A week from Friday, the 2025 Salina South Cougars will suit up in their green and gold with a mix of familiar faces and exciting newcomers ready to make their mark.

Through fall camp, the Cougars have looked fast, focused, and more confident as they head into their second season under head coach Christian Ozores. The team has also benefited from practicing on their newly turfed on-campus field this offseason, as the team has looked in sync and prepared to rise to the challenge.

Coming off a 1-8 season, which included the program’s first win in over two years, Salina South enters 2025 with a renewed feeling of momentum. A major source of optimism lies in the experience returning across the roster. With more seasoned players returning, the Cougars believe they’re better positioned to compete and take another step forward under Coach Ozores.

South brings back several key contributors at the skill positions, led by its top receivers from last season.
Senior Jaxson Myers is poised for a breakout year after his junior campaign was cut short by a broken arm in Week 7. Before the injury, Myers ranked among the top five in the state in receiving through the first five weeks of 2024 — a pace South hopes he can replicate this fall. He still finished the year with 41 receptions for 514 yards and five touchdowns, and expectations are high for his senior season.

The coaching staff is also excited to bring back Ja’Brien Curtis for his junior season after he collected over 400 yards receiving last year and senior Kolton Herbel who was productive until a torn ACL in week 5 sidelined him for the season.

Last year’s leading rusher Armane Redmond also returns for his junior season. Redmond has plenty of varsity experience but also battled injuries in 2024. A broken finger sidelined him for a few weeks but showed his toughness rushing for 266 yards in seven games.

Key contributors are also returning on the defensive side of the ball. Senior lineman Jayven Correa started every game for the Cougars last season, along with sophomore Corbin Sparks-Beason.

There will be continuity on the back end as well, with all four starting defensive backs returning this year. Juniors Caden Stauffer and Kobie Henley will be alongside seniors Jalen Cheeks and Landon Huffman.

Given all that continuity and experience on both sides of the ball, the most important position will also be the more intriguing.

Two quarterbacks have been splitting reps for South this fall, senior Aidan Speilman and sophomore Izrael Telles. South continues to evaluate both players heading into week 1 and are confident in their abilities and unique skill sets.

Sophomore quarterback Izrael Telles has emerged as a promising option under center. At 6’1 with a strong arm, he looks the part and, if named the starter, could play a significant role in South’s success this season.

Aidan Speilman has taken care of the football and showed senior leadership during his reps, despite not having played football since his freshman year, he is also considered a reliable option at the position.

One area of emphasis for Coach Ozores this offseason has been red zone efficiency. Last year, South showed the ability to sustain long drives of 50-60 yards but too often saw those efforts stall inside the 20-yard line. Ending those drives with touchdowns will be key to the Cougars’ increasing their win total this fall.

On defense, the Cougars experienced secondary and pass rushers will look to cause more chaos. After recording just one sack and three total turnovers in 2024, the Cougars are focused on creating more pressure and forcing more takeaways, two areas that could swing close games in their favor.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Salina South Cougars are determined to establish a new standard for the football program. With returning experience, emerging talent, and a renewed emphasis on discipline, the Cougars are building an identity rooted in focus, toughness, and steady growth. If they can execute in key moments, stay true to their identity, and stay healthy, South has the pieces in place to surprise teams this fall.

2025 Football Schedule

9/5- vs Salina Central

9/12- at Maize South

9/19- at Derby

9/26- at Hutchinson

10/3- vs Valley Center

10/9- at Goddard

10/17- vs Haysville Campus

10/24- vs Maize