Kpreps Friday First Look provides our initial reaction to some of the most notable games and performances in the state from Week 8:
View: Playoff Brackets
View: Final District Standings
View: Week 8 Scores
Class 6A:
Shawnee Mission Northwest holds off Bishop Miege
In a matchup scheduled in the last week, Shawnee Mission Northwest beat Bishop Miege, 27-24. SMNW is ranked fifth in 6A, and Miege is third in 4A. Miege is the six-time defending state champion, though is 2-4 this year.
SMNW finished 5-1 in the regular season with just a one-point loss to St. Thomas Aquinas and is seeded second in 6A East. Shawnee Mission Northwest led Miege, 20-16, early fourth quarter. Miegew as 16-13 at halftime.
Derby defeats Maize South
No. 3 Derby beat Maize South, 48-10, at home. Maize South, a strong 5A program is 4-3 and has gone W-L-W-L-W-L the last six weeks. Derby earned the No. 4 seed in 6A West. This marked the first ever meeting between the schools. Lem Wash and Dylan Edwards combined for six rushing touchdowns, according to the Derby Informer.
Class 5A:
Hutch holds off Maize to win AVCTL Division I for first time since 2011
While Maize led 14-13, Hutch rallied in the fourth quarter and took a page from Maize’s playbook with a come from behind victory to defeat the previously unbeaten Eagles. The Hutch Salthawks won their first AVCTL-D1 title on their home turf.
Hutchinson won 32-28. Maize was the only 7-0 team in 5A/6A football. The Salthawks have won three games by a combined six points and are 4-1 in games by eight points or fewer. Hutchinson (7-1) was 2-7 each of the last two years.
Maize started off with the football, but was forced to punt after a three and out. Hutch would take the ball and shave off five minutes in their first possession, ending in a QB Keeper score from Myles Thompson.
Maize, however would awaken Josh Sanders. The standout running back would take things in from eight yards out after being stifled on the Eagles first drive. Maize would make quick work of Hutchinson’s next possession after picking up a fumble and starting off with the ball to start the second quarter. The Eagles could not turn the turnover into a touchdown, as Maize would be forced to punt.
Alec McCuan would have a long run to spark the Salthawks, which Zach Hogan would take from 11 yards out for another score. Maize would block the extra point. Maize would take the lead when Jacob Hanna would haul in a four-yard score. The Eagles would take the lead with the extra point, and would take that lead into the locker room after Drew Otero stripped the ball from the Salthawks at the Maize 37.
Hutch would start with the ball to start the second half, and would shave off four minutes from the clock with a 39-yard run from Anthony Blackwell. Maize would be forced to punt from midfield on their first drive, and Hutch would be forced to punt right before the start of the fourth quarter right inside Maize territory. The Eagles would score and retake the lead with a QB keeper from Avery Johnson on fourth and goal.
Maize would get the ball back with nice yardage after recovering the ensuing kickoff. Sanders extended the lead to eight with roughly seven minutes to play. Hutch would take another three minutes and Jaden Barlow would run in a Salthawk score. While the two-point conversion was no good, the Salthawks would recover the ensuing onside kick in shallow Maize territory via Maddix Heneha.
Hutch would only leave six seconds left when Myles Thompson reached over the line of scrimmage for the deciding score.
“We just used our last timeout and we’re on the six-inch line and I asked “What do you guys think?” and they said “CARS, [which means sneak], Myles will dunk it.”
With the victory, Hutch wins the AVCTL-D1 title for the first time since 2011, when the Salthawks went 11-2 and won the 5A title, only falling to Rockhurst (Mo.) and Bishop Carroll, who the Salthawks later beat in the 5A West sub-state game.
Hutch kept the ball and did a good job of slowing the game down, with 35 minutes of possession to Maize’s 12 minutes. Hutch also easily outgained the Eagles, with 426 yards to 268 for Maize. The Salthawks were led by the rushing duo of Alec McCuan and Zach Hogan, for 139 and 121 yards respectively.
Hogan had two scores in the contest, alongside two quarterback keepers from Myles Thompson and and a touchdown from Jaden Barlow to set up the game winning drive. Maize was led by Josh Sanders with 129 yards and two scores, while Avery Johnson scored on the run and on a short pass to Jacob Hanna.
Bishop Carroll rolls over St. Thomas Aquinas
Bishop Carroll dominated St. Thomas Aquinas, 35-14. BC completed its highly challenging regular season with a 5-2 record. BC is ranked fourth in 5A, and Aquinas fifth. The Saints are 4-3. Carroll led 28-7 at halftime. Oscar Gallardo tallied the game’s first touchdown on 29-yard running play. Carroll limited Tank Young to 19 carries for 94 yards and a score. All five of Carroll’s touchdowns came via run. Carroll is the No. 7 seed in 5A West, and Aquinas is seeded No. 4 in 5A East.
Kapaun controls Hays High
In a game with massive 5A West ramifications, Kapaun Mt. Carmel defeated Hays High, 24-6, at Lewis Field Stadium. KMC has enjoyed a big turnaround under first-year coach Weston Schartz, who has served as a head coach for decades in the City League. The Crusaders went 2-7 in ’19 and is 6-1 this fall. KMC led 14-0 at the half after it took advantage of a pair of short fields following interceptions. In the third quarter, the Crusaders had a safety when HHS fumbled a snap in the end zone.
Then, senior Cale Curtis returned the ensuing kickoff 59 yards for a touchdown. Hays High senior defensive end Gaven Haselhorst had six tackles for loss – 26 for the year – with a forced fumble. Senior quarterback Andrew Gimino and senior Doug Bates each recorded rushing touchdowns.
Kapaun’s defense limited Hays High to 5 of 15 passing for 30 yards. KMC earned the No. 4 seed at 6-1, and Hays High is the No. 6 seed at 5-2. HHS is expected to play Maize South at home next week. Hays High lost, 21-20, to Maize South two weeks ago with several players, including quarterbacks Dylan Dreiling and Jordan Dale, out on quarantine. Dreiling and Dale returned Friday versus Kapaun.
Andover pulls slight upset versus Goddard
Andover improved to 3-1 in its last four games and beat Goddard, 20-13. The Trojans’ last three victories have all come by seven points. Andover is 5-3 after a 3-6 season last year. Goddard dropped to 6-2 and the No. 5 seed. Entering the game, Goddard had won six straight in the series. Andover entered the game fourth in 5A in scoring defense with just 76 points permitted.
Class 4A
Wellington gets home playoff game; Rose Hill continues win streak
Wellington opened 0-3 and 1-5, and then pulled a 27-13 upset at Buhler last week. On Friday, the Crusaders beat Mulvane, 20-13, at home. It marked Wellington’s first win versus Mulvane since ’05. The game was scoreless after the first quarter and tied at seven at halftime. For Wellington, Wright threw a 57-yard TD pass to Rusk. Cullens finished with a 24-yard tun, and Schettler scored on a run. Wellington’s defense limited Mulvane to 106 rushing yards and was plus-2 in turnover margin.
Also in 4A West, Rose Hill won its fifth straight game, improved to 5-3 and clinched its first winning season since 2011. RH won at Independence, 59-6. Bryce Bischler delivered 10 catches for 232 yards and three touchdowns.
Class 3A
Andale handles Collegiate
No. 1 Andale beat Wichita Collegiate, 43-14 and won in District 7. The Indians captured their 20th straight contest. Andale was up 37-7 late in the third quarter. Andale is 7-0. The Indians scored on the game’s first drive on a Wyatt Spexarth run. Then, Eli Rowland picked off a pass. He eventually scored on a nine-yard run. Andale then scored again after Noah Meyer returned an interception. Andale captured District 7.
Columbus rolls past Caney Valley
Columbus, just outside the rankings, moved to 8-0 and captured District 1 with a 47-16 road win versus Caney Valley. The Titans have allowed 20 points or fewer in every game. Junior Gabe Martin tallied 224 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Southeast of Saline continued to rank as the No. 1 scoring defense in 3A with a 40-6 victory against Scott City. SES held Scott City scoreless in the third quarter. Southeast of Saline, ranked No. 4, moved to 7-0 and has allowed just 38 total points. The Trojans won District 6.
Class 2A
Hoisington stays perfect in the regular season
Hoisington held off Beloit, 26-20. The Cardinals won their 17th straight home game, moved to 8-0 this fall and captured District 8. Hoisington is 19-1 since the start of last year. Holt Hanzlick continued his nice year with 14 carries for 100 yards, two rushing TDs and a receiving touchdown, according to Hoisington broadcaster Cole Reif.
TMP makes history
The Monarchs won their seventh straight game, improved to 7-1 and captured District 7 with a 46-14 win at Lakin. The Monarchs have enjoyed their best season since ’02. Lakin led 8-0 before TMP tallied the next 26 points.
Colgan turns over Riverton
Colgan routed Riverton 44-12 to claim the Class 2A District 1 championship. The Panthers forced six Ram turnovers including five in the first half. Colgan led 38-0 at halftime capped off by a 43-yard field goal from Janko Kalan. Quarterback Jake Wright through for more than 200 yards and tossed touchdown passes to three different receivers.
Class 1A
No. 4 Conway Springs runs past No. 5 Sedgwick
Conway Springs held off Sedgwick, 41-35. Conway Springs stands fourth in 1A, and Sedgwick fifth. Conway Springs grinded out the clock with a long drive that reached inside the 10-yard line when the clock ran out. Conway Springs captured District 4. Sedgwick scored on a long double-pass with 4:48 left. Conway Springs led 35-21 early fourth quarter and was up 41-21 with 9:08 left. Jonathan Wright rushed for 295 yards, Heath Hilger tallied 126 and Cole Schulte finished with 107.
Smith Center holds off Inman
In District 3, Smith Center held off Inman, 29-22, and won their seventh straight contest. Smith Center led Inman, 29-14. Inman pulled to within a score, Smith Center received a big kickoff return, and Nate Hendrich collected a short TD run. Smith Center was up 22-8 with 8:53 remaining. Smith Center took a 22-0 advantage six seconds into the fourth quarter after Hendrich scored from 15 yards out. Inman’s Kyler Konrade finished with 19 tackles.
Eight-Man, Division I
Wichita County pulls away from South Gray
In District 7, Leoti-Wichita County beat South Gray, 60-12. Wichita County is 8-0 and has dominated its highly challenging schedule with all wins by at least 34 points. The Indians are the heavy favorite to reach state from Division I West. Wichita County captured its first district title in more than 10 years. The Indians were 6-3 and 10-2 in the last two falls with coach Brant Douglas, though had not won the district either year.
Eight-Man, Division II
District 4 and 6 presents wild scenarios
In District 4, Osborne, the defending state champion, had its own destiny and needed to beat Pike Valley to win the district. Instead, Osborne lost to Pike Valley, 30-28. The Bulldogs finished 4-4, 4-2 and dropped all the way to the four seed. Beloit St. John’s-Tipton won the district at 6-2, 5-1. BSJT beat Mankato-Rock Hills, 53-6, on the road. BSJT led 25-6 after the first quarter.
Osborne led 14-0 after the first quarter, though Pike Valley came back to tie at 14 at halftime. Osborne led 22-14 after three quarters. However, Pike Valley outscored Osborne, 16-6, in the fourth quarter. Osborne junior Mason Schurr delivered 19 carried for 168 yards and three TDs.
In District 6, Caldwell, South Barber, Norwich and Peabody-Burns all went 4-2 in the district. Caldwell won the district, South Barber the runner-up, Peabody-Burns is third and Norwich took fourth. Norwich had the chance to win the district but lost, 48-42, to Peabody-Burns in overtime. Norwich remarkably went 1-2 in games decided by six points or fewer and has two OT losses.
WEEK 9 – NON-BRACKET GAMES
(These are believed to be the matchups, but subject to change)
Class 3A
District 1 (5th) – Cherryvale (2-6)
District 2 (5th) – Iola (2-4)
District 1 (6th) – Baxter Springs (0-6)
District 2 (6th) – Anderson County (3-5)
District 3 (5th) – Osawatomie (1-7)
District 4 (5th) – Hiawatha (2-6)
District 3 (6th) – Bishop Ward (1-5)
District 4 (6th) – Royal Valley (0-6)
District 5 (5th) – Chapman (3-3)
District 6 (5th) – Goodland (3-4)
District 5 (6th) – Council Grove (2-6)
District 6 (6th) – Russell (0-8)
District 7 (5th) – Hesston (4-4)
District 8 (5th) – Hugoton (3-5)
District 7 (6th) – Wichita Trinity (1-6)
District 8 (6th) – Nickerson (0-7)
Class 2A
District 1 (5th) – Southeast-Cherokee (3-3)
District 2 (5th) – Humboldt (4-4)
District 1 (6th) – Erie (1-7)
District 2 (6th) – Jayhawk-Linn (1-6)
District 3 (5th) – Oskaloosa or McLouth (0-7)
District 4 (5th) – St. Marys (2-6)
District 3 (6th) – Oskaloosa or McLouth (0-7)
District 4 (6th) – Atchison County (2-6)
District 5 (5th) – Sterling (1-7)
District 6 (5th) – Douglass (3-3)
District 5 (6th) – Lyons (0-5)
District 6 (6th) – Leon-Bluestem (0-8)
District 7 (5th) – Syracuse (4-4)
District 8 (5th) – Norton (4-3)
District 7 (6th) – Southwestern Heights (1-7)
District 8 (6th) – Ellsworth (1-6)
Class 8-Man, Division I
District 1 (5th) – Yates Center (2-6)
District 2 (5th) – Flinthills (1-7)
District 1 (6th) – Marmaton Valley (1-7)
District 2 (6th) – Udall (2-6)
District 3 (5th) – Doniphan West (3-3)
District 4 (5th) – Solomon (4-4)
District 3 (6th) – Maranatha Academy (0-7)
District 4 (6th) – Herington (3-5)
District 5 (5th) – Medicine Lodge (1-4)
District 6 (5th) – Kiowa County (2-6)
District 5 (6th) – Fairfield (0-8)
District 6 (6th) – St. John (1-5)
District 7 (5th) – Meade (3-3)
District 8 (5th) – Stockton (1-7)
District 7 (6th) – Hodgeman County (4-4)
District 8 (6th) – WaKeeney-Trego (1-5)
Class 8-Man, Division II
District 1 (5th) – Altoona-Midway (0-6)
District 2 (5th) – Rural Vista (1-6)
District 1 (6th) – Southern Coffey Co. (0-7)
District 2 (6th) – Centre-Lost Springs (0-7)
District 3 (5th) – Wetmore (1-4)
District 4 (5th) – Mankato-Rock Hills (3-5)
District 3 (6th) – Blue Valley Randolph (0-5)
District 4 (6th) – Pike Valley (2-5)
District 5 (5th) – Otis-Bison (2-6)
District 6 (5th) – Hutchinson Central Christian (4-4)
District 5 (6th) – Chase (1-7)
District 6 (6th) – Stafford (4-4)
District 5 (7th) – Tescott (0-8)
District 6 (7th) – South Haven (1-7)
District 7 (5th) – Dighton (1-6)
District 8 (5th) – Logan-Palco (4-4)
District 7 (6th) – Satanta (0-6)
District 8 (6th) – Sharon Springs-Wallace Co. (0-5)
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.
