Sterling enters the 2025 season with a lot of experience, returning 27 lettermen and nearly their entire starting lineup from last year’s 6-4 team (4-1 in district play).
Head coach Brent Schneider, now in his seventh season at Sterling and 10th year of coaching overall (23-33 at Sterling and 38-55 overall), leads a group that’s poised to take another step forward in the Heart of America League.
“There is a lot of excitement for the upcoming season,” said Schneider, who will be assisted by Jaret Wohler, Andy Ball, Chad Bennet and Eric Saiz. “We have a lot of kids out again and we return a large amount of returning varsity experience. Offensively and defensively, we are only losing a couple of starters.”
The offense is powered by a veteran backfield, led by senior Zane Farney, who rushed for 1,676 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024. Farney is a name to look out for this year for a breakout senior campaign.
He’s joined by returning playmakers Wyatt Newberry (717 yards, 7 TDs) and quarterback Logan Isaac (19-of-56 passing with 338 yards, 8 TDs, 2 interceptions).
Defensively, Sterling returns its leading tacklers. Newberry led the way with 110 total tackles and three interceptions. Deryn Maxwell (88 tackles), Tucker Haas (73 tackles), Farney (67 tackles) and Isaac (60 tackles) also are key returners on defense.
“Kevin Ploutz and Cale Thomas are seniors that anchor an offensive line that is made up of all upperclassmen,” Schneider said. “Zane Farney, Wyatt Newberry and Logan Isaac make up most of our backfield and we are excited to see that trio in action. Zane Farney has improved each year and we feel he is ready for a monster season.
“Wyatt Newberry took a large step last year and he has had an outstanding off-season. Defensively, we were thrilled with how we progressed last year with our growth and relentlessness towards the football. Deryn Maxwell, Tucker Haas and Jacob Lewis are names to watch on defense that will join Farney, Isaac and Newberry.
With a schedule that includes matchups against Sedgwick (season opener at home Sept. 5), Conway Springs and Hutchinson Trinity, the Black Bears will be tested early and often.
Lettermen Returning: 27
Returning Starters:
Zane Farney Sr. 6-0 190
Logan Isaac Sr. 6-1 185
Kevin Ploutz Sr. 6-2 245
Wyatt Newberry Sr. 5-11 160
Cale Thomas Sr. 5-10 225
Landon Aguilera Jr. 5-11 150
Tucker Haas Jr. 5-10 175
Derek Krone Jr. 6-2 180
Deryn Maxwell Jr. 5-11 185
Cameron Morris Jr. 6-2 175
Jacob Lewis So. 6-0 165
Lane Weigel So. 5-8 145
2025 Sterling High School football schedule
Sept. 5 Sedgwick
Sept. 12 at Moundridge
Sept. 19 Inman
Sept. 26 at Ellinwood
Oct. 3 Medicine Lodge
Oct. 10 at Conway Springs
Oct. 17 at South Sumner
Oct. 24 Hutchinson Trinity
Nov. 7 Regionals
Nov. 14 Sectionals
Nov. 21 Sub-state
Nov. 28 or 29 State
