One of today’s stops📍
Russell (2A🏈, 4-0) is off to its best start in 25 years under second year head coach Cole Greenwood. The Broncos were 3-6 last year. The defense has only allowed six points combined over the last three weeks. Huge matchup versus Phillipsburg this week. Rylee Hackmann was at practice today and we will hear from them tomorrow. #sportsinkansas
SIK Pre-Season Player to Watch: Smith Center’s (1A) Kharson Montgomery enters 2025 as one of the top returning linemen in Class 1A. The 6’0”, 265-pound offensive guard and defensive tackle is coming off a strong junior year where he totaled 32 tackles and forced two fumbles earning SIK First-Team All State honors. For his career, Montgomery has 60 tackles, five forced fumbles, and a sack. Also a two-time state wrestling runner-up, Montgomery boasts impressive strength numbers: 315 bench, 315 clean, and 515 squat. When asked about the upcoming season, Montgomery said, “I’m really excited for the upcoming season as we are pretty much returning our whole team. We’ve been working hard all summer together in the weight room and on the field preparing for the season. The main goal is to have nothing less than a state championship.” He currently holds an offer from McPherson College. Football talent runs in the family—his relative Justin Montgomery was a standout defensive tackle at Kansas State. #sportsinkansas
Photo: Dale Stephens
SIK Pre-Season Player to Watch: Russell’s (2A) Walker Middleton has quietly built one of the most productive careers in the state. The 5’6”, 155-pound senior wide receiver and return threat is a three-year starter who has racked up 2,752 all-purpose yards heading into his final season. In 2024, Middleton hauled in 52 receptions for 731 yards and 6 touchdowns, added 294 rushing yards and 4 more scores, and housed a kick return touchdown, totaling 1,245 all-purpose yards. His junior campaign earned him unanimous first-team all-league honors at wide receiver and kick returner, along with first-team all-state recognition. His three-year stat totals heading into his senior season are 129 receptions, 1,570 yards, and 13 TDs. Rushing: 66 carries, 513 yards, 7 rushing TDs. “I’m excited for the season — we have a lot of experience returning this year,” Middleton said. “I think all the seniors want to change the culture around here and leave on a high note.” His older brother, Wyatt Middleton, was an all-state quarterback for Russell back in 2022. #sportsinkansas
Photo: Emma Basgall