SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
Buhler Crusaders
With a strong offensive core and a state semifinal appearance in the rearview mirror, Buhler High School is aiming even higher in 2025.
Led by veteran head coach Steve Warner, who enters his 42nd season of coaching and 20th at Buhler, the Crusaders bring back six starters on offense, including standout tailback Ben Clouse, who rushed for 1,004 yards and 19 touchdowns as a sophomore last fall.
“Our offense should be very good,” Warner said.
Buhler finished 9-3 overall and 5-0 in league play in 2024, claiming the AVCTL Division III championship before falling to eventual state champion, Andover Central in the Class 4A semifinals. It marked another successful chapter in Warner’s decorated career, which includes a 284-115 overall record and a 164-54 mark at Buhler.
The Crusaders return several key offensive linemen, including Logan Turner (6-3, 295), Nixon Standlee (6-1, 275), and John Aldrich (5-10, 260). Jacob Miller (6-0, 205) also returns as a tight end and linebacker. Junior Jax Pratt (6-2, 185) is back at tight end and defensive end.
Top underclassmen expected to step into bigger roles include quarterback Asher Zachary, linebacker Asher McConnaughy, fullback/defensive lineman Max Harmony, and sophomore receiver/defensive back Landon Martinez.
On the other side of the ball, Warner said the Crusaders will be working quickly to fill holes left by graduation.
“We only return two starters on defense,” he said. “We have talent to choose from. We just have to get the players in the right spot as soon as possible.”
Buhler will again operate out of a multiple-set I formation on offense and a 4-3 base defense.
Looking ahead to the AVCTL schedule, one matchup stands out.
“McPherson is going to be good and that will be a big game for us,” Warner said.
Despite the changes on defense, the program’s goal hasn’t wavered.
“Our goal every year is to win a state championship,” Warner said. “We have to stay healthy to have a chance to obtain that goal.”
2025 Schedule
Sept. 5 at Mulvane
Sept. 12 vs. Augusta
Sept. 19 vs. Great Bend
Sept. 26 at Circle
Oct. 3 at Wamego
Oct. 10 vs. El Dorado
Oct. 17 vs. Winfield
Oct. 24 at McPherson