TEAM OUTLOOK

The Sparta Spartans make the move from the OK-Silver to the newly-formed River Cities Alliance Conference in 2024. Mark Chapman’s team just missed the playoffs at 4-5 overall, but finished with a 4-1 mark in their old conference in 2023, and they look to improve on that finish to again return to the postseason this year.

Sparta will call on Grady Busen, the son of the team’s offensive coordinator that played WR last season and now moves back to his natural position of QB to run the show this year. Busen will have a lot of key weapons to be able to call upon, including Jayden Cochrane, a dangerous WR that has been up on varsity for several seasons and hopes to stay healthy this year after battling a few injuries over the past couple of years. Bo Peterson will be leading slot receiver, Charlie Alt will play a utility role as an RB and H-Back, and the offensive line will be anchored by senior Dustin Warner.

On defense, Mason Conklin will be in the middle of everything at middle linebacker. Isaiah DeKubber will play both ways, and along with Jaden Antor – forms a solid 3-year starter tackling duo. Coach Chapman also highlights Lucas Way, for being a perfect team guy that will play in a variety of roles.