Dawn Of A New Season (Free Report)
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Let me talk to you!
The 2025 football season will represent the 28th football season that I either played, coached, covered for a newspaper, or scouted a game in.
A game that I am still passionate about and probably won't ever be able to shake.
While I am passionate about football and enjoy scouting, I am still a writer at heart.
I have written for three Kansas newspapers, a master's thesis, and a book. It is still who I am at my very depths.
I never know what will inspire me to write. Inspiration comes from one game, one play, a favorite memory, a smell, and THIS time the inspiration came from just a photo.
Earlier this week, a member of the Andale coaching staff took and posted a photo of an early morning practice during a beautiful Kansas Sunrise, posted it on X, and well, I was inspired to write once again.
The photo brought back memories of putting on my pads and jersey for the Marquette Wolverines and Smoky Valley Vikings.
It brought back memories of reporting on the Pittsburg State Gorillas games for the Morning Sun.
It brought back memories of watching CNC and SEK prep football.
It brought back memories of roaming the sidelines in Arma, Topeka, and Chase, Kansas.
It brought back memories of spotting tackles during Emporia State games.
It brought back memories of interviewing college and high school athletes and coaches on the field after games for the Capital-Journal.
During a time when I get distracted by all the changes in the game, the constant media coverage, and the numerous posts about game day visits and college offers, this one photo reminded me of why I still scout and follow the sport of football.
It reminded me that I scout because I am just a Kansan trying to help other Kansas kids get the kind of recruitment exposure that was not available on an everyday basis when I grew up and played the game.
After all these years, football still gives me an outlet to write and make a living.
Thank you, Shawn Bretthauer, for taking the photo, and thank you, Andale Football, for granting permission to use the photo on Prep Redzone Kansas.
Most of all, thanks for the inspiration for this report on small program athletes worthy of all the coverage they can get.
The six athletes featured in this report all represent "small schools," have claimed Prep Redzone Profiles, and are ranked in the top 200 in the Class of 2026 rankings.
This is a free report, so feel free to share. Everyone will be able to read it, whether they are Prep Redzone Subscribers or not. Those interested in becoming new subscribers can use the Coupon Code Deckard30 to save 30 percent off a new subscription.
After all, it is the dawn of a new season, and this Friday night, it all starts with Football Jamborees across the Sunflower State.
Who knows, maybe this report will inspire at least one person to continue to love the sport that has given so much to me!
The prospect from Seneca has been featured multiple times on Prep Redzone Kansas. There is no reason to rehash all of his statistical achievements. (I did that last week.) No, let's celebrate that he is certain to be one of the next Kansas small school athletes to achieve greatness on Saturdays. Who knows, maybe one day we will get to see him play on Sundays like we once did with John Riggins, Steve Grogan, and Jordy Nelson.
Highlights
Schwarz is a small school prospect that has not been featured nearly enough on Prep Redzone. He has verbally committed to play for the Washburn Ichabods. He rushed for 2,305 yards and 26 touchdowns last fall for the Buffaloes. In three seasons, he has rushed for 4,983 yards and 63 touchdowns.
Highlights
Another small school prospect set to join the Washburn Ichabods after graduation is Hillsboro's Gooch. He is a quick and tough athlete who posted solid numbers as a junior. He rushed for 772 yards and 12 touchdowns in nine games for the Trojans. He also plays outside linebacker and recorded 84 tackles during his junior campaign.
Highlights
Wamego is one of the teams I previewed this month in a report. So the next name may be familiar and on the tip of your tongue. DeRouchey recorded 62 tackles and 10 pass break-ups during his junior campaign for the Red Raiders. He is a talented and skilled defensive back who I feel would be a steal for a JUCO or NAIA program in Kansas.
Highlights
Wulf is a small school senior still looking for a college to play for. He finished with 128 tackles during his junior season. He is an explosive linebacker who has a frame that a college program could mold into a different position. He has the versatility to play linebacker or defensive back. According to his Prep Redzone profile, he wants to attend a school where he can study business management.
Highlights
Wright represents the school farthest west in this report. During his junior season, he recorded 60 tackles for the Eagles. He also registered 11 tackles for loss and one quarterback sack. He is a player who has caught the attention of our Prep Redzone's Western Kansas scout, Ben Mitchum. He has honed his skills on the field and in the classroom. The coaching staffs at Dodge City and Garden City should be fighting to get this young man on campus.
