EAST CENTRAL
BETHUNE BOBCATS
Coach: Troy Hauxwell
2006 record: 5-4
Returning starters: Three offense, three defense
Last playoff appearance: 2002
Strength: Good attitude and a little more team speed than in years past
Weakness: Just one senior and “banking on juniors and sophomores.”
Players to watch: Andrew Grant, So., QB-LB, 5-9, 210; Alex Madrid, Jr., C-DE, 5-11, 188; Damon Miller, So., RB-LB, 5-9, 170; Dustin Monroe, Sr., RB-DB, 5-10, 145; Shane Richardson, Jr., QB-LB, 5-10, 198.
In 2007: This may sound like a broken record, but the Bobcats need to beat either Hi-Plains or Idalia to get in. “Hopefully we can gain confidence and will be able to have a game with them.”
Schedule
Aug. 31, at Vilas, 5:30 p.m.
Sep. 7, Lone Star, 3 p.m.
Sep. 14, Pawnee, 6:30 p.m.
Sep. 22, Woodlin, 1 p.m.
Sep. 29, Liberty (Joes)*, 11 a.m.
Oct. 6, at Deer Trail*, 1 p.m.
Oct. 13, at Hi-Plains*, 11 a.m.
Oct. 20, Idalia*, 1 p.m.
DEER TRAIL EAGLES
Coach: Dave Cochran
2006 record: 3-5
Returning starters: Six offense, six defense
Last playoff appearance: 1999
Strength: Experience and finally some continuity with the coaching staff.
Weakness: A few depth issues.
Players to watch: Spencer Bell, Jr., Util.-LB, 5-11, 160; Nick Christenson, Sr., E, 5-10, 150; Colby Elliott, Sr., QB-NT, 5-11, 160; James Humbert, Sr., RB-LB-K, 5-10, 175.
In 2007: “We’ve got as good as shot as any,” said Cochran about having a chance to hang with the big-boys.
Schedule
Aug. 31, Hilltop Baptist, 7 p.m.
Sep. 7, Weldon Valley, 7 p.m.
Sep. 14, at Arickaree, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 21, Idalia*, 7 p.m.
Sep. 29, at Vilas, 2 p.m.
Oct. 6, Bethune*, 1 p.m.
Oct. 12, at Liberty (Joes)*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 20, at Hi-Plains*, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 26, Cheraw, 7 p.m.
HI-PLAINS PATRIOTS
Coach: Dave Sheffield
2006 record: 5-5
Returning starters: Six offense, six defense.
Last playoff appearance: 2006, lost 45-16 to Peetz in 6-man quarterfinals.
Strength: Team speed and team continuity.
Weakness: Consistency.
Players to watch: Kent Herman, Jr., RB-LB, 6-4, 180; Chase McCullough, Jr., FB-DE, 5-10, 195; Kendal Rueb, Jr., E-DE, 6-1, 180; Nathan Rueb, Sr., OL-DL, 6-5, 260.
In 2007: With parity abound in 6-man, the Patriots have set some pretty lofty goals.
Schedule
Aug. 31, Edison, 4 p.m.
Sep. 7, at Cheraw, 4 p.m.
Sep. 14, Kit Carson, 4 p.m.
Sep. 21, at Liberty (Joes)*, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 28, at Idalia*, 4 p.m.
Oct. 5, at Sangre de Cristo, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13, Bethune*, 11 a.m.
Oct. 20, Deer Trail*, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 26, Vilas, 3:30 p.m.
IDALIA WOLVES
Coach: Brad Wingfield
2006 record: 11-0
Returning starters: Three offense, three defense
Last playoff appearance: 2006, beat Eads 69-6 in 6-man championship game.
Strength: Team speed, size and loads of upperclassmen to fill roles.
Weakness: Lost some vital position players and are just younger in a football sense.
Players to watch: Creighton Farness, Sr., E-DE, 6-2, 160; Casey Harell, Jr., FB-LB, 6-0, 195; Mitch Marostica, Sr., E-DE, 5-10, 175; Gabe Ramseier, Sr., RB-LB, 5-8, 170.
In 2007: The Wolves will have to adapt to the losses, both to graduation and in the coaching staff. The talent is still there and these guys always seem to find a way.
Schedule
Sep. 1, at Rule, Texas, 5 p.m.
Sep. 7, Prairie, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 14, Woodlin, 4 p.m.
Sep. 21, at Deer Trail*, 7 p.m.
Sep. 28, Hi-Plains*, 4 p.m.
Oct. 5, Liberty (Joes)*, 4 p.m.
Oct. 12, Lone Star, 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 20, at Bethune*, 1 p.m.
Oct. 26, at Kit Carson, 7 p.m.
LIBERTY (JOES) KNIGHTS
Coach: David Guy
2006 record: 2-7
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense.
Last playoff appearance: 1999
Strength: Discipline and execution. “We do those we can do more than we think we can.”
Weakness: “We’re not as quick as we’d like to be.” Six of the 14 kids on the roster are freshmen.
Players to watch: Travis Asling, Sr., E-DE, 5-10, 175; Ethan Malave, Jr., E-LB, 5-7, 120; Tyson Mann, Jr., FB-DE, 5-9, 175; John Williams, Fr., RB-LB, 6-1, 195.
In 2007: The Knights should win a few more games this time around, but that being said, “we are still in a building faze.”
Schedule
Aug. 31, Kit Carson, 7 p.m.
Sep. 6, at Otis, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 14, at Prairie, 7 p.m.
Sep. 21, Hi-Plains*, 7:30 p.m.
Sep 29, at Bethune*, 11 a.m.
Oct. 5, at Idalia*, 4 p.m.
Oct. 12, Deer Trail*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 20, at Hilltop Baptist, 7 p.m.
Oct. 26, Edison, 7 p.m.
Northern
BRIGGDALE FALCONS
Coach: Rick Mondt
2006 record: 0-9
Returning starters: Three offense, four defense.
Last playoff appearance: 2003
Strength: Senior leadership and improved overall team speed.
Weakness: The mental attitude of having won just one game in the last two seasons. “We need to break out of that losing funk.”
Players to watch: Bruce Baxter, Jr., RB-DE, 5-9, 140; Jonathan Endsley, Sr., C-LB, 6-0, 205; Thomas Endsley, Sr., E-NT, 6-6, 270; Jerry Speaker, Jr., RB-DE, 5-10, 145.
In 2007: Good spirited practices early on could translate to that ever elusive win.
Schedule
Aug. 31, Otis, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 7, at Arickaree, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 14, Fleming, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 21, at Minatare, Neb., 2 p.m.
Sep. 28, Prairie*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 5, Peetz*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 12, at Pawnee*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 19, at Weldon Valley*, 3 p.m.
Oct. 26, at Woodlin, 7:30 p.m.
PAWNEE COYOTES
Coach: Doug Miller
2006 record: 7-3
Returning starters: Three offense, three defense.
Last playoff appearance: 2006, lost 72-12 to Idalia in 6-man quarterfinals.
Strength: Big and stong
Weakness: But not that fast.
Players to watch: Cody Brunelle, Jr., E-DB, 6-1, 160; Derek Foster, Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 240; Shawn Light, Sr., RB-LB, 5-8, 170; Neil Miller, Jr., QB-DB, 6-2, 155
In 2007: There is a lot of responsibility on Light and he is the key. If they adapt to the speed issue, the playoffs are a strong possibility.
Schedule
Aug. 31, Woodlin, 7 p.m.
Sep. 7, at Fleming, 7 p.m.
Sep. 14, at Bethune, 6:30 p.m.
Sep. 21, at Prairie*, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 28, Weldon Valley*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 5, at Otis, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 12, Briggdale*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 20, at Peetz*, 1 p.m.
Oct. 26, at Lone Star, 3 p.m.
PEETZ BULLDOGS
Coach: Scott Sorensen
2006 record: 10-1
Returning starters: Three offense, four defense.
Last playoff appearance: 2006, lost 48-30 to Eads in the 6-man semifinals.
Strength: Depth the younger guys got a lot of playing time last year during blowouts.
Weakness: Down a bit on overall team speed.
Players to watch: Sean Fehringer, Sr., QB-DB, 6-1, 180; Daniel Hammond, Sr., E-DE, 5-11, 175; Gage Roelle, Sr., Util.-LB, 6-0, 195; Levi Whitman, Sr., RB-DB, 5-11, 155.
In 2007: It’s a good group that has to erase the memory of last years semifinal loss. “It just depends on how they rebound.”
Schedule
Aug. 31, Fleming, 7 p.m.
Sep. 7, at Woodlin, 7 p.m.
Sep. 14, at Lone Star, 4 p.m.
Sep. 21, at Weldon Valley*, 3:30 p.m.
Sep. 28, at Arickaree, 7 p.m.
Oct. 5, at Briggdale*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 12, Prairie*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 20, Pawnee*, 1 p.m.
Oct. 26, Otis, 7 p.m.
PRAIRIE MUSTANGS
Coach: Glenn Carlson
2006 record: 3-6
Returning starters: Two offense, two defense.
Last playoff appearance: 2000
Strength: Competition in practice with kids actually fighting for positions.
Weakness: Just being mentally tough and winning ball games.
Players to watch: Ethan Cash, Jr., RB-LB, 6-1, 175; Albert Kester, Sr., RB-DB, 5-6, 140; Emilio Lone Elk, Sr., QB, 5-10, 185; Jase Powel, Sr., E-DE, 6-3, 180; Seth Whitlock, Jr., OL-DL, 6-0, 165.
In 2007: No place to go but up for this program. “The kids have to come out and be hungry.”
Schedule
Aug. 31, Cheraw, 7 p.m.
Sep. 7, at Idalia, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 14, Liberty (Joes), 7 p.m.
Sep. 21, Pawnee*, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 28, at Briggdale*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 5, Weldon Valley*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 12, at Peetz*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 19, at Fleming, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 26, at Arickaree, TBA
WELDON VALLEY WARRIORS
Coach: Jamie Wood
2006 record: 3-5
Returning starters: Six offense, six defense
Last playoff appearance: 2005
Strength: Experience with a good group of underclassmen provide some depth.
Weakness: Don’t have that explosive speed guy and a new coaching staff will be a bit of an adjustment.
Players to watch: Austin Brown, Sr., Util., 5-11, 160; Adam Cooper, Sr., QB-DB, 5-6, 125; Beau Fuchs, Sr., E-DE, 6-2, 155.
In 2007: The Warriors will be competitive for the second spot out of this league.
Schedule
Sep. 7, at Deer Trail, 7 p.m.
Sep. 14, at Otis, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 21, Peetz*, 3:30 p.m.
Sep. 28, at Pawnee*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 5, at Prairie*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 19, Briggdale*, 3 p.m.
Oct. 26, Fleming, 3:30 p.m.
Southern
CHERAW WOLVERINES
Coach: Brian Bonds
2006 record: 6-2
Returning starters: Two offense, two defense.
Last playoff appearance: 2001
Strength: The work ethic is strong with the 11 kids on the roster and football wise they are quick for their size.
Weakness: “we’re not going to outrun anybody.” A coach who is new to 6-man.
Players to watch: Jerid Bruna, Sr., RB-DB, 5-6, 135; Emery Crump, Sr., RB-LB, 5-9, 160; Blake Pearce, Sr., RB-LB, 6-0, 160.
In 2007: Bonds is eager to put the Wolverines back on the football map, “but I know it’s not going to happen overnight.”
Schedule
Aug. 31, at Prairie, 7 p.m.
Sep. 7, Hi-Plains, 4 p.m.
Sep. 14, at Aguilar, 7 p.m.
Sep. 22, Eads*, 2 p.m.
Sep. 29, Edison*, 1 p.m.
Oct. 6, Vilas*, 2 p.m.
Oct. 13, at Hilltop Baptist*, 1 p.m.
Oct. 19, at Kit Carson*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 26, at Deer Trail, 7 p.m.
EADS EAGLES
Coach: Shawn Randel
2006 record: 9-2
Returning starters: Three offense, three defense.
Last playoff appearance: 2006, lost 69-6 to Idalia in 6-man championship game.
Strength: A balanced offensive attack again.
Weakness: Filling in the lost gaps, especially at quarterback.
Players to watch: A.J. Bolin, Sr., E-LB, 5-10, 160; Kevin Lindholm, Sr., RB-DE, 6-1, 190; Wes Richardson, Sr., QB-NT, 6-0, 195.
In 2007: “I would like to think we are just as talented as last year, just not as experienced.” The Eagles will be in the mix.
Schedule
Aug. 31, Arickaree, 7 p.m.
Sep. 7, Otis, 7 p.m.
Sep. 14, at Vilas*, 7 p.m.
Sep. 22, at Cheraw*, 2 p.m.
Sep. 28, Hilltop Baptist*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 12, at Kit Carson*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19, Edison, 7 p.m.
EDISON EAGLES
Coach: Jeff Jordahl
2006 record: 3-5
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense.
Last playoff appearance: Never qualified.
Strength: Good combination of size and speed with some experience.
Weakness: Still trying to reach the learning curve.
Players to watch: Josh Doak, So., QB-DB-K, 5-10, 165; Andrew Finley, So., C-DL, 6-5, 235; Isaiah Mannon, Jr., RB, 5-8, 140; Nathan Mannon, Fr., RB-DB, 5-8, 160; Shane Norman, Sr., E-DL, 6-2, 200.
In 2007: In just their second year of varsity play, the Eagles should be more competitive.
Schedule
Aug. 31, at Hi-Plains, 4 p.m.
Sep. 8, Kit Carson*, 1 p.m.
Sep. 15, at Hilltop Baptist*, 1 p.m.
Sep. 22, Sierra Grande, 1 p.m.
Sep. 29, at Cheraw*, 1 p.m.
Oct. 13, Vilas*, 1 p.m.
Oct. 19, at Eads*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 26, at Liberty (Joes), 7 p.m.
HILLTOP BAPTIST CENTURIONS
Coach: Allen Knight
2006 record: 1-7
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense.
Last playoff appearance: 1998
Strength: Experience and depth.
Weakness: Size and speed. “We’re not real big and we’re not real fast.”
Players to watch: Joe Borja, Sr., QB-DE, 5-11, 130; Matthew Hine, Jr., E-DE, 6-0, 160; Johnny Pennington, Jr., RB-LB, 5-10, 175; Brock Yingling, Sr., E-LB, 5-10, 145.
In 2007: More experience coming back could lead to a few more victories, and having the numbers will help.
Schedule
Aug. 31, at Deer Trail, 7 p.m.
Sep. 7, Vilas*, 4:30 p.m.
Sep. 15, Edison*, 1 p.m.
Sep. 28, at Eads*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 6, Kit Carson*, 1 p.m.
Oct. 13, Cheraw*, 1 p.m.
Oct. 20, Liberty (Joes), 7 p.m.
KIT CARSON WILDCATS
Coach: Jim Trahern
2006 record: 8-2
Returning starters: One offense, one defense.
Last playoff appearance: 2006, lost 24-23 to Idalia in the 6-man semifinals.
Strength: The younger kids had a chance to play in blowout situations last season.
Weakness: Depth, experience and not a lot of team speed.
Players to watch: Jon Ball, Jr., C-DL, 6-3, 190; Blake Miller, Jr., RB-LB, 5-8, 150; Tyler Stephenson, Sr., E-LB, 5-11, 180.
In 2007: There are a lot of ?’s, but the tradition has to mean something to the batch of Wildcats.
Schedule
Aug. 31, at Liberty (Joes), 7 p.m.
Sep. 8, at Edison*, 1 p.m.
Sep. 14, at Hi-Plains, 4 p.m.
Sep. 21, at Vilas*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 6, at Hilltop Baptist*, 1 p.m.
Oct. 12, Eads*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19, Cheraw*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 26, Idalia, 7 p.m.
VILAS BRONCOS
Coach: Cory Neuhold
2006 record: 3-6
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense.
Last playoff appearance: 2004
Strength: Fast and hard-hitting team with talented underclassmen.
Weakness: We’re small. “On average, maybe 150 pounds soaking wet.”
Players to watch: Genesis Enriquez, Fr., RB, 5-6, 140; Roman Horn, Sr., E-DB, 5-6, 140; Rafe Schroeder, So., QB-LB, 5-10, 180; Quayde Thompson, E-DB, 5-8, 160.
In 2007: The Broncos are building for the future and looking ahead in a positive manner.
Schedule
Aug. 31, Bethune, 5:30 p.m.
Sep. 7, at Hilltop Baptist*, 4:30 p.m.
Sep. 14, Eads*, 7 p.m.
Sep. 21, Kit Carson*, 7 p.m.
Sep. 29, Deer Trail, 2 p.m.
Oct. 6, at Cheraw*, 2 p.m.
Oct. 13, at Edison*, 1 p.m.
Oct. 26, at Hi-Plains, 3:30 p.m.
West Central
ARICKAREE INDIANS
Coach: Dennis Koolstra
2006 record: 4-5
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense.
Last playoff appearance: 2001
Strength: The most fundamentally sound group in years.
Weakness: Not enough kids (just seven).
Players to watch: Chase Baker, Jr., E-DB, 6-2, 170; Colt Baker, Jr., Util.-LB, 6-2, 175; Nathan Craig, Sr., QB-LB, 5-11, 150; Aron Crossland, Jr., RB-LB, 5-10, 175.
In 2007: They avoided the injury bug last season and for obvious reasons must duck again this season.
Schedule
Aug. 31, at Eads, 7 p.m.
Sep. 7, Briggdale, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 14, Deer Trail, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 21, at Otis*, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 28, Peetz, 7 p.m.
Oct. 5, Fleming*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 12, at Woodlin*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 26, Prairie, TBA
FLEMING WILDCATS
Coach: John King
2006 record: 5-4
Returning starters: Six offense, five defense.
Last playoff appearance: 2003
Strength: Depth, with 23 players out, and experience to boot.
Weakness: The ability to win the big game. “We always found a way to lose.”
Players to watch: Cory Brownell, Sr., E-LB, 6-0, 150; Jarod Stone, Sr., RB-LB, 6-1, 185; Phoenix Stone, Jr., OL-DL, 5-10, 175.
In 2007: Talent wise, the ‘Cats can match up with anybody in the league.
Schedule
Aug. 31, at Peetz, 7 p.m.
Sep. 7, Pawnee, 7 p.m.
Sep. 14, at Briggdale, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 21, Lone Star*, 7 p.m.
Sep. 28, Woodlin*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 5, at Arickaree*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 12, Otis*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19, Prairie, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 26, at Weldon Valley, 3:30 p.m.
LONE STAR LONGHORNS
Coach: Mike Harty
2006 record: 0-9
Returning starters: Three offense, three defense.
Last playoff appearance: Never qualified.
Strength: Another year into it means another year of experience.
Weakness: With just one senior, they are still trying to get their feet under them.
Players to watch: Michael Carr, Jr., OL-LB, 5-10, 185; Ryan Frick, Sr., E-DL, 6-4, 190; Kyle Gomez, Jr., RB-DB, 5-8, 140; Tyler Jamison, So., RB-DB, 5-6, 130.
In 2007: The goal is to be competitive right now. The wins will eventually come.
Schedule
Sep. 7, at Bethune, 3 p.m.
Sep. 14, Peetz, 4 p.m.
Sep. 21, at Fleming*, 7 p.m.
Sep. 29, Otis*, 1 p.m.
Oct. 6, at Woodlin*, 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 12, at Idalia, 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 26, Pawnee, 3 p.m.
OTIS BULLDOGS
Coach: Ryan Collier
2006 record: 7-3
Returning starters: Four offense, three defense.
Last playoff appearance: 2006, lost 63-13 to Kit Carson in 6-man quarterfinals.
Strength: Good senior leadership “should help a ton.”
Weakness: Lot of big kids could hinder team speed.
Players to watch: Jordan Anderson, Sr., RB-LB, 6-1, 190; Guy Kuntz, Sr., OL-LB, 6-5, 185; Devin McCall, Sr., QB-DE, 5-9, 145; Lyle Rogers, Sr., OL-DL, 5-11, 195.
In 2007: Are they a title contender? The Bulldogs are hungry to prove they belong.
Schedule
Aug. 31, Briggdale, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 6, Liberty (Joes), 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 7, at Eads, 7 p.m.
Sep. 14, Weldon Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 21, Arickaree*, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 29, at Lone Star*, 1 p.m.
Oct. 5, Pawnee, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 12, at Fleming*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19, Woodlin*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 26, at Peetz, 7 p.m.
WOODLIN MUSTANGS
Coach: Paul Griese
2006 record: 6-4
Returning starters: Three offense, four defense.
Last playoff appearance: 2006, lost 46-32 to Eads in 6-man quarterfinals.
Strength: Always been qucik but now they have the size … look for some power football.
Weakness: Decent speed that needs to develop.
Players to watch: Ethan Burgess, Jr., QB-DB, 6-0, 140; Mark Forry, Sr., RB-LB, 5-10, 180; Tony Griese, Sr., E-DE, 6-2, 264; Brandon Ohr, Sr., C-DL, 6-2, 255; Kade Turner, Sr., RB-LB, 5-7, 192.
In 2007: First three games will test the Mustangs, but will teach the field a lot about who they really are.
Schedule
Aug. 31, at Pawnee, 7 p.m.
Sep. 7, Peetz, 7 p.m.
Sep. 14, at Idalia, 4 p.m.
Sep. 22, at Bethune, 1 p.m.
Sep. 28, at Fleming*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 6, Lone Star*, 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 12, Arickaree*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19, at Otis*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 26, Briggdale, 7:30 p.m.
