Top Matchups For the Regional Round

We're another week closer to crowing state champions, as the Regional Round is now upon us. Each classification level features multiple big games between teams with identical records, and there are even a few intriguing rematches taking place. In addition to this, folks will also be treated to matchups between programs entering unfamiliar territory. These three games out of the 5A bracket look to be some of the best during the Regional Round.    Great Bend 5A (7-2) vs. Salina Central 5A (7-2)   Throughout the '22 campaign, a majority of the buzz within Class 5A has gone to top-seeded teams such as Maize and Mill Valley. While those programs are deserving of the attention, teams like the Great Bend Panthers and the Salina Central Mustangs have flown under the radar. The Panthers have been one of the best turnaround stories in the state this season. After a disastrous 0-9 campaign in 2021, Great Bend now sits at 7-2 and is riding a seven-game win streak into Regionals. For the Mustangs, they matched their win total from last year, and they are searching for their first eight win season since 2007. These squads last met during the regular season in 2015, but this time, the stakes are much higher.    Two prospects that could help punch their teams' ticket to Sectionals are [player_tooltip player_id='316553' first='Cayden' last='Scheuerman'] of Great Bend, and <a href="https://twitter.com/gunnargross9?s=21&t=f25N-Fzs01CtpWOl2miT_A" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/gunnargross9?s=21&t=f25N-Fzs01CtpWOl2miT_A">Gunnar Cross</a> of Salina Central. A big reason why Great Bend has been so successful this season is because of the improved play of [player_tooltip player_id='316553' first='Cayden' last='Scheuerman']. The senior has learned from his mistakes last season, and has accounted for over 2,100 yards of total offense and 23 scores. The other quarterback in this matchup has also had himself a breakout season. Junior quarterback <a href="https://twitter.com/gunnargross9?s=21&t=f25N-Fzs01CtpWOl2miT_A" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/gunnargross9?s=21&t=f25N-Fzs01CtpWOl2miT_A">Gunnar Cross</a> has come on strong in his first season as the starter. The Mustangs' offense hasn't skipped a beat with him under center this year, as he's accumulated 2,300 yards of total offense and 32 total touchdowns. These two dual-threats should definitely put on a show during Regionals.   Pittsburg 5A (6-3) vs. Sumner 5A (7-2)   This 5-seed versus 4-seed game sets up for an interesting matchup between two programs from very different backgrounds. The Pittsburg Dragons will be one of the teams entering unfamiliar territory during Regionals, as they will be traveling to Kansas City, KS., to take on the Sumner Academy Sabres. Pittsburg heads into the contest with six wins on the season, which ties their win total from last year, and they are currently on a two-game win streak. The Sabres are a program that has improved their win total over the past few seasons, and they've posted their best record in years. Sumner could have the slight edge with the Dragons traveling over 100 miles for the game, but expect Pittsburg to be up for the challenge.   The Prospect Matchup to lookout for in this one will be between seniors <a href="https://twitter.com/jacksonturn2?s=21&t=ytEyYdTG94ivJ7AyxVbnmg" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/jacksonturn2?s=21&t=ytEyYdTG94ivJ7AyxVbnmg">Jackson Turnbull</a> of Pittsburg, and [player_tooltip player_id='246352' first='Antonio' last='Harrison'] of Sumner. At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Turnbull is a physical specimen. He is a stout run defender and can disrupt passing lanes with his long reach. His play will be key in order to slow down Harrison and the Sabres' offense. But, If Harrison can get going early on, then it could be a long night for the Dragons' defense. The senior has been incredible this season, and he's coming off a performance during Week 9 where he rushed for over 400 yards and scored seven times.   Bishop Carroll 5A (7-2) vs. Hutchinson 5A (7-2)   The third Class 5A game that shapes up to be a good one is this battle between two of the more prominent programs in the state. Hutchinson and Bishop Carroll have had their success over the years, and the '22 campaign has been no different for the two programs. The Hutchinson Salthawks have been a steady team throughout this season, with their two losses coming against Derby and Maize. They're currently on a two-game win streak, and have outscored their opponents 63-13 during that span. Carroll has been one of the hotter teams in 5A after snapping a two-game skid back in Week 5. The Golden Eagles head into the contest with five straight wins, and they've averaged nearly 35 points per game during the win streak. This meeting will make it three years in a row the two teams clash in the playoffs, with Carroll winning the past two matchups. It will be interesting to see which powerhouse moves on to Sectionals.   Offensive firepower looks to be a factor in this game, so look for <a href="https://twitter.com/jackson_king10?s=21&t=_ix5uuBe6vZO6oQpSP0GiQ" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/jackson_king10?s=21&t=_ix5uuBe6vZO6oQpSP0GiQ">Jackson King</a> of Bishop Carroll and [player_tooltip player_id='35653' first='Noah' last='Khokhar'] of Hutchinson to standout. Junior quarterback, <a href="https://twitter.com/jackson_king10?s=21&t=_ix5uuBe6vZO6oQpSP0GiQ" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/jackson_king10?s=21&t=_ix5uuBe6vZO6oQpSP0GiQ">Jackson King</a>, has been a nice surprise for Carroll this year. In just his first season starting, King has accounted for over 2,100 yards of total offense and 22 total touchdowns. The first-year starter will need to be sharp in order for the Golden Eagles to knock off Hutch once again. If Hutch is to take down Carroll, [player_tooltip player_id='35653' first='Noah' last='Khokhar'] must have the ball in his hands as much as possible. The senior is one of the most dynamic athletes in the state, and he's capable of making big plays as a running back, receiver, and as a return man.

We're another week closer to crowing state champions, as the Regional Round is now upon us. Each classification level features multiple big games between teams with identical records, and there are even a few intriguing rematches taking place. In addition to this, folks will also be treated to matchups between programs entering unfamiliar territory. These three games out of the 5A bracket look to be some of the best during the Regional Round.