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While many considered the Northeast Kansas League to be a bit down in 2016, they did have three teams again make the post-season.  While Pleasant Ridge advanced into the playoffs for a fifth consecutive campaign and Maur Hill-Mount Academy qualified for a third straight year, it Jeff County North that made a return trip to the post-season.  However, none of these teams could advance past the opening round.  Because of an uneven League slate, both JCN and Jackson Heights went undefeated in League play to share the NEKL title with perfect 5-0 marks.  However, the Cobras, who advanced to the second round of playoffs in 2015, were left at home last year because of three tight district losses.  Because Immaculata has closed their school, Maranatha will fill their spot on the football League schedule as the two teams has played together as a co-op a season ago.  The 2017 season sets up to have the same four teams battling in the top half of the League, but it appears the bottom half of the NEKL should be improved, making for more competitive games and a fun race for the crown with hopefully a better post season showing!  

MAUR HILL-MOUNT ACADEMY continues to show they are a football program back on the rise after a third straight seven win season and a third consecutive trip to the playoffs. The skill players are the strengths of the team for Coach Jermaine Monroe Sr., who enters year number six at the helm bringing back multiple weapons on an offense that averaged over 38 points per game last season.

JEFF COUNTY NORTH is coming off a league title and a berth in the 2A playoffs in just the second season of Coach Jeff Schneider. The injury bug hit the Chargers late in the season causing them to see their season cut short, but eight starters return off of last season’s eight win team with hopes of repeating as league champs and making a deeper run in 2017.

JACKSON HEIGHTS went undefeated to win the Northeast Kansas League Title in 2016, but heartbreaking losses by 4,8 and 14 points in District play, prevented the Cobras from improving on their 9-2 season the year prior and returning to the playoffs.  The wishbone is certainly working for Coach Caleb Wick entering his sixth year on the Cobra sidelines and only four seniors have to be replaced.  However, those talented athletes were essential pieces at key positions, including quarterback, where Jackson Heights is trying to find a steady leader.  This team has plenty of quickness and is adding some bigger and younger lineman ans well as other athletes that put them in a great position for the upcoming years!        

PLEASANT RIDGE fell on hard times in the 2016 winning just three games after a league title and eight win campaign in 2015. The Rams were able to win their final two district games to reach the playoffs for the fifth straight season, but turnovers and penalties kept Pleasant Ridge from advancing any further. Coach Pat McCollim enters his sixth season with 13 letter winners returning with the goals and probability of making the playoffs for a fifth straight season.

OSKALOOSA AND MCLOUTH are each coming off 4-5 seasons dealing with turnovers and mental mistakes late in games. The Bears and Coach Scott Whaley enter 2017 searching for a new quarterback, but luckily the backfield is covered with four guys who can tote the rock. Staying healthy and gelling early should help Oskaloosa get back to competing within the league, but as always underclassman must step up and contribute. The Bulldogs on the other hand could have easily ended up 6-3 in 2016, but missed opportunities ultimately cost McLouth a spot in the playoffs. Coach Freeman returns eight starters on each side of the ball which make the Bulldogs much more competitive in the improved and more balanced Northeast Kansas League in 2017.

HORTON has lost 17 of their last 18 football games and again had issues with keeping enough healthy and experienced players on the field in 2016.  Turnovers also hampered the offense, but this year Coach Nick Dowell (10th year) has more than half his starters back and a lot of options at the skill positions.  A couple players may have to shift to new roles helping fill voids across the line of scrimmage to pave the way for a more conservative and ball control style of offense.  The Chargers also welcome a couple newcomers to the program and expect to be much improved in 2017. 

Last year MARANATHA joined forces with Immaculata to take on their NEKL schedule, but this season with the closing of Immaculata, the Eagles have to look in house only for players. Six starters back on each side of the ball with multiple skill position athletes have the Eagles ready to take the next step and improve upon their 2-7 record from 2016. Still a young team, the Eagles have to battle through the bumps in the road as the team has lower numbers.