Players from Hutchinson, Garden City and Independence garnered Week 2 KJCCC Football Player of the Week honors. Hutchinson quarterback Mark Wright took Offensive Honors, while Garden City linebacker Krishonn Merriweather had a huge week to get Defensive honors and Butler kicker Taiten Winkle was the league's Special Teams Player of the Week.
OFFENSE - Mark Wright, Hutchinson
Mark Wright accounted for 354 total yards as No. 5 Hutchinson won its home opener with a 31-21 victory over Independence on Saturday at Gowans Stadium. Wright completed 15 of 27 passes for 194 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 160 yards on 27 carries, becoming the first Blue Dragon quarterback to rush for 100 yards in a game since 2008. After Independence pulled within one score twice in the third quarter, Wright calmly guided the Dragons on scoring drives of 74 yards in 13 plays and 75 yards in six plays to maintain the lead.
Others Nominated: Grahm Roberts, Butlerl Jon Giles, Fort Scottl Jaydon Hayes, Garden City; Demarco Fishback, Highland;
DEFENSE: KRISHONN MERRIWEATHER, Garden City
Krishonn Merriweather totaled a career-high with 20 tackles in Garden City's 42-22 come-from-behind victory over Dodge City. The Broncbusters trailed 22-7 in the second quarter before the defense, spearheaded by the sophomore linebacker, swung the momentum. It's the first double-digit tackle game of Merriweather's career. He's currently No. 1 in the nation in tackles.
Others Nominated: Alfahiym Walcott, Butler; Courtney Ledyard, Highland; Deylon Williams, Independence
SPECIAL TEAMS: Taiten Winkle, Butler
Taiten Winkle, asophomore kicker from Halstead, KS, kept the field position game in favor of the Grizzlies Saturday night when they faced No. 6 ranked Snow College. Winkle, had four punts with an average of 37.8/punt with a longest of 49 yards. He knocked down a 30-yard field goal with 30 seconds left in the third quarter to give Butler a 29-3 cushion. He finished 2/3 in PAT's and had six kickoffs that totaled 329 yards, an average of 54.8 per kickoff.
Others Nominated: Art Green, Hutchinson