SPECIAL TO THE KANSAN

The Kansas City T-Bones (56-39) saw a season-high, eight-game win streak end Thursday night in a rain-shortened defeat at the hands of the Lake County Fielders (39-57), 7-4.

The game was called after six innings when a heavy rain moved into the area.

Lake County struck for four runs on one swing of the bat in the bottom of the first inning when Amos Ramon connected for a grand slam off Cody McAllister (11-6) with one out.

Kansas City was held off the scoreboard by Ryan Bicondoa (3-9) until the fourth when they pulled within one, 4-3.

Jacob Blackwood started the frame with a triple and scored on an RBI groundout by the next batter, Gabriel Martinez.

After a double by Ray Sadler, Jim Fasano homered to plate the final two runs of the inning.

The T-Bones tied the game at four in the fifth on a sacrifice fly from Jimmy Mojica, but Lake County reclaimed the lead with three runs in the bottom of the inning on a home run by Juan Valdes, chasing McAllister from the game.

McAllister suffered the loss after allowing seven runs on six hits over four and one-thirds innings.

Steven Stewart finished the fifth for McAllister and threw a scoreless bottom of the sixth before the rains hit. Bicondoa earned the victory for Lake County after allowing four runs on six hits over six innings of work.

The T-Bones head home for their final series of the regular season as they welcome the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks in a battle for first place.

The two teams will face off twice on Friday night as they finish a suspended game from earlier in the season before playing a seven-inning contest to cap off the night.

Kansas City’s Todd Moser (0-0, 1-93) and RedHawks hurler Scott Fogelson (7-3, 3.23) will begin the suspended contest with first pitch scheduled for 6:05.

In the nightcap, the T-Bones will send Andrew Cruse (11-5, 2.89) to the mound opposite Jake Laber (10-4, 3.94) and Fargo. Catch all the action online at www.tbonesbaseball.com or on the radio at KXTR 1660 AM.

It's only week one of the high school football season in Kansas City, Kan., but there are an impressive slate of games this week to begin the season.

• Washington @ Harmon: This is the very first game of the newly formed Kansas City-Atchison League. It's a game of two notable debuts – Washington head coach Brandon Corbin's first game and the first game for Herman Ming in a Harmon jersey. Harmon defeated Washington last year at Washington High School. I think they will again, but I suspect this game will be closer than last year's 20-0 blowout. PREDICTION – Harmon

• Piper @ Basehor-Linwood: The Pirates look for revenge after losing a very late heartbreaker to the Bobcats last year at Piper. Basehor-Linwood will be Piper's biggest road challenge this year and it comes in week one. Although the Pirates are starting a new quarterback, Basehor only brings back 10 starters off last year's league-winning team. They also lose a good quarterback. In an upset, I like Piper. PREDICTION – Piper

Turner @ Blue Valley: Last year, Turner earned a solid victory in its home opener against Blue Valley. The Golden Bears return the favor this year in visiting Blue Valley. Although I like Turner a lot this season, I expect Blue Valley to win narrowly in an early showdown of solid 5A teams. I hope I'm wrong. PREDICTION – Blue Valley

Jefferson West @ Sumner Academy: With Sumner Academy moving to 4A this year, this game is a little similar to the Turner-Blue Valley clash – a showdown between two solid 4A teams. This is also an opportunity for the Sabres to earn a marque win against an opponent from out the county. I don't think they get it, as much as it would be nice to see. PREDICTION – Jefferson West

Schlagle @ Lincoln College Prep: The Stallions defeated Lincoln Prep last year at home and look to do the same on the road this year. PREDICTION – Schlagle

Bishop Ward @ Tonganoxie: A new head coach and new faces on Ward's offense open their season at Tonganoxie. While Ward has a ton to replace, I still think they'll beat Tongy on the road. PREDICTION – Bishop Ward

Wyandotte @ Van Horn: The turnout numbers for Wyandotte football were significantly higher than they have been in recent years. There's a buzz about Wyandotte football under new head coach Eddie Brown. I think they get off to a good start and knock off Van Horn. PREDICTION – Wyandotte

Here are photos from the Wyandotte High School Family Fall Festival, which launched the fall sports season kickoff at the high school.

The cross country, football, soccer and volleyball teams were honored.

Year after year, sports events are unpredictable and that's why we watch them.

But year after year, there is also one consistent thing that happens involving sports – the Little League World Series becoming more and more out of control.

Having regrettably watched some of these games in the office last month, the Little League World Series is becoming a circus. There's talk of ways to improve the Series. There's ideas about a sportsmanship rule being thrown in.

To me, there's only one path remaining that would improve the Little League World Series: Eliminating it. 

Before you fill out that email window or click "comment" because you're mad about me allegedly hating 12 year olds, I don't.

I love any young student who gets involved in sports. More kids in Kansas City, Kan., need to get involved in sports and as early as possible.

Youth sports are a good thing, health wise, competition wise and it builds character.

However, the Little League World Series fails to accomplish the "building character" part.

No matter what puff pieces you see on ESPN about this (they're part of the problem), it's not a good idea to put a few hundred 12 year olds on TV for a solid month.

It grows arrogance and it fosters bad sportsmanship.

In one game, a few players from one of the teams who advanced far into the tournament hit homers and slowly walked up the first base line, resembling Manny Ramirez or Ken Griffey Jr.

One such player flipped his bat in a similar manner as Reggie Jackson did during his glory years in Oakland and New York.

I was a little shocked there wasn't a bench-clearing brawl at one point.

Of course, the ESPN cameras play a big part in this erosion of common decency and sportsmanship by promoting events like these.

Is it any wonder why middle school and high school parents are becoming more insane themselves when it comes to their kids who play sports?

Can you really be shocked at the decline of sportsmanship at the high school level, when ESPN cameras are broadcasting what amounts to games between middle school kids?

A survey conducted by the National Alliance for Youth Sports earlier this year showed that over two-thirds of athletes believe sportsmanship is on the decline, while 81 percent answered that athletes would rather win than play fairly.

By airing and promoting the Little League Series as it has, ESPN has turned nice, innocent 12 year olds to superstar divas.

I saw a lot more sportsmanship on the high school diamond last year in KCK covering teams like Bishop Ward, Harmon, Piper and every single KCK team.

You know, kids who aren't televised and advertised as the next big thing.

It's hard for me to remember Alex Orel or Herman Ming showing up a pitcher by pacing up the first base line after a home-run or a key hit.

Want sportsmanship to increase more?

A good start would be banning the Little League World Series.

The fun and love of sports can be gained without circuses offered by the Little League World Series and similar events.

SPECIAL TO THE KANSAN

The Kansas City T-Bones have announced that tickets to the semifinal round of the 2010 Northern League Playoffs will go on sale Thursday, September 2 at 10:00 a.m.

With a win over Lake County on Wednesday night, the T-Bones have clinched at least a top-two seed for the 2010 Northern League Playoffs, and will play host for games three, four (if necessary) and five (if necessary) beginning Friday, September 10.

Their opponent is yet to be determined.

Tickets for games three, four (if necessary) and five (if necessary) will go on sale beginning at 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning.

Fans can purchase tickets at the T-Bones box office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, at the TeamStore in the Legends shopping center, by calling 913-328-5618, online at www.tbonesbaseball.com, or at any local CommunityAmerica Credit Union branch.

Seating is all general admission; however, the T-Bones will reserve seats for current season ticket holders with their playoff ticket purchase. Tickets are $7 in advance and $8 if purchased on gameday.

Games for Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11 (if necessary) are set for 7:05 p.m. Game five (if necessary) on Sunday, September 12 will start at 5:05 p.m.

For more information, please contact the T-Bones box office at 913-328-5618.

SPECIAL TO THE KANSAN

Mike Rocco (3-2) surrendered just one run over six solid innings for the Kansas City T-Bones (56-38) Wednesday night as they defeated the Lake County Fielders (38-57), 10-2, to extend their season-high win streak to eight games.

Rocco surrendered his lone run in the third inning when Jeff Dunbar began the frame with a solo home run, his 15th of the season.

The right-hander retired nine of the final 10 batters he faced, leaving after a perfect sixth inning. Rocco earned the victory after allowing the one run on four hits while striking out five in six innings of work.

Kansas City jumped out to a 5-0 lead against Garry Bakker (5-10) on five hits and one Fielders error in the second inning, plating the first run on an RBI single by Jimmy Mojica.

Keanon Simon followed with an RBI single of his own, and Gabriel Martinez added a two-run single later in the frame to cap the scoring.

Bakker was chased with two outs in the third after surrendering two more runs on a wild pitch and RBI fielder’s choice groundout by Mojica. The right-hander was charged with seven runs, five earned, on six hits and five walks over two and two-thirds innings.

Rico Washington added an RBI single in the fourth inning to push the score to 8-1.

Todd Moser entered for Kansas City in the seventh and surrendered the Fielders final run on an RBI double by Kyle Higgins. Hunter Mense took over in the eighth and threw two scoreless frames to close out the game.

The T-Bones added their final two runs in the ninth on a solo home run by Martinez and bases-loaded walk from Luis Nieblas. Martinez finished two-for-three with three RBI to pace the offensive effort. He has now posted multi-hit games in five straight contests and has homered in four of those five games.

Kansas City goes for their ninth straight victory and a series sweep of Lake County Thursday night as they send Cody McAllister (11-5, 4.32) to face Ryan Bicondoa (2-9, 5.18) and the Fielders. First pitch is set for 7:00. Catch all the action online at www.tbonesbaseball.com or on the radio at KXTR 1660 AM.

SPECIAL TO THE KANSAN

The Kansas City T-Bones are proud to announce that former pitcher Justin James has earned a promotion to the major leagues with the Oakland Athletics.

James is the first Northern Leaguer to earn a promotion to the major leagues in the same season his contract was purchased.

James, 29, joined the Double-A Midland RockHounds this season after having his contract purchased from Kansas City on June 17, 2010. He held a 1-0 record and 2.29 ERA in 12 appearances for the RockHounds before being called up to Triple-A Sacramento on July 22.

James appeared in 28 games between the two levels, posting an overall record of 2-1 with five saves and a 1.83 ERA in 39 and one-thirds total innings. The right-hander struck out 49 batters while walking just 16 in that span.

“We are very happy for Justin,” said T-Bones manager Tim Doherty. “He is a good example that, if you continue to work hard and stay focused, your goals and dreams are within reach."

James joined the T-Bones on April 27, 2009, after spending six years in affiliated baseball. A product of the University of Missouri, James was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth round of the 2003 amateur draft and was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2007.

Throughout the six seasons, he split time between several leagues, including a 36-game stint in the Triple-A International League in 2007.

James is the second T-Bones player to reach the major-league level, joining pitcher Travis Schlichting who made his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 7, 2009.

Oakland is currently in New York for a series against the Yankees. Tonight’s game is scheduled for broadcast on ESPN at 6:00 p.m. CT.

On the home page of The Kansas City Kansan, I linked the top ten most read posts in August.

To be a little different over on the sports side, I thought I'd link the top 10 most read sports stories the past year per Google Analytics.

Here they are, in order.

1. Sumner Academy makes Harmon pay for mistakes, wins KCK football league

2. Make it a dozen: Ward baseball wins 12th state title

3. The rise of Harmon basketball: KCK's greatest turnaround

4. Sumner Academy defeats Ottawa, wins state title

5. Hall shines as Wyandotte out duels Washington

6. Wildcats survive late Harmon rally

7. Turner overcomes 16-point deficit, wins overtime classic

8. Back to Salina: Ward baseball does it again

9. Harmon wins thriller over Wyandotte

10. From Bulldog to Kangaroo: Trinity Hall signs with UMKC

While teams across the Kansas City-Atchison League have improved, expect the two-time defending league champion Sumner Academy Sabres to make it three.

It will be a tougher road for the Sabres this year, but five reasons why they should be considered the favorite to win the league.

• An experienced, athletic quarterback: Sumner Academy is the only team in the league that returns an experienced quarterback like Armand Brisbane (pictured). Brisbane has set school records, including yards and touchdowns. While he did make some mistakes last year as a younger quarterback, Brisbane can create opportunities for his team with both his arm and his legs. Entering the season, Sumner has the best and most experienced quarterback, which is kind of important for high school football.

• Matchup problems on the outside: The KCAL has great talent at the wide receive position. However, it's tough to match the size the Sabres bring. Eli Alexander, Vernon Vaughn and Marcus Allen are all around 6-5 and are good possession receivers and occasional deep ball threats. Those three will create massive problems for league secondaries.

• Benny Parker: Parker is an all around stud in both special teams and running back. If he hits the outside without being touched, there's a good chance he'll remain untouched for 15 to 20 more yards. He's a speed demon. There's also no special teams threat quite like him. He had four returns for touchdowns last year.

• Spread offense: The Sabres have the perfect personnel to run the spread. The spread also does a good job of maximizing the athletes Sumner has. It gets those big receivers on the outside and running lanes can open up quickly for Parker and the running back by committee Sumner may use at points this year. It can also mask the fact Sumner's offensive line only has two returners coming back. Not that a good quality offensive line isn't important. But with the spread, the 1992 Dallas Cowboys offensive line isn't exactly needed.

• History: For the past two years, Sumner's made it a routine to take it to their league rivals. Last year, Sumner outscored its league competition 136-35 in four games. As mentioned earlier, the league's improved. But I'm not sure its 101 points improved.
Sumner's number one.

How about numbers two through six? Very tough to rank, particularly the bottom four.

2. Harmon: The buzz this summer concerning football is around Harmon. Just 2-7 last year, another season of improvement is expected for Calvin Davenport's bunch. Herman Ming is a program transforming player and will make a big impact for the Hawks. Last year Harmon had the league's best defense. Will they be good enough this year to make a run at league? They'll be better, but not quite as good as Sumner. Their showdown September 10 could be the KCAL game of the year.

3. Schlagle: It's fitting the Stallions and Wildcats – two bitter rivals – are almost mirror images of each other. Both have a tough defense, both have decent size and both require consistency from a new starting quarterback. I like Schlagle to edge their rivals, barely. A system's in place at Schlagle with a second-year coach, while Washington has a first-year coach. It's close, but I like Schlagle to finish in the top three.

4. Washington: There's an energy around the Washington football program that there wasn't last year. The scrimmage the school held last Friday night drew a great crowd. However, I think the Wildcats are one year away. They could grow up a little bit this year and they do have some nice talent on defense. I still expect them to win at least three more games than they did last year.

5. Atchison: Admittedly, as someone who lives a few hours away from Atchison, Kan., I know very little about the school and team. They finished 2-7 last year, including a victory over Wyandotte – the only KCK team they played. While Atchison will host a few KCK teams, they struggled last year against smaller schools. I think this year, they'll take a few on the chin because of the unfamiliarity they have of the league. I may be wrong. Again, this is just a gut feeling.

6. Wyandotte: Like Corbin at Washington, it takes a first year coach like Eddie Brown a year to get entrenched at the school. Expect improvement from Wyandotte, but don't expect a league title out of the gate. Dakota Collins and Alex Hamilton will lead the offense.

SPECIAL TO THE KANSAN

The Kansas City T-Bones (55-38) pushed their win streak to a season-high seven games Tuesday night with a 5-3 victory over the Lake County Fielders (38-56) to begin their final road series of the regular season.

Kansas City is now one game behind the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks in a battle for the top spot in the league.

The Fielders took a 1-0 lead in the first inning against Reid Santos (6-5) on an RBI groundout by Joshua Short.

Kansas City tied the game at one against John Brownell (3-9) on a solo home run by Dwayne White in the top of the second, but Lake County reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the frame on a sacrifice fly from Kyle Higgins.

The T-Bones gained a 3-2 lead in the fourth, starting the frame with consecutive singles by Ray Sadler and Jim Fasano.

Keith Hernandez forced in Sadler for the first run of the inning when he was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, and Jimmy Mojica followed with a sacrifice fly that plated Fasano.

Brownell surrendered his final run on a sacrifice fly by White in the fifth, and left with the bases loaded and two outs in the sixth.

Ryan Falcon induced a fielder’s choice groundout to end the threat for Lake County. Brownell took the loss after allowing four runs on seven hits in five and two-thirds innings.

Santos posted four scoreless frames after the second inning before a sacrifice fly by Guillermo Martinez drove in the final Fielders run in the seventh. Santos surrendered three runs on six hits while striking out five over seven innings in the victory.

Kansas City added an insurance run on an RBI double by Sadler in the ninth, capping the score at 5-3. Drew Shetrone closed out the game with a scoreless ninth to earn his fifth save with Kansas City.

Sadler finished three-for-four with an RBI to pace the offensive effort. Jacob Blackwood went 0-for-five, failing to reach base safely to snap a 21 game on-base streak. It was the longest active streak in the league.

Mike Rocco (2-2, 5.92) makes his second start for Kansas City in game two of the three-game series Wednesday night opposite Garry Bakker (5-9, 5.23) and the Fielders. First pitch is set for 7:00.

Catch all the action online at www.tbonesbaseball.com or on the radio at KXTR 1660 AM.

Following the news of Stephen Strasburg being injured for the Washington Nationals, ESPN columnist Bill Simmons "tweeted" the following:

"Updated list of sports cities that God apparently hates: Cleveland, Buffalo, Seattle, Washington."

Kansas City is missing from that list. And it's missed on most "these sports cities are jinxed" lists.

Granted, the Kansas City Chiefs didn't lose four straight Super Bowls without winning one like the Buffalo Bills did, although I think most Chiefs fans would have taken that over the losses in the 1990s.

Nor have they lost a beloved franchise recently like Cleveland did with the Browns in 1995 or Seattle did with the Supersonics.

While Cleveland did lose a stud basketball player to free agency this year, the Royals have lost countless stars to free agency or criminally stupid trades. David Cone, Jermaine Dye, Johnny Damon and Carlos Beltran made approximately 27 World Series trips following their separation from the Royals. I could be wrong on that number.

But back to the premise of Kansas City being a little cursed.

A look at some key dates since that magical World Series run in 1985.

March 27, 1987 – Prior to the 1987 baseball season, the Royals traded David Cone to the Mets for Ed Hearn and two other prospects that did not come through. True story – the Royals also traded Cecil Fielder in the early 1980s. Imagine adding Cone and Fielder to those Royals teams in the 1980s – talk about dynasty! Instead, we eek out one World Series title and haven't won a playoff game since.

October 6, 1990 – In an amazing loss of concentration, an officiating crew granted the Colorado Buffaloes a fifth down against the Missouri Tigers. The Buffaloes converted that opportunity into a game-winning score and ended up with a national title. The Tigers finished with a 4-7 record.

January 5, 1991 – Holding a 16-3 lead and dominating the Miami Dolphins on the road, the Chiefs give up two late touchdown passes to Dan Marino and a controversial holding call against Dave Szott forced the Chiefs to attempt a 52-yard field goal. It came up just short, beginning a pattern of kick to the groin 1990s playoff losses for Chiefs fans.

December 11, 1991 – Four days after the 50th anniversary of America's "day of infamy," the Royals spawn another "trade of infamy" contender. They promptly send two-time Cy Young winner and in his prime Bret Saberhagen to the New York Mets for some players named Gregg Jefferies, Kevin McReynolds and Keith Miller.

January 23, 1994 – A week after handling the prohibitive Super Bowl favorite Houston Oilers in the Astrodome, the Chiefs lose to Buffalo in the AFC Championship Game. Joe Montana was injured, costly red zone turnovers were made and the Chiefs have never came that close to making the Super Bowl again.

August 12, 1994 – The MLB strike commences, ending a season where the Royals were just four games out of first place. The Royals were the best team in baseball during the second half record wise and the strike killed their best opportunity at a division title since the 1985 World Series. (Don't give me 2003 – that year was a fluke.)

December 31, 1994 – Ending a beautiful calendar year in Kansas City sports, the Chiefs lose an early 14-0 lead in Miami and commit two dumb turnovers in the fourth quarter to lose again to the Dolphins in the Wild Card round. It's Joe Montana's last game as a Chief.

March 20, 1995 – Tyus Edney. That's all.

April 6, 1995 – What's worse than trading Cone once? Trading him twice. And that's exactly what my beloved Royals did. In return, they got David Sinnes, Tony Medrano and Chris Stynes, three guys I'm not sure would be recognized in their own home towns.

January 7, 1996 – Lin Elliot. Steve Bono. Indianapolis 10, Kansas City 7.

March 21, 1997 – After starting the year 34-1 and dominating everyone in college basketball, the Kansas Jayhawks lose to a young, hungry group of Arizona Wildcats. Even after Mario Chalmers broke hearts in Memphis, this game remains an open wound. I will go to my grave thinking this was the best KU basketball team ever. Four first round picks. But no Final Four.

November 8, 1997 – If losing at the buzzer to Edney or on a fifth down wasn't bad enough for Missouri, how about a fluke kicked-ball touchdown by the number one team Nebraska Cornhuskers? Oh, and like 1990 with Colorado, Nebraska ends up with a national title.

January 4, 1998 – Broncos 14, Chiefs 10. After riding the hot hand of Rich Gannon to impressive victories against San Francisco, Oakland and Denver, Elvis Grbac somehow earns his starting job back. This quarterback decision ranks right up there with the "Hey, let's draft Todd Blackledge over Dan Marino" strategy the Chiefs implemented in the 1983 NFL Draft.

December 5, 1998 – Culminating a very rough two-year stretch for the Kansas City sports fan was Kansas State losing a late two-possession lead in the Big 12 title game to Texas A&M. Kansas State was number one in the nation and was set to take on Tennessee in the national title game. Instead, they get Purdue, where Drew Brees eats them alive. This loss was so bad that I'm still sick about it when I see it appear on ESPN Classic every other year. And I'm a Washburn Ichabods and Missouri Tigers fan.

Kansas City Royals 2000-09 – Other than that fluke year in 2003, the Royals tally one of the worst decades by any franchise in MLB history. Oh, and they traded Damon, Dye, Beltran and Mike Sweeney broke down more than my 1973 Ford truck did during my high school years.

January 11, 2004 – Indianapolis again buries a dagger in the hearts of Chiefs fans. They win 38-31 at Arrowhead Stadium in a game that featured no punts.

Bucknell 2005, Bradley 2006 and Northern Iowa 2010 – Sandwiched between KU winning the 2008 national title in basketball are three embarrassing losses to two mid-majors and one Patriot League squad. Bucknell? Seriously?

There you go, nation. By the way, that list doesn't include the annual "I love these kids" crocodile-teared post-tournament loss media press conferences from Roy Williams. Nor does it include the Jailhouse Tapes involving Rickey Clemons.

Kansas City's sports history since 1985 is full of misery, heartbreak and several "why us" moments.

Perhaps too many Kansas City fans sold their souls in order to complete two 3-1 series comebacks against the Toronto Blue Jays and St. Louis Cardinals.

However, whatever it is, it's time for the nation to be miserable with us.

In a time of deteriorating sportsmanship, increasing arrogance, rising selfishness and the occasional scandal in high school sports, we need reminders of how great high school athletics can truly be.

One of those reminders can be found in downtown Kansas City, Kan., in the form of 6-5 Sumner Academy wide receiver Eli Alexander.

Alexander is entering his final year at Sumner Academy and has started three years in both basketball and football.

In just three years, Alexander has been part of several important moments in Sumner Academy sports history.

Still, he remains humble.

"He's one of those kids who's in it for everyone but himself," said Todd Wassman, head football coach of the Sabres. "We all wish he would be more selfish sometimes on the field."

Alexander has been instrumental in the renaissance of Sumner Academy's football program and was a key player to Sumner's state championship in basketball last spring.

During his sophomore year on the field, Alexander single-handedly won the Kansas City, Kan., League for the Sabres against Schlagle. Sumner was down big in the second half, but because of Alexander – not out.

Alexander grabbed four touchdowns, rallying Sumner to a league-clinching victory on the road.

In that same sophomore year, Alexander set a new school record for touchdown receptions.

Instead of looking at his numbers, Alexander chooses to look at the team.

"I've been proud of being a leader here for three years," he said. "Our team has won a lot of games and it's been really exciting to be a part of it."

Wassman, who also coaches Alexander in basketball as the school's assistant varsity coach, said Alexander's decisions after his super sophomore season were more impressive.

"When we inherited Benny (Parker), Armand (Brisbane), Marcus Allen and other players before his junior year, Eli took a back seat for team success," Wassman said. "He's the most humble kid and most unselfish kid I've coached."

T.J. Wynn, a three-year starter for Sumner's secondary and fellow basketball player, said Alexander's been a great teammate in both sports. 

"Eli's a great teammate and he works hard," Wynn said. "He likes to have fun and with his attitude, he can do anything."

Alexander dedicated his summer to the two things he loves most – the hard court and the gridiron.

"I just loving playing both basketball and football," he said. "This summer I played AAU basketball but I had to get into football mode quick. You have to work hard in football. I just love them both."

After his high school time is done, Alexander hopes to continue a career in sports, or a career involving sports.

Still, there's plenty of business left for Alexander at Sumner: Defending two league titles in football and defending a state title in basketball.

Plus, Wassman doesn't want to think of the day Alexander leaves Sumner.

"The day he leaves Sumner will be a real sad one," he said. "It will be hard when you don't see him in the hallways anymore."

Usually, I'm the last guy who likes to bring adults into discussion when it comes to high school sports.

It's a game for the students and should really concern just the students.

However, one thing that's hit me the past two years is how good and underrated Kansas City, Kan.'s, head football coaches are.

Looking across the city's eight schools, there's no "sore thumb" that sticks out as a coaching liability, even for the first-year guys. These coaches have a solid pedigree and resume.

It should also be noted how tougher it is to coach in football, particularly in KCK. KCK has a long established basketball history that I've written a Biblical amount of words about. 

Not to dismiss the basketball coaches or the jobs they do, but they have it easier than their football counterparts do.

In football, the history is not there. That doesn't prevent success and it hasn't prevented coaches from finding success. Coaching football is generally a tougher job, but these eight guys have done a good job or have the ability to do a good job. 

A look at the eight, not in any specific order.

Allen Terrell, Turner: Terrell was the first coach I ever interviewed and I was blown away by his presence he has with his team. Terrell's program is taking off and the number of kids coming out is truly unbelievable. The Turner program is turning into a solid family and the Golden Bears could actually improve on their 8-2 season. Turner is becoming one of the more special local teams in any sport you will find in Wyandotte County.

Todd Wassman, Sumner Academy: Graduating from Sumner Academy in 2003, it was a rough five years for the Sabres on the gridiron while I was there. I never imagined the Sabres could win multiple league titles and earn bids to the state playoffs. However, under Wassman, they have. He's turned in one of the more underrated coaching jobs in the Kansas City area. Off the top of my head, Sumner won 11 or 12 games in my five years there. Now, they are regarded as the favorite to win a third straight league title.

Calvin Davenport, Harmon: Davenport took over one of the area's toughest coaching jobs and entering year two, optimism is on the rise. While the Hawks won just two games last year, I personally seen the improvement this squad made and the much improved discipline Davenport has brought to the Harmon program. While I'm not sure they have enough to win league this year, expect them to compete hard for it and never quit.

Tom Radke, Piper: In his first year, Radke led the Pirates to a five-win improvement and the Pirates advanced out of regionals. Piper is moving under the right direction under Radke and the Pirates are looking at making a run at the Kaw Valley League title. With a tough defense and solid coaching staff, it's possible.

Tim Dorian, Schlagle: In his first year at Schlagle, the Stallions competed for the KCK League title and won the most games the school's won in a number of years. The Stallions, who lose significant talent, will be challenged this year.

There are three new coaches in KCK this year, but a quick glance at the resumes show they have a good opportunity to become good coaches.

Brandon Corbin, Washington: After attending just one practice and the scrimmage they held last Friday, you can already see an improved Wildcats team. Corbin also comes from Turner High School – and as I wrote above – the Golden Bears have been one of the best success stories in KCK sports the past two years. It may take two years, but Washington will be back as a league contender pretty soon.

Travis Grosdidier, Bishop Ward: Grosdidier was a key member of former head coach Greg Duggins' staff last year. The Cyclones went 6-3 and have made the state playoffs in recent years. This suggests the staff knows what it's doing and more of the same should be expected.

Eddie Brown, Wyandotte: Brown's professional football career in the Arena Football League and his junior college coaching career certainly gives him a nice backbone as he enters his first coaching season at Wyandotte. Brown takes over a 1-8 Bulldogs team in need of improvement. I've heard there's a whole new attitude at Wyandotte and I hope to see it later this week.

One of the problems in KCK football has been the rapid turnover in coaches.

If the eight city schools can maintain these guys, football could be on the rise in KCK. It's still a long way to go before you see consistent state title contenders from this group, but these eight coaches can bring significant more credibility to the city when it comes to football.

Last year, it was the Jasper Sanders Show for the Piper Pirates.

Without Sanders behind center and often behind the defense after breaking a long run, the Pirates look to reload for the season.

Record wise, Piper was the most improved team in Wyandotte County last year and made it to the postseason.

Coming into this season, second year head coach Tom Radke likes what he sees on defense.

"We have a very good front seven on defense," he said. "Our goal is to win the league, then the district and make a run at the state title."

Defensive back Dorian Hooks, senior, will lead the secondary. In the front seven Radke's confident about, linebacker Ryan Calvert and defense end Darius Anthony are expected to take command.

It's replacing Sanders that will get some attention on offense.

There are four quarterbacks on the roster: junior Beau Soucie, sophomores Jack Rogers and Cliff Rangel and freshman Tanner Eikenbary.

"We have talent at the quarterback position, but we need consistency," Radke said.

Still, Piper returns six starters on offense and brings back an experienced offensive line. Four starters from last year's line return, with seniors Matt Wooley and Thomas Ortiz leading the group.

Running behind the experienced and talented offensive line will be running back Ricco Thomas, also a senior.

As far as the Kaw Valley League goes, Radke sees another tight race.

"Turner is going to have a good team, you have to figure Lansing will bounce back from all of their injuries last year and Mill Valley will be a good challenge with their new head coach," Radke said.