By SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
MOUNDRIDGE, Kan. — One of the area's most anticipated small-school matchups of the season will unfold Friday night when Moundridge and Inman collide for the Class 1A District 6 championship, a rivalry showdown between two 6-1 teams that have mirrored each other in physicality, balance, and belief.
Both programs have clinched playoff berths, but the district crown will be decided under the lights at Wildcat Stadium, where an electric atmosphere and a community cause will add extra meaning to an already high-stakes night.
For Inman head coach Lance Sawyer, whose Teutons have averaged 49 points per game and won four straight since mid-September, Friday’s matchup represents the reward for months of discipline and growth.
“It’s always good to be in this position at this point in the year,” Sawyer said. “Our kids are excited to see their hard work pay off. To be able to play in this game against Moundridge, a really well-coached team that has a lot of talent, it’s going to be a fun Friday night for both communities.”
The Teutons’ only loss came in Week 3 at No. 2 Sterling, a 60-47 shootout that exposed a few early-season flaws but also revealed just how potent Inman’s offense could be. Since then, the Teutons have rolled through district play behind a balanced attack led by junior quarterback Malachi Brunk, who has accounted for 1,797 total yards and 22 touchdowns. Brunk’s blend of power and speed has defined the Teutons’ offense, complemented by sophomore running back Korbyn McClellan (490 yards, 10 TDs), senior fullback Braxton Malloy (374 yards, 3 TDs), and sophomore Kru Harris (296 yards, 5 TDs).
“Our kids don’t care who gets the yards or touchdowns, they just want to win,” Sawyer said. “Everybody blocks for each other. That’s what makes this offense dangerous.”
Inman’s offensive line has been a revelation, anchored by Cooper Wiens, Dylan Larson, and Braeden Stutzman, with junior Grant Knackstedt emerging as a key piece up front. The Teutons have rushed for 2,296 yards and are averaging an astounding 8.5 yards per carry, while converting 69 percent of their third downs.
The defense, meanwhile, has been equally stout, holding opponents to 13 points combined over the past three weeks. Wiens leads the team with 64 tackles and eight sacks, while Larson, McClellan, and Malloy provide consistent pressure from the linebacker corps. The secondary, led by Tyler Jerrick and Harris, has come on strong, forcing 13 interceptions through seven games.
“I think our defense is playing its best football right now,” Sawyer said. “We’re flying around, we’re hitting, and we’re playing confident.”
Across the field, Moundridge head coach Tyler O’Connor knows his team will need to match that physicality with disciplined defense and an efficient offense of its own. The Wildcats, who have won five straight since a Week 2 loss to Sterling, have given up just 59 points during that stretch and allowed eight or fewer in three consecutive games.
“We’ve been relying heavily on our defense,” O’Connor said. “They’ve gotten better every week. We know if we play good defense, we’ll be in every game, that’s been our identity.”
Offensively, the Wildcats have found their rhythm behind senior running back Paul Grill, who has taken over the lead role in place of injured standout Kaizer Kanitz, a three-time All-State receiver and return specialist expected to return for the postseason.
“Paul’s been running the ball hard,” O’Connor said. “He’s been over 100 yards the last few games, and our line has really come together. They’re playing as one unit right now.”
That offensive line, led by Layton Schmidt, Logan Wulf, and Thomas Jenkins, has paved the way for a balanced attack directed by quarterback Owen Colwell. Colwell has spread the ball effectively to receivers Logan Greenwalt, Easton Shahan, and Heath Churchill, giving the Wildcats versatility and depth that have helped sustain their success.
“It’s always tough losing a leader like Kaizer, but our guys responded the right way,” O’Connor said. “Owen stepped in and did a terrific job, and the rest of the team rallied around him. Everyone took on a little more responsibility, and it’s made us better.”
Both coaches see similarities between their teams, senior leadership, depth, and unselfishness, and both programs have deep postseason roots. Inman won a district title and reached the Class 1A semifinals in 2022, while Moundridge is seeking its third straight district championship under O’Connor, who is 22-3 in three seasons.
Friday’s matchup figures to be decided in the trenches, where both sides excel. Inman’s line has powered one of Kansas’ top rushing offenses, while Moundridge’s front seven, featuring Schmidt, Wulf, Jenkins, and linebackers Tione Wilson and Josh Koehn has anchored a defense that’s playing some of its best football right now.
O’Connor said limiting Inman’s explosive plays will be critical.
“They’re so athletic and fast,” he said. “They’ve got great team speed, even up front, and they’re physical. For us, it’s going to be about playing assignment football and tackling in space. We have to make them earn everything.”
The game will also serve as “Roar for a Cure Night” at Wildcat Stadium, as Moundridge rallies around community member Maddie Kaufman, who is battling a rare form of brain cancer called DIPG. The event, organized by the school’s booster club, will feature tailgating, live music, a car show, and a pink-out theme, blending small-town tradition with big-game energy.
“It’s one of those things that makes Moundridge special,” O’Connor said. “The whole town comes out to support the kids and each other. It’s going to be a special night.”
Cooler temperatures and possible rain could add another wrinkle to the matchup, something both coaches have addressed in practice.
“We’re prepared for whatever comes,” Sawyer said.
“Ball security is always huge, but even more so in weather like that.” O’Connor agreed: “Anytime you can get those extra possessions, it’s a game changer. We’ve got to protect the football and execute.”
With nearly identical resumes and a combined 12-2 record, Friday’s game between Moundridge and Inman promises to deliver excitement.
“This is why you play,” Sawyer said. “Games like this, under the lights, with everything on the line. We just have to be the best version of ourselves.”