I cannot express enough how blessed I am to be able to suit up every Friday for the school I love,team I love, and community I love, I will never take this opportunity for granted, God is great!
Jr. David McDiffett takes over duties at Middle Safety this year for the Braves.
A season ago, he stepped in and started 5 games.. racked up 67 tkls. Had monster 12 tkl game in first round of playoffs vs. Caney Valley.
@MERCsports@sportsinkansas@KansasPregame#BeAShark
Junior QB Luke Stewart returns for the 2025 Season
Luke was an HM All-Class 2A QB a season ago, broke numerous single season passing records and has racked up 2,713 Passing Yards and 27 Passing TDs already in his career.
@sportsinkansas@MERCsports@KansasPregame#GoBraves
Returning first team all stater Blaise French with a 300 pound clean today for a school record. More than double current body weight - took it all the way to the floor! Also a 415 squatter/11.1 100m runner. Big season ahead!
@sportsinkansas@KansasPregame@MERCsports
The West Side All-Stars win the 2025 Kansas Shrine Bowl over the East with a score of 26-8. Check back later for post game interviews with Mackenzie Weller of SIK and some of the top performers of the night. #sportsinkansas
The West Side All-Stars win the 2025 Kansas Shrine Bowl over the East with a score of 26-8. Check back later for post game interviews with Mackenzie Weller of SIK and some of the top performers of the night. #sportsinkansas
Coach Dominick Dingle of Wichita Heights led the West All-Stars to a 26-8 victory over the East in the 2025 Shrine Bowl. Mackenzie Weller caught up with Coach Dingle following the win. #SportsInKansas
Shrine Bowl Player Spotlight: Ace Monihen of Council Grove High School will be representing the West Side All-Stars in the 2025 Kansas Shrine Bowl wearing #4. The 6-foot, 220-pound standout linebacker racked up 38 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and added a pick-six on defense. Offensively, Monihen exploded for 1,488 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, helping lead Council Grove to the Final Four. He was a SIK First Team All-Class defensive selection and a finalist for Offensive Player of the Year. “It is an honor to play in the Shrine Bowl,” Monihen said. “The best part is it’s not just a game of football, it’s for the kids. Raising money and knowing every donation was a blessing made this even more special. Always love to compete and improve my game, but as well as meeting the kids and hopefully making their day! ” Ace will continue his academic and athletic career at Baker University. #sportsinkansas
Photo: Brandy Villalobos
Shrine Bowl Player Spotlight: Karter Gonzalez from Hesston High School will suit up in #43 for the West Side All-Stars on Saturday in Dodge City. Standing at 5’11 220 pounds, Gonzalez plays linebacker and also contributed at running back this past season. Defensively, he recorded 105 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 pass breakups, and 1 interception. On offense, he rushed for 1,177 yards and scored 24 touchdowns on 156 carries, averaging 7.5 yards per carry. Gonzalez was a finalist for the 2024 Sports in Kansas 3A Defensive Player of the Year. He plans to continue his football career at Baker University. When asked about the Shrine Bowl, Gonzalez said, “I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to compete again, but most of all, I look forward to spending time with the Shriners Children during the hospital visit and playing for them.” Fun fact about Gonzalez - his favorite music is anything from the 70’s-90’s. #sportsinkansas Photo: Pam Weaver Photography
Congrats Holden Ziegler!
Holden is a late addition to the West Shrine Bowl roster. The Braves will have 2 players (Holden and Ace) on the team along with Coach Hayes!