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Ruskin looks to the future and took a big step this offseason hiring long-time head coach Tim Callaghan.

Callaghan now oversees the Eagles after winning 110 games and a state title in 20 years at Shawnee Mission West. The veteran coach looks to lead a program that hasn’t notched over two wins since 2009, and a winning record since…

Well, that’s in the past and the focus is looking forward.

“The Eagles understand in order to turn things around, they have to show up, go to work and do what’s best for the team,” Callaghan stated. “We’ve had great attendance all summer long, and I’m very excited to see Ruskin progress throughout the season, and finish what coach Perkins started.”

Among those Eagles working this summer have been a trio of hopefuls at quarterback in senior Kain White, sophomore Adarious Brown and freshman Joey Briscoe.

In the backfield, juniors Leonard Butler (5-foot-10, 170) and Marlon Andrews will line up at running back, while Logan Taylor, Elijah Pitts, Adarious Brown, and Matt Jones also may get carries.

On the outside, seniors Preston Black (5-foot-10, 150) and Pierre Smith, as well as junior Quinten Henderson will be targets at wideout, while Zymire Johnson (5-foot-7), Roger Haney and Jordan Jackson also will be at receiver. Tight ends in senior Justen Johnson and soph Davone Rollins also will catch balls.

Up front, a cast of Treveon Haislip, Myles Duncan, Donald Finley, Sean Meriday, Phillip Carter, Jerel Thurman and Kennan Foster will comprise the offensive line.

On the defensive side, junior Austin Puckett, Markell Moore and Damian Wiggins will be in the trenches. Seniors in White and Dominique Johnson (6-foot-2, 215) will patrol at linebacker.

In the secondary, Black, Smith and Henderson, as well as Johnson, Haney and Jackson will defend passes.

“I think if they stay healthy and continue to grow, they have a chance to turn things around and play with pride in the playoffs,” Callaghan predicted.