Area football teams had plenty of stars that were statistical leaders in their districts last season, with a good chunk of those players at the 8-man level returning this fall. That includes Winfield-Mount Union’s dynamic star Cam Buffington. As a junior, Buffington was third in his district in all-purpose yards, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and receiving touchdowns.

Buffington also led District 6 in yards per carry while being fourth in total rushing attempts. The Iowa commit was just as good on defense, finishing second in the district in total tackles and tied for fourth in interceptions. Taking all three picks to the house made Buffington the only player in the district with multiple defensive touchdowns last season.

Winfield-Mount Union is also bringing top two-way player Abram Edwards, who led the district in yards per catch and was second in receptions. Edwards was also fourth in the district in sacks as a junior. Starting quarterback Cole Milks is also back for the Wolves after his 11 passing touchdowns were fourth in District 6 and he averaged the third-most yards per completion.

The returning players that led the district statistically for the WACO Warriors are on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive lineman Colton Leichty led District 6 in tackles for loss and sacks by a mile, finishing top-5 in the state in both categories across all classes. Leichty was also first in the district with four fumble recoveries as a junior, while now-juniors Louden Huisenga and Clayton Miller tied for fourth with three interceptions each.

The Lone Tree Lions bring back quarterback Ethan Bockelman, who was second in his 8-man district in yards per completion and fifth in both passing yards and passing touchdowns.

Along with his 741 yards and 10 TDs through the air, Bockelman ran for another 781 yards as a junior on the fifth-most carries in District 6 to finish fifth in total offensive yardage. Lone Tree kicker Jaden Sanchez is also back after finishing top five in the district in kickoffs, kickoff yardage and total touchbacks as a junior.

You can tune in to hear live coverage of games featuring the Lions, Winfield-Mount Union and WACO as part of the new KCII Area Game of the Week. Join us every Friday night during the football season beginning this week when Lone Tree takes on Parkview Christian. Coverage starts at 6:30 on the KCII3 stream exclusively at KCIIradio.com.