Week 5 Battle-Tested Playmakers Stepping Up

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 5 is already upon us and the ballers in the state have stepped up as expected. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There have been some eye-popping performances to date as well as consistent play week in and week out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some are leading from the front on winning teams, while others continue to fight the good fight while playing on teams who have not been as fortunate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this report, we are taking a look at five ballers who have started the 2026 season strong and look to maintain the momentum as we come barreling down the homestretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, without further adieu, let's see what these guys have been up to:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1582714' first='Blake' last='Thomas']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/blake-thomas-2/"></a> </strong></strong>, WR/ATH, 5'11, 200,&nbsp;<em>Blue Valley SW,</em>&nbsp;<strong>'29<em> - </em></strong>the<em> Wolfpack</em> has had a tough start with a buzzsaw of a schedule to begin the year, but this returning all-state receiver has been productive. He is currently one of the state leaders in receptions with 25 for 354 yds and is averaging 14+ per catch. He continues to amp up his explosive game as the season progresses and has already ripped off big-play yardage chunks of 64, 38, 34 and 33 yds as well as averaged 29 yds per kickoff return and 18 yds per punt return to give him 532 APYs through four games. This week he and his hungry teammates travel to (1-3) <em>Highland Park</em> looking for the first win of the year. Watch out for this baller, he is just getting warmed up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2179170' first='Bodhi' last='Shay']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/bohdi-shay/"></a> </strong>, 5'9, 185, RB/LB/ATH, <em>Paola</em>, <strong>'28</strong>, it has been an up and down (2-2) season for the <em>Panthers </em>but this baller continues to impress with 603 yds on 102 carries, averaging 6.6 per and scored 6 TDs. He has been a workhorse back and really stepped up in wins against <em>Ottawa</em> and <em>Ft Scott </em>when he pounded the rock 64 times for 470 yds and 6 touchdowns. He is a powerful runner with a low center of gravity and the explosiveness to hit the gap hard and fast and trample defenders in his path. He runs with excellent balance and body control and has good burst running to daylight. He and his teammates are looking to get back in the win column this week when they host (3-1) <em>Pittsburg</em>. Strap it on when you come to tackle this guy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2351303' first='Blace' last='Rodina']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/blace-rodina/"></a> </strong>, 5'10, 165, QB, <em>SHHS</em>, <strong>'29</strong>, he is a young gun I have been particularly impressed with who has helped lead the <em>Broncos</em> to an unbeaten 4-0 mark and currently ranked as high as #5 in the state. He came out of the blocks dealing a hot hand, going 13 of 18 for 255 yds and 4 TDs in the season opener win. He has continued to play a mature game for a sophomore gunslinger completing 43 of 59 passes for 620 yds, completing a sparkling 73% and has thrown 8 TD passes and zero interceptions. The 70+% completion percentage and zero picks is particularly impressive for a sophomore. This week he and his teammates get on the road traveling to <em>Shawnee Heights</em>. The class of '29 is loaded with rising-star QBs and he is one of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1677993' first='Carter' last='Lewis']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/carter-lewis/"></a> </strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/carter-lewis/"></a>&nbsp;</strong>, 6'4, 275, OL/C,&nbsp;<em>Eudora</em>,&nbsp;<strong>'28</strong>, after a strong off-season the big man has stepped up to help his team to a 3-1 record after dispatching <em>Ottawa</em> last week 31-7. In that game he had six pancake blocks, allowed zero sacks and graded out at 93%. On the year he has piled up 33 pancakes while helping the <em>Cardinal </em>running attack roll up 1,029 yards through four games and averaging almost 7 yards a carry. With ideal size, quick feet and strong hands, he is athletic in walling off in pass pro and is a roadgrader blowing open gaps in the run game. He and his teammates look to keep building on their positive play when they host (1-3) <em>Topeka</em> this week. This guy has shifted into beast mode this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1327831' first='Maxson' last='Smiley']</strong></strong>, 6'0, 185, QB, <em>Great Bend,</em> <strong>'28</strong>, I lost track of this gunslinger for awhile in the off-season when he was determing where he would play next and was pleased to see he has made a successful landing with the <em>Panthers</em>. And, by all indications, it has been a positive union as he has helped lead the team to an unblemished 4-0 record and ranked as high as #3 in 4A. Along the way he has been a baller, completing 63 of 98 passes for 801 yds, completing 65% and has thrown 8 TD passes to zero interceptions. Last Friday in a big win against <em>Buhler</em> he was 20 of 29 for 275 yds and fired 3 touchdown passes. This week they travel to <em>Dodge City</em>. Keep an eye out for this playmaker, he is a dual-threat who can beat teams with his arm or his legs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/cargile_wade"></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/cargile_wade"></a>In conclusion, go check these guys out this fall - you will not be disappointed! Also, DM me via X if you run across any players flying under the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And, as usual…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Keep grindin'</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->