State Title Game Previews: Kansas Classes 6A-4A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All of the state title games in Kansas are set and all should be solid match-ups on paper. There are seven teams who can still finish the season undefeated, however, none of those teams are in the three largest classifications in Kansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I will be traveling this week, but I hope to preview each title game and key prospects in each game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This first report previews the state championship games in Classes 6A, 5A, and 4A which will be played at Emporia State University, Pittsburg State University, and Topeka's Hummer Sports Park on November 25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 6A @ Emporia: Derby (11-1) vs Gardner-Edgerton (11-1) – </strong>The Panthers lost their season opener to the defending state champion Manhattan Indians, but have strung together 11 straight wins. Gardner-Edgerton started the season with a seven-game winning streak before falling to Olathe East on Friday, October 13, which was the night of upsets in Kansas. The Trailblazers have outscored their playoff opponents 157 to 16. Derby defeated previously undefeated Washburn Rual with a walk-off field goal in their sub-state game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Braxton Clark</strong>, QB, 6'3”, 190, Derby, ‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clark is a very accurate quarterback. He has a completion percentage north of 70 percent. He has thrown for 1,568 yards in eight games played and has thrown for 18 touchdowns. He is also a threat to score on the ground with seven rushing touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='733500' first='Bravin' last='Powell']</strong>, QB, 6'4”, 200, Gardner-Edgerton, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Powell is a junior for the Trailblazers and a solid pocket passer. He is currently ranked No. 72 in the Prep Redzone Class of 2025 rankings in the state of Kansas. He has thrown for over 1,000 yards in 2023 and had thrown 12 touchdowns through the first nine games of the season. During those first nine games, he has also accounted for 13 touchdowns on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 5A @ Pittsburg: Kapaun Mt. Carmel  (11-1) vs Mill Valley (10-2) – </strong>The Crusaders' only loss this season came to Wichita Northwest. The Jags lost two games to Gardner-Edgerton and Olathe North. The only blow-out win the Crusaders have had in the playoffs was a 63-7 first-round win over Salina South. Their other three playoff wins were by margins of two, 10, and three points. The Jaguars offense is averaging 59.75 points per game in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Will Thengvall,</strong> WR/TE, 6'3”, 185, Kapaun Mt. Carmel, ‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thengvall is a big target in Kapuan's offense. He is a solid route runner and has great hands. He is also a big-time basketball prospect. He can play either guard position on the basketball court. The Crusaders will need to score in the passing game if they are to knock off Mill Valley.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='519316' first='Jayden' last='Woods'],</strong> DL, 6'3”, 235, Mill Valley, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the Jaguars' offense has been posted outrageous numbers Woods and the Mill Valley defense have been blowing up opponents. Wood is currently the No. 1 ranked player in Kansas in Prep Redzone's Class of 2025 rankings. He has made 61 total tackles in 12 games played. Ten of those tackles have been for a loss of yardage. Woods also has seven quarterback sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 4A @ Topeka: Andover Central (9-3) vs St. Thomas Aquinas (9-3) – </strong>Andover Central has won six straight games after a three-game losing streak in the middle of the season. The Jaguars were not fans of Goddard schools this season as two of their three losses came against Eisenhower and Goddard. The Saints' three losses came against Bishop Miege, Blue Valley Southwest, and Rockhurst (MO).  The Saints got revenge against Bishop Miege defeating them 14-7 in the second round of the playoffs. The Jags have knocked off the No. 3 and No. 1 seeds to represent the western part of the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442661' first='Jace' last='Adler']</strong>, DB/LB, 6'2”, 180, Andover Central, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adler is one of the top tacklers and playmakers for the Jags. He has recorded more than 80 total tackles during the 2023 season. He also has made an impressive six interceptions in 11 games and has one fumble recovery. He is a smart and tough player who can play safety or linebacker at the next level. Adler is currently ranked No. 115 in the Kansas Class of 2025 by Prep Redzone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='145572' first='Dillon' last='Marshall']</strong>, DB/LB, 6'2”, 190, St. Thomas Aquinas, ‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marshall is one of the key cogs on the Saints' defensive unit. He is currently ranked No. 17 in the Class of 2024 and has committed to play for Northern Iowa. He has over 50 total tackles and has one interception and fumble recovery on his stat sheet. He is very athletic, can play multiple positions, and should contribute on special teams right away in college.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->