2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEWS – INMAN TEUTONS

writingwithwilldur
1 hour ago
4 min read

By Staff

The Inman Teutons will enter the 2026 football season with a familiar edge – the kind that comes from unfinished business after last fall ended with a tough playoff loss to rival Moundridge, and that sting has fueled an offseason defined by commitment, consistency, and a renewed standard inside the weight room.

As head coach Lance Sawyer put it, “Our guys decided to dedicate themselves to the weight room where attendance has been consistent and the growth has been outstanding.”

Entering his twelfth season leading the Teuton program, Sawyer brings a 62-43 career record, which includes an 8-2 finish in 2025, to a program that continues to expect excellence. Once again, he is joined by longtime assistant Bill Garst along with Brock Blair and Tom Broomfield to round out a staff that knows how to build continuity.

Inman will be returning a core of veterans with eight players on offense and nine on defense having time as starters, a number that can be considered a luxury in Class 1A football.

Some of the headliners are as explosive as any group in the state beginning with the seniors such as:

Malachai Brunk at quarterback/defensive back. A four-year starter and one of the most dynamic athletes in Kansas, Brunk earned first-team All-HOA (Heart of America) and first-team All-State at both quarterback and defensive back. His numbers in 2025 were staggering – 2,425 all-purpose yards; 1,336 yards with 18 touchdowns rushing; 1,089 yards and 10 touchdowns passing along with 61 tackles on defense. ‘He is the engine of the offense and arguably the best player in Class 1A.’

Korbyn McClellan, a wide receiver/running back and four-year starter. McClellan’s 4.61 speed and versatility earned him first-team all-league and second-team all-state honors a year ago. He totaled 1,169 all-purpose yards with 14 touchdowns, proving he can score from anywhere on the field.

Tyler Jerrick, a three-year starter at defensive back and honorable mention all-league as he posted 46 tackles and three interceptions. ‘Jerrick is steady, experienced, and reliable in the secondary.’

Kash Schierling, a three-year starter on both the offensive and defensive lines. ‘Schierling’s leadership and football IQ make him one of the most important pieces in the trenches.’

Grant Knackstedt, a two-year starter at left tackle and a member of the 1,000-pound club. ‘Knackstedt moves well and provides stability on the edge.’

Gage Sisson, the three-year starter at tight end and linebacker. Sisson recorded 48 tackles with a pair of sacks, five tackles for loss of yardage, two fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown last season. ‘Sisson is explosive, physical, and another member of the 1,000-pound club while also earning a state medal being a leg on the Inman 4x800 relay team at the state track meet in the spring.’

The Teuton junior class is deep, fast, and experienced which is a rare combination, making this team dangerous. Among the top juniors are:

Braxton Malloy – a running back/linebacker who rushed for 462 yards and made 43 tackles in 2025. ‘Malloy has elite speed.’

Kru Harris – an all-league and honorable mention all-state defensive back after recording four interceptions, Harris also recorded 353 receiving yards and six touchdowns on offense as a running back.

Bo O’Neill – as an offensive lineman and linebacker, O’Neill is a member of the 1,000-pound club and gathered 41 tackle in 2025 that included 11 tackles for a loss of yardage and three sacks. ‘He is explosive for his size.’

Jayce Jennings – listed as a wide receiver and defensive back, ‘Jennings is an emerging cornerback with great hands and instincts.’

Cayden Gaeddert – after a productive season at defensive line, the strong and physical Gaeddert will be moving to tight end in 2026.

Dalton Priddy – an offensive and defensive lineman who has developed enough to provide solid depth at both.

Those few Teuton Newcomers which the coaches claim can make a difference:

Noah Herndon – a junior running back and defensive back that is considered ‘smart, coachable, and competitive.’

Ethan Ostlund – a junior offensive lineman and linebacker, Ostlund played meaningful snaps in the state playoffs and has ‘shown to be very instinctive.’

Cohen Liebelt – a sophomore linebacker who had a strong spring in both baseball and track. Liebelt is ‘athletic and improving.’

So, what do the Teuton coaches see as the outlook for the 2026 season?

The Teutons expect to be fast – everywhere on the roster. With 100% of the rushing attack, 100% of the receiving yards, and 74% of the recorded tackles returning, this team has the experience to open up the playbook on both sides of the ball.

“I believe the offense will be explosive, and the defense will be aggressive,” pointed out coach Sawyer. “The backfield is one of the fastest Inman has had in years and while health will matter, red-zone execution will matter as well. But the pieces are in place.”

Inman coaches point to seven keys to victory for 2026, those being stay healthy; solidify both lines; improve blocking by the running backs; open up the passing game; be aggressive defensively; finish drives in the red zone; and lean on our experience in the big games.

Sawyer concluded his pre-season reflections by saying, “Last season’s 8-1 regular season run included a district title and playoff win over defending state champion Conway Springs before the loss to Moundridge. The Teutons wanted more and that hunger has shaped our offseason with the goal for 2026 is simple – LEAVE NO DOUBT!”

Inman will open the 2026 season on Friday, September 4 at Sedgwick and will play one of the top teams in Class 1A Sterling on the road in week three, both key early season games.

2026 Iman Teuton Schedule:

Friday, September 4 – at Sedgwick

Friday, September 11 – hosting Marion

Friday, September 18 – at Sterling

Friday, September 25 – at Hutchinson Trinity (district game)

Friday, October 2 – hosting Hillsboro (district game) (Homecoming)

Friday, October 9 – at Remington (district game)

Friday October 16 – hosting Council Grove

Friday, October 23 – hosting Moundridge (district game)

Friday, October 30 – Cross District Bracket Game

Friday, November 6 – Regionals

Friday, November 13 – Sectionals