Game Balls from Around the State: Week 11

The state semi-finals are officially set after a wild week of sectional round play. Scores are beginning to tighten, and the competition level is intensifying. Week 11’s slate of games brought us some nail-biters, as there were 13 matchups decided in the fourth quarter. Expect to see more fireworks during the sub-state round this week. Here’s a look at the offensive and defensive players that stood out during Week 11. <em>Offense: </em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="113647" first="Ashton" last="Barkdull"]</strong> – Andover Central, RB, <em>Class of ‘22</em> The Jaguars had everything working for them in their matchup against Wamego. Barkdull would lead the way offensively for Central, as he accounted for half their points with four rushing touchdowns on the night. The senior would finish the contest with 21 carriers for 146 yards, averaging an impressive seven yards per carry. Central is now just one win away from their first state championship game since 2019. <strong>Justice Compton</strong> – Frontenac, RB, <em>Class of ’22</em> Frontenac is on to the sub-state round after a great offensive performance from Justice. The senior usually receives recognition for his play on defense, but he was busy making plays out of the backfield against Rock Creek. Justice would make his way to the end zone four times during the game, with three scores coming on the ground and one from a touchdown reception. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="35580" first="Lance" last="Hoffsommer"]</strong> – Sedgwick, QB, <em>Class of ’22</em> Hoffsommer’s incredible senior campaign continues, as Sedgwick improves to 10-1 after outlasting Smith Center in a 49-48 shootout. He earns his second game ball of the season after putting together another unbelievable performance. The gunslinger ended the night completing 68% of his passes and threw for 302 yards with three touchdowns and added 146 yards on the ground with two scores. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="206704" first="Jaylen" last="Burch"]</strong> – Bishop Miege, RB, <em>Class of ’22</em> Fresh off making his debut inside the Top 100 in the recent Class of ’22 rankings update, Burch exploded for a huge game against Eudora. The Stags are typically a pass first team, but they fed Burch the rock 28 times in this one. He’d turn those 28 carries into 224 yards with three trips to the end zone. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="209265" first="Gage" last="Roach"]</strong> – Blue Valley West, QB, <em>Class of ’22</em> Roach and the Jaguars have faced some adversity over these past few weeks, and they’ve answered the bell each time. Facing a 14-point deficit at the beginning of the second half, Roach helped spark a big third quarter, giving the Jaguars a 37-34 lead heading into the fourth. Roach was efficient, going 12 of 19 for 282 yards with four touchdowns and had 53 yards on the ground. <em>Defense: </em> <strong>Kayden Pennewell</strong> – Shawnee Mission NW, LB, <em>Class of ’22</em> The sectional round was a tough ending to a great season for Pennewell and the Cougars. Pennewell led SMNW in tackles against Blue Valley West and recorded his third highest total of the season. The senior ended the game with 13 total and had two tackles in the backfield. <strong>Koen Werner</strong> – Sedgwick, LB, <em>Class of ’24</em> Werner makes it back-to-back weeks for a Cardinal defender earning a defensive game ball. The sophomore stepped up in a big game against Smith Center and led Sedgwick’s defense in total tackles with 12. He’ll be a player to watch during Sedgwick’s sub-state matchup against Inman. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="118719" first="Aidan" last="Morgan"]</strong> – Blue Valley SW, LB, <em>Class of ’22</em> The Timberwolves’ postseason magic ran out during sectionals, but what a run it was for Morgan and co. The talented backer was playing at such a high level, and even set a season high in total tackles in his last game. Morgan closed out his senior year with an 18-tackle performance. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="122941" first="Kaleb" last="Green"]</strong> – Wellsville, DL, <em>Class of ’23</em> Despite a heartbreaking loss to Silver Lake, Green capped off his junior campaign with a strong outing. Green picks up his second game ball after racking up eight total tackles with a pair of sacks and several pressures. He should pick up a <em>2A All-State</em> selection after the season he put together.