Thunderbirds Have An Explosive Offensive Trio

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't let the Shawnee Heights 2024 record of 2-7 fool you.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 edition of the Thunderbirds will be battle-tested and high-octane offense approved.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There might not be a more dangerous pass-game trio in the state than what Shawnee Heights will put on the field each Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is my third team preview for the 2025 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shawnee Heights will open its season with a home game against old league rival Washburn Rural.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at five ranked seniors from Shawnee Heights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='780113' first='Tyren' last='Parker'],</strong> WR, 6'2”, 180 (Kansas)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parker is ranked No. 9 overall by Prep Redzone Kansas and has verbally committed to playing for the Kansas Jayhawks after graduation. He is a dangerous wideout and a shifty defensive back. He caught 50 balls as a junior for 946 yards and 11 touchdowns. During his sophomore season, he finished with 10 receptions for 236 yards and four TDs. He has the speed to take the ball to the house every time he gets his hands on it. He also recorded 48 tackles and two interceptions as a defensive back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611096' first='Aiden' last='Scott'],</strong> QB, 6'5”, 200 (Washburn) <strong>Pictured Above</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scott is ranked No. 17 overall in the Kansas Class of 2026 and recently announced his verbal commitment to Washburn University. Scott took full advantage of his wideouts' speed last season, throwing 3,103 yards and 32 touchdowns. He is an accurate passer who completed 60 percent of his attempts last season. His arm strength is solid; he will need solid protection from his offensive line and increased production in the run game to make the offense run on all cylinders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='780089' first='David' last='Wakes'],</strong> RB, 5'10”, 190</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wakes is ranked No. 44 overall by Prep Redzone Kansas. He rushed for 633 yards and three touchdowns last season. He also caught 21 balls out of the backfield for 254 yards and one score. He needs to be a workhorse back for Heights as a senior. Look for him to be even more involved in the passing game this season.  He has excellent field vision and can make defenders miss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1573511' first='AJ' last='Gallegos'],</strong> WR, 5'10”, 160</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gallegos is ranked No. 72 overall in the Kansas Class of 2026. He arguably could be one of the most underrated offensive weapons in the state. He made 52 receptions for 842 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior. You add up his receiving numbers and Parker's, and you have a 100 reception, 1,000-plus yard receiver. Gallegos is more of a possession receiver, will get the big yards on third down, and is not afraid to run routes over the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1428950' first='Royce' last='Daniels'],</strong> DL, 5'10”, 195</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Daniels is ranked No. 449 overall by Prep Redzone Kansas. Daniels is a quick defensive lineman and led the T-Birds in tackles with 69 last year, but to be clear, having a defensive lineman as your top tackler is not necessarily a good thing. Daniels and his defensive peers will need to play better ball in 2025 to improve on last year's 2-7 record. The Shawnee Heights defense gave up over 35 points per game a season ago.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unranked senior starters returning for the Thunderbirds include: <strong>Amir Bass</strong> (OL), <strong>Henry Schattilly</strong> (OL), <strong>Daylon Vanderpool</strong> (LB), <strong>Evan Johnson</strong> (LB), and <strong>Blake Coffman</strong> (DL).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->