Standout Performers: Olathe East vs. SMNW

Photo: Ana Sofia Jordan Prep Network

Santino Bernal October 5, 2024 @ 06:18 AM

Before the start of the ‘24 campaign, this Week 5 matchup between Olathe East and Shawnee Mission Northwest wasn't exactly considered a marquee game. But with how well both programs performed through the first four weeks of the season, it became one of the top games for Week 5.   The 4-0 Olathe East Hawks traveled to Mission, Kansas to play spoiler during SMNW's Homecoming Weekend. However, SMNW would come out on top in front of the Cougar faithful, as they pulled away in the second half to win 31-21.   There were a few key takeaways from this entertaining Sunflower League matchup. One was Northwest's ability to adjust and dominate time of possession in the second half, and another was their quarterback providing a spark for their ground game when it mattered most.   Without further ado, here's a breakdown of five standout performances from this Week 5 tilt. (Unofficial Stats)   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Player of the Game</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='350827' first='Logan' last='Morley'] - Shawnee Mission NW, 6'2”, 180, QB, Class of ‘25   Morley got the job done through the air and on the ground for the Cougars. His deceptiveness in the option game and rushing ability really helped Northwest put the Hawks away in the second half. He finished the contest accounting for over 150 yards of total offense and three total touchdowns.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Offensive Standouts</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='351573' first='John' last='Whitener'] - Shawnee Mission NW, 5'7”, 200, RB, Class of ‘25   The Hawks did a decent job limiting Whitener in this one, but the stocky senior still managed to make plays. Whitener toted the rock 22 times for 95 yards and hit pay dirt in the second quarter.   [player_tooltip player_id='1217915' first='Carter' last='Gooding'] - Olathe East, 6'1”, 175, WR, Class of ‘25   Despite the loss, [player_tooltip player_id='1217915' first='Carter' last='Gooding'] was virtually unguardable throughout this game. East's coaching staff did a great job scheming him open, but Gooding also ran sharp routes and displayed strong hands through contact. The senior nearly racked up 200 yards receiving, as he hauled in 11 receptions for 197 yards.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Standouts</h2>   It was very difficult to highlight just one defender from SMNW. So, instead two prospects will be sharing the spotlight. Both [player_tooltip player_id='442662' first='Adam' last='Hageman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1213993' first='Harper' last='Engel'] were very instrumental in Northwest's third win of the season. Hageman played disciplined and ended the night as one of Northwest's leading tacklers with over six total. For Engel, the Northwest Missouri State commit came up with two key sacks. One being a momentum changer before halftime, and the other helped the Cougars end the game.

Before the start of the ‘24 campaign, this Week 5 matchup between Olathe East and Shawnee Mission Northwest wasn't exactly considered a marquee game. But with how well both programs performed through the first four weeks of the season, it became one of the top games for Week 5.