NE KS Playoff Preview: 6A, 4A
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Four teams from northeast Kansas advanced to the third round of the playoffs, where they will face stiff challenges. Here’s a quick preview of these matchups: 6A – Free State (8-2) vs Derby (9-0) The Firebirds won in surprisingly convincing…
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Continue ReadingFour teams from northeast Kansas advanced to the third round of the playoffs, where they will face stiff challenges. Here’s a quick preview of these matchups:
6A – Free State (8-2) vs Derby (9-0)
The Firebirds won in surprisingly convincing fashion over Washburn Rural 42-10. The one-two ground combo of Jet Dineen Jet Dineen 5'11" | 180 lbs | ATH Free State | 2022 State KS and Dash Cleveland ran all over the Junior Blues. The defense held Washburn Rural to just 182 yards of total offense. But now Free State must figure out how to contend with Derby, winners of five of the last six 6A titles. Derby is no one-trick pony, but they do have one spectacular star that stands out – running back Dylan Edwards Dylan Edwards 5'9" | 165 lbs | RB Derby | 2023 State KS . Edwards has a ridiculous 29 rushing touchdowns, to go with over 1,800 yards rushing.
6A – Lawrence (8-2) vs Manhattan (9-1)
The Lions’ balanced attack is led by running back Shance Wilkerson and quarterback Truman Juelsgaard. They will take on the run-first Indians led by quarterback Keenan Schartz and running back Vinny Smith. Those two have combined for nearly 2,000 yards rushing. This should be a great battle between these traditional rivals.
4A – Wamego (9-1) vs Andover Central (9-1)
The Red Raiders rolled over Augusta 34-7 last Friday. Now star quarterback Hayden Oviatt Hayden Oviatt 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Wamego | 2023 State KS leads them against Andover Central. The Jaguars feature a pretty diverse and balanced attack led by senior quarterback Kai Kunz Kai Kunz 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB Andover Central | 2022 State KS . He’s passed for over 1,600 yards and run for 329. 6-foot-1 187 pound running back Ashton Barkdull Ashton Barkdull 6'0" | 175 lbs | RB Andover Central | 2022 State KS has found the end zone 15 times, rushing for 848 yards thus far.