Kansas Pregame 6-Man Top 6: Langston Nothern

Kansas Pregame polled 6-Man coaches who voted for the top three seniors they coached against this season. Kansas Pregame staffers then used those votes to develop a Top 6 list of seniors in the classification. Check out a Top 6 capsule below, and find the complete list of Top 6 selections here. For a look back at the Top 8 lists click here for 8-Man I and here for 8-Man II. 

Ingalls senior Langston Nothern capped an impressive career with a standout 2024 season, leading the Bulldogs to an 8-2 record and a berth in the 6-Man state quarterfinals. The Bulldogs dominated a majority of their schedule, averaging 48.1 points per game offensively with Nothern playing a pivotal role. Their season ultimately ended against eventual state champion Weskan.

Known for his toughness, Nothern battled through adversity to deliver when it mattered most. Head coach Doug Dillingham highlighted Nothern’s performance in a midseason matchup against South Barber, where the senior played despite being severely ill in what turned out to be the Bulldogs only loss of the regular season.

"Langston had the flu," Dillingham said. "It was tough, but he played through illness, coming out about every three plays and getting sick and then going back in. Even with all of the setbacks, he still ran for over one hundred yards and a couple of scores."

Dillingham recalled another instance from Nothern’s junior year that showcased his grit and determination. Against Ashland, then ranked No. 2 in the state, Nothern injured his knee early in the third quarter. 

"He was down for a bit, but he only missed one play and was limping noticeably," Dillingham said. 

Despite concerns, Nothern insisted on returning. 

"A couple of plays later, we were down a couple of scores and he caught a long pass and broke it for a touchdown. The very next week, with a knee brace on, he ran for over 200 yards and four touchdowns in a big win over a ranked Deerfield team."

Nothern’s performances over the years were often game-changing. Dillingham rightly called his junior season game against Deerfield "legendary," as Nothern rushed for over 500 yards and 11 touchdowns, leading Ingalls to a 100-point performance. This year, his nearly 300-yard rushing effort helped Ingalls defeat defending state champion Cheylin in a tone setting 46-0 Week 3 victory.

"Langston became a true leader this season," Dillingham said. "He led vocally and by example this season. He would take time to work with the younger players and was always very encouraging in teaching and encouraging them. He led by example each and every practice, and what he did not just this season but the last three seasons will be an example of how things should be done on and off of the football field."

In his final season, Nothern rushed for 1,903 yards and 39 touchdowns while adding 48 receiving yards and a touchdown, as well as 206 passing yards and two scores. His career totals include 4,505 rushing yards and 87 touchdowns, 616 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, and 542 passing yards with five touchdowns. For his efforts, the senior earned first-team All-State honors for the third straight year and was named Offensive Player of the Year as a senior.

After graduation, Nothern plans to attend Fort Hays State University to compete in rodeo. 

"We talked about going on to play football, and it was something that was considered, but his passion is rodeo, and as impressive of a football player he was, he is even better at rodeo, Dillingham said. "So I would say he has a very bright future at FHSU and beyond." Dillingham said.