In our Picks to Click, we feature six players from across the state that we feel will have breakout performances on Friday night. Check back next Thursday to see our picks for week three, and how the players performed that we picked the week prior.
Armond Brisbane, QB, KC Sumner Academy
Brisbane is experienced, all-league quarterback that threw for more than 2,200 yards last season. He can stretch defenses with both his arm and legs as evidenced by a strong performance last week against a 4A playoff contender in Jefferson West. Brisbane torched the Tigers for 262 yards passing and two scores while running for a third. His ability to spread the ball around to his playmakers Benny Parker, Eli Alexander, and DeAndre Arnold should be the difference on Friday against Harmon.
D.J. Bronson, QB, Northern Heights
Last week, Bronson challenged the state record books by throwing for 475 yards and seven touchdowns in a 56-36 shootout win over Mission Valley. He wreaked havoc on the Vikings defense by completing 29 of 39 passes while throwing just one interception. The Wildcats will likely air things out again on Friday against a Chase County defense that allowed four touchdown passes and a 200-yard rusher in a 54-13 loss to Council Grove last week.
Caleb Cherryholmes, QB, Whitewater-Remington
Cherryholmes completed 27 of 43 attempts for 336 yards and five touchdowns last week in a 38-6 win over Sterling. After throwing for more than 1,600 yards a year ago, Cherryholmes returns with two experienced receivers in Jake Green and Matt Jacobs for the Broncos spread offense. Jacobs was the primary target last week catching seven for 119 yards and three scores. The Broncos will face another Heart of America League defense this week in Moundridge, which was beaten handily by rival Inman 30-6.
Andrew Flanagin, Kale Arnberger, & Corbin Stephens, Colby
In last week's season opening 47-22 win at rival St. Francis, Colby running back Andrew Flanagin showed why his regarded as one of the top players in 4A. Flanagin ran the ball 11 times for 107 yards and three touchdowns and caught three passes for 50 yards and posted 7 tackles on defense. The 6-2, 190 pound senior also caught a two-point conversion pass and will be expected to do more of the same Friday against a young Hugoton team that is rebuilding following the loss of a big senior class that went 10-1 in 2009. Flanagin is part of an exciting three-headed offensive attack for Colby that includes senior quarterback Kale Arnberger (11 of 17, 221 yards passing against St. Francis) and senior receiver Corbin Stephens (3 receptions, 97 yards, 2 touchdowns).
Hutch Trinity's offensive line
The Trinity Celtics face their first potential test of the season in a very good Ell-Saline team which blanked Bennington last week behind the return of 10 seniors including star quarterback and d-back Tate Omli, but this battle will be won up front and Trinity's biggest asset may be the area where they get the least press. Sure you know about Derek Racette at quarterback, Michael Mesh and Will Bothwell at receiver, and Brandon Koeningsman in the backfield, but the heart of any great team is the offensive line and this 3A power has a big heart. Led by returning seniors Austin Flynn (6-3, 245), Efrain Gutierrez (6-1, 265) and Peter Calvillo (6-0, 240) the Trinity offensive line helped the Celtics accumulate 402 total yards and score 62 points in a 62-13 dismantling of a solid 4A Cheney team. The Trinity/Ell-Saline game will be closer than the pundits think, but in the end Trinity's experience, and the big boys up front, should get a league victory and solidify their position as a top three team in class 3A.
Tevyn Harmon, QB, Topeka High
Since the last play of the playoffs the statement has been repeated time and time again, "The Topeka High Trojans are much improved, but how will they do without Sam Johnson?" Well former wide receiver Tevyn Harmon provided the answer and an exclamation mark in the Trojans 33-22 win over 4A power Holton in last week's opener. Harmon rushed 42-yards for the Trojans first touchdown and tallied a total of 106 yards rushing and 162 yards passing - completing 14 of 22 passes and two touchdowns - in his first game as the Trojans top signal caller. Expect more of the same out of Harmon against a solid Shawnee Heights team this week as he continues to improve in the Trojans offense.
Last week’s Picks to Click (Week One):
Matt Bromley, RB, Independence – 21 carries, 205 yards, 4 TDs in 61-51 win over Iola.
Mitch Buhler, QB, Rossville – 19 of 29 passes, 295 yards, 2 TDs, INT; 21 yards rushing, TD in 27-20 win over St. Marys.
Brady Coover, RB, Lincoln – rushed for 2 TDs in a 28-14 win over Tescott.
Michael Hlavaty, RB, Otis-Bison – 11 carries, 132 yards, 2 TDs in 46-0 shutout of St. John.
Brandon Willingham, RB, Olathe East – 11 carries, 120 yards, TD in 42-7 win over SM North.
Ryan Zachman, RB/KR, Russell – Both of teams TDs in an 18-14 loss to SE of Saline.
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