KS Week Four: Deck’s Top Five Big Games

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From 6A on down there are some critical match-ups scheduled for Week Four of the 2023 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some leagues start ratcheting up conference schedules, while other teams will be looking to start District play with a win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at five top games in Kansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gardner Edgerton (3-0) @ Mill Valley (3-0) – </strong>This is an awesome game on paper. Two powerhouse programs ranked high in the polls and both hoping to extend their undefeated seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lincoln Gray</strong>, SS, 6'1”, 180, Mill Valley, ‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Jags have a loaded roster, so it would be easy to overlook a player like Gray. He is a hard-nosed strong safety with solid tackling technique. Through three games Gray leads the team with an eight-tackle average per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Manhattan (3-0) @ Washburn Rural (3-0) – </strong>To be the man, you have to beat the man. The Indians are the man, defending Class 6A state champs, and the Junior Blues are the No. 1 contender for the belt this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Charles Morgan</strong>, RB/WR, 5'8” 162, Manhattan, ‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morgan is a dangerous offensive weapon for the Indians. In three games he has rushed for 236 yards and six touchdowns. He also contributes in the passing game with 15 receptions for 147 yards and two scores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Leavenworth (2-1) @ De Soto (2-1) – </strong>This particular game will have a difference in the United Kansas Conference standings. The Pioneers and Wildcats each want to set themselves up as the team to beat for the league title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='259775' first='Charlie' last='Tadlock']</strong>, SS/FS, 5”10”, 185, De Soto, ‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tadlock is a strong and physical football player. He can have an impact on defense from multiple positions. He can play safety, linebacker, or defensive end. It's all about how he evolves as a prospect and what a college program needs to fill in their defensive scheme. Tadlock leads the team in tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>KC Washington  (3-0) @ Wamego (2-1) – </strong>It's time to find out if the Wildcats are contenders or pretenders. KC Washington is off to a 3-0 start, but their three games were not against teams you would classify as world-beaters. They will be tested by Wamego this week and Atchison next week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1664431' first='Savion' last='Stone'],</strong> QB, 6'2”, 180, Washington, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stone is just a sophomore, but he is the starting quarterback and has racked up solid numbers on the ground gain while directing the offense. Stone has rushed for 287 yards and six touchdowns through three games. He has completed 50 percent of his pass attempts and thrown for two touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Council Grove  (3-0) @ Humboldt 3-0)</strong> – Two early undefeated teams meet in Class 2A district play. The Braves and Cubs sounds like an October National League playoff series, but the two meet under Friday Night Lights with the winner becoming the early favorite to win 2A's District 2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442659' first='Blake' last='Ellis']</strong>, QB, 5'9”, 180, Humboldt, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ellis is a well-rounded dual-threat quarterback for the Cubs. He has passed for 578 yards and nine touchdowns in three games played. He has also rushed for 344 yards and three scores. Ellis has a quick release and nice footwork.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->