More Week 3 Ballers Shifting Into Overdrive

Before jumping to the obligatory previews of key games coming up later this week, I am going to continue recognizing the ballers who have stood out through the first three games of the year.   In this report we are taking a look at five games from last Friday and featuring multiple standout performances delivered by players from each.   So without further adieu, hang on tight as we go rumbling, bumbling and sometimes stumbling through some of the best performances from last Friday:     Andover Central 35, Ark City 14 - Next up: AC vs Valley Center   [player_tooltip player_id='1637868' first='Thomas' last='Inkelaar'], 6'6, 330, OL/DL, Andover Central, '28, he is a large and in charge trench warrior who can play both sides of the ball, but has really shown growth as an offensive lineman. With his prototype size, reach and quick feet, he is versatile enough to handle business at multiple positions in the run game and in pass pro. He can shut down the pass rush to his side and is a devastating blocker in the run game with good pad level and mechanics.   Jaxson Green, 5'9, 175, RB, Andover Central, '27, he has patiently waited for his opportunity to show his stuff as he backed up a record-breaking all-state RB the last two years, but now that he is the main guy pounding the rock he is making up for lost time. So far this year he has 68 carries for 470 yards rushing, averaging seven yards a carry and has scored five touchdowns through three games. Last Friday he was smoking-hot in AC's victory over Ark City when he carried the ball 10 times for 180 yards, for an 18-yards per carry average.     Eisenhower 46, Newton 13 - Next up: Eisenhower vs Salina Central   [player_tooltip player_id='1241209' first='Jackson' last='Reed'], 6'0, 210, LB, Eisenhower, '26, as a starter since he was an underclassman he has become one of the anchors on the Tiger defense and is a headhunter with excellent football instincts, closing speed and flows fast and hard in delivering open-field tackles on the corner. Last week against Newton he had 12 tackles and added a tackle for loss. On the year he is off to a blazing fast start through three games as he has been in on 36 tackles, averaging a dozen per game.   [player_tooltip player_id='426515' first='Brayden' last='Pappas'], 5'8, 195, RB, Eisenhower, '26, it hasn't been the start the Tigers were looking for but Pappas has been a game-breaker through three games, carrying 64 times for 441 yards seven yards per carry, caught five passes for 30 yards and a TD, and had three kick off returns for 179 yards, with three taken to the house (one called back). For the year he is up to 650 all purpose yards and nine scores and has elevated himself into the discussion as one of the top RB's in the state with his great start this fall.     Blue Valley North 7, St James Academy, 21 - Next up: BVN vs Washburn Rural   [player_tooltip player_id='1113283' first='Alijah' last='Shaw'], 6'9, 285, OL, Blue Valley North, '27, the man mountain from Blue Valley North is starting to generate serious next-level interest as a two-sport standout in football and playing hoops and has the size and athleticism to dominate in both. In the trenches he overpowers opponents on either side of the line but has really excelled on the offensive side of the ball. With his quick feet, mobility and exceptional reach he walls off the pass rush and is a crushing blocker in the run game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1556861' first='Wes' last='Riegel'], 6'3”, 185, WR/ATH, Blue Valley North, ‘27. He is another one who caught my eye when he started showing his versatile game last fall. As a receiver he can play wideout or line up in the slot if needed, but is standing out as a hybrid tight end this fall. With his speed, length, soft hands and large catch radius, he can make the tough, contested catch when his team needs it. He has also developed into an aggressive blocker whether lined up as a TE or stalk blocking on the corner.     Clearwater, 14, Wellington 18 - Next up: Clearwater @ Cheney; Wellington vs. Labette County   [player_tooltip player_id='1515812' first='Dalton' last='Wulf'], 6'1”, 195, LB, Clearwater, ‘26, he returns for his senior year as the top tackler in the state last fall when he was in on 128 tackles, averaging an impressive 14+ per game, and added five sacks, five tackles for loss and picked off a pass just for good measure. With his quick-read instincts and ball-buster mentality he can stack up the run between the tackles or fly out on the perimeter to make open-field tackles. He has started where he left off last year and is already averaging right at 15 tackles per game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1608509' first='Jared' last='Whitney'], 6'1, 175, DB/ATH, Clearwater, '26, he caught my eye last year as a versatile, athletic baller who can play multiple positions on both sides of the ball. On defense he can operate as a shut-down corner or line up as no-fly-zone safety to take out the opposition's air attack. He is an outstanding return man as well, with a 92-yard kickoff return for a TD last Friday to give his team the lead 14-12 before the Crusaders scored late to snatch the win.   [player_tooltip player_id='1351463' first='Jalik' last='Armstrong'], 5'10, 170, RB/DB, Wellington, '26, speaking of Crusaders, this guy is starting to generate interest from scouts and coaches and last Friday helped his team make a second-half comeback with 131 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown. As a versatile all-purpose back he has the speed and quickness to disrupt defenses whether it is going through the middle or hitting the corner. So far this year he has carried the ball 62 times for 407 yards, six scores and caught six passes for 29 yards.   Liberal, 52, Guymon, OK, 13 - Next up: Liberal @ Dodge City   [player_tooltip player_id='1189451' first='Davian' last='Trejo'], 6'3, 305, OL, Liberal, '26, he is coming off a season a year ago when he ramped up his game as a powerful trench dominator with excellent lower-body strength and mobility. He is a sledgehammer blocker who can play anywhere along the offensive line but this year is a mauling, brawling center who runs his own pancake delivery service every Friday night. He can line up in the trenches on defense as well and is already generating next-level interest.   [player_tooltip player_id='1907001' first='Landry' last='Fitzgerald'], 6'2, 215, LB/ATH, Liberal, '28, he is a sophomore LB who caught my eye earlier in the year as a battering ram of a middle linebacker who can also play tight end on offense. He is versatile enough to be used as a return man on special teams as needed and with his already mature size, strength and athleticism he stepped up as a freshman starter last fall and is quickly becoming one of the top linebackers in western Kansas. So far this year he has 24 tackles, averaging eight per game and a pair tackles for loss.   In conclusion, get out and see these guys in action – you will not be disappointed.   And, as usual…   Keep grindin'…

Before jumping to the obligatory previews of key games coming up later this week, I am going to continue recognizing the ballers who have stood out through the first three games of the year.