Running Backs Pounding the Rock at State Later Today

The final day has come in the 2024 season and if yesterday was any indication of the kind of championship Saturday we have in store today, it is going to be an off the charts firework show.   Kicking off state championship action on Friday, 6A Gardner Edgerton made it back-to-back with a last-second win over Manhattan 36-33. And, in the other opening-day game, in 2A, SE Saline continued their clutch performance with a late TD pass to knock off powerhouse Nemaha Central 36-28.   In today's games being played in Hutchinson and Emporia one thing is consistent with all the remaining teams, even the ones who like to air it out, they have ground-pounding running attacks that they use to control the tempo of play.   In some cases it is a primary tailback where the offense is built around hammering away 25+ times a game. In other situations, it is more running back by committee, than reliance on a single back.   In this report we will take a high-level look at some of the remaining teams playing in state championship games and highlight a few high-profile studs as well as the war horse running backs flying under the radar.   So without further adieu, let's dive in and take a look at the baller backs playing in the state championship games later today.   [player_tooltip player_id='267076' first='Calin' last='Arndt'], 5'11, 200, RB, Aquinas, '26, has been the ground-pounding leader of the potent Aquinas running game all year, piling up 1,798 yards on 286 carries and 25 touchdowns. He has not only been a threat to take it to the house on every carry, he has also been clutch when his team has needed it the most. In his team's huge win over defending state champ Mill Valley, he saved the season with a Hail Mary pass on fourth and 16 from midfield, then scored from 15 yards out and added the two-point conversion for a last-second 23-22 victory.   [player_tooltip player_id='1113404' first='Kade' last='Mitchell'], 5'10, 175, RB/DB, Hayden, '26, has been the leader of the pack in a loaded Hayden backfield and has produced big-time results all year. He is an elusive game-breaker with excellent burst who has gained 787 yards on 97 carries and scored 18 touchdowns so far this year. He has also caught 28 passes for another 473 yards and four scores to give him 1,260 total yards and 22 TD's. He has also been a terror on defense, piling up 67 tackles, four TFL, three picks and a fumble recovery.   [player_tooltip player_id='716116' first='Jensen' last='Schrickel'], 5'11, 175, RB/DB, Hayden,'25, is another lightening-quick all-purpose back for the Wildcats who can burn teams on the jet sweep, out of the slot or as tailback. On the year he has gained 568 yards rushing on 46 carries for an eye-popping 12.3 yards per carry and nine touchdowns. He also hauled in 686 yards receiving on 38 receptions and 12 TD's to give him just under 1,300 total yards and 21 touchdowns.   Broderick Densch, 5'10, 200, RB/LB, Hayden, '25, is another senior playmaker and third member of the Hayden backfield who has used his strong base, low center of gravity and quick feet to hammer defenses and keep them on their heels all year. On the season he has picked up 412 yards rushing on 68 carries and scored 11 touchdowns. He also caught a half dozen passes for another 111 yards and two scores to give him 500+ total yards and 13 touchdowns.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588353' first='Jack' last='Horsch'], 6'0, 185, ATH, Andale, '26, is a versatile multi-positional playmaker who has stepped up all year for the undefeated Indians. For the year he has gained 538 yards rushing on 42 carries, averaging a sizzling 12.8 yards every time he touched the ball and seven scores. He added eight receptions for another 256 yards, averaging 32 yards a catch and three TD's to give him 800+ total yards and 10 touchdowns. He has also been a force on defense, picking up 54 tackles, four tackles for loss and a pair of picks.   Henry Heideman, 6'2, 170, ATH, Centralia, '25, is another talented two-way force multiplier who has been flying under the radar but has delivered big when his team has needed it all year. On the offensive side of the ball he has been an effective back and receiver who gained 300+ yards rushing and scored 10 touchdowns. On defense he has been a hard-hitting headhunter all season, piling up an impressive 96 tackles.   Ian McGuire, 5'10, 195, RB/QB, Hays, '25, has been a consistently solid running back for Hays this year and then in sub-state stepped up to fill in at quarterback when the top two QB's went down to serious injuries. He stepped up to the challenge and helped guide the Indians to a win and a berth in the 5A state championship game. For the year he has gained 847 yards on 144 carries for right at six yards per carry and scored eight touchdowns.   In conclusion, you still have enough lead time to make the game. Don't give it a second thought. Grab the keys and get moving. You can fine-tune the logistics as you go. Again, you can thank me later.   And, as always, if you run across a team or player flying under the radar give me a shout via DM on X.

The final day has come in the 2024 season and if yesterday was any indication of the kind of championship Saturday we have in store today, it is going to be an off the charts firework show.