Offensive Game Balls from Around the State: Week 5

The start to the second half of the ’21 season was great. Week 5 featured some intriguing matchups between ranked teams across each classification level. These next three weeks of the regular season should get interesting, as seeding for the playoffs will start to take shape. This week’s offensive game ball piece features six prospects that put together dominating performances. Take a look at the recap for the top offensive players from Week 5. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="35571" first="Tylan" last="Alejos"] – </strong>Topeka High, RB, <em>Class of ’22</em> It’s been a roller coaster season for the Trojans, but Alejos is quietly having a strong senior campaign. He earns <em>Offensive Player of the Week </em>after posting an unbelievable stat line in Topeka High’s 70-42 win over Highland Park. The senior rushed for 400 yards on 25 carriers with eight touchdowns. The Trojans could surprise some teams down the stretch if Alejos can continue to put up video game like numbers. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="111758" first="Gatlin" last="Jewell"]</strong> – South Barber, ATH, <em>Class of ‘22</em> It’s been well noted that Jewell is arguably the top athlete from the 8-Man ranks, and his performance against Peabody-Burns backs that up. He was a factor in all three phases of the game, as he went on to account for 281 all-purpose yards with six scores. The Chieftains now sit at 4-1, and Jewell has their offense on fire over the last three games. <strong>Xander Newberry</strong> – Argonia/Attica, QB, <em>Class of ’22</em> It’s difficult to have a perfect passing game at any classification level. So, when it happens, it needs to be recognized. Newberry had a flawless night against Pretty Prairie. The game ended at halftime, but Newberry managed to go 11 of 11 for 328 yards with six touchdown passes, and he had seven carries for 44 yards and one score as well. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="166966" first="James" last="Kriegh"]</strong> – Trego, ATH, <em>Class of ’23</em> Kriegh was highlighted as a player to watch this season, and he’s lived up to that hype. The junior has helped lead Trego to a 5-0 record for the first time in over 30 years. They picked up their 5^th win on a night where Kriegh carried the ball 33 times and rushed for 307 yards with four touchdowns. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="209264" first="Wyatt" last="Drouhard"]</strong> – Chaparral, QB, <em>Class of ’22</em> After going 2-6 last season, the Roadrunners have been a surprise team this year. They’re one of the hottest teams in Class 2A after knocking off 5^th ranked Garden Plain in Week 5. They were led by Drouhard, as he went on to go 24 of 34 for 364 yards with six touchdown passes. He’s been phenomenal through five games and has the Roadrunners looking like contenders. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="123016" first="Braxton" last="Lafferty"]</strong> – Little River, ATH, <em>Class of ’23</em> Canton-Galva vs. Little River was one of the most highly anticipated matchups during Week 5. Both programs have won the last two 8-Man Division I state titles and they both came into this matchup undefeated. But Little River walked away 5-0 thanks to Lafferty’s big night. The junior ran the ball 21 times for 309 yards with five touchdowns. The defending state champs are looking like they could make another run at state this year. &nbsp;