Undefeated State Champs Eye Key Game 1 Matchups

Earlier in the week we posted the large classification (6A, 5A, 4A) state champion opening matchups for the 2026 season and are following up today with a quick look at the small class champs (3A, 2A, 1A) and who they open with.   All the defending champion teams have a target on their backs and week in and week out can expect to get the opposition's best game.   But even before that, the expectations are sky high for the champs and with it comes a whole new level of pressure to perform.   Add to that the impact of graduating key players and the uncertainty of young ballers stepping up early and it makes for some sleepless nights in the coaching ranks getting ready for the first game after the championship.   In this report we are taking a look at the undefeated 3A, 2A and 1A defending state champs and who their opening game matchups are with, as well as highlight key players in those games.   So, without further adieu, let's see what we can expect in the season opener:     GAME 1, September 4: Rose Hill (6-4) @ Andale (13-0) - there is some star power in this game with a couple of D1 players for the Rockets taking on the state champ and reigning Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) for the Indians.   Last year: Andale defeated Hayden 38-6, for the 3A Title.   [player_tooltip player_id='2087738' first='Jrayton' last='Dansel'], 6'0 205, LB/RB/ATH, Andale, '27, first up is the returning Non-Senior Defensive Player of the Year who helped his team to another undefeated state championship. He is coming off a strong season statistically as well, with 85 tackles, forced six fumbles and intercepted a pass. He has had a busy off-season training with Sharp Performance and this spring helped lead the track team to a state championship with a school record in the 4x1 relay and finished 2nd in state. He followed that up with a loaded June, hitting the combine circuit in multiple states. With his powerful frame and athleticism, coupled with quickness and great closing speed, he is a headhunter of an outside LB and a dangerous RB on the other side of the ball. This guy is ready to dominate.   [player_tooltip player_id='1655189' first='Remington' last='Merlau'], , 6'4, 245, Edge/ATH, Rose Hill, '27, it has been a fast & furious off-season, wrestling, playing baseball & training hard with <a href="https://x.com/RashadDaniels12">@RashadDaniels12</a> this summer; after a strong sophomore year the next-level interest is booming, with double-digit D1 offers, including Penn State & several SEC schools; he also showcased his game & fine-tuned skills on the camp circuit this summer; with prototype size, power & an explosive first step, he can athletically dip & rip off the edge but more often than not chooses to trample blockers in his path with a violent bull-rush getting to the QB; in addition to his physicality he is quick moving laterally & has a lethal finishing burst. This guy is going to punish people this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1362958' first='Levi' last='McLaughlin'], 6'3, 205, DB/ATH, Rose Hill, '27, he is the other big name for the Rockets as he recently committed to Illinois State as a talented defensive back with prototype size, length, speed and athleticism. He has been busy this off-season hitting the camp circuit showcasing his next-level skills. He also continued training with Coach Tabor and PIA and has produced some impressive measurables this summer, including a 4.4 forty, 4.2 shuttle and an explosive 10'2" broad jump. He is coming off an excellent junior year with 61 tackles and did not allow a TD pass all season. This guy is going to show why he is a D1 baller this fall.       GAME 1, September 4: Nemaha Central (13-0) @ Riley County (3-6) - the defending state champs graduated some key players but with young players stepping up as well as benefitting from a 300+ pound lineman transferring in from Nebraska, the Thunder are ready for the challenge.   Last year: Nemaha Central defeated SE Saline 35-6, for the 2A Title   [player_tooltip player_id='1657257' first='Cole' last='Ranieri'], 6'1, 185, QB, Nemaha Central, '28, (*PICTURED ABOVE*) up first is a young gunslinger who learned from a graduating All-State QB how to win a state title last year and will get his chance to try and run it back this fall. He has had a good off-season on the camp-combine circuit showcasing his athleticism as a dual-threat quarterback. His training is paying off as he posted excellent measurables this summer (4.6 40; 4.2 shuttle) and has stayed in shape playing basketball. He has a versatile arm and can make all of the throws, from quick strikes to dialing up the long ball. Coming off a state-championship season this multi-sport athlete has big shoes to fill and so far all indications are that he is ready for the challenge.   Max Hull, 6'5, 305, OL, Nemaha Central, '28, (transfer in off-season from Blue Hill, NE); it has been a whirlwind spring & summer hitting camps, attending spring practices and juggling fall visit offers. His off-season schedule this spring and summer in particular was brutal, hitting events at KU, K-State, Nebraska, Lindenwood, South Dakota, South Dakota St, North Dakota, & Iowa St; additionally, he has fall invites from Minnesota & Benedictine. With prototype size, strength & mobility he can play either guard or tackle; in the run game he is a crushing blocker & routinely hammers defenders into the turf; in pass pro he has quick feet & powerful hands walling off the perimeter; he is a great addition to the defending state-champ Thunder.       GAME 1, September 4: Moundridge (8-3) @ Sterling (13-0) - both teams were hit hard with graduation but the Black Bears return the top tackling tandem in the state who combined for an incredible 276 tackles...let that sink in... (and for good measure also racked up 24 tackles for a loss, 6 fumble recoveries, 3 Sacks and 2 interceptions between the two of them).   Last year: Sterling defeated Rossville 35-34, for the 1A Title   [player_tooltip player_id='2101930' first='Jacob' last='Lewis'], 6'0, 175, DB/ATH, Sterling, '28, next up is the returning overall state leader in tackles regardless of class with an eye-popping 174 tackles (no that ain't a typo...). He also had 16 tackles for loss, three sacks, picked off an interception and had five fumble recoveries. With outstanding anticipation, quickness and finishing speed, he can blow up inside run plays or use his speed to cut off backs on sweeps and options hitting the corners. He is also athletic and versatile enough to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball as well as return kicks.   David Myers<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/steven-cantrell/"></a> , 5'10, 165, LB/ATH, Sterling, '28, he is a versatile playmaker on both sides of the ball and on defense last fall formed the most dangerous tackling duo in the state when he and Lewis combined for an incredible 276 tackles between them. On the season he had 102 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and an interception on defense and on the other side of the ball had 200+ yards rushing, receiving and returns as an all-purpose back. No wonder they won state with a couple of headhunters like these guys and the scary thing is they still have two seasons left.     In conclusion, get out and see these guys in action this fall – you will not be disappointed.   And, as usual…   Keep grindin'

Earlier in the week we posted the large classification (6A, 5A, 4A) state champion opening matchups for the 2026 season and are following up today with a quick look at the small class champs (3A, 2A, 1A) and who they open with.