Program Profiles: Key Upperclassmen for the Red Raiders

A case could be made that Class 4A is one of the toughest divisions in the state. The division includes a number of strong teams in the southern and western parts of the state, and now also has three prominent programs in the northeast region. While a few of the northeast programs have dominated the division for some time now, this could be the year a team on the other side of the bracket takes home the state title.    One team to look out for are the Red Raiders of Wamego High School. They are a program that has shown improvement over the past three seasons, and were one of the top teams in Class 4A last fall. The Red Raiders ended the '21 campaign with a 9-2 record and featured an explosive offense that averaged 35 points per game.   They've been a team on the verge of a Sub-State appearance the past two seasons, but were unable to advance past Sectionals. This year's squad is hungry and is looking to get over that hump, and go beyond Sub-State. With the help of these eight upperclassmen; the Red Raiders could accomplish this feat.   Offense:   [player_tooltip player_id='122493' first='Hayden' last='Oviatt'], 6'2”, 195, QB, Class of '23   Wamego's go-to leader this year is hands down their star quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='122493' first='Hayden' last='Oviatt']. The future Army Black Knight has proven to be one of the top dual-threats in the state since becoming a starter. He'll not only have extra motivation to help lead his team to a state title this year, but he is sure to be motivated to show folks why he is a legitimate D-I quarterback. The 2022 campaign could be a monster season for Oviatt, especially with multiple offensive skill players returning for Wamego.   [player_tooltip player_id='170390' first='Hagan' last='Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='254415' first='Chase' last='Cottam'], & [player_tooltip player_id='394722' first='Colin' last='Donahue'], WR's, Class of '23   The Red Raiders will arguably have one of the most talented receiving corps in Class 4A this season. They return Johnson, Cottam, and Donahue as their top pass catchers from last year, and all three are ranked inside the Top 200 in Prep Redzone Kansas' Class of '23 Player Rankings. Johnson is the smallest of the trio, standing at 5-foot-9, but he is arguably their best route runner and is also a dangerous return man. Cottam was Wamego's leading receiver last season, and he is likely to be their top vertical threat once again. Donahue was a recent addition in the latest Class of '23 rankings update, and for good reason. He displays a similar game to Cottam, but Donahue possesses the strongest hands of the group. Good luck to opposing defenses trying to contain this trio.   Defense:   [player_tooltip player_id='394720' first='Dawson' last='Tajchman'], 5'11”, 170, DB, Class of '23   The energy [player_tooltip player_id='122493' first='Hayden' last='Oviatt'] brings to Wamego's offense is the same type of energy that [player_tooltip player_id='394720' first='Dawson' last='Tajchman'] brings to their defense. Tajchman returns as Wamego's top defensive back after accumulating 72 total tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles as a junior. He possesses the speed to cover a lot of ground, and is possibly Wamego's hardest hitter. Tajchman should continue to gain D-II interest with another strong season.   [player_tooltip player_id='253722' first='Grant' last='Larson'] , 5'10”, 195, LB, Class of '23   Larson returns as the anchor for the Red Raiders' defense at middle linebacker. He was one of their leading tacklers in 2021, as he'd end his junior year with 87 total on the season, and also posted three sacks. The 22nd ranked backer excels at reading pulling offensive linemen, and does a great job of fighting off blockers. Look for Larson to be one of the leading tacklers for Wamego once again.    [player_tooltip player_id='145514' first='Mason' last='King'], 5'9”, 210, ATH, Class of '24   [player_tooltip player_id='145514' first='Mason' last='King'] is another physical prospect on Wamego's roster. He's been a weight room warrior throughout this offseason, and he is likely going to see his role expand on both sides of the ball as a junior. Defensively, King should line up next to Larson in the middle of the defense, forming a strong linebacking duo. Offensively, he'll continue his role at fullback, but could see more carriers come his way.    <a href="https://twitter.com/wyattburgess_4?s=21&t=4blYZ1Q1jFRxKVGBwkuXGw" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/wyattburgess_4?s=21&t=4blYZ1Q1jFRxKVGBwkuXGw">Wyatt Burgess</a>, 6'2”, 205, LB, Class of '24   Speaking of expanded roles, Wyatt Burgess is another defensive prospect that should see significantly more snaps as a junior. Burgess was a standout special teams player during his sophomore year, but has also shown promise as an edge defender. He has the athleticism to make some noise at that position, and should be a breakout player for Wamego's defense this year.

A case could be made that Class 4A is one of the toughest divisions in the state. The division includes a number of strong teams in the southern and western parts of the state, and now also has three prominent programs in the northeast region. While a few of the northeast programs have dominated the division for some time now, this could be the year a team on the other side of the bracket takes home the state title.