Week One Elite Running Backs on the Loose

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state's top running backs were on full display this past week as the new season launched with some impressive performances. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this report I will take a quick snap shot of some of the top running back performances in the opening game of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, without further adieu, let's dive into the games played by a few of those standouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Performances – Week #1:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='351573' first='John' last='Whitener']</em></strong>, <em>Shawnee Mission Northwest</em>, '25 - as <em>Coach Cook</em> at NW would say, <em>"it's a great day to be great" </em>and <em>Whitener</em> was listening as he piled up 250 yards rushing in the season opener as <em>SMNW</em> rolled over traditional powerhouse <em>Olathe North</em> 28-14.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1310981' first='Reggie' last='Reece']</em></strong>, <em>Mill Valley</em>, '26 - it was a battle of the running backs, when <em>Mill Valley</em> took on <em>Olathe South</em> last Friday, as Reece ran 269 yards and four touchdowns to lead MV to a hard-fought win 42-35.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1115487' first='Max' last='Armstrong']</em></strong>, <em>Olathe South</em>, '25 - in the same game as above, <em>Armstrong</em> did all he could for his team, rushing for 216 yards, catching seven passes for another 56 yards and scored four touchdown in a tough lost.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Others of Note – Week #1</strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='866510' first='Karter' last='Gonzalez']</em></strong>, <em>Hesston</em>, '25, helped lead his team to a close win in game one, rushing for 103 yards, averaging just under 10 yards per carry and scored a pair of touchdowns. On defense he helped shut down the <em>Halstead</em> offense with 10 tackles as <em>Hesston</em> picked up a good win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='390291' first='Colter' last='Oldham']</em></strong>, <em>Lakin</em>, '25 - does whatever it takes to win and Friday night he did not disappoint. On offense he only touched the ball four times rushing and receiving, but stacked up 133 yards and scored every time he touched the ball, leading the way with four TD's. He also added nine tackles on defense and blocked a field goal in <em>Lakin's </em>49-0 victory over <em>Stanton County</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1430615' first='Brandon' last='Ferguson']</em></strong>, <em>Sedgwick</em>, '25 - is a big, pounding back who is going to surprise some people this year, he got the <em>Cardinal's</em> running game established early piling up 100+ yards rushing and receiving and scoring two touchdowns as <em>Sedgwick</em> drubbed <em>Sterling</em> 42-14 in the season opener.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Young Ballers Breaking Out – Week #1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1125716' first='Camron' last='Fields']</em></strong>, <em>KC Washington</em>, '27 - may be flying under the radar but not for long as he piled up 150 yards rushing on a scant seven carries, and scored three touchdowns, including a 99-yard TD run. He is going to start getting a lot of attention after this game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='491873' first='Arieus' last='Finley Jr.']</em></strong>, <em>Derby</em>, '27 - last year's freshman sensation picked up right where he left off and is going to be more dangerous than ever in 2024. On Friday night he helped the <em>Panthers</em> win a big game on the road 40-7 over <em>Hays</em>, as he led the team with just under 100 yards rushing and scored a touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In conclusion, the&nbsp;<em>Sunflower State&nbsp;</em>is loaded with RB talent, get out and see some of the best in the state playing every Friday night. And, as always, if you know of any teams or players flying under the radar, feel free to reach out to&nbsp;<strong><em>CoolDaddyO</em></strong>&nbsp;via&nbsp;<em>DM</em>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<em>X</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->