2024 HS Football Previews: Baxter Springs Lions

BAXTER SPRINGS, KS – The high school football regular season is right around the corner in the Four State area.

Baxter Springs is entering their second week of practice as they look to build off their first playoff birth last year since 2007.

Second year head coach Jeff McCoy talked highly about how the young core of the program has stepped up big these last few seasons.

The teams largest loss from last season is at the quarterback position. Former Lions quarterback Peyton Gains led the team last year in their playoff run. Coach McCoy says sophomore Isaiah Main is the next guy up and has big shoes to fill.

Main was the backup to Gains all season long and isn’t the only one whose taking a step up.

Coach McCoy also mentions how a few skills positions are going to have to be filled as well. However, he isn’t worried about the teams rebuild because of how quickly his underclassmen are developing.

“A lot of our guys have big shoes to fill but almost all of them are ready to step up for that challenge,” Coach McCoy says. “We have some key pieces that have returned as well. So, a lot of effort. We preach that all the time. Effort, attitude, and toughness.”

Senior wide receiver and free safety Jacob Grant and offensive tackle Kyle Sharlow are looking to lead by example and hold their teammates accountable in their final season with the Lions.

“Definitely building off of last year as we’ve got some things that should help us improve a lot,” Grant mentions. “We have certain rules that we need to follow and making sure that no matter who you are or what your role is on the team, you have to follow them too.”

“We need to keep up the same intensity and same attitude as we had all summer long,” Sharlow adds. “We just have to make sure we can coach these young guys up. We got a lot of tough kids, lot of young guys too that are going to help us out a lot.”

The Lions will look to open up their regular season on Friday, September 6th, at home against Riverton with kick off set for 7:00pm.

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