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 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
Galena (3-0; 1-0) at Caney Valley (4-0; 1-0) – While both of these schools are scheduled to host unbeaten Columbus in the next three weeks, this match-up will go a long way in deciding the top half of District 1 and which school may ultimately get a home playoff game. After missing their Week 2 game, Galena has rolled to wins over Riverton and Parsons in consecutive weeks. Meanwhile, Caney raced past Cherryvale, 40-6, last week. Galena has won the last three in this series.
DISTRICT 2
Frontenac (1-3; 0-0) at Burlington (4-0; 1-0) – Sure this the only game being played in District 2 this week, but it would likely be the feature game either way. Burlington remained unbeaten with a 22-16 win over Prairie View last week. The Wildcats are led by Braden Sloyer who has already rushed for 613 yards and seven touchdowns. Frontenac’s record is very deceiving. The Raiders are a talented team that has lost to Columbus, and much larger schools in Coweta (Okla.) and McDonald County (Mo.). This one should ultimately decide this district title. Elsewhere in Distirct 2, Iola and Prairie View are in quarantine leaving Anderson County and Girard to pick up a game this week. Both found challenging ones as Anderson County will travel to 1A No. 5 Lyndon, and Girard will host Logan-Rogersville (Mo.) on Saturday.
DISTRICT 3
Bishop Ward (1-3; 0-1) at Santa Fe Trail (1-3; 1-0) – District 3 is starting to brew with unintended controversy. Baldwin remains in quarantine and as a result will not play Topeka Hayden or Perry-Lecompton – the two odds-on favorites to challenge for this district title. As a result, Baldwin could post three district wins and finish first or second in this district – forcing the loser of the Topeka Hayden and Perry-Lecompton contest to the third-seed out of this district. That third see would still get in the playoffs, but would potentially have to meet the top-seed from the district in the second round. That means, we could see Perry-Lecompton (ranked No. 2 in the state) take on Topeka Hayden (No. 3 in the state) in the second round, while Baldwin avoids them both and goes to the other side of the bracket. All that aside, this week’s important game in District 3 is Bishop Ward at Santa Fe Trial. This game will likely decide the fourth playoff spot out of this district. Ward ended a 57-game losing streak a couple of weeks ago with a victory over McLouth, but last week fell 71-0 to Perry-Lecompton.
DISTRICT 4
Rock Creek (2-1; 1-0) at Sabetha (2-2; 0-1) – This matchup between the Mustangs and the Blue Jays will be key in determining who finishes in the top two spots in this district and gets a playoff home game. Holton is in the driver seat in District 4 after last week’s 45-21 win over Sabetha. The Wildcats still have to host Rock Creek in Week 7. Rock Creek has used a potent passing attack from quarterback Charlie Killingsworth. The Mustangs have rolled to wins over Marysville and Hiawatha after dropping a 58-57 decision to 2A No. 1 Rossville to open their season back in Week 2.
DISTRICT 5
Concordia (3-1; 1-0) at Clay Center (2-2; 0-1) – Concordia lost two-way standout Chas Carlgren in August to a season-ending knee injury. However, the experienced Panthers have opened 3-1 behind senior quarterback Wyatt Trost. He has 404 passing yards with a 5/2 TD/INT ratio. He has 309 rushing yards and four scores. Schroeder and junior Cav Carlgren are tied with 30 tackles. Clay Center has senior Logan Mullin with 78 rushes for 529 yards and a TD. This is the first matchup between the teams since Clay Center won, 28-26, in 2017.
DISTRICT 6
Southeast of Saline (4-0; 1-0) at Colby (4-0; 1-0) – Read our full preview of this matchup of unbeatens in the Kpreps feature The Pick List – Week 5. Elsewhere in District 6, Scott City (2-2; 1-0) travels to Russell (0-4; 0-1) and Smoky Valley (1-3; 0-1) travels to Goodland (2-2; 0-1).
DISTRICT 7
Hesston (3-0; 0-1) at Andale (4-0; 1-0) – Andale has won 17 in a row, tied with Eight-Man’s Division I Canton-Galva for the best current run in Kansas. Hesston lost 31-10 to Collegiate last week, though averaged 34 points in the first three weeks. Andale has been dominant again with all wins by at least 30 points.
DISTRICT 8
Larned (0-3; 0-1) at Holcomb (4-0; 1-0) – Larned has been competitive in all three contests with losses by 16, three and 15 points. Holcomb has won every game between 10 and 26 points and allowed between 12 and 19 points in each contest. Dillan Smith has played well at quarterback for Larned, while Holcomb junior quarterback Kaden Johnson has 453 passing yards and 7/0 TD/INT ratio. Except for one catch, all of the Longhorns’ yards come from non-seniors. Elsewhere, Pratt (2-2; 1-0) will travel to Cheney (4-0; 1-0) and Canadian (Texas) will travel to Hugoton (2-2; 0-1).
Class 2A:
DISTRICT 1
Riverton (2-2; 1-0) at Erie (1-3; 0-1) – The marquee game in District 1 this week was scheduled to be St. Mary’s Colgan (2-2; 1-0) at Southeast-Cherokee (3-1; 1-0). But Southeast cancelled the game on Thursday due to several players having to quarantine. That leaves Riverton at Erie and a rivalry matchup between Fredonia and Neodesha. Riverton appears to be the district favorite along with Colgan. The Rams rolled past the Red Devils 50-12 last season, but lost on the last trip to Erie 44-19 back in 2018.
DISTRICT 2
Wellsville (0-3; 0-0) at Eureka (4-0; 1-0) – Despite the difference in record, this one is the key game in District 2 this week. Eureka is likely the district front-runner with their victory over Humboldt, but Osage City and Wellsville will certainly have their say. Wellsville is winless in three games against Burlington (4-0), Anderson County (3-1), and Iola (2-1). The Eagles had to quarantine last week and this game with Eureka will take place on Tuesday, October 6th.
DISTRICT 3
McLouth (0-4; 0-1) at Pleasant Ridge (0-2; 0-1) – One of these two teams will get their first win and have a leg-up in the race for the fourth playoff spot out of District 3. Pleasant Ridge had its Week 2 and Week 3 games cancelled before returning to the field last week with a 37-8 loss to Mission Valley. McLouth has averaged less than 10 points per game this season while giving up 44 per game.
DISTRICT 4
Republic County (2-2; 0-1) at Riverside (3-1; 1-0) – The first matchup between the two schools. Republic County makes the 146-mile one-way trip to nearly the Missouri border. The Buffaloes feature senior running back Jared Baxa, and Riverside has more of a passing attack with quarterback Kobe Davis. Baxa is ninth in Kansas with 701 rushing yards.
DISTRICT 5
Hillsboro (2-2; 1-0) at Haven (3-1; 1-0) – Matthew Potucek has passed for 771 yards for Hillsboro, while Haven has enjoyed a big season in all three phases from quarterback Darby Roper. Hutch Trinity, Hillsboro and Haven will likely decide the top-three showings in the district.
DISTRICT 6
Chaparral (2-2; 1-0) at Garden Plain (3-1; 1-0) AND Kingman (3-1; 1-0) at Douglass (3-1; 0-1) – A couple of games highlight the District 6 schedule. Chaparral and Garden Plain both opened district play with victories last week. Sophomore Jack Francis has more than 400 rushing yards and six touchdowns to lead the Roadrunners. In the other matchup, Kingman looks to send Douglass to an 0-2 district start. Douglass will counter with Dalton Hilyard who has rushed for 563 yards and nine touchdowns. Kingman and Garden Plain can separate themselves in the district ahead of next week’s head-to-head showdown in Kingman.
DISTRICT 7
Syracuse (3-1; 10-1) at Cimarron (2-2; 1-0) – Syracuse, off to its best start since 1999, took a 32-0 loss at TMP and had under 100 yards of total offense. Cimarron can separate itself in the district with a victory. The Bluejays feature junior quarterback Braxton Harrison and senior end/fullback Hunter Renick. Syracuse has enjoyed a big season from sophomore Roy Aguilar.
Thomas More Prep (3-1, 1-0) at Ellis (1-3, 0-1) – The Ellis County rivalry resumes. Ellis has already gone through many changes in ‘20, including at quarterback, on defense and with an assistant coach. However, the Railers feature plenty of talent with RB/LB Konnor Pfeifer (273 rushing yards), along with juniors Mason Gottschalk and QB Tegan Cain. TMP counters with sophomore standout Kade Harris, who has played well in all three phases. TMP has its best start in nine years. The Monarchs are 4-2 since the series restarted, including three straight wins. However, four of the six contests are within 10 points or fewer.
DISTRICT 8
No. 3 Hoisington (4-0; 1-0) at Minneapolis (2-2; 1-0) – Minneapolis, which will have turf on its field after some uncertainty where the game would be played, looks for its third straight upset – though this would definitely be the biggest one. The Cardinals are ranked No. 3 in 2A, feature its stable of running backs and are 15-1 since the start of ’19. Minneapolis has QB Trent Moeckel. If Minneapolis wins, the Lions would have victories versus Hoisington and Norton, likely the two other best teams in the district. Hoisington has won two straight in the series since a 17-14 road loss to Minneapolis in the ’14 playoffs.
Class 1A:
DISTRICT 1
Northern Heights (1-3; 1-2) at Uniontown (2-2; 1-1) – This game between the Wildcats and Eagles could decide a playoff spot in District 1. Olpe and Lyndon appear the favorites to secure the top two seeds in the district with Central Heights, Northern Heights, and Uniontown each already having posted district victories. Colton Tiffany has led Northern Heights on offense with 201 rushing yards and three scores – both team highs. Uniontown needs this victory due to the cancellation of their game with Northeast-Arma next week.
DISTRICT 2
Wabaunsee (2-2, 1-1) at Valley Heights (3-1; 2-1) – Wabaunsee’s passing attack faces Valley Heights’ triple option. Wabaunsee junior quarterback Cade Oliver has completed 64 percent of his passes with 920 yards with a 9/3 TD/INT ratio. Last week, Wabaunsee was competitive in a 33-21 loss to run-heavy Jackson Heights. Valley Heihgts lost, 28-0, to Centralia in a matchup of top-three teams. Valley Heights will be favored here with its experienced backfield, but Wabaunsee could pull the upset behind Oliver. Valley Heights has captured 16 straight versus non-Jackson Heights or Centralia squads.
DISTRICT 3
Oakley (3-1, 2-1) at Smith Center (3-1, 2-0) -- The Mid-Continent League rivals match up at Hubbard Stadium. Oakley has already matched last season’s win total, though took a loss to Inman last week. Oakley trailed 19-7 at halftime. Ethan Abell still rushed for 110 yards, and Oakley had just 15 fewer total yards, though was minus-1 in turnover margin and allowed a kickoff return for a TD. SC has won three in a row since a season-opening loss at Norton. Senior Chase Maxwell has 34 carries for 274 yards and four touchdowns. Smith Center has seven turnovers and plus-2 in turnover margin, though has allowed just 27 total points. Smith Center is 13-0 versus Oakley since 1988.
Plainville (2-2; 1-1) at Inman (3-1; 3-0) – Plainville has struggled some with seven turnovers and is minus-1 in turnover margin. All of the rushing yards have come from non-seniors. Sophomore Kyle Werner has 54 carries for 472 yards and three TDs. Inman is significantly experienced, including Jace Doerksen with 622 passing yards. Plainville beat Inman, 53-26, in the state quarterfinals last year, Inman’s best postseason showing in 25 years.
Sacred Heart (0-4, 0-3) at Ellinwood (0-4, 0-2) – This game will likely not factor into playoff consideration, but a team will end a losing streak. Sacred Heart has tallied six total points and has lost 14 straight games. Ellinwood has not scored, but has faced three ranked teams and Inman. The Eagles have lost 11 consecutive contests.
DISTRICT 4
Sublette (1-1; 1-0) at Elkhart (0-4; 0-2) – Sublette can close in on a earning a playoff spot with a win at Elkhart. The Larks have only played two games after being quarantine the past two weeks. Sublette lost games against district heavyweight Sedgwick and Whitewater-Remington. As a result, a win over Elkhart would move the Larks to 2-0 in district play with just two district games remaining. Sophomore Miguel Hernandez leads Sublette with 278 rushing yards and three touchdowns and 271 passing yards and two scores.
8-Man, Division I
DISTRICT 1
Oswego (3-0; 1-0) at Sedan (4-0; 1-0) – Read our full preview of this matchup of unbeatens in the Kpreps feature The Pick List – Week 5. Elsewhere in District 1, Yates Center (2-2; 0-1) travels to Cedar Vale-Dexter (3-1; 1-0) in a game that could ultimately decide a playoff spot.
DISTRICT 2
Udall (2-2; 0-1) at Central Burden (0-4; 0-1) – While Madison, Chase County, and Udall should be in consideration for the top three seeds in District 2, this could be a key game for Udall. The Eagles will look to rebound from a 70-14 loss to Madison last week and will have to again go on the road to take on Central Burden. The Eagles played without senior standout Dylan Bishop last week, and managed just 87 yards of total offense against the third-ranked Bulldogs. Udall needs a solid victory to even their district record at 1-1 and reset their margin points average back to zero after the Madison loss.
DISTRICT 3
Valley Falls (3-1, 1-0) at No. 4 Clifton-Clyde (4-0, 1-0) AND Washington County (3-1; 1-0) at Burlingame (2-2; 0-1) – While Clifton-Clyde appears to be the clear-cut favorite in this District, Valley Falls has enjoyed nice success at the eight-man level under Sawyer Havenstein. The Dragons have posted wins over Wetmore, Pretty Prairie, and Maranatha Academy. Elsewhere, Washington County travels to Burlingame in a matchup that very likely will decide the district runner-up. Burlingame’s two losses have come to No. 3 Madison and No. 4 Clifton-Clyde, while Washington County’s lone loss came to No. 1 Canton-Galva.
DISTRICT 4
No. 5 Little River (3-1; 1-0) at No. 1 Canton-Galva (4-0; 1-0) – Read our full preview of the Redskins and Eagles in the Kpreps Game of the Week feature!
DISTRICT 5
Moundridge (2-2; 1-0) at Goessel (1-3; 0-1) – Moundridge will look for a third-consecutive road win as the Wildcats visit Goessel. Moundridge opened with losses to top-tier teams in Chase County and No. 1 Canton-Galva. Since, the Wildcats have posted a 10-point win over Bennington and an 8-point win at Medicine Lodge. Goessel has also battled a touch schedule including losses to No. 1 Canton-Galva, No. 5 Little River, and unbeaten Argonia-Attica. Both of these teams should be playoff teams, but this one could decide the district runner-up.
DISTRICT 6
Pratt-Skyline (4-0; 1-0) at Kinsley (3-1; 1-0) – An intriguing game in a district that will likely be decided between La Crosse, Kinsley and Skyline. Kinsley is moved toward its first winning season since a 5-4 mark in ’10, the Coyotes’ only winning record since the early ‘90s. Skyline was a district runner-up to Little River last fall. Coach Corey Dunlap has done a great job of turning around Kinsley. Cole Gleason has bounced back from a severe injury in the ’18 season finale that cost him all of ‘19. He has eight catches for 216 yards and two TDs, along with 29.5 tackles and three INTs. Isaac Bowman has passed for 573 yards with an 8/2 TD/INT ratio. This is likely going to be Skyline’s run-heavy attack behind Braden Taylor (889 rushing yards in ’19) against Kinsley’s more passing attack. Skyline is 6-1 against Kinsley since ’02, including four victories in a row. The Coyotes’ last series win came in a 60-42 victory in ’13.
DISTRICT 7
Meade (2-0; 0-0) at South Gray (4-0, 1-0) -- Meade lost the last two contests because of COVID-19. Meade, in its first year of eight-man football, has junior Korben Clawson. He has passed for 162 yards with a 5/1 TD/INT ratio, and has 47 carries for 262 yards and four scores. South Gray pulled a minor upset against Ness City last week and has outscored teams, 204-6. The Rebels have started at least 3-0 for the third time in four years. This is the first matchup since ’97, according to Kansas Football History.
Spearville (4-0; 0-0) at Hodgeman County (3-1, 0-1) – The longtime rivals match up in another huge District 7 contest. The district has one total loss in non-district play. Hodgeman County was tied with No. 2 Wichita County at eight mid-way through the first quarter before the Indians tallied 50 unanswered points. Hodgeman County has won back-to-back games in this series, but Spearville had won four straight before then. The Lancers are a win away from its ninth straight at least .500 season. Trace Tasset has paced the single wing offense with 690 rushing yards. The Longhorns have battled injuries, though do have senior quarterback Isaac Salmans, one of eight-man’s top players.
DISTRICT 8
Stockton (0-4; 0-0) at Hill City (2-1; 0-0) -- In a rarity, no district games were played last week as several of the teams in District 8 were in quarantine due to COVID-10 concerns. As a result, all teams are starting off with an 0-0 record this week. WaKeeney-Trego is still quarantined this week and their scheduled opponent, Atwood-Rawlins County, scheduled a replacement game at Blue Valley Randolph. District play opens with Stockton at Hill City and Hoxie at Oberlin-Decatur Community. Hill City was considered a contender until key injuries have slowed their season. The Ringnecks have wins over Osborne and Ness City before being blown out by Leoti-Wichita County. Stockton has a pair of close losses to Thunder Ridge (20-14 OT), and Spearville (14-7). The Tigers have also dropped games to unbeaten Logan-Palco and 3-1 Wheatland-Grinnell. Overall, Stockton’s four opponents thus far have a combined 14-2.
8-MAN, DIVISION II
DISTRICT 1
Colony-Crest (4-0; 1-0) at Waverly (2-2; 1-0) – This matchup will likely decide District 1. Both teams were 6-4 last season and each squad has a second-year coach. Waverly’s Nick Fraenza replaced legendary Mike Hevel. Crest’s Nick McAnulty took over after an 0-9 year and is 10-4 with the single wing. Crest is highly experienced, notably with senior quarterback Jacquez Coleman. He has accounted for 11 touchdowns as the Lancers pace the classification with 60 points a game. Waverly is 8-0 all-time in the series with all games from ’02-17. Crest defeated Marais des Cygnes Valley, 72-22, and Waverly won, 74-46, versus MdCV. Waverly has faced a much more challenging schedule with losses to Burlingame and Lebo, teams a combined 7-1.
DISTRICT 2
Rural Vista (1-2; 1-0) at Hartford (1-3; 0-1) – Hartford has to be excited to return home. The Jaguars have dropped three consecutive road games – all to quality competition. Harford’s three losses have come to 8M-I No. 3 Madison, Burlingame, and 8M-II No. 4 Lebo. Hartford is certainly capable of challenging for a second or third-place finish in District 2 and build their case beginning with a win over Rural Vista.
DISTRICT 3
Axtell (3-1; 0-1) at Frankfort (3-1; 3-0) – Last year, Axtell ended Hanover’s 43-game winning streak, the longest eight-man run in the KSHSAA era, and then fell to Frankfort, 24-20, in the following week on a TD on the game’s final play. Last week, Axtell led 6-0 after the first quarter but lost to Hanover, 62-16, behind minus-19 rushing yards. Sophomore quarterback Isaac Detweiler has delivered a big year with 52 of 73 passing for 684 yards with a 17/1 TD/INT ratio, along with 17 rushing touchdowns. Frankfort fell, 44-36, to Washington County in Week 1 and then delivered three blowout victories. Frankfort has not won back-to-back games in this series since ’89-90. Axtell had won six of seven before last year. However, three of the last five meetings are 14 points or fewer. Frankfort counters with quarterback Gavin Cornelison. Amazingly, Frankfort has only two district games left. The Wildcats are 3-0 in District 3 with only showdowns with Axtell and Hanover remaining.
DISTRICT 4
Beloit St. John’s-Tipton (2-2; 2-1) at Pike Valley (1-2; 1-1) – District 4 may be the most competitive district in any classification. All seven teams have a district loss with four teams sitting at 2-1 after three weeks. Beloit St. John’s-Tipton are one of those teams and will travel to Pike Valley this week. The Blujays have beaten Thunder Ridge, but have lost to Osborne. Pike Valley has dropped a 10-point decision to Thunder Ridge back in Week 2. Keaton Reeves has led the Panthers with 312 rushing yards and six scores, while St. John’s-Tipton has been let by the passing game of Jaret Eitzmann. Eitzmann has passed for 558 yards and nine touchdowns and added five rushing touchdowns and 261 rushing yards.
DISTRICT 5
No. 3 Victoria (4-0; 2-0) at Central Plains (2-0; 2-0) – The longtime Central Prairie League rivals match up in Claflin in what should decide District 5. Victoria has beaten every team by at least 28 points, including a 54-22 home victory versus Sylvan-Lucas (3-1) last week. The Knights have its experienced QB/RB with Grant Schoenrock and Jayvon Pruitt, and sophomore RB Carson Werth has played very well in ‘20 after a huge performance versus Leoti-Wichita County last season in the playoffs. Central Plains went 3-6 and suffered a litany of injuries in a rare down fall in ’19, though bounced back win two wins after it missed the first two games with COVID issues. The Oilers have had four players tally a rushing touchdown, and sophomore Michael Laymon and junior Cole Lamatsch each have a pair of passing TDs. Victoria is 5-4 versus the Oilers in the last nine years, and the squads have flipped results the last five seasons. Victoria won in ’15, ’17 and 50-14 last year, and Central Plains won in ’14, ’16 and ’18.
DISTRICT 6
South Barber (2-2; 2-1) at Peabody-Burns (2-2; 1-1) – The key game in District 6 has South Barber visiting Peabody-Burns. Both teams are 2-2, although Peabody-Burns has played one-less district game. The Warriors have lost to Central Christian and defeated Stafford 64-62 in a shootout. Stafford then lost to South Barber, 62-42, last week. The Chieftains have also beaten Central Christian, but opened their district scheduled with a two-point loss to Norwich. This is a key game for Peabody-Burns with unbeaten Caldwell looming next week. Meanwhile, South Barber will host Caldwell in Week 7.
DISTRICT 7
Dighton (1-1; 0-0) at Ingalls (0-4; 0-1) -- Dighton, with just 11 players, have had the last two games cancelled after a 52-6 loss to Quinter in Week 2. Ingalls has played a brutal schedule with losses to South Gray (4-0), Meade (2-0), Spearville (4-0) and rival Minneola (2-2). Ingalls is favored in this game, a district that is likely wide-open for the third and fourth seeds between Minneola and South Central.
Minneola (2-2; 1-0) at South Central (2-2; 1-0) – This matchup will likely decide the District 7 title. Both teams cruised to solid wins last week. Minneola defeated rival Ingalls, 66-20, and South Central beat Bucklin, 52-6. South Central, down from Division I, has won 26 consecutive district games from ’15-current. Minneola has rushed for 250 yards a game with all of its offensive yards from non-seniors. South Central has nine seniors, including explosive all-purpose threat Jonny Robles. He has eight rushing TDs and a receiving score in his last two games.
DISTRICT 8
Quinter (2-1; 0-1) at Triplains-Brewster (2-2; 0-1) – This will likely decide the fourth spot in District 8 behind some combination of St. Francis, Logan-Palco and Wheatland-Grinnell. Quinter played rival Wheatland-Grinnell to a 34-26 loss last week. This is normally a very close game. Last year, Triplains-Brewster won 32-26, and two years ago, the Titans beat Quinter, 36-28, in overtime. Quinter junior quarterback Jaden Boone has enjoyed a strong start, and Triplains-Brewster senior running back Ryan Hause has 67 carries for 426 yards and 11 TDs. Junior Cayde Welsh has 35 tackles.
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