In our Picks to Click, we feature six players or units from across the state that we feel will have breakout performances on Friday night. Check back next Thursday to see our picks for the week, and recap how the players performed that we picked the week prior.
Jaden Friesen, RB, Meade
Since a week one loss to Canadian, Texas, the Buffaloes have been nothing short of dominant scoring at least 47 points in all but one of nine straight victories - a forfeit by Satanta in week seven - and they have allowed only 54 total points. Friesen is a big part of the team's success and after rushing for 247 yards and two touchdowns in last week's first round playoff victory over Atwood-Rawlins County the 5-11, 185 pound senior fullback appears poised for another big game this week as Meade travels to undefeated LaCrosse.
Garrett Griffin, RB, Louisburg
The 6-4, 210-pound Griffin is an imposing figure for defenses to try and stop. The junior running back, and son of Wildcat Coach Gary Griffin, broke loose for 220 yards and four touchdowns in Louisburg’s 56-35 shootout win over Chanute. Griffin also hauled in a crucial 44-yard reception on third-and-41 after the Blue Comets had pulled within 35-28 in the third quarter. The Wildcats would score the next play to expand the lead to 14 points. In the regular season match-up with Friday’s quarterfinal opponent DeSoto, Griffin contributed 92 yards rushing, 72 yards receiving, and scored touchdowns in both fashions.
Patrick Piper, RB, Otis-Bison
Piper is part of a three-headed rushing attack for the Cougars along with Dylan Wisssman and Michael Hlavaty; all three of which have rushed for more than 600 yards on the season. Keep in mind that most of the Cougar games are over by halftime. It was Piper who broke free in the quarterfinal romp over previously unbeaten Cheylin with 152 yards and three touchdowns. The Cougars will host Ashland in the state semifinals on Friday night.
Austin Nairn, RB, Stanton County
Nairn exploded for 199 yards rushing in last week's dominating 52-7 win and pushed his rushing total over 1,300 yards in the process. Nairn had rushing touchdowns of 47, 98 and 29 yards in the victory and has tallied 17 rushing touchdowns on the season. The Ell-Saline defense performed admirably against Brandon Rapp in last week's 14-3 win, but the Trojans feature multiple rushing threats including quarterback Quinn Kendrick and fullback Marques Logan which should give Nairn a chance for a big night.
Nick Sands, RB, Olathe South
Sands has been the workhorse for the Falcons’ new Wing-T offense. The 5-8, 185-pound senior has rushed for 1,470 yards and 17 touchdowns in leading Olathe South to the quarterfinals where they will take on defending champion and arch-rival Olathe North. Sands will look to expand his streak of 100-yard games to six against an Eagle defense that held him to 83 yards on 21 carries in week two. He has shown big game ability, however, as proven with this 280-yard rushing performance against Shawnee Mission South and having rushed for over 160 yards in four other games.
Topeka Hayden's Defense
Buhler running back Tanner Fisher is a good one helping the Crusaders forget about the loss of superstar Jorden Oden to graduation, but the Hayden defense is battled tested with impressive performances against 4A power Holton and 6A studs Manhattan and Topeka High. The Wildcats are in the driving seat for a 4A championship and as any coach knows, defense is what provides the fuel for this all-terrain vehicle.
Last week’s Picks to Click (Week 9):
Daniel Deshazer & Dreamius Smith, RBs, Wichita Heights -- Dreamius Smith rushed for 267 yards and three touchdowns as Wichita Heights beat Garden City, 49-7. Deshazer added 44 yards on just six carries as the Falcons rushed for more than 530 yards in the game.
Hanover Defense – After falling behind 14-8 early, the Wildcat defense held Caldwell out of the endzone until the fourth quarter in a 52-28 win. Hanover slowed the explosive Blue Jay quarterback Braden Lebeda to just 36 rushing yards on 15 carries. Hanover also forced two turnovers in advancing to the state semifinals for the fourth consecutive season. Aaron Diederich and Connor Hynek led four Wildcats with double-digit tackles with 14 each.
Norton Defense – The Blue Jay defense entered their second-round match-up with Beloit having surrendered a total of 95 points all season. When the dust settled, the Trojans had outscored Norton 42-35 and eliminated the Blue Jays hopes of a state title.
Brandon Rapp, RB, Sacred Heart – Rapp rushed for 129 yards on 30 carries, but the Knights couldn’t find paydirt against the Ell-Saline defense in a 14-3 first-round loss.
Kole Schankie, RB, Madison -- Schankie rushed for 104 yards four touchdowns as Madison advanced to the semifinals with a 58-12 halftime win over Central Burden. Schankie now has rushed for 459 yards and 12 touchdowns in Madison’s two playoff games. He has also scored touchdowns via reception and fumble return.
Ty Suggs, RB, Manhattan – Suggs rushed for 178 yards and three touchdowns as Manhattan withstood a late Derby rally to win 47-28
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