By Joanna Chadwick
After Andover Central won its first state football title in November, coach Derek Tuttle hung onto that feeling for as long as possible.
“I tried to enjoy it most of the winter,” he said. “But even in the winter, you’re doing things to get ready for the next season — film work, going to clinics…. By the middle of the spring, we’re on to the next season already.”
There’s no doubt that winning was incredible, though.
“It was such a special thing for our town, community and school,” Tuttle said. “It was so much more than just our team — there’s so many people that impacted this championship that weren’t necessarily current coaches and players…. So many alumni reached out, told me they went to the game or watched it online.
“It was really cool. It was probably long overdue for our town. It’s been since 1984 when the Andover Trojans won it. That’s a 40-year time frame.”
This Jaguars team will be different than the 2024 team because graduation hit hard — only three starters return on the offensive side, three on the defensive. But there are quite a few players who got time on the field.
“We do have one receiver, Jet Thompson, who started a few games,” Tuttle said. “On the offensive line, Paxton McLeod, our center, he’ll be a third-year starter at center, and Aiden Jordan is one of our guards who returns. And a kid who started some, Tommy Inkelaar, will be pretty instrumental in a jumbo package.
“Then there’s Jaxson Green at running back. He had over 400 yards last year as a sophomore…. He’s very talented with his ability to change direction. Such a smooth and at times a quick and explosive back. He can be hard-nosed at times, but he’s explosive when he can get into the open field with really good speed. We’ll be creative with getting him the ball.”
At quarterback, senior transfer Max Olson and freshman Ty DeGarmo will be battling for the starting spot.
“Max, he started going to our e-academy when he was in El Dorado. He only played a couple games and then he got hurt. Then they decided to transfer after that,” Tuttle said.
“Ty is a really good up-and-coming kid. He’s been going to a lot of quarterback camps and has developed really well for a young kid.
“We had our contact camp with Bishop Carroll and got to see a lot of guys in action.”
Defensively, it will start on the line for Andover Central.
“Jaylen Wilson is a returning starter, and he’s probably the best leader on our team. He’s very vocal, good about getting our energy up. He’s a very good leader in the weight room and on the football field. He’s a good run stopper and pass rusher,” Tuttle said.
Outside linebacker Jonny George is also a returning starter.
“He’s a kid who plays well in space and was one of our top 4-5 tacklers last year,” Tuttle said. “Then there’s Bubba Hall, who started a few games. He could play a little bit both ways. He could get some carries on offense — pair him with Jaxson Green — but he’ll probably start the season on the d-line or outside linebacker.”
Some other players to watch are Tucker Taggart and Max McDaniel on the defensive line. Cooper Mason will be a corner and wide receiver, while Brenton Finley could be at safety or outside linebacker.
Two other players — Logan Huslig and Pierce Gillen — are returning from injuries.
Huslig broke his leg in the first game last year and missed the whole season. Gillen is coming back from knee surgery.
“Both are senior offensive line kids and both have had great summers with work ethic,” Tuttle said.”
Even though Andover Central lost quite a bit of production and experience from the 2024 championship team, Tuttle has seen signs already that this team will be one to watch.
“The nice thing is our attendance at weights has been good — even though we lost a big class of seniors. That’s a good sign. I like the leadership qualities of some of our seniors, especially Jaylen,” Tuttle said.
“And the freshman and sophomore level, there’s two good classes that will push some of our older kids.
“Our seniors last year set a great precedent for our kids with their practice habits and their attendance. It made a big impact on kids like Jaxson Green and it’s shown in his attendance and workout habits. That’s why he’ll be good. The positives are rubbing off.”
