Standout Performers From De Soto vs. Leavenworth

The fourth week of the '22 campaign featured a matchup between two tough Class 5A programs coming out of the United Kansas Conference. This was a key game for the De Soto Wildcats and the Leavenworth Pioneers, as both squads were looking to avoid going 2-2, and to stay atop the UKC standings. The Wildcats entered the contest with wins against Lansing and Topeka West, and their one loss coming from Washburn Rural. Leavenworth had been lighting up the scoreboard through the first two weeks of the season, but the Pioneers came into Week 4 with a loss against Lansing from the previous week.   On paper this matchup looked to be an entertaining conference game, and although it was relatively close early on; this game would end up being a lopsided affair. There wasn't much action throughout the 1st quarter, as De Soto would take a slim 7-6 lead into the 2nd quarter. But it would be all Wildcats after this. Leavenworth failed to convert on multiple third and fourth downs, which led to De Soto gaining extra possessions. The Wildcats didn't waste these opportunities, and would use the extra possessions to get their ground game rolling. De Soto made a statement in this one, as they cruised to a 57-16 victory over the Pioneers.    Here's a look at the Standout Performers from this Week 4 matchup (Unofficial Stats).   Offense:   <a href="https://twitter.com/cjmiller1325?s=21&t=4IiiKywwsNQ8VrLmjahuZQ" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/cjmiller1325?s=21&t=4IiiKywwsNQ8VrLmjahuZQ">Carson Miller</a> – De Soto, 6'0”, 150, QB, Class of '24   It was difficult to choose the top offensive player from this one, but <a href="https://twitter.com/cjmiller1325?s=21&t=4IiiKywwsNQ8VrLmjahuZQ" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/cjmiller1325?s=21&t=4IiiKywwsNQ8VrLmjahuZQ">Carson Miller</a> earns the Offensive MVP. The junior was key for De Soto's rushing attack, as Miller was able to fool the Pioneers' defense on multiple occasions. Miller finished the game with 13 carries for 153 yards with two scores, and completed 3 of his 5 passes for 32 yards.    [player_tooltip player_id='442344' first='Jayden' last='Lang'] – De Soto, 6'0”, 170, RB, Class of '25   While Miller was awarded the Offensive MVP, Lang also turned in an MVP worthy performance. Lang added explosiveness to the Wildcats' ground game, as he'd reel off runs of 61 yards and 54 yards. The sophomore went on to rush for 155 yards with one touchdown on just seven carries.    [player_tooltip player_id='170063' first='Eddie' last='McLaughlin'] – LV, 5'10”, 185, ATH, Class of '23   McLaughlin was one of the only Pioneer players to create a spark offensively for Leavenworth. The senior is typically known for his impressive playmaking ability, but De Soto's defense did a great job of holding him in check. McLaughlin was weld to just 81 yards through the air with one touchdown, but he did manage to rush for 91 yards on 17 carries.    Bennett Hutchinson – De Soto, 5'10”, 165, RB, Class of '24   Hutchinson finished the contest as the Wildcats‘ third leading rusher. De Soto relied on the junior in short yardage situations, and to control the pace of the game. Hutchinson would tote the rock 15 times for 78 yards, and he'd hit pay dirt three times.    Defense:   <a href="https://twitter.com/baylerbell?s=21&t=swYRAVMISdQukg12EM-HSg" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/baylerbell?s=21&t=swYRAVMISdQukg12EM-HSg">Bayler Bell</a> – De Soto, 6'1”, 180, LB, Class of '24   Bell was one of the most disruptive defenders on the Wildcats' defense in this one. He helped limit plays from advancing past the second level of the defense and made an impact in coverage as well. The junior racked up multiple tackles with a few pass breakups, and came up with an interception in the 3rd quarter.    <a href="https://twitter.com/jamarcuscrawfo1?s=21&t=swYRAVMISdQukg12EM-HSg" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/jamarcuscrawfo1?s=21&t=swYRAVMISdQukg12EM-HSg">Jamarcus Crawford</a> – Leavenworth, 6'3”, 195, ATH, Class of '25   This was a tough outing for Leavenworth's defense, but sophomore <a href="https://twitter.com/jamarcuscrawfo1?s=21&t=swYRAVMISdQukg12EM-HSg" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/jamarcuscrawfo1?s=21&t=swYRAVMISdQukg12EM-HSg">Jamarcus Crawford</a> ended up being a nice surprise. The defensive end was involved on several plays, and forced two turnovers. He forced a fumble in the 2nd quarter, and came up with a wild pick-six early in the 4th quarter.    [player_tooltip player_id='442716' first='Charlie' last='Woleben'] – De Soto, 6'4”, 200, DL, Class of '25   Woleben was a recent addition to the Class of '25 Player Rankings, and he may be looking at a higher rank in the next update. The lengthy sophomore applied pressure on McLaughlin multiple times, and racked up over five total tackles.

The fourth week of the '22 campaign featured a matchup between two tough Class 5A programs coming out of the United Kansas Conference. This was a key game for the De Soto Wildcats and the Leavenworth Pioneers, as both squads were looking to avoid going 2-2, and to stay atop the UKC standings. The Wildcats entered the contest with wins against Lansing and Topeka West, and their one loss coming from Washburn Rural. Leavenworth had been lighting up the scoreboard through the first two weeks of the season, but the Pioneers came into Week 4 with a loss against Lansing from the previous week.