Who is going to emerge as 8-Man II’s finest?
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8-Man football takes a refined pallet to enjoy for viewers not involved in the game. If you are not coaching, or have a relative that plays, most people will almost pretend like it does not even exist. However once you…
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Continue Reading8-Man football takes a refined pallet to enjoy for viewers not involved in the game. If you are not coaching, or have a relative that plays, most people will almost pretend like it does not even exist. However once you begin to watch the game and appreciate it for what it is, it truly is a lovely game as well. It is a game that can produce great athletes every year and give them their shot to play on Saturdays, sometimes even Sundays. 2022 paved the way for these five to prove they are the best in Kansas. These athletes are the cream of the crop within 8-man. I mean that literally as many teams play their games next to fields and feed mills.
Doak Guttery
Doak Guttery
From a distance, it appears that Doak was destined for football greatness since the start. Even his first name is shared by other greats in the history of the game. The do-it-all man for Osborne is a hard runner who is tough to bring down. His good speed and size make him impossible for his competition to solo tackle him. He has a quick cut off the line and into space. His passing mechanics are pretty good as well. He stands tall in the pocket, and throws a pretty left-handed touch pass. He may not have much follow through, but most of his throws run out of room on the short field already. On defense, he brings the energy. May not have much fundamental superiority over everyone else, but he is going to get the tackle and the ball back.
Not very often do you find a talent like Brandon’s in 8-Man football. Only a sophomore, Schmelzle has proven to be the fastest kid on the field many times, which he puts on full display time and time again. On the outside, he utilizes many double cut routes which give him the separation his QB needs to get him the ball. His speed and misdirection make single coverage impossible. With the ball, Schmelzle will favor moves to get the defense hesitating so that he can beat him to the point of attack. He also has a back juke that has taken the souls and ankle of several defenders. He can high point seam routes, but seems to prefer body catches, especially on defense. Speaking of defense, he is looking for the highlight play every time. He likes to spy and keep his eyes on the QB and cut off routes. Not much to report on his tackling, but his return skills are as elite as they come.
Highlights
Wyatt Collins
Wyatt Collins
The heart and soul of this Eagle’s team wears number 22 and runs like a bull in a china shop. Wyatt Collins helped this team outscore their opponents 612-68 in their first 11 games before losing by 4 to the eventual state champions. On defense, he is dedicated to run coverage for CGHS. You do not see him screaming off of the edge, but rather holding up by the ends or tackles and keeping ball carriers to cut back in where he can make the stop. He will pass cover, but it is clear that he is more comfortable covering the run instead. On offense, Collins is a big body running back that runs in a straight line no matter how many people are in his way. It always takes about 3-4 defenders to finally bring him down. He has okay speed that allows his momentum to bring him through defenders without ever slowing down. The most impressive part of his game though is his blocking. Pancaking linebackers and edge rushers alike, Collins plays like one of the best blocking fullbacks in the state.
At the end of the year, Kpreps.com recognized Victoria as the fourth best team in 8-Man II. This is due to the work put in by Seth Schwien Seth Schwien 6’2″ | 190 lbs | ATH Victoria | 2024 State KS . A large body playing on the end of both the offense and defensive line, Schwien uses his large frame in every advantage he has on the field. On offense, he is a jump ball threat. With the ability to high point fade passes and to fight to the ball, Schwien is unstoppable in the red zone. This does not mean he is not effective with a deep field though, as his ability to screen off defenders with his body and his love for flag routes allow him to run all over d-backs. Defensively, Schwien is able to keep linemen out away from him with his long arms as he contains runs as well as a good pass rush. The best thing for his game currently is to obtain a bag of pass rush moves instead of relying on his speed. He could be one of the most exciting prospects in all of 8-Man once he does though, even more than he already is.
Highlights
Tyler Korbe
Tyler Korbe
The only team to give Victoria a scare aside from deep in the playoffs, the Wildcats have a beast running the ball for them next fall in Tyler Korbe. Korbe is a textbook one-cut back. He will cut once at the line hard, then make a dead sprint for the end zone. He is fast. Able to make great separation from the rest of the pack as soon as he sees daylight and does not look back. My favorite thing about Korbe is how he runs. He does not really make people miss, nor does he run over people often. He just churns his legs and good things happen. Arms tackles are useless, slower defensive units are barely roadblocks as he churns through everyone to pay dirt. I expect him to do great things for the Wildcats. The guy dribbled the ball on a touchdown run against Bucklin in a playoff game! (http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jk3uZ)