Olathe West’s 2023 season saw the development of a lot of talent and potential that should lead to a massive uptick in 2024. The Owls return nine offensive starters and six defensive starters, making them one of the most experienced teams in the state and in the Sunflower League. That experience will mean volumes as the Owls look to improve upon what was a season that left a lot to be desired in 2023.

“I am positive about how we have developed as a program in the last year. We have made a lot of increases in our speed and strength in the off-season.” Owls Head Coach Jon Wiemers said about his team.

Offensively, the Owls will have a strong passing game that will make some noise this season. Sophomore quarterback Cameron Kruse (6-foot-1, 175) has multiple FBS offers and started as a freshman, which shows just how much potential he has to be a star player. Kruse went 136 for 266 with 1345 yards passing, 164 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns in 2023.

Kruse wouldn’t have the success he’s had though without a great cast of receivers as well, who have helped him immensely in his maturation as a young quarterback. Seniors Tevyn Gasaway (6-foot-4, 190) and Mason Barnard (5-foot-11, 175) have shown great leadership in helping their underclassman quarterback along and will once again set him up for success. Gasaway is a preferred walk-on to Kansas State, where he will attend next fall.

Kruse also has junior tight end Cade Zimmerman (6-foot-2, 220) to throw to, who has shown great skill both as a blocker and pass catcher. Zimmerman caught 12 passes for 98 yards in 2023.

The passing game isn’t the only factor in this offense though. Junior running back Josh Foland (5-foot-10, 190) carried the ball 127 times for 541 yards last season, an average of 4.25 yards per carry, and scored three touchdowns. He also caught four passes for 49 yards. Given that he will be the bell cow back this season, expect those numbers to jump and for him to be a threat both in the air and on the ground with this offense.

None of this offense would have any potential at all though without a strong offensive line that returns three starters. Key returning senior Will Spritzer (6-foot-1, 270) leads this group that will see some young up-and-comers fill the two spots left over. When you have the strength of a Class 6A State bronze medalist shot-putter along the line, you’ve got some good protection.

“There was a lot of inexperience in that group last year but they made tremendous strides throughout the season last year and have continued to do so.” Wiemers said about his offensive line group.

Defensively, the Owls have a lot of experience returning to the secondary and linebacking corps which will be the biggest thing for this squad that gave up over 40 points in multiple games. As stated before, this Owls team was very young last season, so it managed to be a learning and growing experience that will benefit them heavily. This defense will take a major step forward and it’s due to this experience.

At the linebacking corps, junior Jake Ables (5-foot-11, 200) and senior Chase Campbell (6-foot-2, 210) will be the two leaders for this group. Ables recorded 31 tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack and two forced fumbles in 2023, while Campbell made the transition from Second-Team All-Sunflower League defensive lineman to outside linebacker and has a very versatile play style. The two will be excellent leaders in what should be a strong group.

In the secondary, senior Simba Mundava (6-foot, 170) is the king of the skies. Mundava recorded 40 tackles from both the corner and nickel positions as well as two interceptions, showing that he can fly around and make plays. He certainly isn’t the only one, though, as junior Brody Butler (6-foot-1, 170) has a tall, lengthy build for a safety that helps him immensely in pass coverage. Butler recorded 37 tackles as well, showing how much this secondary can fly to the ball.

The defensive line is the main area of concern for this defense though, however, it’s a challenge that Wiemers and his Owls are more than willing to take head-on.

“We will be counting on some youth to fill in the vacant spots on our offensive line and our defensive line and are excited to see what they can do. We are replacing a group of seniors on the defensive line but have a lot of experience in the linebacker and defensive back positions.”  Wiemers explained.

The defensive line will be led by two two-way players in the aforementioned Spritzer and Zimmerman, as well as junior Jalen Johnson (5-foot-11, 280), who doesn’t have as much experience as the other two but according to Wiemers “had a great summer and will impact our defensive line significantly.”

Finding those rotational pieces in order to take the weight off of Spritzer and Zimmerman will be the name of the game for the Owls this season. This is a position that has a lot of talent, but a lot of youth and development to go with it as well. It will be exciting to see which young players step up to fill those roles.

Overall, the Owls look poised to improve upon last year’s learning experience. They developed a lot of good players and have some great potential as a contender this season for the Sunflower League. The Owls open up their season on September 6 against Shawnee Mission West.