By Scott Hansen
MaxPreps.com
Can Hutchinson win its fourth straight title in Class 6A in 2007?
The Salt Hawks have won 23 consecutive games heading into the new campaign, coming off a perfect 13-0 season capped off by their 21-14 victory over Shawnee Mission West in the state final.
Hutchinson, which has won 36 of its last 39 contests, could rely heavily on a move-in from Uniontown during the drive for number four. Gage McKinnis rushed for 1,455 yards and 27 touchdowns and took four of his 13 receptions for scores. McKinnis was named the Class 2A offensive player of the year for his efforts, and should expand on his Idaho with those types of numbers for Hutchinson.
Romero Cotton, who had 1,389 all-purpose yards at fullback, and linebacker Jordan Fee will also be key components as the Salthawks look to continue their dominance in the state's largest class.
Two of the players that could do their part in derailing Hutchinson's efforts need little introduction. By now, the Sunflower State secret is out about Wichita East's brother combo, linebacker Arthur Brown and running back Bryce Brown.
Arthur, ranked the fourth-best prospect in the country according to CSTV's Tom Lemming, is one of Wichita's most highly sought after prospects in state history, including NFL legend Barry Sanders. As a junior, Arthur terrorized the competition with 158 tackles and eight sacks in just 10 games.
Then there's Bryce, who is a junior. Not to be outdone by Arthur, the younger Brown racked up 2,039 yards and 26 touchdowns for East.
You will be able to check out the Brown brothers for yourself on national television. On Sept. 7, ESPNU will carry Wichita East as it takes on Dodge City. Dodge City features Arkansas commit Kale Pick, wide receiver Mykael Thompson, and defensive end Tanner Turley in what promises to put Kansas high school football on the map for good.
The talent pool in Wichita does not stop there. 325-pound defensive tackle Darius Parish of North High School recently verbally committed to Nebraska. North finished 1-8 last season, but Parish could be a pleasant find for the resurgent Huskers.
Wichita Northwest's Chris Harper is one of the most dazzling players in the state after rushing for over 1,000 yards from the quarterback position last year. Harper could play a number of positions at the next level, evident by schools such as California, Illinois, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, and Texas A&M having already offered Harper.
In Class 5A, Blue Valley, Salina Central, and Salina South have combined to win every state title since 1998. Last season, Blue Valley simply dominated proceedings. In its 13-0 season, Blue Valley averaged 46 points per game and allowed just seven points per game in the drive to the title. To add to the misery for the rest of Class 5A, Blue Valley posted five shutouts
Overland Park St. Thomas Aquinas could be one of the teams that is the biggest threat to a repeat performance by Blue Valley. A loss to Blue Valley during the regular season and in the state semifinals were the only blemishes on its record. Kyler Reed is one of the top athletes in Kansas and has eight scholarship offers from Big XII schools to show for it.
Andale (4A) and Silver Lake (3A) will look to repeat as state champions in their respective classes. Both squads finished the 2006 campaign with 14-0 records. For Andale, it was its first-ever title in football. Meanwhile, Silver Lake added to the trophy case with its sixth title and first since 1997.
Another dominant force over the years has been Smith Center in Class 2A. The Redmen won their sixth state title last season, and third straight, with a 56-26 victory over St. Marys.
Worth Noting:
- All but one state champion in 2006 went unbeaten. Eight-Man II champion Victoria finished 12-1 on the campaign with a 40-12 victory over Hope in the state final.
- No team from Shawnee Mission has won the state title since 1985.
- St. Marys had an interesting run to the Class 2A state final before eventually falling to Smith Center. After kicking off the 2006 season with a 50-37 victory over Fredonia, the Bears dropped the next four games. They responded by winning the next eight until their dreams of a title were shattered in the finals.
- The state of Kansas has made its mark on NCAA Football. The current overtime format used by the NCAA was originally adopted in Kansas.
- Smith Center went on an unbelievable scoring surge during the 2006 season. Over a six game span, the Redmen averaged 68.5 points per game. Included in the span was an 83-8 victory over Minneapolis. Also during the six game streak, Smith Center never scored below 61 points.
Kansas Fab-Five Rankings
Class 6A
1. Hutchinson (13-0)
2. Shawnee Mission West (10-2)
3. Dodge City (6-3)
4. Wichita East (5-5)
5. Manhattan (8-5)
Team to watch: Lawrence (6-5)
Class 5A
1. Blue Valley (13-0)
2. Great Bend (11-2)
3. St. Thomas Aquinas (10-2)
4. Salina Central (6-5)
5. Wichita Carroll (10-2)
Team to watch: McPherson (6-4)
Class 4A
1. Andale (14-0)
2. Rose Hill (10-2)
3. Andover Central (8-4)
4. Ulysses (11-2)
5. Wellington (6-4)
Team to watch: Paola (12-2)
Class 3A
1. Silver Lake (14-0)
2. Garden Plain (12-2)
3. Scott City (11-1)
4. Conway Springs (6-3)
5. Hoisington (8-2)
Team to watch: Wichita Collegiate (7-3)
Class 2A
1. Smith Center (13-0)
2. St. Francis (11-2)
3. Lacrosse (11-1)
4. St Marys (9-5)
5. Oakley (10-1)
Team to watch: Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan (9-2)
Scott Hansen: maxprepsok@sbcglobal.net