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  • A game-by-game look at Friday's Shawnee County prep football games

    Rick Peterson, Top Sports News Writer

    By RICK PETERSON
    TopSports.news

    (All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

    FRIDAY'S GAMES

    BryerFinley2024Lansing 1Seaman senior Bryer Finley had three touchdown receptions in last Friday's 43-22 UKC win over Lansing. [Photo by Jesse Bruner/Special to TSN]

    SEAMAN (4-1, 4-0 UKC) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (1-4, 1-3 UKC)

    Seaman is coming off a 43-22 United Kansas Conference victory over Lansing last Friday while Shawnee Heights dropped a 69-57 UKC scorefest to De Soto. Seaman senior quarterback Max Huston has completed 62 of 104 passes for 1,155 yards and 15 touchdowns while senior receiver Bryer Finley has 33 receptions for 680 yards and 11 TDs. Viking junior Kaden McKinney has carried the ball 64 times for 357 yards and scored eight TDs. Shawnee Heights junior quarterback Aiden Scott has completed 110 of 188 passes for 1,752 yards and 16 TDs. Junior AJ Gallegos has 35 catches for 520 yards and six touchdowns while junior Tyren Parker has 28 catches for 513 yards and five TDs. T-Bird junior David Wakes has 452 rushing yards on 91 attempts with three TDs.  

    TJMinikwu2024TH 1Junior TJ Minikwu rushed for 149 yards and scored three touchdowns in Washburn Rural's 49-21 Centennial League win over Topeka High last Friday. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

    EMPORIA (0-5, 0-2 Centennial) at WASHBURN RURAL (2-3, 1-0 Centennial)

    Washburn Rural snapped a three-game non-league losing streak with a 49-21 win over Topeka High last Friday in the Junior Blues' Centennial League opener. Junior TD Minikwu carried the ball 24 times for 149 yards and three touchdowns against Topeka High while sophomore Jadyn Baum added 70 yards and a touchdown on 14 attempts. Emporia is still looking for its first win of the season after taking a 59-0 league loss to Manhattan last week. The Spartans have been outscored 249-67 on the season.

    KC-TURNER (0-5, 0-4 UKC) vs. TOPEKA WEST (0-5, 0-5 UKC)

    At Hummer Sports Park

    Either the Chargers or the visiting Bears will pick up a much-needed victory in Friday's United Kansas Conference matchup. Topeka West is coming off a 59-6 UKC loss to undefeated Basehor-Linwood last week while Turner remained winless with a 34-6 loss to KIPP Legacy. Topeka West's lone win the past two seasons has come against Turner. The Chargers scored their lone touchdown against Basehor-Linwood last week on a 79-yard pass play from Jacob Brewster to Alesecio Batson.

    JettWahlmeierPLHayden senior quarterback Jett Wahlmeier has passed for 684 yards and eight TDs for the 4-1 Wildcats. [File photo/TSN]

    HAYDEN (4-1, 1-0 Class 3A District 4) at HOLTON (3-2, 2-0 Class 3A District 4)

    Hayden will be on the road to face Holton in a battle between teams who are unbeaten in Class 3A District 4. Hayden is coming off a 49-0 district win over Hiawatha while Holton took a 48-9 win over Jefferson West. Hayden junior Kade Mitchell has carried the ball 41 times for 432 yards and scored 14 total touchdowns while senior quarterback Jett Wahlmeier has completed 47 of 66 passes for 684 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior Jensen Schrickel has 13 catches for 220 yards and has scored five TDs. Holton senior Kyler Jackson has 406 yards and five touchdowns on 76 carries while senior Bodie Dillon has carried the ball 32 times for 253 yards and five TDs and junior Korban Wilson has 255 yards and five TDs on 47 attempts.

  • Prep FB roundup: Bulldawgs roll to 43-0 Class 1A district win over Mission Valley

    Rick Peterson

     By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    After picking up a forfeit victory a week earlier, Rossville posted its second straight Class 1A District 2 win, and first on-field triumph, on Friday night, with the Bulldawgs rolling to a 43-0 decision over Mission Valley.

    TaysonHorak2024 2Rossville senior quarterback Tayson Horak helped lead the Bulldawgs to a 43-0 district win over Mission Valley Friday night. [File photo/TSN]

    The Bulldawgs scored the only points they would need on a 1-yard Andre Johnson run (Vincent Daniel kick) at the 6:48 mark of the opening quarter and Rossville made it a 14-0 game with 2:10 left in the quarter on a 4-yard pass from Tayson Horak to Conner Bush (Daniel kick).

    Rossville doubled up its lead with a pair of second-quarter TDs -- a 19-yard pass from Horak to Kameron Badura (Bush 2-point conversion run) 25 seconds into the quarter and a 1-yard Horak run (Daniel kick) with 8:35 left before halftime.

    The Bulldawgs scored their final two touchowns of the night in the third quarter -- a 74-yard Bush run (Daniel kick) at the 10:36 mark and a 30-yard interception return from Bush with 8:30 left in the quarter (Daniel kick).

    Rossville will be at home next Friday night to face Cair Paravel Latin in a district matchup.

    DysenSchooler2024 2Senior quarterback Dysen Schooler and the Silver Lake Eagles improved to 4-1 with Friday's 50-0 win over Baldwin. [File photo/TSN]

    SILVER LAKE 50, BALDWIN 0 --Silver Lake posted its third straight win to improve to 4-1 on the season, rolling to a 50-0 non-league win over winless Baldwin.

    The Eagles will return to Class 2A District 2 play next Friday, hosting Riley County.

  • A game-by-game look at Thursday and Friday's Shawnee County high school football games

    Rick Peterson, Top Sports News Writer

    By RICK PETERSON
    TopSports.news

    (All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

    THURSDAY NIGHT'S GAME

    BASEHOR-LINWOOD (4-0, 4-0 UKC) vs. TOPEKA WEST (0-4, 0-4 UKC)

    At Hummer Sports Park

    Still looking for its first win of the 2024 season, Topeka West faces another tough United Kansas Conference test Thursday night, with league-leading Basehor-Linwood visiting Hummer Sports Park to face the Chargers. Topeka West is coming off a 63-0 UKC loss to Lansing while Basehor-Linwood took a 21-7 league win over De Soto. Bobcat junior quarterback Carson Dixon has completed 37 of 74 passes for 496 yards and seven touchdowns while senior Nick Doering has carried the ball 76 times for 425 yards and seven TDs.

    FRIDAY NIGHT'S GAMES

    TevanteEwing2023 25Topeka High senior Tevante Ewing rushed for 169 yards in last Friday's 47-14 Centennial League win over Emporia. [File photo/TSN]

    WASHBURN RURAL (1-3, 0-0 Centennial) vs. TOPEKA HIGH (4-0, 1-0 Centennial)

    At Hummer Sports Park

    Topeka High will be looking to extend its winning streak to five games while Washburn Rural, a Class 6A semifinalist last season, will be aiming to snap a three-game non-league losing streak to teams that are a combined 12-1 on the season. Washburn Rural, coming off a 49-23 loss to undefeated Blue Valley Northwest, will be playing its Centennial League opener Friday night while Topeka High opened league play last week with a 47-14 road win over Emporia. Topeka High senior Tevante Ewing rushed for 169 yards on 13 attempts while junior Zane Smith completed five of eight passes for 191 yards and Savon Carter caught two passes for 144 yards. Washburn Rural junior quarterback John Hoytal completed 23 of 32 throws for 235 yards against Northwest while junior receiver Kellan Roth hauled in 11 of Hoytal’s throws for 99 yards and a score. Sophomore Jadyn Baum exploded for an 80-yard touchdown run and junior TJ Minikwu blasted in from 10 yards out for another score.

    KadeMitchell2024 1Hayden junior Kade Mitchell (25) has rushed for 296 yards and scored six touchdowns this fall. [File photo/TSN]

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

    Hayden, the Class 3A runnerup a year ago, is coming off a 31-28 non-league loss at Wamego last Friday while Hiawatha opened Class 3A District 4 play with a 21-0 win over Jefferson West. Hayden will open district competition Friday night. Wildcat senior quarterback  Jett Wahlmeier has completed 41 of 57 pass attempts for 619 yards and seven touchdowns while junior running back Kade Mitchell has carried the ball 33 times for 296 yards and six touchdowns. Senior Jensen Schrickel has caught 13 passes for 220 yards and scored five touchdowns.

    MaxHustonLv 1Seaman senior quarterback Max Huston has passed for 806 yards and 12 touchdowns this fall for the 3-1 Vikings. [File photo/TSN]

    LANSING (3-1, 3-0 UKC) at SEAMAN (3-1, 3-0 UKC)

    Friday's game will match up United Kansas Conference co-leaders Lansing and Seaman, who are both a perfect 3-0 in league play. Seaman is coming off a 49-0 win over Kansas City-Turner while Lansing rolled to a 62-0 win over Topeka West. Seaman senior quarterback Max Huston has completed 47 of 85 passes for 806 yards and 12 touchdowns while junior Kaden McKinney has carried the ball 40 times for 235 yards and five TDs while senior Bryer Finley has caught 21 passes for 382 yards and eight TDs. Lansing senior Reid Oakley has completed 46 of 93 passes for 798 yards while sophomore Jaxon Pollard has carried the ball 61 times for 379 yards and five TDs.

    WABAUNSEE (1-3, 0-1 Class 1A District 2) vs. CAIR PARAVEL LATIN (1-3, 0-1 Class 1A District 2)

    At Yager Stadium

    Cair Paravel will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak after opening Class 1A District 2 play last Friday with a 46-22 loss to Mission Valley. Wabaunsee is also 1-3 and 0-1 in the district after a 14-7 loss to Olpe last week. Cair Paravel will be playing its second home game of the season at Washburn University's Yager Stadium. Top players for the Lions include senior quarterback Jase Pavlik and senior running back Ben Roeder.

  • Prep FB roundup: Topeka High improves to 4-0 with 47-14 Centennial League road romp past Spartans

    Rick Peterson

     By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Topeka High improved to a perfect 4-0 on the season Friday night, riding a 27-point second quarter to a 47-14 road victory at Emporia's Welch Stadium in the Trojans' Centennial League opener.

    ZaneSmith2024Topeka High junior quarterback Zane Smith had a big game Friday night as the Trojans improved to 4-0 with a 47-14 Centennial League road win over Emporia. [File photo/TSN]

    After a scoreless first quarter, Topeka High got on the scoreboard just 43 seconds into the second period on a 25-yard run from Courtney Sanders (Jayden Norman kick).

    The Trojans added to their advantage just over two minutes later when Zane Smith connected with Saron Carter for a 78-yard touchdown strike and Smith scored on a 9-yard run midway through the quarter (Norman kick) to put High in front 20-0 and Norman ended the second-quarter onslaugt with a 24-yard TD strike from Smith just 1:08 before halftime (Norman kick).

    Carter scored on a 29-yard run early in the second half and Robert Dingle tacked on an 11-yard TD run midway through the third quarter (Norman kick) before Tevante Ewing ended the Trojans' scoring midway through the final stanza (Norman kick).

    Emporia scored both of its touchdowns in the final quarter, including the Spartans' final TD with just 1:20 remaining.

    Ewing rushed for 169 yards on 13 attempts while Smith completed five of eight passes for 191 yards and Carter caught two passes for 144 yards.

    Topeka High will host city and Centennial League rival Washburn Rural next Friday at Hummer Sports Park.

    TOPEKA HIGH 47, EMPORIA 14

    Topeka High (4-0, 1-0) 0 27 13 7 -- 47

    Emporia (0-4, 0-1)        0 0 0 14 -- 14

    Topeka High -- Sanders 25 run (Norman kick)

    Topeka High -- Carter 78 pass from Smith (conversion failed)

    Topeka High -- Smith 9 run (Norman kick)

    Topeka High -- Norman 24 pass from Smith (Norman kick)

    Topeka High -- Carter 29 run (conversion failed)

    Topeka High -- Dingle 11 run (Norman kick)

    Emporia -- Crowell 1 run (B’Hymer kick) 

    Topeka High -- Ewing 1 run (Norman kick)

    Emporia -- Crowell 1 run (B’Hymer kick) 

    Individual statistics

    Rushing -- Topeka High: Ewing 13-169, Smith 2-22, Sanders 2-23, Carter 1-29, Dingle 1-11. Emporia -- Crowell 20-61, Gray 8-13, Telfer 5-15, LeBlanc 1-(minus)-3).

    Passing -- Topeka High: Smith 5-8-1, 191 yards. Emporia: Gray 7-14-0, 69; Seidl 2-3-0, 40. 

    Receiving -- Topeka High: Carter 2-144, Ewing 2-23, Norman 1-24.  Emporia -- Crowell 1-4, Arndt 3-32, Seidl 1-9, Kirk 2-2, Gardner 1-48, Franklin 1-14.

     

    WAMEGO 31, HAYDEN 28 -- Brody Graber kicked a game-winning 27-yard field goal to cap Wamego's comeback in a 31-28 win over Hayden in a non-league game at Wamego.

     

    Hayden, which fell to 3-1, led 7-0 after a 16-yard pass from Jett Wahlmeier to Jensen Schrickel (Mason Becker kick) and the Wildcats led 14-7 after Conner Hanika found Schrickel for a 50-yard score on a double pass (Becker kick).

    Hayden led 14-7 at the half but Wamego (3-1) opened the second half with a 99-yard kickoff return from Jackson Supps. 

    Hayden broke the tie on a 7-yard TD run from Jackson McGivern (Becker kick) and after a Wildcat interception, Wahlmeier found Kade Mitchell for a 40-yard TD (Becker kick) to put Hayden in front by a 28-14 margin.

    The fourth quarter started with Hayden still in front 28-14 but Wamego got a big spark on a 3rd and long play when sophomore quarterback Logan Fulton picked up an errant snap in the end zone and found Tate Warren down the sideline for a 21-yard first down.

    Wamego then marched down the field for a 7-yard Warren TD to get within seven points and then the Red Raiders tied the game at 28 on a 12-yard Warren TD with 4:59 remaining after Wamego recovered a Hayden fumble.

    After getting the ball back Wamego took the lead on Graber's field goal. Hayden completed two passes on its final drive before running out of time.

    Unofficially, Wahlmeier passed for 156 yards and a touchdown while Mitchell rushed for 53 yards on 10 attempts and Schrickel caught four passes for 93 yards and two TDs.

    Wamego's Warren carried the ball 28 times for 148 yards and Fulton passed for 232 yards.

    Hayden will host Hiawatha next Friday.

  • A game-by-game look at Friday's Shawnee County high school football games

    Rick Peterson, Top Sports News Writer

    By RICK PETERSON
    TopSports.news

    (All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

    FRIDAY NIGHT'S GAMES

    JohnHoytal2024FB 2Washburn Rural junior quarterback John Hoytal and the Junior Blues will try to snap a two-game losing streak in Friday's non-league home game against Blue Valley Northwest. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

    BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST (3-0) at WASHBURN RURAL (1-2)

    Washburn Rural, which has dropped two straight road games, faces another tough non-league test Friday night against undefeated Blye Valley Northwest. The Junior Blues are coming off a 49-20 loss at Platte County, Mo. while the Huskies took a 27-24 decision over St. James Academy. Northwest senior quarterbacks Ford Bevins and Nathan Baxter have combined to go 25 of 38 passing for 428 yards and six touchdowns while junior L.J. Bowen has carried the ball 53 times for 329 yards and two TDs. Senior Trevor Garlington has 11 pass receptions for 257 yards and two TDs. Washburn Rural got defensive touchdowns from juniors Jordy Heim and Elijah Gaines against Platte County and a 76-yard TD pass from junior John Hoytal to senior Blake Recinos, but the Junior Blues couldn't keep pace with the undefeated Pirates.

    JamonWilsonNE 2Senior Jamon Wilson has helped lead Highland Park to a perfect 3-0 record to open the 2024 season. [File photo/TSN]

    KC-HARMON (1-2, 0-2 Meadowlark) vs. HIGHLAND PARK (3-0, 3-0 Meadowlark)

    At Hummer Sports Park

    Two streaks will be on the line for Highland Park in Friday's Meadowlark Conference game against Harmon. The Scots will be looking for their fourth straight win while also trying to extend their shutout streak after outscoring their first three conference opponents by a 126-0 margin. Highland Park is coming off a 32-0 win over KC-Schlagle while Harmon dropped a 45-0 decision to KC-Washington last Friday. Harmon senior quarterback Mikey Hammer has completed 13 of 39 passes for 203 yards and a touchdown while sophomore Adrian Fernandez has carred the ball 25 times for 167 yards and two TDs. Highland Park junior quarterback Dontrail Fox has completed 17 of 38 passes for 276 yards and five TDs while senior Jamon Wilson has carried the ball 22 times for 275 yards and compiled 605 all-purpose yards and scored seven total TDs. Sophomore G'Honi Montgomery has 247 rushing yards and a TD on 35 attempts.

    ZaneSmith2024Topeka High junior quarterback Zane Smith has helped the Trojans get off to a 3-0 start this fall. [File photo/TSN]

    TOPEKA HIGH (3-0, 0-0 Centennial) at EMPORIA (0-3, 0-0 Centennial)

    At Welch Stadium

    Topeka High and Emporia will open Centennial League play Friday night. Topeka High improved to a perfect 3-0 on the season in last Friday's weather-shortened 26-0 non-league road win over Wichita Southeast, the Trojans' third straight win over members of the Wichita City League. Topeka High led 13-0 when the game was delayed for approximately an hour due to lightning and added to its advantage with a 45-yard TD pass from junior Zane Smith to senior Saron Carter and led 26-0 at the half when the game was called due to the inclement weather. Carter led the Trojans' attack with three TDs on the night. Emporia is coming off a 30-20 non-league loss to Coffeyville and the Spartans have been outscored 126-45 on the year. Topeka High has outscored its first three foes by a 105-33 margin.

    DavidWakes2024BL 1Shawnee Heights junior David Wakes has rushed for 275 yards and two touchdowns this fall. [Photo by Kyle Manthe/Special to TSN]

    LEAVENWORTH (1-2, 1-2 UKC) at Shawnee Heights (1-2, 1-1 UKC)

    Shawnee Heights is coming off a tough 42-35 home United Kansas Conference loss to Basehor-Linwood last Friday while Leavenworth picked up its first win of the season, a 51-6 UKC romp past KC-Turner. Shawnee Heights junior quarterback Aiden Scott has completed 61 of 105 passes for 918 yards and eight touchdowns while junior AJ Gallegos has caught 20 passes for 249 yards and three TDs and Tyren Parker has 15 catches for 265 yards and three TDs. Junior David Wakes has 275 rushing yards and two TDs on 52 carries while junior Royce Daniels leads the Shawnee Heights defense with 36 tackles, including 17 solo stops. 

  • Hayden returns to Class 4A, Rossville drops to 2A in latest KSHSAA classifications

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Hayden moves back to Class 4A for the 2024-2025 school year in all sports except football in the latest classifications released by the Kansas State High school Activities Association on Thursday while Rossville will move down to 2A.

    KSHSAAlogo 2

    Hayden is back in its accustomed spot in 4A after a brief stint in 3A while longtime 3A school Rossville moves down to 2A in all sports except football. Hayden is a 3A school in football while Rossville is in its first season in 1A on the gridiron.

    Hayden, with 333 students is the third smallest 4A school in the state while Rossville is the fourth largest 2A school with 170 students.

    The other eight Shawnee County high schools remained in the same classifications -- Washburn Rural and Topeka High in 6A, Seaman, Shawnee Heights, Topeka West and Highland Park in 5A, Silver Lake in 3A and Cair Paravel Latin in 2A.

    KSHSAA 2024-2025 CLASSIFICATIONS 

  • Final-match comeback clinches city team championship for Hayden girls tennis

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Hayden girls tennis coach Christy Sheetz had very little doubt that Thursday's race for the city championship would go down to the wire.

    Haydengirlstennis2024Hayden poses for a picture after winning the city girls team tennis championship Thursday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

    And that's exactly what happened, with the come-from-behind win from the Wildcats' No. 2 doubles team of Izzy Glotzbach and Avery O'Bray in the final match of the night clinching Hayden's second city team title in three seasons by a 32-29 margin over Seaman. Washburn Rural finished third with 26 points.

    "It always that way,'' Sheetz said of the close battle. "It's the way the scoring is, so you have to anticipate that it's going to be really, really tight and especially with Seaman and Washburn Rural. We're the little guy coming in.''

    Hayden took a one-point margin into the No. 2 doubles final, but the Wildcats needed a win by Glotzbach and O'Bray to hold off the Vikings and got down early before rallying for an 8-4 win over Seaman's Kaylyn Hiebsch and Camryn Lux.

    Hayden also got a city title from senior star Ainzley Zulueta in No. 1 singles while senior Emily Sheetz and freshman Sophia Wichman posted a second-place finish in No. 1 doubles and junior Grace Funk finished second in No. 2 singles.

    "I feel really good about where the girls are right now,'' Christy Sheetz said. "We have three dual-sport athletes on our top six. We've got a volleyball player (Wichman), we've got a golfer in Izzy Glotzbach and Grace Funk also does debate so it's kind of a chess match sometimes putting partners together and figuring out where things are.

    "Having Ainzley Zulueta back (after missing her junior season) is a huge part of it, Emily Sheetz coming on with a new partner who's a freshman, that was really, really important and Grace Funk doing what she did in the No. 2 singles spot but this last match (the No. 2 doubles final) was pretty amazing.'' 

    AinzleyZulueta2024CityHayden senior Ainzley Zulueta won the city title in No. 1 singles on Thursday, helping the Wildcats capture the team championship. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN] 

    Zulueta, a two-time Class 4A state singles champion, took an 8-0 win over Seaman sophomore Emma Sweeney in the No. 1 singles final, capping a dominating day.

    Zulueta had to sit out her junior high school season due to an eligibility issue after attending an out-of-state tennis academy but returned to win the third city title of her career.

    "I'm glad to be back,'' Zulueta said. "It's nice to be with the team again, traveling and all of that. I kind of missed it. That was the thing I missed most.''

    HaggardCatlin2024City 3Washburn Rural seniors Izzy Haggard (right) and Emerie Catlin won the city No. 1 doubles title Thursday at Kossover Tennis Center after winning the No. 2 crown in 2023. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

    Washburn Rural seniors Emerie Catlin and Izzy Haggard, who won the city No. 2 doubles title in 2023, won the No. 1 doubles championship on Thursday with an 8-6 win over E. Sheetz and Wichman.

    Catlin and Haggard trailed 3-0 at the start of the match before rallying to claim the championship.

    "We just weren't being aggressive at the net and then we clicked and started being aggressive,' Catlin said.

    "We got down a little bit and she (Catlin) helped pick us up,'' Haggard said.

    Haggard and Catlin have been doubles partners throughout their high school careers and Haggard said it felt good to win the No. 1 title in the duo's final city meet.

    "It's a good feeling,'' she said. "I think it's the best we've ever played together.''

    MollyGorman2024CitySeaman junior Molly Gorman won the city title in No. 2 singles Thursday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

    Junior Molly Gorman won the No. 2 singles title for Seaman, taking an 8-4 win over Funk, while the Vikings also got a third-place finish in No. 1 doubles from Sidney Chinn and Peyton Henry.

    CITY GIRLS TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP

  • Cair Paravel falls 46-0 to Class 2A stalwart Council Grove in Lions' home opener at Yager Stadium

    Todd Fertig

    By Todd Fertig

    TopSports.news

    The Cair Paravel Lions endured a test of their character Friday night, matched in just their third game of 11-man football with the ninth-ranked team in Class 2A.

    JasePavlik2024CouncilGrove 1Cair Paravel senior quarterback Jase Pavlik attempts a pass in Friday's 46-0 loss to Council Grove. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

    BenRoeder2024CouncilGrove 1Cair Paravel senior Ben Roeder (5) carries the ball in Friday's 46-0 loss to Council Grove. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

    The Lions survived a similar test a week earlier, hanging with even higher-ranked Osage City. But Friday’s battle with Council Grove – Cair Paravel’s first home game as an 11-man team – ended in a 46-0 defeat at Washburn University’s Yager Stadium.

    The Braves suited up 46 players Friday to just 18 for Cair Paravel. Facing a difference in size at essentially every position across the field, the Lions looked for positives to take away following the defeat.

    “(Opponents like this) definitely show your weaknesses,” said Cair Paravel coach Doug Bonura. “I told the guys I’m proud of them. We didn’t quite play the game that we wanted to play. I don’t know if that’s because of (Council Grove) or because of us yet. That’s what film tells us. But I’m proud of the way they played.”

    “But we’ve got to figure some things out, because it’s not going to be easy this year. Nothing’s easy.”

    The Braves came out firing to start the contest. But after surrendering two quick touchdowns, the Lions’ defense stiffened. The highlight of the first half for the home team was holding Council Grove out of the end zone on three consecutive series.

    When it appeared the Lions might make it to halftime trailing just 13-0, a long Braves’ pass put them in scoring position with less than two minutes remaining. Ace Monihen blasted in for a 2-yard touchdown.

    After two plays on the ensuing drive, Monihen scooped up an errant pitch in the Lion backfield and dashed 29 yards for the Braves’ fourth touchdown of the half to lead 27-0.

    With a few key players hobbled in the first half, the Lions scrambled to hold things together after halftime. A running clock brought on a speedy end to the 46-0 defeat.

  • A game-by-game look at this week's Shawnee County prep football games

    Rick Peterson, Top Sports News Writer

    By RICK PETERSON
    TopSports.news

    (All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

    FRIDAY NIGHT'S GAMES

    MaxHustonPiper 2Seaman senior quarterback Max Huston has passed for 261 yards and three touchdowns this fall for the 1-1 Vikings. [File photo/TSN]

    TOPEKA WEST (0-2, 0-2) at SEAMAN (1-1, 1-0)

    Topeka West is coming off a 53-8 home United Kansas Conference loss to Shawnee Heights while Seaman dropped a 35-7 non-league decision to Shawnee Mission East last Friday. Seaman senior quarterback Max Huston has completed 23 of 48 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns while senior Bryer Finley has caught 10 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown and junior Kaden McKinney has caught five passes for 115 yards and a TD. McKinney leads the Vikings with 122 rushing yards and two TDs on 27 attemps. Topeka West senior Alesecio Batson scored the Chargers' lone touchdown against Shawnee Heights on a 20-yard reception from freshman Josiah Wilke while senior Treyvion Barr added a 2-point conversion.

    JasePavlik2024action 2Cair Paravel senior quarterback Jase Pavlik passed for 226 yards and two touchdowns in last Friday's 54-20 loss to Osage City. [File photo/TSN]

    COUNCIL GROVE (2-0, 2-0) vs. CAIR PARAVEL LATIN (1-1, 1-1)

    At Yager Stadium

    Cair Paravel will play its first home game at Washburn University's Yager Stadium, with the Lions facing Council Grove in a Flint Hills League contest. Cair Paravel is coming off a 54-20 league loss to Osage City while Council Grove improved to 2-0 with a 50-13 league win over Mission Valley. Lion senior quarterback Jase Pavlik passed for 226 yards and two touchdowns last Friday while senior Ben Roeder had 13 catches for 165 yards and two TDs and junior Tobias Bonura carried the ball 13 times for 74 yards and caught six passes for 55 yards. Council Grove sophomore quarterback Luke Stewart has completed 28 of 38 passes for 419 yards and three TDs while senior Ace Monihen has rushed or 208 yards and seven TDs and senior Landon Dody has nine catches for 236 yards and a TD.

    KadeMitchell2024 1Hayden junior Kade Mitchell rushed for more than 100 yards and also scored on a 90-yard kickoff return in last Friday's 42-14 win over St. Michael The Archangel. [Photo by Kyle Manthe/Special to TSN]

    KC-WARD (0-2) at HAYDEN (2-0)

    After finishing second in Class 3A last season, Bill Arnold's Wildcats are off and running again this fall, improving to 2-0 with a 42-14 win over St. Michael The Archangel (Lee's Summit, Mo.) last Friday. Junior Kade Mitchell rushed for more than 100 yards in the Hayden while also returning a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdowns. Senior quarterback Jett Wahlmeier threw for three touchdowns against the Guardians.

    TyrenParker2024 2Shawnee Heights junior Tyren Parker has caught 11 passes for 185 yards and two TDs for the 1-1 T-Birds. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

    BASEHOR-LINWOOD (2-0, 2-0) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (1-1, 1-0)

    Shawnee Heights opened United Kansas Conference play with a 53-8 road win over Topeka West last Friday while Basehor-Linwood improved to 2-0 with a 48-14 win over Piper. T-Bird junior quarterback Aiden Scott completed 16 of 26 passes for 333 yards and three touchdowns against West and has passed for 655 yards and five TDs on a 40 of 66 performance in two games. Junior David Wakes has carried the ball 32 times for 176 yards and two TDs while junior Tyren Parker has caught 11 passes for 185 yards and two TDs. Basehor-Linwood junior quarterback Carson Dixon has completed 23 of 41 passes for 215 yards and three TDs while senior Nick Doering has 183 rushing yards and five TDs on 29 carries and junior Noah Morrison has 10 receptions for 94 yards and two TDs.

    JamonWilsonNE 2Jamon Wilson has helped lead Highland Park to a 2-0 start this all, with the Scots outscoring their two opponents by a 94-0 margin. [File photo/TSN]

    HIGHLAND PARK (2-0, 2-0) at KC-SCHLAGLE (1-1, 1-0)

    Highland Park has outscored its two Meadowlark Conference opponents by a 94-0 margin, including a 42-0 win over Kansas City-Sumner Academy last Friday. KC-Schlaglee picked up its first win in a 48-0 win over KC-Wyandotte. Scot junior quarterback Dontrail Fox went 9 of 16 in the passing game for 112 yards and three touchdowns while Highland Park rushed for 231 yards on 37 attempts as sophomore G'honi Montgomery picked up 78 yards on 15 attemps and senior Jamon Wilson gaining 75 yards on nine carries. Wilson caught seven passes for 76 yards and also returned a punt return for a 59-yard touchdown, one of three punt-return TDs for the Scots. Highland Park also got an 80-yard punt return from senior CJ Brown and a 23-yard score from junior Genesis Cooper. Senior Ricky Crawford led the Highland Park with nine tackles, including five solo stops.

  • Prep FB roundup: Highland Park improves to 2-0 with 42-0 Meadowlark romp past KC-Sumner

    Rick Peterson

     By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Highland Park improved to 2-0 overall and in the Meadowlark Conference with a 42-0 road rout over Kansas City-Sumner Friday night.

    Scot junior quarterback Dontrail Fox went 9 of 16 in the passing game for 112 yards and three touchdowns while Highland Park rushed for 231 yards on 37 attempts as sophomore G'honi Montgomery picked up 78 yards on 15 attemps and senior Jamon Wilson gaining 75 yards on nine carries.

    JamonWilsonNE 2Highland Park senior Jamon Wilson had 151 rushing and receiving yards and returned a punt 59 yards for a TD in the Scots' 42-0 win over KC-Sumner. [File photo/TSN]

    Wilson caught seven passes for 76 yards and also returned a punt return for a 59-yard touchdown, one of three punt-return TDs for the Scots.

    Highland Park also got an 80-yard punt return from senior CJ Brown and a 23-yard score from junior Genesis Cooper.

    Senior Ricky Crawford led the Highland Park with nine tackles, including five solo stops.

    Highland Park will be back on the road next Friday against Meadowlark Conference foe KC-Schlagle.

    SHAWNEE MISSION EAST 35, SEAMAN 7 --Seaman (1-1) and Shawnee Mission East (1-1) were tied at 7-7 before the Lancers took control of the non-league contest with the final 28 points of the night.

    Seaman scored its lone touchdown on a touchdown pass from quarterback Max Huston to Kaden McKinney.

    The Vikings will play their home opener next Friday, hosting Topeka West in a United Kansas Conference contest.

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers Sept. 9, 2024

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    BrodyAndersonmug 2Brody Anderson

    BRODY ANDERSON, Seaman

    A junior cross country star, Anderson opened his 2024 season with the boys individual championship in Saturday's Manhattan Invitational at Warner Park. Anderson, a returning Class 5A state qualifier, posted a winning five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 35.77 seconds, taking the victory by 28 seconds. 

    TevanteEwing2024mugTevante Ewing 

    TEVANTE EWING, Topeka High

    Ewing, a senior running back, scored three touchdwns in Topeka High's 52-19 season-opening non-league road victory over Wichita West on Friday. Ewing scored the Trojans' first touchdown on a 70-yard pass from Zane Smith and also scored on a pair of runs as Topeka High rolled to a win in Jason Filbeck's debut as High's coach.  

    JohnHoytal2024mugJohn Hoytal

    JOHN HOYTAL, Washburn Rural

    A junior quarterback, Hoytal made his first career start in Friday's 42-21 non-league home win over Shawnee Heights. Hoytal completed 14 of 21 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns while also rushing for 47 yards on 10 carries. Hoytal completed TDs of 2, 42 and 7 yards to Kellan Roth and16 yards to Brody Schwinn.

  • Prep FB roundup: Cair Paravel, High's Filbeck notch firsts with season-opening wins

    Rick Peterson

     By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Cair Paravel Latin and Topeka High head football coach Jason Filbeck both made a little bit of history with season-opening road victories Friday night.

    Cair Paravel notched its first-ever 11-man victory in a 44-0 win at West Franklin while Filbeck posted his first victory at Topeka High in his debut with the Trojans as High rolled to a 52-19 win over Wichita West at Friends University.

    CPLS dominated its 11-man debut from start to finish, using a 21-point second quarter to open up a 28-0 halftime advantage and adding its final two TDs in the fourth quarter.

    BenRoeder2024mugBen Roeder

    The Lions scored the only points they would need midway through the opening quarter when senior Ben Roeder scored on a 4-yard run and CPLS standout senior quarterback Jase Pavlik ran for the 2-point conversion to give his team an 8-0 lead.

    Roeder returned a punt return 73 yards for a TD to give Cair Paravel a 14-0 lead with eight minutes left in the first half and Chase Hastert added interception returns of 46 and 50 yards to put the Lions in control at the half.

    Tobias Bonura added an 85-yard interception return and Pavlik hit Roeder for a 2-point conversion early in the fourth quarter before Roeder scored his third TD on a 3-yard rush (Pavlik run) to complete the Lions' scoring with six minutes left.

    JasonFilbeck2024 2Topeka High rolled to a 52-19 road win over Wichita West Friday, giving Jason Filbeck a victory in his debut as the Trojans' head coach. [File photo/TSN]

    The Trojans made sure Friday was a happy night Filbeck, who accepted the Topeka High job in the offseason after 10 years at Augusta, with High scoring the first 20 points and never looking back. 

    Topeka High never trailed after Zane Smith and Tevonte Ewing connected with a 7-yard TD pass with 7:33 left in the first quarter.

    Smith threw his second touchdown pass with 4:31 left in the opening quarter and Ewing scored again to put the Trojans in front 20-0 early in the second quarter.

    Later in the first half Ewing scored for the third time to give the Trojans a 26-6 lead and Smith hit Jayden Norman for a 90-yard TD to put High up 32-6 at the half.

    Detrick Johnson put Topeka High up 46-6 at the 7:46 mark of the third quarter and the Trojans cruised the rest of the way.

  • A game-by-game look at Friday night's Shawnee County prep football openers

    Rick Peterson, Top Sports News Writer

    By RICK PETERSON
    TopSports.news

    (All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

    TaysonHorakHol 1Rossville senior Tayson Horak (12) earned All-Shawnee County Second 22 and All-Mid-East League first-team honors last fall. [File photo/TSN]

    LoganPegram2024Former Silver Lake football star Logan Pegram is starting his third season as the Eagles' head coach, leading Lake to a 14-5 record over the past two years. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

    ROSSVILLE at SILVER LAKE

    The Bulldawgs and Eagles open the 2024 season with one of the state's most storied rivalries. Rossville is coming off a 5-4 record a year ago while Silver Lake went 8-2. Rossville is playing its first season in the Class 1A ranks while the Bulldawgs and Silver Lake are both entering their first year in the new Big East League. Rossville senior Tayson Horak earned All-Mid-East League first-team recognition on offense and was a TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Second 22 pick last season while seniors Kameron Badura and Brock Bush and junior Jack Donovan received all-county honorable mention. Silver Lake senior Braden Strausbaugh, an offensive tackle and defensive end, earned All-Shawnee County Second 22 recognition last fall while seniors Logan Cathcart and Trent Rollenhagen and junior Dayne Johnson received all-county honorable mention.

    KingLeonardJC 2Seniors King Leonard (1) is a top returner for Washburn Rural, intercepting nine passes last fall for the 11-1 Junior Blues. [File photo/TSN]

    TyrenParkerHP 1Shawnee Heights junior receiver/defensive back Tyren Parker has received Division I offers from Kansas, Kansas State and Iowa State. [File photo/TSN]

    SHAWNEE HEIGHTS at WASHBURN RURAL

    City rivals Washburn Rural and Shawnee Heights combined for 19 wins last season, with the 11-1 Junior Blues advancing to the Class 6A semifinals and the 8-3 T-Birds making it to the 5A quarterfinals. Rural senior safety King Leonard was among the state leaders with nine interceptions, including one pick six, and was also in on 75 tackles (47 solo) en route to earning All-Shawnee County Top 22 honors last fall. Senior cornerback Wilson Miller was named the Shawnee County defensive newcomer of the year and earned All-Centennial League defensive honors and All-Shawnee County Second 22 recognition last season. Shawnee Heights only returns defensive starters Parker Busenitz, a senior safety, and junior cornerback Tyren Parker from last year's team along with junior kicker Camden Granado. Parker has D-I offers from Kansas, Kansas State and Iowa State.

    JamonWilsonForBrent 2Senior Jamon Wilson racked up 1,185 all-purpose yards and scored 63 points last fall for the 7-3 Scots. [File photo/TSN]

    KC-WYANDOTTE at HIGHLAND PARK

    At Hummer Sports Park

    After snapping an eight-year losing streak early in 2022, Jermaine Monroe's Scots have posted back-to-back winning seasons, including a 7-3 mark last season when Highland Park won its first playoff game since 1991. Senior linebacker Ricky Crawford earned All-Meadowlark Conference first-team and Second 22 All-Shawnee County honors last season, leading Highland Park with 78 tackles, including 54 solo stops, seven tackles for loss, five sacks and 13 quarterback hurries. Junior defensive back TremaineSavage was a first-team All-Meadowlark Conference selection last season, recording 29 tackles, registering 15 pass breakups and forcing two fumbles, while senior wide receiver/defensive back Jamon Wilson racked up 1,185 all-purpose yards last season while scoring 63 total points and receiving All-Shawnee County honorable mention. Wyandotte is coming off a 1-8 season in 2023.

    JensenSchrickelCheney 1Hayden senior receiver/defensive back Jensen Schrickel is a two-time All-Shawnee County Top 22 selection. [File photo/TSN]  

    HAYDEN at EUDORA

    Hayden went 12-1 and finished second in Class 3A last fall while Eudora is coming off a 5-5 season, losing to Atchison 50-27 in the second round of the 4A playoffs. Wildcat senior wide receiver/defensive back Jensen Schrickel is a two-time TSN All-Shawnee County Top 22 selection, catching 40 passes for 683 yards, carrying the ball 18 times for 268 yards and scoring 10 total touchdowns and three 2-point conversions. Junior running back Kade Mitchell was named the co-offensive newcomer of the year in Shawnee County last season after rushing for 764 yards on 79 carries, catching 13 passes for 209 yards and scored 14 touchdowns and 92 total points. Senior quarterback Jett Wahlmeier completed 61 of 113 passing attempts for 1,086 yards and 11 touchdowns last fall.

  • Technology quickly changing the game of high school football

    Todd Fertig

    By Todd Fertig

    TopSports.news

    High school football players who come off the field have traditionally made a trip to the water cooler, congregated near the coaches to watch the action on the field, or perhaps snuck a peak at their friends and family in the stands.

    But increasingly, local players are gathering around large screen televisions on the sidelines or peering at hand-held devices on the bench.

    The high school game is becoming more high-tech by the season. It’s not uncommon to see a drone buzzing just outside the field of play, filming the action and relaying those images to coaches as the game is going on.

    For an old school football fan familiar with Vince Lombardi’s diagrams on a chalk board, it can all seem mind boggling. But to teenagers immersed in a high-tech world, it’s the best way to learn the game.

    JermaineMonroeNE 1Highland Park football coach Jermaine Monroe said that ever-changing technology can provide big advantages for high school teams. [File photo/TSN]

    “This is the way to communicate to students today,” said Highland Park coach Jermaine Monroe. “I think to be able to connect to students in the classroom and on the field, we need to stay up with the times. We have to be able to change and adapt. Technology in the game is not going anywhere, and it’s only going to get better and better.”

    Monroe is one of several veteran coaches in the area who are working hard to adapt to the new technology. He said he no longer prints playbooks for his players to study. It’s all done on video.

    “I’m 100% enjoying it,” Monroe said. “I was kind of stuck in the old school way of doing things, but when I learned how user-friendly these things are, it’s making things easier and I’m getting information to the boys faster, which is the most important thing.”

    JasonSwift2024 11Shawnee Heights football coach Jason Swift said that the T-Bird coaching staff uses technology in a variety of ways to communicate with Heights' players. [File photo/TSN]

    Shawnee Heights coach Jason Swift said the T-Birds typically use a camera in or on top of the press box to send video instantly to a TV on the sideline.

    “That enables us to, in between series, have a unit look at the video on the monitor which allows the coaches to teach what’s going on based on the past series,” Swift said. “It’s instant feedback.

    “A lot of our kids play both ways and don’t come off the field long enough to look at film. But seven or eight might.”

    Like many teams, Shawnee Heights uses a drone and mounts a camera on a tripod in one end zone to provide different angles of the action. While the T-Birds utilize footage strictly from the press box during the game, Swift said the other video footage is invaluable for teaching in practice.

    “I love it,” Swift said. “It’s more time management on downloading film and getting it ready to show to kids. If you’re looking at a sideline view of a play and an end zone view of the play, you have to cut it up so that they match. It’s a little bit more time consuming, but the benefit of using it as a teaching tool outweighs the time.”

  • Prep parade: Cair Paravel's focus on steady improvement in first season in 11-man ranks

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Editor's note: TopSports.news has finished its tour of preseason football practice at all 10 Shawnee County high schools and will post preview stories over the coming days leading into the opening games of the 2024 season on Sept. 6.

                                                                             -------------------------------------------

    Coming off its best season as a full member of the Kansas State High School Athletics Association, Cair Paravel Latin finds itself starting over in many ways this fall.

    DougBonura2024 4Doug Bonura's Cair Paravel football team will make the jump to 11-man this fall, competing in Class 1A. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

    Doug Bonura's Lions posted a 9-3 record and advanced to the Eight-Man Division I state semifinals a year ago, but CPLS graduated nine seniors and has only four returning lettermen and 19 total players as it begins its transition into the 11-man ranks this fall.

    Cair Paravel's enrollment was two students above the limit for Eight-Man Football, prompting the move to Class 1A.

    And although Bonura knows the Lions will face numerous challenges this fall, he said the focus will be on making steady improvement each and every day out.

    "If you do everything right and grow and get better and you do the best that you can and you still lose, that's still successful,'' Bonura said. "If there's 100 guys on the other sideline and you've got 19 you still play your heart out and we may be able to win, we play to win. David can beat Goliath but the reality of it is if they're bigger and they're better and they're stronger we just say, 'You know what, hats off to you, you guys are better than us.' ''

  • TopSports.news' 2024 Shawnee County football players to watch

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    KameronBadura2024mugKameron Badura

    KAMERON BADURA, Rossville

    A senior, Badura received TopSports.news All-Shawnee County and All-Mid-East League honorable mention recognition last fall for the 5-4 Bulldawgs. Badura is a returning starter for Rossville and is expected to play a key role as a skill player on offense and in the defensive secondary.

    AlesecioBatson2024mug 2Alesecio Batson

    ALESECIO BATSON, Topeka West

    A senior, Batson is best known for his exploits in track and field, winning the Class 5A state triple jump championship at 48 feet, 4.25 inches as a sophomore in 2023. West football coach Trey Parker will try to take advantage of Batson's superb athleticism in a variety of roles this fall, including safety on defense.

    ElijahBerg2024mugElijah Berg

    ELIJAH BERG, Topeka West

    Berg, a senior, will be counted on to provide talent and leadership for a Topeka West program that is looking to improve on back-to-back 1-8 seasons. Berg could see action in a variety of roles for the Chargers, including wide receiver, where he is West's top returner.

    TobiasBonura2024mugTobias Bonura

    TOBIAS BONURA, Cair Paravel Latin

    As one of only four returning lettermen from last season's 9-3 Cair Paravel team, Bonura, a junior, will be counted on to be a team leader as the Lions make the jump to the 11-man ranks (Class 1A) for the first time in school history. With only 19 players on the roster, Bonura and the other Cair Paravel veterans will rarely leave the field.

    AndrewBroughton2024mugAndrew Broughton

    ANDREW BROUGHTON, Seaman

    A 5-foot-11, 200-pound senior center, Broughton will anchor the offensive line for the Vikings after earning All-United Kansas Conference second-team honors and TopSports.news All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season. Broughton helped the Vikings post a 6-5 record and advance to the third round of the Class 5A state playoffs.

    ParkerBusenitz2024mugParker Busenitz

    PARKER BUSENITZ, Shawnee Heights

    Busenitz, a senior, is a returning starter at safety, one of only two returning defensive starters for Shawnee Heights, which is coming off an 8-3 season last fall. Busenitz received All-Shawnee County honorable mention in 2023 after recording 40 tackles with three pass interceptions and is also expected to be an impact player at wide receiver for the T-Birds. 

    BrockBush2024mugBrock Bush

    BROCK BUSH, Rossville

    A senior linebacker, Bush received All-Mid-East League and All-Shawnee County honorable mention last fall for the 5-4 Bulldawgs after receiving second-team all-league recognition and all-county honorable mention as a sophomore. The three-year starter will be counted on for leadership as Rossville begins its first season in the Big East League and looks to be a Class 1A contender.

    ConnerBush2024mugConner Bush 

    CONNER BUSH, Rossville

    A junior, Bush is a top defensive returner for Rossville, which is coming off a 5-4 season, and has also logged multiple offensive starts for the Bulldawgs. Bush, one of 18 returning lettermen, will be a key player as Rossville makes the transition to Class 1A and to the Big East League.

    LoganCathcart2024mugLogan Cathcart

    LOGAN CATHCART, Silver Lake

    A senior, Cathcart is a returning starter for the Eagles, 8-2 last season, at both wide receiver and safety and will be counted on to provide leadership as Silver Lake makes the transition to the Big East League. Cathcart is also a baseball standout for the Eagles, receiving All-Shawnee County honorable mention last spring.

    SethCatron2024mugSeth Catron

    SETH CATRON, Rossville

    The Bulldawgs, coming off a 5-4 record a year ago, will be looking for Catron, a senior, to be one of Rossville's biggest weapons on offense as the team makes the transition to the Big East League and the Class 1A ranks this season. Catron, who has made multiple starts for the Bulldawgs, is one of 18 returning lettermen.

     RickyCrawford2024mugRicky Crawford

    RICKY CRAWFORD, Highland Park

    Crawford, a 6-0, 180 senior linebacker, earned All-Meadowlark Conference first-team and Second 22 All-Shawnee County honors last season after helping lead the Scots to a 7-3 record and their first playoff win since 1991. Crawford led Highland Park with 78 tackles, including 54 solo stops, seven tackles for loss, five sacks and 13 quarterback hurries.

    HaydenCummings2024mugHayden Cummings

    HAYDEN CUMMINGS, Seaman

    A 5-10, 205 senior linebacker, Cummings earned second-team All-United Kansas Conference recognition and All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after helping the Vikings post a 6-5 record and advance to the third round of the Class 5A state playoffs. Cummings was credited with 103 total tackles, three tackles for loss and two forced fumbles for the Vikings. 

    BroderickDesch2024mugBroderick Desch

    BRODERICK DESCH, Hayden

    Desch, a 5-10, 205 senior fullback, earned All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after playing a key role on offense as the Wildcats posted a 12-1 record and advanced to the Class 3A state championship game. Desch rushed for 511 yards on 102 carries and scored 10 touchdowns in 2023.

    JackDonovan2024mugJack Donovan

    JACK DONOVAN, Rossville

    A junior wide receiver/defensive back, Donovan earned All-Mid-East first-team recognition on defense last season and earned All-Shawnee County honorable mention. Donovan is also a standout for the Bulldawgs in both golf and basketball, earning first-team All-Shawnee County recognition in both sports. 

    CadenEstrada2024mugCaden Estrada

    CADEN ESTRADA, Washburn Rural

    A 6-2, 270 senior offensive tackle, Estrada has earned first-team All-Centennial League recognition the past two seasons and was a Second 22 All-Shawnee County selection last fall after helping Washburn Rural post an 11-1 record and advance to the Class 6A semifinals.

  • TopSports.news' 2024 Shawnee County volleyball players to watch

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    JoMharaBenning2024Topeka High senior Jo'Mhara Benning received second-team All-Shawnee County recognition the past two seasons. [File photo/TSN]

    JO'MHARA BENNING, Topeka High

    Benning, a senior, has received second-team All-Shawnee County recognition the past two seasons and was also a second-team All-Centennial League pick. Benning is also a softball standout for the Trojans, earning All-Shawnee County first-team honors.

    ELLA BOLAN, Silver Lake

    Bolan, a senior middle hitter/outside hitter, earned All-Shawnee County first-team honors and Kansas Volleyball Association All-Class 3A honorable mention last fall after helping Silver Lake post a third-place finish in the 3A  state tournament, with the Eagles posting a 32-12 record on the year. An All-3A state tournament pick and second-team All-Mid-East League honoree, Bolan registered 317 kills with 62 blocks and 38 service aces.

    TAYLOR BREES, Shawnee Heights

    A senior, Brees was a second-team All-Shawnee County and All-United Kansas Conference selection last season for the T-Birds. Brees also earned first-team All-Shawnee County recognition in softball this past spring.

    AlanaBrewster2024Silver Lake senior Alana Brewster, spiking the ball, earned second-team All-Shawnee County honors last season. [File photo/TSN]

    ALANA BREWSTER, Silver Lake

    Brewster, a senior, received  second-team All-Shawnee County recognition last season after helping Silver Lake post a 32-12 record and a third-place finish in the Class 3A state tournament. 

  • Topeka High's Slaymaker, Seaman's Collins among 12 new Shawnee County head coaches for 2024-2025

    Rick Peterson

     By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Kansas basketball legend Ron Slaymaker and veteran soccer coach Tim Collins are part of a group of 12 new varsity head coaches who have been announced by Shawnee County high schools for the 2024-2025 school year.

    RonSlaymakerTHnew 1Former Emporia State coaching legend Ron Slaymaker will take over as the new girls basketball coach at Topeka High in the 2024-2025 season. [File photo/TSN]

    Slaymaker, the former longtime Emporia State men's basketball coach who most recently coached girls basketball at Olpe after a seven-year stint with the Chase County girls, takes over as the girls coach at Topeka High.

    JasonFilbeckTH 4Former Augusta coach Jason Filbeck takes over as Topeka High's football coach this fall. [File photo/TSN]

    Topeka High has also added former Augusta head coach Jason Filbeck as the Trojans' new football coach.

    Collins, who coached a state championship team at Topeka West and also coached the women's team at Washburn University, will coach the Seaman boys soccer team this fall.

    Collins is one of three new coaches for the Vikings, with Madison Lamond taking over as Seaman's new girls swimming coach and former softball assistant Daniel Ruda moving up to the head coaching position to replace Jay Monhollon, who retired at the end of the 2024 season.

  • TopSports.news' Top 100 Athletes in Shawnee County History: Men's No. 1-10

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    For the record, the No. 1 men's spot on TopSports.news' list of the Top 100 Athletes in Shawnee County history wasn't decided by a coin flip... but it was briefly considered.

    Picking the top spot, and really the entire Top 10, was that tough of a task. 

    Topeka High baseball legend Mike Torrez and former Shawnee Heights basketball and golf star Gary Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, had both been selected No. 1 in previous Top 100 projects and were both worthy candidates this time around as were several other nationally and world-renowned local greats.

    In the end Torrez, a World Series champion and 20-game winner over an 18-year year Major League career, got the nod by the slightest of margins over Woodland, a two-time state basketball champ for the T-Birds and a four-time winner on the PGA Tour.

    Former American League All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner Ken Berry holds down the No. 3 position on the TSN list followed by two-time Olympic wrestler Melvin Douglas and Silver Lake and Kansas State basketball icon Lon Krugeer.

    The second five on the Top 10 include PBA Hall of Famer Chris Barnes, Olympic long-jumper Preston Carrington (Syed Abdul-Mutfi), former NFL veterans and Super Bowl participants Troy Wilson and Tom Dinkel, and two-time state high school and NAIA national basketball champion Tom Meier.

    All of the Top 10 honorees are members of the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame.

    TSN SHAWNEE COUNTY ALL-TIME TOP 100 MEN’S ATHLETES

  • TopSports.news' Top 100 Athletes in Shawnee County History: Women's No. 1-10

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    The most impressive thing about NiJaree Canady is that she still may have not hit her peak just two college seasons into an already prolific softball career.

    But the former two-time state champion at Topeka High, college freshman of the year and national player of the year for Stanford and future Texas Tech Red Raider has already accomplished enough to get the nod for the No. 1 spot on TopSports.news' list of the Top 100 Athletes in Shawnee County history.

    Canady, who also helped lead Topeka High to three straight Class 6A state berths in basketball, headlines a top five that that also includes Olympic silver medalist Margaret Murdock, former NCAA national softball champion Lisa Carey, current Kentucky and USA Volleyball Under 21 star Brooklyn DeLeye and multi-time state champ, Arizona State All-American and pro tennis player Sheri Norris.

    Former Cair Paravel Latin star Peyton Williams, an All-Big-12 honoree in basketball and volleyball for Kansas State, earned the No. 6 spot on the Top 100, followed by K-State hoops star Nadira Hazim, Washburn University record-setter Brenda Shaffer-Dahl, Iowa State volleyball star Kaylee Manns and Nebraska national volleyball champ Jazz Sweet.

    TSN SHAWNEE COUNTY ALL-TIME TOP 100 WOMEN’S ATHLETES

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