AV-CTL football preview: Wichita-area top players, best games and predictions
The Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League is set for another competitive season with star-studded talent spread across its four divisions.
From powerhouse programs to rising squads, every week promises highlight-filled games and breakout stars ready to make their mark.
Here’s a look at the top players, breakout performers, must-see games and predictions for how each division could shake out in 2025.
Five to know in AV-CTL Division I football
Game-changers on offense
- Arieus Finley, Derby junior running back
- Robert Hunter, Hutchinson senior quarterback
- Braxton Liby, Maize South senior wide receiver
- RayJ Logan, Valley Center junior wide receiver
- Brayden Myovela, Maize senior quarterback
Game-changers on defense
- Jackson Anderson, Hutchinson senior linebacker
- Darrien Gentry, Derby senior linebacker
- Scotty Hadley, Maize senior defensive back
- Hunter Higgins, Maize South senior defensive lineman
- Braesyn Williams, Derby junior defensive back
Game-changers in the trenches
- Houston Bowlin, Derby senior defensive lineman
- Dalton Hornback, Derby senior defensive lineman
- Weston Jackson, Derby junior offensive lineman
- Taylor Reiman, Hutchinson junior offensive lineman
- Max Robinson, Derby senior offensive lineman
Rising stars
- Spencer Crumrine, Valley Center sophomore wide receiver
- Kris Dorsey, Derby senior quarterback
- Jeremyah Gaitho-Karanu, Hutchinson senior running back
- Reign Illian, Maize South junior quarterback
- Mason Moaliitele, Derby junior linebacker
Must-see matchups
- Derby at Maize, Sept. 26
- Hutchinson at Derby, Oct. 3
- Hutchinson at Maize, Sept. 26
- Maize at Maize South, Oct. 10
- Maize South at Hutchinson, Oct. 24
League predictions with team previews
1. Derby Panthers (6A)
2024 record: 11-1, lost in 6A semifinals
Head coach: Brandon Clark, 20th season, 181-45
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Hays; Sept. 12, at Campus; Sept. 19, Salina South; Sept. 26, at Maize; Oct. 3, Hutchinson; Oct. 10, at Valley Center; Oct. 17, at Maize South; Oct. 24, Carroll.
Top players: Max Robinson, sr., 6-3, 275, OL; Arieus Finley, jr., 5-8, 170, RB; Weston Jackson, jr., 6-2, 280, OL; Houston Bowlin, sr., 6-1, 280, DL; Dalton Hornback, sr., 6-1, 230, DL; Rowan Foster, sr., 6-1, 175, WR; Braesyn Williams, jr., 6-1, 165, DB; Davon Morrison, sr., 5-10, 165, WR; Darrien Gentry, sr., 6-1, 225, LB; Kris Dorsey, sr., 5-8, 175, QB; Mason Moaliitele, jr., 6-0, 205, LB; Blade Clark, jr., 6-1, 190, QB; Chyler Walker, so., 6-5, 230, TE; Peyton Goble, sr., 6-0, 265, OL; Issac Nikolas, sr., 5-10, 175, DB; Jack Gage, sr., 5-10, 260, OL; Kaelin Scarth, jr., 6-4, 270, OL; Trip Holsinger, so., 5-10, 170, K.
2. Maize Eagles (6A)
2024 record: 5-5, lost in 6A second round
Head coach: Gary Guzman, 15th season, 97-52
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Goddard; Sept. 12, at Andover; Sept. 19, Hutchinson; Sept. 26, at Derby; Oct. 3, Campus; Oct. 10, at Maize South; Oct. 17, Valley Center; Oct. 24, Salina South.
Top players: Brayden Myovela, sr., 6-3, 200, QB; Scotty Hadley, sr., 5-9, 160, DB; Nolan Hadley, jr., 6-3, 280, OL; Drake Blasi, jr., 6-0, 200, LB; Brodie Jarvis, sr., 5-8, 150, DB; Ty Willits, sr., 6-3, 190, DB; Vincent Rosas, jr., 5-7, 145, DB; Shannon Jones, sr., 6-0, 215, RB; Pearce George, jr., 6-0, 190, WR; Josiah Cole, jr., 5-11, 215, DL; Connor Goerzen, jr., 5-11, 205, LB; Hunter Jennings, sr., 5-9, 195, LB; Peyton Norwood, sr., 6-0, 260, DL.
3. Hutchinson Salthawks (5A)
2024 record: 8-3, lost in 5A quarterfinals
Head coach: Mike Vernon, eighth season, 39-30
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Andover Central; Sept. 12, at Valley Center; Sept. 19, Maize; Sept. 26, Salina South; Oct. 3, at Derby; Oct. 10, Campus; Oct. 17, at Newton; Oct. 24, Maize South.
Top players: Jackson Anderson, sr., 5-10, 195, LB; Robert Hunter, sr., 6-0, 195, QB; Taylor Reiman, jr., 5-10, 240, OL; GaVaughn Embers, sr., 6-0, 245, DL; Bailey Bishop, sr., 5-9, 240, OL; Tramel Walker, sr., 5-10, 170, DB; Brodie McCuan, jr., 5-11, 180, DB; Jeremyah Gaitho-Karanu, sr., 5-11, 180, RB; Karmelo Green, sr., 5-11, 185, RB; Kylan Mendoza, sr., 6-2, 275, OL; Camrynn Harris, sr., 5-10, 170, DB; Karson Etienne, jr., 5-11, 180, OL; Danny Boone, sr., 6-0, 170, WR-DB; Cooper Harris, jr., 6-0, 165, DB; Jake Wolfe, sr., 5-11, 195, LB; D’Angelo Gray, jr., 6-3, 165, WR-DB; Max Harris, jr., 5-11, 180, TE-DL; Sam Martin, sr., 5-10, 160, RB-DB; Ayden Roubidoux, sr., 5-10, 170, RB-LB; Tayton Tuchardt, sr., 5-11, 190, LB; Gabe Valadez, sr., 5-10, 200, TE-DL.
4. Maize South Mavericks (5A)
2024 record: 6-4, lost in 5A second round
Head coach: Brent Pfeifer, 15th season, 109-55
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Newton; Sept. 12, Salina South; Sept. 19, Valley Center; Sept. 26, at Campus; Oct. 3, Arkansas City; Oct. 10, at Maize; Oct. 17, Derby; Oct. 24, at Hutchinson.
Top players: Hunter Higgins, sr., 6-5, 245, DL; Braxton Liby, sr., 6-2, 180, WR; Alex Singhateh, sr., TE; Hayden Nuss, jr., RB; Reece Pauly, sr., 6-1, 155, WR; Jacob Weir, jr., OL; Kade Cary, so., 6-1, 220, DL; Reign Illian, jr., 6-4, 205, QB.
5. Valley Center Hornets (5A)
2024 record: 3-7, lost in 5A second round
Head coach: Scott L’Ecuyer, eighth season, 27-37
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Eisenhower; Sept. 12, Hutchinson; Sept. 19, at Maize South; Sept. 26, at Andover Central; Oct. 3, at Salina South; Oct. 10, Derby; Oct. 17, Maize; Oct. 24, at Campus.
Top players: RayJ Logan, jr., 5-10, 165, WR; Gavin Saner, sr., 5-11, 190, RB-LB; Rylan Bailey, sr., 5-11, 195, RB; Cooper Boone, sr., 5-10, 165, DB; Roman Gage, sr., 5-11, 290, OL; Braeden Heitsman, sr., 6-4, 270, OL-DL; Connor Thatcher, sr., 6-2, 210, QB; Spencer Crumrine, so., 5-10, 160, WR-DB; Jack Lampe, sr., 5-8, 180, OL; Beau Young, sr., 6-1, 295, OL-DL; Jackson Child, jr., 6-7, 330, OL; Jalen Morse, jr., 5-10, 250, OL; Preston Looney, jr., 5-6, 160, RB; Evan Chavez, jr., 5-10, 160, WR; Ryder Slay, so., 6-0, 275, OL; Silas Preheim, jr., 6-0, 160, WR-DB; Corbin Holdaway, jr., 5-11, 180, RB-LB; Christian Machain, jr., 6-1, 245, TE-DL; Shaquawn Parker, jr., 6-1, 195, DL; Landon Taylor, jr., 5-10, 170, DB; Vwandumakoko Nyimbo, sr., 5-11, 185, RB-LB; Max Winters, sr., 6-3, 185, TE-LB; Shaun White, jr., 5-6, 140, DB.
6. Salina South (5A)
7. Campus Colts (6A)
2024 record: 0-9, lost in 6A first round
Head coach: Nicholas Peabody, second season, 0-9
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Junction City; Sept. 12, Derby; Sept. 19, at Salina Central; Sept. 26, Maize South; Oct. 3, Maize; Oct. 10, at Hutchinson; Oct. 17, at Salina South; Oct. 24, Valley Center.
Top players: Did not report.
Five to know in AV-CTL Division II football
Game-changers on offense
- Jonathan Hill, Newton senior wide receiver
- Erik Olivas, Goddard sophomore running back
- Brayden Pappas, Eisenhower senior running back
- Jordey Pierce, Arkansas City senior quarterback
- Ben Reynolds, Andover senior tight end
Game-changers on defense
- Julian Gallegos, Eisenhower junior linebacker
- Jonny George, Andover Central senior linebacker
- Aaron Kimball, Andover senior linebacker
- Gage Koenigs, Goddard senior linebacker
- Elliot Walk, Goddard senior linebacker
Game-changers in the trenches
- Braxton Koller, Goddard senior offensive lineman
- Landon Salazar, Eisenhower junior offensive lineman
- Jameson Turner, Eisenhower senior defensive lineman
- Jaylen Wilson, Andover Central senior defensive lineman
- Trey Wright, Goddard senior defensive lineman
Rising stars
- Jaxson Green, Andover Central junior running back
- Bubba Hall, Andover Central senior defensive lineman
- Will Quinn, Andover junior quarterback
- D’Ervin Phillips, Goddard senior wide receiver
- Brekston Young, Eisenhower junior quarterback
Must-see matchups
- Andover Central at Eisenhower, Oct. 17
- Eisenhower at Goddard, Sept. 12
- Andover Central at Goddard, Oct. 3
- Andover at Andover Central, Oct. 24
- Goddard at Andover, Sept. 19
League predictions with team previews
1. Andover Central Jaguars (4A)
2024 record: 12-1, won 4A championship
Head coach: Derek Tuttle, seventh season, 57-15
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Hutchinson; Sept. 12, Newton; Sept. 19, at Arkansas City; Sept. 26, Valley Center; Oct. 3, at Goddard; Oct. 10, at Salina Central; Oct. 17, at Eisenhower; Oct. 24, Andover.
Top players: Jaylen Wilson, sr., 6-3, 255, DL; Jonny George, sr., 5-10, 160, LB; Paxton McLeod, sr., 5-11, 265, OL; Aiden Jordan, sr., 5-11, 290, OL; Bubba Hall, sr., 5-10, 195, DL; Jaxson Green, jr., 5-10, 165, RB; Jet Thompson, sr., 5-10, 180, WR; Tommy Inkelaar, so., 6-5, 355, OL; Pierce Gillen, sr., 6-2, 265, OL; Logan Huslig, sr., 5-10, 235, OL; Caden Rubio, sr., 6-2, 175, WR; Levi Sayre, sr., 5-10, 150, DB; Brindley Stover, sr., 5-11, 170, LB; Ethan Babb, sr., 5-8, 155, DB; Max McDaniel, sr., 6-2, 210, DL; Brenton Findley, jr., 5-9, 155, DB; Noah Sawdy, jr., 5-10, 140, WR; Tucker Taggart, jr., 6-1, 200, LB; Sawyer Ramsey, jr., 6-4, 305, OL; Bobby Sands, so., 6-0, 185, RB; Cooper Green, so., 6-3, 205, LB; Cooper Mason, so., 6-2, 160, WR; Ty DeGarmo, fr., 6-0, 170, QB.
2. Salina Central Mustangs (5A)
3. Eisenhower Tigers (5A)
2024 record: 9-3, lost in 5A semifinals
Head coach: Darrin Fisher, seventh season, 35-24
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Valley Center; Sept. 12, at Goddard; Sept. 19, Newton; Sept. 26, Salina Central; Oct. 3, at Andover; Oct. 10, Arkansas City; Oct. 17, Andover Central; Oct. 24, at Northwest.
Top players: Brayden Pappas, sr., 5-7, 180, RB; Julian Gallegos, jr., 5-10, 195, LB; Jameson Turner, sr., 6-1, 220, DL; Landon Salazar, jr., 6-3, 270, OL; Hayden Nall, sr., 6-0, 165, WR; Jackson Reed, sr., 6-0, 190, LB; Abram Peine, sr., DL; Brekston Young, jr., 6-0, 160, QB; Andre Robinson, jr., DL; Braylon Lies, jr., 5-11, 165, WR; Timi Moronfolu, jr., 5-10, 180, DB; Trenton Erbert, jr., 5-11, 170, WR; Trenton Taylor, jr., WR.
4. Goddard Lions (5A)
2024 record: 6-3, lost in 5A first round
Head coach: Tommy Beason, eighth season, 38-31
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Maize; Sept. 12, Eisenhower; Sept. 19, at Andover; Sept. 26, at Newton; Oct. 3, Andover Central; Oct. 10, Salina South; Oct. 17, at Arkansas City; Oct. 24, Salina Central.
Top players: Braxton Koller, sr., 5-11, 260, OL-DL; Trey Wright, sr., 5-11, 205, DL; D’Ervin Phillips, sr., 6-2, 170, WR-DB; Gage Koenigs, sr., 5-11, 210, RB-LB; Elliot Walk, sr., 6-0, 180, RB-LB; Erik Olivas, jr., 5-9, 165, RB; Jordan Zeltner, sr., 6-4, 225, OL-DL; Brock Sullivan, jr., 6-1, 215, QB; Giovanni Hernandez, sr., 5-9, 145, WR-DB; Bryer Rojas, sr., 6-3, 200, TE-LB; Kamren Loch, sr., 6-2, 165, WR-DB; Joe Diekemper, sr., 5-11, 215, RB-LB; Jaxson Strausberg, sr., 5-10, 220, OL; Nick Miller, sr., 5-8, 150, RB-DB; Maddox Shook, sr., 5-11, 180, LB; Graeson Reid, sr., 6-0, 220, OL; Micah Mayer, sr., 5-10, 210, LB; Shawn Peck, sr., 5-11, 185, DL.
5. Andover Trojans (5A)
2024 record: 4-5, lost in 5A first round
Head coach: Jamie Cruce, second season, 4-5
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Kapaun; Sept. 12, at Maize; Sept. 19, Goddard; Sept. 26, at Arkansas City; Oct. 3, Eisenhower; Oct. 10, Newton; Oct. 16, at Salina Central; Oct. 24, at Andover Central.
Top players: Gatlin Tilson, sr., 6-3, 195, WR-DB; Ben Reynolds, sr., 6-3, 220, TE; Wyatt Wilscam, sr., 6-3, 225, DL; Barrett Hill, sr., 5-9, 160, WR-DB; Aaron Kimball, sr., 6-0, 205, LB; Parker Lane, sr., 6-0, 205, LB; Vaughn Nun, sr., 6-0, 230, OL; Tyson Ross, jr., 6-4, 280, OL-DL; Brecken Bell, sr., 6-2, 180, DL; Will Quinn, jr., 6-0, 185, QB; Pete Vega, jr., 5-10, 180, RB; Nas Williams, jr., 5-11, 220, RB; Carson Goentzel, so., 5-10, 150, WR; Leland Schumacher, jr., 5-7, 155, WR; Connor Corley, sr., 6-2, 225, OL; Zane Tucker, jr., 6-0, 250, OL; Ian Folger, sr., 5-11, 200, OL; Daniel Beck, sr., 5-7, 185, LB; Jeremiah Guillot, jr., 6-1, 180, LB; Brooks Brown, jr., 6-0, 185, LB; Zack Pai, sr., 5-8, 155, DB.
6. Arkansas City Bulldogs (4A)
2024 record: 2-7, lost in 4A first round
Head coach: Chet Pobolish, third season, 3-15
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Winfield; Sept. 12, at Salina Central; Sept. 19, Andover Central; Sept. 26, Andover; Oct. 3, at Maize South; Oct. 10, at Eisenhower; Oct. 17, Goddard; Oct. 24, Newton.
Top players: Jordey Pierce, sr., 6-3, 220, QB; Daxton Weakley, sr., 5-9, 175, RB-DB; Josh Abrams, sr., 6-0, 185, WR-DB; Stratton Bruce, jr., 6-0, 250, OL-DL; Xavier Lawler, jr., 5-9, 175, WR-DB; Trace Rider, sr., 5-8, 175, WR-LB; Karson Palmer, sr., 6-2, 190, TE-DL; Noble Horton, sr., 5-11, 210, OL; Jayden Agunaga, sr., 6-4, 255, OL; Darrius Stanley, sr., 6-2, 245, OL-DL; Breckan Graham, sr., 5-10, 190, RB-LB.
7. Newton Railers (5A)
2024 record: 0-9, lost in 5A first round
Head coach: Taylor Counts, second season, 0-9
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Maize South; Sept. 12, at Andover Central; Sept. 19, at Eisenhower; Sept. 26, Goddard; Oct. 3, Salina Central; Oct. 10, at Andover; Oct. 17, Hutchinson; Oct. 24, at Arkansas City.
Top players: Jonathan Hill, sr., 6-0, 190, WR-DB; Kane Wise, jr., 5-11, 170, RB-DB; Major Giles, sr., 5-9, 160, WR-DB; Kolbie Espada, sr., 5-9, 150, QB; Kaleb Jacobs, sr., 5-8, 180, RB-LB; Clyde Thomas, jr., 5-10, 165, WR-DB; Christian Henderson, jr., 6-3, 210, TE-DL; Camden Hessman, jr., 5-5, 130, WR-DB; Kingston Henry, jr., 5-10, 190, RB-LB; Orlando Gonzalez, jr., 5-10, 210, OL-DL; Emerson Gering, jr., 5-10, 150, K-P.
Five to know in AV-CTL Division III football
Game-changers on offense
- Ben Clouse, Buhler senior running back
- Franklin Ekue, Circle senior running back
- Kellen Gibson, Winfield senior quarterback
- Ashton Malm, McPherson junior wide receiver
- Manny Myers, Mulvane senior quarterback
Game-changers on defense
- Brecken Albert, Augusta senior wide receiver
- Reed Hackleman, Mulvane senior linebackerk
- Bodie Janzen, Circle senior defensive back
- Jacob Miller, Buhler senior linebacker
- Grady Myers, Mulvane junior defensive back
Game-changers in the trenches
- Cooper Brown, Mulvane junior defensive lineman
- Dylan Hall, McPherson junior defensive lineman
- K.J. Schanz, Mulvane senior offensive lineman
- Nixon Standlee, Buhler junior offensive lineman
- Logan Turner, Buhler senior offensive lineman
Rising stars
- Dane Becker, McPherson junior running back
- Carter Bengston, McPherson junior quarterback
- Hays Ensley, Mulvane junior wide receiver
- Jayren Stutzman, McPherson senior defensive lineman
- Asher Zachary, Buhler junior quarterback
Must-see matchups
- Buhler at Mulvane, Sept. 5
- Buhler at McPherson, Oct. 24
- McPherson at Mulvane, Oct. 10
- Mulvane at Winfield, Oct. 24
- McPherson at Winfield, Sept. 26
League predictions with team previews
1. Buhler Crusaders (4A)
2024 record: 9-3, lost in 4A semifinals
Head coach: Steve Warner, 39th season, 284-115
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Mulvane; Sept. 12, Augusta; Sept. 19, Great Bend; Sept. 26, at Circle; Oct. 3, at Wamego; Oct. 10, El Dorado; Oct. 17, Winfield; Oct. 24, at McPherson.
Top players: Ben Clouse, sr., 5-9, 165, RB; Logan Turner, sr., 6-3, 295, OL; Jacob Miller, sr., 6-0, 205, TE-LB; Nixon Standlee, jr., 6-1, 275, OL; John Aldrich, jr., 5-10, 260, OL; Jax Pratt, jr., 6-2, 185, TE-DL; Asher Zachary, jr., 6-3, 170, QB; Asher McConnaughy, jr., 6-2, 185, RB-LB; Max Harmony, sr., 5-9, 165, RB-DL; Landon Martinez, so., 5-10, 165, WR-DB; Jacob Burklow, so., 6-1, 195, DL; McCade Zachary, jr., WR-DB.
2. Mulvane Wildcats (4A)
2024 record: 7-3, lost in 4A second round
Head coach: Daniel Myears, eighth season, 31-35
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Buhler; Sept. 12, at Independence; Sept. 19, Circle; Sept. 26, at Augusta; Oct. 3, at El Dorado; Oct. 10, McPherson; Oct. 17, Coffeyville; Oct. 24, at Winfield.
Top players: Manny Myers, sr., 6-0, 170, QB-DB; K.J. Schanz, sr., 6-3, 220, OL-LB; Grady Myers, jr., 5-10, 150, RB-DB; Cooper Brown, jr., 6-1, 325, OL-DL; Reed Hackleman, sr., 5-11, 200, WR-LB; Gunner McGrew, sr., 6-0, 235, OL-DL; Rocky Heersche, sr., 5-9, 260, OL-DL; Nathan Maudlin, sr., 6-1, 190, OL-DL; Caleb Boor, sr., 6-3, 195, WR-DB; Hays Ensley, jr., 5-11, 170, WR-DB; Archer Webb, so., 5-10, 200, OL-DL; Caleb Holle, jr., 6-2, 200, OL-DL.
3. McPherson Bullpups (4A)
2024 record: 5-5, lost in 4A second round
Head coach: Jace Pavlovich, 11th season, 84-27
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Great Bend; Sept. 12, at Circle; Sept. 19, Chanute; Sept. 26, at Winfield; Oct. 3, Rose Hill; Oct. 10, at Mulvane; Oct. 17, Augusta; Oct. 24, Buhler.
Top players: Ashton Malm, jr., 5-10, 150, WR; Jayren Stutzman, sr., 6-3, 180, DE; Dane Becker, jr., 5-10, 165, RB-DB; Dylan Hall, jr., 6-1, 200, DL; Krayton Byrd, sr., OL; Takoda Linn, jr., 5-11, 140, DB; Nolan Pearcy, jr., LB; Keaton Crane, sr., 5-8, 130, DB; Carter Bengston, jr., QB-DB; Charlie Barrow, sr., 6-4, 220, OL; Bo Barkley, jr., TE; Izyck Puhalla, jr., WR; Chase Lowery, jr., LB; Brady Rinker, jr., QB; Carter Leathers, so., 6-1, 240, DL; Jaxon Hoover, so., QB-K; McKoy Berggren, so., OL; A.J. Bullocks, so., WR.
4. Circle Thunderbirds (4A)
2024 record: 3-6, lost in 4A first round
Head coach: Logan Clothier, ninth season, 23-50
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Coffeyville; Sept. 12, McPherson; Sept. 19, at Mulvane; Sept. 26, Buhler; Oct. 3, Winfield; Oct. 10, at Rose Hill; Oct. 17, Fort Scott; Oct. 24, at Augusta.
Top players: Franklin Ekue, sr., 5-11, 190, RB-DB; Mason Stobart, sr., 6-1, 195, QB; Bodie Janzen, sr., 5-9, 165, WR-DB; Aymon Oliver, so., 5-10, 200, LB; Jason Smith, so., 6-0, 185, DB; Dominic Sawyer, sr., 5-9, 155, WR-DB; Cooper McGaha, sr., 6-3, 195, OL-DL; Jay Bonewitz, sr., 5-10, 175, WR; Easton Beardsley, sr., 5-8, 225, OL; Diego Gamboa, sr., 5-8, 220, OL; Caderik Korkki, sr., 6-0, 245, DL; Gabe Duncan, sr., 5-11, 165, DB; Rocky Cosby, jr., 6-1, 165, WR; Canyon Anderson, jr., 6-0, 225, OL; Boston Avery, so., 6-1, 210, DL.
5. Winfield Vikings (4A)
2024 record: 6-4, lost in 4A second round
Head coach: Monty Lewis, fifth season, 16-23
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Arkansas City; Sept. 12, at Labette County; Sept. 19, at Augusta; Sept. 26, McPherson; Oct. 3, at Circle; Oct. 10, Wellington; Oct. 17, at Buhler; Oct. 24, Mulvane.
Top players: Kellen Gibson, sr., 6-0, 175, QB; Dane Chattam, jr., 5-9, 145, RB-DB; Brayden Sutton, sr., 6-1, 210, OL-DL; Evan Hutto, sr., 6-0, 155, WR-DB; Gabe Sutton, sr., 6-0, 185, OL-DL; Elijah Bergesen, so., 6-1, 160, RB-LB; Carson Andes, sr., 6-0, 165, TE-LB; Jacob Kramp, sr., 6-1, 180, LB.
6. Augusta Orioles (4A)
2024 record: 1-8, lost in 4A first round
Head coach: Dawson Elliott, second season, 1-8
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Chanute; Sept. 12, at Buhler; Sept. 19, Winfield; Sept. 26, Mulvane; Oct. 3, at Wellington; Oct. 10, Abilene; Oct. 17, at McPherson; Oct. 24, Circle.
Top players: Brody Haskell, sr., 6-1, 165, QB-DB; Brecken Alberts, sr., 6-1, 180, WR-DB; Owen Roberts, sr., 5-10, 150, RB-DB; Rylee McMichael, jr., 6-4, 165, DB; Roman Bridwell, jr., WR-DB; Gunner Carey, sr., OL-DL; Griffin Tatom, sr., DL; Tyler Henman, sr., OL; Cade Camac, sr., WR-LB; Mason Pringle, jr., LB.
Five to know in AV-CTL Division IV football
Game-changers on offense
- Sebastian Bentley, Rose Hill senior wide receiver
- Sam Harp, Andale senior quarterback
- Jack Horsch, Andale senior running back
- Julian Johnson, Collegiate senior running back
- Garrison Wells, Clearwater senior running back
Game-changers on defense
- Colton Bannister, Wellington senior linebacker
- Hunter Grimes, Andale senior linebacker
- Sebastian Hines-Turner, Collegiate wide receiver
- Lane Parthemer, Andale senior defensive back
- Dalton Wulf, Clearwater senior linebacker
Game-changers in the trenches
- Ali Al-Sukin, Collegiate senior offensive lineman
- Emery Craft, Andale senior defensive lineman
- Brogan Ede, Clearwater senior defensive lineman
- Milo Elder, Wellington senior defensive lineman
- Cameron Rosenberg, Wellington junior offensive lineman
Rising stars
- Jalik Armstrong, Wellington senior running back
- Logan Clay, Collegiate junior tight end
- Jrayton Dansel, Andale junior defensive lineman
- Jaiden Fino, Clearwater senior quarterback
- Landon Langston, Collegiate junior quarterback
Must-see matchups
- Andale at Collegiate, Sept. 26
- Collegiate at Wellington, Sept. 5
- Wellington at Andale, Sept. 12
- Wellington at Clearwater, Sept. 26
- Rose Hill at Collegiate, Sept. 12
League predictions with team previews
1. Andale Indians (3A-6)
2024 record: 13-0, won 3A championship
Head coach: Dylan Schmidt, ninth season, 100-10
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at El Dorado; Sept. 12, Wellington; Sept. 19, at Rose Hill; Sept. 26, at Collegiate; Oct. 3, at Nickerson; Oct. 10, Smoky Valley; Oct. 17, at Wichita Trinity; Oct. 24, Hesston.
Top players: Sam Harp, sr., 5-10, 190, QB-DB; Jack Horsch, sr., 6-0, 195, RB-LB; Emery Craft, sr., 6-0, 200, OL-DL; Hunter Grimes, sr., 6-2, 215, TE-LB; Lane Parthemer, sr., 5-10, 175, RB-DB; Jrayton Dansel, jr., 5-11, 185, RB-DL.
2. Collegiate Spartans (3A-7)
2024 record: 8-2, lost in 3A second round
Head coach: Troy Black, seventh season, 49-14
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Wellington; Sept. 12, Rose Hill; Sept. 19, at El Dorado; Sept. 26, Andale; Oct. 3, at Pratt; Oct. 10, Clearwater; Oct. 17, at Cheney; Oct. 24, Chaparral.
Top players: Sebastian Hines-Turner, sr., WR-DB; Julian Johnson, sr., RB; A.J. Batiste, sr., WR; Ali Al-Sukin, sr., OL-DL; Carson Malaise, jr., LB; Landon Langston, jr., QB; Logan Clay, jr., TE-DL; Trip Porter, sr., OL; Mason Bond, jr., WR; Corbin Wiley, sr., WR; Gavin Tuhro, jr., OL-DL; Jareim Roland, sr., WR; Ethan Eyster, so., WR.
3. Wellington Crusaders (4A)
2024 record: 8-3, lost in 4A quarterfinals
Head coach: Jeremiah Meeks, fourth season, 21-10
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Collegiate; Sept. 12, at Andale; Sept. 19, at Clearwater; Sept. 26, Labette County; Oct. 3, Augusta; Oct. 10, at Winfield; Oct. 17, Rose Hill; Oct. 24, at El Dorado.
Top players: Colton Bannister, sr., 5-9, 185, LB; Milo Elder, sr., 6-0, 255, TE-DL; Fisher Elder, so., 6-2, 220, LB; Cameron Rosenberg, jr., 6-2, 210, OL; Jalik Armstrong, sr., 6-0, 185, RB-DB; Ethan Brungardt, sr., 6-0, 205, OL; Cayson Ramirez, sr., 5-10, 205, OL; Cooper Hatfield, sr., 5-10, 190, DB; Hank Shinliver, sr., 6-1, 205, LB; Goran Djurovic, jr., 5-7, 230, OL-DL.
4. Clearwater Indians (3A-7)
2024 record: 3-6, lost in 3A first round
Head coach: Jake Bjostad, first season, 0-0
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Rose Hill; Sept. 12, El Dorado; Sept. 19, Wellington; Sept. 26, at Cheney; Oct. 3, Chaparral; Oct. 10, at Collegiate; Oct. 17, Pratt; Oct. 24, at Garden Plain.
Top players: Garrison Wells, sr., 5-11, 220, RB-DL; Dalton Wulf, sr., 6-1, 190, RB-LB; Jared Whitney, sr., 6-0, 170, WR-DB; Brogan Ede, sr., 6-2, 210, OL-DL; Landon Woods, sr., 6-2, 205, RB-DL; Braeden Gordon, sr., 5-9, 220, OL-DL; Jaiden Fino, sr., 6-0, 175, QB-DB; Chance Keesling, sr., 5-10, 195, TE-DL; Lane Blevins, sr., 6-2, 185, TE-LB; Curtis Campa, jr., 5-10, 180, RB-LB.
5. Rose Hill Rockets (4A)
2024 record: 2-7, lost in 4A first round
Head coach: Reece Petty, first season, 0-0
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Clearwater; Sept. 12, at Collegiate; Sept. 19, Andale; Sept. 26, El Dorado; Oct. 3, at McPherson; Oct. 10, Circle; Oct. 17, at Wellington; Oct. 24, at Independence.
Top players: Sebastian Bentley, sr., 5-6, 130, WR; Keedrin Jones, sr., 5-10, 180, RB; Leven Jones, sr., 5-10, 190, TE-LB; Kai Kirchhoff-Jones, jr., 5-10, 185, RB-DB; Luke Nottingham, jr., OL-DL; Zander Ford, jr., 5-11, 170, QB; Chase Spaulding, sr., DL; Thunder Page, so., LB; Kooper Dees, sr., WR-DB; Gavin Bantam, jr., OL-DL; Caleb Williams, so., 5-10, 170, OL; Nate Larson, jr., OL.
6. El Dorado Wildcats (4A)
2024 record: 0-9, lost in 4A first round
Head coach: Dan Adelhardt, second season, 0-9
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Andale; Sept. 12, at Clearwater; Sept. 19, Collegiate; Sept. 26, at Rose Hill; Oct. 3, Mulvane; Oct. 10, at Buhler; Oct. 17, at Abilene; Oct. 24, Wellington.
Top players: Peyton Wight, jr., 5-11, 155, WR-DB; Daniel Bowlin, jr., 6-1, 165, QB-LB; D.J. Mitchell, sr., 5-11, 175, DL; Maddix Soper, jr., 5-6, 165, RB-LB; Charlie Beggs, jr., 6-2, 200, LB.
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