Prospect Matchup: Top KC Area Games Week 8

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2024 regular season is going out with a bang. Several entertaining matchups will be taking place tonight, as teams across the <em>Sunflower State</em> will be battling for playoff seeding. Not to mention programs everywhere will be honoring their seniors. It's safe to say there's a lot to look forward to for Week 8's slate of games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Folks should be especially excited for more must-see games in the Kansas City area and surrounding counties. This Week 8 edition of <em>Prospect Matchup</em> is headlined by multiple big-time rivalry games that are sure to draw huge crowds. In addition, there's also some competitive matchups that will have playoff seeding on the line. Be sure to remember these prospects while in attendance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Spring Hill (5A) 6-1 vs. Louisburg (4A) 7-0</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two programs have been on a collision course all season, and this evening they finally meet. The Louisburg Wildcats are looking to finish the regular season unbeaten and secure a top seed in the 4A playoffs. On the other side, the Spring Hill Broncos are determined to tie with Louisburg atop the <em>Frontier League</em> standings and snap their two game losing streak against the Wildcats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Players to Watch</em></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='570192' first='Ashton' last='Moore'] is always a player to keep an eye on for Louisburg, but in this huge rivalry game the Wildcats will need other players to step up. One prospect that is capable of making big plays is senior <strong>Myles Vohs</strong>. For Spring Hill, they'll need senior <strong>Patrick Stumpff </strong>to have a big night on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Lawrence (6A) 4-3 vs. Lawrence Free State (6A) 4-3</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the greatest rivalries in the state is undoubtedly between the Lawrence High Chesty Lions and the Lawrence Free State Firebirds. It's a matchup that typically leaves folks on the edge of their seats and goes down to the wire. This year's game should be no different.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Players to Watch</em></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a game like this, defense could be the deciding factor. Which means the play of prospects like [player_tooltip player_id='1287315' first='Joshua' last='Galbreath'] (LAW) and [player_tooltip player_id='1115479' first='Parker' last='Moore'] (FS) will be very important. Both are top ranked players at their respective positions and both have played great so far this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Olathe East (6A) 5-2 vs. Mill Valley (5A) 6-1</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The final preview of Week 8's <em>Prospect Matchup</em> isn't necessarily a rivalry game like the ones above. However, it could have some major implications in regards to playoff seeding. With a win over Olathe East, Mill Valley improves its chances at locking up one of the top seeds on the east side of the 5A bracket. Standing in their way though is a tough Olathe East squad that's looking to improve their chances at earning a top four seed in the east side of the 6A bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Players to Watch</em></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the most part, both squads favor the ground game. But if the ball does get put in the air one matchup to pay attention to is between seniors <strong>Grant Pollak</strong> (OE) and [player_tooltip player_id='1311588' first='Andrew' last='Watts'] (MV). Pollak is a corner well on his way to an <em>All-League</em> selection, and Watts leads Mill Valley in every receiving category. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->