Countdown to Kickoff: Kapaun, Elias aim high ahead of new season

WICHITA, Kan. (Catch it Kansas) - When all is said and done, Omari Elias will end with one of the best careers by a running back in Kansas high school history.

He has back-to-back City League single-season rushing records, eclipsing 2,000 yards in his sophomore and junior seasons. In his senior year, he’s about putting it all together.

“Just keep performing as I have, being one of the top players in the state, continue to do that of course, but continue to bring my team with me,” said Elias, an Air Force commit.

Kapaun is coming off a 5-5 season that saw three losses by 10 points or less, with a loss to Northwest ballooning in the second half and a playoff loss to Maize. While the Crusaders felt they were in every game, they’re out to close the gap.

“The word is finish,” head coach Weston Schartz said. “We tell them, ‘let’s finish, let’s finish, let’s finish,’ so they’re getting tired of hearing that.”

Kapaun averaged 37 points per game a year ago and goes into another season with a tough schedule, highlight by games with East, Northwest and Bishop Carroll at Riverfront.

“We keep talking about getting to a state title. I think we’re starting to change it from getting there to winning it, because I know that’s definitely capable,” Aydan Spiers said.

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