High School Football Preview: Pawnee County

Ad Astra Radio will preview area high school football teams, based on county. Today, we preview the teams from Pawnee County.

Larned Indians

Coach: Brady Keith, third season (8-10)

Classification: 2A

District 8

2024: 2-7

Postseason: Lost to Southeast of Saline 76-12

Best postseason finish: Semifinals 1971

Top returning players: Mason Miller, sr., QB/DB; David Colglazier, sr., FB/LB; Kylier Greene, OL/DL; Tristan Regan, WR/LB; Kooper Rasmussen, OL/DE/LB; Mikal Wilder, OL/DE

Key game: Oct. 5 at Cimarron. The district opener for Larned. It’s a pretty top-heavy district, so the winner here can start setting themselves up for the playoffs.

Outlook: Graduation hit Larned pretty hard. This year’s team is on the young side, with some areas being inexperienced. Mason Miller is a player who can be leaned on for leadership, due to his ability and experience. The schedule is rugged, so it’s imperative to find some momentum early before a tough district schedule starts.

Pawnee Heights

Coach: Ryan Klenke, second season

Classification: Six man

District: 3

2024: 5-5

Postseason: Beat Western Plains/Healy 68-18; lost to Golden Plains 46-0

Best postseason finish: Semifinals 2007

Top returning players: Alexis Ibarra, sr.; Brynnen Cody, sr.; Roberto Cordero, jr.; Logan Enabnit, sr.; Cody Holste, sr., Heider Ibarra, sr.

Key game: Oct. 17 vs. South Barber. Both South Barber and Ingalls reached the state quarterfinals a year ago, so it’s a good district. This will be a good test to see if Pawnee Heights can set itself up for a good postseason run.

Outlook: Pawnee Heights was a little young last year but still managed a .500 season and one postseason win. With many returning players, including second-year starting QB Logan Enabnit, and running backs Cody Holste and Alexis Ibarra, the Tigers are looking for a breakthrough season. The offense could pile up some numbers, and the defense led by Ibarra, will be stingy. With 20 players out, the Tigers also have depth that eight-man teams would envy. The Tigers still might be a bit on the young side, but this should be a team that can have a winning season and play well into November.