Centennial League Preview 9/23

There have been quite a few blowouts thus far in the league, as can be expected when some teams are ranked while others are in the building phase. This week promises some good matchups and a stage for some of the league’s top teams. Here are the matchups facing ranked teams, and players to watch: 6A #7 Washburn Rural at 6A #9 Junction City: <strong>David Rowell</strong>, 6-foot-1, 160 pound quarterback, Junction City, 2022: Rowell had to fill some enormous shoes, taking the position from all-stater [player_tooltip player_id="35395" first="Andrew" last="Khoury"]. But Rowell has put his own spin on the position, running with speed and power and doing enough in the passing game. In an enormous win over Seaman, Rowell took the game over late. He ran for two late scores, amassing 79 yards on 15 carries. This week Rowell will be tested by the Junior Blues, who come in rated seventh in the state. 6A #5 Manhattan at Topeka High: <strong>Keenan Schartz</strong>, 5-foot-11, 165 pound quarterback, Manhattan, 2023: Schartz has been an efficient and effective triggerman for the Indians, who have yet to be challenged. Don’t look for them to be pushed too hard by the Trojans, who nonetheless did pick up their first win last week. Schartz is running effectively, picking up nearly 10 yards a carry and collecting two touchdowns. He’s hitting nearly 60% of his throws. <strong>Joe Hall</strong>, 6-foot-2, 190 pound receiver, Manhattan 2022: The son of a former K-State star, the younger hall lacks his father’s bulk. But he has a good size, speed combination and some athleticism to go get the ball and race through traffic. Manhattan never throws a ton, and it certainly hasn’t had to so far this year. But Hall has pulled down 8 passes for 69 yards. 5A #9 Seaman at Topeka West: [player_tooltip player_id="89256" first="Camden" last="Barta"], 6-foot-3, 200 pound quarterback/defensive back, Seaman, 2022: Barta assumed the quarterbacking duties this year, and Seaman has been really good so far. The 2-1 Vikings expect to pick up win number three Thursday against Topeka West. Barta has been an outstanding leader and solid signal caller, and he hasn’t given up his duties on the other side of the ball. He’s a standout on the back end of the defense. 3A #9 Hayden vs Baldwin [player_tooltip player_id="35665" first="Joe" last="Otting"], 6-foot-4, 270 pound lineman, Hayden, 2023: Otting has great coordination and agility for a guy his size. He’s always had a barrel chest and good size. Time in the weight room is turning him into a top line prospect, and he’s getting a lot of attention from Division 1. Otting is disruptive on the defensive side of the ball with his combination of power and quickness.