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After a 10-0 start, winning ton of individual awards and arguably the top public school in Kansas Class 4A, it would seem hard for Louisburg to match or top the season.

But the Wildcats feel in position to do just that, despite losing 810 Varsity’s Kansas Small Class Player of the Year in Austin Moore (1,400+ rushing yards, 21 TDs), and falling in the state playoffs to umpteen-time defending champ Bishop Miege.

Louisburg still returns a ton with all-state lineman Brayden White returning. The 6-foot-4, 280-pound senior is a three-year starter, including playing on the USA Football Under 16 team a year ago.

“Brayden doesn’t stop working to get bigger and better,” said Louisburg head coach Robert Ebenstein. “He’s meant a lot to the program and will be poised for a big year ahead.”

On the offensive side, White will join fellow three-year starter Garrett Harding (6-0, 230)  on the line, as well as junior Andy Hupp (6-foot-2, 210). Senior tight end Michael Waldron (6-foot-1, 170) also will block up front.

Senior Madden Rutherford (6-foot-4, 200) also returns as a three-year starter, and a two-time all-Frontier League quarterback. Rutherford has compiled a 16-4 record as a starter, and piled up 1,500+ total yards and 20 touchdowns with just two interceptions as a junior.

“His experience will help lead the offense again,” Ebenstein said. “It’s a great advantage to come into the season with a senior, experienced quarterback and a solid offensive line.”

Taking over in Moore’s shoes at running back will be the trio of senior Charlie Koontz (5-foot-11, 160), junior Ben Scollin (5-foot-10, 170) and junior Ben Wiedenmann (5-foot-11, 185).

Defensively, White will anchor the line as well. Harding and Koontz also join White in the trenches with Weidenmann at defensive end. Hupp returns as a starting outside linebacker. Waldron returns as a starting defensive back, while Scollin also will be in the secondary.

“We’re looking to have a great season and have some young kids getting an opportunity,” Ebenstein stated. “But they are all tough hard-nosed football kids who just want to play.”