Ad Astra Radio is previewing area football teams, based on county. Today, we preview Rice County.
Previous previews:
Aug. 25: Pawnee County.
Aug. 26: Kingman County
Aug. 27: western Sedgwick County
Aug. 28: Stafford County
Aug. 29: Reno County
Aug. 30: Rush County
Aug. 31 Barton County
Sept. 1 Edwards County
Sept. 1: Marion County
Sept. 2: Harvey County
Chase Kats
Coach: Cole Wintholz, second season
Classification: Six player
District: 2
2024: 1-9
Postseason: Lost to Chetopa 86-0
Best postseason finish: State runner-up 1986
Key game: Sept. 19 vs. Western Plains. Both teams have struggled to get wins in recent years, and Western Plains got this one last year. With Chase having improved numbers, this is a chance to get a win.
Outlook: Chase was involved in four forfeits last year, three where the Kats lost and one they won. Numbers are slightly up, maybe even to double digits. That is important for Chase not just to play a full schedule, but also to compete. It wasn’t long ago that Chase was a solid eight-man program, but the Kats haven’t won a competitive game since 2020, when Chase beat Tescott 62-38. It’s still a young team, so any progress can be considered a victory, now and for the future.
Little River Redskins
Coach: Kevin Ayers, seventh season (58-13)
Classification: Eight-player Division 1
District: 3
2024: 8-3
Postseason: Beat Lincoln 42-40; beat West Elk 34-14; lost to Central Plains 38-32
Best postseason finish: State champions, 1970, 1971, 1981, 1996, 1999, 2020
Top returning players: Jaren Garrison, jr., RB/LB; Chris Norez, sr., OL/DL; Ty Janette, sr., TE/DE; Kelby Rice, sr., OL/DL; Lakin Wege, Sr., DL; Jaxson Konen, sr., DB; CJ Herzog, sr., TE; Tristan Bristow, sr., DL; David Crandall, sr., OL; Blayne Baldetti, jr., TE/DE; Jhet Ewertt, jr., FS; Elijah Stagner, jr., C; Logan Schubert, jr., RB/DB
Key game: Oct. 17 at Central Plains. Little River lost a pair of exciting games last season to Central Plains, which played for the state championship. This game will likely decide the district.
Outlook: After playing for the state championship three straight years (2020-2022) and winning the 2020 title, word was that Little River may have a couple down years before making another run. By “down years”, we mean 7-3 and 8-3. Now, Little River appears ready to be back in the state championship mix, as 12 starters Garrison could have a special season as he rushed for a team-best 889 yards, and he scored 12 touchdowns. Janette and Herzog will be strong threats in the passing game, and Schubert could be a breakout star. Depth won’t be an issue, but there could be some question marks early on defense, especially in the backfield. But Little River should contend. The talent, the depth and the coaching are all present.
Lyons Lions
Coach: Carl Nolan, fifth season (6-29)
Classification: 2A
District: 6
2024: 2-7
Postseason: Did not qualify
Best postseason finish: Quarterfinals 1985, 1995, 1996
Top returning players: Quanick Hamilton, WR; Xander Young, RB/LB; Jace Thompson; Detrell Stanley, Josh Grissom, Hendrix Starbuck, Tegan Link; Joshsuan Hamilton, Cain Villasenor.
Key game: Sept. 26 at Ellsworth. Lyons’ district isn’t easy. It’s actually one of the tougher ones in Class 2A, but if Lyons is going to take the next step and compete for a playoff spot, they have to get district play off to a good start.
Outlook: Lyons has some excitement building for this season. Carl Nolan has brought stability to a program begging for just that. There is quite a bit back on the line, and some decent weapons back as well, including Young, who averaged more than 6 yards a carry. The schedule is tough again, with matchups against 2A semifinalist Beloit, 2A champion Southeast of Saline, and steady programs like Ellsworth, Halstead and Hillsboro. But there are chances for wins, and Lyons could be a team that provides a surprise or two. A quarterback and some receivers are needed, but the cornerstone is there.
Sterling Black Bears
Coach: Brent Schneider, seventh year (23-33)
Classification: 1A
District 6
2024: 6-4
Postseason: Beat TMP 48-6; lost to Valley Heights 24-19
Best postseason finish: State champion, 1982
Top returning players: Zane Farney, sr.; Boston Ekart, sr.; Logan Isaac, sr.; Wyatt Newberry, sr.; Blake Smith, sr;
Outlook: Sterling enjoyed a breakout season, winning six games, including one in the playoffs. A talented senior class returns and is used to winning, led by starting QB Zane Farney, who rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns. Four of the top tacklers are also back. The district is unforgiving, however, and just making the playoffs for any team in that district will be an accomplishment. After having a numbers problem for a few years – Sterling struggled having enough for a JV some years – more than 50 players are expected to be out this season as excitement continues to build. This allows development in subvarsity games rather than Friday nights before they may be ready. Now the Black Bears are looking to take the next step. This is a team that is capable of a semifinal run or more.
