Written By: Coach Buckets @PreWarWesley
Topeka Hayden used a potent and talented offense along with a swarming defense to stymie Wamego in a 42–6 victory Friday night. The win served as Hayden’s revenge for last season’s 31–28 loss to Wamego.
With college scouts from historically powerful Division II program Pittsburg State in attendance, do-everything 2026 running back and safety Kade Mitchell put on a show and proved why he is one of the most talented athletes in Kansas in the 2026 recruiting class. Hayden lines Mitchell up in multiple positions in a variety of offensive sets, as a single back in the backfield, at wingback on the edge, and split out wide. His versatility makes him a fit in any offensive scheme. Mitchell combines balance, power, and athleticism with leadership and strong teammate character.
Mitchell finished with over 50 receiving yards, helping Hayden convert several key third downs. He also contributed more than 75 rushing yards and scored a touchdown on the ground. In addition, Mitchell serves as Hayden’s return specialist, consistently setting the offense up with favorable field position on punt returns.
Joining Mitchell in the victory was another versatile playmaker, Mason Becker. Used as Hayden’s “go-to” wide receiver in third-and-long situations, Becker hauled in clutch receptions of 7 and 16 yards. He also delivered a highlight defensive play with a pick-six interception, baiting the quarterback before jumping the route and taking it back for a touchdown.
Becker’s biggest impact came on special teams. The class of 2027 recruit, a standout from Kohl’s Kicking Camp, handled all place-kicking and kickoff duties. He was perfect on all six PAT attempts and recorded touchbacks on five of six kickoffs, with the lone exception being a designed squib early in the game. Becker is certain to garner recruiting attention as a kicker with both power and accuracy.
Jackson McGivern powered Hayden’s run game between the tackles, consistently churning out tough yards. He also contributed in the passing game, including a 30-yard catch-and-run and a 7-yard touchdown reception. Defensively, the 2026 standout was a force, racking up double-digit tackles to stymie Wamego’s offense.
On the other sideline, despite the lopsided score, Wamego showed plenty of talent and flashes of success. Drives simply failed to produce points.
Dominic Falco stood out with precise route running, reliable hands, and impressive run-after-catch ability. After returning Hayden’s opening squib kickoff 30 yards, the class of 2026 wide receiver found space in the secondary throughout the night, finishing with more than 75 receiving yards. Defensively, Falco added several tackles from his spot in the secondary and handled kicking duties, recording a touchback on his lone kickoff.
Future top class of 2027 running back Cash Threet also impressed. At 6-foot, 180 pounds, Threet powered Wamego’s ground attack with over 75 hard-earned rushing yards, showing both toughness and versatility by catching passes out of the backfield. His physical, bullish style makes him a prototypical ground-and-pound back.
Defensively, Mason Isch was Wamego’s standout. The junior linebacker was relentless, making plays against both the run and the pass. At 6-foot, 200 pounds, Isch uses his strength and technique to shed blocks, fill gaps, and stuff the run. He also showed strong zone coverage instincts, recording two pass breakups by reading the quarterback and reacting decisively.
Though young, this Wamego team is tough and will be a formidable opponent the rest of the season. Head Coach Weston Moody has the players, the coaching staff, and the community support to make another strong run at the Kansas 4A title.
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