(Preview is a feature article in the 2016 Pigskin Preview magazine get your free copy at these area businesses - for location list click here) 

For the second straight year, the Northeast Kansas League was dominated by three teams. During the 2015 season this trio of teams combined to go 15-2 against other league foes and all three teams made the playoffs. Pleasant Ridge came out on top in the NEKL going 6-0 in the league after taking down 5-1 Maur Hill Mount Academy in the final league game of the season to claim the title. The Ravens made their second straight trip to the playoffs in 3A, while Jackson Heights made the post-season in 2A after going 4-1 in league play and advancing in the playoffs for the first time since 2003. The three top finishers from last year appear poised to compete for the league title once again in 2016, but the entirety of the NEKL appears in much better shape than it was heading into 2015.

MAUR HILL-MOUNT ACADEMY is in the midst of the best run the school has seen in the past 20 years coming off back-to-back winning seasons and two straight trips to the playoffs. The offensive and defensive lines are the strengths of the team for Coach Jermaine Monroe Sr., who enters year number five at the school having to replace a runningback (Harry Trotter) who graduated after one of the best seasons in school history.

PLEASANT RIDGE is still a mainstay in the NEKL, and despite losing three-year starting quarterback Nick Holmes, should have the athletes to compete for another league title. Coach Pat McCollim enters his fifth season with 14 letter-winners returning with the goals and probability of making the playoffs for a fourth straight season.

JEFF COUNTY NORTH surprised many teams a year ago finishing fourth in the league while making the 2A playoffs. The Chargers must replace one of the best athletes the school has seen in recent years in Bryce Noll at the quarterback spot, but the cupboard is not bare for Coach Jeff Schneider in year number two. JCN returns 11 letterwinners and players from a JV team that went 6-0 with a legitimate shot at competing for the league title.

JACKSON HEIGHTS is coming off their best season since 2003 (9-2) and Coach Caleb Wick returns his quarterback and entire backfield among 14 letter winners.  The Cobras are still likely to rely on some underclassmen, but have good talent in the younger classes.  Rebuilding the offensive and defensive line are major keys to repeat the success of 2015.  

OSKALOOSA AND MCLOUTH are each coming off tough seasons dealing with injuries and young players being forced into action. The Bears and Coach Scott Whaley enter 2016 down the team’s top two rushers from a season ago, but a strong front line that should make up for the inexperience in the backfield. Staying healthy and being in a new district should help Oskaloosa get back to competing within the league, but as always underclassman must step up and produce. The Bulldogs are up in numbers heading into the 2016 season and after two tough years in Class 3A are back down a classification in 2-1A. The Bulldogs return 10 starters to each side of the football and should be much more competitive against teams in the league.

HORTON suffered through a winless season in a rebuilding year for Coach Nick Dowell.  The Chargers had only five seniors and bring back most of their starters in 2016.  They should be much better with experienced veterans, but lost some size and will also need younger players to step into varsity roles and perform on Friday nights, while hopefully limiting mistakes for an improved campaign. 

Due to lower numbers the past few years IMMACULATA football decided to join Maranatha Academy in a co-op agreement starting last year and will continue that agreement moving forward, while playing Immaculata’s Northeast Kansas League schedule and competing at the Class 3A level for Districts. Last year Maranatha coach, Bryan Burdette had the task of putting the pieces together of two teams that have really struggled in recent history.  There should be a little more depth, but several younger players are expected to play key roles, including a freshman at quarterback.