Countdown to Kickoff: Maize South Mavericks

WICHITA, Kan. (Catch it Kansas) - After having a record-breaking season rushing the ball last season, Maize South looks to fill that hole with junior running back Braxton Bigley.

With a lot of spots to fill, 14-year head coach Brent Pfeifer said there’s not much experience back this year.

“Very little. We have a couple guys one defense and two or three on offense as far as full-time starters,” said Pfeifer. “So, it’s a young class for us but it’s a lot of excitement just because of the battles we have out here every day.”

“A lot of our seniors on the offensive line graduated and we have a lot of youth there and with our defensive backs,” said junior middle linebacker Brady Wrapp. “We have a lot of competition every day, high intensity, we push each other a lot every day.”

One of those positions that does doesn’t need to be replaced is quarterback. After filling in as a freshman last year, Trent McNew comes back even stronger as QB1.

“Coming in as a freshman, he was a leader off the start and he really just brought us together even after our senior quarterback got hurt, he kind of brought us in as a team,” said junior wide receiver Jeron Askren.

“He’s learned a lot from the guys before him in work ethic, study habits, time in the weight room, the importance of that room and his development and then getting in, studying film and understanding the game more and more, making his reads quicker,” said Pfeifer.

McNew led the Mavericks to a playoff win last season before getting knocked out in the second round. But players say they’re hungry to surpass last year’s 6-4 record.

Askren said, “Our coaches hold us accountable every day, we live by the standards they set and just keep pushing every day. All of the guys, they’re bringing 100 percent every day and good mindset and intensity.”

Maize South opens the season hosting Andover on Friday at 7 p.m.