South Central Competes With Northeastern Kansas

Last week we told you about 4A Andover Central's upset road victory over 6A Blue Valley Northwest. Of course, everyone also knows the result of Hutchinson's battle with Rockhurst up in Kansas City. The Salthawks challenged the Hawklets more than Rockhurst coach Tony Severino could have ever imagined. He stated that Hutchinson was the best team the Hawklets have played in a while since he's been at Rockhurst. This week two more Blue Valley schools traveled to south central Kansas to face area teams. On Saturday, Goddard and Maize proved that they were more than up to the challenge. Maize dominated Blue Valley North from the outset in a 17-6 victory. Maize held Blue Valley North, a 3-7 team from a year ago, to just 55 yards. On offense, the Eagles were paced by Dillon Ayres' passing attack. Ayres went 16 of 25 for 189 yards and two touchdown passes. His main target was Brett Soft, one of the top wide outs in the state. Soft had nine catches for 83 yards and one touchdown. Ben Lawson had the other touchdown reception for the Eagles on 82 yards overall, but the defense was the ultimate reason for the Eagle win over BV North. Goddard hosted the defending 5A state champion Blue Valley West. The Jaguars only passed six times on the night for 66 yards, but three of the six passes went for touchdowns. Quarterback Tom Herrera connected with Alex Visk for two of the scores. The Lions had a fairly efficient run game against the Jaguars behind the three-headed attack of quarterback Cameron Fisher, and running backs Nathan Hyson and Kyle Vineyard. The three combined for over 150 yards on the ground and Fisher took in both Goddard scores. On a goal-line stand in the second overtime, the Jaguar defense stuffed the Lions to preserve the 21-14 victory. Blue Valley West took the state championship from Bishop Carroll last season in 5A, but the Jaguars move up to 6A this season and will face competition like Goddard in the playoffs. .