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.
If you have suggestions for what you would like to see in future Game Day features, send us a message on Twitter or Facebook.
-----
Keep an eye out for these district games – and here’s why:
Class 3A:
DISTRICT 1
Columbus (5-0; 2-0) at Galena (4-0; 2-0) – Read our full preview of the Redskins and Eagles in the Kpreps Game of the Week feature!
DISTRICT 2
Burlington (4-1; 1-1) at Girard (2-3; 1-0) – This will be the seventh consecutive season the Wildcats and Trojans have met with the series tied 3-3 over that time. District 2 is wide open with Frontenac and Girard both 1-0, Burlington at 1-1, and Prairie View and Anderson County at 0-1. Iola has yet to play a district game due to quarantine. Girard will look to rebound from a 28-21 loss to Logan-Rogersville (Mo.) last week, while Burlington is looking to bounce back from its first loss of the season (28-12 to Frontenac). The winner will keep its hopes alive for a top-two finish and a home playoff game.
DISTRICT 3
Santa Fe Trail (2-3; 2-0) at Topeka Hayden (4-1; 1-0) – After posting solid victories in the past two weeks, Santa Fe Trail has the tall task of facing one of the top teams in this district and the state with their trip to Hayden. The unique circumstances surrounding District 3 continue this week. Baldwin, which has missed its first two district games due to quarantine, will not miss its third straight district game as Bishop Ward has entered quarantine. Baldwin was able to schedule a non-district game at Nemaha Central for Friday. The Bulldogs are only scheduled to play two district games – against Santa Fe Trail and Osawatomie. If Baldwin wins both, they will be 2-0 and likely finish in the top two spots in this district despite having avoided the two top teams in the district – Hayden and Perry-Lecompton. Hayden will host Perry-Lecompton next week in what should decide the district title. If Baldwin finishes first or second in this district, the loser of the Hayden and Perry-Lecompton contest will fall 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.
DISTRICT 4
Jefferson West (2-3; 2-0) at Rock Creek (3-1; 2-0) – Both the Tigers and Mustangs enter this contest with 2-0 records in District 4 along with Holton. Rock Creek is expected to challenge Holton for the district title. Quarterback Charlie Killingsworth has passed for 1,095 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding another 390 yards and nine scores on the ground. Jeff West has opened district play with wins over struggling Royal Valley and Hiawatha. Those two victories will likely earn the Tigers the fourth seed out of this district unless than can pull an upset against Rock Creek, Sabetha, or Holton in the next three weeks.
DISTRICT 5
Clay Center (2-3; 0-2) at Chapman (2-1; 0-0) – Chapman returns from its two-week quarantine in a game that will be played Monday. Then, the Irish will play next Friday against Council Grove. Both games are at home. Chapman senior quarterback Trevor Erickson has 43 carries for 399 yards and seven rushing touchdowns and has accounted for nine TDs. Junior Tate Milton leads with 29 tackles, three more than Erickson. Chapman beat Clay Center, 20-0, two years ago, and Clay Center won 38-26 last year.
DISTRICT 6
Smoky Valley (2-3; 1-1) at Scott City (3-2; 2-0) – Smoky Valley’s two wins this season have come by a combined three points. The Vikings outlasted Goodland 21-20 in double-overtime last week in order to move to 1-1 in district play. It was a victory that could ultimately secure Smoky Valley the final playoff spot out of District 6. Meanwhile, Scott City will look to keep its hopes alive for a district title. The Beavers have won consecutive games over Goodland and Russell after back-to-back losses in GWAC play to Holcomb and Cimarron. Scott City will host Colby next week before traveling to unbeaten Southeast of Saline to close out the regular season.
DISTRICT 7
Halstead (2-3; 0-2) at Hesston (3-2; 0-2) – This is arguably the best district in Kansas with three 5-0 teams – Andale, Wichita Collegiate and Clearwater. Collegiate and Clearwater play this week, though Andale’s game was cancelled Thursday night because of COVID-19. This is very likely a playoff elimination game with the top-four teams from each district making the playoffs. Halstead has its run-heavy offense with Hesston more pass-oriented. Halstead and Hesston have played every year since ’06 and split the last four meetings. Halstead’s Lakin Farmer ranks fourth in Kansas with 974 rushing yards, and Hesston’s Ryan Eilert has passed for 1,022 yards.
DISTRICT 8
Hugoton (2-3; 0-1) at Pratt (2-3; 1-1) – Hugoton has battled through COVID-19 quarantine earlier this fall. This game will likely be for the district’s third seed. Pratt was 2-7 last season and fell 21-7 at Hugoton last year.
Class 2A:
DISTRICT 1
Erie (1-4; 0-2) at Fredonia (2-3; 1-1) – Fredonia can clinch a playoff spot with a win over Erie this week. The Yellow Jackets have already defeated Neodesha and a second victory will get Fredonia to a top-four finish in District 1. Riverton will step out of district play this week to play Class 1A Uniontown. The Rams were supposed to play Southeast-Cherokee which still remains in quarantine. Colgan handled Neodesha 52-14 on Thursday night to improve to 2-0 in district play along with Riverton.
DISTRICT 2
Osage City (4-1; 2-0) at Wellsville (1-3; 1-0) – Osage City can take a big step towards earning a home playoff game with a win at Wellsville on Saturday. Sophomore quarterback Landon Boss has passed for 767 yards and 13 touchdowns already this season. Wellsville picked up its first win of the season on Tuesday when the Eagles topped previously-unbeaten Eureka, 25-6. Eureka will travel to West Franklin this week with the winner moving to 2-1 in the district standings. Osage City will travel to Eureka next week in another high-profile game in this district.
DISTRICT 3
Oskaloosa (0-5; 0-2) at Mission Valley (3-2; 1-1) – Mission Valley can close in on a playoffs spot with a home win over Oskaloosa. The Vikings will also host winless McLouth next week before closing out the regular season against top-ranked Rossville. Oskaloosa is just looking for some momentum and some points after having been shut out by a combined 159-0 the past two weeks in losses to Silver Lake and Rossville.
DISTRICT 4
Maur Hill-Mount Academy (5-0; 2-0) at Nemaha Central (3-2; 2-0) – This was the marquee game in District, however, Maur Hill announced on Wednesday that they would enter quarantine due to a COVID-related issue. Nemaha Central found a replacement in a non-district game against Baldwin. Republic County and Riverside can each pick up their second district victories. Riverside travels to Atchison County and needs another district win before taking on Nemaha Central and Maur Hill in the next two weeks.
DISTRICT 5
Sterling (1-4; 1-1) at Hutchinson Trinity (5-0; 2-0) – Hutch Trinity will look to post its fourth consecutive shutout when they host Sterling. While the district title will likely come down to the final week when Trinity will host Hillsboro, Sterling has shown the ability to hang around with some quality opponents. After a season-opening blowout loss to Sedgwick, the Black Bears have dropped close game to Garden Plain (14-0), Chaparral (17-7), and Hillsboro (23-17 in OT).
DISTRICT 6
Garden Plain (4-1; 2-0) at Kingman (4-1; 2-0) – Both teams lost its season opener to teams that are now ranked. Garden Plain beat Conway Springs 14-13 in Week 1, and fell 44-7 at Cheney in Week 3. Kingman lost, 38-14, at Cheney in the season opener. Former Fort Hays wide receiver Tanner Hageman has done a nice job with Kingman. The Eagles were 3-6 last year in Hageman’s first season. A victory ensures Kingman’s first winning record since a 6-3 year in ’14. Kingman has scored 170 points after 119 last fall. This is for likely the District 6 title. Belle Plaine (2-3, 1-1) at Chaparral (2-3, 1-1) is another key district matchup.
DISTRICT 7
Cimarron (3-2; 2-0) at Lakin (3-2; 2-0) – One of the best southwest Kansas rivalries resumes. The district features Thomas More Prep, Cimarron and Lakin all with 2-0 district records. Cimarron is the favorite in this matchup because of its experience, notably quarterback Braxton Harrison and fullback/end Hunter Renick. Lakin, paced by junior Servando Gonzalez, has arguably overachieved after huge graduations last year. Cimarron won last year, 17-14, in a classic on a game-winning field goal. Cimarron has captured six straight versus Lakin, three of those by a combined nine points.
DISTRICT 8
Beloit (2-3; 1-1) at Norton (3-2; 0-2) – These are two teams, playing for the first time since ’15, that are rarely in this position. Beloit, after huge graduation losses, is trying to extend its streak of winning seasons. The Trojans have not been under .500 since ’04. Norton, the defending state runner-up, has been under .500 twice from ’95-19. Norton beat Smith Center, ranked No. 3 in 1A, at home in Week 1, but standout lineman Christien Hawks, a KU signing, has been banged up. He recorded five tackles last week against Ellsworth, his first defensive numbers since Week 2. Beloit sophomore Benson Berndt leads with 521 rushing yards. Hoisington has firm control of this district. Beloit has lost to Phillipsburg, and Norton has lost to Minneapolis and Ellsworth in district. The loser of this game, especially Norton, is in danger of not getting a top-four seed and being left out of the playoffs.
Class 1A:
DISTRICT 1
Lyndon (4-1; 2-1) at Central Heights (4-1; 1-1) – While Lyndon is likely a heavy favorite in this game, the success of Central Heights thus far should be acknowledged. The Vikings have four wins in a season for the first time since 2013 and have a chance for a top-three finish in District 1.
Olpe (5-0) at Jackson Heights (3-1) – This marks the third straight year the teams have met up. Olpe is No. 1 in 1A. The Eagles beat Jackson Heights, 20-18, in ’18 and 28-14 last year.
DISTRICT 2
Wabaunsee (2-3, 1-2) at Jefferson Co. North (3-2; 1-2) – Wabaunsee junior quarterback Cade Oliver did not play in a 58-0 loss to Valley Heights last week. Oliver has completed 58 of 91 passes for 920 yards with nine scores against three interceptions. This game will likely decide the fourth seed in the district.
DISTRICT 3
Smith Center (4-1; 3-0) at Plainville (2-3; 1-2) – This was one of Kansas’ premier games from ’15-19. The Mid-Continent League teams met up in the regular season and again in the state semifinals each season. Smith Center has won seven in a row in the series, though five of the last eight meetings are within 14 points or fewer. Sophomore Kyle Werner leads Plainville with 70 carries for 508 yards and four scores. Smith Center senior Griffin Kugler, the school’s all-time leader in single season and career receiving TDs, has 13 catches for 236 yards and six TDs.
DISTRICT 4
Elkhart (1-4; 1-2) at Stanton County (0-5; 0-3) – While Conway Springs and Sedgwick are considered the district’s class, Elkhart can bounce back from an 0-4 start and could finish top-three in the district with a win here.
8-Man, Division I
DISTRICT 1
Cedar Vale-Dexter (4-1; 2-0) at West Elk (3-2; 1-1) – Cedar Vale-Dexter won this district last year and has captured seven consecutive district games. The Spartans have won two straight in the series. Last week, excellent Cedar Vale-Dexter back Brogan Myers rushed 36 times for 288 yards and six touchdowns. A win keeps the Spartans atop the district standings with tough games remaining against Sedan and Oswego.
DISTRICT 2
Chase County (4-1; 2-0) at Madison (5-0; 2-0) – This game will likely decide the District 2 title and runner-up spot. Chase County has won three straight games in dominating fashion after their lone loss of the season to Lebo. Chase County has posted three shutouts this season and will need that kind of defensive effort to have success against Madison. Madison quarterback Chase Helm has passed for 456 yards and nine scores. Helm has help guide a Madison offense that has averaged 56 points per game this season.
DISTRICT 3
Burlingame (3-2; 1-1) at Valley Falls (3-2, 1-1) – Clifton-Clyde has firm control of the district at 5-0, 2-0, but four teams are 3-2, 1-1. Burlingame is the favorite, but Valley Falls opened 2-0 for the first time in 17 years. Burlingame coach Jeff Slater is 55-14. Senior Evan Young has passed for 640 yards with a 13/7 TD/INT ratio for the Bearcats, while senior Wyatt Ledom has 79 carries for 513 yards and 10 scores.
DISTRICT 4
Lincoln (3-2; 1-1) at Solomon (4-1; 1-1) – Lincoln has already won its most games since 2015. Solomon has matched its win total from last year. Lincoln senior Tyler Good has 73 carries for 630 yards and 10 touchdowns. He leads with 60 tackles. Solomon senior quarterback Alex Herbel has passed for 344 yards with 10 passing and six rushing scores.
DISTRICT 5
Medicine Lodge (1-3; 1-1) at Pretty Prairie (1-4; 1-1) – Five teams are battling for four playoffs spots in District 5 and this game between the Indians and Bulldogs will help to begin separating the log-jam of teams in the standings. Outside of unbeaten Argonia-Attica (5-0; 2-0), Moundridge and Goessel join Medicine Lodge and Pretty Prairie with a 1-1 district mark. Moundridge has scored 138 points in its last three weeks, but facing Argonia-Attica this week. Pretty Prairie’s four losses have come to teams that are a combined 16-4. Medicine Lodge has averaged 37.5 points per game this season.
DISTRICT 6
Kinsley (3-2; 1-1) at La Crosse (2-2; 2-0) – Expect a lot of points between the two Central Prairie League rivals. La Crosse, in its first season of eight-man football, has tallied at least 70 points in the last two weeks. Colby Stull set the school record with seven touchdowns last Friday. Kinsley, La Crosse and Pratt Skyline (5-0, 2-0; win against Kinsley) headline the district. The Coyotes have averaged 50 points a game behind a host of weapons, including quarterback Isaac Bowman and wide receiver Cole Gleason. This is the first meeting between the teams since ’09.
DISTRICT 7
South Gray (5-0, 2-0) at Spearville (4-1; 0-1) – South Gray is arguably the state’s biggest surprise. Both teams have a running back among the top-seven in eight-man rushing. Aaron Skidmore has 860 rushing yards for South Gray, and Trace Tasset has delivered 742 yards for Spearville. Both squads have yet to play No. 2-ranked Leoti-Wichita County (5-0, 2-0) in district action.
DISTRICT 8
Hill City (3-1; 1-0) at Hoxie (3-1; 1-0) -- Both teams have lost a game because of COVID-19 issues. This contest will likely decide the District 8 champion. Hill City has suffered significant injuries, while Hoxie has excellent depth at the skill positions.
8-MAN, DIVISION II
DISTRICT 1
Chetopa (3-2; 2-0) at Colony-Crest (5-0; 2-0) – These two teams are both unbeaten in District 1 play. While Crest might have been a pick to challenge with their bevy of returning starters, Chetopa has been a surprise under coach Rick Aldridge. The Green Hornets have won three straight games and can clinch a playoff spot with another win.
DISTRICT 2
Hartford (2-3; 1-1) at Wakefield (0-5; 0-2) – This matchup between the Jaguars and Bombers will likely the order of third and fourth place in this district. Hartford’s record is deceiving as the Jaguars have losses to Lyon County League rivals Madison, Burlingame, and Lebo – all on the road. Hartford returns to the road to visit a Wakefield team that has been competitive in three of five games this season. The Bombers have two losses by four points each.
DISTRICT 3
Frankfort (4-1; 4-0) at Hanover (4-0; 2-0) – Read the full preview of this TVL showdown in the Kpreps feature The Pick List – Week 6!
DISTRICT 4
Thunder Ridge (4-1; 3-1) at Osborne (2-3; 2-1) – This matchup had a pair of undefeated, ranked teams vying for a district title in Kensington last fall. A lot of key players off that game have graduated. Notably, Osborne has taken big graduation losses after its undefeated state title team. However, each squad remains in play in a wild district that has Thunder Ridge, Lakeside and Beloit St. John’s-Tipton all at 3-1, and Osborne at 2-1. Thunder Ridge’s Dylan Bice and Osborne’s Mason Schurr are among the key standouts. Bice has nearly 1,400 yards of total offense.
DISTRICT 5
Tescott (0-5; 0-2) at Chase (0-5; 0-2) – Wilson at Victoria will help sort out the district pictures this week along with Central Plains at Sylvan-Lucas, but this is likely the best chance at a victory for Tescott and Chase. Chase has lost 20 straight regular season contests (Weeks 1-8) dating back to a 52-6 victory at Bucklin in Week 7 of ’17. Tescott was 2-7 last year.
DISTRICT 6
Hutchinson Central Christian (3-2; 2-2) at Norwich (2-3; 2-1) – While Caldwell (4-1, 3-1) still holds pole position in the district, the top-six squads are all between 3-1 and 1-2 in district. Central Christian has averaged 34 points a game, and Norwich 35.2. Norwich won at South Barber, 52-50, in Week 2, and lost at Sylvan-Lucas, 48-46, in overtime last week.
DISTRICT 7
Bucklin (2-3; 1-1) at Minneola (2-3; 1-1) – Both of these team are 1-1 in district play and can keep pace with district-leader South Central with a win. Minneola freshman quarterback Eli Lang has rushed for a team-high 519 yards and ten touchdowns while also having thrown five touchdown passes. Bucklin will counter with junior Scott Price who has rushed for 473 yards and six touchdowns.
DISTRICT 8
Wheatland-Grinnell (4-1; 2-0) at Logan-Palco (4-1; 1-1) – This is, at worst, likely for the No. 2 seed in the district behind likely top-ranked St. Francis. Standout Logan-Palco running back Micah Thompson is out for the season with a collarbone injury suffered last Saturday versus St. Francis. He led with 637 rushing yards and 11 scores. However, junior Dylan Van Laeys, and seniors Ian Sparks and Josh Uhland have combined for 13 rushing scores. Logan-Palco won this matchup, 32-30, in a non-district game last year. Wheatland-Grinnell junior running back Isaac Mendez has emerged with a huge season: 115 carries for 903 yards and 15 scores. Thunderhawk senior Trevor Zarybnicky continues as one of the eight-man’s top defensive players with a team-high 61 tackles.
Use your Facebook account to add a comment or start a discussion. Posts are subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment.
