With plenty of familiar faces returning to the lineup, Salina South senior wide receiver Jay Curtis believes the Cougars are positioned to build on last season’s playoff success and take another step forward in 2026.
After advancing to the third round of the postseason a year ago, Curtis said the experience changed the mindset of the program and raised expectations entering his final high school season.
“This season, I am excited to be heading into my senior year with many returning teammates who are dedicated to having a great year,” Curtis said.
That continuity has been a focal point throughout the offseason. Curtis has spent much of the summer strengthening his chemistry with his quarterback, believing that added familiarity will pay dividends once the season begins.
“During the offseason, I have been building with my quarterback, creating a better connection between us on the field,” Curtis said.
Curtis also made improving his physicality a priority. While he established himself as one of Salina South’s top receiving threats last season, he wanted to become a more complete receiver by developing his run-blocking ability.
“The biggest area of my game that I wanted to improve on was my run blocking,” Curtis said. “I improved by hitting the weights hard and showing more aggression than ever before, and it has shown all throughout summer during scrimmages.”
The hard work comes after an impressive junior campaign in which Curtis hauled in 49 receptions for 772 yards and nine touchdowns. His production earned him all-league honors as well as honorable mention all-state recognition.
Now entering his senior season, Curtis has set an ambitious individual goal while keeping the team’s success at the forefront.
“My only personal goal this year is being a 1,000-yard receiver who is a threat on all levels of the field,” Curtis said.
Team goals, however, remain the biggest motivation. Curtis believes last season’s playoff run provided proof that Salina South can compete with the state’s top programs and that the returning core is capable of making an even deeper postseason push.
“This year as a team the goal is making it to state,” Curtis said. “Making it to the third round of the playoffs really flipped a switch within everybody, seeing the hard work and dedication we’ve put into the game turn into real progress. With many of our key guys returning on both sides of the ball, I truly believe great things are going to be shown from Salina South football this year.”
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