I certainly do not want to take anything away from Hoxie and Norton, they are both two tradition rich, time honored programs, but I am also not prepared to proclaim them "carriers of the big stick", especially Hoxie. Hoxie has a lot to do to make up from last year as they were beaten by the 15th place finisher in 5A. Norton, as the defending champ of Newton though, definately gets a nod but they will obviously get the chance to prove themselves again this year at Newton. Carroll, Manhattan, Aquinas, Turner, Clay Center, Ark City, Abilene, St. Francis, etc. are big stick carriers as well and certainly must be mentioned in the same breath as Norton and Hoxie.