2010 VarsityKansas football team preview: Mulvane Wildcats
Coach
Dave Fennewald
19th season
90-80
“We’re gong to be able to put some points on the board. The big thing for us is we’re going to have to play better defense and special teams.”
At a glance
Last season: 4-5
Projected 2010 record: 5-4
Make playoffs: No
Best skill players
Player: Ht., Wt., Pos., Yr.
Gus Strunk, 5-11, 185, QB, Sr.
Brandon Ward, 6-0, 160, WR, Sr.
Jaman Rogers, 6-10, 170, LB, Sr.
Chance Swaney, 5-8, 190, LB, Sr.
Best linemen
Player: Ht., Wt., Pos., Yr.
Zach Burkhart: 6-4, 290, OL, Sr.
Dylan Nay: 6-0, 190, DL, Sr.
Tanner Thrash: 5-9, 235, OL, Sr.
Blake McBratney: 5-10, 190, OL, Sr.
Watch out for
Zach Burkhart OL
Chance Swaney LB
Jaman Rogers LB
Gus Strunk QB
Brandon Ward WR
Zach Burkhart on his team
What Mulvane does well: “Our quarterback, Gus Strunk, is probably one of the best offensive leaders we’ve had in a while. That’s definitely one of our strengths.”
What it has to improve: “We can improve on our defense. Obviously we didn’t do too well against the run, but coach has made some changes on what kind of defense we’re running so everyone has confidence.”
2010 Schedule
Date; Opponent; Time; 2009
Sept. 3; El Dorado; 7 p.m.; DNP
Sept. 10; Andale; 7 p.m.; DNP
Sept. 17; at Pratt; 7 p.m.; DNP
Sept. 24; Augusta; 7 p.m.; W, 45-10
Oct. 1; at Buhler; 7 p.m.; L, 49-14
Oct. 8; Rose Hill; 7 p.m.; L, 48-28
Oct. 15; Wellington; 7 p.m.; DNP
Oct. 22; at Clearwater; 7 p.m.; DNP
Oct. 29; at Winfield; 7 p.m.; DNP
Our breakdown
Fennewald has says he’s always been an offensive-minded coach and pointed out his team averaged more than just above 30 points per game over the last three seasons. His quarterback, Strunk, threw for 1,611 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior. Even so, Mulvane failed to make the playoffs. Mulvane Fennewald and his coaching staff will do more to emphasize defense the importance of both defense and special teams. It often gave opponents short fields to work with and Mulvane suffered in the loss column. If Mulvane can become a well-rounded team, then it should find itself one or two games over .500 by the end of the season.
-- Chris Elliott