Washburn Rural hosted a very young and improving Topeka High Trojans team Friday night. Rural used special teams and a strong running game to come away with a 35-6 victory.
Washburn Rural jumped ahead 14-0 thanks to two massive plays from Elijah Gaines on special teams.
After Topeka High received the opening kickoff, the Trojans drove the ball to midfield where the Washburn Rural defense stiffened to force a punt. The Jr. Blues defensive line burst through to block the kick, and Elijah Gaines scooped the ball up and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown, putting the Jr. Blues up 7-0.
Following the kickoff, Topeka High put together another nice drive, but once again the Rural defense stood tall and stopped the Trojans at the 20-yard line. On the ensuing 20-yard field goal attempt, Rural’s defenders surged through to block the kick. For the second time, Elijah Gaines was in perfect position, scooping the ball and returning it 80 yards for another touchdown to make the score 14-0.
The rest of the night belonged to Rural’s bruising running game. Running back Jadyn Baum, a powerful 5-foot-11, 215-pound sophomore, carried the load. Quarterback John Hoytal used the read-option to control the tempo, while Baum consistently pounded the ball between the tackles. Baum scored three touchdowns, all coming from inside the 15-yard line, finishing off an impressive night on the ground.
On the outside, wide receiver Peyton Glaze provided big-play ability for Washburn Rural. He hauled in receptions of 32 yards and 25 yards, while also breaking off a long catch-and-run that was unfortunately called back on a holding penalty.
Despite the 35-6 final score, the game was more competitive than the scoreboard indicated. The young Topeka High team consistently drove the ball but was unable to finish drives, as the Rural defense repeatedly shut down their momentum.
Quarterback Zane Smith had a strong performance leading the Topeka High offense. He rushed for nearly 100 yards and completed over 75 percent of his passes. His highlight of the night came on a 76-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Courtney Sanders. Smith also handled the punting duties, booming a 55-yard punt that was downed inside the 10-yard line.
Courtney Sanders put together an excellent night in the passing game. In addition to his long touchdown, Sanders caught passes of 20, 35, and two receptions of 30 yards. He also flashed his speed and elusiveness on kickoff returns, consistently giving Topeka High strong starting field position.
