8-Man I
Who: Leoti (12-0) vs. Little River (11-1)
When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Fischer Field, Newton
Overview:
- Both teams met in the State Championship game in 2020. Leoti looks to avenge their loss, and Little River looks to win yet another state championship game.
Leoti Indians
Coach Brant Douglas
Key players:
QB Erhik Hermosillo, senior, 5-8, 145 pounds (67-105 for 1,249 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, two interceptions, 1,851 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns)
HB/DE Khris Hermosillo, sophomore, 5-8, 175 pounds (117 rushes for 1,149 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns)
WR/DB Romeo Terriquez, senior, 6-0, 180 pounds (47 total tackles and six interceptions)
G/MLB Cordell Brown, senior, 6-1, 200 pounds (74 total tackles and 12 TFL’s)
TE/DBColton Harbin, junior, 6-1, 175 pounds (41 total tackles)
What makes your team special?
“This team has worked hard to create its own legacy at Wichita County. It has been great to see them establish their own identity and really take ownership of this season.”
Have any players been a surprise?
“Brandon Price, Juan Tapia and Colton Harbin have stepped up admirably in their first year of starting on varsity.”
What got your team into the state championship game?
“Our team has been relentless offensively and defensively throughout this season. We have the No. 1 scoring offense and defense in terms of points per game average.”
What does your team need to do in order to win the state championship game?
“We need to play with great effort and be assignment-sound in all three phases of the game.”
Little River Redskins
Coach Kevin Ayers
Key players:
RB/QB/LB Braxton Lafferty, senior, 6-1, 190 pounds (136 rushes, 1,509 rushing yards, 30 rushing touchdowns and 106 total tackles)
WR/FS Braden Young, senior, 5-9, 160 pounds (68 total tackles)
TE/RB/DE/LB Grant Stephens, senior, 5-9, 190 pounds (90 total tackles and 33 TFLs)
G/NG Carter Stansbury, junior, 5-9, 175 pounds (46 total tackles)
QB/DB Rylan Konen, senior, 6-1, 165 pounds (38-63 for 767 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, two interceptions thrown, 440 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns)
What makes your team special?
“It’s exciting and rewarding when you see all the hard work and sacrifice these kids have made
culminate in a state championship game. Our boys have done everything they can to make this
a reality. They truly lean on each other and have handled the adversity and ups and downs of a
demanding season. This team is All One and we have parents, a school, and community that
have given so much to help make this state title run happen.”
Who have been key players for you this season?
“Offensive line of Toby Jesseph, Carter Stansbury and Ruxton Birdsong have improved
tremendously. Our senior group of Grant Stephens, Corbin Herbst, Juzden Mazur,
Braxton Lafferty, Branden Young, Toby Jesseph, Rylan Konen and Kayston Cox have
done an outstanding job leading this team.”
Have any players been a surprise?
“Toby Jesseph has really played well. He was our leading tackler and anchor on the offensive line. Unfortunately he sustained a broken foot against Chase County.”
What got your team into the state championship game?
“It’s been a total team effort. Commitment to the little things it takes to be really good. I
like the chemistry and makeup of our team. They believe in and play for each other.”
What does your team need to do in order to win the state championship game?
“We have to play with a lot of emotion. Limit their big plays and win the turnover battle.”
