Parsons and Labette County will both be represented at the 2026 Kansas Shrine Bowl this summer.
Chandler Hentzen of Parsons as well as Mikel Reed and coach Bradley Argabright of Labette County were selected to participate in the state’s annual all-star football contest.
Hentzen is the sixth player in seven years to be nominated to the Shrine Bowl for Parsons.
“It’s a testament to the work our kids have put in. It’s a big deal,” Parsons offensive coordinator Devin Martinez said. “We’re right up there with anybody in the state. It shows what our program is becoming. We haven’t won as many games as we should have. But we’re knocking on the door. People recognize what Parsons can do and that’s why our kids are being selected.”
Hentzen was a do-it-all two-way star for the Vikings.
“We’re extremely happy for Chandler. It couldn’t happen to a better kid,” Martinez said. “He’s the type of kid that every coach wishes could be a part of their program. He’s been a leader for us. It’s much deserved.”
Offensively, Hentzen tallied 12 total touchdowns while rushing for 1,185 yards on 168 carries.
“Offensivley, he had such great vision,” Martinez said. “He’s not the biggest or fastest guy. But he lets the guys upfront set the hole. And then he’s great at running downhill. He’s one of the guys that goes and gets tough yards.”
On the other side of the ball, where Hentzen will likely line up for the Shrine Bowl, he led Parsons with 92 tackles including four for a loss.
“Going into the season, Chandler was playing safety for us,” Martinez said. “The staff figured out we needed him at linebacker. He was a quarterback on that side of the ball for us. He was a very smart player who watched a lot of film. He was the heart and soul of our defense for three years. He’s someone we’ll miss.”
As for Labette County’s representation, Reed was a dominant two-way lineman that helped propel the Grizzlies to the best season in school history. Reed is the first player nominated to the Shrine Bowl from Labette County since 2019, when Caleb Hentzen, Chandler’s brother, appeared.
“I’m really proud of Mikel and the season he had to earn that,” Argabright said. “He earned it with his dominant play all year long. He played both ways for us and was hardly ever off the field. He’ll be a great player in the Shrine Bowl.”
Reed anchored both sides of the Grizzlies’ line. He tallied 58 tackles and led Labette County with 18 tackles for loss.
“He had a great offseason and we really put him to work,” Argabright said. “He’s worked on his body and transformed it in the weight room. On the field, his quick twitch and his motor are next level. He had a ton of tackles for loss, which is uncommon for a defensive lineman. And we ran behind him constantly on offense. Anytime we needed a big play, we ran behind him.”
Argabright, a first-year head coach, will also coach the defensive backs for the East squad at the all-star game.
“It means a lot,” Argabright said. “My dad is a Shriner. So to be able to play for the cause and the kids, that’s the most important thing. I can’t wait for that moment. Being there with Mikel will make it more special. This all means a lot for our program.”
Martinez expects Hentzen to look the part at the Shrine Bowl, which will be held at Emporia State this summer.
“Chandler can hold his own in any class in Kansas,” Martinez said. “He’ll take it as a challenge. He’ll know he’ll have to outwork everyone. He’ll do whatever the coaching staff needs.”
Argabright echoes that sentiment regarding Reed.
“As a staff at the Shrine Bowl, we’ll have a great defensive line around him that’ll make him better,” Argabright said. “He’ll have a great time on some one-on-one matchups. It’ll be exciting to watch him.”
The 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl will be held on June 27.
The West won last year’s game, 25-8, and leads the all-time series 32-18-2.
Chandler Hentzen (top) of the Parsons Vikings and Mikel Reed (right) of the Labette County Grizzlies were both among the selections to the East squad for the 2026 Kansas Shrine Bowl on Sunday. Sean Frye/Sun photo
