Five weeks of the high school football regular season are in the books and some teams have started the season strong, while others are still in search of their first win. District play continued last week for Classes 3A, 2A and 8-man DI & DII while 1A gets underway tonight with each game becoming more meaningful as the season moves on. Below you can find a preview on each game along with predictions from Jonny Kane and Justin Fluke on each matchup.

Jonny’s Pick Record

Last week: 18-2
Overall record: 82-18 (82%)

Justin’s Pick Record

Last week: 18-2
Overall record: 83-17 (83%)

Games to be Broadcast

Sabetha at Holton - 103.9 KNZA, Holton Channel, Sabetha Channel
Wetmore at Doniphan West (at Highland CC) – 92.1 KMZA
ACCHS at Maur Hill-Mount Academy – KAIR 93.7 FM

Perry Lecompton (3-2) at Jeff West (4-1) Class 3A District 3

A pivotal game in Meriden tonight not only for district implications but also in League play.  If Jeff West wins this game, the Tigers will claim at least a share of the Big 7 title (4-0) for the first time in school history. Jeff West is however coming off their first loss of the season, falling 13-6 at Hayden while allowing their first 13 points of the season.  The Tigers had a chance to win, but fumbled a snap at the Hayden five-yard-line in the closing seconds of the contest.  Quinn Neuenswander scored the Tiger touchdown to pull within 7-6 after a missed two-point conversion and that score held until the fourth quarter.   

Perry Lecompton notched their second straight district win, but had to come from behind to beat Santa Fe Trail 33-21. The Kaws scored 27 points in the fourth quarter including a pick-six by Caidon Quinlan to help seal the victory.  Quarterback Billy Welch ran for a career high 129 yard and three touchdowns while adding a season low 77 yards passing. He now has 995 total yards of offense this season. Thad Metcalfe is right behind with 977 total yards, including 661 rushing. Hayden Robb and Rylie Besler are both averaging 11 tackles per game. 

Jeff West had won four straight in this rivalry until Perry prevailed 24-13 last year at home and the last five meetings between these schools have all been decided by 15 points or less.

Jonny’s Pick: Jeff West
Justin’s Pick: Jeff West

Wamego (4-1) at Hiawatha (0-5) Class 3A District 4

Hiawatha was shutout for a third straight week 53-0 against Sabetha last week, granted the Redhawks have played one of the toughest schedules in 3A against teams that have a combined record of 19-6.  With multiple injuries still, the Redhawks road doesn't get any easier this week as they host a Wamego team coming off their first loss of the season last week.  The Red Raiders took advantage of two early special team mistakes by Marysville to grab a 14-0 lead but could only muster a field goal after that as the Bulldogs came from behind for a 20-17 victory to stay undefeated and clinch the NCKL title.  Wamego is led by the speedy dynamic duo of of Isaiah Childs and Taybor Vetter.  In their first meeting in nine years, Wamego beat Hiawatha 59-6 last season.

Jonny’s Pick: Wamego
Justin’s Pick: Wamego

Sabetha (4-1) at Holton (4-1) Class 3A District 4 on 103.9 KNZA, Sabetha & Holton Channels

If Sabetha wants to repeat as Big 7 League Champs, they will need to win at Holton. And the Bluejays already have a district loss to Marysville (40-32) which means they can ill-afford to stumble again if they want to be assured of a home playoff game in week nine to start their post-season defending their back-to-back Class 3A State Titles.  This matchup looks very even between two rival teams that like to run and play smash-mouth-football.  Both are very good on defense although Holton has allowed just 42 points all year while the Jays have surrendered 74. 

The Wildcats have won four straight games since a last second hail-marry loss to Jeff West (7-0) in week one.  Last week Holton dominated Royal Valley 39-14, which was their second straight victory against an 0-5 team.  The Cats ran for 310 yards in week five and have an average of 288 on the ground per game  while completing just three of six pass attempts all year.  Holton did register their second touchdown catch of the year from Ian Watkins last week on a 35-yard pass from Kale Purcell. Purcell has 158 yards rushing while Trey Wright and Taygen Fletcher have both ran for more than 240 and Canon Karn and Konnor Tannahill each have 346 yards rushing to pace the balanced wishbone attack.  Holton only starts one senior on their offensive line, but also has only three players that are starting on both sides of the football. 

Sabetha pitched a 53-0 shutout against Hiawatha last week as Michael Guggelman ran for 155 yards and two scores and Andrew Frazee added 128.  Those backs have 734 combined rushing yards this season but QB Gabe Garber directs the more balanced Jays offense accounting for 401 rushing yards and 547 passing with 17 total touchdowns while completing 36 of 52 passes.  Braden Argabright has 10 grabs for 163 yards to lead six receivers that all have multiple catches.

Sabetha and Holton each won tight games within three points in 2015 and 2016, but the last two years, the Bluejays have shutout the Wildcats by scores of 31-0 and 21-0. 

Jonny’s Pick: Sabetha
Justin’s Pick: Sabetha

Royal Valley (0-5) at Marysville (5-0) Class 3A District 4

Marysville almost had a major letdown after a big win at Sabetha two weeks ago as the Bulldogs found themselves muffing a couple early kicks that led to turnovers and a 14-0 first quarter deficit at Wamego last Friday.  Yet, Storm Slupianek ran for two scores and Atreyau Hornbeak ran in from 30 yards out for the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter 20-17 comeback win. The Bulldogs are 5-0 are ranked as high as #2 in the state in Class 3A, however they have won only one game by more than two scores this season. 

Tonight the Bulldogs are heavy favorites against a Royal Valley team that has struggled to take care of the football and stay a part of any game being outscored 46-8 on average through five contests.  Gavin Cumpton and Tegan Ruddy did have touchowns in the Panthers 39-14 loss against Holton.  Yet, RV had a couple more turnovers and a blocked punt returned for a score while losing for the 10th time in the last 11 games.  Marysville won 61-20 a year ago in Hoyt. 

Jonny’s Pick: Marysville
Justin’s Pick: Marysville

Oskaloosa (1-4) at McLouth (0-5) Class 2A District 2

Oskaloosa is looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Osage City last week 23-14 in a game where the Bears held a lead at halftime but were outscored 10-0 in the second half. Eli King scored on a 46-yard run for the Bears while Chord Perry threw a touchdown to Peyton Hamm. Perry leads the Oskaloosa offense with 256 passing yards and five touchdowns while he has added four more scores on the ground.

Tonight, they face a McLouth team that is still searching for answers and win No. 1 after a 28-6 loss last week to West Franklin. The Bulldogs scored just their third touchdown of the year last week and on the season have been outscored 224-18 on the season.

The Bulldogs dominated last season’s meeting 54-0 which snapped a streak of four straight wins for Oskaloosa in the series.

Jonny’s Pick: Oskaloosa
Justin’s Pick: Oskaloosa

ACCHS (1-4) at Maur Hill-Mount Academy (4-1) Class 2A District 3 on KAIR 93.7 FM

It’s one of the biggest rivalry games in Northeast Kansas tonight between two teams coming off completely different week five games. The Tigers continued to struggle last week in a 51-12 loss to Riverside as they gave up five passing touchdowns in the first quarter and six total. Tucker Smith did continue his strong senior campaign with 90 yards rushing and two touchdowns and on the season he leads the Tigers with 862 rushing yards on the year which is second in Class 2A.

ACCHS will face another spread attack this week in Maur Hill-Mount Academy who blew out Horton last week 55-0 scoring 49 points in the first half. Jack Caudle continued his strong senior campaign with 237 passing yards and five touchdowns while Andrew Schwinn added over 100 yards on the ground. Caudle has already thrown for over 1,000 yards this season which is No. 1 in 2A to go along with 14 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Schwinn leads the Ravens on the ground with 395 yards and seven touchdowns while Caudle has rushed for 213 and three scores.

While it is a big-time rivalry the Ravens have dominated the series as of late, taking the last five meetings dating back to 2014 by over two scores in each contest.

Jonny’s Pick: MH-MA
Justin’s Pick: MH-MA

Horton (0-5) at Pleasant Ridge (2-3) Class 2A District 3

Horton has now lost 16 games in a row after falling to MH-MA 55-0 last week.  The Chargers have made costly mistakes early the last several weeks and found themselves in a big hole in the first quarter.  With more than half their starters now underclassmen, Horton is focused on improvement and building for the future.

Pleasant Ridge is looking to forget about what was one of the Rams worst performances of the year in a four-turnover loss to Nemaha Central 22-0. Pleasant Ridge was held to just 61 total yards of offense last week and fumbled three times while committing over 50 yards worth of penalties. Jake Heckman continues to lead the offense with 361 yards rushing and one touchdown on the year while Conner Gibson has added 178 yards and three scores.

The Rams were dominant in this matchup a year ago winning 52-22 and have won three of the last four games in the series dating back to 2015.

Jonny’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Justin’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge

Nemaha Central (3-2) at Riverside (4-1) Class 2A District 3

Riverside has no doubt been one of the surprise teams in Northeast Kansas this year with a 4-1 start to their season after winning just two games each of the past two years. First year Coach Bryce Paden and the Cyclones have a huge opportunity to make a statement and take firm control of their district race as they welcome Big 7 foe Nemaha Central. 

Last week, Kobe Davis threw five touchdown passes in the first quarter alone as Riverside avoiding any let-down after a comeback road upset at MH-MA and jumped to a 39-6 lead in the first quarter at ACCHS.  The Cyclones went on to win the game 51-12 as Davis passed for a career high 291 yards and six touchdowns and has now thrown for 975 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. The balanced aerial attack including five different players catching a touchdown and six athletes scoring for Riverside in the game. 

The Cyclones will have a tough task this week going up against a Nemaha Central defense that allowed just 61 total yards and pitched a shutout while forcing four turnovers in a 22-0 win over Pleasant Ridge last week. Offensively the Thunder got the run game going for one of the first times this season as Gage Palic ran for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Palic has now run for 338 yards and eight touchdowns on the year while Dylan Schultejans has thrown for 649 yards and nine touchdowns.

Riverside is 0-6 against Nemaha Central and has now been outscored by the Thunder 162-6 the last three years following last years 60-6 score.

Jonny’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Justin’s Pick: Nemaha Central

Jeff County North (4-1) at Lyndon (5-0) Class 1A District 3

Jeff County North is facing adversity for the first time this season after the Chargers went on the road last week and suffered their first loss of the season falling to Christ Prep 35-0. The Chargers allowed 277 yards on the ground and were outmatched up front against the Patriots who averaged over 270 pounds across their offensive line. The good thing for JCN was that it was a non-league and non-district game, so the moral of the group is still high.

The Chargers will wipe the slate clean and open district play this week but face another tough task by having to go on the road and face a Lyndon team that has yet to record a loss this season. The Tigers had their closest game of the season last week but still found a way to win over Northern Heights 34-24. Lyndon averages 244 yards on the ground per game and have three guys with over 200 yards rushing on the year.

This week six matchup was a thriller a year ago with Lyndon pulling out a 27-22 win after JCN led 22-21 going into the fourth quarter.

Jonny’s Pick: Lyndon
Justin’s Pick: Lyndon

Troy (2-3) at Jackson Heights (3-2) Class 1A District 3

Jackson Heights got a much-needed win after dropping two straight games as the Cobras handed Valley Heights 26-12 for the Mustangs first setback of this season.  Dylan Thompson (112) and Jason Bosley (132) each topped the century mark in rushing while Cooper Williams added 98 yards. The Cobras didn't attempt a pass and won the turnover battle 2-0 with interceptions by Bosley and Williams while Riley Watkins paced the defense with 15 tackles.  

Jackson Heights won a defensive battle 8-7 last year for their first win against Troy in eight games.  Five of the last six meetings have now been decided by six points or less and four of those games have been within two points.  

Troy has lost back-to-back games against Christ Prep and last week falling 44-12 to Centralia. The Trojans did put up 382 yards against Centralia led by Kipp Jasper who accounted for 304 yards of offense and two passing touchdowns to Blaine Schellenberger.  The Trojans are still banged up and have been missing a couple key players who they hope to get healthy now entering Class 1A District 3 play where four teams have already combined for 14 wins this season.

Jonny’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Justin’s Pick: Jackson Heights

Wabaunsee (1-4) at Valley Heights (4-1) Class 1A District 4

Valley Heights is looking to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season last week to Jackson Heights on the road 26-12. The Mustangs allowed 342 yards on the ground and turned the ball over three times including throwing two interceptions. Cameron Beardsley did throw for a passing touchdown and ran for one while Jake Yungerberg rushed for 149 yards.

The Mustangs will have a chance to bounce back against Wabaunsee who has struggled this season being shutout three times including a 34-0 loss to Hillsboro last week. The Chargers only win this season came in week three in a 31-6 win over Central Heights which was just their second win in the last 14 games.

Valley Heights ran for 383 yards in a 52-8 win over Wabaunsee a year ago as Cole Coggins rushed for three touchdowns.

Jonny’s Pick: Valley Heights
Justin’s Pick: Valley Heights

Northern Heights (4-1) at Centralia (4-1) Class 1A District 4

The Centralia Panthers continued to show last week exactly why they are one of the top teams in the state in Class 1A as they went on the road and outscored Troy 28-6 in the second half to win going away 44-12. Kamble Haverkamp continued his strong senior season rushing for 315 yards and three touchdowns while Devon Feldkamp added 102 yards and two scores on the ground. Haverkamp has now rushed for over 1,000 yards on the season with 15 touchdowns while Feldkamp has rushed for 559 yards and four scores. Haverkamp is fourth throughout all classes in rushing yards while he and Feldkamp account for 90 percent of the Panthers offense.

Centralia will get a tough task this week as they will get Northern Heights who is looking to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season last week to Lyndon 34-24. The Wildcats feature a balanced offensive attack averaging around 135 yards per game through the air and 184 yards on the ground led by sophomore Cameron Heiman who has ran for 589 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.

Haverkamp and Feldkamp had a field day against Northern Heights a year ago combining for 245 yards rushing and three touchdowns in a 59-7 win.

Jonny’s Pick: Centralia
Justin’s Pick: Centralia

Valley Falls (1-4) at Madison (5-0) 8-man DI District 3

Valley Falls faces their toughest test of the season this week after falling to Burlingame last Friday 60-14.  The Dragons played a good first half, which has been a constant this season, but Burlingame scored 22 unanswered points in the third quarter to pull away for the win. In his second game back, Cade Norris ran for a 56-yard touchdown and also returned a kick 71 yards to pay-dirt for the Dragons lone scores. 

The Dragons lone victory this year came against Lebo (52-42), a team Madison beat last week 50-0.  It was the Bulldogs third shutout of this season and they are ranked in the top four of 8-Man Division One.  Madison returned 16 lettermen from their 10-1 team last year and is led by a pair of the top 8-man players in the state in Nasun Wasson and Hunter Engle.  Madison beat Valley Falls 64-6 last season. 

Jonny’s Pick: Madison
Justin’s Pick: Madison

Victoria (4-1) at Washington County (4-1) 8-man DI District 7

After posting a 3-5 record a year ago Washington County has already passed their win total and won their third straight game last week in a 50-6 beat down of Lincoln. The Tigers scored 20 points in the second quarter to take control before the game ended via the mercy rule early in the fourth quarter. Washington County is averaging over 35 points per game and if you take out the loss to Thunder Ridge the Tigers are averaging around 45 points a game.

Victoria is looking to bounce back after being dropped from the 8-man DI rankings because of falling to Clifton-Clyde 28-14 which was the first loss of the year. The Knights had chances late but got stopped on fourth down twice in the red zone in the fourth quarter. Victoria averages 45 points per game and last year blew out Washington County 52-6.

Jonny’s Pick: Victoria
Justin’s Pick: Victoria

Stockton (1-4) at Clifton-Clyde (5-0) 8-man DI District 7

Clifton-Clyde is into the 8-man DI rankings at No. 5 after a big-time 28-14 win over previously ranked and unbeaten Victoria last week. Aiden Rudolph ran for 165 yards and three touchdowns in the win while the Eagle defense came up with two big red zone stops in the fourth quarter. Clifton-Clyde has been dominant all season long allowing just 36 total points through the first five week while offensively averaging 52 points per game.

The Eagles have a favorable matchup this week against Stockton who has just one win this season and have lost three straight. The Tigers suffered a 42-14 loss to Hill City last week and turned the ball over four times while finishing for under 200 total yards of offense.

It was all Eagles a year ago as Clifton-Clyde continued their undefeated season with a 54-0 beat down of the Tigers.

Jonny’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
Justin’s Pick: Clifton Clyde

Axtell (5-0) at Hanover (5-0) 8-man DII District 3

It’s perhaps the most anticipated game around the state in week six as it posts the No. 1 team in the state up against No. 2. Axtell continued to roll last week scoring 74 points in a blow out of Wetmore scoring 30 points in each of the first two quarters. Quinn Buessing threw for six touchdowns including three to Derek Buessing, two to Isaac Detweiler and one to Mitchell Buessing. Quinn has thrown for 1,204 yards and 25 touchdowns this season compared to just one interception while adding 226 yards and nine scores on the ground. He has thrown for 118 touchdowns in his career and has compiled 6,754 yards. The Eagles have had a collective effort this season receiving the football with Detweiler, Mitchell and Derek Buessing each over 250 yards.

Hanover will by far have the size advantage with nine guys at 6-foot, 160-pounds or bigger led by returning all-state lineman Jonah Weber who stands 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds. Despite Weber being the only returning starter off last season’s state championship team the Wildcats feature an athletic backfield led by quarterback Jacob Jueneman who is joined by Colin Jueneman and Taegan Schwartz. Hanover carries a 43-game win streak into tonight’s matchup which is the current 8-man record in Kansas.

Hanover and Axtell played twice last season with the Wildcats winning both including a 50-42 thriller in the regular season and a 60-14 win in the postseason.

Jonny’s Pick: Hanover
Justin’s Pick: Hanover

Blue Valley (1-4) at Onaga (2-3) 8-man DII District 3

Since a 70-24 win over Wetmore in week three Blue Valley has struggled the past two weeks being held out of the end zone in a 46-0 loss to Hanover and last week in a 54-0 loss to Frankfort. Obviously those two teams being two of the best in the state doesn’t help, but the big problem continues to be the defense that has allowed 52 points per game through the first five weeks. The Rams were held to just 57 total yards of offense last week which is understandable considering the loss of quarterback Brody Barr to a broken leg and starting running back Jeremiah Duncan to a concussion.

After a triple-overtime win over Doniphan West in week the Buffaloes took a step back last week falling to No. 1 Hanover at home 56-6. Onaga ran for over 300 yards against Doniphan West but had the run game held in check last week rushing for under 100 yards. The Buffaloes are averaging 49 points per game in their two wins, but are allowing 56 points per game in their two losses.

Blue Valley used the passing attack to beat Onaga 48-22 last season but most of that offense came from Brody Barr who as mentioned is out for the rest of the season.

Jonny’s Pick: Onaga
Justin’s Pick: Onaga

Wetmore (1-4) at Doniphan West (1-4) 8-man DII District 3 at Highland CC on 92.1 KMZA

Wetmore suffered their third consecutive loss last week but has plenty of positives to build on despite a 74-24 loss to Axtell. The Cardinals hung right with the Eagles in the first quarter matching score for score, but ultimately ran into too much experience and athleticism. Kael McQueen had a big game last week rushing for 86 yards and two touchdowns while he also caught three passes for 103 yards and a score. The Cardinals have struggled offensively this season averaging just 120 yards per game while the defense is giving up over 56 points per game.

Doniphan West picked up their first win of the season, but not how they wanted to last week as Linn forfeited and the Mustangs could not pick up another game.  It did give the team a chance to get healthier as Coach Perry Smith noted only 13 healthy players participated in practice for D-West this week. The Mustangs can still make the playoffs but need to win their final three games against Wetmore starting tonight then another one-win team in Blue Valley Randoph next week before a showdown with Axtell in week eight. D-West is scoring more than 32 points per game while suffering a couple tight losses in 2019.  

Jonny’s Pick: Doniphan West
Justin’s Pick: Doniphan West

Frankfort (5-0) at St. John/Tipton (4-1) Non-District

Since giving up 52 points to Doniphan West back in week three the Frankfort defense has been near perfect pitching two consecutive shutouts with the latest coming in a 54-0 beat down of Blue Valley last week. The Wildcats led 30-0 after the first quarter and held the Rams to just 37 total yards of offense. Garret Dalinghaus ran for 125 yards and five touchdowns on just 10 carries while Gavin Cornelison added 98 yards and score. With the latest two wins the Wildcats are now into the 8-man DII state rankings in the Cap Journal at No. 5 and will be tested this week before the much-anticipated matchup with Axtell next week.

The Wildcats can’t look past St. John/Tipton who has won four straight since a season-opening loss to Axtell. The Bluejays are averaging just under 55 points in those wins and have scored over 60 points twice through the first five games of the year. St. John averages over 215 yards per game on the ground and feature two running backs with over 400 yards on the year in juniors Brayden and Blake Perez who have also combined for 24 touchdowns.

Frankfort had no problem in this matchup a year ago cruising to a 60-14 win led by Garret Dalinghaus who ran for six touchdowns.

Jonny’s Pick: Frankfort
Justin’s Pick: Frankfort

Louisburg (3-2) at Atchison (2-3) Class 4A East

After losing the first three games of the season and struggling with turnovers Atchison has turned 2019 around and last week won their second straight game in a 14-0 victory over Wyandotte. Garyeon Simpson has been great since being moved to quarterback and that continued last week as he rushed for two touchdowns. The Redmen defense has also been great pitching shutouts in the final two wins forcing at least two turnovers in each game as well.

Atchison will have a tough task this week facing a Louisburg team that has won three straight after an 0-2 start including a 17-7 win over Eudora last week. The Wildcat’s two losses are to Spring Hill and Tonganoxie, but their other two wins are solid over Baldwin and Piper and last year won big over the Redmen 42-7.  

Jonny’s Pick: Louisburg
Justin’s Pick: Louisburg