KPREPS 5A PRESEASON
NO. 1--St. Thomas Aquinas (8-2)
Last Season ended with a 28-27 loss to Mill Valley in the second round of the 5A playoffsAquinas losses were by a single point last fall with the other coming 36-35 in overtime to Missouri-power Rockhurst. While Aquinas graduated some standout players, including all-everything RB Calin Arndt, the Saints have plenty returning to challenge for a title in their move to Class 4A this fall. Quarterback Carson Patrick is back to direct the offense this fall behind a couple of returners up front. The offense will likely get the ball to Colton McGlinn, Arthur Witherspoon, and Xavier Bachamp. Defensively, the Saints will be led up front by Zion Thornton, who is receiving plenty of interest at the next level. Terrance Bryant returns after a strong 2025 season at linebacker, and Gunnar Greeson leads the secondary. The Saints open by hosting 5A-ranked St. James Academy.vs. 5A No. 2 St. James AcademySM Miege ended with a 56-21 loss to Kapaun Mt. Carmel in the Class 4A state championship game.
NO. 2--SM Miege ()
Miege returns an experienced roster that should be poised for another deep postseason run. The Stags return their entire offense and a strong nucleus on defense. Quarterback Landon Cole threw than 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns. Cole missed most of the regular season with an injury, but led the Stags to a strong finish. Vinny George, John Watskey, and Nick Nabazas return in the backfield along with Jahlil Marshall. Michael Blount at tight end and Jayden McDaniel and Wesley Walsh at receiver give Cole plenty of options in the passing game. The Stags also return their entire offensive line. On defense, linebackers Freddy Blount and Lincoln Leonard are back. Jaylen Johnson headlines the defensive front, while C.J. Hess and Carter O'Connor return in the secondary. The schedule is difficult but should have the Stags ready come playoff time. Next: at Blue Valley West.eudloLast: Season ended with a 52-21 loss to Bishop Miege in the state quarterfinals.
NO. 3 EUDORA ()
Eudora looks to challenge the the likes of Bishop Miege and St. Thomas Aquinas on the eastern side of Class 4A. The Cardinals return plenty of talent on offense with Grayson Moody and Keelyn Duncan in the backfield. Moody rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 20 scores a season ago, while Duncan added nearly 850 yards and 12 touchdowns. Houstyn Carnegie is back at quarterback with Dez Hoobler and Preston White returning at wideout. If the offensive line can come together quickly, the Cardinal offense will be a handful. Eudora can rely on a strong defense with Newt Schreiner back after a 100-plus tackle season in 2025. Elijah Clobes and Duncan also return at linebacker. The Cards get tested right out of the gate against Topeka Hayden, and will also face Topeka High and KC Wyandotte along with their typical Frontier League schedule.
Next: vs. 3A No. 2 Topeka Hayden
NO. 4 GREAT BEND (11-1)
Season ended with a 30-28 loss to Salina Central in the 5A semifinals.
Great Bend drops to Class 4A this fall after an 11-1 mark and a trip to the 5A state semifinals a season ago. The Panthers graduated a lot of talent including Dylan Meier Get Busy Livin - Kpreps Player of the Year receipient Ian Permer who is now at Notre Dame. Great Bend must also replace standout QB Daxton Minton and OL/LB Trenton Kern. But sKale Keveral pieces do return. Cooper Ohnmacht is one of the state's premier players and can be used in a multitude of ways. Kale Kern returns to lead the defense where he registered 137 tackles a season ago. Colby transfer Maxson Smiley could be an answer at QB. Smiley passed for more than 1,300 yards and 13 scores last season. Jaxon Wondra, Cole Fanshier, and Jose Bustamante also return to the Panther defense.
Next: vs. Scott City
NO. 5 WAMEGO ()
Season ended with a 56-7 loss to Kapaun Mt. Carmel in the 4A semifinals.
Wamego begins the season in the No. 5 spot and returns an explosive offensive group from a team that went 9-3 and reached the 4A semifinals a season ago. Quarterback Logan Fulton returns to headline the Red Raider offense. Fulton passed for more than 2,200 yards and 25 touchdowns last season and added 800 yards on the ground. Cash Threet also returns having rushed for 800 yards. Reed McDiffett returns to provide a capable receiver for Fulton. Former Clay Center QB Drew Hoffman transferred to Wamego and should provide an additional weapon. Mason Isch leads the Raider defense after posting 111 tackles a season ago. He's joined by linebacker Haidan Simon. The secondary should be a strength with Dylan Higgins returning.
Next: vs. Clay Center
OTHERS--Buhler, Chanute, Labette County, Lansing, Louisburg, McPherson, Mulvane, Ottawa, Paola, Rock Creek, Rose Hill, Tonganoxie, Wellington
