Top Matchups for Week 4

We're officially at the half-way point in the regular season, as teams gear up for the fourth week of the '22 campaign. This is about the time in the regular season when we really start to see the contenders separate themselves from the rest of the field.   Week 4's Prospect Matchup has a bit of a theme, as we take a look at multiple teams from western and southern Kansas. Here are three games worth keeping an eye on during Week 4.   Baxter Springs vs. Parsons   This Class 3A matchup has the potential to be one of the top games during Week 4. The Baxter Springs Lions have been one of the best stories in the state so far this season, as they snapped a 25-game losing streak and are 3-0 for the first time in years. Parsons has built on the success they had in 2021, and they also head into the matchup at 3-0. Both teams have been hot offensively, but only one can walk away 4-0.    Two juniors that have contributed to the offensive success of both teams are <a href="https://twitter.com/javenalexander7?s=21&t=QQej5xK60xji2l5PCvufog" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/javenalexander7?s=21&t=QQej5xK60xji2l5PCvufog">Javen Alexander</a> of Baxter Springs, and [player_tooltip player_id='259778' first='Tra' last='Mack'] of Parsons. Alexander is a 6-foot-2, 180-pound athlete that the Lions like to use in a variety of ways. Alexander can be used in the backfield as a lead blocker, or as a runner between-the-tackles, and his size makes him a prime target in the redzone. [player_tooltip player_id='259778' first='Tra' last='Mack'] is an under the radar quarterback in this junior class. Mack shined as a sophomore last year, but he has really flourished in his second season as a starter, as he's already thrown for 800 yards and 13 touchdowns.    Dodge City vs. Liberal   Dodge City versus Liberal has been a one-sided rivalry over last the few seasons, but this year's matchup has the potential of being a close one. The two WAC teams have looked solid through three weeks, as both squads enter the contest at 2-1. Dodge City rebounded in Week 3 with a big win over Wichita South, and Liberal is riding a two-game win streak with shutout victories against Emporia and Topeka. It will be interesting to see if Dodge City can maintain their dominance in this rivalry, or if Liberal can get their first win since 2017 against their conference foe.   Some prospects to look out for in this one will be seniors Kaden Garvalena & Vincent Ortiz of Dodge City, and seniors Israel Garcia-Rotolo & Trystian Juarez of Liberal. Garvalena has helped Dodge City average 32 points through three games, and is responsible for 416 yards of total offense; while Ortiz has been one of the team's leading tacklers and their leading receiver. Liberal's Trystian Juarez has dominated on both sides of the ball, as he's rushed for over 450 yards on just 54 carries and has racked up a team-high 32 total tackles. Garcia-Rotolo has been the top wideout for Liberal this season, and he's scorched opposing secondaries with 123 yards per game.   Hays vs. Garden City   Another Week 4 WAC game folks won't want to miss is the matchup between the Hays Indians and the Garden City Buffaloes. Hays comes into the contest at 2-1 after suffering their first loss to top-ranked Manhattan during Week 3, and Garden City has surprised fans with their first 3-0 start since 2017. When these two schools get together, fans are in for an absolute battle. The two programs have traded blows over the years, with each game being decided by one-possession. This year's matchup could be yet another classic finish.    This matchup is without a doubt headlined by junior running back, [player_tooltip player_id='259774' first='Malik' last='Bah'] of Hays, and senior wideout, [player_tooltip player_id='87657' first='Jerry' last='Arteaga'] of Garden City. Bah has taken on the role that Jaren Kanak had last season as the centerpiece of Hays' offense, and he's been very impressive so far. Through three games, the junior has rushed for over 600 yards and has scored seven times. On the other sideline is one of the most dynamic players in the state. Arteaga doesn't touch the ball as much as Bah, but he is so dangerous when the rock is in his hands. If given the slightest crease, Arteaga can make defenses pay. These two should definitely put on a show during Week 4.

We're officially at the half-way point in the regular season, as teams gear up for the fourth week of the '22 campaign. This is about the time in the regular season when we really start to see the contenders separate themselves from the rest of the field.