>> Olathe Northwest team page, schedule <<

Olathe Northwest head coach Aaron ‘Bear’ Hafner says one of the first and biggest challenges he and his coaches had when taking over the Raven football program in 2018 was creating a positive culture and to try and make football fun again for his players.

“We have worked really hard to change our culture and mindset to create a fun environment to be a Raven football player,” Hafner said pridefully. “We think we are close to turning the corner and starting to see the efforts of our players and coaches pay off.”

Last season the Ravens posted their best win percentage since 2015. Their 3-4 record included a five-point loss to a salty Olathe East team and and an 18-point improvement in between games against fellow 6A squad and state quarterfinalist Olathe North. 

Prior to Hafner’s arrival the Ravens saw moderate success in the formidable Sunflower League, but struggled to push through to join the success enjoyed by the top echelon teams. Now, with confidence percolating, the top Raven says his program is on the rise due to a team-first mentality and a cohesive coaching staff.

“We have great players who know what it means to work hard,” Hafner said admirably. “The development we’ve seen in our guys is a direct result form their fantastic work ethic and also because of the support from our coaches - who are all returning this year.”

The Ravens offense returns six starters, including senior quarterback Ethan Rains who will battle fellow play caller junior Ryan Kawaoka to line up behind center. Regardless of who earns the title of QB1, both quarterbacks will again be tasked with being the cornerstone of their triple-option Flexbone style of offense, thanks to their football intelligence and ability to make plays with their legs.

Setting up shop in the off-set backfield will be senior back Brett Dechant. Hafner said junior back Eric Butler and senior Logan Wallace are a couple of players to keep an eye on as the season develops who will be leaned on to provide positive carries throughout the season.

The offensive line returns some nice pieces, but will be looking for some of the younger players to step up and earn time on Friday nights. Junior linemen Lucas Conover and Reed Newbanks will be the anchor of the line while junior Jacob Skoczek will also be asked to step-in and help solidify the line.

Wideouts Ethan Rains, Manny Melendez are two seniors who will see plenty of snaps again this year. Joining the speedy seniors will be two Max’s - junior Max Keller and senior Max Weaver. Rains also saw snaps at slot last year, which lends itself to some possible razzle-dazzle plays this season. 

Hafner says his offensive group has some of the top playmaking talent in the area, but will still look to add depth through old-fashioned player development. 

“We need to fill some offensive voids from graduation, but developing players is something our coaching staff does as well as program in the area,” Hafner said excitedly. 

On defense, Olathe NW return nine starters from last year’s team that held opponents to an average of 20 points-per-game, which was fourth best in the Sunflower League. 

The Ravens rely on a 4-2-5 defensive set, which takes advantage of collective speed at all 11 positions. It can also cause trouble for quarterbacks who aren’t used to seeing the nickel-esque scheme. 

“We have some incredible talent on the defensive side of the ball and will cause trouble for our opponents,” Hafner gushed, “We’ll need every player to play to their potential to make a strong post-season run this year.”

Leading the defensive push up front will be seniors Jayden Oquendo (6-foot-2, 300) and Jackson Friz (6-foot-5, 215) both of whom are considered to be two of the top 20 defensive linemen in Kansas. Fellow seniors Jackson Powell and Ethan Sadler will also draw plenty of attention thanks to their experience and playmaking ability. 

The linebacking corp is led by juniors Alex Gunderson who has been spotted on recruiting lists as well, as one of the top 20 underclass linebackers in Kansas. 

Joining Gunderson in the defensive midfield will be senior Zayne Wilson. Hafner said to watch for senior Ryan Hoyt and junior Aaron Thomsen to push for playing time as well. 

The secondary for the Ravens will again be loaded with speed. Seniors Jack Fucik, Chris Urban and junior Micah Geary all return to their starting positions. The returning starter defensive back trio will be spelled and joined by three seniors: Jose Arteaga, Rashaun Locke and Carson Reeves. 

Hafner said special teams is another area where the Ravens can excel. Senior kicker CJ Elrichs is one of the top kickers in the state and long snapper Brett Dechant will be snapping to help ensure the kicks are true.

“We have one of the best kickers and long snappers in the state,” Hafner proclaimed. “When called upon, we have great confidence in our guys to get the job done.”

Hafner reiterated that the team culture is a key component of any successful program. He added that the youth program is also playing an important role in the next group of gridiron Ravens.

“Our numbers will be very good at all levels, which will be important for us to compete this year and in the future,” Hafner speculated. “We are excited about the 2021 football season and the opportunity to showcase our hard work and dedication to improve.”

Olathe Northwest opens its 2021 campaign on September 3 against cross-town rival, Olathe West.

>> Olathe Northwest team page, schedule <<