08/07/2026
Friday night lights are almost here!! ππ
S*K 2026 1A Team to Watch
Olpe enters the 2026 season looking to remain among the top contenders in Class 1A after posting a 7-3 record a year ago. The Eagles graduated a talented senior class but return a strong core of experienced players under longtime head coach Chris Schmidt. With five starters back on both offense and defense, Olpe will rely on ex*****on and physical play as it looks to add another successful chapter to one of Kansas' most consistent football programs.
Schmidt enters his 20th season leading his alma mater, compiling a remarkable 174-45 record during his tenure. Assisted by Ryker Schmidt and Matt Redeker, Schmidt has built Olpe into a perennial contender, and the Eagles are also closing in on a historic milestone with 497 all-time program victories, giving them a chance to reach the 500-win mark this fall.
βWe lost a good group of seniors, but we feel this upcoming group can develop into a competitive group. We will not be very big or that fast, so we need to execute and wear teams down. If we tackle, block and execute consistently, we will compete with our opponents,β Schmidt said.
Senior Abbott Bailey headlines the returning group after missing part of last season because of injury. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound running back and linebacker is expected to be one of the top all-around players in Class 1A and will lead the Eagles on both sides of the ball. Senior Isaac Knuth returns to anchor the line after recording 35 tackles and eight tackles for loss last season, while senior Brecken McGuire provides experience at wide receiver and cornerback after catching 14 passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns while adding 29 tackles and eight pass breakups defensively. Sophomore Easton McGuire also returns in the trenches after gaining valuable varsity experience as a freshman. With their trademark physical style and disciplined ex*****on, the Eagles expect to once again be a difficult matchup throughout the 2026 campaign.