Topeka Teams Move to Second Round of Playoffs

Three Topeka teams had their seasons end in the opening weekend of the playoffs. Topeka High, Topeka West and Highland Park were all shown an early exit. But the pursuit of championships continues for several other Capital City schools. Here are the Topeka Schools and a player to watch from each: Washburn Rural, quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="145519" first="Branton" last="DeWeese"]: One of the top-ranked teams in 6A, the 8-1 Junior Blues continue their season by hosting 7-2 Free State. Sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="145519" first="Branton" last="DeWeese"] was the brilliant leader of the Junior Blues again in the first round of the playoffs. The 5-foot-11 sophomore signal caller hit on 9-11 throws for 187 yards and three touchdowns against Wichita West in the opening round of the 6A playoffs. Shawnee Heights, running back <strong>Jarin Sanders</strong>: The T-Birds were led by their defense to a blowout of Sumner Academy Friday. But it was senior back <strong>Jarin Sanders</strong> who provided most of the offense. The small but powerful tailback gashed the Sabres for 187 yards on 23 carries, plus 25 yards receiving. He tallied three touchdowns. The 5-4 T-Birds will have their hands full at 8-1 Mill Valley, the 5A defending champs. Seaman, quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="89256" first="Camden" last="Barta"]: The 6-3 Vikings host 3-6 Blue Valley Southwest Friday after blasting Emporia last week. [player_tooltip player_id="89256" first="Camden" last="Barta"] has been the story of the season for Seaman. After backing up the starting quarterback last year, Barta has taken the reins and gotten better with every game. Against Emporia, he looked like one of the best quarterbacks going, throwing for 318 yards and 4 TDs with just four incompletions on the night, and bolting for a 77-yard scoring run. The 6-foot-3, 200 pound athlete was likely slated to play on the defensive side of the ball in college, but he’s going to give college coaches a reason to consider him as a quarterback. Hayden, running back [player_tooltip player_id="87837" first="JC" last="Cummings"]: The 8-1 Wildcats will host 6-3 Rock Creek after obliterating Hiawatha. Hayden is displaying the kind of balanced offense that doesn’t produce superstars, just success. Among the many who make plays for the Wildcats is rugged junior running back [player_tooltip player_id="87837" first="JC" last="Cummings"]. He scored on two touchdown runs against Hiawatha and is just one of many Wildcats who make the offense tick. Cair Paravel, quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="209232" first="Carter" last="Brian"]: The Lions continue their pursuit of a Kansas Christian Athletic Association championship since they have to wait another year to play in the KSHSAA playoffs. Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="209232" first="Carter" last="Brian"] continues to put up historic numbers that boggle the mind. He threw for six touchdowns against the Manhattan Eagles as the Lions improved to 9-0. They take on Wichita Area Homeschool Athletic Association in Topeka. &nbsp;