|
The 2021 football season is in full swing with district play beginning for teams tonight in the 8-man ranks. Below you can find a preview for each area game along with picks by Jonny Kane, Justin Fluke, and Brandon Tadtman.
2021 Pick Records
Jonny
Last week: 14-5
Overall: 26-11
Justin
Last week: 15-4
Overall: 29-8
Brandon
Last week: 17-2
Overall: 30-7
Games to be Broadcast
Nemaha Central at Sabetha - 103.9 KNZA & Sabetha Channel
Holton at Perry-Lecompton - Holton Channel
Jackson Heights at Centralia – 92.1 KMZA
Maur Hill at Pleasant Ridge – KAIR 93.7 FM
Week 2 Games
Big 7
(0-2) Riverside at (1-1) Hiawatha (LEAGUE)
The Cyclones are reeling and searching for answers after a 42-0 loss to Sabetha last week giving Riverside their first 0-2 start since 2018. Sabetha racked up over 260 yards and four touchdowns on the ground last week against the Cyclones who are looking to get anything going offensively. Kobe Davis continues to lead Riverside under center and is looking for several freshman and sophomores to step up and contribute.
Hiawatha is coming off one of their best wins in the last decade playing a near perfect game to knock off Perry Lecompton 21-7. Brandt Barnhill accounted for three touchdowns including passing scores to Joel Bryan and Carson Gilbert and the Redhawk defense made several huge stops to keep the visiting Kaws from scoring. Hiawatha looks to build on that confidence and momentum changing win facing a Riverside team that is still searching for a victory this year.
Riverside has won three of the last four meetings in the series and holds a slight 5-4 advantage since they started in 2012.
Jonny’s Pick: Hiawatha
Justin’s Pick: Hiawatha
Brandon’s Pick: Hiawatha
(2-0) Holton at (1-1) Perry Lecompton (LEAGUE)
It wasn't easy, but #5 ranked Holton stayed unbeaten with a 24-14 win against visiting Chapman last Friday. The Wildcats trailed early and needed to stop three Irish drives in the redzone to preserve the win. Jayden Fletcher had 153 yards and two scores while Jace Boswell added 79 yards and a touchdown. Holton's only two losses in 2020 came against Perry Lecompton, including in Sub-State, as the Wildcats hit the road for the first time this season in hopes of getting revenge against the stinging Kaws.
There is no other way to put last week for Perry Lecompton other than disappointing as the Kaws were upset by Hiawatha 21-7. Perry did have six starters out on defense due to COVID quarantines, but Coach Mike Paramore still said that was no excuse and is looking for his guys to bounce back tonight. First-year quarterback Gunnar Ball continues to lead the offense notching the only score last week on a pass to running back Reichen Rush.
Perry is 4-1 against Holton just in the last three years but is coming off a tough Big 7 League upset loss at Hiawatha.
Jonny’s Pick: Holton
Justin’s Pick: Holton
Brandon’s Pick: Holton
(1-1) Nemaha Central at (1-1) Sabetha (LEAGUE)
In one of the marque games in Northeast Kansas tonight it’s the Nemaha County rivalry with both teams coming off huge wins last week.
Nemaha Central remained #3 in Class 2A according to Kpreps as they got their first win of the season against Royal Valley last Friday night, 49-0. The game was 49-0 at halftime and a running clock was issued the rest of the way. Thunder QB Zac Kramer completed all five of his passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 35 rushing yards and another score. Sam McWilliams led the rushing attack with 11 carries for 79 yards and two touchdowns.
Sabetha struggled early on the road at Riverside last week but found a groove scoring 21 points in the second quarter and rolled to a 42-0 victory. Matthew Garber threw for two touchdowns, one each to Nohl Niehues and Marcus Bauman, while Josh Herrmann ran for two more scores as the Bluejays racked up over 360 yards of total offense.
Sabetha has won three straight against Nemaha Central including a 29-22 victory last season with the Thunder’s last win over the Bluejays coming back in 2017.
Jonny’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Justin’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Brandon’s Pick: Nemaha Central
(1-1) Royal Valley at (1-1) Christ Prep Academy (1-1) (NON) on Saturday
Royal Valley couldn't build off a week one win against Riverside as they struggled to get anything going in a 48-0 loss at Nemaha Central. That was the score at halftime as Panther turnovers and mistakes were exposed and magnified by a very good Thunder squad. Royal Valley started their season at home against Christ Prep last season and fell 42-12 and this year's game was moved toSaturday at 3 PM and will be played on turf at Blue Valley District Stadium.
The Lions have a highly recruited weapon in 6'4 quarterback Nick Sanford who has completed 20-30 passes for 333 yards and 5 touchdowns through the first two games.
Jonny’s Pick: Christ Prep
Justin’s Pick: Christ Prep
Brandon’s Pick: Christ Prep
(1-1)Chanute at (0-2) Jefferson West (NON)
Jeff West enters week three looking for anything positive following a 57-0 loss to Clay Center a week ago. The Tigers compiled just 12 yards rushing and 45 yards total in the loss while giving up over 320 yards on the ground. Jeff West now gets Chanute who is coming off a solid 21-7 win over Pittsburg last week.
The Blue Comets feature a balanced run-pass option on offense led by junior quarterback Eric Erbe. Tonight marks the first meeting between the two schools as Jeff West picked up Chanute after playing Sedgewick in week three a year ago.
Jonny’s Pick: Chanute
Justin’s Pick: Chanute
Brandon’s Pick: Chanute
Twin Valley League
(0-2) Onaga at (2-0) Frankfort (TVL / 8M II D3)
Onaga had a tough draw last week losing to Hanover 70-36. They lost to Clifton Clyde in week one and now has a ranked Frankfort squad this week. Frankfort improved to 2-0 after defeating Wetmore last week 43-0. Caden Dalinghaus ran for over 100 yards and had four touchdowns.
Frankfort was dominate last year winning this match up 62-12. Frankfort has won the last five meetings in the series, outscoring Onaga 268-100. The Buffaloes have only scored 24 points in the last three meetings.
Jonny’s Pick: Frankfort
Justin’s Pick: Frankfort
Brandon’s Pick: Frankfort
(2-0) Hanover at (0-2) Blue Valley (TVL / 8M II D3)
Hanover remains #1 in 8M-II as the defending state champs improved to 2-0 with a 70-36 win over Onaga last week. Hanover has now won 13 straight games. After tonight’s game, Hanover will have a tough stretch where they’ll play Axtell, Osborne and Frankfort.
Blue Valley dropped to 0-2 after losing to Axtell last week 68-6. The Rams have been outscored 122-14 in their first two games this season. Hanover won the last meeting in 2019, 46-0. Hanover has completely dominated this series since 2011.
Jonny’s Pick: Hanover
Justin’s Pick: Hanover
Brandon’s Pick: Hanover
(0-2) Wetmore at (1-1) Linn (TVL)
Wetmore dropped to 0-2 after losing 43-0 at home against Frankfort last week. Low numbers and injuries have really hurt the Cardinals early in the season. The last time these two teams played was 2019 and Wetmore got the win due to a forfeit. Linn last won in this series in 2017, 58-8.
Linn got their first win of the season over Southern Cloud last week 48-26. Linn QB Kevin Alvarado finished the game 8 of 11 passing for 144 yards and two touchdowns. He added 19 carries for 178 yards and two more scores. Linn tallied 379 yards of total offense. Linn had to forfeit the last match up in 2019. Linn last won against Wetmore in 2017, 58-8.
Jonny’s Pick: Wetmore
Justin’s Pick: Wetmore
Brandon’s Pick: Linn
(1-1)Troy at (2-0) Wabaunsee (1A D2)
Troy is coming off a tough loss last week where the Trojans led perennial power Centralia at the half 12-7, but the Panthers scored 24 unanswered to win 31-12. Cam Anderson threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns including a 65-yarder to Boden Benitz and a 2-yard pass to Jerrit Norris, but three interceptions proved to be the difference. The Trojans are still looking for answers in the ground game after running for just 17 yards last week and 39 yards total through the first two games.
The task doesn’t get any easier this week for Troy who will travel to Wabaunsee who is 2-0 following a 17-6 win over Uniontown last week. It all starts for the Chargers with senior Cade Oliver at quarterback who threw three touchdowns in week one and threw for another last week following a 2,000-yard passing season a year ago.
Wabaunsee won at Troy last season 37-13 forcing three Trojan turnovers while Cam Anderson threw for 250 yards in the loss.
Jonny’s Pick: Wabaunsee
Justin’s Pick: Wabaunsee
Brandon’s Pick: Wabaunsee
(2-1) Johnson-Brock at (1-1) Doniphan West (Non league)
Doniphan West is looking to bounce following a shootout last week in a 56-50 loss to a very good Bishop LeBlond team from Missouri. The Mustangs led every major statistical category but had one turnover that may have been the difference. Trent Spiker was a stud rushing for 169 yards and four touchdowns along with throwing for another, while Hunter Smith added 104 yards and a score along with Kole Franken racking up 94 yards.
The Mustangs now get Johnson-Brock who makes the trip down from Nebraska following their first loss of the year last week in a 49-8 drubbing at the hands of Lourdes Central. The Eagles are balanced led by senior quarterback Caleb Fassenbarger who has eight total touchdowns through the first three games.
Doniphan West went on the road and beat Johnson-Brock a year ago 44-22 with Spiker rushing for four touchdowns and Franken two more.
Jonny’s Pick: Doniphan West
Justin’s Pick: Doniphan West
Brandon’s Pick: Doniphan West
(0-2) Horton at (0-1) Valley Heights (1A D2)
Horton is just looking to get anything going offensively as the Chargers have scored just 14 total points through the first two games following a 48-7 loss to Jackson Heights last week. Horton was torched through the air giving up six passing touchdowns while the lone score came on a short run from Trent Lockwood in the second half.
Valley Heights was able to get on the field for the first time last Saturday and was shut out 20-0 at Jeff County North. The Mustangs defeated Horton last season 60-8 and have won the last three meetings since 2018 outscoring Horton 158-8 in that span.
Jonny’s Pick: Valley Heights
Justin’s Pick: Valley Heights
Brandon’s Pick: Valley Heights
(1-0) Clifton Clyde vs TBA ***
Jonny’s Pick:
Justin’s Pick:
Brandon’s Pick:
(0-2) Washington Co. at (2-0) Canton Galva
Washington County dropped to 0-2 after a hard fought overtime loss last week at Bennington, 34-28. It’s the first time since 2017 that the Tigers have started a season 0-2. That year they finished 0-9.
Canton Galva has been dominant in their first two games of the season as they defeated Soloman last week 54-6. They have outscored their first two opponents 110-14. Canton Galva won the match up last season 48-0.
Jonny’s Pick: Canton Galva
Justin’s Pick: Canton Galva
Brandon’s Pick: Canton Galva
(2-0) Axtell at (0-1) Rock Hills
Axtell sits at #4 in 8M-II in Kpreps ranking this week. The Eagles improved to 2-0 after a 68-6 win over Blue Valley last week. QB Isaac Detweiler threw for 173 yards and four touchdowns. Brandon Schmelzle recorded 139 receiving yards and six total touchdowns and also had two interceptions on defense. Axtell not lost in their first two weeks since 2017 when they lost their opener to St. Marys Academy.
Rock Hills had their week one game cancelled against Linn due to Covid but got on the field for the first time last week against Lakeside Downs, losing that game 64-6. Axtell won the match up last season 64-18. Axtell has won the last two meetings against Rock Hills, outscoring the Grizzlies 144-48 including putting up 80 points in their match up back in 2018.
Jonny’s Pick: Axtell
Justin’s Pick: Axtell
Brandon’s Pick: Axtell
(2-0) Jackson Heights at (1-1) Centralia
Jackson Heights should be feeling good following a 48-7 beat down of Horton last week where quarterback Jason Bosley had a career night throwing for 291 yards and six touchdowns including four to Grant Amon who had four catches for 201 yards and those four scores. This week though has not been kind to the Cobras who found out they will be without Alex Browning for the season following a knee injury he suffered last week. Bosley has also been dealing with a collarbone injury and at the beginning of the week Coach Caleb Wick wasn’t sure if he would play against Centralia, but fortunately he will be good to go.
Centralia bounced back after their week one loss to Rossville with a 31-12 win over Troy in week two. Troy led the game 12-7 at halftime but Centralia would rattle off 24 unanswered points in the second half. The Panthers fumbled twice but tallied nearly 400 yards of total offense and got two touchdowns from Ethan McNally. The Centralia defense held Troy to just 17 rushing yards.
Tonight, marks the fifth meeting between the two sides since 2016 with Centralia winning the last three including a 30-12 win last season.
Jonny’s Pick: Centralia
Justin’s Pick: Centralia
Brandon’s Pick: Centralia
Northeast Kansas League
(1-1)Jeff County North at (0-2) Oskaloosa
Jeff County North bounced back after a week one loss to Pleasant Ridge with a victory over Valley Heights last week, 20-0. The game was played on Saturday, and it was the first game of the season for Valley Heights as they had to back out of their week one game due to Covid.
Oskaloosa is 0-2 after falling to Maur Hill 35-8. The Bears have been outscored 80-14 in the first two weeks. Jeff County North won last season’s match-up 46-14. Oskaloosa’s last win in this series was 2015. Since then JCN has won the last five meetings outscoring the Bears 252-34 in that stretch.
Jonny’s Pick: Jeff County North
Justin’s Pick: Jeff County North
Brandon’s Pick: Jeff County North
(2-0) Maur Hill at (1-1) Pleasant Ridge
Maur Hill is 2-0 after a 35-8 win over Oskaloosa in week two. A familiar start for the Ravens as the last time they didn’t win at least their first two games of the season was 2017. Parrish Beagle tallied 194 yards of total offense against the Bears and also collected three interceptions on defense. Mark Harris got the start at quarterback and threw for 224 yards and three touchdowns.
Pleasant Ridge was shut out last week against ACCHS, 22-0.
Maur Hill won the last game between the two in 2019, 49-14. Pleasant Ridge last won against Maur Hill in 2015.
Jonny’s Pick: Maur Hill
Justin’s Pick: Maur Hill
Brandon’s Pick: Maur Hill
(0-0) McLouth at (2-0) ACCHS (NEKL)
McLouth has had their first two games of the season cancelled due to Covid but will have enough players to field a team against ACCHS. Head coach Gary Freeman said some key guys are out and that a lot of younger players with little experience will be called upon.
ACCHS is 2-0 for the first time since 2012 after defeating Pleasant Ridge last week 22-0. Kieran Courter scored all three touchdowns for the Tigers with one of those being a defensive touchdown. ACCHS won last season’s meeting, 34-20.
Jonny’s Pick: ACCHS
Justin’s Pick: ACCHS
Brandon’s Pick: ACCHS
(2-0) Chase County at (2-0) Valley Falls
For the second straight year the Valley Falls Dragons are off to a 2-0 start following a 52-6 win over Cornerstone last week who they picked up instead of Lost Springs-Centre. The Dragons ran for 231 yards with Dylan Cervantez racking up 137 yards and four touchdowns in the win while he threw for another. Zac Evans ran for 80 yards and is over 200 yards on the season with three touchdowns as one of three Dragons who are over 150 yards through the first two games including Cervantez and Samuel Drinkard.
Tonight’s opponent though is much more formidable in Chase County who is 2-0 following a 44-36 win over Lebo last week. The Bulldogs blew out Moundridge in week one 72-34 and are just outside of the rankings in 8-man DI. Chase County has won the last three games between the two since 2018 outscoring Valley Falls 178-32 during that span.
Jonny’s Pick: Chase County
Justin’s Pick: Chase County
Brandon’s Pick: Chase County
OTHER
(0-2) KC Wyandotte at (1-1) Atchison (KCA League)
Atchison picked up their first win of the season with a win at Highland Park last week, 47-36. Atchison was down 18-0 early before battling back to only trail 24-21 at halftime. The Phoenix would outscore the Scots 26-12 in the second half. Atchison’s Jesse Greenly ran for over 200 yards and had six touchdowns. It was Highland Parks 58th straight loss dating back to 2014.
KC Wyandotte enters the KCA league contest tonight 0-2 after losing to Hogan Prep Academy (MO) 20-7 and Ruskin (MO) 32-30 in the first two weeks. These two teams did not play each other last season. Atchison won the last meeting in 2019, 14-0. Atchison has owned the series recently winning every game between the two since 2008.
Jonny’s Pick: Atchison
Justin’s Pick: Atchison
Brandon’s Pick: Atchison
(0-2) Rock Creek at (0-2) Marysville (Non league)
****GAME CANCELLED DUE TO “UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES****
Jonny’s Pick: N/A
Justin’s Pick: N/A
Brandon’s Pick: N/A
|
