WAC Football Predictions

1. Great Bend
The Panthers haven't made the playoffs since 2007 and that is a contentious point with head coach Bo Black. He expects better; from his players and himself. But he can't choose who he plays in Districts and the Hutch juggernaut moves on, as does McPherson.

Black returns Greg Hildebrand at quarterback who had a great season in 2009. 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior, and measurables make Black's offense pretty stout. Throw in four other returning starters on offense, and they will be one to watch.

2. Liberal
3-7 and 0-4 in the WAC resulted in a rough opening season for new coach Wade Stanley but left him with areas to build on.

Slader McVey was inexperienced under center last season, despite throwing for nearly 1,700 yards, but he has matured since then. He has a good target in K-State commit Jade Cathy. The Tall receiver will be very valuable as the Redskins continue to adjust to their new spread offense. The Defense looks solid so maybe Liberal will grab a few more wins and some very important ones in conference.

3. Dodge City
Great Bend coach Bo Black said last season that "the stars aligned for Dodge City." Not many would argue with him. The Red Demons oozed talent on the field but faltered in the WAC and fell short in the playoffs, finishing 8-3.

Quaterback Ty Thomas is gone as is running back Jace Banner who were the stalwarts of that potent offensive threat. Jared Helfrich will replace Thomas, and Rico Hogan and Trey Hallman will find new expanded roles in the offense on the wings.

The defense will be stought, and they will need that will some new faces on the other side of the ball.

4. Hays
Ryan Cornelsen worked a miracle last season with the Indians, turning the lap dogs to attack dogs in the WAC, taking the conference title and finishing 7-2.

Look for much of the same but not on the same scale in 2010 from Cornelsen's crew. New everything on offense will be something to watch. Austin Unrien will take the snaps this season. Unrien primarily returned kicks and filled in as a receiver last season and kicked. He has never played quarterback before.

It's a rebuilding season for Hays but now that Hutch and McPherson have left, a chance at postseason play will be much more achievable for the Indians.

5. Garden City
New coach, new offense, new players, new everything. Sometimes new is a good thing. Up is the only way to go for Garden City.

The Buffaloes return 13 starters on both sides of the ball, which gives them high hopes and the credentials of new coach Brian Hill are tremendous. Hill was the offensive coordinator at Garden City Community College before taking the job with the Buffs, who went 4-5 last season.

Hill also brings a spread offense with him and will hope returning quarterback Cody Burnbeck catches on fast. Six other returning starters will need to as well. The defense is weak. Not much more needs to be said and newcomers will get their shot in 2010.