2024 Pigskin & Hoops Football Preview: Topeka High Trojans Football
TEAM: Topeka High Trojans
CLASSIFICATION: 6A
LEAGUE: Centennial
COLORS: Black & Gold
SOCIAL MEDIA: @T_HighAthletics on Twitter
HEAD COACH: Jason Filbeck (1st year, 0-0)
2023 RECORD: 1-8 (lost in 6A first round)
2023 IN REVIEW
Against one of the most difficult schedules that any team in the state faced in 2023, the Topeka High Trojans endured a difficult season. A week four triumph at Emporia in Centennial League play was the only bright spot, as the Trojans struggled against some of the best teams in 5A and 6A and ultimately saw their season end at the hands of Derby in their week nine contest.
KEY DEPARTURES
BJ Canady flashed immense potential in his Trojan career, but now takes his talents to the ACC and the Cal Golden Bears. The Trojans also lose lineman Gary Coleman and defensive back Isaiah Kincade, both of whom, along with Canady, earned postseason recognition from the Centennial League coaches.
TOP RETURNERS
Receiver Jayden Norman was the only Trojan to be named a first team All-League player in 2023. Now entering his senior season, Norman has the ability to turn every touch he gets on offense into six points. He returns with fellow seniors Saron Carter at receiver and Tevante Ewing at running back to form an experienced core of skill players. At quarterback, junior Zane Smith was thrown into the fire last year when injuries hit and gained valuable experience, and the Trojans look forward to seeing his growth this season. Senior Cooper Martin is the lone returning offensive lineman. On defense, the strength is on the back end. The secondary returns senior Robert Dingle and junior Malachi Murph. Senior Detrick Johnson and juniors Rock Williamson and Aidan Flannagan started at linebacker last season. Sophomore Trey Lutz will be called upon to help lead an inexperienced group up front.
2024 SCHEDULE
9/6 @ Wichita West
9/12 (Thurs.) vs Wichita Heights
9/20 @ Wichita Southeast
9/27 @ Emporia
10/4 vs Washburn Rural
10/11 @ Junction City
10/18 vs Manhattan
10/25 @ Pittsburg
Centennial League
2024 OUTLOOK
Jason Filbeck is no stranger to rebuilding programs, taking over a struggling Augusta program and turning it into a perennial playoff team in his time there. Now his challenge is to restore Trojan pride after some down seasons following their run of great seasons throughout the 2010s. A more experienced team and a more manageable non-conference schedule will certainly help matters. Filbeck has to restore the confidence of his players and make them believe they can win, while also growing the total number of players in the program to give Topeka High the best chance of long-term success. In the short term, the Trojans must show improvement in the trenches to support a talented cast of skill players. Increasing their win total and being more competitive in league play are goals that are within reach for the Men of Troy in 2024.
FROM THE COACH’S HEADSET
“We are excited to change our culture and set some new standards at Topeka High. We will strive in every area to better ourselves and the team.” – Jason Filbeck
–Dan Lucero
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