Who to watch at every position as the football playoffs begin

Kyler Hoppes - McPherson, Quarterback, Sr.

Hoppes has one of the most favorable matchups in Class 4A.

The Bullpups’ offense has been rolling all season, and there likely won’t be any stopping in against winless Independence.

McPherson has given the reigns to Hoppes, and he has been excellent with 1,665 yards, 22 touchdowns and two interceptions.

Tre Washington - Derby, Running Back, Jr.

Few runners have been on the pace Washington has been on over the past few weeks.

With more than 250 rushing yards against an undefeated Maize defense, he was the difference maker on the outside.

This week, he and the Panthers get bottom-seeded Lawrence. Unless he gets injured, it would be naive to think he won’t score at least once.

Paxton Meares - Collegiate, Receiver, Sr.

Collegiate has one of the biggest games of the first-round games, and Meares is one of the Spartans’ most explosive options.

Hesston has played a lot of quality teams in 2018, but Collegiate has a well-rounded offense that presents threats from all over the field.

Meares has will be one of the quickest receivers the Swathers have had to cover this season.

Jacob Schmitz - Kapaun, Tight End, Sr.

Kapaun is starting to catch fire, and Schmitz has been a big reason.

At times this season, the Crusaders’ offense has gone stagnant, and when it has, they have often looked to Schmitz to tower over his defender.

Kapaun gets Hays (3-5) this week, a team that has been known for its defense against top teams. Schmitz will need to stretch the field.

Wichita Northwest - Offensive Line

Without the grind, there is no flash.

The Grizzlies’ offensive line has been plowing in recent weeks, and players like Breece Hall, Reagan Jones and Roy Johnson have reaped the benefits.

Northwest hosts Salina South (1-7) in the opening round, and the Grizzlies have scored more than 60 points in each of the past three weeks.

Goddard - Defensive Line

Goddard will want to pin its ears back in Week 9.

From Zeke Howell to Trenton Willert, the Lions’ defensive line has quietly been one of the best in the Wichita area.

Howell and Willert enter the postseason with 13.5 combined sacks, 88 total tackles and 23.5 tackles for loss.

Jack Wiens - Andover Central, Linebacker, Jr.

Wiens is the No. 4 tackler in Kansas.

The Andover Central defense has been outstanding in 2018, and despite a couple of injuries to the linebacking corps, Wiens and the Jaguars enter the postseason hot.

Wiens posted his most solo tackles in Central’s 13-3 win over Augusta in Week 1. He will look to do the same again Friday.

Tanner Ohnmeis - Maize, Safety, Sr.

Ohnmeis is a standout safety, and not just for his play.

Standing 6-foot-3, Ohnmeis is one of the tallest at his position in the Wichita area, and he uses his frame well in tackles and coverage.

He snagged a pick against Derby in Week 8. He will look to keep it rolling against Liberal (1-7).

De’Andrew Washington - Wellington, Cornerback, Sr.

Wellington is looking to get back on track against one of the most pass-happy offenses in Wichita.

Rose Hill travels to play the Crusaders, who are coming off a 14-13 loss to Mulvane. Washington’s coverage skills will be a nice asset to get back in form.

Washington is Wellington’s top corner and should shine Friday.

This story was originally published October 25, 2018 at 2:41 PM.