Kansas high school football preview: Player rankings, team predictions in AV-CTL

The Kansas high school football season kicks off on Friday and The Eagle has you covered for a complete rundown of the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League.

Below is a list of 100 players to watch in the AV-CTL, followed by league predictions and full team previews with each team’s schedule and top players returning.

List of 100 players to watch in AV-CTL

Note: List is sorted in alphabetical order.

Jace Adler, Andover Central senior defensive back

Jackson Anderson, Hutchinson junior linebacker

Maddox Archibald, Andover Central senior running back

Jamar Armstrong, Wellington senior offensive lineman

Colton Bannister, Wellington junior linebacker

Dusty Bannister, Wellington senior quarterback

Isaac Barnett, McPherson senior running back

Gage Borror, Arkansas City senior defensive back

Da’Saahn Brame, Derby senior tight end

Cooper Brown, Collegiate senior defensive lineman

Carter Burnett, Wellington senior wide receiver

Kaleb Cape, Hutchinson senior offensive lineman

Alex Carpenter, Goddard senior offensive lineman

Devin Carroll, Augusta senior defensive lineman

Ben Clouse, Buhler junior running back

Jaden Cohens, Goddard senior defensive back

Milan Colvin, Derby senior defensive lineman

Xavier Cooper, Maize South senior defensive lineman

Emery Craft, Andale junior defensive lineman

Elijah Cross, Maize senior running back

Jackson Davis, Winfield senior running back

Fisher Dye, Mulvane senior running back

Arieus Finley, Derby sophomore running back

Grant Fuksa, Andover Central senior offensive lineman

Alec Fuller, Maize South senior offensive lineman

Chase Garibaldi, McPherson senior offensive lineman

Landen Gatto, Maize South senior wide receiver

Nick Giefer, Wellington senior running back

Jonathan Gould, Maize senior offensive lineman

Preston Hagel, Goddard senior linebacker

Will Hanen, Buhler senior linebacker

Landon Harp, Andale senior running back

Sam Harp, Andale junior quarterback

Brock Haskell, Goddard senior tight end

Brody Haskell, Augusta junior defensive back

Bryson Hayes, Maize senior wide receiver

Hunter Higgins, Maize South junior defensive lineman

Tate Hutchinson, Andover senior offensive lineman

Martel Jackson, Derby senior defensive back

Jace Jefferson, Andover Central senior quarterback

Hunter Jennings, Maize junior linebacker

Julian Johnson, Collegiate junior running back

Keedrin Jones, Rose Hill junior running back

Leven Jones, Rose Hill junior linebacker

Bo Kaiser, Andale senior defensive back

Drew Kemp, Derby senior quarterback

Terrell King, Hutchinson senior defensive back

Eli Kirtley, Newton junior linebacker

Chase Koehn, McPherson senior defensive lineman

Landon Kohlhorst, Goddard senior quarterback

Cooper Marx, Andale senior linebacker

Canyon Mayer, Eisenhower senior wide receiver

Mitchel McDaniel, Buhler senior defensive back

Tate McNew, Maize South senior quarterback

Christian McDonald, Maize South senior defensive back

James Middlebrook, Derby senior defensive back

Carter Morgan, Hutchinson senior linebacker

Derek Morgan, Eisenhower senior quarterback

Manny Myers, Mulvane junior quarterback

Brayden Myovela, Maize junior wide receiver

Josh Nelson, Eisenhower senior offensive lineman

Axl Norris, Wellington senior defensive back

Shawn Nutt, McPherson senior offensive lineman

Carter Pabst, Eisenhower senior wide receiver

Jaden Parker, Collegiate junior running back

Gavin Pfannenstiel, Derby senior linebacker

Jordey Pierce, Arkansas City junior quarterback

Harrison Potucek, Andale senior defensive back

Landon Preston, Andover Central senior defensive back

Niko Ramos, Newton senior defensive back

Skylar Ray, Hutchinson senior defensive lineman

Brock Richardson, McPherson senior linebacker

Spencer Riggs, Hutchinson senior defensive back

Max Robinson, Derby junior offensive lineman

Dawson Rodd, Andover Central senior offensive lineman

Westin Rose, Circle senior running back

Kru Sanchez, El Dorado senior offensive lineman

Steel Schomaker, Valley Center senior defensive back

Camden Schroeder, Campus senior running back

Brendan Scripsick, Buhler senior quarterback

Harrison Simon, Collegiate senior quarterback

Kade Smith, Hutchinson senior running back

Easton Splane, Derby senior defensive back

Tristan Sprole, Collegiate senior offensive lineman

Jesse Stanley, Newton senior linebacker

Coy Stephens, Circle senior defensive lineman

Andrew Stotler, Maize senior linebacker

Brandt Stupka, Andover Central senior wide receiver

Makai Tagatac, Eisenhower senior defensive lineman

Gatlin Tilson, Andover junior wide receiver

Ethan Trometer, Eisenhower senior offensive lineman

Walker Vanderweide, Valley Center senior linebacker

Logan Warkentine, Andover senior linebacker

Brody Weir, Wellington senior defensive lineman

Hunter West, Augusta junior running back

Lukas White, Campus senior defensive back

Cooper Williams, Clearwater senior quarterback

Isaiah Wilson, Andale senior offensive lineman

Kevin Wilson, Hutchinson senior linebacker

Tanner Woolston, Andover senior quarterback

AV-CTL Kansas high school football league predictions

AV-CTL Div. 1

1. Derby

2. Hutchinson

3. Maize South

4. Maize

5. Campus

6. Valley Center

7. Salina South

AV-CTL Div. 2

1. Eisenhower

2. Andover Central

3. Salina Central

4. Goddard

5. Newton

6. Andover

7. Arkansas City

AV-CTL Div. 3

1. McPherson

2. Buhler

3. Winfield

4. Mulvane

5. Augusta

6. Circle

AV-CTL Div. 4

1. Andale

2. Collegiate

3. Wellington

4. Rose Hill

5. Clearwater

6. El Dorado

Kansas high school football team previews

Andale Indians

Coach: Dylan Schmidt, eighth season, 87-10

2023 record: 10-2, lost in 3A semifinals

Class and league: 3A, AV-CTL Div. 4

Schedule: Sept. 6, El Dorado; Sept. 13, at Wellington; Sept. 20, Rose Hill; Sept. 27, Collegiate; Oct. 4, Nickerson; Oct. 11, at Smoky Valley; Oct. 18, Wichita Trinity; Oct. 25, at Hesston.

Top players: Landon Harp, sr., 6-0, 205, RB-DB; Cooper Marx, sr., 6-0, 225, RB-LB; Emery Craft, jr., OL-DL; Bo Kaiser, sr., 6-3, 190, TE-DB; Isaiah Wilson, sr., OL-DL; Sam Harp, jr., 5-10, 185, QB-DB; Jak Krehbiel, sr., RB-LB; Jack Horsch, jr., LB; Harrison Potucek, sr., 6-0, 165, RB-DB; Cale Andree, sr., 6-2, 185, WR-DL; Ian Schrandt, sr., 6-2, 180, WR-DB.

Andover Trojans

Coach: Jamie Cruce, first season

2023 record: 0-9, lost in 5A first round

Class and league: 5A, AV-CTL Div. 2

Schedule: Sept. 6, at Kapaun; Sept. 13, Maize; Sept. 20, at Goddard; Sept. 27, Arkansas City; Oct. 4, at Eisenhower; Oct. 11, at Newton; Oct. 18, Salina Central; Oct. 25, Andover Central.

Top players: Tanner Woolston, sr., 5-11, 170, QB; Logan Warkentine, sr., 5-11, 200, LB; Tate Hutchinson, sr., 6-3, 210, OL-DL; Barrett Hill, jr., 5-10, 155, WR; Wyatt Wilscam, jr., 6-3, 210, OL; Trey Kelly, sr., 5-11, 150, DB; Gatlin Tilson, jr., 6-3, 185, WR-P; Aaron Kimball, jr., 5-10, 200, LB; Will Baker, sr., 6-4, 210, LB; Luke Farley, sr., 6-2, 195, LB; Tristen Winfield, sr., 6-0, 215, DL.

Andover Central Jaguars

Coach: Derek Tuttle, sixth season, 45-14

2023 record: 9-4, lost in 4A championship

Class and league: 4A, AV-CTL Div. 2

Schedule: Sept. 6, at Hutchinson; Sept. 13, at Newton; Sept. 20, Arkansas City; Sept. 27, at Valley Center; Oct. 4, Goddard; Oct. 11, Salina Central; Oct. 18, Eisenhower; Oct. 25, at Andover.

Top players: Jace Adler, sr., WR-DB; Dawson Rodd, sr., OL-DL; Brandt Stupka, sr., WR-DB; Jace Jefferson, sr., QB; Maddox Archibald, sr., RB-LB; Landon Preston, sr., RB-DB; Brody DeGarmo, sr., WR-DB; Logan Taggart, sr., TE-LB; Logan Lira, sr., OL; Andrew Bolan, sr., TE-DL; Grant Fuksa, sr., OL; Gaige Hurley, sr., DL; Ryan Fuksa, sr., OL; Carson Green, sr., DL; Caleb Barscewski, sr., WR-DB; Jonny George, jr., LB; Paxton McCleod, jr., OL-DL; Jet Thompson, jr., WR-DB; Eli Keiter, so., WR-DB; Caden Rubio, jr., WR-DB; Don Hager, sr., LB.

Arkansas City Bulldogs

Coach: Chet Pobolish, second season, 1-8

2023 record: 1-8, lost in 5A first round

Class and league: 5A, AV-CTL Div. 2

Schedule: Sept. 6, Winfield; Sept. 13, Salina Central; Sept. 20, at Andover Central; Sept. 27, at Andover; Oct. 4, Maize South; Oct. 11, Eisenhower; Oct. 18, at Goddard; Oct. 25, at Newton.

Top players: Jordey Pierce, jr., 6-3, 205, QB; Daxton Weakley, jr., 5-8, 160, RB; Bryan Wilson, sr., 6-2, 205, WR-LB; Josh Abrams, jr., 6-2, 190, WR-DB; Eli Manning, sr., 6-4, 300, OL; Trace Rider, jr., 5-8, 170, WR; Gage Borror, sr., 5-8, 170, DB; Wyatt Dickey, sr., 5-9, 180, LB; Xavier Lawler, so., 5-9, 170, DB; Brayden Pinion, sr., 6-3, 210, LB.

Augusta Orioles

Coach: Dawson Elliott, first season

2023 record: 2-7, lost in 4A first round

Class and league: 4A, AV-CTL Div. 3

Schedule: Sept. 6, Chanute; Sept. 13, Buhler; Sept. 20, at Winfield; Sept. 27, at Mulvane; Oct. 4, Wellington; Oct. 11, at Abilene; Oct. 18, McPherson; Oct. 25, at Circle.

Top players: Brody Haskell, jr., 6-1, 160, WR-DB; Hunter West, jr., 5-9, 175, RB-DL; Devin Carroll, sr., 6-0, 235, OL-DL; Gabe Kohls, sr., 5-11, 170, LB; Brecken Albert, jr., 6-1, 165, WR-DB; David Sullivan, sr., 6-1, 165, WR-DB; Cade Camac, jr., 6-2, 175, QB-DB; Gunner Carey, jr., 5-10, 205, OL-LB; Brady Green, sr., 5-10, 220, OL; Gavin Ralston, sr., 6-2, 225, OL-DL.

Buhler Crusaders

Coach: Steve Warner, 18th season, 155-51

2023 record: 7-3, lost in 4A second round

Class and league: 4A, AV-CTL Div. 3

Schedule: Sept. 6, Mulvane; Sept. 13, at Augusta; Sept. 20, at Great Bend; Sept. 27, Circle; Oct. 4, Wamego; Oct. 11, at El Dorado; Oct. 18, at Winfield; Oct. 25, McPherson.

Top players: Mitchel McDaniel, sr., 5-10, 165, WR-DB; Will Hanen, sr., 5-11, 175, LB; Ben Clouse, jr., 5-9, 165, RB; Brendan Scripsick, sr., 6-3, 200, QB-DL; Cash Carson, sr., 5-7, 130, DL; Jeremy Gentry, sr., 6-0, 170, DB; Brady Gotti, sr., 6-0, 185, DB; Bodey Redenbaugh, jr., 6-4, 295, OL-DL; Tanner Brown, sr., 6-3, 245, OL; Nick Gazaway, sr., 5-10, 195, LB; Jacob Miller, jr., 6-0, 205, LB; Chase Gentry, sr., 5-7, 150, DL; Jarod Miller, jr., 6-0, 170, WR-DB; Cruz Hershberger, sr., 5-9, 155, DL; Quentin Pisano, sr., 5-10, 160, WR-DB; Logan Turner, jr., 6-4, 295, OL; Zachary Schweizer, jr., 6-0, 250, OL.

Campus Colts

Coach: Cody Peabody, first season

2023 record: 2-7, lost in 6A first round

Class and league: 6A, AV-CTL Div. 1

Schedule: Sept. 6, Junction City; Sept. 13, at Derby; Sept. 20, Salina Central; Sept. 27, at Maize South; Oct. 4, at Maize; Oct. 11, Hutchinson; Oct. 18, Salina South; Oct. 25, at Valley Center.

Top players: Lukas White, sr., WR-DB; Camden Schroeder, sr., RB-DB; Dawson Le, sr., OL-DL; Jaxon Denard, sr., RB-LB.

Circle Thunderbirds

Coach: Logan Clothier, eighth season, 20-44

2023 record: 2-7, lost in 4A first round

Class and league: 4A, AV-CTL Div. 3

Schedule: Sept. 6, Coffeyville; Sept. 13, at McPherson; Sept. 20, Mulvane; Sept. 27, at Buhler; Oct. 4, at Winfield; Oct. 11, Rose Hill; Oct. 18, at Fort Scott; Oct. 25, Augusta.

Top players: Westin Rose, sr., RB; Coy Stephens, sr., DL; Caderick Korkki, jr., DL; Cooper McGaha, jr., DL; Justin Andrews, jr., LB; Dominic Sawyer, jr., DB; Bodie Janzen, jr., DB; Rocky Cosby, so., DB; Ben McAdoo, sr., DB; Gabe Duncan, jr., DB.

Clearwater Indians

Coach: Justin Burke, second season, 2-7

2023 record: 2-7, lost in 3A first round

Class and league: 3A-7, AV-CTL Div. 4

Schedule: Sept. 6, Rose Hill; Sept. 13, at El Dorado; Sept. 20, at Wellington; Sept. 27, Cheney; Oct. 4, at Chaparral; Oct. 11, Collegiate; Oct. 18, at Pratt; Oct. 25, Garden Plain.

Top players: Cooper Williams, sr., 6-3, 180, QB-DB; Cooper Woodruff, sr., 5-7, 265, OL-DL; Dylan Hanna, sr., 5-8, 160, LB; Brogan Ede, jr., 6-2, 205, OL-DL; Chase Keesling, jr., 5-11, 190, TE-LB; Dalton Wulf, jr., 6-0, 175, LB; Caden Burford, sr., 6-2, 200, OL; Landon Woods, jr., 6-2, 200, RB-DL; Brody Harman, sr., 5-9, 140, WR; Trent Fisher, sr., 5-10, 140, DB; Isaac Trosclair, sr., 5-9, 140, WR; Emilio Martin, jr., 5-10, 185, RB-DL; Nathan Fugarino, sr., 6-0, 155, WR; Isaac Smith, sr., 6-4, 180, TE-DL; Garrison Wells, jr., 5-10, 205, RB-LB; Troy Ohlde, sr., 6-1, 215, OL-DL; Bryant Pechanec, sr., 5-8, 140, RB-DB; Lane Richwine, sr., 5-8, 140, K; Marlon Stever, sr., 5-8, 250, DL.

Collegiate Spartans

Coach: Troy Black, sixth season, 41-12

2023 record: 9-2, lost in 3A quarterfinals

Class and league: 3A, AV-CTL Div. 4

Schedule: Sept. 6, Wellington; Sept. 13, at Rose Hill; Sept. 20, El Dorado; Sept. 27, at Andale; Oct. 4, Pratt; Oct. 11, at Clearwater; Oct. 18, Cheney; Oct. 25, at Chaparral.

Top players: Tristan Sprole, sr., 6-3, 225, OL-DL; Julian Johnson, jr., 5-8, 170, RB-DB; Jaden Parker, jr., 6-3, 230, RB-LB; Harrison Simon, sr., 5-8, 175, QB-DB; Cooper Brown, sr., 6-2, 220, OL-DL; Sebastian Hines-Turner, so., 6-5, 175, WR; Cooper Arneson, sr., 6-1, 200, TE-LB; Jack Grace, sr., 5-9, 185, DB; Nico Enegren, sr., 6-0, 200, OL; Markus Gorges, sr., 6-4, 190, WR-DB; Trip Porter, jr., 5-10, 190, OL; David Chege, sr., 6-7, 260, OL-DL; A.J. Batiste, so., 6-2, 190, WR-DB; Gavin Tuhro, so., 6-4, 240, OL-DL; Cameron Estes, jr., 5-10, 270, OL-DL; Ali Al-Sukin, jr., 6-1, 210, OL-DL; Will Strecker, sr., 6-2, 200, TE-DL; Drake Beran, sr., 6-0, 200, DL; Roman Hourani, sr., 6-1, 175, WR-DB; Michael Dobbs, jr., 6-0, 205, OL-DL; Ward Weimar, sr., 5-10, 200, OL.

Derby Panthers

Coach: Brandon Clark, 19th season, 170-46

2023 record: 11-2, lost in 6A championship

Class and league: 6A, AV-CTL Div. 1

Schedule: Sept. 6, at Hays; Sept. 13, Campus; Sept. 20, at Salina South; Sept. 27, Maize; Oct. 4, at Hutchinson; Oct. 11, Valley Center; Oct. 18, Maize South; Oct. 25, at Carroll.

Top players: Da’Saahn Brame, sr., 6-6, 235, TE; Max Robinson, jr., 6-4, 285, OL; Gavin Pfannenstiel, sr., 5-11, 205, LB; Martel Jackson, sr., 6-1, 175, DB; James Middlebrook, sr., 5-10, 190, DB; Easton Splane, sr., 6-0, 185, DB; Arieus Finley, so., 5-8, 170, RB; Milan Colvin, sr., 6-1, 285, DL; Kikoa Indalecio, sr., 5-9, 200, DL; Drew Kemp, sr., 6-1, 185, QB; Aiden Heckathorn, sr., 6-2, 215, QB; Dalton Hornback, jr., 6-1, 210, DL; Houston Boline, jr., 6-1, 280, DL; Elijah Dixon, sr., 6-0, 210, LB; Daylen Bledsoe, sr., 5-11, 170, WR; John Lujan, sr., 5-10, 190, WR.

Eisenhower Tigers

Coach: Darrin Fisher, sixth season, 26-21

2023 record: 10-2, lost in 5A semifinals

Class and league: 5A, AV-CTL Div. 2

Schedule: Sept. 5, Valley Center; Sept. 13, Goddard; Sept. 20, at Newton; Sept. 27, at Salina Central; Oct. 4, Andover; Oct. 11, at Arkansas City; Oct. 18, at Andover Central; Oct. 25, Northwest.

Top players: Derek Morgan, sr., QB; Carter Pabst, sr., WR; Ethan Trometer, sr., OL; Canyon Mayer, sr., WR; Josh Nelson, sr., OL; Hayden Nall, jr., WR; Makai Tagatac, sr., DL; Brayden Pappas, jr., RB; Jameson Turner, jr., DL; Jackson Reed, jr., LB; Kasten Koehn, sr., DB; Joe Santillan, sr., DB.

El Dorado Wildcats

Coach: Dan Adelhardt, first season

2023 record: 0-9, did not qualify

Class and league: 4A, AV-CTL Div. 4

Schedule: Sept. 6, at Andale; Sept. 13, Clearwater; Sept. 20, at Collegiate; Sept. 27, Rose Hill; Oct. 4, at Mulvane; Oct. 11, Buhler; Oct. 18, Abilene; Oct. 25, at Wellington.

Top players: Kru Sanchez, sr., 5-10, 240, OL-DL; Bryden Soper, sr., 5-8, 170, LB; Tanner Riddle, sr., 6-0, 170, WR-DB; Bronson Larimer, sr., 6-2, 190, RB-DL; Tristan Busby, sr., 6-1, 265, OL; Jackson Lea, sr., 6-1, 240, OL; Max Olson, jr., 6-0, 190, QB; Miguel Lopez, sr., 5-8, 175, LB; Peyton Wight, so., 5-9, 160, DB.

Goddard Lions

Coach: Tommy Beason, seventh season, 32-28

2023 record: 6-3, lost in 5A first round

Class and league: 5A, AV-CTL Div. 2

Schedule: Sept. 6, Maize; Sept. 13, at Eisenhower; Sept. 20, Andover; Sept. 27, Newton; Oct. 4, at Andover Central; Oct. 11, at Salina South; Oct. 18, Arkansas City; Oct. 25, at Salina Central.

Top players: Preston Hagel, sr., 6-0, 215, RB-LB; Alex Carpenter, sr., 5-10, 260, OL-DL; Landon Kohlhorst, sr., 5-11, 170, QB-DB; Brock Haskell, sr., 6-3, 190, TE-DL; Jaden Cohens, sr., 5-10, 180, RB-DB; Kenny Ast, sr., 6-1, 175, TE-LB; Aidan Avalos, sr., 5-9, 165, RB-DB; Liam Berry, sr., 5-11, 170, DB; Jaxon Bridwell, sr., 6-0, 235, OL; Brodie Eakin, sr., 6-2, 245, OL; Colby Molina, sr., 5-10, 180, LB; Brayden Semrad, sr., 6-1, 180, TE-DB; Tyler Slavenburg, sr., 6-1, 230, OL; Kaiden Stroot, sr., 5-11, 160, RB-LB; Dalyn Webb, sr., 5-10, 160, LB.

Hutchinson Salthawks

Coach: Michael Vernon, seventh season, 31-27

2023 record: 7-3, lost in 5A second round

Class and league: 5A, AV-CTL Div. 1

Schedule: Sept. 6, Andover Central; Sept. 13, Valley Center; Sept. 20, at Maize; Sept. 27, at Salina South; Oct. 4, Derby; Oct. 11, at Campus; Oct. 18, Newton; Oct. 25, at Maize South.

Top players: Terrell King, sr., 5-10, 140, WR-DB; Carter Morgan, sr., 6-0, 175, LB; Kevin Wilson, sr., 5-10, 170, LB; Kade Smith, sr., 5-10, 175, RB; Kaleb Cape, sr., 6-2, 245, OL; Spencer Riggs, sr., 6-1, 175, RB-DB; Skylar Ray, sr., 5-10, 190, DL; Jackson Anderson, jr., 5-10, 160, LB; Kylan Mendoza, jr., 6-1, 240, OL; Christian Kohkhar, sr., 5-10, 180, DL; Jaiden May, sr., 5-10, 235, DL; Taishaun Govain, sr., 6-2, 185, WR; Mitchell Rice, sr., 6-1, 150, WR; Levi Kepler, sr., 6-3, 180, QB; Taysen Runyon, sr., 6-4, 170, K; Tramel Walker, jr., 5-9, 155, RB-DB; Adarius Miller, jr., 5-10, 180, DL; Gavaughn Embers, jr., 5-10, 225, DL; Bailey Bishop, jr., 5-9, 250, OL; Bryton Hammond, sr., 6-1, 310, OL.

Maize Eagles

Coach: Gary Guzman, 14th season, 92-47

2023 record: 5-6, lost in 5A quarterfinals

Class and league: 6A, AV-CTL Div. 1

Schedule: Sept. 6, at Goddard; Sept. 13, at Andover; Sept. 20, Hutchinson; Sept. 27, at Derby; Oct. 4, Campus; Oct. 11, at Maize South; Oct. 18, Valley Center; Oct. 25, Salina South.

Top players: Bryson Hayes, sr., 6-0, 180, WR; Jonathan Gould, sr., 6-3, 250, OL; Elijah Cross, sr., 5-10, 150, RB; Andrew Stotler, sr., 5-9, 200, LB; Hunter Jennings, jr., 5-9, 180, LB; Nolan Hadley, so., 6-2, 265, OL; Shannon Jones, jr., 5-10, 200, RB; Holden Moore, sr., 5-10, 240, OL; Brayden Myovela, jr., 6-4, 195, WR; Dimitri Washington, sr., 6-2, 320, OL; Conner Fuhrman, sr., 5-10, 150, DB; Brodie Jarvis, jr., 5-7, 150, DB; Mario Lerma, sr., 5-9, 225, DL; Keller McNeil, sr., 5-9, 210, DL; Kevin Watkins, sr., 6-0, 205, DL; Ty Willits, jr., 6-2, 180, DB; Pearce George, so., 6-0, 170, QB.

Maize South Mavericks

Coach: Brent Pfeifer, 15th season, 103-51

2023 record: 8-3, lost in 5A quarterfinals

Class and league: 5A, AV-CTL Div. 1

Schedule: Sept. 6, Newton; Sept. 13, at Salina South; Sept. 20, at Valley Center; Sept. 27, Campus; Oct. 4, at Arkansas City; Oct. 11, Maize; Oct. 18, at Derby; Oct. 25, Hutchinson.

Top players: Tate McNew, sr., 6-1, 195, QB; Hunter Higgins, jr., 6-5, 240, TE-DL; Landen Gatto, sr., 6-4, 200, WR; Christian McDonald, sr., 5-10, 170, DB; Xavier Cooper, sr., DL; Derrick Junk, sr., OL; Alec Fuller, sr., OL; Cole Brogden, sr., 5-11, 240, OL; Tagin Goode, sr., 5-9, 150, DB.

McPherson Bullpups

Coach: Jace Pavlovich, 10th season, 79-22

2023 record: 7-4, lost in 4A quarterfinals

Class and league: 4A, AV-CTL Div. 3

Schedule: Sept. 6, Great Bend; Sept. 13, Circle; Sept. 20, at Chanute; Sept. 27, Winfield; Oct. 4, at Rose Hill; Oct. 11, Mulvane; Oct. 18, at Augusta; Oct. 25, at Buhler.

Top players: Shawn Nutt, sr., 5-11, 195, OL; Chase Koehn, sr., 6-4, 180, DL; Chase Garibaldi, sr., 6-0, 190, OL; Isaac Barnett, sr., 5-11, 205, RB; Jase Fitzmorris, sr., 5-8, 175, DL; Brock Richardson, sr., 6-1, 190, LB; Brody Seidl, sr., 6-0, 170, DB; Catch Delaney, sr., 5-11, 195, LB; Bishop Brown, sr., 5-11, 170, WR; Krayton Byrd, jr., 6-1, 270, OL; Carter Allen, sr., QB.

Mulvane Wildcats

Coach: Daniel Myears, seventh season, 24-32

2023 record: 3-6, lost in 4A first round

Class and league: 4A, AV-CTL Div. 3

Schedule: Sept. 6, at Buhler; Sept. 13, Independence; Sept. 20, at Circle; Sept. 27, Augusta; Oct. 4, El Dorado; Oct. 11, at McPherson; Oct. 18, at Coffeyville; Oct. 25, Winfield.

Top players: Fisher Dye, sr., 5-8, 190, RB; Manny Myers, jr., 6-1, 170, QB; Preston Grube, sr., 5-10, 210, OL; Brady Nelson, sr., 5-7, 155, DB; Cameron Hagerman, sr., 5-10, 180, TE; Dylan Rogers, sr., 5-11, 185, DB; Hays Ensley, so., 5-10, 165, LB; Reed Hackleman, jr., 5-9, 190, LB; K.J. Schanz, jr., 6-1, 220, OL; Gaelin Mason-Schmidt, sr., 5-10, 215, OL; Nolan Fevurly, sr., 5-11, 215, DL; Caleb Boor, jr., 6-2, 190, WR; Hunter Landis, jr., 5-7, 150, WR; Kurtis Caruthers, jr., 5-9, 165, WR; Gunner McGrew, jr., 5-9, 220, OL; Rocky Heersche, jr,. 5-10, 225, OL; Nathan Maudlin, jr., 6-2, 210, OL.

Newton Railers

Coach: Taylor Counts, first season

2023 record: 3-6, lost in 5A first round

Class and league: 5A, AV-CTL Div. 2

Schedule: Sept. 6, at Maize South; Sept. 13, Andover Central; Sept. 20, Eisenhower; Sept. 27, at Goddard; Oct. 4, at Salina Central; Oct. 11, Andover; Oct. 18, at Hutchinson; Oct. 25, Arkansas City.

Top players: Niko Ramos, sr., 5-9, 185, DB; JEsse Stanley, sr., 5-10, 195, LB; Eli Kirtley, sr., 5-8, 185, LB; John Patterson, sr., 5-11, 185, OL; C.J. Buffalo, sr., 6-2, 170, WR; Ryder Mapes, jr., 5-8, 165, RB; Cole Dillon, jr., 6-2, 165, DB; Jamone Perry, jr., 5-10, 190, DL.

Rose Hill Rockets

Coach: Landon Wright, second season, 4-6

2023 record: 4-6, lost in 4A second round

Class and league: 4A, AV-CTL Div. 4

Schedule: Sept. 6, at Clearwater; Sept. 13, Collegiate; Sept. 20, at Andale; Sept. 27, at El Dorado; Oct. 4, McPherson; Oct. 11, at Circle; Oct. 18, Wellington; Oct. 25, Independence.

Top players: Keedrin Jones, jr., RB-DB; Leven Jones, jr., WR-LB; Lane Culbertson, sr., LB; Trayton Allison-Hill, sr., WR-DB; Kadan Stuhr, jr., RB-DB; Kai Kirchoff-Jones, so., RB-LB; Sebastian Bentley, jr., WR-DB.

Valley Center Hornets

Coach: Scott L’Ecuyer, seventh season, 24-31

2023 record: 5-4, lost in 5A first round

Class and league: 5A, AV-CTL Div. 1

Schedule: Sept. 5, at Eisenhower; Sept. 13, at Hutchinson; Sept. 20, Maize South; Sept. 27, Andover Central; Oct. 4, Salina South; Oct. 11, at Derby; Oct. 18, at Maize; Oct. 25, Campus.

Top players: Walker Vanderweide, sr., 5-11, 190, LB; Steel Schomaker, sr., 6-3, 205, DB; Roman Gage, jr., 5-10, 270, OL; Noah Chobad, sr., 6-0, 230, DL; Colby Newton, sr., 6-0, 175, LB; Austin Saner, sr., 5-10, 160, DB; Drake Thornton, sr., 5-10, 220, RB-DL; Waylon Johnson, sr., 6-3, 270, OL; Rylan Bailey, jr., 5-11, 190, RB; Ethan Outley, sr., 5-10, 190, RB; Jeffrey Stockwell, sr., 6-2, 230, OL; Bryson Saner, sr., 6-3, 195, DL; C.J. Gonzalez, sr., 6-1, 195, K-P; Jaxson Bishop, sr,. 6-0, 215, TE-DL; Maddox Bishop, so., 6-3, 270, OL-DL; Cooper Boone, jr., 5-9, 165, RB-LB; Evan Chavez, so., 5-10, 155, WR-DB; RayJ Logan, so., 5-10, 150, WR-DB; Preston Looney, so., 5-5, 145, QB; Connor Meyer, sr., 5-11, 170, QB; Braxton Moody, sr., 5-5, 130, LB; Cole Stapleton, sr., 6-0, 145, RB-DB; Landon Taylor, so., 5-10, 155, WR-DB; Connor Thatcher, jr., 6-2, 210, QB.

Wellington Crusaders

Coach: Jeremiah Meeks, third season, 13-7

2023 record: 8-3, lost in 4A quarterfinals

Class and league: 4A, AV-CTL Div. 4

Schedule: Sept. 6, at Collegiate; Sept. 13, Andale; Sept. 20, Clearwater; Sept. 27, at Labette County; Oct. 4, at Augusta; Oct. 11, Winfield; Oct. 18, at Rose Hill; Oct. 25, El Dorado.

Top players: Dusty Bannister, sr., 6-1, 200, QB; Axl Norris, sr., 6-0, 155, DB; Carter Burnett, sr., 6-4, 200, WR-DL; Brody Weir, sr., 6-4, 240, TE-DL; Jamar Armstrong, sr., 5-8, 230, OL; Nick Giefer, sr., 5-11, 190, RB; Colton Bannister, jr., 5-9, 195, LB; Greer Buchanan, sr., 6-0, 270, OL; Skyler Branam, sr., 5-10, 185, WR-DB; Ethan Brungardt, jr., 6-1, 215, OL; Cayson Ramirez, jr., 5-10, 225, DL; Milo Elder, so., 6-2, 240, TE-DL; Tristan Tencleave, sr., 5-9, 175, DB; Parker Thornton, sr., 5-10, 155, LB; Jalik Armstrong, jr., 5-9, 160, DB; Grady Norris, sr., 6-0, 175, WR-DB; Jager Norris, sr., 5-10, 145, WR; Goran Djurovic, so., 5-9, 240, OL-DL; Colton Strange, sr., 5-10, 230, OL; Cole Zeka, so., 6-2, 215, TE-DL; Trenton Elmore, jr., 5-10, 180, LB; Jason Golden, jr., 5-9, 145, WR.

Winfield Vikings

Coach: Monty Lewis, fourth season, 10-19

2023 record: 4-5, lost in 4A first round

Class and league: 4A, AV-CTL Div. 3

Schedule: Sept. 6, at Arkansas City; Sept. 13, Labette County; Sept. 20, Augusta; Sept. 27, at McPherson; Oct. 4, Circle; Oct. 11, at Wellington; Oct. 18, Buhler; Oct. 25, at Mulvane.

Top players: Jackson Davis, sr., 5-11, 195, RB-DB; Mack Morin, 6-1, 205, sr., OL-LB; Devan Caley, sr., 6-0, 305, OL-DL; Drew Graham, sr., 6-1, 170, WR-DB; Adam Everett, sr., 6-1, 205, TE-DL; Kellen Gibson, jr., 5-10, 160, QB; Cale Lindenman, sr., 6-1, 200, RB-LB; Owen Suttles, sr., 5-11, 140, LB; Eli Conklin, sr., 6-1, 200, OL-DL; Mason Moaliitele, so., 5-9, 180, RB-LB.