Deck’s Big Games: Week Seven

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Undefeated seasons and district titles are on the line in week seven.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at five top games scheduled for October 13 and one prospect from each game to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Andale (6-0)&nbsp; at Cheney (6-0) – </strong>Two of the best teams in Class 4A play in the same district and one of them will lose their first games of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='334744' first='Kason' last='Messenger']</strong>, DE/LB, 6'2” 220, Cheney, ‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If the Cardinals are going to end Andale's long win streak Messengers will need to have a big game defensively. The senior standout has 30-plus tackles on the season and has received multiple college offers from Kansas junior colleges this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maize South &nbsp;(5-1) @ Derby &nbsp;(5-1) – </strong>Maize South and Derby are fighting for playoff position in Class 6A and 5A respectively.&nbsp; Derby is currently among the top eight teams in 6A and should host a playoff game. &nbsp;The Mavericks are in the top four in Class 5A and a win over Derby would be huge for seeding purposes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='145512' first='Derek' last='Hubbard']</strong>, RB, 5'8”, 165, Derby, &nbsp;‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hubbard is a solid running back for Derby, a program that is always producing college prospects. Hubbard has rushed for 545 yards on 69 carries. He has scored six touchdowns on the ground and has also caught two touchdown passes out of the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lawrence (4-2) at Free State (6-0) – </strong>There is a lot at stake in this rivalry match. Free State is one of two undefeated teams remaining on the west side of the state in 6A with Washburn Rural. Lawrence is tied with three other teams at 4-2 in the west fighting for a top-eight spot in the standings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1109197' first='Zander' last='Thomas'],</strong> FS/LB, 5'11”, 180, Lawrence, ‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If the Lions are going to stop Free State's offense Thomas will need to have a big game. The senior defender has 61 total tackles and three interceptions on the season. Thomas is a playmaker who can shut down opposing teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rock Creek (4-2) @ Clay Center (5-1) – </strong>The Class 3A-District Four title will be on the line with the Mustangs and Tigers meet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285538' first='Cole' last='Pladson']</strong>, QB,&nbsp; 5'10”, 175, Clay Center, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers offense is directed by a junior dual-threat quarterback. Pladson has thrown for 711 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has also scored six touchdowns on the ground and has rushed for 244 yards. Pladson is also an accomplished baseball player for Clay Center.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wellsville (6-0) @ Santa Fe Trail (5-1)</strong> – The Santa Fe Trail Chargers have an opportunity to end Wellsville's undefeated season and win District Three in Class 3A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='262756' first='Colton' last='Warthen']</strong>, RB, 6'0”, 180, Santa Fe Trail, ‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warthen is a tough and physical back for the Chargers. He has rushed for 529 yards and scored nine touchdowns. He also has one touchdown reception. Warthen is a grinder and a tough back to tackle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->