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 eight, and how the players performed that we picked this week.
David Cardinal, RB, Hays
The Indians looked impressive in their 56-14 shellacking of WAC foe Dodge City last week, and Cardinal was one of three players with more than 100 yards rushing with 141 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. Against rival Great Bend this week, Cardinal should again fuel the ground game as Hays looks to get a key win in their district opener.
Montel Cozart, QB, Bishop Miege
Cozart (6-0; 160) has settled in under center to lead the Stags to a 5-1 start. The junior has already thrown for 1,481 yards and 20 touchdowns for a Miege offense that averages 33.5 points per game. The Stags take on a fellow 5-1 team in Mill Valley in Week 7. The Jaguars’ defense gave up 42 points to Colin Murphy and Basehor-Linwood last week.
Gabe Guild, RB, Shawnee Mission South
The Raiders have struggled to a 1-5 start, but Guild has done his part. The junior has already rushed for 1,090 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s averaging nearly 185 yards on the ground per game, helped by a 339-yard performance in South’s win over SM Northwest in Week 5.
Benn Kirmer, RB, Central Plains
Kirmer has put up big numbers for the surging Central Plains Oilers. The senior has scored 13 touchdowns in the past four games alone, including kickoff returns for scores in each of the past two weeks. Kirmer’s big performance was a 240-yard, four touchdown effort in a win over Little River. He an Nick Schepmann form a strong backfield that makes the Oilers a strong playoff contender. They should give Lincoln fits this week, as the Leopards have given up 96 points in their last two games.
Nathan Peterson QB and Brock Long RB, Southeast of Saline
The Southeast of Saline Trojans suffered their first loss of the season against league foe Beloit last week, but Peterson and Long rushed for 109 and 78 yards respectively in that game. The duo will be expected to rebound and lead the Trojans to a district championship starting with the opener against Hillsboro.
Rock Hills Offensive Line
Wyatt Flinn (6-2, 250) and Micah Daniels (6-4, 240) cast impressive shadows from the Grizzlies offensive line, but other key contributors, while shorter than six foot, are strong and physical at around 200 pounds. The Grizz looked impressive against Lincoln and may be peaking at just the right time as they prepare to face a speedy Lakeside defense. In a week one win versus Osborne, Lakeside allowed running back Damon Schurr to rush for an average of 10.83 yards per carry behind a smaller o-line. Rock Hills will be motivated and could use the big boys up front to control the clock and deliver a huge victory.
Last week’s Picks to Click (Week Six):
Concordia Offensive Line – The Panther O-line paved the way for nine different backs to run for 500 yards on 51 carries as Concordia blew out Chapman, 48-14.
Dalton Dreiling, RB, Victoria – Dreiling rushed for 165 yards and three touchdowns on only six carries as the Knights shutout Northern Valley, 50-0.
Guy Fullmer, RB, Dighton – Fullmer rushed for 148 yards and two touchdowns in the Hornets 64-14 loss to Moscow.
Holton Defense – The Wildcat defense shutout previously unbeaten Perry-Lecompton 47-0, and held the Kaws to just 75 yards rushing on 37 carries.
Brad Strauss, QB, Lawrence – Brad Strauss rushed for 115 yards and four touchdowns and threw for 134 yards and another score as the Lions beat Shawnee Mission South, 42-17. Strauss also returned the game’s opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown.
Nick Walsh, RB/LB, Lyndon – Walsh rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns on only five carries as the Tigers shutout Humboldt, 46-0.
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