Kansas Pregame 8-Man Top 8: Duncan Bell, Easton Nickelson, Samuel Watkins

Kansas Pregame polled 8-Man coaches earlier this month who voted for the top four seniors they coached against this season. Kansas Pregame staffers then used those votes to develop a Top 8 list of seniors for each division. Check out several more Top 8 capsules below, and find the complete list of Top 8 selections, and the honorable mention list, here for 8-Man I and here for 8-Man II. 

Hoxie’s 2024 football season was nothing short of historic. Behind a loaded senior class the Indians powered their way to a perfect 13-0 record and an 8-Man Division I state championship, capped by a dominant 46-0 win over Central Plains. Led by Sports in Kansas 8-Man I Offensive Player of the Year Duncan Bell, Sports in Kansas 8-Man I Defensive Player of the Year Easton Nickelson, and All-State receiver and defensive end Samuel Watkins—all three selections to Kansas Pregame’s 8-Man Top 8—Hoxie combined high-level talent and experience with relentless effort to dominate throughout the fall.

The Indians completely overwhelmed most opponents, outscoring them by a combined 603-144, with eight victories by 30 points or more, including six shutouts. Head coach Lance Baar praised the senior class as a once-in-a-lifetime group, consisting of the Top 8 trio along with classmates Braxton Munk, Brayden Scheetz, Max Beckman, Charlie Foote, Trent Fenner, Malcolm King, and Harrison Meyer.

“This senior class is by far the best class I have ever coached,” Baar said. “They are an athletic and super competitive class. Their bond is so very strong; it’s really a brotherhood with them. As a football coach, you always want your players to play for each other, a band of brothers, unity, loyalty, all that stuff, and with these guys, it was just there. It didn’t need to be coached or forced or anything—they just had it.”

Duncan Bell was the engine of Hoxie’s high-powered offense, combining his exceptional arm talent with a fearless approach to the game. Bell completed 95 of 166 passes for 1,585 yards and 26 touchdowns while adding 552 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. His ability to stretch the field with the deep ball kept defenses on their heels all season.

“His arm has to be his biggest strength. He can make all the throws, very accurately. He loves to throw the deep ball,” Baar said.

Bell’s impact extended beyond the stat sheet, as he consistently elevated those around him.

“Duncan makes everyone around him better,” Baar said. “He seems to bring out the best in his teammates. He was a very well-rounded leader for us.”

After high school Bell plans to continue his football playing career and currently holds a scholarship offer from Southwestern College with additional interest primarily at the NAIA and junior college level.

Easton Nickelson’s intensity and instincts made him a cornerstone of Hoxie’s defense and a key contributor on offense. Nickelson tallied an incredible 182 tackles, including nine tackles for loss, three sacks, and two interceptions which he returned for 24 yards. Offensively, he rushed for 151 yards and five touchdowns while catching 11 passes for 185 yards and four touchdowns. His lone carry in the state championship game—a 56-yard touchdown run—set the tone for Hoxie’s dominant performance. Nickelson’s energy and passion were contagious, igniting the entire team.

“On defense, Easton has probably the biggest impact on firing our team up,” Baar said. “The excitement he shows on any big play we have on defense—no matter who makes it—a lot of the time it was him, but not always!”

Nickelson is considering continuing his athletic career after high school but remains undecided on his plans.

Samuel Watkins’ physicality and versatility were crucial on both sides of the ball for the Indians. As a receiver, he hauled in 22 passes for 459 yards and 10 touchdowns, with his final score—a 28-yard touchdown catch in the state title game—putting an exclamation mark on the Indians’ undefeated season. Defensively, Watkins recorded 88 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks, consistently disrupting opposing offenses. Watkins’ approach to preparation and execution was a model for his teammates.

“He always shows up, works his tail off, and never complains,” Baar said. “Sam’s biggest strength is his physicality and technique. Playing in the trenches for four years, to be as good as he was, you have to be very physical and have great technique.”

Watkins is currently committed to the University of Nebraska-Kearney to continue his wrestling career.

Along with their gridiron success, Hoxie is in the midst of a historic Class 3-2-1A state championship run on the wrestling mat that has included four consecutive titles. Bell and Watkins are both looking to defend their individual state titles from last year, while Nickelson is coming off a third-place finish in his junior season. As a team the Indians are an early favorite to capture a fifth straight state championship.