Scouting Practice: Topeka West Will Sling The Ball

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's been some time since the Topeka West Chargers were a competitive program, but it's not from a lack of talent. I attended the Chargers last practice before they can put on full pads tomorrow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I scouted Topeka West last year around this same time, and the difference between the two teams is night and day. The Chargers have gifted athletes and West's class of 2027 has quality talent and depth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West is coached by Trey Parker who is entering his second season as head coach at West. The Chargers open their season with a road game at De Soto. Their schedule is a virtual meat grinder to start the season, but if they survive the first five games, there is a chance they could run the table in the last three league games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at four prospects who impressed me during Thursday's practice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1317779' first='Alesecio' last='Batson'], </strong>WR, 6'3”, 195, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Batson is a diamond in the rough! He has not played football since his freshman season and is coming off an injury he suffered during the track and field season. He was unable to compete in college combines while he was injured. He is ranked No. 281 overall in the class of 2025, and that may very well be super low. He has natural athleticism that is easily noticed. He has long arms and legs and was catching the ball well during the practice. His football skills might be raw compared to his 2025 peers, but every college coach in Kansas should give the Charger prospect a look.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1317781' first='Elijah' last='Berg'],</strong> WR, 6'1”, 190, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berg is currently ranked No. 403 overall by Prep Redzone Kansas. The Chargers are planning on using a four wideout offense and Berg is set to be the No. 2 wideout. He is fast and more polished than Batson, but not as tall. He runs crisp routes and can create separation from defenders. He currently has offers from NAIA programs Bethany and Ottawa. Batson will benefit from having scouts and coaches looking at Berg.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1317784' first='Trey' last='Barr']</strong>, WR, 5'8”, 160, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barr will be the threat from the slot for Topeka West and will be utilized in the sweep and screen game. He is currently ranked No. 449 overall by Prep Redzone Kansas. He is explosive and could be a leader on the Topeka West special team units.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1399831' first='Micah' last='Emerson']</strong>, QB, 6'1”, 165, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emerson is slotted to be the starting quarterback for West. He is currently unranked, but that will quickly be resolved when the 2027 Prep Redzone Rankings are next updated. He has a nice touch and can throw a deep ball. His footwork is strong for his age and I am guessing he has had some personal coaching on the side to be that smooth. He threw a tight ball. The Chargers will be small upfront, so he might have to use his legs as much as his arm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->