Blue Valley West reached the doorstep of the Kansas Class 6A state title game a year ago. Now the Jaguars look to walk through that door to the title game in 2022.

West finished 7-5 overall and entered the playoffs at 4-4, but reeled off three straight wins before losing to Eastern Kansas League and eventual state champion Blue Valley Northwest in the state semifinals.

“2021 was a great year, and 2022 has the chance to be even better," stated head coach Josh Koerkenmeier. “We lose a lot of toughness and leadership from our senior class but return a talented core of starters. Our success will be determined by this group's ability to find an identity and play for each other.”

The Jaguars return six starters offensively, with seven back on defense. Leading the way offensively is junior running back Sage Huffman, who exploded on the scene with 1,457 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns to earn first-team all-league and all-Kansas Class 6A honors.

“Sage was one of the best backs in the state as a sophomore and will be even better this year,” touted Koerkenmeier. “His combination of speed, quickness, and vision make him a special player.”

Lining up at quarterback will either be senior Zach Darche, or senior Brayden Nagy, son of Chiefs quarterback coach Matt Nagy, who returned to the area from Chicago.

“Our passing game will develop as our quarterbacks get more experience, but our receiving core will be much improved from last year.”

Either playcaller will have a great target in Jack Schneider, a 6-0, 175-pound senior who was first team all-EKL and honorable mention state. The receiver hauled in 517 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, while adding 94 rushing yards and throwing for 176 yards.

Joining Schneider on the outside will be senior wideout Andrew Coltharp, who finished with 340 receiving yards and four scores. Junior Crew Myers (5-foot-11, 160) and sophomore Tyler Peterson (6-foot-5, 165) also figure to haul in receptions.

The offensive line brings back three starters, starting with senior Terrance Saunders (6-foot-4, 270), as well as juniors Jackson Cunningham and Hadley Holmes. Stepping into action up front will be senior Braden Gilbert, and juniors Myles Ewell and Lucas Burnett.

Others figuring to make big contributions offensively are senior tight end Josh Kidd and junior running back Tyler Bono.

Stepping across to the defense, Blue Valley West feels great returning two starting linebackers and its entire secondary. Darche, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound senior, was tabbed first-team EKL and all-state at linebacker after racking up 110 tackles and holding numerous FCS offers and getting FBS interest.

“His ability to run sideline to sideline from inside linebacker is special.”

Kidd, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound senior linebacker, was named honorable mention EKL at outside linebacker. Senior Luke Axtell and junior Kenny Woods will step up at newcomers in the linebacker patrol.

In the secondary, Schneider plays on both sides with 29 tackles, four forced turnovers and two blocked field goals. Fellow senior Lake Ryan (6-foot-3, 200) notched 78 tackles and four picks, and holds MIAA offers. Seniors Kaden Rock and cornerback John Michael Pujado (5-foot-10, 165) also return as starting defensive backs, while junior Brady Watts (5-foot-10, 145) will see time too.

Up front, Brody McManamon (6-foot-1, 245) returns after starting as just a sophomore. Junior Hadley Holmes and sophomore Nico Cocumelli (6-foot-3, 225) also will line up in the trenches.

The Eastern Kansas League schedule again will be rugged for all, including the Jaguars. But iron sharpens iron, as seen last year by West’s run to the state semifinals.

“The EKL as always will be the best in the state, but we’ll be run by playoffs again,” Koerkenmeier said.