TOPEKA (KSNT) - Topeka West football has not recorded more than five wins in a season since 2005, but the team is looking to change that in 2024.
Second-year head coach Trevonne Parker is well aware of the history that comes with Charger football, and he wants to rewrite it. After finishing the 2023 season 1-8, he says the expectation this time around is to compete.
"This year there are a few games we have circled that we think we might be able to pull out," Parker said. "We'll continue to work."
Parker is more confident heading into his second season, with the newness of year one finally wearing off. He says the biggest change he's seen from the Chargers this offseason is their commitment.
The players are bought in to what Coach Parker is selling.
"We're trying to get more than obviously one win," senior side receiver/ linebacker/ free safety Elijah Berg said. "I feel like we definitely could, we're in a hard league, but we're working. Skill-wise, we're pretty good."
Berg and senior wide receiver Alesecio Batson are two players Coach Parker singled out when asked who's stepping up as team leaders. Both seniors are looking to follow Coach Parker's goal to change the standard of Charger football, and leave their mark on the program in their final season.
"100% is to improve and set that foundation for the kids behind us," Batson said of his goal for 2024. "I think that's my biggest thing right now, just setting up for the kids behind me."
Topeka West starts its 2024 campaign against De Soto on Sept. 6.
