BonnerSprings.com

If you're looking for drama this fall, turn off the television and go to a game.

High school sports kicked off fall practices on Aug. 18, and with that a new year full of mystery and suspense is under way.

Intriguing storylines abound this fall at Bonner Springs High School. You don't have to look far to find them. To start you on your way, though, here are a few to keep an eye on as we begin another school year.

We know they can run fast, but can they run fast with a football in their hands? The answer, as proven last year during a 10-2 season, was "yes" for twins Jonathan and Jeremy Walker on the BSHS football team. The 2007 Braves were loaded with depth and experience. But now four-year starters Tyler Jock and L.T. Lee are gone, as are All-Kaw Valley League offensive linemen Blake Tuttle and Zack Cohorst. The state champion sprinters certainly won't have to do it all for the Braves this fall, but they will be looked to for both leadership and production.

James Carter will continue to clock fast times on the cross country course, only he won't be doing it for Bonner Springs anymore. The state medalist and 2008 BSHS graduate will be competing for Johnson County Community College. Brooks Ballou returns, however, and the junior should again be one of the area's premier runners. He finished third at the Kaw Valley League championships as a sophomore, was eighth at regionals and 26th at the Class 5A state meet. He will have plenty of help, too. Five of the Braves' varsity seven from a year ago return, and that group placed sixth at state.

Opponents referred to Chelsea Crouch and Felisha Leipard as "the lobsters" for their style of tennis. They literally mastered the art of the lob, the high, arching return shot that forced opponents to get too comfortable or too greedy. All the while, they patiently lulled the opposition into submission. The pair placed third at regionals in 2007 and came one victory shy of winning medals at the Class 5A state tournament. Both were seniors, however, and coach Bill Scott will look to Teran Holter, Meghan Miller, Renee Drury and a few other returning players to try to form the next all-star duo.

Can Bonner Springs - or anyone for that matter - dethrone Lansing in volleyball? The Lions rolled through the league with a perfect record in 2007 and placed fourth at the Class 5A state tournament. They return all of their top players, including senior All-Staters Brittney Lang and Julia Bates. In a league loaded with volleyball depth, the league may be primed for some upsets at the top.

Defending Kaw Valley League boys soccer champions Basehor-Linwood lost much of their firepower from 2007. So did Mill Valley and Lansing. The league's top three teams during the past few years all appear vulnerable. Meanwhile, Bonner Springs shrugged off a slow start and finished last year strong. In a season where the league championship is up for grabs, can the Braves rise to the top?

Do you think I've missed some other major storylines for the fall? You're absolutely right. There are many more topics to address. Share your ideas with me at bonnersprings.com. It's going to be an exciting fall.