Two years removed from the program's first state championship, the Andover Central Jaguars believe they have the pieces to contend again in Class 4A.

The Jaguars open the 2026 season at Maize on Sept. 4, with All-State running back Jaxson Green and quarterback Kruz Sheppard leading an offense that head coach Derek Tuttle has rebuilt after a turbulent 2025 campaign.

Andover Central captured the Class 4A title in 2024, then lost nearly its entire defense heading into last fall. The Jaguars still managed a 5-5 record and a playoff win before their season ended in a 62-0 loss to Kapaun Mount Carmel in the regional round on Nov. 7, 2025, at Wichita Heights.

That lopsided exit left a mark.

Tuttle's returning core, anchored by Green and Sheppard, spent the offseason building what the players describe as a brotherhood that extends beyond the practice field.

"You know, I think we're a very competitive team. We like to push each other super hard. But we also got a very good brotherhood. We do a lot of stuff outside of football, and I think that's something that coach Tuttle thinks is also very important," senior receiver and defensive back Cooper Mason told KSN on Aug. 20.

Senior defensive lineman and tight end Tucker Taggart said the senior class chose the team motto "11 as one" to reflect that unity. Taggart and Mason are among the senior leaders Tuttle is counting on to set the tone for a roster that mixes returning starters with players stepping into expanded roles.

Tuttle acknowledged the road back won't be easy. He described the league schedule as tough top to bottom, with difficult crossover games adding to the challenge.

"The guys are excited and hungry to try and see what we can do this year," Tuttle said.

The Jaguars open at Maize on Sept. 4. Kickoff time has not been announced.