Defensively, the Bulldogs return last year’s linebacking core led by Aidan Arellano and the Tucking twins, Luke and Kale.
Aidan Arellano is an athletic, hard-hitting, three-year starter who brings speed and run-stopping power to the linebacker position as many have seen (or experienced).
“I want to lead by example in everything we do,” said Arellano. “In practice I try to keep the same level of intensity and determination we had in last year’s practices because we know what it took to win last year. It’s gonna take that and much more this year.”
At defensive back, Senior Ashton Bringus, who had a strong showing at the state championship game returns at corner. Braylon Burnside has added muscle and played well at defensive back during training camps.
Minnick mentioned Kyle Pritzel as a player to watch in the Bulldog secondary. “Kyle Pritzel lined up at corner and safety and has really worked his tail off to step into one of those roles,” he said.
On the defensive line, Lane Cook and Grant Bogert, are blue-chip players with high expectations to build on their impressive performances last year.
“Obviously, not having the Beaver brothers will make things look different,” Minnick said. “But at the same time, you've got the Tucking twins back, you've got Aidan Arellano back, you've got a bunch of guys back who have played, so I'm excited to see what Coach Brinkley does with the defense.
“I know you'll see a more exciting brand of defense this year as far as slanting and blitzing and being a little more aggressive than what we've done in the past. So that should be exciting,” Minnick added. “I would definitely say we've put a huge emphasis on turnovers, so hopefully we can get the ball out more this year.”
The status and accolades of a state championship brings with it the proverbial “target-on-your-back”.
The Bulldogs kickoff the season at home against Belton on August 28; at home against Grain Valley, and at Smithville on week three. On week four, for the first time ever, Kearney plays Rockhurst at Rockhurst. Two weeks later, the Bulldogs travel to St. Pius to face another tough opponent.
“We expect everyone's A-game year in and year out, game in and game out,” said Minnick. “The big thing with this senior class is a bunch of them were sophomores on the 2024 team that came up a game short. They know how that feels. That definitely fueled their whole offseason last year. These seniors want a state championship to call their own.”
“We've got a bunch of really good players back that understand what it takes to win it, and I think you'll see that from their maturity level and their understanding of what it takes to get back to where we want to be,” Minnick added.
“Hopefully we can stay healthy and continue to get better. We've got a heck of a schedule and we're looking forward to it,” said Minnick. “This should be another great season for the bulldogs.”
KPGZ News – Mike Davis, Eric Stevens, and Kelly Gentry contributed to this story.
