Wichita Area Top Five Games to Kickoff 2024

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are finally on the doorstep. Today is the day when most high schools kick off the 2024 season and for thousands of players across the Sunflower state it could not come sooner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this report we will take a quick look at five big games in the Wichita and surrounding area. Additionally, I will feature one of the unsung hero's on the team getting ready to help win the season opener.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Going forward, I will feature five games across the state and one player from each game every week. As a reminder, my coverage responsibility is the Wichita area as well as Western Kansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, without further adieu, I bring you the <strong><em>Big Five</em></strong> - games getting ready to launch the 2024 season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Derby (6A) @ Hays – </strong>a big game on the road for 6A State Runner-up <em>Derby</em> as they head west to take on a loaded <em>Hays</em> squad getting ready to make some noise this fall. Both teams feature division one talent. Look for a shoot out in Hays tonight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1186650' first='Gavin' last='Pfannenstiel']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/gavin-pfannenstiel/"></a> </strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/gavin-pfannenstiel/"></a> </strong>, 5'11, 195, DB, <strong>Derby</strong>, is ranked #116 <em>(pictured above)</em>. '25. He is coming off a standout season as a defensive leader who helped Derby to a state-runner up finish. He is also a headhunter of a defender who loaded up on 91 tackles for the season and an interception. He is an athletic, versatile, multi-positional defender getting ready to drop the hammer this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> <strong>Andover Central (4A) @ Hutchinson (5A) – </strong>Another state runner-up squad ready to showcase their many weapons, <em>Andover Central</em> goes on the road to take on an always-tough <em>Hutchinson</em> team who is coming off a strong 7-3 finish a year ago. The <em>Salthawks</em> have their hands full as <em>AC</em> has all-state caliber players at all the skill positions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1301851' first='Logan' last='Lira']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/logan-lira/"></a> </strong>, 6'4, 275, OL, <strong>Andover High School</strong> is ranked #148. With all the talented skill players somebody has to block and this kid is getting ready to take off this fall. He is coming off a solid junior season when he was used primarily at left tackle. He has prototype size and length, with a strong base and good feet that he uses to his advantage in pass protection situations. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cheney (3A) vs. Holcomb (3A) – </strong><em>Holcomb</em> draws a big assignment right out of the gate as they roll into town to take on the defending state champion <strong><em>Cheney Cardinals.</em></strong> The <em>Longhorns</em> are coming off a 7-3 season and have some standout players of their own, but they run into a buzzsaw in <em>Cheney</em> tonight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115446' first='AJ' last='Quick']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/aj-quick/"></a> </strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/aj-quick/"></a> </strong>, 5'11, 240, OL, <strong>Cheney</strong> is ranked #237. Although he is coming off a state championship season and was an all state offensive lineman, he is ranked much lower than his play would suggest. He is coming off a strong junior season when he helped lead his team to an undefeated record. He is a rock-solid center who pairs expert mechanics with a strong base and quick feet. He is getting ready to dominate this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sedgwick (1A) vs. Sterling (1A) –</strong>  Some of the top skill players in 1A face off in the season opener at <em>Sedgwick</em>. Both teams are coming off solid seasons a year ago but need to get off to a good start to take it to the next level this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115726' first='Dallas' last='Lagree']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/dallas-lagree/"></a> </strong>, 5'10, 155, WR, <strong>Sedgwick</strong>, is ranked #84 – finished in the top 10 in the state in pass reception yards with 63 receptions for 856 yards and seven touchdowns through the air. Split out wide in the wide-open <em>Sedgwick</em> air show, he runs precise routes and is excellent at establishing separation early. With the passing attack looking solid once again this fall, he is getting ready to take his game to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wellington (4A) @ Collegiate (4A) – </strong>The <em>Crusaders</em> go on the road for a short road trip to <strong><em>Wichita Collegiate</em></strong> as both teams look to get off to a good start after being disappointed in their playoff runs a year ago. Wellington returns a loaded roster with division one talent at numerous positions. This should be a rock fight between two building powerhouse teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115492' first='Nick' last='Giefer']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/nick-giefer/"></a> – RB/WR, 5'10, 170, <strong>Wellington</strong>, is ranked #109 – the <em>Crusader's </em>top returning rusher carried the ball 188 times for 862 yards and scored 10 touchdowns rushing and receiving. On defense he piled up 46 tackles as well as intercepting a pass and running it back for a TD. He will be a key factor on both sides of the ball this evening.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In conclusion, I will be attending the <strong><em>Sedgwick-Sterling</em></strong> game this evening and going forward will pick a game each week to attend while also reporting on four other of the top games in the area. Get out and support your Kansas ballers while you still can.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->