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After a season of near misses, Blue Valley West looks to turn things around for a big season in 2024.

The Jaguars finished 4-6 in 2023, with three losses by a score or less to St. Thomas Aquinas, Bishop Miege and Blue Valley. West returns six offensive starters and nine defensive starters, aiming to swing their fortunes this year.

Leading the Jaguars will be senior Tate Nagy, who threw for 1,888 yards and 16 touchdowns, while also dashing for 618 yards and five scores on the ground.

Nagy loses his top two offensive weapons from a year ago, in running back Sage Huffman (1,529 total yards) and wideout Crew Myers (75 catches, 1,027 yards). But West does return senior receiver Sam Shelton (14 catches, 161 yards) and senior tight end Tyler Peterson (6-foot-7, 215) who roped in 15 receptions for 171 yards and three touchdowns).

“Nagy has been a dynamic passer and runner, and is an electric athlete to watch,” stated head coach Josh Koerkenmeier. “Tyler has the ability to play out wide and also block on the line of scrimmage – everything you look for in a tight end.”

Fellow seniors Tate Miller and Wayne Carter will take carries in the backfield, while Quin Myers will follow older brother Crew’s footsteps at wide receiver. Seniors Luke Goodale, Jack Cook and junior Kian Lammers also will snag balls from Nagy.

Up front, the Jags return three starters with three-year starter AJ Roach (6-foot-1, 240) at center, while fellow seniors Jack Smith (6-foot-2, 215) and Lucas Burnett (6-foot-2, 260) will anchor the offensive line. Fellow seniors Sam Bay, Trent Jones and Ethan Wiley also will join the trio in the trenches.

“We lost some long-time playmakers that we counted on, but we have a good core of returning starters, and players who are ready to step in,” said Koerkenmeier.

The Jaguars will return nine starters on defense, with a trio of senior linebackers in Jack Sells (66 tackles, five for loss, 3.5 sacks), Jack Cook (45 tackles, five tackles for loss) and Sam Clay (38 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries).

Five Jags return in the secondary with senior cornerback Luke Goodale teaming up with seniors Jack North and Tate Miller, as well as juniors Lawson McGraw (6-foot-4, 215) and Cade Wysong (two interceptions).

Seniors Zaid Khoumar and Ben McDavid will bolster the defensive line.

“Zaid is tough to move on the line, and Ben should provide a solid addition to the line as well,” Koerkenmeier added.

With all the returners, Blue Valley West looks for a strong campaign in 2024.

“We have a large senior class that has enough skill and experience to have a special season if we play with our cornerstones of pride, grit, family and excellence,” touted Koerkenmeier. “We will also need some underclassmen to step up at some key positions that we lost production from last year.”

But the rigors of the Eastern Kansas League will be tough, while strengthening the Jags’ mettle.

“We will need to develop depth throughout the year and get better every week against quality competition to give ourselves a chance to make a run in the 6A playoffs,” Koerkenmeier said. “As usual, I expect the EKL to be the best league in the state, and have us ready in November.” 

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