While the Humboldt Jamboree will be a mostly Allen County affair, area 8-man teams used their jamborees to get prepared as far away from each other as possible.
Crest High School, Marmaton Valley and Yates Center each jump into Three Rivers League play during Sept. 5’s opening night of high school football, which will play a large role in determining the 2025 TRL champion.
Marmaton Valley vs. Oswego
One game numerous area coaches and fans will pay particular attention to next Friday is the reigning TRL champion Marmaton Valley Wildcats home opener against last year’s TRL runner-up Oswego. Last year, the Wildcats escaped with a 34-28 win. After two consecutive seasons atop the TRL standings, Coach Max Mickunas believes the Wildcats have a target on their back and expects a few surprises out of each opponent.
“Don’t get complacent. That’s why we’re here,” Mickunas told his players during a session of the MVHS summer strength and conditioning program earlier this summer. “You have a target on your back. Seniors, you’ve won every league game for the last two years and are 18-10 in your high school careers. That could be a lot better by the time the season is over, but stay hungry.”
Crest vs. Yates Center
Another local game in the spotlight is the Crest Lancers’ home opener against Yates Center. After being on opposite ends of the TRL standings for years, Crest hopes to move from third to first utilizing its uncharacteristically deep depth for an 8-man program. Crest finished third in the TRL last season but may have what it takes to get over the top this season.
“The goal is always to win the TRL and that’s something we haven’t done in a few years,” Crest coach Nick McAnulty said. “Marmaton Valley is always tough and so is Oswego. They are both well-coached. If we can battle with those guys and come prepared, anything can happen in the Three Rivers League. Until someone knocks them off, they’re still the top dog.”
Yates Center returns from a 1-8 season, preceded by a 0-9 2023 campaign and 0-9 in 2022. However, the Wildcats had a strong turnout to their summer strength and conditioning program. They also have just the right combination of size and experience on the line and at skill possessions to be a threat to many area teams this season. Although excited to see what his team does, Yates Center coach Ryan Panko held off on any predictions before the jamboree.
“We get to see where we’re at as a team and how we execute our formations and our plays,” Panko said. “It’s a good way to see where we’re at at the start of the season. I’m pretty excited about that.”
Humboldt vs. Caney Valley
As the reigning Tri-Valley League champion, the Humboldt Cubs face TVL runner-up Caney Valley in their first game. The Cubs handed the Bullpups their first loss in a 28-12 victory last year, but after graduating 11 players last spring, Humboldt must reload quickly.
Humboldt coach Logan Wyrick said he doesn’t necessarily view this as a monumental task. Instead, after decades of dominating the TVL, Wyrick said football is so much of Humboldt’s culture that rebuilding the team will come naturally.
“It’s a culture. That’s a term I don’t love, but that’s what it is,” Wyrick said. “I tell them I love them, and I mean it. We build from that. They spend time together. I don’t make them. They like being around each other. It goes a long way on Friday nights.”
Kickoff for all three games is at 7 p.m.
