The catalyst for Wichita Heights High School is quarterback Matt Reid, who guided the Falcons to the Class 6A state championship last year as a junior.
“Everything runs through him,” Black said of Reed, who wears No. 7. “He’s a great football player and great athlete. When you’re watching him on film, sometimes you get caught up being a fan of that kid and what an amazing talent he is.”
Reed is averaging a team-leading 420 yards in 35 carries for six touchdowns and a 12.0 yards-per-carry average during Heights’ 3-0 start — a 45-14 win over Bishop Carroll, a 63-0 rout of Wichita North and 66-0 blanking of Wichita West.
How does Great Bend (1-1) plan to try to neutralize Reed and the Falcons’ high-octane running game?
“It’s tough because, essentially, a lot of stuff they’re doing is triple-option,” Black said of Heights. “You just can’t key in on (Reed).
“You’ve got to tackle the dive and have someone on the pitch … have your kids in the right spot to defend all that they do. It runs through him, but if you want to make him be the focal point, they’re hurt you in a lot of ways pretty doggone quick.”
Wichita Heights head coach Rick Wheeler says Reed is what makes the Falcons go.
 “He’s what makes us tick. He’s a very talented young man and a great student.
“He’s a great role model in our building and in our community. He certainly carries high expectations wherever he goes and whatever sport he competes in.”
Heights’ running game also features Marquel Moore, who has 31 carries for 312 yards and six touchdowns, Kenneth Iheme (19 carries, 193 yards, one touchdown) and Jon Wilcoxson (13 carries, 108 yards, two TDs).