Head coach: Derek Tuttle—7th season, 57-15 overall
Offense: Power spread Defense: multiple
Home: Jaguar Stadium—Andover, Kansas
Last season: Class 4A State Champions
Last playoff win: 2024 (def. Miege, 49-42)
League: Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division II
Last league title: 2024 (AVCTL-II)
State titles: 2024
2025 OUTLOOK
After hoisting the school’s first state football championship last November, Andover Central faces a new challenge, following up history.
The Jaguars stunned perennial power Bishop Miege, 49-42, in the Class 4A title game to cap a 12-1 season and earn their first state crown. Now, seventh-year head coach Derek Tuttle must rebuild around a core of experienced linemen and a handful of proven returners while replacing a record senior class.
Quarterback will be the most watched position battle in camp. The Jaguars could turn to Max Olson, a senior transfer from El Dorado who threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns while adding 84 rushing yards before an injury cut his season short. The other option is highly touted freshman Ty DeGarmo, whose potential gives Central an intriguing long-term outlook.
Andover Central brings back just three starters on each side of the ball, but the trenches will be a strength. Center Paxton McLeod returns for his third year in the middle, joined by guard Aiden Jordan and tackle Tommy Inkelaar. Senior Pierce Gillen is expected back from injury, bolstering the offensive line. On defense, Jaylen Wilson (27 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks) anchors the interior while linebacker Jonny George (44 tackles, 7.5 TFLs) and Khalil “Bubba” Hall provide experience.
The backfield transitions from all-state tailback Maddox Archibald — who ran for 1,830 yards and set a championship game record with 341 — to junior Jaxson Green, who gained 406 yards in reserve duty last year. Jet Thompson and Caden Rubio are candidates to emerge at receiver after limited roles behind departed all-state picks Jace Adler and Brandt Stupka.
The losses are heavy. Linebackers Landon Preston (115 tackles) and Don Hager (71), corner Brody DeGarmo (62 tackles, 2 INTs), and versatile H-back Andrew Bolan all graduated. Defensive starters Eli Keiter and Carter Inslee also opted not to return in 2025.
“Our 2025 squad will be inexperienced at many positions,” Tuttle said. “How well we prepare in the summer in learning our system and working in the weight room will be major indicators. We are excited about the young guys coming up.”
The Jaguars will look to their line strength and defensive front to set the tone while breaking in new playmakers. Despite turnover, tradition runs deep — Central has made the playoffs 21 times in 23 seasons and reached the state finals four times since 2015 before breaking through last fall.
The schedule again features AVCTL Division II rivals and a September grind that will test depth early. For Andover Central, the mission is clear: build on history while navigating the target that comes with being the reigning 4A champion.
2025 schedule
Sept. 5: vs. Hutchinson
Sept. 12: vs. Newton
Sept. 19: at Arkansas City
Sept. 26: vs. Valley Center
Oct. 3: at Goddard
Oct. 10: at Salina Central
Oct. 17: at Eisenhower
Oct. 24: vs. Andover
