By Dean Backes
MaxPreps.com
Not so long ago St. Mary's-Colgan was reigning supreme in the Kansas 2-1A high school football ranks, winning state football titles from 2000-2003 to go along with the three titles the Panthers had won in previous seasons.
Then Smith Center dropped down a classification and did the unthinkable. The Redmen snapped the Panther streak of small class state championships at four in 2004.
Now, it’s the Redmen that will be trying for their fifth-straight state title in 2008, and St. Mary's-Colgan has hopes of settling an old score.
Smith Center destroyed its competition a season ago, including a convincing 40-14 win over the Panthers in the state championship game. Despite losing by 26 points, St. Mary's-Colgan took an early lead in the game and forced the Redmen to play from behind for the first time in 2007.
After graduating loads of experience and talent from last season’s squad, Smith Center head coach Roger Barta will have to find the players to fill some holes. The good news is that Redmen second string players from the 2007 season earned plenty of playing time after outscoring opposition 844-20.
Leading the way for the Redmen offense will be junior running back Colt Rogers and senior fullback Trevor Rempe, who rushed for 1,405 yards last season collectively, on 149 carries.
Senior Travis Rempe will likely replace three-year starter Joe Windscheffel under center. Justin Nixon, an honorable mention All-State defensive lineman a year ago, is the lone returning starter on the offensive line. But he is a good one, projected as a Division I prospect.
Junior Logan Tuxhorn, and seniors Kris Lehmann, Marshall McCall and Joe Osburn will also get plenty of starts during the upcoming season.
Three-sport All-State standout wide receiver Stu Jeck is set to play his final season for St. Mary's-Colgan coach Chuck Smith, and he hopes to end Smith Center’s reign.
Also back for the Panthers are second-team All-Cawford-Neosho-Cherokee League running back Chas Smith. Return specialist Nick Whetzell returns to his usual spot, but he hopes to add even more playing time elsewhere to his on-field schedule.
Defensively, honorable mention all-league selection Willie Watt will pick up where he left off at his defensive end position.
Oakley, who fell to the Redmen 56-0 in the quarterfinals a year ago, check in at No. 3.
If the Plainsmen are going to finish as high as projected in these rankings they will have to find key pieces to go along with offensive lineman Ethan Jirak and quarterback/defensive back Lex Parsons.
Salina Sacred Heart and St. Francis return the talent to put together top five seasons as well.
Senior quarterback Connor Martin returns to pull the strings for the Knights, who bowed out of the 3A playoffs with a 45-35 loss to Hoisington.
Honorable mention All-State offensive linemen Shawn Warren and Ethan Zweygardt return to do battle in the trenches for the Indians, 44-6 losers to Smith Center in the 2007 2-1A semifinals.
If you throw Sam Sowers into the mix, St. Francis should have one of the best lines around.
Trent Raile, a junior running back/defensive back and senior tight end/linebacker Jesse Pacheco are set to give Indian opposition fits as well.
Here is a look at the 2008 preseason 2-1A top 10:
1. Smith Center 13-0
Coach: Roger Barta
State Titles: 1982 (3A), 1986 (3A), 1999 (3A), 2004 (2-1A), 2005 (2-1A), 2006 (2-1A), 2007 (2-1A)
Record Last Five Seasons: 64-2
Top Players: Colt Rogers Jr. RB, Trevor Rempe Sr. FB, Travis Rempe Sr. QB, Justin Nixon Sr. OL, Logan Tuxhorn Jr. OL/LB, Kris Lehmann TE/LB, Marshall McCall Sr. RB/DB, Joe Osburn Sr. RB/DB
2. St. Mary's-Colgan 13-1
Coach: Chuck Smith
State Titles: 1974 (1A), 1975 (1A), 1984 (2A), 2000 (2-1A), 2001 (2-1A), 2002 (2-1A), 2003 (2-1A)
Record Last Five Seasons: 61-5
Top Players: Stu Jeck Sr. WR, Nick Whetzell Sr. RB/Ret. Spec., Chas Smith Sr. RB, Willie Watt Sr. DE.
3. Oakley 11-1
Coach: Randall Rath
State Titles: N/A
Record Last Five Seasons: 50-9
Top Players: Ethan Jirak Jr. OL, Lex Parsons Jr. QB/DB
4. Salina Sacred Heart 10-1
Coach: Jim Wittman
State Titles: 1969 (2A), 1974 (2A), 1979 (3A)
Record Last Five Seasons: 41-14
Top Players: Connor Martin Sr. QB
5. St. Francis 11-2
Coach: Tim Lambert
State Titles: N/A
Record Last Five Seasons: 47-14
Top Players: Shawn Warren Sr. OL, Jesse Pacheco Sr. TE/LB, Ethan Zweygardt Sr. OG/DT, Trent Raile Jr. RB/SS, Sam Sowers Sr. OG/DE
6. LaCrosse 10-1
Coach: Ryan Cornelsen
State Titles: N/A
Record Last Five Seasons: 42-12
Top Players: Marshall Musil Sr. RB/DE, Corey Torrez Sr. WR/DB, Marcus Moeder So. RB/DB, Lucas Ruff Sr. DL, Jeremy Garcia Sr. DB
7. St. Marys 9-4
Coach: Kevin Kinderknecht
State Titles: N/A
Record Last Five Seasons: 40-18
Top Players: Luke Olsen Jr. RB
8. Humboldt 10-2
Coach: Travis Burk
State Titles: N/A
Record Last Five Seasons: 37-15
Top Players: Devon Onnen Sr. DL
9. Lyndon 10-2
Coach: Rod Stallbaumer
State Titles: N/A
Record Last Five Seasons: 27-24
Top Players: Alex Walsh Jr. K, Shea Kirsop Sr. LB, Keene Niemack Jr. RB/DB
10. Troy 7-4
Coach: Steve Martin
State Titles: N/A
Record Last Five Seasons: 42-12
Top Players: Kyle Smith Sr. OL, Colin Greaser Sr. QB, Garrett Meng So. RB/LB, Ethan Robinson Sr. DL, Auten Huss Sr. LB