Ad Astra Radio is previewing our area high school football teams based on county. Today, we will preview Rush County.
Previous previews:
La Crosse Leopards
Coach: Jon Webster, 16th season (106-51)
Classification: Eight-player Division 1
District 7
2023: 6-4
Postseason: Beat Sublette 60-30; lost to Hoxie 61-6
Top returning players: Lee Holopirek jr., WR/CB; Crayden Hoover, sr., OL; Chase Decker, sr., OL/DL; John Doombos, jr., TE/LB; Brayden Grumbien, sr., LB
Key game: Oct. 18 at WaKeeney. While Wichita County is the team everyone wants to beat, this game could carry a lot of weight, with November home playoff games potentially at stake.
Outlook: La Crosse is traditionally as steady as any team in Kansas. Rarely a bad season. The Leopards had another winning season last year and also won a playoff game. They lose some good playmakers from that team, but instead return most of the offensive line. Doombos, Decker and Hoover were all top defensive players. The Leopards will be a little young, as the junior class is talented and they will be needed for another winning season and postseason success.
Otis-Bison Cougars
Coach: Marc Cowles, first season, 23rd overall (104-101)
Classification: Six player
District 2
2023: 0-9
Postseason: Lost to Sharon Springs 58-0
Top returning players: Jake Hoopingamer, sr., QB/LB; Logan Maier, sr., OL/DL; Ismael Cortez, sr., OL/DL; Louis McVeyTravis Ross, so., RB/DB
Key game: Sept. 6 vs. Western Plains. Welcome to the wild world of six-player football Otis-Bison.
Outlook: Even though Otis-Bison is coming off a winless season, the Cougars return a lot of experience, which should help the transition to a new brand of football. The roster size is solid, especially for six player. The road won’t be easy, as Otis-Bison will play fellow six-player newbie South Barber in week two, a rising Pawnee Heights team and preseason favorite Cunningham. But there are chances for wins, and even a home playoff game and postseason win are legitimate aspirations.