Michael Luthi was a difficult force to stop for both the offenses and defenses that faced Madison this season.
As the Bulldogs’ top running back, the senior Luthi ran for 1,302 yards despite the fact that Madison ended nine of its 12 games early with the 8-Man mercy rule. In addition to his selection to the All-Lyon County League team as a running back, Luthi was also a unanimous choice at defensive end. In short, he was perhaps the biggest reason why Madison beat every opponent but one and reached the 8-Man I semifinals this year.
For his two-way accomplishments, Luthi has been named The Gazette’s 2008 All-Area player of the year and selected to the All-Area team at both positions.
With Luthi’s two selections came nods for two of his Bulldog teammates, giving Madison four spots in all. Senior cornerback Caleb Hamilton, a unanimous All-LCL selection, earned one of the defensive back spots, and senior linebacker Wade Elwood also was selected. Madison, ranked No. 1 in the 8-Man I rankings at the conclusion of the regular season, regularly rolled over its opponents and scored a 42-34 win over second-ranked Goessel in the playoffs before falling to Baileyville 24-0 in the semifinals.
Olpe, the only area team to reach a state championship game, also earned four player selections, plus recognition for coach Chris Schmidt as the All-Area coach of the year. Senior running back Cole Krueger joins Luthi in the All-Area backfield, and tough-blocking senior tight end Josh Klumpe also earned a spot. Senior left tackle Clint Barnhart earned one of the five line spots, and safety Bradley Argabright also was selected.
Schmidt, the Eagles’ second-year coach, needs just one more win to bring Olpe its first state football championship ever. The Eagles brought back almost all their starters from a 7-4 season a year ago, smashed a series of overmatched opponents and continued proving their mettle in the Class 2-1A playoffs, dominating Pittsburg-Colgan in last Friday’s 20-0 semifinal win. The Eagles are 12-0, with only one victory of less than 13 points. They’ll look to cap their season on Saturday in Hays with a victory over Smith Center for the 2-1A state crown.
Emporia High had a somewhat disappointing season, falling short of the state playoffs a year after winning a district title, but the Spartans also earned four All-Area selections. The right side of the Spartans’ line was key to the success of their option attack, and right tackle Jordan Barr and right guard T.J. Heins, both seniors, earned spots on the team. On the defensive side, lineman Cord Stanley was selected after a four-sack season in which he was the Spartans’ most consistent defensive player, and Mark Kolmer earned a spot at safety after leading EHS in tackles with 56 and recovering two fumbles.
Northern Heights fell short of the Class 3A playoffs, but the Wildcats’ high-scoring spread offense, unique among area teams, helped them earn a total of six spots. Senior quarterback Kenneth Bronson statistically topped his outstanding junior season, throwing for more than 2,500 yards and 26 touchdowns, and his top receivers, senior Roman Murray and sophomore Nick Mendez, both earned selections. Murray hauled in 62 passes for 1,019 yards, tops among area pass-catchers. Senior Matt Railsback was selected to both the offensive and defensive lines for his work at center and tackle, respectively, and kicker Stephen Nuessen was also chosen.
Lebo earned three spots, with two going to senior Dylan Montgomery, who was an All-LCL selection on both the offensive and defensive lines. Linebacker Calvin Perry was also chosen. Chase County, the only area team besides Madison and Olpe to reach the postseason, earned nods for cornerback Shawn Talkington and linebacker Johnny Lang, both All-Flint Hills League first team selections. Hartford’s Logan Grieder was selected as the All-Area punter after an All-LCL campaign.
teufelhunden (anonymous) says...
If your going to make an all-area team shouldn't you have more then FOUR offensive linemen. And Just because emporia had a dissppointing season doesn't mean they should lose players. They had seniors such as Corey Bacon, Justin Kruase and more who should of been named.
November 28, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jberlin (Joey Berlin) says...
There were five line spots- that was a typo. Barr, Heins, Montgomery, Railsback and Barnhart were the offensive linemen. Thanks for the heads-up. - Joey Berlin
November 28, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
teufelhunden (anonymous) says...
That may anwser that part of it. but if you put one or two emporia kids who started on any team in the area they would have done alot better then they did. (nothinig against olpe)
November 28, 2008 at 11:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
skrains01 (anonymous) says...
Just because EHS is a large school that does not mean they deserve more representation on the all area team than the smaller schools. I am from Emporia and graduated from EHS. My father coached basketball at EHS and since I now live in a small town I feel like I have seen both sides and I am here to tell you just because you were a starter at EHS at your position does not mean you were the best in the area at that position. Also you year in school does not matter. Just becasue someone is a senior and a good kid does not make him an all area player. Steve Rains
November 29, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
teufelhunden (anonymous) says...
So what your saying is guys that play linemen in eight man can come over to emporia and start on there line. or play running back for them
November 29, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
skrains01 (anonymous) says...
Of course they could. Do you really think that only large school players are talented. There are many Dll and Dl players who played at small schools and yes even 8 man. Emporia State has quite a few small school players. I guess that the EState coaches should just recruit the EHS players since they are superior athletes. GET REAL AND WAKE UP!!! Steve Rains, not anonymous.
November 29, 2008 at 9:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nks (anonymous) says...
I remember back when I was in school, not too many years ago, in a small surrounding town, I would have put a number of the athletic teams I was a part of against anyone in the area. We were a small 3A and we continually beat larger schools more than not.
I love to hear posters make claims that small school athletes are not worthy to be recognized with EHS athletes.
Kind of the same high (overrated) opinion some have of this town too.
November 29, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
teufelhunden (anonymous) says...
Wasn't saying they couldn't play or start at emporia but some of the emporia kids left out is a joke they had some pretty good kids on there team this year.
November 30, 2008 at 12:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
skrains01 (anonymous) says...
EHS had 33% of the picks on the All Area Team. Not bad for 1 school who didn't make their division playoffs. I think you should be very happy with that number. I am not bagging on the EHS players. I always pull for my old school but be carefeul about thinking that bigger is always better. No doubt with more kids to choose from EHS should have better athletes as a whole, but each small school has a handful of players that possibly would start for EHS and would no doubt be major contributers. Great to go back and forth with you Teufelhunden. Over and out. Steve Rains, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas.
November 30, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
I think you are missing the point the others are making teufel. They are talking about the obvious, just because EHS is a bigger school, their players shouldn't get first choice on the all area team because of school size. There are alot of players in area schools that would be star players on the best teams from the biggest schools. They are chosen based on their skill and accomplishments, not where they go to school.
November 30, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
teufelhunden (anonymous) says...
OK i See what your talking about now being from a bigger city and emporia being the smallest town ive lived in it was hard for me to understand. Do they do honorable mention that you know of i would like to see that or maybe just your opinon
November 30, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Good explanation, neighbor. Teufelhunden, when you get a chance sometime, try going to one of the small school games and watch them closely. Olpe for example always has quality athletes. I can say that because I spent many years teaching there. Those farm kids are strong and quick and smart. Many of them have been slinging hay since they were little and are very strong. ESU recruits from there. Johnny Waechter comes to mind, and we can't forget Michelle Stueve to name just a couple.
November 30, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rogergreen (anonymous) says...
Plus they have better coaches that prepare kids for college ball, Example Smith Center 10x more kids going d 2 and D1 than EHS
Teach fundamentals !
December 1, 2008 at 12:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spartan78 (anonymous) says...
This isn't about Smith Center. This is about the All Area Football team.
If Emporia High played any are teams they would blow them out. Why? Because they have the better players.
Corey Bacon
Josh Maguire
Taylor Euler
Justin Krause
Tell me those guys arent some of the best players in the area?
You have got to be kidding me... This is definately not the All Area team. There are maybe three kids who could play for Emporia High.
Luthi
Kruger
Klumpe
Nothing but a joke... I have no problem with small town football. I love it! But there is definately a difference between 5A football and 3A football that our area kids play.
December 1, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
skrains01 (anonymous) says...
HOW ARROGANT ARE YOU!!! There are certainly more than 3 athletes in the area who could play at EHS. You sound just like me when I played at EHS and lived in Emporia until I moved away in 1986. I still only live 20 miles away and know many people in Emporia. I have watched small school athletics for over 20 years and in that time I have not yet seen an entire small school team in any team sport who could probably beat EHS. E'HS should never lose as a team to a small school since you have well over 1000 students in your school. No doubt 5A football is of a higher level than 2 or 3A. The argument is athletes. There are at least 2 or 3 kids on any small school team who could thrive on the EHS team. When I say thrive there are more that 3 that could start or would play a major roll. Steve Rains, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas.
December 1, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spensanity (anonymous) says...
Gazette Sports staff--
Is there a reason you did not do an 11-Man All-Area team and a separate 8-Man All-Area team this year? For the last few years, there have been two separate All-Area teams. With such a wide range of talent and such a large area to cover, this may be something you may want to do again in the future.
December 1, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
teufelhunden (anonymous) says...
spartan78 don't forget ther online from left to right cody yeavk sp? lorenzo serna Daniel goodman t.j. heines jordan barr. Daniel and lorenzo could both have been part of the all area team. cody was the weakest link to that o-line.
December 1, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jberlin (Joey Berlin) says...
spensanity,
The reason we decided to do one combined team this year is because among this year's eight area schools, there were only three 8-Man teams: Lebo, Hartford and Madison. Picking 24 spots for an All-Area 8-Man team, not to mention a coach of the year, from a pool of just three schools seemed like a silly exercise. We also had one combined All-Area team back in 2006.
We reevaluate which schools are in our coverage area before every school year, and the All-Area teams will be shaped largely according to how that breaks down. If we have a few more 8-Man teams in our area next year, we'll likely go back to having a separate 8-Man All-Area team. - Joey Berlin
December 1, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spartan78 (anonymous) says...
This is a joke and nothing less.
I would love to hear the names of the kids who could play on Emporia High's team along with there position. Please.
Not counting the three names I said could do it.
December 1, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DJrocksthemic (anonymous) says...
Elwood could play Linebacker anywhere, he reads the offensive line well, and is good sized for a linebacker. Murray would make a good reciever anywhere, I mean you're talking about teams that run different systems. If you're talking pure athleticism, most of the kids on this team are in the right spots. I've never bought into kids at bigger schools are naturally better. Are their more kids to chose from, yeah, but their can still be three or four great athletes at a small high school. Some great DI and DII recruits have come out of small high schools. Pittsburg-Colgan... Smith Center... all these small schools produce great athletes.
The bottom line is you have to measure sucess, Madison and Olpe both went deep into the playoffs, and Northern Heights pulled off a 360 turnaround (anybody who saw them play Olpe knows) to almost win the league. I think the team is well picked and applaud the staff for not letting school size cloud their vision.
December 2, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DJrocksthemic (anonymous) says...
Oh and in response to Spartan 78's earlier comment. They would not win because they are more talented, they would win because they are deeper and have more players to chose from, not alot of 6-2 280 kids can be found at an 8-man school, but require EHS to play 8-man rules and use same sized linemen, and then it's a fair fight, it has nothing to do with talent and everything to do with depth, just ask Hutch.
December 2, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
batbatly (anonymous) says...
I guarantee you that Northern Heights' QB Kenneth Bronson would start at most 11-man schools, big or small. He is a fantastic quarterback. Based on sheer passing numbers, he's one of the best in the state, plus, he also was more effective in the running game this season.
Listen, All-Area teams are based solely on individual success, not team success. The kids who have the biggest individual seasons (most often statistically speaking) are the ones who get chosen for these types of recognition.
December 2, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Madbulldog (anonymous) says...
Caleb Hamilton of Madison would start and make plays in any classification.
December 3, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DJrocksthemic (anonymous) says...
Yeah bat, but usually strong individual play leads to strong team play, more sucess for a team usually means they had stronger individuals.
December 3, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
It's too bad we can't have the small area schools play against EHS to show Spartan78 just how well some of the kids can play. What would even more fun to watch, would be if they made up an all star squad of area small school players to play against EHS's varsity starters. I played for EHS years ago, we routinely thumped the Topeka schools yet had tough games against smaller or similar sized schools. Using his logic, we should have had our butts whooped everytime because the big city schools have better athletes. I know when I played at EHS, alot of talent stood on the side line watching or didn't even get to suit out for varsity games because of class seniority, name recognition and other politics. There were several excellent players from my class that gave up and quit going out for sports because they were tired of being spectators while the chosen 12-15 were on the field or court all the time. That happens alot in the small schools too, but not to the extent I witnessed in Emporia.
December 3, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
outdoorsman25 (anonymous) says...
Very few area players would start at Emporia High, 5a is a whole different level than 1 and 2a. You are crazy to think different. Take the State Champion in 1-2a and take the 5-6a team with the worst record and the 5-6a team would still win. I'm not saying they're not any good area players but not many would play at Emporia.
December 3, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DJrocksthemic (anonymous) says...
I hate to disagree, but Hutchinson played Colgan once during the dominate years for Colgan, and Colgan won. And the same would have to hold true for other sports right? I remember when I played high school baseball (at a 4A) we were ranked first in the state, but lost games in the season to Lyons, Pittsburg Colgan and Medicine Lodge. I know we would have liked to have kids off each of those teams, when you get pounded by a smaller school you realize. Ask Chaparral High school in Anthony, Kan. who constantly gets beat by 3-2 and 1A schools. They are 4A, by your logic they should always win. And I agree with the above if what you say is true, Topeka should never lose to Emporia.
December 3, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )