Ad Astra Radio is previewing our area high school football teams based on county. Today, we will preview Pawnee County.
Previous previews:
Larned Indians
Coach: Brady Keith, second season
Classification: 2A
District 8
2023: 6-3
Postseason: Lost to TMP 22-0
Best postseason finish: Semifinals 1971
Top returning players: Carson Shaver, sr., QB/DB; Carter Crosby, sr. OL/DL; Joseph Wilder, sr., OL/DL; Angel Bowersox, sr., OL/DL; Dalen Rasmussen, sr., RB/LB; Deacon Martin, sr., WR/DB; Keaton Bartley, jr., OL/DL; Mason Miller, jr., OL/DL; Mason Miller, jr., RB/DB; Tristan Regan, jr., WR/DB
Key game: Sept. 20 at Pratt. This will be a great test for Larned. With so much experience back, this is a great barometer for the Indians before district play.
Outlook: Larned enjoyed a breakthrough season last year, winning six games. The Indians return a lot of experience, including the entire offensive line. What’s more, the depth should be better for Larned with a lot of younger players challenging for playing time. Shaver will be one of the more exciting players in the area, and the Indians should put up some points. Larned is still in the same district with powerful Hoisington, but the Indians should make the playoffs right behind Hoisington. Then comes the next step in this program’s build – a playoff win (or more).
Pawnee Heights
Coach: Ryan Klenke, first season
Classification: Six player
District: 3
2023: 6-5
Postseason: Beat Southern Coffey County 70-20; beat Chetopa 49-34; lost to Cunningham 70-6
Best postseason finish: Semifinals 2007
Top returning players: Brady Carlson, sr.; Clayton Hammeke, sr.; Alexis Ibarra, jr.; Brynnen Cody, jr.; Roberto Cordero, so.
Key game: Oct. 18 vs. South Barber. With South Barber, generally a strong eight-man program, making the move to six-man, this should be a good one with major district implications, especially with Ingalls also in thie district.
Outlook: Pawnee Heights had a good season last year, reaching the state quarterfinals and having a winning record. The Tigers will be young but there’s also plenty of experience back. Carlson and Hammeke will be among the top players in six-man this season, and if the younger players can develop, the Tigers should still win some games.
