Ad Astra Radio is previewing our area high school football teams based on county. Today, we will preview Rice County.
Previous previews:
Chase Kats
Coach: Chase Wintholz, first season
Classification: Six player
District: 2
2023: 0-7
Postseason: Did not participate
Best postseason finish: Runner-up 1986
Key game: Sept. 20 at Western Plains. Both teams have struggled in recent years, so this is a great chance for someone to nab a win headed to district play.
Outlook: It wasn’t long ago when Chase had a strong program. The 2016 team went 6-5 and advanced in the playoffs. The 2014 and 2015 teams didn’t lose a single regular season game. But the Kats have fallen on hard times, having lost 26 in a row. Numbers will be an issue, as Chase has just eight players headed to the season. Baby steps should be expected. A win (or more) would be a great start as Chase attempts to revive this program.
Little River Redskins
Coach: Kevin Ayers, sixth season (50-10)
Classification: Eight-player Division 1
District: 3
2023: 7-3
Postseason: Beat Oxford 46-24; lost to West Elk 72-60
Best postseason finish: State champions, 1970, 1971, 1981, 1996, 1999, 2020
Top returning players: Kyler Bergkamp, sr., RB/DB; Jaren Garrison, so., RB/LB; Ruxton Birdsong, sr., OL/DL; Hayden Eck, sr., OL; Hunter Sneath, sr., OL/DL; Chris Norez, jr., TE/DL; Ty Janette, jr., TE; Kelby Rice, jr., TE; Lakin Wege, jr., DL; Kal El Robinson, jr., DB
Key game: Oct. 11 vs. Ell-Saline. Little River lost a close one to Ell-Saline last year, and this is a district game this time around. With Central Plains and Canton-Galva also in this district, this game will carry a lot of weight.
Outlook: Word was if you were going to beat Little River you better have done it last year, because Little River was going to be strong again and soon. All Little River did in what was supposed to be a down year was go 7-3 and win a playoff game. Although Little River lost its top two rushers, the offensive and defensive lines are intact. Garrison should be ready to carry a load along with Bergkamp. Little River returns seven of its top nine tacklers and should have an elite unit. The numbers are strong, so there will be depth and the chance to develop. The schedule will provide plenty of tests, including a non-district showdown with Chase County. Little River should be ready for another strong season, with more reinforcements on the way.
Lyons Lions
Coach: Carl Nolan, fourth season (4-22)
Classification: 2A
District: 6
2023: 1-8
Postseason: Did not qualify
Best postseason finish: Quarterfinals 1985, 1995, 1996
Top returning players: Deacon Showalter, Ethan Luck, Jorge Cereceres, Maddox Link, Detrell Stanley, Jace Thompson, Quanick Hamilton, Josh Grissom
Key game: Sept. 20 vs. Republic County. Lyons joins a new conference, and while wins have been hard to come by for the Lions, this is a great chance to head to district play with a victory. Republic County has lost 21 of 22.
Outlook: Lyons enters a new era by joining the North Central Activities Association, but that doesn’t mean wins will be easier to come by. But Lyons has some talent back, including all-conference two-way player Ethan Luck. Deacon Showalter returns at quarterback as well. The Lions return eight starters on both sides of the ball, and there should be some optimism that improvement can happen. There are some wins for Lyons on the schedule, but the district is loaded.
Sterling Black Bears
Coach: Brent Schneider, sixth year (17-29)
Classification: 1A
District 6
2023: 6-4
Postseason: Beat Ellis 54-26; lost to Conway Springs 52-22
Best postseason finish: State champion, 1982
Top returning players: Teyton Savage, sr.; Zane Farney, jr.; Boston Ekart, jr.; Logan Isaac, jr.; Wyatt Newberry, jr.; Blake Smith, jr.
Outlook: Sterling enjoyed a breakout season, winning six games, including one in the playoffs, A talented junior class returns, 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.
