Game Balls From Around the State: Week 9

The dust has settled and we're now onto to the Regional Round in the Sunflower State. There weren't too many surprises during Week 9, although the Class 5A bracket did produce a few upsets. One things for sure though, there were a number of prospects that shined on the postseason stage.   As we have done throughout this season, we'll be breaking down some of the top receiving performances and top defensive back performances from the previous week. Here's a look back at some of the action from Week 9.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Receiving Performances</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of ‘25</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1552992' first='Asher' last='Deutschendorf'] - Hesston, 5'11”, 200, Unranked   The first Game Ball from Week 9 goes to [player_tooltip player_id='1552992' first='Asher' last='Deutschendorf'] of Hesston. This makes it Deutschendorf's second appearance in the series after an impressive outing in Hesston's opening round win over Goodland. Deutschendorf averaged around 20 yards per catch in this ball game, as he caught eight passes for 161 yards and one touchdown.   [player_tooltip player_id='1363633' first='Caleb' last='Noble'] - Ellis, 6'3”, 200   Noble's first Game Ball may have come in a tough loss, but it capped off a strong individual season for the 6-foot-3 senior. He racked up 131 yards receiving on eight catches and hit pay dirt twice. This performance helped him increase his season totals to over 750 yards and 14 touchdowns.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552996' first='Tucker' last='Thaxton'] - SE of Saline, 6'0”, 170, Unranked   Southeast of Saline's high-powered offense was on full display during Week 9. Their receiving core was once again led by senior [player_tooltip player_id='1552996' first='Tucker' last='Thaxton']. His production was hurt a bit due to the comfortable lead Saline built, but he made an impact when the ball was in his hands. Thaxton recorded four receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns.   [player_tooltip player_id='352452' first='Teryn' last='Jackson'] - Bishop Miege, 5'9”, 150   Jackson's performance during Week 9 is the exact spark that Miege needed. The senior wideout earns his first Game Ball of the season after helping the Stags take down Louisburg in the Class 4A bracket. Jackson secured six passes for 130 yards and one score.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of ‘28</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1433331' first='Spencer' last='Crumrine'] - Sedgwick, 5'9”, 120   It's not very often you see a freshman make an impact in their postseason debut. That wasn't the case for [player_tooltip player_id='1433331' first='Spencer' last='Crumrine'] though. Despite only having two catches in Sedgwick's win over Republic County, Crumine turned those two touches into 100 yards receiving and two scores. He's quietly been one of the top young wideouts in the state this fall.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Defensive Back Performances</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of ‘25</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1429042' first='Dayton' last='Stephen'] - Hill City, 6'0”, 180   No surprises here with this recipient. Stephen's stellar senior campaign continues on after helping lead Hill City to a victory over Trego. He racked up 13 total tackles and came away with two interceptions. With this latest appearance in the series, Stephen has now collected four total game balls on the season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1115464' first='Jace' last='Midgett'] - Columbus, 6'2”, 170   The Columbus Titans pitched their second shutout of the season thanks to Midgett's standout play. He and Stephen are now tied with eight interceptions after Midgett picked off Parsons twice during Week 9. He also finished the contest with six total tackles. This now gives him three game balls on the season.   Bryson Unzueta - Dodge City, 5'10”, 150, Unranked   For the second time in two weeks, Unzueta not only receives another Game Ball, but he also helped lead Dodge City to a win over Garden City. Unzueta posted 13 total tackles in Dodge City's big win.   [player_tooltip player_id='1228469' first='Steel' last='Schomaker'] - Valley Center, 6'3”, 200   Schomaker picks up his second Game Ball of the year after putting together his second best tackling performance of the season. In a defensive struggle with Goddard, Schomaker stepped up to help Valley Center win 7-6, as he piled up 16 total tackles.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of ‘27</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1594493' first='David' last='McDiffett'] - Council Grove, 5'8”, 140, Unranked   Closing out our Week 9 Game Ball report is [player_tooltip player_id='1594493' first='David' last='McDiffett'] of Council Grove. McDiffett played a key role in Council Grove's 35-14 victory over Caney Valley. The sophomore finished the night with 12 total tackles and deflected two passes.

The dust has settled and we're now onto to the Regional Round in the Sunflower State. There weren't too many surprises during Week 9, although the Class 5A bracket did produce a few upsets. One things for sure though, there were a number of prospects that shined on the postseason stage.