Top Matchups From the KC Metro: Week 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Get your popcorn ready ladies and gentlemen, Week 3's slate of games in the Kansas City metro and surrounding counties are shaping up to be some entertaining matchups. Teams are nearing mid-season form and things are now in full swing after two weeks of action. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a few ranked matchups taking place in this part of the state, but these three games caught my attention. Be on the look out for these prospects under the bright lights.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">De Soto 5A (2-0) @ Piper 4A (1-1)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This first matchup was a lopsided score in 2024, but this time around could be a different story. De Soto has started the season red hot with two blowout victories. For Piper, they stunned folks with an upset win in Week 1, but came up short last week. A win for either team would be a huge momentum swing in the <em>United Kansas Conference</em> race.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams have some promising playmakers on their rosters. For De Soto, folks should watch for junior quarterback <strong>Ben Parks</strong>. In Week 2 Parks accounted for 223 yards of total offense and four total scores. For Piper, a lot of De Soto's attention will likely be on [player_tooltip player_id='1613502' first='Roman' last='Byers'], but it'd be wise for them not to forget about senior [player_tooltip player_id='1641836' first='Alamar' last='Brooks']. He's a big-play threat at receiver and has already had a touchdown over 60 yards this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Olathe West 6A (2-0) @ Shawnee Mission NW 6A (1-1)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not enough people are talking about this <em>Sunflower League</em> showdown. The four times Olathe West and SMNW have faced off the games have been very competitive. Their rivalry is split 2-2, and after a one year hiatus the two programs are ready to battle once again. Will Olathe West walk away 3-0, or will SMNW rebound after stumbling in Week 2? Find out Friday night. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When it comes to these two programs, their offensive playmakers usually get the spotlight. However, both rosters have some underrated prospects on defense. Junior linebacker <strong>Cash Warren</strong> of Olathe West has emerged as one of the Owls' leaders on defense so far this season. Through two games he's recorded 24 total tackles and one sack. For SMNW, senior <strong>Max Rodriguez</strong> is a key leader for the Cougars' defense. Rodriguez has been consistent to start his senior season as he's tallied seven total tackles in consecutive games.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Paola 4A (2-0) @ Ottawa 4A (2-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are three undefeated teams left in the <em>Frontier League</em>, and after Friday night there's a possibility there will only be two. This matchup between Paola and Ottawa will decide one of those outcomes. It's sure looking like it'll be a good one too. Ottawa came away victorious during their meeting last year, which snapped a long losing streak to Paola. This year's game could reignite the league rivalry as both teams have looked promising through two weeks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's a matchup within this game that intrigues me. It'll be between breakout sophomore <strong>Bodhi Shay</strong> and senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1656506' first='Chase' last='Myers']. Shay of Paola has been impressive to start his sophomore season. So far he's rushed for 295 yards and has hit paydirt three times. Ottawa's defense is an underrated unit and it's led by players like Myers. The Cyclones will need a big night from Myers to help slow down Shay and Paola's rushing attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->