SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
Halstead Dragons
After a 4-6 campaign in 2024, the Halstead Dragons are counting on a mix of returning experience, young talent, and positional flexibility to take a step forward in the 2025 season.
“We are very excited to get this group to work this summer,” said head coach Derek Racette, who enters his third season at the helm. “It will be an exciting year and we cannot wait to get started!”
Halstead, a member of the Central Kansas League, returns six starters on offense and six on defense, led by junior fullback Reece Carmichael, who rushed for 520 yards and five touchdowns on 95 carries last season. Senior Noah Diehl also returns as a dual-threat on both sides of the ball. Diehl caught six passes for 131 yards, intercepted four passes as a free safety, and earned All-League honors as a defensive back and return specialist.
“Our ability to be multiple on offense and defense will be a major key this year,” Racette said. “As well as our ability to play multiple kids at each position.”
Carmichael (5-7, 180), Diehl (5-8, 165), senior running back/outside linebacker Brock Odendahl (5-8, 190), and sophomore running back Edric Zorn (6-0, 200) return to anchor the backfield in the Dragons’ Flexbone offense. On the line, senior Logan Overton (6-1, 195) and junior kicker Carlos Martinez (5-11, 160), a first-team All-League selection, also return.
Defensively, Halstead will line up in a 4-2-5 scheme. Carmichael, Diehl, Odendahl, Zorn, Swift, and Overton lead the charge. Carmichael notched a team-high 97 total tackles, including 68 assists and 29 solo stops last season. Overton contributed seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and two forced fumbles.
“We will be younger this year,” Racette said, “Our players got a lot of experience last year due to injuries.”
Among the underclassmen to watch are sophomore quarterback/defensive back Daminen Whitlock, sophomore lineman/linebacker Cruise Davison, junior linemen Hudson Harrington and Noah Brantley, and junior wideouts Kingston Heck and Jackson Wendling. Several freshmen, including Hudson Hawkins and Dacen Dedman, are also expected to contribute early.
“We have five seniors this year and their leadership and guidance will be critical,” Racette said. “As well as leadership from some of our younger players.”
2025 Schedule
Sept. 5 at Hesston
Sept. 12 at Pratt
Sept. 19 vs. Nickerson
Sept. 26 vs. Hillsboro
Oct. 3 vs. Minneapolis
Oct. 10 at Ellsworth
Oct. 17 vs. Southeast of Saline
Oct. 24 at Lyons