Class 5A Sub-State Preview: Plenty of Linebacker Prospects

Jeremy Deckard

November 16, 2023 @ 10:42 AM

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 5A and prospects hoping to finish the season with two more victories.   Mill Valley (9-2) at Blue Valley Southwest (10-1) – The visiting Jaguars are the No. 4 seed in the east and advanced to the sub-state round with a win over Seaman. Blue Valley Southwest (10-1) is the No. 2 seed in the east. The Timberwolves qualified for the final four in Class 5A by defeating Shawnee Heights in the sectional round.   [player_tooltip player_id='259742' first='Tristan' last='Baker'], RB, 5'9”, 170, Mill Valley, ‘24   The Jaguars love to run the ball and Baker is their top producer in the ground game. He has rushed for 1,324 yards in eleven games and has scored 20 touchdowns on the ground.   [player_tooltip player_id='1105463' first='Evan' last='Siefert'],  LB, 5'11”, 210, Mill Valley, ‘24   Sifert is a linebacker with great instincts and solid closing speed. He moves well laterally and can cover as well as tackle. He leads the Jaguars in tackles with 63, five of those for a loss of yardage. He is also a playmaker on defense accounting for one interception and two fumble recoveries in 11 games played.   [player_tooltip player_id='1228486' first='Ryan' last='Specht'],  LB, 6'0”, 190, Blue Valley Southwest, ‘25   Specht is a pack leader on defense for the Timberwolves. The junior linebacker has a high motor and plays with a fiery passion. He leads the team in total tackles with 84, 14 of those tackles have resulted in lost yardage. He also has collected three sacks, two hurries, two fumble recoveries, and an interception through 11 games. Specht is also a solid baseball prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='1103595' first='Alex' last='Parks'],  LB, 5'8”, 150, Blue Valley Southwest, ‘24   The Timberwolves have multiple offensive weapons and that included a pair of wideouts each with 1,100-plus yards in 11 games played. One of half of that duo is Parks, a senior, who has registered 73 catches for 1,193 yards and 17 touchdowns for Southwest. Parks also plays point guard for the Timberwolves on the basketball court.   Eisenhower (10-1) at Kapaun Mt. Carmel (10-1) – It's been all chalk in the western part of the 5A bracket with the top two teams advancing to the sub-state round. The Crusaders are the No. 1 seed and advanced to the sub-state round with a win over Maize South. The No. 2-seed Tigers advanced to the semifinal round with a win over Maize.   [player_tooltip player_id='259786' first='Omari' last='Elias'], RB, 5'9”, 180, Kapaun Mt. Carmel, ‘24   Elias is a speedster who really hits the hole. He is a patient runner who lets his blockers work for him. He has breakaway speed, runs low to the grounds, and has some bulk for a man his size.   [player_tooltip player_id='1228898' first='Nick' last='Anciaux'], TE/DE, 6'4”, 195, Kapaun Mt. Carmel, ‘26   [player_tooltip player_id='1228898' first='Nick' last='Anciaux'] is a gifted athlete who will be a top prospect to watch. He is a big target in the passing game and has the speed to get to the quarterback as an edge rusher.   Hunter Houser, ATH, 6'2”, 185, Eisenhower (Goddard), ‘24   Houser is very athletic and can play multiple positions depending on need. He is among the team leaders in tackles with 63. The Tiger defender has 19 total tackles for loss proving he can get to the quarterback and wrap up tacklers in the open field. He has collected five sacks for Eisenhower in 11 games played.   [player_tooltip player_id='442660' first='Carter' last='Pabst'], WR, 6'1”, 180, Eisenhower (Goddard), ‘24   Pabst is a solid route-runner who understands how to create space and how to get open. He has scored a total of 17 touchdowns in 2023 and has caught 45 balls for over 700 yards gained. He is the top receiver in a Tiger offense that has accounted for more than 1,500 yards in the passing game.

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.