Generally speaking, mid-April isn't exactly a prime time for high school football coverage. In fact, it might be considered the polar opposite of the heart of the football season. Most teams won't start their offseason workouts until late May or early June, and it's rare to have much go on in the Sunflower League high school football world in the meantime.
So as is custom on my blog, I've created another list to fill the time in between. The list is my opinion of the top teams in the Sunflower League since 2000. Feel free to comment and post your own lists in the comments section.
1. Olathe North, 2000
(12-0, 6A State Champions)
Head Coach Gene Wier
The 2000 Eagles dismantled their opponents by an average score of 44-8. They were led by running backs Darren Sproles and Maurice Mack, who combined to rush for 3,464 yards and 60 touchdowns on the season. In their three playoff games Olathe North outscored their opponents 145-7, including a 42-7 victory over Manhattan in the state championship game.
2. Olathe North, 2001
(12-0, 6A State Champions)Head Coach Gene Wier
The Eagles won their second straight title in 2001 behind the firepower of their three star players, Maurice Mack, Royal Whitaker, and Josh Carroll--all of whom took home Kansas Top 11 honors following the season. This team was known for their defensive prowess, giving up a mere 65 points in 12 games, an average of 5.4 points per game, including five shutout victories.
3. Olathe North, 2004 (right)
(12-1, 5A State Runner-Up)
Head Coach John McCall
Undoubtedly the most talented team not to win a state championship. The combination of Dustin Moomau, the Gore twins, Justin and Jason, and Randy Shephard, among others, made this one of the most athletic teams of the last 12 seasons. A Moomau injury in the title game derailed their chances at a fifth straight state title.
4. Olathe North, 2002
(13-0, 6A State Champions)
Head Coach Gene WierThe playoff expansion in 2002 didn't make much of a difference for this Olathe North squad, led by Jim Bouknight's 2,793 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns. The team rolled to an undefeated season capped off by a 41-12 beatdown of Derby in the state championship game, keeping alive a 38-game winning streak.
5. Olathe North, 2009
(13-0, 6A State Champions)
Head Coach Pete Flood
The 2009 edition of Olathe North featured four players who went on to play football at Big 12 schools, not to mention running back James Franklin, who rushed for 2,803 yards and 31 touchdowns. They brought the title back to Olathe North for the first time since 2003.
6. Shawnee Mission West, 2006
(12-1, 6A State Runner-Up)
Head Coach Tim Callghan
This was another great team that came up just short of a title. Led by Division One bound Blake Lawrence and David Leonard, the Vikings' closest margin of victory in their first 12 games was a 16 point win over Lawrence in Sectionals. The Vikings came up a touchdown short in the state title game against Hutchinson.
7. Olathe East, 2005
(12-1, 6A State Runner-Up)
Head Coach Jeff Meyers
Olathe East's quarterback Derek Miller was everybody's All-American during 2005, passing for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns and anchoring the team's stellar defense. He looked like a lock for the Simone until he threw four interceptions in the title game, a microcosm of the Hawks' loss that day.
8. Olathe North, 2003
(10-3, 6A State Champions)
Head Coach John McCall
The hangover of losing former head coach Gene Wier to the Texas high school football ranks took some time to get over (the Eagles started 4-3) but the team got rolling come playoff time. Leaning heavily on Mike McCall and Justin Gore offensively, the Eagles won their last six games, including their fourth straight title.
9. Olathe East, 2003
(10-1, 6A Quarterfinalist)
Head Coach Jeff Meyers
Anthony Parks and Andre Jones were highlight reel staples across the metro in 2003, helping the team to a blazing 10-0 start. After a 73-yard touchdown run from Jones gave the Hawks a 7-0 lead against Blue Valley North in Sectionals, things fell apart, and the team ended the season with a 21-16 loss.
10. Lawrence Free State, 2006
(11-1, 6A Semifinalist)
Head Coach Bob Lisher
With twins Ryan and Brian Murphy at the quarterback and running back positions, this Free State team was simply electric. Three times during the season they scored over 60 points, and their defense was also solid as teams struggled against their 3-5-3 format. They came up short in the Sub-State game against SM West.
Honorable Mention: Lawrence '05; Lawrence Free State '08; Olathe East '02, 04, '05; Olathe North '07, '10; Olathe South '00, '01, '04, '07; SM Northwest '03, '07; SM North '00; SM West '04.
