Standout Performers From SMNW vs. Olathe North

This matchup between Sunflower League rivals Shawnee Mission Northwest and Olathe North was well worth the price of admission. The Northwest Cougars came into the contest coming off a big win in Week 1, scoring 44 points in a shutout victory. Meanwhile, the Eagles handled their crosstown rivals in a 28-6 win. The two schools had not faced each other since 2017, so they were more than ready to get reacquainted in this Week 2 matchup.   Things would start off slowly in this one, but that would not be the case the rest of the game. After the Cougars opened the contest with an 11-play touchdown drive and held the Eagles scoreless through the 1st quarter; Olathe North would respond with 21 unanswered points to go up two scores late in the 2nd quarter. Northwest did however manage to cut the lead to 21-14 before halftime. The second half ended up being like a prized heavy weight boxing match, as the Eagles and the Cougars traded multiple scores up until late in the 4th quarter. Despite getting Northwest's best shot, the Eagles kept their lead from the 2nd quarter, and would go on to win 49-35.   Here's a recap of the Standout Performers, and a look at some underclassmen that impressed from this Week 2 matchup. (Unofficial Stats)   Offense:   <a href="https://twitter.com/joshuaparrish22?s=21&t=256O1adl7_7tPRfFPIksJA" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/joshuaparrish22?s=21&t=256O1adl7_7tPRfFPIksJA">Joshua Parrish</a> – Olathe North, 5'8”, 145, ATH, Class of '23   <a href="https://twitter.com/joshuaparrish22?s=21&t=256O1adl7_7tPRfFPIksJA" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/joshuaparrish22?s=21&t=256O1adl7_7tPRfFPIksJA">Joshua Parrish</a> is a senior currently unranked, but he won't be for much longer. Many people know about his elite sprinter speed from this previous track season, and it was on full display in this one. He picks up the Offensive Player of the Game after exploding for 183 yards receiving with three scores. Two of his touchdown receptions were catch and runs of 64 yards and 77 yards. He made a case for Defensive Player of the Game as well, as he finished with six total tackles and a 30-yard pick-six.   <a href="https://twitter.com/scomajason?s=21&t=256O1adl7_7tPRfFPIksJA" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/scomajason?s=21&t=256O1adl7_7tPRfFPIksJA">Jason Scoma</a> – Olathe North, 6'1”, 190, ATH, Class of '23   After struggling a bit in his first start under center in Week 1, Scoma settled in during Week 2 and had a solid performance through the air and on the ground. The senior completed 10 of his 17 passes for 296 yards with three touchdowns, and rushed for 114 yards with one score.    [player_tooltip player_id='237214' first='Malik' last='O'Atis'] – SMNW, 5'10”, 170, RB, Class of '23   [player_tooltip player_id='237214' first='Malik' last='O'Atis'] proved once again why he is one of the top players in the Class of '23. Olathe North was able to limit him through the 1st quarter, but it's extremely difficult trying to contain him for a full 48 minutes. O'Atis went on to accumulate over 270 yards of total offense and punched in three rushing touchdowns.    Defense:   [player_tooltip player_id='317216' first='Jason' last='Parrish'] – Olathe North, 5'7”, 140, DB, Class of '23   Joshua wasn't the only Parrish the Cougars had to worry about in this one. While Joshua made plays on offense, [player_tooltip player_id='317216' first='Jason' last='Parrish'] would standout in Olathe North's secondary. Jason racked up five total tackles with a few pass breakups, and came up with a huge interception in the 4th quarter. His strong performance earns him Defensive Player of the Game.   <a href="https://twitter.com/gabrielhoskin7?s=21&t=256O1adl7_7tPRfFPIksJA" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/gabrielhoskin7?s=21&t=256O1adl7_7tPRfFPIksJA">[player_tooltip player_id='1196077' first='Gabe' last='Hoskins']</a> – SMNW, 5'11”, 175, DB, Class of '24   Although this wasn't an ideal game defensively for the Cougars, junior <a href="https://twitter.com/gabrielhoskin7?s=21&t=256O1adl7_7tPRfFPIksJA" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/gabrielhoskin7?s=21&t=256O1adl7_7tPRfFPIksJA">[player_tooltip player_id='1196077' first='Gabe' last='Hoskins']</a> still managed to standout. He was one of the leading tacklers for Northwest, as he'd finish with seven total on the night. Hoskins is a physical safety that has the potential to be a breakout defender for the Cougars this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='124031' first='Alex' last='Gunderson'] – Olathe North, 6'0”, 190, LB, Class of '23   Gunderson has become an impact defender for the Eagles after being their enemy in the past. He transferred to Olathe North for his senior year, and the change of scenery has paid dividends. Gunderson led the Eagles in total tackles in Week 1, and did so again against the Cougars; finishing with nine total on the night. He'll be a backer to keep an eye on the rest of the '22 campaign.   Standout Underclassmen:   [player_tooltip player_id='350827' first='Logan' last='Morley'] – SMNW, 6'1”, 165, QB, Class of '25   Struggles for a first-year starter are bound to happen, so this one game won't define Morley as a quarterback. There were plenty of positives to take away from his second game under center. He managed to help lead Northwest on multiple scoring drives, with one being a clutch 90-yard drive in the 4th quarter. The sophomore ended the contest with over 200 yards passing and two touchdowns.   [player_tooltip player_id='350825' first='Caden' last='Butler'] – Olathe North, 6'0”, 170, WR, Class of ‘25   [player_tooltip player_id='350825' first='Caden' last='Butler']'s been a prospect that has received a lot of buzz ahead of his sophomore season, and he's looked the part through his first two varsity games. His touches were limited in this one, but he still shined at receiver and on special teams. He hauled in two catches for 80 yards and had two impressive kick returns, with one return being a 47 yarder. Look for Butler to have a new rank in the next Class of '25 update.     <a href="https://twitter.com/daiseanv?s=21&t=256O1adl7_7tPRfFPIksJA" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/daiseanv?s=21&t=256O1adl7_7tPRfFPIksJA">[player_tooltip player_id='371108' first='Daisean' last='Bennett']</a>   With O'Atis being the focal point of Northwest's offense, Bennett didn't get to fully display his talent. He did however score the Cougars' first touchdown with an acrobatic catch in the end zone. The young wideout went on to collect three receptions for 41 yards and one score. Bennett has the potential to become Northwest's No. 1 receiver as a sophomore.

This matchup between Sunflower League rivals Shawnee Mission Northwest and Olathe North was well worth the price of admission. The Northwest Cougars came into the contest coming off a big win in Week 1, scoring 44 points in a shutout victory. Meanwhile, the Eagles handled their crosstown rivals in a 28-6 win. The two schools had not faced each other since 2017, so they were more than ready to get reacquainted in this Week 2 matchup.