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<p>We have seen a wide variety of standout play through the 2024 playoffs and the sectionals this past week was no exception. As the games ratchet up in importance, so does the emphasis on the run game.</p>
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<p>There are a dozen undefeated teams still remaining and many of them feature stud running backs leading the charge. Others feature the run primarily to set up the pass game, or by getting backs the ball in the short-pass game, almost as an extension of the ground attack.</p>
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<p>And in this day and age, there are a lot of creative ways to get a bone-crunching, breakaway back the ball.</p>
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<p>In this report we will take a look at five running backs who have been getting it done all year and are ready to bust out in sub-state play this week.</p>
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<p>So without further adieu, I bring you the <em>Sub-State Five</em> - big-time backs getting it done when their teams need it the most:</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1224115' first='Isaac' last='Winter'], 5'11, 185, RB, <em>Conway Springs</em> '25, is the undisputed leader of the vaunted Conway Springs ground game and this past week he delivered more of the same as he piled up 187 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns, including an 89-yard score. On the year he has blown up defenses for a dominating 1700+ rushing yards in leading the defending state champs to sub-state.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='267076' first='Calin' last='Arndt'], 5'10, 200, RB, <em>Aquinas</em> '26, is another ground-game leader for his team as a powerful, shifty, all-purpose back who can do it all. This past week he helped lead the winning drive, as he scored the final TD of the game and then capped it off with an incredible two-point conversion, as Aquinas edged defending state-champ Mill Valley 23-22 and advance to sub-state.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1229095' first='Grady' last='Gebhardt'], 5'8, 175, ATH, <em>SE Saline</em> '26, is one of those old-school ballers who never wants to leave the field. This past week he was the battering ram in the ground game, powering for 189 yards on 34 carries and scored three touchdowns. He also had 8 tackles on defense as he helped his team preserve their perfect mark headed to sub-state.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1228453' first='Tanner' last='Hand'], 5'9, 185, RB, <em>Tonganoxie</em> '25, is a hard-charging tailback with a low center of gravity and great spatial awareness working through traffic. This past week he super-charged the <em>Chieftain </em>ground game with 104 yards rushing on 28 carries, in his team's disposal of Lansing in sectional action.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585770' first='Armond' last='Graves']</strong><em>, </em>6'0, 205, RB/LB, <em>Wellsville</em> '26, has been the driving force in the Wellsville running game all season and the junior running back continued last week as he picked up 119 yards on 14 carries and a pair of scores, including a 52-yard TD. He was also a ball-buster of a backer from his outside linebacker spot, adding six tackles and a tackle for loss on defense.</p>
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<p>In conclusion, the season is roaring by at breakneck speed, only a couple chances left to get out and see these guys in action. And as always, if you know of any teams or players flying under the radar, reach out to me via DM on X.</p>
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We have seen a wide variety of standout play through the 2024 playoffs and the sectionals this past week was no exception. As the games ratchet up in importance, so does the emphasis on the run game.
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