Cair Paravel Lions

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Allen Baughman

ALLEN BAUGHMAN, Shawnee Heights

A 5-foot-8, 180-pound senior running back, Baughman carried the ball 12 times for 177 yards and three touchdowns in the first half last Thursday night as Shawnee Heights rolled to a 56-20 win over Highland Park in the regional round of the Class 5A football playoffs. Baughman scored on runs of 4, 70 and 20 yards as Shawnee Heights improved to 8-2 on the season.

JC Heim

JC HEIM, Washburn Rural

Heim a 6-2, 225-pound running back/linebacker, starred on both offense and defense Friday night as Washburn Rural improved to 10-0 with a 27-20 win over Junction City in the regional round of the Class 6A playoffs. Unofficially, Heim rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries and caught three passes for 21 yards and a touchdown. Heim scored on a 2-yard run and a 23-yard pass from Branton DeWeese.

Griffin Heinen

GRIFFIN HEINEN, Washburn Rural

A senior midfielder, Heinen had an assist and the game-winning goal on Saturday as Washburn Rural's soccer team capped a 19-2 season with a 2-1 win over Dodge City in the third-place game of the Class 6A state tournament. Heinen was credited with the assist on Hayden Shriver's goal 1:26 into the game and scored the game-winning goal with just 56 seconds remaining off an assist from Devon Rutschmann.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Seaman, which won its first Class 5A state championship, put four players on the TopSports.news 2023 All-Shawnee County volleyball team, led by player of the year Maegan Mills.

Seaman junior Maegan Mills has been named the Shawnee County volleyball player of the year after heping lead the Vikings to a 38-6 record and the Class 5A state title. [File photo/TSN]

Seaman coach Tatiana Dowling was named the TSN Shawnee County coach of the year after leading the Vikings to the Class 5A state volleyball title. [File photo/TSN]

Mills, a junior, is joined on the all-county first team by Viking seniors Brooklyn Gormley and Taylin Stallbaumer and junior Reagan McGivern while Seaman's Tatiana Dowling, a Seaman grad, was named the coach of the year after leading the Vikings to a 38-6 record, including five straight-set wins in the state tournament.

Mills and Gormley are first-team repeaters while Stallbaumer and McGivern move up to the first team after being second-teamers in 2022.

Silver Lake, which placed third in the 3A state tournament, is represented on the first team by seniors Mckinley Kruger and Sarah Wehrli and junior Ella Bolan, with Kruger and Wehrli earning all-county honorable mention a year ago.

Washburn Rural seniors Jada Ingram and Zoe Canfield and junior Layla Collins are first-team selections after helping the Junior Blues win the Centennial League championship and advance to the 6A state tournament.

Ingram and Canfield are both first-team All-Shawnee County repeat picks while Collins moves up from the second team.

Rossville, which posted a 31-8 record, is represented on the first team by seniors Kinsey Perine, a three-time All-Shawnee County first-teamer, and Kinley Porter, who moves up from the second team. 

Cair Paravel Latin is represented by senior Mayah Pridgett while Topeka West senior Addison Brooks, Shawnee Heights junior Kaydence Torrez and Hayden sophomore Ella Foster also earned all-county first-team recognition.

Pridgett has been a second-team all-county pick the last two seasons while Brooks received honorable mention the past two seasons and Foster and Torrez received honorable mention a year ago.

Rossville freshman Nora Burdiek was selected as the county newcomer of the year after compiling 312 kills and 181 digs in her first season of high school volleyball.

All-Shawnee County first-team capsules:

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

(Games at 7 p.m., unless noted)

THURSDAY'S GAME

Class 5A

 Shawnee Heights senior Ryeki Tuley has passed for 1,861 yards and 19 touchdowns for the 7-2 T-Birds. [File photo/TSN]

Highland Park junior Jamon Wilson (5) has rushed for 368 yards and three touchdowns and caught 26 passes for 474 yards and six TDs. [File photo/TSN]

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (7-2) vs. HIGHLAND PARK (7-2)

At Hummer Sports Park

Highland Park won its first playoff game since 1991 and only its third in school history last Friday, rolling to a 55-7 win over Meadowlark Conference foe Kansas City-Harmon, while Shawnee Heights advanced with a 68-0 first-round playoff win over KC-Sumner Academy. The two city rivals will be meeting for the first time since the 2017 season. Highland Park senior Amari Taylor has rushed for 568 yards and seven touchdowns on 63 attempts while junior Jamon Wilson has rushed for 368 yards and three touchdowns and caught 26 passes for 474 yards and six TDs. Shawnee Heights senior Allen Baughman has carried the ball 141 times for 690 yards and 12 TDs while T-Bird senior quarterback Ryeki Tuley has passed for 1,861 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 343 yards and six scores on 79 attempts. Senior Jayden Moore has caught 50 passes for 620 yards and five TDs. Heights senior Alex Dawkins has been in on 60.5 tackles with 15 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. The winner of Thursday night's game will advance to a state quarterfinal to take on the winner of Friday's game between Blue Valley Southwest (8-1) and Lansing (5-4). 

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Class 6A

Washburn Rural senior Jaren Heim (27) scored a pair of touchdowns in the Junior Blues' 28-7 Centennial League win at Junction City earlier in the season. [File photo/TSN]

JUNCTION CITY (6-2) at WASHBURN RURAL (9-0)

Washburn Rural, the No. 1 West seed, opened its playoff quest with a 48-7 win over winless Wichita North last Friday while Junction City advanced with a 27-18 win over Wichita Heights. Rural and Junction City will be playing for the second time this season, with the Junior Blues taking a 28-7 Centennial League win over the Blue Jays earlier this fall. Washburn Rural has already won nine straight games for the first time since a perfect 12-0 season in 1989 and is within a win of winning 10 games for the first time since 1992. The winner of Friday's game will advance to the 6A quarterfinals to face the winner of Friday's game between Wichita Northwest (7-2) and Wichita East (7-2). With a win Friday Rural would also be at home for the quarterfinals.

Class 5A

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Hayden remained undefeated with a 49-0 Class 3A home playoff rout past Baldwin Friday night.

Hayden sophomore Kade Mitchell rushed for 251 yards and four touchdowns in the Wildcats' 49-0 Class 3A playoff win over Baldwin Friday night. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden's Dom Ridley rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown in the Wildcats' 49-0 Class 3A playoff win over Baldwin. [File photo/TSN]

The 9-0 Wildcats advanced to a second-round game next Friday at Hayden against Santa Fe Trail (7-2), which advanced with a 56-40 win over Royal Valley.

Hayden scored the only points it would need on the second play from scrimmage, with junior Jensen Schrickel bursting 62 yards for a touchdown (conversion failed) to put the Wildcats up 6-0 with 11:41 left in the opening quarter.

Sophomore Kade Mitchell started off his big night with a 5-yard TD run that capped an eight-play, 74-yard scoring drive (conversion good) to give Hayden a 14-0 lead with 2:01 left in the first quarter.

Hayden broke the game open in the second quarter, with Dom Ridley scoring on a 9-yard run (Mason Becker kick), Mitchell scoring on a 21-yard run (Becker kick) and Conner Hanika completing a 28-yard touchdown pass to Makhi Kidd (Becker kick) with 2:53 left in the half to give the Wildcats a commanding 35-0 halftime lead.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Seaman led just one time in Friday night's Class 5A regional playoff game at De Soto, but it was the only time that counted.

Seaman celebrates its 31-28 Class 5A second-round playoff win over top 5A east seed De Soto Friday night in De Soto. [Seaman Athletics]

The No. 9-seeded Vikings came back from 7-0, 21-7 and 28-14 deficits to shock the top-seeded Wildcats 31-28 on a 25-yard Ethan Geiger field goal with 7:08 remaining.

Seaman, which improved to 6-4, advanced to a 5A state quarterfinal road contest against defending state champion Mill Valley, a 56-7 winner over Spring Hill, while De Soto ended its season 8-2.

DeSoto jumped out to a 7-0 lead at the 7:11 mark of the opening quarter, but Seaman answered at the 5:20 mark on a 53-yard run from junior quarterback Max Huston (Geiger kick).

The game was tied 7-all at the end of the first before De Soto boosted its lead to 21-7 with a pair of TDs over the first 4:11 of the second period.

But Seaman cut its halftime deficit to 21-14 at the half, getting a 73-yard bomb from Huston to senior Callen Barta with just 51 seconds left before the break.

De Soto opened up a two-touchdown advantage for the second time on the night at 28-14 with 4:11 left in the third quarter, but that would be the Wildcats' last points of the night as Seaman outscored the hosts 17-0 the rest of the way.

Huston hit Barta for a 1-yard score with 40 seconds left in the third and then Huston knotted the game just 47 seconds into the fourth quarter on a 12-yard run (Geiger kick).

That set the stage for Geiger to be the hero with his clutch field goal and the Viking defense held on the rest of the way as Seaman poste its second straight road win over a higher-seeded opponent.

Washburn Rural senior JC Heim (25) starred on both sides of the ball Friday night as the Junior Blues improved to 10-0 with a 27-20 Class 6A playoff win over Junction City. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

WASHBURN RURAL 27, JUNCTION CITY 20 -- Washburn Rural improved to 10-0 with its second win of the season over Centennial League rival Junction City, with the Junior Blues scoring the game-winning touchdown on a 69-yard touchdown strike from senior quarterback Branton DeWeese to senior Calvin Hayes with 6:15 remaining.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

(Games at 7 p.m., unless noted)

CLASS 6A

Washburn Rural senior quarterback Branton DeWeese (right) ran for two touchdowns and threw for two TDs in Rural's 55-8 win over Topeka West last Thursday. [File photo/TSN]

WICHITA NORTH (0-8) at WASHBURN RURAL (8-0)

Washburn Rural, the No. 1 West seed, wrapped up a perfect regular season with a 55-8 non-league romp past Topeka West last Thursday at Hummer Sports Park and the Junior Blues will be a big favorite again Friday against winless Wichita North. Senior quarterback Branton DeWeese threw for two touchdowns and ran for two TDs in Rural's win over Topeka West while junior Lafayette Thompson scored a pair of TDs, including a 90-yard kickoff return. The winner of Friday's game will advance in the 6A playoffs to face the winner of Friday's game between Junction City (5-3) and Wichita Heights (5-3). As long as they keep winning, the Junior Blues will be at Bowen-Glaze Stadium through the first four rounds of the playoffs. Wichita North is coming off a 52-0 loss ot Pittsburg.

TOPEKA HIGH (1-7) at DERBY (7-1)

Topeka High is the No. 14 West seed and will be on the road for the second straight season to face perennial Class 6A power Derby, the No. 3 West seed and the winner of five state titles since 2015. Topeka High dropped a 62-33 road non-league decision against Hays last Friday while Derby took a 55-7 win over Newton. The Panthers' lone loss was a 33-19 decision to reigning 6A state champion Manhattan in the season-opener. The Topeka High-Derby winner advances to face the winner of the first-round game between Lawrence (6-2) and Dodge City (3-5).

CLASS 5A

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

 Jesiah Bonura

JESIAH BONURA, Cair Paravel Latin

A senior football standout, Bonura compiled 435 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns in last Friday's 74-28 win over Maranatha Academy as Cair Paravel wrapped up a 6-2 regular season in just the Lions' second season as a full KSHSAA member in football. Bonura had four kickoff returns for 195 yards and two touchdowns, rushed for 193 yards and two TDs on five carries and caught four passes for 47 yards and a TD.

Jackson Esquibel

JACKSON ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights

Esquibel, a senior cross country star, capped a sweep of city, United Kansas Conference and Class 5A regional individual titles Saturday at Shawnee North Community Center. A two-time 5A state medalist in cross country and a state champion in track, Esquibel posted a 53-second victory in the regional meet, clocking a five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 46.02 seconds.

Payton Fink

PAYTON FINK, Washburn Rural

Fink, a junior cross country standout, followed up her Centennial League individual title with a 10-second win Saturday at Wichita, helping the Junior Blues post a sweep of city, Centennial League and regional team championships. Fink, who placed fifth in the Class 6A state meet as a sophomore, clocked a winning five-kilometer time of 18 minutes, 01.20 seconds in the regional meet.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Cair Paravel Latin, in only its second season competing as a full KSHSAA member in football, finished off a 6-2 regular season with a 74-28 victory over Maranatha Academy.

The Lions, who finished second in Eight-Man I District 2 will host 4-4 Sedan, which finished third in District 1, in a first-round playoff game next Friday (site to be determined)

Cair Paravel senior Jesiah Bonura compiled 435 all-purpose yards in Friday's 74-28 victory over Maranatha Christian. [File photo/TSN]

Junior Jase Pavlik threw for five touchdowns and ran for a TD as Cair Paravel capped a 6-2 regular season with a 74-28 win over Maranatha Academy. [File photo/TSN]

Senior Jesiah Bonura had a huge game in the Lions' win over Maranatha, compiling 435 all-purpose yards.

Bonura caught four passes for 47 yards and a touchdown, carried the ball five times for 193 yards and two TDs and had four kickoff returns for 195 yards and two scores.

CPLS junior quarterback Jase Pavlik completed nine of 14 passes for 86 yards and five touchdowns and carried the ball five times for 95 yards and a TD.

The winner of Cair Paravel's opening playoff game next week will advance to face the winner of the game between Central-Burden (8-0) and Goessel (1-7).

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS 47, LEAVENWORTH 7 --Shawnee Heights put the cap on a 6-2 regular season with a 47-7 United Kansas Conference road win at Leavenworth.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(All games at 7 p.m.)

THURSDAY'S GAME

WASHBURN RURAL (7-0) vs. TOPEKA WEST (1-6)

At Hummer Sports Park

Washburn Rural clinched the Centennial League championship with last Friday's 46-0 win at Emporia and can clinch the No. 1 seed in the Class 6A West for the playoffs with a Thursday night non-league win over city rival Topeka West. Washburn Rural is the only remaining undefeated team in 6A. Rural quarterback Branton DeWeese threw for three touchdowns against Emporia as the Junior Blues opened up a 39-0 halftime lead before forcing a running clock early in the second half. Topeka West is coming off a 62-12 United Kansas Conference loss to Shawnee Heights and is currently the No. 13 seed in the 5A East.

FRIDAY GAMES

Junior quarterback Jett Wahlmeier has passed for 852 yards and six touchdowns for 7-0 Hayden, which will host Hiawatha in a non-league contest Friday. [File photo/TSN]

HIAWATHA (1-6) at HAYDEN (7-0)

Hayden clinched the Class 3A District 4 championship last Friday night with a 24-7 win over Holton and will host Hiawatha in a non-league contest. Hiawatha is coming off a 28-0 loss to Marysville. Hayden will be at home next Friday for the first round of the 3A playoffs. Wildcat junior Jett Wahlmeier has completed 50 of 94 passes for 852 yards and six touchdowns while junior Jensen Schrickel has caught 20 passes for 393 yards and four TDs and has carried the ball 10 times for 100 yards. Junior Broderick Desch has rushed for 286 yards and eight touchdowns on 57 attempts and sophomore Kade Mitchell has 235 yards and four TDs on 36 carries.

Seaman junior quarterback Max Huston has passed for 1,905 yards and 25 touchdowns this fall. [File photo/TSN]

PIPER (1-5, 1-5 United Kansas Conference) at SEAMAN (3-4, 3-3 United Kansas Conference)

Seaman will be looking to bounce back from last Friday's heartbreaking 27-24 United Kansas Conference road loss at Basehor-Linwood, the Vikings' third loss this fall by 7 or fewer points and their second 3-point loss. Seaman is currently the No. 10 East seed for the Class 5A playoffs. Seaman junior quarterback Max Huston has completed 128 of 205 passes for 1,905 yards and 25 touchdowns while only throwing one interception. Senior Callen Barta has 44 receptions for 891 yards and 12 TDs. Senior Jack Bloom has rushed for 416 yards and six scores on107 attempts. Junior Hayden Cummings has been in on 69 tackles for the Vikings. Piper is coming off a 10-0 UKC win over Leavenworth.

By Todd Fertig 

TopSports.news

A goal late in the second overtime period gave the Cair Paravel Latin boys soccer team a 1-0 win over Maranatha Christian Academy Tuesday at the Sunflower Soccer Association. 

Cair Paravel Latin soccer honored its lone senior, Justus Scott, Thursday at Sunflower Soccer Complex. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]

With the second overtime period about to elapse, Cair Paravel’s Alfredo Cartes lofted a corner kick into the opposing box, where teammate Nathan Keys rose above the crowd to head the ball past the visiting goalkeeper. 

Though Cair Paravel finished the regular season with a record of just 4-7, there was plenty at stake for the Lions.  

In addition to improving their standing in the Class 4-1A seeding and potentially setting up a more favorable post-season matchup, the Lions felt they had some unfinished business to attend to.  

In its previous meeting with Maranatha, Cair Paravel trailed 3-2 when the game was ended prematurely due to weather. The Lions didn’t forget, believing they stood a good chance of tying, and ultimately winning, that contest. 

“We were cut off short the last time we played them. So, it felt really good to get this win,” said Justus Scott, the Lions’ lone senior and team captain. “The defense really shut down their offense, and our offense did really well, so I’m proud.” 

By Todd Fertig 

TopSports.news

Cair Paravel took another step Friday night in establishing itself as a competitor in the KSHSAA football ranks.

The Lions blitzed Chase County 52-16 on the Seaman High School field in a game loaded with playoff implications. 

Cair Paravel junior quarterback Jase Pavlik ran for three touchdowns and threw for two TDs in the Lions' 52-16 win over Chase County Friday night. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Cair Paravel senior Jesiah Bonura rushed for 131 yards and scored two TDs, including a 60-yard kickoff return, in the Lions' 52-16 win over Chase County. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

A year ago, the Lions just missed out on qualifying for the Eight-Man Division I playoffs in their first season of football as a KSHSAA member.

The Lions went into Friday’s game against Chase County knowing they were in the playoffs at 4-2 and 2-1 in their district. But with seeding and a chance to host a home playoff game at stake, they took care of business against the visiting Bulldogs. 

The Lions trailed once, momentarily, early in the contest. After junior quarterback Jace Pavlik put the Lions up 6-0 with a short run, Cair Paravel watched Chase County’s Tucker Groh race 70 yards with the ensuing kickoff, putting the Bulldogs up 8-6. 

Not to be outdone, Cair Paravel’s Jesiah Bonura returned the favor, taking the next kickoff back 60 yards to put the Lions back on top.  

From that point on, the Lions’ defense ensured the score was never close again. Cair Paravel limited the Bulldogs to zero yards passing and negative-19 yards rushing in the first half. The visitors did not earn a first down until the fourth quarter. 

“Our defense was amazing,” Pavlik said. “Look at the scoreboard. Sixteen points, and one of those scores was on a kickoff return. Our defense did an incredible job stepping up this game. Our offense, we made some plays, but our defense was just awesome tonight.” 

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(All games at 7 p.m.)

THURSDAY'S GAME

Junior Jamon Wilson has rushed for 243 yards and caught 20 passes for 415 yards for Highland Park, 4-2 on the season. [File photo/TSN]

KC-NORTHEAST (0-6) vs. HIGHLAND PARK (4-2)

At Hummer Sports Park

Highland Park will be looking to bounce back from two straight losses, including a 64-8 Meadowlark Conference decision to Atchison last Thursday. The Scots are fighting for a home berth (top eight seeds) in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs. The Scots are currently tied for No. 5 spot in the East and No. 7 in terms of point differential. HIghland Park junior quarterback Craig Sipple has completed 33 of 66 passes for 684 yards and seven touchdowns while senior Amari Taylor is the Scots' leading rusher with 370 yards and four TDs on 42 carries. Junior Jamon Wilson has carried the ball 19 times for 243 yards and three scores and has 20 receptions for 415 yards and four TDs.KC-Northeast, Mo. is coming off a 41-20 loss to KC-Sumner and has been outscored 269-84. .

FRIDAY GAMES

Junior quarterback Jett Wehlmeier has passed for 748 yards for 6-0 Hayden, which hosts Holton Friday night. [File photo/TSN]

HOLTON (3-3, 2-0 Class 3A District 4) at HAYDEN (6-0, 3-0 Class 3A District 4)

Hayden can clinch the Class 3A District 4 championship with a win Friday night over Holton, which handed Hayden its only two losses a year ago en route to a runnerup finish in 3A. Hayden is coming off 49-0 district road romp past Royal Valley last Friday while Holton dropped a 21-0 non-league home decision to Rossville. Hayden junior quarterback Jett Wahlmeier has completed 42 of 80 passes for 748 yards and six touchdowns while junior Jensen Schrickel has caught 16 passes for 345 yards and four TDs. Junior Broderick Desch and sophomore Kade Mitchell have helped take up the slack for injured star running back Finn Dunshee, with Desch carrying the ball 43 times for 233 yards and eight touchdowns and Mitchell gaining 221 yards on 30 attempts with four TDs.

Topeka West's Trey Parker picked up his first win as a head coach in last Friday's 35-15 UKC win over KC-Turner. [File photo/TSN]

TOPEKA WEST (1-5, 1-5 United Kansas Conference) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (4-2, 3-2)

Both the Chargers and T-Birds are coming off big wins last Friday, with Topeka West picking up its first win of the year with a 35-15 home UKC win over KC-Turner while Shawnee Heights rallied for a 12-7 non-league home win over Wamego, the Class 4A runnerup in 2022. Shawnee Heights will be looking to strengthen its hold on a home berth for the first round of the upcoming 5A playoffs. The T-Birds are tied for the No. 5 East seed but are eighth in terms of point differential. The top eight seeds will host first-round games. Topeka West senior Josh Nitschke rushed for 271 yards and scored four touchdowns in the Chargers' win over Turner. Heights senior quarterback Ryeki Tuley has completed 106 of 168 passes for 1,293 yards and 10 touchdowns and has rushed for 242 yards and five TDs on 61 attempts. Senior Allen Baughman has carried the ball 98 times for 370 yards and four TDs while senior Jayden Moore has 39 pass receptions for 483 yards and a pair of scores.

JUNCTION CITY (3-3, 0-2 Centennial League) vs. TOPEKA HIGH (1-5, 1-2 Centennial League)

At Hummer Sports Park

Both the Blue Jays and Trojans are coming off Centennial League losses. Junction City dropped a 38-7 decision to reigning Class 6A state champion Manhattan while Topeka High lost a 48-15 game to undefeated Washburn Rural. Sophomore quarterback Zane Smith passed for 147 yards and a touchdown for Topeka High in the Trojans' loss at Rural while senior Isaiah Kincade scored both of High's touchdowns. A longtime Centennial League and Class 6A stalwart, Junction City is looking for its first league win after back-to-back league losses to Washburn Rural and Manhattan.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Coming off a 14-point loss to Silver Lake in the War on 24 last week, Rossville bounced back with a 21-0 non-league road shutout at perennial state power Holton Friday night.

Rossville senior quarterback Camden Horak ran for a touchdown and passed for a TD in Friday's 21-0 shutout win at Holton. [File photo/TSN]

Rossville junior Tayson Horak (12) scored the Bulldawgs' final touchdown in Friday's 21-0 non-league win at Holton. [File photo/TSN]

The Bulldawgs, who evened their record at 3-3, scored the only touchdown they would need at the 5:57 mark of the first quarter, with senior quarterback Camden Horak connecting with sophomore Jack Donavan for an 8-yard score.

Rossville stretched its lead to 14-0 at the half, with the Bulldawgs scoring at the 11:25 mark of the second quarter on a 1-yard run by C. Horak.

The Bulldawgs finished their scoring with 54 seconds left in the third quarter, getting a 37-yard run from junior Tayson Horak.

By RICK PETERSON                                                                                                           

TopSports.news

Cair Paravel Latin junior quarterback Jase Pavlik and Silver Lake junior golf standout Taylor Zordel have been selected by the Dan Key Farmers Insurance Agency as the Rising Stars of the Week.

The Dan Key Agency will recognize top Shawnee County underclassmen throughout the bulk of the 2023-2024 school year.

Here’s a brief look at the accomplishments of Pavlik and Zordel over the past week:

Cair Paravel junior quarterback Jase Pavlik had a hand in seven touchdowns in the Lions' 62-28 district win over previously-unbeaten Burlingame last Friday. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

JASE PAVLIK, Cair Paravel Latin

Pavlik had a hand in seven touchdowns as Cair Paravel Latin rolled to a 62-28 Eight-Man I District 2 victory over previously-unbeaten Burlingame last Friday night.

The Lion quarterback completed 19 of 26 passes for 273 yards and five touchdowns and carried the ball six times for 71 yards and two touchdowns.

Pavlik also had a pass interception on defense as Cair Paravel improved to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in district play.

Silver Lake junior Taylor Zordel, who tied for seventh in Class 3A-1A last fall (above), won Monday's Silver Lake Invitational by five strokes. [Photo by Rick Peterson Jr./KSHSAA Covered]

TAYLOR ZORDEL, Silver Lake

A multi-sport standout for the Eagles, Zordel won the individual title in Monday's Silver Lake Invitational girls golf tournament at Lake Shawnee by five strrokes, shooting a 78.

Zordel led the way as the host Eagles won the team championship by a 344-374 margin over Jefferson West.

Zordel was a first-team All-Shawnee County selection in 2022 and is a two-time Class 3A-1A state medalist, tying for seventh last season.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(All games at 7 p.m.)

THURSDAY'S GAME

ATCHISON (5-0, 4-0 Meadowlark Conferance) vs. HIGHLAND PARK (4-1, 4-0 Meadowlark Conference)

At Hummer Sports Park

Atchison, the defending Meadowlark Conference champion, enters Thursday night's game tied for the conference lead with Highland Park. Atchison is coming off a 63-18 Meadowlark win over Kansas City-Washington while Highland Park dropped a 57-6 non-league decision at Kansas City, Mo.-Lincoln Prep last Friday. HIghland Park junior quarterback Craig Sipple has thrown for more than 500 yards while senior Amari Taylor is the Scots' leading rusher.

FRIDAY GAMES

Washburn Rural senior Jaren Heim (27) scored a pair of touchdowns in last Friday's 28-0 Centennial League win at Junction City. [File photo/TSN]

TOPEKA HIGH (1-4, 1-1 Centennial League) at WASHBURN RURAL (5-0, 2-0 Centennial League)

Topeka High dropped a 70-7 non-league decision to Wichita Northwest last Friday while Washburn Rural remained unbeaten with a 28-7 Centennial League road win at Junction City. Rural scored three of its four touchdowns on defense/special teams as seniors Jaren and JC Heim had big nights for the Junior Blues. Sophomore Malichi Murph scored Topeka High's lone TD against Wichita Northwest on a fumble return. Washburn Rural can clinch a share of the Centennial League title with a win. 

Topeka West senior Josh Nitschke rushed for 174 yards and scored on 72 and 91-yard runs last week against Lansing. [File photo/TSN]

KC-TURNER (0-5, 0-4 United Kansas Conference) vs. TOPEKA WEST (0-5, 0-5 United Kansas Conference)

At Hummer Sports Park

Both the Bears and Chargers will be looking for their first victories of the season. Turner is coming off a 56-7 United Kansas Conference loss to Piper while Topeka West dropped an 84-14 non-conference decision to Lansing last Thursday. Senior Josh Nitschke rushed for 174 yards and scored both of Topeka West's touchdowns against Lansing, on 72 and 91-yard runs. Topeka West notched its lone win of the 2022 season over Turner, with the Chargers taking a 26-21 decision. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Jaren Heim

JAREN HEIM, Washburn Rural

A 6-foot-2, 215-pound senior outside linebacker, Heim scored a pair of defensive touchdowns as Washburn Rural football improved to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the Centennial League last Friday night with a 28-7 road win over Junction City. Heim recovered a Blue Jay fumble in the end zone for a touchdown and also scored a touchdown off a blocked punt by his brother, JC.

JC Heim

JC HEIM, Washburn Rural

Heim, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound senior outside linebacker, was a defensive force throughout Friday night's 28-7 Centennial League football win at Junction City as Washburn Rural improved to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the Centennial League. Heim, who also plays running back for the Junior Blues, blocked a punt that his brother, Jaren, returned for a touchdown and he returned a fumble 77 yards for a touchdown after a Packson Bettis sack.

Tanner Martin

TANNER MARTIN, Silver Lake

Martin, Silver Lake's 6-foot-1, 180-pound senior quarterback, had a hand in five touchdowns in the Eagles' 42-28 Class 3A District 3 road football victory over rival Rossville. Martin carried the ball 20 times for 157 yards and three touchdowns and passed for 134 yards and a pair of TDs. Martin also helped Silver Lake successfully convert three 2-point conversions as the Eagles improved to 4-1 on the season.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Hayden improved to 5-0 and 2-0 in Class 3A District 4 with a 27-0 Homecoming win over Perry-Lecompton Friday night.

Hayden junior quarterback Jett Wahlmeier threw for 187 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 27-0 Class 3A district win over Perry-Lecompton. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Hayden sophomore Kade Mitchell rushed for 46 yards and a touchdown on just five carries in the Wildcats' 27-0 home Class 3A district win over Perry-Lecompton Friday night. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

The Wildcat defense stepped up early in the game after a Hayden turnover, stopping the Kaws on downs.

Junior Broderick Desch gave Hayden a 6-0 first-quarter lead with a 1-yard run (conversion failed), capping a 12-play, 76-yard drive.

Hayden boosted its lead to 12-0 in the second quarter when junior quarterback Jett Wahlmeier hit junior Jensen Schrickel with a 44-yard fourth-down touchdown strike (conversion failed) which capped a 10-play, 72-yard drive.

The Wildcats led 12-0 at halftime after turning the ball over deep in Perry-Lecompton territory late in the half to end a scoring threat.

Sophomore Kade Mitchell scored on a 21-yard run in the third quarter (Mason Becker kick) to put the Wildcats in front 19-0 after a four-play, 45-yard drive.

Senior Dom Ridley scored Hayden's final TD on a 10-yard run later in the third and Wahlmeier ran for the 2-point conversion to give the Wildcats their final margin. Ridley's TD finished off a five-play, 36-yard drive.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(All games at 7 p.m.)

THURSDAY'S GAME

LANSING (2-2, 2-2 United Kansas Conferance) vs. TOPEKA WEST (0-4, 0-4 United Kansas Conference)

At Hummer Sports Park

Topeka West fell to 0-4 last week with a 34-0 United Kansas Conference loss to Piper, while Lansing evened its record at 2-2 with a 28-21 UKC win over Seaman. Topeka West has been outscored 217-12 over its first four games, but the Charger defense allowed a season-low 34 points last Friday against Piper.

FRIDAY GAMES

Rossville quarterback Camden Horak has passed for 882 yards and nine touchdowns for the 2-2 Bulldawgs. [File photo/TSN]

Silver Lake's Tanner Martin is one of the top returning quarterbacks in the Class 2A ranks, leading the Eagles to a 3-1 start to the 2023 season. [File photo/TSN]

SILVER LAKE (3-1, 0-0 Class 2A District 3) at ROSSVILLE (2-2, 1-0 Class 2A District 3)

Both the Eagles and Bulldawgs tuned up for the storied War on 24 rivalry with big wins last Friday. Silver Lake outlasted Mid-East League foe Rock Creek, 38-35, while Rossville opened Class 2A District 3 play with a 70-0 rout at Atchison County. Friday will be Silver Lake's district opener. Rossville quarterback Camden Horak has completed 61 of 98 passes for 882 yards and nine touchdowns while Tayson Horak has caught 21 passes for 312 yards and two TDs and rushed for 179 yards and a TD on 16 attempts. Top players for Silver Lake include quarterback Tanner Martin, running back Blake Redmond and receiver Eli Barnes.

Hayden senior Finn Dunshee has rushed for 630 yards and 10 touchdowns on 28 carries for the 4-0 Wildcats. [File photo/TSN]

PERRY-LECOMPTON (1-3, 0-1 Class 3A District 4) at HAYDEN (4-0, 1-0 Class 3A District 4)

Hayden, which has outscored its opposition by a 210-37 margin, stayed red hot with a 64-0 rout win at Jefferson West last Friday to open Class 3A District 4 play. Senior Finn Dunshee has rushed for 630 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 28 carries while junior quarterback Jett Wahlmeier has completed 27 of 47 passes for 474 yards and five TDs and junior Jensen Schrickel has 11 catches for 186 yards and three touchdowns. Perry-Lecompton is coming off a 32-12 loss to Holton.  

BURLINGAME (4-0, 1-0 Eight-Man-I District 2) vs. CAIR PARAVEL LATIN (2-2, 0-1 Eight-Man-I District 2)

At Highland Park

Cair Paravel opened Eight-Man Division I District 2 play last week with a 58-30 loss to undefeated Lyndon and the Lions face an undefeated team for the second straight game Friday night. Burlingame is coming off a 53-0 rout over Chase County in the Bearcats' district opener. This will be Cair Paravel's final season in Eight-Man football before the Lions switch to the 11-man ranks next fall.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Hayden High, already a Class 3A school in football, will also compete in the 3A ranks in most other sports after the Kansas State High School Activities Association released its 2023-2024 classiciations Monday.

A longstanding 4A school, Hayden is the second largest school in 3A with 322 students, just two under Iola.

Hayden, which has won 12 Class 4A state basketball championships, including a perfect 25-0 boys season in 1982-83, will compete in 3A in the upcoming 2023-2024 season. [Submitted photo]

Hayden will continue to compete in 4A in girls tennis later this fall and is also expected to compete in 4A in girls golf.

Rossville football, which has won five state championships in Class 3A and 2A, including the 2021 2A title (above), will compete in 1A in in 2024 and 2025. [File photo/TSN]

Rossville, which won 2A state football championships in 2020 and 2021, will compete in 1A in 2024 and 2025.

The Bulldawgs will remain a 3A school in all other sports.

Cair Paravel Latin will also compete in 1A in '24 and '25, moving up from the Eight-Man ranks.

Cair Paravel will be classified as 2A in all other sports.

2023-2024 KSHSAA CLASSIFICATIONS

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn Rural's depth was the difference in Monday's completion of the Topeka City Girls Tennis Championships at Kossover Tennis Center, with the Junior Blues winning the team championship by a 31-28 margin over Seaman.

Rural got a city title in No. 2 singles from senior Mena DiMarzio and the No. 2 doubles championship from juniors Izzy Haggard and Emerie Catlin and added a second-place finish in No. 1 singles from junior Carolina Chedzoy and a third in No. 1 doubles from seniors Claire Ireland and Gabby Martinez. 

 Washburn Rural poses for a team picture after winning the team championship by a 31-28 margin over Seaman in the City Girls Tennis Championship Monday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

"We showed our depth throughout the tournament and that we're just a pretty strong team, one through six,'' Washburn Rural coach Brad Johnston said.

"I love where the girls are at right now. We've got some little kinks that we can fix but the girls are in prime form and we'll just see how the rest of the year plays out.''

Shawnee Heights junior Jette Glasenapp won the city title in No. 1 singles Monday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Shawnee Heights junior Jette Glasenapp, a foreign exchange student from Berlin, captured the No. 1 singles championship with a 6-4, 6-1 decision over Rural's Chedzoy while Seaman senior Katie Krumins and sophomore Molly Gorman outlasted Hayden senior Lauren Sandstrom and junior Emily Sheetz in the No. 1 doubles final, 6-4, 2-6, 10-7.