Wichita small-class football preview: Top players, best games and predictions
The Wichita area is set for another competitive season with star-studded talent spread across the area in the smaller leagues.
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 the Central Plains League, Centra Kansas League and Heart of America could shake out in 2025.
Five to know in Central Plains League football
Game-changers on offense
- Gabe Andersen, Kingman senior running back
- Emrick Hays, Garden Plain senior running back
- Deitric McDaniel, Cheney senior wide receiver
- Logan Osner, Conway Springs senior running back
- Zac Zimmerman, Trinity junior quarterback
Game-changers on defense
- Logan Birkenbaugh, Kingman sophomore defensive back
- Carter Green, Douglass junior linebacker
- Zayne Keller, Medicine Lodge senior linebacker
- Pete McGregor, Garden Plain senior defensive back
- Jack Schreiner, Medicine Lodge senior linebacker
Game-changers in the trenches
- Jaxon Brewer, Douglass senior offensive lineman
- Nolan Durr, Cheney senior defensive lineman
- Caleb Newell, Conway Springs junior defensive lineman
- Cohen Newell, Conway Springs senior offensive lineman
- Ashton Stull, Conway Springs senior offensive lineman
Rising stars
- Eli Benge, Conway Springs senior quarterback
- Maximus Miller, Cheney senior running back
- Yamnoel Oyola, Trinity senior wide receiver
- Daniel Schmidt, Chaparral junior quarterback
- Reece Tolar, Cheney senior quarterback
Must-see matchups
- Cheney at Garden Plain, Sept. 19
- Garden Plain at Conway Springs, Sept. 12
- Medicine Lodge at Conway Springs, Sept. 26
- Garden Plain at Kingman, Oct. 10
- Trinity at Kingman, Sept. 19
League predictions with team previews
1. Cheney Cardinals (3A-7)
2024 record: 9-2, lost in 3A quarterfinals
Head coach: Shelby Wehrman, ninth season, 69-20
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Holcomb; Sept. 12, Kingman; Sept. 19, at Garden Plain; Sept. 26, Clearwater; Oct. 3, Hoisington; Oct. 10, at Chaparral; Oct. 17, Collegiate; Oct. 24, at Pratt.
Top players: Nolan Durr, sr., 6-3, 220, TE-DL; Deitric McDaniel, sr., 5-11, 160, WR-DB; Reece Tolar, sr., 6-3, 200, QB-LB; Wyatt Starns, sr., 5-8, 230, OL; Maximus Miller, sr., 5-8, 150, RB-LB; Kaden Ludwig, sr., 6-0, 185, RB-LB; Ayden Koehn, jr., 6-4, 235, OL-DL; Maddox Ayres, jr., 5-11, 165, WR-DB; Casen Fowler, jr., 6-0, 160, QB-DB; Caleb Martin, sr., 6-1, 170, WR-DB; Landon Meng, jr., 6-1, 160, WR-DB; Gus Morehead, jr., 6-0, 155, WR-DB; Coby Robinson, sr., 5-11, 160, WR-DB; Colton Young, jr., 5-11, 165, RB-LB.
2. Conway Springs Cardinals (1A-7)
2024 record: 13-0, won 1A championship
Head coach: Matt Biehler, 17th season, 153-30
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Nickerson; Sept. 12, Garden Plain; Sept. 19, at Douglass; Sept. 26, Medicine Lodge; Oct. 3, at Hutchinson Trinity; Oct. 10, Sterling; Oct. 17, at Ellinwood; Oct. 24, South Sumner County.
Top players: Logan Osner, sr., 6-2, 170, RB-LB; Ashton Stull, sr., 5-10, 255, OL-DL; Cohen Newell, sr., 6-3, 255, OL-DL; Caleb Newell, jr., 6-0, 220, OL-DL; Adon Rodriguez, sr., 5-10, 245, OL-DL; Bryson Lange, sr., 5-8, 245, OL; Konner Bidwell, sr., 6-0, 240, DL; Eli Benge, sr., 6-0, 170, QB-DB; Joseph Beck, sr., 5-6, 140, RB-DB; Joseph Howard, jr., 5-10, 165, RB-LB; Lucas Billups, jr., 6-3, 220, OL-DL.
3. Garden Plain Owls (2A-5)
2024 record: 8-3, lost in 2A quarterfinals
Head coach: Todd Rice, fourth season, 20-10
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Wichita Trinity; Sept. 12, at Conway Springs; Sept. 19, Cheney; Sept. 26, at Belle Plaine; Oct. 3, Haven; Oct. 10, at Kingman; Oct. 17, Douglass; Oct. 24, Clearwater.
Top players: Emrick Hays, sr., 5-11, 190, RB-LB; Pete McGregor, sr., 6-0, 190, RB-DB; Cooper Baker, sr., 5-11, 210, WR-LB; Sebastian Beying, sr., 5-6, 135, RB-DB; Eli Eck, sr., 5-10, 165, QB-DB; Kyle Koester, sr., 5-10, 200, OL-DL; Gabe Stuhlsatz, sr., 6-5, 175, OL-DL; Tucker Tomson, sr., 5-9, 175, OL-DL; Trevor Catlin, jr., 5-8, 140, RB-DB; Jack Helten, jr., 5-8, 155, RB-LB; Todd Hillman, jr., 5-10, 195, OL-DL; Hunter Kampling, jr., 6-2, 175, WR-LB; Matthew Mans, jr., 5-7, 140, RB-DB; Carter Tasset, jr., 5-9, 175, OL-DL; Carter Baker, so., 6-3, 195, WR-DL; Braylen Dold, so., 5-10, 170, RB-DB; Jared Flax, so., 6-4, 175, WR-DL; Easton Pauly, so., 5-9, 175, OL-DL; Brock Randolph, so., 5-10, 235, OL-DL; Wyatt Stuhlsatz, so., 5-9, 160, RB-LB.
4. Medicine Lodge Indians (1A-7)
2024 record: 7-3, lost in 1A quarterfinals
Head coach: Nick Schmidt, fourth season, 19-12
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Belle Plaine; Sept. 12, at Chaparral; Sept. 19, Moundridge; Sept. 26, at Conway Springs; Oct. 3, at Sterling; Oct. 10, South Sumner County; Oct. 17, at Hutchinson Trinity; Oct. 24, Ellinwood.
Top players: Jack Schreiner, sr., 5-9, 165, QB-LB; Braxx Farr, sr., 6-1, 185, RB-LB; Zayne Keller, sr., 5-10, 170, TE-LB; Shaefer Stone, sr., 6-1, 170, TE-DL; Dakota Evans, sr., 5-7, 150, WR-DB.
5. Kingman Eagles (2A-5)
2024 record: 4-5, lost in 2A first round
Head coach: Tanner Hageman, sixth season, 42-20
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Chaparral; Sept. 12, at Cheney; Sept. 19, Wichita Trinity; Sept. 26, at Southeast of Saline; Oct. 3, at Douglass; Oct. 10, Garden Plain; Oct. 17, at Belle Plaine; Oct. 24, Haven.
Top players: Gabe Andersen, sr., 6-0, 190, RB-DL; Logan Birkenbaugh, so., 5-9, 150, QB-DB; Garrett Gattis, sr., 5-10, 195, TE-LB; Braylon Price, sr., 6-1, 175, WR-DB; Trent Clark, jr., 6-0, 170, WR-LB; Jon Silba, sr., 6-0, 190, OL-DL; Trey Bough, sr., 5-8, 160, DB; Chris Hepburn, jr., 6-3, 185, TE-DL; Gage Clouse, sr., 6-2, 225, OL-DL; Andrew Ziegler, so., 6-0, 185, OL-DL; Jaxson Campbell, so., 5-10, 180, WR-LB.
6. Trinity Knights (3A-6)
2024 record: 3-6, lost in 3A first round
Head coach: Ryan Schadler, first season, 0-0
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Garden Plain; Sept. 12, at Inman; Sept. 19, at Kingman; Sept. 26, Smoky Valley; Oct. 3, Belle Plaine; Oct. 10, at Hesston; Oct. 17, Andale; Oct. 24, at Nickerson.
Top players: Zac Zimmerman, jr., 6-1, 200, QB; Yamnoel Oyola, sr., 5-8, 160, WR-DB; Ryland Snyder, sr., 5-9, 145, WR-DB.
7. Douglass Bulldogs (2A-5)
2024 record: 2-7, lost in 2A first round
Head coach: Drew Carder, second season, 2-7
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Remington; Sept. 12, at Marion; Sept. 19, Conway Springs; Sept. 26, at Haven; Oct. 3, Kingman; Oct. 10, Reno County Homeschool; Oct. 17, at Garden Plain; Oct. 24, Belle Plaine.
Top players: Carter Green, jr., RB-LB; Jaxon Brewer, sr., OL-DL; Kane Ast, jr., QB-DB; Charlie Kielhorn, sr., RB-DB; Justin West, sr., DB; Wyatt Moore, jr., WR-DB; Bronsyn Knisley, jr., TE; Logan Spradling, jr., OL-DL; Tanner Allan, jr., OL-LB; Trevor Allan, jr., OL; Cale Bahm, jr., RB-LB; Kemper Cox, jr., WR-DB; Brody Rush, so., TE-LB; Jayden Fenno, so., WR-DB; Oliver Tilton, so., WR-DB; Ryan Stiner, so., RB-DB; Jake Huston, so., RB-LB; Keagan Whitt, so., RB-LB; Paxton Branine, so., OL-LB; Chase Butcher, so., OL-DL; Anthony Hill, so., OL-DL.
8. Chaparral Roadrunners (3A-7)
2024 record: 1-8, did not qualify
Head coach: J.C. Zahradnik, fifth season, 17-19
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Kingman; Sept. 12, Medicine Lodge; Sept. 19, at Belle Plaine; Sept. 26, Pratt; Oct. 3, at Clearwater; Oct. 10, Cheney; Oct. 17, at Haven; Oct. 24, at Collegiate.
Top players: Ty Hadsall, sr., 6-0, 155, WR-DB; Daniel Schmidt, jr., 6-0, 160, QB-DB; Jack Walker, sr., 6-6, 185, TE-DL; Daxton Hostetler, sr., 6-2, 215, OL-DL; Kale Greve, sr., 5-9, 180, TE-DL; Jay Cushenbery, sr., 5-10, 155, RB-LB; Jesus Reyes, sr., 5-8, 175, OL-DL; Brandon Jones, jr., 6-0, 205, OL-DL; Ian Whisman, so., 6-2, 180, OL-DL; Vohn Williams, so., 6-0, 180, RB-LB; Aaron Zacarias, sr., 5-10, 160, OL-LB; Justin Ord, sr., 5-10, 150, RB-LB; Kenny Diaz, jr., 5-10, 160, RB-LB; Henson Reames, so., 6-0, 175, OL-DL; Mason Walker, so., 6-2, 175, QB-LB.
9. Belle Plaine Dragons (2A-5)
2024 record: 0-9, did not qualify
Head coach: Michael Fox, second season, 0-9
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Medicine Lodge; Sept. 12, Smoky Valley; Sept. 19, Chaparral; Sept. 26, Garden Plain; Oct. 3, at Wichita Trinity; Oct. 10, at Haven; Oct. 17, Kingman; Oct. 24, at Douglass.
Top players: Talan Hefley, sr., 5-6, 150, RB-DB; Sawyer Ehrhart, jr., 5-8, WR-DB; Brooks McGinnis, so., 5-6, 130, QB-DB; Mattix Bruner, jr., 5-6, 145, WR-DB; Collin Shafer, sr., 5-9, 180, TE-LB; Connar Christy, jr., 5-10, 160, RB-LB; Jacob Lopez, sr., 5-8, 180, OL-DL.
Five to know in Central Kansas League football
Game-changers on offense
- Reece Carmichael, Halstead junior running back
- Daxon Deering, Hesston senior wide receiver
- Jesiah Gooch, Hillsboro senior running back
- Jerick Humphreys, Hesston junior quarterback
- Toren Miller, Smoky Valley senior tight end
Game-changers on defense
- Noah Diehl, Halstead senior defensive back
- Josh Duerksen, Hesston junior linebacker
- Aaron Hein, Hillsboro senior linebacker
- Grant Patry, Haven senior linebacker
- Jackson Wilder, Haven senior linebacker
Game-changers in the trenches
- Ethan Coutre, Hesston senior offensive lineman
- Brock Gengler, Smoky Valley senior offensive lineman
- Gunner Goalden, Hesston junior defensive lineman
- Evan Jones, Hillsboro senior defensive lineman
- Aaron Logan, Haven senior offensive lineman
Rising stars
- Cole Brawner, Haven sophomore running back
- Zayne Haslett, Hillsboro junior quarterback
- Jamison Kohl, Hesston senior defensive back
- Rylan Morrell, Nickerson junior linebacker
- Brogan Wray, Haven junior quarterback
Must-see matchups
- Hoisington at Hesston, Sept. 12
- Hillsboro at Haven, Sept. 5
- Hesston at Hillsboro, Sept. 19
- Hillsboro at Halstead, Sept. 26
- Halstead at Pratt, Sept. 12
League predictions with team previews
1. Hesston Swathers (3A-6)
2024 record: 8-2, lost in 3A second round
Head coach: Tyson Bauerle, ninth season, 48-31
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Halstead; Sept. 12, Hoisington; Sept. 19, at Hillsboro; Sept. 26, Nickerson; Oct. 3, at Smoky Valley; Oct. 10, Wichita Trinity; Oct. 17, at Riley County; Oct. 24, at Andale.
Top players: Ethan Coutre, sr., 6-3, 230, OL-DL; Gunner Goalden, jr., 5-11, 265, OL-DL; Jerick Humphreys, jr., 6-1, 190, QB; Daxon Deering, sr., 5-11, 160, WR; Jamison Kohl, sr., 5-9, 160, DB; Josh Duerksen, jr., 5-10, 205, RB-LB; Brody Martin, sr., 6-4, 190, OL-DL; Levi Flaming, jr., 5-9, 240, OL-DL; Gavin Larson, jr., 5-10, 185, DB; Tim Rhodes, jr., 6-0, 205, RB-LB; Ethan Schrag, sr., 5-8, 155, WR-K; Drew Bartell, jr., 6-6, 230, TE; Emmet O’Halloran, sr., 5-9, 200, OL-DL; Gabe Mowry, sr., 5-11, 215, OL-DL; Blayne Wilson, sr., 5-8, 165, RB-DB; Brayden Large, jr., 6-2, 290, OL-DL; Eli Haug, jr., 5-11, 155, WR-DB; Kason Landes, jr., 6-1, 190, TE-LB; Max Phillips, jr., 5-11, 152, WR.
2. Pratt Greenbacks (3A-7)
3. Hoisington Cardinals (2A-8)
4. Haven Wildcats (2A-5)
2024 record: 8-2, lost in 2A second round
Co-head coaches: Drew Thalmann and Thomas Cooprider, seventh season, 32-25
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Hillsboro; Sept. 12, at Nickerson; Sept. 19, at Smoky Valley; Sept. 26, Douglass; Oct. 3, at Garden Plain; Oct. 10, Belle Plaine; Oct. 17, Chaparral; Oct. 24, at Kingman.
Top players: Grant Patry, sr., 6-0, 175, TE-LB; Aaron Logan, sr., 6-0, 220, OL; Jackson Wilder, sr., 6-1, 180, LB; Brogan Wray, jr., 5-10, QB-DB; Cole Brawner, so., 5-10, 150, RB-LB; Brock Marks, sr., 6-2, 170, OL-DL; Cody Holzrichter, jr., 6-3, 285, OL-DL; Zade Turner, jr., 5-10, 150, WR-DB; Jacob Myers, sr., OL-DL.
5. Hillsboro Trojans (2A-6)
2024 record: 4-5, lost in 2A first round
Head coach: Demetrius Cox, seventh season, 32-26
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Haven; Sept. 12, Larned; Sept. 19, Hesston; Sept. 26, at Halstead; Oct. 3, Ellsworth; Oct. 10, at Southeast of Saline; Oct. 17, Lyons; Oct. 24, at Smoky Valley.
Top players: Jesiah Gooch, sr., RB-LB; Zayne Haslett, jr., QB-LB; Aaron Hein, sr., RB-LB; Evan Jones, sr., OL-DL; Jaeten Loewen, jr., DB; Preston D’Albini, jr., TE-DL; Talon Regier, jr., WR; Braxton Hiebert, jr., WR; Brayson Amstutz, so., WR-DB; Thurstion Silhan, so., OL-DL; Peter Farha, jr., DL.
6. Halstead Dragons (2A-6)
2024 record: 4-6, lost in 2A second round
Head coach: Derek Racette, fourth season, 10-18
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Hesston; Sept. 12, at Pratt; Sept. 19, Nickerson; Sept. 26, Hillsboro; Oct. 3, Minneapolis; Oct. 10, at Ellsworth; Oct. 17, Southeast of Saline; Oct. 24, at Lyons.
Top players: Reece Carmichael, jr., 5-7, 180, RB-LB; Noah Diehl, sr., 5-8, 165, WR-DB; Edric Zorn, so., 6-0, 200, RB-LB; Brock Odendahl, sr., 5-8, 190, RB-LB; Greyson Swift, jr., 6-0, 210, LB; Logan Overton, sr., 6-1, 195, OL-DL; Carlos Martinez, jr., 5-11, 160, K; Daminen Whitlock, so., 6-0, 160, QB-DB; Cruise Davison, so., 5-9, 185, OL-DL; Rowdy Wyatt, so., 6-1, 170, OL-DL; Jacob Bennett, so., 5-11, 165, RB-LB; Hudson Harrington, jr., 6-1, 215, OL-DL; Noah Brantley, jr., 6-3, 205, OL-DL; Kingston Heck, jr., 5-10, 160, WR-DB; Jackson Wendling, jr., 6-3, 160, WR-DB; Cooper Hobs, so., 5-10, 175, OL-DL; Decio Rios, so., 6-0, 240, OL-DL; Cayden Cornejo, so., 6-2, 170, WR-LB; Hudson Hawkins, fr., 5-10, 165, RB-DB; Dacen Dedman, fr., 5-10, 150, RB-DB.
7. Smoky Valley Vikings (3A-6)
2024 record: 2-7, lost in 3A first round
Head coach: Tim Lambert, 10th season, 47-48
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Larned; Sept. 12, at Belle Plaine; Sept. 19, Haven; Sept. 26, at Wichita Trinity; Oct. 3, Hesston; Oct. 10, at Andale; Oct. 17, Nickerson; Oct. 24, Hillsboro.
Top players: Toren Miller, sr., 6-1, 225, TE-LB; Brock Gengler, sr., 5-11, 205, OL-DL; Jack Opat, sr., 6-0, 185, RB-DB; Ty Heitschmidt, sr., 6-4, 210, QB; Conner Smith-Bolin, sr., 5-11, 255, OL; Andrew Lochard, sr., 5-11, 160, DB; Auley Baughfman, jr., 6-2, 190, LB; Crew Elliott, jr., 6-0, 170, LB; Marik Anderson, sr., 6-2, 225, TE; Hunter Koehn, jr., 5-10, 155, DB.
8. Larned Indians (2A-8)
9. Nickerson Panthers (3A-6)
2024 record: 1-8, did not qualify
Head coach: Parker Bruce, first season, 0-0
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Conway Springs; Sept. 12, Haven; Sept. 19, at Halstead; Sept. 26, at Hesston; Oct. 3, Andale; Oct. 10, Lyons; Oct. 17, at Smoky Valley; Oct. 24, Wichita Trinity.
Top players: Zein Rector, jr., 6-1, 250, OL-DL; Kris Monroe, sr., 6-0, 170, QB; Rylan Morrell, jr., 5-11, 165, RB-LB; Riley Brawner, sr., 6-3, 200, TE-LB; Austin Peterson, sr., 6-3, 180, WR; Lian Hedrick, sr., 5-9, 150, WR-DB; Atton Nelson, sr., 6-0, 190, OL-DL; Gabe Taylor, sr., 5-11, 175, OL-LB; Jayden Belote, sr., 5-11, 215, OL; Kagyn Rice, jr., 6-0, 215, DL.
Five to know in Heart of America football
Game-changers on offense
- Malachi Brunk, Inman junior quarterback
- Zane Farney, Sterling senior running back
- Kaizer Kanitz, Moundridge senior wide receiver
- Jameson Looper, Marion senior running back
- Owen Luper, Sedgwick senior wide receiver
Game-changers on defense
- Bentyn Chastain, Hutchinson Trinity senior linebacker
- Drew Dechant, Hutchinson Trinity senior defensive back
- Dylan Larson, Inman senior linebacker
- Maverick Stauth, Sedgwick senior linebacker
- Wyatt Newberry, Sterling senior defensive back
Game-changers in the trenches
- Isaac Hammersmith, Hutchinson Trinity senior offensive lineman
- Cole McGinn, Sedgwick senior offensive lineman
- Kadon Mercer, Marion senior defensive lineman
- Kevin Ploutz, Sterling senior offensive lineman
- Cooper Wiens, Inman senior offensive lineman
Rising stars
- Holden Ferralez, Sedgwick sophomore quarterback
- Paul Grill, Moundridge senior running back
- Elliott Hochstetler, Remington junior wide receiver
- Noah Little, Sedgwick senior wide receiver
- Korbyn McClellan, Inman junior running back
Must-see matchups
- Sedgwick at Sterling, Sept. 5
- Sterling at Moundridge, Sept. 12
- Moundridge at Sedgwick, Oct. 17
- Sedgwick at Inman, Oct. 10
- Inman at Sterling, Sept. 19
League predictions with team previews
1. Sterling Bears (1A-7)
2024 record: 6-4, lost in 1A second round
Head coach: Brent Schneider, seventh season, 23-33
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Sedgwick; Sept. 12, at Moundridge; Sept. 19, Inman; Sept. 26, at Ellinwood; Oct. 3, Medicine Lodge; Oct. 10, at Conway Springs; Oct. 17, at South Sumner County; Oct. 24, Hutchinson Trinity.
Top players: Zane Farney, sr., 6-0, 190, RB-DB; Wyatt Newberry, sr., 5-11, 160, RB-DB; Kevin Ploutz, sr., 6-2, 245, OL-DL; Logan Isaac, sr., 6-1, 185, QB-LB; Cale Thomas, sr., 5-10, 225, OL-DL; Landon Aguilera, jr., 5-11, 150, WR-DB; Tucker Haas, jr., 5-10, 175, RB-LB; Derek Krone, jr., 6-2, 180, OL-DL; Deryn Maxwell, jr., 5-11, 185, RB-LB; Cameron Morris, jr., 6-2, 175, OL-LB; Jacob Lewis, so., 6-0, 165, WR-DB.
2. Sedgwick Cardinals (1A-6)
2024 record: 8-2, lost in 1A second round
Head coach: Lee Weber, first season, 0-0
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Sterling; Sept. 12, Hutchinson Trinity; Sept. 19, Herington; Sept. 26, Marion; Oct. 3, at Sacred Heart; Oct. 10, at Inman; Oct. 17, Moundridge; Oct. 24, at Remington.
Top players: Owen Luper, sr., 5-11, 150, WR-DB; Maverick Stauth, sr., 5-11, 170, RB-LB; Cole McGinn, sr., OL-DL; Noah Little, sr., 5-8, 135, WR-DB; Michael Petersen, jr., 5-10, 165, OL-LB; Layton Benjamin, jr., OL-DL; Riley Queen, sr., RB-LB; Holden Ferralez, so., 5-9, 130, QB-DB; Henry Morse, jr., 5-7, 150, OL-LB; Max Lynch, so., 5-8, 125, TE-LB; Landon Barrientos, so., OL-DL; Derek Leggett, so., OL-DL.
3. Inman Teutons (1A-6)
2024 record: 4-5, lost in 1A first round
Head coach: Lance Sawyer, 10th season, 54-41
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Hutchinson Trinity; Sept. 12, Wichita Trinity; Sept. 19, at Sterling; Sept. 26, Remington; Oct. 3, at Marion; Oct. 10, Sedgwick; Oct. 17, Bennington; Oct. 24, at Moundridge.
Top players: Cooper Wiens, sr., 6-4, 200, OL-DL; Malachi Brunk, jr., 6-1, 180, QB-DB; Korbyn McClellan, jr., 6-1, 175, RB-LB; Dylan Larson, sr., 5-10, 190, OL-LB; Kru Harris, so., 6-0, 170, WR-DB; Braeden Stutzman, sr., 6-1, 255, OL-DL; Kash Schierling, jr., 6-0, 205, OL-DL; Gage Sisson, jr., 6-1, 180, TE-DL; Braxton Malloy, so., 5-11, 175, RB-LB; Bo O’Neill, so., 6-0, 195, RB-LB; Tyler Jerrick, jr., 6-0, 170, WR-DB; Grant Knackstedt, jr., 5-10, 275, OL-DL; Dalton Priddy, so., 6-2, 185, OL-LB; Cayden Gaeddert, so., 6-3, 180, WR-LB; Jayce Jennings, so., 6-2, 175, WR-DB.
4. Moundridge Wildcats (1A-6)
2024 record: 7-1, lost in 1A first round
Head coach: Tyler O’Connor, third season, 16-2
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Bennington; Sept. 12, Sterling; Sept. 19, at Medicine Lodge; Sept. 26, at Herington; Oct. 3, at Remington; Oct. 10, Marion; Oct. 17, at Sedgwick; Oct. 24, Inman.
Top players: Kaizer Kanitz, sr., 6-0, 170, WR-DB; Cyrus Blough, jr., 6-1, 210, K-P; Paul Grill, sr., 5-8, 165, RB-LB; Thomas Jenkins, sr., 6-2, 215, OL-DL; Layton Schmidt, sr., 6-4, 175, OL-LB; Brayden Elmore, sr., 5-9, 150, DB; Fynn Burge, sr., 6-0, 170, WR-DB; Logan Greenwalt, jr., 5-8, 150, RB-DB; Logan Wulf, jr., 5-10, 280, OL-DL; Owen Colwell, sr., 5-10, 170, QB-LB; Josh Koehn, jr., 6-0, 165, LB; Elijah Roth, sr., 6-2, 170, WR-DB; Atley Lichti, jr., 6-0, 250, OL-DL; Tione Wilson, jr., 6-0, 185, RB-LB; Blayne Schriner, so., 5-6, 140, DB; Williams Broemmer, sr., 5-10, 205, OL-DL; Mav Logue, sr., 6-1, 210, TE-LB.
5. Marion Warriors (1A-6)
2024 record: 7-3, lost in 1A second round
Head coach: Shaun Craft, eighth season, 33-34
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Herington; Sept. 12, Douglass; Sept. 19, at Bennington; Sept. 26, at Sedgwick; Oct. 3, Inman; Oct. 10, at Moundridge; Oct. 17, Remington; Oct. 24, at Valley Heights.
Top players: Jameson Looper, sr., 5-10, 185, RB-LB; Kadon Mercer, sr., 6-2, 215, TE-DL; Tripp Peterson, jr., 5-8, 165, WR-DB; Isaac Wesner, jr., 6-0, 165, WR-LB; Hitch Soyez, jr., 6-1, 190, OL-LB; Jackson Howard, jr., 6-5, 215, OL-DL; Jordy Raymer, jr., 5-9, 145, LB; Jesse Snyder, jr., 5-10, 155, DB.
6. Hutchinson Trinity Celtics (1A-7)
2024 record: 4-6, lost in 1A second round
Head coach: Jordan Bell, 12th season, 62-45
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Inman; Sept. 12, at Sedgwick; Sept. 19, at Remington; Sept. 26, South Sumner County; Oct. 3, Conway Springs; Oct. 10, at Ellinwood; Oct. 17, Medicine Lodge; Oct. 24, at Sterling.
Top players: Drew Dechant, sr., 6-4, 200, QB-DB; Bentyn Chastain, sr., 6-0, 175, TE-LB; Isaac Hammersmith, sr., 6-2, 210, OL-DL; Kaid McElgunn, sr., 5-9, 145, WR-DB; Eli Bigger, jr., 5-8, 185, OL-DL; Lucas Griffith, jr., 5-8, 185, OL-DL; Roberto Guerrero, sr., 6-1, 150, WR-DB; Luke Kerns, sr., 6-0, 170, RB-LB; Gage Schroeder, sr., 6-2, 180, OL-DL; Sam Vogel, sr., 6-0, 165, WR-DB; Jake Kerns, jr., 5-9, 160, OL-LB; Porter Metternich, jr., 5-8, 160, RB-LB; Beau Towell, jr., 6-0, 150, WR-DB.
7. Remington Broncos (1A-6)
2024 record: 3-6, did not qualify
Head coach: Matt Headley, third season, 5-13
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Douglass; Sept. 12, at Bennington; Sept. 19, Hutchinson Trinity; Sept. 26, at Inman; Oct. 3, Moundridge; Oct. 10, Republic County; Oct. 17, at Marion; Oct. 24, Sedgwick.
Top players: Elliott Hochstetler, jr., WR-DB; Pedro Ordaz, sr., OL-DL; Kasey Lago, sr., OL-DL; Judah Giles, sr., OL-DL; Ryder Armstrong, so., WR-DB; Reuben Jury, jr., LB; Pius Graf, sr., QB-DB; Darius Hancock, so., RB-LB.
8. Bennington Bulldogs (1A-5)
Other Wichita-area 11-man football previews
Bluestem Lions
League (District): Tri-Valley League (2)
2024 record: 2-7, lost in 2A first round
Head coach: Ethan Baker, fourth season, 3-24
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Uniontown; Sept. 12, at Neodesha; Sept. 19, Fredonia; Sept. 26, Central Heights; Oct. 3, at Eureka; Oct. 10, Humboldt; Oct. 17, at Cherryvale; Oct. 24, at West Franklin.
Top players: Axton Vice, jr., RB-LB; Noah Couey, sr., OL-DL; Kaden Keil, sr., 5-11, 165, OL-DL; Myles Highbarger, sr., 5-10, 155, LB; Ayson Shepherd, jr., QB-DB.
Eureka Tornadoes
League (District): Tri-Valley League (2)
2024 record:
Head coach: Jonah McKee, third season, 7-11
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Erie; Sept. 12, at Fredonia; Sept. 19, Cherryvale; Sept. 26, at Humboldt; Oct. 3, Bluestem; Oct. 10, at West Franklin; Oct. 17, Central Heights; Oct. 24, Reno County Homeschool.
Top players: Peyton Hare, sr., 6-2, 190, QB-LB; T.J. Mills, sr., 5-11, 175, WR-DB; Will Fitzwater, sr., 6-0, 210, OL-DL; Cole Ptacek, sr., 5-10, 165, WR-DB; Noah Rippy, sr., RB-LB; Killian Harrington, so., 6-4, 270, OL-DL; Braden Grimmett, sr., 5-10, 170, RB-DB; Gauge Lopez, sr., 5-9, 180, DL.
South Sumner County Outlaws
League (District): South Central Border League (7)
2024 record: 3-6, did not qualify
Head coach: Sean Blosser, fourth season, 20-9
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Pleasanton (at South Haven); Sept. 12, at Olpe; Sept. 19, Southeast-Cherokee (at Caldwell); Sept. 26, at Hutchinson Trinity; Oct. 3, Ellinwood (at South Haven); Oct. 10, at Medicine Lodge; Oct. 17, Sterling (at Caldwell); Oct. 24, at Conway Springs.
Top players: Mak Blosser, jr., QB-DB; Maddox Pond, jr., WR-DB; Caleb Boone, jr., WR-DB; Coal VanZant, sr., OL; Dalton Kelly, jr., OL-DL; Tony Trillo, jr., OL-DL; Colt Schmidt, jr., OL-DL; Tanner Clark, so., TE-LB; Kody Wartick, so., LB.
Other Wichita-area 8-man football previews
Argonia-Attica Titans (D2-5)
2024 record: 7-3, lost in Division II second round
Co-head coaches: Luke Greenwood and Wyatt Williams, 13th season, 88-36
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, West Elk; Sept. 12, Burden-Central; Sept. 19, at Cedar Vale-Dexter; Sept. 26, Norwich; Oct. 3, at Fairfield; Oct. 10, Hutchinson Central Christian; Oct. 17, at Cunningham; Oct. 24, at Pretty Prairie.
Top players: Carson Vineyard, sr., 5-9, 165, RB-LB; Maddex Hemberger, jr., 5-10, 150, QB-LB.
Burden-Central Raiders (D1-1)
2024 record: 2-7, did not qualify
Head coach: Tyler Lampert, second season, 2-7
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Flinthills; Sept. 12, at Argonia-Attica; Sept. 19, Oxford; Sept. 26, at Northeast-Arma; Oct. 3, at Oswego; Oct. 10, Cedar Vale-Dexter; Oct. 17, at Sedan; Oct. 24, West Elk.
Top players: Hunter Henderson, so., 6-0, 175, QB-DB; Jaydan Mannon, jr., 6-1, 200, TE-DL; Max Bergman, so., 5-11, 190, RB-LB; Treighton Hafenstein, so., 5-11, 200, RB-LB; Isaiah Williams, jr., 5-9, 185, RB-LB; Bradyn Nellsch, so., 6-3, 180, WR-DB; Walter Mello, so., 5-10, 170, WR-DB; Kaden Underwood, so., 5-11, 250, OL-DL; Hayden Hull, so., 6-2, 215, OL; Austin Dailey, jr., 5-10, 215, OL-DL.
Canton-Galva Eagles (D1-3)
2024 record: 3-6, did not qualify
Head coach: Ted Regehr, second season, 3-6
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Centre; Sept. 12, at Hutchinson Central Christian; Sept. 19, Wakefield; Sept. 26, at Ell-Saline; Oct. 3, at Little River; Oct. 10, Central Plains; Oct. 17, at Solomon; Oct. 24, Goessel.
Cedar Vale-Dexter Spartans (D1-1)
2024 record: 5-4, lost in Division I first round
Head coach: K.B. Criss, second season, 5-4
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Udall; Sept. 12, at Flinthills; Sept. 19, Argonia-Attica; Sept. 26, at Sedan; Oct. 3, West Elk; Oct. 10, at Burden-Central; Oct. 17, Oswego; Oct. 24, at Northeast-Arma.
Top players: Cooper Criss, jr., 6-2, 200, QB; Maverick Schalk, jr., 6-2, 175, WR-DB; John Hess, jr., 5-10, 200, RB-LB; Jaylen Harris, sr., 6-3, 205, TE-LB; Royce Potter, sr., 5-11, 175, RB-DB; Wyatt Martin, sr., 5-10, 175, WR-LB; Brody McCoy, sr., 6-3, 250, OL-DL; Logan Becker, sr., 5-11, 210, OL-DL; Jo Gage, jr., 6-1, 220, OL-DL.
Fairfield Falcons (D2-5)
2024 record: 4-5, lost in Division II first round
Head coach: Kyle Finder, third season, 5-13
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Hartford; Sept. 12, at Pratt Skyline; Sept. 19, Reno County Homeschool; Sept. 26, at Hutchinson Central Christian; Oct. 3, Argonia-Attica; Oct. 10, at Pretty Prairie; Oct. 17, Norwich; Oct. 23, at Stafford.
Top players: Brodie Snodgrass, sr., RB-DB; Chase Combs, sr., OL-DL; Lukas Schwab, sr., TE-LB; Lane Schwab, sr., TE-LB; Gage Brown, sr., WR-DB; Steven Nisly, sr., OL-DL; Gavin Foster, jr., OL-DL; William McIver, jr., RB-DB; Braeden Witt, jr., RB-LB; Dominic Sader, jr., OL-DL; Jalen Busick, so., QB-DB; Ryland Perry, so., WR-DB; Enrique Espinoza, so., RB-LB; Beau Langner, fr., RB-DB; Lucas Goetz, fr., OL-DL.
Flinthills Mustangs (D1-2)
2024 record: 3-6, did not qualify
Head coach: Chase Casteel, fifth season, 10-26
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Burden-Central; Sept. 12, Cedar Vale-Dexter; Sept. 19, Sedan; Sept. 26, at Northern Heights; Oct. 3, Lyndon; Oct. 10, at Chase County; Oct. 17, at Madison; Oct. 24, Yates Center.
Top players: Beau Hall, jr., RB; Ty Finley, so., WR-DB; Tripp Carney, jr., RB-LB; Jaxon Swafford, jr., TE-LB; Mason Randall, sr., OL-DL; Taylor Carroll, sr., OL-DL; Kaleb Grunder, so., QB-LB; Colton Reust, sr., RB-DB; Jacob Kane, sr., WR-DB; Talon Scribner, jr., QB-DB; Aidan Davis, sr., OL-DL; Deken Girty, so., TE-DL.
Goessel Bluebirds (D1-3)
2024 record: 1-8, did not qualify
Head coach: Garrett Hiebert, 14th season, 47-73
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Wakefield; Sept. 12, at Centre; Sept. 19, at Rural Vista; Sept. 26, Little River; Oct. 3, at Central Plains; Oct. 10, Solomon; Oct. 17, Ell-Saline; Oct. 24, at Canton-Galva.
Top players: Anthony Boden, sr., 5-8, 150, OL-LB; Braxton Davis, sr., 5-8, 150, RB-LB; Trey Gaddis, sr., 5-6, 145, RB-DB; Aiden Duerksen, sr., 6-0, 215, OL-DL; Brayton Base, jr., 6-0, 135, QB-DB; Claudio Flores, jr., 5-9, 140, RB-DB; Wyatt Sommerfeld, jr., 6-1, 145, TE.
Hutchinson Central Christian Cougars (D2-5)
2024 record: 9-2, lost in Division II quarterfinals
Head coach: Matt Barnett, third season, 15-6
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Sunrise Christian; Sept. 12, Canton-Galva; Sept. 19, at Stafford; Sept. 26, Fairfield; Oct. 3, St. Paul; Oct. 10, at Argonia-Attica; Oct. 17, Pretty Prairie; Oct. 24, at Norwich.
Top players: Cael Kooiman, jr., TE-LB; Piercen Huff, sr., WR-DB; Konnor Sullivan, sr., OL-DL; Luke Eigsti, jr., QB-DB; Cal Barnett, jr., WR-DB; Karson Sullivan, jr., WR-DB.
Little River Redskins (D1-3)
2024 record: 8-3, lost in Division I quarterfinals
Head coach: Kevin Ayers, seventh season, 58-13
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Chase County; Sept. 12, at Rural Vista; Sept. 19, Centre; Sept. 26, at Goessel; Oct. 3, Canton-Galva; Oct. 10, at Ell-Saline; Oct. 17, at Central Plains; Oct. 24, Solomon.
Top players: Jaren Garrison, jr., 5-10, 190, QB-LB; Jhet Ewertt, jr., 5-10, 155, DB; Chris Norez, sr., 5-9, 165, OL-DL; Logan Schubert, jr., 6-0, 160, RB-DB; Kelby Rice, sr., 6-1, 195, OL-DL; Ty Janette, sr., 6-0, 185, TE-DL; Lakin Wege, sr., 6-0, 280, DL; Jaxson Konen, sr., 6-0, 150, DB; C.J. Herzog, sr., 5-8, 165, TE; Tristan Bristow, sr., 5-11, 175, DL; David Crandall, sr., 5-8, 185, OL; Blayne Baldetti, jr., 6-2, 175, TE-DL; Elijah Stagner, jr., 5-10, 200, LB.
Norwich Eagles (D2-5)
2024 record: 3-6, lost in Division II second round
Head coach: Adam Leroux, first season, 0-0
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Pratt Skyline; Sept. 12, Reno County Homeschool; Sept. 19, Ell-Saline; Sept. 26, at Argonia-Attica; Oct. 3, Pretty Prairie; Oct. 10, at Osborne; Oct. 17, at Fairfield; Oct. 24, Hutchinson Central Christian.
Top players: Easton Schroeder, so., 5-8, 170, RB-LB; Reid Brewster, sr., 6-2, 230, OL-DL; Zane Wohlgemuth, sr., 6-0, 190, OL-LB; Liam Vaara, jr., 6-1, 225, OL-DL; Lucas Fisher, jr., 5-10, 185, OL-DL; Kyedon Schroeder, so., 5-8, 170, QB-DB; Nolan Reese, jr., 5-10, 150, RB-DB; Rylan Poe, fr., 5-10, 175, TE-LB.
Oxford Wildcats (D1-5)
2024 record: 7-3, lost in Division I second round
Head coach: Kyle Westerman, second season, 7-3
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Sedan; Sept. 12, at West Elk; Sept. 19, Burden-Central; Sept. 26, Open; Oct. 3, Pratt Skyline; Oct. 10, at Kiowa County; Oct. 17, Udall; Oct. 24, at South Central.
Pretty Prairie (D2-5)
2024 record: 0-9, did not qualify
Head coach: Blake Lee, fourth season, 5-22
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, Lyndon; Sept. 12, at Stafford; Sept. 19, Pratt Skyline; Sept. 26, at Victoria; Oct. 3, at Norwich; Oct. 10, Fairfield; Oct. 17, at Hutchinson Central Christian; Oct. 24, Argonia-Attica.
Udall Eagles (D1-5)
2024 record: 1-8, did not qualify
Head coach: David Swanson, second season, 1-8
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Cedar Vale-Dexter; Sept. 12, at Sedan; Sept. 19, West Elk; Sept. 26, at Pratt Skyline; Oct. 3, Kiowa County; Oct. 10, at South Central; Oct. 17, at Oxford; Oct. 24, Open.
Top players: Hayden Green, sr., OL-DL; Phillip Webb, jr., RB-DB; Roman Arnoldy, sr., TE-LB; Brayden King, sr., LB; Jace Harness, so., QB; James Barton, jr., LB.
West Elk Patriots (D1-1)
2024 record: 9-1, lost in Division I second round
Head coach: Ian Denton, first season, 0-0
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Argonia-Attica; Sept. 12, Oxford; Sept. 19, at Udall; Sept. 26, Oswego; Oct. 3, at Cedar Vale-Dexter; Oct. 10, Sedan; Oct. 17, Northeast-Arma; Oct. 24, Burden-Central.
Top players: Garrett Usry, sr., 5-8, 155, WR-DB; Roman Moreno, sr., 6-1, 240, OL-DL; Jaxon Bogdahn, jr., 6-2, 170, QB-DB; Trace Toon, sr., 6-0, 160, RB-LB; Jared Tucker, sr., 5-10, 160, RB-LB; Landon Wunderlich, jr., 6-2, 190, OL; Jacob Tucker, jr., 6-0, 160, OL; Brycen Hobbs, so., 6-1, 220, TE; Matt Dean, sr., 6-2, 190, DL; Trent Nungesser, jr., 6-2, 180, DL; Miles Stewart, so., 5-9, 150, DB.
Other Wichita-area 6-man football previews
Cunningham Wildcats (2)
2024 record: 10-1, lost in 6-man championship
Head coach: Lance McGuire, 20th season
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, South Barber; Sept. 12, at Peabody-Burns; Sept. 19, Chetopa; Sept. 26, at Minneola; Oct. 3, Otis-Bison; Oct. 10, at Chase; Oct. 17, Attica-Argonia; Oct. 24, at Tescott.
Top players: Dylan Halderson, sr., 5-10, 185, OL-DL; Stephen Kerschen, jr., 5-11, 190, RB-LB; Skyler Thimesch, sr., 5-10, 165, RB-LB.
Peabody-Burns Warriors (1)
2024 record: 7-2, lost in 6-man quarterfinals
Head coach: Eric Dutton, third season, 12-6
2025 schedule: Sept. 5, at Tescott; Sept. 12, Cunningham; Sept. 19, Marais des Cygnes Valley; Sept. 26, Pawnee Heights; Oct. 3, at Marais des Cygnes Valley; Oct. 10, Southern Coffey County; Oct. 17, at Chetopa; Oct. 24, Altoona-Midway.
Top players: Jameson Miles, jr., TE-DL; Aiden Hurst, jr., QB-LB; Dalton Philpott, jr., RB-LB; Joesuf Aydelott, sr., OL-DL; Lucas Partridge, sr., TE-LB; Ashton Talkington, jr., OL-LB; Colin Groff, jr., RB-LB; Gage Wilson, jr., OL-DL.
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