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Area Football Preview: Marion County

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Ad Astra Radio is previewing our area high school football teams based on county. Today, we will preview Marion County.

Previous previews:

Sedgwick County.

Kingman County.

Stafford County.

Pawnee County.

Edwards County

Rush County.

Centre Cougars

Coach: Thieen Antoszyk, first season.

Classification: Eight-man Division 1

District: 2

2023: 4-5

Postseason: Beat Southern Cloud 58-13; lost to Cunningham 66-0

Best postseason finish: State champions 1997

Top returning players: Micah Carlson, so., WR; Owen Wingerd, jr., OL; Daniel Rihza, sr., OL.

Key game: Sept. 13 at Goessel. The transition from six-man back to eight-man may take a couple weeks, especially with a difficult opener against Canton-Galva. This will be a good test for the Cougars as they get back into a larger classification and a different brand of football.

Outlook: Centre will return to eight-man football after advancing in the six-man playoffs. There isn’t a lot back but three of the returners are on the line. That gives the Cougars a good starting point. And there will be plenty of chances for victories, including in a district that after Burlingame and Lebo could be wide open.

Goessel Bluebirds

Coach: Garrett Hiebert, 13th season (46-65)

Classification: Eight-man Division 1

District: 3

2023: 1-8

Postseason: Lost to Central Burden 60-12

Best postseason finish: Quarterfinals 1996, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2020, 2021.

Top returning players: Luke Stucky, sr., OL/DL; Adam Wonser, sr., DL; Trey Gaddis, jr., RB/WR/DB; Anthony Boden; Hunter Graber; 

Key game: Oct. 11 at Solomon. This is a loaded district, but there are opportunities for wins for everyone. After starting with Little River and Central Plains, Goessel goes to Solomon. This is one Goessel will need.

Outlook: Injuries haven’t been kind to Goessel the last couple years. The Bluebirds will have smaller numbers this season, so staying healthy is even more imperative. Goessel rarely lacks for athletes, and there are some good players back, both in terms of skill positions and on the line. The district is brutal but the non-district slate should help build the Bluebirds some confidence going into district play.

Hillsboro Trojans

Coach: Demetrius Cox, sixth season (27-21)

Classification: 2A

District: 6

2023:5-4

Postseason: Lost to Kingman 31-6

Best postseason finish: Semifinals, 1981, 1986, 2006

Top returning players: Lincoln Wichert, sr., WR/DB; Seth Driggers, sr. WR/DB; Jesiah Gooch, jr., RB/LB; Nash Dickinson, sr., OL/DL; Collin Voss, sr., OL/DL; Colton Jost, sr., OL; Kai Defesita, sr., OL; Noah Beavers, sr., WR/DL; Anders Weisbeck, sr., RB/LB; Logan Rogers, sr., OL/DL; Evan Jones, jr., DL

Key game: Oct. 4 at Ellsworth. Hillsboro has the chance for a great season, and this district is tough. 

Outlook: Hillsboro ended last season probably a bit ahead of schedule with a young team. The Trojans had a winning record and had a great effort in a loss to Hesston. With so much back, and Demetrius Cox being one of the more underrated area coaches, this season should include a return to November football. There are question marks at quarterback, but that’s about it. If the Trojans develop a quarterback, this could be an impressive season.

Marion Warriors

Coach: Shaun Craft, seventh season (26-31)

Classification: 1A

District: 6

2023: 9-2

Postseason: Beat Wabaunsee 54-14; beat Smith Center 38-14; lost to Conway Springs 28-20

Best postseason finish: Runner-up, 1994

Top returning players: Jameson Looper, jr., RB/LB; Brian Nguyen, sr., OL/LB; Luke Watkins, sr., OL/DL; Kellen Waner, sr., DB; Kadon Mercer, jr. TE; Jackson Bitonti, sr., OL/DL.

Key game: Oct. 4 at Inman. Both teams may be in rebuilding mode this season, but both should still be able to win some games. In a tough district, the loser could be in danger of missing the postseason.

Outlook: Marion was oh so close to playing for a state championship last year. The eight-point quarterfinal loss to Conway Springs was the Cardinals’ closest postseason game. Marion lost some top players from that team, but the Warriors are still in good shape to have a strong season with much of the line returning. Looper could have a breakout year after rushing for more than 500 yards last season. The Warriors may not be a state contender this year but they’ll still have a solid team that will win some games, including in November. 

Peabody-Burns Warriors

Coach: Eric Dutton, first season

Classification: Six player

District: 1

2023: 5-4

Postseason: Had bye; lost to Tescott 69-19

Best postseason finish: State runner-up, 1977

Top returning players: Cade Gossen, RB/LB; Chris Spencer, OL; Jousue Aydelott, DL/OL; Dalton Philpott, RB; Jameson Miles, TE/DE; Aiden Hurst, QB; Ashton Talkington, OL/DL; Colin Groff, LB

Key game: Oct. 18 vs. Chetopa. With Waverly moving to eight-man, this game carries even more weight. The winner likely takes the district.

Outlook: Peabody-Burns had another solid season, having a winning record and earning a playoff bye. With eight players back who started on offense, or defense, or both sides, the Warriors are prime for a breakout season. The non-district schedule is brutal, with state runner-up Cunningham and semifinalist Tescott to open the season. Pawnee Heights also is on there, and all the Tigers did was reach the quarterfinals. If Peabody-Burns can get at least one win there, that will show the Warriors they are ready to take the next step, which would be a district title and at least a quarterfinal appearance.

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