Top Matchups for Week 6

Week 6 of the '22 campaign could go down as one of the most thrilling weeks of the season. Several teams with identical records across the state are set to square off, and some could even see each other down the road in the playoffs.    There are so many matchups that could've been highlighted, but these three look to be some of the biggest games of the week. This sixth Prospect Matchup is headlined by possibly the game of the year, as well as a battle of unbeaten teams from the 8-Man ranks, and a clash of two strong Class 2A squads.    Maize 5A (5-0) vs. Derby 6A (4-1)   Over the last two years, the matchup between Maize and Derby has produced some of the most exciting games in the entire state. The two star studded programs have gone down to the wire in their last two meetings, as both games were decided by one point. Derby got the best of Maize last season, but Maize looks to have the slight edge in this year's matchup. The Eagles have cruised to a 5-0 start this season; outscoring opponents 288-54. Derby has been tested a few times already this season, but this will be their biggest test thus far. One things for sure, fans should be treated to another classic finish.   While there is an abundance of offensive talent in this contest, defense will be the deciding factor. For Maize, seniors [player_tooltip player_id='170038' first='Peyton' last='Ritter'] and [player_tooltip player_id='122945' first='Caden' last='Miranda'] will be tasked with slowing down [player_tooltip player_id='87649' first='Dylan' last='Edwards'] and Derby's run game. On the other side, [player_tooltip player_id='146119' first='Demaria'e' last='Baker'] and <a href="https://twitter.com/elijahvigil14?s=21&t=iPt07hCZu5XHutosTWjLZQ" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/elijahvigil14?s=21&t=iPt07hCZu5XHutosTWjLZQ">Elijah Vigil</a> take on the challenge of covering arguably the top receiving corps in the state. Ritter and Miranda are a big reason why Maize has surrendered only 54 points through five weeks. They both are tied for the team lead in total tackles with 39, and Miranda leads the team with 16 tackles for loss. For Derby, it will be important for Baker and Vigil to limit the big plays through the air. They're two of the Panthers' top defensive backs, and they are both capable of coming up with an interception.    Wichita County 8-Man (5-0) vs. Meade 8-Man (5-0)   While the matchup between Maize and Derby will receive a lot of coverage, folks shouldn't overlook this battle between two unbeaten 8-Man squads. This matchup has the potential to be one of the biggest 8-Man games of the season, as both teams have dominated their competition through five weeks. The Wichita County Indians are averaging 60 points per game while only surrendering eight points per game, and the Meade Buffaloes are averaging 52 points per game and have only allowed 18 points total. This will be a statement game for both teams, as the Indians look to prove they're legit contenders this season, and the Buffaloes look to continue their dominance in quest of another state championship.    Points are definitely going to rack up in this one, so prospects such as [player_tooltip player_id='246116' first='Erhik' last='Hermosillo'] of Wichita County, and Grayden Stapleton of Meade will be key players for both squads. Hermosillo became the Indians' top offensive weapon as a junior in 2021, and he's maintained that role through five games of his senior year. So far the senior has accounted for over 1,100 yards of total offense and 18 total touchdowns. Grayden Stapleton has taken on a larger role as a senior after being Meade's leading receiver during their state title run last year. Look for the Buffaloes' coaching staff to use the multi-sport athlete in a variety of ways.     Humboldt 2A (4-1) vs. Osage City 2A (4-1)   Class 2A has proved to be one of the more competitive classification levels through five weeks of the '22 campaign. There are a number of talented teams in the division, and these are two that are looking to climb the 2A rankings. The Humboldt Cubs and the Osage City Indians have been impressive this year, and they both enter Week 6 with just one loss. On paper, Humboldt has the edge defensively, as they're allowing only 10 points per game. But the Indians have a slightly better offense than the Cubs, as they're averaging 42 points per game. Humboldt is likely to come into the contest with a chip on their shoulder after losing to Osage City in their previous two meetings. Whichever team wins this game is sure to move up in the rankings, and should carry some much needed momentum into what looks to be a wild postseason for Class 2A.    This game will be headlined by two of the top players in Class 2A, and two of the most underrated athletes in this senior class. [player_tooltip player_id='87675' first='Trey' last='Sommer'] of Humboldt, and [player_tooltip player_id='87644' first='Landon' last='Boss'] of Osage City are two prospects that fans and recruiters will want to keep an eye on in this one. Sommer is on pace to shatter the rushing numbers he put up his junior year. The Humboldt product is averaging an impressive 7.1 yards per carry, as he's rushed for over 700 yards on 101 attempts with 13 scores. Boss has been one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in Class 2A over the past two years, and he's managed to uphold that reputation this season. The senior has been responsible for over 1,400 yards of total offense and 16 total touchdowns. These two are capable of putting up huge numbers offensively, but things will get interesting once they square off on opposite sides of the ball.

Week 6 of the '22 campaign could go down as one of the most thrilling weeks of the season. Several teams with identical records across the state are set to square off, and some could even see each other down the road in the playoffs.