Pounding the Rock in Week 2: Renegade RB's

Week two can be an exhilarating continuation of game one success or it can be a devastating reality check, as regression to the mean drags down even the best of the best on occasion.   This past week we saw a few guys get chewed up in the regression churn, but there were plenty who continued to surge in the 2024 season.   And, although the passing attacks on the top teams are getting most of the attention, astute observers know that whoever pounds the rock most effectively will usually win.   And, pound they did this past Friday night.   But, before delving into the top results, here is a reminder of what my posting plans are for week three. This week the article schedule is as follows:   –Top QB's (posted yesterday/Monday);   –Top RB's (posting today/Tuesday);   –Week 3 “Games of the Week” (posting tomorrow/Wednesday).   -Week 3 "Game Reports" (posting this Saturday)   But, enough of all that, let's plow into some of the baller RB performances from last Thursday and Friday. This week, I have divided the RB's into five groups:   Workhorses:   [player_tooltip player_id='1310981' first='Reggie' last='Reece'], RB<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/dusty-bannister/"></a> , Mill Valley, '26, has been a rock-solid choice the first two games, helping his team to an opening day win against Olathe South, before running into a buzzsaw on Friday, losing to Missouri-powerhouse, Lee's Summit North 26-13. On the season he has carried the ball a bruising 64 times for 470 yards and four touchdowns.   [player_tooltip player_id='1453229' first='Taye' last='Wilson'], RB, Pratt '25, has been the go-to option for Pratt so far this year, hammering the defense 52 times in two games for an impressive 354 yards and four touchdowns.     Dual-Threats:   Maddox Archibald<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/keveon-ruiz/"></a> , RB, Andover Central '25, the dual-threat playmaker delivered once again in week two, leading his team to a 34-7 win. So far in 2024 he has rushed for 156 yards on 27 carries and four scores, while catching three passes for 84 yards and another score. AC's dangerous playmakers aren't going to get many opportunities to load up the stat line this year as they steamroll the competition and end up playing guys looking for varsity experience.   [player_tooltip player_id='1429042' first='Dayton' last='Stephen'], RB, Hill City '25, has been busy this season carrying the ball 34 times for 252 yards and five TD's and catching 25 passes for 247 yards and two more touchdowns to help his team to a 1-1 record so far this year.     Rarified Air:   [player_tooltip player_id='780341' first='Parker' last='Schwarz'], RB, Prairie View, '25, in his first two games he has only touched the ball a dozen times a game but he has been beyond explosive when given the opportunity, rushing for 566 yards so far this year. And yes, if you're doing the math, let me help you: Schwartz is averaging a ridiculous 22.6 yards per carry - let that sink in for a bit...he has also scored six TD's along the way, which included a spectacular game Friday night, rushing for 303 yards on 13 carries for five touchdowns in his team's 46-20 win. Get your popcorn out for this kid.   [player_tooltip player_id='1296536' first='Landin' last='Johnson'], RB, Ellsworth '25, carried the ball 37 times for 459 yards and seven touchdowns so far in 2024 for an exceptional 12.4 yards per carry. He has also added just under one hundred yards on kick and punt returns, helping his team win Friday 45-14 over Republic County.     Rising Young Gamebreakers:   Dimitri Williamson, RB, Oswego, the freshman sensation didn't get many chances to show his stuff Friday night but when he got the ball he didn't mess around. On three measly carries he piled up an astounding 162 yards and three touchdowns as Wamego cruised 20-0 over Rock Creek . That is only 54 yards per carry if you're wondering...   [player_tooltip player_id='1125716' first='Camron' last='Fields'], RB, KC Washington, is off to an eye-popping start, rushing for 250 yards in his first two games, averaging a stellar 15.6 yards per carry. The sophomore baller has also scored four TD's, which included a 99-yard touchdown run.     Other Standouts in Week 2:   [player_tooltip player_id='780429' first='Zane' last='Farney'], RB, Sterling '26 - after a frustrating opening-day loss to Sedgwick on the road, the 1,500+ yard rusher a year ago bounced back in a big way, shredding the defense for 183 yards to help his team move to a 1-1 record.   [player_tooltip player_id='426515' first='Brayden' last='Pappas'], RB, Eisenhower '26 - after an opening game when the pass ruled the day, Pappas rolled into week two ready to get busy. Rushing for a bone-pounding 111 yards on 18 carries, which included a 35-yard run. The Eisenhower offense is going to be brutal with both an elite passing game and a powerful running attack. Watch out.   [player_tooltip player_id='491873' first='Arieus' last='Finley Jr.'], RB, Derby '27 - I could have added him to the youngster list above but he seems to have been around forever and is only a sophomore. This past week he didn't get much game time as the number-one-ranked Panthers rolled 77-0 over Campus, but when he did he was decisively effective, toting the mail seven times for 114 yards and a pair of TD's.     In conclusion, the Sunflower State has some of the best running backs around, get out and see these guys while you still can. If you think you should be on this list and aren't, or know of anyone flying under the radar feel free to reach out to CoolDaddyO via DM on X.

Week two can be an exhilarating continuation of game one success or it can be a devastating reality check, as regression to the mean drags down even the best of the best on occasion.