Newton’s Kolbie Espada – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Acapulco Restaurant and Cantina
By Matt Browning Newton quarterback Kolbie Estrada took over as the starter in Week 3 and completed over 50 percent of his passes, while throwing six touchdowns with 603 yards. Who knows what his final stat line would have been if he hadn’t hurt himself in Week 7, but those four games gave Estrada the […]
Valley Center’s Gavin Saner – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Rikki Casey Shelter Insurance
By Hayden Swope Valley Center’s Gavin Saner has been looking forward to his senior season all summer long. Saner was an honorable mention all-league linebacker for the team last year, and is looking to rack up the stats this season as well prove his leadership on and off the field. “Some goals I am focused […]
Hutchinson’s Jackson Anderson – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by PrairieStar Health Center
By Matt Browning Hutchinson all-league linebacker Jackson Anderson has always been smaller than most for his position, but he knows that means he has to take his workouts to another level in order for him to be successful. “Staying consistent in the gym and working my absolute hardest no matter how much I didn’t want […]
Bishop Carroll’s Nic Wineland and Landon Steven – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Penner Lowe Law
By Matt Browning Heading into their final season with Bishop Carroll football, Nic Wineland and Landon Steven understand the importance of getting the Golden Eagles program back on track after two uncharacteristic seasons. Carroll has a proud football tradition, and I truly believe we’re ready to rise to those expectations again,” Steven said. “As a senior, […]
Andover’s Wyatt Wilscam – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Jodi Ocadiz Shelter Insurance
By Matt Browning Last season, Andover’s Wyatt Wilscam was an honorable mention all-league offensive lineman, but also played on the defensive side of the ball, too. And that is the area that he really focused on improving throughout his offseason training. “I want to be a better defensive player,” Wilscam said. :I have been working a […]
Andover’s Ben Reynolds – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Jodi Ocadiz Shelter Insurance
By Matt Browning Even though he was an honorable mention all-league wide receiver in 2024, Andover’s Ben Reynolds knew there was one attribute of a receiver that he had to improve on for the upcoming season. “One thing I wanted to improve this season is my speed,” Reynolds said. “I worked hard in the winter and […]
Bishop Carroll’s Blake Bowmaker – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Old Chicago
By Matt Browning Coming off a broken ankle injury, Bishop Carroll senior defensive back Blake Bowmaker new this past offseason was a critical one. He spent plenty of time looking to get back to the level he was at in 2024. “This offseason has been a big one for me since coming off a broken […]
Valley Center’s Braeden Heitsman – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Wichita Driving School
By Matt Browning Since first grade, Valley Center Braeden Heitsman has played with many of his teammates. Being able to play with them one more season is something that Heitsman is looking forward to. “I am most excited to play on a field with all of my friends,” Heitsman said. “From first grade to now […]
Maize South’s Hunter Higgins – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Alexandria Johnson Shelter Insurance
Photo by: Carson Cassel By Matt Browning Over the past two seasons, there has not been a more dominant player in the state than Maize South defensive lineman Hunter Higgins. The KU-commit racked up 62 tackles with 13 sacks in 2024, while also adding 26 quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. With his future now […]
Goddard’s Braxton Koller – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Alexandria Johnson Shelter Insurance
By Matt Browning Goddard senior lineman Braxton Koller has been a part of three successful seasons that saw the Lions go a combined 17-10 and a league title in 2023. But Koller has not felt what it’s like to win a playoff game and that’s a top his wish list for the 2025 season. “My […]