Wichita ? Butler County, which returns eight starters from last year’s 10-2 team, was picked to win the Jayhawk Community College Conference by the conference’s coaches on Saturday.

Coffeyville was picked second behind the Butler County, followed by Garden City, Dodge City, Hutchinson, Fort Scott, Independence and Highland.

“Being picked first will be a useful motivational tool that we’ll use to help our guys,” said Butler County Coach Troy Morrell.

Quarterback Chad Wilmott, who Morrell said improved a great deal during spring workouts, leads the Grizzlies’ offense, while linebacker Lee Foliaki, an agile player with good instincts, will lead the defense.

The season opens Aug. 30.