Shawnee Heights enters the 2026 football season with a young roster, but coach Jason Swift believes the lack of experience could create opportunities for players who have spent the offseason preparing to compete for varsity jobs.
The Thunderbirds went 4-5 in 2025 and return five offensive starters and three defensive starters. Swift, entering his 24th season at Shawnee Heights, expects the competition for playing time to be intense as players attempt to turn their work in the weight room and other sports into opportunities on Friday nights.
“This is a type of years where players can win varsity jobs in the off-season,” Swift said. “Our team is young in experience, but most of the players have grown in the weight room and by competing in different sports.”
The Thunderbirds have plenty of options at the skill positions, particularly at receiver.
Dallas Owens, Javon Williams and Carter Kamanda are among the receivers expected to contribute, while Cale Lincoln and Julien League also give Shawnee Heights depth at the position.
The offensive line returns three important pieces in Will Skaggs, Evan Jones and Amir Bass. Skaggs is a third-year starter and a two-time All-United Kansas Conference second-team selection.
“We bring a wealth of great receivers,” Swift said. “Our line returns three pivotal players with third year starter Will Skaggs and Evan Jones and Amir Bass.”
Trone Purvis also enters his senior season after finishing 2025 with a strong performance against Seaman. Purvis carried 33 times for 138 yards in that game and could take on an expanded role in the backfield.
At quarterback, Shawnee Heights will have a competition between senior Kolby Kutscher and sophomore Kellan Haverkamp. Swift said both are talented athletes capable of leading the offense.
“Kolby has worked hard on his game and will get the chance to win the position as he battled with Kellan Haverkamp, sophomore,” Swift said. “Both are tremendous athletes that can help lead us at quarterback.”
Kutscher is among the team’s top returning offensive players, along with Purvis, senior offensive lineman Adrian Schuler and junior receivers Cale Lincoln, Carter Kamanda and Julien League.
The Thunderbirds will have more youth to sort through on defense, where only three starters return. But Swift sees plenty of athleticism and believes competition will help determine the best combinations.
Christian Labrador and Brody Daniels return at safety and bring a physical style to the secondary. Senior linebacker Quinn Busenitz also provides an important veteran presence after missing two seasons because of injuries.
“Quinn Busenitz, a senior that lost two years to injury has done a tremendous job of being a leader with fire,” Swift said.
Senior defensive lineman Caiden Hiracheta is another player Swift expects to make an impact. Hiracheta is a big, quick lineman who could provide pressure up front despite the defense’s overall lack of experience along the line.
“He is a big, quick lineman that can create havoc for the opposing line,” Swift said.
Other key defensive players include junior Malachi Lee at defensive end, junior Carter Standifer at linebacker, sophomore Carter Rottinghaus in the secondary and sophomore Jaxen Holliday at defensive end.
Special teams could provide another strength.
Senior Isaac Fisher has developed his kicking game through offseason work with Camden Granado of Iowa Western and already found success on kickoffs and PATs at the varsity level.
“Isaac has a tremendous leg,” Swift said. “When Isaac stepped in on the varsity field, he was successful on kickoffs and PATs. Expect him to have a breakout year on special teams.”
With a young roster and numerous positions still up for grabs, Shawnee Heights will enter the season relying on competition to identify the players ready to make the jump to varsity football.
For the Thunderbirds, that process began well before the first Friday night.
“Our skills are so deep that we will be able to see who fits best at receiver and what players’ strength is on the defensive side,” Swift said.
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