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  • A game-by-game look at Friday's Shawnee County FB playoffs

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON
    TopSports.news (Games at 7 p.m.)

    FRIDAY'S GAMES

    Class 6A

    BrantonDeWeeseWRural 2Senior Branton DeWeese threw for three touchdowns in Washburn Rural's 27-20 Class 6A playoff win over Junction City last Friday. [File photo/TSN]

    WICHITA EAST (8-2) at WASHBURN RURAL (10-0)

    Washburn Rural, the No. 1 West seed, is coming off a 27-20 home playoff win over Junction City last Friday while Wichita East advanced with a 48-28 win over Wichita Northwest. Rural has won 10 straight games for the first time since a perfect 12-0 season in 1989 and has won 10 games in a season for the first time since 1992. Rural senior quarterback Branton DeWeese threw for three touchdowns against Junction City, including a 69-yard game-winning strike to senior Calvin Hayes with 6:15 left in the game. Senior JC Heim scored a pair of TDs and starred defensively for the Junior Blues in last week's win while junior King Leonard had a pair of pass interceptions. Washburn Rural will be playing a Wichita East team that it faced in the opening game of the 2023 season, with the Junior Blues taking a 26-25 win in that game at Bowen-Glaze Stadium. The winner of Friday's game will advance to the 6A sub-state round to face the winner of Friday's game between Manhattan (9-1) and Derby (9-1) at Manhattan. With a win Friday Rural will be at home for the sub-state contest.

    Class 5A

    MaxHustonPiper 1Seaman junior quarterback Max Huston helped lead the Vikings to a 31-28 upset win over No. 1 Class 5A seed De Soto last Friday. [File photo/TSN]

    SEAMAN (6-4) at MILL VALLEY (8-2)

    Seaman, the No. 9 seed in the 5A East, posted its second straight Class 5A road playoff win over a higher seed last Friday, knocking off No. 1 East seed De Soto 31-28 on junior Ethan Geiger's 25-yard field goal with 7:08 remaining. Four-time defending state champion Mill Valley advanced with a 56-7 win over Spring Hill. Seaman junior quarterback Max Huston ran for two touchdowns and threw for two TDs in the win over De Soto. Huston has completed 188 of 309 passes for 2,774 yards and 34 touchdowns while senior Callen Barta has caught 63 passes for 1,254 yards and 16 TDs and junior Bryer Finley has 43 receptions for 529 yards and nine TDs and senior Holden Finley has 41 catches for 548 yards and six TDs. Huston is also Seaman's leading rusher with 581 yards and seven TDs on 115 attempts. Mill Valley senior Tristan Baker has carried the ball 161 times for 1,132 yards and 16 touchdowns while

  • Cair Paravel product Pridgett shines in increased role for Ichabod VB

    Rick Peterson

     By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    After putting together an outstanding four-year volleyball career for Cair Paravel Latin, Taryn Pridgett has had to wait her turn to make her mark for Washburn University.

    After having her freshman season at WU wiped out by COVID-19, the 5-foot-8 junior outside hitter saw only spot duty the past two seasons, seeing action in a combined total of 26 matches and 43 sets while compiling 41 kills and six total blocks. 

    TarynPridgettWU 3Washburn junior Taryn Pridgett, a Cair Paravel product, tied her career-high with 13 kills in Monday's 3-1 MIAA win over Emporia State. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

    TarynPridgettWU 5Cair Paravel product Taryn Pridgett (center) is congratulated by her Washburn teammates after a kill in Monday's 3-1 MIAA win over Emporia State. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

    But Pridgett's time has finally come for Chris Herron's Ichabods this fall and she's making the most of it.

    Pridgett has already set a career-high with 19 matches and 51 sets played this season and her 89 kills and 25 blocks have more than doubled her totals for the previous two seasons combined heading into Saturday's regular-season finale at Newman.

    "It's really exciting to see the growth personally, just being in practice and getting reps in,'' Pridgett said after Monday's 3-1 home MIAA win over Emporia State. "It's always fun to see the work have a high result. It's fun.

    "I love being out there and I love building trust with my teammates. I think that's been the most important thing is just slowly building trust through practice and in games.''

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers Nov. 6, 2023

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    AllenBaughman2023 2Allen 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.

    JCHeim2023mug 1JC 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.

    GriffinHeinenmug 4Griffin 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.

  • State champion Seaman headlines 2023 TSN All-Shawnee County VB

    Rick Peterson

    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.

    MaeganMillsUKC 2Seaman 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]

    TatianaDowlingSeaman 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:

  • A game-by-game look at this week's Shawnee County FB playoff games

    Rick Peterson

     By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

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

    THURSDAY'S GAME

    Class 5A

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

    JamonWilsonNE 2Highland 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

    JarenHeim2023 2Washburn 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

  • Prep FB roundup: Hayden improves to 9-0 with 49-0 Class 3A playoff rout

    Rick Peterson

     By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

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

    KadeMitchellHayden 1Hayden 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]

    DomRidleyHiawatha 1Hayden'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.

  • Prep FB roundup: Seaman shocks 5A top seed De Soto, 31-28

    Rick Peterson

     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.

    SeamanDeSotoFB 2Seaman 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.

    JCHeimJC 2Washburn 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.

  • A game-by-game look at Friday night's Shawnee County FB playoff games

    Rick Peterson

     By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

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

    CLASS 6A

    BrantonDeWeeseTW 1Washburn 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

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers Oct. 23, 2023

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

     JesiahBonuramug 2Jesiah 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.

    JacksonEsquibelnewmug 1Jackson 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.

    PaytonFink2023mug 1Payton 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.

  • Prep FB roundup: Cair Paravel caps 6-2 regular season with 74-28 romp

    Rick Peterson

     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)

    JesiahBonura 2Cair Paravel senior Jesiah Bonura compiled 435 all-purpose yards in Friday's 74-28 victory over Maranatha Christian. [File photo/TSN]

    JasePavlik 2Junior 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.

  • A game-by-game look at the Week 8 Shawnee County prep FB games

    Rick Peterson, Top Sports News Writer

    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

    JettWahlmeierPLJunior 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.

    MaxHuston2023TW 2Seaman 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.

  • Cair Paravel soccer takes 1-0 double-overtime win over Maranatha

    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. 

    CPLSseniorNight 4Cair 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.” 

  • Cair Paravel notches statement win in 52-16 romp past Chase County

    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. 

    JasePavlik 1Cair 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]

    JesiahBonura 1Cair 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.” 

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

    Rick Peterson, Top Sports News Writer

    By RICK PETERSON
    TopSports.news

    (All games at 7 p.m.)

    THURSDAY'S GAME

    JamonWilsonHP 3Junior 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

    JettWahlmeierPLJunior 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.

    TreyParkerLan 1Topeka 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.

  • Prep FB roundup: Rossville bounces back with 21-0 shutout at Holton

    Rick Peterson

     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.

    CamdenHorakSL 1Rossville 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]

    TaysonHorakHol 1Rossville 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.

  • Pavlik, Zordel the Dan Key Farmers Insurance Agency Rising Stars of the Week

    Rick Peterson, Top Sports News Writer

    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:

    JasePavlikRisingStar2Cair 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.

    TaylorZordelRisingStarSilver 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.

  • A game-by-game look at this week's county high school football games

    Rick Peterson, Top Sports News Writer

    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

    JarenHeim2023 2Washburn 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. 

    JoshNitschkeLan 1Topeka 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. 

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers Oct. 2, 2023

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    JarenHeim2023 2Jaren 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.

    JCHeim2023mug 1JC 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.

    TannerMartin2023 3Tanner 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.

  • Prep FB roundup: Hayden, Washburn Rural improve to 5-0 with big wins

    Rick Peterson

     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.

    JettWahlmeierPLHayden 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]

    KadeMitchellPL 1Hayden 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.

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

    Rick Peterson, Top Sports News Writer

    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

    CamdenHorak2023 3Rossville quarterback Camden Horak has passed for 882 yards and nine touchdowns for the 2-2 Bulldawgs. [File photo/TSN]

    TannerMartin2023 5Silver 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.

    FinnDunsheeSLake 1Hayden 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.

Top Sports News Team

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