Small School Stars Shine in Final Games

Many memorable performances were turned in Saturday as state championships were determined in eight different classifications across Kansas. Here are standouts from each of the championships in the 8-man, 1A and 2A classes: 2A: [player_tooltip player_id="35598" first="Torrey" last="Horak"], 5-foot-11, 170-pound quarterback, 2022, Rossville: Rossville continued its run of dominance, claiming its fifth title in eight years by beating Beloit 35-12. They didn’t do it in their customary fashion, however. Rather than plow their way through the opponents, they passed over them. Horak completed his memorable career by hitting 11 of 16 throws for 234 yards and three touchdowns. He had touchdown throws of 43, 31 and 23 yards. 1A: Running Game by Committee: Olpe finished off two straight perfect seasons by blowing out Inman 35-6. Three running backs led the way, for the Eagles. <strong>Garret Cole</strong> plowed his way to touchdowns of 20, 3 and 1 yards. <strong>Derek Hoelting</strong> ran for 153 yards, including a 57-yard score. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="35613" first="Damon" last="Redeker"] added 152 yards and another touchdown. 8-Man Div. I: <strong>Torren Haynes</strong>, 5-foot-10, 145-pound quarterback, 2022, Meade: Having dropped down to 8-man just two seasons ago, the Buffaloes barely hung on to defeat defending champ Little River 22-14. Haynes scored on a 46-yard run and hit a 52-yard touchdown pass to give the Buffaloes an early lead that they clung to the rest of the game. Haynes wound up with 162 yards through the air and 118 on the ground. 8-Man Div. II: [player_tooltip player_id="123617" first="Isaac" last="Detweiler"], 5-foot-11, 165-pound quarterback, 2023, Axtell: The Eagles finished a perfect season with a 44-18 win over Wheatland-Grinnell. Leading the way was Detweiler, who ran for four scores and threw for two more. He rushed for 140 yards and passed for 264 more. He guided a team of mostly underclassmen who will be back for more next season.