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1 HIGH SCHOOLS Burlingame Bearcats Burlington Wildcats Emporia Spartans Free State Firebirds Hayden Wildcats Highland Park Scots Holton Wildcats Jackson Heights Cobras Jefferson Co. North Chargers Jefferson West Tigers Junction City Blue Jays Lawrence Chesty Lions Lyndon Tigers Manhattan Indians Marais Des Cygnes McLouth Bulldogs Mission Valley Vikings Osage City Indians COLLEGES Baker University Wildcats Benedictine College Ravens Emporia State Hornets Kansas State Wildcats Univ. of Kansas Jayhawks Washburn Univ. Ichabods Oskaloosa Bears Ottawa Cyclones Perry-Lecompton Kaws Riley County Falcons Rock Creek Mustangs Rossville Bulldogs Royal Valley Panthers St. Marys Bears Santa Fe Trail Chargers Seaman Vikings Shawnee Heights T-birds Silver Lake Eagles Topeka High Trojans Topeka West Chargers Valley Falls Dragons Wabaunsee Chargers Wamego Raiders Washburn Rural Jr. Blues PROFESSIONAL Kansas City Chiefs FANTASY Fantasy Football Preview Family is why WE DO IT ALL. We all feel the same commitment to care for our families. As your good neighbor agent, I can help you meet your insurance & fi nancial needs. Call me or me today. Garrison Ins and Fin Svcs Inc James R. Garrison, Agent Topeka, KS (785) See Jim s new office at the 29th & Urish Roundabout. LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, STATE FARM IS THERE. Providing Insurance and Financial Services statefarm.com State Farm Insurance Companies Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois P /04 Pigskin & Hoops

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3 This is the 28th edition of our Pigskin & Hoops magazine and we hope that you enjoy it. The Quest Road to a Championship begins September 5th with the start of the football season. Football state championships will be held across the state on November 29th with the 8-man divisions playing the week before. The basketball season will culminate with the state tournaments all across the state March Quest Credit Union will again sponsor our Road to a Championship and for that we thank them for their great support! Because of the great sponsors in this magazine, there is no charge to you. We would appreciate it though, if you would tell your local sponsor that you appreciate their support of high school athletics! Here are the schools that brought home state titles last season in football: Class 6A Derby, 5A Blue Valley, 4A Buhler, 3A Silver Lake, 2-1A Centralia, 8 man DI Osborne, 8 man DII Baileyville B&B (repeat) The state basketball winners from the boys and girls are as follows: Class 6A Blue Valley Northwest and Wichita South (both repeat) Class 5A Lansing and Leavenworth Class 4A Div I McPherson and Bishop Miege Class 4A Div II Eudora and Santa Fe Trail Class 3A Hesston won both!! Class 2A St. John Hudson (won 1A last year) and Claflin Class 1A Div I Marais Des Cygnes and Hoxie (repeat) Class 1A Div II Beloit St. Johns and Baileyville B&B Last year was the first year for the split in Class 4A - the top half by enrollment was in Division I and the lower half was Division II. Volleyball, basketball, baseball and softball split last season and this year the split will include football. Last season was also the last for Baileyville B&B. It was another great year in athletics and in the classroom for the Falcons. With the school closing, most will head to Nemaha Central and some will end up at Centralia. During a season of highs and lows, don t forget the effort the coaches, players and officials give for your enjoyment. Please be good sports and appreciate that both teams are trying to win the game but both can t win. High School athletics isn t big business like it is at the collegiate level, so understand that these coaches want what s best for their athletes and their schools. I haven t yet met a coach or a player that enjoys losing but some will lose. Be supportive of your team and enjoy their effort as they try to get better at all parts of their young adult lives. Here s hoping your favorite team has a great year! COPY WRITERS Greg Akagi Eric Pedersen Mark Elliott Alex Dingman Pat Strathman Jake Lebahn Terry Blount Dan Johnson 580 WIBW MARKETING STAFF Larry Riggins - General Manager Jeremy Lamb - Local Sales Manager Jake Jacobson Mark Elliott Jason Weil Tim Kolling Sean Carter Seth Stevens Frank Buchman Chad Lacy Sheila Kearney PUBLICATION MANAGER Lindsay Kooser GRAPHIC DESIGNER Carol Gallmeyer WIBW RADIO AM/FM P.O. Box 1818 Topeka, KS All Rights Reserved Get Wibbit. Targetable, track-able, ridiculously affordable, eye-popping online marketing. Grab More $ Cu$tomer$ Find out more at Pigskin & Hoops

4 Sundays $3 BIG Cups $2 Wells $1.50 Cans Direct TV NFL Sunday ticket Mondays Mexican Monday ½ price CCQ & Chips (dine in ONLY) 60...Tacos $2...Wells $3...BIG Cups Monday Night Football with $75 Gift Certificate from Jock s Nitch as each week s prize Tuesdays 8 oz. Steak Tips with Choice of Potatoes...$7.50 $2...Domestic Bottles Wednesdays Happy Hour 4-8PM $3...BIG Cups 7 oz. Tilapia dinner...$ oz. Rib-eye with Potato and Side Salad...$11.95 $ Imports $2...Domestic Bottles Thursdays 8 oz. Steak Tips with Choice of Potatoes...$7.50 $2...Well Drinks, $3 Jack Drinks Rolling Rock/Miller Lite/Busch Light cans...$1.50 Fridays Happy Hour 4-8PM $3...BIG Cups 7 oz. Tilapia dinner...$ oz. Rib-eye with Potato and Side Salad...$11.95 Domestic Bottles...$2.75 Saturdays Domestic Bottles...$2.75 College Football on all TVs! 6 Pigskin & Hoops

5 AREA LEAGUES BIG 7 ACCHS Hiawatha Holton Jefferson West Nemaha Central Perry-Lecompton Riverside Royal Valley Sabetha CENTENNIAL Emporia Hayden Highland Park Junction n City Manhattan Seaman Shawnee Heights Topeka High Topeka West Washburn Rural NORTHEAST KANSAS Horton Jackson Heights Jefferson County North Immaculata Maur Hill Mount Academy McLouth Oskaloosa Pleasant Ridge Valley Falls FLINT HILLS Chase County Council Grove Herington Lyndon Mission Valley Northern Heights Osage City West Franklin FRONTIER Bal dwin DeSoto Eudora Louisburg Ottawatawa Paola Spring Hill LYON COUNTY Burlingame Hartford Lebo Madison Marais Des Cygnes Valley Southern Coffey County Waverly MID-EAST Riley County Rock Creek Rossville Saint Marys Silver Lake Wabaunsee *Schools in bold are included in Pigskin & Hoops NORTH CENTRAL Abilene Chapman Clay Center Concordia Marysville Wamego PIONEER Anderson County Central Heights Iola Osawatomie Prairie View Santa Fe Trail Wellsville SUNFLOWER Free State Lawrence Leavenworth Olathe East Olathe North Olathe Northwest Olathe South Shawnee Mission East Shawnee e Mission North Shawnee Mission Northwest Shawnee Mission South Shawnee Mission West TRI-VALLY Burlington Caney Valley Cherryvale Eureka Fredonia Humboldt Neodesha STATE PLAYOFF SITES FOOTBALL 6A Welch Stadium, Emporia 5A Carnie Smith Stadium, Pittsburg 4A Div. II USD 305 Stadium, Salina 4A Div. I USD 501 Stadium Topeka 3A Gowans Stadium, Hutchinson 2A Lewis Field, Hays 8-Man Fischer Field, Newton *8-Man Playoffs on November 22, 2014 NOVEMBER 29, 2014 BASKETBALL 6A Charles Koch Arena, Wichita 5A Kansas Expocentre, Topeka 4A Div. II Hartman Arena, Park City 4A Div. I Bicentennial Center, Salina 3A Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson 2A Bramlage Coliseum, Manhattan 1A Div. II Gross Memorial Coliseum, Hays 1A Div. I White Auditorium, Emporia MARCH 11-14, 2015 Pigskin & Hoops

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7 MARK Ellio MARK ELLIOTT, co-host of 580 Sports Talk, is in his 15th year of covering sports for 580 WIBW. This year Mark will be the play-by-play voice, along with Pat Strathman, for high school football. He will also handle play-byplay for Washburn University football and men s basketball. Mark is a Silver Lake and Washburn graduate. He was a 6th round choice of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1977 and was a member of the 1983 CSIC champion Washburn football team. He also coached golf at Kansas State from JAKE Lebahn JAKE LEBAHN is the Sports Director at 580 WIBW and is also the co-host of 580 Sports Talk. Jake is in his 7th year covering high school sports for 580 WIBW, he has helped cover high school football, basketball, and track. This will be Jake s third year as the color commentator for both high school and Washburn football. Jake continues to do play-by-play for high school basketball and will be the color commentator for both Ichabod basketball teams this year. Jake graduated from Salina Central, and went on to letter all four years for the Washburn football team and earned all conference honors his senior year. ERIC Pederson Eric Pedersen is now in his 26th year on the sports staff of WIBW Radio, anchoring four updates each morning on WIBW-AM and the Kansas Information Network as well as updating stories and his Sit With the Guru blog at WIBWSportsNow.com. During high school football and basketball season, Eric will again host the Trusted Choice Kansas High School Scoreboard Show on WIBW and over 25 affiliates of the Kansas Information Network every Friday at 10 PM. On Friday afternoons, Eric sits in with Jake and Mark on Sports Talk on WIBW for the Sports Guru segment at 4:35. DAN Johnson DAN JOHNSON is in his 14th year contributing to 580 WIBW Sports. Dan was the Class 1A on-site reporter for 12 years of 580 WIBW s State Basketball Tournament coverage. He has provided sideline reporting for football, on-site reports, play-by-play and color commentary for 580 WIBW basketball broadcasts. Prior to coming to 580 WIBW, Dan called play-by-play for 5 years in southeast Kansas. Dan is the Affiliate Relations Director for the Kansas Radio Networks, a division of WIBW radio, as well as an announcer for both the Kansas Information Network and the Kansas Agriculture Network. GREG Akagi GREG AKAGI is in his 22nd year as a member of the 580 WIBW sports team. He will start his 9th season as sideline reporter for high school football. Greg also provides reports and play-by-play throughout the season. He is also involved in the post-season football and track and field coverage on 580. Greg has been a part of 580 s start to finish broadcasts of the state basketball tournaments since He served six seasons as sideline reporter for Kansas State football. PAT Strathman PAT STRATHMAN joins 580 WIBW Sports for his first year as a full-time member. Pat was an intern for the station in He was the Class 1A Div. I on-site reporter from while studying journalism at the University of Kansas. After KU, Pat served as the Sports Director for KAIR radio in Atchison, Kan., covering high school and Benedictine College athletics. Since joining WIBW in April, Pat fills in on 580 Sports Talk. This year, Pat will provide reports and playby-play throughout the basketball and football seasons. He ll also cover various college games and events throughout the year. Pat is a Seneca, Kan. native. ALEX Dingman ALEX DINGMAN is in his third year as a full-time member of the 580 WIBW Radio staff. For the past couple years, Alex has been a part of 580 s state basketball tournament coverage, calling the play-by-play of 1A-DII in Hays and 1A-DI in Emporia. Previously for the station, he covered the A tournament in Hutchinson. Alex has also helped with regular season high school football and basketball broadcasts the past couple seasons. He is a news reporter and anchor for 580 WIBW News. Alex was a state qualifier in cross country before graduating from Topeka High in He went on to run cross country and track for Baker University. Pigskin & Hoops

8 Bearcats BURLINGAME Lyon County League 8-Man I / 2A Purple & White Profi le JEFF SLATER YEARS AT SCHOOL: 1 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 0-6 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 15 ASSISTANT COACHES: RICK RINEBERG, ERIC WEST 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 HARTFORD AWAY 09/12 MDCV AWAY 09/19 FRANKFORT HOME 09/26 WAVERLY AWAY 10/03 LEBO HOME 10/10 RURAL VISTA HOME 10/17 FLINT HILLS AWAY 10/24 PEABODY HOME 10/30 MADISON AWAY The Burlingame Bearcats got off to a good start last year but didn t finish that way, losing all six of its district games to finish at 3-6. The 2014 season will bring some changes as Jeff Slater takes over as head coach. He won t inherit a bare cupboard, though, as the Bearcats return over half their starters from last year s club. That group includes multi-talented senior Jake Carlson at quarterback, where he threw for 1,000 yards and ran for nearly a thousand more. The Bearcats top receiver, senior Levi Hope, also returns. He had 11 touchdown catches in 2013 as well as averaging almost 19 yards per kick return with another score. The Bearcats also bring back two experienced linemen in senior Joe Lewis and sophomore center Isiah Masters. They ll also return experience on the defensive side of the ball with senior nose guard Tristan McIntosh and three juniors - end Paul Holt and linebackers Austin Jones and Gabe Forrestt. Holt is the leading returning tackler with 60, including four for losses. Jones and Forrestt each had nearly 50 stops while McIntosh had three and a half sacks in limited playing time. The team is capable of having big games on both sides of the ball - last season they had over 250 yards rushing four times. Coach Slater likes what he sees as he takes over the program, saying the Bearcats have strong senior and junior classes with depth from sophomores, and an incoming freshman class going undefeated in football and basketball. We will look to play more aggressive with an up-tempo style. Expectations will be high for this team - we look to make noise in the Lyon County League this season. The LCL is usually one of the best eight-man leagues in the state and Slater says Madison and Marais des Cygnes Valley look to be strong again. The Bearcats will get them both on the road, with MdCV in week two and Madison to finish the regular season. The season opener comes at Hartford, so the start of the season with two road games is crucial to a successful season. After that the Bearcats get four of the next six at home, facing Frankfort in week three, Lebo and Rural Vista in weeks five and six and Peabody to close the home schedule in week eight. Other road games come at Waverly and Flint Hills. The district will be tough again, but the Bearcats have many ingredients going for them. Summer weight room and camps will be key to our success, Coach Slater says. We ll soon see how well they worked as the Bearcats look to get on the right side of.500 in Eric Pedersen 10 Pigskin & Hoops

9 14-15 Basketball Schedule 12/04-06 WAVERLY PRE-SSN TOURN. AWAY 12/09 LYNDON HOME 12/16 MADISON AWAY 12/19 HARTFORD HOME 01/06 LEBO HOME 01/09 SCC HOME 01/13 MDCV AWAY 01/16 WAVERLY AWAY 01/20 OLPE AWAY 01/26-31 LCL TOURNAMENT AWAY 02/03 NORTHERN HEIGHTS HOME 02/09 WETMORE HOME 02/13 LEBO AWAY 02/17 MISSION VALLEY HOME 02/20 WEST FRANKLIN HOME 02/27 HERINGTON AW AY The Burlingame boys come off a 15 win season last year, and bring back two starters for veteran Head Coach Creighton Winters. Seniors Jake Carlson and Levi Hope provide an experienced backcourt that accounted for about a fourth of last year s 59 point per game average. Another senior, Daniel Ricley, averaged six points and seven rebounds, but beyond those three there is not a lot of experience, as the Bearcats graduated the majority of last year s club. The majority of our roster will be young and inexperienced, Coach Winters says. With only four returning lettermen, this could possibly be a rebuilding year if we have trouble replacing a few key seniors. We could have some early growing pains and hopefully finish the year strong. The Bearcats open the season at a round robin tournament at Waverly, then face Lyndon at home December 9. They ll get league favorites Marais des Cygnes Valley and Olpe on the road right before the Lyon County League tournament in Emporia at mid-season. Their home schedule rounds out with non-league opponents Wetmore, Mission Valley and West Franklin. The Bearcat girls will have a new head coach this season as Jonathan Zwink takes over the program, which has been right at.500 the past two seasons. Zwink s first team has four returning starters from last year s club but no other experienced players. Three of the four will be either forwards or post players, led by junior center Ali Vandevord, the leading returning scorer (seven points) and rebounder (6.5). The lone senior, Kayela Ullmer, is a forward averaging nearly five points, while junior Hannah Young averaged one point in limited minutes. The returning guard is junior Taylor Carson, bringing a 3.5 point scoring average. Our team will be very young, says Zwink. We are also Boys Profi le CREIGHTON WINTERS YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 4-3 STARTERS RETURNING: 2 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 4 ASSISTANT COACHES: ERICWEST Burlingame Bearcats not very big, so our focus will be on ball and player movement early in the year while we find our identity. With many players getting their first action on the varsity level, finding an identity will be important determining the best spots and capabilities for each player. The opening tournament at Waverly will provide a good test right out of the box, as the Bearcats meet Cair Paravel and Cornerstone along with the host school, who Zwink considers one of the better returning teams in the Lyon County League. They ll see Waverly again in mid-january along with Olpe, a long time state contender. After the league tournament the Bearcats will have four of their final five games at home, and could have a chance to build some momentum and gain more confidence going into the sub-state playoffs. Eric Pedersen Girls Profi le JONATHAN ZWINK YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 4-3 STARTERS RETURNING: 4 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 4 ASSISTANT COACHES: Pigskin & Hoops

10 BURLINGTONWildcats Wildcats Tri-Valley League 4A-DII Red & Gray Profi le RUSTY EMLING YEARS AT SCHOOL: 11 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 1-2 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 3 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 3 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 18 ASSISTANT COACHES: TIM JOHNSON, DAVID GILMAN, DAVID WATKINS Burlington football has been struggling to get back to a winning state in recent years, and last year also followed that trend as the Wildcats finished at 2-7. For 2014 there is not much experience back either, and coach Rusty Emling has a lot of positions to fill. There should be many spirited battles for playing time, starting at quarterback where Tate Swank (5 7, 180) and Colby Johnson (5 10, 160) will compete for the starting nod. Whoever plays will likely have big senior Alexis Crasco (5 11, 220) at fullback and also a big, experienced tight end in junior Nathan Vander Linden (6 6, 210). The wingback spots will be up for grabs, though one spot should be manned by senior Kendall Jeffers (5 8, 160), who sat out most of last year with injuries. Another senior, James Beyer (5 10, 180), along with junior Trevor Glasgow (5 7, 150) and sophomores Reid Williams (5 7, 140) and Connor Rychlec (5 9, 150), will also see time at the wing. Cooper Whitworth (5 6, 135) and Tyler Burell (5 9, 140) are the preseason leaders to play at wide receiver. The offensive line has one returning starter in senior Anthony Furse (6 1, 200) with a number of seniors and juniors looking for spots, including Landon Thacker (5 11, 255), Kobe Engle (5 8, 170), Max Serl (5 8, 195), Kobe Hill (5 7, 185), Owen Redding (6 1, 220), Zak Kang (5 10, 200) and Levi Isch (5 6, 150). On defense Furse is the most experienced lineman with Engle and 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 EUREKA HOME 09/12 CANEY VALLEY HOME 09/19 CHERRYVALE AWAY 09/26 ERIE HOME 10/03 FREDONIA AWAY 10/10 NEODESHA AWAY 10/17 IOLA AWAY 10/24 GIRARD HOME 10/31 ANDERSON COUNTY HOME Thacker set to see playing time as well. The linebacker corps will be completely new with Johnson, the leading returning tackler, set at one of the spots. Serl, Swank, Crasco and others will compete for the other positions. Jeffers, Beyer and Whitworth are expected to earn spots in the secondary but Burrell and Glasgow will compete for playing time, too. We will have a lot of new faces on the field says Emling. We want to learn to compete and get better each game. All those new faces will be tested right out of the gate as the Wildcats will face Eureka in the opener. That game will be at home, but it will be followed by very tough road trips to Caney Valley and Cherryvale before coming back home to meet Erie. Then two more road trips against Fredonia and Neodesha round out the league schedule and lead into a competitive district slate against Iola, Girard and Anderson County. Even with a roster with not much varsity experience, Coach Emling still has some goals for his team, namely We hope to return to the playoffs. If that is to happen, the Cats will have to get through the early schedule healthy and prepared to compete against district opponents. Even if Burlington doesn t get a lot of wins this year, if they can develop some depth and experience for next year, a few growing pains could be worth it. Eric Pedersen 12 Pigskin & Hoops

11 14-15 Basketball Schedule 12/04 OSAWATOMIE HOME 12/08, ANDERSON CTY TOURN. AWAY 12/16 SILVER LAKE HOME 12/19 FREDONIA HOME 01/06 EUREKA AWAY 01/13 NEODESHA HOME 01/20, BHS INVITATIONAL HOME 01/27 CHASE COUNTY AWAY 01/30 CHERRYVALE AWAY 02/03 CANEY VALLEY HOME 02/06 ERIE HOME 02/10 FREDONIA AWAY 02/13 EUREKA HOME 02/17 HUMBOLDT AWAY 02/20 NEODESHA AWAY 02/24 YATES CENTER HOME Burlington s tradition-rich boys program will have a bunch of seniors this season, and a new head coach as well. Matt Barrett makes the short trip from Lebo, where he won 118 games in seven seasons, to take over the Cats, who return four senior starters and have four more coming off the bench. 6 2 forward Grant Shell leads the returners, coming off a junior season where he averaged nearly 16 points and seven rebounds, as well as over three assists and three steals. He is joined by fellow seniors James Beyer (6 ), Cooper Whitworth (5 7 ) and Brady Nordstedt (5 8 ), all of whom averaged between five and a half and 6.3 points. 6 2 Aaron Dees (five points, 3.5 boards) and 6 Bryson Hatch (3.4 points) also will see plenty of time again. Two more seniors, 5 8 Adam Schuh and 5 9 Tyler Burrell, should also see action at guard. Juniors Dalton Rankin (6 3 ), Owen Redding (6 1 ) and Ricky Bemis (5 10 ) provide additional depth and experience. Barrett is excited to get going, especially with all that experience and the ideas he has for the Cats. I think we can be a very good defensive team says Barrett. I see us being a team that really gets out and puts pressure on other teams. He adds that the team has balance offensively, in numbers and ability. Brady, Cooper and James have the ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. They can also shoot very well from the outside. He adds the big men have games that are all a little different so hopefully that will keep defenses guessing. The Cats will play in two tournaments, including their own in January and an early season event at Anderson County and Louisburg. Non-league opponents include Osawatomie, Silver Lake and Chase County. If the players adjust to the new system of Coach Barrett, everything else is in place for a much better season for a program that expects big seasons nearly every year. After last season s fourth place finish at the new 4-A Division II level, head coach Doug Stewart retired from the Burlington girls program, leaving a 26 year legacy that included 500+ wins and two state titles. So who better to replace him than the man who was Stewart s top assistant for all 26 seasons, David Gilman. Gilman will need to do some rebuilding, as just one starter and four letter winners return. The starter is senior guard Malorie Wagner, who averaged seven points a game. Three juniors will augment Boys Profi le MATT BARRETT YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 5-3 STARTERS RETURNING: 4 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 8 ASSISTANT COACHES: MARK ENGEL, CHUCK SCHUSTER Burlington Wildcats the lineup, including guards Kasie Aikins and Shelbi Emling and post player Regan Norton. Three other seniors also step up to more varsity time this year, including post players Allison Johnson and Kalynn Iseman and guard Deana Pearson. Gilman says we aren t deep with post size so we ll have to have great defensive effort from our players. For anyone familiar with the Burlington girls program, defense helped fuel their high powered offenses for years, featuring a suffocating full court press that led to many easy baskets, and some semblance of that is expected to continue under Gilman. The Lady Cat schedule includes a wide variety of teams and two tournaments - one a round robin format hosted by Anderson County, the other their own Wildcat Classic which always boasts a state caliber field. Burlington will also get Caney Valley at home, the team which may challenge them for the Tri-Valley League title. Though the coach has changed, the standards won t when it comes to the Burlington girls. How quickly they make the transition will determine where that tradition takes them, at least for this coming season. Eric Pedersen Girls Profi le DAVID GILMAN YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 8-0 STARTERS RETURNING: 1 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 4 ASSISTANT COACHES: BART KUHLMANN Pigskin & Hoops

12 Profi le CORBY MILLESON YEARS AT SCHOOL: 1 RECORD AT SCHOOL: 13 OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 1-2 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 26 ASSISTANT COACHES: RANDY WELLS, JAY ADKINS, KODY THEXTON, KURT WEBSTER, JOSH MAGUIRE, TERRY TAYLOR, JESSE GREEN, TEGAN NUSSER, MIKE SAUER, TRAVIS LEE, TREVOR RUTHERFORD 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 WASHBURN RURAL AWAY 09/12 JUNCTION CITY AWAY 09/19 TOPEKA WEST HOME 09/26 TOPEKA HIGH HOME 10/03 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS AWAY 10/10 SEAMAN HOME 10/17 WICHITA KAPAUN HOME 10/24 WICHITA HEIGHTS HOME 10/31 ANDOVER AWAY Spartans EMPORIA Centennial League 5A Red & Black The Emporia football team did something last year it hadn t done since They lost more games than they won, finishing 4-5. On the bright side, only one of their losses was by more than seven points. The Spartans also missed the playoffs for the first time since Emporia went 3-3 in league play, tying for fifth in the Centennial, a year after tying for first place, when they went 5-1. For the second straight season, Emporia will be playing for a new coach. Corby Milleson takes over and says, The kids have adapted well to learning a new offensive and defensive system. Like the year before, Emporia s offense averaged 33 points per game. The starting quarterback returns with experience. Tanner Taylor was thrown into action as a sophomore after Braxton Marstall went down with an injury. Marstall s now playing with classmates Parker Bass and Cody Campbell at Emporia State. Taylor performed well enough to be named Honorable Mention All-Centennial. Seniors Dylan Schlote (RB) and Cody Swanson (FB) lead the way in the backfield. Taylor s top target is junior wide receiver Chase Henton. A couple studs return to do work in the trenches. Seniors Hayden Perry (OG) and Josh Pearson (OT) earned Honorable Mention All-Centennial 2014 Football Outlook honors as juniors. The Emporia D has improved the past three seasons. They allowed 19 points per game after giving up averages of 21 and 28 the prior years. Like the offensive, it starts up front with seniors Sage Eckman (DL) and Swanson (DE). Classmates Blake Whitson (DB) and Tucker Lee (SS/LB) also return as leaders on this side of the ball. Junior linebacker Nick Kirmer should also have a big impact this season. Good experience returns on special teams with senior Codie Orender snapping to senior kicker Garrett Dingman (no relation). Sophomore Bryce Crouch is listed as the team s return specialist. Emporia won only four games in 2013 after averaging nearly eight victories per season the past three years. Coach Milleson says, How good we will be will be determined in the attitude and effort they bring on a daily basis. He says the Centennial League is very tough and physical. The Spartans have many two-way players so injuries could really slow them down. The seniors have experienced success before and must act as powerful leaders for Emporia to return to the top of the league standings and the postseason. Alex Dingman Happy to support athletics! BLUESTEM FARM & RANCH SUPPLY 2611 WEST HWY. 50 EMPORIA, KS STORE HOURS: Mon-Fri 7am-8pm Sat 7am-5:30pm 14 Pigskin & Hoops

13 The Emporia Spartans knew it was going to be tough last year and it was. Beau Welch won 11 games his first year as head coach, 15 the second, then 20, before taking a step back with only four victories last season. That s still a solid in four seasons and he has reasons to feel optimistic about the fifth. Last year s squad had zero returning starters. They finished at the bottom of the league with a 2-11 record, a year after finishing second when they went 11-2 and made it to state. This time around four starters and seven lettermen return. Senior John Williams is asked to be a leader again. The point guard averaged 14 points per game after putting up just three per as a sophomore. Coach Welch is excited to have a junior class of five returning lettermen, led by returning starters Tanner Taylor, Max Brown, and Seth Tilton. Taylor, a Basketball Schedule 12/05 LAWRENCE AWAY (G) 12/09, GARDEN PLAIN TOURN. AWAY 12/19 TOPEKA HIGH AWAY 01/06 TOPEKA WEST AWAY 01/09 HIGHLAND PARK HOME 01/13 SEAMAN HOME 01/16 TOPEKA WEST HOME 01/22-24 CHANUTE AWAY (B) 01/29-31 GLACIERS EDGE INVITATIONAL HOME (G) 01/29 MANHATTAN AWAY (B) 02/06 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS AWAY 02/10 WASHBURN RURAL HOME 02/13 TOPEKA HIGH HOME 02/17 HAYDEN AWAY 02/20 JUNCTION CITY HOME 02/24 SEAMAN AWAY 02/27 HIGHLAND PARK AWAY shooting guard, averaged nine per last year, an improvement of six points a game. Tilton, another guard, and Brown, a forward, were good for six points per game each as sophomores. Welch says although they still lack size, his team should be more competitive. His says the league is very tough and wide open. The Emporia girls are looking to continue their upswing. In Carolyn Lee s first season as head coach, the Lady Spartans won 12 games after winning just eight each the previous two. Three starters and nine lettermen return. Lee is happy to have a good core of returners at all levels. She calls this an aggressive and scrappy group. They are led by a pair of seniors who each have tons of experience. Guard Whitney Wilhite, honorable mention all-league last year, averaged 11 Boys Profi le BEAU WELCH YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 2-11 STARTERS RETURNING: 4 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 7 ASST. COACHES: BILL NIENSTEDT, TRAVIS SMITH Emporia Spartans points and four rebounds. She s been earning varsity minutes since her freshman year. Point guard Reagan Sanchez again led the team in assists (three per), while also tossing in seven points and three rebounds. Junior guard Taylor Birch made the all-league defensive team. She also contributed five points per. Sophomore guard Braxtyn Stewart was solid as a freshman, averaging six points and three rebounds. Emporia s had back-to-back 5-8 league records. Coach Lee calls the Centennial a very competitive league that always includes some of the top ranked teams in the state. She knows they have to play very well to battle for a league title. Talented seniors Wilhite and Sanchez should lead them to another double-digit victory season. Alex Dingman Girls Profi le CAROLYN LEE YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 5-8 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 9 ASST. COACHES: BOB MILLER, STEPHANIE MCCRACKEN, BRETT STEWART Pigskin & Hoops

14 Firebirds FREE STATE Sunflower League 6A Green & Silver Profi le BOB LISHER YEARS AT SCHOOL: 18 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD:3-0 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 21 ASSISTANT COACHES: The Free State Firebirds keep building their credentials as one of the powerhouse 6A teams in Kansas. Coach Bob Lisher s team went 9-2 and included a Sunflower League champion s banner. Free State has won 65 games the last eight seasons. Many of those wins were in the always tough Sunflower League and show you the tradition they ve built in northwest Lawrence. Even though the Firebirds return one more starter than they did a season ago, Coach Lisher knows this team will need to gain experience throughout the season. Junior quarterback Bryce Torneden is the latest in the tradition of athletic Firebirds quarterbacks. Free State will look at several players in the skill positions to complement Torneden. Coach Fisher has always had a deep stable to choose from and he s expecting several players will step up and produce for the Firebirds. Three seniors will anchor Free State s offensive line. All-Sunflower League left tackle Scott Frantz, who has orally committed to Kansas State, left guard Coleman Houk and left tackle Shane Hofer bring a lot of experience and athleticism up front. The defense has experience coming back. Hofer leads the way returning as defensive end where he enjoyed an outstanding season. Senior Josiah LeBrun will play nose 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/04 SHAWNEE MISSION WEST AWAY 09/12 OLATHE NORTH HOME 09/19 LAWRENCE AWAY 09/26 LEAVENWORTH HOME 10/03 SHAWNEE MISSION EAST HOME 10/09 SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH AWAY 10/17 WASHBURN RURAL HOME 10/24 MANHATTAN AWAY 10/31 TOPEKA HIGH AWAY tackle. Senior Carson Bowen returns at outside linebacker. Senior Joel Spain returns as an All-Sunflower League second team free safety. Torneden received honorable mention All- Sunflower League at cornerback. This is also where Coach Lisher says gaining experience will be important to compliment the returning starters. The Firebirds schedule is always one of the toughest in Kansas. Free State faces five playoff teams from last year and is in a new district with Washburn Rural, Topeka High and Manhattan. They will play three of their four scheduled home games in the first five weeks and finish with three of the last their four games on the road. The Firebirds play two of the Sunflower League favorites, Olathe North and Shawnee Mission East at home. Coach Lisher says with the teams decent size and speed, they can be competitive with most everybody. If the Firebirds stay healthy, they will get better throughout the season and will be in the mix for another Sunflower League title and another trip to the 6A playoffs. Greg Akagi Follow us 16 Pigskin & Hoops

15 When you have a team that was senior laden, it means big losses of personnel the next season. Coach Chuck Law s team graduated seven seniors from a team that lost in the sub-state championship game. The core of those graduated players played a lot of minutes and for the Firebirds it means the returning players haven t logged a lot of minutes for Free State. The Firebirds most experienced returning player is senior forward Weston Hack (5 ppg, 4 rpg, 42% 3pt). He ll be joined by senior forward Keegan McKinley (3 ppg, 2 rpg, 39% 3pt) and senior guard Justin Narcomey (4 ppg, 2 rpg, 71% FT). What Coach Law will be looking for is for the younger players to grow up fast, especially playing in the Sunflower League where there are no easy games throughout the season. Free State s schedule, as always, is a brutal one. The Sunflower League could even be tougher, if possible, with Basketball Schedule 12/04 CENTRAL ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE AWAY (B) 12/05 TOPEKA HOME (G) 12/09 CENTRAL ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE HOME (G) 12/12 MILL VALLEY AWAY 12/13 LANSING AWAY 12/19 LAWRENCE HOME 01/06 SHAWNEE MISSION EAST HOME 01/09 OLATHE NORTH AWAY 01/13 LEAVENWORTH AWAY 01/16 OLATHE NORTHWEST HOME 01/22 SCHLAGLE AWAY (G) 01/22-24 ST. THOMAS AQUINAS TOURNAMENT AWAY (B) 01/29-31 FIREBIRD WINTER CLASSIC HOME (G) 01/31 WILLIAM CHRISMAN HOME (B) 02/06 SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST AWAY 02/10 SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH HOME 02/13 OLATHE SOUTH HOME 02/17 SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH AWAY 02/20 OLATHE EAST HOME 02/24 SHAWNEE MISSION WEST AWAY 02/27 LAWRENCE AWAY Lawrence High, SM East, SM South, Olathe North and Olathe East all considered favorites for the league title. Coach Law was impressed how well his players did in summer league tournaments and likes the growth he has seen leading up to the season. A lot will need to go right, but the Firebirds have that capability and should be competitive during the season. young team with a lot of talent came A within a game of making the 6A state tournament. What does that mean for the Free State Firebirds? Head Coach Bryan Duncan has a lot of returning talent and experienced depth for what should be an exciting brand of basketball for Firebirds fans. Sophomore forward Madison Piper, (16 ppg, 8 rpg) was the second leading scorer in the Sunflower League and will be one of the league s top players this season. Piper was 1st team all-league and 2nd team all-state. Two seniors, forward Adriana Boys Profi le CHUCK LAW YEARS AT SCHOOL: 9 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 4-7 STARTERS RETURNING: 0 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 3 ASSISTANT COACHES: ADAM BARMANN Free State Firebirds Jadlow (7 ppg, 5 rpg) and forward Hannah Shoemaker (4 ppg), along with junior guards Hannah Walter (4 ppg) and Lauren Johnson (2 ppg) return with plenty of varsity experience. Coach Duncan should have great competition for playing among Lexci Kimball, Morgan Gantz, Naomi Hickman and transfer Jaycie Bishop. Four Sunflower League teams made the state tournament last season, and Leavenworth brought home a 5A state title. Coach Duncan expects Olathe South and Shawnee Mission Northwest to be strong in the always rugged Sunflower League. Coach Duncan says with the nice mix of returning and incoming players, it should help the Firebirds to more success and it should put them into the mix to contend for a league title and get back to the 6A state tournament. Greg Akagi Girls Profi le BRYAN DUNCAN YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 5-6 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 6 ASSISTANT COACHES: Pigskin & Hoops

16 Profi le BILL ARNOLD YEARS AT SCHOOL: 8 OVERALL RECORD: 13 RECORD: 7-5 DISTRICT RECORD: 2-1 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7 TOTAL LETTERMEN RETURNING: 35 ASSISTANT COACHES: WES MEIER, JOHN HESSE, CHUCK THOMPSON, HOWARD TUSH, EDDIE KIDD, TROY SLUSSER, JOE LEIKER, SCOTT SIMMONS 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 SEAMAN HOME 09/12 WASHBURN RURAL HOME 09/19 MANHATTAN AWAY 09/26 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS HOME 10/03 HIGHLAND PARK AWAY 10/10 TOPEKA WEST HOME 10/17 ANDOVER CENTRAL HOME 10/24 EL DORADO AWAY 10/31 TOWANDA CIRCLE AWAY Wildcats Centennial League 4A-DI Blue, White & Gold HAYDEN The Wildcat football team was in a familiar spot in the 2013 season, making the playoffs and doing some damage in them as well. The Wildcats finished the regular season at 5-4, but made it all the way to the quarterfinals in class 4A but fell to eventual champion Buhler The Wildcats have a good argument in saying they gave the Crusaders their toughest test during their run to the title game. The Wildcats, under 8th year Head Coach Bill Arnold, have a mixture of key guys leaving, but several starters coming back from the playoff squad a year ago. The offense has six starters back from the 7-5 team a year ago. The good news for the Wildcats is they return their signal caller in three-sport standout senior Jacob Head. Jacob, who is a terrific all-around athlete, will look to build on a great junior season controlling this wing T offense. Head will have to find someone to replace graduated senior Jake Kresin, but he does have plenty of guys to throw to. Leading the way is senior tight end Marcus Meier and senior wide receiver Noah Huston, both returning from last year. The running back spot will be a bit inexperienced as Zach Smith and JC Menke graduated this past year and handled most of the carries. Seniors Shawn Thompson and Alex Ziegler, along with junior Connor Schumacher will be the feature ball carriers for Bill Arnold s offense this year. The offensive line could be a question mark for the Wildcats this upcoming year. A few players earned varsity experience last year, but the Wildcats seem to find someone to step in and fill the void. The defense returns seven starters from a team that had a pretty stout defense a year ago. Leading the way is senior all-state 2014 Football Outlook linebacker Derrick McGreevy. McGreevy could be the best linebacker in the city, the league and has an argument as one of the best linebackers in all of class 4A. Junior linebacker Brooks Peavler give the Wildcats two terrific linebackers who can go sideline to sideline. The defensive line will have to replace all-state performer Xavi Ramos, but will look to senior Ernie Mason to fill that void. The secondary will be tall and athletic as seniors Zach Rouse and Justin Watkins, who both stand 6 1, are back from a year ago. Bill Arnold s team had a bit of the injury bug in 2013 and knows this year could be special if they stay healthy saying, if we stay away from some key injuries and we can blend in our underclassman with our veteran guys, we could be pretty good this year. One thing that is always tough for the class 4A Division I Wildcats is going up against the bigger class 6A and 5A schools. On the schedule this year for the Wildcats are Washburn Rural and Manhattan. I do think not just playing them, but competing with them gives the Wildcats an edge when they finally face opponents who are in their same class. The Wildcats will also be in a new district this year. They head south to face Andover Central, El Dorado and Circle. The Wildcats have the skill guys to compete with pretty much anyone. If they can find some depth up front, this is a team that could make noise in the playoffs this year just like they did last year. Jake Lebahn 18 Pigskin & Hoops

17 The old saying it s not how you start, it s how you finish, that explains the season for the Wildcats. The Wildcats ended last season in fantastic fashion as they almost completed the Cinderella story in class 4A Division 1. The Wildcats took down defending champion Ottawa in sub-state, then as a seven seed, took down second-seeded Coffeyville in the first round of the state tournament. The Wildcats then took down sixth-seeded El Dorado in the semifinals to reach the title game against McPherson. The Wildcats couldn t complete the magical run, but what a way to end the year as state runner-ups. The season should result in another state tournament run as Schuler, now in his 13th year as head coach, returns four starters from last year s squad. Six seniors will lead the way for the Wildcats this year. Jacob Head, who was an all-state performer and set a Hayden record for points in a game last year with 40, along with Marcus Meier, who was first team all-state and beast on the inside, will lead the way for the Wildcats. It s not just a two-man show for the Wildcats, Derrick Basketball Schedule 12/12 BASEHOR-LINWOOD HOME 12/15 HOLTON HOME 12/19 SEAMAN HOME 01/06 WASHBURN RURAL AWAY 01/09 TOPEKA WEST HOME 01/13 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS AWAY 01/16 TOPEKA HIGH AWAY 01/20-25 BASEHOR TOURNAMENT AWAY 01/27 BALDWIN HOME (B) 01/27 OTTAWA AWAY (G) 02/03 ST. JAMES AWAY (B) 02/03 WASHBURN RURAL HOME (G) 02/05 ST. JAMES HOME (G) 02/06 HIGHLAND PARK AWAY 02/10 JUNCTION CITY HOME 02/13 SEAMAN AWAY 02/17 EMPORIA HOME 02/20 MANHATTAN HOME 02/24 TOPEKA WEST AWAY 02/27 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS HOME McGreevy, who was on the all-defensive team in the league last year, and Brogan Heinen, who is a fantastic all-around athlete and averaged nine points per game, both started last year and each brings something different to the table. Defense is a staple for a Ted Schuler coached team, throw in a balanced scoring attack and if they can stay healthy, this Wildcat team maybe the favorites to win the league title in and a great threat to make some noise in the state tournament once again. Sometimes putting schools in sub states by location isn t quite fair when it boils down to sub-state pairings and a balance of power across the state. That is what happened to the Lady Wildcats last year when they fell to Wamego in the sub-state final. Jessica Farmer- Walter, now in her fourth year at the helm, and the Lady Wildcats had a great year. They played stifling defense and efficient offense throughout the season that led to a 17-5 record. The Lady Wildcats will once again cause nightmares for opposing coaches as Boys Profi le TED SCHULER YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 7-6 STARTERS RETURNING: 4 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 10 ASSISTANT COACHES: DUSTIN ODUM, WES MEIER DOUGLAS CAFER, LUTCF DOUGLAS CAFER AGENCY, INC. 201 NW HIGHWAY 24, SUITE 170 TOPEKA, KANSAS Offi ce: Toll Free: dcafer@amfam.com Access Anytime: MYAMFAM ( ) Hayden Wildcats they return four starters on offense and nine lettermen overall. The Wildcats return a handful of seniors led by Kirah Lohse, Miranda Beck and Bree Schmidt. That trio averaged a combined 34 points per game and who knows how many turnovers those three forced with their full court pressure. Schmidt was first team all-city, Lohse was second team all-city and Beck was third team all-city. Junior Jordan Lenherr will be another force for Farmer- Walter. Lenherr averaged 10 points per game a year ago after a great freshman season two years ago. Farmer-Walter is eager to hit the ground running this year saying, we have a strong group of seniors returning who have a lot of confidence coming off last year s results. This team is one of the best defensive teams that I have seen in a long time. They play suffocating full court press defense and when you play defense you are always in contention. The Lady Wildcats will be feisty and tough and possibly the league champs when it s all said and done in Jake Lebahn Girls Profi le JESSICA FARMER-WALTER YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 9-4 STARTERS RETURNING: 4 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 9 ASST. COACHES: JOE LEIKER, LUKE NOLL, SCOTT NOLL Pigskin & Hoops

18 HIGHLAND PARK Scots Centennial League 5A Red & Green Profi le NICK CUMMINGS YEARS AT SCHOOL: 4 RECORD AT SCHOOL: RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 0-3 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 2 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 12 ASSISTANT COACHES: JOEL FAIRFIELD, FLETCHER TERRELL, CHRIS BROWN 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 JUNCTION CITY HOME 09/12 HARMON HOME 09/19 TOPEKA HIGH HOME 09/26 MANHATTAN AWAY 10/03 HAYDEN HOME 10/10 WASHBURN RURAL AWAY 10/17 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS AWAY 10/24 SEAMAN AWAY 10/31 TOPEKA WEST HOME The Scot football program has had a few rough seasons since their playoff trip in The Scots haven t quite turned that playoff appearance into recent success the last few years. The Scots do have a coach who gives everything he has to this program in fourth year head coach Nick Cummings. Cummings will do anything and everything for his players as he tries to get this team back on track. The Scots will be the youngest team in the Centennial League, if not then the second youngest. The Scots return just two starters on offense and four on defense and a total of 12 lettermen returning from a year ago. The quarterback spot will be a big question mark for the Scots in Kameron Clark is gone due to graduation and so is a bunch of skill players that included Miguel Roberts and Anthony Roberts. Cummings has had two very athletic quarterbacks in the last two years in Jamon Fulton and Clark. Look for another one to fill that void this year. One of the skill guys back from a year ago that Coach Cummings will look to for leadership is junior fullback Devon Wonder. Wonder is one of the few starters back from last year. The offensive line is going to be very young, but leading the front five will be sophomore tackle Lee Jones. Jones will hope to replace Logan Flowers, Will McDiffet and Xavier McWilliams, who all started last year. The offensive line will be undersized and young and will have to use their quickness and learn fast against bigger front-seven defenses. The defensive side of the ball does have a few returners. Leading the way will be sophomore Jamie Fernandez who started all nine games at middle linebacker last year as a freshman. Cummings is hoping Fernandez and senior defensive back Davon Craig can find a way to lead this young defensive unit. Size once again on the defensive line will pose a big problem for the Scots. Even though this team is young, Cummings is eager to start the season saying, I am excited about the kids we have in this program, we are more athletic and we got a lot stronger in the spring and summer. We are also starting to get basketball players coming out to play which didn t happen in the past, which makes us faster and able to do more things. That is something Cummings is very glad to see. In recent seasons, the Scots had to play several players on both sides of the ball due to the lack of number of kids coming out for football. Cummings knows his team will be young saying, I will start at least four offensive line and seven juniors on the offense overall. We are starting a lot of youth, but we are hoping they gain experience quick and we can build on that in the future. The Scots depth will hopefully improve with more kids out for football this year. If they can improve each game, by district play they could be significantly better from week one to week nine. That will be the key if they can get a little bit better each day. If they can, then just a win or two could get them back in the playoffs. Jake Lebahn ETDA East Topeka Dental Associates Benjamin P. Rutherford, DDS Carrie B. Peterson, DDS Go Scots! 1605 SE 29th Street 208 W. 4th St. Topeka, KS Holton, KS Fax Fax Pigskin & Hoops

19 The dream season for the Scots ended one win shy of their ultimate goal, the state title. The Scots put together an undefeated league record and had just one blemish going into the state tournament in Topeka but fell to the Lansing Lions in the title game. The title game wasn t the only thing the Scots lost, they also said goodbye to their longtime head coach, whom the court and gym is named after, Ken Darting. Darting retired after spending 13 seasons at the helm of the Scots. He led them to four state titles and two runner-up finishes. The Scot that will be in charge from here on out will be Jason Jones. Jones comes to Highland Park from Locust Grove, Georgia and the year before that in Florida. Jones is a Kansas guy as he played college ball at Sterling College. Jones has a tough task as he has to replace all-state and 1,000 career point scorers Jamaal McMurray and Shaffee Car and last year s point guard Kameron Clark. The Scots return just one starter and will look to senior Daniel Kingcannon to become the leader of this team. Kingcannon averaged six points and four rebounds a year ago. Juniors Jahlil Basketball Schedule 12/11-13 BLUE VALLEY SHOOTOUT AWAY 12/16 TOPEKA HIGH HOME 12/19 TOPEKA WEST HOME 01/06 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS HOME 01/09 EMPORIA AWAY 01/13 JUNCTION CITY AWAY 01/16 MANHATTAN HOME 01/22-24 TOPEKA INVITATIONAL HOME 02/03 TOPEKA HIGH AWAY 02/06 HAYDEN HOME 02/10 TOPEKA WEST AWAY 02/13 JUNCTION CITY HOME 02/17 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS AWAY 02/20 SEAMAN HOME 02/24 WASHBURN RURAL AWAY 02/27 EMPORIA HOME Osby and Malik Keith will be asked to increase their roles this season. Jones is optimistic about his first go around with these kids saying, We will be putting line ups out there with little varsity experience so there will be an adjustment, but we have a chance to be very balanced offensively and we should be a able to score in a variety of ways. Life without Darting will be an adjustment, but the Scots have some talent and should still be able to put a scare in the league this year. They say the biggest jump in terms of improvement is from your freshman year to your sophomore year. I expect that out of the Highland Park Lady Scot basketball program in under now second year head coach Michael Calhoun. The Lady Scots played some good basketball at times last season in Calhoun s inaugural season as a head coach but they also struggled with some consistency at times as well. The Scots have three starters back and a transfer that should make an immediate impact this coming season. Leading the way for the Lady Scots will be a Boys Profi le JASON JONES YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 12-0 STARTERS RETURNING: 1 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 3 ASST. COACHES: REED HEIN, NATE WALLACE, JOSEPH SMITH, KOBIE JACKSON Highland Park Scots trio of seniors. Destiney Pead, Tiffany Smith and Angelique Kyles all started a year ago and should put up better numbers after being in Calhoun s system for another year. The key transfer this year for the Scots is Alex Tyson, who last year played for Topeka West. Tyson, averaged close to 10 points per game last year for the Chargers and will be a huge boost in the post area for a Scot team that lacked size a year ago. Calhoun has a good feeling about this year saying, We have some great kids this year that have lots of experience from a year ago and they had great offseason workouts. They know what I expect out of them after being in the system now for over a year. We had plenty of guard play last year and will again this year, but we will be bigger this coming year, which should make our team that much better. The Lady Scots should be much improved from a year ago and with the addition of a post player like Tyson, this team could be a dangerous team come March and don t be surprised if they pull off a big upset or two! Jake Lebahn Girls Profi le MICHAEL CALHOUN YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: STARTERS RETURNING: 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 6 ASSISTANT COACHES: CLEARANCE TYSON, BILL NICHOLSON, ELENA BUCKNER, NATALIE HORNE Pigskin & Hoops

20 Profi le BROOKS BARTA YEARS AT SCHOOL: 18 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD:3-0 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: ASSISTANT COACHES: JOE PURCELL, MARK MIDDLEMIST, ALEX BARTEL, BRIAN MEERPOHL, MATT HUNDLEY, JON DIETRICH, LD FLETCHER 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 SILVER LAKE AWAY 09/12 MAIZE SOUTH HOME 09/19 SABETHA HOME 09/26 HIAWATHA HOME 10/03 NEMAHA CENTRAL AWAY 10/10 ACCHS HOME 10/17 JEFF WEST HOME 10/24 PERRY-LECOMPTON AWAY 10/31 ROYAL VALLEY AWAY HOLTON WhiteWildcats Wildcats Big 7 League 4A-DII Blue & The Holton Wildcats lost to eventual 4A champion Buhler in the state semifinal game as Brooks Barta s team finished 12-1 on the season. The 19th year head coach has won nearly 86 percent of his games. He ll have some work to do with only three starters returning from last season. The foundation of the vaunted Holton Wishbone offense lies in a big physical offensive line. Coach Barta has potential allstater Cooper Allen (5 10, 280) as a returning starter. Seniors Mason Alford (6 1, 290), Mason Baum (6, 180) Ryan Clark (6, 200), Dean Klahr (6, 185), Josh Myrick (6 2, 320) and Cole Baumgartner (6 1, 250) will have to fill in spots. Juniors Jacob Coufal (6 2, 210), Brandt Rose (5 10, 235) and Nathan Curtis (6 1, 280) along with other juniors should compete and provide plenty of depth. The Holton offense will be led at quarterback by senior Trey Tanking (6 1, 185) and junior Justin Rieshick (5 9, 160). Both are very capable option quarterbacks and the competition should make them better. Junior Mason Barta ( ) was a part time starter at fullback and he ll compete with senior Lucas Lovvorn at that position. Seniors Louis Butto ( ) and Indie Allen ( ) have experience at running back. You can expect junior Will Wright ( ) to be in the mix and some younger players 2014 Football Outlook could crack the rotation. Nils Bersten ( ) returns with experience at tight end and receiver. Seniors Trey Haverkamp ( ) and Levi Martin ( ) along with juniors Kaden Brandt, Sam King, Austin Frakes and Justin Wells will provide depth. The defense will be strong at linebacker. Last year s leading tacklers Barta and Allen are back. Lovvorn, Bergsten and senior Jordan Booth also have experience. Martin, Brandt, Frakes, Wells and King gave the Wildcats plenty of options in the front seven to have a quicker front. Butto, Tanking and Rieshick anchor the secondary. Haverkamp, junior Justin Pool and other younger players will complete for playing time. You may not see a tougher opening two games for a small school team like the Wildcats. They open the season at defending 3A champion Silver Lake followed by their home opener against Maize South. They also have one of the tougher districts in 4A division II. Coach Barta knows if his defense can keep them in games early in the season to allow his offense to gain experience, the Wildcats will be primed for another playoff run in the new 4A Division II class. Greg Akagi ETDA East Topeka Dental Associates Benjamin P. Rutherford, DDS Carrie B. Peterson, DDS Go Wildcats! 1605 SE 29th Street 208 W. 4th St. Topeka, KS Holton, KS Fax Fax Pigskin & Hoops

21 It s a new start for the Holton Wildcats as Ryan Noel starts his first season as the Head Coach. He s been in Holton the last three seasons coaching junior high and junior varsity teams. He has head coaching experience as the girls coach at Valley Heights. Coach Noel inherits a strong team that lost in the 4A Division II state tournament to eventual champion Eudora. The Wildcats are led by All Big 7 returnees and seniors in point guard Trey Tanking (15.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.6 steals) and guard Garett Beecher (17.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.5 steals). Junior Mason Barta (3.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg) will man the post. Senior Indie Allen (0.5 ppg, 1.0 rpg) will be a versatile player and be in the mix for plenty of floor time. Coach Noel has plenty of quality upperclassmen and will look to his juniors and sophomores to finish out the rotation and add depth. The Big 7 schedule will be different in that each team will play each other twice during the season. It will make the league schedule that much tougher. You can add in road games at Topeka Hayden Basketball Schedule 12/05 SABETHA HOME 12/09 PERRY-LECOMPTON HOME 12/12 ACCHS AWAY 12/15 HAYDEN AWAY 12/19 RIVERSIDE AWAY 01/06 JEFF WEST HOME 01/09 NEMAHA CENTRAL AWAY 01/13 HIAWATHA HOME 01/16 ROYAL VALLEY HOME 01/19-24 TONGANOXIE TOURN. AWAY (B) 01/19-24 BASEHOR-LINWOOD TOURN. AWAY (G) 01/30 SABETHA AWAY 02/03 PERRY-LECOMPTON AWAY 02/06 ACCHS HOME 02/13 RIVERSIDE HOME 02/17 JEFF WEST AWAY 02/20 NEMAHA CENTRAL HOME 02/24 HIAWATHA AWAY 02/27 ROYAL VALLEY AWAY and the Tonganoxie tournament. Tanking and Beecher are a lethal combination and can carry this team a long way through the season. If the Wildcats develop depth and avoid injuries, you will see Coach Noel s team punch their ticket back to the state tournament. The record may not have been as glossy as Coach Jon Holliday has seen the past few seasons with the Holton Girls team, but the 3rd place finish in last season s 4A Division II state tournament was a nice way to cap off a 17-8 season. The Wildcats graduated an outstanding player in All-State Kyrstie Miller, but the Wildcats have a plenty of young players with experience coming back into the fold. Junior forward Hayley Thompson (7.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg) is the returning scorer and rebounder for Holton. Sophomore guard Ashlyn Wielert (6.7 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.6 steals) had an outstanding freshman year as did fellow guard Courtney Boswell (5.4 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.0 steals). Senior guards Emily Degenhardt (1.6 Boys Profi le RYAN NOEL YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 11-3 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 4 ASSISTANT COACHES: Chevrolet Holton Wildcats ppg, 1.4 rpg) and Taryn Weilert (1.9 ppg, 1.4 rpg) will see plenty of floor time. The Wildcats also look for bigger things from junior Mackenzie Moore (2.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg). The Big 7 will have a different look as Santa Fe Trail is no longer a member replaced by the new Nemaha Central. The Wildcats have always been the hunted and know they will get the opponents best when they step out on the floor. Holton has some key early contests like opening with Sabetha at home and a December road game against rival Topeka Hayden. They will also compete in the tough Basehor-Linwood tournament in January. Coach Holliday has won 78% of his games in his long career and knows how to get the best out of his players. His young players logged significant minutes at the tail end of last year and expect to see that pay off this season. Stay away from injuries and you ll probably see the Wildcats once again punch their ticket back to the 4A Division II state tournament. Buick Holton Greg Akagi Girls Profi le JON HOLLIDAY YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 9-4 STARTERS RETURNING: RETURNING LETTERMEN: 8 ASST. COACHES: DENNIS TEGETHOFF, KURT HAUSSLER Follow us Pigskin & Hoops

22 JACKSON HEIGHTS Cobras Northeast Kansas League 2-1A Green & Gold Profi le CALEB WICK YEARS AT SCHOOL: 3 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 2-2 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 3 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 8 ASSISTANT COACHES: The stars seemed to align for the Cobras in A senior-loaded team knocked off every Northeast Kansas League opponent. Seven wins in a season usually allows any team to advance to the playoffs. But a narrow loss to Troy prevented the Cobras from postseason play. Coach Caleb Wick is back for his third season and the Cobras enter 2014 with a sour taste left in their mouth. Jackson Heights lost 11 lettermen from last year and return few starters on both sides of the football. Luckily, a three-year starter is at the helm of the offense. Senior quarterback Korby Strube (5 8, 150) knows the offense front to back and the team should rally around him and look up to the team leader. Backup QB and junior Zane Richter (6 2, 180) is healthy after a broken thumb prevented him from taking snaps. Five to seven offensive linemen are gone, but two starters are back. Seniors Lane Slocom (6 3, 185) and Kendall Fox (5 9, 190) are the leaders in experience. If junior Wyatt Roles (6 2, 295) broken ankle is properly healed, he can step into a starting role. Seniors Joe Kennedy (6 0, 185) and Austin Amon (6 3, 210) are expected to take the other two openings. The rest of the skills positions are up for grabs. Young talent must step up and fill those voids. Junior Adam Brey (6 2, 180) took some snaps last year at running back and that will continue this year. Sophomore Mason Thomas (5 9, 175) and junior Peter Rupnicki (5 7, 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 HORTON AWAY 09/12 MAUR HILL MOUNT ACADEMY HOME 09/19 MCLOUTH AWAY 09/26 OSKALOOSA HOME 10/03 IMMACULATA HOME 10/10 VALLEY FALLS HOME 10/17 ONAGA AWAY 10/24 WABAUNSEE HOME 10/31 VALLEY HEIGHTS AWAY 155) will receive serious looks at all back positions during the course of the year. The receiver slot still is waiting for players to take ownership. Maybe Richter can be used as a tall target. Plenty of options are available for Coach Wick to get creative. Plenty of jobs are up for grabs on the defensive side as only four starters are back. Two of those starters are anchors in the linebacker unit. Brey and Richter improved each game and played terrific football. That should carry over and inspire younger members to follow suit. Fox returns as a defensive end this year. He did a tremendous job and Coach Wick expects big things out of him this season. Juniors Lance Coe (5 8, 175) and Caleb Sullivan (5 8, 165) received some playing time last year and are expected to increase their production for Slocum and Amon provide a deep rotation up front. Just like the receiver position, secondary is a giant concern. Strube is back at safety and Rupnicki played sparingly at the corner, but everything else is up in the air. Whoever works the hardest and picks up schemes the fastest will get the first crack at the job for Coach Wick this year. Jackson Heights will rely on youth this year after an experienced group moved on. Coach Wick still remains positive and says, With enthusiasm, hard work, leadership and work ethic, the 2014 Cobras will be ready to go. Pat Strathman 24 Pigskin & Hoops

23 The Cobras were loaded with talent and senior leadership in Jackson Heights was one of a few teams that almost knocked off undefeated Northeast Kansas League champions Valley Falls. The Dragons got the best of the Cobras, ending Jackson Heights season was a successful year for the Cobras as they only suffered two league losses to tie for second in the NEKL. But with a new year, comes a brand new program. The roster was essentially wiped clean and Ed Ramsey is no longer at the helm. The new face of the boys basketball program is Coach Chris Brown. Although his singing and dancing might not be good as the famous R&B singer, Coach Brown has a solid track record. Brown comes from Chase County after being a girls basketball coach for one year. Before that, Coach Brown was at Hope for two years. During the two-year span, Hope went to state one time Basketball Schedule 12/05 IMMACULATA HOME 12/12 MAUR HILL MOUNT ACADEMY AWAY 12/16 PLEASANT RIDGE AWAY 12/19 OSKALOOSA HOME 01/06 VALLEY FALLS AWAY 01/09 MCLOUTH HOME 01/13 JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH AWAY 01/16 HORTON HOME 01/19 ST. MARYS AWAY (G) 01/20-24 NEMAHA CENTRAL TOURN. AWAY (B) 01/27-31 HIAWATHA TOURNAMENT AWAY (G) 01/30 ST. MARYS AWAY (B) 02/03 IMMACULATA AWAY 02/06 MAUR HILL MOUNT ACADEMY HOME 02/10 PLEASANT RIDGE HOME 02/13 OSKALOOSA AWAY 02/17 VALLEY FALLS HOME 02/20 MCLOUTH AWAY 02/24 JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH HOME 02/27 HORTON AWAY He heads to Jackson Heights with zero starters on the roster. Senior guard Korby Strube saw some playing time and will be the main leader. Senior post Lane Slocum will also be the main option in the paint. Junior guards Zane Richter and Wyatt Olberding can also see the floor for the Cobras. Jackson Heights is inexperienced, but Coach Brown likes the mix of talent. If the team comes together, the Cobras can be a solid group. In his first year, Coach Dan Shupe saw success while only having one senior on the roster. The Lady Cobras tied for fifth in the NEKL a year ago and return every starter for Four players are now seniors and are expected to shoulder the load. Seniors Jessica Keehn and Payton Thomas are the main weapons and scored the bulk of the points in Keehn averaged nine points a game and Thomas scored seven a night and grabbed Boys Profi le CHRIS BROWN YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 6-2 STARTERS RETURNING: 0 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 4 ASSISTANT COACHES: JOSH GREY Jackson Heights Cobras seven boards per. Juniors Katelin Strube and Becca Gibson were key role players in the sixwin season and will be main factors this year. Seniors Jordan Wells and Aiden Allen saw the floor plenty of times and they join Thomas and Keehn as role models for this Jackson Heights program. Juniors Brianna Cattrell, Marley Wareham and Taylor Abel will be mixed in to the lineup at times. A solid foundation for the program was set a few years ago. Those girls are now seniors and have higher expectations. With the rest of the teams in the Northeast Kansas League being relatively young, a senior-led squad could very well be the difference maker for the league crown. The players bought in to Coach Shupe s philosophy and year two certainly can see more success and a chance at an outstanding season. Pat Strathman Girls Profi le DAN SHUPE YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 3-5 STARTERS RETURNING: 4 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 8 ASSISTANT COACHES: Follow us Pigskin & Hoops

24 Chargers JEFFERSON Co. NORTH Chargers Northeast Kansas League 2-1A Green & White Profi le MARK MCMILLAN YEARS AT SCHOOL: 20 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 1-3 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 10 ASSISTANT COACHES: After a playoff season in 2012, the Charger football program took a step back in That was somewhat expected, though, as the team featured plenty of youth on the field. All those players received vital experience and return for Coach Mark McMillan, who enters his 20th season as head coach. Only three starters are gone on the offensive side of the ball and one is a big loss in tight end Luke Pyle. Pyle was a skilled blocker, but was mainly used in the passing attack. Junior quarterback Bryce Noll had a solid first year under center, but a new player must emerge as Noll s top target. Senior Austin Wolfe was a nice secondary option last year and could be in line to be the best receiving option. Senior running back Casey Willard finished his junior campaign by accumulating 140 total yards. He ll pair with junior Kyle Noll to form a nice one-two punch. Four out of the five offensive linemen are back. Senior Joe Kern is the anchor up front and will be a vital leader for the rest of the unit. Juniors Jeremy Larson and Elijah Meyer occupy the middle of the line while sophomore Gavin Polson primarily played as an offensive tackle. On the opposite side of the football, the trenches lack experience as all four defensive linemen graduated. Juniors Conner Norris and Cole Bryant sparingly received playing time and will be the projected starters up front. Perimeter players should be 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 MCLOUTH AWAY 09/12 OSKALOOSA HOME 09/19 PLEASANT RIDGE AWAY 09/26 HORTON HOME 10/03 TROY HOME 10/10 IMMACULATA AWAY 10/17 VALLEY FALLS AWAY 10/24 MARANATHA HOME 10/30 DONIPHAN WEST AWAY a huge strength for the Chargers this season. The secondary and linebacker units only lack two returning starters. Both corners are back in Willard and Wolfe while Bryce Noll stays at safety. Meyer and Larson are the main tacklers with Kyle Noll thrown in the mix. The injury bug stayed away from the Chargers mostly last season, but Coach McMillan says, We will need to focus on our summer weight lifting program and do our best to stay injury free during the season to maintain and develop experience at key positions. Jefferson County North was expected to take lumps with a tough schedule and district. The single win was against Immaculata and that gives the Chargers a positive going into A new district only features one team that advanced to the playoffs in Troy. Maranatha has a young football program, Doniphan West has a new coach and Immaculata has small numbers that makes depth a concern. And to help the Chargers out even more, three of the four district games are on their home turf. The Northeast Kansas League will be very competitive and any team can take the league title. If the players use last year s experience, stay healthy and come together as a team, JCN can erase the one-win season and bounce back with a trip to the Class 2-1A playoffs. Pat Strathman Pizza Pasta Sandwiches North side of the Square, Oskaloosa 7232 K-4 Highway, Meriden 510 E. Front Street, Perry a.m. to 10p.m. Sunday-Thursday 11a.m. to 11p.m. Friday & Saturday 26 Pigskin & Hoops

25 The start of 2013 didn t look promising. Nearly halfway through the season, Jefferson County North was just 2-7. No one panicked, though, as the Chargers made a slow climb back to the top. JCN won 10 of 11 games heading into sub-state, a similar pattern over the past few years. In the last four years, JCN s combined record in the later part of the season is 45 wins compared to just six losses. Coach Jim Brickell says goodbye to All-NEKL post Luke Pyle, but he also sees a league star in the making return for Junior wingman Bryce Noll (6 2 ) earned NEKL Honorable Mention honors after a fantastic year. Noll averaged 16 points a game while recording seven rebounds a night. He ll be the go-to player, but JCN has another player that can score in bunches. Senior guard Shawn Lane (5 11 ) is back after averaging 10 points per game. Those two will be quite the duo in the NEKL Basketball Schedule 12/05 MCLOUTH HOME 12/09 IMMACULATA AWAY 12/12 HORTON HOME 12/16 TROY HOME 12/19 VALLEY FALLS HOME 01/06 PLEASANT RIDGE AWAY 01/09 MAUR HILL MOUNT ACADEMY AWAY 01/13 JACKSON HEIGHTS HOME 01/16 OSKALOOSA AWAY 01/19-24 OSKALOOSA TOURNAMENT AWAY (B) 01/26-31 JCN TOURNAMENT HOME (G) 02/03 MCLOUTH AWAY 02/06 HORTON AWAY 02/09 IMMACULATA HOME 02/13 VALLEY FALLS AWAY 02/17 PLEASANT RIDGE HOME 02/20 MAUR HILL MOUNT ACADEMY HOME 02/24 JACKSON HEIGHTS AWAY 02/27 OSKALOOSA HOME Junior post Elijah Meyer (6 2 ) will be asked to increase production inside with the loss on Pyle. Senior Conner Norris (6 1 ), junior Cole Bryant (6 1 ) and sophomore McLouth transfer Braden Schneider (6 3 ) provide more help down low. Seniors Austin Wolfe (5 11 ) and Ethan Hubbard (5 11 ) and juniors Jake Brickell (5 10 ) and Nick Funk (6 2 ) step in to help the backcourt. Coach Brickell suggests at least 10 players are competing for playing time, the most depth for JCN since the state qualifying team in That s a positive for a team in contention for a league title. The reign of six seniors ended in a tough way last year. A half-court shot at the buzzer was inches away from going in that could have capped off a perfect season with a state title. The ride the past six seasons was incredible: five trips to the state tournament, a 68-9 record, three second-place trophies, one Jefferson County North Chargers Boys Profi le JIM BRICKELL YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 5-3 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 4 ASSISTANT COACHES: DAVE SCHULER fourth-place finish and a state championship. Four starters are gone and the team turns to another Kramer. All-State player Jacee Kramer is gone, but junior Jenna Kramer looks to be the new face of the team after averaging 7.5 points in A trio of seniors in guards Lyndsey Vittitow and Brianna Page and post Rylie Farrar will join Kramer to face high expectations. Sophomores Jentry Seichepine, Julie Shrick and Elaina Tweed and junior Ella Weishaar all will compete to earn a spot on the floor. Coach Steve Noll says, The girls that will be on the floor have had to practice against tough competition, so hopefully they will be ready to play. This might be a rebuilding year for JCN, but this year s group knows how to win. That might be the difference maker if the team gels well. Pat Strathman Girls Profi le STEVE NOLL YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 8-0 STARTERS RETURNING: 1 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 1 ASSISTANT COACHES: TONYA KRAMER Robert Abel Jr. 516 Walnut Street, Oskaloosa, KS babel@kansasins.com Pigskin & Hoops

26 JEFFERSON WEST Tigers Big 7 League 4A-DII Black & White Profi le STEVE JOHNSON YEARS AT SCHOOL: 9 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 2-1 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 20 ASSISTANT COACHES: JAKE FARRANT, RYAN DERCHER 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 RIVERSIDE AWAY 09/09 HORTON AWAY 09/12 WAMEGO HOME 09/26 SABETHA HOME 10/03 HIAWATHA AWAY 10/10 NEMAHA CENTRAL HOME 10/17 HOLTON AWAY 10/24 ROYAL VALLEY HOME 10/31 PERRY-LECOMPTON HOME The Jeff West Tiger football program has built itself up the past few years with a large group of seniors leading the way to the playoffs last year, when the Tigers finished with seven wins, tying the 2009 team for the most in Coach Steve Johnson s tenure. With that large group now lost to graduation, the Tigers are much younger and less experienced for 2014, and plenty of skill positions are up for grabs. The returning starters are largely linemen on both sides of the ball led by massive senior offensive tackle Guy Runnels (6 6, 320). Another senior on offense is tight end Boyd Roenne (6 4, 220), while juniors Michael Majors (6, 270) and Jared Ice (6 3, 235) will man a guard and tackle spot, respectively. Majors also occupies a defensive tackle spot, while two senior linebackers, Jacob Kahler and Sam Shenk, are the leading returning tacklers with 86 and 63 stops. Senior Matthew Hamon leads the secondary from his free safety position. The solid kicking game is taken care of by junior Luke Herring. The Tigers will rely on the big guys up front to create a quick learning curve for the new faces in the backfield says Coach Johnson. The keys to success will be our development of depth at the skill positions on offense and the secondary on defense. Despite the lack of experience at those spots Johnson says, We feel we have some talented young players that are up to the challenge. Our goals include competing for a Big Seven League championship and earning a playoff berth. The one game that could have the most bearing on both of those potential goals come October 17 when the Tigers travel to Holton, the perennial Big Seven and 4A state power, for the district opener. The other district games come at home against Royal Valley and Perry-Lecompton. The rest of the schedule includes Big Seven opponents Riverside, Sabetha, Hiawatha and Nemaha Central as well as a non-league game against Wamego. From top to bottom the Big Seven will be as talented as any league in Northeast Kansas, Johnson says matter-of-factly. Each year we have teams that are successful in the post-season and this year will be no different. One thing that will be different for football this year is class 4A being divided into two divisions, which happened in all other sports last year but this is the first year for football. It will mean new potential challenges once the post-season comes, but getting there with a young rebuilding team will be the main focus for this year s Jeff West Tigers. Eric Pedersen 28 Pigskin & Hoops

27 Jeff West has had fine basketball tradition in their past but recent years have not been as good in the Tiger program, especially last year when an experienced, senior-laden team went New Head Coach Ryan West comes over after six very successful seasons at Holton to try and turn things around, and there are a few pieces left from last year to build with. Senior forward Jacob Dickey averaged just over 10 points per game along with six and a half rebounds while fellow senior Connor Mickens is a three-point threat, hitting 38% from beyond the arc. The other two lettermen, senior forward Grady Mittendorf and junior guard Hunter Overstreet, have much less varsity experience, and the rest of the team will consist of guys who played mostly JV or freshman ball last year. Coach West said, however, that some of those freshmen who are now sophomores could need to contribute varsity minutes and noted that last year they had a great season as a freshman team. He also said the Tigers will need to adjust quickly to learn a new system. Being that Holton is also in the Big Seven like Jeff West, the players may have an idea of the kind of things West likes to do, which would Basketball Schedule 12/05 ROYAL VALLEY HOME 12/09 NEMAHA CENTRAL AWAY 12/12 SABETHA HOME 12/16 PERRY-LECOMPTON AWAY 12/19 ACCHS HOME 01/06 HOLTON AWAY 01/09 RIVERSIDE AWAY 01/13 WAMEGO AWAY 01/16 HIAWATHA HOME 01/19-24 TONGANOXIE TOURNAMENT AWAY 01/30 ROYAL VALLEY AWAY 02/03 NEMAHA CENTRAL HOME 02/06 SABETHA AWAY 02/10 PERRY-LECOMPTON HOME 02/13 ACCHS AWAY 02/17 HOLTON HOME 02/20 RIVERSIDE HOME 02/26 HIAWATHA AWAY help that transition along. Schedule-wise the Tigers have the double round robin in Big Seven play, expanded this year with new league entries ACCHS and Riverside, so the only non-league games are in the mid-season Tonganoxie Tournament. Two of the tougher league teams come within the first three games with a trip to Nemaha Central and a home date with Sabetha. The first match-up with Holton comes right after the Christmas break. It will be an interesting year for the Tigers, but one which could lead to bigger and better things down the road if West s track record has bearing on the program. The Jeff West girls are hoping to develop several areas of their team for the coming year as they try to improve on their five win season from a year ago. Head Coach John Malloy starts his second year with an excellent senior center in Olivia Brees, the leading scorer from a year ago with 10 points and eight rebounds a game. The big issue though, is getting players around her. We didn t have the supporting guard play to spread the defense and protect the ball says Malloy, but he says the team Boys Profi le RYAN WEST YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 5-9 STARTERS RETURNING: 2 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 4 ASST. COACHES: DAVID DEAN Jefferson West Tigers has put in a lot of work this summer to improve in many areas. Three guards will be looking to play bigger roles, including senior Danielle Slimmer and sophomores Faith Becker and Tayler Metzger. Junior Maddy Broxterman is the second leading returning scorer at three points per game. Her twin sister Emma also will see time, as will fellow juniors Jordan Biggs and Kyra Miller. And if Brees needs a break, 6 2 freshman Mariah Murdie provides depth in the post. Shooting was a big issue last year, especially early, as the Lady Tigers finished with just 30% from the floor and 16% from threepoint land. The second half of the season we had decent numbers says Malloy, adding if our guard play improves like I expect it to and we continue to get solid post play, we should surprise some teams this year. The Big Seven is a good league for girls basketball so the Tigers will get good tests most nights. If the Lady Tigers can get close to.500, that would bode well for this coming season and likely the near term future as well. Eric Pedersen Girls Profi le JOHN MALLOY YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 3-10 STARTERS RETURNING: 2 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 7 ASST. COACHES: KATIE METZER, RICHARD MANION Pizza Pasta Sandwiches Salad Bar Dine In Carry Out 7232 K-4 Highway, Meriden 510 E. Front Street, Perry North side of the Square, Oskaloosa a.m. to 10p.m. Sunday-Thursday 11a.m. to 11p.m. Friday & Saturday Pigskin & Hoops

28 JUNCTION CITYBlue Jays Centennial League 6A Blue & White Profi le RANDALL ZIMMERMAN YEARS AT SCHOOL: 21 RECORD AT SCHOOL: 13 OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 2-1 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 1 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: ASSISTANT COACHES: The Junction City Bluejays did not make the playoffs last season despite having a 2-1 district record in one of the toughest districts in the state. They did extend their streak of winning seasons to eight and are looking to make it nine this season. Coach Randall Zimmerman goes into the season with an inexperienced offense but having a team with a lot of quickness and speed. The Bluejays only have one returning starter on offense, but he s the most important one in senior quarterback Tanner Lueker (6 160). Senior running back Downey Wood ( ) and sophomore Jovan Baldwin ( ) will get the carries. Lueker will have two seniors to throw to in senior wide receivers Tate Zimmerman ( ) and Jake Bazan ( ) and tight end Xavier Deguzman. Coach Zimmerman will have an inexperienced but a physical offensive line. Senior Grant Whaley (250 lbs), juniors Kris Quidachay (250 lbs) and David Graham (290 lbs) along with sophomore Zack Terry (220 lbs) could give the skill players a lot of holes to run through. The defense has more experience returning. Junior defensive end Darius Hicks ( ) will anchor the interior front. Senior linebacker Tyrik Nas-Carmickle ( ) and junior Trae McDaniel ( ) are back. The defensive backfield will be led by juniors Raye Wilson ( ) and Christien Ozores ( ). Coach Zimmerman says the defense needs to be 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 HIGHLAND PARK AWAY 09/12 EMPORIA HOME 09/19 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS AWAY 09/26 SEAMAN AWAY 10/03 WASHBURN RURAL HOME 10/10 MANHATTAN HOME 10/17 WICHITA SOUTHEAST AWAY 10/24 WICHITA EAST HOME 10/31 WICHITA NORTH AWAY very good early in the season if the offense has growing pains during the same time. The schedule starts with three of the Bluejays first four games on the road. Junction City is also in a new 6A district with Wichita Southeast, Wichita East and Wichita North. The young players are a big key as to how much success the Bluejays will enjoy this season. Coach Zimmerman has always done a great job in developing talent and if that s the case this season, a return to the playoffs is a high probability. Greg Akagi J.B. PEARL SALES & SERVICES, INC W. Hwy 24 St. Marys, Kansas (785) Front Street Perry, Kansas (785) Toll St. Mary s: 1-877JBPEARL 30 Pigskin & Hoops

29 The Junction City Bluejays under Coach Patrick Battle, have finished 6-15 in each of his three seasons as head coach. Several of their losses were less than six points, which is the growth you go through getting experience for the younger players. Coach Battle knows he s got a lot of young talent coming up. The JV was 15-4 and the freshman team was 16-2 last season. The Bluejays do return players in key spots. Senior point guard Tanner Lueker (8.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 4 apg, 1.7 steals) was a 3rd team All-Centennial league and will looked on for more scoring. Lueker will have a familiar face in the post, in senior Jordan Lawrence (5.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg). Junior guard Raye Wilson (1.1 ppg, 0.9 prg) will play the two and senior Josh Bryan (1.78 ppg) provides depth at the point. Coach Battle knows the younger players will have to play a much bigger role this season and is confident they can do so. The Basketball Schedule 12/05 SALINA CENTRAL AWAY 12/06 DODGE CITY HOME 12/12 GREAT BEND HOME 12/16 HAYS AWAY 12/19 MANHATTAN AWAY 01/06 TOPEKA HIGH AWAY 01/09 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS HOME 01/13 HIGHLAND PARK HOME 01/16 WASHBURN RURAL AWAY 01/22-24 DODGE CITY INVITATIONAL AWAY (B) 01/29-31 TOPEKA HIGH INVITATIONAL AWAY (G) 01/30 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS AWAY (B) 02/06 TOPEKA HIGH HOME 02/10 HAYDEN AWAY 02/13 HIGHLAND PARK AWAY 02/17 SEAMAN HOME 02/20 EMPORIA AWAY 02/24 MANHATTAN HOME 02/27 TOPEKA WEST HOME Go Blue Jays! Junction City Branch Locations 802 N. Washington Street 540 W. 6 th Street 116 W. 8 th Street 521 E. Chestnut Street (Walmart Supercenter) 1801 W. Ash Street schedule is tough from start to finish with non-league road games at 5A state qualifiers Hays and Salina Central. The Centennial League will be its usual tough games night in and night out. Coach Battle expects Manhattan, Seaman and Topeka Hayden to be the top competitors for the league title. He likes the fact a season like this presents a great opportunity for the young players to assume a larger role. The potential is there for the Bluejays to have a solid season and to make noise towards the month of March. The Junction City Bluejays went through the pains of a young, inexperienced team managing a 5-16 record. Coach Parks still has a very young team and has been impressed by the hard work that s been put in by the players getting ready for this season. Junior guard/forward Kealee Rains (10 ppg, 3.0 rpg, Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender Boys Profi le PATRICK BATTLE YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 4-9 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 1 ASSISTANT COACHES: DER- EK SCOTT, JIMMY GOHEEN Junction City Blue Jays 1.0 apg) was an Honorable Mention All-Centennial league last season. Junior guard A Kia Fain (6.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.0 apg) returns as does sophomore guard Darja Russell (5.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg). Coach Parks hopes that several players will step and fill other starting roles as he develops the rotation for the season. When you have a young team, it s hard to get better in a league like the Centennial League. The schedule is tough from the opener at Salina Central, the mid-season tournament in Topeka through the end of February. Coach Parks continues to see improvement in his players and expects the same upward trend as they play more and more together. If he continues to see improvement, Bluejays fans will see a lot of improvement which means a great chance to improve on last season s five win total. Greg Akagi Girls Profi le NATE PARKS YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 2-13 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 8 ASSISTANT COACHES: GENNIFER BOOTH, AUDRA CARD Pigskin & Hoops

30 Chesty Lions LAWRENCE Sunflower League 6A Red & Black Profi le DIRK WEDD YEARS AT SCHOOL: 16 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD:1-2 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 16 ASSISTANT COACHES: ADAM GREEN, CHRIS JOHNSON, MATT STILER JAMIE RESSEGUIE, CHUCK HOLLEY If you asked any coach who has a team in the Sunflower League, any one of them would describe it as tough, physical and best in the state. Head Coach Dirk Wedd has seen his teams have great success and years like 2013, as the Chesty Lions finished 3-6 after a return to the playoffs in Lawrence had many young players end up as starters and Coach Wedd has been very impressed by the hard work his returning players did to prepare for the 2014 season. The offense will be led by junior quarterback Alan Clothier. He had a good sophomore campaign and even be better in his second season as the starter. Coach Wedd will give long looks to several players to join Clothier in the backfield. One of Clothier s receiving targets, junior tight end Price Morgan is back. The Lions strength will be on the offensive line led by emerging junior stalwart Amani Bledsoe. The junior is moving up many colleges recruiting efforts. He s already received offers from KU, K-State, Okla. St., and North Carolina St. Senior guard Cole Greenwood returns after named as honorable mention last season. Bledsoe will also be the anchor to the defensive line at defensive end. Morgan and junior Tanner Green return at linebacker. Senior Nyle Anderson returns at cornerback while fellow senior Dearion Cooper returns at free safety. The Sunflower League will be tough and in a different order than what Lions fans have been accustomed too. Lawrence High is in a new district paired with Olathe Northwest, Olathe North and Olathe East. It also means that the 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/04 BLUE VALLEY WEST AWAY 09/12 LEAVENWORTH HOME 09/19 FREE STATE HOME 09/26 SHAWNEE MISSION NW HOME 10/02 SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH AWAY 10/10 OLATHE SOUTH AWAY 10/17 OLATHE NORTHWEST HOME 10/24 OLATHE NORTH AWAY 10/31 OLATHE EAST HOME city showdown with Lawrence Free State comes early in week three. Coach Wedd has a heavy junior class that gained a lot of experience last season. How the Lions start the season may hold the key as to what direction the season may go for Lawrence High. Coach Wedd is confident the Lions will get off to a great start and that could mean Lions fans will see another playoff berth at the end of the season. Greg Akagi J.B. PEARL SALES & SERVICES, INC W. Hwy 24 St. Marys, Kansas (785) Front Street Perry, Kansas (785) Toll St. Mary s: 1-877JBPEARL Follow us 32 Pigskin & Hoops

31 The range of emotions the Lawrence High boys team went through last season was wide ranging. The loss of Assistant Coach Kermit Aldridge to cancer followed by coming up a game short of the 6A state tournament. There was also the firing and rehiring of head coach Mike Lewis. They always say what doesn t hurt you makes you stronger. The Lions are now a more experienced, stronger and closer team and that should make all Lions fans excited. The Lions return a strong nucleus from last season s 17-5 squad. Junior point guard Justin Roberts (17 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 3.4 apg) was a 1st team All-Sunflower League and 2nd team All-State player last season. Senior Anthony Bonner (16 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.2 apg) has blossomed into a division one prospect and gives Lawrence High one of the best backcourts in the state. Junior forward Price Morgan (11 ppg, 6 rpg) had a solid season as did senior guard John Barbee (10 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.9 apg, 2.5 steals), who garnered Honorable Mention All-Sunflower League honors. Senior guard Ben Rajewski (3 ppg, 1 rpg) returns for the Lions. Lawrence High will be considered on the favorites to win the Sunflower League title. The league schedule is always tough and throw in Basketball Schedule 12/05 EMPORIA HOME 12/09 BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST HOME (G) 12/11-13 BLUE VALLEY SHOOTOUT AWAY (B) 12/12 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS HOME (G) 12/15 WYANDOTTE AWAY (G) 12/19 FREE STATE AWAY 12/20 BARSTOW AWAY (B) 01/06 LEAVENWORTH HOME 01/09 OLATHE SOUTH HOME 01/13 SHAWNEE MISSION WEST AWAY 01/16 OLATHE EAST AWAY 01/20 TOPEKA WEST AWAY 01/22-24 TOPEKA INVITATIONAL AWAY (B) 01/29-31 GLACIERS EDGE INVITATIONAL AWAY (G) 02/06 SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH HOME 02/10 SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST AWAY 02/13 OLATHE NORTHWEST HOME 02/17 SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH AWAY 02/20 OLATHE NORTH AWAY 02/24 SHAWNEE MISSION EAST AWAY 02/27 FREE STATE HOME the Lions will be in the Blue Valley Shootout in December and the Topeka Invitational Tournament in January. Coach Lewis knows this team is on a mission. It s a very talented group which is very team oriented. They have a lot of balance on offense, but as Coach Lewis or any coach would say, defense needs to be the strength. If the Lions develop their bench, special might be the start of how to describe what could be a magical season for the Lions. Head Coach Jeff Dickson takes over the Lawrence High girls program. The Sunflower League co-coach of the Year comes from Shawnee Mission Northwest. He s had success with the Cougars and previously coached the Perry Lecompton boys squad. Lawrence High has only won three Sunflower League games in the last three seasons, and 15 overall during that time span. Coach Dickson says they have to change the culture of the basketball program and get the kids to understand the commitment to working hard and buying in to what they re trying to accomplish. He says he started to see some of that this summer. Lawrence High will be led by senior point guard Marissa Pope (8.2 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 5.4 apg). Pope is a Boys Profi le MIKE LEWIS YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 8-3 STARTERS RETURNING: 4 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 9 ASSISTANT COACHES: DAVID SCHNEIDER, MATT STILES Lawrence Chesty Lions natural leader and steady presence for coach Dickson out on the floor. Senior center Matia Finley (1.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg) returns and will look to improve on her scoring and rebounding in the post. Another improved player is sophomore guard Skylar Drum (2.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg). She played some games at the point when Pope was injured last season. You can also expect increased playing time for juniors Alexis Boyd and Brook Sumonja and sophomore Olivia Lemus. Lawrence High always faces a tough Sunflower League schedule. It includes two home games right out of Christmas break with defending 5A champion Leavenworth and 6A third place winner Olathe South. The Lions will be in the Firebird Classic. Coach Dickson wants his players to know they re not going to accept being at the bottom of the Sunflower League any longer. He knows it s not going to happen overnight, but has seen positive signs that this year s team knows how hard they need to work to get back to the top. They will work to be fearless, tough and passionate players and it should show on increasing their win total. Greg Akagi Girls Profi le JEFF DICKSON YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 2-9 STARTERS RETURNING: 1 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 3 ASSISTANT COACHES: LINDSEY MURRAY, KATIE BIGGERS Pigskin & Hoops

32 Profi le BRENT HOELTING YEARS AT SCHOOL: 1 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 4-0 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 15 ASSISTANT COACHES: TOBY BAKER, SCOTT JONES, RYAN MARTIN 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 HERINGTON HOME 09/12 MISSION VALLEY AWAY 09/19 NORTHERN HEIGHTS HOME 09/26 CHASE COUNTY AWAY 10/03 OSWEGO AWAY 10/10 OSAGE CITY AWAY 10/17 OLPE HOME 10/24 YATES CENTER AWAY 10/30 WHITEWATER HOME Tigers LYNDON Flint Hills League 2-1A Orange & Black Lyndon has had tremendous success the past several seasons, winning their first 11 games last year before falling to perennial state championship contender Centralia in the 2A semi-finals for the second straight time. The Tigers graduated a lot of talent from that team but bring back about half their starters for 14. They also have a new coach as Brent Hoelting takes over the program, and he s moving honorable mention all-state wide receiver Dawson Swinehart to quarterback. Swinehart also ran the ball some, and gained over 500 yards in total offense. He ll be working behind a veteran offensive line featuring three top seniors - center Hunter Anderson, guard Gabe Leuszler and tackle Cory Wells. Anderson was an all-state player while Leuszler was honorable mention for class 2A honors. On defense Swinehart will lead the team there as well, being the leading tackler from his safety spot with 86 stops. Two more seniors bring experience to the linebacker corps in Danny Burgess and Shawn Black. Up front sophomore Trystan Pringle started all 12 games last year at nose tackle, but will likely see more time at the third linebacker spot this season. Offensively, Coach Hoelting says his line will have to carry the team while we are breaking in all new skill players. Having a veteran unit will also bring 2014 Football Outlook leadership, as well as the experience from multiple playoff games and very little losing. Hoelting also takes over a club that has dominated the Flint Hills League in recent seasons, but this year he says the league should be better than ever in We are looking forward to competing for a league crown and giving our best every Friday night. The Tigers open with two of their first three games at home, including week one against Herington and week three with Northern Heights. The road match is at Mission Valley between those two. The road gets tougher, literally, from there as Lyndon then plays three straight away from home, heading to Chase County, a long trip to southeast Kansas for a district game with Oswego, then meeting rival Osage City in week six. The final three regular season games are district match-ups with Olpe, Yates Center and Whitewater, all but Yates Center at home. A front loaded league schedule should put the Tigers in good position to make a run at the playoffs again but for them to match the last two years and compete for a possible berth in the state title game, the young players and depth will need to make itself a factor on both sides of the ball. Eric Pedersen Lyndon State Bank Melvern Lyndon Topeka Visit us at: Big Enough To Serve, Small Enough To Care 34 Pigskin & Hoops

33 Lyndon, as with several schools in this publication, had a large and talented senior class last year as they won 15 games. But those seniors have graduated and coach Michael Massey has a big rebuilding job ahead of him. Just two lettermen return for the Tigers this season, including starter Dawson Swinehart. The senior guard averaged 10.4 points and two assists per game a year ago. The only other returning letterman is junior Nick Ratzlaff, who will play in the post. Outside of these two, though, Coach Massey remains optimistic that this year s Tigers will have some bite to them. We have some talented young kids that will need to grow up fast for us to have the same kind of success we are used to having says Massey. He also notes, though, that many of the teams in the Flint Hills League are in the same boat. Each team will have significant losses personnel-wise. It will be interesting to see how each team comes together. The Tigers will have most of their league games in Basketball Schedule 12/05 MARAIS DES CYGNES VALLEY AWAY 12/09 BURLINGAME AWAY 12/12 CHASE COUNTY AWAY 12/16 MISSION VALLEY HOME 12/19 HERINGTON AWAY 01/06 NORTHERN HEIGHTS AWAY 01/09 OSAGE CITY HOME 01/13 WEST FRANKLIN HOME 01/16 COUNCIL GROVE AWAY 01/19-24 FLINT HILLS LEAGUE TOURNAMENT AWAY 01/30 MISSION VALLEY AWAY 02/03 WABAUNSEE HOME 02/06 OLPE AWAY 02/10 ST. MARYS AWAY 02/13 HARTFORD HOME 02/17 WAVERLY AWAY 02/20 MADISON HOME 02/24 CENTRAL HEIGHTS HOME the first half of the season, though they open against Lyon County League foes Marais des Cygnes Valley and Burlingame. The league schedule then kicks in with defending champ Council Grove looming in mid-january, just before the league tournament in Emporia. Non-league opponents in February include Olpe, St. Mary s, Hartford, Waverly Madison and Central Heights. By then the Tigers will have a pretty good idea of where they could be headed going into the sub-state playoffs. The Tiger girls will have a new coach with Brad Johnston taking over the program. Last year s team went 8-12 but had a winning league record, and four seniors return, including three starters. Forward Caroline Sprecker is the leading returning scorer at 10 points per game. Two starting guards, Alexis McGonnigle and Masie Harsh, combined for 14 points, seven boards and over five steals. Sprecker and McGonnigle were All-Flint Hills League Boys Profi le MICHAEL MASSEY YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 5-2 STARTERS RETURNING: 1 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 2 ASST. COACHES: BRYANT DERLEY, SCOTT JONES Lyndon Tigers first team selections a year ago, and will be counted on again for scoring and leadership, but Coach Johnston says young players will need to provide depth and fill spots. We will be a quick and hard-working team says Johnston, who is looking forward to the challenge. The league is very deep. It will be tough but I look for us to finish near the top and compete with everyone we face. This is a very excited team that is ready to work. They ll get several games to test their mettle before facing defending league champion Council Grove in mid-january, and perennial state contender Olpe in early February, both on the road. The only team they face twice in the regular season, barring tournament play, is Mission Valley, whom they ll host in December and play on the road at the end of January. Eric Pedersen Girls Profi le BRAD JOHNSTON YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: STARTERS RETURNING: 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 4 ASST. COACHES: Pigskin & Hoops

34 MANHATTAN Indians Centennial League 6A Navy Blue & White Profi le JOE SCHARTZ YEARS AT SCHOOL: 5 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD:2-1 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 10 ASSISTANT COACHES: GREG MARN, PAT MCKINEY, JESSE WOODARD, SHANE SIEBEN, NATHAN GOOD, WESTON MOODY, ALEX REINECKE 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS HOME 09/12 SEAMAN AWAY 09/19 HAYDEN HOME 09/26 HIGHLAND PARK HOME 10/03 TOPEKA WEST AWAY 10/10 JUNCTION CITY AWAY 10/17 TOPEKA HIGH HOME 10/24 FREE STATE HOME 10/31 WASHBURN RURAL AWAY The Manhattan Indians made the playoffs for the sixth straight season. They lost in the 6A sectional playoff to eventual state champion Derby and finished 8-3 in Indians Head Coach Joe Schartz has averaged nearly nine wins per season and will have a more challenging task this season as Manhattan will have a younger team for The Indians will be a work in progress. Running back Chris Martin ( ) returns as does wide receiver Mike Settembrino ( ) to help in the skill positions. Coach Schartz will have several choices at quarterback to command the flex bone offense. Tackle Colton Wagner ( ) anchors the offensive line and will have guard Anthony Renteria ( ) returning in the trenches. Manhattan s defense will have the most experience in the secondary. Martin and Settembrino will be back there along with Tanavous Richardson ( ) and Kaden Fraser ( ). Wagner and Renteria will man the defensive front. The Indians have had tremendous success in the Centennial League under Coach Schartz winning multiple league titles. It s always a tough schedule and a doubly tough district. It may have become even tougher as Manhattan s district now has Lawrence Free State in the mix with Topeka High and Washburn Rural. Coach Schartz knows it will take time for this team to mature with so many younger players. If they grow up quickly and the Indians stay healthy, it should put them in position to go for their seventh straight playoff appearance. Greg Akagi 36 Pigskin & Hoops

35 Longtime assistant coach Benjie George starts his first season as the Indians head coach and has a slew of returning players from a 12-9 season. He s excited that the core of players returning is ready for the challenge of competing in and for the Centennial League title. The Indians averaged 57.5 ppg last season while shooting 48% FG. Senior post/ forward Payton Stephens (15 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.8 apg, 59% FG) was 2nd team all-league along with senior guard/forward Pierson McAtee (8.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.1 apg). They will be joined up front by senior Chris Martin (4.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg). Junior guard Gabe Awbrey (9.3 ppg, 2.4 apg) was named all-league honorable mention. Senior guard Garrett Francis (3.5 ppg, 50% 3pt) joins him in the backcourt. Coach George has seen and been through the battles of the Centennial League and expects it to be no different this season. You had two league teams play for state titles this past season and know that could happen this season. The Basketball Schedule 12/05 DODGE CITY HOME 12/12 TOPEKA WEST AWAY 12/16 GREAT BEND HOME 12/19 JUNCTION CITY HOME 01/06 SEAMAN AWAY 01/09 TOPEKA HIGH AWAY 01/13 WASHBURN RURAL HOME 01/16 HIGHLAND PARK AWAY 01/20 GREAT BEND AWAY (G) 01/22-24 MCPHERSON INV AWAY (B) 01/23 EMPORIA HOME (G) 01/29-31 MCPHERSON TOURN. AWAY (G) 01/29 EMPORIA HOME (B) 01/30 GREAT BEND AWAY (B) 02/06 TOPEKA WEST HOME 02/10 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS HOME 02/13 WASHBURN RURAL AWAY 02/17 TOPEKA HIGH HOME 02/20 HAYDEN AWAY 02/24 JUNCTION CITY AWAY 02/27 SEAMAN HOME Indians will also take part in the showcase McPherson tournament in January. Manhattan teams have always been athletic and great defenders. Even though Coach George is in his first season as head coach, he knows the players and what they re capable of doing. It makes him excited and should make Indians basketball fans the same. The Manhattan Indians enjoyed one of their best seasons under Coach Scott Mall. Twenty-two wins, undefeated Centennial League Champions and a 4th place finish in the 6A State Tournament highlighted the year for the girls squad. Three starters and four other players who played significant minutes return for Coach Mall. The Indians were tough last year as they were 1st in the Centennial League in points allowed and 2nd in the league in points per game. Senior forward Caroline Ballard (12.3 ppg, 6.6 reb, 2 apg, 2 steals) was the second leading scorer and rebounder and will look to improve on Boys Profi le BENJI GEORGE YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 7-6 STARTERS RETURNING: 4 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 8 ASST. COACHES: SHANE SIEBEN, TONY INGRAM, JOSH NELSON Manha an Indians last season s totals. Senior guard Savannah Roberts (4.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg) is one of the Indians better defenders. Senior guard Savannah Thaemert (2.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.4 apg) is a solid all-around player. Senior guard Molly Fiser (3.7 ppg) is their top three-point scoring threat. Senior guard Amara Ehie (7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2 apg, 2 steals) played the 6th man role last season. Senior guard Kylie James and sophomore guard Gigi McAtee are key bench players who return. Manhattan went through the Centennial League undefeated last season. The league, this season will be tougher with Topeka Hayden and Seaman right on the Indians heels to take the league title. If Coach Mall can develop a point guard, find more production from the inside and better shooting, the Indians stand a great chance to defend their league title and a return trip to the 6A state tournament Greg Akagi Girls Profi le SCOTT MALL YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 13-0 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 7 ASSISTANT COACHES: BRIT REID Follow us Pigskin & Hoops

36 MARAIS DES CYGNES Trojans Lyon County 8-Man D1/ 1A Orange & Blue Profi le BUTCH JONES YEARS AT SCHOOL: 3 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 5-0 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 3 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 3 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 10 ASSISTANT COACHES: DANNY RICE, BROCK BAXTER Marais des Cygnes Valley football put together an excellent season last year, winning nine games, a league title, a district title and got to the quarter-finals of the Eight Man Division One playoffs before falling to eventual state champion Osborne. A big, talented senior class was the backbone of that success, but those players have graduated and head coach Butch Jones will have a bit of a new look to this year s Trojan team. A pair of juniors will battle it out for the quarterback job - Christian Cannon (6 1, 175) and Curtis Allen (6, 165). The one not playing quarterback will have one of the other skill positions. Senior Josh Sowers (5 10, 175) and junior Eric Marshall (5 10, 160) are the most experienced returning running backs. The line has more experience to it, led by senior Mitch Saffle (6, 230) and junior Marquis Mitchell (5 10, 250) along with returning tight end Cody Patterson (6 2, 220). Junior Kenny Freeman (5 10, 180) also should see action on the line. Defensively Saffle and Cannon man the end positions with Mitchell at the nose tackle. The linebackers find Patterson in the middle with Marshall and Sowers on the outside while Allen heads up the secondary. Another player who will see plenty of time on both sides of the ball is sophomore Curtis Sowers (6, 165). Unlike last year, this year s senior class is not big on numbers, and coach Jones says, it will be very important for our underclassmen to take 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 LEBO AWAY 09/12 BURLINGAME HOME 09/19 SCC HOME 09/26 HARTFORD AWAY 10/03 MARMATON VALLEY HOME 10/10 WAVERLY HOME 10/17 UNIONTOWN AWAY 10/23 ST. PAUL HOME 10/30 PLEASANTON AWAY on leadership roles, accountability and ownership. We have good interest and good work ethic; however we do need to gain strength. It will be interesting to watch some of these young men change and grow. The Trojans will have their league games in the first part of their schedule, including a road trip to Lebo to open the season. Five of the next seven games come at home against Burlingame, Southern Coffey County, Marmaton Valley and Waverly. The Trojans also head to Hartford, and take two long road trips to Uniontown and Pleasanton for district play. Coach Jones says the keys to success this season include winning the turnover margin and play as close to mistake free ball as possible. We will not be a team that can overcome many mistakes. With a good, though less experienced, base of players to build around, a winning season looks very possible again if the Trojans can stay healthy. If they can corral another playoff berth, which they have done the past two seasons, it will be a worthy accomplishment. Eric Pedersen Lyndon State Bank Melvern Lyndon Topeka Visit us at: Big Enough To Serve, Small Enough To Care 38 Pigskin & Hoops

37 The Marais des Cygnes Valley boys took a class 1A Division One state title and an undefeated season back to Melvern last year on the strength of a deep and talented senior class. Of course, all those seniors have graduated and new head coach Satcher Decker has plenty of rebuilding to do. He will have two players returning who saw action in nearly every game last year senior guard Zave Goodrich, the leading returning scorer at 4.2 points per game, and junior forward Cody Patterson (6 2 ), the leading returning rebounder with nearly three to go with four points a game. One other senior returns, 5 10 guard Josh Sowers. Two other juniors have varsity experience from a year ago in 5 9 guard Chase Allen and 6 2 big man Christian Cannon. Other players who could see action include juniors Eric Marshall (5 10 ) Basketball Schedule 12/05 LYNDON AWAY 12/08-12 YATES CENTER TOURNAMENT AWAY 12/16 WAVERLY AWAY 12/19 SCC HOME 01/06 HARTFORD HOME 01/09 OLPE AWAY 01/13 BURLINGAME HOME 01/16 MADISON AWAY 01/20 LEBO HOME 01/26-31 LYON COUNTY LEAGUE TOURN AWAY 02/09 SCC AWAY 02/13 MISSION VALLEY AWAY 02/17 WEST FRANKLIN AWAY 02/20 LAWRENCE-VERITAS AWAY 02/24 CORNERSTONE HOME 02/27 ALTOONA-MIDWAY HOME Marais Des Cygnes Trojans Boys Profi le SATCHER DECKER YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 8-0 STARTERS RETURNING: 0 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 6 ASSISTANT COACHES: and Marquis Mitchell (5 10 ) and sophomore Curtis Sowers (6 ). We will be reloading for this season, says Decker. We will be young and inexperienced but are made up of great basketball players that know how to win. They ll be tested right out of the gate with a trip to Lyndon before hitting the Yates Center tournament the second week of December. A trip to pre-season league favorite Olpe looms in early January before the mid-season league tournament later that month in Emporia. I have great confidence that we will be in the mix for the league title by seasons end, says Decker, and it should be fun to see how this year s Trojan team develops. The Marais des Cygnes girls are in much the same boat as the boys, as a seniorladen class finished last season with a 19-3 mark, though their season ended with an upset loss to St. Paul in the sub-state semi-finals. Head Coach Amy Redmon has one returning starter in junior Zarin Goodrich, who averaged 8.3 points per game. Another junior, Sara Flewelling, averaged three points, while senior Julie Heslop averaged a point and a half. Two other seniors with minimal varsity experience, Bonni Beery and Cassandra McCurdy, should see more time this year. The Trojans don t play a home game until December 19 against Southern Coffey County, and they play only two home games late in the year against Cornerstone and Altoona-Midway right before sub-state. If they can survive the road heavy schedule, the Trojan girls could gain some momentum going into the playoffs, where they hope things might turn out better than last season. Eric Pedersen Girls Profi le AMY REDMON YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 8-0 STARTERS RETURNING: 1 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 5 ASSISTANT COACHES: Pigskin & Hoops

38 Bulldogs MCLOUTH Northeast Kansas League 3A / 2A Purple & Gold Profi le CHRIS STEWART YEARS AT SCHOOL: 7 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 4-0 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 7 ASSISTANT COACHES: GARY FREEMAN, KEVIN STEWART High expectations came with last season and the Bulldogs yet again rose to the occasion. McLouth recorded its third consecutive winning season. There technically was no Northeast Kansas League title, but McLouth was undefeated against league opponents and had there been a title, McLouth would have had a share of its third straight league championship. But unlike 2012, McLouth didn t make it past the first round of the Class 2-1A playoffs. Troy eliminated the Bulldogs and now McLouth turns to a new season up in Class 3A. Though the jump will be challenging, Coach Chris Stewart expects success similar to the past three seasons. The majority of the experience starts up front on the offensive line. A trio of seniors in Nick Barber, Jacob Copeland and Dylan Stauch are relied on for leadership and to set the tone. Coach Stewart notes that a number of players need to step up on the O-line to execute plays in the spread offense. Mystikal Randel, Griffin Hayden and Wyatt Troupe will battle for the two open positions. Senior Jack Courtney is back at quarterback. He finished with nine touchdowns and nearly 1,000 yards through the air. Courtney developed very well and is anticipated to be the team leader for McLouth needs to find replacements for the electric duo of Drew Cerny and Nick McAferty in an offense that uses one back and four wide outs. Both Cerny and McAferty eclipsed 2,700 yards of total offense and scored 36 touchdowns. Seniors Jace Carlton and Kevin Gann are returning starters and will need to 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH HOME 09/12 IMMACULATA AWAY 09/19 JACKSON HEIGHTS HOME 09/26 ROYAL VALLEY AWAY 10/03 OSKALOOSA HOME 10/10 WASHINGTON AWAY 10/17 PLEASANT RIDGE HOME 10/24 ACCHS AWAY 10/31 MAUR HILL MOUNT ACADEMY AWAY have compatibility like Cerny and McAferty. Jack Arnett, Sergio Hernandez and Remington Courter are in the rotation to find the right pairing. Just like the offensive line, the D- line returns the most experience. Four of the seven returning defensive players are up front. Barber, Copeland, Stauch and Hayden should be one of the better fronts in the Northeast Kansas League. Gann and Carlton anchor the secondary and are leaders on the defensive end. Hernandez and Arnett are expected to fill the other two positions. A huge concern for McLouth is at linebacker. All-league linebacker Brady Sullivan graduated, leaving a big gap in the McLouth defense. Jack Courtney is a returner and is capable of being the main weapon in the linebacker unit, but he needs some help. Some relief could come from senior Wyatt Troupe or sophomores Dante Nelson and Ricky Morris. The 2013 team was very successful on both sides of the ball, with the Bulldogs averaging 30 points on offense while only allowing 12 points a night. Coach Chris Stewart says, Mental toughness, preparation and composure will be three key ingredients to continuing a successful winning program. The schedule lines up nicely for the Bulldogs to once again be successful. Once McLouth finds that offensive power, the Bulldogs can once again find themselves on the winning side of the record with an opportunity at playoffs for the third straight season. Pat Strathman Pizza Pasta Sandwiches North side of the Square, Oskaloosa 7232 K-4 Highway, Meriden 510 E. Front Street, Perry a.m. to 10p.m. Sunday-Thursday 11a.m. to 11p.m. Friday & Saturday 40 Pigskin & Hoops

39 Coach Jason Graf s first year was one for the books. McLouth finished below.500, but the team was on the verge of a winning season for the first time since The Bulldogs won six straight games at one point and reached the finals of their own tournament for just the second time in history. And, even though the other team made the highlight, the Bulldogs were on ESPN s Sportscenter top 10 plays. Coach Graf expects to keep improving and he ll be challenged to reach that goal. The two-top scorers in Buck McAferty and Drew Cerny graduated, leaving Nic Bair as the leader. The senior averaged 11.3 points a contest. Senior wingman Wyatt Hermann was one of the better rebounders in the state, grabbing 10.8 rebounds a game. Two other seniors received playing time last year. Swingman Jack Courtney came off the bench and averaged 6.3 points and 5.4 rebounds. Kevin Gann usually Basketball Schedule 12/05 JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH AWAY 12/09 HORTON HOME 12/12 IMMACULATA HOME 12/16 OSKALOOSA AWAY 12/19 PLEASANT RIDGE HOME 01/06 MAUR HILL MOUNT ACADEMY AWAY 01/09 JACKSON HEIGHTS AWAY 01/16 VALLEY FALLS HOME 01/19-24 MCLOUTH INVITATIONAL HOME 02/03 JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH HOME 02/06 IMMACULATA AWAY 02/10 OSKALOOSA HOME 02/12 HORTON AWAY 02/13 PLEASANT RIDGE AWAY 02/17 MAUR HILL MOUNT ACADEMY HOME 02/20 JACKSON HEIGHTS HOME 02/24 HERITAGE CHRISTIAN AWAY 02/27 VALLEY FALLS AWAY was the first guard off the pine and contributed by scoring 3.1 points a game and recording 2.3 rebounds per. The summer has been phenomenal for the Bulldogs and that has Coach Graf excited for this season. The Northeast Kansas League is wide open and Coach Graf thinks the league champion could have two or three losses this season and it looks to be setting up as a wild ride in the NEKL. The Lady Bulldogs took a small step in the right direction last season. McLouth improved its win column by two games and it could have been more. Maybe even more impressive is McLouth tied for fifth in the Northeast Kansas League. The team competed very well and Coach Lindsey Graf plans on the same thing for this year. Three starters are back from last year s young team. Senior guard Meghan Jackson was second on the team in scoring and is ready for a breakout season. Boys Profi le JASON GRAF YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 3-5 STARTERS RETURNING: 2 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 4 ASSISTANT COACHES: DREW KRAXNER McLouth Bulldogs Senior Angela Dailey served as a solid passing guard and will be relied to do more of that with the graduation of Kayla Steffey. Rounding out the backcourt are juniors Dominique Tullis and Anna Moore, who both saw action last year. The inside play is a concern for McLouth this season. Konner Patterson was a good scoring option down low, but she is no longer there. The void looks to be filled by junior Shannon Greene. Coach Graf comments, We will have a different look this year, but plan to compete day in and day out. We have several returners that will be asked to assume different roles, but I believe in each and every girl. McLouth focuses on fewer turnovers and rebounding better and Coach Graf is confident that the team can build on last year s league finish. Pat Strathman Girls Profi le LINDSEY GRAF YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 3-5 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 5 ASSISTANT COACHES: Pigskin & Hoops

40 MISSION VALLEY Vikings Flint Hills League 2-1A Crimson & Gold Profi le CODY WHITE YEARS AT SCHOOL: 2 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 0-3 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 10 ASSISTANT COACHES: DREW STEFFEN, JUSTIN DUNCAN, SHELBY STEFFEN Mission Valley will have a fairly young football team going into this season following a 3-6 campaign in Head Coach Cody Witte goes into his second season with a roster that s small in number - only 10 letter winners return - but with experience despite its youth. This year s quarterback will be senior Tanner Allen, who spent the majority of time last year as the Vikings top receiver (450 yards, five touchdowns). He did see some action as a back-up quarterback so the position is not new to him. This year his main target will be junior Cole Hodge, who saw action as a receiver and runner last year. The line will be young, led by senior Colton Conway, whose main contributions last year came on defense with a sack and a fumble recovery. On that side of the ball Allen was the team s leading tackler from his linebacker spot, logging over nine tackles a game with two interceptions. Hodge had over 50 tackles and junior Patrick Shuler averaged just under five stops. Junior Jesse Hite should also see line action on both sides of the ball. We are bringing back a lot of experience up front Coach Witte says. However, we will need young skill players to contribute on Friday nights. Sophomore Clay Phillips and junior Wyatt Anderson are two 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 OSAGE CITY AWAY 09/12 LYNDON HOME 09/19 WEST FRANKLIN AWAY 09/26 COUNCIL GROVE HOME 10/03 HERINGTON AWAY 10/10 WABAUNSEE AWAY 10/17 CHASE COUNTY HOME 10/24 NORTHERN HEIGHTS AWAY 10/30 MARION HOME of the candidates to see action. Phillips lined up in the secondary on defense and had eight tackles and two interceptions while catching eight passes for nearly 11 yards a catch on offense. The Vikings schedule, especially in district play, gets somewhat easier with perennial powers Rossville and St. Marys gone, replaced by Marion at home in district play (the final game of the regular season) and at arch-rival Wabaunsee in week six. The regular Flint Hills League teams complete the schedule, starting with Osage City on the road. The Vikings will host Lyndon in week two and also get Council Grove and Chase County at home, the latter kicking off district play, while they will travel to West Franklin, Herington and Northern Heights. Last year the Vikings had a three-game winning streak early but ended with five straight losses. This year the tougher teams are in the first month, giving them a chance to finish stronger, assuming they stay healthy. If enough of the younger players develop, the Vikings could have a chance to get back around.500 and be competitive in most of their games. Eric Pedersen 42 Pigskin & Hoops

41 Last year Mission Valley s boys continued to re-develop into a more competitive team, increasing the victory total by three for the second straight year. Though their final record was 8-14, they also picked up a post-season win. A new head coach will try to continue to the program s upward trend as Jordan Hysten takes over. He has two starters back in seniors Tanner Allen and Cody Walker. Allen averaged just under six points per game as well as four rebounds and three assists. Walker started to come on at the end of the season, averaging four and a half points overall but 11 points through the final three games. Both players shot around 30% from three-point range, about five percentage points more than the team average. Three other seniors won letters and return, with Willis Butler and Reed Sage the most experienced players. Senior Isaac Deters and junior Cole Hodge will also see plenty of playing time. The transition to this year s version of the Vikings will involve more than just a new coach and a new system that usually brings because the make-up of Basketball Schedule 12/04 WEST FRANKLIN HOME 12/09-12 ST. MARYS TOURNAMENT AWAY 12/16 LYNDON AWAY 01/06 COUNCIL GROVE HOME 01/09 HERINGTON AWAY 01/13 OSAGE CITY HOME 01/16 CHASE COUNTY HOME 01/19-24 FLINT HILLS LEAGUE TOURN. AWAY 01/27 NORTHERN HEIGHTS AWAY 01/30 LYNDON HOME 02/03 MADISON AWAY 02/06 HERINGTON HOME 02/10 WABAUNSEE HOME 02/13 MELVERN HOME 02/17 BURLINGAME AWAY 02/20 WHITE CITY HOME the team is different. The Vikes lost three seniors 6 4 and taller, and size for this team is at a premium. Coach Hysten says the team has good athleticism, and expects it to be a factor. We will need to use our outside shooting and athletic ability to compete this year. We ll be undersized but athletic. I m excited to coach this group of players. He adds, We plan on building a program that is considered mentally tough and always ready to bring their best. Those are qualities that are always a plus, and the Vikings can put them to good use in an improving Flint Hills League schedule which includes state qualifiers Council Grove and Lyndon. The Vikings also get into the St. Mary s early season tournament as well as the league tourney at mid-season in Emporia. The Viking girls also logged an 8-14 record last season with a team that had plenty of underclassmen, and this year s team will be similar with two seniors to lead the way and another bunch of freshmen and sophomores ready to fill roles. Point guard Carrie Hill is the leading returning scorer at nine points per Boys Profi le JUSTIN HYSTEN YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 2-5 STARTERS RETURNING: 2 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 5 ASST. COACHES: Mission Valley Vikings game, while center Nikole Cain brings back seven points and five rebounds per contest. Junior Emily Schwant and sophomore Rebekah Cain are the most experienced underclassmen while another senior, Morgan Wayman, will see more playing time as well. Wayman and Cain saw action in every game while Schwant played in all but one, and they should increase their combined total of six and a half points per game. Head Coach Casey Konda calls her group a talented and hard-working group of players, and we are also gaining a very promising group of freshmen. I m excited to see what we can accomplish. The Vikings only get one home game in December, and that s the season opener against West Franklin. After the St. Marys tournament, the league schedule takes up most of the schedule through January. February brings non-league opponents Wabaunsee, Marais des Cygnes Valley and White City to the Viking gym as well as a short road trip to Burlingame. SOMMERSET HALL CAFé BEST CAFé IN DOVER MONDAY THRU SATURDAY 7:00-4:00 FRIDAY NIGHT BUFFETS 5:00-8:00 FEATURING: HOME OF FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN & FAMOUS HOMEMADE PIES GRILL & BUFFET ITEMS CONVENIENCE ITEMS AND MUCH MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK Eric Pedersen Girls Profi le CASEY KONDA YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 3-4 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 4 ASST. COACHES: THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF HARVEYVILLE 197 Main St., Harveyville, KS FAX The Best Little Bank in Kansas Pigskin & Hoops

42 OSAGE CITY Indians Flint Hills League 3A Red & White Profi le ANDREW GANTENBEIN YEARS AT SCHOOL: 6 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 1-2 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 9 ASSISTANT COACHES: WILL KERNS, CHRIS KIRKPATRICK, DEREK PATTERSON 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 MISSION VALLEY HOME 09/12 HERINGTON AWAY 09/19 CHASE COUNTY HOME 09/26 NORTHERN HEIGHTS AWAY 10/03 COUNCIL GROVE AWAY 10/10 LYNDON HOME 10/17 SILVER LAKE HOME 10/24 ROSSVILLE AWAY 10/30 OSKALOOSA HOME Osage City just missed out on a playoff spot last year as they finished just a game below.500 overall and in their district. This year s Indian squad brings back some experienced skill players but overall will be looking to fill graduation losses in their lines and with overall depth. Head Coach Andrew Gantenbein has one particularly good piece to build around, offensively, in junior quarterback Ryan Haskins (5 9, 165). The honorable mention all-state player in class 3A threw for nearly 1,200 yards and 19 touchdowns with only three interceptions. He added nearly 800 yards to lead the team in rushing, and also scored four touchdowns. The top two receivers also return in seniors J. T. Lincoln (5 10, 185) and Blake Stromgren (5 9, 145). Lincoln had 33 receptions for nearly 500 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Stromgren added 19 catches and five scores. Sophomore Jason Cooley (5 10, 170) could see time at running back where he had 141 yards a year ago. On the line, junior Travis Gustafson (6 4, 305) will anchor a group that will be inexperienced overall, according to Coach Gantenbein. He s also concerned that the o-line has the least amount of depth on a team that doesn t have a lot of it in very many areas. On defense, senior Mason Cozad (5 9, 195) will return as a starter on the line, while the heart of the defense lies in the linebacker duo of Cooley, the leading returning tackler with 58, and senior Hawk Goad (5 10, 170), who had 31 tackles. The defense will need to replace the production of two all-state players who combined for some 250 tackles, and also would like to force more turnovers - last year the Indians got only five. Overall the team will be undersized but should have decent speed says Gantenbein. The Indians also return their top two specialists in Lincoln, who handles the punting for a 34 yard average, and junior kicker Duncan Fort (6 5, 200), who went on points after kicks. The Flint Hills League, according to Gantenbein, should be very competitive. I think there are several teams that are capable of winning it - we hope to be in the conversation as well. They ll know where they stand in the league by the time they enter district play, as all the league games come in the first six weeks. The Indians host Mission Valley to open the year, and also have Chase County and Lyndon at home, while traveling to Herington, Northern Heights and Council Grove. As for trying to nab a playoff spot, good luck - the Indians share a district with 3A state superpowers Silver Lake and Rossville, whom they face in weeks seven and eight. They close with a home contest against Oskaloosa. For the Indians to stay around or get over the.500 mark this season, they ll have to hope the line play comes together, get some more turnovers on defense while staying away from them on offense (where they only had nine), and stay healthy, especially Haskins. Four of Gantenbein s first five Osage City teams have been pretty competitive and this one has the ingredients to remain at that level. Eric Pedersen 44 Pigskin & Hoops

43 Osage City continues to be a force in boys hoops, improving to 18-5 last season and just missing a trip to the 3A state tournament, losing to Wellsville in the sub-state finals. Veteran head coach Dennis Fort will have three starters returning to make another run with one senior and two juniors bringing starting experience with them. The leader is forward Duncan Fort, a junior who averaged 17 points and eight rebounds last season on his way to All-State honors for class 3A. Fellow junior Ryan Haskins was an All-Flint Hills League guard, averaging nine points and three assists. Senior J.T. Lincoln joins Haskins in the backcourt, bringing a four-point average with two steals. The Indians will need to develop depth for the other two starting spots and off the bench, and Coach Fort says the biggest need is to find a replacement for center Darren Spruill, who also averaged 17 points. We will need to develop another solid post player to go with Duncan says Fort, adding he wants to develop some perimeter shooting to help Ryan with scoring from the outside. They ll be tested right out of the gate when they travel Basketball Schedule 12/05 COUNCIL GROVE AWAY 12/08-13 CENTRAL HEIGHTS INV. AWAY 12/16 HERINGTON HOME 12/19 CHASE COUNTY HOME 01/06 WEST FRANKLIN AWAY 01/09 LYNDON AWAY 01/13 MISSION VALLEY AWAY 01/16 NORTHERN HEIGHTS HOME 01/19-24 FLINT HILLS LEAGUE TOURN. AWAY 01/30 SANTA FE TRAIL HOME 02/03 SILVER LAKE HOME 02/06 WAMEGO HOME 02/10 ROSSVILLE AWAY 02/13 OLPE HOME 02/17 ST. MARYS AWAY 02/24 LEBO AWAY Boys Profi le DENNIS FORT YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 5-2 STARTERS RETURNING: 4 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 5 ASST. COACHES: JAMES BELLINGER Osage City Indians to Flint Hills League defending champion Council Grove to open the season. The rest of the league schedule follows until the mid- January Flint Hills Shootout in Emporia. The Indians have consistently been in double figure plus wins through much of Fort s tenure and look to be again this year. Just how far they will go, though, depends on the depth this year s squad can develop. With a falloff to a 4-17 record last year, Osage City s girls program needs a rebuild, and Chris Kirkpatrick has returned to the program to try and do just that. Kirkpatrick was the head coach from , building the program into a 20 win powerhouse that always threatened to head to the state tournament. That didn t happen overnight the first time, and it won t happen overnight this time either, but Kirkpatrick has some young talent with experience to get the rebuilding job started. Two seniors will lead the way this year, 5 8 Tori Tomlinson and 5 7 Paige Pearson. Some of the many underclassmen who should see time include 5 5 junior Katie Testerman and 5 4 sophomore Kelsy Orender. Other players from last year s junior varsity could fill roles, and several players who were coached by Kirkpatrick in eighth grade last year may also make a splash. Kirkpatrick is a defensive-minded coach whose team will go back to an aggressive pressing defense. You have to be able to defend says Kirkpatrick, adding a good defense could lead to points on offense. He will also try to instill a spirit of toughness back into his team and get them to believe in themselves after some down seasons in the program. The schedule will be tough with a balanced Flint Hills League slate through mid-season, then some very tough non-conference opponents including Silver Lake, Wamego, Santa Fe Trail and Olpe, all of which the Lady Indians will meet at home. Look for this season to be a transition year for the Osage City girls, with better things coming a couple of years down the road, depending on how well the underclassmen develop. Eric Pedersen Girls Profi le CHRIS KIRKPATRICK YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 1-7 STARTERS RETURNING: LETTERMEN RETURNING: ASST. COACHES: Pigskin & Hoops

44 Bears OSKALOOSA Northeast Kansas League 3A Blue & Red Profi le SCOTT WHALEY YEARS AT SCHOOL: 9 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 3-1 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 17 ASSISTANT COACHES: The start of the season didn t look good for the Bears. Oskaloosa trailed 26-8 heading to the fourth quarter against Maur Hill Mount Academy. The Bears clawed back and stunned the Ravens winning Oskaloosa gained confidence from that improbable victory to finish 4-5 and ended a three-year playoff drought. The 2013 Class 2-1A state champions Centralia sent Oskaloosa home though after a 56-8 first-round win. Coach Scott Whaley returns for his ninth season with plenty of weapons and momentum from last year s season. Six offensive starters are back, but maybe the most lethal weapon is changing positions. With Colby Harris graduating, the void at quarterback needs to be filled. Insert junior and former running back Luis Rodriguez (5 8, 165). Rodriguez accumulated 948 yards on the ground last year, but he s never played quarterback before. Still, Rodriguez is a tremendous athlete with incredible speed who might quickly catch on in a double-wing offense that relies on a mobile QB. Justin Sharp (5 8, 150) returns after tallying over 1,000 total yards last year. The senior rushed for 712 yards while being a solid target in the passing attack with 340 receiving yards. Another end back is required to make the offense flow and junior Scott Coates (5 10, 175) looks to be the leading candidate. At fullback, Josh Lutze (6 0, 175) is back for his final season as a Bear. Oskaloosa never leaned on a strong passing game, but when the Bears did throw the football, junior Dillion Grother (6 0, 165) was a solid target as a 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 VALLEY FALLS HOME 09/12 JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH AWAY 09/19 IMMACULATA HOME 09/26 JACKSON HEIGHTS AWAY 10/03 MCLOUTH AWAY 10/10 PLEASANT RIDGE HOME 10/17 ROSSVILLE HOME 10/24 SILVER LAKE AWAY 10/30 OSAGE CITY AWAY tight end. Junior Ben Harvey (6 1, 170) is healthy after breaking his leg the previous two years and looks to make contributions in the passing attack. Up front, Oskaloosa returns three players that were sophomores last year. Kyle Hopkins (6 4, 180), Tommy Molder (6 1, 175) and Austin Tavis (6 0, 230) gained valuable experience last year. Another junior, Austin Fowler (5 10, 165), played a lot last year and will continue that trend this season. Defensively, six starters are back with the majority of experience being in the trenches. Tavis, Molder and Fowler lead the way on the defensive line. The secondary is strong again as Rodriguez and Sharp are back as two of the most experienced players. The linebacker corps will be a big question for the Bears this season. Hopkins, Lutze, Coates and Grother all will compete for time. Oskaloosa made a big jump last year, going from 2-7 in 2012 to a playoff team in Plus, there was no league title to compete for. The Northeast Kansas League officially kicks in this year for football and the Bears look forward to making those league games count as they defeated four league foes a year ago. The ultimate goal of playoffs though will be challenging. Oskaloosa makes the jump up to 3A this year and the Bears have one of the toughest districts in Kansas. Anything can happen and Oskaloosa will use the confidence to try to go to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Pat Strathman 7232 K-4 Highway, Meriden 510 E. Front Street, Perry Pizza Pasta Sandwiches North side of the Square, Oskaloosa a.m. to 10p.m. Sunday-Thursday 11a.m. to 11p.m. Friday & Saturday Country Corner Variety & Floral Variety Store Sundry Baked Goods Alterations Floral Department Tuxedo Rental VARIETY STORE 321 Jefferson St., Oskaloosa, KS Pigskin & Hoops

45 different season, but the same record A summed up for Oskaloosa. The Bears just won one game in the new Northeast Kansas League, but they can certainly look at other positives. With the new league, not every game against a league opponent counted toward the league standings. Oskaloosa lost to Pleasant Ridge in the first matchup, but the Bears beat the Rams the second time around. Only problem was that the second didn t count in the standings. Coach Scott Whaley enters this season as the main coach for the third time. Plenty of experience is back, especially in the backcourt. Senior Justin Sharp is back as the team s leading scorer. The point guard averaged 10 points, two assists and 2.8 rebounds a season ago. Senior Luis Rodriguez wasn t far behind in scoring, averaging 8.5 points a night. Rodriguez did use his athleticism to make him the leading rebounder with 5.3 a game. Senior Zach Whaley and junior Shane Adams round out this group Basketball Schedule 12/05 PLEASANT RIDGE AWAY 12/09 MAUR HILL MOUNT ACADEMY HOME 12/12 VALLEY FALLS AWAY 12/16 MCLOUTH HOME 12/19 JACKSON HEIGHTS AWAY 01/06 HORTON HOME 01/09 KANSAS CITY CHRISTIAN HOME 01/13 IMMACULATA HOME 01/15 MAUR HILL MOUNT ACADEMY AWAY 01/16 JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH HOME 01/19-24 OSKALOOSA TOURN. HOME (B) 01/26-31 JEFFERSON CTY N. TOURN. AWAY (G) 02/03 PLEASANT RIDGE HOME 02/06 VALLEY FALLS HOME 02/10 MCLOUTH AWAY 02/13 JACKSON HEIGHTS HOME 02/17 HORTON AWAY 02/24 IMMACULATA AWAY 02/27 JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH AWAY In the paint was a concern last year and will be again this year. Juniors Kyle Hopkins and Ethan Doores are back and will be relied on down low. Newcomer and junior Dalton Van Houtan plans to contribute as well. This year is different in the Northeast Kansas League, but the toughness doesn t change. If Oskaloosa can improve on its 40 points per game average last year, than the Bears can make some noise in the league. Although the record doesn t reflect a winning season, the Lady Bears made leaps of improvement. Oskaloosa was competitive in more games than and almost knocked off McLouth and Immaculata for a couple more wins. The team reduced its turnover percentage by 50 percent, doubled field goal percentage and increased the rebounding average to 25 a game. The whole team basically returns this season and that has Coach LeeAnn Tufte excited. Junior Haidyn Bassett Boys Profi le SCOTT WHALEY YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 2-8 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 7 ASSISTANT COACHES: ROD STOTTLEMIRE Oskaloosa Bears didn t see the floor every game last year, but when she did, she led the team in scoring with 9.5 points a game and 5.5 rebounds per. Senior Bree Brooks cleaned the glass for the Lady Bears, averaging seven rebounds. Sophomores Matty Moulder and Raegan Hamm also saw time last year. Junior Maddy Miller was the main threat on the perimeter. The slashing point guard averaged eight points and three assists a night. Senior Rachel Harding and sophomores Tomi-Lyn Hickman and Ali Ragan all will contribute in the backcourt. Coach Tufte also notes that two promising freshmen Jaden Courter and Brylie Bassett can compete on the floor. Just like the boys side of the league, the girls competition will be fierce. If Oskaloosa continues to improve offensively, the Lady Bears can build on their success last year. Pat Strathman Girls Profi le LEEANN TUFTE YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 0-9 STARTERS RETURNING: 5 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 10 ASST. COACHES: TAYLOR KING Playing in the dirt, it s what we do Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Pigskin & Hoops

46 Profi le ROB HEDRICK YEARS AT SCHOOL: 2 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 2-1 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 19 ASST. COACHES: PAT BOEH, EVAN SHAFFER, BLAKE LASLEY, SHAWN WALTERS, EVAN SHAFFER, SEAN WALTERS, DON BROWN 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 LOUISBURG HOME 09/12 BISHOP WARD HOME 09/19 SPRING HILL AWAY 09/26 PRAIRIE VIEW AWAY 10/03 PAOLA HOME 10/10 SANTE FE TRAIL HOME 10/17 EUDORA HOME 10/24 BALDWIN AWAY 10/31 DESOTO AWAY OTTAWACyclones Frontier League 4A-DI Red & White 2014 Football Outlook Last year found the Ottawa Cyclones with a winning regular season and a playoff spot for the first time in a decade. Head coach Rob Hedrick enters his second season with optimism that the building of the program, which started in earnest several years ago and only last year reached a much more competitive state, will continue. And Hedrick has reason to feel that way, especially with an exciting sophomore athlete named Isaac McCullough returning at quarterback. That s right - a sophomore with one season as the starter already under his belt. Last year McCullough (6 3, 200) didn t have huge throwing stats (388 yards, five touchdowns) but Hedrick is expecting bigger things from him this year as both a passer and a rusher. He ll have a senior returning as the top running back, Andre Lewis (6, 195), who had just over 500 combined yards rushing and receiving, and four senior starters along the offensive line - tackles Cole Reed (5 9, 215) and Jake Roth (5 10, 255), and guards Tanner Wright (5 9, 200) and Kley Bolivar (5 10, 195). Senior Trey Rich (6 3, 190) will be a receiving threat either as a wideout or a tight end. Last year, with not much experience, the Cyclones offense was able to parlay an average of just over 200 yards and 15 points a game from their offense into five wins, which means the team was able to play tough defense and keep opponents close scorewise. Five starters return from that defense, where Lewis was one of the top contributors. As a cornerback, Lewis has five interceptions and returned two of those for touchdowns, as well as two kick return scores. Reed and Wright return to form a fine linebacking core, each with over 80 tackles last year. Rich will man one end spot on the D-line while sophomore Brock Reed holds down the free safety position. The group combines to form the best returning group of Cyclones in several years, and they will need to perform well in the always tough Frontier League, which sent five teams to the playoffs last year. The bulk of the schedule comes from those teams, including the season opener against perennial power Louisburg, who the Cyclones played very tough against in a loss at Louisburg last year. They ll also get up and coming Spring Hill on the road in week three and another perennial power, Paola, at home in week five. All of their district games are Frontier League opponents, including Eudora, Baldwin and DeSoto, which replaces Santa Fe Trail in the district. The Cyclones will still play Trail, though, in week six right before districts get underway. The other non-league games are at home in week two against another group of Cyclones from Bishop Ward, and on the road at Prairie View in week four. Hedrick says we hope to be more consistent and explosive offensively with as many returning lettermen as we do. The defense has a lot of key players to replace. He adds that there should be kids able to plug in to the spots where there are openings for starters. Though the Cyclones haven t reached the heights of past teams that regularly won eight or nine games a season through 2003, the momentum of a winning regular season, a taste of post-season play and a big upside to their skill position players means the Cyclones could take another step forward as the program continues to build towards even better things Eric Pedersen 48 Pigskin & Hoops

47 With a completely new cast, the Ottawa boys were able to follow up quite nicely after a 4A state title in 2013, winning 13 games for Head Coach Clifton McCullough, who took over the program after a lot of success with the Cyclone girls. All five starters return for this year, including four seniors and exciting sophomore Isaac McCullough, who led the team as a freshman with 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals per game. He ll be joined by two other double figure scorers, Quentin Blaue (12 points) and Tyler Smith (10 points, four assists) in a dynamic three man backcourt. Swing man Cole Bunce (eight points) leads the way up front. Four more seniors provide depth with Dayne and Tate Jung, Jake Matney and Connor Stepp combining for 12 points and seven boards. McCullough makes no bones about the goals for this year s team, saying last year s experience means the Cyclones should now be able Basketball Schedule 12/04 ST. JAMES ACADEMY AWAY 12/12 TONGANOXIE HOME 12/16 TOPEKA WEST HOME 12/19 DESOTO AWAY 01/06 LOUISBURG HOME 01/09 PAOLA AWAY 01/13 BALDWIN HOME 01/16 EUDORA HOME 01/20-24 BASEHOR-LINWOOD INVIT. AWAY 01/27 HAYDEN HOME 02/03 SPRING HILL AWAY 02/10 DESOTO HOME 02/13 LOUISBURG AWAY 02/17 PAOLA HOME 02/20 BALDWIN AWAY 02/24 EUDORA AWAY 02/27 SPRING HILL HOME Boys Profi le CLIFTON MCCULLOUGH YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 8-4 STARTERS RETURNING: 5 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 11 ASST. COACHES: EVAN SHAF- FER, ROB HEDRICK, BLAKE LASLEY O awa Cyclones to take our game to a higher level. The expectation is to compete for a league title and make a deep run in the playoffs. Our depth should benefit us tremendously and our bench will be expected to make more contributions. State tournament berths were a regular event for the Cyclone boys until last year, but this year s team seems to have everything needed to get them back to Salina. But before that happens they ll be facing an improved Frontier League schedule with Paola and Eudora as the top challengers, and a non-league slate that includes Hayden and Topeka West coming to Ottawa. Other non-league opponents include the season opener at St. James and home opener against Tonganoxie, as well as a trip to the Basehor-Linwood Invitational, which always boasts an outstanding field. The Cyclone girls were right at.500 in both the regular season and league schedule last year but lost their only playoff game to finish at overall. Head Coach Kelli Fischer enters her second season with three returning starters, including senior guard Corie Fischer. She led the Lady Cyclones in scoring and rebounding last year with nearly 15 points and just over seven boards, along with nearly three steals. Senior center Brette Moore averaged 12.2 points and five rebounds, giving the club a good inside-outside combo. Sophomore guard Angel Natt will join Fischer in the backcourt, bringing back a 7.4 point average. The three of them combined for some 85% of the team s 40 point per game scoring average, and Coach Fischer will be looking to four other returning letter winners to add more to that offense. The Lady Cyclones will try to get into the Frontier League title chase along with league co-favorites Paola and Louisburg, who they don t play until after the Christmas break. Eric Pedersen Girls Profi le LINDSAY DIETERICH YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 6-6 STARTERS RETURNING: 4 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 7 ASST. COACHES: DANNIS DARTING Follow us Pigskin & Hoops

48 PERRY-LECOMPTON Kaws Big 7 League 4A-DII Blue & White Profi le MIKE PARAMORE YEARS AT SCHOOL: 14 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 0-3 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 3 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: ASSISTANT COACHES: The Perry-Lecompton Kaws are coming off consecutive 3-6 seasons. That isn t sitting well with Head Coach Mike Paramore, who says his team will be looking to rebound and play more consistently this fall. He ll have just four starters returning on offense and three on defense, but there is some experience ready to come in and take many of the other positions. The quarterback will be senior Seth Surface (6 1, 175), who missed the final four games last year with an elbow injury. Surface completed 50% of his passes for just under 500 yards and three touchdowns in the first five games and he ll be working behind a line with two returning seniors, Jackson Dwyer (5 11, 280) at right tackle and Deek Hansen (5 8, 190) at right guard. Another senior, Caleb Daniels (5 11,155) returns at split end, the leading returning receiver with 19 catches. Senior Austin Kurtz (6 1, 180) will likely start at running back, where he had 324 yards last season as a part-time runner. A couple of part-time starters, senior Derrick James (6, 200) and junior Braden Johanning (5 11, 210) should see plenty of action on the line, while junior Mitchell Bond (6 1, 160) will see action as a receiver and also serve as the backup quarterback, where he started the final four games while Surface was out. On defense Hansen and fellow senior Cody Williams (6 1, 175) return as outside linebackers while Surface will anchor the secondary as the free safety. Some part-time starters last year who will play a lot this year include senior Nick Passmore (5 11, 185) and James on the line and senior Trysten Meyer (5 8, 190) at inside linebacker. Meyer is also slated to start at fullback offensively. Bond will join Surface in 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 TONGANOXIE AWAY 09/12 SILVER LAKE AWAY 09/19 BALDWIN HOME 09/26 RIVERSIDE AWAY 10/03 SABETHA AWAY 10/10 HIAWATHA HOME 10/17 ROYAL VALLEY HOME 10/24 HOLTON HOME 10/31 JEFF WEST AWAY the secondary as a cornerback along with senior Alex Haynes (5 8, 185). Coach Paramore describes his line as being undersized and will have to rely on quickness, especially with a less experienced group of inside linebackers behind them. We will need several newcomers to step up and perform, says Paramore. Several players saw significant playing time in non-starting roles and we look for that experience to pay off. His biggest concerns are developing lines on both sides of the ball but he wants to create a defense with emphasis on getting stops and creating turnovers. Overall the coach says the team needs to do a better job in preparation and strive to get better each day in practice. The emphasis will continue to be on the fundamentals and playing hard on every snap. They ll also need to be ready right out of the gate, with four of the first five on the road and a tough overall schedule for the entire nine weeks. Non-league foes Tonganoxie and Silver Lake open things, and after a home game with Baldwin come road contests at Riverside and Sabetha. The district includes perennial state power Holton, along with Jeff West and Royal Valley. Paramore expects the Big Seven to be balanced, saying teams will need to play well each week - anyone is capable of knocking off anyone. If the Kaws develop as well as Paramore thinks they can, they are a possible.500 team that could nab a playoff spot. They ll need to stay healthy and focused in order to do that. Eric Pedersen J.B. PEARL SALES & SERVICES, INC W. Hwy 24 St. Marys, Kansas (785) Front Street Perry, Kansas (785) Toll St. Mary s: 1-877JBPEARL 50 Pigskin & Hoops

49 The Perry-Lecompton boys have increased their win total in each of the past four seasons, but with their mark last year coming in at 8-13, progress at improving the program has been slow. New Head Coach Jared Swafford will try and speed that process along as he inherits a Kaws team with some returning players and a large junior class that should see plenty of playing time. There are three returning seniors, including returning starters Seth Surface and Jacob Morgison. The third senior, Caleb Daniels, creates a three-man backcourt combo. Mitchell Bond leads that group of juniors and should start or see plenty of time at forward. Nate Bays and Aaron Chenall will add to the guard depth while Landon Jamison and Braden Johanning are forwards. We have several talented players who we are expecting to step up and fill important roles, says Swafford, who adds that he likes what he has seen out of the off-season work from his club. We have a group of hard working, tough nosed kids who have showed commitment throughout the summer. Their dedication will help us get the season going in the right direction. As with all Big Seven schools, the Kaws play a double Basketball Schedule 12/05 ACCHS AWAY 12/09 HOLTON AWAY 12/12 RIVERSIDE HOME 12/16 JEFF WEST HOME 12/19 NEMAHA CENTRAL AWAY 01/02 ROSSVILLE HOME 01/06 HIAWATHA HOME 01/13 ROYAL VALLEY HOME 01/16 SABETHA AWAY 01/19-24 OSKALOOSA TOURNAMENT AWAY (B) 01/22 ACCHS HOME (G) 01/26-31 JEFFERSON CTY N. TOURN. AWAY (G) 01/29 ACCHS HOME (B) 02/03 HOLTON HOME 02/06 RIVERSIDE AWAY 02/10 JEFF WEST AWAY 02/13 NEMAHA CENTRAL HOME 02/17 HIAWATHA AWAY 02/24 ROYAL VALLEY AWAY 02/26 SABETHA HOME round robin schedule with a mid-season tournament in Oskaloosa. The one other non-league game comes at home against Rossville right after Christmas break. Many of the players are familiar with Coach Swafford, who also works with the football program, and how quickly they adjust as well as how well those juniors can fill out the team will help determine how much improvement the Kaw boys see in the program this season. You talk about rebuilding - the Kaw girls are pretty much doing just that, and they ll do it not only with no returning starters, but with no seniors on the entire roster. Second year head coach Lisa Surface has only two players with varsity experience but one of them, sophomore guard Lexia Jamison, averaged eight points and three rebounds as a freshman and shot nearly 50% from the floor. The other, junior forwardcenter Sam Mallonee, averaged four points and nearly four rebounds but missed half the season with a knee injury. Other players with the best chances of seeing time include juniors Paris George at guard and Kelsey Bowser as forwards, Boys Profi le JARED SWAFFORD YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 7-6 STARTERS RETURNING: 2 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 4 ASST. COACHES: GAVIN SERENE, THOMAS COOPRIDER Perry-Lecompton Kaws along with sophomores Harleigh Robertson and Abbi Folks, who can swing between positions. Coach Surface likes the make-up of the team, saying these girls work hard and are very competitive. We are young but I am expecting good things from our younger players. Though the team is short on experience, they have some good pieces to potentially develop. Unfortunately for any inexperienced team in the Big Seven it s usually a good league for girls hoops, and Surface expects that to be the case again with one of the toughest teams, Holton, looming on the road as the second game following a long trip to Riverside. The other league favorites, Sabetha and Nemaha Valley, are also tough first half road contests but the Kaws will get all three at home after the Jeff County North Tournament, where the host team is also a perennial state title contender. Though the Lady Kaws may come up a bit short in the record department, it should be fun and interesting to watch the development of the players both individually and as a team, and know that better days shouldn t be too far off. Eric Pedersen Girls Profi le LISA SURFACE YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 4-9 STARTERS RETURNING: 0 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 2 ASST.COACHES: SAMANTHA MALLONEE, LEXIA JAMISON Pizza Pasta Sandwiches Salad Bar Dine In Carry Out 510 E. Front Street - Perry 7232 K-4 Highway, Meriden North side of the Square, Oskaloosa a.m. to 10p.m. Sunday-Thursday 11a.m. to 11p.m. Friday & Saturday Pigskin & Hoops

50 RILEY COUNTY Falcons Mid-East League 3A Blue & White Profi le STEVE WAGNER YEARS AT SCHOOL: 31 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 2-1 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 13 ASSISTANT COACHES: HAROLD OLIVER, ERIK WILLIMON, DEREK WINTER, JASON KLEIN The Riley County Falcons were somewhat erratic last season as Coach Steve Wagner had to replace most of his offensive and defensive lines from the previous season. This year, the Falcons are much more experienced up front, and they still have some talented players in the skill positions. On offense, Riley County returns seven starters from last year s team. Four of them are on the line. Offensive guard Matthew Bruckerhoff (180, Jr.), tackle Dylan Moore (205, Jr.), center Richard Zach (195, Jr.) and tackle Josh Henderson (190, Sr.) each now have a year of starting experience under their belts, which should help make the Falcons offense more potent this season. In the backfield, Brice Brummett (170, Sr.) returns at quarterback. Brummett connected on just 26 passes with six touchdowns last season, but his passes covered 584 yards, an average of more than 22 yards per catch. Riley County graduated a good running back and a good deep receiver, but the Falcons do return a very dangerous threat in Trace Nelson (165, Sr.). From his flanker position last season, Nelson earned All-League by accounting for 14 touchdowns and a total of 92 points. Nelson ran the ball 105 times for 835 yards, and caught eight passes for 212 yards. That s more than 26 yards per catch. The Falcons also return multi-year starter Josh Brazzle (200, Sr.) at fullback. With 201 yards on 37 carries, Brazzle s offensive statistics may not have been eye-popping last season, but he is an excellent lead blocker, and did earn All-League at fullback as a sophomore. Riley County has 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 WABAUNSEE AWAY 09/12 OLPE AWAY 09/19 SILVER LAKE HOME 09/26 ROSSVILLE HOME 10/03 ROCK CREEK AWAY 10/10 ST. MARYS AWAY 10/17 WASHINGTON COUNTY HOME 10/24 MINNEAPOLIS AWAY 10/30 MARYSVILLE HOME the potential to be very effective on offense. Brummett is a good athlete, and should be an improved dual-threat quarterback this season. Nelson is elusive, but will probably be the focus for opposing defenses this year. The Falcons will need a couple other players to step up as receiving threats, and another running threat would also be helpful. Riley County returns five starters on defense, including two-time All-League linebacker Josh Brazzle. Brazzle wrapped up 86 tackles last season, but lost the rest of his cohorts in the linebacking corps to graduation. The Falcons also have limited experience in the defensive backfield. Trace Nelson had 36 tackles and is the only returning starter in the backfield, but did earn Honorable Mention All-League at cornerback last season. A trio of juniors returns as starters on the defensive line. Dylan Moore, Dillon Reichert (200) and Tucker Cales (185) should all be improved from last season. Cales led the returning starters on the line with 31 tackles. Other depth on the defensive line could easily come from a few of the starters on the offensive line. The Falcons have some obvious talent in a few of the defensive positions, but they also have some question marks behind the defensive line. Barring injury problems, Riley County looks to be improved from last season. The Mid- East League will be tough as always, but this Falcon squad has big play potential and should be fun to watch. Dan Johnson 52 Pigskin & Hoops

51 In spite of some key injuries, the Lady Falcons still managed a state tournament appearance last season. Only one starter returns, but there s still plenty of remaining talent that came off the bench. Coach Harold Oliver anticipates a big season from lone returning starter, 5 9 Alyssa Kulp. Now a junior, Kulp is a strong, athletic and fast post player who averaged six points. Another player that could have a breakout season is 5 8 sophomore Bethany Crubel who Oliver says is a very versatile inside-outside threat and played extremely well late in the season. 5 8 junior guard Jordan Clouse also played valuable minutes, and can score off the dribble or behind the arc. The coach says Kulp, Crubel and Clouse all had great summers, and he expects big contributions from them. The Lady Falcons will be young, but Oliver expects solid senior leadership from 5 8 Allie Martin and 5 10 Abigail Wahl. Oliver also expects junior guards Kerrigan Simons and Taylor Prockish to compete for major playing time, and possibly a starting position. Oliver says his team will be inexperienced at the start of the season, and he expects some growing pains. However, he says this group is excited, has worked very hard in off season and has high expectations. The coach says they feel we have the potential to be a dangerous team in late February. The Falcon boys experienced some struggles last season, but also saw good development for some of their returning players. In fact, now-seniors Trace Nelson and Brice Brummett were each voted to the 10-member All-League team. Brummett stood 6 2 as a junior and learned how to use his athleticism inside to become the team s most consistent scorer. Nelson was a streaky shooter from the perimeter, but is also very quick and a good defender away from the basket. Coach Steve Riley County Falcons Fritz s team has a strong group of juniors who contributed as sophomores last year. Jackson Wagner didn t put up big numbers, but was a consistent role player that started as a sophomore. Alex Sager worked his way into the starting lineup by the end of the season, trying to bring instant offense whenever he entered the game. Dalton Huey played valuable minutes and became one of the team s best rebounders. Fellow junior Zachary Richard was also in the playing rotation, giving the Falcons some extra help inside. Further depth this season could come from seniors Kobe Brown and Justin Cooper. Coach Fritz s team doesn t have any individuals with tremendous height, but the Falcons do have decent length across the lineup. With the abilities of the two All- Leaguers added in, Riley County should be a tough test for most teams this season. Dan Johnson Basketball Schedule 12/05 VALLEY HEIGHTS HOME 12/09 WAMEGO AWAY 12/12 SILVER LAKE HOME 12/16 CLAY CENTER AWAY 01/06 ROCK CREEK HOME 01/09 ROSSVILLE HOME 01/13 ST. MARYS AWAY 01/16 SILVER LAKE AWAY 01/20-24 HILLSBORO TOURNAMENT AWAY 01/30 WABAUNSEE AWAY 02/02 MARYSVILLE HOME 02/06 ROCK CREEK AWAY 02/10 CONCORDIA HOME 02/13 WABAUNSEE HOME 02/17 COUNCIL GROVE AWAY 02/20 ROSSVILLE AWAY 02/26 ST. MARYS HOME Boys Profi le STEVE FRITZ YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 2-8 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 9 ASST. COACHES: Girls Profi le HAROLD OLIVER YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 10-0 STARTERS RETURNING: 1 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 7 ASST.COACHES: Pigskin & Hoops

52 Mustangs ROCK CREEK Mid-East League 3A Black & Silver Profi le MIKE BEAM YEARS AT SCHOOL: 22 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 1-2 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: ASSISTANT COACHES: Last season was not typical for the Rock Creek Mustangs. Some key injuries and inconsistent play led to a disappointing year. The Mustangs were fairly young last season, and the experience gained should be very beneficial this year. Rock Creek returns their biggest offensive threat in swift senior Jackson Goodmiller who gained 1,080 all-purpose yards last season. Goodmiller rushed for 624 yards and caught for 117 more. He also gained 320 yards on kickoff returns. Goodmiller was one of three Mustangs to split time at quarterback last season. The most effective passer has graduated, leaving Goodmiller and fellow senior Alex Feldkamp as the likely candidates for signal caller this season. Goodmiller had more than half of the team s rushing attempts and rushing yardage last season, but several other returning players also carried the ball. Senior Lane Forge is more of a traditional fullback, and carried the ball 38 times last season. Versatile senior Zach Nider ran the ball 27 times, but had the biggest average per carry. Another versatile athlete, senior Nate Berard ran 17 times last season. Feldkamp should also factor into the running game. Rock Creek tends to keep the ball on the ground, but when they do throw, their passing plays tend to be big gainers. Nider led the team in catches last season with nine, Berard had eight, while Goodmiller added seven receptions. Each averaged at least 13 yards per catch. Feldkamp caught four passes, but averaged 27 yards per catch. Junior tight end Carson Becker also caught four passes, but gained 29 yards on average. As a whole, the Mustangs averaged 17 yards per catch. Graduation took 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 WAMEGO AWAY 09/12 CLAY CENTER AWAY 09/19 ROSSVILLE HOME 09/26 WABAUNSEE HOME 10/03 RILEY COUNTY HOME 10/10 SILVER LAKE AWAY 10/17 ST. MARYS AWAY 10/24 NEMAHA CENTRAL AWAY 10/30 CENTRALIA HOME away several linemen on both offense and defense, but plenty of candidates are waiting for their turn. That group includes seniors Ian Shriner, Wyatt Fouts, Paul Glover and Chase Ridder, juniors Jason Stadel, Issac Brunkow, Keagan Laflin, Tristan LaRocque, Nathaniel Jilka, Jared Garcia, Layne Turnbull, Trystan Buss and Isaiah Dobbins, and sophomore Tregan Sutton. On defense, the Mustangs graduated their three top tacklers. According to online statistics, Carson Becker is the leading returning tackler with 20 in his sophomore campaign. Nate Berard collected 18 from his defensive back position. Junior Luke Niemeyer is another player who stepped up as a sophomore, tallying 14 tackles. Goodmiller is the only other returning player with double-figure tackles, recording 11 at defensive back. Other players who will probably get considerably more snaps on defense this season are Chase Ridder, Trystan Buss, junior Cody Vidana, junior Damon Smith, junior A.J. Burenheide, Lane Forge and junior Logan Jenson. A lot of Mustangs who ve never been listed as starters still have substantial varsity playing experience. Rock Creek should be solid in the offensive and defensive backfields. There are also some younger players with a lot of size that could impact the play on the lines. There are a few unknowns as to who might step up for the Mustangs, but this team should be improved from last season. Dan Johnson 877.WTC fb.com/wtckansas 54 Pigskin & Hoops

53 14-15 Basketball Schedule 12/04 WAMEGO HOME 12/05 CLAY CENTER AWAY 12/09 ABILENE AWAY 12/12 COUNCIL GROVE HOME 12/16 ST. MARYS AWAY 12/19 WABAUNSEE HOME 01/06 RILEY COUNTY AWAY 01/09 SILVER LAKE HOME 01/13 ROSSVILLE HOME 01/16 WABAUNSEE AWAY 01/19-23 BURLINGTON TOURN. AWAY (B) 01/26-30 HIAWATHA TOURN. AWAY (G) 02/03 CENTRALIA HOME 02/06 RILEY COUNTY HOME 02/10 MARYSVILLE AWAY 02/13 ST. MARYS HOME 02/17 CHAPMAN HOME 02/20 SILVER LAKE AWAY 02/26 ROSSVILLE AWAY The Mustang boys rolled through league play undefeated last season en route to a state tournament appearance, and have the potential to do it again. Rock Creek graduated an All-State player, but Coach Jim Johnston s team returns four starters and will again feature a lot of size and depth. Rock Creek returns the league s best post combo in juniors 6 5 Carson Becker and 6 2 Jared Garcia. As sophomores, Becker averaged 13 points and eight rebounds, while Garcia averaged 11 points and six rebounds. Both earned All- League honors, and Becker was named Honorable Mention All-State. The guards are also strong, with 6 1 Nate Berard, 5 11 Jackson Goodmiller and 6 0 Alex Feldkamp. Berard can be an explosive scorer, while Goodmiller and Feldkamp are extremely good defenders. Flexible 6 3 senior guard/forward Zach Nider will also battle for a starting position, but which one? According to Johnston, Nider is able to play four different positions. Four other Mustangs could also play some major varsity minutes this season. 6 4 senior Keldon Fox and 6 4 junior Tristan Buss would probably be starters on most other league teams. 6 2 guard Caleb Rogge is a perimeter threat and a good rebounder sophomore Avery Ebert is also a capable guard. Johnton says the disappointing 1st round loss at State will motivate his team to achieve greater heights this season. Johnston adds that they must work hard to improve because the Mustangs will have a target on their back. Boys Profi le JIM JOHNSTON YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 10-0 STARTERS RETURNING: 4 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 7 ASSISTANT COACHES: Rock Creek Mustangs The Lady Mustangs also return four starters from last season, but also feature new Coach Jeremy Lehning. A young Rock Creek squad had some struggles last season, but should be improved this year. Sophomore Morgan Feldkamp earned All-League coming off the bench as a freshman, and is the leading returning scorer for Rock Creek with a 7.4 point average last season. Senior guard/ forward Sarah Altenhofen received Honorable Mention All-League for her strong defensive play along with 6.2 scoring average. The other returning starters are senior guards Kayla Boltz and Jacy Johnston, junior forward Winter Henry and junior center 6 0 Alli Snapp. Snapp led the returning players in rebounding with 6.6 per contest, and was also an effective shot blocker. Henry was close behind in rebounding with 5.9 boards per game. Rock Creek also has three other letter winners from last season. Sophomores Brynn Hammett, Olivia Lee and Jayden Weers each received some valuable varsity time. Coach Lehning says they are hoping the team chemistry can continue to build to a new level this season. He says the Lady Mustangs are taking lessons learned from last year and using them to help focus on things that can help each of them improve as individuals, which in return will make them a better overall team. Lehning adds that the league looks very strong and competitive this season, and that he could see any team winning it. Dan Johnson Girls Profi le JEREMY LEHNING YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 2-8 STARTERS RETURNING: 4 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 9 ASSISTANT COACHES: Pigskin & Hoops

54 Bulldogs ROSSVILLE Mid-East League 3A Red & Black Profi le DERICK HAMMES YEARS AT SCHOOL: 2 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 3-0 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 9 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: ASSISTANT COACHES: His first year with the Bulldawgs was a smashing success for Coach Derick Hammes as Rossville rolled undefeated through regular season play and came up just one game short of playing for the state championship. A lot of that team is back, and year two has equally high expectations. Nine starters are back on offense, led by All-League quarterback Tucker Horak. Now a junior, Horak orchestrated a Bulldawg attack that racked up more than 3,500 yards last season. Individually, Horak ran for a school record 1,807 yards and 33 touchdowns. He also passed for 1,706 yards and 14 touchdowns. In addition to Tucker Horak, a trio of senior running backs will share the workload rushing the ball. Nick Reesor earned All- League at running back last year. He, along with Jack Steckel and Thatcher Horak will help provide a potent running attack again this season. Senior Corbin Horak and junior Christian Roduner were each effective at receiver, making 25 and 19 catches respectively. Both earned All-League honors at receiver. If there is a question for the Rossville offense, it s how to replace a couple All-League linemen. Still, the Dawgs will be able to lean on the returning experience up front from senior Terrance Sowers and juniors Zach Jenson and Tyler Sage. Senior Luke Hertig and juniors Kole Daveron, Eric Ebert and Gabe Marney will battle to shore up the other line positions. Rossville doesn t return quite as much on defense as compared to offense, but the Dawgs still have seven starters back. Much like the offense, the biggest concern seems to be replacing some talented starters up front. Terrance Sowers 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 CLAY CENTER HOME 09/12 WABAUNSEE HOME 09/19 ROCK CREEK AWAY 09/26 RILEY COUNTY AWAY 10/03 ST. MARYS HOME 10/10 CENTRALIA AWAY 10/17 OSKALOOSA AWAY 10/24 OSAGE CITY HOME 10/30 SILVER LAKE HOME and junior Isaac Luellen will anchor the defensive line, most likely joined by newcomers junior Alex Cavanough and the senior Hertig. Sowers collected 63 tackles last season from his defensive end position. Luellen added 27 and three sacks at tackle. All-League linebacker Nick Reesor had 91 tackles last season, but the other starting linebackers graduated. Seniors Jack Steckel and Lake Schultz-Pruner, along with junior Derek Gentry appear to be the front-runners to fill the other linebacking positions. The defensive backfield is loaded with athleticism with returning starters Corbin Horak and Christian Roduner at the corners, Tucker Horak at free safety and Thatcher Horak at strong safety. Thatcher Horak was voted All-League on defense last season with 37 tackles and two interceptions. Roduner was Honorable Mention All-League with 38 tackles and two interceptions. Hammes says, while the defensive backfield has depth, he still would like to see significant improvement with this unit as the season progresses. Hammes says the Dawgs exceeded some expectations last season. He says expectations are high this year due to their depth and experience, but adds that his team still has some huge challenges ahead. Those include scheduled dates against defending State Champions Silver Lake and Centralia. In order to accomplish their goals, Hammes says the Dawgs will have to be at their best in the last half of the season. Dan Johnson J.B. PEARL SALES & SERVICES, INC W. Hwy 24 St. Marys, Kansas (785) Front Street Perry, Kansas (785) Toll St. Mary s: 1-877JBPEARL ROSSVILLE TRUCK & TRACTOR CO. Tractors Combines Implements Lawn & Garden NW Hwy 24 Rossville, Ks (785) FAX (785) Go Dawgs! Hiniker GB Loaders Westendorf Killbros 56 Pigskin & Hoops

55 The Bulldawgs were vastly improved at the end of the season last year compared to the early part of the season. Coach Derek Dick s team should start off well ahead of where they started last year, as practically the whole team is back including all five starters. Senior Thatcher Horak earned All-League last season, averaging 13 points and four rebounds. Fellow senior Lake Schultz-Pruner followed with 10 points and three rebounds per contest, but developed into the Dawgs go-to guy in clutch situations. Junior point guard Tucker Horak s streaky perimeter shot improved through the season as he averaged nine points and four assists. Senior Corbin Horak was a more consistent presence at forward, scoring eight points per contest and pulling down six rebounds. Senior Terrance Sowers was also strong on the boards with six per game. The bench will have good depth as junior Christian Roduner and senior Ethan Woodcock were interchangeable parts Basketball Schedule 12/05 WAMEGO HOME 12/09 CHAPMAN AWAY 12/09-12 FIGHTING IRISH CLASSIC AWAY (G) 12/19 FRANKFORT HOME 01/02 PERRY-LECOMPTON AWAY 01/06 SILVER LAKE HOME 01/09 RILEY COUNTY AWAY 01/13 ROCK CREEK AWAY 01/16 ST. MARYS HOME 01/20-24 BURLINGTON TOURNAMENT AWAY 02/03 ST. MARYS AWAY 02/06 WABAUNSEE HOME 02/10 OSAGE CITY HOME 02/13 SILVER LAKE AWAY 02/17 WABAUNSEE AWAY 02/20 RILEY COUNTY HOME 02/26 ROCK CREEK HOME at most positions. Then freshman Dawson Hammes shot his way into the varsity rotation late in the season. Now a sophomore, Hammes should give Rossville another perimeter threat. Coach Dick says his team will be very athletic, but small once again. He says his players gained valuable experience last season, but need to become more consistent. Dick adds that the Dawgs should be fun to watch, and if they improve over the off-season they could be very competitive this year. The Lady Dawgs should also be fun to watch. Coach Michael Bell brings back three starters and sic other players who saw significant minutes last year. Senior post Taylor Kirk earned All-League honors and is a gifted athlete who excels at rebounding and blocking shots. Junior point guard Heidi Nitsch earned Honorable Mention and provided an outside shooting threat as well as directing the team s offense. Sophomore Boys Profi le DEREK DICK YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 5-5 STARTERS RETURNING: 5 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 7 ASST. COACHES: Rossville Bulldogs forward Amanda Hill could be poised for a breakout season. Hill started as a freshman and was bumped around in the paint by stronger players, but has a good shooting touch and can handle the ball. Several Lady Dawgs contributed off the bench last season, and should play even bigger roles this year. Junior Lauren Steckel provides another perimeter shooting threat. Sophomore twins Sara and Lora Shinn are physical presences inside as each are 5 10 and solid rebounders. Seniors Breanna Hill and Michaela Little will add depth at guard and forward, respectively. Junior Katie Conley worked her way into the varsity rotation late last season, and could push for a starting role this year. The Lady Dawgs lost a great defender to graduation, but they have their main scoring threats back. The Mid-East League looks wide-open, and these Lady Dawgs have the tools to contend for the title. Dan Johnson Girls Profi le MICHAEL BELL YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: STARTERS RETURNING: 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 9 ASST. COACHES: FAX E BERTRAND ST. MARY S KANSAS Pigskin & Hoops

56 Panthers ROYAL VALLEY Big 7 League 4A-DII Purple & Silver Profi le JAKE LOTT YEARS AT SCHOOL: 1 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 0-3 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: ASSISTANT COACHES: DAVE BARTA, RUSSELL HODISON, WILL MITCHELL, KYLE PORTER In most recent seasons the Royal Valley football team has been pretty competitive - at least until last year, when the Panthers went the season without a victory. That led to a new head coach being hired, and Jake Lott will try and get the Panthers back on the upside. Lott will have some experience to work with, as the majority of starters return for That includes junior quarterback Zack Lux (5 9, 170), who started eight of the nine games directing a rush heavy offense, throwing only 68 passes in those eight games. Most of the running back corp returns as well with senior Matthew Bailey (6 1, 190) and junior Derrick Barger (5 11, 170) leading the way with 500 and 400 yards, respectively. The top two fullbacks also return with senior Nehemiah Schuetz (6, 220) and junior Garrett Schultz (5 9, 165). Schuetz led the team with four touchdowns, which were hard to come by for last year s club as they scored just 11 times. Coach Lott will bring a new system for them to learn hoping to increase that total. The offensive line will have experience returning as well, with seniors Tristan Tessendorf (6 3, 200) and Chance Ogden (6, 190) and junior Jarrett Roy (6 3, 240) leading the way. Two more lettermen, senior Jack Katina (6 ) and junior Weston Hasty (5 10 ) also are contenders to play up front. We re a young team returning a lot of contributors, says Coach Lott, adding the key will be the players buying into the new program 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 ABILENE HOME 09/12 HIAWATHA AWAY 09/19 SANTA FE TRAIL AWAY 09/26 MCLOUTH HOME 10/03 RIVERSIDE AWAY 10/10 SABETHA HOME 10/17 PERRY-LECOMPTON AWAY 10/24 JEFF WEST AWAY 10/31 HOLTON HOME and working as hard as they can to erase last season. Defensively many of those same players will see action as well. Barger is the leading returning tackler with 42 from his spot in the secondary. Bailey, Schuetz and Schultz will play linebacker with Tessendorf, Ogden and Roy on the line and Lux joining Barger in the backfield. Overall the team needs to get bigger, stronger and faster says Lott. He also is counting on his returning players for leadership, saying they need to step up and lead the program in the right direction. The Big Seven will provide challenges every week in league play, and also in the district where the Panthers get Perry-Lecompton, Jeff West and arch-rival and perennial power Holton. They ll also get a big test right off the bat with another 4A power, Abilene, coming in for the opener. The Panthers also face McLouth and Sabetha at home while they travel to Hiawatha and Riverside in league play and also head to Santa Fe Trail, which is changing leagues and is no longer in the Big Seven. The Panthers were able to build up their roster numbers in recent seasons and Lott says they will have some underclassmen with playing time to provide some depth, as well as those who return. The schedule is tough, but any wins the Panthers get this year will be a step forward from 2013 as they start to rebuild their program. Eric Pedersen Calderwood s Grocery your hometown grocer PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE ROYAL VALLEY PANTHERS! Mon - Sat: 7:30am-8:00pm Sunday: 8:00am-2:00pm HOYT, KS Follow us Pigskin & Hoops

57 Royal Valley s boys basketball team had a bit of a tough time in the Big Seven League but outside the league the Panthers went 5-3 and almost pulled off a sub-state title. Coach Keith Pelton lost five seniors from that club so he ll have a younger edition returning, but the Panthers have size and leadership that can keep them competitive this season. The two returning starters man the forward spots in senior Tristan Tessendorf (6 3 ) and junior Noah Rottinghaus (6 3 ), both of whom averaged between four and five points and right around four rebounds. Joining them up front will be senior Joe Cullen (6 5 ), giving them a nice sized front line. Three juniors will see the most time at guard, including Kwaki Spoonhunter (6 ), Derrick Barger (5 11 ) and Zack Lux (5 10 ). Juniors Jarrett Roy (6 1 ) and Derek Linn (6 3 ) will be the primary substitutes at forward and post. Coach Pelton says chemistry and work ethic are two of the team s strongest points. With that as the foundation of the program, the Panthers hope to out-work their opponents on both ends of the floor, says Pelton, who adds that those qualities will help make up for losing the depth they had last year. In Rottinghaus he has a versatile player who could, by Pelton s estimation, play Basketball Schedule 12/05 JEFF WEST AWAY 12/09 ACCHS HOME 12/12 HIAWATHA AWAY 12/16 RIVERSIDE HOME 12/19 SANTA FE TRAIL AWAY 01/06 NEMAHA CENTRAL HOME 01/09 SABETHA HOME 01/13 PERRY-LECOMPTON AWAY 01/16 HOLTON AWAY 01/22-24 PANTHER CLASSIC HOME 01/30 JEFF WEST HOME 02/03 ACCHS AWAY 02/06 HIAWATHA HOME 02/10 RIVERSIDE AWAY 02/17 NEMAHA CENTRAL AWAY 02/20 SABETHA AWAY 02/24 PERRY-LECOMPTON HOME 02/27 HOLTON HOME Boys Profi le KEITH PELTON YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 5-9 STARTERS RETURNING: 2 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 6 ASST. COACHES: DALLAS BLOCKER, WARREN FINK Royal Valley Panthers any of the five positions. Tessendorf and Spoonhunter are particularly adept at taking charges defensively, while Cullen was among the Big Seven leaders in blocked shots. Pelton expects this team will feature balanced scoring, even among those who come off the bench, and that the players will help push each other to be their best. Most of the schedule will be the double round robin of Big Seven play, including league newcomers Riverside and ACCHS, and Pelton says that someone will step up to challenge the league favorites, who he believes will be Sabetha, Holton and Nemaha Central. The Panther girls have a new coach this season in Corey Katzer, and they ll be bringing back a great deal of talent from last year s.500 team. The leading returning scorer is senior guard Jaycee Worrell (5 3 ) at 12.4 points a game. Fellow senior guard Leslie Schuetz (5 3 ) is one of the team leaders defensively, while senior center Kassidy Dahl (6 1 ) gives them a strong post presence. Levonna Biggoose (5 9 ) is a junior who can play all three front line positions while senior Hannah Wahwassuck (5 5 ) gives them more depth there, as does junior Katie Hanson (5 9 ). Another junior, Macy Putnam (5 5 ), should be the first guard off the bench, and several sophomores and freshmen could see varsity playing time as well. Katzer likes the combination of players on the roster, saying his juniors and seniors have a great deal of experience and leadership attributes while the younger players have tremendous talent coming out of the travel ball circuit. They ll have to learn a new system, for some their third in three years, and Katzer wants to play an up-tempo style offensively and an active defense as well. Katzer says the team has good speed and athletic ability and hopes they can transition quickly into what they want to do. The Panther girls, like the boys, play a double round robin league schedule with one non-league game against Santa Fe Trail, which left the Big Seven for the Pioneer League this year. They ll also host their own Panther Classic in January. Our coaching staff is excited to get to work and continue to build upon the foundation that s been laid said Katzer, who sounds like he is expecting things to improve from this point, even in a great girls league like the Big Seven has been. Eric Pedersen Girls Profi le COREY KATZER YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 6-7 STARTERS RETURNING: 4 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 9 ASST. COACHES: BRAD ALLEY, KYLE PORTER Pizza Pasta Sandwiches Salad Bar Dine In Carry Out 7232 K-4 Highway, Meriden 510 E. Front Street, Perry North side of the Square, Oskaloosa a.m. to 10p.m. Sunday-Thursday 11a.m. to 11p.m. Friday & Saturday Pigskin & Hoops

58 Profi le KEVIN KINDERKNECHT YEARS AT SCHOOL: 11 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 2-1 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 2 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 2 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 12 ASSISTANT COACHES: MARK O HALLORAN, RUSSELL MEDLEY, KEVIN VANDERBILT, TROY BILEDEAU 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 MARYSVILLE HOME 09/12 CONCORDIA AWAY 09/19 WABAUNSEE AWAY 09/26 SILVER LAKE HOME 10/03 ROSSVILLE AWAY 10/10 RILEY COUNTY HOME 10/17 ROCK CREEK HOME 10/24 CENTRALIA AWAY 10/30 NEMAHA CENTRAL HOME Bears ST. MARYS Mid-East League 3A Blue & White Most likely, no football team in the Mid-East League was hit as hard by graduation as the St. Marys Bears. Veteran coach Kevin Kinderknecht has just two returning starters on offense, and two on defense. That s not to say the cupboard is bare. St. Marys does have 12 returning players that are letter-winners from last year. And, while the Bears may have limited varsity experience, they also have some up-and-coming players that may surprise a lot of people. The returning starters on offense are seniors Kyle Schremmer and Brian Hutley. Schremmer earned All-League at tight end last season. He is a big, physical specimen who provides solid blocking and a nice target for short to mid-range passing situations. Hutley is also burly and physical. He played primarily on the line last season, but may take his blocking skills to the fullback this season. Opposing linebackers won t be too happy to see Hutley heading their way. There is some varsity experience at running back as senior Brennan Moser and juniors Cory Tyler and Nick Rutledge all had some carries last season. Junior Louis Johnson was unable to play last season, but Kinderknecht is anticipating that Johnson could have some big plays from the slot position. Junior Jayson Failer is the projected quarterback. There s not an abundance of experience on the line, but the Bears should still have some beef up front. Senior Andrew Bird couldn t play last year, but looks to take over at center. Junior Vincent Parks and senior Cole Lueger are the projected guards. Lueger didn t 2014 Football Outlook play last season, but should be a physical presence on the line. Seniors Tyler Morgan and Chase Roth are the projected tackles. St. Marys has had a good running attack for the past several years. While the carries may be spread more evenly between multiple backs this year, the Bears should still be able to run the ball. Brennan Moser and Cory Tyler are the only returning starters on defense. Moser tallied 27 tackles as a linebacker last year, while Tyler played cornerback. The projected defensive line will be young, but the coach thinks they could be good. Kinderknecht likes what he sees in sophomore tackles Chris Akin and Mitchell Roche. Juniors Jordan Colson and Jared Schoeman are the favorites to start at defensive end. Kinderknecht projects the starting linbacking corps to be Schremmer, Moser, senior Garrett Miller and junior Reagan Steele. Athletic junior Tyler Layton projects to be the cornerback opposite Cory Tyler, and Jayson Failer will most likely man the safety position. Schremmer brings some experience back to the special teams as the punter and kicker. Kinderknecht says most of their stats graduated, and that his team will be playing many new people. He says these players will need to be ready to step up. There are a lot of unknowns for the Bears going into this season, but they appear to have the physical tools to be competitive. Learning roles and avoiding mistakes may be the biggest key. Dan Johnson 877.WTC fb.com/wtckansas 60 Pigskin & Hoops

59 An off-season knee injury sidelined All- State talent Clare Thomas last year. With Thomas out, the rest of the Lady Bears were forced to improve. That could have big dividends this season. As odd as it may sound, St. Marys actually has six starters returning. The now-senior Thomas lit up opponents for a 26 point average her sophomore season. She should have plenty of help this season. Sweet shooting senior Maria Moylan stepped into the leader role, earning All-League with a 15 point average. Moylan would have scored more, but part-way through the season almost every opponent adjusted their defense to focus on her. With Thomas back, that won t be an option this season. Senior Stephani Robbins seven point scoring average was deceiving because her offensive production picked up later in the season as teams tried to limit Moylan. Likewise, junior Kati Kolde had multiple double-figure games late in the season after being virtually invisible on offense early Basketball Schedule 12/09-12 ST. MARYS PRESEASON TOURN. HOME 12/16 ROCK CREEK HOME 12/19 SILVER LAKE AWAY 01/09 WABAUNSEE AWAY 01/13 RILEY COUNTY HOME 01/16 ROSSVILLE AWAY 01/19 JACKSON HEIGHTS HOME 01/20-24 NEMAHA CENTRAL TOURN. AWAY (B) 01/22-24 MCLOUTH INVITATIONAL AWAY (G) 01/30 JACKSON HEIGHTS HOME 02/03 ROSSVILLE HOME 02/06 SILVER LAKE HOME 02/10 LYNDON HOME 02/13 ROCK CREEK AWAY 02/17 OSAGE CITY HOME 02/20 CENTRALIA AWAY 02/24 WABAUNSEE HOME 02/26 RILEY COUNTY AWAY on. Senior starters Mallory Mitchell and Madi Perry filled other roles for the team. The Lady Bears lacked size and depth last year. Junior Kaycee Flanagan helped in both areas, earning playing time off the bench and becoming the team s best rebounder. A couple other younger players may also be ready for varsity action this season. The Lady Bears still lack size, but they have some big-time weapons and could be really good this year. Last year was brutal for the Bears, but some young players got opportunities to play and could surprise some teams this season. Most notably, Jeffrey Kleinsmith played major minutes as a freshman, earning a starting position midway through the season by becoming the team s most reliable outside shooter. Another bright prospect, Jared Shoemann s minutes off the bench increased during his sophomore season as he showed a natural ability for rebounding along with glimpses of Boys Profi le ADAM HURLA YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 1-9 STARTERS RETURNING: 1 LETTERMEN RETURNING: ASST. COACHES: KC SIMMONS, ALLEN HARE Custom Interiors & Floor Coverings St. Marys Bears offensive ability in the paint. With a little additional growth and strength, Shoemann could develop into one of the league s better post players. St. Marys was also missing a sophomore sharp-shooter last year due to an injury. If he plays this season, it could make a big difference offensively. Senior experience will be at a minimum, as Brian Hutley is the only one who played meaningful minutes. Hutley is also an outside shooting threat, albeit streaky. St. Marys will lack some height, but senior Cole Lueger should bring some bulk to the middle. Junior guard Caleb Bird will play major minutes, possibly starting at the point. Junior defensive specialist Tyler Layton should also see major minutes. The Bears are young, but the overall skill could be better than last year. This season will be a learning experience, but next year could be very interesting. Dan Johnson Girls Profi le RANDY WILD YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 0-10 STARTERS RETURNING: 5 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 12 ASST.COACHES: COURTNEY KROGER 920 SW Westport Dr. Topeka, Ks FAX FAX E BERTRAND ST. MARY S KANSAS Pigskin & Hoops

60 SANTA FE TRAIL Chargers Pioneer League 4A-DII Red & Blue Profi le JAYSON DUNCAN YEARS AT SCHOOL: 5 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 0-3 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 10 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: ASSISTANT COACHES: Even though Santa Fe Trail logged only one win last season, there are signs of progress as this once-championship contending program continues a long rebuilding process. Head Coach Jayson Duncan begins his fifth season with a load of optimism, as well as a class of experienced seniors which will lead this team to what Duncan hopes will be a winning record for the first time since Many of the seniors have been two or three year starters, including quarterback Weston Gloss, who threw for over 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago. Running backs Chaz Wright and Darric Casheu combined for nearly 1,000 yards and five scores while receiver Cody Vandevord had 27 catches and three touchdowns. They lead an offense which has room for improvement, averaging just 13.5 points, but which returns 10 of its 11 starters. The line also has everyone back with seniors Joe Penrod and Skylar Swarez as the leaders. Defensively many of the same seniors will bring lots of experience to that side of the ball, beginning with Cashiu at linebacker and his 141 tackles (over 15 per game). Connor Fannin joins him at linebacker with 80 tackles while Justin Baker anchors the line from his end position. Vandevord and Chaz Wright will head the secondary. The defense allowed over 31 points per game while going up against a bunch of playoff teams in the Big Seven, but the Chargers also were in a lot of games, losing three by a touchdown or less and staying in games against very tough 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 HAYDEN AWAY 09/12 MANHATTAN HOME 09/19 WASHBURN RURAL AWAY 09/26 JUNCTION CITY HOME 10/03 TOPEKA HIGH HOME 10/10 EMPORIA AWAY 10/17 TOPEKA WEST HOME 10/24 HIGHLAND PARK HOME 10/31 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS AWAY competition for a half or more. This year the Chargers move into a different league, the Pioneer League, which will be a competitive league for football but not as loaded with state caliber teams as the Big Seven. We are expecting great competition week in and week out, says Duncan, noting Iola and Wellsville as the top programs. The Chargers get Iola at home right out of the gate, while a trip to Wellsville looms in week five. Their district schedule also changes dramatically - instead of playoff teams like Baldwin and Eudora, the Chargers will see Bishop Ward and Prairie View at home, while traveling to Osawatomie in the final regular season week. Also on the schedule is Royal Valley, the one team they defeated last season and which will also be in the rebuilding mode for We re expecting 14 seniors and 50 kids (out for football) and it has been a long time since Santa Fe Trail has had that, Duncan says. He should know, having played for the Chargers himself back in better days. Duncan knew it would be a long term process to get his alma mater to a much more competitive state, but for 2014 he says, This is the year where we believe we can win more than we lose. If the key players can stay healthy, the Chargers seem to have everything needed, at least on paper, to reach that winning record. Eric Pedersen 62 Pigskin & Hoops

61 14-15 Basketball Schedule 12/05 OLATHE SOUTH HOME (G) 12/09 KC TURNER HOME (B) 12/12 LANSING AWAY 12/15 SALINA CENTRAL HOME 12/17 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS AWAY 12/19 HAYDEN AWAY 01/06 MANHATTAN HOME 01/09 WASHBURN RURAL AWAY 01/13 EMPORIA AWAY 01/16 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS HOME 01/22-24 VALLEY CENTER TOURN. AWAY (B) 01/23 TOPEKA WEST AWAY (G) 01/29-31 GLACIERS EDGE TOURN. AWAY (G) 01/30 TOPEKA WEST AWAY (B) 02/06 WASHBURN RURAL HOME 02/10 TOPEKA HIGH HOME 02/13 HAYDEN HOME 02/17 JUNCTION CITY AWAY 02/20 HIGHLAND PARK AWAY 02/24 EMPORIA HOME 02/27 MANHATTAN AWAY The Santa Fe Trail boys have a rebuilding program ahead of them for this season - one which will feature a new head coach in Mike Staniec and just one returning starter from last year. Senior guard Weston Gloss is that starter and he s a good piece to build a team around, bringing back a 17 point per game scoring average, second in the Big Seven League. Fellow senior guard Cody Vandevord will see more action this year - he averaged four points. Junior Collin Watkins will also battle for playing time in the backcourt. The big task ahead of them will be rebuilding the front line, as well as getting a large underclassman group accustomed to varsity action. Staniec likes the make-up of the players, though, calling them all hard workers who are dedicated to getting better. He adds they are very athletic - they will be a fun group to coach. One other challenge ahead of the Chargers is playing in a new league, the Pioneer League, which will mean home and home battles with Osawatomie, Iola, Central Heights, Anderson County, Wellsville and Prairie View. Coach Staniec, who has been an assistant the past couple of years, says the Chargers should match up better with these league teams. It s going to be interesting to see where we fit in. The non-conference schedule features a variety of teams, including old Big Seven rival Royal Valley along with Olpe, Labette County, Silver Lake and Osage City. The Chargers also return to the Burlington Tournament in January. The Santa Fe Trail girls also have a rebuilding job ahead of them, but they also have the memories and momentum of a long-awaited state championship the initial 4A Division II title. They also lost six seniors who provided nearly all the scoring for that team, so new head coach Keith Johnson has a pretty clean slate to work with. Three seniors, four juniors and a sophomore all saw at least some varsity action last year, but this year they will be the ones to play all 32 minutes each game instead of just spot action. Guard Mandy Watson is the leading returning scorer, but everyone coming back averaged less than one point per game. The other seniors are guard Devin DeShazer and center Lauren Hobart, who played in only four games. Junior guards Peyton Workman, Keelie Johnson and Carley Stone, junior forward Skye Dunnaway and sophomore guard Grace Herren will Boys Profi le MIKE STANIEC YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 3-10 STARTERS RETURNING: 1 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 8 ASST. COACHES: Santa Fe Trail Chargers be battling for playing time as well. This year s team will be very young, says Johnson, but he also notes that these girls practiced against that state title team every day, and expects defense to be strong. With a guard-heavy roster, it could be a team that has to rely on outside shooting to score, at least in the beginning. The Lady Chargers may have an advantage in their move to the Pioneer League not so much because of the caliber of the league but because these players are not tested at the varsity level and not known to the new teams they ll be facing, but Coach Johnson says the league looks to provide good competition each week. One game that will be a test right away is the opener against Olpe, a long time power in classes 1A and 2A. The midseason tournament at Burlington also has a state class field which will challenge this young team. The Lady Chargers would seem hard pressed to challenge for another state title, but they should come together enough by season s end to be a competitive squad that could provide trouble for someone in sub-state. THE KANSAS STATE BANK Overbrook - Scranton Eric Pedersen Girls Profi le KEITH JOHNSON YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 12-1 STARTERS RETURNING: 0 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 5 ASST. COACHES: JAYSON DUNCAN, DANA WORKMANT Member Pigskin & Hoops

62 Profi le BLAKE PIERCE YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 2-1 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 9 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 15 ASSISTANT COACHES: MIKE LINCOLN, TRAVIS BROWN, JERRICK JORGENSEN, TIM HEBERT, STEVE LINCOLN, MIKE RAGSDALE, DANIEL RUDA 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 HAYDEN AWAY 09/12 MANHATTAN HOME 09/19 WASHBURN RURAL AWAY 09/26 JUNCTION CITY HOME 10/03 TOPEKA HIGH HOME 10/10 EMPORIA AWAY 10/17 TOPEKA WEST HOME 10/24 HIGHLAND PARK HOME 10/31 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS AWAY SEAMAN Vikings Centennial League 5A Cardinal Red & Royal Blue playoff appearance is usually expected when you put the A Viking helmet on for now 11th year head coach Blake Pierce. In 2011, they missed the playoffs, but two consecutive trips to the playoffs in 2012 and 2013, has this 2014 team ready to do some damage in the playoffs. The Vikings did make the playoffs, but didn t have the regular season that they had hoped for going just 1-5 in the league. Look for that to change this coming season. The Vikings return seven starters on offense and a whopping nine on the defensive side of things. The big question for the Vikings is who will be leading the team at quarterback. For the second straight year, it will be a new QB under center for the Vikings. Head Coach Blake Pierce is excited about the quarterback battle saying, This should be a good battle for the quarterback position. We have a few guys who could earn the job. The running back spot will also be a tad new as starter Sam Mizell is gone due to graduation. Look for seniors Reid Fehr and Nick DeVader, who played very well as juniors, to step up and possibly put this team on their shoulders. I feel bad for any defensive back that the Vikings play this year as they have to contend with wide receiver Joe Raegan, now three time defending champion in the 100 and the 200 meters in class 5A. Reagan can flat out fly and should have a dynamic season now that he is healthy. The offensive line might be a little inexperienced, but the Vikings always seem to find players to step in and be effective up front. The defense, which is something this team prides itself on, should be one of the better defenses in the 2014 Football Outlook league. Mike Lincoln heads up the defensive side of the ball and has to be excited about his front seven this year. Leading the way up front will be senior defensive end Wyatt Hendrix, who can seemingly find his way into the backfield at any moment. The linebackers should be the strength of this team. Seniors Hunter Poort, who was all-city defense a year ago and had over 100 tackles, and Reid Fehr, who also notched close to a 100 tackles and had five sacks as well, will be the key leaders of this defense. The secondary will be experienced, but they will have to find someone to step up to fill the void of graduated senior Brady Barnes. The one thing that has seemed to bite the Vikings every year is the injury bug. Head Coach Blake Pierce knows injuries are a part of the game, but expects his team to step up if they do happen saying, We must do a better job overcoming injuries, but with our improved depth, that could help if faced with injury problems like last year. I do like our speed and athleticism this year, but we also must be a little bit more consistent and explosive in our offense. This is a talented bunch of seniors and a large class of seniors that are eager to not just get back to the playoffs, but to put together a better regular season than last year. This team has weapons on offense and a solid front seven on defense. Those two areas make this a dangerous team in 2014 and expect the Vikings to be back in the playoffs for a third straight year. Jake Lebahn Digital & Offset Printing & Binding Large Format Posters, Signs and Banners 1935 N. Topeka Blvd. Topeka, KS Pigskin & Hoops

63 14-15 Basketball Schedule 12/05 OLATHE SOUTH HOME (G) 12/09 KC TURNER HOME (B) 12/12 LANSING AWAY 12/15 SALINA CENTRAL HOME 12/17 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS AWAY 12/19 HAYDEN AWAY 01/06 MANHATTAN HOME 01/09 WASHBURN RURAL AWAY 01/13 EMPORIA AWAY 01/16 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS HOME 01/22-24 VALLEY CENTER TOURN. AWAY (B) 01/23 TOPEKA WEST AWAY (G) 01/29-31 GLACIERS EDGE TOURN. AWAY (G) 01/30 TOPEKA WEST AWAY (B) 02/06 WASHBURN RURAL HOME 02/10 TOPEKA HIGH HOME 02/13 HAYDEN HOME 02/17 JUNCTION CITY AWAY 02/20 HIGHLAND PARK AWAY 02/24 EMPORIA HOME 02/27 MANHATTAN AWAY The Vikings showed signs of turning the corner this past year and will look to turn the corner and then some in Fourth year head coach Craig Cox has experience returning from last year s 8-13 season. Four starters and seven lettermen should put the Vikings in a spot to challenge for the Centennial League crown. The Vikings will be led by a quartet of seniors that include, Joe Miller, who was 1st team all-league after averaging 14 points and six rebounds per contest, Reid Morgart, the league s newcomer of the year this past year, and Hunter Poort, who played very well putting up six points and five rebounds per game. The guard position will be led by Miller, but look for senior Reid Fehr, and Josiah Hazim to improve after their season. Coach Cox will be expecting a lot out of this group saying, We have a large group of returning players that all gained valuable experience last year. The depth and competition should help our team improve very quickly. Cox also believes this year s league race is anyone s for the taking. This year the league is wide open as any as we have seen in the past years, Cox says. The Vikings should have a solid inside presence and if they can knock down the outside shot, look for the Vikings to be threatening for the league title this season. You want to talk consistency? That is what the Lady Viking basketball team has done the past two seasons under now 21st year head coach Steve Alexander. The Lady Vikings went 18-4 two years ago and backed that up with a 19-3 record, plus a trip to the state tournament last year. The Lady Vikings finished second in the Centennial League a year ago and even though they were 19-3, they were the sixth seed and fell to Great Bend in the first round. The Lady Vikings should be very good again this year. Alexander returns three starters and two lettermen from last year s squad. Leading the way for the Vikings is the reigning Centennial League player of the year in senior Tatyanna Legette. Legette averaged a double-double a year ago, 14 Boys Profi le CRAIG COX YEARS AT SCHOOL: 4 RECORD AT SCHOOL: RECORD LEAGUE RECORD 7-6 STTARTERS RETURNING 4 LETTERMEN RETURNING 7 Seaman Vikings points and 10 rebounds per game. Joining Legette in the post will be senior Rachel Heald, who averaged eight points and five rebounds. Legette and Heald could make up the best frontcourt in all the Centennial League. Junior guard Brooke McMillin will look to improve upon her nice junior season in which she averaged 11 points and three assists. Senior Cassidy Henry and junior Tatum Smith will help McMillin at the guard spot after playing some key minutes off the bench last year. Alexander knows expectations will be high this year saying, We have a good nucleus of players that hopefully will become good leaders. We need to be more consistent shooters from the outside this coming year and we will need to stay healthy. Legette, Heald and McMillin give this team a lot of firepower. If a few players step up to add some depth, this team should be once again playing at the Expocentre in the state tournament this year. Jake Lebahn Girls Profi le STEVE ALEXANDER YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 12-1 STARTERS RETURNING 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 2 ASST. COACHES: STEVE DARTING, JULIE KIZZAR, AUBREE GUSTIN GOOD LUCK Vikings! Carlson Auction Services, Inc. Pigskin & Hoops

64 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS underbirds Centennial League 5A Columbia Blue, Red & White Profi le JASON SWIFT YEARS AT SCHOOL: 12TH RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 3-0 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 15 ASSISTANT COACHES: BRAD NICKS, DOUG HOLMES, MICHAEL WERNER, RYAN SMITH, JOHN OSHEL, RICHARD LADY The Thunderbird football program was in a familiar spot in 2013 and that is making the class 5A playoffs once again. That is becoming the norm for the Shawnee Heights Thunderbird football program. The big question for the T- Birds will be can they improve to make a run for the league title and possibly make some noise in the playoffs. Jason Swift is back for this 12th year as the head coach of the Thunderbirds and he should be all smiles heading into the 2014 season. Swift, who is the dean of the city coaches as he has been at this school the longest, has eight starters coming back on offense and six starters back on the defensive side of the ball. The Thunderbirds like most schools did lose a few key cogs to the machine from last year. Gone due to graduation are Taymon Grabauskas, Colton Kennedy, Tyson Toelkes, Kameron Dawson and Corey Balentine. Those are five key players from a year ago that the T-Birds will have to replace. That is the bad news, but the good news is Head Coach Jason Swift thinks he has players to fill those spots. The offense will be led by senior QB Camden Wheatley, who did see some action last year in splitting time with Grabauskas for a portion of the season. Wheatley should have some nice running backs to hand it off to, especially all-league senior Tony Barksdale Jr, who led them in rushing a year ago with 710 yards and 12 touchdowns. Look for senior running back Logan Meador and junior Alex Shiekh to add depth to the running back spot. Wheatley does have some explosive wide receivers to throw to in seniors Austen Hubert, who recorded 33 receptions and close to 700 yards a year ago, which earned him honorable 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 MANHATTAN AWAY 09/12 BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST HOME 09/19 JUNCTION CITY HOME 09/26 HAYDEN AWAY 10/03 EMPORIA HOME 10/10 TOPEKA HIGH AWAY 10/17 HIGHLAND PARK HOME 10/24 TOPEKA WEST AWAY 10/31 SEAMAN HOME mention all-state. Malik Stanley, who hauled in over 400 yards in receptions, will look to have a big senior year. The offensive line should be pretty stout up front. Seniors Derek Selk and Evan Haverkamp will lead the way and they expect juniors Niolai Tostado and Jared Cooper to be a force as well. The defense for the T-birds has experience coming back at every level, which always makes a head coach smile. Leading the way will be all-league senior safety DeJuan Gardenhire, who was a tackling machine last year notching 125 tackles. Senior Andrew Korbe and senior Aiden Lighthiser will also help lock down the T-bird secondary. The linebacker core should be solid as well with senior Carter Hall manning the middle and senior Justin Snyder holding down the outside linebacker spot. Senior Zach Holmes and Jake Winter will handle the defensive line duties and should improve upon their junior campaigns up front. Swift knows this team has experience and expects big things from them saying, This is the most athletic football team that has played for Shawnee Heights in a long time. This group of seniors has been working hard and should be ready to play immediately under the lights. I feel there is a chance something special could happen this year. This team has talent all over the field, both in the trenches and in the skill positions. If this team plays with confidence and gets a few underclassmen to help with depth, look for the T-birds to be a dangerous team in 2014 to not only make the playoffs, but also maybe make a run in them as well. Jake Lebahn 66 Pigskin & Hoops

65 The Thunderbirds were on their third coach in as many years going into the when Sam Stroh took over the program. The T-Birds might have been the best 5A team in the state not to make the state tournament ago, losing to Highland Park in the sub-state final after their 16-6 finish to the regular season. Stroh, now in his second year, returns three starters from a team that could put up lots of points, 60 per game last year. The T-Birds lost some key players of last year s squad in Javon Barksdale, Tevin Downing and Braeson Sester, but the cupboard is hardly bare. Seniors Tez Scroggins, Tony Barksdale and Kobe Godeau are all back at the guard spot and senior Malik Stanley should make big strides in the post this year. Scroggins and Barksdale are two guards that are explosive and can take over a game if needed to. Stroh is looking to build upon his first year as the T-Bird head coach saying, I really liked what I saw out of our seniors this summer and I Basketball Schedule 12/05 KC TURNER AWAY (B) 12/09 LANSING HOME 12/12 LAWRENCE AWAY (G) 12/17 SEAMAN HOME 12/19 WASHBURN RURAL HOME 01/06 HIGHLAND PARK AWAY 01/09 JUNCTION CITY AWAY 01/13 HAYDEN HOME 01/16 SEAMAN AWAY 01/20 LEAVENWORTH AWAY (G) 01/23 JUNCTION CITY HOME (G) 01/22-24 RALPH MILLER CLASSIC AWAY (B) 01/29-31 VARSITY TOURNAMENT AWAY 01/30 JUNCTION CITY HOME (B) 02/03 LEAVENWORTH AWAY (B) 02/06 EMPORIA HOME 02/10 MANHATTAN AWAY 02/13 TOPEKA WEST HOME 02/17 HIGHLAND PARK HOME 02/20 WASHBURN RURAL AWAY 02/24 TOPEKA HIGH AWAY 02/27 HAYDEN AWAY Digital & Offset Printing & Binding Large Format Posters, Signs and Banners 1935 N. Topeka Blvd. Topeka, KS think if we can come together as a team, we can have a good year. I think we are more familiar with each other and year two in our system should only help. Offense won t be problem for the T-Birds this year. They will be able to score. If they can defend a little bit better than last year s squad, this team has a chance to win the league and make a trip to the state tournament. The Lady Thunderbirds showed their youth a little bit this past year, but they also showed signs of being a top notch team as well. Bob Wells, now in his 14th year as head coach, has three starters back from a year ago in which they went and 6-7 in league. The Lady T-birds will have size and quickness this season and a lot of experience returning, which should make for a dangerous team. Leading the way this year at the guard spot will be juniors Blaize Burgess and LaRaisha Owens, who combined to score 15 points Shawnee Heights underbirds Boys Profi le SAM STROH YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 11-2 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 7 ASSISTANT COACHES: MIKE NASH, DC PAIGE ETDA East Topeka Dental Associates per game last year and will build on successful sophomore seasons. The frontcourt should be very solid this year as senior Lily Stewart, junior MiKala Wells and sophomore Jazz Sweet will all be back and improved from a year ago. Look for Sweet, who was the league s newcomer of the year last season, to really take a step forward in her sophomore season. Wells knows this could be a special year saying, A number of players now have two years of varsity experience. Optimism is high and we are going to have to work at developing leadership in order for us to be successful. Burgess and Owens should make a very quick guard combo and Sweet will control the middle inside. If a few players step up to add depth, this team could be standing atop the league when the season is over. Go Thunderbirds! Benjamin P. Rutherford, DDS Carrie B. Peterson, DDS Jake Lebahn Girls Profi le HEAD COACH : BOB WELLS YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 6-7 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 9 ASST. COACHES: DOUG HOLMES, AMANDA FESSENDEN West Ridge Mall Lower Level HOURS: Monday - Saturday 10-9, Sunday 12-6 GET CUSTOM UNIFORMS FOR YOUR TEAM OR BUSINESS, CALL SE 29th Street 208 W. 4th St. Topeka, KS Holton, KS Fax Fax Pigskin & Hoops

66 Eagles SILVER LAKE Mid-East League 3A Maroon & Gold Profi le CJ HAMILTON YEARS AT SCHOOL: 40 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 3-0 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 2 ASSISTANT COACHES: WARREN BLEDSOE, MARK WORKMAN, LOREN ZIEGLER, MIKE VANDEVELDE 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 HOLTON HOME 09/12 PERRY-LECOMPTON HOME 09/19 RILEY COUNTY AWAY 09/26 ST. MARYS AWAY 10/03 WINFIELD HOME 10/10 ROCK CREEK HOME 10/17 OSAGE CITY AWAY 10/24 OSKALOOSA HOME 10/30 ROSSVILLE AWAY CJ Hamilton and his Eagle squads have played in 11 of the last 12 state championship games. The Eagles won their 8th state title last season in record fashion beating a very good Beloit team CJ and Silver Lake now have eight state titles and 10 second place finishes. Those are some unbelievable numbers and the Eagles don t want to stop there. A lot of weapons return for the Eagles this season and they would love another opportunity to play for the state title again! Four starters return on the offensive side of the ball and you could make it five with senior Ryan Matzke. Matzke (6 1, 175) started at QB when Dailin Kruger was out with an injury. Matzke has exceptional speed and with senior backs Cody Renfro (5 9, 160) and Zach Boyd (5 8, 185) look for the running game to lead the offense this season. Those three rushed for just under 2,000 yards and scored 29 touchdowns. Renfro led the team in rushing last year. Senior wide receiver Jace Freeman (6 1, 170) earned all-league honors after catching 56 balls for just under 1,100 yards and 14 TDs. He is going to get a lot of looks from college coaches this season because he has good speed and great hands. Junior center Kyler Womack (5 11, 185) will anchor the offensive line. Senior Brennan Damman (6 4, 210) will also anchor a tackle spot. Also on the O-line will be senior Drew Deters (5 9, 185), and juniors Kolton Kirkwood (6, 170), Devon Jones (6 2, 175), DW Snook (5 10, 200) and James Martin (6, 215). Others that will see time this fall on the offensive side of the ball for the Eagles are senior Drake McMillan, juniors Logan Wolfley, Luke Wichman, Trenton Vega, Cole Baird, Blake Matzke, Taylor Martin and sophomores Trace Henderson and Dalton Dultmeier. Defensively, eight starters are back in all. Boyd at LB er and Matzke at safety earned 1st team all-league and will lead this talented defense. Boyd and seniors Tate Schenkel (6, 205) and Caleb Kern (5 8, 160) will man the linebacker positions. Renfro and senior Kyle Byers (5 10, 165) will be the corners. Freeman joins Matzke at a safety spot. Damman will anchor one D-End spot. These guys combined for 18 interceptions, 45 tackles for loss and 15 QB sacks last year while giving up just nine points per game. Other Eagles to factor in on defense are: senior Coltin Morgan (6, 170) at DE, McMillan at safety, senior Haegan Schaefer (5 9, 150) on the D-line and senior Greg Larson (5 9, 155) at DB. Juniors that will see the field are: Wolfley, Jones, Wichman, Vega, Baird, Blake Matzke and Snook. Henderson and Dultmeier are the two sophomores to factor in. Silver Lake had the league title taken away last year by Rossville which also happened to be the first league loss for the Eagles since The Eagles got their revenge on the Dawgs in the semi-final game and went on to win the state title. Those two teams will battle again this year for the league title so it will be another exciting football season at Silver Lake led by the all-time winningest football coach in the state s history!! Mark Elliott Architectural Salvage antique brick, stone & maple flooring wood decking, plywood & more Silver Lake, Kansas (785) Pigskin & Hoops

67 Coach Linndy Frieden heads into year six at the helm of the Eagles boys team. Coach Freiden is entering his 24th season as a head coach and the Eagles picked up the 250th win of his career last season. Three starters return this season and all are seniors: Jace Freeman, Zach Boyd and Brennan Damman. Damman earned all-league honors last season while averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds per game. Three senior letter winners are back as well: Kyle Byers, Cody Renfro and Ryan Matzke. Always one of the challenges for basketball at Silver Lake is getting the players refocused after football season and them also being healthy. This is not a very big group of Eagles so rebounding is a concern. If you aren t big then hopefully you are quick and athletic and this group certainly brings those two qualities to the court. The Eagles finished second in the league last year ending their run Basketball Schedule 12/09 COUNCIL GROVE AWAY 12/12 RILEY COUNTY AWAY 12/16 BURLINGTON HOME 12/19 ST. MARYS HOME 01/06 ROSSVILLE AWAY 01/09 ROCK CREEK AWAY 01/13 WABAUNSEE HOME 01/16 RILEY COUNTY HOME 01/19-24 TONGANOXIE TOURN. AWAY (G) 01/19-24 NEMAHA CENTRAL TOURN. AWAY (B) 01/27 SANTA FE TRAIL AWAY 01/30 ATCHISON HOME 02/03 OSAGE CITY AWAY 02/06 ST. MARYS AWAY 02/13 ROSSVILLE HOME 02/17 KANSAS CITY CHRISTIAN AWAY 02/20 ROCK CREEK HOME 02/24 COUNCIL GROVE HOME 02/26 WABAUNSEE AWAY of three straight titles. The Mid-East League is not the biggest but it is one of the most competitive and coach Frieden knows that his team has what it takes to get back on top of the league standings but it won t be easy. The Eagles made it to state two seasons ago, the first trip to state in 21 years, and they would love to get back. Tyler Stewart led the Lady Eagles to the 2012 state title and coached at Silver Lake for five years. Coach Stewart is now the head coach at Shawnee Mission Northwest. Back on the sidelines is Loren Ziegler, who was an assistant for Tyler and has recharged his batteries and is ready to go. Coach Zig won four state titles in his last stint as the head coach at Silver Lake: 1983, 1984, 1988 and Four starters return led by senior Katlyn Kirkwood Boys Profi le LINNDY FRIEDEN YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 8-2 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 6 ASSISTANT COACHES: CJ HAMILTON, TREVOR HAMILTON Silver Lake Eagles and underclassmen Taylor White, Lexi Gifford and Madison Wegner. Jordan Yoder, Jessica Johnson and Kaitlyn Shoemaker are returning letter winners. Two other seniors will provide depth to this Lady Eagle team: Ally Christy and Lauren Simone. Sophomore Kayla Lane could make her presence felt this year as well. This will be a very deep team with experience and quickness at the guard positions; good ball handlers and perimeter shooters; and experience and toughness at the forward spots. This will not be a tall group but with coach Zig on the sideline you know the Lady Eagles will play hard. This should be a fun group to watch this season and it will be fun to see how coach Zig and his over 500 wins as a head coach compete this year. Welcome back Zig!! Mark Elliott Girls Profi le LOREN ZIEGLER YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 8-2 STARTERS RETURNING: 4 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 7 ASSISTANT COACHES: KELBY BROWN Pigskin & Hoops

68 TOPEKA HIGH Trojans Centennial League 6A Black & Gold Profi le WALT ALEXANDER YEARS AT SCHOOL: 9TH RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 2-1 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 18 ASSISTANT COACHES: ROD HASENBANK, LUKE COFFMAN, DANIEL VOTH, JASON NICHOL, BLAKE ALEXANDER, TONY CANICARI Expectations were high going into the 2013 season for the Topeka High Trojan football program. The Trojans won their first ever playoff game in the school s history in 2011 and were also the co-reigning champs in the Centennial League in The 2013 season was another successful one for now ninth year head coach Walt Alexander. The Trojans tied for the Centennial League title by going 6-0 in league play and once again made the playoffs by finishing 2-1 in their tough district. The Trojans failed to earn a playoff victory as they fell in the first round of the playoffs to Wichita Heights. Expectations will once again be high in 2014 and anything but a playoff win might be considered disappointing in The Trojans have four starters returning on offense and seven on the defensive side to go along with 18 total letter winners coming back from the 2013 squad. The offseason wasn t your typical off season for a Kansas high school football program. The Trojan 7-on-7 team qualified for the National Select 7-on-7 Championships that was played in Hoover, Alabama. The Trojans earned their way there after winning the qualifying tournament in Derby, Kansas. The Trojans skill players ended up finishing in the top six in the national tournament after going 4-2 in elimination play. The Trojans beat teams from Alabama, Florida, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi in the tournament. That is a pretty impressive effort to end up sixth in the nation in a national tournament. The offense should have plenty of firepower in Senior quarterback and league offensive player of the year Alec Beatty will look to improve on his 1,000 yards rushing and over 1,400 yards passing from a year ago. Expect big things from Beatty this 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 KC SCHLAGLE HOME 09/12 TOPEKA WEST HOME 09/19 HIGHLAND PARK AWAY 09/26 EMPORIA AWAY 10/03 SEAMAN AWAY 10/10 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS HOME 10/17 MANHATTAN AWAY 10/24 WASHBURN RURAL HOME 10/31 FREE STATE HOME year. The offense will have to find a replacement for running backs Austin Tillman, who is now playing at Washburn, and Da Ma Cias Neilson, who is playing at Highland. Look for juniors Mike McCoy and Saylor Caraway to handle the ball carrying duties. Beatty will have two weapons to throw to in senior Khalil Austin and junior Dante Brooks. These two might be the best combo wide receiving duo in the state. Look for them to build on the 800 yards receiving they combined to have in The offensive line will have to replace a few key players from a year ago, but look to senior Jake Regnier to be the leader up front. Regnier, at 6 4, 315 lbs, will handle the snapping duties. Joining Regnier up front will be juniors Tevyn Jenkins and Ryan Luna. The defense should be very stout for the Trojans. Beatty and Austin will man the secondary while Brooks will play strong safety as these three will play both ways. Look for senior Jaron Caraway to have a big year at defensive end. And senior Tavarous Givens is back from injury and should be a force with Mike and junior Jacob Anderson at the middle linebacker spot. Alexander has a reason to be excited for the upcoming season with the skill position players he has coming back saying, Our offense has some very good starters returning and our offensive line should be strong, but a little young. We just have to keep improving throughout the season. The Trojans should be a dangerous team on offense and will have experience coming back on defense. If they stay healthy, this is a team that could go a long way in the playoffs in Jake Lebahn Frank N. Johnson, D.D.S. P.A. DENTISTRY Dr. Frank N. Johnson, D.D.S P.A SW Oakley Topeka, Kansas Tel Fax West Ridge Mall Lower Level HOURS: Monday - Saturday 10-9, Sunday 12-6 GET CUSTOM UNIFORMS FOR YOUR TEAM OR BUSINESS, CALL Pigskin & Hoops

69 The Trojan basketball team will have a little more experience this upcoming season than they did going into the year. The Trojans had five new starters heading into the season a year ago and that will pay dividends this season. Pat Denny, now in his 8th season at the helm, will look to build on the 13-9 campaign in which several underclassmen played key roles. The Trojans return three starters on offense and eight total lettermen from last year. Leading the way for the Trojans in will be seniors Russell Denny, Josh Barber and Duncan Whitlock. Denny averaged seven points and five rebounds per contest. He will lead the frontcourt inside. Barber chipped in nine points per game and will handle the point guard duties this season. Whitlock, who can play inside and out, could be the breakout star for the Trojans this year after averaging seven points per game and playing solid defense on the opposing team s best player. Football standouts Alec Beatty and Tyrece Parker will be looked upon to add some scoring to the backcourt. Parker had some fantastic games a year ago after averaging close to eight points per game. Denney will look to seniors Elijah Keith, Jordan Ramirez-Jenkins Basketball Schedule 12/11-13 LEAVENWORTH CNB TOURN. AWAY 12/16 HIGHLAND PARK AWAY 12/19 EMPORIA HOME 01/06 JUNCTION CITY HOME 01/09 MANHATTAN HOME 01/13 TOPEKA WEST AWAY 01/16 HAYDEN HOME 01/22-24 TOPEKA INVITATIONAL AWAY 02/03 HIGHLAND PARK HOME 02/06 JUNCTION CITY AWAY 02/10 SEAMAN AWAY 02/13 EMPORIA AWAY 02/17 MANHATTAN AWAY 02/20 TOPEKA WEST HOME 02/24 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS AWAY 02/27 WASHBURN RURAL HOME and Joel Long to contribute off the bench. Denney expects big things from the Trojans this year saying, We have had a group of athletes that have had success in our programs as freshmen and junior varsity players. Many played minutes last year. Hopefully they will build on that winning experience in the past and use last year s minutes as a springboard for this year. The Trojans had a strong finish a year ago and if the juniors, who are now seniors, improved over the summer, this could be a team that could make noise in the Centennial League this coming year. The Lady Trojans had a pretty good season in and were just one win away from making it to the class 6A tournament. The Lady Trojans will have several new faces on the court for the season, beginning with a new head coach. Shana Perine is now coaching at Waubaunsee and the new Head Lady Trojan is Hannah Blackburn. Blackburn recently coached at Big Seven League school, ACCHS in Effingham in Blackburn spent the two years prior as an assistant at ACCHS and helped lead the team to the state tournament in The Boys Profi le PAT DENNY YEARS AT SCHOOL: 8TH RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD LEAGUE RECORD: 7-6 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING 8 Topeka High Trojans Trojans have just one starter from a year ago and just three returning lettermen. They will have to replace all-league performer Mandy Madden, who had a terrific career as a Lady Trojan. Leading the way will be junior guard Adrianna Henderson, who had a good sophomore year backing up her nice freshman year. Henderson, with another year of experience, could be posed for a monster year. Joining Henderson as returning players will be a pair of forwards in senior Dey Chelle Claiborne and junior Erica Birch. They didn t get a lot of playing time, but will be asked to step up their game this season. Blackburn knows this team is young, but also has a lot of things in their favor saying, This is a very talented group that has a lot of potential. This is an athletic group and we will use that to our advantage. This Lady Trojan team has limited experience and could have some growing pains early, but an athletic team is always a scary team. The key will be adjusting to a new coach and offense and if they can find a way to gel, this team could be dangerous come sub-state time. Jake Lebahn Girls Profi le HANNAH BLACKBURN YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD 7-6 RETURNING STARTERS: 1 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 3 ASST. COACHES: EDDIE LEE, KERRY ZIMMERMAN, AMANDA COCHER, SHANE MILES Digital & Offset Printing & Binding Large Format Posters, Signs and Banners 1935 N. Topeka Blvd. Topeka, KS Pigskin & Hoops

70 TOPEKA WEST Chargers Centennial League 5A Purple & White Profi le JOHN TETUAN YEARS AT SCHOOL 3 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 1-2 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 22 ASSISTANT COACHES: JAROD TETUAN, KENNY SWART, JIMMY COLLINS, ERIC LAWRENCE, TYRONE BARRETT, MARCO HUNTER 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/04 KC WYANDOTTE HOME 09/12 TOPEKA HIGH AWAY 09/19 EMPORIA AWAY 09/26 WASHBURN RURAL HOME 10/03 MANHATTAN HOME 10/10 HAYDEN AWAY 10/17 SEAMAN AWAY 10/24 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS HOME 10/31 HIGHLAND PARK AWAY The Topeka West Charger football team might be the most improved football team in the city of Topeka over the past three years. The Charger football program had a few rough years in 2011 and 2012 with winless seasons, but that is in the past. The Chargers went 1-8 in Tetuan s first year and then in 2013, the Chargers added a few more wins in the lefthand column by going 3-6. Tetuan has this team believing they can win and with another year with the same offensive and defensive schemes in place, they should keep improving game to game. The Chargers return four starters on offense, four on defense and return 22 lettermen from a year ago. What is the best position to have experience at? Ask any coach. It s the quarterback, and the Chargers return theirs in senior Josh Reynolds. Reynolds made some huge strides a year ago and should become a much more accurate passer with another year under his belt. The feature ball carrier this year will be Michael Mariani, who will look to improve on his junior season. The offense will have to find some weapons to make plays as Montoy Perry and Joe Galvan and Mose Hugghis are all gone due to graduation. Good news for Reynolds is two offensive linemen are back from last year in seniors Nick Cole and David Montero. The Chargers won t be very big up front, but their offense is more about leverage, angles and quick releases, so it shouldn t be too big a problem. The defense has experience on all three levels. The linebacking corps should be very strong this year with Mariani back playing both sides of the ball and junior Kyle Sommers, who played very well last year. The secondary will be young outside of senior Kyle Cunningham, who the coaching staff will really rely on to teach his younger teammates. The defensive line will be anchored by Cole, who will be one tired Charger as he will play on both sides of the line of scrimmage this year. Tetuan can see the growth and the improvement from year to year saying, The third year in our program and you can see our kids are more comfortable. This brings more leadership in which we need. We have a lot of key guys back, so we need to just keep taking steps forward and progress as a program. We will be a bit undersized on the line of scrimmage, but these kids play with a lot of heart and we can find ways to overcome size issues. Having Reynolds back at quarterback is big. Another bonus is he is 6 6 and can tuck the ball and run if need be as well. Turnovers were a big problem for the Chargers last year and they will have to take care of the ball better this year. The key for this team will be finding some juniors and sophomores to step up to the varsity level and make plays. If this team can find a few guys to help out Reynolds and Mariani, this team could find a way into the playoffs and have a winning record. Jake Lebahn 72 Pigskin & Hoops

71 The Charger basketball team took a big step forward in The Chargers ended the season with a 7-14 record, but had eight games that ended in losses of five points or fewer. They are on the cusp of becoming a very good basketball team. Head Coach Rick Bloomquist, now in his third year at the helm, has moved this program light years from where it was when he took over three years ago. The Chargers did lose some key players from a year ago and will have to find someone to step up and take on the scoring load that Mose Hugghis and Marcus Vaughn had a year ago. The Chargers lone returning starter is forward Josh Reynolds, who averaged six points and seven rebounds per contest a year ago as a junior. Look for Reynolds to be the breakout player for the Chargers. Reynolds is long and athletic and showed great improvement over the course of last year. Look for seniors Adrian Aguilar and Kanen Mc- Murray to step up and handle the guard duties this coming year. Aguilar is a terrific shooter and can light it up from outside. Joining Reynolds underneath will be senior Austin McBride and junior Jordan Newby. The Chargers could have a serious size advantage in Basketball Schedule 12/05 KC WASHINGTON HOME 12/09 WASHBURN RURAL AWAY 12/12 MANHATTAN HOME 12/16 OTTAWA AWAY 12/19 HIGHLAND PARK AWAY 01/06 EMPORIA HOME 01/09 HAYDEN AWAY 01/13 TOPEKA HIGH HOME 01/16 EMPORIA AWAY 01/20-23 TOPEKA HIGH TOURN. AWAY (B) 01/23 SEAMAN HOME (G) 01/29-31 GLACIER S EDGE TOURN. AWAY (G) 01/30 SEAMAN HOME (B) 02/06 MANHATTAN AWAY 02/10 HIGHLAND PARK HOME 02/13 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS AWAY 02/17 WASHBURN RURAL HOME 02/20 TOPEKA HIGH AWAY 02/24 HAYDEN HOME 02/27 JUNCTION CITY AWAY the lane with Reynolds who is 6 7, McBride, who stands 6 6, and Newby at 6 5. Bloomquist likes the make-up of this team saying, We have good size, great outside shooting and solid perimeter play to compliment a balanced inside out style of offense. We are still learning how to win and they key to this coming year will be consistency. This Charger team has what every coach wants; shooters and size. The question will be can this team click together with the limited experience that they have. If they can, this Charger team will be very dangerous come sub-state time and will be a team not many people will want to play late in the year. The season was a rough one for the Lady Charger basketball program. The Lady Chargers have struggled to find a head coach the last few years and will be on their third coach in as many season when the season begins in November. Laura Nichols will be in charge of the clipboard this upcoming season. Nichols took last season off as a basketball coach, but has had stops as an assistant coach for the Highland Park Scots and Boys Profi le RICK BLOOMQUIST YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 5-8 STARTERS RETURNING: 1 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 6 ASST. COACHES: MARCO HUNTER AND DAVID MESEKE Topeka West Chargers was the head coach for the Waverly middle school team. Nichols knows the Centennial League very well as she graduated from Emporia State and played ball collegiately at Neosho County. Three starters and six lettermen return from last season. Leading the way will be a pair of juniors in Regan Braun and Jaycie Collins, who also was on the all-city defensive team. Joining Collins in the backcourt will be a pair of juniors in Fherrin Manning and Addie Donohue. The struggles last year for the Chargers could lead to a better season this year as several players earned valuable playing time. Nichols knows there might be some growing pains early, but thinks this team can be good saying, This year our focus will be on developing our offense and playing hard-nosed defense. I anticipate a great deal of growth from our young players and our team overall. The Lady Chargers had several players earn experience last year on the varsity level and with some growth in the summer and getting used to a new offense, this could be a team that should add a few more wins to last year s total. Jake Lebahn Girls Profi le LAURA NICHOLS YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 0-10 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 6 ASST COACHES: KEITH GLOTZ- BACH, LAURA REZAC, TYRONE PLATT, AHSHANI WABAUNSEE Follow us Pigskin & Hoops

72 Dragons VALLEY FALLS Northeast Kansas League 2-1A Black & Gold Profi le ROD BUNDE YEARS AT SCHOOL: 20 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 2-2 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 9 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 18 ASSISTANT COACHES: JAMES GREY, CAMERON HALL When the Northeast Kansas League was created, Valley Falls looked to be one of the top teams. The Dragons went 4-5 in 2012 and they were projected to take the next step. But after an-injury riddled season, Valley Falls only picked up a pair of victories. If the injury bug stays away from the Dragons this season, the 18 returning lettermen could come together to make a solid squad. After all, Coach Rod Runde believes the kids need to play with resilience as an entire unit. Only two starting members are gone from last year s offensive unit. Junior quarterback Marty Gatzemeyer (6 2, 185) is ready to improve on last year s performance. He passed for 1,410 yards and 10 touchdowns while completing 48 percent of his passes. Gatzemeyer can also run, accounting for 223 yards. Riley Kearney is no longer in the backfield, but another Gatzemeyer looks to shoulder the load. Junior Ty Gatzemeyer (6 2, 200) rushed for 178 yards a year ago and averaged 6.35 yards per carry. Combine that with junior Conner Gast s (5 9, 160) 162 yards and the two can be a successful unit. Look for senior Trey Wilson (5 8, 165) and junior Koltyn Maltsbarger (5 8, 175) to get a shot in the running back rotation as well. One of the top league receivers Gates Glassel is gone and that creates a hole in the Dragons passing attack. Senior Christian Liewer (6 2, 165) most likely is the lead receiver with additional help from seniors Chris Gast (5 9, 160) and Drew Maltsbarger (5 8, 170). Senior tight end Grant Haag (6 3, 180) is a big target and can be used in the 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 OSKALOOSA AWAY 09/12 PLEASANT RIDGE HOME 09/19 HORTON HOME 09/26 MAUR HILL MOUNT ACADEMY AWAY 10/03 VALLEY HEIGHTS HOME 10/10 JACKSON HEIGHTS AWAY 10/17 JEFFERSON CTY N. HOME 10/24 ONAGA HOME 10/31 WABAUNSEE AWAY passing game. The offensive line consists of senior leadership. Four of the five starters are ready for their final season. Those seniors are Dallas Brown (6 1, 225), Reid Bunde (6 2, 220), Ty Jobbins (6 0, 225) and Alex Reichart (5 9, 185). Junior Blake Shipley (5 11, 285) is the other key player in the trenches. Seven starters return on the defensive side. Bunde, Haag, Brown, Shipley, Reichart, Ty Jobbins and junior Michael Rice (5 11, 180) all will be in the trenches for a nice rotation. Drew Maltsbarger leads the linebacker group. Wilson, Ty Gatzemeyer and junior Jarrett Wildeman (5 8, 160) are prepared to make contributions. In the secondary, both Chris and Conner Gast lead the way with help from Liewer and Marty Gatzemeyer. Coach Bunde notes, I believe our kids are more defensive minded. We need to develop consistency on both sides of the ball. Take care of the ball on offense and fly to the ball on defense to make something happen. The Dragons return more players than most teams in the Northeast Kansas League. Horton might be the toughest team in the NEKL, but other than that, the league s first title is for anyone s taking. If Coach Bunde sees the things he wants on the field, than the schedule is favorable for the Dragons to burn last year s finish and fly into the playoffs. Pat Strathman Pizza Pasta Sandwiches Salad Bar Dine In Carry Out 7232 K-4 Highway, Meriden 510 E. Front Street, Perry North side of the Square, Oskaloosa a.m. to 10p.m. Sunday-Thursday 11a.m. to 11p.m. Friday & Saturday 74 Pigskin & Hoops

73 In its first year of existence, the Northeast Kansas League saw the champions go undefeated. That crown belonged to the Dragons last year with an unblemished 8-0 record. Going to the Class 2A state tournament, Valley Falls boasted a 22-1 record with the lone loss coming at the hands of 3A state qualifier Wellsville. The magical season was cut short as Pittsburg-Colgan knocked off the Dragons by three points. Coach Caleb Gatzemeyer is at the helm for his 10th season and only one starter is back with him. Junior swingman Marty Gatzemeyer is the team s returning leading scorer after averaging 9.7 points and five rebounds. Lots of offensive firepower is gone, but Coach Gatzemeyer believes that he has guys that are ready. Seniors Christian Liewer and Drew Maltsbarger and junior Jarrett Wildeman round out the backcourt. Down low, Valley Falls takes a hit in some height and athleticism. Junior Zac Allen at times showed promise of a presence in the paint along with Basketball Schedule 12/05 CENTRALIA AWAY 12/09 PLEASANT RIDGE HOME 12/12 OSKALOOSA HOME 12/16 MAUR HILL MOUNT ACADEMY AWAY 12/19 JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH AWAY 01/06 JACKSON HEIGHTS HOME 01/09 IMMACULATA AWAY 01/13 HORTON HOME 01/16 MCLOUTH AWAY 01/20-24 OSKALOOSA TOURNAMENT AWAY (B) 01/27-31 JEFFERSON CTY N TOURN. AWAY (G) 02/02 PLEASANT RIDGE AWAY 02/06 OSKALOOSA AWAY 02/10 MAUR HILL MOUNT ACADEMY HOME 02/13 JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH HOME 02/17 JACKSON HEIGHTS AWAY 02/20 IMMACULATA HOME 02/24 HORTON AWAY 02/27 MCLOUTH HOME senior Grant Haag. Senior Dallas Brown will also help inside. Coach Gatzemeyer says, The Dragons must find some guard play to replace the seniors from last season. Losing one of the best point guards in Luke Burns is a huge blow. If the backcourt performs and the team continues to hold opponents to just 35 perfect from the field, then Valley Falls can once again be at the top of the NEKL. Just like the football team, the Lady Dragons had a few minor injuries. That didn t stop Valley Falls from having success as the Lady Dragons finished third behind Jefferson County North and Horton in the league. The majority of the team is back and ready to take the next step for Coach Todd Gish. Leading scorer and junior Callie Watson (5 6 ) averaged 9.3 points and 4.6 rebounds and once again will be a key point in the offense. Anna Coleman (5 11 ) is the lone senior on the Boys Profi le CALEB GATZEMEYER YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 8-0 STARTERS RETURNING: 1 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 4 ASSISTANT COACHES: LARRY BURNS, MARK CARTER Valley Falls Dragons squad and will combine with Watson for a strong inside. Junior Sydney Gish (5 10 ) will also be in the rotation. Two guards last year suffered ACL injures in juniors Megan Harrington (5 4 ) and Natalie Pickerell (5 7 ). Juniors Ali Brown (5 6 ), Macee Jepson (5 6 ), Lauren Harrington (5 4 ) and sophomore Mallory Burns (5 7 ) all rotated after the injuries and are ready to do the same this year. These young players have been steadily improving and Coach Gish wants to the see the same in the perimeter shooting this year. Jeff County North and Horton both lost several players allowing the race for the NEKL title to be quite a challenge. The ingredients are there for the Lady Dragons recipe to be league champions and possibly go to the state tournament. Pat Strathman Girls Profi le TODD GISH YEARS AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 6-2 STARTERS RETURNING: 5 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 8 ASSISTANT COACHES: KYLIE MILLER Pigskin & Hoops

74 WABAUNSEE Chargers Mid-East League 2-IA Red, Blue & White Profi le BRIAN HENRY YEARS AT SCHOOL: 13 (6TH AS HEAD COACH) RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 4-0 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 11 ASSISTANT COACHES: DON GINAVAN, JEJJ RUTLEDGE The Wabaunsee Chargers won half their games last season, but must now replace over half of their starters. Fifth year Head Coach Brian Henry has four returning starters on offense and five on defense in which to start rebuilding his team. The changes start at quarterback, where Henry may move an older player from a different into signal caller such as senior Storm Johnson. Another option is to keep Johnson as a running back and start sophomore Cooper Imthurn who quarterbacked the JV last season. The running back position also has questions. Players responsible for about 93% of the Chargers rushing yardage are now graduated. The leading returning rusher is sophomore Mitchell Wertzberger who ran 26 times for 128 yards, but Johnson also may also be called upon to help carry the ball. One way or another, it appears Johnson will be heavily involved in the offense. Sophomore Luke Swicegood could also factor into the running game Henry says the offensive line will be one of the team s strong points. Part of the reason is the return of big seniors Justice Stuewe (6 5, 255) and Zach Heine (6 3, 320). The remaining line positions will likely be filled from a pool of seniors Ridge Hurla and Drew Smith, and sophomores Josh Schmitz, Cody Kilian, Heath Hier, Ryan Rose and Geard Quathamer. While they might now all be very athletic, Wabaunsee could have starting linemen that all weigh in excess of 200 pounds. The Chargers will most likely keep the ball on the ground as much as possible. Even with an experienced quarterback last 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 RILEY COUNTY HOME 09/12 ROSSVILLE AWAY 09/19 ST. MARYS HOME 09/26 ROCK CREEK AWAY 10/03 ONAGA AWAY 10/10 MISSION VALLEY HOME 10/17 VALLEY HEIGHTS HOME 10/24 JACKSON HEIGHTS AWAY 10/31 VALLEY FALLS HOME year, Wabaunsee threw the ball on average less than six times per game. Johnson and Stuewe will likely lead the Chargers on defense. Johnson had the most tackles of any returning player with 92 from his linebacker position. Stuewe earned All-League as defensive tackle, wrapping up 79 tackles. Linebacker Mitchell Wertzberger was close behind with 69 tackles. Henry was also pleased with the defensive play of now sophomore Imthurn at strong safety. Imthurn finished the season with 22 tackles. Senior Romie Hurla was credited with 26 tackles. Much like the offense, Henry says the defensive line should be a strength. The coach does have concerns about the backfields of both units. The skill positions will have to learn on the run, said Henry. We graduated a lot of talent, said Henry. We will have to have some younger players need to step up. The coach says his starters should be solid, but a lack of depth could be a problem. Our sophomore class needs to be playing like juniors when we get to district play, said Henry. The coach says the Mid-East League is always tough, and he expects Silver Lake and Rossville to be at the top. Henry says he doesn t know where Wabaunsee fits in with the rest of the league teams, and that it will depend on the health of his starters. Dan Johnson 76 Pigskin & Hoops

75 There are huge changes for the Chargers boys basketball team this year. Not only did they graduate nine players from season, they also have a new coach. Enter new coach Skylar Suther. Coach Suther inherits just 3 players with varsity experience. Senior guard Derek Kilian has the most. Kilian averaged almost 6 points and 2 rebounds last season, and also shot 39% from 3-point range. Sophomore Cooper Imthurn could grow into the team s biggest offensive weapon this season. Imthurn gained playing time as the season progressed last year, and finished with a five point, two rebound and two assist average. Imthurn also showed the ability to knock down the long range shot. Junior forward Bryce Kelley is the only other returning player to register any varsity stats. Kelley played in six games, and will be counted upon for rebounding this season. The rest of the playing rotation is a big question mark. The Chargers could have decent size as Kelley as well as reserves senior Basketball Schedule 12/05 NORTHERN HEIGHTS HOME 12/09 CHASE COUNTY AWAY 12/16 ONAGA HOME 12/19 ROCK CREEK AWAY 01/03 FRANKFORT HOME 01/09 ST. MARYS HOME 01/13 SILVER LAKE AWAY 01/16 ROCK CREEK HOME 01/22-24 PANTHER CLASSIC AWAY 01/30 RILEY COUNTY HOME 02/03 LYNDON AWAY 02/06 ROSSVILLE AWAY 02/10 MISSION VALLEY AWAY 02/13 RILEY COUNTY AWAY 02/17 ROSSVILLE HOME 02/20 HERINGTON AWAY 02/24 ST. MARYS AWAY 02/26 SILVER LAKE HOME Stephan Healey, juniors Nick Carroll and Nate Coon, and sophomores Luke Swicegood and Mitchell Wertzberger were all over 6 0 last season. Last year s freshman class was deep, and will likely see considerable varsity action this season. Suther s first team will be young and may suffer some lumps, but has some real promise in another year or two. The Charger ladies also have a new coach this season as Austin Lawrence has stepped down to an assistant position. Shanna Perine takes over as head coach. The Wabaunsee ladies lost three starters to graduation, but they still return the most talented postplayer in the league. Senior Cara Flach earned all-league honors by averaging 16 points and seven rebounds. Part of what makes Flach special is her ability to handle the ball to help break a press. Senior guard Alissa Barber is the other returning starter and may move to point guard this season. The returning offense Boys Profi le SKYLAR SUTH YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 5-5 STARTERS RETURNING: 1 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 3 ASST. COACHES: Wabunsee Chargers falls off after Cara Flach. Senior Ann Flach is the next highest returning scorer, coming off the bench last season to average six points and four rebounds. Junior posts Taylor Nikkel and Alli Terrapin each also played a lot last season and will give Wabaunsee tremendous size and depth inside. There s considerably less experience at guard, but sophomores Britt and Madelyn Michaelis and Natalee Kates, along with junior Erica Falk did each play the position in limited minutes last season. Size will again be the obvious strength for the Lady Chargers. Cara Flach is very close to 6 0. Ann Flach isn t quite as tall, but is very strong in the paint. Alli Terrapin and possible reserve sophomore Elizabeth Hund are both over 6 0. Guard play could be a question mark, but otherwise, the Wabaunsee ladies should dominate inside against most teams. Dan Johnson Girls Profi le SHANNA PERINE YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 7-3 STARTERS RETURNING: 2 LETTERMEN RETURNING: ASST.COACHES: 877.WTC fb.com/wtckansas Pigskin & Hoops

76 WAMEGO North Central League 4-DII Red & WhiteRed Raiders Profi le DALE BURKHOLDER YEARS AT SCHOOL: 4 13 OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 1-2 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 10 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 15 ASSISTANT COACHES: JOHN SCOGGINS, CURTIS ECKART, SHANE NEEL, NICK JOHNSON, TRAVIS GRABER 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 ROCK CREEK HOME 09/12 JEFF WEST AWAY 09/19 MARYSVILLE HOME 09/26 ABILENE HOME 10/03 CLAY CENTER AWAY 10/10 CONCORDIA HOME 10/17 CHAPMAN AWAY 10/24 SMOKY VALLEY HOME 10/31 NICKERSON AWAY Wamego s only two losses last year were to 4A powerhouses Holton and Hayden. Unfortunately, those came in district play and a fine football team was denied a state berth. The back-to-back undefeated NCKL champs could have a better chance this year, as their district consists of Chapman, Smokey Valley, and Nickerson. Coach Burkholder says the goal s to improve on their record, win the league again, and advance to state. Two-year starter at quarterback Kyler Alderson (6 1, 185) leads an offense that works out of the spread formation. The senior was a first team all-league QB and kicker last season, and was named the Flint Hills Player of the Year, passing for over 2,100 yards, 23 touchdowns, and running for 11 more scores. Burkholder says Alderson will be throwing it all over the field again this year. He says they miss speedster Trent York, but have at least eight solid receivers fighting for starting spots, led by seniors Wyatt Totten (5 9, 160) and Kody Jackson ( ). Tight end Eli Miller (6 5, 230) returns as a big target. Senior guard Dylan Besthorn (5 10, 220), a three-year starter, leads the way up front. Classmates Sam Long (5 10, 200), also a guard, and center Colton Hitch (6 3, 225) return to help supply Alderson with time to throw. Senior running back Trey Cohorst (6 1, 180) is also back and should get the bulk of the carries. The defense returns 10 starters and Burkholder says that s cause for excitement. They pitched four shutouts last season. It starts with junior Shawn Burns (5 8, 225) who was named a first team all-league d-lineman as a sophomore. Classmates Kasey Feyh (6 1, 230) and Michael Bryan (6 1, 210) also return to wreak havoc in the trenches, along with seniors Miller and Besthorn. Senior linebacker Cody Wilson (5 9, 200) mans the middle, while fellow seniors Alderson, safety, Cohorst, strong safety, Totten, cornerback, and James Starns (6 0, 175), the other corner, roam the secondary. Three of Wamego s first four games are at home, but two of their three district games are on the road. Coach Burkholder is excited to have so many starters back and a large senior class could lead the Red Raiders to the state playoffs. How fitting that would be for Burkholder in his fourth season. Alex Dingman Follow us 78 Pigskin & Hoops

77 Wamego s coming off a rebuilding year. The Red Raiders finished after going 18-5 the previous season. Coach Troy Hemphill points out that eight of their 11 losses were to teams that finished with 20 or more wins. An 8-2 league record was good for second place. They ve won the NCKL four times in the past seven seasons. Hemphill expects to battle Concordia and Abilene for the crown this year. Wamego was young and inexperienced last season. Hemphill feels several guys gained valuable experience and says we should be primed to have a good season. Their returning starters are all-league performers and seniors Eli Miller and Kyler Alderson. Miller was the Red Raiders only real post player last year. He averaged 13 points and seven rebounds. Alderson is a three-year starter at guard. He filled the stat sheet contributing 11 points, four rebounds, and three Basketball Schedule 12/04 ROCK CREEK AWAY 12/05 ROSSVILLE AWAY 12/09 RILEY COUNTY HOME 12/12 NEMAHA CENTRAL HOME 12/16 CHAPMAN AWAY 12/19 CLAY CENTER HOME 01/09 CONCORDIA HOME 01/13 JEFF WEST HOME 01/16 MARYSVILLE AWAY 01/19-24 TONGANOXIE TOURNAMENT AWAY 01/27 COUNCIL GROVE HOME 02/03 ABILENE AWAY 02/06 OSAGE CITY AWAY 02/10 CHAPMAN HOME 02/13 ABILENE HOME 02/17 CLAY CENTER AWAY 02/20 CONCORDIA AWAY 02/24 MARYSVILLE HOME Boys Profi le TROY HEMPHILL YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 8-2 STARTERS RETURNING: 2 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 6 ASST. COACHES: TRAVIS GRABER, DALE NIEDFELDT Wamego Red Raiders assists per contest. Guard Dillon Blain showed his three point prowess as a freshman, netting 42 percent of shots from behind the arc. Junior guard Anthony Gamino threw in three points per game. Senior guard Wyatt Totten, senior post Colton Hitch, and junior guard Landis Rowden are also expected to contribute on the varsity level this season. Behind talented seniors Miller and Alderson, the Red Raiders should again compete for a league title. Turn the page on another great season for Wamego. Behind the Page sisters, the Lady Raiders made it to the state championship game for the second straight season. However, they missed out on back to back titles, losing to Bishop Miege. Lanie Page is back, as sister Kaylee, the Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year, moves on to bigger and better things at the University of Nebraska. Lanie (6 2 ) was All-4A and MVP of the state tournament. She averaged a team high 17 points per game from the wing position last season. Senior guard and fellow three-year starter Allison Seufert was good for six points and three steals per game. Classmate Maddie Vontz, also a guard, returns with a good amount of varsity experience. Junior forward Caitlyn Claussen averaged seven points and six rebounds as a sophomore. Jim Page is as head coach of the Lady Raiders, winning 78 percent of the time. They ll miss Kaylee s 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three blocks per game, but should again battle for a league title. Page says the season will be a work in progress. He adds, Dynamics, leadership, and roles will be in limbo for a while. They have the talent, confidence, and coaching to get them back to the state tourney. Alex Dingman Girls Profi le JIM PAGE YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 10-0 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 5 ASST.COACHES: JANA BIERY, ANDY MORTON 877.WTC fb.com/wtckansas Pigskin & Hoops

78 WASHBURN RURAL Junior Blues Centennial League 6A Blue & White Profi le STEVE BUHLER YEARS AT SCHOOL: 2 RECORD AT SCHOOL: OVERALL RECORD: DISTRICT RECORD: 0-3 OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8 DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7 TOTAL RETURNING LETTERMEN: 27 ASSISTANT COACHES: JERRY CAVITTE, CARLOS KELLY, JOHN MEYERS, ALAN NEIL, TODD PETTERS, RYAN SMITH, LUCAS YARNELL, DUANE ZLATNIK Year number one for the Steve Buhler era at Washburn Rural started out about as good as it could going 5-1 in league play before starting district play in The unfortunate thing about the district for the Junior Blues is they are arguably in the toughest district in class 6A and possibly in the entire state. The Junior Blues ended up going 0-3 in district play, but lost all three games in very close fashion. The Junior Blues will have some experience in some spots and will be young in others as they return eight starters on offense and seven on defense. The good news is their two-year signal caller is back in now senior Blake Peterson, who has already committed to Texas State and Head Coach Dennis Franchoine. Peterson, who can run it and throw it very well, led an offensive attack that put up 27 points per game and look for that number to improve this year. One spot the Junior Blues will be inexperienced will be the running back spot. Gone from last year are Michael Singer and Brandon Quy, who earned the bulk of the carries a year ago. The Junior Blues will look to seniors Drew Lewis, who had a very solid junior season and tight end Miles Dortch should also improve on a very impressive junior season. Look for seniors Tela Scroggins and Jacob Leenerts to be the feature ball carriers this year. Peterson will have a slew full of wide outs to throw to this year in seniors Chase Frederick and E laja Steele. Juniors Devyn Lee and Kyle Resnik will also be counted on to put up production from the wide out spot. The offense line returns three seniors from a year ago in Romney Tuiloma, who stands pounds, 2014 Football Outlook 2014 Football Schedule 09/05 EMPORIA HOME 09/12 HAYDEN AWAY 09/19 SEAMAN HOME 09/26 TOPEKA WEST AWAY 10/03 JUNCTION CITY AWAY 10/10 HIGHLAND PARK HOME 10/17 FREE STATE AWAY 10/24 TOPEKA HIGH AWAY 10/31 MANHATTAN HOME Chase Brokke, who is pounds, and Chris Flowers, who is pounds. So this will be a very big offensive line. They will have to find a replacement for graduated senior Earl Mariner, who was co-offensive MVP of the Centennial League a year ago. The defense should be very good overall and very tough against the run. Leading the way up front will be Brokke and Flowers and look for senior Nathan Mikoleit to improve even more his senior year. Junior LaVale Jackson is also back at the outside linebacker spot to go along with Drew Lewis, who will pull double duty again as he will start at strong safety spot. Buhler has some depth and some inexperience going into this season, but thinks this team can be very good saying, We return a lot on the offensive line, but we will have to replace a lot of leadership including four seniors at running back. The offense will lean heavily on good depth at the skill positions, but also rely on a very good kicker in Perry Schmiedeler. The defense is one thing that Buhler is especially excited for saying, We have good depth at most positions and good athleticism along with a year s experience playing the defensive schemes that were new a year ago. This Junior Blues team is once again facing a tough district with Manhattan, Topeka High and now Lawrence-Free State replaces Junction City in the district. This team, with the right bounces and health, has the weapons to make the playoffs in this tough district and then some. Jake Lebahn West Ridge Mall Lower Level HOURS: Monday - Saturday 10-9, Sunday 12-6 GET CUSTOM UNIFORMS FOR YOUR TEAM OR BUSINESS, CALL LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, STATE FARM IS THERE. Providing Insurance and Financial Services Garrison Ins and Fin Svcs Inc James R. Garrison, Agent Topeka, KS (785) See Jim s new office at the 29th & Urish Roundabout statefarm.com State Farm Insurance Companies Home Offi ces: Bloomington, Illinois 80 Pigskin & Hoops

79 The Junior Blues basketball season didn t go quite as planned in for now third year head coach Todd McAtee. Injuries to some key players and some bad bounces led to a disappointing 4-17 season a year ago. The good news for the Junior Blues is they return three starters from a year ago and three others who saw significant varsity minutes as underclassmen. Leading the way will be two seniors, Chris Edwards, who averaged 12 points and three assists per game last year, and Connor Hansen who had a nice string of games to close out the season a year ago. Helping Edwards in the backcourt will be sophomore Brayden White, who had a great freshman season averaging 4 points per game and shot it very well from behind the arch. Look for Edwards and White to be the catalysts for this team this year and have some big time games. Juniors Joah Hickel, Zach Lutz and Ziyad Cassim will be vying for a starting spot after playing key minutes off the bench last year. Coach McAtee knows his backcourt can play, but the key to this coming season will be the frontcourt saying, Our biggest Basketball Schedule 12/05 OLATHE NORTHWEST AWAY 12/09 TOPEKA WEST HOME 12/12 SHAWNEE MISSION NW HOME 12/16 OLATHE SOUTH AWAY (B) 12/19 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS AWAY 01/06 HAYDEN HOME 01/09 SEAMAN HOME 01/13 MANHATTAN AWAY 01/16 JUNCTION CITY HOME 01/22-24 ST. THOMAS AQUINAS TOURN. AWAY (B) 01/23 ST. JAMES ACADEMY HOME (G) 01/29-31 GLACIER S EDGE TOURN. AWAY (G) 01/30 HAYDEN AWAY (B) 02/06 SEAMAN AWAY 02/10 EMPORIA AWAY 02/13 MANHATTAN HOME 02/17 TOPEKA WEST AWAY 02/20 SHAWNEE HEIGHTS HOME 02/24 HIGHLAND PARK HOME 02/27 TOPEKA HIGH AWAY challenge is going to be finding a way to rebound and not get beat by giving up tons of offensive boards and we have to drastically improve on the defensive end as well. The backcourt should be pretty consistent for the Junior Blues this upcoming season and if they can find a way to slow down opponents inside game, they could be the sleeper team in the Centennial League this year. Consistency is very difficult to attain in high school sports. If one program around the area that always seems to be in the hunt of a league title or a trip to the state tournament, it s the Lady Blues basketball program, under now fifth year head coach Kevin Bordewick. Bordewick has been in the program now 21 years after being an assistant for 16 years. The Lady Blues made it back to the state tournament in and almost pulled off a huge upset against eventual champion Wichita South in the first round. The Lady Blues should be a dangerous and experienced team this coming year as they have four starters coming back to lead this team. Washburn Rural Junior Blues Boys Profi le TODD MCATEE YEARS AT SCHOOL: RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 2-11 STARTERS RETURNING: 3 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 6 ASST. COACHES: KYLE FOWLER, MATT BUHLER, RYAN SMITH Senior forward Paige Cunningham, who averaged eight points and six rebounds per game, can stretch it from inside-out and two junior guards in Jordyn Musselman and Lauren Biggs will look to build upon very impressive sophomore seasons in which they combined to score 15 points and seven rebounds per game. Seniors Bailey Hamilton and Kelsey Browne will be in the mix to start as well and will provide quality depth. Bordewick is excited about this team but knows they have to find someone to replace graduated senior Courtney Winkley s production saying, If we can fill the need for a post player, value our possessions and take care of the ball, we should have a winning record for the 22nd year in a row. This team has plenty of experience coming back from a year ago. They have been battled tested and should hit the ground running in Look for the Lady Blues to once again be in the hunt for the league title and make a return trip to the state tournament. Jake Lebahn Girls Profi le KEVIN BORDEWICK RECORD: LEAGUE RECORD: 8-5 STARTERS RETURNING: 4 LETTERMEN RETURNING: 7 ASSISTANT COACHES: TAYLOR DUNHAM, LOREN SHINN Digital & Offset Printing & Binding Large Format Posters, Signs and Banners 1935 N. Topeka Blvd. Topeka, KS Custom Interiors & Floor Coverings 920 SW Westport Dr. Topeka, Ks FAX Pigskin & Hoops

80 Wildcats BAKER UNIVERSITY 2014 Football Schedule 09/06 OTTAWA AWAY 09/13 STERLING HOME 09/20 EVANGEL AWAY 09/27 GRACELAND HOME 10/04 PERU STATE AWAY 10/11 BENEDICTINE AWAY (ARROWHEAD) 10/18 AVILA AWAY 10/25 MID-AMERICA NAZARENE AWAY 11/01 CULVER-STOCKTON HOME 11/08 CENTRAL METHODIST AWAY 11/15 MISSOURI VALLEY HOME Historic. The best way to describe Baker s season last year. The most wins in their 106- year history. The Cats shared the HAAC regular season championship, their first conference title since Baker s hosted back-to-back playoff games for the first time in 20 years. Before last season, it had also been 20 years since the last time BU made it to the quarterfinals of the NAIA Football Championship Series. After losing to Morningside 36-28, Baker finished the season ranked No. 5 in the 2013 NAIA Football Coaches Top 25 poll, the highest ranking to end the season in Mike Grossner s 10-year tenure as coach. Three other HAAC teams were in the final poll, but Baker was the highest ranked conference team. The Wildcats had 24 all-conference performers and Grossner was named the conference coach of the year. BU also had nine Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athletes, third most on one football team in the NAIA. Despite the loss of QB Jake Morse and RB Dillon Baxter, Grossner says, We have a lot of experience coming back on offense. The key to our overall success will be our trigger man. He s most excited about the depth and experience up front. Seniors Justin Mc- Candless (6 3, 295) and Michael Lisher (6 3, 290), along with junior Sheldon Jacks (6 1, 290), lead the way. Sophomore Clarence Clark s (5 10, 190) back, but Grossner needs some other wide receivers to step up. Newcomers Justice Berry (6 2, 215), a senior transfer from Indiana State, and Jaylan Addison (6 1, 180), a freshman from El Paso, Texas, are expected to contribute early at that position. In the backfield, seniors Camren Torneden (5 7, 190) and Scott Meyer (5 9, 190) are back. Also, the big junior Alex Stebbins (6 0, 248) returns at fullback. Grossner says, Keep an eye on DeAndre Turner- Fults as a playmaker out of the backfield as well. He says they have three quality tight ends in seniors Andrew Augsburger and Taylor Stuart (6 1, 223), and junior TJ Holtrop (6 2, 215). Grossner loves the depth in their secondary and defensive line but says, The key will be who steps up at two of our linebacker positions. He says the DE position could be really special with the return of Andre Jolly (6 1, 230). The senior s season ended midway through last year after an injury. He was an All-American as a sophomore, leading the nation in sacks. Grossner says Jolly and sophomore DE Adam Novak (6 2, 230) are two of their fastest players on defense. The back half of the D has a lot of experience and talent. Senior safety Gunnar McKenna s (5 9, 180) a three-year starter. Grossner says fellow senior DBs Duane Sims (5 10, 175) and Mike Stevenson (5 10, 180) are two of the best in their preparation and had a good summer. Baker s replacing their QB, but returns plenty of studs to make another run at a conference title and trip to the playoffs. Alex Dingman 82 Pigskin & Hoops

81 The Baker men took a step back in Coach Sean Dooley s second season, but there are reasons to be pumped for the upcoming year if you re a fan of the Wildcats. Baker won four less games than the year before and finiashed eighth out of ten teams in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. However, Dooley says, With nine returners and the addition of a good recruiting class, I fully expect us to be greatly improved and compete for a top spot in the HAAC. The Cats were one of the youngest teams in the league last season and featured the conference freshman of the year, Javeion Gray. The young guard played like a wily veteran, averaging 11 points, three rebounds, two assists per game, and shooting 53 percent from the field. Baker s most experienced player by far is senior forward EJ Carter. After averaging five points per game as a sophomore, Carter was named honorable mention all-conference last season, leading the way with 13 points and six rebounds per contest. He shot a stellar 81 percent from the charity stripe. Guards Jared Fulks (SR) and Tyrome Parker (SO) look to do more after both averaging seven points per game. Coach Dooley s confident despite last year s struggles. They have a good leader in Carter and a budding star in Gray. Look for the Cats to claw their way up the HAAC standings this year. The Fighting Ben Listers won the first regular season conference title for the Baker women since They did so by winning 17 straight conference games. Coach Lister, twotime HAAC Coach of the Year, led the Lady Cats to their highest finish ever in the top 25 poll, No. 11. Their first ever trip to the national tournament ended with a second round loss to Bethel (Tenn.). After managing just six wins in Lister s first season, Baker will try to make it three straight 20 win seasons. A dozen returners for this squad, led by senior guard Kyrstie Ehm, third team allconference after averaging 13 points and four rebounds. Junior post Macy Wallisch is the reigning conference defensive player of the year. She supplemented her eight points and eight rebounds per game with 3.5 blocks per contest. Senior forward Rashida Simpson contributed seven points and seven rebounds per game. BU misses conference player of the year BriAnna Garza and second team allconference guard Shea Shoemaker. Coach Lister says, The league will be tough, but we expect to compete to win it again this year, and make a return trip to the national tournament. Alex Dingman Baker University Wildcats Basketball Schedule 11/01 MIDLAND HOME (W) 11/04 KANSAS WESLEYAN AWAY (M) 11/04 SOUTHWESTERN AWAY (W) 11/07 ST. GREGORY S HOME (M) 11/07 REGIS AWAY (W) 11/08 FRIENDS HOME (M) 11/08 METRO STATE AWAY (W) 11/11 LINDENWOOD HOME (W) 11/14 ST. MARY S AWAY (M) 11/14 OTTAWA AWAY (W) 11/15 OTTAWA AWAY (M) 11/15 ST. MARY AWAY (W) 11/18 HASKELL HOME (W) 11/20 BETHEL HOME (M) 11/21 MCPHERSON AWAY (M) 11/25 OTTAWA HOME (M) 11/25 GRACE AWAY (W) 11/29 LINDENWOOD AWAY (M) 12/04 MID-AMERICA NAZARENE AWAY 12/06 CENTRAL METHODIST HOME 12/13 GRACELAND AWAY 12/15 HASKELL HOME (M) 12/17 MIDLAND AWAY (W) 12/31 WASHBURN AWAY (M) 01/03 MCPHERSON HOME (M) 01/08 BENEDICTINE HOME 01/10 CULVER-STOCKTON AWAY 01/15 AVILA HOME 01/17 EVANGEL AWAY 01/22 PERU STATE HOME 01/24 MISSOURI VALLEY AWAY 01/29 MID AMERICA NAZARENE HOME 01/31 CENTRAL METHODIST AWAY 02/07 GRACELAND HOME 02/12 BENEDICTINE AWAY 02/14 CULVER-STOCKTON HOME 02/19 AVILA AWAY 02/21 EVANGEL HOME 02/26 PERU STATE AWAY 02/28 MISSOURI VALLEY HOME Pigskin & Hoops

82 BENEDICTINE COLLEGE Ravens 2014 Football Schedule 08/30 BRIAR CLIFF AWAY 09/13 OTTAWA HOME 09/20 CENTRAL METHODIST AWAY 09/27 MISSOURI VALLEY HOME 10/04 EVANGEL HOME 10/11 BAKER AWAY (ARROWHEAD) 10/18 PERU STATE HOME 10/25 GRACELAND AWAY 11/01 AVILA HOME 11/08 MID-AMERICA NAZARENE AWAY 11/15 CULVER-STOCKTON HOME Few colleges in the NAIA saw more success in athletics last year than Benedictine. The women s soccer team won its second Heart of America Athletic Conference title since The men s soccer program won a share of back-to-back titles and earned a NAIA playoff victory. Benedictine s success, though, started with the football squad. The Ravens snapped a seven-game losing streak against rival Baker with a dominating victory. From there, Benedictine used a prolific offense to capture a share of its sixth HAAC crown and finish the regular season with a 10-1 record. BC hosted Tabor College in the first round of the playoffs and a fumble inside the 10-yard line recovered by Tabor ended the magic ride for the Ravens. Coach Larry Wilcox and his squad head into 2014 ranked 11th in the Spring Coaches Top 25 Poll. With a new season, comes new challenges and the Ravens stare in the face of a few concerns. Benedictine loses two key weapons from last year. HAAC Player of the Year Cameron Fore and first-team quarterback Bill Noonan are gone and are big blows to the offense. The dynamic duo generated 4,231 yards and 45 touchdowns last season. Only two quarterbacks recorded passing attempts last year in senior Keenan Kruger (6 2, 189, Silver Lake) and junior Nico Ramirez (5 11, 170). Junior transfer QB Kyle Harmyk (6 5, 195, Alabama A&M) received the start in the spring game and he joins a group of players being considered to be the main signal caller. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Fran Johnson is looking for confidence and consistency and whoever shows that wins the job. To replace Fore is junior running back Tyler Henness (5 11, 195, Paola). Henness saw action in five games in 2013 and recorded 115 yards and a touchdown. Junior Devaughn Childress (5 9, 173) will also see carries this season. One of the three top ball catchers is back in junior wide receiver Christian Haack (6 0, 177). The El Paso, Texas native was second on the team in yards and touchdowns and recorded the third most catches. Haack accumulated 716 yards and six touchdowns on 42 receptions. Junior tight end Jerome Roehm (6 6, 226, Hutchinson) caught a TD pass in the spring and will be used more in the passing attack. While Benedictine searches for the right fit at quarterback and running back, the strain will be slightly easier with four of the five offensive linemen back. Senior David Stochlin (6 1, 295) is the anchor up front being a first-team All-HAAC player. The rest of the starters are seniors in Dom Carroli (6 5, 290), Rory Mount (6 5, 300) and Hayden Smith (6 3, 275). Defensively, the Ravens return a slew of players up front and in the secondary. All-HAAC Honorable Mention senior defensive back Ely Hendricks (6 2, 195) returns as the team s top tackler with 88. Seniors Burl Brisbane (5 11, 190, Sumner Academy) and Bryce Barnett (6 4, 210, Holton) join Hendricks after solid junior campaigns. Brisbane recorded 49 tackles and three interceptions while Barnett played in 10 of BC s 12 games. Senior defensive end Alex Hibler (6 3, 245) led the team with 3.5 sacks last year and anchors the line this year. Senior Josh Scheuler (6 3, 258) joins Hibler after a two-sack season. The linebacker core is a concern with only one player returning. Senior Josh Montgomery (5 11, 225) only tallied 39 tackles last year. Juniors Josh Rhodes (5 11, 212) and Joseph Shaneyfelt (6 1, 195) and sophomore Brycen Mackison (6 2, 240) will all take turns to fill the gaps. Coach Larry Wilcox has some tough tasks at hand, but that s something he is used to. Trying to replicate the efficient offense and top a 10- win season will be difficult, but the pieces are there to make a success puzzle for Pat Strathman 84 Pigskin & Hoops

83 hange the status quo is on a sign Cabove a door inside the Ralph Nolan Gymnasium. That s the last thing players see before taking the floor. Well, the Ravens accomplished their goal last season. Benedictine earned their first Heart of America Athletic Conference championship and returned to the NAIA Division I National Tournament for the first time in 40 years. The version of the Ravens looked like a team of destiny. BC saw an incredible winning streak of eight games capped off with a win against then number one ranked Columbia. The Ravens earned an 11 seed in the tournament and knocked off Westminster College, giving the program its first win at the tournament since bringing home the 1967 NAIA National Championship. The incredible run came to a close after a loss to the eventual national champs Vanguard. The 23 wins for Benedictine marked the fourth-most single-season victories in program history. Coach Ryan Moody is back for his fourth year with a very experienced and deep group. Leading scorer and NAIA All-America Honorable Mention selection Charlie Wallrapp is gone, but 11 lettermen and three starters return. Perimeter play will be a strength this year with junior guard John Harris Jr. (6 2, 195) leading the way. Harris Jr. was a stat stuffer, averaging 11.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and three assists, while shooting 54 percent from the field. Seniors Jonathan Anaekwe (6 0, 188, St. James Academy) and Brett Fisher (6 0, 175, Blue Valley Northwest) are primed and ready to lead this squad. Anaekwe scored eight points a night, but his 40 steals were a team high. B- Fish can defend as well, but his 64 treys and 47 percent three-point shooting effectively stretched opposing defenses. Senior Luke Norville (6 2, 188), junior Shawn Fleming Jr. (6 2, 185) and sophomore Austin Eckert (6 3, 205, ACCHS) are all sharp shooters to go with the two senior leaders. Senior post Jallen Messersmith (6 8, 220) steps into the starting lineup after being an effective sixth man. The HAAC Defensive Player of the Year recorded 2.6 blocks, scored 7.1 points and grabbed 5.1 rebounds in just 17 minutes a night. His high energy goes nicely with senior Rafail Tsourakis (6 10, 245), who appeared in 28 games. Junior Dean Tiwald (6 4, 210) and sophomore Conner Fleming (6 7, 195) look to contribute off the bench. The HAAC is tough once again. Coach Moody says, The challenge will be how we handle the success from last year. We will have to get hungry to have success again this year. The Ravens don t have to change the status quo this year. Now it s time to take the success last year and keep it consistent for this season. Twenty wins would be an incredibly successful season for most teams, but for the Lady Ravens, it was somewhat a disappointment since the team was 28-6 in Still, the team accomplished back-to-back 20-win seasons and finished the season strong, winning five of its last six games. Four starters are lost, but nine different players with experience step on the floor for Coach Chad Folsom in his 13th year. The lone starter back was last year s leading scorer in junior Chayla Rutledge. The 5 11 post player scored 14.9 points a night, while grabbing 4.5 rebounds and shooting 45 percent from the field. Her performance made her a NAIA All-America Honorable Mention selection. Senior guard Jackie Ziesel is expected to increase production with the loss of Justice Payne. The St. Joseph, Missouri native shot 39 percent from beyond the arc and averaged 9.7 points. Combine that with junior Jordan Kramer (5 10, Washburn University) and the perimeter game should adjust nicely. The big question remains in the paint with the loss of Erin Murphy. Her sister, Kristen, is a versatile freshman this year that can play inside and outside and is a tireless worker. Junior forward Jayde Reid (5 11, Hayden) is healthy after suffering an ACL injury last August. Sophomore Allison Wallisch (6 0, ACCHS) transfers to BC from Johnson County Community College and can be a top newcomer in the HAAC this year. Coach Folsom has recruited some very talented players and he has confidence that they can make immediate contributions. If the newcomers gel with Rutledge and other returnees, the Lady Ravens should compete for the conference title and get into the national tournament. Pat Strathman Benedictine College Ravens Basketball Schedule 10/31 CAMPBELLSVILLE AWAY (M) 11/01 LINDSEY WILSON AWAY (M) 11/04 PARK AWAY (M) 11/04 FRIENDS AWAY (W) 11/07 FRIENDS AWAY (M) 11/07 ST. GREGORY HOME (W) 11/08 ST. GREGORY S AWAY (M) 11/08 WAYLAND BAPTIST HOME (W) 11/11 PARK HOME (M) 11/14 ST. MARY AWAY (W) 11/15 CAMPBELLSVILLE HOME (M) 11/15 OTTAWA AWAY (W) 11/18 WASHBURN AWAY (W) 11/19 JOHN BROWN AWAY (M) 11/21-22 JOHN BROWN CLASSIC (W) 11/25 MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE AWAY (M) 11/25 BETHANY HOME (W) 12/01 ST. MARY HOME (W) 12/04 PERU STATE HOME 12/06 AVILA AWAY 12/09 YORK HOME (M) 12/13 CENTRAL METHODIST HOME 12/18 COLUMBIA AWAY (M) 12/20 GRACE AWAY (M) 12/20 OKLAHOMA BAPTIST AWAY (W) 01/02-03 TABOR CLASSIC AWAY (W) 01/03 BETHEL HOME (M) 01/08 BAKER AWAY 01/10 MID AMERICA NAZARENE HOME 01/15 GRACELAND AWAY 01/17 MISSOURI VALLEY HOME 01/22 CULVER-STOCKTON AWAY 01/24 EVANGEL HOME 01/29 PERU STATE AWAY 01/31 AVILA HOME 02/07 CENTRAL METHODIST AWAY 02/12 BAKER HOME 02/14 MID AMERICA NAZARENE AWAY 02/19 GRACELAND HOME 02/21 MISSOURI VALLEY AWAY 02/26 CULVER-STOCKTON HOME 02/28 EVANGEL AWAY Pigskin & Hoops

84 Hornets EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY 2014 Football Schedule 09/04 MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE HOME 09/11 CENTRAL MISSOURI AWAY 09/20 CENTRAL OKLAHOMA HOME 09/27 NORTHEASTERN STATE AWAY 10/04 LINDENWOOD HOME 10/11 PITTSBURG STATE AWAY 10/18 FORT HAYS STATE HOME 10/25 MISSOURI WESTERN STATE AWAY 11/01 WASHBURN AWAY 11/08 NW MISSOURI STATE HOME 11/15 UNIV. OF KEARNEY AWAY There are lots of football debates that can go on from season to season: who is the better quarterback, who has the better defense are just to name a few. There is really no debate on what team has improved the most over the last four years in the MIAA. The Emporia State Hornets have gone from the bottom of the MIAA to the top in just two seasons. The Hornets went 4-7 in 2008, 2-9 in 2009, 5-6 in 2010, 5-6 in 2011, but then things changed in the 2012 season. The Hornets went 10-2 and defeated Texas A&M Kingsville in the Kanza Bowl. The Hornets used that bowl win to propel them to a second place finish in the MIAA in 2013 and made it to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time since The Hornets fell in the first round of the playoffs to Minnesota Duluth, but they were playing without all their bullets in the chamber as starting quarterback Brent Wilson didn t play because of a collarbone injury. The 2013 season was good, but the Hornets are ready to roll for the 2014 season. Head Coach Garin Higgins, now in his eighth year at the helm, has to be excited for the 2014 season for many reasons, but the big one has to be his starting quarterback is back, and he is just a junior. Brent Wilson had a tremendous sophomore season for the Hornets. Wilson earned second team All-MIAA honors and finished the 2013 season as the MIAA leader in total offense. Wilson put up 2,985 passing yards and 396 rushing yards, an average of 338 a game! Wilson threw for 33 touchdowns to just six interceptions and helped the Hornets put up over 40 points per game. The Hornet offense is in good shape with Wilson at the helm. The Hornets are not just a one man show. They return 16 starters from a year ago and have 35 lettermen coming back, who saw time last year. The offensive line for the Hornets should be experienced and very big. Four returning starters, all who weigh over 300 pounds, will be led by first team All-MIAA guard Jarret Statsny. This should be a very good front five to block for Wilson. The running back spot will be deep once again. The feature back will be the 2013 MIAA Freshman of the Year Antonio Brown. Brown split time with Dozie Iwagwu last year, but should get plenty of touches this year. The wide receiver group does lose Ray Ray Davis, who had a terrific career as a Hornet, but they do return a number of guys who can produce. Shawnee Heights product Austin Willis will look to end his stellar career in style as he will be the feature target for Wilson. Willis, who was second team all-conference, averaged over 100 yards receiving and hauled in 10 touchdowns a year ago. Look for junior Kavaski Ervin, sophomore Mitchell Foote and sophomore tight end Reese Richards to put up big numbers this year. If you like offense this is a group that you need to go and see. The defense for the Hornets will have to replace five starters, two from the defensive line spot and two from the secondary. The Hornet defense will be led by senior linebacker Tariq Allen. Allen is a guy who can cover the entire field and will be a force against the run and should have upwards to 100 tackles this year. The Dinwiddie brothers, DeShawn and Deveon, are both back to help the secondary, DeShawn an outside linebacker and Deveon a corner. Both of them should be leaders in the secondary this year with Chris Poston gone due to graduation. Look for junior and former Hayden standout Jason Tetuan to step up and take the spot of Jordan Sanders who graduated last year. The defensive line has two starters back in senior Nick Schuttle and junior Justin Wilson, who give them some experience and a solid pass rush. The Hornets were picked to finish third in the league by the media and fourth by the coaches in the preseason polls. Higgins says one thing is the reason for the turnaround saying, Confidence has been the biggest thing for us. It is more that our players truly believe that we are a good football team now. Just having the mindset of believing that you can win every game is huge. Our players do understand though of what it takes to get to where we want to go. The schedule is going to be very difficult this year as everyone plays everyone in the MIAA, a true round robin. Higgins knows the road to the playoffs is tough. This is such a strong league, when you have someone like Missouri Southern last year beat Pittsburg State in Pittsburg and they are picked preseason seventh this year, which shows you how tough a league this is. This Hornet team has the weapons on offense to once again put up 40 points per game. Wilson is the real deal at quarterback. They have the skill guys to make plays when Wilson gets them the ball. When you score 40 points per game, you can give up a few points on defense. If this Hornet team improves on the defensive side and stays healthy, this is a dangerous team that could be atop the MIAA at the end of the year and once again be in the playoffs for a second straight season. Jake Lebahn GOOD LUCK Hornets! Carlson Auction Services, Inc. 86 Pigskin & Hoops

85 The Hornet basketball program could be poised for a great year in if their trend of improving every single year continues. The Hornet basketball team, now under fourth year Head Coach Shaun Vandiver, has steadily improved on the court and in the winning column each of the last three years. The Hornets won just nine games in the season, they won 13 games in the season, and then won 18 games this past year and finished in a tie sixth in the MIAA regular season. So if that trend continues, look for the Hornets to break through with a 20-win season if they can continue their steady play of ball. Vandiver knows what it takes to be an elite level player and team. Vandiver was a former first round pick in the NBA draft in He went on to have a nine year career playing in Europe, so he knows what it takes to make it in this game. There is some good news and bad news for the Hornets this upcoming year. The bad news is they graduated three of their top four scorers from a year ago in Kaleb Wright, Gavin Brown, and MIAA Defensive Player of the Year Paul Bunch. The good news for the Hornets is they do return several underclassmen that saw significant minutes a year ago. The man leading the charge this year will be junior guard Terrence Moore. Moore was an Honorable Mention performer last year in the MIAA and was the Hornets second leading scorer. Moore is one of the quickest guards in the league with the ball in his hands and is also a terror on the defensive side as he was named to the All-Defensive Team last year. Vandiver will be looking to a trio of freshmen a year ago that saw plenty of key minutes in the Hornets run to Kansas City for the MIAA tournament. Vandiver will be looking for much improved seasons from guards Micah Swank, who averaged seven points per game, Jevon Taylor, who chipped in six points per contest and Jordan Tyler. The biggest question for the Hornets will be who will step up in the frontcourt. The two that will be trying to fill the void of the graduated Bunch will be junior McWisdom Badejo, who stands at 6 10 and sophomore Terrece Sardin, who is no slouch himself at 6 8. Their size won t be the problem, but the experience could. Both of Happy to support athletics! BLUESTEM FARM & RANCH SUPPLY 2611 WEST HWY. 50 EMPORIA, KS them combined to play just 15 minutes a game a year ago. The Hornets will have an impact transfer in guard Deante Smith, who is eligible immediately, after coming to Emporia State from Newman University. This Hornet team has some nice pieces to build around. Moore and Swank should be a very solid guard combo, and throw in a 46 % three-point shooter in Taylor and you got yourself a trio of guards who can put up plenty of points. If the Hornets can gang rebound and get Badejo and Sardin to become impact post players, this is a team that has a shot to win 20 games this year and be a serious threat to make the NCAA tournament. It isn t a shocker when the Lady Hornet basketball team has successful basketball season. In fact, it isn t did they have a successful season, it s how successful was it, and it was very successful this past year. The Lady Hornet basketball team had a very similar season as they did in The Lady Hornets finished in second place in the MIAA regular season. They won the MIAA tournament by beating the Central Missouri Jennies and they made it all the way to the sweet sixteen, but fell one win short of making it to the elite eight. The Hornets fell to Concordia-St. Paul in the regional final in Searcy, Arkansas. The Hornets finished the season with a 30-4 overall record and went 16-3 in the very tough MIAA. Jory Collins is in his fifth year at the helm and does have some work to do this upcoming season. The Lady Hornets lose four starters off last year s team that combined to score 48 points per game. The Lady Hornets lose four year starter in point guard Rheanna Egli, first team All-MIAA guard Laura Patrick, Desiree Wylie and post player Kionna Kellogg. Those are some pretty big shoes to fill. The good news for Collins is the cupboard isn t completely bare. Junior Merissa Quick is back for her senior season after averaging 13 points and seven rebounds per contest a year ago. Quick has improved every year it seems since her freshman season so look for bigger numbers from the Cheney High product. Look for sophomore guards Kelly Moten and Megan Holloway to take big strides as Moten averaged STORE HOURS: Mon-Fri 7am-8pm Sat 7am-5:30pm Emporia State Hornets Basketball Schedule 11/03 KANSAS STATE AWAY (W) 11/06 EVANGEL HOME (W) 11/11 KANSAS AWAY (M) 11/14 ST. CLOUD STATE AWAY (M) 11/14 TEXAS WOMAN S AWAY (W) 11/15 CONCORDIA-ST. PAUL AWAY (M) 11/15 MIDWESTERN STATE AWAY (W) 11/19 ROCKHURST HOME (M) 11/22 NEWMAN AWAY (M) 11/22 SOUTHWESTERN HOME (W) 11/25 NW OKLAHOMA AWAY (M) 11/25 HENDERSON STATE HOME (W) 11/28 WEST TEXAS A&M AWAY (M) 11/29 EASTERN NEW MEXICO AWAY (M) 11/29 SW OKLAHOMA HOME (W) 12/03 NWMISSOURI STATE HOME 12/06 NEWMAN HOME (W) 12/13 SOUTHWEST BAPTIST AWAY 12/16 MCPHERSON HOME (M) 12/17 SOUTHERN ARKANSAS AWAY (W) 12/20 MISSOURI SOUTHERN AWAY 12/31 STERLING HOME (M) 01/03 LINCOLN HOME 01/05 LINDENWOOD HOME 01/07 MISSOURI WESTERN STATE AWAY 01/10 CENTRAL MISSOURI AWAY 01/14 PITTSBURG STATE AWAY 01/21 NORTHEASTERN STATE AWAY 01/24 CENTRAL OKLAHOMA AWAY 01/28 FORT HAYS STATE HOME 02/01 NEBRASKA-KEARNEY HOME 02/04 WASHBURN HOME 02/07 FORT HAYS STATE AWAY 02/12 NORTHEASTERN STATE HOME 02/14 CENTRAL OKLAHOMA HOME 02/19 NEBRASKA-KEARNEY AWAY 02/21 WASHBURN AWAY 02/25 PITTSBURG STATE HOME eight points per game and Holloway put up four points per contest. Holloway and Moten could be a big reason why this team will be successful in Quick isn t the lone post player who saw the court last year. Amber Vandiver, who is the daughter of the hornet men s team Shaun Vandiver, had a solid junior year after averaging eight points and seven rebounds per contest. The Lady Hornet team always seems to add a junior college transfers and this year is no different. Forwards Ashton Bruner, Whitney Gordon and guard Kelsey Barnwell will be coming to ESU after very good college careers at Barton Community College, Wyoming and UMKC, respectively. The Lady Hornets won t be as experienced as a year ago but they still have a few pieces that should make this a very good team. Quick and Vandiver give this team a solid backcourt and if a few guards step up this team will be back in the NCAA tournament and fighting for an MIAA regular season title. Jake Lebahn Pigskin & Hoops

86 Wildcats KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY 2014 Football Schedule 08/30 STEPHEN F. AUSTIN HOME 09/06 IOWA STATE AWAY 09/18 AUBURN HOME 09/27 UTEP HOME 10/04 TEXAS TECH HOME 10/18 OKLAHOMA AWAY 10/25 TEXAS HOME 11/01 OKLAHOMA STATE HOME 11/08 TCU AWAY 11/20 WEST VIRGINIA AWAY 11/29 KANSAS HOME 12/06 BAYLOR AWAY After an 11-win season in 2012, the Kansas State Wildcats struggled to find their groove to start Only two wins in a tough six-game stretch left fans wondering if the season would be a dud. Coach Bill Snyder and his squad changed that with five victories in the last six games to get into the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. K-State handled the Wolverines in a win to give the program its seventh bowl victory. Eleven starters and 42 lettermen return on a squad picked to finish third in the Big 12 preseason poll. Senior quarterback Jake Waters (6 1, 210) took the bulk of the snaps in the final three games of 2013 and returns as the main signal caller. Waters doesn t have to worry about splitting time with Daniel Sams and is a phenomenal leader for this K- State offense. Even if he did trade snaps early in the season that never affected his confidence as Waters threw for 2,469 yards and 18 touchdowns while completing 61 percent of his passes. Waters could use his legs as well, finishing with 312 yards and six touchdowns. Speaking of rushing, that s the biggest question mark for the Wildcats in No more John Hubert or Sams, a duo that combined for 1,855 yards and 21 touchdowns. Senior running back DeMarcus Robinson (5 7, 209, Wichita Northwest) saw the field in three games last season and looks to be the starter. Sophomores Jarvis Leverett Jr. (5 11, 203), Charles Jones (5 10, 197) and others will be competing to receive carries. Whoever the running back might be, the offensive line surely has the strength to make holes for anyone. K-State loses three guys up front, but returns two talented linemen in senior B.J. Finney and junior Cody Whitehair. Finding stability and consistency with the other three linemen is also a concern. Senior tight end Zach Trujillo (6 5, 256) should ease the pain of that worry. On the edges, K-State has both top targets back. Senior wide out Tyler Lockett (5 11, 175) became the first receiver to record 1,000 yards since He ended 2013 with 10 receptions for 116 yards and three touchdowns. Senior Curry Sexton (5 11, 183, Abilene) joins Lockett after a scoreless season. Sophomore Deante Burton (6 2, 205, Manhattan) is a versatile player that ll be moved around in the offense and junior transfer Andre Davis (6 0, 185) makes this a solid unit. Last year, only two starters were back on defense. Five returnees highlight this defense with a few key cogs missing. Up front, senior defensive end Ryan Mueller (6 2, 245, St. Thomas Aquinas) is primed and ready after an incredible season with 11.5 sacks. Junior Travis Britz (6 4, 293) and JUCO newcomer Terrell Clinkscales (6 4, 315, Dodge City CC) beef up the line that is filled with talent. Losing Blake Slaughter, KSU s first player to top 100 tackles since 2003, hurts, but the second-leading tackler in senior linebacker Jonathan Truman (5 11, 219, Kapaun) is ready to pick up where he left off last season. Junior Charmeachealle Moore (6 0, 217) and JUCO transfer D Vonta Derricott (6 0, 225) look to fill the other two voids at LB. The secondary takes a hit with the loss of Ty Zimmerman, but two of the four slots are occupied by returners. Junior safety Dante Burnett (6 1, 186) is one of those returnees, after leading the team with four interceptions. Senior cornerback Randall Evans (6 0, 190) and a group of JUCO players can make the secondary deep in experience and talent. The past few years, Kansas State hasn t earned the respect in the preseason polls, but that changed this year with the team picked to finish third. A highly anticipated matchup with Auburn awaits KSU and for good reason with Coach Bill Snyder getting an extra week of preparation for the 2013 NCAA runner-up. Big games at Oklahoma and Baylor might decide a league championship, but one thing that has been true the past few years: don t ever count out Snyder and the Wildcats. Pat Strathman th Road Delia, Kansas (785) (800) Pigskin & Hoops

87 It s hard to follow up a season that wrapped up with a Big 12 title. Coach Bruce Weber and the Wildcat program maybe took a step back in some eyes in , but that was really far from the truth. Kansas State won 10 straight after a 2-3 start. Two of those victories were ranked opponents in Gonzaga and number six Oklahoma State. Any season is considered a victory when the Wildcats take down in-state rival Kansas, which they did in a double overtime thriller. If the Wildcats found themselves on the winning side in games against Baylor, Texas and Iowa State, K-State would have been better than fifth in the Big 12. And, KSU gave NCAA runnerup Kentucky a tough matchup in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Losing key players in Will Spradling and Shane Southwell is rough, but KSU returns a future Big 12 star. Sophomore guard Marcus Foster (6 2, 200) was sensational last year. Foster averaged 15.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists. He was solid behind the three-point line, shooting 39.5 percent from deep and sinking 79 treys. Foster did lead the team in turnovers with 73, but he is primed and ready to increase his already impressive numbers. Senior forward Thomas Gipson (6 7, 265) is back as the team s second leading scorer. Gipson grabbed 6.5 rebounds a night and averaged 11.5 points. Sophomore forward Wesley Iwundu (6 7, 195) didn t have the numbers as Foster in his freshman year, but he showed flashes of being a capable scorer, sinking 41 percent of his threes and accumulating 6.7 points and 4.2 rebounds a game. The rotation will once again be there for Coach Weber with plenty of role players back. Senior forward Nino Williams (6 5, 220, Leavenworth), junior forward D.J. Johnson (6 9, 250) and sophomore guard Nigel Johnson (6 1, 180) all will contribute off the bench. Four-star recruit Malek Harris (6 7, 200) comes to KSU with the perfect mold for Coach Weber. The forward is tough-minded, attacks the rim off the dribble well and is a solid defender. Expect Harris to battle for minutes as well. Kansas State had incredible success at home during Big 12 play. The Wildcats were 8-1 at the Octagon of Doom. A dismal 2-7 road record, though, prevented K-State from having a better season. With key cogs back, KSU will look to improve that record and be in the conversation to end KU s reign as Big 12 champs. Last year was one of great struggle for the Lady Wildcats. Kansas State finished 11-19, posting a 5-13 conference record. That season led to a coaching change. Jeff Mittie was named the ninth head women s basketball coach at Kansas State. Mittie is one of the winningest active coaches in NCAA Division I with more than 450 career wins, 15 postseason appearances, nine conference titles and five conference coach of the year honors in 22 years of coaching. His.660 winning percentage ranks 45th among active D-I coaches and 21st among active coaches with 20 or more years of experience. Mittie has averaged 21 wins per season and experienced only one losing season. Coach Mittie could see his second losing season this year with the loss of Leticia Romero. Romero led the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, three-point percentage and steals. Coach Mittie will use nine letterwomen to try to fill those voids. Senior guard Ashia Woods (5 11, Wichita Collegiate) is the lone returnee that averaged double-digits with 10.1 points. Senior guard Haley Texada recorded a solid season with 7.5 points a game before suffering a season-ending stress fracture in ankle. Junior guard Bri Craig and sophomore guard Kindred Wesemann were the team s sharpshooters, making 67 threes total. Junior college transfer guards Deborah Meeks and Antoinette Taylor both could battle for minutes in the rotation in the backcourt. Sophomore Breanna Lewis started 24 games as a freshman in The 6 5 forward averaged 5.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and blocked 44 shots. Sophomores Jessica Sheble (6 3, Olathe North) and Erica Young saw time in the paint last year and will have better production this season. There was plenty of offseason attention with the hiring of a new coach and loss of Romero, but Coach Mittie has a solid track record to get the program back to its winning ways. Pat Strathman Kansas State Wildcats Basketball Schedule 11/09 WASHBURN HOME 11/14 SOUTHERN UTAH HOME 11/17 UMKC HOME 11/21 LONG BEACH STATE AWAY 11/24-26 MAUI INVITATIONAL AWAY 12/02 NEBRASKA-OMAHA HOME 12/06 TENNESSEE AWAY 12/09 BRADLEY HOME 12/14 SAVANNAH STATE HOME 12/20 TEXAS A&M AWAY (SPRINT CENTER) 12/28 TEXAS SOUTHERN HOME 12/31 GEORGIA HOME 01/03 OKLAHOMA STATE AWAY 01/07 TCU HOME 01/10 OKLAHOMA AWAY 01/14 TEXAS TECH HOME 01/17 BAYLOR HOME 01/20 IOWA STATE AWAY 01/24 OKLAHOMA STATE HOME 01/27 WEST VIRGINIA HOME 01/31 KANSAS AWAY 02/04 TEXAS TECH AWAY 02/07 TEXAS HOME 02/11 WEST VIRGINIA AWAY 02/14 OKLAHOMA HOME 02/18 TCU AWAY 02/21 BAYLOR AWAY 02/23 KANSAS HOME 02/28 IOWA STATE HOME 03/07 TEXAS AWAY Pigskin & Hoops

88 UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS Jayhawks 2014 Football Schedule 09/06 SE MISSOURI STATE HOME 09/13 DUKE AWAY 09/20 CENTRAL MICHIGAN HOME 09/27 TEXAS HOME 10/04 WEST VIRGINIA AWAY 10/11 OKLAHOMA STATE HOME 10/18 TEXAS TECH AWAY 11/01 BAYLOR AWAY 11/08 IOWA STATE HOME 11/15 TCU HOME 11/22 OKLAHOMA AWAY 11/29 KANSAS STATE AWAY Check another objective off the list of accomplishments for Coach Charlie Weis. The Jayhawks snapped a 27- game Big 12 losing streak with a win over West Virginia in Lawrence. Kansas increased its win total by two games and it could have been more. The Jayhawks trailed by one score in the fourth quarter to TCU in a 10-point loss. Against Oklahoma, the Hawks had two punts blocked, missed three extra points and lost by 15. This year, 17 starters return to form Weis best team in his three years at the school. Controversy surrounded the offense in 2013 with the burning of sophomore quarterback Montell Cozart s (6 2, 195, Bishop Miege) redshirt. Weis has yet to find consistent play with the main signal caller, but he believes in Cozart, despite low numbers. In seven games, Cozart passed for 227 yards, rushed for 214 and scored once on a rushing play. Cozart has yet to get a touchdown through the air and completed just 36.5 percent of his attempts last season. Those numbers certainly can improve this year with Cozart as the guy in first-year offensive coordinator John Reagan s offense. Reagan is back at KU after three years as the OC at Rice, where he helped the Owls to a victory in the 2013 Conference USA Championship game. Last year, the Owls ranked 17th in rushing offense and 61st in total offense. Those numbers might be difficult to replicate with the top two rushes no longer at Kansas. James Sims graduated after rushing for 1,110 yards and Darrian Miller is gone for good. Coach Weis says that he likes his running back group, but that certainly has changed. Brandon Bourbon and Taylor Cox both suffered season-ending injuries. Four-star freshman Traevohn Wrench, perhaps KU s best recruit in 2014, is now at Butler Community College. What was a deep unit is now thin. Junior college transfer De Andre Mann (5 9, 198) is tabbed as the front-runner, but he ll receive help from true freshman Corey Avery (5 10, 195). Senior Tony Pierson (5 10, 175) can also be considered a back, but he does his damage in open space. Pierson was electric and was on his way to a 1,000-yard season, accumulating 327 yards in the first four games before suffering a concussion. He played just three games after that injury and never really was back to normal. If Pierson stays healthy, Kansas could have an underrated receiving core. Miami (OH) senior transfer Nick Harwell (6 1, 193) steps in as a solid number one receiver and could be the straw that stirs the drink. Senior Justin McCay (6 2, 210, Bishop Miege) had a disappointing year with just nine receptions for 84 yards and a TD. On the flip side, junior Rodriguez Coleman (6 3, 190) was a pleasant surprise, tallying 208 yards and a TD in nine games. Junior Tre Parmalee (5 10, 175, Bishop Miege) and JUCO transfer Nigel King are other weapons that can be used from this group. Oh, and perhaps the best receiving player, senior tight end Jimmay Mundine (6 2, 240), returns after a team-high five TD receptions. Defensively, the unit improved from 84th to 66th in defense. A big key was arguably the best linebacker in the Big 12 in senior Ben Heeney (6 0, 230). The Hutchinson product recorded 88 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions in He s back with eight other starters. Junior Jake Love accumulated 58 tackles (6 0, 220) and senior Michael Reynolds (6 1, 240, Kapaun) is an excellent pass rusher after tallying 6.5 sacks. To add more depth, senior Victor Simmons (6 1, 225, Olathe North) is another experienced returnee The secondary should be solid as well with seniors Dexter McDonald (6 1, 205, Rockhurst), Cassius Sendish (6 0, 195) and JaCorey Shepherd (5 11, 195). Junior Isiah Johnson (6 1, 210) was second on the team with 73 tackles and led the team with five interceptions. Coach Weis brought in plenty of JUCO players, but didn t see the initial success in Weis now faces a, Now what? problem. He suggests the defense will play well, but the question is once again a quarterback. Jake Heaps and Dayne Crist both were failed projects. Weis believes if he receives efficient play at QB, Kansas will improve on its win total. For Weis, it better happen. The third year is when things officially count. Pat Strathman 90 Pigskin & Hoops

89 The hype surrounding the Jayhawks was astronomical. Coach Bill Self brought in an extremely talented group of freshmen and mixed those players in with returning experience that made a unique blend. In some ways, that group lived up to the hype. The Jayhawks stared directly in the eyes of the nation s toughest schedule, suffered 10 losses and still earned a two seed in the NCAA Tournament. Oh, and the number 10, certainly has a significant meaning as the Jayhawks completed the decade of dominance, winning its 10th consecutive Big 12 crown. But even with the regular season success, the Hawks suffered a third round loss to Stanford, preventing KU from going to the Sweet 16. With the loss of NBA s number one overall selection Andrew Wiggins, rim protector Joel Embiid and point guard Naadir Tharpe, the team takes on a different look with the same, high expectations. Junior forward Perry Ellis (6 8, 225, Wichita Heights) increased his production that led to him being the team s second-leading scorer. Ellis averaged 13.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and increased his shooting range to the threepoint line. Junior forward Jamari Traylor (6 8, 220) used his high energy off the bench to score 4.8 points a night, average 4.1 rebounds and record 28 blocks while logging 16 minutes a game. Sophomore center Landen Lucas (6 10, 240) showed promise in the paint, junior transfer forward from Arkansas Hunter Mickelson (6 10, 245) is available and Kansas sees another sensational freshman big man in Cliff Alexander (6 8, 240). The point guard position is once again a concern, but KU has capable players to fill the hole. Sophomore Frank Mason (5 11, 185) is tabbed as the expected starter, but expect freshman newcomer Devonte Graham (6 2, 175) and sophomore sharpshooter Conner Frankamp (6 0, 165, Wichita North) to bring the ball up. After all, Coach Self likes having multiple men push the ball up the floor compared to just one. Sophomore guard Wayne Selden Jr. (6 5, 230) is healthy and looks to build on last year s performance. Sophomore wingman Brannen Greene (6 7, 215) and freshmen studs Kelly Oubre (6 7, 200) and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (6 8, 195) will all battle for minutes. The schedule is once again loaded for the Jayhawks. Finding another rim protector and consistency at the point guard position might be a challenge, but as the saying goes, Kansas doesn t rebuild; it reloads. If that s true again, expect Kansas to add another Big 12 trophy in its trophy case. After back-to-back seasons of Sweet Sixteen appearances, the Lady Jayhawks took a major blow in The record was the first losing season since when Kansas went KU did record an impressive victory at home against Baylor, but that was just one of five conference victories. Three of the top four scorers are back for Kansas this season and two ESPN Top 100 players should bring optimism to the program in Senior forward Chelsea Gardner completed another successful season, leading the team in scoring and rebounding. Gardner scored 17.1 points a game while tallying 8.4 rebounds. She also was an efficient scorer, sinking 56 percent of her shots. KU used a trio of players to help Gardner in the paint in senior Bunny Williams and sophomores Caelynn Manning-Allen and Jada Brown. Freshman Lorraine Enabulele could see some action in her first year. Senior guards Asia Boyd and Natalie Knight had similar production last year, with Boyd averaging 11 points while Knight scored 10.6 points a night. Sophomore Keyla Morgan saw the floor in 15 games last year and averaged 5.2 points. A couple freshmen point guards come to Kansas this year in top 100 player Terriell Bradley and Lauren Aldridge. Freshman Chayla Cheadle, the other top 100 player, will be on the wing to give the Lady Hawks some more scoring. Coach Bonnie Henrickson enters her 11th season at Kansas with a few questions. The Gonzalez twins, Dylan and Dakota, transfer to UNLV after one season and Lamaria Cole is also gone. Those players could have made contributions this year, but with this current group, Coach Henrickson will search for a way to avoid back-to-back losing seasons. University of Kansas Jayhawks Pat Strathman Basketball Schedule 11/04 WASHBURN HOME 11/11 EMPORIA STATE HOME 11/14 UC SANTA BARBARA HOME 11/18 KENTUCKY AWAY 11/24 RIDER HOME 11/27-30 ORLANDO CLASSIC AWAY 12/05 FLORIDA HOME 12/10 GEORGETOWN AWAY 12/13 UTAH AWAY (SPRINT CENTER) 12/20 LAFAYETTE HOME 12/22 TEMPLE AWAY 12/30 KENT STATE HOME 01/04 UNLV HOME 01/07 BAYLOR AWAY 01/10 TEXAS TECH HOME 01/13 OKLAHOMA STATE HOME 01/17 IOWA STATE AWAY 01/19 OKLAHOMA HOME 01/24 TEXAS AWAY 01/28 TCU AWAY 01/31 KANSAS STATE HOME 02/02 IOWA STATE HOME 02/07 OKLAHOMA STATE AWAY 02/10 TEXAS TECH AWAY 02/14 BAYLOR HOME 02/16 WEST VIRGINIA AWAY 02/21 TCU HOME 02/23 KANSAS STATE AWAY 02/28 TEXAS HOME 03/03 WEST VIRGINIA HOME 03/07 OKLAHOMA AWAY Pigskin & Hoops

90 Ichabods WASHBURN UNIVERSITY 2014 Football Schedule 09/04 LINDENWOOD HOME 09/11 UN OF KEARNEY AWAY 09/20 PITTSBURG STATE HOME 09/27 MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE AWAY 10/04 FORT HAYS STATE HOME 10/11 CENTRAL MISSOURI AWAY 10/18 MISSOURI WESTERN STATE HOME 10/25 CENTRAL OKLAHOMA AWAY 11/01 EMPORIA STATE HOME 11/08 NORTHEASTERN STATE HOME 11/15 NW MISSOURI STATE AWAY (ARROWHEAD) Head coach Craig Schurig and the Ichabods are coming off of an 8-3 season which got them a T4 in the MIAA. The Ichabods return 56 lettermen and 15 players who started. The Ichabods were 8-0 before losing their last three games and part of the reason for that is they lost several key offensive players throughout the season. This offensive unit will be explosive if they can stay healthy while the defense has some key performers back but must replace six starters. The Ichabod offense averaged 41 ppg and 424 yards of total offense. Senior Mitch Buhler returns at QB. Buhler threw for 2,261 yards with 23 TDs. Mitch missed two games to injury and needs to stay healthy as he looks to top 5,000 yards passing in his career. Senior Joel Piper started two games last season and threw for 781 yards on the season. The depth on offense is at running back and last season all 4 of these guys missed time with injuries. Senior Vershon Moore has rushed for over 2,300 yards in his career. Junior Sean McPherson can score any time he touches the ball played in only six games last season. Sophomore Donnie Lockhart played in three games and junior Kameron Stewart played in seven games. If this group can stay healthy, good things will happen this season. Senior WR DeJuan Beard is physically gifted and was also injured last season. Beard caught 37 balls for 488 yards in seven games. Junior speedster Jordan Hart, hurt last year, had West Ridge Mall Lower Level HOURS: Monday - Saturday 10-9, Sunday 12-6 GET CUSTOM UNIFORMS FOR YOUR TEAM OR BUSINESS, CALL catches for 325 yards in five games. Seniors Matt Buhler and Brad Gourley along with juniors Connor Crimmins, Brit Dewey and Chad Williams make this receiving unit really solid. Tight ends sophomore Raymond Solis and junior Adam Luthi will help out catching the ball and blocking. Four starters are back on the offensive line: senior Dylan Ready, junior John Clay, junior Jordan McCallister and sophomore Michael Miller. This group should be a strength for the offense. If the offense stays healthy, the line does its job, then this could be a great year for offensive fireworks! The defense is talented but will have to step up a notch or two this season. Senior DT Tyler Ewy is the only returning starter on the D-line. He will have help from senior DE Alex Dowty and sophomore DE Akhmed Abdul-Razzaq. Senior DT Bryan Dale should move into the starting line-up this year. The two inside LB ers are back on defense after spending most of last season on offense. Sophomore Cody Heiman is one of the best athletes on the team and led the team in rushing after moving to offense after all of the injuries. Junior Mark Kolmer played fullback last year but is back to team with Heiman. Juniors Alec Steuber and Zack Weekley will see a lot of game time at inside LB er as well. Senior free safety Calvin Kenney will be a fourth year starter and will be the leader of this defense. The strong safeties will be Jr. Jaime Myers, Jr. Shay Wooten and redshirt Fr. Peter Pfannenstiel. The corners return starters Sr. Dwayne Joseph and Jr. Jordan Nelson. Sophomores Zach Franklin and Tevin Gaddis will compete for time at corner. Senior DeAnthony Rimmer will back up Kenney at free safety but will help out wherever he is needed. The special teams could be special this year. Senior punter Aaron Hummert is back for his fourth season. Sophomore Justin Linn earned first team all-conference in his freshman season connecting on 14 of 19 field goals. He was seven for eight from outside 40 yards. The Ichabods open September 7th on the road at Kearney. The MIAA is always tough but expect the all-time winningest coach in Washburn history, Craig Schurig, to lead this Ichabod team to a fun and exciting season! The Washburn Bookstore One per customer per visit. May not be combined with other coupons or offers. Expires 3/28/201 Mark Elliott 35% off A ny one WU imprinted s weats hirt Lower Level of Memorial Union or (785) Pigskin & Hoops

91 Bob Chipman heads into year number 36 at the helm of the Ichabods with 757 career wins. The Bods finished and finished in a tie for eighth in the MIAA. The Ichabods got off to a great start and lost some tough ones late last season. A lot of firepower returns for coach Chipman led by 6-6 senior Alex North. North could go down as one of the greats but he needs to lead this team to a post-season run. Alex averaged a doubledouble with 16 and 10. Senior Kyle Wiggins is one of the more athletic players in the MIAA. The 6-2 guard averaged 15 points, three rebounds and four assists per game. Senior guards Korey Fisher and Chris Davis will fight for the point guard job. Both should be more comfortable after making their first run through the MIAA last season. Sophomore Andy Wilson will bring his perimeter shooting to the two-guard spot. Junior Christian Ulsaker missed most of last year with an injury but he was a stat stuffer early in the year. One of the keys could be 6-8 senior Stephon Drane. Drane struggled in his first year with the Ichabods but is a very gifted big man so look for him to be a huge factor this season. 6-6 sophomore Jeremy Lickteig did some nice things in his freshman season and he also should be much improved this year. As always Bob Chipman and assistant coach Dave Brown hit the recruiting trails hard. Three juniors join the team: Kevin House, Turon Parker and Prince Samuel. Tyler Brown and Tom Huppe get their first chance to play after their redshirt freshman seasons. Five new freshmen are on board as well: Cameron Wiggins, Heath Tucker, Brady Skeens, Jackson Davis and David Salach. North and Wiggins deserve to go out with a great senior season after great careers so this should be a fun season to watch! Ron McHenry and the Ichabod women struggled a year ago. Coach McHenry has had a remarkable career, now entering his 15th season, but last year wasn t one of his favorites. For the first time since year one, the Washburn women didn t make it to Kansas City for the league tournament after finishing fi ft h in the league and losing a home play-in game. This team will be led by senior Casyn Buchman. Casyn averaged a last year as she continued her two-sport career at WU. Casyn is also one of the leaders of the tennis program. Senior Brittany Lynch almost averaged a double-double with 10 points and nine boards but is questionable this season after battling a series of concussions. Senior Taylor Ignoto played in the 2nd semester and averaged 12 points and hit 32 3 s. Senior post Honor Duvall averaged 10 & five while senior point guard Janelle Travis averaged 9-3-4a. Seniors Dana Channel and Allie Nikkel will do whatever they can to help this team. Junior Haley Pfau stepped up in her sophomore season and will need to help even more this season. Freshmen Johna McClelland, Jharian Bowen and Alyxis Bowens showed flashes last year but will need to be more consistent this year. Jada Lynch is ready to go after missing her freshman season with a knee injury. Two junior college transfers could help immediately in Emily Gamble and Jayna Smith. Two sophomore transfers will be counted on to help immediately: Tulsa transfer Erica Lane and OU transfer Felisha Gibbs. Lane will bolster the guard spot while Gibbs will play the three, four or five at 6 2. The two freshman newcomers are Riley County High grads: Makayla and Madison Vargo. A season and an end to the 12 straight seasons of making it to the NCAA tournament has left this team ready to get back on track this season. With the winningest coach in NCAA Division II leading the way, I am betting on a great season for the WU women! Washburn University Ichabods Mark Elliott Basketball Schedule 11/04 KANSAS AWAY (M) 11/07 OKLAHOMA AWAY (M) 11/09 KANSAS STATE AWAY (M) 11/09 KANSAS AWAY (W) 11/14 MINNESOTA STATE AWAY (M) 11/15 SIOUX FALLS AWAY (M) 11/15-16 P. RICO CLASSIC AWAY (W) 11/17 SW COLLEGE HOME (M) 11/18 PERU STATE HOME (M) 11/18 BENEDICTINE HOME (W) 11/20 NEWMAN AWAY (M) 11/22 DRURY HOME (M) 11/24-26 HAWAII-HILO T-GIVING CLASSIC AWAY (M) 11/25 OK CHRISTIAN AWAY (W) 11/28 BRIGHAM YOUNG HAWAII AWAY (M) 11/29 NEWMAN AWAY (W) 12/04 SOUTHWEST BAPTIST HOME 12/06 MI SOUTHERN STATE HOME 12/13 ROCKHURST AWAY (M) 12/15 TABOR HOME (M) 12/15 SW COLLEGE HOME (W) 12/18 LINCOLN UN OF MI. AWAY 12/20 LINDENWOOD AWAY 12/31 BAKER HOME 01/03 MI WESTERN STATE HOME 01/05 CENTRAL MISSOURI HOME 01/10 NW MISSOURI STATE AWAY 01/17 PITTSBURG STATE AWAY 01/22 CENTRAL OKLAHOMA AWAY 01/24 NE STATE AWAY 01/29 UN OF NEBRASKA AT KEARNEY HOME 01/31 FORT HAYS STATE HOME 02/04 EMPORIA STATE AWAY 02/07 UN OF NEBRASKA AT KEARNEY AWAY 02/12 CENTRAL OKLAHOMA HOME 02/14 NE STATE HOME 02/18 FORT HAYS STATE AWAY 02/21 EMPORIA STATE HOME 02/28 PITTSBURG STATE HOME Follow us Pigskin & Hoops

92 KANSAS CITYChiefs Chiefs 09/07 TITANS HOME 09/14 BRONCOS AWAY 09/21 DOLPHINS AWAY 09/29 PATRIOTS HOME 10/05 49ERS AWAY 10/12 BYE 10/19 CHARGERS AWAY 10/26 RAMS HOME 11/02 JETS HOME Two years ago, the Chiefs saw one of the worst seasons in KC history. That was quickly in the rearview mirror as Kansas City took the NFL by surprise in In his first year at the helm, Coach Andy Reid saw immediate success, winning the first nine games of the season. The Chiefs became the first team in history to start the season 9-0 after posting the league s worst record the year before in After a bye week, Kansas City limped to the finish line. Two losses to both Denver and San Diego and a defeat to Indianapolis highlighted the last seven games of the season. Despite the struggle late in the season, the Chiefs still made it to the playoffs as a wild card. A rematch of a week-16 loss to the Colts was in store for the Chiefs, but just like the surprising start to the season, the game would blindside the fans and the organization. Kansas City dominated the first half and led at the break. What happened next seemed unfathomable. Indianapolis erased a 28-point deficit and robbed the Chiefs of their first playoff victory since Plenty of losses and few additions summarize a unique offseason for Kansas City, leaving the Chiefs with a few question marks heading into Quarterback Alex Smith is primed and ready for another solid season. The main signal caller threw for 3,313 yards, 23 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. Those aren t jawdropping numbers, but efficient play is needed to complement the running game. The most important piece to KC s success in the next few seasons is running back Jamaal Charles. The former Texas back received a well-deserved contract extension that made him the second-highest paid running back in the NFL, only behind Minnesota s Adrian Peterson. And the pay upgrade only makes sense as Charles joins former Cleveland back Jim Brown as the only RBs to record 5,000-plus rush yards and average 5.2 or more yards per carry in a career Football Schedule 11/09 BILLS AWAY 11/16 SEAHAWKS HOME 11/20 RAIDERS AWAY 11/30 BRONCOS HOME 12/07 CARDINALS AWAY 12/14 RAIDERS HOME 12/21 STEELERS AWAY 12/28 CHARGERS HOME In 2013, Charles led the team in rushing yards (1,287), rushing touchdowns (12), receiving yards (693) and receiving touchdowns (7). Those stats led to Charles third Pro Bowl appearance. Back Knile Davis will be mixed in after a fourtouchdown season to give Charles some rest. It s important to get the ball to the best weapon, but when the number one wide out has less yards than a RB, that s a cause for concern. Receiver Dwayne Bowe trimmed down and maybe that ll lead to bigger numbers as Bowe only caught five TD passes and accumulated 673 yards. Donnie Avery, A.J. Jenkins, Junior Hemingway and Kyle Williams all should help Bowe, but maybe the biggest receiving threat is rookie De Anthony Thomas. The Oregon RB has incredible speed and explosiveness that can lead to big plays in the open field. Oh, and at tight end, Travis Kelce has looked very impressive and can be used as a weapon in the passing attack. The bigger question is up front on the offensive line. Kansas City took a huge hit in the offseason and the Chiefs will do their best to provide protection with young bloods for Smith. Eric Fisher slides over to left tackle and has high expectations this season. Thirdyear man Donald Stephenson steps in the right tackle spot. In the middle, Rodney Hudson, Jeff Allen and 2014 sixth-round pick Zach Fulton are all expected to start. Not a lot of depth, but if the OL stays healthy, Kansas City should be fine. On the opposite side of the football, the Chiefs will mostly be the same with a few tweaks. The linebackers are yet again the heart and soul of the defense. Derrick Johnson mans the middle as the top returning tackler with 107 and 4.5 sacks in Joe Mays steps in as the other inside linebacker. Mays played with Houston last season and he knows the AFC West, playing with Denver from Two of the NFL s best outside linebackers reside in KC in Tamba Hali and Justin 94 Pigskin & Hoops

93 Houston. The dynamic duo combined for 90 tackles and 22 sacks. If the pass rush wasn t good enough, the Chiefs added a third rusher in first-round pick Dee Ford. Dontari Poe was incredibly effective in his second year as a nose tackle. He increased his numbers, recording 51 stops and 4.5 sacks. Mike DeVito and Allen Bailey join Poe as the outside pieces in this 3-4 scheme. The secondary unit is a cause for concern on many levels. Brandon Flowers, Quintin Demps and Kendrick Lewis are no longer Chiefs. Filling those voids might be difficult and things might be tougher with strong safety Eric Berry battling injuries in training camp. Still, Berry returns as the team s second leading tackler with 74 and three interceptions. Cornerback Marcus Cooper tied Berry on the team with three picks. Ron Parker, Chris Owens, Sean Smith and rookie Phillip Gaines will challenge each other to fill the opening at corner. Husain Abdullah is a capable player to close the gap at free safety. Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City snapped a playoff drought last year and it will be tough to replicate that. The last time the Chiefs went to the playoffs in back-toback years was This year, the schedule is stacked. Going 9-0 again looks improbable with a tough nine-game stretch. Matchups with New England, San Francisco, Miami, Pittsburgh and the defending champs Seattle can be trouble. And that s not even including the division opponents. It ll once again be difficult to win the division. A wild card could be in the Chiefs future, but everything has to fall into place at the right time. The team has a chance to be above.500 or below it, but either way, it ll be an exciting season to follow in Pat Strathman Pigskin & Hoops

94 FANTASYFootball Football Preview One of my favorite things about preparing my draft board is identifying the sleepers; players who fly under the fantasy radar on draft day who could turn out to be significant contributors later in the season. For example, last year virtually no one predicted breakout seasons from Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen or Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton. Identifying fantasy sleepers could add a huge amount of value to your squad. Let everyone else at your draft table shrug and take a kicker in the twelfth round while you grab a skill position player who could be a potential starter even trade bait later in the fantasy campaign. Let s take a look at a few sleeper candidates for Brandin Cooks Wide Receiver New Orleans: Accounting for a combined 108 receptions, 1,061 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns last season, the New Orleans passing attack will look to replace departed free agent running back Darren Sproles and wide receiver Lance Moore, and they may have solved the problem in the first round of the 2014 Draft. The Saints selected Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks with their top pick and no less of an authority than quarterback Drew Brees feels the rookie is well-suited to contribute right away. I think he can do a lot of things, stated Brees. I think he can play outside receiver. I think I he can play inside in the slot. You can hand him reverses. You can throw him screens. While Cooks will have a lot of targets ahead of him, such as fellow wideouts Marques Colston, Kenny Stills and allpro tight end Jimmy Graham, the Saints have proved they like to spread the ball around to many capable targets and Cooks stands a great chance to work himself into the mix. Cooks has been selected as the 68th to 72nd wide receiver during mock drafting, so this guy could be a real steal for you as your draft nears its end. Terrance Williams Wide Receiver Dallas: With Cowboys all-pro receiver Dez Bryant likely drawing double coverage from opposing defensive backs, second year wideout Terrance Williams might feel lonely from the lack of attention. How lonely? With Bryant s size, blazing speed and mega-athleticism, Williams might feel Maytag repairman-lonely and that could be a great thing for his owners. The second-year man out of Baylor has been penciled in as the starter opposite Bryant on a pass-first offense lead by new Cowboys offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. As a rookie in 2013, Williams posted a respectable line of 44 receptions for 736 receiving yards and five touchdowns, numbers that should increase in He also racked up 101 targets (35th in the league), which put him in such company as receivers Michael Floyd, Marques Colston, Brian Hartline and Torrey Smith. Williams reflected a positional rank of WR35-38 in mock drafting, so his upside is very high. This is a potential fantasy WR2 that could be had in the later part of your draft. Watch this guy closely in camp and be prepared to scoop him up late on draft day. Terrance West Running Back Cleveland: While Ben Tate is listed as the Browns starting back, keep in mind that he s missed eight games in the last three seasons. Tate s propensity for injury combined with the team s enthusiasm for rookie running back Terrance West could make West a deep sleeper candidate at running back. A third-round pick out of Towson, West is a 5 9, 225 pound bone-crunching back with a breakaway speed. He handled the majority of reps during Organized Team Activities and has looked sharp doing so. During his three year college carrier, West scored 84 rushing touchdowns and rushed for over 4,800 yards. His ADP has escalated through the summer and he s now considered the 35th to 40th ranked fantasy back, so the word is out on this guy. I believe that West is one Tate injury from becoming a decent to solid fantasy contributor in Justin Hunter Wide Receiver Tennessee: Sure, Titans wide receiver Nate Washington recorded a respectable 919 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2013, but he ll turn 31 in August. The Titans are reportedly looking at moving more targets away from Washington in favor of second year receiver Justin Hunter. A 6 4 target with long arms and above-average speed, Hunter often showed promise during the 2013 campaign. He could benefit from the presence of number one wideout Kendall Wright, who ranked up a whopping 94 receptions and 1,079 receiving yards in With Wright occupying opposing cornerbacks, Hunter could see more opportunities in single coverage. Most mock drafts consider Hunter the 61st to 70th wide receiver on the board, so he is definitely under the radar and could be a nice late-round sleeper. So, there you have it: a few potential sleeper candidates, courtesy of The Freak! Keep these names in the back of your mind on draft day and you might end up pleasantly surprised. Don t sleep on these sleepers! 96 Pigskin & Hoops

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