Local high school football programs are getting set to kick off the fall season this week with jamborees on Friday evening.
There are high hopes for the programs in Humboldt and Crest, which advanced deep in the postseason last year, while others who are simply focused on improving, like Yates Center and Southern Coffey County.
Iola
The Mustangs come into this fall with one of their biggest senior classes in recent memory. Iola graduated only six seniors last year, including current St. Mary’s College freshman Jake Skahan. Iola should be deep all around the field this season.
Those looking to make a difference will be quarterback Landon Weide, who passed for eight touchdowns and 596 yards last year, Draydon Reiter at running back, Danny Boeken and Kolton Greathouse on the defensive line, Ben Kerr at linebacker and Korbin Cloud at receiver. 
“The strength of our team is our experience,” said head coach David Daugharthy. “We have multiple seniors that will have started three or four years for us and many of them played a lot as sophomores even though they may not have started. On top of our junior class, we have a group of young men that have accumulated quite a few minutes of experience.”
Humboldt
The Cubs are riding the momentum from a regional championship title over Osage City last November. Former Humboldt standout and current Emporia State running back Trey Sommer helped propel the Cubs to a meeting with eventual state champion, Nemaha Central.
Even after losing Sommer to graduation, Humboldt returns six offensive and seven defensive starters as well as 15 returning lettermen. Those returning standouts include quarterback Blake Ellis, running back Cole Mathes, receivers Sam Hull and Jacob Harrington and linemen Kyler Isbell and Garren Goodner.
“Every year our team goals stay the same: win a Tri-Valley League title, win our district title and to get to practice through Thanksgiving with a win at the state championship in Salina,” said head coach Logan Wyrick. “Obviously, to meet those goals we must have a great week of preparation and goals to meet each week. We’ve got some big shoes to fill.”
Crest
Crest went deep into the playoffs and secured a Three Rivers League regular season title last year, being led by senior running back Holden Barker and senior quarterback Ethan Godderz. The Lancers reached the second round of the playoffs before losing at Osborne, 34-18.
This is a rebuilding year for the Lancers who lose 11 lettermen and return only five, including seniors Ryan Golden, Logan Kistner, Jerry Rodriguez and Rogan Weir. Top newcomers will be Gentry McGhee and Denton Ramsey.
“These guys have always done a great job of being leaders to the younger kids and for our JV team,” head coach Nick McAnulty said. “They had a big group of seniors ahead of them so they didn’t always have a ton of varsity opportunities with that many older guys, but they have always contributed when given the opportunity.”
Marmaton Valley
The Wildcats are keyed in on earning an above-.500 record and winning a Three Rivers League title in eight-man football. With more returning starters, they have a better chance at winning the league title this year.
Leaders on both sides of the ball include lineman Daniel Fewins, quarterback Brayden Lawson, wide receiver and defensive backs Jaedon Granere and Tyler Lord as well as linebacker and tight end Brevyn Campbell. Last year, Lawson and Granere were each tabbed to the All-State Honorable Mention list. 
“Pound for pound, we should be one of the fastest teams in the state,” said head coach Max Mickunas. “All of our skill guys have gotten faster since last season. Brayden Lawson is a problem for other teams running the football because of his size and speed combination. Jaedon, Tyler, Cooper Scharff, and Todd Stevenson all have the speed and elusiveness to make big plays.”
Yates Center
With only two returning seniors and no juniors on the roster, the Wildcats will rely on sophomores and freshmen to play a significant role. The good news is that the future of the Yates Center team can rest assured.
Senior Wildcats Damien Andrews and Blake Morrison and sophomore Eli Hess will look to make a difference. Andrews will line up as the starting running back and Morrison will start at quarterback. Jeremiah Jones and Evan McVey will also look to make an impact as freshmen.
