Short is named HyVee Athlete of the Week

SHAWNEE, Kan. - His senior season did not start the way Kendall Short was hoping. His squad lost to Manhattan in the season opener. Meanwhile, Short was battling through some injury issues. Those early bumps and bruises made Friday's victory all the more satisfying.

"It felt really nice. It was a slow start to the beginning of the season with an injury," he explained. "It felt nice to get in the end zone and share a big win with my guys."

Short found the end zone three times in his team's 43-0 win over Schlagle. He rushed for 110 yards. The senior running back has helped balance Mill Valley's offensive attack. The Jaguars have a prolific passing attack led by senior quarterback Skyler Windmiller. Head coach Joel Applebee said Short's performance proves the Jags have more than one playmaker.

"He's a very important part of our offense. He's one of the key parts, but we have a lot of key parts," Applebee said. "We're a very balanced offense."

That balance has helped Mill Valley rattle off six straight wins since the season-opening loss. They are now 6-1 after beginning district play with that blowout victory over Schlagle.