Shawnee Mission East

The Lancers could be a strong defensive football team, with the return of linebacker Logan Rutherford and defensive backs Jared Hodgson and Bryant Condie. … SM East also returns its starting quarterback, Brett Condie, after he threw for 663 yards and five touchdowns in 2003. … Brett Condie will be protected by lineman Andy Logan, who will start for the third straight year. … East finished just 2-7 in 2003, beating Leavenworth and KC Wyandotte.

Olathe Northwest

The Ravens will play a full varsity schedule after a 5-4 junior varsity campaign in 2003. … The second-year school has limited varsity experience, but its quarterback will be Vinnie Gay, a transfer from Shawnee Mission West that saw significant action the last two years as the Vikings’ QB. … Ravens coach Todd Dain also is excited about tight end/linebacker Darren Cahill, lineman Cory Lewis and wide receiver/defensive back Josh Kirts, all of whom played well on the JV team last year.

Shawnee Mission West

Vikings coach Tim Callaghan is hoping last year’s youthful 2-7 team can translate to success this time around thanks to experience. … a bulk of SM West’s skilled offensive players are back, including junior quarterback Tyler Lawrence and senior running back D.J. Barnett. … Callaghan also expects contributions from a linebacking corps that includes seniors Scott Sapanero and Brady Kroeker.

Olathe North

The defending Class 6A state champs drop to 5A thanks to the opening of Olathe Northwest, but expect the Eagles to contend for the Sunflower League crown once again. … O-North returns workhorse running back Justin Gore, linemen Dan Wise, Mike O’Rourke and Brent Sensenich on offense, as well as solid free safety Dustin Moomau on defense. … Moomau will take over quarterback duties, as well. … Says coach John McCall, “We will be a very senior-dominated team with outstanding junior support.”

Leavenworth

The Pioneers will start fresh with new head coach Tom Young, one of the state’s all-time best coaches who has a 267-72 record in 34 years of coaching, most recently with Derby … Young inherits a team that went 1-8 last season, but returns six starters on both offense and defense . … Leading the way will be senior Adam Booth (6-foot-2, 205 pounds), who started at both quarterback and lienbacker last year.