Program Profiles: Grizzlies Gearing Up for 6A Title Run
The race for the Class 6A title is looking to be a thrilling ride this season. There could be a new champion crowned, as there are multiple teams with a legitimate shot at winning it all. Some popular picks are…
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Continue ReadingThe race for the Class 6A title is looking to be a thrilling ride this season. There could be a new champion crowned, as there are multiple teams with a legitimate shot at winning it all. Some popular picks are likely to be defending champs Blue Valley Northwest, Derby, Washburn Rural, Lawrence Free State, and Wichita East. However, there is a strong possibility that a newcomer in the division could take the crown.
Wichita Northwest has been an absolute powerhouse in the 5A ranks over the last four seasons; compiling a record of 42-7 with three straight state title game appearances during that span. But this fall they’ll be making the move back up to Class 6A for the first time since 2017.
The Grizzlies head into the ’22 season coming off an 8-3 finish last fall, and boasted arguably the most dominant ground game in the entire state. Some might wonder how they’ll fare in their first season back in Class 6A, but the transition shouldn’t be too difficult for them. Northwest’s last season in the division ended with a 10-2 record and a deep playoff run. Plus, they’ll be led by this group of impact players that can help get them back to the state title game.
Offense:
LJ Phillips LJ Phillips 5'9" | 200 lbs | RB Wichita Northwest | 2023 State KS & Cencere Thompson Cencere Thompson 5'9" | 190 lbs | RB Wichita NW | 2024 State KS , RB’s
Typically a program is lucky to have one top prospect at running back, but the Grizzlies are fortunate enough have to have two. Phillips and Thompson both rank inside the Top 25 in their respective classes, and undoubtably form the best backfield in the state. Last season the duo combined for 3,162 yards on 263 carries with 38 scores. The two compliment each other so well, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they replicate those numbers this season.
Jayce Glasper, 6’2”, 175, QB, Class of ’24
Jayce Glasper was discovered during the Summer Camp Standouts series, and he’s continued to impress since then. As the ’22 campaign continues to approach, it’s looking like Glasper will be the starter come Week 1. He’ll have big shoes to fill after the season Geremiah Moore had in 2021, but Glasper will be up for the challenge. Glasper has an athletic frame at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, and has a promising arm as well. Really excited to see how this young man will do as a first-year starter.
Trenton Salisbury Trenton Salisbury 5'10" | 185 lbs | ATH Wichita Northwest | 2023 State KS , Michael Lopez Michael Lopez 5'7" | 150 lbs | WR Wichita NW | 2024 State KS , & Taccarri Brown, WR’s
These three wideouts should be the top pass catchers for the Grizzlies this season. Each of them brings a different dynamic to the table. Salisbury is a solid option in the intermediate game and is possibly their top blocking receiver. Lopez brings the explosiveness and can hurt defenses if they load the box to stop the run. Taccarri Brown isn’t well known throughout the state, but he’s a junior that could have a breakout year. He’s the tallest of the three, standing at 6-foot-2, and looks like another prospect that can stretch the field.
Jacob Lamb Jacob Lamb 6'3" | 230 lbs | OL Wichita Northwest | 2023 State KS & Connor Armstrong, OL, Class of ’23
With all this talk of the offensive playmakers the Grizzlies have this season, their offense wouldn’t be able to function without the help of these two hogs up front. Lamb returns at left tackle where he was a 5A All-State Honorable Mention pick last season. Armstrong returns as the anchor of the offensive line at center. Both have received next level interest, and they are sure to gain more if they continue to help produce over 4,800 yards on the ground.
Defense:
Caden Ross Caden Ross 6'1" | 235 lbs | DL Wichita Northwest | 2023 State KS , 6’1”, 225, DL, Class of ’23
Ross will be one of the key leaders for Northwest’s defense this season, and he is their top returning defensive lineman. He was a breakout player as a junior, but this season he’ll be looking to establish himself as one of the top pass rushers in Class 6A. Expect for him to rack up double-digit tackles for loss once again as a senior.
Dontrell Harris Dontrell Harris 6'0" | 180 lbs | DB Wichita Northwest | 2023 State KS & Jeremiah Harris, DB’s
One of the biggest strengths of the Grizzlies’ defense is definitely their secondary. Specifically at the corner back position. Having experience there can be a huge difference maker for defenses, and Northwest returns Dontrell and Jeremiah Harris as their starters. Dontrell is an athletic corner that is fluid in coverage and can stick to the opposition like glue. While Jeremiah, a junior this year, displays a more physical approach by jamming receivers at the line. Throwing against these two will not be easy for opposing offenses.
Jacob King Jacob King 5'10" | 170 lbs | ATH Wichita NW | 2024 State KS , 5’9”, 170, ATH, Class of ’24
King is another junior on Northwest’s roster that could have a breakout season. His athleticism and versatility makes him a valuable asset for their defense. He’s a player they could drop back into coverage at safety, or they can bring him down in the box for certain situations. King has the potential to be one of the leading tacklers for the Grizzlies this year.