Sectional Quarterbacks Rising to the Occasion

There was quite a mix of sectional games across the classifications. We had matchups running the gamut from clock-running blow-outs to stomach-churning games coming down to the closing seconds, only for this year's version of the playoff-hero swooping in to snag the big win from the jaws of defeat.   And along this Friday-night rollercoaster ride of games there was significant standout quarterback play on both the winning and losing teams. Elite QB's may go down swinging, but they always rise from the ashes to excel another day.   Can't keep a good man down...   But, I digress. Quarterback play in the sectionals is critical and often provides the narrowest of separation needed to edge out arch-rivals.   In this report, we will take a look at some of the exceptional quarterbacks from this past Friday who applied that rare combination of elite leadership and timely performance to will their teams to sub-state.   So, without further adieu, let's take a quick look at how some of the best in the state performed when their team's needed them the most:   [player_tooltip player_id='1112377' first='Carter' last='Aslin'], 6'0, 180, Manhattan, '25, has played the role of dual-threat QB-extraordinaire all year and this past Friday put a big, fat exclamation point on it with an eye-popping sectional game. Leading the unbeaten Indians to a romp over Wichita NW 49-28, Aslin completed 11 of 18 passes for 327 yards, rushed for 110 yards, added another 30 receiving yards and accounted for five TD's for just under a 500-yard night. He will need to bring this kind of game to the gridiron this coming week when Manhattan travels to Derby for the 6A Sub-State battle of the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object.   [player_tooltip player_id='1112369' first='Tate' last='Nagy'], 5'10, 170, QB, BV West, '25, has been making jaw-dropping plays all year and this past Friday was much of the same as he led the Jags to a 35-20 win over a rugged Shawnee Mission NW squad. Nagy was his usual efficient self, completing 18 of 22 passes for a sizzling 82% completion percentage and a pair of passing TD's. He added 66 yards rushing on nine carries and a score to give him another 300+ yards/three TD game. Just another day at the office, but there is no time to celebrate just yet; as looming on the horizon and ready to provide a buzz-saw gridiron experience is defending 6A champ Gardner Edgerton in sub-state. Get your popcorn ready for that one.   [player_tooltip player_id='1202586' first='Tyson' last='Beashore'], 6'2, 195, QB, SJA, '25, was brutally effective this past Friday in leading the Thunder to a 45-6 win over BV North for their third straight win. Beashore continues to take his game to the next level and last week was a blazing 16 of 21 for 260 yards and four touchdowns. The senior gunslinger was poised in the pocket all night, firing short-to-medium range missiles but was also impressive throwing on the move, from different platforms and varying arm angles. This kid is the real deal and will need to play at an apex level this week in sub-state when SJA storms the gate at defending state champ and undefeated Saint Thomas Aquinas.   [player_tooltip player_id='1333007' first='Jace' last='Jefferson'], 6'0, 180, QB, AC, '25, was once again slicing and dicing the defense this past Friday as he led Andover Central to a record-breaking scoring mark for points in a playoff game, with their 58-13 dismantling of a high-flying Wellington squad. Jefferson has been one of the top QB's flying under the radar this year and against the Crusaders delivered again, completing 14 of 19 passes for 216 yards and three TD's, including a picture-perfect, corner-of-the-endzone toss to all-world athlete, [player_tooltip player_id='442661' first='Jace' last='Adler'], who made a dramatic one-handed grab in heavy traffic to deliver a haymaker of a TD and blow the game open. He throws a beautiful ball and his quick-strike accuracy and ball placement have been off the charts this year. Buhler is next and they will have their hands full with this offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='354613' first='Drew' last='Kemp'], 6'0, 180, QB, '25, has been the epitome of efficient all year largely because that's how he rolls, but also out of necessity as he usually only played half a game each week at the most with unbeaten Derby steamrolling the competition. In the Panther's 63-28 drubbing of East on Friday, he was at it again early, connecting with speedy playmaker, [player_tooltip player_id='1333014' first='John' last='Lujan'], for a 70-yard TD pass to bust open the game for good in the first half. On the night he quietly fired away with 16 completions in 22 attempts for 222 yards and three touchdowns. He may get his first opportunity to play four quarters this coming Friday when the Panthers host the juggernaut from the north, as mighty Manhattan rolls into town for a sub-state game for the ages.   In conclusion, these guys are going to be playing on Saturdays in the very near future, so now is the time to get out and see them before they become household names. And, if you run across any teams or players flying under the radar, give me a shout on DM via X.

There was quite a mix of sectional games across the classifications. We had matchups running the gamut from clock-running blow-outs to stomach-churning games coming down to the closing seconds, only for this year's version of the playoff-hero swooping in to snag the big win from the jaws of defeat.