Kansas Sectionals: Deck's Top Games

We are getting down to the nitty-gritty and each match-up on paper looks tough in this week's sectional round.   Many of the contests could be state-worthy games and might end up being more competitive than a majority of the state title games.   Here is a look at five of the best match-ups for November 10 and a prospect on each team who should factor in the game.   Class 6A: Wichita East (8-2) at Washburn Rural (10-0) – Every 6A matchup this week could be really solid, but this one is intriguing. The Blue Aces defeated Wichita Northwest for the second time this season to advance to the sectional round and now have the challenge of beating the undefeated Junior Blues. The winner of this game will face either Manhattan (9-1) or Derby (9-1) in the sub-state round.   [player_tooltip player_id='545363' first='Titan' last='Osburn'], WR, 6'3”, 170, Washburn Rural, ‘24   Washburn Rural has a very talented roster stocked up with collegiate prospects. One who gets overlooked is Osburn. He is a big target for a quarterback to throw to and he can play solid defense. The senior has made 25 receptions for 495 yards and has caught 10 touchdowns. On the defensive side, he plays a shutdown corner and has collected 12 tackles through 10 games.   Class 5A: Shawnee Heights (8-2) at Blue Valley Southwest (9-1) – This is the week that the Thunderbird faithful will find out just how much grit Shawnee Heights has. The Thunderbirds have a very balanced offense and face an explosive Timberwolf offense that has outscored their two playoff opponents 112-19. The winner of this game with play the winner between Seaman (6-2) and Mill Valley (8-2) on November 17.   [player_tooltip player_id='1223963' first='Jayden' last='Moore'], DB,  6'0”, 170, Shawnee Heights, ‘24   One key defender for the Thunderbirds is Moore. He plays free safety for the Shawne Heights and is second on the team in total tackles with 46. He also has two interceptions on the season. The Thunderbird defense needs to force at least two turnovers to upset Southwest.   Class 4A: Basehor-Linwood (7-3) at St. Thomas Aquinas (7-3) – After starting the season 0-2 the Bobcats hope to continue to peak at the right time of the year. This matchup features the No. 7 seed Basehor-Linwood and the No. 6 seed Aquinas. Both teams have already knocked off higher-seeded teams and now look to punch their ticket to the sub-state round where they will meet either No. 1 seed Atchison (10-0) or No. 5 seed Tonganoxie (8-2).   [player_tooltip player_id='733447' first='Garrett' last='Pierce'],  LB, 5'9”, 175, Basehor-Linwood, ‘25   The Bobcats will need a big night from their defense and the team's top tackler Pierce. A tough-nosed, hard-hitting, smart linebacker, the junior is averaging more than 10 tackles a game through 10 contests. The Saints are a balanced offense that takes care of the ball, so look for Pierce and the Bobcat defenders to work hard on stripping the ball in this game.   Class 3A: Wichita Collegiate (9-1) at Andale (9-1) – Everyone by now knows Andale's story. They had the nation's longest winning streak snapped this season by Cheney and now the Indians are out for blood. Collegiate has a top-tier quarterback who transferred in this season to chase a state title. Well, that title goes through the four-time defending state champ. The winner of this sectional match-up will face off with the winner of Clay Center (9-1) and Cheney (10-0).   [player_tooltip player_id='145515' first='Hudson' last='Ferralez'], QB, 6'1”, 205, Wichita Collegiate, ‘24   Prep Redzone has been big on Ferralez for a long time. The former Hesston Swather has posted big numbers in 2023. He has a quick release, an accurate arm, and he reads defenses well. He threw for 248 yards and two touchdowns in last week's regional win over Rock Creek. The Spartan signal-caller has thrown for 2,346 yards and 30 touchdowns in 10 games.   Class 2A: Southeast of Saline (10-0) Hoisington (10-0) – This is the most exciting game for me on the schedule this week. Class 2A is loaded with talented teams and this could easily be a sub-state or state title match-up. Both programs are well respected and both teams want to represent the western part of the state in Salina on Nov. 25. The winner of this game will face either Ellsworth (9-1) or Norton (10-0) in the sub-state round.   [player_tooltip player_id='866511' first='Teron' last='Kraft'], RB, 5'9”, 180, Hoisington, ‘25   The Cardinals have an impressive junior toting the ball for them. Kraft has rushed for over 1,000 yards and has a double-digit touchdown total. Defensively he can wreak havoc as well. Teams in 2A will love playing him again next season, not! Kraft hits the hole quickly and is a physical running back who can run over tacklers.   In case you missed it on social media I am now taking over the Prep Redzone Kansas player rankings. The first update will be the Class of 2024 in December, followed by the Class of 2027 in January. Players and coaches feel free to reach out with names, stats, and social media information by following my X account @KSScoutDeck.

We are getting down to the nitty-gritty and each match-up on paper looks tough in this week's sectional round.