As football kickoff inches closer around the country, MaxPreps forecasts the top five teams in the state of Kansas for the 2009 season.
1. Hutchinson
The Salt Hawks have dominated the Kansas big school football scene for the past five seasons, and it’s business as usual again this season. Hutchinson, winners of the 2008 Class 5A state title and Class 6A championships in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, returns 13 starters, including five players that received all-state mention a year ago.
Senior running backs Josh Smith (1,961) and Deveon Dinwiddie (1,267), both ran for over 1,000 yards last season. In 2009, the Salt Hawks will run behind a veteran line that features four returning starters in Ross Lovett, Reed Woodworth, Evan Wilder and Justin Pitzer.
On defense, ends Geneo Grissom and Justin Goetz return as do senior linebackers Tyler Free and Nate Thomas and junior Matt Galliart. Defensive backs Joel Schneider and Ben Heeney are ready to go as well.
The Salthawks will host Rockhurst (MO.) in a key early season contest.{VIDEO_4a4446a6-573f-44dc-80a2-5add5f50d323,floatRightWithBar}
2. Olathe North
After avenging a season-opening loss to district rival Olathe East in the first round of the state playoffs last season, Olathe North appeared to be well on its way to a berth in the 6A state title game. But a slipup against a talented and hot Lawrence Free State team in the quarterfinals ended that run.
The Eagles look to be too talented to make an early exit in the 2009 playoffs. Four senior starters from last season’s offensive line return to open holes for senior All-State running back James Franklin, who ran for 1,524 yards and 19 touchdowns on just 188 carries in 2008. Senior quarterback David Blazevic, who rushed for 201 yards and threw for 646 more, returns as well.
Missouri recruit Lucas Vincent anchors the defensive line, while honorable mention all-conference linebackers Tre Walker and Kyle Swartz lead a top-notch stop unit. The secondary returns 2008 starters Jason Peete and Zach Krump.
3. Junction City
The Bluejays are just one player away from moving up a spot and claiming the preseason favorites role for Class 6A.
After leading Junction City to the state title a year ago, Ty Zimmerman will pack his bags and move to Manhattan for Kansas State’s 2009 season. Replacing the 1,400-yard passer is crucial for the Bluejays to make it back to the title game, not only for the numbers he put up throughout his career, but for the leadership he displayed on the field and in practice. Junior Braden Gallentine and senior Corey Birch are battling for the opportunity to replace Zimmerman and lead the Bluejays back to the title game.
Coach Randall Zimmerman does welcome 33 lettermen and 10 starters back. The defensive line should be a strong point for Zimmerman with ends Gavin Brown and Jacob Wright back as well as nose guard Danzel Roland. First-team all-league linebacker Justin Ramos and outside linebacker Bradley Dill also return.
Running back Jimmy King will run behind the protection of returning linemen Jordan McCallister and Jason Elzinga. Fullbacks Nate Koslowski and Cody Parmely will again create interence for King from the backfield.
4. Blue Valley
Following a 29-7 loss to Manhattan in the season opener a year ago, the Tigers reeled off 10 straight wins before falling to eventual runner-up Lawrence Free State. This season the Tigers will continue that momentum.
Back to pave the way for all-conference quarterback Anthony Abenoja are senior linemen Bryan Stephens and Nick Perch and junior Kirk Harris.
Three returning seniors, Evan Ramsey (LB), Tyler Disney (DB) and Ethan Rienke (DL), will be tremendous building blocks for Rampy on defense.
5. Wichita Northwest
Memories of Northwest’s 2008 55-14 season-ending loss to 6A semifinalist Derby won’t stick around long for Northwest football players this fall.
Once Grizzly running back DeMarcus Robinson gets rolling behind the blocking of returning offensive linemen Trey Page and Kyle Caylor their thoughts will only be on the road ahead and the 2009 playoffs. Also back is Grizzly fullback James Rhone, giving assurance to Robinson that he will have a clean road ahead.
Grizzly kicker Jordan Drake is an added weapon for coach Weston Schartz.
The defense will be led by lineman Brock Heithaus, linebacker Andrew Etheridgd and defensive back Cameron Porter.
Other Teams Considered: Derby (10-2), Lawrence Free State (9-4), Wichita Heights (9-2), St. Thomas Aquinas (11-2), Wichita Bishop Carroll (9-2), Shawnee Mission West (9-1), Manhattan (7-3), Gardner-Edgerton (10-2).
