, 145, QB-DB; Levi Smith, sr., 6-0, 185, WR-DB; Zander Haslett, sr., 5-9, 160, TE-LB; Anders Weisback, jr., 5-10, 215, RB-LB; Nash Dickinson, jr., 6-1, 175, OL-DL; Lincoln Wichert, jr., 5-9, 145, DB; Wyatt Plenert, sr., 5-11, 185, WR-DB; Seth Driggers, jr., 6-2, 170, WR-DB; Sutton Redger, so., OL-LB; Noah Beavers, jr., 6-4, 200, TE-DL; Collin Voss, jr., 6-0, 230, OL-DL; Jesiah Gooch, so., 6-1, 185, RB-LB.
Hutchinson Trinity Celtics
Coach: Jordan Bell, 10th season, 54-33
2022 record: 6-3, lost in first round
League and district: HOA, 1A-7
Schedule: Aug. 31, Sedgwick; Sept. 8, at Remington; Sept. 15, Marion; Sept. 22, at Ellinwood*; Sept. 29, Inman*; Oct. 6, at Medicine Lodge*; Oct. 13, Sterling*; Oct. 20, at Conway Springs*
Top players: Eric Armour, sr., 6-2, 175, QB-DB; Gavin Judy, sr., 5-10, 225, OL-DL; Esekiel Suter, sr., 5-11, 165, WR-DB; Isaiah Suter-Tan, sr., 5-10, 195, TE-LB; Samuel Suter-Tan, sr., 5-11, 230, OL-DL; Tanner Weather, sr., 5-10, 215, OL; Gavin Wilson, sr., 5-10, 205, RB-LB; Jackson Dozier, jr., 5-7, 135, WR-DB; Lincoln Barnes, jr., WR-DL; Matthew McConnaughy, jr., 5-8, 160, RB-LB; Drew Dechant, so., 6-0, 160, QB-DB; Isaac Hammersmith, so., 6-1, 175, OL-DL; Bentyn Chastain, so., 5-10, 155, WR-DB.
Inman Teutons
Coach: Lance Sawyer, eighth season, 47-30
2022 record: 11-2, lost in state championship game
League and district: HOA, 1A-7
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Marion; Sept. 8, at Sedgwick; Sept. 15, Remington; Sept. 22, Sterling*; Sept. 29, at Hutchinson Trinity*; Oct. 6, Ellinwood*; Oct. 13, Conway Springs*; Oct. 20, at Medicine Lodge*
Top players: Kellen Schrag, sr., 6-0, 175, RB-LB; Zachary Martisko, sr., 6-3, 200, TE-LB; Talon Welch, sr., 6-2, 205, RB-LB; Dawson McConnell, sr., 6-0, 180, RB-DL; Jesse Ballard, sr., 6-1, 220, OL-DL; Evan Klamcynski, jr., 5-10, 215, OL-DL; Eli Gillespie, jr., 6-2, 265, OL-DL; TJ Froese, sr., 6-0, 180, TE-DL; Caleb Bigler, jr., 6-1, 185, QB-DB; Brody Froese, jr., 5-11, 165, WR-DB; Sebastian Martinez, jr., 5-10, 150, RB-DB; Jamie Milleson, sr., 5-10, 170, OL-DL; Dylan Larson, so., 5-7, 170, OL-DL; Cooper Wiens, so., 6-2, 175, OL-DL; Malachi Brunk, fr., 5-11, 160, WR-DB; Cade Osborn, fr., 6-0, 155, WR-DB.
Kingman Eagles
Coach: Tanner Hageman, fifth season, 31-12
2022 record: 12-1, lost in state championship game
League and district: CPL, 2A-6
Schedule: Sept. 1, Cheney; Sept. 8, at Conway Springs; Sept. 15, at Wichita Trinity; Sept. 22, Douglass*; Sept. 29, Hesston; Oct. 6, at Chaparral*; Oct. 13, Haven*; Oct. 20, at Garden Plain*
Top players: Tristen Davidson, sr., 6-2, 205, TE-DL; Carter Helm, sr., 5-11, 190, WR-DB; Collin Schreiner, jr., 5-8, 185, OL-LB; Brody Bell, jr., 6-1, 220, OL-DL; Chase Webster, sr., 6-1, 180, WR-DB; Bo Watkins, sr., 6-1, 185, WR-LB; Dalton Barber, sr., 6-0, 230, OL-DL; Ben Bradshaw, jr., 6-3, 180, QB-DB; Gabe Andersen, so., 6-0, 185, RB-LB; Colby Arensdorf, jr., 5-10, 180, OL-LB.
Marion Warriors
Coach: Shaun Craft, sixth season, 17-29
2022 record: 6-4, lost in second round
League and district: HOA, 1A-6
Schedule: Sept. 1, Inman, Sept. 8, at Sterling; Sept. 15, at Hutchinson Trinity; Sept. 22, at Remington*; Sept. 29, Belle Plaine*; Oct. 6, at Council Grove; Oct. 13, at Bluestem*; Oct. 20, Sedgwick*
Top players: Jack Lanning, sr., 6-0, 185, QB-LB; Trevor Schafers, sr., 6-0, 215, RB-LB; Brian Nguyen, jr., 5-9, 190, OL-LB; Jonathan Freese, sr., 5-11, 180, WR-DB; Cole Smith, sr., 6-1, 220, OL-DL; Luke Watkins, jr., 6-1, 195, OL-DL; Caleb Darrow, sr., 5-8, 155, WR-LB; Brayden Blackman, sr., 6-0, 175, OL; Gavin Regier, sr., 5-10, 165, OL; Alec Richardson, sr., 5-9, 155, DB; Kellen Waner, jr., 5-8, 155, WR-DB; Jackson Bitonti, jr., 5-9, 250, DL; Jameson Looper, so., 5-9, 155, LB; Kadon Mercer, so., 6-2, 200, WR.
Nickerson Panthers
Coach: Taylor Bauman, second season, 1-8
2022 record: 1-8, did not qualify
League and district: CKL, 3A-7
Schedule: Sept. 1, Lyons; Sept. 8, at Hillsboro; Sept. 15, at Haven; Sept. 22, Larned; Sept. 29, at Andale*; Oct. 6, Cheney*; Oct. 13, at Pratt*; Oct. 20, Smoky Valley*
Top players: Karson Engellend, sr., 6-0, 225, OL-DL; Michael Nolde, sr., 6-0, 215, OL-DL; Logan Rogers, sr., 5-8, 165, RB-LB; Cage Kelly, sr., 5-10, 170; Skyler Wakefield, sr., 5-8, 145, WR-DB; Ayla Ontjes, sr., 5-6, 125, K; Addrick Nelson, jr., 5-6, 125, WR-DB; Keastin Abernathy, jr., 6-2, 185, TE-DE; RaShawn Walker, jr., 6-0, 135, WR-DB.
Remington Broncos
Coach: Matt Headley, first season
2022 record: 2-7, lost in first round
League and district: HOA, 1A-6
Schedule: Sept. 1, Sterling; Sept. 8, Hutchinson Trinity; Sept. 15, at Inman; Sept. 22, Marion*; Sept. 29, at Bluestem*; Oct. 6, Sedgwick*; Oct. 13, at Minneapolis; Oct. 20, at Belle Plaine*
Top players: Colton Barnes, sr., 6-0, 180, TE-DL; Kole Klaassen, jr., 6-1, 190, RB-LB; Isaac Jury, jr., 5-10, 175, QB-LB; Eli Gerber, sr., 6-0, 175, WR-DB; Kadin Mersman, jr., 6-2, 240, OL-DL; Carsen Jarvis, sr., 5-8, 170, LB; Erik Sweetland, sr., 6-0, 180, OL-DL.
Sedgwick Cardinals
Coach: Jeff Werner, 17th season, 123-44
2022 record: 5-5, lost in second round
League and district: HOA, 1A-6
Schedule: Aug. 31, at Hutchinson Trinity; Sept. 8, Inman; Sept. 15, at Sterling; Sept. 22, Bluestem*; Sept. 29, Osage City; Oct. 6, at Remington*; Oct. 13, Belle Plaine*; Oct. 20, at Marion*
Top players: Koen Werner, sr., 6-2, 215, OL-LB; Jeff Nold, sr., 6-3, 175, WR-LB; Dallas Lagree, jr., 5-10, 160, WR-DB; Jackson Scarlett, sr., 6-2, 155, WR-DB; Sterling Lies, sr., 5-7, 160, WR-DB; Corey Crumrine, jr., 5-9, 155, QB-DB; Cory Culp, jr., 6-2, 185, OL-DL; Xavier Hansen, sr., 5-11, 275, OL-DL; Cole McGinn, so., 6-0, 180, OL-DL; Noah Little, so., 5-9, 145, WR-DB; Austin Thieme, jr., 6-1, 170, OL-DL.
Smoky Valley Vikings
Coach: Tim Lambert, eighth season, 44-33
2022 record: 4-5, lost in first round
League and district: CKL, 3A-7
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Halstead; Sept. 8, Haven; Sept. 15, at Larned; Sept. 22, Andale*; Sept. 29, at Cheney*; Oct. 6, Pratt*; Oct. 13, Hillsboro; Oct. 20, at Nickerson*
Top players: Ezekiel Baker, jr., 6-0, 205, OL-DL
Sterling Bears
Coach: Brent Schneider, fifth season, 11-25
2022 record: 4-5, lost in first round
League and district: HOA, 1A-7
Schedule: Sept. 1, at Remington; Sept. 8, Marion; Sept. 15, Sedgwick; Sept. 22, at Inman*; Sept. 29, Medicine Lodge*; Oct. 6, at Conway Springs*; Oct. 13, at Hutchinson Trinity*; Oct. 20, Ellinwood*
Top players: Gabe Riffel, sr., 6-1, 240, OL-DL; Carson Gray, sr., 6-4, 245, OL-DL; Jaiden Diasio, sr., 5-8, 140, RB-DB; Zane Farney, so., 5-11, 160, RB-LB; Colby Beagley, sr., 6-2, 190, OL-DL; Isaac Briar, sr., 6-1, 175, WR-DB; Adam Schweizer, sr., 5-11, 170, OL-DL; Zeke Johnson, sr., 5-8, 195, RB-LB; Boston Ekart, so., 6-3, 150, WR-DB; Logan Isaac, so., 6-0, 160, QB-DB; Wyatt Newberry, so., 5-9, 125, RB-DB; Cale Thomas, so., 5-10, 190, OL-DL.
Trinity Academy Knights
Coach: Trey Hall, second season, 2-7
2022 record: 2-7, lost in first round
League and district: CPL, 3A-6
Schedule: Sept. 1, Sacred Heart; Sept. 8, Chaparral; Sept. 15, Kingman; Sept. 22, at Hesston*; Sept. 29, Clearwater*; Oct. 6, at Chapman*; Oct. 13, Collegiate*; Oct. 20, at Baxter Springs
Top players: Donald Collier, sr., 6-1, 185, WR-DB; Harvey Zimmerman, sr., 6-2, 205, QB; Elijah Watson, so., 6-0, 280, OL-DL; Braxton Morris, sr., RB-LB; Gracen Fischer, sr., RB; Cooper Garrison, jr., TE-DL; Jack Cary, sr., LB; Will Saunders, jr., WR-DB; Yamnoel Oyola-Bernier, so., WR-DB; Joey Lawton, jr., OL-DL.
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