Game Balls from Around the State: Week 13
With each state champion now crowned, we officially close the book on the 2021 campaign. Week 13 was the finale to a season filled with exciting moments. It was capped off by a Championship Saturday that saw five teams repeat…
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Continue ReadingWith each state champion now crowned, we officially close the book on the 2021 campaign. Week 13 was the finale to a season filled with exciting moments. It was capped off by a Championship Saturday that saw five teams repeat and three new champions crowned. Here are some of the top offensive and defensive performances from the final week of the ’21 season.
Offense:
Torrey Horak Torrey Horak 5'10" | 165 lbs | ATH Rossville | 2022 State KS – Rossville, QB, Class of ’22
Horak closes out an incredible high school career by leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back perfect seasons. The senior helped Rossville jump out to an early lead against Beloit, and they kept that momentum going in the second half. He’d go on to light up the Trojans’ secondary, finishing 11 of 16 for 234 yards with three touchdowns, and rushed for 33 yards with one score. Horak also made an impact at corner, racking up seven total tackles with four passes defended.
Derek Hoelting – Olpe, RB, Class of ’22
Hoelting was featured as a player to watch during the Class 1A state title game, and he delivered with a standout day on the ground. Olpe ran all over Inman, and Hoelting led the way with 16 carries for 152 yards, with a huge 57-yard touchdown run coming in the fourth quarter. The senior finishes his career at Olpe with two undefeated seasons.
Dylan Edwards Dylan Edwards 5'9" | 165 lbs | RB Derby | 2023 State KS – Derby, RB, Class of ’23
Derby’s offense was really limited against Blue Valley Northwest, as they were held in check through most of the contest. Despite the outcome, Edwards still managed to finish his junior season with one last hurrah. Edwards ended the game with 172 yards rushing on 26 carriers and made his way into the end zone two times.
Torren Haynes – Meade, ATH, Class of ’22
Haynes came up huge in Meade’s upset win over Little River in the 8-Man DI State Championship Game. This matchup was a defensive battle, but Haynes managed to provide a spark for the Buffaloes on offense. He went on to go 7 of 12 for 143 yards passing with one touchdown toss and rushed for 128 yards on 15 carriers with one score. Haynes also played well on defense, racking up five total tackles with four pass break ups.
Defense:
Miles Wash Miles Wash 5'11" | 220 lbs | LB Derby | 2023 State KS – Derby, LB, Class of ‘23
It was a tough day for the Panthers’ defense, but this rising junior managed to shine. Wash was featured in last week’s game ball piece, and he makes his second appearance with another solid performance to close out his junior year. Wash finished with a team high in total tackles with 14 and added a sack and a forced fumble to his stat line.
Grant Stephens – Little River, ATH, Class of ’23
Even in defeat, Stephens turned in a great all-around performance. Stephens tied for first on the team in total tackles with 14 and came up with a key blocked field goal. His day didn’t stop there though, as the junior would also accumulate 90 yards of total offense with one receiving touchdown.
Jett Vincent Jett Vincent 6'2" | 175 lbs | ATH Canton-Galva | 2023 State KS – Wheatland-Grinnell, WR/ATH, Class of ’23
Things didn’t go as planned in Wheatland’s rematch against Axtell. Still yet, Vincent was a player that stood out on both sides of the ball for the Thunderhawks. On defense, Vincent tied for a team high in tackles with 16 total, and he broke up two passes and forced a fumble. Offensively, he hauled in seven receptions for 147 yards with one score.