It’s official, folks. The 2022 season is upon us and the Kansas High School Football Association is treating us to an exciting slate of contests this season. KHSAA football is in great form right now with several top teams and playmakers across the state. The programs are loaded with talent, depth, speed, and skill. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone who has yet to be exposed to high school football, there’s something for everybody this year. That being said, let’s take a look at some notable storylines as we head into the new campaign:
| Event: | Kansas School Football |
| Start Date: | August 2022 |
| Broadcast: | NFHS Network |
| State: | Kansas |
| Live Stream: | Watch Here |
The top teams are loaded with talent
There are plenty of blue-chip prospects on the top teams across the state. Top programs like Bishop Miege, Blue Valley, and Wamego all return significant pieces to the fold. Wamego has a new coach, but that shouldn’t stop them from taking the next step this season. The same can be said for Bishop Miege, who also has a new coach but has reloaded with a ton of talent coming back. Top coaches in the state highlight a ton of depth at key positions around the state. You can find a ton of talent across the state at running back, wide receiver, defensive back, defensive line, and linebacker. Kicking and punting coaches are especially talented and able to produce high quality kickers and punters.
Bishop Miege is the new favorite to win it all
Bishop Miege has been tabbed by most as the favorite to win the KHSAA State Championship this season. Some pundits even have them as the favorite to win it all, which is certainly a bold statement to make. After falling just short of the title in 2018, Miege is loaded with talent and should be a tough out in the state. Miege has a strong quarterback situation with Hunter Thompson and Jacob Hurt facing the challenge of stepping up. Miege also returns a key offensive line featuring senior captains Matt Kendall and Hunter Ingram. The key for the Miege offense this season will be the play of the wide receivers. Miege has a lot of talented options, but the group must stay healthy to be successful this season.
Blue Valley has a lot of returning stars and could be special again
Out west in Blue Valley, they have a new coach, new system, and a ton of talent coming back. The program was on the cusp of taking the next step last season, but fell just short of a state title. With a new coach, system, and several key players returning, don’t be surprised if Blue Valley finishes as a top-5 team in 2022. Blue Valley can find success offensively with junior quarterback Bryce Siggins. Expect Siggins to have a big season, but the key for the offense will be the play of the offensive line. The O-line lost a ton of experience from last season, but there are some talented pieces returning. The return of senior lineman Michael Vinson should help shore up some of the O-line’s issues.
Shocker football is alive and well in Kansas, maybe more so than ever before
The Shocker football team is back in the state’s top-3 for the first time since 2009. Shocker has a ton of talent returning on both sides of the ball, which is a good sign for the team this season. There’s a ton of attention given to Shocker football, and the team should have no problem getting the attention they desire this season. The team returns a ton of talent at running back, wide receiver, and quarterback. At quarterback, junior Caleb Hall is the team’s signal-caller, but he’ll be challenged by a couple of talented players. The skill positions should have a nice mix of veterans and talented newcomers this season.
It’s going to be very, very difficult for any newcomer to make a splash
Kansas high school football is a tough business and it’s not easy to make a splash. Even the top programs in the state have struggled to make a major impact in recent years. New programs like Hillcrest, Blue Valley, and Bishop Miege may find success, but it’s going to be very difficult for any newcomer to make a splash. There are several programs that could surprise, like Blue Valley, Hillcrest, or Wamego, but don’t expect to see a ton of game-changers this season. The top programs are loaded with talent and depth, so it’s going to take a ton of luck for any newcomers to break through this season.
Key Players To Know: Who To Watch And Who Needs To Step Up?
For the top teams in the state, there are a number of key players to know. For Bishop Miege, you’ll want to know about Hunter Thompson, Matt Kendall, and Hunter Ingram. Blue Valley will be looking for some production from Bryce Siggins, Brandon Hicks, and Jacob Hurt. For Wamego, you’ll want to know about Bryce Franklin, Tyler Satterfield, and Michael Vinson. For Shocker, you’ll want to know about Caleb Hall, and for Blue Valley, you’ll want to know about Brandon Hicks.
Team Breakdown: Who’s On Each Squad That You Should Know About?
As mentioned in the key players section, here are the top teams in the state and the players to watch on their squad. This is by no means a complete list. It’s just a good place to start.
Final Thoughts – are you excited yet?
It’s time to get excited! Kansas high school football is one of the most exciting sports to follow. The level of talent across the state is high, and the play of the top programs will be hard to miss. Kansas has great high school football and that’s a good thing. You’ll love the action, you’ll love the rivalries, and you’ll love the talent. So, get ready for the new season. You’ll be glad you did.
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