Class 5 Semifinal Match Up: Cardinal Ritter vs Carthage

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The other two teams fighting it out on Saturday among the final four in Class 5 to see who makes it to the championship game will be two teams from opposite sides of the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cardinal Ritter (9-3) at Carthage (11-1) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cardinal Ritter Key Players:<br><br>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1591178' first='Rhylan' last='Moore'] (5'9" 170) Fr. - The freshman has really given his Lions a lift in splitting time at QB and having the hot hand at times to help lead them to the semifinals. Moore has completed 69% of his passes while throwing for almost 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns. He's highly skilled for his age and can really spin it. Rhylan plays like a much older player with his ability to make reads and find and hit his targets. Good tough and ball placement. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB Kasimir Manczuk (5'11" 180) So. - The co-QB for the Lions transferred up from the Southwest part of the state and I'm sure will be familiar with Carthage. Kas has been a dual threat for Ritter and has handled the split time exceptionally well completing 60% of his throws for 916 yards and 8 touchdowns, while also rushing for almost 500 yards and 7 touchdowns, averaging almost 10 yards per carry. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1128410' first='Manny' last='Ellis'] (5'9" 177) Sr. - Is a dangerous weapon who makes the Lions offense go. The speedy back is a threat to score anytime the ball is in his hands with his elite caliber track speed he holds, and just needs a little space before he hits top speed and is gone. Manny had rushed for 2,468 yards and 30 touchdowns. He is also a threat catching the ball and on special teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DE [player_tooltip player_id='1305795' first='Jocques' last='Felix'] (6'4" 275) Sr. - The D1 prospect has been a one-man wrecking crew this season in leading the Lions defense. He had been committed to Iowa State until recently but has opened his recruitment back up. He will be a load to block and has accounted for 106 tackles and 12 sacks from his defensive line position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carthage</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DE/TE [player_tooltip player_id='1127277' first='Landon' last='Bland'] (6'4" 230) Sr. - Oklahoma State commit is one of the PRZ top 10 ranked players in his class. A two-way player who dominates from his defensive end position using his speed and explosive quickness to live in the backfield disrupting plays and chasing quarterbacks. He also uses his unique athletic ability to help the offense and is a definite short yardage and red zone weapon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB <strong>Landon West</strong> (5'9" 175) Jr. - A workhorse back who has helped his team with big plays and long touchdown runs. Quick, shifty and tough with deceptive speed and able to hit and extra gear when needed. Runs hard between the tackles and can pick up the tough yard when needed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2060123' first='Zane' last='Browning']</strong> (6'2" 180) Sr. - The dual threat signal-caller has been a steady hand in leading the Tigers deep into the playoffs in 2025. He runs the offense well and limits mistakes. Zane has a good arm and can really pick up yards with his legs when needed and has leading them to the semifinal game behind a talented offensive line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->