Game Balls From Around the State: Week 2

The first week of the 2024 season was followed up by an exciting slate of Week 2 matchups. Not only were there several must-see games, but crowds across the state were rocking. A number of schools held their homecoming celebrations, and some even honored their seniors. These festivities made for a great environment.   These types of crowds and matchups typically elevate a prospect's game, which can then lead to a big night under the bright lights. There were quite a few big-time performances, and we'll be breaking down some of them in this Week 2 recap. Here's a look at 10 Game Ball recipients from the second week of the 2024 season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Receiving Performances</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1366516' first='Landon' last='Dody'] - Council Grove, 5'10”, 180, ATH, Class of ‘25   [player_tooltip player_id='1366516' first='Landon' last='Dody']'s all-around play has the Council Grove Braves off to a hot start this season. Dody's been one of the Braves' top defenders thus far, but his Week 2 receiving performance is the reason why he's a Game Ball recipient. The Class 2A prospect torched Mission Valley's secondary for 211 yards on seven catches and one touchdown.   [player_tooltip player_id='733209' first='Linkon' last='Cure'] - Goodland, 6'6”, 225, TE, Class of ‘25   This next recipient is a pass catcher likely to earn multiple Game Balls this season. Kansas State commit, [player_tooltip player_id='733209' first='Linkon' last='Cure'], was unbelievable in Goodland's blowout victory during Week 2. Cure put up a massive stat line, hauling in nine catches for 225 yards and four touchdowns. He arguably had the top receiving performance from Week 2.   [player_tooltip player_id='1453236' first='Braden' last='Roberts'] - Trinity Academy, 5'10”, 165, WR, Class of ‘25   Despite being 0-2, [player_tooltip player_id='1453236' first='Braden' last='Roberts'] of Trinity is having a strong start to his senior campaign. He followed up his solid Week 1 performance with six receptions for 139 yards and one score in Week 2. Roberts is on pace to have a 3A All-State caliber season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1228442' first='Jordan' last='Ballard'] - Bishop Miege, 5'8”, 155, WR, Class of ‘25   There's nothing like an old fashioned barnburner, and that's exactly what the matchup between Bishop Miege and Blue Valley Southwest was. [player_tooltip player_id='1228442' first='Jordan' last='Ballard'] was a wideout that benefitted from the high scoring affair, as he caught 10 passes for 154 yards and found the end zone twice.   Jaxon Becker - Lawrence, 6'1”, 175, WR, Class of ‘26   The final receiving Game Ball for Week 2 goes to the lone junior from this group of five. Jaxon Becker made a significant impact in one of the highest scoring games in the state. Becker accounted for 18 of Lawrence High's 69 points, as he hauled in three touchdown receptions. His final numbers were six catches for 102 yards.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Kicking Performances</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1306219' first='Jensen' last='Honey'] - Gardner-Edgerton, 6'0”, 180, K, Class of ‘26   This next group features some of the top kicking performances from Week 2. Starting this group off is [player_tooltip player_id='1306219' first='Jensen' last='Honey'] of Gardner-Edgerton. The top ranked kicker from our Class of ‘26 rankings was masterful in the Trailblazers' massive win against prominent Oklahoma program, Choctaw High School. Honey was a perfect 9 for 9 on PAT's and made his only field goal attempt which was a 35 yarder.   [player_tooltip player_id='1454377' first='Noah' last='Richardson'] - Lawrence, 5'11”, 175, ATH, Class of ‘25, Unranked   [player_tooltip player_id='1454377' first='Noah' last='Richardson'] was another Chesty Lion that put forth a Game Ball worthy performance. With all the points being scored in Lawrence's matchup against Junction City, they needed Richardson to be on point. The versatile senior rose to the occasion and connected on 7 of 8 PAT's, and booted three touchbacks.   [player_tooltip player_id='1454379' first='Hawk' last='Shopteese'] - Osage City, 6'3”, 165, ATH, Class of ‘25, Unranked   This next Game Ball was another standout performance from Class 2A. [player_tooltip player_id='1454379' first='Hawk' last='Shopteese'] of Osage City was nearly perfect in the Indians' Week 2 victory. Shopteese went 6 for 7 on PAT's and had three touchbacks on kickoffs as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1454381' first='Andrew' last='Clouse'] - Andover Central, 5'11”, 175, K, Class of ‘25, Unranked   Much like the other kicking performances, [player_tooltip player_id='1454381' first='Andrew' last='Clouse'] of Andover Central also converted more than five PAT's during Week 2. Clouse ended the night a perfect 6 for 6 as Andover Central cruised past Newton.

The first week of the 2024 season was followed up by an exciting slate of Week 2 matchups. Not only were there several must-see games, but crowds across the state were rocking. A number of schools held their homecoming celebrations, and some even honored their seniors. These festivities made for a great environment.