Defensive and Special Team Standouts From KC: Week 1

Photo: Ana Sofia Jordan Prep Network

Santino Bernal September 8, 2025 @ 09:35 PM

Oftentimes offensive performances tend to overshadow stand out play from defensive and special teams prospects. That won't be the case in this report, as the offensive players had their spotlight yesterday.   While there were some shootouts that took place in the Kansas City metro and surrounding counties during Week 1, there were just as many dominating defensive performances. In addition, some specialists impressed as well. Take a look at these six performances that caught my eye.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of ‘26</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1804668' first='Kelvin' last='Parker'] - Olathe North, 6'0”, 175, DB   There was a slight bit of confusion for our staff as to where Parker III would play his senior season. He'll definitely be added back to our rankings during our midseason update. However, there was never any confusion about his play. He showed why he's regarded as one of the top defensive backs in the Class of ‘26 Friday night. He recorded eight total tackles and one interception in Olathe North's victory over Shawnee Mission South.   [player_tooltip player_id='904450' first='Beckett' last='Linden'] - Blue Valley NW, 5'11”, 205, LB   Linden was a stock riser over the summer, and he's looking like he'll continue to climb the rankings after his Week 1 performance. The 16th ranked backer in the Class of ‘26 played a key role in limiting Blue Valley North to just 13 points. He piled up 10 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack.    [player_tooltip player_id='1462646' first='Jaylin' last='Washington'] - Washington, 6'3”, 170, DB   There might not have been a player more eager to hit the field in Week 1 than [player_tooltip player_id='1462646' first='Jaylin' last='Washington']. We've spoken about his injury shortened junior season, but he proved Friday night that he's fully healthy. The senior posted seven total tackles, one interception, and two pass breakups.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of ‘27</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='823254' first='Terrence' last='Bryant'] - St. Thomas Aquinas, 6'0”, 180, LB/DB   Bryant was an impressive sophomore during Aquinas' state title run last season, and it appears he's taken his game to another level as a junior. The Saints' defense held a strong Blue Valley West squad to a goose egg in Week 1 and Bryant's play was important in the shutout win. He was dialed in as he came up with seven solo tackles.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Specialist</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1306219' first='Jensen' last='Honey'] - Gardner-Edgerton, 6'0”, 200, K   The matchup between Free State and Gardner-Edgerton was one of the shootouts I was referring to above, which made for a busy evening for Honey. Despite the close loss, Honey went 4-for-4 on PAT's and sent two kickoffs through the end zone.     Jacob Zinkus - St. Thomas Aquinas, 5'9”, 165, K, Unranked   Zinkus is the third Saint to come away with a Game Ball after Week 1. The Saints' matchup with BVW was fairly low scoring, so every point mattered. He'd go 3-for-3 on PAT's and also booted a touchback in the 21-0 win.

Oftentimes offensive performances tend to overshadow stand out play from defensive and special teams prospects. That won't be the case in this report, as the offensive players had their spotlight yesterday.