2012 Pre-Season Poll

1. Olathe South- Defending 6A State Champs are poised for another deep run this year.  The Falcons will rely on Braden Smith, Frank Seurer, and Remington Whitley to lead the way this season.

2. Lawrence- Despite the injury last season to Brad Strauss, the Lions made the 6A playoffs.  This year Lawrence could make some noise in the Sunflower League.  Watch for Brad Strauss, Erick Mayo, and Tyrone Jenkins to turn some heads.

3. Olathe East- The Hawks are always near the top of the Sunflower League thanks to great coaching by Jeff Meyers.  This year will be no different as OE returns a QB/RB combo of John Blazevic and Hayden Frazier.

4. Olathe North-  The Eagles went 5-4 last season and missed the playoffs which is fairly unusual for ON.  The return of head coach Gene Wier should boost ON's confidence this season.

5. SM East-  If you haven't heard yet, SME may have one of the most hyped players in the league this season.  Quarterback Jordan Darling transferred to East this season from Texas.  He's already picked up offers from Kansas, and Kansas State.

6. Lawrence Free State-  A 6-3 finish last season wasn't good enough to put the Firebirds in the 6A playoffs, but with a solid group of players returning this season Free State could be playoff bound.

7. SM West- The Vikings have been one of the most consistent teams in the league for the past eight years.  Look for West to continue their winning ways.

8. SM South-  Gabe Guild could be the best running back in the KC area this season.  He has blazing speed and great vision.  Look for second year coach Ryan Lonergan to let Guild carry the Raiders this season. 

9.  Olathe Northwest- The Ravens big three of Dalton Rook, Willie Cauley, and Connor Middleton are gone now.  How will ONW respond this season? Can they become another powerhouse, or will the three win seasons become consistent?

10. Leavenworth-  Leavenworth broke the playoff drought last season by finally making it in the first round of the 6A playoffs.  Look for Jason Randall to lead the Pioneers this season.  The Pioneers will have a tough haul however with a district that features Lawrence, and Lawrence Free State.

11. SM Northwest-  Still no head coach currently for the Cougars after the departure of Aaron Barnett.  A once up and coming program is now on the brink of becoming a bottom feeder.

12. SM North-  The loss of 20+ seniors will hurt the Indians this season.  Coach Grayless will have his hands full and North will try to obtain their first winning season in quite some time.

Way to early District Predictions-

District 1-
Lawrence 3-0
Free State 2-1
Leavenworth 1-2
Wyandotte 0-3

District 2-
SM East 3-0
SM West 2-1
SM Northwest 1-2
SM North 0-3

District 3-
BV Northwest 2-1
Olathe East 2-1
SM South 1-2
BV North 0-3

District 4-
Olathe South 3-0
Gardner Edgerton 2-1
Olathe North 1-2
Olathe Northwest 0-3