Twin Valley League powers Baileyville B&B and Hanover have played for the past two 8-Man Division I & II Championships, respectively. This fall, they both will compete in Division II, and in the same district. Add 2009 Division II runners-up Quivira Heights to the mix and the "East side" of the state is exceptionally strong. Several other teams loaded with returning starters appear poised to challenge for a trip to Newton and to derail Hanover's quest for a third straight title.
Here's how we rank the Top 5 in 8-Man II:
1 Baileyville B&B
After a State Championship and a runner-up finish in 8M-I, the Falcons return to the Division II ranks where they left with a first-round loss to Hope in 2007. This year's team will have to replace offensive weapons in QB Kyle Haverkamp and RB Ryan Huerter, but should be strong up front led by 6-6 230-pound Logan Haug.
2. Hanover
Hanover cannot be thrilled to see TVL rival B&B join the Division II ranks as the Falcons have handed the Wildcats their lone loss in each of the past two seasons. Senior RB Ethan Diederich will try to break that trend when the two meet up Oct. 8th at B&B.
3. Quivira Heights
QB Gunner Phelan returns among six key players as the Thunderbirds look to return to Newton in late November. Phelan threw for over 2,200 yards and 38 TDs last fall, and QH also welcomes back their top two rushers in Taylor Siemsen and Jordan Trevino.
4. Otis-Bison
While the Cougars lost only two seniors off of last year's record-setting team, one of those graduates was Kpreps 8M-II Player of the Year Kevin Wissman. Wissman paced an offense that averaged over 55 points per game and will be difficult to replace. But with nearly everyone else back, the Cougars have their sights set on another great season.
5. Caldwell
The Bluejays look to improve on last year's 10-1 season, which ended in a second-round playoff loss. Nearly everyone is back, including QB Braden Lebeda who accounted for more than 2,600 yards and 45 TDs with his arm and legs. He'll likely look to Dalton Whaley as his primary target as last season's leading receiver Dillon Kuehny graduated.
Others Considered: Centre-Lost Springs, Hope, Moscow, Sharon Springs-Wallace Co., South Barber, South Haven, Thunder Ridge, Tribune-Greeley Co., Victoria.
Kpreps.com will feature detailed state rankings for each class updated every Monday throughout the season. Be sure to check out the Rankings section of our site to see who is in our Top 5 each week.
Tuesday (8/24): 8 Man I Rankings
Use your Facebook account to add a comment or start a discussion. Posts are subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment.
