Winfield Ready For Second-Round Playoff Challenge

Wade Cargile November 4, 2024 @ 05:36 PM

The (6-3) Winfield Vikings have one of the tougher playoff challenges in front of them as they take on state-runner-up from a year ago, (8-1) Andover Central, in the second-round of the 4A playoffs this Friday in Andover.   The Vikings are hot, riding an unbeaten streak that includes a playoff win and are looking to continue that late-season surge deep into the 4A playoffs.   In this report I am going to take a look at some of the unsung hero's behind the Winfield success this year - the guys that don't get as much of the spotlight as they deserve but are critical to any playoff success.   It has been a season of promise for the Vikings, as they started hot with a win over arch-rival Ark City in the season opener and went to 3-0 before losing a heartbreaker in OT to a ranked McPherson team. From there they ran into the buzzsaw part of their schedule playing three ranked teams in a row, losing two and then regrouping to pull off the upset over #5 Mulvane.   The Mulvane win helped jump-start the late-season momentum that has propelled the Vikings into the second round.   Under legendary coach Monty Lewis, the Viking attack is one he has perfected over the years: a pounding running attack anchored by relentless defense and teamwork you can go to war with.   On offense this year, junior [player_tooltip player_id='1578932' first='Kellen' last='Gibson'], 5'11, 175, QB, '26, has stepped up and is developing into a top-flight dual-threat QB. On the season he has completed 76 of 149 passes for 929 yards and 10 touchdowns. He added another 292 yards rushing and eight scores to give him 1,200+ total yards and 18 TD's on the year.   When firing up the passing attack, Gibson has usually gone to senior [player_tooltip player_id='1507715' first='Drew' last='Graham'], 6'0, 175, WR/DB, '25, a two-way playmaker who hauled in a team-leading 21 passes for 288 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also had 17 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery on defense; or junior [player_tooltip player_id='1644566' first='Evan' last='Hutto'], 6'0, 170, WR/DB '26, who has a great catch radius and reliable hands making the contested reception. On the year he has caught 18 passes for 234 yards and a TD and also pulled down two interceptions on defense.   When Winfield shifts gears to the ground game, they do it in a big way and have been particularly strong as they make their late-season surge. In their last two games the Vikings have churned out 611 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns, for an eye-popping 306 yard average and 5+ TD's a game. On the year the offense has generated 1,753 rushing yards on 334 carries for a rock-solid 5+ yard average and 25 touchdowns.   Winfield had five players rush for right at 300 yards or more, led by sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1586645' first='Dane' last='Chattam'], 5'10, 165, RB '27, who piled up 548 yards and averaged 6+ yards per carry during the regular season. He also scored eight TD's, including a 74-yard score.   On defense the Vikings bring the hammer, led by sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1585530' first='Mason' last='Moaliitele'], 5'11, 205, RB/LB, '27 who blew up offenses all year, racking up 73 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks and a pair of fumble recoveries. Earlier in the year he piled up a staggering 19 tackles, two TFL and a pair of forced fumbles in one game.   Also stepping on up defense has been senior [player_tooltip player_id='1552989' first='Mack' last='Morin'], 6'0, 200, OL/LB '25, a mauler in the trenches who was second on the team in tackles with 72 to go along with eight tackles for loss, a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery.   In conclusion, get out and see these guys this week as they look to pull off the upset of powerful Andover Central. And, as always, if you run across any teams or players flying under the radar, give me a shout via DM on X.

The (6-3) Winfield Vikings have one of the tougher playoff challenges in front of them as they take on state-runner-up from a year ago, (8-1) Andover Central, in the second-round of the 4A playoffs this Friday in Andover.