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 week two, and how the players performed that we picked this week.
Conway Springs Defense
Conway Springs enters 2011 with a chip on their shoulder. After dominating everyone on the western side of the 3A playoff bracket in 2010 a state title seemed certain, but the Silver Lake Eagles had different plans and the Cardinals fell short of winning the championship. This fall the Cardinals return several key components of that squad including Brian Doffing, Matt Seiwert and Tanner Wood who will provide one of the best linebacking trios in any classification in Kansas.
Alex Deaver, QB/RB, Clifton-Clyde
Deaver had a huge sophomore season in 2010 in leading the Eagles to a 7-3 record before falling to eventual champ Madison in the first round. The 5-11, 170 pound Deaver rushed for more than 1,800 yards and scored 30 total touchdowns. Expect him to carry much of the load for the Eagles this season, but it may be a challenge as all-state lineman Reed Bergstrom (6-1, 275) graduated last May. Clifton-Clyde opens at home against Twin Valley League rival Linn.
Tanner Fisher, RB, Buhler
After 2,300 yards rushing in 2010, Tanner Fisher is as much of a sure bet to perform on Friday night as Kansas has got. While Rose Hill provides a formidable challenge and the Crusaders are missing some significant pieces from last year's offensive line, a healthy Fisher should open 2011 with a bang.
Christian Linenberger, QB, Salina South
Linenberger (6-2, 200) returns for his senior season under center after accounting for more than 1,800 yards of total offense in 2010. His production was the definition of balance as he threw for 862 yards and rushed for 853 more to go along with 12 touchdowns. He and junior Cody Busby present a formidable backfield for the Haysville Campus defense to try and stop in week one. Linenberger rushed for 123 yards and three touchdowns and threw for 90 yards and another score as Salina South beat the Colts 28-19 to open last season.
Marcus Phox, QB, Wichita Collegiate
Phox quickly answered the question of how Bill Messamore’s Spartans would handle the loss of quarterback Blake Jablonski to graduation following Collegiate’s 2009 state championship. As a sophomore last season, Phox accumulated nearly 1,500 yards of total offense through Collegiate’s first five games before being sidelined for the season with a broken collarbone. Now the junior is excited to get back on the field as the loaded Spartans open at Clearwater.
Brandon Rapp, RB, Sacred Heart
After rushing for nearly 1,400 yards in basically six games last season, Sacred Heart running back Brandon Rapp is poised for a breakout season. It starts Friday night as the Knights will again open the season against Minneapolis. Last year's season opener against the Lions ended early for Rapp as he sustained a concussion, a fact that will surely be a motivator for the senior as he enters 2011.
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