Deck’s Top 5 Big Games: Week Three Showdowns

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three is a crowd this week, as teams across the state battle to see who can still remain undefeated through three weeks of the prep season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at my top five games this week. Three of which are matchups of teams with perfect records.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I will be heading east to scout the United Kansas League game between Shawnee Heights and Basehor-Linwood. Stop and say hi if you see me roaming the sidelines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wichita Northwest (2-0) @ Junction City (2-0) – </strong>Two undefeated 6A West teams will meet in Junction City this week. The Grizzlies improved to 2-0 with a 34-14 win over rival Wichita East. Junction City defeated Lawrence 14-7 in its second game of the year. Both of these programs historically feature fast teams that create college-level talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1660346' first='Griffin' last='Baker'],</strong> WR, 6'3”, 190, Wichita Northwest, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Grizzlies are airing out the ball through two weeks of action. Their top producer at the receiving end is Baker. He has made 15 receptions for 242 yards and one touchdown. He is on pace to shatter his 24-reception total as a junior. As a team ,Northwest has rushed for 516 yards in two games and gained 363 yards through the air.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nemaha Central (2-0) @ Rossville (2-0) – </strong>Through two weeks, the Thunder have allowed just seven points. Nemaha shut out their week one opponent and defeated Silver Lake 42-7 for their second win. The Bulldogs are 2-0 after wins against neighboring rivals St. Marys and Silver Lake.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Canann Mitchell</strong>, QB, 6'1”, 159, Rossville, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mitchell is an unranked dual-threat off to a hot start for Rossville. Through two games, he has rushed for 219 yards and three touchdowns, while throwing for 295 yards and three more touchdowns. He has a quick release and can make tacklers miss when he carries the ball. Rossville is averaging over 400 yards of total offense per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hays (2-0) @ Manhattan (2-0) –</strong> Hays has two wins against Derby and Choctaw (OK). Manhattan destroyed Free State last week 47-7, and looks poised to make a deep postseason run in Class 6A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115793' first='Max' last='Evans']-Pryor,</strong> LB, 6'1”, 190, Manhattan, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Indians have allowed just 20 points in two games, while scoring 90 points in their two wins. One of the leaders on the stingy Indian defense is junior linebacker Evans-Pryor. He is second for Manhattan in tackles through two games with 16. He has quick feet and enjoys bringing the pain.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wabaunsee (1-1) @ Osage City (2-0) – </strong>Wabaunsee has a tough road challenge on the schedule this week. They will head to Osage City after defeating West Franklin 48-0. Osage City is averaging 50-plus points a game after two contests. The Indians knocked off Cair Paravel 60-20 in week two.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1331128' first='Cole' last='Frank'],</strong> QB/LB, 5'11”, 195, Wabaunsee, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frank is a two-way athlete who is having a solid defensive season. In two games, he has recorded two interceptions and 20 total tackles. Frank is ranked No. 245 overall in the Kansas Class of 2026. He can play quarterback or running back. He has carried the ball 24 times for 80 yards and one touchdown in two games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shawnee Heights (1-1) @ Basehor-Linwood (2-0) – </strong>I will be heading east this week to watch the Bobcats and T-Birds in a United Kansas League tilt. The Bobcats knocked off Piper 27-21, while Shawnee Heights defeated Topeka West 76-35. Both of these teams are well-coached and can post explosive play after explosive play. I will be in Basehor, so if you see me roaming the sidelines, come say hi!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1114730' first='Nash' last='Morrison'],</strong> WR, 6'4”, 185, Basehor-Linwood, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bobcats have a balanced offense after two weeks. Morrison is one of the top targets in the passing game for Basehor. He made seven catches for 54 yards in the win over the Pirates. He can serve as a deep threat or as a possession receiver for the Bobcats. He is ranked No. 84 overall in the Kansas Class of 2026 rankings. Prep Redzone Kansas has Morrison ranked as the tenth-best wideout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->