Five Teams Who Could Be Champs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NIXA</strong><br>The 2024 Class 6 state championship runner up returns most of it's massive offensive line featuring 2026 All-Everything Miami University commit OT [player_tooltip player_id='392779' first='Jackson' last='Cantwell'] (6'8" 310), Hayden Mays (6'5" 290) and Hunter Jensen (6'3" 260). The also return big time 2027 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1587352' first='Adam' last='McKnight'] (6'4" 200) whose only game he has lost as a starter was the state championship. McKnight is already receiving interest from schools such as Arkansas and Mizzou. If that wasn't enough, the Eagles added the running back from last year's championship team [player_tooltip player_id='849700' first='Jayden' last='McCaster'] (5'9" 190) who's family moved to Nixa this offseason. McCaster is committed to Southern Illinois.<br>On defense the Eagles will led by college prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1129733' first='Randy' last='Flint'] (6'1" 190) who was a big part of their success in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PLATTE COUNTY</strong><br>The Pirates have to be the favorites to repeat as the Class 5 state champs in 2025 with the talented crew they return from last years team. Led by senior QB and James Madison commit Rocco Marriot 6'4" 212, the Pirates are loaded with future college players such as RB [player_tooltip player_id='1127280' first='Adam' last='Gisler'] (5'9" 185, TE [player_tooltip player_id='849689' first='Jack' last='Utz'] (6'5" 235), TE [player_tooltip player_id='1320111' first='Brooks' last='Hall'] (6'5" 225) and DE [player_tooltip player_id='1585615' first='Cale' last='Buntz'] (6'5" 225) who have all verbally committed to colleges. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>KEARNEY</strong> <br>The Bulldogs look like a team that is ready to make some noise in Class 4 this season. Rising QB talent Carter temple (6'3" 215) is back with a year under his belt, and is one of the top dual threat signal-callers in the state. Transfer RB Dryden Hendrix (5'11" 190) joins the team along with returning RB Corbin Emmons (5'11" 185) who ran for over 700 yards and 12 touchdowns last year to give them a solid backfield. They will also feature a massive line on both sides of the ball with OL Nyke Belabre (6'3" 290) and twin DTs [player_tooltip player_id='212328' first='Mason' last='Beaver'] (6'2" 285) and [player_tooltip player_id='212327' first='Isaac' last='Beaver'] (6'2" 285) to lead the defense. Class 4 looks more wide open in 2025 and Kearney looks to make a run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CBC</strong><br>Winning state championships is no stranger to the Cadets. The will be fast on offense and defense and reload from what they lost last year with some impressive talent while returning key plays such as QB Nick McLellan (6'0" 185) who is committed to K-State as a safety, but who has made himself into a heck of quarterback not just with his legs but with his arm. D1 RB prospect Courtney River (5'9" 195) returns after being the leading rusher with a stable of speedy runners behind him that will get reps. Look for 2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='496060' first='Corde' last='Gage'] (6'0" 180) to have a breakout season along with 6'7" 230 TE Justin Palmer. Defensively the Cadets have size and speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BLAIR OAKS</strong><br>Another team familiar with winning championships is the Class 2 Falcons, who return one of the most talented offensive groups in the state with senior QB [player_tooltip player_id='1127256' first='Tyler' last='Bax'] (6'3" 200). RB [player_tooltip player_id='1250691' first='Hayden' last='Lackman'] (6'1" 200) and WR [player_tooltip player_id='1127291' first='Brady' last='Dapkus'] (6'1" 180). Dapkus and Lackman also play on defense at DB and LB.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->