2010 VarsityKansas football team preview: Andover Trojans
Coach
Mike Lee
Fourth season
23-8
“We’ve got a small senior class, but this is the best group by far we’ve had when it comes to chemistry in the four years I’ve been there.”
At a glance
Last season: 9-2
Projected 2010 record: 7-2
Make playoffs: Yes
Best skill players
Player: Ht., Wt., Pos, Yr
Ben Croitoru: 6-0, 185, RB-DB, Sr.
Caleb Windholz: 6-0, 190, WR, Sr.
Jordan Jones: 5-10, 165, QB-DB, Jr.
Blake Gumeringer, 6-0, 210, RB-LB, Jr.
Best linemen
Player: Ht., Wt., Pos, Yr
Parker Smith: 6-1, 230, OL, Sr.
Luke Linder: 6-2, 220, OL-DL, Sr.
Phil Heironimus: 6-0, 220, DL, Sr.
Thane Vulmer: 5-10, 190, OL-DL, Jr.
Watch out for
Caleb Windholz WR
Parker Smith OL
Blake Gumeringer LB
Luke Linder OL-DL
Ben Croitoru RB-DB
Ben Croitoru on his team
What Andover does well: “I think our biggest strength is unity. We’ve all been playing with each other since we were in elementary school. We all fit together well and play as a team.” What it has to improve: “We can work on having a sound defense and being aware at all times. We could also help out the kids that aren’t as experienced as us.”
2010 Schedule
Date, Opponent, Time, 2009
Sept. 3 at McPherson, 7 p.m., DNP
Sept. 10, Newton, 7 p.m., DNP
Sept. 17 at Valley Center, 7 p.m., DNP
Sept. 24, Maize, 7 p.m., DNP
Oct. 1 at Derby, 7 p.m., DNP
Oct. 8 at Goddard, 7 p.m., DNP
Oct. 15, Andover Central, 7 p.m.; W,37-12
Oct. 22, Kapaun, 7 p.m., DNP
Oct. 28 at Arkansas City, 7 p.m., DNP
Our breakdown
Andover doesn’t expect to struggle despite ’s 9-2 record speaks for itself as far as the level that Lee and his team expect to compete at on a weekly basis. After being bumped up to Class 5A and moving to Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division II, but challenges will be everywhere with new opponents such as Andover could find the road to success a little more challenging facing opponents like McPherson, Derby and Kapaun Mount Carmel. The team will rely heavily on Croitoru, who rushed for more than 120 yards per game as a junior. Jones has one game as a starter under his belt; he was thrust into the role in the second-round Class 4A playoff game. Though his team lost to Topeka Hayden, Jones gained the confidence of his teammates.
-- Chris Elliott