The first football rankings are out for the 2022 season from K-Preps as teams across Kansas gear up for week one on Friday night. 

The Holton Wildcats begin the season ranked #2 in Class 3A behind only Andale. Andale has won three straight State Championships and enter this season on a 38-game winning streak.

Holton returns two First Team All-State selections with Matt Lierz and Jace Boswell. Holton won 11 games last season and was one win away from the State Championship game. 

Perry Lecompton was considered for the top five in Class 3A. The Kaws will have a talented group this season as they finished 6-4 last year and won a playoff game before being bounced out by Holton. 

Just like Holton, Nemaha Central will be ranked #2 to start the season. The Thunder are behind only Southeast of Saline in Class 2A. Michael Glatczak enters his second season as head coach as they finished 7-3 last year in his first season. 

The Thunder had the fourth best defense in Class 2A last season allowing just under 13 points per game. 

Sabetha landed in the considered category in Class 2A as the Bluejays dropped from 3A to 2A this season. Sabetha returns a ton of talented players and should make some noise in the Big 7 this year after going 4-5 in 2021. 

No local teams in the top-five in Class 1A as St. Mary's appears to be the team to beat as they're ranked #1 to start the season. 

Teams considered for the top-five in Class 1A included Centralia, Jefferson County North, and Troy. 

The Axtell Eagles will certainly be the team to beat this season in Class 8M-II as they will be looking to defend their State Championship. The Eagles went a perfect 13-0 in 2021 and capped the historic season with their second State Championship in school history. 

The Eagles had no seniors in key roles last year and return everyone. Including QB Isaac Detweiler who put up ridiculous numbers last season on his way to winning 8M-II Offensive Player of the Year. 

They also led the 8M-II ranks in both scoring offense and scoring defense. 

Another Twin Valley League team to crack the rankings include Clifton Clyde as the Eagles start the year ranked fourth in Class 8M-I. 

The Eagles have won four straight district titles and look to be the top team to contend with Axtell atop the TVL this season. 

In Class 4A, Atchison is on the outside looking in as they were considered for the top five after winning eight games and a playoff game last season.