Hillsboro’s Lincoln Wichert-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by Advanced Physical therapy
By Blake Chadwick After a 5-4 record in 2023, the Hillsboro Trojans have slowly crept their way back to winning after a tough go-around in 2022. For senior Lincoln Wichert, he knows that it is now or never and wants to make a huge splash in his senior season. “My biggest strengths are the leadership […]
Hillsboro’s Jesiah Gooch-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by WSU Tech
By Blake Chadwick Hillsboro’s Jesiah Gooch is one of the most promising players in the area, coming in at 6’1 and 210 pounds. The junior plays running back and linebacker for the Trojans and is a complete game-changer who posted over 1,400 all-purpose yards and 84 tackles as a sophomore. “My personal goal is to […]
Lyons’ Deacon Showalter-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by Lyons Federal Bank
By Blake Chadwick As a kid growing up, everyone dreams of being QB1 and leading their hometown team to the Promise Land. Now, as a senior, Deacon Showalter is trying to turn the Lyons’ losing ways around. “I have been pushing the guys a lot to be active in the weightroom and on the field,” […]
Beloit’s Eli Johnson-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by Oliver’s Sports
After a 5-5 finish in 2023, the Beloit Trojans were plagued by injuries and faced a lot of adversity. Senior lineman Eli Johnson will be a big-time player on both sides of the ball as the Trojans look to return to their winning ways. “To get our team back to our winning ways, the first […]
Ellsworth’s Josh Homolka: Coach of the Month-Presented by Salina Regional Sports Medicine
By Blake Chadwick Entering his eighth season as the head coach of the Ellsworth Bearcats, Josh Homolka has built his program into one of the best in the state. “We are slowly changing the culture of EHS football,” Homolka said. “There are more and more expectations to be successful each year. You can see that […]
Minneapolis’ Owen Just-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by American Family Insurance-Ausherman
By Blake Chadwick Quarterback Owen Just has all the tools to help get Minneapolis to make a deep playoff run. Since he was a kid, Just has always wanted a ball in his hand. Starting in fifth grade, he was finally able to play tackle football after years of flag football and has consistently been […]
Cunningham Football-Team of the Month-Presented by Visit Wichita
By Blake Chadwick After a runner-up finish in the 6-man state football game and a state championship win in the state basketball game, Cunningham is looking to right their loss this football season. “For the first time in my career, the core of this team made the final football game and the final basketball game,” […]
Minneapolis’ Zach Nelson-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by Harvest Crop Insurance
By Blake Chadwick After a challenging 4-5 record during the 2023 season, the Minneapolis Lions have plans to get over the hump of a sub .500 record. Senior running back Zach Nelson will be one of the many moving pieces that can help the Lions kickstart their winning ways, on and off the field, with […]
Clay Center’s Weston Hammond-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by Wildflower Studio & Lehman Brothers Angus Ranch
By Matt Browning/Photo Credit Phil Frigon Clay Center’s Weston Hammond has a special bond with his teammates. “This season I am excited to play on the field with the rest of my senior teammates that I have played with since fourth grade,” Hammond said. Now a senior, Hammond understands how he will be viewed by the […]
Chapman’s Cade Hanney-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by PrairieLand Partners
By Matt Browning On eight different occasions last season, Chapman’s Cade Hanney was named the team’s offensive, defensive or special teams player of the week. Hanney is looking forward to being an even better player in 2024. “I would like to overall be a better player by increasing my total rushing yards and tackles this […]