TOPEKA — Friday night should be western themed at Shawnee Heights. Like an old western movie with the two gunslingers stepping into the spotlight for all to see, the two best quarterbacks in the Topeka-area will square-off.
The Thunderbirds (1-4) welcome Seaman (4-1) for a rivalry clash between the two United Kansas Conference foes.
Shawnee Heights’ Aiden Scott will go toe-to-toe against Seaman’s Max Huston. Like an old Western, the two will stare each other down hoping to bring victory to their team.
Scott, a junior, has emerged as one of the best quarterbacks for his class in the state. The 6-foot-5, 200 pound quarterback has been on a tear. He’s shown his ability to stand in the pocket while also using his legs to navigate around the defense.
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He provided his best game of his career last week. He threw for 593 yards on 29-for-47 passing. Scott tossed seven touchdowns and rushed for one, too. His large frame has allowed him to see over offense and defensive lines with ease. But, his confidence and willingness to take chances down the field have certainly paid off.
“I expect him to be lights out this fall at quarterback,” Shawnee Heights head coach Jason Swift said this summer.
Scott has lived up to the expectations. The Thunderbirds offense is averaging 38.4 points per game. The quarterback has completed 58% of his passes for 1,752 yards. Scott is averaging 350.4 yards per game. He has thrown 16 touchdowns while only being intercepted once.
“Sub-state definitely,” Scott said about the team’s goals. “We have an honest feeling that we will make it to sub-state. No matter who we play, we are going to bring the energy no matter what.”
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In North Topeka, Huston has been working on his craft, too. The Seaman signal caller also had a breakout junior season in 2023. He was named the conference offensive player of the year last season. He tossed 3,257 yards and 39 touchdowns while throwing just two interceptions.
Teams were able to scheme properly against Huston at the beginning of the season. It wasn’t as easy this fall, but he has fought hard and has bounced back nicely. Huston threw five interceptions through the first two games, but that hasn’t stopped him.
This year, Huston has completed 60% of his throws and he has amassed 1,155 yards through the air. He’s averaging 231 passing yards per game. He’s thrown 15 touchdowns while being picked off those five times. The senior has also rushed for the second most yards on the team with 213 yards. He’s scored once on the ground, too.
“He’s the motor that drives our offense,” Seaman head coach Jared Swafford said. “He’s a special kid, very talented, but very drive to win and his leadership has really stepped up.”
He continually leads the offense from practice to game days. Huston is their leader and he proves it through precise passing and making the correct reads. The way Huston holds himself is inspiring. His confidence and skillset has helped Seaman breakthrough with expectations of a conference title and a deep state run.
“Our offensive line has picked it up and our run game looks good,” Huston said describing Seaman’s offense. “It makes it easier for us to pass when we have the run game working.”
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The playmakers helping Scott and Huston
The two flamethrowers from rival high schools can’t do it alone. Their skill position groups have helped them record big passing nights.
For Scott, a trio of playmakers have shined with him at quarterback. Tyren Parker steals the headlines as one of the best wide receivers in the state as a junior. He’s caught 28 passes for 513 yards and five touchdowns. Parker has received Division I interest and has college offers from Iowa State, Kansas State and Kansas.
AJ Gallegos leads the wide receiver room with 530 yards and six touchdowns. He had a breakout game versus De Soto when he caught 11 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns. Gallegos, a junior, has only improved as the season has marched forward.
Parker Busenitz, a senior, also caught three touchdowns in the wild game versus De Soto last Friday. The wide receiver has been great in the red zone as he has caught five touchdowns from Scott.
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Huston’s main target this year has been Bryer Finley. The two friends have been electric for Seaman’s offense. Finley is a deep ball threat, but he has also shown his ability to catch in traffic. The wide receiver has caught 33 passes this season. Huston has completed 62 passes making Finley his go-to guy. Finley has caught 11 of Huston’s 15 touchdown passes, too.
Finley has picked up offers from Washburn and Benedictine College so far. Huston decommitted from Kansas State baseball last fall to focus on football. He holds offers from Butler Community College, Washburn, Mid-American Nazarene, Minnesota State, Midland, Coffeyville Community College and Benedictine College.
Lovers of offense will be in for a treat as Scott and Huston duel. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. on Friday at Shawnee Heights.
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@ g annett.co m
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Inside Friday's quarterback duel between Shawnee Heights' Aiden Scott and Seaman's Max Huston
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