By SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
INMAN, Kan. — Halfway through the 2025 football season, the Inman Teutons have transformed from a rebuilding team into a district frontrunner. With a 4-1 record and an undefeated mark in Class 1A District 6, Inman has already matched its win total from a year ago and looks every bit like a postseason contender.
The Teutons’ only setback came in a 60-47 shootout loss to 1A No. 2 Sterling on Sept. 19, a game that showed both their explosiveness and their resilience. Since then, Inman has rolled through district play with convincing wins over Remington (54-0) and Marion (52-30), displaying a balance of speed, toughness, and improved execution across the board.
Head coach Lance Sawyer, now in his 10th season at the helm, said the team’s maturity has been evident from Week 1.
“Coming into the season, we knew we would be pretty good,” Sawyer said. “We have three seniors — Cooper Wiens, Dylan Larson, and Braeden Stutzman, who have played extremely well, but we’ve also got a lot of sophomores and juniors who are getting better every game. They’re starting to gel, and the leadership is coming on.”
Inman’s veteran experience and summer weight-room gains have translated into a punishing offense. The Teutons piled up 523 total yards in last week’s win at Marion, including 458 rushing yards on 56 carries, while converting 73 percent of their third-down attempts.
Junior quarterback Malachi Brunk has been a force behind center, rushing for 277 yards and three touchdowns against Marion and adding a 65-yard touchdown pass to Korbyn McClellan. Brunk’s ability to break tackles and extend plays has become the heartbeat of Inman’s attack. He has 699 rushing yards and nine scores to go along with his 645 yards through the air and seven touchdowns.
“Malachi knows the playbook inside and out,” Sawyer said. “He’s a tough runner and puts himself in the right spots. When you need three yards, you keep it in his hands.”
Behind a cohesive offensive line anchored by Wiens, Stutzman, and Larson, the Teutons have found success in both power and speed. McClellan added 74 yards and two touchdowns on the ground last week, while Kru Harris rushed for 48 yards and a score. Fullback Braxton Malloy contributed 59 yards on 11 carries, giving Inman four legitimate ballcarriers capable of striking from anywhere on the field.
“We’ve got four guys who can run the ball every play,” Sawyer said. “Last year, teams gunned for our outside speed. This year, we can hit inside, too. Our line is stronger, and the offense is more versatile.”
The Teutons’ defensive improvement has been just as vital to their rise. Senior defensive end Cooper Wiens continues to lead the charge up front, recording seven tackles, two sacks, and two tackles for loss against Marion while forcing a fumble. Wiens leads the defense with 43 total tackles, including 12 for loss and seven sacks. His presence has anchored a fast, aggressive front that has adapted well to a 3-4 scheme designed to maximize team speed.
“Cooper has been dominant,” Sawyer said. “He’s a physical beast. If he gets his hands on you, he’ll bring you down.”
Inman’s defense, led by Wiens, Malloy, McClellan, and Tyler Jerrick, has forced turnovers and limited big plays during district play, complementing an offense that can control tempo and wear opponents down.
The Teutons will look to continue their surge this Friday when they host Sedgwick, a team that has long been known for its passing attack but is adjusting under a new head coach. Sawyer expects another test.
“Sedgwick still has talent,” he said. “Their quarterback throws well and can run, and they’ve got some really good receivers. It’ll be a physical battle up front, and we’ll have to contain them.”
With remaining games against Bennington and rival Moundridge to close the regular season, Inman controls its path toward a district title and another postseason berth.
“Our goals are lofty,” Sawyer said. “We’re excited to see where this goes. The kids have worked hard in the weight room and on the field, and we’re ready to make a run.”