By Ken Hansard
COFFEYVILLE GOLDEN TORNADO
Coach: DEONTA WADE
2-7
OFFENSE
Head Coach Deonta Wade will be back for his sixth year at the helm for the Coffeyville-Field Kindley Golden Tornado. The challenge he faces this year will be to replace a host of talented graduates from last year’s squad, “We’ll look entirely different than what fans are used to. Over the past couple years, we have lost 20 plus starters. Household names have earned opportunities to continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level.” But change is not always a bad thing. The Nado plan to add by subtraction, “It’s time for a new crop of young men to take over the program.”
Offensively, the Nado run the Gun-T, with heavy emphasis on the power game, “The philosophy remains the same; we want to run the ball down people’s throats – make people load the box and see who spent their time in the weight room this offseason.” Field Kindley will be replacing most of their primary offensive weapons from last season, including Aaron Tunstall, who rushed for 1412 yards, quarterback Axel Erne, and Keshawn Hayes, who led receivers with 17 catches for 190 yards and three TDs. Kaylan Austin (6-2, 185, Jr.) is set to take over the offense at quarterback. Austin was also one of the team’s leading defensive backs in 2024. Fullback Brennen Westervelt (5-10, 160, Sr.), who also plays linebacker, will provide the hammer that should help wear down opponents’ defenses. Carsten Voss (5-9, 150, Jr.) and David Gofourth (5-9, 180, Jr.) should be a couple of Austin’s primary targets at wide receiver, and Hunter Bates (5-10, 190, Jr.) is another weapon at tight end. Ian Lopez (5-9, 200, So., OL) will be one of the linemen tasked with paving the way for the run game.
DEFENSE
The Tornado operate out of a 3-4 defensive scheme. Alan Grandberry (5-10, 220, Sr.) will anchor the D-Line after recording a team best 56 tackles last season, including 17 tackles for loss and two sacks. Those 56 tackles were tied for a team best with linebacker Westervelt. Grandberry will be joined on the line by Hurley McFall (5-10, 220, Sr.) who contributed 23 tackles, including four tackles for loss. Returning starting cornerback Carsten Voss added 15 tackles. Defensive lineman Johntae Byrd (5-10, 215, Sr.) will also be counted on for valuable reps. Coach Wade says, “We’re excited about our future and the athletes we get to coach.” Others Coach Wade mentioned who are likely to be major contributors are Nathan Magana, Angilo Fulcher, and Davison Sutherland. Wade comments, “We have a great opportunity to set this group up for long-term success. We’ll be fairly young, but our expectations are still the same, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Our competition will be as stiff as ever. Every program has to bring their “A” game. We have a tough task ahead, and we invite the challenge. A lot of new faces will represent the Nado, and they will be household names for years to come.”
9-5 – vs. Towanda-Circle HS
9-12 – at Chanute
9-19 – vs. Emporia
9-26 – vs. Independence
10-4 – at Christ Prep
10-10 – vs. Labette Co.
10-17 – at Mulvane
10-24 – at Fort Scott
10-31 – KSHSAA Playoffs
