Centennial League Friday Preview – Oct 15
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Everything in the league changed last Friday when Washburn Rural upset Manhattan, at Manhattan, on homecoming night no less. It opened things up for the Junior Blues and Junction City to steal a share of the title. This week lacks…
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Continue ReadingEverything in the league changed last Friday when Washburn Rural upset Manhattan, at Manhattan, on homecoming night no less. It opened things up for the Junior Blues and Junction City to steal a share of the title.
This week lacks any marque matchup within the league. The headliner is Hayden’s non-league match with Perry-Lecompton.
Here’s a rundown around the league:
Washburn Rural:
Washburn Rural was led by poised sophomore quarterback Branton DeWeese Branton DeWeese 6'0" | 185 lbs | QB Washburn Rural | 2024 State KS and hard-charging back Ma’kenttis Adams. Adams fought for tough yardage and was crucial to controlling the ball late. H finished with 116 yards on 23 carries against that brutal Indian defense. DeWeese completed 17 of 21 throws. The Junior Blues defense picked off three passes and held Manhattan star back Vinny Smith to just 30 yards rushing.
The Junior Blues moved up from #10 to #7 in the state 6A rankings. They will try to hold on to their share of the league’s top spot when they take on winless Highland Park.
Junction City:
There’s a lot of good news, and some bad news, from Junction City. The Blue Jays improved to 5-1 by whipping Topeka High. But they are doing it with Xavion Felton filling it at quarterback for the injured David Rowell. The star of the win over Topeka High was brilliant back T.J. Jones. But after putting up three touchdowns, Jones was injured and taken away by ambulance. No word yet on his condition.
The #6 ranked Blue Jays take on 1-5 Emporia this Friday.
Manhattan:
The Indians were shocked at home last Friday and now must bounce back against Topeka West. They must figure out how to generate more offense than they did against Washburn Rural if they expect to go far in the 6A playoffs. They dropped from #2 to #5 in the state rankings.
Seaman:
Due to injuries at running back, the Vikes had to go deep into their bench to utilize sophomore Jack Bloom. The 5-foot-11, 165 pounder stepped up with 83 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries in a win over Emporia.
The 4-2 Vikings can stay in the Centennial League race with a win against Topeka High Friday.
Malachi Berg Malachi Berg 6'3" | 200 lbs | QB Topeka West | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-3, 195 pound quarterback, 2023, Topeka West:
The Chargers improved to 2-4 with a romp over Highland Park. The big signal caller did most of his damage on the ground, rolling for 238 yards and five touchdowns.
Parker Leeds, 5-foot-10, 175 pound receiver, 2023, Emporia:
Leeds had another nice performance last Friday, catching 5 passes for 138 yards and a score. He’s got a lot of speed and some nice athleticism to go with his fine hands. He now has 488 yards receiving on the year.
Jaxon Bowles, 6-foot-3, 210 pound punter, Manhattan:
Bowles is a big athlete who excels at linebacker. But he stood out kicking the heck out of the ball in the loss to Washburn Rural. He booted four times for a 43 yard average.
Tre Richardson Tre Richardson 5'10" | 165 lbs | ATH Highland Park | 2023 State KS , 5-foot-9, 160 pound back/receiver, 2023, Highland Park:
The ultra-elusive Richardson continues to be effective for the Scots. In the loss to Topeka West, Richardson rushed for 87 yards and a TD on just seven carries, and he caught six passes for 99 yards and three touchdowns.