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
Parsons (2-4; 1-2) at Columbus (6-0; 3-0) – Columbus can move a step closer to the District 1 title with a victory over Parsons in their final home game. Parsons is a team that can put up some points as evidenced by scoring 42 and 34 in consecutive district games over the past two weeks. The matchup will feature the Viking passing attack led by quarterback Ethan Houk against the Titan opportunistic secondary. Houk has passed for 1,185 yards and 12 touchdowns against only three interceptions. The Columbus defense has 12 interceptions on the season including five returned for touchdowns. Seniors Lynn Shallenburger and Landon Proffitt have picked off three passes each, while sophomores Landin Midgett and Cole Minor have two each.
DISTRICT 2
Frontenac (3-3; 2-0) at Prairie View (4-1; 1-1) – Frontenac can close in on the District 2 title with a win at Prairie View. This game will be played Saturday at 1:00 p.m. given the Buffaloes just played Monday. Prairie View had their Week 5 game against Girard cancelled and returned to the field earlier this week with a 42-7 win over Iola.
DISTRICT 3
Baldwin (0-4; 0-0) at Santa Fe Trail (2-4; 2-1) – Obviously the biggest game in the district pits 3A No. 2 Perry-Lecompton at No. 3 Topeka Hayden, but Baldwin’s district-opener at Santa Fe Trail will be key in this district. That’s right, we said district opener. Baldwin missed its first two district games (against Perry & Hayden) due to quarantine and missed a third last week as Bishop Ward has entered quarantine. This left the Bulldogs with only two district games – against Santa Fe Trail and winless 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. 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 seed 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. Therefore, both Perry-Lecompton and Hayden are rooting for the Chargers in this one.
DISTRICT 4
Rock Creek (4-1; 3-0) at Holton (5-1; 3-0) – This is likely for the District 4 title. This is believed to the first matchup ever between the schools. Holton is a defending district champion. The Wildcats’ only loss came 28-14 to Perry-Lecompton in Week 3. Rock Creek lost, 58-57, to Rossville, ranked No. 1 in Class 2A. RC was 3-15 combined in the last two years and is a victory away since its first winning record since 2012. The offensive styles are very different. Holton has averaged 351 rushing yards a game and has passed just 18 total times. Rock Creek’s Charlie Killingsworth has passed for more than 1,000 yards.
DISTRICT 5
Riley County (4-1; 2-0) at Concordia (4-2; 2-1) – Riley County, Concordia and Marysville (2-3, 2-0) headline the district. Riley County is the favorite here and the Falcons’ only loss came in a 29-28 home game to rival Silver Lake. Riley County’s Nic Allen, an explosive player who was hurt nearly all last season, picked up his first collegiate offer, from Coffeyville CC, this week. Senior Conner Holle has passed for 908 yards with a 12/2 TD/INT ratio. Allen has enjoyed a huge year with 90 carries for 709 yards and 15 scores, along with seven carries for 81 yards and 195 special teams yards. Riley County has averaged 9.6 yards per play. For Concordia, senior Wyatt Trost has passed for 714 yards, rushed for 666 yards and accounted for 15 total scores. Concordia has delivered 6.9 yards per play.
DISTRICT 6
Colby (5-1; 2-1) at Scott City (4-2; 3-0) – Last season, Colby beat Scott City, 28-20, in overtime for an eventual district title and 9-1 season. Two weeks ago, the Eagles lost, 32-8, to Southeast of Saline in a game that was closer than the final score. Southeast of Saline had a pair of defensive touchdowns. Colby has permitted just 54 total points and features quarterback Ryan Myers and running back Hagan Booi. Scott City has allowed only 74 points, including a 17-16 win versus Smoky Valley last week.
DISTRICT 7
Wichita Collegiate (6-0; 3-0) at Halstead (3-3; 1-2) – While Andale is certainly the favorite in this district, this contest has the potential to be wildly entertaining. Collegiate features quarterback Wesley Fair, and Halstead has running back Lakin Farmer. Fair passed for 84 yards and rushed for 177 last week. Halstead running back Lakin Farmer recorded 30 carries for 534 yards and six touchdowns, the second-most single game rushing yards in state history at the 11-man level. He has 1,507 rushing yards, second-most in Kansas to Tonganoxie’s Tyler Bowden. Fair also rushed for 217 yards versus Rose Hill and 150 yards versus Hesston. Collegiate has a very experienced line paced by senior twins Nick and Jack Herrman.
DISTRICT 8
Larned (1-4; 0-2) at Hugoton (3-3; 1-1) – Cheney and Holcomb are firmly in the top-two spots in the district, but this game will go a long way to deciding a playoff berth. Both squads have had big seasons from their quarterbacks. Larned’s Dillan Smith has passed for 1,187 yards, and Sawyer Harper is a dual threat player for Hugoton. This is the second of four straight road games for Larned. Three of Larned’s losses have come by 16 points or fewer.
Class 2A:
DISTRICT 1
Neodesha (0-6; 0-3) at Southeast-Cherokee (3-1; 1-0) – With Fredonia’s game against Riverton cancelled due to COVID concerns with the Yellow Jackets, Neodesha’s trip to Cherokee becomes the most important game in District 1 this week. Southeast is returning from two weeks of quarantine where the Lancers avoided both Riverton and St. Mary’s Colgan. Thus, a win over Neodesha can put Southeast in good position to claim a top two finish in this district and a playoff home game.
DISTRICT 2
Osage City (5-1; 3-0) at Eureka (4-2; 1-2) – A few weeks ago, many would have considered this to be “the game” that would decide the District 2 title. In fact, Osage City can win the district title with a win this week, but Eureka still has a lot to play for. The Tornadoes were on the verge of the Class 2A top five rankings a couple of weeks ago, but have since dropped consecutive games to Wellsville (25-6) and West Franklin (36-28). The loss to West Franklin occurred on Monday. Now a few days later, the Tornadoes may be playing for their playoff lives against the top team in the district.
DISTRICT 3
Silver Lake (4-0; 3-0) at Rossville (6-0; 3-0) – Read the full preview of the “War on 24” at Kpreps.com. The game was chosen by fans as the statewide Game of the Week.
DISTRICT 4
Nemaha Central (4-2; 2-0) at Riverside (4-2; 2-1) – Nemaha Central will travel to Riverside in a key game to keep the defending-champion Thunder atop the district standings. The Thunder didn’t get to play their marquee game against Maur Hill last week as the Ravens entered quarantine due to a COVID-related issue. Maur Hill announced late this week they would play this week at St. Marys. Meanwhile, Republic County will reportedly have to cancel their remaining two games due to quarantine. Republic County (4-2; 2-1) was scheduled to play Atchison County tonight and Nemaha Central next week.
DISTRICT 5
Hutchinson Trinity (6-0; 3-0) at Haven (4-2; 2-1) – Hutchinson Trinity, Hillsboro (4-2, 3-0) and Haven lead this district. Haven, which has lost to Hillsboro, needs a victory for its first winning season since ’01. Trinity has its usual airtight defense with coach Jordan Bell and has allowed just 45 total points. Haven senior Hunter Barlow is a four-year starter on the line. Both have dual threat quarterbacks with Trinity’s Lucas Hammeke, and Haven’s Darby Roper. Trinity is the lone squad to beat Inman. This is also a good Heart of America vs. Central Kansas League matchup; the CKL, with Haven, is considered a deeper league.
DISTRICT 6
Belle Plaine (3-3; 2-1) at Garden Plain (5-1; 3-0) – Garden Plain can wrap up the District 6 title with a victory over Belle Plaine. Meanwhile, the Dragons can keep their hopes for a home playoff game alive with a win. Belle Plain has already lost to Kingman, 28-7, while Garden Plain defeated Kingman 14-10 last week. The other story in this district is Douglass that entered district play 3-0, but dropped its first two district games to Garden Plain and Kingman then have lost consecutive games against winless Leon-Bluestem and Chaparral due to COVID.
DISTRICT 7
Cimarron (4-2; 3-0) at Thomas More Prep (5-1; 3-0) – This game, held at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays, will likely decide the district title. This is first matchup between the teams since a 44-35 Cimarron victory in ’17. TMP, 7-1 in its last eight games dating to 2019, has won five in a row as Jay Harris has done an excellent job providing stability and turning around the program. A win gives TMP its best record since ’02. Cimarron has captured 19 straight district wins from 2016-current. The Monarchs have its big three of quarterback Kade Harris, running back Bryce Seib and Jace Wentling. Cimarron counters with quarterback Braxton Harrison. A key question is how much the Bluejays will receive from two key players the last several years, running back Tate Seabolt and Hunter Renick. This should be a close, low-scoring game.
DISTRICT 8
Hoisington (6-0; 3-0) at Norton (3-2; 0-2) – This contest has two key district games. Hoisington can essentially lock up the district with a win at Travis Field. Hoisington is 17-1 since the start of last season. However, that lone loss came at Travis Field with a last-second 10-8 loss to Norton in the state semifinals last year. Norton was unable to play because of COVID-19 last week. Norton, the only team to beat Smith Center, has dropped two straight and its playoff lives are in danger. However, the Bluejays do feature two highly talented players with quarterback Jonah Ruder and lineman Christien Hawks, who has been banged up this year. Ellsworth has defeated Norton, and Phillipsburg has enjoyed a big season from quarterback Ty Sides.
Class 1A:
DISTRICT 1
Central Heights (4-2; 1-2) at Uniontown (3-3; 2-1) – The winner of this matchup between the Vikings and the Eagles will likely decide the third-place finish in this district. Uniontown still has a big test next week against Lyndon, while Central Heights will face Pleasanton next week.
DISTRICT 2
Valley Heights (5-1, 4-1) at Jackson Heights (3-2; 2-1) – This is very likely for the No. 2 seed in District 2 behind Centralia. Last year, Jackson Heights beat Valley Heights, 26-12, in the regular season and 6-0 overtime victory in the playoffs. Two years ago, Jackson Heights beat Valley Heights, 22-14, and then 36-20 in the postseason. Jackson Heights also won, 44-40, in ’17. Valley Heights is more experienced than Jackson Heights in the backfield. Valley Heights lost, 28-0, to Centralia, and Jackson Heights fell, 30-12, to the Panthers.
DISTRICT 3
Ell-Saline (2-4; 1-3) at Smith Center (5-1; 4-0) – Ell-Saline has the tough task of traveling to Smith Center and trying to stop a four-game losing streak. The Cardinals have lost consecutive games to Oakley, Plainville, Sedgwick, and Inman and are likely looking at the 5-seed out of District 3. Meanwhile, Smith Center looks to improve to 5-0 in district play and set up next week’s district championship showdown with Inman.
DISTRICT 4
Sedgwick (6-0; 3-0) at Elkhart (2-4; 2-2) – Sedgwick will be heavily favored in this one, but it will provide one last tune up for before their Week 8 showdown with Conway Springs. Elkhart, meanwhile, has won consecutive games over Hi-Plains League foes Sublette and Stanton County. The Wildcats will likely be playing for a third-place finish against Whitewater-Remington next week.
8-Man, Division I
DISTRICT 1
Sedan (6-0; 3-0) at Cedar Vale-Dexter (4-1; 2-0) – Likely the district title on the line as Sedan travels to Cedar Vale-Dexter. Sedan has already defeated district-contender Oswego, while Cedar Vale-Dexter must face the Indians next week. Oswego will try to keep pace with the district leaders with a win over West Elk.
DISTRICT 2
Oxford (2-4; 2-1) at Central Burden (2-4; 2-1) – This game will likely decide the third and fourth-pace finishers in District 2. The winner clinches a playoff spot, while the loser will likely still get in barring a major upset.
NON-DISTRICT
Argonia-Attica (6-0) at Clifton-Clyde (5-1) – Because of COVID-19, this game was scheduled Thursday and presents another test for Clifton-Clyde. Last week, Clifton-Clyde picked up Twin Valley League rival Hanover on Friday – and then played Friday night. Clifton-Clyde is ranked fourth, and Argonia-Attica is just outside top-5. Clifton-Clyde has quarterback Aiden Rudolph, and Argonia-Attica has signal caller Xander Newberry. This is the first matchup between the schools.
DISTRICT 4
Lincoln (4-2; 2-1) at Bennington (2-4; 1-2) – Lincoln, a surprise team this season, can lock up a playoff berth and a winning record with a victory. The Leopards had six total wins in the last four years. Senior Tyler Good is having a huge year with 102 carries for 904 yards and 15 touchdowns, along with 77 tackles and 9.5 TFLs.
DISTRICT 5
Pretty Prairie (2-4; 2-1) at Goessel (3-3; 2-1) – The winner of this contest takes over sole possession of second place and puts itself in good position for a home playoff game. Goessel is searching for a game for Week 8 as a result of Medicine Lodge entering quarantine.
DISTRICT 6
La Crosse (3-2; 3-0) at Pratt-Skyline (5-1; 2-1) AND Macksville (2-3; 1-2) at Kiowa County (2-4; 2-1) – Two key District 6 matchups after Kiowa County upset Pratt-Skyline last week. La Crosse has tallied at least 70 points in the last three games. Junior Colby Stull has 82 carries for 802 yards and 17 touchdowns. La Crosse is still very young with non-seniors at quarterback and all but three yards from non-seniors. All the catches are also from non-seniors.
DISTRICT 7
Meade (2-2, 0-2) at Ness City (2-3; 1-2) – Ness City has faced injuries, but had quarterback Jose Guzman and Edwin Rodriguez back for its key district win versus Hodgeman County last week. NC led 30-0 after three quarters. In a historically great district with just one non-district loss, the loser of this game is likely not qualifying for the postseason. Meade, with all non-seniors at running back, has 90 carries for 424 yards and six touchdowns from junior Korben Clawson.
DISTRICT 8
WaKeeney-Trego (1-3; 0-1) at Hill City (3-2; 1-1) -- WaKeeney-Trego returns to the field after missing two weeks from COVID-19. Hill City has dealt with a lot of injuries, namely to running backs Jayce Hamel and Ayden Nickelson. Every team in this district has missed a game, and Trego, which has also dealt with key injuries, will avoid district leader Hoxie. WaKeeney will face winless Stockton in Week 8, so Trego, despite the struggles and COVID, can move into strong playoff contention with a win versus Hill City.
8-MAN, DIVISION II
DISTRICT 1
St. Paul (1-5; 1-2) at Chetopa (3-3; 2-1) – These two schools form the same school district and will likely decide the final two playoff spots in District 1. Chetopa last defeated St. Paul back in 2014.
DISTRICT 2
Marais des Cygnes Valley (4-2; 3-0) at Hartford (3-3; 2-1) – This matchup between the Trojans and Jaguars will help workout the top half of District 2. Lebo sits atop the district standings with a date with MdCV still to come next week. All playoff spots have been determined in this district as forfeits by Rural Vista and Centre-Lost Springs have eliminated those schools from consideration.
DISTRICT 3
Axtell (4-2; 0-2) at Wetmore (1-2; 1-1) – Axtell is searching for their first district win having lost games to Hanover and Frankfort. The Eagles can still qualify for the playoffs with wins over Wetmore and Onaga next week. This district has been riddled with cancellations as two teams, Wetmore and Blue Valley Randolph, have each only played three total games through six weeks.
DISTRICT 4
Lakeside-Downs (4-2, 4-1) at Beloit St. John’s-Tipton (4-2, 3-1) – This will have huge district ramifications in a district that has 4-1 Lakeside, 3-1 BSJT, 3-1 Osborne and 3-2 Thunder Ridge. Lakeside can earn a surprise district title with a victory. Lakeside junior Kylan Cunningham has 1,137 passing yards with an 18/2 TD/INT ratio, along with 58 carries for 361 yards and 11 scores, all team-highs. BSJT senior Brayden Perez has 89 carries for 648 yards and 13 scores.
DISTRICT 5
Sylvan-Lucas Unified (4-2; 2-2) at Wilson (4-2; 3-1) – Wilson challenged district-leader Victoria last week before falling 50-34. The Dragons can keep pace with the top of the district with a victory over Sylvan-Lucas. Wilson plays Central Plains next week. Sylvan-Lucas is in good position to earn a playoff spot, but needs a win in order to be in contention for a home playoff game.
DISTRICT 6
Caldwell (4-2, 3-2) at South Barber (4-2, 3-1) – This is a very wild district with South Barber, Caldwell, Norwich (3-3, 3-1), Stafford (4-2, 2-2), Peabody-Burns (3-3, 2-2) and Hutchinson Central Christian (3-3, 2-3). A lot of different scenarios for a district that has enjoyed multiple very high-scoring, close games. The contest likely pivots on whether Caldwell’s Keondre Smith and Jude Stow play. Neither of them appeared in the loss to Peabody-Burns last week. South Barber has quarterback Gatlin Jewell and all-purpose threat Emilio Perez. Jewell has thrown for 558 yards and passed for 1,005 with 24 total touchdowns. Perez has 945 all-purpose yards and 13 scores. Stafford, Caldwell and South Barber all rank in the top-six in the classification in scoring offense.
DISTRICT 7
Ingalls (2-4; 2-1) at Bucklin (3-3; 2-1) – Both of these teams have put themselves in good position for a playoff berth, but this game will likely decide the district runner-up spot and which gets a home playoff game. Ingalls will need to keep their high-scoring offense going in order to knock off the Red Aces. The Bulldogs have scored 146 points in the last two weeks.
DISTRICT 8
Wheatland-Grinnell (5-1, 3-0) at St. Francis (6-0, 3-0) – No. 1 St. Francis will be the favorite in a contest that will highly likely decide the District 8 title. Sainty can win the district with a victory. Wheatland-Grinnell has won five in a row since a 58-18 loss to Axtell in the season opener. This matchup has multiple players that would likely rank among the top-10 in all of eight-man with Wheatland-Grinnell’s Trevor Zarybnicky and Jett Vincent, and St. Francis’ Shadyron Blanka along with linemen Jesse Baxter, Adam Krien and Colton Neitzel.
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