Program Profiles: Wichita West

Like most teams, 2020 was a year to forget for the Pioneers. They were competitive during their shortened season, but ultimately finished the year with a 2-4 record. They’re a program poised to turn things around this season though with the help of a strong senior class leading the way. Keep an eye on the Pioneers this season as they look to be a surprise team in the Wichita area. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="35581" first="Jerome" last="Ragin"]</strong>, 5’10”, 210, LB, <em>Class of ‘22</em> Ragin returns as one of the leaders for the Pioneers on defense. He played well last season, picking up a <em>2^nd Team All-League</em> selection and an <em>All-State Honorable Mention</em> nod. Ragin is one of the most physically gifted linebackers in our player rankings. He has the quickness to pursue ball carriers, and the strength to fight through bigger offensive linemen. The talented backer should be even better with a full season this year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91383" first="Zavion" last="Clarke"]</strong>, 6’0”, 190, RB, <em>Class of ‘22</em> The strength of this offense is without a doubt their run game. They boast a talented backfield of Saunders and Clarke, creating a dynamic one-two punch. Clarke’s been putting in work this offseason as he prepares for his senior year. He was featured earlier this summer as a <em>Top Performer</em> at the <em>KC Varsity Combines</em> in May and has also been dominating the weight room during team workouts. All eyes are sure to be on this tandem during the ’21 season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="109935" first="Tymardre" last="Williams"]</strong>, 6’2”, 330, OL, <em>Class of ‘22</em> Williams will be an offensive line prospect that recruiters will want to know this year. He’s flying under the radar heading into this season, but he could potentially have an <em>All-League</em> caliber year. Tymardre may have a large frame; but looks can be deceiving. This hog is an athlete. He has a quick first step and has no problem working his way to the second level of the defense. But the best part about his game is his versatility. Williams can fill in at every position on the offensive line. It will be interesting to see which position he’ll see more time at this season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="35564" first="Quentin" last="Saunders"]</strong>, 6’0”, 195, RB, <em>Class of ‘22</em> Saunders is the more bruising runner between he and Clarke. He led the way for this backfield last season, as he went on to earn <em>2^nd Team All-League</em> honors for his play. The down-hill back is difficult to handle one-on-one. It typically takes two defenders to wrap him up because of his strength and great balance. This stems from his wrestling background, as Saunders is a multi-time <em>6A State Champion</em>. <strong>Sa’Vieon Fields</strong>, 5’7”, 180, ATH, <em>Class of ‘22</em> Fields is a do it all prospect for the team. He was an important piece in the Pioneers’ run game last season, coming up with crucial blocks that helped open lanes for Saunders and Clarke. He should be more involved on offense this year though. Fields could be in the rotation at running back and could make plays out of the slot as well. He’ll also be a key piece on defense for the Pioneers’ secondary. <strong>Jaheim Richbow</strong>, 5’11”, 190, LB, <em>Class of ‘22</em> Richbow is another impactful senior returning on defense for the Pioneers. As a junior, Richbow had an <em>All-League Honorable Mention</em> year at outside linebacker. He’ll have his sights set on earning a <em>1st Team</em> selection this season. He’s been sharpening his skills during the offseason and had the opportunity to put them to the test while competing at a camp hosted by <em>William Jewell</em> in June. Look for Richbow and Ragin to be one of the top linebacking duos in the Wichita area this fall. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;