Kpreps Game Day feature is designed to provide you with a program for things to watch out for each week in Kansas High School Football. This week, we focus on the start of district play in the smaller classifications and look at a key matchup (or two) in each district this week.
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Keep an eye out for these district games – and here’s why:
Class 3A:
DISTRICT 1
Parsons (1-2) at Galena (2-0) – While this district will likely be decided when Galena hosts Columbus on October 9th, the Bulldogs will look to match Columbus’ at 1-0 with a win over Parsons tonight. Columbus pulled away from Baxter Springs, 52-7, in the second half on Thursday night. Caney Valley is also 3-0 and will be a factor. Parsons should challenge for a fourth playoff spot with Cherryvale and Baxter Springs.
DISTRICT 2
Burlington (3-0) at Prairie View (3-0) – Read our full preview of the Wildcats and Buffaloes in the Kpreps Game of the Week feature! Anderson County (3-0), Frontenac (1-2), Girard (1-2), and Iola (2-1) will all challenge in this district which appears to be very competitive on paper. Iola was forced to cancel district games this week and next against Frontenac and Anderson County due to quarantine.
DISTRICT 3
Bishop Ward (1-2) at No. 2 Perry-Lecompton (3-0) – Bishop Ward made headlines a couple of week’s ago with a 39-6 victory over McLouth. That win was significant for the Cyclones because it snapped their 57-game losing streak that dated back to 2013. Ward has posted just a 3-90 record since the beginning of the 2010 season. But the Cyclones have been much more competitive this year and will be challenged by a highly-ranked Perry-Lecompton squad that will be playing without its all-state quarterback Billy Welch for the first full game. Welch went down with what is thought to be a season-ending knee injury in last week’s win over Holton.
DISTRICT 4
Sabetha (2-1) at Holton (2-1) – These two Big 7 Conference rivals will be key in deciding this district along with their respective games against Rock Creek. Sabetha has won two straight since a season opening 34-29 loss to Chapman. The Blue Jays got an impressive 29-22 win over defending Class 2A champion Nemaha Central last week. Meanwhile, Holton went on the road and dismantled Chapman, 55-13, in Week 2 before a 28-14 loss to No. 2 Perry-Lecompton last week. The Wildcats had several fumbles against the Kaws and will look to clean that up tonight against the Blue Jays.
DISTRICT 5
Riley County (2-1) at Clay Center (2-1) – Five teams enter this week’s play in District 5 with a 2-1 record and two will square off when Riley County travels to Clay Center. The Falcons have been impressive this season, but dropped last week’s game in a heartbreaker in the final minute, 29-28, to Silver Lake. Riley County is led by Nic Allen who has already rushed for 425 yards and 9 touchdowns after missing most of last season with an injury. Clay Center will counter with Logan Mullin and Keegan McDonald – a pair of seniors that has rushed for 438 and 398 yards, respectively, through three weeks.
DISTRICT 6
Goodland (2-1) at Scott City (1-2) – Traditional power Scott City has dropped consecutive games to Greater Western Activities Conference (GWAC) foes in Holcomb and Cimarron. The Beavers will look to start off district play on the right foot at home against Goodland. The Cowboys have wins over Liberal (43-32) and Lakin (23-17) sandwiched around an overtime loss to Bridgeport, Nebraska. This game may ultimately decide the seeding between these two prospective playoff teams. This district also features unbeaten Colby and state-ranked Southeast of Saline.
DISTRICT 7
Wichita Collegiate (3-0) at Hesston (3-0) – Read our full preview of the Spartans and Swathers in the Kpreps feature The Pick List – Week 4. The other big game in District 7 this week is top-ranked Andale traveling to traditional-contender Halstead. The Indians have throttled their three opponents by an average score of 61 to 6. Halstead dropped its first game last week at 2A state-ranked Hoisington.
DISTRICT 8
Hugoton (2-1) at No. 4 Cheney (3-0) – Cheney delivered a huge win versus rival Garden Plain last week to move into the rankings. Significant credit to Hugoton, which is expected to get the majority of its roster back. Hugoton won two straight games with more than 64 percent of its roster unavailable to play in each of the last two weeks because of COVID-19 quarantine. Both teams feature a strong quarterback with Cheney’s Harrison Voth and Hugoton’s Sawyer Harper. This is 212-mile one-way trip for Hugoton.
Class 2A:
DISTRICT 1
St. Mary’s Colgan (1-2) at Fredonia (1-2) AND Southeast-Cherokee (2-1) at Erie (1-2) – Riverton kicked off the district play with a 52-0 blowout win over Neodesha on Thursday night. Colgan and Fredonia will meet for the first time in a battle of experienced squads. Colgan will try and establish the backfield duo of Domenico Bevilacqua (322 yards) and Blaise Dawson (191 yards). Another key game features Southeast at Erie that could go a long way in deciding the fourth playoff spot. The Lancers also feature a strong backfield in Zaden Hendricks who recently became the schools’ career rushing leader.
DISTRICT 2
Eureka (3-0) at Humboldt (3-0) – These two Tri-Valley League members battled in one of the better games of 2019 when Humboldt erased a big deficit to score late and top Eureka, 38-32. But the Cubs graduated standout back Conor Haviland and are relying on sophomore Trey Sommer, junior Gavin Page, junior Drew Counsil to carry the offensive load. Eureka returns a strong line play and Brent Escareno in the backfield. Osage City and Wellsville will likely also challenge in this District.
DISTRICT 3
Pleasant Ridge (0-1) at Mission Valley (2-1) – Traditional contenders Rossville and Silver Lake are the heavy favorites in this district and are ranked No.1 and No. 2, respectively in the classification. Pleasant Ridge and Mission Valley should challenge for the third and fourth playoff spots with Friday’s winner likely getting the nod. Pleasant Ridge has had its last two weeks cancelled. Mission Valley posted opening wins over Wabaunsee and West Franklin before suffering a loss to Osage City last week.
DISTRICT 4
Maur Hill-Mount Academy (3-0) at Republic County (2-1) – A highly compelling district that likely features five teams for four spots: Maur Hill (3-0), Atchison County (2-1), Republic County (2-1), Riverside (2-1) and defending state champion Nemaha Central (1-2 against a highly challenging schedule). This is the first matchup between MHMA and Republic County, which are separated by 152 miles on US-36 West. Both teams feature an outstanding running back. Maur Hill senior Andrew Schwinn has 46 carries for 574 yards and nine scores, along with 40 tackles, all team-highs. Republic County senior Jared Baxa has 56 carries for 603 yards and five TDs and has cleared 100 rushing yards in every game. Maur Hill has allowed just 24 total points after it permitted 14 a game last year, its best scoring defense since ’93. Strength of schedule is a strong consideration in this game. Maur Hill’s opponents are a combined 0-9, while Republic County’s three opponents are 2-6, but includes solid 2A teams in Beloit and Minneapolis.
DISTRICT 5
Marion (0-3) at Haven (2-1) – Haven has dropped down to 2A with an experienced group that includes senior quarterback Darby Roper, a standout in all three phases. Haven lineman Hunter Barlow (6-3, 295) is a four-year starter. Haven and Hutchinson Trinity (3-0, No. 5 2A) are likely the frontrunners, although Hillsboro will challenge with quarterback Matthew Potucek. Haven has not posted a winning record since ’01. Lyons is expected to be home versus Trinity in its first game of the season.
DISTRICT 6
Garden Plain (2-1) at Douglass (3-0) – While Garden Plain and Kingman appear to be the favorites in this district, it’s Douglass that is unbeaten behind the performance of junior Dalton Hilyard. Hilyard has rushed for 531 yards and nine touchdowns through three weeks. Garden Plain will look to rebound from a 44-7 blowout loss to Cheney last week. Kingman’s only loss also came to Cheney.
DISTRICT 7
Syracuse (3-0) at Thomas More Prep (2-1) – This is the best start for Syracuse since 1999, and for TMP since ’11. First-year Syracuse coach Jordan Irsik has led a Bulldog team that has allowed just six total points. TMP beat Plainville last week for the first time in at least 50 years. Syracuse has already scored more points than it did all last year. Sophomore Roy Aguilar has enjoyed a big season with 31 tackles, five for loss for a defense that has collected eight turnovers. Senior Kolbey Brummett has 50 carries for 363 yards and three scores. TMP sophomore Kade Harris leads the Monarchs in passing yards, rushing yards and tackles. Both teams have featured excellent kickers and punters; both punters have averaged at least 35 yards a punt. Also in the district, Cimarron, Ellis, Lakin, and Southwestern Heights are all 1-2. SWH plays host to Cimarron, the likely favorite behind quarterback Braxton Harrison and end Hunter Renick. Cimarron beat Scott City last week for the first time since 1941. Ellis is at Lakin.
DISTRICT 8
Phillipsburg (1-2) at No. 3 Hoisington (3-0) AND Minneapolis (1-2) at No. 4 Norton (3-0) – A pair of games could be key in this district. Although Hoisington and Norton appear to be the favorites, Phillipsburg’s losses have been close to Plainville (14-13) and Smith Center (21-13). Meanwhile, Minneapolis has dropped games to 3A contenders Southeast of Saline and Riley County. Beloit is also a team that will contend in this district. The top five teams will battle for four playoffs spots.
Class 1A:
DISTRICT 1
Central Heights (0-3) at Northeast-Arma (3-0) – Central Heights can continue to build its case for a second consecutive playoff appearance with at win at Northeast. The Vikings have posted wins over West Franklin and Northern Heights, and a loss to top-ranked Olpe. The remainder of this district has Olpe and Lyndon as the two favorites, with Olpe claiming a 13-7 head-to-head victory last week. Uniontown is also 2-1 and will get its biggest test this week against Olpe.
DISTRICT 2
Jackson Heights (1-1, 0-1) at Wabaunsee (2-1, 1-0) – This week, Centralia at Valley Heights in a matchup of top-five teams that will likely decide the top spot in District 2. That game was previewed earlier this week on KPreps. Centralia beat Jackson Heights last week. JH missed Week 1 because of COVID. JH/Wabaunsee will have very different offenses. Jackson Heights, under Smith Center alum Caleb Wick, runs the SC run-heavy wishbone offense. JH is 41-13 since the start of ’15. Wabaunsee had one win apiece in each of the last three falls and is already 2-1 with passing quarterback Cade Oliver. He has thrown for 634 yards with a 7/2 TD/INT ratio. The Chargers have averaged 2.7 yards per rush.
DISTRICT 3
Ell-Saline (2-1, 1-1) at Plainville (1-2, 0-1) – Plainville graduated its two outstanding players with quarterback/defensive back Jordan Finnesy (Washburn signing) and running back/linebacker Jared Casey (KU signing). Plainville has played in four consecutive state semifinal matchups. The Cardinals’ three 2020 games have been decided by a combined 11 points. Plainville is 39-13 since the start of ’16 and has not lost to a non-Mid-Continent League team since a 28-6 defeat to Pratt in Week 2 of ’15. E-S and Plainville have matched up multiple times in the playoffs in recent years. Last year, Plainville won 53-21. In ’18, Plainville won 31-28 on a last-second field goal. In ’17, Plainville picked up a 27-20 victory in double overtime. Plainville sophomore Kyle Werner had 43 carries for 391 yards and two touchdowns.
DISTRICT 4
Sedgwick (3-0) at Stanton County (0-3) – This is one of only two district games this week as favorite Conway Springs and Whitewater-Remington will each play outside of district competition this week. Sedgwick had a week off due to cancellation and crispened their skill in order to blast Jefferson West, 35-7, last week. The Cardinals will have a long drip to Johnson, Kansas, but Sedgwick’s high-powered offense should have little trouble in this one. Elsewhere in District 1 action, Conway Springs will host Ellinwood in a non-district game, Wichita Independent will travel to Elkhart, and Christ Prep Academy will travel to Whitewater-Remington.
8-Man, Division I
DISTRICT 1
Sedan (3-0) at West Elk (2-1) AND Yates Center (2-1) at Oswego (2-0) – Four of the six teams in District 1 have at least two victories in the first three weeks. Sedan is one of two teams in the classification that have yet to allow a point (Argonia-Attica). The Blue Devils have been led by junior Isaiah Smilko’s 212 rushing yards and three scores. West Elk’s lone loss came against in a shootout against Udall in the season opener. Sophomore Tayden Tindle has rushed for a team-high 429 yards including three scores. The other key matchup in this district features surprising Yates Center at Oswego. After a lopsided loss to Colony-Crest to open the season, Yates Center has responded with blowout wins over Altoona-Midway and St. Paul. This is the Wildcats’ first season back at the eight-man level since 2013 when they finished 7-4 and reached the state quarterfinals. Oswego will look to return to the field after last week’s cancellation. The Indians opened with big wins over Chetopa and St. Paul.
DISTRICT 2
Udall (2-1) at No. 3 Madison (3-0) – This game may ultimately decide the District 2 title. Madison is expected to challenge in the eastern half of the classification with experienced players like Hunter Engle, Ryan Wolgram, and Drew Stutesman among others. Meanwhile, Udall has posted wins over West Elk and Cedar Vale-Dexter sandwiched around a blowout loss to Argonia-Attica. Senior Dylan Bishop leads the ground attack for the Eagles.
DISTRICT 3
Burlingame (2-1, 0-0) at No. 4 Clifton-Clyde (3-0, 0-0) – This is the game that will likely decide District 3. Clifton-Clyde is 28-4 overall, 15-1 in district play since the start of ’17. The only regular season and district loss in that span in a 48-0 defeat to Burlingame in Week 6 of 2017. Burlingame was very competitive in a 48-24 season-opening loss to Lyon County rival Madison, ranked No. 3. Madison led 14-12 at halftime in a game with nine turnovers. Clifton-Clyde has single wing quarterback Aiden Rudolph and an experienced line, while Burlingame counters with senior quarterback Evan Young (10 passing TDs) for a team that has thrown the ball 44 percent of the time.
DISTRICT 4
Solomon (3-0) at Herington (3-0) – In a district where defending-champion Canton-Galva is a heavy favorite and fifth-rank Little River also looms, Solomon and Herington are two teams that look to make some noise and capture that third and fourth playoff spot. Both teams feature first-year coaches. The Gorillas are 3-0 on the season under Mike Kilgore’s direction, while Herington is 2-1 under Cade Albert. Herington has averaged nearly 50 points per game despite a 32-14 loss to Goessel in Week 2. Solomon has victories over three opponents that are a combined 0-7 thus far this season.
DISTRICT 5
Argonia-Attica (3-0) at Goessel (1-2) – As mentioned earlier, Argonia-Attica is one of two teams in this classification yet to allow a point. The Titans have flourished on offense with Xander Newberry passing for 345 yards and six touchdowns, while Blake Goodman has added a team-high 276 rushing yards and seven scores. Goessel’s lone victory came over Herington (32-14) in Week 2, but the Bluebirds losses have come to top-ranked Canton-Galva and No. 5 Little River.
DISTRICT 6
Macksville (1-1) at Pratt-Skyline (3-0) – Skyline has opened with three quality wins over South Barber, Medicine Lodge and Pretty Prairie. Junior Jesus Casas leads the T-Birds with 454 rushing yards and six touchdowns, while Braden Tyler has added five scores and 242 yards. Macksville picked up its first win of the season, 46-36, against Medicine Lodge. The Mustangs have been led by sophomore quarterback Ryan Kuckelman who has put up 313 yards of total offense in two games.
DISTRICT 7
No. 2 Wichita County (3-0, 0-0) at Hodgeman County (3-0, 0-0) AND South Gray (3-0, 0-0) at Ness City (1-1, 0-0) – An historically strong district with the teams a combined 15-1. Wichita County faces Hodgeman County in a matchup of two of the state’s best quarterbacks with Indian senior Kayde Rietzke and Hodgeman senior Isaac Salmans. Wichita County is 19-5 with third-year coach Brant Douglas but did not win the district title either season.
Both teams have had key players banged up, but Wichita County has excellent depth and platoons. Both South Gray and Ness City have allowed just six points apiece. Ness City lost, 7-6, to Hill City in Week 2 and didn’t play in Week 3. Ness City is 16-6 since the start of ’18 and has held 10 teams to single figures in that span, including a 30-7 victory versus South Gray last year. This marks the seventh straight season Ness City and South Gray have played, and the Eagles are 5-1 with two straight victories. Edwin Rodriguez has been a key player for the Eagles’ defense after he was hurt in ’19. A key game between Spearville (3-0) and Meade (2-0) was cancelled because of COVID-19, and Spearville will be out of district at Stockton.
DISTRICT 8
In a rarity, no district games will be played this week. Several of the teams in District 8 are in quarantined due to COVID-10 concerns. The one game is a non-district contest that has Spearville (3-0) traveling to Stockton (0-3)
8-MAN, DIVISION II
DISTRICT 1
St. Paul (0-3) at Colony-Crest (3-0) – The six teams in this district have combined for five total wins, and Crest has three of those. The Lancers finished 6-4 a year ago including a first-round playoff win. Jacquez Coleman leads the Crest offense with 302 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, while Holden Barker has added 286 yards and five scores. After winning 39 games over the past four seasons, St. Paul’s uncharacteristic 0-3 start has come against opponents that are combined 7-1. The remainder of the District 1 action includes Waverly (1-2) at Southern Coffey County (0-3), and Altoona-Midway (0-2) at Chetopa (1-2).
DISTRICT 2
Marais des Cygnes Valley (1-2) at Wakefield (0-3) – While Lebo is the heavy favorite in District 2, this matchup between the Trojans and the Bombers should be key in deciding the remaining playoff spots. Marais des Cygnes Valley has shown the ability to put up some points with Cole Lacey in the backfield. The Trojans have averaged 40 points per game this season. Meanwhile, Wakefield’s 0-3 start is deceiving considering consecutive 4-point losses to Bennington and Solomon. The remainder of this week’s District 2 action includes Hartford (1-2) at Lebo (3-0), and Rural Vista (0-2) at Centre-Lost Springs (0-2).
DISTRICT 3
Hanover (2-0) at Axtell (3-0) – Read our full preview of the No. 2 Wildcats and the No. 3 Eagles in the Kpreps feature The Pick List – Week 4
DISTRICT 4
Osborne (1-2; 1-1) at Mankato-Rock Hills (1-2; 0-1) – Another key game in District 4 that has Lakeside at 2-0 in district and four teams at 1-1. The loser will face a major uphill climb to make the playoffs. This is the first matchup since ’15, a 42-36 win by Rock Hills. Osborne, the defending Division II state champions, has one senior, Rock Hills has seven. Junior Mason Schurr has 65 carries for 487 yards and six scores. The district also features Thunder Ridge (2-1, 1-1) at Lakeside-Downs (2-1, 2-0). Thunder Ridge’s three games have been decided by a total of 19 points.
DISTRICT 5
Sylvan-Lucas Unified (3-0; 2-0) at No. 5 Victoria (3-0; 1-0) – Sylvan-Lucas has allowed just 31 points this season and has back-to-back shutouts behind standout lineman Tra Barrientes. However, Victoria has permitted just 30 points. This is the first matchup since ’13. Victoria, Sylvan-Lucas and Central Plains, which had its Week 2 district game with Tescott cancelled, are likely the three best teams. Victoria has its three-man backfield of QB Grant Schoenrock and RBs Jayvon Pruitt and Carson Werth.
DISTRICT 6
Hutchinson Central Christian (2-1; 1-1) at Caldwell (3-0; 2-0) – Central Christian and Caldwell sit near the top of this district where four teams are 1-1. Caldwell is off to a 3-0 start overall with an explosive offense that is averaging 64 points per game. Central Christian will look to rebound from a 46-22 loss at South Barber last week. The remainder of the district this week features South Barber (1-2; 1-1) at Stafford (2-1; 0-1), and Norwich (1-2; 1-1) at South Haven (1-2; 0-1). Peabody-Burns steps out of District 6 this week to host Tescott.
DISTRICT 7
Bucklin (1-2) at South Central (1-2) AND Ingalls (0-3) at Minneola (1-2) – Two key games in a relatively wide-open district, though South Central is likely favorite on paper with senior all-purpose threat Jonny Robles and junior Owen Herd (five tackles for loss). In his career, Robles has 39 offensive TDs on 144 offensive touches, as well as three special teams scores.
Bucklin has lost seven in a row to South Central dating back to ’02, but SC took big graduation losses after four straight quarterfinal showings. Red Aces junior Scott Price has 322 rushing yards, four touchdowns and 27 tackles, all team-highs for new coach Trever Powell. This marks the seventh straight year Ingalls and Minneola have played. Ingalls won four straight, and Minneola picked up the last two. Expect offense – five of the games had at least 72 combined points, including 62-58 and 92-80. Minneola freshman Eli Lang has 244 rushing yards and seven rushing TDs.
DISTRICT 8
Wheatland-Grinnell (2-1) at Quinter (2-0) – The Gove County rivalry continues. Last year, Wheatland-Grinnell beat Quinter for the first time in school history en route to its first-ever district title. This season, St. Francis is the favorite, though Logan-Palco, Wheatland-Grinnell and Quinter are all in strong contention for the 2-4 spots. Quinter is 2-0 after winning just two on-field games since Week 6 of the 2014 season. The key players are Quinter junior quarterback Jaden Boone and Wheatland-Grinnell’s linebacker Trevor Zarybnicky (Ottawa offer this week) and safety Jett Vincent (15 career interceptions).
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