Order was restored in 6A last season as Olathe North returned to the top of the classification with their eighth state title in the last 14 years, but just the first since 2003.
North's high-powered offense was fueled by Simone Award winner James Franklin, a freshman at Nebraska-Omaha this fall. The Eagles will need to replace Franklin's 2,800 rushing yards in 2010, but senior quarterback Victor Simmons - a KU commit to play safety - is back to direct the Eagle offense.
Also gone are Division I signees Lucas Vincent (Missouri) and Tre’ Walker (K-State) but back are senior offensive tackle/defensive end Joshua Finley and running back/safety Adonis Saunders.
If the Eagles are to make a return trip to the title game they could again find themselves facing the Wichita Heights Falcons who, after a sloppy start in 2009, pulled it together to make a surprising late season run to the championship game.
The Eagles were too much for Heights, but several key members of the Falcon runner-up team - including talented tailback Dreamius Smith, safety Evan Wessel and defensive end Zerrance Brickhouse - are back to help Rick Wheeler's team make another deep playoff run.
Derby and Manhattan should have something to say about the 6A championship game this year as well, as both return a number of key players from excellent 2009 squads.
Here’s how we rank the Top 5 in Class 6A:
1. Olathe North
Last season, Olathe North rode the legs of Nebraska-Omaha signee RB James Franklin and a veteran offensive line to the state title. This fall, Coach Pete Flood returns a 1,000-yard rusher in QB Victor Simmons, but is faced with the task of replacing the school's all-time leading rusher (Franklin), as well as four starters up front. Seniors Adonis Saunders and Dominick Wilson will attempt to fill Franklin's shoes in the backfield, while Josh Finley will account for all of the experience returning on the line. While four defensive starters return from a unit that allowed only 13 points per game, the Eagles must replace standouts Lucas Vincent (Missouri) and Tre' Walker (Kansas State).
2. Wichita Heights
Expectations are high at the corner of 53rd and Hillside as the Heights Falcons return 14 total starters from last season's 6A runner-up finish. While many teams across the state are looking for a starting QB, Rick Wheeler has two returning with experience. John Moreland returns for his senior season, while junior Matt Reed is back after taking over for the injured Moreland and leading the Falcons during their playoff run. Whichever QB is in the game will have the luxury of handing off to 1,000 yard rusher and Kansas-commit Dreamius Smith. The Heights defense returns eight starters led by a strong defensive line and safety Evan Wessel.
3. Manhattan
Head Coach Joe Schartz led the Indians to a 10-1 record and an undefeated Centennial League title in 2009. This year, Schartz hopes that success translates into a deep playoff run. Manhattan returns plenty of talent, including five starters on offense and nine starters from a defense that allowed just 12 points per game. QB Ryan Wilkinson returns to pace an offense that averaged 25 ppg. Wilkinson had a flare for the dramatic last season in throwing two game-winning TD passes to beat Blue Valley - Stilwell (23-21), and Junction City (9-7). Junior RB Ty Suggs returns behind Wilkinson to fill the hole left by Derek Campbell who moved on to Hutchinson Community College.
4. Derby
Derby returns eight starters on offense from last season's state semifinal run. The Panthers strength in 2010 will be upfront as all of the offensive line returns led by 6-4, 300-pound Travis Anderson. Under center will once again be Tyler Harrison. Harrison threw for more than 1,400 yards and ten scores last season as a junior, but completed just 49 percent of his attempts. He should have plenty of time this fall behind an experienced O-line. Only two starters return on defense, but one of those is Dillon Call who led the team in tackles as a sophomore last season. The Panthers will miss playmaker Devin Hedgpeth (Oklahoma State), but should be well equipped for another playoff run.
5. Olathe East
The Hawks finished a disappointing 6-4 in 2009, and exited the playoffs in the first round. Disappointing for a team that had went 47-9 over the prior five seasons. But two of their four losses in 2009 were by less than a TD, and Olathe East was competitive in a 28-14 loss at Olathe North. Plenty of experience returns in 2010 as the Hawks seek their ninth consecutive playoff appearance. East has perhaps the Sunflower League's most exciting player in Brandon Willingham. Willingham rushed for more than 900 yards last fall, and made just as large an impact on defense with over 60 tackles from his DB position. He'll have help in the backfield this fall as FB Will Hammer returns to lead block. New QB Trent Kuhl will have plenty of big targets to throw to, including WR Joe Rzewnicki (6-3; 185) and TE Brett Guiser (6-4; 235). The Hawk defense returns seven players with experience led by LB Adam Fulson who registered 125 tackles last season.
Others considered: Blue Valley West, Garden City, Junction City, Lawrence Free State, Olathe Northwest, Olathe South, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Shawnee Mission West, Topeka High, Wichita Northwest
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.
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