Bennington’s Logan Gillett-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by Salina Tech
By Hayden Swope Bennington’s Logan Gillett is walking into his senior season hungry for a postseason run. The first team all-league defensive lineman returns for the Bulldogs. “I am most excited for the group of guys we got,” Gillett said. “We have one great group of guys with a ton of skill. It’s just about […]
Sterling’s Wyatt Newberry-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by Precision Engraving & Awards
By Hayden Swope Sterling’s Wyatt Newberry had a very memorable sophomore season, where he ended the year as a second team allleague piece to the Black Bears’ secondary. Newberry is thankful that all the time and effort he’s putting into the game is working. “It’s pretty cool to be recognized and I am really appreciative […]
Marion’s Brian Nguyen-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by The Rusty Edge Tonsorial Parlor II
By Hayden Swope After going 9-2 last season, Marion has a big target on their back heading into the 2024 season. All-league athlete Brian Nguyen still remembers that victory feeling that kept the Warriors alive. “My favorite memory that I have is being able to come together as a team and beat Smith Center last […]
Ellsworth’s Daxton Leiker-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by Citizens State Bank & Trust Company
By Blake Chadwick After a 9-2 finish in 2023, the Ellsworth Bearcats are chomping at the bit, ready to get back at it. One of those guys who can’t wait to get back on the field is senior receiver and safety, Daxton Leiker. The senior started playing football in fourth grade and hasn’t stopped since. […]
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 […]