by joanna

Check out my Circle preview that is on the VarsityKansas.com homepage.

It feels odd to write this, but Circle will make the playoffs this season. It hasn’t been that long since the T-Birds made the playoffs — 2006 — but there’s been a lot of struggling in the meantime, including a 1-8 and a 2-7 season.

This could be the year that Circle does rebound and has a winning season. I’m picking the Thunderbirds to finish 5-4. Agree or disagree? Let’s hear it.

Here’s why I see Circle, which was 4-5 in 2009, getting to the playoffs: Athletes.

Circle has athletes. It starts with Jordan Phillips, a mobile, 6-6, 305-pound beast — an Oklahoma commit — who teams will likely double or triple team consistently.

Alex Gardinier is the key, though. While Phillips can control the defensive and offensive lines, Gardinier will have the ball in his hands much of the time. He’ll be playing quarterback — or anywhere that coach Lee LaMunyon wants him — because when Gardinier has the ball, he can do many, many things with it.

Kanyon Kinder is also a key as the running back. He should be faster this season, and if that line gives him some seams, he’ll be off.

Just as important as individual athletes is Circle has experience and depth. With 13 seniors, returning starters, Circle has to be better.

The Thunderbirds should start the season well — I pick them to win their first three games. But then they have a tough run, facing Wellington, Collegiate and Andale in consecutive weeks. I’m picking Rose Hill to win Circle’s district, but there’s no reason Circle can’t be 2-1 in district.

Overall, this looks like a good season for Circle.