What's scary for Kansas Class 5A - and the Sunflower League - ahead in 2022 isn't the fact that Mill Valley returns as defending state and league champions. Its the fact that last year was the rebuilding year for the Jaguars.

Mill Valley returns 13 starters from its 2021 squad that merely finished 12-1 and blew through the Class 5A state playoffs, capped by a 28-14 win over Maize in the state championship game. The state title continues what is now a three-peat with state titles under head coach Joel Applebee (103-35 overall), and bringing home the hardware in 2015 and 2016, and now 2019-2021.

"The titles reflect the hard work of not just the kids who played last year, but the ones before them and showed them the work it takes in the offseason, and focus during the season," said Applebee, now 103-35 at Mill Valley.

The Jaguars naturally are looking to notch up a fourth straight title, and with a loaded crew. 

Offensively, Mill Valley returns six starters, starting with quarterback Hayden Jay (6-foot-1, 180). The senior threw for 2,343 yards and 27 touchdowns, while also darting for 449 yards and 10 scores.

Jay will conduct operations behind a returning offensive line of seniors Ty Marsh, Jack Melvin and Spencer Vaka, as well as juniors Mason Kemp (6-foot-6, 205) and Blake Neis (6-0, 200). Senior Jack McKinnon (6-0 185) and junior Sully Suderman will help bolster the line.

"Bringing back an offensive line with that experience is invaluable," Applebee said. "Hayden continues to improve and having that group up front will just help him."

Junior running back Tristan Baker (5-foot-9, 170) dashed for 562 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021, while senior Amarian Graves and Sidney Lockhart (5-foot-8, 165) also will garner totes in the backfield.

Mill Valley does lose its top five receivers from a year ago, but a trio of seniors will snag catches in Hayes Miller (6-0, 185), Tate Nekola and Preston Oliver, as well as Bryant Wiltse. Juniors Preston Fischer and Gus Hawkins (6-foot-7, 225) also will be threats at tight end, as well as Davion Harris (6-foot-2, 195) in multiple positions.

Defensively, the Jaguars return seven starters, including senior defensive backs Mikey Bergeron (6-foot-2, 180; 91 tackles) and Dylan Massey (6-foot1-, 165; 37 tackles, two interceptions). Seniors Noah Coy (77 tackles, 10.5 for loss) and Broc Worcester (6-0, 200; 94 tackles) will patrol the field at linebacker, while Grant Rutkowski (51 tackles, 7.5 sacks) and Vaka (6-foot-2, 230) return up front as seniors, as well as junior defensive lineman Truman Griffith (6-foot-3, 240; 45 tackles, 10.5 sacks).

"We have a good mix of returners at all three levels on defense, and they'll help lead the way for the varsity newcomers," Applebee said.

Seniors Jameson Fisher (6-0, 160) and Baruch Hasabu (5-foot-9, 165) will help man the secondary, while junior Evan Seifert and sophomore Jayden Woods join the linebacker crew.