Emporia High football is looking to take another step forward in year two under head coach Danny Goodman. The Spartans finished 2-7 last season, a noticeable improvement after back-to-back winless 0-9 campaigns.
For Goodman, an Emporia High graduate and former Emporia State player and assistant coach, the second season comes with a much different feeling after being hired late in the offseason a year ago.
The Black and Red return plenty of experience, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Junior Oliver Kline earned Second Team All-Centennial League honors in the secondary, while Ben Collins anchors the defensive line. The duo headlines a defense that brings back seven starters.
The Spartans also return seven starters on offense, including four along the offensive line. Kline and Collins are expected to play major roles offensively as well. Kline totaled 300 yards from scrimmage last season, while Collins rushed for 275 yards.
One of the team’s priorities this fall is expanding its offensive production by getting more players involved.
Goodman is also looking forward to a schedule that features some new opponents. Even with the changes, he knows the challenge remains tough, particularly in the always-competitive Centennial League.
Emporia High opens the 2026 season on Sept. 4 at Wichita North. The game will be broadcast on Mix 104.9 FM, while Kansas football’s season opener against LIU will air on KVOE. Every Spartans game this season can be heard across the KVOE Network of Stations.
