Defending-champion Manhattan will try and reach the 6A title game for a third consecutive season and for the fourth time in the past five seasons. Joe Schartz’s group faces the challenge of reloading after losing a talented class including two-way standout J.J. Dunnigan among several others. Returning is running-quarterback McLain Aslin, E.J. Massenburg, and Joe Mortensen in the backfield behind a couple of experienced linemen up front. The defense will be led by Max Evans-Pryor and Liam Nider at linebacker and Mortensen and Adonis Dunnigan in the secondary. The Indians will open with a showdown against Missouri-power Rockhurst.
Next: vs. Rockhurst (Mo.) (0-1)
After winning five consecutive Class 5A state titles from 2019-2023, Mill Valley has exited the playoffs with a pair of close quarterfinal losses in each of the past two seasons. The Jaguars’ will new challenge will be moving up to Class 6A. In 2024, Reggie Reece emerged with a 1,950-yard rushing season. Reece battled injury last season and Max Piva emerged to rush for 1,812 yards and 17 touchdowns. Now Piva returns for his senior season with high expectations. Mill Valley will have to replace standout athlete Blake Jay at quarterback, but Holden Applebee will likely move behind center with some experience. The Jaguar defense returns Ryder Farley, Kendyn Charbonneau, and standout defensive end Larry Jones.
Next: at Shawnee Mission Northwest
The Derby Panther program is no stranger to high expectations entering each season. This year is no different. The Panthers return a significant amount of firepower on offense with quarterback Blade Clark and running back Arieus Finley. Clark, son of head coach Brandon Clark, passed for 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns and added more than 600 yards on the ground with 16 scores. Finely added nearly 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground. Derby returns good experience up front with Weston Jackson and Kaelin Scarth. The defense returns leading tackler Mason Moaliitele, Brody Hopper and Taylen Washington at linebacker. Chyler Walker (6-5, 250) can play either side of the ball and is receiving significant interest at the next level.
Next: at Goddard-Eisenhower
The 2025 season was a historic one for the Olathe Northwest Ravens. Coach Lorne Clark's group went 9-4 and finished as the state runner-up in Class 6A after falling to Manhattan in the title game. The Ravens must replace workhorse back Bryce Randall and Jaelen Douglass in the backfield, but quarterback Brody Comfort returns behind a talented and experienced offensive line. The defense will be led by linebacker Jackson Connell who was among the team leaders in tackles last fall. Northwest opens against Olathe South.
Next: at Olathe South
Wichita Northwest has traditionally featured one of the most explosive offenses in the state. This year could be no different despite the graduation of quarterback Jaylen Mason and running back Augie Fast. The loss of Mason and Fast means the Grizzlies will have to replace more than 2,000 rushing yards and nearly 2,000 passing yards. Division I prospect Zy’Air Burton returns in the backfield and will run behind an experienced offensive line. The defense has an equal number of playmakers with Dallas Gray, Cordale Johnson, and Aiden Edwards. Northwest opens with a rivalry matchup against Bishop Carroll.
Next: at Bishop CarrollOthers Considered: Blue Valley Northwest, Blue Valley West, Gardner-Edgerton, Lawrence Free State, Junction City, Maize, Olathe North, Olathe West, Shawnee Mission East, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Washburn Rural, Wichita East, Wichita Southeast
Last updated: August 31, 2026 - 09:42 pm
