Who to watch at every position in the regional round of Kansas high school playoffs

The regional round is on deck, and the matchups are getting saucy.

Here are some of the individuals to watch for Friday across the Wichita area:

Caleb Grill - Maize, Quarterback, Sr.

Grill has caught fire late this season.

After Maize’s Week 9 win over Liberal, Grill has surpassed 2,000 passing yards. He is the No. 4 passer in Kansas and No. 1 in the Wichita area at 2,051 yards.

Although improved, the Maize South defense has given up its share of big plays this season. Grill should have his opportunities.

Breece Hall - Wichita Northwest, Running Back, Sr.

Hall rushed for his second most yards in Week 9.

He was electric against Salina South, going for 218 yards on just 11 carries for almost 20 yards a touch.

Northwest gets Emporia, a dangerous 5-4 team, in the regional round. Unfortunately for the Spartans and the rest of Kansas, Hall has hit his full stride at the best time.

Gunner Lynch - Bishop Carroll, Receiver, Sr.

The Bishop Carroll offense had to do some work Friday, and Lynch was at the forefront of it late.

Lynch scored a crucial 40-yard touchdown late in the Golden Eagles’ 40-34 win over Newton last week, his third of the season.

Lynch is just 37 yards behind fellow senior Mason Baalman for the team lead with 340 receiving yards. Both will be needed to perform Friday against Salina Central.

Peyton Jensen - Andover Central, Tight End, Sr.

Jensen is more of a receiver with the size of a tight end.

He presents a tough cover for smaller defensive back and bigger linebackers. Goddard isn’t a great matchup for him, but he has produced consistently this season.

Jensen is among the Jaguars’ leaders in receiving yards with 342. He and his fellow receivers need a big game to knock off the Lions on the road.

McPherson - Offensive Line

McPherson was a record-setting machine in Week 9.

The Bullpups put up 610 yards of offense. Quarterback Kyler Hoppes threw for six scores. McPherson ran it in four more times.

All of that is because of the offensive line, and the Pups are at home again in their regional against Ulysses.

Conway Springs - Defensive Line

Conway Springs’ defense was the difference in the first meeting.

The Cardinals beat Chaparral 53-23 during the regular season. They were opportunistic off turnovers.

If Conway Springs can get another good push from its defensive line in the regional against the Roadrunners, it could be a repeat.

Cade Lindsey - Derby, Linebacker, Sr.

Lindsey has been one of the Panthers’ top showmen of 2018.

He flies around the field as one of the leaders of the Derby defense. The Panthers turn into a different animal when the postseason begins, and Lindsey, a senior, knows that.

A home win over Dodge City on Friday would give Derby even more momentum.

Nalell Kapten - Goddard, Cornerback, Jr.

Kapten has come up in several big spots for Goddard this season.

When the Lions’ defense is backed up, he seems to rise to the front. That could happen again Friday.

Andover Central took Goddard to overtime in their first meeting, which the Lions won. They know how dangerous the Jaguars are. Kapten and the defense will have to hold them off again.

Jairus Kennedy - Kapaun, Safety, Jr.

Kapaun has one of the biggest tests of the Wichita area teams Friday.

The Crusaders will travel to Great Bend to try to fend off a strong offense. Kennedy will be needed in the back end to stop the bleeding.

Kennedy is a rangy safety who isn’t afraid to stick his body in the fray. He will need to do that Friday for the Crusaders to move on.

This story was originally published November 1, 2018 at 5:02 PM.