Kansas Football: 2019 Olathe North Preseason Preview
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Olathe North was on the verge of a state championship game appearance falling just short of the ultimate prize in 2018 finishing 9-3 with a 51-49 loss to Blue Valley North in the 6A state semifinals. The good news is that most of last year’s Eagles’ team is returning with all their eyes focused on that state championship and grabbing their first trophy since 2009.
Eagles’ Offense
The Eagles offensive unit scored over 43 points a game in 2018 led by Class of 2021 dual-threat quarterback Arland Bruce IV (5-11, 185). Bruce threw for 1,209 yards and 16 touchdowns while rushing for 1,379 more yards and 19 more scores on the ground. Good news for Bruce and Olathe North, four seniors will line up on the offensive line including Brandon Pena (6-1, 255), Mario Schneider (5-11, 245), Andrew Dunning (5-10, 225) and Michael Vernon Jr. (5-11”, 245). One offensive weapon to watch for this season is junior wide receiver Zach Willoughby-Neal. The Eagles will have to find a replacement for graduated 2,400-yard tailback Daymonn Sanchez.
Eagles’ Defense
Last season the Eagles gave up 26 points and look to improve that number in 2019 as they bring back some veteran stars including senior linebackers AJ Patillo and Mason Pride. Patillo notched 99 total tackles including six for a loss and Pride chipped in with 50 total tackles in 2018. Junior defensive back Mario Sanchez is the star of the secondary with 30 total tackles including two for a loss and six interceptions during his sophomore season.
2019 Eagles’ Schedule
September 6 vs. Olathe East, Olathe North High School
September 13 at Shawnee Mission North
September 20 vs. Shawnee Mission West, Olathe North High School
September 27 vs. Columbine (Littleton, CO), Olathe North High School
October 3 vs. Olathe South, Olathe North High School
October 11 at Shawnee Mission East
October 18 Lawrence, Olathe North High School
October 25 at Olathe Northwest
Overview
The Eagles have plenty of experienced talent that knows what it takes to make deep postseason run. In order to be a force and contend for a state championship in 2019, Olathe North must avoid injuries to key positions.
Photo credit: The Kansas City Star; Olathe North QB Arland Bruce IV makes a play against Shawnee Mission East