This is not your typical game between two schools that have never previously played each other.
The proximity of the two schools instantly adds some fire to this district game.
“People are calling it a rivalry already, but we haven’t even played each other,” Maize coach Gary Guzman said. “I don’t know if it’s a rivalry or what it is.
“But it definitely has the potential to become a big rivalry. We’ll see what happens.”
Maize (4-4, 0-2 district) is at Maize South (6-2, 1-1) in a Class 5A District 7 matchup that will be featured in this week’s edition of Friday Night Live.
The game also has playoff implications.
Maize South can reach the playoffs with a win against Maize and a Bishop Carroll win against Valley Center. Maize must defeat Maize South by at least 15 points and hope Bishop Carroll defeats Valley Center by 21 points or more.
“We know what we have to do,” Guzman said.” In order for us to continue playing, we have to win by 15 points. We know what we have to do. If we don’t get that done, then we’re done.
“It’s nice to know you have a chance, but it’s tough to go into a game when you’re already down by a couple touchdowns. But it’s all in front of us. We know what we need to do. Hopefully, it will motivate our kids.”
Plagued by injuries, Maize has lost three of its past four games. The Eagles, who have suffered injuries to all of their starting linebackers, running back and offensive line at some point of the season, dropped its first two district games to Bishop Carroll (69-7) and Valley Center (28-14).
Senior quarterback Connor Lungwitz leads the Maize offense. He has passed for more than 2,100 yards this season and has already committed to play baseball at Wichita State.
“Connor is a really good quarterback,” Maize South coach Brent Pfeifer said. “He can throw it really well. He reads things really well. He gets the ball out of his hands quick.”
Kendall Stewart has been Maize’s top receiver, gaining more than 100 yards last week against Valley Center.
Safety Elijah West has been the leader of the defense.
Maize South defeated Valley Center 28-14 in the first week of districts but fell to top-ranked Bishop Carroll 37-0 last week.
The Mavericks have been a strong defensive team, holding opponents to 10 points or fewer in half their games.
Defensively, Maize South has been led by linebackers Logan Mormando and Jeremiah Fettke and safety Kale Bulloch.
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