All-County Football Teams

 The All-County football team for 2021 has been selected by the Capital-Journal.

1st team 

Quarterback: Torrey Horak (Senior, Rossville), Carter Brian (Senior, Cair Paravel), Camden Barta (Senior, Seaman).

Running Back: Tylan Alejos (Senior, Topeka High), Jarin Sanders (Senior, Shawnee Heights), Corey Catron (Senior, Rossville).

Offensive Line: Joe Otting (Junior, Hayden), Danny Saili (Senior, Topeka High), Shane Sexton (Senior, Washburn Rural), Orrin Busenitz (Senior, Shawnee Heights), Jacob Carver (Junior, Rossville), Brody Leitz (Senior, Rossville), Garrett Peery (Senior, Shawnee Heights), Tristan VandeVelde (Senior, Silver Lake).

Defensive Back: Callen Barta (Sophomore, Seaman), Landon MacEwan (Senior, Washburn Rural), Ja’Laveyn January (Senior, Shawnee Heights), Kade Perine (Junior, Rossville).

Defensive Line: Matthew Etzel (Senior, Shawnee Heights), Danny Saili (Senior, Topeka High), Tristan VandeVelde (Senior, Silver Lake), Austin Fagar (Senior, Washburn Rural), Preston Gillen (Senior, Silver Lake), Mshewe Hale (Sr, Rossville).

2nd Team

Wide Reciever: Jacob Malcom (Sophomore, Shawnee Heights), Jayden Moore (Sophomore, Shawnee Heights), PJ Vargas (Senior, Seaman), Evan Will (Sophomore, Cair Paravel), Tre Richardson (Junior, Highland Park), Kamryn Kaniper (Junior, Silver Lake), Tegan Kippes (Senior, Rossville), Kade Perine (Junior, Rossville), Simon Everhart (Sophomore, Cair Paravel).

Offensive Line: Mahliq Jackson (Sophomore, Rossville), Kobe Jordan (Senior, Seaman), Barrett Leitz (Sophomore, Rossville), Logan Cox (Junior, Seaman), Zach Franco (Junior, Washburn Rural), Sean Miller (Junior, Washburn Rural), Gavin Zuperku (Junior, Shawnee Heights), Diego Ruiz (Senior, Shawnee Heights.

Defensive Back: Camden Barta (Senior, Seaman), Casen Stallbaumer (Senior, Seaman), Simon Everhart (Sophomore, Cair Paravel), Tyler Gilchrist (Senior, Hayden) Robby Bolin (Senior, Washburn Rural), Tegan Kippes (Senior, Rossville), Daigan Kruger, (Senior, Silver Lake), Jaye Jones (Junior, Shawnee Heights), Isiah Kincade (Sophomore, Topeka High), Kade Brown (Senior, Rossville).

Defensive Line: Brody Gormley (Senior, Seaman), Ian Brian (Sophomore, Cair Paravel), Christian Gonzales (Sophomore, Shawnee Heights), Kaelin Rice (Senior, Hayden).

Linebacker: Bryson Vawter (Junior, Seaman), JC Cummings (Junior, Hayden), Connor Conklin (Senior, Washburn Rural), Logan McDaniel (Senior, Topeka High), Alex Dittman, (Sophomore, Shawnee Heights), Kale Frehe (Senior, Silver Lake), Raphael Cooney (Senior, Rossville).

Kicker: Pedro Arrantes (Senior, Rossville), Gavin Wilhelm (Senior, Seaman).

Honorable Mention 

Trent Gentry, Senior, Rossville.

Trenton Barker, Senior, Rossville.

Mary Deiter Passes Away

Mary E. Deiter, 82, passed away Thursday, November 25, 2021, at the Overland Park Regional Hospital.

She was born June 3, 1939, Wagner, OK, the daughter of William “Tooter” and Ruby L. Krohn Nichols.  Mary graduated from Tulsa High School.  She moved to Kansas in the early 70’s.

Mary worked in retail sales.  She worked in food services at USD No. 321 and later worked for Famous Brand Retail Liquor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Meredith “Buddy” Nichols, and a sister, Norma Wagner.

Mary was united in marriage to Richard J. Deiter II on September 18, 1981, in Topeka.  He survives.  Other survivors include her children; Kirk (Amanda) Henderson, Tonkawa, OK, Milea Ryan, Salina, Michael (Carolyn) Delaney, Gardner, Amy Raelyne (Brett) Sutton, Topeka, and Richard J. (Julie) Deiter III, Topeka; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild.

Graveside services will be at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, December 4, 2021, at the Maple Hill Cemetery, Maple Hill.  A visitation will be held from 12:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday, at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys.  Memorial Contributions may be made in Mary’s name to help purchase a headstone. Piper Funeral Home 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas is in charge of arrangements.

 

Matt Cheek Passes Away

      Matt Cheek Passed away 8-1-2021 in Arizona.  There was no obituary.  His brother, Mark Cheek, passed away in 1997.

Kerry Dick Passes Away

 By Sarah Motter, WIBW

ROSSVILLE, Kan. (WIBW) - The Rossville Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its part-time officers after he passed away Monday afternoon.

On Monday night, Nov. 29, the Rossville Police Department said it is mourning the loss of officer Kerry Dick, who died that afternoon in an area hospital at the age of 54 due to natural causes.

RPD said Officer Dick started his career in March 1995 as a Reserve Officer with the Wamego Police Department after he completed reserve academy. He then transitioned to a part-time position with WPD in 1997 following successful completion of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center part-time academy.

According to RPD, Officer Dick served as a part-time officer with the City of Rossville for over 14 years from September 2007 until his death on Nov. 29, 2021.

Memorial services for Officer Dick are pending.

Jerry Dick Passes Away

Silver Lake—Jerry L. Dick, 83, passed away Sunday, November 28, 2021 at his home in Silver Lake.

He was born August 6, 1938, in Topeka, the son of William “Bill” and Alverine Tibbets Dick. Jerry was raised in Topeka and attended Highland Park High School and graduated from Lecompton High. Jerry excelled in sports and played on the junior high school basketball team as a fifth grader. He played and excelled in all sports in high school, and continued to participate in a variety of athletics long into his adult life.

Jerry worked at GoodYear Tire and Rubber in Topeka. He retired in 2000 after 40 years of service. Jerry was a member of Eastside Baptist Church. He also was a member of Local No 307 United SteelWorkers Union in Topeka.

Jerry enjoyed playing fastpitch softball. When not at the ballfield, basketball court or bowling alley, you would probably find Jerry and the family camping at Perry Lake or traveling the country. He and his wife Kay rode in all 50 states on a motorcycle.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Jean Kesinger, and his daughter, Troy Layne Adkins.

Jerry was united in marriage to Kathleen Edwards Robison in 1961. She survives.

Other survivors include two daughters, Coy (Bill) Hoffman and Joy Michael, all of Topeka. two brothers, Bob (Laura) Dick and Jack (Ann) Dick all of Topeka; grandchildren, Lacey (Dustin) Brunin, Jenna (Chance) Stum, Shawna (Nick) Isakson, Brady (Loren) Hoffman, Robison Michael and Jamie (Dylan) Forgy, Casey Shelman; great-grandchildren, Quinton, Kensley, Abbie, Jaxon, Kallie, Haiden, Drew, Hewitt, Hank, Haisley, Stetson and # 12 on the way.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday, December 3, 2021, at the Rossville Christian Church. Interment will be at the Historic Topeka Cemetery. Jerry will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Thursday, December 2, 2021, at the church. Jerry was a very generous man and enjoyed doing random acts of kindness. Please consider doing a random act in memory of Jerry. Memorial contributions may be sent to Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

Dawgfeed #3 for 2021-22

The latest Dawgfeed video is now on YouTube. You can view it by clicking on:  Dawgfeed # 3 for 2021-22

Lifelong Friends Corey and Torrey

From CJ Online:

Corey Catron and Torrey Horak were in fifth grade when Rossville won its first of three consecutive state titles starting in 2014.

Torrey remembers older brother Thatcher having an 85-yard touchdown run to seal the game over archrival Silver Lake to get to the state title before winning it all.

Click on images to enlarge

Corey and Torrey

The Capital-Journal has a nice long article and Corey and Torrey with several picture, 3 of which are shown here.  You can read the whole article at:  cjonline.comStoryOfLifeLongFriends

Corey and Torrey practicing a hand-off

Corey and Torrey celebrating end of 2A Title Game 

                                                                                                                                                                       

The Men In The Trenches

Crom CJ Online:

From Left:  Junior Jacob Carver, Senior Mhewe Hale, Senior Brody Lietz

     A big part of the Dawgs championship team was the offensive line play opening holes for Corey and Torrey as well as anchoring the defensive line.  Jacob, Mshewe and Brody were the anchors of the 2021 State Champs.  Jacob Carver, Mshewe Hale and Brody Lietz were veterans that helped the Dawgs to the 2020 2A State Championship and were crucial in the drive for the 2021 Title. 

There is a nice long article about the trio and the team at:  https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/11/24/offensive-and-defensive-linemen-leading-rossville-into-2-a-state-finals/8748191002/

KWU Wins Close One Over Ottawa

Kansas Wesleyan defeated Ottawa U. on Nov 27,  73-68.    Amanda Hill had 18 pts, 3 assists, and 9 rebounds.  Caila Hill had 9 pts, 4 assists, 8 rebounds and 1 block.

Rossville Wins Fifth State FB Title

From CJ Online

The Rossville Dawgs (13-0) hadn’t lost since Nov. 8, 2019 and that would not change on Saturday as they beat the Beloit Trojans (9-4) in the 2A state title game, 35-12. 

The Trojans were undermanned with their top two rushers, juniors Benson Berndt (274-1832, 25 touchdowns) and Branson Hiserote (86-452, 4 touchdowns), on the sideline on crutches. 

Dawgs head coach Derick Hammes said earlier in the week that they had to take the opportunities given to them offensively with the possession-based game the Trojans have with their run game. 

On the defensive side, he likened a three and out to a turnover for either side with the limited possessions coming into play. 

The Dawgs would win both of those battles.

Offensively, the Dawgs scored on five of their seven possessions.

Of the Trojans eight possessions, two ended in punts, two ended in turnovers on downs and another ended with a fumble. 

The Dawgs had 373 yards to 229 for the Trojans and although the Trojans rushed for 35 more yards (174-139), the Dawgs passed for 234 yards compared to the Trojans 55.

There are 14 photos and many videos showing the big plays at:

2A Championship 2021

Catherine (Jacobson) Wild Passes Away

Catherine Ann “Kay” Wild, 85, passed away Monday, November 22, 2021, at the St. Marys Manor.

Kay was born July 28, 1936, at home in rural Jackson County Kansas, the daughter of John T. and Catherine V. O’Connor Jacobson.  She grew up in Delia where she attended grade school and moved to Topeka where she attended Sacred Heart Catholic School.  Kay and her family moved to the Rossville community, where she attended high school.

Kay worked in food services for Kaw Valley USD No. 321 for 50 years before retiring.  She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in St. Marys.

She was preceded in death by her son, William C. “Billy” Wild on Nov 27, 1989; her parents; three brothers, Billy, John Jr., and Robert; and her sister, Rosemary Pauly.

Kay was united in marriage to William S. Wild on October 31, 1959, in Topeka.  He survives at the home.

Other survivors include a son, Lonnie (Angie) Wild, Topeka; her daughter Connie (Chris) Royer, Manhattan; a brother Donald (Genevieve) Jacobson, Rossville; two sisters, Betty Lambotte, and Dorothy (Jim) Lloyd, all of Rossville; and six grandchildren, Becky (Kris) Logsdon, Lindsay Royer, Gavin Royer, Lauren, Joe and Brock Wild.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A M Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys.  Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. Marys.  Mrs. Wild will lie in state on Friday, November 26, 2021, after 2:00 PM at the funeral home where there will be a family visitation from 5:00 until 7:00 PM followed by a rosary at 7 PM.  Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or Food for the Poor and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.  Online condolences may be sent to www.piperfuneralhome.com.

Emma Yocum Passes Away

Emma L. (Pageler) Yocum went to be with her Lord and Heavenly family on Thanksgiving night, November 25, 2021, at the St. Marys Manor.

Emma was born on January 5, 1934, on a farm north of Belvue, KS and spent her entire life in the St. Marys, KS area.  She was the only daughter of Reinhardt and Vaneta (Cox) Pageler.  She attended a one-room school north of Belvue, Belvue Grade School, and graduated from St. Marys High School in 1952.  After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart. 

She worked as a clerk for Blue Cross and Blue Shield until she became a stay-at-home mother to raise their 4 boys.  She later worked for the Standard Gas Station in St. Marys.  She worked as a para-professional for USD 321 from where she retired in 1996.

Emma filled her life with many activities in the community, including teaching Sunday School at St. Marys United Methodist Church.  She also enjoyed dancing with the Swinging Squares.  She and her husband, Nick were active in their children’s and grandchildren’s activities.

She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Clarence “Nick” Yocum.  They were married on September 13, 1953, at the Evangelical & Reformed Church-Wells Creek.  

Together they raised 4 sons.  Steve Yocum, Lawrence, KS; John Yocum (Jennifer) Lawrence, KS; David Yocum (Kristi) St. George KS; James Yocum (Kerri) St. Marys KS.

Emma and Nick are blessed with 9 Grandchildren.  Travis Yocum (Lori), Nichol Gallegos (Zack), Eva Parkin (Levi), Ethan Yocum (Faith), Brandon Yocum (Becca), Jenna Yocum (Matthew Klotz), Ryan Yocum (Karlee), Hayley Smith (John), and Trevor Yocum.

They also have 12 Great-Grandchildren: Alex, Noah, Anna Beth, Zackary, and Thaddeus Gallegos; Aubrey Carrier & Olivia Klotz; Pierce Yocum; Avah & Cale Yocum; Weiss Parkin, and one on the way.

Her life will be celebrated on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Marys United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Valley View Cemetery in St. Marys.   Family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, December 3, 2021, at Piper Funeral Home.

Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Marys United Methodist Church in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St Marys KS 66536.

 

Rossville & Beloit Comparison

CJOnline has a good article comparing the Dawgs to the Beloit team which has an 8-3 record,  the losses being against bigger teams.

 cjonline.com/story/football-state-championship-game

Rossville Ready For Final Game

Below is article from WIBW On-line: 

ROSSVILLE, Kan. (WIBW) - Rossville enters Saturday’s 2A state football championship game riding a 25-game win streak — but the road to get there started much earlier.

“I can remember a few years back watching them as Junior Dawgs and I knew that they were a special group,” head coach Derick Hammes said. “They’ve really grown up and they’ve matured, and they’ve had success for us already. For me, this would be the icing on the cake if they were able to complete their goal.”

The Dawgs went 13-0 en route to a championship last season. One year later, they’re in the same spot: 12-0 with just one team, Beloit (9-3), standing in the way of a repeat state title.

“Beloit’s good,” Hammes said. “The first thing I told the players is they deserve to be here. They stand out to me because they’re a physical football team and they really are intent on establishing the run.”

“We know they’ll be ready,” senior quarterback Torrey Horak said. .They’ve got some athletes, we’ve got some athletes, and we’re hoping this is gonna be a really, really fun football game.”

For this tight-knit senior class, Saturday marks one last chance to take the field together.

“Last year was fun, but this year it’s a little more special since it’s our senior year,” senior Corey Catron said. “It’d mean the world if we could do this again.”

“To go out with a bang like this, we really can’t ask for anything better,” Horak said. “We’re looking to go finish this thing right and send these seniors home how we’ve always wanted to go out, how we’ve always dreamed about it.”

A nice video accompanied the above article which can be viewed at:

https://www.wibw.com/2021/11/25/rossville-aims-second-straight-2a-state-football-title/