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TRL Football Preview: Jayhawk-Linn

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JAYHAWK-LINN JAYHAWKS

Head coach: Randy Leach (22-8 — .733, third season) Assistant coaches: Clint Johnson, Jason Casner, Joe Wunerly 2017 record: 8-2 (4-0 league)
2017 Jayhawk-Linn Football Schedule
DateOpponentResult
9/1v. NeodeshaW 28-26
9/8@ UniontownW 36-0
9/15@ OswegoW 48-6
9/22 v. Yates CenterW 42-6
9/29@ Pleasant RidgeW 38-22
10/6v. Drexel, MOL 22-20
10/13#v. NE-ArmaW 44-8
10/20#@ HumboldtW 34-30
10/26# v. ErieW 36-8
PLAYOFFS
10/31 v. Osage CityL 48-14
2017 season in review: Jayhawk-Linn has put together an impressive run through the Three Rivers League over the course of the last three seasons, going a perfect 10-0 against their league counterparts. The Jayhawks followed up an impressive 9-1 season in 2016 by finishing 8-2 in 2017. Head coach Randy Leach said in regard to 2017 that “The year went well!” After all, Jayhawk-Linn did not lose a contest until week six. Coach Leach was impressed with his roster saying, “Our kids responded well to adversity and worked hard during the season.” That hard work was paid off, as the Jayhawks earned their fourth straight playoff birth in 2017. Key departures: Brandon Gray / Harley Stone / Brandon Gillis / Jordan Jackson / Blaine Morrell Top returning players: OG/LB Zach Nickelson — (5-9, 195, Sr.) — First-team All-TRL OG/LB QB/FS Treyton Compton — (5-9, 155, Sr.) — First-team All-TRL QB RB/DB Hayden Broyles — (6-1, 175, Sr.) — First-team All-TRL DB WR/DB Mason Barrett — (6-0, 170, Sr.) OL/DL Hunter Foxworth — (5-10, 200, Sr.) RB/SS Lane Thompson — (5-11, 160, Jr.)
2018 season preview: Jayhawk-Linn is rolling into 2018 after two back-to-back fantastic seasons. Although the Jayhawks lost multiple standouts from their 2017 squad, they bring back a talented roster. Hayden Broyles returns after a 1,000 rushing season. In addition to Broyles, quarterback Treyton Compton returns after being voted as to the All-Three Rivers League first team. With the recent realignment of the Three Rivers League 11-man and 8-man divisions, the Jayhawks’ schedule will look different then in years past. New to the schedule are Pleasanton, Southeast, and Riverton. Head coach Randy Leach believes the upcoming schedule will be “tough.” However, coach Leach reiterates that, “If we can stay healthy physically and work hard, we have as good of a chance of any of the TRL teams to win the league.” In order to win their fourth straight Three Rivers League championship, coach Leach said, “We will have to play good football on every down of each game.” Predicted 2018 Three Rivers League finish: TRL Coaches Preseason Poll – 1st    SEK Sports Contributors – 1st
2018 Jayhawk-Linn Football Schedule
DateOpponent
8/31@ Yates Center*
9/7v. Uniontown*
9/14@ Pleasanton*
9/21# v. Humboldt
9/28# v. Southeast-Cherokee*
10/5#@ Northeast-Arma*
10/12#v. Erie
10/19#@Riverton
10/26 TBA
Biggest game of 2018: Humboldt. Both the Jayhawks and Cubs have had successful runs in recent seasons, making this a highly anticipated game. Last season Jayhawk-Linn defeated Humboldt in a thrilling contest that came down to the wire, winning 34-30. The two teams both have a realistic chance of heading into their week four tilt undefeated. This contest will also mark the beginning of district play for Jayhawk-Linn and Humboldt. Too add to the already high stakes this game will most likely carry, the winner will have the inside track to winning the Class 2A, District 1 title, as well as hosting a first-round playoff game. Can Jayhawk-Linn make it three straight victories over Humboldt and build towards another District 1 title?
Interview with Head Coach Randy Leach. SEK Sports.com: What is your opinion of the new playoff/district classifications? Randy Leach: “I like it! It provides a greater opportunity to make it out of district play.” SS: What defines a successful season for your program? RL: “Watching kids become successful and developing a sense of leadership, loyalty, and relationships.” SS: Does your team have any pre-game or walk through practice traditions? RL: “No, not really. However, we have started a tradition after the game. Hopefully you can see it for yourself.” SS: What do you see as being your biggest obstacle this upcoming season as a team? RL: “Depth and untested student-athletes.” SS: What do you feel are your teams’ strengths? RL: “Senior leadership.” SS: In one word the 2018 schedule can be described as? RL: “Tough.” SS: Jayhawk-Linn will contend for a Three Rivers League Title if? RL: “We are going to give a good effort.” SS: What do you most look forward to about this upcoming season? RL: “Coaching a great group group of young men that have a passion for the game.” I would like to give a huge thanks to head coach Randy Leach for taking time to share insight about the Jayhawks’ upcoming season, as well as wish his team the best of luck! Catch the next installment of the Three Rivers League football preseason preview on Thursday (5/23) when we cover the Northeast-Arma Vikings.