Class 4A Final Four: Kansas Sub-State Preview

Jeremy Deckard November 16, 2023 @ 01:22 PM

It's time for the sub-state round in Kansas and there are four teams in each classification ready to battle it out for berths in the state tournaments.   Here is a look at the sub-state match-ups in Class 4A and prospects hoping to finish the season with two more victories.   St. Thomas Aquinas (8-3) at Tonganoxie (9-2) – The Chieftains are on a roll and have knocked off higher-seeded Chanute and Atchison in back-to-back weeks. St. Thomas Aquinas is the No. 6 seed in the east and earned a spot in the final four by defeating Basehor-Linwood in the sectional round.   [player_tooltip player_id='1228453' first='Tanner' last='Hand'], LB/RB, 5'8”, 175, Tonganoxie, ‘25   Hand is a junior who has had a hand in Tonganoxie's run. He is a secondary running threat to [player_tooltip player_id='544724' first='Colton' last='Brusven'], but he has carried the ball for 432 yards and four touchdowns in that capacity. On the defensive side of the ball, he has collected 19 total tackles. He could be a wild card in this game and a breakout player to watch in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='543068' first='Isaiah' last='Holthaus'], WR, 6'3”, 195, Tonganoxie, ‘24   Holthaus' season has gone under the radar because of the success of running back Brusven. He is being recruited by Division II schools and is an MIAA-caliber player all day every day. Through 11 games he has 32 receptions for 870 yards for an average of 27.2 yards per catch. His speed makes him a threat to break long catch-and-run touchdowns and he is a threat in the end zone due to his height.   [player_tooltip player_id='415285' first='Blake' last='O'Brien'],  LB, 6'0”, 185, St. Thomas Aquinas, ‘24   O'Brien is just a tough young man. He loves to hit and enjoys rocking ball carriers. The Saints defender can play linebacker or safety. He has 38 total tackles through 11 games and has made two interceptions and one fumble recovery.   Joe Loughman, WR, 6'3”, 181, St. Thomas Aquinas, ‘24   Loughman is a solid route runner and a quality red-zone target. He has made 16 receptions for 415 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games played. He is a four-sport athlete who could also play basketball or baseball or compete in Track and Field at the collegiate level.   Andover Central (8-3) at Wamego (9-2) – Wamego is the No. 1 seed in the west and advanced to the sub-state round with a victory over Wellington. The Jaguars are the No. 6 seed out west and defeated McPherson to qualify for the final four in Class 4A.   [player_tooltip player_id='415352' first='Wyatt' last='Burgess'], LB/DE, 6'2”, 205, Wamego, ‘24   One of the anchors of the Red Raiders' defense is Burgess. He can be used as a pass rusher off the edge or as an outside linebacker. He has a nice combination of size and speed and is a really smart defensive player. The senior has good closing speed and is not afraid to bring the wood when he tackles.   Jackson Ziegler, LB/DE, 6'2”, 221, Wamego, ‘24   Wamego's defense has not given up more than 19 points all season and only a combined 31 points in its two losses. Ziegler is the second half of a veteran defensive duo with Burgess. Ziegler plays on the line more than Burgess but also has the ability to play off the line. NAIA coaches wanting to build a defense for the future should start by looking at this Wamego twosome.   Maddox Archibald, RB, 5'8”, 160, Andover Central, ‘25   Archibald has an explosive first step and runs the ball hard. Through 11 games the Jag junior has rushed for 1,150 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also has nice hands and is a threat to catch balls out of the backfield. He has nine total receptions and one for a score.   [player_tooltip player_id='285721' first='Landon' last='Preston'], LB/DB, 5'11”, 158, Andover Central, ‘25   Don't let the fact that Preston is under-sized for a linebacker fool you. This young man can stick opposing ball carriers and chase them down like a jaguar after a gazelle. He leads Andover Central in tackles total tackles with 92 through 11 games. He has nine tackles for loss, three sacks, and two interceptions. He has the athleticism and speed to get to a quarterback or cover his targets. He also is a legit prospect on the diamond as a catcher. So that tells you about his toughness and leadership qualities.

It's time for the sub-state round in Kansas and there are four teams in each classification ready to battle it out for berths in the state tournaments.