The eight teams from the Centennial League head to the playoffs this week. Certainly some of these teams will wrap up their seasons Friday night. But for each team, there are some particularly noteworthy players who merit watching.
7-1 Washburn Rural vs 2-6 Wichita West
[player_tooltip player_id="113642" first="Robby" last="Bolin"], 6-foot-1, 181 pound receiver/defensive back, Washburn Rural:
The tall and athletic Bolin is a playmaker on both sides of the ball. He has been a reliable target for the Junior Blues’ sophomore quarterback, and has made caused several turnovers on defense. He earned second team all-league as a receiver last year and has been a standout this year.
7-1 Manhattan vs 1-7 Wichita North
<strong>Keenan Schartz</strong>, 5-foot-11, 160 pound quarterback, 2023, Manhattan:
Schartz has been the efficient conductor of the run-first offense for the Indians. But he’s not a one-trick pony. While not called upon to pass often, Schartz has completed 70% of his throws and has yet to be intercepted.
7-1 JC vs 1-7 Campus
<strong>Rudy Vargas</strong>, 6-foot-3, 260 pound lineman, 2022, Junction City:
The Blue Jays graduated a ton of all-star honorees last year. But one returner who could be counted on was all-league first-teamer Vargas. The big and powerful senior is a game wrecker. He’s getting college looks and will make an impact in the playoffs.
2-6 Topeka High vs 6-2 Lawrence
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="36659" first="Peyton" last="Wheat"]</strong>, 5-foot-11, 190 pound quarterback, 2023, Topeka High:
Everyone knows about [player_tooltip player_id="35571" first="Tylan" last="Alejos"], and rightfully so. He’s been a true warrior all season. But his backfield mate is a tough and fundamental operator at the quarterback position. He takes care of the ball and tries to make plays even under pressure.
0-8 HP vs 7-1 Mill Valley
[player_tooltip player_id="35681" first="Tre" last="Richardson"], 5-foot-9, 160 pound running back, 2023, Highland Park
Richardson will encounter tough sledding against the elite club from Mill Valley. But that doesn’t diminish the remarkable season he’s had. 674 yards on just 38 carries, 32 catches for 523 yards. He’s probably most dangerous on returns, and has 1674 total yards of offense this year.
5-3 Seaman vs 1-7 Emporia
[player_tooltip player_id="89256" first="Camden" last="Barta"], 6-foot-3, 200 pound quarterback/defensive back, 2022, Seaman:
The senior assumed the quarterback duties this year and has exceeded all expectations. He’s strong in the pocket and on the run, has completed nearly 60% of his throws, and has had some big games. He’s amassed over 1,500 yards passing and is also a threat to run. But he’s big time when he tucks it, averaging 9 yards per carry.
<strong>Bobby Trujillo</strong>, 182-pound running back/linebacker, 2023, Emporia:
Trujillo is an effective rusher and receiver for the Spartans. But he excels on defense, averaging an impressive 12.4 tackles per contest. He earned second-team all league at linebacker a year ago as just a sophomore, and is going to earn some nice recognition for his work this season.
3-5 Topeka West vs 4-3 Desoto
[player_tooltip player_id="166967" first="Malachi" last="Berg"], 6-foot-3, 195 pound quarterback, 2023, Topeka West:
Berg was the real deal in the Chargers’ win over rival Topeka High. He threw for over 200 yards and a couple of scores, and also ran for a touchdown. He’s a long-strider with good speed and the toughness to take a beating and keep battling.
