By Blake Chadwickk

Class 3A

Who: Andale (11-0) vs. Perry-Lecompton (11-1)

When: 1 p.m., Saturday

Where: Hutchinson Community College

Overview: In a battle of 11-win teams, the Andale Indians take on the Perry-Lecompton Kaws in the Class 3A title game.

The Andale Indians, who are on a 24-game winning streak, look to win back-to-back state championships for the second time. Andale won in 2006 and 2007.

The Kaws, on the other hand, look to avenge their loss last year when the Andale Indians ended their season 35-7 while on the way to win the Class 3A state championship. 

Andale Indians

Head Coach: Dylan Schmidt

• Key Players

• • • RB Eli Rowland 5-10, 160, Sr. (1,419 rushing yards, 21 rushing touchdowns, 7 receiving touchdowns and 2 punt return touchdowns) 
    • ATH Senior Noah Meyer 5-8, 165, Sr. (1,029 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns and 10 passing touchdowns)
    • TE-LB Caden Parthemer 6-1, 175, Sr. (64 tackles and 2 int)
    • DL Cayden Winter 6-0, 220, Sr. (57 tackles and 2 sacks)
    • FB-MLB Jacob Engelbrecht 5-8, 190, Sr. (45 tackles)
    • DE Eli Aouad 6-0, 170, Sr. (52 tackles and 2 sacks)

Who was someone who was a surprise? 

“I don’t know that we’ve really had a surprise, to be honest. Not to come off as cocky or arrogant, but we expect our guys to do well. The guys we felt would step up did and have performed well.

“We lost out on one game during the year, but the biggest surprise is …. We’re sitting here about to play in the state championship game and only lost out on playing one game (due to COVID).

“Individually or team wise, we haven’t had a lot of surprises.”

What do you have to do to win the state championship?

“We expect to be here, expect to perform well. We’re going to have to play well, obviously. One of the things we preach all the time is turnover margin. We’ve been 3-1 all year. If that will continue, I like our chances. 

“We’ll obviously have to be able to run the football and play good defense. That’s been a staple of Andale football for us this year and previous years.”

Who has been a standout for you this year?

“Everyone. It truly does take everyone. 

Eli Rowland is the guy for us that has had a great year. But it doesn’t happen without our guys up front — Cayden Winter, who is a great offensive lineman. Caden Parthemer  and Eli Aouad, another senior captain up front for us.

“Noah Meyer, broke his thumb, moved from QB to RB. He’s had a tremendous year.

Jake Engelbrecht plays fullback for us. He’s had a great year, despite being dinged up a little bit.

“Meyer and Rowland are the guys we try to get the ball to. We rely on a lot of running backs to block. It’s a system offense. And so it’s not like we have a guy who has 2,000 passing yards and 2000 rushing yards. 

“We have impressive stats, but they’re impressive team stats.”

How glad are you to be back to the state championship?

“I’m ecstatic. It’s one of those deals, that’s your goal every year and to be able to get here, especially in this type of year makes it more special.

“It’s the mission every year and it’s what you strive for in all sports and life — you want to be the best you can be and get to the highest level. It’s fun to be a part of that kind of situation. 

“I’m happy for those kids. They missed out on their junior track season or spring baseball season. To potentially miss out on another season. What a tough time to be a kid. For them to have the opportunity, that makes it extra special.”

Perry-Lecompton Kaws

Head Coach: Mike Paramore

• Key Players

• • QB Thad Metcalfe 5-9, 170, Sr. (79/123, 1,251 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns, 1,213 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns)
  • RB Reichen Rush 5-11, 165, Jr. (933 rushing yards)
  • WR Parker Stone 6-2, 170, Sr. (28 receptions, 544 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns)
  • WR Dawson Williams 6-2, 175, Sr. (21 receptions, 300 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns)
  • TE Hunter Hess 6-1, 185, Sr. (17 receptions, 375 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns)
  • OL Sean Urban 6-2, 285, Sr. 
  • LB Hayden Robb 5-11, 220, Sr. (125 total tackles, went over 500 career tackles last week)

What makes your team special? 

“We have an outstanding group of seniors, who have stayed the course and handled the adversity that this season of COVID has thrown our way. They continue to stay focused on their goals and do all things necessary to keep this season going.”

Have any players been a surprise? 

“Not really a surprise, but Thad (Metcalfe) has done an outstanding job stepping in at QB after we lost all-State QB William Welch in Game 3…. With that, Reichen had to step in at TB and has performed exceptionally well.” 

What got your team into the playoffs? 

“I believe we have played very well in the playoffs with good defensive efforts and being balanced on offense.  Having been consistent and taking care of the ball and executing what we do has allowed us the opportunity to play for a state championship.”

What does your team need to do to win the state championship? 

“We have a great challenge in front of us Saturday, playing an exceptional team in Andale.  We will need to continue to play well and get some stops on defense, execute and put together some drives on offense, take care of the ball and play with a high level of energy. “