Game Notes: Hayden Wildcats Fit The Profile

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There was a large contingent of scouts and college coaches in Topeka on September 26 for the Northeast Kansas game at Hayden High School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I talked with a couple of those coaches, I couldn't stop thinking about former Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Using words from one of Green's most famous postgame pressers, the Wildcats “are who we thought they were.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When you watch a Hayden team, you can expect to see a balanced offense and tough-nosed, well-coached defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hayden never seems to have the biggest or fastest guys on the field, but they play football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at four athletes who stood out in Hayden's Homecoming Contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401677' first='Connor' last='Hanika'],</strong> ATH, 6'5”, 190, Hayden, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>College programs in need of versatile athletes should check out Hayden and start with Hanika. Hanika threw two early touchdowns. He has the size to be a pocket quarterback or a pass receiver. He has legs like a giraffe, and his arms stretch like the string on old paddleball toys kids bought at five-and-dime stores. &nbsp;He is an accurate passer who can also throw the deep ball. He was in on his “A-Game” against the Red Raiders. He is ranked No. 106 overall by Prep Redzone Kansas. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1113404' first='Kade' last='Mitchell'],</strong> ATH, 5'10”, 175, Hayden, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mitchell is a sneaky back who can break the long run or fight for tough yards between the tackles. He is also a pass-catching threat out of the backfield and had a couple of receptions for Hayden. I liked his explosiveness in the hole, and he takes care of the football. Mitchell is the highest-ranked Wildcat at No. 58 overall by Prep Redzone Kansas. Last season, he rushed for 800-plus yards and 26 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1264514' first='Jackson' last='McGivern'],</strong> LB, 6'0”, 200, Hayden, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McGivern is another versatile athlete who can play multiple positions based on a college program's needs. He caught one of the early touchdowns for the Wildcats. He can be used as a fullback, linebacker, an undersized tight end, or just about anywhere. He is fast for his size and is a former state champ on Hayden's 4x100 relay team. He has a low center of gravity and scoots like a four-wheeler. The Wamego defense just completely lost track of him a couple of times Friday night. He is ranked No. 342 overall in the Kansas Class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1114755' first='Xander' last='Blasing'],</strong> LB, 6'2”, 225, Hayden, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blasing made a couple of impressive plays on defense. He had a key pass break-up in the second quarter and multiple tackles. He is a linebacker who plays effectively against the run and pass. Blasing is ranked No. 201 overall in the Kansas Class of 2026. He finished his junior season with 67 tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->