In our Picks to Click, we feature several players or units from across the state that we feel will have breakout performances on Friday night.
This season, we’ve assembled a team of media members across the state to each select one player (or unit) each week. We will track the cumulative statistics of our selections throughout the season similar to fantasy scoring.
Picks to Click contributors for the 2024 season include: Dion Clisso (PrepsKC.com); Matt Gilmore (Kpreps.com); Brent Maycock (KSHSAA Covered); and Conor Nicholl (Kpreps.com).
Check back next Thursday to see our picks for Week 4, and how the players performed that we picked the week prior. See the bottom of this article for details.
Dusty Bannister, QB, Wellington (Maycock)
One of the top passers in Class 4A a year ago, Bannister currently leads the state in passing this year with 734 yards on 40-of-65 accuracy. He got a huge chunk of that in last week's shootout loss to Andale. Torching the vaunted Indian defense for 483 yards and 4 touchdowns, Bannister kept the Crusaders in the game to the end in a 56-48 loss. After opening with Class 3A No. 4 Wichita Collegiate and No. 2 Andale, Wellington faces 2-0 Clearwater, whom Bannister threw for 226 yards and three touchdowns against last year in a 21-14 Wellington win.
Jaxon Becker, WR, Lawrence (Clisso)
Becker (6-1, 175) has emerged as one of the state’s top receivers and a primary target of Lawrence quarterback Banks Bowen. The junior wide out has ten receptions for 197 yards and three touchdowns through the Lions’ first two games. Last season, the speedy Becker had 27 catches for 428 yards and a touchdown. The fourth-ranked Chesty Lions have one of the most explosive offenses in the state through two weeks averaging 56 points per game. Lawernce will travel to Olathe North this week.
Dayton Stephen, WR/RB, Hill City (Nicholl)
Stephen (6-0, 180) has had an impressive start to his senior season. Through two games, Stephen has rushed for 252 yards and five touchdowns. He also has 25 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns. The Ringnecks dropped a 54-48 decision to eight-man newcomer Ellis last week. Against the Railroaders, Stephen caught 14 passes for 80 yards and contributed 164 yards and three scores on the ground. This week, the Ringnecks will travel to Thunder Ridge which has surrendered 116 points in two losses this season.
Dane Winters, WR, Burlingame (Gilmore)
Winters (5-10, 160) has helped Burlingame score 122 points in their first two games in wins over Northern Heights and Waverly. While Brent featured Bearcat quarterback JD Tyson last week, Winters is also deserving of recognition as one of eight-man football’s top playmakers. Through two weeks, Winters has nine catches for 237 yards and six touchdowns. In last week’s win over Waverly, Winters had five catches for 170 yards and four scores. This week, Burlingame has a Lyon County League test against Madison. In last year’s 42-24 win over the Bulldogs, Winters had 114 receiving yards and three scores, while adding 62 yards on the ground and another touchdown. He’ll need another big performance if the Bearcats are to top Madison for a third consecutive season.
Week 2 Picks to Click results (scoring):
Hoxie Offensive Line – The Indian offensive line produced 424 yards of total offense and seven offensive touchdowns in Hoxie’s 50-0 win over WaKeeney-Trego. (Nicholl – 29 pts)
Tate McNew, QB, Maize South – McNew passed for 194 yards and two scores and added 73 yards rushing with three touchdowns in the Mavericks’ 55-22 win over Salina South. (Gilmore – 56 pts)
JD Tyson, QB, Burlingame – Tyson had quite a connection with Dane Winters in the passing game in leading Burlingame to a 60-12 win over Waverly. The duo hooked up for four touchdown passes, including scores of 75, 28 and 60 yards. Tyson finished with 203 yards passing and added 69 yards and two touchdowns on the ground as well. He also returned an interception for a score and threw for three two-point conversions. (Maycock – 62 pts)
John Whitener, RB, Shawnee Mission Northwest – Whitener was limited to 41 rushing yards on 13 carries in the Cougars’ 38-7 loss to Blue Valley Northwest. (Clisso – 4 pts)
Standings for the 2024 season through Week 2:
- Brent Maycock, KSHSAA Covered 115 points
- Matt Gilmore, Kpreps.com 103 points
- Dion Clisso, PrepsKC.com 79 points
- Conor Nicholl, Kpreps 77 points
2024 Picks to Click
- The objective will be to have the most cumulative points over the course of the season.
- Participants may select a quarterback, running back, WR/TE, offensive line or a defensive player each week.
- Everyone must pick a WR/TE, offensive line and defensive player at least once.
- Points will be rewarded only for the player's offensive or defensive stats, depending on how you designate the player that week. For instance, if you pick a running back then you will not receive any of his points for defense.
Scoring system
QBs/RBs/WRs/TEs
- 1 point for every 10 yards passing, rushing or receiving from a quarterback, running back or wide receiver
- 6 points for every passing, rushing or receiving touchdown
Offensive line
- 1 point for every 50 yards gained as an offense
- 3 points for every offensive touchdown
Defensive player
- 2 points for every tackle
- 4 points for every INT, sack or fumble recovery
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