SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
Inman Teutons
With nearly its entire offensive and defensive production returning from a playoff team, Inman enters the 2025 season poised to make noise in a deep Class 1A District 7.
“We are excited to get back at it,” said head coach Lance Sawyer, who enters his 10th season at Inman with a 54-41 record at the school. “We have high expectations this year and are looking forward to getting back to practice.”
The Teutons finished 4-5 in 2024 and reached the playoffs before falling to Plainville in the first round. But with nine starters returning on offense and 10 on defense, there’s plenty of reason for optimism.
“We return several starters on both sides of the ball, 93% of our rushing attack, 95% of our receiving yards, and 82% of our tackles,” Sawyer said. “Our backfield will be as fast as we have had in a long time.”
Senior Cooper Wiens, a three-year starter and state track medalist, headlines a physical front. He earned 1st Team Heart of America League honors on both sides of the ball, leading the team with 83 tackles and 26 tackles for loss from his defensive end spot.
Other key seniors include Dylan Larson (RG/MLB), Braeden Stutzman (C/DT), and vocal leader Gage Sisson (TE/DE), who contributed both in the trenches and as a receiving threat.
Junior quarterback Malachi Brunk, a three-year starter, returns to his original position after spending 2024 at running back. Last season, he rushed for 629 yards, caught 20 passes for 263 yards, and scored eight total touchdowns. He also made 55 tackles and forced two fumbles defensively.
“Malachi will return to quarterback as an explosive athlete who is able to run extremely well,” Sawyer said. “He will be a tremendous athlete on both sides of the ball.”
Joining him in the backfield is fellow junior Korbyn McClellan, who totaled over 450 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns and will now move to outside linebacker on defense. Sophomore Braxton Malloy and sophomore Bo O’Neill will add strength and quickness to the run game. O’Neill, a powerlifting medalist, will move to fullback after starting at linebacker and offensive line.
Sophomore Kru Harris also returns after earning All-League honorable mention at defensive back. He led the team in receptions with 33 catches for 290 yards, and added 27 tackles, two interceptions, and three fumble recoveries.
The Teutons believe their team speed will be their biggest strength. “Speed. We should be fast on both sides of the ball,” Sawyer said.
Still, red zone execution and solidifying the offensive line and secondary are key focuses during preseason work.
“Our offense could move the ball but we struggled to score,” Sawyer said. “Success in the red zone will be key. We need to open up our passing game and improve our blocking from our running backs.”
Inman will open its season Sept. 5 on the road against Trinity Catholic, followed by a key league matchup with Sterling in Week 3, and a pivotal district opener against Remington in Week 4.
“Trinity is the first game of the year, and it will be big,” Sawyer said. “Sterling could be one of the better teams in 1A, and Remington is our first district game, we need to get off to a good start if we want to get back to the playoffs.”
With momentum from a dedicated offseason and a veteran lineup, the Teutons believe they are built to take the next step.
“Our guys decided to dedicate themselves to the weight room,” Sawyer said. “Our growth has been outstanding and we are ready to see results again on the football field.”
2025 Schedule
Sept. 5 at Hutchinson-Trinity Catholic
Sept. 12 vs. Wichita-Trinity Academy
Sept. 19 at Sterling
Sept. 26 vs. Remington
Oct. 3 at Marion
Oct. 10 vs. Sedgwick
Oct. 17 vs. Bennington
Oct. 24 at Moundridge