By Angela Brunk
Coach: LEON MILLER
Record: 9-1
Head coach Leon Miller from the Frontenac Raiders had an extremely successful 2024-2025 season. The Raiders’ record from last season was an outstanding 9-1. In addition to the record, the Raiders were CNC League Champions and District Champions as well. Frontenac is returning 28 lettermen from last year’s season, and the team has the making of another successful season.
OFFENSE
On the offensive side of the ball, Frontenac is sitting in a prime position to repeat some championships. Starters returning from last season are quarterback Brogan Smith, Offensive Linemen Ethan Merrick, and Offensive Linemen Maddox Allen. Seniors who will be in contention for playing time include running back Brady Sloan, wide receiver Kyle Sloan, running back Scott Sloan, offensive lineman Ryder Hensley, offensive lineman Wyatt Collins, and tight end Gage James. Coach Miller is hoping the senior class steps up the leadership and guides the underclassmen. The offseason has been good for the team, but Coach Miller would like to see a bigger commitment from the seniors where it comes to leadership.
The sophomores and juniors are well stacked and many of them have already seen varsity playing time. The juniors include wide receiver Kaden Merando, tight end Baron Kunshek, running back Rylan Relph, wide receiver Owen Welsh, running back Drew Long, wide receiver Mark Stroud, running back Cam Ishimura, offensive linemen Duke Gariglietti, Jeremiah Reagan, Chase Underwood, Bryce Underwood, and Cooper Jordan. This team has lots of depth and Coach Miller wants to see a team first mentality.
DEFENSE
Frontenac has four returning starters from their successful 2024-2025 season. These players include defensive back Brock Wiemers, outside linebacker Jacob Murphy, linebacker Blaze Johnson, and linebacker Luke Sneed. One of Coach Miller’s goals this season is to build depth on the team. “It is my goal to play a lot of people on game night to keep fresh bodies and allow us to play hard and fast every down.” Opportunities are up for grabs for anyone on the team. Coach Miller is looking for effort and players to step up to roles.
Seniors who will be in contention for playing time on the defense as well as offense include defensive back Brady Sloan, defensive back Kyle Sloan, linebacker Scott Sloan, defensive lineman Ryder Hensley, defensive lineman Wyatt Collins, and defensive tackle Gage James.
Coach Miller shared with Vype Magazine that the team needs to support each other to see success again this season.
9-5 – vs. Galena
9-12 – at Colgan
9-19 – vs. Riverton
9-26 – at Girard
10-3 – vs. Parsons
10-10 – vs. Baxter Springs
10-17 – at Columbus
10-24 – at Neodesha
