Powerhouse Andale Back in Familiar Territory at State

Last season was a painful one for the legendary Andale Indian football program. For the first time since 2018 they did not play for the 3A state championship. They also saw their 57-game winning streak - the longest in the nation - come to an end.   And, to make matters that much more aggravating, the losses came to arch-rival Cheney.   Coach Dylan Schmidt didn't panic. He is a battle-tested football force multiplier who knew what the response needed to be. Block out the distractions, hunker down in the off season and work as a team and individually to get bigger, stronger and faster in order to flip the script the next time they get the opportunity.   Fast forward to this week and the Indians are rolling into Hutchinson with an unblemished (12-0) record to take on always-dangerous (11-1) Topeka Hayden for the 3A state crown. They have been a team on a mission from the start this year and have made it a point to absolutely annihilate the competition every time they walk on the field.   And, the Indians are well on the road to redemption. Not only did they go storm-trooping through the regular season and playoffs so far, but along the way they steamrolled defending state-champion, Cheney 52-14, to exact some measure of revenge in that rematch.   For the year they have bludgeoned the opposition, averaging just under 60 points a game on offense, and have used a sledgehammer of a running game to get there, averaging an eye-popping 335+ yards per game.   On the other side of the ball, they average single digits in scoring-defense, with four teams shut out and four held to a touchdown or less, while also forcing five takeaways a game. Except for a close win in week two against playoff-bound 4A Wellington, they have allowed the opposition an average of five points per game.   Andale doesn't try to be anything fancy or to be appealing to everyone. They have developed a winning game plan based on a pounding running attack, ball-busting, opportunistic defensive play and most importantly, a strong, entrenched winning culture. These guys don't just play the game each week, they go to war; and when they wage war, they expect to win.   In this report, I am going to shine the spotlight on some of the players flying under the radar who have helped the team reach the dominating position they are in today - the semi-legendary Andale "Legion of Doom" - the Indian Offensive Line. The guys in the trenches who help make the magic happen, but rarely get much if any attention in the process.   So, without further adieu, let's take a look at the Andale "Legion of Doom".     Curtis Dyke, 6'3, 250, OL '25, is a senior warrior in the trenches who has stepped up big for the Indians this year. He was quoted earlier in the year talking about the brotherhood the guys in the trenches have for each other and how hard they have worked together to get back to the title game. He has a powerful base, good size and reach, moves well in traffic and delivers a blow.   Ethan Schrandt, 6'4, 230, OL '25, is another key piece in the powerful Indian running attack, who has stepped up all year. He has excellent reach, strong hands with good feet and punch and can seal off in both pass pro and in the run game. He will be counted on help open holes in the most important game of the year.   Isaiah Wilson, 6'2, 215, OL '25, is a versatile two-way mauler in the trenches who can be counted on to deliver jarring blocks when needed, whether on the move or in pass pro. A standout wrestler, he is aggressive coming off the edge to destroy the play in the backfield on defense, or as one of the maulers in the Legion of Doom opening holes for the offensive attack.   Jak Krehbiel, 6'0, 200, OL '25, is another scrappy Indian foot soldier along the front lines who has blended well with the brotherhood and brings an athletic element to the trenches. He is a two-way performer who is also a talented basketball player in the off season. He has good feet and moves well along the line of scrimmage and at the next level.   Ben Molitor, 6'2, 220, OL '25, is one of the key pieces along the front lines who can play multiple positions and deliver consistently top-end play. This year he has stepped up and delivered. He has good size, moves well and with his play has helped ensure the Indian running game has been one of the best in the state this year.   The Andale skill-players, most notably, dual-threat ace QB/DB, [player_tooltip player_id='1236247' first='Sam' last='Harp']; dyanamic two-way star [player_tooltip player_id='285710' first='Landon' last='Harp'] and two-way apex predator [player_tooltip player_id='1115494' first='Cooper' last='Marx'] have had major seasons in large part because of "The Legion of Doom".   In conclusion, start planning your post-holiday road trip and get out and see one of the best teams in the state. Last chance in 2024. And, as always, if you know of any players or teams flying under the radar give me a shout via DM on X.

Last season was a painful one for the legendary Andale Indian football program. For the first time since 2018 they did not play for the 3A state championship. They also saw their 57-game winning streak - the longest in the nation - come to an end.