Game Balls From Around the State: Week 7

Photo: Ana Sofia Jordan Prep Network

Santino Bernal October 22, 2024 @ 06:14 AM

We're just a little over a week away from the start of the postseason in the Sunflower State. It's hard to believe teams are already gearing up for Week 8, but after another exciting week of action the 2024 regular season is nearing its conclusion.   As we do at the beginning of each week, it's time to give out some game balls. Week 7's slate of games produced some highly competitive contests, which resulted in outstanding performances from multiple pass catchers and defensive backs. Here's a look at the eight Game Ball recipients from Week 7.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Secondary Performances</h2>   Bryson Unzueta - Dodge City, 5'10”, 150, Class of ‘25, Unranked   There's nothing quite sweeter than beating your bitter rival. What's even better though is having a Game Ball worthy night in the process. That's the best way to describe Bryson Unzueta's performance against Garden City, as his play helped Dodge City secure their fourth win. The senior collected seven total tackles and came away with his fifth interception of the season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1343587' first='Jaylen' last='Parks'] - Lawrence, 6'0”, 185   Parks was a recent stock riser in the Class of ‘25 rankings update earlier this month and he's now earned his second Game Ball of the season. In Week 7, Parks racked up 10 total tackles and two tackles for loss.   JP Lopeman - Ellis, 5'10”, 140, Class of ‘25, Unranked   Another first-time Game Ball recipient is JP Lopeman of Ellis. The 8-Man prospect made his presence felt in Ellis' blowout victory over Ness City, as Lopeman piled up 15 total tackles on the night.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Receiving Performances</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='780113' first='Tyren' last='Parker'] - Shawnee Heights, 6'3”, 185   The top-ranked wide out in the Class of ‘26 had himself a night during Week 7. Despite doing so in a loss, Parker put together his second biggest game of the season. He caught eight passes for 172 yards and one score. Parker is now Top 10 in the state for receiving yards.   [player_tooltip player_id='1115460' first='Parker' last='Lindman'] - Blue Valley SW, 6'2”, 195   Lindman's classified in our rankings database as a defensive back, but he earns his first Game Ball of the season for his performance as a pass catcher. He had season-highs in every receiving category, as he turned five receptions into 230 yards and three touchdowns.   [player_tooltip player_id='1542941' first='Kaizer' last='Kanitz'] - Moundridge, 6'1”, 160, Class of ‘26, Unranked   Up next is an unranked junior that had a monster game in Week 7. [player_tooltip player_id='1542941' first='Kaizer' last='Kanitz']'s big night could not have come at a better time. Moundridge narrowly escaped Sedgwick in a 41-40 overtime thriller thanks to Kanitz's 13 catches for 203 yards and three scores.   [player_tooltip player_id='284963' first='Jacob' last='Grant'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1581123' first='Caleb' last='Grant'] - Baxter Springs   Capping off this Week 7 Game Ball report is our first shared Game Ball of the season. The Grant brothers of Baxter Springs took over in the Lions' victory against Neodesha. Senior wideout, [player_tooltip player_id='284963' first='Jacob' last='Grant'], led the way with nine receptions for 210 yards and three scores. Younger brother Caleb, caught five balls for 156 yards and found the end zone twice.

We're just a little over a week away from the start of the postseason in the Sunflower State. It's hard to believe teams are already gearing up for Week 8, but after another exciting week of action the 2024 regular season is nearing its conclusion.