Standout Performers: Free State vs. BVNW

Santino Bernal November 9, 2024 @ 07:43 AM

On paper this Class 6A Regional matchup between Lawrence Free State (6-3) and Blue Valley Northwest (6-3) looked to be one of the more exciting games in the state this week. Both squads appeared to be relatively equal, and they each fielded rosters with multiple D-I caliber players.   While the first half was played pretty tight, the second half was a completely different story. After taking a 14-7 lead into the half, BVNW made some serious adjustments during the intermission and proceeded to reel off 35 points in the second half. They'd go on to defeat Free State 49-14 and advance to the Sectional Round.   With the amount of talent that was on display in this game there will be quite a few prospects mentioned in this recap. Here's a look at the standout performances they put together. (Unofficial Stats)   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Offensive Player of the Game</h2>   Nathan Baxter - Blue Valley NW, 6'1”, 205, Class of ‘25, Unranked   BVNW has essentially had a rotation of quarterbacks under center this season, but Nathan Baxter got the starting nod in this one and played really well. He looked sharp through most of the contest and delivered three beautiful touchdown passes. Baxter finished the game completing 16 of 24 passes for 259 yards.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Offensive Standouts</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='586960' first='LJ' last='Bowens'] - Blue Valley NW, 5'9”, 160, Class of ‘26   This game was a perfect example why Bowens is regarded as a Top 5 back in our Class of ‘26 rankings. It wasn't necessarily his best performance of the season, but his ability to consistently gain positive yardage even when he seemed bottled up was impressive. The junior turned 24 carries into 102 yards and two scores.   Maddon Brittingham - Free State, 6'2”, 190, WR, Class of ‘27, Unranked   Despite the lopsided score, sophomore Maddon Brittingham was a bright spot for the Free State Firebirds. Brittingham had some nice catches and led Free State in receiving with over 100 yards.   BVNW Receiving Core   It's up for discussion, but the Huskies have arguably one of the top receiving rooms in the state. The trio of [player_tooltip player_id='1115039' first='Trevor' last='Garlington'] (‘25), [player_tooltip player_id='810275' first='Ayden' last='McGibboney'] (‘26), and Logan Chandler (‘26) are a dangerous bunch. They each caught a touchdown pass and accounted for over 240 of Nathan Baxter's 259 passing yards. Garlington also came up with an interception return for a touchdown on defense.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Player of the Game</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='866489' first='Joseph' last='Arnold'] - Blue Valley NW, 6'1”, 175, DB, Class of ‘25   The Defensive Player of the Game goes to standout defensive back, [player_tooltip player_id='866489' first='Joseph' last='Arnold']. The senior made several key plays throughout this game. Arnold assisted on multiple tackles, had a nice pass breakup, came up with a fumble recovery, and returned an interception for a touchdown.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Standout</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1115479' first='Parker' last='Moore'] - Free State, 6'2”, 220, Class of ‘25   The scoreboard may not reflect it, but Moore played his tail off in this one. He closed out his fantastic high school career with 10 total tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. This young man has the potential to be a special linebacker for the Wyoming Cowboys.

On paper this Class 6A Regional matchup between Lawrence Free State (6-3) and Blue Valley Northwest (6-3) looked to be one of the more exciting games in the state this week. Both squads appeared to be relatively equal, and they each fielded rosters with multiple D-I caliber players.