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Olathe West will be kicking off its first football season this year, but look to make some noise immediately.

The Owls embark on their first varsity season as a school, but did enjoy a 7-0 junior varsity campaign in 2017. While that may not translate into wins in the Sunflower League, O-West should be competitive in games immediately.

"We're young and talented, but are excited for the opportunity to compete," said head coach TJ O'Neill, who previously coached as an assistant at Mill Valley for seven seasons, exiting as the offensive coordinator.  "We have very few members of the roster with varsity experience. How quickly our team adjusts to the speed and
physicality of a varsity game will determine our overall success."

Leading the offense will be Zac Krause, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound senior. Krause previously played 16 games over the last two seasons for Olathe North, throwing for a collective 1,112 yards and 11 touchdowns, while rushing for 406 yards.

"Zac has all the tools to have a great year," O'Neill said. "He is a great decision maker, has the ability to make every throw, and is an above average runner. We will rely on his leadership to help the development of our entire roster."

In the backfield, junior Gavin McDaniel will take the majority of the handoffs. 

"Gavin is an explosive and powerful back with good vision," O'Neill said. "He will be a threat in the pass game as well."

On the outside, juniors Connor Delong (6-foot-2) and Caden Barnard (5-foot-7) will line up as receivers. 

"Connor is a long, lean athlete that will be a big factor in our pass game. He is a good route runner with great hands," O'Neill touted. "Caden will touch the ball in a variety of ways. He is great route runner, get carries in our run game as well as play a big role in our special teams as a returner."

Up front, juniors Wyatt Sharpe (6-foot-1, 220) and Sam Verhultz (6-foot-1, 230) will lead the offensive and defensive lines. 

"Sam is our strongest player with regard to the weight room. We will rely
on his physical presence to move the ball in our run game," said O'Neill. "Wyatt has good quickness/athleticism for his postion."

Defensive end Jon Jenkins (6-foot-3, 215) will join the fellow juniors on the defensive line. Senior linebacker Kellen Welsh (6-foot-4, 205) and junior Jack Kryzkowski (5-foot-10, 175) will patrol at linebacker.

"Kellen has good awareness ofoffensive scheme and an instinct to find the football. We expect a high number of tackles from him," O'Neill stated. "Jack will be noticed on the field for his relentless effort. He will be a big factor in our success against the run."

Overall, the Owls will have a big test with many not playing a varsity game in their careers. But O'Neill knows this is long-term for Olathe West.

"We have high expectations for our players, primarily in the area of growth and development. Our players will be expected to compete at a high level each week with the focus of playing our best football when the playoffs start week nine."