PARSONS

Will young talent finally

reverse Vikings fortunes?

CHANUTE
See page 10

LABETTE COUNTY
See page 18 Daquan Johnson
Table of Contents
HIGH SCHOOLS COLLEGES
4 Parsons 51 Pittsburg State University
10 Chanute 52 Coffeyville Community College
18 Labette County 54 Independence Community College
24 St. Paul
30 Cherryvale Reference
32 Chetopa 56 Schedules
33 Erie
35 Humboldt CREDITS
Reporters:
36 Oswego Sean Frye
38 Southeast Andrew Towne
40 Coffeyville Brian Thomas
42 Columbus Chris Wilson
Creative:
43 Girard Michele Cave
44 Independence
Eric Hudson
46 Iola Brenda Pitts
Graphic Design:
48 Neodesha
C. Miller
50 Pittsburg

by SEAN FRYE
PARSONS Its become a broken record at this point.
The Parsons Vikings are coming off a measly season and the
coaching staff is trying to change the culture of the program.
Does the narrative hold any weight in 2017? Second year head
coach Travis Hurley believes it does.
Weve got more buy-in this year and our numbers are really
good, Hurley said. Were looking at 50-plus kids, and most of
our kids were here this summer. Our worst day this summer as far
as attendance was probably our best day last year.
Parsons was 1-8 a season ago and has won just four games in
the past five seasons. The Vikings were winless from 2012-14 be-
fore winning three games in 2015.
This fall, the Vikings have eight returning starters on both
sides of the ball. For a program starved for continuity and chem-
istry, thats one positive sign.
Weve worked hard to build relationships with the kids, to get
kids to buy into the program, Hurley said. The attitude and the
work ethic is totally different than it was a year ago. Last year we
had to spend so much time teaching basic things, but now were
Daquan Johnson looks to be a big part of the Parsons Vikings future. (Sean Frye/Parsons Sun photo)
4 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
The Vikings
have won
four games
in five years.
Does that
trend change
in 2017?
able to push our kids. We didnt have to coach attitude as much.
Naturally, Vikings fans in the stands are curious to see who
will take snaps under center.
Much of the hype surrounds sophomore Daquan Johnson,
who scored touchdowns in five different ways as a freshman
last year.
Johnson started just one game at quarterback a season fina-
le blowout loss at the hands of the Columbus Titans.
That start was a result of an injury to incumbent starting quar-
terback Gage Friess.
While not as dynamic of an athlete, Friess is certainly a more
traditional option at quarterback and can more effectively man-
age an offense. Hes also more akin to absorbing punishment in
the trenches.
Hes a tremendous leader and works his butt off every single
day, Hurley said. Hes physically big and strong and can hold up
under duress. He also makes good decisions and throws the ball
well. Athletically, hes much more than what people think he is.
Hurley plans on utilizing both players throughout the season
at the quarterback position. would move out to receiver if Friess is the
Both of them are versatile, Hurley signal-caller.
said. I dont think well have the problem You can move Daquan around ev-
of being predictable. They both throw the erywhere and defenses have to account
ball well and can take off and run. Theyre for him, Hurley said. Hes also probably
both dual threats, so thatll keep defenses our best receiver. The way Gage throws the
off balance hopefully. ball, that could be a special connection.
An old adage in football says that if you Complementing the pair on the out-
have two quarterbacks, you have none. side is senior receiver Gavynn Larson, who
Hurley refutes this notion for his squad. started last season as the Vikings quarter-
That saying might be true at the pro back before being unseated by Friess.
level or the college level, Hurley said. But He had a great year at receiver last
in high school, a lot of times you have year, Hurley said. Hes so athletic, and he
trouble just finding a quarterback. Were doesnt have to worry about running the
fortunate to have two really good ones. show. He can just go make plays. Hes got
They both bring a lot to the table as far as such a nose for the ball. ley said. He can catch and can block
what they can do. Larson, who plays both sides of the
Should Johnson take the snaps, Friess ball, will also line up at safety on defense.
could line up in the backfield. Johnson Hes kind of a ball hawk, Hurley said.
Gavynn Larson hopes to make an impact in his final season at Parsons. (Sean Frye/Parsons Sun photo)
2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
The attitude and the
work ethic is totally
different than it was
a year ago.
Travis Hurley,
Parsons Head Coach
He almost turns into a receiver when
the ball goes up in the air. Hes also a
physical tackler.
Joel Schibi and Malik Robinson, a pair
of seniors, are expected to be the primary
backs for the Vikings.
Malik is a big, strong and fast kid,
Hurley said. Then youve got Joel Schibi, a
kid whos super hard-nosed. We can really
put both of them anywhere.
The backfield will also be joined by
Patrick Loadholtz, who will line up as
an H-Back.
Hes another kid that has some size,
but great hands and some speed, Hur-
to create mismatches. Well move him
around everywhere.
The offensive and defensive lines were
5
Parsons weak points last
year the Vikings cup
runneth over with speed
and athleticism but runs
dry on size.
Loadholtz is one of the
bigger players on the Parsons
roster, so moving him into a
skill position is ultimately a
concession for Hurley.
Lining him up as a tight
end or an extra blocker, that
wont take away his ability to
make plays but he can still
be that extra blocker, Hur-
ley said.
Parsons trenches are
one of the biggest points of
emphasis for Hurleys staff
this offseason.
Weve got some really
good, young linemen, Hur-
ley said. Theyre not huge,
but theyre strong and ath-
letic. The more they play, the
better theyll be. Theyll be
raw, but we have good op-
tions and some depth that
will help us.
The Vikings are also
bolstered by Zeke Lyons,
a sophomore wideout and
secondary member who
transferred from Southern
Coffey County last spring.
Hes got great hands and
is another playmaker, Hur-
ley said. Just a great athlete.
Hell help us in the second-
ary as well.
Parsons will stick with
its 4-2-5 defensive base to
accentuate its athleticism in
the secondary.
We get five of our best
athletes out there on the field
in our defensive secondary,
Hurley said. It utilizes our
speed. Plus we see a lot of
spread offenses, so that set is
good to defend that.
Davonte Yates, a wide-
out and safety, is another
6 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
primetime returner for the
Vikings. While he showed
glimpses of promise as a
sophomore on the gridiron,
Yates has yet to truly come
out of his shell.
At times last year, he
lacked some confidence,
Hurley said. When hes
playing confidently though, Tim Endicott
hes special. He had a real- Chris Don
ly good offseason before he Beard Barcus
Rob Mark
got hurt. He went to state in Barcus Pound
track, and that always helps.
Hes starting to realize what
kind of athlete he can be, PHS Football
and that carries over. It starts Coaches
in the weight room for him.
In the second year of a 2017-18
Travis Hurley, Head coach
two-year cycle the final
year Parsons football will
likely remain 4A-II before
new KSHSAA realignment
proposals take effect in
2018 the Vikings district
opponents of Frontenac, PARSONS HIGH SCHOOL Linda Proehl, Superintendent
Baxter Springs and Colum- 3030 Morton
bus remain.
I think weve gained 421-3660 www.vikingnet.net
ground on our district as
well as everybody on our
schedule, Hurley said.
Frontenac was really se-
nior heavy, so was Baxter
Springs last year. Columbus
will be a really good team.
But from the offseason weve
had, I think we gained a lot
of ground.
Parsons opens the season
at home against Fort Scott, a
team pegged by Southeast
Kansas League coaches to
win the league title in the
preseason poll.
Our goal is a winning
record, Hurley said. Its
been a while since Parsons
has done that, but I think its
realistic. I think its some- Quarterback Gage Friess will see significant time this fall
thing that our kids are striv- under center. (Sean Frye/Parsons Sun photo)
ing for to get the ball rolling
in that direction.
 The
CITY of PARSONS
wishes best of luck to all area teams! GOOD LUCK TO ALL AREA TEAMS!

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8 9
 Corbett Kimberlin will be a primary playmaker for Matt Hernandez is among Quarterback Ty
the Blue Comets in 2017. (Andrew Towne/Chanute
the top returning starters for Bowman will
Tribune photo)
Chanute. (Andrew Towne/ lead the Chanute
Chanute Tribune photo) offense in 2017.
(Andrew Towne/
Chanute Tribune
photo)

Matt Hernandez and Gage The team strengths lie in the

CHANUTE Last year, the Chanute Blue Comet football
team came within a game of making the Class 4A-I playoffs
with a group that was dominated by freshmen and sopho-
mores. This year, the Comets are a year older and have an
additional year of experience under their belts.
The Blue Comets put in a lot of work over the summer
months to be able to take that next step following a 3-6 season
in 2016.
We had a great summer. We were pleased with the per-
centage of turnout our kids had,
third-year Head Coach Chris
Shields said. This summer, we
Leedy played a variety of posi- We are ready to go. Like everyone skill positions.
tions a year ago, while Hunter Well have a lot of juniors
Lyden played only three and a
else, Im extremely excited about and sophomores on offense,
half games at center before miss- the upcoming season. Shields said.
ing out on the remainder of the One of those individuals is sopho-
Chris Shields,
season due to a concussion. more quarterback Ty Bowman.
Chanute head coach
After Lydens injury against Bowman threw for 834 yards
Augusta, Chanute was forced to as a freshman, starting all nine
rotate five other players through games. He also rushed for 270
the center position. yards and three touchdowns.
Hernandez was featured at receiver, defensive back and linebacker. I couldnt have been more proud of a kid in all my years
He does it all, Shields said. He played more linebacker of coaching than I was with Ty, Shields said. He took a
asked a lot more of them. We hosted a 7-on-7 league on
for us last year. Hes been playing a lot more at safety this pounding. He played every snap. He was at every practice. It
Wednesday nights. We even went to a couple one-day tourna-
summer. A lot of it will come down to where other guys fit. never got too big for him. He just kept going out there and
ments. We were able to get them out and get them some more
Hernandez tallied 100 yards receiving and 85 yards rush- has tremendous leadership skills. Hes a tremendous worker,
exposure. They were doing more football stuff, and I think
ing on offense, while recording 32 tackles on defense. and hell continue to grow in that role.
that will be very advantageous once the season gets here.
Meanwhile for Leedy, he will play in all three facets of the As a freshman, he came in at 6 foot, 3 inches and 173
The 2017 Chanute roster will feature only seven seniors,
game for the Comets again in the new season. pounds. In 2017, he registers at 6-5 and 195 pounds.
but the Comets have 12 letter winners back and 10 athletes
He wont come off the field for us, Shields said. Hell Bowman will have his top four receivers back from a year
who started at least one game in 2016. Of those 10, five were
play special teams. Hell play linebacker. Offensively, he was ago in Hernandez, Corbett Kimberlin, Lane Harvey and Coo-
full-time starters.
our backup running back last year, and after a lot of injuries per McMillen.
The senior class is led by a
on the line, he ended up playing some offensive line. Hes a Kimberlin led all receivers with 228 yards receiving on 16
trio of players, two of whom are
tough-nosed kid who is willing to do whatever it takes for us catches despite only playing four games at the position.
the do-it-all type.
to be successful. He broke his hand, and in the second half of the season,

10 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
11
we only played him on defense, Shields said.
Harvey started every game at receiver, and McMillen
bounced around from full back, slot receiver, tight end and
even some at center.
Hes one of the those five kids who played some center for
us last year, Shields said. Hes had a tremendous summer,
and we are excited about what he can do for us.
One key position battle will be at running back.
Chanute lost its top two running backs in Matt DeVoe and Eric
Munoz to graduation, and three Blue Comets are vying for carries
in 2017.
Questionmarks remain for both the offensive and defen-
sive lines.
Weve got some pieces, starting with our center, but its
just a matter of keeping those guys healthy and playing nine
games consistently, Shields said.
Another key piece to the line is junior Qualin Powell.
Powell battled injuries early in the year but came on strong
towards the end of the season.
Hell be a junior, playing defensive end and O-line,
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The rest of the defense will feature many of the same
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Its the same situation with a lot of the same kids, Shields
said. Kimberlin, Hernandez and Harvey will all start some-
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16 17
 kid. Athletically, hes gifted. You cant coach 6-foot-
7 speed.
Dean will be joined in the backfield by T.J. May-
hue, a transfer running back from Parsons.
Mayhue had an eye-catching campaign with the
Vikings last year but decided to transfer in the win-
ter. Hell be pegged with replacing 2016 SEK League
Offensive MVP Isaiah McPherson.
He can do it all, Price said. He can run, catch
the ball, block and weve improved just because of
him. Hell be one of the best backs in the league. T.J.
is that type of kid. He doesnt have the top-end speed
that Isaiah had, but hes faster those first 15 yards.
Dean will have a familiar corps of wideouts to
target as Tanner Russell, Kale Irwin, Josiah Rex-
winkle and Owyn Back all return for the Grizzlies
this fall.
Any of them can make a play, Price said. Weve
got two sophomores in Nathan Smith and Ethan
Jameson that will get reps. Upwards of eight guys will
get reps at receiver.
Defensively, theres no doubt as to the champi-
on of the unit coached by defensive coordinator
Travis Burk.
Linebacker and de-
fensive lineman Rogan
Bruce, who led perhaps
the Free World with 162
Its playoffs or bust for Grizzlies in Prices third year tackles last year, will suit
up for his senior year.
Hes just a great
by Sean Frye linebacker, Price said.
I had a parent ques-
ALTAMONT Peaks and valleys epitomized the 2016 cam- Nevertheless, the Grizzlies finished the regular season 5-4 tion his numbers, and I
paign for the Labette County Grizzlies. the teams first winning record in the regular season since 2009. went back and checked
The Grizzlies upset Fort Scott on the road with a two-point There were way more pluses than minuses, Price said. myself. He once made
conversion at the end of the game. They made the postseason with We return a lot of kids and were excited. We built off that in three straight tackles on
a shutout victory in Week 9 against Coffeyville. the offseason. the goal line against Fort
Those were the peaks. Price is hopeful the bright lights of the postseason have Scott. Who do you see
We started off the season pretty well, Labette County head baptized his program as he enters his third year at the helm that can do that?
coach Sean Price said. We wouldve liked to play Andale tougher. in Altamont. Price will lean heavily
But the kids got on a roll after that with wins over Osawatomie, Having a winning season was a big thing and weve seen the on Bruce to spark im-
Parsons and Fort Scott. big stage of the playoffs, Price said. There isnt anything that provement in a group that
Labette County was also railroaded by Frontenac at home one should be too big for us. Now weve got to keep things up every gave up 40 or more points
week after beating Fort Scott a loss that triggered three straight week and be consistent. four times last year.
losing efforts punctuated with a defeat on the road at the hands Optically, the biggest change offensively will come under cen- Hes consistent,
of Chanute. ter as lanky junior Easton Dean takes over as quarterback. Price said. He watches
Those were the valleys. Hes going to have a big year, Price said. Hes looked good film six hours a week. He
Our highs were high, but our lows were low, Price said. We this summer. At 6-foot-7, he can also be a threat to run the ball. knows the opponent bet-
lost to Frontenac on a really muddy field. We couldnt get over Hes drastically gotten better with more reps. ter than we do as coach- TOP: Tanner Russell (15) will be a senior wideout for the Grizzlies.
Independence. They were a great team on a roll. Then Chanute As a safety primarily last year, Dean showed displays of athlet- es. Hes just a leader who
was the biggest low. We rushed for over 300 yards and scored just icism within a system hell now be tasked with leading. gets it and knows what BOTTOM: Quiency Jones (22) and Rogan Bruce (44) will be leaders on defense
one touchdown on the ground. We have to learn to finish things. Its all in the mind with him, Price said. Hes a smart, 4.0 hes supposed to do. for LCHS.

(Sean Frye/Parsons Sun photos)

18 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
19
 Tate Phillips at linebacker, Quiency Jones in the foxholes and Ca-
leb Hentzen in the secondary also return for LCHS.
Weve only lost two defensive starters, so well be good on that USD 506 LABETTE COUNTY
L C H S graduates are
side of the ball, Price said. Weve been impressed with that unit.
Price is expecting two new faces to make big impacts on defense
as well.
Another Parsons transfer, KeShaun Anderson, will line up at de-
fensive back. a step ahead of other
applicants...
Ive never had anybody that fast, Price said. Hes on a different
level. Hell play cornerback, but were finding ways to get the ball to
him on offense.
Zach McCarty is also expected to line up at linebacker. Academic preparation which surpasses the expectations
Hes big and looked good this summer, Price said. Were excit-
ed to see what he can bring.
within career and college settings. Business and Industry
The Grizzlies were picked to finish second in the SEK, receiving partnerships engaging students in skills necessary to
two first-place votes in the leagues preseason coaches poll. thrive in the work environment.
We want to have a better showing this year, Price said. I think
were as good as anybody in the league this year. If we play how were Together, Labette County High School will provide
capable of, we can win the league. But we have to show up. Fort Scott opportunities that:
is really good, Chanute will be really good. Its going to be competi-
tive this year. Providing Students Ignite
We want to win every game. What other goal would there be? Job Shadowing with the tools necessary
real life exposure the spark in individuals
Im not going out there to lose ball games. Thats stupid. Weve been to graduate college and
to the playoffs. to careers career ready to discover a fulfilling
Labette County head coach Sean Price is entering his
Welding Certificate and meaningful career
third season. (Sean Frye/Parsons Sun photo) Mentoring
creating relationships Precision Machining
Technology Certificate Exposure
Facility Tours Automotive Technology in & outside the
(ASE) Certificate classroom in order
understanding local
opportunities Electrical Technologies to focus on career
Kale Irwin looks to be a critical Certificate
exploration
piece to the Grizzlies offense Internships/ OSHA10 Certificate
in 2017. (Sean Frye/Parsons Externships ACT Workkeys Understand
Sun photo) accommodating
work environment CNA Certificate where student
expectations Culinary Arts passions exist
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Principal Mr. Shane Holtzman Assistant Principal Mr. Ed Raschen
20 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
For more
Counselor information
Crystal callJack
Witty Counselor Alicia
Leake Hill @ Director
Athletic 620-784-5326
Ed Raschen
Find
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Superintendent USD
John Wyrick 506
jwyrick@usd506.org
Wishing all area teams a successful season!
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22 23
 Among the biggest losses along the one of the replacements on the left side. Wiatrak said. Hes exceptionally smart
lines are tight ends Jace McCracken and Thats another kid with lots of and very, very quick. Those are two real-
Patrick OBrien. quickness, Wiatrak said. Hell play ly good combinations for a quarterback
If your tight ends cant block, you cant tight end for us and help us rebuild the in 8-Man football. Our offense will run
run the football, Wiatrak said. Thats left side of the line. Defensively hell through him, and Im looking forward to
something Coach Doug Tuck taught me a line up as linebacker. him having a good year.
while ago. So weve got to replace them. St. Paul must also replace quarterback As for the backfield, Struthers will be
Anthony Albertini, Koby Spielbus- Noah Winter. He split time with Braven replaced with a three-headed monster of
ch and Grant Hutcherson are among Born sporadically last year, and Born will his younger brother Tyler, junior Keaton
the returning linemen all of whom become the full-time signal-caller in 2017. Kennedy and sophomore Adam Albertini.
earned All-Three Rivers League honors Hes a stellar quarterback, Wiatrak Well potentially have three 900-yard
a season ago. said. Well be more two-dimensional with rushers versus one 1,900-yard rusher,
We have three All-District linemen Braven. Noah was a great athlete, but not Wiatrak said. The ball will be spread out
back, Wiatrak said. Thatll definite- the thrower that Braven is. Well be able more. If there was something I could go
ly help our running game. Well move to do more things on offense. Last year, back last year and do is spread the ball out
Koby from left guard to right tight end, Braven had a broken hand so that limited more. But with a guy like Chandler, you
so then well have those three on the right what we could do with him on offense. felt like you could score on any play and
side. Well rebuild the left side of our line. A transfer from Girard a few seasons you buy into that a little too much.
Thats what we did in camp and it seemed ago, Born provides a spark to the Indians Wiatrak describes all three backs as
to work very well. offense while Winter was more methodical speedsters that add a new dimension to St.
Caleb Pecha, a senior who missed all of in his approach. Pauls offense.
last season with a knee injury, will likely be Hes looking forward to the challenge, Weve got to rebuild our line a bit, but
ST. PAUL Holding the most recent Three
Rivers League and Bi-District title claims isnt
enough for the St. Paul Indians or their head St. Paul celebrated Three Rivers
coach, Keith Wiatrak. League and Bi-District titles in 2016.
They want an undefeated season and are (Sean Frye/Parsons Sun photo)
bent on achieving that feat in 2017 one year
removed from a 9-2 campaign including an 8-1
mark in the regular season.
My goal as a coach is to have a better season
than what we did last year, Wiatrak said. It was
very disappointing as a coach last season to not
go undefeated during the regular season. We
lost that last game to Sedan. They had a good
football team, but they didnt make the play-
offs. We were playing for an undefeated season.
Thats a goal of mine, and I think were capable
of that now.
The Indians will look to reach that bar
TOP: Braven Born is one
while replacing five seniors including star
of the top skill position
running back, 1,900-yard rusher and 2017
returners for the Indians in
Shrine Bowl invitee Chandler Struthers
2017 and will line up under
which can be a particularly devastating blow
center at quarterback.
to an 8-Man roster.
Well hopefully youve done your job in
RIGHT: Adam Albertini
working with the young kids so that theyre
will see an increased
ready to step up and fill the roles, Wiatrak said.
workload.
Everybody talks about Chandler Struthers be-
cause he had such a great year, and Im happy
(Sean Frye/Parsons Sun
for him. But he doesnt do that without our of-
photos)
fensive line, which was stellar last year. It was
one of the better offensive lines Ive been able to
be around at St. Paul.

24 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
25
well have athletes in the backfield this year, Wiatrak

Proud of Our Teams!

said. Well be really fast.
On the perimeter, the Indians are also rein-
forced with a new addition to the roster in senior
Brendan Doherty.
A star basketball player for the school, Doherty
will primarily line up at wide receiver.
Hes been to camp every year with us and had
great camps every time, Wiatrak said. Hed work
hard in the weight room but then would choose not to
go out for football. This year, I had a talk with him. I
told him that if he was serious about football, Id want 2115 Washington, Parsons, KS
him to play. 620-421-8700
While Wiatrak feels Doherty can become an im- Mon - Fri 7:30am - 5pm Sat 8am - Noon
mediate playmaker with the ball, Dohertys perimeter
blocking will be the biggest focus point during train-
ing camp.
Hes going to have to learn, and well work with
him a lot on offense, Wiatrak said. How much well
use him on defense, being a senior first time out for
football, I dont know. Hell do a lot of offensive drills RESTAURANTE & CANTINA
for us.
Defensively, the Indians will use a 3-2 base system.
The direction that 8-Man football is going, with
ST. PAUL INDIANS Good Food & Cold Drinks
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wing or spread system. We cant load the box up with
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can stunt him, you can do a lot of things with him.
Wiatrak borderline lamented the trend of spread
offenses setting its roots in 8-Man.
all you need ...
Every team is Oregon, Wiatrak said. Its true.
People saw Chetopa three years ago having success
running that spread, now everybody wants to do it.
Truth is, with that team he had, all you had to do was
give the ball to Derrick Cassell and hed rush for 1,500
yards. It doesnt matter what scheme youre in if you
have horses.
While an undefeated season seems within the
Indians horizon, its difficult not to marvel at the Party & Banquet
progress made by a program that in 2014 won just
three games.
Home & Business
A few years ago we were getting beat up, Wiatrak moving
said. Now I feel our program is in a good spot. Im Floor Care
not saying were state championship contenders, or Keith Wiatrak, the Indians head coach, is coming off a season
anything like that. Were just in a good, competitive
tools
that saw St. Paul win nine games. Wiatrak is entering his
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Cherryvale Chargers
by Andrew Towne
CHERRYVALE After jumping out to a 3-0
record a season ago, the Cherryvale Chargers got
hit by the injury bug.
They dropped four of their next five games en
route to a 5-4 record and missed the playoffs.
It was the fourth consecutive year in which the
Chargers had a winning season, and the Chargers
return seven offensive starters and six on the de-
fensive side of the ball.
We have some seasoned players returning
and some returning from injury, 10th-year Head
Coach Harry Hester said. The upper classmen are
doing a good job leading our younger players.
The 2017 edition of the Chargers will feature
speed and will be a senior-laden squad.
They must come together and lead our team,
Hester said of the seniors.
The Chargers have five returners who earned
either All-Tri-Valley or All-Area honors. The list
includes seniors Bryson Bennett (OL), Ryan Rob-
ertson (WR) and Cade Addis (QB) on offense and
seniors Trevor Raida (CB) and Bennett (DL/DE/
LB) on defense.
As a sophomore, Addis threw for 1,015 yards and 15
touchdowns, while Robertson is the top returning receiver,
catching 15 passes for 238 yards and four touchdowns. Raida
was the teams leading rusher a year ago with 483 yards on 83
carries and five scores.
On the defensive side of the ball, Bennett was second on
the team in tackles with 63, and the senior led the team with
six fumble recoveries, forcing four. Raida was fourth on the
team with 54 total tackles.
This years team will also feature a handful of newcomers,
including seniors Levi Carrico, Jayce Raida, Bryce Peterson,
Nick McPherson and Seth Carrinder, who finished fifth in
the state in the 100-meter dash, and junior Garrett Novotny.
Cherryvale faces a tall task to return to the playoffs as
three TVL teams made the playoffs a year ago.
30
2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
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Junior Cade Addis is expected to play a big
role for the Chargers. (Andy Taylor/Montgom-
ery County Chronicle)
Caney went three rounds deep in the playoffs, and Fre-
donia and Humboldt lost first round, Hester said. Erie lost
some talented seniors but the young players got plenty of
playing time. Neodesha lost a ton of skill kids and linemen.
Fredonia lost some talented starters. Caney lost another great
group but have younger kids. Humboldt returns the most
starters of the top four finishers. Eureka returns the most
starters in the league.
The Chargers open the season on the road Sept. 1 at Erie.
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
The summer conditioning will prepare us for a tough dis-
trict and league race, Hester concluded. The TVL should be
very balanced, which should make it exciting week to week.
We will have to have some kids step up a level at all positions.
CHETOPA HORNETS
USD 505
usd505.org
CHetopa Green Hornets
by Sean Frye
CHETOPA Preservation is key. In
life and, in the Chetopa Green Hornets
case over the last two years, in football.
Three years ago, Chetopa was one of
the most feared 8-Man II schools in the
state. The Green Hornets went 10-1 in
2014, routinely ending games at halftime
under then-head coach Sean Price.
Since then, Price has taken over at
Labette County. His former assistant at
Chetopa, Jaunc Bradshaw, took over and
has spent the last two seasons trying to
keep a program devastated from losing 10
seniors afloat.
Last year, Bradshaw submitted his
coaches poll ballot for the Three Rivers
League unsure if he would actually field a
team. He clamored to the media and fel-
low league coaches that his only goal was
to play.
He did, and now with an influx of
young players from the junior high level,
Bradshaw now has a more stable roster of
15 players to try and build off of last years
two-win season.
Its big, Bradshaw said. If you lose
the program, its hard to get it back. Just
32
keeping it alive and keeping the ability for
kids to keep playing was huge. This year,
the kids just came and wanted to play. If
we didnt have a season last year, were not
playing this year. I firmly believe that.
Despite winning just four games over
the last two seasons, Chetopa was picked
to finish third in the TRL 8-Man poll
a mark indicative of the respect Bradshaw
has salvaged for the program.
Among the leaders in 2017 for Chetopa
is lineman Lane Kabrey. The senior didnt
play last year, but started as a sophomore.
Hes a kid who didnt play for us last
year. But hes out this year after starting
his sophomore year and hell help us a lot,
Bradshaw said. Hes bulked up huge this
year. Hes going to be our leader on de-
fense, hell get the guys going.
The Green Hornets also have a transfer
quarterback taking over in Drew OBrien.
A transfer from Labette County, the se-
nior has never played suited up at the high
school level.
Hell step in for us, Bradshaw said.
He hasnt suited up since junior high to as everything else comes along, I think the
my knowledge. But in camp, I told him I
2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
Colten Vanatta (right) leads a group
of teammates during tackling drills
for Chetopa. (Sean Frye/Parsons
Sun photo)
needed the quarterback spot filled and he
did really well. Another leader, hes more
vocal than Lane. Drew gets the guys hyped.
Aaron Allison and Graydon Garret-
son are two more seniors that will an-
chor the line.
Chetopa opens its season against Mar-
maton Valley at home on September 1.
Bradshaws goal for his team is more am-
biguous and also more ambitious as the
program is back on stable ground.
I cant probably put a win total on
our goal, Bradshaw said. We talked be- ter each week.
fore our first practice and told them about
where we were picked. About four or five
asked why we werent picked higher, and
I told them I was surprised to be picked
third. We havent proved ourselves.
You could see in their eyes that it
clicked. That they want to prove it, that
they want to work hard towards winning
the league. Their attitude is right. As long
son said. Itll be nice looking out there and seeing the
bar can be set as high as we want it to be.
Erie Red Devils
by Andrew Towne
ERIE The Erie High School Red Devil football
team took some lumps last season, but in the long
run, they will be better for it, according to third-year
Coach Sterling Hudson.
Injuries played a large role in the teams 2-7 season
with wins coming against Eureka and Northeast-Arma.
We lost Jaden (Gard) with mono for five weeks,
Hudson said. I thought we had four kickers. We ended
up with none. One was injured during the season. He
missed the entire season.
Despite it all, he saw improvement. Erie running back Cameron Rice looks upfield.
A lot of freshmen got some significant playing time (Andrew Towne/Chanute Tribune photo)
a year ago.
Michael Winslow is a good defensive back, Hud-
other tackle, 200 at guard, 200 at center, do a lot of.
son said. (Seth) Mahurin started at outside linebacker 220 at guard. Then weve got a 300 and Erie will have Gard back, as well as
as a freshman. That is something you dont want to do,
210 behind that. Matt Vail, who filled in for Gard when he
but we didnt have the people to put in there. The lines will be anchored by four- was sick a year ago.
This year will be different for the Red Devils.
year starter Kaleb Beachner. Jaden is starting to figure out how to
Less than a week into practice, Erie has 35 athletes Hes about 240 pounds, playing the use his body, Hudson said. Hes figured
on the roster, and Hudson said his magic number is 40
offensive and defensive line, Hudson ex- out some things this winter, and its really
as the team looks to get back into the win column more plained. Hes an athlete. He just has to go starting to take off for him in his tech-
often this season.
out and play. nique. Same thing for Vail. He throws the
Last year, I thought we grew a little bit, Hudson ex- The size fits Eries split back, veer of- ball well.
plained. The thing about it is, you have to see the video.
fense well. As the Red Devils prepare for their
When Jaden came back, you could see him getting bet- It starts with the big toads up front, home season opener on Sept. 1 against
Hudson said. They wont do us a bit of Cherryvale, hopes are running high head-
This season, the roster includes 12 seniors, and only good if they dont get off the ball. If we ing into the season, according to Hudson.
three years ago the class only had four sophomores. The
can move the ball 3-4 yards a play, no one I have high hopes for this bunch,
roster also includes a trio of transfers, including Girards will be able to stop us. Hudson said. We have a problem that
Tallon Edwards.
The key will be how quickly the line we seem to have a mentality that we
Coming into the year, Hudson sees the offensive and can get off the ball. would rather be cool than good. You can
defensive lines as the teams strong suit.
Not only do they have good size, talk all you want, but until you produce,
We are going to be nice sized on the line. We are they have decent feet, Hudson said. its just talk. I want them to be cocky. A
trying to figure out who its going to be. Weve got a
They move well for their size. little arrogance isnt bad, but you have to
bunch of kids back, including (Landyn) Diediker, Hud- With the size of the line, he hopes back it up by not running your chops but
that will also improve the passing game, by working hard.
possibilities of having a 280-pounder at tackle, 240 at the which is something the Red Devils dont Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. in Erie.
2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
33
 Humboldt Cubs
Proud to be
the home
of the
Erie High School
Red Devils

by Andrew Towne

HUMBOLDT The Humboldt

Cub football team returns nearly ev-
ery starter from a team that reached
the playoffs in 2016.
The Cubs lost only two seniors from
a roster that went 4-6 and saw the season
end in the opening round of the Class
3A playoffs against the always-tough
Wellsville Eagles. That means
Humboldt returns a whopping
nine starters on both side of the ball
Family-Owned & Operated Since 1956 in 2017.
The 2017 season looks to hope-
fully be a promising one for us here
at Humboldt, Coach Logan Wyrick
said. We return nearly our entire
roster from last season, and do return
our entire output on offense from a
year ago.
Seniors Hesston Murrow (QB/
WILD Outdoors Clubs - All Schools
DB), Jacob Barker (RB/CB), Noah
Johnson (OL/DL), Wyatt Seufert
(WR), Colin Gillespie (WR/DB),
Lance Daniels (LB) and Brent Yost
(LB), juniors Dagen Goodner (FB/
School Greenhouses & Gardens
LB), Tucker Hurst (OL/DE), Teryn
, KS 66733 Johnson (TE) and Kyler Allen (CB)
y. 5 9 , E r ie
10515 Hw
highlight the names who are back in
12
620-244-36
the lineup in 2017.
The Cubs also have an extra four or
five players who played a major role for
the team last season in which the third-
year coach hopes will take another step
forward from the trip to the playoffs.
We do need to find who will replace
those two seniors though, with both of
them being starters on our offensive and
defensive lines, Wyrick said.
Another challenge will be finding who
will be the starting quarterback.
The Cubs had six different players take
snaps under center a year ago with seniors
Chad Classen and Hesston Murrow and ju-
nior Kyler Allen taking a majority of the snaps.
We will go into camp with Murrow as
our No. 1, but that is a battle that needs to
get figured out quick for us to be success-
ful early on in the season, Wyrick said.
The trio of quarterbacks combined
to throw for 659 yards and three touch-
downs. Allen tallied most of those yards
with 409, throwing all three touchdowns.
On the offensive side of the ball, it will
be senior Jacob Barker who will be fea-
Conor Haviland pushes forward
with the ball. (Andrew Towne/
Chanute Tribune photo)
tured heavily again. He ran for 1,120 yards
and 11 touchdowns en route to an All-Tri-
Valley League honorable mention season.
Defensively, junior Dagen Goodner
will anchor the middle of the Cub defense.
He was an All-Tri-Valley player, as
well as a honorable mention All-Stater by
the Wichita Eagle. Goodner led the de-
fense with 112 tackles, 10 for which were
for loss.
We hope that the experience shows
for us and that we can take another step
forward from our trip to the playoffs last
season, Wyrick concluded.
The Cubs open the season at home
against Leon-Bluestem. Kickoff is sched-
uled for 7 p.m.

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Oswego Indians
Second-year head coach Justin Hurley
is looking for a repeat showing in the
postseason. (Sean Frye/Parsons Sun
photo)
36
The Oswego Indians huddle up before
practice. (Sean Frye/Parsons Sun photo)
by Sean Frye
OSWEGO The opposing view- games are the most important. Our
points of last years season at Oswego schedule helped us prepare for that, it
epitomize the complicated culture that was pretty brutal.
second-year head coach Justin Hurley Having lost seven seniors includ-
finds himself entrenched. ing virtually every starting skill position
A three-win season is seldom a point player from a team that won its final
of pride. A playoff berth is seldom the two games to make the postseason, Hur-
mark of a bad year. ley is trying to light a fire underneath the
Both concepts are gospel truth 2017 squad.
for Oswego. As far as moving on to this year, we
Weve used it as motivation, Hur- did do something that hadnt been done of freshman quarterback Lance Teal, the pro-
ley said. The record shows 3-7, but in in a while and that was make the play-
Kansas as we all know, the last three offs, Hurley said. Now they want to go
2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
back. They want to win a game in the play-
offs. They want to host. Were motivated this
coming year.
Oswego is also dealing with a low turnout
For one, he has the ability to do it, Hur-
ley said. Hes not a big kid right now, but hes
got knowledge. He understands the game.
Hes gone to every camp and workout weve
Defensively, most guys will play both
ways in a 4-2-5 base system.
Well have a little depth at line so we can
rotate some guys, Hurley said. Jake (Walk-
of around 20 players to start fall camp. asked him to, didnt miss a day of weights er) and John Young will go both ways. But we
Originally we were banking on about 27 and stuff like that. He handled a lot of things have the ability to play them a few series than
kids coming out, Hurley said. But we had better than anybody. give them a breather.
some personal stuff happen to some of our The Indians feature a split back forma- Oswego, picked near the bottom of
guys. We had some move-outs as well. But 20 tion that highlights two running backs in the Three Rivers League 11-Man coaches
is a very low number. most formations. A pair of brothers, Fron- poll, is looking to once again cast doubt
With KSHSAA realignment propos- tenac transfers Chase and Ethan Evans, will on outside prognostications with high in-
als going into effect next year, Oswego platoon those roles. ternal standards.
will already likely drop to the new 1A They fit in immediately, Hurley said. My confidence lies in the fact that we
11-Man division. They know what it takes to win from being played well at the end of last year, and our
Theres speculation that Oswego will at Frontenac. They went to team camp, Pitt kids are building off that, Hurley said. A lot
eventually shrink in size to the point that State camp, didnt miss weights. The just un- of the kids from last year are hungry to prove
8-Man will be an inevitability. For now, derstand the culture and bring a lot of great ourselves in the league and in our district.
though, Hurley is staunch in his support to mindsets over for us.
maintain an 11-Man team.
We just go with what we have to go with, Oswego lineman Jake Walker is
Hurley said. The administration is support- among the leaders for the Indians this
ive of staying 11-Man. They understand fall. (Sean Frye/Parsons Sun photo)
whats going on. Sometimes schools our size,
you have classes without a lot of boys. Its
hard to get every boy to play sometimes with
the new safety concerns. Its hard to convince
some kids. Thats any sport in general.
The Indians will be led by its line
this fall the trenches feature a sleuth
of upperclassmen.
Thats what gives me confidence with
our young guys, is our experience up front,
Hurley said. If we can just keep it simple for
our young guys and not get over-complicat-
ed, just let the line do their job, we just need
to do our jobs.
Among the leaders of that group of se-
nior Jake Walker, an All-Three Rivers League
selection a year ago.
Right now, he is our number one guy
upfront, Hurley said. Our line looks pret-
ty solid all the way across, weve got three
seniors starting up front. Weve got another
sophomore who started six games. But Jake
is that guy that helps us gel.
Other senior linemen include Damon
Simmons and John Young. Theyre comple-
mented by senior tight ends Anthony Smith
and Rex Haraughty.
That line will help ease the development
jected starter for Oswego in Week 1 against
Baxter Springs at home.
2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
37
Southeast Lancers
by Chris Wilson
CHEROKEE Jerrad Hansen enters
his fourth season as the Southeast head
coach at a time when the Lancers are reach-
ing a crossroads.
A charter member of the CNC, South-
east expects eventually to be a 2A school.
Every athletic program is now a member
of the Three Rivers League except one, the
football program, which will join the TRL
in 2018.
Lancer football is on a 21-game losing
streak, has a single senior player and is ex-
pected to have a roster size in the low 20s.
One indicator the program is going in the
right direction is that the kids who start
playing football keep playing. The only oth-
er junior from last years team moved out
of state.
Last year, there were a handful of soph-
omores and all are expected to continue to
play this year as are the rising sophomores
and incoming freshmen.
They keep coming back, Coach Han-
sen said. They all want to play and theyre
trying to get everybody that might play
to play. Theyre very inclusive. They want
them all there.
This years squad will be heavy on under-
classmen, with several freshmen and sopho-
mores getting a lot of playing time. Columbus
and Frontenac were able to find other teams
to play, so they dropped Southeast from their
schedules. That leaves seven varsity games for
the young, inexperienced Lancers.
Thats huge because theyre senior
38
Running back Jaret Brumback is among the
top returning players for the Lancers. (Chris
Wilson/Courtesy photo)
dominated programs. They have dou-
ble digit seniors and double digit ju-
niors, so just unintentionally, theyve
always been very, very tough games
for us and they just kind of beat us up.
Having those weeks off will be great for
us, I think, just to heal as we go and get
better. Its going to help us mentally all
season long.
Hansen and his staff are building the
Lancer football program for long-term
success. Prior to last season they took a
step back and adjusted things because
they had so many younger kids playing.
We rebooted everything, Hansen said,
and that process will continue this
year and into next year and were really
looking forward to that and are excited
about that.
Part of that building process is tak-
ing advantage of opportunities to just
have a little fun, like last year when line-
2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
Subscribe
men Aaron Sterling and Foster Martin
lined up in the backfield and took turns
Today!
carrying the ball during the last drive of
their last game as seniors.
Several football players also play
Southeast baseball, which won region-
als and went to state for the first time
in the schools history this past spring.
That helped drive some of the at-
tendance for weights this summer.
Weve had a lot more enthusiasm
through some of the harder stuff that
were trying to do and doing the little
220 S. 18th Street, Parsons, KS.
things right. Thats just kind of laid the
groundwork for where were trying to (620) 421-2000
go with the football team.
Were trying to adjust to being a
smaller school, Coach Hansen said.
We will eventually be playing against
other schools closer to our size and I 26 W. Main Street, Chanute, KS.
think thats going to help a lot of those
(620) 431-4100
younger kids.
2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
39
Coffeyville Golden Tornado
C.J. Kelley is among the top athletes COFFEYVILLE When Darrin
in the SEK League. (Sean Frye/Par- Wegner took over as head coach of the
sons Sun photo) Field Kindley High School football pro-
gram in 2016, he had to re-establish a
winning attitude with the Golden Tor-
nado. FKHS had gone 0-9 the previous
season and needed players with more
commitment into the program.
Things quickly turned around for
the Nado in Wegners first season. Af-
ter ending a 13-game losing streak early
in the season, Field Kindley went on to
post a 4-5 record to put itself back on
the right track heading into 2017.
We were disappointed in not mak-
ing it to the playoffs, but I think we
also needed to have some perspective,
said Wegner,
whose squad
Jaylen Logan runs back a kick last
opens its sea-
season and will be one of the top
son on Sept. 1
athletes for Coffeyville this year.
with a home
(Sean Frye/Parsons Sun photo)
game against
40 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
by Brian Thomas
Great Bend. We had a roster of less
than 30 healthy kids at the end of the
year. After the opener at Great Bend,
the losing streak was up to 13 games
and most people didnt think we would
do much. We were able to make a run
at the playoffs, but we couldt close the
deal. We had a class of only five seniors
and just three juniors. We were young,
and our best football is in front of us.
Field Kindley ended its long losing
skid with a week-two victory at Parsons
a year ago. That was the first time FKHS
had been on the winning side of the
scoreboard since a 66-12 home victo-
ry over rival Independence on Oct. 17,
2014. The Golden Tornado lost the final
three games of that season and suffered
through a winless 2015 campaign.
Wegner came to Coffeyville after a
five-year stint as head football coach
and assistant athletic director at Jay,
Okla. He led Jay to three consecutive
trips to the Oklahoma state playoffs.
Prior to that, he was an assistant coach
at Lawrence High School from 2001-05
before becoming the head coach at Ar-
kansas City for five years from 2006-10.
Prior to 2015, FKHS had been one of
the top teams in the SEK in recent years.
Under former coach Murray Zogg, the
Golden Tornado had advanced to the
state playoffs in each of his first five sea-
sons with the program. In 2013, the Nado
reached their first-ever state champion-
ship game before falling to Buhler to fin-
ish as the Class 4A runner-up.
Since that run to the title game,
FKHS had struggled. One year after go-
ing 3-7, Field Kindley went 0-9 during
the 2015 season the teams first win-
less campaign since 1997. The Golden
Tornado missed the postseason for the
first time since 2007.
We need to develop more depth in
our program and have a bigger com-
mitment to the weight room, Wegner
said. We need more overall depth and
increased numbers in our program.
Last season was definitely a learning
moment for the Golden Tornado pro-
gram. Not only were the Nado young
overall, but they had to battle through a
brutal schedule that included six of their
nine games away from Coffeyvilles Vet-
erans Memorial Stadium.
Our guys battled a tough schedule
as six were on the road and only three
at home, Wegner said. But I think it
made us grow up and get a little tough-
er. This years six home games will be a
huge advantage. The future of our pro-
gram is bright. We have a lot of experi-
enced guys coming back this year.
The Golden Tornado must deal with
the loss of one of their top players from
a year ago in Kamaren Wilson. A Kan-
sas Shrine Bowl participant this sum-
mer, Wilson has since graduated and
will be playing football at Coffeyville
Community College this fall.
A total of 13 starters return for the
Nado this season, including six two-
way players. That includes junior quar-
terback/defensive back CJ Kelley (5-11,
155), who accounted for 1,078 yards
2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
Tajahn Thomas will be a wideout
and defensive back for the Gold-
en Tornado. (Sean Frye/Parsons
Sun photo)
passing with seven passing and six
rushing touchdowns on offense.
Also back in the lineup is senior slot season coaches poll behind Fort Scott,
back/outside linebacker Cody Smith Labette County, Chanute and Indepen-
(5-10, 161), junior wide receiver/de- dence. Parsons came in at sixth place in
those rankings.
fensive back Tajhan Thomas (5-10,
Field Kindley will benefit from six
150), junior slot back/defensive back
home games this season, starting with
Jaylen Logan (5-6, 132), senior run-
back-to-back games against Great Bend
ning back/linebacker Jacob Jackson
(Sept. 1) and the SEK opener against
(5-10, 215), junior offensive lineman/
Parsons (Sept. 8). That will be the start
defensive lineman Brandon Barriger
of five of six games at home the lone
(5-8, 210) and senior offensive lineman
road trip to Riverton on Sept. 15. After
Tyler Collins (5-9, 235).
that will be three straight home games
Another key returning player is
against Towanda-Circle (Sept. 22), Ga-
sophomore wide receiver/outside line-
lena (Sept. 29) and Fort Scott (Oct. 6).
backer KJ Savage (6-0, 178). Mean-
The Nado will once again play in
while, Wegner looks for junior wide
District 4 of Class 4A-Division I. The
receiver and defensive back Trey Myrie
district slate opens on Oct. 13 at Cha-
(6-1, 165) to also make big contribu-
nute and will follow with an Oct. 20
tions this season.
visit to Montgomery County rival In-
We are hoping to have some play-
dependence. The regular season comes
makers at our skill positions, Wegner
to a close on Oct. 27 at home against
said. We need improved play along the
Labette County.
offensive line.
The Golden Tornado, who finished
2-3 a year ago in the Southeast Kansas
League, were picked fifth in the pre-
41
Columbus Titans
by Chris Wilson
COLUMBUS The preseason coaches poll has the Columbus
Titans as the favorites towin the CNC, despite losing to the Girard Tro-
jans in the first round of the playoffs last season. That loss was likely
the best learning experience for the kids returning Head Coach Dan
Grundy told his fellow coaches at the ESPN 100.7 Media Day.
I tell people this all the time - first of all, Girard prepared and they
played an excellent game, they had a great game plan for us - but I also
could tell on Wednesday (before the game) that our kids just werent
that into it, Coach Grundy said.
Following up a state semifinal loss in 2015, Columbus went 8-2
overall in 2016 and had beat Girard during the regular season 22 to 6.
Theyre playing a team they had beaten and all of that kind of stuff,
and that shouldnt be something that you say about a playoff game and
it was that week. And I think that that, for this senior group - which we
have about 16 seniors this year - for that senior group this was the best
learning experience they could have had. So with all of those guys re-
turning, theyve been great leaders, great role models, they understand
now what leadership does.
Columbus has seven All-CNC players returning, all of them se-
niors, and one of those players made the all conference team for both
offense and defense.
Keenan Stanley was a unanimous selection as 1st Team running
back; Kale Smith was 1st Team wide receiver; Sam Eddington was a
unanimous selection as 1st Team offensive line and 2nd Team defensive
line; Zach Porter was 1st Team linebacker; Cameron Mitchell was 1st
42 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
Keenan Stanley will be one of the areas
top running backs. (Sean Frye/Parsons
Sun photo)
Team defensive back; Ridge Smith was 2nd Team linebacker; and,
Tucker Coble was Honorable Mention Defense.
We really were represented pretty well, Coach Grundy said of the
honors, adding that Tyler Stice, a junior this season, could have earned
honors as well.
He started at center last year probably at about 170 pounds and
now weve moved him to guard, and hes probably as good as an offen-
sive lineman as our 240 guys. Hes one that Im looking for to have a
great junior season.
Coach Grundy said fans need to keep an eye on Eddington, Coble,
along with fellow seniors Bryson Hawes and Nathan Moyer, Stice, and
sophomore Bryce Davis.
Those six guys will round out our offensive line and theyre going
to be a good group to watch I think, Grundy said. Were really excited.
Our expectations are really high.
I think our kids are excited to go play some fun, fly around football
that people talk about all the time, but I really think this is going to be
a group that offensively and defensively is going to bring kind of an
excitement to the game that you go to college games to watch.
The Columbus Titans open their season at home on Friday Sep-
tember 1. They will host the Riverton Rams. Kickoff is scheduled for
7:00 p.m.
by Chris Wilson
GIRARD The Girard Trojans enter the 2017 season coming
off a 5-6 season last season that included a playoff victory, retribution
against Columbus after losing to the Titans earlier in the season. But
the Trojans have a new head coach. First time head coach, Neal Phil-
pot, takes over for Leon Miller.
Philpot is a two-time All-American quarterback for Pittsburg State
University, was the Gorillas quarterback when they went to the 2004
national championship, and was an assistant coach when PSU won it
all in 2011. He is also a member of the MIAA Hall of Fame and has
spent the past few years as the offensive coordinator at Ottawa Uni-
versity.
Coach Philpot said Girards administration have helped him make
the transition to being a head coach, a position with more day-to-day
responsibilities that he had been looking forward to.
Youre looking at the preparation of everything, the order of
things, he explained. Youre kind of giving orders to everyone, not
just following them. I knew that was going to be part of it. Thats been
a good thing.
Philpot said Coach Miller left a good foundation and its import-
ant for the community to understand the situation as they contin-
ue to build on that.
For a program to continue on, to be building, its not just the
coaches, its not just the players. A lot of it has to do with the fans and
the community. You know, we only get those kids a few hours a day,
for only so long, especially in the summertime when they have the
option of doing a lot of other things. Whats their priorities and their
importance? That comes from support systems within the school,
the town, and their own families. And thats a big part of it.
Coach Philpot told his fellow CNC coaches at the KSEK Media
Day that he expected to have 35 to 40 kids on the roster. He said
the players are buying into the changes being made and turnout for
conditioning has been good.
2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
Girard Trojans
Girard head coach Neal Philpot, whos entering his
first season with the school, works with one of his
quarterbacks. (Chris Wilson/Parsons Sun photo)
Its our job to kind of get them there and keep them involved and
try to encourage them, and keep them motivated and let them see the
benefits of the game of football, he said. Right now, I think weve got
some guys coming back that are hungry - hungry to get some success
and win.
The Trojans have at least seven seniors returning who either started
or had a lot of playing time last season. Of those, five or six will help in
the trenches, so Coach Philpot thinks the offensive and defensive line
will be a strength of the team. The team does not have a burner with
great speed, but Philpot said they have decent team speed overall and
they will get players in the right places.
Theres a good group of kids there. They know how to work.
Theyve got a good work ethic in them and theyve got drive.
Girard opens their season September 1 at Frontenac. Their first
home game is on September 8 against Riverton.
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43
Independence Bulldogs dogs earned a convincing victory at Montgomery County foe Field
Kindley that locked up the league championship. It was the first time
IHS had won an SEK title since claiming the Upper Division crown
in 1995 and the first in a single-division format since 1979. One week
later, the Bulldogs wrapped up the regular season by taking down Cha-
nute to lock up the district championship for a second straight year.
That gave Independence its seventh postseason appearance in 10
years and a home playoff game against District 3 runner-up Louisburg.
Although IHS put up a fight the whole game, it came up on the short
end of a 20-0 loss to the Wildcats to finish the season at 8-2 overall.
It was a fun year, but we cannot keep looking back if we want to
move forward, Boldra said. Our kids always left it all out on the
field, and thats all you could ask from them. The effort was there all
year long. I just hated to say good-bye to those 15 seniors. They really
left a lot for our younger guys to strive for.
Overall, the Bulldogs return just three starters two on offense
and one on defense from last years league champion squad. Those
two upperclassmen will be key leaders for a young and inexperience
varsity squad in 2017.
Leading the way is senior Josh Pralle. The 6-0, 170-pounder will
play on both sides of the ball at running back and safety.
Josh has been through what we are going to be doing, Boldra said.
He will battle.
The only other returning player is junior safety Cody Schicke (5-10, 160).
We talk about togetherness, and I think thats one of our strengths,
Boldra said. This is a group that does not like to lose.
One concern for the Bulldogs this season may be their schedule,
with only three of their nine games at home. That came about due to
a quirk in last years slate when a game at Labette County was moved
to Independence due to poor field conditions. Both schools agreed to
switch this years location for that game to Altamont, leaving IHS with
just the three home games.
A game is a game, Boldra said. Its nice playing at home, but you
can only control certain things.
Following the season opener against Caney Valley, the Bulldogs
will jump into league play on Sept. 8 at SEK favorite Fort Scott. That
will be the start of a three-game road trip that includes matchups at
Parsons on Sept. 15 and Basehor-Linwood on Sept. 22. IHS will get a
rare home date on Sept. 29 to take on non-league foe Anderson County
before hitting the road to El Dorado on Oct. 6.
Independence will once again compete in Class 4A-Division
I-District 4, which gets underway on Oct. 13 at Labette County. IHS
will make its final home appearance on Oct. 20 against Montgomery
County rival Field Kindley before wrapping up the regular season on
Oct. 27 at Chanute.

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squad was Independence, which went a perfect 5-0 in league play to
capture its first SEK football championship in more than two decades.
It could be a challenge for the Bulldogs to repeat as league champs
in 2017 with the loss of 15 key seniors from last years squad that fin-
ished 8-2 and advanced to the Class 4A-Division I playoffs.
We are young and have to get better in a hurry, said IHS coach
Carl Boldra, who begins his 13th season on the Bulldog sideline Sept.
1 with a home game against Montgomery County foe Caney Valley.
Picked second in the preseason SEK poll a year ago, IHS opened
with three consecutive wins over Caney Valley, SEK favorite Fort Scott
and Parsons before suffering its only loss during the regular season at
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44 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
45
IOLA Mustangs
by Andrew Towne
IOLA One year after making its
first appearance in the Class 4A-II play-
offs since 2008, the Iola High School
Mustangs hope to make it two in a row,
but it will have to be done under the
helm of first-year head coach David
Daugharthy.
The Mustangs went 4-5 last season
46
Junior tailback Tayton Driskel hopes to make
an impact for the Mustangs in 2017. (John
Dykstra/Iola Register)
en route to a playoff berth before seeing
their season come to an end at the hands
of the Frontenac Raiders in the opening
round of the playoffs.
We have a great opportunity in front
of us, Daugharthy said. We made the
playoffs last year for the first time since
08, so we have a dedicated group of se-
2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
GOOD
niors that are looking to push beyond just
LUCK
making the playoffs.
The first-year coach praised his team for Iola USD 257 Proudly Supports
their work ethic and determination by the
core of the team.
the Mustangs & Fillies
We have some really good leaders that
have really bought into the program and are
willing to lay everything down for the future IOLA
District Office
of the Mustangs, Daugharthy said.
305 North Washington
The Mustangs biggest asset this season 620-365-4700
will be the experience and depth at the of-
fensive line.
Weve got four returning starters and
plenty of seniors that are ready to step up
when their time is called, Daugharthy said.
The Mustangs return nine starters from
2017, but they will be tasked with learning a
new system under a new coach.
The list of returners include Evan Sigg
(DE), Ethan Holloway (TE), Nick Zimmer-
man (OL), Matt Komma (OL), Kanyon Bea-
sley (OL), Isaac Vink (CB, WR), Kale Barn-
hart (S) and Matt Karr (DL).
The biggest challenge we face is adapt-
ing to a new system and new style of coach-
ing, Daugharthy said.
Holloway led the team in receiving yards with
328 yards and two touchdowns on 19 receptions.
Iola also will have a challenge of replac-
ing an out-going senior quarterback Ben
Cooper, who threw for nearly 800 yards and
ran for an additional 232 yards, throwing for
seven scores and rushing for five more. That
task will fall to sophomore Casen Barker.
Iola will open the season against for- Plumbing
mer SEK League foe Chanute. The Blue Electrical
Comets have won 17 consecutive contests
against Iola.
Paint
Hardware
A year ago, the Mustangs did put a scare
into Chanute, leading 12-7 early in the
fourth quarter before Chanute responded
with a scoring drive of its own to go back in
front for good 15-12.
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. in Iola.
801 S. 16th, Parsons
620-421-5050 fax 620-421-5850
Tim Stephens, manager
Neodesha BlueStreaks more balanced. We will have to be able
to throw the ball. Smaller linemen usu-
ally mean better feet for pass protec-
tion. We just have to be able to throw
Caney Valley on Oct. 20 and a home
matchup with Eureka on Oct. 26 to
close out the regular season.
We are the smallest physical team
on the sideline but came up short a year
ago. Thats something the Streaks look
to change this season.
I would like to see our kids have

Postseason miss has Neodesha

and catch the ball, which will help the
run game as well.
The Bluestreaks open the 2017
season with consecutive non-league
matchups at Jayhawk-Linn on Sept. 1
and home with Oswego on Sept. 8. That
leads into the Tri-Valley League slate,
which will round out the remainder of
the schedule. TVL action starts at home
against Humboldt on Sept. 15 and is fol-
by Brian Thomas lowed by a road trip to Erie on Sept. 22,
home date with Cherryvale on Sept. 29
NEODESHA After posting a 5-4
and a visit to Leon-Bluestem on Oct. 6.
mark a year ago, the Neodesha High
The rest of the TVL slate will be part
School football team hopes to make a push
of Class 3A-District 8 action, starting
to the postseason in 2017.
with a home date against Wilson Coun-
The Bluestreaks, who open the season
ty rival Fredonia on Oct. 13, a trip to
on Sept. 1 with a non-league matchup at
Jayhawk-Linn, has a total of 12 starters re-
turning as it seeks a return to the playoffs
following a one-year break.
in the league this year I would think,
Black said. Our line will average under
185 this year. Caney returns all their line
and has a move in that will help them,
so they should be really good. I think
Cherryvale will throw the ball more this
year and, with all their speed and ath-
letic ability, they will be tough to beat.
Humboldt returns a lot of kids and are
well coached. Fredonia lost a lot of great
athletes, but they are well coached, and
I am sure Mark will have them ready to
play. This is going to be a tough year in
the league. I think the league looks as
good as it has in the last few years.
Under Black, Neodesha has reached
the postseason five of his seven seasons
more fun and be as a team, Black said.
I think if we do that then we will be
successful not only as a family but on
the scoreboard. If our kids are willing
to go to battle with each other every day
and have fun doing it then we should be
pretty good.
We are always planning on making
the postseason. We wont overpower
anyone this year, but I think our kids
will all be playing for each other, which
will be a big help. I also think we will
play as a family with heart. If we have
some early success, we should be able to
stay in the hunt.

ROYS
This group of kids returning are go-
ing to be big for us, said Neodesha coach

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John Black, who enters his eighth season
as Bluestreak coach after posting a 44-26
record to date. We lost a lot of great ath-
letes, but the kids we have returning have
such a good character and really work
hard. We will not be very big, but the kids
will have unity and dependability. We held
two sessions for the weight room each day
that it is open. This year we had more kids
than ever at 100 percent daily attendance,
and many of those players showed up both
sessions.
Black admitted that last years Blues-
treak season did not go as expected with
the team experiencing plenty of ups and
downs along the way.
We had some good talent last year but
had injuries right off the bat, Black said.
One of our best running backs and line-
backers went down the third play of the
first game with a broken foot. It is hard to
replace someone like that, but we also had
other injuries that kept us from being as
successful as we had planned on.
Returning for the Bluestreaks are seven
offensive starters and five on defense. That
group includes senior offensive lineman
John Wallace (left) and Blaze Grimes want to
hold up a plaque in 2017. (Courtesy photo)
Trenton Adee (5-9, 190), senior offen-
sive lineman Bryce Bell (5-9, 180), se-
nior tight end Peter Spoon (5-9, 165),
senior wide receiver/quarterback/de-
fensive back Michael Shinkle (5-10,
165), junior running back/defensive
back Randall McKinnis (5-9, 180),
junior wide receiver/defensive back
John Wallace (5-11, 170), junior offen-
sive lineman/defensive lineman Blaze
Grimes (6-3, 215) and senior defensive
lineman Dominic Skinner (6-1, 205).
Other players to watch for this
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As with last year, we have no
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48 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
49
Pittsburg Purple Dragons
by Chris Wilson
PITTSBURG Twenty one. Thats the number of seniors the
Pittsburg Purple Dragons have on their roster for the 2017 season.
We dont ever have that, thats a great number for us, and prob-
ably the best thing about em, theyre good kids, Head Coach Tom
Nickelson told coaches at the ESPN 100.7 Media Day. Theyre all
3.5 and above GPAs, theyre all multiple sports athletes - I think we
have one kid who is not a two sport athlete and most of them are
three sport athletes.
In their first year as an independent, the Pittsburg Purple Drag-
ons football team went 5-4 last season and Coach Nickelson said
they were a little beaten by the end of the season. Players quickly
learned they had to be ready to go in for any snap, and they have
prepared for that more this offseason. Nickelson said the wrestling
squad had its best year ever, basketball had a great season, and
baseball was one out away from the state tournament.
It sounds crazy, but we actually gave them more rest this year
because most of our kids are three sporters. Were sharing them with
baseball, basketball, wrestling - I actually backed off on some of my
stuff because our kids, I think we started the season (last year) almost
tired because they didnt have legs. Coach Nickelson said summer is
probably the busiest time of the year for three sport athletes.
We want all of our kids still competing, so its a give and take
with that, and we just tried to give them a little bit more rest, a little
bit more down time.
Were fortunate to have this group that we have, because
theyre all about representing Pittsburg, the school and the town
in the right way, and they always go out and give their best effort.
The Purple Dragons return eight on offense with significant
playing time. But on defense, the front seven has no returning start-
ers, as every one of them graduated and graduate signed to partici-
pate in college in football or wrestling.
They will be tested the moment the season kicks off at 7:00 p.m.
on Friday, September 1, at state champion Harrisonville, Missouri.
Having the Wildcats for their season opener has been an added
motivator for the team throughout the offseason.
When things kind of hit a lull, or when theyre getting a little
tired - its like hey, we got Harrisonville week one - theyre already
14 days ahead of you, lets go - and its just that little bit more mo-
tivation that our kids need. But its a great test for us. Were excited
about it.
Its here. A lot of the anticipation is over and its time to strap
it on, especially for our 21 seniors. This will be their season to re-
member. This season will always be tied to them and its a really
good group whose worked extremely hard. So Im excited for them.
Theyve given themselves a chance to be very successful and so
its time to go out and let the chips fall.
50 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
The Pittsburg Purple Dragons open the season
with a date against Missouri state champion
Harrisonville on September 1. (Chris Wilson/Par-
sons Sun photo)
nie Smith Stadium, has been such a tough place for opponents to play
week. I think the big thing is weve got to get our home field advantage
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Pittsburg State Gorillas
The Pittsburg State Gorillas are coming off a 7-4
campaign in 2016 (Chris Wilson/Parsons Sun photo)
Gorillas seek
by Chris Wilson
PITTSBURG Seven and four may be good enough for a lot of
college football teams, but not Pittsburg State, especially since three of
those losses were at home.
Thats not acceptable with our coaching staff and the community
and our players, everybody understands that, said Head Coach Tim
Beck. We had tremendous crowds last year, a great atmosphere, un-
fortunately we lost three of those games at home. For whatever reason
we played better on the road and we know as a team weve got to get
that changed. Our players have had a tremendous offseason and sum-
mer - so were looking for a great season.
Preseason rankings have PSU fourth in both the MIAA Preseason
Coaches Poll and the MIAA Preseason Media Poll, and while three
MIAA teams were selected for the AFCA Division II Preseason Top
25, Pittsburg State was not one of them.
Our guys need to understand how this university, this place, Car-
and now theres so much parity in the conference, except for Northwest
Missouri, everybodys about equal so anybody can beat anybody each
back. Weve got the support, weve just got to do it on the field.
Six returners on offense received all-conference honors last sea-
son: junior quarterback John Roderique, junior running back Michael
Rose, senior wide receiver Austin Panko, sophomore wide receiver and
MIAA Freshman of the Year Brenner Clemens, senior offensive line-
men Bo Farrow and Codey Funk, and sophomore offensive lineman
2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
Ryan Dodd. Panko also received all-conference honors as a kick re-
turner/punt returner, as did junior punter Carter Anchors.
Weve got our quarterback and our backup quarterback back with
all of our offensive linemen and thats always a concern when you dont
have those guys back, so thats a place we feel strong, Coach Beck said.
Two returners on defense received all-conference honors last sea-
son: sophomore defensive lineman Simanua Thomas and senior line-
backer Ethan Fugitt. Its a defense that is retooling, but Coach Beck says
the competition between the players is fueling a desire to get better.
Theyve got a lot of energy and a lot of speed. Weve got a lot of new
faces but weve got a couple of really good classes of underclassmen in
the defensive line. Theres a lot of them that dont have a lot of playing
experience but we feel like theyre really talented.
Coach Beck said the coaching staff will have to decide whether or
not to redshirt a couple of freshmen who have made an immediate im-
pact. Morgan Selemaea is a safety thats done a really nice job and well
have to make a tough decision on him. Christian Wills is another one,
a defensive linemen, and its nice to see the competition that we have
on the defensive side of the ball, and I think thats going to bring out the
best in all of them.
Selemaea was the Missouri Class 4A Offensive Player of the Year
and an all-conference selection as a defensive back for the 4A state
champions, Harrisonville, Missouri. Wills was first-team all-confer-
ence and recorded six quarterback sacks in a state quarterfinal playoff
game for the 11-1 Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville, Illinois.
The Gorillas opens their season at Warrensburg on Thursday Au-
gust 31 at 7 p.m. against Central Missouri. Their home opener is Satur-
day September 9 at 7:00 p.m. against Central Oklahoma. Family Day
at Carnie Smith Stadium is Saturday September 23 at 7:00 p.m. against
Lindenwood. The Hall of Fame Game is September 30 at 2:00 p.m.
against Washburn. And Homecoming is Saturday October 14 at 2:00
p.m. against Missouri Western.
51
Coffeyville Red Ravens
COFFEYVILLE Its hard to imag-
ine looking at a preseason poll and see-
ing the Coffeyville Community College
selected near the bottom of the Jay-
hawk Conference. Yet, thats where the
Red Ravens stand heading into 2017 as
they were picked to finish seventh by
the coaches.
Each and every year, it changes, es-
52
pecially now with the new rules in place,
said CCC coach Aaron Flores, whose
squad kicks off the new campaign on
Aug. 26 at Hutchinson. Its anybodys
game each and every week. Thats what
makes it exciting. If you dont go in and
work and put in the work, youre going
to see results in a negative way.
The Red Ravens struggled to a 6-5
2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
near future. He was di- be lack of game time
agnosed with acute in- I feel we have a solid mixture of experience.
terstitial lung disease in It should be anoth-
2004, and his condition in-state and out-of-state players. er challenging season
has worsened in re- We believe that we have really in the Jayhawk Con-
cent years, making the ference with three
transplant necessary. good competition at every po- teams ranked in the
I feel alright, but its sition. The strength of our team NJCAA preseason
day to day, said Flores, poll defending
who may be forced to should be that our guys like to national champion
leave the team for an compete. Garden City at No. 3,
extended time at a mo- Dodge City at No. 15
ments notice. Some Aaron Flores, and Independence at
days are better than Coffeyville head coach No. 15. Also receiving
other days, but it could votes in the poll are
definitely be worse. Butler and Highland.
Although Flores is trying to stay focused on foot- The conference
trying to prepare for the foot- ball in preparation for anoth- race will be very competitive
ball season like any other year, er grueling season. Coffeyville as always, Flores said. The
there is definitely some anxiety returns 10 lettermen from last Jayhawk Conference has good
that goes along with it. Once he years squad, including five on coaches along with the best
gets a phone call that organs are offense and five on defense. players in the country. Every
by Brian Thomas available, he will have to imme- I think our team likes to team has a chance to win the
diately drop everything, includ- compete, especially through the conference championship.
ing all his coaching duties for spring and our summer session, Following the season opener
the time being. Flores said. Were going to be at Hutchinson, the Red Ravens
Im listed at the top of the young. Thats the thing about will make their first home ap-
list, Flores said. Im literally a junior colleges, everyone is kind pearance of the season on Sept.
phone call away. I carry my cell of young each and every year. 2 against Ellsworth. That will be
phone, and its on 24 hours a day. Were trying to build from the the start of three straight home
Once I get the phone call, I call high school kids we have. games, including Butler on Sept.
Eagle Med, they fly down there Some of the Red Ravens top 9 and 12th-ranked Iowa Western
for me to Wichita or the near- players are Jacob Rodman (6-1, on Sept. 23.
est place and pick me up. Ive 215), a linebacker from Wichita; Coffeyville will travel to Fort
got roughly four hours Mauricio Chio (6-1, 235), a half- Scott on Sept. 30 before hitting
to get out to Denver back from Olathe; Reuben Lewis the road to defending nation-
and start the procedure (6-4, 310), an offensive lineman al champion Garden City on
The Coffeyville Red Ravens shortly after that. Its a from Apopka, Fla.; and Vernon Oct. 7. Three of the next four
aim to improve from last quick turnaround once Dasher (6-3, 200), a linebacker games will be at home bor-
years 6-5 season. (Courtesy I get the phone call. Ive from Baxley, Ga. der rival Northeastern Oklaho-
photo/Coffeyville Athletics) prepared all my coaches I feel we have a solid mix- ma A&M (Oct. 14), Dodge City
mark a year ago, including a 2-5 record for what could happen ture of in-state and out-of-state (Oct. 28) and Highland (Nov.
in the Jayhawk Conference. Flores re- because it could happen players, Flores said. We be- 4). The only road game during
turns for his sixth season on the side- fast. Weve got things in lieve that we have really good that stretch will be Oct. 21 at
line, posting a 33-20 mark at CCC. Of place in case it happens during competition at every position. Iowa Central. The Red Ravens
course, the coach has his own personal the season or during camp. Just The strength of our team should conclude the regular season on
issues to deal with in addition to the different scenarios that could be that our guys like to com- Nov. 11 at Montgomery County
start of a new season. play out. pete. The chemistry we had this rival Independence.
Flores is on a waiting list as he pre- In the meantime, Flores is spring and summer was good.
pares for a double lung transplant in the The weakness of our team will
2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
53
Independence Pirates
by Brian Thomas
INDEPENDENCE Expectations have
definitely changed around the Independence
Community College football program in a
short period of time. Long known as one of the
bottom teams in the Jayhawk Conference, the
Pirates are now hoping to use their late-season
push from a year ago as a springboard into the
2017 campaign.
Coming off a 5-4 campaign, the Pirates
enter the new season with plenty of high ex-
pectations. In addition to being picked third
by the coaches in the Jayhawk Conference pre-
season poll, ICC also was ranked No. 17 in the
NJCAA preseason rankings.
I think it will be exciting, said coach Jason
Brown, who enters his second season on the Pi-
rate sideline. Obviously, this is a powerhouse
league. You have to strap it up every week. I love
the challenge and look forward to it.
Getting these guys graduated and moved
on, thats No. 1 for me, and thats what were
doing here at Independence. Weve come a
long ways in 18 months, and hopefully well
continue to strive. Im overwhelmed by the
voting of third place. We ha-
vent done anything yet. The
Cornerback Delrick Abrams (right, No. 8) has champs over here (Garden
committed to the Colorado Buffaloes after City), and weve got to knock
he completes his second season with ICC. off a champ to win.
(Courtesy photo) ICC is coming off its first
winning season in nearly two
54 2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
decades, closing with four straight wins
to finish 5-4 overall. The Pirates were
4-3 in the Jayhawk Conference, finish-
ing in a four-way tie for second place
with Butler, Dodge City and Highland.
It was Independences first winning
season since going 6-5 during their 1997
Valley of the Sun Bowl campaign. To end
its streak of 18 consecutive losing sea-
sons, ICC had to do something it had
not done since 1987 beat traditional
national powers Hutchinson, Butler and
Coffeyville all in the same season.
We persevered, overcame adversity
and gelled late in the season to win our
final four games, Brown said. I think
we learned how to win the close games.
The Pirates, who have traditional-
ly been picked near the bottom of the
KJCCC preseason poll each year, were
selected third in this years predictions,
just behind defending NJCAA champion
Garden City and Dodge City. The Bron-
cbusters closed out a perfect 2016 season
at 11-0, including 7-0 in the KJCCC,
while the Conquistadors were 7-4 and
tied for second in the conference. Running back Kingston Davis, who played for
Independence has a total of seven the Michigan Wolverines last year, transferred
players back from last years squad, in- to Independence this offseason. (Courtesy
cluding five on defense and two on of- photo)
fense. Some of the players that will be
featured this season have already com-
mitted to NCAA Division I schools 300 member out of high school. Iowa Central, Oct. 7 at home against
defensive lineman Emmit Gooden (6- Other players that could make an Ellsworth, Oct. 14 at Highland, Oct.
4, 325) to Arkansas, offensive lineman immediate impact on the team include 27 at home against Hutchinson, Nov. 4
Tramonda Moore (6-5, 350) to Oklaho- running backs Kingston Davis (6-3, at Butler and Nov. 11 at home against
ma, Delrick Abrams to Colorado, and 245) and Rakeem Boyd (6-0, 210), as Montgomery County rival Coffeyville.
Dantrell Barkley to South Carolina. well as offensive linemen Isiah Ed- According to multiple reports, ICC
Other key returning players include wards (6-8, 365) and Keith Williams will be the focus of season three on
outside linebacker Jequaries Martin (6- (6-7, 315). the Netflix documentary series, Last
4, 230), safety Josias Bonarparte (6-3, ICC kicked off its season on Sat- Chance U. Independence has declined
205), defensive lineman Stephon Starks urday, Aug. 26, at home against 12th- comment on that until things are made
(6-4, 255), and wide receivers Calvin ranked Iowa Western. That was the first official by Netflix.
Jackson (5-11, 185) and Malik Collins of three games against preseason ranked Last Chance U is currently in its
(5-11, 170). teams, which will include a home game second season on Netflix. It is a behind-
The Pirates will have a battle at the two weeks later (Sept. 9) against de- the-scenes look in college football at the
quarterback position between Malik Hen- fending national champion and third- junior college level, including personal
ry, a transfer from Florida State who was ranked Garden City and a trip to No. 15 looks at coaches and athletes. The first
a four-star prospect and No. 17-ranked Dodge City on Sept. 30. two seasons of the documentary have
player in the ESPN 300; and University The Jayhawk Conference opener been held at East Mississippi Commu-
of Tennessee transfer Sheriron Jones, who is set for Sept. 2 at Fort Scott. Other nity College.
was also a four-star prospect and ESPN games on the slate include Sept. 23 at
2017 Southeast Kansas Football Fan Guide
55
 Altoona-Midway Jets Baxter Springs Lions Burlington Wildcats Fort Scott Tigers Fredonia Yellowjackets Frontenac Raiders
Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent
Sept. 8 vs. Cedar Vale/Dexter Sept. 1 @ Oswego Sept. 1 @ Wellsville Sept. 1 @ Parsons Sept. 1 @ Labette County Sept. 1 vs. Girard
Sept. 15 vs. Chetopa Sept. 8 vs. St. Marys-Colgan Sept. 8 vs. Santa Fe Trail Sept. 8 vs. Independence Sept. 8 vs. Douglass Sept. 8 @ Galena
Sept. 22 @ Marmaton Valley Sept. 15 vs. Galena Sept. 15 vs. Prairie View Sept. 15 @ Chanute Sept. 15 vs. Erie Sept. 15 @ St. Marys-Colgan
Sept. 29 @ Colony-Crest Sept. 22 @ Southeast Sept. 22 @ Olpe Sept. 22 vs. Pittsburg Sept. 22 @ Cherryvale Sept. 22 vs. Riverton
Oct. 6 vs. Marais des Cygnes Valley Sept. 29 @ Riverton Sept. 29 @ Osawatomie Sept. 29 @ Labette County Sept. 29 @ Bluestem Sept. 29 @ Kansas City Harmon
Oct. 13 @ Lebo Oct. 6 vs. Northeast-Arma Oct. 6 vs. Rossville Oct. 6 @ Coffeyville Oct. 6 vs. Humboldt Oct. 6 vs. Labette County
Oct. 20 vs. Pleasanton Oct. 13 @ Columbus Oct. 13 vs. Iola Oct. 13 vs. Louisburg Oct. 13 @ Neodesha Oct. 13 @ Parsons
Oct. 27 @ Waverly Oct. 20 @ Parsons Oct. 20 @ Girard Oct. 20 @ Paola Oct. 20 @ Eureka Oct. 20 vs. Columbus
Oct. 27 vs. Frontenac Oct. 27 @ Anderson County Oct. 27 vs. Ottawa Oct. 27 vs. Caney Valley Oct. 27 @ Baxter Springs

Caney Valley Bullpups Chanute Blue Comets Cherryvale Chargers Galena Bulldogs Girard Trojans Humboldt Cubs
Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent
Sept. 1 @ Independence Sept. 1 @ Iola Sept. 1 @ Erie Aug. 31 vs. St. Marys-Colgan Sept. 1 @ Frontenac Sept. 1 vs. Bluestem
Sept. 8 vs. Olpe Sept. 8 @ Pittsburg Sept. 8 @ Humboldt Sept. 8 vs. Frontenac Sept. 8 vs. Riverton Sept. 8 vs. Cherryvale
Sept. 15 @ Bluestem Sept. 15 vs. Fort Scott Sept. 15 vs. Eureka Sept. 15 @ Baxter Springs Sept. 15 @ Columbus Sept. 15 @ Neodesha
Sept. 22 @ Humboldt Sept. 22 @ Ottawa Sept. 22 vs. Fredonia Sept. 22 @ Girard Sept. 22 vs. Galena Sept. 22 vs. Caney Valley
Sept. 29 vs. Erie Sept. 29 vs. Augusta Sept. 29 @ Neodesha Sept. 29 @ Coffeyville Sept. 29 @ St. Marys-Colgan Sept. 29 @ Eureka
Oct. 6 @ Cherryvale Oct. 6 vs. Parsons Oct. 6 vs. Caney Valley Oct. 6 vs. Columbus Oct. 6 vs. Southeast Oct. 6 @ Fredonia
Oct. 13 vs. Eureka Oct. 13 vs. Coffeyville Oct. 13 @ Galena Oct. 13 vs. Cherryvale Oct. 13 @ Anderson County Oct. 13 @ Erie
Oct. 20 vs. Neodesha Oct. 20 @ Labette County Oct. 20 vs. Riverton Oct. 20 @ Southeast Oct. 20 vs. Burlington Oct. 20 vs. Jayhawk Linn
Oct. 27 @ Fredonia Oct. 27 vs. Independence Oct. 26 vs. Southeast Oct. 26 vs. Riverton Oct. 27 vs. Iola Oct. 27 @ Northeast

Chetopa Green Hornets Coffeyville Golden Tornado Colony-Crest Lancers Independence Bulldogs Iola Mustangs Jayhawk-Linn Jayhawks
Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent
Sept. 1 vs. Marmaton Valley Sept. 1 vs. Great Bend Sept. 1 @ Blue Valley Sept. 1 vs. Caney Valley Sept. 1 vs. Chanute Sept. 1 vs. Neodesha
Sept. 8 @ St. Paul Sept. 8 vs. Parsons Sept. 8 vs. Marmaton Valley Sept. 8 @ Fort Scott Sept. 8 @ Prairie View Sept. 8 @ Uniontown
Sept. 15 @ Altoona-Midway Sept. 15 @ Riverton Sept. 15 vs. Waverly Sept. 15 @ Parsons Sept. 15 vs. Wellsville Sept. 15 @ Oswego
Sept. 22 vs. Colony-Crest Sept. 22 vs. Circle Sept. 22 @ Chetopa Sept. 22 @ Basehor-Linwood Sept. 22 @ Santa Fe Sept. 22 vs. Yates Center
Sept. 29 @ Marais des Cygnes Valley Sept. 29 vs. Galena Sept. 29 vs. Altoona-Midway Sept. 29 vs. Anderson County Sept. 29 @ Parsons Sept. 29 @ Pleasant Ridge
Oct. 6 vs. Lebo Oct. 6 vs. Fort Scott Oct. 6 @ Greenfield (Mo.) Oct. 6 @ El Dorado Oct. 6 vs. Osawatomie Oct. 6 vs. Drexel (Mo.)
Oct. 13 @ Pleasanton Oct. 13 @ Chanute Oct. 13 @ Marais des Cygnes Valley Oct. 13 @ Labette County Oct. 13 @ Burlington Oct. 13 vs. Northeast-Arma
Oct. 20 vs. Waverly Oct. 20 @ Independence Oct. 20 vs. Lebo Oct. 20 vs. Coffeyville Oct. 20 vs. Anderson County Oct. 20 @ Humboldt
Oct. 26 vs. Wesleyan Christian (Okla.) Oct. 27 vs. Labette County Oct. 27 @ Pleasanton Oct. 27 @ Chanute Oct. 27 @ Girard Oct. 27 vs. Erie

Columbus Titans Erie Red Devils Eureka Tornadoes Labette County Grizzlies Marmaton Valley Wildcats Neodesha Blue Streaks
Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent
Sept. 1 vs. Riverton Sept. 1 vs. Cherryvale Sept. 1 @ Chase County Sept. 1 @ Fredonia Sept. 1 @ Chetopa Sept. 1 @ Jayhawk-Linn
Sept. 8 @ Pawnee, Oklahoma Sept. 8 vs. Bluestem Sept. 8 vs. Central Heights Sept. 8 vs. Andale Sept. 8 @ Colony-Crest Sept. 8 vs. Oswego
Sept. 15 vs. Girard Sept. 15 @ Fredonia Sept. 15 @ Cherryvale Sept. 15 @ Osawatomie Sept. 15 vs. Greenfield (Mo.) Sept. 15 vs. Humboldt
Sept. 22 @ St. Marys Colgan Sept. 22 vs. Neodesha Sept. 22 vs. Bluestem Sept. 22 vs. Parsons Sept. 22 vs. Altoona-Midway Sept. 22 @ Erie
Sept. 29 vs. Prairie View Sept. 29 @ Caney Valley Sept. 29 vs. Humboldt Sept. 29 vs. Fort Scott Sept. 29 vs. Sedan Sept. 29 vs. Cherryvale
Oct. 6 @ Galena Oct. 6 @ Eureka Oct. 6 vs Erie Oct. 6 @ Frontenac Oct. 6 @ Madison Oct. 6 @ Bluestem
Oct. 13 vs. Baxter Springs Oct. 13 vs. Humboldt Oct. 13 @ CaneyValley Oct. 13 vs. Independence Oct. 13 vs. St. Paul Oct. 13 vs. Fredonia
Oct. 20 @ Frontenac Oct. 20 vs. Northeast Oct. 20 vs. Fredonia Oct. 20 vs. Chanute Oct. 20 vs. West Elk Oct. 20 @ Caney Valley
Oct. 27 vs. Parsons Oct. 27 @ Jayhawk Linn Oct. 27 vs. Neodesha Oct. 27 @ Coffeyville Oct. 27 @ Southern Coffey County Oct. 26 vs. Eureka

56 57
 2016 Football Highlights
Northeast-Arma Vikings Oswego Indians Parsons Vikings
Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent
Sept. 1 vs. Liberal (Mo.) Sept. 1 vs. Baxter Springs Sept. 1 vs. Fort Scott
Sept. 8 @ Yates Center Sept. 8 @ Neodesha Sept. 8 @ Coffeyville
Sept. 15 vs. Uniontown Sept. 15 vs. Jayhawk-Linn Sept. 15 vs. Independence
Sept. 22 @ Belle Plaine Sept. 22 vs. Archie (Mo.) Sept. 22 @ Labette County
Sept. 29 vs. Oswego Sept. 29 @ Northeast Sept. 29 vs. Iola
Oct. 6 @ Baxter Springs Oct. 6 @ Valley Heights Oct. 6 @ Chanute
Oct. 13 @ Jayhawk-Linn Oct. 13 vs. Uniontown Oct. 13 vs. Frontenac
Oct. 20 @ Erie Oct. 20 @ St. Marys-Colgan Oct. 20 vs. Baxter Springs
Oct. 26 vs. Humboldt Oct. 27 @ Yates Center Oct. 27 @ Columbus

Pittsburg Purple Dragons Pleasanton Blu-Jays Riverton Rams

Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent
Sept. 1 vs. Harrisonville (Mo.) Sept. 1 vs. St. Paul Sept. 1 @ Columbus
Sept. 8 vs. Chanute Sept. 8 @ Greenfield (Mo.) Sept. 8 @ Girard
Sept. 15 @ Webb City (Mo.) Sept. 15 vs. Marais des Cygnes Valley Sept. 15 vs. Coffeyville
Sept. 22 @ Fort Scott Sept. 22 @ Lebo Sept. 22 @ Frontenac
Sept. 29 @ Central Sept. 29 @ Wichita Home School Sept. 29 vs. Baxter Springs
Oct. 6 vs. Carl Junction (Mo.) Oct. 6 @ Waverly Oct. 6 vs. St. Marys-Colgan
Oct. 13 vs. Bonner Springs Oct. 13 vs. Chetopa Oct. 13 vs. Southeast
Oct. 20 vs. Wichita-North Oct. 20 @ Altoona-Midway Oct. 20 @ Cherryvale
Oct. 27 vs. Colony-Crest Oct. 27 @ Galena

St. Marys-Colgan Panthers St. Paul Indians Southeast Lancers

Date Opponent Date Opponent Date Opponent
Aug. 31 @ Galena Sept. 1 @ Pleasanton Sept. 1 vs. Uniontown
Sept. 8 @ Baxter Springs Sept. 8 vs. Chetopa Sept. 15 vs. Sarcoxie (Mo.)
Sept. 15 vs. Frontenac Sept. 15 vs. Frankfort Sept. 22 vs. Baxter Springs
Sept. 22 vs. Columbus Sept. 22 @ Axtell Oct. 6 @ Girard
Sept. 29 vs. Girard Sept. 29 vs. Madison Oct. 13 @ Riverton
Oct. 6 @ Riverton Oct. 6 vs. West Elk Oct. 20 vs. Galena
Oct. 13 @ Yates Center Oct. 13 @ Marmaton Valley Oct. 26 @ Cherryvale
Oct. 20 vs. Oswego Oct. 20 vs. Southern Coffey County
Oct. 27 vs. Uniontown Oct. 26 @ Sedan

Date
Uniontown Eagles
Opponent Date
West Elk Patriots
Opponent Date
Yates Center Wildcats
Opponent Good luck to all area
teams in 2017!
Sept. 1 @ Southeast Sept. 1 @ Flint Hills Sept. 1 vs. Lyndon
Sept. 8 vs. Jayhawk-Linn Sept. 8 vs. Oxford Sept. 8 vs. Northeast-Arma
Sept. 15 @ Northeast-Arma Sept. 15 vs. Cedar Vale-Dexter Sept. 15 @ Northern Heights
Sept. 22 @ Christ Prep Academy Sept. 22 @ Central Sept. 22 @ Jayhawk Linn
Sept. 29 vs. Olpe Sept. 29 vs. Southern Coffey County Sept. 29 vs. St. Marys
Oct. 6 vs. Maranatha Christian Academy Oct. 6 @ St. Paul Oct. 6 @ Ople
Oct. 13 @ Oswego Oct. 13 vs. Sedan Oct. 13 vs. St. Marys-Colgan
Oct. 20 vs. Yates Center Oct. 20 @ Marmaton Valley Oct. 20 @ Uniontown
Oct. 27 @ St. Marys-Colgan Oct. 26 vs. Madison Oct. 27 vs. Oswego

58