By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Seaman football never led in Friday's non-league home game against Shawnee Mission East but Jared Swafford's Vikings also never quit battling in a 41-21 loss.
SM East, which improved to 2-0, jumped out to a 14-0 lead less than a minute into the second quarter, but 0-2 Seaman got as close as seven points twice and was still fighting late in the game, getting within 14 after trailing by 21 at the start of the fourth.
Sophomore running back Quentin Moravec rushed for 112 yards and a TD in Seaman's 41-21 loss to Shawnee Mission East. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
"I'm really proud of our kids and I'm proud of our staff,'' Swafford said. "These guys are never going to give up. It doesn't matter what it says on the scoreboard and I truly believe that.
"I know our guys are going to give us everything they've got and we're showing a lot of improvement in a short amount of time. I know we're going to continue to do that and it's on myself and the staff to continue to work on that and demand those things out of them because I know our kids are going to come ready to work on Monday.''
East senior Jack Reeves, who split time between quarterback and tailback, rushed for 210 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries and also passed for 100 yards and a TD to pace the Lancers.
Senior Vince Kopp, who split time at quarterback with Reeves, rushed for 64 yards and a pair of TDs on 13 attempts.
"Shawnee Mission East and what they do, they're just so disciplined and they challenge you the entire game and you've got to continue to answer the bell,'' Swafford said. "I thought our kids did that. A couple of plays here or there and it is what it is, but Shawnee Mission East is phenomenal.
"That's an outstanding challenge in Week 2 and I know we'll grow from it and we'll be better.''
Junior quarterback Cale Ketter threw for 160 yards and two TDs in Seaman's 41-21 loss to SM East Friday night. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Seaman, meanwhile, got 112 rushing yards and a 33-yard touchdown run on 21 carries from sophomore running back Quentin Moravec while junior quarterback Cale Ketter passed for 160 yards and two TDs.
Junior wide receiver Josh Brown caught three passes for 72 yards, including 14 and 19-yard touchdown catches.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
FRIDAY'S GAMES
(All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)
Shawnee Heights senior quarterback Aiden Scott threw for 428 yards and four touchdowns in last Friday's 51-41 loss to Washburn Rural. [File photo/TSN]
Topeka West junior Damon Webb is one of the area's top running backs. [File photo/TSN]
TOPEKA WEST (0-1, 0-1 UKC) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (0-1, 0-0 UKC)
Topeka West opened its season with a home 47-12 United Kansas Conference loss to De Soto while Shawnee Heights dropped a 51-41 home non-league decision to city rival Washburn Rural. Heights senior quarterback Aiden Scott completed 30 of 52 passes for 428 yards and four touchdowns against Rural while senior David Wakes carried the ball 21 times for 67 yards, senior Tyren Parker caught seven passes for 172 yards and two TDs and senior AJ Gallegos caught 10 passes for 113 yards. Top players for Topeka West include senior lineman Logan Hunninghake, senior wide receiver Gad Munganga and junior running back Damon Webb.
Junior running back G'Honi Montgomery rushed for 113 yards in Highland Park's 32-6 win at KC-Wyandotte last Friday. [File photo/TSN]
KC-SUMNER (0-1, 0-1 Meadowlark) vs. HIGHLAND PARK (1-0, 1-0 Meadowlark)
At Hummer Sports Park
Highland Park opened its quest for a fourth straight winning season with a 32-6 Meadowlark Conference road win at Kansas City-Wyandotte while KC-Sumner is coming off a 62-20 Meadowlark loss to KC-Washington. Highland Park junior running back G'Honi Montgomery rushed for 113 yards on 12 carries while junior JoJo Kingcannon had 103 yards on just four attempts and senior quarterback Dontrail Fox threw for a TD. Defensively junior Rayshon Pollard had seven tackles with two sacks.
OSAGE CITY (1-0, 0-0 Flint Hills) vs. CAIR PARAVEL LATIN (1-0, 1-0 Flint Hills)
At Yager Stadium, Washburn University
Cair Paravel rolled to a 60-14 Flint Hills League win over West Franklin in its 2025 opener at Washburn's Yager Stadium while Osage City opened with a 41-13 non-league win over Olpe. The Lions opened up a 20-0 first-quarter lead, led 26-8 at halftime and 52-8 at the start of the fourth quarter. Cair Paravel is one win away from equaling its win total in a 2-7 season last fall in its first season in the 11-man ranks.
SM EAST (1-0) at SEAMAN (0-1)
Seaman dropped a 33-22 United Kansas Conference home decision to Piper in its 2025 season-opener and will go outside league play to host Class 6A Shawnee Mission East Friday night. The Lancers are 1-0 after a 31-28 win over Olathe Northwest. Seaman junior quarterback Cale Ketter completed 30 of 42 passes for 192 yards against Piper while sophomore Quentin Moravec rushed for 112 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries and junior Josh Brown caught 10 passes for 74 yards.
Junior Jadyn Baum (26) rushed for 84 yards and scored two touchdowns in Washburn Rural's 51-41 season-opening win over Shawnee Heights. [File photo/TSN]
BLUE VALLEY (1-0) at WASHBURN RURAL (1-0)
Washburn Rural outlasted city rival Shawnee Heights 51-41 at Heights last week while Blue Valley opened with a 28-21 win over Blue Valley Southwest. Rural senior quarterback John Hoytal completed 11 of 20 passes for 201 yards and a pair of touchdowns while senior TJ Minikwu was 28 for 77 yards rushing and junior Jadyn Baum picked up a game-high 84 yards on 12 attempts. Minikwu and Baum scored two TDs apiece, while senior Nate Selm also had two TDs, including a 47-yard return of an onsides kick attempt.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Veteran Silver Lake volleyball coach Sarah Johnson was happy with the way her Class 3A Eagles battled in five of six sets in Thursday's Shawnee Heights quadrangular against the 5A T-Birds, 6A Manhattan and 5A Seaman.
Silver Lake senior Paige Winsor spikes the ball in Thursday's match against Seaman. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
And Johnson was even happier with the way her Eagles bounced back after hitting their only stumbling block of the night.
After dropping a tight 25-23 decision in its first set of the night against Shawnee Heights, Silver Lake got steamrolled 25-12 by the T-Birds in the match-clinching second set.
But that was the top-ranked (3A) Eagles' only loss, with Silver Lake, now 10-1, rebounding to take a 25-20, 25-23 win over Seaman and a 25-16, 25-19 win over Manhattan, handing the seventh-ranked (6A) Indians their lone loss.
Silver Lake senior Paige Heiman (15) blocks a spike attempt in Thursday's match against Seaman. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
"Overall, I'm very pleased,'' Johnson said. "There were a couple of moments at the beginning of the night that didn't go our way and we weren't playing like ourselves. We were a completely different team that Shawnee Heights match, especially that second set, than we were against Manhattan.
"I was really happy to see these girls just like level up. They were ready for the competition and they gave it their all and it was all of them on the court. I couldn't find a weakness, a weak girl, and I was really proud of all of them on the court. They didn't get down on themselves and I really see this crew as that kind of team. They're going to have errors, we're okay with it, and then we rally back.''
Junior setter Kylie Hanni was also proud of her team's performance, particularly after the loss to Heights.
"We did a good job of forgetting our mistakes and we just really pushed through it and I'm really happy with how it ended,'' Hanni said.
"This (playing bigger schools) really gives us a challenge and it always makes us better because we learn what we need to work on and just facing good competition is really good for us.''
Shawnee Heights senior Jadyn Euwer makes a return in Thursday's Shawnee Heights volleyball quadrangular. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Host Shawnee Heights also went 2-1 in the quadrangular and came within a third-set Manhattan rally of a perfect night.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
BRODY ANDERSON, Seaman
A Class 5A state medalist in cross country and track, Anderson opened his senior cross country season with the boys individual championship in Saturday's Manhattan Invitational at Warner Park. Anderson captured the Manhattan individual title for the second straight season with a five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 11.48 seconds.
NORA BURDIEK, Rossville
A junior multi-sport standout, Burdiek helped lead Rossville to the team championship in Saturday's Rossville Invitational volleyball tournament with five straight-set victories. Burdiek registered double-digit kills in all five matches, with highs of 15 and 14 kills and at least 11 kills in all five matches. Burdiek now has 90 kills on the season for the 7-0 Bulldawgs.
JOHN HOYTAL, Washburn Rural
Hoytal, a senior quarterback, helped lead Washburn Rural football to a thrilling 51-41 non-league season-opening road win at city rival Shawnee Heights on Friday. Hoytal completed 11 of 20 passes for 201 yards against the T-Birds, including a 64-yard touchdown pass to Gavin Vantuyl and a 31-yard TD strike to Nate Selm.
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
Special to TopSports.news
MANHATTAN -- On a cool Saturday morning the 2025 cross country season began for six local schools at Warner Memorial Park.
Seaman's Brody Anderson opened his senior cross country season with the individual boys title in Saturday's Manhattan Invitational. [File photo/TSN]
There were five races (boys and girls varsity, boys and girls junior varsity, boys C). The girls junior varsity and boys C race were four-kilometer races, while the rest were at the standard five-kilometer distance.
In the boys race, Seaman senior Brody Anderson and Wamego senior Peyton Parker were neck-and-neck for the first mile, but Anderson pulled away in the remainder of the race, finishing first with a time of 15 minutes, 11.48 seconds. Washburn Rural sophomore Henry Laubach was able to track down Wamego’s Parker and finished second in a time of 15:43.33.
“I didn’t want to think about it being the first race of the season, but kept it in the back of my mind,'' Anderson said. "I wanted it to come naturally and I was able to have a good race on a tough course.
"I’ve been training for the past six or seven weeks really hard and I feel that I needed to prove a point to start the season.''
Washburn Rural sophomore Henry Laubach (1935) finished second individually in Saturday's Manhattan Invitational, leading the Junior Blues to the team title. [File photo/TSN]
Washburn Rural won the team event over Wamego and Olathe Northwest. In addition to runnerup Laubach, the Junior Blues had three other runners win medals by finishing in the top twenty -- senior Brooks Kehoe finished fifth in 16:40.82, Duke Graf finished 10th in 16:57.92 and Clayton Fink finished 11th in 17:01.88.
In the varsity girls race, Washburn Rural finished second in the team event behind host Manhattan and Olathe Northwest finished third.
Washburn Rural senior Emily Graf (left) finished third in Saturday's Manhattan Invitational. [File photo/TSN]
The Junior Blues were led by three medalists, with Emily Graf finishing third in 19:16.37, Kenzie Maddox fifth in a time of 19:42.26 and Alyson Hinck sixth in 19:46.61.
The Seaman Lady Vikes had one medalist in junior Brynn Spencer, who finished 12th in a time of 20:14.58. Seaman senior Ryin Miller did not run in the race as she is working through an injury.
Hayden’s lone runner and medalist, Sofia Harper finished 20th in a time of 21:05.88.
Team Scores & Individual Results
By VINCE LOVERGINE
TopSports.news
Seaman football was unable to overcome a slow start in Friday's season-opener at Don Pierce Field, dropping a 33-22 United Kansas Conference decision to Piper.
Jared Swafford's Seaman Vikings rallied late but dropped a 33-22 UKC decision to Piper Friday night. [File photo/TSN]
Friday was the first time the Vikings didn’t feature guys like Max Huston, Bryer Finley and Kaden Jordan, just to name a few, over the last couple of years and in the post-game huddle Seaman coach Jared Swafford said Friday's loss was on him and said he loved his team’s fight in the end and that they didn’t fold. He knows he’s got a young group but he said that’s not going to stop them.
“Anytime you lose, it’s easy to look at all the issues or what you think is an issue,'' Swafford said. "I’m really proud of our team. It could’ve gotten ugly. We kept fighting back. We gave ourselves chances to go out and still be in a ballgame. It’s one of those things, give credit to Piper, they have a good squad, a running back that is unbelievable and they did stuff to put us in a bind and it’s on me.
“Our team is only going to get better and I’m really excited about it… we’re going to continue to build… we have a lot of great pieces, the coaches worked their tails off, but obviously just not the result we were hoping for on Week 1.''
It was a sluggish start for the Vikings to begin the game, as penalties hurt them both on offense and defense in the first half. Piper booted a field goal in the first quarter to make it 3-0 with one minute left in the quarter.
Piper would get the game's first touchdown in the second quarter after Kole Schaunaman picked up a sack on third down to give the ball back to the Pirates. About three minutes later, Piper running back Roman Byers punched it right up the gut for a 1-yard TD to make it 10-0 with six minutes left until halftime.
Right after the Piper score, Seaman immediately marched down the field, finished off by a Quentin Moravec 2-yard rushing touchdown to make it 10-7 with 4:13 left in the half.
The Pirates would not back down and respond with their own score, Byers ripped off 59-yard rushing touchdown straight up the middle of the field to make it a 16-7 game after a muffed snap for the point-after attempt. The junior running back finished with 29 carries and 206 yards on the ground.
“That’s a very talented young man (Byers). He runs really hard, he’s got great vision, he makes cuts where you think you got him and then he’s gone,” Swafford said. “He’s a really good player, but we won’t be the last defense who has to stress spending all week about how to slow him down. They’re going to be a really tough team. That’s what I said in the handshake line, ‘You guys got a great team and keep grinding.’ ”
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
Special to TopSports.news
The Seaman Lady Vikings opened the home portion of their 2025 volleyball season by hosting the Jefferson West Tigers Thursday night. After four games, Jeff West was victorious with scores of 25-21, 25-17, 20-25, 25-11.
Tatiana Dowling's Seaman volleyball team fell to 1-2 on the season Thursday night with a four-set loss to Jefferson West. [File photo/TSN]
Game 1 saw Seaman jump out to an early 6-2 lead, causing Jeff West to take a timeout. Jeff West battled back to tie the game at 14 and continued on its run to pull ahead 20-17. Following a couple of timeouts by Seaman, the Tigers were able to close out a 25-21 win.
Jeff West continued its inspired play and jumped out to an early 7-3 lead in the second set, forcing Seaman to call a timeout. The Tigers stretched their lead to 15-7, but the Lady Vikes responded with a 7-3 run to trim the lead down to just four, 18-14. But Jeff West closed out Game 2 with a 7-3 run of its own to win 25-17.
“I think we came out a little bit sluggish and thought it would just be given to us,'' Seaman coach Tatiana Dowling said. "It was a good wake up call to go down 0-2 because it forced us to find a little fire within ourselves.”
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
(All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)
THURSDAY'S GAME
Jason Filbeck begins his second season at Topeka High Thursday night after leading the Trojans to a 4-5 mark last fall. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
WICHITA WEST vs. TOPEKA HIGH
At Hummer Sports Park
Jason Filbeck begins his second season as Topeka High's head coach after leading the Trojans to a 4-5 record last fall, including four straight wins to open the season. High returns a solid group of returners to build around this season , returning four starters on offense and eight on defense. Senior defensive back Malachi Murph has received All-Centennial League first-team recognition the past two seasons and was an All-Shawnee County Second 22 honoree last fall while quarterback Zane Smith, linebacker Rock Williamson and defensive lineman Trey Lutz received All-Centennial League and All-Shawnee County honorable mention in 2024. Wichita West posted a 2-7 record in 2024, including a 52-19 season-opening loss to Topeka High. The Trojans will be looking to snap a five-game losing streak Thursday night. Two of Topeka High's first three games are Thursday night contests, with the Trojans hosting Wichita Southeast on Sept. 18.
FRIDAY'S GAMES
Silver Lake senior Dayne Johnson (11) is a returning All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick. [File photo/TSN]
Rossville senior Conner Bush helped the Bulldawgs advance to the Class 1A semifinals last season. [File photo/TSN]
SILVER LAKE at ROSSVILLE
For the second straight season the Bulldawgs and Eagles will open the 2025 season with one of the state's most storied rivalries. Rossville is coming off an 8-4 record a year ago and advanced to the Class 1A state semifinals while Silver Lake went 7-3. The Eagles took a 33-26 overtime win over the Bulldawgs in last year's opener. Rossville returns TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick Conner Bush (senior running back/defensive back) and All-Shawnee County Second 22 honorees Jack Donovan (senior wide receiver/defensive back) and Andre Johnson (senior running back/linebacker) to build around. Silver Lake senior wide receiver/safety Dayne Johnson received TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Top 22 honors a year ago after catching 51 passes for 835 yards and nine touchdowns and picking off six passes on defense. Junior lineman Myles Fisher and sophomore lineman Kendrick Vande Velde received all-county honorable mention last season while senior safety Grady Bergmann received All-Big East honorable mention.
Washburn Rural senior running back TJ Minikwu earned All-Centennial League recognition last fall. [File photo/TSN]
Shawnee Heights senior quarterback Aiden Scott passed for more than 3,000 yards last fall. [File photo/TSN]
WASHBURN RURAL at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS
City rivals Washburn Rural and Shawnee Heights will both be looking to bounce back this fall after tough 2024 campaigns. Rural went 3-6 a year ago, including a 42-21 win over Shawnee Heights, while Heights went 2-7. Washburn Rural senior running back TJ Minikwu received first-team All-Centennial League recognition last season while senior quarterback John Hoytal, senior wide receiver Kellan Roth, senior defensive lineman Ayden Crosswhite and senior linebacker Jordy Heim were second-team all-league picks. Senior offensive lineman Jayden Cooper, junior running back Jadyn Baum, junior linebacker Brody Haas and senior linebacker Elijah Gaines received all-league honorable mention and Minikwu, Cooper, Baum, Hoytal, Roth, Crosswhite, Heim, Haas, Gaines, senior Sammy Brumley and senior Dylan Tajchman all received All-Shawnee County honorable mention. Leading the T-Bird returning cast are senior quarterback Aiden Scott and senior wide receiver/defensive back Tyren Parker, who both were TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Top 22 picks a year ago. Scott, who was named the county offensive newcomer of the year last fall, completed 190 of 317 passes for 3,102 yards and 32 touchdowns while Parker caught 50 passes for 946 yards with 11 touchdowns and was in on 48 tackles with a pair of interceptions. Scott has committed to Washburn and Parker to Kansas.
Senior linebacker Jude Krentz led Hayden with 132 tackles last fall, earning All-Shawnee County Top 22 honors. [File photo/TSN]
EUDORA at HAYDEN
Hayden went 11-2 and finished second in Class 3A for the second straight season last fall while Eudora is coming off a 4-5 season, including a 35-7 season-opening loss to the Wildcats. Headlining the list of Hayden returners are senior running back/defensive back Kade Mitchell and senior fullback/linebacker Jude Krentz, who were both TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Top 22 honors last season. Mitchell rushed for 808 yards on 104 carries last fall and scored 26 total touchdowns while Krentz led the Wildcats with 132 tackles (75 solo). Other top senior returners include quarterback Connor Hanika, center/defensive lineman Julian McGivern, running back/linebacker Jackson McGivern, tight end/linebacker Xander Blasing, offensive tackle Jackson Haas, offensive guard Andrew Rohr and linebacker Logan Saenz.
Topeka West junior Damon Webb is one of the area's top returning running backs. [File photo/TSN]
DE SOTO at TOPEKA WEST
At Hummer Sports Park
Trey Parker begins his third full season as head coach at Topeka West after taking over on an interim basis in 2022. The Chargers will be looking to take a step forward this fall after three straight 1-8 seasons. Topeka West faces a tough task Friday night, with De Soto coming off a 7-2 season last fall. De Soto took a 56-6 season-opening win over West last season. Top returners for Topeka West include senior lineman Logan Hunninghake, senior wide receiver Gad Munganga, junior lineman Dorian Rhoten Jr. and junior running back Damon Webb Jr. Webb carried the ball 17 times for 192 yards and three touchdowns in last fall's 32-20 United Kansas Conference win over Kansas City-Turner. The Chargers also return sophomore quarterback Josiah Wilke, who took over as West's starter the second half of the 2024 season.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Former Seaman star Robbie Rea has been named head baseball coach at Central Oklahoma after serving as an assistant coach for the Bronchos the previous three seasons.
"Robbie Rea is ready to become a head coach, and I'm thrilled that he will get that opportunity at UCO," Central Oklahoma vice-president for athletics Stan Wagnon said in a UCO release. "Robbie's background as an accomplished player and his broad experience coaching throughout the region are tremendous assets that will help him to recruit and maintain relationships with student-athletes in college baseball's changing climate.
"I look forward to supporting Robbie in this new role, along with his wife Rachel and their young family."
Rea was a three-time Class 5A state champion for Seaman and was named Kansas State Player of the Year.
He went on to earn All-Big 12 honors as a second baseman for the Oklahoma State Cowboys after earning All-American honors at Cowley during his junior college career.
Rea guided the pitching staff at Central Oklahoma as an assistant coach, with the Bronchos winning 105 games since Rea joined the staff and qualifying for the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship in each of the past two seasons.
Central Oklahoma went 32-19 in Rea's first season as an assistant coach, then 37-16 the following year in 2024. Last spring, Rea and the Bronchos went 36-17 and won the MIAA postseason championship for the first time since joining the league 13 years ago.
UCO has ranked in the top three in the MIAA in staff ERA each of the past three seasons. The Bronchos were second in 2023 (5.12), first in 2024 (4.60), and third this past season (5.21).
UCO's pitching staff has put up 1,274 strikeouts, 8.5 per nine innings, in three seasons with Rea at the helm.
Prior to going to UCO, Rea made stops at MIAA schools Newman and Northeastern State. He also spent time at Cowley College in Kansas as well as Abiline Christian in Texas.
Central Oklahoma returns 22 players from last year's squad, including two-time All-MIAA pitcher Brett Pense. The Bronchos will return to the field in February. A complete schedule will be announced later this fall.
Robbie's younger brother, Butch Rea, is an assistant coach for the Bronchos.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Six Shawnee County schools earned Top 10 spots in the Kansas Volleyball Association's preseason state rankings released Wednesday.
Hayden tops the county contingent with a No. 2 ranking in Class 4A while perennial state contender Washburn Rural holds down the No. 5 spot in 6A.
Hayden, which won a Class 4A sub-state title before posting a third-place state finish, is ranked No. 2 in Class 4A in the KVA Preseason State Rankings. [File photo/TSN]
Seaman and Shawnee Heights are ranked No. 8 and 9, respectively, in 5A while Silver Lake is ranked No. 8 in 3A and Rossville is ranked No. 10 in 2A.
Seaman was the 5A runnerup last season while Hayden finished third in 4A and Washburn Rural was a state qualifier in 6A.
Current classifications for the rankings are based on enrollments from the 2024-25 school year.
The rankings will be adjusted when the updated KSHSAA classifications are released at the end of September.
Kansas Volleyball Association Preseason Rankings
CLASS 6A
1. Mill Valley
2. Blue Valley West
3. Olathe West
4. Blue Valley North
5. Washburn Rural
6. Gardner-Edgerton
7. Manhattan
8. Olathe North
9. Wichita Northwest
10. Olathe South
CLASS 5A
1. St. Thomas Aquinas
2. Blue Valley Southwest
3. St. James Academy
4. Maize South
5. Kapaun Mt. Carmel
6. Lansing
7. Bishop Carroll
8. Seaman
9. Shawnee Heights
10. Great Bend
CLASS 4A
1. Bishop Miege
2. Hayden
3. Rock Creek
4. Clay Center
5. McPherson
6. Andale
7. Eudora
8. Concordia
9. Holton
10. Buhler
CLASS 3A
1. Halstead
2. Nemaha Central
3. Hoisington
4. Beloit
5. Neodesha
6. Royal Valley
7. Girard
8. Silver Lake
9. Frontenac
10. Riverton
CLASS 2A
1. Ellinwood
2. Valley Heights
3. Inman
4. Sedgwick
5. Maranatha Christian
6. Oakley
7. Wichita-Central Christian Academy
8. Hillsboro
9. Doniphan West
10. Rossville
CLASS 1A Division I
1. Little River
2. Centralia
3. Clifton-Clyde
4. Rock Hills
5. Goessel
6. South Gray
7. Spearville
8. Pretty Prairie
9. Greeley County
10. Rawlins County
CLASS 1A Division II
1. Hanover
2. Ingalls
3. Marais des Cygnes Valley
4. Lebo
5. Wheatland-Grinnell
6. Argonia
7. Attica
8. Cheylin
9. Linn
10. Dighton
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Editor's note:TopSports.news will post preview stories for all 10 Shawnee County high school football programs over the coming days, leading into the opening games of the 2025 season on Sept. 4 and 5.
-----------------------------------------
Seaman graduated some very good football players off last season's Viking team team that posted an 8-3 record, captured the United Kansas Conference championship and advanced to the Class 5A quarterfinals for the second straight season.
Hopes remain high for Jared Swafford's Seaman football team that went 8-3 and claimed the UKC title last fall. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
But the Vikings also return a solid nucleus to build around and fifth-year Seaman head coach Jared Swafford promises that the lofty expectations won't change.
"I think the best part about being the program that we are is you reload, you continue to move forward and you do what you do,'' said Swafford, who is 24-16 as a head coach. "We have a great group of kids who had a great summer.
"It's always tough to lose some studs, and if we want to continue to fight for league championships and be somebody in the playoffs that is a formidable opponent and presses towards a state championship, then you reload with more guys.''
Seaman graduated co-Shawnee County offensive players of the year Max Huston and Bryer Finley and defensive player of the year Kaden Jordan, but senior linebacker Cameron Brian (6-foot-1, 205 pounds) was an all-county Top 22 pick and the defensive newcomer of the year last fall and senior tight end Noah Kobuszewski (6-4, 240) and senior running back Kaden McKinney (6-2, 190) were Second 22 all-county honorees.
Brian was in on 112 tackles a year ago with 10 tackles for loss while McKinney rushed for 977 yards and scored 15 total touchdowns and Kobuszewski had 325 receiving yards.
Senior guards Brogen Brown (6-1, 240) and Brayden Warren (6-0, 215) received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season while the Vikings also return senior wide receiver Jayden Evans (6-5, 180), junior wide receiver Jack Becker (5-10, 165), senior tackle Brodie Empson (6-1, 210), senior linebacker Ben Trier (6-3, 210), senior defensive backs Michael Hurla (6-0, 185), Kevin Moe (5-11, 190) and Hayden Foxhoven (5-11, 175) and junior defensive back Grant Ebberts (6-0, 175).
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
JADYN BAUM, Washburn Rural
A junior running back, Baum received All-Centennial League and TopSports.news All-Shawnee County honorable mention last fall and has the potential to be one of the top backs in the county this season. Baum was also a first-team all-county pick in wrestling last season, posting a third-place finish in the Class 6A state tournament at 190 pounds.
GRADY BERGMANN, Silver Lake
A senior, Bergmann will serve as a team captain for the Eagles this season and could be a starter on both sides of the ball for Silver Lake, which is coming off a 7-3 campaign. Bergmann received All-Big East honorable mention as a defensive back in 2024.
XANDER BLASING, Hayden
A 6-foot-2, 225-pound senior tight end/linebacker, Blasing received All-Shawnee County Second 22 recognition last season as Hayden posted an 11-2 record and advanced to the Class 3A state championship game for the second straight season. Blasing was in on 67 tackles (39 solo) with nine tackles for loss, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a touchdown.
TOBIAS BONURA, Cair Paravel Latin
Bonura will be looking to provide senior leadership for a Cair Paravel Latin team which is coming off a 2-7 2024 season in the Lions' first season in 11-man football (Class 1A). Bonura received All-Flint Hills second-team recognition at running back last fall and also received All-Shawnee County honorable mention.
CAMERON BRIAN, Seaman
Brian, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound senior linebacker, was named to the All-Shawnee County Top 22 last season and named the county defensive newcomer of the year. Brian was also a first-team All-United Kansas Conference selection after registering 112 tackles with 10 tackles for loss for the 8-3 Vikings.
BROGEN BROWN, Seaman
A 6-1, 240 senior, Brown is a returning starter at offensive guard for Seaman, earning All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after helping the Vikings go 8-3 and capture the United Kansas Conference title in 2024.
CONNER BUSH, Rossville
A 5-foot-11, 176-pound senior running back/defensive back, Bush received All-Shawnee County Top 22 recognition last fall after helping power the Bulldawgs to an 8-4 record and the Class 1A semifinals. Bush rushed for 690 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and also was in on 120 tackles with nine tackles for loss. Bush received All-Big East honorable mention.
JACK DONOVAN, Rossville
A senior wide receiver/defensive back, Donovan earned second-team All-Shawnee County recognition last season and earned All-Big East honorable mention after helping the Bulldawgs post an 8-4 record and reach the Class 1A semifinals. Donovan is also a standout for the Bulldawgs in both golf and basketball, earning first-team All-Shawnee County recognition in both sports.
MYLES FISHER, Silver Lake
Fisher, a junior, received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after helping Silver Lake post a 7-3 record in the Eagles' first season in the Big East League.
AJ GALLEGOS, Shawnee Heights
A 5-9, 150 senior wide receiver, Gallegos received All-Shawnee County Second 22 and All-United Kansas Conference second-team recognition last fall for the 2-7 T-Birds. Gallegos caught 51 passes for 842 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior.
CONNOR HANIKA, Hayden
Hanika, a 6-5, 190 senior, is in line to take over as the Wildcats' starting quarterback this fall after backing up Jett Wahlmeier last season. Hanika helped lead Hayden to the Class 3A state final as a sophomore after an injury to Wahlmeier and Hanika, who received all-county honorable mention, caught 24 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns last season as Hayden went 11-2 and returned to the title game.
JORDY HEIM, Washburn Rural
A senior linebacker, Heim earned second-team All-Centennial League recognition for the 3-6 Junior Blues last season and received All-Shawnee County honorable mention.
JOHN HOYTAL, Washburn Rural
Hoytal, a senior, took over as Washburn Rural's starting quarterback last fall, earning second-team All-Centennial League recognition and All-Shawnee County honorable mention. Hoytal was also a standout for the Rural basketball team, helping the Junior Blues reach the Class 6A state tournament.
ANDRE JOHNSON, Rossville
A 6-0, 211 senior fullback/linebacker, Johnson was a Second 22 All-Shawnee County selection last season after helping lead Rossville to an 8-4 record and the Class 1A state semifinals. Johnson received All-Big East honorable mention.
DAYNE JOHNSON, Silver Lake
Johnson, a 6-2, 175 senior wide receiver/defensive back, earned All-Shawnee County Top 22 recognition last season for the 7-3 Eagles and was a first-team All-Big East selection on both offense and defense. Johnson caught 51 passes for 835 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024 and also picked off six passes on defense.
NOAH KOBUSZEWSKI, Seaman
Kobuszewski, a 6-4, 240 senior tight end, received All-Shawnee County Second 22 recognition last fall for the 8-3 Vikings, who captured the United Kansas Conference championship. Kobuszewski compiled 325 receiving yards and a touchdown as a junior.
JUDE KRENTZ, Hayden
A 5-foot-8, 180-pound senior linebacker, Krentz was an All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick last season after registering 132 tackles for the 11-2 Wildcats, who advanced to the Class 3A championship game for the second straight season. Krentz also rushed for 128 yards on 21 attempts.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
HAILEY CARYL, Topeka High
A sophomore, Caryl teamed with Ava Ritter to advance to the Class 6A state tournament in doubles last fall. Caryl and Ritter finished fourth in the city meet in No. 1 doubles, third in the Centennial League meet in doubles and fifth in 6A regional competition to advance to state.
MADELINE DETERS, Topeka High
Deters, a senior, earned a Class 6A state medal last season, posting an eighth-place singles finish. Deters placed third in the city meet in No. 1 singles, second in singles in the Centennial Laague tournament and third in 6A regional competition. Deters also qualified for state as a sophomore.
GRACE FUNK, Hayden
A senior, Funk has earned Class 4A state singles medals in three straight seasons for the Wildcats. Funk posted a career-best ninth-place singles finish last fall to help the Wildcats win the 4A team title. Funk finished second in the city meet in No. 2 singles and placed fifth in singles in the Centennial League tournament and third at regionals.
MOLLY GORMAN, Seaman
Gorman, a senior, switched to singles last fall after earning back-to-back Class 5A doubles state medals as a freshman and sophomore. Gorman helped Seaman win United Kansas Conference and regional team titles with perfect team scores. Gorman was the city champion in No. 2 singles and also placed second in singles in UKC and regional competition before finishing 10th at state as the Vikings finished third as a team.
PEYTON HENRY, Seaman
Henry, a senior, teamed with graduated senior Sydney Chinn last season to post a 12th-place state finish in Class 5A doubles. Henry and Chinn swept United Kansas Conference and regional doubles titles after finishing third in the city tournament in No. 1 doubles. Henry and Chinn helped thv Vikings record perfect team scores at league and regionals.
KAYLYN HIEBSCH, Seaman
Hiebsch, a junior, teamed with Camryn Lux to finish second in the city meet in No. 2 doubles and Hiebsch and Lux also finished second in doubles in the United Kansas Conference and regional tournaments as the Vikings won team titles in both tournaments with perfect team scores.
JULIA KATZER, Washburn Rural
Katzer, a junior, qualified for the Class 6A state tournament in singles last season, earning her state berth with a fifth-place regional finish while helping the Junior Blues win a regional team title. Katzer finished third in No. 2 singles in the city meet.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
LAUREN BORJON, Hayden
Borjon, a senior, helped Hayden win its second straight Class 4A state title by a 15-stroke margin, finishing third individually with a 36-hole score of 157 (76-81). Borjon, a two-time first-team All-Shawnee County pick, tied for sixth in the city tournament (84), finished second in the Centennial League (75) and finished seventh in regional competition (81). Borjon, who has earned three straight state medals, averaged 80.2 per round on the season.
LAUREN COX, Washburn Rural
A senior, Cox helped lead Washburn Rural to a third-place team finish in Class 6A. An All-Shawnee County first-team pick, Cox finished seventh in the city tournament (87), tied for 11th in the Centennial League (83) and eighth in a 6A regional (85) before tying for 22nd in the state tournament with a 36-hole score of 165 (82-83). Cox averaged 84.5 per round on the season.
ELISE ECKERT, Seaman
Eckert will play her senior season at Seaman after earning three Class 5A state medals for Emporia, including a fourth-place state finish last fall with a 36-hole score of 150 (77-73). Eckert tied for third in the Centennial League tournament (76) and carded a school-record 71 while playing for the Spartans.
IZZY GLOTZBACH, Hayden
A senior, Glotzbach carded a 36-hole score of 171 (89-82) in the Class 4A state tournament en route to a 12th-place individual finish as Hayden captured its second straight 4A team championship by a 15-stroke margin. A two-time All-Shawnee County first-team honoree, Glotzbach finished fourth in the city tournament (81), tied for eighth in the Centennial League (80) and finished eighth at regionals (82). Glotzbach averaged 82.3 per round on the season.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
BRODY ANDERSON, Seaman
Anderson, a senior, earned All-Shawnee County first-team recognition for the second straight season after winning city and United Kansas Conference individual titles and finishing second in Class 5A regional competition and ninth in the 5A state meet. Anderson broke his own school record with a five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 17 seconds. Anderson was also an all-county pick in track, finishing third in the 5A 800 meters in the 2025 state meet.
CONNOR BALDWIN, Hayden
A senior, Baldwin was a first-team All-Shawnee County selection last fall after posting a ninth-place individual finish in the city meet, a 13th-place showing in the Centennial League and a fifth-place finish in Class 4A regional competition. Baldwin capped his junior season with a 28th-place finish in the 4A state championships.
CONNER BLOOM, Seaman
A junior, Bloom received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last fall. Bloom finished 19th in the city meet, 15th in the United Kansas Conference and 20th in a Class 5A regional as the Vikings earned a team berth for the 5A state meet. Bloom finished 62nd at state.
EASTON DAVIS, Topeka High
Davis, a sophomore, received All-Shawnee County honorable mention as a freshman. Davis finished 15th in the city meet, 22nd in the Centennial League and 31st in Class 6A regional competition.
MAX ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights
A senior, Esquibel was a first-team All-Shawnee County selection last fall after finishing 11th in the city meet and 11th in the United Kansas Conference. Esquibel posted a 28th-place finish in Class 5A regional competition.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
ALI GERBER, Silver Lake
Gerber, a junior, earned All-Shawnee County honorable mention last fall after posting a sixth-place finish in Class 3A regional competition and narrowly missing a 3A state medal with a 23rd-place finish in the state meet. Gerber medaled in seven meets last season and ranks No. 9 on Silver Lake's all-time list. Gerber was a first-team all-county pick in track this past spring.
EMILY GRAF, Washburn Rural
Graf, a senior, was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick last fall after helping Washburn Rural sweep city, Centennial League and Class 6A regional team championships before Rural tied for the 6A team title and finished second on a tiebreaker. Graf posted a fourth-place finish in the city meet, a fifth-place showing in the Centennial League and 6A regional meets and a 14th-place finish at state, earning her second straight state medal. Graf was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick in track this past spring, running on Rural's second-place 6A 4x800 relay.
SOFIA HARPER, Hayden
A junior, Harper has a career-best five-kilometer time of 20:01 and received All-Shawnee County honors for the second straight season. Harper earned a fifth-place finish in the Wamego Invitational and placed 10th in the city meet before battling illness late in the season. As a freshman Harper posted a second-place finish in Class 3A regional competition and finished 32nd at the 3A state meet.
KENZIE MADDOX, Washburn Rural
Maddox, a senior, was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick last fall after helping Washburn Rural sweep city, Centennial League and Class 6A regional team championships before Rural tied for the 6A team title and finished second on a tiebreaker. Maddox finished ninth in the city meet, placed 12th in the Centennial League, 29th at regionals and 51st at state. Maddox had a season-best five-kilometer time of 19:41. Maddox was also a first-team all-county pick in track this past spring.
RYIN MILLER, Seaman
A senior, Miller was named the Gatorade Kansas Cross Country runner of the year after sweeping city, United Kansas Conference and Class 5A regional individual championships and posting a runnerup finish at state. A three-time state placer, Miller ran the fastest five-kilometer time in Kansas history at 16 minutes, 32.62 seconds. Miller, who has orally committed to Arkansas, is the reigning two-time Gatorade Kansas Runner of the Year in track, winning the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 in the 2025 state meet.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
CARLOS ACOSTA-MARTINEZ, Topeka High
Acosta-Martinez, a junior, was a second-team All-Centennial League selection last season for the Trojans while also earning All-City honorable mention.
Draden Chooncharoen, Washburn Rural
DRADEN CHOONCHAROEN, Washburn Rural
A senior midfielder, Chooncharoen received first-team All-Centennial League honors last fall as the 15-3-3 Junior Blues won their 30th straight league title (outright or shared) on the way to a third-place finish in the Class 6A state tournament. Chooncharoen also received All-6A and All-City honorable mention and is a two-time 6A state track champion in the 4x400-meter relay.
MILES COOK, Washburn Rural
Cook, a senior goalkeeper, helped 15-3-3 Washburn Rural win its 30th straight Centennial League championship (outright or shared) en route to a third-place finish in Class 6A. Cook received second-team Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association All-6A and All-Centennial recognition as well as All-City honorable mention.
JUDAH CONGDON, Cair Paravel Latin
A junior, Congdon earned All-Class 4A-1A honorable mention from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association last season and also received All-City honorable mention.
Valentin Del Real, Topeka West
VALENTIN DEL REAL, Topeka West
Del Real, a sophomore midfielder, had a big freshman season for the Chargers last fall as Topeka West posted a breakout 13-4-1 campaign. Del Real earned first-team All-City recognition and also was a first-team All-United Kansas Conference pick.
NERI DIAZ, Highland Park
Diaz, a senior midfielder, earned first-team All-City recognition for Highland Park in the 2024 season and was one of the top players in the Meadowlark Conference.
JUAN GARCIA, Shawnee Heights
A senior, Garcia received All-Class 5A honorable mention from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association last season while also receiving All-City honorable mention.
Diego Gonzalez-Talavera, Topeka West
DIEGO GONZALES-TALAVERA, Topeka West
A junior forward, Gonzales-Talavera helped lead the 13-4-1 Chargers to a breakout season in 2024, earning All-City and All-United Kansas Conference first-team recognition.
Camden Granado, Shawnee Heights
CAMDEN GRANADO, Shawnee Heights
Granado, a senior forward, received All-Class 5A honorable mention from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association last season while also earning first-team All-City and All-United Kansas Conference recognition. Granado was also a standout kicker for the T-Bird football team last fall.
MASON HAAS, Shawnee Heights
Haas, a junior midfielder, received All-Class 5A honorable mention from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association last season while also earning first-team All-City and All-United Kansas Conference recognition.
Brandon Hamiton, Washburn Rural
BRANDON HAMILTON, Washburn Rural
A senior defender, Hamilton received second-team All-Class 6A honors from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association while also earning first-team All-City and All-Centennial League recognition for the 15-3-3 Junior Blues, who finished third in 6A after winning their 30th straight league championship (outright or shared).
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NORA BURDIEK, Rossville
A junior outside hitter, Burdiek was a first-team TopSports.news All-Shawnee County and first-team Kansas Volleyball Association All-Class 2A selection last fall after recording 491 kills, 368 digs and 22 blocks for the 22-18 Bulldawgs. Burdiek was also an All-Big East second-team selection in as a sophomore after being named the Shawnee County newcomer of the year as a freshman in 2023. Burdiek is also one of 2A's top basketball players, receiving all-county recognition the past two seasons.
CAMPBELL DAWSON, Topeka High
Dawson, a junior, turned in a solid sophomore season for an improving Topeka High program last season, with the Trojans posting a 17-19 record. Dawson, who is entering her third season as a varsity player, earned second-team TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League recognition as a sophomore. Also a standout for Topeka High in softball, Dawson helped the Trojans advance to the Class 6A state tournament.
ELLA FOSTER, Hayden
A senior libero, Foster helped lead the Wildcats to a 32-12 record and a third-place finish in the Class 4A state tournament last fall. Foster was a second-team TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League selection last season while also receiving All-Class 4A honorable mention from the Kansas Volleyball Association. Foster is a multi-sport athlete for the Wildcats, also playing basketball and soccer.
HARPER HAFENSTINE, Seaman
A senior, Hafenstine is a leading returner for Seaman, which has advanced to the Class 5A state championship match the past two seasons, including the state championship in 2023. Hafenstine received TSN All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after helping the Vikings post a 41-3 record on the year.
KYLIE HANNI, Silver Lake
Hanni is a returning junior standout for traditional Class 3A state power Silver Lake. Hanni was named to the TSN All-Shawnee County second team following the 2024 season while also earning All-Big East League second-team recognition.
KARSYN HASTERT, Cair Paravel Latin
Hastert, a senior, has earned second-team TSN All-Shawnee County honors the past two seasons for the Lions after receiving all-county honorable mention as a freshman. Hastert is also a basketball standout for Cair Paravel Latin, earning all-county recognition.
Karsyn Horyna, Washburn Rural (21)
KARSYN HORYNA, Washburn Rural
Horyna, a senior, earned a first-team berth on the TSN All-Shawnee County team last season after helping the 31-8 Junior Blues win the Centennial League championship and advance to the Class 6A state tournament. In addition to receiving her all-county honor Horyna was a second-team All-Centennial selection.
REESE HUSCHER, Hayden
A senior, Huscher earned TSN All-Shawneee County second-team recognition last fall after helping the Wildcats post a 32-12 record and a third-place finish in the Class 4A state tournament. Huscher received All-Centennial League honorable mention. Huscher was also a member of Hayden's basketball team that finished third in 4A and the Wildcat soccer team that was the 4A-1A state runnerup.
STELLA KELLY, Washburn Rural
Kelly, a senior, earned a second-team berth on the TSN All-Shawnee County team last season after helping the 31-8 Junior Blues win the Centennial League championship and advance to the Class 6A state tournament. In addition to receiving her all-county recognition Kelly was a second-team All-Centennial selection.
HAILEY SCHMIDTLEIN, Hayden
A sophomore middle blocker/outside hitter, Schmidtlein helped lead 32-12 Hayden to a third-place finish in Class 4A last fall, receiving All-State Tournament and second-team Class 4A All-State honors from the Kansas Volleyball Association. Schmidtlein, who registered 440 kills and 242 digs, was a first-team TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League pick and named the county co-newcomer of the year. Schmidtlein also helped Hayden finish third in 4A basketball and second in 4A-1A soccer.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Trent Oliva has stepped down as Seaman's baseball coach after posting a 93-27 record with three trips to the Class 5A state tournament in five seasons.
Oliva confirmed to TopSports.news that he resigned last week, but declined further comment.
Oliva compiled a winning percentage of .775 at Seaman, including 5A state berths in 2021, 2022 and 2023 and a Centennial League title in 2022.
Oliva's Vikings posted a 20-3 record in 2022 and did not win fewer than 18 games during his Seaman tenure, including an 18-8 record this past spring.
Oliva was named the Centennial League coach of the year and the TSN Shawnee County co-coach of the year in 2022.
Prior to taking over as Seaman's head coach, Oliva had a 12-year stint as a Viking assistant under Steve Bushnell and also served as Royal Valley's head boys baseball coach for three seasons and as the Panthers' boys basketball coach for two seasons.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Former Seaman and University of Kansas volleyball star Camryn Turner will join Chris Herron's Washburn University coaching staff as a part time assistant coach beginning August 1.
"Cam is first an outstanding person who also happens to be a two-time D-I All-American,'' Herron said in a Washburn media release. "We are very excited to have her join our program. She will bring her own ideas and energy and fits right into the culture here.
"We will also have her set the 'B' Side this fall to help her in her preparations for her own upcoming season."
Turner will join the WU staff in the fall after most recently completing her first professional season with the Grand Rapids Rise in the Pro Volleyball Federation, where she was selected 22nd overall in the third round of the 2024 draft.
Turner appeared in 22 matches for the Rise, recording 569 assists with eight double-doubles. Turner will continue playing in the PVF in 2026 after the Ichabod season.
Prior to the beginning of her professional career, Turner completed a standout four-year career at Kansas, where she was an AVCA All-American in each of her final two seasons (2023, 2024).
She tallied 3,758 assists, 1,067 digs and 279 kills in her career and was named the Big 12 Setter of the Year in 2023.