Wichita Area: Senior RB's Pounding the Rock

The Wichita and surrounding area produced some of the top senior running back performances in the state in 2024, with the top three in rushing yards all within a stone's throw of each other (granted, you would have to have a pretty good arm...).   In addition to giving a quick shout out to the big three in yards gained, we will shift gears and take a look at some guys flying under the radar this year who put together some exceptional senior seasons.   And let me tell you, there were some mind-bending performances throughout the 2024 season.   But, before I digress any further, let's let the player's performances do the talking.   The Big 3: top seniors in the state who are from the Wichita and surrounding area.   [player_tooltip player_id='1224115' first='Isaac' last='Winter'], 5'11, 185, Conway Springs, led his team to an undefeated 1A state championship and captured the crown for most rushing yards this season. As the primary projectile in Conway Springs' lethal single wing attack, he piled up a jaw-dropping 1,934 yards on 215 carries, for a nine-yard average and 23 touchdowns.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552973' first='Kade' last='Smith'], 5'10, 195, Hutchinson, has had some big games this year and in particular whenever he plays Salina South, and Newton. In those two games he cruised for 564 yards on only 33 carries and scored seven touchdowns. Sandwiched in between, he hardly broke a sweat in the Salt Hawk's 56-0 win over Newton, as he needed only four carries to pick up 205 yards. On the year he was second in the state with 1,878 yards on 221 carries, an 8.5 yard average and 18 TD's.   Maddox Archibald, 5'9, 165, Andover Central, had a dominating senior year and capped it off with a record-breaking 341 yards and four scores in the 4A championship game. He was also awarded offensive co-player of the year. On the season he was the Jaguar spark-plug, gaining 1,830 yards on 264 carries and scored 25 TD's.     Rock Pounders: elite RB's flying somewhat under the radar   [player_tooltip player_id='1228455' first='Kole' last='Klaassen'], 6'1, 195, Remington/Whitewater, is one of those stud running backs who hasn't received much attention, but has lit things up the last few seasons. Coming off a standout junior year when he had just under 1,500 yards rushing and receiving, he was even more dominate this year picking up 1,453 yards rushing and scored 21 TDs, which included a massive season-ending two-game stretch when he piled up 492 yards rushing on 35 carries and eight TD's against Sedgwick and Herington.   Noah Noyes, 6'2, 205, Andover, is a powerful sledgehammer of a runner who lines up as the primary back powering the Andover flex-bone ground game. On the season he carried the rock 198 times for 1,233 yards, for a 6.2 average and 10 touchdowns. During one six-game stretch in the middle of the season when Andover was four points away from going unbeaten, he romped and stomped for over 1,001 yards on 150 carries and scored all of his points for the season.   [player_tooltip player_id='988844' first='Gavin' last='Stambaugh'], 5'11, 205, Smoky Valley, is another stud running back not getting the attention he deserves who wrapped up another outstanding season. As a pile-driving tailback, he racked up 1,440 total yards rushing and on returns, and scored 15 touchdowns on the year. Earlier in the year against Trinity he shifted into overdrive, carrying 29 times for 262 yards, for a 9.0 yard average and scored four times. .   [player_tooltip player_id='1453229' first='Taye' last='Wilson'], 6'1, 185, Pratt, is a two-way versatile playmaker who was a force on both sides of the ball all year. On offense he gained 1,342 total yards, which included 1,170 yards rushing on 167 carries for a 7.1 average and 15 touchdowns. On defense he was jackhammer of a hitter coming off the edge, finishing the year with 55 tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks.   Vance Loop, 5'8, 185, Haven, is another two-way stud flying under the radar for most of the season. On offense, he was a versatile all-purpose back picking up 1,034 yards rushing on 163 carries and 14 touchdowns. He also added another touchdown receiving to give him 15 TDs on the year. On defense, he was a swarming outside linebacker who gathered up 33 tackles and four tackles for loss.   [player_tooltip player_id='571096' first='Westin' last='Rose'], 5'11, 185, Circle, is a talented playmaker who makes things happen on both sides of the ball. On offense, he picked up 914 yards rushing on 161 carries and 13 TDs, including one game when he exploded for 245 yards rushing on 25 carries and four TDs in a crazy 50-48 win over Rose Hill. Including receiving and return yards he ended up with 1,197 total yards and 15 TDs. On defense he was all over the place, racking up 47 tackles, 11 TFL and five sacks.   [player_tooltip player_id='1228451' first='Joey' last='Millspaugh'], 6'1, 185, Halstead, is another versatile two-way standout running back who churned out 906 yards rushing, 186 yards receiving and 130 yards in returns for 1,222 total yards and nine total TDs. He was also a force on defense, piling up 74 tackles, five tackles for loss and added a fumble recovery for a touchdown.     In conclusion, I have enjoyed following these guys - best of luck in the future!

The Wichita and surrounding area produced some of the top senior running back performances in the state in 2024, with the top three in rushing yards all within a stone's throw of each other (granted, you would have to have a pretty good arm...).