For the first time since 2002 the Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes are headed to the NAIA Football Championship Series as they have qualified for the playoffs with their 10-1 record. 

The Coyotes with their 10 win season set a new school record for single wins in a season and a pair of area athletes are helping the Kansas Wesleyan football team find that success this year. Juniors, Tanner Ranieri and Mitchell Kufahl have both been key components to the success of the Coyotes this year. Ranieri the former Nemaha Valley Raider and Seneca native helps lead the way on the defense playing linebacker, while Kufahl the former Onaga Buffalo and Wheaton native is a playmaker on offense at tight end. 

Ranieri leads Kansas Wesleyan on defense in tackles with 72 on the season playing in all 11 games this season. Tanner also has recorded a sack, interception, forced fumble and four fumble recoveries, which also leads the team. 

Kufahl has only been on the field for seven games this season but has made a big impact at tight end catching 22 passes for 434 yards for a 19.7 yards per catch average, which is second on the team and has hauled in six touchdowns, which ranks second on the team. 

Kansas Wesleyan opens the NAIA playoffs with a showdown with the 8-2 Southern Oregon Raiders in Ashland, Oregon on Saturday, November 21st at 6:00pm (central time). The Raiders are the defending NAIA champions.