SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
Nickerson Panthers
With a new head coach, a battle-tested senior class, and a hunger to rewrite expectations, the Nickerson Panthers are entering the 2025 football season with energy and purpose.
“We are very excited about this upcoming season,” said first-year head coach Parker Bruce, who also serves as the team’s defensive coordinator. “Our boys are rebranding what it means to be a Nickerson Panther, and our staff is extremely proud of them for that.”
Bruce inherits a veteran group, including nine returning offensive starters and multiple three-year varsity players, led by senior quarterback Kristopher Monroe. A multi-sport athlete and state-qualifying wrestler, Monroe enters his third year as the Panthers’ starter and is stepping into a major leadership role.
“Kristopher is a key factor to our season,” Bruce said. “He’s looking towards a much larger leadership role than he’s used to, but he has done a great job so far.”
The Panthers will feature a physical, simplified offensive scheme designed to play fast and adapt to tough Kansas weather. Monroe will be supported by Rylan Morrell, a powerful junior running back; Austin Peterson, a 6-foot-3 senior receiver with elite speed; and a veteran offensive line led by Zein Rector, Atton Nelson, and Gabe Taylor.
“Our offense is a hard-nose scheme that fits Kansas football,” Bruce said. “Our boys have bought into the ideology.”
Senior tight end/linebacker Riley Brawner returns as a cornerstone on both sides of the ball. A three-year starter and three-sport athlete, Brawner is being recruited at the collegiate level and anchors the defense from his middle linebacker position.
“He is a legit collegiate prospect at 6'2”, 210-215,” Bruce said.
On defense, Bruce said the team is focused on fast, disciplined play. With multiple players entering their third or fourth year in the system, the Panthers are confident in their execution. Depth up front will be critical, especially with several linemen playing both ways.
“We still need to find some depth up front to give our big boys a break,” Bruce said.
Several new faces are expected to contribute, including Dalton Wakefield-Baker, a returning senior who has impressed at running back, fullback, and linebacker after taking a year off. Tyler Morrell, Riley Spurlock, and underclassmen like Connor Bower, Kagyn Rice, Connor White, and Elijah Trass could all play valuable roles this fall.
But for Bruce, the most exciting part of year one is the team’s chemistry.
“The bond between the players from top down has been impressive,” he said. “Our older guys are taking the younger ones in, and showing them what ‘team’ means.”
The Panthers are eager to shed their old image and establish a new standard under Bruce and his staff, which includes offensive coordinator Michael Hill, quarterbacks coach Kyle Vedder, and others. Nickerson has went 1-8 each of the last four seasons, going 4-40 over the last five years. The last winning season for the Panthers came in 2017, a 7-3 mark under current Hutchinson High School coach, Mike Vernon.
“Come Week 1, we will not look like the stereotypical Nickerson Panther team,” Bruce said. “It gives our players a chance to showcase multiple different skill sets that can help better their opportunities for college.”
2025 Schedule
Sept. 5 vs. Conway Springs
Sept. 12 vs. Haven
Sept. 19 at Halstead
Sept. 26 at Hesston
Oct. 3 vs. Andale
Oct. 10 vs. Lyons
Oct. 17 at Smoky Valley
Oct. 24 vs. Wichita-Trinity Academy