High School Team Preview: Galena/Riverton

The upcoming high school football season promises to be a battle in the highly competitive CNC League, where physicality is a hallmark of every game. Among the teams vying for success are Galena High School, eager to bounce back from a challenging 0-9 season, and Riverton High School, looking to build on a solid 6-4 record. Both teams, hailing from their respective small towns in Kansas, are preparing to face the tough competition that the CNC League is known for, with hopes of making a statement on the gridiron this year. Both teams plan to do so with these spotlighted athletes.    Caleb Burkhart is a dual-threat player with a solid foundation as both a running back and linebacker. On offense, he displays okay speed and runs with determination, showing a willingness to push through contact. Defensively, Burkhart excels at flying into the backfield, consistently disrupting plays with his aggressive approach. However, his smaller frame limits his ability to deliver impactful tackles, and he could benefit from improving his ability to break tackles in open space. While he's tough, he's not particularly elusive, which can make it easier for defenders to bring him down. Overall, Caleb has a good motor and potential, but refining his physicality and agility will be key to his development.     [player_tooltip player_id='1223985' first='Thatcher' last='Botkin'] is a versatile WR/DB with a knack for making plays in tough situations. His good speed allows him to stay competitive, but it's his excellent hands in traffic that truly stand out, enabling him to secure difficult catches under pressure. Botkin's playmaking ability is evident as he flies around the field, showing off his athleticism, likely honed from his time playing basketball. However, his smaller stature and lack of physicality can be limiting, especially against bigger, more aggressive opponents. Additionally, refining his route running would help him create more separation and become a more consistent threat on offense.     Brayden Buckaloo is a promising young player with the size and frame that make him stand out on the field, both as a defensive tackle and an offensive guard. His strength and physicality are evident in his first push against the opposing line, often disrupting the pocket or creating openings in the run game. However, Buckaloo's raw talent needs refinement, particularly in his hand usage during contact, which can limit his effectiveness in shedding blocks and securing tackles. He also shows a tendency to hesitate before making tackles, which can allow opponents to gain extra yards. Despite these areas for improvement, Buckaloo's potential is undeniable, and with proper coaching and development, he could become a dominant force on either side of the ball.     Gavin Boyes is a dynamic athlete with a unique blend of strength and speed, making him a versatile player on both sides of the ball. As an offensive guard, Boyes showcases impressive power, able to overpower and throw defenders much larger than himself, which is a testament to his strength and leverage. His speed is another asset, allowing him to pull effectively and engage defensive ends with precision. However, Boyes's size is a concern for the offensive line, as he is smaller than typical linemen, which may limit his effectiveness against larger opponents. Additionally, his speed can be a double-edged sword, as he sometimes struggles with control when running, sacrificing quickness for speed. With limited film available, there are still question marks about his consistency and technique, but his raw athleticism and physicality make him a promising prospect with room for growth.     Nolan Buschman is an athletic offensive guard who excels in quickly getting to the second level, where his speed and willingness to hit stand out. He's effective at creating a strong initial push against defensive linemen, often disrupting their positioning and opening lanes for running backs. However, Buschman is undersized for an offensive lineman, which could present challenges when facing larger, more powerful defenders at the next level. Additionally, his limited game film makes it difficult to fully assess his consistency and technique, indicating a need for more exposure and experience to round out his game.

The upcoming high school football season promises to be a battle in the highly competitive CNC League, where physicality is a hallmark of every game. Among the teams vying for success are Galena High School, eager to bounce back from a challenging 0-9 season, and Riverton High School, looking to build on a solid 6-4 record. Both teams, hailing from their respective small towns in Kansas, are preparing to face the tough competition that the CNC League is known for, with hopes of making a statement on the gridiron this year. Both teams plan to do so with these spotlighted athletes.