Unbeaten Eisenhower, Sedgwick Shift Into Overdrive

Week four featured numerous top-ranked confrontations, regional grudge matches and even a handful of homecomings just for good measure.   And, from that mixed bag of games there were a few final scores that made me do a double-take, in particular 3A #1 Andale's annihilation of 3A #3 Collegiate, 47-6. Andale was favored by most of the experts but few expected such a lop-sided contest. Andale is averaging 58+ points per game and other than their high-scoring win over Wellington, 56-48, they have only given up 13 points in the other three wins.   There were a couple of other games from the Wichita and surrounding area that ended up being beat-downs where most had expected closely-contested match-up's. In this report we will take a look at a couple of those teams that ended up taking their opponents out behind the woodshed for an early-season whooping: Eisenhower, who stomped a hot Salina Central team, 51-28; and Sedgwick, who dispatched an unbeaten Marion squad, 35-8.   Next on dock, Eisenhower takes on Andover , who is deceptively-good at (2-2) after pounding an up-and-down Ark City squad 35-7; while Sedgwick hosts (1-3) Sacred Heart, who fell to Valley Heights 35-16 last Friday.   Both Eisenhower and Sedgwick feature dangerous offenses that keep getting better each week. Additionally, both teams have also been supported with exceptional defensive play.   But, enough of the preliminaries, let's dive into some of the key players from these two teams who have helped their teams to perfect 4-0 starts. Below are this week's standout players from last Friday's games:   Eisenhower:   [player_tooltip player_id='676467' first='Derek' last='Morgan'] the senior gunslinger is off and running on a tremendous start to his senior year, picking up where he left last year as one of the top quarterbacks in the state. The Lehigh-commit so far has thrown for 757 yards and nine touchdowns, and has been a sharpshooter, completing 74% of his passes with only one pick for the year. He has also been a threat using his wheels extending plays or on designated keepers.   [player_tooltip player_id='442660' first='Carter' last='Pabst'] - the senior wideout was a nightmare for opposing secondaries last year, torching teams for 19 TD's. So far this year he has been even more dangerous with a state-leading 642 yards on 24 receptions, eight touchdowns and is averaging an eye-popping 27 yards per catch. Between making circus catches in the end zone, and being absolutely electric in yards after the catch, he is putting on a show every week. Get your popcorn ready for this guy.   [player_tooltip player_id='426515' first='Brayden' last='Pappas'] - the junior all-purpose back is the third high-velocity arrow in the Eisenhower quiver, and has expertly supplemented the team's potent air attack by delivering a strong ground game; picking up just under 500 yards rushing and three TD's in the first four games. He has been shredding defenses and picking up big yardage after the first hit all season in helping the team to an unbeaten start.   [player_tooltip player_id='1542896' first='Ethan' last='Trometer'] , 6'2, 225, OT - lines up at left tackle on offense and has the key responsibility of protecting his all-star quarterback's backside. He has also been brutally effective in opening holes and collapsing the edge for the team's stellar run game. Josh Nelson - 6'2, 235, OG - lines up alongside Trometer as the team's left guard, protecting the backside. The senior interior lineman has had a strong start in the trenches, opening holes up the middle in the run game and helping provide time in the passing game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1542914' first='Landon' last='Salazar'] - 6'2, 275, OT - the sophomore offensive tackle has anchored the right side this season and has been a key part of the running game on the right side of the ball. He has stepped up well for an underclassman in the tough 5A trenches.     Sedgwick:   [player_tooltip player_id='1112380' first='Corey' last='Crumrine'] - the senior dual-threat QB had another prolific game, leading the Cardinals over previously unbeaten Marion 35-8. On the night the returning all-state QB sliced and diced the Marion defense for 253 yards and four touchdowns on 16 of 23 passes. On the season he is one of the top passers in the state regardless of classification, throwing for just under 1,000 yards, 14 touchdowns and only a single interception in the first four games.   For the season Crumrine has spread the ball around to a number of receivers. Against Marion two receivers stepped up in particular helping the team pick up a key win. [player_tooltip player_id='1588350' first='Owen' last='Luper'] hauled in four catches for 65 yards and a touchdown, while Noah Little had four catches as well and piled up 78 yards and a pair of TD's.   And, Crumrine made sure to find his favorite receiver, [player_tooltip player_id='1115726' first='Dallas' last='Lagree'], early and often, who caught five balls for 92 Yards and a touchdown. Lagree has become a triple-threat player for the Cardinals, starring as a wideout on offense, delivering big hits out of the secondary and leading on specials teams.   Also delivering week in and week out has been Gage Harris who has piled up 21 total tackles and a couple of tackles for loss. He has been leading the Cardinal defense all season as a headhunter of a linebacker with a nose for the football.     In conclusion, these are two exciting teams loaded with standout players and off to impressive starts to the 2024 season. Get out and see them in action - you will not be disappointed. And, as always, just a reminder that if you know of any players or teams flying under the radar so far this season, feel free to contact CoolDaddyO via DM on X.

Week four featured numerous top-ranked confrontations, regional grudge matches and even a handful of homecomings just for good measure.